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been disposed of , the Rev . Bro . Chambers , A . D . G . Chaplain , concluded the beautiful and impressive Masonic service , midst much sorrowing and regret . Thus did the last solemn rites close over the earthly career of him who was so bi-loved by all with whom he came in contact . His fine form and commanding appearance will long be missed in the town . Every little child seemed , intuitively ,

to have an affection for that good and venerable man . As a proof of the estimation in which he was held , the shipping in port had their flags half-mast high . All the public offices were closed , in fact business throughout the town was suspended . The members of the borough and county councils followed immediately behind the hearse , and the townspeople in masses . It was one of the largest

funerals ever held in Hokitika . Nearly all the lodges throughout the ceilony out of respect to his memory are going into mourning for three months , and letters of condolence are daily being received by the District Grand Lodge from every part of New Zealand . We give a short biographical sketch of his life , which we are sure will be read with much interest : —

Bro . John Lazar was born in Edinburgh , Scotland , on the ist of December , 1803 . He was the son of the late Mr . Abraham Lazar , clothier , of that city . His father died at the age of 52 . His mother , who was a native of Germany , died in the year 1825 . His parents left Edinburgh when he was only eighteen months old , and repaired to London , where his father engaged in business on

the Stock Exchange , which pursuit he followed up to the time of his death . Mr . John . Lazar when quite a young man was engaged as a commercial traveller for the firm of J . F . Pawson and Co ., ot Cheapside , and in that capacity travelled for several years over England , Scotland , Ireland , and Wales . A few years later he commenced business on his own account as a silversmith and jeweller , at

No . 5 , Duke-street , Manchester-square , London , from which he afterwards removed to New-street , Covent Garden . He was married to Mrs . Lazar , his devoted partner in life , on the 2 nd of November , 1825 , and the good old couple celebrated their golden wedding in Hokitika , over three years ago , when a large numbrr of their friends met at the Empire Hotel , and joyfully celebrated the occasion .

In the year 1836 Mr . and Mrs . Lazar left England for Sydney , reaching that colony by the ship '' Lady M'Naughton , " which made a passage of ninety-one days , but during that time there were 123 deaths on board , owing to a terrible fever which had broken out whilst the vesell was becalmed in the tropics . The passengers , after arrival , were compelled to lay in quarantine for 112 days ,

Mr . Lazar himself having been stricken down with fever , and all hopes of his recovery abandoned . He however lost three of his chikren by that sorrowful visitation , and has often referred to the appalling incidents of that eventful voyage in connection with his arrival in the colony . Bro . Lazar ' s family consisted of ten children , three of whom died in England , three , as mentioned , died on board

snip , and four are still alive , one of whom , Mr . Samuel Lazar , is well and favourably known , and deservedly respected , in connection with theatrical matters in Sydney to the present day . Miss Lazar , who resides in Hokitika , has devoted her life to her aged parents , and is much esteemed by all classes of the community . In Sydney Bro . Lazar took to the stage , for which he had formed a

love in eaily life , but had only appeared as an amateur previous to his reaching the colonies . He became very popular as an actor , and soon after obtained the management of the Theatre Royal in that city with Mr . L- ; vy , who was then owner of the theatre . Mr . Wyatt , shortly after Bro . Lazar ' s engagement , bought the theatre for £ 6000 , and six weeks after it changed hands it « vas burned to

the ground . A new theatre was built , and Bro . Lazar obtained the management of it from 1837 ' ° 1840 , in which year he left Sydney for Adelaide , where he leased the theatre in that city from Mr . Solomon , at a rental of £ 10 a week . In 1843 he again returned to Sydney , and , being in tolerably comfortable circumstances , spent some time in visiting Hotiart Town , Launceston , and Melbourne . In

184 S he settled for the second time in Adelaide , leasing the theatre in company with Mr . George Coppin . In 1851 he entered into business there as a silversmith , and often he has related many stories connected with his gold purchases in those days , when it was readily purchased by him at £ 2 1 os . per ounce . Between the years 1851 and 1 S 53 he held the office of Alderman in the city , and in

18 55 he was elected Mayor of Adelaide . To this high position he was three times re turned by the citizens , and in 1 S 5 8 , when he was fifty-five years oi age , he could have ruireil fiom business with a handsome competency . On his retirement from the position of Mayor , he was presented with a testimonial , signed by the Chief Justice , the Attorney-General , judges , barristers , members of both

rljuses of Parliament , Aldermen , and merchants of the city , expressive of the estimation in which he was held , and cf the high opinion they had formed of his able jud gments in the administration of the business of the Mayor ' s Court , of which he was the founder , and in the discharge of his many public duties . Bro . Lazar was also appointed by the Government as the

first Returning Officer for the District , under the new constitution of South Australia .- He was alsJ a territorial Justice of the Peace of that colony . About this time , Bro . Lazar was offered the important appointment of " Commissioner of Bankruptcy , " but he declined the honour , as it was then his intention to return to Europe and settle down on his well-earned competency . He , however , never carried

out that intention , but remained in Adelaide until 1862 , having lost his all in miningand other ventures , w which he had embarked . In 186 3 he left South Australia for New Zealand . In Dunedin , if we mistake n"ti he was appointed the first Town Clerk towards the eudot 186 3 , in which capacity he continued until 186 G , when he resolved to leave for Hokitika . At the time he ' ' -signed his appointment in Dunedin he was presented

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with £ 200 from the corporation there . In Hokitika he may be said to have been the founder of the first Corporation . He reached that town on the 13 th of October , 1866 , and on the 2 ist of the same month he was appointed Town Clerk . This position was held by him umil the year 18 73 , when he was appointed County Treasurer , and subsequently in 1874 , when the county gave place to provincialism , Bro .

Lazar was transferred to the office of Provincial Treasurer . By the action of the Council , responsible Government was formed , and the position of Treasurer was made an elective office in the Council itself—consequently Bro . Lazar's services were no longer required . From that period up to the time of his death he has not been engaged in any pursuit —his failing sight , and the infirmities of old age entirely

precluding him from engagingin any occupation , although his faculties and perceptions remained unimpared to the last . We may say that the name of Bro . John Lazar , as a Freemason , is known in every part of the globe . For many years past his name has been recorded amongst the great Masonic celebrities of the times . Bro . Lazar was initiated into Freemasonry on the 8 th

March , 1839 , the Australia Lodge , No . 548 , now No . 390 , Sydney . His remarkable oratorical powers and commanding address soon gained him prominence in the Craft . He was Deputy Provincial Grand Master of South Australia for many years , and performed all the active duties of that important office . with great credit to himself and much benefit to the . Order . He was the prime mover in getting

the splendid Masonic Hall built in the city of Adelaide , and was instrumental in gaining many substantial and lasting benefits to the institution . He also held the position of Deputy District Grand Master in the Province of Otago , New Zealand , from the date of his arrival there , and in March , 1871 , was installed the Right Worshipful District Grand Master of Westland , under patent received

from the Most Worshipful Grand Master of England , the Earl de Grey and Ripon . Bro . Lazar wis one of the most able Masons of his day , and his consecration and installation ceremonies were the admiration of the whole Craft . His eloquent delivery and clear enunciation , added to which his imposing and patriarchal appearance , could not fail to leave a deep impression on the minds of his

brethren , by whom he was universally beloved . It his always been regarded a " red lettcrday " in Masonry when Bro . Lazar presided . He has in his time installed many distinguished brethren . He installed the following District Grand Masters under the English Constitution in New Zealand : —Bros . John Hyde Harris for Otago ; Dr . Donald for Canterbury ; the late Sir Donald M'Lean for

the North Island ; G . S . Graham for the Auckland district ; Vincent Pyke for Otago ; and the Hon . W . Whittaker for the Auckland district under the Scottish Constitution . The largest gatherings of Masons ever assembled in this colony have been held in honour of his visits . His genial nature expanded with the kindliest feelings ; he for ever cast a ray of sunshine about him . At the banquet tables ,

the walls resounded with plaudits to the revered old gentleman after quaint speech and jovial song , alas ! sad memory now recalls . The brethren of New Zealand will remember him for many long years to come . The Auckland brethren will call to mind his latest triumph , so to speak , in Masonry , at the installations of Bros . Graham and Whittaker to the responsible positions of District

Grand Masters under the English and Scotch Constitutions respectively on St . Andrew ' s Day , 1877 . The grand scene witnessed on the occasion at the Choral Hall , when about 700 brethren assembled to do honour to the celebration , will long be remembered in that city . As the dear old man said on his return to his own district— " I could not see the brethren , but when the 700

pairs of white kid gloves were held up in honour of the ceremonial it was a beautiful and imposing sight . " Then again , the reception he met with in the evening on his entrance to the ball-room , when the ladies formed an avenue right down the spacious hall , and strewed flowers in his path as he proceeded , and how the dancing was stopped as the clock reached " high twelve " to toast the

health of the venerable brother , who at that hour had entered on his seventy-fourth year . In Westland he was positively idolised in Masonic circles ; many , many happy reunions have they held with him at the annual installations . On his return from Wellington , after installing the late Sir Donald M'Lean as R . W . District G . M . for the North Island , the Pacific Lodge of Hokitika , to

celebrate the occasion , and out of compliment to him , presented each of their members with a full-size cabinet portrait of their venerable chief , . arrayed in full Masonic costume . The artist , Bro . Haigh , in acknowledgment of the favour , presented the lodge with a life-size likeness , beautifully coloured and mounted in a massive frame . The picture was unveiled by the Deputy District Grand

Master , Bro . John Bevan , amidst much rejoicing , at the installation of Bro . George Benning as W . M . of that lodge , in the month of February , 1878 . This valuable picture now hangs on the western wall of the lodge room , and we need scarcely add is highly prized by the brethren , and now affords them a melancholy satisfaction to look upon his benevolent countenance , for the brethren

loved him as a parent , and for many years have always spoken of and addressed him as such . It was always a signal for a holiday , cheerful spirits , and great enjoyment when dear old " papa" was going to install ; the pleasant country rides , the anecdotes , and the happiness of those days will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to enjoy his amiable companionship on these occasions .

He loved to see everybody happy about him . He adored his Maker , and all His wondrous works . With the wreck and sorrow and ruin of life he wept , but comforted . His great mind grasped the whole human family , his well balanced thoughts and matured counsels were ever received with attention and respect . He was truly the man to whom the burdened hcait could prefer its suit ; his benevolent instincts were ever foremost in the good works of

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charity , and ever ready to assuage the sorrows of his fellow man . In fact he never wearied of doing good . As a Mason , and as a citizen , he has from time to time received many valuable testimonials . As a Mason his breast was literally covered with very costly presentation jewels , which gave him a most imposing appearance .

The good old man has now gone to his rest at the ripe age of 76 , beloved by all classes of the community . It may truly be said of him , that he was one of nature ' s gentlemen , an honest , conscientious , and noble-minded man , and one who will be missed in society for many years to come , but more especially in Masonic circles .

BRO . GEORGE KELLY KING . With deep regret we chronicle the death of Bro . George Kelly King , which took place on Sunday , 24 th August , at his residence , 14 , Tamworth-road , Croydon , after a severe illness of several weeks' duration . Deceased was well known in Biighton many years ago as secretary and manager of a local fire and life assurance company ,

which afterwards became merged into the Sun Office , and in connection with which the Brighton Mutual Provident Society was first brought forward . A great lsver of cricket , he subsequently became attached to Lord ' s Ground and the Oval as official scorer , and also became a recognised contributor in all cricketing matters to the principal sporting papers . About two years ago he took over a brewery business at Hurstpierpoint , which unfortunately proved

most disastrous , and the trouble of this , attendant on general weak health , must have hastened his decay . As a Freemason he was held in high esteem . He had served the office of Master of two lodges , was mainly instrumental in forming the Horsham Lodge , and but a few months back ( with the assistance of a few friends ) he established the Southdown Lodge at Hurstpierpoint . His remains were interred on the 27 th ult . at Croydon .

Summer Outing Of The Southdown Lodge, No. 164, Of Mark Master Masons.

SUMMER OUTING OF THE SOUTHDOWN LODGE , No . 164 , OF MARK MASTER MASONS .

The summer months have almost closed without the universal expected appearance of genial and enlivening sunshine . The ever-spirited officers and brethren of this lodge , feeling a change must take place , arranged to

resuscitate the annual garden party , held at their meeting house , Station Hotel , Hayward ' s Heath , inaugurated and so much enjoyed by their late respected Prov . Grand Mark Master , Sir J . Cordy Burrows , P . M . 168 . The Committee ' s endeavours were repaid by a fine and pleasant day , and fully appreciated , the goodly fashionable company assembled numbering beyond their expectation . A

sp ' endid tea was supplied by the proprietor , Bro . C . Golding , J-W ., and ample justice done to the good things provided . Mrs . C . J . Smith kindly presided over the tea table , assisted by Mrs . W . Hudson and Mrs . C . Golding . After tea the company took a walk round the gardens ,

which were beautifully laid out , and regretted to see the failure in flowers ( especially roses ) caused by the late stormy weather . Upon their return the evening was occupied in dance and song until the time for departure arrived , when the whole company expressed themselves highly delighted with the arrangements so successfully carried

out . The following were amongst the company present : — Bros . C . J . Smith , W . M . j W . Hudson , P . M ., W . M . 75 ; Capt . J . Braithwaite , P . M . ; H . J . Martin , I . P . M . ; J . Pearson , P . M . ; W . T . Nell , P . M . 75 ; T . J . Pulley , G . Mark Steward ; H . W . Charrington , P . M ., & c . ; W . T . Clarke , Prov . Grand Mark Sec . ; C . Golding , J . W . ; F . Millard , Treas . ; R . Paige ; T . Cable , R . of M . j W . G .

Bayliss , D . of C . ; C . J . Carter ; A . Burrows , and R . B . Higham , 75 . Craft— Rros . B . Bennett , W . M . 732 ; Sandeman , P . M . 315 ; Payne , 315 ; Cockburn , 1466 ; E . Bridges , Sec . 1829 5 T . Gates , 1829 . Mesdames C . J . Smith , W . Hudson , W . T . Nell , B . Bennett , Cockburn , Dick , Burrows , Clarke , Golding , Millard , Carter , Bridges , and Cable . Misses Bennett , Dick , Golding , Hollamby ( Ash ) , Hudson , Maze , and Nell . Visitors—Messrs . Martin , H . Hollamby , J . T . Clark , and E . J . Golding .

The numerous Masonic and other friends of Bro . Sam Hague , of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , proprietor of the minstrel troupe at St . James ' s Hall , Liverpool , will learn with regret that his wife died somewhat suddenly on Sunday , the 24 th ult . Bro . Hague , by his large-hearted and open-handed generosity to every class , without respect to creed or anything but pure need

, has won " golden opinions from all sorts of persons , " and the expressions of sympathy which have reached him in connection with his sad bereavement have been general and sincere . Mrs . Hague was a lady whose name and fame were well known , and many will miss her kindl y word and always genial manner , especially the aitistes connected with the minstrel company . The funeral took

place on Tuesday week , and not only was there a very large concourse of sympathising private and professional friends , but all the chief shops in the neighbourhood of St . James ' s Hall were closed while the "last sad office of respect to departed merit" was being paid . Madame Worrell will give her annual concert at the Angell Town Institution , Brixton , on Wednesday , the ist October

, on which occasion she will be supported by several well-known artistes . Miss Rachel Sanger ( Mrs . J . C . Scanlan ) , wife of Bro . J . C . Scanlan , of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , sailed on Thursday , the 28 th ult ,, by the steamer Germanic , from the Mersey for New York , where she will commence what is sure to be a long and biilliant engagement ,