MASONIC.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1709, 10 August 1875, Page 2

MASONIC.

Thb members, of Lodge Ara, 348, 1.C., assetnbjed last night at a special communi- [ cation, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather a large number of the craft testified their interest on the occasion by being present. It had been understood by the friends of Mr. Alexander Stuart Russell, whose connection with the lodge dated for a period of over ten years, that he was about to quit the province, and the members of the craft determined to present their worthy esteemed Brother with some special token of their respect and affection. For the information of our readers, and partially those connected with the mystic tie, we have had pleasure in tracing the Tarious offices through which Mr Russell has passed. After serving the usual period in the office of secretary, he successfully became S.W. and Worshipful Master, to which office he was re-elected for a second term. During the past year he was elected treasurer, on the retirement of P. M. Hooper. The Lodge was duly opened at 8 p.m., and our Masonic representative noticed the attendance of several Past Masters in connection with the sister lodges. Brother Robinson, W.M., with the unanimous consent of the Lodge, requested. Brother Russell to occupy the chair, that being the highest post of honour, and it being intended as a complimentary recognition of his zeal and ability. After the third degree had been conferred upon a Brother, and before the Lodge was declared closed, Brother Robinson, in an eloquent speech, testified to the great interest; and energy always evinced by Brother Russell since his connection with the craft, and the great benefit derived from his instruction by the Order generally in this city. He then presented him, on behalf of the members of the Lodge, with a valuable gold watch and marble time piece, with suitable inscription on each. Brother Russell was so overcome with emotion at thia unexpected demonstration from his Masonic friends, that for some moment^ he was quite unable to express his feelings. He then briefly and touchingly thanked the donors for their handsome gift, and expressed his hope that the blessing of the G-.A.0.T.U. would rest on Lodge Ara, and that its prosperity and me,ans of doing good would long continue. The work of the evening being finished, the lodge waa duly closed. The then, on the invitation of the W.M., adjourned to partake of a supper, prepared by Brother Host Avey, in his usual recherche manner. Table being cleared, the W.M. proposed the usual patriotic and loyal toasts. The toast of the evening, "Our Guest," was then proposed by Brother Robinson, and drunk in bumpers. Brother Russell responded, and stated that though his absence from Auckland would probably be of long duration, theI'remembrance of Lodge Ara would ever be affectionately cherished by him, and he hoped that he would meet some of toe brethren, ;if not in the old room in some other lodge, where they would still greet one another as brethren. Various toasts followed, and were duly responded to, —Bro. P.M. Dr. Kidd, in an admirable speech on the three great characteristics re-. quisite in every brother filling the high office of master of a Lodge, passed a very high eulogium, on Bro. Russell for the unusual ability and great energy shown by him, daring his masonic career, to which, in his opinion, was mainly to be attributed th

present high landing of the craft i* ll province. Thus ended a very pleasaut I union. ,1