MASONIC.-ST. JOHN'S

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 207, 28 June 1878, Page 6

MASONIC.-ST. JOHN'S

On Monday evening the officers for the ensuing year of Lodge Clutha, No. 460, S.O, were duly installed. They are as follows:— P.M., J. M'Neil ; R.W.M., J. Macdonald; D.M., B. Marr ; S.M., A. Campbell; S.W., D. M'Niven ; J.W., John Low ; Treasurer, C. Peters ; Secretary, H. S. Reunert; S.D., R. Henderson ; J.D., W. Lloyd ; 1.G., A. B. Henderson ; Tyler, J. Finn.

At the close of the ceremony an adjournment was made to the Farmers' Arms Hotel, where, the Lodge being still open, • the brethren were called from labour to refreshment. The refreshment was a substantial and elegant supper, generously ordered by the P.M. and R.W.M., and liberally provided by Bro. Lloyd.

The R.W.M. occupied the chair, and after the supper had been dono ample justice to, the Chairman gave the toast " The Queen and Craft," which was duly acknbwledged.

The Chairman next gave " The Army, T^avy, and Volunteers," coupled with the name of Captain M'Neil, to which that gentleman suitably responded. Song, "The Hearts of Oak"— Mr Reunert. Tho Chairmaii proposed "The Three Grand Masters of Scotland, England, and Ireland," and mentioned that 11.R.H. the Prince of Wales had for the second time been elected Grand Master of England. The toast was duly honoured. Mr A. Bain then gave " The Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Harvie." Mr M'Neil proposed the toast "The R. W. M. , Lodge Olutha. " In doing so he paid a high compliment to the zeal of that gentleman and his indefatigable exertions on behalf of the Lodge. Indeed he believed him to be the most zealous Mason in Otago. But for his exertions he believed the brethren of Lodge Clutha would not that evening have been celebrating the installation of officers, as it was very questionable whether the Lodge would have been in existence. Everyone, he said, must admire the efforts the R.W.M. had put forth to keep the members together, and his only regret was that from a variety of other duties he (Mr M'Neil) had not been able to attend so regularly as ho would have wished to do. The toast was received with enthusiasm. Song, "My Heather Hills "—Mr A. Bain. The R.W.M., in reply,- thanked the brethren for the enthusiasm with which they had responded to the toast. This was now the third ov fourth time he had. occupied a similar position in the Lodge. He had had serious intentions of retiring, but did nob wish to do so without seeing an equal or better man coming forward to fill the office. He acknowledged that he had taken a great interest and an active part in Masonry, and he assured them there was nothing more congenial to his mind than a full and harmonious lodge, with all the officers in their places and thoroughly up in their work. He believed the officers installed that evening would be found efficient and regular in attendance, and he had no doubt that Lodge Clutlia would now go on pleasantly and prosperously. Mr R. Henderson gave "The Past Masters," which was responded to by Messrs Bain, M'lTeil, and Macdonald. Song — Mr Canning. Mr G. Bain gave the toast " The newly installed Officers," to which each of these gentlemen briefly responded. Song, "The Good Rhine Wine,"— -Mr Reunert. Several Masonic and other toasts were given and responded to, and a number of songs were sung. Mr Reunorfc excelled himself on the occasion, ar.d sang better than we have ever heard him. The Lodge having been closed in due form, the brethren joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne," and separated, all feeling delighted with the sociality, harmony, and good fellowship that .had prevailed.