Lodge Turanganui, No., 1480, E.C.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 101, 8 May 1901, Page 3

Lodge Turanganui, No., 1480, E.C.

INSTALLATION AND BANQUET.

The Masonic Hall was the scene on Monday evening of the largest gathering of Masons ever held in the district, when the installation of Bro. Bobert Bobertson as Worshipful

Master of Lodge Turanganni, and the investiture of officers took place. The

installation was conducted in a very impressive manner by Bro. J. P. Clark, P.D.G. S.W., D.G.S., who had come from Auckland to conduct the function. Bro. W. 0. Skeet, P.D.G., J.W., as Director of Ceremonies, ably assisted Bro. Clark. The presenting officers were Bro. S. B. Williams, W.M. (Lodge Montrose, No. 722, S C.), and Bro. ■J. S. Allan, W.M. (Lodge Abercorn, No. 7G, N.Z.C). A splendid orchestra, under the conduetorship of Bro. A. T. Hookey, Grand Organist, N.Z.G.L., was present, and materially added to the impressiveness of the ceremony. The officers installed for the ensuing year were: —l.P.M., Bro. J. Wallace; W.M., Bro. B. Bobertson; S.W., Bro. J. Georgeson; J.W., Bro. D. B. DeCosta; Chaplain, Bro. W. 0. Skeet; Treasurer, Bro. J. A. Harding; S.D., Bro. G. Primrose; J.D., Bro. A. D. Bobinson; 1.G., Bro. G. Humphreys; Organist, Bro. J. H. Ormond; S S., Bro. H. Williams; J.S., Bro. A. Zachariah; Tyler, Bro. J. Harrop. Before the closing of the Lodge a large number of visiting brethren tendered to the new officers their hearty good wishes and congratulations. THE BANQUET.

After the closing of the Lodge an adjournment was made to the banquetting hall, where an excellent spread had been provided by Host Craig. Bro. B. Bobertson, •vV.M., presided. After full justice had -been done to the good things provided, the usual Masonic toasts were honored.

The first toast proposed was that of "The King and Craft.” The Worshipful Master, in proposing the toast, remarked that it was the first time that the toast had been honored

in Gisborne. The toast was drunk to the accompani ment of the National Anthem.

The Worshipful Master next proposed the toast of 11 The District Grand Lodge.” He said that he was pleased to have its representative present, as it showed that the Grand Lodge had the welfare of the Lodges at heart. He coupled with the toast the name of Bro. Clark.

Bros. A. T. Hookey and W. J. Barlow favored the company with the duet “ Excelsior,” and in response to an undeniable encore nave 11 Larboard Watch.” Bro. J. P. Clark, P.D.G.S.W., D.G.S., in replying to the toast of “ The District Grand Lodge,” said he could scarcely express the pleasure which he felt at being present, but he regretted that the District Grand Master was not present himself. The Grand Master had just returned from a visit to England, and being only a short time back, his business prevented him from attending that evening. He (the Grand Master) had no conception of what was the true meaning of Masonry till he had visited England, and he urged that every Brother should go to England and learn what Masonry meant in the truest and highest sense. Bro. Clark men-' ioned the various institutions which Masons supported, and showed that Masonry was very much alive. He thanked the brethren for the very hearty manner in which the toast had been drunk, and again expressed his pleasure at being present. Bro. J. Wallace, 1.P.M., in proposing the toast of “The Sister Lodges,” said he was pleased to see so many of the Brethren of the Sister Lodges present. The large number present showed the harmony' which' existed between them. He had not been able to visit the Sister Lodges as often as he wished, but he knew his successor would not be,lax in that respect. He coupled with the toast the names of Bros. Allan and Williams. Bro. W. Coster sang “My Sweetheart when a Boy.” Bros. J. S. Allen, W.M. (Lodge Abercorn, No. 70, N.Z.C.), thanked Bro. Wallace for having coupled his name with the toast. Ho stated that it was always a pleasure to the officers of Lodge Abercorn to visit Lodge Turanganui, and invited the Brethren of Lodge Turanganui and other Lodges to be present at their meeting ’to be held the following evening.

Bro. S. It. Williams, W.M. (Lodge Montrose, No. 722, S.C.),said that the Brethren of Lodge Montrose had always very readily accepted the invitation of Lodge Turanganui, and it was clearly seen that the Montrose Brethren that evening had taken the Brethren of Lodgo Turanganui by storm.

He wished the new officers a very happy year of office.

Bro. It. Wootlhouse gave a song.

Bro. W. 0. Skeet, P.D.G.J.W., proposed the toast of “ The Worshipful Master and Hi 3 Officers.” He complimented Bro. Bobertson on the very able manner in which ho had carried out his duties. He was a very young Mason, and Bro. Skeet considered it should be the aim of all young Masons to reach the chair. He had no doubt but that Bro. Bobertson and his officers would do credit to themselves and the Lodge. He wished Bro. Bobertson a happy year of office.

The toast was drunk with Masonic honors. Bro. J. C. Woodward sang 11 The Vine Wine.”

Bro. B. Bobertson, W.M., thanked the brethren for the way in which his health had been drunk, and as he had tho interests of Freemasonry and of his Lodge in particular at heart, they could rest assured that he would do his best during his tenure of office. Bro. A. T. Hookey sang “ My Queen.” Bro. F. T. Faram, P.M., proposed the health of “ The Betiring Officers,” coupled with the name of Bro. J. Wallace. It had been very gratifying to see how the officers had carried out their duties during the past year. The toast was given with Masonic honors. Bro. J. S. Allan gave a song. Bro. J. Wallace, 1.P.M., in a modest speech, thanked the brethren for having drunk his health. His duties during the past year had been, a labor of love, and he had been greatly indebted to Bro. Skeet for the assistance rendered.

Bro. B. M. Birrell sang the song “ John Grumbly,” in true Scottish style. Bro. W. 0. Skeet, P.D.G.J.W., proposed the health of “ the Installing Master, Bro. Clark.” He was very pleased to see Bro. Clark present, and also pleased to get an officer from the Grand Lodge. On his last visit Bro. Clark stated that he did not expect to be present at their next installation, but he was present, and they hoped to see him on future occasions. Bro. Skeet said they would excuse the Grand Master on this occasion, but would expect him to visit them next year. Bro. W. J. Barlow sang “ The Goodwin Sands.”

Bro. J. P. Clark, P.D.G.S.W., D.G.S., thanked the brethren for the toast honored. He said ho was not justified at his time of life in making an assertion that he would be present at any future gathering. He realised that he could not roam about the country everlastingly like a boy. To come to Gisborne not only required inclination, but necessitated undergoing a troublesome sea voyage. He had been an enthusiast in Masonry for the past twenty-five years, and was likely to continue such till time with him would be no more. He was very pleased and gratified at his kind reception.

Bro. J. C. Woodward recited “ The Bevenge,” which raised the patriotic ardor of the brethren, who rose and sang “Buie Britannia” with great gusto. Bro. A. Sawyer proposed the toast of “The Visiting Brethren,” coupled with the names of Bros. Carnie and Bobson. Bro. Carnie, in reply, stated that he was very pleased to be present, and thanked them for coupling his name with the toast. Bro. Bobson (Lodge Waihi, No. 112, E.C.) mentioned that he was previously a member of the Turanganui Lodge, and during the fifteen years of his absence he noted with sadness the many familiar faces which were no longer to be seen in the Lodge. He thanked the brethren for the toast.

Bro. Hellier Evans sang “ The Lads in Navy Blue.” The Worshipful Master proposed the toast of “ The Orchestra,” coupled with the name of Bro. Hookey.

Bro. A. Hookey, Grand Organist N.Z.G.L., replied on behalf of the orchestra. He said

that one and all had done their best, and it was not fair that he should be singled out for special praise. Bro. A. Zachariah sang “ The Sleeping Camp.”

Bro. M. DeCosla, P.M., proposed the toast of “ The Ladies,” coupled with the names of Bros. Nasmith and Evans. Bro. R. Johnston sang the Scottish ditty, “ Robin Thomson’s Smithy.” Bro. M. G. Nasmith, jun.,J.S. (Lodge Montrose), thanked the brethren for having drunk the toast in so lapturous a manner. He was not aware why he had been singled out to reply to such a toast, but as it had fallen to his lot to reply, he thanked them for having remembered the ladies, Bro. C. H. Evans, J.W. (Lodge Abercorn), wag at a Joss to understand why his name had been eoupled with the toast. He professed to know nothing of the fair sex, but thanked them for the honor they had done him in coupling his name with so important a toast. V The Tyler’s tdast was next honored, and, after the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne,” the gathering dispersed.