PRESENTATION.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 530, 29 February 1876, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

The members of the Canterbury Kilwinning Chapter, No 136, 5.0., and the brethren of the Canterbury Lodge, No 1048, 8.0., met at the Canterbury Masonic Hall, last evening, for the double purpose of bidding farewell to Bros J. W. and M. H. Oram, and to present to P.S, and P,M. Bro J. W. Oram an illuminated address in token of the fraternal esteem and respect in which Bro Oram is held by the members of the Chapter and Lodge, and the Craft generally. There was a large attendance. Bro Stapleton, P.M. occupied the chair as Past Principal, and was supported by the other officers of the Chapter and Lodge. Brother Thomas Stapleton, First Principal of the chapter, made the presentation in the following words:—Brethren, we have assembled here this evening to bid good-bye to two old and esteemed members of the Lodge, both of whom have been connected with us for many years ; but our object is more particularly to present to our worthy companion and brother John William Oram a testimonial marking our appreciation of the many eminent services which he has rendered to the craft. Look around you and you will perceive that over my head hangs the beautiful canopy presented by him ; again, many of you are aware that without his most munificent subscriptions we might yet have been without the organ we now have; and I may inform those who are young members of this Lodge that had it not been for the patience, assiduity, and strenuous efforts of our brother, our Lodge could not possibly have attained to the high status in the province which it now commands. As organist of our Chapter, it will be long, very long, before we shall cease to miss him, as his selfimposed duties in his capacity as organist were performed in a manner and with such a knowledge of the duties appertaining to the office, that it will make it hard for us to supply his place. Wishing both our Brothers Oram a speedy and pleasant voyage to England, and trusting soon to see them amongst us, I now beg to present you my Most Excellent companion and brother, John Wm. Oram with this testimonial as a mark of our regard and esteem. Bro J. W. Oram said, Companions and Brethren—l am somewhat at a loss this evening how to express myself so as sufficiently to convey to you my appreciation of your kindness and of the honor which you have conferred upon me by presenting me with a testimonial signed by the leading members of the Canterbury Kilwinning Chapter and of the Canterbury Lodge. In that testimonial you regret that I am for a time leaving you, and thank me for labor bestowed in the cause of Masonry in this province. Companions and brethren, 1 sincerely re-echo your sentiments in expressing my regret that circumstances compel me to leave you for a time. I was initiated amongst you ; have taken all the honors which I possess in Masonry from you, either directly or indirectly, and I can assure you that any time which I have devoted, or any labour which I have bestowed in the working or advancement of either the Chapter or the Lodge has been done not with a view to rewards, but with a sincere desire to advance your interests. Your presentation to me this evening is to me the highest honour the craft could bestow. You might have given me a dinner. I can get that any day. You might have given me a piece of plate or jewels, I could purchase those for myself, but you have given me what I could not otherwise obtain or purchase—a written expression of you: esteem and regard, which is to me of inestimable value. This I can, wherever I go, show with pride, as an acknowledgment at the hands of you, my brethren, that my humble exertions on your behalf have been esteemed by you as worthy of recognition. I thank you most sincerely for your kindness, and can assure you that wherever I am, and so long as I may live, the happy days which we have spent together in the bonds of brotherhood will ever be present to my memory, and I firmly trust that my absence from you may be but short, and that we may all be spared to meet again.

The address, which is a very tastefully illuminated one by Mr Goodman, is surmounted by a device. In the centre is a equilateral triangle enclosing the name of Jehovah in Hebrew characters, supported on either side by the banners of the four ruling tribes of Israel. The initial letters are prettily done in purple, silver, and gold, and the capitals of the principal lines are emblazoned in red. The following is the text of the address—- “ To Most Excellent Companion and Worshipful Brother John William Oram, Price' fal of the Canterbury Kilwinning Chapter, No 136, S.C., Past Master of the Canterbury Lodge, No 1018, E.G. M. E. Companion, and W. Brother. Understanding that you are about leaving the colony of New Zealand on a visit to England, we cannot, before your departure from amongst us, refrain from expressing our sincere regret at losing even for a time a Companion and Brother to whom so much is owing. Distinguished as your acts have ever been by untiring energy and zeal for the benefit of the Craft, we tender to you our thanks for the labor which you have bestowed, and beg your acceptance of this testimonial as a token of our worthy love and esteem. We remain, M.E. Companion and W. Brother, fraternally yours—T. Stapleton, P.Z. ; J, L. Fleming, H. ; J. Elvines, J.; L A. Elerig, S.E.; F. W. Thiel, P.M., P.D.D. G.M., P.Z., P.G.H., 111/. G.M.O/. N.Z.*. 33°/. J. Baylee, P.Z. (Canterbury. Kilwinning Chapter). P. Rentoul, W.M. ; G. Tombs, S.W,; R. Webster, J.W. ; J. Farrell, hon sec; J. Booth, P.M. (Canterbury Lodge, 1048, 8.C.) ; and numerous other members of the Chapter and Lodge. At the conclusion of the presentation a banquet was served, at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts, including the health of the guests of the evening, were duly honored, and the brethren separated at an early hour, having spent a very pleasant evening.