MASONIC.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 463, 1 January 1869, Page 3

MASONIC.

Consecration ok the New Masonic Ball m Gbbymouth.

On Wednesday last, one of those ceremonies which are always of deep interest to the Masonic Brotherhood was celebrated. in Greymouth, in a manner which reflected the highest credit upon each and all concerned, and was to the full satisfaction of the brethren assembled. We refer to the ■■— . opening and consecration of the magnificent new Masonic Hall recently erected by Mr. Gilmer, of Sweeney's Hotel. It is now some steven months since the first Lodge of Freemasons was constituted in Greymouth, and at that time, although the new Lodge was formed under very encouraging auspices, it was expected that the Lodge-room constructed by Messrs Tonks and Hughes, at the time they txtended their premises, would afford sufficient accommodation for a considerable time to come. But the remarkable rate of progression the Lodge made in the accessions to its numbers, made it evident that the room then iv use was not extensive enough, and Mr Gilmer offered to build a suitable hall, capable of .giving the required accommodation. This offer was accepted, and Mr Gilmer, in the most j """"TSplrfted manner, set to work to fulfil his promise, to enable the Fraternity in Greymouth to celebrate the Festival of St. John in becoming manner, in a noble hall. In spite of many unforseen obstacles to the completion of the building, owing to the very unfavorable weather, Mr Gilmer was able to finish the hall and its appropriate decorations within the specified time. At High Noon on Wednesday, the Brethren mustered strongly in the old Lodge-room, at the Albion Hotel, where the Lodge was opened, and seven new members were initiated. After the initiations were concluded, Brother Tonks (one of the former proprietors of the Albion Hotel) was presented witn a handsome Master Mason's Jewel, in recognition of his many and valuable services to the Lodge since its formation. This interesting and pleasing ceremony over, the Lodge adjourned until 3p. m. , when the Brethren, to the number of about seventy, assembled, and, forming in procession, marched to the new Lod^e-room. The procession was under the able management of Brother D. Maclean, who marched the body in true Masonic style to the new hall The ceremony of consecration was most impressively and appropriately performed by W.M. Anchor, assisted by tho S.W. Brother Moss, J.W. Brother Kenrick, and the other office-bearers of the Lodge. The effectiveness of the ceremony was much heightened by the performance,. by 1 Brother Norberg, of suitable music on the harmonium. The appearance of the hall was all that could be desired, the emblematic decorations and furniture being conceived and executed in the most faithful and elaborate manner. The hall is probably one of the finest in New Zealand^ and we may safely say that on no former occasion in this Colony has the cunsecration of a Lodge been so successfully carried ..out. This opinion is borne out by that of Bdveral old Masons who were present, and who affirm that they never witnessed greater unanimity and thorough Masonic • Reeling. '. j In the evening, the Brethren assembled at 9 p.m., at a banquet provided in the new hall, by Host Gilmer. About sixty j were present, and a most abundant :and 1 recherdie repast was. provided. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drank, and responded to in proper style, and the evening passed in a manner which, from its highly enjoyable character, will long be remembered with feelings of pleasure ' by all who were present.

Leading English Liberals are convinced, after a thorough canvas, that they are sure of a large majority in the House of Commons. The iollmving is mentioned as the probable cast of the new ministry : Premier, Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone ; Foreign Secretary, , Earl Russell j Home Secretary, John Bright ; Chancellor of the Exchequer, Hugh Culling . Eardley Childers ; Lord Chancellor, Sir .Ronndell Palmer; Secretary of War, (Marquis of Hartington.

A small nugget, weighing full half an ounce, was discovered the other day in a singular manner. Mr Donovan, of the Shamrock Hotel, has recently been gravelling the approaches to his hotel, and has been carting the stuff from the heaps of tailings along the creek. From among the stuff thus, procured a passer-by picked 4>ut tho Dugget, which was immediately ha,nd«d over to Mr: Donovan.;— Tuapeka Times, ' :.-. .:,.:... „