MASONIC INSTALLATION.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1243, 24 July 1872, Page 2

MASONIC INSTALLATION.

— *» . ' ' ■ ' Since the formation of the first Masonic Lodges in Hokitika and Greymouth, the spread of masonry there and here has been very marked and very successful. The great numbers of old brethren of the craft who arrived upon the opening of the Coast soon determined to form Lodges, in order to carry out the principles and workings of their ancient Order ; and, as several high functionaries had thrown in their lot amongst the adventurers in the new Eldorado, the want of competent and eligible Masters to open new Lodges was not then felt. Since these several bodies have been opened, a Bpirit of enterprise and progress has developed itself, and a worthy emulation has, been the result— a result that has tended, as we have stated, most markedly in the spread of Masonic principles, as well as extensive additions to their numbers. We do not know how many Lodges now exist in Hokitika ; we, however, know that two exist in Greymouth, in full working order, and flourishing well, both in attendance and truly Masonic spirit. Westport, also, has one Lodge, and Charleston has another, so that earnest and anxious Masons along the Coast need "not wait or languish for opportunity of meeting with their brethren, or for verifying the remarks we have made as to the extent of their progress, or the admirable manner in which most of the Lodges are worked. Yesterday, at the fifth installation of the officer* of the Greymouth Lodge, a very large number of Masons assembled, despite the adverse influences of the weather, but we did not wonder at the number, (when we take into consideration the admirable manner in which its Masters have hitherto conducted its workings. From the first sitting Bros. Ancher, Moss, and Blackmore have each striven most thoroughly to carry out their obligation, and the satisfactory status that the Lodge now holds, as well as the marked and conclusive efficiency in the working of all its members, bear full testimony. At the installation yesterday Bro. J. La?arj D.G.M., officiated as usual in his masterly and impressive manner, assisted by Bros. P.M. Ancher, Moss, Blackmore, aud Marks during the entire ceremony, which lasted about two hours and a half.

The officers installed were Bros. James Kerr, W.M. ; J, J. Blackmore, P.M. ; W. Hindmarsh, S.W. ; W. Hill, J.W. ; G. T. N. Watkins, Chaplain; Thomas Thomas, Secretary; J. Sew.ell, Treasurer; H. Williams, S.D. ; J. B; Roche, J.D. ; T. Kitchingham," J.G.; J. A. Eiasenhardt and Charles Holder, Stewards; Andrew Fowler, Tyler. The changing of the hour of meeting from two o'clock to four o'clock in this instance was unfortunate, as many members of the different Lodges in town who wished to be present came at the former hour, but having made their business engagements were compelled to leave, foreseeing through the change that they could not stop until the proceedings were over. Another matter that also affected the attendance was the dilatoriness of the Lodge members in arriving at the altered hour of four o'clock. When the alteration was made to that hour it was, at all events, the duty of the working members of the Lodge to be punctual. This they were not, and the impressiveness of the solemn ceremony was much lessoned by the anxiety of many of the members to leave before it was completed. The usual Installation banquet took place at Gilmer's Hall, last evening, at which there was a very large muater of the aufc'fc. Owing to the late hour at which r,he proceedings terminated, we are compelled to hold over our report until to-morrow. .«.'.■■_