THE GOVERNORGENERAL

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1929, Page 2

THE GOVERNORGENERAL

FREEMASONS B.D HlM'dliNl I 'FAREWELL.

" four YEARS GRAND MASTER

AUCKLAND, Nov. 27

The outstanding event of the communication of the Masonic /Grand Lodge of New Zealand, held to-day, was the affectionate farewell extended to his Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral, Sir Charles Fergusson, who was presiding for the last time as Grand Master,

Out of a special fund which had been subscribed by all Ledges in the Dominion his Excellency was presented with an appropriately-worded illuminated address in hook form, contained ill a casket fashioned in Maori carving, consisting of a greenstone slab, surmounted with a little structure in the form of a cigarette box, carried out in New Zealand woods, inlaid with golu : and greenstone, and underneath it a drawer which holds the address, also the jewel of a. Past Grand Master, inscribed as being the gilt of the Freemasons of New Zealand.

The presentation was made by retiring Pro. Grand Master, Mr E. W. Watts who spoke of the high devotion to duty shown by his Excellency in his long' and honourable record of service to the cause of country, of King, of Freemasonry, and of humanity. His Excellency’s earnestness, Ills zeal, and his ability in promoting an uplifting influence for good, said the speaker, had endeared him to every member of the Craft.

His Excellency in acknowledging the presentation, said the expressions contained in the address, were such as any man must feel proud to have applied to his work—words of which the effection and goodwill would ever remain in his memory. The four years during which he had filled the position of brand Master, had been very happy years on which he would always look back with grateful memory. He thanked all members of the Craft for the loyal support given to him and the genuine friendship extended to him at all times. During his tenure of office lie had tried to emphasise his convicton that the forms and ceremonies of the institution were but as dry bones unless quickened by a realisation of their spiritual meaning and inspiration. The greatest of afl facts emphasised in Masonic teaching was that the only foundation on which me Craft could build was to be found in realising the guiding hand of the

Almighty. “To-night,” said his Excellency, “1 take leave of you and in a few weeks’ time F shall lie leaving the country, while you enter to-night on a new Masonic year under new leadership. Those are moments for solemn thought and reflection. Let. us make it a time to realise our faith, to look on it as a summons to leave behind 11s 'had and worthless ways, to tighten our hold on what is good and strong, and to go or ward with faith and confideire in Him Who who helped and guided 11s in the past.”