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Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 107, 27 October 1877, Page 2

ANOTHER Red Letter Day has been added to the annals of our district. On Tuesday evening last, as previously notified in our columns, the United Manawatu Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was regularly opened, and the W.M. and officers installed by the Installing Officer; Bro. P.M. Chas. White, D.G.R., from Wellington, who conducted the ceremony throughout in the most impressive manner. Bro. Robinson, from Wanganui, acted as Master of the Ceremonies, and his name in this capacity is quite sufficient to assure all acquainted with the craft that the office could not have been in better hands. Foremost of the brethren present may be mentioned the names of P.M. Pawson, of Wanganui ; P.M. Swainson, of Lower Rangitikei; P.M. Thompson, of Feilding ; and P.M. Keeling, of Palmerston, who evinced their interest in the craft by their presence on the occasions of the establisment of one more branch of the farspread brotherhood, thus giving additional eclat to the occasion. The brethren, having assembled in the lodge room, expressed their surprise and pleasure to find that the Managing Committee had succeeded, notwithstanding the many difficulties to be overcome in country districts, in so tastefully furnishing it with all necessary material. The Lodge being formed, the following brethren were severally inducted into office, with the separate ritual observed on such occasion : — Bro. W. J. Batt, W.M. ; Bro. Thomas King, S.W. ; Bro. G.H.E. Warburton, J.W.; Bro. F. Sheriff, chaplain ; Bro. C. Batt, secretary ; Bro. P. M. Keeling, treasurer ; Bro. A. Skerman, organist ; Bro. S. Coleman, S.D.; Bro. Robinson, J.D.; Bro. O. Tiller, J.G.; Bro. Buck; 0.G. Between thirty and forty brethren were present, which speaks well for the future of the Lodge and as we understand that the members hail from Feilding, Palmerston, and Foxton, if may, we trust, be taken as an omen of united effort in the future to raise the district to that position which it should and must occupy eventually, and which can only be retarded by the unmeaning jealousies which unhappily often mar the onward march of our country districts. At the close of the ceremony the visiting brethren were invited to a banquet, prepared under the, auspices of Bro. Owen of the Clarendon Hotel, and which proved a complete success, Bro. Owen surpassing himself to provide for his guests, After disposing of the usual toasts, including H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Grand Master of England, and the Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland, the brethren gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the hour, enlivening the evening with harmony, the visiting brethren setting a good example in this respect, which, no doubt, will be followed by the bretbren of the new Lodge when the mauvais honte inseparable from youth has a little worn off. "God Save the Queen, well rendered for a wonder, and " Auld lang Syne " brought to a close a ceremony which will long be remembered in Palmerston North, and those who assisted will look back with pride to the day when the first Masonic Lodge was opened in this district. The future meetings will be held monthly on the nearest Friday to the full moon, in the Lodge Room, being that formerly occupied by the Palmerston North Literary Society.