MASONIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 40

MASONIC.

At the close of the emergency meeting held on the 20th insfcy at Lodge Hiram, No. .46, a very successful social funotion took place for the purpose of making a presentation to Very Worshipful Bro. Arthur Clothier, Past Assistant Grand Secretary,. New Zealand Constitution. 'There was a very large attendance of brethren from town lodges owing allegiance to the New Zealand Grand Lodge, th& latter being represented by R-W. Bro. C. J. Ronaldeon, Grand Superintendent of Otago; R.W. Bro. W. G. P. O'Callaghan, G.8.W. ; R.W. Bro. H. Y. Widdowson, P.G.W.; R.W. Bro. P. Aitken, P.G.W; ,W. Bro. H. C. Gould, Grand Chaplain; ,W. Bro. O. H. Finch, P.G.D. ; W. Bro. J. Barton, P.S. Supt. of Works; V.W. Bro. Arthur Clothier P.A.G.S. ; V.W. Bro. T. Ross, P.P.8.8. ; and W. Bro. E. G. H. t Watts, P.G.J.D. The presentation was made by the Grand Superintendent (R.W. Bro. C. J. Ronaldson), and took the form of a very handsome past -master's jewel, subscribed by the 19 lodges comprising the Otago district, as a token of esteem to Bro. Clothier for the valuable services rendered to the craft in general during his 12 years' sojourn in Dunedin. In making the presentation, Bro. Ronaldson expressed the regret which was felt at having to part with Bro. Clothier, who is- about to be transferred to Christchurch. Having come to the parting of the ways, they felt that they could not let Bro. Clothier depart without some tangible token of esteem, and he expressed bis great pleasure in having the- honour of present Bro. Clothier with the handsome jewel on behalf of the craftsmen in Otago district. During his sojourn in Dunedin the recipient had worked hard in the best interests of Freemasonry, and as one of the founders of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand had earned a worthy heritage. On behalf of the Otago district he tendered hearty good wishes to Bro. Clothier, ■and trusted that he would long be spared to make periodical visits to Dunedin, where he would always be assured of a hearty welcome. V.W. Bro. Ross and R.W. Bro. O'Callaghan also eulogised the good services of -the recipient in felicitous terms, and his health was drunk with enthusiasm. In responding, Bro. Clothier said he found some difficulty in adequately expressing his thanks for the handsome jewel he had received at their hands and the hearty expressions of 'goodwill and fraternal esteem which had been tendered him. He referred to the great kindness 'which had been extended to him during his sojourn in Dunedin, and whilst ' regretting the necessity which caused him to depart, he felt deeply honoured at having so many happy associations to remind him of happy days and warm hearts in Otago district.