MASONIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 13

MASONIC.

J Lodge Otago, No. 844, E.C., celebrated , it 6 jubilee in the Masonic Hall, Moray place, on the let inst., in the presence of a very large assemblage of members and visiting brethren. Amongst the visitors were P.G.W. Bro. A. H. Burton, N.Z.C.; R.W.D.G. Bro. James Gore, SLC. ; R.W. Bro. D. M'Nieoll, 1.C. ; and a large number of Grand and District Grand Lodge officers and worshipful ' masters of various lodges and sister constitutions The ceremony of installing Bro. Win. Rowland Hayward as W.M. of Lodge Otago was parformed by R.W.G.M. Bro. T. S. Graham, E.C-, and the investiture of the wardens and officers was performed by W. Bro. John M'lndoe, D.G.S. The customary address to the W.M. was given by R.W. Bro. T. S. Graham. W. Bro. George Barclay, P.D.G.S.W., addressed the newly -invested wardens, and W. Bro. J. Craig, P.D.G-E.W., addressed the assembled brethren. The addresses were given in a very able and impressive manner, and were responded to by the newly-installed Master, who returned thanks to the installing officers and others who assisted in the ceremonies during the evening.' During an interval the W.M.. on behalf of the lodge, presented the installing master with a handsome gold jewel, suitably inscribed, to commemorate the jublee of Lodge Otago during the period 1859-1909. The Immediate Past Master (Bro. J. Skottowe Webb) was presented with a handsome Past Master's jewel in recognition of his services as W.M. during the past year. W. Bro. W. , I. Bolam P.D.G.S.M., officiated as Director of Ceremonies, and performed his r«> sponsible duties admirably. Tho following is the list of officers for the ensuing year:— W.M., Bro. W. R. Hayward; 1.P.M., Bro. J. Skottowe Webb; , S.W., Bro. It. Fleming; J.W., Bro. D. A 1 R. M'Ewan; Chaolaki, Bro. A. W. jßuh*Treasurer, W. Bro. J. H. Hancock; Secretary. Bro. Robert Sinclair; Director of Ceremonies, Bro. W." A. Barnes; Organist, Bro. A. B. Jamieson; S.D., Bro. William Wills; J.D., Bro. R. M'lndoe; 1.G., Bro. G. A. Roach; Tyler, Bro. F. B. Thomas; Stewards— Bro. E. Cayzer, Bro. C. L. Parrington, Bro. H. H. Jackson, Bro. Wm. Ennis, Bro. J. L. Lillie, Bro. D. Terry Bro. R. J. Butterworth, Bro. W. Sharp. ' At the conclusion of the lodge ceremonial the brethren adjourned to tho social hall, where a sumptuous banquet was spread in honour of the occasion. The catering was in the able hands of Bro. J. Kroon, and was served under the direction of Bro. David M'Ewen, who is to be heartily congratulated upon the success which attended his efforts. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been duly honoured, The Primate (Bishop Nevill) said he had to thank the W.M. for the* pleasure of being present upon such a happy occasion. 1 He was present to 6*y a few "words about | one who was, perhaps, better known than | 'himself. The status of an organisation Hej pended large!* upon the character of its : members, and tlie Otago district was fortunate in having Bro. Sherlock Graham for ite District Grand Master, who, for the past 28 years, had fulfilled the duties of his high office with the utmost credit. His urbanity and unobtrusivenees had endeared him to all, and his impressive manner lent | dignity to the ceremonies over which he ; presided. He had laboured hard to uplift i Freemasonry, and it had been no small task for him to fulfil the onerous duties during his long term of office. A great deal of his i work had not been seen, but his duties entailed a deal of anxious thought in weighing values. His Lordship said he had been approached ju6t before Bro. Graham had bean appointed, and was asked to accept the position, but he felt it -was impossible for him to accent the high office, and he was glad to find that one was appointed so well fitted for it, and his works had been the cause of admiration to all. — (Applause.) The brethren felt that some tangible token of esteem should be presented to Bro. Graham en such an auspicious occasion as the lodge's jubilee, and he felt it a great honour to ask him to accept a substantial cheque as a tangible tokem" of esteem and affection from the brethren in the Otago district.— (Loud applause.) On rising to respond, R.W. Bro. Graham was greeted with prolonged applause. He said he had often had the pleasure of addressing the brethren, but he had some difficulty in expressing himself on this occasion. He had been the recipient of many secrete during his term of office, but the 6ecrecy with which the presentation had been arranged had taken him completely by surprise. During his 28 yoars of office he had had a great deal of trouble) one way and another, but the difficulties had always been smoothed over satisfactorily. It was not always easy to be courteous and easy of adSdress and to help one's friend*, bufc whatever his own feelings, he had always given way to the wishes of the majority and he could see that he had the esteem of members of all constitutions. He naturally leaned towards the English Constitution, but a colonial constitution having arieea, it naturally followed that the younger members would lean to it, but in time they fust all come under one constitution. He thanked the brethren most sincerely for their substantial gift and the kindly sentiments with which it was accompaned, and he felt that if he did not deserve it he would not have received it. He hoped that the bonds of affection now existingwould eai^ure to the last. — (Loud applause } . i