MASONIC.

Southland Times, Issue 1239, 19 April 1870, Page 2

MASONIC.

The ceremony of the installation of the Wor*' > "^.' shipful Master of the local, lodge of freemason* - (Southern Cross, 997, E.C.,) was performed,on the evening of Thursday lost, in the Masonic Hall, at the rear of the Prince of Wales Hotel. The fraternity manifested ; their interest in the> •. . proceedings by the numerous attendance present on the occasion. Bro. P.M. Butto, wlic^was ■. y s ably assisted by Bro. P.M. Levieh, of the OSago lodge, Dunedin, officiated as installing master, and discharged that duty-in his usual impressive manner. The retiring master, Bro. Davids Webster, having duly presented the "Worshipful Master elect — Bro! f. Walker Bain — that " " brother was obligate! in the duties of his office,, and thereafter properly installed for the ensuing twelve months. The following officers were then appointed and invested by the W.M. S.W., Bro. James Shearer; J.W., Bro. William" Conyers; Treasurer, Bro. J. T. Martin; Secre- ' ! tary ; Bro. P.M. E. D. Butt* 5 S.D., Bro. W. J. 1 I Moffett ; J.D., Bro. M. Hyams ; . LGh, Bro. F. , IW. Wade ; Organist, Bro. W. Hall ; Tyler, Bro. | W. Sugar. The brethren thereafter assemble! ! at a banquet which had been prepared in honor of the occasion by Bro. G-eo. Smith, and the utmost satisfaction was expressed as to the manner in which Bro, 1 Smith had discharged his duty as caterer. After ample justice had been done to .the substantial repast, the usual masonic toasts were, given from the chair. In proposing the health of the 1.P.M., the W.M., on behalf of . the lodge, presented Bro. P.M. Webster _with • • very handsome masonic jewel, in recognition of , the very able manner in which he had filled the chair during the. past., twelve months. Bro. Webster feelingly responded, »nd thanked the brethren for the testimonial which had been given him. In proposing the health of " The Visitors," the W.M. conpled the name of Bro. P.M. Levien with the toast, as a brother who - had great experience in masonry, and to whom they were all indebted for the valuable assistance and advice they had received during Bro. Levien's visit to InvercargilL In respond' a ing, Bro. Levien took occasion to remark that it afforded him very . great pleasure to witness the able and efficient manner in which the working of the craft was' carried on here, and he felt sure that the degree of perfection to which they had attained was no doubt owing to the in- * . defatigable exertions of Bro. P. M. Butts, who : was a most zealous and exemplary mason. Several other toasts followed, interspersed by the singing of some excellent songs, and the brethren separated after having spent a most pleasant and agreeable evening. - ;