MASONIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue XXIV, 27 June 1902, Page 2

MASONIC.

The annual meeting of the De Burgh Adiinib' Lodge, No. 446, 1.0, New Plymou'h, wps hi Id on June 24th (St. John's D.y), in St. Mary's s:hcolroom, for the purpose c f ins'alling tbe W.M., Bro. J. E. Birch, and investiture of officers for the ensuing yea''. i The W.M., Bro. D. K. Morrison, presided, and received the visiting ■ lodges and brethren in due and ancient J I form. Several apologies were received, \ jamongst Ih-m being one fromtha Most J Worshipful Grand Master of NewZm- ■ land, Bro. H. J. Williams. A vote of fraternal sympathy atd condolence was passed to L'dge Hawer.i, No. 34, N.Z.C., on the sevei> loss sustained by tbe death <f their Worshipf a\ Master, Bro. J. HawhihP, also a resolution rejrct'ipglhein bil t) of the brethren cf the district (o obtain consent from the Hon. the Mini-ter for Railways to put on asp cial tain to Hawera on 'Sibbath, 22nd iost, st tha' members (who were willing to pay for the " special ") could p y tin io last n - spects to their deceased toother, who, by tbe way, Wi,s an old and valued rail way official, Offic-s having been dr'c'ared vacant, iho Installing Mister, Bro. A. Goldwater, P.M., and B/o. J. EUi-, P.M., director of ceremcn'es, essis'ed by Bro. W. P. Brooking,. P.M., a- d Bro D. K. Morrhcn, 1.P.M., earned out f.ucceasfu'ly the ceremony of installation. The W. Master-else*, Bro. J. E. Birch, was then present' d and duly ißS'alled in (he chair cf King SJomon Recording to ancieat custom. . Tbe customary proclamation .having been duly anucuncei tbo newly-in stalled W.M. proceeded with the in v.s'iture of his officers as follows:

1.P.M., Bro. D. K. Mcrrisin;S.W„ ! Bro. S. Harper; J.W., Bro. W. Cullen ; Treasurer and Secretary, Bro, W. F Brookiag, P.M.; S.D., Bro. A. L Hammon 1; J.D., Bro, W. W. Murton; 1.G., Bro. 11. J. West; Stewards, Bros; A. Goliwater, P.M., and E. J. S'o'e. Acting Organist, Bro J. 0. George; Tyler, Bro. W. 0. Clarke. During the ceremony Bro. J. Ellis*, P.M.presnted a P.M's. jewe>, suit ably inscribed, to the retiring W.M., and on behalf" of the members voiced the general feeling towards Bro. Morrison, I.P.M , who has filled the chair for two successive years wi'.h a very considerable amount of rquisite taut Mid assiduity. Bro. Morrison, in returning referred to the very valuable ass : etance rendered him by the P.M's., officers and Brethren during his term of office.

The nnjority of sister lodges in the Tarannki province wc-re present and included "Egmont," No. 670, E.G.; " Hioemoa," No. 786, 5.0.; " Hawera," No. 34; "Ngamotu," No. 48; "Stiutford," No. 75; " Moa," No, 110, N.Z.0.; also a vary large number of visiting bre'.hren from all par's of the colony; After the exchange of fraternal greetings and prior to closing the lodge, the W.M. Bro. J. E. Birch invited all visitors to an e-xc-dlent banquet in the Freemason's Hill, where Bro. D, A. Lealar.d, caterer, and his staff had been busily engaged during the day. The capacity of the main hall was taxed to its utmost for seating space, and soon the brethren got to work upon the many delicaoies provided, Grace being said by the Bro. Rev. F. G. Evans, P.G.O. When justico to the good things was completed, the brethren spent a pleasant time in conversation and honouring several loyal and appropriate toasts, the chief of which was tho " KiDg and the Graft," proposed by Bro. J. E, Birch and responded to with musical honours; the " Grand Masters in Masonry," " Dristric*; Grand Misters," "W.M. of De Burgh Adams Lodge," proposed by Bro. E Chatter tou, W.M. 670, and responded to by Bro. J. E. Birch, W.M.; the "W. Installing Mas'er," proposed by Bro. N. K. McDiarnaid, who in a few well chosen words complimen'ed Brother A, Goldwater, P.M., on the very efficient lmnmr he and his efficers performed th< ir respective dutie". Bro. Goldwater suitably lvplied, and referred to the invaluable sei vices rendered throughout the ceremo)»y by P. M. Brother W. F. Brooking; "Past and Present Officers," proposed by Brother T, S. We-ton, who eulogized the compact and able working of the lodgp, for which the office s have been so long noted, responled to by Bro. S.-Harper, S.W.; "I Past Master," Bro D. IC, Morrison, p oposed by Bro A. Goldwater, and fie!-1 itgly responded toby Brother Morrison. " Visiting Lodge 3 and Brethren," | proposed by P M, Bro, W. F. Brooking, | and duly ackcowledged by the visitors. ]

I Musicjl selections and rrcitations wera rendered at intervals by Bro J. IS. CoDnett-, W.M., No. 48, N.Z.0., Bro W. Oulhn, J.W., Bro. W. W. Murton, J.D,, Bros. S.'Ward, J. S. Bloxam, and Tyrer, Bio. J. O. GUorge rendered invaluable services at the orgaD, and Bro J. Lepine acted as trumpeter in a unnner thatelicit?d well desetved prais?, whilst the caterer, Bro Leiland, was comp'imented by all hands for the way he carried out his duties.

A most harmonious evening wes brought to a close by tha singing of God Save the King.