LORD PLUNKETT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 45, 2 June 1910, Page 5

LORD PLUNKETT.

PRESENTATION BY FKKEMASONS. A MAGNIFICENT GIFT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The presentation by New Zealand Freemasons 10 Lord l'lunket, which was postponed on account of the King's deatl), was made this afternoon at me oll'icea of the Grand Secretary in the I presence of a number of leading Masons, j Grand Master Bro. Griffiths, of Blenheim, spoke brdelly of the gratitude iek by Masons for the constant auxuty and zeal His Excellency bad shown ior their welfare, and hoped he would nvo long to shine as an illustrious ornament of the fraternity. The service of plate consists of a centrepiece and two aide dishes. The centrepiece is an epergne consisting of a large jardiniere, engraved with the arms of llis Excellency on the observe side, and the following inscription on the reverse: "Presented by Freemasons; of N.Z. to His' Excellency Lord l'lunket, K.0.M.G., Most Worshipful Grand Master from 1900 to 1910, in recognition of his emi- J nent services to the fraternity. Wellington, 12th May, 11)10." The jardiniere is supported on a single foot of somewhat unique design, having four Hat sides. Four branches copied from typical specimens of Maori wood carving, supported at the base by a Maori head spring trom the foot. The whole stands on a p.'ateau 3ft. by 2ft., decorated in Maori style of ornament. The entire is 3<iin. iby 24 in., and stands 24m. high. The whole sen-ice, which is richly set ■by decorated panels, illustrative of various phases of His Excellency's regnne and national happenings, weighs close on 1000 ounces of solid silver, and is lieavily gilt. The gilding brings out the richness and beauty of the Maori ornamentation, all of which is hand raised and chased.

There were two other presentations. Bro. Williams, on behalf of the Grand Lodge, presented His Excellency with a suit of regalia for use in visiting lodges in the 014 Country; and, on behalf of the Marlborough and Nelson brethren, Bro. Malcolm Niccoll, Grand Secretary, made a presentation of a greenstone paper weight. In response, lord Plunket said he was glad to acknowledge the kind words spoken. He had never felt his powers of expressing thanks' so inadequate as at the present oecasio-n. He had been cliosen Grand Master and re-elected on three occasions. They had shown in this way the confidence they reposed in him, and now, when he himself might be expected to show some token of his appreciation of his brethren, they had further added to the debt of gratitude, which lie felt towards them by the magnificent memento he s'aw before 'him. He Avon Id consider it an heirloom in his family, in memory of the regard shown him by the Freemasons of New Zealand. His Excellency concluded with a reference to the benefits of the craft in matters of morality, goodfellowship and charity.

CITIZENS' FAREWELL. GOVERNOR'S STRIKING WjORDS. Wellington, Last Night. T:he farewell to Lord Plimket took place in the Town Hull this evening. The hall was filled with a representative gathering. The Premier, Hons. Carroll and Buddo, local M's.P., Mayor of Wellington and Councillors and Mayors of surrounding districts and other notables occupied seats on the platform. The veterans occupied the front rows of the Hall. The Highland Rifles formed a ' guard of honor at the entrance, j The Mayor, who presided, on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, thanked Lord Plunket most heartily for his ready response to the calls made by those in j and around the city, and asked him to carry Home the loyalty felt both by I pakeha and tlios'e who were equally worthy. He presented a silver greenI stone casket on behalf of the citizens of Wellington as a token of goodwill and esteem. Sir Joseph Ward said that he jomed with the citizens of Wellington, in paying respect to His Excellency. The Governor's tas'k was not an easy one. He (the Governor) had to deliver speeches all over the country, and must not say a word that even the most fastidious could take exception to. *le helped to maintain the constitution of New Zealand in a worthv manner, and we ought to feel pleased at sending away a gentleman who was an ambassador of go9d and a help to the country. Lord Plunket had taken an active part in the social affairs of New Zealand, and had always done his' duty in a dignified manner. He referred feelingly to Lady Plunket and the 'good work she nad done. He would always remember Lady Plunket's moving about the country as a charming ladv, leaving behind her pleasant memories. He had the greatest respect for Lord Plunket's political interest displayed, and thanked him accordingly. On behalf of himself and his colleagues he wished health and long happiness to Lord Plunket. Lady l'lunket and family. (Loud applause.) j The Governor said that few things could have given him more pleasure than to receive such a welcome. A Governor was more liable to criticism at his headquarters than in towns in which he only occasionally stays'. He claimed to have become deeply devoted to this lovely country, its people and its future. Tf he gauged the minds of tl'ose wo sent, he should say that they w>re full of sentiment and devotion to the Throne and Constitution, and that pr-ie in Empire was deep seated in New Zealanders' hearts. Words failed him to express how deeply he honored and admired the coronionsense and practical patriotism of the people of the Dominion. a patriotism which cannot he claimed bv any particular class or by any political party. His six years had been, on the whole, vears of great prosperity, and there was indication of greater material progress. Imports and exports bad during his term increased by £,-.000 000. and now stand at the enormous tbtal of £35,330.000. Tie wished he could sav the increase of population was in proportion. For its relatively slow growth, he ventured «»nrnest.lv to suggest to the people of New Zealand, was one ever looming danger prospect otherwise without cloud. "'Your status' anion" rising nations, your value in the Empire's general defence, and. above all. your very existence as a free land, depends, under God's providence, upon this question being resolutely faced." New Zealand had a noble birthright and prospects of a splendid future. "May every blessing be yours, is the sincere wish of Ladv Plunket and myself." An appropriate programme was tendered. concluding with the National Anthem.