FREEMASONRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 201, 22 February 1912, Page 5

FREEMASONRY.

VISIT FROM LODGE ARA. Yesterday marked an important epoch in the history of Do Burgh Adams Lcd»o, 1.C., for on that dattf eighteen mpinbers from Lodge Ara (Ausklaad) visited New Plymouth for the purpose of paying a fraternal visit to their brethren of the De Burgh Adams Lodge, who with them will work under the Irish constitution. The following members made the trip: R.W. Bro. W. J. Bees, Prov. Grand Master; Wor. Bro. G. A. Gribbin, P.G.S.; W. Bro. E. R. Piggott, P.G.S.W.; WoV. Bro. S. 0. Lee, P. G. Treas.; Wor. Bro. S. H. Davenport, W.M. Lodge Ara, 848; Wor. Bro. S. Coldicutt, 1.P.M,; Bro. F. Wiseman, S.W.; F. Schischka, J.W.; C. J. Schuauer, S.D.; R. Lwsker, J.D.; J. Maxwell, 1.G.; Wor. Bro. S. J. Rossiter, P.M.; and Bros. S. D. Crookes, F. Gribbin, Lieut.-Col. Ilearne, H. J. Garrett, G. Patterson and W. Brown. They arrived by the Rarawa after a trip which to some did not prove too enjoyable, and were met by many of the local brethren, who accompanied them to town. The day was spent in sight-seeing wiih brethren of the De Burgh Adams Lodge ae eieerones. The oil fields at Moturoa were visited, the beauties of the Recreation Ground and of Aotea, which Bros. Sole kindly threw open for their inspection, were viewed. Many of the visitors were most enthusiastic over the charms of these places, and only regretted that they could not be removed to Auckland. Numerous photographs were taken, however, after which they were entertained to afternoon tea by De Burgh Adams Lodge, under the «anopy of heaven, among Aotea's beautiful ferns and overhanging vistas of bush.

About one hundred Free Masons attended the Robe Street Hall last evening, including many visitors from all parts of Taranaki. The two sitter town lodges, viz.', Ngamotu and Mount Egmont, also mustered strongly. R.W. Bro. T. C. Fookes, Prov. Grand Master for Taranaki (N.Z.0.) was present, as was also R.W. Prov. Grand Master, Bro. Rees (E.G.). Wor. Bro. Ellis, W.M. De Burgh Adams, duly opened the lodge, after which he handed the gavel to Wor. Bro. S. D. Davenport, W.M. of Lodge Ara, who took charge of proceedings. Officers from' that lodge filled all the positions and most impressively worked a degree. During the evening Wor. Bro. Nixon was presented with a P,M. jewel Wor. Bro. R. M. Oorney, with a P.M. certificate, and Very Wor. Bro. A. L. Hammond with his P.P.G.S.W. certificate.

After the ceremonial, all present were the guests of De Burgh Adams in the refectory adjoining, where Bro. Wooller had prepared a dainty repast. After full justice had been done to this a pleasant hour or two was passed in song and story. To-day the visitors will be driven to the Mountain House. To-morrow morning they will he driven to other points of interest, whilst the afternoon will be devoted to bowls. They leave for Auckland by the Earawa on Friday evening.