MASONIC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1111, 21 June 1883, Page 3

MASONIC.

Tbe installation of officers of the Southern Star Lodge, No. 616, S.Q., Geraldine, took place last Tuesday evening at the Masonic Hall, and wap the occasion of a very large gathering of the craft, so much so that the capacity ot the Hall was tested to almost its utmost limits, owing perhaps in some measure to the expected visit for the first time of the .Right Worshipful District Grand Master for Canterbury, S.C. After the usual routine business of the lodge had been gone through, and the ceremony of initiation performed, the District Grand Master entered the Ijall, accompanied by his Grand Stewards , for the occasion, Bros T. Rowley and Jacob Hill, and were received in du* form. The service of inducting the ; R.W.M. elect tor the ensuing twelve months was solemnly conducted, and the customary honors rendered. The installing officers thereupon invested tbe various officers of the Lodge with the insignia of their respective appointments eacli one in turn receiving the congratulations of the R.W.D.G.M. on taking his appointed place. At the conclusion of this most impressive service, the brethren adjourned to the Oddfellows’ Hall, when nearly seventy members and visitors sat down to an excellent spread, prepared by Bro. Digby Andrews in his usual efficient' style, who was ably assisted in attending to the brethren by Bros, It, Taylor, R. C. Bowden

(Stewards), Geo. Williams, W. Coltman, and other members of the Lodge. After full justice hail been done to the good things on the table, and breathing time allowed, the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly The District Grand Master replied in an admirable and telling speech, his remarks being chiefly on the working of the craft. Other addresses followed by Bro. D. Clouston, I.P.M,—whose very clearly expressed and forcible arguments were highly appreciated by his hearers —and Bro. the Rev Geo, Barclay, who with his accustomed and eloquent utterances rapt up the earnest attention of all present. The speeches and customary toasts were interspersed with some good and laughter-provoking songs. Of the latter we may mention those rendered by Bro. J. Ileney, P.M., and Bro. Lcishman, and of the former one by Bro, Coltman, of Temuka. After a very pleasant and enjoyable evening, tbe brethren dispersed.