Hauraki Royal Aroh Chapter, No. 454, I.C.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2151, 25 November 1875, Page 2

Hauraki Royal Aroh Chapter, No. 454, I.C.

The installation of officers of the above Chapter took place in the Masonic Hall last night. There was a good attendance of companions, including a number of visitors from Auckland who had come down to assist at the installation ceremony. The following were the officers installed or invested:—First Principal, W. Climo; Second Principal,R.M. Mitchell; Third Principal, S. Bawdon; C.H., F. E. a. Woodward; S.T.,D.Taylor; R.AC W. Jenkin; 0.5. W., J. Trewheela; C.P.T., J. Hopkins, C.8.V.. S. Catran; J., J.Koss ; Treasurer, J/Osborne. The installation was conducted by Companion E.T. Wildmaii, M.E.PiK., assisted by Companions J. Bees and D. Stephenson, M.EP.E.'s from Auckland. At nine o'clock the proceedings were closed and the companions proceeded to the Pacific Hotel, where an excellent banquet was prepared by 'Host Curtis, and to which between thirty and forty sat down. The viands and wines were excellent, and the appointments in Mr Curtis' best style. '■

The dinner having been done full justice to, the Chairman returned"thanks, and proceeded with the toasts, commencing with " the Queen and Craft," in proposing which the Chairman said he was sure all Masons would, irrespective of their feelings of loyalty, be glad to drink with the utmost cordiality the health of the daughter of a Mason, the Grand Patroness of the Craft, and the Mother of Masons.

Drunk, with enthusiasm,

The Chairman next proposed the "Prince of Wales, Grand, M.E.Z. of England," and in doing so said that the Prince of Wales by accepting the position of head of Craft and Royal Arch Masonry had conferred an honor upon the order generally, which he had no doubt' would be appreciated by the brethren and companions. ..

The toast was drunk with hearty and fraternal applause.'

Choir.—'" God Bless the Prince of "Wales.", ■„',;.. •;■' ■-■ : -,'■. . . " ■

First Principal McCullough, Abbotsford Chapter/ proposed"" Grand R. A. Chapters throughout the World," and in doing so referred to the progress of Royal Arch Masonry throughout New Zealand, and paid a hiph compliment to the zeal and ability displayed by Bro. Wildman, M.E.P.E.

The toast was most cordially drunk. Song—" Three Times Three "—Comp, Trewheela.

M.E.P.K. Wildman proposed " Sister R. A. Chapters," and adverted to the kindly feeling which had existed between the Auckland and Hauraki Chapters, and the fraternal feeling .evinced by the presence of the principals there that night side by side. He would like to see a branch of the English Constitution (of which he was a member) established here, as he believed it was worked better than the others. He could say so without any disparagement to companions present, well as. these chapters were worked. • He would ask them to drink, the. toast. (This was done most heartily.) ; Song—Companion T. Mills — "Many Happy Returns of the Day." The toast was responded to by MiE.P.K.'s Eees (from Auckland), and W. McCullough (Abbotsford). \ Tlie chairman next proposed the "Retiring Principals and Officers," during which a high compliment was paid to M.E.P.K. Wildman, to whom, said the chairman, the credit of the present position of the Hauraki

Chapter was due. He also paid a compliment to Bro. Bates, retiring P.S.P.T., a companion holding under the constitution'of the United States* but who had given great labour and much pains to forwarding the interests of the Hauraki Chapter., • ' ''"'. < x s Song—"The Good Rhine Wine 7—; Comp. 8. Gatran. -, ' ; > M.E.P.K. Wildman returned thanks, 1 acknowledging the way in which he, had been spoken of. He confessed he w_a3 fond of Masonry : it was a hobby of hi«, and every man rode his hobby. , Comp. Bates also returned thanks for the manner in which his health had been drunk, and referred to his connection with the Hauraki Chapter as one of great pleasure to himself. • ..., M.E.P.Z. Bees (Auckland), proposed "The Newly Installed Principals and Officers," in doing which he said he had no doubt the present officers would worthily fill their duties. Drunk; with Macduff honors. , Song—Comp. S. Mills—'' Sands of Life.''

The toast was responded to by the M.E.K. in a few appropriate words, and also by Comp. R. M, Mitchell, second Principal; Comp. Bawdon, C.S.; Comp. Woodward, C.H.; and Comp. Trewheela.

The next toast was "Visiting Companions," proposed by the M.E.H.P. Drunk with musical honors '.' For they are jolly^gqocl feildws." T' '. [ ?5 •:';; The toast was responded to by Companion Brock (Auckland) and Comp. Grant, (Abbotsford).

The M.E.K. proposed "Mark Masters," coupling with the toast the names of Bros. Quint and Peterson. . „ V;f This toast was drunk with the utmost cordiality. Song—" My old friend John." Comp. J. Trewheela. Bros. Quint and Peterson returned thanks. -- .■ - The M.E.H.P. proposed "Absent Companions," mentioning the names of Cbmps. Jones and Poulsen, the latter of whom, he said, was believed to have come to his end by drowning at sea. Song and Chorus—Comps. Trewheela, Catran and T. Mills—"Shall we ever meet again?" ,« . " The Ladies," by Comp. Brock, was proposed, and the proposer did so with great pleasure, he said, as they were under great obligations to the ladies. He thought they might have discovered their handiwork in the floral decorations of the Hauraki Chapter that night, and in many other directions their influence was felt; in no place more than at their Masonic gatherings,.... : ...,., Song arid Chorus —" Here's a health to all good lassies." Oomps. Mills, Trewheela and Catran. - . : . .

Comp. Grant responded to the toast of " The Ladies " in a humorous speech, (during'which the gas was suddenly put out), thanking them for coupling his name with the toast.

"To all poor and distressed Companions"—Comp. Boss, Janitor. " Apron, heart, and hand." This concluded the formal list of toasts, and " Companion T. Eawdon," by Comp. Bates, was then proposed and responded to. Song—"ln Happy Moments " —Comp. S. Catran,

Duet—" Hark I hear an Angel sing" —Comps. Catran and Trewheela. Song — " Sherman's March through Georgia " -M.E.Z. W. McCullough. Song—"Silver Threads"— Comp. T. Mills. , Song—" The Friar of Orders Grey " Comp. Trewheela. Song —" Nil Desperandum '%-Comp. S. Catran.

Song — "Colleen Bawn" —Comp. Brock.

A number of other songs and toasts were given, and,the proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem and " Auld Lang Syne." '