Hauraki Royal Arch Chapter.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2532, 16 February 1877, Page 2

Hauraki Royal Arch Chapter.

INSTALLATION OF PEINCIPALS

The annual installation of Principals and Officers of the Hauraki Eoyal Arch Chapter, No. 454,1.C., took plape in the Masonic Hall, Queen street, last nigbi. There were present: Comp. W. Climo, X., presiding; P.K.s E. T. Wildman and W. J. Eees; M.E.Z. Comp. McGullough, Abbotsford Chapter, 156, S.C.; also Gomp. Wade, X., Auckland Chapter, 1.C,; Comp. W. Ji, Eobinson, H.P., Auckland; Comp. J. Hopcraffc, 2nd Prin. Abbotsford Chapter, 156," S.C.; Coinps. Mitchell, K. elect, and G-, Bawdon, HP. elect, Hauraki Chapter, together with other officers and • companions. The following companions were installed in their respective offices :—K., Comp; E. M. Mitchell; H.P.,- Comp. IJawdon ; C.S., Comp. W. Jenkins; C.H., Cornp* Woodward ; S.T., Comp. S. Mills ; C.S.V., Comp. S. Catran; Treasurer, Comp. J. Osbprne. . The M.E.EjK., Comp. Climo was installing officer, assisted by the visiting Principals from Auckland.

THE STJPPEH ..-, To celebrate the installation, took place in the large room of the Governor Bowen Hotel at nine o'clock, when an excellent spread was provided by Mr Symington, to which ample justice was done, as indeed could not fail, to be the ease, the display of dainties being most excellent, and the liquors of good quality. The chair was assumed by the newly-installed It., Comp. 11. M. Mitchell, who was supported by the Principals named above and by the newly-installed officers and other comps. After justice had been done to the comestibles— . -

The M.E.K. proposed ," The Queen and Craft," which was loyally drank, and followed by adverse of "God Save.the Queen." The M-.E.E. then proposed "The health of H.E.H. Prince of Wales, M.E.G.Z., E.C.," which toast was loyally received.

Song—" God Bless the Prince of Wales."

The M.E.K. of the Abbotsford Eoyal Arch Chapter' proposed " Grand It.A. Chapters throughout the world." He did not know much of Grand Chapters throughout the world, but he did know something of Chapters in New Zealand, and ho found, thab there were about 17 in the colony. The Scottish and English constitutions prevailed in the South, andthe Iriali in the North. There were evidences that Eoyal Arch Masonry was progressing in New Zealand, owing to the interest taken in by such brethren as the late Sir Donald McLean. It was also gratifying to learn that in America and other parts of. the -world Masonry generally was progressing, and its principles were becoming more generally recognised. The speaker concluded by referring to the kindness of the Auckland brethren in coming down to assist. Piano—-"Strangers Yet "—Gomp. W. J. Eees.

The next toast was " Sister E.A. Chapters" by M.E.P.K., who said it did him great pleasure to propose the toast, coupled with the names of the First Principals. The Auckland companions had always been very kind in coming down to assist in their ceremonies and at their festivities, and he -hoped they would be prepared when occasion required to reciprocate their kindness. The toast was responded to by Com p. Wade, X., Auckland Arch. Chapter, who reciprocated the feelings and expressions of the proposer, of. the toast, and said they regarded it as a pleasure to take part in Masonic ceremonials and Masonic festivities. They were willing to assume the duties as well as the honors of office.

M.E.K. W. McCullough also returned thanks on behalf of the Abbotsford Eoyal Arch Chapter. Song—"Down by the deep sad cea " — Comp. 8. Catran. The M.E.K. next proposed^ " The Betiring Principals and Officers," to whom, he said, the prosperity of the Chapter was due. The success during the past 'year was in a gre.at. measure due to the Past M.E.K., to whom he was sure they would all accord a full meed of praise. He hoped that at the end of his term they (the comps.) would be able to speak of him as he could of the Past Prin.

: Comp. Climo, M.E.P.K., returned thanks, reciprocating the kindly feelings expressed. He said most of the other officers were merely being promoted; he was the only one retiring. He should always give his attention to. the order in future, as Masonry was a hobby with him, and some present who could remember his joining Masonry could bear him out in saying that what he undertook he had endeavored to carry out thoroughly. He had been much indebted to the officers during his term, and hoped the same support would be accorded to his successor. Song—-" Many Happy Returns of the Day "—Comp. T. Mills*, The M.E.K. Comp. Wade of Ara Chapter, Auckland, proposed "Newly Installed Principals and Officers." He said they would all admit this was the toast of the evening, and .he was sorry the,proposing of tbe toast had not fallen to one less a stranger to them. He had no doubt the best selection of officers had been made, and that on another anniversary they would be able to congratulate themselves on their choice. They should remember that in Masonry, and he spoke as one having some little experience in the craft, one efficient- officer could not secure efficient working. They must all be able to fill their respective'offices, and carry' out their duties" as faithfully as possible so as to secure a harmonious whole. The head, without sufficient legs, would be of no avail. He did not assume these remarks were necessary, but he was speaking of what was required to- make the working complete;- He was sure that they would find a Chapter well worked repay them .for their devotion to their" respective duties, because they would experience a pleasure in the perfect and uniform working of the ceremonies. He would carry back with him pleasant recollections, of an agreeable evening, andconclude by asking them to drink the toast. ■-...'■ •.■■■■■" ■ • ; • ■

The toast was drank with the utmost cordiality, with musical and Macduff honors. ■'.;■•.... ...:-•. ■-.■■'■'.'

The toast was then responded to by the M.E.K>; Comp. E. M. Mitchell; H.P., Comp. S.. Bawdon; Comp. F.E.G. Woodward, O.H. ■ ■ ■ TheViee-chairtnan., M.E.H.P., proposed the toast of " Visiting Companions," referring in complim.entary terms- to the Auckland Companions who had on all occasions shown such a disposition to do all in their power to forward Masonry. This toast was di-unk with musical and Macduff honors, and was responded to by Comps. W. J. Eees, W. E. Eo.binson. ._ " Absent. Companions " was proposed by M.E.C.S., who referred in terms of regret' to the absence through illness of Comp. Wildman, M.E.P.K. ■ Song—" Wandering Befugee,"—Comp-. 6.Citran. This song was encored, and the singer substituted " The Sexton. 1' "The Ladies" was: proposed by M.E.P.K. Climo, in the absence of Corap. Brock. ' f

Drank with musical honors, " Here's 'a .health to all good lasses, 1' and responded to by M.E.H.P. Comp. S.\Bawdon. Song—" Brave old Temeraire" —Comp.. H.E, George. . , .... . ■ " The Host and..Hostess " was pro.ppsed in felicitous terras by the Chairmrn, -which was cordially, drank and responded to \>j Host Bro. Symington. Song—"Eemember Me ;>—Bro. Jones. The toasts of M.E.P.E. Wildman was proposed by M.E.H.P., Bawdon, and received most heartily and fraternally, the M.E.K. returning thanks in the absence of Cbmp. Wildman*. . Duett—" Juanita"—Comps. Eobinsoh and George. Song—" England, dear England, home of the free"—Comp. S. Catran.

A number of other songs, were sung,' and the last toast, V To all poor' and distressed Companions ", was proposed by Comp. .Boss, which was drunk in silence. Some further convivialities were- indulged in, and the.proceedings terminated with "Auld Lang Syne!' and "God Save the Queen."