Scotch Masonry.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3470, 7 February 1880, Page 2

Scotch Masonry.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE.

The annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of the Scottish Constitution was held last evening in the Freemasons' Hall, at which there was a large attendance of Thames brethren and many from Auckland. The Hon. F. Whitakcr, It.W.P.G.M., presided. The busiuess,of the lodge included passage ot acounts incurred at laying foundation of law courts at Wellington, and appointment of G.L. officers for the ensuing year. The latter now stand as follows :—Provincial Grand Master, Hou. F. Whitaker ; D.GM, Bro. Dr Johnson (of Wellington); S.G.M., Bro. Anderson (Lodge St. Andrew); | S.G.W., Bro. A. Brodie (Lodge Sir Walter : Scott); J.G.W.', Bro. Dewar (Lodge Sir J Walter Scott) ; G. Sec, Bro. E. K. Tyler (Lodge St. Andrew) ; Assistant G. Sec, Bro. H.Elliott (Wellington); G. Cashier, Bro. T, Leith Murray {Lodge Sir Walter Scott) ; G. Chaplain, Bro. Dr. Harvey (Wellington); Assistant G. Chaplain, Sev.Bro. S.J. Neill (Lodge Sir Walter Scott); 3.G.D.,8r0. Powle (Wellington); S.JD., Bro. Eliison-(8t. Andrew); G. Architect, Bro. W. Errington (Lod^eHr Walter Scott); G. Jeweller, Bro. W. Carpenter (Lodge Sir Walter Scott); G. Bible-bearer, Bro. W. J. Speight (Lodge Sir Walter Scott) i; G.D' of 0., B. M. Nicoll (Lodge St. Andrew) G Swordbearer, Bro. J. H. Hendry (Lodge St. Andrew); G Director of Music, Bro. W. H. Airey (Lodge Sir Walter Scott); G Marshals, Bro. W. Wilkinson (Lodge Sir Walter Scott), and Bro. Dale (Lodge Kilwinning, Patea); G luner G, Bro. Slator (Lodge St Andrew); President of Stewards, Bro. H. E. Hichens (Lodge St. Andrew); G. Tyler, Bro. T. Eawdon (Lodge Sir Walter Scott). The Committee consisted of the principal P.G. officers, the K.W.M.'s of the Sir Walter Scott, St. Andrew, and Manukau Lodges, and Bro. W. Errington.

THE BANQUET. After the ordinary business of the lodge had been concluded, about 3l> of the brethren adjourned to the Governor Bowen Hotel, where a capital table was laid by Host Symington. After supper the usual loyal toasts were given, after which Bro. Wildman proposed the three Provincial Grand Lodges, complimenting Bro. Tyler on the manner in which the Scotch Grand Lodge had been worked. Bro. Tyler in responding deprecated the custom so prevalent both in the old country and the colonies of giving votes of thanks, banquets, &c, to individuals who in their several capacities had only done their duty. He never expected any reward for the services he had rendered, still he was pleased that he had merited the approbation of the brethren. Bro. Brown proposed the " Army, Navy, and Volunteers." Bro. Murray responded on behalf of the Volunteers, and embraced the opportunity of referring to the right of the Government in aiding the Volunteers. Bro. Wildman hinted that the Naval Brigade were without sails for their boat.

Bro. Brodie, in complimentary terms proposed "The health of Bro. 'Whitaker."

In reply to the toast, Bro Whitaker said it always gave him pleasure to visit the Thames and to meet the Masonic brethren. He referred to the labours of Bro. Tyler, and the extreme modesty of that brother. He supposed merit, needed no recommendation. AVto Major Murray, he felt sure as long as he could speak he would not want an interpreter to make known his good qualities, or his wants. He thanked them for the hearty manner they had received the toast. Bro. McOullough proposed sthe toast of the " Sister Lodges," and referred to the admirable feeling existing between the various lodges on the Thames Bros. Wildman and Eadford responded. The " Visitors " was proposed by Bro. Wilkinson and responded to by Bros. Hollis and Hitchins. " Poor and Distressed Masons " was proposed by Bro. Itawdon and suitably acknowledged. Mr Whitaker, in a very complimentary speech presented Bro Thos. Kawdon an address, passed by Lodge Sir Walter Scott, on Bro Kawdon resigning the Tylership of the lodge. He referred to his personal knowledge of Bro Hawdon, and high respect he held him in. It gave him pleasure to be made the medium of presenting the address, and concluded by proposing Bro. Eawdon's health, which was received most enthusiastically. After being briefly acknowledged by Bro Bawdon, the programme was concluded by the toast of the host and hostess, and the singing of " Auld Lang Sine," and " God save the Queen."