Inaugural Banquet.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3690, 22 October 1880, Page 2

Inaugural Banquet.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND, P.A.F.B. There was a very large attendance of members of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia at the Templar Hall last evening for the purpose of taking part in the inauguration of the Grand Lodge for New Zealand. Deputy* | High Chief Councillor, Brother Wiley of Sydney, acted as installing officer, and the following officers were installed with imposing solemnity:-—Bro. B. T. Douglas, P.M. Prince of Wales Lodgei Grand Master; Bro. A. Neilson, W.M. Alex* andra Lodge (Auckland), Deputy Grand > Master; Bro. WV Smith, Secretary Prince of Wales' Lodge, Grand Secretary; Bro. Joynt, Prince of Wales Lodge, Grand Treasurer. After the ceremony had ooneluded, the brethren sat down to a banquet provided by Mr Forgie, of Pollen street. Bio. McDonald, W.M., presided; and Bros. Scott, P.M., and Pitkethly filled the responsible positions of vice-chairmen. The usual loyal and, patriotic toaiti were drunk with enthusiasm. Captain Farrell responded for the " Volunteers," and on the " Health of the , Local Governing Bodies " being proposed, Mr Wilkinson responded. The newly-installed Grand Master, in a. few well-chosen remarks, proposed "The High Court of Australasia, coupled with the name of Bro. Wiley," and that gentleman in responding gave an .account of the founding of the order,'the state of its finances, and other information respect-.; ing it. ' '' The concluding toasts were--" The Grand Lodge of New Zealand," " Bister Lodges," and," Visiting-Friends," which brought a very, pleasant reunion' to a' dose. .' s ' '