ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 864, 3 January 1878, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

: .'.■' «c']-:;.!>..vtuber 31, 1877. Che annual installation of officers of the Alexandra/ Lodge, No. 1,188, E.G., took ,)lace on Ss._,Jphn|s Day> at the Lodge "ioom, Alexandra Hotel. There waß a *ood attendance present, including visitors yom other lodges, and the following ■ifficers were duly obligated, invested, and njitafied":—Bro. Neil McLeod (re-elected), .Bro; T. Kirk,. S.W.; Bro. W» Jqnes, J.WV; Bro. G. M. A. Ahier, S.D»< 3fo. T. E. Clough, 'LD.; Bro. R. T. Lacon,- Secretary; Bro. I. Aubin, P.M. Treasurer; Bro! R. W. Roche,'l.G.; Bro. '.. Q. Tristram . (re-elected), Tyler. In the badges of office to the new officers, the addressed'them in turn In a few words appropriate to the occasion. The lodge 'having been closed in j '%e form, the brethron shortly afterwards isseinbled with their guests to do honor •'o a'most 1 excellent Sinner, prepared by

"Brother and Host Finch in his very beet style;'about 30 taking their .seats-.at the stable.- ;; The W.M., Bro. McLeod (who presided), expressed his. regiet at the absence of Bro, Aubin, P.M., through indisposition. Bro.. Finch occupied the vice chair. When ample justice had been .done 1 ' to \ the • good things provided, the Chairman, in a felicitous speech, proposed the toasts of the "Queen and Craft." J' The W>M, tie Grand Master of England, JELR.H.' the Prince of Wales!" Bro. i Jones proposed " The District Lodge and Officers" with a wish that the W.M. would respond, and give them some little 'account of his late visit to Auckland to ■witness the installation of Bro. the Hon. F. Whitaker, R.W.P.G.M. of the North Island. Bro. McLeod, .in responding, re marked, that, after.the full,,accounts of

Ithe whole .oerempny that, had appeared at .the time, it ,woidd be presumption on his part to attempt any description.,He could ..only say that it was of "so grand and impressive i a ? objaraeter. £as, to; be always remembered as onetof'.the.great events in his lifetime, and 'that, while witnessing it, proud indeed wfre his feelings at being i a member of the fraternity. Bro, Finch proposed " Thfe-Out-going and In-ooming Officers." Bros. Jones and McLeod res ponded. • Bro: Kirk proposed <' Ihe Visitors." Mr H. Roche responded in a most characteristic and humourous speech, assuring the Brethren that, although he Shad felt, somewhat tremulous in accepting f their invitation >-r- as he could recollept from his childhood, being persuaded of their being a " secret society ,v connected with the " gentleman down below " —he was glad, however, he had got over his fears, as he never had spent a more pleasant 'evening than he had done that .;- night; and hoped before long he would be one of-ishejn', as, after seeing the.good they did in a quiet manner, he was fujly determined to become a Mason if they would admit him to that honor. (Cheers.) McLeod (Auckland) and Reynolds, Slso,.responded.> /Brother;Kirfcprpposed, : li Lady-Friends of ; ithe, Brethren Lodge." ■ Brother Aubin Ahier bashfully responded. Brother...Cloup-h ?ro^o:ed )s& health of " The Hostess," Mrs Finch, for the excellent dinner aheihad provided, and. for the tasteful manner the loi ge room had been decorated.' He was oeifcaw no|hing ccmjd.

have bwVW«r "done o«yT®f" 1 Bro. FlaoK. «9^44^-^I®?J A proposed the "Frees;" responded toby* the representative e* tke Toras. This concluded the toasts, and a P«j»t: night was spent in songs and connviasty. The recitations of Mr ttcLeodweremort amusingly rendered, Roche's songs were " Auld Lang Syne," sung by the com©any as dayUirht was near approaching, been seen here this many s day.—Uww COBBBSFOMSBXT.