ST. JOHN'S MASONIC CELEBRATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1480, 29 December 1881, Page 2

ST. JOHN'S MASONIC CELEBRATION.

BavrHBEN of the ( Lodge Beta (1.C.) celebrated the above-named festival on Tuesday (St John's Dcty), at the Masouic Hall Hamilton East. The members assembled at' high noon. Several visaing biethren were present and took paifcin. the ceremony. Instrumental music was introduced into the workings of the lodge for the fust time ; that portion of the ritual being ably conducted by Bro. T A. Bell, assisted by a choir of gentlemen belonging to the lodge. In connection with that part of the celebration we may add that we are well pleased to leain efforts are being made by the Worshipful Master and his officers to improve the workings of the lodge and place its affairs on a move satisfactory footing. As a step, and we believe a most important step in that direction, it is intended, if posbiblo, to continue the musical service as part of the ordinary lodge formula. At the gathering on Tuesday the lodge was opened in the first degree, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of the M.M. It was then reduced to theF.C, in which degree certain work was done in the passing of initiates. It was afterwards reduced to the entered apprentice degree, in which the brethren present exchauged the congratulations of the season. Subsequently the lodge was closed in accordance with ancient usage ; the ceremony throughout being a pleasant one, and one which, we have no doubt, will go far to promote those feelings of harmony and good fellowship which are a distinguishing characteristic of the order.

In further celebration, the brethren and visiting brethren sat clown to a banquet in the evening in the Waikato Hotel, which was pun eyed by P.M. Bro. Gaudm, host of the establishment. Towards the getting up of the entertainwent justice appeared to have been done in every respect. The room was decorated with flags, festoons and shrubs, wrought in most artistic fashion into a variety of craft emblems and devices. The display made by the edibles on the other hand was most sumptuous, and, as regards the liquid portion of the repast, Bro. Gaudin's cellars showed to very good advantage. Substantial justice having been done to that portion of the programme, and the cloth having been withdrawn, the brethren took their places at the board in accordance with the festive order of the craft, The Worshipful Master occupied his Dlace in the east; S.W. Bro. Field fille<r^the corresponding seat in the west, while J.W. Bro. Breakell presided in the south. A. carefully selected programme of Masonic and other toasts, accompanied by appropriate sentiments and craft songs and music, was then proceeded with. In proposing the "Health of the W.M. and his officers," Bro. F. A. Whitaker, M.H.R., alluded to the fresh interest that was being taken in the affairs of the order throughout the district, which he attiibuted to the zeal shown by the master and officers in the discharge of their respective duties. The compliment was duly acknowledged by the brethren and responded to by the Master and principal officers. The proceedings throughout were characterised by the utmost sociability, and before parting the company joined in the far-famed Scotch melody, " Auld Lang Syne."