Chapter XXII.
LODGES AND FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.
MASONIC LODGE: This was Lodge Charleston Kilwinning, No. 487, S.C., established on 1st May, 1868, under dispensation granted by the District Grand Master of the Scottish Constitution for the South Island. The lodge met in a room of the European Hotel, which was also used as a meeting-place by the Oddfellows’ and Foresters’ Lodges.
The first officers were: Reuben Harris, R.W.M.; George C. Bowman, D.M.; D. Isaacs, S.M.; Richard Treadwell, S.W.; Robert P. Bain, J.W.; G. C. Bowman, Treasurer; Chas. Hugh Webb-Bowen, Secretary; Charles Weitzel, S.D.; William Sharkey, J.D.; W. J. Ferguson, I.G.; D. Cunningham, Tyler.
The officers installed in December, 1868, and December, 1869, respectively, were:
1868—Richard Treadwell, R.W.M.; C. Weitzel, D.M.; D. Isaacs, S.M.; —. Van, S.W.; R. G. Neale, J.W,; W. Sharkey, S.D.; W. Nahr, I.G.; D. Cunningham, Tyler.
1869—C. Broad, R.W.M.; Parker, D.M.; Thompson, S.M.; Isaacs, S.W.; Bowen, J.W.; Lanney, S.D.; McKerrow, J.D.; Weisheimer, I.G.; Cunningham, Tyler.
The consecration, first installation, and first initiation of candidates were on 4th September, 1868. Later Worshipful Masters were G. F. Hurburgh and Arthur King.
The last meeting at which degrees were carried out was on 27th July, 1897. A brother who visited the town in 1930 found that the only remaining signs of Masonic interest were the old pedestals of the Master and Wardens.
HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY: In Greymouth on 16th December, 1869, was
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