DRUIDS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1482, 3 July 1912, Page 2

DRUIDS.

SOME FRICTION IN AUCKLAND. .Br Telegraph—Press Association.l Auckland, July 2. Representatives of the. Grand Lodge of Druids, the Grand President and Treasurer, .■ have come to Auckland from Wellington for the purpose of visiting the lcilges on account of some friction that hns arisen with regard to the consolidation scheme recently adopted. As far as can. be ascertained, the question of the legality of tho decision regarding consolidation of funds has been raised by at least two of the Auckland lodges. The executive of the Grand Lodge, it appeared, called a special meeting during the year in Wellington, whero it was decided to adopt the .consolidation system, which, amongst, oilier matters, included tho funds of various lodges. It is held by objecting lodges that this question should not have been decided until after it had been submitted to the biennial meeting next. February. Tho Grand Lodge holds, oil the other hand, that it is within its rights/ and also that tho proposed consolidation of funds will be for the general benefit. Two of the biggest local lodges, "Auckland" and "Eden," object to the new regulations, and refuse to bo bound by . them, alleging, as before indicated, that the adoption' of the sys.tdm was not legal. The Grand Lodge has threatened to suspend tho two lodges, but first a delegation has been sent to explain the regulations to the objectors, Lodgo Eden being visitod last night, but so far nothing definite has been arranged. Ono of the rules objected to is that district presidents arc to be nominated and elected In- the Grand Lodge instead of, as formerly, being chosen' by the individual lodges. 'This creates trouble with respect to the grant of J.'loo upon the death of a Druid. That money can only bo paid upon the signature of the District President, and until the officer is recognised by the lodge lie cannot sign the grant. In order that this shall not entail hardship on the families ot' deceased members, individual lodges aro at present prepared to pay over to the Grand Lodge in ease of death. Another ground of objection to the new system is that all funds of individual lodges will bo invested by tho Grand Lodge.