MASONIC WAR BENEVOLENT FUND

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2461, 14 May 1915, Page 7

MASONIC WAR BENEVOLENT FUND

RESULT OP GRAND MASTER'S APPEAL. A substantial addition to the Freemasons' Special (War) Benevolent Fund of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was made as a result of an appeal by the Grand Master (MAY. Bro. JDougall) at the proceedings in connection with his installation. ' The Grand Master made a forcible appeal to the Freemasons present to augment the funds to tho fullest possible extent. He sketched the work done by the New Zealanders at the Dardanelles, and urged the Craft to make provision such as would assure that none of their brethren, or the dependents of brethren, should suffer for their bravery, and appealed for subscriptions in cash or written promises, pointing out that all that could be raised would be needed. Even if it were not needed by Freemason soldiers, it would bo required for other sufferers from the war, and would certainly not bo misspent. Slips of paper were then circulated around the hall, which were duly collected by the Grand Stewards. When the returns were counted up, it was found that tho amount received, in cash and promises, came to no less than £850. At a later sitting, another wave of enthusiasm passed round the Grjnd Lodge-room, and the amount was brought up to £1000 before tho adjournment. Of this, £42 los. was.realised by the auction sale of a hat belonging to a member of the craft. Together with the amounts already subscribed bv lodses, thin brings tho Spocial Henevoleiif. Fund at date to about £2500, which is probably still further increased by lodge subscriptions that will have reached the Grand Secretary's office in Ghristchureh within the last two or three days, since he left for Wellington.