GOOD TEMPLARY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2127, 17 December 1880, Page 2

GOOD TEMPLARY.

fpEB PBBBS ASSOCIATION SPECIAL WZBK.j WELLINGTON, December 16. The annual esenon of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand of the Independent Order of Good Templars was opened last night, when a large number of representatives from all parts of the oolony were present. A deputation from the district officers of the Kechabites presented an address of welcome to the Grand Lodge on their first visit to the North Island. The report of the Grand Sieoretary showed an increase of two in cumber of lodges, but notwithstanding this, the number of members bad decreased by 561, the total on the roll being 7090. Six new lodges are in process of being commenced, the chatters having been issued since November Ist. The Degree Temple showed the name number. A number of special sessions had been held on the West Coast of the Middle Is'.und, and at Nelson, Blenheim, :ind Wellington, which had been productive of great good. It was resolved that the execulive be recommended to continue the visitation of districts. The financial report showed the position to be fairly good. The Grand Lodge of Good Templars met again to-day. The report of the representa* tives of tho Intercolonial Temperance Oor> ferenoe, recently held in Melbourne, was read, giving soma results of the conference, which were that a deputation had waited on Mr Berry, calling his attention to the fact that the Act for closing public-houses on Sunday wai violated with impunity. The result of the deputation was deemed satisfactory, as the number of drunkards had been reduced. It was decided that a deputation should wait on the Government of New Zealand tilling attention

to similar transgression of the licensing laws in New Zealand. At this evening's meeting the G.W.O.T. said it devolved on him to present Bro. J. W. Jago, P.G.W.C.T., with a testimonial of the regard in whioh he whs held by the Templar order in New Zealand. The testimonial consisted of an illuminated address, accompanied with a handsome gold watch, and chain, and a very chaste tea and coffee service for Mrs Jago. Many representatives from all paits of the jurisdiction testified to the services rendered to the temperance cause by Mr Jago, and the respect and esteem in which he was held. Mr Jago returned thenks for the very handsome testimonial presented to him, and was glt«d that he had been fitted with a mind and reasoning faculties in order to do his share in waging war agaioßt the great evils of intemperance. The Lodge resumes business to-morrow.