FREEMASONRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3724, 1 December 1927, Page 3

FREEMASONRY.

Christchurch, November 30. At the annual communication today of the Grand Masonic Lodge of New Zealand, the report stated that there was an increase of membership in the year to the extent of 756, bringing the total strength of lodges under the New Zealand Constitution to 25,579. The balance-sheet shows that the capital of the Grand Lodge has been increased in the last 12 months ■ by £11587 and now stands at £lll,603, which is divided under various funds as follow: General fund, £12,358; widows and orphans and aged masons fund, £82,881; special war benevolent fund, £7815; representation fund, £2247. Mr. G. Russell, Wellington, was unanimously re-elected Pro-Grand Master. The following were elected to of - i flee in the Ruapehu District. — Grand Superintendent of Works, Mr. W. Mundy; Grand Steward, Mr. C. leF. Honore; Member of Board of General Purposes, Mr. W. Dobson; Member of Board of Benevolence, Mr. F. E. Robinson. The anniversary of the establishment of Freemasonary in New Zealand just been celebrated at the regular meeting of the New Zealand Pacific Lodge (says the Dominion), This was the eighty-fifth birthday of the lodge, which was opened on November 23, 1842, Mr. George Smith being the first Master. Amongst those present were nine of the oldest surviving members of the lodge, whose periods of membership ranged from- 25 to 51 years.