GRAND LODGE NEW ZEALAND NORTH, I.O.G.T.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5252, 23 January 1878, Page 3

GRAND LODGE NEW ZEALAND NORTH, 1.0.G.T.

The Grand Lodge resumed its session at 8 o’clock yesterday morning, the G.W.C.T. presiding. The degree was conferred upon seven candidates. Immediately after the conclusion of the above ceremonies a deputation was announced as being in waiting, representing the New Zealand Central District of the Independent Order of Rechabites. The deputation was formally introduced, aud Bro. F. H. Fraser, the District Secretary, read an address which will appear to-morrow. The Grand Worthy Templar responded by welcoming the deputation, and by stating that he himself was a Rechabite. He said we were brothers, to help each other to banish the great evil from our midst, but that many felt, as he himself did, that the Rechabite order was a nobler organisation than the Good Templar one; and for the reason that the Rechabites provided for their fellow-members, which the latter order did not. Sickness and death were liable to all at any instant, and he thought it was our place and duty to provide for such sad calamities. If every Good Templar were a Rechabite they would not so frequently be called upon to dispense charity, and the money thus employed could be spent in making the order more efficient and successful than at present. It was their duty, however, as Christians to relieve cases of necessity, and he hoped every member would use every endeavor to relieve the burdens of the afflicted. He concluded by thanking the deputation for their address, and wished them every success aud prosperity, and hoped ere long to see the enemy we were fighting lying conquered at our feet. The deputation then withdrew. . ..The Grand Lodge then adjourned till Wednesday morning, so as to permit of representatives being present a.t the Rechabite fete.