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

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5253, 24 January 1878, Page 3

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

The following is the address presented to the Grand Lodge by a deputation representing the New Zealand Central District of the Independent Order of Kecbabites last Tuesday : “To the officers and representatives of the New Zealand Grand Lodge North, Independent Order of Good Templars, in session assembled at-Wellington, 22nd January, 1878, — Wo, the district officers of the New Zealand Central District No. 86, Independent Order of Rechabites, do, on behalf of our honorable order, most heartily welcome you in your visit to this city. We would avail ourselves of this opportunity to express our great sympathy with youin thenoble work in which you are engaged. We may more justly call it a noble fight, for it is surely more than work, when we take into consideration the power o£ those who oppose you, and the influence brought to bear against your self-denying efforts from quarters where at least you might expect sympathy, if not support. Still we firmly and believe that, having right and truth on your side, with God’s blessing you must, with other likeminded workers in this cause, finally prevail. It is with pleasure and gratitude that we have noticed the increase in your noble order year by year, and it is our hearty wish and desire that it may be even more and more prosperous in the future than it has been iu the past, both as to members and influence ; also, that your social and political power may become such that you will be greatly) instrumental iu bringing about that which you and many others most ardently desire to accomplish, namely, the removal of the drink traffic, with all its attendant evils of degradation and misery. Wo would claim to be brothers with you in this glorious crusade, and as such we trust that we may be both able and willing in the future, as in the past, to assist each other in the struggle for freedom from the drink curse. Our aims and missions are alike; let us be united as one, and ever be found standing shoulder to shoulder in this great fight ; and may the great God of Battles, who heareth the cry of the oppressed, give us strength and courage to carry on this warfare, which has for its object the freeing from temptation and the bringing of peace and, plenty to the homes of the people.; We trust that your present session iu this city may bo calculated to extend your order here and throughout your jurisdiction ; also, that your visit may be remembered in years to come with pleasure. Wishing you God speed and great success in your noble work, we are, in temperance, fortitude, and justice, yours fraternally “ William Johnson, Past District Chief Killer, Acting Deputy Chief Ruler ; Chas. Mclntyre, District Deputy Ruler ; John O’Kell, District Treasurer ; Erancis H. Eraser, District Secretary.”