MEETING OF THE GRAND ORANGE LODGE, MIDDLE ISLAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2551, 25 May 1881, Page 2

MEETING OF THE GRAND ORANGE LODGE, MIDDLE ISLAND.

The above Lodge held its halfyearly meeting in Timaru yesterday, the Eight Worshipful Grand Master occupying the chair, and Bro J. W. McNeale, of Dunedin, the rice-chair. The Grand Master was supported by the P.G.M. Bro Bevell. Brethren from nearly all the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge were in attendance. At 2.30 precisely the Lodge was called to order, when the minutes of last half-yearly and emergency meetings were read and confirmed. The Grand Master then addressed the members on the great progress made by the Order. He had visited nearly all the Lodges in the district, and it afforded him great gratification to be able to say that every one he had attended was progressing both in numbers and influence. Since 1874 there had been twenty additional Lodges opened and he was aware that an additional warrant would be applied for at this meeting. One Lodge in particular, he was proud to say, was making giant strides in the path of progress, namely, No. 2 of Christchurch. Its muster roll was not added to by twos or threes but by the dozen, and he felt that the association was fast becoming a power in the land. He would not detain them any longer, as there was a great amount of business to be got through, and he would call upon the Secretary to read the correspondence. The Grand Secretary, Bro Bercsford, then read correspondence from the Imperial Grand Lodge of Ireland, from Timaru Lodge, from Progress L.O.L. re name of the Lodge, from South Dunedin re new warrant, from Bro Fisher re “New Zealand Protestant,” and from Nos. 9, 12, and 21, Dunedin re district warrant; also, reports from Grand Lodge of Ireland and Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The report and balance sheet were then read which showed all the lodges

to be in a flourishing condition, both numerically and financial!}'. The request of No. 33 was granted, and a new warrant was issued for Dunedin South, and also a district warrant for Dunedin. The “New Zealand Protestant” was recognised by the Grand Lodge as the official organ of the Orange institution. The business of the Lodge, which took up nearly the whole of the evening, was fully gone into and thoroughly discussed. A presentation was made to P.G.M. Bro Hovel 1 of a puise of 50 so vs, for his indefatigable exertions in the interests of the institution. The Grand Master, in making the presentation, said it was to him the most pleasant part ot the day’s proceedings. Ho was sorry the purse was not larger, but seeing that there, were so many calls upon their purses ho was pleased it was so large. Bro Kevell had done his duty very effectively and faithfully, and he would carry with him on his retirement from the chair the best wishes of those that held the principles of the institution dear. Bro. Kovel I, in responding, was agreeably surprised at the gift. He begged to return his heartfelt thanks for many kindnesses, and he trusted he would never forfeit the confidence reposed in him. In the future his services would always be at the disposal of the Order should they be required. A vote of thanks having been passed to the Grand Lodge the meeting was brought to a close in prescribed form.