MASONIC GRAND LODGE MOVEMENT. Dunedin, September 27.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 407, 2 October 1889, Page 5

MASONIC GRAND LODGE MOVEMENT. Dunedin, September 27.

The Committee of the Masonic Union appointed to report on the Grand Lodge movement have submitted a report of a lengthy nature. It states that the subordinate lodges generally approve of the formation of the Grand Lodge. The thirteen principles enumerated should be insisted on, five of which should be unalterable by the Grand Lodge, save with tho consent of the District Grand Lodge. They are : That the Grand Lodge meet once yearly ; that the place of meeting should be changed yearly and in different District Grand Lodge lists ; that the Grand Lodge should' have full legislative powers, and supervise the administration of the District Grand Lodges, but should have no other administrative functions ; that tho District Grand Lodge receive and administer all funds, ' and have power to granc dispensation certificates and charters ; that the Grand Lodge should have the power of levying from each district a sum not to exceed £40 por annum. The most important of the other principles were that the officers will be the same as in the District Grand Lodges, 5.0., in the colony ; that no one but a P.M. should be eligible for office in the Grand Lodge ; that there should be five District Grand Lodges — Auckland, Wellington, Westland, Canterbury, Otago. The Committee regret that certain brethren have formed a Grand Lodge in Wellington, as the question was not ripe for action. The Committee believe the constitution prepared in Wellington unworkable, and that it would tend to the centralisation of all power in Grand Lodges, and do no good to Masonry. The Committee believe that no real union will be consummated until there is a greater harmony on the question, which can only be obtained by further consideration and negotiation. The report is to be considered by a meeting to be held on 11th prox.