MASONIC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1943, 14 September 1889, Page 3

MASONIC.

1 Wellington, Sept. 10. The Masonic convention of lodge delegates in connection with the Grand Lodge movement assembled to-night in the Alhen«am. Delegates were present from all parts of •tfi.e colony, induing a considerable number of members of the Legislature. Bro. E. T. Gillon presided. It was announced that 90 lodges had now resolved in favour of a grand lodge, and of this number 63 were represented at the convention by 67 delegates. Some brethren represented several lodges. The roll having been called and the proceedings opened with prayer by the Rev. Bro. Paige, P.M., the chairman delivered an address, tracing the history of the movement and outlining the steps necessary to be taken by the convention.

A form of declaration of the constitution of the Grand Lodge w«s then submitted and fully discussed. It was resolved to omit the word “united ’ from the title of the Grand Lodge, and the declaraiion was finally unanimously adopted in the following form Whereas Freemasonry was established in New Zealand in the year 1842, and has since been perpetuated and practiced by numerous lodges established from time to time by the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, respectively ; and whereas a majority of the lodges established have determined that it is expedient in the best interests of Freemasonry and _ for the better ordering of the Craft in this colony that there should be fell, perfect, and perpetual unity, with uniformity of obligation and discipline among the members thereof at present divided into and working under the three separate and distinct Constitutions of England, Ireland, and Scotland, so that in all time to come they shall form and constitute one brotherhood and be represented in one Grand Lodge : Now, therefore, we, the delegates, duly appointed by the lodges set out after our -■'signatures beret®, do by these presents declare and agree that the said lodges shall from and after the 9th day of November, 1889, constitute and form one ,of the grand lodges, under the style of 1 The Grand Lodge of New Zealand,’ and that the masters and wardens of the said lodges for the time being shall be deemed and taken to be members of such Grand Lodge, together with such _ past masters and present or past proyincial or district grand lodge officers as shall be members of such lodges, and also the signatures hereto j provided always that such members (ex wardens aud masters of lodges) are duly enrolled on the register of members of the Grand Lodge ; «nd it is further agreed that as soon after the said 9th day of November as may be possible a convocation of the Grand Lodge shall be .held for the purpose of electing a grand master, and mating other provisions for the good government or the Craft and the constitution and registration of the Grand Lodge. Dated at WeMington, New Zealand, this 11th day of September, 1889, A.D., and 5889 A.L.“ This was ordered to be engrossed for signature. The articles of union as agreed on will be recommended to the Grand Lodge for ratification. The most absolute unanimity prevailed throughout the meeting, and all the proposals were carried without dissent. Sept. 11.

The Masonic Convention commenced its meeting on Wednesdaj night, when a basis of union was agreed to for submission to the Grand Lodge, In its main features the basis is similar to that proposed by the central executive committee, but a number of new articles have been added. Every article was thoroughly discussed in committee, and practically every resolution arrived at was unanimous. Some discussion took place regarding District Grand Lodges, but it was decided to leave their establishment optional. At the close of the meeting hearty votes of thanks wore given to Bro. Robertson, as secretary, and Bro. Gillen, as chairman. The declaration of the formation of the Grand Lodge, engrossed on vellum, was then formally signed by the assembled delegates, and those present enrolled themselves aa members of the Grand Lo.lge of New Zealand, Bro. Hamerton was elected acting treasurer. The existing Masonic union committees were asked tp continue

to promote tha..,object until the Grand Lodge meets. Universal satisfaction is expressed among the delegates at the results of the convention.