NEW ZEALAND GRAND MASONIC LODGE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2041, 3 May 1890, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND GRAND MASONIC LODGE.

The installation of Bro. Henry Thomson as Grand Master of the New Zealand Grand Lodge of Freemasons took place last Wednesday evening. Bro. E. T. Gillon, instating officer, in his address, said the promoters of the Grand Lodge had much to congratulate themselves upon, and nothing to reproach themselves with. They bad been actuated by no unworthy motives, and every step taken was carefully regulated by Masonic precedent and within Masonic la*’. The division of the constitutions had given the outer world reason to scoff at the claim of the craft to universality, proved confusing to younger brethren, and encouraged rivalry, exceeding the bounds of fair and generous emulation. Noting the practical benefits of Masonic autonomy - in Sooth Australia and New South Wales, it was natural that New Zealand Masons would consider whether, as New Zealand stood second in Masonic strength in Australasia, that time had not come when they should exercise their inherent right and claim self-government. It soon became apparent that a majority of the lodges and members were in favor of a grand lodge. Some of the first that put their hands to the plough now began- to look back, but their number fortunately had'not been great, and the promoters cherished the confident hope that these would soon fulfil the solemn obligations into which they voluntarily entered, and - press forward to fill their proper places in the ranks to which they would be cordially welcomed. He would now turn to some of the advantages he hoped to accrue from the Grand Lodge. They hoped to reduce the coat of while providing more efficient machinery for local control, spending less in useless show and duplicating of expenses. They trust to be able to concentrate their efforts and resources, and to do something practical and worthy of the piinciples they professed. They would be brought Into direct communication on equal terms with the supreme' Masonic governing bodies of the world. It had long been recognised that the nominal distinctions here of

English, Scotch, or Irish lodges afforded no indication of the nationality of their members. The names had no patriotic significance, and operated the reverse of attractiveness on the growing youth of New Zealand. Lodges were chiefly recruited from persons born abroad. Masonry had not taken that hold on young New Zealand which Masons would like; it to .do. ■ Now that a national chaiacter was given to the order in the colony they might expect those born here to flock beneath { its, standard, and the noble principles of Masonry might be expected to exercise an ennobling effect on the future national character. It was in no spirit of rebellion or ingratitude that they severed their connection with their 1 mother constitutions, and they would endeavor to treat in a fraternal manner those who did not sympathise with them. The Grand Master, in’His address, said that, the wants of the craft in New Zealand , demanded that the governing authority should be more easily acessible. It had been objected that the Grand Lodge was inopportune, but it had not, been found so in .Smith Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria, which had created grand lodges in the last few years. Had not two of these a less number of lodges than New Zealand 1 Tasmania, with only 30 lodges against New Zealand's 14§, had decided to follow the example of the other colonies. In Queensland a similar movement had been in operation for several months. The promoters of the New Zealand Grand Lodge movement were accused of unseemly haste. It was difficult to understand what the phrase mean 1 . The movement commenced last ye-r, and everything had been done carefully and deliberately. The charge of disloyalty to to the parent constitutions was to absurd to need refuctation. Mon-recognition of the Grand Lodge and consequent ecmdal among the craft was a much more serious mutter, and might if it took place be with great proprietory laid to the charge of those who stood aloof, and who, like a dog in the manger, would neither help the movement themselves nor permit others to do so. Uiff-reuces of opinion as to the form of constitution and matters in detail ought to be subordinated to the greatest question of th-< desirability of a grand lodge for New Zealand. It was disputed that the right of forming a grand lodge was inherent”in private lodges ; that not less than three could legally combine and form a grand lodge in unoccupied territory ; and that a majority of lodges had a right to which constitution it shall belong and is entitled to the warrant with it. The late ruling 1 of the grand registrar of the Grand Lodge of England was conclusive on this point. He held that management by one grand lodge would be more economical than nine district lodges holding under three constitutions, The differing practices of these constitutions gave rise to a state of things injurious to the welfare of the craft, and emulation degenerated into rivalry. The chief defect in the present system was the almost total neglect to make some provision for the exercise of beneyolence. At Home institutions were supported entire y by the voluntary contributions of members ; and prudence, if no higher consideration ought to suggest the commencement of a systematic attempt to Jay the foundations of a scheme in New Zealand which wou’d commend itself to tbe approval and sun. port of the whole craft. F

Over 250 were present at the installation which took place at the Oddfellows, Hall, the scene was most imposing, the hall hav.Dsr been perfectly arranged and beaut.fully decoraoed. The ceremony was Bro. E. T. QiHon, a £i st * d , by a ßr £ J' nC ® nt Pyke ’ A '«rge choir under R. Tnst Sewell rendered the music. After the ceremony the degree of Past Depnty Grand Master was conferred on Bro Qillon in recognition of his services and of Past Grand Secretary on Bro! Robertson (Wellington). A banquet was held subsequently in the hall 0 f the Chamber of Commerce, which was crowded. Ihe utmost enthnsiaam pre-

Among the passengers by the Te Auau for Sydney on Tuesday were a detective and a lawyer’s "clerk of Sydney, who had succeeded in tracks out Joseph Thomas Levien, in Marf borough who is heir to a property i n the heart of Sydney, worth £75 000 ihe property was left by Levien’s grandfather. Levtea was working at a mill in Kaituua Valley, Marlborough. l