MASONIC.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 414, 25 March 1899, Page 2

MASONIC.

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER AT HAMILTON. The Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Bro. R. J, Seddon, attended a meeting of Lodge Beta-Waikato No. 12 at the Masonic Hall, Hamilton, on Thursday evening. The W.M., Bro. F. W. Browning, pres ; ded, and there was a fair attendance of brethren, including visitors from Lodges Manakau No. 24 and Alpha No. 81, and Alexandra 11?8, E.C. The Lodge was raised to the third degree, and the M.W. Grand Master and officers were received in duo form, the Grand Honours being accorded to the Grand Master, who delivered a short address on the duties and privileges of the brethren, and he urged upon those present to practice outside those principles they were taught in the Lodgo. He also said it gave him great pleasure to announce for the first time in open Lodge that recognition had now been granted by the three Mother Constitutions that by Scotland having , been received a few days previously and once more Masonic unity had been established in the colony, a state of affairs which he was sure would be gladly welcomed by all the members of the craft. The Grand Master then retired, and the Lodge was called from Labour to Refreshment. After the Brethren had been introduced to the Grand Master, Wor. Bro. Geo. Edgecumbe, P.M , D.M., at tho request of the W.M., as the oldest member of Lodge Beta - Waikato, proposed the health of the Grand Master, and expressed regret that there had not been a more lengthy notification of his visit. He congratulated him on his accessien to high office in the Craft, and, on behalf of the Lodge, wished him long life. Bro. Seddon, in reply, thanked the members ofLodge Beta-Waikato for their reception, and said that having accepted the position of Grand Master he considered it his duty to see as much of the Lodges under his jurisdiction as possible, and as such he made it a rule to attend Lodge meetings whenever possible. He referred to the fraternal treatment he had received in the Homeland during his visit at the time of the Jubilee, and said the friction which had existed with the lodges under the mother constitutions in the colony was unknown there, but he was glad that now there was an end to this and he urgedtou the brethren to do all in their power by visiting and fraternal intercourse in other ways to do away with the remembrance of any past unpleasantuess. He enjoined the brethren to be exemplary in their daiiy life, as their example would be the best means of securing to the craft suitable candidates. Owing to his time beiug limited Bro. Seddon had to leave shortly after nine o'clock. The Lodge then resumed the ordiuary working.