147

H.—2B

Lodge Feilding, No. 41. Dear Madam,— Feilding, 29th June, 1906. I am instructed by my lodge to send you the following resolution passed at our meeting : " That this lodge wishes to place on record its deep sense of sorrow at the calamity which has befallen by the' death of our M.W. Bro. R. J. Seddon, P.G.M., and that a letter of masonic condolence and deepest sympathy be sent to Mrs. Seddon and family in the irrevocable loss that they sustained. We trust that the Almighty in His infinite mercy will sustain you and your family in your bereavement." I am, &c, Mrs. Seddon, Wellington. Thomas W. K. Foster, Secretary. Franklin Lodge of Freemasons, No. 2138. Madam, — St. Mark's Vicarage, Paparoa, Kaipara, 9th July, 1906. At a regular meeting of Franklin Lodge of Freemasons, No. 2138, E.C., I was instructed to convey to you the heartfelt sympathy of the brethren with you and your family in the bereavement which has so suddenly befallen you. We recognise the services which our late brother the Premier has rendered not only to the country he loved so well, but also to the order of which he yvas so distinguished a member, and we earnestly pray that the God of all comfort may be with you in this trying time, and do that which is impossible to any human power, bind up the broken heart. I remain, &c, Mrs. Seddon, Wellington. W. E. Connolly, Hon. Secretary. Lodge Golden Bay, No. 2194, E.C. Dear Madam,— Takaka, 9th July, 1906. At the last ordinary meeting of the masonic lodge (Golden Bay, No. 2194, E.C), I was directed by the Worshipful Master to convey to yourself and family the sympathy and condolence of the members of the above-named lodge in your recent bereavement. The late Premier was for thirty years a very prominent member of the craft, and we feel that in addition to the irreparable loss which the people of this colony have undoubtedly sustained in the decease of their late leader, the freemasons have also lost a most illustrious and energetic brother and friend. I am, &c., Mrs. R. J. Seddon. Hugh Page, Hon. Secretary. Lodge Havelock. Dear Madam, — Havelock, 18th June, 1906. At the request of our lodge I have to convey to you and your family our deepest sympathy for you in your severe loss. No words would express our deep regret both for yourselves, for the craft and for the country which for so many years has looked up to him with love, veneration, and guidance, and although our Past Grand Master has passed away to the realms of eternity " where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest," we have the consolation of knowing that his good works will shine to his memory while New Zealand flies the British flag. We commend you and yours to the loving care of the Great Architect of the Universe, who guides our destinies ; and, after the keen edge of sorrow has been dulled, may you live long to reflect the good works of Richard John Seddon, whose memory will never die, is the sincere wish of the brethren with whom he bore so honoured a distinction. Yours, &c, Mrs. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. V. C. Venimon, P.M., Secretary. Hinemoa Masonic Lodge, No. 122. Dear Madam, — Wellington, 16th June, 1906. It is with deep regret that I undertake the sad duty, on behalf of the above-named lodge, to express our deepest heartfelt sympathy with you and your family in the loss of your beloved husband. No man had a larger circle of true friends than had your husband, and we can only estimate your loss by our own, which is really great and irreparable, and we hope and trust the Great Architect who has seen fit to take him away from us, has taken him to that grand Lodge above, where the world's Great Architect rules and reigns for ever. Believe me, &c, Mrs. Seddon, Wellington. Robert E. Manley, Secretary. Leinster Lodge, No. 44. Dear Madam, — Wellington, 18th June, 1906. I am instructed by the W.M. to convey to you and your family the feelings of the deepest sympathy from our lodge in your recent great bereavement in the death of our Past Grand Master, the late Bro. R. J. Seddon. I can assure you that every brother of the lodge as well as every mason in the territory unite with me in hoping that the Great Architect will in His great mercy soften and temper the blow. I remain, &c, Wm. Willis, P.M., Secretary. James Robertson. W.M. Mrs. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Thomas Bland, P.M.P.G.S.