DRUIDISM.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7421, 21 September 1889, Page 6

DRUIDISM.

C ANTERBTTRY DISTRICT GRAND LODGE.

A meeting of DJuids was held at the Draids HaU, last.night.-to. hear the report of Bro. Harris, P.A., repreaentive of No. 16 District to the Grand Lodge of Australia in support of the application for a Durmct Grand Lodge for Canterbury. His c&nfrcret were Bro. Keith, No. SO <Timaru), Petrie. ,Nq. 20 District. An apology was received for the absence ol t*e latter. Bro. Swlanerton, R. A. D,, occupied the chair, and explained that the meeting had been called by the Royal Arch Chapter as the conclusion ol its woflc He called upon Bro. ILutßis, who said it was gratifying to meet tnem on 1 the occasion of conveying to them the news of the granting of the District Grand Lodge. He was greatly pleased by the: intelligence shown by Lodges in considering the question when iO was brought before them, and they would be as pleased as he was at the obtaining of self government. He bad to accord his thanks to Bros. Petrie and Keith, *eho were' his colleagues, and the three were prepared to stonewall for a week rather than this time be defeated In their application. In Dunedin the movement and thesucceseof Canterbury was very popular. Alluding to the Grand Lodge annual mseting two important motions were, one referring to th,e openIng of four new Lodges and the other recommending the granting of the charter applied for by Canterbury. He briefly reviewed the different business disposed of by the Grand Lodge. Coming to hlB own motion, be explained that he had asked to amend it so that Lodges mierht JoST the District Grand Lodge without sending their application to the Grand Lodge of Australia. This was putting the matter on the broad basis, and eventually commended itself to the good sense of the members of the Lodge. That Canterbury should be the first to rebeive a charter was highly gratifying. Canterbury was the birthplace or Driudism in New Zealand, and from Canterbury, no doubt, would spring any movement for the establishment of a Lodge for the whole of New Zealand. Some trouble occurred in respect to his motion by the Grand Secretary introducing words Which would prevent Lodges outside of Canterbury District amalgamating with Canterbury. However, the real object had bfeen gained, which was something indeed. Canterburyflnancially was in an excellent position. The balances due to the eleven Lodges represented were—Pioneer £287 Is, Hone of St. Albans £-266, Mistletoe £197 6*, Star of Anglesey £52 10s, Perseverance dB7O 4s, Hope of Amberley (without a death) £01 9s to, Anchor £167 8s 6d, Ohoka £50 ss, Ivy at LjLnwood £13 8s 6d, total £1274 8s 6d. The amount due to Lodges not included was £558 18s 6d. The grand total of the whole due then to Canterbury was £1833 7s up to the end of March, 1889. The position w»s clearly shown by the delegates to the Board, and it had its effect. He expected the charter over early, of which due information would be given. For three years the Grand Lodge would pay all funeral expenses, and then hand over the balance, with three years' interest, so that Canterbury would be in a still more healthy position. During those three years, aUo, Canterbury would be making its own funeral fund. If there was any balance to incidental fund Can-

terbury would be entitled to that. He then spoke upon the question of the representation of lodges. He would like a recommendation for the District Grand Lodge to work under the Grand Lodge laws, »9 better representation would thus be given. He alluded also to the New Zealand Parliamentary Friendly Societies' Commission, and concurred in the opinion of Otago that every Friendly Society should be represented upon it, or else the Commission should be altogether independent of any member of a Friendly Society. la Otagu the Druids intended making a biff display during Exhibition time, and the Canterbury Druids were asked to assist. In conclusion, Bro. Harris said he had received a letter from Bro. Keith statins that the Grand President and Grand Secretary would probably come over to be present at the opening of the Dietrlct«randLodge. (Applause.) " After Bro. Harris had answered several Questions, he and Bros. Petrie and Keith were accorded a very hearty vote of The usual compliment to the Chairman and a vote of thanks to the press cloaed to* proceedings.