MASONIC

Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7713, 19 November 1890, Page 5

MASONIC

OIBCULAB FBOM LORD ONSLOW. [press association telegram,] > WELLINGTON, November 18. A circular dated yesterday has been addressed by Lord Onslow, t.G.W,, to the Masters of. all Masonio Lodges, which.have not joined the New Zealand Constitution. He says that he has witnessed with paid and regret tne dissensions which the conflicts of opinion in the colony on the subject of the Grand Lodge has caused among Masons, and to the outside world these dissensions cannot but throw doubts on the sincerity of Masonic professions. It is even to be feared that circumstances might arise which. - would necessitate an appeal to the law courts to settle the matters in dispute among lodges as Co the property belonging to the craft. Under these circums£anc"es, as the only Past Grand Warden of England in New Zealand, he. .ventures to hope that some steps may be speedily taken to put an end to the existing state* of things. He then goes on to point out that the establishment and recognition by all other Grand lodges of such a body as the Grand Lodge of, New Zealand is nothing new xa "Australasia. These bodies work in perfect- harmony, with the Grand Lodge of England, and by their vigorous independence - adding to the > vitality ' and catholicity of Freemasonry tbroughr put the world. The Grand Lodge of . New Zealand, therefore, would be no innovation, and would reflect' nd stigma on the loyalty of Freemasons. The position of district Grand Masters is a, difficult one, and whatever action they may have taken on this question must be looked on as an exercise Of their plain duty to the Grand "Lodge, whose officers they»re. Although this matter most "not be discussed iii Opeu Lodge, membera di3cusg the'matter among themselves* with a view to ascer- : taining.each opinion. In conclusion, he invites an Expression ,o£ views on the matter, and he shall esteem it a privilege to be able to assist the cause of Masonry' in New Zealand, and if his feelings of regret are only shared by the brethren of all constitutions throughout the colbny'he will be prepared to suggest a plan which he was very hopetul would result in the restoration of proper Masonit: feeling between the several constitutioas. '

Bro. Henry Thomson, Grand Master of New Zealand, passed through Wellington, ,on his way to the Graud Lodge communication at Auckland to-day. He proceeds, via Pahiatua and Danevirke, where lodges under .the New Zealand constitution will be opened.