MASONIC GRAND LODGE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21648, 5 December 1935, Page 15

MASONIC GRAND LODGE

BUSINESS OF ANNUAL COMMUNICATION REINSTALLATION OP COLONEL J. J. ESSON Representative of most of the 308 lodges of the New Zealand Constitution of Freemasons, the annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was held yesterday in the Masonic Temple, .Gloucester street. Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G., V.D., who has been Grand Master for the last 12 months, presided. It had been hoped that the GovernorGeneral, Lord Gal way, who is a Past Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of England, would attend, but his Excellency was prevented by affairs in Wellington, He wrote to Grand Lodge, conveying his cordial greetings. Before the adoption of the reports of the boards, the Grand Master referred to the death of Earl Jellicoe, who was Grand Master of New Zealand in 1923 and 1924. Colonel Esson mentioned Lord Jellicoe's splendid reputation in his naval service, his service to the Empire and to the world, and his qualities as a man, a freemason, and an administrator. The Grand Lodge expressed its sympathy with Eari Jellicoe's widow and family. Colonel Esson was re-elected Grand Master. Officers Elected As the Grand Secretary's office will remaiii in Wellington for another 12 months, the chief executive officers are from that district. Thus Mr H. G. Teagls remains president of the Board of General Purposes, Mr C. N. Cathie is president of the Board of Benevolence, Mr R. W. McVilly is Grand Treasurer, and Mr A. T. Duncan Grand Registrar. A grand director of ceremonies was elected for each of the four largest districts—Mr J. S. Martin for Wellington, Mr W. T. Franks for Canterbury, Mr W. W. Wright for Auckland—which also has an assistant grand director in Mr F. G. Alpe—and Mr G. Waldie for Otago. To each of the other districts is allotted an assistant grand director —Waikato, Mr P. P. Bynon-Powell; Southland, Mr A. Noble; Ruapehu, Mr G. N. MacDiarmid; Hawke's Bay, Mr A. B. Davis; Nelson-Marlborough, Mr G. Mitchell; West Coast, Mr T. Ecclesfleld: Tara- i naki, Mr G. H. Hutton. The two Senior Grand Deacons elected are Messrs A. Burgess, of Wellington, and T. H. Ker, of Canterburv; and the Junior Grand Deacons are "Mr L. C. E. Hamann, Auckland, and Mr J. D. King, Otago. The offices of Grand Steward and memberships of the two administrative boards are well distributed over the territory. Masonic Orphanages Encouraging reports were made on the condition of the inmates of New Zealand's two masonic orphanages, the Kirkpatrick Masonic Institute, Nelson 122 girls) and the Masonic Home at Papakura. Auckland, endowed by Mr F. Seymour Potter (seven boys). It was stated that as soon as enough eligible boys are available, another cottage home will be built at Papakura. It was recommended, and agreeo, that next vear's Communication be held at Dunedin. The number of lodges was reported as having reaches 306. through the opening of -one at We lls ford. Auckland. A resolution was passed acknow*»d»ing the hospitality given to members visiting Christchurch for the Communication. The buiiress "easier! ended at noon, having *aKen only two hours. Installation Ceremony Colonel Esson was reinstalled as Grand Master in the Civic Theatre last evening, before a large gathering of free-masons. The Installing Grand Master was Mr Oliver Nicholson, of Auckland, Past Grand Master. Mr Alex. G. Graham, of Auckland, was invested and inducted as Deputy Grand Master, this ceremony being performed by Mr S. Clifton Bingham, P.G.M. The Provincial Grand Masters were announced by the Grand Master as follows: —Mr O. Nicholson, Auckland; Mr E. J. Guinness, Wellington: Mr S. F. Bridgmah, Otago; Mr G. J. Yuie. Southland; the Rev. R. D. B. Waugh Hawke's Bay; Mr F. S. Wood, West Coast; Mr C. A. Eckford. Nelson and Marlborough; Mr Jas. McAllister, Taranaki; Mr A. E, Christensen, Ruapehu; Mr C. L. MacDiarmid, Waikato. Mr Geo. Russell, P.G.M.. carried out the investments. Canterbury has a provincial head of its own election, ir. Mr C. Flavell, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canterbury. The Grand Wardens, who were invested and inducted by Mr E. W. G. H. Watts. P.G.M., are Mr Wm. McIndoe of Otago, as Senior Grand Warden, and Mr A. C. Nathan, 'of Blenheim. Junior Grand Warden. The elpcted Grand officers were invested bv Sir Stenhen Allen, P.Pro. G.M., and Messrs W. A. Stout. Geo. Barclay, and J. N, Du Feu, P.D.G.M.'s. An outstanding feature of the installation meeting was the excellence of the musical programme, provided by orchestra, choir, and organ.