GRAND LODGE OF N.Z. I.O.G.T.

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 180, 24 April 1924, Page 13

GRAND LODGE OF N.Z. I.O.G.T.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The sessions of Grand Lodge of Now Zealand, 1.0.G.T-, were opened yesterday by G.C.T. Bro. T. 11. Dalton, It was resolved that greetings of welcome be forwarded to the men of the visiting squadron. The action of the G.C-T. in authorising Bro. C. J. Thorn to represent the order at the Commonwealth Temperance Convention in London was approved, also his forwarding a New Zealand flag to Bro. Higbie, G.C.T.. New York. It was decided that an engrossed letter ot appreciation be prepared and presented to Sister M. A. Gunnell, P.G.S.J.W-, in recognition of the splendid service rendered to the order and juvenile work. At the afternoon session the clauses left over for consideration by the advisory board were referred to Grand Lodge, and. the following resolutions were canted: —

That this Grand Lodge of Good Templars expresses its deep conviction that the covenant entered into between the Maoris and the Government of New Zealand, as proclaimed in the year 1884. whereby it was agreed that no license should lie granted in the King Country, constitutes a Government pledge to the Maori race. We urge the Government to resist the attempts that are being made to secure the breaking of this p edge. We further call upon the Government to honour the sacred obligation to protect the Maori race from a devastating scourge. That this Grand Ledge protests against the proposal to place corporate control on the ballot-paper, thereby bringing the State into partnership in a traffic which is a great social evil; to further urge the Government to amend the ballot-paper by eliminating the State purchase and control, and control issue, anil give the .people a fair opportunity to vote upon the two issues, prohibition and continuance. That the Government amend the Electoral Act to provide for compulsory enrolling. These resolutions are to be forwarded to the Prime Minister and the leado-s of the Opposition parties in the House. The grand secretary's report was received, showing that the financial and numerical position had improved since last session. The following officers were elected: — G.C.T., Bro. T. H. Dalton (re-elected), Dunedin; G. Counsellor, Bro. W. A. Isles, Dunedin; grand vice-templar, Sister Mrs. Bett (re-elected), Wellington; grand superintendent of juvenile work, Bro. W. J. Trevethick (re-elected), Wellington : grand electoral superintendent. Sister Mrs. Hirst, Wellington; grand secretary, Bro. G. Petherick (re-elected), Wellington; grand treasurer, Bro. J. Hilton (re-elected), Dunedin; grand chaplain, Sister Mrs. Cooper, Christchurch; grand marshal, Bro. J. Warren, Wellington : grand organist, Sister Mrs. Roberts, Wellington. Bro. G. Petherick was recommended for the position of deputy international chief templar, and Sister Gunnell aS special deputy international chief templar. The recommendations are to be forwarded to International Supreme Lodge. The following were re-elected as trustee? for Grand Lodge:—Bros. T. H. Dalton, I). C. Cameron, W. A. Isles, Dunedin. After the election of officers the report of the grand superintendent of juvenile work was discussed. The grand secretary's and treasurer’s report were adopted. At the evening session the Grand Lodge Degree was conferred on eight numbers by the G-C.T. and officers. The officers for the new term were then installed with duo ceremony. All the officers returnon thanks for their election, and a rote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers. It was recommended that a life commission as G.S.J.W. bo issued to Sister M. A, Gunnell. COMMEMORATIVE JUBILEE DINNER. A commemorative dinner was held in Dustin’s Tea Rooms on Tuesday evening, His 'Worship the Mayor. Mr. R. A. Wright. M.P., presiding. The following toast-list was honoured: "H.M. the King”; "Grand Lodge and Senior Members," proposed by Bro. Hirst, D.V.T., responded to by Bro. T. IT. Dalton, Grand Chief Templar: “Kindred Societies,” proposed by Sister Mrs. Bett, G.V.T.. responded to bv Bro. Davies, T.0.R., Bro. Dawson. N.Z. Alliance. Mrs. Johnston Wright, W.C.T.U., Bro. Devereaux. Sons and Daughters of Temperance; "Visiting Drirgates.” proposed by Bro. G. Price, responded fo by Sister Mrs- Gunnell, Hope of Christchurch I,edge, and Bro. J. Hilton, Rescue Lodge, Dunedin; “Parliament," proposed by Bro. G. Petherick. G.F.. responded to bv Mr. R. A. Wright. M.P.:. "Juvenile Department,” p’roposed bv Sister Mrs. Gunnell, responded to by Bro. W- J. Trevethick. G.S.J.W.

During the evening musical items were contributed by Miss Mullegan and Airs. Price and Messrs. Newton nncl Jenkinson. The gathering clo>swl with the singing of the National Anthem.