ORANGE LODGE

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 155, 28 March 1932, Page 2

ORANGE LODGE

Annual Sessions Open OVER 350 PRESENT Year’s Work Reviewed Over 350 members are attending the twenty-fifth annual'sessions of the Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand; which opened at Mokoia Masonic. Hall on Saturday. This is the largest number to attend the sessions in recent years, and only two lodges in the Dominion are unrepresented. The grand master, Mr. G. M. Galbraith, Auckland, presided, and supporting him on the dais were 12 past grand masters. The Grand Lodge received a civic welcome extended on behalf of the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, by Councillor F. Meadowcroft. Mr. Meadowcroft said it was a privilege to extend a welcome on behalf of the capital city to the members of an institution that was doing so much to advance the Kingdom of God, the welfare of the Empire, and the good of the country. He had studied the objects of the order, and commended its high ideals. He also had observed its work and was sure it was endeavouring to pro-

mote righteousness, peace, and justice. t Mr. E. A. Benfell, grand chaplain, conveyed the thanks of the Grand Lodge for the greetings and the welcome extended. Fraternal greetings were received from the Grand Orange Lodge of Manitoba, Canadg. / t Aggressive Activities. During, the. morning the grand master delivered his annual address, in which he gave a comprehensive survey of the work of the institution. The financial depression, he said, had been felt by the membership, but through- ' out the length and breadth of the Dominion the activities of the organisation were being aggressively' carried on. He advocated the extension of their sympathy and support of the more unfortunate of the brethren by supplementing the orphans’ fund, which had now grown to a very satisfactory, amount, by a benevolent fund. The report of the grand secretary, Mr. J. W. Patton, J.P., showed five new lodges to have been instituted during the year, and notwithstanding the critical financial situation and unemployment the membership had beeen well maintained. The statement ami balance-sheet presented by Mr. T/T’agan, grand treasurer, showed the finances of the Grand Lodge to be in a very healthy condition. Five hundred pounds was contributed for the relief of members and their families in the-Hawke's Bay earthquake area, as well as substantial contributions by the different lodges to the public subscriptions. The capital account was increased during the year, leaving a balance in hand of £6141. Next Sessions in Christchurch. The Grand Lodge accepted-an invitation from Christchurch to hold their 1933 sessions in that city. The first annual report of the parliamentary committee was submitted and accepted with great satisfaction. Its activities during the year were concerned with legislative matters as well as with general policies, and the members of the committee were highly commended for the success which had attended their efforts. The membership of the institution was instructed to co-operate in every way possible with the committee in its work. The sessions will be continued to-day.