THE WANT OF A MASONIC HALL IN AUCKLAND.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3573, 31 December 1868, Page 3

THE WANT OF A MASONIC HALL IN AUCKLAND.

An omission inadvertently occurred in our report of the Masonic banquet on a point of some importance to the Masonic body. Brother P.M. P. A. Philips, in proposing the the toast of the Lodge Ara, alluded to the great requirement of tha Masons, namely, a suitable and proper Maionic Hall, and considered it somewhat a reflection on tht craft in this province that nearly every small town in New Zealand could boast of its Masonic Hall, while in the largest or next largest town in the colon j the craft were compelled to meet in a very unsuitable and inconvenient building. Lodge Ara being the first Masonic lodge in New Zealand, he trusted it would be the first to initiate a movement towards obtaining this desideratum by offering to unite with the other lodges, they (the Lodge Ara) offering their land while other lodges found the means. He (Brother Philips) felt certain that, if the brethren would only unite and; lay aside all feelings of rivalship, by a subscription of £5 from every Mason, or of £10 fJr every -member of a lodge, to be eventually returned to them from the profits arising from letting a building so centrally situated, the matter would be accompluhed. He sincerely trusted these few words on the subject would not be considered out of place on the occasion of the meeting together of so large a number of the cratt, and that each brother would use his influence in the circle of bis own Lodge to bring this important matter to an issue. In discuesiog the subject they need not confine themielves to the question of only a ball. A Masonic Club would be a pleasant acquisition, more particularly to brethren resident in the country and out-districts, with a resident manager. In conclusion, Brother Philips called upon the brethren to warmly respond to the toast of " Prosperity to Lodge Ara" with the usual Masonic honours.