DRUIDISM IN NEW ZEALAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7225, 26 April 1884, Page 6

DRUIDISM IN NEW ZEALAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sik, —My attention has been drawn to a "Meeting of Druids" reported in your issue of April 18, wherein I am severely censured for my action at the recent meeting of the Grand Lodge held in Melbourne , re a proposed Grand Lodge for New Zealand. I should like, through your valuable columns, to point out to the Canterbury members of the Order that, while reiterating the opinion expressed by me at the ; Grand Lodge meeting, that two-thirds of the New Zealand brethren are adverse to : severing the present connection with the > Grand Lodge of Australia, I do not recog- ; nise their right to question my actions as a delegate, as I went over to Melbourne as the representative for the North Island Lodges only, all of whom, I am happy to state, are unanimous in their approval of the course I took on i that auspicious occasion. It is a great pity that Mr Taylor, who appears to have taken ; such a prominent part in fomenting dissension amongst the Canterbury Druids, did not express himself in the same candid manner at the Grand Lodge meeting, instead of remaining a silent representative on a question which seems to have troubled certain malcontents in the Christchurch camp. Perhaps, when the latter have gained more experience and understand better the principles of Druidism, they will think twice before incurring responsibilities calculated to break through the standing motto of our Order, "Unity, Peace and Concord." As my brother, who took the same independent view as myself on the Grand Lodge question will probably " speak a bit," it is unnecessary for me to take up the cudgels on his behalf, and I will, therefore, not encroach further on your valuable space, except to state that when the proper time arrives for a separate government of the U.A.O.D. in New Zealand, the North Island will form a District Grand Lodge of its own, so as in no way to be dictated to by a few ambitious and inexperienced members in the Southern part of the Colony. I shall be in Christchurch in a few days, and will then be happy to learn the " why and the wherefore" of the recent ebullition of temper on the part of certain prominent members o£ the Order. Apologising for so lengthy an epistle,—l am, &c, WALTER K. BISHOP, Grand Lodge Representative for the North Island, U.A.O.D. Wellington, April 22.

TO THE EDITOK. Sib, —In your issue of April 18, under heading " Meeting of Druids," I notice that Bro W. Bishop comes in for severe censure at the hands of the Canterbury brethren Jor his action at the late Grand Lodge Meeting held in Melbourne on March 4, re forming a District Grand Lodge for New Zealand. I would point out to those Brethren that they have no right to question Bro Bishop's action, that Brother having been appointed by the Excelsior and other Lodges in the North Island. The Excelsior Lodge gave Bro W. Bishop definite instructions to vote against separation from the Grand Lodge, and we maintain his action. Bro Skinner must have known the views of the North Island members, and as for Bro Nathan (whom I do not know), I can only express my "disgust" at the action taken by him in the matter. —I am, &c, WILLIAM HOWDEN, Secretary Excelsior Lodge, No. 97. Wellington, April 23.