GRAND LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8144, 15 April 1887, Page 3

GRAND LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS.

Wednesday, April 13.

Before adjourning on Wednesday night a very important discussion took place on a motion to abolish the office of Chaplain throughout the Order, A large number of the representatives stated that they had been instructed by their districts to oppose the motion. Several motions on the business-sheet were considered. The representatives were not disposed to make many alterations in the rules of the Order.

The following report of the Committee on re-union was passed by a unanimous standing vote :—“ Your Committee on reunion beg to report that they consider it a a matter for thankfulness to Almighty God that the unfortunate disunion in our Order is on the eve of being healed, and they concur with the G.W.C.T. in his expression of pleasure at the prospect of reunion, and venture to express the hope that the re-union when consummated will be productive of great good to the cause of Good Templary and of Temperance work in our Colony. They also beg to express their pleasure at the presence with us at this session of a representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand of the World in the person of Bro W. Johnson, G.W.C. They beg to recommend—(l) That this Grand Lodge adopt the circular prepared by Bro Jago, Grand Worthy Councillor, and sent to Bro Fish, R.W.G.T., as mentioned in the report of G.W.S. (2) That this Grand Lodge heartily approves of the steps taken to bring about re-union, and reciprocate the feeling expressed by the Grand Lodge of the World at its last session. (3) That a meeting of this Grand Lodge be held in Wellington in January next to meet the Grand Lodge of the World and then and there consummate the union. (4) That the representatives to such meeting be Lodge representation, and that the representation fund be used so far as it will go toward defraying the travelling or mileage expenses of representatives.” Thursday, April 14. The meeting yesterday was opened by G.C.T. Harding at 10 a.m. All the items on the business sheet were disposed of. All representatives were requested to act as accredited agents of the Grand Lodge for the extension of the Order. The sum of £lO was voted for the purchase of tracts, to be distributed under the good of the Order. The Grand Chief Templar, Bro Harding, gave a donation of £5 to purchase prizes, to be awarded to members of the juvenile temples. The following officers were elected and installed for the ensuing jear:—Grand Chief Templar, Bro John Harding, reelected ; Grand Counsellor, Bro Robert Clephaue; Grand vice-Templar, Bro R. N. Adams; Grand Secretary, Bro D. C. Cameron; Grand Treasurer, Bro W. Carr; Grand Superintendent of Juvenile Temple, Bro Walton; Grand Chaplain, Bro W. Watson; Grand Marshal, Bro J. Stead; Past Grand Chief Templar, Bro J. A. Efford ; Grand Guard, Bro Vercoe ; Grand Sentinel, Bro Picard; Grand AssistantSecretary, Bro A. P. Benic ; Grand Deputy Marshal, Bro A. Cook; Grand Messenger,' Bro D. Keaneally. The installation of officers was conducted by Worthy Grand Templar J. A. D. Adams and Worthy Grand Counsellor (of the World) W. Johnson. The election of representatives to Worthy Grand Lodge of Australasia resulted in the return of Bros D. C. Cameron and J. T. Smith as regular .representatives, and Bros J. Harding and J. A. Efford as alternatives. A hearty vote of thanks’ was accorded to the installing officers, and the Lodge adjourned. At 7 p.m. yesterday the Grand Lodge degree was conferred on several candidates. It was resolved unanimously to recommend the • two Grand Lodges, when reunited, to form one Grand Lodge for the whole Colony. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Bro W. Johnson for his presence and counsel at this Grand Lodge session, and he was requested to convey the fraternal greetings of this Grand Lodge to his Executive Grand Lodge and members of his Order, Earnest and able addresses on the work of the Order were delivered by Bros J. A. D. Adams, R. N. Adams, W. Watson, J. A. Efford, E. Clephane, and others.

Votes of thanks to the several Committees and to Bro J. W. Jago, honorary editor of the Temperance Herald, were passed ; and the Grand Lodge session of 1887 was closed by the G.W.C.T. with the usual ceremonies.