FREEMASONRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9092, 1 May 1890, Page 5

FREEMASONRY.

SGEAND LODGE OP NEW ZEALAND. I INSTALLATION CEREMONY. Never has the Lichfield street Oddj fellows'’ Hull presented a scene so imposing i as that of last evening, when upwards of two hundred and fifty Freemasons assembled to take part in the installa tion of the first Grand Master of the New Zealand Lodge. The brethren who had been engaged in the somewhat arduous work of preparation had per* formed their task ad mirably. The appoint* meats of the hall for this special purpose were practically perfect, and the decorations, all in Masonic colours, had a splendid effect. The one slight drawback-—if, indeed, it may be regarded as disadvantageous under the circumstances—was that the available space was scarcely large enough for the attendance and the ceremonial. A choir of sixteen voices, with Bro E. Trist Searell as organist, occupied a platform to, the left of the dais, and the organ used was a beautifully toned instrument, which had bean kindly lent by Mr Norton-Taylor., Punctually at the appointed time—quarter-' past six—Grand Lodge was opened, and the Grand Master-elect was installed after tho manner which has been followed from' time immemorial. The installing officer; was E.W. Bro E, T. Gillon (Wellington), a Past District Grand Master, Scottish Con-; stitution, assisted by E.W. Bro Vincent Pyke, M.H.B. The Installing Master,; Bro E. T. Gillon, addressed the Grand Master and Grand Lodge as follows “ Most Woeshippul Sie, —

“ It is now my pleasant duty to tender you the hearty congratulations of the; Grand Lodge of New Zealand on your■ elevation to the distinguished position of : Grand Master. Hitherto, although you; have held high office in the Craft, you: have still been subordinate to others in; more elevated stations than your own. | Now you own allegiance to no superior, and rank as the peer and equal of the kings, princes and eminent brethren who,; like you, rule over supreme Masonicbodies. Your power is now practically' unlimited, and for the use you make of it you are responsible only to your own con-' science and to the Great Grand Masterabove. Tho usefulness and happiness of; the Craft under your sway will naturally most materially depend on. the zeal, assiduity, and Masonic knowledge with which you discharge your high functions, ; and the kindly courtesy with which you behave to your brethren in inferior

degrees. i “ Prom this Grand Lodge, and from the I brethren enrolled under its banners, you! | may depend on the heartiest and most' loyal support. Whatever trouble we hav©'; yet to encounter, we must meet it as Masons should do. Wo have much to congratulate: ourselves upon, and nothing to reproach 1 ourselves with. We have not acted hastily | or without due consideration. We have; been actuated by no unworthy motives in’ the action we have taken, and every step; has been carefully regulated by Masonic j precedent, and within the limits defined; and sanctioned by Masonic law. The idea i of Masonic independence and unity is no! now one to the Masons of this Colony. It I has been floating in their minds for many i years, for no thoughtful brother could fail 1 to note the evils inseparable from the con* i current jurisdiction of three Constitutions,! each administered from the other side' of the globe, and acting without even consultation with each other. Not! only has this division of Constitutions; given the outer world reason to Bcoffiati the claim of the Craft to universality, but! it has proved confusing to young brethren,' and has encouraged a rivalry exceeding' the bounds of fair and generous emulation,' the result being that, in the struggle for i existence, it is to be feared our portals | have been opened to men scarcely worthy l of the privilege, and who, under other I circumstances, would not have attained; the honour. When wo found that Masonic autonomy was established in South Aus- i trails, and New South Walesj and was on the eve of establishment in Victoria, and, when we noted the practical benefits which ' had resulted from the step in the two; first-named Colonies, it was but natural that; we should ask ourselves whether, as' New Zealand stood second in Masonic; strength in the Australasian Colo- • nies, the time had not come when wo too, should exercise our inherent right i and claim self-government. An affirms-; tive reply seemed to suggest itselfd simultaneously all over the Colony. Thefirst meeting to discuss the matter was held in Wellington just fifteen months ago. It was quickly followed by enthusiastic ’ meetings all over the Colony, and it seemed \ that there existed a consensus of opinion < that the division of the Craft into three; Constitutions was undesirable 5 that there - were too many subordinate local-governing 1 bodies; that if New Zealand remained' subject; to foreign Masonic government,; New Zealand Masons would bo at a die-' advantage iu comparison to those of the; Colonies possessing seif-government, and' would occupy au inferior position; that; until a supreme governing body was estab- ■ lished there was a danger of the intrusion I of other foreign Constitutions j and that 1 union would enable the Craft to more j worthily carry out those principles of' charity which should form its distinguish- i ing characteristic, but which it has hereto- ’ fore only been able to exercise spasmodically.: These were some of the ideas seething in 1 members’ minds when this Grand Lodge movement fairly begun, fifteen months ago, and the Masonic Union, with branches in all parts of the Colony, was formed. A' vast amount of information was collated, and published, and the subject was exhaustively discussed.. It soon became apparent that,.although in one place at; least local and constitutional jealousy waa ; asserting itself, a considerable majority of Lodges and members of the Craft were in favour of a Grand Lodge. The Convention, as you all kuow, was held in September, 1 and its proceedings were distinguished by' the most gratifying disinterestedness,/ harmony, and unanimity. Instead of finding provincial jealousy interposing at the ; outset of the proceedings, experience then 1 and subsequently justifies the hope that the intimate intercourse promoted by the Grand Lodge movement will make brethren in different parts of tho Colony so much 1 better acquainted with each other that jealousies in other matters than those Masonic will be modified and removed. Soon alter the Convention we found oor«‘ selves assured of the support of as nearly as possible two-thirds of the Lodges, actually working in the Colony. We then. : approached ihe Governor, with the dis-; appointing result that you are all ao»: quaiuted with. We did not feel, however,' justified in abandoning our task or relaxingour efforts, although some of those who had , put their hand to the plough now began to hesitate and look back. Their number, fortunately, has not been great, and, disappointed as we are at the withholding of! the support they had given us every reason to expect from them, far be it from me tosay here one harsh word against them. W® sorrow at their hesitancy, but wo are ■ convinced that their sympathies and' convictions are still with us, and wa. cherish a confident hope that they will - , soon welcome home again discarded faith* - redeem all their pledges, fulfil the solemn; obligations into which they voluntarily, entered, and press forward to fill their proper places in our ranks, to which wo shall always cordially welcome them. How ■ we postponed overt action in the hope of, securing greater unanimity, through the' intervention of the District Grand Mas-; ters, how we were disappointed in'the;, result, and our subsequent further nego-, tiations with His Excellency the Gover»l nor, resulting, as did those which pre-| ceded them, in disappointment, you are all; familiar with, and I need not further refsE'. to them here. The movement, however, ( had too much vitality to be dependent, upon one man, however high his position,'! and fortunately the brethren found ia>J you. Sir, an eminent Mason, in every way qualified to preside over them. " Let me now briefly turn to some of the. ad vantages which wo hope wfil-acoruetij!*

the Craft from our union in this Grand Lodge. By a prudent and economical administration we hope to reduce the cost of government, while providing even more efficient machinery for local control. Spending less in useless show and duplication, ofb-repeated, of expenses, and keeping the whole Masonic contributions in the Colony, we trust to he able to concentrate our efforts and resources, so as to do something practical, and worthy of the principles we profess. Earnest efforts in this direction are likely, also, if we may judge from what has taken place elsewhere, to stimulate the charity and benevolence of our wealthy brethren. Hitherto, all our communications with the Masonic world 'have been those of a business ■ character with, our Mother Grand Lodge of England, Ireland, or Scotland, as the;case might be. Now we shall be brought into direct communication, on equal terms, and into close communion, with the, chain of Grand Lodges which, commencing in New South Wales, extends through. Europe and the United States, where every State has its Grand Lodge, to Cnr siatei Dominion of Canada, where there are five recognised Grand Lodges. This direct communion with the supreme ' governing bodies of the world cannot fail to enlarge,our Masonic knowledge, extend our influence, and render the Craft in this Colony still more powerful for good._ It biis long been recognised that the nominal distinctions here of English, Scotch, or Irish ' Lodges afford no indication of the nationality of the members ranged under their banners. The names have no patriotic significance, and they operate the reverse of attractively on the growing youth of New Zealand. I think, if you will look over the list of membership of your Lodges,, you will find that they are chiefly recruited from persons born abroad, and that Masonry has not taken that hold on Young New Zealand which we should all like it to do. They «ro apt to regard it now as a foreign institution, and, as such, take little interest in it, for there is a strong sentiment of patriotism, or nationality, in the mind of :,Young New Zealand. Now that we bttve' given a national character to our Order in this Colony we may reasonably expect to find that those who own New Zealand' as the land of their birth and infant nurture will take an interest in New Zealand Masonry, and flock beneath its standards. If this hope is realised, wO. may reasonably expect that as' the noble principles of Masonry become diffused amongst the rising native-born population, they will. react outside our Lodges, and exercise an ennobling effect in moulding the future national character. Our present proceedings open to every New Zealand Mason the prospect of gratifying the laudable ambition held out in our *antient charges’ of ‘becoming at length the Grand Master of all the Lodges, according to his merit.’ “ I feel that I have somewhat unduly trespassed upon your attention, but it has devolved upon me, as a matter of duty, to give some reasons for the faith that is in ns, and to vindicate the propriety of the serious step we have taken. We are fully alive to the responsibilities of our position. It la in no spirit of rebellion or ingratitude that we sever the connection which has hitherto held ua dependent on our Mother Constitutions. Probably at no previous period , have our feelings of affectionate regard been stronger than at the present moment, when we are exercising our inherent right to walk alone, and are taking upon ourselves the full responsibilities of Masonic manhood. We can never forget the parent guardians of our infancy and nonage, or the glorious traditions of the noble institutions from which we have sprung. We are the inheritors of their glory, and it must ever be a sacred duty on our part to prove ourselves worthy of the stock from which we are descended, so that our progenitors may have reason to be proud of their offspring. “ With regard to those who, from sentimental or other causes, are not in sympathy •with our present proceedings, we have endeavoured to treat them in a fraternal manner, and to conciliate all opposition. I confident the Grand Lodge will continue to observe this policy of conciliation, and, while fully maintaining its own rights and privileges, will never exhibit an aggressive spirit. By force of precept and good example, we may reasonably hope to win many of our present opponents over, and I sincerely hope that it will be your happy lot. Most Worshipful Sir, as it has been that of Good Shepherds in the sister Colonies, to bring all, or nearly all, the sheep of the flock into the safe haven of the Home fold.

5* I need say no more. All that we have done has been done decently and in order, withasingle desire to promote the welfare of the Craft in New Zealand; and it must he our earnest endeavour, now that wo are fairly established, to so work as to afford the world practical evidence of the sincerity of the principles we profess, in order that we may inspire all worthy men with an earnest desire to become fellowlahourers with us in our great and good eoqse. I have once more to congratulate you on your election, and the Grand Lodge on its successful inauguration.” Tho usual proclamations having been made, the Grand Master announced the appointment of his principal officers, and these and other officers of Grand Ledge who were present were invested. In the case of unavoidable absentees, it was declared that they were held to have been duly invested. The Grand Master expressed his deep sense of the honour conferred and the consequent responsibility devolving upon him. Brethren had over-rated his ability, but not his interest; and the remembrance of. this occasion would he the strongest possible incentive to use his best efforts to unite, members of the Craft throughout New. Zealand under one governing body. Lest Any opinions he might utter should be.used to the disadvantage of the Craft, fie had committed to writing the opinions fiq- had deliberately formed. These were as! follow : ;

,** The formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is the greatest event which has taken place in the Masonic history of this Colony, and deserves to he celebrated jp; a manner befitting its importance. While fully recognising the almost insuperable barriers which our geographical formation offers to any very large assemblage of the Craft, I venture to affirm that no other Masonic event would have drawn such a representative meeting as I see . before'me;*and if the attendance here today is to be taken as an indication of the support which the new Constitution is to receive, then the promoters of the movement, and those who have rendered valuable aid to* the cause, have abundant Reason to be gratified with the success ■whioh has attended their efforts. Masonry, like any other organisation, is subject to the same universal law of progress, and requires to be kept, as it were, in touch the times, or it dwindles and ultimately falls into decay. Hitherto these requirements have been supplied in this Colony as they have arisen, and .with the result that the Craft has made great strides in material advancement and prosperity. First, we had tW private Lodges, then the Provincial Grand Lodges, and at a later date District Grand Lodges, with extended powers. But ais' the number of Lodges increased, and -rihe supreme authority under which we hbld our charters is so distant as to make ' communication difficult, and attended with great delay, the wants of the Craft demand that the governing authority should be more easily accessible. Hence the necessity which exists for the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. “ Some of you no doubt are aware that a great number of objections have been raised to our proceedings, displaying as almost total unacquaintance with Masonic history during the last few years, besides an entire ignorance of Masonic law and usage. The objections arc That the movement is inopportune. That we are rushing the matter with unseemly haste, that in leaving the parent Constitution we are guilty of disloyalty. That we shall liot be recognised, and that we shall conse- . qucntly create a schism in the Craft. “These objections are but bare statements, unsupported by a single argument. With respect to the first objection, that the .movement, is inopportune, what_are

the real facts ? Have not Canada, South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria all created Grand Lodges within the last few years ? And have not two of the four a less number of Lodges than New Zealand ? Tasmania, with only thirty Lodges against New Zealand’s one hundred and forty, has decided to follow the example of the other Australasian Colonies, and will have its own Grand Lodge on June 6 next, the installing officer being the Most Worshipful Grand Master of New South Wales, Ero Lord Carrington. In Queensland a similar movement has been in operation for several months, and there can be no doubt that the result will be the same as in the neighbouring Colonies. 1 think you will agree with mo that the foregoing is a sufficient answer to the objection of inopportuneness. “ With regard to the second objection, it is very difficult to understand what is meant by the phrase ‘unseemly haste.' The movement for the creation of the Grand Lodge was commenced in the beginning of last year. Masonic Unions were established in the four principal centres of population, with the object of collecting all available and reliable information on the subject, and disseminating it among the Lodges. The utmost publicity was given to all their proceedings, and the Lodges were invited to consider the subject, and forward their decision to the Unions in their respective districts. Many of the Lodges took six, and one, to my knowledge, took twelve months before it came to a vote. Some of the objectors think sis months’ additional delay would be ample; while one distinguished brother, who was in favour, and, as he says, advocated the formation of a Grand Lodge twenty years ago, with a consistency which augurs well for the prosperity and welfare of the Order over which he presides, suggests a delay of another twenty years. “ The charge of disloyalty is too absurd to need refutation. When the Grand Lodges were first established in New South Wales and Victoria, although not recognised by the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland, I never heard of one single act of disloyalty on the part of either; and the fact that Bro the Earl of Carnarvon, the Pro-Grand Master of England, when he visited Sydney some two or three years ago, advised the brethren holding under the English, Irish, and Scotch Constitutions, to unite with those of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales; a fact which sufficiently discloses the opinions of our noble Brother, that he, at any rate, did not consider the brethren of New South Wales disloyal. "The non-recognition and consequent scandal among the Craft is a much more serious matter, and may, if it takes place, be with great propriety laid to the charge of those who have stood aloof, but, like the dog in the manger, would neither help the movement themselves nor permit others to do so. Almost all Masons admit that we in New Zealand can manage for ourselves, and the question which suggests itself is. Why don’t we? I have no desire to emulate the conduct of some of those who have attributed to the promoters of this Grand Lodge most discreditable and un-Masonic motives; and, therefore, I am under the necessity of assuming that some part of our programme does not meet with their approval. But I humbly submit that the subject is of such vast importance to the welfare of the whole Craft that personal prejudices and differences in matters of detail affecting the form of Constitution, &c., ought to be subordinated to the much greater question, namely, the desirability and great need of a Grand Lodge for Now Zealand. It is now an undisputed fact that the right of forming Grand Lodges is inherent in the private Lodges—that not less than three can combine and legally form a Grand Lodge in territory not occupied by a Grand Lodge, and that the majority in a Lodge has the right to decide to which Constitution it shall belong, and is entitled to carry the warrant with it. The late ruling of the Grand Registrar of the Grand Lodge of England is so conclusive on this point as to be a matter of great embarrassment; to certain brethren who fondly hoped that at the critical juncture they had a trump card up their sleeves which would effectually crush the movement on the eve of its hour of triumph. It has been frequently asked what are the advantages which wo hope to gain by the formation of a Grand Lodge which we do not at present possess, and will hot the cost of its maintenance, which has to bo borne by the private Lodges, be greatly in excess ? The very tone of the question suggests that the oniy standard by which those who have opposed, or have not joined, the movement is a monetary one, and that all other considerations sink into insignificance in' comparison with this crucial question. Of course the question of the relative cost must remain a mete matter of opinion until the Grand Lodge has been in operation a sufficient length of time to enable us to speak with authority. Nevertheless, I think that every unprejudiced person will admit that we have strong grounds for believing that the management of the Craft in New Zealand by one Grand Lodge will be more economical than by nine District and Provincial Grand Lodges under three different Constitutions, deriving their powers from, and responsible to, three separate Grand Lodges. So long as the coat to the individual Lodges is not increased, we shall he able to retain the whole of the money now paid to the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, representing several hundred pounds per annum, every shilling of which may be fairly claimed as a gain to the Colony. In the centres of population we have Lodges holding under three different Constitutions, each having separate and distinct laws for the government of its subordinate Lodges. Some Constitutions confer' greater privileges on their daughter Lodges than others. Hence arise practices which are calculated to have a very injurious effect on the welfare of the Craft. Emulation is beneficial to individuals as well as to societies, and frequently operates to raise both into positions of great influence and usefulness, but when it degenerates into rivalry has the opposite effect. And who amongst ua who have had any experience in large towns, but could relate many instances in which the Craft suffered by admitting into our ranks persons who are anything but qualified for membership, and who have been rejected by other Lodges. So long as we are under three different constitutions we shall be unable to remedy this evil. But the defect in our present system, if I may so designate it, to which I attach the greatest importance, is the almost total neglect to make any systematic provision for the exercise of that virtue which is the distinguishing characteristic of a Mason. Just think of those splendid institutions, which are the pride and glory of the Craft at Home, being supported entirely by the voluntary contributions of the members, and ask yourselves how far wo in New Zealand have followed in a similar direction. It may be urged that the same necessity for such institutions does not exist here, and that the "distressed” as a class are unknown. Nevertheless, I think prudence, if no higher consideration, ought to suggest the commencement of a systematic attempt to lay the foundation of a scheme which will commend itself to the approval and generous support of the whole Craft. The Grand Master proceeded to express his’ thanks to Bro Gillon and those who had prominently associated themselves with him in furtherance of the Grand Lodge movement, and who, having been accused of seeking their own advancement, had steadfastly declined to accept any office whatever, subordinating all personal considerations to the good of the Craft. He stated that so many congratulatory messages had come in that the task of answering them severally would he practically impossible, and he took this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks. Of one, however, special mention must be made : Bro Peterkin, with his good wishes, had sent £5 as the nucleus of a fund of benevolence.

In recognition of the great services rendered by Bro Gillon, whose advice and assistance it was hoped to have always, the Grand Master conferred upon him past rank as Deputy Grand Master, and invested him with a collar and richlydesigned jewel. The latter bore an inscriptioajsetiiipg forth that«thejnun^nj;.

services” of tho brother had won the distinction. P.M. Bro Robertson, Wellington, was similarly invested with the rank or Past Grand Secretary. The following resolutions were unanimously passed by Grand Lodge _ (1) « That this Grand Lodge desires to place on record its appreciation of the many and valuable services rendered to the the cause by Bros E. T. Gillon and George Robertson, and to tender to those brethren especially, and to tho Chairmen, and members of the various branches of the Masonic Union, the thanks of Grand Lodge for their unwearied and zealous exertions, which this day are crowned with success.” (2) “ That the thanks of Grand Lodge are presented to Bro T. Ritchie, W.M., of St Augustine Lodge, and officers and brethren, for the use of their lodge-room and furniture.” . (3) “ That the thanks of Grand Lodge be and are hereby presented to Bro R. Trist Searell and the members qt the choir for their valuable services in connection with the installation ceremony. (4) “That this Grand Lodge, recognising the sacred duty devolving upon Freemasons to relieve the distressed, hereby resolves to mark its inaugural meeting by instituting a fund of benevolence.” Grand Lodge was then closed in due form. THE BANQUET. The ball of the Chamber of Commerce had been secured for the use of the subsequent banquet. The catering was entrusted to Bro C. Amyea, P.M., who had provided a right royal spread; and tho attendance was so great as to tax the capacity of the hall to its utmost. The Grand Master presided, his immediate supporters being the installing officers, the principal officers of Grand Lodge, and other prominent brethren. The Grand Master proposed the toast of “ The Queen and the Craft,” to which, on this special occasion, great significance was to be attached. The loyalty of the brethren, he was sure, would be demonstrated in the heartiest manner. The choir sang the National Anthem, and the toast was received with cheers. The Grand Master proposed. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, “in testimony of the fact that we were not disloyal in setting out on our own account.” “ God Bless - the Prince of' Wales,” by the choir, anal cheers. B.W. Bro E. T. Gillon proposed ‘‘the toast of the evening,” the health of the Moat Worshipful Grand Master, Bro H. Thomson. The speaker referred to an interview with Bro Chief Justice Way, of South Australia, who had pointed out that H.E.H. had become Patron of the Australian Lodges—a sufficient comment on any charge of disloyalty. Bro Gillon referred in graceful terms to the Masonic services which had been rendered by Bro Thomson, who was so thoroughly conversant with his duties, and so thoroughly enjoyed the respect of all the brethren of New Zealand from North to South. The speaker bore testimony to the fact that Bro Thomson bad not sought this high office—it had been thrust upon him. _ The toast was received with honours, and “ Prosper the Craft.” Bro H. Thomson, in replying with evident feeling, contrasted his experience of Freemasonry in New Zealand with what ho had seen of it in England. He regretted very much that His Excellency the Governor in declining the office had taken the advice of those outside New Zealand, when there were many here better qualified by reason of their knowledge to give sound advice. He urged that there should be a determined suppression of anything approaching Provincial jealousy, claiming that as he, having been chosen for office, resided in Christchurch, this must of necessity for the time be the seat of government. With regard to the question of recognition, it was well known that if His Excellency had accepted the office it would have been with the concurrence of the Grand Master of England. We had the right, and recognition would be claimed. America would give it, so, it was to bo anticipated, would our sister Colonies. Was it likely, then, that such recognition would be refused by the Grand Lodge of England ? Was it likely that they would even dare to withhold recognition of an inherent right ? The other toasts were Sister Grand Lodges,” proposed by E.W. Bro E. C. Bishop. “ Success to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand,” proposed by E.W. Bro Vincent Pyke, and responded to by Bro Gillon. “ The R.W. Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers,” proposed by E.W. Bro C. P. Hulbert, and responded to by the E.W. Deputy Grand Master. “ Our Visitors,” by P.M. Bro A. Kaye, and responded to by Bros Fisher (Wellington), Harkness (Nelson) and Goodinge (Victoria). The speeches throughout were excellent in tone, very much to the point, and full of well-controlled enthusiasm. In the course of the evening it was announced that ,£42 2a 6d had been subscribed to the Benevolent Fund. All concerned are to be congratulated on the thorough success of the gatherings;