The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1890.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9093, 2 May 1890, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1890.

As a rule it is wise for outsiders not to comment on the internal arrangements and changes of Friendly Societies, even when these matters assume an unusually important, nay, almost revolutionary form. Especially does the wisdom of non-inter-ference seem applicable in the case of a body which, like tho Freemasons, sedulously seeks to avoid anything in the shape of notoriety and self-adver-tisement. The step in advance, however, just taken by the majority of UTew Zealand Freemasons has been far too remarkable and public in its nature for us to pass it over unnoticed. Taken in the light of day, and after a discussion and debate which have been by no means secret, the step itself has a national character, and may fairly claim to be recorded as an episode in the Colony’s career. The New Zealand Freemasons, after full and careful deliberation, have determined to endeavour to combine unity and independence. To bring this about they have established a national Grand Lodge which will henceforth represent this country among the Masonic bodies of the world. For many years past Masonry in New Zealand has suffered from divisions within and dependence without. Its Lodges have been mere outposts of the three different national Grand Lodges of the United Kingdom. In this . little Colony the Craft has been managed and controlled by no less than nine different Provincial and District Grand Lodges under three different constitutions, and owning allegiance to three different centres all at the other end of the earth. Inconceivably cumbrous and expensive as this nosystem appears, it did not represent all the evil. The Lodges claiming to be English, Scotch, or Irish did not always maintain their national character. It was often nothing more than a title and an excuse for jealousy and a not always amicable rivalry of other Lodges. Thus it came about that while young New Zealanders were discouraged from joining bodies identified with the divisions of the United Kingdom, the officers of these bodies in their eagerness to gain recruits often accepted members of by no means so desirable a stamp as the excluded Colonial youth. Moreover, a certain sum in hard cash, amountingto several hundred pounds per annum, had to be transmitted from New Zealand to tho parent Societies in the Mother Country. This, though not so important a disadvantage as others, was still undoubtedly disadvantageous to the progress and well-being of the Craft here.

For years many leading Masons observed and admitted these troubles, and recognised what their proper cure should be. Still it is hardly likely, perhaps, that the divided and decentralised Societies of this Colony would have ventured to congregate together and break away from the Mother Country had not other Colonies set them tho example. But seeing that New South Wales and South Australia had crossed the Eubicon, and were to be shortly followed by Victoria and even little Tasmania; seeing also that in Canada no less than five Grand Lodges have been constituted, with every circumstance of success, the New Zealand Freemasons were encouraged to cut the painter. They did not rush into revolution at all hurriedly or excitedly ; nor, indeed, could the idea of rebellion be logically entertained, as has been shown by the ruling of the Grand Lodge of England reported in the mail news just to hand. As Mr Gillon truly claimed in his admirable address of last Wednesday evening, everything was done decently and in order. The agitation, or rather orderly discussion, was begun quite fifteen months before tho final step. Four Masonic Unions were set up in order to collect and collate all information that could possibly be useful. Ample time and opportunity were given for everyone both to form and to express opinions. Wben objections were raised and opposition offered the utmost caution and patience wore manifested. Eepeated attempts were made to overcome the reluctance of important members of the Craft who,

like Lord Onslow, looked upon the proposed new departure with, conservative eyes. Once the matter was postponed altogether. Even at the last a decision was not taken until it was ascertained that the support o£ two-thirds of the Masons iu the Colony could be relied upon. Well might Mr Henry Thomson and his friends look back on Tuesday last upon their management of the long struggle with honest pride and gratification. Labouring in the cause of brotherhood, solidarity, and development, they had used such tactics only as became their high and honourable cause. Confronted with an opposition which, though not unnatural, was not always reasonable, they never forgot that within a fraternal Society even dispute and debate itself should bo ruled by friendship and brotherly love. Moreover, they recognised that it lay specially upon them, as the ardent advocates of New Zealand unity, neither to do nor say aught which should tend to leave bitterness or breach of feeling between any sections of the Craft in New Zealand. To their infinite credit be it to have accomplished so sweeping a change, to have managed the severance and the re-organisation with no more friction than that which was brought about by a few of their less welladvised opponents. Most appropriately, therefore, did the new-born national Grand Lodge start upon its career of independence by instituting a benevolent fund. It cannot well be doubted that what has given Masonry its high position in public esteem in the Old World has been its energy and munificent activity in the cause of charity and practical good works. Colonial Masons have a noble example sot them by their parent Associations. Perhaps this example has not been hitherto quite so well imitated in New Zealand as the more enthusiastic members might wish. The institution of the Grand Lodge opens the way for improvement; in this as in other matters. Union, discipline, and the self-respect begotten of independence will give, we doubt not, the strength and efficiency required to enable the New Zealand Grand Lodge to take worthy rank among the great Societies of which it now claims to be the youngest peer.