The Grand Lodge for New Zealand.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 79, 4 April 1889, Page 3

The Grand Lodge for New Zealand.

Chbisxchdeoh, April 3. A meeting of Masons of all constitutions was; held last night when 140 were present to diBODBS the propriety of forming a Hew Zealand Grand Lodge. Bro. B. C. Bishop, District Grand Treasurer, E.G., presided. P.M.W. Malcolm (S.C.) moved " That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when for the best interest of freemasonary, for the better ordering of the orafc in this -Colony so that there may be full, perfect, and union and uniformity of obligation -&nd dieoipline, and for the removing of the avils and inconvenience consequent upon three tgzand lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction •therein, it is desirable that a Grand Lodge ■of the fraternity of Free and acoepted Masons o! New Zealand be established to hold supreme authority within the Colony. The motion was seconded by Bro. J, Farrell, P.M.I 0. After a lengthy discussion Bro. E. 3). Thomas, E.G. moved an amendment • That it is desirable before taking this step that all (graft lodges should be consulted and their views ascertained. Bro, Malcolm accepted tbia iaml embodied it in his resolution. SubsequentP.M.Bro'G.L. Scott fE.C) moved, "That. 4he preamble to the resolution bo stnick out, and that the r eolation be merely that the Lodges^ in Canterbury be ooneulted as to their view of the question of the formation of a Grand Lodge." He considered that fclio preamble committed them to opinions which ho contended wero not generally .held throughout the district. This was seconded toy" Bro Cutoming and lost. The resolution ■. •was adopted. Ayes, 57; Noee, 29. It wob than formally resolved that the brethren present; now undertake to use their beat to oerry oat their first resolution, and thereby form themselves into a Masonic .Asaociaiion for that- purpose, with power to .add to their number. It was also resolved that it la not in the power of a minority of tfih© Lodges to establish a Grand Lodge.