MASONIC GRAND LODGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 30 November 1945, Page 6

MASONIC GRAND LODGE

ELECTION OF DISTRICT OFFICERS Auckland, Nov. 28 The annual communication of the Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand, the 56th since the Order in the Dominion achieved self-government, was opened in the Masonic Temple this morning. There was a very large attendance, a great majority of the 308 lodges of the territory being represented either by sitting masters or their deputies. Owing to his impending departure, the Grand Master, Sir Cyril Newall, was unable to accept nomination for a further term of office and the unanimous choice of lodges for his successor is Mr Ethelbert C. Smith, of Gore, who as pro-grand master has been Sir Cyril’s right-hand man during the past year. The Grand Lodge formally confirmed Mr Smith’s election. Principle administrative officers of the craft are chosen from the district in which the Grand Lodge Office, under the system of two years’ location in each of the four main centres in turn, is situated for the time being. During 1945 the office has been in Dunedin and the chief executives whose term is now extended are- Mr J. C. H. Somerville, grand treasurer; Mr T. O’Shea, grand registrar; Mr C G. Hedge, president of the board of general purposes; Mr J. Lewes, president of the board of benevolence. The scheme of distribution of the other elective officers for the South Island was approved by the Grand Lodge Those elected for the NelsonMarlborough district were:—Mr H. O. Findlay, assistant grand director of ceremonies; Mr J. S. Hildyard, grand standard bearer; Mr J. Nicholas, grand steward; Mr P. J Mills, member of the board of general purposes; Mr A. W. Wanden. member of the board of benevolence. MASONIC INSTITUTIONS Satisfactory prgress was reported in operation of the Papakura Masonic Home for Boys and the Kirkpatrick Girls’ Institute in Nelson The committee of the boys’ institution said it had not considered the urgency for a new cottage home was sufficient to warrant erecting when urgent housing requirements for the general community should have priority for materials and labour, but extensions to the girls home were contemplated during 1946

It was decided that the 1946 communication be held in Christchurch.— P. A