MASONIC.-LODGE ARA, N.Z.C.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8272, 3 June 1890, Page 5

MASONIC.- LODGE ARA, N.Z.C.

The opening of the Lodge Ara under the newly-formed constitution of New Zealand, to which the Lodge has given its adhesion, was held last evening at the Freemasons' Hall, Princes street. Brother SD. Hanna, W.M., presided, and on the dais were Brother A. S. Russell, D.G.M., Brother M. Niccol, 0. Superintendent, Brother A. Kidd, pursuivant. There were also on the dais Brothers Powley, Parkinson, Franklin, Dr. Walker, Ac. Lodge St. Andrew was received as a lodge with Brother Page, R.W.M., and Lodge United Service was received as a lodge with Brother Craig, W.M., presiding. The visiting lodges were received with the customary honours. When the minutes were read, Brother P. M. Mitchell raised a protest against their confirmation, but it was not entertained, and the minutes were passed. At the request of the W.M., Brother Kidd gave an interesting account of the visits he had paid to several lodges in the South, and expressed his gratification with the enthusiasm of the meetings he had attended. Brother Cooper, assistant G.S., addressed the brethren in a very able manner as to the number of lodges which had joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and the advantages to be derived from it. The following resolutionsweresubmitted : — "That this lodge now working under dispensation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand do memorialize the Grand Lodge of Ireland, fraternally and respectfully requesting permission to retain the warrant granted by that body as a pleasant memento of the past 47 years under which the lodge has been ruled by it." The resolution was carried unanimously. Brother Kidd'then moved " That this lodge having severed its connection with the Irish Constitution dosire to render to Brother G. P. Pierce, R.W., I'.G.M., its hearty thanks, and best fraternal friendship for the able manner in which he had controlled the Grand Lodge for the past 16 years, and that copy of this resolution be transmitted to him through the W.G.M., Brother H. Thompson." The resolution was carried. The W.M. read the hearty congratulations of the visiting brethren, aud the lodge was closed in the usual manner.