FREEMASONS CONFER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17460, 3 May 1920, Page 6

FREEMASONS CONFER.

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, STRIKE AFFECTS ATTENDANCE. STATEMENT OF FINANCES. [BT TELEQBAPH.--OWN CORRESPONDENT.] INVERCARGILL, Saturday. The railway strike occurred very inopportunely for the freemasons of New Zealand. Their annual communication has been seriously hampered by Labour for the second time within three years! Singularly enough on both occasions it was to have been held in Invorcargill. In .1917 when Mr. Oliver Nicholson was to have been installed as grand master, a threatened strike interrupted communication between the two islands, with the result that the gathering was abandoned. This year the railway trouble has had the effect of keeping away from the gathering, which opened on Monday, most of the Auckland and other North Island representatives, Who would otherwise be present. Reports 0! the Masonic boards indicate substantial pi-ogress both numerically and financially. The increase in membership has been large, and the financial position of all 'the lodges is reported to be sound. The capital value of the funds of the grand lodge show an increase of £6228 for the year, .the largest annual growth with one exception to date. The total amount of the funds is now £64,894, divided as follows :—General fund, £6066; annuity fund, £37,798; special war benevolent fund, £14,177; fund of benevolence, £3379; circular appeal funds, £2655; representation, £851. The annuity fund shows an increase of £3958, of which £2348 came from voluntary contribution, and £1175 is the balance of the " cheero hut fund," raised dujing the war. At precent 59 aged masons and widows and orphans are having annuities, ranging from £28 to £52, according to the recipients' circumstances, and representing an aggregate of £1591 per annum. The Auckland d : strict head* the list of voluntary contributes with £484, Canterbury being next, with £407. Three new lodges have been constituted during the year at Little River, Christchurch, and Wellington. Others are forming at Ohura, near Taumarunni, Apiti, Taradale, and Eastbourne. Wellington. It is proposed that the Auckland district be subdivided, with a provincial grand master over each section. The next annual communication is to be held in Auckland. j