L.O.G.T. GRAND LODGE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5269, 8 January 1879, Page 3

L.O. G.T. GRAND LODGE.

[Peb Press Association Special Wire.)

Napier, January 7th. At the opening of the fifth session of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, 1.0. G.T., the president, the Hon. W. Pox, G.W.C.T., said he had been asked last session to take office again and again, but, owing to living so far from any large centre of population, he had declined to take any office at all at first. He was, however, persuaded to take the office of G.W. Counsellor, principally by Bro. Edgar, then G.W.C.T., on the understanding that he would have really hardly anything to do except what could be done by letter. Much to his surprise, about six months ago he received a letter from the Rev. Mr Edgar, G.W.C.T., stating that, owing to differences of opinion as to aertain matters by the Grand Lodge > Executive, he had resigned his position, and it therefore devolved upon him (Mi Pox) to take -the office of G.W.C.T. Having received promises from the other members of the Executive to assist him in every possible way to perform his duties, and considering that, owing to a split in the Order, the Grand Lodge Executive needed every assistance possible, he determined to accept the position and do his duty. With reference to the rupture between the two Lodges, he considered the Lodge had come out of the affair very well. He had glanced over the Secretary's report and was glad to see that they were financially safe. He felt that there was a great future for the Good Templars of this Colony if they would only work in harmony together, and do their best to attain the object they were all trying for; and he trusted that the session would be a successful one, and that all would do their best for the common welfare. The officers present were—Bros. Speogh, Johnson, Ellis, Jenkins, Hall, Chaplain, P. Pirani, Lyall. The representatives from Auckland were Bros. Ellis, Speogb, Hemus, Robb, M'Gregor, and Phillips; from Chriatchurch— Bros. Hoskins and Jacques; from Wellington— Bros. Johnson, Hall, and F. Pirani; from Hawke's Bay—Bros. Hutchinghaggs, Anderson, and Sisters Consill and Troy ; from Taranaki—Bro. Troy. The Grand Lodge Degree was conferred on the candidates in waiting, and the usual Seasional Committee was appointed. The session was resumed this morning at 9 o'clock. The chief business was receiving reports relative to the working of the order throughout the Island, with highly instructive information as to rendering it more efficient than it has ever been. A most cordial message ot congratulation from the Grand Worthy Secretary of New South Wales(o. W. Baker) was received by telegram during the morning. This Lodge works under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the World.