DRUIDISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8756, 19 March 1890, Page 4

DRUIDISM.

The annual meeting of the above order was held in Melbourne on Tuesday, 4th March Inst. Upwards of 116 representatives 'were present from lodgea throughout tho colony. The only representative in attendance on behalf of New Zealand was Uro. W. K. Biehop, P.D.P., for the Pacific Lodge, No. 204, Wellington.

The three officers of the Grand Lodge-Bros. Breunn, J Boyd. and William Boyd—deputed to open tha district grand lodge at Uhriotchlircb, New Zealand, reported having successfully accomplished their mission, aud desired to place on record their thanks for the kindnees and attention of I he New Zealand brethren generally towards them during their tour through the colony. The report-of the board of directors showed that during the past year "2510 new membera have been initiated (exclusive of the' members of the three last ledges opened); 272 members have joined by clearance, and 987 memberß have made themselves financial; while during the same period '2761 membera have been returned unfinandal, 247 have left by clearance, 89 have died, 34 have resigned, and 10 have been expelled. There were 11.677 members financial on December 31,18J9, as agaiust 10,919 financial at tho end of 18S8. The grand lodge funds linyo increased from £19..352 Us 4d to £M,\S2 Cs lid, and tho total funds from £73.001 133 IOJd to £33,917 Cs Id. The grand lodge trustees have £15,808 invested for lodges, as against £12,324 last year. £773 8s M has been paid to lodges as interest on those investments. A glance at the above figured will shntvtbut while thi! order is making rapid progress financially, it Is not making a proportionate increase in numbers.' It is a matter for regret that so roanymembersallow themselves to become unfmancidl. In many instances this may be the effect of bad circumstances; but experience tolls us that it is very frequently caused by neglect In the first instance, and by subsequent indifference. 'j.'he most culpable offender is the defaulting member, but we know that in many instances his neglect might be checked by a little zeal on the part of the lodge officers." This matter was subsequently discussed and recommendations were made to urge upon and encourage members to pay their contributions fottnightly or monthly imtead of quarterly; to revert back to tha old cutom of paying secretaries part salary and coiilnvission.

The proposed new rule re district examiners was adopted in an amended form, tho whole expense of examination being made chargeable to the eranft lodge Incidental fund. . . ,

The notice of motion from tho Wellington Boja'i Arch Chapter, to confer the honours of a pact arch upon past secretaries after three yearn' service, was not proceeded with, owing to the absence of tho representative (Bro. Jones) in charge of the motion.

The following grand lodge officers were elected for the current year:—President, William Mala ; vicepresideut, A". S. Peacock; grand secretary, J. J. Brcnan; grand treasurer, Vf. T. Simpson; grand guardian, B. J. Bioomfield ; board of directors—J: H. B. Curtis, J. Boyd, W. K. Bishot), H. H. Bassett, W. :B. Tarver, J. A. Sharp, and J. Bfaok, in the order named: Judicial Appenl Committee—X. Mitchell. J. M'Kir.ery, W. K. Bishop, H. B. Bnssett, and W. Boyd; auditors—J. 11. B. Curtis, K. Mitchull, and It. J. .Ralph. After the officers had been installed and returned thanks, Bro. Bishop took occasion to acknowledge the honour conferred upon him, lie being the first New Zealand representative who hail gained Grand Lodge honours, and Stated his intention of competing for a higher office next year. The board of directors have ordered a fresh elec tion for the district presidentship of Ko. 19 (Duiiediu) District.