NEW ZEALAND GRAND MASONIC LODGE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8793, 1 May 1890, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND GRAND MASONIC LODGE.

INSTALLATION OP GRAND MASTER,

<?ua United Fkuss Association.)

CußiSTCiiuucjr, April 30,

'i'ha iustallatiou of Bro. Henry Thomson as Grand Master of the New Zealand Graud Lodge of Freemasons took place this evening.

Mr E. T. Gilloi), installing officer, in his address, said tho promoters of tbe Grand Lodge had much tocongratulate themselves upon, and nothing to reproach themselves with. They had been actuated by uo unworthy motives, and every step taken was carefully regulated by Masonic precedent and within Masonic law. The division of the constitutions had given the outer world reason to scoff at the claim of the craft to universality, proved confusing toyounger brethren, and encouraged rivalry, ezceeding the bounds of fair and generous emulation. Noting tho practical benefits of Masonic autonomy in South Australia and New South Wales, it was natural that New Zealand Masons would consider whether, as New Zealand stood second in Masonic strength .in Australasia, that time had not come when they should exercise their inherent right and claim self-government. It | soon became apparent that a majority of lodge* i and meiibsrs were in favour of a grand lodge. I Some of the Grot that put their hands to the plough now begau to look back, but their number fortunately hail not been great, and the promoters cherished the confident hopu that these would soon fulfil tho solemn obligations into which they voluntarily entered, and picss forward to fill their proper places in the ranks to which they would be cordially welcomed. He would now turn to some of the advantages he hoped to I accrue from the Grand Lodge. They hoped to reduce the cost of government, while providing more efficient machinery for local control, spending less in useless show and duplicating of expenses. They trust to be able to concentrate their efforts and resources, and to do something practical and worthy of the principles they professed. They woul Ibe brought into direct communication ou equal terms with the supremo Masonic governing bodies of the world. It had long been recognised that the nominal distinctions here of English, Scotch, or Irish lodges afforded no indication of the nationality of their members. The names had no patriotic significance, and operated the reverse of at- | tractively on the growing youth of New Zealand. Lodges were chiefly recruited from persons born abroad. Masonry had not taken that hold on young New Zealand which Masons would like it to do. Now that a national character was given to the order in the colony they might expect those born hero to flock beneath its standards, and the noble principles of Masonry might be expected to exercise an ennobling effect on the future national character. It was in no spirit of rebellion or ingratitude that they severed their connection with their mother constitutions, and they would endeavour to treat in a fraternal manner those who did not sympathise with them. .The Grand Master iii his address said that the want 3of the craft in New Zealand demanded that the governing authority should be more easily accessible, It had been objected that the

Grand Lodge was inopportune, but it had Dot been found so in South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria, which had created grand lodges in the last few years. Had not two of these" a less number of lodges than Ntw Zealand ? Tasmania with only 30 lodges, against New Zealand's 140, had decided to follow the example of the other colonies. In Queensland a similar movement had been in operation for several months. The promoters of the New Zealand Grand Lodge were accused of unseemly haste. It was difficult to understand what the phrase meant. The movement commenced last year, and everything h&d been done carefully and deliberately. The charge of disloyalty to tho parent constitutions was too absurd to need refutation. Non-recognition of the Grand Lodge and consequent scandal among the craft was a much more serious matter, and might if

it took place be with great propriety laid to the charge of thoßO who stood aloof, and who, like a dog in the manger, would neither help the

movement themselves nor permit others to do

so. Differences of opinion as to the form of constitution nnd matters in detail ought to be

subordinated to the greater question of the desirability of a grand lodge for New Zealand. It was undisputed that the right of forming a grand lodge was inherent in private lodges; that not less than three could legally combine and form a grand lodge in unoccupied territory; and that a majority of lodges had a right to which constitution it shall belong, and is entitled to the warrant with it. Toe late [ruling of the grand.registrar of the Grand Lodge of England was conclusive on this point. He held that management by one grand lodge would be more economical than niue district lodges holding under three constitutions. The differing practices of these constitutions gave rise to a state of things injurious to the welfare of the craft, and emulation degenerated into rivalry. The chief defect in the present system was the almost total ncglf ct to make some provision for the exercise of benevolence. At Home institutions were supported entirely by the voluntary contributions of members; and prudence, if no higher consideration, ought to suggest the com- | mencemcut of a systematic attempt to lay the I foundations of a scheme in New Zealand which ! would commend itself to the approval and cupI port of the whole craft.

Over 250 were present at the installation which took place at the Oddfellows' Hal!. The Ecene was most imposing, the hall having been perfectly arranged and beautifully decorated. The ceremony was performed by Bro. E. T. Gillon, assisted by Bro. Vincent Pyke. A large choir under R. Trist Searell rendered the music.

After the ceremony the degree of Past Deputy Grand Master was conferred on Bro. Gilion in recognition of his services, and of Past Grand Secretary on Bro. Robertson (Wellington). A banquet was held subsequently in tho hall of the Chamber of Commerce, which was crowd d. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed.