MASONIC GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10033, 26 April 1894, Page 2

MASONIC GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

(Feb United Pbkss Association)

Wellington, April 25,

The annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was held this afternoon in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott street, about 200 brethren being present. The annual balance sheet, aud also the quarterly statement of receipts and disbursements to Maroh 31 last, were adopted. The balance sheet for the year ending December 31 last showed that in almost every particular the accounts were in advance of the previous year, proving that the anticipations of the board in respect of the income of the Grand Lodge were not visionary. The statement of receipts for the year Bhowed an increase in the general fund. There had been a substantial increase in the widows and orphans' fund, as well as in the benevolent fund; whilst in the balance sheet the general fund showed a balance of assets of £736 3s Id, as against £518 7a lid last year ; in the fund of benevolence, a balance of £572 12s lid, as against £414 13s £M; and statement of deposits, a total of £746 17s Id, as against £4-76 8s 3d last year. The quarterly report of the Board of General Purposes Bhowed that the Grand Lodge has now 92 lodges under its jurisdiction. The board recommended that the R.W. Bro. E. T. Gillon should receive the rank of P.G.M., aud R.W. Bro. H. J. Williams the rank of P.D.G.M. in recognition of the former's unwearied exertions in the establishment of the Grand Lo("ge, and of the latter's untiring zeal and energy whilst in charge of the district of Wellington. Grand Lodges forwarded grand representative commissions as follows: — Grand Lodge of Athens, for V.W. Bro. George Robertson; Grand Lodge of Quebec, for W. Bro. William Charles Walker; Grand Lodge of Ohio, for W«. Bro. Miles Reginald Bree, of Gore. The report was adopted, as also was the report of the Board of Benevolence.

W.G.M. Bro. F. H. D. Bell was elected the W.G.M. The grand officergwere also elected. Correspondence was read from the Grand Masters of the Australasian Grand Lodges regretting their inability to be present, and from the New South Walee Lodge sendiDg R.W. Bro. Edwards, P.D.G.M., as their representative.

The installation ceremony of Bro. F. H. D. Bell as G.M. of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, which took place in the Opera House tonight, was of a most brilliant character. The retiring G.M., Bro. Nicdl, officiating. Delegates from all parts of tho colony were present, the Opera House being well filled. The banquet in the evening was overcrowded, large numbers being nnable to obtain seats. :