MASONIC: A CONTRADICTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13386, 12 September 1905, Page 8

MASONIC: A CONTRADICTION.

TO TKE KDITOIt, Sin,—Under the above caption Mr James uoro writes to you, at the same time, somewhat inconsistently, citing "an unwritten law amongst tho Masonio fraternity that they shall not discuss their affairs 'beforo rt K e JJ cl ' a ' Public." Mr Gore signs himself Grand Master, New Zealand South," -Masonically speaking, thero is only ono • Kr M nd /;; as, fC in New Zealand, and ho is Mr Alfred 11. Burton, who is "Grand Master of the Freemasons of Now Zealand," with 143 lodges acknowledging > his sway. „l™? San5 an at ,)<!st o,l| y claim to bo 11 o J l " ,-, llastcr of Now Zealand bouth, Scottish Constitution," and'in that capacity to rulo over six or seven lodges. Aow, as to tho " contradiction." Tho facts aro exactly as stated by tlio Grand Master. Ho.rccoivcd into the Grand Lodge fold, on Thursday last, tlio Lodgo Otaso Kilwinning, formerly No. 417, S.C., in the P.rcsonco of a great gathering, Tho function was a most impressive one, and tho ovent has been hailed with delight by all those who value tlio true interests of our great fraternity. Alluding to rumours that—despite tho rcsolvo of an overwhelming majority (including every officer), and all the active brethren to whose exertions alone tho lodgo owes, first, its continuctl oxistenco and, next, its present groat, prosperity)—an attempt was to bo made by a trivial minority to continue under tho old stylo, the Grand Master took occasion (o say that ho fervently trusted that brethren of eminence and ability would intorposo and ovorrulo any unconsidered actions of the less wise. From Mr Gore's announcement it would appear that that appeal has unfortunately fallen upon, deaf cars, and that a eourso is to be deliberately pursued which caniiot fail to bo injurious to tho cause of Freemasonry amongst us, and which is diroctly opposed to another axiom of the craft— namely, "ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly parsed by a majority of tlio brethren.' I —l am. eic., Mai,com Nicicol, Grand Secretary. Office of t.ho Grand Lodgo, Lower High street, Duncdin, September 11.