"NEW ZEALAND MASONIC GRAND LODGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1974, 19 September 1889, Page 3

"NEW ZEALAND MASONIC GRAND LODGE.

Wellington. September 11. I The Masonic Convention of lodge delegates in connection with the grand lodge movement assembled to-night in the Athensaum. Delegates were present from, all parts of the colony, including a considerable number of members of the Legislature. Bro. E. T. Gillon presided. It was announced that 90 lodges had now resolved in favour of a grand lodge. Of this number, 64 were represented at the convention by 67 delegates, some brethren representing several lodges. The roll having been called and the proceedings opened with prayer by the Rev. Bro. Paige, P.M , the chairman delivered an address, tracing the history of tbe movement and outlining the steps necessary to be taken by the convention. A form of the declaration' of the constitution of the grand lodge was then submit fced and fully discussed. It was then resolved to omit the word " united " in the title of the grand lodge, and the declaration was finally unanimously adopted in the following form : — Whereas Freemasonry was established in New Zealand in the year 1842, and has since been perpetuated and practised by numerous lodges established from time to time under the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland respectively; and whereas a majority of the lodges estab'isbed have dotermiued that it'is expedient in the best interests of Freemasonry and for the better ordering of the craft iv this colony that there should be full, perfect, and perpetual unity, with uniformity of obligation and discipline among the members thereof at present divided into and working under the three separate and distinct constitutions of England, Ireland, and Scotland, so that in all time to come they shall form and constitute one brotherhood, and be represented in one grand lodge : Now, therefore, we the delegates duly appointed in that behalf by the lodges spt out after our signatures hereto, do by these presents, declare, and agree that the said lodges shall from and aft p r the 9th day of November 1889 constitute and form one of tbe grand lodges under the style of the "Grand Lodge of New Zealand," and that the masters and wardens of the said lodges for the time being shall be deemed and taken to be members of such grand lodge, together with such past masters and present or past provincial or district grand lodge officers as ehall be members of "such lodges, and also the signatures hereto, provided always that such members (ex-wardena and masters of lodges ) are duly enrolled on the register of members of the grand lodge ; and it is further agreed that as soon after the said 9th day of November as may be possible a communication of the grand lodge shall be held for the purpose of eleoting a grand master and mr.liirg other provisions for the good government of the craft and the constitution and registration of the grand lodge. Dated at Wellington, Kew Zealand, this 11th day of September, 1889 A.D., and 5889 A.L. This was ordered to be engrossed for signature. The consideration of the basis of the union was postponed until next day, so that proposed amendments might be printed for consideration. The articles of union, as agreed on, will be recommended to the grand lodge for ratification. The most absolute unanimity prevailed throughout the meeting, and all the proposals were carried without dissent. .September 12. The whole of the afternoon's Bitting of the Masonic Convention was devoted to committee work. In discussing the articles of union satisfactory progress is being made. The greatest unanimity prevails, and it is expected the proceedings will be brought to a close this evening The Masonic Convention commenced its meeting to-night, when a basis of union was agreed to for submission to the Grand Lodge. In its main feature the basis is similar to that proposed by the Central Executive Committee, but a number of new articles have been added. Every Article was thoroughly discussed in committee, and practically every resolution arrived at was ucamncous, and from beginning to end of the convention not a single division was called for. The whole proceedings were most harmonious, and the greatest good feeling prevailed. Some discussion took place regarding District Grand Lodges, but it was decided to leave their establishment optional. At the conclusion of the meeting hearty votes of thanks were given to Bro. Robertson as secretary, and Bro. Gillon as chairman. The declaration of the formation of a Qrand Lodge, engrossed on vellum, was then formally signed by the assembled delegates, and thoso present enrolled themselves as members of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Bro. Hammerton was elected acting treasurer. The existing Masonio Union Committees were asked to continue to promote the object until the Grand Lodge meets. Universal satisfaction is expressed among delegates at the results of the convention.