LOYAL ORANGE INSTITUTION

Otago Witness, Issue 3291, 11 April 1917, Page 21

LOYAL ORANGE INSTITUTION

GRAND LODGE IN SESSION. The annual sessions of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Loyal Orange Institution, opened in the Early Settlers' Hall on Saturday morning. R.W. Bro. J. W. Paton, G.M., presided, and was supported by R.W, the Rev. Bro. R. J. Liddell, D.G.M. (in the vice chair), Bro. E. N. Budden (Grand Secretary), Bro, J. M'Parlano (Grand Treasurer*), and Bro. F. G. Gumming (Grand Chaplain). On the roll being oallcd 123 delegates presented credentials representing lodges from all parts of New Zealand. Appeals for financial assistance from the Imperial Protestant Federation and the Lord Enniskellin Memorial Orphan Society, were generously responded to by votes from general funds, and in the latter case a ' tarpaulin muster" added an additional £l4. - Reports from the various committees were read, and interesting discussions ensued. The Grand Master made feeling reference to those members who had made the supreme sacrifice at the war, and extended sympathy to thQ relatives of the deceased. The Grand Secretary reported that the membership of the institution had been well maintained. The number of members who had gone on active service since the last annual meeting had considerably increased, and in many cases had depleted the ranks of tho primary lodges. Four new lodges had been opened during the year, and these gave promise of successful work in the future. The statement of accounts and balance sheet showed that the finances of the Grand Lodge were in a satisfactory condir tion. No warrants had been surrendered during the year, and all lodges were reported to be in good working order. The Exigencies Committee set up at the last sessions had done useful work, and the speaker suggested that this committee should be augmented and given larger discretionary powers in the future. Bro. Budden concluded by referring to the death of several prominent members during the year, and made special mention of the late Bro. W. H. M'Clelland, who was the first Grand Treasurer of that lodge. SERVICE AT KNOX CHURCH. At 5.30 p.m. on Sunday the members of Grand Lodge and many of those belonging to the other local Orange Lodges assembled at tho Early Settlers' Hall and, headed by the Dunedin Pipe Band, marched to Knox Church. The building was crowded to the doors, and the service was both striking and impressive». The Rev. Prof. Dickie conducted the devotional portion of the proceedings, and the lessons were read by the Rev. F. G. Gumming (Grand Chaplain to the lodge). The choir rendered tho anthem, " God is a Spirit." The Rev. R. E. Davies delivered an address on tho subject of "Romanism and Nationality." The service concluded with the united singing of the National Anthem. SECOND DAY.

The annual sessions of tho Grand Orange Lodge were continued on Monday morning, R.YV\ Bro. J. W. Patton, G.M., presiding.

Opportunity was taken during the morning to accord the delegates a civic reception. This oeremony was performed by Cr J. B. Shacklock, who was briefly introduced by Bro. F. G. Cummin g. During the day a large number of resolutions dealing in tho main with matters of public importance were discussed and passed. They read as follows: " The lodgo notes with great satisfaction that tho Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, realising the responsibility of his high position, has during his visit to Great Britain carefully refused to be drawn into the Home Rule controversy and has thus refrained from compromising the Government of the dominion on the question. We congratulate him on the position, and trust that he will continue to refuse to be drawn into the controversy."

'"ifho lodge makes a dignified and emphatic protest against Sir Joseph Ward, whilst representing this dominion, associating himself in any way with the Home Rule controversy, since any action on his part would bo construed as partisan." "The lodge expresses its appreciation of the action of the Mayor of Christchurch and those councillors who voted with him in their endeavour to prevent discussion in counoil on the Home Rule question. In our Judgment the subject, does not come within tho province of oivjo authorities." " Tho lodge having react the statesmanlike and straight-forward statement of the Hon. J. pfanan (Minister of Education), on the question of State aid to denominational schools, and the of war bursaries, assures the Minister of its profound agreement with the decision of tho Cabinet to maintain the free and undenominational character of education in Now Zealand. It also desires to express its sympathy with the Minister in tho ungracious and unwarrantable attacks made upon him by the Roman Catholic deputation of the dominion and their newspaper." " Tho lodgo respectfully offers its hearty congratulations to tho Right Hon. Lloyd Georgo upon his elevation to Prime Minister of Great Britain, and trusts that his occupancy of that great offico in this time of crisis and peril may be siarnalised by further and greater success thnn any he has yet achieved. Members havo followed tho career of tho R : ght Hon. Lloyd George with prido and • delight. His sympathies with tho people, his Protestnnt ideals, and _ his practical efforts for social good havo gained our ndmirat'on. whilst his courage in the presence of tho enemy and of difficulties has

inspired us, and wo trust that his tenure of office will assure to Protestant Ireland the protection which those loyal and steadfast men and women deserve."

"The lodge respectfully draws the attention of tho Acting Prime Minister to the intensely objectionable reference to shrines and crucifixes contained in letters of sympathy sent out by tho High Commissioner of New Zealand (Sir Thomas Mackenzie) to relatives of fallen soldiers. Such letters are an insult to tho faith of Protestants, and an acute hurt to the feelings of those whose sons have fallen in the struggle for Empire and to their faith. Wo request that Sir James AJlen will at once disavow tho attempt to identify the doctrine and practice of Romanism with the Government of New Zealand."

" The attention of the Acting Prime Minister is drawn to the fact that a custom is being established by the Roman Catholio authorities of celebrating Mass in the public places of the dominion—e.g., Auckland and Inveroargill. Tho Mass is deeply objectionable to all Protestants, is an unchristian superstition which has on it the blood of thousands of our Protestant forbears, and the continuance of this custom of public Mass is likely to lead to riot and bloodshed.. We thercforo ask that the Government will take such steps as will prevent what is little short of an outrage upon Protestant sentiment."

"The lodge has noted with pleasure the firm stand taken by the editor of the Baptist (tho Rev. J. J. North) in writing so fearlessly against the demands of tho Roman Catholic Federation, and offer him sincere thanks and congratulations on the attitude taken tip by him. "The lodge expresses its appreciation of the impartiality of tho Sun newspaper (Christchurch) in regard to Protestantism. We especially note that the columns of this paper were thrown open to a Protestant protest against the reception of the Papal delegate when the press of this country had almost unanimously denied such opportunity; and we urge on Protestants the importance of supporting such newspapers as are impartial in this respect." " The Grand Lodge, representing 20,000 citizens, emphatically protests against the presence at the Vatican of a representative of tho Court of St. James. This illegal appointment was made secretly, without reference to Parliament. It elicited tho strongest disapproval, even from experienced diplomatists. The history of England shows that nothing of benefit to tho Empire is to be hoped from such a mission, and we trust that the added \oice "of the Protestants of this distant but loyal dominion will arouse his Majesty's Government to a knowledge of the deep resentment felt against this mission, and will hasten a speedy withdrawal of the representative from a foreign unfriendly ecclesiastical centre." " That the attention of the Minister of Justice be called to the arrogant and intolerant action of tho members of tho St. Vincent de Paul Society in Wellington against the officers of the Salvation Army who minister to the prisoners at Port Halswell, and also to the fact tnat the prison authorities havo lent themselves to this intolerance. We would point out the disparity between the numbers of those ministered to by the Salvation Army andRoman Catholics respectively, and request the Minister- to take such steps as to remove tho injustice and inconvenience complained of, and to guard against any repetition of the same." ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS. The following office-bearers have so far been elected for the ensuing year: R.W.G.M., Bro. R. J. Lidclell (Timaru); G.D.M., Bro. J. A. Hay (Timaru); Grand Chaplain, Rev. J. Olphert (Te Awamutu); Grand Foreman of Committee, Bro. J. S. Dickson (Parnell); Grand Secretary, Bro. M. Leaman (Wellington); Grand Senior Deacon, Bro. T. J, Davidson (Hastings); Grand Junior Deacon, Bro. P. Melrose (Waihi); Grand Tyler, Bro. W. Lyons (Dunedin). Several other offices remain to be filled, and as soon as the list is completed the installation ceremony will take place. The delegates from other centres will leave for then* homes to-day. BANQUET. In the evening a highly successful banquet was held in the Art Gallery Hall, in honour of the visiting This function was arranged by a committee set up by the lodges of this district, and the whole of -Ehe arrangements reflected the greatest credit upon the organisers. Closo on 200 persons of both sexes sat down to tho six long tables, and everyone took the Grand Master at his word when ho gave the keynote to the proceedings by asking one and all to "eat, drink, and bo merry." A programmo of toasts, interspersed with musical and elocutionary items, followed, an enjoyable evening being spent. R.W.G.M. Bro. J. W. Patton presided, and was supported by Grand Lodge and local officera