MASONIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6648, 12 September 1889, Page 4

MASONIC.

THE GRAND LODGE COJTVEHTIOIf. [Per Press Ahsociamoh.J WELLINGTON, S«pt. 11. The Masonic Convention of Lodge dele-^ gates in connection with the Grand Lodge movement assembled to-night in the Athenaeum. Delegates were present from all parts of the Colony, including a considerable number o! members of the Legislature. Bro E. T. Gillon presided. It was announced that ninety Lodges had now resolved in favour of a Grand Lodge. Of this number sixty-four were represented at the Convention by sixty-seven delegates, some Brethren representing several Lodges. The roll having been called, and the proceedings opened with prayer by the Eev Bro Paige, P.M., the Chairman delivered an address tracing the history of the movement, and outlining the steps necessary to be taken by the Convention. A form of declaration of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge was then snbmitted and folly discussed. It was then resolved to omit the word "United" in the title of the Grand Lodge, and the declaration was finally unanimously adopted m 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, and the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland respectively, and whereas a majority of the Lodges established hare determined that it is expedient in the best interests of Freemasonry, and for the better ordering of the Craft in this j 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 j working under the three separate and j 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 set out after : our signatures hereto, do by these presents declare and agree that the said Lodges , shall from and after the ninth day of November, 1889, constitute and form one Grand Lodge under the style of 'The | Grand Lodge of New Zealand/ and that l the Masters and Wardens of the said ' Lodges for the time being shall be deemed j and taken to be members of such Grand i Lodge; together with such Past Masters | and present and PastProvincial or District , Grand Lodge Officers as shall be members | of such Lodges, and also the signatories : hereto. Provided always that such members (ex-Wardens 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 j be held for the purpose of electing a Grand j Master, and making other provisions for j the good government of the craft, and the constitution and registration of the Grand Lodge. "Dated at Wellington, New Zealand, this 11th day of Sept., 1889, A.D., and 5889 A.L." This was ordered to be engrossed for signature. The ' consideration of the basis of Union was postponed until to-morrow, so that the proposed amendments might be printed for consideration. The Articles of Union as agreed on will be recommended to the Grand Lodge for ratification. The Convention adjourned to three o'clock tomorrow. The most absolute unanimity prevailed throughout the meeting, and all the proposals were carried without dissent.