MASONIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6694, 6 November 1889, Page 4

MASONIC.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW" ZEALAND. In connection with the correspondence between the Central Exe.utivo Committee of the Now Zealaud Grand Lodge movement and His Excellency tho Governor, which has appeared in our columns, we are now enabled to publish the concluding letter: — Central Executive Committee, WeUington, Oct. 29, 1889. To Hia Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., &c. Your Excellency and Brother, — Wo acknowledge receipt of your letter of Oct. 16, in reply to our communication of Sept. 14. We note with pleasnre that your Excellency regards the movement towards the establishment of a Grand Lodge in this Colony with favour, although you counsel delay with the view of bringing about greater unanimity than at present exists. We also feel deeply grateful to your Excellency for the kind terms in whioh you speak of the manner in which the movement lias heretofore been conducted. We are most anxious to ensure practical unanimity, and our best hopo of securing ifc resfca in your Excellency's hands. We respectfully represent that a continuance of the present growing feeling of antagonism for another twelve months, would scarcely tend in the direction of promoting unanimity; but, at the same time, we are fully prepared to respond to any approach on what may be termed the "other side" so a3to avoid schism. We are anxious to avoid schism in any degree, although not prepared to abandon all that at great labour and cost wo have succeeded in doing, during the last eight months, towards promoting the object in view. We are glad to say, howover, that we believe the expression of your Excellency's views has had a beneficial effect on both I* sides in the present movement, and that there now exists some probability of greater unanimity being arrived at within a comparatively limited period. Under theso circumstances we have, with tho consent of the majority of the signatories to tho declaration of Sept. 11, resolved to suspend the operation of that declaration until after the meeting of District aud Provincial Grand Masters convened by the Very vVorahipful District Grand Masters Bros G. S. Graham and Sir H. A. Atkinson for January next. We trust that meeting will result in the establishment of practical unanimity in favour of the self-government of the Craft in this Colony, and we confidently rely upon your Excellency to render your best assistance towards promoting this end. .We subscribe ourselves with fraternal respect — Your Excellency's very faithful servants and brethren, E. T. Gillon, P.M. R. C. Hamebton, P.M. Heebekt J. WiiiL-Asis, P.M. H. J. K. Eliott, P.M. J. H. RICHAEDSON, M.M. Geokge Roberteon, P.M., Chairman and members of the . Central Executive Committee.