MASONIC GRAND LODGE HOLDS COMMUNICATION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18012, 24 November 1926, Page 5

MASONIC GRAND LODGE HOLDS COMMUNICATION

SIR CHARLES FERGUSSON PRESIDES AS NEW GRANDMASTER

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 24. The Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand held its annual communication to-day. Sir Charles Fergusson presiding, as Grand Master, over a very large gathering. The financial statement showed accumulated funds as follows:—General The Board t»f

Fund £11,234; Widows and Orphans and Aged Masons Fund £73,748; Spec ial War Benevolent Fund £7263; Fund of Benevolence £4963; Circular Appeal Funds £927; Representation Fund £1761; total £100,107. i-Benevolence had made grants to the amount of £852 in the year. The An-

nuity Fund for widows and orphans and aged Masons was maintaining 148 annuities, totalling £6194 annually. In response to the Grand Master’s spec ial appeal £10,426 had been subscribed voluntarily to the Annuity Fund. Sir Charles Fergusson was re-elected Grand Master. The principal elective officers returned were: Grand chaplains: The Rev J. 11. Sykes (Wellington) and the Rev Hoard Parata (Southland). Grand treasurer: Mr A. A. George (W’ellington). Grand registrar: Mr R. H. WebL (Wellington). President of the Board of General Purposes: Mr 11. 11. Seaton (Wellington). President of the Board of Benevolence: Mr E. J. Guiness (Wellington). Gr'and Directors of Ceremonies: Mr J. C. Riddell (Wellington), Mr 11. M Thorpe (Auckland), Mr J. Hurley (Canterbury), Mr J. M. Rodger (Otago). Senior Grand Deacons: Mr F. J. Rowley (Auckland), Mr F Bradley (Otago). Junior Grand Deacons: Mr W. E. Carthew (Ruapehu), Mr F. E. Wilson (Taranaki). Warrants have been issued for the formation of three new lodges, two in Auckland and one in Wellington. The total membership of the lodges in the Dominion is 24,810, an increase of 923 in the year. The next annual communication will be held at Christchurch. The installation ceremonies take place this evening.