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As we are all taught to care for the widow and fatherless, and to show our sincerity by our consideration for such, you may be sure that the Masonic craft will long remember our esteemed and departed brother, and often send up a prayer for his afflicted widow. On behalf of the Grand Lodge, I have again to express our condolence with you in your grief. With deep respect, allow me to remain, dear madam, Yours, te., . Mrs. Ballance. William Eonaldson, Grand Secretary.
Lodge Waikouaiti, No. 57, Waikouaiti, 2nd May, 1893. Resolved, " That Lodge Waikouaiti condole with Mrs. Ballance in her sad bereavement, and convey to her their extreme sorrow at the loss she has sustained by the death of her husband, the Hon. John Ballance." Andrew Affleck, Secretary.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The District President and the District Secretary, Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, to the Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G. .Sib,— Auckland, 29th April, 1893. We have the honour to inform you that, at a special meeting of the above district, the ■executive officers resolved, "That we deeply condole with Mrs. Ballance in her bereavement on the loss of her estimable consort, and, further, that we consider the death of the Premier, at this juncture, is a national calamity, and to none greater than to members of friendly societies." It was further resolved, " That Sir Patrick Buckley be requested to kindly convey to Mrs. Ballance the sentiments contained in the above resolution." Apologizing for the intrusion, and thanking you in anticipation, We beg, &c, William Beehan, District President. Hon. Sir Patrick Buckley, K.C.M.G. P. Kearney, District Secretary.
From the Ofpicees and Members of the United Canterbury District of the Ancient Order of Foresters to Mrs. Ballance. Dear Madam, — Christchurch, sth May, 1893. The executive officers representing the members of the above Order throughout North Canterbury have instructed me to convey to you their sincere sorrow and regret at the loss to the people and country caused through the death of your late husband—the Hon. J. Ballance. In him the members feel that they have lost a brother, because all his objects and aims were to improve and alleviate the distress of suffering humanity ; therefore, his motives being identical with the objects of our order, makes the loss more keenly felt by the brethren, especially as the honourable position of Premier of this colony, to which he had attained, gave him facilities for carrying out to a great extent in a practical manner his well-expressed wishes for the welfare of the people. The officers and members also desire to express their sympathy in your breavement and sad loss, and trust that the kind expressions of all classes of the people may somewhat tend to lessen your grief and affliction. I have, &c, Mrs. Ballance. •_,, Thomas Gapes.
The Provincial Chief Secretary, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Manchester Unity, Friendly Society, to Mrs. Ballance. Deae Madam,— Wellington, 6th May, 1893. The executive of the above society desire to express their deep sympathy and condolence with you in the trying hour of your bereavement. As Mr. Ballance was at all times ready to assist any society that aimed to relieve the sufferings of mankind, we feel that by his death we have lost a friend. Yours sincerely, . , .... Mrs. Ballance. J. Kershaw, Provincial Chief Secretary.
The Seceetaey, Court Roderick Dhu, No. 4926, to Mrs. Ballance. Deae Madam,— Wanganui, 12th May, 1893. At the usual fortnightly meeting of the above court, held on Wednesday, 10th May, I was instructed to convey to you a copy of a resolution then passed : " That the heartfelt sympathy of the members of the Court Roderick Dhu is hereby accorded to Mrs. Ballance in her great bereavement, consequent on the loss of her husband, our respected brother, the Hon. John Ballance." Trusting you are as well as the very great loss you have sustained will permit, I have, &c. Mrs. Ballance, Wanganui. Walter Beiggs, Secretary.
The Secretary, Loyal City of Norwich Lodge, No. 4356, to Mrs. Ballance. Dear Madam, — Lyttelton, 15th May, 1893. I am directed by the City of Norwich Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., to convey to you the sincere sympathy which we wish to express at the great loss sustained by you in the death of your late husband. We are desirous of expressing to you our high estimation of the personal character of the late Premier of New Zealand. In common with the rest of our-fellow-colonists, we regret that in the prime of manhood one should be removed who was so eminently suited for the high and exalted 2—H. 8.