Quarterly Communication Of Grand Lodge.

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE .

THE regular Quarterly Communication was held on Wednesday . The Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master presided , and was supported by Lord Skelmersdale Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Donoughmore G S . W ., Bro . F . Pattison as G . J . W ., Sir A . Woods G . D . C , Bros . Mclntyre Q . C , G . Eegistrar , S . Torakins G . Treasurer , and John Hervey G . Secretary , and between 700 and 800

brethren . After the minutes of the December Communication , and of the Especial Communication in January , had been read by the G . Secretary and confirmed , tho Pro Grand Master rose , and in a few words moved the adoption of the resolution recommended at the Especial Communication made in January , in remembrance of the Grand Master's safe return from India . Lord Skelmersdale having

seconded tho motion , it was agreed to unanimously . Tho Earl of Limerick then proposed , and Bro . Eaynham Stewart seconded , that a sub-Committee , consisting of the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and tho Grand Senior Warden be appointed , in order to confer with the Secretary of tho Eoyal National Life Boat Association , for tho arrangement of all matters of detail .

This was likewise agreed to unanimously , as also was a third resolution proposed by the Pro Grand Master , and seconded by Lieutenant-General Brownrigg , to tho effect " that a memorial tablet bo erected in Grand Lodge in commemoration of the event . " The Pro Grand Master then rose again , and announced that a portrait of His Eoyal Highness the Grand Master , in full Masonic

costume , painted by Bro . Louis Desanges , a member of the Lodge of Friendship , had been presented by that Lodge to , and now graced the walls of , Grand Lodge . His lordship therefore proposed that the picture be accepted , and a cordial vote of thanks bo presented to tho Lodge of Friendship , for its acceptable present . This was seconded by Lord Do Tabley , and unanimously adopted . Bro . E . F . Gould P . M .

Nos . 22 , 153 , 570 , 743 , then roso , ancl proposed the election of His Eoyal Highness tho Prince of Wales as Grand Master for the ensuing year . In doing so , Bro . Gould said , "M . W . G . M . iu the chair , Having had tho honour to nominate the Grand Master , it now becomes my privilege to follow up that nomination , by proposing in due form , and in accordance with ancient custom , the re-election

of His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales to tho high office which for two years he has filled with so much grace and dignity . As I am conscious that the brethren must be awaiting , with a very natnral impatience , the moment , when they can by acclamation , give expression to the feelings which are dominant in our hearts , I shall trespass upon their attention for a few seconds only ; but however

inadequate I may feel myself to the duty I am attempting to perform , I believe mysolf to be , though but a humble member of the rank and file , yet for the time being the spokesman , both of Grand Lodge and of the Craft , ancl I think it would be considered unbefitting , if the occasion were allowed to pass without there being manifested the most cordial recognition and most serious appreciation of the vast and

unprecedented strides whieh Masonry has rnnde within the past two years , during which it has been the happiness and the pride of the Craft to be under the genial sway of His Eoyal Highness . I may be permitted to assure our Eoyal Grand Master , that by graciously consenting to remain at our head , a further incentive will be supplied tons all , to maintain aud support the dignity and importance of

Freemasonry , so as iu all respects to merit a continuance of that illustrious patronage , which we one and all so heartily welcome and appreciate . " The motion having been seconded , was carried unanimously , and after formal proclamation by Sir Albert Woods of His Eoyal Highness ' s style and titles , the customary salute was given . Bro . S . Tomkins was then proposed for re-election as Grand Treasurer , and the motion

having been seconded and carried unanimously , Bro . Tomkins roso and briefly returned thanks . Tho grants by the Lodge of Benevolence , enumerated in onr last issue , were next confirmed . The Iteport of the Board of General Purposes was then brought up by its President , Bro . J . B . Monckton , ancl having been taken as read , was ordered to bo recorded on the n inutes . Bro . Harding ' s report as Auditor of

Grand Lodge acconnts having been adopted , the Grand . Begistrar , in a long ancl exhaustive speech , explained the nature of tho appeal made by Bro . Edmund Waller , the then Master of St . Peter ' s Lodge No . 442 , Peterborough , against the decision of Bro . Butler Wilkins D . P . G . M . of the Province of Northamptonshire aud Hunts , on certain issues submitted to him , and all the circumstances which subsequently

arose to disturb the harmony of tho Lodge . The Grand Begistrar having laid clown the law defining the power and privileges of a W . M ., aud especially the right ho possessed of inviting any brother to assist him in working the ceremonies , who might occupy any place iu the Lodge the W . M . thought fit to assign to him , either at the Master ' s pedestal or elsewhere ; ancl having carefully noted

all the bearings of the case , the Grand Begistrar expressed his belief that the decision of the D . P . G . M . should be upheld , aud moved accordingly . At the same time ho felt that the censure of the Deputy P . G . M . should not have been confined to Bro . Waller , but should have included others who deserved it as much . The motion of the Grand Begistrar was then submitted , in a few words , by the Pro Grand

Master and carried ncm . con . Bro . Monckton then explained tho circumstances which led to the next appeal , which was directed against the refusal of tho Board of General Purposes to cutertaiu a complaint by tho Eev . Bro . Hobson , of Lodge No . 1242 , Isle of Man , against Bro . Johu Brown , in a matter not relating to the Craft ; and having justified the action of the Board , Bro . James Mason moved , and Bro . Eavnham Stewart

seconded a motion to the effect that tho appeal be dismissed . This having lippn put and carried unanimousl y , Bro . Eev . H . J . Hatch rose am ¦ . red the resolution of which he had given notice , but as he was ui . : ' -.. ; cessful iu finding a seconder , the motion fell through . Bro . Mallam having withdrawn his proposition , Grand Lodge was closed with the customary formalities . Among the brethren present , in addition to those we have named ,

Quarterly Communication Of Grand Lodge.

were Bro . W . W . Beach M . P ., S . Ransom , Eev . C . J . Martyn , Dr . J . Hoj ; g , T . Cubitt , W . J . Hughan , Captain Homfray , and the Revs . R . J . Simpson and Sir Jno . Warren Hayes Bart . The Grand Master of Nova Scotia , Colonel Lawrie , was also present , and at the special invitation of the Pro Grand Master , was greeted with the customary salute of 9 .

New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND

THE news from this promising colony , by the mail which arrived this week , is of importance , as it brings us the news of the death or our Brother Sir Donald Maclean , District Grand Master for the North Island of New Zealand . Ib seems but the other day since wo chronicled his appointment to thafc office , and now we hear of his unexpected demise , at the early age of fifty-seven . It was about

thirty . six years ago thafc onr lamented brother arrived in New Zealand , a poor lad scarcel y able to read and write , and he com . nienced his career as a shingle splitter in the island of Wailieke , near Auckland , living amongst the Maoris . During hia residence amongst the natives , he laid up that ' store of knowledge which fitted him for

the important position he so lately occupied . In 1847 ho obtained the appointment of Inspector of Police , owing to his knowledge of the native language and habits , aud in 1849 he was appointed Land Purchase Commissioner . From that period he had constant em . ploymeut in the Native Office , his extensive knowledge of Maori

lore well qualifying him for positions of trust ; and in 1869 he became Native Minister in the Fox Government . From that date to the loth December last , he administered tho native affairs of tho colony , with what success or otherwise it is nofc our province to enquire : there are differences of opinion on the subject . Our brother

had numerous friends amongst both races , and there was widespread grief in the colony at his loss . Many years ago he suffered from rheumatic fever , which left tho seeds of heart disease , the com . plaint which at last carried off its victim . It was in 1872 thafc he was made a Companion of the Order of St . Michael and St .

George , and in 1874 he was knighted for his services in the colony . He leaves an only son to inherit his accumulated fortune of some £ 20 , 000 a year . Our brother was perhaps a remarkable , though by no means exceptional , instance of what may be achieved in the colonies b y a man of neither family , interest nor

means , ihe f mneral was Masonio , and was conducted by the Soindo and Victoria Lodges , under the Irish and English | Consfcitutions re . spectively . Having met at the Masonic Hall , a funeral Lodge was opened , and the brethren moved in procession to the residence of the deceased , Bro . Alexander Kennedy W . M . acting as D . C . Douglas McLean , sou of Sir Donald , was chief mourner , and a number of

Maoris took part in the procession . Probably 3 , 000 persons were present at the funeral . The Masonic service was road by the Rev . Daicy Irwin , Chaplain of the Victoria Lodge , a lambskin apron and sprig of acacia were thrown into the grave , and the Masonic honours were given , after which a hymn was sung , and the brethren returned in procession to the Masonic Hall , where the Lodge was closed .

The movement in favour of the North Island being formed into two Districts is gaining strength rapidly , and the death of the District Grand Master will remove any semblance of a difficulty which might have appeared in the way of such a step . We have not heard of any Brother having been spoken of in Wellington as tho probable successor to Sir Donald at the time of the mail leaving .

News also reaches us from Auckland of the decease of Bro . Thos . Jeukins P . M ., who was a Prov . Grand Officer of Berks and Bucks , and who had attained the age of 70 years . Bro . Jenkins was a prominent Mason in Auckland , and took an active part in all movements for the advancement of the welfare of the Craft . He had been resident ten years in the colony , and was an architect by profession .

At his interment the funeral service was read by the Eev . Dr . Bruce , Chaplain of St . Andrew ' s Lodge S . O . Bro . Jenkins officiated as D . C . at the consecration of the Corinthian Lodge , recorded by us a short time since , and ou thafc occasion said to the assembled brethren thafc he did not expect to be able to take part in another celebration in consequence of his failing health . He was much respected by the brethren of the district .

On the 5 th January , Bro . M . S . Leers P . M ., who is always active m matters Masonic , and is in every sense a bright Mason , acted as installing officer at the anniversary of the Coroinandel Lodge 4561 . C . The following officers were installed : —G . VV . Basley W . M ., T . Warner S . W ., E . Wilson J . W ., C . Eraser Treas ., H . Picket Sec , A . King S . D .,

A . Kelso J . D ., H . Macdonald I . G ., C . Coglan Tyler . The brethren afterwards sat down to a recherche" banquet , provided by Host ; Boyd , of the Coromandel Hotel . After the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were drunk and responded to , the splendid Glee Club of Tokatea entertained the brethren with some beautiful musical selections , and the festivities closed after a most enjoyable reunion .

On St . John ' s Day Captain A . C . Turner was duly installed W . M . of the Tauranga Masonic Lodge for the ensuing year . The Freemasons of Onehunga have resolved to erect a Masonic Hall in the township . A meeting was held on the 4 th January , at which it - . as resolved to form a company for the purpose . The pro .

posed building is to be 70 feet long by 34 feet wide . A movement is on foot to petition for a warrant for a new Lodge at Newmarket , near Auckland , to be called the Remuera Lodge , Bro . Wm . Lodder P . M ., to be tho first Master . The petition has been recommended by the Prince of Wales Lodge 1338 .

Southern Star Lodge , No . 735 , Nelson . — The annual installation of officers took place on 27 th December last . Tho Lodge was opened at 3 . 30 , when the following members were duly installed ancl invested : —Bros . L . Boor W . M ,, W . Holmes S . W ., W . M . Stanton J . W ., W . B . Sealey Treas ., H . M . Moor Sec , J . Cann