Masonic Separation And Masonic Unity.

MASONIC SEPARATION AND MASONIC UNITY .

THE old adage that what is one man ' s loss is another ' s gain finds frequent confirmation in Freemasonry , and during the last few months this has been most forcibly illustrated in the action of the

brethren of New South Wales , who , for the purpose of erecting themselves into an independent Grand Lodge , have combined for a great Masonic separation ,

and have created a greater Masonic union . The work which came to so successful a termination on the 16 th August last—as reported in our issue of

the 13 th October—has been in progress for some time . The colony of New South Wales had for a lengthened period been somewhat under the ban of Freemasonry , in consequence of its having an

independent Grand Lodge , which was unrecognised by the Masons of our own and some other jurisdictions . All this has now ended in the most satisfactory of

manners , and in a way which promises much for the future prosperity of the Craft in this section of Australia . A United Grand Lodge has been formed in the colony , with Lord Carrington , the present

Governor , at its head , and recognition assured from the whole of the Masonic Grand Bodies of the world . Truly we may say that the Craftsmen of New South

Wales have been the gainers by this change , and on the other hand we may ask , —who has been the loser ? For answer we have to consider the jurisdictions

under which the Lodges , which are now united under a head of their own , had previously worked ; then we find that all three of the home Constitutions have contributed a share , and each , in consequence , suffers a diminution in the number of Lodges on its Eegister .

We are convinced , however , that neither of them regrets the secession—all recognise the gain that is likely to ensue from the loss which has fallen upon them . Ireland will feel the effect of this latest

Masonic union less than her neighbours , from the fact that the Lodges which had previously held allegiance to her have seceded for some time past , the members having associated themselves with the

former Grand Lodge of New South Wales , so that in this instance the severance is not a fresh one , but in the cases of Scotland and England the full brunt of the separation will be felt , the latter losing upwards of

eighty Lodges by the change , that is , supposing that all of those now working under the English Constitution will transfer their allegiance to the new power , and we have no reason to doubt that such will be the

case ; indeed , it would be strange if among so much unanimity as appears now to exist in New South Wales even a small amount of disagreement should assert itself .

We shall not here attempt to trace the gradual progress of Freemasonry in the colony to which we are referring , sufficient details were given in our issue of the 13 th October last to answer this purpose . It is only necessary to repeat that on the 16 th August the

Masonic Separation And Masonic Unity.

United Grand Lodge of New South Wales was regularly formed , the Governor of the Colony , Bro . Lord Carrington , Past Grand Warden of England , being

regularly elected as the first Grand Master . The installation of that nobleman in his high office was duly celebrated on the 18 th September , and from tlie accounts which have reached us we imagine the event was honoured as its imnortance deserved . The

installation took place in the Melbourne Exhibition building , under circumstances which made it the most imposing and most striking Masonic ceremony ever witnessed in Australia , the whole of the available

space—capable of accommodating upwards of 4000 persons—being occupied by brethren of the Mystic Tie , clothed in the insignia of their respective ranks . The Lodge was opened by Bro . Dr . H . J . Tarrant , formerly G . Master of New South Wales , with Bros . W . H . Simpson and H . E . Vanghan , two Past Deputy Grand Mastersas Senier and Junior Wardens resnectivelv .

, Lord Carrington was subsequently obligated , installed , and duly proclaimed , upon which the Installing Master ( Chief Justice Way ) addressed his lordship in an eloquent speech , the tenour of which will be found in our report on another page . The Grand Master of Victoria , Bro . David Munro , having added his congratulations on behalf of the Grand Lodge and brethren of Victoria , Lord Carrington briefly

replied . It was with great respect he offered his grateful thanks for the kind reception accorded him , and for the high honour he had received at the hands of his brethren of New South Wales . He trusted he might be able to maintain the ancient principles of Masonry , and merit the confidence and support of the whole of the Craft in the great colony

with which he had the high privilege of being connected . Bro . H . J . Tarrant was then installed as Pro Grand Master , the other Grand Officers were invested , Grand Lodge representatives appointed , and other formal business having been transacted , the new Grand Lodge was regularly closed . A banquet

followed , covers being laid for close on 1200 guest ? . Lord Carrington presided , and a most successful gathering resulted , some excellent speeches following in due course . Such is a brief outline of what has already taken

place m connection with one of the most important events of modern Freemasonry . We are sure that in wishing the new Grand Lodge every success we are but expressing the wish of every Mason in this countrv . who must also feel , with us . that while tlifivp ~ .. ,,

_ ^ , . g 1 _ „_ , _ , is cause for regret at the great Masonic separation which has taken place , it is more than compensated for by the rejoicings which should follow so forcible an illustration of Masonic Unity .

On Monday night , the 29 fch ult ., the annual banquet of the Tyrian Lodge , No . 1110 , was held afc the Gildredge Hotel , Eastbourne , when Bro . J . H . Wright was installed as Worshipful Master for the forthcoming year .