Fraternal Recognition.

FRATERNAL RECOGNITION .

WE are very pleased to learn that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand has decided , after a long debate in a regular Quarterly Communication , to approach the Grand Lodges of England , Scotland and Ireland for a removal of the

differences at present existing between the mother Grand Lodges and themselves ; and we hope the request from the Colony will -be received in a truly fraternal spirit , in which case there can be no doubt as to the result , for , as we have

previously argued , it is absurd to longer refuse recognition to a body as important as this Grand Lodge has become , besides which the spectacle of the home Grand Lodge sulking with its

children is anything but an edifying spectacle ; is , in fact , a glaring disgrace to the Masonic Order , in face of its professed principles of Brotherhood .

The brief report that has reached us as to the action of the New Zealand authorities merely records that the question of approaching the home Grand Lodges was the principal item of debate at the Quarterly Communication held at the

end of October , at Christchurch , the long debate that followed in regard to the question being of a most friendly and cordial character , and resulting in the carrying of the motion , with but three dissentient voices . This is virtual

unanimity , and goes far to prove that the Masons of the colonial Grand Lodge are anxious to do their part in healing the difference between themselves and the parents to whom they formerly owed allegiance . The question now arises , how

will the request be received in this country—shall we have a repetition of the "tweedledee , tweedle dum " policy that has marked some previous discussions of a somewhat similar nature , or shall we witness an outburst of Freemasonry pure

and simple on the part of the Mother Grand Lodge of the Order , that body which should set an example of Fraternal spirit to the world ? In other words , will our Grand Lodge decide the question as one of right or one of might ?

We maintain , and we rejoice to know there are many like us , that the Masons of New Zealand who have decided to appeal to the home authorities for fraternal recognition have a perfect right to receive it , while on the other hand

England—and , on the same basis , Scotland and Ireland also , —has the might to refuse it ; but we trust such an unmasonic course will not be even suggested , although we are afraid to hope that might will in this case be allowed to be quietly swallowed up by right .

We venture to think it is more than probable that when the matter comes on for consideration on this side it will be discussed purely on legal grounds , without the introduction of the spirit of Freemasonry or that fraternal regard for the

feelings of others which should , to our thinking , form the prime factor in the discussion ; but the future alone will decide this , and in deciding it will also give evidence to the world at large as to how much sincerity there is in the boasted

Fraternal Recognition.

benefits of Masonic fellowship . It may be urged * we are meeting troubles half way in thus expressing our views as to what is likely to happen , but we are informed on very good authority that many of those who take a leading part in

directing the affairs of Grand Ledge are bitterly opposed to any concession being made—they have the power to demand the full pound of ilesh , and nothing short of it will satisfy them . It therefore remains for those who look upon Freemasonry as

something more than mere profession , to bestir themselves , and guard against the chance of surprise , that factor which has wrecked many a desirable proposal brought forward for discussion in our Grand or Subordinate Lodges .

We may be wrong in the line of argument we use in connection with this recognition question , but it seems to us to be the common sense principle when we consider the professions of Freemasonry , which should really govern the

matter , and the proportions of the body asking for Fraternal recognition from their old rulers . It is satisfactory to know that the New Zealand Grand Lodge has already established

communication with thirty-five Grand Lodges , a number we hope to see increased ere long by the addition of England , Scotland and Ireland to the list .

Derbyshire.

DERBYSHIRE .

rinHE gathering which took place on Monday afternoon , the I 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Derby , will not readily be foigotten by those who were privileged to participate in it . Mark Masons came from all parts of the country to testify their interest in the inauguration of the Province of Derbyshire , and

their personal regard and goodwill to its first ruler . The handsome edifice was crowded , and among those present were many Brethren whose Masonic zeal and influence are widely known .

The circumstances leading up to the constitution of the Derbyshire Province are entitled to some notice . Locall y speaking , Mark Masonry is an institution of recent growth . Practically , it dates from the establishment of the Derby Lodge , some hlteen years ago . Tiue , tbe Duke of Connaught Lodge

had then been some time in existence , but it is to the remarkable success which attended the movement in the county town that the recognition of Deibyshiie as a prosperous home of the degree must be attributed . The consecration of the William Kelly

Lodge at Burtou-on-Treufc , the Dove Valley Lodge at Ashbourne , the Ilkeston Lodge , and the Sfc . Martin ' s Lodge at Alfreton led to a large increase of numerical strength ; indeed , Derbyshire speedily became the most important branch of the United Province to which it was attached .

In process of time suggestions were made as to the advisability of running Derbyshire as a separate Province , but the Brethren were reluctant to sever their allegience to so eminent and venerable a chief as Bro . Wm . Kelly , the oldest of Provincial Giand Mark Masters . It was not until after the decease of this

estimable gentleman that decisive steps were taken to split up the old Province of Leicestershire , Northamptonshire , Derbyshire , and Eutlancl . There was no hesitation on the part of the Most Worshipful Grand Master to extend to this county the distinction

of a separate Province , and when it subsequently transpired that his Boyal Highness had appointed as its first Provincial Grand Master a Mason so able , so experienced , and personally so popular as Bro . Abraham Wocdiwiss , it was felt that the cause