Proposed Grand Lodge Of New Zealand.

PROPOSED GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND .

We have received , says the New Zealand Herald , in oarnp hlet form , a copy of " Masonic Autonomy , " or arguments in favour of a New Zealand Constitution of

Freemasonry . The author is Bro . Thomas William Kitt , P . M . J CJO ( E . C ) . Bro . Kitt says : "There are now 150 lodges in New Zealand , of vvhich 86 are under the E . C , 15 under the I . C , and 49 under the S . C . ; and the recent appointment to the Governorship of this colony of a popular nobleman , holding high Masonic rank in lhe Grand Lodgeof England , and who > s believed to possess all the necessary

qualifications for the office of Grand Master , has led to an effort being made to establish a United Grand Lodge of New Zealand . As the ultimate decision rests with the Craft lodges ( who alone have any vote in the matter ) , and the nuestion is one of the utmost importance to the welfare of Kreemasonry in this colony , it is consequently incumbent

upon every brother lo make himself thoroughly conversant with the principal features and advantages vvhich a United Grand Lodge of New Zealand most surely indicates . " The principal arguments used in favour of the proposal are that funds , vvhich are at present sent home every year , would be kept in the colony , and rendered available for the

support of local Masonic Benevolent Institutions ; that , throug h their representatives at Grand Lodge , the brethren vvould at all times have a voice in the disposal of the funds contributed by them ; that they vvould be entitled to manage their own affairs without reference to any superior authority ; and that a considerable reduction in expenditure

would be effected . These and other arguments are exhaustively , if not conclusively , worked out , ancl the little pamphlet , which is printed by Bro . W . McCullough , of High-street , for gratuitous circulation , will no doubt be read by Masonic brethren vvith deep interest , now that a nuestion of such vital importance is under discussion .

South Africa.

South Africa .

ADDINGTON . —Addington Lodge ( No . 1937 ) . —The installation meeting of this Iodge vvas held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday evening , March 28 th , and vvas a grand ' success in every respect , over 100 brethren being present . The lodge was honoured by an official visit of the Dist . G . M . and Officers of the District Grand Lodge of Natal . The District Grand Officers present vvere Bros . R .

j . Finnemore , D . G . M . ; Rev . J . Oxley Oxland , D . S . G . W . ; 1 . Crowe , D . J . G . W . ; G . Russell , P . D . S . G . W ., P . B . of G . P . ; T . Cook , P . D . S . G . W . . J . B . Cottam , P . D . S . G . W .. D . G . Sec ; Rev . A . lkin , LL . D ., D . G . Chap . ; Rev . T . E . Robinson , P . D . G . Chap . ; T . A . Price , D . G .

I . of W . ; J . Pardy , D . S . G . D . ; W . H . Kinsman , P . D . G . D . C . ; G . PuIIock , D . G . O . ; J . W . Mason , D . G . S . B . ; J . Fletcher , A . D . G . Sec . ; J . H . Isaacs , P . D . G . S . B . ; J . Wright , D . G . P . ; and Rainsbury and Vaughan , D . G . Stewards . -There vvere also present Bros . Jas . Thompson , R . W . M . 731 ( S . C ); and H . Rutherford , R . W . M . 712 ( S . C . ) The lodge vvas opened by Bro . Fletcher , W . M ., and the ballot having been taken for a joining brother , the W . M . vacated the chair . . Bro . Price , I . P . M ., took the chair as Installing Master . Bro . J . Fletcher vvas then presented as the W . M . elect , the ceremony of installation being conducted in Bro . Price's usual very careful manner . The

VV . M . appointed and invested his ofiicers as follows : Bros . Price , I . P . M . ; H . W . Hampton . S . VV . ; Harper , J . W . ; Cottam , P . M ., Treas . ; C . H . Dunn , Sec ; Rev . lkin , P . M ., Chap . ; Kinsman , P . M ., D . C ; Pullock , P . M ., Org . ; Granger , S . D . ; Tuckett , J . D . ; Baumann and Wartski , Stewards ; and Carter , I . G . Bro . Cottam recited the charges to the VV . M ., the officers , and the brethren in

a very able and impressive manner . Letters of apology vvere received from Bros . J . Hulston , D . G . M . South-East Africa ( S . C ) , and Henochsberg , 701 ( S . C . ) " Hearty good wishes" vvere tendered and received from Bros . W . Barley Hartley ; Transvaal Lodge , No . 1747 ( by wire ); Rothesay ( S . C . ~ ) , Prince Alfred , Inanda , Skelmersdale , Caledonian , Umlazi , and Southern Cross Lodges .

The lodge vvas closed , the ceremony throughout being choral , Bro . Pullock presiding at the organ . Alter a short interval to allow of the tables being laid , brethren to the number of between 70 and So sat down to an excellent banquet , provided by Bro . Brown ( Prince of VVales Hotel ); at the conclusion of which the following toast list was gone through .

lhe Worshipful Master proposed "The Oueen and the Craft , " also "The M . W . G . M ., the Prince of Wales . " The Worshipful Master proposed " The R . W . D . G . M . and D . G . Officers , and the rest of the District Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and stated that he had had fhe honour to propose this toast in the presence of the | v . W . District Grand Masier on several occasions during jus last jear of office , and stated vvith what pleasure the brethre n of the lodge welcomed the presence of their dis"" guished visitors amongst them . The R . W . D . G . M . briefly responded , referring with satis'action to his previous visits to the lodge , the working of which was a credit to all concerned . The next toast was that of "The Worshipful Master , " which

was ably proposed by the R . W . D . G . M ., who referred m the able manner in which Bro . Fletcher had filled the chair , it being creditable to his lodge and the Craft generall y . The toast was received by the brethren vvith musical honours . Then followed "The Installing Master , " proposed in 'eehng terms by Bro . Rev . Oxley Oxland , who referred "Speciall y to the ability displayed by Bro . Price in the ™ oice of his officers at the time he was W . M . of the lod ge . Bro . Price briefly responded . g ine toast of "The Past Masters" vvas entrusted to , ° * J- J . Hillier ( Mayor of Durban ) , vvho in choice In ? e ; ? referred to them as the back bone of the " •st'tution . P . M f ^ res P ° nded to by Bro - W - B - Cottam , as Senior < c ' -j ,, * 0 * . the lodge , who , before resuming hisseat , proposed ¦ arcre er Lod S es and Visiting Brethren , " thanking the as ft numbe -L of visiting brethren for their countenance , blue f n ° ' P leasing sight , not only to see the dark Craft L nd Lod S > and the humble pale blue of the Thi ' ^ a , so not ' t * P P'e and the tartan . s Was responded to by Bro . Pardy , as representing

South Africa.

thc English Coast lodges ; Bro . Mason , the up-country ; and Bro . Rutherford and Thompson , those under the Scotch Constitutions . The next toast vvas " The Treasurer and Secretary , " proposed by Bro . Russell , who stated that he looked upon the Treasurer and Secretary as the the most important officers of the lodge , vvith all due deference to the W . M .,

as however able the Master might be , unless he vvas backed up by efficient Treasurer and Secretary , the lodge affairs were liable to fall into confusion ; and he congratulated the Addington Lodge on possessing two such officers as Bros . Cottam and Dunn . Bro . Cottam , Treas ., responded giving some particulars of the financial position of the lodge , and stating

what improvements had been made to the lodge premises during the past twelve months . Bro . Dunn very briefly thanked Bro . Russell and the brethren generally , stating that with him the work was a labour of love as well as of duty . "The Newly-invested and Retiring ollicers" vvas eloquently proposed by Bro . Rev . J . Hardy , of the Rothesay

Lodge , vvho stated that he vvas but an infant in Masonry . The work that evening had been to him a revelation of what Masonry is ; though but young as a Mason , he had seen sufficient of the Craft to know , however , that perfection of the ritual was not the whole end and aim of the Institution , it vvas something much higher and nobler , and he felt that for a man to be a good Mason vvas the highest

possible ideal . This vvas responded to by Bros . Crowder , P . S . W ., and Hampton , S . ^ V . " Absent Brethren " vvas proposed by Bro . Kinsman , who referred in feeling terms to the absence , through sickness , of the newly-elected Tyler . The W . M . proposed the toast of " The Stewards , " and thanked them for the complete manner in which they had arranged for the comfoit of the brethren of the lodge and

the visitois . This was responded to by Bro . Granger , who stated that if the brethren were satisfied , that was his best reward . The Tyler ' s toast , in the absence of the Tyler , was proposed by Bro . Carter , the newly-invested I . G . The harmony of the evening vvas largely contributed to by songs given by Bros . Behr , Hampton , Rainsbury , Harper , Nettleship , and Mason , Bro . Pullock presiding at the pianoforte .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of Management held its regular meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday . Bro . Jabez Hogg , P . G . D ., presided , ar . d there vvere present Bros . C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; VV . M . Bywater , P . G . S . B . ; B . E .

Blasby , Chas . Lacey , E . West , J . J . Berry , H . Cox , E . M . Money , VV . T . Daniell , G . Bolton , Charles Kempton , James Brett , P . G . P . ; A . H . Tattershall , J . Newton , A . Forsyth , Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P . ; J . A . Farnfield , P . A . G . D . C . ; VV . Belchamber , Charles G . Hill , VV . Masters , H . Cotter , A . Durrant , John Bulmer , L . Stean , VV . H .

Perryman , P . G . P . ; Joseph Freeman , W . Pierpoint , C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . ; Hugh M . Hobbs , W . M . Larkin , George Mickley , and James Terry , P . G . S . B . ( Secretary . ) The minutes of the previous meeting having been read for verification , the Secretary reported the deaths of one widow annuitant and one widow candidate . The Warden ' s report for the past month vvas read , and

also that of Mr . Griggs on the purchase of land at Croydon . The draft report of the Sub-Committee appointed to draw up the report of the proceedings during the past year vvas read and approved . A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The regular monthly meeting of the General Committee vvas held at Freemasons' Hall on Saturday last . Bro . George Plucknett , P . G . D ., Treasurer of the Institution , presided , and there vvere present Bros . C . H . Stone , Geo . Corbie , J . Glass , W . H . Saunders , T . Hastings Miller ,

Charles Daniel , C . H . Webb , Andrew R . Motion , T . A , Motion , W . A . Glass , J . S . Cumberland , W . VV . Morgan , W . A . Scurrah , George Mickley , Richard Eve , Past G . Treas . ; Thos . Harper , Joyce Murray , W . Roebuck , P . G . S . B . ; John L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C ; H . Venn , George P . Gillard , VV . Maple , James Moon , C . E . Soppet , H . Homewood , J . L . Dale , R . J . Tucker , C . Weeden , S .

Richardson , Edwin Storr , F . W . Ramsay , VV . M . Stiles , T . G'iffith , VV . Paas , J . Rayner , A . J . Dme , F . B . Page , and Fred . Binckes , P . G . S . b . ( Secretary . ) The minutes of the last Committee having been read ar . d verified , and those of the House Committee read for information , two petitions were considered , and the names directed to be entered on the list of candidates for the

October election . The recommendation of the House Committee that a boy named Sugden should be educated out of the establishment was endorsed , and the usual allowance of £ 5 per quarter voted . A grant towards outfit vvas voted to an ex-pupil . The resignations of Bros . Charles Belton and Dudley

Rolls as members of the House Committee , and Bro . Henry Young as a member of the Audit and Finance Committee , vvere submitted and accepted . The following brethren vvere nominated for election next month as members of the House Committee , viz . : Bros . A . Brookman , J . S . Cumberland , Richard Eve , VV . Masters , and Edward Terry , proposed by Bro . C . E .

Soppet ; Bros . George Corbie and John Glass , by Bro . Andrew R . Motion ; and Bros . A . F . Godson , M . P ., H . VV . Hunt , J . L . Mather , James Moon , T . Hastings Miller , J . Joyce Murray , VV . Paas , F . VV . Ramsay , M . D ., H . Venn , and John Wordsworth , by Bro . Charles Daniel ; 12 to be elected .

The following vvere nominated for election as an Audit and Finance Committee , viz ., Bros . Thomas Cubitt , G . P . Gillard , H . S . Goodall , Thomas Griffiths , C . F . Hogard , W . Maple , S . Richardson , VV . A . Scurrah , and C . E . Soppet by Bro . George Mickley . Nine to be elected . It was resolved that the customary mark of distinction

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

should be retained in the voting papers , those vvho are " old members" being distinguished from the other candidate by an * against their names . The report of the Audit and Finance Committee was read , received , adopted , and ordered to be entered on the minutes . The proceedings terminated vvith a vote of thanks to the Chairman .

Supreme Grand Chapter Of Victoria.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER OF VICTORIA .

On the 24 th March last , the above Supreme Grand Chapter vvas constituted in Freemasons' Hall , Melbourne , the scene being a very brilliant one . Bros . Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart ., and Geo . Baker at once assumed , by virtue of their rank in United Grand Lodge , the positions of First and Second Principals , and , Comp . J . James having been elected Third Grand Principal , the ceremony of installing the

Puncipals was performed by Comp . Chief Justice Way , Grand Z . of South Australia , and the following were appointed Grand Officers , namely : Comp . T . H . Lempriere ... ... G . S . E . „ G . R . Reeves G . S . N . „ C . H . Bayley ... ... G . Prin . Soj . „ VV . Little ... ... ... ist A . G . Soj . ,, R . Williams ... ... 2 nd A . G . Soj .

„ Angell Ellis ... ... G . Treasurer . „ VV . Davis ... ... ... G . Registrar . „ John Scott G . P . CG . B . „ R . O . Thompson ... ... G . Swd . Br . „ J . Wilkinson ist G . Std . Br . „ F . W . Fowler ... ... 2 nd G . Std . Br . „ J . D . Brown 3 rd G . Std . Br . „ C . L . Pridham ... ... 4 th G . Std . Br . „ F . L . Maillard G . D . C . „ VV . H . Purves D . G . D . C „ J . J . Tomlin A . G . D . C „ J . Braim ... ... ... G . Organist . „ J . A . Clarke ... ... G . Janitor . After a hearty vote of thanks had been passed to Comp . Way for his services , Supreme Grand Chapter vvas closed . It should be stated that almost at the Ia > t moment a hitch occurred in the arrangements vvhich had been made forthe constitution of this Supreme Grand Chapter , the three clandestine chapters of Canadian origin having some time

previously to the day fixed for the ceremony announced that it vvas their intention to retain their chapters . Under these circumstances , the Grand Chapter vvas constituted without their assistance , and consists only of the English , Irish , and Scotch chapters already working- in the Colony . However , this will in no way affect the validity of the proceedings , and the probability is that the Canadian chapters will disappear in due course , but in a manner less creditable than that vvhich had been arranged .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . J . D . BIRKIN , P . M . 754 ., & c . We regret to record the death of the above brother , which occurred at his residence , The Salmon and Ball , Bethnal Green-road , E ., on the 9 th ult ., under distressing circumstances and after great suffering , for on attending the funeral of his only son he slipped and injured his ankle , and blood poisoning ensuing , amputation of the leg

became necessary , after vvhich , in spite of every skill and attention , he lingered only for a few days . The funeral took place at Abney Park Cemetery , on the 17 th ult ., in the presence of many brethren and neighbours desirous of paying- a last mark of respect to our departed brother , whose loss is greatly regretted by a large circle of friends , and much sympathy is felt for Mrs . Birkin , who in the

course of a few weeks has lost her only child and husband . The coffin vvas covered vvith numerous choice wreaths , including a very handsome one from the High Cross Lodge , No . 754 , in which Bro . Birkin vvas initiated in 1 SS 0 , and attained to the office of Worshipful Master in 18 S 6 . He vvas also a member of the Wanderers' Lodge , No . 1604 , and at the time of his decease one of the Principals of the

Enfield Chapter , No . 1237 . In Mark Masonry he vvas a Past Grand Steward ot the Grand Lodge of England , and P . M . and Secretary of the High Cross Lodge , No . 284 . He had taken , besides , several other Degrees , including the Rose Croix and Royal Ark Mariners . Bro . Birkin was a staunch supporter of the Charities , both in connection with the Craft and Mark , and several times served as Steward for them .

Births, Marriages, And Deaths.

Births , Marriages , and Deaths .

BIRTHS . HILTON . —On the 30 th ult ., at Camberwell , the wife of Bro . F . Hilton , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , of a son . MATSON . — On the 6 th inst ., at Delce , Florence-road , Southsea , the wife of Captain C . G . Matson , R . M . L . I ., of a daughter .

MARRIAGES . LETHBRIDGE—MAYO . —On the 4 th inst ., at St . Andrew's , Hillingdon , by the Rev . H . C . Batterbury , Sir Wroth Acland Lethoridge , Bart ., to Gertrude Elizabeth , daughter of the Kev . Charles Theodore Mayo .

SHENTON—PAGE . —On the 30 th ult ., at All Saints' Church , Husbands Bosworth , Leicestershire , John Thomas Shenton , to Gertrude Mary Page , youngest daughter of the late Edwin Page , proprietor of the Royal Rock Hotel , Rock Ferry , Cheshire .

, DEATHS . BIRKIN . —On the gth ult ., atthe Salmon and Ball , Bethnal Green-road , E ., Bro . J . D . Birkin , aged 52 years . HlNGsroN . —On the Gth inst ., Frederic Hingston , late of Cardiff and Leicester , aged 51 years .

Bro . Lieut .-Col . C . Abercromoie Cooper was presented at Her Majesty's Levee , oa Tuesday , by the Adjutant-General , on promotion . Mr . J . VV . Pio-ott , author of " The Bookmaker , " has arranged to give a trial matinee , at Terry's Theatre , June 12 th , of a new and original four act drama , entitled , L " Which Wins . "