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Article ENGLISH MASONRY IN NORTH AFRICA. ← Page 2 of 2 Article ENGLISH MASONRY IN NORTH AFRICA. Page 2 of 2 Article DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF TASMANIA. Page 1 of 2 Article DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF TASMANIA. Page 1 of 2 →
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English Masonry In North Africa.
J . O . ; A . Blanch , Treasurer ; S . Souilter , Secretary ; P . M . Palcologo , Registrar of Marks ; M . Le Gallais , S . D . ; E . Nurri . J . D . ; V . C . ClementsD . of C . j V . Finziand E . Gurdelle , Stewards ; and H . Haylock , Tyler . The Mark Lodge was then closed in ancient form at 10 p . m . On Wednesday , the 6 th June , at 4 p . m . the founders
01 the Ancient Carthage Royal Arch Chapter , No . 1717 , assembled in the Masonic Hall , to witness its consecration and the installation of the First Principal elect , E . Comp . A . M . Broadley , W . M . 1717 . The wairant having been read by the Acting Scribe E , an elaborate address on the history , scope , and aim of R . A . Masonry was delivered by the Consecrating Officer ,
E . Comp . Kingston , P . Z ., R . A . C . No . 349 , which was listented to with marked attention and highly appreciated . The Scribe E . elect , Comp . the Rev . E . B . Franket , offered up a prayer , during which the consecrating elements were poured out , and afterwards incensed the four corners of the building according to ancient custom . The chapter being declared consecrated , E . Comp .
Kingston proceeded to instal in the first chair the principal Z . elect , E . Comp . A . M . Broadley , as designated in the charter signed by the Three Grand Principals of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Lord Skelmersdale , and Lord De Tabley , E . Comp . Rcichelman , P . M . 515 , in the third chair , while he himself , in conformity with the provisions of the warrant , assumed the chair of H . The following M . M ' s . ; were then
introduced , to receive at their hands thebenefits of exaltation , viz ., W . Bros . Mugnaini , 32 ° Lenghi , 33 ° and the Baron Castellnuovo , all P . M . ' s of lodges under the G . O . of Italy , and Bros , the Chcvalitr Tulin de la Tunisie ( Consul General for Germany ) , Chevalier J . Cuhisol ( Consul for Denmark and Belgium ) , J . J . Gardiner , C . E . ; j . B . Bourepaux , E . Gardelle , A . Blanch , G . B . Cassar ,
J . E . L . Barker , C . E ., and Dr . N . Gassanello . The chapter was then adjourned till 8 o ' clock , when Bros , the Professors Souiller Clement and E . Nurri were exalted . Before the closing of thechapter the M . E . Z ., Comp . Broadley , delivered a short address on the position and nature of trie degree and its relation with fiircign Masonry . The chapter being closed in ancient form , thecompanions adjourned
toabanquet , where the usual Masonic and loyal toasts were honoured and enthusiastically received . On the following day the R . W . D . G . M ., accompanied by Bros . Broadley , D . G . S . W ., W . M . of 1717 , and W . Bro . Reichclman , D . G . J . W ., and P . M . 515 , together with all the officers of the " Ancient Carthage" Lodge , paid a visit to the newly established lodge " 11 Risorgimento , " woiking
under the auspices of the G . O . of Italy . The W . M . of this lodge Is Bro . the Baron J . Castellnuovo , M . D ., surgeon to the late King of Italy , and who on the previous day was exalted in the Ancient Carthage Chapter , and the subordinate officers are as follows ; Bros Dr . Funaro , S . W . ; Professor Vais , 33 , J . W . ; Professor A ) ra , Orator ; G . Maltesopolo , Sec . ; Parientc , Treasurer ; Attia ,
D . of C . ; and J . Enriquez , Almoner . The lodge being openeel in due form , the D . G . M . was received unelerthe Arch of Steel and with the great honours peculiar to Italian Masonry . A most cordial reception was accorded to W . Bro . Broadley and his officers and Bro . Broadley returned thanks in appropiiate teims . The work of the evening was proceeded with , and two candidates , Messrs . G .
Pancnti and Senigalha satisfactorily initiated according to the peculiar ritual as practised in Italy . After the ceremony , an address of much real value and research was delivered by the Orator , Bro . Professor Ayra , and listened to with deep attention by all present . At 9 . 30 . the members and visitors over sixty in number , adjourned to refreshment , and entered in order the beautiful and tastefully elecoratcd banqueting
room of the lodge , which is helel in one of those ancient Moorish palaces which excite the warm admiration of all European visitors . The room and tables were most elaborately decorated with flowers , national flags , & c . While speaking on this heael it would be difficult to accorel too much praise to the courteous and hard working , Stewards , Bros . Catalanotti , Attia , Saunino , and Teeleschi , whose
exertions addeel not a little to the perfect success of the entertainment , which can only be described as a dinner of an elaborate kind . The toasts of the King of Italy and the G . M . of the G . O , of Italy having been drank , coupled with that of our own Royal M . W . G . M ., the W . M . proposed "The Health of the D . G . M . of Malta" in felicitous terms , declaring that his visit to Tunis would be consielercel an epoch in the
annals of Italian as well as English Masonry . The D . G . M . returned thanks , anel W . Bro . Lenghi explained his remarks in Italian . The W . M . then proceeded to propose " The Health of W . Bro . Broaelley , " whom he characterised as his co-worker in the Masonic ranks , and to whom he attributed the credit of bringing about by indefatigable exeition and perseverance the great
Masonic revival now taking place in Tunis . W . Bro . Broadley returned thanks , declaring that the evening they had spent was a full recompense for any effort of his , and expressed a hope that harmony , affection , and brotherly love would unite and cement the two sister lodges of Ancient Carthage and Risorgimento , which might be appropriately considered as typifying the mutual good-will and regard
existing between the two nations to which they belonged . Several other toasts were proposed anil drank with enthusiasm , particularly that of an absent brother , J . H . Stevens , British Vice-Consul at Tunis , at present recovering from severe illness , to which W . Bro . Broadley responded , and appropriately answered by proposing " The Health of his able Medical A dviser , Dr . Funaro , " the S . W . of Lodge
"Risorgimento . " The W . M . having to leave for Goletta by special train , placed W . Bro . Broadley in his place , and the harmony of the evening was continued till a late hour , when a burst of enthusiasm was awakened by the Chairman proposing and giving the parting toast according to our English usage . The brethren separated at midnight with but one feeling as to the reception accorded to them by our
English Masonry In North Africa.
Italian brethren , viz ., one of complete and universal satisfaction . After a visit to the ruins of Carthage and a few hours of needful repose on Friday , the R . W . D . G . M . and his officers proceeded to Goletta on Saturday , the 29 th June , by the 10 a . m . train , accompanied by a large number of brethren belonging to both the Tunis lodges . Here the party was
received by the respected agents of the Tunisian Railway , Messrs Williamson and Gardiner , and going on board the steam launch belonging to the company , soon reached the S . S . " Lancefield , " on which they embarked . All being prepared for departure , the last adieus were exchanged and the Tunis brethren quitted the steamer , which soon left
them and North Africa behind . Nothing more remains to be said but that the R . W . D . G . M . during his visit , by his patience , courtesy , and ability earned the heatty goodwill of every Mason in Tunis , English or foreign , anel that his sojourn amongst them will ever be pleasantly and gratefully remembered in the days to come .
District Grand Lodge Of Tasmania.
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF TASMANIA .
The first annual communication of this District Grand Lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Hobart To vvn , on Tuesday , the 7 th May . The following District Grand Officers were present : — Bros . William Simmons Hammond , Dist . G . M . ; George
Smith , Dep . Dist . G . M . ; F . H . Wise , Dist . G . S . W . ; L . Susman , Dist . G . J . W . ; R . D . Poulett-Harris , Dist . G . C ; Charles Toby , Dist . G . S . ; C . W . Rochcr , Dist . G . S . D . ; John Claik , Dist . G . Purs . ; John Hamilton , Dist . G . S . ; W . R . Davcy , Dist . G . S . ; W . G . Beaumont , Dist . G . Tyler . There were also present , as representatives of lodges , Bros . J . G . Davies , W . M . 53 6 ; j . Coates , Acting S . W .
S } 6 ; J . M . Clarke , J . W . 53 6 ; William Home , S . W . 618 ; J . F . Hobkirk , P . M . 618 ; T . H . Macgrath , W . M . 801 ; George Richardson , S . W . 801 . The District Grand Lodge was opjncei in due form with solemn prayer at 7 o ' clock , and the summons convening the meeting having been read , the minutes of the meeting held on the 17 th of February were read and unanimously
confirmed . The following report of the District Grand Secretary was read : — "This being the first meeting of District Grand Lodge since its foimal opening and installation of the R . W . the D . G . Master , I have been directed to prepare a short repoit on the progress made towards placing the Masonic
business < f the Di .-tuct on a fat ^ factoiy and permanent basis . "In carrying out my instructions I have to express my regret that so little demanding special comment 1 as been accomplished , but 1 indulge in the hope that at the next annual communication a report of more substantial and practical results will be placed before you .
" Several causes have lately rperated to retard the active I rosccution of , and attention to , Masonic duties ; amongst which ma } be specially named the rich and valuable auriferous , stanniferous , anil coal deposits recently discovered and now in course if development in many portions of the colony , in which direction the attention of the capitalist and the trading portion of our community
has been largely diverted . Another cause existed in the distance between Hobart Town and Launccston , rendering it very inconvenient for members of the Committee of General Purposes ( who were selected from all the lodges ) to meet to prepare a draft of laws and regulations for the government of the D . G . Lodge , and it was found requisite to appoint a sub-committee compesed of members
of the Hobart Town lodges for that purpose , which committee after due deliberation drew up and had printed a draft of laws , & c , a copy of which has been forwardcel to each member of District Grand Lodge , and will be laid before you at this meeting for consideration . "On ihe subject of finance , I can only report that in the absence of any power to demand or receive payment
of any fees from the lodges until after the making , confirming , and subsequent approval of our laws and regulations , it has hitherto been necessary to meet all our disbursements from private sources . The oily amount received has been £ 2 2 s . from the D . D . G . Master for fee payable to the Grand Lodge on his appointment , which has been remitted to and acknowledged by the Grand
Secretary . I may also aeld that the whole of the regalia anel appointments for the D . G . Lodge were imported to the order of , and paid for by , the R . W . the D . G . Master , for which the D . G . Lodge is still indebted to him , less £ 10 ios ., proposed optional fee payable to D . G . Lodge on his appointment , and which he lias authoiised to be deducted from the amount .
" I have to report that Lodge 536 , Hobart Town , continues in active operation ; the W . Master , Bro . J . G . Davies , reports 5 initiations and 1 joining member during the past year , and a list of 6 9 members . Lodge 618 , Launceston , is also in active working ; the W . Master , Bro . R . M . Johnstone , reports 13 initiations and 1 joining member during the past year , and a list of 57 members .
Lodge 801 , Hobart Town , is also in active working ; the W . Master , Bro . T . H . Macgrath , reports 2 initiations and 3 joining members during the past year , and a list of 33 members . Lodge 6 91 , Launccston , has not been working for many years , and the warrant has been surrendered to the R . W . the D . G . Master for safe keeping for the present . Lodge 719 , Stanley . —No account received of the warrant
for holding this lodge has reached me . The D . D . Grand Master has been reijuested to inquire who is its present custodian , and report thereon . It has not worked for a long period . No . 800 . —A lodge at New Norfolk under this warrant has never been constituted . I have written to Bro . R . Thompson , the W . Master Designate , who , I believe , has custody of the warrant , to show cause why it
District Grand Lodge Of Tasmania.
should not be surrendered , but am without any reply at present . No . 1517 , at Sorell . —This lodge has not been constituted . Bro . J . T . Coram , the Worshipful Master Designate , reports under date 1 st May , 1878 , that the few remaining brethren in the district have determined to wait a short time longer before asking to have it constituted , hoping at no distant date to be in a
position to avail themselves of the privilege of opening the kdge . Such , R . W . Sir and biethren , is the present position of the several warrants in the District , and I regret not having it in my power to report more favourably thereon , but I do confidently anticipate a reaction at no distant period , particularly as the Districts of New Norfolk , Sorell , and Stanley are all localities wherein reside many
zealous , good woiking Masons of high standing , both socially and Masonically , and I sincerely hope that ere long the apathy and inactivity at present existing in these Districts may be followed by a compensating amount of energy in furtherance of the objects of the Craft . " On the subjects of returns to Grand Lodge , and applications for certificates , I have to state that the W . Master
of each lodge working at present makes his return to , and receives certificates for the brethren , direct from the Grand Secretary , in conformity with the Constitution . "It affords me sincere pleasure to report that the letter of the V . W . the Grand Secretary addressed to the Worshipful Masters of the seveial lodges in the District , under date the 28 th of August , 1876 , explanatory of the circumstances
connected with the appointment of Bro . Hammond , R . W . D . G . Master for Tasmania , has resulted in putting an end to any further complaints , which is evidenced by the spirit of truly Masonic unity at present existing amongst the Tasmanian brotherhood , and the fraternal greeting accorded to the R . W . the D . G . Master in all parts of ttic District .
" I have likewise to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of sundry reports cf proceedings at the quarterly and other communications of several of the Sister District G . Lodges , amongst which are those of the North Island ( New Zealand ) , New South Wales , Victoria , South Australia , Bombay , etc ., and I would further suggest an interchange of copies of the laws and regulations of the several District
lodges , as approved of by the M . W . the Grand Master , which compliment 1 shall at all times be happy to reciprocate . " The ' Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Fund ' is the title of an institution established in Tasmania A . D . 1843 , having for its object to assist aged anel e . istressed worthy brethren of the ancient and honourable Order of
Freemasonry and to afford relief to their widows anel orphans , supported by annual subs : riptions and voluntary contributions by n . embtrs of the Order , its constitution being such as to invite subscriptions from and afford relief to all contributing membcis of loelges subscribing to the fund , without respect to the Constitution under which the lodge is held .
"The report cf the Chairman and Honorary Secretary of the fund for the past year , and a copy of its rules , are appended hereto . 1 hope that such arrangements may be made by D . G . Lodge , relating to the collection of Masonic funds for the purpose of benevolence , as will not materially interfere with the constitution of this old-established and thoroughly effective Masonic organisation . I
am informed there is also a Masonic fund for benevolent purposes in Launceston , but no account of its constitution or report of its proceedings has reached me . " In concluding what may be justly termed merely an inaugural or progress report on the establishment of this District Grand Lodge , I would fain express a hope that the rulers of our great Craft in Tasmania will not permit
the present Masonic inactivity long to continue , for permit me to remind them that the immense extension of the Order in all parts of the world will bring with it a corresponding demand on our benevolent resources ; it therefore behoves those in authority in our lodges to be earnest in practising the principles they profess to admire , and on which our Order is mainly founded , viz ., brotherly love ,
relief , and truth , and also to use all legitimate means at their disposal in disseminating the principles and more widely extending the influence of this time-honoured and tiuly benevolent institution , and thus render unnecessary any further reports on the existence of unconstituted or inoperative warrants in the District . " CHARLES TOBY ,
" District Grand Secretary . " It was moved by the W . Deputy District Grand Master , and seconded by the W . District Grand Junior Warden , that the report be received and adopted . Carried unanimously . The Right Worshipful the District Grand Master then re-appointed the following officers of District Grand Lodge
for the ensuing year , viz .: F . H . Wise Dist . G . S . W . L . Susman Dist . G . J . W . R . D . Poulctt-Hanis Dist . G . Chap . Charles Toby Dist . G . Sec . W . A . B . Jamicson Dist . G . S . D . C . W . Rocher Dist . G . I . D .
J . A . berguson Dist . G . D . of C . John Clark Dist . G . Purs . R . R . Davey , John Hamilton , Dist . G . Stwd . William George Beaumont ... Dist . G . Tyler . It was moved by W . Bro . D . G . Senior Warden , and seconded by W . Bro . Deputy District Grand Master , and carried unanimously , " That W . Bro . T . II . Macgrath
be appointed District GrandTreasurer . " R . W . the Dislrict Grand Master then invested the W . Bro . Macgrath with the jewel of office and installed him as Treasurer . The following brethren were elected as the Committee of General Purposes : Bros . Hobkirk , Sadler , W . A , B . Jamieson , John Clark , and Poulett-Harris . The draft of rules and regulations provides that the District Grand Mas-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
English Masonry In North Africa.
J . O . ; A . Blanch , Treasurer ; S . Souilter , Secretary ; P . M . Palcologo , Registrar of Marks ; M . Le Gallais , S . D . ; E . Nurri . J . D . ; V . C . ClementsD . of C . j V . Finziand E . Gurdelle , Stewards ; and H . Haylock , Tyler . The Mark Lodge was then closed in ancient form at 10 p . m . On Wednesday , the 6 th June , at 4 p . m . the founders
01 the Ancient Carthage Royal Arch Chapter , No . 1717 , assembled in the Masonic Hall , to witness its consecration and the installation of the First Principal elect , E . Comp . A . M . Broadley , W . M . 1717 . The wairant having been read by the Acting Scribe E , an elaborate address on the history , scope , and aim of R . A . Masonry was delivered by the Consecrating Officer ,
E . Comp . Kingston , P . Z ., R . A . C . No . 349 , which was listented to with marked attention and highly appreciated . The Scribe E . elect , Comp . the Rev . E . B . Franket , offered up a prayer , during which the consecrating elements were poured out , and afterwards incensed the four corners of the building according to ancient custom . The chapter being declared consecrated , E . Comp .
Kingston proceeded to instal in the first chair the principal Z . elect , E . Comp . A . M . Broadley , as designated in the charter signed by the Three Grand Principals of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Lord Skelmersdale , and Lord De Tabley , E . Comp . Rcichelman , P . M . 515 , in the third chair , while he himself , in conformity with the provisions of the warrant , assumed the chair of H . The following M . M ' s . ; were then
introduced , to receive at their hands thebenefits of exaltation , viz ., W . Bros . Mugnaini , 32 ° Lenghi , 33 ° and the Baron Castellnuovo , all P . M . ' s of lodges under the G . O . of Italy , and Bros , the Chcvalitr Tulin de la Tunisie ( Consul General for Germany ) , Chevalier J . Cuhisol ( Consul for Denmark and Belgium ) , J . J . Gardiner , C . E . ; j . B . Bourepaux , E . Gardelle , A . Blanch , G . B . Cassar ,
J . E . L . Barker , C . E ., and Dr . N . Gassanello . The chapter was then adjourned till 8 o ' clock , when Bros , the Professors Souiller Clement and E . Nurri were exalted . Before the closing of thechapter the M . E . Z ., Comp . Broadley , delivered a short address on the position and nature of trie degree and its relation with fiircign Masonry . The chapter being closed in ancient form , thecompanions adjourned
toabanquet , where the usual Masonic and loyal toasts were honoured and enthusiastically received . On the following day the R . W . D . G . M ., accompanied by Bros . Broadley , D . G . S . W ., W . M . of 1717 , and W . Bro . Reichclman , D . G . J . W ., and P . M . 515 , together with all the officers of the " Ancient Carthage" Lodge , paid a visit to the newly established lodge " 11 Risorgimento , " woiking
under the auspices of the G . O . of Italy . The W . M . of this lodge Is Bro . the Baron J . Castellnuovo , M . D ., surgeon to the late King of Italy , and who on the previous day was exalted in the Ancient Carthage Chapter , and the subordinate officers are as follows ; Bros Dr . Funaro , S . W . ; Professor Vais , 33 , J . W . ; Professor A ) ra , Orator ; G . Maltesopolo , Sec . ; Parientc , Treasurer ; Attia ,
D . of C . ; and J . Enriquez , Almoner . The lodge being openeel in due form , the D . G . M . was received unelerthe Arch of Steel and with the great honours peculiar to Italian Masonry . A most cordial reception was accorded to W . Bro . Broadley and his officers and Bro . Broadley returned thanks in appropiiate teims . The work of the evening was proceeded with , and two candidates , Messrs . G .
Pancnti and Senigalha satisfactorily initiated according to the peculiar ritual as practised in Italy . After the ceremony , an address of much real value and research was delivered by the Orator , Bro . Professor Ayra , and listened to with deep attention by all present . At 9 . 30 . the members and visitors over sixty in number , adjourned to refreshment , and entered in order the beautiful and tastefully elecoratcd banqueting
room of the lodge , which is helel in one of those ancient Moorish palaces which excite the warm admiration of all European visitors . The room and tables were most elaborately decorated with flowers , national flags , & c . While speaking on this heael it would be difficult to accorel too much praise to the courteous and hard working , Stewards , Bros . Catalanotti , Attia , Saunino , and Teeleschi , whose
exertions addeel not a little to the perfect success of the entertainment , which can only be described as a dinner of an elaborate kind . The toasts of the King of Italy and the G . M . of the G . O , of Italy having been drank , coupled with that of our own Royal M . W . G . M ., the W . M . proposed "The Health of the D . G . M . of Malta" in felicitous terms , declaring that his visit to Tunis would be consielercel an epoch in the
annals of Italian as well as English Masonry . The D . G . M . returned thanks , anel W . Bro . Lenghi explained his remarks in Italian . The W . M . then proceeded to propose " The Health of W . Bro . Broaelley , " whom he characterised as his co-worker in the Masonic ranks , and to whom he attributed the credit of bringing about by indefatigable exeition and perseverance the great
Masonic revival now taking place in Tunis . W . Bro . Broadley returned thanks , declaring that the evening they had spent was a full recompense for any effort of his , and expressed a hope that harmony , affection , and brotherly love would unite and cement the two sister lodges of Ancient Carthage and Risorgimento , which might be appropriately considered as typifying the mutual good-will and regard
existing between the two nations to which they belonged . Several other toasts were proposed anil drank with enthusiasm , particularly that of an absent brother , J . H . Stevens , British Vice-Consul at Tunis , at present recovering from severe illness , to which W . Bro . Broadley responded , and appropriately answered by proposing " The Health of his able Medical A dviser , Dr . Funaro , " the S . W . of Lodge
"Risorgimento . " The W . M . having to leave for Goletta by special train , placed W . Bro . Broadley in his place , and the harmony of the evening was continued till a late hour , when a burst of enthusiasm was awakened by the Chairman proposing and giving the parting toast according to our English usage . The brethren separated at midnight with but one feeling as to the reception accorded to them by our
English Masonry In North Africa.
Italian brethren , viz ., one of complete and universal satisfaction . After a visit to the ruins of Carthage and a few hours of needful repose on Friday , the R . W . D . G . M . and his officers proceeded to Goletta on Saturday , the 29 th June , by the 10 a . m . train , accompanied by a large number of brethren belonging to both the Tunis lodges . Here the party was
received by the respected agents of the Tunisian Railway , Messrs Williamson and Gardiner , and going on board the steam launch belonging to the company , soon reached the S . S . " Lancefield , " on which they embarked . All being prepared for departure , the last adieus were exchanged and the Tunis brethren quitted the steamer , which soon left
them and North Africa behind . Nothing more remains to be said but that the R . W . D . G . M . during his visit , by his patience , courtesy , and ability earned the heatty goodwill of every Mason in Tunis , English or foreign , anel that his sojourn amongst them will ever be pleasantly and gratefully remembered in the days to come .
District Grand Lodge Of Tasmania.
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF TASMANIA .
The first annual communication of this District Grand Lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Hobart To vvn , on Tuesday , the 7 th May . The following District Grand Officers were present : — Bros . William Simmons Hammond , Dist . G . M . ; George
Smith , Dep . Dist . G . M . ; F . H . Wise , Dist . G . S . W . ; L . Susman , Dist . G . J . W . ; R . D . Poulett-Harris , Dist . G . C ; Charles Toby , Dist . G . S . ; C . W . Rochcr , Dist . G . S . D . ; John Claik , Dist . G . Purs . ; John Hamilton , Dist . G . S . ; W . R . Davcy , Dist . G . S . ; W . G . Beaumont , Dist . G . Tyler . There were also present , as representatives of lodges , Bros . J . G . Davies , W . M . 53 6 ; j . Coates , Acting S . W .
S } 6 ; J . M . Clarke , J . W . 53 6 ; William Home , S . W . 618 ; J . F . Hobkirk , P . M . 618 ; T . H . Macgrath , W . M . 801 ; George Richardson , S . W . 801 . The District Grand Lodge was opjncei in due form with solemn prayer at 7 o ' clock , and the summons convening the meeting having been read , the minutes of the meeting held on the 17 th of February were read and unanimously
confirmed . The following report of the District Grand Secretary was read : — "This being the first meeting of District Grand Lodge since its foimal opening and installation of the R . W . the D . G . Master , I have been directed to prepare a short repoit on the progress made towards placing the Masonic
business < f the Di .-tuct on a fat ^ factoiy and permanent basis . "In carrying out my instructions I have to express my regret that so little demanding special comment 1 as been accomplished , but 1 indulge in the hope that at the next annual communication a report of more substantial and practical results will be placed before you .
" Several causes have lately rperated to retard the active I rosccution of , and attention to , Masonic duties ; amongst which ma } be specially named the rich and valuable auriferous , stanniferous , anil coal deposits recently discovered and now in course if development in many portions of the colony , in which direction the attention of the capitalist and the trading portion of our community
has been largely diverted . Another cause existed in the distance between Hobart Town and Launccston , rendering it very inconvenient for members of the Committee of General Purposes ( who were selected from all the lodges ) to meet to prepare a draft of laws and regulations for the government of the D . G . Lodge , and it was found requisite to appoint a sub-committee compesed of members
of the Hobart Town lodges for that purpose , which committee after due deliberation drew up and had printed a draft of laws , & c , a copy of which has been forwardcel to each member of District Grand Lodge , and will be laid before you at this meeting for consideration . "On ihe subject of finance , I can only report that in the absence of any power to demand or receive payment
of any fees from the lodges until after the making , confirming , and subsequent approval of our laws and regulations , it has hitherto been necessary to meet all our disbursements from private sources . The oily amount received has been £ 2 2 s . from the D . D . G . Master for fee payable to the Grand Lodge on his appointment , which has been remitted to and acknowledged by the Grand
Secretary . I may also aeld that the whole of the regalia anel appointments for the D . G . Lodge were imported to the order of , and paid for by , the R . W . the D . G . Master , for which the D . G . Lodge is still indebted to him , less £ 10 ios ., proposed optional fee payable to D . G . Lodge on his appointment , and which he lias authoiised to be deducted from the amount .
" I have to report that Lodge 536 , Hobart Town , continues in active operation ; the W . Master , Bro . J . G . Davies , reports 5 initiations and 1 joining member during the past year , and a list of 6 9 members . Lodge 618 , Launceston , is also in active working ; the W . Master , Bro . R . M . Johnstone , reports 13 initiations and 1 joining member during the past year , and a list of 57 members .
Lodge 801 , Hobart Town , is also in active working ; the W . Master , Bro . T . H . Macgrath , reports 2 initiations and 3 joining members during the past year , and a list of 33 members . Lodge 6 91 , Launccston , has not been working for many years , and the warrant has been surrendered to the R . W . the D . G . Master for safe keeping for the present . Lodge 719 , Stanley . —No account received of the warrant
for holding this lodge has reached me . The D . D . Grand Master has been reijuested to inquire who is its present custodian , and report thereon . It has not worked for a long period . No . 800 . —A lodge at New Norfolk under this warrant has never been constituted . I have written to Bro . R . Thompson , the W . Master Designate , who , I believe , has custody of the warrant , to show cause why it
District Grand Lodge Of Tasmania.
should not be surrendered , but am without any reply at present . No . 1517 , at Sorell . —This lodge has not been constituted . Bro . J . T . Coram , the Worshipful Master Designate , reports under date 1 st May , 1878 , that the few remaining brethren in the district have determined to wait a short time longer before asking to have it constituted , hoping at no distant date to be in a
position to avail themselves of the privilege of opening the kdge . Such , R . W . Sir and biethren , is the present position of the several warrants in the District , and I regret not having it in my power to report more favourably thereon , but I do confidently anticipate a reaction at no distant period , particularly as the Districts of New Norfolk , Sorell , and Stanley are all localities wherein reside many
zealous , good woiking Masons of high standing , both socially and Masonically , and I sincerely hope that ere long the apathy and inactivity at present existing in these Districts may be followed by a compensating amount of energy in furtherance of the objects of the Craft . " On the subjects of returns to Grand Lodge , and applications for certificates , I have to state that the W . Master
of each lodge working at present makes his return to , and receives certificates for the brethren , direct from the Grand Secretary , in conformity with the Constitution . "It affords me sincere pleasure to report that the letter of the V . W . the Grand Secretary addressed to the Worshipful Masters of the seveial lodges in the District , under date the 28 th of August , 1876 , explanatory of the circumstances
connected with the appointment of Bro . Hammond , R . W . D . G . Master for Tasmania , has resulted in putting an end to any further complaints , which is evidenced by the spirit of truly Masonic unity at present existing amongst the Tasmanian brotherhood , and the fraternal greeting accorded to the R . W . the D . G . Master in all parts of ttic District .
" I have likewise to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of sundry reports cf proceedings at the quarterly and other communications of several of the Sister District G . Lodges , amongst which are those of the North Island ( New Zealand ) , New South Wales , Victoria , South Australia , Bombay , etc ., and I would further suggest an interchange of copies of the laws and regulations of the several District
lodges , as approved of by the M . W . the Grand Master , which compliment 1 shall at all times be happy to reciprocate . " The ' Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Fund ' is the title of an institution established in Tasmania A . D . 1843 , having for its object to assist aged anel e . istressed worthy brethren of the ancient and honourable Order of
Freemasonry and to afford relief to their widows anel orphans , supported by annual subs : riptions and voluntary contributions by n . embtrs of the Order , its constitution being such as to invite subscriptions from and afford relief to all contributing membcis of loelges subscribing to the fund , without respect to the Constitution under which the lodge is held .
"The report cf the Chairman and Honorary Secretary of the fund for the past year , and a copy of its rules , are appended hereto . 1 hope that such arrangements may be made by D . G . Lodge , relating to the collection of Masonic funds for the purpose of benevolence , as will not materially interfere with the constitution of this old-established and thoroughly effective Masonic organisation . I
am informed there is also a Masonic fund for benevolent purposes in Launceston , but no account of its constitution or report of its proceedings has reached me . " In concluding what may be justly termed merely an inaugural or progress report on the establishment of this District Grand Lodge , I would fain express a hope that the rulers of our great Craft in Tasmania will not permit
the present Masonic inactivity long to continue , for permit me to remind them that the immense extension of the Order in all parts of the world will bring with it a corresponding demand on our benevolent resources ; it therefore behoves those in authority in our lodges to be earnest in practising the principles they profess to admire , and on which our Order is mainly founded , viz ., brotherly love ,
relief , and truth , and also to use all legitimate means at their disposal in disseminating the principles and more widely extending the influence of this time-honoured and tiuly benevolent institution , and thus render unnecessary any further reports on the existence of unconstituted or inoperative warrants in the District . " CHARLES TOBY ,
" District Grand Secretary . " It was moved by the W . Deputy District Grand Master , and seconded by the W . District Grand Junior Warden , that the report be received and adopted . Carried unanimously . The Right Worshipful the District Grand Master then re-appointed the following officers of District Grand Lodge
for the ensuing year , viz .: F . H . Wise Dist . G . S . W . L . Susman Dist . G . J . W . R . D . Poulctt-Hanis Dist . G . Chap . Charles Toby Dist . G . Sec . W . A . B . Jamicson Dist . G . S . D . C . W . Rocher Dist . G . I . D .
J . A . berguson Dist . G . D . of C . John Clark Dist . G . Purs . R . R . Davey , John Hamilton , Dist . G . Stwd . William George Beaumont ... Dist . G . Tyler . It was moved by W . Bro . D . G . Senior Warden , and seconded by W . Bro . Deputy District Grand Master , and carried unanimously , " That W . Bro . T . II . Macgrath
be appointed District GrandTreasurer . " R . W . the Dislrict Grand Master then invested the W . Bro . Macgrath with the jewel of office and installed him as Treasurer . The following brethren were elected as the Committee of General Purposes : Bros . Hobkirk , Sadler , W . A , B . Jamieson , John Clark , and Poulett-Harris . The draft of rules and regulations provides that the District Grand Mas-