Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
flcationat seeing Freemasonry so ably supported in Victoria , and alluded to his bein ^ happily instrumental in promoting to his office the R . W . Prov . G . M . for Victoria , the Hon . Capt . Clarke , R . 3 ., whose appointment had been so cordially approved by the Brethren . The Prov . G . M . caused to be announced his having granted dispensations to three new Lodges . .. ' ¦ ' - ' .
The several sums collected by the respective Lodges for the sufferers in India Avere then announced . The subscriptions were still being collected * . On the motion of Bro . J . J . Moody , seconded by Bro . Levick , P . M ., it was resolved to transmit such funds through the Prov . G . M . to the Prov . G . Ms . ^ of the Presidencies in India , where the mutiny had taken place , for distribution amongst the destitute Brethren , and those of the survivors of deceased brothers who had suffered from such mutiny . Bro . J . J . Moody explained that this application of
Lhe fund was just , as numerous Brethren had not only subscribed to the Melbourne Citizen ' s Fund , but also to the Masonic Fund raised in their respective Lodges . M x , amendment by Bro . J . Harris , to pay this fund to that of Melbourne was negatived by a large majority . In accordance with previous notice . Bro ; J . J . Moody then moved , and Bro . H . W . Lowry , seconded a motion and
the adoption of a petition to Grand Lodge . As the petition prays for a representative in Grand Lodge of the Prov . Grand Lodge of Victoria , and embodies a principle affecting the relations of the Grand Lodge with the whole Colonial District Grand Lodges of the British dependencies , it may be desirable briefly to recapitulate the material portions of Bro . Moody ' s speech on introducing the motion .
Brother Moody said : "Right Worshipful ProAuiicial Grand Master , in submitting this motion to the District Grand Lodge , I desire to be distinctly understood , as an earnest adA ^ ocate for its continued connection with the Grand Lodge of England . I-will not conceal that the District Grand Lodge of Victoria is vigorous , influential , and numerous , and might assume independence with a certainty of success ; but there are so many glorious associations connected with
the Grand Lodge of England , many of its members have shed so bright a halo around Freemasonry , and have illustrated and adorned it by their distinguished talents ; it has upheld so earnestly and extended our beneficent institutions , it has exhibited such wisdom and moderation in its government and fraternal conciliation in general toAvards dissentient Brethren , thus displaying the most
eminent virtues by which our Order is distinguished , that I should deeply regret and would on no account be instrumental in weakening the attachment , or severing those fraternal ties which have endeared us to that honoured body Avhich has so consistently upheld the principles of our Order and supported the dignity and
influence of Freemasonry . It is because I desire to prevent what Ave have witnessed in another British dependency—it is because I desire to strengthen and perpetuate those fraternal ties which unite the Grand and District Grand Lodges —that I noAv so Avarmly support this novel but practical motion . It is not the Colonial Board of General Purposes , useful as I deem it , that can suppty our
requirements , it is not the authority to appoint a member of that Board that would suffice to secure the due recognition of our wants . No ; such , a one Avould , ir zealous , be deemed a partisan ; if apathetic , uninttuentiai ; and , in either case , so numerically disproportionate to the Avhole number of the Board as to be powerless in action , and inadequate to obtain the objects of this appointment . An independent representative will alone fulfil the duties to be imposed upon him . would thus draw closer the ties that unite us , our whole policy of government vouict be
unfolded to him , our Avants and wishes , interests and requirements , freely eomiriiinicated to him , and a cliscretionary poAver vested in him by which the ga lierm g clouds of misunderstanding would be speedily dispelled , the elements of ^ I lscord promptly suppressed , fraternal feeling cultivated And extended , differences omptl y adjusted , reciprocal action promoted , and our allegiance thus strengthened actf *? ate ( * V ^ CNV ° f 0 U 1 > respective duties and obl igations , and of the sphere of fdori , ! s UGd to each in supporting , extending , promoting , and diffusing the out f ? pnnc ^ es / ° f Freemasonry , the pioneer or precursor of civilization through-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
flcationat seeing Freemasonry so ably supported in Victoria , and alluded to his bein ^ happily instrumental in promoting to his office the R . W . Prov . G . M . for Victoria , the Hon . Capt . Clarke , R . 3 ., whose appointment had been so cordially approved by the Brethren . The Prov . G . M . caused to be announced his having granted dispensations to three new Lodges . .. ' ¦ ' - ' .
The several sums collected by the respective Lodges for the sufferers in India Avere then announced . The subscriptions were still being collected * . On the motion of Bro . J . J . Moody , seconded by Bro . Levick , P . M ., it was resolved to transmit such funds through the Prov . G . M . to the Prov . G . Ms . ^ of the Presidencies in India , where the mutiny had taken place , for distribution amongst the destitute Brethren , and those of the survivors of deceased brothers who had suffered from such mutiny . Bro . J . J . Moody explained that this application of
Lhe fund was just , as numerous Brethren had not only subscribed to the Melbourne Citizen ' s Fund , but also to the Masonic Fund raised in their respective Lodges . M x , amendment by Bro . J . Harris , to pay this fund to that of Melbourne was negatived by a large majority . In accordance with previous notice . Bro ; J . J . Moody then moved , and Bro . H . W . Lowry , seconded a motion and
the adoption of a petition to Grand Lodge . As the petition prays for a representative in Grand Lodge of the Prov . Grand Lodge of Victoria , and embodies a principle affecting the relations of the Grand Lodge with the whole Colonial District Grand Lodges of the British dependencies , it may be desirable briefly to recapitulate the material portions of Bro . Moody ' s speech on introducing the motion .
Brother Moody said : "Right Worshipful ProAuiicial Grand Master , in submitting this motion to the District Grand Lodge , I desire to be distinctly understood , as an earnest adA ^ ocate for its continued connection with the Grand Lodge of England . I-will not conceal that the District Grand Lodge of Victoria is vigorous , influential , and numerous , and might assume independence with a certainty of success ; but there are so many glorious associations connected with
the Grand Lodge of England , many of its members have shed so bright a halo around Freemasonry , and have illustrated and adorned it by their distinguished talents ; it has upheld so earnestly and extended our beneficent institutions , it has exhibited such wisdom and moderation in its government and fraternal conciliation in general toAvards dissentient Brethren , thus displaying the most
eminent virtues by which our Order is distinguished , that I should deeply regret and would on no account be instrumental in weakening the attachment , or severing those fraternal ties which have endeared us to that honoured body Avhich has so consistently upheld the principles of our Order and supported the dignity and
influence of Freemasonry . It is because I desire to prevent what Ave have witnessed in another British dependency—it is because I desire to strengthen and perpetuate those fraternal ties which unite the Grand and District Grand Lodges —that I noAv so Avarmly support this novel but practical motion . It is not the Colonial Board of General Purposes , useful as I deem it , that can suppty our
requirements , it is not the authority to appoint a member of that Board that would suffice to secure the due recognition of our wants . No ; such , a one Avould , ir zealous , be deemed a partisan ; if apathetic , uninttuentiai ; and , in either case , so numerically disproportionate to the Avhole number of the Board as to be powerless in action , and inadequate to obtain the objects of this appointment . An independent representative will alone fulfil the duties to be imposed upon him . would thus draw closer the ties that unite us , our whole policy of government vouict be
unfolded to him , our Avants and wishes , interests and requirements , freely eomiriiinicated to him , and a cliscretionary poAver vested in him by which the ga lierm g clouds of misunderstanding would be speedily dispelled , the elements of ^ I lscord promptly suppressed , fraternal feeling cultivated And extended , differences omptl y adjusted , reciprocal action promoted , and our allegiance thus strengthened actf *? ate ( * V ^ CNV ° f 0 U 1 > respective duties and obl igations , and of the sphere of fdori , ! s UGd to each in supporting , extending , promoting , and diffusing the out f ? pnnc ^ es / ° f Freemasonry , the pioneer or precursor of civilization through-