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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Orders And Friendly Societies

Orders And Friendly Societies.

Masonic.
Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand —Grand Master, M.W. Brother Francis Henry Dillon Bell. Inaugurated at Christchurch on the 30th of April, 1890. After a period of nearly fifty years, the Union of the existing lodges, which had been established by the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, culminated in the inauguration of a National Grand Lodge for New Zealand. Much thought and consideration
Bro. H. Thomson.

Bro. H. Thomson.

page 412 were given to the question of its establishment and all lodges in New Zealand were consulted on the question, with a view of arriving at, as near as possible, a unanimous agreement. The result was that ninety-two lodges approved, twenty-one dissented, and thirty-five took no notice of the question. Many causes known and felt by the brethren in different parts of the Colony operated in bringing about this desideratum. Two conferences were held, in Wellington, at which delegates from every district attended. The subject, therefore, was not undertaken rashly or hastily, but after long deliberation and consultation, at which the opinion of brothers was invited. Great care was taken by the leaders of the movement in every part of the Colony that due attention to the opinion of brethren should be given before taking final action. Masonic Unions were formed in Auckland, Wellington, Christehurch, and Dunedin, large meetings were held in each city, circulars and broadsheets were issued, and everyone anxious for the welfare of the Craft was invited to take part in the discussion, in order that a thorough agreement on the question might, if possible, be arrived at. The hope was entertained that the then Governor, Right Wor. Bro. Lord Onslow, might accept the office of the First Grand Master, and a correspondence was carried on for this purpose. The Convention, which met in Wellington on the 11th and 12th of September, decided that should Bro. Lord Onslow decline the invitation, the appointment should be offered to Right Wor. Bro. Henry Thomson, of Christchurch, and the Grand Lodge should be inaugurated at a date to be fixed by the Central Union then sitting in Wellington. Accordingly, on the 29th of April, 1890, the first Communication was held in St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch, for the final arrangement of the preliminaries, and the election of Grand Officers preparatory to the installation of the First Grand Master on the 30th of April. The ceremony was carried out with great care, and was most successful. Most Wor. Bro. Thomson, having completed his first year of office, was re-elected for a second year. The roll of lodges under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand numbered seventy-one. Receipts for the year amounted to £711 5s. 6d., and the balance at the end of the year was £72 1s. 2d., the disbursements having been £639 4s. 4d. Since this period the success of the Grand Lodge has been phenomenal amongst the Australian Grand Lodges—the number of lodges has increased to 103, and the income for the year ending the 31st of December, 1894, was £2194 18s. 2d, Immediately on the institution of the Grand Lodge, recognition was extended by all the Australian Grand Lodges, New South Wales being the first to do so; and on the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania, fraternal relationship was at once entered into. Gradually many of the Grand Lodges of America did likewise, as well as several of the European Grand Lodges, and at this date (31st of December, 1895) the Grand Lodge is progressing most satisfactorily. Most Wor. Bro. Malcolm Nicol was elected Grand Master on the 29th of April, 1892, and re-elected on the 28th of April, 1893. Most Wor. Bro. F. H. D. Bell was elected Grand Master on the 25th of April, 1894, and re-elected on the 29th of April, 1895. Eight Wor. Bro. Wm. Ronaldson was appointed Grand Secretary by Most Wor. Bro. H. Thomson, on the inauguration of the Grand Lodge, and still holds the appointment.

The Rev. William Ronaldson, Grand Secretary of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons for New Zealand, was born in London, where he was educated at private schools. In 1839 he went out to Sydney, New South Wales, taking a situation as a clerk till 1843, when he returned to England. In the following year Mr. Ronaldson emigrated to New Zealand, acting as schoolmaster, and as Catechist under the Church Missionary Society till 1849, when he again visited England. After studying at the Church Missionary College at Islington, he was ordained deacon in 1854, and priest the following year by the Bishop of London. Before returning to the Colony the rev. gentleman resided for a year at South Collingham, Newark, as curate of St. John's Baptist Church, 1855 found Mr. Ronaldson again in New Zealand, he being the first clergyman appointed to the Wairarapa district, where he remained till 1868. From this time till 1877 he was stationed in the Nelson Diocese, at Motueka and Picton. Between the years 1877 and 1890, the rev. gentleman lived in Otago about three years, in charge of St. John's Church, Milton, and ten years at St. Peter's, Caversham, including in his charge St. Mark's, Green Island, and St. Mary's, Mornington. During his residence in Otago Mr. Ronaldson was Diocesan Secretary, and on three occasions he was elected Clerical Secretary of the General Synod. In 1890 he became Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand.

Rev. Wm. Ronaldson.

Rev. Wm. Ronaldson.

The New Zealand Pacific Lodge, No. 2, was founded on the 9th of September, 1842. This Lodge meets every month in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the fourth Monday, at 8 p.m. The installation takes place in December. The officers (1896) are :—W.M., Bro. Rev. J. Dumbell; S.W., Bro. Jas. Mackay; J.W., Bro. F. W. Weston; Bro. Thos. W. Rowe, Secretary.

The Waterloo Lodge, No. 13, was founded in 1866. The monthly meetings are held in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the second Monday, at 7:30 p.m. The installation of officers takes place in December. The officers (1896) are :-W.M., Bro. Geo. MacMorran; S.W., Bro. J. W. Davis; J.W., Bro. G. B. Clark; Secretary, Bro. J. Stevenson P.M., Land Tax Office Wellington.

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The St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 32, was founded in 1879. The, Lodge meets every month in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the third Monday, at 7.30 p.m. The installation of officers is held in December. The officers for 1896 are: - W.M., Bro. C. Neilson; S.W., Bro. Angus McKay; J.W., Bro. F. J. Bew; Secretary, Bro. R. Fletcher, P.M., Thorndon Quay, Wellington.

The Leinster Lodge, No.44, was founded in 1882. Meetings are held in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the first Monday in each month, at 8 p.m. The installation of officers takes place in July. Officers (1895) : - W.M., Bro. Arthur Clothier, P.M.; S.W. Bro. A. A. Bowley; J.W., Bro. J. A. Sloane; Secretary, Bro. James C. Young (P.O. Box 232). J. A. “copper” collection is taken at each meeting in aid of G.L. Widows and Orphans Fund.

Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand has jurisdiction over thirteen Royal Arch Chapters and one Mark Lodge. The annual Convocation is held in January. The officers of the Grand Chapter for 1896 are:- Past First Grand Principal, M.E. Comp. W. B. Scandrett, Invercargill; First Grand Principal Z., M.E. Comp. Dr. L. G. Boor, Victory Chapter, No. 12; Depute Grand Principal Z., M.E. Comp. Geo. H. Powley, Auckland Province, Chapter No. 9; Second Grand Principal H., M.E. Comp. Rev. Thos. Porritt, Wairarapa, Chapter, No. 10; Third Grand Principal J., M.E. Comp. J. M. Brown, North Otago, Chapter, No., 8; Grand Scribe E., M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams, Waterloo Chapter, No. 2; Grand Scribe N., M.E. Comp. H. C. A. Wundrum, Victoria, Chapter, No. 4; Grand Treasurer, M.E. Comp. D. Greig, Waterloo, Chapter, No. 2; Grand Recorder, M.E. Comp. R. C. Hamerton, Waterloo, Chapter, No. 2; Grand Chancellor, M.E. Comp. H. Wetherilt, Waterloo, Chapter, No. 2; First Grand Sojourner, M.E. Comp. N. Swinard, Waitaki, Chapter, No. 13; Second Grand Sojourner, M.E. Comp. C. J. Ronaldson, Otago, Chapter, No. 7; Third Grand Sojourner, M.E. Comp. Jubal Fleming, Manawatu, Chapter, No. 11; Grand Superintendent of Works, M.E. Comp. H. F. Arnold, Albert Edward, Chapter No. 6; Grand Sword-bearer, M.E. Comp. H. Dempsey, Paritutu, Chapter, No. 5; Grand Standard-bearer, M.E. Comp. Hon. H. Feldwick, Southern Cross, Chapter, No. 3; Grand Janitor, M.E. Comp. H. Erith. Supreme Committee, the Officers of Grand Chapter and M.E. Comps. H. J. H. Eliott, H. Wetherilt, J. Jack, P.Z.'s; Geo. Wilson, Z.; E. Comps. R. Fletcher, H., and Geo France, J.

Waterloo Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2, was founded in 1875. The Chapter meets in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, Wellington, on the first Wednesday in December, March, and June, and on the 23rd of September for Installation. The officers for 1896 are :-M.E.Z. Comp Geo. Wilson, Ex. H., Comp. R. Fletcher; Ex. J., Comp. G. France; Scribe E., Comp. H. J. Williams, P.Z., (Box 8, P.O.;) Ex. Master, Comp. R. Fletcher; Mark Master, Comp. Geo. Wilson.

The District Grand Lodge E. C. Wellington, North Island of New Zealand, was founded on the 24th of June, 1876, When the first District Grand Master was installed. The Grand Lodge district includes the Provincial Districts of Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawkes Bay, and consists of seven Lodges. Officers (1895) are:- D.G.M., Bro. Francis Arkwright, Marton; D.D.G.M., Bro. A. de B. Brandon, Wellington; D.G.S.W., Bro. Gifford Marshall, Wanganui; D.G.I.W., Bro. W. Parker, Marton; D.G.S., Bro. C. P. Powles, Wellington. The Grand Lodge meets on the first Thursdays of January, April, July, and October.

The Wellington Lodge, No. 1521, was established in 1874. Its meetings are held in the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on the third Friday in each month at 8 p.m. The annual installation of officers is held in June. Officers (1895) :- W.M., Bro. G. Airport; S.W., Bro. A. D. Riley; J.W., Bro. S. Robinson; secretary, Bro. F. Hartmann.

The Aorangi Lodge, No. 2300, Wellington. This Lodge holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday in each month between April and November. The annual installation takes place on the fourth Tuesday in November, at the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street. The officers for 1896 are :- W. M., Bro. J. M. Richardson; S.W., Bro. W. G. Rutherford; J.W., Bro. W. H. Quick; Secretary, Bro. J. O. Anson, Junior Club.

Manchester Unity, I.O.O.F.

Manchester Unity Independent Order Of Oddfellows. The District Officers of the Order for Wellington in 1895 are - Mr. G. Jordan, Provincial G.M., Eva Street, Wellington; Mr. J. Avery, Provincial Deputy G.M., Sussex Square, Wellington; Mr. J. Kershaw, Provincial Corresponding Secretary, 18 Austin Street, Wellington; Mr. R. Smith, Examining Officer and Warden, Garrett Street, Wellington; Mr. T. W. McKenzie, Treasurer and Relieving Officer, Ghuznee Street, Wellington. Book Examiners : - J. W. Kershaw, 18 Austin Street, Wellington; Mr. S. Waters, Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Trustees - Messrs. J. Smith, junr., Cuba Street; S. Waters, Upper Willis Street; I. Clark, Turn bull Street. The meetings of the District Management Committee are held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay, on the first Friday in every month. This Order was established in Wellington in February, 1843.

The Britannia Lodge, No. 3833. Meetings are held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay, fort nightly, from Monday, the 13th of January, 1896. Secretary, Mr. G. E. Godber, 53 Pirie Street.

The Antipodean Lodge, No. 4320, holds fortnightly meetings at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay, Wellington, from Wednesday, the 8th of January, 1896. Secretary, Mr. A. Guise.

Independent Order Of Oddfellows.

Independent Order of Oddfellows. The Grand Lodge officers for the order of New Zealand are:Grand Master, Frank Wills, Hankey Street, Wellington; Deputy Grand Master, Mr. J. T. Higgins, Roslyn, Dunedin; Grand Warden, Mr. A. J. Raukin, Dee Street, Invereargill; Grand Secretary, Mr. William Reid, Princess Street, Dunedin; Grand Treasurer, Mr. James Alexander, George Street, Dunedin.

Mr. Frank Wills, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, was born at Wellington on the 20th of June, 1853, and is a son of the late Mr. James Fabian Wills. He has been a member of the Southern Cross Lodge for the past sixteen years, and has passed through all the chairs. In 1895 he was elected to the position of Grand Master. At fourteen years of age Mr. Wills entered the office of Mr. Izard, barrister and solicitor, and has continued in the employ of that gentleman and of the succeeding firms for a period of page 414 twenty-nine years in all. He now holds the position of managing clerk, the firm being known as Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard. Mr. Wills is married, and has a family of three sons and three daughters. His private residence is Fabian Villa, Hankey Street.

The Southern Cross Lodge, No. 24 (Wellington). Secretary, Mr. J. Evans, 145 Lambton Quay, Wellington.

The Lodge Zealandia, No. 48 (Wellington). Secretary, Mr. S. W. Green, Owen Street, Wellington. D.D.G.M., Mr. C. W. Benbow, South British Insurance Company, Lambton Quay, Wellington.

Ancient Order Of Foresters.

Ancient Order of Foresters. The District officers of the Order in Wellington City for 1895 are- Messrs. J. Foley, York Street; R. Harman, Waterloo Quay; H. J. White, Brougham Street, District Trustees; and A. Whiteford, Willis Street, district secretary. The district officers meet every first Friday in each month at 8 p.m. at St. George's Hall, Lambton Quay. There are thirty courts in the district, the earliest being established in 1862.

Court Sir George Grey, No. 3118. Meetings are held in the Foresters' Hall, Lambton Qnay, Wellington, on alternate Tuesdays at 8 p.m. The secretary for 1895 is Mr. J. Robertson, Dixon Street, Wellington. This Court, which has 248 members, was founded in 1862.

Court Robin Hood, No. 4428. Meetings are held at the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on alternate Mondays at 8p.m. The secretary is Mr. J. T. Webber, Mclntyre's Avenue, Hawker Street. The membership is 206, the Court being founded in 1865.

Court Sir George Bowen, No. 5084. Meetings of this Court are held at the Forester's Hall, Tory Street, on alternate Mondays at 8 p.m. The secretary is Mr. J. Foley, York Street. This is the largest Court, its members being 276. It was formed in 1869.

Court Sir William Jervols, No. 7609. This Court meets at the schoolroom, Riddiford Street, Newtown, on alternate Mondays. Mr. T. L. Coe. Owen Street, Wellington, is the secretary. Founded in 1889, it has 100 members.

Court Lady Glasgow, No. 8261 (Wellington), holds meetings at the Forester's Hall, Tory Street. The secretary is Miss N. Aston.

Hibernian.

The Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, Branch No. 95 (St.Patrick's) Wellington, has been established in New Zealand about twenty-five years, and it is twenty years since the branch was founded in Wellington. The total membership in the Colony is 1500. St. Patrick's branch has 135 on the roll. Meetings are held every other Wednesday in St. Patrick's Hall, Boulcott Street. President, Mr. J. Hyland; treasurer, Mr. M. Bohan; secretary, Mr. W. J. Grant, Majoribanks Street.

Orange Lodges.

The Wellington District Lodge holds its meetings on the first Wednesday in March, June, September and December, in the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. The officers (1895) are: W.D.M., Mr. J. Lindsay; D.D.M., Mr. J. Edwards; D.S., Mr. G. Petherick, 38 Taranaki Street. Wellington.

Lodge No.16 holds its meetings in the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on the first Friday in each month. The officers (1895) are: W.M., Mr. H. J. White, Levy Street; secretary, Mr. G. Purdie. Taranaki Street.

Lodge No. 23, “No Surrender,” holds its meetings in the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on the second Friday in each month. W.M., Mr. W. Jansen, Martin Square; secretary, Mr. G. D. Beharrell, Sussex Square.

Lodge No.46 holds its meetings in the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on the fourth Friday in the month. The officers (1895) are : W.M., Mr. Jas. Edwards, No. 1 Grey Street; secretary, Mr. A. M. Melville, Gordon Street (Box 307).

Lodge No. 49 holds its meetings in the schoolroom, Riddiford Street, on the third Monday in each month. The officers (1895) are : W.M., Mr. J. Lindsay, Hansen Street; secretary, Mr. M. W. Thew, Cuba Street.

King David Royal Black Preceptory, No. 395, holds its meetings on the third Friday in the month at the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street. The officers (1895) are : Sir Knight, David Hall, W.M.; Sir Knight, G. D. Beharrell, registrar, Sussex Square.

Female Lodge

Purple Rocket Lodge, No.4 (Newtown). This lodge meets on the first Thursday in each month at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Mistress, Mrs. J. Lindsay, Hansen Street; secretary, Miss Roberts, Abel Smith Street.

Independent Order Of Good Templars.

The Wellington District was established in 1893. The officers for 1895 are: D.T., Bro. G. Petherick; D.C., Bro. W. J. Weston; D. treasurer, Bro. W. M. Hare; D. secretary, Bro. A. Thompson, care of the Hospital.

Pioneer Lodge, No. 11 (Wellington), was founded in 1873. A weekly meeting is held every Monday in the United Methodist Free Church Schoolroom, Courtenay Place, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: C.T., Bro. R. Crawford; secretary, Bro. Hoverd.

The Star of Wellington Lodge, No. 12, was founded in 1873. The lodge meets each Thursday in the United Methodist Free Church Schoolroom, Courtenay Place, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: Bro. A. Martin; secretary, Bro. E. Reay, 100 Tinakori Road, Wellington.

St. John's Lodge, No. 23, Wellington, was founded in 1873. A weekly meeting is held each Friday in the United Methodist Free Church Schoolroom, Courtenay Place, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: C.T., Sister Perry; secretary, Bro. Spiers, care H.M. Gaol, Wellington,

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Star of Newtown Lodge, No. 24. Weekly meetings are held every Tuesday in the Wesleyan schoolroom, Riddiford Street, Newtown, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: L.D., Bro. E. F. Jones, care Newtown Printing Works; secretary, J. D. Jones, care Newtown Printing Works.

Sons And Daughters Of Temperance.

Sons and Daughters of Temperance Benefit Society (Advance Division, Wellington), No. 24 of the Grand Division, No. 10 of New Zealand. This division meets on alternate Tuesdays in the United Methodist Free Church School room, Courtenay Place at 8 p.m. Officers, 1896— D.G.W.P. and Treasurer, Bro. W. L. Ludwig; P.W.P. Bro. A. Williams; W.P., Bro. J. Patten; W.A., Bro. J. Barnett; F.S. Bro. J. Salkeld; R.S., Bro. J. H. Baker; A.R.S., Bro. H. Cooper; Chaplain, Bro. D. Parnell; Conductor, Bro. Hitchings; Assistant Conductor, Sis, Moore; L.G., Sis. Patten; O.G., Bro. O. Ivor; Auditors, Bros. T. Cooper, T. Hawthorne, and A. Williams. The Society was founded on the 4th of October, 1887, and there are now about one hundred members. The funeral benefits are £20 on the death of a member, of which £10 is payable in the event of the prior death of a member's wife. The sick benefit is £1 per week for the first six month, 10s. per week for the second half-year, and 5s. weekly after twelve months. The subscriptions vary according to the age at joining.

Independent Order Of Rechabites.

New Zealand Central District, No. 86, Independent Order of Rechabites. Office, Manners Street, Wellington. District Officers:—Messrs. W.R. Cole, D.C.R., Dunedin; J. Piper, D.D.R., Nelson; J. Rash, P.D.C.R., Wellington; A. J. Bennett, District Treasurer, Wellington; F. H. Fraser, District Secretary, Wellington. Meets monthly.

The Hope of Wellington Tent, No. 1 (Wellington). The Tent holds meetings on each alternate Tuesday at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Mr. F. H. Fraser, of Manners Street, Wellington, is the secretary.

The Perseverance Tent, No. 6 (Wellington). Meetings are held on each alternate Tuesday at the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Sydney Street, at 7.30 p.m. The secretary is Mr. William H. Freethy, Mulgrave Street, Wellington.

The Excelsior Tent, No. 19 (Wellington). This Tent holds its meetings on alternate Thursdays at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Mr. W. J. Gaudin, of 26 Ghuznee Street, is the secretary.

The Haste to the Rescue Terrace Branch Tent, No. 1 (Wellington). Meetings are held on each alternate Friday at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Wellington. The secretary is Mr. F. H. Fraser, Manners Street, Wellington.