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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
The Dunedin Theosophical Society
The Dunedin Theosophical Society is one of about 400 branches of an organisation, known as the Theosophical Society, which was founded in America in the year 1875, and afterwards established its headquarters in Madras, India. The parent Society was brought into existence by the joint action of Madame H. P. Blavatsky and Colonel H. S. Olcott, two students of religion and science, whose co-operation was brought about by a common interest in spiritualism. The objects, as originally stated, were: to form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour; to encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy and science; to investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man. The aims of the Society are, therefore, comprehensive, and of a distinctly idealistic order. There is now scarcely a country in the civilised world wherein the Society has not its branches and its strong bands of enthusiastic workers; and its supporters are now numerous. The Dunedin branch was organised in 1892 for the purpose of promoting amongst local circles the great principles for which the parent body has so long and consistently Worked, and obtained a charter in May, 1893. The first president was Mr Grant P. Farquhar, and the first secretary Mr. A. W. Maurais. The branch has amongst its Workers Messrs D. W. M. Burn, M.A., George Richardson, A. W. Maurais, Miss Horne, and Miss C. W. Christie. The local membership is about fifty, though there are many more who take a serious interest in the object of the branch and indirectly support it. Since the establishment of the branch the place of meeting has been frequently changed. The room now used is situated in Liverpool Street, and affords accommodation for about fifty persons Classes are held in this room two or three times weekly, and a lecture is given on the third Wednesday in each month. Each Sunday evening, commencing at 6.30, a lecture is delivered in the board room of His Majesty's Theatre, the most frequent lecturers being Messrs A. W. Maurais, D. W. M. Burn, M. A., Miss Horne, and Miss C. W. Christie. Many books and pamphlets have been written on the subject of theosophy, and these are freely distributed for the purpose of enlightening enquirers on the subject. The officers of the Dunedin branch of the Theosophical Society for the year 1904 are: President, Mr. George Richardson; Secretary, Mr. A. W. Maurais. There are also several other officers.