Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 17

Constitution of the R.W. Grand Lodge of the Ancient Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the Colony of New Zealand

Previous Section | Table of Contents | Up | Next Section

page break

Constitution of the R.W. Grand Lodge of the Ancient Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the Colony of New Zealand.

Preamble.

Whereas, the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the Ancient

Ancient Colony of Victoria.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Colony of Victoria, did, by its warrant, bearing date the nineteenth day of February, A. D. 1869, grant authority to certain subordinate Lodges of the Ancient Independent Order of Odd Fellows in New Zealand, to form a Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to be known and hailed by the name, style, and title of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the Ancient Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Zealand, giving and granting to them and their successors, by the name, style, and title aforesaid, full power and authority to grant warrants for opening Lodges subordinate thereto, for the propagation of the established principles of the Order with power and authority also to cause all honorary and the first five degrees of the Order; to be conferred on deserving members, according to the laws page 4 customs, and usages of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and, as the Grand Legislative Head of the Order in the Colony of New Zealand, to have and to exercise full power and authority to enforce upon its subordinates a strict adherence to the laws and usages of the Order, and to make and establish such rules for their government as in the opinion of the said Grand Lodge of New Zealand may be for the advancement of the Order:

New Constitution.

Now, therefore, we, the Past Grands and other qualified Officers residing within said jurisdiction, do hereby make and declare the following as the Constitution of the R.W. Grand Lodge of the Ancient Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Zealand.

Article I.

Of the grand lodge.

Title and Composition of Grand Lodge.

Sec. 1. This R. W. Grand Lodge shall be hereafter known by the name, style, and title of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and shall be composed of all Past Grands in good standing, who are contributing members of Lodges subordinate to this Grand Lodge, and who have been admitted as required by this Constitution.

Objects.

Sec. 2. The objects of this Right Worthy Grand Lodge shall be the entire supervision and control of all Subordinate Lodges of this Order existing or established by warrant or charter from this Grand Lodge and its general place of business shall be the City of Dunedin, in the, Colony of New Zealand.

Jurisdiction and Power.

Sec. 3. The Grand Lodge has jurisdiction in "Odd Fellowship" over the Colony of "New Zealand, and over all Subordinate Lodges situated within said Colony, or working under the authority of the same, and is the Supreme Tribunal of the Order in its jurisdiction. No Lodge can be formed or continue to exist without its sanction. It possesses the sole right and power, in the manner hereinafter provided, of granting or suspending charters; of receiving appeals and redressing page 5 grievances arising in Lodges; of originating and regulating the means for its own support; of deciding, as the last resort in this jurisdiction, all questions arising out of its Constitution, Laws, and Rules of Order, and of doing all other acts necessary to promote the interests of the Order, in all respects wherein the same are not inconsistent with, or in violation of, any of the laws of the land.
Sec. 4. To entitle a past Grand to be admitted as a member

Proof of qualification.

of this Grand Lodge, he must produce satisfactory evidence that he is a Past Grand, and is a member in good standing, of a Lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge, at the time of his admission.

Article II.

Of the Sessions and Business of the Grand Lodge.

Sec. 1. The Grand Lodge shall hold regular Annual Communications.

Annual Communication.

Such Annual Communications shall begin on the third Monday in March of each year, at half-past six o'clock, p.m., and shall continue to meet at such hours as may be agreed upon, from day to day, consecutively (Sundays excepted), until the close of the session.
Sec. 2. The business of the Grand Lodge shall be transacted

Past Grands may attend, but not vote, unless officers or representatives.

by the Elective Officers of the Grand Lodge, Past G. Masters of the Order, and the representatives elected in the manner hereinafter provided. All Past Grands in good standing, who have received the Grand Lodge Degree, may be present at the session; but none except officers of Past G. Masters, and representatives to the Grand Lodge, shall have the right to vote, except for the election of officers, or, without permission, to speak on any subject at the session.
Sec. 3. Every Lodge shall be entitled in the Grand Lodge

Number and qualification of representatives.

to two representatives for its Charter, and one representative for every fifteen, and one for every fraction of fifteen, exceeding ten, members in good standing. Representatives must be Past Grands in good standing, and shall be elected at any regular meeting, within three months previous to each page 6 Annual Communication, to serve one year from the beginning of said Annual Communication. Vacancies may be filled at any time to serve the remainder of the term.

Who may vote.

Sec. 4. Each Elective Officer, except the M.W. Grand Master, who is not also a representative, and each representative, shall be entitled to one vote. The M. W. Grand Master shall be entitled to a vote in all cases of a tie. In case of the absence of any representatives, the representatives of his Lodge present may cast the votes of the absentees. At the election of Grand Officers, each Past Grand present at the Annual Communication shall be entitled to one vote only.

Special Sessions.

Sec. 5. Special Sessions shall be called by the M.W. Grand Master, on application by resolution, under the seals of three Subordinate Lodges. Special Sessions may also be called at the option of the M.W. Grand Master. Such sessions shall be for the transaction of extraordinary business only, which shall be specified in the call; and not less than thirty days' notice shall be given by letter to each Lodge, which thirty days shall begin from the date on which such letters are posted. Such Special Sessions shall be held at the place of meeting of the last previous Annual Communication.

Quorum one-third.

Sec. 6. The Grand Lodge cannot be opened for the transaction of business unless Representatives from one-third of the Lodges are present.

Article III.

Of Officers.

Sec. 1. The Elective Officers of this Grand Lodge shall be:—

  • Elective Officers.

    1st. Most Worthy. Grand Master.
  • 2nd. Right Worthy Deputy Grand Master.
  • 3rd. Right Worthy Grand Warden.
  • 4th. Right Worthy Grand Secretary.
  • 5th. Right Worthy Grand Treasurer.page 7
  • 6th. The Grand Lodge shall also elect two Trustees, who shall hold office for twelve months, but who shall not rank as Elective Officers.
Sec. 2. The Appointed Officers shall be:—

Appointed Officers.

  • Worthy Grand Chaplain.
  • Worthy Grand Marshal.
  • Worthy Grand Conductor.
  • Worthy Grand Guardian.
  • Worthy Grand Herald.
  • Worthy District Deputy Grand Master for each District.
Sec. 3. The election for Elective Officers of the Grand

Mode of Election.

Lodge shall be by ballot, in the following manner;—When open in that order of business, each Past Grand present shall have the privilege to nominate, but the consent of those whose names are placed in nomination must be first obtained. After the nominations for all the elective offices shall have been declared closed, there shall be provided a ballot-box, in which to deposit the ballots, and two Scrutineers shall be appointed by the M. W. Grand Master; and all present who desire shall proceed to vote; and when all have voted who wish, the Grand Master shall proclaim the ballot closed, and the Scrutineers shall immediately count the votes polled; and, if there be no choice for the officer ballotted for—a clear majority of all the votes polled being necessary for an election—a new ballot shall be immediately ordered which ballot, shall be confined to the three having received the greatest number of votes (provided there are three voted for;) and if there be then no choice, a third ballot shall immediately be had, which shall be confined to the two receiving the greatest number of votes: Provided, that in all cases where only one person is in nomination for an office, the election may be held viva voce.
Sec. 4. The Officers of this Grand Lodge shall be installed

Installation.

on the last day of the session: Provided, however, that the Grand Lodge may, after a four-fifth vote, instal any officer or page 8 officers at any time after election; but the duties of such officer or officers shall not commence until the last day of the session.

Qualification of Elective Grand Officers.

Sec. 5. No one shall be eligible for any Elective Grand Office unless he is qualified to become a member of the Grand Lodge, and has attained such degrees as by virtue of his office he may confer upon others.

Appointed Officers.

Sec. 6. The Appointed Officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master, by and with the consent and approval of this Grand Lodge, after his installation.

Article IV.

Duties of Officers.

Duties of M. W. Grand Master.

Sec. 1. The Most Worthy Grand Master shall preside at all sessions of the Grand Lodge, and Meetings of the Standing Committee, and preserve order therein, an I enforce a due observance of the constitution and laws of this Grand Lodge, and of the usages of the Order. All questions of order, and all decisions made by him on any point arising out of the constitution or law3 of this Grand Lodge, shall be subject to appeal from his decision to the Grand Lodge, and it shall be his duty to put the question on all such appeals to the Grand Lodge. He may appoint all Grand Officers pro tem., and all Committees not otherwise provided for in this Constitution or ordered by the Grand Lodge. He shall give the casting-vote in all cases where the votes are equally divided, except in cases of election of officers. When any demand shall have been approved by a majority of the Finance Committee, he shall order the Grand Treasurer to pay the same. He may grant dispensation on the application of a Lodge to confer the degrees on a member without delay. He may in person confer the official degrees. He shall decide all appeals on questions of law which may be made to him from the decisions of his deputies; he shall receive and act upon all complaints which may be made to him by Lodges against his deputies. He shall give such instruction from time to time in the Work of page 9 the Order, to the deputies or to the Lodges, as may be necessary. When officially visiting subordinate Lodges, he shall be received with the honors of the Order.
Sec. 2. The Right Worthy Deputy Grand Master shall

Duties of R. W. Deputy Grand Master.

support the Grand Master in presiding, and in his absence shall fill the chair for him. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall become Grand Master for the balance of the term, and receive the honors of the term.
Sec. 3. The Right Worthy Grand Warden shall assist the

Duties of R, W. Grand Warden.

Grand Master in conducting the business of the Grand Lodge. During the sessions of the Grand Lodge he shall confer the Grand Lodge Degree upon all Past Grands in attendance who are not already in possession of it, and who may be legally entitled to receive it. He shall, under the Grand Master, have special charge of the door; and in the absence of the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, he shall preside.
Sec. 4. The Right-Worthy Grand Secretary shall make a

Duties of R. W. Grand Secretary.

just and true record of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge at every session, and transmit, as soon as practicable after the close of the annual session, to the subordinate Lodges each two printed copies thereof. He shall keep the accounts between the Grand Lodge and its subordinates, receive all moneys coming therefrom, and pay the same to the Grand Treasurer weekly. He shall issue all necessary notices and circulars to subordinates, representatives and officers. He shall provide all stationery for the use of the Grand Lodge, and superintend such printing as the Grand Lodge shall direct. He shall at the end of every three months issue circulars to the subordinate Lodges, containing the names of all those who have been rejected, expelled, suspended, or ceased membership, and also those who have been reinstated during the quarter ending that date; and he shall furnish the Government with the annual return required by the "Friendly Societies Act." He shall keep distinct accounts of all the Funds; and on the receipt of the page 10 quarterly dues from a subordinate Lodge, he shall at once return a proper receipt for the same. He shall, on a proper application of a Lodge entitled to funeral benefits, without delay obtain from the Treasurer and forward the amount of funeral benefits due such Lodge; and shall perform such other duties as are required of him by the laws and regulations of the Order, or that may be ordered by this Grand Lodge. He shall, previous to his installation, give a bond to the Trustees of this Grand Lodge, with two sureties conditioned in such an amount as the Standing Committee of the Grand Lodge may from time to

Must give security.

time require: Provided always that in no case shall the amount of such bond be less than twenty-five pounds sterling. And he shall receive such salary for the faithful performance of his duties as may be fixed upon at each Annual Session, which shall be paid quarterly.

Duties of R. W. Grand Treasurer.

Sec. 5. The Right Worthy Grand Treasurer shall receive and take charge of the moneys of the Grand Lodge, pay all orders drawn on him by the Grand Master, under the seal of the Grand Lodge; make such investment of the funds as the Grand Lodge may direct; keep his accounts in such a manner as will exhibit the source and amount of receipts, and by whom paid; the purposes and amount of disbursements, and to whom paid; have his accounts closed up on the second Monday in March in each year, and submit them to the Finance Committee, and transmit by the Grand Secretary, annually, to the subordinates, an exhibit of his accounts. He shall attend all regular sessions of the Grand Lodge; he shall, previous to installation, give bonds to the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Zealand, with two sureties conditioned in such an amount as the Standing Committee of the Grand Lodge

Must give security.

may from time to time require: Provided that the amount of such bond shall in no case be less than twenty-five pounds sterling, for the faithful performance of his duties; and he shall receive such salary, as the Grand Lodge, at each Annual Session, may determine.
page 11
Sec. 6. The Worthy District Deputy Grand Master shall

Duties of District Deputy Grand Master.

preside at all meetings of the District Grand Committee of his respective District; he shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, install the Officers of all Lodges in his District, and enforce a due observance of the Constitution, Bye-Laws and Resolutions of the Grand Lodge; be the organ of the Grand Master with the subordinate Lodges in his jurisdiction; have power to grant dispensations to Lodges in his District upon application, under seal of the Lodge, to confer the five degrees in less time than may be otherwise permitted, when circumstances may require it. He shall" see that the work of the Order is performed uniformly; confer official degrees upon Past Grands; collect from Lodges in his District all returns and moneys due the Grand Lodge, and forward them immediately to the Grand Secretary. He shall decide all questions of law that may be submitted to him by Lodges under his charge, and report seni-annually to the Grand Master of his proceedings. He shall forthwith report all cases of violation on the part of subordinate Lodges, of the Constitution and Bye-Laws of the Grand Lodge, or disobedience of its lawful commands. He shall give a bond to the Trustees of the Grand Lodge, with two sureties conditioned in such an amount as the Standing Committee of the Grand Lodge may from time to time require: Provided that in no case shall the amount of

Must give security.

such bond be less than ten pounds sterling, and shall receive such salary from the Grand Lodge, for the faithful performance of his duty, as may be fixed upon at each Annual Session of the same.
Sec. 7. The Trustees shall hold in trust for the Grand

Duties of Trustees.

Lodge all moneys, stocks, notes, bonds, and all other property which may be placed in their possession. They shall invest all moneys as may be directed by the Grand Lodge, collect all interests, dividends, and income of every kind on all property of the Grand Lodge when they become due, and pay the same to the Grand Lodge; call in the loans or sue thereon, whenever they deem best; or the Grand Lodge requires. They shall sign all legal drafts which may be drawn on the General page 12 Funeral Fund, and, shall perform such other duties as the Grand Lodge shall require. At each Annual Communication they shall report all business transacted by them during the past year, and at the expiration of their term of office they shall turn over to their successors, or to such person or persons as the Grand Lodge may direct, all property of whatsoever kind belonging to the Grand Lodge in their possession. Either or both of the Trustees may be removed from office for nonperformance of duty or misconduct, in the same manner as is provided for the removal of other officers of this Grand Lodge.

Must give security.

The Trustees shall, prior to entering upon the discharge of their duties, each give to the Standing Committee of the Grand Lodge a bond with two sureties conditioned in such an amount as the Committee may from time to time require: Provided that in no case shall the amount of each such bonds be less than twenty-five pounds sterling for the faithful performance of their duties.

Other duties.

Sec. 8. All Grand Officers shall, in addition to the duties already specified, perform such other duties as are required by their charges and the usages of the Order, or this Grand Lodge may enjoin.

Article V.

Removals and Vacancies.

Misconduct or neglect of Grand Officers how dealt with

Sec. 1. Any Grand Officer may be removed from his office by the Grand Lodge for misconduct or neglect of duty; but he shall be entitled to a fair trial,—and two-thirds of the votes of the members present shall be necessary for removal.

Retirement sub lite.

Sec. 2. No Officer shall officiate in the Grand Lodge during the time of his trial. Whenever the Grand Master, or officer acting as such, shall be on trial, or whenever a resolution for the removal of the Grand Master, or officer acting as such, shall be submitted, the Grand Lodge may direct any Past Grand Master (in case the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden are incapacitated), to occupy the chair.
page 13
Sec. 3. Any member may be expelled from the Grand

Expulsion by vote of two-thirds.

Lodge as such, for misconduct, upon the vote of two-thirds of the members present at any meeting, after a copy of the resolution of expulsion shall have been served upon him.
Sec. 4. Vacancies in the office of District Deputy Grand

Vacancies,

Master shall be tilled by the Grand Master. Vacancies in other Grand Offices, except that of the Grand Master, shall be filled by the Grand Lodge,—if in session; if not, then by the Standing Committee, for the remainder of the term.

Article VI.

Committees.

Sec. 1. The Elective Grand Officers shall constitute the Standing

Standing Committee, how formed.

Committee, to act during the interim between the regular Sessions of the Grand Lodge, and they shall have power to perform any act, which by law devolves upon the Grand Lodge, subject, however, to confirmation, alteration, or reversion by the Grand Lodge at its first regular Session thereafter. For 'the legal transaction of any business by said Committee three shall form a quorum; and the Grand Master may call meetings thereof at his discretion. The Standing Committee shall, at the close of each Annual Session in March, cause to be published the General Balance Sheet of the assets and liabilities of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction, for the twelve months ending the previous 31st day of December in each year.
Sec. 2. There shall be appointed at each Annual Session,

Appointment of Annual Committee.

the following regular Committees, from among the members, who shall be appointed by the Grand Master, holding over, by and with the consent of the Grand Lodge; vacancies in any such Committees, at the opening of the Session, shall be filled by the incumbent of the chair at the time, to serve during the Session.
  • 1st. Committee on Credentials.
  • 2nd. Committee on Finance.
  • 3rd. Committee on Correspondence.page 14
  • 4th. Committee on Appeals.
  • 5th. Committee on Laws of Subordinates.
  • 6th. Committee on Petitions.
  • 7th. Committee on the State of the Order.
  • 8th. Committee on Legislation.

Duty of Committee on Credentials.

Sec. 3. The Committee on Credentials shall consist of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine and report to the Grand Lodge on the credentials and certificates of its members and Past Grands applying for membership.

Of Finance Committee.

Sec. 4. The Committee on Finance shall consist of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine and report on all accounts and claims against the Grand Lodge, previous to their being passed for payment; to examine the accounts of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, annually, and report the result of their examination and the condition of the finances, immediately thereafter to the Grand Lodge. To ascertain and report at the commencement of each Annual Session the amount required for the expenses of the Grand Lodge for the ensuing year, and suggest such measures of finance as they may deem expedient.

Of Committee on Correspondence.

Sec. 5. The Committee on Correspondence shall consist of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine, conduct, and report on, all correspondence of the Grand Lodge, and to suggest any measures in the nature of the business of their appointment

Of Committee on Appeals.

Sec. 6. The Committee on Appeals shall consist of five members, whose duty it shall be to examine all appeals referred to them, and report thereon such action as they may deem proper in the Grand Lodge; and such reports shall be made at the earliest practicable day of the Annual Session. All appeals taken from the action of the Subordinate Lodges shall, as soon as the same are received by the Grand Secretary, be transmitted by him to the Chairman of the Committee on Appeals. If the Committee find the papers defective in any essential particular, they shall certify the fact to the Grand Secretary, who shall at once remit the papers to page 15 the respective Subordinate Lodge, requiring it forthwith to correct the defects complained of, and return the amended papers to the Grand Secretary, who shall immediately transmit the same to the Chairman of the Committee on Appeals.
Sec. 7. The Committee on the Laws of Subordinates shall

Of Committee on Laws of Subordinates.

consist of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine and report on the By-Laws of Subordinate Lodges referred to them, and also to examine and approve of the Bye-Laws of Subordinates that may be submitted to them previous to being printed; and to direct such alteration in the said Bye-Laws, if any are required, as will make them conform to the laws and regulations of the Order, subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 8. The Committee on petitions shall consist of three

Of Committee on Petitions.

members, whose duty it shall be to examine all petitions referred to them, and report to the Grand Lodge such action thereon as may be proper.
Sec. 9. The Committee on the State of the Order shall

Of Committee on State of the Order.

consist of five members, who shall examine the reports of the District Deputy Grand Masters, and such other matters as may be referred to them, and report thereon to the Grand Lodge and they may annually present to the Grand Lodge an exhibit of the, condition and progress of the Order in this jurisdiction, and recommend such measures for the good of the Order, as from time to time they may judge proper.
Sec. 10. The Committee on Legislation shall consist of

Of Committee on Legislation.

five members, who shall examine and report on all proposed amendments of the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules of Order, and Resolutions governing the Grand Lodge, and such other matters as may be referred to th6m by the Grand Lodge or M.W. Grand Master.

Article VII.

Of Votes.

Sec. 1. Each Elective Officer, except the M.W. Grand

Of Voting at Grand Lodge.

Master, shall be entitled to one vote. All questions and votes page 16 before the "Grand Lodge, not otherwise provided for in this Constitution, shall be determined by a majority of all the votes given; and when five of the members call for a vote by yeas and nays, or when the same are in this Constitution required to be taken, they shall be so taken and recorded on the journal.

Article VIII.

Of Revenue.

Sources of Revenue.

Sec 1. The revenue of this Grand Lodge shall be raised for the purpose of defraying the necessary expenses thereof, and for the advancement of the Order, and shall be derived from the following sources, viz.:—
  • 1st: A fee for every Warrant or Charter to open a Subordinate Lodge.
  • 2nd. Assessments levied annually upon the Subordinate Lodges.
  • 3rd. The proceeds of the sales of books, cards, diplomas, odes and certificates.

Finance Committee to furnish Annual Estimate.

Sec. 2. At each Annual Session the Finance Committee shall ascertain what will be the probable deficiency for the current year to pay the estimated expenses of the Grand Lodge, and the amount of such deficiency, as determined upon, shall be assessed upon each Subordinate Lodge, in proportion to the number of its members in good standing returned at the last semi-annual report thereof, payable from the Incidental Fund of each Lodge; and shall be due and payable at such time as the Grande Lodge shall determine at the time such assessment is made, payable to the District Deputy Grand Master of the District, who shall remit the same without delay to the Grand Secretory. Until further ordered, the assessment payable to the Grand Lodge by Subordinate Lodges shall be one shilling per quarter for each member of the Lodge.

Lodges disentitled for neglect.

Sec. 3. Lodge in this jurisdiction shall be entitled to have its Officers installed, or to receive the Travelling or Term page 17 P.W., until the semi-annual reports to, and the amount due the Grand Lodge, shall have been placed in the hands of the Installing Officer.

Article IX.

Of Regalia and Jewels.

Sec. 1. The Regalia of the Order in this jurisdiction shall

Regalia for various degrees.

be as follows, viz.:—For a member of the initiatory degree, a plain white apron, without collar or any other badge of distinction; of the five degrees of a Subordinate Lodge, white collars, each trimmed with the emblematical colour of the degree intended to be represented, namely, for the first degree, with white; second degree, with pink; third degree, with blue; fourth degree, with green; fifth degree, with scarlet. All members may, in addition, wear rosettes displaying the colours of the degrees they have taken.
Sec. 2. The official regalia of officers shall be as follows,

Regalia of Officers.

viz.:—of a Noble Grand, a scarlet collar trimmed with white or silver; Vice Grand, blue collar trimmed with white or silver; Secretary and Treasurer, green collars trimmed with white or silver; Supporters of Noble Grand and Outside Guardian, scarlet sashes; Supporters of Vice Grand and Inside Guardian, blue sashes; Warden and Conductor, black sashes; of the Chaplain and Scene Supporters, white sashes.
Sec. 3. The regalia of Grand Officers, and all Past Grands,

Regalia of G.O.'s and P.G.'s.

shall be a scarlet collar or sash. The collars or sashes of Past Grands may be trimmed with silver lace or fringe, and those having attained the Royal Purple Degree of the Encampment may have trimmings of yellow metal.
Sec. 4. The regalia for Funerals shall consist of a black

Funeral Regalia.

crape rosette, having a centre of the colour of the highest degree to which the bearer has attained, to be worn on the left breast, with a sprig of evergreen above, and such jewel or jewels as the brother may be entitled to wear, suspended below: Provided, however, the Grand Master may, by dispensation, permit the ordinary regalia to be worn at a funeral, page 18 either in connection with, or as a substitute for the above regalia.

Mourning Badge.

Sec. 5. The ordinary mourning badge to be worn by brothers in memory of a deceased brother, shall be a strip of black crape passed through one button-hole of the left lappel of the coat, tied with a narrow ribbon of the color of the highest degree to which the wearer has attained.

Jewels.

Sec. 6. The jewels of Officers and Past Officers in this jurisdiction shall be as follows, viz.:—for a Past Grand Master, a sun, with a hand and heart; Grand Master, a sun, with the scales of justice impressed thereon; Deputy Grand Master, a half moon; Grand Warden, crossed gavels; Grand Conductor, a Roman sword; Grand Guardian, crossed swords; Grand Marshall, a baton; for a Past Grand, a five pointed star; Noble Grand, crossed gavels; Vice Grand, hourglass; Secretary, crossed pens; Treasurer, crossed keys; Warden, crossed wands; Conductor, crossed axes; Guardian, crossed swords; all the above to be of white metal.

Regalia to be worn in session.

Sec. 7. Officers and members in this jurisdiction must wear regalia conformable to law, and all Lodges are required to furnish their Officers with the regalia and jewels appertaining to their stations, and while in session to require their members to be clothed in suitable regalia.

Article X.

Of Subordinate Lodges.

New Lodges.

Sec. 1. On the written application of five or more brothers of the Order, one of whom has attained the scarlet degree, praying for a charter to open a Lodge where there is no Lodge established, or on the written application of seven or more brothers, five of whom have attained the scarlet degree, for a charter to open a Lodge where there is one or more already established, provided the application is approved by a majority of the Lodges located within three miles of the proposed new Lodge, the Grand Lodge may grant the same, and such Lodge page 19 shall receive its charter and the necessary charges and instructions from the Grand Master or Deputy, or from a Past Grand specially deputed. All necessary expenses of the installing officer, if any, shall be borne by the Lodge so opened.
Sec. 2. An application, as provided for in the first section

Mode of procedure.

hereof, shall be presented to the Grand Lodge, if in session; if not, to the Standing Committee, through the Grand Secretary, who shall, on the receipt thereof, if advisable, have power to issue a Dispensation to open such Lodge, subject to confirmation at the next session of the Grand Lodge, in which case, if confirmed, a regular charter shall be issued.
Sec. 3. At the end of each term, every Subordinate Lodge

Lodges to report to Grand Lodge each term.

shall report to the Grand Lodge the work thereof for such term, which shall include the names of those initiated, admitted by card, as an ancient Odd Fellow, rejected, withdrawn, reinstated, ceased membership, and deceased; the names of those suspended or expelled, with the cause thereof, together with the number of degrees conferred, the whole number in membership, the amount of receipts, and the result of the election of officers, accompanied by whatever amount may be due the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 4. At each Annual Session every Lodge shall report

Also at each Annual Session.

in addition, up to the first day of January, a full return of members, with their names ranked according to the degrees they have taken; and a statement of the number of brothers relieved, widowed families relieved, and brothers buried; and amount of money applied to each of these purposes; designating the amount, if any, paid for the education of orphans.
Sec. 5. The power to make, alter, or amend the Constitution

Grand Lodge only may alter Constitution of Lodges.

of Subordinate Lodges is vested exclusively in this Grand Lodge, and the same may be changed or amended in any manner, at a regular session of the Grand Lodge, by a two-thirds vote.
Sec. 6. The power to make, alter, or amend Bye-Laws for

Lodges may make By-laws.

the local government of Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdic- page 20 tion, is hereby delegated to the Subordinate Lodges, each for itself: Provided always, that such Bye-Laws do not in anywise conflict with the general laws and usages of the Order, and shall have been first approved by this Grand Lodge, or the Committee on the Laws of Subordinates, previous to their going into operation.

Officers of Lodges may be publicly installed.

Sec. 7. The Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction are hereby authorized to install their Officers in public. Provided, that the ceremony be conducted by an Elective Officer of this Grand Lodge, or the District D.G. Master, and that they use the form for public installation, adopted by this Grand Lodge.

Article XI.

General Funeral Fund.

Funeral Fund, how to be raised.

Sec. 1. For the purpose of giving proper burial to members of the Order in this jurisdiction, and their wives, there shall be raised from the Subordinate Lodges certain sums of money, which, together, shall constitute a fund, to be known as the "General Funeral Fund." Such fund shall be kept by the Grand Treasurer, and shall be used only for the burial of the dead.

Quarterly quota of Lodges.

Sec. 2. For the creation and the support of the General Funeral Fund, the various Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction shall contribute quarterly such an amount as may be specified in the Constitution of such Subordinates; and on

Benefits on decease of members or wives.

the death of a member, or his wife, the Subordinate Lodge to which such member belongs, shall receive from the same fund such sum or sums as may be provided for in the same Constitution, which shall be paid without delay, on the proper application being made therefor.

Form of application for Funeral Benefits.

Sect 3. All applications for Funeral benefits, as above provided, must be by an order drawn on the Grand Lodge by the Noble Grand and Secretary, under the Seal of the Lodge to which they are due, and must "be countersigned by the District Deputy Grand Master of the District and they page 21 must also be accompanied by the proper certificate required by the "Friendly Societies Act."
Sec. 4. This Grand Lodge may from time to time make

Investment of Funeral Fund.

such investment of the moneys belonging to the "General Funeral Fund" as the best interests of the same may seem to warrant: Provided, such action does not conflict with the provisions of the "Friendly Societies Act" regulating the investment of such funds.
Sec. 5. Any Lodge failing to forward the quarterly dues

Penalty for neglect of Lodges to pay their quarterly dues.

as provided for in this Article within four weeks after the same shall have become due shall be notified by the Grand Secretary of such failure, and should such Lodge still neglect or refuse to comply with these requirements within ten weeks after the amount had become due, such Lodge shall be deemed guilty of contempt, and shall be subject to such penalty as this Grand Lodge or the Standing Committee may determine.

Article XII.

Of Offences of Subordinate Ok Degree Lodges.

Sec. 1. Whenever any Subordinate or Degree Lodge shall

Violation of Constitution or Rules of Grand Lodge.

violate the Constitution, Bye-Laws, Rules, or Regulations of this Grand Lodge, such Lodge shall be liable to a trial and punishment by the Grand Lodge, if in session, if not, by the Standing Committee.
Sec. 2. Upon the suspension or expulsion of a Lodge, or

Charter to be given up on expulsion or suspension of a Lodge.

surrender of its Charter, it shall be the duty of its last installed officers and members, having the custody of the Charter, books, papers, property, and funds of the Lodge, to assign, transfer, and deliver the same on demand, to the Grand Master, or to the District Deputy Grand Master, or to such Past Grand as may be specially deputed by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge to receive the same; and the same shall be held subject to the order of the Grand Lodge.
page 22

Funds of suspended Loages to be kept separate.

Sec. 3. All the effects or funds received by the Grand Lodge from any Subordinate or Degree Lodge, under the foregoing section, shall be kept separate and apart from the property or funds of the Grand Lodge, and such funds shall not be estimated as a part of the funds of the Grand Lodge, but shall be held in trust, to be restored, should such a Lodge ever be reinstated, or upon the expiration of the period of suspension: Provide, however, that in the event said Lodge should not be restored to fellowship within one year, the funds of said Lodge shall be placed in the general fund of the Grand Lodge.

Six months default, to forfeit Charter.

Sec. 4. Any Subordinate Lodge failing to hold its meetings for six months, or to make its returns, as required by Article X., Sec. 3, of this Constitution, for one year, shall be deemed an extinct Lodge, and its Charter shall be forfeited.

Members may be transferred to other Lodges.

Sec. 5. Members of a suspended or expelled Lodge, or of a Lodge whose Charter has been surrendered or forfeited, who were in good standing at the time of such suspension or dissolution, or who may have paid all arrearages then due to the Grand Lodge, shall, upon the recommendation of the District Deputy Grand Master of the District in which such suspended Or extinct Lodge was located, receive from the Grand Secretary a certificate under the seal of the Grand Lodge, to enable them to make application for admission to membership in another Lodge.

Extinct Lodges may be restored to fellowship: procedure.

Sec. 6. Upon the application of five or more members of an extinct Lodge, to the Grand Lodge, for the restoration of such Lodge to fellowship, accompanied with satisfactory evidence that a fair opportunity has been given to all who were members in good standing at the time the same became extinct, to unite in such application, such applicants, or such portion thereof as the Grand Lodge may approve of, may be restored to fellowship in said Lodge, together with the Charter and effects belonging to such Lodge at the time of its extinction, unless such effects shall have been placed in the general funds of the Grand Lodge, as provided by Sec. 3 of this Article.
page 23

Article XIII.

Of Dissolution.

Sec. 1. Any Subordinate Lodge in this jurisdiction desiring

Permission to dissolve a Lodge.

to dissolve, or sever its connection with this Order, may apply to this Grand Lodge, in writing, for permission so to do, when, if such Lodge is free from all charges on the books of this Grand Lodge, the application may be granted upon the following express conditions, viz.:—
  • 1st. The Application must be signed by at least five-sixths

    Conditions.

    of the financial members in good standing in such Lodge, and the written consent obtained of any member entitled to alimony, as provided for in the "Friendly Societies Act."
  • 2nd. The application must be presented to the Grand Lodge at least four weeks prior to its Annual Session.
  • 3rd. The Application must state fairly and distinctly the intended appropriation or division of the funds or property of such Lodge.
  • 4th. At least one half of the gross, funds or property of such Lodge must be handed over to this Grand Lodge, for the benefit of the General Funeral Fund, or its Officer duly appointed to receive them; and such payment shall be made on the day on which such dissolution or severance shall take place.
Sec. 2. On an application being granted, as provided for in

Notice of dissolution of Lodge to be duly advertised.

the proceeding Section, it shall be the duty of the Lodge to which the application was granted to publish a notice of their intended dissolution or severance in the Government Gazette, and three times in the newspaper published nearest the locality of such Lodge, for, at least, three weeks previous to such dissolution or severance; stating the day upon, and the place at which, the same shall take place: and on the day so stated the Grand Master, or his Deputy for the District in which such Lodge is located, or some duly appointed agent of this page 24 Grand Lodge, shall attend at the place appointed, and see that the conditions upon which the application was granted, and the regulations of the "Friendly Societies Act" regulating such cases are fully complied with; and in case of the breach of any such regulations, such officer or agent shall bring the party or parties so offending before the nearest Justice of the Peace to be dealt with according to law.

Charter and property of dissolved Lodge to be given up to Agent of Grand Lodge.

Sec. 3. Any Lodge dissolving or severing its connection, as above provided for, shall at once hand over to the Officer or Agent of the Grand. Lodge in attendance, the Charter or Dispensation, and the Initiation, Charge, and Degree Books belonging to such Lodge, together with the funds or property mentioned in the 4th condition of Sec. 1 of this Article, which funds or property shall be placed in the General Funeral Fund of the Grand Lodge; and such Officer or Agent shall be paid from the funds of such Subordinate Lodge a reasonable amount for his necessary expenses for such attendance.

If the Order be reduced to twelve financial, may be dissolved.

Sec. 4. Should this Order at any time be reduced to twelve financial members, it shall be lawful for such members to dissolve this Order, and to share whatever funds may remain, equally between such members, or to pay such funds, or any portion thereof, over to any one or more of the charitable institutions of this colony.

Article XIV.

All must adopt and adhere to the now ritual and secret work.

Sec. 1. The Ritual and secret work of the Order, received with its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Victoria, is hereby declared to be the Ritual and secret work of this Grand Lodge; and all Lodges subordinate to this Grand Lodge are hereby required to preserve a strict adherence to the same, and shall be held responsible for any irregularities in the work that may be allowed. They shall neither use, nor suffer to be used, any other charges, Lectures, Degrees, Ceremonies, Forms of Installation, or Regalia, than those prescribed by said Ritual.
page 25
Sec. 2. With the previous consent and approval from time

Provision for Special Grand Representatives.

to time expressed of this Grand Lodge, the M.W. Grand Master may accredit any Officer or member of this Grand lodge as a Special Grand Representative, near the Grand Lodge of any sovereign jurisdiction in Odd Fellowship, recognised by this Grand Lodge; and in such case the necessary expenses of such Special Grand Representative's visit shall be defrayed from the Treasury of this Grand Lodge. And any Officer or member of any such foreign Grand Lodge, who may be duly accredited from the same as a Special Grand Representative near this Grand Lodge, shall be admitted to a seat on the floor of this Grand Lodge, and shall have a deliberate voice, but not a vote in the proceedings thereof.

Article XV.

Bye-Laws and Rules of Order.

Sec. 1. The Grand Lodge may enact, alter, or amend such

Grand Lodge may alter Bye-Laws at Annual Sessions.

Bye-Laws as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this Constitution, and of regulating the proceedings of its officers and committees, and of providing for the safety and security of the funds and property: Provided at least one day's notice, in writing, be given to the Annual Session, of such Bye-Law or amendment, and that the same docs not in anywise contravene this Constitution.
Sec. 2. The Grand Lodge may, in like manner, make such

Also make or suspend Rules of Order.

Rules of Order as may be necessary for the regulations of its sessions, and for securing good order and the despatch of business. Such Rules of Order, or any of them, may be suspended at any meeting by a two-thirds vote: Provided that such suspension shall not extend beyond the meeting which voted therefor.

Article XVI.

Amending Constitution.

Sec. 1. Any amendment or alteration may be made to

Two-third vote required to amend Constitution.

this Constitution, at any regular Annual Communication of page 26 this Grand Lodge, by a vote of two-thirds of the representatives present: Provided all such amendments or alterations shall be proposed, in writing, at least one day before action is had thereon.

New Constitution to take effect on registration.

Sec. 2. This Constitution, and the Constitution of Subordinate Lodges, and the Laws, Rules and Regulations, of this Grand Lodge, shall take effect and be in full force from and after the date of their adoption and registration, as required

Repeal of all old laws of the Order.

by the "Friendly Societies Act;" and at that date all Laws, Rules and Regulations of this Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodges, of whatsoever kind, heretofore existing, shall be and the same are hereby repealed.

Previous Section | Table of Contents | Up | Next Section