(N)

I have the pleasure of informing you that on the 25th inst., acting on your instructions, I instituted here the Southern Cross Lodge, and installed Bro. page 57 Reid as Noble Grand for the present term, as well as the members required to fill the various offices. Bro. Reid is a very efficient and experienced member of our Order, familiar with the ceremony and ritual, and qualified to instruct the young Lodge in the working from the beginning.

Fourteen new members were initiated, and I have much gratification in stating that they all appear likely to maintain the character of members of the Order.

The Lodge has been fortunate in obtaining the services of Dr. Bradford, a gentleman of large practice here. To show his interest in the Order he joined as a financial member.

I delivered a short address on the occasion, and have arranged to impart the degrees to those members who have been installed in office. I suppose it is necessary to have a dispensation to impart the five degrees in one evening.

Trusting the Southern Cross Lodge will obtain a high position in the Order, and be the means of great usefulness.