Some time after this meeting, and probably after other informal meetings, a petition was drafted to the United Grand Lodge of England to establish a masonic lodge in Victoria.

Bro. Southgate’s name was presented as Master of the lodge and Bro. Pearkes as Senior Warden. In the British Colonist, a paper under the editorship of Amor De Cosmos, which commenced publication in December 1858, the following paragraph appeared:

“Victoria Lodge of F. and A.M. Preliminary measures have been taken for the establishment of a Masonic Lodge in Victoria. The petition for a charter will go to England on the next steamer. The following gentlemen have been named as office bearers: Capt. Southgate, W.M., George Pearkes, S.W., William Jaffray, J.W., A. De Cosmos, Secretary, J N. Thain, Treasurer, W.H.Thain, S.D., R.J.McDonell, J.D.”

Petition to United Grand Lodge of England