TNZC189001













    HE powers conferred on District Grand Masters of the English Constitution have been clearly defined,


    and though the appointment is a prerogative of the Grand Master of England, and the Brother so


    appointed is invested with a rank and power in his particular District similar to those possessed by the


    Grand Master, it was never contemplated that these appointments should confer power on Brethren, allowing


    them to over-ride the Constitutions, neither does the appointment carry with it more extended powers than


    those possessed by the Grand Master. Article 106 of the English Book of Constitutions, gives "additional


    powers to District Grand Lodges." These powers are not conferred upon the D.G. Master, but these extended


    powers the Grand Lodge of England "delegates to its District Grand Lodges, meeting under District Grand


    Masters duly authorised and approved by the Grand Master of England, which power they may exercise


    either of themselves or by a Board or Committee of their body." Article 107 says, "All powers given by the


    Book of Constitutions to the Board of General purposes may be exercised by the District Grand Lodges or by


    such Board or Committee as afore- said." The powers of the Board of General Purposes are plainly set forth.


    "They have power to inspect all books and papers; may recommend improvements if they deem it necessary


    or advantageous to the welfare of the Craft; it has likewise the care and regulation of all the concerns of


    Grand Lodge, and shall conduct the correspondence between the Grand Lodge and its subordinate Lodges


    and Brethren. The Board has authority to hear and determine all subjects of Masonic complaint or


    irregularities respecting Lodges or individual Masons, and generally to take cognizance of all matters


    relating to the Craft. The Board may suspend, summon Lodges and Brethren, and any special matter referred


    to the Board by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge shall have precedence of other business. All


    transactions and resolutions of the Board shall be entered in the minute book by the Grand Secretary."


    Now, it was evidently contemplated by the Grand Lodge of England that District Grand Masters should


    follow the same course as the Grand Master of England, should not alone have absolute power, but should


    confer and be guided either by their D.G. Lodges or by the Boards of General Purposes. Ample provision is


    made that this Board should be a representative one, and in, the Bye-Laws of the District Grand Lodges the


    course pursued by the Grand Lodge of England is followed out closely both in the powers given to the Board


    of General Purposes, and in the business they have to transact. How is it, therefore, that in many cases where


    a subject of general importance to the Craft comes before District Grand Masters, that the Boards, who


    should be then advisers of the D.G. Masters, are put aside and circulars and manifestos issued solely on the


    responsibility of D.G.M.'s alone. We hold that this is wrong. We know that the position of being a member


    of the Board of General Purposes is recognised by the Brethren as one of responsibility ; but this seems to be


    a misconception, for in the light of recent events the position is only one of honour. The Boards have no


    work to do, or rather, we should say, are not allowed to exercise their proper functions, and as to recom-


    mending or advising in anything relating to the welfare of the Craft the D.G. Masters take the responsibility


    of doing that upon themselves.


    We have been led to make these remarks in consequence of a circular letter issued on the responsibility and


    by the authority of the R.W. the D.G. Master of Queensland for general information, and as " a partial


    refutation of the plausible arguments of the comparative few Masons who want a change for no reasons but


    to follow the lead of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia." This circular is signed by the District


    Grand Secretary, Bro. JOHN FENWICK, who would appear to have a "preconceived bias " against the


    proposed Grand Lodge of Queensland. This partiality has led him to " stretch the truth " to suit his line of


    argument. For instance, in opposing the argument that Queensland having no Grand Lodge, any other


    Constitution could form Lodges, he says, " this argument carries no weight, for if there were a Grand Lodge


    to-morrow we could not prevent any other Lodges being established ; " and in proof of this he says, " it has


    actually been done in Melbourne, where Canadian Masonry was established in spite of there being a Grand


    Lodge of Victoria." To this we reply that there never has been, nor is there, a Lodge in Victoria working


    Craft Masonry holding under any Grand Lodge in America. Concurrent jurisdiction in the sense that Bro.




    FENWICK would have the English Lodges of Queensland accept what he calls "a proof of this," is not


    recognised by any Grand Lodge in the world. Bro. FENWICK alludes to the advantages of being an English


    Mason, as they are entitled to claim the benefits of our noble English Institutions. They are noble, but the


    claims on these Institutions far exceeds their income of .80,000. This is shown by the last Quarterly Court of


    the Girls' and Boys' Schools, when one hundred and nineteen approved candidates came forward to fill


    twenty-five vacancies. One of the candidates had been on the list for three and a half years, had gone through


    seven elections, and was unsuccessful ; another made his third attempt but got not a single vote, and several


    other cases of the same kind are mentioned by the London Freemason of November 2, 1889. The other


    Institutions are in the same position — more claiming the benefits than can possibly be relieved. The


    majority of the cases are English. What chance, therefore, would a Colonial Mason or child have of getting


    the benefits of any of the Institutions in face of the above facts ? Does not it show that the Grand Lodge of


    England has quite enough to do at home ? Is not Bro. FENWICK'S argument really an argument more in


    favour of a Queensland Grand Lodge than one against it ? And that Bro. FENWICK recognises the necessity


    of making a beginning in "one of our great principles" is shown by a statement he makes in his circular that


    "charity is not lost sight of, and some institution of a benevolent character will be formulated as soon as


    funds have sufficiently accumulated to make a beginning." This shows that even those opposed to Grand


    Lodges feel the urgent necessity there is to make a beginning in what is one of the planks of the platform of


    the Grand Lodge movement in Australasia.


    We recognise the honour of belonging to the Grand Lodge of England, but the privileges attached to the


    position are, as far as the majority of Colonial Masons are concerned, of too impalpable a nature not to be


    sacrificed for the benefits that will be derived from Grand Lodges of our own. We colonials have not even


    the privilege of being represented in Grand Lodge by proxy Master and Wardens, as have our Scotch


    Brethren.


    We cannot congratulate the District Grand Master of Queensland upon the manifesto of the D.G. Secretary.


    Had he sought advice from his D.G. Lodge or Board of General Purposes, we doubt if a circular which will


    sow the seeds of discord and jealousy, cause bitterness and ill-feeling, would have seen the light. We hold


    that it is un-Constitutional, un-Masonic, and undignified for District Grand Masters or Lodges who have no


    voice or vote in the question of the creation of Grand Lodges to show their disfavour to the proposal by


    attempting to stifle discussions in the Lodges when they must know that it is only by the voice of the Craft


    congregated into Lodges that Grand Lodges can ever be created. Why cannot we be allowed to seek our own


    redemption ? Has it always to be as it is ? Are we never to progress ? Is cold water to be thrown on every


    proposal for reform ? We say no. And yet the opposition shown by those in authority, who should be the


    guides, philosophers, and friends to the present movement for the formation of Grand Lodges, leads but to


    one conclusion, that they would rather see Freemasonry die of sheer inanition than that they should lose their


    exalted position.


    _____________________________________________


    NUMEROUS Brethren have given as a reason for not subscribing to "The Craftsman" that the shape of the


    paper is objectionable, and that if in magazine form they would be willing to give it their support. We have


    acceded to their request, and with this issue we go back to the form of the defunct "Masonic Journal." The


    change means extra expense ; will those brethren, therefore, who offered to subscribe, if the change was


    made, now carry out their part by remitting 7s 6d to Bro. De Renzy, Box 322, Dunedin. Any reasonable


    suggestion made by the Brethren in the interests of the paper will be carefully considered by the proprietors,


    and if there is a reasonable probability that it will pay, the change will be made. We publish a list of agents at


    the end of the " Craftsman," who will be glad to receive subscriptions.


    ______________________________________________


    THE preceding article will explain the reason for our new numbering. We thought it best, as the New Year


    commences with this issue, to start de iloeo. Subscribers will now be able to bind " The Craftsman " at a


    small price, and at the end of 1890 we will, if our funds warrant the expenditure, reprint the two previous


    issues, and send free copies to subscribers in time for binding with this year's issue.


    We are, yours faithfully,


    THE PROPRIETORS.











    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    OBITUARY.
    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    WE regret to have to record the death of our late distinguished Brother George William Harvey, who, until
    recently, held the position of Grand Master of New Zealand South, S.C., and of District Judge for a


    considerable number of years in Westland, and latterly in Otago. Bro. Harvey was born in Derbyshire in


    1823. When in the prime of life he came out to Australia, and settled at Ballarat, where he studied law, being


    employed for several years by Mr Randall, solicitor. Leaving Ballarat he came to Dunedin about 1861, and


    was at once admitted a member of the Bar. In 1864 he went into partnership with the late Joseph A.


    McGregor, under the style of McGregor and Harvey. On the partnership being dissolved a few years


    afterwards, Bro. Harvey commenced practice on his own account, in which he obtained considerable


    distinction, so that it was not a matter of surprise when he was offered the position of District Judge, which


    he accepted, and filled for a number of years in a satisfactory manner, both here and on the West Coast.


    Our late brother's Masonic career was as distinguished as his public one. He entered the Craft in Lodge


    Otago Kilwinning at the end of the year.1865. From the time of his joining the Order until his resignation as


    District Grand Master he had always taken great interest in every thing affecting Masonry. Shortly after his


    removal to Hokitika to fill the position of District Judge, Bro. Harvey had so distinguished himself in


    Masonic matters, that he was appointed by the late Bro. Lazar to the office of Depute District Grand Master,


    and not having up till that time filled the Master's chair of any Lodge to qualify him to accept the position,


    his English brethren were so anxious to secure his services that they petitioned their Grand Lodge for


    dispensation to confer the installed degree upon him. During his residence on the West Coast he joined a


    number of the higher degrees.


    On Brother Harvey's return to Otago as District Judge, he was appointed Depute Provincial Grand Master in


    1877 ; and on the retirement of the Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Dr. HisIop, Bro. Harvey was unanimously


    elected as his successor.


    Bro. Harvey was installed R.W. District Grand Master of New Zealand South, on the 15th March, 1878, and


    held the office without intermission, up to the beginning of 1888. Finding on his return to Hokitika, to enter


    on the practice of his profession, that he could not discharge the duties of his office satisfactorily, he


    tendered his resignation. The Grand Lodge, on receiving intimation of his resignation, recorded its


    appreciation of the able manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office, and expressed its regret


    that he could not see his way to continue to hold office longer. The District Grand Lodge also thanked him


    for his services.


    For the last four or five years, the failing health of our late Brother, made him lead a more secluded life than


    he would otherwise have done ; and to the younger members of the fraternity he was consequently a


    comparative stranger. Although it was well known that he was ailing, none of the Brethren were aware that


    he was seriously ill, so that his death came as a shock in the end; and indeed, few knew of his death until


    after his funeral. Our late Brother's genial disposition, his affability, and his clearness of judgment made him


    not only well qualified to fill the honourable positions his talents entitled him to as a Judge and Master, but


    will make his memory be long cherished by those who knew him best as a friend and Brother.


    HENRY NEILL,


    P.M. 417, S.C.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    P.M. Bro. the Rev. B. Lichtenstein, P.D.G.S. Warden Otago and Southland, E.C., has in his possession a


    book printed in Berlin in 1780, called " The Spirit of Masonry," by William Hutchinson, Master of Lodge


    Concordia, Barnard Castle. The work is evidently dedicated to "My Lord Petre" (who was elected Grand


    Master of England in 1772, Gould's History of Freemasonry), and seems to have been approved by the Grand


    Lodge, for it is certified and signed by the Grandmaster and his officers. The book is in German, but the "


    Certayne Questions " are in English. There are several notes in German, which we will get translated and


    give next month, as well as the "Glossary, to explain the old words in the foregoing manuscript." John Locke


    sent the Questions and Answers to Thomas Craven, Earl of Pembroke on the 6th May, 1696 ; he says the


    copy must be over 160 years old, it having been in his family over a hundred years. Doubtless the " Mystery


    of Maconrye " will:be appreciated by the Brethren.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    CERTAYNE QUESTYONS, WYTH ANSWERES TO




    THE SAME, CONCERNING THE MYSTERY OF MACONRYE.
    <written in pencil on original: Doubtfully authentic W H C>


    WRITENE by the hande of kynge Henrye, the sixthe of the name, and faythfullye copyed by me, Johan


    Leylande, Antiquarius.


    By the commaunde of his Highnesse.


    They be as followethe :


    Question : What mote ytt be ?


    Answer : Ytt beeth the skylle of nature, the understondynge of the myghte that ys here ynne, and its


    sondrye werckynges ; sonderlyche, the skylle of rectenyngs, of waightes and metynges and the treu manere


    of faconnynge althynges for mannes use ; head lye, dwellynges, and buyldynges of alle kindes, and al odher


    thynges that make gudde to manne.


    Question : Where dyd ytt begyne


    Answer : Ytt dyd begynne with the fyrste menne in the este, whych were before the ffyrste manne of


    the weste, and comynge wcstlye, ytt hathe broughte herwyth alle comfortes to the wylde and comfortlesse.


    Question : Who dyd brynge ytt westlye ?


    Answer : The Venetians, whoo beynge grate merchaundes, corned ffyrste ffromme the este ynn


    Venetia, for the commodytye of marchaundysynge beithe este and weste, bey the redde and myddlelonde


    sees.


    Question : Howe comede ytt yn Engelonde ?


    Answer : Peter Gower, a Grecian, journeyedde ffor kunnynge yn Egypte, and yn Syria, and yn


    everyche londe whereas the. Venetians hadde plauntedde maconrye, and wynnynge entraunce yn al lodges of


    maconnes, he lerned muche, and retournedde, and woned yn Grecia magna wacksynge, and becommynge a


    myghtye wyseacre, and greatlyche renowed, and her he framed a grate Lodge at Groton, and maked manye


    maconnes, some whereoffe dyd journeye yn Fraunce, and maked manye maconnes, wherefromme, yn


    processe of tyme, the arte passed yn Engelonde.


    Question : Dothe maconnes discover there artes unto odhers ?


    Answer : Peter Gower, whcnne he journeyedde to lernne, was ffyrste made, and anonne techedde ;


    cvenne soe shulde all odhers beyn recht. Natheless maconnes hauethe always yn everyche tyme, from tyme


    to tyme, communycatedde to mannkynde soche of the secrettes as generallyche myghte be usefulle ; they


    haueth keped backe soche allein as shulde he harmefulle yff they corned yn euylle haundes, oder soche as ne


    mighte be holpynge wythouten the thechynges to be joynedde herwythe in the Lodge, oder soche as do


    bynde the freres mere strongelyche together, hey the proffytte and cotnmodytye comynge to the confrerie


    herfromme.


    Question : Whatte artes haueth the maconnes techedde mankynde ?


    Answer : The antes agricultura, architectura, astronomia, geornetria, numeres, musica, poesic,


    kymistrye, governmente, and re]ygyonne.


    Question : Howe commethe maconnes more teachers than odher menne


    Answer : The hemselfe haueth allein in arte of fyndinge neue artes, whyche arte the ffyrste maconnes


    receaued from Godde ; by the whyche they fyndethe what artes hem plesethe, and the trcu way of techynge


    the same. Whatt odher menne doethe ffynde out, ys onelyche bey chaunce, and therfore but lytel I tro.


    Question : What doethe the maconnes concele and hyde ?


    Answer : They concelethe the art of ffyndynge neue artes, and thattys for here own profffyne, and


    preise : They concelethe the art of kepynge secrettes, thatt so the woride mayeth nothinge concele from them.


    They concelethe the art of wunderwerckynge, and of foresayinge thynges to corn me, thatt so thay same artes


    may not be usedde of the wyckedde to an euyell ende ; that' also concelethe the arte ofchaunges, the wey of


    wynnynge the facultye of Abrac, the skylle of becommynge gude and partyghte wythouten the holpynges of


    fere and hope ; and the universelle longage of maconnes.


    Question : Wyll ye teche me thay same artes ?


    Answer : Ye shalle be techedde yff yebe warthye, and able to lerne.


    Question : Dothe all maconnes kunne more than odher menne ?


    Answer : Not so. Thay onlyche haueth recht and occasyonne more then odher rncnne to kunne, butt


    manye doeth tale yn capacity and manye more cloth want industrye, tnat ys pernecessarye for the gaynynge


    all kunnynge.






    Question : Are maconnes gudder menne than odhers ?


    Answer : Some maconnes are not so vertuous as some other menne ; but, yn the moste parte, thay be


    more gude than they woulde be yf thay war not maconnes.


    Question : Doth maconnes love eidther odher myghtylye as beeth sayde ?


    Answer : Yea, verylyche, and yt may not odherwise be : For gude menne and treu, kennynge eidher


    odher to be soche, doeth always love the more as tiiay be more gude.


    Here endethe the questyonnes, and awnsweres.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    CONTRASTS.
    ————


    IN journalism it is not always wise to generalise from individual facts, lest one should be accused of bias


    either in one direction or another, but now and then special instances serve so emphatically as indices of


    general principles, that one cannot do wrong in seizing upon them to point a moral or perchance adorn a tale,


    During the past week we have received two communications which respectively point to two totally opposite


    phases of Masonic practice, standing towards one another in very sharp contrast. One appears in another


    column, and is the programme of work arranged by the Albion Lodge of Instruction at Woodstock ; the other


    a private letter from a gentleman of high culture and more than average intellectual power, who, whilst


    writing to give notice of withdrawal of his subscription to this journal, takes care to inform us that he is not


    prompted to such withdrawal by any dissatisfaction with the paper, but simply because it will be henceforth


    of no use to him as he intends forthwith to sever entirely his connection with the Craft. He has been a Mason


    not many months, certainly under a year. He joined full of hope and expectation. He has weighed his local


    Lodges in the balance and found them wanting, and evidently considers that it is useless to waste time,


    energy, and intellectual power over them any longer. And now, we may fairly ask, in what respect has he


    found them wanting? Simply this, that Masonry, as represented by them, is a shell gilded outside but wanting


    a kernel. He has found elaborate ceremonial practised for the initiation and advancement of candidates, and


    there the whole thing has ended. He traversed three sections of a road, certainly, but the last section has


    ended in bathos. The Lodges do nothing whatever but admit recruits to their ranks, bestow a certain amount


    of charity, and wrangle about business details. That light to which initiation ought to be but the portal is not


    forthcoming ; lectures are unheard of ; instruction, save in the parrot-like repetition of ritual, non-existent ;


    and a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge rendered an impossibility to the neophyte who, at an earlier


    stage, has been charged to seek it as one great object of his Masonic existence. Such is the state of things


    obtaining in the vast majority of the Lodges in South Africa. And it is so illogical, so disloyal to the great


    principles of the Fraternity, and, we are bound to say, so dishonest, that we wonder little that the country


    teems with the great army of unaffiliates, and that almost every Lodge can tell us a dismal tale of hundreds of


    men admitted with fair promise enough, but who, after a time, gradually fall off in their attendance and


    finally drop out altogether. And however much we may regret the fact, who can blame them ? It is not


    vouchsafed to every man to possess that steady firmness of principle which gives the strength to adhere


    month by month to a perverted institution, because he knows it to be inherently good. Most of us are cast in


    more plastic mould, and are influenced most by immediate impressions. And it is the best men, of whom our


    correspondent is a type, who leave us thus early. They cannot, like the smaller minds, be satisfied with the


    intellectual pabulum of a murdered ritual, of a swelling number of initiates, of a big financial statement. So,


    with a few earnest exceptions, our men of intellect are apt to depart, and the results run round in a vicious


    circle, each intensifying the other. Thus far for the bulk of the Lodges whose ultimate goal is the evolution of


    the non-affiliate. Now, gentle reader, turn to another column, peruse the programme of the Albion Lodge of


    Instruction. You will there find a reflection of quite a different state of things. You will find a Masonic body


    not only admitting candidates and pocketing their fees, but loyally exerting itself in the way of giving them


    opportunities for advancement in Masonic know-ledge. The result must be that good Masons, having


    continually placed before them something of interest, will remain loyal to the Craft, and will not hastily


    condemn it as a sham. Such a programme as that of the Albion does that Lodge and its leading spirits the


    highest credit, and although it is not every Masonic body that can quite follow the lead of a Lodge in the


    intellectual as well as political metropolis of the country, all can do something in the direction of


    communicating light to their members. Some have done a great deal already, and often under most adverse


    circumstances. We know one Lodge which, albeit small, is perhaps the most compact and prosperous in the


    Eastern Division, and which owes much of its success to the efforts it has made to promote lectures and


    discussions. We know another, in an isolated country town, with its membership scattered over a large area,




    which is making a loyal struggle in the same direction, and not long ago referred to us for advice, which we


    were most happy to give. Every Lodge cannot call forth original lecturers, but every Lodge can work the


    authorised lectures, can read extracts from well-known books or journals, and can illustrate these by


    impromptu discussions amongst its members. We have shown forth two classes of Lodges, brethren. One


    starves out its members because its Masonic fields are untitled ; the other endeavours to give them that


    progressive interest in their work which is likely to retain them as useful Masons to the end of their days.


    What say ye to the contrast, my masters ?—South African Freemason.


    ————


    ALBION LODGE, No. 2220,
    WOOD-STOCK, SOUTH AFRICA.


    ————
    PROGRAMME OF LODGES OF INSTRUCTION.


    EMULATION WORKING.


    October, 1889, to September, 1890.


    ————


    1889.-October 24.-First Degree (S.W.) and First Tracing Board, described by the W. M., Bro. W. Bromhead,


    D. G. J. D. November 28, —First Degree (J. W.) and Lecture " Ancient Landmarks " (From Rev. Dr Oliver,


    P. P. G. M. ). December 26.-Second Degree (S.W.) and Second Tracing Board, described by the LP.M., Bro.


    J. Q. Riddelsdell, D.G.S.


    1890.-January 23.—Second Degree (J.W.) and Lecture by Bro. the Very Rev. C. Barnett-Clarke, Dean of


    Cape Town, D.D.G.M. February 27.-Third Degree (S.W.) and Lecture " Shreds and Patches of Instruction on


    Craft Masonry," by Bro. J. Searle, P.M., D.G.R. March 27.-Third Degree (J.W.) and Lecture "Discrepancies


    of Freemasonry," by Bro. W. Stanford, P.M„ D.G.S.W. April 24.-First Degree ( ) and First Tracing Board


    (J.W.). May 22. - Second Degree ( ) and Second Tracing Board (S. W.). June 25.-Third Degree ( ) and


    Lecture " Masonry applied to every day Life," by Bro. J. B. Wheelwright, J.W. July 24—First Degree ( ) and


    Lecture. August 28.—Third Degree ( ) and Lecture. September 17.—Second Degree ( ) and Preparation for


    Installation of the W. M. and Investing of Incoming Officers.


    ___________


    N B.—The above is subject to alteration. After the first six Lodges have been held, applications from B. B.


    of the " Albion Lodge," to act in any particular office, at any of the six remaining Lodges, will be received


    and considered by the W. M.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    RIGHTS OF THE LODGE.
    ————


    BRO. KENNETH R. H. MACKENZIE, IXO, author of the " Masonic Directories," in an article on " The Lodge in


    Relation to the Worshipful Master and the Craft," says—" There are certain rights of which the Lodge can


    never denude itself. These powers, sometimes called privileges, are fourteen in number, and by them the


    Master is as much bound as the rest of every Lodge."


    They are as follows :


    1. A Lodge has the right to retain possession of its Warrant of Constitution.


    2. A Lodge has a right to do all the work of Ancient Craft Masonry.


    3. A Lodge conducts and transacts its own business by right at a regular meeting.


    4. A Lodge has a right to be represented at every Communication of Grand Lodge.


    5. A Lodge has a right to increase its effective strength by admitting new members.


    6. A Lodge has a right to elect its own officers.
    7. A Lodge has a right to see the W.M. installed, and its officers, after election or appointment,


    invested.


    8. A Lodge has a right to exclude for a time, or permanently, any member on cause shown.
    9. A Lodge has a right to make its own Bye-Laws. to. A Lodge has a right to levy its own subscriptions


    upon the members, to increase the amount or to decrease it.


    10. A Lodge has the right of appeal to the Grand Lodge from the decision of its Master.


    12. A Lodge may try its own members for offences committed within the Lodge precincts, or for


    offences tending to bring the Lodge into danger, disrepute, or contempt.


    13. A Lodge has a right, upon representation to the Grand Lodge to change its name.




    14. A Lodge has a right to determine its own place and time of meeting, and to vary it upon
    representation.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    RIGHTS OF THE MASTER.
    ————


    UNDER the title of "Qualifications and Prerogatives of the Worshipful Master," Bro. McKenzie enumerates


    thirteen prerogatives of the Master, which are as follows


    1. The Worshipful Master has the right to preside at all meetings of his Lodge.


    2. The Master and his Wardens represent the Lodge at Quarterly Communications.


    3. The Master has a right to control the admission of visitors from other Lodges and abroad.


    4. The Master may refuse or consent to the admission of a member.


    5. The Master has sole custody during his term of office, and until his successor is installed, of the


    Warrant of Constitution, nor can he delegate its custody to any person or Brother whatever.


    6. The Master appoints all officers except the Treasurer and Tyler, and personally invests all


    officers without exception and without delegation.


    7. All Committees of a special character are generally appointed by the Master, who is usually


    their chairman.


    8. The Master has the sole right to appoint a substitute for an absent officer.


    9. The Master, in addition to his own vote, has a casting vote.


    10. The Master is eligible to be re-elected for a second year of office, but cannot preside for three


    years in succession unless by dispensation.


    11. A Master cannot be chosen, except in the case of a new Lodge, from the Brethern, unless he has
    previously served the office of Warden.


    12. The retiring Master has a right to install his immediate successor in the chair of K.S.
    13. A Master is not amenable to trial by his own Lodge or by any other private Lodge.


    ————


    In our next issue we will give the notes explanatory of the above articles. We are of opinion they will do


    good service.—ED. CRAFTSMAN.


    ——————————————————————————————————————————


    POETRY
    ————————————————————————————————————————————————————


    WHAT MATTERS IT?
    BY J. EDGAR JONES


    ————


    What matters it, my curious friend, where lies


    Our heavenly harbour and our land of rest?


    Whether it be beyond the azure skies


    Or in some lower world, God knoweth best.


    It offers safety from our cares, and so


    What matters whether it be high or low ;


    It offers rest what more should mortals know ?


    Rest from the weariness of burdened days,


    Of bitter longings and of evil hours,


    Of duties leading us through darkened ways


    And into efforts far beyond our powers,


    Of dark temptations into secret sin,


    Of constant labour, earth's poor gauds to win,


    Of spirits deafened by the strife and din.


    It matters nothing as to when or where


    We find the haven and the welcome home ;


    Let curious doubt give place to trusting prayer,


    And no weak soul through speculation roam.


    We seek for sealed up secrets, hidden things;


    Enough for us if on eternal wings


    We reach the country of those better things.






    Vex not the spirit, oh, aspiring man !


    But lice thy days as earnest workers must ;


    Nor try to pierce through God's mysterious plan


    Which obligates thee to a life of trust.


    Some day, somewhere, while countless ages roll,


    Thy hungry heart shall comprehend the whole,


    The veil he parted for thy thankful soul.


    Sunday Mercury


    ——————————————————————————————————————————


    VICTORIA will celebrate her Masonic Jubilee in 1890. To commemorate the event it is proposed to raise a


    fund to start a Masonic Orphanage.


    MASTERS who desire good work and their officers to take an intelligent interest in the working of the Three


    Degrees, cannot do better than present them with a set of Bro. Mackenzie's Directories, published by Bro.


    John Hogg, 13 Paternoster Row London, at 2s 6d. They comprise--The Deacons' work. The Secretary's and


    Treasurers work. The Wardens' work. The W. Master's work.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    LODGE MEETINGS
    ——————————————————————————————————————————


    Secretaries of Lodges, Scribes of Chapters, will confer a favour on the Editor of this Journal, if they will forward


    monthly a copy of their Lodge Circular to Box 393, Post Office. Dunedin


    We shall also be glad to receive from the District and Provincial Gland Secretaries the printed proceedings of their


    Quarterly Communications.


    ————


    THE regular monthly meeting of the Kilwinning Otago Royal Arch Chapter, 116, S.C., was held at Dunedin


    on the 23rd November, when the business transacted was the Mark Degree.


    THE Lodge of Otago, No 844, E.C., held its monthly meeting at the Freemasons' Hall, Dunedin on December


    4th. The W.M. being absent, the I.P.M., Bro. De Renzy occupied the chair, and conferred the Third Degree.


    THE Regular Convocation of the Trafalgar Royal Arch Chapter of Nelson, 157, S.C., was held on the 26th


    November, 1889. The minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed, and several letters and


    communications were dealt with.


    THE Joyce Royal Arch Chapter, 942, E.C., held its monthly convocation on Thursday the 18th November.


    The business was the election of the three Principals, which resulted as followed : —Ex. Comp. McKelvey,


    Z. ; Comp. Smith, H. Comp. Matheson, J.


    THE regular meeting of Lodge Hiram, No. 272, E.C., Mark Master Masons, was hell at Dunedin on


    December 11th. The W.M., Bro Rev. W. Ronaldson, referred to the death of the P.G., Master Canon Portal.


    P.M. Bonifield promised to give the lecture at the meeting in February next.


    THE regular monthly meeting of Lodge St. John, 662, S.C., was held at the lodge room, North-east Valley,


    on the 26th December. The business consisted in raising. The election of R.W.M. resulted in the S .W., Bro.


    S S. Myers, being chosen. Bro. James Brown was elected S.W., Pro. P. Pilkington, J. W. The installation will


    take place on the 23rd January.


    AN emergency meeting of the Wellington Lodge, No. 1521, E.C., was held at the Freemasons' Hall, on


    Friday, the 22nd November. There was a very good attendance of members. In the absence of the W.M., the


    I.P.M. Bro. Robertson, occupied the chair, and conferred the Second Degree on three candidates, the W.T.'s


    being presented by the J. V., Bro. Iimes.


    A SPECIAL meeting of Lodge Hiram, 2008, E.C., was held on Friday, the 20th December, at the Masonic


    Hall, Cargill road, Caversham. One candidate was initiated, and three raised to the third degree. The


    initiation ceremony was performed by the W.M. (Bro. Titchener), and the ceremony of raising by P.M.


    McKelvey, assisted by I.M. Martin, P.G. Warden of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria.


    THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Southern Star, 735, E.C., Nelson. took place on Tuesday evening, 10th


    December, 1889. Two brethren were raised to the Sublime Degree of M.M., and the election of W.M.,


    Treasurer, and Tyler, then took place for the ensuing year :— Bro. R. T. Hall, S.W., was chosen for W.M. ;




    Bro. S. Bolton, P.M., was re-elected Treasurer ; and Bro. J. C. Bartlett was elected Tyler. The installation


    and investiture of officers in this Lodge always takes place on St. John's Day, 27th December, a report of


    which will he forwarded to the CRAFTSMAN, as also the result of a canvass for the paper itself.


    THE regular monthly meeting of the Lodge of Dunedin, 931, E. C., was held at the Masonic Hall, on


    Tuesday, the 17th December. In the absence of the W.M., the I.P.M., Bro. Gibbs, took the chair, and passed


    two brethren to the second degree. P 1M., Bro. the Rev. B. Lichtenstein, P.D.G.S.W.E.C., gave the first part


    of a very instructive and interesting lecture on the late discoveries by the Palestine Exploration Society, at


    the site of the Temple of Jernsalenr. After a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer the Lodge was closed.


    THE regular meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter of Otago, No. 844, E.C., was held in the Masonic Hall,


    Dunedin, on the second Wednesday in November. Comp. Rev. Ronaldson was elected Z ; Comp. Blackmore,


    H ; Comp. De Renzy, J. The three Principals will be installed, and officers invested on the second


    Wednesday in January.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    INSTALLATIONS.
    ——————————————————————————————————————————




    AT the annual meeting of Lodge Peninsula Kilwinning, No. 696, S.C., held at Portobello 13th December,


    Bro. F, T. Taylor was installed for the second year as R.W.M. by Bro. Jas, Gore, R,W.D.G.M., Bro. H. Neil,


    D.G. Sec., acting as D.G.D.C. The following officers were installed and invested :—P.M. Bro. Loudon,


    D.M.; Bro. Dr. Cunningham, S.M. ; Bro. William Grainger, S.W. ; Bro. William Geary, J.W. ; Bro. J. J.


    M`Auley, treasurer ; Bro. William C. Ferguson, secretary ; Bro. David Hughes, S.D ; Bro. Robert Hardwood,


    J.D.; Bro. Patrick Ryan, I.G. ; Bro. J. J. Lewis, tyler. Apologies were received from Bro, E. Titchener, W.M.,


    Lodge Hiram, and Bro. J. M'Rae Gallaway, P.M. A reunion was afterwards held at Coney's Hotel, and was


    well attended, the visitors returning home highly pleased with their outing.


    The annual meeting of the Joyce Chapter, No. 942, E.C., was held at Port Chalmers, on the 19th December,


    for the purpose of installing the Three Principals, and investing the officers for the ensuing year. Ex-Comp.


    McKelvey was installed in the First Principal's Chair. Comp. Smith in the Second, and Comp. Matheson in


    the Third. The following officers were afterwards invested by Ex-Comp, Martin, of the Supreme Chapter of


    Victoria : Scribe E, Ex-Comp. Graham ; Scribe N, Ex-Comp, Asher ; P.S., Comp. Cunningham ; Janitor,


    Comp. Veal ; Organist, Comp. Bott.


    The annual meeting of St. Andrew's Lodge, 767, S.C., was held in the Masonic Hall, Kumara, on the 11th


    December, when there was a large attendance of members and visitors. After two candidates had been


    initiated, and two passed to the Second Degree, Bro. Hans Block, P.M., was duly installed R.W. Master for


    the ensuing twelve months. The following officers were invested :—J.P.M., Bro. Edmund Rodgers ; Deputy


    Master, Bro. R. B. Krump ; Substitute Master, Bro. James Benyon ; Senior Warden, Bro. Thomas B. Wilson


    ; Junior Warden, Bro. J. Henderson ; Treasurer. Bro. Henry Burger ; Secretary, Bro. Emil Peters ; Senior


    Deacon, Bro. S. H. Clarke ; Junior Deacon, Bro. T. I. Hudson ; Inner Guard, Bro. Ziegler ; Tyler, Bro.


    George Anderson. The ceremony throughout was most ably and impressively conducted by Bro. P.M. A.B.


    Wilby. After the Lodge closed, a banquet was held in the hall, as usual very creditably catered by Bro. Louis


    Ziegler. A few pleasant hours of social inter-course and harmony was spent, when the list of toasts peculiar


    to the craft, song and sentiment, rapidly succeeded each other.—Kumara Tunes.


    THE annual meeting of Lodge Celtic was held on the 28th November, in the Freemasons' Hall, Dunedin.


    There was a large attendance, including visitors from Victoria, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Auckland,


    Greymouth, and Invercargill. The business of the evening was the installation of Bro. Spencer George H.


    Smith as R.W.M. At eight o'clock Bro. James Gore, R.W.D.G.M., S.C., with the officers of the Grand


    Lodge, was announced and admitted. Bro. Smith was duly obligated and invested by Bro. Gore. Bro. Gore


    obligated the following officers, who were afterwards invested by the District Grand officers :- D.M., Bro.


    D, Cherry ; S.M., Bro. J. M'Laundress: S.W., !Bro. R. Ross; J.W., Bro. J. Jack ; secretary, Bro. J. Greenwood


    ; treasurer, Bro. C. Macandrew, P.M. ; S.D., Bro. G. Springer ; J.D., Bro. J. Campbell ; LG., Bro. J. Munro ;


    chaplain, Bro. D. M`Pherson ; stewards, Bros. J. M'Millan, J. Davies, and G. C. Jeffrey ; organist, Bro. F. W.


    Bayley ; piper, Bro. J. M'Kay ; tyler, Bro. H. Meyer. After the investiture of officers, Bro. C. Macandrew,


    Y.M., presented Bro. Sinclair with a handsome P. M.'s jewel, inscribed as follows :—" Presented to Bro.


    Robert Sinclair, P.M., by the officers and members of Lodge Celtic, No. 477, S.C., Dunedin, as a mark of


    their appreciation of the manner in which he has filled the office of R.W.M., November 26th, 1889." Bro.




    M`Pherson, P.M., also presented Bro. Greenwood with a purse of sovereigns from the officers and members


    of the Lodge for services rendered. After the usual congratulations the lodge was closed.


    THE installation and investiture of officers of Lodge St. George, 1856, E.C., Temuka, took place on


    December 5th. Bro. Y.M. E. G. Crisp, of St. John's Lodge, Ashburton, and the W.M. Bro E. J. Paul, and


    P.M. Bro. H. W. Felton, of the Somerset Lodge, Ashburton, performed the installation ceremony, and


    inducted the following officers :—W.M., Bro A. W. Mann ; I.P.M., Bro. Velvin; S.W., Bro. H. Lee ; J.W.,


    Bro. F. Archer ; Secretary, Bro. G. J., Mason ; Tyler, Bro. C. J. Newbury. At the conclusion of the business


    of the evening, the brethren adjourned to the Crown Hotel, and partook of a banquet provided by Bro. Lee. A


    couple of hours were very pleasantly spent in harmony, and during the honouring of the toasts, Bro. Keith,


    W.M., Caledonian Lodge, Timaru, spoke in highly complimentary terms of the able manner in which the


    Installing Officers had performed the ceremony.


    THE annual meeting of the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge was held on December 4th, a large number of


    visitors (including representatives of the Victorian and New South Wales Constitutions) being present. The


    District Grand Master (Bro. T. S. Graham) was installing officer, and placed Bro. E. G. Allen in the Master's


    chair. Bro P.M. C. De Longueville Graham invested the following officers :—S.W., Bro. Inverarity ; J.W.,


    Bro. J. Cnnninghame ; chaplain, Bro. G. Al. Ross, P.M. ; treasurer, Bro. J. Mitchell ; secretary, Bro. F. G.


    Downes ; S.D., Bro. F. North; J.D., Bro. N. Dodds ; LG., Bro. G. Hansford ; stewards, Bros J. Cable, G.


    Clarke ; tyler, Bro. J. Veal. The W. Bro. J. Joyce, P. G, S. W., presented the working tools, P.M. Dc L.


    Graham addressed the Worshipful Master and the Lodge, and P.M, 1), Leech addressed the Wardens. After


    the Lodge was closed a banquet took place, and a couple of pleasant hours were spent.


    The installation of Worshipful Master and investiture of officers of the Masterton Lodge, 1430, E.C., took


    place in the Masonic Hall, on the 16th December. 'l'here was a moderate attendance of brethren, and a


    considerable number of visitors from St. Mark's Lodge, Carterton, and the Thistle Lodge, S.C. ; among those


    present being fast Masters Hooper and Cayfer. The ceremony of installing Bro. D. Guild as Master of the


    Lodge for the ensuing term was ably and impressively performed by the Grand Lodge Chaplain, Past Master


    W. E. Paige, who also invested the several officers, going through the elaborate ritual at great length. The


    following officers were invested : G. S. AV. Dalrymple, S.W. ; W. Sellar, Treasurer ; P. Dickson, Secretary;


    A. Stewart, J.D. ; W. H. Robins, Tyler. At the conclusion of the ceremony a banquet was held. The usual


    Masonic toasts were honoured. Some excellent speeches were made, and ongs given.—Wairarapa Daily.


    THE annual meeting of Lodge Otago Kilwinning, No. 417, S.C., was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Dunedin,


    on December 12th. There was a good attendance, including visitors from Akaroa, Balclutha, Invercargill,


    Nelson, Sydenham, Port Chalmers, Portobello, Victoria, Naples, and the various Dunedin Lodges The Lodge


    was opened at 7.30 p.m. by the R W.M., Bro Basstian, who announced that the business of the evening was


    the installation of Bro R. Brew, as H. W.M., for the ensuing twelve months, and the investiture of officers.


    At 8 o'clock Bro. D. McNicoll, I.C., was announced and admitted. The officers of the District Grand Lodge,


    E.C., were also announced and admitted. At 8,15 Bro. James Gore, It.W.1).0 Mi., and officers of the District


    Grand Lodge, S.C., were admitted. Bro. Gore acted as installing master. Bro. Brew was presented as the


    R.W.M. elect by Bro. J. Golder, D. G. D. C. A board of Installed Masters was then formed, and Bro. Brew


    was duly installed and invested. Bro. Gore then obligated the following officers, who were invested by the


    various Grand Lodge officers :—I.P.M., Bro. Basstian ; D.M., Bro. Raffils ; S.M., Bro. Newton ; S.W., Bro.


    Cole ; J.W., Bro. Carter ; Treasurer, Bro. Turnbull ; Secretary, Bro. Jeffery ; Chaplain, Bro. Collins ; S.D.,


    Bro., France ; J.1)., Bro. Williams ; Organist, Bro. Godso ; Stewards—Bros. Harrison, A. B. Meyer, and


    Schulenberg ; LG., Bro. Cook ; Eyler, Bro. H. Meyer. After the investiture of officers, Bro. Gore announced


    that he had one of the most pleasing ceremonies it had ever been his duty to perform in a Masonic Lodge. He


    said he had been asked by the Lodge to present Bro. Basstian with a Past Master's jewel, as a mark of the


    esteem in which he was held by them. The jewel was inscribed as follows: "Presented to Bro. W. N. Basstian


    by the officers and brethren of Lodge Otago Kilwinning, No. 417, S.C., Dunedin, as a mark of appreciation


    of the manner he has filled the office of R.W.M., December 12th, 1889." Bro. Basstian, replied, saying he


    would continue to do all in his power for the welfare of the Lodge. Apologies were received from Bros. T. S.


    Graham, L. Court, J. Macrae Gallaway, E. Titchener, and D. Wishart.


    THE annual Installation of the R. W.M., of Lodge Waterloo, No. 463, S.C., and the investiture of officers was


    held at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on Wednesday, 11th December, and the attendance was very large.


    The District Grand Lodges of Auckland and Wellington, E.C., were represented, as well as the Provincial


    Grand Lodge, S.C., North Island of New Zealand, The W.M.s of most of the city lodges were present,




    attended by the officers and members of their respective Lodges, and numerous Past Masters occupied seats


    in the East. The ceremony of installation was ably performed by the retiring R.W.M., Bro. Masters, who was


    assisted by Bro. E. T. Gillon, R.W.D.P.G.M. of the North Island of New Zealand, S.C. The officers of the


    Lodge for the ensuing year are —R.W.M., Bro. C. A, Deacon; D. M., Bro. Macmorran; S.M., Bro. W.


    Mitchell S.W, Bro. J. Codber; J.W., Bro. D. Georgeson; Treasurer, Bro. D. Greig, P.M. ; Secretary, Bro. G.


    Wilson ; Chaplain, Bro. J. Jack S .D., Bro. J. W. Davis ; J.D., Bro. J. W. Turnbull; Organist, Bro. Warren;


    S.S., Bro. McKenzie Henry ; J.S., Bro. G. B. Wright ; Inner Guard, Bro. A. A. Duncan ; Tyler, Bro. Connel.


    At the conclusion of the ceremony an adjournment was made to the banquet room, where the usual loyal and


    Masonic toasts were duly honoured.--New Zealand Mail.


    ST. ANDREW’S LODGE. - The installation of Bro. Andrew Jack as R.W.M. of Lodge St. Andrew, 683, S.C.,


    and the investiture of officers took place at the Freemason's Hall, Wellington, on Thursday, 12th December.


    The attendance was not so large as usual, probably owing to the fact that the previous night had been a "late "


    night. The District Grand Lodge of Wellington, E.C., and the Provincial Grand Lodge, S.C., North Island of


    New Zealand, were both represented, as were also most of the city Lodges. The installation ceremony was


    performed by Bro. E. T. Dillon, R.W., D.P.G.M., North Island of New Zealand, S.C., in his usual able


    manner, assistance being also given by Bro. C. P. Powles, P.M. The following brethren were elected as


    officers for the ensuing year : - D.M., Bro. T. Nicholson SM., Bro. T. Carr, P.M. ; S .W., Bro. John Danks ;


    J.W., Bro. G. France; Treasurer, Bro. Bacon ; Secretary, Bro. J. Atkinson; S.D., Bro. T. Jaffray; J. D., Bro. E.


    Platt ; Organist, Bro. W. H. Warren; S. Steward, Bro. M`Kay ; J. Steward, Bro. Johnson ; LG., Bro. Fletcher;


    Tyler, Bro. Crowther. After the ceremony the brethren partook of some refreshment, and the usual toasts


    were honoured in bumpers.—New Zealand Mail.


    QUITE REFRESHING - We have very great pleasure in recording that at the above-mentioned installations the


    usual stereotyped presentation of a Past Master's Jewel to the retiring R.W.M.s did not take place. This is


    something so uncommon in Masonic circles that it is quite refreshing to notice the healthy change. Bros.


    Bovis and Masters are such good Masons that they don't require to be jewelled in order to be appreciated.


    THE annual meeting of Lodge Harvey, No. 695, S.C., (Gore) for the installation of the R. W.M. and the


    investiture of officers, was held on Wednesday evening, the 4th December. There was a fair attendance of


    members of the Craft, including the D.G. Secretary, Bro. H. Neill, Dunedin, who acted as Installing Master;


    D.G.S.D., Bro. McPherson; and D.G.S., Bro. R. M. Bree, as D. of C. The Lodge having been opened, the


    R.W.M. elect, Bro. S. Forsyth (re-electe l), was presented and installed ; the following were also invested:-


    D.M., Bro. R. Whittingham; S .W., Bro. J. D. Hunter ; J. W., Bro. T. Ritchie; Treasurer, Bro. F. Green,


    Secretary, Bro. G. Low; P.D., Bro. J. Taylor; J. D., Bro. D. Lawson ; J.G., Bro. S. Fletcher ; Tyler, Bro. C.


    Lindsay ; Stewards, Bro. Willis, Palmer, and Marshall. A ball was held in the Town Hall, and was largely


    attended, there being numerous visitors from Dunedin, Invercargill, and Wyndham.


    THE regular meeting of the Lodge Somerset, 1811, F.C., Ashburton, was held on December 6th. The W.M.,


    Bro. E. J. Paul, was in the chair, and there was a good attendance of members as well as a number of visiting


    brethren. The principal business of the evening consisted of the raising of Bro. John Murray, of Mount


    Somers, and Bro. W. Hicks, of Ashburton. Mr. John Tasker was duly initiated into the secrets of


    Freemasonry, and two other candidates were pro-posed for membership. The ceremony of raising, as well as


    that of initiation, was performed by the Worshipful Master, Bro. P.M. Felton and Bro. P.M. Braddell, ably


    and impressively assisting in explaining the secrets of the degrees, and in presenting the working tools. The


    Somerset Lodge, like a number of other Lodges, has had to pull itself through financial difficulties, but it is


    gratifying to hear that the corner has been successfully turned, and that the Lodge is again on the fair road of


    renewed prosperity. The Lodge-room is one of the most convenient and best furnished Lodge-rooms in the


    colony; and the members are to be congratulated on the possession of so valuable a property as the Somerset


    Masonic Hall.


    THE annual installation of R.W. M. and officers of Lodge St. John, No. 610, S.C., Invercargill, took place on


    Friday evening, 6th December, when Bro. Walter Searle was duly installed into the chair by Bro. Henry Neil,


    of Dunedin, District Grand Secretary. There was a very large attendance of members of Lodge St. John and


    also those of the sister local lodges, Southern Cross, E.C., and Victoria, I.C. The various officers were


    afterwards invested as follows:—Immediate Past Master, Bro. James Craig ; Deputy Master, Bro. A.


    McKenzie ; Substitute Master, Bro. W. S. Waterson ; S.AV., Bro. J. Matheson ; J.W., Bro. A. C. Mitchell ;


    Treasurer, P.M. Bro J. A. Preshaw ; Secretary, Bro. W. J. Taylor ; Organist, Bro. John Feldwick ; S.D., Bro.


    Thomas Crawley ; J.D., Bro. W. Sandilands ; I.(. , Bro. Wm. Brown ; Tyler, Bro A. Munro ; Stewards, Bros.




    A. J. Rankin and R. Speirs; Auditors, P. M. Bro. J. A. Mitchell and Bro. John Smyth. On the Lodge being


    closed an adjournment was made to the Britannia Hall, w here it had been arranged to have a social evening


    at which the ladies could be present instead of the customary banquet. The change proved a most satisfactory


    one in every respect.—.Sentinel.


    THE installation of the officers of the Thistle Lodge, 627, S.C., took place in the Ashburton Masonic Hall, on


    December 2nd. There was a very large gathering of members of the Craft including many visiting brethren


    from various Lodges. The ceremony of installation was performed by D.D.G.M. Bro. C. Watson, who


    inducted the officers for the ensuing year as follows: -R.W.M. Bro. W. T. Potter ; S.W Bro. P. Rattray ; J.W.


    Bro. J Elliot ; 8.1). Bro. A. Crum ; J. D. Bro W. Bryans; Secretary, Bro. Chas. Reid ; Treasurer, Bro. W.


    Sparrow ; I.G. Bro. R. Meaclem ; Tyler, Bro. R. Cullen. During the evening a P.M.'s jewel was presented to


    the immediate P.M. Bro. J. Cockburn. On the conclusion of the installation ceremony the Lodge was duly


    closed, and the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where a couple of hours were very pleasantly spent. A


    number of toasts were duly honoured and some capital songs were contributed. The absence of the late


    D.G.M., the Rev. Bro. J. Hill, was very deeply regretted. Bro. Hill, who lately removed to Auckland, had


    always made a point of being present at the installation of the officers of the Thistle Lodge, and the very able


    and most impressive manner in which he always performed the ceremony was a treat but rarely enjoyed.


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    THE FOUNDATION OF MODERN FREEMASONRY.
    ————


    TRANSACTIONS OF THE LODGE QUATUOR CORONATI.


    THE first Grand Chaplain and the first of the only two Grand Architects were appointed on the occasion of


    laying the foundation stone, 1st May, 1775, of Free-masons' Hall, the building wherein we now meet.


    An Acting, or as we should now term him, Pro-Grand Master, was first appointed in April, 1782, on the


    election of the Duke of Cumberland as Grand Master. This officer is only appointed when Princes of the


    Blood Royal fill the Masonic Throne.


    And finally, on the 23rd November, 1785, a Grand Portrait Painter was created, an office, which like that of


    Grand Architect, was purely individual and for services rendered and on the death of its incumbent fell into


    abeyance.


    The creation of Grand Deacons does not come within our present purview, it was the result of the "Union" of


    1813, which will be expounded in a future paper. All the other members of our now extensive hierarchy date


    from even more recent times.


    PRIVATE LODGES.


    The officers of a private Lodge were, during this period, the R.W.M. (we have since dropped the prefix


    Right, in order to apply it to Provincial and District Grand Masters, and Grand Wardens, the Wardens,


    Secretary, Treasurer, Tyler (and usually some Stewards). Elections w ere quarterly, half-yearly, and towards


    the end of this period became annual. But a sketch of private lodge history would be best confined to a paper


    of its own.


    CLOTHING.


    With regard to Masonic clothing, I must confess that my researches have not quite cleared the ground. White


    gloves, I take it, were de rigeur from the beginning. 1 The badge was a huge plain white apron, such as the


    drunken W.M. and the tavern waiter or Tyler are begirt with in Hogarth's well -known picture of " Night."


    The collar has much the same shape as that at present in use, but is shorter. On the 24th .tune, 1727, the


    Worshipful Master and Wardens of all private Lodges were ordered to wear "the jewels of Masonry hanging


    to a white ribbon." When the colour was changed to blue I do not know. 2
    ———————————


    1. The prevalent lavender or lemon hue now so often seen in Lodge, the ordinary "evening kids," is utterly
    wrong.


    2. Bro. Hughan informs me that the blue edging to the aprons came in at the Union (1813)


    On the 17th March, 1731, the following enactments were passed. The Grand Master and Past Grand Masters,


    Deputy and Past Deputy, Grand and Past Grand Wardens to wear gold or gilt jewels pendent to blue ribbons


    about their necks, and white leather aprons lined with blue silk. I am unable to determine whether the word "


    lined " should be read " lined and edged," but am almost inclined to think so. This Spartan simplicity, so


    different from the present gorgeous raiment of Grand Lodge, is still preserved by the Grand Lodge of the


    Netherlands, as I have myself witnessed, and possibly also in other jurisdictions. The Stewards and Past




    Stewards were to have red ribbons and red linings, and the Masters and Wardens of private Lodges white


    ribbons, and might line their aprons with white silk, but of no other colour. On the 14th February, 1776, all


    past as well as actual Grand officers were permitted to wear distinctive jewels.


    THE GRAND STEWARDS.


    I have already referred to the Stewards, and the history of this body of officials is well worth following up.


    They were then, as now, officers of Grand Lodge, but not Grand Officers. In 1723 six served and were


    publicly thanked, and on the 24th June, 1724, the Stewards were ordered to prepare a list of twelve Stewards


    to serve at the next feast. The institution fell into abeyance, but Desaguliers revived the office on the 28th


    November, 1728, when twelve were appointed. On the 2nd March, 1732, it was further agreed that each


    Steward should have the privilege of nominating his successor. On the 31st March, 1735, it was resolved "


    that for the future all Grand Officers (except the Grand Master), shall be selected out of that body," i.e., from


    among the past Stewards.


    This act is simply astounding. The Craft had already transferred its power of electing its rulers to the Grand


    Master, and now it narrowed the Grand Master's choice to the ranks of an oligarchy in its worst form,


    namely, with the right of perpetuating its own succession. This course of proceedings, inasmuch as the


    Stewardship, then as now, entailed expense, absolutely prevented any brother of moderate means from


    attending grand office. The erection of this privileged class was inevitably bound to lead to plutocratic


    ascendancy and overlwarance — a queer outcome of Masonic equality —and ultimately bred discontent.


    Such was in fact the result. Three months after, 24th June, 1735, we find the Grand Stewards presenting a


    memorial, —


    1st. That they might form themselves into a special Lodge.


    2nd. That this Lodge be represented by twelve members, with a vote each, at each communication, instead of


    the ordinary three, viz., Worshipful Master and Wardens.


    3rd. That Past Stewards might wear a particular jewel and the usual red ribbon.


    Not only was this granted by forty-five to forty two, but a further concession was made empowering the


    twelve Stewards of the year to also attend every Grand Lodge meeting in their proper colours, but not to vote


    except "relating to the ensuing Feast."


    On the 11th December following, however, these privileges were appealed against on the confirmation of the


    minutes, and so much confusion occurred in counting the votes that no result could be declared, the debate


    was dismissed and the Lodge closed.


    The Stewards, however, ultimately gained the day, for at the next meeting, 6th April, 1736, Grand Lodge


    was declared to consist of : 1st, the four present and all former Grand Officers ; 2nd, the Masters and


    Wardens of all regular Lodges; and 3rd, the Master, Wardens, and nine representatives of the Stewards'


    Lodge.


    On the 26th April, 1771, a vain effort was made to transfer the nomination of Stewards from that body to the


    London Lodges in rotation ; on the 3rd February, 1779, because some Past Stewards did not join the Lodge


    or contribute to its funds, it was decided that only such as did should be eligible for Grand office ; and on the


    18th April, 1792, the Stewards' Lodge, then No. 47, was ordered to head the list of Lodges, without a


    number. This position it still holds, but it is now differently constituted and has lost some of its exceptional


    privileges; a subject, however, which does not enter into the scope of this paper.


    FUND OF BENEVOLENCE AND GRAND COMMITTEES.


    On the 21st November, 1724, the Duke of Richmond being Grand Master, the Earl of Dalkeith proposed a


    scheme of raising a fund of General Charity for distressed Masons, which at once met with generous support.


    It is a curious coincidence that at this meeting "Brother Anthony Sayer's petition was read and recommended


    by the Grand Master." The minutes do not say whether he was relieved on this occasion : but sums of money


    were voted to him subsequently in 1730 and 1741.


    The fund then instituted is now known as the Fund of Benevolence. It is now dispensed monthly, and of late


    years has disbursed a sum of £9,000 to £12,000 yearly. A Committee called " the Committee of Charity "


    was appointed at the same meeting to manage the fund and distribute relief ; it is now the Board of


    Benevolence."




    On the 15th December, 1730, the Committee was much extended. All business relating to Charity was


    referred to it for the future ; and it was further empowered to hear complaints and to report thereon to Grand


    Lodge. It thus acquired to a great extent the position now held by the Board of General Purposes. The further


    regulations of December 13, 1733, gave it enlarged powers. It was unanimously agreed :


    "That all such business which cannot be conveniently despatched by the Quarterly Communication,


    shall be referred to the Committee of Charity."


    " That all Masters of Regular Lodges, together with all present, former, and future Grand Officers


    shall be members of that Committee."


    " That all questions shall be carried by a majority of those present."


    This constituted it, what is now known as the Board of Masters, which is still composed of the same


    members, and still meets four times a year to arrange the agenda for Grand Lodge, previous to entering upon


    its duties as the Board of Benevolence.


    It will thus be seen that this important Committee exercised the functions of three of the present Committees


    of Grand Lodge. The fourth is the Colonial Board, of recent formation, whose duties were no doubt also


    performed by the Committee of Charity.


    This delegation of a part of its power by Grand Lodge to a select body of its members has been strongly


    commented upon by foreign writers as a foolish act, annulling the authority of Grand Lodge and endangering


    the equality of the brethren. I venture to affirm that no wiser step was ever taken by the Craft, and none


    which has been more succesful or freer from drawbacks. And if the present successors of this body find


    themselves shorn of much of their functions, this is only because the wonderful growth of our institution has


    rendered a sub-division of duties imperative. Grand Lodge has never parted with its control over its


    subordinate Committees, and the fact that their decisions and recommendations so seldom evoke the faintest


    opposition speaks volumes in their praise and that of the wisdom of our predecessors.


    FEES.


    I am afraid that the materials at my disposal are not sufficient to present a regular succession of the fees


    payable by lodges and brethren ; but the following indications may be of interest.


    Apparently for the first few years there was no regular fund for defraying the expenses of Grand Lodge, but


    the expenses of the evening were paid by those present. The first regular charge was instituted 27th


    December, 1729, viz., £2 2s for constituting a Lodge, but the proceeds of this went to the General Charity,


    which had hitherto been supported entirely by voluntary donations of the Lodges and individuals.


    Next we find that on the 24th February every Grand Officer attending Grand Lodge was required to pay 2s


    6d towards the expenses of the evening, and on the 6th April, 1736, the same amount was required from


    every Grand Steward. On the 23rd November, 1 753, it was enacted that no Mason should be made for a less


    sum than one guinea, beyond the fees to the Tyler, such guinea to go either to the private fund of the Lodge,


    or to the Public Charity.


    In 1755, Certificates signed by the Grand Secretary were first used, and smoking was prohibited in Grand


    Lodge, but I do not know whether these certificates were charged for. At last on the 28th October, 1768, a


    fee of 5s to Grand Lodge was imposed upon every initiate and 2s 6d for registration. This appears to be the


    first attempt to provide a Fund for General Purposes. On the 7th April, 1777, it was agreed that after the 1st


    May ensuing no Mason should be made for a less sum than two guineas, and no Lodge in London be


    constituted for less than £6 6s, and in the country, £4 4s. On the 20th March, 1788, the registration fee for


    London Masons was raised to 10s 6d. As far as I know this scale of fees remained in force till the Union ; but


    there were some exceptional levies in connection with the Hall Fund, which will now come under notice.


    (To be continued.)


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    NEW ZEALAND MASONIC UNION.
    —————————


    AUCKLAND BRANCH.


    AUCKLAND, 15th November, 1889.


    Worshipful Brother and Dear Sir,


    With the history and progress of the movement for the formation of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand, you are,


    I believe, already famlliar. I have, however, been instructed to inform you, that, in accordance with the




    original expressed intention, the Grand Mastership had been recently offered to Bro. His Excellency, the Earl


    of Onslow, in the name and on behalf of ninety-two Lodges which had decided in favour of a Grand Lodge,


    being nearly two-thirds of the total number of Lodges (147) at present working in the colony under the three


    Constitutions. The tenor of His Excellency's reply was in effect that, while recognising the earnestness of


    purpose, and the loyal, courteous, and Masonic spirit in which the Masonic Union have carried on their


    efforts for the attainment of Masonic autonomy, "practical unanimity" on so important a subject which alone


    would ensure his acceptance of the office, has not yet been secured, and, he therefore counselled delay, with


    the view of bringing about greater unanimity than at present exists. Under these circumstances, a Conference


    of District and Provincial Grand Masters of the three Constitutions was suggested as likely to attain that


    object, and R.W. Bros. G. S. Graham, and Sir H. A. Atkinson, have convened a meeting to be held in


    Dunedin on 9th January, which will, we trust, be attended with gratifying results. As nothing further can be


    done until after this meeting has taken place, let me urge upon you to do your utmost in the interim to keep


    the movement prominently before the Brethren of your Lodge, and at the same time foster their enthusiasm


    in respect to its ultimate success.


    As the Masonic Union is at considerable expense in connection with the promotion of this important object,


    it has been suggested that the Lodges which have given in their adherence to the movement, would probably


    be willing to-contribute according as their funds permit, and at a meeting of the Executive Committee, held


    on 7th instant, it was resolved : -


    “That the Lodges throughout the District, which are in favour of the Grand Lodge


    movement, be asked to contribute towards the expense of carrying on the business of this


    Branch of the Masonic Union."


    Anything therefore that your Lodge may feel disposed to contribute will be thankfully received, and duly


    acknowledged by the Treasurer of the Union.


    I am,


    Worshipful Brother and Dear Sir,


    Fraternally yours,


    THOMAS W. KITT, P.M.,


    Hon. Secretary to the Executive Committee


    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    BRIEF MENTION
    ———————————————————————————————————————————


    MELBOURNE Lodges have raised their initiation fee from £5 5s. to £7 7s.


    IN Melbourne excursions and picnics are taking the place of banquets and re-unions.


    A COUNTRY Lodge in South Australia protests against the non-visitation of Grand Officers.


    IN America, they are using magic lanterns and slides in the Lodges to illustrate the three degrees.


    UNITY Lodge, London, has been working uninterruptedly for 120 years, and never has had a Grand Lodge


    collar bestowed on any of its members.


    THE Grand Master of Victoria presented P.M. John James (Sydney James' brother) with his portrait,


    subscribed for by the Lodges, for his services as chair-man of the Executive Committee.


    A VICTORIAN W.M. was re-elected, he then ruled that the J.P. Master's year of service having expired, he


    was ineligible for re-appointment ; that consequently, during the next year he, the W.M., must also hold


    office of J.P.M., in conjunction with that of Master.


    THE: R.W. D.G., Master of Otago and Southland, E.C., has not yet called his Grand Lodge together to meet


    his Excellency Bro. Lord Onslow.


    THE meeting of District and Provincial Grand Masters will take place in Dunedin, on January 24th. Brother


    Gillon and other influential brethren will be asked to attend and discuss matters with the Grand Masters.


    THE Grand Master of New South Wales, his Excellency Lord Carrington, and the Earl of Kintore, Grand


    Master of South Australia, will arrive in Dunedin about the 11th January.


    A GOOD many of our American and Australian exchanges congratulate the Craft in New Zealand upon the


    steps taken for the formation of a Grand Lodge.






    THE Canadian Craft are exercised upon the question of transacting business in the third degree. The


    Craftsman says, that among the objections to the present mode is the statement that it is an unwarrantable


    violation of ancient usages, but the Craftsman sees no reason why the system of a century ago, or even less,


    should be rigidly adhered to if it inflicts a wrong upon anyone. It gives the following instances, from the


    records of the past, of the laws and usages that had to be abandoned, either by the force of circumstances or


    the requirements of the age.


    "SOME of the oldest laws in force in Scottish lodges provided for fining brethren for non-attendance and


    other causes, In Philadelphia a century ago the same law was operative."


    "IN 1735 the minutes of a Scottish lodge announce that it " met according to adjournment," and yet we are


    told to-day that a Lodge cannot adjourn."


    "WE are informed by Masonic authorities and constitutions that a W.M. can-not resign. In Maryland, in


    1817, and in Kentucky in 1818, as well as in other jurisdictions W.M.s could not only resign office but claim


    dimits."


    "IT was customary in the past to strike off, without trial, the names of brethren who were in arrears for dues,


    and by this means many were practically expelled."


    THE Canadian Craftsman thinks some better argument should be advanced in favour of the third degree


    amendment than its restoration to our constitution on the score of antiquity.


    WHEN Bro. the Rev. B. Lichtenstein, P.M., completes his lecture on King Solomon's Temple, we intend


    publishing it in the Craftsman. The recent discoveries made by the Palestine Exploration Society at the site


    of the Temple will, we feel sure, interest a great many of our brethren, particularly as the discoveries relate to


    the Hiramic Legend, and to the rejected stone mentioned in the Mark Degree.


    THE oldest Masonic minute of the Third Degree in the world yet discovered is dated 1725.—HUGHAM


    A GAVEL is in the possession of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, made of the wood of the coffin in which


    for many years reposed the body of Washington.


    To close the Third and Second Degree by the ` powers in me vested," may be excused at installations, but to


    open these two Degrees in the same may is, in our opinion, entirely wrong.


    BRO. GOULD, in his recent Commentary on the Reguis M.S., says that about the year 1400, " there was a


    guild or fraternity, commemorating the science, but without practising the art of Masonry."


    WE regret that want of space necessitates holding over a lecture delivered to the Brethren of Lodge Prince of


    Wales, 1338, by Bro. Josiah Martin, W.M., Auckland, entitled " The Sublime Degree a sketch of Masonic


    History."


    A SCHEME is on foot in Melbouune to start a Lodge of a literary character, the members to be chiefly of the


    various learned literary and scientific professions. The South Australian Brethren are considering the same


    matter. Cannot New Zealand do likewise?


    GENERAL satisfaction will be everywhere felt that the dissensions which for some time past have existed


    between the Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales, of the one part, and


    Scotland, of the other part, have been amicably settled, in a manner which reflects the utmost credit on both


    bodies, and especially on those among their officers, on whom has devolved the chief labour in determining


    the fued. London Freemason.


    THE "London Freemason," of Oct. 12th, has an article on " The Grand Lodge Movement in New Zealand,"


    and says : " There appears to be very little reason to doubt that however weak may have been some of the


    arguments previously put forth by the Committee in favour of the movement— and we have felt it our duty


    to exhibit their weakness in some of our more recent articles -the desire for the proposed change is becoming


    so strong, that we may expect to hear at an early date, if not forthwith, that an appeal has been addressed by a


    United Grand Lodge of New Zealand to our Grand Lodges for recognition, and, assuming that everything is


    found to have been done in due form and regularly, that the appeal has been answered in the affirmative."













    —————————————————————————————————————————————————


    EXTRACT'S FROM EXCHANGES.
    ————


    IN New Zealand there are 148 Lodges and 7700 members, and they propose to have a united Grand Lodge.


    Why Not? — Token.


    FREEMASONRY flourishes in the small and remote Island of St. Helena, there being two Lodges in good


    working order.


    THE Chronicle says it is forty -six years since a Masonic Lodge was first established in New Zealand. It is


    forty-eight in Victoria, and sixty-five in New South Wales.


    THE Masonic Lodge in Alzeil, Germany, made arrangements to provide during the past winter, twenty poor


    school children with substantial breakfasts. Such arrangements might well be adopted in other countries.


    THE Victorian Freemason asserts that Keystone Lodge, M.M.M. in Melbourne, is the only Lodge of Mark


    Masons in the world, holding a warrant from the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland.


    IT is said that a member of the Madras Civil Service once found his way into the innermost chamber (buried


    except to the priests) of an Indian temple, by giving the signs of a M. M--Chronicle.


    THE Grand Secretary informs us that over eighteen hundred copies of the new Ritual have been applied for


    and supplied. This is good news for those who earnestly desire "uniformity of working."—Sydney


    Freemason.


    A MOTION was discussed at the last meeting of the Grand Lodge of Canada, that the business of private


    Lodges be conducted in the "third’ instead of the first. It was lost by 501 votes against 345. Canada is fond of


    novelty.


    THE Grand Lodge of Kansas was organised in 1856, with only three Lodges and a total membership of less


    than one hundred. It has now 304 Lodges, and a membership exceeding 16,000. A splendid record of solid


    progress.


    THE Madras Masonic Review says that an Indian paper lately described Freemasons as " Sons of the


    Window." Another instance of the evil of outside papers dealing with Masonry.


    EXPELLED.—The Morning Call says : "It is rather curious that in 1841 the Grand Lodge of Louisiana


    expelled all Masons who joined the Oddfellows, and refused to recognise them, on the ground that


    Oddfellows imitated Masonry."


    WE have enjoyed seeing the Old warrant and the New in Lodges. It is a soul-stirring lesson in " Unity "


    which soothes old Masons and edifies young brethren. May the lessons thus inculcated never be forgotten.—


    Sydney Freemason.


    THE late Bro. Dr. Oliver, in his "Masonic Jurisprudence," expressed it as his opinion that a brother who is


    present in Lodge is under an obligation to give his vote one way or the other, and states that under the


    Scottish Constitution he is required to do so.


    THIS is a new innovation. The singing of the marriage contract of a daughter of the W.M., in Paris, was lately


    followed by a Masonic celebration. After an effective discourse by a prominent brother, an excellent concert


    closed the proceedings.


    ALTHOUGH the Masonic institution cannot and does not mingle in the conflicts and political parties, or


    engage in conspiracies against the State or Nation, it must, of necessity, by its great moral influence, affect


    materially the social and political progress of a people. For many years the Fraternity was the sole depository


    of the grand idea which is now rapidly becoming the supreme thought of the present generation that the


    people are the primary source of all sovereignty.— Victorian Freemason.


    ————————————————————————————————————————————————


    OUR EXCHANGES.
    ——————


    We beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following Masonic Exchanges


    The Kneph, London. Masonic Chronicle, Ohio.


    Ars Quator Coronatorum. Masonic Advocate, Indianopolis.


    South African Freemason. Masonic Home Journal, Louisville.


    South Australian Freemason, Adelaide. The Sentinel, Invercargill.


    La Espna Masonica, Madrid. The New York Despatch.




    Freemason, London. Australasian Keystone.


    Masonic Review, Ohio, (for September New Zealand Mail.


    and October.) The Victorian' Freemason.


    Canadian Craftsman. Masonic Record of Western India.


    Masonic Token, Portland. The Cromwell Argus.


    Masonic Chronicle, New York. The Tuapeka Tunes.


    Freemasons' Repository, Providence. The Dunstan Times.


    Liberal Freemason, Boston. The Wairarapa Daily.


    La Acacia, Buenos Ayres. North Otago Times. Masonic World, Boston.


    ___________________________________________________________________________________


    ANTED, Energetic Brethren to act as AGENTS for this Paper, in places unrepresented ; a liberal


    commission given. Address Bro. De Renzy, P.O., Box 322, Dunedin.




    W