THE
NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.

SUBSCRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM.
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VOL. I.—No. 2.] FEBRUARY 1, 1890. [A.D., 1890; A.L., 5890;
A.M., 5650; A. In., 2420.

THE ETHICS OF THE DAIS.

OT very long ago, in an article which we are gratified to see has been taken over by so influential a
paper as the London Freemason, we pointed out according to our lights, the importance of the
District Grand Master maintaining a strictly impartial position with reference to the subordinate

lodges under his control. We now propose briefly following out to their logical conclusion certain reflections
anent the possibility of the W.M. and his Past Masters allowing an excess of zeal similar to that condemned
by us in the higher office, to lead them into action which may be grieviously detrimental to the interests of a
lodge. We wish to point out what is very often forgotten, viz., that a Brother cannot be on the dais and the
floor at the same time, and that, when he leaves the latter for the well merited honours of the former, he must
be content to give a quid pro quo in the shape of a certain amount of surrender of his own individuality, in
favour of the position of benevolent neutrality most fittingly belonging to the head and representative of the
lodge in its corporative capacity. This is a lesson which many otherwise excellent Masters quite
unconsciously fail to learn, all the more so because the man who works his way to the honours of the Chair is
generally one whose individual ability and force of character is rightly enough his principal claim to
distinction. But at the same time it is one of those lessons of self denial which the true Mason should bend
himself to acquire. What we mean is this : That the W.M. should remember that it is due to his position to
avoid as far as possible the position of a debater, and substitute for it a strictly judicial attitude. He should
seldom, if ever, take part in discussions, but should find his vocation in directing those discussions and in
summing up as clearly as may be, the arguments which have been put forth therein. We have very little
hesitation in laying it down as a dictum that he should never, except under very peculiar circumstances, let
his name appear as either proposer or seconder of any motion or amendment brought before the lodge over
which he presides. And this observation applies with special force to the proposition of candidates for
admission into the Fraternity, and to a less degree of joining members. It may seem at first sight somewhat
hard that he should be compelled to forego some of his rights as an individual member, but we are confident
that by doing so he does much to promote the all important object of lodge harmony. Even the chairman of
an ordinary public meeting, or of a club or society, is supposed, by a well understood law, to submit to very
much the same hiding of his light under a bushel, and this a fortiori applies to an officer like the W.M. of a
Masonic lodge, who is something very much more than Primus inter pares, possessing peculiar and very
high prerogatives inherent in his office, and far beyond those of a mere presiding officer. Once installed he
ceases to be in any way responsible to the lodge. He is above it, not subordinate to it, and for twelve months
he is irremovable by even its unanimous vote, and his conduct is placed beyond all question by those under
his rule. He can stop debate at any stage; he can refuse admission, under certain conditions, to any visitor ;
and in many other ways he occupies an absolutely unique position. Now, for an officer, clothed with so high
and extensive powers, to appear in the rôle of an active disputant in a matter under discussion, places him
and others in a very false position. In the first place, his summing up of a debate at once loses all its weight if
he has previously spoken, and becomes reduced to the level of an individual utterance, neither more nor less
than that of an individual Brother. In the second, if the voting goes against him, the lodge and himself are
placed in an attitude hardly consonant with that so sedulously inculcated by the Constitutions, whilst, if it
goes the other way, there is always a suspicion that the result has been attained through the reluctance of
loyal Brethren to oppose themselves to the will of a chief, who is likewise a partisan. And the unpleasantness
of either of these positions is greatly accentuated if the matter at issue is the admission of a candidate. We
know of nothing more invidious than to have the nominee of a W.M. or P.M. blackballed. Their position
inferentially almost gives them a right to have their candidates taken upon trust, and for a black ball to be
thrown against a man proposed or seconded by the W.M., would be practically a vote of want of confidence.
We hold, therefore, that it is highly improper for a W.M. under any circumstances to propose or second a
candidate, and a Past Master should only do so under a very deep sense of responsibility, far greater even
than that required of a private member. His position is that of a ruler of the Craft, and it is only adequately

N

occupied by one who remembers that it has duties as well as privileges. We are quite certain that the actual
W.M. best consults his own dignity and the happiness of his lodge by keeping clear of the arena of
discussion ; and that a Past Master, whilst not so rigidly fenced in as this, should always act, as we said just
now, with the gravest sense of responsibility. Only in this way will the floor have a proper respect for the
dais.—South African Freemason.

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MANY complaints have been made by visiting brethren of the difficulty of finding out the nights of meeting
of the various Lodges meeting in the large towns. To remedy this we have placed a monthly calendar inside
the cover, giving the dates, names, and numbers of the Craft Lodges, Lodges of Instruction, and Chapters
meeting in Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson, and Auckland. We intend
doing this every month, and we ask the co-operation of the secretaries to make the list complete. Lodge
Aorangi, E.C., meeting in Wellington, and the Irish Lodge meeting at Petone, are not mentioned, for the
simple reason that we have no information available. Will the secretaries of these two Lodges supply us with
particulars in time for the March number ? We shall be pleased to correct any mistakes if pointed out.

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POETRY.

THE SHIP OF FREEMASONRY.
SAFE may the voyage and fair the fortunes be
Of our own old stately ship, Freemasonry!
Freedom's last venture is her priceless freight,
Self-rule by law, in Church as well as State.
God speed her, keep her, bless her, while she steers
Amid the breakers of unsounded years ;
Guide her through storms with ever even keel,
And help the honest hands that hold her wheel.

Adapted from HOLMES.

WHAT IS HEAVEN?

" WHAT is heaven ? " I asked a little child
" All joy," and in her innocence she smiled.

I asked the aged, with her care oppressed ;
" All suffering o'er, oh ! heaven at last is rest."

I asked the artist who adored his art ;
" Heaven is all beauty," spoke his raptured heart.

I asked the poet with his soul afire ;
'Tis glory, glory," and he struck his lyre.

I asked the Christian, waiting his release,
A halo round him ; low he murmured, " Peace."

So all may look with hopeful eyes above—
'Tis beauty, glory, joy, rest, peace and love.

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THE FOUNDATION OF MODERN FREEMASONRY.

TRANSACTIONS OF THE LODGE QUATUOR CORONATI.
FREEMASONS' HALL.

A SHORT sketch of the early History of the Hall in which we hold our meetings should be of interest. In
October, 1768, the Hon. Ch Dillon, Dep. G.M., proposed : " That the brethren should take into serious
consideration the most effectual means to raise a fund for defraying the expense of building a Hall." A
considerable sum having been collected, on the 23rd April, 1773, a Committee, consisting of the present and
past Grand Officers, Prov. Grand Masters, the Masters of the Stewards' and of ten other London Lodges, was
appointed to carry on the work. Curiously enough the new board, erected for a special purpose, managed to
usurp, in course of time, sonic of the privileges of the Charity Committee, but into these details I shall not
enter.

On the 25th November, 1774, the committee reported the purchase of premises in Great Queen street, at a
cost of £3150. These premises have since been considerably enlarged by fresh purchases. The foundation
stone was laid 1st May, 1775, and the building opened 23rd May, 1776. The Committee thus completed its
task in less than eighteen months, showing commendable dispatch. Of course it remained in debt, so
temptations were held out to induce subscriptions. On the 21st June, 1779, it was enacted that subscribers of
a loan of £25 free of interest, be presented with a medal to wear as an honourable distinction, and if the
lender was a Lodge, the medal was to be worn by the master. Lodges now in possession of these medals are
justly proud of the fact.1 On the 8th January, 1783, a further inducement was proffered. Holders of the medal
were to be ipso facto, members of Grand Lodge, and " every subscribing Lodge is allowed to send one
representative to Grand Lodge, besides the Master and Wardens, until the money be repaid.'

1 A representation of this Medal is given by Bro. Hughan in his " Masonic Register," 1872. T

On the 20th March, 1785, it was resolved to pull down and rebuild Freemasons' Tavern, and by the 7th
February, 1798, the debt due on the Hall had consequently risen to £7000. An extra annual fee of 2s per head
was therefore levied, through the lodges, on every member of the Craft. This impost was not abolished till
1810.

1NCORPORATION.
A curious chapter in our history opens in October, 1768, when the Deputy Grand Master informed the
Charity Committee " that the Duke of Beaufort [G.M.] was resolved to have the Society incorporated." A
copy of the proposed Charter was circulated, three Lodges memorialised Grand Lodge, adversely, and the
Caledonian Lodge went so far as to enter a caveat against it in the office of the Attorney-General, for which
its Worshipful Master had to publicly plead pardon in Grand Lodge on the 27th April, 1769, or suffer his
Lodge to be erased. The Deputy Grand Master then reported one hundred and sixty-eight lodges as in favour
of Incorporation and forty-three against it, and the motion being put, was carried by a large majority. The
Bill was, however, vigorously opposed in Parliament, and the Dep. G.M., the Hon. Charles Dillon, himself
finally moved that its consideration be postponed sine die, which was agreed to.

A very few references will now conclude this summary of the chief events in the early years of Modern
Freemasonry under the Grand Lodge of England.

THE TWO SCHISMS.

At the beginning of the second half of the Nth century there occurred a formidable schism, which lasted till
1813, and will form the subject of a separate paper. In 1777, on the 27th December, the Lodge of Antiquity
attended divine service, clothed in the vestry, and after service returned to the Lodge Room in procession and
clothing. A minority of the Lodge declared this to be irregular, no dispensation having been granted ; the
majority, headed by Preston, thought otherwise. The minority memorialised Grand Lodge, the majority
signed a protest. The Committee of Charity sided with the minority, Preston pleaded ` inherent right " on the
part of his Lodge to do as they pleased, was expelled, recanted, and restored to his privileges. But Preston
had recourse to that dangerous weapon the pen, and his Lodge foolishly erased three of the minority and
refused to restore them according to the order of Grand Lodge. On the contrary, they, on 4th November,
1778, seceded from Grand Lodge, issued a manifesto, and formed an alliance with the Old Lodge at York,
then calling itself the "Grand Lodge of ALL England." The minority remained as a Lodge under the banner of
the Grand Lodge. The Lodge at York then constituted the majority by a patent, dated 29th March, 1779, a
"Grand Lodge of England, south of the River Trent," in which capacity they warranted two lodges and two

only, in 1779. However, in 1789, Preston and his friends apologised, withdrew their manifesto, were
received back, reunited to the minority which had remained true to the Grand Lodge, and restored to all their
privileges.

R.I.M. FOR GIRLS.

On the 25th March, 178S, the " Royal Freemasons' Charity for Female Children " afterwards called the
"Royal Cumberland Freemasons' School " and now the " Royal Masonic Institution for Girls " was
established to clothe, feed, and educate fifteen children. In 1821 this number had increased to sixty-five, in
1872 to one hundred, and now it harbours two hundred and sixty-four, whilst at its Centennial Festival last
year upwards of £50,000 in voluntary subscriptions was collected.

OUR ROYAL MASONS.

Frederick Lewis, Prince of Wales, was initiated at a special Lodge, held at Kew by Dr. Desaguliers, on the
5th November, 1737.

His brother, the Duke of Cumberland, was initiated in 1743.

The Dukes of York, of Cumberland (Grand Master in 1782), and of Gloucester, sons of the Prince of Wales,
were made respectively in 1765, 1767, and 1766 (the first of the three at Berlin), and were all granted the
rank of P.G.M. of England in 1767.

The Duke of Gloucester, son of the last-named, was admitted in 1795 and made P.G.M. in 1796. George IV.,
then Prince of Wales, was initiated by his uncle the Duke of Cumberland 1787, and succeeded him as Grand
Master in 1790, resigning on his accession to the throne in 1813, but retaining the title of Patron.

His brothers, the Dukes of York, of Clarence (William IV.), and of Kent, were made in 1787, 1786, and
1790, the latter at Geneva. The Duke of Kent played a prominent part as Grand Master of the Rival Grand
Lodge at the Union of 1813. All three were granted the rank of Past Grand Master.

Another brother, Duke of Cumberland, afterwards King of Hanover, was initiated in 1796, received the usual
rank of a P.G.M., and from 1828 till his death in 1851 was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hanover.
His son, George V. of Hanover, was initiated at Hanover in 1857, succeeded him as Grand Master and ruled
both the Grand Lodge and the Kingdom till the Prussians abolished the one and the other in 1866.

Finally the Duke of Sussex, another brother of George the IV., was initiated at Berlin in 1798, was Deputy
Grand Master of England in 1812, and in 1813 became Grand Master till his death in 1843. Of him we shall
hear more in connection with the Union and the United Grand Lodge of England ; and our present Grand
Master, his brothers and son, do not come within the scope of this paper.

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ANTIENT LANDMARKS.

THE Antient Landmarks as set forth in the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of South Australia.
1. The modes of recognition.
2. The division into three Degrees of a symbolical character, and known as Craft Masonry, to which the
Grand Lodge of England, at the Union in 1813, added the Holy Royal Arch.
3. The Legend of the Third Degree.
4. The government of the Fraternity in each country by a Grand Master, with certain duties and
prerogatives.
5. The prerogative of the Grand Master to preside wherever he may be.
6. The Grand Master's right to grant dispensations for conferring Degrees at irregular times.
7. His right to grant dispensations for opening and holding Lodges.
8. The Grand Master's right to make Masons at sight.
9. The necessity for Masons to congregate in Lodges.
10. The government of Lodges by a Master and two Wardens.

11. The necessity of duly tyling every Lodge.
12. The right of every Mason to be represented in all general assemblies of the Craft.
13. The right of every Mason to appeal from the decision of the brethren of his Lodge to Grand Lodge.
14. The right of every Mason to visit any Lodge, and sit therein.
15. The right of the Officers of a Lodge to direct an examination of an unknown brother.
16. The right of non-interference between Lodges among ourselves.
17. Every Mason is amenable to the jurisdiction, the laws, and ordinances ofthe Grand Lodge of the
county in which he resides, although he may not be anactual member of any Lodge.
18. Candidates shall not be mutilated persons, and they shall beafreeborn and of mature age.
19. Candidates shall profess a sincere belief in the Great Architect of the Universe.
20. Candidates shall profess a sincere belief in the immortality of the soul.
21. The Book of the Law constitutes an indispensible part of the Lodge furniture.
22. The equality of all Masons.
23. The secrecy of the Fraternity.
24. The speculative character of Freemasonry founded on an operative symbolism.
25. That all these principles are susceptible of no mutation, that they cannot and never shall be changed,
and that nothing can be added and nothing taken from them.

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AN APPEAL.
WANGANUI, 28th December, 1889.

THE accompanying petition in aid of the widow and family of our late Secretary, Bro. Pownall, was delayed
in its issue, hoping that the shop would have been sufficient to earn a living for the support of the family
without encroaching on the benevolence of the Craft.

It has now been found that the shop is a failure, and immediate assistance is urgently wanted.
H. B. WILLIAMSON, I.P.M.,

Tongariro Lodge, 705, E.C.
_________

........................................... WANGANUI, 1st October 1889.
To the Secretary.................Lodge.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,--The support of your Lodge is earnestly requested on behalf of the widow and
eight children of our late Secretary, Brother R. W. Pownall, who died on 19th July, 1889.

Brother Pownall had been an invalid for some years before his death, and with the exception of a small
policy the family are left absolutely penniless. The musical friends of our late Brother promptly assisted by
getting up an entertainment, and the public of Wanganui showed their interest in, and the deservedness of,
the case by an audience of nearly 1000 persons, giving nett proceeds of about £70.

To earn a living to support such a family of eight, the eldest being only twelve years old and the youngest
three months, the widow has opened a small fruit shop. To provide the necessary funds to start and carry this
on successfully the assistance of all Masons is now being solicited.

As a Mason our late brother was a bright ornament to any Lodge. Ready at any time to help with his pen,
pencil, or musical talent, as many Brethren, even from Nelson and the West Coast, can testify, and his
absence from our Lodge marks a blank which cannot easily be filled up.

Our late brother was also a Mark Master, Royal Arch and Past Sovereign of the Lathom Chapter, Rose
Croix.

All funds collected are being handed over to the Rev. Mr Treadwell, who has kindly consented to act as
treasurer. Any sum you can spare will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.

I remain,

Dear Sir and Brother,
Yours truly and fraternally,

WHITWORTH RUSSELL, P.M.,
Acting Secretary Tongariro Lodge, 705, E.C.

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THE SUBLIME DEGREE ;
A SKETCH OF MASONIC HISTORY.

Lecture delivered to the Brethren of Lodge Prince of Wales, No. 1338, E.C., by Josiah Martin, W. M., Auckland,
August 16, 1888

EARLY in the history of every nation, the religious sentiment has expressed itself in united worship : ever the
strongest bond of national union.

The sacred grove, or holy place where the sacrifice was offered, became in time a Temple, or sacred
building, cut off from ordinary places to enshrine the emblem or image of the deity. The way of approach
and the mode of offering the oblation or sacrifice, was the secret of the presiding priests or magi ; whose
instructions and commands, issued as the very oracles of the God amid awful mystery, were implicitly
believed and observed with a complete and abject submission ; unknown, perhaps, in the history of
enlightened nations.

In ancient Egypt, this form of religious despotism reached its highest development ; and Temple building,
became a manifestation and expression of the national religious sentiment.

The labours of the people, directed by the wisdom of their instructors, resulted in works of magnitude and
splendour ; the ruins of which challenge the admiration, and defy the competition of the art and science of
the 19th century.

The philosophic speculations of the Ancient Wisdom Religion—the " Light from the East," which was
focussed in the " Mysteries of Egypt," were not, as many students and historians have supposed, a mere maze
of subtle metaphysical abstractions, or a mass of gross and sensual absurdities ; but a system of pure and
enlightened knowledge, rising into a transcendental philosophy far above the grasp of the average intellect of
man. Penetrating beyond the ordinary horizon of limited observation and dwelling in those profound
mysteries which elevate the soul, the sages of old were brought into closer harmony with the great wonder-
working power of Nature and the Infinite.

Here they sought to discover the secret of those laws which govern the Universe : rising by obedience thereto
in their own life and conduct, to the most sublime conceptions of Nature and of God. To their ancient
religious system we owe the primary conception

Of the Divine unity and perfection
Of the harmony and beneficence of Nature ;
Of the forces or agencies by which unvarying law regulates the Universe - Of the spiritual essence or

soul of man, as distinct from his animal nature ;
Of the certain power of will over mind, and of mind over matter ;
Of purity of purpose and uprightness of action as the highest good of life ;
Of a judgment before a Supreme tribunal upon the soul of man, for the thoughts and acts of

conscious existence ;
Of a future state of happiness and the promise of ultimate perfection.

The whole system forming a comprehensive scheme of EVOLUTION, rising from initial depths far more
profound, to heights far more sublime, than the theorists of modern science have yet dared to sound or to
scale.

The possession of this knowledge gave the adept an almost unlimited power over the mind and will of his
subject. A power of which men scarcely dream in this practical age, but into which modern science is even

now beginning to enquire ; as in the report of recent researches in the domain of Animal Magnetism,
discovering that there is, in the marvellous energy of human will, a force sufficient to account for the
mysterious phenomena of Mesmerism, Clairvoyance, and Thought Reading ; the magical performances of
Indian experts, and the remarkable manifestations of the enormous influence of concentrated thought.
Recognising the necessity of preventing the abuse of the almost absolute power and authority which such
knowledge was able to confer, they defended their rites from profanity and pollution by a sacred
symbolism—a most elaborate and profound mysticism, expressed by occult signs and heiroglyphical
figures—and they guarded with jealous care, every avenue of approach to their sacred rites against the
impure, the unworthy, the alien, and the slave.

Moses, the great leader and law-giver, learned from the schools of Egypt, much of their science, government
and law ; but as he fled from that country before he had arrived at the higher secrets of their wisdom, we find
no trace in his teachings of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul and a future spiritual existence.

The Science and Wisdom of Egypt flourished in Phoenicia during the reign of Hiram, King of Tyre, when a
lodge or school of knowledge was established by treaty between these nations. Here Hiram Abiff, the prince
of architects, instructed artificers and workmen in the mysteries of their craft, and in the higher wisdom on
which their knowledge was based. There also Solomon, King of Israel, learned the secret mysteries of their
sacred arts, and thus the way was prepared for the realisation of that sublime conception —the Temple of
Solomon at Jerusalem.

In this our great historical example, we behold the combination of the Masonic trinity—Wisdom, Strength,
and Beauty. Wisdom (personified by King Solomon) penetrated by religion and devotion, conceiving the
grand design ;— an emblem also of the Great Architect of the Universe. Strength (personified by Hiram,
King of Tyre), furnishing the necessary materials for the construction of the sacred edifice ; — emblem of
the rich supplies and exhaustless energies of Nature. Beauty or skill (personified by Hiram Abiff), carrying
out the plans with executive ability, organising and directing the labour, and realising in exquisite and
beautiful workmanship the grand ideal of the Great Architect ;—emblem of Intelligence—the art or soul of
man.

In this trinity, the part performed by each is distinct from the duties of the others, and without the corporation
of the other two, no one is able alone to complete the work, the three being equally necessary to perfect its
full harmony and unity. This idea is expressed in the allegory of the Master's secret ; which could not be
communicated by one alone, but in the combined unity of the three in one. In this mysterious trinity of
Supreme wisdom, material strength and human will—the combination of art, industry and intelligence ;—we
have the origin of the three Great Pillars, and the three Emblematical Lights in Free-masonry.

Some of the philosophic Greeks, of whom Pythagoras was perhaps the first, were initiated into a knowledge
of the secret mysteries of Egypt, and thence were carried to Europe, those sacred treasures of thought, in
which were laid the foundation of the Academies and schools of Greek philosophy and Roman learning.

Epicurus thus expresses his conception of Wisdom :—" For man to know himself, increase and preserve his
well-being, free himself from the monstrous phantoms born of ignorance and fear, and with the highest and
noblest courage dare to do the right. From Nature and from facts to draw his inspiration, and from its divine
teaching to discover, that virtue is the means and happiness the end : and the art of living for the good of
humanity the Supreme philosophy."

The secret mysteries, originally pure and sublime, became in time degraded and polluted by the gross and
sensual character of the people ; the primitive significance being lost beneath a crushing mass of heathenish
superstition and revolting rites.

In succeeding ages a few votaries of wisdom kept alive the light of knowledge, and in secret conclave
communicated its precious truths to tried and chosen disciples. Hence the Rosicrucian mysteries of the M
iddle Ages, and the occult symbolism which still survives in the mystic rites of our Sublime Degree. In the
European schools of learning, a remnant of the ancient wisdom survived, but with a faint almost expiring
flame ; until the fervour of religious zeal again sought expression in those beautiful temples and shrines,

which once more united the wisdom and majestic conceptions of the past, with the practical operative skill of
a later present.

(To be continued. )

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RIGHTS OF THE LODGE.

1. A LODGE HAS THE RIGHT TO RETAIN POSSESSION OF ITS WARRANT OF CONSTITUTION.—That this is so is
evident from the fact that, by the granting of a Warrant, the Grand Master has formed the members of that
Lodge into a constituency in Grand Lodge, with permanent rights which cannot be recalled or abrogated,
except upon grave offence, and even then not until after proper trial and ratification. Hence a Warrant is a
solemn trust, and although the Master holds it in his possession (luring his term, he is simply the official
bailee or trustee of the Lodge, and in no sense its absolute possessor. A Lodge on grave offence may be
"suspended" by the Grand Master, i.e., its meetings may be forbidden for a time, or " during pleasure," but
the Lodge Warrant still remains the property of the Lodge corporate as much as its funds or furniture ; nor
does a suspension of a Lodge apply individually to the members who continue in " good standing." A
Warrant can only be redemanded by the Grand Master for (a) contumacy to his authority, (b) departure from
or infringement of the ancient landmarks, (c) disobedience to the Constitutions, and (d) total cessation of
labour. Even then this must be proved at a solemn trial and confirmed by Grand Lodge. Of course, a majority
of the members may decide upon a voluntary surrender of its Warrant, but in this case the Master of the
Lodge must be a consenting person to the resolution, as a voluntary surrender must be legally and formally
carried out. The Warrant not in the Lodge invalidates every proceeding, however trivial. The writer has had
complaints made to him on many occasions of the difficulty in seeing the Warrant, especially in country
Lodges — these Lodges do themselves serious harm by allowing the Master to " forget it " or "mislay it." It
is an offence against which every honourable Mason should raise his voice, for it may end, through the
negligence of the Master, in a very serious crisis. The Lodge, from the necessity of the presence of the
Warrant, has always a power over it quite distinct from and superior to that of the Worshipful Master, no
matter what his position or standing may be.

(To be continued. )

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RIGHTS OF THE MASTER.

1. THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER HAS THE RIGHT TO PRESIDE AT ALL MEETINGS OF HIS LODGE.—This, at first
sight, appears to be the naturally delegated duty assigned to him by his suffragans, and it is a natural right,
but it covers powers of the most extensive kind. For he (a) presides over the secular business, as well as the
Masonic work of the Lodge, and his decisions on all points of order are final, and are not to be disputed
except upon appeal to the Grand Lodge, which can alone overrule him. The Grand Lodge is, however, bound
to entertain any appeal, and enquire into the circumstances. The Master has (b) the right to convene his
Lodge at any time, and is the sole judge of any emergency requiring a meeting; nor can the Lodge, except on
its fixed nights of meeting, be called together by any other power. At the regular meetings, the Master alone
(c) can fix the time of opening the Lodge, for the opening of the Lodge is his prerogative ; should he,
however, not be present at the time he has fixed, the Lodge may be opened without him. In like manner (d)
the time of closing is entirely at the discretion of the Master ; and for purposes apparently arbitrary, but
really for excellent reasons, he has (e) the right of suspending the labours of the Lodge even in the middle of
a debate. The exercise of this power often saves the Lodge from serious discord, for the principle of
adjournment is never recognised in Masonry, as it would trench on the Master's prerogative* and practically
abrogate that supreme power committed to him at his installation. The Lodge cannot arraign his conduct in
Lodge, however illegal it may be, for, if so, the Lodge would stultify its own solemn trust ; but in its
corporate capacity the Master may be tried before the Board of General Purposes. In the same way, and for
the same reason, Lodges cannot resolve themselves into " a Committee of the whole."

(To be continued.)

* Oliver's "Masonic Jurisprudence," p. 148 (ed. 1871).
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THE SENTENCE OF JESUS.

A CORRESPONDENT of Notes and Queries extracts from the Kolnische Zeitung what is called " a correct
transcript of the sentence of death pronounced against Jesus Christ." The sentence is word for word as
follows :
Sentence pronounced by Pontius Pilate, intendant of the province of Lower Galilee, that Jesus of Nazareth
shall suffer death by the cross. In the seventeenth year of the reign of the Emperor Tiberius and on the 25th
of the month of March, in the most holy city of Jerusalem, during the pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas,
Pontius Pilate, intendant of the province of Lower Galilee, sitting in judgment in the presidental seat of the
Pm:tors, sentences Jesus Christ of Nazareth to death on a cross between two robbers, as the numerous and
notorious testimonials of the people prove :
1. Jesus is a misleader. 2. He has excited the people to sedition. 3. He is an enemy to the laws. 4. He calls
himself the Son of God. 5. He calls himself falsely the King of Israel. 6. He went into the temple followed by
a multitude carrying palms in their hands. Orders : The first centurian, Quintus Cornelius, to bring him to the
place of execution, forbids all persons, rich or poor, to prevent the execution of Jesus. The witnesses who
have signed the execution against are : 1, Daniel Robani, Pharisee ; 2, John Zorobabel ; 3, Raphael Robani ;
4, Capet. Jesus to be taken out of Jerusalem through the gate of Tournea.

The sentence is engraved on the plate in the Hebrew language and on its sides are the following words : "A
similar plate has been sent to each tribe." It was discovered in the year 1280 in the city of Aquill (Aquilla ?)
in the kingdom of Naples, by a search made for the discovery of Roman antiquities and remained there until
it was found by the commissaries of art in the French army of Italy. Up to the time of the campaign in
southern Italy, it was preserved in the sacristy of the Carthusians, near Naples, where it was kept in a box of
ebony. Since then the relic has been kept in the chapel of Caserta. The Carthusians obtained it by their
petitions that the plates might be kept by them, which was an acknowledgment of the sacrifices which they
made for the French army. The French translation was made literally by members of the commission of arts.
Denon had a facsimile of the plate engraved, which was bought by Lord Howard on the sale of his cabinet
for 2,890 francs. There seems to be no historical doubt as to the authenticity of this. The reasons of the
sentence correspond exactly with those of the gospels.—Trestle Board.

______________________________________________________________________________________

LODGE MEETINGS
______________________________________________________________________________________
Secretaries of Lodges, Scribes of Chapter , 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 he glad to receive from the District and Provincial Grand Secretaries the printed proceedings of
their Quarterly Communications.

THE ROBERT BURNS LODGE OF INSTRUCTION did not meet on the 6th January, but its usual monthly meeting
will be held at the Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on the 6th February, when the business will be "Passing."

LODGE ST ANDREW, 432, S.C., held its regular meeting at the Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on the 14th January.
The R.W.M., Bro. J. Nugent, in the chair. Unfortunately we cannot give a report of the meeting, as the
secretary has not sent us any report.

LODGE CELTIC, 477, S.C., met at the Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on the 16th January. The R.W.M., Bro. Smith,
sent an apology for his non-attendance, and the chair was taken by a Past Master. We regret that the secretary
has not sent any report of this meeting.

THE Mark Degree was worked by the Kilwinning Otago Royal Arch Chapter, 116, S.C., at an emergency
meeting held on Friday, the 10th January. Bro. Julius Alberti, Lodge of Otago, 844, S.C., and Bro. Donald
McLennan, of Lodges Waitaki, 1111, S.C., and and 767, I.C., were elected and duly advanced as Mark
Master Masons.

SOMERSET LODGE, ASHBURTON.—The regular meeting of the Somerset Lodge, 181, E.C., was held on 10th
January. The W.M , Bro. E. J. Paul, was in the chair. Mr J. H. Stephens and Mr J. NV. Baker were both
unanimously elected members of the Lodge, and Mr Stephens was duly initiated by the W.M., Bro. C.
Braddell, P.M., presenting the working tools.

ST. JOHN’S, ASHBURTON.--The regular meeting of the St. John's Lodge was held on 9th January. The
principal business of the evening was the raising of Bro. W. H. Collins. The ceremony was performed by
Bro. J. E. Paul, W.M., Somerset Lodge, assisted by I.P.M., Bro. H. W. Felton, also of the Somerset Lodge.
P.M. Bro. Milson gave an interesting and able lecture on the Third Degree.

THE Hiram Lodge of Instruction, B.C., Dunedin, held its usual fortnightly meetings on the 6th and 20th
January. The Opening and Closing in the Third Degrees was worked on the 6th January, after which the
Deputy Preceptor gave some very interesting information on the "Ancient Landmarks," and those interested
in the working of Lodges of Instruction will find the programme for this month under the heading of Lodge
advertisements.

LODGE Otago Kilwinning, 417 S.C., held its regular monthly meeting on the 9th January, at Dunedin. The
R.W.M., Bro. Brew, in the chair, supported by the I.P.M., Bro. Basstain, and several P.M's. of sister Lodges,
as well as by several Grand Lodge officers representing the Victorian Constitution. The ballot was taken for
a candidate, and he was declared elected, and was initiated according to ancient custom by the R.W.M.,
assisted by the I.P.M. The Lodge was closed at 10 o'clock, and at the supper table several interesting
speeches on the Grand Lodge movement were made by visiting P.M's. from Victoria.

A DISPENSATION was granted to hold the regular meeting of the Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C., Dunedin, on the
3rd January, instead of on the 1st. P.M. Bamfield gave a lecture on the first Tracing Board, and the Lodge
was closed at 9.15 p.m. At the supper table P.M. Martin, P.G. Warden of the United Grand Lodge of
Victoria, in replying to the toast of the visitors, gave some interesting details respecting the formation of the
Victorian Grand Lodge. He pointed out. the advantages to be gained by New Zealand in having a Grand
Lodge, and said that if a majority of Lodges were in favour of the movement the best course to pursue was to
proclaim it. Bro. Lucas, of the Lodge of Judah, Victorian Constitution, also spoke on the Grand Lodge
movement, and said that the three Grand Lodges in Australia were anxiously watching the progress of events
in New Zealand, and that they wished the movement God speed.

LODGE VICTORY, 1927, E.C., held its ordinary monthly meeting on the 14th January, at the new hall, Nelson.
P.M. Boor, Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction, gave some " Remarks on the Third Degree with General
Instruction." We notice from the agenda paper of this Lodge that the brethren's attention is drawn to Rule
183, of the Book of Constitution, which refers to the " Great discredit and injury brought upon the fraternity
from passing and raising Masons without due instruction in the respective degrees," to meet this, Lodge
Victory has passed the following :- ` By special resolution of the ` Victory' Lodge, it is enjoined that
aspirants for the 2nd and 3rd degree should, where practicable, attend instruction meetings, and go through
the lectures respectively, viz., the seven sections of the former and the five of the latter, and that proposers
and seconders be held responsible for attention to this injunction, and for the due qualification of their
candidates for passing and raising "--and we commend it to the attention of Lodges and Preceptors of Lodges
of Instruction.

THE LODGE OF DUNEDIN, 931 E.G., held its regular meeting at the Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on the 21st
January. The ceremony of raising was performed by the W.M., Bro. Capstick, assisted by P.Ms. Cameron
and Lichenstein. The Lodge was closed at 10.15 p.m. In replying, at the supper table, to the toast of the
visitors P.M. Aitken, G.S. Warden of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, made an excellent speech on the
Grand Lodge movement. We are sorry that want of space forbids us giving it in full, but a few extracts may
be interesting. Bro. Aitken referred to the original Grand Lodge of Victoria, and said he was one of the
promoters of that movement, along with the Hon. George Coppin. Unanimity would have been practically
unanimous at that stage if it were not for the manifestos of the District Grand Masters, who issued
instructions to their subordinate Lodges, forbidding any discussion on the question of a Grand Lodge, and
threatening the Lodges with suspension and withdrawal of their warrants if their instructions were disobeyed.
He contrasted this with the present Grand Master's action, Sir W. J. Clarke, who, at the time of the
amalgamation of the Grand Lodge of Victoria into the United Grand Lodge, was the head of the three
Constitutions, and who simply took up a neutral position. This he (Bro. Aitken) said was the only proper
position for any Grand Master to take up when his Lodges were considering the question of forming an
independent Grand Lodge. Bro. Aitken said the advantages which were now being derived from their Grand
Lodge were incalculable, and as time rolled on the impetus given to Masonry in Victoria by its formation

would raise such institutions as would compare favour-ably with the English Masonic Benevolent
Institutions. South Australia was the forerunner of the Grand Lodge movement in Australasia, and he hoped
before long to see a Grand Lodge of New Zealand, as well as one in Tasmania and Queensland. The
movement now on foot in South Australia for a uniform ritual in the whole of Austalasia was a step in the
right direction. Bro. Ingram, W.M. of Lodge Jubilee, Victorian Constitution, also spoke in favour of a Grand
Lodge for New Zealand, but hoped that the bitterness and illfeeling shown to the promoters of the movement
in Victoria would be absent in New Zealand.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

SOME one must bestow time, some one must contribute of his wealth, and some one must give intelligence
and energy to the Order to make it successful. A Lodge cannot thrive on neglect, and it cannot relieve want if
it be poverty-stricken itself.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

INSTALLATIONS.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE installation of Worshipful Master Bro. W. Hannay, of Lodge Fortitude, 2301, E.C., took place at the
Bluff on the 8th January. P.M. Bro. Gilbertson acted as installing master, assisted by P.M.'s Bro. W. H. Hall,
and Bro. C. Sawyer. The following officers were invested by P.M. Bro. Newman :—Bro. W. Henderson,
S.W. ; Bro. S. Nichol, J.W. ; Bro. D. M. M'Dougall, Secretary; Bro. A. M. Hamilton, Treasurer ; Bro. J.
M`Intosh, S.D. ; Bro. N. M`Donald, J.D. ; Bro. D. Long, I.G. ; Bro. W. R. G. Hay, Tyler. A large number of
visiting brethren from the three Lodges in Invercargill were present. Immediately after the ceremony a ball
was held in the Drill Hall.—Sentinel.

THE annual convocation of the Chapter of Otago, No. 844, E.G., was held in Freemasons' Hall, Dunedin, on
the 15th January. There was a good attendance of visitors, the Chapters represented being Joyce (No. 942),
Southern Cross, and Mount Lebanon (E.G.), Kilwinnion Otago (S.C.), and South Yarra (Victorian
Constitution). A conclave of installed principals was opened by M.E. Comp. R. Bamfield, P.Z., and the
installation of the Rev. Comp. W. Ronaldson as Z. was performed by M.E. Comp. C. de L. Graham, P.Z.
(Joyce and Southern Cross Chapters), the M.E. Comp. Bamfield installing ex-Comps. G. Blackmore as H.
and T. G. de Renzy as J. The subordinate officers of the Chapter are Comps. McGregor Wright, S.E ; J. E.
Barth, P.Sjr. ; Peake, P.Z., Treasurer ; Thompson, S.N. ; F. Fitehett, Asst. Sjr. ; and Meyer, Janitor. The
M.E.Z. returned thanks for the honour conferred upon the principals, and votes of thanks were ordered to be
recorded on the minutes to M.E. Comps. R. Bamfield and C. le Longueville Graham for their services as
installing officers. The customary addresses to the principals, officers, and members were delivered by the
M.E. Comps. Asher and Graham, and the Chapter closed at 9.40 p.m. Afterwards the members and visitors
were entertained by the principals in the supper room, and a couple of pleasant hours were spent.

THE installation meeting of the Abercorn Masonic Lodge, 1813, E.C., Waipawa, took place Thursday
evening (5th December) in the Lodge-room, when there were present visiting members from the Wanganui,
Balclutha, and Waipukurau Lodges, the latter named supplying a good contingent. Altogether there was a
muster of thirty, and considering the unsettled weather this was an excellent attendance. The following
brethren were installed as officers for the ensuing year :—W.M., L. M`Kay ; I.P.W., G. Clarke ; S.W., J.
Pickett ; J.W., A. Rood; Secretary, T. Howard, P.M., G.S.B. ; Treasurer, Alex. Todd; Organist, C. W.
Williamson ; S.D., J. Glass ; J.D., A. Breuer ; I.G., G. Abrahams ; Tyler, F. Lowe. The installation was ably
performed by Bro. G. Francis, P.M., under whose care everything went off without a hitch. At the close of
the ceremony W.M. M'Kay, in a neat and apposite speech, presented the retiring W.M., Bro. G. Clarke, and
P.M. Bro. Thomas Howard, with P.M.'s Jewels in gold, which had been subscribed for by the brethren as a
slight token of kindly remembrance and in appreciation of their work in the past. The recipients responded in
a happy manner, and the brethren then withdrew to the refreshment room where the usual toasts were
honoured and a pleasant time spent. The brethren dispersed at about 1 o'clock.

THE Southern Star Lodge, No. 735, E.G., of Free and Accepted Masons, celebrated its thirty-fifth
anniversary in the Lodge room, Collingwood street, Nelson, on December 27th (St. John the Evangelist's
Day), that being the time according to the rules of the Lodge. Bro. H. Baigent, the retiring Master, acted as
installing officer, assisted by P.M. Bolton, P.M.s Bottle and Allen of the Victory, and P.M. Sinclair of the

Golden Bay Lodge. The Lodges of the district were very fairly represented, while several who hold office
sent apologies for non- attendance. Bro. Harry T. Hall was duly installed as W.M. for the ensuing year, and
the following were invested as his co-officers :—Bro. H. Baigent, J.Y.M. ; Bro. A. H. Bisley, S.W. ; Bro. G.
Mercer, J.W. ; Bro. Jas. McEachen, S.D. ; Bro. S. T. Clayden, J.D.. ; Bro. S. Bolton, P.M., Treasurer ; Bro.
T. Scott, W.M., Victory, Secretary ; Bro. W. Massey, Inner Guard : and Bro. J. C. Bartlet, Tyler. Bro. E.
Edridge, of the Forest Lodge, acted as organist until the arrival of Bro. Somerville. The ceremony over, a
banquet took place in the Hall, to which a goodly number of Brethren sat down, and, it may be taken for
granted, did ample justice thereto. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts commencing with the " Queen and the
Craft" and ending with the " Tyler's" toast were ably given and as ably responded to, and at midnight the
Brethren parted in harmony.—Mail.

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GRAND LODGE NEW ZEALAND.

RULING of the Grand Lodge of England as to the interpretation of Article 219 of the Book of
Constitutions:—

" Grand Secretary's Office, Freemasons' Hall,
"Great Queen Street, London, W.C.,

" 4th November, 1889.

"Dear Sir and Brother,—I duly received your letter of the 14th June last, on the subject of the majority a
Lodge having the power to transfer it to the jurisdiction of a local Grand Lodge, but I have deferred replying
to it until I could have the opportunity of conferring on the point with the Grand Registrar, who has been
absent from London during the autumn. The question was raised during the formation recently of the various
Australian Grand Lodges, and it was then officially decided that it was a case where the majority of the
members had a right to decide the matter on behalf of their Lodge, and that the rule contained in Art. 219,
Book of Constitutions, which allows three members to hold the warrant, did not apply, as the majority were
not "retiring" from the Lodge but were merely transferring its allegiance to another Masonic power. And the
Grand Registrar considers that this ruling should apply to the case of the New Zealand Lodges. I must
mention that it was always ruled in the Australian cases that such a question cannot be discussed in open
Lodge.

" Yours fraternally,
" (Signed) SHADWELL H. CLARKE, Col., G.S.

"Bro. C. P. Powles, D.G. Secy.,
Wellington, N.Z."

This decision removes some serious difficulties in the way of the institution of the New Zealand Grand
Lodge. The rule of the Grand Lodge of Scotland on the subject was only adopted a couple of years ago, and
is a copy of the English clause ; so that the ruling of the Grand Lodge of England in this case will apply also
to Scotch Lodges. It is thus evident that the Grand Lodge of England does not object to colonial Lodges
assuming the right of self-government if they wish to do so.

___________________________________________

ANOTHER GRAND LODGE.

THE Masons of New Zealand are following the example of their brethren in Australia, through establishment
of a Grand Lodge for that colony, although many Lodges have voted for retention of their original warrants
of Irish and Scottish constitution, which must inevitably prove a most formidable obstacle to recognition of
the proposed Grand Lodge by the United Grand Lodge of England. In anticipation of this difficulty the
founders of the new body have, most diplomatically, passed a resolution inviting the Prince of Wales to
become " patron " of Masonry in New Zealand. This course of conduct would in America be considered
rather un-masonic, as well as another resolution soliciting from the Governor of the colony permission to
allow himself to be elected Grand Master. In this Republic Masonry has no " patron," still we would have
captured the Prince, through his election, to be an honorary member of some subordinate Lodge, as was done
in the case of President Washington, who was elected an honorary by Holland Lodge, with which he
affiliated as Master Mason. Here, likewise, the Governor would have been compelled to be a member of a

sub-ordinate Lodge, and its Master, in order to qualify for elevation to the Grand Mastership. Neither would
he have been solicited to allow his candidature, as we contend that so high an honour must be conferred
spontaneously and, theoretically, without knowledge of the individual in this wise raised to a summit in
Masonic dignity.—Masonic Chronicle.

THE R. W . District Grand Master of Otago and Southland, E.C., New Zealand, (Bro T. Sherlock Graham)
lately issued a circular to the Lodges of his district prohibiting them from discussing the question of the
establishment of a Grand Lodge. At a recent communication of the District Grand Lodge he stated he was
compelled to do this by instructions received by him from V. W. Tiro. Colonel Shadwell H. Clarke, Grand
Secretary, London. This is an extraordinary mandate to have been issued from the office of the Grand Lodge
of England, seeing that that Grand Lodge requires that a Grand Lodge to be legally formed must be
inaugurated with the consent of the majority of the Lodges. How is it possible for Lodges to consent to any
matter without considering it in Lodge ? This is on a parallel with what took place in Victoria some years
ago, and which resulted in a Masonic schism. —S. A. Freemason.

ANOTHER year has just come to a close, and the Craft in New Zealand has during 1889 displayed great
energy. It has shown its decided disapproval of the present unsatisfactory system of divided Masonic
jurisdiction, and by a considerable majority of Lodges has expressed the opinion that a change is highly
desirable. Space will not permit us to give full particulars of what has taken place in connection with the
Grand Lodge movement since the first meeting of the Wellington branch of the Masonic Union in January of
last year, but as things are at present it is highly probable that ere the close of 1890 the Grand Lodge will be
established on a sound basis. We sincerely trust that this may be so, as our firm belief is that unless the
amalgamation of the three Constitutions takes place the Craft in this colony will never extend its usefulness,
or show worthy results.—N. Z. Mail.

____________________________________________________________________________________
THE Fund of Benevolence of the Grand Lodge of England shows an expenditure of £2852 for the quarter
ending 30th June, 1889. Out of this amount the following were granted outside Britain :---A brother of 407,
Malta, £5 ; a widow of 687, Constantinople, £10 ; a widow of 649, Adelaide, £5 ; a widow of 434,
Escunderabad, £19 ; a widow of 385, Demerara, £20.

THE Grand Lecturer of South Australia says, "Every private Lodge ought to. be opened and closed with the
same ceremonial as Grand Lodge usually is. If, after all have reached their places, the Master addresses a few
words of hearty and fraternal greeting to the brethren present, I consider he acts with dignity and in
conformity with the honourableness of his office.

A COMPLAINT was submitted to the Board of General Purposes of Victoria against the Master of a Lodge, for
ballotting for and initiating a candidate proposed and seconded by non-members of the Lodge. Another
complaint charged a master with having introduced into the Lodge a brass pedestal, upon. which is the
Sacred Law, square, and compasses, with a point within a circle, and placed before the S.W., and called a
Past Master's pedestal.

__________________________________________________________________________________

CRAFT LODGES, E.C, S.C., AND I.C, WORKING IN NEW ZEALAND,
We are indebted to Bro. George Robertson, Wellington, for the following complete list of Lodges in the
Colony :

AUCKLAND DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.C.
689, Waitemata, Auckland. 1801, St. George, Dargaville.
1188, Alexandra, Alexandra. 1878, Northern Light, Kawakawa.
1338, Prince of Wales, Auckland. 1930, Opotiki, Opotiki.
1480, Turanganui, Gisborne. 2003, Albion, Devonport.
1530, Eden, Newton. 2014, Alpha, Cambridge.
1647, Star of the North, Whangarei. 2072, Zealandia, Whangaroa.
1655, Corinthian, Thames. 2073, Duke of Albany, Helensville.
1710, Remuera, Remuera. - 2138, Franklin, Pukekohe.
1711, Rodney, Warkworth. 2180, Harmony, Otahuhu.

AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE, S.C.
418, St. Andrew, Auckland. 690, Manawatu Kilwinning, Palmerston N.
463, Waterloo. Wellington. 697, Te Aroha, Te Aroha.
481, St. Andrew Kilwinning Wanganui 708, Ponsonby, Auckland.
533, Sir Walter Scott, Thames. 709, Wairoa, Wairoa.
536, Patea Kilwinning, Patea. 717, Star in the Far South, Papakura
586, Manukau, Onehunga.
639, St. Andrew, Wellington. 722, Montrose, Gisborne.
647, Thistle, Masterton. 727, Foxton Kilwinning, Foxton.
652, Hawera, Hawera. 737, Whitianga, Mercury Bay.

AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE, I.C.
348, Ara, Auckland. 463, Corinthian, Christchurch.
418, Scinde, Napier. 464, Bedford, Waipukurau.
421, United Service, Auckland. 468, St. Patrick, Dunedin.
446, De Burgh Adams, New Plymouth 469, Leinster, Wellington.

471, Victoria, Invercargill.
450, Beta, Hamilton. 472, Abercorn, Gisborne.
454, Light Thames. 475, Ulster, Petone.
456, Coromandel, Coromandel. U. D., Killarney, Spring Creek.
462, Tauranga, Tauranga.

WELLINGTON DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.C.
517, New Zealand Pacific, Wellington 1812, Heretaunga, Hastings.

1813, Abercorn, Waipawa.
670, Mount Egmont, New Plymouth 1888, St. John's, Featherston.
705, Tongariro, Wanganui. 1904, Rangitikei, Bulls.
1430, Masterton, Masterton. 1940, Fending, Feilding.
1521, Wellington, Wellington. 2053, Ngamotu, New Plymouth.
1577, Victoria, Napier. 2059, St. Mark's, Carterton.
1646, Sir Donald McLean, Waitara. 2137, Marton Ruapehu, Marton.
1720, Greytown, Greytown. 2178, Ruahine, Woodville.
1721, United Manawatu, Palmerston 2300, Aorangi, Wellington. North.

CANTERBURY DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.C.
604, Unanimity, Lyttelton. 1858, St. John's, Ashburton.
609, St. Augustine, Christchurch. 1877, Ashley, Rangiora.
760, Southern Cross, Kaiapoi. 1916, Conyers, Sydenham.
1048, Canterbury, Christchurch. 1917, Ionic, Leeston.
1137, St. John's, Timaru. 1918, Lincoln, Lincoln.
1651, Lodge of Progress, Southbridge 1919, Malvern, Springfield.

1925, Concord, Papanui.
1737, Winchester, Winchester. 1959, Phwnix, Akaroa.
1811, Somerset, Ashburton. 2007, Amberley, Amberley.
1856, St. George's, Temuka. 2236, Kaikoura, Kaikoura. 1857, Rakaia, Rakaia.

CANTERBURY DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, S.C.
534, Caledonian, Timarn. 627, Thistle, Ashburton.
576,2 St. Augustine, Waimate. 656, St. Clair Kilwinning, Lyttelton
585, Canterbury Kilwinning, Lyttelton675, The Crown, Sydenham.
604, Robert Burns, Christchurch. 694, Methven, Metlrven.
619, Southern Star, Geraldine.

OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.C.
844, Otago, Dunedin. 1617, Aparima, Riverton.
931, Dunedin, Dunedin. 1719, Palmerston, Palmerston S.

942, Port Chalmers Marine, Port 1875, Hercules, Tapanui.
Chalmers. 2008, Hiram, Caversham.
997, Southern Cross, Invercargill. 2102, St. John, Mosgiel.
1111, Waitaki, Oamaru. 2115, Waikouaiti, Waikouaiti.
1128, St. George, Lawrence. 2287, Mokoreta, Wyndliam.
1195, Lake of Ophir, Queenstown. 5 2301, Fortitude, Bluff: 1262, Mount Ida, Naseby.

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND SOUTH, S.C.
417, Otago Kilwinning, Dunedin. 632, Cargill Kilwinning, Port Chalmers
432 St. Andrew's, Dunedin.
460 Clutha, Balclutha. 637, Arrow Kilwinning, Arrowtown.
461 St. John, Milton. 659, St. Thomas Kilwinning, Kaftan-
467, Westland Kilwinning, Hokitika. gata.
470, Dunstan, Clyde. 662, St. John Kilwinning, Dunedin.
477, Celtic, Dunedin. 663, Wairan, Blenheim.
487, Charleston Kilwinning, Charleston 692, Robert Burns, Reefton.

695, Harvey, Gore.
528, St. Andrew, Greymouth. 696, Peninsula Kilwinning, Portobello
535, Cromwell Kilwinning, Cromwell.
537, Oamaru Kilwinning, Oamaru. 743, Turingatura, Lumsden.
610, St. John, Invercargill. U.D., St. Andrew, Kumara.
620, Taieri, Outram.

WESTLAND DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.C.
1229, Pacific, Hokitika. 1689, Lazar, Kumara.
1233, Greymouth, Greymouth. 1690, Phwnix, Westport.
1241, Total a, Ross. 2247, Advance, Brunnerton.
1453, Pacific, Reefton.

GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND.
735, Southern Star, Nelson. 1927, Victory, Nelson.
1236, Marlborough of Unanimity, 2036, Waitohi, Picton.

Blenheim. 2194, Golden Bay, Takaka.
1481, Forest, Wakefield.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF MENTION
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE Freemasons' Hall, Melbourne, will seat 1620.

THE electric light is now in use in the Freemasons' Hall, London.

THERE are 75,313 Knights Templar in the United States, out of 80,910 in the world.

PRIOR to 1717 the only ritual known to Masons was obligations with a word of recognition.

THE G.M. of Victoria suggests that his officers should visit the country Lodges once a year.

QUEENSLAND has now a Masonic paper, The Freemason’s Magazine, edited by Bro. H. J. Croker.

EVERY great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is the triumph of enthusiasm.

No Royal Arch Mason of twenty-one years' standing, in Connecticut, can be disciplined for non-payment of
dues.

WE agree with the D.G. Master, E.C., Otago, Southland, that it is not desirable to hold Masonic meetings on
Sundays.

THE Grand Lodge of Ireland requests the return of warrants of the Irish Lodges before it will recognise the
U.G.L. of Victoria.

THE Grand Lodge of Quebec has withdrawn its edict of non-intercourse with the Grand Lodge of England
which was issued in 1886.

THE Victorian Book of Constitution provides for the case of candidates being received in a Lodge after
having been rejected by another Lodge.

IN Kentucky a decision was made by the Grand Master, which was approved by the Grand Lodge, that a
Lodge cannot try or punish a Master for drunkenness.

IT is probable that Prince Albert Victor of Wales, will be chosen by his father, the M.W. Grand Master of
England, to fill the vacant Provincial Grand Mastership of Surrey.

MAKE it a point when you visit a Lodge other than your own, to note in what particular part of the work they
excel your own Lodge, and then see if you cannot improve upon their work.
IN North America there are fifty-five Grand Lodges, with a membership of 630,748. The smallest is the G.L.
of Arizona with 417 members, and the largest the G.L. of New York, with a roll of 72,265.

THE Masonic museum of London, Eng., claims to have come into possession of the tibia of one of the legs of
Hiram, King of Tyre. The account of the finding and preservation of this relic seems to be well authenticated.

AT the quarterly communication of the District Grand Lodge, Christchurch, it was decided to at once
proceed with the erection of a memorial stone over the grave of the late Dr. Deamer, Deputy District Grand
Master.

THE Masonic Chronicle asks the pertinent question, "Does not a Mason err when, aware of the Church of
Rome's hostility, he proposes a candidate for the mysteries, whom he knows to be a communicant of the
Church ?"

THE contributions of Lodges during the quarter ending 30th June, 1889, to the Fund of Benevolence of the
Grand Lodge of England was £1961 8s 7d, and to the General Purpose Fund £1759 8s.

THE committee appointed by the G.L. of Victoria for compiling the Book of Constitution have completed
their labours, and have accepted a tender for the supply of 5000 copies, with 1000 proof sheets, for £118 10s.

IT would appear that immediately after the revival of 1717, it was not the custom to wear aprons,
membership being designated by a blue ribbon and a jewel, worn the same as knights of chivalric Orders
carry decorations at the present day.

IN a Lodge in the Punjaub district in India, some eccentric working was recently indulged in. The ballot for a
candidate was taken after he was initiated. On another occasion it divided itself into two Lodges, each
division giving a degree in separate rooms.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

EXTRACTS FROM EXCHANGES.

CHIEF Justice Way, of South Australia, and Dr. Tarrant, of New South Wales, have been appoin'ed Grand
Senior Wardens of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, England.

THE Grand Lodge of Mississippi has altered its Constitution so as to exempt from the payment of dues all
brethren over seventy years of age, who had been affiliated Masons twenty-one consecutive years.

THE Grand Lodge of North Dakota was formed by the representatives of twenty-seven Lodg es, having a
membership of 1322, at the convention held June 11th, 1201, and 13th, 1830, at the city of Mitchell in the
new State.

A KNOWLEDGE of the Ancient Charges was always esteemed of such importance that before the union of
Ancient and Modern Masonry the Masters of Lodges were directed to rehearse a portion of them at the
opening and closing, according to the constant practice of antiquity, which ought never to be neglected in our
regular assemblies. Oliver.

AS an instance of how much we depend upon the change of station so common in India, it may he mentioned
that the Worshipful Master of St. John's, No. 221, at Meean Meer, has, in course of the annual relief, been
left the sole member of his Lodge. When we realise the great fluctuation to which Masonry in all degrees is
liable in any station in India from such causes as these, which are quite beyond our control, we cannot
wonder at the instability of our Lodges, to some extent, in this country. Masonic Journal of Western India.

THE Combermere Lodge, No. 752, one of the two English Lodges in Melbourne that did not join the local
Grand Lodge of Victoria, has on its roll over one hundred members in good standing. A steady increase of
eligible candidates, also joining members, is noted at every monthly meeting. The initiation fee and annual
subscription have been on a higher scale than the great majority of the Lodges in the colony for some years
past. Sir W. J. Clarke, Bart., the M.W. Grand Master of Victoria, is still a subscribing member of the
Combermere Lodge.

AT the meeting of St. Vincent Lodge, in Glasgow, on Wednesday, the 13th inst. the question arose whether
or not the lecture to be given under its auspices on Wednesday last should or should not be confined to the
brethren. It was ultimately decided that the brethren could bring their friends. A proposal made in all
kindliness that the back seats be reserved for the ladies was vetoed by the R.W.M., with the rejoinder, " Oh,
no ; it won't do to give the ladies a back seat." The fair sex therefore had a choice of position on Wednesday
night to hear Bro. the Rev. Brownlie on " Burns."

Bro. William Lake is editor of the Freemason; Bro. William Wray Morgan, of the Freemason's Chronicle ;
and Bro. James Steven, of the Masonic Star, all London, Eng., publications. These brethren have had large
experiences in Freemasonry, and are gifted with ability.

THE Grand Commandery of Arkansas has resolved that every member of a Commandery " should and ought,
as a matter of justice to the Order of Freemasonry at large, to be an affiliated member of a Lodge of
Freemasons and a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and requesting such to affiliate with some Lodge or
Chapter within twelve months."

IN Missouri "State Lodges of Instruction" are periodically held. Grand Master Wood reported at the Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge, in October last, that their work and influence is of great value to the
fraternity. Six of these Lodges were held in various parts of the State during his year of office, and he
himself was present at five of them.

A DEPARTURE IN MASONIC CONSTITUTION.—A new departure in Freemasonry occurred on July 27 by the
consecration of the lodge intended for the convenience of Scotchmen resident in London. The new lodge, for
which the warrant was granted by the Prince of Wales is designated the Scots Lodge, and is numbered 2319
on the register of Grand Lodge of England.

FORMERLY, poverty was not a crime, against Masonry, and brethren were not suspended for non-payment of
dues. Charity was extended to the impecunious brethren, the same as to their widows and orphans. It was not
necessary for an application for a remission of dues to be made and a confession of extreme indigence to be
offered in extenuation of non-payment. Often the dues were remitted without being asked for.

THE Glasgow Masonic News says :—" It is worthy of record that Dr. Thos. Chalmers, the distinguished
theologian and philosopher, and the founder and first Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland, was a
member of the Craft. Dr. Chalmers then a tutor in a Dr. Stevenson's family at Arbroath, was initiated in the

Lodge St. Vigeans, Arbroath, on the 29th April, 1800. His name is duly recorded in the books of the Grand
Lodge."

The following are the resolutions drawn up by the Masters' and Wardens' Association to be submitted to
Grand Lodge of South Australia on the 15th inst., and we strongly recommend them to the careful
consideration of the brethren :—" 1. That it is desirable to secure uniformity in Masonic working throughout
Australasia. 2. That the Grand Secretary be instructed to request the fraternal co-operation of the other Grand
Lodges of Australasia, in securing such uniformity of working. 3. That a committee be now appointed to
enquire into the various modes of working practised by the Craft, and in concert with committees or
representatives of those other Grand Lodges, to formulate for the approval of the various Grand Lodges a
uniform system of working."

FROM time to time a good deal of controversy has arisen on the subject of women Freemasons, but it has
been reserved for Leeds brethren to be brought face to face with the subject in a practical form. A case
recently came under the cognisance of the local Charity Committee, in which an applicant for relief, a
Spaniard, produced not only his own certificate, but what appeared an equally valid one on behalf of his
wife, who, it is said, proved herself in all the Degrees " a good Mason." It was explained that in the Spanish
Lodges from which our brother hailed it was the custom to initiate, pass, and raise the wives of Masons, who
were duly vouched for by their husbands, and that this was done for the purpose of keeping the ladies out of
the hands of the Jesuits. The Lodges in which this custom prevails are called "mixed " Lodges, but what
strikes us as the most extraordinary part of the story is that "peace and harmony prevails." -
London Freemason.

"AT the consecration of a new Lodge in Melbourne, under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, recently, an
incident occurred that in some parts of the world would be considered an undesirable innovation. After the
installation of the W.M. designate and the investure of the officers, &c., the Lodge was `called off.' None of
the officers, however, left their posts, the three ` emblematical lights' were exposed, and the Lodge in every
way wore the same aspect as it did before the order to ` call off' was given, when a deputation of ladies was
admitted for the purpose of presenting a banner to the Lodge. Several Grand Officers were present, including
the R.W. Deputy Grand Master, the V.W. Grand Secretary and' President of the Board of General Purposes,
the W. the Director of Ceremonies, the R.W. the Senior Grand Warden, and the V.W. President of the Board
of Benevolence, the two latter of whom, to mark their disapproval of the proceedings, retired. After the
ladies had left, the Lodge was ` called on' and finally closed. To the foregoing may be added a perhaps more
inexplicable incident that happened on the occasion of the installation of Sir William Clarke as M.W.. Grand
Master of Victoria, in the Town Hall, Melbourne, last March. While the Grand Lodge was open and at work,
a party of photographers — non-Masons — were admitted, and took a view of the proceedings. It was only
discovered, when too late, that the artists were ` cowans.' "--London Freemason.

WE wonder how many Masons would be willing to submit to the customs and Lodge rules of the olden
time—not " when you and I were boys," but before that, "when your grandfather and mine," were boys? We
take a few items from bye laws of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, issued in 1772. How many would visit a Lodge in
these days, if the following rules controlled :—" Of Visitors.—Visiting, brethren are to demean themselves
during Lodge hours conformable to the regulations and customs of this Lodge, and the ancient usages of the
Craft. On their first visit the Lodge shall bear the expense, afterwards they are to pay three shillings if they
do not belong to a regular Lodge in town. If they do, they are to pay two shillings only on each night. They
cannot be admitted when an extra Lodge meets on business. They may offer their opinion and vote upon any
debate concerning Masonry. But, without the Master's permission, they shall not interfere with any matter
respecting the Lodge. No resident brother, who is in easy circumstances, and does not belong to a Lodge in
town, shall be admitted as a visitor unless he be introduced by a member. Of extra Lodges. — The expenses
of all extra Lodges shall be defrayed by the person at whose request they may be called, and when convened
upon Lodge business, the treasurer shall pay the expense, which shall be allowed in his account. But it must
not exceed two shillings for each brother present. Of penalties.—Members not appearing in the Lodge
decently apparelled and properly clothed twenty minutes after the stated time of opening shall forfeit
sixpence. Members.-Not attending when appointed on a committee, six shillings. Absenting during four
whole quarters cease to be members, nor shall they be reinstated before they pay all quarterage money and
fines due. Guilty of profane swearing or obscene language during meetings, one shilling. Introducing any
subject foreign to Masonry, the interest of this Lodge, or the members thereof, one shilling. Interrupting the

Master or officers while addressing the Lodge, sixpence. Not attending a regular extra Lodge, if duly
summoned, sixpence. Any member entering Lodge when intoxicated, expulsion for the night.

___________________________________

CLAIMED, That Edward III. revised the Constitution A.D., 1358. Henry VI. was initiated in 1430, and
William III. in 1690.

A CORRESPONDENT sends us the following conundrum:—" Does the P.M. of a Lodge working in Australia
under the S.C., and who was the first W.M. of that Lodge, and who has taken the Degree of Installed Master
in a Board of Installed Masters, E.C., require to serve a year as Warden before he can be elected W.M.. of an
English Lodge ? "— London Freemason.

__________________________________________

MASONIC INVASION.

THE Grand Orient of France has granted a Commission to Bro. Sir Robert Stout, D.D.G.M., of Otago and
Southland, E.C., to open a Lodge in New Zealand. We understand that the Warrant of Constitution names
Bro. Stout as the First Master, and the Hon. John Ballance, of Wanganui, to be the First Senior Warden. The
Grand Orient of Italy, we are informed, has been petitioned to grant a Warrant of Constitution for a Lodge to
meet in Wellington, and it is the intention of some Otago brethren to petition one of the American Grand
Lodges for a Warrant.

THE Echo is responsible for the following :—" The Freemasons are getting sick of the publican. Masonic
Halls have increased considerably in number during the past few years, and now I see an enthusiastic brother
of the Craft wants to hold the Lodges in the churches."

Individual Opinion.—1 never heard that a mathematician was alarmed for the safety of a demonstrated
proposition. I think, generally, that fear of open discussion implies feebleness of inward conviction ; and
great sensitiveness to the expression of individual opinion is a mark of weakness.—O. W. HOLMES.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

T0 SUBSCRIBERS AND OTHERS.

Subscriptions should be forwarded to Bro. T. G. Dr: RENZY, Box, 322, Post Office, Dunedin.
Communications for the Editorial Department should be addressed to the Editor (Bro. the Rev. W.
RONALDSON), Box 393, Post Office, Dunedin.

The CRAFTSMAN goes to press on the 25th of the month. Telegraphic news will be accepted if sent
"delayed," on the evening of the 24th.

On the first of the month the CRAFTSMAN will be posted to each subscriber. Please intimate any irregularity
at once to the Editor.

The following brethren have kindly offered to act as Agents :
DUNEDIN.—P.M. Bro. McKelvey.
INVERCARGILL.—Br&. E. H. Whitmore.
OAMARU.—P.M. Bro. G. Greenfield.
CHRISTCHURCH.—Bro. W. Curving, Station Road, Addington.
TIMARU.—E. Tipping, agent, Lyttelton Times Company.
ASHBURTON,—Bro. R. Cullen,
WELLINGTON.—P.M. Bro. Meek.
AUCKLAND.—Bro. Boskill, care of Mr Wildman, Stationer, Queen Street.
NELSON.—Bro. Thomas Scott, W.M., 1927, E.C.
MASTERTON.—Bro. G. S. W. Dalrymple, S.V.
WANGANUI.—Bro. Morford Cottle.
LYTTELTON.—Bro. F. Schmidt, W.M.
GORE.—Bro. Jas. Boyne.

TEMUKA.—Bro. A. W. Gage.
WESTPORT.—Bro. A. Hansen.

SUBSCRIBERS.
The following brethren sent subscriptions during January, 1890 :
Watson, Wellington ; Fieldwick, Dunedin; Kitt, Auckland ; Harper, Mount Gambier ; Abercorn Lodge ;
Blackmore, Kaitangata ; Coromandel Lodge ; Bain, Nelson, per Bro. Scott ; Smith, Whangarei ; Cleffey,
Clutha, per Bro. McKelvey; M`Connochie, Spear, Geisow, Walde, Mahaffy, Gilmour, Turton, Salmond, of
Queenstown ; Griffiths, Crosbie, and Johnston, of Lumsden ; Jopp, Stoddart, and Heller, of Arrowtown ;
M'Gregor, M'Leod, Evans, Henderson, Johnston, Levy, Rankin, Knight, Mahoney, Moir, August, Burrows,
M`Intyre, Wright, Collins, per Bro. Lee, Wellsted, Lumsden, Wood, Harman, Geary, Thorn, and M`Farlane,
all of Invercargill, ; Lodge Victory, Nelson, advertisement ; Matheson, Dunedin ; Levoi, Christchurch ;
Rankin, Ive, Cuthbert, Currie, and Bramble, of Wyndham ; Ritchie, Hagen, Henderson, M`Gibbon, Hunter,
Whittingham, Green, and Palmer, of Gore ; Crawford, Simmonds, and Wrensted, of Tapanui ; Hutchison,
Waipahi ; Geddes, Clinton ; Hargood, Wilson, Smith, and Blackley, of Balclutha ; Hay and M'Kenzie, of
Stirling ; Gray, Kaitangata ; Moore and Stewart, of Milton ; Chalmers, Lawrence ; Dickie, Hendry, and Dr.
Allan, of Mosgiel ; Low, Downes, and Scott, of Outram, per Bro. Lee.

Brethren and Lodges who became Subscribers during January, 1890 :
Gilbertson, Duplock, and Roll, of Invercargill ; Smith, Taylor, Cumberbeach, and Buchanan, of Gorr, ;
Fargher, Tapanui ; Mahor and Maker, of Balclutha ; Shore and Middlemas, of Kaitangata ; Koford, Milton ;
Thompson, Rolfe, and Arbuckle, of Lawrence ; Spence and Kennedy, of Mcsgiel ; Aitken and Snow, of
Outram ; Dimant, Lawrence ; Wing, Queenstown ; Elrig, Christchurch ; Mullaney, Ashburton ; Malcolm and
Martin, Dunedin, per Bro. Lee ; M`Corkingdale, Dunedin ; Talton, Moyes, Reeves, Mercer, and Bolton, of
Nelson, per Bro. Scott ; Walsh, Boultbee, Baker, Martin, Anderson, Donald, M'Kay, and Barr, of Oamaru,
per Bro. Greenfield ; Smith, Oamaru ; Milligan, Makirikiri ; Mills, Timaru, per Bro. Tipping ; Millar,
Chatton ; Lodge Victoria, Invercargill, and Lodge Southern Cross, Invercargill, per Bro. Lee ; Mason,
Founds, Patterson, Lyon, Baillie, M'Kay, Heginbotham, King, Jenkins, all of Wellington, per Bro. Meek ;
Lodge Southern Star, Nelson, per Bro. Scott ; Dunedin, Otago Chapter, E.G., Bamfield, Dunedin ; De
Brandon, Wellington ; Peterkin, Westport ; Bentley, Balclutha ; Moat, Auckland ; Burton, Dunedin ; Rev.
Hill, Auckland ; M `Nicoll and Wishart, Dunedin ; Cooper, Auckland.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

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 Times.
Freemasons' Repository, Providence. The Dunstan Times.
Liberal Freemason, Boston. The Wairarapa Daily.
La Acacia, Buenos Ayres. North Otago Times.
Masonic World, Boston.

WANTED, 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.

<pages 53 to 56 not scanned>

SUPPLEMENT
TO THE

NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.

FEBRUARY 1, 1890.

THE GRAND LODGE QUESTION.

MEETING OF PROVINCTAL AND DISTRICT
GRAND MASTERS.

A MEETING of the Provincial and District Grand Masters of the three Constitutions was held on January 24th,
in the Masonic Hall, Moray Place, Dunedin. There were present—G. S. Graham, D.G.M., E.C., Auckland (in
the chair); Pierce, P.G.M., I.G., New Zealand; Thomson, D.G.M., E.G., Canterbury; Bevan, D.G.M., E.G.,
Westland; J. Gore, D.G.M., S.C., New Zealand South; and T. S. Graham, D.G.M., E.G., Otago and
Southland. Sir Harry Atkinson, D.G.M., E.C., Wellington ; Sir F. Whitaker, P.G.M., S.C., North Island ; and
Chas. Louisson, D.G.M., S.C., Canterbury, were unable to attend.

The conference dealt with a number of matters relating to Freemasonry in the Colony, and with reference to
the proposed Grand Lodge of New Zealand, adopted the following resolution :- That this conference of
Provincial and District Grand Masters commend the action of the Masonic Union in postponing their
proceedings, and consider that in the best interests of Freemasonry, and with the view of preserving harmony
in the craft, it is not desirable to form a Grand Lodge of New Zealand at present, so that time may be allowed
for a better understanding between the various lodges of the several constitutions, and a greater unanimity
arrived at upon such a vital question to Freemasonry in New Zealand.

After some business had been transacted the meeting adjourned.

We are indebted to the Dunedin Evening Herald for the report of the Conference of Provincial and District
Grand Masters, which took place at 2.30 p.m. on Friday, the 24th January, Neither the Masonic Union nor
the Masonic Press have been favored with a report of the proceedings.

Bro. E.T.Gillon, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Auckland, S.C., was authorised by Bro. Sir Frederick
Whitaker to act in his stead, but Bro. Gillon wisely declined to act in a dual capacity, but offered his services
to the Conference should they be required. Bro. Gillon's services were not required. Bro. Henry Thompson,
D.G. Master of Canterbury, E.C., took a decided stand so we are informed, and fought manfully for the
Masonic union. We expected nothing less from Bro Thompson, he having acted consistently throughout all
the various phases of the Grand Lodge movement.

Bro. G. S. Graham, who acted as Chairman of the Conference, opposed the Movement. The D.G. Master of
Auckland, E.G., was in favour of a Grand Lodge, six months ago, but his opinions have since changed ; he
told us at the banquet On Friday night that it was unnecessary to give his reasons for so doing. We
Understand Bro. Graham was the first Grand Master who drew attention to Article 219 of the English Book
of Constitutions. He furnished the minority in the various Lodges with printed forms to be filled up, and
which, when completed, were to be sent to the heads of districts, authorising them to impound the warrants
of Lodges which had declared their intention of joining the Grand edge as soon as it was proclaimed. Bro.
Graham was silent on Friday night with respect to the official ruling of the Grand Lodge of England upon
Article 219, and so were the remainder of the Grand Masters.

Bro. Bevan has no sympathy with the movement. He informed the brethren on Friday night that nothing
would induce him to change his opinions on this question. We expected nothing less from the District Grand
Master of Westland, after his remark that the ruling of the Grand Lodge of England on Article 219 was a
forgery.

Bro. Pierce, the Provincial Grand Master of the Irish Constitution, we presume, approved of the resolution of
the Conference. The Grand Lodge of Ireland, he told us, was prepared to recognise a New Zealand Grand
Lodge, but until the Lodges were practically unanimous he could not see his way to support the movement.

Bro. Gore, the D.G. Master of New Zealand South, S.C., no doubt agreed with the resolution of the
Conference. Speaking afterwards at the banquet, he said he had been for years in favour of a Grand Lodge,
but considered the present movement twenty years too soon. Bro. Gore said he had not taken any active part
against the movement, but had left the matter to the discretion of his Masters.

We do not know the attitude taken up in the Conference Bro. T. S. Graham, the District Grand Master of
Otago and Southland, E.C., but this we do know, that it is mainly through the action of Bro. Graham, in
advocating on every possible occasion, the advantages to be derived from a Grand Lodge, that the movement
has such staunch supporters in Otago. Bro. Graham has latterly gone to the other extreme, but that, no doubt,
is due to the difficulty of his position. We hold no one can successfully act in two capacities, and Bro.
Graham tried to draw a line separating his official from his private opinions.

It will be seen from the report of the Conference that six only out of the nine Grand Masters were present.
For the benefit of our readers, we will briefly place the opinions of the nine Grand Masters before them :

Bro. Bevan has determinedly opposed the Grand Lodge movement, and will still do so.

Bro. G. S. Graham, up six months ago was in favour, now strongly opposed ; reasons for change not stated.

Bro. Pierce thinks it is desirable, but cannot at present support the movement.

Bro. Gore believes in a Grand Lodge, but the movement is twenty years too soon.

Bro. T. S. Graham, in his official capacity, as D. G. Master, is opposed to it, but as a mason it has his
sympathy.
Sir Bros. Henry Thompson, Charles Louisson, Sir Frederick Whitaker, and Harry Atkinson, are supporters of
the movement.

____________________________________
It may be mentioned that the meeting of Provincial and District Grand Masters resulted from an
understanding with the Central Executive of the Masonic Union to postpone for three months the calling of
the first meeting of the Grand Lodge, which was formed by declaration of the Convention held in Wellington
on the 11th of September last. At the Convention it was agreed that the Grand Lodge should come into force
on the 9th of November, but in order to obtain greater unanimity the postponement was agreed to. It was
hoped by the adoption of this course that as the great majority of Lodges—also, it is intended, a majority of
Masons throughout the Colony—had declared in favour of the Grand Lodge movement, the masters of the
various Lodges would take the necessary steps to bring about the union. The resolution passed by the
Conference, however, amounts to an indefinite postponement, and as it is considered to hold out no hopes of
the attainment of greater unanimity, we understand it has been determined by the Masonic Union to proceed
to give effect to the resolution of the Convention, and to convene the first meeting of the Grand Lodge as
soon after the 9th of February next as practicable. The Unions throughout the Colony are understood to be
prepared to take the consequence of this step, feeling that they have done all they could to bring about
unanimity on the question. Opinions have been exchanged by telegraph, and it has been definitely decided to
proceed with the proclamation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

__________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS BY BRO. GILLON.
A LECTURE was given in the City Hall, Dunedin, on January 27th, on " The Advantages to be Derived from a
Grand Lodge of New Zealand," by Bro. E. T. Gillon, D.P.G.M., S.C., North Island, and was attended by
about forty Masons, including W.M.'s and P.M.'s of the three constitutions.

Bro. T. Bracken, P.M., who was voted to the chair, said that he did not take the position as an advocate of a
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, for he had never given the matter such careful consideration as to enable him
to come to a decision on the point. At the same time he was a firm believer in fair play, and he could not

account for the action of the directors of the Masonic Hall in refusing to give it for the purpose of the lecture
which Bro. Gillon was to deliver. He called on Bro. De Renzy to explain why the meeting was held in the
City Hall, and not in the Masonic Hall as had been advertised.

Bro. De Renzy said that it was only at twenty-five minutes past four that afternoon that he heard that the tyler
had instructions to lock the door of the Masonic Hall that night on all but members of the Masonic
Shakespeare Club. He communicated with Bro. Graham on the matter, but could not get the hall, so the City
Hall had to be taken. He might mention that at ten o'clock that morning the tyler had instructions to lock the
door at night.

Bro. Gillon, who was received with applause, said that the request to address the meeting had come to him
quite unexpectedly on Friday night, and compliance with it had necessitated his prolonging his stay in
Dunedin. As to the "barring out," of course he had not had anything to do with the engagement of the hall ;
but, under the circumstances, he thought the directors might have shown him a little more courtesy. School
traditions recorded many instances of " barring out," but the general result was that temporary triumph had
ultimately to be paid for by a good flogging. He accepted the omen in this case. He was surprised to find he
opponents of the Grand Lodge movement apparently afraid to let the question be discussed on its merits.
When he was told in the afternoon that they had been refused the use of the Masonic Hall, and that he would
have to give his address in the City Hall, he was quite astounded. Bro. Gillon then proceeded to give a brief
history of the initiation of the Grand Lodge movement up to the date of the Convention held in Wellington in
September last. As showing that the subject had been under consideration and that no attempt was made to
unduly force a decision, he mentioned that the first meeting in favour of the establishment of a Grand Lodge
of New Zealand was actually held in Wellington in 1877, when Bro. Vincent Pyke presided, and delegates
were present from various Lodges in different parts of the Colony. It was felt then, however, that the time
was not ripe, as the movement was then confined only to the Scottish Constitution, further proceedings were
postponed until the course of Masonic proceedings in the Australian colonies and formation of Grand Lodges
there caused many Masons here to think that the movement should be revived in earnest. After enthusiastic
meetings had been held in various parts of the Colony, a union to promote the Grand Lodge formed, and
much valuable information collected and published, the Convention assembled in Wellington. It was a most
brilliant and representative gathering, attended by some sixty or seventy distinguished brethren, representing
a majority of the Lodges in the Colony, and it, after full deliberation, unanimously adopted a declaration of
the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand as and from 9th November. A basis of union for
submission to the consideration of the Grand Lodge, which was to be called together as soon after 9th
November as possible, was also agreed to. It was, however, merely in the form of recommendation and
suggestion. The greatest unanimity prevailed at the Convention, and there was a total absence of the slightest
feeling of local jealousy. All were in earnest, and willing to give and take in order to promote the great object
in view. When the District Grand officers saw that the movement was going on, they intervened, and Bro. Sir
H. Atkinson, invited an interview' with the Central Executive Committee, who had just decided to address
the Governor asking him to accept the position of Grand Master. Two interviews took place, and also
interviews between Bro. Atkinson, D.G.M., Wellington, and Bro. C. S. Graham, D.G.M., Auckland, and
between the latter and himself (Bro Gillen). The result was that, with the assent of the other branches of the
union, the Executive agreed to withhold calling the Grand Lodge together for three months to enable a
meeting of D.G. masters to be held to consider the situation, and, as the Committee understood, with the
object of endeavouring to bring about that greater unanimity which the Governor desired before placing
himself at the head of the movement. He was sent to Dunedin by the Wellington Board to vote at the
conference held last week, but had received no intimation where it was to be held or to attend, but on reading
the papers he learned that the Grand Masters had sat in conference and had agreed that the matter be
indefinitely postponed. To that the union could not agree. They could not abandon all that they had done, and
they did not think it at all desirable that the present agitation which had, he regretted, in Dunedin at least,
developed a certain amount of personal bitterness, should continue indefinitely. Secure in the approval of the
majority, the union had no option but to go on and call the Grand Lodge into practical existence. If there was
schism, the responsibility would not be theirs. It would rest on those who, relying on their exercise of
authority, wished to stifle the opinion founded on conviction of the majority of the brethren of the Craft.
Anxious as all were to have Lord Onslow as Grand Master, the movement could not be stopped by the
unwillingness of any one man to assist it. They would, indeed, be unfit for self-government if they could not
find amongst themselves some brother worthy to preside over them. He deeply deplored the bitter feeling
here on the subject. No such feeling prevailed else-where, although differences of opinion of course existed.

He strongly urged them to put aside all local and personal jealousies and unite heartily in the grand work.
The movers had been taunted with disloyalty. Never was taunt less deserved. It was in no spirit of disloyalty
to their mother constitutions that they desired to create a national or New Zealand constitution. This was
fully understood at Home. The speaker quoted the following remarks made by Lord Carnarvon, Pro. Grand
Master, when he returned to London after his trip to the colonies and took his seat on the throne of the
United Grand Lodge of England. In moving that the Grand Lodge of New South Wales be recognised, be
used these memorable words :—" We are following the analogy of imperial administration in this matter.
Self-government has been fairly and fully accorded without stint and without reserve to those great self-
governing colonies. There is no one so blind or so mad as to regret that gift. The colonies have repaid it by a
feeling of loyalty and affection towards the Mother Country. It is my conviction that in the same way we are
bound to give freely and generously and without stint the power of self-government in Masonic matters to
our Masonic brethren in the New World. They deserve it. They are fully capable of using it; and I am
convinced as time goes on that we shall find that the ties of Masonic affection have not in the least been
weakened by that concession." In quoting these words recently, Lord Carrington said he went further, and
"said those ties had been strengthened and strengthened to all time." His Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales, by becoming patron of the Grand Lodges of South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria, had
endorsed the aspirations of the colonies towards national Masonic life, and had actually placed himself at the
head of the movement. There was no doubt of the legal power or a majority of Lodges in a State possessing
self-government to form a supreme Grand Lodge, and he quoted authorities to prove this. Every step so far
had been taken in strict accordance with Masonic law and precedent, and they had repeated assurances from
the English authorities that this being so their action would be recognised and approved. The majority had
however, no wish to coerce the minority, and those lodges which did not at first join the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand could continue to work under their existing constitutions until they thought better of it. It was
strange to him that all the Grand Masters should say that the time must come, one brother stating the period
as twenty years from now. That reminded him of a selfish piece of the Litany, in which it was said, " Give
peace in our time, O Lord." These Grand Masters opposed Grand Lodges in their time, and so long as they
were not called on to resign their offices, they would let posterity do what it liked. He would point out that
the churches out here had self government, and why should the Masons not have the same ? He said they
would be distinctly inferior to New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia if they remained
disconnected. At present, New Zealand having no supreme authority established, was deemed unoccupied
territory. Any Grand Lodge in the world could establish a Lodge in it, and introduce further elements of
difference. This was no imaginary danger. It was known that the Grand Orient of France had actually issued
a charter to establish a Lodge under it in New Zealand, and this charter he believed was now actually in
Dunedin. The Italians in the North Island have appealed to the Grand Orient of Italy for a charter, and the
Scandinavians of the Seventy Mile Bush, are going to appeal to the Grand Lodge of Sweden for a warrant. If
there was a New Zealand Grand Lodge the territory would be occupied, and no intrusion would be possible.
This was one reason to establish, but there were many others still more powerful. It had been urged that
Provincial jealousies would prevent union. He was convinced that Masonic union would very soon destroy
provincial jealousies, or at least tend greatly to do so. It would remove those differences which now formed a
stumbling block to young Masons and a reproach from those who were not Masons at all—who sneered at a
society professing universality being divided into English, Irish, and Scotch, each contending with the others,
often beyond the bounds of mere generous emulation. A Grand Lodge would prevent the undue
multiplication of weak Lodges and the unhealthy rivalry which now too often existed between such Lodges
in their struggle for existence. It was absurd that there should be nine Provincial or Grand Lodges in New
Zealand, three being in Auckland and two in Dunedin. These institutions cost a lot of money, which was
simply thrown away. It might not be possible to abolish all these Lodges, but the number might be reduced to
three or four, and a large saving effected. Many parts of the colony did not want to be under a District Grand
Lodge ; and the basis of union provided for a much simpler, less expensive, and more efficient system of
local administration in such cases. The amounts sent home to the Grand Lodges were not, perhaps, very
large, but, such as they were, it would be as well to retain them in the colony. Added to what could be saved
from the abolition of District Grand Lodges there would be more than enough to provide handsomely for the
maintenance of the New Zealand Grand Lodge. The probable cost of working, he did not think would cost
any more than South Australia, viz.—between £400 and £500 a year, and the balance would be available for
charitable uses. Money was now frittered away which under a Grand Lodge would enable them to do
something worthy of the craft in the cause of charity. Until they were united they could do little in this
direction—it was a reproach that so little had been done ; one might walk through the whole colony and not
see a single monument erected to show that they carried out the principles they professed. Bro. Gillen, at

considerable length, dwelt on other disadvantages of the present position which would be remedied by the
establishment of a Grand Lodge. He referred especially to concurrent jurisdiction of three foreign governing
bodies, the delay involved in communicating with them, and similar points ; and during the course of his
address quoted a number of Masonic authorities in support of his several contentions. He concluded by an
earnest appeal to all of them to strengthen the Grand Lodge, and to do their best to bring within it all the
brethren of the craft. Absolute unanimity might be impossible but they should strive earnestly in that
direction, and in due time he was convinced they would at least nearly approach it. If it were necessary that
in the meantime they should pass through a period of trial, they were pre-pared to do it bravely; and if
martyrs were required to cement the foundations of the structure they were erecting, they would not shrink,
but as representing and including a majority of Lodges and brethren seeking to coerce none, and having done
everything in order and according to precedent, he had no doubt that fraternal recognition would be gen
rously and openly accorded. To think otherwise would be to assume that their parent Grand Lodges would
act in an un-Masonic manner, a supposition not to be entertained for a moment.—(Applause)

P.M, Bro. M'Kelvey rose with the greatest pleasure to move a hearty vote of thanks to Bro. Gillon for his
very able address, and thought that masons were specially indebted to the lecturer for remaining in Dunedin
at great inconvenience to speak on the Grand Lodge question.

P.M. Bro. A. H. Burton, in seconding the vote, said he was highly pleased with the admirable exposition of
the principles of the new chapter in Masonry that had been set before them that night. His own views on this
subject were pretty well known. He had been an enthusiastic supporter of this movement for some time, and
when he was a partisan he became a fervid partisan. The rival constitutions now existing led to the needless
multiplication of lodges and the admission of unworthy Masons. When the latter fact had been touched on
that evening, its truth had been recognised by all the Past Masters present. The evil, he was satisfied, would
never be remedied whilst there were three constitutions working against one another. To show the absolute
need of one Grand Lodge for New Zealand, he would mention one circumstance. Not far from Dunedin there
was a Lodge in existence which amply filled all Masonic needs, but some ambitious person, who considered
that his claim had not received proper recognition, had gone round and got a number of men in the district to
subscribe their names and subscriptions, and would next boldly come forward for a new Lodge to be formed.
That sort of thing was likely to bring Masonry into contempt, and the only way it could be done would be to
have one strong governing body. Again he had known people blackballed in one Lodge going to another
constitution close by and then coming and flaunting their aprons in the face of those who had rejected them.
If there were one Grand Lodge a person once rejected could not be made a Mason until the Lodge was
satisfied that there had been an injustice in his first blackball. He (the speaker) felt more in sorrow than in
anger when he reflected on the grand opportunity that had been lost—the installation of Lord Onslow as
Grand Master by Lord Kintore, who was Grand Master for South Australia, and Lord Carrington, Grand
Master for New South Wales. Such an occasion would have produced a great assembly, and would have
started Masonry on a grand and glorious career. Opponents of the Grand Lodge movement had now to face a
most serious responsibility, and he (the speaker) was satisfied that when the Grand Lodge for New Zealand
was established they would ask for admission. When that time came, the true supporters of Freemasonry
would be enabled to receive the malcontents in a kindly spirit, and thus heap coals of fire on their heads.—
(Applause.)

Bro. Hornsby, as a stranger, would like to say a word in confirmation of what had fallen from the lecturer as
to a man being refused admission to a lodge, and then going to a lodge within four miles and getting
initiated. Such matters were not unknown in the Seventy-Mile Bush, where a new lodge had been formed in
consequence of some disaffection, and twenty members had been taken away to it from the existing lodge. If
such a state of affairs existed in a small community it probably represented what was going on throughout
New Zealand. Bro. Gillon, in acknowledging the vote, said that he had hoped to have seen a larger
attendance. If he had managed to clear up a few misunderstandings then his time had not been lost. In
approaching this Grand Lodge question, he besought one and all to put aside all local jealousies and personal
feelings, and to treat it simply as a question vitally affecting the future of the craft in New Zealand. If all
lodges would do that honestly, and kelp themselves free from local or personal interests, he had no fear as to
the conclusion that would be arrived at ; but he did object to the personal element which unfortunately was
prevalent here, but which was unknown in the North in connection with this question.

______________________________________________________________________________________

CORRESPONDENCE.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Letters intended for insertion must be accompanied in all cases by the real name and address of the writer, as well as by
the name and number of the Lodge to which he belongs, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good
faith. We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents.

_________

THE DUNEDIN MASONIC HALL COMPANY AND
BRO. GILLON.

_________
TO THE EDITOR

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—Allow me to place before your readers my part in connection with the refusal of
the Directors to allow the hall being used by Bro. Gillon, for the purpose of giving a lecture on the
advantages to be derived from a Grand Lodge of New Zealand. An explanation is necessary, for most untrue
statements are being circulated.

Many brethren urged me to get Bro. Gillon to give an address when he came to attend the Conference of
Provincial and District Grand Masters. The resolution of the Conference, published in the evening papers of
the 24th January, being unfavourable to the Grand Lodge movement; I, and those acting with me, thought it a
favourable time for Bro. Gillon to give his views ; accordingly I circulated amongst the brethren on Friday
night a copy of an advertisement we intended putting in the Times ; those who saw the draft, some twenty or
thirty, approved of it; and two Directors of the Hall Company told me they had no objection to the hall being
used for the purpose as long as it did not interfere with any other meeting. The caretaker of the hall being
present he took the particulars, and promised to have the room ready. I then showed Bro. Gillon the
advertisement, and he promised to wire to Wellington for leave of absence for another day.

On Saturday, about 1 o'clock, Bros. Gillon, Pyke, James, and myself met a Director, and he advised me in
order to be on the safe side to see the Secretary of the Hall Company. I tried to do this, but could not, Bro.
Jeffrey having gone for a week's holiday. The brother in the same office, to whom I stated my case, said
there could be no objection as long as I guaranteed payment, and arranged with the caretaker that my
meeting did not clash with any other. Having done all that I considered necessary, and what I had been in the
habit of doing when I required the hall, I inserted advertisements in the two evening papers.

On Monday afternoon I was informed the caretaker had received instructions, at 10 o'clock in the morning, to
refuse admittance to the Hall to everyone except the members of the Masonic Dramatic Club, and the
speaker advised me to ring up Bro. T. S. Graham at once, he being the Chairman of Directors. I did so, and
Bro. Graham informed me the information was correct, he having given the instructions. In explanation, he
told me I had made no written application for the use of the Hall. I informed Bro. Graham that it had never
been the custom under the old Company (of which I had been a Director) to interview the Chairman of
Directors, that arranging with the Secretary and caretaker was always considered sufficient, and that, until a
few minutes ago, I did not even know he was the Chairman. Bro. Graham would not believe my statement,
for I must, he said, have seen advertisements in the papers bearing his name, and relating to the new Hall
Company. Bro. Graham also stated that he had telephoned to each Director, and they one and all denied
having given their consent. All they knew about it was from reading the advertisements in the Press. I gave
him the particulars of what I had done to secure, as I thought, the Hall ; pointed out the fix his refusal would
place me in, and offered to now write an application and get the written consent of the rest of the Directors, if
he would re-consider the matter. Bro. Graham, however, refused. I at once sent out to engage the Choral, but
had to take the City Hall, and the two evening papers having delayed going to press for ten minutes, I wrote a
fresh advertisement giving the reasons why the lecture could not be held in the Masonic Hall. On my way to
the Evening Star, I met Bro. Gillon, who said he had just left Bro. Court, after being informed of the
Directors' intention not to let him lecture.

Later on in the evening, Bros. Gore, Cherrie, and Wishart assured us that so far from refusing their consent,
they had informed Bro. Graham, in reply to his inquiry by telephone, of their willingness to give the use of
the Hall as long as it was paid for.

The above, Sir, is the statement of my connection with the affair. I regret that it takes up a considerable
amount of space, but if curtailed I might be misunderstood. —Yours fraternally,

T. G. DE RENZY,
P.M. 844, E.C., District Grand Treasurer, E.C.

____________________________________________________________________________________
ENTHUSIASM is growing, for a well-known Dunedin Past Master offered Bro. De Renzy £25 with which to
carry on the Grand Lodge movement.

WANT of space necessitates holding over our account of the reception by the District Grand Lodges of Otago
and Southland, of the visiting Provincial District Grand Masters, as well as an account of the banquet which
took place in the evening. The proceedings of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury and Wellington, E.C.,
are held over for the same reason.

THE truth is, that how pleasing soever the doctrine of irremovable landmarks may sound in theory, it is not
borne out by practice, nor can it be amidst the ever-varying changes in manners and customs and
improvements in science and arts ; for Freemasonry, to hold its own, must keep pace with the progress of
other institutions, and this can scarcely be accomplished without the occasional pruning of antiquated
observances to meet the requirements of an altered state of society. . And it cannot be denied that several
instances have occurred between the year 1717 and the present time, in which old landmarks have been
ameliorated by Grand Lodges when any pressing necessity presented itself in favour of the change,—Oliver.

ALABAMA.—The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, states that when the Grand Lodge of
Alabama was organised in 1821 it was composed of seven subordinate lodges, there being only eleven
lodges in the State, with a membership of one hundred and thirty. Now there are two hundred and fifty
lodges and twelve thousand active members. During the sixty-five years since 1821, thirty-two Grand
Masters had presided over the Craft, twenty-three of whom had laid aside their working tools and entered
upon their lasting refreshment. The present Grand Secretary has held his office for twenty-nine years.