THE
NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.

SUBSCRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM.

VOL. 1.—No. 5.] MAY 1, 1890. A.D., 1890 ; A.L., 5890;
t A.M., 5650; A. In., 2420.

THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER OF
THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

ROTHER HENRY THOMSON was initiated in the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, No. 758, E.C. (now
No. 517, E.0 at Wellington, on October 22nd, 1857. He was one of the founders of Port Chalmers
Marine Lodge, No. 942, E.C., opened in 1862 ; was its first Secretary, and afterward S. Warden, and
would have been W.M. had he not removed to Christchurch in the beginning of 1865.

Bro. Thomson joined the St. Augustine Lodge, No. 609, E.C., Christchurch, immediately after his removal.
In consequence of the absence of the S.W., he occupied his chair during the last half of 1865. He was
appointed S.W. in 1866, and elected W.M. in 1867, and was re-elected in 1868.

To enable the brethren to open A.R.A. Chapter, Bro. Thomson went to Dunedin, in company with the late
D.G. Master, Dr. W. Donald, and took the Arch Degree in the Chapter of Otago, E.C., on November 14th,
1866.

He was one of the founders of the St. Augustine Chapter opened in 1867. He has occupied each chair ; has
been M.E.Z. three times.

During a visit to England, in 1870, he became a member of the Emulation Lodge of improvement, held
weekly at Freemasons, Hall, London, for the purpose of acquiring a correct knowledge of the ritual and
proper working of the ceremonies. On his return to the Colony, at the end of 1871, he instituted a General
Lodge of Instruction : to which circumstance Canterbury enjoys the pre-eminence of having the best mode of
working.

In 1878, Bro. Thomson went to Greymouth with the late Dr. W. Deamer, and received the following
degrees:—from the fourth to the eighteenth, for the purpose of establishing a Rose Croix Chapter in
Christchurch, of which Chapter he has been M.E.Z. three times. He is also a Knight Templar and a Knight of
St. John. Bro. Thomson has occupied the offices of Deacon, Grand Registrar, and S.W., in the D.G. Lodge,
and was appointed D.D.G.M on the resignation of the late Bro. C. W. Bishop, in the year 1874. During the
last six years of office, from 1877 to 1883, the late D.G.M. was entirely incapacitated from work, thus
leaving the control of the District solely in his charge.

On the resignation of Dr Donald in 1883, Bro. Thomson was nominated to fill the vacancy, and received his
patent of appointment dated April 6th, 1884, from H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, M.W. Grand Master of
England, as D.G. Master for Canterbury, and installed in October, 1884.

To show the progress made in the District since his connection therewith, we may state that when Bro.
Thomson was appointed D.D.G.M. there were only five Lodges open, now there are twenty. Then the
District Grand Lodge had no. accumulated fund but barely met its expenses of management.. Now it has a
credit of over £600 to the general account, while-the Benevolent Fund amounts to between £300 and £400.
The Benevolent Fund is not under the control of the D.G. Lodge,, but is administered by a Board elected by
all the Lodges. The funds are contributed by the Lodges, and collected by the D.G. Lodge through the
returns, and paid over to the Board once a year. A Widows' and Orphans' Fund has lately been added.

The excellent regulations framed by the Board of Benevolence have entirely stamped out the business of the
Masonic Mendicant, and it is not too much to say that Canterbury has not as many claims for the whole
district, as a private Lodge-used to have before the institution of the Board. The whole scheme was drafted
by Bro. Thomson, and although it met with considerable disfavour at the time, and was debated for about a
year, it was eventually carried by a large majority.

To his Masonic career of 33 years, the representatives of a majority of the 147 Lodges, working in the
colony, have added the highest dignity it is in their power to bestow—the first Grand Mastership of the
Grand Lodge. The honour given is deserved.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE AND PROFESSION.

NOTHER very common ground taken up by seceders from Freemasonry is suggested by the
unfortunate fact, for fact it is, that a large number of professing Masons in their lives ignore, more or
less systematically, the sublime moral teachings of the Craft. Sometimes the seceder's tone of mind
takes the higher form of a feeling of repugnance, dictated by persistent general indifference, in the

general morality of the member of a Lodge, or the Masons in a town or district. The observer sees a certain
proportion of those with whom he comes most in contact as Craftsmen, intemperate, immoral, extortioners,
unjust, untruthful, and disheartened by the sight of practice falling grievously short of teaching, he rashly
determines to sever his connection with an institution which seems to him to have failed in its mission. But
usually the moving spring of action is personal rather than general in its incidence. A man has some real, or
perhaps, fancied injustice done to him by a brother Mason, and forthwith, smarting under the irritation of the
moment, condemns Masonry, because it has not moulded every man after his own model. We remember
being very much pained by some remarks we heard made by a reasoner of this class. We were visiting a
large and important Masonic centre, full, so far as we could judge, of active Masonic spirit, and in the course
of our perambulations called upon a brother holding the Thirtieth Degree of a foreign jurisdiction of the
Ancient and Accepted Rite. We presented our card and got into conversation. Before, however, fifty words
had passed, our friend launched out into a violent tirade against the Masons of the town, condemning one
and all with charming impartiality, as being ready to swindle a brother for a five pound note ; and to clench
everything he called in his good lady to substantiate his views. We had on our lips a feeble commonplace
saying, something about the O.B. of the Third Degree and a most excellent virtue of the Craft, but in view of
the lady reinforcement we subsided, and in a very short time took our departure, albeit with a saddened
feeling which formed the only unpleasant fly in the ointment of a course of Masonic hospitality, which the
worthy Craftsmen of this particular town had indulged us in. Such a man is a type, although exaggerated, of
a not uncommon class, and a class for whom one can feel little or no respect. They are indeed living
evidence of the very fault they decry in Craftsmen, because it is certain, that whatever others may be doing
they arc certainly not acting up to the teachings of the Craft, which undoubtedly condemn private pique
without hesitation. And even those who take the nobler ground, and perhaps take it honestly, of being
scandalised at a general laxity by no means directed against themselves, are but shallow-reasoners. Has the
Craft failed in its mission because it numbers thousands whose lives do not tally with rule and line ? If so,
then Christianity, Judaism, Mahometanism, and all the other countless creeds have failed alike. Every
religion, and by a parity of reasoning, every religious institution, takes for the basis of its teaching the
revealed will of the Most High, and of necessity its precepts involve an ideal which the best of us can only
follow at an immeasurable distance. Our non-Christian brethren will pardon us, perhaps, when we say that
this truism was never better expressed than by the great Founder of Christianity when He told us that there is
none good, save God Himself. Any system which desired to exact absolute conformity from its adherents
would have to be an exhalation from earth rather than an emanation from heaven, and then how much would
it do to elevate humanity? The true question to ask is, does Freemasonry make men better then it found them
? Does it tend to make the wicked man less wicked, and the good man better ? And can any reasoning man
answer this question otherwise than in the affirmative? We trow not. And granting this, is not the course
plain of the man whose moral sense is sufficiently exalted to perceive the defects of his fellow Craftsmen ?
Instead of shirking the fight like a coward, is it not his duty to remain at his post, and let his life be a living
tracing board of the virtues that he professes to admire ? The influence of one man, earnest, honest, and
steadfast, may work an untold amount of good even in an apparently hopeless soil.—South African
Freemason.

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WE wonder why our Queensland contemporary describes the Grand Lodge of England as the Grand Lodge
of England and Wales ?

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THE CRAFTSMAN will be issued for the future on the 15th of each month. So many magazines are published
on the first of each month that it is exceedingly difficult to have it ready in time for the first weekly North
mail. Then again, most of the Lodges meet early in the month, and if the secretaries will supply us with
reports by the 14th of the month, the Lodge reports will reach our readers fresh and crispy. The next issue
will be on the 15th June.

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PRESSURE on our space compels the holding over of much interesting matter, including " The Worship of
Death." We are also obliged to keep back our Monthly Calendar, subscribers' names,. and list of exchanges.
Our readers will doubtless receive with pleasure the portrait of the M.W. the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand ; this will be followed monthly by the next Grand Officer in rank. Every mail brings
us the welcome intelligence that our efforts are appreciated. Our exchanges compliment us, and subscribers
are increasing. We think a new era has begun in New Zealand both for Masonry and Masonic journalism.

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P.M. BRO. THOS. W. KITT has resigned the Secretaryship of the Auckland branch of the Masonic Union,
owing to his leaving on a visit to England. This is to be regretted, as brethren of Bro. Kitt's ability and
enthusiasm can ill be spared. However, " it is an ill wind that blows nobody good," and though we lose him
here, he will do good work in placing before the Masonic authorities of the Old Country the true position of
the Craft under the system of District Grand Lodges. Bro. Kitt has promised to furnish this journal with
accounts of his Masonic doings in Britain and on the Continent. We shall look forward to the promised
contributions with eagerness, for they will doubtless be both interesting to ourselves and subscribers.

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OUR apology is needed in again giving a leading article from the Smack African Freemason, a well written
weekly published at East London, Cape Colony. We have not the pleasure of the editor's acquaintance, but,
whoever he may be, he is one of the best writers on Masonic topics we have yet come across—the London
Freemason, at times, even making extracts from his writings. Cannot the talent now lying dormant in
Masonic circles, in the colony, do something for the cause. If any Brother, a subscriber to this journal, can at
all approach the present leading article, we shall be happy to give him a guinea per article. We cannot
continue to suck the brains of our contemporaries without at least giving them the chance of repaying
themselves out of our original matter.

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We in New Zealand have had many examples of District Grand Lodge circulars, but absurd as some of them
have been, they have not yet reached the height of folly of the one issued by the District Grand Lodge of
Queensland, S.C. The following is a copy :— (N.B.—The italics are ours.)

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF QUEENSLAND, SCOTTISH CONSTITUTION.
Brisbane, 13th March, 1890.

The Master and Wardens of the Athole and Melville Lodge, No. 455, S.C.

DEAR SIRS AND R.W. BROTHERS,—In consequence of the Grand Lodge of England refusing to acknowledge the
sentence of contumacy passed on Bro. J. L. McKellar, P.M., of Lodge St Andrews, No, 435, by the Grand Lodge of
Scotland. which said refusal amounts to a rupture of fraternal relations, you are hereby, requested to inform every
member of the Lodge that they are not to visit, under the penalty of contumacy, any lodge under the English
Constitution, nor are you to admit brethren from that Constitution until you are further notified by the R. W. the Acting
District Grand Master. —Yours fraternally and faithfully,
N. J. KESSELS,
District Grand Secretary.

How the Grand Secretary and Grand Registrar of England will quake when they learn that their opinion "that
contumacy is not a Masonic crime, hence not punishable by the general body of Masons, but a matter
concerning the Constitution affected " is considered by the D.G. Lodge of Queensland, S.C., " to amount to a
rupture of fraternal telations." Well may the Queensland Freemason's Magazine say, " Now all is strife and

war, for all the good the interchange of courtesies engenders by reciprocal lodge-visiting is now, for at least
the next ten or twelve months, destroyed as far as the English and Scottish Constitutions are concerned. This
episode gives rise to a doubt as to the expediency of continuing such a system, whereby interruptions to
perfect unanimity are liable to crop up, and the advisability of adopting one where such would be simply
impossible."

_______________________________________________________________________________

DOCTOR: " Take these powders as directed, and your cold will be gone in two or three days." Patient : "You seem quite
hoarse, doctor." Doctor:. " Yes ; I've had a bad cold for a month."

IRATE politician : " Look here, you published a lie about me this morning—an infamous lie. I won't stand it." Serene
editor : " But just think where you would be if we were to publish the truth about you."

_______________________________________________________________________________________

POETRY.
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THE CHECKERED PAVEMENT.

I OF the White Square, you on the Black ;
I at fortune's face, you at her back ;
Friends to me many, friends to you few ;
What, then, dear Brother, binds me to you ?
This, the Great Covenant, in which we abide—
Hearts charged with sympathy,
Hands opened wide,
Lips filled with comfort,
And God to provide !

I in life's valley, you on its crest ;
I at its lowest, you at its best ;
I sick and sorrowing, you hale and free ;
What, then, dear Brother, binds you to me ?
This, the Great Covenant, in which we abide—
Hearts charged with sympathy,
Hands opened wide,
Lips filled with comfort,
And God to provide !

They in death's slumber, we yet alive ;
They freed from labour, we yet to strive ;
They paid and joyful, we tired and sad ;
What, to us, Brother. bindeth the dead ?
This, the Great Covenant, in which we abide-
Hearts charged with sympathy,
Hands opened wide,
Lips filled with comfort,
And God to provide !

Let none be comfortless, let none despair ;
Lo, round the Black grouped the White Ashlars are I
Stand by each other, black fortune defy,
All these vicissitudes end by-and-by.
Keep the Great Covenant, wherein we abide—
Hearts charged with sympathy,
Hands opened wide,
Lips filled with comfort,
And God will provide !

ROB. MORRIS.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

HERE is a short sermon by a woman, though not preached from a pulpit. It is a good one, and is pretty sure to hit your
own case somewhere, whatever may be your age and circumstances: "The best thing to give to your enemy
isforgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance ; to a friend, your heart ; to your child, a good .example ; to your father,
deference ; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you ; to yourself, respect ; to all men, charity."
_______________________________________________________________________________________

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 15,1885.

(CONCLUDED.)

THE Ancient Masonic Fraternity, which, in the strength of UNITY, had weathered the storms of ages ;
notwithstanding the attacks, on the one hand, of intolerance and priestcraft, and on the other of ignorance and
superstition ; now falls a prey to internicine strife and fraticidal contention. After nearly fifty years'
wrangling for precedence and authority, in the contest over words and formalities, the citadel of truth is
betrayed, and the precious heritage of thought and wisdom lost. And when the compromise was effected, the
now empty treasure chest could only be secured by magic words, and barred by horrid penalties, and now the
disappointed seeker for knowledge is told of higher degrees in which the lost treasure may possibly be
recovered. This is a great descent from the purity of the Ancient Fellowship, when the hidden treasures of
wisdom and knowledge were to be the reward of every true and faithful craftsman who laboured earnestly in
the search for Truth.

When the Master's degree was recognised at the Lodge of Reconciliation, as the third degree in Freemasonry,
and extended to all who had entered as Apprentices and passed as Fellow Crafts, new formularies and secret
words were introduced for the installed Master.

The symbolic ceremony and traditional history of the Master's degree was revised and altered, introducing
the substituted secrets, and putting into the words of King Solomon the declaration of the Grand Lodge—that
the words of the new formula should designate all Master Masons throughout the universe, till time or
circumstances should restore the genuine words. Every intelligent Mason, receiving the instructions of our
sublime degree fails, under a sense of deep disappointment, to see any wisdom in this abrupt termination of
our solemn rite—and it is only our habitual submission to authority, and our inherited conservatism that has
perpetuated a form open to so many grave objections.

I know that I may be exposing myself to the grave charge of heresy, but the ancient doctrine of the craft was,
" Be just and fear not." I therefore do not hesitate to express my solemn conviction, founded upon careful
research, that if in the future Freemasonry is to be what it has been in the past— a fraternity based upon the
sacred principles of " the Unity of God and the Brotherhood of Man," free from enthralling fear, and
commanding the respect of the intelligent and the cultured—then it will be purged from the contamination of
superstition ;. and the magic words, introduced with a mistaken zeal for secrecy, must give place to the
original and sublime conception—the search for Truth in the hidden mysteries of nature and science.

The penal clauses—an essentially modern innovation—could with advantage be repealed in favour of the
ancient code of honour, when the word of a Master Mason was the highest and most binding form of
obligation.

We need never fear that the genuine secrets of a Master Mason can be revealed to the uninitiated ; because,
like a problem in mathematics, it can only be understood by the process of education ; and when, as of old,
our brethren receive the secrets of wisdom from the Master's chair in the full explanation of our occult
symbolism, there will be no disappointment or sense of failure, but a clearer perception of the Light of
Eternal Truth.

To conclude, in the words of a famous American essayist :-
" Science, the enemy of fear and credulity invites investigation, challenges the reason, and stimulates inquiry.

" It furnishes a firm foundation for moral purity, and a sure philosophy for the guidance of man.
" It seeks to civilise the human race by the cultivation of the intellectual powers ; to refine the emotions
through art, and give expression in language to the noblest thoughts.
" Clothed with majesty, not mystery—save where it encounters the ignorance of men—it excites not the
feeling of worship so much as the ambition to understand.
" It teaches us that our duties and obligations lie here in the interests of humanity—that intelligence, guided
by kindness, is the highest possible good—and that in the practice of these virtues, man approaches nearest
to the perfection of Supreme wisdom."
_______________________________________________________________________________________

RIGHTS OF THE MASTER.

(CONCLUDED.)

THE RETIRING MASTER HAS A RIGHT TO INSTAL HIS IMMEDIATE SUCCESSOR IN THE CHAIR or K.S.—This has
a double effect, as mentioned above under 5. It is evidence of the skill of the retiring Master ; and it
preserves the occupation of the chair of K.S. in an unbroken series, a point of the highest importance among
Freemasons. The Chair should never be vacant for an instant during labour, except when necessary to
perform portions of certain ceremonies. If the Master leave it even for a moment, some qualified Past Master
should be placed in it for the interval of absence ; it is, in fact, in such apparently insignificant points as
these, that the essence of Masonic decorum exists, and unless they are observed, the Lodge and the Craft
suffer. The Master Elect cannot preside over a Lodge unless he is himself a Past Master—a rank which it
does not become us to speak here in any way, being a matter of high esoteric importance and profound
scientific and moral intention.

13. A MASTER IS NOT AMENABLE TO TRIAL BY HIS OWN LODGE, OR BY ANY OTHER PRIVATE LODGE.—This is
a well-understood privilege—in fact, a right inherent to his position ipso facto ; for as the Lodge has
solemnly chosen their ruler, and, as it were, sworn allegiance to him, be he ever so indifferent in his
behaviour and Masonic knowledge, they cannot at their own pleasure perjure themselves, and impeach or
dethrone him. Where a Master is incompetent, obstinate, or tyrannical, the Lodge, for the general sake of the
Craft, had better submit to this inevitable evil, for it wilt surely cure itself under more vigorous, courteous,
and just rule. Here time, the great healer of most evils, is an essential element of comfort. But—be it spoken
with great satisfaction—the instances of tyrannical Masters are exceedingly rare, and the cases of
incompetent Masters, we hope, are comparatively few. Yet the fact remains that a weak Master or a
tyrannical Master must prejudice the Lodge, and hence a final appeal for gross misconduct, or unlawful
action, lies to the Board of General Purposes, and thence to Grand Lodge. Large powers of redress also lie
within the functions of the Provincial and District Grand Masters. There may exist cases in which a Master's
misconduct is so egregious that there is no time to apply to Grand Lodge ; in this case it is advisable to notify
the complaint (properly witnessed) to the nearest Masonic authority, and refrain from further interference
until an answer has been obtained, or a decision arrived at.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

" CALL no man happy until he is dead," said the old philosopher. The Somerville Journal adds " And don't be
too sure about it then ; you may have overlooked some part of his record."
_______________________________________________________________________________________

RIGHTS OF THE LODGE.
(CONCLUDED.)

11. A LODGE HAS THE RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE GRAND LODGE* FROM THE DECISION OF ITS
MASTER.—If, in open session, the Master decides a question to. the dissatisfaction of the Lodge, after having
obeyed it there exists a right of appeal to the Grand Lodge, who may then inquire into the matter and have it
properly adjusted. It is rarely that a Master places himself in any degree of opposition to the consensus of the
Lodge, but it is a possibility provided for by this right of appeal. If the Master, by his conduct, shall impair
the usefulness of the Lodge, or destroy its harmony, or by any unjust decision violate the rights of the

members, then the Lodge in its corporate capacity may appeal to the• Grand Lodge, and exhibit articles of
complaint against the said offending Master.

12. A LODGE MAY TRY ITS OWN MEMBERS FOR OFFENCES COMMITTED WITHIN THE LODGE PRECINCTS,
OR FOR OFFENCES TENDING TO BRING THE LODGE INTO DANGER, DISREPUTE, OR CONTEMPT.—It tray happen
that two members of a Lodge may so offend as to scandalise the Lodge by their conduct, or an individual
member may commit some act whereby the Lodge and the Craft is brought to shame. It then becomes the
duty of the Lodge to inquire into the matter, and have it judicially settled, the powers of the Lodge extending
as far as suspension or exclusion, but not to expulsion. Every society has an inherent right to vindicate its
own dignity and laws, and this exists within the confines of a Lodge in a more especial degree, from the
expressed moral design of the institution, essentially speaking. Masonic trials are happily rare, but when
necessary, they are conducted with equity and earnestness, and with the tenderest care that every
circumstance shall weigh in favour of the accused person, rather than against him.

13. A LODGE HAS A RIGHT, UPON REPRESENTATION TO THE GRAND LODGE, TO CHANGE ITS NAME.—
This has sometimes been doubted, but it is unquestionably a. right, for circumstances may occur to render the
name not only inapposite and inappropriate, but even ridiculous. The matter being duly considered, and the
new name not being previously used in the same district, free permission is usually given to any proposed
change.

14. A LODGE HAS A RIGHT TO DETERMINE ITS OWN PLACE AND TIME OF MEETING, AND TO VARY IT
UPON REPRESENTATION.—This right is similar to the previous one. Lodges finding it inconvenient to meet,
from various causes, at any specified place and time, sometimes determine upon another place and hour of
meeting, and this being duly submitted to G.L. or P.G.L., if in accordance with the Constitutions, is generally
ratified. It may be observed, in concluding this section, that these rights, and the references they imply to
Grand Lodge, are not intended to fetter the Craft, but rather to show that the Grand Lodge is the general
conservator of Craft interests. The laws should be carefully consulted by the Members prior to removal.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

NOT A SECRET SOCIETY MAN.—"Are you a -Mason? " asked one citizen of another. "No, by the powers,"
was the unexpected reply, "O'im a hod carrier." —Washington Capital.

EVERYBODY is making mistakes. Everybody is finding out afterward that he has made a mistake. But there
can be no greater mistake than the stopping to worry over a mistake already made.

ALBUMS containing the photos of Grand officers are now becoming official records in many American
Grand Lodges. Their value will increase as time rolls on. The present is a good opportunity fur New Zealand
to make a start.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
* In Provincial or District Lodges the appeal must, in the first instance, be made to the PROV G.M. or
District G.M.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

GRAND LODGE

BUSINESS PAPER.
———

WELLINGTON, April 12th, 1890.
WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BROTHER,—You are requested to attend the duties of Grand Lodge at the First
Regular Communication, which will be held in Christchurch on Tuesday, April 29th, 1890, at a time and
place of which due notice will be given.—I am, Worshipful Sir and Brother, yours fraternally,

GEO. ROBERTSON, P.M.,
Acting Grand Secretary.

BUSINESS :

To open and proclaim the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
To ratify the election by Convention of Most Worshipful Brother Henry Thomson, D.G.M. of Canterbury,
E.C., as Grand Master.
To receive the report of the Central Executive Committee of the Masonic Union, covering the proceedings
and resolutions of Convention.
Bro. Gillon, P.M., Chairman of the Central Executive Committee, will move - "That the report be received,
and the Basis of Union, as recommended by Convention, be provisionally accepted, subject to further
consideration and revision by Grand Lodge."
To elect officers and fix the salary of Grand Secretary.
To consider the following resolutions, recommended by the Central Executive Committee :-
1. That the Board of General Purposes shall consist of—Ex officio Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master,
Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Grand Registrar, President of the Board, and Secretary. Elected : Fifteen
(15) Worshipful Masters or Past Masters. (No two to be qualified by membership of the same Lodge.) Five
(5) to form a quorum.

2. That the Board of Benevolence shall consist of—Ex officio : Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master,
Grand Treasurer, President of the Board, and Secretary. Elected : Fifteen (15, Worshipful Masters or Past
Masters. (No two to be qualified by membership of the same Lodge.) Five (5) to form a quorum.

3. That any Brother who has heretofore held Grand Lodge or District or Provincial Grand Lodge rank under
any recognised Constitution, be entitled, on joining the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, to equal relative past
rank under it, precedence being according to date of original appointment.
4. That a Committee of three Past Masters (English, Irish, and Scotch) be appointed to draft the
Constitutions of Grand Lodge, and that the draft, as recommended by them, be circulated amongst daughter
Lodges before coming on for consideration in Grand Lodge.
5. That the question of Clothing and Jewels for Grand Lodge he remitted to the Board of General Purposes.
General.
The installation of the Most Worshipful Grand Master will take place at a, Special Communication of the
Grand Lodge, in Christchurch, on Wednesday, April 30th, 1890. The hour and place will be announced
Hereafter.

GEO. ROBERTSON, P.M.,
Acting Grand Secretary.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE GRAND SECRETARYSHIP.
————

THE following correspondence is published in order that the Craft may understand the reason why P.M Bro.
Robertson declines the office of Grand Secretary to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

Whilst the motives which animate our excellent and worthy brother will commend themselves to those who
have been so closely associated with the movement now consummated, we agree with the M.W. Bro. H.
Thomson, the G.M. elect (doubtless the G.M. before this number of our journal reaches our constituents) "
that it is not to the interest of the Craft that our capable brother should hold aloof from office simply because
some of the brethren cannot appreciate disinterested conduct.'

It would still give the Craft much pleasure to hear that Bro. Robertson has been persuaded to re-consider his
decision, and to accept the office his past services have tended so much to qualify him for :-
" Christchurch, 1st April, 1890.
" Geo. Robertson, Esq., Wellington

"DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—Every one with whom I am in communication seems to be extremely anxious to
do only those things which will be most beneficial to the Craft, and frequently furnish instances of self-
sacrifice and almost total effacement.

" Now, although one cannot help admiring and appreciating the spirit which prompts such action, it is quite
possible that it can be carried too far. I cannot think it is to the interest of the Craft that all capable Brethren
should hold aloof from office simply because some other Brethren have been mean and shown themselves to
be incapable of appreciating disinterested conduct.

" I therefore hope that you will seriously consider the offer which I now make to you, viz., to appoint you
Grand Secretary, in recognition of the eminent services which you have rendered in connection with the
movement for the establishment of a Grand Lodge for New Zealand. I think that you are well qualified for
the position, and that your acceptance would be highly popular.

" Yours fraternally,
" H. THOMSON."

————
" Wellington, April 8th, 1890.

" Henry Thomson, Esq., Christchurch.
"WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BROTIIER,—I duly received your favour of 1st instant, and have delayed replying
until to-day so that I might carefully consider its contents.

" While appreciating the honour which you wish to confer on me, I feel that, in justice to the cause of
Masonic union in New Zealand, it is better that I should decline the offer which you so kindly make. It has
never entered my mind to hope for office, my aspirations being to see the Craft united, so as to do away with
the many anomalies which exist under the present system of divided jurisdiction.

" As the Grand Lodge is now an accomplished fact, I feel amply gratified and recompensed for the very
slight services which I have rendered and which have been to me a labour of love.

"I need not add that, although not in office, I shall continue to do may best to further the Grand Lodge mop
ement, and I beg of you to accept my very best thanks for your kindness and fraternal consideration.

"Believe me, Worshipful Sir and Brother, fraternally yours,
" GEO ROBERTSON."
_______________________________________________________________________________________

ENGLAND.

AT a quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge on December 4th, 1889, V.W. Brother Frederick
Adolphus Philbrick, Q.C., Grand Registrar, submitted the following Appeal:—

By Brother Henry Godber, P.M., of the Victoria in Burma Lodge, No. 832, Rangoon, against a ruling of
the District Grand Master of Burma, dismissing his complaint against the said Lodge for permitting
Brother Joseph Dawson P.M., to withdraw his resignation of membership of the Lodge, which had been
regularly announced in writing to the Secretary and entered on the Minutes.

Most Worshipful Grand Master in the Chair, the ruling of the District Grand Master against which this
appeal was brought was this : " That there was no confirmation of the minutes accepting Brother Dawson's
withdrawal ; in fact, though, Brother Dawson tendered his resignation it was never accepted by the Lodge ; it
was, therefore, never in form according to the Bye-laws of the Lodge, page 21, article 22, and therefore the
District Grand Master dismissed the Appeal." Now, I cannot help thinking that the question which the
District Grand Master had to solve in this Appeal was entirely answered in his own ruling. It had been ruled
by my distinguished and, I am sorry to say, deceased predecessor, Brother McIntyre, and it had always been
held as an accepted law that Masonry being a voluntary society, the moment a Brother announced. his
resignation, and communicated it to his Lodge, he ceased to be a member of the Lodge. It is customary to
accompany the resignation with terms asking the Lodge to accept it, and often with expressions of good.
feeling, and regard, and attachment to the Lodge. But those were individual matters, which did not affect the
status of the Brother as a member of the Lodge ; and when be withdrew, and said he withdrew, and signified
it to the Lodge, it was no longer in the power of the Lodge to retain him against his wish as a member of the
Lodge for a single day. That ruling was clearly laid down by Brother McIntyre in 1874, following a long
succession of precedents - it was referred to in the record of proceedings of Grand Lodge of that day. I
remember, as appears by the paper, I said something to the same effect—to the effect that I concurred in that

ruling. In the present case the Brother who was about to retire from the Lodge wrote, on January 29th, 1889,
to the Secretary :-

" Dear Sir and Brother—From what has lately transpired in the Lodge I have no other alternative than
to tender my resignation of membership of the Lodge, which I trust will be accepted, with regret, by
the end of the month."

That was communicated to the Lodge, No. 382, at the next regular meeting. Of course the Brother was not
present, he resigned on the 31st January, two days after the date of the letter. That was entered on the
Minutes, so that the Brother, de facto, ceased to be a member of the Lodge. Afterwards some of the Brethren
desired that he might reconsider his determination. Of course, this was too late as far as membership of the
Lodge was concerned, and then they passed a resolution that he should come back to the Lodge ; that he
should not cease to be a member, and that be should withdraw his resignation. But although it was not a
matter for the Lodge to express its feelings upon, they desired that he should withdraw his resignation, and
he refused to do so. Under these circumstances It was quite clear that there had been a resignation on the part
of this Brother, he had communicated it to the Lodge, and that, ipso facto, made the resignation final,
whether the Lodge accepted it or not. The ruling, therefore, that there might be a withdrawal, he thought,
proceeded on an entire misconception of the case. Consequently, as the facts stood, the resignation, he
thought, did take effect, the action of the District Grand Master could not be supported, and this Grand
Lodge must hold that he was wrong. He, therefore, begged to move :-

" That the Appeal be allowed, and the decision of the District Grand Master be reversed, and that
Grand Lodge declare that the resignation of Bro. Dawson, communicated to the Lodge, virtually
caused his resignation of the Lodge."

Bro. Thomas Fenn, President of the Board of General Purposes, in seconding the motion, said Grand Lodge,
after its former decision, did not come to any other conclusion than that indicated so clearly in the speech of
the Grand Registrar.

Bro. James Lewis Thomas, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, begged to differ from what had
fallen from the Grand Registrar ; he thought the Brother should have the power and liberty to withdraw his
resignation until the meeting of the Lodge—for until a resignation was accepted he did not think it was final.

The motion of the Grand Registrar was then put and carried.

The Grand Treasurer, in his statement, of the Fund of Benevolence, states that on August 26th, 1389, there
was granted £20 to " the widow of a Brother of No. 844, Dunedin, New Zealand, on account of £40," and on
September 21st the second £20 was granted. The Lodge of Otago, No. 844, know nothing of the matter,
neither does the District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland.

__________________________________________
SCOTLAND.

———
AT a meeting of the Grand Committee of the Grand Lodge held on the 25th September, 1889 :—

PROVINCE OF QUEENSLAND.—On considering a suggestion by the Acting District Grand Master of
Queensland, Grand Committee declined to recommend that the fee for charters for lodges in the colonies be
reduced.

GRAND LODGE RULINGS,—Acting under remit from Grand Lodge to further consider and report upon the
Resolution anent Grand Lodge Rulings submitted at last Quarterly Communication, Grand Committee, on
the motion of Brother F. W. Allan. seconded by Brother James Middleton, adopted the following resolution
Grand Lodge fully recognises the inalienable right of all Master Masons to meet in open lodge and discuss
Masonic affairs, and in accordance with the-procedure prescribed by the Constitution and Laws to petition
Grand Lodge on any matters connected with Masonry, but Daughter Lodges and Brethren, individually or
collectively, are prohibited from issuing circulars or other communications relating to proceedings before
Grand Lodge or Grand Committee, or on Masonic subjects, special or general, to the public or the Craft,
without having previously obtained the sanction of Grand Committee."

PROVINCE OF ABERDEEN CITY.—Grand Secretary submitted a letter from Brother John Crombie, Aberdeen,
dated 17th instant, intimating the withdrawal of his allegiance to Grand Lodge. The Committee directed the

Grand Secretary to acknowledge receipt of the letter, and to inform Brother Crombie that no member of the
Fraternity could, at his own hand, sever his connection with it, or cease to bear allegiance to it,—and that he
still remained subject to the laws and discipline of Grand Lodge.

THE Annuity Fund Board granted 16 annuities of £10 each at the January meeting.

IT was resolved, on the recommendation of Grand Committee, that a circular be sent to the lodges in
Scotland asking answers to—(1) Does your lodge meet in premises licensed for the sale of excisable liquors
? (2) Could premises other than licensed be obtained without serious difficulty ? (3) What fees are charged
for initiation ?
______________________________________________________________________________________

NEW SOUTH WALES.
———

AT the Quarterly Convention of the Grand Lodge, held on the 11th December, 1889, a letter was read from
Lord Saltoun, R.W. Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of Scotland, acknowledging the receipt of his appointment
as Grand Representative of New South Wales near Scotland, and thanking Grand Lodge for the honour
conferred upon him. The number of Lodges on the roll of this Grand Lodge was, at this date, 182. The Grand
Treasurer reported his balances as follows :—To Credit Fund of Benevolence, £3237 15s Id. To Credit
Grand Lodge Funds, £928 Ss. Total, £4166 0s ld.

AT the Quarterly Communication held on the 12th March, the Board of General Purposes recommended the
following for adoption : " That no brother shall be eligible for re-election during a. peried of twelve months
next ensuing to either of the Boards of General Purposes or Benevolence, who shall have failed to attend at
least one-fourth of the meetings of such Boards held during the year."

AN interesting debate took place on the motion for the creation of District Grand Inspectors of Workings. It
was carried by an overwhelming majority. " They (the District Grand Inspectors of Workings) shall, at ?eaet
once in each year, visit each Lodge within their respective Districts, and forward quarterly to the Grand
Inspector of Workings a report on the general condition of the Lodges so visited." This, truly, is a step in the
right direction.

GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.—The following report by the President of the Board of General Purposes, in
respect to the recognition of the " Grand Orient of France," was at the December 18th meeting of the Board,
unanimously adopted . and subsequently confirmed :— "In respect to the letter of the Grand Orient of
France, and its accompanying pamphlet of the proceedings of that body, justifying its action in eliminating
from its Constitution and its Articles of Masonic faith the necessity of a direct belief in the existence of a
Great Architect of the Universe, on the grounds that it was so eliminated for the purpose of granting perfect
liberty of conscience to its members and intending initiates, I am certainly of opinion that the arguments put
forward in support of such a proceeding, from a Masonic, or any religious point of view, are fallacious and
weak in the extreme. The lecturer mentioned in the said pamphlet took unusual care to justify the action of
the Grand Orient of France, and stress was laid upon the fact of his being in holy orders as a reason why the
action was reasonable and justifiable ; but, for myself, I fail to see the force of his reasoning, or where the
necessity arose for such a step being taken at al. From a Masonic standpoint, at any rate, it is contrary to the
very letter of its faith and fundamental principles ; and if the belief in a Supreme being is done away with,
then the whole lore upon which Masonry is founded, and the very principles of its existence are swept away.
For these reasons I cannot see how any Grand Lodge or body of Masons, can possibly recognise the Grand
Orient of France as a kindred Institution, deserving fraternal support and recognition at their hands."
Recognitions from Grand Lodges continue to be received by every mail.

EXCLUDED BRETHREN.—The sub-committee appointed brought up their report, and the Board decided as
follows :—" That having in view the necessity of upholding the dignity and purity of Freemasonry, this
Board recommends to the Grand Lodge that ‘exclusion from a lodge under clauses 135 and 136’ shall be
held to mean exclusion from every lodge of which the brother offending may at the time be a member."

Lodges increased by two during the quarter.
The Grand Treasurer's balances increased in credit to the extent of £711 4s. 6d. during the quarter. Total
funds now £4,877 4s. 7d. Relief granted during the quarter £293 11s.

It was resolved :—" That a list of all the medical brethren, who are subscribing members to the Craft, be
made, and a circular sent to each of them, setting forth the probable duties required of them, notably in
reference to the admission of convalescent or invalid brethren to the Grassmere Masonic Cottage Home at
Camden, advising as to the admission of sick brethren into the various institutions in Sydney, to which the
Board may be entitled to recommend patients, and similar services, and asking them for their consent to act
as Hon. Medical Advisers to the Board."

R.W. Bro. Major P. L. Murray, pursuant to notice, moved :—" That in order to secure uniformity in the
wearing of regalia, it is hereby determined by this Grand Lodge that the proper method of wearing the collar
of office by Grand and Past Grand Officers, and Officers of Private Lodges is over the coat collar," which
was seconded by R. W. Bro. John McLachlan, and carried.

The Freemason, Sydney, of April 1st, says :—" We gather from several sources that in those colonies which
have not yet established Grand Lodges, there exists an idea that ours is still on its trial, that it is " in
swaddling clothes," and has to encounter all the perils of infancy. A few facts as to what has been done up to
the present time, may be of interest not only to members of lodges at a distance, but to our own. The
following are the statistics as far as we can gather them :—Number of lodges, 184 ; G. Lodge Fund, £1368
13s lid ; Benevolent Fund, £3508 10s 8d ; Orphan Society Fund, £16,000. In addition to these the following
are either in existence or in course of erection :—Masonic Scholarship at the University ; Masonic Cottage
Hospital at Camden ; Aged and Destitute Freemasons' Fund ; Masonic Boy's School. And we have a
Masonic Hall second to none in the colonies, and so complete in its lodge rooms, offices, library, etc., as to
challenge the admiration of visitors from all parts of the Masonic world. We do not forget how much of all
this is due to the labours of worthy Masons who have passed. away, but we claim the various facts
enumerated as solid evidence that Masonic rule in New South Wales has long ceased to be experimental, and
may well be our pride and a pattern for imitation by our brethren in the younger colonies."

[New Zealand has now taken the first step ; may she be able in a few years' time to show a similar record to
that of New South Wales. Before leaving the record of this Grand Lodge, let us here thank the courteous
Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales (Bro. A. H. Bray) for the sunny kindnesses he has
shown the proprietors of this journal. N.Z. brethren who have been visiting Sydney also speak highly of Bro.
Bray's kindness.—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

__________________________
VICTORIA.

———
AT the quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge, on March 17th, Bro. Sir William Clarke was re-
elected Grand Master.

The Grand Lodges of Denmark and Carolina granted recognition.

THE report of the Board of Benevolence has been brought up, showing that forty-four petitions were relieved
to the amount of £128 10s, from November 30th, 1889, to March 3rd, 1890.

_____________________________

TASMANIA.
———

THIRTY - THREE delegates met at Launceston, on March 8th, and resolved to establish Grand Lodge on June
20th.

BRO. THE REV. R. D. POULLET-HARRIS will be the first Grand Master, and Bro. M. W. Lord Carrington,
Grand Master of New South Wales, will be the Installing Officer.

___________________________

ILLINOIS.
———

IT may be interesting to our European brethren to learn that one of the most interesting incidents at the late
annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, was the presentation to it by the M.W. Bro. General
John C. Smith, Grand Master, of his companion -in-arms, W. Bro. General Eli S. Parker, a Seneca Indian, a
lineal descendant of the famous warrior Red Jacket, and at present Chief of the Six Nations in this State.

Speaking of his fellow hero, the Grand Master made allusion to the fact that it was within a Lodge, of which
W. Bro. Parker was the Master, that Masonic light first dawned upon him. General Parker is Past Grand
Orator of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, a fluent speaker and of manifold attainments. His military record is a
peculiarly brilliant one, having gone to the front as Colonel of a New York regiment, composed mainly of
his fellow Indians, fought through the battles of Mission Ridge, Look-out Mountain, and Chattanooga, and
served as private secretary to the Commander-in-Chief.

WITHIN the United States and Canada there are hundreds of American Indians priding themselves upon
purity in their blood, among the most intelligent and enlightened of our Craftsmen, their distinctiveness as to
race being partially lost through assumption of English proper and surnames. Consequently, it is an error in
Europeans to pass an opinion upon the intellectuality and manners of our aborigines from a visit to " Buffalo
Bill's Wild West Show."—Masonic Chronicle.

______________________________

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF CANTERBURY, E.C.
———

AT a meeting of the District Grand Lodge, on April 17, Bro. H. Thomson (District Grand Master) referred to
the fact that it was the last time that he would preside in that capacity. Deputy-Grand Master P. Cunningham
takes Isis place.

_____________________________

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND SOUTH, S.C.
———

THE regular quarterly Communication of District Grand Lodge was held on Friday, March 7th, 1890, at the
Masonic Hall, Dunedin.

R.W.D.G.M. Bro. Gore occupied the throne. In the absence of Bro. Court, R.W.S.D.G.M. Bro. Nees acted as
Deputy ; the other officers occupied their respective positions.

The Minutes of Communication held on November 15th, and Committee Meetings December 20th and
February 28th, were read and confirmed.

A letter from Grand Lodge was read, dated Edinburgh, November '21st, 1889, acknowledging remittances
under date September 17th; and in reference to the Grand Lodge for New Zealand Movement, says :-
" Rest assured Grand Lodge will NOT recognise any New Grand Lodge as long as there are members willing
to work the Scottish holding Lodges at present existing. It will also uphold. its District Grand Lodges."

Under instructions of the District Grand Master, D.G. Secretary laid upon the table a report of the decisions
of the Lodges in the District on the Grand Lodge of New Zealand Movement.

The following is the result of the latest voting of Lodges under the jurisdiction of this District Grand Lodge.

Against, 13. For, 5—two of which are absolute in their decision in favour ; three conditional on their being a
majority of the whole Lodges in New Zealand being in favour ; two report no action taken ; and it is probable
that of these latter, one is in favour of the movement, and one against.

The names and numbers of the Lodges in favour are as follows :-
Clutha, 460—Provided a majority of Lodges in favour.
Westland Kilwinning, 467—Provided a majority is shown.
Wairau, 663.
Robert Burns, 692.
St. Andrew, 767—Provided a majority is shown.
Taieri, 620 }D.G. Secretary reports
St. John Kilwinning, N.E. Valley, 662 } no action taken.

The number of votes actually recorded on the question is not given, as in many cases no record was taken at
the time. Of those supplying the numbers, the decisions either way are nearly unanimous, and in those where
the record has not been kept they are mostly unanimous.

For the information of Lodges and Brethren, the voting on the Grand Lodge question, as far as can be
ascertained from reliable sources, is :

Against. For, No Reply.
Auckland, E.C. ... ... 17 2
Wellington ... 9 9
Canterbury 7 9 1 deferred.
Westland 6 1 3 no reply.
Nelson 3 1
New Zealand South 13 2 3 con. 2
Canterbury ... ... 3 3 2

The voting on the question in the Scotch Lodges in the North Island has not been ascertained, and cannot be
given ; but the District Grand Secretary states that he believes there is a large majority in favour of the
movement. From reliable sources, it is stated that a majority of the Irish Lodges in New Zealand are against
the movement. In the English District of Otago and Southland. nothing certain is known ; but it is well
known that a large number of the Lodges formerly in favour have withdrawn from the movement.

[Bro. Henry Neill, District Grand Secretary, has a happy way of arranging his figures. A Brother not
conversant with both sides of the Grand Lodge question would, from Bro. Neill's result of the voting on the
Grand Lodge question, as shown above, come to the conclusion that there were only 96 Lodges in the
Colony, of which 58 Lodges had declared against Grand Lodge.

Actual facts prove that there are 147 Lodges (5 dormant not counted) working in the Colony, of which 59
Lodges signed the declaration constituting Grand Lodges.

Further comment, we think, is not necessary.— ED. CRAFTSMAN.]
_________________________________________

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF CANTERBURY, S.C.
———

Report of Quarterly Communication of District Grand Lodge of Canterbury, S.C., held a Crown Lodge,
April 10, 1890. Present :—D.D.G.IVL, Bro. Chas. Louisson ; S.1).G-.7a11., Bro. H. T. Gourlay ; D.G.S.W.,
Bro. J. Wendelkin ; D.G.J.W., Bro. F. W. Francis ; D.C. Treas., Bro. W. Pink ; D.G. Sec., Bro. J. L. Carrell ;
D.G. Chap., Bro. W. Malcolm ; D.G.S.D., Bro, E. Eastwood ; D.G.J.D., Bro. F. Burgess ; D.G. Tyler, Bro.
Jas. Glen : J. C. Watson ; P.D.S.G.M., Bro. S. R. Bourat ; P. and J.W., 534; H. N. Anderson, 585; W. Barsht,;
W. F. McLean, P.M. 604; and other visitors.

D.G. Lodge was opened in due form at 7.30 by the D.D.G.M., Bro. Chas. Louisson. Lodges represented at
roll call :—Nos. 534, 576, 585, 604, 627, 675, 694.

Minutes of previous communication read and confirmed. Reports of G.L. of Scotland ; D.C. Lodge, South
Island, S.C. ; D.G. Lodge, Canterbury, E.C., received. Correspondence received from Grand Lodge
confirming the election of Bro. Louisson as D.G.M., and stating that the commission would follow by next
mail, which was received with acclamation from the members, and a resolution passed that Standing
Committee should take immediate steps to prepare fur the installation ceremony, and to hold it as soon as
possible after receipt of the commission. Circulars received in aid of rebuilding Mother Lodge of
Kilwinning, No, 0., which were received and held over ; from Lodge St. Augustine, forwarding copies of
revised bye-laws ; from Lodge 1VIetliven, 694, requesting District Grand Lodge to perform at an early date
the installation of office-bearers, which was left in the hands of the D.D.G M. to fix the date and convene
D.G.L. officers. Accounts amounting to £3 12s., for rent, tyling, postage, etc., were passed for payment, after
which D.C. Lodge was closed in due form at 10 p.m.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

OUR EXCHANGES ON THE GRAND LODGE MOVEMENT.
———

OUR venerated Bro. Capt. Isaac Lee, the tried and faithful representative in N.S.W. of the Grand Lodge of
Montana, received the following fraternal letter from the Grand Secretary of Montana, under date 25th
October, 1889 :—

" DEAR SIR AND BROTHER, —I must plead engagement in a heated political caucus incident to Montana's
admission as a sovereign State into the Union as excuse for my apparent neglect to answer your kind letter of
September 3rd. I sent you our printed proceedings, which contained the resolutions of recognition, a copy of

which, duly certified, I enclose to you herewith, for delivery. We have never given such recognition before,
otherwise than through our printed proceedings, which I hope will be more successful in reaching you. We
shall be happy to welcome New Zealand. In the good time coming I look for close and larger relations
between the United States and the rising Anglo-Saxon States of Australasia. With best regards for yourself,
and thanks for your faithful representation of Montana near your great and prosperous United Grand
Lodge.—Yours, etc., CORNELIUS HODGE, Grand Sec."

The following is the resolution passed :—" .Resolved, that the Grand Lodge of Montana learns with profound
and unalloyed satisfaction of the harmonious union of all the organised branches of the Masonic family
within the recently formed United Grand Lodge of New South Wales, and hastens to extend fraternal
greetings and a hand of greeting to this latest and best representative of Masonic solidity, conserving its
energies and resources for the common good. Esto perpetaa." —Freemason (Sydney).

WE learn from a telegram in the daily papers that Bro. Henry Thomson, of Christchurch, has been elected
Grand Master of the newly established Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Bro. Thomson was for several years
Deputy District Grand Master of Canterbury, E.C., and succeeded the late Dr. Donald as District Grand
Master. He is an able ruler, well versed in the laws, customs, and usuages of the Craft, and his past
administration has gained him golden opinions. The selection of Bro. Thomson as Grand Master is a good
one,—South Australian Freemason.

THE Freemason (London) says on the subject of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand :—" Our opinions have
been based on the knowledge we have had for many years past of the position of Freemasonry in New
Zealand and other colonies," and then goes on to speak of the " three .District Provincial Grand Lodges"
under England, Ireland, and Scotland in New Zealand. Our contemporary's opinions are evidently not well
founded. We may inform him that there are nine District (or Provincial) Grand Lodges in New Zealand.

FROM the New Zealand Craftsman of December 2, we gather that some pettifogging brethren are
endeavouring to retard the growth of the movement tending to the formation of a Grand Lodge in that
colony. Considerable stress is placed upon clauses in the English and Scotch Books of Constitutions which
provide that no lodge can become extinct when three brethren remain loyal to it, or in other words, that no
lodge can change its allegiance if three brethren object. This is an absurd contention, as the clauses alluded to
deal only with the life of an individual lodge, three members being allowed to retain its warrant. If the New
Zealand Lodges decide upon forming a Grand Lodge, the subordinates are not wiped out of existence, they
merely change their allegiance, and not their membership, nor dc their members retire from membership.
This is one of the weakest quibbles yet resorted to to block a worthy movement.—Canadian Craftsman.

THE formation of an independent Grand Lodge is being pushed rapidly, although the lodges are far from
being unanimous. The Scotch are strongly supporting the movement, and a " Basis of Union " has been
drawn up providing for the establishment of a Grand Lodge modelled almost entirely upon that of Scotland,
with the same extensive array of Grand officers, who, we are sorry to say, are to be all elected, a regulation
which, in a " parcelled out " country like New Zealand, is certain to lead to dissension, The Earl of Onslow is
to be asked - to become the first G.M., and the Prince of Wales to become Grand Patron.— South African
Freemason.

THERE are 122 lodges in New Zealand working under English, Scotch, and Irish Constitutions. It is proposed
to form a Grand Lodge composed of these bodies. It is a very proper thing to do.—Trestle Board. [The
Trestle Board is wrong in its figures. There are 152 lodges in the Colony, 147 of whom are working,—Ed.
CRAFTSMAN.]

Are Independent Grand Lodge in New Zealand is at last an established fact. Its incubation has been
protracted so much so, that we feared the egg would have become addled. We heartily congratulate the
sturdy advocates of local self-government for the successful result a their protracted labours, and feel sure
that the action taken is not " a leap in the dark "—on the contrary, it will lead to light and to an elevation of
the dignity and status of the Craft. It was simply preposterous that in a small colony like New Zealand,
inhabitated by a mere handful of people, that their should be ten bodies claiming and exercising the powers
of a Grand Lodge. Such a state of things was repugnant to good government, and detrimental to the best
interests of the Craft. It was high time these petty jurisdictions were wiped out, and one solid central body
created in their stead. The action of the District and Provincial Grand Masters of the various Constitutions

during this struggle for freedom has not been such as to commend them to the Craft. Their selfish ambition
crushed out all sympathy for unity and progress. They preferred the gratification of petty jealously; to
exhibiting a broad wholesome sympathy for the earnest desires of the majority. They talked union, but
preferred disunion. Luckily for the welfare of Masonry in New Zealand, the band of earnest cultured Masons
who had the Grand Lodge Movement in hand, declined to be influenced by the vacillating opinions of these
District rulers. They have boldly declared the Grand Lodge formed on a lawful Masonic basis, with five-
sixths of the Lodges in the colony tendering an enthusiastic adherence. They may, therefore, organise safely,
and we hope wisely. They need not worry about the non-adherence of the minority. It will join in time, and
that speedily. The weak sentimentalism which now restrains this minority will die of inanition, and ere 1890
closes, we are confident that unity will be supreme throughout New Zealand. Slay it be so is the earnest -
wish of all true Masons.— The Freemason, Sydney.

AN Independnent Grand Lodge is now an established fact in the " land of the Moa," despite the unexpected
change of front of some of the District Grand Masters, they having " ratted " in a manner that astounded
many. Those who so earnestly fought the battle of Masonic independence, wisely determined to "go alone,'
relying upon time to bring about that desirable unanimity, such as N.S. Wales alone enjoys. All hail, then, to
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand,—Sydney Freemason.

'SUPPLEMENT'

TO THE

NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.

SUBSCRIPTION : 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM
_______________________________________________________________________________________

VOL. I —No. 5.] MAY 1, 1890. {A.D., 1890 ; A.L. 5890
{A.M., 5650; A. In., 2420.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.
____________________

FIRST COMMUNICATION.

THE first communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was opened at half-past seven on April 29th,
in the St. Augustine Hall, Manchester-street, Christchurch. There was a large attendance, which was limited
to duly qualified members of Grand Lodge. All parts of New Zealand were represented.

At the hour named, R.W. Bro., E. T. Gillon proclaimed the inherent right of Lodges of Freemasons, in
"unoccupied territory," to take steps for the inauguration of a Grand Lodge, and tersely referred to the
constitutional measures that had been adopted.

The Acting Grand Secretary read the resolution adopted at the Wellington Convention on .September 11th,
1889.

Grand Lodge was, then opened in due form. The following brethren occupied official positions in Grand
Lodge for the evening :—Acting Grand Master, R.M. Bro. E. T. Gillen, Wellington ; Acting Deputy Grand
Master, Bro. Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., Dunedin ; Senior Warden, Bro. De Renzy, Dunedin ; Junior Warden,
Bro Hamerton, Wellington ; Senior Deacon, Bro. Walkley, Palmerston North ; Junior Deacon; Bro. Symons,
Auckland ; Grand Treasurer, Bro. Kirton, Feilding ; Secretiry, Bro. George Robertson; Wellington ;
Pursuivant, Bro. Lindsay, Wellington ; Grand' Sword Bearer, Bro. George Fisher, M.H.R., Wellington..

Proclamation of the opening of Grand Lodge was made by R.W. Bro. R. C-Bishop, D. of C., and the brethren
forthwith confirmed the election of R. W., Bro. Henry Thomson as the first Grand Master. Thereupon Bro.
Thomson was received with due honours.

The Acting-Grand Secretary read the report to the Grand Lodge, presented by the Executive Committee,
narrating in detail the steps taken for the establishment of the Grand Lodge.

Resolved—" That the report be received, and that the basis of union, as recommended by Convention, be
provisionally accepted, subject to further consideration and adoption by Grand Lodge." In connection
therewith, it was decided to substitute " Provincial " for " District " Grand Lodges, and to reduce the number
of Lodges necessary to form a Provincial Grand Lodge, from twenty to ten. Also, to increase the number of
Stewards to twenty.

A number of letters and telegrams of a congratulatory nature were read.

Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of officers, with the following results, which were absolutely
unanimous :-

Deputy Grand Master—Bro. A. S. Russell, Auckland.
Senior G. Warden—Bro. H. Feldwick, M.H.R., Invercargill.
Junior G. Warden—Bro. D. H. Macarthur, M.H.R., Fielding.
G. Treasurer—Bro. A. Kaye, Christchurch.

G. Registrar—Bro. J. Joyce, M.H.R., Christchurch.
G. Secretary—Bro. Rev. W. Ronaldson, Dunedin.
G. Chaplain—Bro. Rev. W. E. Paige, Masterton (one to be hereafter appointed.)
President, Board of General Purposes—Bro. C. A. C. Hardy, Rakaili.
President, Board of Benevolence —Bro. A. R. Kirk, Christchurch.
Senior G. Deacon—Bro. Dr. L. Boor, Nelson.
Junior G. Deacon—Bro. R. Price, Napier.
Superintendent of Works—Bro. J. E. McKelvey, Dunedin.
Director of Ceremonies—Bro. H. J. Williams, Wellington.
Bible Bearer—Bro. T. L. Murray, Thames.
Standard Bearer—Bro. G. C. Fownes, Wellington.
Pursuivant—Bro. A. Kidd, Auckland.
Organist—Bro. A. J. Barth, Dunedin.
Sword Bearer—Bro. W. W. De Castro, Blenheim.
Tyler—Bro. C. E. Briggs, Christchurch.
Assistant Sword Bearer—Bro. J. Page, Auckland.
Assistant Registrar— Bro. J. H. Hankins, Palmerston North.
Assistant Director of Ceremonies—Bro. Rev. T. F. Dodd, Balelutha.
Assistant Secretary—Bro. W. H. Cooper, Auckland.

Grand Stewards—Bro. C. Gilbertson, Invercargill ; Bro. G. Edgocumbe, Hamilton ; Bro. H. Caplin, Hawera;
Bro. N. Grace, Carterton ; Bro. T. Carr, Wellington ; Bro. F. J. Dawes, Petone ; Bro. F. E. Budge,
Reefton ; Bro J. A. Kirby, -Dunedin ; Bro. — Rogers, Kumara ; Bro. R. Bree, Gore ; Bro. C. Hall,
Christchurch ; Bro. J. Grubb, Lyttelton ; Bro. T. Brand, Brannerton ; Bro. Shearing, Tapanui ; Bro.
Walkley, Palmerston North ; Bro. Grump, Palmerston South ; Bro. Bray, Feilding ; Bro. Dalyrmple,
Masterton ; Bro. King, Coromandel ; Bro. H. S. Valentine, M.H.R., Gore.
Superintendents of Districts—Auckland Bro. Malcolm Nicol ; Wellington (not filled) ; Otago, Bro. A.
H. Burton, Dunedin ; Southland, Bro. W. H. Hall, Invercargill.

Resolved, " That the Board of General Purposes shall consist of, ex officio—Grand Master, Deputy Grand
Master, Wardens, Treasurer, Registrar, President of the Board, and Secretary ; also fifteen Masters or Past
Masters." A similar resolution was adopted constituting a Board of Benevolence.

Resolved, "That any Brother who has heretofore held Grand Lodge or District or Provincial Grand Lodge
rank under any recognised Constitution, be entitled, on joining the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, to equal
relative past rank under it, precedence being according to date of original appointment."

Resolved, " That a Committee of three Past Masters, Bros. Gillon, Hamer-ton and Robertson, be appointed to
draft the Constitutions of Grand Lodge, and that the draft as recommended by them be circulated amongst
daughter Lodges before coming on for consideration in Grand Lodge."

The question of clothing and jewels was referred to the Board of General Purposes for early consideration.

The salary of the Grand Secretary was unanimously determined in accordance with a recommendation to
Grand Lodge at £250.

Hearty good wishes were expressed, and the first communication of Grand Lodge was closed in ancient
form.

________________________________________

INSTALLATION CEREMONY.
———

On Wednesday, April 30th, one of the most imposing and the most important Masonic ceremony, ever held
in New Zealand, took place at the Oddfellows' Hall, Christchurch, in the shape of the installation of Bro. H.
Thomson as first M. W.G. M. of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The hall had been very prettily decorated
for the occasion, and reflected very great credit on the Committees to whom the work of arrangement had
been committed. The windows were draped alternately with purple and blue heavy curtains, whilst on the

pilasters were the names of the various Lodges throughout the Colony which have joined the Grand Lodge
movement. The names of the English Lodges were on a blue ground, whilst those of the Scottish were on
crimson. The gallery was draped heavily with curtains of a similar colour to those at the windows. The dais
was carpeted, and, with the Lodge furniture, some pretty tree ferns, and a number of screens, had a pretty
effect. When the hall was filled with Brethren in regalia, the whole effect was exceedingly striking. About
250 Brethren were present, and it was truly a representative gathering, every Lodge from Otago to Auckland
sending representatives. Bro. C. P. Hulbert, P.M., acted as Grand Director of Ceremonies, and discharged the
onerous duties of that office with much success. A strong choir, under the direction of Bro. R. T. Searell,
gave the various odes in excellent style, and added greatly to the general success which marked the whole
arrangements.

The Grand Lodge was officered as under :—Bro. E. T. Gillon, G.M. ; Bro. Vincent Pike, M.H.R., Deputy
G.M. ; Bro De Renzy, S.W. ; Bro Harnmerton, J.W. ; Bro. Walkley, S.D. ; Bro. Simons, J.D. ; Bro. Kirton,
Treasurer ; Bro. George Robertson, Secretary ; Bro. Geo. Fisher, Sword Bearer ; Bro. Lindsay, Pursuivant ;
Bro. C. E. Briggs, Grand Tyler.

Grand Lodge was duly opened, and the Grand Lodge officers elect and G.M. elect admitted.

The certificate of Bro. Thomson's election having been read, the ceremony of installation and investiture of
the M.W.G.M. and his officers were proceeded with.
Bro. E. T. Gillon acted as Installing Officer, and the M.W.G.M. was duly obligated, invested, and installed.

The proclamations were duly made in the east, west, and south, and salutes given, the choir singing
appropriate odes. between each proclamation.

Bro. Gillon received the rank of Past Deputy Grand Master, and Bro. Robertson that of Past Grand Secretary.
Bro. Gillon was also presented with a handsome gold jewel of office, suitably inscribed, as a mark of
recognition of the valuable services rendered byhim to the cause.

The investiture of Grand Lodge officers was then proceeded with as follows :– Bro. Macarthur, M.H.R., as
G.J. ; Bro. Kaye, G. Treasurer ;. Bro. J. Joyce, M.H.R., as G. Registrar ; Bro. Rev. Ronaldson, as G.
Secretary ; Bro. C. A. C. Hardy, as President Board of General Purposes ; Bro. A. R. Kirk, President Board
of Benevolence ; Bro. A. H. Burton, Superintendent of Otago District ; Bro. Dr. Boor, G.S.D. : Bro. W. H.
Cooper, Assistant G. Secretary ; Bro. T. E. McKelvey, G. Superintendent of Works; Bro. Rev. Fodd,
Assistant G. Director of Ceremonies ; Grand Stewards—Bros. Grace, Dawes, Bree, Hull, Grubb, Dalrymple,
Walkiey, and Bray.

Votes of thanks were passed to Bros. Gillon and Robertson, and to the Chairmen and members of the various
Masonic Unions throughout the colbny, for their assistance in bringing the efforts to establish a New Zealand
Grand Lodge to a successful issue, to Bro. Ritchey, W.M. St. Augustine, and his officers and brethren for the
loan of the Lodge-room and furniture, and to Bro. R. T. Search and the choir.

Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form.
_______________________________________

THE BANQUET.
———

A banquet to celebrate the occasion was held in the Hall of the Chamber of Commerce in the evening, when
about two hundred Brethren were present. Bro. Thomson,occupied- the chair, having on his right Bro.
Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., and on his left Bro. E. T. Gillon. The Grand Lodge officers-elect occupied seats at the
top table. The vice-chairs were filled by Bros. Hardy, C. Hull, and A. R. Kirk.

An Al spread was provided by Bro. Amyes, of the Al Hotel.

The following toasts were given :—" Queen and the Craft," " H.R.H. the Prince of Wales," " M.W. Grand
Master," proposed by Bro. E. T. Gillon and responded to by Bro. Thomson ; " Sister Grand Lodges,"
proposed by Bro: R. C. Bishop, P.M. ; " Success to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand," proposed by Bro.
Vincent Pyke, and responded to by Bro. E. T. Gillon ; "The R.W. Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lodge
Officers," proposed by Bro. C. P. Hulbert, and responded to by Eros. Burton and Cooper ; " Our Visitors,"

proposed by Bro. Kaye, and responded to by Bros. Geo. Fisher, M.H.R., Harkness, M.H.R., and Goodinge,
Victorian Constitution.

During the evening the Grand Treasurer, Bro. Kaye, announced that, besides the £5 sent by Bro. Peterkin as
a donation to the fund of benevolence, donations making the total up to £42 2s 6d had been received that
evening.

During the banquet the choir and Bros. Gardiner and Miller sang several glees and solos.

A very pleasant and harmonious meeting closed at an early hour.

Printed by MUNRO, HUTCHISON, AND CO. (LIMITED), Moray Place, and Published by T. G. DE RENZY,
Dunedin.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________

CORRESPONDENCE.
———

(Letters Intended for insertion must be accompanied in all eases 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 opiniopns expressed by our correspondents.]

———
MANY MEN, MANY MINDS.

———
To THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—May I ask your opinion on the following point ? A question has arisen
concerning which experienced Masons much differ Can a Lodge that by its delegates signed the declaration
for the establishment of a N.Z. Grand Lodge, with fairness temporarily withdraw from the movement,
considering, for instance, that sufficient unanimity has not yet been obtained to ensure success and
recognition. My own opinion is that inasmuch as original expectations have not been realised, every Lodge
has a right to reconsider its decision.

By so doing you will much oblige.—I am, etc.,
LUX E TENEBRIS.

——————————————————
THE LETTER " G."

———
TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER;—This is to thank you for inserting my first letter, as well as to thank Bro. "P.M.,
E. C." for such information as his letter contained respecting the letter "G," and still more for having noticed
my letter, although he did not supply an answer to my question. I think it strange that among so many old
and, presumably, learned members of our Fraternity as reside in Otago, that there should not be one to settle
so simple a matter, and able to produce ample authority for his decision. There should be unanimity ; either it
should be displayed in all Lodges, or it should not.

That there may be no misunderstanding, I repeat my query—Why should the letter " G " not be in sight from
the beginning of opening the Lodge?

Hoping you may find room for this.– I am, etc.,
E. G. LANE, 1111 E.C.
OAMARU, 19th April.

——————————————————
LODGE CLUTHA, 4G0, S.C., AND THE GRAND LODGE QUESTION.

———
To THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,— In your current number you have inserted a letter from Bro. T. G. R. Dodd,
R.W.M. of Lodge Clutha, No. 460, S.C., in which he impugns the accuracy of the report, in our printed
proceedings of his Lodge, on the New Zealand Grand Lodge question, and insinuates that the same mistake
may have been made regarding the determinations of other Lodges on the same question. I have to ask you,
as a matter of justice, to insert the following transcript from Bro. Dodd's letter to the District Grand Master,
in reply to circular sent requesting the result of the vote taken in his Lodge on the question, together with the
portion of the report to which he alludes :-
" None of the financial members of Lodge Clutha are prepared to renounce their allegiance to the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, as things stand now. They are unanimous in their intention, when the time comes, to
follow the lead of a majority of Lodges of all Constitutions in forming a Grand Lodge of New Zealand,"

The following is the District Grand Lodge report to which he takes exception :—
“Lodge Clutha, No, 460, for Grand Lodge of New Zealand, provided a majority of Lodges in favour."

Attached to the report is also a footnote dealing with the totals in which the action of his Lodge is clearly
defined as follows :-
" Lodges against, 13 ; for, 5, two of which are absolute in their decision in favour, three conditional on there
being a majority of the whole Lodges in New Zealand in favour ; two report no action taken, and it is
probable that of these latter one is in favour of the movement and one against."

The foregoing extracts show that the action of Lodge Clutha has been correctly reported, and Bro. Dodd may
rest assured that neither the members of District Grand Committee nor myself, whatever our personal
leanings may be, will ever condescend to misrepresent the Lodges in our reports.—I am, &c.,
HENRY NEILL,
D.G. Secy., New Zealand South.
Dunedin, April 14th, 1890.
[We thought it best, as Bro. Neill's letter reached us early in the month, to forward it to the R. W . Master
of Lodge Clutha. The following is Bro. Dodd's reply.—ED.]

——————————————
BRO. DODD'S REPLY.

———
To THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—I have no means of verifying the quotation from my report to District Grand
Lodge, but have no doubt Bro. Neill is correct. The meaning is plain enough. Till there was a majority of
Lodges of all Constitutions no move was made to establish the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

While acknowleding that Bro. Neill has justified himself from any imputation of misrepresenting the
question, yet it certainly did appear, from the first reading of the report, that Lodge Clutha was waiting to
follow the lead of a majority of Lodges under the Scotch Constitution.

My letter was written to vindicate the position of our Lodge, not in any way to hurt the feelings of anyone,
more especially our Brethren in Freemasonry, which I should be sorry to think it did. — I am, &c.,
T. G. R. DODD,
R.W.M. Lodge Clutha, 460, S.C.
Balclutha, April. 21st, 1S90.
___________________________________________________________________________________

THE BROKEN COLUMN.
———

BRO. WILLIAM LOW.
" Now is done thy long day's work ;
Fold thy palms across thy breast,
Fold thine arms, turn to thy rest."

THE removal of this old distinctive landmark from our midst opens a question which it will not be possible to
satisfactorily answer. Whilst "Sandy" Low was alive no one could dispute his title to being the oldest

resident within the bounds of the city of Dunedin. Now that his record is closed, on whom the honour rests is
open to doubt.

LOW was of Scotch descent, a fact which accounts for the change of his Christian name to that of " Sandy."
He was born in the Island of St. Christopher, in the British West Indies, in the year 1803, his father being a
navy man. Not having the advantages of early training, he betook himself to sea when not more than ten
years of age, and on board several vessels trading to and along the American coast he suffered some of those
bitter experiences which, fortunately, nowadays are not allowed to be perpetrated on boys of tender years.
Escaping from the tyrannies of the coastal trade in the end of the thirties he joined a sperm whale ship and
sailed for the South Seas. Often working with varied success, and having a prospect of a good share in the
work of two seasons, it was his misfortune to be wrecked on the New Zealand coast near Waipapapa Point,
and the result of two years' labours and endurance ended in a blank.

Cast ashore among the Maoris who inhabited that region, together with some of his shipmates, he quickly
made himself useful among the natives and became a favourite. He remained with them until 1846, when,
from information received that a settlement was to be formed at Otago, he hurried up, and joining the survey
party under Mr Kettle, he was in Dunedin before the first survey pegs were driven at the Octagon and Pitt
street. During an almost continuous residence of forty-four years, Low has witnessed all the ups and downs
of Otago life. He was never a rich man, but, in his occupation on the survey, as a waterman, or as a
bellringer, he had his mind on his work.

A good story went the round at the time bellringing on the street was stopped. Sandy was enunciatine a sale
by auction, and voice and bell were heard far and wide, when along came the highest city magnate, and said,
" Do not ring your bell so long as that." Sandy replied, " It is written, ' What thy hand findeth to do, do it
with thy might,'" and the bell rang forth more lustily than ever.

The result was, however, that an edict was passed by the City Council prohibiting the use of bells on the
street afterwards ; so poor Sandy's occupation was gone, much to the regret of everyone, he not being able to
blow his trumpet like Joe Munton. A very good likeness of Sandy is shown in the Exhibition, in the act of
proclaiming a sale by auction in 1860.

Although a humble citizen, Sandy was deservedly held in high estimation. He occupied at one time the
position of church officer to the Episcopalian congregation when their place of worship was located on Bell
Hill near the Gaol, and his attention to his duties merited and received recognition.

As a Freemason he deserves special mention. At the first meeting of the few " accepted brethren " in 1859 to
form the Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C., Sandy was tyler, and continued to hold that honourable and responsible
position in various Lodges until age and infirmity rendered him unfit to perform the duties attached to it,
when he was pensioned off, all the Lodges in Dunedin contributing, as well the two District Grand Lodges.
This pension will very likely be continued to his widow.

As a citizen, Sandy Low's career was of the highest merit. True, he was mixed up with one or two practical
jokes, but these were a protest against the empiricism of a new order of things being established as against
the old steady flame of slow progress. He leaves few behind him with a better record, as in his humble
sphere he always tried honestly to do his duty.

[We are indebted for the best part of the above obituary to the Otago Witness.]
_______________________________________________________________________________________

LIFE is half spent before we know what it is to live.

IN New Hampshire, a brother was tried for the following offence :—"Failing to pay the clergyman, a brother
Mason, who officiated at the funeral of his mother-in-law." He was suspended. Phew !

THE Queen has graciously consented to become a patron of the Grand National Masonic Bazaar, to be held
at Edinburgh at the end of this year for the purpose of raising the sum of £10,000 towards the extended
scheme of Scottish benevolence.

LODGE REPORTS.
———————————————————————————————————————————
Secretaries of Lodges, Scribes of Chapters, will confer a favour on the Editor of this Journal if they will forward
monthly a copy of their Lodge Circular to Lox 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.

PACIFIC LODGE OF REEFTON, 1453, E C., held its regular monthly meeting on April 8th. Only routine
business was transacted.
ST. JOHN'S LODGE, 1858, S.C., Ashburton, held its monthly meeting on April 10th, when Bro. T. H. Fox was
raised to the Sublime Degree of a M.M.
ULSTER LODGE, 475, I.C„ Petone, Wellington, held its regular monthly meeting on the 16th April. The
business was nomination of officers. A large number of the brethren were nominated for the various offices.
WE notice that Bro. W. Padget, P.S-M., formerly of Lodge Caledonian, Timapu, was elected W.D.M. of the
Darling Downs Lodge S.C., Toowoomba, Queensland, on the 7th March ; and Bro. T. Melvin, late of Lodge
Celtio, Dunedin, Senior Steward ; while our old friend and subscriber, P.M. Bro. T. Spiers is the first
R.W.M.
ST. JOHN'S LODGE, Ashburton. —The regular meeting of the St. John's Lodge, E.C., Ashburton, was held in
the Masonic Hall, on March 13th, the W.M., Bro. A. Orr, in the chair. Bro. Fox and. Bro, J. W. Baker, of.
Somerset Lodge, were passed to the P.C. Degree. The W.M., assisted by Bro. E. J. Paul, W.M., Somerset
Lodge, conducted the proceedings. The Lodge adjourned at an early hour, all those present immediately
attending the installation ceremony of the Somerset Lodge.—[This arrived too late for insertion in April.—
Ed. C.]
WE: have to thank the secretaries of Lodges who have so kindly answered our request for a copy of their
Lodge circulars per month. The majority, however, have taken no notice of the request. It will help us
considerably in making this journal interesting, and in touch with the times, if each Lodge would post us a
circular when issued. Please make a note of this, and govern yourself accordingly. For the future the
CRAFTSMAN will go to press on the 14th of each month. Our reasons for the change are stated in one of our
leading articles—consequently the next issue will not appear till the 13th June.
LODGE OF OTAGO, 844, E.C., held its regular monthly meeting on the 2nd April. The notice of motion given
by Bro Barth, the W.M., at the last meeting, was put to the members, and carried unanimously. The only
alteration being the insertion of the two wardens' names into the second clause. A telegram was ordered to be
sent to the W.M. the Grand Master-elect of the Grand 'Lodge of New Zealand, conveying the congratulations
of this Lodge upon his election. This Lodge has now ceased to work under the constitution of the Grand
Lodge of England, it having transferred its allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand ; and its next
meeting, on the 7th May, will be held under the new constitution.
LODGE HIRAM, 2008, E.C., Caversham, held their monthly meeting on the 22nd April ; the business was
passing. Two circulars were read from the acting Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand one
being the business paper for the forthcomino. Communication on the 29th, and the other relating to the cheap
fares for the members of Grand Lodge who wished to attend. A letter was received from P.M. Bro. Peterkin,
but for some unaccountable reason it was not read. Bro. Peterkin sent in his resignation, and asked if the
members who voted against the proposal to join the Grand Lodge could possibly be the same brethren who
so enthusiastically and unanimously voted in favour when he was in the chair. The letter also informed the
Lodge that he would be willing to rejoin when the Lodge was working under the New Zealand Constitution ;
and to the majority who voted for going over, they had his sympathy, and he would join them.
REMUERA LODGE, No. 1710, E.C., Auckland, held its regular monthly meeting on April 14th. The
installation and investiture of the W.M. and officers, was postponed till further notice.
LODGE OAMARU KILWINNING, 537 S.C., Oamaru, held its regular meeting on the 9th April. The business
was initiation. An emergency meeting of this Lodge was held on the 17th, when the business was also
initiation.

THE CROWN LODGE, No. 675, S.C., met at Sydenham, Christchurch, on the 1st May, when the business
transacted was the balloting for and initiation of Mr 1). Round, proposed by P.M. Bro. P. M. Burgess, and
seconded by Bro. A. W. S. Hillier.
KILWINNING OTAGO ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, 116, S.C., Dunedin, held its regular monthly meeting on the
28th inst., when Bro. James North, Otago Kilwinning, 417, S.C., proposed by Bro. H. Carter, seconded by
Bro. R. Turnbull, was advanced to the Mark Degree.
LODGE OF DUNEDIN, No. 931, F.C., held its meeting on the 15th April. The R. W .M. and officers of Lodge
St. John, S.C., North. East Valley, being present. The business of the evening was to raise Bros. Green and
Hallinan, which was ably done by the Bro. Capstiek, assisted by P.M's. Cameron and De Renzy. A grant of
£2 2s was made to a brother of Lodge Victoria, 1.C, Invercargill.
LODGE HIRAM, MARK MASTER MASONS, No. 272, E.C., held its regular-meeting at Dunedin on April 9th.
Bro. A. J. Barth, S.W., was unanimously elected Worshipful Master ; P.M. Master Bro. Robert Bamfield,
Treasurer ; and Bro. Meyer, Tyler. The installation was fixed. for 21st May. A vote of thanks was passed to
P.M. Master Bro. McKelvey for his many services. After the Lodge was closed, a Board of Installed Masters
was formed, when Bro. Carter, M.E.Z. of the Kilwinning Chapter, S.C., was given the installed Degree by
P.M. Master Bro. Chas. De L. Graham.
LODGE OTAGO KILWINNING, No. 417, S.C., Dunedin, held its regular monthly meeting on the 10th April.
Bros. Richardson and Hitchcock were raised to the high and sublime degree of M. M.'s, the ceremony. being
performed by the R.W.M., Bro. Brew, assisted. by the J.P.M., Bro. Basstian; Bro. Cole, S.W., giving the
charge and Bro. Carter, J. W., the Working Tools. P.M. Bro. Raffils gave a very interesting lecture on the
Tracing Board. An engrossed address was-ordered to be sent to Wellington to the late Secretary, Bro. G. C.
Jeffrey, testifying to his worth. Bro. Basstian, J.P.M., gave notice of motion that he would move at the next
meeting, " that P.M. Bro. Goldstien be elected an. honorary member of the Lodge." Bro. Basstian mentioned
that this brother had been a subscribing member to the Lodge for twenty-six year. P.M. Bro. Neill said he
should oppose the resolution. He had a great respect for Bro. Goldstien, but he would vote against it as a
matter of principle. The Lodge was closed at 10.15 p.m. Afterwards a pleasant hour was spent at the supper
table, where the health of the R.W.M. and his bride was proposed by P.M. De Renzy.
LODGE CELTIC, No. 477, S.C.—The regular monthly meeting of this Lodge was held at Dunedin on the 17th
April. The following was the buSiness :—" To ballot for and, if elected, initiate Mr. Hapa. Taiaroa, aged 20,
proposed by Bro. R. G. Smith, H W.M., seconded by Bro. C. Macandrew, P.M. ; also to ballot for and, if
elected, affiliate Bro. Wm. Gallaway, of Lodge Pacific, No. 1292 Hokitika, proposed by Bro. McLandress,
seconded by Bro. C. Macandrew, Treasurer." A combined re-union of Lodge Otago Kilwinning, No. 417,
S.C., and Lodge Celtic, No. 477, S.C., was held in the City Hall, Dunedin, on the 11th April. About ninety
couples attended, and the floor being in splendid condition. and the music of the best, all was enjoyment. The
music was provided by Bro. F. Robertshaw's string band, while Bro. H. Meyer looked after the refreshment
tables satisfactorily. Bro. Williams, Munro, and Jack acted efficiently as M.C.'s, and the affair was kept
going till about 4 a.m. Bro. Cook deserves a word for-his pretty decorations of the hall.
LODGE ST. ANDREW, 418, 8.C., Auckland, held its regular monthly meeting on April 28th. The business was
to pass Bros. Taylor and Mackie ; to raise Bro. Holle ; and to present diplomas. We notice, with pleasure,
that this Lodge holds a Lodge of Instruction on the first and third Friday in each month.
LODGE ARA, 348, I.C., Auckland, held its regular monthly meeting on the '7th April. The business transacted
was—to confirm minutes; to ballot for Bro. Henry Louis Posseneskie, M. M., Ara Lodge, No. 31 , I.C., as a
joining member, proposed by Bro. G. H. Powley, P.M., Secretary, seconded by Bro. A. S. Russell, P.M.,
Treasurer ; and the nomination of W.M. and officers for ensuing year.
WELLINGTON LODGE, 1521, E.C., Wellington. The regular monthly meeting of this Lodge took place on
Friday, April 18th. In spite of the inclemency of. the weather there was a very good attendance. The Third
Degree was conferred on a candidate by the W.M., Bro. W. D. Lyon, the charge being delivered by the S.W.,
Bro. T. H. Richardson. A vote was passed congratulating Bro. A. Gilbert on having recently entered the
married state, and the brethren also expressed sympathy with the widow of the late Bro. J. C. Davie, in the
loss she had sustained. After transacting some routine business the Lodge closed in love, peace, and harmony
at 10 p.m.—N.Z. Mail.
ABERGORN LODGE, No. 1813, E.C., Waipawa.—At the regular meeting of this Lodge on April 2nd, a
circular was read inviting attendance of Brethren to the installation of Bro. Henry Thomson, at Christchurch,

as the First Grand Master of New Zealand. The Secretary was instructed to reply that owing to the distance it
was unlikely any member of the Lodge would be able to be present. A ballot was taken for Mr. V. Jensen,
who was duly elected a member. P.M. Bro. Francis, owing to leaving the district, applied for his Demit. This
was .granted, and Lodge expressed its deep regret. Bro. Francis has been a member almost from the first, and
has given the Lodge great assistance. He has for some years been our installing Master, and to show a little
appreciation of hig efforts for the welfare of Freemasonry, it was unanimously decided to make him an
honorary member for life. Another gentleman was proposed as a member, and the Lodge then closed.
WAIROA SOUTH LODGE, 709, S.C., Auckland.—A meeting of the members of this Lodge was held on March
12th, when there was an unusually large attendance. Abut sixteen Brethren of the Craft went out from
Auckland to visit the Lodge at Wairoa. The party started in a five horse brake at 3.30 o'clock yesterday
afternoon, and arrived at Wairoa South at 7.30 o'clock. The road is not quite as level as a bowling-green, but
Mr Albert Crowther held the ribbons and handled the team with his well-known skill, and the party returned
to town all safe at five o'clock this morning, after a journey of about fifty-four miles. An amount of business
was transacted in the Lodge, including a passing and two raisings. Amongst those on the raised dais were the
R.W.M., Bro. Walker ; I.P.M., Bro. Atchison ; R.W.M. of Lodge Manukau, Bro. Bruford ; R.W.M. Lodge
United Service, Bro. Craig ; Past Masters D. McLennan, Evans, Ellison, and Lawry ; also Bro. M. Niccol,
S.P.G.M. In both passing and raising the candidates, the distinguished visitors rendered assistance, Bro.
Niceol working in the third degree in an impressive manner. When the Lodge was called off, ample
refreshments were supplied to the visitors prior to their start upon the return journey.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE premises of the Grand Lodge of England, in London, are now lighted by .electricity. This may lead to other
changes in this venerable body, which is not abreast of Masonic progress.—Freemason, Sydney.

THE " Prerogatives of Grand Masters" is becoming a burning question in many Grand Lodge jurisdictions in
America. Those who have probed the .question fail to find any justification for a tithe of the power claimed to be
invested in the office of Grand Master.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

LODGE OF CONCORD, No. 1925, KC., Papanni.—The ninth anniversary of this Lodge was celebrated on
Friday, the 14th March. The attendance was on this occasion not so large as was anticipated. The following
P.M.'s were present, viz., Bros. Booth, earning, Kirk, Buchanan, Gourley, Hanson, Wolfe, Hancock, and
Gundry. Bro. Charles Amyes, P.M., having been re-elected W.M., there was no installation ceremony on this
festival. Bro. Thomson, D.G.M., however, was present, and delivered the customary installation address to
the brethren, and invested the Wardens and other officers for the year ensuing—Bro. Parker, S.W. ; A.
Johnson, S.W. ; J. W. Horner, Treasurer ; C. J. Wilkins, Secretary ; J. W. Jackson, S.D. ; R. D. Strange, J.D. ;
L. J. Cox, I.G. Bro. George May, who is the oldest Tyler, and provably the oldest Colonial Mason, in the
colony, has been again elected Tyler of the Lodge. The first term under the administration of Bro. Amyes has
been one worthy of record, the number of gentlemen admitted to membership being seventeen—a total
eclipsing any of his predecessors in the chair by more than double that of the most popular and respected
P.M. Under a new declaration of trust, a fresh batch of trustees has been appointed ; the mortgage debt has
been reduced by £50, and with other incidents vital -changes have come over the Lodge, whilst on the other
hand there are a few resignations from well-known brethren. Foremost among the new trustees is the name
of Bro. Amyes, and in view of this fact and the difficulties surrounding the matter of trusteeships generally,
the brethren determined to mark their appreciation of the services rendered to the Lodge by presenting him
with a P.M.'s jewel. Bros. Canning, Strange, and Wilkins were appointed a committee to carry out the wishes
of the brethren in this respect. Bro. Sandstein, of Cashel street, Christchurch, was entrusted with the
manufacture of the jewel, and its excellent value and workmanship called forth expression of complete
satisfaction. The following inscription was engraved on the reverse :—" Presented by the brethren of the
Lodge of Concord to Bro. Charles Amyes, P.M., in recognition of the valuable services rendered to that
Lodge during his term of office as Master, March 15th, 1890." For the greater comfort of those present, the
banquet was held at the Town Hall, where upwards of 100 sat down to a sumptuous spread, furnished by the

proprietor of the " Al "Hotel. Some excellent music and songs made time pass most pleasantly, and alas ! but
too swiftly.
CORINTHIAN LODGE, No. 1655, Thames.—There was a full muster of the Craft to take part in this
installation ceremony, on April 8th. There were several distinguished visitors present, including Bro. Lodder,
D.D.G.M. ; Bro. La Roche, D.G.S.W. ; Bro. J. P. Clarke, P.D.G. Secretary ; Bro. H. Newton, P.M.—all from
Auckland ; and Bro. Patterson, W.M. of the Lodge of Light ; Bro. Burton, P.M. and Bro. Adams, P.M. The
Deputy District Grand Master Lodder made a presentation to the retiring W.M., Bro, Theo. Wood, of an
exceedingly handsome Past Master's jewel, which he did in a complimentary speech. The following officers
were installed with the usual ceremonies :— W.M., Bro. F. C. Bayldon ; S.W., Bro. W. H. Phillips ; J. W.,
Bro. Ezra Cartwright ; Treasurer, Bro. Louis Melhose ; Secretary, Bro. R. H. Ellis ; S.D., Bro. F. Dobbs;
J.D., Bro. J. Dreyer; D.C., Bro. J. Ross; Organist, Bro. M. Trewheeler; 8.S., Bro. R. W. Pearson ; J.S., Bro.
G. Hakett ; LG., Bro. John Northey ; Tyler, Tiro. F. R. G. Woodward, P.M. The choir consisted, in addition
to the organist, of Bro. S. Catran, lire. W. Tregonning, and Bro. Dobbs, and the -excellence of their music
was quite a feature of the evening. They received a hearty vote of thanks for their services. The installation
ceremony was very ably performed by Bro. Burton, P.M. of the Corinthian Lodge.
SOMERSET LODGE, 1811. E.C.—The Installation of W.M, and investiture of -officers of the Somerset Lodge,
1811, E.C. took place in the Ashburton Masonic Hall, on March 13th. There was a large attendance of
members, as well as many visiting Brethren from the St. John's, E.C., and Thistle, S.C., Ashburton, South
Rakaia, Southern Cross (Kaiapoi), Waitaki, and other Lodges. The ceremony was performed by the
R.W.D.G.M., Bro. H. Thomson, assisted by Bro. H.. W. Felton, P.M., and C. Braden, P.M., acting D.G.W.'s.
A strong choir under the direction of Bro. H. Gates, organist of St. John's Lodge, rendered the musical' parts
of the ceremony. Bro. J. R. Colyer, S.W., was installed W.M. for the ensuing twelve months, in succession to
Bro. E. J. Paul, who retires to the chair-of I.P.M., and the following officers were invested :—Bro. C. W.
Baker, S.W. ;: J. M. Cambridge, J.W. ; W. Pattman, re-elected Treasurer ; C. Braddell, P.M., Secretary ; • W.
S. Collier, S.D. ; J. Mullaney, J.D. ; W. Zander, D.C. ; Crooks, LG. ; W. Matthews and J. Cunning, Stewards
; R. Cullen, re-elected Tyler. A banquet was afterwards held, the usual toasts being duly honoured.. The
R.W.D.G.M. gave some interesting particulars with reference to the progress of the Grand Lodge. The
Somerset fudge is now again in a very prosperous condition, and there seems every prospect of the success
that has attended the Lodge during Bro. E. J. Paul's Mastership being continued during Bro. Colyer'syear of
office, the new Master being a zealous and true-hearted Mason, and one who is held in the highest esteem by
the whole of his Brethren. [We regret that this was not in our April number, but unless copy reaches us by
the 25th of the month it has to be held over.—ED.]

_______________________________

CONSECRATION AND INSTALLATION.
———

LODGE ST. GEORGE; No. 1801, E.C., DARGAVILLE, AUCKLAND.
———

IN November, 1888, a fire occurred which destroyed the Foresters' Hall, which had been for years past rented
by the Masons of Lodge St. George, for holding the meetings of the Lodge, since which time the Court-
house, by permission of the Minister of Justice, has been the meeting-place of the Lodge. The brethren,
however, felt the urgent necessity of having a hall of their own, and Mr. and Mrs. Dargaville offered a site
wherever they might choose in the township, an. absolute freehold, as a gift, and supplemented the same by a
donation of £25. towards the building fund of a hall to be dedicated to Freemasonry.

The consecration of this building took place on Friday, March 7th, to which was added the installation of the
W.M. for the present year. The officers of the District Grand Lodge present were :—W. Lodder. D.G.M., J.
P. Clark, P.D.G. Secretary ; D.G.S. W. Garrett, P.M., 2180, E.G. ; Henry G. Wade, D.G. Treasurer ; G.
Woods, 1647, E.C. ; J. R. Hanna, P.M.D.C., 348, ; George H. Powley, P.G.S.W., I.C. ; Col. Shepherd, W.M.,
1710, E.C. ; C. Grey, W.M., 689, E.G., D.G.S. ; Henry F. Windsor,' 133S, D.G.D.C. ; Charles LaRoche,
D.G.S.W. ; 8. M. Herapath, S.W., 1338, E.C., organist ; E. H. Gulliver, P.M., 1338, B.C., D.G. Chaplain ; W.
R. Walker, S.W., 1710, E.C., D.G.S. ; and many others also. Other Lodges were represented. The District
officers and many visitors arrived by s.s. Kina on Thursday evening at the time-that the regular meeting of
Lodge St. George was taking place. Bros. Dargaville, P.M., and Raynes, Treasurer, met the Auckland
brethren on board the steamer,. and welcomed them.

The members and visitors met in the new Lodge-room at noon, when, after the officers of Lodge St. George
opening due form, the D.G.L. officers were received, after which the Masons, under the charge of Bros.
Garrett and Windsor, formed a procession and marched in regalia, etc., to Trinity Church, where service was
held, and the Rev. E. H. Gulliver, District Chaplain, gave an address, which was very impressive. The
procession then re-formed and marched hack to the Lodge, from which an adjournment took place for lunch.
After lunch the consecration was proceeded with, which was done in a solemn and impressive manner by the
D.D.G.M. Bro. Herapath played the music appropriate to the occasion. The District Grand Lodge having
closed, the officers then .returned for the business of the installation. The officers installed were McLeod,
W.M. ; F. L. Beart, S.W. ; S. Powell, J.W. ; A. Raynes, Treasurer ; George Lourie, Secretary ; A. Hood, S.D.
W. Hand, J.D. ; J. McLean, LG. ; Tyler, S. Dell. The ceremony being concluded, the Lodge was closed, and
the .brethren and visitors at 6 p.m. adjourned to a banquet provided for them in a room at the back of the
public hall. Guests to the number of 40 sat down, and .great praise is clue to Mr. and Mrs. McLean, who
prepared it. After the usual Masonic toasts had been drunk, an adjournment took place until nine p.m., when
the ball, given also by the brethren of Lodge St. George, commenced, about 200 .being present.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF MENTION.
———————————————————————————————————————————
SECRETARIES of Lodges, do not forget to send reports regularly.
THE Grand Secretary of South Australia is a candidate for Parliamentary honours.
THE Queen has granted a pension of £50 to Bro. Dr. Sparks, author of the Liter Muricus.
IT is a pity Lodges do not pay a. little more attention to the musical portion of the ceremonies.
WE want all items of interest from your Lodge. Will the secretaries kindly furnish us with them.
TRAVELLERS report that more English is spoken on the European continen this year than ever before.
THE oldest minutes extant of an English Lodge are those of the Alnwick Lodge, which goes back to 1651.
IN 1874 the Grand Lodge of England ruled that minutes are " merely a record of what was passed and
concluded."
A MASON—Bro John Munro—erected Melrose Abbey in 1136, and Bro. Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul's
Cathedral, in 1675.
LODGE CANTERBURY, 1048, B.C., has decided not to join the Grand Lodge. Lodge Tongariro, 705, B.C.,
Wanganui has done likewise.
ON Tuesday, the 15th April, Bro. Sydney James, D.G. Secretary of Otago and Southland, B.C., completed
his forty-third Masonic year.
THE Board of Benevolence of the Grand Lodge of England, during 1889, relieved 358 cases with £9144. In
1888, 439 cases received £11,468.
WE notice that our old friend, P.M. Geo. Gordon, is a member of the Board of General Purposes of South
Australia. Bro. Gordon is in the right place.
THE Grand Mark Lodge of England has over £1600 to the credit of its three benevolent funds. It educates
thirty-two children in a home specially provided.
SAYS an experienced P.G.M. : " Show me an enthusiastic Master, supported by good sense, and I vouch for a
live active Lodge ; without it the Lodge is dead."
OWING to the temperature the brethren of Willyama Lodge, Broken Hill, have decided to all appear in Lodge
in white clothing. Our Dunedin hall would suit these brethren nicely.
THE Grand Lodge of Scotland, during the quarter ending November last, dispensed £170 in benevolence.
New South Wales beats that record. The income of Grand Lodge is about £5000 a year.
BRO. JACQUES, in the Voice of llicconry, very aptly describes the S. and A. Rite as " an elevator, which takes
him quickly from the basement to the top floor, without the delay of stopping at any intermediate points."
FUNDS are now being raised at Nice, in Italy, to complete a monument to. Bro. Garibaldi in that city, his
birthplace.
WARRANTS for forty-three new Lodges were issued in 1889 by the Grand Lodge of England. In 1888 the
number was fifty-six.

AFTER the ballot has been taken the Deacon ought to show the result to the three principal officers beginning
with the Junior Warden.
IT is very strange how few reading Masons there are. The large majority of Masons care not two straws for
the literature of the institution.
ON the feast of Epiphany, the customary offering of gold, frankincense, and myrrh was made on behalf of
the Queen at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace.
CHICAGO is to have the finest Masonic Temple ia the world. It is to be-erected in the very near future, if the
negotiations now pending do not miscarry, and will cost £50,000.
HERE is an extract from a Canadian Lodge minute book, dated March 11th, 1808: " That Bro. Abel Land
agrees to furnish the Lodge with whisky at 5s per gallon." How times are changed.
We have made arrangements for an experienced brother to study this Chinese Society from a Masonic
standpoint, and report the result of his observations in our next issue.—Sydney Freemason.
No less than 374 Pullman sleeping and dining cars were used to transport the Knight Templars from various
parts of the States to Washington to attend the Triennial Convention. What a lesson of Masonic unity.
THE wife of a politician, who has an eye for the main chance, keeps a scrap- book of all the
uncomplimentary things printed about her husband, which is an index for ready reference in seasons of
domestic unpleasantness.
THE Grand Lodge of Illinois enacts that a petition for a new Lodge must be signed by not less than eight
Master Masons, and recommended by three nearest Lodges. This prevents puny Lodges being brought into
existence.
THAT growing evil—canvassing office—is being sternly dealt with by many American Grand Lodges. Some
go so far as to render a candidate who canvasses ineligible for office for a term of years. We endorse the
penalty.
THE Freemason, Sydney, says : In some of the Canadian Lodges the refreshment table is laid in the Lodge-
room, the brethren calling off for refreshment during work. We do things a trifle more dignified in the land
of the kangaroo."
THE District Inspectors of the Knight Templars in Illinois are commanded to "inspect all commanderies in
their districts, once at least in each year, thoroughly examine all records, and send in a full report." This is
worthy of imitation in Blue Masonry.
COLONEL SIR NORMAN PRINGLE, Bart., now W.M. of Lodge Moira, No. 92, E.C., London, can trace a
Masonic pedigree of 210 years, his great-great-great-granduncle being a member of the Lodge of Edinburgh
in 1670, and his triple great-grandfather W.M. in 1702.
THE arrangements for the Masonic bazaar in Glasgow are getting on very well. In every part of the province
the subject is being takes op and discussed in the right spirit. The Lodge Caledonian Railway voted £10 10s
at their meeting recently, without a questioning murmur.
AS intelligence increases, the inspiration of Masonry will illuminate the masses, and the brethren will unite
to burst the bonds which at present limit the inquiries, and be, indeed, Free. They will enforce their claims to
the, prerogative of self-judgment, and no longer endure the debasement of being Freemasons only in name.
—Masonic Chronicle.
“THE Knights of Kadosh are the legitimate successors of the Templars. None but the earliest and sincere
men, unselfish, and whose philanthropy is not a mere name, but a practical reality, should enter here—such
as will do Masonry good service in the war which she is waging against the enemies of the human race—a
lover of wisdom. and an apostle of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity."
THE circulation of the Freemason, Sydney, is 4000. They evidently have some reading Masons in New
South Wales.
HAVE you any old Masonic books or pamphlets of any kind that you do not want ? If you like, you can give
them to us.
WE shall feel obliged if the W.M. of Lodges will cause to be sent to us notification of the death of a member,
together with the Masonic history of the deceased brother, for publication.
ON the 22nd February the London Freemason gave an account of the consecration of the Cycling and
Athletic Lodge, No. 2335— a Lodge specially intended for brethren of athletic proclivities.

THE Boys' School has vacancies for 30, and the number of candidates is 68. The Girls' School has vacancies
for 21, and the candidates are 46. The limits of age for leaving the schools are for girls 16 and for boys 15
years.
" COLLECTOR" desires to thank those brethren who have been good enough to send him on a copy of their
Lodge summons to add to his collection, and will be glad to receive others addressed " Collector," care of
Editor, Freemason, London.
THE Sandhurst Masonic Hall has had a £2000 addition made to it, part of which is a new kitchen capable of
cooking for 300, as also a new exit and improved ventilation. The hall is now one of the most complete of its
kind in the provinces.
THE following notice of motion has been given in the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia :—" All newly elected
Masters of Lodges (not being Past Masters) before being installed as such, shall be examined by either a
Board of Installed Masters that may be selected, or by the District Deputy Grand Master personally, as to the
proficiency of the said W. Master-elect to Ell the office."
IN a Lodge minute of June 20th, 1754, it is stated that a Bro. Cryer was "hauled over the coals," and that the
members agreed that he "should not at any time hereafter have any vote in any matter, cause, or anything
whatever, for it was thought the said Bro. Cryer behaved extremely ill, and absolutely broke through the laws
in refusing to pay one bottle of wine for entering into the holy state of matrimony."
WRITING to the Empire Lodge in 1885, the Grand Secretary of England said : " In consequence of
irregularities that have in some eases taken place, I think it well to remind you that the brethren who sign the
petition, as petitioners, are the only founders of a Lodge, and that, therefore, no brother who has snot signed
the petition can become a member of the Lodge until he has been regularly proposed, seconded, and balloted
for in open Lodge."
_______________________________________________________________________________________

EXTRACTS FROM EXCHANGES.
———

AT a meeting of " Star of the West Lodge, No, 2107, E.G., Hughenden, Queensland, two brothers came over
100 miles to attend, another rode 170 miles, day and night, in order to be present. This speaks well for our
Queensland brethren.
WE have received No. 7 of the Queensland Freemason's Magazine, published at Brisbane. It is a well got up
little monthly, well printed, and interesting ; a strong feature is the advertisements. We have placed this
journal on our exchange list, and shall he glad to receive a like courtesy in return. If the editor would kindly
send us the first six numbers we would feel obliged.
OUR leading article of January drew attention to the position of the English charities. The facts published
above bear out our argument that England has-enough to do at Home in the matter of benevolence. It
therefore behoves the brethren in New Zealand to now lay the foundation of a benevolent fund which in
years to come will be of material assistance to those unfortunates who may have to claim assistance. Let us
end as soon as possible the farce of pretending to consider a benevolent appeal by following the example of
the United Grand Lodge of New South 'Wales, which has a Benevolent Fund of £3508 l0s 8d ; Orphan Fund,
£16,000 ; General Fund, £1368 13s 11d ; and has in addition:—Masonic Scholarship at the University,
Masonic Cottage Hospital, Aged and Destitute Freemason's Fund, Masonic Boys' School, and a Masonic
Hall second to none in the colonies.
AT a recent meeting of the Lodge of Industry at Lahore for installation purposes, the attendance was only
two and twenty, yet the toasts at the banquet were proposed in six European and seven Oriental languages—
French, German, Latin, Italian, Hebrew, Urdu, Persian, Bengali, Sanskrit, Hindi, Dutch, Guzerati, and the
D.G. Master wound up with an amusing specimen of the lingua franca spoken by the Punjaubi pleaders
practising before the chief courts. How a New Zealander would have enjoyed himself at this entertainment.
THE G.M. of Delaware laid a corner-stone and dedicated the structure at one time. The G.M. of California,
commenting on this, says :— "We cannot but think, therefore, that little Delaware has made a new discovery
in the way of economising time and expense of ceremonies. The nearest approach thereto which ever came
under our observation was at the laying of the corner-stone of an African Methodist Church, we being
merely a looker-on. The sable brethren and sisters went through with all the necessary motions, including

music, exhortations, &c., and then the corner-stone was carefully carried to an adjoining building, to remain
for several days until the workmen should get ready for it." —Canadian Craftsman.
THE Grand Lodge of all Scottish Freemasonry in India, on December 2nd, presented the Duke of Connaught
with his patent as honorary Past Grand Master. Sir Henry Morlaud, the Grand Master, at the banquet
afterwards, rose to give the first toast of obligation, which was that of "Her Most Gracious Majesty the
Queen-Empress and the Craft." He said he was sure that her Majesty had no more loyal subjects in her vast
dominions than the Freemasons. That her Majesty was deeply sensible of the loyalty of Freemasons was
exemplified by the fact that lie had heard with pleasure at a meeting of prominent Masons, just before he left
England for Bombay, that the Queen-Empress was about to become the Patroness of Freemasonry in
England. He had made use of such slight persuasive arguments as he possessed to induce the Grand Lodge of
Scotland to ask her Majesty also to undertake the patronage of the Scottish Freemasonry, and to move the
Grand Lodge in a similar way, so that in course of time they might hope to have one Grand Lodge for the
United Kingdom, and be bound by the same bonds of brotherhood as they were at present under the different
constitutions. The Duke of Connaught when proposing the toast of " Sir Henry Morland, the Grand Master of
All Scottish Freemasonry in India," said : " Brethren,—It is difficult in the presence of the Grand Master, and
as his guest, to say what I would wish on the subject of this toast. However, from what has fallen from his
own lips, I think I may safely say that he went home with a great object, and we hope he has come back with
the object nearly fulfilled. We have heard how much he has laboured towards bringing together of the
different constitutions ; we have heard how he saw all the principal officers, both of the English and Scottish
Constitutions ; and we have also heard from his lips how he hoped that some little passing difficulties that
had existed would be finished for ever. That being the case, we owe the Grand Master a deep debt of
gratitude, and I am sure that what he has done will enhance his popularity. I am indeed sensible of the right
hand of fellowship that he has so warmly extended to me this evening, and I thank him for the very great
kindness he has shown me personally, and also as the District Grand Master of Bombay." This looks as if
there will be only one constitution working in India shortly.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

T0 SUBSCRIBERS AND OTHERS.
Subscriptions should be forwarded to Bro. T. G. DE 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 he 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. M`Kelvey.
} Bro. McCorkindale, Lodge Hiram.
INVERCARGILL—Bro. E. H. Whitmore.
OAMARU.—P.M. Bro. G. Greenfield.
TIMARU.—E. Tipping, agent, Lyttelton Times Company.
CHRISTCHURCH. } Bro. W. Cuming, Station Road, Addington.
} Bro. W. V. Bloor, 30, Aldred Street.
ASIITHTRTON,—Bro. R. Cullen,
WELLINGTON.—P.M. Bro. Meek.
AUCKLAND.— } Bro. Boskill, care of Mr Wildman, Stationer, Queen Street...
} Bro. H. G. Melton, Wellesley Street, Auckland.
NELSON.—Bro. Thomas Scott, W.M., 1927, E.C.
MASTERTON.—Bro. G. S. W. Dalrymple, S.W.
WANDANUI.—Bro. Morford Cottle.
LYTTELTOY.—Bro. F. Schmidt, W.M.
GORE.—Bro. Jas. Boyne.
TEMUKA.—Bro. A. W. Gage.

WESTPORT.—Bro. A. Hansen.
REEFTON. — Bro. D. O. Preshaw.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

ANTED, Energetic Brethren to act as AGENTS for this Paper, in places unrepresented ; a liberal
cominission given. Address Bro. De Remy,. P.O., Box 322, Dunedin.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

CRAFT LODGES, E.C.
————————

The charge for Advertising Lodges, with names of officers, times and places of meeting, &c., is 21 per
anutun, payable yearly, in advance—this includes a copy of the CRAFTSMAN.

LODGE NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC, No. 517.
Founded 1842, meets every month in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the Monday nearest full moon, at 8
p.m.

W.M. Bro. H. M. Lyon.
S.W. .. Bro. R TRIGGS.
J. W. Bro. W. HEGINBOTHAM.
Secretary ... ... Bro. J. A. HEGINBOTHAM, 38, Cuba Street Wellington.

Installation in July.

<Pages 172 to 179 not scanned>

W