THE

NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN
.

SUBSCRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM

VOL. I.—No. 7.] JULY 16, 1890. A.D., 1890; A.L., 5890; A.M., 5650; A. In., 2420.

THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND AND THE
FRENCH ORIENT.

N 1877, the Grand Orient of France wiped out from its Constitution and Ritual the question about belief
in God. The Grand Lodge of Ireland at once passed a resolution prohibiting all the Grand Orient French
Masons from visiting Irish Lodges. On the 5th December, 1877, the Earl of Carnarvon, Pro. Grand

Master of the Grand Lodge of England, introduced the Grand Orient question to the Grand Lodge, and
recommended the appointment of a committee upon the question at issue. On the 6th March, 1878, the
committee appointed by the Grand Lodge of England, consisting of Lords Carnarvon, Ske]mersdale, Leigh,
Tenderden, and Donoughmore, Rev. J. C. Martin, Messrs A. E. J. McIntyre, J. B. Monkton, H. C. Levander,
and R. F. Gould, presented the following report and resolutions : " The committee appointed to consider the
recent action of the Grand Orient of France, beg to report that the Grand Lodge of England has received
information that the Grand Orient of France has resolved by a considerable majority to rescind the first and
second paragraphs of its Constitution, and to substitute ror them the following laws ? -

The Laws as they formerly stood read thus As they now stand they read asfollows,—,_
Freemasonry, an institution essentially Freemasonry, an institution essentially
philanthropic, philosophical, and pro- philanthropic, philosophical, and pro
gressive, has for its object the inquiry after gressive, has for its object the inquiry
truth, the study of universal morality, after truth, the study of universal morality,
sciences, and arts, and the practice of sciences, and arts, and the practice of
benevolence. benevolence.

1st. Its principles are the existence of 1st. Its principles are absolute liberty
God, the immortality of the soul, and of conscience and human solidarity.
human solidarity.

2nd. It regards liberty of conscience and. It excludes no person on account
as the common right of every man, and of his belief.
excludes no person on account of his
belief.

3rd. Its motto is Liberty, Equality, 3rd. Its motto is Liberty, Equality,
and Fraternity. and Fraternity.

"The Committee have carefully considered this action on the part of the Grand Orient of France, and having
regard to all the circumstances of the case, they have unanimously agreed to recommend the following
resolutions for the adoption of the Grand Lodge :

"First Resolution—That this Grand Lodge views with profound regret the step taken by the Grand Orient of
France, in thus removing from its Constitution those paragraphs which assert a belief in the existence of
T.G.A.O.T.U., because such an alteration is opposed to the traditions, practice, and feeling of all ` true and
genuine' Masons from the earliest to the present time.

"Second Resolution—That this Grand Lodge, whilst always anxious to receive in the most fraternal spirit the
brethren of any foreign Grand Lodge, whose proceedings are conducted according to the Antient Landmarks
of the Order, of which a belief in T.G.A.O.T. U is the first and most important, cannot recognise as `true and
genuine' Brethren any who have been initiated in Lodges which either deny or ignore that belief.

I

"Third Resolution—That in view of the foregoing resolutions the W. Masters of all Lodges, holding under
the Grand Lodge of England, be directed not to admit any foreign brother as a visitor, unless—first : He is
duly vouched for, or unless his certificate shows that he has been initiated according to the antient rites and
ceremonies, in a Lodge professing belief in T.G.A.O.T.U., and second : Not unless he himself shall
acknowledge that this belief is an essential Landmark of the Order.

"Fourth Resolution—That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be transmitted to the Grand Lodges of
Scotland and Ireland, to each Grand Lodge with which this Grand Lodge is in communication, and to the W.
Masters of all Lodges holding under the Grand Lodge of England, and that it be an instruction to the W.
Master of each Lodge to read these resolutions at the first meeting of his Lodge after the reception thereof;
and to direct that they shall be entered upon the minutes."

After the resolutions were read, the Pro. Grand Master made a speech, in which he defined each of the above
resolutions. His Lordship said : "That inasmuch as the majority of the (French) Lodges have been in
existence before the alteration was made, and it may be that the visitor who comes may either be one who
was initiated previous to that change, or subsequent to that change, they felt that there was no way out of the
difficulty, after long discussion, except to require him to pledge his word that the belief in the existence of
T.G.A.O.T.U. was a fundamental principle of the Order."

On consulting the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, we find that the said Grand Lodge merely
adopted the identical resolutions that were sent them by the Grand Lodge of England.

We have been deluged with letters asking for a copy of the resolutions passed by the Grand Lodge of
England in connection with the French Grand Orient. We have given them, and we hope every Mason in the
Colony will study them. Worshipful Masters and Wardens should carefully consider the second resolution,
and the second part of the third resolution. We wonder how the Brethren of Lodge " L'Amour de la Vérité "
will answer when requested to state whether they acknowledge that a belief in T.G.A.O.T.U. is an essential
Landmark of the Order ?
__________________________________________________________________________________

APOLOGY.
WE gave the likeness of the Grand Master and his Deputy ; the first was a decent production, but only Bro.
Thompson’s intimate friends knew him ; the second, that of Bro. Russell, was a very crude production,
though an excellent likeness. Had the price of the " Works of Art" been in proportion to their merits we
would have continued the series, but we are compelled to stop until arrangements can be made either in
Australia or America for a decent article at a moderate price. Will the Grand Lodge Officers please accept
this apology ? We are again compelled to hold over our list of Agents, Subscribers, &c. Our readers will
notice that Reports of Installations are in excess this month, and consequently take up the space that ought to
be devoted to subscribers.
___________________________________________________________________________________

THE JUNE NUMBER.

THE issue of June is exhausted. Our Agents will please return as many copies as they have left, and if any of
our readers don't require their copies, they would confer a favour by posting to the Publisher, Box 322, P.O.,
Dunedin.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

POETRY.
BROTHERHOOD OF MAN.

ABOU-BEN-ADIUEM—may his tribe increase !
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw within the moonlight of his room,
Making it rich and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel writing in a book of gold :
Exceeding peace had made Ben-Adhem bold ;

And to the presence in the-room he said,
" What writest thou ?" the vision raised its head,
And, in a voice made all of sweet accord,
Answered, " The names of those who love the Lord !"
" And is mine one ? " said Abou. " Nay, not so," Replied the Angel.
Abou spoke more low, But cheerily still :
"I pray thee, then, Write me as one who loves his fellow-men."
The Angel wrote and vanished.
The next night It came again with a great awakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest;
And lo ! Ben-Adhem's name led all the rest.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

GRAND LODGES

NEW ZEALAND.

MEETING OF GRAND LODGE.

THE Grand Secretary has issued circulars calling the Quarterly Commun'eatioa for the 28th inst., at
Wellington. The Grand Lodge will meet at 4 p. m. for the dispatch of business, and, if necessary, will
adjourn until the next day.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEW BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

[BY MASONIC FIRE.]

THE Grand Lodge of New Zealand having been firmly established, a few suggestions from a comparative
Masonic out-ider may now, with propriety, be offered to your readers for what they are worth. Of course, the
principal point that will require the most thought will be that of the ritual to be eventually used. No doubt, for
same time to come, the rituals in vogue will he allowed in the various Lodges, but the time will come for
uniform working That the best ritual will be chosen I have no doubt, and will not touch on the question at
this time, except to mention that it would he a pity to lose portions of ceremonial used in Scotch Masonry in
the third degree, especially that portion previous to the O. B., when the Brethren in the north, &c., are able to
take notice of the candidate being properly prepared, a point completely lost in the English working, in
which the Lodge is " prepared " too soon The ballot also can be made a very effective ceremony if conducted
as in the Waterloo Lodge at Wellington. So much in passing for the ritual. Turning to regalia, it is to be
hoped that blue will be the colour adopted, for although crimson is generally considered the proper Scotch
colour, Lodges under that Constitution have the privilege of choosing their own colour, and a number of
Scotch Lodges wear blue, while the whole of the English and Irish Lodges wear it as by right. The adoption
of a distinguishing badge for P.M.'s by the Grand Lodge of England was a step in the direction of a long-
continued want, but why in the name of common sense they adopted a badge that not one Past Master in fifty
will wear is incomprehensible? A Master having passed the chair in the private Lodge has virtually closed
his official life, except in one direction, barring of coarse, the acceptance by him of such offices as the
Secretaryship, Treasurership, or Organist, all, of which are best filled by one of Past rank. The exception
referred to is the seat he holds by right of being a subseribing P.M. of a private Lodge, and, therefore, a
member of G.L. That being the case, a P.M. collar should be of the same colour as the G.L collars, so that
there would be uniformity of colour in G.L., and an honourable distinction in the private Lodge. Another
advantage would be that members of Grand Lodge would, in all probability, obtain collars, and the
appearance of G.L improved thereby.

_____________________________________________
OUR EXCHANGES.

BRO. HERBERT J. WILLIAMS, Grand Director of Ceremonies of the newly established Grand Lodge of New
Zealand, was recently on a visit to Adelaide, and was good enough to pay us a fraternal visit. Bro. Williams
speaks hopefully of the future of the new Grand Lodge, although it must be somewhat disappointing that so

many of the Lodges decline at present to come under the Standard of the Grand Lodge, yet we hope that
greater unanimity may soon be accomplished.
--South Australian Freemason.

IN our last issue we stated that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand had crossed the Rubicon, and the conflict
lay before it, before it reached the object after which it aimed, viz , the subordination of every Lodge in the
three islands to its subjection. We read the account of the formation of the Grand Lodge and the Installation
of its M.W.G.M.. Bro. Thomson, with pleasure, and also with hope that those Lodges which still stand aloof,
will, after due consideration, be distinguished by the true principle of Masonic brotherhood, and follow in the
example set them both in New South Wales and in Victoria (we are happy to say) of throwing in their lot
with the powers that be in the land where they dwell, and thus practically show their obedience to the
Charges they received on entering the portals of Masonry. The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales
rejoices in every Lodge in the colony being under its supreme control ; and the Meridian Lodge of Victoria
will lose none of its splendour by throwing in its lot with the United Grand Lodge of Victoria.— Victorian
Freemason.

FROM NEW SOUTH WALES.—In publishing the circular issued on the 21st of March last by the Central
Executive Committee of the New Zealand Masonic Union containing the telegrams which passed between
Brother the Earl of Onslow and the chairman, with reference to the Grand Mastership, the May number of
the Freemason, Sydney, says :—" We tender ,our hearty congratulations to the Masonic Union which has
worked so ably and unselfishly for Masonic unity. It has done good work and true, and may God prosper its
efforts to unite the brethren and so uplift Masonry. Earl Onslow's conditions of acceptance of the Grand
Mastership were absurd, and such as were properly rejected by the Convention. He is a poor diplomat, and
has failed to truly interpret the " signs of the times." And again :—" We confess that Earl Onslow has
woefully disappointed us, and his being ` left out in the cold' was a proper thing to do. He has missed his
opportunity."

__________________________
HARMLESS THUNDERBOLTS ! '

WE had occasion, a few weeks ago, to comment on the extraordinary circular issued by Bros. T. S. Graham
and J. Gore, of Dunedin, relating to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and its members. Since then we have
received a batch of documents, on the same subject, sent out by some of the other District and Provincial
Grand Masters, and after perusing them, we have come to the conclusion that much paper and ink have been
wasted, and that members of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand will not be in the least intimidated by the
anathemas which the circulars contain. They have put their hands to the plough and will not, we venture to
predict, turn back because the District an 1 Provincial Grand Masters refuse them admission into the Lodges
under their jurisdiction. Nor will men now-a-days be deterred, by the threat of non-recognition, from doing
what has been done all over the world when Masonic self-government was found to be absolutely necessary.
And the time has certainly arrived in New Zealand when the Craft is anxious to govern itself. The injudicious
circulars recently issued by the representatives of the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, prove
this beyond doubt.

We also very much question whether the Worshipful Masters of those Lodges which have not joined the
New Zealand Constitution will carry out the commands of their District or Provincial Grand Masters. We
presume that, having common sense, they will first make sure that their superior officers are acting strictly in
accordance with the Constitutions, and with time-honoured Masonic courtesy, in asking them to expel
members from their Lodges.

Although we cannot agree with the views expressed by our worthy Bro. Sir Frederick Whitaker, in the
circular issued by him as Provincial Grand Master, North Island of New Zealand, S.C., we admire him for
soma of the kind and fr sternal expressions which he makes use of. It would have been far better for all
concerned if the other District and Provincial Grand Masters in this colony had consulted an experienced
member of the Craft like Bro. Sir Frederick Whitaker, before committing to print expressions which are only
calculated to cause ill-feeling and bitter strife among members of a fraternity whose aims and teachings are
based on charity ant forbearance. In one place Sir Frederick says :—" But should any difficulties arise, it will
be my duty to render you any assistance or give you any advice you may require, and it will afford me at all
times pleasure to do so ; " and again, " And I ask you, whatever course ether your feeling of duty or your

inclination may lead you to adopt, let neither your words nor actions be tinged with ill-feeling or asperity ;
and let us not forget that Freemasonry is founded on the great principles of courtesy and fraternal kindness
which are at the very foundation of the Institution."

These words of Bro. Sir Frederick Whitaker, which have a true Masonic ring about them, will do far more
towards patching up differences than the trash which some of the other circulars contain.

We are greatly pleased at being able to mention that the only District Grand Master in New Zealand, who has
not adopted an aggressive policy in connection with the Grand Lodge movement, is the District Grand
Master of Wellington, E C. From the first he has done all in his power to bring about practical unanimity in
order to avert schism, and his courtesy and fraternal consideration have, we can confidently assert, been
thoroughly appreciated by members of the New Zealand Constitution from Invercargill to Auckland.—N.Z.
Mail.

_________________________
UNGENEROUS ATTACK.

THE Freemason (London) of 12th April contains an article on the Craft in New Zealand which bears strong
evidence of having originated from, or been inspired by, the New Zealand opponents of a Grand Lodge. The
conch ling paragraph, in which the hope is expressed that "the Grand Lodges in the Old Country will decline
to recognise the new body," is a very palpable proof that the ungenerous attack on the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand was hatched here. People living in England do not, as a rule, speak of England as the " Old
Country," and this slip of the pen lets the proverbial cat out of the bag.

We cannot compliment the writer of the article in question either on his maudlin sentiments or the accuracy
of his figures The Freemason has ever shown such scant knowledge of Masonry in New Zealand, that we are
not surprised at the mis-statements which have been allowed to appear in its issue of 12th April last. –N.Z.
Mail.

__________________________________________
RECOGNITION BY NEW SOUTH WALES.

A COMMUNICATION has been received from the Board of General Purposes of the United Grand Lodge of
New South Wales, to the effect that they will be prepared to recommend Grand Lodge to afford immediate
recognition to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand,—Christchurch Press.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

CORRESPONDENCE

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

REPLY TO CORRESPONDENTS.
Bro. John Pickett.—I. The declaration signed by the delegates gave twelve months grace before the toll was made up
and numbers given. 2. If the Grand Lodge of England decides that a minority can hold the warrant, then those Lodges
which have a minority and an Arch Chapter attached will continue to work. At the present time members of Arch
Chapters who have joined the Grand Lodge are refused admittance. If this continues the excluded Arch Masons will be
justified in starting a Grand Chapter, but we do not, at the present time, advise such a step. 3. No. Alteration made.

____________________________________________________________
NEW SOUTH WALES AND THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—Your expressed determination to "lean to the cause of right as opposed to might"
emboldens me to again intrude on your pages. You say, in last month's number, "It will be time enough for
us to enter into the controversy when the Grand Orient petitions for recognition front the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand." With that I cordially agree, there will be lots of time between this and then. There is one
statement of yours which please allow me to correct. You say, " The French Grand Orient is not recognised
by any English-speaking Grand Lodge ;" the following list shows the Grand Bodies having their
representatives at the Grand Orient of France —

G.O., Belgium ; G.O., Low Countries ; G.O., Switzerland ; G.O., Hungary ; G.O., Portugal ; G.O., Spain ;
G.O., Italy ; G L., Missouri ; G.L., Ohio ; G.O., Mexico; G.O., Hayti ; G.O., St. Domingo; G.O., U.S.
Columbia; G O., Brazil; G.L, Peru, G.O., Uruguay; GO., Argentine Republic; G.L., N.S. Wales.

Here you see are three English-speaking Grand Lodges, and several of the others have their representatives
near the Grand Lodge of England. I am indebted to a worthy brother for an extract from the Chains d' Union,
for September, 1889, which furnishes the sad reflection that even a Masonic body can stoop so low as to
desert the friend of adversity. It seems the Grand Lodge of New South Wales thought fit, at some time in its
history, to "invade " the French colony of New Caledonia and open a Lodge there, which was called Lodge
Western Polynesia, and here is the report of what took place in June, 1889 : " Banquet following the
installation of Bro. Reichenbach, W.M., of Lodge Western Polynesia, N. S. W . Constitution. The banquet
was held in the premises of the Lodge L'Union Caledonienne, G O., of France. Bro. Layard, H.B.M. Consul,
was present, as well as a large number of members of the Lodge L'Union Caledonienne. Bro. Reichenbach
proposed the Queen, Freemasonery, the president of the French Republic, and the G.O. of France. Bro.
Carter, in proposing the French Lodge, mentioned that Lodge L'Union Caledonienne had co-operated in the
foundation of Lodge Western Polynesia. Bro. Dupuy, W.M. of Lodge L'Union Caledonienne, returned
thanks in suitable terms, and mentioned that when the French Lodge was suspended by Admiral Ribout,
envoy-extraordinary of Marshal McMahon, Lodge Western Polynesia had thrown open its portals to the
French Masons who had joined it in large numbers pending the re-opening of their own Lodge. Bro. Dupuy
stated that the French Masons had never forgotten the fraternal conduct of the English Masons, and stated, if
the day should come when Lodge Western Polynesia had need to strengthen its columns, Lodge L'Union
Caledonienne would furnish a great number of trowels. In short the meeting was characterised by cordiality
and good feeling, and everyone heartily joined in the Tyler's toast : ` Our next happy meeting.'" Here is a
picture of a number of Masons obeying the Divine command, "Love ye one another." Is it anything short of a
crime to sow dissension where all is peace ? That seems the mission of the Grand Lodge of New South
Wales.—Yours fraternally,

WALTER HILL,
Lodge L'Amour de la Vérité, Wellington.

[We said our sympathies would lean to the cause of right as opposed to might. This is not to be taken as
recognising the right of the French Orient to invade New Zealand. Surely a choice of four Constitutions was
sufficient for any Mason without introducing a fifth. The religious aspect of the case we decline for the
present to enter into, it is sufficient for us to know that England, Ireland, and Scotland passed certain
resolutions relating to the admission of French Masons, in this issue they will be found, and it is the duty of
W. Masters to see that those resolutions are carried out. Bro. Hill takes exception to our statement that the
French Orient is not recognised by any English-speaking Grand Lodge, and he gives the names of three
Grand Lodges, viz., Missouri, Ohio, and New South Wales, who have representatives at the Grand Orient. In
the case of New South Wales Bro. Hill must be mistaken, for at the quarterly communication of this Grand
Lodge, held on March 12th (a report of which was given in our May number), the Board of General Purposes
reported against granting the French Orient recognition, and this report was confirmed by Grand Lodge.
How, therefore, can they have a representative at the Grand Orient? 'With respect to the two North American
Grand Lodges, the following clipping from one of our American exchanges shows that the feeling against the
French Orient is stronger than at home or in these colonies :—" An American Mason is prohibited from
visiting a Grand Orient Lodge, he is not even allowed to visit a Scotch Rite Concern that is chartered by the
Grand Orient of France. Nay, more, if a sovereign of one of our American Scotch Rite factions should visit,
in Paris, a Scotch Rite Concern, subject to the Grand Orient of France, every one of his American adherents
is, according to the opinion of a high Masonic authority, liable to expulsion from his Blue Lodge." If such is
a fact, and we see no reason to doubt the truth of the paragraph, our statement that the French Orient is not
recognised by any English-speaking Grand Lodge is correct. Further, we find that the Grand Lodges of
Missouri, Ohio, and New South Wales have representatives at the Grand Lodge of England, and England has
representatives near their Grand Lodges, this would not be the case if they were in friendly relations with the
French Orient. The Grand Lodges of Switzerland (Alphina), Portugal, Argentine Republic, the Netherlands,
Hungary, and Hayti exchange representatives with England this is evidence that none of these Grand Lodges
ignore the belief in T. G. A.O. T. U. It may not be amiss to mention in connection with Bro. Hill's list of
Grand Orients who have representatives at the French Grand Orient that " there are bodies styling themselves
Grand Lodges, Grand Orients, or Grand Councils in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Roumania, and
Luxemberg, but none of them hold undisputed authority, and in the various countries rival bodies keep

Freemasonery in a perpetual state of unrest. They have very little or no recognition amongst the Grand
Lodges of the British Empire or the United States of America. Those bodies which term themselves Grand
Orients are not Grand Lodges in the English acceptation of the term, as under them the Blue degrees are
subject to the dominion of the rulers of the High degrees."—ED. CRAFTSMAN.]

_____________________________________
MORE EXCOMMUNICATIONS.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—At the last meeting of the Greymouth Lodge, 1233, E.C., a communication was
read from the D.G. Master of Westland (Bro. John Bevan), informing the W.M. that he would be justified in
excluding from his Lodge any Brother belonging to a Lodge that had joined the New Zealand Grand Lodge,
or any Brother who took part in the ceremonies, or even visited a Lodge working under Charter from New
Zealand Grand Lodge. I am told that a similar edict has been issued in Southland and Otago. Can this be
possible ? if so, I must confess that I have made a blunder with reference to the meaning of Masonry. Surely
such resentful feelings cannot redound with credit on those who have issued them, nor will they tend to heal
the wound, already made, but I am sure will recoil upon the heads of those whose high positions in the Order
ought to have dictated to them nobler and loftier sentiments, they should have been the last to have raised
such a barrier between Brethren, but the time will come when they too will have to "eat the leek," and will
have to supplicate to be admitted to work under the New Zealand Grand Lodge. I trust the time is not far
distant when all will be working amicably under one head, and they shall not have to blush for the
narrowmindedness of our leaders as in the present instance.

Yours fraternally,
Greymouth, June 23rd, 1890. JUSTICE.
[Alas ! my dear Brother, it is only too true. "The mill of the gods grind slowly but surely." Time will bring its
own remedy. —Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

_________________________________
CONTUMACY.

TO THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER—I have admired those portions of your issue, which have not been of the sledge-
hammer order, as the latter style of writing does not tend to elevate the Craft. In your issue of the 1st ult., you
refer to the circular of the District Grand Lodge of Scotland (Queensland) re the ruption of fraternal relations
by the Grand Lodge of England. You, " Mr Editor," are not infallible, neither is the Grand Registrar nor
Grand Secretary of England, as evidenced by their dictum in regard to Contumacy. I would refer, for a
precedent, for the action taken, to Dr. Oliver's "Jurisprudence," p. 231, Ed. 1874 (the text book of English
Masonic Jurisprudence), where you will find that the Grand Lodge of England sentenced the Brethren of the
Lodge at Liverpool, England, for Contumacy, which sentence was communicated to the Grand Lodges of
Scotland and Leland, and they, as in duty bound being in fraternal relations, acknowledged the sentence, and
gave effect to it.

There is an unwritten law in Masonry, by which it is governed just as much as by Laths and Constitutions.—
Yours fraternally.

THOS. A. D. MAILLARD,
W. S. W., 455, S. C.

Brisbane, June 2nd, 1890.

[Never forget, Bro Maillard, that the Editor of a Masonic journal does not like being styled "Mr Editor." His
remarks may not meet with your approval, still he is " Bro. Editor " just the same, or ought to be. In 1821, a
Lodge at Liverpool held irregular meetings while under suspension, printed and distributed resolutions, and
scattered them in every part of the Kingdom, &c , &c., &c. Such a flagrant instance of Contumacy and
violation of discipline could not be overlooked. and therefore, says Dr. Oliver, it was resolved by Grand
Lodge that Lodge 31, at Liverpool, be erased from the list of Lodges, and its warrant forfeited. That these
resolutions be communicated to the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland, &c, &c. Now, if Bro. Maillard
will open Volume 5 of " The History of Freemasonry," by Robert Freke Gould, barrister-at-law, past S.G.,
Deacon of England, he will find on pages 11, 12, 13 quite another and version of the affair. Since then the
whole law on the subject of the dispute has been altered, and Contumacy is no longer a " general Masonic

offence." In our opinion Masonry should be governed by the Constitutions. " Unwritten law," another name
for tradition, has not proved a blessing in this country — ED. CRAFTSMAN.].
_____________________________________________________________________________________
THE Brahmins to this day have the tokens of Royal Arch Masonry, though they have lost the thr e first
degrees, and any principal Z. of a Chapter can gain admittance, I mean can work his way into the most
sacred place of their temples, for each temple or pagoda has its sanctum sanctorum, accessible to the highest
priests only, and by no means common to all Brahmins,—BRO. J. H. WEBSTER.

FOR the benefit of Masters and Secretaries throughout the jurisdiction, especially the latter who are in charge
of the records, we publish the following information, which should find a place in the back of the minute
book for reference :—The Grand Master opens a Lodge in AMPLE FORM, his Deputy in DUE FORM, a
Worshipful Master in FORM. Sessions of Grand Lodges are called COMMUNICATIONS, and of Lodges
MEETINGS, (stated or called). Those of the Grand Chapters and Chapters CONVOCATION, and of Grand
Commanderies and Commanderies CONCLAVES. The degrees of the Blue Lodges are termed-SYMBOLIC
Degrees, of the Chapter CAPITULAR Degrees, and of the Commandery TEMPLAR Degrees.—Canadian
Craftsman.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY AND OF INITIATION:
LETTER TO A BRO. PAST MASTER.

MY DEAR FRIEND,—I have read Findel's "History of Freemasonry " and Dr. Oliver's "History of Initiation,"
with the object of acquiring further information on the subject of Freemasonry, and also with the view of
finding out whether the line which I had taken myself as regards the history of the institution, particularly as
to its connection with the mysteries of the ancients, would receive confirmation, or whether I should feel
compelled to abandon it as untenable. Both writers repudiate any connection of the institution with the
mysteries ; Findel tracing it no further back than the operative guilds of the middle ages ; whilst Dr. Oliver,
with a leap and a bound over the period of darkness and idolatry, fixes Freemasonry as coeval with creation.
I am glad to say that the perusal of these two books, so different in their conclusions, and agreeing only in
repudiating any connection with the mysteries, has confirmed me in my opinion that my own view is correct,
and that Masonry and the mysteries cannot in reason be separated. In order to prove my case as against those
two most respectable and esteemed authors, I now proceed, to criticise the two books in question, beginning
with that of Findel.

Taking Findel's "History of Freemasonery" as it stands, and beginning with its most minute defects, I may
say that as regards mis-spelt words, which may or may not be printer's errors, it perfectly abounds with them,
in a way which seems most discreditable in a see ad edition. The latter half of the book is worse than the
former. A favourite way of spelling the word who is vim whole is spelled svole, signs, sings, jury, jail. Had I
been going through the book for the purpose I could, I think, have picked out at least fifty of such errors. It is
not my purpose, hon ever, to dwell on verbal errors ; I will pass on to others of a rather more serious nature,
showing a slovenliness of language or confusion of statement likely to cause mystification in the mind of the
reader.

On page 247 the following passage occurs :—" The fact that the first German Lodges chiefly bore French
names, and carried on their business in the French language, is not difficult of eeplanation when the public,
and especially the literary, circumstances of the age are taken into consideration. In the middle of the century
(the 18th) Latin was the universal language of the learned, while French was the colloquial tongue in general
use among the higher classes, of which the fraternity was chiefly composed." Quite so ! and these brethren in
speaking of the founder of the Illuminati would describe Adam Weishaupt as Professeue de droit eanou et
naturel, &c., which the ingenious translator calls, on page 266, "Professor of Canon and Natural Right at the
University of Ingolstadt, in Bavaria." Now, what is a Professor of Canon and Natural Right? The word droit,
which means right in certain circumstances, in other circumstances means law Canon law, we know. Canon
right we do not know, excepting the right of conquest. The translator had no natural right thus to translate it,
and the only Canon right he has for doing so is the right to be shot.

On page 30 we are informed that " The most antient of the documents, as yet known to us, is that of the
antiquarian., J. O. Halliwell, a non-mason, which he found in the British Museum, under the form of an

ancient parchment manuscript." On the same page it is explained that " This document contains, besides its
general title (Hic incipiant Constituciones Artis gemetriae secundum. Euclydem), seven hundred lines in old
English verse." But on the following page we are father told : " Still older than the Halliwell Constitutions
are the two Constitutions of the Masons of York." Valuable, indeed, must these documents be, for they are "
older" than " the most ancient." In this particular they probably resemble the Welshman's pedigree, in which
two portions are separated by a blank space, which is explained by the notice, " about this time the world was
created."

Let us come, however, to a little history, on page 58, Findel says : " In the year 1000, mankind seized with a
panic to us incredible, were expecting the end of the world and the last judgment. But when the dreaded year
had run out its course satisfactorily, everyone seemed to breathe more freely. With ardent zeal old churches
were torn down, and in their stead new and more magnificent ones were erected." Now, men were not seized
with a panic, which is a sudden fear, in that year, as the end of the world had been looked forward to in that
year by Christians for many years before. It was no more a panic than was the Queen's Jubilee a sudden
outburst of loyalty this year. In both cases the period had been expected. The " panic " is therefore to me also
" incredible." But if the "panic," or the common expectation, which is said to have caused it were "
incredible," that is " not to be believed," why does he say anything about the matter? Most likely, however,
he does not mean incredible, but thinks, in a general slip-slop way, that that word will do as well as another
for inexplicable. Here he shows his ignorance of past ages, as the reason of the general belief is quite easy of
explanation. It is explained in many good works on architecture, and by writers of ancient history, such as
Gibbon, which explanation is given by me in my book. The general belief, both before and during the year
1000, is neither incredible, nor inexplicable, nor was there a panic.

Let us, however, leave the history of times before the middle ages for the present, as the transactions of men
before that date are incredible to Mr Findel, and come down to the labours of more modern and intelligible
human beings. It is with much pleasure we note on page 120 that : " As a necessary result of the bold,
investigating, and reforming spirit which had thus seized upon the three great domains of theology, science,
and politics, the great legislative reforms which marked the reign of Charles II. sprung into life ; the
censorship of the Press was abolished, personal liberty assured, and finally the Act of Toleration was passed
(1699)." Associating these blessings with this (late we find it some-what confusing to be told on pages 125-
6, that " the period when it (Deism) flourished the most is exactly pointed out by the Act of Toleration,
passed in the year 1689." Wishing to verify one date or the other, we find on reference to Hume that an act of
toleration in favour of dissenters was passed on the latter date ; the date on pace 121 must therefore be
pronounced to be wrong. Perhaps the abolishing of the censorship of the Press may fare better as to date, as a
reform, "which marked the reign of Charles II." Let us see ! "Knight's Pictorial History of England," Vol. 3,
page 838, reds thus : " This day," says a notice in the London Gazette, under date of 5th May, 1680, " the
judges made their report to His Majesty in Council, in pursuance of an order, by which they unanimously
declare that His Majesty may by law prohibit the printing and publishing of all news — books, and pam-
phlets of news whatsoever not licensed by His Majesty's authority, as manifestly tending to the breach of the
peace and disturbance of the Kingdom. Whereupon his Majesty was pleased to direct a proclamation to be
prepared for the restraining the printing of news—books, and pamphlets of news without leave." " Such
(continues the history) continued to be the state of the law, and the practice on the subject of the Press down
to the Revolution." In an article on the " Freedom of the Press " in Chambers' Encyclopædia, it is stated that,
" The censorship of the Press was enforced by the Long Parliament, and was re-established more rigorously
at the Restoration. It was continued at the Revolution, and the statute regulating it was renewed from time to
time till 1693, when the Commons, by a special vote, struck it out of the lists of temporary acts to be
continued." As Charles II. died in 1685, and notwithstanding Hallam's observation "that the fundamental
privileges of the subject were less invaded, the prerogatives swerved into fewer excesses, during the reign of
Charles II. than perhaps any former period of equal length," we fear that we must take off the laurel crown
disposed on his brow by Mr Findel for the legislative reforms in question, and, in imitation of the Grand
Juryman in the " Charcoal Burner," place it on the " statues of William and Mary." The fact is that there are
three words beginning with " R," and ending with " ion," no doubt confusing to the foreign mind, which are
used to designate important epochs in our history ; we mean the words " Rebellion," " Restoration," and "
Revolution." After one of these epochs, these legislative reforms were effected. Being apparently in doubt as
to which, Mr Findel avoids the two extremes. and fixes on the golden mean of " Restoration" with Charles II.
as a necessary concomitant.

Of course, blemishes such as these have nothing to do with the general argument of the book, though they
may weaken our confidence in the author as an historical guide. We will now leave the criticism of details,
and take a bird's-eye view of the scheme of Masonic history as set forth by Mr Findel.

He commences by a review of the historians of Masonry, and speaks slightingly of those who are " blinded
by absurd self-conceit, and an eccentric desire to prove the extreme antiquity of the Institution." Like myself,
he begins with J. Anderson's " Book of Constitutions." This is described as nothing more than " a history of
the Fraternity, borrowed from an ancient, Book of Constitution." " It begins with Adam, who, most probably,
it is thought, instructed his sons in geometry and its application to various arts, and continues with a review
of the development of architecture, down to the 17th and 18th centuries." He then goes on to mention Dr.
Oliver as "a learned brother," who, " with all gravity, places the origin of Freemasonry even prior to the
Creation, tracing its germs back to the very honeymoon of Paradise, and also informs us that Moses was
Grand Master, Joshua his Deputy, and Aholiah and Bezalael Grand Wardens."

"Other Masonic authors," he continues, "attempt to fix the origin of Masonry somewhat later, one attributing
it to the followers of Pythagoras, another to the Essenes and first Christians, as does the Swedish system ;
many English brethren, and one American Brother, J. W. S. Mitchell, bring it down to the period of the
building of Solomon's Temple ; Thomas Payne, and others, ascribe it to the Druids ; Dame de Villaison to
the city of Herculaneum, or else to the time of the Crusades, which, likewise, the Knights Templars
especially think proper to adopt." (Page 14-15.)

So much for what other people do and have done. Findel then proceeds to develop his own plan. In 1778 the
Abbe Grandidier was writing a history of the Cathedral of Strasbourg, and perused the manuscripts preserved
in the cathedral for the information lie required. At that time, ten or eleven years only before the French
Revolution, Masonic and other fraternities were spread over France, and the world was alive with curiosity
concerning many nostrums for the benefit of the human race. Papal Balls, not, however, admitted as law in
France, had been issued against Freemasonry. The Roman Church was, as now, antagonistic ; when the Abbe
Grandidier suddenly came upon hid treasure, the knowledge of which he commmficated in a letter to a lady
in 1778, and which was published in 1789. From this letter, quoted by Findel, we extract the following : " I
may further confess that the founder of Freemasonry was not a Frenchman, such an institution being
repugnant to the heart and character of our countrymen. I shall no longer seek its ' rigin in the construction of
the ark of Noah, who they say was a most venerable Mason ;' or in that of the Temple of Solomon, who
passes with then as ` the most excellent Mason.' I should take care not to search for it in the history of the
Crusades, there to discover the first Masons in those crusading barons whom some suppose to have been
engaged in the ` divine or royal art' of rebuilding the temple ; nor should I look for it in those ancient soldiers
of Palestine, who were called Knights of the East, and of Palestine. Thise ridiculous opinions, which the
Freemasons themselves do not dare to present, except under the veil of allegory, do not deserve to be
revealed by one of the profane. I dare flatter myself, madam, that I can present to you a more probable origin
for the association. It is not to be found either ` in the East or the West ;'—'the Lodge is well tiled '—it is not
that which will furnish me the proofs of my statement. I have not had the happiness to work from ‘Monday
morning to Saturday night ;' but I hold in my profane hands, authentic documents and real records, dating
more than three centuries back, which enable us to see that this much boasted society of Freemasons is but a
servile imitation of an ancient and useful fraternity of actual Masons, whose head-quarters were formerly at
Strasbourg" (page 17). The proofs mentioned by the Abbe are documents which show that Strasbourg was
the mother or Grand Lodge of the Lodges of Germany.

In this letter of the Abbe Grandidier, who writes with the self-sufficiency of a consciously superior being to
the benighted Freemasons, whilst it contains the trainable confirmation of the general Masonic belief that its
history must be traced to the operative guilds of the Middle Ages, through which Masons however go farther
back ; in this letter is found also one swe t ingredient, most palatable to the author and his countrymen, and
this is that the society originated in Germany ! The German Masons plead guilty at once to the soft
impeachment, and further back they will not go. Gothic architecture had started simultaneously in all the
countries of Europe outside Italy ; cathedrals of great magnificence had been reared in France, in Spain, and
in England, many of them of an early date ; but because the Strasbourg cathedral begun in 1277, was justly
renowned for its grandeur, and because it was undoubtedly built by a skilful and well-organised body of
Masons ; because further, the Abbe Grandidier found documents showing the high estimation in which these

Masons were held ; therefore the origin of Freemasonry is to be sought in Strasbourg, and found to be in the
year 1277

" These hints" as our author calls them, were soon followed up by a number of German Masonic writers.
with the (to them) most satisfactory results. Soon so successful were they, that Findel says : " There now
only remained this one doubt to solve, whether the customs and symbols of modern Freemasons were
immediately derived from the bail ling associations of the Middle Ages, or whether their origin dates from
some other period. A solution was offered to this doubt by the statements of Alb. Fallow and of Winzer, that
the German `Stone-cutters' and the English Freemasons were not merely trade associations, but likewise
Brotherhoods or Fraternities possessed of special secrets belonging to their trade. These two authors have
afforded additional proof that the present body of Freemasons did not originate the ritual forms, nor the
symbolic signs practised in modern times, nor did they receive them from any other secret community, but
most likely inherited them from their parent society : furthermore, that the English "Steinmetzen. " (Stone-
cutters) acquired their mysteries from Germany, and finally that the German " Steinmetzen" did not entirely
devise their customs and the constitution of their Fraternity themselves, but borrowed them partly from other
German corporations, and partly copied them from ecclesiastical and monastic rules and regulations ; and
that the symbols in use in ecclesiastical architecture, and the practice of their art can alone be regarded as
exclusively their own." (Page 28-29.) The Normans, whose style of architecture was introduced into England
by Edward the Confessor, had, undoubtedly their own architects and workmen, the latter called from all
countries; bur probably mainly from France itself. Germans there might be some ; but Findel claims them
only after the building of the Cathedral of Strasbourg, and says (page 76) : " There is now scarcely a doubt
that a large proportion of German workmen were employed in the construction of the Gothic edifices .of
England, erected (luring the fourteenth century, and it is even supposed that the principal architects were
German Masons." What, however, was " scarcely a doubt" with our author, on page 76, becomes a certainty
when he quotes an English author, on page 78, who says that great numbers of foreign workmen settled in
England, "before and during the sixteenth and the very early part of the seventeenth centuries." If foreigners
came, then Germans came. If Germans came they naturally took the lead. Such appears to be the process of
thought, which culminates with : "It appears, therefore, certain that the German `Steinmetzen'did travel to
England and Scotland, and that they brought with them and :introduced among the English Masons the
peculiar usages and customs of their Lodges." (Page 78.) This style of reasoning is, of course, known, it is
not new. It reminds us of the explorer, H. M. Stanley, who, when speaking before the Royal Geographical
Society in 1871 or 1872, when the ex-Emperor Napoleon and Empress Eugenie were present, said,
(becoming warm on the subject of German explorers): "There never was an Englishman discovered anything
yet, but a German was sure to come and say, ' I was there first.' "

(To be continued.)
____________________________________________________________________________________

OPENING OF A FRENCH ORIENT LODGE IN
WELLINGTON.

ON Sunday evening, the 30th June, Bro. Sir Robert Stout, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies,
Deputy District Grand Master, E.C., Otago and Southland, opened Lodge L'Amour de la Vérité, under the
Constitution of the Grand Orient of France. The meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott street,
Wellington, about 23 brethren being present. The officers are as follows :—W.M., Bro. Sir Robert Stout ;
S.W., Bro. the Hon. John Ballance ; J.W., Bro. Wrigglesworth ; Orator, Bro. Walter Hill ; Secretary, Bro.
Hudson; J.G., Bro. Willis, Wanganui. A candidate was proposed for initiation, and it was stated that a large
accession of members was expected shortly. Several of our exchanges state that the proceedings were of an
interesting and impressive character. They also state that it is proposed to open Lodges all over the Colonies.

Referring to the opening of a Lodge under the Grand Orient of France, the Napier Telegraph speaks of it as a
Masonic calamity, and is inclined to blame the Governor for the occurrence. Had his Excellency acted as
Lord Carrington did, there would have been complete unity, and no room for the Grand Orient.

[We are inclined to agree with the Napier Telegraph—there are now four Constitutions too many in New
Zealand.—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

BRO. STOUT AND THE NAPIER TELEGRAPH.

We have been asked to publish the following, which appeared in the Napier Telegraph :

My attention has been called to a sub-leader in your paper, referring to the formal installation of the Lodge
L'Amour de la Verité, under the Grand Orient of France. Your article shows that you have never read the
"Book of Constitutions of the Grand Orient." This Lodge was opened as a provisional Lodge, at least eight
months before anything was heard of the New Zealand Grand Lodge movement, so that your remarks as to
the effect of this movement are as wide of the mark as your interpretation of the Grand Orient's principles.
To show your readers what are some of the guiding principles of this Order, let me quote a few passages
from the rules. It lays this down as its foundation :—" La Franc-Masonnerie, institution essentiellement
philantropique, philosophique, et progressive, a pour objet la recherche de la verite, l'etude de la morale et la
pratique de la solidarite ; elle travaille a 1'amelioration materielle et morale, an perfectionnement intellectuel
et social de 1'humanite. Elie a pour principes la tolerance mutuelle, le respect des autres et de soi-meme, la
liberte absolue de conscience." I especially call your attention to the following :—" Considerant les
conceptions metaphysiques comme etant du domaine exclusif de l'appreciation individuelle de ses membres,
elle se refuse à toute affirmation dogmatique." No one can be admitted to a Grand Orient Lodge unless
amongst other things the candidate is (1) of irreproachable character, (2) has means of honourable existence,
and (3) possesses sufficient education to understand Masonic teaching. It is not Atheistic, as you will see
from the extract I have given you. It is just like our State schools—secular, leaving all the religious views to
the individual conscience, and I am not aware of any Atheists who are members of our Lodge. They can be
admitted so far as their opinions are concerned. Sir, had you been a true Mason you could not have written
the article, for the second quotation I have made from our rules is Masonic.

Let me only add that the meeting was held on Sunday, as we could not get the hall on Monday, but it was
once asked " Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath Day ?" Can you answer this question ? When newspapers
cease to be printed on Sunday evenings, and the newspaper offices are closed on the first day of the week,
then will be the time for a journalist to find fault with a Lodge meeting on Sunday. Do you not think that you
might try and reform, your confreres before you begin to teach the members of the Grand Orient what you
deem their duty in this respect.—I am, &c.,

ROBERT STOUT.

To which the Telegraph replied editorially :—" Sir Robert's letter bears out every word that we said of that
constitution, and all that Sir Robert can urge in its favour is that the principle upon which it is founded is no
worse than that which regulates our State schools ! Sir Robert seems to be oblivious of the facts that that
secular principle is antagonistic to Masonry as known to Englishmen.

We desire to state that the Order of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, denouncing the Grand Orient of France for
the adoption of the secular principle, is still in force, and forbids the admission of its members into Lodges
under the Irish Constitution. That Order is identical with those which were issued by the Grand Lodges of
England and Scotland. The introduction of the Constitution of the Grant Orient of France info this colony
creates a schism in. the ranks of New Zealand Masonry, and diverts to a foreign country funds, which should
be devoted to the good of those who belong to the same race as that from which Sir Robert and his officers
spring."—Dunedin Star.
____________________________________________________________________________________

TASMANIA.
ON June 26th, 1890, the first Grand Master of Tasmania was installed, Bro. the Rev. R. D. Poulett-Harris,
A.M.D.G.M., E.C. The ceremony was performed by Lord Carrington, Grand Master of New South Wales,
assisted by the Earl of Kintore, Grand Master of South Australia ; the Hon. S. J. Way, Pro. Grand Master of
South Australia ; Sir W. J. Clarke, Bart., Grand Master of Victoria ; and various members of their respective
Grand Lodges ; altogether it may well be looked upon as the greatest day ever held in the Masonic world of
Tasmania. A banquet was held after the Installation Ceremony, and a Masonic ball on the following night,
June 27th.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
JOHN H. BROWN, Grand Secretary sf Kansays, says : " While we would not proscribe a candidate for the
mysteries of Freemasonry on account of his religious notions, we cannot help feeling that a Catholic, faithful
to his church, cannot become a Freemason. If he does he either betrays the Order or deceives the church.
Repeatedly have we heard faithful Catholics say that no one at the same time could be a Mason and a faithful

Catholic. In view of this fact we say, let us be honest with ourselves, and the candidate of the catholic faith.
Give him to. understand that the church is antagonistic to our Order, and that he cannot enjoy the privileges
of both." To which The Tyler says, " Amen."
_____________________________________________________________________________________

INSTALLATIONS.

The installation of the W.M. and officers of Lodge Beta, N Z.C., Hamilton, Auckland, will appear in August.

THE installation of the W.M. and officers of Lodge St. John, 1858, E.C., Ashburton, will appear in August.

THE installation of the W.M. and off-leers of the Southern Cross Lodge, N Z.C., Invercargill, will appear in
August.

ULSTER LODGE, N.Z.C., PETONE, WELLINGTON.--At the last meeting, on June 18th, the ceremony of
installation was performed. Bro. H. H. Tippler, being W.M. elect. He being the first W.M. installed under the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand in this district, many visitors were present, among them many prominent
members of the Craft. The following are the Lodges that were represented—N.Z. Pacific, Wellington,
Leinster, Killarney, Waterloo, and St. Andrews, besides P.M. Bro. Meadowcroft, P.G.S.W., G L. of Victoria,
and Y.M. Bro. Lawry, Manukau Lodge, M.H R Bro. Gillon, P.D.G.M , was unable to attend owing to sudden
illness. A special train was put on to bring visitors from Wellington. At the banquet, which followed, the
usual toasts were duly honoured.

PACIFIC LODGE, NO. 1453, E.C., REEFTON.—The installation of Worshipful Master, Bro. George Casley,
took place on July 1st. P.M., Bro. Henry Lucas acted as Installing Master, and was assisted by 1'.M's.
Charles Cohen and William Cummings. The following brethren were inve-ted as officers for the ensuing
twelve months :— S. W„ Bro. I. Cameron; I.W., Bro. M. T. Pryor; Treasurer, Bro. J. I. Aiken ; Secretary,
Bro. D. O. Preshaw ; S.I)., Bro. P. G. Bowater; I.D., Bro. I. Martin ; LG., Bro I. Gardner ; Chaplain, Bro. W.
H. Wilson; Organist, P.M. Bro. W. Hiudmarsh ; and Tyler, Bro. W. T. Stringer. There was a large attendance
of members of the Lodge and visitors, and the ceremony passed off very satisfactorily. After the Lodge
closed the brethren attended the celebration ball and supper, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The
brethren attended in mourning regalia, out of respect to the late Bro. John MeArthur, Immediate Past Master,
who (lied on June 4th, 1889, at Reefton. He was buried with Masonic honours, seventy members of the Craft
were in attendance, and the funeral was a very large one, our deceased brother being much respected ; he
leaves a widow and son.

LODGE WAIKOUAITI, N.Z.C., Waikouaiti, Otago, held its annual installation on the Sth inst. There was a
large attendance, visitors being present from Dunedin, Palmerston, Camara, and Kumara. The R. W. the
Grand Superintendent of the Otago District, Bro. A. H. Burton, assisted by Bros. Barth, Grand Organist, Bro.
Crump, Grand Steward, and several Past Masters, installed Bro. Robert Scott as W.M. for the ensuing year.
The officers invested were—Bro. W. Henderson, I.P.M. ; Bro.John Stewart, S. W. ; Bro. William White,
J.W. ; Bro. W. McDougall, Treas. ; Bro. A. Affleck, Sec. ; Bro. W. K. Douglas, S.D. ; Bro. R. A. Scott, J.D.,
Bro. W. M. Wilson, I.G ; Bro. J. Morrison, Steward; Bro. P. Duncan, Steward ; Bro J. Pemberton, Tyler.
Two brethren were raised to the Third Degree, and propositions for membership were given notice of. After
the installation ceremony the brethren sat down to supper. The usual toasts were given, some excellent
speeches made, and a voluntary contribution was made by all present amounting to £4 14s as a beginning of
a Benevolent Fund. Altogether it was a very successful meeting, and the visitors at any rate went away
satisfied.

VICTORY LODGE, N.Z.C. (LATE 1927, E.C.)—The annual meeting took place in the Freemasons' Hall,
Collingwood street, Nelson, on Friday. May 30th, for the purpose of installing the W.M. elect, Bro J. C.
Mercer; the Lodge was tyled at 6.30 p.m., there being a large attendance of the members and visiting
brethren. The W.M elect was presented by the retiring Master, Bro. T. Scott. P.M. Bro. L. G. Bior, Senior
Grand Deacon, was the installing officer, assisted by Bros. H. T. Hall, Wm S. Bolton, and H. Baigent, P.M.'s,
of the Southern Star Lodge, 735, E C., Bro J G. Harkness, I.P.M., Forest Lodge, 1481, E.C., and Bros. A. E.
Creswell, B. W. Battle, T. Scott and R. Allan. P.M.’s of the Victory Lodge. The following officers were

invested - I.P.M. Bro T. Scott ; S.W.., Bro A.W. Bain ; J.W., Bro W. Moyes ; Treasurer, P.M. Bro L. G.
Boor ; Secretary, P.M. Bro R. Allan ; Organist ; Bro H. Collier ; S.D., Bro S. J. Reeves ; J.G.,
Bro. H. Short ; I.G. Bro G. King ; Tyler, Bro J. C. Bartlett. The brethren adjourned to the Foresters'
Hall, where an excellent banquent had been prepared, under the supervision of Bro. George Mercer . The
usual loyal toasts were given, amongst others “Bro.A. F. T. Somerville and choir.” Bro Somerville having
been for many years organist to the Victory Lodge, great regret was expressed at his approaching departure
from Nelson, and many were the H.G. W.'s for his future welfare.

ST JOHN’S LODGE, 1838, E.C., Ashburton, on St John’s Day, June 21st, installed the S.W., Bro. Bonnington,
into the chair of K.S. The full report has not reached us.

THE LODGE CALEDONIAN, N.Z.C., TIMARU, met on June 4th (St. John's Day) for the installation of officers
for the current year. Bro. (P.M.) T. G. Rowley performed the installation ceremony in a most impressive
manner. The following were installed : R.W.M., Bro J. Broadhead ; I.P.M., Bro J.S. Keith ; D.M., Bro F.
White ; S.M., Bro (P.M.) S. Anderson; S. W., Bro. C. Moore ; J.W., Bro. D. Dawson ; Treasurer. Bro. (P.M.)
A. Mills ; Grand Steward S.C., Bro. J. T. Scott; J.D., Bro. J. Mason I.G., Bro. W. Osborne; Tyler, Bro. R.
Morgan. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Bro. T. G. Rowley for the able manner in which he had
conducted the installation ceremony. After the closing of the Lodge, the Brethren adjourned, on the
invitation of the R.W.M. to the refreshment room, where the usual loyal, patriotic, and Masonic toasts were
proposed and responded to.

THE brethren of Bedford Lodge, N.Z C. (formerly 464, I.C.), celebrated the feast of " S. John the Evangelist"
on Tuesday evening, the 24th June, at the Masonic Hall, Waipukurau, when most of the fraternity in the
district attended, including visitors from Peveril of the Peak Lodge, Derbyshire ; Royal Sussex Lodge,
Portsmouth : Turanganui Lodge, Gisborne ; and Abercorn Lodge, Waipawa. The beautiful installation
ceremony was impressively rendered by Bro. Francis. P.M. Bro P. H. Jolly having been unanimously elected
was duly installed as W.M., and inducted his officers as follows :—Bro. H. J. Hartley, S. W. ; Bro. P. Baird,
I. W. ; Bro. J. Jull, P.M., Secretary and Treasurer ; Bro. Pritchard, S.D. ; Bro. Newell, J.D. ; Bro. Murray,
I.G. ; Bro. Fee, Tyler. Bro. J. Scholes kindly consented to act as organist. At the conclusion the brethren
adjourned from labour to refreshment.

LODGE ZEALANDIA, NO 2072, E.C., WHANGAROA, held its regular monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall, on
the 14th May, a dispensation having been granted by the D.D.G.M. for that purpose. There was a large
attendance of members and visitors. This being .the time for installation of W. M., after the ordinary business
had been transacted, P.M. Bro. Anderson took the chair, when Bro. J. G. Shepherd, S. W.W.M. elect was
presented and installed for present term. He then invested his officers as follows : S.W., Bro. F. J. Haggett,
J.W., D. N. O. D. Moleworth, Treasurer, J. Christie (re-elected), Secretary, R. Shepherd (seventh term), S.D.,
J. R. Reid, J.D., F. E. Fairburn, I.G., W. H. Sale, Tyler, J. Wotherspoon (re-elected). The I.P.M., Bro.Bishop,
on behalf of himself and Bro. Hagger, presented the Lodge with a shield of the officers of the Lodge for the
past year, for which they received a hearty vote of thanks. The shield was well and faithfully executed by
Bro. J. Low, who was on a photographic tour in the district. After the Lodge was closed, the members
adjourned to Bro. Rutzen's Masonic Hotel, where they partook of an excellent banquet, got up in first-class
style by the host.

LODGE WAIRAU, N Z.C., BLENHEIM (LATE 663, S.C.). —The annual installation of the R.W.M. and officers
of this Lodge took place in the Lodge room, St. Andrew Street, on June 26th. There was a very large
attendance of brethren and visitors, the Lodge room being filled. The R.W.M. for this year is P.M. Bro. W.
W. de Castro, whose past occupation or the chair of K.S. has been so satisfactory to his Lodge that the
brethren have re-elected him by an unanimous vote. The ceremony of installation was ably performed by
P.M, Bro. T. H. Hustwick, under whose care everything went off without a hitch. The following officers
were invested by the R.W.M.: - D. M. Bro M. Healy ; S.M., Bro. James Fraser ; S W., Bro. H.T. Pritchard
J.W., Bro. W. G. P. O'Callaghan ; Treasurer, P.M. Bro. Hustwirk; Secretary, P.M. Bro W. Gillespie; S.D.,
Bro. F. Goold ; J.D., Bro. W. Fryer ; S.S., Bro. W. Draper; J.S, Bro. J. Coleman ; J.D., Pro. Middlemiss.
After the close of the Lodge the brethren adjourned to Bro. Drapers, where a combined banquet of the three
Lodges (Unanimity, 1236, E.C. and Killarney, 472, I.C.) took place. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts,
commencing with the Queen and the Craft, and ending with the Tyler's toast, were ably given and responded
to.

THE installation of W. Bros Chas. Louison, as D.G.M. for Canterbury, S.C., took place at the St. Augustine
Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on May 22nd. The installing officer was the R.W.D.G.M. of Otago and
Southland, (S.C.), Bro James Gore, of Dunedin, and assistance was rendered by Bro. G. G. Graham, D.G.M.,
Auckland (E.C.) ; Bro. T. S. Graham, D.G.M, Otago and Southland (E.C.) ; Bro. P. Cunningham, D.D.G.M.,
Canterbury (E.C.) and his officers. The ceremony having been performed, the following D G. L. officers
were invested : D.G.M., Bro. J. Sealey; S.G.M. Bro. H. H. Gourley ; S. W., Bro. J. Wendelken ; Chaplain,
Bro W. Malcolm ; Secretary, Bro. J. L. Carrell ; Treasurer, Bro. W. Pirie; S.D., Bro. Eastwood; J.D., Bro F.
Burgess ; B. B., Bro. W. F. McLean ; Cond. Cer., Bro. R. Buchanan ; I.G. Bro. J. Cockburn ; Tyler, Bro. J.
Glen. An adjournment was made to the refectory, where an excellent cold collation had been provided. Bro.
G. E. Graham (Auckland) proposed "The District Grand Master of Canterbury, Bro. Charles Louisson."
Referring to the New Zealand Grand Lodge, he was of opinion that, had time been allowd before the idea
was brought into force, the unanimity which was so much to be desired would have been obtained. He
counselled forbearance on the part of Lodges which remained under Home charters. Bro Louisson said his
action in regard to the New Zealand Grand Lodge had been of a passive character. He had never felt that he
could offer active opposition to the movement as independence was bound to come in course of time. The
question was one of opportuneness, and there was much difference of opinion in that direction. In view of
the recognition which must eventually be given to the New Zealand Grand Lodge, he trusted that nothing
would be said or done by members of withholding Lodges which would prevent fraternity in due time. He
saw no reason for the extinction of the District Lodges.

LODGE CLUTHA, N.Z.C., - The first installation in Otago, under the New Zealand Constitution, was held in
the Masonic Hall, Balclutha, on June 20th, when P.M. Bro. T. Hay-Mackenzie, was duly installed as R.W.M.
of Lodge Clutha. The Lodge was opened at 8.30 by the retiring R.W.M., Bro. Rev. T. F. Dodd, and the
Grand Superintendent of Otago, Bro. A. H. Burton, was received in the third degree, with grand honours, and
took the chair as installing officer. The musical portion of the ceremony being in charge of Bro. Barth,
W.M., Lodge Otago. The newly installed R.W.M. then invested Bro. Dodd as I.P.M. and secretary, and Bro.
Hargood as treasurer. Bro. Hargood obligated and invested the following officers for the ensuing year :---
D.M., Bro. T. H. Andrews; S.M., Bro. R. McGuffog; S.W., Bro G. L. Duncan; J.W., Bro. H. T. Andrews;
S.D., Bro. J. A. Algie ; J.D., Bro. L. Pope; I.C., Bro. W. Nohar; tyler, Bro. J. Finn; stewards, Bros. P. H.
Blackley, R. Jones and W. Lawson. The usual addresses were given by Bros. Burton and Hargood to the
R.W.M., the wardens, and the brethren, and the ceremony was concluded by an appropriate prayer by the
chaplain. The Lodge was then closed. There was a good attendance of brethren, the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand being represented by Bro. A. H. Burton, Y.M., Grand Superintendent of Otago District ; Bro. A. J.
Barth (W.M. Lodge Otago), Grand Organist; Bro. T. F. Dodd, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Visitors from Dunedin were pr, sent, and offered congratulations in the usual Masonic manner, from Lodges
Otago, St. Andrews and Hiram. An abundant spread was then laid out in the Lodge room, provided by the
wives and families of the different brethren, and a very pleasant time was passed at the festive board, the
evening being enlivened by Masonic toasts, songs and recitations, till the smallness of the hours made it
necessary to terminate this most successful gathering.

LODGE ARA, N. Z.C.—The annual meeting of Lodge Ara, the premier Masonic Lodge in New Zealand, and
the first to hold an installation of officers under the New Zealand Constitution, was held in the Freemasons'
Hall, Princes street. There was a good attendance of seventy-three in the Lodge. Amongst those present were
the following Grand Lodge officers :—Bros. A. S. Russell, D.G. M. M. Nicholl, G.S. ; A. Kidd, G. P. ; W. S.
Cooper, Assist. G.S. ; J. Craig, G.S. Page, G.S. ; and P.M.'s Allen, Vosper, Austin, Franklin and Parkinson.
These represented the G and Lodge. There were also present Bro. W. Lyell, W.M. of Star of the Far South ;
Bro. Brufort, W.M., Manukau, and his officers, Bro. Page, W.M., and officers of Lodge St. Andrew, and the
Master and officers of Lodge Albion. Bro. Rathbone, J.W., of Beta Lodge, Hamilton, represented that Lodge.
A number of visiting brethren from other Lodges were also in attendance. Bro. S. D. Hanna, the W.M. elect,
and re-elected, presided at the opening of the Lodge, and the business was then taken over by the Grand
Lodge. Bro. Hanna was re-installed with the most impressive ceremony, and the following officers were
invested :—I.P.M., Bro. W. Parkinson ; S.W., Bro. W. M. Chapman ; J.W., Bro. Jas. Boskill ; Treasurer,
Bro. A. S. Russell, D G.M. (re-elected) Secretary, Bro. G. H. Powley, P.M. (re-elected) ; D. of C., Bro. A.
Kidd, G.Y. S.1)., Bro. D. Robertson ; J.1)., Bro W. H. Mahoney ; Organist, Bro. A. Hanna; LG., Bro J. H. M.
McFarland; S.S , Bro. W. R. Cook; J.S., Bro. H. L. Posseniskie ; Tyler, Bro. E. Tonge. The investiture of Dr.
Kidd as Chaplain had to be postponed owing to his unavoidable absence. The address to the W.M. was given

by Bro. Powley, that to the Wardens by Bro. Parkinson, and that to the brethren by Bro. Niccol. 'I he address
of Bro. Niccol was more of a general reference to Masonry than the ordinary discourses. After the officers
were installed, congratulations were received and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet prepared in
the lower hall by Bro. Robson, of the Commercial Dining Rooms. The toasts of "The Queen and Craft," and
of "H.R.H. the Prince of Wales" were duly honoured. Bro Powley, as toast master, and acting for the W M.,
then proposed the toast of Bro. H. Thompson, M.W.G.M. of New Zealand, and on rising to propose it was
received with applause. He said he could only speak of Bro. Thompson from his biography, but he was a true
and worthy Mason, who took a deep interest in the building up of the Craft. It was the first time the health of
their Grand Master had been proposed on an occasion of this kind in New Zealand, and he asked them to
drink it with bumpers. Bro. Cooper, Assistant-Secretary, responded. Bro. Powley, in a neat and eulogistic
speech, proposed the health of Bro. A. S. Russell, and the Grand Lodge officers. Bro. Russell responded, and
returned his hearty thanks for the honour conferred on him. The toast of the W.M. was responded to by Bro.
Hanna, and the other routine toasts were duly honoured. There were several nice musical intervals, and one
of the most interesting was a zither performance by Mr Heinitz.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE, S.C., AUCKLAND.—An emergency meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge,
S.C , for the North Island of New Zealand was convened on Friday, May 23rd, in the Masonic Hall, Princes
street. Sir Frederick Whitaker, presided. Bro. G. P. Pierce and the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge,
I.C., and the officers of the District Grand Lodge, E.G., with Bro. C. LaRoche, D.G.S W., attended. Sir
Frederick Whitaker explained that he had called the emergency meeting to carry on some business which he
considered urgent. They were all aware that recently a number of brethren of the three Constitutions had
joined together for the purpose of forming a Grand Lodge for New Zealand. Two officers of his own
Provincial Grand Lodge had joined that institution, and hence a necessity arose for appointing others in their
places. Bro. Gillon, P.D.G.M., had been one of the most active in getting up the Grand Lodge for New
Zealand, and he had written a very proper letter, tendering his resignation and at the same time expressing
feelings of the utmost respect and loyalty towards their own Grand Lodge. He had replied to Bro. Gillen that
he had taken the only course open to him under the circumstances, although he greatly feared that the cause
of Freemasonry would suffer from division. The other letter was from Bro. Niccol, S.P.G.M, also tendering
his resignation and stating that he did so with regret, and should ever look with great pleasure and
unswerving loyalty, towards the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The brethren would at once see that the parting
between himself and his two Grand Lodge officers had been of the most kindly description, that they were
parting with mutual good fellowship and regard. The position they had taken up rendered it out of the
question for them to remain in this P.G. Lodge, so they resigned. He had decided to appoint Bro. William
McCullough to the office of Deputy Provincial Gland Master, and Bro. Win Anderson, S.P.G.M. Sir
Frederick Whitaker spoke regarding the fitness of the brethren chosen. He then said there was another matter
he wished to refer to. He had that day received an extraordinary document objecting to his holding that
Lodge of Emergency on the ground that he had been in office more than five years. Now, there was without
doubt a provision in the Constitution to that effect, and it was also true that he had been in that office nearly
three times five years, with the accord of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. That was quoted against him, but the
answer was complete. It was a principle that no officer could throw down his commmission until he was
properly relieved. In order, however, to satisfy those outside, he had brought with him his commission. One
clause read, "It is expressly provided that this commission shall continue in force until recalled." It was under
that he acted, and should continue to do so until the Grand Lodge of Scotland appointed another in his stead.
He had been asked to read the document mentioned to the Lodge, but he must decline to do so. In the first
place the Lodge could not challenge his conduct. The whole matter had been referred to the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, and he should conform to its decision as soon as it arrived If the Grand Lodge saw fit to relieve
him it could be done at any time, but he was not answerable to anyone in the colony. Sir Frederick Whittaker
also referred to a circular which he had issued to the members of the Constitution, with reference to the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, in which it was stated that "everything will remain and continue precisely as
if the Grand Lodge of New Zealand had not been called into existence." Bro. Pierce, in addressing the
P.G.M., said that he could only wish that the Books of the Constitutions of English and Irish Masons were
equally clear upon the subject referred to in the opening speech. He felt that he could not sit silently without
expressing his views on the necessity of all Masons in the colony exercising charity at the present juncture.
The newly appointed officers then took the oath of office, and were duly invested, after which the newly
invested officers were accorded the usual honours, and the ceremony terminated. Bro. the Rev. Dr. Kidd,
P.G., Chaplain, I.C., then addressed the brethren. He referred to Bro. McCullough as a man possessing a
strong Scottish name with a strong Irish accent. He said he believed that the present cloud would pass away,

if all would obey the dictates of charity in its most comprehensive term—charity, which thinketh no evil of
another. Bro. Kidd gave an interesting discourse upon the fundamental truths of Masonry. On the motion of
Bro. McCullough, seconded by Bro. Slator, it was resolved —"That Bro. Malcolm Niccol having resigned
his position, this Provincial Grand Lodge desires, by resolution, to express its high appreciation of the many
services rendered by Bro. Niccol to this Lodge and Scotch Freemasons in this province ; and further it regrets
that circumstances have arisen which render it necessary for Bro. Niccol to resign his office." Votes of
thanks were accorded the visiting brethren, and also to Bro. Dr. Kidd for his address. In closing the P. Grand
Lodge Sir Frederick Whitaker said that whatever controversy might arise, he trusted that they would always
remember that they were Masons, and what was due of them.

THE annual meeting of Leinster Lodge, N.Z.C., Wellington, was held on Monday evening. 23rd June, at the
Freemasons' Ball, Boulcott street, the occasion being the installation of Bro. T. P. Coveney as W.M. for the
ensuing year. The officers invested were as follow :—S. W. Bro. T .F. Bulford ; J.W., Bro. A. A. Bowley ;
Secretary and Treasurer, Bro J. M. Goldfinch, P.M. ; S.D., Bro. F. J. Taylor ; J.D., Bro. H. Arden; I.G., Bro.
W. C. Watson ; I.S., Bro. W. McGill; Tyler, Bro. H. Frith. The installing officers were Bros. J. M. Goldfinch,
G. C Fownes, and R. C. Hamerton, P.M's. The visitors included many prominent brethren from North and
South, amongst whom were Bro. Joyce, M H.R , Grand Registrar, Bro Feldwick, M.H.R., Senior Grand
Warden, Bro. Lawry, N.H.R. (Manukau Lodge), Bro. Meadoworoft, P.G.S.W. (Victoria), Bro. Robert
Mowat, P.G.J.W. (Malta), Past Masters; Bro Harkness, M.H.R. (Lodges Victory and Forest Nelson), Elliott,
Coltman, Alfred, Masters, and Greig ; Bro. Fisher, M.H.R. (Pacific Lodge), Bro. Hutton (Canterbury
Kilwinning), the Worshipful Masters and brethren of the Waterloo, St. Andrew, and Ulster Lodges. After the
business of the Lodge was concluded, an adjournment was made to the refreshment room, and honour done
to the usual Masonic toasts. In the course of an address by Bro. Joyce, strongly advocating the cause of the
New Zealand Constitution, reference was made in very graceful and eulogistic terms to the magnanimity of
those brethren who, after having done so much towards the consummation of the object referred to, had
voluntarily resigned all claim to office. These sentiments were cordially endorsed by Bros Harkness, Lowry,
and others, and in due course ended one of the most successful and instructive meetings held for some time
past.—N.Z. Mail.

WELLINGTON LODGE.—The regular monthly meeting of the Wellington Lodge, No. 1521, E.C., was held at
the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on Friday, 20th June. There was a large attendance of members of the
fraternity. Worshipful Bro. Frank Meadowcroft, P.G. Warden, of Victoria, was present, and the dais was also
occupied by a great many other Past Masters of the English, Irish, and Scottish Constitutions. The beautiful
installation ceremony was performed by Bro. W. D. Lyon, I. P.M., in his usual faultless style, and was
listened to with rapt attention by the brethren. During the service some admirable and appropriate music was
given by a choir, led by Bro. Hardwick, organist of the Lodge, who also took part with Bro. Tanis Trimnell,
P. P.G.O., in an andante by Moszkowski. A violin solo by Bro. Hotop was much appreciated, as were also
two vocal selections given by Bros. Munt and S. Robinson. The following is the list of officers for the
ensuing twelve months :—AV.M., Bro. J. H. Richardson ; S. W , Bro. W. B. Hudson : J.W., Bro. A. S.
Chapman ; Chaplain, Bro. B. N. Manley ; Secretary, Bro. H. J. Brooke ; Organist, Bro. W. H. Hardwick ;
S.D., Bro. W. Jessup; J.D., Bro. R. Moate; I.G., Bro. A. G. T. Gilbert ; Tyler, Bro. Eli Buck. Bro. G.
Robertson, P.M., performed the duties of Director of Ceremonies during the evening. Before closing the
Lodge, Bro. J. H. Richardson, the newly installed W.M., made a few well chosen remarks. He thanked the
visitors for their attendance, the Installing Master for his kind assistance, and the members of the Wellington
Lodge in particular for having placed him in the chair. He referred to the able services rendered to the Lodge
by his predecessor, Bro. W. D. Lyon, and on behalf of the members presented him with the following
address :—" To Brother William Denis Lyon, P.M., Worshipful Master of the Wellington Lodge, No. 1521
on the register of the Grand Lodge of England.—Worshipful Master and Dear Brother,—We the undersigned
Past Masters, Wardens, and Fellows of the Wellington Lodge, No. 1521, E.C., desire on the occasion of your
retirement from the chair of the Worshipful Master to express the feelings of affection and esteem with
which we regard you. Your year of office has been a prosperous one, and under your wise guidance the
dignity of the Lodge has been maintained and its numbers have increased. During the past year a movement
in the direction of the establishment of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand has been inaugurated, and the
question is one which has naturally given rise to much interest throughout the fraternity, and has led to some
divergences of opinion. In these respects the Wellington Lodge has been no exception, but it is a matter for
congratulation that no disturbance of the excellent relations subsisting amongst the members has resulted
therefrom. We feel that this happy condition s largely due to the impartiality and tact with which you have

presided over our meetings, and the ready acquiescence you have shown in giving the fullest possible effect
to the wishes of the majority of the brethren. We trust that you may be long spared to the Lodge to be an
example to its members, and to employ and instruct the brethren in Freemasonry.—We are, Worshipful
Master and dear Brother, yours affectionately and fraternally." Bro. Lyon, who was evidently not expecting
the presentation, returned thanks in feeling terms, and assured the brethren that he would, although no longer
in the chair, continue to further the interests of the Wellington Lodge in every way. Hearty congratulations
having been given by the visitors, an adjournment was made to the banquet hall, where the usual loyal and
Masonic toasts were honoured in accordance with time-honoured customs. The proceedings, which
terminated close on midnight, were enlivened by some capital instrumental and vocal selections given by
Bros. W. H. Hardwick, T. Trimnell, P.P.G.O. ; A. Gray, R. J. S. Todd, F. Meadowctoft, W. D. Lion, S.
Robinson, and others. We offer our fraternal congratulations to Bro. J. H. Richardson, and wish him a most
prosperous and successful term of office.—N.Z. Mail.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

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 Box 363. Post Office. Dunedin.
We shall also be glad to receive from the District and Provincial Grand Secretaries the printed proceedings of their
Quarterly Communications.

REPORT of Somerset Lodge, 1811, E.G., Ashburton, held over, arrived too late, will appear in August.

REPORT of Lodge Oama' a Kilwinning, 537, S.C., held over, arrived too late, will appear in August.

REPORT of Lodge Wairoa, N.Z.C., Clevedon, Auckland (late 709, S.C.), arrived too late, will appear in
August.

THE report of the emergency meeting of Lodge Southern Star, 735, E.G., Nelson, held on the 9th inst., will
appear in August.

LODGE ST AUGUSTINE, N.Z.C., CHRISTCHURCH.—One of the pleasantest and most instructive Masonic
gatherings, held for some time, took place on the 8th inst. in connection with the usual meeting of the St.
Augustine Lodge. There was a very large attendance of members and visitors, the latter hailing from
Tasmania, Dunedin, England, Canada, &c. Bro Russell gave a most interesting talk on the subject, " Was
King Solomon a Mason? " which brought forth some most instructive notes from the I.P. M. Bro. Hull and
others. During the evening reference was made to the establishment, by Bro. Sir R. Stout, of a Lodge under
the Grand Orient of France, and his course was most strongly reprobated, and any connection with the
movement most distinctly disclaimed, as tending to deprive Masonry of its two grand principles, viz., the
Sacred Law, and a Belief in the Grand Architect of the Universe. During the evening the W.M. said he had
been requested by Lodge Scinde, N.Z.C., Napier, to present to Br Purvis, who is now stationed in
Canterbury, a Past Master's jewel on their behalf. Bro Ritchie, the W.M., in a few well - chosen words
expressed the pleasure it gave the brethren of the Lodge and himself to be the means of making the
presentation. In response Bro. Purvis expressed his thanks to the W.M. for his kindly remarks, and also
stated that he had not anywhere seen a Lodge waked so efficiently as St. Augustine.

MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE, N.Z.C., Palmerston North, held its regular monthly meeting on the 2nd
inst. There was a large attendance. Mr Taylor, builder, was balloted for and elected. Bro. Victor was passed
to the second degree, and the Rev. H. B. Harvey was initiated.

ARA LODGE, N.Z.C., Auckland, held its regular monthly meeting on the 7th inst. The following was the
business : "To initiate Messrs. Carroll and Bartlett. Notice of motion by Secretary, ` That the portion of Bye-
law No 21, having reference to joining members' fees, be suspended for one year from date.' "

LODGE WAITAKI, 1111, E.G., OAMARU.--The regular monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on the 2nd
inst. The principal business of the evening was the discussion as to the desirability of joining the Grand
Lodge. The Secretary has very kindly sent us the speech of Bro. D. McLennan's, entitled, " My reasons for
supporting the Grand Lodge of New Zealand." It s a grand speech, and we will give it in full next mouth. We

regret it is impossible to do so in this issue, but in the first place it arrived too late (11th inst.), and, secondly,
we have again to hold over matter which should have appeared last month.

THE LODGE OF OTAGO (LATE 844, E.C.), N.Z C., Dunedin, held its regular monthly meeting on the 14th
inst., at the Oddfellows' Hall, Rattray street The business was to ballot for a candidate, raise Bro. A. E.
Conliffe, of Southern Cross Lodge, N.Z.C., and to affiliate a former member of the Lodge. A silver "Square
and Compasses" was sent as a present to the Lodge, by the Grand Secretary. The Square bore the following
inscription : " Presented to the Lodge of Otago, No. —, N.Z.C. (late 844, E C.), Dunedin, N.Z., by Bro the
Rev. W. Ronaldson, P.M. (Grand Secretary), as a token of love, respect and esteem for the W.M. officers and
brethren of his mother Lodge, on joining the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Sept. 11th, 1889 " This present,
along with those of Bros Barton, Alberti and Wood, nearly fixes up this Lodge in respect of furnishings.

ABERCORN (LATE. 1813, E.C.), N.Z C , WAIPAWA, HAWKE’S BAY.—The first meeting of Abercorn Lodge,
under a New Zealand Dispensation, took place on Wednesday, 28th May. The ballot for Mr Charles Baines
proved favourable, and his initiation will follow in usual course. Mr George Godwin was initiated by W.M.
Bro. McKay, W.T. presented by P.M Bro Johnson, and the charge by S. W. Bro. Pickett. The finance
committee, appointed a couple of months back, brought up their report, which showed that very favourable
terms had been obtained for the gradual extinction of the £200 debt, so that in a few years members will find
themselves the lucky possessors of a handsome hall, with paddock and other conveniences attached. The
committee's action was confirmed, and they were discharged with thanks. Correspondence and replies were
read from G. Secretary, and from the D.G.L Wellington, E.C. re disposal of old warrant. After careful
consideration, it was ordered that the warrant be sent to G L of N.Z. for safe keeping. Another gentleman
was proposed for ballot. Good wishes were received from visiting brothers from Napier, Alexandra,
Auckland, and Lodge closed. The visitors were entertained in the usual way, and the first toast of the evening
was—" The G.L. of N.Z.," coupled with the name of G.M. Bro. Thomson, whose health was drunk with
grand honours, It was a most successful meeting.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF MENTION.

BRO WATERS, Bookseller, Greymouth, and Bro. Emil Peters, Dillmanstown, have offered their services as
Agents for THE CRAFTSMAN. We have much pleasure in notifying the Brethren that we have accepted their
offers. Their names will appear next month under the list of Agents.

"THE VOICE OF MASONRY " says that " New Zealand brethren should know that a less number than a quorum
of seven cannot rule on any question." The N.Z. Lodges know this well. It was a District Grand Master,
appointed virtually for life by a body 15,000 miles distant, who said that three can rule and over-throw the
resolution of the rest of the Lodge.

IN England non-affiliates can visit a Lodge but once without affiliating.

THE first Masonic journal was published at Leipzig in 1783. It was called Der Friedmauer.

THE number of intrants to outer circle of Lolge Quatuor Coronati has now reached eight hundred and fifty-
two.
A LODGE in New South Wales has abolished joining fees. We should be glad if every Lodge in Australia
would do so.

THE Gavel Club is Masonic, and meets in London, including among its members many Brethren of great
musical talent.

EVERY elective officer in the Grand Lodge of Virginia stands the test of secret ballot taken in his absence
from the Lodge room.

THE Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, Bro. Joseph H. Hough, has entered on his fifty
second year of secretarial duty.

THERE is also an article, from the New Zealand Mail, on " District Grand Inspectors of Workings," which we
are reluctantly obliged to pass.

IF a man is a Mason, and claims to be such, it is fair to expect that he will attend Lodge, and contribute by
mind and means to build up the Fraternity.

THE Meridian Lodge of Victoria, the only Lodge, we believe, that has not joined the Grand Lodge, has
decided to throw in its lot with the Grand Lodge of Victoria.

Bro. Speth, Secretary Lodge Quatuor Coronati, says the third degree is an innovation made from the E.A.
and F.C. degrees by somebody or other about the year 1725.

IT is considered the correct thing in America for a Lodge to refund to another Lodge any amounts extended
by the latter for the relief of a member of the former. Quite right !

THE Grand Lodge of England has expressed itself as being unfavourable to visiting Brethren offering
"Hearty good wishes," unless it has been specially voted by the visiting Brother's Lodge.

ACCORDING to Historian Hughan, the name " Freemason " is positively found in Scotland in the year 1636,
and virtually in 1581, the year in which the original of the " Melrose MS.," now existing, was dated.

THE Germania says that the Pope, on the occasion of the visit of Austrian pilgrims to the Vatican, remarked
to a Catholic journalist—" You have a hard battle to fight with the Jewish journalists and Freemasons."

THE Masons of Margate, England, entertained 250 of the aged poor of the town, at the end of March last. A
dinner and tea was provided, vocal and instrumental music and short addresses being added to the
programme.

THERE are four hundred and eighty-three ministers of the Gospel included in the membership of the Masonic
Lodges of Alabama, averaging a little over two ministers to a Lodge. Surely enough of " leaven " to leaven
the whole mass.

THERE is a Masonic art association in Pennsylvania. The Grand Master thinks that they are reflecting great
credit on themselves in their efforts to make the Masonic Temple “a palace of beauty, a citadel of mind, a
centre of culture."

TASMANIA and Western Australia have no Masonic papers.

THE best answer to all criticism, the best test of all work, is—result.

EVERY Lodge in Tasmania has declared in favour of the Grand Lodge.

ANOTHER Class Lodge being formed in London is to be composed of Cornishmen.

The Victorian Freemason gives a full account of the Inauguration of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

THERE are sixty-two Lodges in Africa, the great bulk being in the southern end of that ham-shaped division
of the globe.

THE Australasian Keystone of June 2nd gave an account of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and copies our
Masonic career of the Grand Master.

A MASONIC School Fund and a Charity Fund are established in connection with the District Grand Lodge of
Northern China. Both are working well and producing good results.

BRO. THOS. RITCHIE, B.A., W.M., St. Augustine (late 609, E.C.), Christchurch, gave a splendid address at
the first meeting of the Lodge under the N.Z. Constitution. We are sorry space forbids us giving it.

WE say most emphatically, let all who are losing sleep in consequence of too much God, Bible and religion
in Masonry, go out. A Lodge is no place for them. They are among strangers, and we know them not.—JOHN
H. BROWN, Kansas.

THE greatest known depth of the ocean is midway between the Island of Tristan d'Acunha and the mouth of
the Rio de la Plata. The bottom was there reached at a depth of forty thousand two hundred and thirty-six
feet, or eight and three-fourth miles.

THE Grand Superintendent of Auckland, Bro. Malcolm Nicol, has addressed a circular to the W.M.s and
brethren of Lodges in his district. We would like to publish this circular, bat we must draw the line or one
hundred pages per month would not contain the matter.

A CANADIAN paper, the Era, describes a marvellous performer, Herr Unthian, born without arms, who is a
Freemason. He gives the grips accurately with his foot, and yet there are American Grand Lodges which rule
a man out because he has lost a little finger.—Masonic Token.

DON’T wear a profusion of Masonic jewellery. A single sign, or ornament, indicating membership in the
fraternity, modestly worn, is allowable ; but it is in the worst possible taste to make a glaring show of pins,
rings, charms, &c., on which appears the emblematic devices of the Order.

THE last balance-sheet of Lodge Ara, N.Z.C., Auckland, is a highly creditable one. They began the year with
a balance of £59 2s 3d, and finished with £138 3s. Their assets are £3424 Ss 8d, and their liabilities £55 2s
7d. There are few Lodges in New Zealand which can show a statement like this.

M.W. BRO. LORD CARRINGTON has not been forgotten by the Craft in England during his absence, for we
hear that M.W. the Grand Master M.H.R. the Prince of Wales has appointed him to be Prov. G.M. of Berks
and Bucks. We congratulate His Excellency upon the mark of favour bestowed upon him by the M.W., the
Grand Master.

AN Egyptian will has been unearthed at Kakun, by Mr Flinders Petrie, dated in the 44th year of Amenemhat
III., 2500 B.C., in which Illahun gives his wife Teta all his property. As this was 1000 years before Moses,
and Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, it is no longer safe to argue that the books of
Moses were written after the captivity, because writing was not invented in the times of Moses.

SEVERALAuckland Lodges refused admittance to Bro. Lee, the travelling representative of the CRAFTSMAN.
No reason for the refusal was given. Bro. Lee has not joined the Grand Lodge. This is the first time that our
representative has had to complain of discourtesy. Why the Masonic Press should be treated in this
undignified manner we know not, perhaps the Lodges, who denied our representative admission, will inform
us of the grounds for their refusal?

The increase in the number of Masonic Halls is a marked feature in modern Masonry.

The Freemason., of Sydney, N.S.W., complains of frequent visits from grog-sodden Masonic dead beats,
who want cash and will not accept food.

THE Grand Lodge of England has always allowed its Grand Master to appoint his own officers, excepting the
treasurer ; that is to say, from the formation of the first regular Grand Lodge in 1717, its fusion with the so-
called "Antients," in 1813, and down to the present day.

ROOM FOR DOUBT.—" I would have you remember, brethren," continued the preacher, " the same master
hand that contrived the celestial system fashioned the least of earthly atoms as well ; the superb architect of
the mountains arranged the minute threads of gold within them ; and remember, friends, the God who made
me made a daisy."--Life.

THE tendency among American Grand Lodges is toward an abridgement of the power of dispensation. Many
Grand Lodges have greatly reduced the privileges of Grand Masters in their respective jurisdictions,

considering it the sole province of such officers to preside over and represent the Grand Lodge, and to see to
a proper enforcement of its laws.

TWO Bagdad Jews have bought the entire site of ancient Babylon. On this Le Chretien Celge well remarks : "
Is it not a significant fact that two Israelites should to-day possess the soil and the ruins of the immense city,
where their ancestors were captives and slaves, and of which their prophets had announced the utter
destruction ? " Thus time brings its revenges, but 2400 years is a long time to wait, and probably the ghosts
of the Chaldeans do not care.

THE London Freemason had a story, March 1st, about one William Wilson, whose life was saved in the West
Indies by Dolores Torres, a female Mason, who took her degrees in Texas, where ladies can enter the Craft.
Grand Secretary Wm. F. Swain, of Texas, writes the Freemason that no lady can enter the Craft in Texas, or
in any other of the United States. It is possible that Dona Torres had taken the annex degrees of the Eastern
Star, and thought she was a Freemason.

A FAREWELL meeting was held in St. Mathew's schoolroom, Dunedin, on June 13th, to bid farewell to Bro.
the Rev. W. Ronaldson, on his removal to Christchurch to fill the position of Grand Secretary to the Grand
Lodge. Bishop Nevill occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of Mr Ronaldson's friends from all
parishes of the diocese, the hall being crowded. Bro. Ronaldson was presented with three addresses, a purse
of sovereigns, and several other presents. The bishop expressed his high apprec'ation of the faithful work
done in the diocese, during the last fourteen years, by Bro. Ronaldson.

THE Agency by which Canadian Lodges carries on its negotiations with the visitor is a committee called the
" Board of Trial." The following points show how the Board approach a visitor :—1. You have either to deal
with a Mason or an impostor. 2. Be cautious, courteous and firm. 3. Do not approach the visitor as a suspect.
4. You are not expected to do detective or prosecuting attorney work. 5. Put on no airs of superior
knowledge. 6. Play no tricks by pretending answers are not correct when they are. 7. Don't indulge in catch
questions. They are the slang of Masonry. 8. Give no hints ; correct no mistakes. 9. Don't be unnecessarily
strict ; ideas are better than words. 10. Accept all you get without comment. 11. If you reject do not indicate
why. 12. Judge by general results. 13. A very desirable visitor may answer poorly. 14. Answers correctly
given may be a cause for suspicion and rejection. 15. Do not imagine your catechism of questions to be the
only correct form, and all departures from it to be errors. 16. There is no set way of conducting a Board of
Trial. 17. It is your business to get, and the visitors to give information. 18. The " customary " question
should only be used as aids. If possible be satisfied as to your visitor without them. 19. You cannot vouch for
any but a Master Mason. 20. I would ..give the O.B. last, and not until I was satisfied to admit the visitor.

BRO HENRY J. WHYMPER, D.D.G.M., London, claims that the origin of Masonry is sectarian, and that it can
never be anything else ; that Masonry was Christian and Trinitarian as well, and that the attempt to make it
universal is an innovation, introduced about one hundred years ago.

REPORTER (to Indiana woman who has married her ninth husband).—" Would you have any objections,
madame, to telling me whether or not you consider marriage a failure?" Indiana woman (severely).—" I don't
know whether it is or not, young man, but I'm going to find out if it takes every man this side of Terry
Hut."—Chicago Tribune.

AMONG the exhibits at a Masonic Exhibition at Plymouth, in 1887, was a statuette located at Pekin, and
supposed to be three thousand years old, and supposed to represent Confucius. It is cut from a very hard
stone, and the figure is clothed with a scarlet apron, upon which are depicted two Chinese pillars and the sun,
moon and stars.

THE Grand Lodge of Louisiana is opposed to life membership, an opinion expressed by the Craftsman on
several occasions„and still adhered to. Touching this topic Louisiana says : " That as life membership is
incompatible with the best interests or successes of the Craft, the Subordinate Lodges are hereby
recommended not to encourage this feature longer." This was adopted in 1887.

ACCORDING to the Canadian Craftsman, Bro. J. G. Howard, of Toronto,... whose death has occurred
recently, offered to the Masonic Fraternity in that city,. some years ago, a magnificent site, consisting of

twenty acres of High Park,. overlooking the lake, for the purpose of erecting a Masonic Asylum and Home.
The only condition to the offer was that the building should be commenced and' the land fenced in within a
year. The Masonic Fraternity did not avail them-selves of the opportunity thus generously afforded them, and
now the property could not be purchased for 300,000dol. (£60,000) sterling.

THE Grand Secretary of England, writing under date of the 17th June, 1889, to the D.G.M. of Bombay, says
:—" In reply I beg to say that it is considered very undesirable in the present day to hold public Masonic
funerals. The old law respecting them was, therefore, struck out in the present Book of Constitutions,_. and
there is now no law permitting them. The only reference on the subject being in Art. 216, which, however,
only refers to wearing clothing at a funeral—not holding a Masonic ceremony thereat as was formerly the
case. As to ' Lodges of Sorrow' they have never been ` sactioned by the Grand Lodge of England,' and form '
no part of its Masonic Ritual.' "

COLOURED LODGES.—The prospects of the coloured Lodges of the United States are not very encouraging,
from a truly Masonic point of view, if we may judge from the following account of recent law proceedings
which we take from the Philadelphia Public Ledger :—Court of Common Pleas, No. 1, decided the equity
suit of John Rhodes et al. against Charles H. Brown et al., a litigation which began about five years ago. The
plaintiffs to the suit represented the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York
Masons for Pennsylvania, an organisation of coloured men, and the defendants represented about thirty
subordinate Lodges of coloured Masons. The suit against the latter was for the purpose of forfeiting all the
moneys, jewels, regalia, books, papers, etc., belonging to these Lodges because of their adherence to a union
of a coloured' Masonic organisation formed in 1882. This new organisation is called the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. The suit was referred to a Master, and he
decided in favour of the plaintiffs. It was upon exception to this report that the case was before Common
Pleas, No 1. It appeared that the Supreme Court, on another branch of the litigation, had, in the meantime,
decided that the union of 1882 is a valid union, and this having been brought to the attention of the Judges
they thought it decisive of the controversy, and the exceptions to the Master's report were accordingly
sustained. This decision sustains the position of the subordinate Lodges, which claimed that they owed
allegiance only to the new Grand Lodge formed in 1882.

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