THE
NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.

SUBSCRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNU.W
VOL. I —No. 8.] AUGUST 16, 1890. A.D., 1890 ; A.L., A 5890 ;l.M., 5650; A. In., 2420.

IS IT DISLOYALTY?
HE absurd argument that a Lodge cannot sever its connection with the Grand Lodge which originally
chartered it without disloyalty, has been brought forward in every movement for Masonic autonomy
in the Australasian colonies. In New Zealand, it has over and over again been advanced by Brethren

who have evidently no knowledge of the manner in which the numerous Grand Lodges of the United States,
Canada, and Australia have been established. The word loyalty means neither more nor less than submission
to law, and in Masonry a Lodge or Brother does not become disloyal by giving his assistance to the
furtherance of a measure which is held to be legal by all Grand Lodges, and which the majority of his
Brethren believe to be for the good of the Craft. On the contrary, by so doing, he proves his loyalty to
Freemasonry. The word has become so distorted in application that the sound of it is becoming distasteful.
No Grand Lodge has the right of claiming the perpetual allegiance of Lodges in a distant and distinct
territory, nor are we aware of any Grand Lodge that claims such right. It is universally admitted by Grand
Lodges that the Craft in any distinct division of the earth has an inherent right to establish a Grand Lodge.
This principle is as fully recognised as is any Landmark, and yet the same ridiculous cry of disloyalty is
raised again and again, only to be again refuted. The Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, on
whose behalf the claim of loyalty is made, do themselves fully recognise that they have no claim on their
Lodges in a colony where the Craft desires to establish a Grand Lodge. Was Lord CARNARVON, the Pro
Grand Master of England, disloyal when he recommended the Lodges in New South Wales to unite under an
independent Grand Lodge, or was Lord CARRINGTON disloyal when he accepted the Grand Mastership of the
new Grand Lodge ? Were the Grand Masters of England and Scotland disloyal when they congratulated
heartily the Masons of South Australia and New South Wales on the establishment of their Grand Lodges,
and in the warmest terms, recommended their recognition by the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland ?
Were the Brethren in the former colonies of England, now States of the American Union, disloyal when they
founded Grand Lodges, and laid the foundation of the noble system of American Freemasonry ? If all these
were disloyal, then we are proud of being similarly disloyal.

Surely when Bro. SIR F. WHITAKER, D.G.M. of the North Island S.C., issued his recent circular he must have
been utterly oblivious of the fact that there are fully sixty Grand Lodges in English-speaking countries which
have been formed by the Lodges throwing off their allegiance to their parent Grand Lodges and combining to
establish an independent Grand Lodge ; and surely he must have been ignorant of the fact that the Grand
Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland insist that, before they recognise a new Grand Lodge, the majority
of their own Lodges must have thrown off their allegiance to their parents to establish the new body ; and
surely he must have forgotten that these so-called disloyal Lodges are fully recognised by the Grand Lodges
of Great Britain and Ireland as legitimate.. If he was not unaware of these facts, then he must have
deliberately set himself to mislead the Lodges now or previously under his rule, by informing them that any
resolution to transfer their allegiance from the Grand Lodge of Scotland would be ultra vires. In South
Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria such resolutions were passed, and were not ultra vires, as the
Lodges are no longer under the Grand Lodge of Scotland and yet are recognised by it as legitimate. Similar
resolutions were passed in the Tasmanian. Lodges, and there is not the slightest doubt will be universally
held good. Bro. SIR F. WHITAKER is a lawyer of repute, but we fear that he has not given that careful study to
universal Masonic law (which knows no quibbles), which the brethren of his district had a right to expect
would be given to it by an officer holding the high position which he held.
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THREE TYPES OF MASONRY.
IT may not be amiss for a brief space to take ,stock of three casts of Masonic thought which, now that
Masonry is well nigh universal, are year by year taking form and shape on national lines, and elevating
themselves into definite types moulded more or less by the national proclivities of the peoples from whom
the membership is drawn, and full of interest to the observer who cares to look beneath the surface, because
on one or more of these types will the Masonry of the future be modelled. We refer respectively to the
Masonry of the great Empire which owns the sway of Victoria, Queen and Empress ; to that of the Latin

T

races of Europe ; and to that of the great republic of the Nest. Each of these constitutes a school of Masonic
thought, and the three practically embrace all the Masonry of to-day, because the Grand Lodges not holding
under any of the said three divisions, all fall, whether they know it or not, under one or the other of them.
The natural features, so to speak, of each type, are marked enough. Take the Masonry of the three " British "
Grand Lodges and their daughter offshoots. Moulded distinctly on the lines of 1813, it views as heresy any
attempt to depart from them one jot or one tittle. lts ideal is a Craft which views as its cardinal principles the
Taleyrand motto, " Above all things no zeal." " In medio tutissimus ibis " is ever on its lips and in its heart. It
has no mission, and the man who announces one has to meet the cold frown of official disdain and the
wondering stare of popular astonishment. It is above all things a respectable institution, a combination of a
charitable society and a social club. It shrinks from altering the minutest so-called "landmarks" of a glorious
if a somewhat humdrum past, it has a morbid dread of peering into the secrets of private life, and trusts that
its noble doctrines will make their way into the hearts of its votaries without the help of any Masonic college
of the Inquisition. In religion it is colourless, or tries to be, and in its pursuit of universalism it has pared
down the old Charges and Constitutions until Lectures and Ritual are oftentimes logically worked out into a
reductio ad absurdum. It shrinks from over legislation more than from anything else upon earth, and it so
dreads to injure the feelings of its votaries that to purge an English or Scotch Lodge of the most scandalous
of " brothers" is a herculean task comparable only to the modus operandi of getting a cause through
Chancery in days of yore. It generalises but does not define, it enjoins, but does not enforce, it professes
noble principles, but does propagate them. It leaves everything as far as possible to the good sense and
honest feelings of its members, and if those members have neither, it shuts one eye and passes by on the
other side. Logical it is not, beneficient it is. It aims not so much at making men better, as affording them the
chance of becoming better if they like, and if they do not like, well, it draws a discreet veil. And yet it
accomplishes a grand and noble work. In the Masonry of the Anglo-Saxon race we have no parties and but
few squabbles. We pin our faith on our noble charities, and we outshine the world in our efforts to relieve the
bodies of the needy, leaving, perhaps discreetly, the task of elevating their souls and their minds to other
agencies. The Grand Lodge of England is a typical John Bull of a by-gone era, content to jog along quietly,
not offending his neighbour, and asking nought from that neighbour but to be let alone. In its quiet way it is
felt rather than seen, known by its effects rather than by its direct agency. And its Scottish sister is year by
year dropping its distinctive points and getting into the same groove, whilst Ireland is masterly inactivity
personified, save that it guards its portals far more carefully than its neighbours on the other side of St.
George's Channel. For such a position much is to be said. It consorts well with British conservatism, and it
preserves 'harmony if it does no more. And yet it is widely different from the Craft under the star-spangled
banner, how different we shall try to show next week.—South African Freemason.
____________________________________________________________________________________

GRAND LODGES

NEW ZEALAND.

THE regular quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was held in the Masonic Hall,
Wellington, on July 28th. The M.W. the Grand Master, Bro. Henry Thomson, took his seat on the throne at 8
o'clock.

The Grand Master reviewed the progress made since the last Communication, mentioned the difficulties that
had been overcome, and said the seceders would have to return very shortly. He regretted the ignorance that
prevailed in the country Lodges, and strongly urged Brethren present to do all in their power to improve the
working of their Lodges ; he advocated the formation of Lodges of Instruction, and recommended the
reading of Masonic literature ; he referred to the circulars issued by the District and Provincial Grind
Masters, and said they :ere the origin of the bitterness and ill-feeling that existed ; he condemned the action
of the Grand Secretary of Scotland pledging his Grand Lodge to uphold and sanction extraordinary powers
assumed by Provincial and District Grand Masters in attempting to crush the movement, and stated that no
paid officer of any Grand Lodge could override the Constitutions, or pledge his Grand Lodge to uphold what
was illegal. He urged members of Lodges to take an intelligent view of the matter, and not leave the
interpretation of the Book of Constitutions to Masters and Wardens.

The Grand Secretary read the correspondence:—From the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales,
recognising " the Grand Lodge of New Zealand as legally constituted, and the supreme and sovereign

Masonic authority in that territory, and invites it to the usual interchange of representatives." From the Pro-
Grand Master of New South Wales, M.W., Bro. Herman J. Tarrant : "Dear Bro. Ronaldson,—It affords me
much pleasure to inform you that at a special communication our Grand Lodge unanimously decided that a
fraternal recognition of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales be extended to the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand, and I trust our action will help your cause, as I think we have the honour of being the first
Australian Grand Lodge to extend you recognition ; and will you kindly convey my deep sympathy to your
Grand Master. I sincerely trust he is by this time recovered from his severe illness. I have requested the
Grand Secretary to send you a copy of our early proceedings before the United Grand Lodge was
established. Wishing your Grand Lodge every success," &c. From three Grand Masters and two Grand
Secretaries of Grand Lodges in America promising to bring the petitions for recognition before their
respective Grand Lodges at the next yearly communication, and in the meantime wishing every success and
God-speed to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

The Treasurer declared the balance to the credit of the Grand Lodge to be £106 Os 2d, and to the credit of the
Benevolent Fund, £52 4s 6d.

V.W., Bro. Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., acting Deputy Grand Master, asked the Grand Master for permission to
retire. Before doing so, he said that his doctors had stongly objected against his being present, but he came to
raise his voice in protest against the action of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and their representatives in
stirring up strife and scattering the seeds of dissention broadcast over the
colony.

The report of the Board of General Purposes was then read and adopted. The Board recommend that a vote
of thanks he given to Lodge St. Augustine, Christchurch, for their offer of office accomodation for the use of
the Grand Secretary. The Board recommended that the Grand Lodge authorise the appointment of additional
superintendents where the Grand Master considers it necessary. The report stated that such good work had
been done in Auckland, Otago, and Southland that they considered it desirable to increase the number. The
Board reported that it has come to their knowledge that a Lodge has recently been formed in Wellington
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of France, and they, having been asked by the Worshipful Masters
of Lodges holding under this Grand Lodge to advise them how the brethren of the said Lodge should be
received if any presented themselves, recommend the following resolutions for the adoption of Grand Lodge:

" That inasmuch as the territory of New Zealand was Masonically occupied on the 29th of April last,
by the inauguration of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, no foreign body, not exercising jurisdiction
prior to the 29th of April last, can legally or constitutionally establish a Lodge in the said territory.

" And, whereas, the said Lodge is under the Grand Orient of France, which has eliminated from its
Constitution and Ritual all reference to the G.A.O.T.O ;

" And, whereas, the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland have, in consequence of such
elimination, withdrawn their representatives and several fraternal relations.

" And, whereas, the Grand Lodges of the Australian colonies have in consequence of such
elimination also declined to recognise the Grand Orient of France ;

" The Grand Lodge of New Zealand hereby declares the Lodge formed in Wellington under the
Grand Orient of France to be an irregular body, undeserving recognition of any kind."

To which the Grand Lodge added the following to the resolutions of the Board :
" And that after the date of this communication it shall be an instruction to Worshipful Masters not to
receive visitors from, or allow their members to visit, Lodges under the French Orient ; and that any
member of a Lodge holding under this Grand Lodge who has joined, or joins, a Lodge holding under
the Grand Orient of France be given the option of withdrawing within one month or that his name be
struck off the roll of his Lodge."

Grand Lodge passed a unanimous vote of thanks to the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales, specially
mentioning the Pro. Grand Master, Bro. Tarrant, Bro. Remington, Past Senior Grand Warden (the mover of
the resolution), and to the Grand Secretary, Bro. Bray, for his courtesy and kindness to members of the
Grand Lodge.

Grand Lodge expressed regret at the serious illness, and sent its sympathy to Bro. Gillen, Past Deputy Grand
Master.

A resolution was unanimously carried and ordered to be forwarded to the Grand Lodge of England,
expressing the sorrow of this Grand Lodge in hearing of the death of the Pro. Grand Master Bro. the Earl of
Carnarvon.

The Board recommended that the clothing of members of Craft Lodges he white lambskin edged with light
blue, the same as that adopted by the Grand Lodges in Australia, and that the clothing of the Grand Lodge
officers be purple, similar to that used in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

One hundred and seventy pounds was presented by about a dozen members to Grand Lodge, to meet non-
recurrent expenditure.

There was an attendance of about 250, including visitors from Fiji, Italy, Ireland, Queensland, England, and
Tasmania.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

STILL THEY COME.

THE Lodge of Progress, 1651, E.C., Southbridge; Lodge Waitaki, 1111, E.C Oamaru ; Lodge Ponsonby, 708,
S.C., Auckland ; Lodge Advance, 2247, E.C., Brunnerton, Westland ; and Lodge St. Andrew, S.C., Kumara
(now known as Lodge Kumara), have joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

_________________
OUR EXCHANGES.

THE Victorian Freemason says the Grand Lodges of Australia will not easily suffer the memory of Lord
Carnarvon to pass away, and says the spirit which actuated him to move for the recognition of New South
Wales, by England, may possess some distinguished Brother to bring about the same happy results for New
Zealand and Tasmania.

THE South Australian Freemason: " We cannot be surprised at the absence of practical unanimity in New
Zealand, owing to the configuration of the colony, and the numerous sections into which the Craft is split.
Our Brethren there have our warmest sympathy."

THE Victorian Freemason says every true Mason in Australia learns with deep pain the Masonic boycotting
now taking place in some parts of New Zealand. We wonder how England will deal with the minority who
are boycotting the majority whom she is bound to recognise on her own grounds.

The prompt action on the part of the senior Grand Lodge of Australasia, New South Wales, will no doubt be
followed by the adjacent Grand Lodges of South Australia and Victoria, and thus strengthen the bond of
union in the colonies.—Freemason, Sydney.

THE Victorian Freemason says the members of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand arc not allowed the
provision of the fourteenth landmark, which is the inherent right of every Craft brother, the world over, as
much as it is to breathe God's free air and light.

THE Masonic Record, of Western India, in speaking of the Grand Lodge, says, " The London Freemason was
one of the bitterest opponents of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales. It advocated exclusion, non-
intercourse, and every conceivable Masonic penalty ; but even the London Freemason had to change its
opinions."

THE Masonic Chronicle, of New York, referring to the Grand Lodge movement, says, "Prerogativism
appears to exist elsewhere than in this land of freedom. A certain Lodge appointed, with the sanction of its
D.G.M., delegates to attend a convention, which unanimously agreed to establish a Grand Lodge. Eight days
afterwards, the Lodge received an edict from the D.G.M. forbidding it to `allude to, discuss, receive, or read
anything upon the subject of the so called Grand Lodge.'"

THE Masonic Chronicle, New York, also says : " An impediment towards realisation of the dream of a Grand
Lodge of New Zealand has been partially removed, by a communication from the Grand Secretary of
England, imparting an opinion of the Grand Registrar, wherein he overrules an interpretation of Article 319,
of the English Constitution previously construed so as to allow three brothers, in the event of a transferring

of allegiance by a majority of Lodge members, to impound the Warrant and in this wise to continue its
original existence."

_____________
THE FRENCH ORIENT.

THE Craft in New Zealand is troubled at the formation of the Grand Lodge for New Zealand, but a greater
trouble than that is the opening of a Lodge named L'Amour de la Vérité, which has received a warrant from
the Grand Orient of France, a Grand Orient not recognised by any Grand Lodge, which has sprung from the
mother Grand Lodge of England.— Victorian Freemason.

THE South Australian Freemason says the opening of a Lodge, under the French Orient, in Wellington, is a
most flagrant invasion of occupied territory, .and is surprised that Bros. Stout and Ballance should
countenance it. It says all English speaking Grand Lodges refuse recognition, and says the brethren have cut
themselves off completely from Masonic relations with their brethren in New Zealand and the whole English
speaking world, and have forfeited their right to admittance to regular Lodges.

AT a meeting of the Victoria Masonic Lodge, I. C., Invercargill, on July 14th, a resolution was passed
protesting strongly against the establishment of a Lodge in New Zealand under the Grand Orient of France,
and expressing surprise at the want of patriotism displayed by several prominent Masons in the colony.

BRO. SIR ROBERT STOUT, Past Grand Deacon of England, has opened a Lodge in New Zealand under the
Grand Orient of France. We notice our contemporary, the Argus, twits Sir Robert—or the Grand Orient, it's
all the same—with invading the territory of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. There happens to be
something worse than the invasion, namely—that the Grand Orient of France has for years past been
ostracised from English-speaking Masonry, for the good and sufficient reason that it thought fit to blot out
from its Constitutions belief in a Supreme Being, as the necessary qualification of a candidate for admission
to our mysteries. Sir Robert Stout's action is at once explained and deserves reprobation.—Australasian
Keystone. [Sir Robert is a Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. —Editor CRAFTSMAN.]

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NEW SOUTH WALES.

A SPECIAL meeting of the U.G. Lodge was held on the 15th May. One hundred guineas was voted in aid of
the sufferers on the Darling river. It was also resolved, " That the Board of Benevolence be authorised to
disburse such sums as it may deem sufficient to relieve the distress of such Brethren as have suffered through
the calamitous flood on the Darling and other rivers, as are recommended by the Worshipful Masters and
Wardens of their Lodges."

The regular Quarterly Communication was held on the 11th June, the Board .of General Purposes in their
report say that during the year " Recognition " of this United Grand Lodge has bean accorded at the hands of
twenty-seven similar Institutions, and many more will doubtless come forward in due course. The above do
not include the Grand Orient of France, or a society calling themselves the Oriental Order of Mizraim, also
hailing from France —both of which the Board do not recommend to this Grand Lodge for fraternal
recognition : the first on the grounds of their having eliminated the name of the Deity from their Articles ,of
Faith ; and the latter on account of the absence of all information up to the present as to their Constitution
and Masonic Jurisdiction." The Board report a muster of one hundred and eighty-five Lodges, and a
membership of about ten thousand.

The Board of Benevolence report having relieved forty applications, with £1163 17s, during twelve mouths ;
of this, no less a sum than £530 6s has been dispensed to distressed Masons hailing from other jurisdictions.
The following motion was unanimously carried by Grand Lodge :—" That the Grand Lodge be requested to
provide funds to furnish the Masonic Cottage Hospital at Camden, such sum not to exceed £200."

At the quarterly communication, on June 12th, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, His Excellency, Lord
Carrington, was proclaimed by the Grand Director of Ceremonies as M.W. Grand Master of the U.G. Lodge
of New South Wales. The Grand Master delivered his annual address, and reviewed the progress of Masonry
an New South Wales. Two thousand six hundred persons had been initiated during the past year, and fifteen
new Lodges had been opened ; an Orphan Fund was in existence, with £16,000 to its credit, thirteen children
were receiving an allowance of £26 a year each for their maintenance at Camden Hospital; a cottage
containing six beds had been erected by the Masonic body, at a cost of £1200, and they were now about to

furnish it. The Grand Master tendered his thanks to the Grand Lodge officers for their assistance, and said
that was probably the last time he should have the privilege of meeting them in Grand Lodge assembled, and
he desired again to thank them for their support and assistance, and he could assure them that after he left the
colony nothing would give him greater pride than the wearing in the Grand Lodge of the mother land the
insignia of a Past Grand Master of the United Lodge of New South Wales, which would bring back to his
remembrance all the kindness he had received not only from his brother Masons, but from every person,
every class, and every creed in the community. He was deeply sensible of all the kindness and good feeling
that had been extended to him and his during his residence in this important part of the empire.

A Special Communication of Grand Lodge was held on Tuesday, July 15th, 1890, the Grand Lodge being
opened in ample form by the Pro. Grand Master, M.W. Bro. the Hon. Dr. Harman J. Tarrant, M.L.C., at eight
o'clock. The Deputy District Grand Master, E.C., of Auckland, Wor. Bro. Lodder, occupied a seat on the
dais. The M.W. Pro. Grand Master proposed, and R.W. Bro. Colonel Stokes, Deputy Grand Master,
seconded the following resolutions :—"That this Grand Lodge has received with extreme regret the
announcement of the death of Most Worshipful Brother the Earl of Carnarvon, Pro. Grand Master of
England, and that the same be recorded on the Sacred Scroll of the Grand Lodge. That this Grand Lodge
desires to convey to the Grand Lodge of England its deep sympathy for the loss which it has sustained by the
lamented death of its Pro. Grand Master, and that the same be communicated by the Most Worshipful the
Grand Master to the most worshipful the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England." R.W. Bro.
Remington, P.S.W., before proposing his next resolution, wished to state unofficially, for the information of
the brethren present, that he had just received a letter from the Deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge
of Ireland, enclosing him a copy of the resolutions passed in that Grand Lodge, tendering full and fraternal
recognition of the Grand Lodge. He said the resolution he had to propose was—" That the United Grand
Lodge cf New South Wales recognises the Grand Lodge of New Zealand as legally constituted, and the
supreme and sovereign Masonic authority in that territory, and invites it to the usual interchange of
representatives." He said that in considering this matter, the main question to be asked was, had the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand been legally and duly established ? Some Masonic authorities maintained that such a
step could have been taken by any three Lodges, but fortunately they were not asked to commit themselves
to either approval or disapproval of that dictum to-night, for in this case such a large number of the Lodges in
New Zealand had affirmed their desire for self-government for the Craft in the colony, and so many had
joined in the subsequent practical steps which gave effect to that desire, as to render the establishment of the
Grand Lodge an accomplished fact, and to warrant a hope that almost complete unanimity would hereafter be
attained. He might be accused of some inconsistency in this matter seeing that when in New Zealand, early
in this year, he had ventured to urge the Brethren to hasten slowly. He did so because of the lessons taught by
past experience in New South Wales, and in confidence that the present Provincial and District Grand
Masters. among whom he numbered some warm personal friends, would ere long be convinced that,
whatever sentimental considerations might bind them to the Grand Lodges of the United K ngdom, local and
united self-government was the best for the Craft in these great colonies. No one could blame these
illustrious brethren for holding fast their official allegiance. The same course had been pursued in this colony
for a long time, but as soon as the desire of the brethren at large for union was clearly manifested, the former
rulers of the the craft joined with the rest of us in allegiance to the new order of government. And so he still
ventured to hope it would soon be in New Zealand. However, the promoters of Masonic union there, and
among them he must say there were some of the most zealous and hard-working brethren he had ever known,
considering that having laboured at their task far nearly a year and a half, and having postponed active steps
once already at the express desire of the Provincial and District Grand Masters, they had waited long enough,
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand had been declared duly and legally established, and to-night the United
Grand Lodge of New South Wales was asked to recognise it. He had only one more word to say and that
was, that if any argument were needed to prove that the establishment of a supreme governing body had
become absolutely necessary, it would be found in the news cabled from New Zealand the other day that a
warrant for the opening of a Lodge under the Grand Orient of France had been received in the capital city,
Wellington. If in addition to the nine Provincial and District Grand Lodges holding under the English, Irish,
and Scotch Constitutions, a British colony was liable to be also invaded by foreign Grand Orient in this way,
it was high time that supreme jurisdiction in the territory should be claimed, as he believed it had now been,
legally and constitutionally, in accordance with the soundest Masonic precedents. Some brethren seemed to
think that delay in recognition should take place till the decision of certain other Grand Lodges was known,
but from such a view he wholly dissented. The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales as a sovereign
body held sway on an equal footing with any Grand Lodge in the world, no matter how old, no matter how

powerful. It should in this part of the globe rather set examples than follow them, and he hoped it would now
do so by .affirming unanimously the resolution which he had the honour and pleasure of submitting. The
resolution was seconded by the Grand Registrar, V. Worshipful Bro. Donnelly Fisher, and carried
unanimously.

R.W. Bro. T. F. DeCourcy Browne, S. G. W., proposed the next resolution, viz.: —" That this Grand Lodge
hears with great satisfaction that the whole of the Lodges working in the colony of Tasmania have
established a sovereign and independent Grand Lodge for that Masonic territory, and wishes it God-speed in
its mission of local self-government." 2nd. " That this Grand Lodge gladly extends to the Grand Lodge of
Tasmania its recognition, and fraternally asks for an interchange of representatives near each Grand Lodge.
R.W. Bro. Herbert 8. Thompson, G.J.W., seconded the resolution.

A vacancy having occurred in the representation of the Grand Lodge near the Grand Lodge of England
(through the lamented death of Bro. the Earl of Carnarvon, Pro-Grand Master of England) the Pro-Grand
Master reported that he had enquired of the M.W. Grand Master whether he would be desirous of filling the
position on his return to England, and he was happy to inform the brethren that M.W. Bro. Lord Carrington
will be graciously pleased to accept the office if it is the unanimous wish of the brethren that he do so.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of General Purposes was held in the new Masonic Hall,
Castlereagh street, Sydney, on Wednesday, July 30th, 1890. The chair was taken by the President, R.W. Bro.
W. H. Tulloh, P.G. W., at 7 o'clock p.m. sharp, and amongst the correspondence a letter was read from the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand re its recognition, R.V. Bro. H. S. Thompson, G.J.W., was nominated as
Grand Representative. The Grand Secretary was instructed to forward a letter to every Lodge, calling
attention to the gross irregularity of permitting Lodge reports to be published in newspapers.

____________________________________
The Grand Treasurer's estimate of yearly expenditure for the Grand Lodge was £456 10s. The opponents of
the movement cannot object on the score of expense.
______________________________________________________________________________________

INAUGURATION OF THE G.L. OF TASMANIA.

INSTALLATION OF M.W. BRO. THE REV. R. D. POIILETT-HARRIS, M.A.,
AS GRAND MASTER.

ON the morning of June 26th, at the Town Hall, Hobart, the Grand Lodge of Tasmania, was duly constituted
and the officers elected. A resolution that H.R.H. the Prince of Wales should be requested to accept the
position of Grand Patron was carried.

There were about three hundred and fifty brethren present. Among the distinguished visitors were the Most
Worshipful Grand Masters of South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, each Grand Master was
accompanied by a large number of the officers of his Grand Lodge. The Worshipful Brother Lyttelton
represented the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Lord Carrington acted as Installing Grand Master, Chief
Justice Way, Pro. Grand Master of South Australia, gave the charge to the new Grand Master, and in the
course of his oration said :—" Fortunately we need not vindicate the work which is now completed. Its
lawfulness is beyond dispute, and will be admitted by every Masonic authority. It is a timely work, for it
would be an anachronism for a colony with responsible government to remain in a state of Masonic
dependence." In the evening a banquet, to celebrate the occasion, was held in the Exhibition Building, when
the attendance numbered about three hundred.

The Grand Master of Tasmania, responding to the toast of his health, said that " One objection was, that we
were a small colony, and that we could not show a population like the three great colonies, or anything like
the number of Lodges they had. Whilst another objection was that we were not ripe for a change. Now, there
are two senses in which these words ' ripe for a change' can be taken. If it means that we have not the same
number of Lodges as in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, then I admit that we are not ripe for
a change. But there is another sense in which the words can be under-stood, and in that sense I think we were
most ripe. We were next door to rottenness ; there was so much undue competition amongst Lodges for
member-ship. It was because of that I was led to take the step I did."

Lord Carrington, in responding, said that his Honor Chief Justice Way " was the founder and builder of
Australian Masonry." Speaking of New Zealand, his Lordship said : " A Grand Lodge has been established
in New Zealand, and although there is a considerable difference of opinion at present, it is to be hoped that
under the guidance of the Grand Architect, the difference may be overcome, and union as complete as that
which we have in Australia and Tasmania may be in time attained. And now to-day we celebrate the happy
union of the Tasmanian Lodges. That our action in this matter is right no reasonable man can doubt. We have
obtained recognition from the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, and as was well stated by
Lord Carnarvon on December 5th, 1888, when on the part of the Prince of Wales, he moved that the United
Grand Lodge of England do recognise the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, " we follow," said Lord
Carnarvon, " the analogy of the Imperial Administration in this matter. Self-government has been freely and
fully accorded to these great self-governing communities, and there is no man in England so mad or so
foolish as to repent that gift. They have paid it back with a feeling of affection and loyalty towards the
Mother Country, and, it is my conviction, in the same way we are bound to give freely and generously, and
without stint, the powers of self-government in Masonic matters to our Masonic brethren at the other end of
the world. They deserve it ; they are fully capable of using it, and," says Lord Carnarvon, "I am convinced as
time goes on we shall find that the ties of Masonic affection have not been weakened by this concession."

His Excellency the Earl of Kintore, M.W.G.M. of South Australia, replying on behalf of "The health of the
sister Grand Lodges," said : "No less earnestly does the humble individual now addressing you as Grand
Master of South Australia, and who has been Substitute Grand Master of Scotland, wish you well —(loud
applause)—while offering you hearty congratulations in the name of the Grand Lodge he represents.
(Cheers.) Freemasonry in this country and at Home is a vast democracy within a monarchy—(cheers)--where
every brother is equal to the other, no matter what the social rank and standing of that brother may be. The
only aristocracy which we admit, subject to reverence to God and our allegiance to the Sovereign, is the
aristocracy of the ancient Greeks—the aristocracy of the best. (Cheers.) We have no politics or prejudices.
On the occasion of His Excellency Lord Carrington's installation in September. 1888, when I am proud to
think South Australia was most worthily represented, Bro. Major Remington became very prophetic. '
Australian Masonry,' said he, ' was waking up, and even from the little island of Tasmania there came a
whisper of possible amalgamation of the different Constitutions. (Loud cheers.) It may be delayed longer by
natural geographical limits in New Zealand, but in the long run it would come there als , and who could
doubt that some St John's Day they would see a Masonic Convention representing the whole of Australia.'"
Loud applause.)

_________________________
NEW YORK.

AT the one hundred and ninth annual communication of this Grand Lodge, held in New York on June 3rd,
and which lasted three days, the Grand Master said : "I am a believer in the old-fashioned Masonic doctrine
that teaches the 'existence of one ever-living and true God.' I am a believer in the old-fashioned Holy Bible
of our Masonic fathers, and that it ' is given us as a rule and guide for our faith and practice.' Freemasonry is
a reality. It is not a mockery. We assemble our Lodge ' in the name of God.' Believing that I reflected the
sentiments of the officers and representatives of this Grand Body in preserving that landmark, in preserving
the purity of that pure banner, which now worthily bears the motto, Holiness to the Lord,' I refused all
suggestions of Masonic communication with the Grand Orient of France." This Grand Lodge has 720
subordinate Lodges, with a membership of 75,000.

_______________________________________________________
RULINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND.

SIR FREDERICK WHITAKER’S CIRCULAR APPROVED OF

THE following circular was issued to-day by Mr J. Slater, P.G.S., to the members of the Provincial Grand
Lodge, North New Zealand :—"Auckland, July 24th, 1890. Dear Sir and Brother,—I am instructed to
forward for your information the following opinions and rulings of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, received
yesterday. 1. The Most Worshipful the Grand Master Mason of Scotland approves of the circular issued by
Sir F. Whitaker, Provincial Grand Master, Auckland, of the date May 19th, 1890. 2. In the case of a number
of the members of any Lodge, whose charter has been taken from the Lodge-room against their wish and
sanction, and for the purpose of preventing such members from assembling under the authority of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master has the approval and sanction of the

Grand Lodge to issue a dispensation pending the return of the original charter, or until the receipt of a
duplicate of the charter from the Grand Ledge of Scotland. 3. The members of a Lodge assembling under a
dispensation (as referred to in last paragraph) are in order in electing a Right Worshipful Master and
Officers, who will hold office till the date of the next annual election, in the case where the Master and
Officers secede and accept a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. 4. Lodges accepting a
dispensation from the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and refusing to return to the Provincial Grand Lodges
their charters issued from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, will not be recognised as legally constituted Lodges,
nor will the Grand Lodge of Scotland recognise any Grand Lodge retaining the original charters of such
Lodges. 5. Section 132, page 52, Book of Constitution, edition 1886, referring to commissions to Provincial
Grand Masters, is not retrospective in its operation and Colonial Pro. vincial Grand Masters hold office till
their commissions of appointment are recalled and cancelled.—Yours fraternally, James Stator, P.G. Sec."

[This circular shows that five questions were sent to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, to which they replied by
cable. We prefer to remain silent until the mail brings the written reply of this Grand Lodge, when, in
common fairness, Bro. Sir Frederick Whitaker will no doubt publish in full the queries sent, and the reply
thereto by the Grand Lodge of Scotland.—ED CRAFTSMAN.]

__________________________
IN connection with this matter the following appeared in the Oamaru Mail of the 5th inst. :
SIR—In your yesterday's issue a telegram appears in reference to the ruling received on the 25th July last by
Sir F. Whitaker, stating that the Grand Master Mason of Scotland approved of the circular issued by Sir
Frederick. It appears to me that this telegram has been inserted with an object which, I dare say, will be
obvious to most of my brother Masons. I cannot conceive the necessity for publishing such information at
this late hour. I enclose some clippings dealing with this matter and giving information which will be of
considerable service to those interested.—I am, &c., M.M.

The following letter appeared in the Otago Daily Times on the 31st July:
SIR,—In your issue of yesterday's date, under the heading " Masonic," there appears a letter from Bro. J.
Gore, D G.M., N.Z., South, covering the copy of a cablegram received by Sir F. Whitaker from the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, section four of which runs as follows :

" 4. Lodges accepting a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and refusing to return to the
Provincial Grand Lodge their charters issued from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, will not be recognised as
legally constituted Lodges, nor will the Grand Lodge of Scotland recognise any Grand Lodge retaining the
original charters of such Lodges."

Now, as I read the above, I arrive at the conclusion that, in the event of any Lodge joining the New Zealand
Grand Lodge, and giving up their Scotch charter they will be recognised as legally constituted.

This is the natural deduction to be arrived at from the wording of section 4, but as I am sure many Brethren
are in doubt about the correct reading (certainly several are to whom I have spoken) I shall be pleased if Bro.
Gore or any other Brother can throw some light on the subject.—I am, &c.,

MASTER MASON.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
DURING the winter visit to Auckland, the Brethren were exceedingly kind and put themselves about
considerably to please us. Amongst the many interesting: momentoes of the early days of Masonry in
Auckland shown to us by P.M. Bro. Powley (the present Secretary of Lodge Ara), was an account dated the
3rd July, 1843, showing the receipts for four meetings, £35 19s 6d, and the expenditure on refreshments for
the same period, £15 16s 10id. This shows how the money went in the early days, and accounts for part of
that quarter of a million of money (£250,000) which has been received for initiations and yearly dues since
the beginning of Masonry in New Zealand. So systematically was the Fourth Degree cultivated that the
Lodge had " order books " printed, of which the following is a copy :—" Lodge Room, Masonic Hall. Mr
Nicoll, please supply on account, Lodge -- the undermentioned articles—Sherry, port, brandy, whisky, ale,
porter. Approved, — J.W., — W.M."
_______________________________________________________________________________________

LODGE ST. ANDREW, AUCKLAND, (LATE 418, S.C.
_________________

PETITION to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, against the granting, by Bro. Sir Frederick Whitaker, P.G.M.,
S.C., North Island, of a Dispensation authorising certain Brethren to work under the name of Lodge St.
Andrew, 418, S.C.

The petition has been signed by the R.W. Master, the whole of his officers, and subscribing members.

Unto the Most Worshipful the Grand Master Mason, the Right Worshipful the Office-bearers and Members
of the Grand Lodge of Scotland—the petition of the undersigned humbly showeth :
1. That your petitioners are Master Masons on the Register of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and
members of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418, on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, meeting at Auckland,
New Zealand.
2. That the question of the creation and establishment of a Grand Lodge for New Zealand has recently
been considered in the different Lodges in this colony, with the full knowledge and consent of the District
and Provincial Grand Masters.
3. That our Lodge (St. Andrew, No. 418) unanimously resolved to take part in forming a Grand Lodge,
and by subsequent resolutions, unanimously adopted, did assist in creating and establishing a Grand Lodge,
which Grand Lodge is now in existence.
4. That due and regular notice of all meetings at which these resolutions were adopted, was given to all
members on the roll of our Lodge, and the nature of the business to be considered was fully stated in such
notice.
5. That upon the establishment of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, a dispensation authorising us to
work under the authority and jurisdiction of the said Grand Lodge of New Zealand was issued to us,
whereupon a resolution was submitted to the Lodge, " That this Lodge be now finally closed under the
warrant from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and do hereafter work under dispensation or warrant from the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand," and this resolution was adopted unanimously
6. That your petitioner are now working under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, but must respectfully
submit that they have not retired from the Lodge as provided for in section 163 of the Laws of Grand Lodge
of Scotland, and that our Lodge having unanimously affirmed its decision, there cannot be any minority
entitled to carry on the work under the old charter.
7. That the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of this District has now, on the request of certain
members of our Lodge, issued to them a dispensation authorising them to work a Lodge under the
designation of St. Andrew, No. 418.
8. That these brethren assuming to be entitled to continue work under the old warrant, are not legally
entitled to do so, in accordance with the Laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the Bye-laws of our
Lodge, being in arrears of their payments of the test fee, or annual contribution to Lodge Funds, the majority
of them having ceased contributing for many years, and we attach hereto a schedule giving particulars
confirmatory of this statement.
9. That the effect of two rival Lodges, workitrg under the one designation and claiming the same
properties and privileges, must inevitably lead to unseemly wrang ling, discord and bitterness among us, to
the great scandal and injury of Freemasonry.
10. That it is contrary to established custom, opposed to justice, and subversive of all law and order that
the unanimous decision of the subscribing members of a Lodge should be defeated, and they be deprived of
their just rights and privileges in the manner now being attempted.
11. The petitioners, therefore, having full confidence in the integrity, honour, -and impartial justice of our
Mother Grand Lodge, do humbly pray that the whole circumstances of our case may be inquired into,
believing firmly that you will, after mature deliberation, allow us to retain the original warrant of No. 41.8,
and that you will direct the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master to withdraw the Dispensation issued
by him.
12. Your petitioners submit respectfully that their taking part in creating a Grand Lodge for New Zealand
does not imply any diminution in their love and veneration for the Grand Lodge of Scotland, but was
prompted by their sincere belief that the amalgamation of the three Constitutions, would promote the
interests of Freemasonry in this colony, increase the happiness and usefulness of the Craft, and redound to
the honour and glory of the Great Architect of the universe.

_____________________
THE SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE 8.

Bro. the Rev. F. Gould, although attending Lodge from term to term for twelve years never paid any joining
or other dues, and is not a subscribing member of Lodge ; A. Dewer, name entered in ledger, but no date or
payments ;, A. Greenway owed £4 4s, on June, 1887, when he was expelled from Lodge for improper

conduct ; H. A. Hitchins owes £5 12s 41id, several years' dues ; G. Johnson owes £7 ; C. Johnston. £8 is ; W.
McLaughlan, £1 18s 6d ; W. McCullough, 3s 6d ; J. Smith, £2 4s ; J. D. Webster, 7s ; W. T. Briggs, 14s ;. R.
Webster, calle t off 1887 ; W. Laird affiliated, December, 1888, owes £1 13 3d, having paid no dues since
joining.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF MENTION
BRO. LODDER, D.D.G.M., E.G., Auckland, has, since he saw the prosperity of the Craft in New South Wales,
become a convert to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

THE D.G.M. of the E.C., in Otago, is making himself very ridiculous through the mandates re non-
intercourse he is issuing broadcast. Bro. Graham may make up his mind to the inevitable, and accept the
Grand Lodge as a stubborn fact.

WE had the pleasure of being present at the last meeting of Lodge St. Augustine, Christchurch, and listened
with much satisfaction to speeches in favour of forming a Lodge library of Masonic literature. What seemed
to puzzle the brethren was the want of a list of books necessary. We shall be glad to publish ideas upon the
subject.

LODGE ARA, N.Z C., Auckland, keep two orphans in the Orphan Home at Parnell. They laid aside a fund for
this object, and the interest is now sufficient to pay all expenses without touching on the Lodge Funds. [All
praise to Lodge Ara, they set an example which the rest of the Lodges might well imitate.—Editor
CRAFTSMAN.]

LODGE ARA, N.Z C. (late 348, I.C.), Auckland, has charged the late treasurer, William La Grenade Mitchell,
P.M., with mis-appropriating and defrauding the Lodge of £360 that was placed in the Auckland Savings
Bank, to the credit of what was called the Investment Account. The late treasurer has " skipped" to that "
Paradise of the Pacific," the Sandwich Islands, and we understand that he took with him the funds of the
Provincial Grand Lodge, Irish Constitution. P.M. Mitchell was a determined opponent to the Grand Lodge,
and did his utmost to prevent Lodge Ara from joining, indeed it is due to him to say that there would have
been no opposition in Auckland at all, if he had only skipped a few mouths sooner. P.M. Mitchell was a
West Indian by birth, very dark, and. we are given to understand that he intends making America his home.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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.
" A.P.M.," Gisborne.—Past Masters belonging to Lodges which have decided not to join the Grand Lodge
can only become members of Grand Lodge by affiliating to a Lodge holding under that body. Most of the
Lodges under the N.Z C. have suspended their bye-laws charging joining fees. In our opinion, the sooner the
charge is wiped out of existence the better.

"ENQUIRER"--The Senior Warden reports that "the box is foal in the west ;" the Junior Warden reports that
"the box is foul in the south."

" W.H.H.”—Dr. Oliver, under the heading of "Affiliated Members," says, " The preliminaries having been
satisfactorily complied with (Rules 189 and 213, E.B of Constitution), he may be proposed, balloted for, and
accepted, according to the rule laid down in the bye-laws of the Lodge, and the payment of the usual fee
exacted from a joining member will confer upon him all existing rights and privileges." We, therefore, take it
that a brother, proposed and accepted on the ballot, but who has not paid the fee, has not completed his part
of the contract, and until he does, he cannot become a member of the Lodge.

"PAST MASTER, AUCKLAND."—The writer of the article in Justice on "The Grand Orient" is wrong in calling
the Orient the Grand Lodge of France. There are four bodies in France claiming jurisdiction, viz.: "The Rite
of Misraim," "The Grand Orient," "The Supreme Council, 33 Degree, A. and A., S. Rite," and the "Grand
Symbolic Scots Lodge," working three Degrees only. This Grand Lodge (and by this we mean the English

and American acceptation of the term) came into existence on March 8th, 1880 but as it also evades the
acknowledgment of a Divine power, in cannot be recognised by English speaking Grand Lodges.
Bro. A. McKay, Wellington."—Your letter on "Cause of non-recognition of Grand Orient of France " too
long for this issue. It will very likely appear in September.

__________________________________________
THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—As Bro. Walter Hill is trying to bring himself into notoriety by writing to the
CRAFTSMAN on matters connected with spurious Freemasonry, I therefore beg room for a line or two
pretesting against the prostitution of your journal, with such perverted truth about the Grand Orient of
France.

After such a slap on the face by you, re "the Grand Orient not being recognised by English-speaking Grand
Lodges," a worthy brother would retire abashed, not so, I fear, with Bro. W. Hill, if one is to judge from a
former correspondence (with a namesake) in the late Masonic Journal, and whereby he made himself
ridiculous in the eyes of every true Mason. It is therefore not the first time for Bro. Hill to try and fritter
away the ancient " Landmarks." Then it was the 21st Landmark, now it is the 19th. Then he tried to prove
that it was not necessary to have a " volume of the sacred law " in a Lodge ; now that it is not necessary to
believe in a supreme being before initiation. What next? Now Bro. Editor as Bro. Hill has outgrown the
teachings of Freemasonry, or else he was initiated with a lie in his right hand, therefore I object to his trash
being inserted in your paper to the exclusion of Masonic matter. Just fancy Freemasonry being secularised.
Bro. Hill says the Grand Orient retains the foundation of religion. Bro. Sir Robert Stout, says "an Atheist can
be admitted so far as their opinions are concerned. But enough of this stuff.

Evidently this Lodge L'Amour de la Verité is a Phi Beta Kappa society. They call themselves an honourable
institution, and teach, that " philosophy is the rule, or guide of life. They also have an " Orator," and Bro. Hill
is the Orator in Lodge L' Amour de in Verité.

I beg leave to differ with you, Bro. Editor, when you say " it will be time enough to enter into a controversy,
re the recognition of the Grand Orient, when they petition for recognition from the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand." I think now is the time to expose their spurious Freemasonry before it gets a footing in the land.

Why are our District Grand Masters not so anxious to stamp out the Grand Orient, as they are the N. Z.
Constitution ? Why don't they send a threatening notice to all Masters ?—Yours fraternally,

J. S. MILLAR, P.M., Lodge Hawey, 695, S.C.
Lismayle, Chatton, August 4th, 1890.

____________________________________________________

ST. ANDREW'S LODGE, AUCKLAND.

TO THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—Although we can afford to look with equanity on the attempt of certain Brethren
to run a " Bogus " Lodge against a unanimous vote of the whole of the officers and subscribing members of
the Lodge to work in the future under the New Zealand Constitution, knowing from the list of the few
Brethren that have so far j pined, that the utter want of vitality in the Lodge will soon bring it to an end, yet
the injury and contempt it will bring on the Craft must rouse the greatest feelings of indignation of all right-
minded Masons against the Provincial Grand Master and the three or four Grand Lodge officers who are
encouraging him in granting a Dispensation to the miserable few they have been able to scrape together by
tempting them with office. Here we have a Brother occupying the chair, who, during the 12 years' connection
with the Lodge, never paid a farthing (not even a joining fee) and who is a party to the attempt to prevent the
St. Andrew's Lodge meeting in the Masonic Hall, that the subscribing members of the Lodge have paid £700
towards building, and this they have the audacity to claim with all funds and other property, yet the Rev.
Brother on being taxed with his invidious conduct. says " his conscience is silent on the subject." Then
conscience with him must be with him of a very elastic nature. The rest of the Brethren—nearly the whole of
them—never having been near the Lodge for years and all in arrears (one Brother taken in who years ago
was expelled the Lodge), the whole procedure from beginning to end, is in direct violation of the Book of

Constitution and Masonic procedure, and should be published to every Grand Lodge in the world to show to
what lengths the Grand Lodge of Scotland will go in granting extreme powers to their Provincial and District
G. Masters in this Colony. If no sense of justice will move, let us shame them into a more righteous and
Masonic course of action. What must be thought of the D.G.M. (E.G.), Bro. G. S. Graham, affiliating to such
a Lodge? But the whole thing only proves the necessity there was in establishing the New Zealand
Constitution, as by the election principal it would be impossible for these Grand Masters retaining the
positions they have held so long to great injury of the Craft.—I am, etc.,

PAST GRAND WARDEN.
___________________________________

TO THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—With reference to the trouble in the St. Andrew's and Ponsonby Lodges,
Auckland, it is understood that the opposition in both eases is worked up by Bros. McCullough and
Anderson, who from having been strong advocates of the New Zealand Constitution, the first in particular
being one of the most consistent and active promoters of the Union, attending nearly all meetings of the local
committee of the Masonic Union, speaking at various Lodges, in fact moving the resolution that the Ara
Lodge should join the New Zealand Grand Lodge, and really helped more that any other brother in getting
this Lodge to pass this vote. But now both are working diametrically opposite, and by their course of
procedure in promoting " bogus " Lodges, are plunging the Craft into strife and confusion contrary to all
Masonic teaching and precedent, and utterly regardless of Books of Constitution and Bye-laws, and the
scandel it brings on the Order. The only reason that can be assigned to this sudden and remarkable change of
front is that they have suceeded to the positions resigned by Bros. Gillen and Niccol, in the Scotch Provincial
Grand Lodge, viz., that of D. and S. Master, under Bro. Sir F. Whitaker. Surely such unmasonic conduct by
two brethren of experience and standing, is enough to call down upon them the execration and contempt of
the Masons of the Universe, when it is published. Well, may it prompt some brother, conversant with the
whole of the work of the Auckland branch of the Masonic Union, to compile a history of these two brethren,
with reference to the New Zealand Grand Lodge, and see how they will endeavour to explain their actions
these last few weeks, with their many months encouragement to get the brethren to join the Grand Lodge.—I
am, &c.,

PAST MASTER.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

Findel, however, having put clown his foot against the backward, roiling wave of Masonic tradition, and
said, " Thus far," that is to Strasbourg, "shall ye go, and n i further," has to cut away the ground between the
Mysteries and Operative Masonry, and leave a broad gulf across which tra lition cannot leap. The hierophant
may make signs in the dim distance, but the Master of the Lodge must say, " I know thee not : thou art a
cowan and an intruder for thou canst not give the step ; thou canst not advance across that awful gulf to me
as a Mason." Let us see how Findel does it, by quoting one of his paragraphs, which commences on page 26 :

"The decline and final discontinuance of the Ancient Mysteries was a necessary consequence of the spread of
Christianity; for whatever Christianity taught, she taught and promulgated openly before the whole world. It
was not simply that she had entirely severed herself from Paganism, but she sought, in every possible way, to
make it an abomination and a detestation to the people, and to root out from amongst them all vestiges of
heathen customs. Who then should be the propagators of these mysteries ? The Christian Society of Builders
were composed at first almost exclusively of monks and lay-brethren, and the Stone-cutters, it is well known,
were in like manner originally employed in the servi e of the Church. The Mysteries of the Ancients were
specially National, and herein do they essentially differ from Freemasonry ; for the admission of foreigners
was prohibited, and they taught only the Mythology of their own country, whereas Freemasonry is universal,
cosmopolitan."

This paragraph is well worth consideration, and we propose to examine it sentence by sentence.

The decline and final discontinuance of the Ancient Mysteries was a necessary consequence of the spread of
Christianity. Pass !

For whatever Christianity taught she taught and promulagated openly before the whole 'world. In apostolic
times, doubtless ; but very soon afterwards not so. Gibbon, in " The Decline and Fall," chapter 16, when

speaking of the persecutions endured by the early Christians, says : "The precautions with which the
disciples of Christ performed the offices of religion were at first dictated by fear and necessity ; but they
were continued from choice. By imitating the awful secrecy which reigned in the Eleusinian mysteries, the
Christians had flattered themselves that they should render their sacred institutions more respectable in the
eyes of the Pagan world." After the conversion of Constantine, A.D. 312, when persecution, of course,
ceased, the same secrecy was still maintained, for we read in the same work, chapter 20, " The awful
mysteries of the Christian faith and worship were concealed from the eyes of strangers, and even of
catechumens, with an affected secrecy, which tended to excite their wonder and curiosity."

It was not simply that she, had entirely severed herself from Paganism, but she sought in every possible way
to make it an abomination and detestation to the people, and to root out from them all vestiges of heathen
customs.

This is a very bold statement ; but we fear history will not bear it out. We will give a few quotations from
various authors :

"CANONIZATION. —A ceremony in the Roman Church by which deceased persons are placed in the
catalogue of the saints. It owns its origin to the Pagan custom of deifying heroes."—Farrar's Eccleciastical
Dictionary.

"CANONIZATION. --A ceremony in the Romish Church by which persons deceased are canonized, or raised to
the rank of saints. —The idea of canonization is evidently borrowed from the ancient heathens, who deified
heroes and great men after their death. It was a ceremony unknown before the end of the tenth century, even
in the Romish Church."—The Faiths of the World ; GARDNER.

"CONVERSION OF THE SAXONS, A.D. 597.—The more to facilitate the reception of Christianity, Gregory
enjoined Augustine to remove the idols from the h athen altars, but not to destroy the altars themselves ;
because the people, he said, would be allured to frequent the Christian worship, when they found it
celebrated in a place which they were accustomed to revere. And as Pagans practised sacrifices, and feasted
with the priests on their offerings, he also exhorted the missionary to persuade them, on Christian festivals,
to kill their cattle in the neighbourhood of the church, and to indulge themselves in those cheerful
entertainments to which they had been habituated."—Hume's History of England, Vol. 1, Page, 37.

"CONVERSION OF THE SCANDINAVIANS.—When Christianity was first promulgated in the northern nations,
the missionaries found the inhabitants unwilling to relinquish this annual rejoicing (Yule-tide) ; the festival
was therefore applied to the nativity of Christ ; and hence the Yule Feast was denominated Christmas. On the
eve of the first day of the festival, or Mother Night, fires of wood blazed throughout the whole extent of
Northern Europe--hence the origin of the Yule-clog. The peace offerings dedicated to Thor at this season
were cakes of flour, sweetened with honey—hence the Yule-cake. Subjects at this festival presented their
annual gifts or benevolences to their sovereign (Johnston Antiq. Celto-Scandinavian, P. 230) —hence
Christmas-boxes, New Year gifts, &c. The candles of the Sun were said to illuminate the northern dwellings
on the night before Yule, and hence arose the custom of burning large candles at this solemnity ; for it boded
ill luck to the family for the succeeding year if a second candle were lighted—whence our Yule-candles.
(Vide Jamieson, Scott's Diet. 5, Yule 6.)" —The History of Initiation, by G. Oliver, D.D., Note page 246.

So far from rooting out all " vestiges of heathen customs," the Christian missionaries seem to have adopted
or assimilated them. As a modern writer says : " The religion of the converted barbarians was thus only
changed in form ; the substance remained the same—a compound of folly and imposture."

Who then should be the propagators of these mysteries ? The Pagans, of course, when they, in their turn,
wished to continue their worship without persecution. The civil power could put down Paganism by law, but
it could not plant Christianity in the heart. The hierarchy of the Druids was crushed by the Romans, A.D. 60 ;
but " we are assured," says Dr. Oliver,* " on undoubted authority, namely, from the Tardic writings of that
period, that they (Druidical rites) were celebrated in Wales and Scotland down to the twelfth century of
Christianity." From the year 981 to 1013, Sweyn, the father of Canute, ravaged England from north to south
with hordes of Danish Pagans. They were frequently bought off, and at the same time baptised as Christians.
Sweyn was baptised more than once, and one chief boasted that he had been through the ceremony twenty
times. What sort of Christians were these? Canute (A.D. 1017-1035) forbade the Pagan worship, and he was

not a man to be disobeyed. Did Paganism therefore drop ? It did not, but was artfully introduced into and
carried on in Masons' Lodges under the very nose and with the approbation of the Christian brethren.

* History of Initiation, page 27.

The Christian Societies of Builders are composed at first almost exclusively of Monks and Lay brethren, and
the Stone cutters, it is well known, were in like manner originally employed in the service of the church.

Undoubtedly, and were all the more easily imposed upon. The book with which they were most acquainted
was the Bible ; and the Bible contained a narrative specially interesting to builders, namely, the history of the
building of Solomon's temple. On that history the Pagans at once joyfully alighted, and turned it to their own
purpose. By doing this they drew a red herring over the scent to the confusion of Masonic historians to the
present day. How do we know that such is the case ? We know it because when we see shells we guess eggs.
We know it by the internal evidence of the Lodge itself, over which the broken sheds of Paganism are
strewn. If Christianity absorbed so much Paganism, and made use of Pagan festivals, is it surprising that
Paganism in its turn, and by means of its Celtic and Gothic priests, should make use of a Christian institution
which played into its hands? We say we know it did by the internal evidence of the Lodge itself ; by the
position of its Officers ; by its emblems ; by its ceremonies of opening and closing ; by its circumambulation
; and, above all, by the crushing evidence of the Third Degree.

The mysteries of the Ancients were especially national—and herein do they essentially differ from
Freemasonry, for the admission of foreigners was prohibited, and they taught only the mythology of their
own, country.

As regards Egypt, the fountain head of Paganism, it was continually resorted to by the ancient Greek
philosophers, who received instruction and initiation from the priests. With the exception of Socrates, and
two or three others, all the philosophers either repaired to Egypt or sat under those who had. Thalee the
Milesian, Solon, Cleobulus, Democritus, Plato, all went to Egypt for instruction, and Pythagoras was
initiated both in Egypt and Chaldea. All that seems to have been required was a powerful introduction. As
regards Greece none were at first admitted to the Eleusian mysteries but such as were citizens of Athens, "
but afterwards," says Lempriere, " all persons, barbarians excepted, were freely admitted." These mysteries
were transported to Rome by Adrian. As to the northern nations, as they were despised as barbarians, no one
of importance would be likely to be initiated into their mysteries ; but whether initiated or not, Julius Cæsar
obtained full information about the Druids, so that it is not probable that a distinguished Roman would have
been refused had he condescended to apply.

Whereas Freemasonry is universal, cosmopolitan.

Whatever Freemasonry is in the present day is owing to the action taken in England to revive it in 1717. All
continental Lodges owe their charters or existence to the English Grand Lodge. Operative, Gothic Masonry
had died out on the continent owing to the Renaissance style having superseded it as the fashion of the day.
As, however, fashions were more slow to change in England, owing to its insulation, old Gothic Masonic
Lodges were still in existence in our country in 1717. Findel, speaking of Germany, says (page 64) : " After
the Reformation, when the building of churches almost entirely ceased, and the symbols were seldomer
explained, the Stonemasons degenerated more into mechanics, and as a matter of course their ceremonies,
which were not clearly understood, resembled more nearly those of other handicrafts, and lost their meaning,
especially as in many places the Stonemasons were incorporated with the Masonic Guilds. This was,
however, not exactly the case in England, though by degrees English Masons gradually sank to the work of
mechanics, yet they kept up their ceremonies, so that when the present Fraternity of Freemasons was
established these were still in use, and needed only to have a different signification attached to them." We are
content that German operative masonry should go no further back than the Middle Ages. The German
Lodges died out, and their ceremonies were forgotten, when their services were no longer required. As
Masons, those of England and Germany would know one another ; but the practices and ritual of the two
countries were probably different. At all events it is the history of English Freemasonry that has to be traced,
and its being " universal and cosmopolitan " the more fitted it for, or rendered it liable to receive those
imprints of the foot of Paganism which we say are visible at the present day.

THE THIRD DEGREE.

We have alluded to the Third Degree as furnishing evidence that the society had been joined by Pagan
priests, who had made use of it for the secret perpetuation of their own ceremonies ; and we propose now to
sift carefully the history or allegory contained therein, and see what it may yield.

Findel says (page 150-151) : " The introduction of the degrees of Fellow-craft and Master Mason took place
in so imperceptible a manner, that we don't know the accurate date. No mention is made of them before
1720, even not yet in the Book of Constitutions of 1723. It is very probable that the degree of Master-Mason
originated first as a reward for Masonic merits, especially for all the Brethren who had passed the chair from
1717-20. It is not derived from the Pagan Mysteries, but from the legends of the guilds, and by every
intelligent Mason easily recognised as a fabrication of modern times." In Dr. Oliver's Lecture on-the various
rituals of Freemasonry from the tenth century occur these passages : " The first catechismal formula was
introduced by Grand Master Sir Christopher Wren about the year 1685. . . . I am inclined to think that
Freemasonry at this time had only one degree. As Masonry increased in popularity, under the patronage of
noble and influential Grand Masters during the eighteenth century, many improvements were made on the
primitive ritual at different periods. The reformation was commenced by Brothers Desaguliers and Anderson,
about the year 1720 ; and their ritual mentions, for the first time, a ` Master's Part ;' there was no Master's
Part before 1720."

On reading such accounts as these, and from such authorities, of the introduction of the Third Degree, we
were for some time under the impression, melancholy enough as shaking our faith in the revivers of
Masonry, that the whole Degree was a fabrication of Desaguliers and Anderson. The Degree as a mere step
or division probably is this ; but that is of small importance compared to the general integrity of the legend or
history itself. That legend, we are now of opinion, existed amongst Masons as a tradition, for which opinion
we will give two or three reasons. (1) The high character of Desaguliers and Anderson, and the impossibility
of their foisting such a novelty on so many old and experienced Masons. (2) The internal evidence of the
narrative itself which, as a fabrication of history, will not bear criticism, but which is perfectly intelligible
and in unison as a Pagan allegory. (3) Because Findel himself, whilst denying its Pagan of igin, states in the
passage above quoted that it is derived from "the legend of the guilds ; and (4) Because of a letter of D.G.M.
Manningham to the Dutch Grand Lodge, under date 12th July, 1757, and given at length in pages 315 to 319
of Findel’s work. Before quoting from this letter, we would say that Finders remark that the Degree " is not
derived from the Pagan Mysteries, but from the legend of the guilds," seems to us to put the cart before the
horse, our contention being that the legend, as handed down by the guilds, was first introduced by Pagan
priests.

The letter of Deputy Grand Master Manningham to the Dutch Grand Lodge was in reply to the enquiries of
that Lodge about the genuineness of the so-called high degrees. After describing them in lively terms as new
and irregular, he goes on to say : " These innovations are of very late years, and I believe the brethren will
find a difficulty to produce a Mason acquainted with any such forms, twenty, nay, ten years. My own father
has been a Mason these fifty years, and has been at Lodges in Holland, France, and England. He knows none
of these ceremonies. Grand Master Payne, who succeeded Sir Christopher Wren, is a stranger to them, as is
likewise our old brother of ninety, whom I conversed with lately. This brother assures me he was made a
Mason in his youth, and has constantly frequented Lodges till rendered incapable by his advanced age, and
never heard or knew any other ceremonies or words than those used in general amongst us ; such forms
were delivered to him, and those he has retained. " The only orders that we know are three : Masters, Fellow-
Crafts, and apprentices."

What we wish to direct attention to is this : that D.G.M. Manningham's letter is dated 1757 ; that, therefore,
the venerable brothers would, in 1720, the date given as the introduction of the Third Degree, be fifty-three
years old, which can hardly be called " in his youth ;" that, consequently, he, and Manningham's father also,
were acquainted with the legend before that time, or they would have denounced it as the first novelty, and
placed it on the same low level as they placed the " high degrees ;" but this venerable brother " never heard
or knew any other ceremonies or words than those used in general amongst us." Having thus endeavoured to
show that the narrative of the Third Degree has been handed down as an ancient tradition, we will now
proceed to examine, so far as we may, its claims to be so literally believed as it unquestionably and
unquestioningly is by great numbers of our brethren.

(To be continued. )
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE FRENCH ORIENT.

INVASION OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

WE have been informed that Bro. Sir Robert Stout (P. A. G., Director of Ceremonies of England, Deputy
District Grand Master, E.G., Otago and Southland), the W.M. of the Lodge "Love of Truth," Grand Orient of
France, Wellington, has been petitioned by some forty brethren in Sydney to grant a warrant of Constitution,
authorising the opening of a Lodge in New South Wales. We understand that the prayer of the petitioners has
been granted.

_____________________
IT is intended to establish a Lodge in Hamilton, Waikato, in connection with the Grand Orient of France. A
few intending members have expressed their desire to join, and are in communication with the Lodge of the
Order at Wellington upon the matter.—Exchange.

______________
CHALLENGE TO BRO. SIR ROBERT STOUT.

WE believe that Bro. Stout, when writing to Lodge Dunedin in March last, said it had been stated that
because he was a member of the French Orient, his views (on the Grand Lodge question) should not be
listened to. He stated that Bro. Robertson, Acting Secretary of the Masonic Union, Wellington, was a
member of the Orient of Italy, thereby implying that the Orient of Italy was synonymous with the Orient of
France. Will Sir Robert'Stout kindly explain how this can be ? Italy is recognised by England.

Since the above paragraph was written, Bro. Robertson, of Wellington, under date of the 19th inst., and in
answer to our inquiry if Orient of Italy required affirmation of belief in God from candidate, replied as
follows :
"All Orients except France require belief in God. Italy recognised by all Masonic powers. New South Wales
has exchanged representatives " (with Orient of Italy.)

SIR ROBERT also said that many Masons belong to societies—such as friendly societies—not recognised by
any Masonic body ; consequently there are many Masons belonging to Degrees not recognised by Craft
Masonry. Does Sir Robert mean by this that becoming a member of a friendly society is the equivalent to
joining the Orient of France ?

SIR ROBERT also stated that the proposal to start a Lodge under the Grand Orient of France could not
interfere with Craft Masonry. This, to our mind, is not a fair way of putting it, for the French Orient claims
the right to give the first three Degrees, and we understand that Lodge L'Amour de la Verété is, for some
time to come, only going to work those Degrees. Will Sir Robert explain?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

INSTALLATIONS

ST. JOHN’S LODGE, 1858, E.C.—Tl ere was an unusually large gathering of members of the Craft, in the
Ashburton Masonic Hall, on the evening of June 24th, the occasion being the installation of Master and
investiture of officers. The D D.G. M., E.C., Bro. P. Cunningham, was present, while the District Grand
Lodge, S.C., was represented by Bro. J. Sealy, D.D.G.M. ; Bro. W. Malcolm, D.G. Chaplain ; Bro. J.
Cockhuru, D.G.I.G. ; and other officers. Visitors were also present from the Somerset Lodge, E.C., and
Thistle Lodge, S C., Ashburton, and from Lodges South Rakaia, Southern Cross, N.Z.C., (Kaiapoi), Pacific,
N.Z.C. (Wellington). Ionic (Leeston), Kilwinning (Oamaru), and other Lodges. Bro. E. G. Crisp, P.M.,
performed the installation ceremony in such a thoroughly able and impressive manner as to win the highest
encomiums from all present. In the Installed Masters Lodge, Bro H. M. Jones, P.M., presided. Bros. E. J.
Paul, I.P.M, and Braddon; P.M., Somerset Lodge, occupied the Wardens' chairs. The officers installed were
as follows :—Bro. F. Bennington, W.M. ; Bro. A. Orr, I.P.M. and the officers invested were : S. W., Bro. T.
M. Jones ; J.W., Brc. T. E. Kilworth ; Treasurer, Bro. Alfred Curtis, P.M. (re-elected) ; Secretary, Bro. H. A.
Vesty ; S.D., Bro. J. W. Hardley ; J.D., Bro. G. Meddins ; Organist, Bro. H. A. Gates (re-appointed); D C.,
Bro. E. J. Fooks ; I.G., Bro. C. Grubb ; Tyler, Bro. B. Cullen (reelected). The ceremonies ended, Bro.
Cunningham, D.D.G.M., congratulated Bro. Bonnington on his accession to the chair, and Bro. Crisp upon
the manner in which he had conducted the ceremony. The business of the evening disposed of, a couple of
hours were spent in harmony ronnd a tastefully laid and bountitully supplied banquet table.

LODGE COROMANDEL, N.Z.C., THAMES.—The annual installation of this Lodge took place in the
lodgeroom, on June 26th, Bro. C. H. Bennett, Immediate Past Master, officiated as Installing Master, assisted

by Bros. Gatland and Inder, P.M.'s. The officers installed were as follows :—W, M., Bro. L. W. Edwards S.
W., Bro. Capt. Thos Scott ; J. W., Bro. J. Fawcus ; Secretary, Bro. A King, P.M. ; Treasurer, Bro. J.
Colebrook, P. 51. ; S.D., Bro. H. P. Hornibrooke J.D., Bro. P. H. Blackmore; I G., Bro. R. Ruffin; Tyler, Bro.
J. Marshall. A Masonic "at home" was afterwards held in Boyd's hall, between forty and fifty couples were
present, and everything went "as merry as wedding bells.' In connection with this, the first installation of
Lodge Coromandel, under the New Zealand Constitution, a fact recorded in the Auckland papers of a recent
date, is worthy of mention, v z. : that Coromandel was not forgotten in the distribution of Grand Lodge
honours, Bro. A. King, P.M., being appointed a Grand Steward—one out of twenty for the whole colony ;
Hamilton was the only other country town within the Auckland Provincial District that received this
distinction. We may also mention that Bro King is a Past Provincial Grand Lodge officer, under the Irish
Constitution.--Coromandel News.

SOUTHERN CROSS LODGE, N.Z.C. INVERCARGILL.—The first installation of this Lodge, under the New
Zealand Constitution was held yesterday evening in the Freemasons' Hall, Forth street. The spacious room
devoted to Masonic ceremonies was excellently filled, and the various parts of the installation proceedings
were performed with more than wonted smoothness, and certainly with very encouraging enthusiasm. Bro.
Wm. Smith, the newly-installed Master, whose election had met with the warmest approbation, was received
with heartiest demonstration, and was very happy in his remarks by way of response. The investiture of
officers was then proceeded with by the Worshipful Master, the positions being filled as follows :—Senior
Warden, Bro. A. Tame ; Junior Warden, Bro. W. V. Siddall ; Chaplain, lien. Archdeacon Stocker ; Treasurer,
Bro. \\V. H. Hall, P.M.; Secretary, Bro. A. Walker ; Senior Deacon, Bro. J. Edwards ; Junior Deacon, Bro. H.
McNeilage ; Inner Guard, Bro. W. D. Dalgliesh ; and Bro. W. G. Mehaffey, Master of Ceremonies. Bro. H.
V. Haddock acted as Installing Master, assisted by Past Masters Bros. A. Cross, C. Sawyer, W. Thom, W. B.
Seandrett, and W. G. Mehaffey. At the close of the installation a handsome jewel was presented by the
Master to the retiring W.M., Bro. H. V. Haddock, as a memento of his successful year of office. The.
Haddock having acknowledged the presentation, the brethren adjourned to the Southland Club Hotel, where
Bro. N. Johnson had an excellent repast provided. The toast list included the usual subjects, ranging from
"The Queen and Craft" to "The Ladies." The speeches were short but vigorous, and so the brethren were able
to disperse at a comparatively early hour. Other Lodges under the New Zealand Constitution were well
represented, notably Lodge Fortitude (Bluff) and Lodge Mokoreta (Wyndham).

LODGE BETA, N.Z.C.—The annual gathering of the members of Lodge Beta, Hamilton, Waikato, Auckland,
held on this occasion, for the first time, under the New Zealand Constitution of Freemasonry, was held in
Hamilton on Thursday, July 3rd, for the installation of officers. There was a large attendance of the brethren,
a number of officers of the Grand Lodge having, on the invitation of the brethren of Beta, been present.
Amongst the visitors from Auckland were : Brothers M. Niccol, (G. Superintendent), A. Kidd, (G.P.), W. H.
Cooper, (Assistant Secretary), J. Page (R. W.M. St. Andrew), G. H. Powley, Dr. H. Walker, and W.
Parkinson, and the following Masters and P.M.'s were also present : Brothers E. J. Esam (Remuera), C. J. W.
Barton, W. McGregor Hay, A. Primrose (Beta), W. S. Lyell (W.M. Lodge Papakura), J. Mayo (Lodge
Franklin). The Lodge St. Andrew, with Bro. Page as R. W,M., entered, and were received as a lodge, after
which the Grand Lodge officers were received with customary honours. Brother M. Niccol, G.S. of
Auckland, officiated as installing master, and the following officers were duly installed into office:—W.M.,
E. Rathbone ; I. P. M., A. Primrose ; S. W., J. Primrose ; J. W., W. Sare ; Secretary and Treasurer, G.
Edgecumbe, P.M, ; D. of C., C..1. W. Barton, P.M. ; S. D., J. Coates ; J. D., Dr. Kenny ; I,G., R Gwynne ;
Tyler, E. Young. The charge to the Master was delivered by Bro. Powley, that to the Wardens by Bro. Esam,
and the charge to the brethren was given by Bro. Niccol, G.S., the installing officer, in which, departing from
the routine, he gave a most interesting address on Masonry, more especially as it referred to the Grand Lodge
of New Zealand, of which they were now a portion. Great regret was felt at the absence of Bro. Edgecumbe,
which was caused through illness in his family. The Lodge then adjourned from labour to a splendid banquet
prepared and laid at Mrs Gwynne's Waikato Hotel, and the good things provided having been duly
appreciated, the usual toast list was honoured. The toast of the G.M. of New Zealand, Bro. Thomson, was
received with hearty applause. The G.M. sent his hearty congratulations to the Lodge, and the Lodge
expressed its sympathy with him in his present illness. Bro. M. Niccol proposed the healths of the Provincial
and District Grand Masters of the English, Scotch, and Irish Constitutions in New Zealand.
______________________________________________________________________________________

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 393, Post Office, Dunedin.
We shall also he glad to receive from the District and Provincial Grand Secretaries the printed proceedings of their
Quarterly Communications.

LODGE ST JOHN, 1858, E.C., Ashburton, held their monthly meeting on Thursday the 14th inst. Business
being the affiliation of one brother, passing two, and raising one brother.

LODGE VICTORY, N.Z.C., late 1927, E C., Nelson. The regular meeting of this Lodge was held on August
5th, Bro. J. C. Mercer, W.M., presiding. Business being to ballot for two candidates, to initiate one
candidate, and to listen to Bro. W. H. Short's, J.D., paper on the " Pyramids and their Builders," which gave
great satisfaction to the brethren.

LODGE MANUKAU, N Z. C , ONEHUNGA, AUCKLAND. — There was a good attendance at the ordinary
monthly meeting of the above Lodge held on Tuesday, June 3rd, when it was resolved to cease work under
the Grand Lodge of Scotland and open under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, there
being but one dissentient. This Lodge was, we believe, the first to formally pass a resolution in favour of the
establishment of a New Zealand Grand Lodge. A resolution to ask the Grand Lodge of Scotland to allow its
to retain our charter was passed, also votes of thanks to P.G.M. Bro. Sir F. Whitaker, and officers of P.G.L.,
for their past services.

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.C.—The quarterly communication took place on June 4th in the Masonic Hall,
Princes street, Auckland. There was a fair attendance In the absence of the D G.M , Bro. Graham, Bro. W.
Lodder, D D.G.M., presided. The following officers were also in attendance : Bro. C. La Roche, D.G.S.W. ;
Bro. A. Wright, D.G. J.W. ; Bro. H. Wade, Treasurer; Bro. W. P. Moat, P.D.G.P. ; Bro. Rev. Mr McFarlane,
Chaplain ; Bro. J. P. Clark, Bro. E. Auger, S.D. ; Bro. H. Olive, J.D. ; Bro. H. F. Windsor, D.C. Bro. C. D.
Grey acted as pursuivant, and Bro. Major Pirie presided at the organ. The Secretary read an apology from the
D.G.M. for non-attendance, the excuse given being indisposition. An amount of correspondence was read,
including circulars forwarded by the D.G.M. to Masters of Lodges, instructing them not in any way to
recognise those connected with the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The question was raised as to
whether it was absolutely necessary that brethren who for years had been friendly should be excluded from
the Lodge because they had seceded and joined the New Zealand Constitutions. The D.D.G.M said that such
was the interpretation of the circular, and pointed out that those excluded had brought things to the present
state. The Secretary also read a circular containing statistics, from the South, showing that at present a
majority of Lodges were still claimed by the three recognised Constitutions

ADVANCE LODGE, N.Z.C., late 2245, E.G., Brunnerton. The regular meeting was held on July 3rd, P.M. Bro.
Murphy in the East, in the absence of W.M. Bro. Mann, there being a good attendance of brethren and
visitors. Business consisted of raising two brethren to the third degree, the resignation of D.D.G.M. Bro
Rees, as honorary member, and Bro, Rev. G. W. York were received, regret being expressed that
circumstances rendered this step necessary. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to P. M, Bro. Murphy for
his kindness in coming from Greymouth to undertake the duties of the W.M., also to Bros. Rev. G. W. York
and Hunter for their exertions in the cause of benevolence for several unfortunate families in the district.
Hearty good wishes were tendered by the visitors. The labours of the Lodge being ended, the Lodge was
closed in due form, the brethren retiring to partake of refreshments and to enjoy a social hour, then
separating in peace, love, and harmony.

LODGE ARA, N.Z.C., Auckland, held a meeting on Monday August 4th, W.M. Bro. Samuel Hanna presiding.
Business : To ballot for the admission as joining members the following :—Bro. George William Basley,
P.M., Ara Lodge, 348, I.C., proposed by Bro. G. H. Powley, P.M., Sec., seconded by Bro. D. Robertson,
S.D.; also Bro. Hugh Wallace, M.M., United Service Lodge, 421, LC., proposed by Bro. G. H. Powley,
Y.M., Sec., seconded by Bro. H. L. Posseneskie, J.S.; also Bro. John Coom, P.M., Remuera Lodge, 1710,
E.G., proposed by Bro. A. S. Russell, D.G.M., seconded by Bro. A. Kidd, G.Y.; also Bro. George Fowlds,
M.M., Ponsonby Lodge, 708, S.C., proposed by Bro. W. H. Mahoney, J.D., seconded by Bro. H. L.
Posseneskie, J.S. To ballot for the admission of Mr Arthur Cleave, aged twenty-eight, printer and publisher,
Vulcan lane ; proposed by Bro. A. Kidd, G.P. seconded by Bro. J. Boskill, J.W. To initiate Messrs Carroll
and Cleave. To pass Bro. Bartlett.

LODGE WAIROA, No. 709, S.C.—The regularly monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hale, Clevedou,
Auckland, on Wednesday evening, the 18th June. Charles William Walker, R.W.M. of the Lodge, presided.
A great deal of interest was taken in the proceedings, as this was one of the Lodges which had given its
adherence to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The Lodge was opened under the Scottish Constitution, in
the First Degree. It was then proposed by the R. W.M., Bro. C. W. Walker, "That the Lodge be closed for
ever under the Scottish Constitution and immediately opened under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand." This resolution was seconded by the S.W., and carried by the Lodge unanimously, the Lodge
being closed under the Scottish Constitution add opened under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The
R.W.M. gave an excellent address entitled, " The Ultimate Destiny of Freemasonry," which was listened to
most attentively by the brethren present.

MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE.—The first meeting of the above under the New Zealand Constitution, was
held on Wednesday, May 7th, when there was a large attendance of members and visitors. The chair was
occupied by Bro. J. Walkley, R.W.M., and Grand Lodge Steward, who, prior to the commencement of
business, made a brief reference to the proceedings at Christchurch last week, when the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand was constituted. Bro. D. H. Macarthur, Grand Junior Warden, also gave a detailed account of the
position taken up by the Grand Lodge relative to ritual, regalia, and other matters, from which it appeared
that the policy would be to leave existing conditions undisturbed, the main idea in view being the securing of
self-government, and the creation of a Fund of Benevolence. During the course of the evening, Bro. Forrest,
R. W.M., of Ponsonby Lodge, S.C., in the course of a very effective speech, explained the reasons why his
Lodg e had not joined the Grand Lodge, which reasons were removed by the explan ations made by Bro.
Macarthur in regard to ritual. Bro. Cohen, S.W. of United Manawatu Lodge, also spoke eloquently in
admiration of the Grand Lodge movemeu t.—[We apologise for the delay in publishing this report. —Ed.
CRAFTSMAN.]

SOMERSET LODGE, 1811, E.C.—The regular meeting of this Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall,
Ashburton, on Friday, June 6th. The W.M., Bro. J. R. Colyer, presided, and there was a good attendance,
including visiting brethren from the St. John's and Thistle Lodges. Bro. Alfred Weston was raised to the
Third Degree, the ceremony being impressively performed by the W.M., assisted by I.P.M., Bro. E. J. Paul.
P.M., Bro. H. W. Felton, reported having attended, with other Brethren, an informal meeting of the District
Grand Lodge, in Christchurch, at which important matters in connection with the future welfare of the
District Grand Lodge were discussed, Bro. Bissett, of the St. John's Lodge, also explained a certain course of
action that had been taken in connection with the District Grand funds. On motion of P.M., Bro. C. Braddell,
it was decided to held the annual Masonic service, the amount of the offertory at the close of the service to
be handed over to one of the ministers of the parish, for the - benefit of the sick and needy in the town of
Ashburton and district, during the current winter months. [A good departure, and one worthy of imitation.—
Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

LODGE EDEN, 1530, E.C., AUCKLAND.—The regular monthly meeting was held last evening in the Lodge
room, Karangahape road. Notwithstanding the downpour of rain, there was a fair attendance of members.
The principal business was the election of Worshipful Master, Treasurer, Auditors, and Tyler, for the ensuing
year. After the ballot had been taken it was announced by the W.M. (Bro. G. Hardy) that Bro. Jas. C.
Dickinson was the W.M. elect; Bro. G... P. Cox, Treasurer ; Bros. Allen, Lourie, and Philuot, Auditors ; and
Bro. J Moore, Tyler. The installation will take place on July 22nd. The question of joining the New Zealand
Constitution was deferred till such time as unanimity exists amongst the members.

AT the meeting of the ALBION LODGE, held at Devenport, Auckland, in July, W. Brother J. F. Logan in the
chair, the Lodge was closed under the English, Constitution, and opened under the New Zealand
Constitution, with great applause by the Brethren. The D.G. Master, R.W. Bro. A. S. Russell, attended by
Bro. W. H. Cooper, A. G. Secretary, and other officers, tendered the hearty congratu lations of the Grand
Lodge. R.W. Bro. M. Niccol, Superintendent of Auckland, delivered a most eloquent address on the duties
and ultimate destiny of Free-masonry, showing a considerable amount of research and Masonic knowledge,
and received a vote of thanks from the Brethren.

LODGE WAIRAU (late 663, S.C.), N.Z.C., held its regular meeting in the Lodge room, St. Andrew street,
Blenheim, on June 3rd. The principal business of the evening was the passing of Bro. W. H. Morris, and the
election of officers for the ensuing year. Previous to the ceremony of passing, the lecture on the " First
Tracing Board " was delivered by P.M. Gillespie. The passing ceremony was then performed by the R.W.M,

Bro. De Castro, assisted by P.M. Bro. Hustwick giving the- working tools. Bro. W. H. Morris was initiated a
member of this Lodge on May 6th. Can any of your readers inform us whether this was the first Candidate
admitted under the N.Z.C.?—[We believe Bro. Morris was the first Brother initiated under the banner of the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand.—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

THE SOUTHERN STAR LODGE, No. 735, E.G., held a Lodge of Emergency on Wednesday, 9th July, Bro. H.
T. Hall in the chair. There was a fair attendance of Brethren and visitors from the Victory Lodge. Two
candidates were initiated in Freemasonry in the E.H. Degree. The W.M. of the Victory explained the W.T.'s
and Bro. T. Scott, P.M. gave the Charge in the First Degree. The King of Terrors has paid another visit and
taken another old Past Master from our midst. Our late Bro. J. C. Moultray was initiated into Masonry in this
Lodge, on the 18th April, 1870. In the year 1872 he took office as Senior Deacon for the ensuing year, 1873,
and on the 27th December that year he became Junior Warden. The next St. John's Day he invested as Senior
Warden, and on the Festival of St. John, 1875, he was installed the W.M. of the Southren Star Lodge. Bro.
Moutray was also an M.E.Z. of the Trafalgar, R.A. Chapter, No. 157, passing through all the office to the
very highest, thereby showing himself a. persevering and worthy Mason. By his death, on Saturday, 28th
June, ult., we have lost a friend and brother, and his family an exemplary provider, a loving husband, and
kind and sympathising father.

AT their meeting at Papatoitoi on Friday night, LODGE FRANKLIN closed under the English Constitution, and
opened under the New Zealand Grand Lodge. The same night the ALBION LODGE passed resolutions that
their future meetings should be under the new Constitution. To-night (June 2nd) LODGE MANUKAU, and to-
morrow LODGE COROMANDEL, both work under the New Zealand Grand Lodge.

LODGE MOKORETA (late 2287, E.C.), N.Z.C., Wyndham, Southland, held its ordinary meeting on June 5th,
brethren being present in good force. Bro. McAuley was passed to the F.C. Degree, Bro. W. H. Clark giving
the lecture on-the Tracing Board. Visiting Bro. D. McFarlane was proposed as a joining member, the Lodge
was then closed, a pleasant half-hour being spent at the supper table.

THE Southern Star Lodge, 735, F..C., held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 3rd, in the Freemasons'
Hall, Collingwood street, Nelson. There was a fair attendance of members of the Lodge, and brethren-of the
Victory Lodge present. The W.M., Bro. H. T. Hall, being supported by P.M. Baigent as LP.M., and P.M.
Bolton, treasurer, also by the newly installed W. M. of the Victory Lodge, Bro. J. C. Mercer. The First
Degree was worked, and two gentlemen were proposed for membership,

VICTORY LODGE, N.Z.C., Nelson.— On Tuesday, 10th June, the first ordinary meeting of the Victory Lodge
under the new W.M. and officers, was held. A large number of members and visiting brethren were present.
A brother was raised to the Third Degree by the W.M. in a highly creditable manner. Bros. P.M.'s Boor,
Allan, and Scott gave the new Master their able assistance. There was a proposal for membership and one for
affiliation, a Professor of Music, Bro. H. Collier, who will, no doubt, fill the position of organist, left vacant
by Bro. Somerville, who went to Sydney.

LODGE ABERCORN, N.Z.C., Waipawa, Hawkes Bay, held its ordinary meeting on July 2nd. In the ordinary
routine work a letter was read from Bro. Wm. Storah, presenting the Lodge Fund with two guineas, which
was received with grateful thanks. Bro. Glass, who is leaving the district, resigned the S.D. Chair, his
resignation was accepted with regret. A brother was proposed as a joining member. Mr Archibald Hilson
Ross (son of the member for Roslyn) was balloted for and elected to membership. Mr C. Baines wrote
apologising for his inability to attend for initiation. No other degree work having been provided for the
Lodge closed early.

ST. JOHN’S LODGE, ASHBURTON.—The St. John's Lodge held an emergency meeting in the Masonic Hall,
Ashburton, on June 12th. The W.M., Bro. A. Orr, was in the chair, and there was a good attendance of
members and visitors from sister Lodges. Bro. Fox was passed to the Third Degree, and Mr Moses and Mr
Causey were elected members and initiated. The ceremony of raising and initiating was performed by the
W.M., assisted by I.P. M. Bro. H. M. Jones, and I.P.M. Bro. E. J. Paul (Somerset Lodge). Same matters of
general business were dealt with, after which the Lodge was closed.

SOMERSET LODGE, 1811, E.C.—The regular meeting of this Lodge was held in the Somerset Masonic Hall,
Ashburton, on July 3rd. The I.G.M., Bro. E. J. Paul, presided, the W.M. being unavoidably absent through a
case of sickness in his family. The newly-installed Master of the St. John's Lodge, Bro. Bonnington, with his

officers and brethren, paid an official visit, and were most cordially received. The Second Tracing Board
Lecture was very ably and impressively delivered by Bro. Paul, I.P.M., and Bro. C. Braddell, P.M., read a
most interesting and instructive paper on the " Exploration of Palestine." The Lodge passed a vote, heartily
congratulating the Thistle Lodge on the well-deserved and high honour of Deputy District Grand Master
recently conferred on P.M. Bro. J. Sealy—a Mason of rare ability, and who has always been held in the
highest esteem ; also on P.M. Bro. Malcolm's re-appointment as District Grand Chaplain, and on the Grand
Lodge Degree conferred on 1. P.M. Bro. Cockburn. Bro. Felton, P.M., stated that the Past Masters and
Masters of Ashburton contemplated forming a Board of Advice, with a view of discussing any matters that
may be for the general welfare of the Masons in the district. It was reported that the annual service in aid of
the sick and needy of the district had been held in St. Stephen's Church, on Sunday, June 26th, and that the
amount collected had been handed over for distribution by the Rev. E. A. Scott. A hearty vote of thanks was
tendered the Rev. Mr Scott, for his kindness in conducting the service.

LODGE OAMARU KILWINNING, 537, S.C.—A very interesting ceremony took place at the conclusion of the
ordinary business of this Lodge at its July meeting. The R.W.M. requested Bro. P.M. Henry Aitken to step
forward to the dias, when, in a neat and happy speech, he expressed the pleasure he felt in presenting to Bro.
Aitken on behalf of the Lodge, a very handsome P.M. jewel, not only as a slight recognition of his services
as treasurer during the past eight years, but also as a mark of the high esteem in which he was held by the
Brethren of the Lodge, every member having cordially subscribed. The R.W.M. concluded by wishing that
Bro. Aitken might be long spared to wear the jewel, and to promote the best interests of Freemasonry. Bro.
Aitken in reply, expressed his high appreciation of the great honour done him. Hs spoke earnestly and
impressively of his deep faith in the divine principles of the Order, and exhorted the Brethren always to stand
by and uphold the ancient laws and landmarks of the Craft. These was a large attendance of P.M.'a belonging
to Lodge Kilwinning, also the W.M. and P.M,'s from sister Lodge Waitaki, besides many visiting Brethren.
At the conclusian of the ceremony the Brethren adjourned to the refreshment room, where Bro. Aitken's
health was drunk in due and ancient form.

SOUTHERN CROSS LODGE, N.Z.C., Invercargill, held its regular meeting on June 6th, for the first time under
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. There was a good attendance, the W.M., Bro. H. V. Haddock, presiding,
there being also present Bros. W. H. Hall, Grand Superintendent for Southland, and Bro. H. Feldwick, Senior
Grand Warden, the latter with two other brethren affiliated to the Lodge. One candidate was initiated by the
W.M., assisted by Bros. P.M.'s Sawyer, Mehaffey and Cross. P.M. Bro. Cross passed Bros. Murie and
McDonald to the degree of F.C. The treasurer, P.M. Bro. Hall, brought forward an interim statement, which
proved very satisfactory, showing that the debt of the Lodge, which—owing to the purchase of new regalia,
&c. —at the beginning of the year stood at £150, had been reduced to something like £25. Bro. Hall stated
that this debt would in all probability be paid off, and a credit balance left in hand by the annual meeting on
June 24th. The W.M. stated that this highly satisfactory result had been attained by the willing assistance
given by Bros. W. H. Hall and A. Taine, and the co-operation of the members generally by paying up their
dues. He further announced that the annual meeting and installation of the W.M. elect, Bro. W. Smith, would
take place on St. John's Day, Tuesday, June 24th. Hearty good wishes for the success of the Lodge, under its
new constitution, were expressed by Bro. Feldwick, S.G.W., on behalf of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand,
Bro. Clark, on behalf of Lodge Mokoreta, N.Z.C., Wyndham, and by Bro. Lepetit of Lodge Fortitude,
N.Z.C., Bluff.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

WE thank the Sentinel, Invercargill, for the following :—To hand, the July issue of THE NEW ZEALAND
CRAFTSMAN. It contains a budget of installation reports, brief items, poetry, &c., and the correspondence
between Sir Robert Stout and the Napier Telegraph on the French Orient Lodge, while an article entitled "
History of Freemasonry and of Initiation," occupies several pages, and which is worthy of perusal by
brethren of the Craft ; also, several letters on interesting subjects. Altogether the Journal is equal to its
previous issues, and worthy of support.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND OF ANCIENT FREE
AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS - - 1890-1891.

Grand Master ... M W Bro HENRY THOMSON, Christchurch.

Deputy Grand Master R W Bro A STUART RUSSELL, Auckland.
Superintendents—Otago R W Bro A H BURTON, Dunedin.

Auckland R W Bro MALCOLM NICOL., Auckland.
Southland R W Bro W H HALL, Invercargill.
Wellington (Not yet filled).

Senior Grand Warden R W Bro H FELDWICK, MHR. Invercargill.
Junior Grand Warden R W Bro D H MACARTHUR, MHR, Feilding.
Grand Chaplains V W Bro the Rev W E PAIGE, Masterton. (One to be appointed).
Grand Treasurer ... V W Bro A KATE, Christchurch.
Grand Registrar ... V W Bro J JOYCE, MHR, Christchurch.
Assistant Grand Registrar V W Bro J H HANKINS, Palmerston North.
President of the Board of V W Bro C A C HARDY, Rakaia.
General Purposes
President of the Board of V W Bro A R KIRK, Christchurch.
Benevolence
Grand Secretary ,.. V W Bro the Rev WILLIAM RONALDSON,.Christchurch.
Assistant Grand Secretary ... W Bro W H COOPER, Auckland.
Senior Grand Deacon W Bro Dr D L BOOR, Nelson.
Junior Grand Deacon W Bro R PRICE, Napier.
Grand Superintendentof Works W Bro J E MCKELVEY, Dunedin.
Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro H J WILLIAMS, Wellington.
Assist. Gr. Dir. of Ceremonies W Bro the Rev T F DODD, Balclutha.
Grand Bible Bearer W Bro T L MURRAY, Thames.
Grand Sword Bearer W Bro W W DE CASTRO, Blenheim.
Assistant Grand Sword Bearer W Bro J PAGE, Auckland.
Grand Standard Bearer W Bro G C FOWNES, Wellington.
Grand Organist ... W Bro A J BARTH, Dunedin.
Grand Pursuivant ... W Bro A KIDD, Auckland.

} W Bro C GILBERTSON, Invercargill.
} W Bro G EDGECUMBE, Hamilton, Waikato.
} W Bro H CAPLIN, Hawera.
} W Bro N GRACE, Carterton.
} W Bro T CARR, Wellington.
} W Bro F J DAWES, Petone.
} W Bro F E BUDGE, Reefton.
} W Bro ROGERS, Kumara.
} W Bro R BREE, Gore.

Grand Stewards { W Bro C HULL, Christchurch.
} W Bro J GRUBB, Lyttelton.
} W Bro T BRAND, Brunnerton.
} W Bro SHEARING, Tapanui.
} W Bro WALKLEY, Palmerston North.
} W Bro C GRUMP, Palmerston South.
} W Bro BRAY, Feilding.
} W Bro DALYRYMPLE, Masterton.
} W Bro KING, Coromandel.
} W Bro H S VAVENTINE, MHR, Gore.
} W Bro ANTHONY MILLS, Timaru.

Grand Tyler Bro C E BRIGGS, Christchurch.

<Pages 290 to 300 not scanned>