THE

NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.
SUBSRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM.

VoL. 1—No. 9.] SEPTEMBER 16, 1890. A.D., 1890; A.L. 5890; A.M., 5650; A. In., 2420.
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REASONS FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT.
NE of the most noticeable facts in Colonial political history is VI) that as British Colonies have
grown in importance and population, so, also, has been developed in the Colonists a desire for self-
government, and release from the thraldom of the administration of their affairs by a Parliament and

officials ignorant of their peculiar circumstances, and powerless to deal with the local difficulties that daily
cropped up. In America, Canada, and Australasia, the inhabitants of the growing colonies fretted under the
galling yoke of incompetent government and mischievious meddling with their local affairs, insisted upon
their right of governing themselves, and at last, after, in each instance, a hard struggle with autocratic rulers,
obtained all that they demanded.

The case of Freemasonry in the Colonies is a parallel one. In the early days Lodges were few and scattered,
and their members were too much occupied in subduing the soil to afford time for the solution of problems in
Masonic government. The rule of the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland was tacitly
acknowledged as sufficient, indeed, no one thought of any other form of government being required. The
parent Grand Lodges freely issued charters whenever asked for, received the fees therefor, and any dues that
the Colonial Lodges thought fit to send them, but beyond that, took little interest in the doings of the Lodges
which they created in distant lands, and frequently did not even condescend to reply to communications from
them. This free and easy mode of conducting Masonic affairs did not last long, and the parent Grand Lodge
found it advisable to appoint District Grand Masters with autocratic powers to superintend Freemasonry in
foreign parts, and later on, when demanded by the Lodges, conceded, some very limited powers of local self-
government, by authorising the creation of District Grand Lodges with power of making levies and
unimportant regulations. At the same time it remitted the major portion of the fees which it had hitherto
demanded from Colonial Lodges, but retained in its own hands all real legislatory powers.

In writing on this matter, we may here say that we have the system of the Grand Lodge of England
principally in view, although in general, our remarks also apply to those of Ireland and Scotland. The
concessions made by the Grand Lodge, although in the eyes of Masons in England most liberal, were not
nearly sufficient for the lasting welfare of Masonry in the colonies ; and our rulers, thousands of miles
distant, were not competent to judge of the requirements of the Craft in the great colonies whose
circumstances were vastly different from. those of England. The system of local government by Provincial.
Grand Lodges in England, may be eminently successful in that small country where concurrent jurisdiction
of three Grand Lodges is unknown, and where the Provincial Lodges are directly represented in Grand
Lodge, and have a direct voice in the framing of regulations for their government. In the colonies, however,
it has proved a complete failure, owing to the very limited powers conferred on the District Grand Lodges, to
the very autocratic powers vested in District Grand Masters, and to the want of union, owing to the existence
of rivalry between the Lodges of English, Irish, and Scotch parentage, respectively. The baneful system of
concurrent jurisdiction instituted by the rivalry of the Grand Lodges of the old country in chartering Lodges,
was in itself sufficient to retard any real progress in colonial Freemasonry. Freemasonry under that system
consisted of three Societies instead of one, and combination of the three for benevolent or other laudable
purposes, was found to be impossible. Again, the appointment, virtually for life, of District Grand Masters
has been a, serious obstacle to Masonic progress. In some cases very able and zealous brethren have filled
the office with credit to themselves—such were Bros. Thompson of Canterbury, Poulett of Tasmania, and
others, but too often the appointment was held by brethren having little or no real interest in the welfare of
the Craft, Ignorant of Masonic law and usage, puffed out with their own importance, and either ruling
tyranically, or taking no share at all in Masonic work. We know of one District Grand Master who has for
years resided hundreds of miles distant from his district, and has yet been allowed to retain the office and its
priviliges by the Grand Lodge, of another,. who for years, has not been qualified to sit in his own District
Grand Lodge because he has not been a subscribing member of any Lodge, and who, in defiance of the law,
has so sat and ruled. We know of another who has not entered a Lodge for years, and yet the Grand Lodges

O

of the Old Country retain these brethren in office to the detriment of the Craft. It may be said that their
appointment was, in, the first place, recommended by the Lodges. This is true, but when they were
recommended, the Lodges had faith in their good intentions. Seeing that District Grand Masters were
endowed with almost autocratic powers, and that the District Grand Lodges could not meet without their
sanction, it is extraordinary that the election of these officers was not placed in the hands of the Lodges over
which they were ruled, and that the office was not made tenable for one year only. The Grand Masters of
England, Ireland, and Scotland hold office for one year only, and yet District Grand Masters, with powers in
their districts greater than those of the Grand Master himself, were appointed practically for life, and the
Lodges, by distance from England, were precluded from representing in Grand Lodge the evils resulting
from the system. The Colonial Masons had practically to be content with no share in their own government,
and no voice in the continuance of their rulers in office. We do not greatly blame the British Grand Lodges ;
they might have made some improvements in their system of ruling Colonial Lodges, but from ignorance of
the circumstances of the Colonies they were quite powerless to remedy the greater evils without completely
changing the system which, in England, was found to work well. Concurrent jurisdiction of Grand Lodges
they could not possibly alter without infringing the rights of the Lodges. Hence, although in many ways we
Freemasons in the British Colonies were proud of our connection with such famous Masonic bodies as the
Grand Lodges in Great Britain and Ireland, yet it is not to be wondered at that, seeing the disunited state of
Freemasonry around us, we should have resolved to take the same steps for improving its condition as were
taken with the most eminent success by our Brethren in the various states of the American Union and in the
Dominion of Canada. In those countries Freemasonry has progressed with giant strides since independent
Grand Lodges were erected in them, and we are fully assured that the same happy result will follow the
foundation of Grand Lodges in Australasia. In New South Wales and South Australia the result can already
be seen, and Victorian Freemasons are showing evident signs of being imbued with a greater zeal than ever
manifested itself under the old regimé.

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REFUSAL OF RECOGNITION BY ENGLAND.

No doubt some over-sanguine brethren may have expected that the Grand Lodge of England would recognise
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand upon "the first time of asking." For ourselves, we were not of the number,
so do not feel in the least degree disappointed at the present decision of the parent Grand Lodge. We say the
" present " decision, for we feel well assured that this attitude will be changed ere long, and that when the
real feeling of the Craft here is realised at home, the United Grand Lodge of England will be quite as ready
to accord New Zealand full recognition as New Zealand will be to receive it. Judging from the acts—patent
to all—of those who should be the exemplars of Masonic virtues amongst us, it can easily be imagined what
representations may have been made to the home authorities; how the great movement towards Masonic
autonomy in New Zealand may have been be-littled ; how the division unhappily existing in the Craft may
have been exaggerated, and bow their efforts to stem the tide—illegal and immoral as we know them to have
been—may have been made to appear most refreshingly loyal and patriotic. Meanwhile, let us possess our
souls in patience, since, though we shall, of course, be pleased enough, when the three British Grand Lodges
no longer seek to hold us at arm's length, we may point out that recognition by the various sovereign Grand
Lodges of Australasia is of far more immediate importance.

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THE EXCOMMUNICATION CIRCULAR.

To refer to the celebrated—or, shall we say notorious ?—" excommunication " circular once more. In a letter
addressed through our columns in June last, to the R.W. the P G.M. of Otago and Southland, by the Grand
Superintendent of Otago District (Bro. A. H. Burton), that brother ventured to predict that the ukase in
question would be by no means universally obeyed. We hear, by the way, that this prediction has been
verified. It will be remembered that all W.M's. and R.W.M.'s were directed to have that precious production
read in their Lodges, and also affixed to the Lodge doors. Has this been done in the Dunedin Lodges even ?
Is it not true that one Master of a local Lodge had to choose between disobeying the mandate and losing
some score of his members ? And is it not further true that a similar feeling exists in Lodges all over the
district ? We are well assured that these things are so, and that—to put the matter on no higher ground—it
was one of the grandest errors in strategy, when the zealous D.G. Secretary was permitted to forge and
launch that brutum fulmen. Well-directed zeal is truly admirable, but then it should be well-directed ; and

occasion should not be given for the suspicion that those who fill the highest Masonic positions amongst us
are bat all too plastic in other hands.

It will be remembered that while KO-KO was Lord High Executioner, POOH BAH was Lord High Everything
Else. We have heard it suggested that our Masonic POOH-BAH, in addition to his more legitimate billets, is
quite ready to jump KO-KO's claim, and to be Lord High Executioner as well as Lord High Everything Else.
But, seriously, there is little doubt that the signatories to the document in question are now thoroughly
ashamed of their action. Let them then acknowledge as much, and though it will be some time before the
affair can be forgotten, we think we can answer for the injured Brethren that it will be promptly forgiven.
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WE were in a Lodge a short time ago when three Past Masters—English, Irish, and Scotch—took part in
giving a Degree. The effect was good.
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GRAND LODGES

ATTITUDE OF THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND.

THE following is from the Auckland Herald of August 19th :—Bro. T. W. Kitt, P.M., of Eden Lodge, E.C.,
who was one of the most energetic promoters of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, has written by this mail,
under date July 11th, and the following extracts from the letter place the position taken by the Grand Lodge
of England in a new light. Bro. Kitt says :

" I returned from Brighton last week, and immediately sought an interview with Colonel Shadwell Clarke, Grand
Secretary of England, in order to ascertain his views re new Grand Lodge. He was very affable and pleasant, and said
that he had been duly advised of the progress of the formation of the New Zealand Grand Lodge, and supplied with the
various papers, and that he expects the question will be brought before the Grand Lodge in September, when I hope to
be present. Amongst other important matters he stated that re Rule 219, English Constitution, that it has been definitely
settled that for three members to hold the warrant, it is not in any way intended to apply to a majority joining a new
constitution. He assured me that the D G. M. of Auckland had been advised to this effect, so that if he still persists in his
old course; it is in spite of the ruling to the contrary. The Grand Lodge has nothing whatever to do with the disposal of
Lodge property, which the Grand Secretary says is entirely and solely dependent upon the members of the Lodge
themselves. This information will be useful to you, and I hope you will firmly impress it upon the Eden Lodge brethren,
and others, so that they may not be longer overawed by the D.G. Lodge. Masonically I have been having a very pleasant
time, and have been pretty well lionised at the Lodges I have attended. I have no time to go into details at present of the
many English brethren I have spoken to respecting the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. One only—the Grand
Secretary—is opposed to the change, and he acknowledges that New Zealand has as much right to Masonic autonomy
as other colonies."

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CIRCULAR FROM THE AUCKLAND SUPERINTENDENT.

THE disputed points between the newly-constituted Grand Lodge of New Zealand and the District and
Provincial Grand Lodges of England and Scotland in New Zealand having been the subject of so much
public discussion, the following circular issued by Bro. M. Niccol, Grand Superintendent, Auckland, will be
read with an interest outside the internal workings of the Masonic Order :

" The recent action of Bro. Sir Frederick Whitaker in issuing a dispensation to certain unqualified brethren, authorising
them to work a second lodge under the designation of `Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418. S.C.,' and declaring that irregular
Lodge to be entitled to all the properties and funds created and accumulated by us, has, I believe, raised some doubt of
our position in the minds of some of our members ; and the Grand Lodge of Scotland having apparently approved and
confirmed Sir Frederick's ruling, there is, perhaps, danger of this ruling being accepted as correct in the absence of any
statement to the contrary. I therefore deem it necessary to remind you that neither the Provincial Grand Master nor the
Grand Lodge of Scotland can override justice and equity, or deprive us of our natural rights and privileges. We are
living neither in Russia nor Turkey, but in a free country, under the laws of which any such arbitrary act of oppression
and confiscation cannot possibly be sanctioned or tolerated. We must neither be bounced nor bluffed out of our money
and property of which we are in lawful possession, but be prepared to defend our rights in every legitimate way. But I
counsel all members of our Lodge to avoid acts of reprisal, or words of recrimination ; let us keep on in the even tenor
of our way, acting strictly on the defensive, alike uninfluenced by the threats and blandishments of our opponents. After

all, a very short time must see us all united, or rather fused into one harmonious band of friends and brothers ; and the
less bitterness introduced into our disputes, the sooner will that consummation so devoutly to be wished for be
accomplished. Believing that our Mother Grand Lodge of Scotland has acted upon incorrect and prejudiced accounts of
the position, a full statement of the case has been prepared and will be forwarded to Edinburgh by next mail, and I have
every confidence that upon due consideration that body will recognise and admit our just claims."—Dunedin Evening
Star.

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RECOGNITIONS.

ITALY.

BRO. G. ROBERTSON, P.G. Secretary, has received advice that the Grand Orient of Italy has fully recognised
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, an exchange of representatives being arranged.

VICTORIA.
THE Board of General Purposes recommend Grand Lodge to recognise the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

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REFUSAL OF RECOGNITION.

ENGLAND.
[PER PRESS ASSOCAITION.]

LONDON, September 3rd.
THE Grand Lodge of England has recognised the Grand Lodge formed in Tasmania, but has refused a similar
request by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, because the Masonic bodies of the Colony had not agreed on
the question.

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NEW ZEALAND.

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION
HELD AT THE MASONIC HALL, WELLINGTON, ON MONDAY, 28TH JULY, 1890.

Opening of Grand Lodge.—The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by the M.W. Grand Master, Bro.
Henry Thomson, at 7.30 p.m., with solemn prayer by the V.W. the Grand Chaplain.

Present.—THE M.W. THE GRAND MASTER, BRO. H. THOMSON ; THE R.W. ACTING DEPUTY GRAND
MASTER, BRO. VINCENT PYKE, M.H.R.; THE GRAND LODGE OFFICERS, THE MASTERS, AND PAST MASTERS,
AND WARDENS of many Lodges, and a large concourse of visiting brethren.

Minutes.—The minutes of the Communication held on the 30th of April were read and confirmed.

Address.—The G.M. in his address referred to the enthusiasm existing, as evidenced by the large number of
brethren present from all parts of the colony, spoke of the difficulties which had to be met, amongst other
topics referring to those who had taken part in the work and then drawn back, at the same time alluding to
the fact that they will have to return again to us. The circulars issued by the D.G.Ms. had caused some
confusion in some of the Lodges, which time and patience will put right, notwithstanding the action taken by
the Grand Secretary of Scotland, in promising the approval of his Grand Lodge of any steps which the
D.G.M's. in the colony might take, for the purpose of suppressing the Grand Lodge movement. The G.M.
congratulated the members present and absent on the progress made by the Grand Lodge since the last
Communication. The G.M. in mentioning the application sent to all the Grand Lodges in the world, asking
recognition, stated that the UNITED GRAND LODGE OF NEW SOUTH WALES had, in the most ample and
fraternal manner, given recognition to us, most courteously expressing the hope that the two Grand Lodges
would ever work together.

The Grand Orient of France.—The Grand Master officially informed the Grand Lodge that a Lodge under
the Grand Orient of France had been lately opened in Wellington. The subject itself would come before
them, as it formed part of the report of the Board of General Purposes.

The R.W. the Acting Deputy Grand Master, Bro. Vincent Pyke, then briefly addressed the brethren in a
very congratulatory manner, and asked permission to retire as he was very unwell.

The Grand Treasurer stated that the Balance to Credit in the bank was £106 Os. 2d.

Correspondence.—The Grand Secretary then stated that a large amount of Correspondence, consisting of
letters, reports from Grand Superintendents, and telegrams, had been received — too numerous to read —
with congratulations and apologies from the writers, who, from various causes, were unable to be present.
Amongst the letters received, and read, was one from the Pro. 'Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of
New South Wales, conveying the decision of Grand Lodge unanimously to recognize the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand, and from the Grand Secretary conveying the resolution itself. Letters were also read from
sundry American Grand Lodges, acknowledging, in very courteous terms, the receipt of the circular letter,
asking recognition, and promising that the same would receive most favourable recognition in each case.

Reports.—THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE was read. It was brief, and stated that the amount
to credit was £52 4s. 6d., and that no application for relief had been received.

THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES was then read by the Grand Secretary, and was
afterwards discussed seriatim, and adopted as follows :
1. INAUGURATION OF GRAND LODGE AND INSTALLATION OF FIRST GRAND MASTER.—The Board of
General Purposes, in presenting its first report, desires to offer its congratulations to the members on the
successful inauguration of the Grand Lodge, and Installation of the First Grand Master.
2. INITIAL DIFFICULTIES.—As might have been expected in the initiation of such an important change,
as the formation of a Grand Lodge for New Zealand, some difficulties have, from time to time, arisen to
which your Board has given its attention, and to the best of its ability has endeavoured to meet.
3. RECOGNITION.—The first duty of the Board was to prepare and forward a circular letter to all the
Grand Lodges in the world, informing them of the steps that had been taken to establish a Grand Lodge, and
applying for recognition. Members of Grand Lodge will, no doubt, have seen from telegrams that the United
Grand Lodge of New South Wales has been the first to accord us fraternal recognition, and the Board has no
reason to doubt that the other Grand Lodges will, in due course, follow the example of New South Wales.
The Board would recommend that a letter of thanks be forwarded to the latter body for their prompt and
cordial recognition.
4. CIRCULARS.—In consequence of communications addressed to the officers and members of Lodges
who have given in their adherence to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, from those visiting in other
Constitutions, throwing doubts with regard to their position (copies of which are laid upon the table of Grand
Lodge), your Board considered it its duty to issue circulars (Nos. 1 and 2), copies of which are attached
hereto. This course was considered necessary, as several Lodges had asked the advice of the Board to guide
them in the matters referred to therein, Your Board has much pleasure in reporting that these circulars have
had the desired effect, and the advice given has been acted upon.
5. CORRESPONDENCE.—Of necessity a very large amount of correspondence has been received from
the Lodges throughout the colony, to which the Board has given its careful consideration, and endeavoured -
to reply to the various queries contained therein.
6. OFFICE.—The Board has much pleasure in informing Grand Lodge that, through the liberality of the
St. Augustine Lodge (late No. 509, E.G.), suitable office accommodation for Grand Lodge purposes has been
placed at its disposal with necessary lighting, &c., free of charge. The Board has prepared a resolution to
submit to this Communication of Grand Lodge, that a vote of thanks be recorded to the Lodge for its
generous offer.
7. GRAND SUPERINTENDENTS OF DISTRICTS.—Your Board takes this opportunity to place on record its
appreciation of the very valuable services rendered in the Interest of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand by the
Grand Superintendents, in their various districts. It was found necessary, for the carrying out of their duties,
that a small suspense account should be opened with the various Grand Superintendents for stationery,
postages, &c., and travelling expenses to visit Lodges in their districts when desirable. The Board
recommends the Grand Lodge to authorise the appointment of other Grand Superintendents of Districts
where it is considered necessary.
8. PATENTS.—Patents for Grand Lodge Officers have been prepared, and the several Grand Lodge
Officers have been notified thereof. These are ready for presentation at this Communication, or in the event
of Officers not being present, they will be forwarded to the Grand Superintendents of Districts, and presented
to them in open Lodge on payment of the necessary fee.
9. THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.—It has come to the knowledge of the Board that a Lodge has
recently been formed in Wellington, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of France, and the Board
having been asked by W.M.'s of the New Zealand Constitution to advise them how the brethren of the said
Lodge should be received, if any presented themselves, recommends the following resolution for adoption :

"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 T.G.A.O.T.U.; and, whereas, the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland have, in
consequence of such 'elimination, withdrawn their representatives and severed 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 members of Lodges under the New Zealand Constitution are forbidden either to visit
or receive visitors from the said Lodge, and any member of a Lodge holding under the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand, who has joined, or may hereafter join a Lodge, under the Grand Orient of France be given one
month's notice to withdraw from the said Lodge, or his name will be struck off the Roll of Lodges under the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand."
10. GRAND LODGE REGALIA.—As the amount required for this purpose would necessarily be large, the
Board would recommend the Grand Lodge to defer the consideration of this question until a future
Communication, but would recommend, for the information of Grand Lodge officers, who desire to procure
their own regalia, that the colour should be that adopted by the Grand Lodges of the Australian colonies,
namely, purple.
11. CLOTHING OF MEMBERS. —With regard to members' regalia--for those newly joining, the Board
would recommend that, as soon as possible, some uniform apron should be decided upon, and would suggest
the adoption of that worn by the New South Wales and other colonial Constitutions, namely, white lamb skin
with light blue facings.
12. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE.—An approximate estimate of the probable expenditure necessary for
carrying on the business of the Grand Lodge has been compiled and appended hereto.--Schedule No. 1, non-
recurrent expenses, say £200 ; schedule No. 2, annual expenditure, about £456. On a discussion on schedule
No. 1 the following resolution was moved by Bro. Hulbert, P.M., seconded by Bro. Geo. Robertson, P.M.
:—" That a sub-committee be appointed at this meeting, to consist of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master,
the Grand Treasurer, Bro. H. Powley P.M., Bro. Geo. Robertson, and the mover, for the purpose of
arranging, for the non-recurrent expenses on the basis, of a loan of £10, or other sums of money, to be repaid
by Grand Lodge when in funds." This was carried.
13. CONCLUSION.—There has not been sufficient time for all the Lodges who signed the declaration to
forward to Grand Lodge their charters and fees. Still, in response to our communications, a large number of
charters have been received and fees paid, and we are still in correspondence with Lodges on the subject. In
conclusion, the Board considers that though it is too soon to sum up the results attained, yet the Board gladly
reports that the Lodges generally have proved themselves equal to the occasion, and, assisted by Grand
Lodge Officers in all parts, have cordially taken up their work with a heartiness and vigour which promises
well for the Craft in general, as well as for the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in particular.

Report of the Committee appointed to draft Constitution was presented by Bro. Geo. Robertson. It was
read and approved. Owing to the illness of P. Dep. G. Master, Bro. Gillon, the Committee had not been able
to hold a meeting lately. The Constitution and Laws of Grand Lodge have been drafted and the regulations
relating to private Lodges were also partly framed.

Report of the Wellington District was presented by Bro. Geo. Robertson. It was read and adopted. The
report referred to successful and enthusiastic meetings, which have been held in the city Lodges, and in those
at Napier, Waipawa, Masterton, Waipukurau, Woodville, Carterton, Featherston, Feilding and Palmerston
North. Installations in the Leinster and Ulster Lodges have been very successful, and the meetings
enthusiastic. Lodge Pacific will not hold any more meetings until an answer has been received from the
Grand Lodge of England, respecting the ruling on Article 219, lately sent out by the Grand Secretary of
England to the D.G. Secs. of the D.G.L., E.C., Wellington. The recognition by the U.G.L. of N.S.W. has had
a very good effect on all the Lodges and caused the question of Grand Lodge to be discussed in a more
fraternal spirit.

Reports of the G. Superintendent and the Assistant G. Secretary, Auckland District, were also received.
They give valuable information of the work done, and show how active and energetic our G. Lodge Officers
have been in the midst of many difficulties. They have attended and conducted Installation ceremonies at

Lodges Ara, United Service, and Beta (Waikato), and visited Lodges Wairoa, Franklin, Papakura,
Coromandel, and were purposing to visit other Lodges around. They have impressed upon the Brethren the
necessity of forbearance and a conciliatory disposition to those Brethren of the other Lodges who have not
yet joined our Constitution, although great provocation has been experienced at their hands. The harsh and
arbitary tactics of the R.W.D.G.M., E.C., are very remarkable. He has issued most peremptory orders to the
English Masons not to visit or allow any New Zealand Masons in their Lodges, and the brethren who did not
take part with the majority are told they can have a Dispensation to work the Lodge, which will entitle them
to the regalia and all property belonging to the Lodge. The idea of starting a Provincial G. Lodge for the
Province of Auckland has been discussed at a preliminary meeting, as it is considered imperatively
necessary, so that concerted action for mutual protection may be arranged. A petition has been drawn up for
signature, and will in due time be presented to Grand Lodge, expressing the hope that the next Quarterly
Communication will be held at Auckland, and it is hoped that nothing unforeseen will arise to prevent this.

The report closes with an expression of the thankfulness with which the brethren heard of the convalesence
of the Grand Master, after his serious illness, and that they one and all wish prosperity to our Grand Lodge,
trusting that the recognition given us by the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales is only the first of a
stream that may be expected to flow in due time from all parts of the world.

Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.M., GRAND SUPERINTENDENT, AUCKLAND DISTRICT also sent a very clear and
appreciable account of the work going on in the District. He refers at length to the unworthy and
discreditable tactics now carried on by the District Grand Masters. It is painful to read how these rulers in the
Craft urge on the opposition in the most bitter spirit---encouraging, and indeed exciting in the minds of some
a desire to do all the injury they can, by setting up rival Lodges, even though they have to get some who are
otherwise disqualified in every sense. But, perhaps, the most painful thought is given in the opinion he
expresses, as to the action now being taken—he says, "I am a Scottish Mason, but I am sorry to say I have no
hope that the Grand Lodge of Scotland will be influenced by anything we may say or do ; it has always been
guided by considerations of expediency only, and seems disposed to ratify and confirm anything and
everything done by its so-called loyal supporters in the colony in the present ,juncture, irrespective of justice
or legality, truth or honour." These words seem prophetic, and are justified by the action of the Grand Lodge
of Scotland, according to the instructions issued by the D.G.Ms., S.C. These Reports deserve to be printed in
full, but we fear it cannot be managed.

Report of the Grand Superintendent, OTAGO DISTRICT. --Bro. A. H. Burton, P.M., also sends a Report of
the work carried on in the district. He has communicated with many Lodges, and has been assured that the
feeling generally of the brethren in the district is altogether in favour of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
And yet, notwithstanding this, our brethren stand by and allow their brethren to be as roughly handled as if
they were malefactors--because they are afraid to say a word in our favour, or to take the step which will at
once put a stop to all this painful exhibition of malice, ands which surprises any one who has taken any
interest in Freemasonry. Had we been the scum of the earth, or the vilest characters, more-arbitrary, harsh, or
uncharitable action could not have been taken against us. Our brethren in the—shall we say, "dark" South,
have been very active, and have attended installations at Balclutha,. Palmerston, and Waikouaiti, and
generally have endeavoured to assist in every case when they have been asked.

Report of the Grand Superintendent, Southland District.—Bro. Wm. H. Hall, P.M., writes in much the
same way as Bro. Burton. Amongst other causes existing, not in tins District alone, but in the other places
also, is the financial question; not meaning thereby the cost of joining Grand Lodge, which in no case
exceeds £5 5s,. and in the small Lodges under £2, but from the actual impossibility of collecting the small
sums due by the brethren. Personally Bro. Hall meets with little else outside the Lodge but the
acknowledgment that we have taken the right step, and that all approve of it, but scarcely one moves in the
matter, and the D.G.Ms. are exercising a rigid discipline in excluding all brethren who have ,joined the
Grand Lodge, and in refusing to allow the question of Grand Lodge of New Zealand to be even mentioned in
their Lodges. In no part of New Zealand have the D.G.Ms. been more extreme in their measures than in
Otago and Southland. The system seems for the moment to be paralysed by the height of the fever, but when
the true Masonic spirit again asserts itself we have no fear of the result ; there will be one grand concensus of
opinion, and that will declare itself unanimously, as with one accord, in favour of the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand. Events are hastening quicker than those who are against us think for, and the awakening, as from a
dream, may be sharper than they can conceive. On a review of the reports thus presented to Grand Lodge,

and by Grand Lodge submitted to the Board of General Purposes to deal with, we feel more animated and
satisfied. We have good men and true leading on, and the victory is not far of-t:

Districts of Napier, Nelson, and West Coast.—Here, too, our brethren are working favourably, and in their
hands the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is prospering. If Grand Lodge could only find more opportunity for
visiting in these Districts there would not be that isolation, Masonically, which now is very much felt.

Recognition : United Grand Lodge of New South Wales. —Moved by Bro. D. H. Macarthur, M.H. R., R.
W. J. G. Warden, seconded by Bro. Geo. H. Powley, P.P.G.S. Warden --"That the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand desires to convey to the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales its appreciation of the prompt and
cordial recognition of this Grand Lodge, contained in the warm and fraternal letters of the Most Worshipful
the Pro Grand Master, and the V.W. the Grand Secretary." Carried unanimously, with acclamation.

Illness of P.D.G. Master Bro. E. T. Gillon.—Moved by Bro. Seddon, M.H.R., seconded by Bro. Geo. S.
Wemyss Dalrymple, Grand Steward—" That the Grand Secretary convey the regret of the members of Grand
Lodge at the absence, by serious illness, of P.D.G.M. Bro. E. T. Gillon, from this Communication ; also the
brethren's warmest sympathy in his affliction, and their sincere wish that he may soon be restored to perfect
health.—Carried unanimously.

Death of Bro. Earl Carnarvon.—A vote of condolence with the Grand Lodge of England, on the death of
Bro. Lord Carnarvon, was moved by Bro. Robertson, and seconded by Bro. Grand Secretary, and .carried
unanimously.

Next Communication.—On the motion of Bro. George H. Powley, P.M., seconded by Bro. A. Kaye, G.
Treasurer, it was remitted to the Board of General Purposes, " That the next Quarterly Communication of
Grand Lodge be held in Auckland, the brethren expressing the hope that nothing would prevent it."

Retention of Native names by Lodges —Bro. P.M. Eliott, suggested that the Native names be retained for
Lodges under the G.L. of New Zealand, as far as practicable.

The business concluded with hearty good wishes from many brethren present, and the Lodge, with prayer by
the Grand Chaplain, was closed in ample form by the M.W. the G. Master at 11 p.m.

___________________________

The following information in re the recognition of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand by the United Grand
Lodge of New South Wales is appended for the information of the Brethren.

1. Speech of R.W. Bro. Major Remington, P.S.G.W.:

R.W. Bro. Remington, P.S.G.W., said the resolution he had to propose was—" That the United Grand Lodge
of 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 in
New Zealand, among whom he numbered some warm personal friends, would ere long be convinced that,
what-ever sentimental considerations might bind them to the Grand Lodges of the United Kingdom, 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 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 for 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 he 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 F g1ish, Trish,
and Scotch Constitutions, a British colony was liable to be also invaded by foreign Grand Lodges 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.

2. Letter from the Pro. Grand Master, the MW., Bro. Harman J. Tarrant, M.D., M.L.C. :
" DEAR BRO. RONALDSON,
It affords me much pleasure to inform you that at a special meeting of our Grand Lodge, held last evening, it
was unanimously decided that the fraternal recognitions of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales be
extended to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. 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.

* * * * * *
" Wishing your Grand Lodge every success,

"I remain, yours fraternally,
“Sydney, July 16th, 1890." (Signed) " HARMAN J. TARRANT.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

CIRCULAR BY THE GRAND MASTER.

The Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Christchurch, Sept., 11th, 1890.
WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BROTHER,
A cablegram from London having informed me that the Grand Lodge of England has refused recognition to
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, renders it desirable that a circular should be addressed to all Lodges
holding under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, in order that the brethren may be assured that the only
effect that should follow this decision is a more earnest working in our Lodges,

And that inasmuch as the only reason for such non-recognition is owing to the want of more unanimity
amongst the Lodges in New Zealand, and does not arise from its being looked upon as any breach of
Masonic law or order. Our endeavour should, therefore, be so to conduct our Masonic business that the
Lodges who have not yet joined us, seeing our good work, may be more inclined to reconsider their action
with a view to securing that unanimity which will, as in the case of Tasmania, lead to our recognition by all
the Home Grand Lodges.

I am, Worshipful Sir and dear Brother,
Yours fraternally,

H. THOMSON,
Grand Master.

__________________________________
THE next regular Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge will be held in Auckland at the end of October.

_______________________
A SPECIAL Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held in Dunedin on the 14th and 15th of October for
the purpose of installing the W.A of the Lodge of Otago, and for other necessary business.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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 ire 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. MCKAY,' WELLINGTON. -No room this month.
"ACACIAN."—Very good—will write you shortly.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
THE Grand Orient of Italy has recognised the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and wishes an exchange of
representatives.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

INSTALLATIONS

PALMERSTON LODGE, N.Z.C.—The first installation of the W.M. under this Constitution was held at the
Masonic Hall, Palmerston, on Friday, the 29th August. The ceremony was conducted by R W. Bro. A. H.
Barton, Grand Superintendent, Otago District, assisted by the Grand Secretary, V.W. Bro. Rev. W.
Ronaldson, W. Bro. J. E. McKelvey, G.S. of W. ; W, Bro. Chas. Crump, Grand Steward ; and P.M.
DeRenzy. A large number of visitors were present, including W.M's., officers and members of Lodges
Waikouaiti and Waitaki, N.Z.C., so that the seating capabilities of the spacious hall were tested to its fullest
extent. Bro. Charles Lorie Russell was installed as W. M., and the officers invested were as follows :—I.
P.M., Bro. W. Alderdice ; S. W., Bro. John George Findlay ; LW., Bro. Jas. McKillop ; Chaplain, Bro. Rev.
Wynter Blathwayt ; Treasurer, P.M. Bro. Thos. Hodyetts; Secretary, P.M. Bro. Chas Crump; S.D., Bro. W.
Clarkson ; I.D., Bro. Jno. E. Vernon ; LG., Bro. C. Conn ; Tyler, Bro. John E. Goodwin. After the
installation the Brethren adjourned to the Empire Hotel, where Bro. Geo. Lloyd had provided an excellent
lopi t, after which the usual Masonic toasts were given, and the Brethren were enabled to break up at a
reasonably early hour, after which a good many of them went to the Spinsters' Ball, to which the whole
Lodge had been invited.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

LODGE REPORTS

Secretaries of Lodges, Scribes of Chapters, will confer a favor on the Editor of this Journal if they will forward monthly a
copy of their Lodge Circular to Box 393, Post Office, Dunedin.
We shall also he glad to receive from the District and Provincial Grand Secretaries the printed proceedings of their Quarterly
Communications.

THE Masterton and Thistle Lodges have issued invitations for a Masonic ball, to he held in the Drill Hall, on
Thursday, the 25th inst. A combined committee of the two Lodges has been appointed, and given fine
weather, it will doubtless prove the event of the season in the Wairarapa district.

LODGE OF OTAGO, N.Z.C., Dunedin, held its regular meeting on the 8th inst. A brother was passed, a
gentleman proposed, two brethren proposed for affiliation. The ballot for the election of V.N.M. resulted in
the election of Bro. Charles J. Ronaldson (the present S.W., and son of the Grand Secretary). P.M. De Renzy
was elected Treasurer. Before the Lodge closed, P M. De Renzy gave " Extracts from the Ritual of the Lodge
working in Wellington under the Grand Orient of France." The Grand Master will conduct the installation on
the 14th October.

LODGE ABERCORN, N.Z C., Waipawa, Hawke's Bay, held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 30th.
There was an extremely good attendance, over thirty brethren signing their name in the Tyler's book. The
visitors included members of 460, S.C., 705, S.C., and 722, SC. After the ordinary routine business (during
which Bro. Geo. Harper, of 'Waitaki Lodge, No. 1111, E.G., Oamaru, was assisted) had been completed, a
ballot was taken for Bro. Samuel Johnsoi3 as a joining member, and he was declared elected. Messrs A. H.
Ross and C. Baines were initiated, and Bros. Jensen and Godwin passed to the F. C. Degree. A sum was
voted for the assistance of the widow of a late Brother of Amberley Lodge. An old member was proposed for

joining, and a gentleman was proposed as a candidate for initiation. Notice of motion was given reducing the
fee for joining and affiliating members from £1 Is. and £1 lls. 6d. respectively, to 10s. 6d. in either case.
Lodge was then closed, and members adjourned to the supper room, and after spending a pleasant time broke
up. [We are sorry space forbids giving an account of the annual ball held in connection with this Lodge, on
the 1st ult. ED. CRAFTSMAN.]

THE Foxton Kilwinning Lodge, N.Z.C., has been suffering somewhat lately by a number of prominent
members leaving the district. It is also hampered with a most unsatisfactory leasehold property, which has
militated against the financial success of the Lodge. Strong efforts are now being made to amend this
condition of things, and secure a more united effort, and we are sanguine enough to hope the result will be a
thorouehly healthy Lodge.

LODGE PONSONBY, 708 S.C., Auckland, held the regular monthly meeting in the Oddfellows' Hall,
Ponsonby, on August 5th, when the W.M., Bro. Forrest, presided. There was a large attendance both of
brethren and visitors, including P.M. De Renzy, from Dunedin. The ordinary business of the Lodge included
four raisings. A lengthy and animated discussion ensued upon the question as to which Constitution the
Lodge should, in future, work under. Ultimately it was decided that Lodge Ponsonby should at once join the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

LODGE ARA, New Zealand Constitution.—The regular monthly meeting took place at the Masonic Hall,
Princes street, Auckland, on August 4th, when there was a large attendance. In the absence of the W. M.,
Bro. S. D. Hanna, the D.G.M., Bro. A. S. Russell, occupied the chair. The first business was the balloting for
two gentlemen for initiation and four joining Brethren, two of these being Past Masters, and a large amount
of business was got throrgh, Bro. Russell being assisted by Past Masters Powley, Kidd, and Cooper. Before
the Lodge closed four other brethren were proposed for joining, and two gentlemen for initiation, so there is
every sign of Ara Lodge being still more prosperous, if possible, under the New Zealand Constitution. H.G.
wishes were given by the visiting Brethren.—W. Bro. Meadowcroft, P.G.S. Warden of Victoria, and W. Bro.
De Renzy, P.G. Treasurer, E.C., Otago, who spoke of the necessity of the amalgamation of the various
Constitutions, and the great benefits to be derived to the Craft. Bro. Page, R.W.M. of Lodge St. Andrew, and
representatives of various other Lodges were also present.

LODGE ST AUGUSTINE, N.Z.C., Christchurch, met on August 12th, when Mr Edward Crosbie Reeves,
journalist, was initiated. Messrs Crook and Raphael were to have been initiated, but were not in attendance.
Y.M. Bro. J. Blanchard, Lodge St. John, 286, I.C., Qaeeusland, and Lodge St. Patrick, 468, I.C., Dunedin,
were affiliated. Lodge Amberley, 2007, E.G., applied for relief for the widow and children of Bro Davies.
The Lodge voted £5 5s., and subscrip tions amongst the brethren reached over £3. The Board appointed by
the District Grand Lodge to distribute the funds pro rata, wrote stating that the Committes recommended that
the money coming to Lodges who had joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand should be placed in a fund to
be called the " Benevolent Fund of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Canterbury Branch." The Grand Lodge
of New Zealand wrote thanking the Lodge for its offer of office accommodation. It was moved by Bro.
Russell that this Lodge takes steps to form a Masonic library. This was seconded by the G. W. Bro. Hobden,
and carried, several members promising a gift of books. The great difficulty seemed to be what books to
procure. The attendance was from 50 to 60, and in the supper room some good speeches were made and
songs sung.

LODGE OF CONCORD, PAPANUI, JULY 31sT.—The above date being the period of the regular meeting of this
Lodge, a goodly number of members were present. The Wardens were unavoidably absent, their places being
filled by Bro. J. W. Horner, treasurer, and Bro. W. J. Jackson. After the usual preliminaries, the W.M. Bro.
Charles Amyes, opened the Lodge in the second and third Degrees, and then vacated the chair for the
ensuing ceremony, in which Bros. Gifkins and Leader were participants under the teachings of Bro. Kirk,
P.M. Among the prominent members of the Order present as visitors may be noted Bro. the Rev. W.
Ronaldson, G.S. This Brother entertained the Lodge with a resume of the proceedings just concluded at the
Grand Lodge meeting at Wellington. Bro. A. Kaye, P.M. and G.T., also spoke upon the same subjeet, and
emphasised the kindly way in which all Southern visitors had been received. The W.M., Bro. Ritchie, of the
St. Augustine Lodge, accompanied with officers and brethren, paid a fraternal visit, and, with visitors from
Lyttelton, Rangiora, and Sheffield Lodges, the meeting was somewhat above the average in its enjoyable
nature. The cordial feeling and generous welcome extended to all who visit Masonically at Papanui is a

reputation enjoyed by the Lodge, and the Craft may rest assured that Bro. Amyes and his officers will not
allow their Lodge to depreciate on that account. After much useful Masonic labour and the proposal of two
gentlemen for initiation, the Lodge was closed in antient form.

UNITED MANAWATU LODGE, E.C., PALMERSTON NORTH.—On Friday, the 29th August, the above Lodge
held its regular meeting, Bro. McIntyre, W.M., presiding; six P.M.s and a fair attendance of members being
present. Amongst the visitors were Bro. H. J. Williams, P.M., and R.W.M. Bro. Forrest, of Ponsonby Lodge,
N.Z.C., who received a most fraternal welcome at the hands of the officers and members of the Lodge. After
the usual routine business a Brother was raised to the Degree of a M.M., the W.M., Bro. McIntyre, being
ably assisted by P.M.s Bate and Kelling. During the evening the brethren were called to refreshment, and the
toast of "The Visitors" was received in the most enthusiastic manner. In responding, Bro. Williams referred
to to the good work being done by the CRAFTSMAN, and urged the Lodge to advertise its meetings and
members to subscribe. Owing to some business with reference to the hall being discussed at length, the
meeting did not terminate till 12.30.

THE Fielding Lodge, N.Z.C., on September 1st, held its regular monthly meeting in the Masonic, the W.M.
presiding. There was a fair attendance of members present, and among the visitors were Bros. Williams,
G.D.C., G.L. of N.Z., and Walkley, D.W.M., of Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge. During the evening questions
arose re a circular from the Grand Lodge of England referring, to the death of the Earl of Carnarvon, and a
letter from a member re clearance. Both questions were referred to Bro Williams, whose decisions gave
unanimous satisfaction. Bro. Williams also spoke at length on the past and future of the G.L. of N.Z., and
gave a practical illustration on some disputed points in the working. He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks
for his visit, a hope being expressed that it would be repeated. It was stated that this was the first visit ever
received from a Grand Lodge officer. P.M. Bro. Bayley enrolled his name as a member of G.L. In
responding to the toast of "The Vistors," Bro Williams referred to the admirable manner in which the books
of the Lodge were kept by the secretary, Bro. Foster.

THE DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.G., Wellington, held its regular quarterly communication on July 10th.
There were nineteen present, the chair being taken by the Deputy District Grand Master, W. Bro. Sir E. 0.
Gibbes, Bart. The Board of General Purposes noticed with regret the death of the Pro. Grand Master, Bro. the
Earl of Carnarvon, and the Lodges were instructed to wear mourning for three months. The board, referring
to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, said that " The District Grand Master has ruled that though brethren
connected with the organisation referred to can still be admitted into Lodges under their qualifications as
members of a recognised Constitution, yet any claiming to be admitted as members of the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand must not be received, and that all official intercourse with, or recognition of, Lodges working
under that Grand Lodge must be avoided. Nine Lodges having informed the D.G. Master that they had
resolved to join the Grand Lodge of New Zealand their warrants were called in. Two Lodges only
complied—New Zealand Pacific and St. John's. It will be remembered that the Grand Secretary in a recent
letter stated that the question of joining a new Constitution cannot be discussed in open Lodge ; it follows,
therefore, that his ruling as to a majority being competent to decide the question, must refer to a majority of
the members of the Lodge. The board has reason to believe that in this District the question has always been
discussed in open Lodge, in which case the resolutions passed would not necessarily be the decision of the
majority of the Lodge members. With reference to the establishment in Wellington of a Lodge under the
Grand Orient of France, brethren are reminded that in 1878 the Grand Lodge of England decided to sever all
communion with that Grand Orient and Lodges under its jurisdiction." Bro. J. H. Richardson was elected
Treasurer, and the following officers were invested :—W. Bro. W. Beilby, D.G. Senior Warden; W. Bro. K.
Wilson, D.G. Chaplain; W. Bro. C. P. Knowles, D.G. Secretary; W. Bro. W. Russell, D.G. Assist. Director
of Ceremonies ; W. Bro. W. Skeet, D.G. Assist. Secretary ; W. Bro. A. S. Chapman, D.G. Pursuivant ; W.
Bro. F. Arkwright, D.G. Assist Pursuivant; W. Bro. H. Erith, D. G. Tyler; W. Bros. S. C. S. Brandon, W.
Jessup, and A. L. Webster, D.G. Stewards. Resolutions were passed expressing sympathy with the District
Grand Master in his illness, and the loss which Masonry had sustained by the death of the late Pro. Grand
Master. The D.G. Master, in the chair, ruled that no person seeking admission as a member of the Grand
Orient of France is to be admitted. Receipts for the quarter ending the 30th were £20 16s 8d, and the
expenditure £37 4s 11d.

MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE, N.Z.C., held its monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall, Palmerston North,
on Wednesday, 27th August, R.W.M. Bro. Walkley presiding. There was a large attendance of brethren and

visitors, the latter included the W.M. officers and members of the United Manawatu Lodge, E.C., W.M., Bro.
Forrest, of Lodge Ponsonby, N.Z.C., Auckland, Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand Director Ceremonies, G.L., N.Z.,
and brethren from Nelson, Wanganui, Foxton, and Ashhurst. The business consisted " Passing," the
ceremony being conducted by the R.W.M., Bro. Walkley, Bro. Smith, P.M., giving the charge and working
tools, and Bro. Rutherford, S.W., the tracing board. Presentations of jewels were to have been made, but this
interesting feature was unavoidably postponed. Bro. Williams addressed the Lodge at some length,
explaining the object of his visit, and the position of the Grand Lodge. He also commented on the fraternal
feeling existing between the Lodge and the visiting brethren of the sister constitution, and expressed the hope
that the time would not be far distant when all would be enrolled under the same banner. Very great pleasure
was expressed at Bro. William's visitation, and he was made the recipient of a cordial vote of thanks. Three
P.M.'s enrolled their names as members of the G.L. of NZ.

LODGE BETA, WAIKATO, N.Z.C., held its regular monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall, Hamilton, on July
31st. There was a good attendance of brethren, R.W.M. Bro. E. Rathborne in the chair. In response to
appeals it was resolved to forward £1 1s. each to Lodge Amberley on behalf of the widows and orphans of
the late Bro. W. J. Davis, and to Lodge St. Andrew on behalf of the widow and family of the late Bro.
St(bbing. Mr John McNicol was proposed as a fit and proper person to be a mason. It was resolved that the
Lodge subscribe to the N. Z. CRAFTSMAN. The secretary was requested to write a letter of condolence to the
widow of the late Ere. Neil McLeod, who was murdered at Dargaville. The following resolutions, with
reference to the Grand Lodge movement, were carried : Proposed by Bro. 1.P.M. Primrose, and seconded by
Bro. P.M. Barton, " That Lodge Beta views with deep regret the action taken by the different Provincial
Grand Lodges against the establishment of the G.L. of N.Z., which in the opinion of this Lodge is
unmasonic, and opposed to the true spirit of masonry ; that this Lodge is still further strengthened in its belief
that the establishment of the G.L. of N.Z. is calculated to promote and advance the highest interests of the
Craft throughout the colony." Bro. P. M. Edgecumbe said that in view of the hearty manner in which the
Grand Lodge of New South Wales had recognised the formation of the G.L. of N.Z., some action should be
taken, and he proposed "That the members of Lodge Beta desire, through the M.W.G.M of N.Z., to express
their gratitude to the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, for the prompt and generous manner in which it has
recognised the establishment of the G.L. of N.Z." Seconded by Bro. W. F. Bell. Bro. J. Coates gave notice
that he would at next meeting propose Mr Thomas Slade for initiation.

______________________________________________________________________________
APOLOGIES.

WE apologise to Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning, N.Z.C., Palmerston North, and Lodge Ruahine, 2198, E.C.,
Woodville, for being unable to place their advertisements in this issue, owing to the delay in arrival of mails,
due to the present strike. The same remarks apply to Bro. W. H. Cooper, A.G. Secretary, who has addressed
us on the subject of Lodges St. Andrew and Ponsonby, N.Z.C., Auckland.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES OF TRAVEL

BY BRO THOMAS WILLIAM KITT, P.M., &C
“Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see,
My heart, untravell'd, fondly turns to thee."—GOLDSMITH

PRIVATE business requiring my attention in England, an ever increasing desire to visit my native land, and at
the same time make myself acquainted with the inner workings of Freemasonry in the old world, was thus
rendered capable of gratification, and I accordingly sailed by the R.M.S. "Kaikoura," which left Wellington
on April 17th. Bro. James Carlow, a P.M. of my own Lodge, and an old and respected friend, going home on
four months' leave of absence, was a passenger by the same boat, but out of the nearly two hundred
passengers on board at the termination of the voyage, I learned of but three other members of the Craft, one
of them being a Past Master from Napier, and another a young Brazilian, who, knowing only Portuguese, it
was very difficult to hold converse with. The first port of call was Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil, with
the beautiful harbour and scenery, and luxuriant tropical vegetation of which we were delighted. We reached
Rio on May 9th, and Bro. Carlow and myself spent the whole day on shore, being much struck with the
appearance of the narrow, busy, tram traversed streets, and the large coloured population of the city. As by
mutual arrangement we had determined to visit, in the afternoon, if possible, the Rio Freemasons' Hall, it was

with much difficulty, owing to our ignorance of the language, that we ascertained after considerable delay
where it was to be found. Through the kind offices of a Brazilian banker who sent a messenger with us to the
tram, we were however at length enabled to reach the hall in the Rua Savradio. On arrival there, we found
much to our disappointment, that the Grand Secretary of Brazil would not be in attendance until late in the
evening, by which time we had to be on board again, and there was no one who could show us over the
premises. The hall is a gable roofed building of considerable proportions but unpretentious exterior, and, as
we were informed, it is elegantly furnished and fitted up throughout.

It was with a thrill of delight that the white cliffs and verdant slopes of dear old England came into sight once
more on the evening of May 26th, and a few hours later Bro. Carlow and I landed at Plymouth, he being en
route to Newcastle-on. Tyne to join his friends, and myself to stay for a few days before going on to London.
Once on English shores, we were soon to experience the universality and influence of Freemasonry, for
finding that we had Masonic regalia among our baggage, the Customs officer (evidently a brother) who
examined it let us off without delay and with very little trouble, when compared to the inconvenience to
which other passengers were subjected. During my stay in Plymouth, no Lodge meetings were held, so many
English Lodges having already closed for the summer months, but a very small proportion of them meeting
regularly every month throughout the year. A Rose Croix meeting, which took place on the evening after my
arrival, I was unable to attend, not having brought with me my regalia for that Degree. The Freemasons of
Plymouth possess a fine hall in Princess Square, a central part of the town. In addition to the main hall—a
fine, well furnished room, with stained glass windows, and the walls of which are embellished with many
valuable Masonic portraits and ancient documents — there are several smaller Lodge rooms, a noticeable
feature in the ante-room accommodation being the tiers of excellent regalia lockers provided for brethren of
all degrees at a small annual rental. Attached to and communicating with the hall premises is the Masonic
Club, with well-appointed bar, reading and other rooms, and private offices.

On June 3rd, Bro. Carlow and myself attended the first meeting held by the Grand Mark Lodge, in the
capacious new Hall, Great Queen Street, next door but one to Freemasons' Hall, where it was also our
privilege to be present on the following evening, at a meeting of the Grand Lodge of England. Of the two
important and extensive buildings referred to, the home respectively of English Craft and Mark Masonry, I
will, if possible, on a future occasion furnish a detailed description ; suffice it to say, en passant, that
brethren of the Craft in New Zealand can form no adequate conception of the splendour and magnificence of
the Great Hall or Throne Room at Freemasons' Hall, London, in which the Grand Lodge of England
regularly holds its meetings. Previous to signing the Grand Lodge of England attendance book, a Past Master
is required to give his name, and the Lodge register is then referred to by an attendant when, if the name is
on the roll and all dues are paid, the brother seeking admission is allowed to sign and furnished with a check
ticket, which he has to give up at the door of the Great Hall. This system of check works well, but the routine
of admission to the Grand Mark Lodge is just the same as Colonial Masons are accustomed to.

While staying with relatives at Brighton, it was my privilege to visit the Royal Clarence Lodge, No. 271,
which dates from the year 1789, and holds a centenary warrant from the Grand Lodge of England. This
Lodge meets in the Royal Pavilion—a beautifully decorated and sumptuously furnished building, erected in
the oriental style of architecture by George IV., when Prince of Wales, as a residence, but now the property
of the Brighton corporation. The reception accorded me by the Clarence brethren was very cordial, but, in
the absence of ceremonial work, there was no opportunity for me either to judge of the working of the Lodge
or, as I hoped, profit by it. The half-yearly banquet took place at the close of the Lodge, and was a most
elaborate affair. In replying to " The Visitors " toast, opportunity was afforded me to give some detail as to
Masonry in New Zealand, also to explain and advocate the claims of the Grand Lodge movement there. One
noticeable feature at this banquet was the peculiarly shaped glass placed at each brother's right hand. These
were the ancient "firing glasses," suitably inscribed with Masonic emblems, and which were said to be as old
as the Lodge itself. The V.M. of the Lodge, Bro. F. C. Parsons, having recently married, this banquet was
made the interesting occasion of presenting to him a very chaste and valuable gilt bowl and spoon. A few
evenings later I visited the St. Cecelia Lodge, No. 1636, which also meets monthly in the Royal Pavilion.
The business of the evening consisted of a passing and raising, the ceremonies being very ably worked by the
W.M., and the Lodge well officered.

In concluding my present "Notes," I may add that thus far I have met with every kindness and attention at the
hands of English brethren, who generally manifest considerable interest in the welfare of New Zealand

Masonry and, so far as my experience enables me to judge, are, as a rule, most decidedly in favour of the
establishment of a colonial Grand Lodge.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

THE oldest Mason in Scotland died recently in the workhouse in Dumfries. He was ninety years old, and
sixty-nine years a Mason. Surely the Benevolent Fund could have been used to keep him out of that paupers'
dreaded refuge.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY AND OF INITIATION.
____________________

LETTER TO A BRO. PAST MASTER.

THE Third Degree contains an account of the murder of Huram Ab, or Huram, Solomon's father (2
Chronicles iv. 16), thus called to denote that he was Solomon's head of the workmen employed on the
temple, his principal architect and engineer. Such an occurrence must inevitably have temporarily interfered
with the completion of the building, and has been mentioned in consequence, but in 1 Kings chap. vii., 13 to
40, and 2 Chronicles chap. iv., 16 to 22, Huram is mentioned as having completed his work, and the chapters
immediately following describe the opening and solemn dedication. It may be said, however, that although
not alluded to in the Old Testament, the event did occur, and has been handed down by tradition as
described. We will take the account then as a vererable tradition.

Without going uselessly over ground so well known to you, and wishing only to touch on the salient points,
we plunge at once in medias res, and find Huram Ab or as an American might call him, Hiram Boss,
murdered by three villains. The cause of the crime was his refusal to communicate some information
supposed to be known by him, King Solomon and King Hiram only. The demand was curious, as if he had
told them what they wanted, he would undoubtedly, as soon as out of their clutches, have had them hanged
for their insolence and as a warning to the other workmen, to whose ranks they belonged. However, there he
lay dead, on the splendid floor of the new temple, which was spotted with the blood which dropped from him
as he fled for escape from door to door. What are the men to do? They must get rid of the body somehow,
remove the traces of the crime, and provide for their own safety. Apparently, to the modern mind, there were
two courses immediately open : one to bury the body at once within the precincts of the temple, and return to
their work as if nothing had happened ; the other, to cover it temporarily, make their escape, and trust to
there being a few days' delay before it was found. A modern murderer runs away from his victim, washes
himself, and attends to his usual occupation. Sometimes he buries his victim in the cellar, or under the
staircase, but he never attempts to run away with the body through the crowded streets of a city. To these
ancient murderers, however, that appeared to be the proper course. The time was broad day light, and must
have been so, for had they waited till night, the temple would have been cleared and guarded. It is not easy to
carry a dead body at any time, and must be especially difficult to carry one without notice or remark. Slabs
of cedar were probably lying about, and the three men may be supposed to place the body on one, cover it
over, and raise it on their shoulders. They have to pass a warden, fortunately he is fast asleep. They go down
the winding staircase and are at once in the midst of a busy throng—much too busy to take any notice ; they
go down Mount Moriah, but meet nobody, and then find themselves in the crowded city from which they
wished to escape, and from which it appears they did escape, as when the body was ultimately found those
who discovered it " hastened back to Jerusalem." They found themselves, we say, in the crowded city.
Accosted by the police they may have said that they were carrying a foreign workman who had had an
accident on the temple, to the hospital, and the supercilious Jews, seeing that the procession was nothing
more than three villainous looking Gentile dogs carrying another Gentile dog, may have let them pass. At
any rate, out of the walls they safely got, found a suitable place, buried the body, and then of course hurried
back. No ! this last they did not do, nor did they make their way back to their own country, nor join the bands
of robbers infesting the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. They are described as determined and atrocious
villains, and by way of acting up to their character, now that they had had a most miraculous escape from
discovery ; had buried their victim, and were free from all evidence of guilt ; after walking boldly through
crowds and past sentries ; they went and concealed themselves in a cave ; and by way of letting passers by
know that they were there, began to howl ! We are so disgusted with this breakdown that we leave the
wretches to the fate they merited, not only by their crime, but by their bungling, contemptible, snivelling
folly.

The absence of Huram Ab was naturally soon discovered, and, being unexplained, aroused suspicion. King
Solomon sent out search parties, one of which was successful, for having found a newly-made grave they
opened it, and there was the body. They hurried back and told the king, who ordered them to go back and
exhume the body, and bring it back with them. He told them also that through Huram Ab's death the secrets
of a M.M. were lost. This would appear to be a most gratuitous falsehood on the part of Solomon, as it was
well known, as had been said by Huram, that the secrets were also known to King Solomon and King Hiram.
As it might have been dangerous to remind him of this circumstance the party said nothing, and went back as
directed. On re-opening the grave and discovering the body it appears to have first dawned on them that their
Master had been slain, as they went through certain gesticulations and exclamations as if they had never seen
it before in the same place. Moderns would express their horror at the murder of a friend or master on their
first discovering the fact, it took, however, two visits to a grave for the ancient Asiatic mind to grasp the fact
that a crime had been committed, and that they had sustained a loss. The same slowness of comprehension
was apparent when the party commenced the undertaking of getting the body out. The modern mind would
have seen the necessity at once of making use of the simple expedient of taking it by the shoulders and feet
and lifting it up to those waiting to receive it. Not so, however, the ancient Asiatics. They first tried two
impossible ways, and then another ; and if any one really tried the third method of raising a body which had
been buried " many days " in a hot climate, he must have been filled with the most sickening horror and
disgustful loathing. We say they tried a third impossible way, for they merely succeeded in getting the body
on end in the grave—it was no nearer out than before. The body was raised, and then—nothing ! As we are
afterwards informed that it was buried elsewhere, we infer that common sense at length assumed its empire,
and that under its teaching their efforts were finally successful.

Back, then, went the party with their burden, and told the King that when they had, for the second time,
opened the grave, they were so astonished and horrified at finding what they knew was there, and had
specially come for, that they gesticulated and exclaimed. King Solomon immediately, with that foreseeing
wisdom and humour for which he was distinguished, told them that the same extraordinary way of
comforting themselves should mark and designate M. M 's throughout the universe till time or circumstances
should restore the genuine secrets. Now what could time and circumstances do ? The genuine secrets were
known to King Solomon and King Hiram, and if they died without communicating them to others, they
would be lost to mankind. Supposing the secrets to have been of value, all that time and circumstances could
do would be to soften the stupid obstinacy of those two monarchs. If time and circumstances could not do
this, it would be useless to seek the information elsewhere in any centre whatever. As the substituted secrets
are still used, we assume that Solomon and Hiram died and made no sign. As, however, the Temple was
completed just the same and mankind has managed to erect some grand edifices, both before and since, we
may hope that the secrets had nothing to do with the building art, but were merely of a private nature—as
amongst three friends—to inquire into which were merely intrusive impertinence.

We will now take the narrative as an allegory, and for Huram Ab we will substitute the name of Osiris, or the
Sun, who was worshipped not only by the Egyptians but, under one figure or another, by all the nation as the
visible dispenser of benefits to mankind.

We may as well frankly confess at once that the idea which we are about to disclose is taken from The
Mysteries of Freemasonry, by J. Fellows, and contained in the following passages (see page 24):—" We may
distinguish two points in the heavens which limit the duration of the creative action of the Sun, and these two
points are those when the day and night are of equal length. All the grand work of vegetation, in a great part
of the northern climates, appears to be comprised between these two limits, and its progressive march is
found to be in proportion to that of light and heat. Scarcely has the Sun, in his annual route, attained one of
these points than an active and prolific force appears to emanate from his rays, and to communicate
movement and life to all sublunary bodies, which he brings to light by a new organisation. It is then that the
resurrection of the great god takes place, and with his, that of all nature. Having arrived at the opposite point
that power seems to abandon him, and nature becomes sensible of his weakness." Starting with this passage
for our text, we observe that the Sun is shown to be visibly and actively exercising his beneficient power
over the earth during the six months beginning with the 21st March and ending with the 23rd September.
During the three following months he may be said to be dying, and to be dead and buried for the remaining
three. Midway between these equinoctial points are the solstitial points—so called from sol, the sun, and
sistere, to stand still—on arriving at which the Sun is apparently motionless for two or three days. When the

signs of the Zodiac were named, some 4000 years ago, the Summer solstice was in the sign Leo. Without
going through the whole of the signs, it is enough for our purpose to say that Leo being in June, May was
represented by Cancer, and April by Gemini ; whilst October, November, and December were represented
respectively by Saggitarius, Capricornus, and Aquarius.

(To be continued.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

POETRY.

AN ARAB SAYING.
C. E. BROOKS.

REMEMBER, three things come not back ;
The arrow sent upon its track
It will not swerve, it will not stay
Its speed ; it flies to wound or slay.

The spoken word, so soon forgot
By thee, but it has perished not ;
In other hearts 'tis living still,
And doing work for good or ill.

And the lost opportunity
That cometh back no more to thee.
In vain thou weepest, in vain dost yearn,
Those three will never more return.

____________________________________________________________________________________

A SPECIAL Communication of Grand Lodge will take place at Dunedin on -October 14th and 15th.

THE Board of General Purposes, of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, recommends the recognition of the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The Victorian Grand Lodge meets on the 15th inst.

BRIEF MENTION.

EIGHTY-TWO Lodges have paid their fees to Grand Lodge.

PETITIONS for three new Lodges are being considered by the Board of General Purposes.

THE Scotch Lodges in Dunedin are boycotting the CRAFTSMAN. See the Leading Article on this subject
next month.

IN South Australia no Brother can be appointed Chaplain of his Lodge unless be is a minister of religion. We
would like to see this law in New Zealand.

BROTHER CHARLES J. RONALDSON (son of the Grand Secretary) will be installed, by the M.W. the Grand
Master, as W.M. of the Lodge of Otago on October 14th.

AT the annual gathering of the Grand Orient of Italy, held on the 2nd of March last, 20.000 francs were
collected in a few minutes for the erection of a monument in Rome to Bro. Mazzini.

THE Grand Lodge of England was founded in 1717. There never was a Grand Lodge previous to that date,
and references to them in the works of some Masonic writers are merely efforts of imagination.

BRETHREN are rapidly affiliating to Lodges of the N. ZC. .If this continues the other side must be weakened.
We consider a wise step was taken when the fee for joining was suspended. We hope it will be done away
with altogether.

GREAT preparations are in progress, by the members of Lodge of Otago, to do honour to their visitors.
Invitations have been sent to all Lodges in the District, holding under the Grand Lodge, and an advertisement
appears in this issue on the same subject.

IN the " Masonic Guide of South Australia " (the best book of its kind we have seen) the dates of the
formation of the five Grand Lodges in Australasia are given : South Australia, 1884 ; New South Wales,
1888; Victoria, 1889 ; New Zealand, 1890 ; Tasmania, 1890.

IT is not known who invented the legend of the third degree, buts its date has been fixed at a period after the
execution of Charles I. of England. According to a German interpretation the assassins were Morning, Noon
and Night, symbolising the three periods of man's mortal existence.

FROM V.W. Bro. H. Brown, Grand Secretary of the M. W. Grand Lodge of A.F. and A. Masons, of British
Columbia, we have to acknowledge the receipt of the Proceedings of the eighteenth Annual Communication,
held at Victoria, B.C., on the 22nd June, 1889. It is a b000k of one hundred and thirty-two pages.

THE Grand Master of Arkansas in hit annual address said :—" It is a burning shame that in this day of
enlightenment, with so much excellent Masonic literature so easy of access, that men seeking to occupy
prominent places at the hands of the Craft, show how utterly ignorant they are of Masonic information."

PERHAPS the most unique argument yet given against the G.L. of N.Z. comes from a district north of the
Empire City. There, three P.M's. have strenuously opposed the new order of things, because by transferring
their allegiance they would " lose touch " with " Bro. Wales," and would be unable to refer to him (as they
constantly do now) in that familiar manner, which they consider their present connection entitles them to.

WE have to acknowledge the receipt from V.W. Bro. Edward Parnelee, Grand Secretary, of the twenty-ninth
Annual Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge of A.F. and A. Masons of Colorado, held at Denver, on the
17th and 18th September, 18S9. It is a book of three hundred and thirty-seven pages ; interesting and
instructive in every line. An admirable feature is the "Report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence,"
reviewing the Proceedings of fifty-one Grand Lodges. We regret space will not allow us to give extracts
from this report.

THE new Governor of New South Wales, the Earl of Jersey, is a Past Senior Grand Warden of England, and
P.G. Master of Oxfordshire.

No doubt, it is owing to the strike that our Australian exchanges have not come to band. The same cause will
account for the non-receipt of reports from the North

THE District Grand Master Depute of the S.C. in Queensland has deprived the District Grand Senior Warden
of his position without a trial. We reckon he will have to make a square meal of humble pie by-and-bye.

SOUTHERN CROSS LODGE, N.Z.C., Kaiapoi, claim that they initiated the first candidate (Bro. Henry Weston)
under the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge was established on the 30th April, and the initiation took place at
the regular meeting (under Dispensation) on May 1st.

THERE can be no reasonable doubt that Masonry was both Christian and Trinitarian, but that " landmark "
has been removed and Masonry now claims to be non-sectarian. As to the universality idea, the London
Brother is not so far out of the way as many will believe.—.Masonic Home Journal.

THE Grand Lodge of England has recognised the Grand Lodge of Tasmania, but has refused a similar request
from New Zealand This is only what we expected ; it need cause no anxiety. The Grand Lodge of New
Zealand is now too firmly established to be shaken by the refusal of recognition from any Grand Lodge.

THE Colonial Board recommend the Grand Lodge of England to erase from its Roll of Lodges—La
Concordia, No. 1226, Cairo, Egypt, on account of general mismanagement, continual irregularities, quarrels
and recriminations amongst its members, together with non-payment of fees and improper expenditure of
funds.

OUR readers will notice that in this issue appears the first part of the record of P.M. Bro. Kitt's home trip, and
they will also find, under the heading of Grand Lodge of New Zealand, an extract from the Auckland Herald
placing the attitude of the Grand Lodge of England in a new light. It shows the absurdity of the contention of
the District Grand Masters that Rule 219 gives authority to three members to hold the property of the Lodge
against the will of the majority who wish to join a new Constitution.

V.W. BRO. H. J. WILLIAMS, Grand Director of Ceremonies of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, is visiting
the Lodges north of Wellington. No Superintendent having yet been appointed for that district, Bro. Williams
is, at present, filling the position. As will be seen from some of our Lodge Reports, Bro. Williams has been
enthusiastically received, the visits of " Masonic Dignities " being, in the past, like angels' visits, "few, and
far between." Bro. Williams, during his trip, has kindly consented to represent this Journal.
CRYPTIC MASONRY is composed of two degrees, Royal and Select Master, to which has been added by some
the Super-Excellent Master. The first two refer to the legend of the cryptic or secret vault. The legend of
Royal Master treats of events that occurred at the building of King Solomon's Temple, and during the brief
period of time after the death of the builder, which is embraced between the discovery of his body and its
"Masonic interment." The events preserved in the Select Master's Degree must have occurred prior to those
of the Royal Master. The Select Masters were engaged in a secret business, unknown to the body of the Craft
employed on the first Temple.

THE Morning Call says that upon the corner-stone of the Capitol at Washington is the following inscription
upon a silver plate :—" This south-east corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of America, in the
city of Washington, was laid on the 18th day of September, 1793, in the thirteenth year of American
Independence, in the first year of the second term of the Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in
the civil administration of his country have been as conspicuous and beneficial, as his military valour and
prudence have been useful in establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry 5793, by the President of
the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and
Lodge No. 22, for Alexandria, Va."

THE next Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held in Auckland.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES -"Is it possible to lift the corner stone again?" Master Mason—" I'm afraid not, sir.
Why ? " Master of Ceremonies—" I left my hat in the receptacle with the records." Master Mason—" Never
mind, sir. It will be of infinite use to the future historian."—Puck

AT a meeting of Victoria Masonic Lodge, I.C., Invercargill, 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.

THERE is no degree of Past Master in Craft Freemasonry. A Mason does not become a Past Master until the
expiration of his term of office as W.M. The rank of "Installed Master " is sometimes called a Degree, but it
is not so recognised by British or Australian Grand Lodges. It is certainly not a Degree in the sense that E.A.,
F.C., and M.M. are Degrees.

AT the Regular Quarterly Communication of the District Grand Lodge of Queensland, under the Grand
Lodge of England, held at the Masonic Hall, Brisbane, on June 4th, circulars were received from R.W. F.
Whittaker, Master, North Island of New Zealand, S.C., Wor. J. P. Clarke, D.G. Sec., D.G. Lodge Auckland,;
New Zealand, and Wor. W. L. Mitchell, P. G., Sec. I, C., Auckland, New Zealand, announcing that a Grand
Lodge had been formed called the " Grand Lodge of New Zealand." but had not been recognised by the
Grand Lodges of England, Scotland or Ireland, hence the members hailing therefrom were excluded from
admission to the Lodges of the three Constitutions, and suggesting that all visitors from New Zealand should
be questioned as to whether they belonged to the so-called " Grand Lodge of New Zealand," and, if so,

admission to be denied (the circulars were too lengthy to be recorded verbatim et liberatum). Queensland
Freemasons' Magazine.

WE clip the following from the Sunday Times, New York. It is placed amongst the " Masonic Intelligence" :
"THE VEILED PROPHETS OF THE ENCHANTED REALM. —At the convocation of the Supreme Council of the
Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, which has just closed its session at Hamilton, N.Y., the following
members, with others, were elected officers for the ensuing year [We leave out the names, but give a few of
the titles. —ED. CRAFTSMAN.] : Most Potent Grand Monarch, Venerable Grand Prophet (veiled), Em. Grand
Master of Ceremonies, Em. Grand Keeper of the Pages, Em. Grand Orator, Em. Grand Standard Bearer, Em.
Grand Marshal, Em. Grand Secretary. The Order of the Veiled Prophet is a comparatively recent aspirant for
Masonic popularity, none but Master Masons being eligible for its mysteries. It occupies a position relative
to the Master Mason very similar to that of the Mystic Shrine to Knights Templar. Its success has been quite
phenomenal, and everything indicates a future of prosperity." What do our readers think of the above? We
think it high ! and it only wants introduction into New Zealand to make Masonry pie!

_________________________________________________________________________________

CALLED FROM LABOUR TO REST.
ANDREW MCKENZIE, a respected Brother of Lodge St. Marks, N.Z C., .Carterton, was buried on August 6th
with Masonic honours.

EDWARD GOLSTEIN, P.M., Lodge Otago Kilwinning, 417, S.C., Dunedin, Born in Hungary ; fought in the
Army of Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot. Died on September 1st, and was buried with Masonic
honours on the 3rd. " Well done, thou good and faithful servant ! "
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND OF ANTIENT 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 NICCOL, 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, Feildiug.
Grand Chaplains } V W Bro the Rev W E PAIGE, Masterton.

} (One to be appointed).
Grand Treasurer ... ... V W Bro A KAYE, 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 L Boon, Nelson.
Junior Grand Deacon W Bro R PRICE, Napier.
GrandSuperintendent of 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.
Assist. Gr. Standard Bearer W Bro W CRAIG, Auckland.
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 CAPLEN, Hawera.
} W Bro N GRACE, Carterton.
} W Bro T CARR, Wellington.
} W Bro F J DAWES, Petone.
} W Bro H F BUDGE, Reefton.
} W Bro E ROGERS, Kumara.
} W Bro H BREE, Gore.

Grand Stewards } W Bro C HULL, Christchurch.
} W Bro J GRUBB, Lyttelton.
} W Bro T BLAND, Brunnerton.
} W Bro J SHEARING, Tapanui.
} W Bro J WALKLEY, Palmerston North.
} W Bro C CHUMP, Palmerston South.
} W Bro C BRAY, Feilding.
} W Bro GEO. S VEMY DALYRMPLE, Masterton.
} W Bro A KING, Coromandel.
} W Bro H S VALENTINE, MHR, Gore.
} W Bro ANTHONY MILLS, Timaru.

Grand Tyler ._ ... W Bro C E BRIGGS, Christchurch.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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