THE
NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN .

SUBSCRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, PAID IN ADVANCE
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VOL. II.—No. I.] NOVEMBER 17, 1890. A.D., 1890; A.L., 5890; A.M., 5650; A.In, 2420

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SUPERINTENDENT OF AUCKLAND.
RO. MALCOLM NICCOL, V. W. P. G. S. Master, Auckland, S. C.,
Grand Superintendent (Auckland District) of the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand, was initiated in Lodge St. Andrew, 418, S.C., in 1867,
and, after filling almost every office in that Lodge, was elected

R.W.M., in 1874, and held office until 1877. In that year was chosen first
Master of Lodge Manukau, 586, S.C., and held the chair for four years.
R.W. Bro. Niccol was again elected to the chair of St. Andrew's Lodge, and
on retiring was presented with an address from the Craft, of a most
flattering character. During his Masonic career Bro. Niccol has been the
recipient of numerous presentations — jewels and addresses—from Lodges
and Chapters over which he has presided. When the Provincial Grand
Lodge for the North Island of New Zealand, S.C., was formed in 1878, Bro.
Niccol took office, and has since filled the positions of Secretary, D. of C.,
J. Warden, and Substitute P.G. Master. The latter office he has filled for
four years, and in that capacity has consecrated six new Lodges, dedicated
numerous halls and Lodge rooms, and conducted on an average six
installation ceremonies every year, besides making frequent visits of

inspection to the many Lodges in the District. His services as Installing Officer were lately availed of in
Wellington, to confer on Bro. E. T. Gillon the collar of Deputy P.G. Master. As an indication of Bro. Niccol's
popularity with the members of the Craft it may be mentioned that he is an honorary member of no less than
nine Craft Lodges.

Bro. Niccol is a P.M. of the Mark Degree, and a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master. In Royal Arch
Masonry he is an old member of an Irish Chapter connected with the Ara Lodge, and P.G. under the Scotch
Constitution. He is also a Knight Templar, Past Most Wise Sovereign, 18°, and has also the distinguished
honour of being a member of the Supreme Council of England, 33°

Bro. Niccol is also an English P.M., having served the offices of Warden and Worshipful Master of Lodge
Albion, 2003, E.C., which meets at Devonport, and of which borough he has been elected Mayor five times.
He has also been chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board during the last three years.

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LETTER FROM HIS EXCELLENCY, BRO. THE EARL OF ONSLOW.
T is with more than ordinary pleasure that we are enabled, through the courtesy of Bro. the Earl of
Onslow, Past Grand Junior Warden of England, to publish the following letter which has been addressed
by him to the Wor. Master of each Lodge still working under the English, Irish, or Scotch Constitution in

this Colony, and which was, we believe, mailed to them this morning. Although His Excellency, for no doubt
sufficient reasons, abstained from accepting the Grand Master-ship of New Zealand when the Grand Lodge
was established, it has been an open secret that he from the first took a very warm interest in the movement,
and has much regretted the want of more perfect unanimity which has delayed recognition by the Grand
Lodges of England and Scotland, and produced so much unseemly friction between the brethren in certain
parts of the Colony.

The manner in which the Grand Lodge of England, although refusing recognition, plainly admitted the right
of the Craft in New Zealand to claim self-government when sufficiently unanimous, has afforded our
distinguished Brother an opportunity of emulating the good work which the late lamented Brother, the Earl
of Carnarvon, so successfully accomplished in New South Wales, and we earnestly hope that Lord Onslow's
intervention will be productive of equally good results here. The terms of His Excellency's letter will relieve

I

Brethren of all doubt or anxiety as to their obligations towards their parent Constitutions, and convince them
that no imputation of disloyalty can rest upon them for aiding to establish Masonic autonomy. It is to be
hoped the brethren of all the Constitutions will respond to His Excellency's invitation, and act in the spirit in
which he has approached them.

We may add that before addressing the Masters of Craft Lodges, Bro. Lord Onslow communicated with the
several District and Provincial Grand Masters, and submitted the letter to them.

"Practical unanimity" should now certainly be very near, as the natural result of the wise and truly Masonic
action taken by His Excellency.

"WELLINGTON, November 17th, 1890.
"DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,
"The report of the proceedings at the quarterly communication of Grand Lodge held on 3rd
September last, when application was made by a body calling themselves the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand for recognition as such, shows that Grand Lodge is ready to recognise independent
constitutions in colonies where an overwhelming preponderance of opinion "exists in favour of
Masonic autonomy; but not where a " minority, or a bare majority only, of Masons put forward such
"a claim.

"As a member and past officer of the Grand Lodge of England, I have witnessed with pain and regret
the dissensions which the conflict of opinion in the colony on this subject has caused among Masons.
To the outside world these dissensions cannot but throw doubts on the sincerity of our Masonic
"profession—that brotherly love for each other is one of the first of our moral obligations. It is even
to be feared that circumstances might arise which would necessitate an appeal to the law-courts of
the colony to settle matters in dispute among us "as to the property belonging to the craft.

" Under these circumstances, as the only Past Grand Warden of England in New Zealand, I venture
to approach you with the expression of a hope that some steps may be speedily taken to put an end to
the existing state of things.

"Although I have not the honour of being a past officer of " the Grand Lodges of Scotland or Ireland,
I trust that the interest which as a brother I have in the welfare of all Masons in New Zealand will be
taken as a justification for sending to the Masters of Scotch and Irish Lodges a communication
which is primarily addressed to the brethren of my own constitution.

"The body calling itself the Grand Lodge of New Zealand " claims to have secured the allegiance of
thirty-three Lodges " holding under the English Constitution.

"The establishment and recognition by all other Grand Lodges of such a body is nothing new in
Australasia ; on the contrary, similar bodies exist in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia,
and Tasmania, working in perfect harmony with the Grand Lodge of England, and by their vigorous
independence adding to the vitality and catholicity of Freemasonry throughout the world. The
members of these Grand Lodges when at Home are honoured guests in English Lodges, the more so
that our political allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen is identical. A Grand Lodge of New Zealand,
therefore, would be no innovation, and would reflect no stigma on our loyalty. A large number of
our fellow-colonists, Freemasons, are now debarred from admission to other lodges until such time
as Grand Lodge has recognised the body to which they have transferred their allegiance. Grand
Lodge has clearly stated the circumstances under which these disabilities may be removed, and it is
for the Freemasons of New Zealand to consider whether affording such assistance as may " bring
about greater unanimity is not an act which may now gracefully be conceded to those who have
shown, if nothing " else, zeal and earnestness in the cause they have espoused.

"The position of the District Grand Masters is a difficult one. Whatever may be their personal
opinions, they are bound themselves to take no steps which may undermine the allegiance to Grand
Lodge of the lodges under their rule. Whatever action they may have taken on this occasion must be

looked on as the exercise of their plain duty to Grand Lodge, whose officers they are, and not of
necessity to their personal convictions upon the question at issue.

"Although this matter must not be discussed in open Lodge, you will, I doubt not, have many
opportunities of consulting with brethren who are members of your lodge, and possibly of holding a
private meeting of the gentlemen who compose the lodge, with a view to ascertaining what are their
opinions.

"I may add that, personally, I shall esteem it a privilege to be able to assist the cause of Masonry in
New Zealand in any way in which my services can be deemed useful towards promoting harmony
and brotherly love, and the fulfilment of those conditions which have in the case of the Grand
Lodges of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, secured the recognition of
Grand Lodge, and which alone are wanting to induce a similar act towards that of New Zealand,
thereby removing the present feeling of irritation, and restoring that amity which ought to prevail
amongst brethren who work under similar obligations, observe the same landmarks of our order, and
acknowledge the supreme power of the Great Architect of the Universe.

"If, as I confidently hope, my feelings of regret occasioned by our present dissensions are shared by
the brethren of all constitutions throughout the colony, I shall be prepared to suggest a plan which, in
course of time, I have every hope may result in a restoration of proper Masonic feeling between the
several constitutions, without loss of dignity or the abandonment of the positions which they have
severally taken up.

"I shall therefore esteem it a favour if, in due course, I may have an expression of your views and
those of the brethren under your rule upon this matter.

"I am, yours fraternally,
"ONSLOW, P.G.W."

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THE "PERFECTLY RELIABLE" CIRCULAR.

HOUGH somewhat pressed for space, we have contrived to find room for the report (which appeared
in the Dunedin daily papers) of a meeting to present testimonials to Bros. SYDNEY JAMES and
HENRY NEILL, the D.G. Secretaries of the E.C. and S.C. respectively. Careful reading by brethren of

the wording of the testimonial, and of the speeches as so reported might almost render unnecessary anything
in the way of editorial comment on our part. Still, we will not let the occasion pass without a word or two.
The meeting, which was of Masters and Past Masters, was held to “show their appreciation of the conduct of
the District Grand Secretaries, E.C. and S.C., during the schism which has lately existed.” The testimonial
embodied a resolution of “sympathy with the W. BROS. SYDNEY JAMES and HENRY NEILL at the uncalled
for and unwarranted attacks made upon them in their official capacities, at a meeting of a section of the craft
held in Dunedin on the 14th of October,” and goes on to attribute to these brethren the lofty qualities of the
Chevalier Bayard, in terms of the most refreshing toadyism. In his speech, in returning thanks, BRO. JAMES
“disclaimed entirely the insinuations endeavoured to be cast upon him." At the meeting of the 14th October
referred to, there were no "insinuations” at all, but certain direct charges were made, and proved beyond
cavil by a number of brethren present. One of these charges was that a certain circular, issued a few days
before the meeting in Dunedin of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and signed by BROS. JAMES and
NEILL, as D.G. Secretaries, and declared by them to be thoroughly reliable, was nothing of the kind, but was
utterly misleading, and in a number of instances, as pointed out, positively false. This charge, so clear and
definite, the precious testimonial simply ignores, and therefore allows judgment to go by default, but still
declares that the signatories are sans pear et sans reproche. Consequently, we are forced to the conclusion
that in the opinion of a large number of the rulers of the Craft, the issuing of a false and misleading
document is quite consistent with the loftiest morality.

Another charge (not " insinuation" by any means, be it noted) was that BRO. JAMES warmly supported the
movement towards the establishment of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand, up to a certain point, and that then
he turned round and did all he knew to hinder the consummation of it. This is asserted as simple fact, and if it
should need corroboration we have no hesitation in supplying such corroboration. It will be noticed, too, that
BRO. JAMES is reported to declare that " he had ever been in favour of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand

T

under certain conditions—that of Masonic autonomy." Surely BRO. JAMES never talked such nonsense as
this! It is just equivalent to saying that he would be favourable to self-government in Masonic affairs, if we
only had self-government. We think we can dimly discern what the " earnest and exalted " brother did mean,
but it was certainly not this.

But we must not fail to notice that the issuing of the circular in question was "official," and both the District
Grand Masters—the R.W. BROS. T. S. GRAHAM and JAS. GORE—declared that the D.G. Secretaries were
only their mouthpieces. This only shifts the responsibility, but can scarcely not lessen it. .So that a circular,
bristling with misstatements and palpably intended to deceive, and issued at what was, no doubt, thought to
be a very opportune moment (tactics worthy of an unscrupulous electioneering agent), is fathered by the
R.W. BROS. GRAHAM and GORE, and we devoutly wish them joy of the paternity. Beyond this, all their
communications" are so fathered, including that now notorious advertisement, in which the brethren of the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand were, with a courtesy surely unparalleled, styled "persons." If this did not
evidence a deliberate intention of being insolent, we should like to be told what it did evidence. It will be
noted, however, that in the report of the meeting, on which we comment, the expression, "a section of the
Craft," takes the place of the offensive word. We hail such a return—however tardy—to decency of diction.

As was forcibly pointed out at the banquet on the 14th ult. the conduct of certain dignitaries of the Craft
towards their brethren of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand has been but a series of insults and wrong-doings.
The atrocious " excommunication circular," which was directed to be affixed to Lodge doors, to wit ; the
closing of the gate of the Masonic Hall in the faces of the members of the Lodge of Otago—the oldest Lodge
of the District ; the seizing of the jewels, and other property of that Lodge ; the setting up of a bogus Lodge
under the false title of " Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C.," without warrant or lawful authority, and in direct
defiance of a unanimous vote of the genuine Lodge of Otago: these things were hard to bear indeed—but
when an " official " document appeared, in which brethren of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand were sought
to be deprived of the very name of Masons, it is not to be wondered at that their patience gave way, and that
they should have let their opponents understand, once for all, that for the future they would give them a taste
of their own quality, and that their maxim henceforth would be " Nemo me impune lacessit."

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IN our October issue we promised BRO. JOHN J. WILLIAMS, -P.M. 1229 and 1689, and P.Z. 1229, E.C.,
that, failing certain action on his part, we should have a few words to say to him. As will be seen in another
part of our present number, he has been called to account by a "Coast" brother for his letter to the London
Freemason, and has received at his hands a pretty severe castigation. For our own part, we called upon BRO.
J. WILLIAMS, P.M., 1229 and 1689 and P.Z. 1229, E.C., either to at once substantiate his charges that our
reports are "frequently garbled and dished up," or unqualifiedly to retract the same. He has taken neither
course, and now we want to know if we were to pronounce him before all Masondom to be a slanderer, could
anything be said in arrest of judgment ?
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WHAT THEY THINK IN WELLINGTON.

BROS. S. James and H. Neill, District Grand Secretaries of Otago, E.C. and S.C. respectively, have in an
excess of zeal which is commendable in these stirring times, issued a circular labelled " as being thoroughly
reliable," which is intended not only for the edification of the brethren in the Districts above mentioned, but
also "for the information of Masons throughout New Zealand." The document is supposed to show the total
number of Lodges in the colony, and those which have seceded from the English, Irish, and Scotch
Constitutions. As supporters of the Grand Lodge, to damage which the circular is evidently issued, we must
compliment Bros. James and Neill on the inaccuracy of their figures.

To commence with, there are not 148 working Lodges in the colony, for of those given in the circular three
are dormant, and have been so for years, leaving the total at 145. Of these again three have not met since the
Grand Lodge movement was started, being financially and numerically exceedingly weak. The working
Lodges can, therefore, be taken to be 142, and this figure will be found far more reliable than that given by
Bros. James and Neill in their capacity as District Grand Secretaries.

There are 84 Lodges at present in favour of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and there is every probability
that this number will be largely increased before the communication of Grand Lodge in April next. The
"official returns," from which the circular is said to have been compiled, must have got very considerably

mixed before the precious document was published, otherwise it would have been impossible for anyone
with any common sense and knowledge of what has been going on for the last eighteen months to have given
the number of Lodges which have seceded as 52.

The promoters of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, consisting of brethren who in the interest of the Craft
willingly resigned the high positions they held under the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland,
thus showing an admirable example to those who are fighting tooth and nail to retain them, were certain of a
substantial majority of Lodges before establishing the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. It is, therefore, an insult
to the zeal, energy, and intelligence of thousands of Freemasons throughout New Zealand to suppose them
capable of advocating a radical change in our system of Masonic government on such a small minority of
Lodges as shown in the circular. If Bros. James and Neill think that because their names are affixed to a
document, members of the Craft, especially outside their District, will accept as Gospel truth what it
contains, they are very much mistaken.

We have heard a good many remarks lately on the circular by those for and against the Grand Lodge, and
they are, to say the least, not very complimentary to its authors.

We should very much like to know whether the District Grand Lodges of Otago and Southland authorised
the publishing of the circular, and sanctioned the expenditure necessary to distribute it broadcast over
Maoriland. If not, why did the District Grand Secretaries issue it at all, and do they for a moment imagine
that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand will suffer because of their misstatements? We rejoice to think that the
time is rapidly approaching when District Grand Lodges and the evils of concurrent Masonic jurisdiction will
be things of the past. The District Grand Secretaries of Otago and Southland, E.C. and S.C., will then have to
take a back seat.

Probably the knowledge of this fact has prompted them to issue the misleading and incorrect circular under
notice, which may be considered as a sort of ineffectual attempt to avert the inevitable.—N.Z. Mail.

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APOLOGY.

We have to apologise to Bro. Edward George Lane, of Lodge Waitaki, N.Z.C., Oamaru, for his name being
printed twice last month as Edward George Law in a letter which he addressed to us on the "Prosperity of the
Grand Lodge of South Australia." We have also to apologise to Bro. W. H. Cooper, Assistant Grand
Secretary, for several mistakes in his letter on "Lodge St. Andrew and Ponsonby," N.Z.C. To a certain extent
it is our fault, but if our correspondents will not write proper names clearly, they must expect the printers to
make mistakes at times.

In our note to Bro. Hill's letter on " The French Orient " which appeared in October, the part which reads,
"With regard to Bro. George Robertson and the Grand Orient of Italy, Bro. Robertson, will, no doubt, in
good time, reply. It is hardly our duty, we think, to answer Bro. Hill's question, though we fail to see how we
owe it to the Craft to give a straight reply; however, we will do so, if only to satisfy Bro. Hill :—The N.Z.
CRAFTSMAN has never been, is not, and it is very unlikely it will ever be the official organ of what Bro. Hill
is pleased to call the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand," should have read : With regard to Bro. George
Robertson and the Grand Orient of Italy, Bro. Robertson will, no doubt, in good time, reply ; it is hardly our
duty, we think, to answer Bro. Hill's question. With respect to the second question, we have no objection to
answer it, though we fail to see how we owe it to the Craft to give a straight reply &c., &c., &c.
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GRAND LODGES

NEW ZEALAND.

THE Board of General Purposes will meet in the Masonic Hall, Auckland, on Tuesday, the 25th inst., at 10
a.m., to prepare the business to bring before the Grand Lodge at 7 p.m.

The Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held in the Masonic Hall, Auckland, at 7 p.m. on
Tuesday, the 25th inst.

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RECOGNITION.
THE Grand Lodge of Tasmania has, by unanimous vote, recognised the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

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V. Wor. Bro. Geo. F. Martin, P.S.G. Warden of Victoria, has been recommended as the Representative of the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand at the United Grand Lodge of Victoria.

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The M.W. the Grand Master on his way to Auckland will open a new Lodge at Danevirke, and will
consecrate the new Mason is Hall at Napier.

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We notice in the Business Paper of Lodge St. Andrew, N.Z.C., Auckland late 418 S.C.), that St. Andrew's
"recommends the petition for the formation of a new Lodge at Hokianga under the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand."

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NGAPARA LODGE, Otago, lately working under a dispensation from the D.G. Lodge, New Zealand South,
S.C., has joined the Grand Lodge. The foundation stone of their new hall was laid on October 30th, and the
hall is expected to be completed in December, when the Grand Master will consecrate and dedicate it. The
brethren are making great preparations for the event.

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THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND AND RULE 219.

Extract from " The New Zealand Herald," 15th October, 1890.

THE following extracts from a letter received this mail by Brother W. H. Cooper, A.G. Secretary, from W.
Brother T. W. Kitt, Past Master of the Eden Lodae, will prove of interest to the brethren of the colony :—" I
hurried back from Liverpool sooner than I otherwise should have done in order to attend the Grand Lodge
meeting in London, particularly as the New Zealand application for recognition was on the agenda paper. I
knew, however, long before that the whole thing was ' cut and dried' from the tone of the Grand Secretary's
remarks to me, but thought there might be some discussion on the subject, but only the mover and seconder
spoke, and all the most ardent supporters of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand could take exception to was
some of the figures, for the remarks were most temperate. In the absence of Bro. Philbrick, Q.C., Grand
Registrar, Bro. Sir John Monckton moved `That the application for recognition be not granted,' which was
seconded and carried, but not by any means unanimously, for a considerable number of the brethren did not
vote, myself, of course, amongst the number, and in conversation after the bulk of the brethren expressed
themselves favourable to our movement. Recognition is certain as soon as you get a substantial majority.
When in Dublin I had a long talk with one of the principal officers of the Irish Grand Lodge, who seemed
considerably exercised in his mind about the Ara Lodge, now that his Board of General Purposes (not Grand
Lodge remember) has ruled that the minority can hold the warrant, as he is quite opposed to this ruling, and
he thought it would be a good thing if the Ara brethren got up a petition explaining all the circumstances of
the case, and protesting in suitable terms against the manifest injustice of this ruling. His idea is that while
the Board ruled to allow the minority to work, yet they did not recommend this course being taken, as it was
establishing a precedent that was not advisable. With regard to this vexed question of minorities taking on
themselves the right to continue to work, and claiming all properties, while the English Grand Registrar and
the Colonial Beard have ruled that it is contrary to the Book of Constitution and Masonic usage, the
following extract from a letter on this subject, in reference to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, by Bro. W.
J. Hughan, the greatest living authority on all Masonic questions, will be of interest. Quoting the rule in the
Book of English Constitutions that they wish to apply, he says in letter dated September 1, 1890 :—' It seems
to me that this rule concerns the minimum number that can keep together as a Lodge, when the members
have so diminished through the deaths of members, loss of interest, other causes, &c. The question as to the
action of a majority of the members to continue with our Grand Lodge, or sever their connection, is not
referred to in the rule, so far as I understand or remember the reasons advocated for such a regulstion. A
majority deciding to leave the Grand Lodge and return their, warrant, after all preliminaries have been
attended to, surely decides the matter, and would justify the Master, after due confirmation and payment of
all claims, to distribute the effects pro rata amongst the members. I conceive that there are no three members
of the Lodge to be considered when the resolution to secede has been passed and confirmed under present
rules, but I think it would be as well for a regulation to be added to the Book of Constitutions providing for
three-fourths of all members on the roll agreeing to such a secession before it can be consummated."

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TRUE MASONIC SPIRIT.

At the meeting of the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, held in Wellington on 28th October, Bro. Jno. Young, a
worthy P.M. of the Lodge, who for two years occupied the chair with credit to himself and with great benefit
to the Lodge, acted in a true Masonic spirit. He stated that he had been strongly against his Lodge joining the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and had voted against the resolution pledging its support to the movement,
but recognising the right of a majority to rule, he had set aside his personal feelings in the matter, and would
continue to work loyally in the interests of the New Zealand Pacific Lodge now under the New Zealand
Constitution.

P.M. Bro. Jno. Young's straightforward speech met with the hearty approbation of those who had the
pleasure of listening to him, and although it cannot raise him higher than he is already in the estimation of his
brethren, it serves to stamp him as a member of the Craft who is not afraid of putting self-interest aside in
order to benefit others.

We commend the conduct of Bro. Jno. Young, P.M., to those opponents of Grand Lodge who refuse, under
any circumstances, to recognise a majority, and who, by their bitter opposition, hinder the progress and
welfare of the Lodge to which they belong.—N.Z. Mail.

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THE next Communication of the Grand Lodge of South Australia will be held at Adelaide in January.
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INSTALLATIONS
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The installation of Bro. Joseph Anuing Kirby as W.M. of Lodge Hiram, No. 2008, E.C., took place in the
Caversham Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on Monday, 27th October, when there was a crowded attendance of the
various Lodges representing the English, Scotch, and Irish Constitutions. R. W.D.G. M. Bro. T. S. Graham,
assisted by officers of D.G. Lodge, performed the work of installation, and R.W.D.G.M. Bro. James Gore,
S.C., and his officers were also present. The following officers were duly invested :—I.P.M., Bro. Elijah
Titchener ; S.W., Bro. A. Smart ; J.W., Bro. H. McCorkindale ; Chaplain, Bro. Rev. F. E Watson ; Treasurer,
Bro. H. A. Reynolds ; P.M. Secretary, Bro. J. Dawson; S. D., Bro. H. Lippert ; J.D., Bro. J. T. Laing ; I. G.,
Bro. H. White ; Organist, Bro. H. Titchener; D.C., Bro. A. Morrison Tyler, Bro. M. Walker; Steward B C.
Frith and C. D. Hargreaves. D.G. Organist . Bro. Bayley presided at the organ, and the anthems were well
sung by an efficient choir. Bro Kirby returned thanks in a neat speech for the honour conferred by his
installation as W.M. Bro. Graham, in presenting a P.M.'s jewel to Bro. E. Titchener, made a complimentary
speech identifying the progress of the Lodge with the recipient's enthusiasm. The presentation having been
acknowledged, an adjournment was made. The installation was celebrated by a ball, at which there was a
large attendance, and the music supplied by Bro. Robertshaw's band actually kept the company entertained
"till daylight did appear." Bro. M. Walker made an excellent caterer.—Otago Daily Times.

ST. JOHN'S LODGE, FEATHERSTON. — The installation of the W.M. and investiture of officers of the St.
John's Lodge, Featherston, was held on Thursday, 23rd Oct., the ceremony being conducted by R.W. Bro. E.
T. Gillon, P.D.G.M., Acting Grand Superintendent of the Wellington District. The V.W. Grand Chaplain,
Rev. Bro. Paige, P.M. of Masterton ; W. Bro. N. Grace, Grand Steward, Carterton ; and W. Bro. Dawes,
P.M., Grand Steward, Pitone ; Bro. Booth, St. Mark's Lodge, Carterton ; and the Rev. Bro. Wyatt were
amongst those present. The officers for the ensuing year are :—W.M., Rev. Bro. Thomas Porritt ; S.W., Bro.
Toogood ; J.W., Bro. Smith ; Treasurer, Bro. G. Reynolds ;. Secretary, Bro. J. G. Cox, P.M. ; S.D., Rev. Bro.
Hewson; J.D., Bro. J. D. Hodder ; I.C., Bro. H. C. Smith ; Tyler, Bro. C. W. Keys.

UNITED MANAWATU LODGE, 1721, E.C., PALMERSTON NORTH.—The installation of W.M. and
investiture of officers for the ensuing year took place at the Masonic Ball, Palmerston North, on October
23rd, when Bro. M. Cohen was placed in the chair of K.S. There was a large attendance of visitors, and the
Board of Installed Masters was an unusually strong one, including visitors from distant parts, among whom
may be mentioned the W.M. of Rangitikei Lodge (Bro. McLean), the W.M. of Lodge Ponsonby (Auckland),
and others. The brethren of Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, with the R.W.M. (Bro. John Walkley), were
present also in force. The ceremony of installation was ably performed by Bro. J. E. Perrin, assisted by Bro.

W. J. Butt, and Herr Norberg presided at the organ. The following were the officers invested, viz.:—J.P.M.,
Bro. J. E. Perrin ; S. W., Bro. C. Hosking ; J.W., Bro. T. T. Kerslake ; S.D., Bro. C. E. Hosking ; Treasurer,
Bro. R. N. Keeling ; Secretary, Bro. G. Woodroofe ;. Organist, Bro. Norberg ; Tyler, Bro. T. Schlager.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER MEETINGS

WATERLOO R.A. CHAPTER.—A special convention of the Waterloo Royal Arch Chapter, No. 166, S.C.,
was held on Monday, 6th Oct., at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington. There was a very good attendance, and
the following officers were elected and installed in their respective offices :—First Principal Z., Most
Excellent Companion Gillon, P.Z. ; Second Principal H., Excellent Companion Fownes ; Third Principal J.,
Excellent Companion Grady ; Scribe E., Companion Jack; Scribe N., Companion Duncan; Treasurer,
Excellent Companion Lindsay, Y.Z. ; Sojourners, Companions Tyer, Tippler, and Danks ; Janitor,
Companion Masters. The ceremony of installation was performed by Excellent Companions Ureig,
Williams, and Ellett, P.Z. s—N.Z. Mail
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LODGE ST. ANDREW, N.Z.C., Auckland.—The election of officers takes place on November 18th. We
congratulate both the Lodge and the brother nominated for the office of R.W.M., Bro. h. C. Tewsley.
IT is with pleasure we note that Lodge Victoria, 471, I.C., Invercargill, has abolished affiliation fees, and
substituted a registration fee of 5s. We venture to predict that before very long the majority, if not all, of the
Lodges in New Zealand will follow the example. Wipe out the high charges for joining fees, and there will
be fewer non-affiliates.
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LODGE REPORTS

Secretaries of Lodges, Scribes of Chapters, will confer a favour on the Editor of this Journal If they will forward monthly a copy of
their Lodge Circular to Box 322, Post Office, Dunedin.
We shall also be glad to receive from the District and Provincial Grand Secretaries the printed proceedings of their Quarterly
Communications.

LODGE ABERCORN (LATE 1813, E. C.,) WAIPAWA, HAWKES BAY. —The regular monthly meeting was
held on Wednesday, 24th September, Grand Lodge circular No. 3 and other correspondence was read and
dealt with. Mr Charles H. Chissell was initiated into Freemasonry by W. M. Bro. McKay. J. W., Rood
presenting the W.T.'s, and S.W., Pickett giving the charge. Bro. A. H. Ross was passed to the F.C. Degree,
the ceremony being performed by P.M. Bro. Howard, the W.T.'s by J.W., Rood, and the charge by I.P.M.
Clarke. A brother was proposed for affiliation. Hearty good wishes were tendered from the Bedford Lodge,
N.Z.C., Waipukurau, and from Scinde Lodge, N.Z.C., Napier.

PACIFIC LODGE OF REEFTON, 1453 E.C., held its monthly meeting on the 30th September. The business
was to ballot for Mr Henry Betts and to initiate Messrs Lewis, Joice, and Wilson.

SOUTHERN STAR LODGE, 735, E.C., Nelson, held its usual monthly meeting on September 30th, Bro. H. T.
Hall, W.M., in the chair. There was a good attendance of members and several visiting brethren. Two
candidates were balloted for and unanimously elected. It was intended to initiate both if elected, only one,
however, put in an appearance, and he was initiated by the W.M., who was ably assisted by the W.M. of the
Victory Lodge, N.Z.C., Bro. J. C. Mercer who presented the working tools, Bro. Heginbotham, of the N.Z.
Pacific, giving the charge. H.G.W.'s were given the Worshipful Master by Bro. H. Lee, of Phcenix Lodge,
Akaroa ; by Bro. Heginbotham, of the N.Z. Pacific Lodge, Wellington ; by Bro. J. C. Mercer, W.M., of the
Victory Lodge, N.Z.C. ; and by Bro. H. Baigent, P.M., of Golden Bay Lodge, E.C. One brother, now settled
in New Orleans, having sent dues by P.O.O., had his clearance granted, and a letter from another brother, in
Napier, wishing for his clearance was also referred to. The secretary was authorised to write letters of
condolence to the family of the late Bro. Cann, whose widow had just passed away, and another to Bro. J. D.
Arm strong, who had just lost his wife.

MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE, N.Z.C., Palmerston North, met on the 1st October to raise Bros.
Harvey and Victor, and to present jewels to P.M.'s Leary and Sutton, and Secretary Bro. Jas. S. Jolly.

LEINSTER LODGE, N.Z.C.—The regular monthly meeting was held at the Freemason's Hall, Wellington,
October 1st. The attendance of members was above the average, and several visiting brethren were also
present. The ceremony .of initiating a candidate was performed by the W.M., Bro. T. P. Coveney, who was
assisted by his officers, the Working Tools being presented by the S.W., and the charge being delivered by
the J.W. Since the Lodge joined the New Zealand Constitution it has made rapid progress, and a very large
number of brethren have joined it. Six affiliating members were balloted for during the evening, and as great
deal of business was transacted, including the alteration of Bylaw No. 3, which will enable the Lodge to meet
on Mondays in future instead of Wednesdays.

FOREST LODGE, No. 1485, E.C., Wakefield, near Nelson, held its monthly meeting on the 1st October. The
chair was taken by Bro. E. Edridge, W.M. The S. W. was in his place, although he had to travel fifteen miles.
The Inner Guard also came a distance of forty miles, and other officers in this Lodge have similar distances
to travel in order to attend the Lodge. The Lodge was visited by Bros. H. Lee of Phoenix Lodge, Akaroa, and
Bro. T. Scott, P.M. Victory Lodge, N.Z.C., Nelson. The Treasurer, Bro. J. G. Harkness, P.M. (M.H.R.), was
present, and acted as I.P.M. A candidate was proposed, and a lecture on the first degree Tracing Board was
given by P.M. Vause in so lucid and perfect away that a unanimous vote of thanks was accorded him. A
discussion on the financial position of the Lodge took place, and a proposition to advertise the Lodge in the
CRAFTSMAN was postponed till the next Lodge meeting ; Bros. Lee and Scott advocating the cause of this
very excellent monthly. Bro. Harkness (M.H.R.), P.M. gave a very able address to the Lodge on the late
Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge held in Wellington, at which, in the absence of Bro. Dr. Boor,
P.M. ; he took the position of Senior Grand Deacon.

SOUTHERN CROSS LODGE (Late 997, E.G.), Invercargill, held its regular meeting on Friday, 3rd October.
In the absence of the W.M., P.M. Bro. A. Cross took the chair. The business of the evening consisted in
Passing Bros. Ryan and Brown, and Raising Bro. Rusha. P.M. Bro. W. H. Hall worked the second degree,
and P.M. Bro. C. Sawyer the third. Ballots were taken for the affiliation of Bro. George Troggatt, Lodge
Victoria, 471, I.C., and declared in his favour. As the W.M could not possibly attend the installation
ceremony of Lodge Otago is Dunedin on the 14th, the Lodge appointed P.M. Bro. Cross to act in his stead.

WATERLOO LODGE. —The regular monthly meeting of the Waterloo Lodge, N.Z.C., was held at the
Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on Monday, October 13th. There was a full muster of members, besides
numerous visitors, and the W.M., officers, and brethren of the Leinster Lodge, N.Z.C., were also present.
Worshipful Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand Director of Ceremonies, who was lately deputed by the M.W., the
Grand Master, to inspect and report on the Lodges in the Wellington District, paid the Lodge a fraternal visit,
and was received with the honours due to his exalted rank. The only business of the evening was the
conferring of the Second Degree on a candidate. Before the Lodge closed Worshipful Bro. Williams
addressed the Lodge at length, and gave some sound advice and information. A cordial vote of thanks was
accorded to hint on the termination of his interesting and instructive discourse.

THE Ulster Lodge, N.Z.C., held its monthly meeting at the Freemasons' Hall, Pitone, on Wednesday,
October 15th. There was a capital attendance of members and visitors. The First and Second Degrees were
worked, the former being undertaken by the W.M., Bro. H. H. Tippler, and the latter by Worshipful Bro. H.
J. Williams, Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Working Tools in the First Degree were presented by P.M.
Bro. Dawes, who also delivered the Charge in a very impressive manner. Owing to the lateness of the hour
the appointment of a hall committee was postponed until next meeting.

THE Wellington Lodge, 1521, E.C., met on Friday, October 17th, at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington. In
consequence of the heavy rain and cold the attendance was smaller than usual. As the W.M. was unavoidably
absent, the chair was occupied by Bro. George Robertson, P.M., who conferred the Third Degree on a
brother, the Charge being given by Bro. B. N. Manley, P.M., and the working tools being presented by the S.
W., Bro. D. C. Innes.

LODGE ST. ANDREW, N.Z.C. (late 418 S.C.), Auckland, met on the 21st October, at the Masonic Hall, the
following being the business :—To ballot for and, if successful, to initiate and pass Mr Charles Richard
Massey, Engineer S.S. Rotomahana, and Mr Carl Zoeller, commercial traveller ; to ballot for and, if
successful, to affiliate Bro. John Oscar Sellgren, M.M., St. John's Kilwinning; to initiate and pass Capt.
Ebenezer Hamlin, M.H.R.

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, WELLINGTON. — The quarterly communication of the District Grand Lodge of
Wellington, E.C., took place on Thursday, October 23rd, at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington. There was a
very small attendance, and, in the absence of the R.W., the District Grand Master, Bro. Sir E. O. Gibbes,
Bart., Deputy District Grand Master, occupied the chair. As the Board of General Purposes had nothing to
report, the proceedings terminated before 9 o'clock.

ABERCORN LODGE, WAIPAWA (late 1813 E.C.)—Regular meeting of Abercorn Lodge was held 22nd
October ; W.M. Bro. L. McKay presiding. Correspondence was read from G. L., also an address to St.
Andrews, delivered by G. Superintendent, Bro. Malcolm Nichol, which had been printed and distributed to
other Lodges. After other routine work had been attended to Lodge was passed. Bros. A. H. Ross and V.
Jensen having shown their proficiency were entrusted and retired. Lodge was raised, called off, and on
resuming they were admitted and raised to the M.M. degree, the W.M. performing the ceremony in each
case, and d.W. Bro. Rood presenting the W.T.s. Lodge was reduced to the E.A. degree. A gentleman was
proposed as a candidate, and Lodge closed.

LODGE BETA, Waikato, New Zealand Grand Lodge, held its monthly meeting at the Masonic Hall,
Hamilton East, on Thursday evening, 23rd ulto. There was a good attendance of members, Bro. Rathborne,
W.M. in the chair. Bro. John Nair, Lodge Sir Walter Scott, Thames, was present. The correspondence for the
month was read and received. It was resolved to contribute towards the expenses in connection with the
holding of the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in Auckland in November, and
several of the members expressed their intention of attending. The ballot was passed for Mr George John
Richdall, and proved fair. Bro. Thos. Slade, having bee questioned as to his proficiency, was passed to the
Second Degree. Bro. Mair offered hearty good wishes from Lodge Sir Walter Scott (Thames), N Z.C., and
congratulated the Master and his officers on the working of the Lodge. The W.M. reminded the members of
the Lodge of Instruction, held on the second Thursday previous to ordinary Lodge night, and expressed a
wish that as many as possible, the officers especially, would attend.

PACIFIC LODGE OF REEFTON met on the 28th October to initiate Mr W. Betts, and to confer the Second
Degree.

LODGE ARA, N.Z.C., AUCKLAND, met at the Masonic Hail, on the 28th October, to transact the following
business :—To ballot for the admission as joining members : Bro. W. A. Cowan, Lodge Te Awamutu, No.
2221, E.C. ; also Bro. W. H. Cooper, Assistant Grand Secretary, N.Z.C., of Everton Lodge, No. 823, E.C.,
and St. Andrew's Lodge, N.Z.C. Proposed by Bro. A. Kidd, G.P., seconded by Bro. G. H. Powley, P.M.,
Secretary, to pass Bros. Carroll, Davis, Phillips and Hughes. Notice of Motion.—Bro. A. S. Russell, D.G.M.,
to move that " the first Monday," in the first line of Rule 1, be altered to read, " fourth Tuesday " ; also, the
figures, " £7 7s," in the second line of Rule 21, be altered to read, " £5 5s."

ADVANCE LODGE, Brunnerton (late 2245 E.C.)—The regular monthly meeting was held on October 30th,
1890. There was a good attendance both of brethren and visitors, including Bros. P.M.s Murphy and Bish,
from Greymouth; also P.M. Gibson. The Lodge was duly opened by the W.M., and during the evening Bro.
Tierney applied for his clearance, as he is leaving the district. The following nominations were received for
Treasurer and Tyler, respectively, i e., Bro. Alexander and McMeekin. Afterwards the Lodge was passed to
the Second Degree, when Bro. Scott was brought forward to shew his proficiency, after which the Lodge was
raised to the Third Degree. P.M. Murphy took the chair, "at the request of the W.M., as a last token of the
honour and esteem in which he is held by the brethren of this Lodge," when Bro. Scott was raised to the
sublime degree of a M.M. The S.W., Bro. Bland, then delivered the charge in a true Masonic manner, which
I am sure all appreciated heartily, and which would sink down into the hearts of the brethren to remind them
of their noble and glorious obligations. P.M. Bish and J. W. Bro. Davidson having explained the working of
the tools to Bro. Scott, a hearty vote of thanks was proposed by the S.W., and seconded by the Treasurer, to
Bros. P.M.s Bish, Murphy, and Gibson, for their kind and willing assistance in the working of this Lodge. —
Carried unanimously. Bros. Tierney, Hunter and Renter were presented with their diplomas, after which the
Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 10.20 p.m.

NGAMOTU LODGE, 2053, E.G., New Plymouth, met on Tuesday evening, 28th October, when the
resolution to work under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand from 1st November was unanimously confirmed.

Four brethren were proposed as joining members ; and, in response to an appeal from an E.C. Lodge in
Canterbury, a vote was made from the Benevolent Fund. Bro. F. P. Corkill was elected W.M. for the ensuing
year, and Bro. J. Little was again elected Treasurer. The De Burgh Adams Lodge, 446, I.C., having declined
to allow the Lodge as now constituted to continue to occupy the Masonic Hall, the Ngamotu will in future
meet in the Foresters' Hall, Gill street, on the fourth Friday in each month.

LODGE VICTORY, N.Z.C., NELSON, met at the Masonic Hall, Nelson, on the 4th inst., when an initiation, a
passing, and three railings, and a discussion on " Pyramids and their Builders " took place.

ST. JOHN's LODGE,1858, E.C., ASHBURTON, held a meeting on the 13th inst. The only business was an
explanation of the First Tracing Board, by Bro. Kilworth, J.W.

THE NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC LODGE, WELLINGTON.—It will be remembered that the New Zealand
Pacific Lodge, late 517, E.C., passed a resolution in April last in favour of joining the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand, but owing to the opposition of a minority, and the confusion created by the various interpretations
of clause 219 of the Constitutions of the United Grand Lodge of England, the Worshipful Master, Bro. H. M.
Lyon, P.M., at the request of a deputation from the majority, who were desirous of preserving peace, and
were anxious to have no disturbances in open Lodge. decided to hold no meetings until a reply had been
received from the Grand Secretary to an inquiry of the District Grand Master, Sir H. A. Atkinson, for a
correct reading of the clause above mentioned. An answer having come to hand a few weeks ago stating that
clause 219 did not refer to Lodges which had renounced their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of England, the
Worshipful Master being personally not in favour of the New Zealand Grand Lodge, decided to call the
Lodge together, and hand over the gavel to the LP.M., Bro. J. J. M. Hamilton, who is a Grand Lodge
supporter. The Ledge accordingly met on Monday, October 10th, and before opening it Bro. H. M. Lyon,
P.M., made a few remarks expressing his views on the action of the Grand Lodge of England in not giving
fuller information on the points submitted for its ruling. He then retired from the Lodge room accompanied
by the S.W., Bro. Triggs, and the I.P.M. thereupon took the chair, and opened the Lodge under the New
Zealand Constitution. There was a very large attendance of members and visitors, the Grand Lodge being
represented by the following brethren, viz.:—R.W. Bro. E. T. Gillon, P.D.G.M., acting Grand
Superintendent of the Wellington District; R.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, Grand Superintendent of Auckland
V.W. Bro. George Robertson, P.G., Secretary ; W. Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand Director of Ceremonies ; and
W. Bro. F. J. Dawes, Grand Steward. The proceedings were of a most harmonious and agreeable character,
and everybody seemed pleased that the Lodge had again resumed work, after five months' inaction. During
the course of the evening R.W. Bro. E. T. Gillon, P.D.G.M., made a few appropriate remarks, and on behalf
of the M.W. the Grand Master, congratulated the Lodge on having started work under the New Zealand
Constition, and on its unanimously carried, and afinancial fter hearty good wishes had been tendered by the
visiting brethren the Lodge was closed in love, peace, and harmony at 10.15 p.m. —N. Z. Mail.

LODGE ST. ANDREW, N.Z.C., Auckland (late 418, S.C.)—We hold in our hands the circular calling the
meeting of the 18th November, and the, following is the business :—" To initiate Mr Charles Richard
Massey ; to raise Bro. Hamlin ; to ballot for the affiliation of Bro. John Gordon, M.M., No 464, S.C. ; to
consider notice of motion proposed by Bro. W. H. Cooper, P.M., A.G.S: 'That this Lodge recommend the
petition for the formation of a new Lodge at Hokianga, under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand'; election of
officers." We notice with pleasure that Bro. H. C. Tewsley is nominated for the office of R.W.M.

LEINSTER LODGE, N.Z.C. The regular monthly meeting of this Lodge, took place at the Freemasons’ Hall,
Wellington, on Monday 3rd inst. There was a good attendance of members, and W. Bro. He J. Williams,
Grand Director of ceremonies, was among the visitors. The ceremony of Passing was conducted in an
admirable manner by the W.M. Bro. T. P. Coveney, the Charge and Lecture being delivered by the Junior
and Senior Wardens respectively.congratulating the W.M. and his officers on the manner in which the work
was conducted, and on the satisfactory progress of the lodge under the N.Z.C. The proceedings terminated at
10 p.m.
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CORRESPONDENCE
[Letters intended for insertion must be accompanied in all cases by the real name and address of the writer, as well as by
the name and number of the Lodge to which he belongs, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good
faith. We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

_________________________
REPLY TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"INQUISITIVE" asks :—" Can a brother join a Lodge without being clear on the books of his Mother Lodge,
or obtaining his clearance from the last Lodge he was a member of ?"—According to the English Book of
Constitutions (Rule 189), it is necessary that clearance certificate from without former Lodge must be
produced (Rule 213) previous to ballot; (Rule 212): if member withdraws make enquiry shall be liable to pay
arrears owing to the brother’s former Lodge. It is not clearly stated in the Scotch Constitutions, but a form is
supplied called a"Demit," which states - “has paid all fees and dues eleigible from him, he is therefore
cordially commended to the fraternal reception of any regular Lodge in which he may seek affiliation." (Rule
106) Irish Constitutions, says : "Nor shall a brother be affiliated, &c., &c., and also, when possible, a
clearance certificate from the Lodge with which he had las been connected” (Rule 132): “For affiliating a
brother struck off the roll of another Lodge, all arrears due by him, and a fine of 10s to the Grand Lodge."

______________________________________________

BRO. JOHN J. WILLIAMS, P.M., AND THE ADVANCE LODGE,
BRUNNERTON.

TO THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER, —I have read with deep regret and surprise a letter which appeared in your last
issue, signed JOHN J. WILLIAMS, P.M., Hokitika.

I could not think that any member of the Craft would so far forget himself as to make such an unmanly attack
on your valuable journal, and to make false accusations against a sister Lodge to make himselt look big in
the London Freemason, and to curry favour with the Grand Lodge of England. The brethren of Hokitika
must feel proud of such a worthy P.M. Now, sir, allow me to tell Bro. P.M. Williams, through the columns of
your journal, that his assertions in reference to the Advance Lodge of Brunnerton are untrue, and without a
particle of foundation ; and he should not allow his jealousy to carry him so far as to make sach wild
assertions to suit his own ends. Allow me to here inform P.M. Williams that the Advance Lodge was one of
the first to give its allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The resolution was moved by myself, and
seconded by P.M. Pattle (who was then W.M.), I quoting as argument a speech of Bro. Sir Harry Atkinson's,
wherein he said “the time had fully arrived when New Zealand should have its own Grand Lodge,” &c., P.M.
Pattle quoting from the Australasian papers the great success of the Grand Lodges in those colonies. Bro.
Hillier opposed the motion, and said the only objection he had to the movement was that the expenses would
be too great. There was no unseemly haste, due notice being given of the motion. The motion was put int eh
usual form and carried, and the result made known tot eh D.G.M. of Westland; he, not wishing to lose
control of our Lodge, asked us to reconsider our decision, which the Lodge consented to do. When the vote
was taken the second time no one opposed the motion, Bro Hillier not voting either way; the result was again
made known to Bro. Bevan, and he requested us again to reconsider our decision, which we did with the
same result, Bro Hillier only being opposed to our decision. On leaving the Lodge that night Bro Hillier said
to me, “Now I am with you.” Meaning he was in favour of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

Bro. Bevan left no stone unturned to retain control of the Advance Ledge. With your permission I will, as
briefly as possible state the difficulties the Advance Lodge has had to contend with through giving its
allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. We had our charter unfairly taken from us : Bro. Bevan not
being able to keep it by fair means obtained it otherwise; and how did he reward Bro. Hillier for obtaining it?
Why, he made him a steward of the D.G. Lodge of Westland. Not being satisfied with the charter, he wishes
to obtain the moneys and paraphernalia of the Advance Lodge. He has sent letter after letter to the W.M. and
his Wardens, demanding the regalia &c., and threatening legal proceedings, but we still retain possession of
our regalia ; and have one of the best worked and attended Lodges on the Coast. I am surprised at Bro. Bevan
(knowing him to be a real Mason at heart) allowing himself to be lead into treating the Advance Lodge, as he
has done in the past, by a brother who really knows nothing of Masonry. The day is not far distant, when the
D.G. Lodge of Westland will be glad to throw in its lot with the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

Trusting I have not taken up too much of your valuable space, - I am, &c.,
THOMAS BLAND
S.W. Advance Lodge, Brunnerton.

Brunnerton, November 5th, 1890.
P.S.—None of the brethren have left the Lodge because it joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Bro.
P.M. Pattle left because he tried to rule in so arbitrary a manner that he made himself obnoxious to the whole
of the brethren, and he thought it best to take his clearance. T.B.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

OBITUARY

ON Sunday, October 26th, at Dunedin, of apoplexy, Bro. Louis Court, Right Worshipful Deputy District
Grand Master, New Zealand South, Scotch Constitution ; Provincial Grand Superintendent, Supreme Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, &c., &c., &c., &c. Buried with Masonic honours on Tuesday, October
28th. Greatly regretted.
______________________________________________________________________________________

LODGE ARA, N.Z.C., Auckland, has been obliged to alter its regular night of meeting to the fourth Tuesday
in every month, in consequence of being deprived of the first Monday.

NGAMOTU LODGE, N.Z.C. (Late 2053, E.C.), New Plymouth, will in future meet at the Foresters' Hall, Gill
street; on the fourth Friday in every month, the “De Burgh Adams' Lodge, 446, I.C., having declined to allow
“Ngamotu” Lodge to occupy the Masonic Hall, now that they have joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
What a beautiful example of brotherly love !
_______________________________________________________________________________________

PRESENTATION.
(REFERRED TO IN OUR LEADING ARTICLE.)

A number of Masters and Past Masters assembled on Monday, November 3rd, at Court's Hotel, Rattray
street, Dunedin, in order to show their appreciation of the conduct of the District Grand Secretaries, E.C. and
S.C., during the schism which has lately existed. A meeting had been previously held on October 20th, under
the presidency of the late R.W. Bro. Louis Court, at which it was arranged that suitable addresses should be
presented to Bros. Sydney James and Henry Neill. On Monday evening the attendance comprised senior
members of the Craft, amongst whom were the R.W. Bros. T.S. Graham, D.G.M., E.C., J Gore, D.G.M.,
New Zealand South. S.C., with a number of past and present Grand Officers. The Secretary, W. Bro. Charles
de L. Graham, having read the minutes of the previous meeting,

The R.W. Bro. Gore, who was in the chair, made a very expressive and feeling speech, in which he adverted
to the uncalled-for attacks recently made by a section of the Craft upon Bros. James and Neill. He stated in
the course of his remarks that the action of the brethren loyal to the ancient Constitutions here was all that
could be desired, and that it was evident that the Home Grand Lodges were not prepared, under the present
circumstances, to acknowledge anything like an independent Grand Lodge in New Zealand. He said he
deeply sympathised with the W. Bros. James and Neill, and felt astonished at the attack made upon them, as
the Craft must know that the Grand Secretaries, in all their communications, were but the mouthpiece of their
D.G. Masters. He had very great pleasure, indeed, in presenting to such earnest and exulted Bros. as the D.G.
Secretaries the following expressions of the esteem in which they were held :-

“To the W. Bros. Sydney James, P.D.D.G.M., and D.G. Secretary Otago and Southland, E.G., and Henry
Neill, D.G. Secretary New Zealand South, S.C.
" Dear Sirs and Worshipful Brethren,

"At a meeting of the R. W. Masters and Past Masters of the English, Irish, .and Scottish Constitutions, held
on October 20th, the R. W. Bro. Louis Court in the chair, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of W.
Bro. Charles de Logueville Graham, seconded by W. Bro. D. A. McNicoll, - ‘That this meeting of W.M.’s
and P, Ms of the three constitutuions desires to express its deep feeling of sympathy with the W. Bros.
Sydney James and Henry Neill, at the uncalled for and unwarranted attacks made upon them in their official
capacities at a meeting of a section of the Craft held in Dunedin on the 14th October.'

" It further desires to assure you of its high appreciation of your respective characters which may justly be
deemed ‘sans peur et sans reproche’ We, the assembled rulers in the Craft, desire to convey to you this

unanimous expression and approbation of your official actions, not only as igh and exalted members of the
Craft, but as men of honour and integrity."

[Here follow sixty signatures.]

The Chairman presented a similar testimonial to the R.W. Bro. H. Neill, and both of the worshipful brethren
were warmly congratulated.

The W. Bro. James returned thanks for the mark of confidence reposed in him by the sixty rulers of the Craft
who had signed the testimonial. He had felt keenly the slur cast upon him at a recent meeting of a section of
the Craft, but disclaimed entirely the insinuations endeavoured to be cast upon him. He had ever been in
favour of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand under certain conditions--that of Masonic autonomy. This had not
been arrived at, and consequently he was not found in the ranks of those who had rashly withdrawn
themselves front the protecting banners of the mother constitution.—(Applause.)

The W. Bro. H. Neill, in thanking the brethren present for the expression of their confidence in his actions,
stated that from the very first he had always been opposed to the formation of a Grand Lodge of New
Zealand. From what he had seen during the last few months he was thoroughly convinced that his actions
had the sanction of all the conscientious members of the Craft. The attack made upon him and the W. Bro.
James was most uncalled for, and they would live to see the persons making them retract such expressions.—
(Applause.)

The R.W. Bro. T. S. Graham, R.W. D.G.M., E.G., next addressed the meeting, and pointed out that the
attacks made upon the District Grand Secretaries were in reality intended for himself and R.W. Bro. Gore,
under whose instructions the District Grand Secretaries had always acted. He regretted very much that
certain brethren had so far forgotten themselves as to attack officers who had only done their duty, but he
considered that when the W. Bros. James and Neill took into consideration the fact that some sixty of the
rulers of the Craft had signed their names to the addresses that night presented to them, they would be
perfectly satisfied with the confidence reposed in them – (Applause)

A vote of thanks, moved by the R W Bro. J Gore, S.C., and seconded by the R.W.D.G.M., T.S. Graham, to
the Hon. Secretary, the W. Bro. C. de L. Graham, was carried by acclamation, and the meeting closed.—
Otago Daily Times.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

OURSELVES.
THE London Freemason, of September 27th, gives the following :—" The NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN is
beginning to be quite smart in its criticisms, but whether this is the direct consequence or not of the
constitution of an irregular Grand Lodge of New Zealand we are unable to say. Its smartness, however, in
asserting that our article of April 12th last was inspired by some person or persons in the colony is entirely at
fault. In that article we expressed the hope `that the Grand Lodge in the Old Country' would ' decline to
recognise the new body,' and it considers our use of the expression ' Old Country' is ' a very palpable proof
that the ungenerous attack on the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was hatched here.' You are quite wrong, Bro.
Editor. What we said was said on our own responsibility ; not to please anybody in New Zealand, but
because we considered it was the proper policy to recommend. * * * * As to the NEW ZEALAND
CRAFTSMAN'S statement that we have ' ever shown such scant knowledge of Masonry in New Zealand,' we
have merely to remark that most of the information we have obtained as to the circumstances of the Craft in
New Zealand during the last twelve months or thereabouts has been derived from its columns. Thus, the
fault, if any, which we have committed is in having too readily assumed that the NEW ZEALAND
CRAFTSMAN knew anything about the Masonic affairs of its own country.” When our contemporary wrote
the last paragraph our July number had just reached London, at which date we had only been in existence
seven months. The first two issues were only circulated within the colony. What an opening there is in this
colony—say as Colonial Treasurer—for the Editor of the London Freemason—a brother who can make five
numbers do for twelve, " or thereabouts," would be simply invaluable at the present time. How the London
Freemason delights to rub it in ! But as our contemporary is on the losing, and the NEW ZEALAND
CRAFTSMAN on the winning side, we can afford to be generous.

This month's number of the NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN which, by the way, reflects great credit on Bro.
T. G. De Renzy, P.M., its enthusiastic manager, has a very interesting account of a special communication of
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand which was held in Dunedin on the 14th October. The proceedings passed
off with great éclat, and very great enthusiasm was shown. Some capital speeches were made in the banquet
room, and the M.W. the Grand Master, Bro. Henry Thomson, who was in form, fairly surpassed himself in
the course of a masterly speech he gave some capital advice, and hit hard at the opponents of Grand Lodge,
exposing their extraordinary conduct and vacillating policy.—N.Z. Mail.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION OF THE

MASONIC HALL AT BLENHEIM.

HAD the members of Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity, No. 1236, E.C. had the choosing of the weather for
the day of their opening celebration in their hall, they could not have desired anything better than they
obtained on the 25th September. The building is situated in Charles Street, and has been erected by Bro. E.
Bythell, who is to be congratulated on the workmanlike style in which he has carried out his duties. The
design of the front is emblematic of the Order, and the external appearance of the building is set off by nicely
planted grounds and neat paths. Of the interior we cannot speak in words of too high praise. We venture to
say that nowhere in New Zealand is a nicer little Masonic Lodge-room to be found. The decorations were
designed by Bro. C. J. W. Griffiths, P.M., who adopted the Ionic style, and adapted it in an entirely novel
way. Columns at intervals are placed round the room, supporting an entablature with a modillion cornice, the
spaces between the columns being filled up with archways springing from imposts, and ornamented with an
architrave moulding and a neat key stone in the centre. The rising and setting sun are placed at the east and
west ends respectively, and the roof represents the Southern sky, with the constellations placed in their
approximate positions. The colouring throughout is harmonious, the subdued tints looking specially well by
gaslight, while a tri-coloured Masonic curtain occupies the northern wall. In each archway are placed
portraits of several of the P.M.'s of the Lodge. The officers' chairs, specially imported, are works of art in the
manner of carving in the Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric orders, and the rest of the furniture, upholstered in
light blue, is in keeping.

THE CONSECRATION.
Shortly before noon the brethren assembled in force at the hall, the Lodges represented being as follow : -

Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity, 1236, E.C. Members present, 21.
Lodge Wairau, 663, N.Z.C. Number present, 21.

Lodge Waitohi, 2036, E.C. Present, 6.
Lodge Killarney, 472, I.C. Present, 6.

There were also present brethren representing various other Lodges.

W. Bro. C.J.W. Griffiths, P.M., acted s Presiding Officer, assisted by Bro. W. H. Macey, P.M., as Senior
Warden, and Bro. J.P. Lucas, P.M. as Junior Warden. Bro. Rev. H. E. Ensor, who had travelled all the way
from Kaikoura with little or no time for rest, officiated as Chaplain ; Bro. J. Brown, S.W., made an efficient
Director of Ceremonies, and W. Bro. C. H. Ogilvie, P.M., was organist. After the Lodge had been opened,
and prayer offered, the hymn, " Hail Universal Lord," was rendered, and then came the oration by the
Presiding Officer.

THE OPENING ORATION.
"Brethren,—We are assembled on the present occasion for the purpose of consecrating and dedicating a new
Lodge room, and I have been requested to act as presiding officer, and perform the requisite ceremony.
Before doing so, however, I will say a few words on the nature and origin of our ancient institution, together
with the reason for our meeting here to-day. Institutions, whether religious, moral, or civil, if not founded on
the strictest rules of propriety, must soon decay, and sink into oblivion. From their perpetuity we necessarily
distinguish their propriety. From this argument we may justly claim that, our society is based upon the purest
principles, as it has existed from time immemorial and continued through innumerable ages. We are not to
search for our antiquity in the mythology of Greece and Rome—we go back into remoter ages. Religion was
the original and constituent principle, and the search after a Deity the cause of the existence of Masonry. Our
predecessors searched for the Divine essence in the wonders displayed on the face of nature, and discovered

supreme wisdom in the order of the universe—in the stellar system they traced the power, in the seasons and
their changes the bounty, and in animal life the benevolence of a Superlative Being, and concluded that all
the wonders daily displayed to the eye of man were maintained by His superintendency. It was from such
convictions men began to class themselves into religious societies. The natural wants and, infirmities of
human life were soon discovered, and the necessity for mutual aid became the immediate result, the awe of
the Deity, and desire for His approbation subdued their natural ferocity ; and the humane, the virtuous, and
the benevolent were held up to respect. It is admitted that the only natural consequence which could ensue,
whilst men were looking up to the Divinity through His works, was to conclude that the sun was the region
where, in celestial, glory, the Deity reposed. We discover in the Ammonian and Egyptian rites the most
perfect remains of those originals to which our society refers. We are told that they esteemed the soul of man
to be an emanation of the Supreme Being, and a spirit detached from the seraphic bands which filled the
solar mansions and surrounded the throne of Majesty. They looked up to this grand luminary as the native
realm from whence they were sent on this earthly pilgrimage, and to which they should in the end return. The
figure of the sun was at once a memorial of their divine origin, a badge of the religious faith they professed,
and a monitor of those principles which should conduct and ensure their restoration. Therefore, brethren, the
figure of the sun has ever been among the most important of the symbols depicted in our Lodges. It was the
custom in remote antiquity to consecrate and devote to the service of the Deity places and altars, and this
practice has been, handed down to the present day. We are told by authors of undoubted authority that the
Germans and Scandinavians in very early ages received the Ammonian rites. The Ammonians possessed all
the borders of the Mediterranean, and the Phoenicians, their allies, gained access to Britain. Among the many
tribes of the Ammonians which spread themselves abroad, were a people descended from the sons of Anak,
who were particularly famous for architecture, which, according to Herodotus, they introduced into Greece.
In all parts whither they came they erected noble structures, eminent for their beauty and splendour, which
they dedicated to the Deity. Wherever they settled they were remarkable for their superiority in science and
their skill in building. Hence was originated the society of Masons who built King Solomon's Temple, and
who passed through Europe erecting monasteries, altars, and cathedrals, which in all cases, as I have stated,
were dedicated to the Deity. To-day we follow the ancient custom by dedicating this hall to God and to the
honour of Masonry. Our best attachments are due to the Craft. In its prosperity we find our joy, and in paying
it honour we honour ourselves. But its worth transcends our encomiums, and its glory will outsound our
praise. Brethren, it is our pride that we have our names on the records of Masonry. May it be our high
ambition that they should shed a lustre on its immortal page. This hall is also to be dedicated to Virtue. This
worthy appropriation will always be duly regarded when the moral duties which our sublime lectures
inculcate are cherished in our hearts and illustrated in our lives. As Freemasonry aims to enliven the spirit of
philanthrophy, and promote the cause of charity, so we dedicate this hall to Universal Benevolence, in the
assurance that every brother will dedicate his affections and his abilities to the same generous purpose ; that
while he displays a warm and cordial affection to those who are of the fraternity, he will extend his
benevolent regards and good wishes to the whole of mankind. Such, my brethren, is the significant meaning
of the solemn rites we are about to perform, because such are the peculiar duties of every Lodge. I need not
enlarge upon them now, nor show how they diverge from the centre like the rays from that grand luminary
the sun, to enlighten, to improve, and to cheer the whole circle of life. Their import and their application is
familiar to you all, and in their knowledge and their exercise may you fulfil the high purposes of Masonry."

After the anthem, the presiding officer then gave the invocation, and the Chaplain read from 2 Chronicles,
chapter ii., 1-16. The symbolic scattering of corn was performed by the presiding officer dedicating the
Lodge to Masonry, the pouring of wine by the S.W., dedicating the Lodge to Virtue, and the sprinkling of oil
by the J. W., dedicating it to Universal Benevolence. The Grand dedication by the Chaplain, accompanied by
the burning of incense, was followed by the dedicatory prayer, and then Addison's beautiful hymn, "The
Gracious Firmament on High," was sung. After the patriarchal benediction the Lodge was reduced, and the
brethren formed in procession and marched to the Church of The Nativity, where Bro. the Rev. H. E. Ensor
preached from Acts vii., "Sirs, ye are my brethren, why do ye wrong one to another."

In the evening about forty couples attended the Masonic ball in the drill shed. The number present was not as
large as might have been expected, owing to counter attractions, but all present enjoyed themselves.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

FACTS ARE STUBBORN THINGS.

December, 1888.—First meeting in Wellington to discuss desirability of forming a Grand Lodge.

January 2nd, 1889.—Brethren of Lodge of Otago, 844, E.G., and others decided to call a meeting to discuss
the desirability of forming a Grand Lodge. January 8th.—D.G. Master, Bro. Thomas Sherlock Graham saw
no objection to the meeting ; the movement had his sympathy ; would like to see draft of circular.

January 10th.—Draft of circular submitted to D.G.M. and approved.

January 14th.—Meeting postponed till 29th March to suit convenience of Bro. Henry Neill, D.G. Sec., S.C.

January 16th.—Requisition calling meeting had 79 signatures at this date ; all Dunedin brethren :
3 W.Ms. 18 P.Ms. 4 S.Ws. 2 J.Ws. 16 M. Ms. = 43 E C.
4 " 10 " 2 " 3 " 12 " = 31 S.C.
1 " 2 " 1 " 1 " 1 " = 5 I.C.

Totals— 8 W.Ms. 30 P.Ms. 7 S.Ws. 6 J.Ws. 28 M.Ms. = 79

January 18th.--Circulars sent to D.G.M., who condemned the whole issue (2000, costing £6 10s). They were
burned.

January 21st.—2000 c rcudrafted another lars (copy of draft ofaD.G.M's.) issued to 20 Scotch Lodges, 16
English Lodges, 2 Irish Lodges, within the Districts of Otago and Southland, and New Zealand South.

February 6th.—Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C.. agreed on the motion of Bro. Sydney James, D.G. Secretary, to
receive circular re Grand Lodge. March 6th.—D.G. Master, E.C. issued circular, forbidding Worshipful
Masters in his jurisdiction from alluding to or discussing circular re Grand Lodge.

March 29th.—200 Masons met at Dunedin to discuss advisability of forming Grand Lodge ; the 38 Lodges
of the three Constitutions in the District being represented either personally or by proxy. D.G. Secretary Bro.
Sydney James presided, and in his opening remarks said :—” In taking the chair, holding, as I do, the
position of D.G. Secretary under the E.C. in this province, brethren may charge me with disloyalty to my
chief and the Grand Lodge of England. To this I reply that I sit here on this occasion simply as P.M, Bro.
James, and you, brethren, have placed me in this position, simply because I happen to be about the oldest
Freemason present and the senior P.M. in the District ; and even should it be stated that I and other Grand
Lodge officers present cannot disconnect ourselves from our dual position, I answer them in the words of
Bro. Addison of South Australia :—' As regards D.G.L. officers taking part in our proceedings, the result of
which might restrict or reduce the influence of the English Constitution in South Australia, I have given that
subject consideration. I hold that the D.G. Lodge is but the aggregate of the representatives of the blue
Lodges, and, therefore, if it is improper for D.G.L. officers to act with us, it is also improper for blue Lodge
officers to take part in our proceedings ; but that cannot be, as it is well known that three or more Lodges
must co-operate to form a Grand Lodge ; and we also know that it is not improper to form Grand Lodges in
accordance with Masonic precedent, therefore it is not wrong for D.G.L. officers to take part in discussing
the subject of the formation of a Grand Lodge ; and as regards myself, I may state that my chief has no
objection to my presiding on this occasion. Brethren, I think I have now shown you clearly that all Masons,
whatever their standing, have a perfect right to discuss this question. I hold very strong opinions as to where
it may or may not be discussed ; if it is wrong, the subject cannot be discussed at all ; if it is right, it can be
discussed at any meeting of Freemasons." Meeting affirmed desirability of forming a Grand Lodge by 334
votes to 24 votes against, and the meeting formed themselves into a union to carry out the principle.

March 30th.—District Grand Masters officially informed by letter of the result of the meeting. Figures
accompanied letters, showing that 281 brethren, besides those present, considered it desirable to have a
Grand Lodge :

7 W.Ms. 33 P.Ms. 101 M.Ms. 1 E.A. = 142 E C•
9 " 25 " 97 " 2 " = 133 S C.
1 " 2 " 3 " = 6 I.C.

17 W.Ms. 60 P.Ms. 201 M.Ms. 3 E.A. = 281
Adding those who signed
Requisition .. 8 " 30 " 41 " = 79 .
Grand Total ... . 25 W.Ms. 90 P.Ms. 242 M.Ms. 3 E.A. = 360

April 3rd.—D.G. Master, E.C., wrote Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C., stating that he had been informed that the
W.M. permitted discussion on Grand Lodge when Lodge called off from labour, and forbidding any such
discussion while brethren remained clothed, and if any notice of such discussion appeared on the minutes
they were to be expunged.

Lodge appointed deputation to wait on D.G.M. W. M. gave notice of motion to appoint delegates to the
Convention in Wellington for the purpose of constituting Grand Lodge. Delegates to have power to tender
Lodge's allegiance, and to agree to basis of Union. Copies of notice to be sent to D.G.M.

April 6th.—First meeting of the Dunedin Branch of the Masonic Union. Bro. Sydney James, D.G. Secretary,
E.C., was appointed chairman. It was decided to ask D.G.M., E.C., to withdraw his circular forbidding
discussion on Grand Lodge in open Lodge.

April 15th.—Union met again. D. G. M. wrote that he could not see his way to comply with the request.
A deputation was appointed to wait on D.G.M.

April 16th.—Deputation saw D. G.M., who promised to reconsider the matter, and would give his answer
next day.

April 17th.—D.G.M. told deputation he had cancelled the objectionable circular, and would allow Lodges to
discuss the question, and appoint delegates to constitute Grand Lodge.

May 1st.—Meeting of Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C., fifty-one brethren present, The W.M. proposed his
previous notice of motion, it was seconded by Bro. T. A. Peterkin, President of the Board of General
Purposes, and spoken to by numerous brethren, including Bro. Sydney James, D.G. Secretary. The vote was
taken individually, and the motion to join the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was carried unanimously. The
following Delegates were appointed to proceed to Wellington to take part in constituting the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand, and to tender the Lodge of Otago’’s allegiance

Bro. P. G. DE RENZY, W.M.
Bro. A. J. BARTH, S. W.
Bro. REV. W. RONALDSON, P.M. and Secretary.
Bro. DR. FITCHETT, M.H.R.
Bro. MCGREGOR WRIGHT.

The Lodge also thanked the D.G.M. for cancelling his former circular.

June 1st.—The following letter appeared in the N.Z. Masonic Journal of this date :

To the Editor of the New Zealand Masonic Journal.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—In Bro. Neill's letter in your last issue he states that the brethren have no right
to discuss the question of a United Grand Lodge .in open Lodge.

I am an old Mason, and claim to be as loyal to the powers that be as Bro. Neill or any brother in existence,
and in my opening remarks at the meeting in Freemasons' Hall I attempted to show that there was no
disloyalty in discussing the question anywhere.

The District Grand Master of the E.C. having allowed discussion on the subject in open Lodge is in itself an
answer to Bro. Neill.—I am, &c.,

SYDNEY JAMES, P.M.

June 5th. — Lodge of Otago received letter from D.G.M., thanking the brethren for the resolution passed at
the last meeting. June 29th.—The following advertisement appeared in the Dunedin papers :

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

HE MEMBERS of the Masonic Union, Dunedin Branch, are requested to Meet in the Masonic Hall on
MONDAY, the 1st July, at 8 p.m.

BUSINESS : .
To Appoint Three Delegates from the Union to a Preliminary Convention in Wellington.
To Consider the Proposal of Calling the General Convention in September.
And to Consider the following :—” That the Grand Lodge of New Zealand be Proclaimed, and the
Grand Master Installed in Dunedin by His Excellency Lord Carrington, Grand Master of the United
Grand Lodge of New South Wales, after the opening of the Dunedin Exhibition.

T. G. DE RENZY.

July 1st.—Bro. Sydney James, D.G. Secretary, P.D.D.G.M., Chairman of the Union, refused to attend the
meeting on the grounds that the Central Executive in Wellington had no right to dictate the business to the
Dunedin Branch.

The meeting was adjourned for a fortnight in consequence of the members of three Scotch Lodges, who had
refused to join, now claiming a vote in the business.

The Acting Chairman ruled that every Mason, whether in favour of a Grand Lodge or not, was a member of
the Union, and in consequence of such ruling the Hon. Sec., Bro. De Renzy, resigned his position.

July 3rd.—The Lodge of Otago passed a resolution congratulating the D.G. Secretary, Bro. Sydney James,
upon the confirmation, by His Royal Highness the Grand Master, of the rank of Past Deputy District Grand
Master, which had been conferred upon him in the first instance by the D.G.M. in mistake.

The D.G.M. was present, and congratulated the Lodge on the work done, and heartily wished success to the
Lodge of Otago.

July 15th.—The adjourned meeting of the Masonic Union, Dunedin Branch, took place. Bro. Sydney James,
D.G. Secretary, P.D.D.G.M., in the chair. Bro. Henry Neill, D.G. Secretary, S.C., proposed, and Bro.
Galloway, D.G. Registrar, E.C., seconded—" That Bro. De Renzy be again asked to fill the position of Hon.
Sec." The motion was carried unanimously.

The Hon. Sec. then informed the Chairman that he had several letters and telegrams from the Central
Executive at Wellington. Would he read them?' Bro. James refused his consent. After a good deal of
discussion the two following motions, proposed by Bro. Robert Stout, and seconded by Bro. James Gore,
D.D.G.M., S.C., were carried :—" That in the opinion of this meeting, before any delegates are appointed to
consider the propriety of establishing a Grand Lodge in New Zealand, the basis of the proposed Grand Lodge
should be published, and fully discussed by the brethren ;' and " (a) That the following brethren — viz., Bros.
James, Cherrie, Neill, Peterkin, De Renzy, Jeffrey, Gallaway, Nees, McNicoll, Wishart, and Ronaldson, with
power to add to their number—should be appointed to frame a basis of union for the Grand Lodge, and to
report to another meeting to be called by Bro. James ; (b) that the Wellington Executive be invited to submit
their proposed basis." Bro. Jeffrey was appointed treasurer for the Masonic Union.

August 7th. - Circular read in the Lodge of Otago, calling the meeting of delegates to the Convention at
Wellington, on September 11th.

* * * *
Lodge St. John, 2102, E.C., Mosgiel, passed resolution in favour of Grand Lodge. The W.M., Bro. J. Spence,
asked Bro. De Renzy to represent the Lodge at the Convention, and promised to forward proper authority to
Wellington. Lodge thought it best to appoint two proxies, and sent letter to Bro. Sydney James, D.G.
Secretary, P.D.D.G.M., asking him to use his discretion in the appointment of the second proxy, but
suggested name of P.M. Bro. the Rev. W. Ronaldson. Bro. James did not forward the appointment, and has,
on several occasions, refused to hand over the appointment.

* * * *

September 11th, 12th.—Convention assembled at Wellington. The declaration and basis of union were
unanimously agreed to by the delegates.

T

October 2nd.—D.G.M. wrote to Lodge of Otago, asking by whose authority the delegates attended the
Convention. He requested the W.M. to call an emergency meeting before October 10th, and ordered the
W.M. to again take an individual vote on the question of remaining in allegiance to the Grand Lodge of
England, and pointing out that no allusion to, or discussion upon the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand
could be permitted in the Lodge.

October 9th.—Special meeting of Lodge of Otago took place. After considerable discussion, it was proposed
by Bro. Sydney James, D.G. Secretary, P.D.D.G.M., "that the letter from the D.G.M. be read."

It was proposed, seconded and carried (one voting against, Bro. James, and one declined to vote, Bro.
Hancock)-1. That the D.G. Master be informed that the delegates to the Masonic Convention were appointed
under the authority and seal of the Lodge, and in conformity with the letter received from the D. G. Master
on April 17th, and that the names of the delegates were Bros. Dr. Fitchett, A. J. Barth, S.W., McGregor
Wright, D.C. P.M. Rev. W. Ronaldson, and the then. W.M., Bro. De Renzy.

2. That the Lodge of Otago has not altered its views since May 1st, when the following resolution submitted
by the D.G.M. was carried unanimously: - Resolution, "That in the opinion of this Lodge it is desirable int
eh interests of Freemasonry that a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand should be
constituted with the assent of the majority of the Lodges now working in the colony under the Grand Lodges
of England, Ireland nad Scotland respectively. That this Lodge gives hereby gives its hearty support to the
furtherance of that object, and pledges itself that when a convention shall be summoned by the New Zealand
Masonic Union for the purposes of constituting such a Grand Lodge, it will appoint a delegate or delegates
with full authority to tender the allegiance of this Lodge to the United Grad Lodge of New Zealand, and to
vote at the election of the First Grand Master” And now declares that it will be prepared in due time to take
the steps which should logically follow.

November 6th.—Bro. James, D.G. Secretary, P.D.D.G.M., objected to the Lodge of Otago confirming the
minutes of the special meeting on October 9th. The minutes were confirmed. Bro. James then objected to the
letters of the D G.M. being read, as they were private communications to the W.M. The letters were read.
The D.G.M. wrote asking for the names of the proposer and seconder of the resolutions passed by the Lodge
at the special meeting on October 9th, and by whose authority the resolution had been forwarded to the daily
Press. D.G.M. was informed that it was with the consent and approval of the brethren that the resolutions
were sent to the daily Press, and that the Lodge declines to furnish the name of the proposer and seconder of
the resolutions. The Lodge decided not to take the vote of the members at once, as requested to by the
D.G.M., but agreed to place it upon the business paper for the next meeting. The Lodge considered it would
not be fair to absent members if they received no notice of the business to be transacted. Bro. Sydney James,
U.G. Secretary, P.D.D.G.M., then requested all those who desired to remain in allegiance to the Grand Lodge
of England to stand up in order that he might take down their names, and forward them to the R. W.D.G.M.
The brethren protested against this, and refused the request. The W.M. informed Bro. James that he sustained
the objection of the brethren.

December 4th.—The W.M. of the Lodge of Otago informed the brethren that he had instructed the Secretary
to write to the D.G.M. respecting Bro. James' action at the last meeting, but that up the present he had not
deigned to reply

December, 1889, or January, 1890.—D.G. Master sent D.G. Secretary to interview Lord Onslow. D.G.
Secretary has said that the result of that visit was the refusal of the Grand Mastership by His Excellency.

January 24th, 1890.—Conference of District and Provincial Grand Masters in Dunedin.

January 25th.—Masonic Hall engaged for Bro. Gillon's lecture on the "Benefits of a Grand Lodge," for the
27th.

January 27th.—Chairman of Directors, Bro. Thomas Sherlock Graham,. D.G.M., E.C., refused at 4.30 p.m.
to allow lecture to take place, on the ground that hall had not been properly engaged. Caretaker had
instructions at 10 o'clock in the morning to refuse admission to hall at night. City Hall engaged, and lecture
given.

February 5th.-Lodge of Otago gave notice of motion to leave Masonic Hall. March 5th.—D.G. Master wrote
Lodge of Otago that they could not leave hall without his consent.

March 14th. — D.G. Master issued circular again allowing discussion on Grand Lodge of New Zealand to
take place, providing—" 1. That full publicity be given by circular to each member of the Lodge of the
subject to be considered. 2. That you let the Lodge distinctly understand that any majority in voting only
affects a resolution of the Lodge. The minority (not less than three members), can, of course, retain the
warrant and property of the Lodge."

April 2nd.—Lodge of Otago carried individually, unanimously, and with acclamation, the resolution to join
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

April 26th.—The D.G. Secretary, Bro. Sydney James, asked the D.G. Treasurer, Bro. De Renzy, to sign a
dozen blank cheques before he left for Christchurch to take part in the opening of the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand. The request was declined.

April 29th.–The Grand Master of New Zealand was elected.

April 30th.—Ten Past Masters excommunicated for taking part (by news-paper report) in election of Grand
Master, although a distinct pledge was given by Bro. Graham, D.G.M., E.C., before the brethren left for
Christchurch that no action would be taken till he heard from England. Letter sent to W.M., Lodge of Otago
by D.G. Secretary informing him that he had seized property of Lodge by command of D.G. Master (who
happens to be also Chairman of Directors of Masonic Hall Company).

Notice sent to excommunicated brethren that their names are removed from office in and membership of the
District Grand Lodge.

April 30th.—Grand Lodge of New Zealand opened in Christchurch.

May 6th.—The W.M., Lodge of Otago, wrote to the D.G.M. protesting against the property of the Lodge
being seized, and asking that it be restored. The following was the D.G. Master's reply : -

" 7, Princes Street, May 6th, 1890.
"Mr A. J. Barth, Elder Street.
"DEAR SIR,—A letter of this date was left in my office to-day, about 3 o'clock, bearing your signature,
which was evidently intended to be rude. I, therefore, did not peruse it further, and accordingly return it
herewith.

"After all the trouble I have taken with you personally, I am sorry indeed to see you so lower yourself, and
forget the common courtesy of life.

" Yours truly,
" T. S. GRAHAM."

May 7th.—The brethren of the Lodge of Otago, upon assembling at the Dunedin Masonic Hall, found the
outside gate locked, and the caretaker informed the brethren that the keys had been taken away from him by
the Chairman of Directors, Bro. T. S. Graham.

May 8th.—Lodge of Otago met at the Oddfellows' Hall, Rattray street. The Treasurer reported that there was
£1 17s 6d in the bank, which constituted the .only thing the brethren had not been deprived of by the D.G.M.
of the English Constitution.

June 4th.—"Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C.," met at the Masonic Hall, Dunedin. The advertisement calling the
meeting was signed by Bro. Robert Bonifield, P.M., acting W.M.

June 9th.—Lodge of Otago, N.Z.C., met at the Oddfellows' Hall, Rattray street.

June 30th.—Lodge L'Amour de la Vérité, holding under the Grand Orient of France, formally opened by
Bro. Sir Robert Stout, D.D.G.M., O. and S., E.C.

July 28th. –Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, held at Wellington. Resolutions passed declaring the
Lodge at Wellington, holding under the Grand Orient of France, to be an irregular body undeserving
recognition.

September 3rd.—Bro. McVilley elected Master of the " Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C."

September 8th.—Bro. C. J. Ronaldson elected Master of the Lodge of Otago, N.Z.C.

October 1st—Bro. McVilley installed by Bro. T. S. Graham as W.M. of the "Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C.,"
Bro. Sir Robert Stout being present as D.D.G. Master.

October 11th. — The following advertisement appeared in the Dunedin phpers

BRETHREN Belonging to the English and Scotch Constitu-
tions are hereby Cautioned Not To Attend any of the
Meetings of the so called Grand Lodge of New Zealand, to be
held on 13th and 14th inst., as advertised by Bros. A. H.
Barton and Geo. W Williams.

By order of the R. W.D.G. M.'s.
SYDNEY JAMES, D.G.S., E.C.
HENRY NEILL, D.G.S., S.C.

October 13th.—The advertisement was altered to the following :—
A S 0 N I C

DISTRICT GRAND LODGES OF OTAGO AND
SOUTHLAND, E.C. AND S.C.

ALL BRETHREN holding under these Constitutions are hereby STRICTLY CAUTIONED AGAINST
ATTENDING the MEETINGS called for the 13th and 14th inst., by a body of persons styling
themselves Members of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand Free and Accepted Masons.

By order of the Right Worshipful District Grand Masters, E.C. and S.C., Otago and Southland.
SYDNEY JAMES,

D.G. Secretary, E.G.;
HENRY NEILL,

D.G. Secretary, S.C.

October 13th.—Ordinary meeting of the Lodge of Otago.

October 14th.—Bro. C. J. Ronaldson installed by the Grand Master of New Zealand as W.M. of the Lodge of
Otago.

October 14th.—Banquet held in honour of the event, at which it was shown that the circular issued by the
two District Grand Secretaries by command of their District Grand Masters, was false. The list declared that
the information supplied was correct up to the 1st of October, 1890, and was issued for the information of
Freemasons throughout New Zealand as being perfectly reliable. It showed 96 Lodges still "loyal" and 52
that had "seceded' (?) R.W. Bro. A. H. Burton, Grand Superintendent of Otago, speaking on this question,
said : "Among the Lodges that still were said to remain `loyal' was the Lodge of Otago, 844, and when he
turned to the Lodges that had seceded, he looked for the Lodge in which their W.M. had been installed that
evening, and sure enough it was not there. Why, the Lodge of Otago had, by resolution, decided for the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, not by any ordinary vote, for every brother got up in his place and said, `I
support that resolution.' That meant secession, if there was any possible way of performing it, or any
meaning in the English language. Lodge Hercules was also declared to remain faithful and true. Was that

M

true ? The W.M. of the Lodge referred to : 'It is a lie.'—(Laughter and applause) Lodge Fortitude, Bluff, was
another on the list. What did its representative say.? (The W.M. here rose in his seat, and said that the
statement was not true.) And Bro. Meek would say whether it was true that Lodge St. Andrew of Wellington
remained loyal'. (Bro. Meek : ` It is not true.') Then, in regard to Lodge Manawatu at Palmerston North,
Lodge Abercorn at Gisborne, Lodge Ngamotu of New' Plymouth, and Lodge Advance of Brunnerton, the
Grand Secretary would tell them that the statement was not true. (The Grand Secretary here rose and
affirmed the speaker's statement.) Of Lodge St. Andrew and Ara of Auckland it was equally, with Lodge
Otago, false to say that they remained loyal. He thought that he had made out a tolerably strong indictment
against those who were opposed to the New Zealand Constitution. But he could go further, and speak of
Lodge Aparima of Riverton, Lodge Hiram of Caversham, Lodge Harvey of Gore, Lodge St. John of
Invercargill, Lodge Victoria of Invercargill, Lodge Taringatura of Lumsden, and others, who were on the
balance and only held from coming over by the pig-headedness of a few brethren ; and there were about
eleven others of whom it would be judicious not to speak at present further than to say that they were New
Zealand Constitution at heart."—(Applause,)

October 28th.—Bro. Sir Robert Stout, W.M. Lodge L'Amour de la Vérité, Wellington, holding under the
Grand Orient of France, appeared at a Masonic funeral in the regalia of District Deputy Grand Master,
English Constitution.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

HOW TESTIMONIALS USED TO BE GOT UP.

A Conversation. Time : A long while ago; say—a quarter of a century. Place: A long way of ; say—
Mongonui, in the far North. Persons: " A." a Past Noble Grand of the Ancient Order of Free Carpenters;
and " Z." a Past Noble Grand of the Independent Order of Free Joiners.
Z. Why, old fellow, what's amiss? You look down upon your luck !
A. Oh ! do I ? Well, no wonder ! You remember I told you I was working the testimonial racket?
Z. Yes ; I remember well enough. Didn't it gee ? Didn't you get it up ?
A. Of course I got it up; made a grand success of it, too. But I wish I had never touched the darned thing.
(With great heat) I do hate ingratitude !
Z. (Soothingly) Naturally Well, old fellow, tell us all about it.
A. (Confidentially) So I will ; but (dubiously) we were all cautioned by the Right Wonderful Chief Jack
Plane not to hold any communication with you fellows ; not to nod to you in the street ; and to return
unopened any letters you might address to us, unless you could assure us that there was nothing in them
about Free Carpentry or Free Joinery.
Z. Eh ? Stop ! How on earth could we assure you about that if you never opened our letters ?
A. (Impatiently) Oh, I don't know ; but those were the orders. We were also told that it was the proper thing
to seize all your tool baskets and tool chests, and convert them to our own use.
Z. That's rather shady morality, isn't it? But tell us your grievance.
A. Well, you remember that picnic your folks had, when a lot of you pitched into two of our noble cousins—
the Rather Wonderful Pen and Pencil Bearers ?
Z. Remember ? I should think I do remember ! But, mind you this,—your precious Rather Wonderful Pen
and Pencil Bearers were not "pitched into" (as you call it) half enough. Didn't they put forth a set of plans
and specifications that were so utterly wrong as to be no better than a swindle ? And didn't one of these
Rather Wonderful Pen and Pencil Bearers do all he knew to start our Independent Order of Free Joiners, and
declare that be wanted to do away with the antiquated Free Carpenters ; and then, when he had committed
his cousins all round him to the new departure, didn't he in a most cowardly way back out, and return to the
old set? ` Pitched into " indeed ! I can tell you they were let off! But I am interrupting your tale. Go on !
A. Well, soon after your picnic, the Somewhat Wonderful Chief Chisel came to me, and asked me if I would
go round to all the Most Wonderful, the Rather Wonderful, and the Somewhat Wonderful Cousins-and get
them to sign a testimonial of respect to the two Pen and Pencil Bearers that you folks had so
terribly maligned. I replied that it wasn’t good enough, for those two cousins had done the very things they
were charged with. Said he, " Pooh !! that was only done ‘officially.’ You go round with the testimonial, and
work it up well, as you know how, and it will be a good thing for you ; for you will get so much for every
name appended.” Ah ! said I, “that’s a very different thing. Put it upon a business basisand I’m your man.”
So round I went, and got a lot of names. Some put their names down at once without reading, others took a
good deal of persuading ; and to some of these I would say. “You know it doesn’t commit you to anything,
and it will put money in my pocket.” That fetched them. Then I would say airily to another, " We are getting

up a little testimonial of respect to Rather Wonderful Cousins So-and-so (keeping out all debateable matter,
you twig?) I suppose I may put your name down?” “Oh ! I suppose so, he would reply ; and so down went
his name. I can tell you that there is a good deal of smartness wanted in the testimonial business.
Z. (Drily) Evidently !
A. Well, would you believe it? When the whole thing was over, and the testimonial had been presented, and
settling-up time came, the Somewhat Wonderful Chief Chisel knocked twenty-five per cent discount off my
bill ! Twenty-five per cent. ! Giving as excuses that the affair had cost a lot of money, and that one of the
Rather Wonderful Cousins had had to go round himself to cadge for signatures. I can tell you I have had
enough of such a mean crowd. Tell you what : I'll come over to your folks, blest if I don't.
Z. Hm ! I scarcely think that there would be any room amongst us for the exercise of your peculiar talents.
Bye-bye !

_______________________________________________________________________________________
LAYING FOUNDATION STONE AT NGAPARA.

AN interesting ceremony took place at Ngapara, Otago, on October 30th, when the foundation stone of the
new Freemasons Hall was officially laid by Bro. J. M'Lean, of Redcastle. The hall is a handsome structure
built of Oamaru stone, standing in an open space in full view of the township. The hall is already in an
advanced state towards completion, and will shortly be ready. Quite a number of members of Oamaru
Lodges journeyed to Ngapara to assist at the ceremonies. About 5 o'clock those assembled proceeded to the
Ngapara Public Hall, where the Lodge was opened. Over 50 brethren signed the appearance book, and the
procession, of 56 brethren, under the direction of Bro. Wansbrough, master of ceremonies, was formed
outside the hall, and marched to the scene of operations.

The officers of the Ngapara Lodge (N.Z.C.) are : Bro. M`Whirter, K.W.M. ; Bro. J. B. Taylor, Deputy
Master ; Bro. Thomas Hall, Substitute Master ; Bro. Webber, Senior Warden; Bro. G. Livingstone, Junior
Warden ; Bro. Howden, Treasurer ; Bro. J. Peat, Secretary ; Bro. T. Little, Senior Deacon ; Bro. H. Wilson,
Junior Deacon ; Bro. J. Macalister, Inner Guard ; Bro. R. Donegan, Tyler.

On arrival at the building the architect presented the plans of the building, which were approved by Bro. J.
McLean, who then delivered the customary oration.

The Secretary (Bro. Peat) then read the scroll containing an account of the inauguration of the Lodge, and the
ceremony of laying the foundation stone. The scroll was then deposited in a bottle with the coins, and placed
in the cavity of the foundation stone by the Treasurer. The builder having spread the cement, the stone was
lowered with three distinct stops. Junior Warden Bro. J. Macdonald then applied the plumb rule and declared
the stone to be plumb. Senior Warden Bro. O. Pinel applied the level, and declared the stone level, and W.M.
Bro. Hamilton applied the square and declared the stone duly and properly laid.

Bro. J. McLean having taken the mallet, tapped the stone three times, saying :—" Brethren— Having full
confidence in the skill of our royal art, it remains with me to finish the work, and may the Great Architect of
the Universe look down with favour upon our present undertaking, and crown the edifice of which we have
now laid the foundation with every success. I now declare this stone well, truly, and masonically laid."

Bro. E.G. Lane, Acting Secretary, sprinkled the corn upon the stone ;. P.M. Bro. Cathcart then poured wine
upon the stone; P.M. Bro. W. Grant then poured oil upon the stone.

Bro. J. McLean then delivered the following address :
"Gentlemen and brother Masons of Ngapara, —I have to congratulate you upon the event of this day's
proceedings. It shows that you intend that your town will have in it those social requirements that go to make
it atttractive for people to come and settle amongst you, and that a Masonic Lodge is one of those goes
without saying. Freemasonry is one of those moral systems which never change, it is the same to-day as it
was at its first institution ; there is no new variety. Other moral and religious systems sometimes change, and
occasionally new ones are adopted ; people also often change their religion. Freemasonry never changes.
You never hear of new varieties of it. Once a man becomes a Freemason it is not often you hear of him
seceding from it, showing that the tenets of it must be congenial to the minds of its professors. It is the least
obtrusive and assuming of all moral systems, and admits amongst its professors men of all creeds, nations,

and professions, within its Lodges. All, from the very highest to the humblest, are upon perfect equality, its
tenets being charity and brotherly feeling, and there are instances on record where men were found lying
dangerously wounded on the battle-field, and discovered by that peculiar grip of the hand to be Freemasons
by other Masons, who, at the risk of their own lives, rescued them from an untimely grave, and saved them
to be afterwards useful to their country. A system that will induce such actions as that must be worth
inculcating, and I have no doubt that this institution, the foundation of which we are here to-day laying, will
be the means of training up many such brave and generous men if occasion call for them.

“Your having done me the honour to ask me to-day to perform this very pleasing act must impress upon us
the wonderful rate at which the British nation is spreading over the globe. Only thirty-two years ago, when I
first crossed the Waitaki on my way to Dunedin, there were no towns or villages in all this beautiful country,
and the only sign of the town of Oamaru was a few bales of wool under a sail under the terrace waiting for
some small vessel to come and take them away. See what it has come to in that short space of time ; it is not
only a large, well-built town, but it has really reached the dimensions of a city ; and what your beautiful town
will be in thirty-two years hence would be difficult to say, at the rate of progress that we are making.

"Allow me now to thank you for the honour you have been pleased to do me in asking me to come and take
part with you in the very pleasant proceedings of the day, and I hope that our acquaintance thus so happily
commenced will continue to be equally pleasant."

The band then struck up the National Anthem, which was joined in by those present, and cheers were given
for the builders, the Ngapara Lodge, and Bro. J. McLean. The procession was then re-formed and returned to
the Public Hall, where the Lodge was closed.

A banquet was afterwards held, at which seventy-six brethren sat down to partake of the excellent repast
provided by Hostess Johnston.—Oamaru Mail.

WE have to thank several of the American Grand Lodges for reports of their proceedings. In time to come,
when we are able to increase the size of the CRAFTSMAN, we will show our readers how American Masonry
is carried on.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY AND OF INITIATION.

LETTER TO A BRO. PAST MASTER.

IT is worthy of careful observation that the murder of Huram Ab is said to have been accomplished by three
distinct blows, given by three separate individuals, and that the raising of his body was effected likewise, by
three separate individuals making three separate and distinct efforts. We now commence our .allegory :--
Osiris, having in his journey through the world, passed a promontory called the Autumnal Equinox, felt a
weakness come over him from fatigue, and on looking about for a suitable place to rest himself found
himself suddenly accosted by a highwayman, well known as Saggitarius or October, who demanded his
money or his life. Osiris refused to hand over his purse and began to expostulate, when the robber cut him
short with a blow. Osiris then turned and fled, but only to fall into the arms of another of the gang, called
Capricornus or November, with whom he had a violent struggle, receiving in the scuffle another violent
blow. However he managed to shake him off and escape, though growing weaker from his injuries every
moment. But his misforthnes were not over, for he was pursued by the captain of the gang, who soon
overtook him. This man was a treacherous villain called December, who professed to get his living by water-
carrying, but was a most merciless wretch, who haunted the roads especially on dark, winter nights. Osiris
could now make but feeble or no resistance, and a blow on the head laid him lifeless at the scoundrel's feet. It
was December 21st ; Osiris, alas, was dead, and all creation seemed to grieve and languish. The trees were
stripped of leaves and the meadows of verdure, and the very cattle seemed to low mournfully, as, lacking
sufficient food, they dragged themselves wearily along. The wife of Osiris then, at once, with the instinct of
affection, that something dreadful had happened, sent out search parties immediately. Many days were spent
in fruitless search, in fact from the time of the murder to the time the body was found was exactly ninety
days, as it was found on March 21st.

There were evidences that the party were near a spot for some weeks before the body was really discovered,
because the land of the neighbourhood had been ploughed and dug up, and a good deal of fresh planting had
been going on. In fact, many people did not quite believe that he was dead at all, and hoped he would come
amongst them again in spring—as he had done before. Some of the search party took the digging to mean
that Osiris really WAS there and superintending ; and, at last, after looking in all directions, they were
shocked at finding his body, bearing evidences of violence and thrown into the fresh dug earth. They did not
then know that it had been dead for three months, nor could they judge by its condition that such was the
case. Neither did Osiris appear to be in a trance. There was a faint flush on the features, and the state of the
body, beyond the marks of violence, was perfect. One of the party, in some trepidation, stepped forward,
and, taking the monarch gently by the hand, tried to help him up. The name of this person was Geminus, or
April. He could not do much, for his hands were cold and he was trembling ; but the body yielded to the pull,
and was just raised thirty degrees from the ground, when Geminus, who had become exhausted, beckoned to
Cancer, or May, and slipped the monarch's hand into the fresher, warmer grasp of his friend. The party are
now becoming excited, and called out to Cancer to take "a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether," as
they say at sea, when, using all his strength, he managed to raise the body another thirty degrees, so that it
was now at angle of sixty. " Is that all, • 0, Cancer ? " they said, and started back, for a lion had leaped
amongst them. One stroke from the terrible paw, and Osiris was in a grip which would not slacken ; the
claws had entered into the sinews, blood was flowing, and the body was evidently alive. Steady, thou
monarch of the forest ! tear not this king of men, and perhaps thy roughness and strength may save his life.
Leo draws Osiris to him till he is upright, and leans against the brawny chest of the mighty beast. He is alive,
but dazed. It is the 21st of June. Two or three days to recover, and he stands alone. Hurrah ! he is visibly
moving ; let us sit down and be glad. " Why are ye rejoicing, ye heathen Freemasons ? and whose festival is
this?" "Stranger, knowest thou not that the great Osiris has arisen to his full height ? that he is now marching
in the pride of his strength, and might, and majesty ? Knowest thou not that it is he who clothes the fields
with beauty, and who ripens the fruits of the earth ? that it is he who dries up the pestil.-nce, and fills our
hearts with joy and our tongues with praise? It is fitting that we should rejoice together and pay adoration to
our glorious King."

Thousands of years roll on in their courses,
" The Roman Empire has begun and ended ;
New worlds have risen ; we have lost old nations ;
And countless kings have into dust been humbled,"

whilst the festival still holds its own.

Why are ye rejoicing, ye Christian Freemasons? Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known
the things which are come to pass there in these clays ?—(Luke xxiv., 18). What things? Knowest than not
that this is the festival of St. John the Baptist ? of him who came to bear witness of the Light ?—(John i., 7)
of him who came to proclaim .that HE was come into the world who is called the Lion of the tribe of
Judah?—(Rev. v., 5.) It is the festival of him who came to declare that the words of the Prophet were
fulfilled, where he says the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings —(Malachi iv., 2).

We now close Findel's " History of Freemasonry," which, out of deference to you as its owner, we have, as
you have no doubt observed, treated with the greatest tenderness and delicacy. We now open " The History
of Initiations," by Dr. Oliver, which we intend to treat in the same way.

No one has insisted more than Dr. Oliver on the antiquity of the institution of Freemasonry in its religious
aspect ; and in order to illustrate its progress he has written much about the heathen mysteries. He would like
to trace Free-masonry downwards without their help ; but as he cannot do so, he leaves a huge gap or gulph,
which he persistently refuses to face ; or else he proves more than he intended, and then utters protests,
disclaimers and denials, and then is led away by his subject again.

Early in this book he very reasonably concludes that readers of it may be led to the opinion that in tracing the
history of Freemasonry, they must recognise some land-marks as derived from the mysteries ; and so he
fortifies himself with a disclaimer at once, to which he can point and refer, and having done this he goes on
with a clear conscience towards the city of destruction, leaving his disclaimer to stand by itself, alone and
unsupported, like the pillar of salt.

(To be concluded in our next.)

______________________________________________________________________________________

THERE is some talk of re-numbering the Lodges on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England. Lodges were
renumbered in 1814, 1832, and 1863.

From a letter which appears in the London Freemason of September 6th, re "Grand Lodge of New Zealand,"
by Bro. W. J. Hughan, it appears that Bro. T. S. Graham, Dist. G.M., Otago and Southland, E.G., has been
writing to the Grand Lodge of England, and "has correctly represented the feelings of a great number of the
brethren on the subject, and your (the Freemason's) support of his action will give him a powerful aid." Bro.
Hughan goes on to say that Rule 219 cannot possibly apply, and says that "I conceive that there are no three
members of the Lodge to be considered, when the resolution to secede has been agreed to and confirmed
under present rules." He suggests that it would be well to alter the Book of Constitutions, providing for three-
fourths of all the members on the roll of a Lodge agreeing to secession before it can be consummated.

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 R W Bro E T GILLON, PDGM (acting) .

Senior Grand Warden ... R W Bro H FELDWICK, MHR, Invercargill.
Junior Grand Warden R W Bro D H MACARTHUR, MHR, Feilding.
Grand Chaplains } V W Bro the Rev W E PAIGE, Masterton.

} (One to be appointed).
Grand Treasurer ... ... V W Bro A 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 Rev WILLIAM RONALDSON. Address : St.

Augustine Masonic Hall, 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.
GrandSuperintendentof 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 R 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 CRUMP, Palmerston South.
{ W Bro C BRAY, Feilding.
{ W Bro GEO. S DALRYMPLE, 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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MARK MASTERS.
LODGE HIRAM (late No. 272, E.C.)

(Under the protection of, and attached to, the Lodge of Otago, holding under the
Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand).

Founded in 1881, meets at the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart Street, Dunedin, on the fourth Wednesday in each
month, at 7.30 p.m.

W M M Bro A J BARTH.
S W ,,, ... Bro H A REYNOLDS.
J W ... ... Bro HUGO LIPPERT.
Secretary ... ... Bro T G DE RENZY, PMM, Box 322, P.O., Dunedin.
Treasurer ... ... Bro A H BURTON, P.M.M.

Superintendents of the Mark Degree
Auckland... ... W Bro
Wellington ... ... W Bro W J MEEK, Past Grand Pursuivant Grand Lodge of

Mark Masters of England and Wales, Cuba Street,
Wellington.

Canterbury ... ... W Bro Rev W RONALDSON, PMM, St. Augustine
Masonic Hall, Christchurch.

Southland ... ... W Bro W H HALL, PMM, Invercargill.

Lodge Hiram Mark Master Masons,—by its Warrant of Constitution,—is authorised to exercise all the
powers of an independent body, until such time as a Grand Lodge is formed claiming Sovereign jurisdiction
over Lodges working the Mark Degree in the Colony of New Zealand. The Worshipful Master, Officers, and
Members of this Lodge are therefore empowered to issue Warrants to Members of Craft Lodges authorising
them to meet and work the Mark Degree, subject to the By-laws and Constitution of this Lodge; providing
they place themselves (as a Lodge) under the protection of, and attach themselves to, Craft Lodges holding
under the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free, and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. The cost of such Warrant of
Constitution will be £2 2s., and the Mark Degree being by the " Basis of Union " recognised by the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand, no other clothing is required than that usually worn in Craft Lodges, save the
distinctive jewel of the Degree, which the Secretary can supply, in silver, at 7s. 6d. each ; this jewel is
recognised by Lodges holding under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

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