THE
NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.

SUBSCRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, PAID IN ADVANCE.
BOOKED, 10s. PER ANNUM.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
VOL. II.—No. 2.] DECEMBER 16, 1890. A.D., 1890; A.L 5890; A.M., 5651; A. In., 2420.

SUPERINTENDENT OF SOUTHLAND.

RO. WILLIAM HORATIO HALL, Grand Superntendent (Southland
District) of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, is one of Invercargill's
oldest merchants, and was initiated in the Lodge Australia Felix, then
No. 474, E.C., Melbourne, in 1867. He arrived in Victoria from Boston,

U.S.A., in 1853, quite a lad, and spent the earlier years of his colonial life on
the goldfields of that colony. In 1868 he left Melbourne for Invercargill to
take part in the management of his firm—Ekensteen and Hall. BRO. HALL,
shortly after his arrival joined the Southern Cross Lodge, No.997, E.C., now
N.Z. Constitution. In 1882 he was appointed J.W., then S.W., and in 1884
was elected Master. In 1887 he was elected Treasurer, and has been
continuously re-elected. Through his careful supervision of the funds, Lodge
Southern Cross has passed successfully through the difficulties which are
almost inseparable from institutions which take part in the erection of such
handsome and substantial buildings as the Masonic Hall in Invercargill. On
the establishment of the Royal Arch Chapter in Invercargill, BRO. HALL was
one of the first Companions, and now holds the exalted position of Past Z.
BRO. HALL takes great interest in all matters affecting Masonry, and warmly

supports any object of Masonic charity, which he rightly considers the fundamental principle of the Order.
He was a consistent advocate for the establishment of the N.Z. Constitution, and never lost an opportunity of
showing the advantages which would accrue from a united Masonic brotherhood in New Zealand. Although
BRO. HALL has worthily filled several representative public positions, such as member of the Hospital
Committee, Municipal Councillor, &c. ; he has not attained those positions so much from popular speech as
from his recognised business qualifications and sound judgment ; and it is for these qualities, and as an
energetic worker that he is so highly esteemed. BRO. HALL is in the prime of life, and we trust there is a
long career of Masonic and public usefulness before him.

Since the above was written BRO. HALL has been elected Mayor of Invercargill by a majority of nearly
double that of the other candidate, and by the time this number of the CRAFTSMAN is in our readers' hands
he will have been installed. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand, we think, showed its wisdom by appointing a
gentleman of BRO. HALL'S well-known energy and business ability to the office of Superintendent. Hitherto,
men of ability and position have shunned N.Z. District Grand Lodge rank ;. simply to be the mouth-piece of
the District Grand Master, does not satisfy men of BRO. HALL'S stamp.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
BRO. LORD ONSLOW'S LETTER.

THE letter addressed by the Governor, BRO. THE EARL OF ONSLOW, to the Masters of all Lodges in the
Colony, outside the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, was a weighty utterance, and pregnant with meaning.
Weighty, not merely from the position and rank of the writer, but from the thorough grasp of the question
evinced, and from the true Masonic ring of the whole epistle. It is well to remember that our noble brother is
a Past Warden of the Grand Lodge of England, not ignorant, it may well be assumed, of the mind of the Most
Worshipful Grand Master, H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, and not likely to recommend a course that
would be distasteful to H.R.H., or to the Grand Lodge at large.

LORD ONSLOW'S object in writing is declared to be to put an end to " the dissensions which the conflict of
opinion in the Colony has caused among Masons," and which HIS EXCELLENCY has " witnessed with pain

and regret." And that object is to be attained—as HIS EXCELLENCY clearly realises—only by a union of all
Freemasons under the government of a sovereign Grand Lodge.

What then are the difficulties in the way of union ? They are mainly, we believe, of a sentimental character :
a somewhat vague feeling that the establishment of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand is an innovation, and that
it suggests disloyalty. Surely to state these objections is to refute them. What need be there of talk of
innovation, when a distinguished member of the Grand Lodge of England urges us on ? What room for even
a whisper of disloyalty, when the QUEEN'S representative is ready to put himself at our head ? It seems to us
that all reasonable objections are fully met and answered. There would be no innovation : there would be no
disloyalty. Besides, recognition would be gladly accorded ; and—best boon of all—true fraternal feeling
amongst us would be restored.

Should there still be doubters of the wisdom of complete union, let them read the speech of the M.W. the
Grand Master of New South Wales, BRO. LORD CARRINGTON, upon the occasion of the farewell
presentation to him ; and we think that the tribute he bears to the inestimable blessing that the setting up of
the Grand Lodge of New South Wales has been to the Craft there, and his testimony that the troubles of
Freemasonry "are over for evermore, and that nothing but peace and harmony will remain," must surely
remove the last tinge of scepticism.

Oh, brethren [we feel disposed to drop for the moment the Editorial style, and to assume the tone of
exhortation and apostrophe], let us embrace with avidity the opportunity now presented to us of healing up
our late unhappy differences ! Let us reassure an observant but puzzled world, and show that the course
along which so many earnest souls among us—taking either side of the question—have been of late
impelled, is no necessity of our principles, but is one which we entered upon with reluctance, and one which
we mean to traverse never again ! Let us, as with a common mind, so bear ourselves that when any one is
said to be a Mason, the world may have reason to expect an exemplification of the principles we profess.
Through such a speedy and complete union as HIS EXCELLENCY invites—nay, urges us to consummate—
we may build up our Masonic Temple in New Zealand to be a glory to our own age, and a wonder to those
that may follow us!
_______________________________________________________________________________________

ARTICLES 171, 204, AND 219, ENGLISH CONSTITUTIONS.

BELOW we give a copy of a letter sent by the Grand Secretary of England to BRO. P. CUNNINGHAM,
Deputy District Grand Master in charge of the Canterbury District. It is evidently the opinion of BRO. COL.
SHADWELL H. CLERKE that there was no occasion to have troubled the Grand Lodge as to the meaning of
rule 219, as he pointedly says that the "question as to the majority taking the Lodge over has already twice
been answered to the District Grand Master of Wellington." Surely now the nonsensical contention that a
minority of a Lodge, that has decided to go over to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, could retain the
Warrant will never be heard again ; and thus is removed the last barrier which has served to keep back those
twenty-six Lodges who appointed delegates to the Wellington Convention, with power to tender their
allegiance to the new body, but who have hitherto hesitated to consummate the transaction through
apprehension of a majority claiming the Warrant, and assuming a right to carry on their Lodges. Of course
there was another influence that operated in this direction : namely, the astounding action of District Grand
Masters, in seizing the jewels and other property of seceding Lodges. All such questions are now happily set
at rest, and those Lodges can now redeem their pledges, as they are in honour bound to do. This ruling is, of
course, actually authoritative only so far as the English Lodges are concerned ; but there is no doubt that the
Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland will act in conformity with their sister Grand Lodge in this, as they
have done in previous matters.

" Grand Secretary's Office, Freemason's Hall,
Great Queen-street, London, W.C., 19th July, 1890.

BRO. P. CUNNINGHAM, D.D.G. Master-in-Charge, Canterbury, N.Z.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—I am in receipt of your letters of 16th and 23rd May, and of your telegram of
the 19th of the same month, on the subject of the recent movement in New Zealand for the formation of a
Grand Lodge in that colony. In your telegram you ask for a reply by cable to certain queries. It would,
however, be impracticable to give such replies satisfactorily, but having just at the same time received the

resignation of Bro. Thomson as your District Grand Master, I telegraphed its acceptance as soon as the recent
break in the cable permitted, and this I understand to be about the most pressing point. I will now reply to
your other queries:—(l ) Brethren who leave the English Constitution and take part in the new body have
ipso facto placed themselves under Arct. 204, Book of Constitutions, so long as the new body remains-
unrecognised by our Grand Lodge, and therefore cannot he received as visitors in any English Lodge. (2)
This question as to the majority taking the Lodge over has already twice been answered to the D.G. Master
of Wellington, who has been informed that the Grand Registrar, as the legal adviser of Grand Lodge, has
officially ruled that Article 219 of the Book of Constitutions was framed for domestic purposes, and was
never intended to meet the case of a Lodge severing its allegiance from its mother Grand Lodge.
Consequently, then, a majority can take the Lodge over. I may mention that this view was taken in the recent
Australian Grand Lodge movements, and was officially confirmed by our Colonial Board. The question of
the distribution and allotment of the funds of private Lodges and of District Grand Lodges under the
circumstances referred to is one which the Grand Lodge has no power to decide. These funds and other
property do not belong to the Grand Lodge, but to the local bodies, and with them must rest the onus of
dealing with them on an exceptional occasion as they may think right and proper. Further, I may mention
that an application has been received from the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand for recognition, which
will be laid before the Grand Lodge on the 3rd September next. Of course I cannot say what the decision will
then be, but looking at the relative numbers and other circumstances, the result is at all events very
doubtful.—I remain, yours &c.

SHADWELL H. CLERKE, Col., G.S."

The articles referred to by the Grand Secretary of England :

171. FURNITURE IN TRUST FOR THE LODGE.--The jewels and furniture of every Lodge belong to, and are
the property of, the Master and Wardens for the time being, in trust for the members of the Lodge ; and the
proprietor or manager of the house wherein the Lodge is held shall have no lien thereon, nor shall he be
suffered to acquire the jewels or furniture of such Lodge under the penalty of the forfeiture by the Lodge of
its warrant of constitution.
204. OFFENCES: ASSISTING AT IRREGULAR LODGES. —A brother who has been concerned in making
Masons clandestinely, or at a Lodge which is not a regular Lodge, or for small and unworthy considerations,
or who may assist in forming a new Lodge without the Grand Master's authority, shall not be admitted as a
member, or even as a visitor, into any regular Lodge, nor shall he be entitled to relief from the Fund of
Benevolence, nor to any other Masonic privilege, till he make due submission and obtain grace.

219. MAJORITY RETIRING FROM A LODGE.—Should the majority of any Lodge determine to retire from
it, the power of assembling remains with the rest of the members, but should the number of members
remaining at any time be less than three the warrant becomes extinct.

_________________________

Now this same letter, it will be observed, is dated London, July 19th, 1890. Most probably it reached the
colony on or about September 10th. But it was first made public here only on November 26th, and then in
the Auckland Star, as telegraphic News from " our own " at Christchurch. We would desire to ask the R.W.
BRO. CUNNINGHAM why it was suppressed for those eleven weeks. Though carefully kept from the
knowledge of the Craft at large, we have good reason to believe that its contents were communicated to the
R.W. D.G.M. of Otago and Southland, and we have now to ask why BRO. THOS. SHERLOCK GRAHAM
ignored its existence. Failing a reply from that R.W. Bro., we will supply an answer to our own query, and it
is this : Had this letter been known to the Craft at large, even BRO. THOS. SHERLOCK GRAHAM would not
have dared to install the W.M. of the bogus " Lodge of Otago, 844, E.C.," as he did on the 1st October. As
we have seen above, this letter reiterates the ruling that a majority of a Lodge can take the Lodge over to
another Grand Lodge; and makes clear beyond possibility of cavil that the property of a Lodge belongs to the
Lodge itself, and that District Grand Officers, or District Grand Masters even, have not the ghost of a claim
to it. Now, BRO. THOS. SHERLOCK GRAHAM (making ourselves for the moment the mouthpiece of the
Lodge of Otago), will you kindly apologise for your illegal and tyrannical acts, and return the property of
which you have deprived the true Lodge of Otago, or shall we need to speak of your conduct in still plainer
language ?

And mind you this, R.W. Sir, that it will be of no use your making an ad miserecordiam appeal to the Grand
Lodge of England for forgiveness, for what you may plead is excess of zeal or ignorance of the proper
interpretation of Articles 171 and 219, or even that "no official intimation" has been sent to you by the Grand
Secretary. You have done this kind of thing once before, remember, and it will not work a second time !

_____________________________

IN reply to the Governor's circular, the Lodge St. Patrick, 468, I.C., has said that
1. The brethren in the exercise of all due charity towards those who have thought it desirable to
proclaim a so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand, profoundly regret that disruption has been
caused by the precipitate action of a minority, who, not content to abide the time for maturing "
union and unanimity," attempt to force compliance with their self-imposed isolated position. 2. We
are ever ready to heal the breach by receiving them back under either of the present constitutions. 3.
We cannot allow the solicitations of friends to interfere with our free and voluntary determination to
remain loyal to the constitution under which we have taken obligation as free and accepted Masons.

We insert the above as we think it would be a pity that so delicious a manifesto should not have the widest
publicity among the Craft. We opine that it would not be easy in any composition of equal brevity to find a
greater number of sins against common sense, grammatical propriety, or accuracy. In reading it, we cannot
help recalling a certain verbose document that was read, if we do not mistake, by the erudite compiler
himself before three or four different Lodges about twelve months ago. If the authorship in both cases is not
the same, all we can say is that here is an instance of very clever literary imitation for in both there is the
same inconsequence, the same assumption of lordly patronage, the same piling up of sonorous words, " full
of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Surely, in addressing a nobleman, who is known to be a master of
style, the rulers • of the Irish Craft would have done well to have exercised some little supervision in this
matter, and not have allowed a production to go forth to the world which would have earned for the average
school-boy a sound birching.

" The man in the street " (of course a Mason) informs us that at the last meeting of Lodge St. Patrick there
were present just one Past Master and two other members, visitors making up the necessary number. Was
this the occasion when the above reply to the Governor's address was adopted ?

____________________________

THE annual meeting of the District Grand Lodge New Zealand South, S.C., was, we understand, unusually
interesting. As will be readily gathered, we can supply no " official " report, but our information as to what
took place is "thoroughly reliable." Par example, there was a letter from the Grand Secretary, BRO
MURRAY LYON, which referred in such eulogistic terms to the great service rendered to the Craft by BRO.
HENRY NEILL, in the successful resistance he had offered to the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand,
and which was in fact so full of what an old farmer friend of ours used to call "fulsum 'lojum," that the
subject of it was observed to blush up to the ears, and was so embarrassed that he could scarcely stammer
through the communication. Then came a delicious utterance from the R.W. the D.G.M. BRO. JAMES GORE
declared that a great many of the seceding brethren had been deceived by the promoters of the Grand Lodge,
and might he expected to return to the fold in about a month. He therefore enjoined upon his hearers that
these umquhile black sheep should be tenderly entreated, and their return made facile and pleasant. A mee
commentary upon this deliverance was the announcement—a week afterwards—that the Harvey Lodge at
Gore—the soundest .and strongest of the Scotch country Lodges —had gone over to the enemy! Then
followed some partial financial revelations. Of course there was no balance-sheet—that is nothing new,—but
the Treasurer considerately read a few extracts from the accounts (guaranteeing them as " thoroughly reliable
!"), from which it appeared that the year had ended with a balance on the wrong side of the ledger of £26! As
the year began with a credit balance of £47, it does not require a professional accountant to point out that
there is a loss on the year's transactions of £73! It would be interesting to learn how much of this loss has
been incurred through fighting the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. In other words, how much Masonic money
has been wasted in hindering what every true Freemason must ardently desire—namely, Masonic union,—
and in perpetuating a state of things which every genuine brother deeply deplores.

MUCH has been said and written during the last eighteen months upon the subject of Masonic benevolence.
Those advocating the advantages to be derived from having a supreme body, placed relief first. The believers
in the old time system of three Grand Lodges with nine petty jurisdictions declared that this was simply a

party cry, and one District Grand Secretary asserted as a fact that in his part of New Zealand between £180
and £200 was the annual charity expenditure. He " never knew of a case which had not been liberally dealt
with, and no case has been refused unless on very good grounds." We have before us the record of an appeal
on behalf of a penniless widow and eight children of a late Secretary of Tongariro Lodge. From this record it
appears that applications for assistance were solicited from 130 Lodges. Fifty-four replied, sending
donations. Five regretted being unable to assist, and seventy-one Lodges did not respond at all. The district
of the official who boasted of his Lodge's annual charity expenditure sent £9, his District Grand Lodge gave
nothing, and the remaining eight followed the example. So the farce goes on year by year—£16,000 annually
frittered away by one hundred and forty-three private, and nine District Grand Lodges. Something less than
threepence per head was the "liberal assistance "given by New Zealand Masons to this "poor and penniless "
widow and her eight children.

______________________________

AT a private meeting of the United Manawatu Lodge, E.C., held on the 9th inst., it was resolved that
although the Lodge had expressed their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of England, yet the members shared
the feelings of regret expressed by EARL ONSLOW with reference to the present dissensions among Masons,
and would gladly hear of a plan for their removal. The proposer and seconder were Past Masters, both
hitherto strong opponents of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand ! This is true Masonry ; and this is the mode
in which fraternal accord will ultimately be restored amongst us. We trust the spirit in which the United
Manawatu Lodge have considered and answered the Governor's letter will have its effect upon Lodges that
have not as yet pronounced on the subject, as we think it might have influenced other Lodges who have so
pronounced could the above meeting have been held earlier. But what a contrast does the conduct of the
members of the United Manawatu offer to that of some brethren we wot of!

_________________________
TO the " Tetrarchs of the Fishing Villages "—the District Grand Masters (to apply to them the telling title
affixed years ago by a prominent politician upon the Superintendents of the old Provincial system)—we owe
all the opposition to Masonic autonomy. The fons et origo of the mischief lies in that most unwise
arrangement by which these brethren were appointed for life. And the Grand Master of England is elected
annually! To state these two facts is enough. Naturally the issuing of the Governor's letter was a great blow
to these distinguished brethren. Hence we learn of influence being brought to bear to prevent that letter from
being read in Lodges. Hence the hawking about the country of (not a " testimonial " this time, but) a reply to
the Governor's letter, in which His Excellency —in language of which the rudeness is scarcely veiled—is
practically desired to mind his own business. Two Masters of town Lodges, to their credit be it recorded,
refused to sign the document. In one of these instances the promoters realise they have a " hard case," but in
the other they darkly intimate that "pressure will be brought to bear."

_______________________
THAT was a very neat, courteous, and Masonic remark of BRO. BEVAN—one of the " Tetrarchs "—that
brethren should not allow themselves to be influenced by the " tinsel rank " of BRO. the EARL OF ONSLOW!

_______________________________
SAID a Past Master, the other day, in the course of conversation, " I feel ashamed, humiliated, when I
remember how I suffered myself to be cajoled into signing that `testimonial.' I knew well that they had done
what they were charged with, and that they deserved all that was said of them, and yet I signed it ! I abhor
myself for the act !"

____________________________
FOR thirteen months we have regularly posted a copy of the CRAFTSMAN to each of the nine Provincial and
District Grand Secretaries. Our eight predecessors were favoured with a copy of the proceedings of each
quarterly communication, but this courtesy has not been extended to us. With the exception of the District
Grand Secretaries of Canterbury, E.C. and S.C., and one copy of the proceeding of the District Grand Lodge
of Wellington, no notice whatever has been taken of the obligation by the remaining six. Why is this ?

__________________________

NEW SOUTH WALES ON NEW ZEALAND.

THE establishment of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand has not evoked any enthusiasm in England. Taking
its cue from an inspired source, the official Craft organ—the London Freemason. has issue after issue
sneered at this lawfully-established body. This official mouthpiece has never looked with favour upon the
establishment of colonial Grand Lodges. It has always had a doubt ready when referring to the subject, and if

there has been a technical objection which could be raised, it was rained and dilated upon with irritating
frequency. Now all this carping is amusing, and has as much effect as a " blister upon a wooden leg." It is
notoriously true that the Grand Lodge movements in the colonies have received but scant attention and
justice from the Grand Lodge of England and its official organ. Take this movement in any of the colonies,
and what sympathy has it ever received from the Grand Lodge of England, or its organ? If the movement has
been unanimous, as in the case of Tasmania and this colony, it has been damned with faint praise. Then take
Victoria ; and because some Lodges stubbornly refused to participate in the " Union," out came a rasping
article, condemning the movement as premature, and imploring the dissentient brethren to remain true to
England. The Grand Lodge of England, with a daring inconsistency and an assumed ignorance of the
circumstances of its own creation, and in defiance of the recognised Masonic law and custom relating to the
establishment of Grand Lodges, has refused to recognise the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and its official
organ hysterically urges the recalcitrant Lodges in that colony to " stick to the old flag," and they will be
protected. The bunkum of this appeal is too apparent. The protection hitherto afforded has been the treating
of dissentient Lodges as "poor relations." The sympathy expressed has been the cold advice, " stick to us,"
and when, after years of Masonic discomfort, the non-conforming Lodges found that they were really "out in
the cold," and joined the Union, the farewell they received was akin to telling them " Union is Strength."

The treatment New Zealand has received is such as to alienate all respect for the wisdom and justice of the
Grand Lodge of England, which appears to have no fixed rule for dealing with applications for recognition. It
has a new method with each case, thus creating confusion and irritation, and fraying the silken thread which
binds the fraternity of the New World with the Old. That the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is lawfully
established is beyond doubt. It has a majority of Lodges under its banner, which is all that is required, and is
a condition which the Grand Lodge of England, when established in 1717, lacked when it came into
existence. The "majority" condition is that only demanded by American Grand Lodges, and why England
ignores it in the case of New Zealand has yet to be explained. Except for peace and harmony in the Craft in
that colony, the refusal of recognition by England is a small matter. It will not arrest progress, but simply
make that desirable condition of existence slower and more difficult, and induce those officers of the late
District Grand Lodges, whose ambition has been blighted, to persevere in their tin-Masonic and unjustifiable
opposition to the newly established Grand Lodge. What makes the action of the Grand Lodge of England yej
mopre ungracious and adsurd, is the fact that when the high office of Grand Mastyer was generously offered
to Bro. Earl of Onslow, he, curious to say, consulted the rulers of the Grand Lodge of England as to the
propriety of accepting the position. The advice tendered was that if four-fifths of the Lodges then existing, on
paper, joined the proposed Grand Lodge, he might accept the office. Now, three-fifths of the “live" Lodges
had decided to transfer their allegiance, and we ask—What is the difference between three-fifths and four-
fifths as a condition precedent to recognition ? for we take it that if Bro. Onslow had accepted the Grand
Mastership, that the recognition by England would have followed in due course very quickly. Why refuse it,
then, with only three-fifths of the Lodges? The position of the non-joining Lodges would have been exactly
the same as with four-fifths, the principle not being in any way affected. It is now clear that making four-
fifths of the Lodges as a condition of acceptance of office as Grand Master by Bro. Earl of Onslow was
deliberately intended to "block" the creation of the Grand Lodge in New Zealand. But it failed; hence the
refusal to recognise that body.

We earnestly urge the Grand Lodge of New Zealand to pursue its onward course steadily and sturdily,
adhering loyally to the ancient landmarks, and heeding not this petty etiquette of recognition. All the
Australian Grand Lodges will recognise it, and for all useful purposes of Masonic intercourse, help,
and,sympathy, that will be ample.All other recognitions will come in time. By a wise and fraternal
administration of its affairs, the objecting brethren will be gradually converted until within a short term the
whole of the Lodges will be happily united under one banner, self-reliant, and enjoying the many solid
benefits of local self-government, by which merit is loyally recognised, abuses removed, and cliques
obliterated. We but echo the warm feeling of the brethren of the United Grand Lodge of this colony, when
we wish Peace, Progress and Prosperity to our brethren in New Zealand.--Freemason, Sydney.
______________________________________________________________________________________

THEY have in Canada a Mason in his hundreth year, and who has been in the Craft 72 years. Next, please.

DURING the September quarter the Bard of Benevolence in South Australia relieved 19 cases, to the extent
of £75.

LIFE membership is becoming a prominent grievance and difficulty in some American jurisdictions. It
should be prohibited by every Constitution.

THE Chain D' Union, the best written of French Masonic journals, has ceased to exist. It voiced the Grand
Orient of France with no uncertain sound.

THE old Lodge St. John, of Melrose, Scotland, which has at last come in under the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
possesses its records complete from December 26, 1674, over two centuries ago.

CLASS Masonry is becoming a vexed question in England, and is strongly objected to by many experienced
brethren, as a coming danger to that equality of men in a Lodge which is one of the charms of Masonry.

THE title of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. and A. Masons
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in Union with the Most Ancient and Hononrable Grand Lodges in
Europe and America, according to the Old Constitutions."

THE Grand Lodge of Florida, at its sixty-first Annual Communication, resolved as follows - "That the
soverign power of Masonry is in the Grand Lodge, and that the Grand Master is subservient thereto as a
creature to its creator." This seems to us to be a reasonable conclusion.

THE Grand Master of British Columbia, in his annual address, pertinently said : "I hold it to be the
imperative duty of each brother who consents to represent a foreign Grand Lodge, to be present at the "
Communications " of the body to which he is accredited.—[Correct, M. W.G.M.]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

POETRY.
Mειλιοοω.

How a kind word makes a person, previously so much disliked,
Quite a different kind of person, quite a person to be liked.
How a face so dark and traitrous, how a face of fell design
Quite a different aspect gathers, as it smiling, looks in mine.
How a mind of concentrated villany and passions vile,
Passes into good, from evil, by a kind word and a smile !
Thus our natures form opinions, root impressions in our minds,
From the look, and tone, and gesture, that our judgment often blinds.

FRANK MAÇON.
______________________

UNITY IS STRENGTH.

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO BRO. A. DE B. BRANDON, DISTRICT GRAND REGISTRAR,
WELLINGTON, E.C.

The following poetry has been sent to us by a talented brother. The song may be sung to the tune of "Ring,
Ring, de Banjo,' and is perhaps of a more Masonic character than that ballad. It can be sung to banjo or
pianoforte accompaniment :

I.
The time has come for Union,

For an end to faction strife.
For generous communion

In a joint Masonic life ;
When Brethren should endeavour,

For the common cause we claim.
That Masonry should ever

In this land have honoured name.

CHORUS.—Come, then, my Brothers,
We'll sing that good, old song,
"Unity is Strength "—so !
Let us, then, be strong !

II.
The past has seen division

Of interests that were one,
Outsiders, in derision,

Ask, " What have the Masons done?"
The past has had its troubles,

But good from them will spring,
When Union quickly doubles

The benefits we bring. (Chorus.)

III.
So, Brethren, by combining,

As New Zealand Masons prove
In our hearts there are entwining,

Peace, Harmony, and Love,
Our Mothers best can measure

How we value our descent,
And their mem'ries fondly treasure,

By some fitting monument. (Chorus.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________

GRAND LODGES
NEW ZEALAND.

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION IN AUCKLAND.

FROM the N.Z. Herald of 26th ultimo, courteously forwarded to us by Bro. W. H. Cooper, Assistant Grand
Secretary, N.Z.C., we take the following particulars about the Grand Lodge Communication recently held in
Auckland :
"The quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, the first held in Auckland, took place on
November 25th, in the Freemasons' Hall, Princess street. The event had been looked forward to with great
interest, and there was a gathering of the brethren from all parts of the district to represent the individual
Lodges who have given in adherence to the new constitution. The whole of Auckland and suburbs, as well at
the Thames and Waikato, were fully represented, and when the Grand Master took his seat in the east he was
able to see an excellent hall, a crowded Lodge, busy workers, and earnest Masons. There were 195 brethren
accounted for, but there must have been many others present, and the capacity of the hall was fully taxed.

"The officers of Grand Lodge present were :—G.M., Bro. H. Thomson ; D.G.M., Bro. A. S. Russell ;
P.D.G.M., Bro. E. T. Gillen ; G.S., (Auckland) Bro. M. Niccol ; S. W., Bro. Dr. Boor ; J. W., Bro. W. B.
Franklin ; Chap., Rev. W. Mulgan ; A.T., Bro. T. L. Murray ; Secretary, Bro. Rev. W. Ronaldson ; Assistant
Secretary, Bro. W. H. Cooper; S.D., Bro, W. Craig; J.D., Bro. W. Edgecumbe ; D.C., Bro. G. H. Powley ;
S.B., Bro. J. Page ; Pursuivant, Bro. A. Kidd ; Tyler, Bro. E. Tonge ; Stewards, Bros. T. H. Tewsley, J. L.
Logan, S. Vispe, F. M. Hewson.

"The various Lodges were well represented, and marched in under their .respective banners.

"The Grand Master opened with an address, and in the course of his speech he alluded to the action of Lord
Onslow in trying to heal the present breach, in terms of the highest praise and appreciation.

"The routine Lodge business followed. The roll of Lodges was called, and the response almost universal. The
reports from the Board of General Purposes, the Board of Benevolence, the Grand Treasurer's balance, etc.,

were read. The Board of General Purposes, in their report, referred to the opening of the Pahiatua and
Danevirke Lodges, and to the consecration of a hall for the Scinde Lodge at Napier.

"RECOGNITION.
"Letters were received from the Grand Lodges of Victoria, Tasmania, and the Grand Orient of Italy,
according cordial recognition to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and resolutions were passed according
the fraternal thanks of the New Zealand Grand Lodge to these Lodges. Bro. V. Pyke, P.P.G.M., was, by
request of the Tasmanian Grand Lodge, appointed to represent that body at the New Zealand Grand Lodge.
Bro. G. Robertson, P.G.S., was appointed to represent the Grand Orient of Italy, and Bro. Hammerton to
represent the Grand Lodge of New South Wales.

"SYMPATHY.
"A cordial resolution of sympathy was accorded to Bro. Forrest, R.W.M. .of Ponsonby Lodge, on the
treatment he had received from the Scottish P.G. Lodge, and a similar vote of sympathy was tendered to the
Lodge of Otago for treatment they had received from the English Constitution.

"Votes of thanks were accorded to the Grand Superintendents of Districts for their various services and the
valuable reports which they had furnished."

A banquet, which was largely attended, was afterwards held, and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were
honoured in bumpers. On the following evening a Celebration Ball took place in commemoration of the first
meeting of the Grand Lodge in Auckland, and it passed off very successfully. Altogether the proceedings in
connection with the visit of the M.W. the Grand Master to the northern capital were carried out in a most
perfect manner and reflect great credit on the various brethren who organised them.—N. Z. Mail.

_______________
Bro. Thomson, Grand Master of New Zealand, on his way to Auckland to attend the Quarterly
Communication of the Grand Lodge, opened Lodges under the N.Z.C. at Pahiatua and Danevirke. From
private sources we learn that the proceedings passed off in a most successful manner, and great enthusiasm
prevailed. He also consecrated a new Masonic hall at Napier in the presence of about 100. brethren from all
parts of the province. Bro. Thomson intends to come down from Auckland by way of the West Coast. He
will instal the W.M., and invest the ;officers of Lodge Ngamotu at New Plymouth, and intends if possible to
pay an official visit to the Lodges at Hawera Feilding, and Palmerston North. On his return to Wellington he
will perform the ceremony of installation in the St. Andrew's and Waterloo Lodges. Our Grand Master is
indefatigable in his labours, and the Craft is justly proud of him.—N.Z. Mail.

_______________
The Grand Master (Bro Thomson), Grand Secretary (Bro. Ronaldson), and Past Deputy Grand Master (Bro.
Gillen) left for Palmerston by the mid-day train today, where they are to be engaged in an interesting
installation ceremony to-night.—Wanganui Herald, December 1st.

____________________
The Grand Master is at present in the Wanganui district, with the object of promoting the accession of the
local Lodge to the Grand Lodge. He intends interviewing Lord Onslow on the subject upon his arrival in
Wanganui on Wednesday. It is hoped that if Lord Onslow will accept the Grand Mastership next year a large
number of the English, Scotch, and Irish Lodges will give in their adhesion.—Wanganui Herald, December
1st.

_______________
Three gentlemen holding high office in the New Zealand Grand Lodge were in Hawera to-day, Bro. H.
Thomson, M.W. Grand Master; Bro. Rev. W. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary; and Bro. E. T. Gillon,
Superintendent of the Wellington and West Coast District. Some of the local brethren of the Craft met them
and suitably entertained them. Much information was gathered during their short stay of a little over an
hour's duration. [The above is clipped from. the Hawera and Normanby Star.]

___________________
Lodge Harvey, Gore, 695, S.C., passed a unanimous resolution to join the Grand Lodge. The installation of
the R.W. Master-elect, Bro. Boyne, P.M., will take place this evening. The ceremony of installation will be
performed by the Superintendent of Southland, R.W. Bro. W. H. Hall, assisted by R.W.. Bro. A. H. Burton,
Grand Superintendent of Otago, and other Grand Lodge officers.

_______________________

The new hall for Ngapara Lodge will be ready for consecration and dedication some time this month. The M.
W. Grand Master, it is expected, will be present.

_______________________________
Lodge Thistle (late No. 647 S.C.) Masterton, has amalgamated with Lodge Masterton (late No. 1430, E.C.)
These two Lodges have been working harmoniously together for some time past. By the amalgamation
Lodge Masterton becomes one of the strongest Lodges under the banner of the Grand Lodge.

_______________________
The name of the new Lodge at Danevirke is called " Rawhiti " ; that at Pahiatua is named "Tararua."

_________________________________________________________________________________

NEW SOUTH WALES.

FAREWELL TO THE M.W.G.M., LORD BRO. CARRINGTON.

A SPECIAL communication of Grand Lodge was held on Wednesday. October 16th. The attendance was
large, despite the storm of wind and rain raging daring the whole evening. Over 300 were present.

The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by the M.W. the Grand Master, .His Excellency Bro. Lord
Carrington.

The M. W. the Pro. Grand Master, Bro. the Hon. Dr. Harman J. Tarrant, M.L.C., rose and addressed the
M.W. the Grand Master, and asked his acceptance of the following address, as a souvenir of his connection
with the United Grand tLOdge of New South Wales :-

"HIS EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES ROBERT BARON CARRINGTON, P.C.,
G.C.M.G., GOVERNOR OF THE COLONY OF NEW SOUTH WALES AND ITS DEPENDENCIES, MOST
WORSHIPUL GRAND MASTER OF ANTIENT FREE AND ACCEFTED MASONS OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

" Most Worshipful Grand Master,—We, the Grand Officers and the Worshipful Masters and Wardens of the
Lodges within your jurisdiction, on the eve of your departure for England, desire to express our earnest and
fraternal appreciation of the manifold benefits which Freemasonry in this colony has enjoyed under your
wise and genial Grand Mastership. Peace and harmony have been its guiding stars, and unity its goal, which
have resulted in the Craft being solidly united and its progress phenomenal.

" We ask your acceptance of this address as a memento of our happy intercourse, hoping that it will ever
remind you of your connection with Freemasonry in New South Wales, and the love and esteem with which
the brethren regard you.

"Assuring you of our loyalty to you as the worthy representative of our beloved Queen, and reverently
wishing you, Lady Carrington, and family, ` God Epee

" We beg to subscribe ourselves,
"Yours Fraternally,

"THE GRAND LODGE OFFICERS,
" THE MASTERS AND WARDENS OF ALL LODGES,

and
" DISTRICT GRAND INSPECTORS OF WORKINGS."

The M.W. Grand Master, in reply, said :—" M.W. Sir, R.W., V. W., Wor. Brethren and Brethren,—In my
wildest moments I could not have expected such a compliment as this. When I landed in this colony, as my
Most Worshipful Bro. has just observed, Masonry was in a disturbed condition. He has said that I was
instrumental in bringing Masonic affairs to a happy conclusion. With this, unfortunately, I cannot quite
agree. I was only too proud and too pleased to place my humble services at the disposal of the Craft ; but this
reconciliation which, under the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe, has been given to us, was
brought about by Masonry, and Masonry alone. No individual can claim any hand in it at all. It is a great
thing to remember that through the delicate and difficult negotiations which led to this happy result, there
was not one word spoken for which regret had to be expressed. The whole of the difficult negotiations were
carried through to a satisfactory issue, under the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe, and
Masonry is now in a happy harmonious condition in this colony. But, brethren, I hardly feel worthy of the

compliment you have been good enough to pay me to-night. Believe me, all through the term of my office
here, as representative of the Queen, my best wishes have been for the Craft, knowing, as I do, from my
experience in the Old Country how loyal and good men Masons are, and what valuable functions it performs
in keeping peace and order in the land. In my wildest moments I could not have believed, even if sanguine
enough, that Masonic unity would have been so consolidated during the few short years I have had the
honour of representing the Queen in this colony. I never would have believed that the Craft could become so
consolidated that 4000 loyal, God-fearing men had joined our ranks. This shows how true, how real, and how
genuine the spirit of true Masonry is in this fair land. It is with deep and sincere regret, and for the last time
as your Grand Master, that I bid farewell to the Craft that has been so kind to me and supported me so well. I
could not have believed that so great a compliment would have been paid to a Grand Master as has been paid
to me, for amongst the 187 Lodges which constitute the Craft in this great colony, I am pleased to learn that
everyone is represented, and so the compliment is spontaneous, is united. I accept this magnificent address
with deep and real gratitude, as showing the loyalty which all men in New South Wales feel towards the
Queen as the representative of law, order, liberty, and justice. This occasion is not the time to make any long
speech ; my heart is too full to make any such effort, but I cannot help being reminded this evening by the
wild storm that is going on around us at this moment, when the elements seem at war and in discord, that to-
morrow the sun will rise on the earth and shine in the heavens, brightness will reign once more, and just in
the same manner all our difficulties are in the past, and the bright future is happily assured. I leave the Craft
in New South Wales with the firm conviction that its troubles are over for evermore, and that nothing but
peace and harmony will remain for ever. This is my most sincere and earnest wish ; and now for the last
time, not as a mere matter of form, but with all sincerity, respect, and fraternal affection for the distinguished
representatives of Masonry I have the honour of seeing here in this grand hall, I most affectionately, most
heartily, bid you farewell.

"The M. W. Grand Master then announced that as he had been elected by the suffrages of the brethren as
representative of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales near the United Grand Lodge of England, he
accepted this compliment with the greatest pleasure, and when in Grand Lodge assembled would offer the
"hearty good wishes " of New South W ales, and every Mason in England would know that this was not a
mere matter of form ; that having combined themselves into a separate Grand Lodge did not in any way
mean separation from the Old Mother Country, and that the members of the United Grand Lodge of New
South Wales were now as hearty, as loyal, and as sincere in the Craft as they were in the happy days gone
by."

The farewell address to the M.W.G.M., Lord Carrington, is a superb work. The front cover is of polished
African onyx, enclosed in a rim of burnished gold. On the onyx, in gold and oxidised silver, is the armorial
badge of the United Grand Lodge, with its motto, " Juncta Juvaut." It is a choice example of colonial
workmanship, and will excite warm approval. The address is in book form, and the various pages are rare
specimens of illumination in colours. On the front page is a view of the Masonic Hall, the bordering being
filled in with native flowers, birds, butterflies, &c. The binding is of purple morocco, with gold workings, the
whole being a masterpiece of Mr John Sands' artistic staff, and an appropriate memento of the Craft in the
colony. We understand that Bro. Lord Carrington purports placing it in the Grand Lodge of England for
"general information," and as a Masonic record to be prized.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

SCOTLAND.

REFUSAL TO RECOGNISE NEW ZEALAND.

THE following is the copy of the letter addressed by the Grand Secretary of Scotland, to the Grand Secretary
of New Zealand: -

"Freemasons' Hall, Edinburgh, August 21st, 1890.
`W Ronaldson, Esq., Christchurch. N. Z.

"Sir.and Brother,—Two printed circulars bearing your signature have been received here.

That dated May 1st, 1890, announces the formation of an independent Grand Lodge in New Zealand, and
asks that it be recognised. The Grand Lodge Scotland, in quarterly communication assembled, has
unanimously refused to accord recognition to the body in question.

"The circular, dated May 12th, advises and upholds as right and proper the seizure of charters of Lodges by
members of the same, who may elect to withdraw their allegiance from the Grand bodies under which the
charters are held. Such a course of action as is commended by the body you represent is in direct violation of
the constitution and laws of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and of the conditions under which its charters are
accepted.

"Grand Lodge is represented in New Zealand by three Provincial Grand Masters, who themselves, or by their
deputies, are empowered to take all necessary action in guarding the Lodges and brethren under their
Masonic jurisdiction against the unconstitutional measures that may be promulgated by any unrecognized
body within their respective districts.

"Any further correspondence to the Grand Lodge must be conducted through .her representatives in New
Zealand.—Ever faithfully,

"(Signed) D. MURRAY LYON, Grand Secretary."
____________

THE LAST TO JOIN THE FOLD.

It may not be generally known that up to the present there has been one Lodge (St. John, Melrose) in
Scotland which has always maintained its independence of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. It appears,
however, that now a basis of union between the Grand Lodge and this older Lodge has been agreed upon,
and that St. John, Melrose, will shortly take its place on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland as No. 1 (2).
The records of the Lodge, it is stated, date in almost unbroken sequence from December 26, 1674. There are
great rejoicings in the Grand Lodge of Scotland in consequence of this union.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

TOUR OF THE GRAND MASTERS AND OFFICERS
(BY ONE OF THE PARTY.)

THERE is only one point in which our otherwise most successful trip to the North was not successful, and
that is in the reporting. I used all my endeavours to succeed, but it was not a success—how I cannot tell.

Just to give you in brief a resumé of our interviews and work during our journey : Leaving Lyttelton on 15th
November, our first meeting was at Masterton, on November 18th, where by arrangement brethren of Lodges
Masterton and Thistle gave us a hearty reception, at a very short notice.

November 19th, at Pahiatua—A rising and very thriving township, in the Seventy-mile Bush. A new Lodge
(Rawhite) was consecrated, and the W.M. installed. This Lodge gives every promise of being very
successful. A candidate for initiation was proposed, and a joining member. November 20th, at 5 a.m.— We
left to drive to Woodville ; we had a very pleasant drive through fine, real bush country, which promises to
be a very valuable and important country. Seventeen miles by train took us to another thriving township—
Danesvirke. A new Lodge called Tararua, was opened, and the W.M. installed. On the 21st we left at 8.15
a.m. for Napier. Here we found all the arrangements made for consecrating the new hall of Lodge Scinde—a
fine building erected by the brethren to replace one burned down in 1886.

Our reception in all these places was all we could possibly have wished. Everything seemed propitious ; the
weather was splendid, the country giving a most promising appearance, and the brethren everywhere anxious
that our visit should be a success. We left Napier on the 23rd ulto., the steamer being a day behind time. We
called at Gisborne on the 24th, when the M.W. the G.M. landed, and had a pleasant interview with the W.M.,
P.M.'s, and others, time being too short to prove sufficient—only about an hour—but much promising work
was done in that hour.

We reached Auckland on the 25th about 2 p.m., and at once we went to a meeting of the Board of General
Purposes to complete the arrangement for the meeting at 7.30 p.m. Here we had a full meeting, over 200

being there to welcome the G.M., and to carry on the work so happily and auspiciously commenced—of
course this is so far as we are concerned. I need not say much about the meeting ;. it was hearty, unanimous,
and very satisfactory. Sundry resolutions were passed, which will all appear in the Quarterly
Communication.

The business was followed by a banquet, and supplemented by a ball on the following evening, the brethren
evidently meaning to show their good-will to the new officers, and their hearty approval of the new Grand
Lodge.

On the 27th we left for New Plymouth via the Manukau, which we reached on the evening of the 28th. The
brethren of Lodge Ngamotu were at the wharf to meet us, and showed us every attention during the day by
pointing out all the lovely attractions of this delightful place. In the evening we found everything. arranged
for the installation of the \\V M., and we met with the same enthusiastic-spirit that we had met with all along
the line. The usual banquet followed, giving rise to much pleasant interchange of thought respecting the
work of the, Lodge.

We left for Wanganui on the 29th, and on the 30th a meeting was held with. Masters and P.M.'s of the
different Lodges there. The G.M. and Bro. Gillen both spoke on the question of the Grand Lodge, removed
some difficulties, and the brethren expressed themselves pleased with the interview, thanked the G.M. by
resolution for his courtesy and the information he had given them on the subject.

We left on December 1st, and again at Palmerston North met the brethren in Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning—
one of our first Lodges—the brethren evincing every desire to show their pleasure at the visit. On our
journey we met the brethren at Hawera. As the train stayed there over an hour and a half, the brethren took us
to the hall, and then we adjourned to dinner provided for us, the brethren again accompanying us with every
demonstration of satisfaction even at our short stay with them. At Patea, too, many met us. Our trip was a
continued ovation from beginning to end. We had right royal weather, hardly a shower all the way, and we
shall long remember our trip as being wonderfully-successful in every way.

At Wellington we found the steamer leaving in the evening, and we went on board, reaching Lyttelton again
on the 3rd December. On the 10th we went to Geraldine to open a new Lodge there, and install the W.M,, as
also on the 11th. at Temuka, our reception being as cordial and enthusiastic as we could possibly, wish.

WM. R.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

CORRESPONDENCE.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All communications should be addressed to the Editor, CRAFTSMAN, Box 322, P.O., Dunedin, and should
be written on one side of the paper only.
Correspondents and contributors are requested to be as brief as possible, as the space at our command is
limited.
[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.]

__________________________
BRO. LORD ONSLOW'S CIRCULAR.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—Kindly allow me to correct an error in your publication of the 17th inst. In
speaking of a letter from His Excellency Bro. the Earl of Onslow you say : " We may add that before
addressing the Masters of Craft Lodges, Bro. Lord Onslow communicated with the several District
Provincial Grand Masters, and submitted the letter to them." This is incorrect, as up to the present time I
have not received any communication from Bro. Lord Onslow on the subject, although I am informed that

the letter in question has been sent to the Craft Lodges under my jurisdiction. By inserting the above in your
next, you will oblige, yours fraternally,

CHARLES LOUISSON,
District Grand Master, S.C , Canterbury.

Christchurch, November 28th, 1890.

[We have ascertained that Bro. Lord Onslow communicated with the several District Grand Masters of the
English Constitution only ; not, as we announced in our last, with all the District and Provincial Grand
Masters. We need hardly say that, when we penned the announcement, we had every reason to believe it
strictly correct.—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

____________________________________
"OUR INACCURATE STATEMENTS " RE THE FRENCH ORIENT.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—On account of my being away from home I have not your back numbers to
refer to, and so cannot point out the inaccurate statements I made mention of. Speaking from memory, the
intention to open a Lodge under the G.O. of F. in the Waikato may be put down as one : but, as I said before,
I do not think that it is worth wasting space over. Your correspondents doubtless sent you these items in
good faith as reliable information, with the best of intentions, and there is no harm done. With regard to the
question as to the duty (and pleasure) of the representative of the Grand Orient of Italy, I beg you to note that
it was your opinion I desired to obtain, not Bro. Robertson's. His opinion will be best ascertained by his
future conduct in refraining, or otherwise, from carrying out his official duties in connection with the G.O. of
F., and I would not attempt to dictate to him what he ought or ought not to do ; it is none of any business ; it
was your ideas on a point of Masonic etiquette 1 wished to ascertain. Your frank answer to my question re
being the official organ of the (so-called) Grand Lodge of New Zealand is very satisfactory, because I know
many other brethren than myself have been under the impression that you were subsidised by that body, and
hence it was risky to write you anything which did not favour its existence. You seem to think I make use of
the term "so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand " from personal ill-feeling. It is not so ; but it is necessary
when writing and talking on Masonic jurisprudence, to be careful of the meaning of terms. Speaking in this
sense, no one, I think, who knows any-thing of such matters, will object to the term. I presume it will be by
yourself admitted that until the (so-called) Grand Lodge of New Zealand is unanimously admitted to be
supreme in this colony, it must be only a (so-called) Grand Body to those Lodges or Grand Lodges who deny
the supremacy. It is a distinctive term necessarily made use of to prevent confusion or misunderstanding, and
one that long custom has given a sanction to. Hoping I have not intruded too much on your space.—I am,
yours fraternally,

WALTER HILL, Lodge L'Amour de la Verité.
Greymouth, November 8th, 1890.

___________________
ADVANCE LODGE, BRUNNERTON.

________
TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—My attention was to-day drawn to a letter signed "T. Bland," in your issue of
17th ult. As Mr Bland has distorted facts to make his case good, and cast unmerited reflections on myself,
will you kindly allow me space for reply ? To state what really did take place I must go back to the formation
of Advance Lodge, which is now entering on its fourth year. The first year I had the honour of occupying the
W. M.'s chair, the second year Bro. W. Burrough was elected and installed ; shortly after the installation the
J. W., Bro. Smith, left the district ; Mr Bland, who happened to visit the Lodge the following meeting, was
asked to act as J. W., which he did, and on this or the following meeting was proposed by the W.M., and in
due course admitted—by what I term the back door, not having any Lodge clearance. I communicated with
his mother Lodge and received the following reply, which I now hold : " Bro. Bland has no clearance ; never
applied for any ; owes 32s." How nicely this fits in to your answer to " Correspondent," published over Mr
Bland's letter, in your journal of 17th November ! Shortly after this Mr Bland called me aside, and asked if I
would install him as a J.W. (What indecent haste to reach the W.M.'s chair !) He contended I had the power
to do so ; I thought otherwise, and stated Bro. Smith had been elected until the ensuing year. Who is right ?
From this time I date Mr Bland's antagonism to myself. The W.M., Bro. Burrough, having left the district

shortly after Bro. Smith, and I being the only P.M., carried on the work of the Lodge till the end of the year.
When I was requested by a number of the brethren to stand again, and when I consented, active canvass was
carried on by this gentleman and his friends, and any one thought favourable to myself and not being good
on the books was notified that he was in arrears. By these means I was defeated by a majority of one ; but
mark what follows : Two nights before the installation, while auditing, I found more than one favourable to
Mr. Bland were out of compliance, being in arrears, but who took good care to vote. Why were they not
notified? Echo answers, Why? One in particular, the secretary, had not paid anything since his initiation ; he
was two years in arrears but this did not prevent him voting. Actions of this description require no comment.

Being defeated by a majority of one only, and that majority obtained by unconstitutional means, is ample
proof that I was not so obnoxious nor the tyrant Mr Bland would have your readers believe. No, Sir, my
reasons for retiring were : I could sit no longer among men who would use such un-Masonic means to gratify
personal spleen, and whom I could no longer honour or respect. As for the other brethren mentioned, they
will probably treat Mr Bland's letter as it deserves—that is, with contempt.

In conclusion, I submit that very bad taste has been shown by dragging me before the Craft in a false light ;
especially as I had severed my connection a year ago, and had not since troubled Mr Bland nor his friends.
Apologising for my lengthy letter.—I am, etc.,

F. W. PATTLE, P.M., Advance Lodge, 2245, E.C.
Brunnerton, December 3rd, 1890.

[The above letter supplies, we think, another argument in favour of one governing body in Freemasonry. No
brother should be affiliated to a Lodge unless he produces a demit or clearance from the Lodge he has left, or
furnishes satisfactory reasons for the non-possession of such a document. If rulers of the Craft neglect their
duty, it is not for them to complain afterwards of the result of their laxity. When the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand controls the whole of the Lodges in the colony, doubtless we shall have a healthy strictness enforced
in this and in other matters.—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

MARK MASONRY

We understand that a Mark Lodge is to be opened in the Wairarapa shortly, warranted from Lodge Hiram.

A number of brethren leave Dunedin to-day to attend the installation of Lodge Harvey, Gore (late S.C.), and
to attend the opening of the Mark Lodge at Wyndham. Brethren from Invercargill, Tapanui, Queenstown,
Milton, and Lawrence will be present.

A special meeting will be held at Wyndham, Southland, on the 17th inst., to advance candidates ; to open
Lodge Mokoreta Mark Master Masons ; to install the W.M M. elect, Bro. Miles Reginald Bree, and to invest
the officers, and to do enbh other business as may be necessary.

A special meeting was held at Palmerston, Otago, on the 28th November, to advance candidates ; to open
Lodge Palmerston Mark Master Masons ; to install the Worshipful Master elect. Bro. Henderson, of
Waikouaiti, and invest the officers of the Lodge ; and to transact such other business found necessary.

A petition was read from a number of Mark Master Masons at Oamaru, praying for a Warrant of Constitution
to open a Lodge in that town to be called Lodge Hamilton Mark Master Masons, to be under the protection
of, and attached to, Lodge Waitaki, N.Z.C. The prayer of the petition was granted, the brethren having
complied with the laws and regulations.

LODGE HIRAM, Mark Master Masons (late No. 272, E.G.), held its regular monthly meeting on the 26th
November. There was a good attendance, and the following was the business to be transacted : To ballot for,
advance, and affiliate brethren, if properly vouched for by their Worshipful Masters, upon the producduction
of their Grand Lodge certificates. To arrange for holding the regular monthly meeting of this Lodge on the
fourth Wednesday in every month. To grant Warrant of Constitution to members to work the Mark Degree in
Palmerston, Otago, to be called Lodge Palmerston Mark Master Masons. To grant Warrant of Constitution to

members to work the Mark Degree in Wyndham, Southland, to be called Lodge Mokoreta Mark Master
Ma.,ons. To consider applications for warrants from brethren at Oamaru, Balclutha, and the Bluff. To make
arrangements for opening Lodge Palmerston, and installing the W.M.M., on Friday, the 28th November, at 8
p.m. To revise the by-laws, and the transaction of other general business.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

INSTALLATIONS.

THE annual meeting of Lodge Celtic, No. 477, S.C. was held in the Masonic Hall. Moray Place, Dunedin, on
November 20th, and was largely attended. The chief business of the evening was the installation of Bro. R.
Ross as R.W.M. for the ensuing year, and the investiture of officers. The Lodge was opened at 8 p.m. by the
W.M. Bro. S. G. Smith, and, after the visitors had been received in due form, the District Grand Lodge, S.C.,
was announced. Bros. R. Sinclair and Colin Macandrew presented the W.M. elect, and a board of installed
masters formed, Bro. Colin Macandrew acting as Installing Master. P.M. Bro. S. G. Smith then invested the
following officers :—D. M., Bro. D. Cherrie ; S. M., Bro. McLaundress ; S.W., Bro. J. Jack ; J.W., Bro. G.
Springer ; Secretary, Bro. J. Greenwood; Treasurer, Bro. C. Macandrew; S.D., Bro. J. Campbell; J.D., Bro. J.
Munro ; I.G., Bro. D. M. Millar ; Chaplain, Bro. D. McPherson ; Steward (sen.), Bro. J. McMillan; Steward
(jun.), Bro. J. Davies; Steward (jun.), Bro. W. H. Melton ; Organist, F. W. Bayley : Piper. Bro. J. McKay;
Tyler, Bro. H. Meyer; Auditor, Bro. W. Reid. P.M. Bro. Smith moved, and P.M. Bro. Sinclair seconded a
motion : " That a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs Louis Court sympathising with her in her sad
bereavement." On the motion of Bro. Wathen, it was resolved—" That a letter of condolence be sent to the
widow of the late P.M. Bro. J. Baxter, acknowledging his many years' service to Masonry." It was resolved
on the motion of P.M. Bro. Macandrew, seconded by P.M. Bro. Sinclair—" That it letter be sent to Bro. S. G.
Smith acknowledging his many services to the Lodge, and that the same be recorded in the minutes." After
some routine business had been transacted, the Lodge adjourned. A banquet was afterwards held in the lower
hall, at which a goodly number sat down.—Globe.

LODGE AORANGI, No. 2300, E.C.—The installation of Bro. W. H. Quick as W.M., and the investiture of
officers of Lodge Aorangi, No. 2300, E.C., was held at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on the 25th ultimo.
His Excellency Bro. the Earl of Onslow, P.G.W., acted as Installing Master, and the following brethren were
invested as officers for the year, viz. : I.P.M., Bro. A. de B. Brandon, P.M. ; S.W., Bro. A. Gray, P.M. ; J.W.,
Bro. N. W. Werry, P.M. ; Treasurer, Bro. Sir E. O. Gibbes, Bt., P.M. ; Secretary, Bro. R. J. S. Todd; S.D..
Br.. J. M. Richardson; J.D., Bro. W. G. Rutherford; I.G., Bro. J. O. Anson ; Tyler, Bro. H. Erith. The musical
arrangements were left to Bros. T. Tallis, Trimwell, P.P.G.O., and W. H. Hardwick, and were carried out in
an admirable manner. Vocal selections were also rendered by several members of the Lodge. The usual
banquet was afterwards held, and appropriate toasts were duly honoured. During the course of the evening
Bro. the Earl of Onslow referred to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and the circular he had issued relating
to the matter. He trusted that in a very short time practical unanimity would result, and that all differences
would be settled. Several songs were given by the brethren present to enliven the proceedings. Bro. A. de B.
Brandon, District Grand Registrar and Immediate Past Master of the Lodge, appeared for the first time as a
vocalist, and gave " Ping, ring de banjo," with an accompaniment on that instrument, in genuine plantation
style.

ST. ANDREW KILWINNING LODGE, NO. 481, S.C., Wanganui.—The installation of the R. W.M. and
officers of this Lodge took place on the 28th November. There was a very large attendance, including the
Master (Bro. G. Marshall), and officers of the sister Lodge (Tongariro), and several visitors from the country
districts. There were also present the following P.M.'s :—Bros. Borlase, Tripe, Stevenson, Spurdle, Watt,
Keesing, Newham, W. Russell, Sewell, Hughes, Foster, Noake, and Blennerhasset. Bro. Keesing, P.M.,
occupied the chair and con-ducted the ceremony in a most efficient manner according to ancient custom.
Bro. J. L. Stevenson, P.M., (Provincial Grand Junior Warden) acted as Master of Ceremonies, and also
delivered the charge to the R. W.M. The investiture of officers was ably conducted by Bro. Spurdle, P.M.,
and the charge to the Warden and brethren was delivered by Bro. Hughes, P.M., the whole of the ceremony
being fully choral ; Bro. Holden conducted and Bro. Blackett presided at the .organ. The working tools were
presented in the different degrees by P.M.'s Bros. Borlase, Tripe, and W. Russell. The following. were the
officers installed :—R.W.M., Bro. I. Salek ; S.W., Bro. John Stevenson ; J.W., Bro. May ; S. D., ,Bro. Meuli;
I. D., Bro. Dickson ; Secretary, Bro. Couchman ; Treasurer, Bro..J. L. Stevenson ; Organist, Bro. Holden ;
Senior Steward, Bro. F. W. Jenson ; J.S., Bro. Perry ; O.G., Bro. Brandon ; Substitute Master, Bro. R. Law ;

Deputy Master, Bro. Perrett. At the close of the installation the brethren adjourned to the banquetting hall,
where a sumptuous and recherche repast was partaken of. When the cloth had been removed the usual loyal
and Masonic toasts were duly honoured, songs being given by several brethren during the intervals. During
the evening Bro. Noake took his farewell of the brethren, on the eve of his departure to another part of the
colony.— Wanganui Chronicle.

LODGE NGAMOTU, N.Z.C. — The annual meeting of Lodge Ngamotu .(late 2053, E.G.), was held on
Friday evening, the 28th November, in the Foresters' Hall, Gill street, New Plymouth. The business of the
evening was the installation of the first W.M. under the N.Z.C., by the M. W.G.M., assisted by the Grand
Lodge officers, and considerable interest was awakened thereby, brethren from various parts of the colony
being present. Amongst others, the attendance book was signed by the M. W. G.M., Bro. H. Thomson; R.
W.P. D. G. M., Bro. Gillen ; V. W.G.S., Bro. Ronaldson ; Bro. G. F. Robinson, P.M., 670, E.C. ; Bro. H.
Kitchingman, P.M. (late 760, E.C.); Bro. H. Dempsey, P.M., 788, 1.C. ; Bro. T. A. Murphy, P.M., 1233,
E.C.; Bro. W. H. Webb, W.M. (late 2053, E.G.); Bro. D. McAllum, P.M. (late 2053, E.C.) ; Bro. W. H.
Clark, Lodge Hawera (late 652, S.C.) ; Bro. W. G. Coker, 481, S.C. ; Bro. D. S. Millar, 1229, E.C. ; Bro. R.
B. Roy, Bro. C. Rodgers, &c., &c. The Lodge having been duly opened by the retiring W.M., the M.
W.G.M. and Grand Lodge officers were announced and received with the honours due to their exalted rank.
The M. W.G.M. took the chair, and the ordinary business of the Lodge was transacted. Four brethren were
balloted for as joining memners, and declared duly elected. The W.M. elect, Bro. F. P. Corkill, was then
presented by Bro. H. Dempsey, P.M., and the M.W.G.M. proceeded with the ceremony of installation, which
was conducted in a very impressive and instructive manner. Bro. F. P. Corkill having been duly installed in
the chair of K.S., he was proclaimed and saluted according to ancient custom. The W.T.'s were presented by
the G.S., Bro. Ronaldson, and the following officers were invested by the R. W. P. D. G. M., Bro. Gillon :—
S. W., Bro. . J. Little ; J.W., Bro. T. P. Lister ; Treasurer, Bro. G. H. Foote ; Secretary, Bro. D. McAllum,
P.M. ; Organist, Bro. H. Kitchingman, P.M.; S.D., Bro. J. W. Warren ; J.D., Bro. 0. Deacon ; I.G., Bro. C.
W. Heudrey ; Tyler, Bro. S. Howell. Two gentleman were proposed as fit and proper persons to be made
Masons. In response to an application from Lodge Palmerston (Palmerston South), a vote was make from the
Benevolent Fund. Telegrams were read from various .parts of the colony, congratulating Lodge Ngamotu.
W. Bro. McAllum rose from his seat, and said that as this was the first meeting of the Lodge under the
banner of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and as they were honoured by the .presence of the Grand Lodge
officers, he thought it would be a fitting sequence to the evening's proceedings if the Grand Lodge officers
present would allow them-selves to be elected honorary members of the Lodge, and he had therefore much
Leasure in moving that they be asked to accept the honorary membership. Bro. 3. W. Warren said he had
much pleasure in seconding the motion, which was carried with acclamation. The M.W.G.M., on behalf of
himself and officers, graciously accepted the compliment. Hearty good wishes were received from the
visiting brethren, and the Lodge was closed at 9.45 p.m., the brethren adjourning to the White Hart Hotel,
where a most recherche supper was prepared Bro. Hamerton, P.M. (late P.G. Inspector, I.C.), having just
arrived from Wellington by the through train, joined the assembly. The W.M., Bro. F. P. Corkill presided,
being supported on his right by the M.W.G.M. and G.S., and on his left by the R.W.P.D.G.M. and W. Bro.
Hamerton. Justice having been done to the very excellent spread, in which Host Walker had almost
surpassed himself, several hours were were spent in hearty good fellowship, the usual toasts being proposed
and duly responded to. Songs and recitations were given by Bros. Lister, Rodgers, Paul, Hendrey, and
McAllum, and a most enjoyable evening ended with " Auld Lang Syne."

ANNUAL MEETING OF LODGE PONSONBY, N. Z. C., AUCKLAND, AND PRESENTATION TO THE
RETIRING R.W.M., BRO. W. FORREST.—On December 2nd the annual meeting of the brethren of Lodge
Ponsonby, N.Z.C., for the installation of officers and the transaction of other general business, was held in
the Lodge-room, Ponsonby Hall. There was attendance of 76 brethren, including a number of Grand Lodge
officers and visitors from sister Lodges. Amongst the Grand Lodge officers present were Bro. A. S. Russell,
D.G.M. ; Bro. M. Niccol, G.S ; Bro. Cooper, A.G.S. ; Bro. Dr. Boor, S.G.D. ; and a number of Masters and
Past officers of Lodges who are also officers of the Grand Lodge. The Lodge was opened by the retiring
R.W.M. Bro. Forrest. It had a very bright appearance, the greater portion of the furniture being new, the gift
of individual members of the Lodge. The pedestals, pillars, candlesticks, &c., are in black and gold, and have
a very rich appearance. The working tools are also in excellent taste, and the cushions, &c., are also neat and
appropriate. A handsome organ has also been procured for the Lodge, at a cost of £30, altogether raised by
private subscription, and without cost to the Lodge, and this was in use that night for the first time, Bro. Dr.
Walker officiating during the musical portions of the ceremony. The principal business of the meeting was

the installation of officers, and the whole of the ceremony, with the exception of the address to the newly-
installed R.W.M., which was delivered by Bro. Niece], G.S., was carried out by Bro. Forrest in a most
pleasing and perfect manner, in which he displayed thoroughly the high proficiency which he has acquired.
The following officers were installed :—Bro. H. Grey, R. W.M. ; Bro. W. Forrest, I.P.M. ; Bro. M. Niccol,
D.M. ; Bro. A. S. Russell, S.M. ; Bro. A. H. Jones, S.W, . Bro. Magee, J.W. ; Bro. Johansen, Treasurer; Bro,
Fowlds, Secretary ; Bro. D. Jones, D. of C. ; Bro. R. O. Clark, jun., Bible bearer ; Bro. Smart, S.D. ; Bro.
Simmonds, J.D. ; Bro. Sheppard, I.G. ; Bro. Danneford, S.S. ; Bro. Massey, J.S. ; Bro. Purcell, Tyler. After
the close of the ceremony, Bro. Grey returned thanks for the honour conferred on him by the Lodge in
placing him in his present position. Bro. Forrest said he had a very pleasant duty to perform in presenting to
Lodge Ponsonby, N.Z.C., which had lost the greater portion of its furniture, the candlesticks, pedestals,
pillars, etc., with which the Lodge-room Was now furnished, as the gift of Bros. Fowlds and Mahony, the
former of whom presented the material, and the latter the labour and workmanship, and the manner in which
the work was executed was highly creditable. The intrinsic value of the gift was very high, but the value in
which it would be held by Lodge Ponsonby was still higher. On the motion of Bro. Russell, seconded by Bro.
Niccol, a hearty and cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Bros. Fowlds and Mahony for their munificent
gift. Mr Mahony briefly responded, and Mr Fowlds, in responding, made reference to the handsome gifts of
tools, etc., made by Bros. Jones, Smart, M'Culsky, and others. Bro. Fowlds then referred to the career of Bro.
Forrest as Master of Lodge Ponsonby, and the services he had rendered to it, in terms of the highest praise,
and said that he was much pleased that the duty devolved on him as one of Bro. Forrest's oldest friends in
New Zealand, if not in the world, of making a presentation to him on behalf of the Lodge for which he had
done so much. He alluded to the action taken by Bro. Forrest during their recent difficulties, and the
punishment meted out to him by those who ought to have known better; but that circumstance moved the
members of the Lodge to make to him a presentation on his retirement from the chair, as some slight
recompense for what he had suffered. He then on behalf of the Lodge presented to and pinned on the breast
of Bro. Forrest a magnificient P.M.'s jewel with three clasps, elegantly chased and raised, and bearing a
suitable inscription, and he wished him long life to wear it as a token and reminder of the well wishes of
Lodge Ponsonby. Bro. Forrest was about to reply, but Bro. Fowlds interrupted him, and said he was not done
yet. He then presented him with an elegantly-framed picture of himself, stating that they had procured a
second similar one to decorate the walls of the Lodge, and remind them of him when he was absent. He also
presented to him a magnificent tea and coffee service for Mrs Forrest. The tray had a suitable inscription, and
each piece of the set had on one side the initials of Bro. Forrest, and on the other the monogram of Mrs
Forrest, each being elaborately chased and bordered. This gift evidently took Bro. Forrest by surprise, and
deeply affected him. He rose to reply, but could only say that he could not thank them for their kindness. He
had expected such a recognition as a jewel, and would have been able to return thanks for it, but he did not
think he would have to return thanks for such a number of extraordinary and munificent gifts as they had
given him that night.—(Applause.) Hearty congratulations were accorded from representatives of all the
Lodges present, and Bro. Russell, D.G.M., said that G.M. Bro. Thomson had delegated to him the duty of
returning his grateful thanks for the reception accorded to him in Auckland. Bro. Gillon, P.G.M., also
requested him to return thanks on his behalf, and as for himself and the Grand Superintendent, they thanked
them all for what they had done. Their meeting was such as had never been seen in Auckland since the
consecration of the hall. Bro. Thomson had also requested him to especially thank Bro. Logan for the
attention he had paid him during his visit, in taking him out to the most interesting scenes in the vicinity of
the city. The Lodge was then closed, and the brethren were invited to a handsomely spread repast, which was
laid on the stage.—New Zealand Herald.

ST. ANDREW'S LODGE, Wellington.—The annual installation of the R.W.M. of St. Andrew's Lodge,
N.Z.C., and investiture of officers for the ensuing year, was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on
Thursday, 4th instant. The attendance of members and visitors was very large. The Worshipful Masters of
the New Zealand Pacific, Leinster, Waterloo, and Ulster Lodges) were also present, accompanied by the
officers and members of their respective Lodges. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was represented by the
R.W.P.D.G.M., Bro. E. T. Gillon; V.W. Bro. George Robertson, P.G. Secretary ; Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand
Director of Ceremonies ; V.W. Bro. R. C. Hamerton, P.P.G.I. ; and W. Bro. F. J. Dawes, Grand Steward. R.
W. Bro. Gillon performed the installation ceremony in a most impressive manner, being assisted in his duties
by V. W. Bro. H. J. Williams. During the ceremony the Masonic orchestra and a choir under Bro. W. H.
Warren, the organist of the Lodge, rendered appropriate music. The following is the list of officers :—
R.W.M., Bro. John Danks ; D.M., Bro. C. B, Press, P.M. ; S.W., Bro. G. France ; Treasurer, Bro. Carr, P.M.,
Grand Steward ; J.W., Bro. T. Jaffray ; Secretary, Bro. Fletcher ; Chaplain, Bro. Meek, P.M. ; S.D., Bro.

Crowther ; J.D., Bro. Townsend ; I.G., Bro. Homand ; Organist, Bro. Warren ; S.S., Bro. J. Buchanan ; J.S.,
Bro. Neilson ; Tyler, Bro. J. Atkinson. After the ceremony a banquet was held, at which the toasts usual on
such an occasion were duly honoured. Bro. John Danks has already done good service in Masonic circles,
and we feel sure that as R. W.M. he will largely increase the popularity and prestige of the St. Andrew's
Lodge. We offer him our hearty congratulations.—N. Z. Mail.

WATERLOO LODGE, WELLINGTON.—The regular monthly meeting of the Waterloo Lodge, N.Z.C., was
held at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on the 8th instant. As is usual when this Lodge meets there was a
very large attendance of members and visitors. The Worshipful Masters of all the city Lodges now under the
N.Z.C. were present, accompanied by the officers and members of their respective Lodges, and altogether
about 80 brethren were in attendance. The ceremony of installing Bro. James Godber as R.W.M. for the
ensuing year was then proceeded with, the duties of installing being performed in a most efficient manner by
Bro. A. I. Masters, P,M. The following officers were also invested by the installing officer, viz : D.M., Bro.
MacMorran ; S.M., Bro. Wm. Mitchell ; S.W., Bro. Georgeson ; J. W. Bro. George Wilson ; Treasurer, Bro.
Masters, P.M. ; Secretary, Bro. Davis ; Chaplain, Bro. Jack ; S.D., Bro. J. W. Turnbull ; J.D., Bro. Duncan ;
Organist, Bro. Warren ; S. Steward, Bro. Wright ; J. Steward ; Bro. Staples ; [.G., Bro. Morris ; Tyler, Bro.
Connell ; Bros. H. J. H, Eliott and D. Greig, P.M.'s, anted as Directors of Ceremonies. During the course of
the ceremony appropriate music was ren lered by an orchestra under W. H. Warren, and vocal selections
were given by Bros. Wilson and Munt. After the ceremony an adjournment was made to the banquet room,
where the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured, and a very pleasent evening was spent, the
proceedings being enlivened by songs given by Bros. Wilson, Wright, Munt, Copithorne, and Warren. We
sincerely wish Bro. James Godber and his officers a prosperous term of office. —New Zealand Mail.

THE annual installation of the R.W.M. of Lodge Otago Kilwinning, 417, S.C., took place on the 11th inst., in
the Freemasons' Hall, Moray Place, Dunedin. There was a large attendance, including D.G.M. Bro. James
Gore, S.C., as installing officer, and D.G.M. Bro. T. S. Graham, E.C., and their principal officers. Bro. W. R.
Cole was duly installed into the chair of the Lodge, and he appointed the D.M. and S.M. The other officers
were invested as follow:—S.W., Bro. Carter; J. W. Bro. Frame; Treasurer, Bro. Basstian, P.M.; Secretary,
Bro. Turnbull ; Chaplain, Bro Neill, P.M. ; S.D., Bro. Ponsouby; J.D., Bro. Shaw; organist, Bro. Godso; I.G.,
Bro. North; auditors, Bros. Ross and North ; stewards, Bros. Statherswaite, A. Meyer, and Richardson ;
Tyler, Bro. W. Meyer. The choir, including Bros. Marsden, H. Smith, and Blenkinsopp, were accorded a
vote of thanks for their services. A handsome P.M.'s jewel was presented to I.P.M. Bro. R, Brew, who briefly
acknowledged the compliment. The usual reunion having been posponed, a banquet took place in the lower
hall, where songs and toasts enabled the brethren to spend two hours in harmony.
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FULL MOONS FOR THE YEAR 1891.
January 25— Sunday July 22— Wednesday
February 24—Tuesday August 30— Thursday
March 26— Thursday September 18—Friday
April 27— Monday October 18— Sunday
May 24— Sunday November 16—Monday
June 22— Monday December 16—Wednesday

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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.

A LODGE OF SORROW, in memory of the late Bro. Dr. Smith, an old and much respected resident of the
Wairarapa, was held by the St. Mark's Lodge, Carterton, on Sunday evening, November 9th. There were
upwards of fifty brethren present, and all the Lodges in the district were represented. The beautiful ceremony
appropriate to the solemn occasion was rendered in a most impressive manner by the W.M., Bro. Booth, who
was assisted by Bro. N. Grace, Grand Steward. Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand Director of Ceremonies, who

went up purposely from Wellington to attend the ceremony, delivered the eulogium. During the evening a
capital orchestra and choir performed suitable music. The proceedings throughout were carried out in a
faultless manner.—N.Z. Mail.

LODGE WATERLOO, N.Z.C., WELLINGTON. — The regular monthly meeting of Lodge Waterloo, N.Z.C.,
was held at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on Monday, November 10th. There was a capital attendance
of members and visitors. The business of the evening was to raise a brother to the high and sublime degree of
an M.M., and the ceremony was performed in an able manner by the R W.M., Bro. C. A. Deacon, assisted by
the Wardens. On the Lodge being lowered to the First Degree the election of officers for the ensuing twelve
months was proceeded with, and resulted as follows :—R.W.M., Bro. J. Godber; S.W., Bro. Georgeson ;
J.W., Bro. G. Wilson ; Treasurer, Bro. Masters, P.M. ; .Secretary. Bro. Davis ; Chaplain, Bro. Jack ;
Organist, Bro. Warren ; S.D., Bro. J. W. Turnbull ; J.D., Bro. Duncan ; I.G., Bro. Morris ; S.S., Bro. Wright ;
J.S., Bro. Staples ; Tyler, Bro. Connell.—N.Z. Mail.

AT the regular monthly meeting of Lodge Sir Walter Scott, No. 26, Thames, held on November 18th, three
candidates were successfully balloted for, and four Brethren proposed for affiliation and one for initiation. It
was unanimously resolved to do away with all fees for affiliation, excepting the charge made by Grand
Lodge for diploma. The following Brethren were elected as officers for the ensuing year : R.W.M., Bro.
Clark ; I.P.M., Bro. T. L. Murray ; D.M., Bro. West ; S.M., Bro. Sim mends ; S.W., Bro. Mair; J. W. Bro.
Peat; Treasurer, Bro. Smith (eleventh year) ; Secretary, Bro. Bruce (sixth year) ; S.D., Bro. McGregor ; J.D.,
Bro. Townsend ; Chaplain, Bro. Neill, P.M. ; Architect, Bro. McLaren, P.M. ; Jeweller, Bro. Bowie ; I.G.,
Bro. Patterson ; Tyler, Bro. Lowie ; Bible Bearers. Bro. Ellis and Schofield ; Stewards, Bros. Davies,
Menzies, Rattray, and Peat ; Organist, Bro. Marston ; Master of Ceremonies, Bro. Dunlop ; Investigating
'Committee, Bros. R.W.M., S.W., J.W. West and McLaren, P.M. ; Auditors, Bros. Gillespie and Rattray. The
Lodge has made much progress under Bro. Murray's able Mastership during the last three years. Indeed, he
has so won the brotherly love and regard of all the the members that they have desired him, —like
Tennyson's " Brook "—to go on for ever. To this, however, Bro. Murray demurred, as he considered that the
honours should goj round. Bro. Murray has at all times given the greatest satisfaction, and his wisdom and
tact in this respect have been the means of making his Lodge a bond of unity and friend-ship. Bro. G. S.
Clark is a most fitting successor to Bro. T. L. Murray, and as he is a most enthusiastic Mason, the Lodge will
continue to progress under his rule in a manner similar to what it has done under his able predecessor.

THE quarterly communication of the District Grand Lodge, E.C., was held on November 19th, in the
Freemasons' Hall, Moray Place. Dunedin, and was well attended by Brethren of the three Constitutions. The
chair was occupied by Bro. T. S. Graham, D.G.M., and he was supported by Bro. Sir R. Stout, D.D.G.M.,
and C. de L. Graham, P.B.G.P. Bro. James Gore, D.G.M., S.C., South Island, Bro. Bevan, D.G.M., E.G.,
Westland, and Bro. D. McNicoll, D.G.I., I.C., were announced and received with Masonic honours. The
minutes of the last communication were read by the Secretary, Bro. Sydney James, P. D. D. G. M., and con-
firmed. A lengthy report was read from the Board of General Purposes. The D.G.M. invested Bro. A. Beck
with a Steward's regalia, as a slight token of esteem for the way he had worked to benefit the Craft. The
D.G.M. then informed the Brethren of an interview he had with Lord Onslow re the Grand Lodge question.
At his suggestion the Governor invited Bros. C. de L. Graham, S. James (representing the English
Constitution), Nees, Neill, Court (representing -the Scotch Constitution), Barrett and McNicoll (representing
the Irish Coustitution), to discuss the question. He did not know what the outcome was, but since that time
various letters and telegrams had passed between himself and Lord Onslow on the matter. The gist of the
Governor's communications was, that so far as he had been able to ascertain, some attempt should be made
to improve the-Craft in general in New Zealand. In reply; the speaker informed Lord Onslow that the
continued offences of the new body was enough to stop all steps being taken to bring about a reconciliation.
After some correspondence had been read, Bro. T. S. Graham thanked the visitors for their attendance. Bro.
Bevan, in reply, spoke at some length on the Grand Lodge question, saying that the circular issued by the
Governor the other day was nothing more nor less than inspired. He said that if Lord Onslow had the
interests of the Craft at heart he might have found time to visit some of the Lodges since he arrived in the
Colony. The D.G.M. said that while the Governor was in Dunedin during the Exhibition he had been invited
several times to visit the Grand Lodge, but had never replied to the invitations. Bros. James Gore and D.
McNicoll also thanked the D.G.M. for the reception they received, and the Lodge closed.—Globe.

WELLINGTON LODGE.—The regular monthly meeting of the Wellington Lodge, No. 1521, E.C., was held
at the Freemasons Hall, Wellington, on Friday, 21st November. There was a capital attendance of members
and visitors. The business of the evening was an initiation, which was conducted in an able manner by the
W.M., Bro. J. H. Richardson. The W.T.'s were presented by the S.W., Bro. D. C. Innes, and the charge was
delivered by Bro. W. H. Field. Several candidates were proposed for initiation, and, after hearty good wishes
had been tendered by the visiting Brethren, the Lodge was closed in peace, love, and harmony at 10 p.m.

NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC LODGE.—The regular monthly meeting of the New Zealand Pacific Lodge,
N.Z.C., was held at the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on Monday, 24th November. The attendance of
members and visitors was above the average, and the chair was occupied by Bro. J. J. M. Hamilton, P.M.
The work of the evening consisted of an initiation, the acting W.M. being assisted in the work by Bro. W. D.
Lyon, P.M. The election of W.M. then took place, and Bro. W. H. Freeman was unanimously chosen to fill
the position. Bros. J. J. M. Hamilton, P.M., and H. Erith, were elected as Treasurer and Tyler respectively,
and the proceedings terminated at 10 p.m.

WE are informed that His Excellency Brother the Earl of Onslow, P.G.J. W. of the Grand Lodge of England,
installed the W.M. of the Lodge Aorangi, 2300, English Constitution, Wellington, on Tuesday, 25th
November.

METHVEN MASONIC LODGE, N.Z.C. (LATE 694, S.C.).—The usual monthly meeting of this Lodge was
held in the Public Library, on the evening of the 25th ult., the W.M., Bro. James Gillanders, presiding. After
the usual business had been disposed of, Bro. Richard MacBride was duly ballotted for affiliation, and
admitted. Two other brothers who had been duly proposed for affiliation on the previous Lodge night were
absent. A notice of motion to reduce the affiliation fee, given at the previous meeting, in the absence of the
mover, was left over till next meeting. The meeting was closed in the usual Masonic manner at 10.15 p.ni.
Some time ago the members of the above Lodge discussed the question of erecting a memorial tombstone
over the last resting place of their late Bro. Robert Patton, P.M., who died on May 26th, 1889. With the help
of a little assistance from their brethren in Rakaia and Ashburton, they were enabled to purchase a pretty
marble headstone. This they have just erected over the grave. Besides the usual Masonic symbols, the stone
bears the inscription—" Erected to the memory of our late Bro. Robert Patton, P.M., by the brethren of the
Methven Masonic Lodge, 694, S.C. Died November 26, 1889; aged, 51." Bro. Patton was one of the
founders of this Lodge, and for many years acted as secretary.

THE SOUTHERN STAR LODGE, No. 735 E.G., Nelson, at its meeting on Tuesday-evening, 25th November,
elected as its W.M. for the ensuing year Bro. H. Baigent, P.M. There were ten Brethren whose names were
eligible for re-election, four had votes cast for them, but the brother chosen had a large majority, and was
therefore declared duly elected. Bro. P.M. Bolton was chosen as Treasurer. The election of Tyler was
postponed till next month. The second degree was conferred on one Brother, and another received the third
degree. A long letter (circular) from Bro. Lord Onslow, Past Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of England,
re Grand Lodge of New Zealand, was read by the Secretary, but its consideration was deferred for a month.
There were several visiting brethren; Bro Rev. W. H. Wilson of Reefton, Pacific, No. 1453, E.C. ; Bro.
Beecham, of Forest Lodge, Wakefield, No. 1481, E.C., Bro. Heginbotham of N.Z. Pacific Lodge,
Wellington, and the officers of the Victory Lodge, Nelson, who, on this occasion made a special official
visit. The usual day for installation and investiture of officers (St. John's Day, 27th December) coming this
year on Saturday, the ceremony will, no doubt, take place at some other date, due notice of which will be
given.

AT the regular monthly meeting of the Lodge Port Chalmers Marine, No. 942, E.G., at Port Chalmers, on
Wednesday evening, 26th November, Bro. J. Cunningham, Junior Warden, was elected Worshipful Master
for the ensuing year.

LODGE ABERCORN, N.Z.C., WAIPAWA.—The regular meeting of Lodge Abercorn, was held on November
26th. During routine business a small offering was made to the Lindsay (Palmerston South) relief fund, and a
report was made that assistance had been given a distressed Brother passing through the district. A ballot was
taken for Mr Edward Macfarlane, of Makaretu, which proved favourable. The ballot for officers for the
ensuing year resulted as follows : W.M., Bro. John Pickett ; Treasurer, Bro. Alex. Todd (re-elected) ; Tyler,
Bro. Fred. Lowe (re-elected). A Brother was proposed for affiliation. One of the Brethren who attended the

Scinde Lodge (Napier) Consecration ceremony, gave a short resume of the proceedings. The M.W.G.M.
seems to have won golden opinions both there and at Danevirke.

LODGE WAITAKI, N.Z.C., Oamaru (late No. 1111, E.C.), held its regular meeting in the Masonic Hall on
the 26th November. Bro. E. Wade was passed to the Second and Bro. D. Dunn raised to the Third Degree by
the W.M., Bro. Hamilton, assisted by Bro. McJennett, P.M. The working tools were presented by the S.
Warden. This way distributes the work as much as possible amongst the officers, so that, at a moment's
notice, any officer could take any position in the Lodge and do the work creditably. Two clearances were
supplied to brethren, they wishing to join the new Lodge at Ngapara under the Grand Lodge. Bro. E. G. Lane
proposed and Bro. Pocklington seconded, and it was carried unanimously, that Lodge Waitaki grants its
protection to the proposed Mark Master Masons' Lodge, to be held in Oamaru, and to be called Lodge
Hamilton as a compliment to the Master of Lodge Waitaki, who will also be the first Master of the Mark
Lodge. Bro. Keys gave notice of motion to appoint a financial committee to consider the advisability of
taking such steps as may be necessary to wipe off the whole of the debt now remaining on the hall, either by
debentures or otherwise.

LODGE HAWERA (652), N. Z.C.—The annual election of office holders in Lodge Hawera, N.Z.C., was held
on Thursday evening, November 27th, Bro. K.W.M. Hill presiding ; and about 30 of the brethren were
present. The following were duly elected :—R.W.M., H. Caplen ; S.W., R. H. Nolan ; J. W., R. Smart ; S. D.,
W. A. Nairn ; J. D., Jas. Thomson ; I.G., J. C. Yorke ; D.M., P. L. Neilsen ; S.M. and Treasurer, N. Johnston
; Secretary, C. F. Hill ; Tyler, W. Swinbourne. The installation will take place on December 18, 1890,
arrangements in respect to which were placed in the hands of a committee.

MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE, N.Z.C., PALMERSTON NORTH. — An emergency meeting was held
on December 1st to receive the M. W. Grand Master, Bro. Henry Thomson. The G.M. was accompanied by
Bro. E. T. Gillen, P. D.G.M., Bro. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary, and Bro. J. Herbert Hankins, Deputy Grand
Registrar. The Grand Master delivered a very interesting address to the brethren, in which he sketched out
the history of the Grand Lodge movement, and alluded to the certainty of recognition being accorded within
a very short period. Reference was made to the fact that unanimity was the only thing required to ensure this,
and numbers of Lodges are giving in their adhesion to Grand Lodge since the issue of Bro. Lord Onslow's
circular. After alluding to the reasons which induced him to accept the office of first Grand Master, Bro.
Thomson expressed the belief that the coming year would see His Excellency occupying the position.
Lengthy reference was made to the-advantages to be gained by the Craft through the establishment of a
National Grand Lodge, and to the rapid extension of the movement. The meeting was also addressed by
Bros. Gallon and Ronaldson, who gave interesting information as to the progress made. It was mentioned
also that a representative body of Past Masters of the Wanganui Lodge had met the G.M. on the previous
evening, and, as a result, it was expected that these would shortly join the New Zealand Grand Lodge. It was
hoped that the complete unity of the Craft in New Zealand would shortly be effected, and this could not be
otherwise than beneficial to all concerned. At the subsequent adjournment for refreshment the usual loyal
and Masonic toasts were honoured, the G.M. making a capital speech in reply to the toast of his health.
Among the other toasts given was that of " Sister Constitutions," proposed by Bro. Gallon, and ably
responded to by Bro. Cohen, W.M. of the United Manawatu Lodge, 1721, E.C.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF MENTION

THE Sydney Freemason has entered on its 14th year.

THANKS to Bros. Couchman (Wanganui), and W. H. Cooper (Auckland), for favours.

THE Rev. W, Ronaldson, Grand Secretary of the New Zealand Grand Lodge, who has been in the North
Island recently, preached in the Napier Cathedral on Sunday week.

On dit that the Masonic authorities of the three constitutions have decided that the Grand Orient of France is
not a Masonic body, but are waiting further instructions from Home on the subject before taking any further
action. —Globe, Dunedin.

WITH pleasure we notice that a good many Lodges are doing away with the high affiliation fee. The
Freemason, Sydney, warmly commends the step and says : "We hope to find that every Lodge under the
Constitution will so alter their by-laws as to make the fee for affiliation the exact amount required by the
Constitution to be paid into the Grand Lodge fund."

THE Grand Lodge of Tasmania has adopted the regalia of England as the most suitable for Tasmania.

IT is stated by the Masonic Chronicle of New York that the Lodges in Germany are obligated to ignore Jews
applying for admission to the Craft.

ON the 15th November the Masons of Ngapara presented a silver trowel to Bro. John McLean, in
commemoration of the laying of the foundation stone of the Masonic Hall at that place. The presentation was
made in the presence of a number of the brethren at the Star and Garter Hotel, by a deputation consisting of
Bees. McWhirter, Webber, Wm. Stringer, Gibson, and Howden ; and Bro. McWhirter in an appropriate
speech, referred to the interesting event which the trowel was destined to mark, and the prominent part that
Bro. McLean had played in connection therewith. Bro. McLean suitably responded in a speech expressive of
his pleasure as the recipient of the memento. The deputation was introduced by Bro. Wanabrough, P.M.—
Oamaru Mail.

A FEW nights ago a deputation of New Plymouth brethren interviewed His Excellency Bro. Lord Onslow.

THE system that prevails in Pennsylvania is an excellent one to prepare officers in line of promotion for the
duties of Master. The Master confers the third degree, the Senior Warden the second, and the Junior Warden
the first. This plan gives to the Lodge three active working officers, each competent to preside.

THE first meeting of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in Auckland was, celebrated with great eclat. All the
Masonic Lodges of Auckland and suburbs, as well as those of the Thames and Waikato, were fully
represented. The Grand Master took occasion at the banquet to express the hope that the Earl of Onslow
would yet see bis way to accept the office, and that he would be prepared to give him a loyal sup port. There
was a large attendance of the Craft at the gathering, and the ball which was given in celebration of the
meeting of the Grand Lodge was an unqualified success. The Southern visitors returned homewards well
satisfied with their kindly and courteous reception.--Auckland Correspondent of the Otago Daily Times.

IT is amusing, yet irritating, to read the comments of our London con-temporary on Colonial Masonry. It
does not like Grand Lodges being established in the colonies, and indulges in many irritating references to
the efforts made to uplift Masonry from the deteriorating influences of District and Provincial Grand Lodge
government, as doled out to the colonies.—Freemason, Sydney.

THE transactions of Lodge Quatuor Coronati, No. 2076, London, vol. iii., part 2, are unusually interesting.
The front-piece is a capital likeness of Bro. Walter Besant, one of the founders of the Lodge. Should any
brother desire to subscribe to the transactions of this Lodge, we shall be pleased to give any information that
may be desired. The yearly subscription is only 15s, and the information that can be obtained for that sum is
surprising.

THE Masonic Review, Cincinnatti, Ohio, regards the action of Bros, T, S Graham and Gore as " Masonic
tyranny," and ends the article with the following : "This was no sooner done than the D.G.M.'s of the E.C.
and the S.C. issued a joint edict, excommunicating all the brethren, except two or three, whom they made use
of as stool-pigeons to cover their groundless charges of treason and rebellion, prohibiting all Masonic
intercourse, and locking the doors of some of the Lodges against the brethren, compelling them to accept the
hospitality of other fraternal societies. These tribulations will soon come to an end. The Grand Lodges of
England and Scotland, with their accustomed liberality and good sense, will, no doubt, give their fraternal
blessings, and bid the youngsters God-speed, with the injunction the All-Father gave to Noah on leaving the
Ark—` be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth.' "

THE extraordinary series of edicts issued by the District Grand Masters of the E. C. and S. C., and scattered
broadcast through the territory, have evoked much amusement and disgust. What sad reading they will be in
a year or two.—Freemason, Sydney.

THE recognition by New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand has been
enthusiastically received, and is a dignified reply to those who have questioned the legality of the
movement.—Freemason, Sydney.

AT the Quarterly Communication of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury, on the 16th October, which
claims to have nine lodges attached to it, only two lodges were repr, sented. There was one visitor. Nine of
the Grand officers had their places filled by substitutes. These included the D,G.M., the S.W. and J.W., and
the Deacons. This looks unhealthy.—Freemason, Sydney.

THE Grand Lodge of England and Scotland seem to be in a very unfraternal frame of mind over the
establishment of a Grand Lodge in New Zealand. They decline to recognise that sturdy body, and Scotland
has denounced and ex-communicated the seceders. This seems to be a favourite mode of procedure with.
these two venerable Grand bodies. Time works wonders.—Freemason, Sydney..

_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRO. LORD ONSLOW'S CIRCULAR.
HOW RECEIVED.

WE regret to learn that in certain quarters the circular issued by Bro. the Earl of Onslow to those Lodges
which have not joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, has not met with approval. The fraternal feelings
which prompted our distinguished brother to offer his services, with the view of bringing about practical
unanimity in Masonry, are evidently unappreciated by the very brethren, who, as rulers in the Craft, ought
certainly to second the efforts of a Past Grand Warden of England. One thing we are sure of, and that is that
the Grand Lodge of England will, without doubt, uphold Lord Onslow's action. —N.Z. Mail.

Lodge Rodney, No. 1711, E.C., Auckland, has considered the Governor's .circular re Masonic autonomy in
the Colony, and a resolution has been passed concurring with Lord Onslow in regretting the dissensions, and
expreasing a determination to continue allegiance to the English Constitution.

Southern Star Lodge, No. 735, E.C., Nelson, at its last meeting, November 25th, read Bro. Lord Onslow's
circular, but owing to the election of Master, &c., its consideration was deferred for a month.

At a meeting on December 10, of the United Manawatu Lodge, E.C., Palmerston North, it was resolved that,
although the lodge had expreead their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of England, yet the members shared the
feelings of regret expressed by Earl Onslow with reference to the present dissensions among Masons, and
would gladly hear of a plan for their removal.

The statement which has appeared in the daily newspapers, that Bro. Earl of Onslow, Governor of New
Zealand, has issued a circular to all the recalcitrant lodges in that colony, counselling them to accept the new
order of things Masonic, as contained in the newly-established Grand Lodge, is cheering news. That it will
have a good effect cannot be doubted, as the exalted position of His Excellency in the Craft gives a weight to
his advice, which no lodge would care to ignore. If this circular bad been issued earlier, much scandal would
have been avoided, but we do not blame Bro. Earl of Onslow for the delay, as he probably did not dream that
the courtesies of Masonic intercourse would have been so grossly outraged as they have been by those from
whom he naturally expected a better example. We feel sure that wise counsels will prevail, and that the
unanimity which was expected at the inception of the Grand Lodge will now be obtained, and harmony
restored.—Freemason, Sydney.

His Excellency the Earl of Onslow, P. G. W. of England, and who unwisely refused the Grand Mastership of
New Zealand, has undertaken the role of mediator, and has issued a circular to the lodges which have not yet
joined the new Grand Lodge. His efforts to bring about unity are watched with much interest.—Exchange.

We understand that Bro. Earl of Onslow is endeavouring to bring about unanimity in Masonry in New
Zealand. Better late than never. We earnestly wish him success. —Exchange.

A special meeting of the members composing Lodge Pacific, No. 1453, E.C., Reefton, was called for the 5th
December, "To consider circular from Lord Onslow, P. Grand Warden of England."

The Prince of Wales Lodge, Auckland, met on November 20th, to consider the circular letter of the Governor
relative to the United Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The following resolution was passed :—" That the
Worshipful Master be requested to inform our right worshipful brother that, while duly appreciating his
desire to heal the dissensions at present existing amongst Freemasons in this Colony, and while they are
willing to consider any suggestions he may make to that end, the members of this Lodge have absolutely
decided not to sever their ,allegiance to the Grand J edge of England under any circumstances."

At the meeting of Wellington Lodge, No. 1521, E.C., on the 21st November, the courteous and fraternal
circular forwarded by Bro. the Earl of Onslow to all those Lodges which have not joined the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand was read by the Secretary, and the W.M. intimated that he would call a meeting of the brethren
at an early date to consider the matter.

Our correspondent in the Napier District says :—Lord Onslow's circular is regarded here as a step in the right
direction, and hopes are entertained of a speedy return to—if nothing more—amicable relationship with
those brethren who differ with us as to the necessity for a New Zealand Constitution.

MEETING OF WANGANUI PAST MASTERS.

A representative body of the Past Masters of the local Masonic Lodges was held recently in the Freemasons'
Hall to receive information concerning the - Grand Lodge of New Zealand. There were present :—P.M.'s
Bros. Borlase, Parsons, Russell, Keesing, Tripe, Stevenson, Sewell, Hughes, Foster, Cottle, Marshall, Salek,
and secretary, Bro. Couchman. P.M. Bro. Keesing was voted to the chair. The chairman introduced the
object of the meeting, and then called upon Bro. Thomson, G.M. of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, to
address them. Bro. Thomson spoke at considerable length upon the subject of the establishment of the New
Zealand Grand Lodge; and he was followed by P. D.G.M. Bro. Gillon and G.S. Rev. Bro. Ronaldson, who
also contributed interesting information upon the same subject. In the course of their remarks the speakers
entered fully into the details of the new Grand Lodge of New Zealand, defending the legality of their action
in severing their allegiance from the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland, and referring to the objections
held by some of the Lodges holding under the Home charters, viz., that of disloyalty. In New South Wales
and other Australian colonies where a similar movement had taken place, they had faced the same
difficulties, yet those Grand Lodges were now recognised by the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and
Ireland. Already the New Zealand -Grand Lodge had received recognition from a great many of the principal
Grand Lodges, including one of the oldest constituted Lodges in Europe—the Grand Orient of Italy,
Reference was made to the circular recently issued by his Excellency Bro. Lord Onslow, and the hope was
entertained that those Lodges which had remained loyal to the Lodges of England and Scotland would
seriously consider the practical advantages attending the unanimous support of a Grand Lodge in this colony.
Unanimity amongst the Craft would give strength to the cause, and would ultimately succeed in obtaining for
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand the recognition of the Grand Lodges at Home.

At the conclusion of the addresses a number of important questions were put by P.M.'s present, relating to
some of the objections to the movement which had been put forward. To these questions the Grand officers
gave very full and satisfactory replies, showing that they as the principal promoters of the movement had
seriously contemplated and grasped the position in all its bearings. The meeting closed with a hearty and
unanimous vote of thanks to Brits. Thomson, Gillon, and Ronaldson, proposed by Bro. Keesing and
seconded by Bro. Parsons.

After the meeting, the visitors were shown over the Lodge rooms, and they expressed themselves
exceedingly pleased with everything they saw, acknowledging that the Freemasons' Hall in Wanganui was at
once beautiful and useful.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRO. COOPER, A.G. Secretary, has sent us a copy of Lodge Ponsonby's balance sheet. Two years ago the
Lodge had a bank overdraft of £50. It now has assets over liabilities of £167 9s 6d. This is exceedingly
creditable to the retiring Master, Bro. Forrest, and partly explains his popularity. We notice that the Lodge
had £56 19s 2d worth of furniture and regalia taken from the hall by members of the so-called "Lodge
Ponsonby, S.C." Lodge Ponsonby, N.Z.C., has no liabilities.