BRO. ANDREW ROSS KIRK.
[PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE]

THE
NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.

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

VOL. II—No. 6.] APRIL 16, 1891. A.D., 1891; A.L., 5891. A.M., 5651; A. In., 2421.

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.

ANDREW ROSS KIRK, President Board of Benevolence, Grand Lodge of New Zealand, arrived in Lyttelton
on April 1st, 1862. Settled in Christchurch, and has resided there since—with an interval of eighteen months
spent in Temuka, South Canterbury. He was initiated in the Canterbury Lodge, 1048 E.C., at Christchurch on
March 19th, 1875. I.G., 1876 ; J.W., 1877; S.W., 1878 ; W.M., 1879 ; Treasurer, 1880 ; Grand Steward in
District Grand Lodge, 1876 ; Grand Superintendent of Works 1880 ; Grand J.W., 1881. He took an active
part in establishing the Lincoln, Somerset, and Concord Craft Lodges, and the Lyttelton Kilwinning R.A.
Chapter ; was the first W.M. of the Lincoln Lodge in 1881—elected an honorary member, 1882; was elected
an honorary member of the Concord Lodge, 1881 ; joined St. George's, E.C., Temuka, 1883. Is a member of
Canterbury Kilwinning, R.A. Chapter, 136, E.C., having been exalted in 1876 ; has occupied each chair—
that of M.E.Z. twice, 1879 and 1888. Was one of the founding members of the Memphis Chapter, No. 2
Rose Croix, 18th Degree ; of the Supreme Grand Council of the 33rd Degree for New Zealand ; Treasurer,
1876; M.W. Sovereign, 1878. Was President of the Widows' and Orphans' and Benevolent Board for
Canterbury, E.C., 1889. Has been a member of the Standing Committee of the District Lodge for a number
of years ; joined St. Agustine, N.Z.C., 1890. Bro. Kirk took a very active part, with other Brethren, in the
work of establishing the New Zealand Constitution, acting as Treasurer of the Canterbury Masonic Union,
and on the formation of the Grand Lodge he was appointed President of the Grand Board of Benevolence.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

ROYAL ARCH MASONRY
[CONTRIBUTED.]

WE are pleased to observe that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is now actively engaged in taking charge of
Royal Arch Masonry under its Constitution. This, of course, has, to a certain extent, been forced upon it by
the lapsing of the warrants of those Chapters attached to Lodges under the English Constitution which have
joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and whose members desire to continue their work.

There is still stronger reason why the New Zealand Grand Lodge should take charge of Chapters. Scotch
Royal Arch Masonry in the Colony is not in a satisfactory state. That branch of our Order, as most of our
readers are aware, is independent of Craft Freemasonry, constituting the great distinction between English
and Scotch Freemasonry. The chapters have no connecticn with Lodges; the Supreme Chapter by its warrant
conferring the Mark and Excellent Degrees in addition to the R.A.

We have nothing to say against the working of these beautiful Degrees, which we believe is all that can be
desired. It is concerning the administration of the Supreme Chapter laws in the Colony of which we
complain.

A Provincial Grand Chapter Superintendent, the late Bro. CALDWELL, was appointed in 1873, when three
Scotch Chapters existed. On his resignation, Bro. PATERSON was appointed, and afterwards the late Bro.
COURT. The Grand Superintendent is supposed to be nominated by the consent of all the Chapters ; really,
however, he is nominated in Dunedin. He should visit the Chapters. The only occasion, however, on which
they have been visited was by Provincial Grand Superintendent, Bro. COURT accompanied by Provincial
Grand Scribe Bro. NEILL, about two years ago, when certain offices were conferred by Bro. COURT —
Provincial Grand this, in one Chapter—Provincial Grand that, in another—some of these offices really are
not authorised by Sup. Grand Chapter. As the various offices in Provincial Grand Chapters are elective, and
taking into consideration the fact that no Provincial Grand Chapter has ever been called into existence here,
the whole business was a complete farce. This is not as it should be. We feel sure that if a report had been
sent to Supreme Chapter something more would have been heard of it. Further allusion has been made to this
matter, in your March issue, in your report of proceedings of Waterloo R.A. Chapter.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

GRAND LODGES.
NEW ZEALAND.

__________
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.

INVERCARGILL had the honour of being the locale of the third Quarterly Communication of the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand, which was held in the Masonic Hall, Forth street, on April 10th. Members of Grand
Lodge and of all the Craft Lodges in Southland assembled at 7.30, as they came in signing their names on the
G.L. Attendance Roll. The gathering was very large, the seating capacity of the hall being taxed to the
utmost, a few of the Brethren having to find accommodation on extra seats.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Bro. Henry Thomson, arrived at 8 o'clock, and constituted his Grand
Lodge as follows :

Bro. A. H. Burton, Grand Superintendent of Otago, as Deputy Grand Master, Bro. H. Feldwick, Senior
Grand Warden ; Bro. A. Cross, as Junior Grand Warden ; Bro. the Yen. Archdeacon Stocker, as Grand
Chaplain ; Bro. W. Smith, as Grand Treasurer ; Bro. the Rev. Wm. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary ; Bro. W. B.
Scandrett, as Senior Grand Deacon ; Bro. W. G. Mehaffey, as Junior Grand Deacon ; Bro. the Rev. Frank
Dodd, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies ; Bro. C. Sawyer, as Grand Sword Bearer ; Bro. J. A. Kirby,
as Grand Pursuivant ; Bro. M. R. Bree, Grand Steward ; Bros. S. Nichol, Newman, G. Crosbie, J. S. Miller,
and E. Titchener, as Grand Stewards ; Bro. H. Newlands, as Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge officers then
entered the Lodge in procession, and were received with the customary honours. The Grand Lodge having
been opened in ample form,

The M.W.G.M. offered his hearty approval and congratulations to the Brethren in the district for such a
splendid attendance. He then referred to a circular which had been circulated amongst the Lodges as to their
approval of the Earl of Onslow as the future Grand Master for New Zealand. This circular had been
answered in the affirmative by nearly every Lodge, absence of replies from others being accounted for by
distance and difficulty in calling special meetings and shortness of time given for reply. He explained the
position with reference to his request to the Earl of Onslow asking him to allow himself to be nominated as
Grand Master. Having written to His Excellency when he was in the interior of the North Island delay had
arisen in replying, but on the second of the present month the following telegram had been received :

" H. Thomson, Christchurch (Confidential)—Yours received. Have been in communication with a
number of Brethren in different parts of the colony ; am hopeful of reconcilement, but cannot accept
offer at present, or unless some means of reconcilement can be devised. I can never consent to head a
party, and still prefer not to be put forward in any capacity except that of peacemaker.—ONSLOW."

Since the receipt of this the following had come to hand„and enabled him to read the confidential telegram :
" H. Thomson, Tapanui. — I think you may say that but for the inflexible determination to take no
step tending towards reconciliation exhibited by the Southern Masons I should have persevered in
my efforts to bring about such a state of affairs as would have enabled free intercommunication
between all the New Zealand Lodges to be resumed ; and my telegram of the 2nd is not
confidential.—ONSLOW."

The M. W.G.M. urged upon the assembled Brethren, notwithstanding that in some instances a want of
courtesy had been shown by some of the Lodges who had not given in their allegiance to the Grand Lodge,
to show as much courtesy and kindness as if they belonged to Lodges under their own Constitution.

The Grand Secretary read apologies for non-attendance.

The minutes of the last Quarterly Communication, held in Auckland, were read and confirmed.

A telegram was read from the Assistant Grand Secretary, V. W. Bro. W. H. Cooper, stating that petitions had
been lodged with the R.W. the Grand Superintendent of Auckland for two new lodges in that District.

The Grand Treasurer forwarded a voucher, signed by the manager of the Bank of New Zealand in
Christchurch, which stated that the amount to the credit of the Grand Lodge on April 7th, 1891, was £166 9s
11d.

The report of the Board of General Purposes was read. The Board stated that since their last report Lodge
Ngapara had been consecrated and opened, Lodges Hiram, E.C. South Dunedin, and Foxton Kilwinning,
S.C., had joined Grand Lodge ; recognition had been granted by the Grand Lodges of Montana, Nevada,
South Australia, and the Grand Orient of Belgium.

The Board also reported that copies of the draft Constitutions had been forwarded to Lodges for their
consideration, and that Warrants and Certificates would be forwarded directly after the numbering of Lodges
had taken place.

The Board of Benevolence reported that £115 5s 7d was now lying to the credit of the fund, and that when
the sum of £26 5s, outstanding, was added the credit would be £141 10s 7d. The Board reported having made
a grant of £10, and two of £5 during the quarter.

The Acting Superintendent of Wellington, R.W. Bro. E. T. Gillen, reported twenty-one Lodges, working
under Grand Lodge in his District. with a member-ship of over 700. Returns had been received from sixteen
Lodges, with an actual membership of 641.

The nomination of officers was as follows :

OTAGO DISTRICT.
Lodge Hiram, Dunedin—E. Titchener, P.M. ; J. A. Kirby, W.M.
Lodge of Waitaki, Oamaru—E. G. Lane, M.M.
Bro. Hargood, P.M. (Lodge Clutha) by P.M. Bro. Do Renzy.
T. Hay McKenzie, P.M. (Lodge Clutha), nominated by W., Bro. Rev. Frank Dodd,

Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
A. J. Barth, P.M. (Lodge of Otago) nominated as Grand Organist by P.M., Bro, De Renzy.
W. Henderson, P.M. (Lodge Waikonaiti), nominated by R. W., Bro. A. H. Burton, G.S. of Otago.

SOUTHLAND DISTRICT.
W. H. Hall, P.M. (Lodge Southern Cross), nominated by P.M., Bro. Scandrett.

C. Sawyer, P.M. (Lodge Southern Cross), nominated by P.M., Bro. H. Feldwick, S.G. Warden.
M. R. Bree, P.M.G. Steward (Lodge Mokoreta), nominated by Bro. G. Crosbie, W.M. Lodge Mokoreta.
W. H. Hannay, P.M. (Lodge Fortitude, Bluff), nominated by P.M. Bro. Newman.
A. Cross, P.M. (Lodge Southern Cross), nominated by W. Bro. W. Smith, W.M. (Lodge Southern Cross).
Venerable Archdeacon Stocker, P.M. (Lodge Southern Cross), nominated by P.M. Bro. Feldwick, S.G.
Warden as Grand Chaplain.

CANTERBURY DISTRICT.
Lodge Geraldine, Canterbury—J. Macpherson Murray, R.W.M. ; Alfred White, S.W.
Lodge Concord, Papanui—R.C. Bishop, P.M., as President of the Board, of General Purposes ; C. P. Hulbert,
P.M., as President of the Board of Benevolence ; A. Kaye, P.M., as Grand Treasurer ; E. C. Brown, M.M., as
Grand Steward.
Lodge Southern Cross, Kaiapoi—Rev. D. J. Murray, P.M., as Grand Chaplain ; W. R. May, P.M., as Grand
Steward.
Lodge St. Augustine, Christchurch—Henry Thomson, P.M. ; C. P. Hulbert, P.M. ; F. J. Smith, P.M. ; C.
Hull, P.M.; G. Tombs, P.M. ; F. W. Francis, P.M. ; E. C. Brown, M.M.
Lodge Unanimity, Lyttelton—S. Derbidge, P.M. ; H. T. Arnold, P.M. ; J. H. Schmidt, P.M. ; J. Thomson,
P.M. ; Colin Cook, W.M.

WELLINGTON DISTRICT.
Lodge Waterloo, Wellington—A. J. Masters, P.M., as Grand Steward. Lodge Patea Kilwinning—W. J.
Gibbons, S.W., as Grand Steward. Lodge Leinster, Wellington—James Patterson, P.M.
Lodge St. John, Featherston—Rev. Thomas Porritt, W.M.
Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning, Palmerston North—J. H. Hankins, Assistant Grand Registrar, and J. Walkley,
Grand Steward, nominated to the same offices.
R. C. Hamerton, P.M., and G. H. Elliott, P.M. of Wellington, by P.M. Bro. De Renzy, consent to be
obtained.
George Fisher, M.M., M.H.R. (Lodge N.Z. Pacific, Wellington), nominated by R.W. Bro. A. H. Burt In, G.S.
of Otago.
Bro. Young, P.M. (Lodge N.Z: Pacific), nominated by P.M., Bro. George Robertson, P.G. Secretary.

AUCKLAND DISTRICT.
Lodge Coromandel, Thames—Tames Brown, P.M. Lodge Wairoa, Auckland—W C. Walker, P.M. Lodge
Albion, Devonport—J. H. Logan, P.M. Lodge Ara, Auckland—G. H. Powley, P.M. Lodge St. Andrew,
Auckland—Dr. Walker, P.M. Lodge Beta, Hamilton—Bro. Primrose, P.M. Lodge Sir Walter Scott,
Thames—Bro. Clark, P.M. Lodge Ponsonby, Auckland—Bro. Forrest, P.M. Lodge Manukau, Onehunga—
Bro. Bruford, P.M.
Frank Lawry, P.M., M.H.R. (Lodge Manukau, Onehunga), nominated
by P.M., Bro. Feldwick, S. Grand Warden.

NELSON DISTRICT.
Lodge Victory,—A. E. Cresswell, P.M.

Grand Secretary states that it is possible other nominations went to the Grand Lodge office in Christchurch ;
they will, of course, be added to the list, and will be printed and circulated to members of Grand Lodge in
plenty of time for the Annual Communication in June.

Auditors.—The following were nominated and elected by Grand Lodge :—P.M., Bro. De. Renzy, Dunedin;
P.M., Bro. Hull, Christchurch; P.M., Bro. Fenerty, Christchurch ; P.M. Bro. F. J. Smith, Christchurch.

Board of General Purposes and Board of Benevolence.—The R.W., Bro. Henry Feldwick, Senior Grand
Warden, nominated the present members of these two Boards for re-election.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master strongly recommended the formation of local Boards of General
Purposes, to consider the draft Constitutions. Grand Lodge was closed at 9.50 p.m.

THE BANQUET.

The Lodges in the Invercargill District gave a banquet at the Southland Club in honour of the visit of Grand
Lodge. A large number sat down to an excellent banquet provided by Bro. Johnson. The great room was
tastefully decorated with banners and scrolls bearing the names of the various Lodges who had joined the
New Zealand Constitution, conspicuously displayed. After the usual loyal toasts.

Bro. Sawyer, P.M., proposed, "The New Zealand Grand Lodge and Grand Master" in an excellent speech.
Glancing at the measure of opposition to the Grand Lodge and the large share of success that had attended it,
he expressed the sympathy of the Masons in this locality for the Grand Lodge Officers, in having to bear the
brunt of the opposition they had been subjected to —not, he was happy to say from this locality, In
Southland they had avoided such feeling, and though the sister Lodges had not come over, yet he felt sure
that a large majority of the members were in favour of joining the Grand Lodge.

M. W. Bro. H. Thomson, in responding to the toast, after saying that the position held by the Grand Lodge
Officers could not be compared to a bed of roses, stated that the object they had in forming a Grand Lodge
for New Zealand was to have one great governing body instead of twelve—three Grand Lodges at Home and
nine Provincial Grand Lodges in the colony ; to have one law for all the Lodges instead of three—the
English, the Irish, and the Scotch ; and generally to simplify and solidify Masonry in New Zealand. The most
of those who at present stand out admit not only that it is desirable to have one Grand Lodge, but that it is
inevitable. If so, if it is inevitable, what wisdom was there in putting it off, giving both themselves and the
present officers enormous trouble and annoyance. After going into the question of fees and demonstrating
that those who joined the Grand Lodge would actually make a saving in that respect, the speaker referred to
the vigour and enthusiasm which was being displayed under the new Constitution, giving the numbers of
new initiations that had taken place, which evidenced excellent progress in contradistinction to the very few
new members being enrolled under the old. He pointed out the disadvantage Lodges would be under if they
exceeded the twelve months' limit for joining, after which time old Lodges joining would be liable to be
numbered after the very youngest Lodge which had joined the Grand Lodge. He was perfectly satisfied with
the success they had met with, but it was not so great as at the outset they were led to expect. Ninety-two
Lodges had signified, at the Wellington Convention, their intention of joining, and on the strength of this the
work was undertaken. Now some of these had withdrawn their support. Worse than this, several Lodges had
passed resolutions—after six months' discussion—and had appointed delegates under the seal of the Lodge
and the hand of the Master. These Lodges could not withdraw without dishonouring their delegates and
themselves. Some had done this and had excused themselves that it was because the Governor of the colony
was not made Grand Master. But every endeavour had been made to that end. While it was to be regretted,
he (Lord Onslow), at any rate, should be absolved from blame, as he acted on advice which he was not in a
position to know was not from the best quarter, and he had since used every endeavour towards
reconciliation. The speaker then showed that to obtain a Grand Lodge, no other course was open than that
they had taken, and stated that it was only after repeated requests and deputations that he had taken the
position of Grand Master. Referring with regret to the fact that the Earl of Onslow was not able to take the
Grand Mastership as mentioned in the telegrams he had read, he spoke with great warmth of the action of a
certain brother in Dunedin who had misled him.—(A Voice: Name,)—Bro T. S. Graham, who now showed
such strenuous opposition to the New Zealand Constitution, and this in the face of a letter which he had
written to the speaker a few days before the inauguration of the same, an extract from which was as follows :
" And now as this is the last occasion I may be writing you before your eventful day arrives, permit me to
express the hope that you mey be successful in promoting harmony amongst the Brethren under your charge
and gaining their best efforts to aid you in obtaining recognition. Those just now not a proving of the
movement will, I am satisfied be reduced in numbers to your advantage when they see with you at its head
that the Grand Lodge is, as it should be, properly conducted, and an improvement on the old." Commenting
on this and the fact that circulars detrimental to Grand Lodge had been scattered over England, Ireland, and
America, the speaker resumed his seat after, thanking the company for the hearty reception accorded him.

" Our Sister Constitutions " having been proposed by Bro. Mehaffey, P.M., and replied to by P.M. Bro.
Duncan McFarlane and Bro. C. Watson Martin, New South Wales, f0 the Grand Lodge officers were
proposed by P.M. Bro. Scanirett, and replied to by

Bro. A. H. Burton, Grand Superintendent Otago District, who said that if it were not for the lateness of the
hour he would be inclined to speak at some length. Even now, the reading of that telegram almost compelled
him against his better judgment to trespass upon their patience. That word of Lord Onslow's was a very
pregnant one where he said "it is through the Southern Masons." He would have preferred it to have read
"certain Southern Masons,' or even, to have been more restricted, to "certain Masons in and about Princes
street, Dunedin." He need not have gone beyond, for Southern Masons did not mean Invercargill Masons,
among whom and among the Southern country Lodges existed such a conception of the genuine spirit of
Masonry as would put these individuals to whom he alluded to shame, if they were capable of it. He had
aforetime spoken pretty candidly, and if occasion served he would yet again speak the plainest English,
despite who stood before him, if their conduct were opposed to the spirit of his beloved Order. All, he
believed, desired that the present condition of quasi anarchy in New Zealand Masonry should be brought to
an end : and such an end could only be reached by one of two courses. There was no room for a middle
course. Either the Grand Lo ge of New Zealand must be quashed or the other Lodges—at present outside—
must come in and assist in the building up of their Masonic temple. Was any one foolish enough to think that
the former of these things was likely to happen ? Then, was not their duty plain? He thought that the signs of
the times pointed to great social changes—that there was going to be a great upheaval—that classes were
likely to alter their relative positions; and he believed that Freemasonry was eminently calculated to act as a
buffer between opposing interests. He thought that that Freemasoary that had refined even the ferocity of
war; that had mitigated the rancour of religions differences; that had rebuked the excess of concupiscence
and lust, would be able—were such a conflict as he had suggested as possible really to occur—to act as a
buffer between antagonistic interests, so as to be again a blessing to humanity. It was because he believed
this that he would ask them to put away all their differences and unite in the good work.

The next toast was "Our Sister Lodges and Visiting Brethren,"proposed by Bro. H. Feldwick, Senior Grand
Warden, who, in the course of his speech, Incdentally re-marked that the rising national, or "Young New
Zealand," spirit should lead all not at present Masons, but desirous of entering the order to select Lodges
holding under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, as their mothers in Masonry, instead of Lodges that at
present were practically foreign bodies. He contrasted the conduct of the three Home Grand Lodges with that
of the Australian, Europeso, and American Grand bodies, all of which had fraternally recognised the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand as the supreme Masonic authority in this colony, and expressed a conviction that the
seventy odd Lodges ranged under its banner at present would soon be increased to a hundred.

"Southland Lodges under the N.Z.C." was proposed by the M.W.G.M., and responded to by W.M.'s Smith
and G. W. Nichol, and P.M. Bro. Miller.

"The Grand Superintendent of Southland, Bro. W. H. Hall," was proposed by the G. Superintendent of
Otago, Bro. A. H. Burton, who expressed the greatest regret that severe illness had prevented his Bro. Grand
Superintendent from being present that evening, and replied to by P.M. Bro. A. Cross on behalf of Bro. Hall.
"The Host and Hostess" was proposed by the M.W.G.M., who referred in most complimentary terms to the
manner in which the company had been entertained. This toast was drank with enthusiam, with three cheers
for the host, and "one more for Mrs Johnson," Bro. N. Johnson suitably acknowledging the toast. The Tyler's
toast, " All poor and distressed Masons," proposed by P.M. Bro. Cross, was drank in solemn silence.

Between the toasts songs were given by Bros. Patchett, McDonald, H. Feldwick, Bree, and others, and a
recitation by Bro. A. Cross, a most enjoyable evening being brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Lang
Syne,"—led by P.M. Bro. McFarlane—and a verse of "God save the Queen."

__________
RECOGNITIONS.

The Grand Orient of Spain and the Grand Lodge "Alphinia" of Switzerland, have recognised the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand.

______________________________

ENGLAND.
_________

BRO. SIR ROBERT STOUT.

THE Quarterly Communication of this Grand Lodge was held on March 4. His Royal Highness the Grand
Master, through the Grand Master in the chair, made a communication to the effect that he regretted to

inform Grand Lodge that he had received a report from the District Grand Lodge of Wellington, New
Zealand, showing that Bro. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and
Deputy District Grand Master of Otago and Southland, had obtained a warrant from the Grand Orient of
France to establish a Lodge under it in New Zealand, and had, under that authority, recently opened a Lodge
in the town of Wellington, of which Lodge he was Master. On receipt of this information the Grand Master
directed the Grand Secretary to address Bro. Sir Robert Stout on the subject, and to call on him for an
explanation of the grounds on which he felt himself justified in thus taking part in an invasion of British
territory by a foreign Masonic body, and especially by one many of whose members had been declared by a
solemn resolution of the Grand Lodge of England on March 6th, 1878, not to be true and genuine Brethren,
in consequence of the French Orient having admitted professors of atheism to the Craft against the
recognised principles of antient Freemasonry. The Grand Master submitted the matter to Grand Lodge for its
consideration and decision. A long letter from Sir Robert Stout acknowledging the facts of the case and
justifying his freedom of action, on the ground that the French Orient was a different body, as much as
Oddfellows would be, to the English Grand Lodge. The Grand Registrar (Bro. F. A. Philbrick, Q.C.) said the
invasion of the colony by a warrant from a Grand Lodge in all circumstances in accord with antient
Freemasonry would not be justified ; but the case was far worse from the fact that the warrant had been
obtained from a body with whom, unfortunately, the great body of Freemasons throughout the world could
not be in accord. The Grand Registrar, amid general cheers, said that Grand Lodge must support the Grand
Master's action in bringing this matter before them, and moved--" That Sir Robert Stout be deprived of his
rank under Grand Lodge of England; also, that a communication should be made to the Grand Master of
Ireland, of which Lodge Sir Robert Stout was also a member."

The Acting Grand Master remarked that Grand Lodge would look with a lenient eye upon transgressions
caused by inadvertence, but this was not an act of that character. It was an act committed by one who should
have set an example to others, and had been justified in words which all regretted. The Grand Lodge would
adhere to the antient landmarks of the order.

The resolution was carried unanimously.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE GRAND
LODGE OF ANTIENT TREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NEW ZEALAND.

DECLARATION.

WHEREAS Freemasonry was established in New Zealand in the year 1842, A.D., and has since been
perpetuated and practised by numerous Lodges formed from time to time under the Grand Lodges of
England, Ireland, and Scotland :

And whereas at a Convention of Delegates duly appointed by such Lodges, held in the city of 'Wellington on
the 11th day of September, in the year 1889, A.D , it was agreed that the formation of a GRAND LODGE OF
ANTIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NEW ZEALAND was desirable in the interests of the Craft,
and a solemn declaration was there signed by the said Delegates on behalf of their respective Lodges,
forming and constituting the said Grand Lodge of New Zealand :

And whereas the said Grand Lodge of New Zealand was in accordance with such declaration duly opened in
the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, in the city of Christchurch, on the 29th day of April, 1890, A.D., when Bro.
Henry Thomson was elected Grand. Master, and on the day following regularly installed in that office :

Be it now therefore enacted by the said Grand Lodge that the following shall be the Constitution and Laws
for the good government of the Grand Lodge itself, and for that of all subordinate Lodges holding under it :

GRAND LODGE.
THE PROPOSALS.

COMPOSITION OF GRAND LODGE.

1. The government of the Fraternity of Freemasons of New Zealand is placed in the hands of the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand, which is a body composed of—(a) A Most Worshipful Grand Master, elected

annually by the Grand Lodge, or, if the Governor of the Colony, for his term of office ; (b) The Master and
Wardens for the time being of all Provincial Grand and Craft Lodges working under the Grand Lodge, or, in
their absence, proxies duly appointed as herein-after provided ; (c) Such Grand Officers as may from time to
time be appointed or elected ; (d) All Brethren who have been Provincial or District Grand Officers, or Past
Masters and are subscribing members of any Lodge holding under Grand Lodge, and who have enrolled
themselves as members, and all Brethren who at the time of the constitution of Grand Lodge had enrolled
themselves as being duly appointed Delegates to Convention.

OUR REMARKS.
(a.) In all English speaking Grand Lodges, the Grand Master is elected annually. Why should New Zealand
make an exception in favour of the Governor of the colony ?

(b.) The Master and Wardens of Provincial Grand Lodges must be Masters or Past Masters, if in good
standing they are members of Grand Lodge. Are the Masters and Wardens of Craft and Provincial Grand
Lodges only allowed to appoint proxies ? Should not Present and Past Grand Officers and Masters have the
privilege as long as they continue subscribing members to Lodges ? Article 5, of the Basis of Union, says,
"Members of Grand Lodge may vote personally, or by written proxy, in the election of Grand Officers."

(d.) Past Provincial and District Grand Officers, if in good standing, and enrolled as Past Masters, are
members of Grand Lodge. Master Masons who have held District or Provincial Grand rank, such as District
Grand Steward, cannot, we think, have membership, and vote in Grand Lodge for life ; neither do we see
how Delegates to the Wellington Convention, who are only Master Masons, can be given membership and
vote in Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodges in the States are composed of the Grand Master, Grand Officers for
the year, the Master and Wardens of all Lodges, Past Grand Masters and Past Deputy Grand Masters, and the
Past Grand Wardens. The Grand Lodges in Canada, we believe, follow the English method of allowing all
the Past Grand Officers and Past Masters to be Members of Grand Lodge, but all the Grand Officers must be
Masters or Past Masters.

Under this regulation (No. 1) were the 150 Lodges in the colony, working under Grand Lodge, the strength
of that body would be

Masters 150
Wardens 300
Past Masters, an average of six to each Lodge, including par- }

ticulars under a b c d } 900
Grand Stewards, who would be Master Masons, according to }

this and Rule No. 6 they take Past Rank and continue } 20
members of Grand Lodge

Total ... ... ... 1370

YEARLY INCREASE.
Past Masters ... 150
Past Grand Stewards ... ... ... .. 20

170
Say for ten years 170 x 10 ... ... ... 1700
Strength of Grand Lodge in its eleventh year 3070

The average of subscribing members to each Lodge, taken from returns in hands of Grand Secretary is thirty
nine and a fraction—say 40, which gives a paying membership to the 150 Lodges of 6000 Add a yearly
increase of four to each Lodge—600, which in ten years equals 6000; total strength in the eleventh year,
12,000. One Brother out of every four it wild be a member of Grand Lodge. Making allowance for deaths,
suspensions, two years' Mastership, non-registration, &c., of 25 rer cent., and giving 25 per cent. increase to
the membership of the Lodges, the result would still be that one in every six would be a member of Grand
Lodge.

ALL LAWS EMANATE FROM GRAND
LODGE.
2. The Grand Lodge possesses the supreme
superintending authority, and alone has the inherent
power of enacting laws and regulations for the
government of the Craft, and of altering, repealing,
and abrogating them, always taking care that the
Antient Landmarks of the Order be preserved.

GENERAL POWERS OF ALL SUBSTITUTED
AUTHORITIES.

This regulation is the same as Rule No.
4, English Book of Constitutions.

3. Every Brother who shall, in accordance with the
laws and procedure of Freemasonry, preside or act in
the Grand Lodge, or in any Craft Lodge, or on any
Board or Committee for or in the place of any Officer
or Brother who may be absent, shall, while so
presiding or acting, have all the rights, powers, and
duties of the Officer or Brother whose substitute he
shall be, or in whose place he shall act; he shall
enforce all rules and regulations, and his acts shall
have the same validity in all respects as those .of such
Officer or Brother, unless the contrary is expressly
provided for in these Regulations.

POWER OF FINAL DECISION.

This regulation is taken from the English Book
of Constitutions, Rule No. 3. There is no
provision made here for Brethren acting as
substitutes in a Provincial Grand Lodge.

4. The Grand Lodge has also the power of
investigating, regulating, and deciding all matters
relative to the Craft, or to particular Lodges, or to
individual Brothers, which it may exercise either of
itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom
and discretion, it may appoint ; but the Grand Lodge
alone has the power of erasing Lodges and expelling
Brethren from the Craft, a power it does not delegate
to any subordinate authority.

GRAND MASTER, GRAND WARDENS AND
SECRETARY.

This regulation is the same as Rule
No. 5, English Book of Constitutions.

5. The Grand Master, if the Governor of the Colony,
shall have the right to appoint a Pro – Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall
be appointed annually by the Grand Master, who may
also, with the consent of the Grand Lodge, annually
appoint Grand Superintendents of Districts where no
Provincial Grand Lodge exists. The other officers
shall be elected. The Grand Secretary shall be
appointed by the Grand Master, as a vacancy occurs,
and shall continue without reappointment during the
pleasure of the Grand Lodge. He shall be paid such
salary as the Grand Lodge may from time to time
determine, and actual travelling expenses approved
by the Board of General Purposes.

England elects its Grand Master yearly, who
appoints the whole of the Grand Officers, with
the exception of the Grand Treasurer. Ireland
annually elects all the Grand Of eers, with the
exception of the Deputy Grand Master.
Scotland annually elects the Grand officers,
with the exception of the Deputy and Substitute
Grand Master and the paid officers.

The Grand Lodges of the States, taking
Colorado as an example, elect, by ballot, a
Grand Master, his Deputy, the two Wardens, the
Treasurer, and Secretary. The Senior Warden
appoints the Junior Grand Deacon ; the Junior
Grand Warden appoints the two Grand
Stewards and the Grand Master appoints the
remainder of the Grand Officers, Chaplain,
Orator, Lecturer, Marshall, Senior Grand
Deacon, and Grand Tyler.

In Canada the Grand Lodges follow the plan of

RANK AND PRECEDENCE OF MEMBERS, Colorado in electing, by ballot, the Grand
Officers down to the Grand Secretary, including
a Grand Registrar ; the remainder being
appointed by the Grand Masters.

6. The Members of the Grand Lodge
rank in the following order :
1 The Grand Master
2 The Pro-Grand Master
3 The Grand Pro-Grand Master
4 Past Pro-Grand Masters Masters
5 Deputy Grand Master
6 Past Deputy Grand Masters
7 Provincial Grand Masters and
Grand Superintendents of
Districts
8 Past Provincial Grand Masters
and Grand Superintendents
of Districts.
9 Grand Wardens
10 Past Grand Wardens
11 Grand Chaplains
12 Past Grand Chaplains
13 Grand Bible Bearer
14 Past Grand Bible Bearers
15 Grand Treasurer
16 Past Grand Treasurers
17 Grand Registrar
18 Past Grand Registrars
19 Presidena of the Board of Gene-
ral Purposes
20 Past Presidents of the Board of
General Purposes
21 President of the Board of Bene-
volence
22 Past Presidents
reaidenta of the Board of
Benevolence
23 Grand uper Superent of Works
24 Past Grand Superintendents of
Works
25 Grand Secretary
26 Past Grand Secretaries
27 Grand Deacons
28 Past Grand Deacons
29 Grand Director of Ceremonies

Down to and to and inciuding Past Grand
Chaplains, this regulation follows- that of the
Grand Lodge of England. Scotland has a Grand
Bible Bearer, but know of no other Grand
Lodge that has ; he takes rank after the Grand
Deacon. Nos. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20t are
arranged the same as the English Regulation.
No. 21—In New South Wales and Victoria they
have made the President of the Board of
Benevolence a Grand Lodge Officer. No.
23—In England this officer ranks after the
Grand Deacons ; so he does in Ireland, Canada,
and Victoria. In Scotland the " Architect " also
ranks after the " Deacons," but in New South
Wales the " Architect " ranks before the Grand
Secretary. The Grand Lodges in the States have
no such officer as Superintendent of Works or
its equivalent ' Grand Architect." No. 27—
England, South Australia, Victoria, New South
Wales, and Tasmania have four Grand
Deacons:- New Zealand should do the same, so
as to make the practice uniform in Australasia.
No. 40 — No Grand Lodge allows Past Grand
Stewards who are only Master Masons to sit
and vote in Grand Lodge. Grand Stewards are
Officers for their year of office only.

No provision seems to have been made in this
regulation for the "rank and precedence " of the
Assistant Grand officers —viz : Grand
Registrar, Grand Secretary, Director of
Ceremonies, Sword. Bearer, and Standard
Bearer.

30 Past Grand Directors of Cere-
monies
31 Grand Sword Bearer
32 Past Grand Sword Bearers
33 Grand Standard Bearer
34 Past Grand Standard Bearers
35 Grand Organist
36 Past Grand Organists
37 Grand Pursuivant
38 Past Grand Pursuivants
39 The Twenty Grand Stewards of
the year

40 Past Grand Stewards
41 The Master, Past Masters, and Wardens of every
private Lodge.

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS MAY BE APPOINTED
OR ELECTED.
7. Brethren of eminence and ability who have
rendered service to the Craft may, by appointment of
the Grand Master, or by a vote of the Grand Lodge
duly confirmed, be constituted members of the Grand
Lodge, with such rank and distinction as may be
thought proper.

PAST OFFICERS.

This Regulation is the same as Rule No.
7, English Book of Constitutions.

8. All members of the Craft who were on the 29th
day of April, 1890, either actual or Past District or
Provincial Grand Officers of the English, Irish, or
Scotch Constitutions in New Zealand, and
subscribing members of a Lodge of either of these
Constitutions at the time in New Zealand, shall, when
they become members of this Grand Lodge, take rank
as Past Grand Officers, corresponding with the
District or Provincial Grand rank they held at the
time of the establishment of the Grand Lodge.

DEGREES RECOGNISED.

This Regulation is the same as Rule
No. 9, South Australian Book of Consti-
tutions.

9. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand recognises the
following degrees, and no more, as being pure antient
Masonry, viz.:—Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft,
Master Mason, Mark Master, and the Holy Royal
Arch, in their fullest form.

In the English Book of Constitutions, the
following appears as the Degrees recognised by
the Grand Lodge of England :—1. By the
solemn Act of Union between the two Grand
Lodges of FreeMasons of England in
December, 1813, it was " declared and
pronounced that pure and Antient Masonry
consists of degrees and no more, viz., those of
the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and
the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order
of the Holy Royal Arch."
But it is not generally known that at the Union
of the two English Grand Lodges (Antient and
Modern) on the 14 December, 1813, the Lodge
of Reconciliation added this, " But the article is
not intended to prevent any Lodge or Chapter
from holding a meeting in any of the Degrees of
the Orders of Chivalry, according to the
Constitutions of the said Orders."

INSTALLED MASTER.
10. Grand Lodge recognises the Ceremonial of
Installation of Masters of Lodges on their taking the
Chair. The Secrets can under no circumstances be
conferred upon any except Provincial Grand Masters,
Past Provincial Grand Masters, and Masters of
Lodges. They can only be communicated when three
or more Installed Masters are present, and any Lodge
having that number of Installed Masters present at a
meeting may communicate them to its Master, or any
Past Master.

This is taken from Rule No. 4, Scotch
Constitutions. By this proposed regulation the
secrets of an Installed Master can only be
conferred on Brethren who have been placed in
the chair of a Craft Lodge. There seems to be no
necessity for introducing " Provincial Grand
Masters and Past Provincial Grand Masters"
into thisRegulation ; they must, of necessity, be
Masters or Past Masters before they can attain
this rank.

REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED TO RANK IN
GRAND LODGE.
11. The Grand Master may, by warrant, appoint any
Brother to represent the Grand Lodge near a sister
Grand Lodge, and may constitute him and also any
Brother, regularly deputed from a sister Grand
Lodge, a Member of the Grand Lodge of New
Zealand, with such rank as the Grand Master may
deem appropriate.

VISITORS TO GRAND LODGE.

This Regulation is the same as Rule No. 8,
English Constitutions. South Australia added in
1886 the following: " That the honorary rank of
Past Senior Grand Warden be conferred upon
representatives from this Grand Lodge." New
South Wales also confers this rank upon her
representatives.

12. A visitor can only attend the Grand Lodge by
permission of the Grand Master, and if admitted he
shall not speak to any question without leave of the
Grand Master ; nor shall he, on any occasion, be
permitted to vote.

REGULAR MEETINGS.

Same as Rule 10, English Constitutions.

13. Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge
shall, if practicable, be held in the months of January,
April, July, and October, in each year, and so far as
possible alternately in the four chief centres of the
colony.

SPECIAL MEETINGS.

Is it not advisable to have fixed dates for the
Quarterly Communications?

14. The Grand Master, or, in his absence, the Pro-
Grand Master, or, in his ,absence, the Deputy Grand
Master, or, in his absence, the two Grand Wardens,
may summon special Communications whenever the
good of the Craft shall, in their opinion, require it, the
particular reason for convening such special
Communicationshall be expressed in the summons,
and no other business shall be entered upon at that
meeting.

Same as the English regulation, Rule No. 12.

NOMINATION, ELECTION, AND
INSTALLATION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.
15. The elective Grand Officers shall be nominated at
the Communication in January in each year, and shall
be elected and invested at the Communication in
April. The election shall he by ballot, and no Officer
shall be elected unless he shall have notified, in
writing, his willingness to serve.In the event of there
being no nomination for any office, the Grand Lodge
may, at the April! Communication,proceed to
election without notice.

NOMINATION OF GRAND STEWARDS.

We would suggest that after the word
"nominated " the words " in writing" should be
added. Before the words " the election shall,"
place the following : " Should there be more
than one candidate 'deposed for any office the
election shall," &c. After the words, " and no
officer shall be elected unless," add, " he is in
good standing and shall have notified," &c.

16. Each Lodge shall have the right to nominate one
of its members (being a Master Mason) for election
as a Grand Steward, and the Grand Stewards shall be
elected from the Brethren so nominated. Such
nomination must be forwarded to the Grand Secretary
at least seven days before the date of the April
Communication of Grand Lodge in each year.

Each Lodge shall have the right to nominate one
of its subscribing members for election as a
Grand Steward, and from those nominated
twenty shall be elected.

RESIDENCE OF THE FOUR NOMINATED
OFFICERS.

The name and residence of the brother
nominated, together with his written consent to
act shall be transmitted by his Lodge to the
Grand Secretary, at least fourteen days before
the January Communication.

Suppose a Lodge in Russell nominated a Grand
Steward and posts the papers to the Grand
Secretary's address in Christchurch seven days
before the Quarterly Communication, would it
reach him in time? If the Communication was
held in Auckland, seven clear days would have
also to be allowed for the journey up, fourteen
days, in our opinion, is hardly time enough.

There can be no objection to a Grand Steward
being only a Master Mason, if he ceases to be a
member of Grand Lodge at the end of his year
of office. What are the duties of Grand
Stewards ?—the Regulations are silent on this
point.

17. Of the four nominated Grand Officers, Pro -
Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior and
Junior Grand Wardens, not more than one shall reside
in any one of the following four principal divisions of
the colony, viz. :-- Auckland, Wellington (to include
Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Nelson, and Marlborough),
Canterbury (to include
Westland), and Otago and Southland.
FEES FOR PATENT OF GRAND LODGE
OFFICERS.

Of the four appointed Grand officers, Otago and
Southland are now two districts. Would it not
be advisable to say "that for the purpose of this
Regulation Otago and Southland shall be
considered one district?"

18. Every Brother upon his first election to an office
in Grand Lodge shall pay the fees specified for that
office in the Schedule of Fees, and shall be entitled to
a certificate or Patent of Office, which shall he signed
by the Grand Master ; but if he shall neglect to pay
his fee within two months of his election, he shall not
retain his office or Rank in Grand Lodge, and another
Brother shall be elected in his stead at the next
Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge ; and the
defaulter shall neither have past rank nor be eligible
for election to any office in Grand Lodge upon any
future occasion, except it shall be otherwise
determined by a special resolution of Grand Lodge,

NOT TO HOLD OFFICE FOR MORE THAN TWO
YEARS, OR MORE TITAN ONE OFFICE.

A copy of the South Australian regulation on
the same subject—Rule No. 16.

19. No Grand Officer, the Grand Master and paid
Grand Officers excepted, shall hold the same office
more than two years consecutively, and no Brother
shall hold more than one office in the Grand Lodge at
one and the same time.
REMOVAL OF GRAND OFFICERS.

No Grand Officer, the Grand Master, Provincial
Grand Masters, Grand Superintendents of
Districts, and paid Grand Officers excepted,
shall, &c.

20. Should the Grand Master be dissatisfied with the
conduct of any of his Grand Officers, he may submit
the cause of complaint to the Grand Lodge ; and
should it be decided by a vote of the Grand Lodge,

Should the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge be
dissatisfied, &c., would it not be better to
"submit the cause of complaint" to the Board of
General Purposes, and let them report to Grand

duly confirmed, that the complaint is well founded,
he shall displace such Grand Officer, and another
shall be elected But no Grand Officer can be removed
without a vote of. The Grand Lodge, duly confirmed.

GRAND WARDENS.

Lodge. Add to the sentence " and another shall
be elected " the words, or appointed.

21. When the Grand Wardens are in the Grand Lodge
no others can supply Lions. their places, but in their
absence the Past Grand Wardens present shall act in
the order of seniority. If no past Grand Warden be
present, the Grand Master may direct any other Past
Grand Officer or member of the Grand Lodge to act
as Grand Warden for that occasion.

Same as Rule 26, English Constita-

22. The Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, shall
when required, each give a joint bond, with two
sureties, to the Grand Master, and to such other
trustees as the Grand Lodge of New Zealand shall
nominate, in such penalty and with such conditions as
may be deemed expedient for the due performance of
their respective trusts.
MONEY AND ACCOUNTS OF GRAND LODGE.

The Grand Lodges of the States have
each a regulation of this kind.

23. All moneys belonging to the Grand Lodge shall
be deposited in a bank, to be named by the Board of
General Purposes, in the name of the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand, and shall be operated upon by cheques,
drawn by the Grand Treasurer, and countersigned by
the Grand Secretary. The accounts shall be annually
audited by two Auditors. The Auditors shall be
elected annually at the Quarterly Communication in
January by tba Grand Lodge, and the accounts when
audited shall be presented to the Grand Lodge at the
Quarterly Communication in April. The Financial
Year shall terminate on the 31st day of March.

GRAND REGISTRAR, CUSTODY OF THE SEAL,
CARE OF THE RECORDS, CERTIFICATION OF
BY-LAWS.

Much better to let the financial year end on
December 31st. The Grand Secretary could not
possibly prepare a balance sheet showing
receipts and expenditure up to March 31st, have
it audited, and presented to Grand Lodge
sometime during April.

24. The Grand Registrar shall have the custody of the
seal of the Grand Lodge, - and shall affix, or may
authorise the Grand Secretary to affix, the same to all
patents, warrants, certificates, and other documents
issued by the authority of the Grand Lodge, as well as
to such as the Grand Master, in conformity with the
established Laws and Regulations of the Craft, may
direct. He shall superintend the records of the Grand
Lodge, and take care that the several documents
issued be in due form ; examine the By-laws of
Lodges, and certify if in accordance with the
Constitutions and Antient Landmarks.
(To be Continued.)

Same as Rule 28, South Australian
Constitutions.
-

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.

[Letter 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.]

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

W. B. HUDSON, SECRETARY LODGE L'AMOUR DE LA VERITE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE,
WELLINGTON.—We have not room for your letter on "The Grand Orient of Belgium and Theological
Tests." We may, however, publish in May.

A Brother of Lodge Ionic, Leeston, No. 1917, E.C., says : " A genuine list of Lodges working under the
N.Z.C., and of the Lodges remaining under the other Constitutions would be acceptable." We will try and
oblige him next month, but the difficulties are many; the greatest is the refusal of Lodges remaining under
the old Constitutions to supply us with any information.

_______________________________
LODGE ST. GEORGE, LAWRENCE.—THE 'CRAFTSMAN' APOLOGISES.

To THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—Appended you will find the information asked for in your last issue. We await
the promised apology.—We are, dear Sir and Brother, yours fraternally,

A. W. TYNDALL, W.M.,
JAMES CHALMERS, P.M.,

Lodge St. George, No. 1128, E.C.
Lawrence, April 6th, 1891.

LODGE ST. GEORGE, LAWRENCE, 1128, E.C.
No. of Members - - 17
No. in Arrears - 1
No. of Subscribing Members - 16

No. of meetings held during the two years, March, 1889, to March, 1891, 22, attended by 209 Members,
average, 9½, as under :

6 Members (and 2 visitors) attended 1 meeting.
7 „ „ 1 „
8 „ „ 4 „
9 „ ., 8 „
10 „ „ 3 „
11 „ ,, 2 „
12 „ „ 3 „

Total 22 „

E. DIMANT, P.M., Secretary.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

FIVE POUNDS TOWARDS A PERMANENT CHARITY.

To THE EDITOR.

DEAR BROTHER "CRAFTSMAN "—Looking over draft of Constitutions submitted for consideration to
Lodges under Grand Lodge of New Zealand, I was disappointed at not finding some provision or mention
made for any permanent charity. It may be said it is no part of the business of Grand Lodge to make
provision of that nature. The Grand Lodge of Ireland evidently thought other-wise (see Rule 25).

For myself, and I may add the Lodge to which I belong, this was put forward as the primary reason for
joining the new Order, recognising a hope and possibility which seemed beyond either, under the old.
Call it pride if you will, I acknowledge having a strong desire that as Masons we should have something of a
solid charity to point to ; our substance is frittered away year by year, often I fancy in even doubtful charity,
at least with nought to show for it.

But, Brother " Craftsman," to the purpose of my writing, which is that I forward through you £5 if within six
months nineteen individuals or Lodges will subscribe a like amount to form a nucleus for some permanent
charity, to be held in trust by Board of General Purposes.

I feel that my offering is miserably small for such a large purpose. I can only add that if every Lodge or
Mason under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand equally able to give that amount, do so, then there will be
sufficient to commence the object in view—at once.

I am sure you will gladly record any subscription for that purpose.

Yours very fraternally,
COROMANDEL.

Auckland, April 3rd, 1891.

[Rule No. 25 of the Laws and Constitutions, Grand Lodge of Ireland, to which " Coromandel " refers, is as
follows :—” The Grand Lodge shall subscribe annually the sum of £100 to the Masonic Female Orphan
School, and £100 to the Orphan Boys' School ; said sums to be payable half-yearly, in June and December.
So long as such subscriptions shall be continued the Grand Officers and the W. Master of each of the Dublin
Lodges for the time being shall be ex-officio governors of each of the schools."—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]

[Owing to pressure upon our space—due to the Quarterly Communication at Invercargill, and our remarks
upon the proposed Constitutions—we have not room to say anything re "Coromandel's" proposal. In May we
propose de-voting a leader to the subject of Masonic Benevolence ; meanwhile the £5 has been placed in a
Trust Account in the Bank of New Zealand.—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]
_______________________________________________________________________________________
CORRESPONDENTS are particularly requested to write only on one side of the :paper.

As soon as the Grand Lodge publishes its first balance-sheet, we will reprint it in this journal.

THE Scotch Masons in Wanganui met on the 9th inst. to consider the question of joining the Grand Lodge.
The speakers seemed favourable to the idea, and considered the time ripe. P.M. Bro. Nicholas is going south
shortly, and will make it his business to get as much information bearing on the question as possible. On his
return the question will be finally decided.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

LODGE REPORTS.

Secretaries of Lodges, and Scribes of chapters, will confer a favour on the Editor of this Journal If they will forward
monthly a copy of their Lodge Circulars 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.

PACIFIC LODGE of Reefton, 1453, E.C., held its meeting on the 24th March. The business was only
"routine."

AT the last meeting of the Albion Lodge, Devonport, Bro. J. F. Logan waa re-elected Worshipful Master for
another year.

LODGE UNANIMITY, N.Z.C., LYTTELTON.—This Lodge held its meeting on March 26th. Mr H. S. Elliott,
aged twenty-three, s.s. Tekapo, was to be balloted for ; Bro. Russell was to be passed ; and Bros. Eyre and
Laurenson were to be raised. We notice that P.M. Bro. Schumaker, of Lodge Port Chalmers Marine, E.C.,
was affiliated to Lodge of Unanimity.

LODGE ASHLEY, N.Z.C., RANGIORA.—This Lodge met on March 26th. The fellowing was the business :
To ballot for and if elected to initiate Mr John Forbes, aged forty-three, carpenter, Rangiora, proposed by
Bro. J. Sansom, J.P.M., seconded by Bro. J. Smith, J.W. ; also, Mr Henry Charles Joseph Bailey, aged forty-

one, hotelkeeper, Rangiora, proposed by Bro. Clayton, seconded by Bro. Sansom, J.P.M. ; to consider
resolution from Grand Lodge re appointment of Bro. Onslow as Grand Master for ensuing year ; and general.

NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC LODGE, N.Z.C.—The regular monthly meeting of this Lodge was held at the
Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on Monday, 23rd March. The hall was well filled, the W.M., officers, and
brethren of the Waterloo Lodge, N.Z.C., being present, besides numerous other visitors. There was no ritual
work to do, and the report of the Committee appointed to examine the draft Constitutions was therefore
considered. The resolution forwarded by the Grand Secretary was also put to the Lodge and carried.

LODGE HIRAM, N.Z,C., South Dunedin, held its regular monthly meeting on the 24th March. The business
was an initiation, a passing, and the following ballots were taken :—To ballot for and, if elected, initiate Mr
John Stevenson, age —, Manager Henley Station, proposed by Bro. W. B. Walters, seconded by Bro. R.
Titchener, P.M. To ballot for and, if elected, initiate Mr Charles Reeves, age 26 years, bootmaker, proposed
by Bro. A. Morrison, seconded by Bro. W. Carr. To ballot for Mr George Pearson Stewart, age 30 years,
upholsterer, South Dunedin, proposed by letter by P.M. Bro. J. E. McKelvey, seconded by the W.M.

LODGE ARA, N.Z.C., AUCKLAND.—The monthly meeting of the Ara Lodge, N.Z.C., was held at the
Masonic Hall, Auckland, on Tuesday, 24th March, 1891. The W.M., Bro. S. D. Hanna, in the chair. The
ballot was taken for the affiliation of a Brother of a Dublin Lodge, which proved successful. Bros. Gentles
and Cousins were then passed to Second Degree by the Worshipful Master. The lecture on the Tracing Board
being given by Br o. G. H. Powley, P.M. Secretary. On the motion of M.W. Bro. A. S. Russell, D. G.M.,
seconded by W. Bro. A. Kidd, G. Pursuivast, the Lodge unanimously passed the nomination of the Governor
for the position of Grand Master. The Treasurer declared the balance to be £123 to the credit of the Lodge in
the bank. The sum of £3 3s was voted to the relief of a widow. A gentleman was nominated for initiation.
The A.G. Secretary, V.W. Bro. W. H. Cooper, then informed the Lodge that the dedication of the new
Masonic hall at Papakura Lodge would take place on 31st inst. The visiting Brethren (which included the
W.M. of Lodge Victoria, Napier, and Brethren of both E., I., S., and New South Wales Constitutions) then
gave hearty good wishes.

LODGE BETA WAIKATO, N.Z.C., HAMILTON. — This Lodge has taken unto itself a new name. The
business done at the last meeting on March 26th was the initiation of Mr Thos. Nicholson Allright, farmer,
Tamahere ; and the passing of Bros. McNicol and Richdale.

ULSTER LODGE, N.Z.C., PETONE, WELLINGTON.—The regular meeting took place on the 15th inst. The
business was to ballot for Mr. Arthur Meredith Whitehead, Surgeon and Physician, age 29, from
Nottingham, England. Proposed by Bro. Brandon, seconded by W. Bro. Dawes, P.M. This was followed by
the nomination of officers.

LODGE ST. ANDREW (LATE No. 418, S.C.), N.Z.C., AUCKLAND.—On the 18th March, the following
business was transacted :—To ballot for the affiliation of Bro. John Hubert Hicks, E.A .P., United Service
Lodge, No. 24, N.S.W.C. ; to pass Bros. A. E. Tomlin, E. Hodgson, Robert Robertson, and C. B. Thorne ; to
raise Bros. C. Zoeller, T. H. Roxburgh, C. R. Massey, and A. C. Atkin.

PAPAKURA LODGE, N.Z.C., AUCKLAND.—The consecration of the hall lately erected at Papakura for the
use of this Lodge took place on April 1st, R.W. Brother M. Niccol performing the ceremony, assisted by
Brother W. H. Cooper, A. G. Secretary, as Deputy Grand Master, and other Grand Lodge officers. There
were about a dozen Past Masters and fifty of the Brethren from nearly all the lodges of the district. The hall
is admirably adapted for the purpose, having a Lodge-room upstairs, with ante-room and separate entrance,
and a large public hall below. Amongst the Brethren present were Brothers P.M.'s Powley, Hanna, Craig,
Hewson, Dr. Walker, McClemans (2), Dunwoodie, Dr. Carolan, &c. Lodge Papakura, with the other New
Zealand Lodges of the district, has unanimously passed the resolution asking the Governor to accept
nomination for the office of Grand Master and for the sake of the Craft and to put an end to the present
strained relations of the Brethren of the different Constitutions, it is hoped he will accede to the request of
the brethren.

LODGE OF WAITAKI, N.Z.C., OAMARU.—The monthly meeting of Lodge Waitaki on the evening of 25th
March was one of the best and most enthusiastic ever held by the Lodge. We had several visitors, chief

amongst whom was Bro. T. McWhirter, W.M. of Lodge Ngapara, his officers, and several other members of
his Lodge. As our sister Lodge, they were specially welcome, this being their first official visit. Some of the
officers of our other sister (Oamaru Kilwii g) having thought proper to love er a curtain between us, we have
missed the fraternal exchange of mutual courtesies. However, we hope that before long this curtain will be
rent in two, and that we may again meet each other face to face, and once more enjoy the happy communion
which has been our privilege for many years past. The loss is not altogether ours since we may enjoy the
pleasure of visiting, and being visited, by our Brethren of the N,Z.C., Lodge Ngapara, and other Ledges
farther away—as, for instance, we were visited in February by Bro. C. L. Russell, W.M. of Lodge
Palmerston South, who well knows how gladly he was welcomed, and to whom a word of apology is due for
my not recording his visit in the last month's report. After the minutes of the last regular meeting had been
dealt with, the ballot was taken for the affiliation of three Brothers, which, proving clear in each case, they
were admitted as members of the Lodge. The neophites were then admitted, and initiated in the E.A. Degree,
the ceremony being carried out by the W.M. and his officers in an admirable manner, and without a hitch ;
the charge given by our S. W. was especially noteworthy. Correspondence, &c., having been attended to, a
resolution was submitted to the Lodge, in substance thanking Lord Onslow for the interest shown by him on
behalf of the Craft, and requesting him to allow himself to be nominated for the position of Grand Master at
the approaching Communication of the Grand Lodge, to be held at Invercargill on the 10th of April. The
resolution was unanimously agreed to. The names of three candidates for initiation having been submitted,
the Lodge was closed at about 11 p.m., after which a very pleasant hour was passed in the refreshment room
adjoining the Lodge.

NGAMOTU LODGE, N.Z.C., New Plymouth, will hold its regular monthly meeting on the 17th inst., when
Mr James Hislop, schoolmaster, New Plymouth, will be initiated, and Bros. Leppert and Atkinson will be
passed to the Second Degree. An emergency meeting will be held on Friday, the 24th inst., when Bros. E. T.
White and A. D. Gray will be raised to the Third Degree.

MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE, N.Z.C., PALMERSTON NORTH.—The regular meeting of the abut e
Lodge was held on Wednesday, March 25th. The business included election of officers for ensuing term, and
resulted as follows :—R.W.M., Bro. W. Rutherfurd ; D.M., Bro. W. Dixon ; S.M., Bro. J. Salmon ; W.S.W.,
Bro. W. Dawick; W.J.W., Bro. H. B. Harvey; S.D., Bro. J. Hocking; J.D., Bro. G. Buchan; I.G., Bro. W. H.
Taylor; Secy., Bro. F. E. White; Treas., P.M. Bro. J. P. Leary ; Tyler, Bro. T. Schlager. The following were
appointed as auditors, P.M. Bro. W. H. Smith, Bros. Rutherfurd and Victor. Re Grand Lodge nominations,
which then took place, the following brothers were duly nominated by the Lodge :—P.M. Bro. J. H.
Hankins, as Assistant Grand Registrar ; R.W.M. Bro. J. Walkley, as Grand Steward. The Standing
Committee were then advised to bring up a report re celebration of installation ceremony. The Lodge was
then closed in peace, love, and harmony.—An emergency meeting was held on April 1st, when the Lodge
was opened in due form by the R.W.M., Bro. J. Walkley, at 8.30 p.m., to a large attendance of the Brethren
and visitors. Mr J. R. Montague was then initiated into the First, or E.A. Degree by the R.W.M. The charges
being very effectively given by P.M. Bro. Franklin, of Ara Lodge, Auckland, and the W. Tools by P.M.
Meyrick and lecture by J.W. Bro. W. Dawick. The Standing Committee's report was then adopted, re
Installation, which is to take place on Wednesday, April 29th, followed by a banquet, and, on the following
day, a social gathering of the wives and families of the members of the Craft, which will no doubt be
appreciated by the children. This being the whole of the business, the Lodge was then closed in due form by
the R.W.M. at 11 p.m.

SOUTHERN STAR LODGE, No. 735, E.C., NELSON—DEATH ON BRO. WILLIAM HEALY.—Another
has departed and left this lower Lodge for the Grand Lodge above. Such an expression might have been
heard from many lips on Friday, 27th February, 1891. Bro. William Healy, when on a visit to his son at
Blenheim, was called suddenly away on Wednesday the 25th. He had very nearly reached the allotted age of
three score years and ten, as he was at the time in his 69th year. His son, a Bro. of the "Wairau" Lodge, No.
633 (D.M.), being anxious, or rather desirous, his father should have a Masonic funeral, conferred with the
W.M. and members of the " Southern Star," to which Lodge the deceased belonged, and it was at once
accorded. Bro. Healy joined No. 735 on February 15th, 1876 ; he passed to Fellow Craft on the 16th May,
and took the Sublime Degree on July 4th of the same year. From the time of his entrance till he was
summoned he was a pattern Mason. Not that he sought and held office, but that when he was able he was
always to be found in his place at the Lodge meetings. He was a member of the Standing Committee during
the last two or three years of his life, and took an active part and interest in the Lodge's doings, not sparing

time nor money when called upon or when necessary. Bro. P. M. Bolton, speaking of him at the Lodge of
Sorrow, said : "No Brother, since his initiation in 1876, was more regular in his attendance nor more prompt
in his assistance in the duties or necessities of his Lodge." Some thirty Brethren attended the funeral, at
which the Revs. Isitt and Calder officiated, and at the close our W.M., Bros. Baigent, assisted by P.M. W.
Brown, read the funeral ceremony appointed by our Lodge. The hymn, " There is a land of pure delight," was
sung at the grave, the Brethren deposited the white apron and their sprigs of acacia, and returned to the
Lodge room, where much sympathy was shown and expressed towards our " Wairau" Brother and his family
in their bereavement, and the Lodge was ordered to be draped in black for three months in respect for the
departed.

LODGE CALEDONIAN, N.Z.C., Timaru, held its meeting on the 9th inst. Bro. R. H. Smith was passed to the
Second Degree, after which the nomination of officers took place.

LODGE ST. AUGUSTINE, N.Z.C., CHRISTOHURCH.—On the 14th inst. the business of the evening was to
ballot for Mr James Rantin, timber merchant, age 45 (proposed by W. Bro. J. H. Sharpe, seconded by W.
Bro. A. H. Hancock, P.M. ), to initiate Mr James Troup, and to raise Bro. J. C. Maddison.

LODGE KUMARA, N.Z.C., Kumara, held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 1st; Bro. Thomas B.
Wilson, R.W.M., in the chair. The ballot was taken for Mr James Metcalfe and Mr Thomas Torrence. The
ballot proving unanimous, both candidates were initiated in the First Degree. After the initiation ceremony
Bro. Past Master A. B. Wilby delivered a charge appertaining to this degree in a most able and impressive
manner, the officers working well. After the ordinary business was gone through, the Lodge closed in peace
and harmony.

TARARUA LODGE, N.Z.C., PAHIATUA.—An emergency meeting of this Lodge was held in the Lodge
room at Pahiatua on Wednesday, March 11th. There was a capital attendance of members, and among the
visitors were V. W. Bro. Geo. Robertson, Past Grand Secretary N.Z.C. ; Bro. James Patterson, P.11., 469,
N.Z.C., and another Past Master from Palmerston North, whose name we have unfortunately forgotten. The
business of the evening consisted in initiating a candidate into the mysteries and privileges of Antient
Freemasonry, and the ceremony was performed in a most able manner by the W.M., Bro. A. Black, assisted
by Bros. W. Souness and T. W. Warren, S.W. and J.W. respectively. The Working reels were presented by
the W.M., and the charge was delivered in an impressive manner by the J.W. Bro. Warren. Before the Lodge
was closed the visitors tendered hearty good wishes, and V. W. Bro. G. Robertson expressed the pleasure he
felt at being present, and congratulated the W.M. and his officers on their admirable working.

LODGE MOKORETA, N.Z.C.—The usual monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on 26th March, W.M.,
Bro. Crosbie presiding. A long list of correspondence was read jand dealt with, and arrangements for the
pending visit of the M.W., the Grand Master, Bro. Thomson, and other Grand Lodge officers, on April 14th,
were also completed. A motion expressing regret for the existing Masonic dissensions, and requesting Bro.
the Earl of Onslow to permit himself to be nominated for the Grand Mastership was submitted and carried
unanimously. A Committee, consisting of W.M. Wardens, Deacons, and Secretary were appointed to
consider Draft Book of Constitution, and report at May meeting. The proposal of two candidates for
admission brought a long business meeting to a close at 10 p.m. —A special meeting of this Lodge, to which
the Brethren had looked forward to with no little pleasurable anticipations, was held on Tuesday evening, the
14th inst. There was a satisfactory attendance of Brethren, and after some little routine business the Lodge
was passed and raised in order to receive the M.W. the Grand Master, and the following Grand Lodge
officers :—Bro. Henry Feldwick, Senior Grand Warden ; Bro. Alfred H. Burton, Grand Superintendent of
the Otago District ; Bro. the Rev. W. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary ; Bro. T. G. De Renzy, Acting Grand
Sword -bearer ; and Bro. M. R. Bree, Grand Steward. The reception of the Grand Master was most cordial,
and on his reaching the dais, the following address was presented to him by the W.M., Bro. George
Crosbie:—HENRY THOMSON, ESQ., Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free,
and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. Most Worshipful Sir,—The members of Lodge Mokoreta offer you
their hearty good wishes and a sincere welcome on this your first visit to Wyndham. We duly appreciate the
honour you have conferred upon the Lodge and its members by this official visit, and we shall always have a
grateful remembrance of the first visit of the first Grand Master of our own Grand Lodge. Lodge Mokoreta,
Most Worshipful Sir, up to the present time, has not had the privilege of entertaining a Grand Lodge officer.
With great pleasure we heard of your intended visit, and your visit will be the means of infusing new life into

the Lodge ; it will bring backsliders into the fold again, raise our enthusiasm, and introduce a healthy rivalry
amongst the members,. so that on your next visit, if we have that pleasure again, you will find a larger
attendance, work better performed, and duties more faithfully carried out, and a still heartier welcome, if
such is possible. On the roll of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand you will not find a more devoted or more
loyal Lodge than Mokoreta : it is with pride that we mention the fact that from the beginning of the agitation
for a National Grand Lodge, the members of this Lodge to a man went heart and soul into the movement.
The result is a Grand Lodge, firmly established, to which we feel proud to belong, and a Grand Master whom
we respect, and to whom we have the strongest feelings of attachment. We hear with regret that at the end of
your year of office you contemplate retiring ; if such be the case, we trust that your services will not be lost
to the Craft. Your successor, Worshipful Sir, will reap, the advantages of your labour, and we hope he will
continue to carry out your policy of visiting as many Lodges as possible during his term of office.—Signed
by the Master, Wardens, officers and members of Lodge Mokoreta, this 14th day of April, A.L. 5591, A.D.
1891."—The M.W. the Grand Master suitably responded. Two candidates—Messrs Alexander Craustry and
John Eades—were then installed by the W.M., the I.P.M., Bro. Bree, giving the Charity Charge ; Bro. I. W.
Raymond, J. W., the Working Tools, and the Grand Master the Antient Charge. The Brethren afterwards sat
down to an excellent supper prepared by Bro. J. B. Crawford. The W.M. proposed the toast of the evening,
"the M.W. Grand Master," to which Bro. Thomson replied, thanking the Brethren for his kind reception, and
briefly sketching the successful progress of the Grand Lodge up to date, and he thought that the future would
show a still more rapid advance. The other toasts were "th Grand Lodge Officers," proposed by the Junior
Warden, and responded to on their behalf by Bros. Burton and Feldwick ; the W.M.," proposed by the Grand
Master ; " the Editor of the CRAFTSMAN," proposed by P.M. Bro. Bree and responded to, in what the writer
of this report characterises in "your own " well-known humorous and eloquent manner ; " the I. Past Master
Bro. Bree and officers of Lodge Mokoreta," responded to by Past Master Bree ; the Senior Warden, Bro.
Montieth ; and the Junior Warden, Bro. Raymond ; and the Tyler's toast, proposed by the Grand Secretary.
During the evening songs were sung by Bros. Shields, Montieth, and Feldwick, and God Save the Queen
brought a most pleasant evening to a close, the recollection of which will long be a bright spot in the memory
of the Brethren who took part. Great regret was expressed at the absence of Bro. W. H. Hall, Grand
Superintendent of the Southland District, who was just recovering from a serious illness.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
TAKING 3000 as the membership of the Lodges working under Grand Lodge—this, we think, is very close
to the mark,—the annual income of the Fund of Benevolence is £275 10s. Were the whole of the Lodges
united, this fund would have a yearly income of nearly £400.

THE yearly income of the Board of General Purposes from contributions of 3s per member, Past Masters'
certificates, and an increase of 300 in the membership of Lodges, is £804 7s 6d. Were the Masons of New
Zealand united in one body, the income would be £1608 15s. This does not include fees for new
Lodge"warrants, dispensations, or joining fees. Two thousand pounds per annum would, we think, be about
the revenue of this Board were the whole 150 Lodges under one rule.

THE 150 Lodges have a paying membership of 6000. They receive in yearly dues, £8,000. The yearly
initiations amount to £3,360 ; total, £11,360. And they return to Grand, Provincial and District Grand Lodges
for fees and certificates. £1,660, leaving a balance of £9,700. We have often wondered what becomes of this
money. Can anybody tell us?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

INSTALLATIONS

LODGE OF CONCORD, N.Z.C., Papanui, Christchurch.—The ceremony of the installation of Bro. J. W.
Horner as W.M. of the Lodge of Concord, N.Z.C., was performed on Monday, March 16th, in the Lodge-
room at Papanui. There was a large gathering of members of the Craft. The Grand Lodge officers present
were the M. W.G.M. Bro. H. Thomson, V.W.G.T. Bro. A. Kaye, V.W.G.S. Bro. the Rev. W. Ronaldson,
assisted by Bro. V. W. A. ,R. Kirk, President of the Board of Benevolence, and others. The installation was
followed by the investiture of Bro. S. P. Parker as Senior Warden ; Bro. W. J. Jackson, Junior Warden ; Bro.
W. Long, Treasurer ; Bro. R. B. Wilkinson Secretary ; Bro. T. B. Strange, S. D.; Bro. C. Samuels, J.D. ; Bro.
Hayes, D.C. ; Bro. W. T. Horsley, Organist; Bro. W. Gifkins, 1 G . ; Bro. G. May, Tyler ; and Bros. Cox and
Stevens, Stewards. After the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the Town Hall, where supper was laid. A
pleasant hour was spent, the usual loyal and Masonic toasts being honoured and some capital songs being

interspersed. The success of Lodge Concord was a theme of general congratulation. Bro. C. Amyes, the
retiring W.M., was heartily thanked for the energetic manner in which he has filled the office for two years
in succession.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

ARCH CHAPTERS

THE time has arrived when it is absolutely necessary for the various Royal Arch Chapters throughout New
Zealand to appoint delegates to hold a convention and consider the advisableness of forming a Supreme
Grand Royal Arch Chapter. This step is evidently required, because if what we hear is correct, Comp. Neill,
of Dunedin, Provincial Grand Scribe E, is taking it upon himself to distribute offices in all directions before
approaching the Chapters in reference to the vacancies which it is found necessary to fill. This is especially
noticed in the Waterloo Chapter, No. 66, S.C., which has been for some considerable time treated with scant
courtesy by the Provincial Grand Scribe E, and has therefore just cause to complain of being left in the dark
about a good many things. Some four years ago when the late Provincial Grand Superintendent Comp. Court
visited Wellington he conferred the office of First Provincial Grand Principal on M.E. Comp. C.P. Powles in
recognition of his sterling qualities and of the zeal and assiduity he had shown in connection with the
Waterloo Chapter and its affairs. M.E. Comp. Powles has held the office ever since, and we therefore take it
that on the death of Comp. Court the office of Provincial Grand Superintendent should have been assumed
by Comp. Powles by virtue of the office which he held in the Provincial Grand Chapter.

To our astonishment we now hear that the office of Provincial Grand Superintendent has been offered by
Comp. Neill to a Comp. in Auckland, who has accepted the position. We should like the Provincial Grand
Scribe E to tell us what authority he has for doling out honours, and whether he really thinks that the
Chapters now under the S.C. will approve of his recommendations. It is also very curious that those
Companions whom the Provincial Grand Scribe E desires to honour are not members of Lodges holding
under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, about the progress of which Comp. Neill and another distinguished
brother issued a reliable circular "compiled from official sources," which did not, as expected, annihilate the
New Zealand Constitution. We hope that before long a Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter will be
established in New Zealand, and that its first duty will be to appoint a Grand Scribe E of progressive views,
who will be in touch with all the Chapters forming the supreme body.—N. Z. Mail.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

MARK MASONRY.

LODGE HAMILTON, M.M.M., OAMARU.—An emergency meeting was held on April 10th. Officers and
Brethren of the above Lodge were summoned for the purpose of balloting for, and advancing four
candidates. All were elected and advanced by W.M. Bro. Hamilton. Our regular meeting will be held on
Friday, April 24th, at which several members will be advanced in antient form. We are making good
progress in our Lodge.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES OF TRAVEL.
BY BRO. THOMAS WILLIAM KITT, P.M., ETC.

(Continued.)

GLASGOW, which is in size and commercial importance the premier city of Scotland, did not strike me as
being much of a pleasure resort, for, with the exception of the far-famed Clyde and its ship-building, and the
lovely scenery to which the river gives access, there is little else to attract the visitor. As somewhat of an
anti. quarian, I was, however, much interested in the Cathedral, and also visited the parks and Necropolis, my
stay in Glasgow extending over several days, during which time I met with much kindness from Brethren of
the "mystic tie." Of my impressions of Scotland, and Scotch Brethren, and Scotch people generally —from
the " laird " down to the humble " crofter "—I cannot speak too highly, and it was with genuine regret that I
bade farewell to that truly favoured land and hospitable people, and again crossed the Border.

Once more in England, an accumulation of business awaited me, which kept me fully occupied for many
days, it being my object to see all that I could and start on my return to the colony before the English winter
fairly set in. As soon as possible, therefore, I started for the Continent, and crossing from Harwich to
Rotterdam, in Holland, the principal places visited, going or returning, were—Antwerp and Brussels
(including the battle-field of Waterloo), in Belgium; Paris, Dijon, Rouen, and Dieppe, in France ; Strasburg

and Baden, in Germany; and Berne, Geneva, and Lausanne, in Switzerland. I found that, owing to the non-
recognition of the Grand Orient of France by the Grand Lodge of England, there was an impediment to my
visiting French Lodges, much as I wished to do so ; but, under the most favourable circumstances,
opportunities for so doing would have been exceedingly limited, as my time was almost wholly taken up
sight seeing. At several of the continental hotels it was my good fortune to meet with English or foreign
brethren, so that I had no difficulty in getting information —nor, indeed, was I often without a companion in
my rambles. Re-crossing the English Channel by the short sea-route—Dieppe to Newhaven—I found myself
again in London in about seven hours, after a very pleasant tour.

In consequence of the summer months being the " close season " for London Masonry, and the
comparatively short duration of my stay in the metropolis, my Masonic engagements were, much to my
disappointment, entirely confined to the provinces, the Lodges referred to in these " Notes " having been
selected for description as fairly representative of the generality of those working in the English country
districts. As the result of my own personal experience, I can fully endorse the statement recently made in the
New Zealand Mail, to the effect that "Class Masonry is increasing to an alarming extent in England, and will
fast break up that feeling of equality which constitutes the charm of Freemasonry." In London alone there is
already a considerable number of these " Class Lodges," among which may be mentioned the Savage Club,
No. 2190 ; Anglo-American, No. 2191; Scots, No. 2319 ; Warrant Officers, No. 2346 ; and Cornish, No.
2369.

I had hoped, and indeed had promised, to attend the installation at Reading, by the M.W.G.M., the Prince of
Wales, of H.R.H. the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, as Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire, but the
ceremony having been postponed from the original date, did not take place until after my departure. As it
was one of those most brilliant and successful Masonic celebrations which but rarely take place even in
England, and never in the colonies, and had in anticipation excited no little interest in Craft circles, the
disappointment to me was great.

I could not make it convenient to attend meetings of any of the higher degrees, but a visit to the headquarters
of the Antient and Accepted Rite, 33 Golden Square, London, well repaid me for my trouble. Golden Square
is one of the quiet and retired " breathing spaces " at the West End of the world's metropolis, and in the
immediate neighbourhood of the fashionable thoroughfare, Regent street. The " Grand East " of the Supreme
Council, A. and A.R., is a building of very unpretending exterior, and but for being kept well painted and
bearing a brass plate on the door, would possess no characteristics to distinguish it from either of its dingy
neighbours. On making myself known, I was received with great cordiality by the Assistant Secretary, Bro.
E. P. Pullen, who courteously showed me all over the building On the first or ground floor is the Supreme
Council Chamber and two ante-rooms, this suite of apartments being also used for meetings of Craft Lodges.
The Council Chamber is small, but substantially furnished and tastefully decorated, the seats being covered
with crimson plush, and the roof ornamented with the emblazoned coats-of-arms of sixteen members of the
Supreme Council (eight on either side), only nine of the illustrious Brethren referred to being now living.
The second floor consists of the handsomely appointed Board Room and Grand Secretary General's room,
the latter containing a very extensive and valuable Masonic and general museum, well worthy of a careful
inspection. On the third floor is the Assistant-Secretary's room, and some ante-rooms, the splendid Masonic
library valued at about £3000, being arranged throughout these and other principal apartments. While in his
office, Bro. Pullen with very pardonable pride showed me his books, and those of his predecessor (his late
father, the well known and much respected Bro. Hyde Pullen), all being kept with exceeding accuracy and
neatness. As at many other Masonic places of meeting throughout England there are at Golden Square
several tiers of regalia lockers for the several degrees, and which are let to members at an annual rental of 5s.
each, or for life on payment of £1. This is a convenience which Brethren in New Zealand much need, and
which moreover there should be no difficulty in introducing.

For many years—in fact, ever since my initiation—it had been with me an ardent desire to see and know
something of the working of the three great English Masonic charities—viz. the Royal Masonic Benevolent
Institution for Aged. Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons, Croydon ; the Royal Masonic Institution for
Boys, Wood Green; and the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, Clapham Junction. To pay either of these
institutions a visit, is to be brought face to face with organised charity on a grand scale, and to realise more
fully the dignity and importance of Freemasonry. It is in itself a sight to be remembered to view the
magnificent piles of buildings, fitted up regardless of expense, with every modern convenience and appliance

to ensure the comfort of the inmates ; but with what joy and pride does the visitor see the old people amply
cared for during their declining years, and the youth of both sexes (a large proportion of whom are orphans)
to all appearances perfectly " at home," while being prepared for the battle of life. A lady friend who
accompanied me during my visit to the Institution for Girls, was very much delighted and impressed with
what she saw there — the noble dining hall then in course of erection, with stained glass windows donated
by various Lodges, the numerous class-rooms (nearly every one of which contained a piano), the
comfortable, well-ventilated dormitories, with their long rows of clean, white beds ; the kitchen, with its
immense range, at which a party of girls were receiving a lesson in the culinary art ; the long stone corridor,
warmed in winter—like the rooms—by the hot-water process ; and the infirmary and church, standing apart
from the main buildings, in the well-kept grounds. All these things pleased us much, but to see the happy
girls all dressed in blue frocks and white pinafores, amusing themselves so artlessly and unrestrainedly in
various ways—and apparently on the very best of terms with their lady teachers, —was, to say the least,
gratifying beyond capability of expression. Commending themselves alike to the initiated and the profane, it
has been truly said of these admirable institutions, by an anti-Masonic writer : " The Masonic charities are
eminently useful and superior, and as a charitable organisation Freemasonry may fairly claim the respect and
support of the world at large."

It is generally recognised that travel is a most valuable educating medium, and certainly to the intelligent and
observant Mason it should be particularly so. So far as my own experience goes, Freemasonry is a very
different thing in the old countries to what it is in New Zealand, for, while unalterably the same in precept, it
is altogether dissimilar in practice and results. In the United Kingdom the portals of the Lodge are guarded
very zealously, and to become a Mason there the candidate must be at least a gentleman ; but recent events
in this colony have proved most conclusively that few brethren, even of those highest in office, can justly
claim to have been either the one or the other. While it would be impossible to over-estimate the importance
and excellence of the general and many of the local Masonic charities in the United Kingdom —for this is
Masonry,—the practical and permanently beneficial results of nearly fifty years work in this colony are
simply—nil.

Having settled my business, and once more bade farewell to my friends, I left London by the H. M.S.
Kaikoura on November 13th, on my return to the colony. A day on shore, en route, at Santa Cruz de Tenerife
(Canary Islands), and half a day respectively at Cape Town and Hobart, made very pleasant breaks in the
journey—the Kaikoura reaching Wellington on December 30th, after a fine weather passage throughout. At
Wellington I had to wait four days for a connecting boat to Auckland, getting home again on January 6th,
after a most enjoyable trip, and an absence of nine months.

[ERRATA.—In the February number, page 541, line 28, should read—" was got through in a little more than an hour ;
" and on page 542, line 5, for "1797," read 1787.]
_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF MENTION

Two new Lodges in the Southland District are talked about.

THE Grand Lodge of Victoria has a credit in the Benevolent Fund of £737 12s 4d.

Two new Lodges petitioned for in the Auckland District ; Grand Lodge, of course.

ANOTHER Lodge is likely to be opened in North Otago shortly ; also Grand Lodge.

THE average paying membership of those Lodges which have joined Grand Lodge is a fraction within 40.

THE revenue of the Grand Lodge of Victoria for three months was £623 6s 4cl to General Fund, and £383
18s 6d to Fund of Benevolence.

At daylight installations in England, the correct dress is black morning coat, trousers, and ties. Such were
ordered to be worn at the installation of Prince Victor as Pro G.M. of Berks.

IT is said in Dunedin that the Grand Lodge pays the expense of the Grand Master when tripping about, and
gives each of the Grand Superintendents £100 a year salary. Would it not be nice if it were only true ?

FIVE days late ; wanted to publish proceedings at Invercargill.

ONE of the new Lodges in the Auckland goldfields will start 40 strong.

THE Lodges will be numbered immediately after the annual meeting of Grand . Lodge.

LITERARY attainments are highly esteemed in North America, and secure high Masonic rank.

WANT of space necessitates the holding over of our remarks upon the Lodges visited by the Grand Master
and his officers on their road to and from the Quarterly Commuuication at Invercargill.

THE Australasian Keystone heartily commends the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of America to the
careful study of those Brethren who aim at exalting Masonry in Australia. We say, Australasia.

WE have to thank W. Bro. C. P. Powles, D.G. Secretary of Wellington, for a copy of the Proceedings of the
Quarterly Communication of his District Grand Lodge, held on January 8th. There were nine Brethren
present, beside the Tyler. Thirty pounds was granted by England to relief of widow of late Brother of
Tongariro Lodge, 705. D.G. Lodge closed at 8.35 p.m. Receipts for quarter : General Fund, £46 5s ;
expenditure, £48 8s.

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