BROTHER ROBERT PRICE
(JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN).
THE
NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN.
SUBSCRIPTION: 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, PAID IN ADVANCE.
BOOKED, 10s. PER ANNUM.
Vol.. IL—No. io.] AUGUST 17, 1891. f AD 1891; A.L., 5891. A.M, 5651 A. In. 2421.
THE JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN.
IGHT WORSHIPFUL BRO. ROBERT PRICE, Junior Grand Warden, was born in London in 1837,
and was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School. He followed his brother to New Zealand in 1855,
being a fellow passenger with the Rev. W. Ronaldson, (rand Secretary, in the ship Maori, Captain
Petherbridge. Bro. Price was engaged in pastoral pursuits in the Hawkes Bay district till 1868, when
he paid a short visit to England, and, on his return to the colony, dissolving partnership with his brother, went
into the disastrous speculation of flax-dressing. Soon after the establishment of the Daily Telecraph
newspaper at Napier, Bro. Price applied for and obtained the appointment of sub-editor, and towards the end
of 1871 that of editor, which position he has held uninterruptedly to the present time. He joined the Scinde
Lodge of Freemasons, under the Irish Constitution, in 1873, and after going through the several offices, was
elected W.M. in 1877, and again occupied the chair in 1880. In 1883 he was elected Treasurer, and the
following year Secretary to the Lodge, which office he has continued in. At the time of the formation of the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, he was Provincial Grand Inspector for the District of Hawkes Bay. On taking
a prominent part in the formation of the Grand Lodge he resigned his office under the Irish Constitution, and
received the thanks of the late R.W. Bro. Pierce, the Provincial Grand Master. The Grand Lodge of New
Zealand elected him to be the first Junior Grand Deacon, and last July the most Worshipful the Grand Master
appointed him Junior Grand Warden.
____________________________________________________________________________________
THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE IN NEW ZEALAND.
WE publish in this issue the pronunciamento of the members of " L'Amour de la write," the Lodge in
Wellington holding under the Grand Orient of France, the establishment of which has already shipwrecked
the Masonic career of a very distinguished Colonist, and which may yet possibly work further mischief. We
trust all our readers will carefully peruse this precious document, as so will such mischief best be reduced to
a minimum ; for it may be truly said, as to the promulgators of this new evangel, out of their own mouths
shall they be confuted. To begin with, we are told that this essay is " a brief exposition of Grand Orient
Masonry." We venture to say that it is nothing of the sort : that it is an exposition of French Masonry only,
which is a very different thing. There are Grand Orients, we opine, that would repudiate as strongly as we do,
the definition of Freemasonry as set forth in this circular. The real fact is that French Masonry is
Freemasonry only in name. Among the landmarks of Freemasonry it is almost needless to say these, above
all, are fundamental—the fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man ; all others, important as they may
be, are subordinate to these. When the French Orient, in 1877, deliberately removed the name of the
G.A.O.T.U. from their ritual, and replaced it with the word " Solidarity," they did violence to the
fundamental principles of the Order, and insulted the rest of their Brethren throughout the world. Hence, the
prompt suspension of Masonic intercourse with them by almost all Grand Lodges was a thing of course.
And so having (in order to become "unsectarian ") forsworn their Creator, our Gallic Orientals make
themselves a fetich in the word " Solidarity." How they mouth it ! How they roll it under the tongue as a
sweet morsel ! Why it even challenges comparison with " that blessed word Mesopotamia !' " and here we
cannot help recalling a certain literary discussion as to the comparative merits of the words " circumscribed "
and " circumwented," which was the " tenderer word," or which " meant more." In the case above, while we
think it must be admitted that " Mesopotamia " is the " tenderer word," doubtless " Solidarity " " means
more."
It seems that we old-fashioned Freemasons have much to learn. We are taught in the circular before us that
our ritual is of a " sectarian type " (or was " until comparatively recently ") ; that our Constitutions are
"disfigured with laws framed in the interests of a class ; " and that they are pervaded by "the parochial spirit."
Surely a greater parody upon Freemasonry than this could not be invented. At first it might be imagined that
this document had been drawn up by some unscrupulous person who had obtained a smattering of Masonic
knowledge by underhand and surreptitious means, but, on consideration, we rather incline to the view that it
is the work of some poor weakling, who, while barely recollecting the verbal form of ritual is utterly
destitute of true Masonic feeling.
"Parochial spirit!" indeed. Well, if freedom from "parochial spirit " means the denial of the God who made
us and the world we inhabit, let us at once confess that we are mean and parochial in our minds, and,
whatever French Oriental atheists may do and think, let us humbly and reverently testify our belief in " the
only, the living, and the true God."
This circular, we should say, was addressed thus : "Presented to—" and there was appended a note to the
effect that the mere presentation thereof was not to relieve the invite from the ordeal of the ballot. We appeal
again to old-fashioned Freemasons to notice this. Touting, which you and we have been taught is derogatory,
is evidently, by these new lights, urged and encouraged, though even to this there must be some limit. After
candidates are gathered in from the highways and byeways, by means of these circulars, slipped in the hand
in the public street, the public-house, or anywhere else, there must (as a matter of form, of course) be a
submission to the ballot ! Comment would but weaken the effect of this.
This circular is for the benefit nominally of the people of Wellington, but is doubtless intended for a wider
publicity, and we have reason to believe that it will be attempted to establish Lodges in the other principal
cities of the colony. We think it only necessary that attention should be drawn to the attempt to render it
abortive. In Otago, for instance, The Rump of the Lyceum, and such fragments of the Spiritualistic society as
may have survived the shattering effect of public ridicule, will have but little weight ; and through the rest of
the colony the influence of persons of similar bent will be of still more trifling character. Yes, indeed, we
believe that the people of New Zealand, and eminently the more thoughtful part of them—including " the
learned and scientific bodies "—whatever may be the advanced character of their views on matters
theological, are yet sound in their theism ; and that ninety-nine out of every hundred will endorse the truth of
the aphorism—" The fool hath said in his heart there is no God ! "
_______________________________________________________________________________________
GRAND LODGES
_________________________________________________
NEW ZEALAND.
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION HELD AT THE FREEMASONS' HALL, WELLINGTON, ON
MONDAY, JULY 6TH, 1891.
PRESENT.
M.W. Bro. Henry Thomson Grand Master.
R.W. Bro. Edward Thomas Gilllon... Deputy Grand Master.
R.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol Grand Supt., Auckland.
R.W. Bro. Huntley John H. Eliott... As S.G. Warden.
R.W. Bro. Francis Peacock Corkill... As J.G. Warden.
V.W. Bro. Rev. WIn. E. Paige Grand Chaplain.
V.W. Bro. John Joyce, M.H.R. ... Grand Registrar.
V.W. Bro. Rev. Wm. Ronaidson ... Grand Secretary.
V.W. Bro. George Robertson Past Grand Secretary.
V.W. Bro. John Herbert Hankins ... Assist. Grand Registrar.
W. Bret George Henry Powley As S.G. Deacon.
W. Bro. Henry Walker ... ... As J.G. Deacon.
W. Bro. Herbert James Williams ... Grand Dir. of Ceremonies.
W. Bro. Henry Gordon ... ... As G. Sword Bearer.
W. Bro. Geo. S. Wemyss Dalrymple As Grand Bible Bearer.
W. Bro. Alfred Kidd Grand Pursuivant.
W. Pro. Nathaniel Grace ... Grand Steward.
W. Bro. Frederick James Dawes Grand Steward.
W. Bro. David Greig As Grand Steward.
W. Bro. Alfred Icon Masters As Grand Steward.
W. Bro. Andrew Jack As Grand Steward.
W. Bro. Henry James Freeman ... As Grand Steward.
AND
The Masters, Past Masters, and Wardens of many Lodges from all parts of the territory.
There were also many visitors present.
Opening of the Grand Lodge. — The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, and with solemn prayer.
Minutes. The Minutes of the Communication held in Invercargill on April 10th last, were read and
confirmed.
Apologies. — The Grand Secretary announced that he had received a large number of letters and telegrams
from Officers and Members of Grand Lodge, expressing regret at not being able to be present, and sending
hearty good wishes and congratulations.
Roll of Lodges.—The Roll of Lodges was called by the Grand Secretary as follows
Name of District. No. of Lodges. Members present.
Auckland ... 14 16
Wellington ... 23 113
Canterbury ... 17 6
Otago .. 8 4
Southland 4 —
Nelson ... .. 2 1
Westland ... 3 —
71 140
Reports.—The Reports of the Board of Benevolence and the Board of General Purposes were then read and
adopted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE:-
£ s. d.
The sum to the credit of the Fund of Benevolence to 30th April is 131 11 3
The following amounts are still due :
On Account of Patents of office not yet paid 19 19 0
On Account of Lodges to December 31st, 1890, not yet
remitted ... ... ... 15 0 0
Making a total for the year .. £166 10 3
Your Committee is thankful to notice that a very general desire is manifest in many, if not in all, Lodges to
practically exemplify that truly Masonic spirit of Charity, which " suffereth long and is kind," as is especially
shown by " Coromandel " in giving (conditionally on nineteen others doing the same) £5 towards a
permanent Charity Fund ; and Lodge Ngamotu voting £5 to this object has been followed by Lodge Ara
voting £20 for promoting a Benevolent Masonic Institution Fund. No doubt, as this becomes known, other
Lodges and members will, in the same spirit, contribute liberally to this Fund of Benevolence, so that, even if
at a humble distance, this Grand Lodge will follow, as we very earnestly desire, our Australasian Brethren, in
storing up against the day of need a fund for the relief of our poor and distressed Brethren, the widow, the
fatherless, and the orphan. As it is especially laid upon this Committee to encourage and develop this
charitable spirit, it may not be amiss to point out, very briefly, what may be done when all the Lodges in the
colony are working under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
1. The Book of Constitutions provides that every Lodge for each of its members, shall pay annually to Grand
Lodge four shillings, of which one shilling is to be devoted to the Fund of Benevolence. The experience of
the past year shows that when all the Lodges are united under this Grand Lodge it will be quite possible to
devote two shillings instead of one to this fund, and, as the number of members in all Lodges is over 4000,
this would at once give a sum of £400 per annum for the Fund of Benevolence from this source alone.
2. Nor can it be thought that this will stultify the spirit of charity in Masons' breasts—far from it—rather will
it stimulate and encourage the Brethren to exert themselves, so that the body of Masons under this banner, in
their unity and their strength, will soon do greater things than this, and so prove to the world the happy and
beneficial effect of our antient institution.
Your Board ventures to indulge in this speculative discursion, because, as we now complete the first year of
our work, we are anxious to give expression to the desire for the expansion of our Fund of Benevolence, that,
like a living plant, it may grow and increase under the shadow of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and year
by year testify the true Masonic spirit of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
As has been already reported to Grand Lodge, this Board, during the past year, voted the sum of £20 in aid of
claimants, whose cases were represented by Lodges Palmerston, Unanimity, and Advance.
Your Board has to report that no claim has been laid before it since the last Communication of Grand Lodge.
(Signed) A. R. KIRK,
President Board of Benevolence.
Masonic Hall, Christchurch, July 3rd, 1891.
________________
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES
1. LODGES.—At the inauguration of Grand Lodge, April 30th, 1890, 32 Lodges had paid the enrolment fee.
At this date 71 are under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, which by amalgamation are reduced to 69, with
a membership of over 2600 members.
2. LODGES JOINED.—At each Communication of Grand Lodge the name and number of Lodges which have
joined was duly announced Since last the Grand Lodge niet two more have joined us—Lodge Eden, late No.
1530, E.C., of Auckland, on June 23rd closed working under the E.C. and opened under the N.Z.0 ; and
Lodge Kaikoura, late No. 2236, E.C., holds its next meeting under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
Applications for three or four new Lodges are in course of preparation ; two will be presented for approval at
this meeting.
3. LODGES NOT YET JOINED.--Your Board has been in frequent correspondence with other Lodges which
have not yet joined ; they desire to do so, and only delay taking action to this end in the hope of being able to
persuade the minority of the desirability of taking this step, and so prevent any cavil or unpleasantness
afterwards.
4. LODGES VISITED.—During the past twelve months a large number of Lodges on the East and West Coasts
of the North Island, together with Auckland and Wellington, have been visited by the Grand Master,
accompanied by Grand Officers, as well as the constant visits paid by the resident Grand Officers. In the
Canterbury, Otago, and Southland Districts, all the Lodges, without exception, have been visited by the
Grand Master, as also by the G. Superintendents of those Districts. In every ease the utmost unanimity
prevailed, and the Brethren were much pleased by the interest thus shown for them. Your Board very much
regrets that it has not been possible at present to visit the Lodges on the west Coast of the South Island, a,
well as those in Nelson and the Wairau. A visit paid lately to Nelson by Bro. H. J. Williams, G.D. of C., by
special invitation, to install the W.M. of Lodge Victory, as well as visits paid by the same officer to Lodges
in the Wairarapa and on the west coast of the North Island earlier in the year, gave evidence of the benefit to
be gained thereby.
5 RETURNS FROM LODGES.—The necessary forms for Lodge returns to December 31st, 1890, were duly
forwarded to all Lodges. As these returns require careful compilation, as from them the roll of members of
Grand Lodge will have to be made up, much additional labour has been laid upon the Secretaries of Lodges,
and, from a variety of unavoidable causes, much delay has been the result. Your Board desires to express its
best thanks to these officers for their willing readiness to act on the instruction of the Grand Secretary, and
will submit to Grand Lodge a resolution to this effect. Your Board, whilst gratefully acknowledging these
very valuable services, would especially desire to record those of the P. Grand Secretary, Bro. Robertson, of
Wellington, and of the Assistant Grand Secretary, Bro. W. H. Cooper, of Auckland ; they deserve a special
vote of this Communication.
6. TREASURER’S BALANCE-SHEET.—In the unavoidable absence of the Grand Treasurer the Audited
Balance-Sheet of Grand Lodge is here presented. The sum received from all sources to April 30th, amounts
to £711 5s 6d, the expenses having been £639 4s 4d. The fees and dues from Lodges are only remitted to
December 31st, 1890—the period varying according to the time each Lodge joined Grand Lodge. A sum of
£66 5s has been received since April 30th, and a further sum of say £43 15s is still owing on account of fees,
&c., to December 31st, 1S90. In order to show the amount that will be received for the year an approximate
sum of £200 must be added for fees owing to April 30th, 1891, thus making the grand total a little over
£1000 for this year. The financial position of Grand Lodge is assured.
7. WARRANTS, CERTIFICATES, &c.—Art. 14, of the "Basis of Constitution," provided that the numerical roll
of Grand Lodge was not to be made up until twelve months after the formation of G and Lodge. This period
having expired, the Board asks Grand Lodge to authorise the numbering of the Lodges together with the
issuing of Warrants for Lodges, Certificates for members, &c. As soon as this authority is given this work
can be proceeded with. Copies of the Lodge Certificates, &c., are now presented for examination by the
Brethren. The Board believes that the work, all of which has been executed in the colony, will be found most
creditable.
8. NOMINATION OF GRAND MASTER.—In order to test the feeling of the Lodges throughout this territory as
to the nomination of Grand Master, a resolution was framed, by the direction of the Board, and forwarded to
all Lodges under this jurisdiction, which has also been circulated throughout the colony. The result was
practically unanimous, as far as this Grand Lodge is concerned, approving of the nomination of His
Excellency Bro. Lord Onslow. At the same time full publicity was given to the resolution by forwarding
copies to many Lodges, not yet with us, in the hope that it might prove a modes vivencdi for peace and
unanimity among the whole body of Masons. Your Board regrets that this effort was unsuccessful. The
telegrams of His Excellency, as announced by the M.W. the Grand Master, at the Communication of Grand
Lodge at Invercargill, in April last, evidently make this clear. The Grand Lodge will therefore have to elect
Grand Master, as provided by Art. 1, of the " Basis of Union."
9. ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF GRAND LODGE.—The Board instructed the Grand Secretary to send a circular
to W.M.'s and Members of Grand Lodge, informing them that nominations for the elective officers of Grand
Lodge would be received at the Communication at Invercargill. A comparatively small number of
nominations were received, and the consequence is that only the number required to fill the various offices in
Grand Lodge were nominated. With a view to prepare the business of Grand Lodge in this matter, and to
enable this important subject to be readily and efficaciously dealt with, the Board has drawn up a suggested
allocation for the distribution of office, and in now presenting it to Grand Lodge desires to state that in no
case has the Board any wish to favour one individual, or any part of the territory at the expense of another;
but rather to suggest those whom the Board thinks adapted to occupy each office. In this important matter, as
in all others, the Board recognises to the fullest extent the supreme right of Grand Lodge in this question, and
is ready and willing to accept the will of Grand Lodge, however they may arrange the same. In order to the
more effective working of Grand Lodge, as it moves about through this jurisdiction, your Board would urge
the Grand Lodge to allow the election of the following additional Grand Officers : Four Grand Chaplains in
lieu of one ; four Grand Deacons in lieu of two ; Deputy and Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies;
Assistant Grand Standard Bearer ; Assistant Grand Sword Bearer ; Deputy Grand Pursuivant and the twenty
Stewards to be increased to twenty-five, should it be found desirable.
10. RECOGNITION.—Members of Grand Lodge will have seen that the Grand Lodge of Kansas has in the
most ample manner extended recognition to this Grand Lodge. The proceedings of that Grand Lodge state
this fully, and asks that Grand representatives may be exchanged. A resolution on this subject will be
submitted to Grand Lodge. We are now in fraternal communication with the following Grand Lodges :—
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Switzerland (Alphina), Nebraska, Montana, Nevada,
Kansas, Grand Orients of Italy, Belgium, and Spain.
11. COMPLAINT. —A complaint against a member of one of our Lodges, involving a charge of leading an
immoral life, has been lodged with your Board, and is now occupying its attention.
12. CONCLUSION.—In conclusion your Board desires to congratulate Grand Lodge on the very successful
termination of the first year of its existence, and, believing in the energy of its members, has full confidence
in its future prosperity. The Board would tender to Grand Lodge its best thanks for the confidence and trust
placed in it, and is fully assured that its successors will meet with the same courtesy and assistance that has
in every case been so graciously extended to it during its year of office. So mote it be.
C. A. C. HARDY, President.
Masonic Hall, Christchurch, July 3rd, 1891.
Read, discussed, and approved by the Board of General Purposes.
(Signed) E. T. GILLON, Chairman.
Wellington, July 6th, 1891.
Grand Treasurer's Balance.—The Grand Treasurer sent an apology for his absence, and forwarded the
bank certificate, stating that the bank balance to the credit of Grand Lodge on the 30th of June was £126 18s
I1d. He also forwarded the Balance-sheet, which was read by the Grand Secretary. We gave the Balance-
sheets last month.
Reports of Grand Superintendents:
Grand Superintendent's Office,
Auckland District.
In submitting my annual report, I have much pleasure in testifying to the excellent spirit prevailing in all
Lodges in my District, and to the beneficial effects already resulting from the establishment of Grand Lodge.
In no Lodge have I ever heard one word of regret for the step taken, or disappointment at the result of the
change ; one hears everywhere the same story : better attendances, stronger Lodges, warmer and kindlier
feelings, and brighter hopes for the future of Free-masonry in the colony.
Of the fourteen Lodges in my district, I have visited twelve during the past year, and shall take an early
opportunity of completing my official inspection.
I herewith furnish you with a report of the condition of each Lodge. As I purpose being present in Grand
Lodge, I shall be able to supply any additional information you may require.
I have to express my satisfaction with the manner in which I have been supported by the other Grand Lodge
officers in Auckland, and especially my great indebtedness to Bro. W. H. Cooper, Assistant Grand Secretary,
who has been to me a l very tower of strength. I extremely regret that I am likely to lose the benefit of his
assistance in future.
LODGE ARA, AUCKLAND.-This is one of the oldest and wealthiest Lodges in the colony, possessed of a large
interest in Freemasons' Hall, as well as considerable valuable landed property adjoining, representing some
thousands of pounds. Unfortunately the Lodge was not unanimous in resolving to join Grand Lodge of New
Zealand, and the minority who opposed the movement continue to work a Lodge under the old charter. The
question of title to the property has yet to be decided, but as both parties are disposed to act in accordance
with justice and equity, no doubt a favourable settlement will soon be arrived at. Lodge Ara, N.Z.C., is in a
very flourishing position, having a membership of about 45, and is rapidly gaining strength by the admission
of young men, most of them sons of the soil, filled with zeal and amor patrice. I have frequently visited this
Lodge during the past year, and can report most favourably regarding their working and government.
LODGE ST. ANDREW, AUCKLAND.-Probably no Lodge in New Zealand can produce a better record for
numerical strength of membership, attendance at Lodge and Instruction Lodge meetings, number of new
members joining, and complete harmony existing during past year, than St. Andrew, N. Z. C.6 (late 418,
S.C). This Lodge also holds a large interest in Freemasons' Hall, and has a very comfortable credit balance.
The number on the roll is about 50, and the usual monthly attendance about 40 to 45. I have frequently
visited this Lodge during past year, and have to express my entire satisfaction with the manner in which it is
being worked.
UNITED SERVICE, AUCKLAND.—This old established Lodge has experienced much benefit from joining
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, in increased membership and a great revival of interest in the meetings and
proceedings of the Lodge. It was at one time one of the most flourishing Lodges in the colony, and I have
every confidence that under the influence of the new Constitution, and the guidance of the excellent officers
recently installed, it will soon be restored to its pristine vigour. This Lodge also has an interest in
Freemasons' Hall. I have officially visited this Lodge, and my report is quite favourable.
LODGE BETA, HAMILTON. I visited this compact and substantial Lodge recently, and installed the W.M. The
Lodge is in every respect a thriving one, having a fair number of members, an excellent brick hall in which
they meet, and ample funds. There is no other Lodge in the district (a thriving country town). The new
officers are exceedingly apt and zealous, and the future of this Lodge is very bright.
SIR WALTER SCOTT, THAMES. -I regret that I have been unable to visit this Lodge during the past year, but
my conscience is comparatively easy with regard to my neglect, because of my knowledge that the
government of the Lodge is in such excellent hands, and the spirit prevailing in it is so good, that official
visits are not so necessary in their case as in those of less forward Lodges, where the occasional advent of
Grand Lodge officers gives an extra zest to the ordinary proceedings. This is a very strong and thriving
Lodge. I shall do myself the pleasure of visiting it at an early date.
COROMANDEL, COROMANDEL.—I visited this Lodge last year and was much gratified. I regret I was unable
to attend their installation this month, which took place (23rd June) on same night as that of United Service
Lodge. Owing to the migratory character of the mining portion of the community of Coromandel, the
membership of this Lodge has somewhat fallen off, but the interest and life in the Lodge are unabated. Some
Past Masters have introduced the practice of reading short papers on interesting subjects of a Masonic nature,
and inviting discussion upon them, with the most gratifying results.
MANUKAU, ONEHUNGA.—It is the proud boast of this Lodge that it was the first in the colony to adopt a
resolution in favour of the establishment of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand ; and I can testify to the loyal
and consistent support it has given to the movement throughout. Lodge Manukan enjoys the reward of
increased vitality and vigour, experienced by so many of our Lodge. I have frequently visited the Lodge, and
am satisfied with the way in which it is conducted. I hope, however, to see a movement shortly to secure a
better place of meeting.
PONSONBY, AUCKLAND.—The success of this Lodge has been quite phenomenal, and only shows what the
united efforts of a dozen or so of determined, active Masons can effect. Less than a year ago this Lodge, as
the result of an unfortunate split on the question of joining the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, was deprived
of its furniture, and driven from the hall in which it had been meeting. The Master was absent from Auckland
(being engaged upon a contract in Palmerston North), and the only Past Master belonging to it had, with the
minority, continued to work under the old charter. Nothing daunted, our Brethren rented a hall, arranged for
the services of the Masters of sister Lodges, and announced their meeting for the usual night. Their pluck
was recognised and admired, and contributions towards furnishing literally flowed in, and now they have a
completely fitted and handsome Lodge-room, replete with not only necessary articles, but many of the most
ornate and valuable nature, they are free from debt, and have a good credit balance. Not only this, but their
membership has increased by " leaps and bounds "— many members of other Lodges deeming it an honour
to belong to such a plucky Lodge, have affiliated to it, and a considerable number of new candidates have
also been initiated. May their well-deserved success long continue.
WAIROA, WAIROA SOUTH.—This Lodge is not numerically strong, but is the only one in the district,
possesses its own hall (a neat little building) and is steadily gaining strength. I have paid more than one
official visit, and found the proceedings conducted, in all respects, regularly, and an excellent spirit
prevailing.
PAPAKURA, PAPAKURA.—I recently attended at this Lodge to consecrate their new hall (an account of which
has been already furnished to you). This Lodge is thriving, new members of a desirable class joining, and the
prospects generally are very encouraging.
TE AROHA, TE AROHA.—This Lodge has displayed a commendable spirit in erecting a neat little hall, which
is free from debt, and is very comfortably and appropriately furnished ; but owing to the fluctuating nature of
the gold miners in the vicinity, and the fact that many of the members are constantly changing their place of
residence, the progress of the Lodge has not been as great as the arduous and zealous efforts of its Master
and officers have deserved. I had the pleasure of consecrating this Lodge some years ago, and also presided
on the occasion of the dedication of their hall more recently, but I have been unable to visit them during the
past year. I hope to do so at an early date.
ALBION, DEVONPORT.—As this Lodge meets in my own town, and I have the honour of being its Senior Past
Master, I am regular in my attendance. We are not numerically strong, a fact that I attribute to our being
situated so close to Auckland. Most of the members of the fraternity, resident in Devonport, are connected
with Auckland Lodges, and naturally prefer attending the larger and stronger Lodges in the city. No Lodge is
more complete in every detail of equipment, or more rigid in the observance of the rules and customs
prescribed by our Order, and it is a pleasure to see the pains taken by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Logan,
who has just been installed for the second term.
FRANKLIN, PUKEKOHE.—This Lodge is not thriving so well as I could wish, and the cause is not difficult of
discovery. It simply arises from unworthy efforts on the part of our opponents having succeeded in splitting
up the Lodge, and thus creating two weak Lodges in a district where there is little enough material to
maintain one healthy one. However, the Lodge under E.C. cannot possibly survive much longer, and there
will I trust be a brighter future for Franklin, N.Z.C. The Lodge possesses a handsome and commodious hall,
and is fortunate in having among its members an experienced and zealous Past Master in the person of Bro.
F. M. Hewson, who may be regarded as the father of Freemasonry in Pukekohe.
EDEN, NEWTON.—This is the latest addition to our strength, and a Lodge of which we have every reason to
be proud. It numbers about thirty to thirty-five active members ; is situated in a densely populated suburb
contiguous to Auckland, and is possessed of a handsome and commodious hall fronting the main street. I
confidently predict a brilliant and prosperous future for this Lodge.
NEW LODGES.—I herewith transmit a petition in all respects regular, from Brethren at Hokianga, for the
constituting of a Lodge to be held at Kohukohu. The Brother nominated as Master, and several others signing
the petition, are well and favourably known to me, and I have pleasure in recommending that their request be
granted. A petition for a Lodge at Kuaotuna goldfields is also in course of signature, and will shortly be
forwarded.
I confidently anticipate that during the next twelve months our ranks will be strengthened by the joining of
several other Lodges, in which a large majority of the members are in favour of our Grand Lodge ; and
conclude, sir, with warmly congratulating you in the large measure of success which has already rewarded
your arduous labours on behalf of Freemasonry in New Zealand.
M. NICCOL,
Grand Superintendent.
Auckland, June 30th, 1891.
____________________________________
Grand Superintendent's Office,
Wellington District.
I have the honour to report that the Lodges under the New Zealand Constitution in the Wellington District
continue to work satisfactorily, and are are steadily improving in membership. Friendly relations continue to
be be maintained with Lodges of other Constitutions in all parts of the District, save New Plymouth, where
the English and Irish Lodges hold aloof. I am glad to say that there is every prospect of several additional
Lodges in the District tendering their allegiance to Grand Lodge at an early date. A charter is also about to be
applied for to establish a new Lodge at Ashurst, where the Brethren have already secured a site, and entered
into a contract for the erection of a Masonic Hall.
I regret to have to bring under the notice of Grand Lodge a serious scandal which has arisen in connection
with certain members of St. Andrew's Lodge, Wellington, and which culminated in a Supreme Court action,
report of which is here appended. I may state that, at the request of the Master of St. Andrew's Lodge, I, as
Acting Grand Superintendent, used every effort to bring about a settlement without the matter going into
Court, but without effect. A very strong feeling exists amongst the Brethren that those who have caused
public scandal, and placed themselves in at least an equivocal position, should be dealt with by Grand Lodge
in an exemplary way, so as to relieve the Craft of the odium their action has brought upon it. In this view I
entirely concur, and beg to recommend that a committee of members of Grand Lodge from outside
Wellington be appointed to consider the whole case, with power, subject to the M.W. Grand Master's
approval, to inflict whatever punishment may be deemed adequate to the circumstances.
E. T. GILLON,
Acting Grand Superintendent.
July 6th, 1891.
COMMISSION APPOINTED.—A Commission was appointed to enquire into the charge mentioned in this
report, with power to make a recommendation to the Grand Master.
______________________________
Grand Superintendent's Office,
Otago District.
I have but little to report from my District since the Quarterly Communication in Invercargill. Within the last
month I have conducted, with efficient assistance from various rulers of the Craft, the installations of the
Masters pf Lodges Hercules (Tapanui), and Clutha (Balclutha), and I can say that the condition of Masonry
throughout the District is most satisfactory and encouraging.
I sincerely trust that nothing will be done in Grand Lodge to damp the ardour of Mark Brethren, or to weaken
the prestige of the Mark Lodges recently established in the Southern part of the colony.
As you well know, the opening of those Mark Lodges was in a manner forced upon the Brethren ; it was in
truth a defensive step.
The above are not individual opinions, but are strongly held by every Brother in Southland as well as in
Otago, with whom I have come in contact.
I am well aware that this Mark question assumes another shape among Brethren who come from the Scotch
Constitution, but I trust, when our position is laid before them, they will see eye to eye with us in this matter.
ALFRED H BURTON,
Grand Superintendent.
Dunedin, June 27th, 1891.
Election of the M.W. the Grand Master.—The M.W.. Bro. Thomson then declared his office vacant, and
asked the R.W.. Bro. E. T. Gillon, Past Deputy Grand Master, to occupy the chair for the election of the
Grand Master.
R.W. Bro. Gillon addressed the Brethren, and requested them to elect a Grand Master for the ensuing year.
Moved by R.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, seconded by V.W. Bro. George Robertson, " That the M.W. Bro.
Henry Thomson be re-elected as the M.W. Grand Master of New Zealand for a second term. The resolution
was carried by acclamation.
Installation of the M.W. the Grand Master. — The R.W. Bro. E. T. Gillon congratulated Bro. Henry
Thomson, and impressively inducted and installed him in the chair.
Reply. — The M.W. Bro. Henry Thomson acknowledged the honour conferred upon him.
Proclamation —The M.W. the Grand Master was then duly proclaimed in the East, West, and South, with
the customary honours.
Appointment of Officers.—The Grand Master then appointed the Grand Officers for the ensuing year. A
full and complete list of whom we gave last month.
Election of Grand Officers.—The officers, as suggested by the Board of General Purposes, were -then
elected. A full and complete list of whom we gave last month.
Those present were then invested, and saluted.
Election of Members of Board of Benevolence and of the Board of General Purposes.—The following
members were nominated and elected as members of the Boards:
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.—Ex Officio : Bros. Macarthur, Powley, Price, Kaye, and Grand Secretary.
Elected : Bros. Lyttleton (President), Eliott, Kidd, Niccol, Williams, Mackenzie, Grubb, Arnold, Hulbert,
Bishop, Kirk, Blanchard, Horner, Amyes, and Schmidt.
BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES. —Ex Officio : Bros. Macarthur, Powley, Price, Joyce, Kaye, and Grand
Secretary. Elected : Bros. Fenerty (President), Gillon, Russell, Niccol, Burton, Hall, Williams, Robertson,
Pyke, De Renzy, Hulbert, Bishop, J. Sansom, Parsons, Thompson, and F. J. Smith.
Petitions for Lodges.—Petitions from Brethren at Hokianga and at Ashurst for the formation of Lodges
were received, and referred to the Grand Master.
Resolutions, as suggested by the Board of General Purposes
1. RECOGNITION BY GRAND LODGES AND APPOINTMENT OF GRAND REPRESENTATIVES.—1. "That the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand desires to recognise the the courteous and fraternal recognition extended to
this Grand Lodge by the following Grand Lodges :—Switzerland (Alphina), Orient of Belgium, Nebraska,
Montana, Nevada, and the Grand Orient of Belgium ; and reciprocating this fraternal spirit, desires to
exchange Representatives with these Grand Bodies, and for this purpose the Grand Master recommends the
following Brethren
(1) The W. Bro. A. Kidd, as Grand Representative near this Grand Lodge of the Grand Lodge of
Switzerland (Alphina).
(2) The R.W. Bro. Henry Feldwick, Pt.G. Warden, as Grand Representa tive near this Grand Lodge
of the Grand Orient of Belgium.
(3) The W. Bro. Dr. L. G. Boor, Pt.G. Deacon, as Grand Representative near this Grand Lodge of the
Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
(4) The R.W. Bro. A. S. Russell, Pt. Dep. G. Master, as Grand Representative near this Grand Lodge
of the Grand Lodge of Montana.
(5) The W. Bro. Nathanael Grace, P.M., P.G. Steward, as Grand Representative near this Grand
Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Nevada."
These recommendations were adopted by Grand Lodge, and the resolution was carried unanimously.
2. RECOGNITION BY THE GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS, U.S.A.--" That the Grand Lodge of New Zealand
desires to acknowledge the courteous and fraternal - manner in which the Grand Lodge of Kansas has
extended recognition to this Grand Lodge as supreme Masonic authority in this territory, and recognising the
desirability that Grand Representatives may be appointed. The M.W. the Grand Master recommends Bro.
John Ernest Provis, P.M., of Napier, as Grand Representative near this Grand Lodge of the Grand Lodge of
Kansas. And that this Grand Lodge will be pleased to receive the name of the worthy Bro. who may be
recommended by the Grand Lodge of Kansas as Grand Representative of this Grand Lodge near them."—
Carried unanimously.
3. THANKS TO SECRETARIES.—" That this Grand Lodge desires to recognise and acknowledge the earnest
labours of the Secretaries of the different Lodges under this Grand jurisdiction, and takes this opportunity of
according its best thanks to those officers for their valuable services both to the Lodges to which they belong
and the Grand Lodge of this territory. And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to these officers."—
Carried unanimously.
4. THANKS TO OFFICERS OF GRAND LODGE.—" That the hearty acknowledgment of Grand Lodge be
tendered to all those officers of Grand Lodge who have with so much energy and perseverence rendered such
valuable service to the cause of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand by their indefatigable exertions in visiting
the various Lodges of this Grand jurisdiction. And whilst thus expressing its hearty appreciation of the
worthy service they have rendered, would earnestly impress upon them the necessity and desirability of
persevering in the same way during the ensuing year. And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the
Grand Secretary to all those officers."—Carried unanimously.
5. THANKS TO PAST AND ASSISTANT GRAND SECRETARIES.—" That the best thanks of Grand Lodge be
especially tendered to V.W. Bro. George Robertson, Past Grand Secretary, Wellington, and V.W. Bro.
William H. Cooper, Assistant Grand Secretary, Auckland, for their very valuable labour on behalf of Grand
Lodge during the past year."—Carried unanimously.
6 ROLL OF GRAND LODGE.—"That the time appointed by Art. 14 of the " Basis of Union," for the
compilation of the Roll of Grand Lodge having expired, the Board of General Purposes is hereby directed to
make up the numerical Roll of Grand Lodge, to issue Charters according to the date of each original Charter
or Dispensation, and that the certificates for members be supplied without further delay."—Carried
unanimously.
7. THANKS OF GRAND LODGE TO GRAND MASTER.—" That the Grand Lodge of New Zealand expresses its
hearty appreciation of the energy and zeal displayed by its M.W.G.M. Bro. Henry Thomson, to whose
activity may be largely attributed the successful progress of the N.Z. Constitution since the formation of the
Grand Lodge."—The resolution was put by the R.W. Bro. E. T. Gillon, and carried by acclamation.
8. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE.—" That this Grand Lodge desires to express its condolence with R.W. Bro.
Vincent Pyke, P.P.G. Master of New Zealand, S.C., and R.W. Bro. P. H. Macarthur, D.G. Master, at their
unavoidable absence owing to serious illness."—Carried unanimously.
Past Grand Rank. — The M.W. Grand Master said that he would confer upon V.W. Bro. Wm. H. Cooper,
P.A.G. Secretary, rank as Past Grand Warden for the valuable services rendered by him during the past year.
Notice Of Motion by Bro. E. T. Gillon, on the Royal Arch and Mark Degrees.—The M.W. the G.M.
explained the relation of Grand Lodge to the Mark and Royal Arch Degrees, as referred to in Bro. Gillon's
notice of motion, and suggested its withdrawal. R.W. Bro. Gillon accepted the explanation, and asked leave
to withdraw his motion.—Leave was given, and the motion was withdrawn.
Grand Lodge Regalia.—The M.W. the Grand Master referred to the absence of Grand Lodge Regalia, and
said that it had been suggested that Masters of Lodges might be invited to initiate a fund for the purchase of
Regalia, the contribution not to exceed five shillings per member. This was briefly discussed, and it was
moved—" That the subject of Regalia for officers of Grand Lodge be remitted to the Board of General
Purposes, to suggest a plan for providing Regalia to submit to Grand Lodge."—Carried.
Vote of Condolence.—W. Bro. F. P. Corkill referred in feeling terms to the death of the R.W. the Prov.
Grand Master of Auckland, I.C., and moved " That this Grand Lodge desires to express to the family of the
late R.W. Bro. Geo. P. Pierce, Prov. Grand Master of the Irish Constitution, its sincere sympathy with them
in their bereavement, and to place on record its sense of the great loss which Freemasonry has sustained in
the removal of such a worthy Brother."—Carried unanimously.
Proceedings of Grand Lodges.—The Grand Secretary has received reports from the following Grand
Lodges :--Alabama, 1890 ; Arizona, 1890 (3 copies) ; Colorado, 1890 ; Iowa, 1890 ; Kansas, 1891 (3 copies)
; Massachusetts, 1890 and 1891 ; Montana, 1890 ; Mississippi, 1891 ; New Hampshire, 1 890 ; Nebraska,
1890 ; Nova Scotia, 1889, 1890 ; Utah, 1891 ; N.S. Wales, complete set from 1877 to 1890 ; Victoria, South
Australia, Grande Oriente D'Italia ; and also a copy of N. Z. CRAFTSMAN, Vol. I. Grand Secretaries will
kindly accept our best thanks for the same.
Grand Lodge was closed in ample form, with solemn prayer, at 10.45 p.m.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
The fraternity of Warrior-Monks, founded by Cardinal Lavigerie, would seem to be a sort of fin de siecle
Knight-Templars. The Vicomte de Brassac, the Father Superior of the Order, which met at Biskra in April
last, was well known in the French sporting world, and his colleagues are several of them young noblemen
who have grown baise with the gay life of Paris. They have all taken vows of celibacy for five years ; and
they are to set to work converting Arab slave-dealers and Moorish Mussulmen forthwith.
THE Inspector of Workings, U.G.L. of New South Wales, is not satisfied with the manner in which the
ceremonial work is carried out. In his last report he says : " The principal feature that I noticed which calls
for special remark is the examination of candidates, some of whom, I regret to say, answered the questions
very imperfectly, and continually had to be prompted by the Deacons. I would also like to draw the attention
of the Wardens to the necessity of their speaking out louder at the examination of candidates, to make the
W.M. and Brethren hear what is being said. In my last report I drew attention to the slovenly manner in
which some of the Brethren entering the Lodge gave the signs, but am sorry to say there is little or no
improvement ; it is distinctly laid down in the Ritual that the Brethren on entering the Lodge must stand on
the left of the Senior Warden, and take the step of degree before giving the sign ; and I hope that the
Worshipful Masters will insist on this being carried out.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
MISCELLANEOUS
_______________________________________________________________________________________
A MASONIC CURRICULUM.
BY G. W. SPETH, SECRETARY.
Transactions of the Lodge Quatuor Coronati.
(CONTINUED FROM OUR MAY ISSUE.)
But on dogma, jurisprudence, symbolism and ritual, the "History" (as such I shall in future henceforth allude
to Gould's masterpiece) touches only slightly and parenthically. Let, therefore, the student add to this one
book a few on the other branches of Masonic lore, and he will be fully equipped to enter the lists. Should his
panoply still seem to him defective, his own acquired knowledge will by that time enable him to choose,
from among the numerous works cited in the " History," those most likely to prove efficient weapons,
I will now attempt to define a more systematic course of study. suitable for the second class of students, and
endeavour to confine myself to a small number of books. But in any scheme, the most restricted or the most
extended, I consider the " History" absolutely indispensable.
Let us start with the assumption that the student possesses an ordinary sound English education, but is
innocent of any special antiquarian knowledge, and has no acquaintance with any foreign tongue, living or
dead. (It is obvious that to the brother of greater acquirements much of the following preliminary study may
be needless.)
He should begin by obtaining some idea of the nature of Guild-life in the Middle Ages, for which purpose
Brentano's introduction (which is published separately) to Toulmin Smith's" English Gilds" will serve
admirably. [See also " History " s.v. Guild.]
A slight acquaintance with the Statutes of the Realm, so far as they relate to artisans and labourers, would be
useful. The only summary of these known to me is in the " History," ch. vii.
The rise and fall of Gothic architecture should next be studied. On this subject many eminent writers have
written valuable works, any one of which may be made to serve the purpose. But the point of view is
uniformly professional and not Masonic, whilst all that is absolutely necessary may be found condensed and
Masonically treated in the " History," ch. vi.
Every scrap of information respecting past secret rites and mysteries will now prove of value ; as many
authors have sought to connect the Craft directly or indirectly with one or other of the secret societies of
antiquity. That the connection exists can scarcely be doubted, but the exact point of contact has not yet been
defined with the least semblance of success. The indications to a study of this branch of the question will be
found in the "History," ch. i. ; it will probably suffice for the beginner, and enable him to follow intelligently
the arguments for and against. The actual field of research, however, embraces all classic literature.
The traditions of the Craft have come down to us in three channels,—oral, written, and symbolical. Our
written traditions are chiefly to he found in the "Manuscript Constitutions." Each of these contains the legend
of the Craft and the ancient laws of the Society, both of which, before the era of Grand Lodges, were
rehearsed to candidates on their admission. Many forms of these Constitutions are to be met with in private
as well as public libraries.
Besides the Manuscript Constitutions there are two documents of earlier date, which though generally
included in a separate classification, also give the legendary history and the ancient laws of the Masonic
body. These which have long reposed on the shelves of the British Museum Library are the Regius MS. or
Masonic Poem (c 1390) ; ii., the Matthew Cooke MS. (c 1430). Both these should certainly be studied. The
Regius was first edited by Halliwell, 1840 and 1844, both editions being difficult to procure. It has been
facsimiled by Lodge Quatuor Coronati (Reprints, vol. i.) but is out of print and next to impossible to obtain.
It has also been facsimiled by Bro. H. J. Wyrnper, with an introduction and transcript.
The other MS. was edited by Matthew Cooke, with one page of facsimile, hence its name. It has also been
reproduced entire in beautiful facsimile, with a transcript and commentary, by the Quatuor Coronati Lodge
(Reprints, vol. ii.)
The remainder of the ancient writings giving the traditionary history of the Masons' Craft and to which the
title of " Manuscript Constitutions " is commonly restricted—about sixty in number—have been published at
varions times and in different periodicals, chiefly by Bro. W. J. Hughan, who also edited some dozen of them
in one book, his "Old Charges," which is, however, out of print and practically unobtainable. The preface to
this work, by our lamented Brother, Rev. A. F. A. Woodford, will ever rank as a masterly introduction to this
special subject. Those who care to make a study of this very interesting, but highly intricate question, should
also procure Dr. Begemann's paper on the Old Charges in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, i.e., the printed
transactions of the Lodge, vol. i., 152. The Lodge is engaged in placing the means of study within the grasp
of every member of its circle, for its current series of Reprints will comprise every one of these documents,
chiefly in facsimile, in which form vol. ii., mentioned above as giving the M. Cooke MS., also supplies two
others, the Lansdowne and the Harleian, both in the British Museum. The Buchanan MS. is reproduced in
"History," ch. ii., where the author also comments on all the other documents of the Craft.
W e proceed, in the next instance, with Masonic History, properly so called.
This commences with the formation, out of existing materials, of the Grand Lodge of England, June 24th,
1717 ; but the first account of this event is presented in the 2nd edition of Anderson's " Book of
Constitutions" (1738), which is practically our only authority. An original copy will cost, according to
condition and the luck of the purchaser, from £10 to £20 ; but Lodge Quatuor Coronati has just issued a
facsimile (photo-lithography) reproduction, with an introduction by Hughan, Reprints, vol. vii. This book is
almost indispensable, although largely quoted and commented on by Gould (" History," ch. xvi.) Anderson's
modern history, 1717-1738, may be accepted with some slight reservations ; but the perusal of his ancient
history, which only serves to illustrate the learned credulity of the writer, had better be deferred until the
student has derived his first impressions of the remote past of our Society from a less imaginative authority.
It would then be as well to read up the ancient history of the Craft in Scotland (" History," ch. viii.) I may
even venture, perhaps, to recommend my own summary of the same period, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, i.
139: it is a little less detailed but more connected than Gould's. Lyon's "History of Freemasonry in Scotland"
should not be overlooked, for, although expensive, it is the fullest book on the subject. Where expense is
only of secondary consideration it should be included in every student's library, but it may be omitted by the
beginner, as the pith of it is given in the papers just quoted. For the early history of the Craft in Ireland, read
" History,' ch. xxii.
Being well grounded in the history of the foundation of our present system of Freemasonry, and in as much
as is known of its immediate precursor, the student should next turn his attention to the various theories of
origin which have been broached. To follow these all up would, of course, require a large collection of
books; of no subject may it more correctly be said, Quot homines, tot sententice. Some few of the theories
are rapidly glanced at in the " History," ch. i. But omitting the older hypotheses, I would recommend " Fort's
Early History and Antiquities of Freemasonry," on account, not only of the beauty of the writer's style, which
makes the work almost as interesting as a novel, but for the sake of the curious historical facts accumulated
and commented on. I must, however, advise the utmost caution in accepting the brilliant author's
conclusions. Findel's " History of Freemasonry " should also be studied. He gives the main historical facts in
a comparatively small space, albeit somewhat confusedly, and not always correctly ; his early history of the
Grand Lodge of England containing some gross, blunders. Above all, he is the chief exponent of a theory of
origin very prevalent in Germany and America, the Steinmetz theory, the original author of which was
Fallou, whose book is not, however, obtainable in English, The antidote should be taken immediately
afterwards, viz., Gould, ch. iii., and my own paper, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum i., 17. Another German
theory, more plausible but equally untenable, has been ably set forth by Brother Cramer, A.Q.C., ii., 102..
The bare possibility of some interchange of customs between the French Compagnonnage and English
Freemasons has been fully considered in the "History," ch. iv. and v., and further discussed by Bro. W. H.
Rylands, A.Q.C. i., 116,. and ii., 52.
As regards the subsequent history of the Craft in Britain, its introduction and propagation abroad and in the
colonies, I know of no abler and safer guide than Gould, vols. iv., v., and vi. Nevertheless, concerning certain
points, such as the rivalry between the two Grand Lodges (1750-1813), and the schism of the Lodge of
Antiquity (1780.90), it will be instructive to compare his deductions with the views of other writers. One of
the later editions of Preston's " Illustrations of Freemasonry," and an early one of Dermott's " Ahiman
Rezon" would therefore be valuable additions to our collection of books. Hughan's "Masonic Sketches and
Reprints" should also be consulted for the history of the Craft in York, but, being out of print, and almost
impossible to procure, I do not include it in the list appended. The same author's "History of the Apollo-
Lodge" also contains much information pertinent to this branch of the subject.
(To be Concluded.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
MASONIC SERVICE AT ASHBURTON.
THE annual service, under the auspices of the Ashburton Masonic Lodges, was held in the Masonic Hall on
Sunday afternoon, July 5th, and was very largely attended. The offering was for the benefit of the sick and
needy in the Ashburton district, without respect to craft or creed, and a respectable sum was obtained. The
preacher was Bro. the Rev. J. A. Luxford, Chaplain of St. John's Lodge, Ashburton, and District Grand
Chaplain of Canterbury, E.C. We regret having. to condense our Brother's excellent sermon, but the great
pressure on our space unfortunately renders it necessary.
The Rev. Brother took as his text, "We be Brethren," Genesis xiii., 8, . . . . . The Volume of the Sacred
Law is our rule of right, and it teaches us that the halt, the blind, the weak, the sick, the destitute, are to have
our special care. The hero whose deeds thrill our hearts is the man who holds his life cheap to save the
defenceless ; it was compassion that brought the Lord of Heaven to seek and save the lost. I should think the
happiest moment in a physician's life is when, by his skill and vigilance, he raises the sufferer, and sends him
forth as the bread-winner able to work for himself and helpless children. Brotherly love is our fundamental
principle ; Relief is the practical observance of that principle. We don't substitute prayer for relief. We never
open a Lodge without prayer to the Great Architect, but we believe God expects us to do something toward
answering our own prayers. "Hitherto hath God helped us." Helped, it means we did something. The grapes
won't be sent to the fevered patient if you merely pray for them. Brotherly Love and Relief are the antidotes
of selfishness—selfishness the curse of old civilisation. "I made me great works, I builded me houses, I
planted me orchards," says one ; " those I's in that second chapter of Ecclesiastes stand out like a great army
of Grenadiers," but the religion of Freemasonry, like that of Christ, changes the I into we, the my into our. I
think it was Adam Smith who said that he believed " if a man went to bed with a knowledge that the four
hundred millions of China's people would that night be destroyed by an earthquake, or some other
convulsion, it would affect him less than the knowledge that the next day his little finger would be
amputated.” I don't think this is a fair way to put it. Where is the man who would not readily sacrifice his
little finger if he knew it would save the life of a fellow man ? The misery in the world is not so much the
result of " man's inhumanity to man " as man's thoughtlessness. Bring home to your hearts the needs of your
fellow-creatures and you will soon find the means of relieving their want. The rich are ready to help the poor,
the gifted are willing to teach the illiterate, the strong are waiting to help the weak, when the claims of their
less fortunate brethren are brought before them. We are realising that we are not individuals merely but
members of a race; that we are necessary one to another. The teaching of Freemasonry, and these services,
are positive proof of this assertion. But I must be careful or I may give an impression that Freemasonry
favours political communism. Nothing of the sort ! Political communism was tried in the early church and
was found wanting. It would soon destroy capital, discourage industry, reward sloth, and favour deceit.
There will always be in the world, and in our Craft, men who are head and shoulders above their brethren.
The Volume of the Sacred Law never condemns a man because he is rich. If we were all equal to-morrow we
should be unequal on Tuesday. . . . . As Freemasons we meet on the level, but even in our Lodges we all
acknowledge there must be degrees of rank. We have the Apprentices, the Craftsmen, the Masters, and those
who are appointed to govern the Lodge. We are not all equally endowed, and notwithstanding the fact that
our political laws are capable of improvement so as to give equal privileges and rights to all, the time will
never come on this earth, nor do I think in heaven, when there will be all-round equality. Some men will rise
in spite of unfriendly circumstances, opposing forces, and contrary tides. We recognise these differences, but
we also believe that the rich must be reminded that " whoso hath this world's good and seeth his brother have
need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ? " The
principles of our Craft are—Brotherly Love be right, Relief do right, and Truth teach right. . In conclusion, I
would add, let us show to the world that Freemasonry is based on the eternal principles of righteousness, let
our actions be found true by the line and plummet. The Head Architect condemns what is crooked and not
square Stripped of metaphor, honourable motives and fair dealings must characterise our transactions.
Freemasonry holds out the hand of true brotherhood to every man, it helps the unfortunate to pull against the
stream. In every clime it has a home, in every land a brother. Love is the brighest gem in the crown of its
glory. God is love. It is this principle that has made us strong. Physical force is not our dominating power.
An unequalled and marvellously impressive ritual is not the secret of our greatness. Brotherly love is the link
that associates, the tie that binds ; it is the attracting loveliness of our Craft. Brethren, in adding your mite
towards relieving the distressed and unfortunate of your township, let our grand principle shine out with
heavenly splendour and majesty. Macauley, in describing the ancient Roman, has described the spirit of
Freemasonry -
" Then none were for a party,
And all were for the State,
The great man helped the poor,
The poor man loved the great.
The lands were fairly portioned,
The goods were fairly sold ;
The Romans were like brothers,
In the brave days of old."
_______________________________________________________________________________________
L'AMOUR DE LA VÉRITÉ.
" NON PRŒJUDICO."
THE following is a brief exposition of the leading tenets of Grand Orient Masonry, which are submitted to
you in order that you may have an intelligent conception of the principles of the Institution, before actually
applying for admission. Our Order recommends its adherents to propagate its benefits by speech, writing,
and example, and with this warrant we have no hesitation in inviting your candidature, provided you find
yourself in sympathy with our objects and aspirations.
No doubt you will have seen from time to time references made in the public newspapers to the
establishment of our Lodge, and comments ordinarily of an unfavourable nature freely indulged in. The
attitude of the Craft as established under the British Constitutions has also been of a hostile character, and
with few exceptions the Masonic Press has been unfriendly and even abusive. These attacks we have hitherto
borne in silence, trusting that, in the absence of opposition, hostility would soon waste itself away.
In addressing ourselves, however, to gentlemen whom we are inviting to enrol themselves in our ranks, we
feel it a duty to give some explanation of our principles, and for this purpose, we attach a translation of the
Preparation Paper which is placed in the hands of every candidate for initiation, some days prior to his
reception amongst us. This paper will afford a general view of the tenets of Freemasonry, but in the special
circumstances of this communication, we have decided to enter into somewhat fuller details than we
ordinarily communicate. Masonry, as now practised under the British Constitutions, is based upon the Divine
Authority of the Mosaic Dispensation. Until comparatively recently its ritual was of so sectarian a type as to
preclude any but professed Christians from joining its assemblies, but the spirit of toleration has had its
effect in Masonry as in other institutions, and in its present condition, its portals are equally open to
Christians and Hebrews. Eventually, doubtless, further reforms will lead to still greater liberality.
The dominant sentiment of Universal Masonry, and the spirit which breathes throughout all its teachings, is
the Equality and Brotherhood of man, but under the emasculating influence of Society and Fashion, the
British Federation has strayed far from these great landmarks, and its Constitutions are disfigured with laws
framed in the interests of a class ; the whole of its system of government is framed upon Privilege instead of
Equality; its Lodges are more frequently Temples of Caste than of Fraternity, and its whole practice is
diametrically opposed to Equality and Solidarity.
In the Federation known as the Grand Orient of France, the spirit of religious toleration, which marches so
slowly in the British Lodges, has been carried to its logical and final conclusion. It has been felt that moral
admonitions which depend for their basis or sanction upon any particular form of creed, must at the best have
more or less a local application, and cannot possess that cosmopolitan character which should characterise
the teachings of Freemasonry universal. All religious tests have therefore been banished from its Lodges, and
the only qualification required in its members is the sincere desire to aid humanity. Appended to the
Preparation Paper you will find a copy of the obligation required from our Apprentices, and whilst we refrain
from contrasting it with the British formula, we feel that it may be justly claimed that it contains nothing that
any person of any creed could for one moment hesitate to assent to.
We venture in this connection to repudiate emphatically and finally the charge of Atheism, which is so
constantly levelled against our Federation by ignorance and animosity. It has been so frequently disclaimed
by the leaders of Reformed Freemasonry, that any repetition on our part ought to be unnecessary, but the
charge is so constantly recurring that a memorandum of this kind would be incomplete unless the true facts
were explicitly stated. This, perhaps, can best be done by quoting an extract from an address delivered at
Paris, in July, 1889, by the President of the Council of the Order, on " The Grand Orient and Liberty of
Conscience ":—"Freemasonry is neither deistic, atheistic, nor positivist. As an institution professing and
practising human solidarity, it has nothing to do with any dogma, or any form of religion. Its one and only
principle is absolute respect for conscience. in matters of faith it neither affirms nor denies. It respects in an
equal degree all convictions and all sincere beliefs. Thus the doors of our temples are open to the Protestant
as well as to the Catholic, to the Atheist as well as to the Deist ; all that concerns us respecting them, is that
they shall be conscientious and upright men. After what has been said in the course of this debate, no
intelligent and honest man can seriously say that the Grand Orient of France has wished to banish from its
Lodges the bel of in God and the immortality of the soul, any more than that in the name of absolute liberty
of conscience it has solemnly declared to uphold the convictions, doctrines, and beliefs of our ancestors We
intend neither to affirm nor to deny any dogma, but to remain faithful to the principle and practice of human
solidarity. If it pleases some foreign Orients to calumniate us by twisting our words and distorting our
sentiments, let them do so. Public opinion will judge them, and sooner or later the truth will be made plain."
It has been stated by some of our more moderate opponents, that the introduction of French Masonry into
New Zealand indicates a lack of patriotism on the part of the founders. The answer to this is two-fold :-
1. The Grand Orient of France is one of the few Masonic bodies which has purged its ritual and
obligations of a number of childish traditions and practices, which are partly corruptions of
ancient mysteries, and partly inventions of a very recent date. We believe that these practices
banish from the Masonic family many who would otherwise be amongst its brightest ornaments,
and generally act as a hindrance to the promulgation of its cardinal idea, the Brotherhood of man.
Amongst all the British Federations these relics of an obsolete habit of mind are still rigidly
insisted upon, and to give effect to our wishes for reform, we were therefore compelled to apply
to one of the Reformed European Bodies for a Charter, or else to incur the responsibility of
starting an independent Federation. We think that the wiser course was followed.
2. It is the boast of Freemasonry that it is universal, and the mind that is truly liberal will not think
less highly of a good thing because it has been produced by a foreign nation. The parochial spirit
is fatal to the teachings of Masonry.
In conclusion, we desire to add, that we especially wish to attract to our Lodge the leading members of the
Friendly Societies and Unions of Wellington, and of the learned and Scientific bodies of the District—men,
whose position shows that they are interested in those Educational and Co-operative movements which are
the most hopeful features of the age. One of the great teachings of our Order is that Freemasonry should
endeavour to extend its benefits to the whole human family, and we feel that we shall gain strength and
instruction by the inclusion in our ranks of practical workers in the cause of solidarity. We hope, too, by
numbering amongst our members those who have already attained distinction in other Federations, to
establish friendly connections, and join hands with sister organisations, whose objects, in common with our
own, are to alleviate human misery,and to do what is possible to further and augment the happiness of all.
[Here follows "Instructions for Candidates for Masonic Initiation," which we deem unnecessary to publish.
The "pecuniary obligations " which devolve upon a candidate are £2 sterling for his initiation, and an annual
contribution of £1, payable quarterly, in advance.]
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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 most 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.]
SHOULD CANDIDATES' NAMES BE PUBLISHED?
_______________________
ELECTING A SIX-MONTHS' MASON TO GRAND OFFICE.
TO THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—For the last three months I have often thought of writing you a line or two, but
put it off from month to month thinking that the cause for my intended writing might be removed, or that it
was an oversight. As the cause of my complaint has not been removed, and as you have not said anything on
the matter, I am compelled reluctantly to trouble you for a little space in your invaluable journal.
In your March, June, and July issues, when giving Lodge reports from secretaries, you have given the names
of proposed candidates. In March issue, Lodge Ngamotu, N.Z.C. ; in June issue, Lodge Beta-Waikato,
N.Z.O. ; also last named Lodge in July. Is this right, Bro. Editor ?
To be candid, I blame you more than the secretaries of the above-named Lodges. A secretary to a Lodge may
not know the "landmarks," but you must know them. In my mother Lodge one clause in the by-laws was, that
any Brother making known anything that occurred in Lodge to anyone not a Mason was fined 10s 6d. You,
and secretaries of all Lodges should know that the CRAFTSMAN is public property in a great many hotel
commercial rooms, the same as other journals. If candidates' names are to be published, I cannot be in future
the advocate for your valuable journal I have hitherto been.
I wish to give honour where honour is due, and I think every right-thinking Mason ought to give you their
sincere thanks for the few very pertinent remarks you made in your last issue regarding the action of our
Grand Lodge in ejecting a Mason of a few months' standing a Grand Lodge officer. Can such a report be
true? For the sake of the N.Z.C. I hope it is not true. If it is true, I fear it will be a long time before all the
Scotch Lodges come into the fold. It it is a fact I fear some Lodges may return to their first love, or return
their piece of parchment. Surely this is not what was expected from the New Zealand Grand Lodge.
Fearing I have transgressed your rules on space.—I am, &c.,
JAMES S. MILLAR, P.M. Lodge Harvey.
Chatton, August 7th, 1891.
[Bro. P. M. Millar is mistaken ; the CRAFTSMAN does not circulate among hotels. In our opinion the
publication of the names of proposed candidates in a paper circulating among Masons is a valuable and, at
the present time, the only way of supplying Masons and Lodges with the information. We take a broader
view of this matter than Bro. Millar. The proposer and seconder of a "profane" vouch, not only to the
members of their own Lodge, but to the whole Masonic world, that the person they recommend to be made a
Mason" is a fit and proper person" to be received into any Lodge. Having received the stamp of Masonic
respectability, the E.A. can immediately claim the right of being received as a Brother in any part of the
world he may think it desirable to go to. We have a large travelling population in New Zealand, many of
whom are not desirable as candidates for Masonry ; yet how easy it is for a person, say, to leave the North,
where he is too well known, make his home in the South Island, and " join Masonry." The publication of his
name and occupation, in the CRAFTSMAN, would to some extent stop this, if the rule were strictly carried out
of proposing candidates at one meeting, balloting for them at the second, and initiating them at the third. This
would give at least two months' publicity to the candidate's name, and the 'majority of Masons would, if they
knew anything against his character, consider it only their duty to communicate with the Lodge in which he
had been proposed.—Ed. Craftsman.]
____________________________
OUR " LIST OF LODGES " WORKING UNDER GRAND LODGE.
TO THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,-I am directed by our ,R.W. District Grand Master, Sir H. A. Atkinson, to call your
attention to certain errors in your July issue in dealing with the lists of Lodges now working under the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand, which errors our D.G. Master feels sure have crept in through insufficient
information being supplied to you. On page 783, among the names of delegates who signed the declaration
on behalf of certain Canterbury Lodges, appears " Lodge Winchester, Bro. Sir H. A. Atkinson." It is true that
that Lodge appointed our D.G. Master as its delegate without consulting him, but he did not accept the
appointment, and did not sign the declaration. In the list of Lodges in the Wellington District there appears, "
Tongariro, present condition unknown." This Lodge is still working under the English Constitution. Also the
Ruapehu and Ruahine Lodges are stated to be working under the N.Z. Grand Lodge. This is a mistake, they
are both still under the Grand Lodge of England. Kindly insert this letter in your next issue.—I am, &c.,
CHAS. P. POWLES,
D.G. Secretary, E.C., Wellington.
Wellington, August 5th, 1891.
[The particulars given re Lodge Winchester were taken from the "Report and Minutes of Proceedings of the
Masonic Convention of Lodge Delegates, held in Wellington on the 11th and 12th days of September, 1889."
On page 4 of the Proceedings appears, " The following Brethren were appointed delegates, but were
unavoidably absent from the meeting, " 1737, E.C., Winchester, Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson." It is true that Bro.
Atkinson's name does not appear, in the Proceedings, among the names of those who signed the Declaration ;
but as the "report " was published at the end of September or beginning of October, and Delegates who were
unable to attend could sign up to the 9th of November, the omission did not seem strange. We did not know
that Bro. Atkinson had refused to act as delegate for Lodge Winchester. Lodges Ruapehu and Ruahine were
represented by Bros. Sydney James and Henry Neill, in their "perfectly reliable circular," dated October,
1890, as having joined Grand Lodge. We acknowledged, it will be remembered, being indebted as to these
two Lodges, to Bros. James and Neill for the information, which appears from Bro. Powles' courteous letter
to have been unreliable.—Ed. CRAFTSMAN.]
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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 he glad to receive from the District and Provincial Grand Secretaries the printed proceedings of their
Quarterly Communications.
LODGE HIRAM, N.Z.C., SOUTH DUNEDIN.—This Lodge met on July 28th. The business consisted of
balloting, electing, and initiating Mr James Yorston Peterson, grocer, and Mr James Spry.
LODGE HAMLTON, MARK MASTERS, OAMARU.—This Lodge met on July 31st, to advance Bro. Perry, of
Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning, No. 537, S.C., also Bros. Robert Lemon and J. G. Moir, of Lodge Waitaki.
LODGE OF UNANIMITY, N.Z.C., LYTTELTON.—On Wednesday, July 8th, an emergency meeting was held to
ballot for Mr R. Denton and Dr. J. Craig, second officer and surgeon respectively of the R.M.S. Tongariro; to
initiate Mr C. Green, master mariner (previously elected) ; and to raise Bro. F. Marshall.. The ballot was
successful in both cases, and all three candidates were then initiated.—On July 30th an emergency meeting
of this Lodge was held to ballot for Mr E. C. Whymper, master mariner, captain of the s.s. Duke of
Sutherland.
FORTITUDE LODGE, , N,Z.C., BLUFF.—On the 12th inst., the Senior Warden, Bro. D. M. McDougall, was to
propose the following motion :—" That this Lodge subscribe the sum of £5 on the conditions set forth by
`Coromandel,' as referred to in circular dated Dunedin, 16th May, 1891, and subject to the said charity being
administered by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand." Well done, Bro. McDougall ! We hope you carried the
motion. This makes the fourth response, we think, to " Coromandel's " proposal. Who is going to be the
fifth? The time will be up in September.
LODGE WAITAKI, N.Z.C., OAMARU.—This Lodge held its regular meeting on July 22nd. A good muster of
members and several visitors were present, amongst these last the minister in charge of one of our local
congregations, and whose presence was specially welcome. We had two initiations. The ceremony was
conducted in a manner not to be surpassed by our W. M., Bro. Pinel, and his officers. After sundry
correspondence being attended to, two candidates for initiation were proposed. The Lodge was closed in
peace and harmony, and an adjournment took place to the ante-room.—On August 14th, the W.M., with his
officers, will pay an official visit to Lodge Palmerston. There seems every prospect of a large attendance at
Bro. Findlay's installation.—On August 19th this Lodge will have a full business sheet for their meeting.
LODGE MASTERTON. N.Z.C., MASTERTON.—The " At Home " in connection with this Lodge, which was
held in the Drill Hall on Tuesday evening, July 14th, proved to be one of the most enjoyable gatherings ever
held in Masterton. The hall, which was tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, and Masonic emblems
(painted on silk, in a most perfect manner, by Bro. Chisholm), presented a most pleasing aspect, and one
which has rarely been equalled. Members of the Craft from all parts of the district were present in large
numbers, together with numerous guests, and dancing, interspersed with songs, was kept up till the early
hours of the morning. Bros. Aitken, W.M., Price, P.M., Dickson, J.W., and C. A. Pownall, S.D., acted as
M.G.'s, the former especially being indefatigable in his endeavours to promote the enjoyment of those
present. The music supplied by Bro. Keisenberg's string band was excellent, as usual. Bro. Wickens as
caterer fairly excelled himself, the tables being simply laden with all the delicacies imaginable. The occasion
was one of thorough enjoyment, and says much for the zeal with which the promoters worked to make it a
success. — Wairarapa Star,
LODGE OF OTAGO, N.Z.C., DUNEDIN.—This Lodge is to ballot for, and, if elected, initiate Mr Chas. E.
George, builder, on the 12th inst.
Lodge Ponsonby, N.Z.C., Auckland.—This Lodge was to revise its Bye Laws and consider the proposed new
Constitution on the 4th inst.
ST. JOHN’S LODGE, 1858, E.C., ASHBURTON.—This Lodge met on August 13th, when P.M. Bro. E. G. Crisp
gave his second lecture on the " History of Freemasonry."
LODGE VICTORY, N.Z.C., NELSON.—The new Master and officers are beginning well, for on the 28th July
the ballot for affiliation was to be taken for Bro. A. T. Maginnity. Bro. J. E. Guggenheim was to be raised to
the Third Degree, and Mr William Lock, merchant, was to be initiated. A very good evening's work, which
should show the metal of the new officers.
LODGE COROMANDEL, N.Z.O., COROMANDEL. — The auditor's report on the financial standing of this
Lodge was taken into consideration at its meeting on July 22nd ; the report was satisfactory. The Senior
Warden, Bro. John Fawcus, moved the following resolution,! but we have not yet heard with what result :—
"That a local Masonic Benevolent Fund be established."
PACIFIC LODGE OF REEFTON, 1453, E.C., REEFTON.—The business to be transacted by this Lodge on the
18th inst. is to ballot for, and if elected, to initiate Mr John Coombe, miner, aged 39 years, native of England,
residing at Reefton, proposed by Bro. P. M. Thomas, seconded by Bro. P.M. Cummings ; and Mr Thomas
Jordan, printer, aged 21 years, native of England, residing at Reefton, proposed by Bro. P.M. Cohen,
seconded by Bro. Chaplain. For affiliation—Bro. Thomas Williams, with clearance from Lodge Waitohi,
2036, E.G., Picton, proposed by Bro. J. P. Thomas, seconded by Bro. P.M. Cohen. Consideration of notice of
motion proposed by Bro. P.M. Lucas—" That the Lodge's dues be raised to £2 2s per annum."
ARA LODGE, N.Z.C., AUCKLAND.—The secretary of this Lodge, Bro. G. H. Powley (whom we have to
congratulate upon being appointed R.W. Senior Grand Warden), has again sent us a copy of the Lodge's
balance-sheet for the period ending June 30th, 1891. We notice in the expenditure £38 16s to charity, and
£24 5s to Orphan Home Trust Board, and in the liabilities a sum of £20 due as a donation to Masonic Fund.
The assets over liabilities are £208 5s 2d, of which £104 10s is cash in the Bank of New Zealand. This is
very satisfactory, but is hardly such a good record as last year. This is explained by extraordinary
expenditure in connection with fees to the Provincial Grand Lodge, Irish Constitution, and legal expenses
incurred in defending the Lodge's interest in the Grand Hotel. Everything points to a flourishing state of
affairs twelve months' hence.
NGAMOTU LODGE, N.Z.C., NEW PLYMOUTH.—The regular monthly meeting of Ngamotu Lodge (late 2053,
E.C.) was held on Friday, 17th July, when a good number of the Brethren were present. Three gentlemen
were initiated into Freemasonry by the W.M., Bro. F. P. Corkill, the W.T.'s being presented by P.M. Bro. J.
C. George, and the charge delivered by P.M. Bro. T. A. Murphy. The W.M. gave an account of the
proceedings at Grand Lodge annual meeting in Wellington, which he had attended with the Wardens, and on
the motion of P.M. Bro. H. Kitchingman, the Lodge placed on record its satisfaction with the manner in
which the financial and other affairs of the G. L. have been administered during the first year of its existence.
Congratulations were tendered to P.M. Bro. G. F. Robinson on his election to the office of Senior Grand
Deacon. In response to an appeal from Lodge Thistle, of the S.C., a vote from the Benevolent Fund was
made for the widow and orphans of a deceased brother. A Fellow Craft of the E.C. was proposed for
affiliation, and the labours of the evening being ended, the Brethren dispersed in peace, love, and harmony.
This Lodge's representatives who attended Grand Lodge, desire to express their hearty appreciation of the
welcome accorded them and fraternal attentions displayed during their stay by the Wellington Brethren.
LODGE WATERLOO, N.Z.C., WEILLINGTON. — This Lodge balloted for Mr George B. Clarke, draper, on
August 10th. They also raised a Brother to the Third Degree.
LODGE ST. ANDREW, N.Z.C., WELLINGTON.—This Lodge at its regular meeting on July 23rd ballotted for a
candidate for initiation ; the proposer being Bro. Homand, and the seconder the R.W.M.
LODGE ST. ANDREW, N.Z.C., AUCKLAND.—On July 21st this Lodge raised Bro. Arthur Thomas Smith to the
Third Degree. We compliment the Secretary, Bro. James Head, upon the neat and attractive Lodge circular
he now issues.
WELLINGTON LODGE, 1521, E.C. — This Lodge held its regular monthly meeting on Friday, July 18th.
There was a fair attendance of members. The work of the meeting was the initiation of two candidates by the
W.M., Bro. Larchin.
LODGE CALEDONIA, N.Z.C., TIMARU.—This Lodge met on August 13th to ballot for, and if elected, initiate
Mr W. Thompson, builder, and to ballot for, as joining members Bros. B. Newman, manager, from Lodge
Dunedin, 931, E.C., and A. Thompson, plumber, from Lodge St. Andrew, 465, S.C., Glasgow.
PROGRESS LODGE, N.Z.C.. SOUTHBRIDGE.—We have to thank the Hon. Sec., Bro. W. A. Simpson, for the
first copy of the Lodge circular. Will other Lodges please follow Bro. Simpson's example. A Lodge of
Instruction was held on the 17th July, and was followed on the 21st by the regular meeting, at which Messrs
John Robb and David Gilmour were made Masons.
LODGE BETA-WAIKATO, N.Z.C.—This Lodge met at 8 o'clock on Thursday evening, July 16th, in the
Masonic Hall, Hamilton East. There was a good attendance of members, the W.M., Bro. J. Primrose, being
in the chair. A circular letter was read from the Secretary to the Auckland Masonic Institute requesting
donations towards purchasing a library and furniture for the Institute. It was resolved to donate £1 is to each
of these objects. It was arranged to hold a working " bee " on Tuesday next at the cemetery, to cut down
some of the larger trees and effect other improvements. The principal officers, together with the Secretary
and Treasurer, were appointed a committee to deal with members whose dues have got into arrears. The
ballot was passed for Messrs Thomas Booth Fleming and James Nelson Marsden, and in each case proved
fair. Mr Fleming, who was in attendance, was duly initiated, the working tools and charge being delivered by
Bro. Sare, S. W. Notices of motion were given to propose at next meeting Messrs R. W. Mears and J. M.
Scott.
MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE, N.Z.C., PALMERSTON NORTH. — The regular monthly meeting of this
Lodge was held on Wednesday, July 22nd, there being a large attendance of Brethren and visitors.
Correspondence was read from Fending Lodge, inviting the R. W. M. and his Wardens, and the Brethren to
their installation ceremony, taking place on Friday, July 31st ; a goodly number signified their intention to be
present. Bro. J. R. Montague was then raised to the high and sublime degree of a M.M., in an impressive
manner by the R.W.M., Bro. W. Rutherfurd. The charges were delivered by P.M. Bro. W. H. Smith, and the
tools by P.M. Bro. Meyrick. On business being resumed again in the First Degree, the Draft Book of
Constitutions was left to be considered by the Standing Committee. Mr W. Beck, the well-known cordial
maker of this town, was then proposed to become a member. At the close of the meeting the Brethren retired
to the refreshment room, where a pleasant hour was spent with our J.W., Bro. the Rev. H. B. Harvey, who
left the next day for a six months' trip by the s.s. Arawa, for London, to improve his health. The R.W.M., in a
neat speech, wished him a pleasant voyage and a speedy return. Bro. Harvey in responding thanked the
Brethren for their kindly feeling, and the meeting then closed. Bro. A. Drew, of De Burgh Adams Lodge,
presided at the organ.—At the annual meeting of parishioners on July 20th, the Rev. H. B. Harvey was
presented with a purse of sovereigns as a token of respect, previous to his departure for a trip to the Old
Country.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
INSTALLATIONS.
PACIFIC LODGE, 1453, E.C., REEFTON.—The installation of Bro. Joseph Henry Bennett as Worshipful
Master took place at the Lodge-room on July 21st. A large number of members were present, as also visiting
Brethren from the Robert Burns Lodge, N.Z.C., and other Lodges. The Installing Master, Bro. Henry Lucas,
P M., assisted by Bro. C. Cohen, and Wm. Cummings, P.M.'s, performed the ceremony efficiently. The
officers invested were : S. W., Bro. Martin T. Payor ; J. W., Bro. Phillip G. Bowater ; Treasurer, Bro. James
J. Aiken ; Secretary, Bro. D. 0. Preshaw ; Chaplain, Bro. W. Hal Wilson ; Organist, Bro. H. L. Ellis ; S.D.,
Bro. James Martin ; J.D., Bro. J. Gardner ; J.G., Bro. J. Greenish ; Tyler, Bro. W. T. Stringer ; Steward, Bro.
P. C. McHugh. After the Lodge closed a banquet was held. It was well attended. The usual loyal toasts were
given, and after a couple of hours pleasantly spent, the Brethren separated.
LODGE MOUNT IDA, 1262, E.C., NASEBY.—The installation of Bro. R. S. F. Inder as W.M. of this Lodge
took place at the Masonic Hall on St. John's Day (June 24th). P. M. Bro. Hosie, as retiring W.M., acting as
Installing Master, being ably assisted by P.M.'s Bros. R. Johnston and R. Lawer. The following Brethren
were invested with the insignia of their office :—S.W., Bro. W. Ball ; J.W., Bro. J. M. Maisey ; Treasurer,
P.M. Bro. Lawer ; Secretary, Bro. R. D. Horsewell ; S.D., Bro. J. Eccles ; J. D., Bro. A Pearson ; J.G., Bro.
T. Ladd ; Organist, Bro. A. Ball ; Chaplain, Bro. H. Wilson ; Auditors, Bro. J. Mitchell and Robert
Horsewell ; Stewards, Bros. D. Mowat and Wood ; Tyler, Bro. E. Hall. There was a large attendance of
Brethren present ; and after the business of the evening was over and the Lodge closed, the Brethren sat
down to the usual repast in celebration of the occasion. A very pleasant time was spent, several of the
Brethren contributing to the harmony of the evening. The meeting dispersed about 11.30 p.m. [We have to
thank P.M. Bro. Robert Scott for the above report. —ED. C.]
LODGE WAIKOUAITI, N.Z.C., WAIKOUAITI, OTAGO.—The installation of Bro. John Stewart as Worshipful
Master of this Lodge took place on July 21st. The hall was filled with members and visitors, including the
Grand Superintendent of the District, R.W. Bro. A. H. Burton ; the W. Master of the Lodge of Otago, Bro. C.
J. Ronaldson ; the W.M. of Lodge Palmerston, Bro. Charles Lord Russell, and the officers of his Lodge ; the
W. Master elect, Bro. J. G. Findlay ; P.M.'s Bros. Crump, P.G. Steward, and De Renzy ; and a Past Master, a
clergyman from Lodge Charleston Kilwinning, S.C., Nelson. The Lodge having been opened at 7.30 p.m.,
the .uperintendent was admitted at 8 o'clock, and, after the Master-elect had been presented and obligated,
the Board of installed Masters was opened (nine rulers of the Craft being present), and Bro. Stewart was
placed in the chair of K.S., according to antient usage. The address to the Master was given by the Junior
Past Master, Bro. Robert Scott, that to the Wardens by Bro. Henderson, Grand Sword Bearer, and the
Installing Master, Bro. A. H. Burton, Grand Superintendent, addressed the Brethren. The Master invested
the, following officers, giving a. few words of advice to each one, and briefly explaining their duties :—S.
W., Bra Wm. White ; J. W., Bro. W. K. Douglas ; Treas., Bro. Wm. McDougall (re-elected) ; Sec., Bro.
Andrew Af leek (re-appointed for the fifth time) ; S.D., Bro. W. M. Wilson ; J.D., Bro. Geo. McLeod ; I,G.,
Bro. Jas. Morrison ; Steward, Bro. W. E. Lankester ; Steward, Bro. Jos. McClune ; Tyler, Bro. I. Pemberton
(the seventh year). Hearty good wishes having been expressed on behalf of Grand Lodge by the
Superintendent, the Masters of Lodges Otago and Palmerston also conveyed theirs, as well as the
representative of Lodge Charleston Kilwinning, S C. The Brethren then retired and had supper together. The
Palmerston visitors left by the 11 o'clock train, and the Dunedinites left next morning, having had a very
pleasant time.
LODGE PALMERSTON, N.Z.C., PALMERSTON SOUTH.—This LOlge will hold their annual meeting on August
14th, too late, we are afraid, for a rep in this month. The Master-elect is the present Senior Warden, Bro.
John G. Findlay.
LODGE GREYTOWN, E.C., WELLINGTON DISTRICT.—The installation and consecration of the new Masonic
Hall at Greytown took place in July in the presence of a large number of Brethren. The investiture of officers
resulted as follows:—W.M., Bro. F. H. Wood; S.W., Bro. Duff; Treasurer, Bro. Webster, P.M. ; Secretary,
Bro. Wyatt ; Chaplain, Bro Flux ; S.D., Bro. Tate ; J.D., Bro. Hunn. A dance was afterwards held.
LODGE FEILDING, N.Z.C., WELLINGTON.—On Friday, July 31st, there was one of the largest Masonic
gatherings ever held in Feilding, the occasion being the installation of the W.M., and the investiture of
officers. The W.M. elect, Bro. W. A. L. Bailey, was duly installed by the retiring Master, Bro. Smith, and the
former then invested the following officers with their respective insignia :—S.W., Bro. Sherwill ; J. W., Bro.
H. Worsfold ; S.D., Bro. C. Bray, jun. ; J.D., Bro. J. C. Morey; LG., Bro. G. A. Bailey ; Tyler, Bro. Gregory ;
Treasurer, Bro. J. H. Stevens; Secretary, Bro. Foster. After a short interval for supper, when the usual loyal
and Masonic toasts were given and honoured, an adjournment was made to the assembly rooms, where a ball
was held, attended by from 50 to 60 couples, and dancing was kept up till about three o'clock next morning.
LODGE EDEN, N.Z.C., AUCKLAND.—The ceremony of installing the W.M. and investing the officers of
Lodge Eden took place on July 28th. Bro. M. Niccol, G. Superintendent; Bro. Powley, S.G. Warden ; and
Bro. Dr. Walker, A.G. Organist, attended to represent the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The W.M. and
officers of Lodges Ara and United Service attended officially. Representatives also attended from Lodges St.
Andrew, Ponsonby, and Manukau. About 60 Brethren were present. Bro. Hardy, P.M., officiated as
Installing Master, and P. M.'s Hedley and Kitt presented Bro. Harry Robinson, who was duly installed W.M.
for the ensuing year. He then invested his officers as follow :—S.W., Bro. W. S Williams ; J W., Bro. W. J.
Wright ; Treas., Bro. G. P. Cox; Sec., Bro. G. Hardy, P.M. ; D.C., Bro. W. Johnson; S.D., Bro. P. Crowe ;
J.D., Bro. M. S. Laurie ; LG., Bro. F. Stenning ; S.S., Bro. B. Armitage, J.S., Bro. G. F. Wallis; Tyler, Bro. J.
Moore. Bros. Kitt, P.M., Craig, P.M., and Niccol, G.S., presented the working tools ; and Bro. Hardy, P.M.,
addressed the W.M., Bro. G. W. Baseley, P.M., the Wardens, and Bro. Niccol, G.S., the Brethren. The latter
congratulated the W.M. upon being the first to hold office in Lodge Eden under the New Zealand
Constitution. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Brethren adjourned upstairs, where refreshments had
been provided.
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THE following excerpt from the able address of Grand Master MacCalla, at the last annual communication of
the Grand Lodge of Penusylvauia, deals with a danger to the Craft, which is not unknown in this jurisdiction.
Speaking of the " Influence of other organisations," be said: "There is a tendency which the Craft continually
should watch. Our fraternity frequently makes Masons of those who are already connected with other secret
organisations—purely modern—whose usages and customs are entirely different from our own. The constant
and possibly unconscious effort of these Brethren is to introduce into Freemasonry the usages with which
they have grown familiar in their other secret societies. This cannot be permitted. Freemasonry is a law unto
itself. Our usages are our own, and unalterable. We change not. The individual must yield his opinions to the
Craft ; he cannot mould it ; it must mould him. He sought it of his own free will, and he must willingly and
loyally maintain its ancient usages and customs, without admixture with those of any extraneous society
whatsoever. No modern invention in usage or custom can improve Freemasonry." These are words of
wisdom worthy of the earnest consideration of all who desire to uphold Free-masonry pure and unsullied.
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BRIEF MENTION.
We have to thank P.M. Bro. T. W. Kitt and P.M. Bro. W. H. Cooper for favours.
A GRACEFUL tribute of respect to the late Bro. Pierce, that resolution of W. Bro. Corkill's.
HIGHLY interesting and instructive report that of the Superintendent of Auckland, R. W. Bro. Malcolm
Niccol.
THE Secretary of Lodge Ara, N.Z.C., Auckland, Bro. G. H. Powley, Senior Grand Warden, has tendered his
resignation.
The negotiations which were being carried on for the formation of a Supreme Grand Chapter for New
Zealand have fallen through.
LODGE ST. ANDREW, S.C., Auckland, at its last meeting had four members present and seven visitors. This
does not look healthy !
INDIVIDUAL members of the Board of General Purposes in Victoria claim the right to inspect the books of
the Grand Secretary at any time.
RANK of Past Grand Warden conferred on Bro. W. H. Cooper, Auckland. He deserved it, and we offer him
our congratulations. Are there no other past and present hard workers who are deserving of some
recognition?
THE Secretary of the Mark Lodge at Wyndham, writes, that to-night (11th inst.) 16 members were present
out of 24. Two came 20, one 14, and two four miles, with the roads in an awful state. How's that for
enthusiasm ?
THE " Masonic touting " in England, soliciting votes for the Board of General Purposes, has elicited a strong
feeling of disgust, and it is expected that ere a year elapses a radical change will be made in the mode of
election.
LODGE OAMARU KILWINNING, still holding under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, have sent a petition to their
District Grand Lodge asking for the bann of non-intercourse to be removed, and asking permission to visit
and receive visitors from Lodges holding under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. And why not ?
HERE is pitiable ignorance. The London Freemason, of May 23rd, states in its columns of " Masonic Notes,"
"The installation of Lord Carrington, .P.D.G.M., New South Wales, as Pro. Grand Master of
Buckinghamshire, was successfully carried out." Fancy the leading English Masonic paper—price 3d—
dubbing Lord Carrington a Past District Grand Master. And we exchange with this paper, too. Ugh !—
Freemason, Sydney.
THE Masonic Chronicle of the United States, in its March number, notices with approval Lord Onslow's "
able, calm, and suggestive " letter to the recalcitrant Lodges under the English Constitution of New Zealand
on the Grand Lodge movement, advising them to " accept the inevitable." It says it at first hoped that advice
would have had a good effect, but the result has not borne this out, and " upon reflection we may say that we
ought not to be surprised at this perseverance in contention, as we presume the recalcitrant Lodges to be
under pressure of Provincial and District Grand Masters appointed for life, who in the event of centralisation
of authority, would find themselves among the common folk of the Order."
To some Brothers it is no doubt an amusing thing to sit in a Lodge-room and listen to a "kicker." To see with
what gall he loudly and persistently objects to this, that, or the other. It makes no difference what, the chance
for a display of his wonderful knowledge of rules or law must be given, and hence, when the opportunity
offers, he is ready, first, last, and all the time, to prove to the satisfaction of himself that this great Order must
go to smash unless he looks after it pretty closely. These kickers are of no service to the Order in any sense.
They :do more harm in one Lodge session than a dozen honest members can undo in six months. No one
likes a kicker, his own best friends leave him, and those who may have given him any encouragement at last
leave him in the lurch.
THE various Constitutions working in India are mooting the formation of a Grand Lodge.
THERE are 87 Grand Lodges in the world, and 14 Grand Orients—making a total of 101 Grand governing
bodies.
"SUSPENSION with a fine added " has been decided by the Grand Lodge of England to be ultra vires as to the
fine.
ALTHOUGH large shareholders in the Auckland Masonic Hall, Lodge Ara,. N.Z.C., has to pay nearly double
the rent charged to other Lodges.
OUR Victorian Brethren hanker after Past Grand rank strenuously, and worry the Grand Master for it.
Query:—Can he lawfully confer it ?
THE Secretary of Lodge Feilding, Bro. Thos. W. K. Foster, sent us a full report of the installation, but it
reached us too late to go in this month.
NEXT month we will have something to say on the subject of Masonic benevolence, and our remarks on the
proposed Constitutions will be continued.
WE have to thank Comp. Harry Tyer for the advertisement of the Waterloo Royal Arch Chapter, No. 166,
S.C., Wellington. Will he please complete the list of officers.
THE Second Grand Principal, G. Scribe E., G. Treasurer, and G. Registrar of the Supreme Grand Chapter of
Victoria, hold office from their position in the United Grand Lodge of Victoria.
THE Board of General Purposes of Victoria at their last meeting decided to recommend Ito Grand Lodge the
payment of their railway fares to country members attending the meetings of the Board.
IT will be 110 years, on the 5th September next, since the Grand Master of England signed the warrant for
establishing the Provincial Grand Lodge of New York. It became an independent Grand Lodge four years
after.
A LODGE in New South Wales was fined £5 for having ballotted for and initiated a non-resident without
making due inquiry. The W.M. and Secretary were admonished to be more careful in the future, and one of
the members—who seems to have taken a leading part—was " severely censured " and " cautioned."'
THE New Zealand Mail says :—"We are pleased to see that a larger number of Grand Lodge officers has
been elected at the last Quarterly Communication than there were originally nominated. It is very desirable
that as many appointments should be made as may be feasible, so that notwithstanding the difficulties of
travelling, caused by the configuration of New Zealand, there may be plenty of brethren in all parts ready
and willing to act on behalf of Grand Lodge on every possible occasion." Very good ! Very good, indeed !
At her present rate of increasing the number of officers, Grand Lodge will be able, in a few years time, to
give the whole of her Masters and Wardens some office. Nomination and election will then be unnecessary.
OUR American friend, Bro. Isaac C. Marsh, of Chicago, writes to us, and wishes to be remembered to all his
kind Masonic friends whom he met in Dunedin last summer. He says he spent four days in Cairo, went by
rail to Alexandria, took steamer to Jaffa, and thence by coach to Jerusalem. He spent eight days there, and
made the acquaintance of the Master of the Blue Lodge, the British, Vice-Consul, and the Secretary of the
Lodge, his dragoman (or interpreter). Bro. Marsh unfortunately did not see the Lodge at work. He says
meetings are held once a month, and must certainly be curious, for the members are a mixture of Christians,
Mahomedans, and Jews. The Lodge is named " The Royal Solomon Mother Lodge," No. 293, and holds
under the Grand Lodge of Canada. At Naples. on Good Friday, March 27th, Bro. Marsh received "the
saddest news that man is called on to receive in this vale of tears "—His mother was dead. We can
understand the blow this was to him, for we well remember the affectionate and loving way he spoke of his
mother the last night he spent with us in New Zealand. Any Brother going to " The World's Fair " will
receive a brotherly welcome from, our friend, and before going, if they write to us, we will give them a letter
of introduction.
BRETHREN, hold your Master strictly to his every duty, but take it to your-selves also ; do some of it
yourself, attend your Lodge more frequently, stand by the Brother you put in the East.
THE gross income of the Grand Lodge of New York, for 1890, was over £18,000. Of this amount over
£11,000 was derived from rentals in the Masonic Temple, which cost over half a million dollars.
WE understand that at the quarterly meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland, North Island, held at
Auckland on July 31st, the salary of the P.G. Secretary, Bro. Slater, was reduced to £25 per annum.
AN enquiring Brother wants to know what is the difference between " a joining brother " and " an affiliating
brother." Pithily answered, there is the same difference as between " six of one and half-a-dozen of the
other."
BRO. HERBERT A. WAIT, the acting Secretary of Lodge Dunedin, 931, E.C., writes to say that the report
which appeared in the CRAFTSMAN of June 16th, giving the name of Mr Shand as having been initiated on
May 19th is an error.
WHAT a thrill of pleasure must skip through the mind of the Mason who gazes upon the account for his paper
duly receipted. And what a thrill of remorse should shake the mind of the defaulting Brother who gazes on
his bill minus a receipt.
PAST GRAND STEWARD DALYRYMPLE, of Masterton, has asked for permission to present Grand Lodge with
a Grand Master's jewel. The donor's name will be engraved on it. A chance here for other Brethren to present
Grand Lodge with jewels for the Deputy Grand Master, the two Grand Wardens, &c.
CONTRAST this progress with what follows :—When the split took place in Lodge Ara, I.C., Auckland, the
membership was 57—36 joined Grand Lodge under the title of Lodge Ara, N.Z.C., and 21 kept to the Irish
Constitution. The N.Z. Lodge has initiated and affiliated 20, thus reaching their original strength in twelve
months. The Lodge under the Irish Constitution has initiated one.
THE jubilee services of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Auckland, were held on July 26th. The Herald says :—"
Exactly fifty years ago, that is, July 27th, 1841, the foundation of the first church in Auckland, and in the
colony—St. Paul's Anglican Church—was laid by the first Governor, Captain William Hobson. Since that
early period many events have occurred in the history of St. Paul's which are indispensably part of the history
of New Zealand. The foundation stone was laid on July 27th, 1841, but it was not till March 17th, 1844,
some delay having occurred for want of material and funds, that the building had been completed and was
consecrated. Among those who were present at the laying of the foundation stone, a ceremony performed
with Masonic honours, the following still survive, although some of them have left Auckland :—Mr H. C.
Kemp, Mr Mitford, Dr. Pollee, Captain Rough, Mrs Coates (the elder), Mr Mason, Mr J. Gordon (now
churchwarden), Mr Greenwood (Epsom). At yesterday's services three persons were present who were at the
laying of the foundation stone—Mrs Coates, and Messrs John Gordon and Thos. Patton. At the time of the
Northern Maori war the building was strengthened and barricaded, loopholed, and sandbagged as a refuge
for women and children when the Natives threatened Auckland. In February, 1885, the old church was
demolished, the site being required. The foundation stone of the old building is lying outside the present
church, and it is intended that the interesting and historical relic will be used for the new church, which it is
probable will be erected on or near the original site.
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NOTICE
MR, WILLIAM JOSEPH MEEK, of Palmerston North, has no connection whatever with this journal.
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