R. •. W. •. BRO.•. CHARLES P. HULBERT,
GRAND REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

R.W. BRO. CHARLES P. HULBERT.

SIXTEEN years ago he was initiated in Lodge St. Augustine, No. 609, E.C., Christchurch. His career prior to
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand movement was a distinguished one, as the following record showeth :—
Worshipful Master 1881, District Senior Grand Warden 1886, Mark Master 1878, Past Principal of the Holy
Royal Arch 1884, Knight Templar 1883, Past Most Wise Sovereign 18° 1884, and last, but, not by any
means, the least—First President, for three years, of the Canterbury Board of Benevolence—a body that has
done uncalculable good to the poor and distressed, and banished the Masonic medicant from Canterbury.

The Canterbury Branch of the Masonic Union appointed him Honorary Secretary, and several good points in
the " Basis of Union " were embodied at his suggestion. He took an active part in the establishment of the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, but has hitherto declined office of honour in that body. His services, however,
have been cheerfully given as a member of the Board of General Purposes —membership on that Board was
no sinecure during the first two years of its existence. The Board placed him in charge of the proposed
Constitution, and the skill and ability he displayed in carrying it through at one sitting of Grand Lodge,
brought him the best thanks of those present.

Bro. Hulbert ranks as a Past Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of South Australia through his being the
representative of that Grand body in New Zealand.

We are opposed to the indiscriminate conferring of Past Rank but there are four Brethren—three within the
Colony and one in Australia—who deserve this honour at the hands of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
Bro. Hulbert is one of the three within the colony.

________________________________________________
THE PROPOSAL TO REPRESENT THE DESIRABILITYOF NOW RECOGNISING THE GRAND LODGE

OF NEWZEALAND.
THE correspondence herewith appended, which has passed between Bro. Sir E. O. Gibbes, P D.G.M ,
Wellington, E.C., and Bro. G. S. Graham, D.G.M., Auckland, will be read by every true Mason with mingled
feelings of admiration and disgust. Sir E. O. Gibbes approaches and deals with his subject, not only in a
practical and business-like manner, but also in a thoroughly Masonic spirit. He evidently regrets the
establishment of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, b ut he admits that the movement had more strength and
stability in it than he had at first imagined, that the majority of the Craft in the Colony have supported it, and
that it has proved a success. Tinder these circum- stances he is prepared to make the best of the matter and to
cheerfully accept what he is powerless to resist. He desires to see unity of intercourse and friendly feeling
restored even if unity of administration has ceased. Nothing could be better than the spirit and tone of Sir E.
0. Gibbes' last letter, and its proposals will, we are confident, commend themselves to the general approval
of English Masons throughout the Colony.

The reply from the Secretary of the District Grand Lodge of Auckland on behalf of Bro G. S. Graham is in
painful contrast to the letter it is written in answer to. Freemasons of all Constitutions in New Zealand will
read it with regret, and the English Masons of Auckland can scarcely avoid a feeling of shame and
humiliation at the emenation of such a bitter and unmasonic document from that District Grand Lodge. In
regard to matters of fact, the letter is not merely 'misleading, but absolutely false. Bro. Graham may shut his
eyes to the success of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, but that body is nevertheless successful and every
unprejudiced Mason knows it. As to the scandalous and libellous accusations as to " property surreptitiously
obtained," it is too absurd to need serious refutation—it is absolutely false—and as to the Warrants, Bro.
Graham knows perfectly well that they have simply been retained by Grand Lodge on behalf of the Lodges
which have joined it, in the hope that the Grand Lodges which issued them would here, as they have done in
the other Colonies, permit these Warrants to be retained, in response to the humble request preferred in terms
of the resolution of the Convention of September 12th, 1889, as in the case of each Lodge " a memento of
the past and an enduring reminder of the source from which it sprung." To this humble request proffered by
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand on behalf of its daughter Lodges, no direct reply has ever yet been
received from either of the three Grand Lodges. The talk about "treason" to the three Constitutions comes
with a very bad grace from Bro. Graham, inasmuch as he was for many years a warm advocate of the
creation of an independent Grand Ledge in this Colony. His intense loyalty was developed when he found
the brethren were not disposed to accept him as a leader in any such movement. The talk about treason and
loyalty is, however, all nonsense, and we thought its folly had been made manifest long ago. But even if the
movement was in its inception treasonable or disloyal, success has justified and rendered it legitimate. When
rebellion becomes revolution it ceases to be treasonable. Has not Bro. Graham learned that

Treason does never prosper : what's the reason ?
Why when it prospers, none dare call it treason,.

As Sir E. O. Gibbes clearly points out, the Grand Lodge of New Zealand movement has attained the position
of a successful revolution in the government of Masonry in the Colony. If there be treason to Masonry now,
that treason is on the part of those who, like Bro. Graham, continue to kick against the pricks and refuse to
accept the true logic of facts. In addition to Bro. Graham's known inclinations towards a Grand Lodge at one
time, it may be mentioned that he has, on more that one occasion, since it was established, expressed his
willingness to aid in obtaining recognition for it if it would be content to give precedence Co the District or
Provincial Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland already established in New Zealand. This fact
effectually disposes of all Bro. Graham's pretended devotion to the principles of loyalty and his high falutin'
about being " faithful unto the end." There is more vanity than principle in his affected abhorence of, and
resistance to what he is pleased to regard as treason.

_____________________________
THE DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND.

WELLINGTON, 5th September, 1892.

RIGHT WORSHIPFUL BROTHER G. S. GRAHAM,
District Grand Master, Auckland.

RIGHT WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BROTHER,-The Board of General Purposes of this District has resolved to
propose to the District Grand Lodge " That having in view the state of Masonry in the Colony the District
Grand Lodge respectfully represent to Grand Lodge the desirability of now recognising the body styling
itself the Grand Lodge of New Zealand." In compliance with the wish of the Board I beg to address you on
the subject.

The Board has reason to believe that time, which has brought with it a large amount of success to the
operations of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand has also, and consequently, mitigated to a great degree the
feelings of opposition with which its establishment was at first regarded. There are of course many lodges, as
there are many brethren in the Colony whose attachment to tradition is too strong to allow of their severing
their connection with the illustrious Grand Lodge—whether of England, Scotland, or Ireland under which
they hold. But there are others whose chief incentive is the attainment of a National Constitution. Events
have proved that these last are in the majority, and that the movement which they have set on foot is not the
secession of a few dissatisfied lodges, but one of a general and wide spread character. The recognition of
these facts may, when the interests of true Masonic harmony are considered, be , delayed too long. It is
believed that many of our lodges are desirous that they should be recognised now. A lodge that has worked
in unity, side by side, with another of a different Constitution, views with little concern the transfer of their
lodge's allegiance to a third Constitution but if this Constitution is unrecognised the consequence of the step
is Masonic disability, and the Board is aware that in many places the enforced cessation of intercourse
between lodges that have always been on friendly terms is producing much dissatifaction. The resolution is
the outcome of representations upon these and other aspects of the case that have been made at various times
to the Board, representations which it cannot ignore and to which it has lately given very attentive
consideration.

The number of lodges on the roll of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and of those under the three Grand
Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland, are now approximately 90 and 50 respectively. It can scarcely be
doubted therefore that the new organisation is fairly established. The revolution may be said to be complete.
Recognition has been accorded by Grand Lodges in various parts of the world, the three Grand Lodges at
Home being the exceptions. These lb ree, being those most nearly concerned, were bound to wait the course
of events before interfering in any way, and are now very probably expecting some intimation of the position
of affairs and of the wishes of those who still remain loyal, from the District Grand Lodges of the Colony.

In the opinion of the Board then, the time has arrived when recognition may properly be accorded to the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand by the three Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and it is
proposed that a joint or simultaneous resolution to this effect shall be submitted by the several District Grand
Lodges. You will no doubt give the question the consideration which its importance demands, and I shall be
glad to have your reply with as little delay as possible.

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

E. OSBORNE GIBBES, Bt.,
Deputy District Grand Master.

__________________________
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE, E.C.

AUCKLAND, September 8th, 1892.
SIR E. OSBORNE GIBBES, D.D.G.M.,

Wellington, E.C.

VERY WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BROTHER.-The Right Worshipful District Grand Master, Bro. Geo. S. Graham,
of Auckland, E.C., has requested me to reply to yours of the 5th inst. It is with feelings of pain and regret that
he finds a disposition on your part, or rather that of your Board of General Purposes, evidently with your
concurrence, to secede from the ranks of those who have throughout this Colony successfully withstood that
element of disunion which owed its origin to certain discontented Brethren in your city.

He will take advice with the Board of General Purposes of this District Grand Lodge, as also those of the
Irish and Scotch Constitutions ; meantime he has no sympathy whatever in the action you foreshadow, and
feels assured that those District Grand Lodges who have so nobly acted in the past with him will resent such
procedure on your part, and so far as his allegiance to the Parent Grand Lodge and the Craft is concerned, he
will be faithful unto the end.

He fails to see the success you attribute to the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand or the necessity of its
recognition. The body is a contumacious one. It has no doubt a powerful lever in the Press ; but I am directed
to state that you may rely upon it, until Warrants of Lodges and Property surreptitiously obtained are
returned, the Grand Lodges of the three Constitutions will not entertain any further consideration for the so-
called Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

The District Grand Master considers your communication in a different light to that which, perhaps, it was
intended.

The recognition afforded by foreign Grand Lodges has no weight in his mind, and should your District
Grand Lodge interfere with the rights and interests of the Loyal Freemasons in this Colony, he can but enter
his protest thereat, both to yourselves and to the Grand Lodge.

In conclusion, he desires me to say the subject of your communication will be carefully considered, and you
will be apprised as to result, meantime he personally considers it treasonable to the three Constitutions.

Yours faithfully
J. P. CLARK,

D. G. Secretary.
______________________________

RETENTION OF CHARTERS.

BROTHER HERBERT J. WILLIAMS has given notice that, at the forthcoming Communication of Grand Lodge,
he will ask that the Resolution "requesting the Grand Master to retain possession of Charters be rescinded."
These Charters did not, do no now, and never can belong to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, how then can
it consider a motion affecting their disposal ?

Lodges as they joined the new body, were recommended to place their Charters in the hands of Grand Master
Brother Thomson, a condition of such charge being their safe-keeping until the Grand Lodge was recognised,
and the Charters cancelled by the proper authorities, when they were to be returned to the Lodges "as a
memento of the past and an enduring reminder of the source from which they sprang." Recognition has not
yet been accorded by the three Grand Lodges, consequently the trust is still active. We doubt very much if
the charge voluntarily undertaken could now be refused, but granting that it could, would it not be a distinct
breach of trust to return the Charters other than to those Lodges from whom Brother Thomson received
them?

The Grand Lodge of New Zealand has a perfect right to express an opinion upon this question, but beyond
advice it cannot go. When we say the Grand Lodge has a right, we mean that every member must be given
the opportunity to express his opinion. If the majority think it advisable that the Charters should be returned
to the three Grand Lodges, the subordinate Lodges will, we doubt not, give every consideration to the
recommendation. Those who were parties to the Charters being placed in Bro. Thomson's charge would have
to petition for their return, and the Worshipful Brethren who were Masters when their Lodges joined the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, would have the undoubted right to take them in charge. However it would be
their duty to transmit them to the three Grand Lodges, accompanied with an humble request that when
recognition is granted they will be returned to the Lodges through the proper channel—the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand.

______________________
GRAND LODGE EXPENDITURE.

THERE is a distinguished Brother in the South Island who takes three views of any question affecting the
Craft under his charge. Illustrating this peculiarity we here append what were his views on the question of a
Grand Lodge for New Zealand.

1. As a member and Past Ruler of the Craft, I am favourable to and will support any movement having
for its object the formation of an independent Grand Lodge.

2. But, as a District Grand Master, I must discountenance any such movement, and should you allude to
the subject in the Lodges under my charge I will suspend and have you expelled the Craft.

3. And as Chairman of Directors of the Masonic Hall Company I will, should you assist in the
formation of an independent Grand Body, gibbet your name on the Hall door and order you to be
refused admittance, and should you seek entry the caretaker will be instructed to kick you down
stairs.

We did not think there was another person in New Zealand who could divide his personality in this way, but
it would appear from the letter of Past Senior Grand Warden Cooper, appearing elsewhere, that he also is
gifted with somewhat similiar peculiar faculties to his Southern Brother.

Bro. Cooper writes as a P.M. of a Lodge in England and in that capacity accepts our figures as " being
approximately correct, although members' dues at 3s. and ls. each could not work out the figures you say,
unless exchange, or something like this was added." Now the book from which our figures were taken has
written across it in red ink the signature of " W. H. Cooper, Auditor," and furthermore in the auditors' report
to Grand Lodge, dated 21st July, 1892, he, in conjunction with the other auditor, affirms that " we have made
an exhaustive examination, have checked over every entry and posting in the books (recently opened) since
the formation of Grand Lodge ; have had regular Trial Balance Sheets taken out, and Profit and Loss
Accounts made up, and now certify that the books are correct, and balanced by double entry to 30th June,
ult."

Referring to the time when he took a prominent part in the Auckland Branch of the Union, Bro. Cooper
states that our figures prove that " the expenditure on administration has been far in excess of what was our
original estimate." We never had the pleasure of knowing what Bro. Cooper's " original estimate " amounted
to, but this we do know, that £500 a year was the estimate of the Convention that met in Wellington, and that
this estimate of £10 a week for the ordinary expenses of Grand Lodge has not been exceeded is shown from
the Statement of Expenditure attached to this article—the figures are guaranteed to be absolutely reliable by
" W. H Cooper, Auditor." As can be easily calculated " the cost of running the office " has been £6 9s. 6d.
per week, and the cost of " running Grand Lodge " (of course excluding non-recurrent expenditure) only
reaches the very moderate sum of £8 16s. 2d. per week. We can safely assert that no Grand Lodge in the
world is " run " so economically.

At much personal inconvenience we have obliged Bro. Cooper with the details of Grand Lodge Expenditure,
but as all the particulars were already known to him, through his membership of the Board of General
Purposes, and as every item had been checked by him in his position as Auditor, it was, we think,
unnecessary to put us to the trouble and loss of valuable time, which his demand entailed.

We assert that the revenue of Grand Lodge is nearly, if it does not exceed, £1,000 a year. This is ample to
support all reasonable requirements with comfort and dignity, and enable the Benevolent Fund to increase at
the rate of from £300 to £400 per annum, even though " the Charter fees, and the Past Masters' fees will not
be recurrent to a large extent."

Bro. Cooper casts an undeserved slur upon the past administration of the Board of General Purposes, when
Grand Lodge was located in Christchurch. Bro. Cooper's virtuous indignation, and his recommendation to
"the Board to be more economical in their expenditure " would have been more appropriately expressed by
him at the Board's meetings' than in a letter published in this journal. It is also strange that during the whole
time he has been a member of the Board - 2½ years—he has only just discovered the " reckless expenditure."

We made no guess at the amount of dues owing, £150, to 30th June, 1892. The figures were taken from Bro.
Cooper's last Balance Sheet, and to show that we were within the mark we may state that during the month
of September £148 6s. 10d. has been received against this item, and there are considerable sums vet
outstanding. There were no liabilities before Grand Lodge on August 31st, 1892.

Bro. Cooper's praise is somewhat of a negative kind, he admits that we are entitled to the thanks of the Craft
for our trouble, but he qualifies this by an inclination to call in question our right to publish the figures

without the consent of the Board of General Purposes. So long as he only expresses an opinion we do not
mind. When he tries to curtail our privilege that will be another matter. We would here point out that the
books, papers, and documents deposited in the Grand Lodge office are for the benefit of every member of the
Craft and as such are open to fair comment and criticism. When we print anything improper our own
subscribers will very properly show their opinion of our conduct by ceasing to support this journal. But it is
very questionable taste for a member of the Board of General Purposes to publicly insinuate that by the
publication of a Statement of Receipts we have printed that " which by the Laws and Regulations of Masonry
is improper to be published." Away with such narrow-minded ideas. Has there not been enough hole and
corner work done in the past under this regulation ? The Craft, we think, can form their own opinion of what
Masonic journals have been and what The Craftsman is, and he would be a bold man indeed who would dare
prohibit this journal from making comments on, or printing that which is proper to be published relative to
the doings of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND FROM DATE OF INAUGURATION
(APRIL,1890) TO 30TH SEPTEMBER, 1892

_______________________________________________________________________________________

OFFICE EXPENDITURE - £ s. d.
Grand Secretary's Salary...... ... ... 604 3 4
Postages, Letters, Parcels, Receipts, and Telegrams ... 117 13 4
Stationery and Ordinary Printing ...... ... 60 8 5
Clerical Assistance (Auckland, 223 ; Christchurch, £5)... 28 0 0
Rent of Office in Auckland. .. ... ••• 3 7 6

PARTLY RECURRENT -
Travelling Expenses of Grand Secretary and Removal to Auckland 95 3 7
Printing Reports and Special Printing... ... 52 11 2
Sundries and Advertising (29 Os.) ..... ... ... 35 5 2
Superintendents' Expenses—Wellington ... 46 19 1
Otago. 29 8 4

Southland ...3 13 0
Quarterly Communications—Wellington Expenses ...... 27 1 10
Auckland,, 3 4 3

NON-RECURRENT -
Special Printing of Parchment Diplomas, Lodge Warrants, and

Engraving Copper Plates and Seals ...... 205 9 2
Setting up, Revising, and Printing and Binding Copies of

Constitution 86 1 6
Miscellaneous (including £10 10s. editing " Brief History ";

Furniture, £17; Jewels, £12; and Cable to England, 212) 82 17 2
Assistant Grand Secretary—Auckland Expenses ... 69 1 3
Inauguration Expenses ... ... ••• 64 9 2

£1,614 17 3

A WRIT has been filed, returnable within seven days, in the Supreme Court of New Zealand, Northern
District : between William McCullough, journalist ; William Anderson, engineer; Alexander Brodie,
sharebroker ; Thomas McWhirter, bank clerk ; Thomas Cantley, solicitor's clerk ; and Edward Tonge,
caretaker of the Masonic Hall ; all of Auckland, in New Zealand, suing on behalf of themselves and all
others having a like interest in the present action, plaintiffs ; and James Slater, of Auckland, architect,
defendant. The plaintiffs, as the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland, North Island of New Zealand, seek to
recover from the defendant-who was, until recently, the Provincial Grand Secretary of the aforesaid body-
certain clothing (regalia), books, papers and documents, and sums of of money which the defendant has
retained, although he no longer holds the office of Provincial Grsnd Secretary. This case is of peculiar
interest to the Fraternity, and we regret that the space required for the full setting forth of the plaintiffs' claim
cannot be spared this month. Full particulars of the case will appear in these pages from time to time.

_______________________________

WE ARE reluctantly compelled to hold over until next month Past Master Brother Martin's instructive lecture
on " The First Degree ;" also, an appeal on behalf of the " Widows' and Orphans' Fund." A sum of £5 has
been placed in our hands for the benefit of this Fund conditionally. It is the conditions we wish to bring
before the Craft, but the want of space prohibits us doing so in this issue. A reply to Brother Snow has just
reached us, this will also appear in November.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

TO SUBSCRIBERS AND OTHERS.
Subscriptions should be forwarded to T. G. DE RENZY, Box 444, Post Office Communications for the
Editorial Department should be addressed to the Editor, Box 444, Post Office, Auckland.

Subscribers are respectfully notified that the correct filling of orders is sufficient evidence of their receipt.

PAYMENTS OF 78 6D MADE SINCE SEPTEMBER, 16TH, 1892.
Aitchison (and '93 Guide, 1s), Barmby (and '93 Guide, 1s), Burton (5s), Bell (and '93 Guide, 1s),
Blenkinsopp (and '93 Guide, 1s), Bing, Bennington, Barden, P. T. Baker (and '93 Guide, 1s), Clark (and '93
Guide, 1s), Collins (and '93 Guide, 1s), Capstick (and '93 Guide, 1s), J. H. Chapman (and '93 Guide, 1s), G.
C. Chapman, Dawick, Drew (and '93 Guide, 1s), Daly (and '93 Guide, 1s), John Duthie, Edwards, Farquhar,
Gilmour, Greenslade (and '93 Guide, 1s), Hearfield (and '93 Guide, 1s), James, Liardet, Lord (and '93 Guide,
1s), McVinnie, S. Moore J. McGregor (and '93 Guide, 1s), Colin Macandrew, Dr. McPherson (and '93
Guide, 1s), S. McIntyre, Morton (and '93 Guide, 1s), Melton (and '93 Guide, 1s), Macdonald J. R. (and '93
Guide 1s), C. F. Russell (and '93 Guide, 1s), Reid, Spring, Skilton, Smart (Tonga), Taylor (S.S. Australia),
Tilburn (and '93 Guide, 1s), R. Webster, Warring, Alex. Wright (and '93 Guide, 1s), Woodger (and '93
Guide, 1s).

PAYMENTS OF 10S AND UPWARDS MADE SINCE SEPTEMBER 16TH, 1892.
Dr. Boon (15s and '93 Guide, 1s), Baxter (20s), Frame (10s), C. Griffiths (10s), Ivory (10s), W. Johnston
(10s), King (30s), Lodge Kaikoura (24s), Lodge of Concord (20s), Lodge Phoenix (20s), Lodge Wairau
(20s), Ormondville Lodge of Instruction (20s), Lodge Eden (20s), Lodge Waterloo (20s), Lodge Thistle, No.
627, S.C. (30s), Lodge Scinde (20s), Lodge of Otago (20s), C. B. Mason (10s), Rev. Murray (10s), Orchard
(30s), Dr. Parsons (20s), W. A. Simpson (10s), Storey (10s), Teague (10s), Woodbury (20s).
_______________________________________________________________________________________

LETTERS

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
Letters intended for insertion must be accompanied, in all cases, by the real name and address of the writer, as well as
by the name and number of the Lodge to which he belongs, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good
faith. We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents.
Correspondence is invited, and Brethren are solicited to forward inquiries relating to any matter of Masonic practice, or
bearing upon the history or expression of the Institution. We only impose these easy conditions :-
Do not write on both sides of the paper.
Do not write on either side unless you feel you must.
Do not write unless you have got something to say.
Do not write for a reply privately, through the post, because we are busy.
Do not write and expect us to endorse your opinions every time, as they may not be our opinions.
Do not not write unless you say what you have got to say in a friendly way, as nothing written in a cantankerous spirit
will appear in this journal if we can help it.
Do not get impatient with us under any circumstances, because we do not deserve it. If you do, in that case, as in every
other one, BE BRIEF, and address THE EDITOR.

_______________________________
IMPROPER PUBLICITY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE AUSTRALASIAN KEYSTONE.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER -I ask your permission to call attention to the apparently unnecessary publicity now
practised in masonic matters, and do so confidently from a conviction that general damage may by a
continuance thereof result to the welfare of the craft. Public choral services, newspaper reports (at times of
donations given to needy members) and unguarded conversations, all give colour to the belief that some of
us do not sufficiently value the charity that vaunteth not itself, but desire to let the public rather than our

fellow-craftsmen know that we are Masons. For example, several times lately your paper (which I consider
the proper and only one in masonic matters in the colony) has contained no report whatever of special and
other meetings of the lodge to which I belong, while details of the proceedings have appeared in the local
press, which with a little addition and the ommission of a few names would almost correspond with the
minutes of our meetings. Again, a few months ago circulars were sent to various lodges inviting assistance
on behalf of a distressed brother-a clergyman. The day after one of the lodges met, a paragraph giving names
and amount of contribution appeared in the local journal. As another example, I was provided with a
suburban paper not long since which actually reported the speeches delivered at the banquet table after an
installation, and also several detailed presentations of lodge furniture, &c. Instances can be multiplied, but I
trust the above (of which I furnish particulars for your private information) will be sufficient to induce the
Grand Lodge to endeavour to restrain such publicity. The following should amongst others be good reasons
for its interference in the matter :-The Tasmanian Grand Lodge, as I notice by your paper, has seen fit to urge
that public displays be avoided as far as possible ; that a large number of the members of the craft see danger
in excessive publicity other than through your columns ; that the members who advocate the display are
frequently those who do not bear a reputation for quietly promoting the principles of relief and brotherly
love, while our best members often keep in the back-ground ; that the fact of the public knowing that this and
that one are Masons may, as it has done in the past, prevent a benefit being done to a brother ; and that the
publicity of masonic matters should be given in your columns only, or at least there first, for the publication
in Melbourne and provincial and suburban press cannot interest any outside the craft but the most curious
and prying portion of the public, who would rather criticise us adversely than otherwise.--Yours fraternally,

A PROVINCIAL MEMBER AND SUBSCRIBER.
August 12th, 1892.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,-Those who know anything about Grand Lodge management will agree with Bro.
De Renzy's notice of motion at the last meeting of the Board of General Purposes, to the effect, that members
of the Board at a distance should have notice of important business to be considered at the meeting of the
Board, and to be allowed to express their opinions, and vote upon the same by letter. The present system, Sir,
is a perfect farce. For instance, the writer is a member of the Board and yet never heard of some important
changes in our Con- stitution until the report of the same appeared in your journal, and then not only that,
these changes had been proposed by the Board but actually agreed to by Grand Lodge at its last
communication, of course subject to their submission to the Lodges for final approval. For one, I strongly
object to the suggested alterations of our Constitution. In the first place the remission of fees of honour, the
Grand Lodge will for many years require all its funds, and should not therefore relinquish any of its
legitimate sources of obtaining the same. Positions of honour in Grand Lodge should be esteemed a valuable
privilege. If the fees at present levied are considered too high, they should be reduced but not abolished.

The proposal that Lodges in future should pay the fees for those brethren nominated by them to office in
Grand Lodge is, in my opinion, a mistake ; it would have the effect of confining the superior officers in
Grand Lodge to the members of those Lodges who are in good financial circumstances, and willing for their
funds to be expended in this direction. It would also create an unhealthy rivalry, and may be the means of
incompetent and undesirable brethren obtaining high office in Grand Lodge. Re the Status of Deputy
Masters, I am of opinion that the framers of the Basis of Union at the Convention never contemplated that
the office of Deputy Master should be held by any Brother who had not filled the office of Master of a Craft
Lodge.

With regard to Brethren in arrears to their Lodges. If a Lodge has a Brother, or Brethren, who is in arrears
but who is otherwise so worthy that they desire to retain him as a member, why should not that Lodge
generously pay his Grand Lodge dues, and not shunt their responsibility on the Craft in general, at any rate
do not publish the unfortunate Brother's name as a defaulter from one end of the colony to the other.—Yours
fraternally, P.M.
Christchurch, September 30th, 1892.

_______________________________________________________

PRAISE.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR BROTHER,-I must congratulate you upon your great effort to encourage Freemasonry in New Zealand
by your splendid little book (The N.Z. CRAFTSMAN). A Brother, who is far away in the country and away
from any Lodge, by reading your book knows just how Masonry is progressing in the colony. It also puts
new life into him when he reads it. I look forward for it eagerly every month, and I am sure every Brother
must appreciate your work. It must be read to know its full value. I shall use my best endeavours, when I can,
to forward on this work by trying to get Brethren to subscribe to it. Wishing you every success in the future.

I am, Dear Sir and Brother,
Yours fraternally,

W. H. SHEPHERD,
Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning, No. 537 S.C.

South Rakaia, Canterbury,
September 29th, 1892.

______________________________
RETENTION OF CHARTERS.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR BROTHER,-I understand by the notice issued by the Board of General Purposes, that at the
Communication of Grand Lodge in Christchurch on the 26th inst., R.W. Bro. Williams will move that the
resolution of Grand Lodge as to Retention of Charters be rescinded, with a view to return all Charters of
Lodges to their respective Grand Lodges.

I should like to ask Brethren if they have at all seriously considered what the position of any Lodge will be
without its Charter ; or how that body can be called a Grand Lodge which is composed of Masons not held
together by their respective Charters. In the former case, they would only be members,"—a majority, it may
be—" retiring from a Lodge," and so handing back the Charter of the Lodge tO the Mother Grand Lodge ;
whilst the Grand Lodge so composed would only be an agglomeration of Masonic atoms, having no status in
the Masonic world. Those who are now opposed to our Grand Lodge know this well enough, and would be
the first to cast it in our teeth. Is this what they are aiming at ?

Our P.G. Master, Bro. H. Thomson, told us that as no law exists for founding a Grand Lodge we must follow
precedent in this instance, as in Australasia and Tasmania. The Grand Lodge of N.S.W. held the Charters of
Lodges for ten years. At the rate of progress our Grand Lodge is making, we may expect that about as many
months will assure our recognition, and this will settle the difficulty, as in the cases referred to of
Australasia. No—let Grand Lodge hold our Charters until we are recognised.—Yours faternally, P.M.
Wellington, October 3rd, 1892.

____________________________
GRAND LODGE EXPENDITURE.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,-For the trouble you have taken in placing before your readers so clearly the total
receipts of Grand Lodge and a list of its assets, you are entitled to the thanks of the Craft. No doubt your
statements are published by the approval and consent of the Board of General Purposes, and I will take them
for being approximately correct, although members' dues at 3s and 1s each could not work out to the figures
you say, unless exchange or something like this was added, and your total receipts as per your figures are
£2146 7s 7d and not £2156 7s 7d. I think, however, this statement proves that while large sums have been
collected from the Brethren, yet on the other side the expenditure on administration has been far in excess of
what was our original estimate. For instance, the contributions towards General Purposes comes to £1599
13s 7d, against this the only assets shown are books, seals, furniture, &c., £87 14s, showing an expenditure
of the large sum of £1511 19s 7d in two and a quarter years. Now it would be more satisfactory if, having
access to the books of Grand Lodge, you will kindly supplement your figures by giving in your next issue
details of this. As this ratio, of expenditure from receipts must be stopped, as it will be noticed that we have

received £314 17s for Charter fees from the Lodges joining. This and the Past Masters' fees will not be
recurrent to a large extent. It therefore behoves the Board of General Purposes to be more economical in their
expenditure and not to falsify one of the principal planks of our platform—the great saving that would result
from the amalgamation of the three Constitutions " on the cost of administration of Grand Lodge."

Your statement of assets and liabilities is also not complete, as even if the guess. of £150 of dues owing to
30th June, 1892, proves correct; you do not show the accounts owing by Grand Lodge at 30th August, 1892,
nor the Grand Secretary's salary and other office expenses due at that date, and these would considerably
reduce your balance of assets.—Yours fraternally,

W. H. COOPER,
Past Master, 823.

Auckland, 3rd October, 1892.

Some men try advertising as the Indian trial feathers. He took one feather, laid it on a board, and slept on it
all night. In the morning he grunted out, " White man say feathers heap soft ; white man heap fool—humph."

In the course of a powerful sermon against gambling, which the Archdeacon of London preached at St.
Paul's lately, he very properly put gambling on the Stock Exchange on the same level as gambling on the
turf. " I have myself," said Dr. Sinclair, " known pious and respectable women who daily prayed with fervent
earnestness to Almighty God that they might make 30 per cent. on the Stock Exchange.

Several Brethren have taken exception to our use of the term " Junior Past Master." On the 13th January,
1789, " a Convention of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey was holden in the City of
New Brunswick, for the purpose of establishing a Grand Lodge in the said State." Amongst those who
subscribed their names to the agreement by which the Grand Lodge was constituted was Dr. " Ebenezer
Blatchley, Junior Past Master of Lodge No. 10."

**** <Advertisements on Page 1574 not scanned>****
_______________________________________________________________________________________

GRAND LODGES

NEW ZEALAND.

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.

THE Grand Lodge of New Zealand is summoned to meet in Quarterly Communication at the Saint Augustine
Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on Wednesday, the 26th inst., at 7.30 p.m.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.
The following is a copy of the Board's Report to be presented to Grand Lodge :—

IN MEMORIAM.-It is with very sincere and deep regret that your Board has to inform Grand Lodge of the
great loss it has sustained since last Communication, by the sudden death of W. Bro. James Walker, P.M. of
Lodge " Wairoa " No. 55, of which Lodge he was one of the founders, who met his end as he was on his way
to attend the regular meeting of the Lodge. W. Bro, James Brown Gatland, P.M. of Lodge " Coromandel,"
was also called off ' most suddenly. He was a P.G. Steward of Grand Lodge, whose praise has long been in
the Lodges of Auckland. Only lately, Wor. Bro. John Walkley, P.M. of Lodge " Manawatu-Kilwinning," also
P.G. Steward of Grand Lodge, well known and esteemed by the Lodges in his district. Your Board has
tendered its sympathy and condolence with the Brethren and relatives of our departed Brethren, and now
report the same to Grand Lodge. Are not these sad instances of our Mortality apt illustrations of the Wise
Man's apothegm—" Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might ; For there is no work, nor
device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Our "In Memoriam " page is filling
up.

MEETINGS.-During this quarter the Board met on August 24th, September 14th, and October 6th. The
following business has been transacted.

LODGES.-The number of Lodges on the Roll of Grand Lodge is now 82, equivalent to 83, as two Lodges in
the Wellington District amalgamated. The number of Members is 2987. At the last Communication of Grand
Lodge in July it was announced that Lodge " Alpha," No. 2014, E.C., was about to tender its allegiance to
this Grand Lodge. Your Board now reports, with much pleasure and satisfaction, that this act is now
complete, and that on the 6th instant it opened under Dispensation of the Grand Master. Another Lodge has
also communicated its intention to take the same step, and has made application in the usual way for a
Charter from Grand Lodge to take effect on December 1st. The Lodge is the " Oamaru Kilwinning," No.
537, S.C. A pressing invitation has been sent to the Grand Master to be present on the occasion. A third
Lodge, " St. Thomas Kilwinning," S.C., Kaitangata, Otago, has just informed us that on October 4th they
passed the Resolution to join this Grand Lodge. A Dispensation was prepared for this Lodge for the 11th
instant. This brings up the roll of Lodges to 83.

RECOGNITION. —The Grand Lodges of Manitoba and Quebec have, in the most ample manner, extended
recognition to this Grand Lodge; the latter has recommended R.W. Bro. J. B. Tresidder of Montreal, District
Deputy Grand Master as Grand Representative, which has been accepted by the Grand Master in return. The
receipt of the " Brief History " and other documents have been acknowledged by several Grand Lodges, and
are now under their consideration prior to their next Communication.

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES. —Acting on the authority vested in the Grand Master M.W. Bro. Niccol, the
following Brethren have been appointed as Grand Representatives : the Grand Lodge of Quebec, Wor. Bro.
William Charles Walker, P.M. of Lodges " St. Andrew," " Manukau " and " Wairoa " ; the Grand Lodge of
British Columbia, Wor. Bro. ft. Caplen.

BUSINESS REMITTED TO THE BOARD BY GRAND LODGE: -
"FORM OF WORKING. " —The Committee appointed by Grand Lodge to draft a " form of working " will
present their report at this Meeting. Your Board may state that since the question of a " Ritual " has been
under discussion, several Lodges have sent to your Board Resolutions against authorising any Ritual. These
Lodges have been informed that Grand Lodge does not contemplate any action in this respect.

CLOTHING. --In accordance with the recommendation in the Report of the Board at a Meeting held in
Wellington, just before the last Communication of Grand Lodge, and adopted by Grand Lodge, your Board
has issued a Circular inviting Lodges to vote the sum of not less than £1 per annum for three years. Several
Lodges have given a favourable reply. Others have not yet had time to consider the Circular. In the meantime
Tenders for the Supply of Grand Lodge Clothing have been asked from the Manufacturers in London, and
also from Brethren in Christchurch and Auckland. As a consequence no immediate action can be taken until
the Board receives replies from those quarters.

NOMINATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. -Your Board appointed a Sub-Committee to consider the method laid
down in the Book of Constitution. The Committee presented their report to the Board, which is now under
consideration.

ALTERATIONS IN THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS. —The various alterations approved by Grand Lodge at its
last Communication have been sent to all the Lodges in this jurisdiction. As the Rule No. 40 allows Craft
Lodges six months to consider any proposed alteration, no reply can be laid before this Communication of
Grand Lodge. The questions affected were :—(1) Fees of Honour ; (2) Travelling expenses of the Grand
Master ; (3) Members in Arrears ; (4) Deputy Master. Since these suggested alterations have been under
consideration, your Board has thought it desirable to refer back to Grand Lodge section 3, which relates to
"Members in Arrears." It appears to your Board that this subject should not be hastily decided, the ultimate
issue involved in it being of so far-reaching a tendency, and its adoption likely to act unfavourably on Grand
Lodge revenue. On the other hand, some Lodges consider its non-adoption detrimental to their financial
interest, as well as to the compulsory exclusion of M embers, irrespective of future probabilities with respect
to such Members.

RETENTION OF CHARTERS. —This subject will be considered by Grand Lodge at this Communication, as
R.W. Bro. Williams has given. notice to reconsider the Resolution of Grand Lodge at its Communication at
Christchurch in October last.

CHARTERS. —These have been issued to Lodges excepting four, for which full and correct information has
not yet been obtained. Certifi cates for Master Masons have been issued as far as No. 559. The form for
P.M.'s Certificates is still under consideration of the Board.

CLERICAL ASSISTANCE IN GRAND LODGE OFFICE. —Since the removal of the office of the Grand Secretary,
it has been necessary to employ clerical assistance in order to bring the work up to date. The Grand Secretary
having asked that permanent assistance might be granted in the office, the subject has been considered by
your Board, and as this is considered to be extraordinary expenditure, under Rule 167, Book of Constitution,
the question is now referred to Grand Lodge for its consideration. Such assistance is not to exceed £52 per
annum.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.-FEES IN ARREARS—During the years 1890 and 1. 891, the sum of £17 17s, being
unpaid Fees of Honour, had accumulated. Your Board advised the Board of Benevolence that, with a view to
adjust the accumulation, they would pay the £17 17s to the credit of the Fund, at the same time making a
charge equal to that amount for office work, patents, etc., during that period. There is a sum still due to the
Board of Benevolence from the Fees of Honour for this present year ; the Brethren thus in arrears have
rendered themselves liable to Rule 18. Your Board does not now present these Brethren to Grand Lodge to
be dealt with in the hope that they may yet save themselves from the serious consequences of their
shortcoming.

____________
NEW SOUTH WALES.

THE regular Quarterly Communication was held in the Masonic Hall, Castlereagh Street, Sydney, on
Wednesday, the 14th September, 1892. The following items of interest appear in the report of the Board of
General Purposes. The Board declined to approve of a proposed By-Law authorising a Lodge to keep a
Suspense List. Another proposed By-Law requiring any member of the Lodge, bringing a charge against
another member, to make a preliminary cash deposit, was also disallowed. Correspondence was received
from Lodge Sir William Wallace, concorning a candidate who was alleged to be physically disqualified, the
two Grand Wardens reported that they had seen the gentleman, and recommended that the Lodge be
permitted to ballot for him, as his physical defect was not such as would prevent him from performing all his
duties as a Mason.

The Grand Inspector of Workings recommends the Brethren generally, and especially those who aspire to
office to take advantage of the excellent teaching imparted in Lodges of Instruction. He complains of
irregularities, such as Brethren consulting the Ritual more or less during the ceremony, the improper use of
the gavel, and of a report having appeared in local newspaper of the banquet after Installation with some
reference to the Installation.

186 Active Lodges.- £7,359 2s. 10d, invested and in the bank. The total relief voted for the quarter was £275
5s.

_________________
SCOTLAND.

THROUGH the courtesy of Bro. D. Murray Lyon, G. Sec. of Scotland, The Tyler says it is in receipt of the
report of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge from February, 1892, to January, 1893. How so dated is
beyond our comprehension, save that our Scottish Brethren have made use of the national doctrine of
"predestination " and settled what is yet to occur in the unborn months of the present year. The report is a
ponderous array of statistics, filling 116 pages. It shows 354 Lodges in Scotland ; 37 in India ; 17 in
Australia ; 36 in New Zealand (?) ; 8 in Cape of Good Hope ; 3 in South Africa ; 7 in the South African
Republic; 1 in Egypt ; 1 in Maritius ; 21 in West Indies ; 2 in Central America ; 1 in Newfoundland ; 7 in
South America ; 4 in China ; 3 in Japan ; 1 in the Fiji Islands ; 2 in Syria ; 1 in Asia Minor. There are also 96
other Lodges which work under certificates from the G. L. of Scotland not represented in the Grand Lodge at
its annual meeting and scattered all over the world outside of North America. The total number of Lodges in
healthy operation is 601. Grand Master, the Earl of Haddington, delivered a very able address, reviewing the
condition of the fraternity in the Scottish jurisdiction.

__________________________
NEW YORK.

THE one hundredth and eleventh Annual Communication of this Grand Body was held on the afternoon of
June 7th, 1892.

The Grand Lodge was composed of representatives of 723 Lodges. This body of Worshipful Masters,
Proxies, Grand Officers, Past Grand Officers, representatives from other Grand Lodges, and visiting Master
Masons formed an assembly of extraordinary intelligence and influence.

The Grand Master in his address reviewed the work of the past year. " Everywhere in this great state, from
the ocean to the lake, our Lodges have been blessed with unprecedented prosperity." Referring to the
Masonic Board of Relief of New York City, Grand Master Sherer, said :-

" The thirteenth annual report of this Board shows a large amount of charitable work done during the year,
not only for the relief of distressed worthy brethren, but in the detection and exposure of impostors. The
Board has undertaken and has made considerable progress in the work of obtaining shelter or temporary
abode for those seeking relief, pending investigation as to their character and needs. In large cities Masonic
Boards of Relief are of great assistance in caring for sojourners, and, in my opinion, all Lodges in cities
where Boards of Relief exist should be contributors thereto."

During the occasion of his official visit he endeavoured to impress upon the minds of the Brethren the
importance of proper methods in the transaction of the business affairs of the Lodge. Unbusiness-like
methods in Lodge affairs, particularly in the matter of the collection of dues (which are to be relied upon for
the financial support of the Lodge) result in retarding its usefulness as one of the constituent bodies of the
Grand Lodge. He holds the opinion that the financial condition of many Lodges, not to mention that of the
equally great, if not greater importance, the fraternal condition, would be vastly improved if more attention
were paid to this subject.

An instance in this connection as showing what may be done : Astor Lodge, No. 003, collected during the
year every dollar of dues from the membership, and there is not a brother on its roll in arrears. The Lodge,
though small, has a charity Fund of over one thousand dollars.

He advised the Lodges to conform to the standard of work, believing that the great truths and living
principles taught by the symbolism of Freemasony can best be understood by those seeking light when
presented in the simple dignity and form of language handed down by the fathers.

___________
SPAIN.

THE Symbolic Grand Lodge of Spain, founded February 24th, 1889, was legally recognised by the Spanish
Government, March 15, 1889.

___________
KANSAS.

SPECIAL DISPENSATIONS.
THE Grand Master in his review said :—
" This evil has grown to an alarming magnitude. If some measure is not adopted to restrict it, the time
approaches when petitions will be received and acted upon and degrees conferred without regard to time.
Within the first ninety days after assuming the duties of Grand Master, I was asked for one hundred and ten
special dispensations to confer degrees out of the regular time prescribed by our law. A large proportion of
these were to confer the second and third degrees. Their reasons for asking for special dispensations were
based upon the same ground, namely : the candidate was about to leave their jurisdiction, etc.

"It is true I have issued a great many special dispensations to confer degrees out of time. But, to partially
atone for it, I have refused—with the exception of three times—to permit more than one degree to be
conferred upon the same candidate on the same evening, nor until he was proficient in the lectures of the
preceding degree. I have required that he should be examined in open Lodge and declared proficient by the

Lodge before being advanced to a higher degree. I have invariably refused to permit a Lodge to ballot upon a
petition in less than the regular time prescribed by law.

"With a view to checking this growing evil, and saving my successor much labour, I earnestly recommend
that the Committee on Jurisprudence be directed to formulate and submit at this Communication of Grand
Lodge a regulation that shall impose a fee upon Lodges requesting permission to confer degrees out of time,
of such magnitude as will deter them from hastily making such requests."

______________
IOWA.

THE forty-ninth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, convened in the Grand Opera House in
the city of Dubuque, on the 7th day of June, 1892.

The members of the Grand Lodge were escorted from the Hotel Julien, at 9 a.m., to the Grand Opera House
by Silvan Commandery, No 3, Knights Templar, under their Commander, Sir Knight Abe Levins.

Grand Master Phelps was presented with an address of welcome from 400 true and faithful brethren in the
three Masonic Lodges of Dubuque.

After an invocation to the Most High, the Grand Master, aided by his Grand Officers, opened " The Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Iowa in Ample Form upon the third degree in Masonry."

Grand Lodge was in session three days. The mileage paid to the Delegates of the 380 Lodges represented
was 2740, the per diem expenses came to £436. The average for each Lodge for mileage and per diem of
officers, committees, and members came to about £3 17s.

Lodges working, 451 ; Members, 23,016 ; Highest Membership, 207 ; Lowest Membership, 10. Salaries.—
Grand Secretary, £400; Grand Custodian, £250 ; Deputy Grand Secretary, £250 ; Grand Master's Expenses,
£180 ; Grand Tyler, 240; Printing Proceedings, 2,000 copies, £320; Postage, Proceedings, £60; Stenographer
and Typewriter, £56 ; Expenses, Library, £400. Grand Lodge dues per capita, 3s. 3d. Receipts, 1891, £4,500;
Disbursements, 1891, £4,120.

The Committee on Grievances affirmed sentences of expulsion for :—Adultery, Selling Intoxicating Liquors,
Intoxication, Fraud, Housebreaking, Larceny, and a Heinous Crime which it is unnecessary to mention.

___________
OHIO.

AT ten o'clock, a.m., October 21st, 1891, A.L. 5891, a Lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form by
Bro. Levi C. Goodale, M.W., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, in the auditorium of the Board of
Trade, in the city of Columbus, Ohio.

We find the following in the address of the Grand Master

Members of Lodges cannot be too careful in the selection of a Secretary. Do not elect a Brother to this office
who has no fitness for the place, other than that he is a good man and needs assistance. Better to vote your
charity to such men. But put into the Secretary's chair one who will keep the books, collect the dues, and
faithfully record the doings of your Lodge. There are, I am told, in this State, secretaries who have not
written up their minutes for months. Such men are no help to the Order, and confer no honour upon their
Brethren who elect them.

"When I say to you that there is in this jurisdiction a Lodge of 80 members, 60 of whom are under
suspension for non-payment of dues, and when I further remark that in this jurisdiction of 36,000 Masons,
there are almost 10 per cent. under suspension for non-payment of dues, and when it is known that there are
Masters of Lodges in this State who do not, and will not, conform to Rules 19 and 20, governing delinquent
members, and that there are hundreds of Masons in this State who have not paid their dues, and are not
suspended, all of which would be prevented if the Officers of the delinquent Lodges would exercise
reasonable energy and attention, you will, I know, pardon me for any over-earnestness I may manifest.

"There is much interest manifested by the Craft in this State in securing cheerful rooms with pleasant
draperies and furnishings. This is truly commendable, and the fraternity is entitled to congratulations.
Devotion to Masonic precept does not interfere with lawful recreation or amusement.

" There is, I think, a growing tendency to make the meetings of the Lodge partake more of the social feature
than formerly, and, after work in the Master's Degree, light refreshments are indulged in by those who are
present. Fraternal meetings around the social board, where prudence and temperance characterise the
occasion, bring the Brethren into closer fellowship, and ripen friendship. There should, however, be observed
reasonable economy in these entertainments, in these furnishings, and in the Officers' jewels and clothing.
Rather a plain lamb-skin upon a zealous Officer, animated with purity of thought and noble purposes, than
kingly robes, extravagant habits, and listless purposes.

" The Lodge-room is the solemn sanctuary dedicated to virtue and universal benevolence. May its
atmosphere be kept so pure that, while in it, we absorb only that which is ennobling and uplifting !' So long
as we followithese teachings, we can never bring to the altar of Masonry too much reverence, too much
honour."

One of Bro. Goodale's decisions is worth quoting : —
"There is no doubt that there are physical defects which should debar candidates from admission, but no man
of religious and good moral character, health, and honourable surroundings, should be deprived of an
opportunity of admission, if his physical defect does not prevent him from complying with the requirements
of Masonry."

Under New Zealand we find an account of " The First Communication of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of New Zealand." The reviewer states that the address of Grand Master Thomson was an
interesting Masonic paper.

_____________
QUEBEC.

RECOGNITION OF NEW ZEALAND.
The Grand Lodge of Quebec A.F. and A.M.,

Wm. Ronaldson, Esq., Grand Secretary's Office,
Grand Secretary, Montreal, P.Q., 3rd August, 1892.

Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

R.W. BRO. AND DEAR SIR,

I have very great pleasure in communicating to you for the information of your Grand Lodge, that the Grand
Lodge of Quebec at its last Annual Communication by a unanimous vote recognised the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand A.F. and A.M. as having been regularly and duly established in accordance with Masonic law
and usage.

I am instructed by the M.W. Grand. Master to state that he is in sympathy with the aspirations of the
Brethren in New Zealand in their efforts to secure for themselves an Independent Grand Lodge, and that he
recognises in their present state, a stage in their progress towards that end, in a degree similar to that which
was Successfully surmounted by this Grand Lodge.
To cement the good will and fraternal relations so happily established between our respective Grand Bodies
M.W. Bro. Edgar respectfully suggests the nomination of a Grand Representative from each to the other, and
to that end recommends the appointment by your M.W. Grand Master of R.W. Bro. J. B. Tressider, of
Montreal, District Deputy Grand Master, to be the representative of your Grand Lodge near that of Quebec.

I am, R.W. Brother, Yours fraternally.
JOHN H. ISAACSON, Grand Secretary.

The 22nd Annual Communication referred to above was held on January 26th, 1892. The address of the
Grand Master was on the occasion brief but to the point. The returns for 1891 show a membership of 3,141.
Invested funds total up to over £2,000.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE ROYAL ARCH

The following paragraph appeared in our Brief Mention of September :—

"The Waterloo Royal Arch Chapter (Wellington) conferred the Past Master's Degree a few Sundays ago. We
would like to know what authority they had for so doing ?"

Commenting on the above, two Past Principals say :
(1.) " The Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland expunged the Past Master's Degree from its working nineteen
years ago." (2.) " The Grand Chapter of Scotland, yielding to the pressure of public opinion, abolished this
bogus Past Master Degree altogether, and very properly so too, for there can be no doubt that its existence
was a scandal upon Craft Masonry, and an insult to those brethren who had legitimately obtained the
distinction."

The Mark Lodges in Victoria, working under Charter from the Grand Chapter of Scotland, have been formed
into a Province, with R.W. Bro. Davis, as Provincial Grand Mark Master.

These same Scottish Mark Lodges, enacted a by-law making it imperative, that the Master-elect must be a
Master, or Past Master, of a Craft Lodge before he could be installed as a R.W. Mark Master. The Supreme
Grand Chapter of Scotland, confirmed the by-law.—Keystone, Brisbane. (Scottish R.A. Chapters in New
Zealand. Please note.)

The 18th anniversary of the "Trafalgar " R.A. Chapter, No. 157, S.C., Nelson, was held on Friday, 23rd
September. After transacting " usual routine," the election of officers for the ensuing year took place with the
following result :—For First Principal, Comp. Henry Baigent re-elected Z. ; Second Principal, Comp. H. T.
Hall, H ; Third Principal, Comp. W. Brown, P.Z., J. ; Comp. S. Bolton, P.Z. Treasurer ; Comp. T. Scott,
Scribe E. ; Comp. B. S. Chisholm, Scribe N. ; Comp. W. E. Fleming, 1st Soj. ; Comp. S. T. Clayden, 2nd
Soj.; Comp. Robert Allan, 3rd Soj. ; and Comp. C. J. Bartlett, Janitor. For Ex-Master, Comp. S. Bolton P.Z.
was elected, and for Mark Master, Comp. Wm. Brown P.Z. Three Comps. were also elected as members of
the Standing Committee, namely, Comps. Kirkpatrick, Shields, and Chisholm. The Installation and
Investiture ceremony was very ably performed by P.Z.'s Bolton, Brown, and Kirkpatrick. The petition of
Comp. De Castro was received and recorded.

The annual convocation of the Canterbury Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter, No. 136, S.C., was held at St.
Augustine Hall, Christchurch. There was a good attendance. After the adoption of the balance-sheet and
auditor's report the election of officers was proceeded with, with the following result :—T. Forrest, Z.; M.
Henricksen, H. ; E. C. Skog, J. ; A. W. Whitaker, S.E. ; Kennedy, S.N. ; M. Sandstei4, P.Z. Treasurer ; J. M.
Walker, 1st Soj. ; F. Hems worth, 2nd Soj. Hamilton, 3rd Soj. ; A. Gee, Janitor. The ceremony of Installing
and investing the officers was most impressively performed by the M.E. Comps. T. Stapleton, P.P.G.H., and
Grundy, P.Z., the latter presenting M.E. Comp. T. Forrest with a beautiful Bible, with the name and rank of
the receiver printed in gold. After the ceremony the companions adjourned to the refectory, where a social
hour was spent and the usual Masonic toasts duly honoured. Excellent songs were sung by some of the
companions, and the meeting separated after a very pleasant evening.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

LODGE REPORTS.
_____________

PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND.
A Candidate for the Ballot was designated, in a recent Lodge Circular as an " Episcopalian." The religious
persuasion of a "profane " has nothing whatever to do with Freemasonry. All we require is a belief in
T.G.A.O.T.U.

MASONIC LECTURE.-An interesting and learned lecture on the " first degree " was given at the Masonic
Institute, Auckland, on September 29th, by Brother Josiah Martin, P.M. The President of the Institute, Bro.
H. C. Tewsley occupied the chair, and there was a very fair attendance. The lecturer was accorded a warm
and heart-felt vote of thanks, and promised to give another in a short time. We regret that in this issue we

cannot find space for Bro. Martin's instructive lecture, but in November a portion, if not the whole of it, will
be given.

COROMANDEL, .No. 17.—Death of Past Master Bro. J. B. Gatland, Past Grand Steward.

The Brethren of Lodge Coromandel have sustained an irreparable loss in the sudden death of our late Bro. J.
B. Gatland, P.M., on October 3rd. Bro. Gatland was an old Mason, and has been identified with this Lodge
since its foundation, and also took a very active part in the business of the Lodge, in fact, his seat was very
seldom vacant, and his loss is almost irreparable. As soon as the fact of his death became known the
principal Brethren met and arranged to consign his remains to their last resting place with Masonic honours,
a dispensation to wear regalia was applied for, and at the appointed time all the Brethren in the
neighbourhood, and some even from Mercury Bay attended, as well as a very large number of the outside
public (several hundred). The remains were borne to the grave by four Past Masters, and after the ordinary
service was over Bro. King, P.M. delivered the beautiful Masonic burial service. The Brethren then returned
to the Lodge room and dispersed feeling that they had lost a Brother indeed.

LODGE PONSONBY, No. 54 —We visited this Lodge on the 4th inst. and were surprised to find upwards of 70
Brethren present. Part of the working of the Third Degree was new to us, but on the whole we liked it. We do
not believe in uniformity of working, and what we saw at Ponsonby confirms our idea that Grand Lodge
would do a wise thing in leaving the question of Ritual alone. The Senior Warden, Bro. Fowlds, was
nominated for the chair. Bro. John Smart, Junior Warden was complimented for his past services and wished
every happiness and success in his new home, Tonga. Bro. Smart told us, before leaving, that he thinks a
Lodge can be formed in that Island, and if successful he will apply to the Grand Lodge of Zealand for a
warrant.

CORINTHIAN; NO. 1655, E.C., THAMES.-A courteous Brother has sent us an extract giving an account of a
ceremony that took place on the 13th September. " A handsome presentation was made to the Lodge by Bro.
Wm. Burton, P.M., who asked the W.M. to kindly accept, on behalf of the brethren, a piece of furniture of
his own handiwork, viz. : a wooden Bible, with Jacob's Ladder, enclosed in substantial box." " It was then
unanimously resolved that the Secretary should forward Bro. Burton a cordial vote of thanks for his
splendidly executed piece of furniture, and that a silver plate should be obtained and placed on the Bible,
with the name of the donor and the date engraved thereon " The Bible is 13 inches in length, 9 inches in
breadth, and 42 inches in thickness, and is composed of totara wood, while the binding is an imitation of
morocco, and is so exceedingly well executed that it is difficult to realise that it is a mere representation.
There are the usual gold lines both on the top and back, on the latter also being the words neatly printed in
gilt letters, " Holy Bible." The edges are also gilt. On the top of the book are two holes, into which neatly fits
Jacob's Ladder, which is made from three kinds of wood, viz. : kowhai, cedar, and rimu, on three of the
rungs being inscribed the words, " Faith," "Hope," and " Charity," in the order mentioned, there being three
other rungs between each. The box, in which the Bible and ladder are placed, is lined with green baize, and
has brass fastenings, and also a brass handle, while engrossed upon each side are gilt lines and the square and
compass, and on the front the name of the Lodge.

_________________________________________________
PROVINCE OF HAWKES BAY AND GISBORNE.

THE GRAND SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMISSION.

THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NEW ZEALAND.-To all and sundry the
lodges hereinafter specified. We, Malcolm Niccol, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Ancient and
Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons in New Zealand, send greeting :--Whereas the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand has resolved for the further promoting the interest of the Craft and prosperity and
advancement of Masonry ; that Grand Superintendents should be appointed with jurisdiction within certain
districts ; know ye therefore that we in prosecution of the aforesaid resolution, with consent and advice of the
Grand Lodge, have constituted and appointed, and do hereby constitute and appoint our Right Worshipful
Brother William Beilby, Grand Superintendent for the district of Hawkes Bay and Gisborne, and to preside
over the following Lodges, viz :—Scinde No 5, Victoria No 21, Bedford No 25, Abercorn No 30, Rawhiti
No 66, Heretaunga No 73, Abercorn No 76, and Ruahine No 80, together with such other Lodges as may
hereafter be constituted by Dispensation or Charter under our hand and seal within the said district, and in

our name to assemble and convene the above Lodges in his district, at such times and places as may suit the
convenience of all parties ; and also to visit the said Lodges and preside therein, to inquire into the state and
condition of the said Lodges, and in particular to receive from them such proposals and requests as they shall
desire to be offered to us for the welfare and prosperity of Masonry, or for the advantage and convenience of
the said Lodges respectively. And in general to do, execute, and perform everything which by the laws of
Grand Lodge belong to the duty and office of a Grand Superintendent ; requiring our said Grand
Superintendent to obey all such instructions as he shall receive from us, and to report to the Grand Lodge
from time to time his whole action and proceedings in virtue of this commission. And we do hereby require
the aforesaid Lodges to pay all due respect and obedience to our said Grand Superintendent. This
commission shall continue in force during our pleasure, and until a successor shall be appointed by us and
approved by Grand Lodge. In testimony whereof these presents are given under our hand and the seal of
Grand Lodge at Auckland this 29th day of July, 1892.

WM. RONALDSON, M. NICCOL, G.M.
G. Secretary.

ABERCORN, NO. 30, WAIPAWA.-Held its regular meeting on the 7th September, when Mr A. S. Crarer was
initiated. Some assistance was voted on behalf of the widow and orphans of late Bro. Tate of " Sir Donald
McLean," 1646, E.C., Waitara, and the standing Relief Committee reported having assisted, on his way to
obtain work, a Brother belonging to a London Lodge. Steps are being taken to establish a " Widows' and
Orphans' Fund." Possibly we shall make only a small beginning, but we shall increase our offerings by
degrees and in the meantime every little will help. The annual ball comes off tomorrow (9th), and from
present appearances it will be an immense success.

A Masonic Ball was held at Waipawa on the 9th September. The hall was very tastefully decorated under the
personal supervision of our inimitable M.C. Bro. B. B. Johnson, and looked extremely well. The supper was
excellent, Bro. A. Breuer being the caterer. The company did not break up till 5 a.m. There will be a surplus
of receipts over expenditure which could not be put to a better use than that of forming a nucleus of the
"Widows' and Orphans' Fund."

ABERCORN, NO. 76, GISBORNE.-This Lodge has a very appropriate notice on the Lodge Circular Should any
circumstance arise to prevent your attendance, you will please signify the same to the Secretary."

HERETAUNGA, NO. 73, HASTINGS.-The regular meeting of the Lodge was held on the 4th August, when there
was a good attendance to welcome the M.W. the G.M. and the V.W. the G. Sec. The G.M. gave an
interesting address on matters of interest in connection with the G.L., and presented the Charter of the Lodge
to the keeping of the W.M. The M.W. the G.M. invested Bro. W. Beilby, P.M. as G. Superintendent of
Hawkes Bay and Gisborne, and presented two Brethren with their G.L. Certificates under the E.C. which had
only been received a few days before, considerable delay having occurred in their transmission in
consequence of the death of the late G. Secy. of England. Labour being ended, an enjoyable hour was spent
in the ante-room, where only a light refection was provided, as the M.W. the G.M. had undergone some
seven or eight successive banquets in as many days.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON.

NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC LODGE, No. 2.—Celebration of the Jubilee. Presentation of " Commemoration
Jewels " to the Worshipful Master and to the " father" of the Lodge P.M. Bro. T. W. M'Kenzie.

The Jubilee of the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, No. 2, N.Z.C., and likewise of the establishment of
Freemasonry in New Zealand, was commemorated by a very large Masonic gathering at the Boulcott street
hall, Wellington, on the 9th September. Primarily, the meeting was that of the Pacific Lodge, and Bro. H. B.
Bridge, its W.M., presided, but there were large attendances of officers and members of the other local
lodges, besides visitors from other parts of the colony, and from lodges in the United Kingdom, Australia,
Fiji, and India. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was represented by R.W. Bro. R. C. Hamerton, Senior
Grand Warden, and R.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand Superintendent of the District. Representatives of the
Grand Lodges of New South Wales, Cuba, Nevada, and the Grand Orient of Italy were also present. P.M.
Bro. John Young acted as Director of Ceremonies. Early in the proceedings Bro. Williams, in the name of

the officers of the Lodge, presented the Worshipful Master with one of the Jubilee jewels struck in honour of
the occasion. Apologies were received from the Grand Master, Bro. M. Niccol ; Bro. Thompson. Past G.M. ;
Bro. E. T. Gillon, P.D.G.M. (absent on account of illness) ; Bro. the Rev. Win. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary ;
and other leading members of the Craft. The Jubilee Address was delivered by P.M., Bro. T. W. M'Kenzie,
the "father" of the Pacific Lodge, and formed a valuable historical record of the introduction and progress of
Freemasonry in New Zealand. At its conclusion, the W.M. decorated Bro. M'Kenzie with one of the Jubilee
jewels, in token of the veneration felt for him by his fellow Craftsmen in general. Other addresses were given
by Bros. Hamerton, S. Brown, (who gave reasons for the hope that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand would
shortly receive recognition at the hands of the Grand Lodge of England), and Bro. the Hon. R. Hart, one of
the oldest members of the Pacific Lodge. Congratulations were offered by the Grand Lodge officers, the
representatives of foreign Grand Lodges, and the large number of visiting brethren. The Masonic Orchestra,
under the direction of Bro. Norberg, contributed appropriate music in the intervals, in addition to which Bro.
C. S. Thomas played a 'cello solo, Bro. A. Clothier sang Be Thou Faithful Unto Death " from Mendelssohn's
" St. Paul," and Bro. Geo. Wilson " Nazareth." A banquet afterwards took place, at which the usual loyal and
Masonic toasts were honoured, including the appropriate one of " The Founders of Freemasonry in New
Zealand," which was coupled with the name of Bro. M'Kenzie.

The Celebration was continued on the 19th September, and took the form of a re-union of Masons, their
families, and lady friends. There was an exceedingly large attendance. The first part consisted of a concert,
an excellent supper was then served, Bro. Godber acting as caterer, and the remainder of a very pleasant
evening was devoted to dancing.

LODGE MANAWATU KILWINNING, NO. 47, PALMERSTON NORTH.-The regular meeting was held on
September 7th before a large number of Brethren. Mr Hugh Macbean, storekeeper, of Longburn was
initiated. During the evening P.M. Bro. J. H. Hankins, P.A.G. Registrar, read the last report of the Board of
General Purposes and explained it to the Brethren. The Lodge also passed a vote of thanks to P.M. Bro. A.
Jack and Bro. Dixon for their gift of case and mounting for the Lodge Charter. Mr Otto Walter, a contractor
of Levin, was proposed as a candidate. After a slight interval for refreshments a meeting was held to take the
names of those who intended to become members of the Maria watu Arch Chapter which is to be opened
next month, when a goodly number gave in their names.

ULSTER LODGE, NO. 62, PETONE.-We have received the Balance Sheet, but unfortunately it is so badly "
typographed " that it is impossible to give an - account of the Receipts and Expenditure, we can, however,
read that there is £71 18s. id. in the Bank, 19s. 6d. cash in hand, and, a balance of £126 17s. 9d. of assets
over liabilities.

STRATFORD, NO. 75, STRATFORD, TARANAKI.- This Lodge appears to be steadily progressing. " Passing,
Raising, and General, " was the business on the 6th September. They hope to have a Hall of their own before
next Installation, they have the ground already, and enough shares have been taken up to warrant making a
start shortly.

ST. ANDREW KILWINNING, NO. 79, WANGANUI.-A ballot, two initiations, and the following notice of motion
was the business on the 8th inst. :—" I.P.M. Bro. I. Salek moved " That the By-law be altered to read—that
the nomination of officers take place in the month of May, election in June, and installation on or about 30th
June, and that the officers be respectfully asked to continue their respective offices until the above time."

ST. JOHN, NO. 785, S.C., ELTHAM.—This Lodge proposes to build a Masonic Hall. On the 7th inst. Brother
James Routley was Raised to the Third Degree, the nomination of Officers took place, and the " Installation
of Provincial Grand. Lodge Officers."

WELLINGTON, No. 1521 E.C.—On the 16th September there was a good attendance. The Ballot for the
joining member, Bro. R. E. May, Lodge Conyers, No. 1916, E.C., and Messrs Thomas Reid Fleming, M.A.,
L.L.B., and B. G. Mitford was in each case declared favourable. The Report of the Treasurer was of a
satisfactory nature, showing the Lodge to be in a sound state.

_____________________________
MARLBOROUGH AND WESTLAND.

NELSON. SOCIAL AND BALL.--The Masonic social and ball, which took place at the Provincial Hall recently,
proved a decided success, fully two hundred ladies and gentlemen being present. The hall was most
beautifully decorated with flags, Chinese lanterns, floral wreaths, and curtains, and the elaborate and artistic
work displayed therein reflected considerable credit on the painstaking efforts of the Committee, and
especially of those of :Bro. A. E. Creswell, the Secretary, who laboured hard in connection therewith. The
gay decorations, the handsome clothing of the brotherhood, and the beautiful and tasteful dresses of the
ladies combined to present a brilliant scene, and one pleasant to look upon. The concert was thoroughly
enjoyed. The orchestra supplied some excellent music ; Bro. Bain, a solo, " Wrecked and Saved " ; Mr. and
Miss Green a duet ; Miss Brind, a solo, " Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer " ; Miss M'Eachen, a solo, " I Cannot
Sing the Old Songs " , Mr. Gilbert, a song, " Waiting " ; Miss Baignet, a solo, " Call Me Back " ; Mr. House,
a humorous reading . Miss Guiness, a solo, " Old and New " ; and Mr. A. P. Lucas, a song, " Mona." Mrs. A.
P. Lucas did good service as an accom- panyist. After the concert the ball commenced, when a programme,
comprising some score of dances, was gone through, splendid music being supplied by members of the string
band, and Bro. H. Baignet made an efficient Master of Ceremonies. The table was a eight worth beholding,
for not only was it loaded with delicacies of every description, but. it was most artistically set out, and was
evidence of the labours of the Ladies' Committee, and especially of Misses Creswell and Hyde. All cons
nected with the gathering may be well satisfied with its successAancl the appreciation of their labours shown
by the numerous company.

PACIFIC LODGE OF REEFTON, No. 1453 E.C.--On the 24th August the Lodge met at 2 p.m., " to follow the
Remains of our late Bro. James Inglis to the Reefton Cemetery." On the 6th September the regular meeting
was held to raise a Brother to the high and sublime degree of a Master Mason. A Lodge of Instruction is
held. every Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, to which all brethren are invited. On the 4th inst. there were
three candidates for ballot.

WAIRAU, NO. 42, BLENHEIM.--The regular meeting was held on Monday the 3rd inst. (why Monday ?)
There was an average attendance. Mr R. F. Wilson was initiated ; during the ceremony the W.M. was ably
assisted by W. Bro. Gillespie, Deputy Master, and Bro. Pritchard, S.W. A motion was carried that the Lodge
subscribe to the fund being raised to provide the Grand Officers with clothing. A sociable half-hour was
spent in the ante-room after the Lodge was closed. The new by-laws are now in force.

____________________
PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY.

UNANIMITY, NO. 3, LYTTELTON.-Since your visit to our Lodge, we have held our long looked for social on
the 7th September. I think everyone enjoyed themselves very much. We gave the very large number of
children present an entertainment, which they very much appreciated. Bro. Hescott gave the Romany Rye,"
and Bro. T. L. Smith Yaccob Strauss." I am sorry you were not present ; your humble servant sang " Alone,"
(I wish I had been alone outside during the time of the agony). I might mention the youngsters dug their way
through a considerable amount of edibles and something strikes me that the elders were not backward. Our
regular meeting took place on the 22nd ult., being fairly well attended but no business. We are looking
forward to the next meeting, 27th inst., when we are promised a visit from G.L. officers. I have no doubt the
vexed question of old Charters will be trotted out. I see by the last N.Z. CRAFTSMAN you have commenced
to cross swords on the question. Peg away, my dear Sir, it will do a lot of good, no business in the world can
be conducted without opposition. Myself—I am like Pat—no matter what government is in, I'm agin em.

CALEDONIAN, NO. 16, TIMARU.-On the 8th September this Lodge passed no less than seven brethren to the
Second Degree.

LODGE SOUTHERN CROSS, NO. 6, KAIAPOI.-Notwithstanding the fury of the elements, the Brethren of this
Lodge mustered very well at their regular monthly meeting on the 1st September last. It was intended to have
initiated Mr R. Shepherd, farmer, Swannenoa, but owing to non-attendance through the inclemency of the
evening it was postponed. Communication was received from the Grand. Lodge re Regalia question, but on
the motion of P.M. Bro. Walls, the consideration of same was held over to a more convenient season. The
W.M. Rev. Bro. Murray referred to the election of his successor and read the ruling of the Grand Lodge upon
that subject. He expressed the desire of himself and Brethren, that the Bro. whom the Lodge desired to be
installed in his stead, would raise no objection to his nomination, but cheerfully accept the position which all
true Masons should aspire to. The retiring Master, who has so ably filled the chair of King Solomon, for

nearly two years, referred to the visit of the representative of the NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN, and in
eulogistic terms spoke of the good that Journal had done in the past in disseminating good useful Masonic
intelligence culled from all quarters of the Universe. He also showed the necessity for such a Journal, and
appealed strongly to the Brethren to give it their support. Bro. Hescott responded, thanking the W.M.,
Officers, and Brethren for their expressions of sympathy, and then gave a short resume of his travels
throughout the Colony. After labour the Brethren adjourned to the refectory, where a pleasant hour's
amusement was spent in listening to songs, recitations, and toasts, contributed to by Bros. Dr. Parsons, P.M.
Walls, and Marshall. The representative of this Journal desires to return his sincere thanks to all the members
of Lodge Southern Cross, and especially to P.M. Bro. Walls, for his truly Masonic hospitality.

LODGE ASHLEY, NO. 28, RANGIORA. - The usual monthly meeting was held on Thursday, September 1st,
when, in spite of the heavy downpour of rain, there was a good attendance of members. After a large amount
of correspondence had been read, the ballot was taken on behalf of Mr William Stevenson Hughes, Rangiora,
with the result that Mr Hughes was declared duly elected. Bro. E. W. Cooper was then raised to the High and
Sublime Degree of Master Mason by P.M. Bro. J. Sansom, the charge being delivered by the W.M. Bro. R.
Ball. The lodge being resumed in the first degree, Mr John Lilly was duly initiated into the mysteries of
Freemasonry by the W.M. Bro. R. Ball, the charge being delivered by the J.W. Bro. C. Parkin. The lecture on
the First Tracing Board was then delivered by Bro. T. W. Rowe, secretary. On the motion of P.M. Bro. J.
Sansom, seconded by P.M. Bro. A. B. Blackett, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Bro. Rowe for
delivering this lecture. As the hour was getting very late it was decided to postpone consideration of the
matter of subscribing to the Grand Lodge Regalia Fund till the next meeting. On the motion of Bro. J. W.
Bing, seconded by Bro. A. Templer, it was decided to hold a social in connection with the lodge in the month
of October, and a strong committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. P.M. Bro. J. Sansom
proposed, and Bro. A. Ivory seconded, as a joining member Bro. R. H. Hanns, commercial traveller,
Linwood, late of Lodge Ashley, N o. 1877, E.C. As it was very late when the lodge closed, there was only
time in the refectory for the toasts of the newly raised and initiated brethren, and all poor and distressed
masons, but sonic interest was given to the proceedings by the fact that a special lodge song, the composition
of which was unknown to almost all the brethren, was introduced to the notice of the members by the W.M.
The author of the song is Bro. T. W. Rowe, and it is sung to the tune of " The Vicar of Bray." A second song
was sung by Bro. G. F. Smith.

ASHBURTON, NO. 1811 E.C., ASHBURTON.-Invited us to attend the regular meeting on the 8th inst. Now this
is as it should be, and some day we will accept their invitation.

ROBERT BURNS, NO. 604, S.C., CHRISTCHURCH.-This Lodge was extremely unfortunate at its September
meeting, as the inclemency of the weather prevented a large attendance. A communication was received
from the District Grand Secretary relative to the appointment of proxy representatives in the Grand Lodge of
Scotland. Two appeals for charity were received and responded to. We regret to learn of the severe illness of
Bro. Gahagan, secretary, who has been ordered a change of residence to the North Island. On the 18th inst.
the ballot was taken for an initiate and a joining member. Bro. W. F. McLean, P.M. moved :—" That this
Lodge " Robert Burns " sever its connection from the Grand Lodge of Scotland and join the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand."

IONIC, NO. 1917, E.C., LEESTON.-Since our last visit to this charming locality, the above Lodge has sold its
building, land, fixtures, to the Oddfellows Society, and now rents the same at a very moderate expenditure.
Under the able guidance of P.M. Bro. Dr. Gosset, the Lodge has revived, and during the year several very
eligible candidates have been made. The Lodge has a credit balance at its bankers, consequently it is in a
position to respond to Masonic appeals in a moderate manner. We hope the Brethren of the Ionic will soon
be able to visit their sister Lodges, viz., the Lincoln and Progress of the New Zealand Constitution, with
whom they are closely related by locality and former brotherly intercourse.

AMBERLEY, No. 2007, E.C.—The regular monthly meeting of this North Canterbury Lodge was held in their
newly consecrated Hall, on Tuesday, 6th September, 1892. The attendance, owing to sickness amongst the
members' families and various other causes, was unusually poor— a complaint not peculiar to country
Lodges in New Zealand. The business of the evening consisted in passing Bro. Gain to the Second Degree,
and, notwithstanding the absence of the S.W. and J.W., S.D. and I.G., the ceremony was passably done. An
appeal from the Sir Donald McLean Lodge, No. 164, E.C. on behalf of the widow and children of the late

Bro. Tait, was responded to on the motion of P.M. Bro. Mason. Touching references were made to the
departure of P.M Bro. O'Connell, whose loss will be very much felt in the district. The Secretary, Bro. White
was empowered to convey the regrets of the Lodge, with the wish that Bro. O'Connell would return to his
mother Lodge as soon as he was tired of his new sphere. The Brethren did not let Bro. O'Connell depart,
however, without some substantial recognition, as they presented him with a very handsome P.M.'s Jewel,
manufactured by P.M. Bro. Sandstein, of Christchurch. We were very pleased to learn that there were no
liabilities upon the Hall, a most enviable position, one which we trust other Lodges throughout the Colony
will attempt to emulate. The Hall appears to be very suitable for the requirements of the Lodge and district. It
is cosy and nicely furnished. By the liberality of P.M. Bro. Hindmarsh, of Lodge Pacific, No. 1453, E.C.,
Reefton, the Hall has been adorned by larged framed illuminated Masonic Texts, which very materially
beautify and adorn it. The Toast of the Visitors was coupled with the name of Bro. Hescott, the
representative of the CRAFTSMAN, who responded and wished the Lodge every success. A number of
excellent songs were sung by Bros. Cascelles, Baker, Musgrave, and Hescott.

THISTLE LODGE, NO. 627, S.C., ASHBURTON.-The regular meeting held on September 17th, was largely
attended. Amongst those present were Bro. C. Louisson, D.G.M., and other District Grand officers ; Bro. J.
M. Cambridge, W.M. ; and other officers and members of the amalgamated Ashburton Lodge, 1811, E.C.
Three new members were initiated, Bro. P. Rattray, R.W.M., performing the ceremony in a manner that
gained him much credit. Great interest was shown in the proceedings, and there was abundant evidence that
under the old constitutions Masonry in Ashburton is still in a very healthy and flourishing state.

ST. JOHN, 1137, E.C., TIMARU.—The regular monthly meeting was held on Monday, 5th September, the
W.M. Bro. Glasson presiding. There was a very fair attendance of members, three visitors were also present.
Routine business having been dealt with, the Lodge raised Bro. Hilton to the third degree, the whole of the
ceremony being conducted by the W.M. with his customary ability. The Lodge having been lowered, a
resolution proposed by the J.W. Bro. Jackson affirming the desirability of the New Zealand Constitution
being recognised by the British Grand Lodges, was unanimously carried (we gave a report of the debate last
month). A discussion followed on a proposal by Bro. Blake to amend the by-laws in the direction of
requiring more regular attendance on the part of members ; the motion was eventually withdrawn, Bro. Blake
receiving the thanks of the Brethren for calling attention to so important a subject. Hearty good wishes
having been received, the Lodge was closed shortly befere 11 p.m., a pleasant hour being afterwards spent in
the refreshment room.

____________________________
PROVINCES OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

ST. THOMAS KILWINNING, S.C.. KAITANGATA, has joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

THE LODGE OF OTAGO, No. 7, held their annual meeting on the 12th inst. We have not heard who is the new
W.M., but expect it is Bro. Joseph Barton-If our surmise be correct, we offer him our best wishes for a
pleasant and prosperous year of office. The Lodge affiliated Brother Ralph Nicolson of " Papakura," No. 56,
Auckland.

NGAPARA, NO. 68, NORTH OTAGO.-We mentioned in last month that " On the 8th July the following notice
of motion was given :—" That Bro be summoned to appear at the next regular meeting of the Lodge
Ngapara, No. 68, N.Z.C., to explain why he should not be suspended from Masonry for reported immoral
conduct !" Some officious Bro., unfortunately, unknown to us had the following inserted in the Otago North
Time7 :—" The Masonic CRAFTSMAN, says, in its Ngapara notes, that Bro. is to be brought before the
Lodge on a charge of immorality, and if found guilty is to be expelled from the order." it will be noticed this
is not what we said. We are somewhat surprised and indignant that the private concerns of a Masonic body
should be transferred from our pages to that of the secular press ; it is most reprehensible, we do not
exchange with the North, Otago Times, and what appears in these pages is our own property ar,d cannot be
used without first getting our consent. Will our contemporary please explain its action and supply us with the
name of the person who gave it the information

HIRAM, NO. 46, SOUTH DUNEDIN.-On the 23rd August Bro. Henry Wetherill gave a lecture on " The Fine
Points of Fellowship."
HERCULES, No. 36, TAPANUI-Is preparing for work by holding Lodges of Instruction.

APIRAMA, No. 77, RIVERTON (by Telegraph).—At Aparima Lodge ordinary meeting held last night there
was a large attendance of Past Masters and Members of Southern Cross Lodge, and a very earnest gathering
resulted. Particulars for next Craftsman.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

OUR EXCHANGES

CONDENSED EDITORIALS.

The Unrecognised Grand Lodge of New Zealand THERE is much that is worthy of commendation in the
address delivered. by Bro. E. P. Gilion at the annual meeting in Auckland of the un-recognised Grand Lodge
of New Zealand on the 27th of April last, when he installed Bro. Malcolm Niccol as M.W.G.M., in
succession to Bro. Henry Thomson. In the first place, it cannot be otherwise than gratifying to be told that
the Lodges under the New Zealand Constitution have so far "grown, thriven, and prospered, increasing in
strength and numbers, and exercising stricter discrimination in their choice of candidates." It is equally
satisfactory to hear that " a most desirable class of young men are thronging to our Lodges, to enter the craft
under a Constitution which bears the name of the land of their birth." This, we repeat, is eminently
satisfactory, because it indicates clearly that, in spite of the divisions which exist among the Craft in this
Colony, the career of Freemasonry itself has prospered.

* * * *
We assume that Bro. Gillon is a man who is in the habit of weighing well the words that he utters, and he
tells us in the address to which we are referring that the Lodges under the new Constitution are prosperous,
and are receiving into their number " a most desirable class of young men." Nor, it seems, is this renewal of
prosperity confined to those existing under his own Constitution. " Not only," says he, " have our own
Lodges thriven wonderfully under the new rule, but it has stirred up the dry bones of other Constitutions as
well, and there is more vitality in the Craft now than ever before."

* * * *
We note with pleasure the tone in which he speaks of the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland, and the
evident sincerity with which he expresses a hope that at no distant period those Grand Lodges will be
induced to recognise the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

* * * *
We join with him in hoping that " Lord Onslow will be in a position to put " the position of the Grand Lodge
of New Zealand " in a truer light before the Grand Lodge of England ; " that be will be able to explain that
we are not an aggressive body, that we do not seek to coerce any Lodge into submitting to our jurisdiction,
desiring none to join us save as the result of conviction, that doing so will be to their benefit and that of the
Craft ; " and that " he will be able to inform the Grand Lodge of England how quickly this conviction is
spreading amongst the Lodges, as evidenced by the number throwing in their lot with us month by month." If
this can be done either by Bro. Lord Onslow or another, it this conviction can be brought home to the minds
of the authorities of our Grand Lodge that the time is fast approaching when a preponderance of opinion will
be found among our New Zealand Brethren of the various Constitutions in favour of the establishment of a
Grand Lodge, which shall be the sovereign ruler of the Craft in the Colony, and independent of the Grand
Lodges of the United Kingdom, we venture to think our Grand Lodge authorities will interpose no obstacle
to the attainment of so desirable an object, and Bro. Gillon, and those who think and act with him, may rest
assured that the gratification of their wishes is only a question of time. It is, indeed, already pretty generally
recognised in England, that when a Masonic community in one of our British Colonies is practically
unanimous in its desire to be governed by a local Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge of England is prepared to
renounce its supremacy over the Lodges existing in such Colony by virtue of the warrants granted by its
Grand Master. But it is most unreasonable to expect that it should surrender its rights at the bidding of a
minority, or when public opinion is so evenly divided that it is difficult to say which are the more numerous
body, those who desire the new, or those who would retain the old order of things. Let it, however, be made
unmistakably clear that the former are the preponderant body, and the desired autonomy will be at once
granted, with the solitary proviso appended, that such existing lodges as desire it shall be at liberty to remain
in their present allegiance.—The Freemason (London).

_________________
The Ritual. HOW vastly different from the manner which obtains now, was that in which our sires and
grandsires sought to obtain proficiency in the Masonic ritual ! Then there were no such things as printed
rituals, " keys " to the degrees, " handy helps " to the various offices, or the like. Our ritual was a matter of

tradition, handed down (like the other Masonic secrets) from one generation to another; and screened from
the attacks of the insidious by a veil of the most im- penetrable secrecy. The Brother who desired to advance
in his Lodge put himself under the tutelage of a friend, who was an experienced Past Master in the Order.
From him he learnt the stations of the various inferior and superior officers, together with the peculiar
formulæ appertaining to each. Whilst filling these offices, and acquiring proficiency in their duties, he also
carefully " under-studied " in the same way the difficult and important delivery of the supreme chair. He thus
obtained a competent; knowledge of the latter, little by little, building as it were a solid superstructure upon a
sound foundation. When; therefore, the summit of his ambition was attained, and the voices of the Brethren
proclaimed him their Master, he was in all respects fitted to fulfil the functions of that high and important
station. No superficial .knowledge was his; for by the kindly and judicious ministrations of his " guide,
philosopher, and friend," he had become thoroughly and accurately grounded and tested in every portion of
the work. Thus carefully trained he was, of course, amply competent to impart instruction to others ; and not
merely had he learnt the text, but also he had acquired a complete acquaintance with the correct inflection of
each sentence, the proper emphasis, and the most effective delivery. The knowledge which he had thus
assiduously acquired, lie felt, of course, bound in honour to impart to others when they in turn sought his
assistance to perfect them in our art, It became with him a " labour of love," as it had been with the truly
erudite Past Master who had instructed him ; and thus our rituals were preserved amongst the Brethren only,
and were securely screened from the attacks of the insidious. Now-a-days the aspiring candidate for the
Eastern chair, who should seek to obtain information in such a manner would be laughed to scorn, or simply
referred to the "neat pocket-edition with a flap," etc. which the studious Mason may consider his vade
mecum. Thus it frequently happens that a Brother, who through fortuitous circumstances manages to pass
through the Warden's chairs within two or three years after his initiation, finds no difficulty whatever in
accepting the W.M.'s collar. Nor does he experience the slightest diffidence as to his competence to
administer the degrees. Is it not all in print under the authority of Grand Lodge ? Indeed, for that very reason
it is seldom that any Brother studies before his election to the chair. He simply "crams," like an insufficiently
educated student who is " rushing " an examination or an actor called upon to sustain a lengthy part upon
short notice. fie becomes letter-perfect in the degrees, and rolls them off glibly enough; but his knowledge is
so purely superficial that if called upon unexpectedly to initiate, pass, or raise he would make a very
indifferent hand at it, and, in many cases, three months after vacating the Chair he has all but forgotten the
whole. This really accounts for so many unqualified W.M.'s who put in their twelve months of office;
inexpert, inexperienced, and all unfitted for their responsible duties. Brethren who, when the Duke of Sussex
was Grand Master, never would and never could have been found occupying the Chair of K.S. But there is
another reason why the keeping of printed rituals is so very objectionable namely, the difficulty of
preventing their falling into the hands of the uninitiated. Brethren may lock up their "cram-books," but keys
are occasionally forgotten (setting aside the contingency of duplicates) ; drawers and book-cases are left
unfastened, and then what amusement to the household is the discovery of " Pa's " or " Brother Jack's " "
Mason Book." In the case of a bachelor residing in lodgings, he has no safeguard at all, unless he keeps his
ritual constantly in his pocket ; and even then he will forget it some day.

What with the daily publication of reports of Masonic proceedings in the secular press, and the authorised
use of printed rituals, it will soon become a telling satire to call Freemasonry a " secret " society in any
sense.--Freemason's Chronicle (Sydney).

_________
Founders' Qualifications WHO are fit and proper Craftsmen to be entrusted with the privilege of starting a
New Lodge ? This is a question very easy to ask, but most difficult to answer, and a careful consideration of
the subject, which we have recently undertaken with the view of discussing it pro and con, justifies us in
regarding it as one of the most delicate it is the duty of the heads of the Craft to decide in the interests of the
whole body of members of the Order. After all it is very little use to preach caution to members of Lodges as
to the admission of candidates, if the power of making Masons indiscriminately is conferred on men who are
incapable of appreciating the motives which call for so much caution, or who allow personal considerations
to stand before public policy when they have to decide whether to admit a candidate or keep him outside the
ranks of the Order. In this connection we can imagine the authorities first asking for the proposed founder's
motive in starting a new Lodge, and then having to decide how far the expressed motive coincides with the
true reason which actuates the body of brethren who seek to possess the Warrant. Without question the desire
to acquire office is one of the principal causes which is at work in this direction, and no doubt Grand Lodge
fully recognises this in coming to a decision one way or the other. Are the founders, or nearly all of them,
untried men ? If so, is there a fair reason to expect they will make efficient Officers ? On the other hand, if

they are all, or nearly all of them, experienced Masons—many of them Past Masters of one or more
Lodges—then the authorities must ask themselves why they desire further cares of office ? This will perhaps
be best answered by supposing that they are fired with the laudable ambition which Freemasonry recognises
as being desirable, nay, even essential, in every member of the Order—the ambition to excel.—Freemason's
Chronicle.

_________________
The Elements of Real Success. ON a previous occasion we endeavoured to put on record our honest doubts
of the claims of a long muster-roll and a big balance to be considered as the hall-marks of a prosperous
Lodge. Now, perhaps, it is only logical to follow our statement of what we doubt with a similar exposition of
what we believe in ; and at the onset we shall lay it down as an axiom that the more thoroughly a Lodge puts
into practice the good old motto of the Order, " Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth," the more completely it
establishes it raison d'etre. Following these lines, then, we should say that the Master who can point to a
Lodge— whether large or small in number—which is at peace within its borders, where Brethren have not
sullied their aprons with any personal quarrels ; who have attended regularly throughout the year ; who are,
to all appearances, satisfied with their Officers ; and who show a cordial feeling one towards another ; has
something to boast of in the way of " Brotherly Love." Whether such a result is attained or not, depends
largely on the W.M. If he is in earnest about the Craft ; if he exerts himself to the utmost in promulgating the
genuine principles of the Order ; if he possesses that indescribable conglomeration of qualities known as tact
; if he is not afraid of intervening, in a quiet way, to smooth down little misunderstandings, whether outside
or inside the Lodge ; and above all, if he exerts his personal influence to prevent anyone being admitted save
those likely to be entirely in harmony with the existing members, he can largely promote that principle which
more than any other underlies Masonic efficiency, " Brotherly Love," and one very obvious result of that "
Brotherly Love " will be that, the Lodge being a pleasant place of resort, the attendance will bear a fair
comparison with the muster-roll. A Lodge with an average attendance of fifteen and a roll of twenty
members is, to our mind, a much more prosperous institution than one with a hundred members and an
attendance of thirty. If brethren once admitted to our noble Order fail to appreciate it afterwards, then we are
inclined to think that either their Lodge or their Master fails somewhere, in love for the Brotherhood or the
individual Brother. And similarly that Lodge best exemplifies " Belief " which can point to the largest sum
expended in relieving the necessities of Masons, or their family connections. A place at the top of the Charity
List is a more honourable position than one at the head of the contributions to the General Fund of the
District ; and that the former does not always necessitate the latter is proved by the fact that not seldom small
Lodges entirely distance their big sisters in the books of the Masonic Charities. Do your duty, first to the
needy of your own cable tow's length ; next to the Charities of your District ; and when their wants are fully
supplied, to the great Home Institutions which are ever needing help. A big charity expenditure is a better
thing than a big balance at the Bank. Then as to " Truth." This is best exemplified by a Lodge which can
point to a faultless rendering of its ceremonies by Officers who know their work, scorn artificial help, and
impress the neophyte with the glorious lessons taught by the Order ; which can show a record of attempts to
instruct their Brethren by books, lectures, and the like, in something beyond the mere parrot-like repetition of
the ritual ; and which number in their ranks reading and thinking Masons. To sum up, a Lodge which
exemplifies the motto of the Order is loyally performing its Masonic duty. It weighs hearts instead of
counting heads, and it is established on a base which will stand firm for ever.—South African ffireenzason.

Life Membership THE Grand Lodge of Quebec shows a net increase of membership since 1870 of only 484.
During that period of twenty-two years the suspensions and resignations, less the restorations numbered
3,947. Grand Secretary Isaacson says, truly enough, that this state of things is not satisfactory, and discusses
the question of a remedy.

He says :—
The question of life members has been discussed pro and con, but when one looks at the vast array of members
lost to the Craft by suspensions alone, not to mention resignations and the vast army of dimitted members, one
cannot help asking why some remedy cannot be devised to change this state of affairs. To our mind the only
remedy is life membership. Members should be encouraged while they are young and active in the Craft to
make provision for the future, and to have their names enrolled on the honour list of their Lodge, that whatever
fortune may have in store for them, their standing as Masons will be provided for. No man can foretell what
the future may bring forth, and a wise man in the days of his prosperity will provide for the future. If life
membership were encouraged and a wise scheme by which the funds secured from that source invested as a
special fund, no Lodge would suffer, but the Craft as a whole would be benefitted and the disgrace of so many
suspensions would be blotted out, and the number of dimitted members lessened.

Many Lodges that have tried the experiment of life membership on a large scale have found the result very
unsatisfactory. The number of life members may become so large that the income of the Lodge is insufficient
to cover its expenses. Under such circumstances the paying members are anxious to get out, and outsiders are
reluctant to come in. The consequence can hardly be other than the death of the Lodge or its consolidation
with a stronger one. Bro. Isaacson makes a suggestion, however, by which trouble of the sort may be averted,
and that is to invest the money received for life membership as a special fund to provide for future demands.
No doubt this might be done in such a way as to provide a sufficient income, but such a scheme would have
to be well matured and carried out with rigid exactness. While the large number of withdrawals is to be
regretted, it is doubtful whether there is any remedy for it, unless it be greater care in making Masons. When
members lose interest in the fraternity, the continuance of their membership is a doubtful benefit. Besides, it
may well be questioned whether many of this class would be willing to pay the sum necessary to make them
life members.— Masonic Home Journal.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF MENTION

NEW brooms sweep clean, but it takes an old broom to go round the corners. FREEMASONRY is not a
benefit society. It only relieves where charity is needed.

THE English Lodge at Palmerston North contemplate joining the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

AT the last meeting of the Grand Lodge of Scotland it was decided by 100 to 39 to increase materially the
initiation fee.

THE Grand Lodge of New York has unanimously ordered the Grand Lecturer to eliminate all sectarian
allusions from the ritual.

IF a Lodge wants to be well worked and harmonious (says the South African Freemason) let it support a
Lodge of Instruction.

IT is estimated that the annual income of the Fraternity is upwards of X5,000,000, practically all of which is
used for purposes of charity.

Bro. EDWARD MA CBEAN, one of the ablest of Scotch Masons, has been raising his voice against the
exceedingly low subscriptions of Scottish Lodges.

BRO. SYDNEY SMITH, editor of Iowa Masonry, acknowledges the receipt of The New Zealand Craftsman.
We regret we cannot return the compliment.

EVERY man has in his own life follies enough ; in his own mind trouble enough ; in his own future evil
enough, without being curious after the affairs of others.

1730. ENACTED, that punch will be sold at a Profit of five-pence per bottle, and every brother who does not
consume half a bottle is to pay a fine of six-pence.

1811. No applicant is to be received without paying the Lodge Dues in Ready Money. Carried.

Mother Kilwinning, the oldest Scottish lodge, has taken a new departure--it has commenced to work the
Mark Degree, which is often given in Craft Lodges in Scotland.

The queer fashion that Templars have of calling excursions pilgrimages was imitated last summer by the
Butchers and Grocers, of Lewiston, who advertised a pilgrimage to Portland harbor.—Token.

Look at this from the S.C. 1736. "Resolved that the Stock (funds of the Lodge) shall be laid out in Meal ;" in
order, that the brethren might provide themselves with the staple article of diet at Cost Price.

THE Grand Lodge of New Zealand, upon the death of the Duke of Clarence, sent a cablegram of condolence
to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, through the Grand Secretary of England. An acknowledgment was sent to
"Mr Henry Thomson, Oamaru.”

THE District Grand Lodge of South Africa, Western Division, has inaugurated in Cape Town an institution
somewhat similiar to the Masonic Institute, Auckland.

A PAST MASTER asks, " Why should a Brother, through the exigencies of his avocation, be compelled to pay
heavy fines (for the affiliation fee is a fine) for having called off ?

IF an idea strikes you, which you think would benefit the Craft, don't keep it to yourself. Put it in shape on
paper and send it along to the CRAFTSMAN, when thousands of brethren will read it.

A LECTURE published in the Australasian Keystone by Bro. John Gaggin, asserts that a species of Masonry
akin to ours exists among the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, and he had visited their lodges.

Deacons are not mentioned in our records until 1727, when we first find them mentioned in Ireland, on
February 2, 1729. The Chairman was first called Grand Master in 1731, and Master in 1735.

LODGE St. Mary Caledonian and Operative, Inverness, has resolved that the honour of Masonic burial should
only be accorded to Brethren who have been in active membership for two years previous to decease.

A BROTHER in South Africa, wishing to accompany the Lodge " Star of Africa to Divine Service, was
refused admittance on the ground that he could not produce a clearance or demit from his Mother Lodge in
Melbourne.

THE records of some of the Lodges dating from the last century, are as amusing as instructive. Take this from
the E.C. 1739. Bro. C on his marriage generously treated the Lodge to a gallon of wine.--(Chisel in the
Keystone, Brisbane).

1753. BRO. - being intoxicated with Liquor interrupted our R.W.M. Br. — in the course of his Lectures in
Masonry, therefore it was unanimously agreed, that he should be fined one bottle of wine for such offence.

1754. BRO. proposes, that every member, or visitor, who brings a DOGG into the Lodge, shall be fined in the
sum of one shilling. A ballot was demanded and carried by a majority, that there should be no DOGG
brought.

GALIGNANI reports that a rather curious ceremony has taken place near Poitiers. The electric light has just
been laid on in the parish of St. Philomen, and the bishop of the diocese solemnly blessed the dynamos. A
special ritual had been composed for the ceremony.

WITH a good Master, Wardens, and other officers, promptly in their places and knowing their work, one of
the most valuable elements in a lodge will be always present—skilfully performed work. Without this no
lodge can prosper ; With it no lodge can fail.

THE South African Freemason informs its readers that somebody must " set the ball rolling." The editor
therefore is arranging for a meeting to discuss the pros and cons of a " United (sic) Grand Lodge of South
Africa." In the light of our own experience, we pity him.

THE First Grand Principal of Victoria, Sir W. J. Clarke, Bt., has conferred on Companion John James, the
past rank of First Grand Principal, in consideration of his valuable services in the cause of Freemasonry in
Victoria. Companion James is brother to the District Grand Secretary of Otago and Southland E.C.

THE Catholic congregations at Pressburg, Hungary, adopted a resolution expelling all members who are
Freemasons, and prohibiting and excluding all Freemasons from their organization. An appeal was taken
from their decision to the Cardinal Prince, Primas Simor, and this highest clerical authority in Hungary
sustained the appeal and invalidated the measure.

THE Bulletin Masonique is responsible for the following :--" A Brussels Lodge has decided that in future it
should adopt children brought up without any religion, and should only receive the profane who promise, in
case of marriage, not to have any religious ceremony. It has decided, besides, that funeral honours should
only be rendered to those brethren buried civilly (with civil rites)."

BRO. H. P. H. BROMWELL, of Denver, in a letter to the American Tyler, asserts that the American Indians
confer the secrets of medicine man in three degrees, and that they are substantially the same as Masonry, and
yet cannot have come from White Masonry. The fact that it is in three degrees would indicate that it did,
because if the connection dated back more than 200 years, it would be in one degree.

It has been truly said, " It is not what they possess but what they practice that makes them righteous." Let
Freemasons ever remember this. If we possess morality, relief, truth and brotherly love, and so do not
practice them, then we lie, and the truth is not in us. What will the world say if we do not remember the
teachings of our own symbols ? I say, again, look at the symbol of a point within a circle, embroidered by
two perpendicular parallel lines, and remember !

We are reminded by seeing occasionally the names of brethren as antagonists in lawsuits, that in former days
Masons settled a large portion of their disagreements in the Lodge room, and consequently heart-aches and
bitter feelings were avoided. This was a noble custom of those brethren who came as equals upon the
chequered floor. The rich man from his palace and the poor man from his home met upon the level, and in
harmony worked out the theory of Masonry.—Masonic Guide.

There are many members of the craft, especially among the " rank and file," who are not favorably disposed
to the power which Masonic rule and custom have have invested in the Worshipful Master. They believe in
the usage which applies in other organizations and gives a member on the floor the right of appeal to the
body. There are others however, who are strong believers in the present arbitrary use of the gavel, who
would under no circumstances favor any abridgement of its authority.—Toronto Freemason.

In 1765 the earliest instance of the use of the word Sublime is recorded in connection with " The Sublime
Degree of Master Mason." We are then told that " No Fellow of the Craft shall be raised to the Sublime
Degree of M. M. until he passes an examination, and is found capable thereof by a committee of at least
three M.M.'s, to be appointed for that purpose, and if found on the said examination rusty in the former parts,
must wait until brightened by further experience before he can be raised."

A CURIOUS strike is reported from Vancouver, B. C. A reporter on the World there used a capital I for
"independence." The compositor set up the word with a small letter. The proof-reader restored the capital I.
The compositors held a council and decided that the time spent in changing the letter should be charged to
the office. The manager and editor decided in favour of the big I, and the printer refusing to make the
correction, he was dismissed. Seven compositors left the office, and thus prevented an issue of the paper that
day. The Typographical Union fined the executive 50dols. and ordered the strikers back to work.

CHIEF JUSTICE WAY, Pro-Grand Master of South Australia, says that the Grand Lodges in America take a
closer supervision of the working than we do. There is a Grand Masonic Temple in New York, rivalling that
of Philadelphia, erected at a cost of between £30,000 and 240,000, which has all been paid. It contains many
lodge rooms, one of which seats 1,000. The rentals from the basement and the lodge rooms reach the sum of
211,000, every penny of which is available among the Masonic charities. At Utica they have established
schools for boys and girls, and a home for distressed brethren, the building being worth from £30,000 to
£40,000 all paid for.

A LOGICAL ARGUMENT.-A man was urged to take a newspaper.
" What is the use of taking it ? I never open it, so I don't know what's in it. What good would it do me ?"
" You take liver pills occasionally, don't you ?"
" Certainly."
" Do they do you any good ?',
" Of course they do."
" Did you ever open them and find what was in them ?"
That made him shell out the subscription price.—Texas Siftings.

THE Australasian Keystone Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd., Melbourne, has had a prosperous year, and
declared a 7 per cent dividend. Analysing the balance sheet we find that its circulation is about 2,300, and the
income a little over £1000. The New Zealand Craftsman can justly claim the largest circulation in
Australasia, for its present issue is 2,400.

BRO MOFFITT, a member of the Freemason's Literary Association of Victoria, thinks lodges might be made
more attractive to the great body of Masons who do not aspire to office by having, in addition to perfect
working, a good choir, and setting apart at regular intervals an off night, when no initiations, passings, or
raisings should take place, but which should be devoted to masonic lectures or the free discussion of any
subject of interest to Freemasonry.

"I MAY just remark that in 1890 our late Grand Secretary Very Wor. Bro. Shadwell H. Clarke, ruled very
definitely that " Candidates cannot apply " and struck out of the By-Laws the clause providing that all
applications, should be made in writing. I take it that it is expected that all candidates should be personally
known to the Proposer and Seconder, and that no candidate should be brought forward upon a mere
application in writing, and this appears to be a very wholesome regulation, and should be generally known.
We are sadly in want of a Masonic Book of Reference, or its equivalent."

CHIPS FROM THE TEMPLE.-A bright little four-page sheet published at Hampton, Virginia, recently gave an
account of the public installation of the officers of Lodge St. Tammany. The lodge-room was comfortably
filled with members of the Lodge and their families and friends. The exercises began about 8.15 The third
item in the " program " was the installation of the W.M. elect ; this was followed by item 4—a duet by
Misses Grace and Nellie Green. Item 5, the Wardens were installed. Miss Laura F. Betts then favoured the
company with a recitation " Masonic Emblems." Chips says the little folks all did well, etc. Truly our
Brethren in America do strange things !

THE Keystone, Brisbane, has an excellent " counterfeit presentment " of Bro. G. W. Speth in its last number.
We think we recognise the Master's hand to the article bearing the signature " J. S." The editor says the first
half-year has closed on the labours of the Keystone, and " thanks one and all for the kind appreciation of our
endeavours—and, if our birthplace has been slow in awakening to the interest of supporting their Journal—
its circulation has increased rapidly. Let us hope, its silent request may be answered—surely, if slowly." He
gracefully acknowledges having found " Old Friends " in the South Australian Freemason, the New Zealand
Craftsman, the Freemasons' Chronicle, and the South, African Freemason.

IF Masonry teaches us anything, it is to be courteous gentlemen. The Master of a Lodge is a host whose duty
is to make the stranger welcome to his Lodge, as though he were doing the honours of his own private home.
He should look around and note those whom he does not personally know, and as soon as possible reach out
his hand to that brother with a right royal Masonic welcome. The W.M. requires no introduction to strangers.
His badge of office tells who he is, and the heart of the lonely brother beats a warm response to his kindly
welcome. The visitor may stand high where he belongs, and feels proud of the fact, but when such position is
unknown or ignored through carelessness or inattention, he feels as though the honours of the Craft were but
an empty bubble after all.—The Tyler.

RESPECT woman ; do not abuse her debility, and die rather than dishonour her.

IF the G.A.O.T.U. gives you a son, return Him thanks, but tremble on account of the deposit He confides
you, because in future you will be to that child the image of the Divinity.

LET him up to his tenth year fear you, up to his twentieth respect you, and then until death love you.

UP to his tenth year be his master, to the twentieth his father, and until death his friend.

TEACH him first good principles, afterwards graceful manners, so that he may owe you an illustrious doctrine
rather than a frivolous elegance, that he may be an honest rather than an able man.

Translated from the Cadiz Masònico by Bro. Eli Broad.

OCTOBER 17, 1892] SUPPLEMENT TO NZ CRAFTSMAN
LODGE KAIKOUR.A. (Late 2236, E.C.), N.Z.C. 60.

BALANCE-SHEET
Of Funds raised on behalf of the Widow and Orphans of our late Bro. Jesse Baxter.

Dr. £ s. d. Cr. £ s. d.
To Contributions Received-- By Public Trustee for Cottage... 50 0 0
From Lodges as per list... 84 10 6 84 10 6 „ Repairs to Cottage 39 11 6
To Members Lodge Kaikoura... 30 15 0 „ Law Expenses ... 4 19 5
Interest on Fixed Deposit ... 0 15 0 ,, Stamps and Stationery ... 1 15 0

„ Allowance to Mrs Baxter … 17 10 0
„ Exchange on Cheques ...0 8 6 0 8 6
„ N.Z. CRAFTSMAN... 1 4 0

115 8 5
Balance in hand … 0 12 1

£116 0 6 £116 0 6

The members of Lodge Kaikoura desire to acknowledge their indebtedness to all the contributing Lodges and Brethren,
who have so materially assisted them in relieving the necessities of our late Bro. Jesse Baxter's widow and children.
Audited and found correct,
CALEB SMITH, P.M. J. H. SANDFORD, W.M.
W. H. Boyens, S.W. JAS. B. BORTHWICK

Secretary Lodge Kaikoura, No. 60. N.Z.C.

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VARIOUS LODGES, ENTERED AS RECEIVED.
£ s. d £ s. d

Malvern (1919, E.C.), N.Z.C., 35, Springfield
1 0 0

Somerset, 18H, E.C., Ashburton ... ...
1 1 0

Phoenix, 1690, E.C., Westport ... ... ...
2 2 0

Coromandel (456, I.C.), N.Z.C. 17 ... ...
1 0 0

Hastings (1812, E.C.), N.Z.C., 73, Napier ...
2 2 0

Palmerston South (1749 E.C.), N.Z.C. 26 ...
1 1 0

De Burgh Adams, 446, I.C., New Plymouth ...
1 1 0

St. John, 610, S.C., Invercargill ... ...
2 2 0

Ngamotu (2053, E.C.), N.Z.C., 48, New Plymouth
... 1 1 0

St. Patrick, 468, 1.0., Dunedin ... ... ... 1 1 0 Waikouati (2115, E.C.), N.Z.C., 57 ... ... 1 0 0
South Rakaia (1857 E.C.), N.Z.C., 31 ... 1 1 0 Bedford (464, I.C.), N.Z.C., 25, Waipukurau … 1 1 0
Waitohi, 2036, E.C., Picton ... ... 1 1 0 Taringatura, 743, S.C., Lumsden ... ... 1 1 0
Charleston Kilwinning, 487, S.C. ... 2 2 0 Marine, 942, E.C., Port. Chalmers ... ... 1 1 0
Abercorn (1813, E.C.), N.Z.C., 30 ... ... 0 10 6 Lodge of Otago (844, E.C.), N.Z.C. 7, Dunedin ... 1 0 0
Pacific, 1453, E.C., Reefton ... ... ... 2 2 0 Pacific, 1229, E.C., Hokitika ... 2 0 0
Montrose, No. 722, S.C., Gisborne ... ... 1 1 0 Hiram (2008, E.C.), N.Z.C., South Dunedin ... 1 1 0
Unanimity (604, E.C.), N.Z.C., 3, Lyttelton ... 2 2 0 S. Andrew (418, S.C.), N.Z.C., 8, Auckland ... 1 1 0
Mokoreta (2287, [C.C.), N.Z.C., 63, Wyndham . 0 10 6 Zealandia, 2072, E.C., Whangaroa ... ... 1 1 0
Feilding (1940, E.C.), N.Z.C., 41, Feilding ... 1 1 0 St. George, 1801, E.C., Dargaville ... ... 1 10 0
St. Andrew, N.Z.C., 32, Wellington ...

1 1 0
Manawatu Kilwinning (690, S.C.), N.Z.C. 47,
Palmerston North 2 0 0

Arrow Kilwinning, 637, S.C., Arrow own ... 0 17 6 Ara (348, I.0 ), N.Z.C., 1, Auckland ... 2 2 0
Geraldine, N.Z.C., 27 ... ... ... 1 13 0 Victory (1927, E.C.), N.Z.C., 40, Nelson ... 2 2 0
Canterbury, 1048, E.C., Christchurch ... ... 2 2 0 Southern Cross, N.Z.C., 9, Invercargill ... ... 1 1 0
St. Augustine (609, E.C.), N.Z.C., 4, Christchurch 6 0 0 Robert Burns, 604, S.C., Christchurch ... ... 1 0 0
Caledonian (534, S.C.), N.Z.C., 16, Timaru ... 2 2 0 Corinthian, 1655, E.C., Thames... 1 1 0
St. Augustine, 572, S.C., Waimate ... 2 2 0 Ionic, 1917, E.C., Leeston ... ... 1 1 0
Methven (S.C.), N Z.0 , 51 ... ... ... 2 2 0 Ulster (475, I.C.), N.Z.C., 62, Petone ... ... 1 1 0
(lreymouth, 1233, E.G. ... ... ... 2 2 0 St. Marks (2059, E.C.), N.Z.C., 53, Carter; on . 1 1 0
Lodge of Light, 454, I.C., Thames ... ... 1 0 0 Beta (450, I.C.), N.Z.C., 12, Hamilton, Waikato .. 1 1 0
Abercorn, (472, I.C.), N.Z.C., Gisborne ... 1 1 0 Harvey (695, S.C.). N.Z.C., 49, Gore ... ... 0 10 6
Amberley, 2007, E.C. ... ... ... ... 2 0 0 St. George, 1128, E.C., Lawrence ... ... 1 1 0
Kumara, N.Z.C., 65 ... ... 1 1 0 Board of Bevevolence, E.C., Canterbury ... 5 5 0
Hawera (652, S.C.), N.Z.C., 34 ... ... 1 1 6
St. Andrew Kilwinning (481, S.C.), N.Z.C. 79,
Wanganui 1 1 0

£84 10 6

_______________________________________________________________________________________

MISCELLANEOUS

FREEMASONS AND THE CHURCH.

THE Grand Master of New South Wales, Bro. His Excellency the Earl of Jersey, having consented to lay the
foundation-stone of the new Anglican Cathedral in Newcastle, on Thursday, June 2nd, Mr White and
Archdeacon White protested against the Masonic part of ceremony. The following discussion took place at
the afternoon session of the Synod on the Wednesday :—

Mr F. R. White drew attention to the fact that the proposed arrangements for laying the foundation-stone on
Thursday of the new cathedral with full Masonic honours made the church service subsidiary to the Masonic
Order, and protested against this. Dean Selwyn explained that this mode was adopted in laying the
foundation-stone of the Adelaide Cathedral, and also stated that a similar ceremony had been carried out at
Truro Cathedral by the Prince of Wales, and had been a success in every way. It was, he said, a great
assistance to have the aid of such a God-fearing, upright, and honourable body of men as the Masons on such
an occasion as this. The Rev. S. Simm supported the views of Dean Selwyn. The Rev. S. C. J. Grime pointed
out that the ceremony opened with the usual church service, and this was continued up to a certain point.
Then the Masonic service commenced, and was carried on to the end of the ceremony. Archdeacon White at
first protested against the adoption of the Masonic service, but afterwards viewed it in a different light. Dean
Selwyn thought he could not do better than follow the example of such good churchmen as the Bishop of
Adelaide. He read part of the service as being purely the Church of England service. Mr F. White was glad
this was in the service, but read other parts showing that a great deal was attached to Masonry alone. Sir J. P.
Abbott said that English Masonry would not recognise French Masonry, because the latter body did not
recognise the Creator, as the English Masons did. He saw a great difficulty in His Excellency the Governor
performing the ceremony of laying a foundation-stone unless as head of the Masons in this colony. He was to
perform this not as Governor of the colony but as the Grand Master of the Order in New South Wales. He
recommended Archdeacon White to become a Mason, and he would then see the good that was in that order.
Freemasons disclaimed anything that ignored the existence of God. (Hear, hear.) Archbishop Vaughan made
a mistake in treating the English Masons as alien or French Masons. The Rev. F. M. Swindlehurst pointed
out that in mediaeval ages it was customary for Masons to lay the foundation-stones of all cathedrals and
other ecclesiastical buildings. He was in favour of the Masonic service. Bishop Stanton said he believed that
the Masons were a worthy body of men, and it seemed not at all inappropriate to invite them to assist at the
ceremony. He said that he communicated with the Bishop of Adelaide, who had sent him a copy of the
Masonic service used at the laying of the foundation-stone of the Adelaide Cathedral. The Bishop of
Adelaide was a man whom he would be always glad to follow. The prominent parts of the service would be
taken by the Primate of Australasia and the Bishop of Bathurst. The Church of England would have its full
share of the service, and the Masons would also have their legitimate share, in accordance with past
ecclesiastical history. He trusted the whole community would attend the ceremony and service. He thought a
hard and fast line on such occasions should not be insisted upon. The presence of the Masons would be of
interest to the whole community of Newcastle. He felt that he, as Bishop of Newcastle, would be in his
proper place in the service, although not a Mason. He believed that when the service was over the members
of the Synod would feel that they had done the right in inviting the Masons to be present. (Applause). The
matter then dropped.

_____________________________
Physiologists say that the older a man grows the smaller his brain becomes. This explains why the old man
knows nothing, and the young one everything.

****** <Note page numbering and separation of Supplement from other pages has been changed from
the original so that articles are not split.> ***********

MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER, 1892
1892
NOV

AUCKLAND. HAWKES BAY. WELLINGTON. NELSON. CANTERBURY.
OTAGO AND
SOUTHLAND

Tues. Manukau Patea Progress
1 Ponsonby Otangaki

Stratford
Wed. B. of G. P. Abercorn Bulls Rakaia Waitaki

2 Coromandel Manawatu Kil Malvern Harvey
Wairoa Tararua

Papakura
Thurs. Beta I Hawera St. Johns Advance Southern Cross Hercules

3 Te Aroha Ashley Mokoreta
St. George Penins'la SC
Concord
Methven
Kaikoura

Crown, S.C.
Fri. Albion Rangatira Kumara Phoenix Southern
4 Franklin Otaki Phoenix, E.C. Cross

Hokianga Greytown Killarney, I.C. Palmerston
St. John's S.C.

Mon. Bedford Feilding Leinster Robert Burns
7 Abercorn (Gisborne)

Tues. Eden Victoria St. Marks Foxton Wairau St. Augustine Waikouaiti
8 Mangonui Ruahine S. Star, E.C.

Greymouth EC
Pacific, E.C.

Wed. Rawhiti Masterton Otago
9 Heretaunga Fortitude

Oamaru Kil.
Thurs. Alpha St. Andrew Caledonian Aparima

10 Kilwinning Ashburton, E.C. St. John EC
Fri. Taringatura
11 S.C.

Victoria I.C.
Mon. Waterloo

14
Tues. St. Andrew Victory Robert Burns,

15 Sir W. Scott S.C.
Wed. Ara Ulster Geraldine

16
Thurs. Zealandia E.C. Scinde Tongariro,E.0 Canterbury Kil

17 winning
Fri. Ngamotu
18 Wellington, E.C.

Tues. Aorangi, E.C. Hiram
22

Thurs. St. Andrew's Unanimity
24

Mon. Pacific Lincoln Clutha
28 Ngapara

Wed. United Service St. Andrew
30 Kilwinning

**** <Pages 1598 to 1606 not scanned > ****