W. BROTHER MILES REGINALD BREE, OF GORE,

JUNIOR GRAND DEACON, N.Z.C.

———

BRO. BREE is a son of the late Rev. Bree, who was so many years Incumbent of All Saints' Church,

Ponsonby. He has, however, been a resident nearly all his life in the southern portion of New Zealand, and

where all his Masonic career has been passed. In 1877, W. Bro. Bree saw light in Lodge Southern Cross, No.

997, E.C. ; in 1879, Holy Royal Arch in southern Cross Chapter attached to above, Invercargill ; 1879,

Knight Templar in Priory of Otago, Dunedin ; 1881, Mark Master in South Kilwinning, R.A. Chapter, No.

185, S.C. ; 1889, appointed District Senior Grand Deacon, E.C , Otago and Southland, also elected District

Grand Steward, N.Z., South, S.C., with power to inspect and report on S.C. Lodges in Southland ; 1890,

Grand Steward, N.Z.C. ; 1891, Grand Steward, N.Z.C. ; 1892. Junior Grand Deacon, N.Z.C. In 1882, was

one of the founders, really the principal one of Lodge Harvey, 605, S.C., Gore ; took office first year as S.M.,

next year D.M., and following year R.W.M. In 1888, founded Lodge Mokoreta at Wyndham, No. 2287,

E.C.; was W.M. for first two years, was presented by Lodge with valuable P.M. Jewel, an Illuminated

Address, framed and signed by all members, and a purse of sovereigns for Mrs Bree. In 1890, with Bro. Geo.

Crosbie and T. Minteath, founded, and was first W.M.M. of the Mokoreta Mark Lodge, Wyndham, now No.

1 under the Supreme Grand Chapter of New Zealand.

Bro. Bree was the representative of Southland at the erection of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand at

Christchurch, April 1890, and has always been one of its warmest supports.

In Craft Masonry, Bro. Bree has shown himself to be a most thorough exponent of the ritual and ceremonial

of both the English and Scotch working.

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TO OUR READERS.

———

This issue marks the opening of a new chapter in the history of the CRAFTSMAN.

Arrangements consequent upon the change of Proprietory being now complete, the duty of guiding the

destines of the paper has for the present devolved upon the writer of these lines. The paper, so far, has not

proved a Bonanza to the Proprietors ; and the responsibility resting upon the editor's shoulders under such

circumstances is of course very much increased and added too, while there is the additional fact that filling

the editorial chair is a novel experience to us. We shall strive, however, to do our duty fearlessly and

earnestly, and with your hearty and zealous co-operation we are confident of achieving 'I result reflecting

credit on the craft, and satisfactory to the editor and publisher.

It will be our policy to present all matters coming before the Masonic world in a spirit of fairness and

impartiality.

We have opinions of our own on most subjects, and shall not hesitate to, express them when the exigencies

of the case require it. But the paper is the organ of no clique or body, and while representing all sides will

give undue prominence to none.

We purpose devoting our energies rather to the practical than the speculative features of Freemasonry ; and

while paying due attention to the history and traditions of the past will in all essential particulars aim to be a

magazine of to-day.

The proprietor does not claim of be animated purely by philanthropic motives. The CRAFTSMAN is a business

enterprise, and will be conducted strictly on business methods.

As it would be impossible for you to be well informed on the ordinary topics of the day without reading the

newspapers, so it is impossible for you to be a well-informed Mason without reading your Masonic paper,

but we claim from you no duty of support ; we hope to make the paper worthy of your patronage, and expect

to obtain the same only as that result is merited. As a contemporary has well said. "There is a wide difference

between the brother who meets you and says, "I hope your paper will be a success," and the one who reaches

down in his pocket and says, "Here send me your paper for a year." In the latter case the success is assured."

NOTIFY US PROMPTLY.

If you fail to receive your paper.

If the address needs correction.

If you know of a brother to whom you wish a sample copy sent.

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RECOGNITION.

———

IT is always both interesting and instructive to "see ourselves as others see us," the following extracts from a

letter written by a member of the Craft in England to a friend in Auckland are, therefore, well worth careful

study.

The writer is an acknowledged authority on Masonic subjects in "The Old Country," and his opinions always

carry weight, it being generally admitted that few are better informed on this particular branch of study.

He says, "Personally I sympathise completely with the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, which I think has been

very unfairly treated by its own countrymen. I flatter myself that I have been able to read between the lines

of the ostensible history of the movement as generally accepted here, and I have seen throughout that

"cussedness," pure and simple, on the part of certain leaders of Masonry under the old regime has been the

one obstacle to a unanimous movement. There was no valid reason why the whole of the Lodges should not

have united in the movement, but it is now evidently only a question of a little time. I have always regarded

the doctrine held by our Grand Lodge that a minority, no matter how small, can, in the face of a majority

defy opinion and over-ride resolutions legally passed, to be extremely vicious, untenable and unjust. It is

utterly opposed to the elementary teachings of the Craft, which inculcate the duty of acquiescing in any

decision of a majority of the brethren, and it is most mischevious and calculated to breed bad blood, as has

been proved over and over again in Canada and elsewhere. The Grand Lodge of England itself would have

been nowhere if such ruling had been laid down early last century. Entire ignorance prevails at headquarters

as regards your colony and its requirements ; very few people in England even at this day, know anything

whatever about New Zealand, a large proportion entertain a notion that you are all semi-savages. 1 don't

believe that our Colonial Board have realised the fact that New Zealand, so far as civilization is concerned, is

equal to ourselves, and as regards enterprise and energy, immeasurably superior to the Old Country.

I quite hope very shortly to see you get such a large accession of Lodges that universal recognition can no

longer be denied you. I think that the intemperate and childish language and conduct of your opponents in

the colony will do you no harm, but on the contrary will disgust all right-minded Masons with the cause that

has to resort to such means for support "

We commend these sensible remarks to our despotic District Grand Masters and their satellites.

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FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND.

———

UNDER this heading, there appeared in The Otago Daily Times of 4th February about a column of hysterical

vulgar Billingsgate signed " Past Master." We are pleased to find the Grand Master has treated this torrent of

mendacious and impudent scurrility with the contempt it merits, but it is astonishing how many believe

whatever they see in print. This precious production, moreover, was reprinted in The New Zealand Herald,

who were innocently led to believe it was of sufficient importance to warrant their giving it further publicity;

only proving how easy it is to gull a newspaper in reference to subjects upon which those connected with the

paper have no knowledge, special or other.

But what shall we say of the District Grand officers in Auckland who were so dead to all sense of shame, so

utterly deficient in honour and decency as to authorise the printing and circulating among their Lodges of

slips containing this disgraceful letter? To the credit of many of these Lodges be it recorded that they

indignantly refused to receive it, and probably the effect in many cases may prove very different from what

was expected and intended by the author and publishers.

These "rulers of the Craft " much mistake the temper and capacity of the brethren composing Lodges which

from "circumstances of unavoidable misfortune and calamity" owe them obedience, if they suppose that

intelligent members of the Craft will accept as gospel and swallow unchallenged statements such as those

contained in this Dunedin letter, which are so palpably incorrect; so maliciously venomous, so utterly

opposed to the spirit of Masonry, and so very easily disproved.

"Past Master's" letter first takes exception to Brother Niccol's speech (which by the way was not delivered in

Lodge, but was an after-supper one) as being "sugary" ; better this surely than "Past Master's" sour and

vinegary style, but positively there is no satisfying some people ; we remember another of Brother Niccol's

addresses being disparagingly referred to by the opposition as "flowery but effective."

Then to those who have been able to view calmly and dispassionately the struggle for supremacy between

the rival Masonic parties ; the dignified behaviour of the National party, the fretful, snappish and

contemptible conduct of the opposition must have stood out in strong contrast. To such observers it will be

amusing to find "Past Master" mendaciously accusing the New Zealand party of insults and vulgarities

towards their opponents, when it is notorious that the policy of the former has been so consistently and

patiently pacific, that their conduct has been misunderstood, and their silently submitting to language and

conduct amply justifying retaliation has not unfrequently being attributed to craven heartedness and inability

to defend themselves; instead of the true reason, namely, their firm resolve never under any provocation to

forget their duty as Masons.

We say advisedly and most, positively that all the insults and vulgarities, the offensive conduct, untruthful

statements, and trickery have proceeded from the opposition, and this precious letter of "Past Master's" is a

case in point. Just look at the bare-faced attempt to make it appear that £2000 has been already spent in

printing, travelling expenses, and Secretary's salary, the writer knowing full well when he wrote this, that one

half the sum stated would be nearer the mark, and the item for travelling expenses, upon which such stress is

laid, is only £324 all told.

The deliberate object of this and other similar untruthful statements is to mislead and alarm unthinking

members of the Craft; we say unthinking for the accounts of Grand Lodge are so full, so clear, and so widely

distributed, that no member of any Lodge who gives the least thought to the subject could possibly be led to

believe such a baseless fabrication.

"Past Master" refers sneeringly to Brother Niccol's remark "that the future of Grand Lodge is assured," but

the squirming of "Past Master" shows that he, too, realises this fact and is correspondingly furious. Verily the

iron is entering his soul ; he sees his autocratic power slipping away from him, no longer can he cajole or

bully his long-suffering victims into the belief that the end and object of their existence as Masons is to

maintain the empty pageant of a District Grand Lodge and a horse-leech Secretary. Members of Lodges are

beginning to think for themselves, their eyes are opened to the fact that Masonry has too long had "a name to

live but is dead," and are determined to deliver themselves from bondage.

The number of Lodges on the roll of Grand Lodge has increased about 75 per cent in three years in the face

of organised, strenuous, and unprincipled opposition; who shall say what may not be accomplished during

the next three years if "to ourselves we be but true." But there has been no touting for either Lodges or

members; on the contrary we know that Grand Lodge has repeatedly refused to charter Lodges in places

where their success appeared doubtful, and we trust this conservative policy will be rigidly maintained.

Then we come to the charge of "filching of charters," whatever that may mean. This is a charge so loudly

made, and so persistently repeated, that probably those who first set the story going, well knowing its falsity,

have now almost persuaded themselves of its truth, but we challenge " Past Master" to specify a single

instance of Grand Lodge having improperly obtained or retained a charter. On the contrary, we here engage

to prove conclusively that many charters have been dishonestly carried off by "loyal" minorities acting under

directions from District Grand Lodges And where in some cases Lodges which had joined the New Zealand

Constitution were foolish enough to give up their charters to District Grand Lodges, the most improper and

dishonourable use has been made of these charters to the prejudice and injury of those who relied on the

sacred promise of Masons high in office.

But the gospel according to District Grand officers says New Zealand Masons have no rights, no title to

consideration of any kind, that in fact the honour of the Craft demands that they shall be persecuted, and if

possible utterly destroyed as heretics, let them be "anathema maranatha," and they who promote this glorious

work are maintaining the integrity and dignity of the Craft—save the mark! Can we wonder that the rulers of

Grand Lodge view with grave suspicion the extreme anxiety of their opponents to get possession of these

charters, and decline to believe in the purity and disinterestedness of their motives? The leaders of Grand

Lodge may be donkeys as impertinently suggested by "Past Master," but not such donkeys as trust a second

time to those who have already deceived them.

"Past Master" hypocritically deplores the division of the Craft, but who is responsible for this?

Among the rank and file of the Lodges, whether English, Irish, Scotch, or New Zealand, the warmest and

most friendly feeling still exists.

The leaders of the New Zealand Constitution inculcate and honestly practise the duties incumbent on Masons

towards each other, irrespective of party or constitution.

It is the rulers of the District Grand Lodges, and they alone, who have created and who foster this feeling of

antagonism which is degrading us in the eyes of all men. Could we but draw aside the veil of anonymity

which screens "Past Master," we would assuredly discover either a District Grand Master clinging to office

from which his brethren would fain eject him had they the power to do so; or a District Grand Secretary who

fears the loss of the emoluments of office which, in his eyes, are paramount to all else.

Alas for the weakness and selfishness of human nature! The first executive of Grand Lodge saw much of the

seamy side of Masonry, in connection with filling the paid office of Secretary.

How many of our now bitter opponents were then prepared to sacrifice their principles to secure that office?

How smiling and bland while their chances were warm, how stern and unrelenting now!

A correspondent has drawn our attention to an article in The West Coast Times warmly approving "Past

Master's " trenchant letter, as the editor calls it (pity it is not truthful, but truth don't reckon with some folk).

A perusal of this article convinces us it emanates from another District Grand Master who has given ample

evidence of his fitness for the position of Grand Inquisitor of Spain, and his utter want of qualification for the

office he disgraces by an entire absence of Masonic charity and common courtesy. He speaks of the Grand

Master as "a Brother Niccol of Auckland," why not of New Zealand?

How many of these D.G.M.'s, we wonder, would be elected even to their present office, let alone to that of

Grand Master, if they had to submit to the ordeal, but they take precious good care not to risk it.

They know well that their only chance of occupying office lies in keeping a firm grip of their present

positions, and that the day that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is recognised will see them relegated to

obscurity, hence their bitter hostility, which may retard but cannot prevent the accomplishment of that object.

—————

REVIVAL OF LODGE EDEN, NO. 1530, E.C.

ON 23th March, there was a great gathering of the "loyal" brethren (as they delight to call themselves) in the

Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road. Newton, to welcome Lodge Eden back to its old allegiance.

This is how it was put by several speakers that evening, and industrious efforts have been made to give this

colour to the affair throughout the colony, but it is an unfair and erroneous construction to put on what

occurred all the same.

The facts briefly are these—

At the last meeting of Lodge Eden. No 20, a number of the members called off, giving no reason whatever

for their doing so, although it was evident that their action was concerted and with some ulterior object in

view. The Worshipful Master, Brother Williams, was completely taken by surprise, and begged to be

enlightened, but could not extract a word of explanation, probably because of the fact of Bro. Ronaldson,

Grand Secretary, and other visitors being present.

After the Lodge was closed, the conspirators informed the Master that Lodge Eden, No. 1530, E.C., was to

be re-opened, and that they had called off from the New Zealand Constitution to enable them to join the E.C.

Lodge. The reason given for their taking this retrograde step is, that unless they did so their property would

pass to the District Grand Lodge, E.C., in terms of the trust deeds.

This property consists of the hall in which the Lodge meets fronting Karangahape Road, and represents a

money value of above £1000.

It is held by trustees appointed by the Lodge some ten years ago, and the terms of the deed are that the

property is held in trust for Lodge Eden, No. 1530, E.C. Should the Lodge cease to exist, the property is to

vest in the District Grand Lodge, E.C., for Masonic Charitable Purposes.

In consequence of what transpired at last meeting of Grand Lodge in Dunedin in reference to incorporating

Grand Lodge to enable it to hold property, etc , it appears that District Grand Lodge of Auckland, E.C.,

became alarmed, lest this might enable Grand Lodge to get hold of Lodge Eden's property. Pressure was

brought to bear on some of the members, and as a result a plot was concocted, that all hands should resign

from the N.Z.C., and that the old charter should be revived. This old charter was in the hands of Brother

Dickinson, who was W.M. when the Lodge joined the N.Z.C., but who did not go with his Lodge at that

time. He was, however, the only member who held aloof or was opposed to the step then taken, consequently

the charter became dead, and a Lodge cannot now be legally opened under it. That will not perhaps appear of

much importance to the District Grand officers to whom it comes quite natural to do what seems best to them

regardless of whether it is legal or not; but it may lead to nasty complications in the future affecting the

status of the members of the so called Lodge Eden, No. 1530, E.C., which is practically a "bogus " Lodge,

and also gravely concerning the trustees of the property, whom it behoves to be extremely careful in the

present juncture. The law is sometimes pretty hard on trustees, and one at least of them is worth powder and

shot.

The plot so cunningly contrived did not completely succeed, there being more than three members of Lodge

Eden, No. 20, N.Z.C., remaining this charter is still alive, and no resolution to rejoin the E.C. was submitted

or adopted. This, the legitimate Lodge Eden, will therefore continue in existence, and is legally entitled to the

possession, use, and enjoyment of the property.

We observe that at the re-opening farce the hope was freely indulged in that this is "only the beginning of the

end, etc.," and stories of other Lodges to follow were freely current. We need hardly say there is no truth in

these reports. On the contrary, petitions for several new Lodges will be presented to Grand Lodge on 28th

inst., and the acquisition of strength by Lodges joining still proceeds as actively as ever.

It is amusing to read of the telegrams from all quarters offering congratulations, quite spontaneous of course?

We have said and shall say nothing condemnatory of the conduct of the majority of Lodge Eden, we leave

them to the tender mercies of their own consciences.

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LODGE REPORTS.
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PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE, S.C., NORTH ISLAND.

————

The quarterly meeting of the above Lodge was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Auckland. Bro. W.

McCullough, R.W.D.G.M., presided. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Bros.

William Anderson, P.G.M. (depute.) ; A. Brodie, P.G.M. (sub.) ; P.G.S.W., A. C. Hugo (A. G. Baddily,

acting) ; P.G.J.W., B. H. Nicholls (M. J. Bennett, acting) ; P.G.S., Thomas Cantle (Wm. Laird, acting) ;

P.G.T. Thomas McWhirter (John Bowles Godkins, acting) ; P.G.C., Rev. F. Gould ; P.G.S.D., R. Farrell

(Alex. Peebles, acting) ; P.G.J.D., G. Matthewson (Win. Wilkinson, acting) ; P.G.J., Adolph Kohn ; P.G.A.,

Gerhard Mueller (E. J. Whiting, acting); P.G.B.B., James Erskine (W. Frisker, acting) ; P.G.D of C., J. R.

Hendry (William Lee, acting) ; P.G.B., D'Arcy Hamilton ; P.G.S.B., R. J. Johnson (Nicolaus Schumacher,

acting) ; P.G.D. of M., S. J. Binning (William Caron, acting) ; P.G. Organist, J. H. Philpott ; P.G.M., John H.

Morgan (Patrick Moylan, acting) ; P.G.I.G., F. Rundle ; P.G.T., E. Tonge ; P.G.P.B.S., J. P. Campbell ;

P.G.V.P., J. Ansenne ; P.G. Stewards, J. M. Shera, Cleal, Thom, Culpan, Norton, Kronfeld, Parr, Matthews.

—————————————————

PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND.

———

PONSONBY, No. 54.—Held its visual monthly meeting on March 7th. W. Bro. George Fowlds in the chair,

who was well supported by his officers and members of the Lodge. There was also a large attendance of

visitors, nearly all the Lodges of the district being represented. The Grand Master M.W. Bro. M. Niccol was

present; also, V.W. Bro. Davis, P.S.G. Warden of Victoria, and Bro. Unmack of the Scandinavian Grand.

Lodge. After Bro. Fowlds had performed the work of time Lodge in an admirable manner and received

notice of several new candidates, the G.M. and others spoke in commendation of the zeal Bro. Fowlds had

shown for the welfare of his Lodge, and wished him a pleasant trip to America and Home. Bro. Unmach

gave the hearty good wishes of the King of Denmark, of the Scandinavian Grand Lodge, who had

commissioned him to convey his congratulations to all Lodges he visited on his trip round the world. After

the close of the Lodge an enjoyable hour or two was spent before a final farewell was given by the brethren

to the W.M. Bro. Fowlds expects to be away about six months.

LODGE ALBION, No. 45.—Held its usual monthly on Friday, March 24th ; the W.M. C. G. Walker in the

chair. There was a fair attendance. After the closing of the ordinary business of the Lodge, the members

proceeded to the election of the W.M. for the next year, when Bro. Alfred Benge was unanimously elected.

From the well-known zeal and ability of Bro. Benge there is every prospect of a prosperous year for Lodge

Albion. Bro. J. Mays, P.M., was elected Tyler.

LODGE PONSONBY, No. 54.—This lodge meeting was held at lodge-room, Ponsouby Hall on Tuesday, April

4th; Bro. A. H. Jones, I.P.M., who will act for Bro. G. Fowldes, the W.M., during his absence, in the chair.

The principal business of the evening was a lecture by W. Bro. Unmack, of the Royal Danish Lodge, on

Masonry with regard to languages ; which proved so interesting that it is intended to arrange with Bro.

Unmack to deliver it again at the Masonic Institute for the convenience of the Auckland brethren. We hope

then to give a synopsis of it.

LODGE ST. ANDREW, No. 8.—Monthly meeting was held Tuesday, 21st March ; Bro. J. Guthrie in the chair,

and well supported by his officers and members. One affiliating brother and two candidates were accepted on

the ballot. Bro. J. L. Leonard was raised to the M.M. degree by the W.M. in a masterly manner, Bro. T.

Thomas, I.P.M., giving the lecture of the degree. Bro. N. McCulskey, whose gifts to the Lodge never cease,

again presented some working tools to the Lodge, and was accorded the usual vote of thanks.

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PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON.

———

ROSE CROIX CHAPTER, No. 14.—The regular Convocation was held at the Rechabite Hall, Manners street,

on Tuesday, 14th March. Bro. G. A. Ritson being in attendance was further advanced to the degree of the

Sacred Vault. The ceremony, which was of an impressive character, was performed by the Most Wise T. A.

Bro. Homand, and ably assisted by the Sir Knights Officers. The charge in connection with that degree was

duly given by the Resp. Sir Knight Orator, R. C. Bowden in an efficient manner. A new Bro. Neophyte was

proposed for the next Convocation. After a lot of other business being transacted the Chapter was closed

with the usual form, in love, peace, and harmony.

The regular meeting of Ngamotu Lodge, No. 48, on March 16th, was anticipated by a day in order to receive

the annual visit of the Grand Superintendent Bro. H. J. Williams. A large number of members and visitors

did honor to the occasion, and were ably presided over by Bro. W. H. Clarke, W.M. After the usual routine

business, the initiation ceremony was well rendered by the W.M. and officers of the Lodge, the G.

Superintendent briefly referred to some of the points in the working, and the following resolution was then

moved, discussed, and unanimously carried :—" That in the opinion of this Lodge the division of the

Wellington Masonic District is premature and uncalled for, and would not be conducive to the advancement

of Masonry in the northern portion of the district." The usual congratulations having been received, the

Lodge was duly closed. The business of the fourth degree having received every attention, Bro. Williams

was invited to address the meeting, which he did at considerable length, referring chiefly to the various

questions occupying the attention of the B. of G.P., and those discussed at the last communication of Grand

Lodge. A very hearty vote was tendered to the Grand Superintendent for his presence and interesting and

instructive address.

The seventh annual meeting of the Wellington Freemasons' Hall Company (Limited), was held in the

Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, last night. The very large attendance of shareholders indicated the renewed

vitality of the company. Mr S. Brown, chairman of directors, occupied the chair, and in moving the adoption

of time report and balance-sheet, directed the attention of the shareholders to the satisfactory financial

position the company have now attained. The balance-sheet shows that the total revenue for the year

amounted to £556 9s 11d, and the expenditure to £477 18s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £78 11s 7d. The

mortgage account was further reduced by £250, the debit remaining to that account being now only £500.

The rents increased by £10 18s 6d, and the expenditure decreased £23 0s 5d. The directors recommend that

the balance be carried forward to current account. The report and balance-sheet were unanimously adopted.

A resolution expressing the high appreciation by the shareholders of the able administration of the Secretary,

Mr H. J. Williams, was carried by acclamation. The retiring directors, Messrs S. Brown and J. Russell, were

re-elected, and thanked for their past services. Mr D. Greig was re-elected auditor for the fourth year, and

appreciation of his valuable services was recorded by special resolution. Various matters affecting the

general improvement, of the buildings were introduced by Mr Hamerton, and after discussion were referred

to the directors for action. Votes of thanks to time chairman terminated the meeting.

STRATFORD, NO. 75, TARANAKI.—The first anniversary of this flourishing Lodge came off with great eclât

on the 14th March. Notwithstanding the "to-and-fro conflicting wind and rain," a large concourse of brethren

assembled for time first time in the new Masonic Hall, which is nearly completed, and which had been

beautifully decorated for the occasion, to witness the Installation of our popular Bro. Filcher Frederick Ralfe

as W. M. for the ensuing year. The Lodge was tyled at 2 p.m. After the opening ode by the choir "Hail

Eternal," and some routine business, the R. W. G. Superintendent of the district, Bro. H. J. Williams, was

received with grand honours. At the conclusion of the hymn "Stand forth, O Worthy Craftsmen," the Grand

Superintendent assumed the Master's Chair, and P.M.'s McAllum and Murphy, of Lodge Ngamotu the

Wardens' Chairs, as Acting Grand Wardens. The installation ceremony was then proceeded with, and Bro. P.

F. Ralfe regularly inducted into the chair of K.S., according to ancient custom, by the Grand Superintendent.

The following officers were appointed and invested : —William Mackie, S.W. ; George Smart, J.W. ; Rev. J.

McIntosh, Chaplain ; James Gorrie, Treasurer (elected) ; Charles Orchard, Secretary ; Sidney H. James, S.D.;

Harry N. Liardet, J.D. ; John W. Warren, Dir. of Cers. ; James E. Reed, I.G. ; and William A. Lightfoot,

Tyler (elected). The I.P.M. Bro. A. W. Reid presented the working tools in each degree, and P.M. McAllum

delivered the address to the Wardens. Bro. Beart of Lodge St. George, 1810, E.C., presided at the organ ;

Bro. J. W. Warren acting as Director of Ceremonies. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Bro. Gorrie, on

behalf of members of the Lodge, handed to the Grand Superintendent a handsome gold P.M.'s Jewel, suitably

inscribed, with the request that he attach it to the breast of the retiring Master, Bro. A. W. Reid. This was

quite unexpected by Bro. Reid, who on his part also unexpectedly presented a silver square and compasses

for the V.S.L. to the Lodge. These mutual surprises were only known to the manufacturer, Bro. Pitcher, of

Hawera. Other presentations were also made, notably, a beautiful set of kneeling cushions by Mrs Orchard,

the wife of Bro. C. Orchard, Secretary ; a similar cushion for the V.S.L. by Bro. Smart, J.W.: a tripod and

perfect ashlar by Bros. A. W. Reid and W. A. Lightfoot; an easel for T.B.'s by Bro. Warren ; box for T.B.'s

by Bro Burgess ; the painting, graining, etc., of pedestals, altar, etc. by Bro. C. D. Sole. The W.M. having

received the congratulations of the visitors, the Lodge closed in Peace, Love, and Harmony. At 4.30 p.m. the

brethren sat down to a recherché repast prepared by the Committee, Bros. Watkins, Smart, Liardet,

Hirschberg, and Warren. A feature in the toast list was a Shakesperian quotation attached to each toast as

follows :-

1. The Queen and Craft.—" From enemies may Heaven defend your Majesty, and when they stand
against you, may they fall."

2. The Grand Master.—" In faith he is a worthy gentleman, exceedingly well read and profited in strange
concealments, and wondrous affable."

3. The R.W.G. Supt. and Grand Officers.—" They are the ground, the books, the academes from which
cloth spring the true Promethean fire."

4. The W.M.—" By our election may be truly read what kind of man lie is."

5. The Visiting Brethren.—" Well have you come to us in happy time, the friends thou hast and their
adoption tried, grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel."

6.— The I.P.M.—" He is a good one, and his worthiness cloth challenge much respect.''

7.— The Tyler's Toast.—" Our trusty servant, well approved in all."

In his reply to the toast of the Grand Officers, Bro. Williams informed the Lodge of the decision to make this

a separate Masonic district ; a decision not viewed altogether favourably in this portion of the district.

Perhaps the authorities for once will be good enough to "go slow" and test the feeling of the Lodges in this

respect. After a pleasant hour spent in harmony, the brethren adjourned till 8 p.m., when a social was held

consisting of singing, dancing, etc., and which was largely attended by the male and female friends of the

brethren. The feature of the evening was an eloquent Masonic address to the ladies by Bro. H. J. Williams, in

which earnestness and humour were happily combined. Dancing was kept up with spirit till about 3 a.m ,

when all present joined hands in singing " Auld Lang Syne " and the National Anthem brought to a close one

of the most successful gatherings in the Masonic annals of the district. No small praise is due to Bro. C. G.

Beckett of the Inglewood Record for the artistic and finished style in which he printed the various

programmes for installation, banquet and social.

STRATFORD—OPENING OF THE MASONIC HALL—March 14.—There was a great gathering of local and

visiting Freemasons to-day to open the new hall in Regan Street (East Road). From an early hour

committeemen were busy with preparations for the events of the afternoon and evening, and at 2 p.m. the

proceedings commenced with a meeting of the Lodge. Bro. Pilcher F. Ralfe was installed W.M. for the year,

Bro. Williams, R.W.G. being the installing officer. The other officers for the year were then invested with

their officers and badges, Bros. W. Mackie being Senior Warden ; Smart, Junior Warden ; Rev. J. McIntosh,

Chaplain ; Gorrie, Treasurer ; Orchard, Secretary ; S. H. James, Senior Deacon ; H. N. Lairdet, Junior

Deacon ; J. E. Reed, Inner Guard ; J. W. Warren, Director of Ceremonies, and W. A. Lightfoot, Tyler. The

Lodge then closed. At 4 p.m. the brethren re-assembled in the hall, and to the number of forty odd sat down

to dinner. The following toast list was gone through :—The Queen and Craft by the W.M. ; the M.W. Grand

Master, by the W.M. ; the R.W.G. Superintendent by Bro. A. W. Reid, P.M. ; the newly installed Master, by

the R.W.G. Superintendent ; the Visiting Brethren, by the Junior Warden, responded to by Bros. McAllum

and Murphy ; the Immediate Past Master, Bro. A. W. Reid, by Bro. Gorrie ; the Tyler's Toast, by Bro. W. A.

Lightfoot. The banquetting over, the hall was again cleared, and re-opened at 8 p.m. for "a social," to which

invitations had been sent out in large numbers. The interior showed to great advantage by lamplight, the

walls and ceiling being profusely and tastefully decorated with flags, banners, ever-greens, and Chinese

lanterns. After a few words of welcome from the new W.M., Mr W. L. F. Chambers gave a song in his usual

excellent style. Bro. H. J. Williams, R.W.G. Superintendent, then gave an interesting address on Masonry,

his remarks being a happy mixture of humour and earnestness, and evoking much applause and merriment.

Dancing then set in with the usual severity, and was kept up, with intervals for refreshment, to the small

hours. Messrs Chambers and McAlpine sang some good songs, and about 2 p.m. the whole company joined

in "Auld Lang Syne." The piano had been entrusted to Miss Espagne with the usual satisfactory results, and

the opening of the Stratford Masonic all was voted on all hands to have been an unqualified success from

start to finish.

—————————————————

PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY.

———

The installation of the W.M. elect of the Lodge of Concord, No. 39, N.Z.C.' Papanui, and the investiture of

his officers took place last night. There was a large attendance, nearly 100 being present. Bro. H. Thomson,

P.D.G.M., in the absence of Bro. A. Kaye, D.G.M., performed the ceremony of installation of the W.M., Bro.

W. Gifkins, who invested his officers. The following were the officers installed and invested :—W.M., Bro.

Wm. Gifkins ; I.P.M., Bro. W. J. Jackson , S.W., Bro. S. B. Parker ; J.W., Bro. W. H. Were; Treasurer, Bro.

J. W. Horner ; Secretary, Bro. R. B. Wilkinson ; S.D., Bro. Chas. Samuels ; J.D., Bro. F. W. Penfold ; D.C.,

Bro. Ferguson ; I.G., Bro. W. T. Horsley ; Tyler, Bro. G. May ; Steward, Bro. W. Long. The musical part of

the ceremony was conducted by Bro. Horsley. In addition to the brethren of the Lodge, visitors were present

from Calcutta., New South Wales, and from the Conyers, Crown, St. Augustine, Robert Burns, and

Unanimity Lodges. After the ceremony, at the request of the W.M., Bro. Thomson presented the Immediate

Past Master, Bro. Jackson, with a very handsome Past Master's jewel, in token of the appreciation of his

services during the year by the brethren. The Lodge having been closed, the brethren adjourned to the

Church of England Sunday School, where a very excellent repast was provided. The usual loyal and Masonic

toasts were given and responded to, and a pleasant evening was spent.

—————————————————

PROVINCE OF HAWKES BAY AND GISBORNE.

———

ABERCORN, No. 30.—Held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, 29th March. There was a poor

attendance of members. Bro. Beilby wrote advising he would support the appointment of Bro. J. Martin as

Lodge lecturer. B. Alfred E. Eames, chemist, late of Lodge Wellington, 1521, E.G., was elected to

Membership ; and Mr John Mogridge, foreman printer, was unanimously accepted for initiation. The

Secretary reported having assisted a Brother belonging to a Southern S.C. Lodge who was very ill and

without funds. His action was approved and the amount expended was repaid from the Lodge funds.

——————————————

You can't tell from a man's looks how much he knows about geometry, neither can you do it from the square

and compasses on the lapel of a brother's coat what he knows about Masonry. A practical demonstration

must reveal these facts.

———————————————————————————————————————————

THE ROYAL ARCH.
———————————————————————————————————————————

A MEETING of the 18° was held at the Masonic Hall, Auckland. Present, Es. and Perfect Princ. P.M.W,S. in

the chair. Es. H. G. Wade, Recorder, Kidd, Brock, Skinner, Hunt, and M. Niccol, 33°. Apologies from

members Dr. Dawson, W. McCullough, G. S. Graham, 33°. Comp. Black, R.A.C. of Chapter Hauraki, was

exalted to 18° by Exalted Comp. Powley. Ex. and Per. Prin. M. Niccol, Inspector General of N.Z., then

installed Ex. A. Kidd, M.E.W.S. of the denTee for the ensuing year. After the close of the meeting, a social

hour was passed together in the usual harmony.

NEW PLYMOUTH.—A meeting of the Paritutu Chapter of Royal Arch. Masons, formerly 196, S.C., but now

No. 5 on the roll of the Grand Chapter of New Zealand, was held on Wednesday evening 15th, theM.E.Z.,

ex-Comp. G. F. Robinson, presiding. Ex. Comp. H. J. Williams, Grand Scribe E, presented the new Warrant

of the Chapter, authorising the practice of the rites of the Supreme Order in any part of the Provincial District

of Taranaki. Arrangements were made for a meeting in April, when a number of brethren will be advanced in

Masonry.

———————————————————————————————————————————

POETRY.
———————————————————————————————————————————

WOMAN'S RIGHTS.

————

A right to tread so softly

Beside the couch of pain;

To smooth with gentle fingers

The tangled locks again ;

To watch besides the dying

In wee small hours of night

And breathe a consecrating prayer

When the spirit takes its flight.

A right to cheer the weary

On the battlefields of life ;

To give the word of sympathy

Amid the toil and strife ;

To lift the burden gently

From sore and tired hearts,

And never weary of the task

Till gloomy care departs.

A right to be a woman

In truest woman's work—

If life should be a hard one,

No duties ever shirk ;

A right to show to others

How strong a woman grows ;

When skies are dark and lowering,

And life bears not a rose.

A right to love one truly

And be loved back again ;

A right to share his, for; unes

Through sunlight and through rain ;

A right to be protected

From life most cruel blights

By manly love and courage--

"Sure these are woman's rights !

BROTHERLY KINDNESS

————

Is it worth while to jostle a brother,

Bearing his load on the rough road of life P

Is it worth while that we jeer at each other,

In blackness of heart that we war to the knife ?

God pity us all in our pitiful strife !

God pity us all as we jostle each other ;

God pardon us all for the triumph we feel

When a fellow goes down 'neath his load on the heather,

Pierced to the heart ; words are keener than steel,

And mightier far for woe than for weal.

Were it not well on this brief life's journey,

On over the isthmus, down into the tide,

We give him a fish, instead of a serpent,

Ere folding the hands to be and abide

For ever and aye in the dust at his side.

Look at the roses, saluting each other ;

Look at the herds, all in peace on the plain ;

Man, and man only, makes war on his brother,

And laughs in his heart at his peril and pain,

Shamed by the beasts that go down on the plain !

Is it worth while that we battle to humble

Some poor fellow down in the dust ?

God pity us all ! Time too soon will tumble

All of us together, like leaves in a gust,

Humbled, indeed, down into the dust.

Joaquin Miller.

————

' In the end of ends only the right conquers. '

Ruskin.

———————————————————————————————————————————

MUNIFICENT OFFER.—At the annual festival of the West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution at

Southport, the Mayor of Liverpool, who presided, gave fifty guineas to the fund. It was stated that the total

receipts since the last festival amounted to £1,672. His Worship advocated the establishment of a masonic

hall in a more central part of Liverpool for the benefit of business men, and offered to subscribe £1,000 to

such an object.

Some clays ago, before telegraphic communication with Brisbane was closed by the floods, Brother M.

Niccol, M. W. Grand Master of New Zealand, despatched the following telegram to Brother the Hon.

Augustus Gregory, District Grand Master of Queensland, Brisbane :—" Our hearts deeply stirred in

sympathy with our Queensland Masonic Brethren in their great calamity, and if practical help required are

anxious to render assistance. Please reply.—M. NICCOL, G.M. of New Zealand." The following reply was

received last evening :—" Deeply grateful for your-fraternal sympathy and offer of assistance, but hope that

our resources will be equal to the emergency.— A. G. GREGORY, D.M.G., Brisbane."

ALL documents of any very ancient date, consisting of such destructible materials as papyrus, parchment, or

paper, having probably perished, the oldest authentic specimen of recorded language must be looked for

amongst the inscriptions found upon more durable substances. Of these, without doubt, the most ancient is

that of Sent, a King of the second Egyptian dynasty, who lived about the year 4,700 B.C. This venerable

treasure is at present in the Ashmolean library at Oxford, and is inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphics,

hieroglyphics themselves being the parent form of all recorded languages. It was found in the copper mines

of Wady-Maghera, in the peninsula of Sinai, and records a victory of Sent, or Senefura, over the Arabians in

a battle that was fought before the Pyramids were built.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.
Dr. Statement of Receipts, Disbursements, and Bank Deposits to the Various Funds, Quarter Ending 31st March,

1893, Cr.

RECEIPTS £ s. d. £ s. d. DISBURSEMENTS £ s. d.
To Balance at Bank, December 31, 1892 1 19 10
REGALIA FUND— By Grand Secretary's Salary 62 10 0

Lodge St. Mark No. 53 1 1 0

Clerical Assistance ...
12 0 0

" Kaikoura 1 0 0 Rent
6 19 6

" Rawhiti 1 0 0 Postage, Telegrams, &c.
11 3 0

" Leinster 1 0 0

Printing and Advertising 40 2 0
" Kumara 1 1 0 P.G.M. Travelling Expenses 2 10 6

" Mokoreta 1 1 0

G.M. Travelling Expenses 37 6 6
" Caledonian 1 0 0 G. Secretary's Travelling

" Ruahine 2 2 0 Expenses
16 0 2

" Ashley 0 10 0 Gratuity of behalf of a Brother,

" Waikouaiti 1 0 0

Wellington 8 3 6

" Tararua 1 0 0

" Southern Cross, No. 9 2 2 0

" Albion 1 1 0

" Bedford 0 10 0

Bro. W. R. Cooper 2 2 0

Interest (Savings Bank) 0 5 3

—— 17 15 3
MASONIC WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' FUND —

Lodge Feilding 4 6 6

" Hiram 2 0 0

" Southern Cross, No 9 2 1 6

" Caledonian 2 1 0

Interest (Savings Bank) 0 8 9

—— 10 17 9
BENEVOLENT FUND—
Patents ... 2 2 0
Lodge Dues 57 1 0
Interest (Savings Bank) 0 11 3

—— 59 14 3

Interest on B.N.Z. accrued

to date on fixed deposit 10 10 0
GENERAL FUND—

Dues... 151 9 3

Initiations and Certificates ... 80 17 6

Joining Fees - ,..... 13 12 6

Dispensation 9 19 6

Charters...... 13 10 0

Enrolment Fees and Grand ...

Lodge Papers 16 17 6

Constitution and History ... 25 13 0

Proxy Fees 0 5 6

Exchanges 1 7 3 .

——— 313 12 0 196 15 2

By Balance 217 13 11
£414 9 1 £414 9 1

By Transfers for the quarter ending 31st March, 1893

Regalia Fund
17 15 3

Masonic Widows' and Orphans'

Fund 10 17 9

.
Benevolent Fund... 70 4 3

General Fund...
118 16 8

To Balance... £217 13 11 £217 13 11

CASH DEPOSITS TO 31st MARCH, 1893

Deposited in Auckland Savings Bank, Regalia Fund 38 7 3
" " Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Fund 50 0 5
" " Benevolent Fund 94 8 0
" Bank of New Zealand Benevolent Fund 360 10 0

—— 454 18 0

General Fund 118 16 8

£662 2 4

W. M. RONALDSON, Grand Secretary

———————————————————————————————————————————

GRAND LODGES.
———————————————————————————————————————————

NEW ZEALAND.

————

BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

THE monthly meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday evening the 5th instant, in the office of Grand

Lodge at 8 p.m. The V.W. the President in the chair, with the M.W. the Grand Master, and eight other

members. Apologies were received from absent members.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The draft copy of the report of the Board for Grand Lodge, with the audited statement of receipts and

disbursements for the year ending December 31st, 1802. The report was read, and it was left for the present

in conjunction with the M.W. Grand Master and Grand Secretary to be completed, and with the balance-

sheet, to be presented to the next meeting of the Board prior to the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge

on the 28th instant. The quarterly statement of receipts and disbursements, ending March 31st, together with

the monthly statement for March, were also laid on the table, The accounts were ordered to be paid with £5

petty cash for Grand Secretary.

The nominations of Grand Officers for presentation to Grand Lodge was carefully considered. It was ordered

that a circular be sent to all brethren nominated, asking them to signify their acceptance of the office, stating

the fee payable for Patent of Office in the terms of Rule 18th.

The return of the voting of Lodges, relative to alterations in the Book of Constitutions, was laid on the table.

It stated that only 15 Lodges had replied to Circular No. 25, which had been submitted to all the Lodges. The

report was ordered to be incorporated in the report of the Board to Grand Lodge, with the recommendation to

adopt the clauses relative to the payment of travelling expenses of the Grand Master, and the permission for

any brethren who, prior to the establishment of Grand Lodge had occupied the position of Deputy or

Substitute Master, should be qualified to fill the office of Deputy Master, although not Past Masters, in

accordance with the spirit of the Basis of Union

Letters from the V.W. Grand Registrar, relative to the questions submitted to him, were read. They were

dealt with as the Grand Registrar suggested.

A large mass of correspondence was dealt with. A petition for charter for new Lodge at Denniston,

Westland, to be called Lodge " Aorangi," was found to be in order, and recommended to be granted. A

present of Lodge jewels from a brother was ordered to be acknowledged. The Grand Lodge of Arkansas had

nominated Wor. Bro. A. B. Grace as Grand Representative, which had been accepted by the Grand. Master,

and he in return had nominated Rt. Wor. Bro. Geo. Powley as Grand Representative at this Grand Lodge.

That from the Grand Orient of Spain, and the Grand Lodge of Mexico, was left in the hands of the M.W

Grand Master to consider, and from the new Grand Lodge—taken out of Indian Territory—called the Grand

Lodge of Oklahoma, asking recognition of this Grand Lodge, was ordered to be reported to Grand Lodge.

There was also a letter from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of N.S. W. in reply to an invitation to

Grand Lodge Annual Communication, which would have been willingly accepted had it been possible to do

so. The question of the status of Past Rank of other Grand Lodges by the Grand Lodge of N.S.W. was also

dealt with.

The necessary arrangements were made for the due celebration of the Annual Communication of Grand

Lodge on the 28th instant. W. Bro. Dr. Walker, Grand Organist, was asked to provide for musical

programme, and a commi;tee consisting of W. Bros. Kidd, Cooper, Jones, Guthrie, Ellison, and Ross, with

power to add to their number, to arrange for hall, refreshments, etc.

The Board adjourned at 9.55 p.m.

———————

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION.

———

THE following summons has been sent out by the Grand Secretary :—

Grand Secretary's Office,

Auckland, April 1st, 1893.

WOR. SIR AND DEAR BROTHER, — I am directed by the Grand Master to inform you that the next Quarterly

Communication of the Grand Lodge is summoned to meet in the Masonic Hall, Auckland, on Friday, April

28th, at 7.30 p.m.

The Grand Master hopes to see as many members of the Grand Lodge as can possibly make it convenient to

attend. —I am, Wor. Sir and Dear Brother, fraternally yours,

WM. RONALDSON,

Grand Secretary.

BUSINESS.

1—The Minutes of the Quarterly Communication, of January 24th, for confirmation.

2—Roll of Lodges called.

3— Annual Balance Sheet, to December 31st, 1892, and Quarterly Statement of Receipts and

Disbursements, March 31st, 1893.

4—Report of Board of Benevolence.

5—Report of Board of General Purposes.

6—Election and Installation of the M.W. the Grand Master,

7—Election, Appointment, and Investiture of Grand Officers.

8—Communications from Grand Lodges.

9—Correspondence.

———————

THE following extracts from the annual report of the Board of General Purposes of Grand Lodge of

Tasmania will prove of interest to the members of the New Zealand Constitution, as questions of a similar

nature are now being considered by their Grand Lodge :—

The Board regrets that no steps have yet been taken to procure Regalia for Officers of Grand Lodge, the

pattern for which was adopted some time ago, and a sample, with estimates, for which have been received

from London, The Board found that the procuring of new Regalia for the whole of the Officers was quite

beyond our present means, They would therefore recommend to G.L. the procuring of a portion of it, as soon

as the means are available, for those Officers especially, for whom no Regalia of the former D.G.L., E.G., is

available, and in the absence of which they are prevented from visiting Lodges officially clothed with the

Regalia appertaining to their rank.

The Board regrets exceedingly that all steps taken since the inauguration of this Grand Lodge in June, 1890,

to gain recognition from the Grand Lodge of Scotland have proved fruitless, as no answer has been received

from that venerable Grand Lodge to the various letters sent from here. Private communications have,

however, lately been sent by R.W. Bro. D.G.M. Giblin and the President of the Board to the head-quarters in

Edinburgh, which it is earnestly hoped will have the desired effect.

The Board has been urged again to sanction the adoption of some Ritual for the working of Lodges, but they

can only repeat the opinion they have given before, viz. :—" That they are opposed to the publication of any

authorised edition for such purpose," at any rate for the present. The oldest established Grand Lodge in

Australia, that of South Australia, has not yet finally sanctioned the publication of a Ritual for their

jurisdiction. This Ritual, we are informed, will be ready for issue in about two months. We shall then be in

the position to compare the Rituals of the three Sister Constitutions on the Continent, and may be able to

make a choice of one of these or others with advantage to ourselves.

The Board give a statement of the attendance of the various members. This example should be followed by

the New Zealand Grand Lodge.

Up to the present the Lodge has no Board of Benevolence attached to it, but this important adjunct to all

Grand Lodges and without which none are complete, is to be established at an early date. Some of the Craft

Lodges have for some years been voluntarily contributing a certain sum from Quarterages and Initiation Fees

to the Tasmania Masonic Benevolent Fund which is attached to, and governed by, delegates from all the

Lodges in Hobart. But this fund, while no doubt it has done good work in the past and was required before

the amalgamation of the Lodges into one Constitution, is now obsolete, and should at the earliest date

possible be merged into a Fund of Benevolence under the Grand Lodge. While the brethren of the Tasmania

Grand Lodge have worked in a most praise-worthy manner since its formation, yet it must be pointed out to

them, that they are failing in the greatest principle of our Craft by not at once placing themselves in a

position to display in a proper and systematic manner that charity that should be available to all poor and

distressed members of the Craft. If there are differences of opinion amongst the members of the Tasmania

Craft Lodges they should sink these, and all unite in endeavouring to remove this reproach to their Grand

Lodge.

——————————

TASMANIA.

———

THE annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania was held in January at the Masonic Hall,

Launceston, the M.W.G.M., Bro. the Rev. R. D. Poulett-Harris, M.A.. on the throne, supported by his office:

s. The principal business was the election of Grand Lodge officers, which resulted as follows :—Grand

Master, Bro. E. O. Giblin ; Pro. Grand Master, Bro. J. H. Room ; D.G.M., Bro. C. E. Davies ; G.S. Warden,

Bro. W. A. Macdougal ; G. J. Warden, Bro. J. G. Davies ; G. Chaps., Bros. Revs. R. Dickson and W. Hogg ;

G. Treas., Bro. Thos. H. Magrath ; G. Registrar, Bro. N. E. Lewis ; President Board of General Purposes,

Bro. L. Susman, P.D.G.M.; G. Inspectors of Lodges, Bros. W. Chambers and John Clark ; S.G. Deacons,

Bros. E. J. Rogers and R. S. Scott ; J.G. Deacon, Bro. W. J. Watchorn ; G. Superintendents of Works, Bros.

W. Horne and J. P. Montgomery ; G. Dir. of Cer., Bro. J. H. Murdoch ; G. Ast. Dir. Cer., Bro. J. Haslett ; G.

Sw. B., Bro. F. B. Pocock ; G. St. Brs., Bros. T. J. Crisp and A. Condon ; G. Orgs., Bros. J. W. Gould and A.

Young ; G. Pur., Bro. E. H. Butler ; G. Trumpeter, Bro. W. T. Bates. The G. Sec., Bro. J. G. Steele ; D.G.S.,

Bro. W. Stroud ; and G. Ty. Bro. W. G. Beaumont, are permanent officers. Bro. Poulett-Harris acted as

installing officer, and, as might be expected, performed his duties most efficiently, though he regretted that

advanced age prevented his acceptance of the high office of Grand Master, yet he greatly rejoiced at the

selection of the brethren, as Bro. Giblin had discharged the duties of every office he held in a most

satisfactory manner, and he felt confident he would also discharge the high office he now held with equal

efficiency.

The Grand Master delivered the following address :—I desire to express my heartfelt thanks for the honour

conferred in having elected me your Grand Master for the year coming. It is an honour I keenly appreciate,

for it is a position which any Tasmanian-born Mason may well be proud to attain, as it may justly be

considered the summit of masonic ambition. The election is more gratifying, as it comes, as of course it

should, unsought, for the nomination was a unanimous one, or rather there was no opposition. This is again

as it should be, for in my opinion whoever is chosen for the high office should have the unanimous verdict of

the leaders of the craft throughout the jurisdiction. Further, it is gratifying that your choice should have fallen

on me, when I remember how many other worthy Masons there are who are competent from high

attainments and well-prayed zeal to carry out the duties attaching to the office. Keen, however, as is my

satisfaction, it is greatly lessened by a remembrance of the fact that the selection is necessary because

growing years, and the loss of vigor which accompanied those growing years, have compelled our M.W.P.

Grand Master Bro. Poulett-Harris to withdraw from the active duties of the office which he has so worthily

filled during the last two years and a half, and I feel that I am only echoing the sentiments of the craft

throughout the colony, when I say they are deeply grateful to him for the time and energy which he has given

to Freemasonry, and for his readiness at all times to undertake journeys, often attended with discomfort, and

at times danger, to carry out his duties on an occasion when he is ceasing to take an active part in

Freemasonry, and especially in the work of the Grand Lodge. We cannot but go back in remembrance to the

time when the unanimous voice of the craft called him to the position of G.M. at the establishment of the

Lodge in 1890, although, no doubt, the time was ripe for such an amalgamation as was then accomplished,

and even in his absence our Grand Lodge would have been only erected—the circumstances requiring it—

yet I have no hesitation in affirming that the initial difficulties were minimised and overcomed by the fact

that in him all sections of the craft recognised a leader to whom they could, with all confidence, transfer their

allegiance. The one special feature about the establishment of this Grand Lodge, was the unanimity which

characterised our proceedings, a unanimity which did not obtain under similar circumstances elsewhere, and

this unanimity, due largely to the good sense of the brethren, was, no doubt, in no small measure inspired by

the confidence which all sections of the craft reposed in the late Grand Master, and in his ability to discharge

the duties of his office to their satisfaction. His presence here to-day is gratifying to me personally. Twice

before have I received, at his hands, the benefits of installation—once as the Master of a Craft Lodge, and

once as first Principle of a Chapter, and to-day my installation as Grand Master, for which my hearty thanks

are due. The terms used by the retiring Grand Master to the work I have done during the past fifteen years in

the interest of Masonry in Tasmania were flattering. That work, done whether as Master of the Union Lodge,

as Lecture Master of the Lodge of Instruction, as Principal of a Chapter, as Master of a Mark Lodge, or later

as D.G.M., has been a labour of love. I will not enter this new office with a light heart, as I am too conscious

of my own imperfections, and of engagements, professional and otherwise, but will do my duty to the best of

my ability. Brethren, you are bound to accord me every assistance in your power, and I look to you for the

sympathy and support which I feel sure will be given. I have no misgivings as to the next 12 months, and as

to the future prosperity and usefulness of the Grand Lodge, if we are all united, end I hope we shall act in

accordance with the fundamental principles which underlie the Order, and on which the whole masonic

superstructure is erected. I mean the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. We should not disregard

these familiar words in all masonic transactions let us credit one another with best intentions, and while

neither palliating nor aggravating the offences of a brother, we should judge with candour, admonish with

friendship, and reprehend with mercy. "To Guard and to Distribute,' should be our motto—ever recognising

that Masonry affords another opportunity to giving and not for getting ; for aiding the needy and for relieving

the afflicted, and not for benefitting self. Animated by this sentiment of brotherly love, and all it implies, to

the best of our ability fulfilling our obligations of universal beneficence and charity, girded in all our

thoughts and actions by the principle of truth and righteousness the members of the Grand Lodge will indeed

be united and happy fraternally : and thus animated arid guided you can look forward to the future with all

confidence. It is our privilege, it is our duty, to transmit through the present to the future the glorious

traditions of a brilliant masonic past. May those traditions be transmitted by the Grand Lodge pure and

unsullied throughout all succeeding generations.

———————————————————————————————————————————

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 w 11 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.

——————————————

MASONIC GOVERNMENT.

In the West Coast Times of the 7th instant, there appears a long article on the Masonic trouble caused by the

so-called irregular constituted Grand Lodge of New Zealand. It is greatly to be deplored that the action of the

so-called Brother, who wrote such a letter to the Otago Daily Times, did not take the trouble to confine

himself to the truth, also that such mistatements should be published by other newspapers before finding out

the accuracy of such information. I shall not trespass too much in taking up the columns of your valuable

paper, but I cannot allow such a slur to pass unnoticed as regards the Grand Master Brother M. Niccol, of

Auckland, who is so well known in the history of Masonry in these colonies. He is the last man in the world

to allow anybody to think that he was all self-esteemed and opiniative. To use the words quoted, "these

remarks are a dead insult." It's pretty well known who is the writer, but the time has arrived when he must

compare himself to the fox and the grapes. Not a spark of Masonry in him or he would never have degraded

himself to allow his hand to have indited such gross mistatements. As regards being on the verge of

bankruptcy, is likewise false. What with 89 Lodges, about 3600 members, and a thousand pounds to credit,

speaks for itself as regards its strong financial position. The day is not far distant when we shall receive the

welcome recognition from our Mother Lodge, then our intelligent correspondent will be like the West Coast

big gun, collapse and be excommunicated.—Fraternally,

E.Y.P.Z.

——————————————

THE MOTHER GRAND LODGE OF THE WORLD.

———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—In your last number you refer to the Grand Lodge of England as " the Mother

Grand Lodge of the World." Permit me to protest against this description as incorrect and misleading. The

Grand Lodge of England has no claim to such a title, which would infer that Freemasonry is of English

origin and an English institution. The Grand Lodge of England is a very modern body dating only from

1813. Prior to that there were two Grand Lodges in England each denouncing the other as spurious, and

Masonry in England was in a state of greater dishonour than it now is in New Zealand. The Grand Lodge of

Scotland dates 1736, and the Grand Lodge of Ireland from 1729. The Grand Lodge of Brunswick was

established in 1741, and even some of the American Grand Lodges are senior to the Grand Lodge of

England, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, for instance, dating 1792.—Yours fraternally,

KILWINNING P.M.

——————————————

SHALL MAJORITY RULE ?

———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER, —The London Freemason regrets that the schism in the Craft in New Zealand

must remain unhealed until the 65 English, Irish, and Scotch Lodges, or a majority of them, alter their

present mode of thinking. Is not this significant, and does it not convey a striking lesson to those Lodges

which are in a minority ? The schism and division would look if a majority of the minority would duly join

the majority of the entire Craft, that is transfer their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The

majority cannot be expected to give way to the minority. For the sake of preserving unity and the true spirit

of Masonry, the minority ought to give way to and accept the will of the majority. If 35 Lodges of the

minority came over to the majority the schism would end, and the Grand Lodge of England would gladly

recognise the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Every additional Lodge which joins the latter brings this result

nearer. At the rate of progress of the last two years it will take about two years more to accomplish the

inevitable end, but the happy time would be brought nearer if the Lodges still holding out would accept what

they cannot any longer successfully oppose, and come over in a body at once, instead of one or two a month

doing so. They would be fraternally welcomed. —I am, etc.,

PAST MASTER.

——————————————

LODGE NGAPARA.

———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER, —I never—when reading the CRAFTSMAN—see in any of your Lodge Reports the

least scrap of information regarding the affairs of that—at one time—thriving Lodge of Ngapara.

Surely its members cannot be losing an interest in its affairs, getting unhealthy as it were, or has your

correspondent removed from that district—gone defunct—or what ? Since my childhood amongst the Craft, I

have always been led to believe that the Secretaries of Lodges report to some Masonic publication, for the

good of other members, or what be the use of taking the CRAFTSMAN ?

Lodge Ngapara is, and has been, a Lodge that a great many outside its own membership has taken a very

great interest in, from the time it resolved to begin on the side of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. —Yours

fraternally,

M.M.

[We quite agree with our correspondent that Secretaries of Lodges, etc., should forward reports of their

meetings to the CRAFTSMAN, as it is only by the knowledge of what other Lodges are doing that we can hope

to keep in touch and interest with each other.—EDITOR.]

———————————————————————————————————————————

MISCELLANEOUS.
———————————————————————————————————————————

MASONIC INSTITUTE.

————

THE Annual General Meeting of the members of the Auckland Masonic Institute was held in their rooms.

There was an excellent attendance, and the chair was taken by the Worthy President, Bro. H. C. Tewsley,

P.M., who was supported by Bro. M. Niccol, M.W.G.M. of New Zealand.

An exhaustive report was presented by the Committee, from which it was apparent that the first year of the

institution had been fairly successful, not only as regarded its financial position, but also on account of the

attainment of the objects of the inauguration as far as possible in such a limited time.

At the close of the financial year on 30th June last, there were 194 members on the roll, of which number 8

were life members and the balance city and country members.

The following is a copy of the statement of receipts and expenditure presented by the Hon. Treasurer :—

Including the cost of furnishing and the whole of the preliminary expenses in addition to the working

expenditure, the liabilities amounted to £31 17s 8d, and after deducting the balances in bank and in hand

altogether £17 18s 6d, the amount to be provided was £13 19s 2d only. There was also tabled a very lengthy

list of donations in kind a number of which were of a handsome nature, proving in addition to the statement

read that the institution had been most liberally supported by the brethren.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Bro. Niccol, M.W.G.M., considered the members

were to be congratulated concerning the success of the institute, and he felt sure all were under a debt of

gratitude to the President, Bro. H. C. Tewsley, P.M., for his efforts on its behalf. As all were aware, Bro.

Tewsley was the founder of the Institution, and to him was due the credit of its inauguration. The fact that

the whole of the expenses, with the exception of some £13, having been met out of the current revenue,

indicated that the Institute was in a sound position, and he had much pleasure in moving the adoption of the

report and balance-sheet.

The resolution was supported by Bro. Dr. Walker, P.M., and carried by acclamation.

A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers, and especially to Bro. G. W. Basley, P.M., for valuable

services rendered.

The following officers were elected for the current year :—President, Bro. H. C. Tewsley, P.M. ; Vice-

Presidents, Bros. A. Cairns, A. Cleave, W. R. Cook, W. H. Cooper, P.M., H. B. Dexter, W. Dunwoodie,

P.M., Dr. Girdler, G. Edgecumbe, P.M., H. A. Ellison, J. Fawcus, F. M. Hewson, P.M., A. H. Jones, P.M., V.

Johansen, A. Kidd, P.M., P.B.G.P., J. F. Logan, P.M., P.B.B., Jas. Lyell, W. S. Lyell, P.M., M. Niccol,

M.W.G.M., W. Ronaldson, V.W.G.S., T. Thomas, P.M., G. H. Powley, P.M., A. S. Russell, P.D.G.M., Dr.

Walker, P.M., W. G. Walker, W. S. Williams; Committee of Management, Bros. A. Bartlett, A. Benge, R. L.

Caldwell, W. M. Chapman, P.M., W. L. Chrystal, J. W. Ellison, P.M., J. Guthrie, J. Page, P.M., S. Vosper,

P.M., C. Westphal, W. J. Wright ; Auditors, Bros. W. H. Cooper, P.M., W. D. Robb ; Hon. Treasurer, Bro.

Thos. Laybourn ; Hon. Secretary, P. A. Duncan.

The meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman.

——————————————

FREEMASONS' HALL.

———

We have been requested to publish the Balance Sheet of the Committee of Management of the Freemasons'

Hall, Auckland, for the information of the members of the Lodges meeting there, and who are unable to

procure a copy. We do so without comment, leaving the facts to speak for themselves.

———————————————————————————————————————————

CONSECRATION.
———————————————————————————————————————————

LODGE AUCKLAND, 87, N.Z.C.

———

THE imposing Masonic ceremony of consecrating the Auckland Lodge, granted a charter No. 87, under the

New Zealand Constitution of Freemasonry, was concluded last night in the lodge-room of Eden,

Karangahape Road, by the M.W.G.M. Brother Malcolm Niccol, and the Grand Lodge officers. There was an

excellent attendance of about 120, including masters, officers, and brethren of all the local lodges ; and

amongst visiting brethren were the Rev. D. Meadowcraft, secretary for foreign correspondence of the Grand

Lodge of Victoria ; Brother Hickenbotham, P.M. of New South Wales ; Brother Valdemar Unmack, of

Denmark, treasurer of St. Johannes Lodge ; and Brother Coath, of Fiji. Apologies were received from

Brother A. Kidd. and others. The musical ceremonies were conducted by Brother Dr. Walker, who had the

advantage of a fine toned organ, lent for the occasion by the Berlin Importing Company. Mr H. Ellison

occupied the important position of Master of Ceremonies, and he carried out his duties faithfully.

The Grand Lodge was received with due honours, and the M.W.G.M. having taken his place, with Brother

Fowlds as Senior Warden, Brother Page as Junior Warden, and Brother Powley as D.G.M., the ceremony

proceeded. The procession of Grand Lodge officers was received, and the Grand Lodge was constituted, and

the business of the consecration proceeded.

The petition and charter were read by the Grand Secretary, the Rev. W. Ronaldson, after which the officers

were presented and the consecration ceremony, the pouring out of the elements, corn, wine, oil, and salt,

representing virtue, brotherly love, benevolence and fidelity, friendship and hospitality, was impressively

performed, the choir making suitable responses to each offering.

Having constituted the new lodge with great solemnity and impressiveness, the Grand Master proceeded as

required by the constitutional laws, to address the brethren on the nature and objects of Masonry.

The M.W.G.M. first pointed out that no better definition of the nature of Freemasonry could be given than

that it is "a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols," and that Freemasons

are moral builders engaged in a more noble and glorious purpose than squaring stones or heaving timber,

namely, fitting our immortal souls for a place in that spiritual temple above, "that house not made with hands

eternal in the heavens." Its objects are to teach men the duties they owe to God, to their neighbour, and to

themselves. He inculcated the necessity of acting up to the professions made, of being Masons in thought,

word, and deed, quoting Dr. Bonar's lines:—

Think truly, and thy thoughts shall the world's famine feed,

Speak truly, and each word of thine shall be a faithful seed,

Live truly, and thy life shall be a great and holy creed."

Referring to the solemn and impressive nature of the ceremony of consecration, the Grand Master

emphasised the importance of brethren weighing well the responsibility which is attached to opening a new

Lodge, and the duty devolving on the promoters of satisfying their consciences that their motives for taking

the steps were pure and honest, not to gratify personal ambition, but to advance the interests of the fraternity

and to render themselves more extensively serviceable to their fellow men. Adverting to the circumstances

which had led to those brethren petitioning Grand Lodge for a charter, the Grand Master proceeded to

explain the attitude which Grand Lodge had taken up in relation to the creation of new Lodges, and the

reasons which had induced him (the G.M.) to recommend Grand Lodge to constitute the Lodge.

Bro. Niccol stated most emphatically that Grand Lodge had no desire to create new Lodges merely to

increase the number on the roll, and was strongly opposed to chartering Lodges unnecessarily ; they had,

therefore, decided to attach to their granting this charter the condition that Lodge Auckland shall within six

months remove to Mount Eden district, where in the opinion of Grand Lodge there is a better field for the

successful working of the Lodge than in Newton.

The members of the new Lodge were admonished to remember the crucial nature of the scrutiny to which as

a Lodge, as well as in their individual capacity as Masons, their conduct would be subjected. It was pointed

out to them how easily any act of omission or of commission on their part might bring discredit not only on

themselves, but on the fraternity as a whole. The honour of the whole Craft is in the hand of each brother,

and no member can suffer in his honour, but all the members suffer with him.

Masonry has its false as well as its true members. The true Mason does not use Masonry for self alone. He

enters the institution for improvement, both morally and intellectually, he profits by the lessons he receives,

and is a better, wiser, and happier man, he is truer to his God, his country, his neighbours, and himself. If he

does not profit by those lessons, then he is false to himself, his obligations, his true manhood, and the duty

which he owes to mankind.

The Grand Lodge was then closed, and with the same officers in the chairs, the Lodge Auckland was opened.

Brothers Ellison and Williams were presenting officers, and Brother Edward Sewell was duly presented to

the G.M. and installed by a Board of Installed Masters into the Master's chair. Brother P.M. Powley

delivered the address to the Master, who then proceeded to invest his officers as follows :—Brothers Henry

McCulloch, S.W. ; James Carlaw, J.W. ; James Robinson, S.D. ; Henry Gyllies, J.D. ; Donald McCulloch,

I.G. ; Fred. Knight, Sec. ; Duncan McCulloch, Trea. ; W. T. Briggs, D.C. ; George McCulloch, S.S. ;

William Fuller, J. S. ; John Moore, Tyler.

The R.W.G.M. delivered the addresses. Before closing the Lodge, the G.M. referred in terms of appreciation

to the attendance of so many distinguished brethren from foreign Lodges, naming the visitors present.

A vote of thanks was accorded to the Eden Lodge for the use of their hall and furniture. The usual

congratulations were accorded to the officers of the newly-consecrated Lodge and the installed officers, and

the proceedings were duly closed.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Brothers, don't nurse hate within your breasts ; life is too short to cherish ill will toward each other. If you have

been wronged, let it pass. What difference does it make when in a few years you pass hence to that undiscovered

country, from whose bourne no traveller returns. Is it worth while to hate each other ?

A GRAND Lodge is the supreme legislative, judicial, and executive Masonic power in its jurisdiction ; its

enactments, decisions, and acts are binding upon all Lodges and Masons within its jurisdiction. It is subject only

to the Ancient Landmarks, but from its decisions in relation to them there is no appeal.

SELECT your object in life, and then make it your first and constant aim to attain it. This is the only true principle

of success in any department of labor—the great principle acted on by men who attain anything like eminence.

They select their object for the most part in early life, and then pursue it with unshaken resolution and firmness.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

ANCIENT TEST QUESTIONS IN THE MARK DEGREE.

How many points has your mark got ?

Three points.

To what do they allude ?

To the three points of an equilateral triangle.

Please demonstrate this as an operative Mason.

A point has position, without length, breadth, or thickness ; a line has length, without breadth or thickness, and

terminates in two points ; and three lines of equal length, placed at equal angles to each other, form an equilateral

triangle, which is the primary figure in geometry.

Please to explain the figure as a speculative Mason.

The equilateral triangle represents the Trinity in Unity. The great Architect of the Universe, having no material

form, exists pervading all space ; the Creator of all things, Governor of all animate and inanimate nature, Fountain

of Wisdom ; whose greatness, perfection and glory is incomprehensible, and whose loving kindness and tender

mercies are over all His works.

———————————————

NOTEWORTHY SAYINGS.

The limits of liberty are illimitable.

Pluck is the silent partner of success.

When Joy plans a festival, Pain does the work.

There is only one duty, and that is the nearest one.

A conclusion is but a station on the railroad of life.

Too much regard for another's religion makes one squint-eyed.

Everywhere endeavour to be useful, and everywhere you will be at home.

Politeness is like an air cushion ; there may be nothing in it, but it eases jolts wonderfully.

There is a certain kind of friend who never can be contented with you until he has reduced you to his own level.

The road to ambition is too narrow for friendship, too crooked for love, too rugged for honesty, and too dark for

science,

It is very much easier to find a score of men wise enough to discover the truth than to find one intrepid enough, in

the face of opposition, to stand up for it.

———————————————————————————————————————————

OUR EXCHANGES.
———————————————————————————————————————————

CONDENSED EDITORIALS.

———

ONE of the most lamentable spectacles in Freemasonry is the Bro. whose designation heads this article. He is

to be found in almost every Lodge. Whilst a neophyte in the Order, his Masonic devotion knew no limits. At

every meeting, regular or emergent, he was sure to be there, and when he received the

honours of office, his enthusiasm seemed to grow with his advancement. He it was

who toiled at the Lodge of Instruction, at least when its programme was ritual only,

who was always ready to fill the place of an absentee, and to rail at him because he

was not on hand, and above all, he was prime mover in every proposition to run another higher degree. But a

time came when he was accorded the highest honour that the Lodge has in its power to bestow, and then

came the beginning of the end. At his installation he made great promises, and doubtless meant to fulfil

them, but when he had passed through his year of office, with more or less eclat, and had entered on the

otium cuss dignitate of the I.P.M.'s collar, he began talk mysteriously of "the burden and heat of the day" and

of the necessity "of giving a chance to the younger hands" and his place at the left of the Master was often

vacant, especially at regular meetings when there was no degree on. And when the I. P.M.'s collar had been

The Past Master

on the Shelf.

transferred to other shoulders the fall from grace came on apace. Regular as well as working meetings saw a

vacant chair on the dais, and the W.M. was often at a loss when he looked for some one to relieve him of a

Charge or a Tracing Board, or to help him in a knotty point of ruling. Facilis est descensus Arverni, and soon

W. Bro. Blank is only on hand when an Installation or a Ball give him the opportunity of shewing the crowd

his dingy apron. He is for all practical Masonic purposes dead as a doornail, and although he pays his

subscription with commendable regularity, at least when the Treasurer looks him up, the Lodge forgets him

as a factor in its existence. Such is the story of many a Masonic fossil, literally 'on the shelf' and more is the

pity of it. If Masonry is worth anything at all, it is worth cultivating to the end of one's active mental life, and

he who drops out of it directly he has acquired the potentiality of being truly useful, has never properly

imbibed its sublime teachings. The P.M. on the shelf is truly a sorry spectacle, and a blot on the Masonic

escutcheon. We warn all young Masons to beware of falling into a similar state of dry rot. Be ready, honours

or no honours, to do our Masonic duty so long as the great Architect of the Universe gives us strength to put

on an apron or frame a sentence of our ritual.—South African _Freemason.

———————————————

THE day is past and gone forever when Masonry is looked upon as a secret society, in the general acceptation

of the term. Much more is written than is contained in its esoteric teachings. Each year, yea, every day,

shows its progress in the field of intellect and letters. Its beauty is found in the

thousands of volumes of bright books, which, for the want of a better term, we will

name "chips from the quarries." In speaking of the beauties of it as an educational

factor, some express the idea that its teachings are of such a nature as to warrant a man

in adopting it as his religion. If this were a fact, would the Christian minister, the rabbi, and men of all the

religions meet upon its level? It can hardly be presumed that they would. While a high moral code is

inculcated, a beautiful system of symbols illustrated, no man can read even between the lines where it is set

up as a substitute for religion. When the last sad rites are performed around the open grave, when the dust is

about to return to the earth as it was, the Master, in the presence of death, on the very brink of the silent

tomb, recommends his Brethren to prepare for that eternity in which our faith is unshaken. Progress is the

watchword of the age—superstition and ignorance a thing of the past. A man has but to read the works of

any authentic Masonic author to be convinced of the falsity of such rash superstitions, founded on an

ungrounded theory, as have been set forth by edict and bull from royal palace and propaganda. As the sun

rises and adorns the day, as his rays gild mountain tops, and as he climbs to his meridian glory to beautify all

creation, so has this literary light risen until its meridian has been attained.—Rough Ashlar.

———————————————————————————————————————————

THE NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN takes over, with courteous acknowledgement, a leading article of ours on "The

Elements of Real Success." It also takes over sundry small news paragraphs, shewing the great utility of Masonic

newspapers in diffusing items of general interest, and in making Masons in one part of the world acquainted with

the doings of their Brethren elsewhere. The same paper claims a circulation of 2,400. We congratulate it, and wish

that South Africa would support its paper in the same way. We would in that case be glad to double its size. —

South African Freemason.

———————————————

TO SUBSCRIBERS AND OTHERS.

———

Subscribers are respectfully notified that Payments and Editorial Correspondence should now be sent to Arthur

Cleave and Co., Box 152, Post Office, Auckland.

The Proprietors are aware that part of the Editor's Correspondence is of a private and confidental nature, in such

cases, if the writers mark their communications " Private," the Proprietors will undertake to treat such

correspondence as being of a confidential nature,

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

Subscribers are requested to note that instructions to discontinue sending the paper must be forwarded in writing

to the office—such notice will be duly acknowledged by the Proprietors—instructions to travelling agents cannot

on any account, be recognised. ARTHUR CLEAVE & CO.,

VULCAN LANE, AUCKLAND.

Masonry as a

Secret Society.

———————————————————————————————————————————

BRIEF MENTION.
———————————————————————————————————————————

TO think well is the way to act rightly.

THE sting of reproach is the truth in it.

GREAT principles depend upon small details.

STRIVE manfully ; habit is overcome by habit.

DO noble things, not dream them all day long.

A little method is worth a great deal of memory.

THE highest of all possessions—that of self-help.

ONE act of charity is worth a century of eloquence.

EVERY good work is a grain of seed for eternal life.

LIFE is a mission; or it has neither value, or meaning.

THE power of gentleness and kindness is always irresistible.

THE world is better for every one who is living at his best.

WE reform others unconsciously when we walk uprightly.

LIFE, and the necessities of life, are the best philosophers.

THERE is nothing so valuable, and yet so cheap, as civility.

IT is our duty in this world to move onwards steadily, but quietly.

EVERY man has just as much vanity as he wants understanding.

UNLESS above himself he can Erect himself, how poor a thing is man ! -

OUR own heart, and not other men's opinions, forms our true honour.

POLITENESS that does not begin at home is almost all vanity and deceit.

HE who lives for himself alone, lives for the meanest man in existence.

AN extraordinary haste to discharge an obligation is a sort of ingratitude.

THERE is often a duty of secrecy where no definite promise has been exacted.

HE who never changed any of his opinions, never corrected any of his mistakes.

LABOUR to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

THE reason so many horse-races are crooked is because the human race isn't straight.

JUSTICE, according to the old Greek definition, is No tell the truth and to pay your debts.

THE manner of saying or doing anything goes a great way in the value of the thing itself.

IF you ever feel yourself getting conceited, just remember that the best people are all dead.

DON'T flatter yourself that friendship authorises you to say disagreeable things to your intimates.

A MASON should not be judged by one wrong action ; it is unjust and leads to false conclusions.

EVERY man has an idea that if he had been in Adam's place, the earth would still be a Garden of Eden.

A generous man will place the benefits he confers beneath his feet, those he receives nearest his heart.

IT is said that at the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society Asylum there is an inmate aged 89, whose brother and sister

lived with the widow of the great navigator, Captain Cook.

THE Grand Lodge of Tasmania, at the end of 1892, had on its Roll 22 Craft Lodges with 996 Members.

THE world would be more happy, and the people in it just as wise, if they would whistle more and argue less.

THE old project for the establishment of a Rabbinical college in Jerusalem is again being discussed in Jewish

circles.

THE Grand Master of Kentucky recently annulled the charters of twenty lodges, because of quarreling among the

members.

FRIENDSHIP, morality and brotherly love come glibly from the tongue, but to exemplify them in every-day life

requires great efforts.

THE Bible is a book of inspiration ; most secret societies have it in their midst because it is the foundation of all

that is great and good.

THE street gamin is never contented with any other place than the head of the procession but in manhood he

usually drops behind it.

WITHOUT actually departing from the letter of truth, it is astonishing what different stories two thoroughly

respectable men can tell to a jury.

THE Grand Lodge of Tasmania reports that during the year there have been 103 new members initiated into the

Craft in their Lodges, and 35 have affiliated.

IF you want to find out a man's real disposition, take him when he is wet and hungry. If he is amiable then, dry

him and fill him up, and you have an angel.

"GENTLEMEN of the jury," said an eloquent Q,C., " remember that my client is hard of hearing, and that therefore

the voice of conscience appeals to him in vain.!"

IT is a necessary result of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry that a Mason cannot be deprived of any of

his Masonic rights without the opportunity of being heard in his defence.

THE amusements of our hour of refreshment are innocent and harmless. He who despises them is unworthy to be a

brother ; for he is either a hypocrite, a formalist or an impostor. Beware of him !

BEGIN your business promptly on time, if a quorum be present. Tedious delays discourage members from coming,

and if this becomes the habit of a Lodge, it will soon be impossible to obtain a quorum.

THE Grand Treasurer's Balance Sheet of Grand Lodge of Tasmania for 1892, shows with the balance of £68 4s.

1d., brought forward receipts £399 ls. 7d., expenditure £280 10s. 11d., leaving a balance of £118 10s. 8d.

BRO. A. R. T. Haultain, St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 8 (clerk of the Police Court, Auckland) left on March 5th on a

visit of some months to Australia. Previous to his departure a presentation was made to Bro. Haultain.

LET us remember that we owe a great duty to the living—that we owe them our friendship and our brotherly love,

and let us give it fully and freely while we are permitted to meet each other and rejoice in each other's company.

THE Masonic Library of Iowa has been presented a beautiful marble bust of flue Prince of Wales, Grand Master of

Masons in England. This library is highly commended far and near. It receives the special attention of the

energetic G. Sec., Bro. Parvin.

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 fall.

THE land on which the Masonic Hall belonging to Lodge Eden is built was bought for £5 per foot, they have been

offered £80 per foot, as it is 33 feet frontage; the members have 2640 excellent reasons for not losing their

property. Hence their return to the E.C.

CONTENTMENT produces all those effects which the alchymist ascribes to what he calls the philosopher's stone. If

it does not bring riches, it does the same by banishing the desire for them. If it cannot remove the disquietudes

arising from a man's mind, body, or fortune, it makes him easy under them.

LOOK on the bright side of things. Every dark cloud has its silver lining. Do not look on the dark side of affairs,

but on their brightest aspects. Remember that he who goes into the garden to look for cobwebs and spiders will

doubtless find them, while he who looks for a flower may return with one blooming in his button-hole.

OUR esteemed M.W. Bro. the Rev. R. D. Poulett-Harris, M.A., the first Grand Master of Tasmania, has, to the

great regret of the members, been compelled through advancing years to decline re-election. When installing his

successor, M.W. Bro. Dr. E. O. Giblin, Bro. Poulett-Harris expressed his gratification at the selection of his

successor.

ACCORDING to the South African Freemason, there are in South Africa 103 Craft Lodges, 9 Mark Lodges, 30
Royal Arch Chapters, 14 Rose Croix Chapters, 4 Knights Templar Preceptories, 2 Orders of Rome and

Constantine Conclaves, 3 Royal Ark Mariners Lodges, 1 Thirtieth Degree Chapter, 1 Secret Monitor Chapter, 1

Allied Degree Chapter, and 1 United Lodge of Instruction.

MASONIC. PUBLICATIONS—We have received the Masonic Guide of New Zealand for 1893. It is compiled by the

Editor of the N.Z. Craftsman, V.W. Bro. T. G. DeRenzy, P.G. Treas., First Prin., P.M.M., etc., and published by

Arthur Cleave and Co., Auckland, price 1/-. It is well got up. In addition to a description of the lodges, it contains

a large number of useful masonic memo., &c.

THE following quotation is given from a pamphlet recently issued by the Howard Association : "American

criminality is so alarmingly increasing, that whereas in 1850 every million inhabitants of the United States only

contributed 290 prisoners, the proportion had risen to 853 in 1870, and as high as 1,169 in 1880. The census of

1890 appears to indicate a still further increase of criminality, there being 10,000 more convicts than in 1880."

THERE has been much discussion as to the power of a Grand Lodge to discipline a Mason of another jurisdiction,

who comes into its territory and there commits an offence against its laws ; but it is now the settled doctrine that a

Mason from another jurisdiction has no inumanity from discipline not possessed by resident Masons, and the

statement that the laws of a Grand Lodge "are binding upon all Masons within its jurisdiction" is made advisedly.

IF Masonry teaches us anything, it is to be courteous gentlemen. The Master of a Lodge is a host whose duty it 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 Worshipful Master 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 feel proud of the fact, but when such position is

unknown or ignored through carelessness or inattention, he feels as though the honors of the Craft were but an

empty bubble after all.

I AM informed that some earnest Roman Catholics, who are also Freemasons, find much to disquiet them in the

Pope's latest pronouncement. The full text of that document, or rather documents, has not reached this country, but

it is understood to contain a tremendous indictment of that Society. His Holiness considers Freemasonry to be

antagonistic to Christianity, and given over to the propagation of infidelity. The reason of this scathing attack is

supposed to be the recent agnostic speeches of certain Italian professors. These gentlemen are also ardent

Freemasons, and the Pope’s argument is to the effect that the tree is known by its fruit. The opinion in English

Roman Catholic circles, however, is that the Pope has been misinformed, and that the connection between

Freemasonry and anti-Christian sentiment is purely fortuitous. We should certainly be surprised to hear the charge

brought against any of our own lodges.—Manchester Courier.

ON Saturday afternoon Bro. W. S. Furby, highly esteemed as the officer in charge of the Auckland Telegraph

Office, on the occasion of his leaving for Europe on a twelve months' vacation, was presented with a very pleasing

testimonial by the members of the local telegraph and telephone staffs. It took the form of a handsome illuminated

address, artistically executed by Mr Alfred Harding, and tastefully bound in morocco. The presentation was made

by Mr H. Hemus, the assistant officer in charge, and felicitously acknowledged. During his thirteen years'

management of the telegraph and telephone branches in Auckland, Bro. Furby has earned the confidence of the

business portion of the community, as well as the respect and esteem of subordinates, and on leaving our shores

he will carry with him the heartiest good wishes of a host of friends. Mr Hemus will act as officer in charge during

Bro. Furby's absence. Bro. Furby was also the recipient of a handsome testimonial from the officers and members

of All Saints' Church and Sunday school, he having been for some time connected with the work of the Church,

and held the position of Superintendent in the Sunday school. Bro. Furby is an old member of the Prince of Wales,

No.1338, E.C., and a Grand Lodge officer of the D.G. Lodge, E.C.

BRO. T. L. Murray, manager of the branch of the Bank of New Zealand at the Thames, has been appointed to the

management of the Dunedin branch. The news was received on all hands with sincere regret, as Mr Murray's

removal from this place severs another link in the chain of the past and the present, he having been connected with

the Thames since the time the field was in its infancy, and there is not the slightest doubt that it is owing to Bro.

Murray's management of affairs and close attention to his duties that the Bank of New Zealand holds the premier

position in banking institutions of the Thames. Independent of the loss the bank here sustains, the Thames will

lose an admirable citizen, as Bro. Murray has always evinced deep interest in the welfare of the place, and his

advice has been sought and cheerfully given in nearly every reform connected with the mining industry and the

place in general. W. Bro. Murray was the recipient of several handsome testimonials before he left for his new

sphere of duties. Bro. Murray will be greatly missed by the Craft at the Thames, especially by the brethren of Sir

Walter Scott Lodge, having been so intimately connected with its working since he was appointed Secretary in

1874. He was W. Master in 1877, 1878, 1888, 1889, and 1890. " He possesses virtues that tend to make a man

beloved and respected both socially and masonically." Bro. Murray was always a staunch supporter of the N.Z.

Grand Lodge, has taken the greatest interest in its formation and successful career, and was Senior Grand Deacon

in 1892.

AT a meeting of the Craft held at the Masonic Club, Auckland, on Friday, March 24th, the following illuminated

address was presented to W. Bro. George Fowlds : —" To Brother George Fowlds, Worshipful Master, Lodge

Ponsonby, No. 54. Worshipful Sir and Dear Brother.—As you are about to visit your native land, after spending

eight years among us, we cannot allow you to depart without expressing our respect and esteem for you as a

citizen, and as a member of the Masonic fraternity. As a citizen you have secured the proud name of being an

upright and honourable man; and we greatly rejoice that your success in business justifies your indulging in a

well-earned holiday trip to the Old Country, although you will no doubt shrewdly combine business with pleasure.

As a member of our world-wide fraternity you will probably meet with brethren of the mystic tie where-ever you

may travel, and to these we confidently recommend you as having well and worthily laboured among us. No

member of the craft in this colony is more widely known than yourself, and all who know you love and respect

you. That the Great Architect may keep and protect you in all your journeyings, and return you safely to this your

adopted land, is our fervent hope and prayer. For and on behalf of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, M. Niccol,

Grand Master ; Wm. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary. Auckland, New Zealand, March 24th, 1893." The address was

printed on satin in several colours. It was mounted on rewa-rewa rollers, and contained emblems of the craft. The

Grand Master, Bro. Niccol made the presentation in his usual felicitous manner. Bro. Fowlds having thanked the

brethren they separated after wishing him a pleasant time and safe return. Brother Fowlds will act as travelling

representative and correspondent for the CRAFTSMAN during his travels.