WRECK OF THE S.S. WAIRARAPA.
———
In reference to this frightful catastrophe, as it was known a number of members of the Craft had been
drowned besides many others having relations amongst those who had perished, it was felt that claims would
not only be made upon the sympathy of the Brethren but upon their charity. A meeting of the members of the
local Auckland lodges was at once convened by R. W. Bro. G. Fowlds, Grand Superintendent of the District,
at the Room of the Masonic Institute, on November 2nd, and notwithstanding the short notice, there was a
good attendance ; Bro. Fowlds in the chair. After some considerable conversation on the best means of
raising a fund to assist those left destitute by the wreck, it was resolved, on the motion of R. W. Bro. W. H.
Cooper, to appoint a committee of the W. Masters elf the various Lodges in the Auckland district, with Bro.
P. A. Duncan as honorary secretary and W. Bro. H. C. Tewsley as treasurer. A subscription list was opened
in the room, and met with a ready response from those present. It was also decided to have lists placed in the
hands of the Masters of Lodges and other Brethren. The chairman was also requested to obtain counsel of the
Grand Master to an appeal being sent to all Lodges of the N.Z.C. in the country. The Bond of Benevolence
on being applied to, however, considered that members of the Craft would many of them. have contributed
through other lists, so did not consent to the general appeal. The handsome amount contributed by Auckland
Brethren will be used to help local eases of distress.
——————————————————
GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND.
AT the meeting of the United Grand Lodge of England, held Sept. 5th, the following resolutions were passed
on the report of the Colonial Board. and by request of the District Grand Master of Wellington, the charters
of the following Lodges who had joined the New Zealand Lodge were declared forfeited, viz :-
No. 517. New Zealand Pacific Lodge, Wellington
„ 1430. Masterton Lodge, Masterton
„ 1577. Victoria Lodge, Napier
„ 1720. Greytown Lodge, Greytown, Wairarapa West
„ 1812. Heretaunga Lodge, Hastings, Hawkes Bay
„ 1813. Abereorn Lodge, Waipawa
„ 1888. St John's Lodge, Featherston
„ 1904. Rangitikei Lodge, Bulls
„ 1940. Feilding- Lodge, Feilding
„ 2053. Ngamotu Lodge, New Plymouth
„ 2059. St Mark's Lodge, Carterton
„ 2178. Ruahine Lodge, Woodville, Hawkes Bay
With reference to this the English Freemason, the recognised organ of the Grand Lodge, says :—" It appears
from the report of the Colonial Board, which was presented at the meeting, that the District Grand Lodge of
Wellington, New Zealand, has taken action with reference to those of its lodges which have seceded and
joined the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand,' and under the authority delegated to it by Article 106 of
the Book of Constitutions, has caused all such lodges to be erased from the roll of United Grand Lodge of
England. The number of these lodges is 12, and as the District Grand Lodge in question before the secession
numbered 19 lodges, there remain seven that prefer the old order of things to the new and unrecognised
Order of things which was started a few years since to the detriment of Freemasonry both in the Colony and
generally. We trust the other District Grand Lodges in New Zealand which may not have taken this step will
do so at an early date, so that we may know precisely how we stand in New Zealand." No doubt the other
District Grand Lodges of New Zealand will follow this advice, and we shall then have an opportunity of
proving to the Masonic World the weight of the present local opposition to the N.Z.C.
At the same meeting another resolution was also passed, on the motion of Bro. Sowerby :—" That in order to
enable the M.W. the Grand Master to grant a warrant of confirmation to Lodge Otago, No. 844, Dunedin,
Otago, New Zealand, and to prevent similar occurrences in future, Article 126 of the Book of Constitutions
be altered to read as follows : If a warrant be lost, or improperly withheld from those entitled to hold and use
the same, or withheld. by competent Masonic authority, the lodga must suspend its meetings until a new
warrant, or warrant of confirmation, has been applied for and granted by the Grand Master in such terms or
on such conditions as he may think proper, or until the warrant so withheld be restored.' " We have our doubs
of the expediency of thus altering the Book of Constitution to bolster up the small opposition we have left in
New Zealand, the wisdom or Masonic spirit that actuates our brethren. We are content to leave to the
judgment of the Masonic world.
Bro Eve, P.G.T., after much delay, .was at length able to carry the resolution that he had tabled calling upon
the Grand Master to issue a warrant to the Cambria Lodge, No. 656, and calling upon the G.M. of the Grand
Lodge of New South Wales to give this Lodge friendly and fraternal recognition. The speeches reported. do
not show that this matter was discussed in a very Masonic manner, nor do we think it is approved by the
rulers of the Craft in England who would much rather have shelved this question than faced. it. No doubt it
really was a snatch vote as the September meeting of Grand Lodge being held during the long vacation,
everybody who thinks he should be considered anybody is out of town, and the meeting is poorly attended.
This season is the time of the big gooseberries reports in the papers hence is called the " silly season," and
very appropriately represents the guiding spirit of Grand Lodge in. passing these latter two resolutions.
—————————————————————
WE are obliged to hold over several reports and articles.
A MEETING of the District and Provincial Grand Committees of the English, Irish, and Scotch Constitutions
of Masons was held at Auckland on October 31st., to consider a circular from the District Grand Lodge of
Canterbury, S.C., referring to the question of the recognition of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, when it
was decided that recognition, if now granted, would re-open questions of grave concern to Masons, and
introduce the disturbing element. The meeting, therefore, disapproved of the course suggested by the D.G.
Lodge of Canterbury, S.C., and would not join with it in. any representation to their respective Grand.
Lodges in the direction of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand being recognised. By this we may judge that
recognition will be deferred, but after all does the vote of the half-dozen Brethren referred to constitute the
opinion of the Craft of New Zealand?
—————————————————————
THERE are a large number of Lodge Installations during December. Will the secretaries of same kindly
forward their reports early.
WE have again to thank Bro. W. 14. Clark, secretary of Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, Invercargill, for
having kindly compiled the Index for Volume V., which accompanies this issue.
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ENGLISH NEWS.
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[BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
LONDON, August. 10th, 1894.
THE installation of Bro Dr. J. B. Cockburn as Provincial Grand Master of the newly-constituted province of
Guernsey and Alderney took place at St. Peter Port, Guernsey, on the 23rd ult., the ceremony being
unusually oppressive.
The Province of West Lancashire, the largest under the Grand Lodge of England, has a roll of 113 lodges and
upwards of 7,200 members.
Several additions to the roll of the Grand Lodge of England have to be reported. A new lodge for the County
of Lancashire—the County Palatine, No. 2503—was consecrated at Birkdale, near Liverpool, on the 9th ult.
by Bro. Robert Wylie, D.P.G.M. On the 10th ult. a military lodge—the Roll Call, No. 2523—was
consecrated at Hounslow, Middlesex, by the Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Lord George Hamilton, it being
the first lodge consecrated by him since his accession to office about a year ago. There was also consecrated
on the 11th ult., at the Finsbury Barracks, London, by Bro. E. Letchworth, Grand Secretary, another military
lodge—the Trainbands', No. 2524 —which has been formed by the officers of the City of London Militia out
of members of their own corps, and of which Bro. Colonel Dundas is the first W.M. A new Liverpool
lodge—the City, No. 2514—was consecrated on the 26th ult., at the Alexandra Hotel, Dale Street, by Bro.
W. Simpson, Prov. S.G.W.
At the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Northumberland and Durham, held on the 9th
ult. at Newcastle-on-Tyne, Bro the Rev. Canon H. B. Tristram, Provincial Grand Master, was presented with
his portrait and an illuminated address on his having completed twenty-one years of rule. Mrs Tristram was
also the recipient of a handsome case of Apostle spoons, with the respectful regards to her of the Mark
brethren of the province.
An imposing ceremony took place at Lincoln on June 27th, when the foundation stone of the new Masonic
buildings—to be known as Freemasons' Rooms—was laid by Bro. Major W. H. Smyth, of the Elkington
Hall, Louth, the Provincial Grand Master.
A Masonic Hall, which is estimated to cost (exclusive of site) some 1'15,000 is now in course of erection at
Newcastle-on-Tyne, the foundation stone having been recently laid by Bro. Sir W. M. Ridley, Provincial
Grand Master for Northumberland.
It is announced that Lord Egerton, of Tatton, Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire, will preside over next
year's anniversary festival of the Royal Masonic Institute for Boys.
On the 11th ult the Earl of Yarborough, Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire, who was accompanied by
the Countess, presided at the twenty-sixth annual festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund, when some 150
ladies and gentlemen sat down to a well-served banquet in Freemasons' Tavern. Bros. the Earl of Euston,
Viscount Dungarvon, Lord Portarlington, and Colonel G. Noel Money, C.B., were among the distinguished
brethren present. Subscriptions to the amount of £1,894 were announced.
———————————————————————————————————————————
WELLINGTON NOTES
———————————————————————————————————————————
[BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
WELLINGTON, November, 1894.
LOCAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.— A meeting of the W.M.'s and Wardens was held in the Masonic Hall
on Thursday, 25th October, specially convened by the Grand Superintendent to consider a scheme for the
formation of a local Benevolent Association to administer all Masonic relief within the city. Very full
discussion was evoked, and the proposal, together with a set of accompanying by-laws—which were
considered seriatim—were unanimously approved. The scheme will be submitted to lodges, and if adopted
will be brought into operation on the 1st January, 1895. It is contended, and we think rightly, that the
administration of Masonic charity is conducted in a. very indiscriminate manner, both privately and by
lodges, and it is claimed for the proposed Association that full investigation will be made and the really
deserving cases receive assistance to the exclusion of the professional tramper. A very hearty vote of thanks
was moved to Bro. Williams for the trouble he has taken in formulating the proposal.
P.G.M. Bro. Gillon, after attending the meeting of Grand Lodge at Christchurch, left Lyttelton by the s.s.
Rotomahana en route for Australia. We hope he will return—if not rejuvenated—at least recuperated.
It is not often that a Grand Lodge is represented in foreign lands by two P.G.M.'s at the same time. We
understand that Bros. Gillen and Thomson are now in Australia, and we have every confidence they will
most fittingly represent the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
Speaking of Bro. E. Thomson reminds us of a good story which has reached us. Soon after his arrival in
Sydney he scented a lodge meeting, and in company with a fellow passenger, a very young Mason, presented
himself for admission, but as he was without documentary evidence he rather despises diplomas—this was
refused until his very much Masonic junior vouched for him.
We regret to learn that Ashurst brethren are likely to lose the services of P.M. Bro. Buehler, he having
applied to the Education Board for removal on the ground of continued ill-health.
The continued abstention of the Grand Master from all Masonic functions in the city and district of
Wellington is the subject of much unfavourable con/ment, and we cannot help thinking Bro. Bell's action
inadvised, especially with the record of his energetic and indefatigable predecessors.
———————————————————————————————————————————
LODGE REPORTS
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PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON
———
LODGE TARARUA, No. 67, N.Z.C.—Before proceeding to report the proceedings of our annual installation,
which took place at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday, November 7th, a few remarks regarding Tararua may
not be out of place. It is not generally known, I think, that this was the first Lodge erected by the Grand
Lodge of New Zealand, although' Lodge Rawhiti, Danevirke, takes precedence on the Register owing to their
application for Charts having been received first. In 1890 the Grand Master (Bro. Thompson) and his officers
were on their way to Danevirke to open Rawhiti, and advantage was taken of their passing through Palliatu
to establish Tararua. Of course the matter had been taken in hand some short time previous by those desirous
of having a Lodge, but the first Charter granted to Lodge Tararua was written on the spot by the Grand
Secretary on a sheet of foolscap, and duly signed by the G.M. The opening ceremony was a grand Masonic
display, and for some time Tararua gave promise of occupying a very prominent position in the Craft ; but
many members appear to have forgotten their allegiance, and I am sorry to say that at the present day we are
not what we gave promise of being at our birth. The first Master of Taranto, was Bro. A. Black, P.M. of
Patea Kilwinning, who was initiated in Mount Egmont, New Plymouth, in 1869. At the banquet which
followed the opening, the newly-installed Master remarked that he felt very proud. of being the first Master
of a Lodge erected under the New Zealand Constitution, the more so as he was a native of the colony. Bro.
A. Stewart, P.M„ of Manawatu Kilwinning, followed ; then Bro. H. H. Godfrey. He was succeeded last year
by Bro. John Gregory, who has just completed his term of office. No Lodge was started under more
favourable circumstances than Tararua, and such was the enthusiasm that not long after a very handsome
temple was erected, the consecration of which was also performed by the Grand Master and his officers. But,
as before remarked, there is something wanting to make the Tararua more attractable. Let me advise
members to carefully eschew any personal feeling, and, above all, let members remember their obligation,
and attend the meetings of their Lodge. I know of some who have taken their M.M. degree, and have
suddenly disappeared so far as the Lodge is concerned. Far better had they never sought to enter a Masonic
Lodge than take a serious obligation and immediately violate it. New members do not pay sufficient attention
to their subscriptions. It is impossible that a Lodge can be worked satisfactorily when the dues are unpaid. I
hope these few remarks will reach those for whom they are intended, and will have the effect of making
them reflect. Now, as to the installation of the W.M. and officers. There was a good attendance, including the
W.M., officers, and several members of Lodge Eketahuna ; also Bro. McKay, of N.Z. Pacific, Wellington.
According to the old Scriptural saying, " The last shall be first," etc., I now come to the most important
visitor of all—Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand Superintendent of the district. This distinguished Bro. is, no doubt,
the father of Tararua, and has always manifested the greatest interest in her affairs. He never fails to put in an
appearance on our "great" days, and there is no Bro. more welcome. His coming is always looked forward to,
and a speech from him contains a vast amount of food for reflection. He knows what to say, and how to say
it, and I feel sure that our Grand Superintendent is as popular in other parts as he is here. I know he will not
feel annoyed (notwithstanding that we are a little out of gear just now) at our claiming him as part, of
ourselves ; and an installation ceremony without him would take a lot of dressing to make it go. There is no
reflection on others, but Bro. Williams is an indispensable figure at our annual gatherings. Having been
received with Grand Honours, the Grand Superintendent, at the request of the W.M., took the chair, and the
business of the evening commenced. The W.M.-elect (Bro. Alexander Ross) was duly installed into the chair
of King Solomon, after which the following officers were invested (the S.W. and Tyler being absent) :—
S.W., Bro. J. McBain ; J.W., Bro. J. D. Wilson; Treasurer, Bro. J. A. Kennedy ; Secretary, Bro. A. Black,
P.M., P.G.S. ; J.D., Bro. T. F. Hewat ; I.G., Bro. W. Brown. Bro. Black, P.M., acted as D.C., and made the
proclamations in East, West, and South. The addresses to the W.M., Wardens, and Brethren were delivered
by Bro. A. Stewart, P.M. The working tools were presented by the Worshipful Installing Master and Bras.
Stewart and Godfrey, P.M.'s, respectively ; whilst the latter also rendered valuable service at the organ
during the ceremony. At the request of the I.P.M., Grand Superintendent Williams asked the W.C. to place
Bro. Stewart, P.M., before the dais, and, much to the surprise of the latter, presented him with a P.M.'s collar
and jewel as a mark of appreciation for the valuable services he had rendered the Lodge. Bro. Stewart briefly
returned thanks. After the closing of the Lodge, the members and visitors sat down to an excellent collation,
provided by Host Bro. Seymour, and this having been done ample justice to, the usual toasts were honoured.
In response to "The Grand Master," the Grand Superintendent made a capital speech, full of instruction to
old and new members alike. Several good songs were also sung during the evening. The party broke up
about 1 a.m., one and all expressing themselves well satisfied with the gathering. I cannot conclude without
wishing the newly-installed Master a prosperous term of office.
UNITED MANAWATU LODGE, No. 1721, E.C.—There was a large attendance of members and visitors at the
above Lodge, at Palmerston North, on Tuesday, 23rd October, to assist in the installation of S.W. Bro. F.
Bryant. as W.M. for the ensuing twelve months. The ceremony was carried out by the D.G.M., Bro.
Arkwright, assisted by Bro. Kenneth Wilson, B.G. Chaplain ; Bro. Keeling, D.G.J.W.; and P.M. Bro.
Haybittle, D.G. Director of Ceremonies. The P.G.M. and his officers having been received according to
custom, and the W.M.-elect having answered in the affirmative the usual questions, the ceremony of
installation was proceeded with before a Board of Installed Masters consisting of the following :—Bros. W.
J. Batt, C. Hosking, T. T. Kerslake, H. W. Haybittle, J. E. Perrin, J. C. Nathan, J. H. L. Maeintire, and M.
Cohen (United Manawatu Lodge), J. Whalley (49, Liverpool, E.G.), W. Nicholson (1689, Kumara, E.C ), W.
Parker (Rnapehu, 2137, B.C.). After the installation ceremony, the usual proclamations were made, and
Grand Honours were accorded to the new W.M. The "Working Tools of W.M." were presented by Bro. W. J.
Batt, P.M. ; Bro. K. Wilson, P.M., D.G.C., presented the working tools of F.C. ; and the working tools of
E.A. were presented by Bro. C. Hosking, P.M.; Bro. Cohen, 1.P.M., presented the Charter and Book of
Constitution. The W.M. then invested the following with their badges of office for the ensuing year :—Bro.
E. O. Hurley, J.W.; Bro. G. Woodroofe, Secretary ; Bro. A. Skerman, Organist; Bro. Larcomb, S.D. ; Bro. E.
N. Barraud, J.D. ; Bro. J. Hall, I.G.; Treasurer, Bro. R. N. Keeling, P.M.; Tyler, Bro. Schlager. The W.M.
explained that Bro. L. Abraham had been appointed S.W., and that until his return to the colony Bro. C.
Hosking, junr. (who unfortunately was not able to be present that evening through indisposition) would hold
the office. The address to the W.M. was delivered by Bro. H. W. Haybittle, P.M.; that to the Wardens by
Bro. R. N. Keeling, P.M. ; and that to the Brethren by Bro. J. C. Nathan, P.M. The W.M. having returned
thanks, the Grand Lodge officers retired, and the Lodge was closed in the ordinary form. The Director of
Ceremonies, Bro. Haybittle, P.M., carried out his duties in a most efficient manner, and Bro. Sherman
presided at the organ with his accustomed ability. The brethren then retired to the banquet room, where an
admirable supper was laid by Bro. Beaumont. Among the toasts was that of "The health of the D.G.M., Bro.
Arkwright," which was proposed by Bro. M. Cohen, P.M. The speaker said the lumbers would look upon the
occasion as a red-letter day in the history of the Lodge, and they would greatly esteem the honour which had
been conferred upon them by a visit from the D.G.M. during his first year of office. The D.G.M., in
responding, referred to the pleasure his visit had given him, and congratulated the Lodge upon the excellent
manner of its working. He then asked those present to drink the toast of " The newly-installed Master." Bro.
Bryant, in replying, stated it would be his earnest endeavour to promote the continued success dstring his
term of office. The other toasts were—" The I.P.M.," " The Installing Master (Bro. K. Wilson, P.M.),"
"Present and Past Officers," " The Visitors," "The Ladies," &c. During the evening recitations were given by
Bros. Barraud, Haybittic, and Wilson ; and songs were contributed by Bros. Hay. bittle, Perrin, Russell,
Smart, and Batt. The gathering was brought to a close shortly after the midnight by the singing of " Auld
Lang Syne."
LEINSTER LODGE, No. 44.—The regular meeting of this Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on
Monday, 5th November, and as there was no business occurring, a new departure was taken. The Masonic
orchestra, under the leadership of Bro. Hotop, rendered a capital programme of instrumental music, Bros.
Clothier, P.M., and Crichton varying the order with vocal selections. Bro. Dean, W.M., presided, and a large
number of members assembled. The Grand Superintendent visited officially, accompanied by quite an array
of Grand Officers, and during the evening presented patents of office to R.W. Bro. R. C. Hamerton, Grand
Registrar, V.W. Bro. J. M. Goldfinch, Grand Treasurer. A. vote of sympathy to the sufferers by the
"Wairarapa" disaster was carried, and the proposal to establish a local Benevolent Association was referred
to a committee to report. Very great credit is due to Bro. Arthur Clothier, P.M., for his successful organisa-
tion, and to the Masonic orchestra for their admirable rendering of the programme.
EKETAHUNA LODGE, No. 92.—The regular meeting of this Lodge was held in the Lodge-room on October
12th, 1894, when their was a good attendance, the roads being in a much better condition than formerly. A
joining brother was balloted for and elected. Bro. Mornell was raised to the sublime degree of M.M. ; a.
joining member was proposed; and two charity appeals were considered, one being responded to. Bro. W. B.
Abbott, J.W., was nominated as our next W.M. installation to be on December 7th. Lodge closed in peace
and harmony at 10 p.m.
WESTLAND KILWINNING LODGE, No. 88.—The usual monthly meeting was held in the Oddfellows' Hall,
Revell Street, on Wednesday evening, October 10, the R.W. Master presiding. All the officers and a good
attendance of brethren and visitors were present, there being no less than eight Past Masters. The attraction
of the evening was the initiation of a candidate (Mr. John Peake, junr., son of our Town Clerk, likewise a
member of the Craft, being a P.M. of the late Lodge, who was present to welcome his son into the mysteries
of the Order). The ceremony was not only interesting to the old members, but much appreciated by the
candidate. Charity Charge was delivered by P.M. Bro. Cresswell in his usual good style ; the W.T. by the
I.P.M. of the Southern Cross Lodge, E.C., Nelson (Bro. Chisholm) ; and the final Charge by P.M. Bro.
Andrews. The election of officers then took place, but being premature to the annual installation, names are
withheld till next month. One guinea was voted from the Benevolent Fund for call from Stratford Lodge for
Bro. J. McIntosh (deceased). H.G.W. were duly extended to the R.W.M. Lodge closed at 10.30 p.m.,
brethren leaving for their various homes.
—PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY
————
ASHLEY LODGE, No. 28, N.Z.C.—The monthly meeting of the above Lodge was held on September 13th,
1894, in the Masonic Hall, Perceval Street, Rangiora. The Lodge was opened with solemn prayer at 8.5 p.m.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. After the correspondence had been read, it
was resolved, "That the matter of contributing towards the Regalia and Jewel Fund for M.W.P.G.M. Bro.
Malcolm Niceol be held over till our next regular meeting." The W.M. Bro. H. Jones, then reported
concernieg a meeting of Masters of Lodges held in Christchurch, which he had attended, the object being to
bring about a better feeling between the English and New Zealand Constitutions. Owing to the death of W.
Bro. Bingham, P.M.. the Secretary was instructed to send a letter of condolence to his widow. The Lodge
was then "called off," and W. Bro. R. Ball, I.P.M., gave a most interesting paper on "Ancient Egypt," in
which he carefully reviewed the social and political history of the ancient Egyptians, giving much
information regarding their customs, religion, and architecture. The paper was listened to with deep
attention, and, after the Lodge had been " called on,' a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Bro. Ball for
his interesting paper. After Bro. Ball had suitably replied, the Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at a
few minutes past ten.
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PROVINCE OF HAWKES BAY.
————
Abercorn, No. 30 (Waipawa).—June: Bro. F. Lowe was admitted a joining member. Mr. Fred. R. Eames
was initiated. Bro. N. Friberg demitted owing to change of residence. A sum was voted in aid of the J. P.
Lucas Fund to Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity, E.C. July : We were favoured with a visit from Bro.
Meadowcroft, P.G.S.D., Vie. Bro. F. Fames was passed to the F.C. degree. Several Bros. sent apologies for
non-attendance, having succumbed to Ring Grippe. In the ante-room Bro. Meadowcroft gave an interesting
account of Victorian matters and assisted in the harmony of the evening. August A donation was ordered to
be sent to Lodge Victory, No. 40, on behalf of the Morrish Fund. Bro. P.M. Clarke delivered a lecture on
"First T.B." for the benefit of Bro. F. Eames. September : Bro. R. Peene was raised to the 3rd degree. This
Bro. was one of the unfortunates wrecked in the "Rodondo" on the way to Coolgardie. A circular from R.W.
Bro. G. Fowlds re presentation to P.G.M. Bro. Niccol was received. A refund, of a sum paid to an indigent
Bro. to help him on his road was ordered to be repaid to the Relief Committee. Notice of motion given to
alter night of meeting from Wednesday to Thursday, as Wednesday was not convenient to country members
owing to the half-holiday. October: Bro. Baker was passed to the F.C. degree. Bro. P. M. Clark gave the
lecture on Second T.B. to Bros. Baker and F. Eames. Circular received from Grand Secretary re motion to be
moved at next Grand Lodge Communication, that old Charters be given up. Abercorn cordially in accord
with the action. An offering was ordered to be sent to Lodge Stratford, No. 75, to swell the fund in aid of the
widow of the late Bro. the Rev. Joshua McIntosh. Bro. Wm. Starch, S.W., was the only nominee for the
office of W.M. for ensuing year. A gentleman was proposed for membership. In the ante room it was
arranged to hold a social evening in connection with the Lodge for the benefit of our wives and—er—
sweethearts. Our next meeting will, I think, be a red-letter one ; but of that more anon.
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THE NEW YORK HOME.—The report of the Trustees of the Hall and Asylum fund to the Grand Lodge of
New York, at its session last month, showed receipts of $93,116, of which over $59,000 was for rent of the
hall in New York City. As there are large disbursements in connection with the hall, the net revenue from
that source is only a little over $30,000. A summarized estimate of the cost of the home and appurtenances at
Utica shows a total of $254,804.86, of which $20, 750 were for real estate, not including $30,000 donated by
the,citizens of Utica, $157,471.50 for the building and $15,020 for furniture. The remainder was expended
for various improvements.
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INSTALLATIONS
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PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON.
———
ST. JOHN'S LODGE, NO. 37.—The installation of W.M. and investiture of officers took place iu the Masonic
Hall, Featherston, on Thursday, 18th ult. Members attended in force, and the visitors were represented by
R.W. Bro. H J. Williams, Grand Superintendent Bro. J. Mackay (N.Z. Pacific Lodge, No. 2), nearly the
whole of the Greytown Lodge (No. 74), while W.M. Bro. Cullen and another member from distant
Eketahuna honoured the meeting with their presence. V.W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt, P.G. Chap., acted as
Installing Master, and his careful and impressive rendition of the ceremony was fully appreciated by the
brethren. The Grand Superintendent invested the officers and charged the the ancient charges being read by
Bro. J. Mackay as Grand Secretary. The following are the officers for the current year :—W.M., Bro. J. T.
Hodder ; S.W., Bro. H. C. Smith; J.W., Bro. W. Heywood; Treasurer, Bro. W. Toogood, P.M.; Secretary,
Bro. Rev. T. Porritt ; P.M., Bro. G. Chaplan ; S.D., Bro. A. Donald ; J.D., Bro. H. J. Unwin I.G., Bro. S.
Cundy ; Tyler, Bro. C. W. Keys. At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the new Town
Hall, where a most excellent banquet was provided by the lady friends of members—it was a matter of
expressed regret that they were not invited to participate if the numerous good things, and grace the festive
board with their presence. The usual toasts received due honour, and the Grand Superintendent enlarged on
the present operations of the Grand. Lodge and its future proposals. The brethren separated shortly before 12,
after passing an enjoyable evening.
LODGE TARARUA, No. 67.—The annual masonic installation festival occurred at Pahiatua on the evening of
Wednesday, the 7th November. A large concourse of members assembled in the Masonic Hall of the future
Chicago of the North Island of New Zealand, at 7.30 p.m., and having opened the Lodge in due and ancient
form, resented W.M. Cullen, officers, and members of the Eketahuna Lodge, who had driven over in a body
and presented a most creditable appearance — masonically. Bro. James Mackay, the genial secretary of No.
3 Pacific Lodge (who had speedily journeyed from Wellington, ably represented No. 2, the oldest working
Lodge in the colony. Marlbro' found a representative in P.M. Bro. Falconer, a G.P. Steward, and R.W. Bro.
H. J. Williams (Grand Superintendent) represented the Grand Lodge and his district in propria persona, and
was received with the usual Grand honors. W.M. Bro. Gregory immediately stated the business of the
evening, and invited Bro. Williams to assume the Chair and conduct the installation ceremony. The
distinguished brother, who was quite up to his usual well-known form, then installed Bro. A. Ross as W.M.
and invested the following officers :— S.W., Bro. J. McBain ; J.W., Bro. J. D. W.M., ; Treasurer, Bro. J. A.
Kennedy ; Secretary, Bro. Alex. Black, P.M. ; Bro. — Manson ; J.D., Bro. T. F. Hewat; J.G., Bro. — Brown;
the Tyler-elect declined investation at the last moment. P.M.'s Stewart and Godfrey presented the W.T.'s, and
P.M. Stewart ably charged. the W.M., Wardens, and brethren. At the conclusion of, the ceremony the Grand
Superintendent (by desire of the Lodge) presented in felicitous terms a handsome P.M.'s collar and jewel to
P.M. Bro. Stewart, commenting on the many services rendered by the recipient to masonry in general and
Taranto, Lodge in particular. Bro. Stewart, who was genuinely taken by surprise—being visibly affected by
the kindness of his brethren thanked the members for their particular appreciation of his efforts. At the
conclusion of the business an adjournment was made for refreshments, and excellent justice was done to an
admirable banquet, capitally served by Bro. Seymour, the host of the Club Hotel. The Grand Superintendent
"spread himself," his subject being Grand Lodge present and future. We regret that want of space
necessitates us excluding the eloquent oration of W.M. Bro. Cullen, and the humorous but brief speech of
Bro. Mackay. The brethren separated at 11 o'clock to enable the visitors to take the road for home. The
Grand Superintendent tells us Bro. Mackay makes an excellent charioteer, but suggests that next time he
travels that road in the dark, he should remember the old song, " Ye Banks and Braes," more especially " Ye
Banks and Braes," more especially "Ye Banks. "
OTAKI LODGE, No. 72, has suffered many of the vicissitudes of fortune during its short career, but to the
visitors who attended the installation meeting on Friday, the 9th inst., the well-furnished and capitally-
appointed Lodge room suggested nothing but the happiest auspices and an unchequered life. The meeting
was fairly well attended by members, but there was a paucity of visitors. Bro. H. J. Williams was present in
his official capacity ; Bro. R. Fletcher, W.M., represented St. Andrews Lodge, No. 32, and Lodges Leinster
and St. Mark's were acknowledged by members. The ceremony of installation was most ably performed by
I.P.M. Bro. W. R. Franklin, the charges to the Master and Wardens being given by the Grand Superintendent.
Bro. W. R. Simcox was duly installed as W.M., and the following officers were invested :—S.W., Bro.
Findlay Bethune ; LW., Bro. F. W. Bills; Secretary, Bro. F. T. Costello ; Treasurer, Bro. M. Elder ; S.D.,
Bro. J. Wilson; J.D., Bro. J. W. Swainson ; organist, Bro. B. Ling ; I.G., Bro. R. P. Swainson ; Tyler, Bro. C.
N. Swabey. The Lodge being closed in due and ancient form, the brethren adjourned to the Jubilee Hotel,
where a most sumptuous banquet was prepared. Loyalty and Masonry subsequently received full honour, and
the brethren separated shortly before 12 o'clock, having spent a most enjoyable evening.
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PROVINCE OF OTAGO.
————
LODGE OTAGO, No. 7.—The installation of Bro. A. Fieldwick as W.M. of this Lodge and investiture of
officers took place in the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart Street, on 10th October (Labour Day). Notwithstanding
the fact that the day was a public holiday, the Lodge opened at the early hour of 7 p.m. A large and
representative gathering of the Craft was present. The ceremony was ably conducted by the retiring W.M.,
Bro. Julius Alberte, Bro. P.M. Wood acting as Director of Ceremonies, The following officers were
invested:— I.P:M., Bro. Julius Alberte S.W., Bro. Wm. McAdam ; Bro. F. Ansdall ; Treasurer, Bro. A. J.
Barth, P.M. ; Secretary, C. J. Ronaldson, P.M.; S.D., Bro. C. E. George ; J.D., H. O. Fenton ; Chaplain, Rev.
J. T. Pinfold ; D.C., J. McKenzie Henry, P.S.W. ; Stewards, Bros. C. W. Haines and Alex. Annan ; I.G., Bro.
D. C. Cameron ; Tyler, W. Bro. M. Walker. The working tools were presented by P.M. Bro. M. Fraser, P.M.
Bro. McCorkindale, and W.M. Bro. Hugo Lippert (of Hiram). The address to W.M. was given by P.M. Bro.
C. J. Ronaldson ; to Wardens, by Bro. J. Barton; to Brethren, by R. W. Bro. J. A. Kirby, Grand
Superintendent. Our Grand Lodge was represented by the Grand Superintendent, R.W. Bro. J. A. Kirby, and
Grand Lodge officers. A. P.M.'s jewel was presented to I.P.M. Bro. J. Barton by the Lodge to mark the
esteem in which he is held by his brethren. Bro. A. J. Barth, P.G.O., presided at the organ ; Bro. Henry
contributed a solo (" Consider the Lilies") ; and the brethren joined heartily in the familiar odes used. After
the ceremony the brethren sat down to a light but tastily arranged supper. The tenor of the speeches showed
the proposal to locate Grand Officers Lodge in Wellington permanently did not meet with the approval of the
brethren in this part of the Island. It was admitted that the time would come when such a step might be found
desirable, but the present time most certainly was not opportune ; besides, one of the fundamental principles
carefully laid down at the inception of our Grand Lodge is involved—namely, that the new Constitution
would be peripatetic. The plea of economy is not a bona fide one, and ought not to be imported into a
question where important principles are involved, and is apt to cause brethren to ask, if such steps are
proposed upon the threshold of our National Grand Lodge, what abuses might not creep in was the Executive
so soon permanently centralised. It was felt that no attempt should be made to bring about the permanent
location of Grand Lodge Office until recognition is accorded us by the English Grand Lodges, and only then
after a full and exhaustive report has been submitted to all the Lodges by a special commission appointed by
the Craft for that purpose.
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PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY:
————
LINCOLN LODGE; No. 33,—The regular meeting of the Lodge was held on Monday, 15th October, on which
occasion there was a large and representative assembly. The Grand Lodge was represented by W. Bro.
Halberts, P.G., Superintendent as Installing Officer, assisted by W. Bros. Hamilton, Fenerly, Arnold, Smith,
and Hudson. Bro. John Mackenzie, re-elected W.M., was presented to the installing master, and named his
officers for the ensuing year, who were invested the insignia of their respective offices :—I.P.M,, Bro.
Cooke; S.W., Bro. Batey ; J.W., Bro. East ; Treasurer, Bro. Howell (re-elected) ; Secretary, Bro. Revell ;
S.D., Bro. Watson ; J.D., Bro. Miller ; I.G., Bro. Neale ; Tyler, Bro. Jennings. The Acting-Grand
Superintendent congratulated the W.M. on his re-election and the Lodge generally on its progress during the
past year, and trusted that it would still steadily persevere in carrying out the genuine tenets of freemasonry
in a true and faithful manner. The addresses in East, West, and South were delivered by Bro. Hamilton in an
able manner; the working tools in each degree were presented by Bro. Fenerty; Grand Lodge certificates
were handed to Bros. Miller and Neale. Hearty congratulations and good wishes having been expressed by
the representatives of the several Lodges present, viz.:—Normanby, St. Augustine, Progress, Concord,
Crown, Robert Burns, S.C., also from a brother from North Queensland, the Lodge was closed after one of
the best meetings held in the Lincoln Lodge for some time. A pleasant hour was spent in the refactory, where
the usual masonic and loyal toasts were duly honoured ; several songs and recitations being given by
brethren and visitors.
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THE ROYAL. ARCH.
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WELLINGTON ROSE CROIX CHAPTER, No. 14.—A well attended conclave, after a holiday of two months, of
the above Chapter was held at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street, Wellington, on Tuesday, 23rd October.
The Bro. Danks, 32°, M.W., presiding. After the Chapter had been opened in accordance with the usual
custom appertaining to the Rite, the Secretary proceeded to call the roll of officers and read the tablets of the
regular conclave held in July last, which were duly confirmed. Considerable amount of correspondence was
also read and received. During the evening an application for membership from a new candidate was
received and referred to the Investigation Committee. The nomination of officers for the ensuing twelve
months was proceeded with, and resulted as follows :—Most Wise Ill., Bro. Silver, 31°, P.N.I. ; Senior
Warden, Resp. Bro. J. Lachman, 11° 18°, W.M. : Junior Warden, Resp. Bro. A. Smart, P.N.I., 11°18°;
Orator, Ill. Bro. Gentles, 31° ; Treasurer, Ill. Bro C. Antico, 31° ; Secretary, Ill. Bro. J. H. Pagni 33° ;
Conductor, Ill. Bro. Townsend, 32°. Reference was made by the 'Secretary to the death of Worthy Sir Knight
T. Pownder of this Chapter, which took place at Greymouth on 24th July, 1894, after a very short illness, and
it was unanimously resolved that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow. A long discussion took place as
to the advisableness of altering the By-Laws, in order to hold conclaves quarterly instead of monthly, and
notice of motion to that effect was moved for the next conclave. It was announced that, a new Rose Croix
Chapter, called the Canterbury Chapter, No. 15, had been established in Christchurch by the Mystic Temple
of New Zealand, under very good auspices, and bid well for the future. After some further important
business for the good of the Chapter had been transacted, the labours of the evening terminated, and the
Chapter was declared closed in the usual custom at 10 p.m.
MANAWATU CHAPTER, No. 11, N.Z.C.—At a meeting of this Chapter, held at Palmerston North on the 17th
October, the principal business consisted of advancing three candidates to the Mark Degree. Seven Brethren
were balloted for and elected as candidates for exaltation. It was arranged to hold the installation on a date in
November, to be fixed by the Grand S.E. Comp., H. J. Williams, and to work the Ark Mariner and Red Cross
Degrees on the same date. The following members were elected to the various offices:— Royal Arch—W.
H. Smith, Z.; W. J. Batt, H. ; J. C. Nathan, J. ; J. Fleming, S.E.; W. Dixon, S.N.; W. Beck, Treas. ; W.
Dawick, P.S. ; J. Hocking, 2nd S. ; J. R. Harper, 3rd S. Excellent Masters' Lodge—W. Dawick, E.M. ; J.
Hocking, S.W. ; W. Dixon, J.W. ; J. R. Harper, Con. ; S. M. Wilson, I.G.; Capt. Scarlet Veil, J. Hocking ;
Purple Veil, W. Dixon ; Blue Veil, W. Rutherfurd. Mark Lodge —W. Rutherfurd, W.M.M. ; J. C. Nathan,
S.W.; J. R. Harper, J.W.; W. Dawick, S.0. ; W. Dixon, J.O. ; S. M. Wilson, Reg.; W. H. Smith, Con.; W.
Beck, I.G.
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LETTERS.
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TO CORRESPONDENTS.
————
Letters intended for insertion must be accompanied, in all eases, 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 not write unless you say what you have got to say in a friendly way, as nothing written in a
cantankerous spirit will appear in this journal if we can help it.
Do not get impatient with us under any circumstances, because we do not deserve it. If you do, in that case,
as in every other one, BE BRIEF, and address THE EDITOR.
To THE EDITOR.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—Before proceeding to make a few remarks regarding the absurd attitude taken up
by the three Grand Lodges against the New Zealand Constitution, allow me to congratulate you on the
excellent Masonic journal produced by you ; and if you do not receive the hearty support of every member of
the craft in the Colony, it is not because you do not use your best endeavours to give a truly readable
Masonic journal, but because members are too apathetic to recognise the value of a paper devoted entirely to
their interests. I am sure there is good information in every issue of THE CRAFTSMAN, which young members
of the craft, at any rate, would do well to peruse. In fact, I can safely say that without the CRAFTSMAN one
knows very little indeed of what is transpiring in the Masonic world, and for this reason I trust your journal
will not languish, but will assume such a position as will amply repay you for your labour. Now, Sir, a few
remarks as to the treatment of New Zealand Masons at the hands of the "Three Constitutions." I was initiated
some twenty-five years ago in an English Lodge in this Colony, and afterwards affiliated to a Scotch Lodge
in the same province, but at some considerable distance away. In this latter Lodge I was elected R.W.M., and
was duly installed, serving two years in the chair. Then I went back to the town where I was initiated, and on
several occasions took part in Masonic ceremonies, of course in my capacity as a P.M. These events took
place some twelve years ago. The other day I had occasion to visit the town where my mother lodge is
situated, and as there happened to be a meeting under the I.C.— a large number of whose members were
personally known to me, many being present at my initiation—I decided to attend; but had previously
intimated that I should attend as a member of my mother lodge. I was announced as a P.M., but here a hitch
occurred, for instead of being admitted, I was kept waiting whilst some point was being decided. Presently
one of the wardens was sent out to ask me if I was not a P.M. under the New Zealand Constitution. I replied
that I was, but was also a P.M. under the Scotch Constitution, and had been admitted as such years ago in
that very town. Re returned to the Lodge and another discussion took place, but while this was going on I left
the precincts of the Lodge, determined not to force my way where there was such apparent antipathy to a
New Zealand Mason. In talking over the matter the next day with an old acquaintance, and one who was
initiated and had taken the chair in this very Lodge, he smiled, and remarked that he himself had been
informed since he joined the N.Z.C. that he would be refused admission in his mother lodge. It seems to me
that had I sunk my rank as a P.M. and been announced as a M.M. I should have been admitted without
trouble, but they could not stand a P.M. under the N.Z.C.! In conclusion, I might say that some of the
members felt a little ashamed of themselves the next day I met them, and the only excuse they could offer
was that their orders were imperative not to recognise N.Z. Masons. I hope they will soon come to their
senses, when they will recognise, as I and others do, that it was one of the best things that ever happened.
when the craft of this colony decided to govern itself.—I am, etc., TARARUA.
[Thanks Brother for your praise of the CRAFTSMAN. We shall refer to the latter portion of your letter in our
next issue.—ED.]
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GRAND LODGES.
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NEW ZEALAND.
————
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION,
Holden at St. Augustine's Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on Wednesday,
October 31st, 2894.
PRESENT :
M.W. Bro. Francis Henry Dillon Bell Grand Master
M.W. Bro. Edward Thomas Gillen .. Past Grand Master
R.W. Bro. Alfred Kaye.. Past Deputy Grand Master
R.W. Bro. Charles Partridge Hulbert Acting Grand Superintendent
R.W. Bro. Charles Hull As Senior Grand Warden
R.W. Bro. Charles Albert Creery Hardy As Junior Grand Warden
V.W. Bro. Edward Eliot Chambers .. Grand Chaplain
T.W. Bro. John Joyce Past Grand Registrar
V.W. Bro. James Leesham Fenerty .. Past President Board of General Purposes
V.W. Bro. Rev. William Ronaldson .. Grand Secretary
Wor. Bro. John Thompson As Senior Grand Deacon
Wor. Bro. Henry Francis Arnold .. As Junior Grand Deacon
Wor. Bro. John Joseph Montgomery Hamilton Past Grand Superintendent of Works
Wor. Bro. Samuel Derbidge.. Past Grand Bible Bearer
Wor. Bro. Henry William Baker Assist. G. Standard Bearer
Wor. Bro. Richard Trist Searell.. As Grand Organist
Wor. Bro. Alexander Miller. As Grand Pursuivant
Wor. Bro. John Chynoweth.. Grand Steward
Wor. Bro. Thomas John Withers .. Grand Steward
Wor. Bro. Joseph Barton.. Grand Steward
Wor. Bro. Frank William East .. Grand Steward
Wor. Bro. John Sansom .. Grand Steward
Wor. Bro. James Grubb .. Past Grand Steward
Wor. Bro. Henry Francis Arnold .. Past Grand Steward
Wor. Bro. Alfred Gee Past Grand Tyler
OPENING OF GRAND LODGE.—The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with solemn prayer at 7.45 p.m.
MINUTES.—The Minutes of the Quarterly Communication held on July 28th were taken as read and
confirmed.
APOLOGIES. —The M.W. Gr. Master announced that he had received apologies from Past Gr. Masters Bros.
Thompson and Niccol, and the Grand Secretary stated that he had many letters and telegrams from absent
Grand Officers and Members of Grand Lodge, apologising and regretting their inability to be present.
PATENTS OF OFFICE.—The M. Wor. Grand Master delivered Patents to Wor. Bro. H. W. Baker, Asst. Cr.
Standard Bearer, Wor. Bro. A. B. Blackett, and Wor. Bro. J. Chynoweth, Grand Stewards.
QUARTERLY STATEMENT of receipts, &c., for the quarter ending September 30th, was read by the Grand
Secretary.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE was taken as read, and was as follows :—
Quarterly Report of the Board of Benevolence, Grand Lodge- of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of
New Zealand, presented at the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge at Christchurch,
Wednesday, October 31st, 1894.
Meetings.—The Board met on July 8th and August 14th, at which the following grants were made :-
£ s. d.
To the Grand Lodge of Greece, second donation .. 10 0 0
The widow of the late Bro. George Smith, first W.M. of Lodges
N.Z. Pacific, No. 517, E.G., and the Lodge of Otago, No. 884, E.C. 5 0 0
To assist passages of Bro. S.C. and E.C. to Sydney and Auckland .. 2 0 0
To assist the widow of a Bro. of Lodge of Concord,
No. 757, E.G., Bombay .. 5 0 0
To assist the widow and family of a deceased Bro. of Lodge Stratford
, No. 75 10 0 0
To assist the widow and family of a deceased Bro. of
Lodge Harmony, No. 2180, E.C. .. 5 0 0
To assist a Bro. and family in distress .. 1 0 0
£38 0 0
A subsequent meeting was held on the 16th inst., at which grants were made amounting to £40, of which £30
was granted to Brethren of our Lodges, the balance, £ 10, having been voted to distressed eases of the E.G.,
I.C., S.C., and other Constitutions. These will be reported in full next quarter.
It has been a satisfaction to your Board, as no doubt it will be to Grand Lodge, that so much assistance has
been afforded, for no case of necessity from any quarter has been overlooked or neglected.
There have been a few applications for assistance which your Board did not entertain at the time. On
enquiry, they were found to be cases not requiring immediate aid, but your Board promised to re-consider
any such cases should circumstances in the future make it necessary.
It is evident that the demands on the funds of benevolence will be exceptionally heavy this year.
Appeals to Lodges.—The Board desires again to impress upon Lodges the necessity for all appeals for
assistance from Lodges under this Grand Lodge, or of other Constitutions, being, in the first instance, sent to
this Board for consideration and approval before being dealt with by the Lodges.
THOMAS MCKENZIE,
President.
Office of Grand Lodge,
Wellington, Oct. 16th, 1894.
REPORT ADOPTED.— Moved by M. Wor. Bro. E. T. Gillon, seconded by V. Wor. Bro. J. Joyce, " That the
Report of the Board of Benevolence be adopted, and printed with the Proceedings of Grand Lodge." Carried.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES was read by the Grand Secretary as follows :--
Report of the Board of General Purposes to the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of New
Zealand, presented at the Quarterly Communication at Christchurch, on Wednesday, October 31st, 1894.
Meetings.—The Board met on August 10th, September 12th, and October 19th.
Condolence with M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol.—Slnce the Communication of Grand Lodge in Auckland, our
M.W. Bro. Niceol has met with a severe loss in the death of his wife. Not very long before he had the
misfortune to lose a young daughter. Your Board is sure that Grand Lodge will sympathise with our Pt. G.
Master in his distress, and will tender him its respectful condolence in the heavy affliction he has suffered.
In Memoriam.—Your Board has also to announce to Grand Lodge that one of our first and valued co-
workers in the inauguration of Grand Lodge, Rt. War. Bro. Vincent Pyke, Pt. Provincial Gr. M. for New
Zealand, under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, has been " called off " since the last Communication of Grand
Lodge, to the deep regret of his many friends, both in Masonry and other ranks. At his sore's request, our
Brethren in Dunedin, under the Grand Superintendent Rt. Wor. Bro. J. A. Kirby, gave him a Masonic
funeral, and in every possible way manifested their regret and sympathy. Your Board recommends that
Grand Lodge should tender its respectful sympathy to the widow and family of our deceased Brother.
Quarterly Statement of Receipts, etc., will be laid before this Communication. Your Board has every reason
to believe that it will be considered very satisfactory.
Returns from Lodges.—The Board has to complain of considerable laxity on the part of a number of Lodges
in making the required half-yearly returns and paying the dues regularly. Lodges would find it much to their
advantage to make their returns regularly and promptly. When arrears accumulate and periods unaccounted
for overlap, the difficulty of bringing the returns and payments up to date sensibly increases. It is also
essential to the proper conduct of the Grand Lodge that the returns and payments should be promptly made.
The amount outstanding at present is not large, but unless greater regularity is observed in future than has
been the case in the past, the Board will have to again invite the attention of Grand Lodge to the subject, with
the view to a remedy being provided. There are also, the Board regrets to say, some Fees of Office still
unpaid. Circular letters have been sent to all Lodges and Officers in arrears, and the President has written
personally to each of the latter, but in some eases no response has been made. Section 18 of the Constitutions
provides for vacation of office for non-payment of fee within three months of appointment, and disqualifies
any Brother in arrear from holding office hereafter. It rests with Grand Lodge to say whether the penalties
provided should now be appied to the Brothers in default.
Lodges Opened.—M.W. Bro. H. Thomson, Pt. Gr. M. and Gr. Sup. of Canterbury, duly consecrated Lodge
McKenzie, No. 93, at Fairlie, Canterbury, and installed the Wor. Master. On this occasion eight candidates
were also initiated. Lodge Cromwell Kilwinning, Cromwell, No. 98, was consecrated on September 11th by
Rt. Wor. Bro. J. A. Kirby, Gr. Sup. of Otago. Bro. Kirby had previously visited Naseby to receive Lodge
Mount Ida, late No. 1260, E.C., now No. 97 on the roll of this Grand Lodge ; and M.W. Bro. Thompson had
acted in a similar capacity in receiving Lodge St. Augustine, late No. 576, S.C., now No. 99 on the Grand
Lodge roll. The Board desires to record its appreciation of the services so willingly rendered by these
officers and by the other Grand Officers who accompanied them.
The Board, whilst recognising the services of these Brethren, desires also to acknowledge the efficient
labours of the Grand Superintendents throughout the territory, and of the Rt. Wor. Dep. Gr. Master, and other
Grand Officers.
Return of Charters.—The Board has had under its most careful consideration the question of the further
retention of the original Charters of Lodges, which were handed over to Grand Lodges on the Lodges
transferring their allegiance to it. The Board is informed that the retention of these Charter is regarded as a
grave cause of offence by the mother constitutions, and is a stumbling-block to the restoration of fraternal
relations with Lodges not under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge. The precedent furnished by the course
adopted in the formation of the several Grand Lodges in Australia undoubtedly justifies the retention of the
original Charters until the body which issued them has recognised the validity of the new Charters by which
they have been replaced, and so far as there is any written law on the subject it would seem also to justify the
same muse (see Paton Freemasonry and Jurisprudence, pages 249-251). The Board also deems the retention
of the Charters permissible until the parent Grand Lodges reply to the request preferred to them in 1890,
according to the terms of the following resolution of the Convention of September, 1880 :—" The Grand
Lodge, in informing the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland of its formation, and claiming
recognition, shall express the undiminished affection and reverence entertained by the subordinate Lodges
for the Grand Lodge from which each obtained its original Charter, and shall on their behalf prefer an
humble request that each Lodge under its jurisdiction may be permitted to retain its original Charter as a
memento of the past and an enduring reminder of the source from which it sprung." This request strictly
followed the precedents of the Australian Grand Lodges, and the Board much regrets that the Grand Lodges
of England, Ireland, and Scotland should have treated the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and the Lodges
forming it in an exceptional manner. The Board, however, is too anxious to see amity and fraternal
communication restored between all sections of the Craft in New Zealand to counsel any insistence on legal
rights, precedents, or etiquette, where the effect of such instence would be to maintain estrangement. There is
no question of principle involved in the further retention of these Charters, and the Board would respectfully
advise Grand Lodge to make every possible concession it can without loss of dignity, to bring about a better
state of Masonic feeling between the Lodges which do not and those which do acknowledge its authority.
They believe that the original Charters, after being endorsed as surrendered on the Lodge transferring its
allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand on date named, may safely be handed over to the accredited
representative of the Grand Lodge which issued such Charter, a receipt for the same being taken in each
case, such receipt, when necessary to embody a pledge that the Charter shall not in any way be used hereafter
to the disadvantage of the Lodge surrendering it, or be issued to any other Lodge claiming the same name.
This resolution was communicated to all Lodges in September, and a resolution embodying the above
conditions has been given notice of by M.W. P.E.M. Thomson, to be seconded by M.W. P.G.M. Niccol, and
this will, the Board hopes, be carried without dissent. In giving up the Charters, Grand Lodge should, on
behalf of its Lodges, renew the request that the Charters may after cancellation, be returned in terms of the
resolution of the CoAvention as above quoted.
Recognition by Grand Lodges. Your Board has to report that the Grand Lodges of North Dakota, Mexico,
Maine, Washington, and New Mexico, have extended recognition to this Grand Lodge in the most ample and
fraternal manner. Nominations for Grand Representatives will be submitted to the respective Grand Lodges.
Register Book for Lodges. The subject of a book for registration of members of Lodges has been considered
by your Board. A sub-committee was appointed to examine the draft plans laid before the Board and to
report. This Report affirms that Lodge registration of members is imperatively necessary, that, if adopted, it
will prove of the utmost importance to Lodges, and that it will greatly facilitate the correctness of all returns
to Grand Secretary, and the Committee recommends : " That Grand Lodge be asked to pass a resolution
making it imperative on all Lodges to keep a register of members ; that register books be supplied to all
Lodges ; that Superintendents of Districts be requested to inspect such registers, and that a tender for the
same, attached to the Report, be accepted."
Your Board adopted this report and now presents it to Grand Lodge. A resolution in accordance therewith
will be moved at this Communication.
Grand Lodge Offices. Your Board now reports that the Grand Secretary has lately occupied the office taken
in the N.Z. Government Life Insurance Buildings. It is situated in the central part of the city, and will greatly
facilitate the business of Grand Lodge. It is convenient for visitors from Lodges, being adjacent to the
wharves, and the strong room attached thereto will efficiently protect the archives of Grand Lodge.
In connection with the issue of Grand Lodge Certificates your Board has found it necessary to make a charge
of two shillings and sixpence for duplicate M.M. certificates, rendered necessary in consequence of incorrect
information supplied by Lodges to the office. No inconsiderable amount of work is thus laid upon the Grand
Secretary and the office through the informality of returns of Lodges. This fee only covers the cost of
parchment.
It has also been found necessary to increase the salary of the assistant. A sub-committee, consisting of the
Auditors and Wor. Bro. Geo. Wilson, was appointed to consider the question of the salary of this officer. In
consequence of the report of this committee, the amount of salary has been raised to £75 per annum.
Investment of Fund of Benevolence. Your Board is pleased to report the gradual growth of this Fund, and to
inform Grand Lodge that the sum of £900 is now invested on fixed deposit in the Bank of New Zealand. In
addition to this sum there is a balance on current account sufficient to meet any application that may be
made. The total sum to the credit of the Fund now exceeds £1000. Of this sum £170 2s 11d represents the
amount to the credit of the Masonic Widows and Orphans Fun. This Fund was inaugurated by Pt. Gr. Master
Bro. Niccol on his installation to office, and has been mainly supported by voluntary subscriptions on
installations and similar occasions. The sum of £40 was added to it by Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32,
Wellington, being the balance of fund collected for the widow of a Brother, who, owing to re-marriage, did
not need further help. This has been a great assistance to the Fund, and the best thanks of Grand Lodge are
due to all Lodges in general who responded to the appeal, and to Lodge St. Andrew in particular for
transferring the balance to this Fund.
Your Board would particularly commend this Fund to the consideration of Lodges, as the object intended is
to allow the capital to accumulate while the interest may be used for the especial relief of Widows and
Orphans.
Refreshments at Grand Lodge Communications. It has been brought under the notice of the Board that
charges have in some cases been made for refreshments at Grand Lodge Communications. The Board does
not consider such an application of Grand Lodge funds to be desirable or proper, and, unless otherwise
instructed, will not sanction such expenditure in future. Any hospitality in connection with the
Communications of Grand Lodge should be of a local character and of the simplest description.
The Board also wishes to draw attention to the fact that there is no authority in the Constitutions for paying
travelling expenses for Grand Superintendents or officers of Grand Lodge (save only those of the Grand
Master and Grand Secretary) attending Grand Lodge Communications. When the Grand Master or Grand
Secretary are unable to attend, this authority may be held to cover officers attending in their place, but the
expenses of other officers cannot properly be charged to Grand Lodge.
Correspondence. At every meeting of the Board, communications, both from foreign Grand Lodges and our
own Lodges, have been largely dealt with. From all parts of the territory, as well as from abroad, the
correspondence has been of the most fraternal and satisfactory character. E. T. GILLON, Pt. Gr. M.
Office of Grand Lodge, President.
Wellington, Oct. 19th, 1894.
Paragraphs I to 6 were put by the Grand Master and carried.
Paragraph 7, Return of Charters, was postponed until later on, and the remainder of the Report was also put
by the Grand Master and carried.
The following recommendations of the Board were then given effect to :-
CONDOLENCE with M. Wor. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, moved by Rt. Wor. Bro. Albert Kaye, seconded by lit.
Wor. Bro. C. P. Hulbert, " That Grand Lodge desires to tender its most respectful and sincere sympathy and
condolence to M. Wor. Bro. M. Niccol, Past Grand Master, in the great affliction which has come upon him
by the death of his wife and daughter." This resolution was put and carried in silence, the brethren all
standing.
IN MEMORIUM. Moved by V. Wor. Bro. John Joyce, seconded by M. Wor. Bro. E. T. Gillen, " That Grand
Lodge desires to tender its most respectful sympathy and condolence with the widow and family of our late
esteemed Bro. the Rt. Wor. Vincent Pyke, whose loss this Grand Lodge, as well as so many sections of the
community, deeply deplore." This resolution was also put and carried in silence, the brethen all standing.
NOTICE OF MOTION.—As both the proposer and seconder were absent, this motion was proposed by M.W.
Bro. E. T. Gillon, and seconded by Rt. Wor. Bro. Charles Hull, " That, in accordance with the
recommendation of the Board of General Purposes, Grand Lodge authorises the return to the accredited
representatives of the Grand Lodges which issued them, of the original Charters of the Lodges which have
since transferred their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. That each Charter so given back shall
have endorsed upon it a memorandum of the transfer of allegiance, and that an undertaking shall, where
necessary, be required from the officer to whom it is surrendered, that it shall be cancelled, or not be re-
issued, or in any way used to the disadvantage of the Lodge surrendering it. That, in thus parting with the
original Charters, Grand Lodge, on behalf of its Lodge, shall request the representatives of the Grand Lodges
to whom the Charters are handed over to use their influence with their respective Grand Lodges to have the
Charters returned after cancellation, so that they may be preserved by the respective Lodges as a memento of
the past and an enduring reminder of the source from whence they sprang."
This motion was taken in conjunction with the clause in the Report of the Board of General Purposes, and
was debated at considerable length. Explanations were made by the M.W. Gr. Master Bro. E. T. Gillon, Rt.
Wor. Bro. C. P. Hulbert, and was put and carried with only three dissentients. The clause, "Return of
Charters," in the Report was also put and carried.
It was then moved by M. Wor. Bro. E. T. Gillen, seconded by Rt. Wor. Bro. C. P. Hulbert, " That the Report
of the Board of General Purposes be adopted, and printed in the Report of the proceedings of Grand Lodge.
This was carried.
GRAND REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED.—The M.W. Grand Master informed Grand Lodge that in
accordance with the request of Grand Lodges he had forwarded the names of the following brothers in
nomination as Grand Representatives :—To the Grand Lodge of Tasmania, Rt. Wor. Bro. H. J. Williams, Pt.
Dep. Gr. Master, vice Rt. Wor. Bxo. Vincent Pyke, deceased ; to the Grand Lodge of Roumania, V. Wor.
Bro. A. G. Creagh, Assistant Grand Registrar ; to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, Rt. Wor. Bro. T. A.
Peterkin, Jr. Gr. Warden, Past Pres. of the Bd. of G.P; ; to the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, War. Bro. H.
Wetherilt, Pt. Gr. Direct. of Cerem. ; to the Grand Lodge of Mexico, V. Wor. Bros. James F. Logan, Pt. Pres.
of the Brd. of Benevolence and Pt. Gr. Treasurer ; to the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, Rt. Wor. Bro. Alfred
H. Burton, Pt. Dep. Gr. Muster ; to the Grand Lodge of Maine, V. Wor. Bro. John Joyce, Pt. Grand Regr. ; to
the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, Wor. Bro. J. H. Keesing, Assis. Or; Direct. of Cerern. ; and to the Grand
Lodge of Washington, Rt. Wor. Bro. C. A. C. Hardy, Pt. Pres. Bd. of Gen. Purposes.
NEXT MEETING OF GRAND LODGE.—Moved by Wor. Bro. J. Barton, seconded by V. Wor. Bro. J. Joyce—
“That the next Communication of Grand Lodge be held in Dunedin." Carried.
The following suggestions were made by Wor. Bro. Joseph Barton :--" That the Board of General Purposes
bring forward a scheme by which the travelling expenses only of one member of each Lodge may be paid by
each Lodge contributing the same rate, whether meeting in their respective district or any other. And that the
question of proxies be altered to one or two days instead of fourteen."
GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS. —The following have been received since the last Communication of Grand
Lodge :— North Dakota, complete set from 1889 to 1894, with Constitution and Bye Laws.
GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND
Statement of Receipts d Disbursements Quarter Ending September 30th, 1894
RECEIPTS. DISBURSEMENTS.
£ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d.
Balance ... ... ... … 7 8 6 Grand Secretary's Salary 62 10 0
Petty Cash in hand ... .. 7 12 5 Accountant's Salary … 13 0 0
REGALIA FUND— —— 75 10 0
Lodge Waitaki … 1 0 0 Grand Lodge Communications —
„ Southern Cross 2 2 0 M. Wor. P.G.M. Bro. Niccol's
„ Wairau 1 0 0 Expenses, Wellington 11 10 0
—— 4 2 0 Rt. Wor. Bro. Fowlds' Expenses
Masonic Widow's and Auckland, as per account 14 16 0
Orphans' Fund— Travelling Expenses to and
Lodge United Service 3 11 0 from Wellington and Auckland,
„ Caledonia … 1 10 6 Grand Supt. and Grand Sec. 13 14 0
„ Manganui (jewels) 6 0 0 New Zealand Times, Advertising
„ Beta Waikato … 3 0 0 and Printing 5 14 0
„ St. Andrew ... 40 0 0 —— 45 14 0
„ Otangaki … 1 3 0 Grand Superintendents'
„ Porch Committee 1 12 6 Expenses- Canterbury 3 5 0
—— 56 17 0 - Wellington ... ... 8 1 4
BENEVOLENT FUND— - Otago ... 26 16 1
Patents ... 48 6 0 - Auckland 8 9 1
Subscriptions … 66 12 8 —— 46 11 6
——
114 18
8 V.W. Bro. Hamerton, Expenses,
General Fund — Feilding and Wanganui 3 10 0
Dues ... … 195 6 9 Blundell Bros., Printing 10 6 0
Initiations and Certifictes 106 3 4 Brown, Thomson & Co., Printing 1 4 0
Joining Fees ... 9 12 6 A. Cleave, Printing ... 32 10 0
Dispensations ... 12 9 0 —— 44 0 0
Charters ... ... 10 0 0 New Zealand Craftsman 3 15 0
Enrolment Fees and Stone, Son & Co., Directory 0 10 6
Business Papers ... 11 3 0 New Zealand Herald, in full
Exchanges ... . 1 9 6 settlement of account from
Books of Constitution… 6 5 6 1890 to date 5 0 0
Lodge Subscriptions to Rent of Office ... … 12 0 0
Expenses of G. Lodge Insurance of Regalia … 2 10 0
Communication, Auckland 7 7 0 Post Office Letter-box … 1 0 0
Fee on Appeal ... 0 5 0 Flockton & Co., Furniture 2 5 9
—— 360 1 7 Benevolent Fund—Grants to
Widows. Orphans, &
Distressed Brethren ... 38 0 0
Telegrams ... . 1 17 4
Exchanges ... . 1 17 5
Postages ... .. 11 7 5
Office Expenses … 1 9 7
—— 16 11 9
Petty Cash in hand .. 1 0 8
Balance in Bank of N.Z. 253 1 0
£551 0 2 £551 0 2
Wellington, September 30th, 1894. J. M. GOLDFINCH, Grand Treasurer.
WM. RONALDSON, Grand Secretary.
———————————————————————————————————————————
MISCELLANEOUS.
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SECRET SOCIETIES AND SECRET TRIBUNALS
———
Though many Societies claim to be of earlier origin, the Order of Knights Templar is the first one of which
the date of foundation is known. They were not, it is true, strictly speaking, a Secret Society ; but they are as
fully entitled to that term as the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, the Illuminati, or any other. They had
mysterious rites of initiation, badges and lodges ; they were, in fact, the real source from which Freemasonry
sprang. Their rise and history are too well known to need detailed description. Founded in 1119, they were
originally an order of military monks, having for their aim the redemption of the Holy Sepulchre, and taking
the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience—vows which, as was inevitable, became null and void when
the order grew in numbers and in power. At the height of their splendour they possessed no fewer than nine
thousand ' command-cries' or districts ; their annual income was £4,448,000, a gigantic sum in those days ;
they numbered 30,000 members ; their fleet held command of the Levant ; they were by far the best soldiers
in Europe. Small wonder was it that they practically held the destinies of the world in their hands, and that
the Princes of Europe became alarmed at their power, for the time seemed not far distant when the cross-
hilted swords should strike the sceptres from their hands, and the gay embroidered escutcheons go down
before the pied banner Beausèant.
Their extermination was a necessity. The Grand Master was arrested, the lodges were broken up, and the
knights thrown into prison. The most absurd charges were preferred against them—blasphemy, devil-
worship, trampling on the very cross for which they had shed their heart's blood, adoration of an idol called
Baphomet. No accusation was too madly extravagant, no crime too horribly unnatural, to impute to the
unfortunate Templars. One, and one only, real charge was urged against them—namely, that they had defied
the authority of the Pope. That they were luxurious, and even vicious, is true, but no more so than any other
powerful and wealthy body of men would have been under the circumstances ; that their initiatory rites were
secret and fantastic, is certain ; but that any sane men would have led the orgies ascribed to them is utterly
incredible. In 1314, the Grand Master and the Grand Preceptor were put to death, and the Knights Templar
ceased to exist as an order. With them perished the last vestiges of the real chivalry.
Contemporary with the Templars was the famous Syrian sect of the Assassins. Their name describes them.
The band was founded by Hassan-ibn-Sa,bbah, the Old Man of the Mountain, and consisted of himself and
his dupes. They were a mere band of fanatical murderers, without political or religious excuse. It was the
custom of Hassan to inveigle young men, stupefied by hashish (whence the name 'assassin' or hashishin),
into a garden formed after the description of the Moslem Paradise. Here the novice was allowed to remain
for some time; he was then stupefied and brought before the Master, who bade him go forth and do his
bidding ; promising that if he were obedient, he should enjoy the Paradise, of which he had had a foretaste,
for ever. The Assassins are said to have numbered forty thousand men, and European Princes leagued with
them. After the death of Hassan, internal dissension arose, and finally they were exterminated by the
Mongols in 1256.
In pleasant contrast to the grim realism and fierce barbarity of the middle ages are the Troubadours and
Minnesingers, most graceful and poetic of conspirators. That they were heretics and plotters, is true ; but
they were heretics only to the fierce rancour of the Inquisition ; and they plotted only against the gloomy
tyranny of feudal France, wandering over Europe, preaching the canons of the Joyous Science, the religion
and cult of Love, as mysteriously sweet as their own 'Romaunt of the Rose.' They were in some measure a
secret society, for they had grips and passwords, and they held courts of love ' ostensibly for the settlement of
affairs of gallantry. But harmless though they were, the restless suspicion of Rome was upon them ; they had
sung songs derisive of the Pope, above all in the "langue d'oc," the 'language of heretics :' they were in
league with the Albigenses. They perished with their unhappy allies beneath the iron heel of the father of
Simon de Montfort.
Indeed, it seemed at that time as if the joy of life had perished with them; the Inquisition had fleshed its
young claws in their destruction ; the shadowy forms of the 'Vehmgerichte,' and the 'Beall Paoli' begin to
loom awfully upon the political vision. Europe is inundated with spies, assassins, agents of chicane, bravoes,
informers, secret stabbers ; from Italy come poison-rings, poisoned gloves, Venetian daggers, invisible inks.
The torture chamber now became the antechamber of the law-court, much ingenuity being expended on the
furnishing of it ; the ' peine forte et dare' was a recognised preliminary to the judicial examination. The
Inquisition is undoubtedly the most widely known of the three secret tribunals, as it was the most universally
powerful; but the Vehmgerichte was equally powerful within its jurisdiction.
The Holy Inquisition was established in 1208 by Pope Innocent III. in Languedoc, for the suppression of the
Albigenses and Troubadours, as above stated. From its establishment in Spain five-and-twenty-years later, it
rapidly spread all over the Continent. It gave the death-blow to the Knights Templar ; in 1481 it drove the
Jews out of Spain. At this time the famous Torquemada was Grand Inquisitor. He was a short, stout man,
little suggestive in appearance of a bigot. It is possible that his ravages are exaggerated ; but even when we
allow for error in this respect, the number of persons who were put to death under his inquisitor-ship is
enormous. His harshness was so unbending and his punishments so rigorous, that he was several times
obliged to account for his conduct to the Pope. Throughout the long, bloody record of the Santa Hermandad,
there is no trace of any redeeming action. It was established to root out heresy, and with terrible earnestness
it did its work. The Inquisition was omnipresent ; it followed in the wake of the Conquistadores into Peru
and Mexico ; it descended upon the unhappy Netherlands in the van of the Duke of Alva. In the reign of
Philip II. the Inquisition reached the summit of its power, for it had become a recognised Spanish institution,
and the people were no more shocked at an auto da fe than at a bull- fight. But with the growth of civilization
the Inquisition declined. It continued to linger on, but it was only a shadow ; and when the soldiers of
Napoleon entered the inquisitorial prison, they found few prisoners to liberate. The rack and wheel had
grown rusty, the cords and pulleys were rotting on the beam. Poe's horrible nightmare tale of the torture by
the pendulum is centuries behind its time ; the pendulum was there, but the knife was blunt and dull, and the
mechanism was, broken and useless. An attempt was made to re-establish the Inquisition in 1814, and many
persons were imprisoned ; but the time for even the mummery of persecution was past. The people broke out
into revolt, burnt the prisons, and drove away the familiars. In 1820 the Holy Inquisition was blotted out.
Widely different from the Inquisition in every respect was the Vehmgerichte or Holy Vehm. This tribunal
was formed in Westphalia towards the close of the thirteenth century for the punishment of those who were
too powerful to be brought before the ordinary law-court. It was very similar in origin to the English Star
Chamber. The state of Germany at this time was utterly anarchic ; the title of ruler of the Holy Roman
Empire was an empty dignity ; the land was filled with marauding 'lanzknechten' out of employ, with savage
barons who were nothing more or less than robbers, with bishops who ravaged their dioceses. The
Vehmgerichte was the only institution in Germany which had the power of enforcing order ; as it was secret,
it could neither be bribed nor terrorised. Its authority was very great; it even summoned the Emperor to
appear before its free courts, who, though he did not obey the summons, dared not resent the indignity.
Though it was never formally abolished till 1811, when the last vestige of it was declared legally-non-
existent by a decree of Napoleon, it gradually lost its authority as the necessity for it ceased.
A description of its constitution and procedure may be of interest. There were three degrees among its
members : the chief were the 'Stuhlherren,' or lord justices ; the next were ' Schoppen,' or sheriffs ; the
lowest, ' Frolinboten,' or messengers. There were secret signs and passwords, and traitors were invariably put
to death. An accused person was summoned to appear before the free court,' he was cited three times,
intervals of six weeks being allowed to elapse between the citations. If he failed to appear, he was
condemned in contumacium. If, however, he appeared, he was permitted to bring thirty witnesses, and was
allowed the privilege of legal advocacy and advice, and even the right of appeal to the higher court. The
extreme punishment was death by hanging ; and it is probable that torture was employed to extort evidence
from unwilling witnesses, though, of course, this was only in accordance with the usual judicial procedure of
the time.
Identical with the Holy Vehm in constitution and aim was the Beati Paoli, a Sicilian Society. Of these, very
little is known. They were a popular secret society, and much dreaded. Their existence was first discovered
in 1185, and they existed down to the commencement of the present century. Though not so powerful or so
great as the Vehmgerichte, they exerted a considerable influence upon Sicily and South Italy.
After the Company of Troubadours, the most attractive secret society is certainly that of the Rosicrucians, or
the society of the Rosy Cross. It was theirs to invest the debased art of alchemy with a fantastic charm, none
the less graceful because it was unreal. They were very closely connected with the Troubadours, holding the
'Romaunt of the Rose' as the epic of their order. Their professed aim was the restoration of the sciences '—
that is, alchemy and astrology— to their true spheres. Their tenets and ceremonies were of the most graceful
and poetical description, very different from the stern Vehmic code and the crude mummery of other secret
societies. Their beliefs were worthy of their general character. Boldly and unreservedly, they denied the
grotesque horrors of monkish theology—there was no witchcraft or sorcery ; incubus and succubus had no
existence ; the unseen world was peopled, not with horned devils and dismal spectres, but with beautiful
spirits, loving mankind. It is to them that we owe nearly all the folklore of ancient Germany—of the gnomes
which toil in the mines, of the legend of Undine, of the sylphs which inhabit the air. The sect spread into
Scotland and Sweden and throughout all Europe. It gradually became merged in the craft of Freemasons.
An article giving an account of the principal secret societies would be incomplete without some mention of
the Illuminati, a sect which attracted a great deal of attention, and to which, as to the Nihilists of today, a
very exaggerated influence and power was attributed. It was founded by a student, Adam Weishaupt, in
1770, and had political and educational aims. Space does not permit us to give the long list of degrees and
classes into which the Illuminati were divided. There were three main stages—Nursery, Masonry, and
Mysteries, which were again divided and subdivided. The members assumed the names of various ancients ;
Weishaupt, for instance, called himself Spartacus. The statute's and instructions of the order were discovered
after its suppression in 1785, and give evidence of considerable knowledge of mankind, being written much
after the style of Machiavelli's Prince.' There was probably no society which attracted so much attention with
so little reason at the time ; mention is made of it in nearly all contemporary works.
To give an account, or even the briefest details, of one half of all the secret societies known would be
impossible. The majority had political aims, as the Carbonari in Italy, who existed from time immemorial
down to the commencement of the present century, directed against Papal tyranny ; in Germany was the
Tugendbund, against Napoleon ; others were mere hordes of robbers, as the Chauffeurs in France, and the
Garduna in Spain. The various Irish secret societies are too well known to need specification. There were
many semi-religious societies, as the Swedenborgians, and Asiatic societies without number.
The dawn of the last decade of the nineteenth century sees the extinction of the last remnants of any true
secret society; they have become obsolete, unnecessary, ineffective. As for any modern so-called secret
society,' it is a curiosity ; its place is in the museum, together with the rust-eaten thumbscrews and tarnished
symbols. They are as harmless and as useless as these. The only two conspicuous modern societies with any
semblance of activity are the Nihilists and the Clan-na-Gael. Neither of them has ever done anything towards
the accomplishment of their object beyond a few isolated and useless murders and one or two mock-
revolutions. They are now lethargic, in death-stupor. The dawn of the twentieth century will see the close of
their inglorious records. —Chambers Journal.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY A. CLEAVE & CO. SINCE 16th OCTOBER, 1894.
£, s. d. £ s. d.
Auckland Royal Arch Chapter 1 0 0 Izard, H. S., Greytown N. 1 0 0
Allen, R. 0 10 0 Jemmett, N. 0 8 6
Brill, T. E., Petone 0 7 6 Johnstone, Dr, Carterton ... 1 5 0
Bedding-haus, Wellington. 0 15 0 Kidd, A. 0 7 6
Bennett, W. H., Petone 0 7 6 Kuch, J. F., Wellington 0 7 6
Bairstow, J. B., Carterton 0 7 6 Laurie, M. S. 1 0 0
Brown, H., Masterton 1 0 0 Lodge St. Andrews 1 0 0
Blair, Alex, Pahiatua 1 0 0 „ Southern Cross, Invercargill 2 0 0
Bright, R. J., Greytown 1 0 0 „ Kumara 1 0 0
Clifford, H. J., Morrinsville 1 0 0 „ Grevtown 1 0 0
Copping, A. E., Masterton 0 10 0 „ St. Mark 1 0 0
Cargill, W. C., Masterton 1 0 0 „ Masterton 2 0 0
Cameron, D., Greytown, N. 0 7 6 „ Waterloo Royal Arch Chapter 1 0 0
Collins, J. T., Wellington 1 0 0
Deller, G. W., Carterton 0 10 0 Ling, Ben., Otaki 0 10 0
Danks, J. Wellington 0 7 6 Masonic Institute 1 10 0
Darby, Robt., Carterton 0 7 6 Mawson, G. A., Wellington 0 7 6
Dixon, Jos., Masterton 1 0 0 McCluskey 0 10 0
Dixon, E. S., Masterton 1 0 0 McKenzie, T. W., Wellington 1 0 0
Eccles, J., Pahiatua 0 10 0 McKay, A. Wellington 0 7 6
George, Chas. E., Dunedin 0 7 6 MeBain, Pahiatua 1 0 0
Grant, Capt. 0 10 0 Milligan, J. 0 8 6
Godfrey, H. W., Pahiatua 0 10 0 Meadowcroft, F., Wellington 0 7 6
Graham, J. R. 0 10 0 Monteath, A. A., Wellington 0 10 0
Henderson, J., Oamaru ... 0 7 6 Norrie, N., Wanganui 0 10 0
Haddrell, W., Annat... ... 0 9 0 (For Further Payments see next
issue
———————————————————————————————————————————
BRIEF MENTION.
———————————————————————————————————————————
BE always in time ; too late is a crime.
THE old regulations required every Mason to belong to a lodge.
HOWEVER blind a man may be, another's fault he's sure to see.
IT is estimated that Masonry in North America receives in fees and dues about $4,500,000 per annum.
IT is said that H.R.E. the Duke of Edinburgh is the only member of the royal family of England who is not a
Freemason.
THE seceding brethren in England, with others, organized the grand lodge, subsequently called the
"Ancients" in 1739.
DON'T tell your grievances in the street. If you have been wronged, or imagine you have, settle it in your
family—the lodge room.
Is 1893 the Grand Master of Kentucky " in all cases refused dispensations to confer degrees before the lapse
of the required time, although in many cases it appeared a hardship to do so."
THE character of a wise man consists in three things—to do himself what he tells others to do ; act on no
occasion contrary to justice, and to bear with the weaknesses of those around him.
WHATEVER be the cause of happiness may also be the cause of misery. The medicine, which rightly applied,
has power to cure, has, when rashness and ignorance prescribes it, the same power to destroy.
To insure long life recreation should be a part of our daily life. It makes the busy man thoughtful and keeps
the thoughtful man busy. It insures health, success and the accomplishment of more work in less time and
better.
WHILE being initiated in a secret society in Chicago, John Geiger was being mysteriously- led around blind-
folded. He was directed to leap into an imaginary lake of liquid fire. John leaped with such force that he
broke his leg. He now sues the lodge for $25,000 damages.
MONTEZUMA Lodge, F. and A.M., of New Mexico, has inaugurated a movement for the establishment of a
home at Santa Fe for the treatment and cure of Masons suffering from consumption, and invites the Masons
of the United States and Canada to join with it in the movement.
REMEMBER that no brother has the right to disclose the name of a member who voted against the candidate
for membership. It often occurs that brothers are so culpably careless or sinful that the matter of voting is no
secret. Keep the little secrets that concern nobody but the welfare of the Craft.
HYRAM Lodge of Turn-Severin, Roumania, which has, since 1865, existed under the Grand Orient Lusitania
in the Orient of Lissabon, has received the distinction to use the additional name of " La Meritante." Besides
this, two of its members have received the medal " Merits maconique," for their untiring efforts and Masonic
zeal.
IF you have ambition for Masonic honors you must attend your lodge regularly and endeavor .to do well the
work assigned to you. Then obeying its moral precepts, thereby gaining the respect of your brethren, you will
climb to the top of the ladder. Taking the degrees places you,only inside of the door ; you must earn the
honors.
THE Grand Lodge of Iowa has caused an official copy of the ritual to be written out in extenso and a cipher
copy placed in the custody of each Lodge. It is argued that it is impossible to unlawfully obtain from this key
any of the esoteric work, for none but a bright and intelligent Mason could glean a single thought from it.
There is some force in this argument, as we have had occasion to prove many times. And furthermore, this
action wilI tend to make the work more uniform in that Jurisdiction.
THE constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky has this provision, which constitutes Article XV :
"Electioneering in any way for office in the Grand Lodge is positively prohibited, and any member guilty of
the offence shall not be eligible to office, and, if an officer, shall forfeit the office held by him ; and the same
rule shall apply to subordinate lodges.
NORTH Dakota Grand Lodge has a law which requires sojourning, Masons to exhibit to the lodge within
whose jurisdiction they may be, evidence of their standing at least once a year. This is without doubt one of
the best safeguards against imposition, and should be made a law and strictly enforced by every grand
jurisdiction.
THE Santis African Masonic Record notes the interesting and curious fact that the W.M. of the Lodge de
Goede Trouw, N.C., is an Englishman, as is the R.W.M. of the Lorne Lodge, S.C. ; the W.M. of the Lodge
de Goede Hoop, N.C., is a Welshman ; while the W.M. of the British Lodge, E.C., is an Irishman ; that of the
Carnarvon, E.C., is a Scotchman.
ADAM and Eve once owned the entire earth—hills, valleys, mountains and seas, and " the cattle upon a
thousand hills "—the richest couple that ever lived. Their descendants have divided " the estate " into small
holdings—many of them having parted with their patrimony for " a mess of pottage," or something less
valuable. Consequence—The present condition of business.
THE Scottish Rite Masons of Kentucky have purchased St. Paul's Church, corner of Sixth and Walnut-streets,
Louisville, Ky., together with the parsonage and chapel adjacent, for the sum of $25,000, and will convert it
into a fine cathedral for the use of the Rite. Buying an old church and converting it into a cathedral for the
use of the Rite seems to be a popular idea in America.
IN books we find the dead, as it were, living ; in books we foresee things to come. These are the masters who
instruct us without rods and ferrules, without hard words and anger. If you approach them, they are not
asleep; if investigating, you interrogate them, they conceal nothing : if you mistake them they never grumble;
if you are ignorant they cannot laugh at you.—Richard DeBory.
GOOD manners is the only thing which keeps in fashion all the year round. It is always in good taste to say
something kindly, or do a generous deed. The world is so constituted that it never fails to appreciate them.
You can hardly lift your hat to a passer-by without compelling him to do the same thing, or resist the
temptation without receiving the applause even of those who have yielded to it.
AN exchange says, " Dont go to sleep in the lodge if you want to be benefited or enjoy the meeting"—just as
if sleep is not enjoyable to tired and exhausted humanity, and the proceedings of some lodges so dull and
uninteresting as to induce sleep ? If the lodge proceedings are conducted in a proper manner there will be no
disposition to sleepiness. Awaken the officer and that will awaken the layman.
APPLICANTS for admission into the Fraternity, says the Masonic Review, are made up of three classes ; the
motives are as various as the idiosyncrasies of the applicants themselves, but they may be classed as
follows—proper, improper, and neutral. There may be degrees from the highest to the lowest, but as classes
they are sufficiently distinct. Whatever the social standing, rank, wealth or intelligence may be which the
candidate brings with him, his motives will be found in one of the separate divisions above named.
A CONTRIBUTOR to one of our exchanges expresses a decided opinion that no man ought to become a Mason
without the consent of his wife. The writer referred to also lays down the proposition that any unmarried, but
" engaged" man, who proposes to join the Masonic Fraternity, should not take such a step unless his fiances
"is prepared to countenance his membership in the Order." The argument is pressed to this conclusion, viz ;
that if a single man becomes a Mason contrary to the wishes of his intended wife he should cancel the
engagement. He has no right to marry a woman whose wishes in this matter he has not heeded. 'Unless a
reconciliation could be effected, and the woman's feeling of opposition to Freemasonry overcome, we should
agree with the position taken by the writer quoted from, that the proposed marriage had better not take place.
THE following quotation is from Hutchinson—The titles of " Masons " and " Masonry " most probably were
derived from the Greek language, as the Greek edition is adopted by them. The Druids, when they committed
anything to writing used the Greek alphabet, and the most perfect remains of the Druidical rites and
ceremonies are preserved in the ceremonials of Masons. The original names " Masons " and " Masonry "
may probably be derived from or corrupted of (Muserion) res arcana, mysteries, and (Meurs) sacris initiatui
mystis, those initiated in sacred mysteries.
ON the authority of Bro. W. J. Hugan, the great antiquarian and writer on Masonic subjects, the earliest
reference to an initiation in England of a non-operative, and consequently speculative member, recorded in
actual lodge minutes, is of the year 1641. On May the 20th. of that year Right Hon. Mr. Robert Moray,
general quartermaster of the army of Scotland (so the record runs), was initiated at Newcastle. The next we
know of was that of the famous Elias Ashmole, on October 16, 1646, at Warrington. This noted antiquary
was made a Mason with Col. Mainwarding, in a lodge of whose members the warden and six of the B.B.
were " gentlemen ?" from which we may justly gather that in mentioning specially the word " gentlemen ?"
the minutes intends the inference that they were " speculative," as distinct from " operative " Masons. —
Toronto Freemason.
" I VENTURE to assert," says the editor of the S.A.M.R.," that very few Scotch Masons here are aware that
Lodges under that Constitution have no right or power to accept the resignation of any members or to erase
anyone from their roll ; but such has been declared to be the law by a recent pronouncement of the Grand
Lodge of that country. I know of bye-laws which provide the penalty of exclusion from a lodge, and the
power of erasing such defaulters from the roll of their members, and although these bye-laws have been
officially sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, it appears to me that the ruling of the Foreign and Colonial
Committee takes away from the lodge the discretion of acting upon them. It would be as well for some test
case to be made so that Scotch Masons may know where they are."
A LETTER from the Grand Lodge of Hungary states that on May 2, 1892, the first fifty florins for the Grand
Lodge building was received, rand to-day there are collected 50,000 florins. The lot has been purchased, and
it is expected that on the celebration of the millennium (1896) the new building will be dedicated. This is
certainly a proof of the great willingness for offering for which the brethren of Hungary have always been
distinguished. All the Grand Lodges on the face of the globe will be invited to participate in the celebration
and dedication of the building. The Grand Lodge of Hungary will also publish a history of Hungarian
Freemasonry, the first volume of which will embrace the eighteenth century, and the second, principally the
time from 1869 to 1895. A synopsis of these works will also be published as a popular edition, either gratis
or at the lowest possible price.
WE notice several of our sister proceedings contain reference to the bull of the Pope against Masonry. We
regret that this feeling exists, and if the Pope was altogether wise and innocent, he would use better
discretion towards Masons. His idea of Christianity must be lacking in a knowledge of its essential features,
when he says Masonry is antagonistic to it. Such is not the case ; nor is Masonry antagonistic to religion. It
makes no war on Catholicism, nor on the faith of any body of worshippers. When any church, or head of a
church, so far forgets itself as to undermine or make war on Masonry, it must expect a resistance of some
sort, even if it is made in Charity. Masonry has no war to wage, nor will she stain her ermine to accomplish
her ends. Whenever she shall become so aggresive as to be unbearable ; whenever she shall weave a web of
lies around those she would slander ; whenever she finds no Christianity outside her lodge-rooms ; whenever
she persists in " harping upon doctrines " of other religious or benevolent bodies to bring them into disrepute
among her votaries, then will her mitre be dethroned and dragged in the dust of superstition and
uncharitableness. There are Catholic Masons whom other Masons esteem. who take no part in this
persecution. They do know that there is no ground for it.— Voice of Masonry.
THERE are, says the Trestle Board, quite a number of brethren belonging to regular white lodges, who are in
the habit of visiting coloured lodges, and the coloured lodges are making Masons from the white race. There
is a lodge of white men, of about 60 members, working under a charter granted by the Coloured Grand
Lodge of California. Thus is the problem solving itself, and race prejudice is fast disappearing before the
light of liberty and intelligence.
MASONIC lodges, and other bodies allied to the institution are very differently situated as regards places of
meeting and work, from what was the former condition. In the early part of the present century, lodges
frequently met at private houses or in the parlors of taverns. Now, for the most part, they are established in
convenient and attractive halls, with adjoining reception rooms, and other desired accomodations. The
improvement in lodge halls, etc., has been exceedingly noticeable during the last twenty-five years. The
fraternity is helped in many ways by the greater attention now given to providing attractive and well
equipped Masonic halls.—Freemason’s Repository.
"CÆMENTARIA Hibernica " is the title of a book in the press just now. The history of the Grand Lodge of
Ireland is second in importance only to that of the Grand Lodge of England, but owing to the dearth of
materials within roach of the student it has been, perforce, almost wholly overlooked. As a first step towards
supplying the needed materials, the editor has taken in hand a re-issue of the Constitutions and public
documents connected with the first century of Irish Freemasonry. These books he proposes to reproduce
from the originals by the aid of photography. The work of these American Grand Lodges stands closer to
Irish than to English Ritual. The work will contain photographic reproductions of :— 1.—The famous
Warrant or Charter of the First Lodge of Ireland, with its noteworthy endorsements; II —The Minute of
Incorporation of the Grand Lodge of Munster, 1726. III—The Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Munster,
1728. IV.—The Book of Constitutions issued by the Grand Lodge of Ireland immediately after its formation,
1729-20. V.—The Irish editio princeps of the Pocket Companion for Freemasons, by W. S. [William Smith],
1735. The publication will be limited. to 300 copies, signed and numbered, and can be had only from Bro.
M'Gee, Nassau Street, Dublin, and Bro. Speth' secretary, Quatuor Coronati. All profits from the book go to
the Masonic Orphan Boy's School, Ireland.
THE Freemason's Repository, published in Providence R.I., says : " Masonic lodges in Great Britain are
characterised by more of sociability than prevails in this country. A much larger amount is expended per
capita for refreshments by the average English lodge than by the average American lodge. Just now a paper
printed in Liverpool, England, has made a severe arraignment of Freemasonry in general, and of one of the
Liverpool Masonic lodges in particular, because of what is alleged to be an undue expenditure for
refreshments.' It charges that the lodge disburses more money in provisions made for the inner man—the
entertainment. of its new members—than it does in benevolence. Because of this fact the critical editor says
very hard things of the lodge and of the Masonic organization. The London Freemason, in noticing the tirade
of the Liverpool paper, pertinently says : Doubtless it looks upon the Masonic Order as a benefit society, or,
it may be, a kind of Charity Organization Society, whose funds are to be devoted to almsgiving and nothing
else. But the sooner it disabuses its mind of this idea, the better. Charity, in the sense of almsgiving, is only a
subordinate part of Masonry, as it is. of that larger and purer Charity, which we are told in Holy Words, " it
is kind," " doth not behave itself unseemingly," thinketh no evil," and of which, to judge from this particular
article, our irate little friend stands in need." The rebuke is timely and well administered, and yet a Masonic
lodge needs to exercise special carefulness, that it does not fall to the level of a mere club—that it does not
make too much of sociability and good cheer. Let moderation be the rule in the furnishing of refreshments.
The members of a Masonic lodge may not improperly take dinner or supper together after the transaction of
the business that has called them together ; .but the eating and drinking should be regarded as an accessory,
not the principal thing, Except on special occasions it would seem wise to provide but light refreshments ;
and on all occasions when brethren convene under Masonic auspices, the better rule would be to exclude
intoxicants."
———————————————————————————————————————————
MEETINGS IN DECEMBER, 1894
1894,
DEC.
AUCKLAND.
HAWKES
BAY.
WELLINGTON. NELSON. CANTERBURY.
OTAGO AND
SOUTHLAND
Mon. 3. Bedford Leinster
Tues. 4. Ponsonby
Abercorn,
76
*Pates Kil. Crown, S.C.
Wed. 5.
Thurs. 6.
Fri. 7.
Franklin
Hokianga
Auckland
Prov. Chap
*Hawera
Palmerston
Southern Cross
Mon.
10.
Albion
*Wairoa
Fielding
Wairarapa Ch
Wairau
Clutha
Ngapara
Tues. 11
"Manukau Te
Aroha
*Victoria
Ruahine
*Waterloo
St. Mark
Otangaki
Greymouth
EC
Pacific, EC
Trafalgar Ch.,
S.C.
St. Augustine Waikouaiti
Wed. 12
Ara
Papakura
Mingonui
*Abercorn
30
Heretaunga
Masterton
ManawatuKil
Stratford Tararua
Aorangi
*Progress
Malvern
Otago Waitaki
*Harvey
Fortitude
Thu. 13 Alpha
St. John St.
Andrew Kil.
RobertBurns
*Advance
Ashb'rt'n EC
Ashley
Caledonian
Hercules
St. John
Mokoreta
Peninsula-Nil.
S.C.
Taringatura
Fri. 14 Waiuku
Rangitara Otaki
Greytown
*Eketahuna *St.
John .S.C. *St
Andrew Kil.
*Kumara Phoenix
Aparima
Victoria, I.C.
Mon.
17
Tue 18
*St. Andrew
*Sir W. Scott
Victory Robt. Burns, S.C.
Wed. 19 *Rawhiti Ulster
*Geraldine
Concord
*Oamaru Kil.
Thurs.20 Ze’l’ndia E.C. j Seinde
Fri. 21
Ngamotu
Wellington EC
Mon.
24
*NZ Pacific
Tues. 25
Wed. 26 U'it'd S'rvice
Thu. 27 Auckland
*SouthernStar
E.C.
Unanimity
Fri. 28
Southern Cross
Chap
Mon 31
Full Moon—Tuesday, November 13th, and Thursday, December l3th, 1894.
NOTE.—The Lodges marked with a * are Installation Meetings.
Lodges are invited to advertise in the CRAFTSMAN names of Officers, times, and places of meeting, & Rate, 20s. per
annum, payable in advance.
IN THE PRESS,
THE NEW ZEALAND RITUAL
OF
CRAFT-MASONRY,
Embodying the distinctive features and beauties of the English, Irish, and Scotch Methods of Working,
producin, a Work which, for Beauty of Language, Grammatical Correctness, Accuracy, and Working Charm
has never been equalled.
BY A PAST MASTER. Price, 10s.; Post Free.
———:o:———
The RITUAL will consist of about 150 pages, and is being printed in two colours, from new type, on 801b.
paper. It will be bound in blue cloth, with gold lettering. The aim of the Publishers being to produce a well-
printed, substantial and handsome volume for the price charged.
The RITUAL will be sold to bone fide Freemasons only ; and to assist in carrying out this intention of the
Publishers each copy will be numbered, and a register kept of the sales. The Masonic rank, the name,
number, and constitution of the Lodge to which the would-be purchaser belongs will have to be forwarded at
the time of giving the order. The Publishers reserve the right to refuse an order for the RITUAL if they have
reason to believe that the work is required for improper purposes.
The edition is strictly limited, an early application is therefore recommended to avoid disappointment.
JAMES WILKIE & CO.,
Masonic Printers & Publishers, Princes Street, Dunedin.
Appended is commendation of the RITUAL by a Past Grand Officer :-
" You gave me an opportunity of reading the manuscript of ' The New Zealand Ritual of
Craft-Masonry.' I am now indebted to you for the specimen of the completed parts of the Degrees.
"The mechanical work is a pleasing proof that there are printers in New Zealand crafty and
cunning in the manipulation of those moveable letters that give power and permanence to human
thought. The manner in which the specimens are gotten up reflects the greatest credit upon all
concerned. The neatness of the type, the skilful setting, and the coloured margin, with the good
paper, and clean machining has a charming effect. Were it not for your assurance that the
specimens are of colonial production, I would have stated my opinion that they were of the better
class of American productions. I doubt whether a work containing as many excellencies, from a
printer's point of view, as ' The New Zealand Ritual' has hitherto been published in Australasia.
"The ' Ritual ' will undoubtedly be favourably received as a text-book in the ceremonial
work of the Degrees. For years I have been collecting works on the ceremonial observances of
secret societies: The Masonic portion of my collection contains copies of the Rituals published in
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Spain, Egypt, The
States. Canada, and South America, and I have manuscript copies of the Scotch and Irish Work,
yet none of the works mentioned can at all compare with yours for value, distinctive interest, and
working charm. There are passages impressively beautiful, and solemnly eloquent in the Third
Degree, and if accompanied in their delivery by the studied art of the orator, and the enthusiasm.
of an adept in Masonry, the impression made on the minds of the auditors will, I venture to assert,
never be forgotten.
"The significant forms and ceremonies of the Installation of the Master, and the Investiture
of the Officers of a Lodge, will meet that want, for an authentic and distinct ceremony, which has
long been desired, more particularly, in the Southern districts of the Colony. Some years ago a
rumour had got abroad that the Grand Lodge of England had forbidden the ceremonial opening
and closing of a Board of Installed Masters. I am pleased to find your 'Ritual' gives these
ceremonies ; in doing so you are quite right, for the question has never been brought before the
Grand Lodge of England at any time.
" As a standard work of the ceremonial working of the Degrees of Craft-Masonry, published
with a view to meet the demand for a distinctive Ritual of the New Zealand Constitution, I can
warmly recommend it, and I trust that its reception by the Fraternity will abundantly justify the
months of labour, and the arge expense you have been put to in producing it.
THE
NEW ZEALAND
CRAFTSMAN.
—————————————————
MONTHLY JOURNAL DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS
OF THE MASONIC FRATERNITY.
—————————————————
VOLUME V.
NOVEMBER, 1893 — OCTOBER, 1894.
AUCKLAND :
A. CLEAVE & Co., PRINTERS ANT) PUBLISHERS, VULCAN LANE
1894.
———————————————————————————————————————————
CONTENTS.
————
NOVEMBER, 1893—OCTOBER, 1894.
————
ARTICLES-
Article 219 - ... .,. - ... 116
American Lodges ... ... ,.. ... 67, 231, 289, 340
Annual Festival of English Masonry ... ... 572
Burns (Robert) as R.W.M. ... ... 339
Class Lodges (Bro. R. F. Gould) ... ... 459
Doings of the Craft in Other Lands (Bro. G. Robertson) 135, 564
Early History of Australian Freemasonry ... 172
Early History of New Zealand Freemasonry ... 173
How to Become a Bright Mason ... ... 341
Kossuth (Bro. Louis) ... ... ... ... 565
Mexican Masonry (Bro. R. F. Gould) ... 62, 169
Masonic Benevolence in 1893 ... ... ... 289
One of the Ancient Mysteries (Bro. Geo. Robertson)... 622
Royal Arch Degree (Bro. R. F. Gould) ... 454, 624
BRIEF MENTION AND PARAGRAPHS-
7, 13, 27, 66, 77, 83, 136, 139, 174, 195, 232, 239, 251, 303, 304, 307,
342, 346, 347, 363, 409, 419, 462, 475, 513, 531, 567, 587, 643.
EDITORIALS-
Alteration (Proposed) of Book of Constitution 621
Abuse of Presentations ... ... 341
Arrears ... ... .. ... 285
Can Suspensions be Decreased ? .., ... 342
Conclusion of Masonic Congress ... 58
Dissolved D.G. Lodges ... ... ... 1
Festival Days of Masonry ... . ... 228
Grand Lodge of New Zealand ... 228, 509, 622
Grand Master, The Next ... 60
Hescott v. Cleave ... ... ... ,., 4
Institution of Lodge Eketahuno ... ... 114
Lodge Beta-Waikato, No. 12 ... ... ,.. 28
Lodge St. Andrew, No. 8 ... ... .., 114
Mother Kilwinning Lodge ... ... ... . 290
New Zealand Masonry ... ... ... ... 60
New Zealand Ritual ... ... ... ... 61
Nomination of Grand Lodge Officers . ... ... 58
Permanent Location of Grand Secretary's Office ... .„ 451
Return of Old Charters .,. ... ,.. ... 5
Wellington ... ... ... 453
EXCHANGES (Condensed Editorials) -
Family Jars ... .. .. ... ... 137
Inter-Masonic Unity of Action ... ... ,.. 359
GRAND LODGES-
Grand Lodge of Canada „. ... ... ... 631
Grand Lodge of Colorado ... ... ... ... 2
Grand Lodge of Italy . ... .., ... 563, 564
District Grand Lodge of Canterbury, E.C. ,.. ... 620
District Grand Lodge of Wellington, E.C. .., ... 76
Grand Lodge of New Zealand-
Balance Sheets ... ... ... 24, 182, 412, 528
Board of Benevolence .., .„ 74, 507, 521, 577
Board of General Purposes. ... ... 74, 399, 405, 522, 579
Circulars re Charters ... ... ... ... 630
Grand Lodges (List of) in Fraternal Correspondence
with Grand Lodge of New Zealand ... ... ... 410
Installation of the M.W.G.M., Bro. H. F. D. Bell .„ 349
Recognitions ... ... ... ... ... 76
Quarterly Communications ... ... 16, 179, 524, 629
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR-
Bartlett, Bro. A. ... .., ... ..• ,.. 529
Certificates of Grand Lodge of New Zeahind ... 463
DeRenzy, Bro., and American Degrees •. ... ,.. 298
District Grand Lodge of Auckland ... ... 299
Imposter ... ... ... ... ... 529
Is an I.P.M. an Officer ? 234
Lodge St. John, Eltham ...... ... ... 527
Masonic Register ... ... .,. ... ... 130
Quarterly Communications ...... ... . 575
Query ... ... ... ... ... 576
Recognition of Grand Lodge ...... ... ... 576.
Return of the Charters ... . ... ... 14
Unaffiliated Brethren ... ... ... 348
LODGE REPORTS (I.) Monthly Meetings-
Province of Auckland 8, 127, 191, 235, 293, 343, 572, 634
Province of Canterbury ... 10, 69, 465, 519, 635
Province of Hawkes Bay ... ... 127, 400
Province of Nelson ... ... ... 236, 400, 573, 635.
Province of Otago ... . ... ... 68, 401
Province of Southland ... .., 11, 574, 636
Province of Wellington .., 9, 69, 127, 235, 293, 343, 400, 465, 518
Province of Westland 10, 69, 236, 401, 519, 574, 635
(II.) Installations-
Province of Auckland 70, 119, 238, 294, 396, 466, 633
Province of Canterbury ... 124, 238, 346, 469, 517
Province of Hawkes Bay ... ... 72, 125
Province of Nelson ... ... ... ,., 125
Province of Otago ... ... . . ... 124, 468
Province of Southland ... ,.. 347, 397, 633
Province of Wellington ... 72, 121, 398, 467, 516, 670
Province of Westland ... ... 73, 239, 518
MISCELLANEOUS —
Anti-Masonry .. „. ... 80
Beaumont MS., The ... ... ,.. 638
Called Back... ... ... .. ... 360
Drumming for Masonry ...... ... 565
Egyptian Masonic Principles ....,. ... ... 584
Eminent Mason, An ... ... ,.. ... 243
Freemasonry in Other Countries ... ... 304
Freemasonry Vindicated ... .,. ... 79
Freemasons' Hall Co., Auckland ... 190
Freemasons' Hall Co., Wellington ... ... 303
Happy Strike in the Wild West, A ... ... 629
Harmony, the Strength of All Institutions... 132
He Did Not Kick ... .. ., 403
Historical Sketch of Mother Lodge Kilwinning ... ... 580
Inauguration of Lodge St. John, No. 95, Eltharn ... ,. 472
Lodge Quatuor Coronati ...... ... 133
Masonic Meetings Attended by Grand Superintendent, Wellington 124
Masonic Privileges ... ... 133
Masonic Squabble in Inverness 64
Pay Your Dues ... ... 292
St. John's Lodge, Invercargill... 474
Secret Orders of the Past .... 134
Tomb of Hiram, King of Tyre (illustrated).. 305
Well-Chosen Sentiments ... 250
What is a Lewis ?... ... 348
Your Duty. 629
NEWS FROM CORRESPONDENTS—
English News 15, 65, 129, 102, 233, 301, 343, 404., 470, 514, 566, 628
Our Travelling Correspondent ... ... 67, 231, 289, 340
OBITUARY NOTICES--
Brodie. Bro. Alex., Sub. P.G-.M., Auckland, S.C.... 288
Garrett, Bro. R., Otahuhu ...... 286
Kidd, Bro. R, LL.D... 584
McAlister, Bro. Jas., Oamaru... 132
Mrs. Niccol, wife of P.G.M. ...... 507
Pyke, Bro. Vincent, P.D.G.M.... 396
POETRY—
Be Kind .. 362
Be Thrifty... ... 118
Every Tear ... ... .. 78
Few Words to Freemasons, A.. ... .. 249
Friendship ... ... ... ... 131
Gavel, The ... ... ... ... 302
Give a Kind Word Where You Can 131
In Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty„. 194
"Moriar " (Bro. E. H. Gulliver)... ... 287
Mystic Tie, A ... ... .. 302
Not Understood (Bro. T. Bracken)... ... 632
Symbolism of the Blue ... ... 362
PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES—
Anderson, Bro. James (A. Masonic Veteran)... ... 113
Bartlett, Bro. A., W.M. Lodge Are ... ... 451
Bell, Bro. H. F. D., M.W.G.M. ... ... 339
Braim, Bro. John, Grand Secretary, Victoria... ... 619
Bray, Bro. A. H., Grand Secretary, New South Wales... 563
Edgecumbe, Bro. G., P.G.S., P.G.P. ...... 283
Fowlds, Bro. Geo., Grand Superintendent, Auckland... 896
Graham, Bro. G. S., D.G.M., B.C., Auckland.. ... 57
Grand Lodge Officers „ ... , Frontispiece
Hanna, Bro. S. D., W.M. Lodge Ara, No. 1 169
Kirby, Bro. J. H., Grand Superintendent, Otago ... 507
Peterkin, Bro. T. A. 225
... ,.. ... ...
RITE, ANCIENT AND PRIMITIVE— 69, 128, 237, 297 347, 402, 520
ROYAL ARCH — 12, 69, 128, 297, 465, 520, 636
Grand Chapter ... ... ... ... 175