282 N. Z. CRAFTSMAN. [April 16, 1895

THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND
OF ANTIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

(95 LODGES, WITH A MEMBERSHIP OF 3546).

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS - - - - - - 1894-95.

Grand Master M W Bro FRANCIS Hy. DILLON BELL,

Wellington

Deputy Grand Master R W Bro WM HORATIO HALL, Invercargill

Grand Superintendents—

Auckland R W Bro G FOWLDS, Auckland

Hawke's Bay & Gisborne R W Bro WILLIAM BEILBY, Hastings

Southland. R W Bro CHARLES SAWYER, Invercargill

Canterbury M W Bro H THOMSON, Christchurch

West Coast R W Bro HENRY LESLIE MICHEL, Hokitika

Otago R W Bro JOSEPH ANNING KIRBY, Dunedin

Grand Warden, Senior R W Bro A KIDD, Auckland

Grand Warden, Junior R W Bro T A PETERKIN, Westport

Grand Chaplains—

Auckland ... V W Bro Rev T A JOUGHIN, Auckland

Hawker W Bro Rev EDW. ROBERTSHAWE,

Dannevirke

Canterbury ... „. V W Bro Rev EDW, ELLIOTT CHAMBERS,

Lyttelton

Otago V W Bro Rev LEWIS HUDSON, Dunedin

Grand Treasurer ... V W Bro JOHN M GOLDFINCH, Wellington

Grand Registrar V W Bro R C HAMERTON, Wellington

Assistant Grand Registrar V W Bro ARTHUR GETHIN CREAGH,

Oamaru

President of the Board )

of General Purposes ) M W Bro EDWARD THOMAS GILLON,

Wellington

Grand Secretary V W Bro Rev WILLIAM RONALDSON —

Address, Wellington

President of the Board} V W Bro THOMAS MCKENZIE, Wellington

of Benevolence ... }

Senior Grand Deacon } W Bro S DAWSON HANNA, Auckland

} W Bro WALTER THOM, Southland

Junior Grand Deacons } W Bro P JOSEPH O'CARROLI, New

Plymouth

} W Bro JOHN A ALGIE, Kaitangata

Grand Superintendent { W Bro THOMAS THOMAS, Auckland

of Works ... {

Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro W H SMITH, Palmerston North

Assistant W Bro JUDAH HENRY KEESING, Wanganui

Grand Bible Bearer ... W Bro A MILLS, Canterbury

Grand Sword Bearer W Bro WM. THOMSON, Hunterville,

Wellington

Assist. Grand Sword Bearer W Bro OSWALD HENRY PINEL, Oamaru

Grand Standard Bearer W Bro G H CLARK, Tamumu, Hawkes Bay

Assistant W Bro H W BAKER, Lytitelton

Grand Organist W Bro GEORGE ROBERTSON, Wellington

Assistant Grand Organist W Bro J SHOLES. Waipakurau, Hawkes

Bay

Grand Pursuivant W Bro J D COLEBROOK, Coromandel,

Auckland

Grand Stewards—

Auckland... W Bro H A ELLISON, Auckland

,, W Bro E SEWELL, Auckland

Wellington W Bro W CULLEN, Masterton

,, W Bro PRICE, Carterton

,, W Bro M BENNEY, Featherston

,, W Bro WM A NAIRN, Hawera

,, W Bro F M SPURDLE, Wanganui

Canterbury W Bro T J WITHERS, Southbridge

,, W Bro JOHN SANSOM, Rangiora.

,, W Bro A B BLACKETT, RangiOra,

,, W Bro F W LAST, Lincoln

,, W Bro JOHN CHENOWETH, Christchurch

,, W Bro COLIN COOK, Christchurch

Otago W Bro JOSEPH BARTON. Dunedin

,, W Bro G W WILLIAMS, Dunedin

,, W Bro H LIPPERT, Dunedin

,, W Bro JAMES MACDONALD, Oamaru

Southland... W Bro JOHN MEHAPEEY, Queenstown

,, W Bro JOHN WARD, Brunnerton

Hawkes Bay and Gis. W Bro THOS. MORGAN, Hastings

,, W Bro HENRY OWEN; Napier

Nelson & West Coast W Bro WM MOYES, Nelson

,, W Bro G H BROOME, Denniston

,, W Bro HANS BLOCK, Kumara

——————————————

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.

Meets at 1.15 p.m., at the office of the Grand Secretary, Wellingron, on the first

dry of every month. When 1st comes on Saturday or Sunday the Board meets on

following Monday.

Ex officio..—Bros. F. H. D. Bell, G.M.; W. H. Hall, D.G.M, ; J. M. Goldfinch,

G.T. ; and Rev. W. Ronaldson, G. Sec.

Elected.—Bros. V.W. Thos. McKenzie (President), J. A. Heginbetham, A. J.

Masters, George France, J. D. M. Georgeson, R. Mothes, Wm. Wills, A.

Clothier, Thos. Wm. Allen, A. J. Barth, Alfred Kidd, L. G. Boor, C. P. Hulbert,

F. P. Corkin, G. H. Broom, A. H. Jones.

——————————————

BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

Meets on the second Wednesday and second Friday alternately every other

month, at 8 p.m., at the Grand Secretary's office, Wellington.

Ex officio. —Bros. F. H. D Bell, G.M.; W. H. Hall, D.G.M. ; Alfred Kidd T. A.

Peterkin ; J. M. Goldfinch, G. Treas. ; R. C, Hamerton, G. Reg. ; and Rev. W.

Ronaldson, G. Sec.

Elected.:— Bros. M.W. E. T. Gillon, P.G.M. (President), H. J. H. Eliott, T. P.

Coveney, R. Fletcher, G. Wilson, H. J. Freeman, John Danks, F. J. Dawes, Rev.

Thos. Porritt, M. Niccol, G. Fowlds, W. Beilby, J. A. Kirby, C. J. Ronaldson,

C.P. Hulbert, Chas. Sawyer.

AUDITORS.-Bros. W. D. Lyon. P.M., and J. H, Richardson, P.M.

THE LATE V.W. BROTHER JOHN M. GOLDFINCH,

GRAND TREASURER.

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THE LATE V.W. BROTHER JOHN M. GOLDFINCH,

GRAND TREASURER.

————

THE late Bro. P. M. Goldfinch first saw Masonic Light in 1884, in the Leinster

Lodge, IC., a man of the highest integrity, and being far above the average

intelligence soon gained prominence in the Lodge, such as Secretary and

Treasurer, and in a very short while was placed in the chair of King Solomon.

He was a quiet unassuming brother, but a very hard worker, both inside and out

of the Lodge ; a great advocate for the New Zealand Constitution, of which he

was Past Assistant Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, materially assisting to

bring over the Leinster to the cause. In conjunction with the Grand

Superintendent he tried very hard to found a Masonic Institute, but they were not

supported as they ought to have been by the brethren. He argued that in no other

part of New Zealand was an Institute more needed than in the Empire City,

where hundreds of brethren were annually passing through, enquiries for such a

place being constantly made by the travelling fraternity. His effort, I hope, will

some day bring forth good results when some other brother starts where he

finished. In many instances (through his connection with the Defence

Department) he was the means of protecting the Craft being imposed upon by

unworthy brethren, but was ever ready to assist those in need with both money

and 'advice, there are very few who will be missed more than Bro. Goldfinch.

His funeral gave evidence of the fact, although not in regalia the brethren

attended in great numbers, which was rather unexpected as the rain came down

very heavily. The cortege w as headed by Col. Hume, the governor of the gaol

and officers, the inspector of police and men of the force, and among the

principal mourners were many of the Government officers and several heads of

departments. His death was very sudden and came as a great shock to the family

with whom the greatest sympathy is felt.

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THE copyright of the NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN will be transferred to the

Masonic Newspaper Company, Limited, Wellington, as and from the first day of

June next. The first number of the CRAFTSMAN under the new proprietory will

be issued on the 1st June, and the paper will therefrom be published punctually

on the first day of each month. Subscribers will be supplied as usual, and no

effort will be spared to make the CRAFTSMAN a first-class Masonic journal. It is

requested that all communications intended for insertion in the June number, and

all communications referring to business matters after 1st June, may be

addressed to " The Editor, or Manager, N. Z. CRAFTSMAN, P.O. Box No. 8,

Wellington.

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FUNERAL OF BRO. W. P. MOAT.

———

THE funeral of the late Bro. W. P. Moat took place on March 27th, and the large

and very representative attendance at the ceremonies in the Freemasons' Hall, as

well as the concourse who in carriages accompanied the remains of the deceased

gentleman to their last resting place at Purewa Cemetery, testified to the high

esteem and honour in which Bro. Moat was held as a citizen and as a public

man. The body had lain in state in Freemasons' Hall under a large catafalque

since Monday evening, and it had been visited by large numbers, while quite a

wealth of beautiful wreaths and crosses wore sent by friends. Amongst the

donors of wreaths were :—Bro. G. S. Graham, Lodge Ara. 348, I.C., the New

Zealand Educational Institute, Mrs. J. L. Hatswell, the Rev. Canon Nelson (St.

Paul's), Lodge Ponsonby, S.C., Miss Kate Breton, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Scott, Mrs.

Edward Tonge, Victor, Arnold, the teachers of Onehunga Public School, the

District Grand Lodge, E.C., and others. The whole arrangements for the

ceremonial and interment were made by the Masonic brethren, the deceased

gentleman being a distinguished and exalted Mason, held in universal esteem

amongst the brethren, and at the time of his death he held office as D.G.

Registrar, E.C. The memorial service was held at two o'clock on March 26th in

the Freemasons' Hall, Princes Street. There was a very large and representative

gathering of Freemasons, members of the three Grand Lodges of England,

Ireland, and Scotland, and of the various lodges, but the ceremony not being

purely Masonic there were numerous non-Masons present during the

ceremonial, and several ladies joined in the singing. Amongst those present were

Messrs. E. Mitchelson and F. Lawry, M.H.R.'s ; the Hon. W. Swanson, Mr. J. M.

Dargaville (one of the foundation members with Mr. Moat of the Board of

Education), Mr. Blades (chairman of the City Schools Committee) ; Messrs.

Tidy (chairman), Luke, Bates, Muir, Woodward (members of the Board of

Education), and Mr. Rice (secretary); Messrs. Roach and Rae (clerks of the

Board) and Mr. Petrie (chief inspector), Dr. Rowley (chairman of the Otahuhu

School Committee), and Messrs. Wilson and Vuglar (teachers), the head

teachers of the City Schools. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M., Bro. A. Kidd, and

Bro. Dr. Walker represented the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and Bro. Such,

W.M., and E. G. Clements, P.M., Secretary Lodge Rodney, of which deceased

was the first Master. Shortly after two o'clock the ceremonial commenced, Bros.

G. S. Graham, D.G.M. B.C., and Bro. Dr. Dawson, D.D.G.M., E.C., taking

positions at the head of the coffin. Bro. W. J. Rees, P.G.M., I.C., and Bro. W.

McCullough, P.G.M., S.C., being at the foot, while along the sides six

distinguished brethren, Masters and Past Masters, were ranged three at each side.

Low twelve was sounded on the gong, and then the ceremony opened, the choir

singing the hymn " Solemn Strikes the Funeral Chime," after which Bro.

Graham, D.G.M., E.C., pronounced the funeral oration. This was followed by

the hymn " What Sounds of Grief in Sadness Tell," and the texts and sentences

appropriate to the occasion were pronounced by the four District and Provincial

Grand Masters, Dr. Dawson being District Grand Master of Mark Masons. The

hymn " O God Our Help in Ages Past " followed, and then amidst impressive

music Bro. Graham proceeded to place on the coffin the wreaths, and over these

the rich Masonic regalia and jewels of the deceased brother, saying " The will of

God is accomplished." The closing prayer was pronounced by the Chaplain, Bro.

E. J. McFarland. The hymn, " Brief Life," was sung, and the coffin was then

removed by the bearers to the hearse, the organist playing "The Dead March in

Saul." The carriages were arranged in their proper order after the hearse. In the

first were the District and Provincial Grand Masters, Bros. G. S. Graham, W. J.

Roes, Dr. Dawson, and the Hon. W. McCullough. In the second were the

Chaplains, the Revs. Mr. McFarland and Canon Nelson, and Bros. A. Brock,

P.M., and Whittaker, W.M., Lodge Ara. The third carriage contained Captain

Lamb, executor of the will of the deceased, Mr. Courtayne, and Mr. J. L. Scott.

No. 4 carriage was occupied by Bros. J. P. Clark, J. R. Hanna, Baddiley, and W.

Anderson. No. 5 carriage contained the Master and Secretary of Lodge Rodney,

and Bros. Savage and Piggott. Then followed a carriage containing the Wardens

of Lodge Ara, Bros. O. Arnold and G. A. Gribben, who were accompanied by

Bros. Philpott and Oxenham. In succeeding carriages followed the members and

officers of the Board of Education. The School Commissioners were represented

by Messrs. G. Mueller, Thompson, and Garland. Messrs. Kidd, M. Niccol,

Lawry, W. H. Cooper, the Hon. W. Swanson, and Dr. Walker occupied two

other cabs, and just after the procession moved off, a cab containing Sir Maurice

O'Rorke and the Hon. Colonel Haultain drove up and joined in the procession,

and the remaining cabs were occupied by brethren of the various lodges,

members of public bodies, and personal friends of the deceased. The procession

of nineteen carriages and five private vehicles moved off from Princes Street,

through Victoria Quadrant and Symonds Street to Kyber Pass, and then through

Newmarket and Reinuera to the Purewa cemetery, where the burial service of

the Church of England was impressively conducted by the Rev. E. J. McFarland,

and the mortal remains of Mr. Moat were committed to their final resting-place

with the last tribute of Masonic respect and honour. Bro. George Leaning was

undertaker, and the manner in which the whole of the arrangements were carried

out did him very great credit.

———————————————————

A FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW

ZEALAND QUESTION.

————

We are not of those who think that all the sympathy should be with the

wrongdoer and none whatever with the person or persons he has wronged. When

some five years ago sundry lodges in the Colony of New Zealand seceded from

the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, and constituted themselves

an independent Grand Lodge, they committed a wrong towards their parent

Grand Lodges, not by seceding, which was a perfectly legitimate act on their

part, but by setting up a rival Grand Lodge in territory which no one in the

possession of his senses could venture to define as " unoccupied ; " nor does the

fact that other lodges have since then followed their example and cast in their lot

with this irregularly-established Grand Lodge in any way detract from the

measure of the wrong they have done to the Grand Bodies from which they

derive their existence. On the other hand, the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland,

and Scotland have not consciously done—nor have we found any one audacious

enough to assert that they have done—any act that is capable of being

misinterpreted into one of aggression against the rights and privileges which

they themselves solemnly conferred upon the seceding lodges in their several

Warrants of Constitution. So far, indeed, have they been from doing anything of

an offensive or aggressive character towards their former daughter lodges, that,

when the secession movement was first started—we exclude from our remarks

those minor attempts in previous years which had been talked about rather than

seriously contemplated—it is well known that—confining our attention to

England only provided a good round majority of the 149 lodges in the Colony

declared in favour of a local Grand Lodge, Bro. the Earl of ONSLOW, a

distinguished English brother, and at the time Governor of the Colony, was

prepared to accept the office of Grand Master, and that our Grand Lodge would

have accepted the new order of things unhesitatingly. But when the critical

moment arrived for determining what lodges in New Zealand were and where

were not in favour of independence, the good round majority which had been

stipulated for was found to be a minority of less than one-fourth of the whole

body. Still, the promoters of the scheme determined to proceed at all hazards, a

Grand Lodge was constituted by the 32 lodges—out of 149, be it remembered—

which had seceded with Bro. HENRY THOMPSON who till then had filled the

office of District Grand Master of Canterbury, South Island (E.C.), as its first

Grand Master ; and when this body appealed to United Grand Lodge for

recognition as the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, its request was very

courteously but very righteously, declined. What has happened since is matter of

history, but with whomsoever may rest the responsibility for the deplorable

condition in which New Zealand has existed during the last five years, no blame

whatever can possibly attach to the Grand Lodge of England, whose conduct

throughout has been generous, dignified, and self-respectful. Those English,

Irish, and Scotch Lodges which have remained true to their old allegiance have

had a pleasant time of it, if we may judge of the opinions held of them and their

rulers, from the general tone of the letters for which from time to time place has

been found in the columns of the NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN. Yet our Grand

Lodge has never once assumed an offensive attitude towards its seceded lodges.

What its responsible officers have done has been to instruct the District Grand

Lodge authorities in the Colony to secure as far as possible the due

administration or our laws and to safeguard the interests of the lodges which

remain faithful; and if the result of these instructions has been a considerable

amount of friction among the partisans of the irregular Grand Lodge of New

Zealand, our Grand Lodge can conscientiously wash its hands of all

responsibility for such a misfortune. It is clear that our Grand Lodge is innocent

of originating, and has not persisted in the establishment of, a Grand Lodge that

should set its own authority at defiance. It has not carried off, retained, or

transferred its own warrants in contravention of its own laws as contained in its

own Book of Constitutions ; and if, as we have said before, it has ordered steps

to be taken to vindicate its own laws and for the protection of its own interests—

well the Grand Lodge which declined to do this much would be unworthy of the

name.

But whither does all this tend ? We have had five years of Masonic turmoil in

New Zealand, and the situation at this moment is not more disconcerting than it

has been at any other time during the whole of that period. The answer to our

question will be found in the fact that according to the latest advices from that

Colony the irregular Grand Lodge of New Zealand, having first of all returned

— but not unconditionally—the warrants it has retained in contravention of our

laws, intends forthwith approaching the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and

Scotland, for the purpose of obtaining, if possible, that recognition of its status

which was denied it at the time of its constitution. On the face of it, this may be

taken as an act of rare magnanimity on the part of this irregular Grand Lodge

that, after a protracted labour of five years, it should have brought forth a

resolution for at once entering into friendly relations with the three Grand

Lodges, whose character it has rarely failed to asperse from the day of its birth

till now. And what certainly does not place matters in a more acceptable light,

we regret to say there are those in England—and it may be in Ireland and

Scotland likewise—who openly avow their belief that the proper course for us to

pursue is to accept the withheld warrants on the conditions proposed and

afterwards accord recognition to the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

They argue, or—which is much the same thing—the tendency of their arguments

is, that we have been too sensitive about our own honour and too indifferent to

the true interests of Freemasonry ; that we should adopt any course which will

have the effect of determining the present pitiable condition of the Craft in the

Colony effected ; that we should abandon all idea of protecting our own lodges ;

and generally that, sitting in sackcloth and ashes, we should demean ourselves

by doing penance for acts we have never committed. The process of fouling

one's own nest is proverbially an objectionable one, nor are we so craven-

hearted that we shall advise our Grand Lodge to conform to these unpatriotic

opinions. On the contrary, we are of opinion that, while it is most desirable the

present condition of the Craft in New Zealand should be ameliorated, and, while

any honourable course which may seem calculated to ensure that consummation

should be adopted, the terms of what we will speak of as the proposed

reconcilation of the present divided Masonic interests in New Zealand are not

such as any loyal Mason would recommend for acceptance to a Society which

retains for itself a proper sense of self-respect. The honour and welfare of

Freemasonry are dear to us all, but we do not see our way to maintaining the one

and promoting the other by urging our Grand Lodge to humiliate itself in the

presence of the whole world of Freemasonry. We loyally desire to see all

sections of the Craft throughout the British Empire entertaining towards each

other the friendliest feelings ; but this can only be done by the adoption of a

course of action that shall be equally honourable to all.

————————————————————————————————

RECOGNITION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

—————

A GREAT change has come over the views of our contemporary, the London

Freemason, in reference to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. In its recent article

on the subject, which we reprint in this issue, while the same old virulent spirit is

apparent it is also quite manifest that the writer sees and acknowledges the

futility of continuing to pooh-pooh the idea of England's granting formal

recognition. He is now preparing to accept the inevitable, and his great concern

is that the process of doing this act of simple justice may be made as galling and

unpalatable to us as possible in order, as he puts it, to save the Grand Lodge of

England from humiliating itself in the eyes of the Masonic world. The article

referred to fairly teems with misstatements and unfair deductions, but no good

purpose would be served by pointing out and refuting these. We have now

arrived at a critical point in relation to the unhappy differences which exist ; all

parties are agreed as to the expediency of recognition, not merely in the interest

of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, nor indeed are the advantages to be derived

therefrom confined to Now Zealand Masonry alone, but for the sake of our

world-wide institution itself it is desirable that peace should be restored. We may

preach and prate till we are black in the face about harmony and brotherly love

without effect so long as it is possible to point to this irreconcilable object lesson

in our midst.

If then it is admitted to be in the interests of the Craft that the present condition

of affairs in this Colony should be ameliorated, and assuming thet our friend, the

London Freemason, is honestly desirous of assisting in the process of

amelioration, why does he so persistently raise obstacles in the way of its

accomplishment

It will be well for our contemporary, and those who hold his views, to bear in

mind that the condition of matters Masonic in New Zealand has undergone

considerable change during the past five years. He speaks of them as years of

turmoil, and the description is to some extent true, but if he wishes to convey the

impression that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is responsible for this turmoil

or has in any way contributed to its existence or continuance, we must positively

and unhesitatingly assert that he is writing in ignorance of the facts. But

although our position and prospects have been so strengthened and improved as

to justify our now not only affecting but actually feeling much less concern

about recognition by England than we formerly had. We as ardently desire the

re-establishment of friendly relations as ever, and are prepared to do and suffer

much to bring it about. There is, however, a limit to our endurance, and that limit

has almost been reached, indeed the feeling is rapidly growing in the minds of

New Zealand Masons that the leaders in our Grand Lodge display too great

anxiety to obtain as a boon what should be freely conceded to us as our just right

; and if this policy is continued it may be found necessary to remind our rulers

that while we all desire peace it must not be peace et any price but peace with

honour.

We are inclined to agree with those who argue that England has been too

sensitive about her own honour and dignity to enable her to perceive what the

true interests of the Craft in the Colony require, and to this cause we attribute

past troubles. But we rejoice to find so many enlightened and thoughtful Masons

awaking to a just conception of the situation, and by their pens and voices

educating the Craft in England in a knowledge of the truth.

We have full confidence in the justice and honour of our Mother Grand Lodge,

and are as firmly convinced now, as we have ever been, that once our brethren in

England know and realise that we are not the renegades and seceders which it

has pleased our opponents to describe us, but earnest, zealous, and loyal

members of the fraternity, animated by a sincere desire to promote the best

interests of the Craft, they will gladly accord us that recognition we are entitled

to, and turn a deaf ear to any suggestion to improve degrading conditions, which

could not and would not be accepted.

Our opponents persistently harp upon one string, namely that the duty resting on

the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, to protect their own lodges,

prevents them from granting recognition to our Grand Lodge, but this is only

throwing dust in the eyes of the unthinking mass of our brethren in these

counties. The act of formal recognition of our Grand Lodge would not in any

way prejudice the position of English, Irish, or Scotch Lodges in the Colony ;

they would still enjoy unimpaired all the power, rights, and privileges they now

possess, and would indeed find their efficiency and usefulness increased, and

new life and vigour infused into them by healthy emulation with and sisterly

encouragement from our lodges. We cordially accept and endorse the sentiment

contained in the closing words of the London Freemason, "We loyally desire to

see all sections of the Craft throughout the British Empire entertaining towards

each other the friendliest feelings, but this can only be done by the adoption of a

course of action that shall be equally honourable to all." And we confidently

anticipate the adoption by our Mother Grand Lodge of that course of action at an

early date.

———————————————

THE SO–CALLED GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

To the Editor of the " Freemason."

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—I had scarcely closed my letter to you in reply to

Bro. Whytehead, when in your issue of 14th September 1 find two more

champions of the cause, both of whom have read with "much pleasure the able

and suitable letter referred to," one under the signature of " Justice," and the

other "Past Master," E.C. They appear to have both visited New Zealand. By a

curious coincidence, too, they employ the same language and assert "that the so-

called Grand Lodge of New Zealand has justified its existence." It is very

suggestive how great minds can run in the same vein of thought, but at the same

time it would be very much better were they able to prove their assertions. Bold

statements, such as they have given voice to, may do very well as coming from

the " man at the corner," or the inspired, wish that is father to the thought, but it

will not bear analysing. Greater men than "Justice " and " Past Master " have

made a mess of it before to-day in writing about New Zealand. Anthony

Trollope, Rusden, Froude, and others have essayed to stuff the public, from time

to time, with their wondrous knowledge of events Colonial; but, unhappily, for

some of them, their veracity has been impeached, and most successfully too.

There is certainly a large army of "soft goods," and, of course, all are entitled to

their opinions ; still at the same time they must not feel offended if their travel-

stained and highly coloured ideas are sometimes challenged.

I therefore ask " Past Master E.C." — "How does he know the Colonial Board of

Grand Lodge is— to use his own words—not in touch with our brethren at the

other side of the world?,' As for "Justice's" idea that Grand Lodge should urge

upon its lodges to transfer their allegiance, is about as absurd a proposition as

adopting the role of Canute the Great with regard to the brethren, loyal and true,

who are not of "jelly fish" type, and know how to respect their obligation. The

puerile argument "that Grand Lodge will lose prestige unless they accord

recognition," is only what may be summed up in that new-coined phrase– "

flapdoodle."

What about the lodge warrants illegally " annexed," to use a mild term! Can "

Justice" and "Past Master" justify such wilful contempt of equity and right ? Do

they argue that "might is right" ? Are they aware of the dictatorial conditions

upon which it is proposed to approach Grand Lodge on the subject of their

restoration ? An implied threat, in reality, a command. Why, it would be

derogatory to Grand Lodge to entertain such a proposal on such a basis, and an

insult to Masonic reasoning and intelligence.

Why at this very moment dissensions are rife amongst them—even their

recently-installed, so-called Grand Master, Bro. Bell, is the subject of

animadversion and unfavourable comments in the New Zealand Craftsman, their

own organ, and why? Because he is not a puppet to be trotted round at the sweet

will of the noisy and ambitious organisation.

"Justice" and "Past Master" had better take another trip to New Zealand. They

will, no doubt, be received with open arms, canonised and made something

"extra Grand" of. In the meantime these overzealous and self-opinionative

brethren had better leave New Zealand Masonic affairs alone. I feel sure Grand

Lodge does not require anonymous special pleaders to influence them in their

deliberations, enjoying, as it does, the confidence of loyal brethren in the

colony.—

Yours Fraternally,

Westland, N.Z., Dec. 10th 1894. J. J. WILLIAMS,

P.M. and P.Z. 1229.

————————————————

THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

To the Editor of the " Freemason."

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—From the general tone of his remarks on the above

subject in your issue of the 9th inst., your correspondent, Bro. J. J. Williams, of

Westland, N.Z., while proclaiming that he is "loyal and true, and not of the 'jelly

fish' type," proclaims also his manifest disloyalty to the first principles of

Freemasonry. He appears to be a fair representative of the class of "loyal"

brethren who are largely responsible for the continued unsettled state of Masonic

affairs in New Zealand.

In order to impugn my judgment, Bro. Williams makes certain sneering

references to " soft goods,'" hard ware," and other useful trading professors

annually visiting the Colony, not to mention "globe trotters," but these remarks

do not in any sense apply to me, as I have never belonged to either of the classes

mentioned. 1 have visited New Zealand, and moreover during a long residence

not only made good use of my eyes and ears, but was a keen observer of

everything affecting our beloved Craft. The principal brethren of the four

Constitutions in the Colony are well known to me, but "Bro. J. J. Williams" is

altogether "unknown to fame." Hokitika is not New Zealand, any more than the

Grand Lodge of England may justly be considered the sole repository of the

genuine principles and tenets of Freemasonry. — Yours fraternally,

London, February 11th. PAST MASTER

(E.C.)

________________________

To the Editor of the " Freemason."

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—I believe, as an attacked party, I have the right of

reply to Bro. J. J. Williams' letter in the current issue of the Freemason.

I have never been in New Zealand, and have no connection with " soft goods,"

"hardware," or "trading professors" of any sort, but I have discussed the question

with brethren on both sides who have been there, and also read the opinions of

the English, American, and New Zealand Masonic papers on the matter, and,

having no personal interest of any kind at stake, I still hold to my opinion, that

the Grand Lodge of New Zealand should be recognised, and all other lodges in

that country requested to join it.

I am sorry to say we Englishmen are always rather too prone to think ourselves

"the salt of the earth," and far above every other race or (Masonically)

jurisdiction, and I know that wherever an English lodge abroad retains its

charters and works under it when a local Grand Lodge is formed, its members

give themselves airs, and look down on the members of the other lodges, and

hence, as in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, there is constant friction, and

Masonry is brought into contempt.

I strongly believe in the American rule of jurisdiction, i.e., that once a Grand is

established, no other Grand Lodge can retain any subordinates in its territory,

and if Masonic equality is a reality, and not a farce, this should be enforced

everywhere. Would England allow a little colony of French or Germans on her

shores to live under French or German laws? When Cyprus was ceded to us,

suppose the inhabitants had said, "For sentimental reasons we prefer to continue

subject to the laws of Turkey, under which we have been brought up." Would

such have been allowed? I think not. And what is national law, should be

Masonic law. When the Mark Grand Lodge was formed, those lodges in

England working the Mark under the Grand Lodge of Scotland might just as

well have insisted on remaining subject to the latter Body. The Grand Lodge of

New Zealand was formed by a respectable number of lodges, and I would

remind Bro. Williams and others that the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and most of

the "higher" Degree Grand Bodies of both England and Scotland were formed

by a minority of the then-existing private bodies of each, but yet in time they all

saw the wisdom of falling into line, and did so.

Bro. Williams' scarcely polite letter, with its talk of " flapdoodlc," " hardware,"

and " highly-coloured ideas," is a fair sample of the way in which brethren under

the English Constitution in New Zealand talk of and treat those who differ from

them.—Fraternally yours,

JUSTICE.

————————————————

THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

To the Editor of the " Freemason."

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—I have no wish to enter on a prolonged

correspondence on this subject, but as I am sure you will give me credit for

holding the views I do (although different from your own) in perfect good faith,

I ask of your courtesy to allow me to reply to your editorial notes in last week's

issue.

I am perfectly aware that Grand Lodge of England does not at present possess

the power to request her subordinates to give up their warrants, but why does she

not acquire that power? The Constitutions are not like "the law of the Medes

and Persians, weich altereth not," as the most casual glance at the various

editions since 1723 will at once show, but new laws are made from time to time

as necessity arises, and every reform must have a beginning. I would, with the

utmost respect suggest that some such regulation as the following is urgently

needed : "Unity being a cardinal principle of Freemasonry, it is hereby enacted

that in the case of English Lodges in the Colonies, or abroad, where a Grand

Lodge already exists, or shall be formed, such lodges shall, at the joint request of

the Grand Lodge of England, and the local Grand Lodge surrender their

warrants, on condition that they receive other warrants from the local Grand

Lodge, free of expense and be granted precedence according to the date of the

original warrant. This measure shall also be retrospective." Such a motion is

certainly within the power of Grand Lodge to make law, and would meet the

difficulty.

Next you say—" substitute for ' little colonies of French or Germans '—lodges

under the Grand Orients of France and the Netherlands." "With all respect, I do

object" to such substitution, as I was distinctly quoting national law, which I

said "should be Masonic law."

Also, Mauritius and Cape Colony (where I rejoice to know unity does exist)

have nothing to do with the case, as there is no local Grand Lodge to cause

dissensions.

Our past experience in the cases of England, Victoria, and New South Wales,

lead to the inevitable conclusion that there will assuredly be in the future a

"United Grand Lodge " in New Zealand, so why delay the reign of "Peace on

earth, goodwill towards men."—Fraternally yours,

JUSTICE.

———————————————

To The Editor of the " Freemason."

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—I had not intended to have referred again to this

matter, having said all that there is to say, but after your editorial paragraph of

Saturday last, I must defend myself against the implied imputation of having

suggested or asserted that " the Grand Lodge of England should request or

compel any of its lodges to sever a connection which they are lawfully justified

in maintaining." What I said, and still maintain, was that it was unfair on the part

of the Grand Lodge, or its representatives in the Colony, to lecture and bully the

brethren who desired to form a Grand Lodge of their own. If, at the outset, the

District Grand Masters had all maintained a dignified composure, the Grand

Lodge would have been formed peaceably and with almost perfect unanimity.

Now that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is formed, and is working creditably

and daily winning recruits, it seems to me that the proper course would be to

give it recognition. This is all that is wanted to bring in the rest of the Lodges.—

Yours fraternally,

T. B. WHYTEHEAD.

February 20th, 1895.

———————————————

THE NEW ZEALAND RECOGNITION QUESTION.

From the Freemason's Chronicle February 23rd. 1895.

SIR,—The thanks of every member of the Craft in this colony are due to you for

the excellent article contained in your issue of the 17th November, on the

question of the non-recognition by the Grand Lodge of England of the Grand

Lodge of New Zealand. You say rightly that sooner or later this recognition must

come, and every true Brother in the colony must agree with you that the sooner

it is accorded the better for the interests of Freemasonry, not only in New

Zealand, but throughout the English-speaking Masonic World, There is scarcely

a Lodge under any Constitution in the colony which does not earnestly desire to

see fraternal relations re-established with the Lodges holding under the Grand

Lodges of New Zealand. Many of the English Lodges have formally expressed

this wish by resolution ; the District Grand Lodge (E.C.) of Wellington has

pronounced in the same direction ; the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury

(E.C.) is in favour of it; and the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury (S.C.) has

sent round resolutions to a similar effect. The District Grand Masters of

Canterbury and Wellington (E.C), certainly the most respected representatives of

the English Grand Lodge in New Zealand, are anxious to see recognition

accorded, In fact, the opposition to such recognition exists only amongst a small

number of office-holders, who think their personal dignity would suffer if the

Grand Lodge of New Zealand were recognised.

It may not be out of place if I point out that the Grand Lodge of England has

never refused recognition. When, four and a half years ago, the newly-formed

body applied for fraternal acknowledgment, the resolution passed by the Grand

Lodge of England was to the effect that it was not " at present" desirable to grant

recognition. I am far from blaming the Grand Lodge of England for proceeding

cautiously in so grave a matter. I am aware that the facts in connection with the

formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand had been most strangely

misrepresented to the Grand Lodge authorities of England by interested parties.

It was right and proper that the Grand Lodge should take time to ascertain the

truth, and to test the extent and solidity of the movement in the colony for

Masonic self government.

The Grand Lodge of New Zealand has courted enquiry, and its doings for the

four years and nine months it has existed have been and are open to the world. It

has done nothing of which to be ashamed, and much of which it has just reason

to be proud. Its every act will stand the closest impartial, honest, scrutiny. If

there has been discord or ill feeling neither has been of its initiation. The advice

which I was privileged to give from the very first was to treat our opponents as

those who would some day be our friends, and to neither say nor do aught which

would rankle in their minds. This advice has been generally acted upon, and

strict examination will show how untruthful are many of the stories which have

apparently reached the Grand Lodge of England to our detriment. English

Masons of high rank have visited the colony and attended our Lodges, and even

the Communications of the Grand Lodge ; and the Grand Lodge of England

should have no difficulty in making itself acquainted with the truth regarding our

position and conduct. Knowing the truth, it should recognise that the time to

reconsider its tentative decision has now at least arrived, and avail itself of the

opportunity of reconsideration afforded by the terms of its own resolution.

The conditions which induced the Grand Lodge of England to withhold

recognition "at present" in 1890 no longer apply in 1895. Let me state facts

showing the difference. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was formed in

accordance with resolutions passed in ninety-two Lodges. The declaration of

independence was in the first instance signed by representatives of sixty-four

Lodges and subsequently by many others, and the Grand Lodge constituted

accordingly. But many of these Lodges hung back for a time; and some have not

even yet carried out the transfer of their allegiance. In 1890, when the

application was made for recognition, it was open to doubt what the number of

Lodges which had changed their allegiance and thrown in their lot with the

Grand Lodge of New Zealand actually was, and what proportion they bore to the

number of Lodges holding aloof. There is now no longer any doubt as to the

strength of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. It numbers a 101 Lodges on the

roll, and its registers show 3,710 Brethren. These figures represent upwards of

two-thirds of the live Lodges in the colony, and I believe more than three-fourths

of the subscribing Brethren in New Zealand. Nor is this all. In almost all the

Lodges which still adhere to the parent Constitutions there is a strong minority in

favour of joining the national Constitution. In many Lodges there is actually a

strong majority in favour of such a course, although the change is deferred out of

consideration for the wishes of the minority. In the latest Lodge to transfer its

allegiance—the Lodge which now ranks No. 100 on the New Zealand roll, No.

101 being a new Lodge—the change was for a long time opposed by only one

member, an old and respected Past Master of the Lodge. I know personally of

other Lodges similarly situated. The counsel we give to our friends under such

circumstances is to wait, and endeavour to come over with absolute unanimity.

You are quite right in assuming that if once recognition were granted a very

large proportion of the Lodges which are now standing out would come over to

the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. They are fully sensible of the advantages of

self-government, and of the good work which the Grand Lodge of New Zealand

has been able to accomplish.

The Grand Lodge of New Zealand is increasing in strength every month. It has

instilled new life into Freemasonry in New Zealand, and it has in four years and

a half dispensed its charity with no niggardly hand, and has built up a

Benevolent Fund, and a Widow and Orphans Fund of substantial proportions—

far in excess of anything accomplished by the Craft in the nearly fifty years

Masonry was practised in this colony under foreign government. That it is not

actuated by any narrow feelings in its charity you will see from the return I

enclose, showing that of £36.1 17s 6d. expended in benevolence £339 17s 6d

was to members of other Constitutions, £112 9s going to English Brethren or

Lodges.

While we deeply regret that any division should exist to mar complete harmony,

and fraternal intercourse between Lodges and Brethren, I may point out that the

consequences of estrangement fall most heavily on the minority, although the

New Zealand Lodges heartily welcome as visitors Masons of all Constitutions.

In most portions of the Colony official prohibitions by other Constitutions are

very generally disregarded. The non-recognition by our parent Grand Lodges

causes little or no practical inconvenience. It is more a sentimental grievance

than a practical one. It could only arise practically in cases of New Zealand

Brethren visiting the Mother Country ; and those who have done so have found

in English Lodges a more Masonic feeling than has yet been shown by the

Grand Lodge of England, and have had no reason to complain of lack of

welcome.

The Grand Lodge of New Zealand has been recognised by and is in fraternal

communication with thirty-seven Supreme Masonic governing bodies in

different parts of the world. In this number are included the four Australian

Grand Lodges, in which the representatives of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand

sit side by side with representatives of the Grand Lodge of England, Some of

these Grand Lodges which recognise us have as their Patron H.R.H. the Grand

Master of England. Are there not here anomalies which should for Masonic

credit be rectified by the removal of the ban placed by the Grand Lodge of

England on the Grand Lodge of New Zealand ?

Let me also point out what may yet prove a source of Masonic trouble, if that

ban is maintained. We have had cases of Brethren coming from Australia to

reside for a time in New Zealand who have only taken one or two degrees. A

New Zealand Lodge has, at the request of the initiating Australian Lodge,

conferred the other degrees. How would the Grand Lodge of England deal with

such a case should a Brother so circumstanced go home? If any demur were

made as to his status it would be an insult to the recognised Constitution under

which he was initiated ; while if the degrees conferred in New Zealand were

recognised, where would be the consistency of refusing recognition to the Grand

Lodge by whose authority they were conferred ? Serious questions affecting

other Grand Lodges may arise if recognition of the Grand Lodge of New

Zealand is much longer delayed.

In conclusion, let me say that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is not, and never

has been, an aggressive body. It has no desire to force any Lodge to join it. Its

ranks are open to any Lodges which desire to join it, but their doing so must be

of their own freewill, and the result of conviction that the change will be of a

benefit to themselves and the Craft. In asking recognition we do not ask for

jurisdiction over any established Lodge which does not desire to come under

local control. We are content that those who still wish to remain under English

jurisdiction shall remain so without let or hindrance. We are quite sure the

number would soon be reduced to a vanishing point. We can pursue the even

tenor of our way very well without recognition until time and circumstances

shall bring it about. We know it must come, as month after month we go on

adding Lodges to our roll—in fact, that each accession brings it nearer. But

surely it is not worth the while of a body like the Grand Lodge of England to

prolong the agony and unreasonably delay restoring complete harmony among

the Craft in New Zealand. It is not for the interest of Freemasonry that even the

present slight estrangement should continue to exist for even a day longer than

may be necessary to remove the cause. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand is an

accomplished fact—a substantial reality. It cannot long be ignored by any

Masonic body.

We all reverence and respect our Mother Grand Lodges, and it was in no spirit

of unkindness or disloyalty that we asserted our right to Masonic autonomy, but

from an assured conviction that until Masonic self-government was established

Freemasonry would never thrive as it ought to do in New Zealand, or be enabled

to fulfil its noblest and highest functions. The result of four years and nine

months' experience has more than justified our actions and realised our

expectations.

Although we may not again approach the Grand Lodge of England as suppliants,

we should indeed rejoice if that body, in its wisdom and justice, would see that

the time is opportune for it to reconsider the application which is still pending

before it, having not been absolutely refused, but merely postponed, when it was

formerly before the Grand Lodge.

Apologising for the length of this letter, but trusting you will find room for it,

and bring it prominently under the notice of the Colonial Board and the

authorities of the Grand Lodge, whom I am preluded from addressing

personally.

Believe me, fraternally yours,

E. T. GILLON P.G.M.

President Board of General Purposes,

Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

Wellington, N.Z.,

10th January 1895.

ENGLISH NEWS.

[BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Lorreorr, January 25th, 1895.

A new lodge—the Ember, No. 2540—was consecrated at East Molesry, Surrey,

on the 11th inst, by the Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Col. G. Noel Money, C.

B. The new lodge is named after a tributary which discharges itself into the river

Thames in the neighbourhood of Hampton Court.

Bro. De. A. H. Sevier, the W.M. of the Barnard Lodge, No. 1230, Barnard

Castle, Durham, having presented to that lodge a handsome new banner bearing

the insignia of the town and number of the lodge with Masonic emblems. The

ceremony of unfurling same took place on the 4th inst, in the presence of a large

assemblage of brethren.

The old Mark Province of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, and

Rutland, having been split up, and the county of Derbyshire constituted into a

separate province, the inauguration of the new Province and installation of Bro.

Abraham Woodiwiss as first Prov. Grand Master took place with considerable

dc/at on the 14th. inst.

At the annual installation meeting of the Grand Master's Lodge, No. 1., held on

the 21st inst, at Freemasons' Tavern, Bro. T. Poultney Griffin was installed

W.M. for the ensuing year. A distinguished company was present, including

Bros. Major General Gadsden (Installing Officer), Sir Joseph Drinsdale, Grand

Treasurer, Sir J. B. Monckton, General Crosland Hay, Alderman Vaughan

Morgan, and W. Pritchard Morgan, M.P.

The annual Christmas treat jointly given to the aged poor of Cleckheaton

(Yorks) by the Lodges Zetland, No. 603, and Friendship, No. 750, took place on

December 21st, and was attended by 107 old people of 60 years of age and

upwards.

During the year 1894 the three English Masonic institutions—the Girls' School,

the Boys' School, and the Benevolent—received about £65,000. The Boys'

School had some £24,186 (the third highest amount recorded in its history), the

Benevolent £20,782, and the Girls' School £20,043. The result was an

improvement of £3,000 on 1893. It is most gratifying to state that the generosity

of the craft has enabled the board of management of the Institution during the

past four years.

The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, Deputy Grand Master, is to preside at the next

Festival on May 8th, to celebrate the 107th, anniversary of the Royal Masonic

Institution for Girls.

At the Northumberland Epiphany Sessions on the 3rd inst, Elias Burnett, a

labourer, was sent to prison for one month, for receiving certain bottles of spirits

and wine, the property of the Ainwick Lodge, No. 1167, well knowing them to

have been stolen.

To conclude with, here is an amusing story which is going the round of the daily

papers :—" When the Sibyl found that Tarquin would not purchase her nine-

volume novel at the published price she considerately burned three of the parts

and then demanded the same sum for the remainder ; repeating the crematory

operation until at length she extorted from the unfortunate monarch for three

times the amount she had originally demanded for the complete set. Messrs.

Erskine and Co, have more gentle methods of getting subscribers to improve

their minds by reading the works they produce. Mr George Lane, licensed

victualler, Hyde-street, Poplar, takes an interest in the .deep mysteries of

Freemasonry, and ordered from the firm named their history of the craft, in two

volumes, which he afterwards refused to accept. When they were tendered to

him in his bar he declared he would not touch them with a poker. Whether his

choice of that particular article with which not to touch the books arose from his

experience of the part a poker is popularly supposed to play in the rite of

masonic initiation was not disclosed : the fact remained that he would have

nothing to do with the "History of Freemasonry." Did Messrs. Erskine act in the

unreasonable manner of a Sibyl ? Not at all ; they paid the volumes into the Bow

County-court, and then sued the publican for £2 10s as their value. In the

tribunal over which Judge French presided, the two large folio volumes were

laid before Mr. Lane ; and his Honour briefly said, " Now pay for the books you

ordered." " Oh, certainly, if you say so," answered the licensed victualler, " but

won't you tell them to send the books home?" " No" said the inexorable Augur,

you caused them to be brought here, and you must carry them home yourself."

"But look how heavy they are," cried the purchaser ; "fancy having to carry them

all the way to Poplar ! They are enough to break a man's back." The judge would

have nothing to say further on the matter. The books were there to take or leave,

as the defendant liked—but he must pay for them. Mr Lane staggered out of the

court under the weight, not of the Masonic secrets, but of their history,

sumptuously bound in two volumes."

INSTALLATIONS•

PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND.

LODGE COROMANDEL, No. 17.—There was a large attendance of visiting

brethren and members at the lodge-room (County Social Hall), on Wednesday,

March 20th, the occasion being the annual installation of W.M. and investiture

of officers for the ensuing twelve months. The Lodge was tyled at 6 p.m., and

after the ordinary business had been disposed of, the ceremony of installing the

W.M. was conducted by Bro. M. Nircol, IVI.W.P.G.M., and Bro. A. King, P.M.,

Director of Ceremonies, assisted by the following Past Masters : Bros.

Colebrook, Bennett, and Hyatt. The officers are as follows :—Bro. S. hider,

P.M., W.M. ; Bro. A. Kelso, I.P.M. ; Bro. W. H. Argall, S.W. ; Bro. V. Y.

Gatland, J.W ; Bro. C. Fraser, Treasurer ; Bro. J. D. Colebrook, P.M., Secretary ;

Bro. F. S. Daldy, S.D. ; Bro. E. Surflen, J.D. ; Bro. G. Edmonds, I.G. ; J.

Marshall, Tyler. After delivering the customary addresses to the Worshipful

Master, Wardens, and Brethren, Bro. Niecol continued :—" It is now 28 years

since Lodge Coromandel was first established, and during the whole term of its

existence the Lodge has been distinguished for its high standard of efficiency

and close observance of the principles taught within its walls. It must be a source

of great satisfaction and pride to you that in all the varying fortunes of this little

township, your lodge has held on the even tenor of its way, undisturbed by

depression and unspoiled by outward prosperity, ever teaching the same grand

lessons and practising the same great principles. May you ever continue to enjoy

the same good repute among men and Masons, and so maintain the credit and

honour of Freemasonry among us.

Your Lodge was one of the first to give its adherance to the Grand Lodge of

New Zealand, and has ever been steadfast and consistent in its support of that

institution; it will, therefore, be pleasing to you to observe the excellent progress

our Grand Lodge is making. The last annual report conclusively proves that in a

material and financial point of view our Grand Lodge is in a most flourishing

condition, and we also know and rejoice that in its inner life our Grand Lodge

movement has infused new zeal, activity, and vigour into Freemasonry

throughout the Colony, and done much to remove the reproach which justly

attached to the previous divided, armless, and unsatisfactory state of the Craft.

You know that we have accumulated

very respectable Fund of Benevolence, and disburse large amounts in relieving

distress among the needy and suffering, and I think we may be pardoned for

directing attention to the fact, that we make no distinction as to Constitution

among our brethren—enough for us if the case is one of genuine distress, it

demands and obtains our sympathy and assistance. The only retaliation upon our

opponents we indulge in is this : Of rendering help to the needy of thd English,

Irish, and Scotch Constitutions, who find it consistent with their duty to ignore

our existence. Some fine day they will be graciously pleased to extend to us that

formal recognition now withheld ; but let us see to it meantime that we recognise

and discharge our duty as Masons, do justice, love mercy, practise harmony, and

live in unity and brotherly love with all mankind. If we are distinguished by

loyalty to the principles of Freemasonry, it is immaterial under what form of

Government we work or to which Constitution we belong, but we sincerely

deplore the fact that differences do exist and that these reflect discredit on the

Craft, and we are prepared to do all in our power to remove these differences. If

our friends of the other side are anxious to to restore amicable relations—and

they profess that such is the case—then reconciliation cannot much longer be

deferred. The newly-installed W.M. thanked the brethren for the honour

conferred on him in re-electing him Master for a third term, and said that, while

the position brought no accession of rank, he could not but feel gratified that,

when it was deemed advisable to re-elect a P.M. to the position, he should be

chosen from among so many able and experienced P.M.'s as there are in the

Lodge—Lodge Coromandel being noted for the regularity of attendance and

interest maintained in its affairs by the P.M.'s—and hoped that when be handed

over the gavel to his successor the brethren would have no cause to regret their

choice. This district has, unfortunately, been for a long time under a cloud of

depression which could not but be felt by the Lodge, there was, however, strong

indications of returning prosperity, and no doubt the Lodge would share in it, in

fact the year was commencing under favourable auspices, a candidate having

been successfully balloted for—with increasing population there was reason to

hope that there would be further accessions to the strength of the Lodge. With

the assistance and co-operation of the officers who had just been invested he

hoped to maintain that standard of efficiency to which the M.W.P.G.M. had

referred in such complimentary terms as characteristic of the Lodge. In ruling

the Lodge it would be his endeavour to adopt as his motto Suaviter in mode

rather than that of Fortiter in rez, but should occasion arise he would not fear to

hold a firm rein in order to maintain proper discipline. He extended a hearty

welcome to the visiting brethren to the social gathering of the brethren and their

friends which was being held to celebrate the installation. The I.P.M., Bro.

Kelso, then thanked the brethren for their support and co-operation during his

term of office, and assured the W.M. of his utmost assistance during the coming

year. Hearty good wishes were tendered by the M.W. the P.G.M. from the latest

addition to the ranks of Grand Lodge,

viz : Lodge Ohaeawai, No. 101; Mother Kilwinning, S.C., by Bro. Cowan ; St.

Andrews, No. 348, S.C., by Bros. Green and Tait ; Rodney, No. 1711, E.C., by

Bro. P.M. Richards ; Mongonui, No. 85, by Bros. Spence, senior and junior. The

brethren adjourned from labour to refreshment, about 9 p.m , and wended their

way to the ball, which was held in Boyd's Hall to celebrate the installation.

There was a large attendance, and everything went as merry as the proverbial

marriage bell. Mr C. Grant officiated as Master of Ceremonies and ably filled

the office. Dancing was kept up without intermission until midnight, at which

hour an adjournment was made to the supper room, where a large variety of

viands had been laid out in Hostess Boyd's well-known tasteful and first-class

style ; all hands were seated at one time and a regular onslaught was made on the

good things

312 N. Z. CRAFTSMAN. [April 16, 1895

provided, but there was such an abundance that as many again could have been

satisfied. After a short lapse of time dancing was resumed and kept up till an

early hour next morning. Some of the dresses worn by the ladies were really

artistic, and on the whole very great taste was displayed. More than one name

was mentioned for the honor of belle, and we will leave the matter to be settled

amongst them. We are safe, however, in characterising the gathering as a

complete success.

PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY.
LODGE CONCORD, No. 39.—The annual installation of W.M. and investiture

of officers of this Lodge took place on Friday, 15th March. There was a large

and representative gathering of brethren of all Constitutions and from various

parts of the colony. Bro. W. H. Were was installed as W.M. by the retiring

W.M., Bro. Wm. Gifkins assisted by some of the Masters of Lodges who were

present, the ceremony being very ably and impressively carried out. The

following officers were invested by Past Masters Bros. Hull and Millar : S.W.,

Bro. R. B. Wilkinson ; J.W., Bro. W. H. Macdougall ; Treasurer, Bro. J. W.

Horner ; Secretary, Bro. C. D. Hardie ; S.D., Bro. J. Ferguson ; J.D., Bro. J.

Gilmour ; D.C. Bro C. Samuels ; I.G., Bro. H. Skinner ; Tyler, Bro. J. May ;

Steward, Bro. D.C., Long. At the conclusion of the above ceremony a very

handsome Past Master's jewel was presented to the I.P.M., Bro. W. Gifkins, for

his valuable services to the Lodge and suitably acknowledged by him. After

dosing the Lodge the brethren adjourned to the Church Schoolroom where the

banquet was held, and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured.

Some capital songs and recitations were rendered, and altogether a most

enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 11.45 p.m.

————————————————————————————————

Grand LODGES
————————————————————————————————

NEW ZEALAND.

———

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.

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 in Wellington, April 29th, 1895.

MEETINGS .—The Board met on Jan. 7th, 29th, Feb. 4th, 26th, and March 29th,

at which the following grants were made :– Towards the orphan children (3) in

the charge of Lodge N.Z. Pacific, No. 2 (with a recommendation that it be

continued annually) ... 15 0 0

To a widow and five children, E.C. 5 0 0

Small grants in aid to Bn., E.C. 1 7 6

To assist a Bro. of New South Wales 5 0 0

£26 7 6

The Brethren are cautioned by the Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Victoria,

against an applicant for relief who is unworthy of assistance. He comes from

Brisbane, and states that he suffered from floods. He professes to be a pianoforte

tuner. Another applicant who has obtained relief by misrepresentation is also

going about. He is well educated and very plausible. The Board has instructed

the Grand Secretary to forward a circular to the Lodges, putting them on their

guard against these imposters.

THOS. McKENZIE,

Office of Grand Lodge, President.

Wellington, March 30th, 1895.

————————————

BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

Quarterly Report of the Board of General Purposes, to be presented to the Grand

Lodge of A.F. and A. Masons of New Zealand, at the Annual Communication at

Wellington, on Monday, April 29th, 1895.

MEETINGS.—The Board met on February 15th and 27th, March 4th and 13th,

and has to report the following business :-

IN MEMORIAM, GRAND TREASURER.—It is with deep regret that your Board has

to report the death of V. Wor. Bro. J. M. Goldfinch, which occurred very

suddenly and unexpectedly on February 21st. Your Board has conveyed to his

sorrowing widow and family its sincere appreciation of his character and its

sympathy and condolence -with them in their sad bereavement.

Wor. Bro. Geo. Wilson has been appointed temporarily until Grand Lodge elects

a successor to V.W. Bro. Goldfinch. Bro. Wilson has been nominated as Grand

Treasurer.

LODGE OPENED.—Since the last Communication of Grand Lodge M. W. Bro.

Malcolm Niece] consecrated Lodge Ohaeawai, No. 101, installed the Wor.

Master, and invested the officers, in the absence of Rt. Wor. Bro. George

Fowlds, who was absent from Auckland. There is a good prospect before the

new Lodge in the large district in which it is located.

LODGE JOINED.—Lodge "Star of the North," No. 1647, B.C., at Whangarei, has

passed a resolution to join Grand Lodge, and will shortly be opened as No. 102

on the Roll of Grand Lodge. The thanks of the Grand Lodge are due to the

Brother whose influence has prevailed, and the Lodge will no doubt be much

strengthened by the action it has taken.

RECOGNITION.—The Grand Lodge of Georgia has extended fraternal

recognition, and has nominated Wor. Bro. W. A. Wolihin as Grand

Representative near their Grand Lodge.

COMMISSIONS RECEIVED.—Grand Representative Commissions have been

received from the Grand Lodge of Tasmania for Rt. Wor. Bro. H. J. Williams;

from the Grand Lodge of Delaware for V. Wor. and Rev. Bro. Thomas Porritt,

Pt. Grand Chaplain ; from the Grand Lodge of North Dakota for Rt. Wor. Bro.

A. H. Burton, Pt. Dep. Grand Master ; and from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota

for Rt. Wor. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Jr. Gr. Warden.

REPORTS OF GRAND SUPERINTENDENTS.—These are of a satisfactory character,

and will be presented to Grand Lodge.

GRAND SECRETARY'S OFFICE.—At the last Annual Communication the Board of

General Purposes, then sitting in Auckland, made a recommendation that the

Grand Secretary's office should be permanently established in Wellington. On

the motion of M.W. Bro. E. T. Gillon, consideration of this proposal was

adjourned fox twelve months. At the last Quarterly Communication held in

Dunedin the following expression of opinion was submitted to the Board :—"

The Grand Lodge sees no reason why the Grand Secretary's office should be

permanently fixed in any one place, and is of opinion that a moveable Grand

Lodge is eminently suitable to the geographical and other conditions of New

Zealand, and should be continued." The Board has had under its most serious

consideration the recommendation and the expression of opinion above referred

to. Its experience in the administration of the affairs of Grand Lodge has

confirmed that of the Brethren who have taken part in such administration, from

Christchurch and from Auckland, that the frequent removal of the Grand

Secretary's office from one town to another is exceedingly undesirable,

involving serious and unnecessary expense, exposing the rapidly-increasing

records of Grand Lodge, every day becoming more valuable, to great risk of loss

or injury, and causing considerable interruption in the course of ordinary and

fast-growing business of the office. The Board believes that the affairs of Grand

Lodge can be most economically, promptly, and efficiently administered from

Wellington as the centre most convenient for the Lodges generally, but it is most

unwilling to recommend any course which would have the appearance of being

in the direction of centralisation. Christchurch and Auckland have each had

experience of the work of government, and circumstances may arise which

would render it desirable that the seat of government should for a time be

located in Dunedin. The Board, however, wishes it to be distinctly understood

that it does not consider it essential that the Grand Secretary's office should be

determined from time to time by Grand Lodge, that no removal should take

place except after due notice, and that a majority of Lodges should possess the

right of veto on any proposal for removal. The Constitution is silent upon the

question, and the Board has prepared and submitted to the Lodges a

Constitutional amendment based on the lines above stated, which, if adopted,

will, it thinks, fairly meet the necessities of the case. The Board accordingly

advises that the recommendation above referred to as having been adjourned

from last year to the present Communication, should be further adjourned sine

die.

COMMUNICATIONS OF GRAND LODGE.—The Board has given its earnest

consideration to the following expression of opinion referred to it from the last

Quarterly Communication in Dunedin :—" That the Grand Lodge is of opinion

that, as Communications are not at present sufficiently representative of the

Craft at large, a better system should be devised, and that it be remitted to the

Board of General Purposes to prepare a scheme that shall embody the following

provisions, and to alter the Book of Constitution accordingly, subject to clause

41: (1) That an annual meeting, if really representative, would be preferable to

Quarterly Communications ; (2) That every Lodge shall be encouraged to send

one representative to such meeting, and that the Grand Lodge pay the actual,

coach, steamer, or railway fare only of such representative within the prescribed

maximum ; (3) That the proxy fee be abolished, and that notice of such proxies

need not exceed forty-eight hours before the meeting ; (4) That the annual

meeting shall continue at least two days ; (5) That the place of meeting for the

following year be fixed at each Annual Communication ; (6) That no reduction

in the half-yearly contribution be made. While fully concurring in the

desirability of securing more perfect representation of Lodges at the

Communications of Grand Lodge, the Board cannot concur in the advisability of

such changes as those above suggested. It would be a new and dangerous

innovation on the established form of Masonic government throughout the world

to transfer the government of the Craft from an established Grand Lodge to an

Annual Convention of Delegates. The Board does not think that satisfactory or

consistent government could be secured under such a system. The expense, also,

interposes an insuperable obstacle. To pay the mere travelling expenses of a

delegate from each Lodge would involve an annual expenditure probably in

excess of the total present revenue of Grand Lodge. The expenses could only be

met by increasing levies on the Lodges, to which they would not be likely to

willingly submit. In fact, the Lodges would have to find the whole of the cost

themselves, as Grand Lodge has not independent funds, and its present revenue

is not in excess of the demands upon it. The proposed reduction in Lodge

payments when the number of Lodges reaches 120 would, if abandoned, go but a

very short way towards meeting the expenses which would. be entailed by an

Annual Convention of Delegates. Many Lodges would also probably find

considerable difficulty in arranging for satisfactory representation at an Annual

Convention, if travelling expenses only were paid. The Board thinks that a

yearly interval between the meetings of the Supreme Governing Body would be

too long in the present circumstances of the Craft in this Colony. Quarterly

Communications have been found unnecessary and undesirable, as involving too

much expense ; but half-yearly Communications, which it is expected will be

substituted by a Constitutional amendment at this Communication, will meet all

the requirements of the case. In order, however, to secure better local

representation at such Communications, the Board has prepared and submitted to

the Lodge further Constitutional amendments. The first of these is to provide for

payment of expenses of Grand Superintendents at the Annual Communication,

or of any Superintendent who may have have special business connected with

his district at any Communication. The Grand Superintendent may fairly be

expected to be familiar with the requirements and wishes of the Lodges within

their respective districts. The second amendment proposes to give members of

Grand Lodge unable to attend any Communication power to vote "Aye " or " No

" in writing, on any motion of which notice has been given. As notice is required

to be given of any important resolution, the whole of the members of Grand

Lodge throughout the Colony will thus be enabled to express their opinions upon

any matter of importance coming before Grand Lodge. The Board also proposes

to reduce the period, prior to any Communication within which proxies have to

be lodged from 14 to seven days. Great inconvenience would arise if a less

interval were required. The Board has also given notice of an amendment to

abolish proxy fees. By these several amendments, the Board thinks that the

objects desired to be obtained by the expression of opinion from Dunedin will,

in a large measure, be secured. They embody all that the Board thinks can, at

present, safely be conceded in the direction indicated.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.—The amendments to the Constitution

circulated under date of July 11, 1891, have now been before the Lodges for the

full six months required by Section 41. It is for Grand Lodge now to deal with

them. In no case has objection been raised to any one of the proposed

rmendments by more than seven Lodges. It would require the objection of 34

Lodges to remove an amendment from the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge. But

although the number of objecting Lodges is small, the Board has reason to

believe that a strong objection does exist in one portion of the Colony to the

elimination from the Constitution of the provisions for the establishment of

Provincial Grand Lodges. This feeling, the Board thinks, it would be wise to

recognise and defer to. The amendment, although in the opinion of the Board

desirable, is not urgent. There is no immediate prospect of any provincial Grand

Lodge being established, and the Board hopes that there never will be, as the

establishment of such a governing body would involve great and unnecessary

expense to the Lodges in the district. Thoroughly efficient and much more

economical local government can, the Board is convinced, be secured under the

Constitution by other means. District and Provincial Grand Lodges have in the

past proved the reverse of beneficial to the interests of Masonry in New Zealand,

and to get rid of them was undoubtedly one of the objects with which Grand

Lodge was established. It is to be hoped they will never be revived, as they are

cumbrous and expensive institutions. There is, however, no good reason for

removing from the Constitution the existing provisions admitting of their

establishment, if such removal is opposed to the deliberate opinions of even a

small section of the Craft. The clauses can do no harm by being retained at least

for the present, as there is no immediate probability of a new edition of the

Constitution requiring to be printed. The Board, therefore, recommends that

consideration of the proposed amendments dealing with this matter be adjourned

sine die.

With regard to the principal objections to the other proposed amendments and

the reasons why the Board is unable to concur in them, the following short

explanations may be given : Clause 8, relating to Past District or Provincial

Grand Rank, is objected to by several Lodges as contrary to what was

understood at the time of the formation of Grand Lodge. This is a

misapprehension. The intention was to prevent such officers losing rank by

joining the Grand Lodge, not to confer upon them any higher rank than they

would have been entitled to under their Mother Constitution. The amendment

makes this clear, and carries out the original intention. Clause 10 and new

Clause 1.5, as to election of Grand Master and conferring Chair secrets on Grand

Masters Elect, only make Constitutional provision for what is strictly in

accordance with Masonic law and precedent, as already accepted by this Grand

Lodge. Clause 23.—Some Lodges wish the word "qualified" to be used instead

of "certified," in regard to Auditors. "Qualified" has no legal definition, but

"certified" has, as there is an Institute of Accountants. Some further amendments

are submitted in reference to this Clause. Clause 25.—The provision requiring

all communications to Grand Lodge to be forwarded through the Grand

Superintendent of the district is objected to by several Lodges, which think

copies only should be sent to that officer. As the Board cannot act on any

communication from a Lodge until the Grand Superintendent's report thereon

has been received, time will actually be saved by sending the original

communication through him. It will then reach the Grand Secretary accompanied

by his remarks, if any are necessary. It is not deemed desirable to relieve Grand

Superintendents of the duty of annually visiting each Lodge in their district.

Clause 42 is obsolete, as the time named therein has expired. New Clause A is

objected to on the ground that Grand Stewards should be on the same footing as

other Grand Officers. The clause is in strict accordance with the practice of other

Grand Lodges, and there are many reasons for it. To insist that only Past Masters

should in any case be eligible for appointment as Grand Stewards would in many

cases be inconvenient and undesirable. Clauses 143, 159, and 160—The addition

ex officio of Past Grand Masters and Past Pro. Grand Masters to the Boards of

Benevolence and General Purposes is objected to by several Lodges. The Board,

however, considers that the services of such distinguished and experienced

Brethren cannot fail to prove of great value upon both Boards. The existing

provision that no two members of any one Lodge shall sit on either of those

Boards has proved quite impracticable. It has been found impossible to adhere to

it, and the Board can see no good reason for retaining a rule so inconvenient and

undesirably restrictive. The proposed reduction of fees is objected to by several

Lodges, but on reconsideration the Board has no hesitation in adhering to the

proposed amendments. The other objections are of a minor character, and many

refer only to verbal alterations. Some Lodges made proposals which would

require to go before the Lodges as independent amendments. These have all

been carefully considered, and such of them as the Board thinks would be

desirable improvements have already been given notice of. The Board

recommends that with such consequential or merely verbal amendments as may

be necessary the amendments of the Constitution laid before the Lodges under

date of July 11, 1894, but omitting those in Clause 1, lines 7 and 8 of Clause 5,

Clause 6, line 7, Clauses 43, 44, and 45, 130 to 140, 192, 194, and that in table

of fees on page 85, be adopted by Grand Lodge.

Regarding the further proposed amendments iu the Constitution, the more

important have been explained under other headings. The amendment to clause

81 is one, the necessity for which has been shown by experience ; and the same

may be said in regard to the amendments to Clauses 129 and 181. It is thought

desirable that the Grand Secretary, being a paid officer of Grand Lodge, should

not have a vote as a member on either the Board of General Purposes or Board

of Benevolence. The office of Grand Superintendent, although one of dignity,

involves very serious demands upon the time of the occupant, and it is thought

undesirable that, when a Grand Superintendent holds office for several years, he

should be required to pay an annual fee. The other amendments are of a formal

character.

RETURN OF CHARTERS.—The Board has much satisfaction in reporting that the

M.W. Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Thomson, P.G.M., and V.W. Grand Secretary

have met R.W. Bro. Cunningham, District Grand Master of Canterbury, E.C.,

and handed over to him the Charters of the Lodges in the Canterbury District

formerly holding of the Grand Lodge of England, which have transferred their

allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Bro. Cunningham, on his part,

undertook to cancel the said Charters, and to hold them until the pleasure of the

Grand Lodge of England is known as to their disposal ; a request being

transmitted that the Grand Lodge of England may be pleased to return the

Charters, as has been done in Similar cases elsewhere, in order that they may be

held by the Lodges as mementos of their former connection with their Mother

Grand Lodge, The Charters of the Lodges in the Wellington District similarly

situated will be handed over to R.W. Bro. Arkwright, D.G.M. of Wellington,

E.C., at the first convenient opportunity, the Lodges having already been

removed from the Roll of the Grand Lodge of England.

————

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS.—The M.W. Grand Master has intimated his

intention to appoint

R.W. Bro. George Fowlds, Auckland, Deputy Grand Master.

R.W. Bro. A. G. Creagh, Oamaru, Senior Grand Warden.

Wor. Bro. J. J. M. Hamilton, Christchurch, Junior Grand Warden.

And with the concurrence of Grand Lodge,

R.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, Grand Superintendent of Wellington.

M.W. Bro. H. Thomson, Grand Superintendent of Canterbury.

R.W. Bro. J, A. Kirby, Grand Superintendent of Otago.

Wor, Bro. M. R. Bree, Grand Superintendent of Southland.

R.W. Bro. Wm. Beilby, Grand Superintendent of Hawkes Bay and

Gisborne.

R.W. Bro. H L. Michel, Grand Superintendent of Nelson and West Coast.

The Board, after consultation with the Grand Superintendents of the several

districts, recommends the election of the following Brethren to the respective

offices named-

AUCKLAND:—

Grand Chaplain Joughin, Rev. T. A. „. Aroha

Senior Grand Deacon Ross, D. H. Auckland

Grand Sword-Bearer Erickson, A. „

Assistant Grand Standard Bearer ... McCulloch, Henry ,,

Grand Organist. ... Webb, Thomas H. „

Grand Steward Kelso, Archibald

Coromandel

Member of Beard of General Purposes Tewsley, Henry C. Auckland

Member of Board of Benevolence Fawcus, Juhn

Coromandel

Member of Board of Benevolence Walker, W. C. Auckland

CANTERBURY :—

Grand Chaplain Chambers, Rev. E. E. Lyttelton

Junior Grand Deacon Webster, Robert

Southbridge

Grand Director of Ceremonies ... Revell, John Charles Lincoln

Assistant Grand Sword -

Bearer ... Baker, Henry William Lyttelton

Grand Pursuivant Millar, Alexander

Christchurch

Member of Board of General Purposes Hulbert, Charles P. ,,

Member of Board of Benevolence ... Smith, Thomas Layton Lyttelton

Grand Steward ... Adams, Samuel John Waimate

Bennington, George

Christchurch

Hart, George R.... „

WELLINGTON :-

Grand Superintendent of Works Corkill, Francis Peacock New

Plymouth

Grand Chaplain Dumbell, Rev. J.

Wellington

Grand Treasurer Wilson, George ,,

Grand Registrar Ramerton, R. C. ,,

President Board of General Purposes Gillen, E. T. ,,

President Board of Benevolence ... McKenzie, Thomas ,,

Assistant Grand Secretary Dempsey, Hector ,,

Board of General Purposes Fletcher, Robert; Eliott, H. J. H. ;

Freeman, H. J. ; Dawes, F. J, ;

Coveney, T. P., Wetherilt, H. ; Porritt,

Rev. Thomas.

Board of Benevolence Clothier, Arthur ; Macmorran, George;

Mothes, Richard ;

Wills, Wm. ; France, George ;. Baillie,

Herbert ; Dean, Rev.

Auditors Richardson, J. H., Lyon, W. D.

OTAGO :-

Grand Chaplain ,.. Pinfold, Rev. James . Dunedin

Senior Grand Deacon Ronaldson, Charles John „

Grand Standard-Bearer Hargood, William Balclutha

Assistant Grand Organist Waddell, William Oamaru

Member of Board of General Purposes Burton, A. H. Dunedin

Member of Board of General Purposes Crump, Charles ...

Palmerston S.

Member of Board of Benevolence_ Lippert, Hugo Dunedin

Grand Steward Buckland, Henry

Waikouaiti

,, Kennedy, John S. Mosgiel

,, Hosie, Robert Naseby

SOUTHLAND :–

Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Crosbie, George, sen.

Wyndham

Member of Board of General Purposes ... Monteath, Thomas ,,

Member of Board of Benevolence Raymond. J. W. ,,

NELSON AND WEST COAST :—

Member of Board of General Purposes DeCastro, W. W. Nelson

Member of Board of General Purposes Cresswell, A. E, Hokitika.

Member of Board of Benevalence Bain, A. W. Nelson

Member of Board of Benevolence Philpotts, T. R. W. Reefton

Grand Steward. Godfrey, Theo. Aug. Denniston

HAWKES BAY AND GISBORNE :-

Junior Grand Deacon Wundram, H. C. A. Napier

Grand Bible Bearer Pickett, John Joseph Waipawa

Member of Board of General Purposes McDougall, J. W. Napier

Member of Board of Benevolence ... Jolley, P. H.

Waipukurau

The remaining vacancies in the list of Grand Stewards will be filled up at the

Communication of Grand Lodge.

NEXT COMMUNICATION.—The Board recommends that the next

Communication of Grand Lodge should be held in Auckland.

E. T. GILLON, Pt. Gr. Master,

President.

Office of Grand Lodge,

Wellington, March 31st, 1895.

————————————————————————————————

TO SUBSCRIBERS AND OTHERS.

Subscribers are requested to note that instructions to discontinue sending the paper must be
forwarded in writing to the office—such notice will be duly acknowledged by the Proprietors—
instructions to travelling agents cannot on any account be recognised.

Subscribers are respectfully notified that Payments and Editorial Correspondence should now be sent
to Arthur Cleave and Co., Box 152, Post Office, Auckland.

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

ARTHUR CLEAVE & CO.,
VULCAN LANE, AUCKLAND.

PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY A. CLEAVE & CO. SINCE 181h MARCH. 1895.

£ s. d. £ s. d.
Bryant W., Longbeach ... 1 0 0 Mackinzie J , Cass River ... 0 10 0
Chalmers J., Lawrence ... 0 7 6 Rose Croix Chapter, Well'ton 1 0 0
Fraser H. P., Waitaki North 0 8 6 Stewart A., Oamaru... ... 0 7 6
43-illies R. J., Thames ... 0 7 6 Taylor C., s.s. Taviuni, Sydney 0 8 0
Kennedy J. E., Oamaru ... 0 12 6 Thompson J., Lyttelton ... 0 7 6
Lang Wm., Oamaru ... 0 7 6 Williams L., Okaihau ... 0 7 6
Lodge Tararua, Oamaru ... 1 0 0

The following Agents have been appointed to represent the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN.

CARTERTON ... W. J. LINDOP WAIPAWA ... JOHN PICKETT
MASTERTON ... ” CHRISTCHURCH ... W. V. BLOOR
FEATHERSTON ... ” PALMERSTON N. F. W. DUNDERALE
GREYTOWN ... ” WANGANUI ... J. COUCHMAN
EKETAHUNA ... A. HENDERSON FEILDING ... W. CARTHEW
OAMARU & DISTRICT J. WANSBROUGH NAPIER ... H. YARRALL
ELTHAM ... J. W. WARREN WAIPUKURAU ... A. STUBBS
NORMANBY ... ” DANNEVIRKE ... ”
HAWERA ... ” HASTINGS ... THOS. MORGAN

PATER ... J. W. WARREN,, WOODVILLE A. SANDEL
INGLEWOOD ... ” WELLINGTON ... J. C. MOWBRAY
MIDHURST ... ” HUNTFRVILLE ... NORRIS & ASHCROFT
NGAIRE ... ” ), MARTON ... ”
STRATFORD ... ” PAHIATUA ... ALEX. BLACK
.NEW.PLYMOUTH H:KITCHINGMAN

————————————————————————————————

BRIEF MENTION
————————————————————————————————

LIMIT your wants to your wealth.

TRUTH is speech of inward purity.—Edwin

TRUTH always has the vantage ground.—Francis Bacon.

TRUTH is established by scrutiny and deliberation.—Tacitus.

TRUTH crushed to earth shall rise again.— William C. Byrant.

TRUTH for authority, and not authority for truth.—Lueretia Mott.

TRUTH is always strange, stranger than fiction.—George G. Byron.

TIME heals all troubles save one, and that it makes worse : Growing old.

THE level is an emblem of equality, because with God there is no respect of

person.

THE only way it pays a person to be his own lawyer is to keep his own counsel.

TRUTH is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam.—John

Milton.

There are no bad fraternal orders, but we draw a pretty thick veil over some of the

members.

SOME folks think that their personal importance fills a large space in the public

eye, when it is all on their own.

ALWAYS do as the sun does—look at the bright side of everything, it is just as

cheap, and three times as good for digestion.

THE oldest living Freemason is "William Salmon, Pennlynne court, South Wales,

who reached the age of 105 last month (March).

IN Mexico a semi-annual receipt for dues must be exhibited besides the usual

examination, before a visitor is admitted into a lodge.

HARPOCRATES, the god of silence, was sometimes represented wearing a crown

of roses. For this reason the rose is regarded as a symbol of silence—secrecy.

MASONRY, like all human institutions, is progressive in its character, and you can

no more stay its progress than you can stay the advance of time in its onward

march.

OHIO Lodges have a net increase in membership of 728 during the past year. The

present membership is 38,851. The salary of the Grand Secretary is $1,5000, with

no assistant.

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.

THE Denver Masonic Temple Association has over a half a million assets, with

liabilities little less than $200,000 the capital stock, $160,000, not included. Their

receipts from rent during the past year amounted to $2,230,749.

THE Bible is like a wide and beautiful landscape, which, seen from afar, is often

dim and confused ; but a good telescope will bring it near, and depict in clear

outline its rocks and trees and flowers ; that telescope is the Holy Spirit's teaching.

AT the late meeting of the Grand Lodge of Illinois some one placed an Overseers'

square on Grand Master Coburn's bald head, and remarked : " It is neither oblong

nor square, but owing to its singular form and beauty I am unwilling to reject it."

It passed.

THE Prince of Wales has joined the St. John's Lodge of Freemasons of Gotha. In

doing so the prince expressed the hope that there would be close personal relations

between the German and English Freemasons. The English Masons are not

confined to membership in one Lodge.

MASONRY is for the just, the faithful and the charitable ; such as desire to improve

themselves socially, mentally and morally, and not for the vile or brutal.

THE only claim to preferment in a Masonic body should be sterling, personal

merit, and no one, even though he possesses social virtues and be ambitious for

preferment, should ever be advanced if he is not possessed of an irreproachable

character, and he is an honest, law abiding citizen.

IF you have ambition for Masonic honours you must attend you lodge regularly

and endeavour 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 the door ; you must earn the

honours.

A CUSTOM prevails in Lodges in many jurisdictions, of requiring all who have

been raised in the Lodge during the year to appear at the annual communication

in December, when they are admitted and received as a class together, and are

afterward known as the class of such or such a year. It is undoubtedly a splendid

arrangement, and the results must be beneficial to both Lodge and members. We

hope the custom will be adopted more generally.

MASONRY in Holland has its striking peculiarities. For instance, the Worshipful

Master once elected generally retains his office till his death. The officers of the

Lodge are elected for periods of from one to three years, as the by-laws determine,

and they may be re-eleeted. The Master Mason's degree is not conferred earlier

than a year after taking the degree of Fellow Craft, except by dispensation, and

the Fellow Craft cannot apply for the degree, which is only given after a resolution

of the Master Masons of his Lodge, at such time as they consider him worthy to

receive it. No fees are charged for this.

THE THREE VOLUMES.

Life is a story in volumes three,

" The Past," "The Present," "The Yet to Be."

The first is finished and lain away,

The second we're reading day by day.

The third and lest of the volumes three

Is locked from sight God keepeth the key.

WE are sometimes led to advise those seeking membership in the fraternity to

keep out of it because they cannot afford it. A man has no right to join any society

at the expense of his own or his family's comfort. Masonry is not an asylum or

school of correction, intended to reform men ; it seeks only to make reformed men

better ; neither is it an institution of benevolence, where the man goes to receive

certain monetary benefits or better a crippled condition ; it takes care of its own

when misfortune overtakes them. He should be able to support himself and family,

and to lay aside something far a rainy day, before he joins a Masonic lodge.—

“Australasian Keystone”

IT has been aptly written that the lodge-room is a place above all others where the

utmost decorum should be observed, and that it is within the power of the principal

officer to require and enforce it. This should be impressed upon every one who

crosses the threshold of the lodge. There every member is on his good behavior.

All bickering—all difference of opinion on religion, politics, and other Matters

which divide men into churches, Beets, parties, castes, should be left outside of

the outer doors, and the spirit of love, fraternity and brotherhood should be the

ruling element. Thus will the great ends sought to be gained by the fraternization

of man be accomplished.

WE notice action taken by Masonic Grand Lodges and their subordinates in some

jurisdictions evidently intended to hold each lodge to the care and support of its

own members if they should be sick or in need, thus requiring some temporary

help. The legislation referred to is in imitation of rules and requirements observed

in other fraternities, when aid rendered to a brother of another lodge is noted upon

a travelling card and payment is expected from the lodge in which the beneficiary

has membership. Such a system may work well in the bodies referred to, but it

does not accord with the spirit of Freemasonry. Such local and formal ways of

administering help to a distressed brother hardly fulfil Masonic:requirements.

No brother should ever hesitate opposing an undesirable candidate for preferment.

We can never expect to rise above the standard we set up. The character of the

officers of a lodge is the criterion by which the lodge is judged by the Masonic

fraternity at large, as well as by the profane, and if such officers arc not

representatives of our best men, we must suffer the consequences.

A BROTHER has worked out the cost of King Solomon's temple from Biblical data

and reduced it to £ s d or rather to £. Had he reduced it to Rs., our fount of numerals

would scarcely have run to it. Here are his figures, which may be taken as a fair

approximation :—Total cost £69,869,822,500, Of this amount £62,675, 000,000

represented the value of the jewels, £6,904,822,500 of gold and silver and metal

ware. Wages and other expenses connected with the workmen £140,000,000,

materials for construction £150,000,000. King David left in his treasury £911,

416, 207, and Solomon, Hiram K. T. and the Queen of Sheba contributed £80,000,

000,000 between them, leaving £11,041,513,707 in the treasury for repairs.

A MASONIC Lodge should be, and in the nature of things is, pervaded by a restful

atmosphere. Brethren tired with the activities of secular life, sensitive in spirit by

reason of the close competitions of business interest, the clashing of political

schemes and the opposition of social theories, seek the Lodge as a place of rest

from these conflicting forces. There the worn spirit finds repose. There the tired

brain is renewed again in strength under influence that are of a peaceful and

refreshing character. Love, sympathy, confidence are the uplifting, tranquilizing

influence of a Masonic Lodge, whose effects on the wearied heart and mind ate

indeed blessed. Freemasonry fulfills an important mission in providing the place

and making the opportunity where true rest may be found.

FEELING AGAINST FREEMASONRY IN AUSTRIA.—In the Diet of Lower Austria a

noisy scene was provoked by the Anti-Semites. Dr. Haberl, the Vice-President of

the Diet, resented the repeated attacks made upon him by that party because he is

a Freemason. He protested that to be a Freemason was by no means high treason,

and that in other countries Princes and Monarchs held office in the Order. He said

: "All the world knows that Freemason are not traitors, but noble, generous men."

Here the Anti-Semite member Gregorig interrupted : " They are Jews ; they are

no men at all." But the President continued that they were men who, without

considering confessions or Rationalities, performed charitable works, and went on

to speak in this connection of the Prince of Wales. At this point he was interrupted

by offensive cries.

SO MOTE IT BE—We love this quaint old response. To use it means unity borne

of harmony, which is the key to heavenly enjoyment. It says we have sat together

on the level, and profit has been its fruit ; that we are better men by so doing, and

as little timings make up our natural Temple, so these meetings from time to time,

build up our spiritual It should he our aim to make these words golden. Let them

be an echo from the heart. They are a benediction born of Charity which has its

sustenance from a world unseen by mortal eyes—the source of all inspiration. For

more than a century has this Masonic saying been borne heavenward as incense,

We trust, as the years roll by, they will be dearer, as the sun of that land of rest

begins to shed its lustre over the mountain peaks which look upon the landscape

where a weary footfall is never heard, and tears and sighs are aliens.—Dr. R.

ITS FOUNDATION.—The foundation of Freemasonry is a belief in a Supreme

Being, its great light the Holy Bible, and its crowning glory the practice of social

and moral virtue. That it is ancient is beyond question—aud honourable it must

be, as the wise and good who have from the beginning approached and learned its

mysteries, hallowed its practices, and endorsed its principles in all ages of time,

conclusively established.. Its tendencies are to assist, elevate, and ennoble

mankind, and to make its votaries honourable, just, and charitable. If not bound

together by a cement such as this, its pillars would have crumbled and tottered to

their base, and their whole superstructure long since have been a magnificent ruin.

Its innerent excellent, however, has bid defiance to the assaults of its enemies and

withstood the power of time. While other institutions have fallen beneath the

malice of the one and submitted to the obliterating progress of the other,

Freemasonry has survived, and still spreads her glory over the world, and is

destined to last while " the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls a wave.

AT a local Masonic gathering held a few days ago, the rector of the parish was in

the vice-chair as Junior Warden, and was supported on one side by his church-

wardens, and on the other by a Mason who rejoiced in the name of Church, whilst

the vis-a-vis of the latter was named Halfpenny. Amid some amusement, the

rector, in the course of some remarks, said it was rather singular that the rector

should be there, along with the wardens, the church, and the offertory.

A LODGE can be neither better nor worse than those who compose its membership,

and the amount of good it will do depends entirely upon the members themselves.

None but concientious, upright and intelligent men should dyer be permitted to

enter its portals and receive the honor of being made Masons. Those should be

avoided who are known, or even suspected of being otherwise, or who associate

with persons of loose morals and ways. To an erring and weak brother the divine

attribute of charity should be shown, and efforts (renewed if necessary) should be

made, with true brotherly love and affection, to persuade him to forsake his errors

and return to the straight and narrow path; but should the best efforts we are

capable of exerting fail, and he refuse to abandon his habits unbecoming one

occupying his station in life, then charity should be tempered with justice, and he

be made to feel the iron rod of discipline.

WE frequently hear the phrase " ancient constitutions," and appeals, are frequently

made to them as supreme authority. This is all a mistake. The "ancient

constitutions" referred to are simply the Constitution, or "General Regulations."

of the Grand Lodge of England as adopted by that body when they "approved" the

Charges as complied by Anderson. These " Regulations" for the Government of

the Craft in England are enactments based upon the Charges ; or, in other words,

they are simply the Constitution of that Grand Lodge, and are of no more authority

beyond the jurisdiction of that body than is the Constitution of the Grand Lodge

of Michigan or that of any other Grand Lodge. The Regulations may be changed

at pleasure, so that they do not contravene the Charges ; they have been changed

frequently since they were first adopted, and will probably be again.—American

Tyler.

READING MASONS.—Now, we do not intend to insinuate that there are no

reading Masons—far from it. There are not a few who are students, indeed, They

are often found among the most busy of men—those who retire early, rise early,

and eat not the bread of idleness. But they rightly divide their time and sacredly

sat aside a portion for mental and moral culture, and thus they find time to study

and reading needful in order to their keeping pace with the intelligence and

progress of the age ; also to find time to read a Masonic journal, so as to know

something of what is transpiring in the Fraternity. If Worshipful Masters would

bring before their Lodges the advisability of every brother subscribing for a

Masonic magazine they would do more to make bright, intelligent Masons than

any number of official visits. Only make reading Masons and you may have no

fears for the future of the Order. It is surprising the number of aspirants for

office in a Grand Lodge who never subscribed for a Masonic paper, and know

nothing about Masonry but the parts of the ritual they have learned simply by

rote. —Chronicle.

A BROTHER has forwarded us a unique experience. Last August he was out in the

district during the rains, and on one occasion took refuge from an exceptionally

heavy burst in the hollow trunk of a tree. When, however, he tried to get out,

whether the wood had swelled or he had swelled himself, he does not yet know,

but he was a tight fixture. Evening was coming on, and the prospect of a night in

the jungle under such circumstances was sufficiently appalling ; but all his efforts

to extricate himself seemed but to wedge him the tighter. Thinking his last hour

was not far off, his past rose up before him, as we understand generally does

happen under such circumstanees, and especially those incidents in his past which

gave him least pleasure to reflect upon. Among other things, he reflected with

regret that for the last 18 months, instead of buying his own copy of the Review

and paying for it like a man, he had been in the habit of reading the lodge copy.

As he thought upon this, the recollection of it made him feel so small that he

extricated himself with ease. We didn't know bow far this brother's story was to

be credited until we observed that as he narrated it he drew a cheque for two years'

subscription in advance, which fact gave fact gave it a prima facie claim to credit,

and we hope the moral will not be lost on other brethren.—Indian Masonic

Review.