W⸫ BRO⸫ D. H. ROSS, P.M.,

SENIOR GRAND DEACON.

VOL. VI. MAY 16, 1895. No. 7.

W. BRO. D. H. ROSS, P.M., SENIOR GRAND DEACON.

———

W. BRO. D. H Ross is a native of Nova Scotia, his parents still residing at Halifax, the principal city in that

province. He arrived in Auckland in the year 1883 when 19 years of age. Since that time by his energy and

business capacities he has worked himself up to the position of senior partner in the firm of Ross and

Ansenne, ship chandlers, etc., in that city. Bro D. H. Ross first saw the light of Masonry in Lodge St.

Andrew, No. 8, Auckland, in 1889, and filled the offices of Junior Deacon, Junior and Senior Warden, and

was installed Worshipful Master of his Mother Lodge on 15th December, 1893. His rapid progress in this

most important Lodge marks his Masonic zeal and worth. After the completion of a most successful year of

office he was presented with a handsome Past Masters' Jewel and a framed photographic shield containing

the likenesses of the Past Masters and Officers of the Lodge. He was exalted to the Royal Arch in 1892, and

is now Mark Master of the Auckland Provincial Chapter. His father, Hon. Wm. Ross, has for several years

been Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, and from the first has taken a great interest in the

formation and success of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE.

————

This number completes the issue of the CRAFTSMAN from Auckland. Secretaries of lodges and others will

kindly note that all notices of lodge meetings and other matter for the CRAFTSMAN are in future to be sent to

"EDITOR OF CRAFTSMAN, WELLINGTON." Publishers of exchanges will also forward to same address. In

resigning the editorship the editor (Bro. W. H. Cooper) returns his sincere thanks for the great assistance he

has received from many brethren during his occupancy of the editor's chair. He is conscious of many laches

on his part during this time, but a business man with many public and private engagements trenching on his

time cannot always give the time required for editorial work. He has, however, endeavoured to carry on the

CRAFTSMAN on Masonic lines, and while entertaining strong views on some Masonic subjects sedulously

prevented acrimonious and contentious matter being inserted in its columns. While he has been an active

working Mason for a quarter of a century yet the perusal of the Masonic Papers from all parts of the world,

but more especially from America, has deepened his love and respect for our antient craft. Having arranged

to act in the capacity of Auckland correspondent to the CRAFTSMAN Bro W. H. Cooper will not say farewell

to the subscribers but simply Au revoir.

THE ULTIMATE DESTINY OF FREEMASONRY.

———

FREEMASONRY awakens all the noblest faculties of the soul—pointing out its high origin and destination,

holding up universal happiness as the crown of the race set before us—and giving those 'faculties their full

force and operation in cultivating the means of winning and wearing that crown. In short Freemasonry tends

to restore man to that semblance he in Eden fell from, and our present name still preserves the original idea

of continually edifying and building up the lapsed soul of immortality.

It not only points out the way to immortality but nourishes the mind with the viands of refreshment on the

way that leads to victory. nor need we wonder at its being the glory of ancient and modern times, the only

human institution that has ever survived the shock of ignorance and opposition when we reflect that it is

founded on the firm and broad basis of reverence and love to the Supreme being, loyalty to the powers that it

has set in authority over us, and goodwill to the whole human race.

Contenting ourselves with whatever in religion is pious, in politics patriotic, it regards all sects and parties

with perfect impartiality of approval, we esteem then only a proportion of the truth they contain, and reject

them merely for their error. We, however, submit ourselves to all justly and legally constituted powers,

provided these observe the laws of God, the source of all lawful authority, for we know tkat established

regulations being the print of the experience of the majority have always the presumption of reason in their

favour, till proved adverse to God's Law, and we are too well acquainted with the nature of man to encourage

any change unless thoroughly deliberated, as tending to revolt and confusion. Such has ever been the

position of Freemasonry to society, and when we consider the extent of this band of Brothers, bound together

by the ties of fellowship and mutual regard, scattered over every kingdom and country, we cannot but

observe our influence and power with peculiar scrutiny and attention, and recognise the grand responsibility

that rests on us for the keeping our own counsel and preserving mutual good faith. We shall ever possess a

strong though secret power and domination over all affairs of Church and State, and may well serve the

world as arbitrator between contending parties. In her peaceful and inviolable retirement Masonry is fitted to

be, as it were, the main-spring of society, unseen herself, but urging the whole visible mechanism into

harmonious and musical action.

But in the present troublous times our relations to society have assumed a deeper and more thrilling intensity.

We recognise with rejoicing the vast spread of intellectual light and freedom that girds the latest pages of our

Planet's history, but the present outlook is gloomy and threatening, and would almost seem to justify the

thought that old age hath come upon the earth, and that the latter day is at hand in which her dissolution and

bright regeneration shall be accomplished in their fulness.

The ebb tides of bigotry, oppression, and tyranny of wealth, are meeting and clashing with the advancing

currents of socialism, rationalism, and labour organisations. The spray of the whirling eddies already whitens

the deep and the roar of the conflicting breakers is ahead far away upon the wind, the sea and the waves are

roaring upon every shore and men's hearts fail them for fear of those things that are coming upon the earth.

May it not well be that in this crisis to Freemasonry is entrusted the hazardous charge of piloting the vessel

amid these boiling whirlpools and bringing it in safety into the desired haven of rest and safety. In the

peaceful security of the Lodge all may find a neutral ground there, men of every shade of opinion shall

discover a common end and purpose which may be summed up in the words "Fear God, Honour the Queen,

Love the Brotherhood," which may act as the little lever that shall leaven the whole lump. It is an enterprise

worthy of our highest ambition to save, as it were, the Earth's latest age from indecent strife and confusion,

and to struggle hard against the unfilial and disloyal apostles who would bring her grey hairs with sorrow to

the grave and obliterates all the glories of the past.

Brethren, to us as Freemasons I firmly believe is committed the welfare of the last ages of the world in this

chosen land in whom the spirit of truth makes us to repose our dearest hope of real reform and permanent

amelioration in these troublous and anxious times. We are sowing the spiritual seed of immortal emulation

in. the hearts of men, and that seed is quickening silently but strongly in many a bosom, its growth, indeed,

bedewed with heaven's own blessing is little perceived by the unobservent. but the initiated know assuredly

that such seed is germinent with quenchless vitality. They feel with something of a prophetic exultation that

it will spring up and gather strength amid the tempestuous storms that are thickening all round the horizon,

and though the tree may bend lowly for awhile to the fierceness of the sweeping blast yet shall it recover its

wonted elasticity when calm and benignent hours shall return and re-kindle over the earth.

Meanwhile we find it constantly cast in our teeth that Freemasonry does not accomplish in men's daily life

and experience that which is claimed for it, and that judging by its fruits it has proved a disappointment to

the majority of its professors. It is unfortunately the fact that many enter a Masonic Lodge with a vague

notion that it will prove a royal road to virtue and happiness, and these too frequently in their lives neglect

and ignore the sublime teachings of the order, and thus not only fail themselves to derive any benefit but by

the inconsistency of their professions and conduct create a prejudice in the minds of others against the

institution itself. But it is as unfair to judge of Freemasonry in its hidden sanctuary within the veil by its

irregular members as to judge of Christianity by the conduct of so many merely nominal Christians. And this

brings me to notice that there is a strong parallel to be drawn between the decisions that unhappily exist in

the Christian Church and which do so much to injure it, and the lines of destruction which have hitherto

prevailed in this colony among Masons with precisely similar results. The service of God and the happiness

of man can be best promoted by simple adherence to the grand principles of our order apart from and

irrespective of creed or country, nation or language ; and while not seeking to weaken the pride of ancestry

and love of country that exists in every true man's heart let us make it our chief boast that we are Masons not

in name only but in every deed. Petty divisions have hitherto retarded our progress and prevented the

accomplishment of any real Masonic work in New Zealand, and they who seek to maintain the barriers are

enemies of the order, and can never have entered into the true spirit of Freemasonry, realised its powers and

capabilities, or understood its teachings and mysteries.

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ENGLISH NEWS.
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[BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

LONDON, January 25th, 1895.

At the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge to be held next month a contest on probably even a larger

scale than heretofore will be witnessed for the coveted post of Grand Treasurer. The candidates are three in

number, all well-known brethren—Alderman Walter Vaughan Morgan, treasurer of Christ's Hospital; W. M.

Styles, of Elm Gardens ; and C. W. Hudson, of Hayward's-heath and Brighton. The polling is expected to be

unprecedently high.

Since the date of my last letter the undermentioned new Lodges and Chapters have been consecrated.—Craft

Lodges : North Kent, No. 2449, Bexley Heath, Kent ; Staines, No. 2536, Staines, Middlesex ; St. Andrews,

No. 2541, Avonmouth, Gloucestershire. Royal Arch Chapters: Sherborn, No. 702, Stroud, Gloucestershire ;

Montreal, No. 2046, Maidstone, Kent ; Royal Naval and Military, No. 2404, Chatham, Kent ; Hiram, No.

2416, Freemasons' Hall, London. Mark Lodge : Bootle, No. 478, Bootle, Lancashire.

The Empire Lodge, No. 2108, specially established as a connecting link between the Mother Country and her

Colonies, held its annual installation meeting at the Criterion Restaurant on January 22nd, when Bro.

Hermann Klein was installed Worshipful Master in the presence of Bros. F. A. Philbrick, Q.C., Sir Augustus

Harris, J. C. Parkinson, E. Letchworth, Grand Secretary, Sir George D. Harris, Lennox Browne, and many

others. Bro. the Right Hon. Cecil Rhodes, Premier of Cape Colony, who is at present in England and

applying to the Grand Master for a warrant for a Lodge to be held at Buluwago, Matabeleland, was

unanimously elected an honorary member.

Bro. Oscar Barrett, the well-known London playwright was on the 12th inst. installed Worshipful Master of

the Drury Lane Lodge, No. 2127. The ceremony was performed at Mark Masons' Hall by dispensation of the

M.W.G.M., the saloon of Drury Lane Theatre, which is the warranted place of meeting of the Lodge, not

being available.

There was a large muster of members and visitors at the annual meeting of the Savage Club Lodge, No.

2190, held at Freemasons' Hall, on the 5th instant. Bro. Edmund Rosenthal was installed W.M. for the

ensuing year.

At the Quarterly Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England held on the 6th

instant, the Charter was granted for a Chapter to be attached to the Conyers' Lodge, No. 1916, Sydenham,

Christchurch, N.Z., to be called the Prince of Wales Chapter, and to meet at the Masonic Hall, Sydenham,

Christchurch, N.Z. The recommendation of the Committee of General Purposes that the Wellington Union

Chapter, No. 517, Wellington, N.Z., be allowed further time in order to reply to the summons sent to it, was

also agreed to.

Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart., M.P., was on January 10th, at Newcastle-on-Tyne, installed as Grand

Superintendent of the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Northumberland.

The inauguration of the New Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland took place on the

30th ult., Bro. the Earl of Euston being installed as first Provincial Grand Master.

At the Festival of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution recently

held at Southampton, it was announced that since its formation eighteen children had been elected to its

benefits all without a contest. The institution had £2,000 invested, and between £200 and £300 in the bank,

and of the eighteed children elected fifteen were still on the list, at an average annual cost of £12 and £13.

The Stewards' lists announced amounted to £345 5s.

The English Craft has been bereft of one of its most distinguished and enthusiastic members in the person of

Bro. Col. Gerard Noel Money, C.B., Provincial Grand Master of Surrey, who died suddenly of heart disease

in London on the 11th instant. Bro. Col. Money served with distinction during the Indian Mutiny, also in

Burmah and Cabul, and, as a Freemason rendered valued service to Grand Lodge. His last appearance at a

Masonic gathering was at the installation meeting of the Savage Club Lodge ou the 5th instant.

The following extract from the Daily Telegraph will both interest and amuse, but whether the great London

daily intends the announcement with respect to a lady Masonic Lodge to be read seriously I am not at present

in a position to state.—" A Cambridgeshire lady has determined to start a lodge of Freemasons on her own

account, and she states that the number of applications she has received from sisters anxious to become

acquainted with the ancient secrets of the mystic order testify to an earnest desire on the part of many women

to assist men in the working of the craft. From what quarter she is to receive her warrant does not appear.

Moreover, the master of every Masonic Lodge is, according to popular tradition as known among outsiders, a

representative of King Solomon, who presided over the building of the Temple, when Freemasonry was

founded ; but how could a mistress-mason be that? The Salic Law is very strict in Freemasonry. She might

say she represented the Queen of Sheba, but the ancient order would regard that as an "over the left" branch

of the mystic brotherhood. Female Freemasonry is a daring innovation, and women who embrace it hardly

know the dangers they run. It is true that a portion of them enjoyed some of the pleasures of Masonry on

Saturday night, when members of the Gallery Lodge—the trysting point for brethren engaged in Press

work—gave what they called a "Ladies' Night," but there the fair visitors did not attempt to pry into the

secrets of the craft by hiding in cupboards or grandfather-clocks while their aproned husbands were hard at

work with mallet, chisel, and plumb-line. They patiently waited until the call from labour to refreshment had

been given, and then dined joyously with the Masons, under the presidency of the Master, Mr C. Lock, and

were afterwards treated to a concert of excellent music by the following artists : Miss Ada Kempton, Miss

Sadie Witkowski, Miss Susetta Fenn, Mr Fred Russell, the Stavordale Banjo Quartette, Mr Percy Sheppard,

Mr George Ridgwell, Mr H. Kendal Ward, Mr Fred Everill, Mr Avalon Collard, Mr Reginald Groome, Mr

Arthur Weston, and Mr Wm. Nicholl, with Mr Edmund Bending acting as accompanist.

An interesting case—Ososki v. Grosvenor—throwing a side light upon Freemasonry, came before Mr Baron

Pollock and a Special Jury at the Court of Queen's Bench on January 23rd. This was an action brought by a

furniture dealer in the East-end against a Mr Grosvenor, carrying on business as an outside broker in

Moorgate Street. Mr Bigham, Q.C., in opening the case for the plaintiff, said his client became acquainted

with the defendant in 1891, and through him went into some Stock Exchange speculations. That arrangement

ceased, but in 1892 plaintiff again met the defendant, this time at a Freemasons' banquet. As the result of

further transactions Grosvenor claimed a balance against Ososki, and brought an action in the Lord Mayor's

Court to recover the amount. Mr Ososki set up the defence that the transactions were of the nature of

gambling transactions, and came within the provisions of the Gambling Act. Thereupon, Mr Bigham said,

the defendant Grosvenor sent to the Secretary of the Freemasons' Lodge to which Ososki belonged a

newspaper cutting of the report of the case, with the following letter : " Dear Sir—May I draw your attention

to the enclosed ? I understand this man is an officer in your lodge, and this will explain what his character is.

He has in that manner—a brother Mason deprived me of £293 12s." Mr Bigham submitted that this could

only mean an attempt to blacken the character of his client, and an insinuation that he was a dishonest man

and not fit to be a member of the lodge. Mr Dickens, Q.C., and Mr Vernon appeared for the defendant. After

a trial lasting the whole dav, the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff, and assessed the damages at 20s. His

lordship entered judgment for the plaintiff, with costs.

——————————

LONDON, March 22nd, 1895.

For the twenty-first year in succession the Prince of Wales was on the 6th instant elected unanimously in

Grand Lodge as Most Worshipful Grand Master. Bro W. M. Stiles was elected Grand Treasurer for the

ensuing year. It was moved by Bro Loveland, "That the Board of General Purposes be requested to submit to

Grand Lodge proposals for the purpose of bringing the jurisdiction of the Colonial Board under that of the

General Board, and unifying the affairs of the general craft, as was the case before the year 1856." The

proposals referred to if carried into effect will not come into actual operation until eighteen months hence,

and will be far less likely to meet colonial requirements than a thorough reconstruction on a liberal basis of

the existing Colonial Board, for a seat on which a lengthened residence and Masonic experience in at least

one of the colonies should be a sine qua non.

To the constantly increasing roll of English lodges has been quite recently added the Fitzwilliam Lodge, No.

2533, Peterborough, Northamptonshire, the Iris Lodge, No 2545, Rainbow Tavern, Fleet Street, London, and

the Herga Lodge, No 2548, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex.

In the saloon of Drury Lane Theatre on the afternoon of the 12th instant handsome presentations were made

to Bro Sir Augustus Harris and Lady Harris, by the Worshipful Master, Past Masters, officers, and brethren

of the Drury Lane Lodge, No 2127, of which Sir Augustus was the second Master, and which, by his

courtesy and kindness, holds its meetings at the famous playhouse. Bro Lord Londesborough (the first

Master of the lodge), Oscar Barrett (the present Master), Sir F. Dixon Hartland, M.P., Colonel Wemyss,

James Fernandez, P.M., Harry Nicholls, P.M., Wilhelm Ganz, P.G. Organist, and a very large number of

other brethren, with many ladies, among whom was Lady Harris, attended. As the presentation originated

during the Mastership of Bro Thomas Catling, I.P.M , that brother presided, and handed to Sir Augustus an

elegantly inscribed vellum expressing the obligation of the brethren to him for his many kindnesses, and to

Lady Harris a valuable diamond brooch.

A new Royal Arch Chapter—the St. Leonard, No. 1766—was consecrated on the 20th ult., at the Great

Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street, London, by Comp. Frank Richardson, G.D.C.

At the Quarterly Communication of Grand Mark Lodge held on the 5th instant at Mark Masons' Hall, the

Prince of Wales was unanimously re-elected the Most Worshipful Grand Master. His Royal Highness's re-

installation will take place on June 4th. This is the tenth year of the Prince's Grand Mastership. Bro. Percy

Wallis was elected Grand Treasurer.

Says the Daily Telegraph.—We are glad to find that non-conformist ministers are beginning to take an

interest in Freemasonry, and that the special Masonic service held by the Rev. W. J. Dawson, of the

Highbury Quadrant Church, was in every way successful. The edifice was crowded, even the pulpit stairs

and passages were thronged, and large numbers failed to obtain admission. It is stated that this was the first

time there has ever been a parade of the Craft in a non-conformist place of worship.

During the last few weeks many London and Suburban Lodges have entertained their lady friends and

relatives at the customary Annual Ball, or as it is frequently called "Ladies' Night."

Bro Viscount Dungarvon, R.W. Prov. Grand Master for Somersetshire, presided at the annual festival of the

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, held at Freemasons' Tavern on the 27th ult. There was a very large

attendance of brethren and ladies, and the proceedings were thoroughly enthusiastic. The total subscriptions

at present announced amount to £14,307 2s. 6d, leaving several stewards' lists yet to come in. London, with

172 stewards, sent up £7,377 7s 6d ; and the provinces, with 151 stewards, £6,929 15s. The president's

province of Somersetshire contributed £1,654 2s 6d, every lodge and chapter in the province being

represented, and Lord Dungarvon himself having collected £246 15s. Suffolk sent the next largest amount,

namely £654 16s. Herts sent £450, including two hundred guineas from Bro. C. E. Keyser, the chairman of

1893, when he contributed five hundred guineas. West Yorkshire sent £441, and Berkshire £450 18s.

Durham, Essex, and Sussex each sent more than £300, and Derby, Leicester, and Kent nearly £300 each.

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

WELLINGTON NOTES
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DURING the past month fortune has favoured me, and I have been enabled to pay a visit to each Lodge in the

city and Petone at the regular meetings and also one emergent. I shall give Ulster Lodge, Petone, precedence

on this occasion, not alone because it was the first meeting since your last issue, but also on account of the

excellency of the work. The meeting was not well attended by members, doubtless the triumphal progress of

the champion rifle shot presented more attraction, but the large number of town visitors, including the Grand

Superintendent, Bro. H. J. Williams, offered some compensation.

The business of the evening consisted of a " Passing," and without any circumlocution I am free to confess I

have seldom, if ever, seen a better rendition of the work, the W.M., Wardens, and Deacons were all, not

alone absolutely letter perfect, but performed their work with an ease and impressiveness that was a perfect

treat to the visitors. I was especially pleased to hear the Grand Superintendent eulogise their performances

without any undue flattery.

The N.Z. Pacific Lodge at its regular meeting essayed a truly formidable tasks. Two Raisings, taken

separately for the greater part of the ceremony, and if my criticism is to be of any value I am bound to say it

was not an unqualified success. With such a tiring evening's work the Lodge should have been opened

punctually not later than 7.30 instead of past eight, and if strict English working is insisted upon or attempted

one candidate for the Third and general business is amply sufficient for an evening's work. I am sure the

W.M. and his officers will admit that the proceedings of this meeting unduly trenched on the patience of

members, and severely taxed the fortitude of visitors.

At an Emergency Meeting held subsequently a "Passing" was "in order" (as our American friends have it),

and the work throughout went much smoother than at the previous meeting. The Lodge opened shortly after

half-past seven, and after the ceremony ample time remained for the discussion of forming a Lodge of

Instruction and constituting a Masonic Choir, both of which movements were initiated.

Lodge Waterloo met on Monday, the 8th inst., with the W.M., Bro. G. Macmorran, in the chair, and a fair

attendance of members and visitors. A well-known gentleman was initiated and the W.M. and J.D. are to be

congratulated on the excellence of their work. I would suggest to the Wardens a much closer study of

Masonic Ritual. The Lodge decided to take up five shares in the Masonic Newspaper Company.

The meeting of Leinster Lodge calls for no special comments, the attendance was not large and there was no

work.

ROYAL ARCH MASONRY:

The regular convocation of Waterloo Chapter, No 2, was held on Thursday, 14th March, and the attendance

was unusually large. A ballot was taken for three candidates and proved successful in each case. The

required statutory notice having been given to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of A. J. Masters,

Second Principal, nominations were received, and M.E. Comp. George Wilson, Third Principal, was elected

to fill the vacancy. E. Comp. R. Fletcher was elected Third Principal, and E. Comp. G. France, Principal Soj.

E Comp H. J. Freeman tendered his resignation as Treasurer; and Comp R. C. Hamerton was elected to fill

the office. The M.E. Second and Third Principals were duly installed into their respective chairs by M.E

Comp. H. J. Williams, Grand Scribe E., assisted by M.E. Comp D. Greig, Grand Treasurer.

An emergent meeting was held on Wednesday, 10th inst., when a Mark Lodge was opened by the W.M.M.,

Bro. Geo. Wilson. The business of the evening was to advance Bros. G. Macmorran and Herman Van

Staveren, of Waterloo Lodge. The work was most creditably performed by the M.W.M. and his officers, and

P.M.M. D. Greig delivered the long but beautiful charge in a most impressive manner.

The Chapter has plenty of work on hand, and is in a most prosperous condition.

Wairarapa Chapter, No 10, is convened to meet on Tuesday, 23rd to confer the Ark Mariners and Red Cross

Degrees. The companions of this Chapter are most enthusiastic and possess a tower of strength in the person

of M.E. Comp. Rev. T. Porritt, one of the ablest exponents of R.A. Ritual work in the Colony.

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

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. VARRALL

ELTHAM … J. W. WARREN WAIPUKURAIT … A. STUBBS

NORMANBY,) … „ DANNEVIRKE … ,,

HAWERA … „ HASTINGS … TAOS. MORGAN

PATEA … „ WOODVILLE … A. SANDEL

INGLEWOOD … „ WELLINGTON … J. C. MOWBRAY

MIDHURST … „ HUNTERVILLE … NORRIS & ASHCROFT

NGAIRE ... … „ MARTON … ,,

STRATFORD ... … „ PAHIATUA … ALEX. BLACK

NEW PLYMOUTH H. BITCHINGMAN

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INSTALLATIONS
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PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON

————

MANAWATU KILWINNING LODGE, No. 47. — The installation meeting of Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, held

on Wednesday, April 3rd, was the most largely attended of any Masonic function yet held on this coast. In

addition to a full attendance of members, visitors were present in large numbers from Bulls, Feilding,

Ashurst, Wellington, and other places. Apologies for unavoidable absence was also received from a number

of brethren of all Constitutions. The Grand Superintendent of the District, Bro. H. J. Williams, was also

present. After the formal business of the Lodge had been transacted the various visiting Lodges were

received in the usual form, and the members of Grand Lodge were then welcomed with the usual honors.

The installation ceremony was then proceeded with, and was conducted by the G D.C., Bro. W. H. Smith,

P.M., Pro. J. F. Leary, P.M., acting as Director of Ceremonies. The Board of Installed Masters consisted of

the following—Bros. Craven, Stephenson, Bray, Haybittle, Flowers, Leary, Brown, Buchler, S. Neale, Jubal

Fleming, and W. H. Smith. The installation of the W.M., Bro. J. Hocking, was carried out in the usual

solemn form. The following officers were also invested : Bro. W. Dixon, S.W. ; R. Essex, J.W. ; F. W.

Dunderale, Secretary ; J. H. Burmester, S.D. ; S. Thacker, J.D. ; J. R. Russell, Organist ; A. Lambarth, S.S. ;

J. F. Olsen, I.G. ; A. Hill, Tyler. The Treasurer, Bro. Beck, was not present. The ceremony concluded with

the usual addresses to the Master, Wardens, and Brethren. A feature of the proceedings was an excellent

orchestra consisting of the following :— Organ, Bro. J. R. Russell ; violin, Bro. G. Kendall ; flute, Bro. Hunn

; cornet, Bro. J. H. Burmester ; clarionet, Bro. Rev. R. Young ; 'cello, Bro. Rochelle ; double bass, Bro. A.

Drew. Bro. Burmester also acted as Herald for the proclamations in the east, west, and south. At the

beginning of the ceremony the ode "All people that on earth do dwell" was given. During the proceedings

Bro. Hunn sang "Remember now thy Creator," and Bro. Rochelle "Lord God of Abraham," both being given

with telling effect. The hymn "Great Architect, whose glory fills fhe bounds of the eternal hills," was also

sung. For the processional work the orchestra gave the "War March of the Priests," from "Athalie," and for

the concluding ode "Pleasant are Thy Courts above," was given. The balance sheet of the Lodge, read at the

meeting showed it to be in a most satisfactory financial position. After retirement of the Grand Lodge

Officers the Lodge was closed in the usual solemn form, and the brethren adjourned to the Foresters' Hall

where an excellent banquet was provided, the caterers being Messrs. Erenstrom and Andrews. After doing

full justice to the good things provided the following programme of toasts was disposed of :—" The Queen

and the Craft" ; piano solo, "Selections from Faust," by Bro. H. E. Gunter ; " The Grand Lodge of New

Zealand," proposed by the W.M. and responded to by the Grand Superintendent, who, in a lengthy speech

referred to the present position and future prospects of the Grand Lodge, and the probability of early

recognition by the Home Grand Lodges. He also referred to the proposed purchase of the CRAFTSMAN and

its establishment as the official organ of the Grand Lodge. The toast of "The newly-installed Worshipful

Master" was proposed by Bro. J. P. Leary, P.M., in terms of hearty congratulation, and was suitably

responded to after a song "Anchored" by Bro. Munn, which was encored, Bro. Hann responding with

"Philadelphia in the Morning." The toast of "The Installing Master" was proposed by the Grand

Superintendent, Bro. H. J. Williams, in very laudatory terms, and was responded to by Bro. W. H. Smith,

P.M., after the singing of "The Landlord's Daughter" by Bro. Rochelle. The toast of "The newly-invested

officers" was proposed by Bro. W. H. Smith and responded to by Bros. Dixon, S.W. and Essex, LW., Bro. H.

W. Haybittle, P.M., contributing the song "Where did you get that Hat," and in response to continued

applause giving the recitation "Bill Jinks." The toast of "Past Masters of all Constitutions" was proposed by

Bro. D. Buick and responded to by all the P.M.'s present. Bro. J. R. Montague contributed the song "The

Flag of Old England," responding to a recall with "Turn off the Gas." The toast of "The oldest Freemason in

the District, and the Father of Masonry in Manawatu" was proposed by Bro. W. H. Smith and responded to

by Bro. W. J. Batt, the first W.M. of United Manawatu Lodge. The toast of "The Mayor, Bro. W. Park," was

proposed by Bro. W. H. Smith, and was suitably responded to, Bro. Hartgill contributing a song "Yo, Heave,

Ho." Bro. Haybitt le also recited " Ostler Joe."' A number of other complimentary toasts were also given, the

whole concluding with "The Tyler's Toast." The brethren present were unanimous in the opinion that in

every respect the gathering was as one of the most enjoyable ever held in Manawatu.

———————————————

PROVINCE OF NELSON.

———

LODGE AORANGI, No. 89.—The installation of the W.M. and the investiture of officers of this Lodge took

place at the lodge-room on Monday, 22nd April. The room, which has just been extended, painted

throughout, and very nicely furnished, presented a gay appearance, and, despite the inclement weather, there

was a large gathering, some fitty members being present, including several visitors from various parts of the

Colony. The Lodge was opened in due form and, after routine business was attended to, the W.M. Elect, Bro.

E. A. Dawson, was presented for installation by P.M.'s Bros. Lindop and Morris. R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin,

J.G.W., was Installing Master, and performed the ceremony in his usual able and impressive style. R.W. Bro.

Michel, Grand Superintendent (Hokitika), was to have assisted in the ceremony but was unavoidably absent.

The following officers were invested :— S.W., Bro. T. A. Godfrey ; S.W., Bro. W. H. Dencker ; Treasurer,

Bro. J. B. Ballantine ; Secretary, Bro. T. J. Griffin ; Asst. Secretary, Bro. F., Eltringham ; S.D. Bro. A.

Gibson ; J.D, Bro. B. Bennett ; Chaplain, Bro. J. Boyd ; I.G., Bro. A. Mitchell ; D. of C., Bro. J. Harris ;

Steward, Bro. G. E. Jepson ; Tyler, Bro. Jno. Dent. Bro. E. A. Dawson, the newly -installed W.M., invested

R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, J.G.W., as I.P.M. The equipment, efficiency, and general working of the Lodge

evoked much praise from the numerous visitors. The Lodge was closed in due form, and an adjournment was

made to the Public Hall where a "Masonic At Home and Ball" was held. The hall was tastefully decorated

and a sumptuous supper spread. R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin presided. The customary toast list was got through.

The " Queen and the Craft ' was proposed by the W.M. Bro. A. Lindop, P.M., proposed "The Grand Lodge

of New Zealand," Bro. Peterkin responding in a very able manner. Bro. Wm. Morris proposed "The W.M.

and Officers," Bro. Dawson briefly responded, assuring the brethren of his intention of doing his best to

further the interests of the Aorangi Lodge and of Freemasonry in general. Bro. J. Marshall proposed "The

Installing Master," Bro. T. A. Peterkin responding. Bro. W. H. Dencker proposed "Sister Lodges and

Visitors," responded to by several visitors. The other toasts were "The Press" and "Tyler's Toast." The hall

was cleared and dancing, singing, and sentiment whiled away the time until 5 a.m. The arrangements were

most complete, and the entire affair was indeed the most successful of the kind ever held in Denniston.

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

OLDEST LODGES.

Bro. John Hamilton Graham, of Quebec, Canada, has prepared an interesting table of the oldest lodges in

existence in the United States and Canada. The oldest of all is St. John's of Boston, originally warranted by

the Grand Lodge of England called the "modern," for the rather inconclusive reason that it was the first

Grand Lodge that ever existed.

Second in age, Solomon Lodge, Charlston, S.C., chartered by the English Grand Lodge in 1735.

Pennsylvania claims to have had the first lodge in the United States, but the oldest now existing is No. 2, of

Philadelphia, chartered by the "ancient" or schismatic Grand Lodge of England June 7, 1758.

The oldest lodge in Canada is Antiquity, Montreal, originally warranted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland,

March 4, 1752.

The oldest lodge in Virginia is Norfolk, at Norfolk, which derived its original warrant from the "Modern"

Grand Lodge of England, December 22, 1753.

The oldest lodge in Kentucky is Lexington, No. 1, and its original warrant from the Grand Lodge of Virginia

bore date Nov. 17, 1788. The oldest lodges in Mississippi, Indiana, Alabama, and Illinois, located

respectively at Natchez, Vincennes, Huntsville, and Quincy, received their original warrants from the Grand

Lodge of Kentucky.

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LODGE REPORTS
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PROVINCE OF HAWKES BAY.

————

LODGE ABERCORN No. 30—This Lodge held its regular monthly meeting on March 17th, when there were

seventeen members present and one visiting brother from a Canadian Lodge. The business included dealing

with the Masonic newspaper circular, with the result that twelve shares were taken up by the Lodge and

members. Bro. A. Crarer was granted a demit under Bye Law XV. Bro. W. L. Anderson was passed to the

F.C. Degree by the W.M. The Working Tools were presented by Bro. J. Ingleton, the Charge was given by

Bro. A. Eames, and the Lecture on the Tracing Board by Bro. P. H. Clark. No other business offering an

adjournment was made for refreshment and music and so home.

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PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON.

————

LODGE EKETAHUNA, No. 92.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on March 8th,

1895. There was a good attendance of members and visitors. The business included the passing of Bros.

Lewis, Sparks, and Brenmuhl, and the ceremony was ably performed by the W.M., assisted by P.M.'s Bros.

Herbert and Cullen. Bro. Warboys, of Lodge Masterton, was proposed for affiliation. The business being

light the Lodge was closed at 9.30 p.m. after which a pleasant half-hour was spent in the social room.

LODGE ST. ANDREW, No. 32.—The regular monthly meeting of this Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall,

Boulcott Street, on Monday, March 18th, 1895, of 7.30 p.m., when a large number of members and visitors

were present. The business of the evening (as per circular) was to ballot for a brother from the West Coast as

a joining member, which was successful, and to pass three candidates to the Second Degree. The necessary

questions having been answered in a careful and satisfactory manner the candidates retired. On the Lodge

being opened in the Second Degree they were readmitted and duly instructed in the mysteries appertaining to

Craftsmen. The ceremony was ably conducted by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Stephen Townsend, with the

assistance of the S.W., Bro. Neilson, and J.W., Bro. A. McKay, the former brother giving the Charge, and

the latter the Working Tools, after which the brethren took their seats as Fellow-Crafts. The Lodge was then

reduced, when business of a routine character was transacted. The R.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.D.G.M., G.

Supt., in a few appropriate words presented Bro. R. Fletcher with his certificate as Past Master. The visiting

brethren having tendered hearty good wishes and congratulations the Lodge was closed in love, peace, and

harmony at 9.45 p.m. The brethren then adjourned to the supper-room where a pleasant hour was spent in

harmony and good fellowship.

EKETAHUNA LODGE, No. 92.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on Friday, April

5th, when there was a good attendance of members and visitors. Bro. Worboys affiliated from Lodge

Masterton, No. 19. Bro. Blakemore was passed to the Second Degree, the ceremony being ably performed by

the W.M., assisted by P.M.'s Bros. Cullen and Herbert, while Bro. Johnson, S.W., delivered the Lecture on

the Tracing Board in an impressive manner. Allan Manguson and William Bruce Craighead were proposed

as members, after which the Lodge was closed in peace and harmony.

LODGE TARARUA, No. 67.—The monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on the 10th April, at the Masonic

Hall, the attendance being exceedingly good. The W.M. and officers of Lodge Ruahine, Woodville, were

amongst those present, and it is to be hoped that a constant exchange of visits will continue between the two

Lodges. The business of the evening was two raisings, one of the candidates taking his degree under

dispensation from Grand Lodge, he being about to leave on a trip to the Old Country. After the close of the

Lodge the brethren sat down to enjoy a little friendly chat (of course there was a little solid and liquid in

evidence), and a very pleasant hour was passed. Opportunity was taken to wish Bro. Henderson a pleasant

trip to the land of his birth, and also to offer a few remarks in connection with Bro. J. A. Kennedy's proposed

departure for England. Bro. Kennedy is a well-known figure in Pahiatua, and one more universally liked it

would be impossible to find. This being so, it can easily be understood that Lodge Tararua regret losing him,

the more especially as he was one of the Charter members, and has done excellent service since. A real live

Mason was Bro Kennedy, and this is saying at much as I can about him.

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PROVINCE OF WESTLAND.

————

LODGE WESTLAND KILWINNING, No. 88.—The usual monthly meeting was held at the Oddfellows' Hall on

March 11th, all officers being present. The Grand Lodge was represented by Bro. H. S. Michel, Grand

Superintendent, and Bro. A. E. Cresswell, P.G.S. There were also representatives of English, Irish, and

Scotch Lodges from all parts of the colony, together with many from the so-called Grand Lodge of New

Zealand, the fluctuation being caused by delegates of New Zealand Fire Brigade Association holding their

annual meeting at Hokitika. Lodge was opened by the R.W. Master (Bro. J. H. Gill) at 8 p.m. Business was

brisk, two new members being initiated into the mysteries of Masonry. The work was divided as follows :

R.W. Master, obligation, P.M. Seach, E.C. gave the C. Charge, P.M. Andrews the W.T., P.M. Breeze the

Tracing Board, and P.M. Michel Final Charge, the whole being done in a masterly manner, and made a great

impression on the minds of the two candidates. On the calls being given H.G.W. were recorded from

numerous Lodges. One new candidate was proposed. The brethren then sat down to a light refreshment and a

merry hour was spent. I notice in last issue this takes the rank of fourth degree ; not half bad, as it is much

appreciated by the majority. The visitors expressed themselves delighted with Hokitika and its beauties of

nature. They state no part in the colony can come up to our mountain and lake sceneries ; this is a feather in

our cap (Chapeau bas).

——————————————

PROVINCE OF NELSON.

————

LODGE AORANGI, No. 89.—The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday, March 13th,

in the Masonic Hall, Denniston. There was a fairly good attendance and the business included one passing

and one raising, and also the election of officers. For the office of Tyler Bro. Dent was elected, and for that

of Treasurer Bro. J. H. Ballantine, who has been acting since the resignation of Bro. Burns on his leaving the

district ; during his short term Bro. Ballantine has carried out his duties to the eminent satisfaction of

everyone, and his nomination for the office for the ensuing twelve months was so popular that there was no

opposition. For the superior office of W.M. there were two very popular candidates. Bro. Dawson, S.W., was

the successful one, and was accordingly declared duly elected. Bro. Dawson is a very enthusiastic and

zealous Mason, and his election will result in much good to Masonry in general and to his own lodge in

particular, and the brethren are to be congratulated on being so fortunate as to secure so able and hard

working a leader to conduct the affairs of the lodge. The membership is forty and the hall has just been

considerably enlarged. This year the installation, which is to take place on Friday, April 19th, is to be in the

hall which has hitherto been too small for that purpose. The ceremony is to be celebrated by a Masonic At

Home which promises to surpass anything that has yet taken place here in the way of social enjoyments. It is

expected that R.W. Bro. Michel, G.S., Nelson, will be the installing officer this year but his consent has yet

to be obtained. Interest in the Craft is growing here every year as the increase of membership clearly shows

and Lodge Aorangi bids fair to be—more than it has yet been—a great success and a power for good.

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

GRAND LODGES
———————————————————————————————————————————

NEW ZEALAND.
———

The annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was held on Monday, April 26th, in the

Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Bro. H. D. Bell, presided, and was

supported by M.W.P.G.M. Bro. Henry Thomson (Canterbury), M.W.P.G.M. Bro. E. T. Gillon (Wellington),

R.W.P.D G.M. Bro. H. Burton. (Otago), R.W.P.D.G.M. Bro. H. J. Williams (Wellington) and R.W. Bro. H.

L. Michel (West Coast). The various offices were filled as follows :—Grand Senior Warden, R.W. Bro. Dr.

BOOT ; Grand Junior Warden, R.W. Bro. Beilby ; Grand Senior Deacon, R.W. Bro. France ; Grand Junior

Deacon, R.W. Bro. Coveney ; Grand Director of Ceremonies, V.W. Bro. Wetherilt ; Grand Secretary, V.W.

Bro. Rev. W. Ronaldson ; Grand Chaplain, V.W. Bro. Rev. Dean - Grand Pursuivant, V.W. Bro. J. Pickett.

The annual balance sheet of the general fund for the year ending December 31st, 1804, showed the assets to

be £712 6s 9d in excess of liabilities. An amount of £752 8s stood to the credit of the Fund of Benevolence,

exclusive of expenses and sundry grants to the amount of £131 made during the year. The amount to the

credit of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Fund stood at £175 19s 11d.

The quarterly report of the Board of Benevolence was adopted on the motion of M.W.P.G.M. Bro. E. T.

Gillon, seconded by R.W P.D.G.M. Bro. H. J. Williams. The report showed that daring the quarter the Board

disbursed the sum of 26 7s 6d. It also cautioned brethren against various imposters who are going about the

Colony soliciting assistance from the members of the Craft. The report of the Board of General Purposes was

received on the motion of Bro. E. T. Gillon, seconded by Bro. Beilby. After a short discussion on the subject

of better representation on the Grand Lodge of the Lodges under its jurisdiction, Bro. E. T. Gillon promised

that if Bro Burton would formulate a scheme it would be sent to all the Lodges for their opinion.

On the motion of the President of the Board of General Purposes (Bro. E. T. Gillon), Bro. H. L. Michel

seconding, further consideration of the recommendation from the Board of General Purposes sitting in

Auckland, to the effect that the Grand Secretary's office should be established permanently in Wellington

was adjourned sine die.

A long discussion took place on the amendments to the constitution, and various alterations were made.

BRO. H. D. BELL RE-ELECTED GRAND MASTER.

During the election of the Grand Master M.W.P.G.M. Bro. H. Thomson took the chair.

M.W. Bro. Gillon said it was again his pleasant duty to propose

“That M.W. Bro. Francis Henry Dillon Bell be again elected Most Worshipful Grand Master for the ensuing

year." He could safely say that the M.W. Grand Master had done more for the good and benefit of the Craft

in the Colony than any other brother, and he hoped that the Grand Master's efforts in trying to get recognition

from the Mother Lodges would soon be successful.

M.W. Bro. Burton seconded the proposition with feelings of the greatest pleasure. When Bro. Bell was

nominated last year, several of the Otago brethren demurred at the selection, but the impression the Grand

Master made when he visited the Lodges of Otago and Southland dispelled all such erroneous ideas, and he

was certain that at the present moment the Grand Master had no more dutiful brethren under his control than

the members of the Lodges in Otago and Southland. When the Grand Lodge met again in Dunedin he

thought they would be in a position to nominate a brother for the office of Grand Master of the New Zealand

Constitution who would do it every credit.

The motion on being put was agreed to unanimously.

The M.W. Grand Master briefly returned thanks.

It was unanimously agreed that the next communication be held at Auckland.

The reports of the Grand Superintendents of the various districts were taken as read.

The Lodge then adjourned until 7.30 p.m.
——————————

EVENING CEREMONIES.

The Grand Lodge was resumed in the Masonic at 7.30 p.m., the sitting accommodation being taxed to the
utmost.

The following Grand Lodge officers were present :—Bro. F. H. D. Bell, Grand Master ; Bro. H. Thomson,

P.G.M. ; Bro E. T. Gillon, P.G.M.; Bro A. H. Burton, P.D.G.M.; Bro H. J. Williams, P.D.G.M.; Bro H. L.

Michel, Grand Superintendent ; Bro L Boor, S G.W. ; Bro Beilby, J G.W.; Bro J. Pickett, Grand Pursuivant ;

Bro W. J. Dean, P.G. Chaplain ; Bro Geo. Wilson, Grand Treasurer ; Bro R. C. Hamerton, Grand Registrar ;

Bro Rev W. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary ; Bro Thomas McKenzie, President Board of Benevolence ; Bro

Geo. France, S.G.D ; Bro. J. E. King, J.G.D. ; Bro R. Fletcher, Assistant J.G D. ; Bro H. C. Hendersen, Past

Grand Superintendent of Works ; Bro H. Wetherilt, Grand Director of Ceremonies ; Bro F. Silver, Grand

Swordbearer ; Bros F. W. Francis, T. Price, F. J. Dawes, R. Mothes, R. C. Kirk, M. A. Benny, H. J. Freeman

and Andrew Smart, Grand Stewards.

The opening ode, " We've met the mystic bond to own," was sung by the brethren, and the march "

Melbourne" was played by the Masonic Orchestra.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master-elect having been admitted, was presented by P.D.G. Masters Bros. H.

J. Williams and H Burton, and having been invested by the Grand Director of Ceremonies with the regalia of

office, he was installed the Most Worshipful Grand Master in the throne of K.S. for the ensuing year by the

M.W.P.G.M. Bro H. Thomson, who said that in doing so he sincerely wished to state that the work done by

the M W. Grand Master during the year :just ended was more than his most ardent admirers expected ; and

he sincerely hoped that during the ensuing twelve months his efforts in regard to gaining recognition from

the Mother Lodges would be further crowned with success.

Bros. H. Burton, P.D.G.M. (on behalf of Otago and Southland), H. J. Williams (Wellington) and W. Beilby

(Hawke's Bay and Gisborne) and H. L. Michel (West Coast and Marlborough), in a few well-chosen words,

congratulated the Most Worshipful Grand Master on his being installed for the second time.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master returned sincere thanks for the honour conferred on him. He told the

brethren last year when he was elected that he was one of the busiest of men and could not give the time to

the office that it demanded, and in accepting office again he must impose the same condition. The work of

the past year in regard to recognition was difficult to explain, but he was sanguine that the accomplishment

of recognition from the several Mother Grand Lodges was near at hand. He heartily acknowledged the

assistance given to him by the members of the different boards, especially by Past Grand Master Bro

Thomson, and he had also to thank the Southern Lodges for the courtesy shown to him on his visit to them.

In conclusion, he reminded brethren that last year he asked them to let the dead past of the early struggles of

the Grand Lodge bury its dead, and he now wished to thank them for their absolute acceptance of die spirit of

that appeal.

The M.W. Grand Master then announced that he had appointed R.W. Bro George Fowlds, Auckland, Deputy

Grand Master ; R.W. Bro A. O. Creagh, Oamaru, Senior Grand Warden ; W. Bro J. J. M. Hamilton,

Christchurch, Junior Grand Warden ; and with the concurrence of the 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 ; W. Bro M. R. Bree, Grand

Superintendent of Southland ; R.W. Bro Wm. Beilby, Grand Superintendent of Hawke's Bay and Gisborne ;

R.W. Bro H. L. Michel, Grand Superintendent of Nelson and West Coast. The following officers were also

appointed :—Auckland—Grand Chaplain, Rev. T. A. Joughin, Te Aroha ; Senior Grand Deacon, D. H. Ross,

Auckland; Grand Sword-bearer, A. Erickson, Auckland; Assistant Grand Standard-bearer, Henry

McCulloch, Auckland ; Grand Organist, Thomas H. Webb, Auckland , Grand Stewards, Bros Archibald

Kelso, Coromandel, Henry Odell, E. W. Page, R. H. Matthews, Auckland ; Member of Board of General

Purposes, Henry C. Tewsley, Auckland ; Member of Board of Benevolence, John Fawcus Coromandel ;

Member of Board of Benevolence, W. C. Walker, Auckland. Wellington—Grand Superintendent of Works,

F. P. Corkill, New Plymouth ; Grand Chaplain, Rev. J. Dumbell, Wellington; Grand Treasurer, George

Wilson, Wellington ; Grand Registrar, R. C. Hamerton, Wellington ; President Board of General Purposes,

E. T. Gillon, Wellington ; President Board of Benevolence, Thomas McKenzie, Wellington; Assistant Grand

Secretary, Hector Dempsey, Wellington ; Grand Steward, W. G. P. O'Callaghan, Wellington ; Board of

General Purposes, Bros. Robert Fletcher, H. J. H. Eliott, H. J. Freeman, F. J. Dawes, T. P. Coveney, H.

Wetherilt, Rev. Thomas Porritt ; Board of Benevolence, Bros Arthur Clothier, George Maemorran, Richard

Mothes, Wm. Wills, George France, Herbert Baillie, Rev. Dean ; Auditors, J. H. Richardson and W. D.

Lyon. Canterbury—Grand Chaplain, Rev. E. E. Chambers, Lyttelton ; Junior Grand Deacon, Robert

Webster, Southbridge; Director of Ceremonies, John Charles Revell, Lincoln ; Asistant Grand Sword-bearer,

Henry William Baker, Lyttelton ; Grand Pursuivant, Rev. H. J. Hobden, Christchurch ; Member of Board of

General Purposes, Charles P. Hulbert, Christchurch ; Member of Board of Benevolence, Thomas Layton

Smith, Lyttelton ; Grand Stewards, Samuel John Adams, Waimate, George Bonnington, Christchurch,

George R. Hart, Christchurch, C. D. Hardy, Christchurch. Otago—Grand Chaplain, Rev. James Pinfold,

Dunedin ; Senior Grand Deacon, Charles John Ronaldson, Dunedin ; Grand Standard-bearer, William

Hargood, Balclutha ; Assistant Grand Organist, William Waddell, Oamaru ; Members of Board of General

Purposes, A. H. Burton, Dunedin, Charles Crump, Palmerston South ; Member of Board of Benevelence,

Hugo Lippert, Dunedin ; Grand Stewards, Henry Buckland, Waikouaiti, John S. Kennedy, Mosgiel, Robert

Hosie, Naseby, R. J. Keys, Waitati. Southland—Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, George Crosbie,

sen., Wynhham ; Member of Board of General Purposes, Thomas Menteath, Wyndham ; Member of Board

of Benevolence, J. W. Raymond, Wyndham. Hawke's Bay and Gisborne—Junior Grand Deacon, H. C. A.

Wundram, Napier ; Grand Bible-bearer, John Joseph Pickett, Waipawa ; Member of Board of General

Purposes, J. W. McDougall, Napier ; Member of Board of Benevolence, P. H. Jolley, Waipukurau. Nelson

and West Coast—Members of Board of General Purposes, W. W. de Castro, Nelson, A. E. Creswell,

Hokitika ; Members of Board of Benevolence, A. W. Bain, Nelson, T. R. W. Philpotts, Reefton; Grand

Steward, Theo. Aug. Godfrey, Denniston.

PRESENTATION TO BRO. H J. WILLIAMS.

The M.W. Grand Master announced that he had been asked by the brethren of the Wellington district to

present Bro. H. J. Williams with an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns, a slight token of the esteem

in which he was held.

Bro Fletcher then read the following address To the Right Worshipful Brother Herbert J. Williams, Past

Deputy Grand Master of New Zealand, Grand Superintendent of Wellington.— Right Worshipful Sir and

Brother,— On behalf of the lodges and brethren in the Masonic district of Wellington, we desire to express

to you the general and warm appreciation entertained by them of the services you have rendered to the Craft

during the long period you have filled your present high office of Grand Superintendent. The time and

attention you have bestowed on the performance of your duties, the long journeys you have undertaken to

visit lodges, the admirable manner in which you have performed our antient ceremonies, and the kindly

counsels and courteous attention you have ever been willing to afford to the brethren, deserve the most

grateful recognition at their hands. We feel that we are only inadequately expressing the universal esteem

and Masonic regard entertained for you when we ask you to accept this address and the accompanying purse

of sovereigns. On behalf of the brethren in the Wellington district we beg to subscribe ourselves, fraternally

and respectfully, R. FLETCHER, P.M., Secretary ; GEO. WILSON, Treasurer. Wellington, April 29th, 1895 "

The M.W.G.M., on behalf of the brethren of the Wellington district, in a few well-chosen words, then

presented Bro. Williams with the address and a purse containing 52 sovereigns,

Bro. Williams, P D G M., feelingly replied.

Congratulations were received from the various Grand Lodges represented.

The closing hymn "Onward Brother Masons" was sung by the brethren, and the Lodge closed in due form.

A banquet was afterwards held, at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured, and songs

contributed by several of the brethren.

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

LETTERS.
——————————————————————————————

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Do not write on both sides of the paper.

Do not write on either side unless you feel you must.

Do not write unless you have got something to say.

Do not write for a reply privately, through the post, because we are busy.

Do not write and expect us to endorse your opinions every time, as they may not be our opinions.

Letters intended for insertion must be accompanied, in all cases, by the real name and address of the writer, as well as by the

name and number of the Lodge to which he belongs, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. We do

not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents.

Correspondence is invited, and Brethren are solicited to forward inquiries relating to any matter of Masonic practice, or

bearing upon the history or expression of the Institution. We only impose these easy conditions :—

Do not not write unless you say what you have got to say in a friendly way, as nothing written in a cantankerous spirit will

appear in this journal if we can help it.

Do not get impatient with us under any circumstances, because we do not deserve it. If you do, in that case, as in every other

one, BE BRIEF, and address THE EDITOR.

———————————

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER—Will you kindly give space in your journal for the annexed :

Timaru, Canterbury, N.Z., August 17, 1880.

To the Worshipful Master, Past Masters, Officers, and Brethren of ———

Worshipful Sir and Brethren,—On behalf of the orphans of a deceased Brother, and actuated by that noble

element of our Order which binds us together in an universal Brotherhood, we appeal to you to aid us in a

cause of Benevolence and Love. Subjoined we beg to hand you a complete statement of facts, which will

appeal to the feelings of every true Brother, and stimulate a desire in their hearts to assist in this our mutual

cause.

BROTHER JOHN KELLEHER, by profession a surveyor, joined the fraternity about thirteen years ago, without

any objection being raised against his doing so by his Church (the roman Catholic), and by merit and ability

rose to the rank of Master of a Lodge. In the year 1878 misfortunes began to overtake him, culminating in

October, 1879, in the death of his wife from consumption. This was the heaviest blow that had yet fallen, and

the knowledge that it was impending paralyzed our Brother's energies, and he never fully recovered from the

shock. His two children, a boy and a girl, aged respectively about nine and six years, were, in February of

this year, sent in charge of a friend to the grandparents in Masterton—Bro. Kelleher through the nature of his

employment, being unable to look after and care for them as he desired, and as he was assured that his wife's

relatives would do. After his children had gone he set to work manfully, hoping to earn, before many months'

sufficient money to pay off his liabilities and enable him to send twenty or thirty pounds for his children.

Being a man of well-known ability he readily obtained employment, and from the money thus earned he

entered upon a larger contract. Being formerly used to every comfort, and now denying them to himself, and

working at all hours and in all weathers, he caught a severe cold, which resulted in dropsy.

On the 12th May he was admitted as a patient at the Timaru Hospital, where he was regularly visited and

carefully tended by such of the craft as knew his condition. During his illness he was also regularly visited

by the various Protestant Clergymen in the town, and by the Roman Catholic Priests ; these latter, by every

means in their power, tried to shake our Brother's fidelity, and to induce him to renounce the Craft. Such,

however, was his firmness, that to a Brother who visited him one afternoon, just as the Priests left, when

talking on the subject he said, "They could no more move me, sir, than they could that chimney," pointing to

the massive, square chimney that heated the ward. The Priests being unsuccessful in their endeavours, finally

used such language which, in the presence of a slowly dying man, was hardly to be expected from those who

professed to be servants of a God of Mercy and Love. Those who were most intimate with our late Brother

know well that his was not an unreasoning blind fidelity, but the result of years of experience and

knowledge.

Our Brother was called from labour on Friday evening, the 23rd July, at ten minutes to eleven. His end was

happy and peaceful, death coming over him as sleep comes, gently and imperceptibly.

Almost his last effort was to attempt a Masonic recognition of a Brother who had been attending him, and he

seemed happier on receiving a response.

His funeral took place on the Sunday after his death, and was attended by upwards of 200 persons, including,

at least 100 Brethren from the different Lodges in the District. The coffin, suitably decorated with

evergreens, and upon which his P.M. Apron was laid, was borne to the grave by Brothers Rowley, Palliser,

Turnbull, Whitcombe, Fry, Stubbs, E. Jones, Hallam, Charteris, Ford, Ross, Sinclair, J. Jones, Potter, Cotter,

and Elliott, by relays. Bro. the Rev. L. L. Brown, in the absence of the Incumbent., conducted the service.

Our late Brother was initiated in the Masterton Lodge, No. 463, S.C., which soon afterwards surrendered its

Charter. Subsequently when the Masons in Masterton endeavoured to establish a Lodge there again, he, as a

Mason did all in his power to promote the movement, and the success of the Masterton Lodge, No. 1430,

E.C., in its infancy, was greatly owing to his exertions. He was a true Mason indeed, and the regret of the

community at large on the occasion of leaving the Masterton District, was fully expressed in the "Wairarapa

News " of March 15, 1877.

While he was ill in the Hospital his wife's father died, and the two children and their aged grandmother are

now dependent for a living on the exertions of Mrs. Kelleher's two unmarried sisters; the father having died

in narrowed circumstances, and a policy of Insurance on our late Brother's life having lapsed through his

inability to keep up the payments. Brother Kelleher had executed work valued at more than a hundred

pounds, but through his illness being unable to complete it, and his employer becoming insolvent, nothing

can be expected from this source. We trust that no further statement of facts is necessary to awaken in every

true Brother's heart such feelings as will lead to a practical development of that virtue which we all profess to

admire and practise, and we hope chat, remembering our Brother's manhood and fidelity, such a sum will be

raised as will enable the Trustees to provide for the maintenance and education of the children.

Masters of Lodges are most earnestly requested to at once open Subscription Lists, and forward contributions

to the credit of the Masonic Trust Fund, at the Union Bank of Australia (Limited), Timaru, advising

Worshipful Master of Lodge St. John, No. 1137, E.C., or Lodge Caledonian, No. 534,, S.C., Timaru, of the

same. The funds collected will be invested for the benefit of the children by two trustees, viz. Bro. G.

GORDON, of Lodge St. John, No. 1137, and Bro. T. TURNBULL, of Lodge Caledonian, No. 624, S.C.

W. M. SIMS, W.M. St. John's Lodge

T. TURNBULL, R.W.M., Caledonian Lodge."

Bros. Thos. Turnbull and Geo. Gordon, the Trustees for the fund raised in 1880 and 1881 by the Masonic

Fraternity of New Zealand for the maintenance and education of the two children (Eugene and Caroline) of

the late Bro, John Kelleher report as follows The total contributions by Lodges and individual Brethren was

£404 Be. 2d., and interest on investments amounted to £351 19s. 5d., making together £756 1s. 7d. The

expenses amounted to £12 14s. 9d., and £643 12s. 10d. was paid to Miss Rockel (of Masterton), the

children's aunt, on account of their maintenance and education. The balance of £100, represented by shares in

the Timaru Building Society, was presented to Miss Caroline Kelleher on her attaining the age of 21 years on

5th August, 1894. This exhausted the fund and terminated the trust. Both Mr. Eugene Kelleher and Miss

Caroline Kelleher are earning their livings in honourable callings, and have a lively sense of gratitude for the

kindness of the Craft to them.— Yours fraternally,

GEO. GORDON, P.M.

Roebourne, WA., March 18th, 1895.

———————————

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER. — I notice at the meeting of Grand Lodge last week Bro. Gillon in proposing the

re-election of the Grand Master, Bro. Bell said, "He had done more for Freemasonry than any other brother

in New Zealand. Now it is well known that previous to his installation last year Bro. Bell had not taken an

active part in the work of the Craft, and certainly since then, besides presiding at two or three meetings of

Grand Lodge and visiting a few Craft Lodges, his other work is not apparent. Of course it is allowable to "

gush " at times like these, but to attempt to compare our present with the first G.W.M. Bro. Thomson's daily

work, or his successor, Bro. Niccol's zeal and Masonic ability displayed during his two years of office is not

only absurd but not giving credit where credit is due.—ours, etc.,

P.M., N.Z.C.

[It certainly is reported that the President of the Board of General Purposes (M.W. Bro. Gillon) did say this,

but no doubt he was not intending to draw any invidious distinction between the N.Z.C. Grand Masters in

favour of Bro. Bell. The latter, as he distinctly stated, could not give much time to the duties of his high and

important office, but of course Bro. Gillon from his position may know that he has occupied some of his time

in services that may prove of great importance to the N.Z.C., vital we will not say, for we do not count

recognition of vital importance to the N.Z.C. In pursuing this shadow we may stay our successful career.—

ED.]

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

PRACTICAL MASONRY.
———

There is much talk of the beautiful ritual of symbolic Masonry, of the impressive ceremonies and instructive

symbols, and the institution is praised for this, the sentimental part of its organizations. Sentiment is good.

Sentiment may be made very touching, but sentiment alone will produce little practical good,. It is the effort,

the exercise of brawn and muscle that tells in the achievement of any work. Theory is one thing, practice

altogether another. A man may theorize all his life, and plan most magnificent works of science and art, but

as long as they are mere theorizings, nothing will be done that will benefit mankind.

Precisely so is Masonry. The theory and sentiment of the degrees are one thing, the practical working out of

the theory is quite another. At the beginning, the candidate is bid " Behold how good and how pleasant it is

for Brethren to dwell together in unity." Beautiful sentiment, sublime truth, divine doctrine. If he is a

thoughtful man, he can but be pleased that he has at last found a place where peace and unity dwell serene.

What is the use of this theory of unity and good fellowship if it is not put into practice ? Teach a man that he

ought to live at peace with his fellow, and before the sound of the sentence dies away, give him a practical

illustration of the fact that it is mere sentiment and theory. What's the use of it ? Masons ought to be more

practical in their work.

There never was a time—at least, there has not been for many years—when there was a greater need for less

sentiment and more practice. The world to-day is a practical world. The days of theory have passed. The

mere sentimentalist will be run down and crushed beneath the crowd of practical workers. The times call for

practical effort. The theory of Masonic teaching, and the sentiment of the ceremonies and the lessons of its

symbols must be used as levers to raise the man to his true position, as a factor in the practical work of to-

day. Sentiment must be only the steam that moves the machinery. Absolute necessary it is, but the whole

universe full of steam with no application of it to machinery would produce nothing but vaporous stagnation.

The sentiment and theory of Masonry is like music to the army. The music in itself fights no battles, but it

incites the men who hear it to deeds of valor. It stirs the heart and puts the whole man into action. Every

pulsation of the heart is the practical result of the sentiment of the music. The whole army may be prepared

to do battle. Their forts may be well manned, and the engines of destruction in a good position and strongly

fortified, Ammunition may be abundant, and shot and shells be piled mountain high, but so long as the guns

are silent, the men inactive., the of and shells piled up in heaps, all this "pomp and circumstance of war " is

mere sentiment, and will avail nothing against an active band, no matter how small.

And so it is with our symbols and ceremonies ; they are useless except as they stimulate to action. Of what

use to a hungry man is a lecture on the evils of gormandizing or intemperance ? Of what use is a tract on the

efficacy of prayer or the beauty of faith to a man who is freezing with cold? " Be thou warmed and clothed,"

is mere sentiment and does riot warm or clothe as long as the bowels of mercy are closed. Sorrow from

suffering is hypocrisy unless there is some effort to relieve that suffering. At this season of the year, in this

practical year, there is need for practical Masonry. The theory of charity, the sentiment of relief must serve as

the fire within, to generate steam of action. " Be thou warmed and clothed" must be carried out by actual

work. The hand must be opened, and the heart must be ready to respond to the cry of the needy. In this way

alone will the institution carry out practically its mission. Theory and sentiment must be followed by active

effort.

————————————————

EMERITUS MASONS.

————

Webster defines the term emeritus as applying to one who has been honorably discharged from public duty

on account of age, usually applied to universities in the relieving of professors who for a long term of years

have faithfully discharged their duties and were pensioned without further service being required. Now,

while the question before us is one that has received a large amount of attention, when associating the term

with the aged members of the institution of Masonry, still it is very far from being a settled one. It is a matter

which remains exclusively under the control of the subordinate body to become effective must he made a by-

law of each individual Lodge. To present this matter clearly we have to state the provisions of emeritus

membership, as applied to Masonry. A brother who in early life becomes a member of a Lodge and remains

in good standing in the same for say thirty years, should be relieved from all further contributions in the way

of subordinate Lodge dues. He still retains his place in the Lodge, entitled to all its rights and benefits, but

the burden of his contributions to the Lodge has been set aside. Now, we believe that such action should

obtain fully. Freemasonry should not insist upon a continuance of the burden of dues upon its old members.

In some Lodges the matter is systematically handled. When a member has for twenty-five (we think)

consecutive years paid his dues he is made a life member and exempted from farther contribution. Of course

it is optional whether he accepts the same or not, but there is no humiliation whatever attached to the action.

We know of no such rule in Michigan, nor in other jurisdictions, although there may be in the latter. But that

such should be the case admits of no question. The Craftsmen who have borne the burden and heat of the

day—especially those who have not gathered a large amount of this world's goods—should have the burden

lightened to the extent of being made emeritus members of the Lodge. In the present day especially, can this

be done without injury to the institution. The influx of young men into the Lodges and Chapters has pushed

the old men to one side, and nothing remains for the latter to do but to pay dues and sit the Lodge hours out

patiently. This has given birth to the Veterans' Association, where the older members may meet and still find

in their Masonic life something to do. The removal of the energy and zeal of this class from the active

interests and duties of their individual Lodges, leaving the same to the younger members, and concentrating

their remaining labor in some haven for the aged Mason, may be all right for the individual, but does not

serve the Lodge. We want in all our Lodges the wisdom of age as well as the zeal of youth, and when a

lifetime has been passed in Lodge labor it is a email reward to the aged Mason to make him a life member of

the same. We will be pleased to see some agitation on this point, and also to chronicle the Lodges who have

adopted the plan of emeritus membership.— Tyler.

————————————————

A DESIRABLE PUBLICITY.

————

It is not as unknown quantity that Freemasonry is represented in its organic life and expression. Its character,

purposes, and benign ministries are made known by its laws and approved methods of procedure, over which

no veil of secrecy is thrown. Any persons who have sufficient interest to make careful examination of printed

records, reports, forms, requirements, etc., can satisfy themselves as to the character of the Masonic

institution, both as regards the system itself, in its most important features, and the manner in which it

applied and administered as a social and fraternal organisation.

The secrets of Freemasonry are few. It is well there are no more. It is quite sufficient that there should be the

secrets means of indentifying member of the Masonic Fraternity among themselves, and a sacred guarding of

certain portions of the Masonic ceremonies, which would lose something of their charm and impressiveness

were they proclaimed upon the house-tops or enacted in public. Beyond the lines thus indicated there is but

little call of secrecy. Indeed, as already intimated, there is a desirable publicity for Freemasonry. Not that it

should obtrude itself upon the public notice, or seem to compete with the multitude of societies and orders

which claim the attention of the community by frequent announcements in the secular press, and by

somewhat wearisome accounts in the daily papers of meetings and work. There is no call for the Masonic

organisation, thus to advertise itself. It will do better to follow the long-established practice of holding itself

in reserve, not seeking to tell the public the full story of its benevolent ministries—its offerings to the sick

and the poor.

But it may and should so declare itself as to make evident the ideas, principles, and purposes which have

prevailing force in the shaping and applying of the Masonic system, together with a sufficient setting forth of

what is being done and attempted under its direction, and by the use of its influence and resources. These

things should be known ; or, at least, they should be within the reach of all who care to examine

Freemasonry as a system and become acquainted with its fruitage. This is desirable publicity. It is because

the character of Freemasonry is so well known by those outside the lines of the Fraternity—because its aims

and purposes, so frequently affirmed, are understood and approved by the general public—that the

occasional opposition to which our organisation is subjected fails to have much effect. In America and Great

Britain every attempt that is made to show that Freemasonry is an enemy of social order and good

government, or an unworthy bond of alliance and protection is applied to its own members, falls ludicrously

flat, because the public have enough information regarding the Fraternity to lead them to form a different

conclusion. Sensible people in any English speaking community cannot be brought to believe that Masons

meet together to plot against Church and State, or that the " secrets" of the Fraternity pertain to any binding

of the conscience or the will unlawfully. The people know that Freemasonry makes open avowal of its

principles and purposes, that in the face of such an avowal, and the general publicity given to the movements

of this Institution, there can be no conspiracy against the government or the pence and good order of society.

————————————————

WORKING HIMSELF IN.

————

We remember a case where a wearer of the purple was sent by the P.G.M. to visit and report upon a lodge

whose dinners were more famous than its Masonry. Hearing of this and suspecting no great friendliness on

the part of the visitor, arrangements were made accordingly. He turned up and was greeted effusivey by the

W.M., but on attempting to enter the lodge-room was politely asked who was his sponsor. A letter from the

P.G.M. was produced, but the W.M. said his obligation prevented him from allowing any visitor to enter not

properly vouched for, etc., etc. Bros. Smith, Jones, and Robinson were successively mentioned by the visitor

as having sat in lodge with him, but unfortunately none of these brethren were present.

The W.M. then suggested that he should work his way in, and the P.G. officer smothering his indignation,

was passed into a small room where a P.M. came to him, who began by causing him to swear that he had not

been expelled, etc. This over, his G.L. certificate was called for, and the signatures compared, after which the

examination began, and after about a quarter of an hour the P.M. informed the W.X. that the visiting brother

had certainly proved himself an E.A., but did not seem to know much more. The W.M. at once proceeded to

open the lodge in the Second Degree, and regrets were sent outside to the visiting brother that e. ctanb the

Secretary was at once instructed to inform the P.G.K. that a brother styling himself a P.G. officer and arrayed

as such, and who was possessed of a G.L. certificate but who was only an E.A., had attempted to visit the

lodge under these false pretenses.—Indian Masonic Review.

————————————————

LODGE ETIQUETTE.

——————

In the Lodge room, and especially while the Lodge is at labor, the utmost decorum should be observed. The

officers should be addressed by their full title, and the Worshipful Master is never to be called merely

"Worshipful," but always " Worshipful Master."

Nothing that is not permissible before the highest dignitary of the world should be done while the Lodge is at

labour. If you would not sit in your shirt sleeves or smoke in the presence of the President of the United

States or the Prince of Wales, then do not do so before the Worshipful Master, who is one of the most

dignified and honorable personages in the world. Your intimate friend, once seated in the East in a Masonic

Lodge, ceases to be " Bill," " Jack," or " Pete," but is for the time being a man to command the most

profound respect.

If the Worshipful Master has a proper conception of the importance and dignity of his office, he should

enforce this respect, and his intimates should not for a moment accuse him of getting the "wellhead" on that

account.

Nothing destroys that peculiar, indefinable charm so entrancing about Lodge ceremonials, as the want of

proper decorum. In those Lodges where free and easy manners have crept in, let them try the practice of

dignified Lodge etiquette, and its beneficial effects on the interest of the Lodge meetings. Its influence will

be found elevating and beneficial, both to individual members and the general welfare of the Lodge.

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

PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY A. CLEAVE & CO, SINCE 18th MAY, 7895.

£ s. d. £ s. d

Brewer A., Waipawa ... 0 7 6 Lodge Fielding, Fielding ... 1 0 0

Bullen F. H., Gisborne ... 0 10 0 Lodge Oamaru, Oamaru ... 1 0 0

Carter Thos. T., Lyttelton ... 0 7 6 Mann E. H., •Gisobrne ... 0 7 6

Clark G. H., Waipawa ... 0 7 6 McLean P., Waipukurart ... 1 1 8

Coates & Co., Christchurch ... 5 10 0 Porter H. M., Gisburne ... 1 0 0

Erskine James, Gisborne ... 0 10 0 Staite G. H., Gisborne ... 0 10 0

Gorman P., Hastings ... 1 0 0 Waddell W., Oamaru ... 2 2 0

Griffiths C., Dunedin ... 1 0 0 Winter G. J., Gisborne ... 1 0 0

Johnson & Cu., Gisborne ... 0 7 6 Worboys J. H., Mauriceville 0 7 6

Lodge Aoriingi, Denniston ..: 1 0 0

_____________________________________________________________________________________

POETRY.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

"THE WORLD WOULD BE THE BETTER FOR IT"

————

If men cared less for wealth and fame,

And less for battle fields and glory,

If writ in human hearts a name,

Seemed better than in song or story,

If men, instead of nursing pride,

Would learn to hate and abhor it,

If more relied on love to guide,

The world would be the better for it.

If men dealt less in stocks and lands

And more in bonds and deeds fraternal,

If love's work had more willing hands,

To link this world to the supernal,

If men stored up love's oil and wine

And on bruised human hearts would pour it,

If yours and mine would once combine,

The world would be the better for it.

If more would act the play of life,

And fewer spoil it in rehearsal,

If bigotry would sheath its knife,

Till good became more universal,

If customs grey with ages grown,

Had fewer blind men to adore it,

If talents shone in truth alone,

The world would be the better for it.

If men were wise in little things,

Affecting less in all their dealings,

If hearts had fewer rusted strings

To isolate their kindly feelings,

If men, were wrong beats clown the right,

Would strike together and restore it,

If right made might in every fight,

The world would be the better for it

_____________________________________________

DIES IRAE.

————

Oh, Day of Wrath, whereof no mortal knows

Nor angel, nor archangel of high Heaven,

Day when eternity's stillness shall be riven

And through the starry archipelagoes

And rayless reaches, like the wave that flows

From quaking continents, or shall be driven

The trumpet blast and ever onward, even

To speak on space's shores that time must close

When shall it break ? When Nature's springs shall fail,

And stars go out, and all humanity

In the even tide of years to slumber bend ?

Or will it rise when man has reached the scale

Of loftiest mortal being ? Oh, my friend,

'Tis one of us ! Soon, soon 'twill dawn for you and me !

— HENRY JEROME STOCKARD.

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

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

BE not like a stream that brawls Loud with shallow waterfalls.—Longfellow.

HE who best uses to-day, is in the best position for to morrow's advantages.—:T. Lynch.

WE have been unable to insert in this number several notices of Installations and other Lodge meetings.

THE man who says he loves God and who does not love his brother, may not realize it, but he is telling a lie.

THE brother who can not visit an out of town lodge without filling up with enthusiasm that swells to heaven

had better stay at home.

EL TALLER, of Cadiz, Spain, thinks Grand Representatives are like the homœpathic medicines, "if they do

know good they can do no harm"

THE 8cottish Freemason says there is a probability of an early union between the "Early Grand" and the

"Supreme Grand" Chapters, which claim jurisdiction of the Royal Arch in Scotland.

FROM a letter in the Freemason's Chronicle, we learn that it is the custom on drinking the Tyler's Toast to

give the points in a whisper, and to mark the fire by tapping gently on the cuff of the coat.

GRAND MASTER Michael Arnold., of Pennsylvania, has stirred up a hornets nest by a decision that cremation

was un-Masonic, and the request of a brother for cremation not to be recognized or encouraged by

Freemasons.

THE Alabama Masons have a trust fund amounting to nearly $28,000 which has been accumulating a number

of years for the purpose of erecting a grand lodge building. The fund has now reached a sum which warrants

active preparations for the erection of the building.

FREEMASONRY is in a flourishing condition in India, as the following list of lodges under the Grand Lodge

of England show that there are in Bengal, 42 ; Bombay, 24 ; Burmah, ; Madras, 22 ; and Punjaub, 22 ; total,

118. Under the Grand Lodge of Scotland there are also thirty-three lodges, raising the grand total to 151

lodges.

IN some of the provincial summonses in England, it is announced that return tickets will be issued at a fare

and a quarter, on Masonic clothing being produced for the inspection of the booking clerks at the railway

station. This is an original mode of establishing Masonic identity, at least to us benighted heathen in these

parts. The spectacle of a brother solemnly unfolding the contents of his case at the booking-office window is

worth contemplation.

IT is the ruling of all orders that when an officer of the body removes from his resident jurisdiction to

another, he vacates his office. Such removal, however, does not affect subordinate membership. The officer

must reside within the jurisdiction of the body he supervises—the act of removal is an act of vacation, and an

officer who claims a past official position after such removal is claiming that to which he is in nowise

entitled.

IN a Masonic statistical table, prepared for the World Almanac for 1894, it is seen that there were last year

689,587 affiliated Master Masons in the United States, as against 606,582 the year previous, The six

strongest jurisdictions numerically are New York, with a membership of 80,623 ; Illinois, with 46,021 ;

Pennsylvania, with 44,023 ; Ohio, with 37,044 ; Michigan, with 31,472 ; Massachusetts, with 32, 685 ; and

Missouri, with 29,724.

THE Supreme Court of Prussia has lately decided that the clause in the charter of German Freemasons, which

grants them the right to exclude Jews, is illegal. This charter has existed for over a hundred years, and a

number of new Lodges have been instituted admitting Jews. In England, as well as the State of Pennsylvania,

the jewel of a Past Master is the 47th problem of Euclid. In other jurisdiction it is the compasses extended to

sixty degrees with a sun in the centre.

WE have been very lenient to our subscribers who are in arrears, and we think that they should show their

appreciation by remitting the small amount due by them. The amount that each subscriber would pay is small

but in the aggregate-it would be quite an item to us.

A SELF-SACRIFICING Australasian writes The Friendly Societies Review, of Melbourne : " I have gone

without my supper beer for a week so as to send you my subscription for The Review for another year."

There are so few of his kind living that we shall watch earnestly for the announcement of the death of the

writer of the letter.

" OUTLINES of the History of Freemasonry in the Province of Quebec," A.D. 1608-1892, pp. 845, royal

octavo, with illustrations and a copious index ; by John Hamilton Graham, LLD., P.G.M., P.G.Z., K.T., 32°,

&c., Richmond, Quebec, Canada,. Such is the title of a work that has received the highest commendation of

all students of Masonry into whose hand the work has been placed. It is the history of Masonry in one of the

great territorial divisions of the great fraternity, and should have a place in every Masonic library, and in the

private library of every Mason. Address the author.

IN leaving my hotel, I paid my bill, and said to the landlord, " Do I owe anything else ?" He answered, "You

are square." " What am I ?" He said again, "You are square." " That's strange," said "I have lived so long, and

never knew before I was square." Then, as I was going away, he shook me by the hand, saying, " I hope you

will be round again soon." " But I thought you said I was square! Now you hope I'll be round ." He laughed

and said, " When I say I hope you'll be round, I mean I hope you won't be long." I did not know how many

forms he wished me to assume. However, I was glad he did not call me flat.

A COUNTRY minister in a certain locality took permanent leave of his congregation in the follywing pathetic

manner :—' Brothers and sisters, I come to say good-bye. I don't think God loves this church very much,

because none of you ever die. I don't think you love each other, because I never marry any of you. I don't

think you love me, because you have not paid my salary ; your donations are mouldy fruit and wormy apples,

and by their fruits ye shall know them.' Brothers, I am going away from you to a better place. I have been

called to be chaplain of a penitentiary. Where I go ye can not come, but I go to prepare a place for you, and

may the Lord have mercy on your souls. Good-bye."

ACCORDING to the London Freemason, the Order of the Temple (Knights Templars) made material progress

in Great Britain in 1893. The supreme governing body of the Templars in England and Ireland is the Convent

General, of which the Prince of Wales is Grand Master. At a recent meeting a number of prominent

Templars were invested, by order of the Grand Master, with the order of Knight Grand Cross and Knight

Commander. The former is the most exclusive honor in connection with British Masonry with the exception

of the 33°. The Earl of Euston, the Viscount Dungarvan and Col. G. N. Money, C. B., were among those who

made Knights Grand. Cross, and Maj. Gen. J, C. Hay, C. B., and C. F. Matier were among those who

received the decoration of. Knight Commander. These honors are not confined to Great Britain, but

prominent Templars in other countries are sometimes invested.

MASONIC Lodges are dedicated to the "Holy Saints John"—these two historic personages. The original

dedication of Lodges was to the " Holy St. John." meaning the Baptist. Some authorities, however, Bazot

among the number, affirm that the early reference of the Craft was to St. John the Almoner, thus identified

with the " Holy St. John of Jerusalem." The Almoner was the son of Cyprus, born in that Island in the early

part of the sixth century. He gave up honors and ease, going to Jerusalem that he might render aid to

distressed Knights and pilgrims. He founded a hospital and accomplished a magnificent work of

benevolence. Rome canonized him under the name of St. John the Almoner, and he has been recognized by a

number of religious and benevolent organizations that holds his name and. services in grateful remembrance.

Knights Templar generally dedicate their Commanderiea to the honor of this illustrious, self-sacrificing,

helpful friend of needy humanity, who followed practically the steps of Him " who went about doing good."

THOUGH not a Mason, Bro. Washington's successor in the presidency pays the following high tribute to the

Institution, in reply to a letter from Grand Lodge of Massachusetts: " As I never had the honor to be one of

your ancient Fraternity, I feel myself under greater obligations to you for this affectionate and respectful

address. Many of my best friends have been Masons, and two of them, my professional patrons, the learned

Gridley and your immortal Warren, whose life and death were lessons and examples of patriotism and

philanthropy, were Grand Masters ; yet so it has happened that I had never the felicity to be initiated. Such

examples as theirs, and a greater still in my venerable predecessor, would have been sufficient to induce me

to hold the Institution and Fraternity in esteem and honor, as favorable to the support of civil authority, if I

had not known their love of the fine arts, their delight in hospitality and devotion to humanity."—Mystic Tie.

BRO. Jesse B. Anthony has submitted to the Grand Lodge of New York some very interesting statistics of

Masonry in the North American Continent, It appears that there are, in the United States and British North

America, 56 Grand Lodges, with a total membership of 723,662, being an increase since last year of about

26,000. This is, of course, in addition to the large number of nonaffiliates. There are 11,467 subordinate

Lodges, New York alone mustering 723, being next after the Grand Lodge of England. Illinois is not far

behind with 702, and Utah brings up the rear with eight. Membership running far into three figures is

common in the States. One Minnesota Lodge has 601 members, and in the District of Columbia the average

membership is 192. Even in Canada there is one Lodge, the St. John's, which has a membership of 309. This

sort of thing seems to us English Masons to destroy the whole social character of Freemasonry. What a fight

there must be for office in a lodge mustering five or six hundred?

ON the principle of harmony the entire system of Masonry is cemented. It is wonderful, in the first place,

how is it possible that everything should " fit with such exactness." No man can conduct a business

successfully without this principle prevailing, and the Lodge that overlooks them is not perfect harmony with

the aims of Masonry. No contradictory statements are to be found—no misfits to be had if the laws are

obeyed. Rich in practical symbols, nature affords none more elevating than harmony. She commands the

return of seasons, she causes the blade of grass to come forth. Man is fortunate indeed to imitate any part of

her landscape , The buds and blossoms under her watchful care send their refreshing beauty to feed the

visions of delight—the sense of smell with their fragrance. Nature is the machinery of the great I Am, and if

you would have harmony take-the universe as your model. If you would preserve it, study the rich fields of

golden harvest, the chirping birds, and all the variety displayed in natures landscape. Harmony is but a type

denoting Masonry universal. Thus Masonry imitates nature and adores nature's God.

BRITISH JURISDICTION. —Comp. J. H. Drummond in his Chapter Correspondence for 1804, thus alludes to

the Victoria question ;—We greatly regret the chartering of these chapters, for we hold that the Grand

Chapter of Canada had no more right to charter these chapters than if they had chartered them in Maine. "

The principle of the law of jurisdiction and the concurrence therein of all the other Grand Bodies in America

and Great Britain, give to the British Grand Chapters, jurisdiction in the Dependencies of the British Crown

concurrent among themselves and exclusive as to all others. It follows necessarily that when a Grand Body is

formed in one of the Dependencies, it acquires exclusive jurisdiction in its own territory, but takes away the

jurisdiction of the mother Grand Bodies in no other place : the three-Grand Bodies in Great Britain

collectively stand upon the same ground that one would, if they were only one. "The Grand Lodge of

Manitoba chartered a lodge in one of the Dependencies, but upon protest by the Grand Lodge of England, it

withdrew the charter and thereby received the well merited commendation of her sister Grand Lodges. " But

while we hold that the Grand Chapter of Victoria was technically correct in refusing to recognize those

chapters, still, if they applied to come under its obedience, we regret that it did not receive them, because it

would thereby have regularized them, and saved the complications of the present situation. As we understand

it, the companions of the chapter which surrendered its charter gave in their adhesion to the new Grand

Chapter—an example which we hope the others will follow."

A KANSAS City correspondent, in reporting the death of the late General Brayman, aged 81, quotes him as

having been the oldest Mason in America at the time of his death, This is a mistake. Bro. George T. Purvis,

of McMinnville, Tenn., is believed to be the oldest Mason in the world, he having been raised to the degree

of Master Mason the fifth month after his 21st birthday, and he will be ninety-seven years old the 18th day of

next May. He served the people of 'Warren County, Tennessee, as justice of the peace continually over forty

years, and has always voted the straight Democratic ticket. During the last twelve years he has been unable

to walk, and the " boys" have carried him to the polls in an arm chair, which is no easy task, as he weighs

about 230 pounds.

BROTHERS, don't nurse hurt within your breasts ; life is too short to cherish ill-will toward each other. If you

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

undiscovered country from whose bourne no travellers returns Is it worth while to hate each other Silence,

secrecy and calmness of temper are the unmistakable marks of a true Mason. We are always glad to see

young members taking an active interest in the work, and qualifying themselves to step in and fill the place

of any officer who may be absent. In this hard and money-getting age it is well to remember those good men

who work for the good of their fellowman, who toil in our quarries and benefit others more than themselves.

There may be glory, but their is much good done, all the same, by these worthy workers. The old Masonic

maxim about keeping silence if you have no good to talk about, is wise in more ways than one. It is couched

in the interest of the talker as well as those talked about. In eternity it will amount to more to have given a

cup of cold water, with the right motives, to an humble servant of God than to have been flattered by a whole

generation. Human life is a game of chess—each piece holds its place upon the chess board—king, queen,

bishop and pawn. Death comes, his game is up, and all are thrown, without distinction pell-mell in the same

bag.

SUBSTITUTE WORD.—This is an expression of very significant suggestion to the thoughtful Master Mason. If

the word is, in Masonry, a symbol of Divine truth ; if the search for the word is a symbol of the search for

that truth ; if the lost word symbolizes the idea that Divine truth has not been found, then the substitute word

is a symbol of the unsuccessful search after Divine truth, and the attainment in this life—of which the first

temple is a type—of what is only an approximation to it. The idea of a substitute word and its history are to

be found in the oldest rituals of the last century, but the phrase itself is of more recent date, being the result

of the fuller development of Masonic science and philosophy. The history of the substitute word has been an

unfortunate one. Subjected from a very early period to a mutilation of form, it underwent an entire change in

some rites, after the introduction of the high degrees, most probably through the influence of the Stuart

Masons, who sought, by an entirely new word, to give a reference to the unfortunate representative of that

house as the similitude of the stricken builder. And so it has come to pass that there are now two substitutes

in use of entirely different form and meaning—one used on the continent of Europe, and one in England and

this country. It is difficult in this case—where almost all the knowledge that we can have of the subject is so

scanty—to determine the exact time when or the way in which the new word was introduced. But there is, I

think, abundant internal evidence in the words themselves as to their appropriateness and the lanaguages

whence they came (the one being pure Hebrew, and the other, I think, Gaelic), as well as from the testimony

of old rituals, to show that the word in use in the United States is the true word, and was the one in use

before the revival. Both of these words have, however, unfortunately been translated by persons ignorant of

the languages whence they are derived, so that the most incorrect and even absurd interpretations of their

significations have been given. The word in universal use in this country has been translated as " rottenness

in the bone," or " the builder is dead," or by several other phrases equally as far from the true meaning. The

correct word has been mutilated. Properly it consists of four syllables, for the last syllable, as it is now

pronounced, should properly be divided into two. These four syllables compose three Hebrew words, which

constitute a perfect and grammatical phrase, appropriate to the occasion of their utterance. But to understand

them the scholar must seek the meaning in each syllable and combine the whole. In the language of

Apuleius, I must forbear to enlarge upon these holy mysteries.- Mackey

392 N. Z. CRAFTSMAN. [May. 16, 1895

IN THE PRESS,

THE NEW ZEALAND RITUAL
of

CRAFT-MASONRY,

Embodying the distinctive features and beauties of the English, Irish, and {Scotch Methods of

Working, producing a Work which, for Beauty of Language, Grammatical Correctness,

Accuracy, and Working Charm has never been equalled.

BY A PAST MASTER.. Price, 10s.; Post Free.

————:o: ————

The RITUAL will consist of about 150 pages, and is being printed in two colours, from new type,

on 80lb. paper. It will be bound in blue cloth, with gold lettering. The aim of the Publishers being

to produce a well-printed, substantial and handsome volume for the price charged.

The RITUAL will be sold to bona lute Freemasons only ; and to assist in carrying out this intention

of the Publishers each copy will be numbered, and a register kept of the sales. The Masonic rank,

the name, number, and constitution of the Lodge to which the would- be purchaser belongs will

have to be forwarded at the time of giving the order. The Publishers reserve the right to refuse an

order for the RITUAL if they have reason to believe that the work is required for improper

purposes.

The edition is strictly limited, an early application is therefore recommended to avoid

disappointment. JAMES WILKIE & CO.,

Masonic Printers & Publishers, Princes Street, Dunedin.

————:o: ————
Appended is commendation of the RITUAL by a Past Grand Officer :—

"You gave me an opportunity of reading the manuscript of 'The New Zealand Ritual of Craft-

Masonry.' I am now indebted to you for the specimen of the completed parts of the Degrees.

"The mechanical work is a pleasing proof that there are printers in New Zealand crafty and cunning

in the manipulation of those moveable letters that give power and permanence to human thought. The

manner in which the specimens are gotten up reflects the greatest credit upon all concerned. The neatness

of the type, the skilful setting, and the coloured margin, with the good paper, and clean machiniug has a

charming effect. Were it not for your assurance that the specimens are of colonial production, I would

have stated my opinion that they were of the better class of American productions. I doubt whether a

work containing as many excellencies, from a printer's point of view, as `The New Zealand Ritual' has

hitherto been published in Australasia.

"The ' Ritual ' will undoubtedly be favourably received as a text-book in the ceremonial work of the

Degrees. For years I have been collecting works on the ceremonial observances of secret societies. The

Masonic portion of my collection contains copies of the Rituals published in New South Wales, Victoria,

South Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Spain, Egypt, The States, Canada, and South America,

and I have manuscript copies of the Scotch and Irish Work, yet none of the works mentioned can at all

compare with yours for value, distinctive interest, and working charm. There are passages impressively

beautiful, and solemnly eloquent in the Third Degree, and if accompanied in their delivery by the studied

art of the orator, and the enthusiasm of an adept in Masonry, the impression made on the minds of the

auditors will, I venture to assert, never be forgotten.

•

"The significant forms and ceremonies of the Installation of the Master, and the Investiture of the

Officers of a Lodge, will meet that want, for an authentic and distinct ceremony, which has long been

desired, more particularly, in the Southern districts of the Colony. Some years ago rumour had got abroad

that the Grand Lodge of England had forbidden the ceremonial opening and closing of a Board of

Installed Masters. I am pleased to find your 'Ritual' gives these ceremonies, in doing so you are quite

right, for the question has never been brought before the Grand Lodgeof England at any time.

"As a standard work of the ceremonial working of the Degrees of Craft-Masonry, published with a

view to meet the demand for a distinctive Ritual of the New Zealand Constitution, I can warmly

recommend it, and I trust that its reception by the Fraternity will abundantly justify the months of labour,

and the large expense you have been put to in producing it.

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