THE MISSIONS OF FREEMASONRY.

HAD it been possible fifty years ago to have predicted with any

degree of accuracy the startling changes and progression the then

coming half-century would evolve in the political, scientific ,

social, and industrial world, the prophet would have been regarded

by our forbears as a fit subject for a horse-pond or a mad-house,

that being the colloquial designation of mental insti tutions in those

days. To mankind generally this progress comes as a matter of

course, and it is only by a close analytical process of examination

that the stupendous advance made in the profession of medicine

and surgery, in the science of applied mechancis, especially in its

relation to electricity, to dynamics, and aerostation, can be

discerned and appreciated. And yet, great as the changes of the

past have logien, doubtless they will increase as time goes on, but

whether the evolution will spell progression in every sense is a

matter of unquiet doubt, and there are not wanting strong minds

who hold that the Freemasonry of the future will exercise a

powerful influence and sway the world's action

A MISNOMER.

——<>——

OUR attention has been specially directed to a paper read at the May meeting of the Masters' and Past

Masters' Lodge, Christchurch, entitled "Fit and Proper Persons to enter Freemasonry." A careful perusal of

the paper suggests that a more fitting title would have been "The Intolerable Interference of Grand Lodges."

The text of the address is the admission of Johnson, the pugilist, into Freemasonry; the subject, the action of

the G.L. of Scotland in suspending the Lodge that admitted him; and the moral, the intolerable interference

of G.Ls. generally. The assumption of the writer of the paper was that Lodge Forfar was suspended because

it initiated a "coloured fighter, whose flavour was not to the liking of the brethren of that particular group."

And the writer goes on to ask, "What was the particular offence? Was it that the initiate was a negro, or was

it because he was a pugilist?" He then discusses the colour question, and expresses the opinion "that we

should pay no regard to distinctions of race or occupation when considering the fitness of a candidate." He,

further, generally states "that prior to initiation the candidates' bona fides are looked into. The tongue of good

report must have been heard in his favour, and in consequence thereof he has achieved the distinction of

initiation into the order of Freemasonry. It is comforting to know that the writer of the paper admits that the

bona fides of a candidate should be looked into, and that the tongue of good report should be heard in his

favour, as later, in dealing with the G.L. interference, he leaves the inference that any conditions of

admission are optional with a Lodge. Though we hold no brief for the G.L. of Scotland, and indeed have

little liking for its modus operandi, yet in this case it is only fair that its action should not be misrepresented;

and we can only assume, from the nature of the paper read in the Masters' Lodge, that the writer and those

who took part in the discussion did not have the judgment given by the G.L. of Scotland before them. The

official report, as recorded in "The Proceedings of the G.L. of "Scotland," is as follows :—

"The Sub-Committee appointed on 21st December, 1911, to " inquire into the actings of Lodge Forfar and

Kincardine, Dundee, No. 225, in connection with the initiation of Mr. J. A. Johnson, presented its report.

That report embodied the evidence taken by the Sub-Committee, and, after consideration of it, Grand

Committee found that it had been amply proved—

" (1.) That the R.W.M. and P.M. Smith, who were the proposer and seconder of Johnson, knew nothing of

him or his qualifications for admission, and that he was not known to any of the brethren voting ; (2) That

they took the recommendation of the Entered Apprentice McLaglen, who himself had only been in

Dundee for about a week, and about whom, prior to his admission, no inquiry had been made ; (3) That

the Master had some hesitation, but that, after advising with P.Ms. Smith, Ross, and Low, he resolved to

proceed with the initiation ; (4) That no reason whatever, or even valid excuse, has been given for the

summary change of the hour of meeting from noon to 10 a.m., and that not one of the office-bearers of the

Lodge have maintained its validity, but, on the contrary, some have admitted that it was probably

incompetent ; (5) That no proper notice was given to members of the Lodge, and that admittedly no notice

of the change of hour was given to at least one member who had told the Master that he was to object.

"Grand Committee therefore decided-

"1. That the meeting of Lodge Forfar and Kincardine of 13th October, 1911, held at 10 o'clock a.m.,

was illegal, and all acts done at that meeting should be declared null and void, including the pretended

initiation of Mr. J. A. Johnson ; and that the Lodge be directed to return his fees;

"2. That, looking especially to its express approval of these illegal actings contained in the resolution

passed by the Lodge on 14th November, 1911, prior to the visit of the Provincial Grand Committee,

Lodge Forfar and Kincardine be called upon to show cause why it should not be suspended for such

time as G.L. may decide; and

"3. That Bro. Blues, R.W.M., and Bros. Smith, Ross, and Low, P.Ms., be called upon to show cause

why they should not be suspended for such time as G.L. may decide in respect of the active part they

took in the proceedings in question."

After hearing evidence from the other side, and giving due regard to all that had been said on behalf of the

Lodge, it was unanimously resolved :—

"1. That Lodge Forfar and Kincardine, Dundee, No. 225, should be suspended from this date
until the first day of November, 1913.

"2. That Bro. Robert Thomson Blues, R.W.M. of the Lodge, should be suspended from all
Masonic privileges for a period of two years from this date, and that Bros. George Smith, John Ross,

and Alexander S. Low, P.Ms., should each be suspended from all Masonic privileges for a period of

one year from this date."

From this judgment it will be patent that the suspension of the Lodge had nothing to do with the colour or

occupation of Johnson, but because of the utter illegality of the whole proceedings. We find that the W.M. of

Lodge Forfar was the proposer, a P.M. (Smith) was the seconder, and neither of them even knew the

candidate or his qualifications for admission, and, further, Johnson was not known to any of the members

voting. They one and all accepted the ipse dixit of an E.A., who had only been domiciled in Dundee for

about a week, Was there ever such a travesty of ascertaining the bona fides, or hearing the tongue of good

report ? Added to this, after the day and hour of initiation had been notified, it was suddenly anticipated by

two hours, and only a few of the members received verbal notice of the change. Were it not that these

proceedings are officially recorded, and were not disputed at the enquiry made by the Prov.G.L., we should

have deemed such monstrous illegality utterly impossible in any body holding the designation of a Masonic

Lodge. In the face of these facts the writer of the paper read in Christchurch says,

"Under such circumstances resentment and rebellion on the part of the afflicted Lodge must be the

keynote of their sufferings. We may reflect upon our own likely conduct were we to find ourselves in like

case. Should we calmly submit to the ruling of a higher authority?"

We deeply regret the disloyal tone evinced by the brother throughout his paper to properly constituted

authority, and we venture the assumption that if he had had the official judgment before him the paper would

not have been written. The W.M. of the Masters' Lodge was quite correct in saying that "Craft Lodges

existed before Grand Lodges, which existed by the voluntary action of Craft Lodges." He might have added

that all the powers that Grand Lodges possess were also conferred by Craft Lodges through their

representatives, and, still further, that G.Ls. would cease to exist if Craft Lodges so willed it. But, should the

time ever come when the "intolerable interference of G.Ls.," which appears to be the new Masonic evangel

preached by a few, finds general credence, from that hour will date the downfall of Freemasonry. The Rev.

John Gibson, G. Chaplain of Northumberland, recently said, "Freemasonry has reached the parting of the

ways, where she cannot stand much longer ; she must advance or become moribund ; only progress and

concentration can enable her to retain and increase in force of character." Whether the peculiar attitude

adopted by the writer of the paper under review will conduce to the progress of Freemasonry we can safely

leave our readers to decide.

——————————

THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY.

——<>——

From our Auckland correspondent we learn that a noticeable feature of installation proceedings of Ara

Lodge, No. 348, I.C., was the omission of perambulations and the presentation of the W.Ts., and he adds,

"With all deference to ancient usage, this latter item seems an out-of-date superfluity. To see an officer who

has been through all the lower grades of Masonic office gravely instructed at his installation in the use of

instruments that he has been employing in Lodge for years savours of the comical, and the ceremonial item is

well dispensed with." Referring to the annual gathering of United Service Lodge, he further says, "The

ceremonial entry of Lodges is abandoned, as all Lodges were seated in good time, G.L. was announced at

prompt time. Altogether the feeling in Auckland goes in the direction of cutting out needless excrescences . .

. and installation proceedings are becoming much less tedious in consequence." It is hardly necessary to say,

after our many previous pronouncements, that we are entirely at one with our Auckland correspondent in

cutting out "needless excrescences" and removing existing anomalies. As one example, can anyone seriously

imagine an illustrious monarch "beckoning" a subject to approach. Adonhiram might well be excused for

"misinterpreting the gesture," as one fertile ritualist tells us. Many a time and oft this journal has contended

for the shortening of the installation ceremony, which can easily be done by removing the "excrescences,"

without impairing the due solemnity. In most of the larger Lodges perambulations have long ceased to be

practised. In many the W.Ts. are only presented, but not explained, though the writer quite recently was one

of the victims to an exception, where the explanation of the tools in the F.C. Degree constituted the longest

charge in the ceremony. However, the "presenter" was gratified, and that counts. In most places Lodges and

visitors are ceremoniously received, and the practice is the curse of the meeting. When the tyling is

announced for 6.30, and at 8.15 visitors leisurely stroll in, and do not commence to robe until the pipe is

smoked, G. officers have much ground for complaint. But the practice is old, and reforms come slowly. It is

devoutly to be wished that the special "Ceremonies" Committee appointed by the G.L. of New Zealand will

recognise that the "installation" is the one of the ceremonies that should be shorn of all its undue proportions

consistent with dignity and due solemnity. In this one ceremony the aim should he to simplify, not to

elaborate.

——————————

THE COST OF GRAND LODGE COMMUNICATIONS.

——<>——

We are pleased to note that Lodge Rawhiti, Dannevirke, recently discussed this all-important question, and

agreed that, in the interest of the Craft, steps should be taken to greatly lessen such cost. This journal has

directed attention to the matter, which really constitutes a somewhat startling anomaly in connection with the

finance of G.L. We have, on the lone hand, special and urgent appeals being made to augment the Annuity

Fund of G.L., and, on the other hand, the annual disbursement of hundreds of pounds to secure results that

are not in any way adequate to the cost. Added to this is the cry, not infrequently voiced, that the cost of

administration is out of all proportion to the revenue. But again we reiterate and strongly emphasise that the

administration is not in any sense to blame for these incongruities. As we have quite recently been told, G.L.

is created by the Lodges, and, as a sequence, the policy is adopted by them. Hence any alterations in the

present plan of annual meetings and large representation must of necessity find favour with and be agreed to

by the Lodges before any change can be effected. There are two methods by which the present enormous

annual legislative expenditure may be reduced by one-half—viz., either by reverting to biennial, in lieu of

annual meetings; or by the adoption of a scheme of limited district representation in place of that now in

vogue. It must be conceded by every thoughtful person that a possible Lodge representation of nearly 200,

plus G. officers, P.G. officers, and P.Ms., to conduct the business of G.L., is an apt illustration of the

powerful steam-hammer being employed to crack the proverbial nut. Should Lodges still contend for these

annual meetings on the present representative basis, no exception should be taken to the cost of

administration or to special benevolent appeals. But we have some confidence that, if Lodges will follow the

example of Rawhiti and give at least one evening to calmly deliberating on the whole question, there would

be a consensus of opinion in favour of legislative reform. It is not right to expect the B. of G.P. to initiate any

such proposal, unless there is a specific direction from G.L. itself on the question. We earnestly submit this

suggestion to Lodges, and hope they will be led to regard the subject as of the greatest moment to the future

welfare of the G.L. of New Zealand.

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

News and Notes.

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

R.W. BRO. H. WETHERILT, P.D.G.M. of Auckland, has retired from the Government service on

superannuation. Prior to the severance of his long connection, the departmental officers made him the

recipient of a very handsome presentation.

AT the annual meeting of Lodge Leinster, Wellington, the old veteran P.M., Bro. F. Silver, again conducted

the ceremony of installation, being assisted by the P.M. of the Lodge. R.W. Bro. R. C. Hamerton, who was

the first Master in 1882, was present.

IT is not often that the newly-installed W.M. is instructed to "hand the charter back to his predecessors," etc.,

but it does occasionally happen.

MANY enquiries are being made as to whether the new Premier is a member of the Craft. We believe Bro.

Massey is a member of Waitemata, Lodge, No. 689, E.C., Auckland.

A NEW R.A. Masonic district has been constituted on the West Coast of the North Island, and for the present

includes three Chapters—Manawatu, Palmerston North ; Ruapehu, Marton; and Wanganui. R.E. Comp.

Palmer, of Wanganui, has been appointed the first Supt.

AT a meeting of the Supreme Committee of the G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand, held last month, a charter

was granted for a Chapter, which will include the following districts, and in which meetings will be held

alternately :—Patea, Hawera, Eltham, and Stratford. The constitution and consecration will take place at

Patea on the first Thursday in September, and V.E. Comp. Horace Priestly will be the First Principal Z.

R.W. BRO. GEORGE BARCLAY, stationmaster at Frankton, relinquished his position at the Junction on 20th

July to take up the position of chief clerk in the Traffic Department. His departure from Waikato will be

viewed as a great loss to the fraternity and to the district.

R.W. BRO. REV. W. RONALDSON, P.Prov.G.M., has been elected a life member of Otago R.A. Chapter and

Lodge Oceanic.

FOR the information of the brethren generally we publish in another part of this issue some questions

submitted by members of the Masters' Lodge, Dunedin, and answered by V.W. Bro. J. J. Clark, President of

the Board of Benevolence.

IT is pleasing to record the great success the A. and A. Rite has achieved in the City of Wellington. Its

meetings are looked forward to by members, and there is quite a concensus of opinion that these happy little

meetings are productive of good fellowship.

THE Charter of the Masters' Lodge, Dunedin, has been endorsed so as to bring it into conformity with the

charters of similar Lodges in the other centres, and to enable it to comply with the recent amendments made

by G.L.

THE Masters' Lodge, Dunedin, has what is termed a "question" night periodically. One of the questions

recently asked was, "What is the origin of the term 'riding the goat?'

THE installation of Bro. T. W. Kirk as W.M. of Lodge Coronation, Johnsonville, last Saturday was a very

popular one, and a prosperous year for the Lodge may confidently be anticipated. A report of the meeting

will appear in our next issue.

AT the last meeting of Victory R.A. Chapter a brother travelled sixty miles to be advanced.

AT the annual communication of G.L. the investing officer congratulated R.W. Bro. T. Hobson, Prov.G.M.

of Hawkes Bay, on his active efforts to increase the membership of the Craft, especially from the clan

Hobson. Evidently the brother misinterpreted the intention of the reference, as he now writes to the Editor,

"Mrs. H. presented me with twin daughters. How is that for your prognostication ?"

ARA LODGE, No. 348, I.C., in its annual balance-sheet, shows a balance of assets, amounting to £9,502/7/-

This is a sort of plethora of Masonic wealth.

SEVERAL brethren have been suggested by Prov.G.Ms. in the South Island for the office of G. Lecturer, but

in; the North island suitable brethren have at present declined nomination. It is understood that the

M.W.G.M. has not yet made any appointment.

WE dare say that no other city in the world can parallel the "polyglot" Masonic district of New York,

composed of fourteen Lodges of seven different nationalities, all abiding in peace and amity, animated by the

true Masonic spirit as we of the United States understand it. Of the fourteen Lodges five are Italian, three

French, two Spanish, one Syrian, one Danish, one Norwegian, and one Swedish. Besides this we have

twenty-eight Lodges working in the German language, and a few in English.—"Masonic Standard."

LODGE ULSTER shows in its annual balance sheet a cash balance of £76/7/8, and balance of assets £857/16/4.

A PETITION for a new Lodge to be held at Tiran, about thirty miles from Rotorua, has been sent to the

M.W.G.M. There are sixteen petitioners, including three P.Ms.

SOME W.Ms. are gluttons for work. The following constituted the agenda of Lodge Tawhiri on 30th July :—

Routine business, three ballots for initiation, three proposals for initiation, two "Third" notice (whatever that

may mean), three candidates for passing, two for raising, and a presentation to M. W. Bro. O. Nicholson,

P.Prov.G.M., by R.W. Bro. T. Allen, Prov.G.M., on behalf of the South Auckland Lodges. A footnote

explains that only one degree would be worked. Quite so.

——————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——<>——

(BY LUX.)

The appointment of W. Bro. Rev. H. Packe (Lake Lodge of Ophir, No. 85) as vicar of St. John's Anglican

Church, Invercargill, will be hailed with delight by those city brethren who are well acquainted with his

many good qualities as a Freemason, and who have also very happy recollections of his charming versatility

at social functions.

* * * * *

The annual meeting of Lodge Waikaka, No. 151, took place on Wednesday, 19th June. The G.M. (M.W.

Bro. Maurice Thompson) was present, and took part in the proceedings. The installation ceremony was

conducted by the Prov.G.M. (R.W. Bro. F. A. Steens), assisted by the Prov.G.L. officers and local P.Ms. The

G.M. was afterwards right royally entertained at a banquet in the Town Hall. The G.M. expressed the

satisfaction it gave him to see the progress the Lodge was making. From a humble beginning it had steadily

advanced in all directions. The addition, just completed, comprising dressing and preparation rooms and a

large social hall, to their Lodgeroom was eloquent testimony to the enthusiasm of the members.

* * * * *

The almost lavish hospitality of Waikaka, No. 151, on 19th June will long be remembered by visiting

brethren; and so will the exalted brother of "herculean" proportions, forgetting that a slippery step was all

that intervened between a drop of three feet from the floor to a slushy bed of yellow clay, remember with

disgust his undignified descent to the miry footpath—to the temporary loss of his equanimity and the

extinguishment of high Masonic sentiment.

* * * * *

We are pleased to learn, too, that our ranks will shortly be strengthened by the addition of R.W. Bro. De

Castro, P.Prov. G.M. of Nelson and Marlborough District. He is assured of a hearty welcome at the hands of

Southland brethren.

* * * * *

R.W. Bro. W. Smith and Bro. Waters havd delivered some very interesting lectures for the edification of our

"baby" Lodge Waihopai, No. 189.

* * * * *

A dearth of petrol and the almost impassable state of the Dacre road was responsible for a rather poor

attendance of Invercargill brethren at Mataura, No. 174, annual meeting. However, quality was there, and a

happy time was spent.

* * * * *

Boards of Inquiry are formed for the purpose of assisting Lodges to maintain a high standard of membership.

It is unfortunate that some Lodges view with indifference the utility of such an institution and do not

subscribe to it. It is also a matter for regret that too frequently Lodge representatives are perfunctory in

reporting on candidates for admittance to their own Lodge, to say nothing of petitions presented to other

Lodges. Those causes tend to minimise well-directed effort. In the constitution of the Southland Board of

Inquiry there is a rule which distinctly states that no proposition shall be dealt with unless a report is to hand

from the representative of the Lodge from which the petition emanates. It has happened that propositions

have come before the Board unaccompanied by a report from the representative of the Lodge directly

interested. In the circumstances the Board has no other course than to hold the proposition over pending the

required report. As a consequence, in some Lodges the unoffending Board has been treated with unwarranted

discourtesy. Lodges, either impatient of delay and smarting under a mistaken sense of the Board's

dilatoriness, or a supply of material being, in their opinion, urgently required for the employment of the

workmen, they proceed with the manufacturing process without the material being approved, or not by those

experts whom the Lodges themselves have constituted a board of inspection for the appraisement of all

material for the Masonic structure submitted to it, and whose recommendation the subscribing Lodges have

morally obliged themselves to await before proceeding with the ballot.

It would be of inestimable advantage to the Board in this district if the remaining Lodges came into line and

carefully analysed its objects and punctually observed the rules. To this end we are working. Had it been

attained, quite recently two Lodges, one unattached, would have been spared much correspondence and

unpleasantness. The purpose of this note is to point out to Lodges, attached and unattached, the urgency of

loyally supporting the Board of Enquiry, which, while having no pretensions to infallibility, can claim to

have rendered true service to the Craft. The main object of such boards is to guard the entrance to, and impel

a respect for Freemasonry in every community in which a Lodge exists.

* * * * *

By the death of W. Bro. John Crowther, Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, has suffered a loss. He was twice

Master of his Lodge. In accordance with his wish he was accorded a Masonic burial. A large number of

brethren were present at the Lodge of Borrow, and afterwards followed the deceased's remains to the last

resting place. The ceremony at the grave was impressively performed by M.W. Bro. Thompson, G.M.

——————————

ECHOES FROM OTAGO.

——<>——

(BY PREFECT.)

Lodge Ionic is now a definite forte for Masonic usefulness. The constitution ceremony attracted a goodly

number of G.L. officers, and the event was successful in every way. M.W. Bro. Maurice Thompson, G.M.,

was present, and gave the brethren some excellent advice. Ionic has every appearance of sturdiness, and

Green Island brethren are to be heartily congratulated on their venture.

* * * * *

"The Nature and Objects of Freemasonry" was the address given by M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol at the Ionic

installation. The brethren were given an interesting and thoughtful exposition of Freemasonry and a call for

high ideals in promoting the best principles of the Craft.

* * * * *

Official visits of Lodges are again to the fore. The arrangements for interchange of visits have been

completed, and cover the period between 1st July and 7th November. In the past the Lodges made combined

visits, but this has been proved to be too much like an installation crush night. It is pleasing to note the

method now adopted is for two Lodges to unite in paying a special visit, and it is expected that this will

achieve an useful purpose in fostering fraternal relations.

* * * * *

W. Bro. G. A. Harlow, W.M. of Lodge Otago Kil., together with his officers, attended the Hiram Lodge last

meeting, and demonstrated the skill of O.K. brethren in ritual work. The Third Degree was conferred on two

candidates, and the Hiram brethren were hearty in their appreciation of the high standard of working. A

reciprocal visit will be undertaken by the Hiram Lodge shortly.

* * * * *

W. Bro. R. S. Wardrop, that extremely genial, painstaking, and gifted ritualist, has been deservedly shown

the appreciation of the brethren of Lodge St. Andrew. The presentation of a P.M.'s jewel has been made to

Bro. Wardrop, and the jewel is exceptionally handsome, and is graced with an amethyst stone of good

quality. Bro. Wardrop has endeared himself to a large circle outside of his own Lodge, and has been highly

itspected by all of us. Some there are who say that his venerable and dignified appearance has been a factor

in his reputation, but, though these adjuncts were a feature, they were but cloaks covering a generous and

expansive personality.

* * * * *

St. John Lodge, Milton, are enthusiastic Freemasons. Twenty-five members visited the installation meeting

of Lodge St. Andrew.

* * * * *

P.Ms.' night was a feature of Oceanic's last meeting, and drew a good attendance. Ladies' night is set down

for the next star item, and visitors and members can be certain of a pleasurable evening.

* * * * *

The W.M. (R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick) of the Masters' Lodge has announced that any questions dealing with

Freemasonry will be answered, and if the brother who submits a question is unable to attend the Lodge a

written reply will be sent.

* * * * *

W. Bro. J. A. Davie was installed as W.M. of Lodge St. Patrick, LC., in the presence of a large muster of the

fraternity. A prominent feature was the attendance of G.L. officers of New Zealand. The ceremonial and

after-meeting were alike thoroughly enjoyable. Bro. Davie has hearty good wishes for a prosperous year of

office.

* * * * *

St. Andrew installation meeting was well attended. Bro. David White is the new Master, and has proved

himself an expert craftsman in qualifying for the chair. He will certainly maintain the high standard of work

associated with this Lodge, and he has hearty congratulations on his elevation to the major office.

* * * * *

The Masonic Temple at Limon, Republic of Costa Rica, is unique in that it is built out in the sea, and is

approached by means of a bridge. A brother has forwarded a photo' of this structure, and one is struck with

the thought that the secrets are well safeguarded in that part of the globe.

* * * * *

The brethren of Lodge Otago, No. 844, R.C., were recently entertaining their lady friends and brethren from

other Lodges. The evening was happy in providing a programme of high merit. The catering was of the sort

that satisfies the connoisseur, the wines were in excellent taste, and smiling and gracious womanhood lent an

endearing charm. Truly it was a good night, and thoroughly enjoyable to those favoured by being present.

——————————

CANTERBURY CHIPS.

——<>——

A recent meeting of Lodge Civic, No. 157, was of a most interesting character. The chairs were occupied by

foundation members.

* * * * *

R.W. Bro. J. J. Bengali, P.D.G.M., occupied the chair. W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop acted as I.P.M. ; R.W. Bro.

Hulme as S.W. ; W. Bro. H. R. Smith as J.W. ; W. Bro. Moeller was S.D., and W. Bro. Bruce was J.D. ; Bro.

D. Manson acted as I.G., and W. Bro. John Thornton as D. of C. The work of the evening was the ceremony

of Raising, and the W.M. was further assisted by R.W. Bro. Bingham and W. Bro. H. J. Otley.

The closing "Long Way" was a very impressive piece of work, and was very favourably commented upon. In

fact the "resurrects," as they were irreverently termed, discharged their duties in a mast satisfactory manner.

* * * * *

In connection with this same Lodge the proposal to mark the memory of the late Bro. Aitcheson proved very

successful, some £40 being collected, and a suitable memorial stone has been erected over his grave.

* * * * *

The W.M. of Lodge St. Augustine, No. 4, is a man of ideas and strong force of character, and he has a. way

of striking out in. rather unusual places. An inauguration by him of recent date has proved most satisfactory.

He has arranged the work for the coming two and three months whereby the floor members of the Lodge will

conduct as much of that portion of the ceremony including the several addresses, as is possible.

The next division of work is one where the whole of the chairs will be occupied by P.Ms., and the third turn

about will be the rendering of the degree by the officers of the Lodge, including the several addresses.

Things are waking up in the old Lodge, and there are quite a number of candidates coming forward.

* * * * *

A very successful evening was held on the first Friday of July, when W. Bro. A. Selwyn Bruce, who has

been occupying the chair during the last fifteen months at Civic, held his last, meeting. At this meeting every

visiting Master present participated in a portion of the work. The attendance was large, there being some 135

present.

* * * * *

The paper by Bro. Hansard, which was read at the May meeting of the M. and P.M. Lodge, has achieved

more than local fame. It has been a good deal discussed in other parts of the Dominion, and some exception

has been taken to the general tone of the discussion.

* * * * *

It is with regret that the death of W. Bro. Veale has to be recorded. He was the sitting Master of Lodge

Canterbury Kil. at Lyttelton. He suffered some appendicitis trouble, and an operation was deemed necessary,

from which he unfortunately never recovered. From the Nursing ,Home his body was conveyed to the

Lodgeroom, and remained there until the funeral, which took place at Lyttelton on the 14th July. The case

had aroused a good deal of sympathy, and there was a large attendance, there being over 200 from

Christchurch alone. Our deceased brother had lived long in Lyttelton, and had won the respect of all who

came in contact with him. The unfortunate part of this case is the fact that Mrs. Veale is left with three small

children. He was accorded a Masonic funeral, every Lodge in Christchurch and its immediate surroundings

being represented, the R.W. Prov.G.M. being represented by W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop, Prov.G,Sec.

* * * * *

It is a matter of gratification to the members of Civic Lodge, No. 157, who first inaugurated educational

work, that the paper read by Bro. Alexander McLean Wright at one of its recent meetings has been published

in extenso by one of the Craft journals at Home. This same brother is to read the annual address at the next

meeting of Prov.G.L. to be held at Lyttelton.

——————————

AMONG THE AUCKLAND LODGES.

——<>——

It was refreshing to notice at the United Service installation that our R.W. Prov.G.M. is still prepared to serve

as well as to direct the Lodges of the district. R.W. Bro. Allen has been Sec. of the erstwhile naval and

military Lodge for as long as the memory of most of the active brethren of to-day runs, and the members of

the Lodge would be loth to lost his services. Hence, on installation night, he again received the insignia of

Sec. at the hands of the W.M. Another veteran officer of United Service is W. Bro. Neumegen, who is still

"going strong" in the office of Treas.

* * * * *

A noticeable feature of the installation proceedings of Ara, No. 348, was the omission of the perambulations

and of the presentation of W.Ts. With all deference to ancient usage, this latter item seems an out-of-date

superfluity. To see an officer who has been through the lower grades of Masonic office gravely instructed at

his installation into the chair into the use of instruments that he has been employing in Lodge for years

savours of the comical, and the ceremonial item is well dispensed with.

* * * * *

Similarly, at the United Service gathering, the ceremonial entry of Lodges was abandoned; and, as all Lodges

were seated in good time, G.L. was announced promptly at the hour of 8. Altogether the feeling in Auckland

goes in the direction of cutting out needless excrescences on the ceremonies—with due respect, of course, to

those that can be held to be "ancient landmarks''—and the installation proceedings are becoming much less

tedious in consequence.

* * * * *

When in Hamilton last month the Prov.G.M. paid a fraternal visit to a worthy brother who is confined to the

local hospital—W. Bro. T. Smith, P.M., of Lodge Taupiri—who lost both his legs and one arm some months

ago through a railway truck running over him. Notwithstanding his frightful mutilation, W. Bro. Smith

maintains a cheerful spirit.

* * * * *

Well done, No. 8 ! The collection taken up at the installation meeting of Lodge St. Andrew was a bumper

one, realising no less a sum than £35. One item worth mentioning in connection with the collection was a

small packet containing fifty-two sixpences, representing the weekly coin set apart by one brother for the

special behoof of the Annuity Fund. How is that for an example worthy of imitation?

* * * * *

Speaking of St. Andrew reminds one of the distinguished members of the Craft who grace its roll of P.Ms.

The list is headed by M.W. Bro. Niccol, our present worthy G.Sec., who filled the chair of the Lodge as far

back as 1873. Then, in 1891, there was R.W. Bro. Tewsley, now P.G.W.; in 1901, R.W. Bro. F. Kearsley, the

D.G.M. of the present year, not to mention other brethren noted in public and Craft life.

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

THE GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND; AN EXAMPLE OF

MASONIC WISDOM AND DIGNITY: THE EDITOR.

——<>——

I have before me the letter of a brother, in which some episodes of a G.L. communication are related, as they

came under observatiou of the writer. Only that I am expressly prevented, the letter complete should be here

given as preface to what I have to say in this connection. But I am not violating any confidence in giving the

description furnished by my correspondent of an undignified and un-Masonic scramble for office, which in

the case mentioned would seem to have been the chief or only purpose of the gathering. He says :

"I have attended state and county political conventions where there were less caucusings and wire-

pullings, and where there were fewer jealousies and back-bitings manifested. I was not, as you well know,

an office-seeker, nor was I interested in the success of any who sought office. So that the election and its

outcome could have had no influence on my opinion as to methods employed. What tradings and

trucklings there were, what promises given contingent on support, what uncharitable hints given currency

affecting the character and sincerity and capabilities of brothers who were slated to defeat! There was a

"ring" —no other word will express the combination—of G. and P.G. officers, and those in acceptable

training for office. And the work of that "ring" was so crude and so open that the ward politician would

blush to employ its ways. The representatives of the Lodges might as well have stayed at home, so far as I

could see; the whole thing was arranged from the platform or from behind the drop-curtain. I tell you,

Bro. Morcombe, that American Masonry has sunk low if this G.L. of ——— is a fair sample of the Craft.

I am from a smaller and newer jurisdiction. It may be that we have not yet learned the ways of the

Masonic politician. And, from this example, I trust that my brethren of ——— may never become

sophisticated."

This is probably an extreme and unusual case. My correspondent is a P.G.M., and his sympathies, it might be

expected, would be with those in control. His indignation is really an evidence of the sterling quality of his

Masonry, and it is in line with the Masonry exemplified in his jurisdiction. But that G.L. communications

and election schemings can go to such lengths, in any jurisdiction, is the serious question. And it is a question

that has importance to every Mason whether or not his G.L. has come to such a pass. There should be,

between the governing bodies of American Masons, such a system of checks and counter-checks, that any

one of them, passing beyond the line of correct procedure, would at once meet the disapprobation and

condemnation of its peers. This would be the situation if the Craft really governed. But if only G. and P.G.

officers are to be considered, the government of Masonry is a misnomer—a thing altogether without

meaning. At any rate, there is pressing need for a careful consideration of conditions and of influences which

permit a showing of the sort described.

Now for the other and better—the right—side of Masonry as exemplified in G.L. procedure. If one having

knowledge was asked to name that governing body of the American Craft which has best preserved the true

dignity and the meaning of the Fraternity, he might hesitate for a time between two or three, but his decision

among these would certainly include the G.L. of Maryland. Those who, as matter of duty or of preference,

have had occasion to go through the various published proceedings of G.Ls, will agree with me that the

yearly volumes issued from Baltimore have a distinguishing flavour, free from the insipidity of some and

from the rank commercial taste and odour of others.

Now, let us briefly consider wherein the Masonry of Maryland has matter worthy of consideration and

commendation by others, and wherein its methods are preferable to those obtaining in some of the

jurisdictions. I am deeply indebted to a brother at Baltimore, who is and has been long in touch with affairs

of the fraternity in Maryland, for information. Take now, as a first fact, that this G.L., with a continuous

existence of one hundred and twenty-five years, has had but twenty-nine G.Ms! One of these served for

eighteen years, another for thirteen, and the present G.M.. Thomas J. Shryock, has been some twenty-seven

years in that office!

I suppose by some it might be objected to this method that it is not possible to exhibit, at annual

communications, a long row of P.G.Ms. How then shall be formed the usual "kitchen cabinets," how. show

the imposing array of those who look wise and pompous upon the platform, and how divide up the various

official places and committee assignments, so that where-ever there is influence on legislation, or

endorsement of official acts, or opinion as to succession, there may be nothing said or done against the

interests of those in control? It is true that in some cases and some places this might be serious objection;

Masters and Wardens have been so long and so well trained to regard themselves as mere non-entities—

attendant at G.L. only to register their votes when called upon—that they might be appalled by any sudden

accession of responsibilities. So long as they are content to remain under such guardianship and tutelage, the

dignified but utterly useless row of P.G.Ms. must be kept up. But fortunately, if only for purpose of example,

in such cases as that of Maryland, the real work and responsibility of G.L. is put where it of right belongs—

in the hands and full control of the representatives of the Lodges.

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The brother from whom my information is derived says "Our G.L. believes, and I think we have proved from

actual experience the correctness of such belief, that an annual change of G.Ms. is not conducive to the best

interests of Masonry. The result of continuing the G.M. in office, as it actually works out, is, in our firm

judgment, most beneficial to the Craft. The G.M., in our way, becomes acquainted with the Craft in general,

and he knows the condition of every Lodge in the State. Let me say that during Bro. Shryock's entire service

of twenty-seven years we have never lost a Lodge. At every communication of our G.L., annual and semi-

annual, every Lodge has been represented and its dues paid to G.L. This, too, notwithstanding the fact that

we do not pay mileage or per diem. But the interest of the brethren is so acute that they are glad of the

opportunity of visiting G.L."

There is another feature worth recording and commenting upon. Says my informant :—"We require the

Master-elect of our Lodges, before they can be installed, to pass a thorough and rigid examination upon their

ability to confer the three degrees of Masonry in full form. They must know, not only the esoteric and the

monitorial work, but in addition, we require that each one of them shall pass a satisfactory examination as to

the law of the G.L. in regard to the government of constituent Lodges." A very excellent thing, indeed, and

possible in Maryland, and in other States that have held fast to Masonic simplicity and Masonic purpose. But

altogether impossible, I fear, in such jurisdictions where lawmaking is the chief diversion of those in control,

and where there is constant effort to filch more and more from the rights of the Lodges and their

representatives, so that power may rest entirely in the hands of the few. In such jurisdictions the Code, or

Digest, or whatever may be called the book of law as ordained by G.L. grows rapidly, and rues through many

editions. Its sections bristle with technicalities, and the business of the Craft is left more and more

completely to the clever lawyers who engineer legislation and expound its meaning. The ordinary Master of

a Lodge, being but a layman, upon even simple occasion flounders helplessly, and in despair of

understanding appeals to the G.M. for decision. In many jurisdictions, again, these decisions are incorporated

as part of the body of the law, and the confusion is worse confounded. And every year the G.M. of such a

jurisdiction, being pestered beyond endurance or experience of knowledge, comes to his annual address

bemoaning the laxity and indifference and ignorance of the Masters of Lodges, and he urges that these study

"the plain provisions of the Code. " In the face of this, how works the brief and simple law of Maryland ?

Again I quote : "Let me say that we have very little law. Our Constitution is a book of about twenty-four

pages, and Article 23 refers to the government of constituent Lodges. Outside of this, we have no law,

digests, edicts, or anything else. In other words, we have so little law that, in connection with the ancient

usages of the Fraternity, any intelligent brother can master the whole of it with comparatively little study. As

the best evidence of this let me say that during the entire term of G.M. Shryock's service he has never made a

single Masonic decision, nor has he ever been called upon to do so."

Think of this now, you G.Ms. of a few brief months in office, who complain of multitudinous questions

addressed to you by bewildered W.Ms. ! Think of it, too, you W.Ms., for whom the Code of your jurisdiction

is no more than a collection of puzzles, the which you can not hope to solve ? Yet I do not believe that the

W.Ms. of Lodges in Maryland are superior to any of you in ability, or reasoning qualities, or that they have a

greater Masonic knowledge than you possess. It is only that Masonry in this State has been held to its first

simplicity—which is also its highest purpose and meaning—while in some of the others it has lost itself

among refinements and glosses and legislation, until neither man nor Mason can understand any purpose or

meaning to the institution.

My correspondent, as first quoted, indicated the political method of choosing G.L. officers. We can contrast

this by another quotation from the information so kindly given : " Our custom is at the annual

communication, before calling on in the afternoon, to suspend business for dinner. After dinner the brethren

discuss among themselves—W.Ms. and Wardens of the Lodges—the available men in the G.L. for the

several offices, and then they practically agree, outside the G.L. session, for whom they will vote. In most

instances there is but one candidate nominated, and he is always unanimously elected. We make a change in

the Wardens every year, but the G.M. and the Deputy-G.M. are continued in office. We altogether

disapprove of electioneering. During the thirty years that I have known of the G.L. once or twice an

enthusiastic brother has announced himself as a candidate for either J. or S.G.W., but whenever one has done

so he has been ignominiously defeated. Yet we would not think of electing a brother as Deputy-G.M. who

did not have the full approval of whoever we chose as G.M. During the full term of Bro. Shryock's service

the Deputy-G.Ms. have always been re-elected, the only changes being those of death." Thus, Masonry

proceeds by the wish and consent of those governed. And again I quote : " Our G.M. is looked upon as being

the G.M. of all the Masons in the State of Maryland. His every wish is cheerfully complied with, and none of

our G.Ms. have ever found it necessary to issue an edict of any kind or character, believing, as we do, that

there is an abundance of Masonic law, without piling it up book upon book, decision upon decision, the

which few minds can take in without assiduous study." And so, loyally full of his subject, as he should be,

my informant continues : " The enthusiasm of the Craft for the G.M. as exhibited all over the jurisdiction, is,

to my mind, a splendid and inspiring fact. The love of these Masons for their chief officer surpasses anything

with which I have come in contact, and because of this loyalty, fealty and love, as I believe, Bro. Shryock

has consented to give to the Craft the best part of his life. He has thus had the opportunity to do good in

continued and increasing measure—a good to Masonry and to humanity. And this, be it said, has with him

been a labour of love. The work laid upon him has never been so arduous or so burdensome but that there

was for him the heartening thought that all was for the benefit of his brethren."—" The American

Freemason."

——————————

CHARITY.

——<>——

By W. BRO. COLLINGWOOD, P.M. Read at the June meeting of Huia Lodge.)

Where can we find a subject of more importance to Freemasons than that of charity ? It permeates every part

of our ritual. From a candidate's initiation until he has passed through the whole of his degrees the teaching

which inculcates Charity as the predominant characteristic of a Freemason's heart is ever before him. He is

taught that Charity, ever lovely in itself, is one of the brightest gems that can adorn our Masonic

profession—that this virtue is the best test and the surest proof of the sincerity of a Freemason's religion. If to

this virtue is added benevolence, the combination, he is assured, honours not only the individual but the

nation which practises it.

How many of us, however, are there who believe that Charity consisteth only in rendering a little financial

assistance to a distressed brother While it means this, it also means a great deal more. This is the leaves only.

Hidden under the mass of leaves is the perfected fruit, the real meaning of the word "Charity."

The man who has sown in his heart the seeds of benevolence, which has the same meaning as Charity when

used in this sense, envieth not his neighbour, but rejoiceth with him in his prosperity and assists him in his

adversity. He believes not the tale when told by the slanderer ; and here I would like to draw the attention of

Freemasons to the spread of evil reports. You constantly find Masons either repeating or listening to reports

which contain something against the character of a brother. They will often say : "Don't repeat this; I am not

sure it is true, but I got it from another brother." Brethren, this is not Charity, but the opposite. Let us not

forget that, if we would defend a brother's character in his absence as though he were present, we must not

speak lightly of him, and if we claim to be in possession of the virtue denominated Charity, we will not be

tempted even to listen to anything derogatory to an absent brother's reputation; and even if a brother's

failings are forced upon us, even if we cannot fail to see his faults, let us still practise the cardinal virtue, and

face to face offer our advice or protest. Let us not believe the lie when told by the slanderer, and not even

spread the truth if it will injure our brother. Let not malice or revenge find a place in our heart, but rather a

kindly forbearance and a full forgiveness; and, while we have kindly thoughts towards an erring brother, let

us not withhold a liberal hand when he is in want. This whole-souled charity, which does not judge another's

faults, which makes allowance for a brother's transgressions, which defends a brother's character in his

absence, which does not envy his preferment, which rejoices in his prosperity, which assists in his adversity,

which forgives injuries, which feels neither malice nor revenge, which wipes away the tears from the

orphan's cheek and brings him up to virtue and to God, which causes the widows to sing for joy, which

cheers the aged brother on his downward path to the grave—this is the virtue which has the approbation of

heaven and earth, and, like its sister Mercy, blesseth him that gives as well as him who receives.

For it is a fact that giving in the liberal spirit of true charity carries with it a heartfelt satisfaction which is its

own reward. The possession of this virtue in the sense explained, with its resultant practice, forms the

topstone of Freemasonry, which we should all strive to reach. We are all prone to self-righteousness. We

judge harshly; we forget that we cannot judge a brother's actions correctly unless we know his character, his

environments, his creed, his temptation, his necessity, his motive; and we cannot know these things. Let us

speak kindly. He may have failed even when actuated by the purest motives. He may have taken the first

false step in hope, and found afterwards that he could not retrace it. Let us cover up his failings with that

charity which suffereth long and is kind, which thinketh no evil, which never faileth; which taketh even a

higher place than Faith, and Hope—her twin sister.

Let us live for something. Let us write our names in kindness, love, and mercy—all comprehended under the

name of charity—on the hearts of all those with whom we come in contact; and we will then leave behind us

a monument of virtue which time cannot destroy, nor the storms of life efface. It ought to be a privilege to

make others happy, to illuminate, if only for an instant, the depths of a sad soul. It is a sign of strength to

show kindness towards the weak. If we considered fully the temptations of our fellows and the weakness of

their wills, we would be more considerate; we would see only that to which they yield. We never look for

that which they resisted successfully; we do not give due thought to the power and influence of environment

and heredity. Thousands of people are going about the world with breaking hearts just for the want of a little

kindness; let us supply the need. In the intercourse of social life we can, by little acts of kindness, by

courteous words and deeds, by looks, tones, and gestures, win the affection and cheer the hearts of ninny, All

hearts grow warmer in the presence of one who, seeking not his own, gives freely for the love of giving.

Every time we do good in this way we experience the feeling that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Kindness binds society together by a golden chain stronger and more durable than the most hardened steel.

We win mankind by tenderness; we conquer by forgiveness if we strive to enter into something of that divine

charity which is meek and enduring, unretaliating, and which oven the most stubborn cannot withstand for

ever. We should pour forth all the colour, charm, and happiness we possess to our friends, our homes, our

daily society, to the poor, the sorrowful, the joyous and the prosperous. By this means we soften the rude

life, brighten the dark life, make sunshine and peace in stormy places, and cover over the faults and follies of

men. This is the best religion; nothing in all the world is sweeter than a heaven-born charity, which is known

by, the name of love—love for the Creator, and love for our fellow-men. There is nothing greater, stronger,

broader, fuller than this charity which gives all without the expectation of reward. Let us not forget that it is

cheap and easy to destroy by an angry or discouraging word, by withholding our sympathy when it is

needed; that it is harder to help to redeem defeat, to add energy, to inspire hope, to encourage the weak, and

cheer on the despondng soul; but this is the nobler work. This is all included under the heading of charity.

Our great duty in life should be to avoid giving pain. No excuse can be found for him who voluntarily and

maliciously wounds the heart of his fellow-man; and, though good and friendly conduct may meet with an

ungrateful return, the absence of gratitude cannot destroy the self-approbation which recompenses the giver;

and we may scatter the seeds of kindness and courtesy around us at so,little expense, and these seeds will

spring up into golden grain.

It has been said by one of our greatest preachers that the spectrum of charity, or love, has nine ingredients—

patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, guilelessness, and sincerity.

These make up the supreme gift—the stature of the perfect man. If time allowed I could show how each of

these virtues, added together, made up the cardinal virtue of charity.

Mr. Henry Ward Beecher, speaking of kindness, says :"Among the Alps, when the day is done, and twilight

and darkness are creeping over the fold and the hamlet in the valleys below, Mount Rosa and Mount Blanc

rise far above the darkness, catching from the retreating sun something of his life, flushed with rose colour,

exquisite beyond all words or pencil to paint, glowing like the gate of heaven; and so past kindnesses lift

themselves up in the memory of noble natures, and long after the lower parts of life are darkened by neglect,

or selfishness, or anger, former loves, high up above all clouds, glow with divine radiance and seem to forbid

the advance of night any further."

We spread flowers over the grave of our dear departed brother; we murmur with all reverence, "Soft and safe

to thee, my brother, be this earthly bed; bright and glorious be thy rising from it; fragrant be the acacia sprig

that here shall flourish; may the earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties over this your resting place; and

here may the sweetness of the summer's last rose linger longest" ; but, brethren, how often 'do we spread the

flowers of loving kindness, of tender affection, of helpful encouragement over the pathway which has led to

the grave. It is fitting that we lay our brother to rest amidst our flowers, and with manly, fraternal grief ; but

it is more in keeping with Masonic charity to cheer him along life's journey; and the very assistance we give

him, the helping hand held out, the friendly word of cheer, the encouraging word which helps to surmount

difficulties, will also help the giver. In no other institution can it be more truly said, "It is more blessed to

give than to receive." In this respect let the Masonic brother be a shining example to the world.

Whyte Melville in one of his books has a good word to say in praise of the cardinal virtue I have been

advocating. "Gold for silver, old lamps for new; stack your capital in the bank that in the end pays cent. for

cent.— the bank of human kindness, where the bonds are charity, help to the broken down, sympathy with

the defeated, protection to the weakened, encouragement to the forlorn, hope to the hopeless, and afterward

the inscription on your tomb, or, what is better, in someone's grateful memory : "What he spent he had; what

he saved he lost; what he gave he has."

If we can gain a full conception of the word "Charity" and abide by its precepts, we shall get the true

meaning of the word "Freemason," and if we practise all the principles contained in the meaning of the word

we shall raise the standard of Freemasonry to such a high state of perfection that to be known as a member of

the fraternity is to be known as one who never turns a deaf ear to the cry of distress, whose heart is full of

sympathy and mercy, whose hand dispenses benevolence and is guided by justice. Freemasonry will thus

become a temple from whence the light of wisdom will be diffused, the beauties of virtue exemplified, the

woes of humankind lessened—from whence will shine in all their splendour those divine attributes of

brotherly love, mercy, sympathy, long-suffering, kindness, benevolence, and sincerity, which are all included

under the general head of "Charity"— that truly Masonic virtue which knows no bounds but those of

prudence.

——————————

CONSTITUTION AND DEDICATION OF LODGE IONIC No. 191.

——<>——

The township of Green Island, distant some five miles from Dunedin, was the venue of an assemblage of

Freemasons on 8th July, the occasion being the opening of a new Lodge under the name and number of

"'Lodge Ionic, No. 191." A petition bearing the signatures, of twenty-nine worthy and esteemed brethren,

presented to the M.W.G.M., was the foundation of the erection of the new Lodge and the grant of its warrant.

The ceremony of constitution and dedication was undertaken by M.W. Bro. Maurice Thompson, G.M.,

assisted by the following :— M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M., G.Sec.; RW, Bro. T. Ross, P.D.G.M. ;

R.W. Bro. A. Stoneham, Prov.G,M.; R.W. Bro, A. Fieldwick, .P.G,W.; R.W. Bro. O. H. Moller, P.G.W.;

R.W. Bro. D. A. Jolly, P. G . W. , G. ; V.W. Bro. G. Knowles Smith, G. Chaplain; V,W. Bro. H. M. Ewing,

G. Registrar ; V.W. Bro. J. J, Clark, P.B. of B. ; W. Bro. A..W. Flett, G.D.C.; and other P.G. officers. The

petition and charter having been read by the G,Sec., the petitioners approved of the officers named in them.

The Lodge symbol was then uncovered, and the G. officers in procession made the circuit of the Lodge,

M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol bearing corn, R.W. Bro. T, Ross wine, R.W. Bro. A. Stoneham oil, and R. W.

Bro. A. Fieldwick salt. T. G.M. having declared the Lodge duly constituted, the members of the new Lodge

did homage to G.L.

A very interesting and lucid address on the nature and objects of Freemasonry was then delivered by M.W.

Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M. The Lodge was closed in the Third Degree; and the installation of. Bro, James

Lindsay Miller, P.M., W,M., conducted by the Pray. G.M. of Otago (R. W. Bro, Stoneham).

This concluded the afternoon proceedings, and in the evening the usual proclamations were made, the W.Ts.

in the Third Degree being presented by W. Bro. T. Given (WM., No. 105); Second Degree, W. Bro. C, A.

Wilson Nu. 48); and First Degree, W. Bro, A. Davidson (W.M,, No, 84). R.W. Bro. T. Ross invested Bro. A.

Smellie as S.W. and Bro. A. P. Bremner as J.W., and R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick, P.G.W , invested the other

officers as follows :—Chaplain, Bro. J. A. McPhee; Trees., Bro. J. Lindsay ; Sec., Bro. B. A. Bayley ; S.D.,

Bro. S. F. Budgman; J.D., Bro. G. V. Price; D. of C., Bro. J. A. McClymont; I.G., Bro. J. Pringle; Tyler; Bro.

A. A. Jensen; Stewards, Bros. W. McDonald (sen.), W. Geddes, T. Graham, G. Ritchie, R. Mills, and H.

Hanaway, V.W. Bro. H. M. Ewing was appointed and invested by the W.M. as Dep.M.

H.G.W. and congratulations having been tendered to the W.M. by G.L. and various visitors, the Lodge

closed. An adjournment was made to the refectory, when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed

and responded to.

Lodge Ionic has started under the most favourable auspices, the whole of the Lodge furniture having been

donated by various Lodges, prominent brethren, and members of the Lodge.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

——————————

ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS OF MASONIC INTEREST.

——<>——

Q.— (1.) At the conclusion of Lodge meeting, is it the duty of the S,W. or the I.P.M., to convey H.G,W. to

the W.M.?

(2.) If the S.W., what words should be used?

A.— (1.) The S,W., when it is done, it is not an invariable custom.

(2.) H.G.W., or fraternal greetings, from the members of your Lodge. There is no stereotyped form.

Q.— On opening the Lodge, and prior to the J.W. vouching that all present are Fs., should the officers be

addressed as Bro. S.W. etc., or by their names—as Bro. Brown, etc. ?

A.— The ritual differs with the constitution. The E.C. addresses by name, the majority of other constitutions

by the office.

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

Correspondence
———————————————————————————————————————————

MASONIC INDISCRETION.

——<>——

INSTALLATION OF LODGE BETA-WAIKATO, No. 12.

TO THE EDITOR

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Attached hereto you will find a cutting from a public newspaper describing the above

ceremonial as though it were a matter of great public importance. Now, M.W. brother, I don't know what

your opinion on the matter is, but personally I consider it scandalous and very discreditable to the Craft in

general, and especially so to the brother responsible for the publication. What right, I ask, has the general

public to be informed, or of what interest is it to them, that Bro. So-and-so was installed in the Chair of KS.,

and that the W.Ts. in the First, Second, or Third Degrees were presented by W. Bro, Brown, Smith, or Jones?

I may mention that several brothers that I have spoken to on the subject have expressed extreme disgust that

such important Masonic events should be described in full in a public newspaper, and leaves one to wonder

at the lack of discretion displayed by some of the brethren. It is becoming more evident as time goes on that

the secrets of Freemasonry will be secrets no more, and the Masonic ritual will be preached on the street

corners and in the churches.—Yours fraternally, C. E. BEACHEN.

Hamilton, 30th June, 1912.

[Article 115 of the laws and regulations of G.L. prohibits printing and publishing ; consequently any brother

who does so, or supplies information to that end, breaks the law, The Lodge should locate the ‘offender’ and

report the matter to the B. of G.P.—ED. C.]

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

BRO. C. HORSNELL, OF PALMERSTON NORTH, VISITS WHANGAREI.

——<>——

1 have recently had the pleasure of a short visit to Whangarei, the home of the orange and lemon and nikau

palm; and, after completing the business which took use there, was met by the W.M., W. Bro. C. McKinnon,

and Bro. Le Rue, Sec. of Lodge Star of the North, No. 1647, E.C., whom I accompanied on a visit to their

Lodgeroom. The brethren last year erected a most commodious Lodge in ferro-concrete, replete in every

direction. The matter of ventilation had been given very serious consideration and attention—a very

necessary thing with a warm climate, such as is experienced at Whangarei, to contend with. The Lodge

proper is very spacious and well furnished, and there is ample room for the important work entrusted to the

Deacons, much of the furniture being the gift of the officers past and present. On the pavement are placed the

tools used by the contractor in the erection of the Lodge. These, as the years pass, will become very valuable,

and they at present constitute one of the most interesting features of the furniture exhibited. Much time and

valuable labour had evidently been bestowed on the work by those brethren responsible for the erection of

the Lodge, with the result that they now possess a Lodgeroom which is a credit to the Craft, and to the

brethren of the Lodge in particular. My visit was both a source of pleasure and instruction, and was made so

by the attention paid me by our worthy brethren, whose enthusiasm could not be excelled, and my only

regret was that time would not allow of my remaining long enough in their beautiful town to see them at

work in such a splendid Lodgeroom.

On the night of 11th July Whangarei was astir to a very marked extent, and on enquiry it was found that the

cause of the influx of population was owing to the fact that the thirty-sixth annual ball of Lodge Star of the

North, No. 1647, E.C. was to be held at 8 p.m. During the afternoon I had met the W.M., Bro. C. McKinnon,

Bro. Le Rue, Sec. and Bro. A. Smith, S.S., and they had shown me through their very excellently appointed

Temple, and, as they had insisted on my attending the ball, I joined the throng which wended its way into the

Drill Hall at the appointed hour. I found the appointments excellent. Every possible attention had been given

to detail, and the comfort of guests was given every consideration. There were about 250 present. On

entering the spacious hall a remarkably fine sight met the eye. The whole of the walls had been covered with

beautiful specimens of the nikau palm, which abounds up that way. Mirrors had been artistically hung

amongst the nikau palms, and from the roof hung hundreds of flags of all nations and dozens of Chinese

lanterns. The orchestra of five brethren occupied is raised platform in the centre of the floor, the platform

being artistically draped. Bro. Williams was in charge of the orchestra, which rendered ideal dance music.

The following were the committee responsible for the very excellent function :—W, Bro. C. McKinnon,

W.M., Bro. Savage, W. Bro. Jack,. J.W., Bro. A. Smith, S.S., W, Bro. G. McKay, I.P.M., Bro. C. Chapman,

S.D., Bros. A. Campbell and J. Richards, and Bro. L. R. Le Rue, Sec, No less than six extra extras were

played by the wives and lady friends of members; and the opening of the ball by the grand march of

members (in regalia) and their partners, whose dresses were beautiful, being combinations of good taste and

elegance, made a very beautiful picture. The welcome claret cup was very much in evidence between the

dances, and before the opening of the second part of the programme a very excellent supper was partaken of.

The catering was in the capable hands of Bro. Wilkinson. The W.M. and Bro, Sec. did everything in their

power to give pleasure and entertainment generally to the many guests present. Dancing was indulged in till

nearly 2 a.m., and I left for my hotel with many good wishes after having spent one of the most, enjoyable

social evenings that it has been my privilege to spend. My boat left next morning at 11 a.m., and W. Bro.

McKinnon and other brethren were on the wharf to give me a hearty send-off, and I left Whangarei regretting

that time would not permit of a more extended acquaintance of our worthy brethren, and feeling more than

ever the universality of Masonry.

——————————

THE MASTERS' LODGE, No. 161.

——<>——

"QUESTION NIGHT."

———

(By V.W. BRO. J. J. CLARK, P.B,B.)

At the meeting of the Lodge on Friday, 21st June, 1912, V.W. Bro. S. J. Clark, President of the Board of

Benevolence, answered a number of questions that had been submitted by members. Several of the questions

dealt with the secret working of the Craft, and therefore cannot appear in print. The following is a condensed

report of the questions and the answers thereto :—

————

What is meant by the allusion to "that bright Morning Star" in the Third Degree?"

The whole system of Freemasonry is intended to symbolically represent the journey of man through life,

each Degree referring . to a particular period of life. Thus, the First Degree is representative of youth—the

time to learn; the Second of manhood—the time to work ; while the Third is symbolic of old age, with its

trials, sufferings, and final termination in death. The great truth shining forth in this degree is that there is a

life beyond the grave, with immortality to the faithful and obedient follower of truth. This is the beacon that

shines forth in all of the ancient rites and mysteries, lighting up the pagan darkness of the almost forgotten

past. Amid the symbolic darkness that surrounds the Third Degree, which expresses the darkness of death,

there cornea a light that enables us to attain peace and salvation. It is instructive to notice how the charge in

which the allusion referred to occurs is built up almost entirely with allusions from the V. of the S.L. It opens

with a reference to the mysterious darkness that surrounds the Degree (see Exodus xxvi., 33), and which can

only be penetrated by "the Word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path" (Psalm cxix., 105).

It calls upon us to learn that "all go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again" (Ecclesiastes

iii., 20), and teaches us that we "must work the work of Him that sent us while it is yet day; the night cometh

when no man can work" (John iv., 9). Continue to listen to the voice of reason, which tells us that "this

mortal frame must put on immortality" (1 Cor. xv., 53), and inspires us with the knowledge that "His

confidence shall be rooted out of His tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the King of Terrors" (Job xviii.,

14), who shall be trampled beneath our feet by the aid of the light that comes from "that bright Morning Star"

(Rev. xxii., 16), the Author of our redemption. This "Morning Star" is the symbol of God, the Author of

immortality.

————

Is there a password to the First Degree ? If so, what is it?

While this question may be answered in one word, it may be wise to say a few words regarding it. We would

first ask : What is a password ? Bro. Kenneth R. H. Mackenzie defines a password as "a word intermediate

between one Degree and the next." Even a cursory glance at a ritual will bear out this definition. If we admit

this definition, it is plainly impossible that there is a password to the First Degree. It is true that certain

Lodges do use as a password to the First Degree a certain term employed by the Wardens in the initiation

ceremony. In the anti-Masonic agitation of 1829 certain Lodges used a special password as an extra

precaution against cowans, but it soon died out. To some such circumstance may be traced the use by certain

Lodges of a password to the First Degree. We have been unable to discover any ritual that makes provision

for instructing a candidate in such a password or for receiving it from the brethren. When we communicate

the Ss. of the degree we give instructions how the candidate is to prove himself a Freemason, and we can see

no reason why this procedure should be departed from.

————

What part of the V. of the S.L. should be opened in the various degrees, and why ?

It is essential that the V. of the S.L. should always be open when a Lodge is at labour. There is an

appropriate symbolism in this. The Book of Law is the great light in Freemasonry, and to close it would

indicate that its contents were secret, and the rays of light contained therein could not be spread. We open it

to show that we are not in darkness, but under the influence of its illuminating power, and to teach us that we

are to study its contents so that the lessons inculcated there may be "the rule and guide of our conduct." But

do we open it haphazard? It is interesting to see the various passages selected by different ritualists for the

several Degrees. To show the conflict of opinion, take the passage selected for the First Degree by various

writers whom we pick up at random from our shelves :— 1 Kings vii., 21; Psalm cxxiii. ; Psalm cxxxiii. ;

Genesis xxii. ; Genesis xxviu. ; 1 Cor. xiii., 4, 8. In England the usage seems to be fairly consistent, and the

following passages are chosen :For the First Degree, Ruth iv., 7; Second Degree, Judges xii., 6; Third

Degree, 1 Kings vii., 13, 14. According to Mackey, in America the practice is to open the V. of the S.L. as

follows :First Degree, Psalm cxxxiii.; Second Degree, Amos vii., 7, 8; Third Degree, Ecclesiastes xii., 1-7. It

will be seen that all these passages have a more or less intimate relation to the work of the Degree for which

they are selected. While it may be an interesting subject of discussion for Masonic pundits what part of the

V. of the S.L. best expresses the teaching of a particular degree, it appears to us to be of no moment where it

is opened. It is the whole, not a portion, of the V. of the S.L. that constitutes the Great Light of Freemasonry,

and all parts call for the veneration and study of the Fraternity. It is opened on our altars to show that the

brethren may find there the light that will direct their steps through life.

——————————

CHARITY.

——<>——

(ADDRESS BY W. BRO. E. L'E. BARTON AT THE INSTALLATION

MEETING OF LODGE HAWERA.)

I have been called upon by our I.P.M., in the absence of W. Bro. Morris Fox, to address you upon the subject

of "Charity," immediately after which a collection will be taken up in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund.

Had our distinguished brother been here, he would no doubt have addressed himself to the subject of that

fund and to the practice of that virtue which has been the honour and living characteristic of Masonry in the

Sour quarters of the globe. When so many members of the G.L. are present it would be presumptuous on my

part to trespass upon what it is so much more fitting to leave to some officer of that august body to deal with.

Neither do I propose to deal with that particular aspect of charity which we have all had so much impressed

upon us in our lectures and our ritual and at the peculiar moment of our entry into the Craft, which I May

designate as the "charity of the purse," and which I am sure you are all too familiar with that meaning of the

word to be found wanting in its practice on this occasion. I would rather address myself to that aspect of

charity which thinketh no evil, endureth no evil, heareth no evil. It is very striking how very silent is our

teaching on this, the nobler, side of charity.

Beyond the obligation to boldly repel the slanderer of a brother's good name, our ritual and lectures are

confined to inculcating the duty to "relieve the necessities and succour the weaknesses of a poor and

distressed brother." Has no brother experience of confidential communications, under the sacred bond of the

Order, of that which should never have been said ? Has no brother ever found that what was confided to him

was without other foundation than hearsay—perhaps hearsay of hearsay ? Have we always turned a deaf ear

to the would-be confidant, or rebuked him as we should ? Some cynical Frenchman has declared that our

greatest pleasures are derived from hearing of the misfortunes of our greatest friends. Is it not true, after all,

that our poor human nature does often derive a secret satisfaction in hearing that a brother has fallen where

we, perhaps, have been able to stand erect? Some one has said that—

"There is so much of bad in the best of us,

And so much of good in the worst of us,

That it ill behoves the rest of us

To harbour ill thoughts of any of us."

And yet have we always realised in all its fulness that man and woman prize their good name as "the very

jewel of their soul"—to use the words of that arch-hypocrite, Iago ? You will remember he goes on to say—

"Who steals my purse steals trash.

'Tis something, nothing;

'Tis mine, 'tis his, it has been slave to thousands;

But he that filches from me my good name

Robs me of that which not enriches him,

But leaves me poor indeed."

The practice of charity in the nobler sense implies that the soul has been so purified that it thinketh no evil,

endureth no evil, heareth no evil. It implies a kindness of heart that taketh HO pleasure in the fall of a

brother, that desireth not to believe it, that cannot endure it. W.M., and brethren, we have depicted in our

T.B. Jacob's ladder and the emblems of Faith, Hope, and Charity. It is in this nobler sense of the word, and in

this sense only that we can add, "The greatest of these is Charity."

——————————

BIOGRAPHICAL.

——<>——

R.W. BRO. A. STONEHAM, PROV.G.M. OF OTAGO.

The subject of this notice was admitted into Freemasonry early in 1902 by Lodge Celtic, No. 477, S.C.,

Dunedin, in which Lodge he was also passed and raised. Owing to an absorbing interest in military matters,

our brother never sought office in his mother Lodge, but, when Lodge Oceanic was called into existence in

1907, Bro. Stoneham was named as the first S.W., and the following year was installed as W.M., in the then

new St. Kilda Masonic Hall. In 1909 he was elected G. Pursuivant, and at the meeting in May, 1912,

succeeded to the exalted position of Prov. G.M. of Otago. Joining the military service at the age of fifteen,

Bro. Stoneham has given twenty-six years to the service of his country, and has attained the rank of Lieut.-

Colonel. Thoroughly energetic, without any ostentation, our brother is truly faithful in all his hand findeth to

do. With a charmingly genial manner it is no matter of surprise that he stands well in the estimation of his

brethren. Being only in the prime of life, we shall be surprised if he does not render good service to

Freemasonry for many years in the future.

————————

R.W. BRO. T. A. PETERKIN, PROV.G.M. OF WELLINGTON.

————

We have pleasure in presenting the portrait of our veteran brother in this issue in his new role of Prov.G.M.

Last year (p. 130) the CRAFTSMAN published in detail Bro. Peterkin's Masonic career, and there is little more

to add now, save that our brother owes a debt of gratitude to Freemasonry if only that it has given him a new

lease of life. He is putting a lot of strenuous work into his new office, and his genial manner, his ready joke,

and his outspoken antipathy to loose working and innovation secures him a warm welcome wherever he

goes. It is extremely fortunate for the Craft that he has so much leisure time at his disposal.

R. W. Bro. T. A. PETERKIN, Prov. G.M. of Wellington.

———————————————

R.W. BRO. J. A. NASH, S.G.W.

Bro. James Alfred Nash, of Palmerston North, received Masonic light in Manawatu KU. Lodge, No. 47, and

filled every office from Steward to W.M. He was installed in 1904, and was again elected in 1908. During

the latter term the new Masonic Hall in Church Street was erected and opened, and is recognised as one of

the most commodious Lodgerooms in the Dominion, and it was largely due to Bro. Nash's untiring efforts

that this work was consummated. When the G.L. communication was held in Palmerston North in 1908, our

brother supervised all the arrangements, and G.L. endorsed his services by a special vote of thanks and by

electing him G. Pursuivant. In 1910 he received the higher rank of G.D. of C., and in May last was appointed

by the M.W.G.M. to his present rank of S.G.W. He has always been most enthusiastic in Masonic work, and

for years past the annual meetings of Lodges in and around Palmerston would have been incomplete without

his presence. Our brother is the happy possessor of a mercurial temperament and restless energy, and his

capacity for work is great, as the burgesses of the borough have fully recognised by electing him as their

Mayor for some years past. Doubtless Freemasonry holds other prizes to our esteemed brother in the future,

and the CRAFTSMAN will have the greatest pleasure in recording their presentation.

——————————————

THOS. W. ALLEN, PROV.G.M. OF AUCKLAND.

Initiated in Lodge United Service, No. 421, I.C., on 29th October, 1879, in the old Masonic Hotel, Princes

Street, Auckland; served in the office of J.S., 1882; LG., 1883; S.D., 1884; J. W., 1885; and installed as

W.M., 24th June (St. John's Day), 1886. Installed his successor (Bro. T. Trafford), doing the whole ceremony

(except the presenting of the W.Ts.), charges, and addresses single-handed, on 24th June, 188'7. At that time

there were not many P.Ms. to assist. Elected Sec. of the Lodge in 1888, and held the position until 1899,

when he was installed W.M. of Lodge No. 10, taking up the role of Sec. again in 1902, holding that position

to the present day. Was one of the most prominent members of the Masonic Union for promoting the G.L. of

New Zealand. Elected President, Board of Benevolence, 1893; appointed S.G.W. in 1897. Held the position

of D. of C. in the Prov.G.L., I.C., for three years prior to the New Zealand G.L. being established. Kept up an

amicable correspondence with the G.L. of Ireland through the troublous times prior to recognition, and was

instrumental in securing for Lodge United Service the original charter (which had been returned to Dublin by

Bro. Allen) from that G.L., marked "Cancelled," as a memento - the first old charter returned to New

Zealand.

Bro. Allen has been a member of the Freemasons' Hall Committee for over twenty years, part of the early

period acting as Sec. He represents the G.L. of Quebec near this G.L.; is also a member of Southern Cross

Chapter, No. 88, 18 deg. ; and has been a member of the Auckland Prov. R.A. Chapter, No. 9, since 1896, in

which Chapter he now occupies the position of Third Principal. For the past fourteen years he has assisted in

great measure the Prov.G.Ms. of the Auckland District, visiting almost every Lodge.

——————————————————

R.W. BRO. F. KEARSLEY, D.G.M.

R.W. BRO F. KEARSLEY, Deputy Grand Master.

R.W. Bro. F. Kearsley was initiated in St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 8, Auckland, on 10th October, 1894; was

passed 20th November, and raised 18th December ; was installed as W.M. by M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol on

16th July, 1901; elected G. Steward, 1902; G.D. of C., 1903; and appointed S.G.W., 1905; and D.G.M.,

1912. He is also charter member of the United Masters' Lodge, No. 167; Lodge Onewa, No. 182; and Lodge

Te Mamma, No. 186. He joined the Auckland Prov. R.A. Chapter, No. 9, in 1896; filled the different chairs,

and was First Principal for two years, 1903 and 1904; was elected 1st G.Soj. in Supreme G. Chapter, 1910;

G.D. of C., 1911; and G.Supt. of Auckland, 1912. He is also a member of the Southern Cross Chapter Rose

Croix, No. 88, joining this Chapter in 1904, and was elected Most Wise Sovereign in 1908. He is

representative of the G.L. of New Brunswick and the G. Chapter of Missouri. Bro. Kearsley was specially

invited to conduct the ceremony at the installation of M.W. Bro. C. J. Griffiths in 1910. Besides the

advantage of a very fine presence, our distinguished brother is an excellent ritualist, and, while being firm in

matters of duty, has a most courteous bearing to all. Bro. Kearsley has a large circle of friends and admirers

outside Auckland, all of whom cordially congratulate him on his well-merited preferment.

——————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED TO 23rd JULY, 1912.

——<>——

E. Runnestrum (Wanganui), A. Vaughan, W. Britland (Pahiatua), H. Street 10/- (Hunterville), G. R. McKay

27/6 (Northlands), G. Lyndon 4/2 (Pokeokahu, via Taihape), W. Quayle 17/6 (Manakau), G. Urquhart 15/10,

E. Eales (Rotorua), W. A. Bell 26/8 (Feilding), J. W. Hodd, Dr. Burns 15/-, R. Wylie (Petone), Nielson 17/6,

H. Matthews 20/-, A. Malmberg, F. Gibson 12/6, H. Davis, P. Note due 14th Nov. for £2/15/10, T. S.

Weston 10/-, W. H. Jones 17/6, A. Feildwick 10/10, E. A. Dawson 5/-, G. G. Schwartz 17/6, C. P. Powles

17/6, R. C. Kirk 17/6,. M. .1. Mack 20/-, G. Wilson, J. J. Esson 10/-, W. E. Luckman 15/-, W. J. Hildreth

17/6, D. S. Patrick 9/2, T. Kingston 3/4, J. R. Hislop, jun., 23/4, A. McDougall 5/-, E. W. Hunt, Geo. Luke,

L. McKenzie, H. G. Turner 10/-, E. Hood 13/4, C. Hedderwick 15/10 (Wellington), R. McDonald

(Hamilton), H. Toogood 46/8, Sergt. Miller 8/4 (Masterton), C. H. Mills 10/- (Blenheim), J. Mogridge

(Marton), J. W. McMillan (Stratford), Rev. C. Tuke, A. J. Turville, A. McGlashan, G. R. Hale 1/8 (Napier),

D. J. Gardiner, Dr. Riddell 10/. (Dannevirke), W. Johnston 15/-(Stratford), M. McBeth 51/7 (Whangarei), G.

W. Hinchcliffe (Clyde), R. T. Polkinghorne 10/- (Waihi), D. Simmonds (Patea), Vicary 10/- (Otorohanga), J.

M. Taylor 13/4, A. E. Laurence 20/-, D. A. Baxter 22/6, Walcott Wood, C. S. Halley 8/4, T. A. Bullock 27/6,

F. C. Bishop, F. C. Binns, A. Macintosh (Christchurch), W. Hindmarsh (Reefton), M. McNeil (Roxburgh),

T. A. Peterkin 17/6 (Lower Hutt), G. A. Storrar, J. D. Webster, F. Kearsley, G. Fowlds 15/-, W. Scutt, A. W.

Stevens 37/6 (Auckland), W. S. Harvey 26/8, M. Spurdle 10/- (Wanganui), G. Johnston 15/. (Ngarukehie,

via Taihape), Dr. Boor, T. L. Adams (Nelson), W. E. Williams 1/8, J. McMillan 1/6 (Hokitika), G. G.

Menzies 32/- (Rawene), G. H. Hutton (Ohura), J. Hendry 40/- (Lyttelton), C. A. C. Hardy (Rakaia), J.

Petchell (Riverton), J. W. Cornwall 23/4 (Dannevirke), M. Geever 17/6 (Whangamomona), L. Wright 17/6,

J. W. Ellingham (Ormondville), W. Roxburgh (Castle Rock, Lumsden), P. McCaffrey, W. J. Shaw

(Pakawau), R. B. B. Willis 22/6, J. Carr (Methven), H. H. Ford 50/- (Mairaki), L. Tarrant 25/- (Hawera), C.

M. Price 27/6 (Gisborne), C. J. Fox (Opotiki), W. Douglas 10/- (Maheno, Oamaru), P. G. Bowater, A.

Gifford, S. J. Atkinson 10/- (Westport), L. Simmonds (Palmerston North), A. Booth 10/- (Carterton), R.

McGillivray 2/6 (Ngapara), J. Fletcher 10/-(Bulls), R. L. Banks 4/2 (Fairlie), J. A. Jordan 22/6, A. E. Ward

20/. (Dunedin), A. Cleare (Kerikeri), L. McKelvie 10/-. (Bulls), A. Eglinton 9/2, H. Fagan 5/10 (Sandon), F.

Purnell 5/10 (Marton), J. Symonds 20/-, W M. Simcox 4/2 (Otaki), W. Gardiner (Taumarunui), G. T. Swan

10/- (Wanganui), J. W. Kershaw 1/- (Martinborough), R, M. Matheson 10/- (Rongotea), C. A. Ecford 5/-

(Blenheim), E. C. Studholme 20/. (Waimate), J. Baker 10/- (Methven), J. McLauchlan (Wyndham), C. E.

Leach 16/8 (Rangiora), T. F. Herdman 10/- (Creek Creek), T. C. Purvis 10/- (North Shore), A. E. Rowse

16/8 (Sydenham), T. J. Carter 12/- (Lyttelton), W. Coath (Rangiora), L. Avery (Picton), W. C. Neville

(Dannevirke), H. C. A, Wundram 15/- (Napier), C. King 8d. (Rangiora), H. Smith 20/- (Lyttelton), C. S.

Smith 10/- (Kourarau, Masterton), D. McGregor 10/- (Greymouth), R. W. Hammerton (Patea), A. H. Hale

10/- (Richmond , W. S. Vickers 50/- (Shannon), F. S. Johns 10/- (New Plymouth , P. G. Grant (Norsewood),

J. Furneaux 17/6 (Lyttelton , W. W. Garton 20/- (Woolston), Dr. E. H. Howard 2/6 (Taumarunui), W. T.

Wilson 23/- (Palmerston North), R. T. Tudehope (Cambridge), T. Larson 1/8(Wahi), M. McLean 10/-

(Oura), J. R. Rinnimouth 23/4 (Riccarton), J. McDiarmid 10/- (Oamaru), J. Armstrong 25/- (Dannevirke), J.

B. Lauchlan 10/- (Palmerston North), G. H. Eisfelder 1/8 (Greymouth), G. E. Johnston 18/4 (Springston), R.

Robson 27/6 (Lyttelton), E. Ironmonger (Hunterville), W. Houston 15/- (Kaitangata), J. A. McConnell 15/10

(Parnell), R. D. Welsh. 14/2 (Kaitangata), G. Burns 25/6 (Timaru), J. Crisp 10/- (Auckland), Dr. Todd

(Rotherham), P. C. Gray 11/8 (Gore), J. Trotter 20/- (Fairlie), McNeil 12/6 (Otautau), W. M. Wilson 41/8

(St. Bathans), G. W. (Palmer 20/- (Wanganui), G. McFarlane 10/6 (Woodville), Molesworth 3/4 (Ohaupo),

W. E. Davies 18/4 (Punewhakoe), D. J. Robertson 10/- (Alexandra South), M. Vance 42/6 (Mangatainoka),

J. C. Spinley, M. Copeland (Devonport), H. H. Baker (Little Wanganui), J. R. Douglas 1/8 (Hampden), W.

Pool 10/- (Papanui), A. Smith (Oamaru), J. Holloway 5/-, G. A. Brown 12/6, C. J. Ronaldson, Archdeacon

Stocker 1/8 (Invercargill), J. Harren 10d. (Kumara), Schwartz 22/6 (Ashburton), H. Dumford 60/.

(Greymonth), J. Burton 27/6 (Brooklyn), W. N. Dempsey (Eketahuna), R. Johnstone (Blackstone Hill , J. A.

Groves 50/- (Tenui), S. J. Atkinson 10/- (Westport, A. W. Chapman 15/10 (Masterton), T. Dyer 50/-

(Waimate , Dr. De Lisle, Dickson, Carter, Weaver, J. H. Thompson, Johnson, Tucker, Wyergang, Bates,

Bartle, McGlasham, Scott, Ritchie, Grant, R. W. Jones, E. B. Jones, Smith, Miller, Martin, Larrett, Stanley,

Roach, Cook, Cowan (Hastings), J. Ruddenklau 20/-(late Cust), J. Reid 10/- (Riversdale), J. G. Donaldson

22/6 (Greenstone), M. Finn 25/- (Morrinsville), M. McLeod (Wellington), C. S. McCallum 44/2 (Paterangi),

C. J. Canton 48/- (Taumarunui), W. J. Shaw 8/4 (Pakawau), J. Brennan 5/- (Paeroa), J. Scholes

(Waipukurau), J. Hobson (Hatuma), T. Hobson, R. B. May (Takapau), A. T. R. Niven (Westport), W.

Pidgeon 30/- (O'Kain's Bay), A. Forbes (New Plymouth), W. Grayson (Kohu Kohu).

(All 7/6 but those noted.)

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

Reports.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are, requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Southern Cross, No. 9.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Invercargill, on

5th July, there being a good attendance of brethren. The ceremonial work consisted of the initiation of one

candidate. This was carried out by the W.M., Bro. J. Holloway, assistance being rendered by W. Bro. C.

Illingworth (N.E. Corner), W. Bro. W. A. Hari (Reasons for Preparation), W. Bro. A. E. Smith (W.Ts.), and

R.W. Bro. Wm. Smith, P.D.G.M. (Final Charge). W. Bro. E. B. Gee, who was unavoidably absent from the

installation meeting, was invested as D. of C. W. Bro. W. B. Scandrett, on behalf of the Lodge, presented W.

Bro. A. E. Smith with a G.D.'s regalia, as a mark of appreciation of his efforts as Sec., he having served

altogether four years in that office. Three candidates for initiation were balloted for and elected, and two

propositions for membership were received. A notice of motion to raise the dues to £2 yearly was withdrawn,

and the matter was referred to the Standing Committee for full consideration and report. The usual "Fourth"

was well attended.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

Taringatura, No. 100.—The usual meeting of Lodge Taringatura, No. 100, on 27th June was sparsely

attended. Routine business occupied the greater part of the short meeting. A letter of condolence was ordered

to be forwarded to W. Bro. A. Macalister, whose wife had died early in the month. The past six months have

been sad ones in this respect; two brethren have been removed by death, and two brethren have lost their life

partners—a larger record of such losses than has during any period of twelve months hitherto been noted in

the history of our Lodge. The demit of one brother now permanently stationed in Invercargill was granted,

and W. Bros. G. F. Johnson and W. H. Clark were re-elected members of the United Board of Enquiry. The

Lodge was closed at 9 p.m., and no after-meeting was held.—{Lodge Correspondent.]

————

OTAGO.

Hiram, No. 46.—Otago Kil. Lodge, No. 143, visited our Lodge last meeting, and worked the Third Degree.

W. Bro. G. A. Harlow was in the chair, and had excellent support from P.Ms. R. McNaughton, Sinclair,

Peden, S. Sutherland, and others. W. Bro. Harlow was heartily congratulated on his effort, and was warmly

toasted at the festive board. Hiram brethren are to have another special night, when M.W. Bro. A. H. Burton

will deliver his address, "Some Thoughts gathered from the Proceedings of American G.Ls." The Masters'

Lodge will also visit officially on this occasion. Regret is felt by the members on the death of Bro. Roach,

who was a member of long standing and highly respected.

————

Oceanic, No. 154.—The regular meeting was held at St. Kilda on 17th July, Bro. J. A. Black, W.M.,

presiding. Amongst a large number of visitors were W. Bro. J. L. Miller (W.M. of Lodge Ionic, No. 191) and

W. Bro. G. A. Harlow (W.M. of Lodge Otago Kil., No. 143). Two W. brethren were elected as joining

members. The business was "passing," and the work undertaken by the P.Ms. oil the Lodge, the chairs being

occupied as follows : W.M., V.W. Bro. H. M. Ewing ; S.W., W. Bro. J. A. Black; J.W., W. Bro. D. H.

Hastings; S.D., W. Bro. H. W. S. Hellyer; J.D., R.W. Bro. D. A. Jolly ; and I.G., W. Bro. R. Strong. The

O.B. and T.B. were given by the W.M., Secrets by the S.D., S.E. Charge by the J.D., W.Ts. by the J.W., and

the Final Charge by the S.W. R.W. Bro. Rev. W. Ronaldson, P.Prov. G.M. and P.G.Sec., was elected a life

member of the Lodge. A pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

CANTERBURY.

Lincoln, No. 33.—The June meeting was made memorable by a visit of the W.M., officers, and brethren of

Lodge Robert Burns, No. 139. Undeterred by the keenness of the evening, they mustered to the number of

about twenty, and the sight of a fully occupied Lodgeroom was very cheering to those who remember the

scanty attendances of bygone days. The control of the Lodge was handed over to W. Bro. Kestell, and the

business of the evening (the raising of a brother) was carried out according to the Scottish ritual. The

ceremony was admirably conducted, and was exceedingly interesting to the Lincoln brethren, few of whom

had seen a "Scottish Third" before. In the refectory the guests of the evening showed a spirit of geniality

equal to their ritualistic ability, and the evening proved most pleasant.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Concord, No. 39.—The monthly meeting was held on 26th June. After the correspondence had been read

and accounts passed, W. Bro. Hobbs, representative to G.L. meeting, gave a full report of what had been

done during the meeting, for which he was accorded a vote of thanks. A candidate for initiation was elected.

It was decided to use separate Bibles for initiating candidates. W. Bin. Du Feu was presented with his P.M.

certificate. One candidate was initiated into Freemasonry. W. Bro. Henshall, W.M., obligated the candidate

and communicated the S. T. and W. ; Bro. Gasson S.W., invested with the distinguishing badge of a

Freemason ; "W. Bro. Hadfield (of Caledonian Lodge, Timaru) gave the Address after Investiture; Bro.

Lawrie, J.W., gave the N.E. Address; W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs, the Reasons for Preparation ; W. Bro. Tarrant, of

Avon Lodge, presented the W.Ts., and Bro. Gasson gave the Charge after Investiture.

An emergency meeting was held on 10th July for the purpose of raising two brethren. W. Bro. Henshall,

W.M., obligated the candidates; W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs continued the ceremony, and communicated the S. T.

and W. ; Bro. Gasson, S,W., invested the candidates with the distinguishing badges of M.M. ; W. Bro.

Baldwin gave the Charge after Investiture ; W. Bro. I. Hobbs, Sec., gave the T.H., T.B., and explained the

Signs; W. Bro. Du Feu presented the W.Ts. ; and Bro. Gasson gave the Final Charge. The Lodge was closed

in the three degrees at 9.30 p.m. —[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Christchurch, No. 91.—The regular meeting was held in St. Augustine Hall on 25th June, when there was a

large attendance of members and visitors. The W.M. (Bro. F. L. Adams) presided. The W.M. having invited

the P.Ms. of the Lodge to do the degree work, W. Bro. W. H. McLean, P.G.S. took the chair, and appointed

his officers for the evening as follow :—I.P.M., W. Bro. H. Hopkinson, P.G.D.C. ; S.W., W. Bro. J.

Robertson, P.G.S.B. ; J.W., W. Bro. A. C. Andrews, P.G.S. of W. ; S.D., W. Bro. G. Yemm; J.D., W. Bro.

Gahagan; I.G., W. Bro. G. Ferguson; D. of C., W. Bro. R. Torrance. Two candidates for the Second Degree

were obligated by W. Bro. McLean, who also imparted the Secrets, and delivered the Charge after Investi-

ture and the S.E. Charge. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. Taylor (W.M., Lodge Unanimity), and the

Charge after Passing was delivered by W. Bro. G. Yemm, P.Prov.G.S.D. The Lodge was closed at 9.30 p.m.,

after which a pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Civic, No. 157.—The ordinary monthly meeting was held in the St. Augustine Hall on Friday, 5th July. W.

Bro. S. A. Bruce, W.M., occupied the chair, and concluded a long and successful seventeen months' office

with the largest and one of the most successful meetings ever held by the Lodge. The fact that no less than

136 members and visitors signed on affords signal proof of the extent to which our hard-working Master has

endeared himself to the members of his own and other Lodges. During the evening Bro. E. D. Mosley, J.D.,

was elected Master for the ensuing year, W. Bro. Johnstone was elected Treas., and W. Bro. Arnold was re-

elected Tyler. The W.M., with the assistance of the Masters of the Canterbury, Concord, Lincoln, Conyers,

Robert Burns, and Crown Lodges, passed a brother to the Sublime Degree. Such a large number afterwards

taxed the seating accommodation of the refectory. None, however, had to be refused, and, although the

customary "ten minutes paper" was not forthcoming, on account of the late hour, the brethren were merrily

entertained by Bro. Currie, of Liverpool, a raconteur of great ability.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Victory, No. 40.—The regular meeting was held at the Masonic Hall, Nelson, on 11th July, W. Bro. E. E.

Grove, W.M., presiding. The W.M. of Lodge Southern Star, No. 735, E.C., and several other visitors were

present. A brother for affiliation and a candidate for initiation were elected. A candidate was initiated by the

W.M., assisted by W. Bro. E. Grove, who communicated the Secrets ; W. Bro. Orsman, who gave the

Charge in the N.E. Corner; W. Bro. Hobbs, who presented the W.Ts. ; W. Bro. Menzies, who explained the

reasons for the mode of preparation; and R.W. Bro. Moyes, who gave the Final Charge. Feeling reference

was made regarding the death of Bro. J. D. Hudson, who had been killed in a motor accident a few days

before. The brother was one of the oldest members of the Lodge, and was well known and highly esteemed,

not only by the members, but by all who knew him. A vote of sympathy and condolence was ordered to be

sent to the widow and family. Two candidates were proposed for initiation, and after H.G.W. had been

tendered by the visitors the meeting was closed.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———————

HAWKES BAY.

Bedford, No. 25.—The W.M. (Bro. Percy F. Wall) presided at the monthly meeting, held in Waipukurau on

25th June. There was only a small attendance of brethren. Bro. R. J. Sidwell, a candidate for the Second

Degree, was obligated by the W.M., who was assisted as follows :—Secrets, I.P.M. Bro. J. I4obson; S.E.

Address, P.M. Bro. W. Storah; W.Ts., J.W. Bro. W. H. Booth; Charge, S.W. Bro. H. T. Wright. The Lodge

was closed at 9.45. The brethren spent a brief time in the refectory before dispersing to their homes.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 66.—The regular meeting was held on 20th June. W. Bro. J. Brown, W.M., presided. A fair

number of members were present. , In the absence of the S.W., Bro. Dobson filled that chair. There being no

ritual work, W. Bro. Morgan, I.P.M., gave a short account of the proceedings of G.L., and stated that it was

time some steps were taken to reduce the expense of those annual meetings, and that some other method

should be adopted which would not entail such a large expenditure. He considered it quite unnecessary to

call such a large number of the brethren from all parts of the Dominion to one centre to perform such a small

quantity of work, and this view is held by all the members of Lodge Rawhiti. Two candidates were proposed

for initiation. The Lodge closed at 8.40 p.m., when the brethren retired to the refectory, where a short time

was spent with music, song, and short stories.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

AUCKLAND.

St. Andrew, No. 8.—The installation of Bro. William Perry took place on 16th July, the ceremony being

carried out by the retiring W.M., W. Bro. J. P. McPhail. R.W. Bro. T. W. Allen, Prov.G.M., was present, and

so also was R.W. Bro. Kearsley, D.G.M., and amongst the G.L. officers who accompanied them were M.W.

Bro. Nicholson, P.Prov.G.M.; R.W. Bro. H. C. Tewsley, D.G.M.; R.W. Bro. G. H. Powley, P.D.G.M.; V.W.

Bro. G. T. Girdler, P.P.B.B.; W. Bro. J. D. Webster, P.G.D.; W. Bro. D. B. Wallace, P.G.D.; W. Bro. D. S.

Hyaniason, P.G.P.; W. Bro. J. Catchpole, P.G.D.; W. Bro. H. G. McCrae, J.G.D. W. Bro. T. E. N. McKenzie,

G.S.B. ; F. Sewell, P.G.D.C. R.W. Bro. F. J. Whittaker, ).Prov.G.M., I.C. was also present. In the ceremony

W. Bro. J. H. Braithwaite of Lodge Ponsonby, No. 54) and W. Bro. G. E. V. Le Petit (W.M. of Lodge

Onewa, No. 182) acted as presenting officers. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. A. H. Gilbert (W.M. of

Lodge Auckland, No. 87), W. Bro. F. Wiseman (W.M. of Lodge Ara, No. 348, I.C.), and W. Bro. F. Bartlett

(W.M. of Lodge Manukau, No. 24). The address to the W.M. was delivered by R.W. Bro. Allen. The

following officers were invested by the newly installed Master :—I.P.M., W. Bro. J. P. McPhail; P.M., W.

Bro. J. Reid; S.W. Bro. A. L. Ferneyhough ; J.W., Bro. W. Bridgman; Treas., W.. Bro. J. Catchpole, P.G.D.

(re-elected); Sec., W. Bro. F. D. Parsons (re-elected) ; Chaplain, Bro. J. M. Simpson (re-elected) ; D. of C.,

W. Bro. A. H. Walker, G.D. of C. ; Organist, W. Bro. R. Leslie Hunt, P.M. ; S.D., Bro. E. A. Baguet; J.D.

Bro. C. A. Coppins; I.G., Bro. F. L. Connelly ; S.S., Bro. P. J.D., J.S., Bro. H. Brooke; Asst.-Ss., Bros. J. J.

Knight and S. F. Whyte. The address to the Wardens was delivered by R.W. Bro. Whittaker, and that to the

brethren by M.W. Bro. Nicholson. W. Bro. Howey Walker acted as D. of C., W. Bro. Jas. McKay as

Marshal, and Bro. F. L. Pribbin as Herald. The almost letter-perfect rendering of the ritual by the I.M. and

the fluency of the new W.M. in the investment of his Officers, were the subject of very general remark. The

Pray. G.M., in presenting the warrant of the Lodge, commented upon the number of members of St. Andrew

who had risen to positions of eminence in the Craft, and also expressed regret that there should be more than

one Lodge St. Andrew in Auckland City. W. Bro. McPhail was presented by the Prov.G.M., acting in the

name of the Lodge, with a P.M.'s jewel. A pleasant hour was spent, in the refectory at the conclusion, of the

ceremony, and the collection in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund realised the substantial sum of £35.

————

United Service, No. 10.—The installation of Bro. Joseph C. Spinley into the chair of this Lodge took place

at the Freemasons' Bell, Princes Street, Auckland, on Wednesday, 26th June, and was conducted by M.W.

Bro. Nicholson, P.Prov.G.M. It was interesting to note that on this occasion the R.W.Prov.G.M. was himself

the subject of a ceremony which he is accustomed to confer upon others, seeing that he happens to be the

Sec. of No. 10—and a right good Sec., too, be it observed. A visit was received from the Prov.G.L. of

Ireland, the party of brethren being headed by R.W. Bro. F. J. Whittaker, P.D.G.M., and including V.W. Bro.

Spooner, Prov,G.S. The W.M.-elect was presented by W. Bro. A. I. Farmer (W.M. of Lodge Ara, No. 1) and

W. Bro. J. H. Braithwaite (W.M. of Lodge Ponsonby, No. 54). Our own G.L. was represented by R.W. Bro.

Kearsley, D.G.M., and a strong following. The W.Ts. in the several degrees were presented by the following

brethren :—Third, W. Bro. F. Bartlett (W.M. of Lodge Manukau, No. 24); Second, W. Bro. J. T. D. Lloyd

(W.M. of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418, S.C.) ; First, W. Bro. G. E. V. Le Petit (W.M. of Lodge Onewa, No.

182). The address to the W.M. fell from R.W. Bro. Kearsley; the address to the Wardens from W. Bro.

Howey Walker, G.D.C. (who also directed the whole proceedings in a manner worthy of his office in G.L.);

and the address to the brethren from M.W. Bro. Nicholson. The following officers were invested :— I.P.M.,

W. Bro. M. Copeland; S.W., Bro. A. W. Morris; J.W., Bro. A. E. Edwards ; Treas., Bro. L. H. Neumegen;

Sec., W. Bro. T. W. Allen, PM.; Dep. Master, W. Bro. A. Erickson, P.M. ; D. of C., W. Bro. J. W. Swales,

P.M.; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. C. Pelham, P.M.; S.D. Bro. H. G. Grinlinton ; J.D., Bro. H. R. Harris ; I.G., Bro.

W. Tailby ; Organist, Bro. G. F. Cater ; S.S., Bro. W. J. Fox ; J.S., Bro. A. G. Baden; Asst.-Ss., Bros. R.

McK. Meek and F. Sykes. W. Bro. M. Copeland, the retiring Master, was presented with a P.M. jewel Bro.

G. F. Cater officiated at the organ during the ceremonies, and Bro. Frank Gribbin rendered valuable

assistance in the fanfares. A liberal sum was collected in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, and the

subsequent proceedings in the refectory were enjoyed in the manner usual in the case of United Service.

————

Beta,Waikato, No. 12.—Attended by W. Bro. Howey Walker, . G.D.C., W. Bro. D. B. Wallace, P.G.D., and

W. Bro. G. Ravenhill, the Prov.G.M. journeyed on Thursday, 27th June, to Hamilton, to take part in the

installation of Bro. D. R. Bain into the chair of Lodge Beta-Waikato, No. 12. In spite of unpropitious weather

there was a large assembly of the Waikato brethren. The installation ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro.

T. W. Allen, Prov.G.M., the W.M.-elect being presented by W. Bro. M. D. Nicholas (W.M. of Lodge Alpha,

No. 81) and W. Bro. C. N. Flyger. The W.Ts. were presented as under :—Third Degree, W. Bro. M. D.

Nicholas (W.M. of Lodge Alpha, No, 81); Second, W. Bro. Geo. Watt (W.M. of Lodge Tawhiri, No. 166);

First, W. Bro. Swanseger (W.M. of Lodge Te Marama, No. 186). The addresses to the W.M., the Wardens,

and the brethren were respectively delivered by the Prov.G.M., W. Bro. J. W. Warren, P.G.D., and R.W. Bro.

G. Barclay, P.G.W. The officers invested for the ensuing year were W. Bro. G. Hastie; D.M., W. Bro. H. E.

Tristram; S.W., Bro. R. H. G. MacDonald; J.W., Bro. T. R. Hope ; Treas., Bro. McKee; Sec., W. Bro. J. E.

Hammond; Chaplain, W. Bro. W. Dey; Organist, Bro. Milford McArthur; D. of C., W. Bro. W. H. Fricker,

P.M.; S.D., Bro. C. R. B. Speight; J.D., Bro. N. Dey; I.G., Bro. R. A. Grigg; S.S., Bro. A. J. S. D'Ewes; J.S.,

Bro. M. L. Fitzwilliam ; Tyler, Bro. A. V. B. Richards. A godly sum in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund

was contributed.

————

Papakura, No. 56.—The installation of Bro. John T. Stembridge into the chair of this Lodge took place on

Friday, 28th June, and was attended by R.W. Bro. Allen, Prov.G.M., and a goodly contingent of city visitors.

The W.M.elect was presented by W. Bro. R. W. Mears (P.M. of Lodge Wairoa, No. 55) and W. Bro. W. N.

Ingram (W.M. of Lodge Waipu), and was duly installed by the Prov.G.M. The W.Ts. were presented by W.

Bro. A. I. Farmer {W.M. of Lodge Ara, No. 1), Third Degree; W. Bro. A. Bronte (W.M. of Lodge Franklin,

No. 58), Second; and W. Bro. M. M. Ponder (W.M. of Lodge Wairoa, No. 55), First. W. Bro. D. B. C. M.

Page, P.G.D.C., who also acted as D. of C., delivered the address to the Wardens, and R.W. Bro. Allen the

other addresses. Officers were invested as follows :—I.P.M. Bro. J. H. von Sturmer , S.W., Bro. D. A. Reid,

P.M.; J.W., Bro. A. McKinstry; Treas., Bro. J. H. Hansch, P.M. ; Sec., Bro. D. W. Jones, P.M. ; Chaplain,

Bro. W. J. Cossey, P.M. ; S.D., Bro. Campbell; .J.D. Bro. Mack; I.G., Bro. Smith; Tyler, Bro. Bond; S.S.,

Bro. Roberts. The W. and O. and A.M. Fund was remembered by the brethren, with advantage to the Craft's

charities.

————

Ara, No. 348, I.C.—Following its annual custom, Lodge Ara, No. 348, LC., held its installation gathering at

high noon on St. John's Day—or, on this occasion, on the nearest available week day, Monday, the 24th

June—in the Freemasons' hall, Auckland. The seating accommodation of the building was taxed to the

utmost by an assembly of brethren representing all constitutions. The G.L. of New Zealand was represented

by R. VV. Bro. T. W. Allen, Prov.G.M.; B.W. Bro. F. Kearsley, D.G.M.; M.W. Bro. Nicholson,

P.Prov.G.M.; Bro. G. H. Powley, P.D.G.M. and a strong retinue of G.L. officers. R.W. Bro. W. McCullough,

Prov.G.M. of the North Island under the S.C., was also present and well supported. The representatives of

the sister G.Ls. were received by R.W. Bro. F. J. Whittaker, D.P.G.M. of the I.C. The W.M.-elect was Bro.

Frank Wiseman, and the ceremony was admirably performed by W. Bro. S. H. Davenport, the retiring W.M.

The other officers of the Lodge were invested as follows :—I.P.M., W. Bro. S. H. Davenport; S.W., Bro. C.

J. Schnauer; J.W. Bro. F. J. Schischka; Bro. F. J. Schischka Treas., V.W. Bro. E. R. Piggot, P.P.S.G.W. (re-

elected); Sec., W. Bro. W. H. Patterson (re-elected); D. of C., W. Bro. S. Coldicutt ; Chaplain, W. Bro. A. G.

Lee ; Organist, Bro. J. H. Philpott (re-elected); S.D., Bro. J. Maxwell; J.D., Bro. S. I. Crookes; I.G., Bro. R.

Luther; S.S., Bro. W. Wilson; J.S. Bro. A. J. Vercoe; Assist.-Ss., Bros. Fletcher, Campbell, and Scully.,

Tyler, W. Bro. Caron. The presenting Masters were W. Bro. A. Farmer (W.M. of Lodge Ara, No. 1) and W.

Bro. J. T. D. Lloyd (W.M. of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418, S.C.). The address to the W.M. was delivered by

R.W. Bro. Whittaker, the address to the Wardens by V.W. Bro. Josiah Martin, P.Dist.S.W., E.C., and the

address to the brethren by M.W. Bro. Nicholson. W. Bro. J. W. Jones acted as D. of C., and Bro. F. L.

Gribbin's military trumpet was heard in shrill roulades at the various proclamations. W. Bro. Davenport was

presented by the D.P.G.M., in the name of the Lodge, with a P.M. jewel, and also a framed photographic

shield, containing the counterfeit presentments of the officers and a number of the members of the Lodge, as

a memento of his year of office. Luncheon was served on Ara's usual scale in the refectory after the

ceremony, and a pleasant hour was spent—pleasant to the veterans of the company especially, in recalling

the memory of the pioneers of Freemasonry in New Zealand who have held office in Ara during the years

since 1843.

————————

TARANAKI.

Hawera, No. 34.—The Lodge having changed its installation from December to July, the installation of Bro.

F. G. Kimbell to the Chair of K.S. went off without a hitch on 4th July, when the Temple was taxed to its

utmost, visitors from all parts of the Dominion being present. Owing to the illness of R.W. Bro. T. C.

Fookes, Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. F. P. Corkill, P.Prov.G.M., officiated, and W. Bro. R. W. Sargent, P.G.D.,

installed his successor. W. Bro. J. P. Keen acted as D. of C., and T. B. Salmon as musical conductor. A

feature of the evening was an able address on charity, given by W. Bro. E. L'E. Barton in a very eloquent

manner. Also a solo, "Charity," by W. Bro. Keen was much appreciated. The passing of the glove realised

£5/5/2 for the W. and O. and A.M. Fund. The investiture of officers for the ensuing year was as follows :—

I.P.M., W. Bro. R. W. Sargent; S.W., Bro. E. Evans; J.W., Bro. W. G. Bishop; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. P. Keen;

Treas., W. Bro. R. Tait; Sec., Bro. H. D. Caplen ; S.D., Bro. J. W. Harding ; J.D., Bro. J. E. Knudson; D. of

C., W. Bro. T. B. Salmon; Organist, Bro. G. J. Shepperd; I.G., Bro. F. H. Boase; Tyler, Bro. A. Cummane;

Stewards, Bros. H. J. Atkinson and W. T. Good. The ceremony, assisted by the newly formed orchestra,

went with a good swing from start to finish, and Lodge closed in P. and H. about 10.30 p.m., when most of

the brethren adjourned to the Foresters' Hall, where a sumptuous banquet, provided by W. Bro. Keen, was

done justice to.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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WELLINGTON.

N.Z. Pacific, No. 2.—The monthly meeting was held on 22nd July, Bro. Morris Fox, W.M., presiding. The

attendance was very good, considering the inclement weather. Two candidates were raised, the ceremony

being performed by the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. Seaton and W. Bro. Gibson. During the evening Bro. R.

N. Fletcher sang a solo, "Abide with Me," and W. Bro. H. Seaton, P.G.D.C., presented to W. Bro. Worboys

his commission from the G.L. of Tennessee as representative of that body near the G.L. of New Zealand. The

'Fourth" was made interesting by a paper written and delivered by W. Bro. Bridge, G.S., entitled "Are You a

Freemason?" pointing out that the initiation into the ceremony was a very small portion of the title, that,

unless we lived the life and acted up to the excellent teachings, we were not worthy to answer the question in

the affirmative. Altogether the evening was impressive, both for members and candidates alike.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

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Leinster, No. 44.—The annual meeting eventuated on 1st July, and the Wellington Masonic Hall was all too

small for the large assembly of brethren. R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., was present, with several P.G.

officers, including R.W. Bro. R. C. Hamerton, P.D.G.M., who was the first Master of the Lodge. W. Bro. F.

Silver acted as I.M., assisted by a number of the P.Ms. of the Lodge, and W. Bro. W. H. Jones was G.D. of

C. Bro. J. W. Macdonald was installed W.M., and the following officers were invested by W. Bro. Jones :—

I.P.M., W. Bro. R. H. Wilson; S.W. Bro. Charles Haynes; J.W., Bro. D. Ritchie; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. W.

Ellison; Treas., W. Bro. Wm. Wills; Sec., W. Bro. W. A. Baudinet; D. of C., W. Bro. E. B. Parsons; S.D.,

Bro. F. G. Cooper; J.D., Bro. A. Longmore; I.G., Bro. A. McLaren; S.S., Bro. W. E. Moore; J.S., Bro. R. J.

Shakes; Organist, W. Bro. M. G. Fisher; Acting-Tyler, Bro. A. E. Colmer; Auditors, Bros. F. S.

Greenshields, J. L. H. Ledger, and F. J. Evans (appointed by W.M.). The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros.

T. Rowell, J. C. Davis, and Morris Fox. W. Bro. A. Keely addressed the W.M., W. Bro. J. W. Ellison

charged the Wardens, and W. Bro. W. Mills gave the Final Charge to the brethren. The usual refreshments

were served in the refectory.

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Ulster, No. 62.—The regular meeting was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Petone, on 17th July. The W.M.

(Bro. J. C. Davis) occupied the chair. One candidate was elected. The ceremony of raising was the principal

business, the W.M. conducting the work. The T.H. and S. were explained by W. Bro. Ross, I.P.M. ; the

W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. Castle, D. of C.; and the Final Charge was given by W. Bro. Wylie, Sec.

The annual balance sheet was presented and adopted without discussion. W. Bro. Jenkins, our representative

at G.L. communication, was accorded a vote of thanks for his interesting report of the business and

proceedings. W. Bros. Cox and Jenkins were appointed delegates to the United Board of Inquiry. Amongst

the visitors present was W. Bro. Larkin, who was recently installed W.M. of Lodge Greytown. The business

was concluded at 10.15, after which an hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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Otari, No. 190.—The regular meeting, held at Khandallah on 13th July, was well attended, notwithstanding

the unpropitious weather. W. Bro. Esson presided, and extended a hearty welcome to visiting brethren, and

notified apologies for absence. Amongst these was a communication from W. Bro. J. G. Harkness, S.W.,

explaining that his enforced absence was due to business calls that would necessitate his absence from the

Dominion for some time. He solicited leave of absence, which was granted. In his absence Bro. S. P. Curtis

will occupy the chair in the West. The business consisted mainly of formal matters and the discussion of

several additional amendments to the Lodge's new by-laws, which were formulated at a previous meeting.

Three candidates for Freemasonry were elected. The W.M. proposes to give all candidates the undivided

interpretation of the ritual by admitting one only during the ceremony. By this wise decision, coupled with

the fact that no less than three candidates are ready for initiation, the newly installed officers will have

splendid opportunities for perfecting themselves in degree work. The Lodge being closed, the refectory

provided an opportunity for an hour's social intercourse, which was punctuated with musical items.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

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ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.—The regular meeting was held in St. Augustine Hall on 15th July, V.E. Comp. F. C.

B. Bishop presiding. Three candidates for R.A. Freemasonry were elected. W. Bro. J. Gillanders was

advanced as a a M.M.M., and acknowledged as an E.M., with Bros. Brockett and Watson. The ceremony

was carried out by the officers, with the assistance of V.E. Comps. F. Page, J. Nind, W. Cooksley (of

Canterbury Kil), V.E. Comp. W. C. Beumelburg (of Prince of Wales), and V.E. Comp. C. Flavell (of Albert

Edward Chapter). The arrangements made by our Z. for the heavy night's work were carried through with

great success from start to finish that he will find it hard to excel. The attendance was very large. Absentees

missed a real good treat.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

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Otago, No. 7.—The regular convocation was held at St. Kilda on 15th July, V.E. Comp. H. W. S. Hellyer,

Z., presiding. There was a large attendance of companions. Eight brethren were advanced to the Mark

Degree by W.M.M. Bro. E. W. Eaton, assisted by P.W..M.M. Bros. Hellyer and Ewing and Bros. Lumsden

and Westwood. V.E. Comp. Rev. W. Ronaldson was elected a life member of the Chapter.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

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Victory, No. 12.—The regular convocation was held at the Masonic Hall, Nelson, on 18th July, V.E. Comp.

R. W. Stiles, Z., presiding, there being a good attendance of companions, the First Principal, officers, and

companions of the Trafalgar B.A. Chapter, S.C., attending. A candidate for exaltation was elected. The

Chapter was then adjourned, and a Lodge of Mark Masters opened by the W.M.M., Bro. Menzies, and a

brother who had come sixty miles to receive his degree was admitted and advanced, the ceremony going

through smoothly, showing the benefit of several instruction meetings that had been held recently. After the

Lodge was closed a Lodge of E.M. was opened by W.E.M. Bro. Grove, and two brethren were admitted and

acknowledged. The Lodge being closed, the Chapter was resumed, and after H.G.W. had been given by the

visitors it was closed, and the companions adjourned to the social hall, where a pleasant hour was spent, the

usual toasts being honoured and a short paper read by one of the companions.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

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Brooklyn, No. 24.—The meeting held on 10th July was excellently attended, and V.E. Comp. Herbert

Preston, Z., presided. The meeting had special

attractions from the facts—(1) That the candidate

for exaltation was "borrowed" from Waterloo, (2)

that the new Supt. of the West Coast District (N.I.)

was invested and practically inducted into his office

on this occasion. The ceremony of exaltation was

conducted by the First Principal, assisted by M.E.

Comps. Porritt and Williams, R.E. Comp. R. G. V.

Parker, and V.E. Comp. G. Smith. R.E. Comp. G.

W. Palmer was invested by M.E. Comp. H. J.

Williams, G.S.E., who referred at length to the

constitution of the new district and the Chapters

within its boundaries. The companions

subsequently assembled in the refectory, where

Comp. Palmer's health was the subject of a special

toast.

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A. & A. RITE.

Wellington, No. 91.—The quarterly conclave was

held in the Chapter room, Boulcott Street, on 19th

July, E. and P. Bro. Geo. Smith, M.W.S., presiding.

The weather was atrocious, but the attendance was

most creditable. A large amount of correspondence

was dealt with, including several letters from the

Supreme Council, Golden Square, London. A V.W.

brother from Blenheim was perfected in the Rite,

the M.W. being assisted by Ill. Bro. H. J. Williams,

E. and P. Bros. J. Moncrieff, C. J. B. Norwood, and

the officers. E. and P. Bro. Moore was elected

M.W.S. for the ensuing year. A very happy hour

was subsequently spent in the refectory. The newly

perfected brother, in responding to his toast,

expressed his appreciation of the ceremony, and

spoke very feelingly on the Christian tenets of the

Rite. Ill. Bro. Williams also addressed the Chapter

at some length.