The New Zealand Craftsman Wellington, New Zealand, June 2, 1913

RECEPTION OF NAVAL BRETHREN IN
CHRISTCHURCH

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The reception and welcome accorded the brethren on H.M.S. New .Zealand, and incidentally those on
H.M.S. Pyramus, by Canterbury Freemasons, on the evening of 19th May, were of so enthusiastic, fraternal,
and successful a character as to well constitute a record in Masonic gatherings, either for the City of the
Plains, or elsewhere in the Dominion. The Art Gallery was chosen as the locale, and proved too small for the
attendance, which numbered close on 500. A Lodge was opened there by the W.M. of Lodge Unanimity,
who had for his officers the W.Ms. of other Christchurch and Lyttelton Lodges. The sailor guests, both
officers and seamen, were first admitted, and then followed the reception of the R.W.G.M. and officers of the
Prov.G.L., N.Z.C., the R.W.D.G.M. of D.G.L., E.G., and present and past officers of the G.L. of New
Zealand.

There was no degree work, the principal business being an address of welcome to the visiting brethren by
R.W. Bro. M. S. Brown, Dist.G.M., E.C. In the course of his remarks, he referred to the distinguished
Masonic rank held by Bro. Captain Halsey's father in the United G.L. of England—that of D.G.M., and said
that the Canterbury brethren owed deep thanks to their naval brethren for setting aside one night when they
could come to them as Masons, and be greeted as such. They might be sure of the fraternal interest which
would ever follow them and their ships. P.G.D.M. Bro. A. Kaye also spoke, apologising for the absence of
the M.W.G.M. of New Zealand, and M.W. Bro. F. C. Binns voiced the welcome of the Prov.G.L.

After the singing of the National Anthem and hearty greetings from the visitors, G.L. representatives having
retired, the Lodge was closed. An adjournment was then made to the banquet, and although seating had been
.provided for 460, a second sitting had to take place. M.W. Bro. Binns presided, with Bro. Captain Halsey on
his left. The toast of " The King " was followed by that of the G.Ms. of England, Scotland, Ireland, and New
Zealand, and of the Prov.G.L. of Canterbury, N.Z.C., and the Dist.G.L., E.G., which were suitably responded
to. R.W. Bro. Bengali, P.D.G.M., then proposed " Our Guests " in an eloquent speech, particularly
emphasising the fact that Freemasonry rendered it practicable for both the officers and men of the visiting
ships to be present there together that evening, meeting as Masons on one common platform. The toast was
honoured musically, with cheers, and with a deafening " fire," capped by a Maori war-cry.

Bro. Captain Halsey, who received an ovation, replied thanking the Committee's foresight which had enabled
them to be present that evening. In reference to his distinguished father he said he might be regarded as a real
Mason, since of his seven eons all were members of the Craft. He referred to Bro. Sir E. Shackleton, and
pathetically to Bro. the late Captain Scott, of Antarctic fame.

Bro. Captain Stopford, of H.M.S. Pyramus, also replied thanking the Canterbury brethren for their welcome,
and for the chance given him of meeting his Lodge-mate, Captain Halsey. Bro. the Rev. J. H. Scott, Chaplain
of H.M.S. New Zealand, Bro. Captain E. M. Slaughter, Bro. A. E. Elliott, and Bro. G. Wahnsley, all of
whom were heartily received, also responded. The Tyler's Toast " was honoured at 11 o'clock, bringing to a
close a Masonic meeting which will become historical.

[We regret exceedingly that owing to the late date on which the full report of the above was received, and to
the unusual pressure on our space caused by G.L. Communication, we have had to have recourse to
condensation.—ED.C.]

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