The New Zealand Craftsman
WILL BE PUBLISHED IN WELLINGTON ON THE FIRST DAY

OF EVERY MONTH.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 10/-

“ IF PAID IN ADVANCE „. 7(6

s the NEW ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN will circulate in every centre of population from the Bay of Islands

to Riverton, it offers unusual and unequalled advantages as an advertising medium. Terms for

advertisements can be ascertained from the Manager or Agents.

Item of Masonic news and letters on Masonic subjects are invited. They must in all cases be vouched for, as

a guarantee of good faith by the trite name of the writer and the number of his Lodge. We do not hold

ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents. Enquiries or questions of Masonic

history or practice will be replied to. Rejected communications cannot be returned. Correspondents are

requested to write only on one side of the paper.

Communicatious regarding business matters must be addressed to the Manager, and literary matter intended

for insertion to the Editor, Box 8, P.O., Wellington. Post Office Orders and Cheques should be made payable

to

H. J. WILLIAMS,

Secretary N.Z. Masonic Newspaper Company, Limited,

WELLINGTON

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Visiting Brethren are invited to the AUCKLAND MASONIC INSTITUTE AND CLUB,

Colwill Chambers, Swanson Street.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

LIST OF AGENTS.

Auckland—G. W. RAVENHILL, Devonport.

Hawkes Bay—T. HOBSON, Takapau.

Gisborne—T. CORSON.

Feilding—A. H. MAGUIRE.

Wellington—C. INNES.

Bulls—F. T. WEBB,

Christchurch and Lyttelton—CHAS. C. LAMBERT, Christchurch.

Nelson—ROBERT W. STILES.

Oamaru M. BROWN.

Invercargill—A. R. PORTER.

Hawera—F. H. BOASE.

Dannevirke—T. PATON.

Stratford—H. J. HOPKINS.

Timaru—A. BUDD.

Napier—L. FREEDMAN.

Hokitika—T. ROBERTSON.

Greymouth—E. F. GUINNESS.

Reefton—W. N. RIVERS.

Hamilton and Frankton—C. N. FLYGER, N.Z.R., Frankton Junc.

Otago—D. C. CAMERON, 27 Manor Place, Dunedin.

Canterbury District—R. BALDWIN.

Palmerston N.—C. HORSNELL.

Westport—A. GIFFORD.

Ashburton—C. BEECH.

Ellesmere.—J. W. A. WALKER.

Wanganui—JOHN MCFARLANE, P.O. Box 120.

Greytown, Featherston, and Martinborough—ANDREW NICOL, Box 15, Martinborough.

LIST OF LODGE AGENTS.

D. WILSON, Lion Lodge, Ormondville.

C. M. JOHNSTON, Seddonville.

J. A. GUY, Motueka Lodge, Motueka.

T. MORGAN, Heretaunga Lodge, Hastings.

W. H. CLARK, Taringatura Lodge, Eumsden

V. C. VENIMORE, Havelock.

J. PATERSON, Franklin, Pukekohe.

J. CLAPP, Nightcaps.

V. CROWTHER, Orepuki.

W. HOLLOWAY, Clyde.

W. HALL, Runanga.

A. W. CROSBIE, Wyndham.

W. G. FINN, Balclutha.

W. GEE, Gore.

T. THOMPSON, Waipawa.

G. H. LESLIE, Eketahuna.

A. E. WINZENBERG, Masterton.

A. PHILPOTTS, Carterton.

J. CARR, Methven.

G. LOGAN, Blenheim.

H. W. J. HANSEN, Kimbolton.

R. M. PARK, Foxton.

O. BUCHLER, Ashhurst.

W. HAYDON MACLEAN, Hunterville.

DATES or FULL MOON, 1914.

8th July—Wednesday. 4th October—Sunday.

6th August—Tuesday. 3rd November—Tuesday.

5th September—Saturday. 3rd December—Thursday.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

FROM THE EDITOR.

———<>———

Forward your News while yet fresh. Stale reports are not only uninteresting, but misleading.

All Articles, Reports, or Correspondence should reach this office not later than the nth of each month. Short

reports will be received to the 23rd, but must take the chance of insertion,

Anonymous communications help to swell the contents of the waste paper basket.

Write legibly and on one side of the paper only.

Non receipt of the paper is no ground of complaint against the publisher. Try the Postal Department first.

________________________________________________________________________________

PLAY THE GAME—LIVE THE LIFE.

——<>——

How often one hears the now very common expression, "You "are not playing the game," and invariably it

has no reference to football or cricket, or any other sport, but to the game of life. Every sportsman can

appreciate the distinction of playing the game, or playing to win, and he knows in his inmost soul which is

the best calculated to help him to reach the goal of his ambition. In one or two events, playing to win may

prove a temporary success, but to acquire a reputation as a true and honest sportsman, the game must be.

played to the end. And so in the game of life, which is not a game in any sense except to a favoured few, but

in too many cases a. struggle for actual existence; yet it must be played right out. A person may be a member

of a church, and may attend to all his religious duties and observances, but unless lie lives the life in his

business and worldly affairs, he is not playing the game. Every man can make his life entirely what he

wishes by having the ideal of good desire ever in view and constantly pushing forward to reach that goal.

Ralph Waldo Trine seems to hit the case when he says:—

“Within yourself lies the cause of whatever enters into your life. To come into the full realisation of

your own awakened interior powers is to be able to condition your life in exact accord with what you

would have it."

And so it is with Freemasonry, the true life must be lived and the game must be played. But it is with

inexpressible regret that the admission is forced that so many are recalcitrant to the principle to which they

are pledged. It is tacitly inferred that the derogation of Freemasonry is due to the illiterate rather than to the

cultured, that the secessions from financial causes are more prevalent in poorer Brethren than in those more

plenteously endowed with this world's goods. But in neither case is the inference quite warranted.

Many years ago a gentleman was admitted into Freemasonry in this Dominion holding a. good social

position, an educated and cultured man, of genial disposition, and no mean attainment in his profession. The

Lodge was so proud of its choice that on the occasion of his admission, an old P.M. was invited to propose

his health. He did so, but not in the stereotyped form. He said it was usual to congratulate the candidate upon

being admitted, but in this instance it was the Lodge that should be felicitated on securing for membership

such a well-known gentleman as Bro. ––– . How much his presentment was falsified may be gathered from

the fact that the Bro. has rarely been seen in a Masonic Lodge since his raising, and what is infinitely worse,

he has on many occasions referred to Freemasonry with contumely in public places. The reasonable excuse

that the tenets of the institution did not appeal to him might have explained his absence, but for his contempt

there is no excuse, and he was not playing the game. A regular attendance at Lodge is highly commendable,

and at least evidences interest in the proceedings, but that alone is insufficient to constitute a worthy Brother,

and, moreover, the life of a Freemason is not being lived. It is a little singular that the world looks for

something more from Freemasons, both individually and collectively, than from the man who has no relation

to the Craft. Singular from the fact that human nature is the same in any society or community, and the

Freemason is quite as prone to err as his brother holding church membership. And the singularity is further

enhanced from the fact that the lathes of Freemasons are magnified and made the subject of strong comment,

while in other associations of men similar failings would pass unnoticed. This, in itself, is not an unmixed

evil, but should teach and emphasise the lesson, that Freemasonry is recognised even by those who are not

presumed to be acquainted with its work as a moral institution and nothing more, and this constitutes another

reason why the game should be played and the life should be lived. And how can this result be best

achieved? We recently heard a clergyman dilate on the efficacy of prayer and advocate its more frequent

daily use by business men. To live the life of a Freemason, a brother will he materially assisted by quietly

thinking over each day that part of the initiates charge which details the duties he owes to God, to his

neighbour, and to himself. It is so short that it could be repeated in three minutes, and yet is the embodiment

of much that is necessary to make a good man and a true Mason. Brethren, let us play the game and live the

life. Let us evince to the world that its estimate of Freemasonry is correct, and that a good Freemason is

superior to his fellows in the exactitude of his conduct, the morality of his life, and his desire to be prominent

in works of philonthrophy and humanity.

________________

PAST GRAND MASTERS.

——<>——

Comment has been made in connection with the recent communication of Grand Lodge that only one P.G.M.

was present to support the Chair, exclusive of the G.Sec., and at first sight it might appear that there was

either a dereliction of duty or want of courtesy displayed by the absence of P.G.M. But a closer enquiry will

demonstrate the fact that there was only one other W.M. Bro. in the Dominion eligible to attend, as the

following details will show :— Three P.O.Ms., M.W. Bros. Thomson, Seddon, and Burton, are dead. Two

M.Ws., Bros. Russell and Bell, have resigned from the Constitution, W.M. Bro. Barron is a chronic invalid,

M.W.Bros. Lord Plunket and C. J. W. Griffiths are in Great Britain, thus only leaving M.W.Bros. Nicol,

Williams, and Binns available. M.W.Bro. Williams's absence (which no one regretted so much as he did for

many reasons) was specially explained. This record is an extremely mournful one, not alone in the loss by

death, but also that two distinguished Brothers should have thought it necessary to withdraw from New

Zealand Constitution. This journal has invariably advocated the desirableness of every effort being made to

secure the attendance at Grand Lodge of all those distinguished Brethren, who are entitled to sit on the dais,

and who must of necessity have had a long experience , in Freemasonry. But strict truth compels us to say

that they have not always received that courtesy which is best calculated to conduce to such a result.

________________

A PUBLIC CONDEMNATION.

——<>——

ONE decision decision given at the last Communication of C.L. not only did not give satisfaction to the

Lodge principally affected, but foreshadows somewhat disastrous results, as a special meeting is being held

during the present week by Feilding Lodge to discuss the question of surrender of Charter. The motive that

actuated Grand Lodge in arriving at its decision was to temper justice with mercy, and while this argument

may do credit to the heart, it would appear that in this instance it would have been better to have left the

matter to the judgment of the head, and tempered mercy with justice. The case itself was peculiar from

several aspects, and notwithstanding that the judgment of the court was not, strongly condemnatory, the

Feilding brethren, with, apparently, a more intimate knowledge of the surrounding circumstances, strongly

pressed for the extreme Masonic penalty, which was endorsed by the Prov.G.M. Now, as a matter of fact.,

there is not a great deal of difference between "permanent exclusion" and "expulsion," from a Masonic point

of view. It is assumed by some brethren that it would be easier to remove the former sentence than the latter.

But this view is not warranted by experience, and we assume that in the future it would require a very strong

showing indeed to remove the sentence of permanent exclusion which has followed closely on the heels of

the criminal sentence passed by the law Courts of the Dominion. Another reason has been advanced, that it

would be more easy in the dim future for a Freemason under such a sentence to obtain affiliation of some

other Lodge, than if the extreme sentence had been pronounced. This, to our mind, is quite erroneous, as any

such admission could only be obtained by fraud, and the same fraud would be equally available in a case of

expulsion. But while this feature of the case may be intelligible to Freemasons, it carries no weight with the

outside public, and, unfortunately in the case of Feilding Lodge, this section of the community, appears to be

taking a very big hand. So much so, that what almost, amounts to an anti-Masonic crusade, appears to exist

in the district, which, it is said, is brought about because the governing body of Freemasons in New Zealand

is virtually shielding one of their number who is regarded in a most hostile manner as having offended

beyond all hope of forgiveness. And it is said that nothing short of the Masonic death sentence of expulsion

will appease this extremely hostile community, which is quite unreasoning. The Feilding Lodge ha.s been

established thirty-three years, and during that time some of the best men in the district have passed through

its portals, and until now its lustre has not been tarnished. Yet on the first occasion when there is a sudden

outcrop of human infirmity, and the bad overshadows the good, the past long record is forgotten, and the

Institution is condemned by the public, root and branch. It may be said that G.L. should not pander to the

public by an alteration of the present sentence; but it is not the public that have to be considered, but the

members of the Lodge who are now subject, to so much daily vituperation, and whose representations to

G.L. should not have been ignored unless some very weighty reasons were adduced. This incident is one

illustration of the pernicious effects of press publication of G.L. business. [Since the above was written we

are informed that, as a result of a personal visit by the M.W.G.M., an understanding has been arrived at, and

the motion for surrender of Charter has been withdrawn.

________________

WHERE THE ONUS LIES.

——<>——

In connection with the recent Communication of G.L. at Christchurch, a criticism which is not without its

humorous side has been forthcoming. The critic said that a pleasant feature of the Christchurch G.L.

proceedings was that most of the talking came from the representatives on the floor, and not from the East, as

had formerly been the ease. There is in this, if there is anything at all, a covert reproach on the distinguished

brethren who have adorned the East on former G.L. occasions for having monopolised all the conversation,

while the poor delegate on the floor has not been able to get a word in edgeways. That is where smile comes

in, because the critic has apparently hurled his brick at the wrong man. It certainly cannot be laid as a charge

against the brethren in the East, if the brethren on the floor were too diffident, or too modest, or what not, to

voice the truth within them. This journal holds no brief for G.L., but it can confidently assert that at no time

has any obstacle been placed in the way of free discussion by those wishing to engage therein. Naturally, in

the early years of G.L. much of the constructive work was perforce left in the hands of brethren of distinction

and experience, and at the annual Communication consequently these same brethren, having the most

knowledge of subjects to be discussed, had most to say in connection with them. It may be that

unconsciously a sort of precedent was established, and a custom grew of allowing matters under discussion

to be mainly dealt with by tried and experienced brethren in the East, but it may be added that if there was

little or no discussion scorn the floor the blame attached to the brethren there and nor to theme in a more

elevated position. As a matter of fact, what is alleged to have been the experience in G.L. Communications is

merely a replica of what is happening every month in private Lodges, viz., that the transaction of the

business of the Lodge is quite tacitly left to a few brethren on the dais, while the main body of the Lodge, as

represented on the floor, looks on in silence, reserving, however, should it think fit, the right to growl about

things later in and outside the Lodge-room. It may be confidently asserted that it is with G.L. as it is with the

private Lodge, viz., that the Rulers of the Craft would cordially welcome intelligent interest on the part of the

brethren of inferior rank as evinced by participation in discussions touching the well-being of the Institution.

But that is not to say that the loquacious brother who talks for the sake of airing his fancied eloquence, or to

air his own opinions, but who has really no message of any importance to deliver, will receive a rapturous

welcome at the hands of G.L. or any private Lodge. And the same thing applies to the brother, who is bound

to crop up in all human assemblies, who is facile princeps at destructive criticism, but is never heard as an

exponent of constructive activity. Sonic time ago there was an article in this journal devoted to the brethren

on the floor, in which it was very clearly shown that if these brethren did their obvious duty they would be

less apathetic in the matter of their own Lodge business, and would show it by actively participating in

Lodge discussions on affairs in which all of them were vitally interested. These remarks apply with equal

force to G.L. representatives, and should these take the hint it may, without fear of contradiction, be asserted

that G.L. brethren entitled to seats in the East will gladly welcome and encourage the newly aroused

enthusiasm. Only it should be understood that brethren must not talk just for the sake of talking. However,

apropos of the critic's remarks concerning the Christchurch Communication, we shall hope that it heralds the

dawn of an awakened general interest: in the business affairs and concerns of Dominion Freemasonry.

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

New and Notes.
———————————————————————————————————————————

ALL accounts from the New Zealand Masonic. Newspaper Co. for the CRAFTSMAN have now been rendered

for the year ending 31st May last, and notices of the date when advance payments may he made by those

subscribers who so desire. Many of the accounts are for very small amounts, in some cases for a few pence

only, but the Secretary would like it to be clearly understood that the object is, simply, to apprise each

subscriber of his financial position with the company once in each year. If any subscriber has not received an

account or notice, application to this office will remedy the omission.

THE G.L. of New South Wales has made a rather sudden change in the principal office. The present G.M. is

M.W. Bro. Dr. Carruthers, a genial and enthusiastic brother, who was elected twelve months ago. He was

again a candidate, but the choice fell upon R.W. Bro. William Thompson, M.L.A., the present S.G.W. The

Installation will take place on the 24th inst., but it is doubtful if New Zealand will be represented as M.W.

Bro. Williams was unable to accept the invitation of M.W. Bro. Dougall, G.M. of New Zealand.

PROBABLY because we were unable to accept the invitation of Rawhiti Lodge to its annual meeting, the Sec.

retaliated by sending a copy of the menu, knowing full well how our epicurean taste would yearn for duck

and green peas, the hot plum pudding., &c., &c. But on mature consideration we had the pleasing reflection

that the stability of our digestive organs had not been put to the test, and at least one sleepless night had been

avoided.

LODGE United Service, No. 10, knows how to appreciate and keep capable and energetic officers when it has

them. R.W. Bro. Allen, M.See., has had charge of its books for 26 years, and the Treas., W. Bro. Neumegen,

has kept watch over the finances for the same period.

THUS said a R.W. Bro. in South Australia : " I wish, as I heard a Chinese brother say on one occasion, there

were more DO Masons, not SAY Masons."

THE celebration of the semi-jubilee of the G.L. of Victoria was held at Melbourne on the 29th April. Next

May will be, the semi-jubilee of the G.L. of New Zealand. Will it celebrate ?

A TRIP abroad is being organised by the "American Freemason," to leave New York on 30th January, 1915,

the itinerary to include Egypt., the Holy Land, Borne, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, and London, with side trips

galore. Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son will conduct and have full charge of the trip, and the cost, which will

be announced in the June issue of the "American Freemason," will include tips, fees, and expenses of every

kind. This time it will not be " Innocents Abroad."

THE " Crescent," published in Minnesota, says : " In the East, after the porters get through with you, the train

robbers would starve to death."

IN commenting on the address of M.E.Comp. J.J. Esson, delivered at the Animal Convocation of G.C., the

"American Freemason" has the following:— “That part of it which refers to invasion of the Sovereign

territory of New Zealand by the G.C. of Scotland, will give our American readers an indication of the

problems to be met in other countries. So far as the Masonic bodies of Scotland are concerned, it is the

experience of those in other countries, including American G.Ls., that the Scotch brothers can be, and are, a

law unto themselves, and that they can, and do, act in such a manner as to offend the susceptibilities of

brothers and Comps. elsewhere, and that needlessly.”

NOTWITHSTANDING it is a command to W.Ms. to have the by- laws read at least once during their term of

office, the process is generally a great weariness to the spirit- without much compensating result. Such was

the opinion in Lodge Waterloo last month.

THE Editor of the New Zealand CRAFTSMAN is taking rest and treatment at Rotorua.

M.W. BRO. M. NICCOL., G.Sec., writing from Sydney, states that the journey from Wellington was

exceedingly rough, and Mrs. Niccol arrived in a state of collapse. The weather in Sydney was beautiful, and

they thoroughly enjoyed the few days there.

JUST before the opening of the Lodge T., the W.M. discovered that he had forgoten the accumulator that

works the Morning Star. Just at this time Bro. Sponsor arrived in his car with Bro. To-be-raised. The W.M.

asked for the loan of his accumulator, but the car did not possess one. Bro. To-be-raised relieved the tension

by saying that lie knew the head of a well-known firm who would let him have one. The object was obtained

and carried carefully by Bro. To-be-raised, who began to speculate on its use, and his imagination, no doubt

assisted by hints from various well-wishers, conjured up a vision of himself being accessory to his torture by

electrical discharges, and when, by a strange coincidence an earthquake occurred at the psychological

moment, it well nigh finished the humble representative. of H.A. (in the Alternative Scotch). He came up

smiling, however, at the "Fourth."

APROPOS of Lodge Concord Installation, the special correspondent remarks :—"Through some channel, a

short notice of our Installation -meeting appeared in the local news columns of one of our morning dailies

here. It is greatly to be deplored that any Masonic Lodge should think it necessary to advertise itself in this

way. The business of Masonic Lodges,-at any rate of ordinary Craft Lodges, is of no concern to the outside

world, and surely the columns of the New Zealand CRAFTSMAN are of sufficient publicity for Masonic

news. There is rather too much tendency amongst many brethren to "talk," and some of the reports of the

Masonic, meetings which appear at times in the daily newspapers read more like accounts of some sports

club's "Smoke-Oh" or a "Hard-up" social. Surely such reports, more especially when adorned with sketchy

illustrations, are a breach of Masonic good form." [This journal is in thorough agreement with the

correspondent.]

M.W. BRO. J. J. DOUGALL, G.M., invited M.W. Bro. Williams to represent New Zealand at the 25th

anniversary of the G.L. of New South Wales, which was held on the 24th inst. To his great regret, the M.W.

Bro. was unable to accept the invitation, owing to indisposition.

V. W. BRO. H. B. BRIDGE, G.Lect. for Wellington and Hawke's Bay districts, is circularised as delivering his

first lecture of the current year, at the meeting of Hinemoa Lodge on the 9th inst. Tutanekai and Brooklyn

Lodges have been invited, and a numerous attendance is anticipated. The Prov.G.M. and G.L. officers will be

present.

_______________

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——<>——

Bro. Thos. Belworthy, the worthy caretaker of the Invercargill Masonic 114, and who is much interested in

ambulance work, paid a visit to Timaru with a view to investigating ambulance matters. Having satisfied his

desires therein, he instinctively turned his attention to Freemasonry, and, since his return, he has been

continually extolling the virtues of our Timaru brethren as workers, and, above all, as hosts.

* * * *

The installation ceremony of Southern Cross Lodge was conducted by W. Bro. Waters, the retiring Master,

assisted by his P.Ms. The work showed evidence of careful rehearsal, and was the subject of many

congratulatory remarks at the after meeting. Bro. Gritchfield, the new W.M., is a noted student of

Freemasonry, and doubtless the year 1914-15 will be one of mental progress for Southern Cross Lodge.

* * * *

The annual meeting of Lodge Fortitude drew its usual large quota of visitors from the Invercargill Lodges.

The ceremony was conducted by the Prov.G.M., assisted by past and present G.L. officers, and W. Bro.

W.R. Rusden is the new Master. He is very popular, a good ritualist, and thoroughly in touch with the affairs

of his Lodge. The social held after the meeting was a very brilliant and enjoyable function.

* * * *

At Victoria Lodge Installation meeting, a striking and very gratifying feature was the large attendance of

members. Doubtless this was mainly due to the tireless and tactful manner in which W. Bro. Dr. Yule

watched the attendance register during the year—noted all absentees, and made a point of looking them up,

and so induced many to correct their behaviour. The Installation ceremony was ably conducted by W. Bro.

Dr. Yule, assisted by his P.Ms. The new W.M., Bro. Oliver Joyce, is endowed with many excellent qualities,

and should have a. brilliant Masonic career.

* * * *

No clearer vindication of the principle of training the P.Ms. of every Lodge in every detail of the Installation

ceremony could be given than a recital of events in connection with Lodge Waikaka annual meeting. The

Prov.G.M. was to conduct the ceremony, but at the last moment he contracted an illness, and his medical

adviser absolutely forbade him to leave his room. Lodge Harvey (which had conducted its own ceremony

last April) was communicated with by wire and the case explained. The 'phone was then utilised to some

purpose. Brethren spontaneously rose to the occasion ; a team of officers was got together ; the programme

re-cast; and a start made for the scene of labour. The Degree was admirably exemplified, not the slightest

hitch occurring. Special mention must be made of W. Bro. E. Frobarth, I.M. ; W. Bro. Frank Young, D.C.

and address to the M. W. Bro. Gibb, address to the brethren, for the excellence of their performance. The

speech delivered by the new W.M., Bro. James Brosnan, was to the point, and gave evidence of his ability to

successfully control time affairs of No. 151. A sumptuous banquet, interspersed with speech, song and story,

brought a memorable meeting to a close at 12 p.m.

* * * *

Lodge Harvey is booming ahead. At the last meeting there were four propositions and three affiliations. The

total strength is now 114. New regalia is on order, which will obliterate the last marks of the flood.

* * * *

W. Bro. C. H. Poole, St. John ; W. Bro. Jos. Holloway, Southern Cross ; W. Bro. J. Walker, Fortitude ; W.

Bro. J. Petrie, Victoria ; were each presented with P.M's. jewels ; and W. Bro. A. Campbell, Victoria, it

Sec.'s jewel of massive design.

Bro. Rev. Percy Jones, who is leaving Invercargill for "pastures new," was met and presented with a parting

gift of a comforting and satisfying nature by his brethren of Waihopai Lodge.

* * * *

At the last regular meeting of Waihopai Lodge, R.W. Bro. Wm. Smith, in his inimitable way, discoursed on

Freemasonry to the edification of all present. He was heartily thanked for his efforts at enlightenment. The

more credit is due to R.W. Bro. Smith in view of the fact that he filled a gap at an hour's notice.

* * * *

W. Bro. H. F. Dencker, who has removed to Palmerston South, was farewelled in a fitting manner on 15th

instant by Lodge Wallace and Wallace Chapter. In Lodge and Chapter our esteemed brother took a

prominent part, and he will be much missed. However, our loss is Palmerston South's gain, and we

confidently commend our brother to their fraternal friendship.

* * * *

Brethren will be pleased to learn that R.W. Bro. Wm. Timpany has recovered from his illness, and is about

again as usual.

* * * *

Very deep regret is felt in the Mataura district at the death of the late Bro. James Scott Nicol, which occurred

at Mount Eden, Auckland. Our deceased brother was initiated in Mataura Lodge on 19th September, 1910,

passed 19th October, and raised 14th November of the same year. He filled the offices of J.D., 1911; S.D.,

1912; and J.W., 1913. He was an excellent officer and fine elocutionist. He was a farmer by occupation, but

an ardent naturalist by choice. He leaves a widow and several little children to mourn his loss, to all of whom

our deepest sympathy is extended.

_______________

AUCKLAND NOTES.

——<>——

The annual festival of the Star of the North Lodge, No. 1647, E.C., took place at Whangarei on 13th May,

when Bro. Donald William Jack was installed as W.M. The D.D.G.M. (W. Bro. W. T. Furby) and a number

of D.G. officers attended. The installing master was W. Bro. W. W. Daw, D.G.Sec. The Presenting Officers

were W. Bros. A. M. McLeod and A. W. McKenzie, P.Ms.

* * * *

W. Bro. Julian Brook, the retiring master of the Onewa Lodge, No. 182, was the recipient of a P.M's. jewel

from the brethren of his Lodge. The presentation was made by M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson.

* * * *

The annual festival of the Ara Lodge, No. 1, saw a crowded attendance at the Freemasons' Hall, Princes

Street, The Prov.G.M. (M.W. Bro. Nicholson) was accompanied by some sixteen G.L. officers, and all the

Sister Lodges were well represented. The retiring W.M. (W. Bro. A. 1. Farmer) acted as installing master,

and placed Bro. W. P. Endean, J.W., in the chair of K.S. All the ceremonial work was carried out in a highly

efficient manner. A large number of brethren afterwards sat down to the banquet in the Lower Hall and an

admirably arranged programme was gone through.

* * * *

There was a record attendance of members of Lodge Auckland, No. 87, at the annual meeting of that

Lodge—some eighty brethren taking part in the processions, including seventeen P.Ms.

* * * *

A fair number of city brethren visited Northcote on Monday, 25th May, for the purpose of attending the

installation meeting of Lodge Onewa, No: 182. Bro. Julian Brook, W.M., carried out the duties of installing

officer, and installed Bro. Harry J. Kallender as his successor. The Prov.G.M. and his officers were in

attendance at the meeting and the visitors were afterwards very hospitably entertained by the Northcote

brethren.

* * * *

The annual meeting of the Albion Lodge, No. 45, at Devon-port, drew together a. large gathering of

members of the Craft. G.L. was well represented and the W.Ms. of nearly all the city and suburban Lodges

were in attendance. The retiring W.M. (Bro. J. M. Crosher) installed his successor (Bro. William Coltman).

The newly installed W.M. afterwards invested his officers. At the request of the brethren, M.W. Bro.

Nicholson, Prov.G.M., presented W. Bro. Crosher with a handsome P.M.'s jewel, in recognition of his

services to the Lodge.

* * * *

The Auckland Masonic Institute and Club has now been established in the new premises, and the change is

much appreciated by the members. An official opening of the new rooms will take place early in July.

* * * *

At the installation meeting of the Star of the North. Lodge, No. 1647, E.G., the addresses to the Masters and

brethren were delivered by W. Bro. Furby, Dep.D.G.M., while W. Bro. J. W. Wiseman, D.G. Treas.,

addressed the Wardens. The W.T.s in the respective degrees were presented by W. Bro. H. C. Blundell,

W.M., Northern Light Lodge, No. 1878, E.G. ; W. Bro. D. McCarroll, P.M. Franklin Lodge, No. 2138, E.C.,

and W. Bro. R. \\Varner, W.M., Lodge Star of the North, No. 102.

* * * *

The brethren of Lodge Auckland, No. 87, suitably recognised the services of Bro. A. S. Clarke upon his

retirement from the chair. Bro. Clarke received a very handsome jewel from the members of his Lodge.

* * * *

The brethren of the Newton Mark Lodge recently held a social evening in the Upper Queen Street Masonic

Hall. The function proved very successful.

* * * *

The annual meeting of Lodge Auckland, No. 87, took place in the Hall at Eden Terrace on 26th May, the

attendance being probably one of the largest seen at such a ceremony. The Master Elect was Bro. Walter

John Arnold, and he was installed by his predecessor (W. Bro. A. S. Clarke). The Prov.G.M. and a large

number of the present and past officers of G.L. were in attendance on the occasion. A banquet was

subsequently held at the Grafton Public Library Hall.

* * * *

At the installation meeting of Lodge Turanganui, No. 1480, E.C. (Gisborne), the collection for the

Benevolent Fund produced the handsome suns of £28 5s.

* * * *

On the 4th June another Lodge was added to the roll of G.L. when Lodge Whakatane, No. 198, was

constituted and dedicated by M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, Prov.G.M. It is now some little time since the

brethren resident in the Whakatane district took steps to erect a Masonic Horne. Owing, however, to a

difficulty with respect to a meeting place a delay has taken place in the consummation of the desire. M.W.

Bro. Nicholson was assisted in the ceremony by R.W. Bro. F. Kearsley, P.D.G.M. R.W. Bro. J. Catchpole,

S.G.W. and others. The oration on the aims and objects of Freemasonry was delivered by the Prov.G.M.,

who subsequently installed the W.M.

* * * *

W. Bro. W. W. Daw, D.G.Sec. of the E.G., conducted the installation of the W.M. of Lodge Turanganui, No.

1480, E.G., at Gisborne. The D.D.G.M. and several officers of D.G. Lodge attended. Bro. K. H. Humphreys

was installed as W.M. W. Bro. Furby delivered the address to the W.M., and also that to the brethren, while

\\V. Bro. Pasco addressed the Wardens. The W.Ts. in the 3rd degree were presented by - W. Bro. G. Wildish,

W.M., Lodge Montrose, No. 732, S.C., in the 2nd degree by W. Bro. F. G. Rowley, W.M., Lodge Abercorn,

No. 76, and in the 1st degree by W. Bro. E. D. Smith, P.M.

* * * *

In further celebration of the jubilee of the Lodge, the brethren of United Service, No. 10, held a very

successful conversazione at the Freemasons' Hall on the 2nd June. There was a large attendance.

* * * *

On the evening following the installation of the W.M. of Lodge Turanganui, the D.D.G.M. of the E.G. and

other visiting brethren to Gisborne accepted an invitation to attend the meeting of Lodge Abercorn, No. 76.

The visitors were all much impressed with the beautiful hall and with the cordiality of their reception.

* * * *

The brethren of the United Service Lodge, No. 10, celebrated an interesting event at the end of May, when

the jubilee of the Lodge took place. Fifty years ago the United Service Lodge was chartered by the G.L. of

Ireland for the primary object of providing a Masonic Home for brethren connected with the naval and

military forces, who at that period were in considerable evidence in this portion of New Zealand. With the

close of the war and the departure of the military forces, the Lodge became an ordinary civil one, and to-day

is one of the foremost Lodges in the province.

* * * *

Some sixty odd brethren were present at the opening of Lodge Whakatane, No. 198, a goodly number being

supplied from Opotiki, where the nearest Lodge is located. W. Bro. A. Peebles was installed as first W.M.,

the .Prov..G.M. being assisted in the ceremony by R.W. Bro. Kearsley, who addressed the W.M. and R.W.

Bro. J. Catchpole, who delivered the address to the Wardens.

* * * *

At the annual meeting of Lodge Papakura, No. 56, W. Bro. Tumbridge was installed as W.M. for the ensuing

year. There was a good gathering of brethren, including the Prov.G.M.

* * * *

M.W. Bro. Nicholson practically entered upon his new term of office as Prov.G.M. with the installation

meeting of Lodge Onewa, and following that has been putting in some fairly heavy work, Including the four

days trip for the Whakatane consecration.

* * * *

At the jubilee meeting of the United Service Lodge, the Secretary (R.W. Bro. T. W. Allen, P.Prov.G.M.)

read an historical account of his Lodge, which was listened to with much interest and appreciation by the

gathering of brethren present.

* * * *

The brethren of Ara., No. 1, have recognised the services of W. Bro. Farmer during two years in the Master's

chair, by presenting him with a handsome P.M.'s jewel.

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

FREEMASONRY, AS IT WAS, AND AS IT IS.
——<>——

(A Lecture delivered by V.W. BRO. H. B. BRIDGE,

G. Lecturer.)

——

"Operative Masonry is an Art ; Speculative Masonry is a Science," so says a well-known Masonic writer.

Using, however, the present application of the term, Masonry, or, as it is popularly called, Freemasonry, as it

was, was a peculiar association of operative builders, technical Masons, who formed themselves into guilds,

or corporations, for the better regulation of their trade, the conservation of the valuable building secrets, and

the proper instruction of apprentices in their art, or handicraft, which they claimed to have been handed down

from time immemorial. Admission to membership of these guilds was contingent on certain fitness as to

character, and there was a ceremony of a kind, which included ethical and admonitory teaching. The past

history of Masonry up to a. certain definite point—about the 16th century—is unfortunately unsupported by

reliable documentary evidence, and consequently the origin of these operative Masons, and of Masonry

itself, is left to the imaginative faculties of this, or that, ardent student. Of course, deductive reasoning, if it

can be restrained within the bounds, of the logical is useful, and of value, in determining a certain course of

probable events ; but the absence of authoritative data in support most always prove detrimental from the

historical point of view. The reliable historian can only work on recorded facts ; the theorist., having no

responsibility has a practically unlimited field oI operation. It is thus we find certain Masonic writers of the

theorist class—distinguished and enthusiastic brethren, all of them tracing the existence of Freemasonry, or

Masonry, as far back as Adam, from him to Enoch, to the Egyptians, thence to Moses and the Israelitish

people, and thence to the Romans and the Roman Empire. On the other hand, the best recognised Masonic

historians, such as Bros. Lyon, Freke-Gould, Hughen, and Findel, after exhaustive research, decline to

commit themselves to any such great antiquity, and, more by inference than actual confirmation, limit their

historical findings to the evolution of Freemasonry from the guilds of operative Masons in England,

Scotland, and the Continent of Europe these operative Masons being supposed to have been allied to similar

guilds or corporations of builders, whose magnificent work in ecclesiastical and other architectural

monuments on the Continent in the Middle Ages is still extant..

Of course, the enquiring Brother will ask, where did these operative Masons in the Middle Ages come from,

and who were they ? Put plainly, no one knows as a matter of historical fact, anything about their origin.

There is a moderate school of Masonic thought which, spurning the extreme of the great antiquity alluded to,

and the extreme of refusing to recognise anything which cannot be supported by documentary evidence,

propounds a theory which may in brief be put before you. In this connection, it must be understood, that to

measure the worth of the theory, each brother should read the authorities and judge for himself. The theory

referred to is one which traces these operative Masons back to the era of the Roman Collegia, originally

founded by Ntuna. From Roman history we learn that these Roman Collegia, or private societies—trade

guilds in fact—were the training schools of the artisans. Subsequently they included the different philosophic

cults, and the arts and sciences, and among these the architectural or building art, or science. Historians

explain that the different, departments of trade were known as guilds, or corporations, and that they were

governed in a peculiar way, having their distinctive secrets and mystical ceremonies. These were in a

manner, it would seem, somewhat akin to those of our Masonic Lodges. Especially was this the case with the

guild of builders.

It is only right to state here that Jewish Masonic writers claim that the tenets and principles of Masonry, as

we have them now on its ethical side, were introduced to the Romans by the Jewish Masons in a sort of

missionary spirit while dwelling among them as a conquered people. Whatever there was of ritual, and

mysticism in ceremonial, is alleged to have had a similar origin. And here, probably, is the thread of

deductive connection with Moses and the Egyptians, since Moses is supposed during his long sojourn in

Egypt to have been initiated into the Egyptian mysteries, and, further, to have been entrusted with the secrets

of the building art. in which the Egyptians excelled beyond all other nations. These would have been handed

down by the Jewish priesthood in the name of the Most High.

To revert, however, to the Roman Guild of Builders :—The Romans in their career of conquest and

colonisation had the foresight to attach to each section of their victorious armies, which in the course of time

won to their Empire all Europe and Britain, a number of these builders, who formed themselves into guilds,

or Lodges, wherever the Roman armies elected to stay in possession. Their work was to erect temples for

worship, fortifications for defence, and tenements for the ruler, his officers, and his soldiers. These builders

were highly thought of by those in authority, and they were accorded privileges far beyond those of other

trades, and were made exempt from certain State levies and demands. The origin of this exemption is said to

have been clue to the fact that in the 300th century, A.D., the building trades acted as the fire brigade in

Rome, and were, therefore, made immune from other public duties. In course of time this immunity,

probably, became a recognised privilege, and hence the term "free" builder, or "free" mason, though the term

"free" as applied to Masons of to-day has quite a different signification. These guilds of operative Masons,

were the guardians of their peculiar and valuable trade secrets, and their members were the particular

protegees of the priests because of their splendid work in the erection of temples to the glory of their gods.

Time went on and the proud Roman Empire was no more. As the result of its colonising policy the guilds of

operative Masons were scattered over the face of Europe. The erstwhile Roman colonies became

independent States and Principalities. The operative Masons were in great demand by the church for their

unrivalled skill in erecting great cathedrals, churches, and monasteries. They were the protegees of the

monks and clerics as they had been of the Roman priesthood. As an outcome of this many of these monks

and clerics were admitted as "accepted" members of the guilds, and, it has been suggested, much of the

designing work in the ecclesiastical building was really the work of these priests, who probably also added to

the purely technical trade ceremonial of these guilds, ethical, and to some extent philosophic, meditative, or

speculative features, which would, of course, be merely oral in their transmission in keeping with the manner

of the devotional exercises of these clerics. In the course of time some of these operative Masons found their

way to England and Scotland, there joining the descendants of those who had remained after the Roman

conquest of Britain. They were also to be found in France, and in Germany, and are supposed to have been

identical with the Steinmetzen, or Stonemasons, of the latter country. As the years went by these operative

Masons threw off the yoke of the Church, and acted independently. But it seems fair deductive logical

reasoning, granting that the theory is correct in its assumptions, that their lengthy intimate association with

the priesthood must have left, its mark on the nature of their ceremonies, and on the character of the

operative Masons themselves. They are said to have been everywhere highly respected, and to have required

a high standard of character from those who sought admission to their ranks. That this was carried out with

certain rites and ceremonies is undoubted, and also that they had secret ways of distinguishing one another

from the uninitiated. This last would, of course, be necessary to guard their valuable trade secrets, as well as

to ensure the conservation of their trade reputation.

Such in brief is the theory of the moderate school of Masonic thought- as connecting these Roman artisans

with the operative Masons of the Middle Ages, and thence with the operative guilds, or Lodges, of these

Masons existing in England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as, as is alleged, prior to

those dates. As has been previously said, the brethren should read the Masonic writers and decide as to the

worth of the theory for themselves. Starting from this 17th century, of which we possess some documentary

records, there can be no doubt that the ceremonial of the operative Masons was decidedly of an ethical or

moral nature, besides that of a technical, or trade, character. The operative rituals in existence at the present

day, as well as the scrolls of the Antient Charges, as they were called, give ample proof of this. And,

doubtless, it was this ethical side of Masonry which so strongly appealed to those who were, in the course of

time—Elias Ashmole in 1646 is said to have been the first authenticated case in England—admitted to these

guilds as "accepted" Masons. These persons were for the most part wealthy men, men of good social

position, and men of letters. In these, it will at, once be perceived, there was the material which might be

expected to develop especially the ethical side of Masonry. So far it had no symbolism about. it, and, if there

was anything of the speculative there are no written data to show it. These would seem to have been the

natural evolution as the result of the making by the operative Masons of 'accepted" Masons—men who had

nothing in common with the mere trade, or artisan, side of Masonry, but who, probably, saw great

prospective good to humanity if the ethical, or moral, side was made more prominent. With the advent of the

18th century and the decadence of the building art, and the operative Mason this was to take practical effect

in the formation of the purely speculative Lodges of Masons. For this we are indebted to Dr. Anderson, Dr.

Desaguliers, and Dr. Payne—but mostly to the two former brethren—all three of whom were prominent in

the formation of the first regular G.L. of England in 1717. Dr. Anderson was the author—under the direction

of the G.L. referred to—of the '1st Book of Constitutions in 1723 and of the 2nd Book of Constitutions in

1738. The period from 1717 to 1813, the date of the union between the Ancients, or Operatives, and the

Moderns, or Speculative, Masons was a troublous one, and also one of transition. Early, however, in the 19th

century the speculative form of Freemasonry entirely superseded the operative. It is to Dr. Anderson and his

colleagues that we owe the change of the religious basis of Masonry from purely Christian to cosmopolitan,

thus rendering the universality of Masonry possible, and the adoption of a ritual in which much of the

technical operative language and illustration were retained, but which was enriched and embellished by the

addition of speculative and allegorical details, and a beautiful symbolism. The point particularly desired to be

emphasised is that, by logical deductive reasoning where records are not available, and by positive proof

where they are, Freemasonry—or Masonry—as it seas, was an ethical association as well as technical. That

the ethical side of it was by no means its least important, and that its ethics then demanded of its members

self-respecting conduct, a high devotion to duty, and brotherly love.

Interesting, however, as it is to delve into the past, what is of more vital consequence to us is the

consideration of what Freemasonry is to-day, what it really stands for, and what we as its members by our

conduct and actions should loyally conserve to it so as to hand it on to our successors pure and unpolluted. A

thorough realisation of these things is necessary on the part of the brethren, because only in that way can

they truly gauge their individual responsibility as members of this ancient and honourable fraternity. Directly

each of us was admitted, a trust was placed in his hands. With a due realisation of the grave importance of

that trust the brethren will be less likely to prove unworthy of it, or to be the means of introducing within our

portals any who would, or might, prove unworthy.

Freemasonry, as it is, is of course not operative; in place of the technical builder has risen the figurative

builder on a purely ethical basis. Freemasonry to-day is a philosophic, meditative, speculative science,

erecting, or endeavouring to erect, spiritual edifices by the symbolic use of technical building tools and

material, applied with a moral signification, and beautified by allegory. Where the operative Masons sought

only the perfecting of their building art, and were concerned as to the moral fitness of those admitted to their

membership only as it might affect the reputation and usefulness of their trade organisation, the Freemasonry

of to-day, equally jealous of the character of the brethren, seeks by their up-lifting, and the good example set

by its members in their work-a-day lives and actions to so influence society at large that the Nations may

gradually move along paths consonant with the great Masonic tenets, principles, and essentials. No doubt its

ideals are higher and nobler than in purely operative times, as was only to he expected with tile progress of

civilisation, and education. It is not a religion; it merely claims to be, and it certainly is, a sublime moral

science, or system. This it teaches its members, as has been said, by means of allegory, and symbols, all of

which, rightly received, must lead to the building up of character, and the improvement of morals and

conduct. As its principal allegory is the building of King Solomon's Temple, so its chief object, is the

building up within each brother's heart of the spiritual temple. To accomplish this it propounds certain moral

truths by which he should regulate his life and actions.

These ethics may be said to be the materials of which the spiritual temple is built. First we have as the

foundation stone the absolutely indispensable requirement of a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being,

inseparable from which is the hope of a future existence, or a belief in the immortality of the soul. The

structure is then to be fortified by the possession, and observance, of three great guiding principles, which we

are taught are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Brotherly love points out what our attitude should be

towards not only our brethren in the Craft, but also toward our fellowmen in general. The idea is far too

common among Masons that their obligations of Masonic bearing and conduct apply only to the members of

this institution. This is quite a mistaken conception of a Freemason's duty. If the application of the tenets and

principles of the Craft began and ended with the brethren, and their observance was confined to within the

Masonic circle alone, it might be confidently asserted that the life of the institution would not have been as

lengthy and as vigorous as it has been, and that Freemasonry would not occupy the unique position it now

deservedly does among associations of men as one of a peculiarly up-lifting, beneficent, and humanitarian

character. The principles inculcated within the Lodge must be given effect outside of it. The brother must

live in the profane, or outside, world up to his professions within the Lodge-room. If he does this he will, in

his relations to, and dealings with, all men display absolute honesty of purpose and action, tolerance, calm

judgment, kindly and intelligent interest, tact, and courtesy. He will demonstrate the quality Relief, not only

by aid in a material sense where possible, but also by a sincere and ready sympathy with all who are

distressed in body, or in mind. Truth requires of him to put out of his life all that is false and untrue, and to

show himself in all his actions and sayings as true and trustworthy. Other qualifications are demanded as

essential materials of the edifice. They are a just humility in whatever eminence of position, service without

thought of reward, fortitude, and true temperance, which is moderation in all things; also a due appreciation

of honour, of virtue, and of mercy. Then, as a crown to this spiritual structure is incumbent the divine

attribute of Charity. Not the mere giving of alms, but Charity in its fullest sense. To think no evil; to speak

no evil; to judge with mercy; to be silent when good cannot with truth be said ; to assist with sympathy the

poor, suffering, and distressed; such is real Charity. Bat, of course, it is also peculiarly the Freemason's duty

to respond in a material sense to the best of his ability to any demand made upon him for aid in a charitable

cause, especially when the call is a Masonic one.

Enough has been said to show the brethren that the ideals of Freemasonry are high, their object grand and

noble, their attainment desirable by all who would lead clean and blameless lives. Faced by the infirmities of

human nature they may be difficult of realisation, but not impossible. In the case of one they may prove

easier than in the case of another. But, whatever the brother's special difficulties may be, Freemasonry points

the way to overcoming them, and arms bins for the battle If he be sincere and earliest. Being what he is then,

the Freemason cannot but allow that he has a duty to Freemasonry, the duty of steadily and perseveringly

making himself worthy of it. If that is so, and who can deny it, how much more is it the Freemason's duty to

see that those who could, or might, not prove worthy are debarred from entering its gates. Vigilance in this

respect cannot be too alert. The man who is popularly classed as "a good fellow" is not always the most

suitable person for Freemasonry ; indeed, some of the very attributes which have gained him his popularity

in the outside world possibly are the strongest bars to his candidature. It cannot be too strongly urged on the

brethren that what is wanted in Freemasonry is, as regards its membership, not quantity but quality. Not

quality of social position or wealth, but quality of heart and mind. To those who are possessed of these can

the ethical system of Freemasonry alone appeal, and it is those members who have been admitted to it

mistakenly, and to whom it fails to appeal because of an inherent want within themselves, who help to swell

the numbers of "the unattached," or regard their Freemasonry solely from the viewpoint of its refectory

attractions.

But, if the Freemason has an undoubted duty to Freemasonry, and to his Lodge, so has the Lodge a duty to

its members. It is a duty which is more honoured in the breach than in the observance. The duty referred to is

that of paying due attention to the intellectual side of Freemasonry. The young Freemason has a just claim on

his Lodge to be taught therein something more of the nature of the Institution than can be gathered from the

ritual, however oft it be repeated. He has a right to be told something of its known history, to have its

allegorical meanings explained to him, and its symbolism made clear to his mind. This, of course—the

brother, probably, having neither the books nor the leisure for study—can only be done by the reading of

Masonic papers, or delivery of addresses, by competent brethren. Such addresses should be delivered, or

such papers should be read, in the Lodge-room, and not be relegated to the uncongenial atmosphere of the

refectory. To carry this out necessarily entails occasionally postponing some of that degree work which

W.Ms. seem to regard as the greatest claim on their attention during their occupancy of the chair. With all

deference it may be suggested that the work referred to can very well on occasions stand aside for a while;

there is really no cause for hurry. It would be better for all concerned, and especially for the candidates, if

novitiates were not advanced so quickly as has become the general practice. Freemasonry is a progressive

science, and it is well that the heart and mind should be made to realise that progressiveness. In other words,

it is eminently desirable that the candidate should be given ample time to understand and digest one step

before he is permitted to take another. What is more, he will by such procedure proportionately value his

advancement when it comes. Such is human nature that that which is quickly and easily attained is lightly

estimated, while that which is only acquired by slow process and diligent study and thought is greatly valued.

There is, it may be urged, despite its beauty and its solemnity, too much constant re-iteration of the ritual in

the Lodges without the relieving feature of occasional Masonic instruction in another form. But, however

this may be, let us always remember that the main thing is that as Freemasons we should so bear ourselves

wherever we may be that we shall be acceptable to, and worthy of, the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity to

which we have the privilege to belong. We can only do this by assiduously endeavouring to live according to

its genuine tenets and principles. They are those set out briefly in this lecture.

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

UNITED MASTERS LODGE, No. 167.

——<>——

DEFICIENCY IN FREEMASONRY.
(Paper by V.W. Bro. E. R,. PICIflOTT, Treas.)

The title of this five minute paper may, on the face of it, appear of a startling nature; that this grand old

Masonic body of ours, with its old age, its great numerical strength, its wealth, and its powerful organisation,

should be thought of as being in any manner deficient, is, I admit, incomprehensible.

The truths Freemasonry endeavours to inculcate are many, and those truths appeal to us apart from its ritual

and ceremonies, and the V.S.L., the great light of the order, which is recommended as a guide and help to

those that have the privilege of being hailed as brethren of the mystic tie also inculcates the same-truths.

The obligations of the brotherhood are great and of a noble character, and they demand from each of us an

honest desire and willingness of heart to do our utmost to practise outside of the lodge those important duties

we have learnt within its walls.

The question is do we as a body conform to those teachings, or are the latter more honoured in the breach

than in the observance of them. I am of opinion that they are not honoured but dishonoured in the breach of

them. A brother falls in the battle of life in the struggles incidental to humanity ; do we as a body or as

members of a lodge display that careful brotherly interest towards him in the trying circumstances he finds

himself placed in, which interest should be the practical outcome of the truths taught within our walls. Do

we, like the Levite of old, pass by on the other side ; or do we act the part. Of the good Samaritan and

figuratively pour the oil of brotherly love into his wounds. If the latter course is adopted our reward is great,

for the cry goes out, "What think ye of these two men," and the V.S.L. replies in no uncertain manner. That

he was the brother and friend that had mercy upon the afflicted one. And the great Teacher also tells us from

the sacred pages that. our reward is great, for inasmuch as ye have done it. unto one of the least of these, ye

have done it unto Him.

As I look around this lodge-room to-night and see faces of brothers who have grown old in the service of

Freemasonry, I realise that many of us are drawing near the Land of the Leal, and to these brethren I appeal

if the following remarks are not true.

How often have we stood at the graveside to assist in placing a brother's remains in the last resting place

appointed for all who have entered upon this mortal existence, and as have remembered the widow and

children full of grief, mourn; nag with bitter tears the lost one, and as we have realised full well that in the

days that are to come, there will be an intense longing for the sound of the voice that is still, and as we have

dropped the sprig of acacia in the grave we have been perhaps full of pity, but we are apt to think our duty is

then ended. How many of us understand that our duty has only then commenced; that ours is the brotherly

duty, to cheer the widow and fatherless in their sad bereavement, and to give the mother by our actions cause

for thankfulness to the G.A.O.T.U. that she is hedged around by a powerful organisation which, while it

abhors any attempt at pauperising, is always ready to help and advise in the day of trial.

Again, the V.S.L., which we in all our ceremonies appeal to points out our duty and cheers and encourages

us in carrying out our duty, for its sacred pages tell us that pure religion and undefiled before God is to visit

the widow and fatherless in their distress.

Do we realise our duty to the fatherless?

Surely here could be displayed a greater amount of interest than we have hitherto evinced. Is it too much to

ask and expect that the brotherly tie, that did bind the departed brother and ourselves together, should have as

its practical outcome, our individual help and assistance on behalf of the widow and children of the brother,

particularly in respect of the children, when good advice and careful overlooking would possibly prove a

blessing in their future life.

The V.S.L. again appeals to us. "Leave thy fatherless children unto Me, saith the Lord, and I will protect

them." And He does protect them by using those whose hearts are touched with sympathy and care for the

sorrows of others.

The visitation of our sick members is another important matter that is lost sight of. What do we as a body

know of the possible wants of those that are laid aside by reason of sickness? Monetary aid in many cases

may not be required, but if so required it should be at the service of the afflicted, but apart from that, surely

the brotherly tie warrants me to state that our sick brethren should be visited from time to time. How often

have we listened to M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson give the charge to the brethren, a charge given with a pathos

and force that should appeal to us all, and yet, judging from results, the sublime truths contained therein have

had no local organised force and no practical experience in our work.

W.M., I am well aware of the great amount of money expended in Orphan Homes by our Masonic G.Ls. But

the question is : Do we as brethren individually fully use the powerful organisations at our command to carry

out the ideals taught the craft for the upholding of the dignity of Freemasonry.

I may be reminded of the fact that Freemasonry is not a Benefit Society. I am aware of that, but at the same

time I would say that I wish that in our Lodges we had some of the practical attributes of some benefit

societies I have worked in for many years.

If we as Freemasons carried out the ideal of Freemasonry we would be a power for good in this city of ours.

The community would look upon the Craft in a far different light to what it now does.

There, W.M., are my thoughts upon a subject that is dear to me. I know not if the views I have expressed will

meet with the approval of my brethren. If so, I ask what better work could this United Masters Lodge

inaugurate than a practical system to give effect to the teachings of the Craft which are all bound by the most

solemn ties to accept and carry out.

I have exceeded the time limit, otherwise I should have liked to have taken you and the members in

imagination on a tour of visits that would have proved that the organisation of Freemasonry is sadly

deficient., because it has not a properly organised scheme to meet the cases I have referred to.

I close, W.M., with the wish and hope that in the near future it may be said of us as a body that—

The tears of Widows,

The claims of Orphans,

These have claimed their kindred sigh

From that Noble Band who never

Pass a suffering brother by.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

A PAGE OF NORTHERN MASONIC HISTORY.

——<>——

THE RECORD OF LODGE UNITED SERVICE, No. 10.

———

Lodge United Service, No. 10, has just celebrated its jubilee. Its regular meeting on the 27th May was

attended by the W.Ms. and a large number of the brethren of the other Lodges of Auckland and its suburbs.

W. Bro. A. W. Morris, W.M. for the past year, occupied the chair. The proceedings in the lodge-room were

short, the principal feature being the reading by the Secretary, R.W. Bro. T. W. Allen, P.Prov.G.M., of a

sketch of the history of the Lodge. Afterwards the gathering adjourned downstairs, where a "Fourth Degree"

of more than ordinary excellence, both gustatorially and musically, took place. The celebration was

continued on the following Tuesday, in the form of a conversazione, attended by a very large number of

brethren and members of their families.

R.W. Bro. Allen's historic sketch was as follows :—

"A brief review of the fifty years' history of Lodge United Service, now No. 10. on the register of the G.L. of

New Zealand, but formerly No. 421 under the G.L. of Ireland.

"It was during the height of the strife between the Maori race and the Imperial forces, in the early sixties, that

the G.L. of Ireland was approached by the military brethren located in Auckland for the issue of a Charter to

enable them to carry on Masonic work in this city. The Charter was, as you are aware, granted, and the name

'United Service' engrossed upon it. The number of the Lodge on the register was 421.

"At that period there were three Lodges in the city, namely, Ara, No. 348, I.C.Waitemata, No. 689, E.G.; and

St. Andrew, No. 418, S.C. I do not know why it was deemed necessary to establish a second Lodge under the

I.C., but no doubt the military brethren had good reason for their action. None below the rank of first-class

sergeant or first-class petty officer were admitted to membership. I cannot find that any petty officer of the

naval branch ever joined the Lodge, but several commissioned officers from the men-of-war attached to the

New Zealand Squadron were initiated, including Captain George Robert Hope, of H.M.S. Falcon (in

September, 1866), who afterwards attained the rank of full Admiral in the British Navy. Among the non-

commissioned officers of the army who were initiated in Lodge United Service in the first year of its

existence were Sergt. J. L. Dale, who died recently, and who on several occasions during the last few years

has visited his old Lodge while on holiday visits from New South Wales ; and Sergt. John Ellis, now Lieut.-

Col. Ellis, of New Plymouth, and a P.D.G.M., I.C. I must also mention Sergt. Haddrill, of the Police

Department, in charge of the New Plymouth district. The last-named two brethren, although getting up in

years, still take an active interest in the Craft, and display a keen regard for their mother Lodge.

"Up to the end of 1868 the Lodge was wholly controlled by the members of the military branch of the

service, but then, the war being practically over, the troops returned to Great Britain, or were removed to

other of her Dependencies. Therefore, to carry on the work of the Lodge under its Charter, civilians were

admitted, and the status of the Lodge, which heretofore had been conducted with strict precision, suffered

considerably. It is well that certain periods of time should be skipped, if not obliterated, for in the history of

governments—political, religious or social—great cataclysms occur. So with this Lodge, unfortunately, a

time of unrest and unmasonic feeling crept in, which may well be left in oblivion. Several attempts were

made to uplift the former good name of the Lodge, but it must be recognised that, on the departure of the

Imperial troops, the commercial life of the city was almost dead, and years elapsed before a revival took

place. All the Lodges in Auckland suffered more or less in the same way.

"The Lodge was opened under dispensation from the G.L. of Ireland by R.W. Bro. Henry de Burgh Adams

on the 25th May, 1864. Bro. S. Adamson was elected the first W.M., and installed into the chair of the Lodge

on the 26th June following. From this date up to the end of December, 1876, the duration of office iii the

Lodge was only six months, the days of installation being St. John the Evangelist's and St. John the Baptist's

days. W. Bro. Adam Brock, whose death was recorded a month or two since, occupied the chair from

December, 1869, to June, 1870. R.W. Bro. W. J. Rees, the present Prov.G.M. under the I.C. for New

Zealand, was initiated in this Lodge and occupied the chair from June to December, 1871. Both the brethren

mentioned also filled the position of Secretary. Bro. Rees afterwards withdrew from Lodge No. 421, and

joined Lodge Ara, No. 348.

"For about five years after the withdrawal of Bro. Rees, the Lodge went through varied fortunes, but in 1878

things took a turn for the bettter, and the Lodge held its position in a more favourable light. Under the

Mastership of W. Bros. F. Roycroft, Jas. Goodacre, W. J. Suiter, and John Seabrook, the membership

increased, and prospects looked rosy. But, alas ! a. slump took place commercially about this time, and great

difficulty was experienced in collecting dues of the brethren, so that, for several years we were scarcely able

to pay our way.

"Bro. J. W. Melton, who held the position of Secretary for eight years, and had never held any other office in

the Lodge, relinquished the secretarial duties in 1888, and W. Bro. T. W. Allen was elected to the position.

"In June, 1890, on the establishment of the G.L. of New Zealand, the Lodge unanimously declared in favour

of joining the new G.L., and we formally commenced working under dispensation until the Charters were

prepared. A large gathering of brethren assembled in the Freemasons' Hall on the occasion, as we were the

first Lodge in the city to start working under the N.Z.C. Our first year under the new Constitution was not a

propitious one. We were unfortunate in our choice of a W.M. But the following year we were privileged in

having a good Master, in the person of W. Bro. John Wybrant Ellison, a P.M. of Lodge Leinster, another old

Irish Lodge. Several prosperous years followed, during which the destinies of Lodge were ruled by a few

energetic brethren, amongst whom were W. Bros. Harry Elison and A. Erickson—both of whom I am glad to

see with us to-night—and the late W. Bro. Fred. Larsen. From 1900 onwards, most of the brethren present

are aware of our history and progress. The defections from membership by exclusion have been

comparatively few during the last four or five years. It behoves us in the future to guard against the

admission of any who will not reflect credit upon the Craft, and the Lodge in particular. Owing to the loss of

one of our most important records, my remarks have necessarily been brief. I sincerely hope the missing

property may turn up in the immediate future.

"R.W. Bro. Allen further added that in the years from 1874 to 1884 the Lodge received the nominations of

168 candidates, of whom 26 were either rejected or withdrawn. The foundation stone of the Freemasons'

Hall, Princes Street, of which the Lodge was one of the shareholders, was laid on the 30th March, 1881, and

the hall was opened on the 6th December of the same year. W. Bro. F. Roycroft, who joined the Lodge on

the 4th March, 1874, had been its representative as a trustee of the hall ever since its erection."

________________

FAREWELLING THE GRAND SECRETARY.

———<>———

Availing themselves of the opportunity afforded by a few hours' detention in Wellington awaiting the sailing

of the Sydney steamer, a number of the local and suburban Brethren foregathered in the Masonic Hall,

Boulcott Street, on Friday, 29th May, for the purpose of wishing Godspeed and bon voyage to M.W. Bro.

Malcolm Niccol, G.Sec., who was en route to Great Britain on his well-earned holiday. The meeting had

been arranged by R.W. Bro. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., with the co-operation of M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, and,

considering the hour, 3 p.m., was exceedingly well attended. Indeed the gathering was most representative,

including distinguished Brethren of the E.C., and also some visitors who chanced to be in the city at the time.

The meeting was held in the Lower Lodgeroom, where light refreshments had been provided, and while the

Brethren were seated around, the dais was occupied by the Prov.G.M., in the Chair, wills the guest of the

occasion, M.W. Bro. Niccol, on his right, and M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams on his left; with R.W. Bro.

Moncrieff, P.D.G.M., and R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, G.J.W., occupying the other chairs.

R.W. Bro. Peterkin opened the proceedings with a speech of welcome, expressing the gratification of the

Wellington Brethren at being able to personally bid the G.Sec. goodbye, and at the same time wish him a

safe return. He thought Bro. Niccol's visit Home at this juncture might possibly prove very useful to the Craft

in the Dominion.

M.W. Bro. Williams said he had a constitutional and inherited dislike to the word "good-bye." He preferred

the French "au revoir." While at Home, M.W. Bro. Niccol would in every branch of Freemasonry be the peer

of all whom he might meet in that connection. G.L. had done a wise thing in granting the G.Sec. a six

months' leave, as it was possible, and by no means an uncommon thing, to work a willing horse to death.

He trusted that the holiday would thoroughly restore the distinguished Bro. to health, and would also prove

most enjoyable, but he was sure that Bro. Niccol would be glad when he again set foot in his native

country—New Zealand.

R.W. Bro. Moncrieff also disliked the word "good-bye." He cordially endorsed all that the previous speaker

had said, and eulogised the long and arduous work performed for so many years by Bro. Niccol.

The toast of the G.Sec., a pleasant voyage and a safe return, was then drunk, the honours consisting of hearty

cheers for both Bro. Niccol and Mrs. Niccol.

In his reply, M.W. Bro. Niccol, who was much affected, thanked all present for their good wishes, and

himself declined to say "good-bye." He outlined his intentions when at Home, so far as they included official

visits to the G.Ls. of England and of Scotland when in session. He concluded by lightly touching on the

difference in the Masonic ideals, as exemplified in the Dominion, and in the Old Country, explaining,

however, that this was a subject just being realised by distinguished Brethren at Home, with a view to a more

earnest state of affairs Masonic.

This concluded the business of the meeting, and the Brethren then individually said their adieux to the

departing guest. But the gathering is one which is not likely to be forgotten by those privileged to take part

therein.

________________

PRESENTATION TO W. BRO. REV. J. JONES, P.M., CHAPLAIN.

———<>———

At the May monthly meeting of Lodge Waiwlietu the worthy Chaplain, Rev. W. Bro. J. Jones, handed in his

resignation owing to his leaving this district. Very great regret was expressed at his decision from every

member of the Lodge.

As a small token of the esteem in which the Rev. Bro. was held, he was presented with a Chaplain's Jewel by

W. Bro. Anson, who feelingly referred to his many good qualities. W. Bro. Rishworth also spoke. Rev. Bro.

Jones, in replying, expressed regret and stated he intended to move shortly to the Feilding district.

________________

WAITAKI KIL. CHAPTER VISITS WATERLOO.

———<>———

The regular Convocation of Waterloo, No. 2, on 27th May, was of special interest, including as it did visits

by S.G. Chapter, the two local Chapters, Brooklyn and Hinemoa, and, more especially, Waitaki Kil. Chapter,

No. 8, Oamaru, invited up to perform the business of the evening, viz., the exaltation of a candidate. The

reputation of this Chapter for completeness, finish, and earnestness of its working had preceded it. Suffice it

to say, that all that had been said in its favour was more than sustained in actual presentation, and that, as an

instruction to the local Chapters, it proved most valuable, and, it is to be hoped, will be far-reaching.

V.E.Comp. A. Veitch, Z. of Waterloo R.A. Chapter, presided, and was supported by his Principals and

Officers. A ballot for a. joining member was successful, after which visiting Chapters were admitted with

honours, and next S.C. Chapter, escorted by P.Zs. S.G. Chapter, was represented by M.E.Comp. J. J. Esson,

G. ; M.E.Comp. H. J. Williams, G.S.E.; V.E.Comp. H. J. Freeman, G.Treas. ; R.E.Comps. Cathgart, Parker,

and Lane; V.E.Comp. C. W. Neilsen, G.Reg., with V.E.Comp. W. H. Jones, acting-G.S.B., and V.E.Comp.

G. G. Schwartz, acting-G.D.C. The M.E.G.Z. having been saluted as befitted his rank, the sceptre of office

was handed by V.E.Comp. Veitch to V.E.Comp. Wm. Miller, Z. of Waitaki Kil. Chapter, who assumed the

chair and directed his officers to take their official positions in the Chapter. The ceremony of exaltation was

then carried out in a masterly and most impressive manner, the items of working being distributed as

follows:— The Ob. was conferred by V.E.Comp. Miller, supported by his two Principals ; the Ss. were given

by R.E.Comp. Lane; the Discovery, admirably enacted, by E.Comp. G. M. Whale ; the Investment by the

2nd and 3rd Principals (E.Comp. S. J. Davys and W. J. Hill) ; the Lecture on the Altar by R.E.Comp. R. H.

Cathgart ; and the Final Charge by P.Z. V.E.Comp. P. McCallum, of Otago Chapter. There was a very

numerous attendance on the floor, and the interest roused and the pleasure given was undoubted. On handing

back to V.E.Comp. Veitch the Sceptre of Office, V.E.Comp. Miller expressed his sense of gratification at the

invitation to work the Degree, and voiced the hope that their visit might strengthen the ties between the

North and South Chapters. V.E.Comp. Veitch heartily reciprocated the good wishes, and expressed his

inebtedness to Waitaki Kil. for travelling so far to work the Degree for Waterloo Chapter. The visit had been

due to M.E.Comp. Williams's eulogy of the working he had seen at Oamaru, and he it was who had

prompted the invitation sent, which he was pleased was accepted. He then outlined the scheme of

entertaining the visitors on the following day, and cordially invited all present to participate therein. S.G.

Chapter then retired, and three propositions for membership were put forward. Visiting Chapters having

given H.G.W., also visiting Comps., Chapter closed at 10 p.m., when adjournment was made to the

Refectory, where a pleasant time was spent with speech, song, and story to a somewhat late hour.—[Chap.

Correspondent.].

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

Chips from Other Ashlars.
———————————————————————————————————————————

Masonry is stronger in Brazil than in any other South American country, there being 509 Lodges, with an

aggregate membership of 52,912.—Exchange.

* * *

THE PROBLEM OF LARGE, LODGES —In the list of the eight largest Masonic Lodges of America, Detroit,

Michigan, has four. Palestine Lodge, No. 357, has 2025 active members besides 380 permanent visiting

members. Zion Lodge, No. 1, has 1371 members. Ashlar Lodge, No. 91, has 1419 members, and Detroit

Lodge No. 2, has 1192 members. These figures are taken from the G.L. proceedings of 1913.—"Tyler-

Keystone."

* * *

There are twenty-six Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of Greece, eight of which are at

Athens, two at Piraeus, and the remainder in the other towns of the kingdom, in Turkey, in Egypt, and in

Cyprus. Each of these Lodges numbers thirty to a hundred members, who are all working with energy and

perseverance. Altogether there are about 1500 Greek Masons.—"Freemason's Chronicle."

* * *

A wooden maul, found recently in one of the rock tombs at Thebes, has been presented by Lord Bolton to the

G.L. Museum. The tomb had remained unopened since the original interment, and therefore the maul, which

shows considerable signs of use, must have been left there by a workman more than 3600 years ago.—

"Freemason's Chronicle."

* * *

A very original application for initiation into Freemasonry was received by Lodge Apollo; Leipzig. It was

worded as follows : "Application of Ananias U . . . . r, Artisan at D., to become a member of the Masonic

Order. Age 28, born under the Sign of the Sun 'Libra,' guided by the planet Venus, Watchmaker,

Photographer, Mechanic, etc., begs to be admitted into Freemasonry. I have already a partial knowledge of

Masonic Craft from secret books. My idea is the establishment of a Spiritual Temple striving for Light,

Truth, and Virtue, I am desirous of learning your Masonic arts and to die true to the Masonic Order. Treason

will be far from me." (Here follow a few herioglyphic signs.) "I know no fear, and possess psychic and

occult powers. I therefore think that I am a born Freemason, etc,''—''The Freemason."

* * *

Lodges in all parts of the world are recognising the fact that the routine work which has satisfied the brethren

for so many years is insufficient to meet the demands of the present day Mason. The reports which reach us

of the attempts of Masters to provide intellectual fare for the brethren show that the demand is ' much greater

than the supply, and that the brethren who can keep the attention of an audience for half an hour or an hour

are being called upon to travel a hundred or two hundred miles to fulfil engagements.—"London

Freemason."

* * *

WHAT IS AN ANACHRONISM ?— An anachronism in Masonry is the introduction into ritualistic ceremonies

of matters entirely out of time and keeping, and is due principally to the ignorance of the ritual maker. For

instance, the use of a bell to indicate the hour of night as practised in the Third Degree is anachronism,

because during the period in which the Third Degree is supposed to have occurred, time was not reckoned by

the tolling of bells.—"Masonic Voice Review."

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

Correspondence.
———————————————————————————————————————————

QUESTIONABLE RULING.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

——

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—I do not know whether, under certain circumstances, it is good form to controvert a

ruling of G.L., but I deem it justifiable to do so, and submit an explanation thereanent.

On the agenda paper of the recent G.L. meeting in Christchurch was a remit in my name re levies by

Prov.G.Ls. Shortly after I began to speak to my motion, R.W. Bro. Clarke challenged my right to proceed.

The G.M. (M.W. Bro. Thompson) referred the matter to the G.Reg. for a ruling, and he gave one adverse to

me, stating that the remit in question was one for Prov.G.L. of Canterbury to deal with and was not within

the province of G.L. Now, where V.W. Bro. Ewing's perspicacity comes in I fail to see, for my remit referred

plainly to a rule in the Book of Constitution relating to Prov.G.Ls.

Unfortunately, it did not occur to me at the moment to do anything but resume my seat. On thinking over the

matter I saw that I had missed a point in not objecting to the ruling and showing that the remit referred to the

G.L.'s own rule. In conversation later with one of the most eminent brethren in the Craft, and a ruler in it, he

told me that he utterly dissented from the ruling given. Other brethren of less prominence also expressed

their dissent from it. My regret in the matter is that the remit in question must stand over for a year through a

ruling that was absolutely and unjustifiably bad.—Yours fraternally,

J. MENZIES.

Waimate, 24th May, 1914.

————————

CENTRALISATION.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR

——

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Despite the desire to ignore all published matter on the above subject and allow it to

repose in the grave wherein it was deeply buried at Christchurch until such time as its advocates choose to

resurrect it on the floor of G.L., there is at least one paragraph in your leading article of June that demands a

reply. You therein state :-

"There is one phase of the question which, as a matter of justice, demands at least passing notice. If we are

correctly informed, it was stated or implied that one reason for the desire to have Grand Office in Wellington

was the hope that a palatial hall would be erected from G.L. funds, or the present hall be purchased.' " To

which you add : " This statement or implication is manifestly unjust to the brethren in Wellington city. ' I not

only agree that such a "statement or implication" would have been "manifestly unjust," but go much further,

and say it would have been a gratuitous and unwarranted reflection on "the brethren in Wellington city." But,

Sir, such statements were neither made nor implied, and your informant went either to his imagination or to

his chagrin for his facts ( ?). Is it a coincidence that all the inexactitudes crammed into the three above-

quoted lines of your leader were—in somewhat less objectionable form—voiced in G.L. by two strong

supporters of Centralisation? I had the opportunity then of showing that the said " statements or implications

" originated in the imaginations of these worthy brethren, and that these " statements or implications" should,

after my definite disclaimer, be reported to you as facts, suggests that chagrin at an "overwhelming" defeat

had temporarily overcome your informant's powers of memory.

If only a moderate percentage of your readers would also be readers of the Official Minutes of the

Christchurch proceedings, I should have been gladly content to let the minutes—when published—confute

the CRAFTSMAN, but, as it is, I am compelled as " a matter of justice " to say that the " statements or

implications" you publish are pure—but poor—fiction.

There is another aspect of the matter. I do not overlook the prefaced saving clause, "if we are correctly

informed," but that you should, on ex parte information, circulate alleged " statements or implications "

which you yourself pronounce " manifestly unjust to the brethren in Wellington city," without first verifying

your information by reference to the Official Minutes, or to the brother involved, is, I am sure, so far

removed from your own ideals, that one can only conclude you penned your leader in the hurry of a busy

life, not perceiving the false position in which it put me with " the brethren in Wellington city," a false

position which, as distinctly avowed in G.L., I was particularly anxious to avoid for reasons which need not

be detailed here. There now only remains for me this forlorn endeavour to overtake somewhat of the month's

start given—per medium of your leading article—to a distorted version of my remarks.

Elsewhere, under " Notes on G.L. Meeting," your correspondent rather cheapens the intelligence of

representatives by suggesting that their votes were influenced not by arguments, but by eloquence. It surely

cannot be that your correspondent is the very worthy brother whose statement in G.L. that "he would not

attempt to answer my arguments " was greeted with a loud sally of laughter, under cover of which he sat

down !—Yours fraternally,

ALFRED JOLLY.

Wellington, 8th June, 1914.

————————

A RECORD.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Although you may consider the following "stale," I nevertheless venture to send it

you, as it might interest some of your readers, especially as it is on the recommendation of one of them that I

do so.

The following might be taken as a "record," where a father is carried to his last resting place on the shoulders

of his four sons (which actually took place when the late P.M. Bro. W. H. G. Foster was buried on the —

March), all being Masons, one of whom was a P.M., all being members of the same Lodge, i.e., Tongariro

Lodge, No. 705, E.C.

The late P.M. Bro. W. H. G. Foster died on 6th March, 1914. The sons are :—J. R. Foster, P.M., W. H. G.

Foster (jun.), A. F. Foster, and P. L. J. Foster.—Yours fraternally,

F. G. NEWCOMBE,

Secretary, No. 705, E.C.

Wanganui, 30th May, 1914.

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

MASONRY TRACED IN YUCATAN RUINS.

———<>———

That the famous ruins of the Temple of Uxmal, Yucatan, are of Masonic origin, and that the builders of King

Solomon's Temple had something to do with the Yucatan structure, is a deduction finding increasing support,

following repeated investigations.

The Frenchman, Le Plongeon, is among those who earliest discovered that a number of the Temples in

Central America and Yucatan had many things in common with the architecture of the ancient East. A Ma-

son, be Plangeon, after excavating the magnificent Uxmal Temple, 'Sound it arranged in Masonic form, and

he at once began to look for Masonic signs. These, it is said, were numerous. The three rectangular chambers

of the Temple are at once significant to every Mason.

That there was communication between Tyre and America many centuries ago is something quite a few

historians agree upon. In Central America ornaments, weapons, and armour of Phoenician workmanship

often were found. Aristotle speaks of the Senate of Carthage, 509 B.C., passing a law prohibiting anyone

from emigrating to the "western land beyond the pillars of Hercules."

It is a curious fact that the figures on the great sacrificial altar at Tenochtitlan are the same as those on the

Temple of Solomon. Le Plongeon bases his conclusions as to territorial communication between east and

west on the evidence found in the Canary Islands and the Caroline Islands. In the ceremonies of Egypt there

occurred many Maya words.

In the middle chamber of the Uxmal Temple explorers versed in Masonic lore found what they regarded as

evidence of the practice of the rite of the third degree, as illustrated in the bas-relief figures above the lintel

to the entrance. In the ruins was found a statue of a- figure wearing an apron with a hand upon it.

Explorers in Central America and Mexico have only recently begun to look for the historic connection

between the uncovered ruins and the architecture of the east. Signs are multiplying that the Maya civilisation

is linked strongly with the Orient.—"Christian Science Monitor."

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Poetry
———————————————————————————————————————————–

THREE LESSONS.

———<>———

There are three lessons I would write,

Three words as with a golden pen,

In tracing of eternal light,

Upon the hearts of men.

Have hope. Though clouds environ round,

And gladness hides her face in scorn,

Put thou the shadow from thy brow—

No night but bath its morn.

Have faith. Where'er thy bark is driven

The calm's desport, the tempest's mirth—

Know this. God rules the host of heaven,

The inhabitants of earth.

Have love. Not love alone for one,

But man as man thy brother call,

And scatter, like the circling sun,

Thy charities on all.

Thus grave these words upon thy soul

Hope, faith and love—and thou shalt find

Strength when life's surges maddest roll,

Light, when thou else were blind.

Schiller

—————————

LEAVE THEM OUTSIDE.

———<>———

Don't bring them into the Lodge room,

Anger and spite and pride;

Drop at the gate of the temple

The strife of the world outside.

Forget all your cares and trials,

Forget every selfish sorrow,

And remember the cause you met for,

And haste ye the glad tomorrow.

Drop at the gate of the temple

Envy and spite and gloom;

Don't bring personal quarrels

And discord into the room.

Forget, the slights of a sister,

Forget the wrong of a brother,

And remember the new commandment.

That ye love one another.

Bring your heart into the Lodge room,

But leave yourself outside—

That is, your personal feeling,

Ambition, vanity, pride.

Centre every thought and power

On the cause for which you assemble,

Fetter the demon selfishness

And make the Old Harry tremble.

—By Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

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

DISCOURTESY.

———<>———

In our June issue we discussed the proceedings of the annual meeting of G.L., and we conceived that our

very moderate article would have rendered us immune from attack, especially as we have been told that

some fulminations were anticipated. But apparently the mildness of the article has drawn forth the vials of

wrath of Bro. Alfred Jolly on our devoted head. We desire to call the especial attention of our readers to the

correspondence column, and to a letter headed "Centralisation." The first paragraph is a cheap sneer,

altogether unworthy of any Freemason, and especially from one with all the laurels of victory on his brow. In

the second paragraph, three lines of our article are underlined. and are later referred to as "all the

inexactitudes crammed into the three above quoted lines." Or, in other words, we are accused of inaccuracies

or untruths. Yet immediately after the correspondent admits that the "inexactitudes" were voiced by two

supporters of centralisation. Here the writer of the letter actually admits that the statement we made, viz., that

the question of building or buying a hall in Wellington did form part of the discussion, then where does the

inaccuracy come in ? It is a matter of supreme indifference to us whether the statement was made by Bro.

Jolly or others, the result is the same and the injustice to Wellington is not diminished. In our leading article

we set out to comment on the business of G.L. and the discussions that ensued, and we have the authority of

Bro. Jolly that the part we took exception to was discussed, so that we now have all the verification Bro.

Jolly counsels us to obtain, apart from the score or two of brethren it was our privilege to meet subsequently

and discuss matters with. We find some difficulty in understanding why Bro. Jolly adopts the palpably

discourteous tone which permeates his letter.

—————————

ROYAL ARCH MASONRY.

———<>———

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

———

The regular Quarterly Communication of the Grand Chapter was held in the Chapter-room, Masonic Hall,

Castlereagh-Street, Wednesday, 13th inst. M.E. Comp. A. Chandler, First G.P., who presided in the E., was

supported by a goodly number of G. Chapter Officers. The reports of Grand Committee and Grand Ir4ector

of Workings were read and received. The following resolution, of which notice had been given by M.E.

Comp. T. F. H. Mackenzie, was proposed, and—after considerable discussion—carried :—"Whereas the

Supreme Grand R.A. Chapter of Scotland has recognised the Sup.G. Chapter of R.A. Masons of New South

Wales as a regularly constituted Grand Royal Arch body, but, in spite of repeated requests, refuses to

recognise it as the SOLE Sovereign Grand R.A. body in New South Wales, and claims equal sovereign rights

with it and continues to invade its jurisdiction by establishing Subordinate Chapters within the territory

occupied by it; NOW IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED AND DECLARED that the Sup.G. Chapter of R.A.

Masons of New South Wales renounces all fraternal relations with the Sup.G.R.A. Chapter of Scotland, and

forbids all Masonic intercourse between members of Chapters under the jurisdiction of the Sup.G. Chapter of

R.A. Masons of New South Wales and members of Chapters holding under the Sup.G.R.A. Chapter of

Scotland, until such time as the said Grand Body shall cease to so invade the jurisdiction of the Sup.G.

Chapter of R.A. Masons of New South Wales and shall recognise the said G. Chapter as the sole Sovereign

Grand Body having the right to establish Subordinate Chapters within the confines of the territory of New

South Wales.' —"The Keystone."

———————————

REVIEW.

———<>———

"The Theosophical Path."—A quarterly, published at Point Loma., California, and of which Katherine

Tingley is the editor. As we are not called upon, and have no intention of discussing Theosophical dogma,

we may congratulate the editor and the printer on the excellence of the work, with the reservation that, in our

opinion, the somewhat gaudy picture on the outside cover does not in all respects conform to Theosophical

tenets as to the Brotherhood of Man, but rather indicates that only the predestined can gain admission to the

heart of the Supreme, which would reduce the said Brotherhood to infinitesimal limits. The editor must be

congratulated on the selection of subjects, while the illustrations are works of art. Even in the sectarian pro-

nouncements we find a. common agreement, as, for example :— "The more a man can live in his higher

nature, the more he will feel the unity of life and act- in accordance therewith, instead of following the

selfish instincts of his animal nature, Conversely, the more he practises altruism, the more he will refine his

understanding and get away from his limitations." "Seville," the Pearl of Andalucia, is a page of ancient

history, excellently well told, with its romantic memories of the ancient Moorish dominion penetrating the

atmosphere like a rich perfume. The illustrations in this section are very fine. To Freemasons "Studies in

Symbolism" has an evergreen interest, amounting in some cases to fascination. In the execellence of the

article one may forgive the Theosophical application. An historical article, Saint Germain at the French

Court discovers an incident in connection with the Dauphine which is not common property. "The Mysteries

at Eleuses" is not a new subject, but the short article invests it with almost poetic fervour. Again there is a

Theosophical moral to adorn the tale, to which we take no exception, but the clever writer makes some

points of very general interest to the student of the ancient mysteries. She says :—"No two commentators on

the Eleusinian Mysteries have ever been in complete accord. Dr. Mahaffy says, however, that all the more

eminent authorities agree in one respect : that the doctrine taught in the Mysteries was that of faith in the

next state of existence, and that this belief made those who partook of the rites better citizens and better

men." Here, at any rate, is a common agreement with the principles of modern Freemasonry. The next

statement will perhaps not meet with general acceptation, though it has always so appealed to us. "When the

ceremonies opened in the Temple, the initiates entered clad in linen, the head wreathed with myrtle, and

golden grass-hoppers in the hair. But the actual nature of these rites have never been authoritatively

disclosed. All speculation and all the theories find certain points and fragments of support, but no one rightly

claims any entire knowledge." In the general curriculum of the magazine the Antipodes are not neglected,

and an article by the Rey. S. J. Neill deals in a comprehensive and concise form with the "Australian

Commonwealth." The May number includes views in Italy, Germany, England, Colorado, and Sweden.

Pythogorean Geometry, Archeological Notes, and a number of articles specially setting forth the doctrines of

the Theosophical cult. In all the articles literary excellence is abundantly evidenced. It is clear that long,

prosy articles are discountenanced, with the result that in perusing the magazine one does not experience one

moment of boredom.
—————————

THE CRITICAL SPIRIT.

———<>———

What is it in Masonry that so abnormally develops the spirit of criticism?

In the course of a rather extended period of observation, it has been a perpetual source of wonder to us why

brethren of the mystic tie should be so censorious one of another, so captious in criticism, so petty and

constant in fault-finding. That this evil exists needs no demonstration to one who has travelled long on the

Masonic highway. Wherever Masons meet, in the Lodge, the ante-room, the street, the mart, the sound of the

hammer, to use a modern colloquialism, is heard. We are told that Bro. Bumptious made a bad break the

other night, that Bro. Swift is looking for office, that Bro. Janus is not to be depended on, that Bro. Ribber is

going to the dogs and that Bro. Mainchance is in Masonry for what he can get out of it. In all the flood of

gossip we hear no word of praise or commendation for our brother; only his faults and foibles, real and

imaginary, are exposed to view.

Surely there is nothing in the principles of Masonry that should teach or foster the censorious spirit. We

profess the broadest liberality in matters of opinion, and are admonished to practice forbearance and

conciliation in all our dealings with our brother, making allowances for his temptations and environment, and

encouraging and assisting him in all his laudable undertakings. Toleration should be the most conspicuous

trait of a Mason, and brotherly kindness should characterise his conversation.

We have a theory that perhaps the habit of criticism is cultivated by sitting on the benches and "watching the

work." From the very nature of the situation, the brother who has laboriously learned the ritual finds

satisfaction in following the work as it is developed on the floor of the Lodge. He discovers that the S.D.

makes slips, the Wardens are deficient, and even the Master is vulnerable. When brethren from other Lodges

participate in the ceremonies they introduce variations, and therefore innovations, from the work as Bro.

Critic knows it. Criticising the work soon becomes a hobby, and as very few men are capable of a "letter

perfect" rendition of work in which they are really proficient, the scope for criticism is unlimited.

The habit of criticising the work mentally if not verbally, is universal in our Lodges. The habit is deplorable

in its results. Instead of admiring the beauties of the ritual, and profiting by its many valuable lessons, the

critic devotes his talents to finding flaws. He magnifies the trifling errors of speech, and ignores the real

significance of the ceremonies.

If the brethren on the benches did not know the work, or did not think they knew it, they would derive far

greater benefit from the ceremonies they witness, and from their Masonic membership. Under present

conditions, the tendency to criticise the work develops into a general habit of fault finding. Add to this the

natural human inclination to gossip, and you have that most detestable of all creatures, the Masonic

backbiter. From criticising the work he criticises the worker. He develops jaundice, attributes evil motives to

those who disagree with him, and assails the characters of men who have no other fault than that of a

different point of view from the critic's.

The Masonic critic, in most cases, does not mean to be unjust. He fails to realise the serious results that may

attend his careless aspersions. To display his own great acumen, he points out the errors and short-comings

of brethren who are his friends, and thereby injures them, with no benefit to any person or cause. How much

better to dismiss the critical spirit, and adopt the Masonic spirit of charity, love and forbearance. If thy

brother err, go to him in the spirit of friendship and point out his fault, helping him to correct it. If you feel

that you are divinely called to advertise his sins, tell him first and give hint the chance for explanation,

extenuation or reformation that you would like to have if you were in his place.—"Masonic Standard."
———————————

WHAT MAKES YOU A MASON?

———<>———

An obligation no more makes a man a Mason than does subscribing to the creed of a particular church make

one a true follower of the doctrines inculcated by that church. One may attend church every day and be

conversant with every ceremony and be no Christian, or attend the temple and repeat every prayer and be no

Jew. Similarly a man may be present whenever his Lodge convenes, know the work perfectly and be only a

Lodge Mason. Like some frequenters of churches and temples, whose religion never strays beyond the

confines of the religious edifice, his Masonry may be and is confined to lip service and ritual work, Such

men are never Masons, and no amount of obligations can make them Masons. Men whose hearts do not

realise, and whose minds cannot comprehend the real usefulness of Masonry ; men who cannot apply the

teachings of the Craft to their lives and to practice of their daily existence, and feel their Masonry only

within the precincts of the Lodge, add nothing to the cause that Masonry represents.—"The Trestle Board."
———————————

THE WHITE LEATHER APRON.

———<>———

" Lambskin or White Leather Apron is an emblem of Innocence, the distinguishing Badge of a. Mason."

Thus it was presented to us on our first entrance into the Ancient Craft—Freemasonry's first gift to the

neophyte. And thus it was presented to the initiates of centuries ago in the Ancient Myteries—a sign and

token that the virile energy of manhood was not inconsistent with sex purity ; a symbol of that control and

restraint upon the animal passions and carnal lusts which prove a man free—slave not even to his baser self.

The Apron means all this to Freemasons, but it means more. There is something better than the cold chastity

of the purist ; something stronger than the placid purity of the devotee ; something nobler than the icy

innocence of the ascetic.

This Apron comes to us Freemasons as the Symbol of Service, the Badge of our Masonry, Sign and Token

that we are Builders.

Not ours the idle purity of the hermit, remote from the world, seeking to attain salvation for self alone, and

deaf to the calls of the multitude. Not ours the complacent chastity of the monk in solitary cell telling his

beads and muttering his prayers, anxious only as to his own future state, but with eyes blind to the needs of

humanity, and his soul unstirred by the sorrows of the world.

Freemasons believe that he worships God best who serves his fellows faithfully. How can we help in their

labours, sustain them in their tasks, if we immure ourselves, far from the stress and struggle of the busy

world, in selfish content of our own innocence and purity?

God, our Father, created these bodies for their work, made these arms strong that they might labour, these

eyes keen that they might see the need, these ears acute, that they might, hear the call. On the Five Points of

Fellowship, Freemasons are vowed to service for their fellow men. For us the rugged labour of the quarry,

hewing out of the conglomerate of human society rough ashlars of manhood, and shaping and polishing them

into the perfect ashlars of a progressive civilisation.

To every Mason comes his work ; or, if it does not come it is for him to go to it. To some it is given to do

great things. To every Mason is it given to do his greatest thing ; striving, not to be better than others, but,

day by day, to be better than self. And also, day by day, to make the world better for others.

So is the Lambskin or White Leather Apron presented to the E.A., not in reward, but that it may be worn as

the uniform of a. high and holy Service, an Emblem that is symbolically adorned with that noblest of mottoes

"Ich Dien"- "I Serve."

Thus worn, the apron can be soiled only by sloth, can be stained only by idleness. It is purest and whitest

when worn in self-forgetting labour for others.--"Brotherhood."

————————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 24th JUNE, 1914.

———<>———

A. E. Jonson 40/-, Haydn MacLean (Hunterville). F. W. Gore, J. Scholes (Waipukurau), S. L.

Bygrave, J. A. Middleton (Tirau), G. B. Smith (Palmerston South), H. Freeman 30/- (Otaki), A. Branigan
(Wyndham), F. J. Kennedy 17/6, S. Crooks, F. H. Knight (Ashburton), J. Gillet-riders 37/6, Rev. O. R.

Aitken, F. J. Stone, G. J. Charleton, H. H. Pawson (Methven), A. S. Bruce 15/10, C. Bourke 28/6, F. H.

Davie 20/, T. H. Davies 17/6, W. J. Hunter 25!-, E. Haley, A. K. Hollow 28/4, D. :McCracken 17/6, S. P.

Smith 15/-, H. B. Billens, D. Sheffield 18/4, J. Thornton 20/10, A. H. Webb 27/6, A. J. Wintle 16/8, F. C. B.

Bishop, F. C. Binns, Mr. Scott (Christchurch, E. R. Curtis 1618, C. Ferrier 10/-, C. Kay 18/4, A. F. Herdman

10/- (Lyttelton), U. Cordner, Hon. C. A. C. Hardy (Rakaia), W. Holloway (commission) 2/-, Hinchcliffe

(Clyde), J. S. Appleby, F. Craven 37/6, W. G. Benson (Denimvirlie), Capt. Hoffman 20/- (Tahiti,

Mangaeoa), R. E. Carr (Gisborne), C. A. Monroe, A. Smith (Oamaru), J. A. Jacobson (Skippers), W. D.

McCalmont, W. Cobh, J. Saunders 28/4 (Martinborough), W. Bethune, C. W. Neilsen. A. Seamer, S. J.

Moncrieff, T. B. Darrall, L. A. George 10/, G. Russell, H. W. Preston, R. A. Nicol 10/-, E. Norton, C. Lines

135/6, H. J. Freeman, M. J. McLeod 16/8, V. Janson (Wellington), F. L. Russell (Berhampore), C. M.

Suckling, J. Mackenzie (Tai Tapu), W. A. Gribbler (St. Albans), A. McKay, J. W. Hodd (Island Bay), R. A.

Aplin (Khandallah), F. A. Kemp, M. Thompson (Invercargill), W. Greening (Wairongomai), C. E. Derritt

(Waiau), R. V. King (Pahiatua), J. Barr-Brown (Pater-ern), J. -Cl. Cox (Featherston). W. Ward 60/-, A.

Williams 10/-, J. P. Carter 14/2 (Napier), - Brewster 5i- (Levin). J. Gray (Nightcaps). G. T. Lumsden, A.

Field-wick, A. Stoneham (Dunedin), W. Bodley 27/6 (Wairoa), E. Roberts 20/- (Cambridge), A. Erickson,

H. C. Tewslev 10/-, D. G. Thornton 10/-, W. Pryor 25/-. W. Scutt (Auckland), E. G. Browne, G. W. Taylor

11/8 (Hiruera), T. Black (Huntley), W. M. Henderson, H. Pearce (Frankton Junction), C. Ripper, W. C.

Pickett 35/- (Mercer), T. J. Stockwell 4/2, Morgan and Benda-II 4/2, A. France, P. Robert 10/-, A. A. Martin

10d. (Palmerston North), T. M. Page 10/-, F. H. Dowden 10/-, W. N. Dempsey 17/6 (Eketahuna), G. H.

Stephenson 23/4 (Pates), F. Vernon 24/2 (Taihape), A. Orchard 14/2 (Ongarue), J. Mogridge (Marton), W.

Peery (Parnell), T. A. Peterkin (Lower Hutt), J. R. Scrimgeour (Ngaio), W. G. Wohlman 2/6, J. Walters 2/6

(Waihi), A. L. Cook (Otorohanga), W. Elliott, J. Hobson 17/6 (Hatuma), N. F. Marley 17/6 (Upper Hutt), M.

W. Ross 17/6, Ct. J. Cockrane (Petone), J. J. McMath (Riversdale), G. F. Johnson, — Griffiths, S. E.

Townson (Lumsden), W. Roxburgh (Castle Rock, via Lumsden), - Campbell (Dipton), W. J. Dunlop

(Ohaeawai), J. R. McKay 10 /- (Whangarei), Sergt. Miller 101-, H. H. S. Ryder 20/- (Masterton). W. Parish

1/-, J. Hislop 27/6 (Hukanui), W. P. O'Callaghan 17/6, T. Furlong 20/- (New Plymouth), P. W. Allan 20 /-

(Kaponga) Capt. D. Savident (Te Kopuru), V. E. Malmanche 20/- (Tautapere), A. C. M. Sinclair 20/- (late

Brooklyn), H. Mercer (late Ohakune), James McIntyre 60/- (Waipawa), N. Armstrong 5/- (Wanganui), Wm.

Grayson (Kohukohu), F. W. Ruddeuklan 34/9 (late Springbank), J. Best 15/10 (Eltham), H. Akhurst 10/-

(Riverton), P. N. Sandilamis 5/- (Feilding), Capt. Falconer (Blenheim), A. Gilbert 15/10 (Greymouth). C.

Leech 10/- (Rangiora). (All 7/6 except those noted.)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Reports
——————————————————————————————————————————–—

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

—————

CRAFT LODGES.

—————

SOUTHLAND.

Taringatura, No. 100. — The usual meeting on 8th June was well attended. Routine business and the

passing of accounts, including G.L. half-yearly dues, received due attention. It was decided to frame the

memorial card of the late M.W. Bro. A. F. Burton, issued by the Lodge of Otago, No. 7. The resignation of

one brother was received, and two joining members were proposed, while notice of motion to change the

date of Installation was given by W. Bro. Campbell. One candidate was initiated by W.M. Bro. W.

Roxburgh, assisted by W. Bros. McMath (Secrets), Campbell (Charity), Clark (Preparation), Johnson (Asst.-

Charge), and Bro. S. Walker, J.W., presented the W.Ts. H.G.W. were received for visiting brethren, and the

Lodge was closed at 9.40 p.m., no after meeting being held in respect to the memory of our late Bro.

Heenan.-[Lodge. Correspondent.]

————

Winton, No. 108.— The regular meeting was held on 2nd June, W. Bro. T. Walker, W.M., occupying the

chair. Owing to the rough weather the attendance was small. Two candidates were passed to the Second

Degree by the W.31., assisted by S.W. Bro. Cowie (Charge after Investiture) ; J.B., Bro. J. R. Hamilton,

W.Ts. ; W. Bro. Jas. Watson, S.E. corner Charge , W. Bro. W. Young, the Lodge's delegate to the G.L.

Communication, gave an account of his stewardship. It was decided that the installation of electric light into

the Lodge-room be proceeded with at once, the work to be completed before next regular meeting, The three

Columns which had been recently ordered have come to hand; they add considerably to the appearance of the

Lodge-room. They are of figured red pine, oiled, and are 'beautifully carved. The workmanship was

favourably commented on by the brethren present. A very plasant half hour was spent at the "Fourth, where

the usual toasts were honoured.-[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

OTAGO.

Clutha, No. 14. — The adjourned meeting was held on the 19th May, 1914, IV. Bro. Wm. Henderson,

W.M., presiding. After the regular routine business was done one brother was raised to the sublime degree by

the W.M., W. Bro. Wm. Henderson giving the O. and T.H., assisted by W. Bro. Whiting (Retrospective), W.

Bro. Finn (Exhortation), W. Bro. H. A. Munro (Final Charge), Bro. Latimore (W.T.․). One demit was
granted and two proposals for membership. The meeting closed, after hearty good wishes were received from

a number of visiting brethren, when a pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, and the W.M. gave a very full

account of the G.L. meeting.

The usual meeting was held on the 9th June, 1914, W. Bro. Wm. Henderson presiding, there being a good

attendance of brethren and visitors. One candidate was balloted for and accepted. The Lodge by-laws were

gone through and revised and, with a few alterations, were then adopted. H.G.W. were then received and the

Lodge closed at 10 p.m. [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Clinton, No. 183.— The regular meeting was held on 11th Juno, when W. Bro. C. Capamagian, W.M.,

occupied the chair. The night being cold and stormy, the attendance was not so large as usual, many of the

brethren having to come distances of ten to fifteen miles over bad roads. Three visitors were in attendance,

and, as usual, were heartily welcomed. The balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1914, was read, and

disclosed a credit balance of £8 lls. 5d., in addition to a building fund of 46 6s. 68., which proved the Lodge

to be in a flourishing condition. One candidate was proposed for membership. The ceremonial work was the

initiation of one candidate, who was obligated by the W.M., receiving from him the Ss. Explanation of

Preparation was given by Bro. IV. Brown, W.Ts. by Bro. R. Mclndoe, and Final Charge by Bro. W.

McIndoe. After the Lodge was closed a pleasant hour was spent at the refectory.-[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

CANTERBURY.

Southern Cross, No. 6.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Kaiapoi, on 4th June. W.M.

W. tiro. Gray presided. Visitors to the number of 22 were admitted, and Lodge Amberley, at the invitation of

the W.M., very ably and creditably initiated two candidates. Since last meeting the hall had undergone a

complete change. The refectory has been painted and papered, the front of the Hall has been painted, and the

Lodge-room has been generally renovated. Altogether, the Hall looked at its best and came in for favourable

comment. During the evening W. Bro. Stanton, D.C., presented to the Lodge, on behalf of our esteemed

brother, W. Bro. Lang, a family Bible which had been in his possession for over 40 years. Bros. Brighting,

Croft, and Garnett presented an altar and cushion for the to rest upon. Bro. Gribble presented a set of lamps

for use at the right of W.M., S. and J. Wardens. The W.M., on behalf of the Lodge, accepted the gifts, and

expressed the thanks and appreciation of himself and the brethren. The Lodge was closed, after which the

brethren retired to the refectory, where an enjoyable hour was spent. The Tyler's toast brought to a close the

most successful meeting held for some time past. The W.M. expressed his thanks to the visiting brethren,

who had added so much to the success of the meeting. —[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Lincoln, No. 33.—The ordinary meeting took place on Tuesday, 2nd June. W. Bro. C. M. Suckling

occupied the chair. A candidate for initiation and one brother for affiliation were balloted for and duly

elected. The principal business of the evening was a raising. The W.M. conducted the ceremony, being ably

assisted by W. Bros. A. Cookson, Ward, Graham, and McKenzie. Several visitors were present, including W.

Bro. T. Newburgh, of Lodge Robert Burns. A pleasant half hour followed in the refectory, opportunity being

taken to congratulate our worthy Treas., W. Bro. J. McKenzie, on his elevation to G.L. rank. This Lodge,

although weak numerically, possesses a number of Masonic enthusiasts, and the Instruction meetings are

always attended by some 14 or 16 members. The majority of them travel several miles to attend, in all sorts

of weather. It has been decided (thanks to the generosity of our W.M.) to proceed with the painting and

renovating of the interior of the Lodge-room and fittings. Our Masonic home will then be mere comfortable

and cheerful.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Concord, No. 39.—The installation meeting of the Concord Lodge took place at the Masonic Hall, Papanui,

on the evening of 27th May, in the presence of a large gathering of W. brethren and brethren from all parts of

Christchurch and surrounding districts. W. Bro. W. Casson, W.M., was in the chair. Included in the varied

assemblage was the G.M. of New Zealand and the Prov.G.M. of Canterbury, with their respective retinues.

The meeting is noticeable front the fact that it is the first Installation of Concord at which a G.M. of New

Zealand has been present, and our new Master, W. Bro. Laurie, is to be congratulated on being installed

under such auspicious circumstances. M.W. Bro. Dougall, G.M., proved himself well qualified to uphold the

dignity of his position as Chief of New Zealand Masons, and his little thrust at the lack of etiquette with

regard to the attire of brethren at Masonic meetings, showed that he is not afraid to speak his mind, even at

the risk of stepping on someone's toes. Moreover, our G.M.'s ability and popularity is such, that it is probable

that during the G.L.'s domicile in Christchurch the Prov.G.L. of Canterbury will lose a great deal of its local

importance, and most be content with a back seat for a while. The Installation ceremony was carried out in a

very pleasing manner by all concerned. W. Bro. Thornton made a stirring appeal for the consideration of the

brethren towards the widows' and orphans' fund, and the result of his eloquence was a contribution of £18 in

aid of that fund. In thanking brethren for their present of the usual P.M.'s jewel, W. Bro. Casson was

sincerely affected. During his year of office, W. Bro. Casson ruled the Lodge with tact and good sense, and

he laid a foundation for hard, solid work which his successor will find exceedingly hard to emulate. In fact,

I.P.M. W. Bro. Casson is just what his manner of working denotes him to be—a solid, "white" man. The

departure from the usual banquet to a "Stand-up Fourth" in the refectory seemed to prove a step in the right

direction. There is no doubt that, at a large gathering of this kind, by enabling brethren to move about the

room, to chat with one and sundry, and renew old acquaintanceships, the innovation made the function very

sociable and jolly. The Lodge dinner, which was to take place a fortnight after the Installation ceremony, has

been postponed for the present, owing to the unfortunate fatal accident which betel Bro. Chas. Nicholls on

Monday, 0th June, when he was killed through colliding with a tramcar whilst riding his motorcycle. Bro. C.

Nicholls was one of three brothers, all members of Concord, and a son of Bro. Wm. Nicholls, a very old

member of the Lodge. Deep sympathy is felt for Bro. Nicholls and his family in their bereavement.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Christchurch, No. 91.—The monthly meeting was held on 26th May, in the St. Augustine Hall, W. Bro. G.

H. M'Lean, W.M., presiding over a large attendance of members. The Lodge delegate to G.L. made his

report of the business transacted, and was accorded a vote of thanks. Trustees under the G.11 Trustee Act

were appointed, and arrangements were made for holding the annual adult social. The ritual work for the

evening was the initiation of two candidates, who were obligated by the W.M. The Ss. of the First Degree

were explained by W. Bro. McFarlane, P.M. The Apron Charge was delivered by W. Bro. F. Adams, P.M.

The charge in the N.E. was given by W. Bro. J. W. Roberts, P.M. The W.Ts. were explained by W. Bro.

Kent (W.M., Congress Lodge, E.C.), the Final Charge being delivered by Bro. Thomas, S.W. The Lodge,

having been closed in due form, visitors and members spent a pleasant hour in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 99.—Better late than never, and as your correspondent knows there are absent brethren

who take an interest in the proceedings of the Lodge, allow me to submit the following belated report :—On

the 22nd April the Lodge held au emergency sweating to raise two brethren. The principal feature of the

ceremony was that the P.Ms. of the Lodge were accorded the privilege of working the Degree, and it is to be

noted that although several of them have passed the chairs some years ago, the work they perforated lost

nothing of its effect and reflected credit on the agents. The Lodge has reason to congratulate itself that its

P.Ms. are so much in touch with its working that they are able without any stress or 'effort to carry out the

work of this sublime Degree with confidence and due effect. The various offices were filled as follows by the

P.Ms. :— W.M., W. Bro. A. C. Colville, the present senior P.M. on the active list ; I.P.M., W. Bro. Fulton ;

S.W., W. Bro. Shackelton; J.W., W. Bro. W. Lee; S.D., W Bro. A. J. Hoskins J.D., W. Bro. Wright; I.G. W.

Bro. Menzies, the present W.M. ; and let me not omit W. Bro. Garland as Chaplain. The work was

distributed thus :- O., W. Bro. Colville; Ex., W. Bro. Fulton ; first part T.H., W. Bro. Lee ; Emb., W. Bro.

Garland ; W.Ts., W. Bro. Shackleton ; second part T.H., W. Bro. Hoskins. The Signs and Final Charge by

the reigning W.M. (Bro. Menzies). W. Bro. Colville presided in the refectory over a very happy crowd. On

the 7th May the usual monthly meeting was held, and the First. Degree worked by the W.M. and his officers.

These reports should have been handed you earlier, but your correspondent had other duties, Masonic and

personal, that prevented him from sending them in.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

Two candidates who were initiated at the May meeting were passed to the Second Degree on 3rd June by the

W.M., Bro. J. Menzies, O.; assisted by W. Bro. Fulton, I.P.M., Ss.; W. Bro. Shackleton, S.F. Charge; W.

Bro. Colville, Final Charge; Bro. Bird, S.W., W.Ts. Owing to the Lodge being held on the King's Birthday,

and the somewhat cold weather, the attendance was not quite as good as usual. Following the Degree work

came the nomination of officers for the ensuing year. Owing to the sub-committee appointed to make a

report on the matter of holding a social failing to make any recommendation the matter was dropped. The

W.M., as Lodge representative at the recent meeting of G.L., gave a short account of the proceedings thereat,

and was thanked for his report. In the refectory one of the toasts proposed was that of Bros. Lindsay and

Henshaw, who had driven seven miles in the bitter wintry night to be present, and associated with them was

Bro. Black, who stated that, fearing very few would be present, and having no municipal duties to delay him,

he had felt it his duty to attend. Very good and kind of you, Bro. Black; a right proper spirit.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Thistle, No. 113.—Thee monthly meeting was held on the 20th May in the Masonic Hall, Ashburton, When

W. Bro. J. Williams presided over a good attendance. Motions of condolence were passed with flee relatives

of the late Bros. T. Green and W. K. Rennie, and with S.D. Bro. T. Kennedy on the loss of his father. Three

candidates were passed, the work being carried out by the following :—O., W.M. (Bro. J. Williams); S.E.

corner, by W. Bro. T. Williams; Final Charge, W. Bro. C. Campbell; and T.B. by Bro. F. Pawson (Methven

Lodge). Among the visitors was R.W. Bro. W. Gifkins, P.P.G.M. One candidate was proposed. The delegate

to G.L. gave a clear and concise report of proceedings, for which a vote of thanks was passed. The usual

pleasant hour with story and toast was passed in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

The monthly meeting was held on the 10th ult. (a week earlier than the usual date, owing to the installation

of Lodge Ashburton coming on the 18th) in the Masonic Hall, Ashburton. The W.M., Bro. J. Williams,

occupied the chair, supported by his usual officers and a fair attendance of brethren. The business was the

raising of a brother to the high and sublime degree ; the Alternative Scotch being impressively carried out,

the following assisting :-O., W.W. (Bro. J. Williams); 1st part Ex.; W. Bro. Harris, P.M., 2nd part Ex. ; W.M.

and Warden, Bros. Harris and Crooks; Charge, Bro. A. L. Moore; Sc.,he W.M. ; T.H., W. Bro. T. Williams,

P.M. ; Sgs., W. Bro Campbell, P.M. ; W.Ts., S.D. Bro. Kennedy; Final Charge, W. Bro. Harris, P.M. The

usual pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, the newly-raised in responding getting in a jocular dig at Bro.

Pawson (his sponsor) and attributing his unsettled state to the fact that Bro. Pawson was late in calling for

him with his car, and he had started to walk the 23 miles to Lodge. Bro. Pawson, in responding to the toast of

visitors, on behalf of Methven, No. 51, gave a Roland for an Oliver by explaining that Bro. Papps had been

wandering the roads and scanning the distance some hours before the appointed time.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Amuri, No. 184.—The regular meeting was held on 5th June in the Masonic Hall, Rotherham. W. Bro.

Munro, W.M., presided. A motion of sympathy was passed to Bro. J. J. Goulding, J.W., in his recent

bereavement, the loss of a daughter. The ritual work of the evening was the initiation of two candidates. The

W.M. Obligated the candidates, communicated the Ss., gave the N.E. address, and presented the W.Ts. Bro.

Thomson, S.W., invested, and gave the reason for preparation. Bro. Derrett, D.C., save the address after

investiture, and the Charge after the initiation. The W.M., who represented the Lodge at the May

Communication, gave a lucid report of the business. A quiet time was spent in the refectory, owing to

bereavements in the families of two of the brethren.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Victory, No. 40.—On 28th ..May the installation was held, and was in every respect- successful. There was

a- large attendance of Lodge and visiting brethren, several of the latter coming long distances- Bro. E. W.

Rudman was installed W.M. by R.W. Bro. W. E. Redman, Prov.G.M. of the district, and was assisted in the

ceremony by R.W. Bro. Wm. Moyes and W. Bros. W. S. Lucas, R. W. Stiles, and H. J. Harris. The following

officers were invested. S.W., Bro. A. E. Hedges; J.W., Bro. J. L. Ching; Sec., IV. Bro. R. W. Stiles; Treas.,

R.W. Bro. W. Moyes; D. of C., W. Bro. H. H. Johnston ; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. Bartlett ; Organist, Bro. A. G.

Thompson; S.D., Bro. H. P. Stephenson ; J.D., Bro. W. Widdowson; I.G., Bro. C. M. Whelan; S.S., Bro. L.

Reynolds ; J.D., Bro. F. J. Lock; Tyler, Bro. C. W. Moore. The orchestra, which naturally added to a very

successful ceremony, was composed of Bros. N. R. Williams (organ), A. G. Thompson (violin), W. T.

Brundell (clarinet), H. Cheek ('cello), and F. J. Lock (cornet). The arduous duties of M. of C. were in the

capable hands of W. Bro. H. H. Johnston. During the evening a solo was sung by Bro. D. H. Wilmot. The

collection in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund realised £6 2s. 3d. R.W. Bro. Redman congratulated the

Lodge on its very efficient state, Its finances were sound, its working very satisfactory, and he was pleased to

observe the tone of the Lodge was being maintained by the new members it was making. He took

opportunity to express thanks to R.W. Bro. Moyes for assistance rendered whilst he was absent in England.

The W.M. in his remarks created a very favourable impression, and there is every indication of a successful

year. The Lodge is fortunate in having splendid vocal and instrumental talent, and at the July meeting an

extensive programme is to be given. After the installation ceremony the usnal banquet was held, when R.W.

Bro. Redman gave some interesting information concerning his sojourn at Home. The W. brother was

accorded a hearty reception. At the above meeting three brethren applied for membership by affiliation, and

were accepted. The difficulty of obtaining G.L. regalia for installations is causing a feeling that something

ought to be done by way of getting sufficient for the district, the Lodges to contribute a pro rata share of the

cost. The matter is, however, in a very preliminary stage at present.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

On 11th June the first meeting of the newly invested officers was held, the third degree being worked. W.

Bro. Rudman presided. Although only one instruction could be arranged for, the ceremony was efficiently

conducted, and the new officers gave evidence of much promise. Two brothers received the final degree, and

were much impressed by the ceremony. The following brethren assisted in the work : R.W. Bro. Moyes and

W. Bros. Houlker, Stiles, Moller, Orsman, and Bartlett. The Sec. submitted the annual statement of accounts

for the year, showing a balance of £20 10s. ld. The balance of assets over liabilities was £425 18s. 10d. it

was decided to send an invitation to the G.M. to pay a visit to Lodge, and it is hoped this may be possible for

the August meeting, and also of a visit from the G.Lect. In the refectory W. Bro. Houlker gave an interesting

report of the annual communication meeing, and strongly approved of the motion not to concentrate G.L. in

any one particular centre.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————————

HAWKES BAY.

Scinde, No. 5.—As the mother Lodge of the province of Hawke's Bay, the installation ceremony at Scinde

always attracts a very large gathering of Craftsmen; and this year's event, which took place on Wednesday,

June 17th, proved no exception to this excellent rule, there being an exceptionally good muster of Victoria

and Heretaunga brethren, as well as visitors from all parts of the Dominion. The W.M.-elect on this occasion

was W. Bro. C. H. Critchley, who had the honour of filling the same position six years ago, when the Lodge

celebrated its jubilee. The ordinary business and the meeting of the B. of I.M. was held in the afternoon, in

accordance with the precedent established last year with the object of shortening the proceedings in the

evening. The installation ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston' Prov.G.M., assisted by the

following :—S.G.W., W. Bro. Bates; J.G.W., W. Bro. J. Hobson; S.G.D., W. Bro. Thomas; J.C.D., W. Bro.

McGlashan ; G.D.C., W. Bro. A. J. Williams ; G.Sd.B., W. Bro. Andrew; W. Bro. Redshaw ; three

P.Prov.G.Ms. (R. W. Bros. McDougall, De Lisle, and Hobson); and two G.L. officers, W. Bros. Hird and

Roach, as well as a goodly muster of P.Ms. The ceremony in the evening was bright and impressive, and was

carried through without the slightest hitch. The addresses to the Master, the Wardens, and the brethren were

given by the three P.Prov.G.Ms., and the remark was passed that they have never been heard to better

advantage. The W.Ts. in the three degrees were presented by W. Bros. Whitton (Victoria), Tombs

(Heretaunga), and Ritchie (Scinde). The W.M. invested his I.P.M. and Wardens, and W. Bro. Ritchie

invested the junior officers. A distinct feature of the proceedings was the heartiness with which the brethren

joined in the singing of the odes. The office-bearers for the ensuing year are as follows :—W.M., W. Bro.

Critchley ; 1.P.M., W. Bro. Ritchie, S.W., Bro. Thomson; J.W., Bro. R. Bishop; Chaplain, V.W., Bro. Tuke ;

Treas., Bro. T. W. Bear; Sec., W. Bro. Freedman; S.D., Bro. Bowes; J.W., Bro. Currie ; D.C., W. Bro.

Thomas; Organist, Bro. A. Hobson; I.G., Bro. R. H. Rathbone; Ss., Bros. S. Wood and W. Fossey ; Tyler,

Bro. T. Thornton; Librarian, Bro. Currie. At the close of the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the Princess

Hall, where a sumptuous repast was laid, and this was done full justice to, after which the customary Loyal

and Craft toasts were honoured, interspersed with vocal and instrumental items by the following :—Scinde

Quartette Party, Heretaunga Trio, R.W. Bro. De Lisle, W. Bros. Freedman and Parker, and Bros. Harris,

Cordingley, McClure, and Bishop.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Victoria, No. 21.—The annual meeting was held in the Lodge-room on 3rd June, presided over by W.M.

Bro. H. W. Whitten. There was a good attendance of the brethren and visitors, the latter including W. Bro.

Ritchie (Scinde) and Bro. McGlashan (Heretaunga). The ritual work consisted of one passing As the Lodge

did not elect a W.M. for the ensuing year, the sitting Master retains the chair of K.S. for a further term,

consequently Victoria Lodge had no installation ceremony this year. The W.M. invested the following

officers for the ensuing year : V.W. Bro. C. L. Tuke, P.M. ; S.W., Bro. W. A. Kirk; J.W., Bro. H. Hill;

Treas., W. Bro. E. Chegwidden, P.M.; Sec., Bro. J. Redshivy, P.M. ; Organist, Bro. Wm. Simpson ; S.D.,

Bro. A. S. Erskine ; J.D., Bro. Wm. Taggart; D. of C., W. Bro. J. B. Andrew, P.M.; I.G., Bro. H. Bate; S.S.,

Bro. W. G. Jarvis; J.S. Bro. E. Yates; Tyler, Bro. Geo. Robson. A motion of sympathy with W. Bro. J. B.

Andrew on the death of his mother was passed, all the brethren standing when the motion was put. After the

Lodge closed a pleasant time was spent in the refectory, when the usual loyal toasts were honoured. The

toast of the W.M. and his officers was proposed by W. Bro. Ritchie (Scinde) and responded to by S.W. Bro.

W. Kirk.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Bedford, No. 25.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 2nd June under the presidency of W.M. Bro.

W. H. Booth. The W.M.'s action in granting relief during the month to a distressed brother was confirmed,

and the brethren promptly availed themselves of the opportunity and the privilege of further assisting a.

worthy brother. A candidate for initiation was obligated by the W.M., entrusted by W. Bro. Elliott, and

invested by S.W. Bro. Gore. The N.E. Address was delivered by W. Bro. W. A. Chambers, and the E. of P.

was given by W. Bro. D. Milne. Bro. D. J. Graham, acting-J.W., presented the W.Ts., and the Final Charge

was delivered by S.W. Bro. Gore. W. Bro. J. Scholes was re-elected to the Central United Board of Enquiry,

and Bro. A. D. Gibsen was elected to act with him. One candidate was proposed for admission. A very happy

time was spent in the refectory, owing materially to the presence of an old P.M., whose engagements of late

have prevented his regular attendance at the well-known rendezvous. A number of visitors assisted with song

and story, and the spirit of Masonry was much in evidence.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Abercorn, No. 30.—The Lodge met in Lodge room, Waipawa, on June 14th. In the absence of W.M., the

I.P.M, W. Bro. J. N. Watson, presided. Two candidates were passed to the F.C. degree, the Ohs. being

administered by the acting-W.M. W. Bro. H. Robin communicated the Ss., and delivered the S.E. Charge,

Bro. Parkin presented the W.Ts., and Bro. Parco delivered the Final Charge. The J.W.'s balance-sheet

showed a credit balance of £2/6/9, and stock in hand to the value of £3. A motion was unanimously carried

to adopt the system of nominating and electing the W.M. as dire.:ted by Rule No. 97, new B. of C. In the

absence of Bro. Organist on a holiday the adjournment to the refectory was rather brief.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 66.—The annual Installation Meeting was held on Wednesday, 27th May, there being over a

hundred brethren present. The phenomenally bad weather prevailing for some weeks prior to the date,

prevented the usually representative contingent from Lodge Puketoi, Pongaroa, from attending, and but for

this fact the attendance would have been easily a record one. R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston, Prov.G.M. of Hawkes

Bay, was in attendance. The duties of I.M. were efficiently performed by W. Bro. Fred. Craven, P.M.,

assisted by the following W. brethren acting as officers of G.L. :—G.S.W., W. Bro. J. Brown; G.J.W., W.

Bro. J. Craven; G.S.D., W. Bro. Blakiston ; G.J.D., W. Pro. H. Campbell; GIG., W. Bro. W. Hanes; G.S.B.,

W. Bro. Vernon Smith. The office of G.D.C. was entrusted to W. Bro. R. A. Gillespie, who discharged the

duties annexed to the position in his usual highly efficient manner. The ordinary business of the month

having been disposed of at a meeting held in the afternoon, the Lodge adjourned until 7 p.m., and when

labour was resumed R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston was received, and assumed the chair and handed over the work

of installation to W. Bro. F. Craven, P.M., who obligated the W.M.-elect, Bro. F. A. Butler-Harrison,

according to ancient custom. The W.Ts. of the degrees were explained by W. Bro. T. Barclay, P.M., of Lion

Lodge ; W. Bro. E. H. Leigh, W.M., of Ruahine Lodge, No. 80; and W. Bro. B. Ragley, W.M., of Lion

Lodge, No. 114. W. Bro. Thomas Ellingham, P.M. of Lodge Lion, No. 114, addressed the newly-installed

W.M. W. Bro. Harrison then invested the following officers: D.M., W. Bro. J. Brown, P.M. ; I.P.M., W. Bro.

J. Armstrong ; S.W., Bro. W. Such ; J.W.; Bro. J. C. Davidson ; Sec., W. Bro. Thos. Paton, P.M. ; Treas.,

Bro. C. Baddeley ' D. of C., W. Bro. R. A. Gillespie, P.M.. S.D., Bro. C. R. James; J.D., C. T. Brown ; I.O.,

Bro. W. Johnstone ; Organist, Bro. A. E. Savage; S.S., Bro. D. J. Gardiner; J.S., Bro. A. J. C. Runciman;

Tyler, Bro.,A. B. Mollgaard ; Chaplain, Bro. J. T. Appleby. W. Bro. J. Cartwright., P.M. of Ruahine Lodge,

No. 80, addressed the Wardens, and the address to the brethren was delivered by R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston,

Prov.G.M. After the ceremony an adjournment was made to the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, where

ample preparation had been made to accommodate visitors and members at a banquet. After the usual toasts

were honoured, brethren of Lodge Rawhiti were heartily pleased to welcome Bro. S. H. Jansen, who for

some years filled the office of Tyler, but during the past year resigned the position owing to his having

removed to Wellington. Bro. Jansen, at considerable inconvenience to himself, made a special journey to

Dannevirke to attend the annual meeting of his Lodge, and on arrival "got right into the collar " and rendered

material assistance in preparing for the ceremony at the Lodge-room and also for the subsequent function. In

view of the generous help given by Bro. Jansen on this occasion, the toast of his health was added to the

evening programme at the eleventh hour ; the proposal of the toast was entrusted to Bro. W. Dobson, and it

met with a hearty response. During the evening songs and recitations were contributed by a number of

brethren.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Heretaunga, No. 73.—The annual meeting was held on the 10th instant. A special train from Napier brought

many visitors to do honour to Bro. P. W. Tombs, the W.M.-elect. The conduct of the Installation meeting

was in the hands of R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston, Prov.G.M., assisted by R.W. Bro. L. Freedman as S.O.W., and

W. Bro. E. Hosking and J.G.W. Bro. Sec. acted as D.C. The address to the Master was very ably given by

R.W. Bro. De Lisle, P.Prov.G.M.. W. Bro. Husking addressed the Wardens, and the I.O. gave the Final

Charge to the brethren. W. Bros. J. Ritchie, Whitton, and T. Ritchie presented the W.Ts. respectively in the

three degrees. The whole proceedings went very smoothly; and the I.O. invested W. Bro. J. B. Hird as

G.Purs. The newly-installed W.M. very ably invested his officers, and after the lodge was closed the

brethren, to the number of 120, adjourned to the adjoining oddfellows' Hail, where a first-class supper was

partaken of, the usual list of toasts being duly honoured. The investiture of officers are as follow W. Bro. A.

J. MeGlashan, P.M. ; S.W., Bro. J. A. Miller ; J.W., Bro. C. H. Martin; Treas., W. Bro. W. A. Carter, P.M. ;

Sec., W. Bro. T. Morgan, P.M. ; D. of C., W. Bro. G. F. Roach, P.M. ; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. B. Hird, P.M. ;

Organist, Bro. E. T. James ; S.D., Bro. L. T. Cooper ; J.D., Bro. R. W. Jones; I.G., Bro. J. E. Jones ; Tyler,

Bro. T. S. Dobson; S.S., Bro. W. R. Wright; J.S., Bro. T. Foot; Assist.-Ss., Bros. Pegler and Short.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————
TARANAKI.

Hawera, No. 34.—The regular meeting was held on Tuesday, 2nd June, when the most important business

was the .election of the W.M., for which our S.W., Bro. W. G. Bishop, was the only nomination, and was

duly elected by the Lodge. W. Bro. Tait as Treas., anti Bro. Cummane as Tyler, were re-elected. It was

resolved that a dispensation be obtained for alteration of the date of the installation meeting to Thursday, 9th

July, in place of Tuesday. This alteration is one usually made for these meetings for the greater convenience

of our visiting brethren, Thursday being the usual half-holiday in the neighbouring towns. A G.L. certificate

was presented to Bro. A. C. Webb at the request of Lodge St. John, No. 462, S.C. Two candidates were

proposed for initiation and one brother for affiliation. Bros. Eaves and C. Fleming were passed to the Second

Degree by the assisted by R.W. Bro. Sargent (Ss.), Bro. Bishop (S.E. Corner), and W. Bro. Quin (Final

Charge).

On the 9th we paid a fraternal visit to Lodge St. John's, No. 94, Eltham, at their invitation, to work the Third

Degree, when Bro. H. Paul, of our own Lodge, was raised to the degree of M.M. Twenty-five of the

members made the trip -in a motor-'bus, and spent a jolly time of it, both at Eltham and on the road. The

Eltham brethren gave us the usual warm Masonic welcome, both in the Lodge and in the refectory, and a

most enjoyable and profitable evening was spent.

Re installation meeting. It was found that we had fixed our meeting for the same night as St. Andrew Kul.,

and in view of the recent very fraternal relations established with that Lodge, and also that the W.M.-elect

wished to attend their installation, it was thought better to adhere to our statutory date, namely, Tuesday, 7th

July, and at an emergency meeting called for that purpose on the 23rd the resolution passed on the 2nd was

rescinded, which left the date as above.

An emergency meeting was held on the 16th, when the P.Ms. took all the chairs and worked the Second

Degree under W. Bro. Quinn, as acting-W.M. Bros. Cocker, Forsyth, and Crawford, also Bro. Renal, of the

Greytown Lodge, were passed to the F.C. Degree by W. Bro. Quin. R.W. Bro. Sargent communicated the

Ss., W. Bro. Keen the S.E. Corner, W. Bro. Hurst explained the W.Ts., and W. Bro. Salmon the Final

Charge. A social evening for brethren and lady friends has been arranged for Friday, 3rd July, to mark the

closing of W. Bro. Evans's term of Mastership.—[Lodge Correspondent. ]

————

WELLINGTON.

Waterloo, No. 13.—There was a good attendance at the regular meeting on the 13th June. W. Bro. C. B.

Harton presiding. Two brethren were passed to the Second Degree by the W.M. and his officers, who later in

the evening were congratulated by M.W. Bro. Williams on the excellence of the working. The by-laws were

read by W. Bro. J. Godber, P.M. Among the visitors was W. Bro. Connell, W.M. of New Zealand Pacific

Lodge. Report was made that W. Bro. G. E. Smiths, Sec., was again an inmate of a private hospital. Hopes

were expressed for his speedy recovery. The Lodge closed at 9.30, and a pleasant hour was spent in the

refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Andrew, No. 32. — On Monday, 15th June, the regular monthly meeting of the Lodge was held, the

Lodge being tyled at 7.15 p.m., and the W.M. Bro. C. W. Nielsen, presiding over an attendance of members

and visitors that was very satisfactory, considering the inclemency of the weather. Routine business having

been disposed of, a ballot was taken on a proposition to admit a joining member, which proved favourable. A

worthy brother who had been balloted for and elected at the last previous meeting in his absence, was

tendered and signed declaration of allegiance to G.L. The ceremonial work set apart for the evening was to

raise two candidates, which was done in Scotch method, following the Lodge's traditions, by the W.M.,

assisted by W. Bros. J. Danks and J. Rod (Exhortation), G. Russell (Chap.), O. Neilson (T.H.), and W. Bros.

A. Greening, LG., A. W. Rowlands (F.C.), W. Simpson, A. Schmidt, and J. A. Riddell. The musical portions

of the ceremony was accompanied by the Lodge orchestra, and before departing from the Lodge room the

brethren joined in singing an adapted version of the familiar hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," as a

tribute to nautical and absent brethren. Subsequently all repaired to the refectory, where toasts were

interspersed with instrumental and vocal items. The W.M., who had represented the Lodge at the annual

communication in May, took the opportunity of reporting to the gathering the proceedings, and reviewing the

finances and transactions having especial interest to those present.

————

Ulster, No. 62.—The installation of the W.M. and investiture of officers took place in the Masonic Hall,

Petone, on Wednesday, 17th June. The Prov.G.M. (R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin), assisted by G.L. officers,

performed the ceremony of installing Bro. G. D. McEwen for the ensuing twelve months in a very

impressive manner. The W.Ts. in the three degrees were presented by W. Bro. Haynes, W. Bro. Rowell, and

W. Bro. Rishworth. R.W. Bro. J. Moncrieff, P.Prov.G.M., addressed the W.M., W. Bro. G. G. Schwartz

invested the officers. V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge addressed the Wardens, and R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, P.G.M.,

addressed the brethren. The important duties of D. of C. were carried out in a very able miner by W. Bro.

Hunn. The Bro. J. J. Dougall, was in attendance, and the Petone brethren gave him a very hearty welcome.

During the evening the M.W.G.M. duly invested W. Bro. Firth, of Lodge Coronation, No. 127, with the

collar and badge of G.St.B. After the Lodge was closed the visitors and brethren adjourned to the refectory

for the usual installation banquet. A short toast list was duly honoured, interspersed with songs, etc., and a

most enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 12.30 a.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Eketahuna, No. 92.— The monthly meeting was held on the 5th. The W.M., W. Bro. W. M. Wilson,

occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. The ceremonial work was the passing of a.

brother to the Second Degree, the earemony being conducted by the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. Dempsey, W.

Bros. Leslie, Griffiths, and Rowden, S.W., and Bro. Remnant, J.W.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Ruapehu, No, 128.—The regular monthly meeting was held on the 11th June in the Freemasons' Hall,

Marton. The attendance was not large, but several visitors were present. The Lodge delegate, W. Bro. J.

Robson, gave an interesting report on the G.L. Communication recently held in Christchurch. The lecture on

the Second T.B. was rendered by Bro. W. W. Thomas, J.D., in a very capable manner. It was resolved to

issue an appeal through G.L. on behalf of the widow and children of a recently deceased brother. The case is

a most deserving one, and no doubt will meet with a ready response throughout the Masonic territory. A very

pleasant hour was spent in the refectory. So far Ruapehu Lodge has not been honoured by a visit from the

M.W.G.M., since the formation of the New Zealand Constitution; although several lodges near and beyond

Ruapehu have been so honoured. Why Ruapehu has been left out in the cold is not very clear, seeing that

Marton most be passed through to reach Lodegs further north. However, it is whispered that the present

M.W.G.M. has announced his intention of removing the reproach that Lodge Ruapehu is neglected by G.L.

officers, and in the near future a visit may be expected.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Huia No. 171.—The regular meeting took place on the 4th June. W.M., Bro. Smith, occupied the chair. The

principal business was to pass to the F.C. Degree two brethren, the ceremony being carried out as follows :—

0b. Secrets, S.E. corner, by the W.M.; the W.Ts. were presented by the S.W. and the acting-J.W., Bro.

Lachlan, conjointly; Final Charge, the I.P.M. The ballot was taken for one candidate for initiation, which

proved successful. A short time was spent in the refectory in the form of a general discussion, the usual

toasts being dispensed with by way of a change.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waimarino, No. 175.—The regular meeting was held on 8th June, the W.M. (W. Bro. E. Mugridge) in the

chair, the ceremony being the passing of one brother. This seas performed by the ALM., assisted by W. Bro.

A. Revell, P.M., the W.Ts. being presented by Bro. J. D. and the Final Charge by acting S.W. One candidate

was nominated for initiation. Lodge closed at 9.30 p.m., after which the brethren adjourned to the refectory,

where a pleasant hour was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Lower Hutt, on the 10th Juno.

Lodge tyled at 7 p.m. sharp. The business was the passing of a brother. Owing to the absence of the W.M.,

Bro. T. F. Ayson, the ceremony was conducted by W. Bro. Rishworth, I.P.M., Ss. by W. Bro. Hobbs, also

the S.E. Charge and W.Ts. by Bro. T. A. Peterkin, P.G.M. A feature of the evening was the large number of

visitors from sister Lodges, over seventy names being entered in the attendance book. Among these were

The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Peterkin, V.W. Bro. Bridge, G.Lect., R.W. Bro. Seaton, J.G.W., and W. Bro.

Worboys, S.G.D,, representing G.L. ; the W.M., O., and B. of Lodges Ulster, St. Andrew, Pacific, Tutanekai,

Waterloo, and Leinster; and Bro. Elvin, of Lodge Western, No. 733, and Dobie, No. 899, E.G., all of whom

extended H. G.W. to Lodge Waiwhetu. . Lodge closed at 8.55 p.m. In the "Fourth" a very pleasant time was

spent, some very good musical talent being present. After a great deal of pressing, W. Bro Seaton was

persuaded to lay aside his natural modesty and regaled the brethren with some very amusing stories. In

serious vein his masterpiece was "Not Understood." Bro. Guiness, S.W., had arranged for motor-buses to be

at Lodge-room in time to convey visitors to the train. G.L. delegate's report also read and confirmed.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

___________________________

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.—Regular meeting was held in St. Augustine Hall on 10th June, V.E.Comp. T. W. Lee

presiding. The attendance was very good. After the ordinary business the Chapter was adjourned and a Mark

Lodge opened, when Bros. Geo. Judd, A. E. Smith, G. Thomson, W. Smith, and A. J. Crisswell were

advanced to the honourable Degree of M.M. V.E.Comp. T. W. Lee Obligated, V.E.Comp. J. Hind gave the

Signs, V.E.Comp. Cooksley presented the W.Ts., and V.E.Comp. A. H. Thorpe delivered the Final Charge.

Lodge was closed and Chapter resumed. Two Comps. were proposed as joining members. During the year 19

have been added to our roll of members; several are P.Ms.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Manawatu, No. 11. — Owing to the unavoidable absence of S.E., who, by the way, was detained in

Wellington on official business, the ordinary date of the Chapter meeting had to be adjourned to one week

later than usual. One brother was advanced to the Degree of M.M.M. ; in addition, the names of several

brethren who are desirous of being admitted to the Chapter were submitted. The last two meetings have been

characterised by a most instructive and acceptable discussion on matters relating to the welfare of the

Chapter. The V.E.Z. has the happy knack of presiding in a manner which inspires the confidence and

commands the esteem of all present—the unanimous opinion of all who remained to the "Fourth" being that

it was good to be there and take part in a live discussion on questions of vital importance to the Chapter.—

[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Victory, No. 12.—The regular convocation was held on 21st May, V. E. Comp. J. A. Orsman presiding,

when three candidates received their Mark Degree. The officers of the Mark Lodge consisted of Bros. W.

Mayes, W.M.H. ; Bro. J. A. Orman, S.W.; Bro. B. H. Moller. J.W. ; Bro. J. L. Ching, Conductor ; Bro W. F.

Pellew, MO. ; Bro. A. E. Hedges, S.O.; Bro. J. Bartlett, J.O. ; Bro. W. Widdowson, I.G. During the past few

months the Chapter has made much progress, and six brethren have successfully sought admission. The

Chapter hopes with its renewed strength to be able to again take up the side degrees.

On 18th June the regular meeting was again held, when one brother was advanced and two past Z attached

themselves by affiliation. The companions are very pleased at the continued growth of the Chapter. It is

understood quite a number of other brethren are

willing to come in as soon as the Chapter can take

them .—[Chapter Correspondent.]

On June 18th Comp. C. W. Moore celebrated his

87th birthday, and the Comps. gave him a hearty

toast, wishing him many more years of Masonic

life. Comp. Moore has the distinction of being

Tyler of both Victory Lodge and Victory Chapter,

and is gamer than many who are a score of years

his junior. His favourite steed conveys him

backwards and forwards to enable him to perform

the duties of his office, and seeing that he is

required to wend his way home very late at night,

a distance over two miles, the performance might

easily be included in the records of modern times.

Comp. Moore promises to top the century and be

"not out."

————

Waimate, No. 16,— The regular meeting of the

Chapter took place on 20th May, when the degree

of E.M. was worked. W.E.M. Bro. A. J. Hoskins

presided, with the following officers : — S.W.,

Bro. Bird J.W.. Bro. T. Manchester ; Conductor,

Bro. C. Bateman ; Caps.—lst V., W. Bro.

Shackleton ; 2nd V.. Bro. J. W. Manchester; 3rd

V., W. Bro. Menzies. The W.E.M. carried out his

duties with his usual ability, and was assisted by

W. Bro. Menzies, who gave the Lecture of the

Degree. On resumption of the Chapter, V.E.Comp.

Hoskins gave his report (unavoidably held over) of

the proceedings of the S.G.R.A. Chanter in

Wellington, and on the motion of E.Comp. Atwill,

seconded by V.E Comp. Colville., was thanked for

his services. Two brethren were the recipients of

the Degree, and it is intended to exalt them on

10th June.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

The last ceremonial for the current year took place

on 10th June, when Bros. Beckett and Price were

exalted to the Degree of H.R.A. by 1st Principal

V.E. Comp. Menzies. The important duty of 1st

Soj. was carried out by E. Comp. C. Bateman with

his usual care and attention to detail. The 1st

Principal was ably assisted by the following

companions :—V.E.HZ. Comp. Colville. the Signs

; V.E.P.Z. Como. Hoskins, the Final Charge: E.

Comp. Fulton. H., gave the W.Ts. The attendance

at the Chapter did not correspond with the number

of members on the roll by a considerable number.

It is rather deplorable that Comps. of the H.R.A.

have so little regard to their obligations, allowing

ease and comfort more often than their duties and

avocations to interfere with their attendance.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Hinemoa, No. 25.—The regular Convocation was held in the Chanter-room, Daniel Street, on Thursday,

21st May. The weather was very unnropitious, and, doubtless, militated against a large attendance. Waterloo

Chapter No. 2. however, paid an official visit, being represented by V.E.Comp. Veitch, Z.. officers, and

Comps. V.E.Comp. J. P. Shand, 1st Prin., presided and, with one exception, all officers filled their respective

positions. One candidate was exalted. The Ob. was conferred by the V.E.Z.,. J. P. Shand : the Discovery was

narrated by E.Comp. Robertson. 1st Soj. ; the Ss. were given by V.E.Comp. O. Nielson, and further

explained by V.E.Comp, Thompson, the Final Charge being delivered by E.Comp. H. B. Bridge, 2nd Prin.

Chapter closed at 9.15 p.m., and a pleasant hour or so was afterwards spent in the refectory.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

Supplement to “The New Zealand Craftsman.”