OUR DUTY.

——<>——

ASSOCIATIONS of men, banded together for some

common object, have existed from time immemorial,

and their duration has been in proportion to the value

of their objects. But there are few that can rejoice in

a long and uninterrupted existence. Indeed, the great

majority wither and decay after, usually, a brief life.

And today it may be claimed that there are only two

organisations extant—outside religious cults—that

can claim a historical record of over one hundred

years. The two bodies thus referred to are friendly

societies and Freemasonry. The former of these,

whose primary objects are assurance against many of

the ills of life, have served a good purpose in the

inculcation of thrift, and the provision of an

elementary education which has diverted many

members into the political arena. And. it may be said

that friendly societies deserve an infinitely better fate

than is foreshadowed by the Governments of Great Britain and Australasia, by whom thy will inevitably be

swallowed up in the national insurance schemes, which are yearly increasing the classes of benefits which

are provided to the assured, not from individual contributions, but from the several consolidated revenue

funds. It may be in the interests of the greatest numbers, but the fact remains that these self-reliant and self-

supporting institutions, which for many years were so lauded for their excellent and self-sacrificing work,

will inevitably, sooner or later, have to succumb to the capacious maw of National Insurance. Then will

Freemasonry stand alone as the only ancient organisation of a social, philanthropic, and quasi-beneficial

character. Looking at the institution in the light of happenings in the near and distant future, it may be well to

glance at its constitution, and attempt to deduce from such introspection, whether it may successfully

withstand any unexpected shocks which may result from the present European conflagration. . The

foundation and very essence of Freemasonry is fraternity, not in the ordinary interpretation, but in its strictest

sense. A fraternity of men may exist for common interest, business, or pleasure. But the fraternity of

Freemasonry is it bond of brotherhood of the closest nature. It demands a duty to God, to its neighbour, as

well as to its members. It provides that one must act on the square to his brother, not in the colloquialism of

everyday use, but by " rendering him every kind office " which justice or mercy may require, by relieving his

necessities and soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him as he "should do unto you." This is only a small

part of the duties and privileges comprehended in the word Fraternity. And so long as the superstructure of

Freemasonry rests on such a foundation, it will never decay. But a time is coming, brethren, when the

strength of those foundations will be severely tried. The nobler feeling of the man will be put to the test, and

perhaps in some instances will be found wanting. The trial we apprehend will come when we are called to

assimilate our feelings as men with our duty as Freemasons. For many decades of years after the battle of

Waterloo, the race hatred between England and France was most marked, and even the co-partner-ship of the

Crimean war did not lead to much mitigation. And yet the two nations were always honourable foes: During

the long Peninsula war, inhuman atrocities were practically confined to the guerrilla forces of Spain, and

prisoners were as honourably treated as circumstances would allow. And yet the racial hatred existed for

nearly a hundred years. What is the converse side of the picture to-day in the scientific conflict of a twentieth

century civilisation? What are the daily practices of the German and Austrian soldiers? The torturing of men,

the dishonouring of women, the wholesale shooting of priests and nuns, and the killing of innocent children,

have all been attested by incontrovertible authority. Indeed, the refined cruelties invented would have

disgraced the most barbarous savage of a hundred years ago. It is safe to predict that whatever may be the

result on the cessation of war, however much these " cultured" countries may be humbled, the remembrance

of the horrors of this phase of the war will not be obliterated for another hundred years. And yet in one of

these lands whose people shall be maranatha, we have many brethren, many good brethren, some no doubt

will have been in the fighting line, but we will acquit them of all participation in dishonour. But what shall

be our attitude to them in the future ? Can we avoid including them in that intense hatred which will be as

just as the cause which led our Empire into the war ?

Brethren, our duty as Freemasons is plain. When this great was is ended, and we pray the Great Architect is

may be soon, should we come into, personal contact with any brethren who may have been included with our

national enemies, we cannot afford to forget the injunction which recites and impresses us with our duty to

our neighbour, who is also our brother. For a time the task may be hard, but it is in times of stress that we

shall see whether the foundations of the superstructure are undermined, or have weathered the storm, and this

will be the refining fire which will prove our Brotherhood something more than a name, something that the

world utterly fails to understand, and which perhaps is not quite comprehensible to ourselves.

————————

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.

——<>——

"The Cloths and Vandals were an ancient barbarous Teutonic race inhabiting the northern part of Germany.

In A.D. 409 they invaded Spain, and in 429 they crossed over into Africa and conquered the Roman

dominions there. Subsequently in 455, under their victorious King Genserie, they invaded Italy. and took and

plundered Rome, and unsparingly destroyed the monuments of art and the productions of literature. They

were at length destroyed by Belisarius, A.D. 535." So says history, and the modern Teuton barbarian hand

has not lost its ancestral cunning, but is still burning, slaying, plundering and destroying the works of

literature. One is led to wonder what manner of man the "cultured " German of the twentieth century can be,

who on the first abrasion of the skin exudes the loathsome barbarity of his fifteen hundred years ago

ancestors. If this is the sequence of culture, then better by far the primitive ignorance of the ancient, which

may at least. offer some palliation for savagery and atrocity, and destructive instincts. But it may be asked :

Does all this affect Freemasonry more than the community at large? We answer that Freemasonry stands for

all that is peaceful and humane. That terrorism and horrors of cruelty are repugnant to its every teaching.

That it stands for all that is beautiful in nature. That architecture is a science peculiar to the ancestry of the

present Craft. And as the world is indebted to the operative Masons of all ages for the beauty and mag-

nificence of its principal architectural structures in all lands, so their successors have constructed a moral

analogy in the teaching of the speculative science. Hence to the Freemason of today, the wholesale and

ruthless demolition of old and magnificent edifices, from sheer vandalism, is the loss of the beautiful model

in which the modern speculative system had its origin.. Again, Masonic history is very largely traditional, in

its widest senses, and the rays of light which intercept, or add to, the tradition, are solely derived from the old

productions of literature. Look how our Masonic historians have delved into old mysteries, records, and what

are called "Charges," which have thrown so much light on both operative Masonry and speculative

Freemasonry. Hughan and his confreres would almost have reverenced the many old musty parchments from

which they secured and gave to the Masonic world, so much information relating to their ancient brethren.

And to know that the "cultured" Goths and Vandals of modern Germany have so ruthlessly destroyed

magnificent edifices, old works of art, and productions of literature, impossible to replace, is almost to create

a hope, perfectly natural if not quite Masonic, that these Goths and Vandals may find a modern Belisarius,

who will destroy them, so that they no longer cumber the ground.

————————

A MOST UNFRIENDLY ACT.

——<>——

At the last convocation of the Sup. G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand the attitude assumed by the G. Chapter

of Scotland to this jurisdiction was the subject of very strong comment, and there was not wanting a militant

party in the New Zealand assembly in advocacy of immediate reprisals, and the severance of all friendly

intercourse with Scottish R.A. Masons in the Dominion. Other counsels prevailed, and special delegates,

consisting of three of the most eminent R.A. Masons of New Zealand, were appointed to lay the case before

the Scottish G. Chapter in Edinburgh, and to endeavour to secure recognition on the basis adhered to by all

G. bodies in Craft Freemasonry. By adopting this course a truce was practically declared pending the result

of the negotiations. One of the envoys on his arrival home lost no time in proceeding to Scotland and stating

the case to the Scottish R.A. authorities, by whom he was received—with one exception—with the greatest

kindness and courtesy. He attended the quarterly convocation in June, and obtained an excellent hearing in

advocating his application. He was assured that it would receive every consideration, and some of the

principal G. Chapter officers endorsed the New Zealand opinion on the only salient point in dispute. At that

meeting our representative had no reason to suppose that the existing truce was then, or soon would be,

violated. And no one will be more surprised than he, on his return to New Zealand within the next few

weeks, to learn that while he was being told in Scotland that all was peace that hostilities had broken out in

New Zealand, and that a new Chapter under the Scottish Constitution was authorised to open in the city of

Auckland. The world has become quite alive to the fact that in the great European conflict now proceeding

the most disgraceful tactics are of daily Occurrence in the German army. But with all honourable nations and

men the smallest scintillation of dishonourable action is held in abhorrence. Then what shall be said of this

gross breach of trust in R.A. Freemasonry? During the present month the G. Chapter of Scotland is

considering an application for the establishment of permanent peace with the G. Chapter of New Zealand,

and almost on the same day a new Chapter is being opened in the city of Auckland under Scottish authority.

Immediately on the return of R.E. Comp. Ross, the Sup. G. Committee will take counsel and review the

position. Some explanation may be forthcoming from the G. Chapter of Scotland, but it will have to be very

convincing to clear the air of the suspicion of the gross treachery enacted.

————————

QUITE a number of Lodges and R.A. Chapters are reducing their refreshment account, with the idea of

devoting the surplus to one or more of the relief funds that will be inaugurated later for the relief of some of

the distress that will accrue as a natural consequence of the war.

————————

SPECIAL MASONIC RELIEF FUNDS.

——<>——

The M.W.G.M. of New Zealand, in a circular letter to Lodges, has foreshadowed the possibility of a special

Masonic Relief Fund being instituted to meet some of the phases of distress that will inevitably result from

the present war. To such a proposal we cannot imagine that there will be a dissentient voice. Opinion is

divided as to whether Freemasons should contribute to actual war funds. We learn that the G.M. of New

South Wales has suggested to his G.L. that a sum of £250 be voted to the Patriotic Fund, but that point need

not be discussed now. If there are any twinges of Masonic conscience against voting assistance for the

defence of the Empire, there need be none against contributing to the relief of the vast distress that the war

will cause. But speaking for New Zealand, we are of opinion that if any action is taken it should be done at

once. There is at the present time more than a suspicion that Freemasons are almost the only prominent

section of the community that is holding its hand in this time of Imperial trouble and dire distress. Then,

Lodges are expecting a lead from G.L. Many have voluntarily suspended the operations at the festive board,

in order to devote the cost to some fund of assistance. But at present they are like sheep without a shepherd,

and unless their good intentions are encouraged by G.L. authority, such intentions may soon be dissipated,

and there will be a difficulty to revive them. If the B. of G.P. is waiting for the authority of G.L. in May next,

then we are afraid there will be little or no interest taken. This journal suggests that immediate steps be taken

to form a special Masonic Relief Fund, and if there is any difficulty in deciding how or in what direction the

assistance shall be given, let it simply bear the foregoing title for the present, until more mature reflection

has decided the point. Thus Lodges will know there is a tangible fund, and can remit their donations before

the matter gets cold. And the civil authorities should also be notified that such a fund is being raised, and its

specific application will be stated later. In any case, Freemasonry should evince some activity, otherwise the

reflection will be justified that we are quite nonchalant as to the fate of the Empire.

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

News and Notes.
———————————————————————————————————————————

THE balance-sheet of Lodge Rotorua, recently presented, shows an excess of assets over liabilities of £580

7s. 8d. The value of the land upon which the hall is built is set down at £400.

THE G.L. of Queensland has appointed R.W. Bro. Arthur Stoneham as its representative near the G.L. of

New Zealand, in succession to the late Bro. A. H. Burton.

AT a meeting of the Sup. G. Committee of the G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand, held last month, V.E. Camp

Herbert H. Seaton was appointed G.Treas., vice the late Comp. H. J. Freeman, deceased.

BROOKLYN LODGE has invited the Installed Masters' Lodge of Wellington to perform the ceremony of

installation on the 7th inst.

AT the installation of Lodge Civic, held in August last, the sum of £68 2s. was contributed to the Annuity

Fund of G.L.

WE had the pleasure of receiving a visit from R.E. Comp. F. Kearsley, G.Supt. of R.A. Freemasonry in the

Auckland district, last Monday, from whom we obtained some particulars of the new Scottish R.A. Chapter

recently opened in Auckland. We also learn that the consecration and constitution of the Gisborne Chapter,

which took place on the 11th September, was a very successful function, and the new Chapter starts under

very favourable auspices.

ARRANGEMENTS have been completed for the opening of Lodge Whetu Kairaugi, No. 201, at Seatoun, on

Friday, 9th October. The ceremony will commence at 5 p.m., and M.W. Bro. Herbert J. Williams will be the

consecrating officer, assisted by local G. officers. W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt, P. G. Chaplain, is the Master

designate.

WE learn from English cable news that the United G.L. of England is asking its members to sanction a

preliminary donation of £4,000 to the Prince of Wales' Fund, and £1,000 to the Red Cross Society.

A MASONIC dedicatory service was held in the New Queen's Theatre, Dunedin, on Sunday, 23rd August, to

Masonic brethren leaving for the front. The preacher was His Lordship the Primate of New Zealand, Dr.

Neville.

THERE was an excellent attendance at the joint installation of the three R.A. Chapters in the city of

Wellington on 17th September. Although the 1st G. Prin., M.E. Comp. Esson, was unable to be present

during the ceremonies, he was enabled to foregather with the companions at the festive board. V.E. Comp.

Clarence Turner, of Christchurch, G. Organist, was also a welcome visitor.

JUDGING from the agenda of the September meeting of Lodge Mokorita, Wyndham, matters Masonic must

be very active in that small country centre. There were two candidates ready for initiation, and five proposals

were made. Five presentations of diplomas bore testimony to the vitality of this Lodge during the past few

months.

BRO. T. W. HOLDEN, who has been prominent in Masonic matters in Clyde for many years, was recently

farewelled on his departure to Dunedin, in the vicinity of which he proposes to engage in farming pursuits.

THE farewell tendered to M.E. Comp. J. J. Esson, 1st G.Prin. of the G. Chapter of New Zealand, by

Wellington Chapters was a well-attended and hearty function, especially in view of its somewhat hurried

nature, as it was then understood that the departure of the force was imminent. M.E. Comp. Esson has also

received a number of au revoir letters from private Chapters, which will indicate to him the esteem in which

he is generally held.

FROM a private letter received from M.W. Bro. C. J. Griffiths, we learn that he and M.W. Bro. Niccol were

staying at the same private hotel, and had visited "Canada" Lodge in company. Bro. Griffiths notes that at

this season of the year most of the London Lodges are in recess. The letter was written on the 29th July, and

the G.Sec. had arranged for a tour of Scotland the following week.

BRO. W. G. JENNINGS has been elected Tyler of Lodge Lincoln for the thirty-fourth year in succession. We

are pleased to learn that he is hale and hearty, and most zealous in the performance of his duties.

THE next meeting of Lodge St. Andrew, to be held on 19th October, will be given up to the P.Ms., who will

work the Third Degree. This will be the last meeting of a year which has been a very successful one for the

Lodge, and no doubt visitors will be interested in watching the old rulers engaged.

————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——<>——

Information has come to hand that R.W. Bro. N. J. M. Rein, P.G.W., and R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans,

P.Prov.G.M., are at present doing the sights of London.

✳ ✳ ✳

At the last meeting of Lodge Wairaki, V.W. Bro. W. G. Mahaffey gave a lecture on the Origin of

Freemasonry."

✳ ✳ ✳

Lodge Southern Cross social on 9th inst. was very enjoyable. The ladies and visiting brethren were fittingly

welcomed by the Master, W. Bro. Jos. Critchfield. After several musical items had been rendered, V.W. Bro.

W. G. Mehaffey gave a fine address on "Charity," and it would be to the advantage and real benefit of

Freemasonry were it repeated at short intervals in all our Lodges.

————————

AUCKLAND NOTES.

——<>——

The brethren of Lodge Waitakerei hope to have their new hall at Henderson ready for occupation in October,

when the occasion will be marked by a gathering of a special nature.

✳ ✳ ✳

The installation of W.M. of the Abercorn, No. 76, Gisborne, was carried out by the Prov.G.M. (M.W. Bro.

Oliver Nicholson). The new Master is Bro. W. F. J. Anderson, who was installed in the presence of a large

gathering of the Craft. G.L. was well represent upon the occasion, and altogether a very successful meeting

eventuated.

✳ ✳ ✳

Most of the Lodges in the district have had under consideration the question of curtailinent of ordinary

expenditure at the present juncture, and of affording assistance in the cause of those in distress, and various

actions have been taken in the matter.

✳ ✳ ✳

A very pleasing feature at the annual meeting of the Prince of Wales Lodge was the large attendance of the

P.Ms. and brethren of the Lodge. It must have been gratifying to the incoming W.M. to see such an

assemblage of his brethren present to do him honour.

✳ ✳ ✳

The attendance of companions at the annual convocation of the Auckland Prov. Chapter, No. 9, was very

satisfactory. Amongst those present was M.E. Comp. Rylance, Z. of the Auckland Chapter, 1338, E.C.

✳ ✳ ✳

A good many of the Lodges in the Auckland province have contributed brethren to the Expeditionary Force.

Quite a number of the officers of the Auckland section are members of the Craft. Lieutenant-Colonel Plugge

and Majors Stuckey and Dawson are members of Lodge Te Awamutu, No. 2,221, E.C. (Parnell); Major

Chapman hails from Lodge Opotiki, No. 1930, E.C.; Major McCarroll is on the roll of Lodge Star of the

North, No. 1,647, E.C. (Whangarei); and Captain Fraser belongs to Lodge Waitemata, No. 689, E.C.

(Auckland). May our brethren have a safe return to their homeland.

✳ ✳ ✳

W. Bro. Macfarlane, the retiring Master of Lodge Prince of Wales, was the recipient of a handsome P.M.'s

jewel at the annual festival of the Lodge.

✳ ✳ ✳

The annual convocation of the Auckland Prov. R.A. Chapter, No. 9, took place at the Freemasons' Hall. M.E.

Comp. Nicholson, P.G.Z., was Installing Prin., and was supported by M.E. Comp. G. H. Powley, P.G.Z.,

R.E. Comp. W. Harris, G.J., R.E. Comp. Kearsley, V.E. Comps. Coop, 1st G.Soj., and Barclay, P. 1st G.Soj.

E. Comp. A. H. Walker was installed into the Chair of 1st Prin., and Comp. A. J. Farmer into that of 3rd

Prin., the 2nd Prin.-elect being at the present time absent from the Dominion. R.E. Comp. Harris addressed

the newly-installed 1st Prin., V.E. Comp. Barclay gave the address to the office-bearers, and M.E. Comp.

Rowley that to the companions. The visitors were afterwards entertained in the lower hall.

✳ ✳ ✳

The installation meeting of the Prince of Wales Lodge, No. 1,338, EC., was held On 10th September. The

retiring W.M. conducted the ceremony, and impressively placed Bro. W. J. Roden in the Chair of K.S. The

address to the W.M. was impressively rendered by R.W. Bro. A. S. Bankart, Dist.G.M., E.C., while R.W.

Bro. W. J. Rees Prov.G.M, delivered the address to the Wardens, and R.W. Bro. Handley, Sub. Dist. G.M.,

S.C., that to the brethren.

✳ ✳ ✳

The collection at Abercorn Lodge installation meeting in aid of the W. and O. and A.M.: Fund resulted in a

handsome sum of about £26 being collected.

✳ ✳ ✳

A pleasing little ceremony took place at the installation meeting of Prince of Wales Lodge, No. 1338, E.C.,

when, by permission of the W.M., the brethren of Waitemata Lodge, No. 689, E.C., presented to Bro.

Captain Fraser (one of their members) a wristlet watch as a token of esteem. Bro, Fraser is accompanying the

Expeditionary Force as officer in charge of the Auckland machine gun section.

✳ ✳ ✳

The Princes Street Masonic Hall, which was recently renovated, has been further improved by the gift of

three handsome chairs for the use of the Treas., Sec., and D. of C. These chairs have been presented by

Lodges Ara 348 (I.C.), Prince of Wales 1339 (E.C.), and Waitemata 589 (E.C.) respectively.

✳ ✳ ✳

A social promoted by the members of the Newton Mark Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall, Upper Queen

Street, on Tuesday, 15th September, and was in every way a most pronounced success. The W.M.M. (W.

Bro. M. Copeland) was indefatigable in his efforts to promote the enjoyment of those present, and was ably

assisted by the members of the Lodge.

✳ ✳ ✳

The opening of the Gisborne Chapter, No. 36, brings the roll of New Zealand R.A. Chapters in the Auckland

province up to five.

✳ ✳ ✳

The installation of Ohinemuri Chapter, No. 17, takes place on 23rd September, when E. Comp. S. S. Allen

will be installed as Z. the other Principals-elect being E. Comps. H. O. Searle and W. G. Wohlmann.

✳ ✳ ✳

The 1st Prin.-elect of the Waikato Chapter, No. 22, is E. Comp. J. C. Williams, the present H. of the Chapter.

✳ ✳ ✳

The Management Committee of the Auckland Masonic Institute and Club has been holding a series of

Saturday evening social gatherings, which have been well attended. They have varied in nature, but have all

been much appreciated by the brethren.

✳ ✳ ✳

It is rumoured that steps are being taken for the formation of a R.A. Chapter under the Scotch Constitution in

Ponsonby.

✳ ✳ ✳

At the regular meeting of Lodge Remuera, No. 1710, E.C. W. Bro. P. S. Smallfield entertained the brethren

with an address reminiscent of his Masonic experiences during a visit recently paid by him to the Homeland.

The remarks of Bro. Smallfield were much enjoyed by those present.

✳ ✳ ✳

During his visit to Gisborne, M. W. Bro. Nicholson, who was recently elected as a life member of Abercorn

Lodge, No. 76, was presented with a nicely executed parchment certifying to the life membership conferred

upon him by the Lodge.

————————

CONNECTION OF BRITISH AND CONTINENTAL FREE-MASONRY

AND ROMAN CATHOLICISM.

——<>——

[An address delivered at the Wellington Installed Masters' Lodge by W. BRO. GEO. ALLPORT, W.M.

————

A cablegram was recently published in the Press in which it was stated that the Roman Catholic Bishop of

Luxemburg had been heavily fined for slander contained in a speech delivered at the Roman Catholic

Congress at Metz, in which he described Masonry as "deceit," whose God is the Devil. On reading this one is

led to inquire whether that Church has always shown the same hostility to the Craft as exists at the present

day, and, if not, what 'has been the cause of the change. A study of Freemasonry, as it existed at the end of

the seventeenth and at the beginning of the eighteenth centuries, shows that not only was there then no

hostility, but that on the contrary many prominent Roman Catholics, including Church dignitaries, were

connected with the Craft, and that the antagonism only arose and increased as the interests of Masonry and

the interests supported by the Church began and continued to run counter to each other during the political

turmoil that then existed. It is true that Freemasonry of that time was not what it is at the present day, being

more mixed up with politics and divided into political parties. A study of that time as regards Masonic

matters shows that British, especially Scottish Freemasonry, was responsible for the founding of Lodges on

the Continent of Europe, especially in France and Belgium, and that in the former country especially politics

was the dominant factor in their formation. The founding of British Lodges in France appears to have been a

consequence in many instances of the migration of Scottish and English Jacobites to that country on the

expulsion of the Stuarts from the British Throne, and on the failure of their attempt to regain it.

A few years ago there was published in the French "Journal l'Initiation" a series of articles under the assumed

name of "Teder," who appears to be a reliable authority, and these articles give valuable information in

regard to Freemasonry at the time to which I refer. If he is correct, and he gives good reasons for his

conclusions, Freemasonry was introduced into France in 1688 by Scottish and Irish Romanist followers of

the Stuarts, who claimed, and their actions, it is said, bore out their claims, that they were faithful to the old

constitutional charges, to the King and to the Holy Roman Catholic Church. These claims were well known

to the Church authorities, who showed no hostility to them, but on the contrary acquiesced in them and in

fact, as already stated, many prominent members of the Church actively participated in the work of the

Order.

Those who have studied the history of the Stuarts are well aware that Charles II. was at heart a Roman

Catholic and that he died a professed member of that Church. In speaking of him "Teder " says that "in 1675

King Charles of England, a Catholic and a Freemason, influenced by able men, had obliged the Duke of

York, also a Freemason and a Catholic, to give his daughter Mary in marriage to the Protestant William,

Prince of Orange." In doing this he was no doubt actuated by political and dynastic reasons.

It is well known that the Duke of York, afterwards James II., was a very strict Roman Catholic, and there is

therefore not the least likelihood that he would have been a Freemason had that Church then been hostile to

the Craft. There appears to be no doubt that there was in British Freemasonry, after the expulsion of the

Stuarts, a political division in the Lodges which caused discord and disputes, and that one party, principally

Scottish Jacobites and English Roman Catholics, supported the Stuarts, and the other, mainly composed of

Protestants, supported the exclusion of that dynasty from the throne. So early as the time of Charles II. the

Protestant party had used their influence to induce the King to support the marriage of his niece to the Prince

of Orange, afterwards William III., and in 1679, in pursuance of their scheme to exclude the Duke of York

from the succession to the throne, they managed to persuade the King to exile him. On his being recalled and

receiving the appointment of Governor of the Scotch in 1681 it is stated that he took great care to create

secret friends in the Scotch army and amongst the nobility and people by means of a crowd of societies allied

to the Masonry to which he belonged, and to the Order of the Knights of St. Andrew, which became a sort of

fourth degree of Freemasonry. The authority for this statement is the Prince of Hesse, a prominent Roman

Catholic member of the Craft and friend and supporter of James II.

In speaking of the time shortly after the flight of James IL from England "Teder" makes the following

statement, which supports the contention that Freemasonry and Roman Catholicism were then closely

connected :—

"During this time James II. demanded the assistance of his ally, Louis XIV., entered Ireland against his

kinsman and penetrated into Scotland, but in spite of the support of the French arms he was vanquished; then

returned to France, preceded and followed by a crowd of greater and lesser nobility, English, Irish, and

Scottish, all magnificently received at the Court of Louis, and who set themselves to labour under the veil of

Scottish Masonry, not only for the restoration of the deposed King, but also to re-establish the Catholic

hierarchy in England (M.S.S. of the Prince of Hesse). Some scrupulous brethren had a fire in London in 1720

and gave to the flames a quantity of Masonic documents which revealed too much. The Royal Family has

had possession of 500,000 documents, comprising the papers of James II., of his son and or his grandson,

which they have kept under lock at Edinburgh, precious documents in print and in manuscript. This has not

hindered the truth from being pointed out by Henri Martin, who possessed solid material with which to

compile his celebrated 'Histoire de France,' enabling him to say that these were the vanquished adherents of

the ultra-montane Catholicism and of absolute monarchy which propagated Masonry.' "

It appears to be clear that there was a duly constituted Lodge derived from British Masonry in Paris in 1696,

as it is stated by. Bro. Robinson, secretary to the Royal Society of Edinburgh, that in that year it was in a

Lodge held in St. Germain-en-Lays that the grade of Chevalier Macon Ecossaise was added to the symbolic

degrees of English Masonry. This degree was called the first degree of Parfait Macon, and Bro. Clavel makes

the following statement :—" The initiation was given by some highly-placed persons whom they had gained

over to the cause (that of the Stuarts and ultramontane Catholics), and of whom they wished to utilise the

credit to induce the Government of Louis XIV. to intervene, arms in hand, in favour of the decayed dynasty.

These refugees included members of several grades. such as Maitre Irlandais. Parfait Maitre Irlandais, and

several others that were intended to serve to stimulate the zeal of the adepts, to prove them, and to separate

them from the crowd."

After this other Lodges were founded in France, some of them of British origin, and the first G.M. in France

was a Roman Catholic, Charles Ratcliffe, who assumed the title of Earl of Derwentwater when his brother

the Earl of Derwentwater was beheaded in London in 1716 for taking part in the attempt to restore the

Stuarts in 1715.

The formation of the G.L. in England in 1717 appears to have been promoted by the Protestant party which

supported the Hanoverian Dynasty, and that Lodge by the constitutions of Dr. James Anderson abolished in

favour of that dynasty all binding articles as to the King and the Roman Catholic Church. This action would

naturally tend to accentuate the differences that then, on political grounds, existed between Roman Catholics

and Protestant Freemasons and was, I believe, the beginning of that feeling on the part of the Church which

eventually developed into the hostility which now exists, and which is no doubt increased by the avowed

Atheistic teachings of some of the Continental Lodges. As the Protestant party in the Craft obtained

supremacy the attitude of the Roman Catholic Church towards it gradually changed and eventually

developed into its present antagonism.

Speaking of the period of the formation of the G.L. of 1717 " Teder " says that it was " the date when four of

the old Lodges of Masonry under the conduct of the followers (or successors) of Ashmole withdrew from the

old tutelage and formed a G.L. called of London,' a continuation of the amateur English party of a foreign

Protestant dynasty, creating in February, 1717, that which Bro. Ragan calls with much reason another

Masonry.' This other Masonry is comprehended the better when we remember that its principal founder was

the Rev. J. T. Desaguliers, a Protestant born in France at La Rochelle, 12th March, 1683 (died 29th February,

1744). He was a member of the Royal Society, Chaplain to the Duke of Chandos, afterwards to the Prince of

Wales and the future George II., and was, moreover, a personal friend of George I. of Hanover, who,

although he knew neither the language nor the customs of England, had been called in 1714 to replace Queen

Anne on the throne of the Stuarts."

This indicates that the formation of the G.L. in 1717 was a political move, and such being the case, and

Protestants being at the bottom of it, it would naturally arouse bitter feeling on the part of the Catholic

Church, and the Catholic members of the Craft, who supported the Stuarts and looked upon the Hanoverians

as usurpers.

I have said that Roman Catholic Church Dignitaries belonged to the Craft, and this view is supported by

"Teder," who, speaking of Fenélon, the famous French Archbishop, says that "he initiated the well known

Bro. A. M. Ramsay, who was mixed up with the Earl of Derwentwater, the Duke of Perth, and other persons

prominent in the schemes for the restoration of the Stuarts.' It is also stated that prominent Jacobites, some of

whom were Roman Catholics, founded the Lodge Mont d'Heredom of St. Germain-en-Laye in 1721. The

Dunkirk Lodge, Amitié et Fraternité Lodges, were also founded in France in 1725 by the Catholic Earl of

Derwentwater, and "Teder" shows from ancient manuscripts that it was the practice to swear the initiate to

fidelity to the King and to the doctrines of the Holy Catholic Church.

"Teder" further states that the Duke of Richmond, a natural son of Charles II., who was a Roman Catholic,

was Master of a Lodge under William III., and by his oath to the ancient Constitution was obedient and

faithful to the legitimate King and to the Holy Church. On the other hand, the Masonry generally in vogue in

England supported the Hanoverian Dynasty. "Teder," in speaking of the Lodge No. 90 of La Rue de Bussy,

Paris, makes the following statement :—"In truth the members of the Lodge No. 90 of La Rue de Bussy,

though visited by the Rev. Bro. Desaguliers, the friend of George II., were no strangers to the family of the

Pretender, and the Choice of the Hotel of the Duchess of Portsmouth, ex-Policier of the French Government,

attracted the attention of the Count de St. Florentin, member of that Lodge, and Secretary of State, who had

special charge of the clergy from 1726 and was a cruel enemy of Protestants, Lutherans, and Calvinists,

tracking them out in France, where they had not the same freedom as in England, or as enjoyed by Bro.

Desaguliers." This shows that in France, the leading Roman Catholic country in Europe at that time, a

leading member of the Government, who must necessarily have been a Roman Catholic and who was a

persecutor of Protestants, was a member of a Freemason's Lodge. "Teder" adds in regard to this the

following :—

" Before these facts, against the exactitude of which no serious objection is possible, are we not justified in

the belief that there was much Romanism and Romish Architecture amongst the Jacobite brothers visited in

1735 by Bro. Desaguliers, Catholic English Priest, in the Lodge held in the house of His Grace the Duke of

Richmond, grandson of the august Bro. Charles II. and heir of Louise Penhóet?"

It is also stated by Bro. Robison that the degree of Chevalier Ecossaise and other higher degrees were much

in vogue in 1716 at the Court of France.

In speaking of the connection of the British and French Lodges "Teder" says :—" In 1735 a deputation of the

Lodges of Paris, of which Derwentwater formed part, demanded from the G.L. of England authority to form

a 'Provincial G.L.' Clavel says that this authority was refused because the Parisian Lodges had a very marked

political tendency. If this political tendency had been in accord with the Treaty of the Triple Alliance of Bro.

George II, and if the Rituals of Ancient Masonry, continued by the partisans of the Stuarts, had not been of

those of the Parisian Lodges, we can easily comprehend that the Masonic deputation of Paris would have

been received with enthusiasm in London; but Bro. the Earl of Derwentwater, as well as Bro. Ramsay, held

that Roman Architecture was defined in the Ancient Masonic Constitutions of England, and consequently the

Lodges. founded by these two Catholics were of the kind which, in spite of the pretended tolerance displayed

in the Constitutions of Anderson, could not be tolerated by the modern Masonry of Anderson and

Desaguliers."

In tracing the connection of British Freemasonry with Continental Freemasonry later in the eighteenth

century we find that between 1721 and 1788 many Lodges were formed especially in Belgium under English

and Scottish warrants. At Mons the Lodge La Parfaite Union, which is still in existence, claims to have been

formed in 1721 under a warrant from the G.L. of London, and that this claim was approved in the Lodge in

1749. In statutes adopted in Lodge l'Unanimité at Tournai in March, 1769, it is stated that the Lodge was

constituted under the auspices of H.R.H. Prince Charles de Lorraine, Governor-General of the Austrian

Netherlands, by some Masons belonging to La Grand Loge de Saint André 'a Edinbourg, and it is known that

this Lodge was attended by Roman Catholic Ecclesiastics even after the Papal authorities had issued edicts

against Freemasonry, one of its members being the Vicar-General of the Diocese. There was also another

Lodge at the same place which held its charter from the same Scottish G.L., and also two at Brussels. One of

these, Loge de Saint Jean, les Amis Inséparables, which has recently been revived, was working in 1765, and

there is extant a copy of its proceedings from 1767. Two of its members were undoubtedly either Scotchmen

or of Scotch origin, as their names were Alexander Gordon and John Cunningham, the latter being a captain

in the Dutch army. He (Cunningham) obtained a charter from the G.L. of Scotland for the formation of a

Lodge Le Bonne Amitié at Namur, and in 1770 this Lodge was formed. In 1776 it decided to transfer its

allegiance to the Prov.G.L. of the Austrian Netherlands which had been constituted at Mons in 1748 under

the Grand Orient of France, and which had in 1770 transferred its allegiance with all its subordinate Lodges

to the jurisdiction of the G.L. of England. Bro. Count d'Alviella, P.G.M. of Belgium, in writing of this

Lodge, says that it was first called La Parfaite Union, but that its name was altered to La Bonne Amitié when

it came under the Prov.G.L. of the Austrian Netherlands, and that in a Patent of Affiliation and

Reconstitution delivered on the 18th June, 1908, by the Grand Orient of France a reference is made to the

Edinburgh charter as the fundamental warrant of the Lodge, and he adds that the records of the Lodge

contain the signatures of all the members of the Lodge from the 9th March, 1809, to the present day. As

proof of the Scottish origin of this Lodge the minutes of the quarterly communication of the G.L. of Scotland

of the 5th February, 1770, contain the following :— "Upon reading a letter from Captain John Cunningham

of Ipros in Germany requesting a Charter of Constitution under the name of La Parfaite Union de Namur—

Granted."

It is stated by Bro. d'Alviella that amongst the members of Bonne Amitie, according to the first list drawn up

by the Prov. G.L., are the names of the Prince of Solms-Braunfels, the French Duke de Saure, Bro. Lemquet,

Burgomaster of Namur, a Canon of St. Martin at Liége, Bro. Mahy, who Bro. Mormal in his observations

denounces as "le plus Jésuite qu'il ait jamais vu," and who nevertheless died towards 1783 in great odour of

Masonic sanctity. having become Grand Orator of the Prov.G.L. Several officers, amongst whom was a

colonel, and finally a score of noblemen, lawyers and merchants of that town, were also members.

In 1786 this Lodge and most of the other Belgian Lodges were compelled to temporarily close owing to the

restrictions imposed upon Freemasonry by the Austrian Government, such restrictions being imposed more

for political than for religious reasons. It is, however, believed that the brethren continued to meet secretly

until the Lodges re-opened when Napoleon ruled Belgium. The Lodge La Bonne Amitié then worked under

the Grand Orient of France until the fall of Napoleon, when it placed itself under the Grande Loge

d'Administration des Pays—Bas Méridionaux, the southern section of the Grand Orient of Holland.

We have it on the authority of Bro. Murray Lyon that the G.L. of Scotland also had daughter Lodges in

Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Prussia, and Spain, and that the G.Ls. of Denmark, Sweden and Prussia derive

their origin from Scotland. A study of the history of these Lodges would no doubt be most interesting, but

enough I think has been said to show the close connection which formerly existed between British and

Continental Freemasonry and Roman Catholicism.

————————

AN ENQUIRY INTO THE FREEMASONRY OF TO-DAY.
——<>——

(A Lecture Delivered by V.W. BRO. H. B. BRIDGE, G.Lec.)

————

The purpose of this lecture is to endeavour to discuss Freemasonry, as it is to-day, so far as time may permit,

from the practical point of view; to examine into what is claimed in its connection; to enquire into the

soundness of that claim; and to make it clear that the Institution is worthy of loyal support and co-operation,

and its history, ethics, aims, and objects of study, on the part of the brethren. For without an intelligent

interest in, and a knowledge and understanding of, Freemasonry, of what advantage to them is it; of what real

use to the great cause which the Institution stands for — the moral up-lifting of Man, the amelioration of

suffering and distress, the peace of the nations — in short, the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man?

As a preface, however, it will probably be advisable to glance back to the latter days of Operative Masonry

in England, and note, briefly, how the change from that Masonic condition to Speculative Masonry was

brought about. It must be remembered, too, that it is not yet quite 100 years since Speculative Masonry - the

Masonry we enjoy to-day - entirely superseded the operative, though it is nearly two centuries since the

formation of the first G.L. of England, and the adoption by certain Lodges of the speculative basis.

Speculative Masonry has no such claim to antiquity as has Operative Masonry. In many respects it is

fundamentally different. Further, it is important to bear in mind that the application of the Masonic ideals, in

order to keep pace with the progress of civilisation, has come to be regarded with considerably more

solemnity and earnestness even within the last quarter of a century. During that time human thought has been

directed into certain channels vital to the well-being of the race, and the peace of the nations, and the

application of moral teaching such as the Masonic Institution provides could not escape the popular trend, so

long as it brought with it nothing which was in any sense an innovation in the body of Masonry. It is not

known with any degree of certainty exactly when the Guilds of Operative Masonry first admitted to their

membership persons who were outside the ranks of technical builders. It must, however, have been at a very

early date - doubtless when these artisans came under the domination of the clerics. The custom must have

been a common one in the Middle Ages, when there is little doubt some of these monks were among the

cleverest architectural designers, for ecclesiastical purposes. of that time. It will be sufficient for our present

object to deal solely with the Operative -Masons in England, and there is documentary proof of such

admission to their ranks in the 17th century, that of Elias Ashmole being a well-known case in point. Of

course, there were many others besides he, and prior to him ; but as the years went on the practice of making

these "accepted" Masons, as they were called, became quite a usual and acknowledged part of the

Freemasonry of the time. Most of these persons, so made Masons, had no connection whatever with the

artisan side of Masonry, other than that, in all probability, they were regarded by the operatives as patrons of

their art, or possible patrons. Others, possibly, were architectural designers, and others yet again, imbued

with one of the phases of that age - the study of mysticism and the occult - were doubtless absorbed in the

philosophic and mystic meditations to which the peculiar Masonic organisation gave rise. These persons, at

any rate, were for the most part men of rank and of social position, wealthy and possessed of influence, men

of learning, men of scientific attainments, and of philosophic bent. Let us transfer ourselves in thought to

those latter days of the 17th century, and times of the early 18th century, when operative artistic Masonry

was decadent, and the Lodges few in number, and Masonry at so low an ebb as to be practically a negligible

quantity, and then let us figure to ourselves what would be the natural result in such men as these " accepted

" Masons, sincere in the desire to better their fellow-men present and future, of philosophic thought and

earnest and deep meditation upon the discipline existing in the Operative Lodges, taken together with their

moral code as set forth in the ancient charges. It will, I think, suggest itself that such men would desire to

revive Masonry to practical utility; that they would see in the Operative Lodge form and ceremony and

ethical system a sound basis upon which to build up a. great universal moral school, the pupils of which, true

to their teaching, should move in the world of men as exponents by personal example of tenets and principles

calculated to uplift humanity. And this, it may be suggested, is exactly what happened. The framework of the

building was already provided for them, on a foundation immovable throughout the centuries. It was

necessary only to arrive at a theological expression of faith acceptable to and by all but the atheist, and in

form, allegory, and symbolism to cling closely to the Masonic idea and the Masonic spirit, How ably this

was carried out, mainly through the work of Dr. Anderson and Dr. Desaguliers, the initiated know from

familiarity with our ritual and ceremonial. Times of Masonic stress and dissension followed, but eventually,

early in the 19th century, Speculative or Meditative Masonry reigned supreme. As it was then in forms and

ceremonies, as it has ever been on its moral side, so it is now, and so all true Freemasons will pray that it

remain for all time ; but I venture to think, as has been previously suggested, that its esoteric, in the sense of

inner, signification and purpose have been somewhat widened, refined, and solemnised during the passing of

the years.

And now let its enquire into its nature to-day. To the question, What is Freemasonry? the novitiate seeking

advancement is made to answer : "A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by

symbols." This definition is one of the canons of Masonic ritual, and in so far as it applies to Freemasonry in

the abstract, is correct. Possibly, for ritual purposes, this explanation is intentionally condensed. However

this may be, the experienced Freemason cannot but admit its inadequacy to-day, either as an instruction to

the candidate, or as an indication of what the Speculative Freemasonry of today really is. For instance, it

does not include any suggestion whatever of the spiritual uplifting inevitably consequent upon a faithful

practice of the morality referred to, or even a hint of the sense of true brotherhood engendered among those

mutually pledged to, and earnest in carrying out, its observance. More particularly is it silent as regards the

broad humanitarian objects of Freemasonry - the duty which it imposes upon its members of influencing for

good, by example rather than precept, mankind generally. It may be urged that these things are left for the

novitiate to discover in the course of his Masonic progression; or that in a measure they have already been

revealed to him. But may it not be suggested, granting the sub-stratum of fact in the latter contention, that it

would have been better had the definition of Freemasonry been so worded as to make its meaning plain if he

had not assimilated the knowledge. The question also arises whether it is not just these things concerning

Freemasonry which might, and should, be made known, without any reservation whatever, since the

knowledge: in no way violates the ancient landmarks, to the person seeking admission to the Institution.

Were this done there would be yet time for the person to withdraw from candidature should the information

thus gained prove distasteful because of his own temperamental defects. It may surely be urged, with some

reason, that such a procedure would result in fewer defections from the Masonic body after the making of

Masons, and a corresponding decrease in the ranks of the unattached.

Accepting, however, the definition of Freemasonry as it is given, let us examine it. What is morality? In

simple terms it means a certain doctrine, or practice, of moral or ethical duties. A system of morality,

therefore, includes the manner of instruction of and certain rules or guides for the practice of such moral

duties. These, as the initiated know, are - a condition precedent being the belief in a Supreme Being - the

practice of brotherly love and relief, and the use, and seeking out, of truth - the three great principles which

are included in the pre-eminent Masonic virtue, Charity; added to this is the duty to your God, to your

neighbour, and to yourself. You are also enjoined to be honourable, upright, strong for the right, courageous

under trial, temperate, just, and merciful, faithful unto death, tolerant of and sympathetic towards all men. A

lofty ideal, indeed! But not impossible of attainment. Exactly similar moral duties are enjoined by other

associations of men whose object is the betterment of the individual. What, then, is the meaning of the

qualifying word "peculiar" as regards the system under consideration? Peculiar here does not mean "odd,"

"bizarre," or " fantastic." It really in this application has two of its other significations in that it means that

the manner of the inculcation of the system expounding the morality is peculiar, or especial, to Freemasonry

- that is, belongs solely to that Institution; and, again, that it is the system which is peculiar, in the sense of

unusual, and not the morality. This will be apparent when it is realised that the ethics, or morals, taught in

Freemasonry are but the ethics, or morals, laid down for man's guidance in the V.S.L. Freemasonry could

not, and does not, therefore, claim that these ethics belong solely to itself. The manner, however, in which

they are impressed upon its members it can claim to be characteristic of the Institution, and peculiarly

belonging to it, as will presently be demonstrated.

But it is laid down that the morality is veiled in allegory. That is, it is claimed that the manner in which the

exposition of these ethics is made is not by direct teaching, but rather by suggestion through the use of

allegory. What, then, is allegory? Allegory may be defined as a comparison sustained by numerous details.

Applying this definition to the principal or basic Masonic allegory - the building of K.S.'s Temple - we find

that the erection of that wonderful and magnificent structure to the glory and worship of Cod, the Supreme

Being, the G. A.O.T.U., is used figuratively to represent a no less wonderful, magnificent, and much-to-be-

desired work, the building up in the heart of every Freemason of the Spiritual Temple. Even as with the

material Temple, the crowning finish of the edifice was not accomplished until after long years, so the

erection of the Spiritual Temple - the formation of character until the crowning virtue of true charity in life

and actions dominates and permeates the individual - is a work of steady and persevering progression. Just as

the material for K.S.'s Temple began with the rough and shapeless stone as hewn from the quarries, which

was only deemed fit for its appointed place in the structure when it had passed through the hands of the

expert craftsman, and been proved to be truly cast, and squared, and smoothed as to its exterior surfaces,

while sound throughout, even so is the Freemason, true to his obligations and his ethical instruction, induced

to chisel off the knobs and excrescences in his moral character and general conduct, and to so cast, and

square, and smooth his life and actions as to render him fit for the foundation and erection within him of the

Spiritual Temple. And as the putting together of the material of K.S.'s Temple was, by special direction,

accomplished without noise, or turmoil, or sound of metal tool or implement, so is the Freemason taught that

Freemasonry stands for peace, concord, harmony, and brotherly love and sympathy, without which it would

be incongruous to endeavour to erect a Spiritual Temple acceptable to T.G.A.U.T.U. In many other ways it

might be shown how in this allegory the comparison is sustained by details. The moral instruction of the

Freemason is veiled in yet another allegory, to which, however, reference can only be made as one

containing a most important lesson in fidelity, and in its application as touching the future hope of all true

and faithful Masons. It will be acknowledged then, doubtless, that the expression " veiled in allegory " is

substantially correct, and that this method of ethical suggestion is peculiar, in the sense that it specially

belongs, to Freemasonry.

Allusion has been made to the foundation and erection within the individual of the Spiritual Temple. Perhaps

there is no more weighty admonitory sentence in the ritual than that which is familiar to the Mason from the

inception of his novitiate : " On the foundation laid this evening may you raise a super-structure, perfect in

all its parts, and honourable to the builder." Note the words, "may YOU raise." The brother is a free agent in

this matter, and his the responsibility. Now, the laying of a foundation presupposes the suitability of the site

on which to build. The wise man does not build on sand, or shifting ground, or on aught that is doubtful as to

stability. Similarly, Freemasonry requires in those within whose hearts its purpose, is to build up the

Spiritual Temple some reasonable assurance that persons proposed for membership should be of such known

good character, intellectual quality, and suitable temperament, as to warrant fitness for the privileges and,

what is more, the responsibilities of a Mason. Hence the importance of exercising the greatest care and

vigilance in selecting candidates for Freemasonry. Given the necessary qualities of heart and mind, there is

afforded at once a suitable site on which, and in which, the Masonic foundation may be well and truly laid.

It is further claimed that this system of morality is illustrated by symbols. That is to say, certain rules and

forms of ethical procedure and conduct are in their setting forth embellished by emblematical demonstration.

A symbol is an emblem, or sign, representing an idea. Symbols as a. means of expressing ideas are as old as

man himself. They were, in fact, the language of primitive man. It was the poverty of language of man in his

early stages which originated symbolism as the only effectual means of conveying information. Even with

the growth of language, and the invention of efficient vocabularies for its expression and tuition symbolism

remained, possessing in all ages a peculiar fascination to the human mind, and being readily assimilated by

it. It was, of course, peculiarly adapted to the exposition of spiritual ideas, and in the intellectual and

religious life of the ancient world, as indeed it still does in the world of to-day, played a very important part.

It is a most interesting subject, but too extensive to more than touch upon in this lecture. Freemasons are, of

course, familiar with the Masonic emblems or symbols in frequent use. In keeping with the peculiar system

of teaching of Freemasonry, these symbols,, used to illustrate its moral precepts, are for the most part either

the technical language, or material or tools used by the stone or Operative Masons in the course of their daily

vocation, added to which are the geometrical figures used in the making of builders' plans. Thus the plumb,

used to ascertain and maintain a perfect perpendicular alignment, serves as the emblem of uprightness of

character. The level, which is used to prove the correctness of horizontals, serves to demonstrate equality -

not equality of circumstance or of opportunity, for neither of these is possible under mundane conditions -

but equality of regard, which, as a well-known Masonic writer puts it, is best shown by a fraternal

intercourse exhibiting neither scruple nor diffidence since all are equally doing their duty. Another moral

application of the level is the peaceful and unruffled disposition which results from the subjugation of all

passions. The square is an emblem of ethical correctness, of moral rectitude, of such common and wide

acceptation as to have become part of the everyday speech of the people ; it is of almost everyday use in this

connection colloquially, and a household phrase. Freemasons use the words, "act on the square," and this

allusion is said by some Masonic writers to have had its origin in the common representation on the walls of

ancient temples of a person in rectangular attitude of body, seated on a square seat, and holding in his hands

wands, or rods, of certain design. This indicated the dispensing of justice, and the acquittal or punishment of

the accused according to the disclosure of the evidence. The idea, it will be observed, is that justice was

dispensed "on the square." Then we have the compasses, inseparable from the square because without them

it would be impossible to make a right angle, which denote the keeping within moral bounds and the limits

of conscience; and, again, there is the circle, which, having neither beginning nor end, is emblematical of

eternity. No less familiar to every Freemason are the symbols known as the Perfect Ashlar and the Rough

Ashlar. Here, it will be observed, recourse has been had to the material used by the operative builders. Of

the Perfect Ashlar little more need be said in addition to what is explained in the Ledges when the lecture on

the first T.B. is given. It may be emphasised, however, that the Masonic condition symbolised by the

absolutely perfect cube is attained, or attainable, only after a long life well spent in acts of piety and virtue.

There is no royal road to it; it cannot be reached by short cuts, or spasmodic fits of moral rectitude and

virtuous conduct. The brother who would aspire to figuratively resemble it must be consistent and long-

enduring in upright behaviour and the practice of good works. The Rough Ashlar, however, needs some

further reference, because the representation of it as seen in almost every Lodge-room is different from the

explanation given concerning it in the T.B. lecture. It is there alluded to as "a stone, rough and unhewn, as

taken from the quarry." The Lodge-room Rough Ashlar certainly does not fit in with this description,

because, on the contrary, it shows signs of having passed through the hands of a workman, being a roughly

shaped and imperfect cube, instead of the shapeless mass referred to. Doubtless this has been noticed by

some brethren, and has caused some adverse criticism. But no mistake has been made here, and the partial

fashioning of this stone has its meaning, as has every other detail of Masonic ritual, allegory, and symbolism.

It is meant to strikingly bring home to every brother that Freemasonry only admits to its ranks those who

have received a reasonable amount of culture of the mind, and who have demonstrated by their conduct that

they have so far shaped their lives on approved moral lines. They, too, must have passed through the hands

of a workman - the schoolmaster, the educator - and have had some experience of the world and its

temptations. But they have passed through the fire, and, if not unscathed, have proved themselves stable and

courageous, choosing the good rather than the evil, the clean rather than the impure. The cube may be

imperfect, certain roughnesses of exterior may be there, and the alignment may need the application of the

infallible plumb, but the model is sound throughout, worthy of the skilled craftsman's perfecting and

finishing, and work, and Freemasonry accepts the important task. That is what is conveyed by the Rough

Ashlar as usually found in the Lodge-room. Probably these symbols, the two Ashlars, are equal in

importance to any others employed in Freemasonry with the exception of one, the V.S.L., which is the

symbol of God's will revealed to man. But Freemasonry cannot claim exclusive use of symbols to illustrate

moral truths; it can claim, however, the peculiar use of the special symbols it employs in that they are the

implements, or material, or the technical language of Operative, or Stone Masonry.

Another definition of Freemasonry is that it is a moral science of a progressive nature. If the Freemason has

arrived at a certain stage in his Masonic advancement he will recognise the meaning of the word progressive

as used in this connection. It is not so certain, however, that he will have mastered the reason for styling the

Masonic moral system a science. It will be profitable, then, to enquire whether this claim can stand the test of

investigation. In its literal meaning, science signifies simply knowledge. In its application to a branch of

learning, or research, it implies a good deal more, as it includes not only a mere knowledge of a particular

subject, but also of the facts and truths concerning that subject, and of the general laws and principles

induced, or reasoned, from those facts and truths. Tested by this definition, the claim that Freemasonry is a

moral science is certainly substantiated, since the Masonic ethical system not only includes the teaching of

morality itself, thus supplying the mere knowledge of what constitutes morality, but also points out with

much care and detail the indisputable truths and facts concerning its moral code - facts and truths which, as

has already been said, are supported by the V.S:L. It also expounds the general laws and principles induced,

or reasoned, there from. Sufficient testimony to this is provided in that wonderfully expressive charge

delivered to the initiate at the close of the initiation ceremony, a charge which for beauty of diction and

comprehensiveness of detail it would be difficult indeed to equal, much more surpass. The term science may

be said to be further vindicated in the humanitarian character of the Masonic tenets and principles, which are

part, of course, of the Masonic moral code or system, since the true scientist endeavours to perfect his

particular science, not selfishly, but for the benefit of mankind generally.

Now let us enquire into the aims and objects of Freemasonry. Undoubtedly they are the banding together, in

a bond of true brotherhood, of carefully selected men with the view to the building up of character on high

and noble ideals in order that this brotherhood may, by individual example within the circles in w which they

move exert a leavening and uplifting influence upon communities, and so upon the nations. Though religious

in its forms and ceremonies, Freemasonry makes no claim to be, and is not, a religion. Its system of morality,

with its required simple and primitive belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, enables its acceptance by

all creeds, and all races, and all shades of religions opinion. Only the professing atheist is outside the

Masonic pale. Thus the teachings, the aims, the objects of Freenmsonry do not come necessarily in conflict

with any religious denomination or sect, and that this is so is one of its strongest, bulwarks, and is vital to its

utility and very existence. Again, although charity is extolled, and its practice in thought, word, and deed

forms one of the salient features of Masonic teaching, Freemasonry is not a benevolent, in the sense of a

benefit, society. The true Mason looks for no gain or personal aggrandisement from Freemasonry.

Unselfishness and self-sacrifice for the common good are among the aims desired and inculcated by its

system of morality. And what is it which constitutes the 'brotherhood? Just the community of interests

engendered in its members by the pursuit of ideals which must find a responsive echo in the hearts of all men

in whom the evil has not dominated the good. And this fraternal tie is strengthened and secured by the

common participation in mystic and solemn ceremonies, and the common possession of secrets necessary

only to the safe-guarding of the Masonic Institution.

There is one more phase of Masonry which deserves more than a passing notice. This is its social side. Odd

as it may sound to say so, the practice of concerted refreshment after concerted labour is traditional with the

Craft, and can be traced back to the organised Operative Masonic bodies, or Guilds, on the Continent of

Europe in the Middle Ages. It may possibly then have contained some ethical signification. However this

may be, Speculative Freemasonry in continuing the refectory observance after the Lodgeroom procedure

certainly points by no means the least of its moral lessons - that of moderation in all things. There is also a

valuable suggestive interval, as it were, arranged between the leaving of the Lodge-room, with its special and

peculiar incidents, and the going forth again into the profane or outer world. There is in Freemasonry nothing

narrowing or cramping, nothing to destroy what the French call the joy of living. Hence there is nothing

inconsistent in the adjourment for refreshment, good cheer, and enjoyable entertainment by talented brethren

after Masonic labour is over. All that Freemasonry requires is freedom from excess, and a due guard over the

tongue, that it offends not in good taste or good morals. And herein is the moral purposely pointed,

emphasised, before the brethren go on their several ways again into the work-a-day world. The Badge of the

Mason has been removed, the reverential and solemn atmosphere of the Lodgeroom has been left behind.

But here in the refectory, where the pleasures of life, as it were, are freely represented, the brethren are still

reminded that figuratively the Freemason's Badge is still girt about them, and that nothing should occur to

dishonour it in the way of excess, or dubious song or speech. In other words, the refectory experience is the

reminder that when again out among the uninitiated and popular world of men the brethren are never to

forget they are Freemasons, and that each one holds the honour of the Institution in his keeping.

Such, then, is Freemasonry, if the deductions and statements contained in this lecture are correct. Surely an

Institution such as Freemasonry has been shown to be is worthy of the loyal support of its members, and its

moral and humanitarian objects worthy of their co-operation and study. If happily it may be that this brief

discussion of Freemasonry shall have been the means of enlightening any brother, or that it may cause him to

take his Freemasonry more seriously with a view to future thought and study, then will this lecture not have

been delivered in vain. As Freemasons we should, one and all, take a higher, nobler view of our duties and

responsibilities, and, putting aside private piques and disagreements, unite together in concord and harmony

for the furthering of a great and good work, as well as for the honour of an Institution which has been well

characterised as : "Venerable in its age, beneficent in its design, and practical in its charity."

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

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

DID THE W.M. MEAN IT?

————

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Plenty of allowance must be made for the first address of the new W.M., and

invariably is, but I was considerably puzzled by the explanation given by the newly installed W.M. of Lodge

Waterloo as to the reason for the change of Installing Master. He said—in effect—that R.W. Bro. Wilson had

arranged to act, but had since been appointed to the Food Commission, and the Lodge was left "without

anyone to take his place." The Lodge then communicated with R.W. Bro. Moncrieff, of Carterton, who had

stepped into the breach at almost the last moment. I don't suppose the W.M. intended to reflect on the

capabilities of the G.L. officers in the city, but he most decidedly did so. The Prov.G.M. has done quite a few

installation ceremonies, and in any case is entitled to some consideration. Then there is a G. Warden and a

G.Lec., each of whom is quite qualified, to say nothing about your good self, and you were never heard to

greater advantage than when officiating in Hinemoa some weeks ago, or in the address you gave with such

thrilling effect in Waterloo last night. I have nothing to say about whom the Lodge selects, and least of all

about R.W. Bro. Moncrieff, who is a most worthy and estimable brother, but I do object to the statement that

the Lodge had no alternative but either to send to Carterton or he left without an Installing Master.—Yours

fraternally,

P.G. OFFICER.

Wellington, 15th September, 1914.

[We feel constrained to agree that the "explanation" was not complimentary to the Prov.G.M. and other G.

officers, and not a little embarrassing to R.W. Bro. Moncrieff.—ED.C.]

OBITUARY.

——<>——

W. BRO. HENRY JAMES FREEMAN, P. PRES. B. OF B., P.G.D., ETC.

ÆTAT 78.

It is with very great regret we have to chronicle the death of. W. Bro. Freeman, which took place at

Wellington on Saturday, 5th September. Our late brother arrived. in Wellington from Melbourne in

1866, and joined the late Mr. Charles Campbell in the business which he personally conducted up

to a short time prior to his death. Born in Cambridge, England, seventy-eight years ago, the

deceased, when eighteen years of age, sailed to seek his fortune in Australia, arriving in Melbourne

in May of 1853. After participating in the quest for gold on the diggings in Victoria in partnership

with Mr. Campbell, Bro. Freeman journeyed to New Zealand and took part in the Molyneux rush in

1852, and later returned to Victoria. It is forty-eight years since Bro. Freeman joined Mr. Campbell

in business in Wellington, and thirty-six years since the latter severed his connection with the firm

to take up farming pursuits in the Wairarapa.

Bro. Freeman first saw the light of Freemasonry in New Zealand Pacific Lodge, 1883. After filling

the minor offices he was installed W.M. in December, 1890. He was subsequently elected a G.D. in

the G.L. of New Zealand, and in 1902 became Pres. of the B. of B. In the Capitular Craft he passed

through all the chairs of the Chapter, and in 1906 was elected G.Treas., which position he held at

the time of his death. He was also a P.M.W.S. of the Wellington Chapter, No. 91, A. and A. Rite.

The funeral, which took place on Tuesday, 8th September, was largely attended, especially by

members of the Craft. The Rev. J. Chapman, Wesleyan minister, conducted the funeral services at

the house and at the grave. while the Masonic service was most impressively conducted by M.W.

Bro. H. J. Williams, assisted by Bros. Rev. T. Porritt, H. H, Seaton, and H. B. Bridge. The

interment took place at the Sydney Street Cemetery, the two sons of the deceased brother being

chief mourners. The Watchmakers' and Jewellers' Society. were represented by Messrs. F. Grady

and P. Hill.

————————

APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION.
——<>——

An application was rceived by the B. of G.P. at its last meeting from the Grand Loge Nationale Independante

and Regulaiere pour la France and les Colonies Francaises, stating that it was founded in September, 1913,

that the official ritual is the Scottish Rite revised at Lyons 1778, confirmed at the Convention of Wilhemshad

in 1782, that recognition had been granted by the G.L. of England and the G.L. of Scotland, and asking for

recognition by this G.L.

After discussion the Acting G.Sec. was directed to acknowledge receipt of the letter, and to ask for further

particulars as to number of Lodges originally, if any had since joined or been erected, and the number of

adherents.

————————

VALEDICTORY.
——<>——

On the eve of his departure to take up farming pursuits near Dunedin, W. Bro. T. W. Holden was entertained

at a social, evening by the officers and members of Lodge Dunstan, No. 103. W. Bro. Holloway occupied the

chair. After the loyal toasts had been honoured, W. Bro. Holloway presented W. Bro. Holden with a

handsome set of military brushes as a slight token of the very high esteem in which Bro. Holden was held by

the members of his mother Lodge. He referred to his very long connection with Masonry, and to the earnest

manner in which the guest had always worked for the benefit of Lodge Dunstan and Freemasonry in general.

He joined the Lodge about thirteen years ago, worked through the various offices, and had been three times

elected W.M., and also ably represented his Lodge at the annual communication. Bro. Holloway concluded

by expressing the hope that Bro. Holden, his wife and family, would long be spared to enjoy the prosperity

so richly deserved..

I.P.M. W. Bro. Shelton, J.W: Bro. Menzies, Sec. Bro. H. E. Stevens, I.G. Bro. Bodkin, and Bro. Perkins all

testified to the guest's sterling Masonic quality and heartily endorsed the good wishes expressed by the

chairman.

W. Bro. Holden very feelingly responded, and hoped to be able in the future to revisit the scene of his former

labours.

" Auld Lang Syne " concluded a very pleasant evening.

————————

CONSTITUTION AND DEDICATION OF GISBORNE R.A. CHAPTER, No. 36.
——<>——

An event of considerable interest and importance in the annals of Capitular Freemasonry took place on

Friday. 11th September, when a new R.A. Chapter was opened at Gisborne. Some twelve months ago an

emergent convocation of the Auckland Prov. Chapter, No. 9, was, by special dispensation, held at Gisborne,

and a number of the brethren of the Abercorn Lodge, No. 76, were admitted to the various Chapter Degrees.

Since that time the Poverty Bay brethren have been occupied in the preliminaries necessary in connection

with the erection of a R.A. Chapter in their town. The opening was originally arranged for August, when

some twenty companions had signified their intention of attending from Auckland, but the outbreak of the

war necessitated a postponement, and when the trip did eventuate only some eight companions were able to

travel.

On the Thursday afternoon the M.E. and R.A. Degrees were worked under the warrant of the Auckland Prov.

Chapter, No. 9, V.E. Comp. G. Barclay presiding in each degree, and being assisted by various visiting and

local companions.

On Friday evening the constitution and dedication of Gisborne Chapter, No. 36, took place. The M.E. 1st G.

Prin. had empowered M.E. Comp. Oliver Nicholson, P.G.Z., to conduct the ceremony. A considerable

number of R.A. Masons were present, including a good representation from Zealandia Chapter, No. 197,

S.C.

The companions having been called to order, the consecrating officer entered, accompanied by M.E. Comp.

G. H. Powley, P.G.Z., as G.H. ; R.E. Comp. M. J. Harris, G.J.; R.E. Comp. F. Kearsley, G. Supt. ; V.E.

Comp. G. Barclay, P. 1st G.Soj., as G.D. of C. ; and V.E. Comp. J. Catchpole, acting-G.S.E. A Chapter

having been opened and the object of the gathering having been explained, the petitioning companions were

ranged in the customary manner, and having signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant, the

acting G.Z. proceeded to carry out the beautiful ceremony of consecration. He was assisted by M.E. Comp.

Powley, who presented the Corn, R.E. Comp. Kearsley (Wine), V.E. Comp. Catchpole (Oil), and V.E.

Comp. Barclay (Salt). The invocations and prayers were delivered by G.J. Grand Honours having been

rendered, the Chapter was solemnly dedicated. The oration customary on such an occasion was delivered by

V.E. Comp. Barclay, P. 1st G.Soj.

The installation of principals and officers was subsequently carried out by M.E. Comp. Nicholson. Comps G.

T. Bull, J. S. Allen, and A. J. Tyson were installed into the Chairs of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prins. respectively, the

other officers being invested as follows ;—S.E., Comp. D. G. Robertson; S.N., Comp. D. S. Jamison; Treas.,

Comp. A. F. Hockey; 1st Soj., Comp. T. Corson; 2nd Soj., Comp. F. J. Rowley ; 3rd Soj., Comp. W. F. J.

Anderson. R.E. Comp. Harris, G.J., addressed the 1st Prin.,. while R.E. Comp. Kearsley delivered the

address to the office-bearers, and, M.E. Comp. Powley that to the companions. Congratulations to the infant

Chapter were tendered by the representatives of G. Chapter, the Prov. G. Chapter of New Zaland, S.C.,

Auckland Prov. Chapter, No. 9, Ohinemuri, No. 17, Waikato, No. 22, Kit. Otago No. 116, S.C., Zealandia,

No. 197,. S.C., and others.

A banquet was held at the close of the Chapter meeting, and the usual toasts duly honoured.

The visiting companions speak in high terms of the hospitality accorded them during their sojourn in

Gisborne. The local brethren left no stone unturned in their endeavours to entertain, and were highly

successful in their efforts. The visit had been arranged to coincide with the installation meeting of Abercorn

Lodge, and this proved an additional pleasure.

————————

WELLINGTON CHAPTERS FAREWELL THE M.E.G.Z.
——<>——

The regular convocation of Waterloo B.A. Chapter, No. 2,. took place in the Chapter-room, Boulcott Street,

on 2fith August. There was a good attendance of officers and members, and certain special features added

additional interest to the proceedings. Among those present were M.E. Comp. T. Porritt, G.Supt., and M.E.

Comp. H. J. Williams, G.S.E. The ballot for an intending candidate proved successful. The business set out

was the exaltation of three candidates, but only one of these put in, an appearance. He was duly exalted, the

ceremony being very efficiently carried out by the P.Zs., V.E. Comp. W. H. Jones assuming the Sceptre,

supported by V.E. Comp. A. Veitch as H., and V.E. Comp. C. H. Dement as J. V.E. Comp. Menzies filled

the office of 1st Soj., E. Comp. C. B. Harton that of 2ncr Soj., and E. Comp. J. S. Davys that of 3rd Soj. V.E.

Comp. C. H. Dement invested, and communicated the Ss., assisted by V.E. Comps. Jones and Veitch; the

explanation of the Ss. was-given by V.E. Comp. H. H. Seaton; V.E. Comp. G. G. Schwartz, presented the

W.Ts., and the Final Charge was delivered by Comp Veitch. The election of officers for the ensuing year

then took place. One candidate was proposed for membership. Chapter closed at 9.35 p.m., and adjournment

was made to the refectory, where the companions were joined by M.E.. Comp. J. J. Esson, G.Z., who has

been ordered to go, in an important. position, with the Second Expeditionary Force for foreign service. The

farewelling of this distinguished and much revered companion was the feature of the after proceedings,

during which he was presented by the members of the Waterloo Chapter with a Wolseley camp bed and a

ease of pipes to ameliorate as far as may be the austerities of his campaigning.. In making the presentation

M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams said it was another and quite unexpected grievance we here had against Kaiser

Wilhelm of Germany that he should be the cause of the taking away from us of our G.Z. He referred to the

importance and-responsibility of the position held in the force by M.E. Comp. Esson, and said he knew he

would do his duty loyally to King and Country, and while doing it would also remember to put in effect,

where it might come to him to do so, those Masonic-principles and rules of conduct by which all Masons

were bound. In replying, M.E. Comp. Esson, who was much affected, explained that. he had not joined the

Expedition of his own initiative, but had really had his position forced upon him. He regretted very much

only being able to serve a comparatively short time of his year of office, and trusted that he might be spared

to return if only with a whole skin. He much appreciated the appropriate gifts made him, and they would

serve, though not needed, to remind him of Waterloo Chapter when far away. He would endeavour to act

always to friend or foe as a Mason should act, consistently with his duty to King and Country. The rest of the

evening was then pleasantly spent.— [Chapter Correspondent.]

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

Poetry.
———————————————————————————————————————————

HANDS ACROSS THE SEA,

——<>——

(Lawrence N. Greenleaf.)

———

" Hands across the sea!" good sirs, here's " Hands across the sea!"

To every isle and continent where'er our brethren be.

For we are one in sympathy as we are one in name,

The self-same tools are bright with use and mystic lights aflame,

The same designs on trestle-board by which our tasks are wrought,

Their symbol-truths impressed on heart and centred in our thought.

For. that which counts for greatest good is through the lives of each,

Who by their acts exemplify the principles we teach.

The world's great heart is throbbing with the spirit of unrest,

We hear the cry that welleth up from peoples long oppressed,

We see the rule of Mammon and the grasping hand of greed,

The travesties of justice and the toiler's bitter need.

The striving for the mastery, the ever present fear

With nation watching nation and the war-clouds hovering near,

And the question ever riseth as portentous signs we trace,

What will the final outcome be and what the saving grace?

And Masonry makes answer with its never-changing plan—

The Fatherhood of Cod, the Brotherhood of Man.

Though aeons upon aeons break upon the shores of time,

This is the grand fulfilment and the prophecy sublime.

This is the work on trestle-board for brethren everywhere,

For never was there greater need for level, plumb, and square,

For trowel with cement of love to strengthen and unite

The human race in brotherhood and usher in the Light!

To all who aid this glorious work wherever they may be,

Here's to the Craft in homeland and here's " Hands across the sea!"

—" Trestle Board."

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

MARK MASONRY.
——<>——

[By BRO. W. J. HUGHHAN.]

During the centuries which immediately preceded the establishment of the premier G.L. of England and the

World, the " Mark " was directly cosines: id with Operative and Speculative Freemasonry, and from time

immemorial, it has been the custom for the skilled Craftsman to chisel his distinctive mark on the stones -he

fashioned, so as to indicate his workmanship.

The antiquity of Mark Masonry cannot be doubted, operatively considered; and even speculatively, it has

enjoyed special prominence for centuries; according to existing records, dating back to 1600, in which year,

on the 8th day of June, " Ye principal warden and chief mister of maissons, Wm. Schaw, Master of work to

ye Kingis maistie," met members of the Lodge of Edinburgh (now No. 1) at Holyrood House, at which

meeting the Laird of Atichinleck was present, and attested the minutes of the assembly by his mark, as did

the operatives, in accordance with the Schaw status of 28th December, 1598, which provided :

"'that the day of reassauying (receiving) of the said fallow of craft or maisster be ord'lie buikit and his name

and Mark inserted in the said buik."

That theoretical Masons selected their marks just as the operatives did, during the seventeenth century, is

abundantly manifest, by an examination of the old Scotch records of that period. One of the most noteworthy

instances out of many is the Mark Book of the Lodge of Aberdeen (now No. 1, tris), which started in A.D.

1670, and is signed by 49 members, all of whom but two have their marks inserted opposite their names.

The Master of the "Honourable Lodge of Aberdeen " in that-year was Harrie Elphingston, Tutor of Airth and

Collector of the King's Customs, and only a fourth part of the members were operative Masons, the roll of

brethren including the Earl of Findlater, the Earl of Dumferline, Lord Pitsligo, the " Earl of Errolle," a

professor of mathematics, several ministers, doctors, and other professional men and tradesmen, such as

wrights (or carpenters), slaiters, glaziers, etc.

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

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

" Brother !" To the true and thoughtful Mason the word is not mere verbage. It marks him as one of the true

brotherhood, whose pleasure (as is their duty) is to stand by one another, " for better, for worse, for richer,

for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do them part." Nor do our brotherly

administrations end with death itself.—"Virginia Masonic Journal."

✳ ✳ ✳

The Swastika is the most ancient and most widely distributed symbol that the world has ever known. It is to

be found on Chaldean bricks ; among the ruins of the earlier cities of Troy ; it has been known in Egypt and

Cyprus, on vases of the ancient Etruscans; also on Hittite remains. It is known in India, Thibet, China.,

Korea, and Japan, also among the Lapps and Finns, and by the Navaho North American Indians.—" Masonic

Sun."

✳ ✳ ✳

The truth about Masonry is that it is greater and better and more beautiful than the inadequate power of

words can convey. This is a trite common-place way of saying what we cannot say, but the gist of it is that

which is deepest, profoundest, most comprehensive, and most beautiful in human life dwells in the spirit

only. Like some sacred ineffable mystery it defies expression, and, like the peace of God, it passeth all

understanding.—Bro. Charles F. Buck, P.G..M.; Louisiana.

✳ ✳ ✳

If the principle is correct in the Blue Lodge that a man must be duly and truly prepared, worthy and well

qualified, before he can advance from one degree to another, the principle should also apply in other bodies

of Masonry. In the long run, it would redound to the good of Masonry in every way. Undigested food is bad

for the stomach, and in due time it takes its toll of ill-health.—L. A. Hoe.

✳ ✳ ✳

The dangerous foe which to-day threatens Masonry is not encamped on the seven hills of Rome. It is

nowhere without the fraternity, but is found within, and lies in a growing tendency to disregard the

fundamental principles of the fraternity. As long as Masons are strong in the faith of the fathers in Masonry

they have nothing to fear.—" Illinois Freemason."

✳ ✳ ✳

Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it. Grim care, moroseness, anxiety—all this rust of

life, ought to be scoured off the oil of mirth. it is better than emery. Every man ought to rub himself with it.

A man without mirth is like a wagon without springs, in which one is caused disagreeably to jolt by every

pebble over which it runs.—Beecher.

✳ ✳ ✳

There is a vast difference between taking the degrees and being a Mason. There are lots of men who take the

degrees who are in no sense Masons, because they fail to do the things which a man insist do if he expects to

be recognised as a Mason in the full acceptation of that term.—" Exchange."

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

ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS OF MASONIC INTEREST.
——<>——

Q.—A candidate is not recommended by the Board of Enquiry, but his proposer insists the W.M. should put

the name on the circular for ballot. Would the W.M. be right in refusing, or must he do as the proposer

demands ?

A.—The proposition of a candidate, if in order, must be inserted on the summons if the proposer insists. The

Board of Enquiry has no locus standi, but is simply a voluntary advisory body. At the same time, the

proposer would be most unwise in his insistence.

Q.—Should P.Ms. join in the processions and greetings in the different degrees at the installation of W.M.?

And can the Installing Master insist that they should do so ?

A.—In our opinion it is most undignified for P.Ms. to leave the dais and join in processions on the floor of

the Lodge, especially as they have already paid homage in the B. of I.M. The Installing Master has no right

to "insist." He may prefer a request, which those present would, as a matter of courtesy, accede to, even if

they were not in accord with a practice, which we think is decidedly wrong.

————————

COMBINED MEETING OF R.A. CHAPTERS, WELLINGTON.

——<>——

The combined meeting of Waterloo No. 2, Brooklyn No. 24, and Hinemoa No. 25, R.A. Chapters, was held

at the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the 17th September. The convocation was opened by V.E. Comp. Veitch

(Z.), V.E. Comp. Parsons (R.), and V.E. Comp. Thomson (J.), there being a very large attendance of

members from the three Chapters and several visitors from other Chapters and Constitutions present. The

minutes of the three Chapters were read and confirmed, and the correspondence read and. dealt with. The

officers of the Sup.G. Chapter were admitted, M.E. Comp. T. Porritt, P.G.Z., being Installing Prin.; M.E.

Comp. H. J. Williams, P.G.Z., acting G.H. ; and V.E. Comp. G. Menzies; acting G.J.; and V.E. Comp. W.

H.. Jones, acting G.D. of C. The three 1st Prins.-elect, E. Comp. G. Russell. (Waterloo). E. Comp. G. Luke

(Brooklyn), and E. Comp. H. B Bridge (Hinemoa) were presented and installed in their offices.. E. Comps. J.

Rod, J. B. Hopkirk, and J. Reid were installed into the Chairs of H., and E. Comps. C. B. Harton and E. G.

Robertson into the Chairs of J. of the Waterloo and Hinemoa Chapters, the installation being performed and

the addresses given by M.E. Comp. Porritt. The officers were invested by V.E. Comp. Menzies; assisted. by

the G.D. of C., V.E. Comp. Jones, and other past officers. The address to the lst, Prins.- was given by V.E.

Comp. Porritt, to the officers by V.E. Comp. Dement, and to tire companions by M.E. Comp. Williams.

Presentation of jewels was made by M.E. Comp. Williams on behalf of the Chapters to the three retiring 1st

Prins., V.E. Comp. Veitch (Waterloo), V.E. Comp. Parsons (Brooklyn), and V.E. Comp. Shand (Hinemoa),

the presentations being expressive of the good wishes and hearty thanks of the companions for the manner in

which they had conducted the affairs. of the Chapters during their term of office. In addition V.E. Comp.

Parsons was presented by the Brooklyn members with a very handsome silver-mounted salad bowl and

servers to be handed by him to Mrs. Parsons.

M.E. Comp. Williams referred to the great loss sustained by R.A. Masonry in the death of V.E. Comp.

Freeman, G.Treas. The aged and esteemed companion was an active member and officer of both Waterloo

and Brooklyn Chapters, and for many years had taken a very live interest in the work of these and G.

Chapter. M.E. Comp. Williams moved a resolution of sincere sympathy and condolence with the widow and

family. This was seconded by M.E. Comp. Porritt and carried unanimously by the companions standing to

older. After the usual business had been concluded several candidates for the different Chapters for

exaltation and affiliation were proposed. V.E. Comp. Russell, on behalf of the newly installed 1st . Prins.,

returned thanks, and after hearty congratulations had been offered by M.E. Comp. Porritt, G. Chapter officers

retired. Apologies for the absence of a number of companions were offered, and the convocation closed at

9.35 p.m. An adjournment was then made to the social hall, where only the formal toasts were given, this

being on account of the Chapters being in mourning. One feature was a speech by the 1st G. Prin., M.E.

Comp. Esson, who was prevented owing to his military duty from attending at the installation.—[Specially

Contributed.]

————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 19th SEPT., 1914.

——<>——

E. Skelton (-Westport.), R. B. May, T. Hobson (Takapau), C. R. Mott, H.Davis 17/6, R. J. Cowing 10/-, R.

Bishop 10/-, J. W. McDougall, J. Johnstone, J. W. Ritchie, H. H. Clegg 11/8, L. Freedman, W. E. Yates

(Napier), E. S. Robertson 2/3, M. Fox 15/-, W. Berry, A. Malmberg, G. Allport, T.H. Gill (Wellington), H.

McDougall (Kaiapoi) Gordon and Gotch 9/2, C. H. Jenkins, F. W. Wake 33/4 (Aueidand), J. Teesdale 17/6

(Brunnerton) D. McFarlane. 10/-, J. Arnold, J. D. Anderson (Wanganui), W. White 3/-, (Waihi), W. A.

Waters (Ohakune E.) Dr. Todd (Otautau), A. G. Fletcher 10/- (Palmerston N.), H. Were (Waitara), L. F.

Meeking 20/- (Norsewood), E. Eales (Rotorua), A. James 10d (Taihape), J. J. Guest (Tuhara, Wairoa), J H.

Inglis 20/- (Geraldine), W. J. Shaw 10/- (Collingwood), A. E. Rouse, S. C. Bingham, A. C. Hallett

(Christchurch), G.L., W. Australia 30/- (Perth), V. Venimore 10/- (Brooklyn), C. Philip 10/- (Cromwell), A.

W. McBean (Dipton), J. E. Wade 10/- (Hokitika), B. Cochrane, T. Black, A. Newton, E. Ward (Timaru), T.

Matthew 10/- (Te Kuiti), J. Walker (Kohuratahi), C. P. Spackman (America), C. Beech 27/6 (Ashburton).

All 7/6 but those noted.

————————

PRESENTATION TO V.W. Bro. JOHN THORNTON, CHRISTCHURCH.

——<>——

Since the inception of Civic Lodge, V.W. Bro. John Thornton has acted as Preceptor to the Lodge of

Instruction. Recently, however, V.W. Bro. Thornton's duties and responsibilities in Freemasonry have

increased, and in view of his work as Pres. B. of B. he felt compelled to relinquish his office as Preceptor. At

a recent meeting of the Civic Lodge of Instruction, the brethren took the opportunity to express their

appreciation of V.W. Bro. Thornton's work by presenting him with a rose bowl. W. Bro. D. Manson, in

making this presentation, referred to the fact that the success of Civic Lodge was in no small measure due to

the careful instruction given by V.W. Bro. Thornton, whose work was enhanced by his knowledge of

Masonic ritual and practice, which had always been at the disposal of the Civic brethren. To the new

Preceptor W. Bro. Manson tendered the congratulations of his Masonic brethren.

————————

AN IRISH MASONIC CHURCH SERVICE.

——<>——

The Cork Constitution," of Cork, Ireland, devotes considerable space to an account of a service for Masons

held at St. Fin Barre's Cathedral on 24th June, St. John's Day. It was under the auspices of the Prov.G.L. of

Munster, and was the most successful service of the kind which has been held in the southern province. It

was a great gathering of Masons, says the "Constitution," not only from Munster, but from neighbouring

provinces. The nave of the Cathedral, which had been reserved for the brethren, was not quite large enough

for all, while the portion of. the Cathedral devoted to the public was filled to overflowing. The procession

into the Cathedral was in the following order :—

Brethren of Blue Lodges in the province, with visitors from other provinces; R.A. Masons ; Knights

Templar; Prince Masons; P.Prov.G. officers; Dep.Prov.G.M.; Prov.G.M.; Cathedral choir.

The processional, " Onward, Christian Soldiers," was sung.

There was a formidable array of clergy taking part in the service, archdeacons, deans, bishops, chaplains,

precentors, and canons. The sermon was by the Dean of Cork, an able discourse from II. Chronicles, viii., 16:

"The house of the Lord was perfected." The collection taken up at the end of the sermon was in aid of the

Masonic schools and the Jubilee Masonic Annuity Fund.—" Masonic Standard."

————————

GRAND LODGE BI-CENTENARY.

——<>——

ST. JOHN'S DAY (IN HARVEST), 1917..

————

[BY BRO. ROBERT FREKE GOULD, ENG.]

During the three years that lie immediately before us, or before those of us who may survive throughout that

period of time, much will be written about the propriety of celebrating, in a manner worthy of the occasion,

the two hundredth anniversary of the foundation of the earliest of G.Ls. Many and diverse will be the

speculations that will certainly be advanced with respect to the task of commemorating the hi-centenary of

the most momentous occurrence in the history of Freemasonry in a way that affords the best promise of

securing the approval, not only of the governing Masonic bodies and brethren in the British Isles, but also of

the family of G.Ls., and the host of earnest Craftsmen beyond the seas.

The creation of a G.L. by four London. Lodges in 1717 was a remarkable event, though of the circumstances

connected there-with, as well as of those immediately following the inauguration of such new regime, few

particulars have come to light. In the infancy of my Masonic studies I alluded to the early years of the G.L.

of England as the "epoch of transition," and—unlike a number of conclusions formed at the same date that a

wider course of reading has taught me to modify—it is one to which I still adhere. Freemasonry put on its

modern attire in the second decade of the eighteenth century, but it was not until the latter half of the fourth

decade that the veil was partially lifted, and allowed to disclose the features of some of the actors in the great

drama of A.D. 1717. Yet it is upon the statements contained in the second " Book of Constitutions,"

published by Dr. James Anderson in 1738, that we must entirely rely for whatever has come down to us in

the shape of duly accredited history, indicating either the Lodges or brethren who were present, and took an

active part in the memorable proceedings of twenty-one years before. Of those Lodges there are three

survivors at the present day, and the founders and parents of the premier G.L. of the world ought not, and

probably will not, be left wholly out of consideration should suggestion ripen into action, with regard to an

international celebration of the two hundredth birthday of the governing body which the united efforts

ushered into existence on the Day of St. John the Baptist in 1717. There are Lodges also in Scotland whose

dates of establishment, like those of the surviving three on English soil, are of greater age than that of the

G.L. under the authority of which they now carry on their work.

These time immemorial Lodges—by which term I am referring to existing Lodges in North and South

Britain respectively, which in one instance can trace an unbroken descent from an earlier year than 1717, and

in the other from an earlier year than 1736—possess, both separately and collectively, a status peculiar to

themselves, of which the total absence of any cohesive power on their own part has been unable to deprive

them.

But here I pause for a moment in order to explain why I am proceeding in the present paper with the

undoubted claims of the oldest Lodges in United Britain for special consideration on the 24th June, 1917.

That the opening year of the era of G.Ls. will be commemorated with joy and rejoicing throughout the

civilised world, there can be little—or, indeed, no—doubt, and already the various forms in which such a

celebration could most suitably be carried out are forming the theme of interesting and ingenious

speculation. Banquets, assemblies, and fine speeches, it seems to be generally conceded, will not suffice, and

there are proposals advocating the holding of an International Conference, for the more general

establishment of Masonic schools, and for the multiplication of benevolent institutions for the relief of the

aged and distressed. There would also appear to be a general, and indeed a very natural, feeling that the

earliest of G.Ls. should take the initiative in the movement, and abandon for the occasion the isolated role

which it is accustomed to play whenever affairs are being dealt with where other Masonic jurisdictions and

the brethren of other nationalities are alike concerned. What will be the action finally decided upon by the

G.L. of England, those of us who live long enough will see the result, and of the schemes propounded, or to

be propounded, as most appropriate for honouring the bicentenary of the greatest event in Masonic history, I

shall leave for the future to disclose, and shall return to, and further pursue, the train of thought with regard

to the cluster of ancient British Lodges, which I temporarily forsook, but only in order that 1 might be able to

proceed in a more orderly sequence with the tenor of my remarks.

It is to be hoped, rather than to be expected, that the old Lodges of North and South Britain will combine for

the purpose of regaining the rank and privileges which unitedly they might have preserved for all time.

Fourteen years ago, indeed, I was of a different opinion,. and in a paper which has been reprinted in my

recently-published "Collected Essays," I strongly advocated the formation of a league or association by the

"time immemorial" Lodges in the two Kingdoms. The scheme met with the warm approval of David Murray

Lyon, William Officer, and other brethren of light and leading in the northern capital, who have long since

passed to their rest, but it never assumed any tangible form, and fell entirely on deaf ears in the south of

Britain.

It is possible—and, indeed, in my own opinion, highly probable —that if the details of such a project had

been carefully formulated and laid successively before the old Lodges in the shape of a lecture or an address,

the result would have been different that is to say, so far as the Scottish Lodges were concerned, for among

the three oldest English Lodges there was, and is, an element of disunion, to which I shall presently refer.

In any paper or article dealing with the subject of time immemorial Lodges it would seem at a first view that,

having regard to their larger number and superior antiquity, priority of consideration should be given to those

which at the present day are arrayed under the banner of the G.L. north of the Tweed. But it is with respect to

the bicentenary of its southern neighbour that these lines are being penned, and it would, therefore, seem

more appropriate to proceed, in the first instance, with a glance at the proceedings ending in the formation of

the G.L. of England in 1717, rather than with those which had their termination in the erection of the G.L. of

Scotland in 1736.

There is only one source of information to which we can turn for a trustworthy account of what took place

when a G.L. for London and Westminster was established by four Lodges at the English Metropolis in 1717.

We learn from the second Book of Constitutions, published by Dr. James Anderson in 1738 :—

"After the rebellion was over, A.D. 1716, the few Lodges at London, thought fit to cement under a G.M. as

the centre of union and harmony—viz., the Lodges that met :

1. At the " Goose and Gridiron " Ale-house in St. Paul's. Churchyard.
2. At the Crown Ale-house in Parker's Lane, near Drury Lane.
3. At the Apple Tree Tavern in Charles Street, Covent Garden.
4. At the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminster.

"They and some old brethren met at the said Apple Tree, and having put into the chair the oldest M.M. (now

the Master of a-Lodge), they constituted themselves a G.L. pro tempore, in due form, and forthwith revived

the quarterly communication of the officers of Lodges (called the G.L.) resolved to hold the annual assembly

and feast, and then to chuse a G.M..from among themselves, till they should have the honour of a noble

brother at their head.

"Accordingly, on St. John Baptist's Day, in the 3rd year of King George I., A.D. 1717, the assembly and

feast of the Free and Accepted Masons was held at the foresaid Goose and Gridiron Ale-house.

"Before dinner, the oldest M.M. (now the Master of a Lodge} in the chair, proposed a list of proper

candidates; and the brethren by a majority of hands elected : Mr. Anthony Sayer, gentleman, G.M. of

Masons, who being forthwith invested with the badge of office and power by the said oldest Master, and

install'd, was duly congratulated by the assembly, who pay'd him the homage.

Mr. Jacob Lamball, Carpenter }
G. Wardens.

Captain Joseph Elliot }

In 1738, when the above narrative appeared, one of the four old Lodges—namely, the Lodge at the Crown—

had been dropped from the roll, but the remaining three are specifically referred to as then existing, and

described with some minuteness by Dr. Anderson in a later portion of his work. All of them, the doctor tells

us in effect, had carried on the work without break of continuity since the memorable assembly of 1717, but

the members of the Lodge of the Apple Tree, he adds, had accepted in 1723 "a new constitution" (or, in other

words, a written authorisation of its regularity from the G.M. or his Deputy), "although they wanted it not. "

The old or original Lodges at the Goose and Gridiron, the Apple Tree, and the Rummer and Grapes, in 1717,

are the present-day Lodges of Antiquity, No. 2; Fortitude and Old Cumberland, No. 12; and Royal Somerset

House and Inverness, No. 4, respectively.

In the engraved list of Lodges for 1729, where, for the first time, the Lodges were shown in order of

seniority, the old Lodge at the Apple Tree (now Fortitude and Old Cumberland). had been placed in

accordance with its new Constitution of 1723 —that is to say, below its three sister Lodges of 1717, to the

oldest of which, now Antiquity, No. 2, the year 1691 was assigned as the date of its original formation.

The actual age of the present Fortitude and Old Cumberland, No. 12, is indeterminable. It may or may not be

older than the Lodge of Antiquity. No. 2, in its position on the engraved list of 1729, was made to coincide

with the date of its new Constitution, and therefore affords no clue to its actual seniority. Whether, indeed,

there was any precedency among the English Lodges, during the opening period of the G.L. era, is one of the

numerous puzzles which confront the student of Masonic history. There are no, Lodge minutes extant that

might help us, and without the entries which appear in Dr. Anderson's Constitutions of 1738, there would be

nothing to show in what manner, and by what particular Lodges, a G.L. was founded in 1717. The work had

an .official sanction, and the statements, therefore, of Dr. Anderson may be said to embody the most

conclusive testimony that the subject will admit of. Moreover, it must be taken in its entirety. We are told in

the plainest terms, not only that the old Lodges at the Goose and Gridiron, and the Rummer and Grapes, but

also the one at the Apple Tree, had preserved their privileges unimpaired, for though the last-named Lodge

had a new Constitution, "it wanted it not."

It was under the banner of the Lodge at the Apple Tree; Tavern that the four old Lodges assembled in 1716,

or the first quarter of 1717, and on the St. John's Day next following Anthony Sayer, a member of the same

Lodge, was chosen as G.M.

Is it permissible to hope that three years hence, on the two hundredth recurrence of the festival to which I

have last referred, the Fortitude and Old Cumberland Lodge will be found taking as leading a part in its

celebration as did its famous ancestor, the Lodge at the Apple Tree Tavern, when the corner-stone of the

sovereignty of G.Ls. was laid with simple but appreciative ceremonial in 1717?

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

Reports.
———————————————————————————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

——————

SOUTHLAND.

Taringatura, No. 100.—The usual meeting on 7th September was well attended. A large body of routine

business was attended to. The usual annual accounts were passed for payment. One demit was granted to W.

Bro. MacBean, who for many years was an esteemed and active member of the Lodge, and whose loss is

deeply regretted. One joining member was received, and a very deserving appeal duly considered. It was

unanimously resolved to remit the dues of one brother who has joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force,

and notice of motion was given to dispense with the usual installation banquet, and to devote the usual levy

to some of the benevolent funds for the benefit of disabled volunteers or their dependents. Nominations for

office for the ensuing year were received, only one brother being nominated for each position. H.G.W. were

received from visiting brethren, and the Lodge closed at 9.45 p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————

OTAGO.

Knrow, No. 164. — The annual meeting Was held on 3rd September, when Sidney Maxmilian Taylor was

installed by the Prov.G.M. of Otago, R.W. Bro. J. J. Clark, assisted by W. Bro. H. G. Deal as G.S.W., W.

Bro. C. W. L. Lischner (G.Supt. of W.) as G.J.W., W. Bro. Steel as G.D. of C. and Bro. F. Burry as G.

Organist. There was a fair muster of the brethren and visitors. The following Lodges were received :—

Waitaki, Oamaru Kil., and Ngapera. The Installing Master then installed Bro. S: M. Taylor, and also

addressed him. W. Bro. Lischner invested the officers, W. Bros. Moss, Forrester, and Robbie presented the

W.Ts. in the several degrees, W. Bro. Steel addressed the wardens, and W. Bro. H. G. Deal addressed the

brethren. The following is a list of the officers :—S.W., Bro. C. L. Ayson ; J.W., Bro. H. Barclay ; D. of C.

W. Bro. R. C. Gullies ; Treas., Bro. W. Warwick; Sec., W. Bro. R. H. Appleby; Chaplain, Bro. J. K.

McKenzie; S.D., Bro. E. Winnington ; J.D., Bro. A. McCallum ; I.G., Bro. D. Sinclair ; Tyler, Bro. W.

Thomas ; Stewards, Bros. A. McInnes, F. W. Corrigal, and J. D. Collins. The collection in aid of the Annuity

Fund was £1 10s. 1d. Immediately after the address to the W.M., the Prov.G.M., who had contracted a severe

attack of influenza, had to retire, as he was unable to proceed further, and there is no doubt he deserves the.

greatest praise for the manner in which he performed his duties under such trying circumstances, a task that

only one full of zeal in his duties could have attempted. The W.M. expressed the sympathy of all those

present with the Prov.G.M.'s sudden illness, which had made it necessary for him to retire, and hoped that he

would soon recover. The loss of the Prov.G.M. was severely felt in the after meeting, where he is a host in

himself. After the installation the brethren adjourned to Bro. T. S. Munro's hall, where the usual banquet was

held. The tables were prepared in the usual .excellent style by Bro. Barclay. The usual Masonic toasts were

honoured, and a very enjoyable and successful evening ended with the Tyler's toast.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

——————

CANTERBURY.

Southern Cross, No. 6.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Kaiapoi, on 3rd .September.

Since last meeting several of our brethren have suffered bereavement, consequently the attendance was not

so good as usual. Lodge Conyers, E.C., paid an official visit, the W.M., (W. Bro, Kent) being accompanied

by his officers and a large number of brethren. At the invitation of W. Bro. Gray, W. Bro. Kent and his

officers occupied the various chairs, and very impressively initiated a candidate. At the conclusion of the

ceremony W. Bro. Gray thanked the visitors, and warmly complimented them on the very thorough manner

in which the work was performed. In acknowledgment, W. Bro. Kent thanked the members of Southern

Cross for the invitation to work the degree, and extended an invitation to Southern Cross to return the

compliment. H.G.W. having been received, the Lodge was closed, and an adjournment made to the refectory,

where a pleasant hour was spent, the visitors doing much to make the time enjoyable.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Lincoln, No. 33. — The monthly meeting was held on 1st September, W. Bro. C. M. Suckling in the chair.

Although the weather was somewhat inclement, there was a fair number present, including W. Bro. Jacobs

and the officers and brethren of Lodge Waihora, No. 141. Bro. J. W. Kime, S.W., was elected W.M. for the

ensuing year. W. Bro. J. McKenzie was reelected Treas., and Bro. W. G. Jennings was re-elected Tyler for

the thirty-fourth year in succession. This veteran is still hale and hearty, and most zealous in the performance

of his onerous duties. The Third Degree was impressively worked by the W.M. and his officers, one

candidate being raised to the sublime degree of M.M. W. Bro. H. F. Penlington, of Lodge Waihora,

presented the W.Ts. Two wardens' chairs have been generously donated to the Lodge by Bro. J. W. Kime.

Favourable comment was made by the brethren on the improved appearance of the Lodge-room since the

painting and renovation of the interior. It was decided to remit the dues of Bros. A. Taylor and F. E. Jarman

during their absence with the Expeditionary Forces. Lodge closed at 10 p.m., and a pleasant hour followed in

the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Concord, No. 39. — The regular meeting was held on 25th August in the Masonic Ball, Papanui, W. Bro. R.

Laurie, W.M., in the chair. There. was a fair attendance of members and visitors. Regret was expressed for

W. Bro. Webb in his illness. Three guineas was voted towards a case of distress on the West Coast. The

whole of the P.Ms. were nominated for any position in Prov.G.L. Two candidates were initiated, the Masters

of Canterbury and St. Albans Lodges assisting. An enjoyable hour was afterwards spent in the refectory.

An emergency meeting was held on 13th August for the purpose of enabling the Master and officers of

Lodge Amuri (who were in Christchurch for Grand National week) to visit Concord and work the Third

Degree. The visiting Master and officers were warmly welcomed, and afterwards heartily thanked for the

manner in which they carried out the work.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Civic, No. 157. — The installation meeting was held on 7th August, and was attended by a large and

representative gathering of brethren from city and country Lodges. M.W. Bro. Binns, Prov.G.M., officiated

as Installing Master, and was accompanied by V.W. Bro. John Thornton and Prov.G.L. officers. M.W. Bro.

J. J, Dougall, G.M., with G.L. officers, as well as R.W. N. L. MeBeth, Dep.D.G.M., and D.G.L. officers,

were also present. The installation of Bro. Frank Steans as W.M. was performed in an impressive manner.

The newly-installed Master then invested his Wardens and officers as follows :—S.W., Bro. W. J. Hunter ;

J.W., Bro. W. Bottrell; Treas., W. Bro. W. H. Johnston; Sec., Bro. T. H.Williams; Chaplain, V.W. Bro. Rev.

Mackenzie Gibson, P.G. Chaplain; S.D., Bro. L. Maffey, J.D., Bro. C. Taylor ; D.C., Bro. W. W. Garton ;

LG., Bro. A. M. Wright ; Organist., Bro. A. L. Sutton ; Stewards, Bros. J. H. Hepburn, J. Harley, W. E. Best,

C. G. Wilkin ; Tyler, R.W. Bro. N. F. Arnold. After the address to the brethren by R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham,

P.Prov.G.M., a collection on behalf of the Annuity Fund realised £65 2s. A P.M.'s jewel was presented to W.

Bro. D. Manson, I.P.M., by the M.W.G.M., on behalf of the Civic brethren.

The annual dinner was held on 12th August at the Cadena, at which M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, G.M., was

present, as well as a large number of Civic and visiting brethren. — [Lodge Correspondent.]

——————

HAWKES BAY.

Scinde, No. 5.—The regular meeting was held on 15th September at the Lodgeroom, Tennyson Street. There

was a good attendance of brethren and visitors. W. Bro. C. H. Critchley, W.M., presided, and during the

evening passed two brethren to the F.C. Degree, in which ceremony he was very ably assisted by W. Bro.

Ritchie, .P.M. (Secrets), W. Bro. Thomas, D. of C. (S.E. Corner), the 1W.Ts. being presented by J.D. Bro.

Currie, and the Charge being very impressively delivered by Bro. R. Bishop, J.W. Six pounds were voted to

a case of distress and £2 in response to a circular appeal. The W.M. invited all members and visitors, also

members of Victoria, No. 21, Heretaunga, No. 73, and Waikaremoana, No. 158, to be present at an emergent

meeting of Scinde Lodge on Monday, 21st, to receive a visit from M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, G.M., who will

deliver an address on that occasion.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Victoria, No. 21.—The monthly meeting was held on 1st September, and was presided over by the W.M.,

W. Bro. H. W. Whitton, there being a good attendance of the brethren, including three visitors. Included in

the correspondence was a letter from Bro. Geo. Grant, who joined the First Expeditionary Force, which was

organised in twenty-four hours, saying good-bye to the W.M. and brethren. A letter was also read from G.L.

re the present European crisis, as well as one announcing the visit of the G.M. to the district on the 21st inst.

The sum of £2 was voted in reply to a circular appeal. Two ballots for initiation proved successful, but in one

case the gentleman (a Lewis) had, since making the proposal, volunteered and had been accepted for foreign

service in one of the expeditionary forces. The business was to initiate Messrs. William Johnson and William

Anderson. The Obs. were taken by W. Bro. Wilkie and the W.M.; Secrets by W. Bro. Andrew; Prep., W.

Bro. Chegwidden ; W.Ts., J.W. Bro. Hill; Charge, S.W. Bro. Kirk. After the Lodge closed a pleasant hour

was spent in the refectory, where W. Bro. Andrew referred to the brother and candidate who had gone to the

front.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 66.—The monthly meeting was held on 20th August, when there was a fair number of

members and a few visitors. The work consisted of one initiation, the Obs. being administered by the W.M.

(W. Bro. F. Harrison); Investiture by Bro. W. Snell, S.W.; Mode of Prep. by W. Bro. F. Craven, P.M.; W.Ts,

by W. Bro. J. Brown, I.P.M.; and the Final Charge was delivered by Bro. W. Snell, S.W. The W.M. informed

the members that the M.W.G.M. would pay the Lodge a visit on 22nd September, and he expressed a wish

that all members should endeavour to be present. A circular was read from the acting-G.Sec. impressing on

all Lodges the necessity of conducting all meetings as economically as possible, as it is likely a number of

appeals for charity may be made as a result of the war. The Lodge closed at 9.30 p.m., and an adjournment

was made to the refectory, where a short and pleasant time was spent in songs and music.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

——————

AUCKLAND.

Abercorn, No. 76. — The installation meeting, which was unavoidably postponed from the regular date in

August, was held on Thursday, 10th September, and, contrary to the usual fate of postponed meetings, was a

very successful function. The Master-elect, Bro. W. F. J. Anderson, was installed by M.W. Bro. Oliver

Nicholson, Pro-G.M., who was assisted by the following brethren: R.W. Bros. Powley, Kearsley, P.D.G.M.,

G. Barclay, P.G.W., and J. Catchpole, S.G.W., also W. Bro. M. J. Harris, P.G.D. The W.Ts. in the First and

Second Degrees were presented by W. Bros. K. Humphries (W.M., Tauranganui, No. 1480, E.C.) and G.

Wildish (W.M., Montrose, No. 722, S.C.), who also kindly acted as presenting officers. The W.Ts. in the

Third Degree were presented by W. Bro. Leighton (W.M., Waitakeres, No. 170). R.W. Bro. Kearsley

delivered the Address to the W.M., R.W. Bro. Barclay that to the Wardens, and M.W. Bro. Nicholson to the

brethren. The newly installed W.M. invested his officers as follows :—I.P.M., W. Bro. Rowley. The S.W.

(Bro. Rev. Grant) was not present, he having volunteered to go as Chaplain in the Expeditionary Force, and

being at present located in Awapuni Camp. J.W., Bro. A. B. Gilmour ; Treas., W. Bro. D. G. Robertson;

Sec., R.W. Bro. Bull; D. of C., W. Bro. J. S. Allan; Organist, W. Bro. A. T. Hookey ; S.D., Bro. C.

Blackburn; J.D., Bro. J. H. Kane; I.G., Bro. W. Ross; Stewards, Bros. C. Matthews and Ralph Grant; Tyler,

Bro. Boardman. During the evening W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson was presented with a diploma as a life

member of Lodge Abercorn, as a slight acknowledgment of the valued services rendered to the Lodge. The

W. and O. and A.M. Fund benefited to the extent of £26/0/6. Owing to the war the usual banquet was

dispensed with, but the brethren had a pleasant hour at the close of the ceremony, the proceedings being of a

very patriotic nature. The toast of the Army and Navy, proposed by W. Bro. Mann, was received with

enthusiasm. .A. few items, musical and instrumental, were introduced, appropriate to the occasion; and Bro.

St. George, Examiner for Trinity College, London, delighted the audience with selections on an instrument

which those who were present will long remember.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

TARANAKI.

Hawera, No. 34.—The regular meeting was held on the 1st the month, when the principal business was

conferring the Third Degree on a candidate, which was done by W. Bro. Bishop, assisted by his P.Ms. and

officers. Three joining or affiliating members were duly balloted for and accepted. Three gentlemen were

also proposed as candidates. It was resolved to vote the sum of £25 to the G.L., to be expended as they may

direct for the relief of the poor and needy and in alleviating the distress, both in and outside the Craft, which

will be caused by the present disastrous war. A grant was also made in response to a circular appeal on

behalf of the widow of the late Bro. McBain. A pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, and in reply to his

toast our new M.M. showed that he had a good grip of the spirit and ideals of Freemasonry.

The first visit of our present M.W.G.M. to Taranaki was an event looked forward to with some interest by

the brethren. Lodge Hawera was the first point in the province to be touched, and an emergency meeting had

been convened on the 15th to receive him. The G.M. was accompanied by R.W. Bros. Seaton and Peterkin;

and W. Bro. T. E. Hamerton, P.G.D., and our R.W. Prov.G.M. were added to the party here. W. Iro. Quin,

P.G.S., and W. Bro. Burrell, P.G.S., were also present at the Lodge. The distinguished brethren were met at

the train and escorted to their hotel, and later in the evening were duly received in the Lodge with customary

honours, and the ceremony of raising a candidate was proceeded with by our W.M., assisted by W. Bro.

Kimbell (Exhortation), W. Bro. Quin (T.H.), W. Bro. Keen (further Secrets), and R.W. Bro. Sargent (Final

Charge). The M.W.G.M. presented the newly raised brother with the V.S.L. on which he had taken the three

Obs. After the close of the Lodge the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where light refreshments had been

provided, it being recognised that during the present national crisis anything elaborate in this respect would

be out of place. The meeting was a most enjoyable one, enlivened by some very good musical items by our

own brethren, as well as a contribution by R.W. Bro. Seaton. The items by our quartette party were

especially good. M.W. Bro. Dougall, in a happy and impressive speech, spoke of the attitude taken up by

himself as regards contributions from brethren as Masons to the war funds, and also the necessity for

creating a fund to relieve the want and distress which was sure to follow in the train of a war on the present

gigantic scale, and which was bound to be felt by many members or wives and children of members of the

Craft, as well as those outside, and he felt it our duty to now start such a fund, and on such a scale that G.L.

will be able to deal with cases within the. Craft. This could only be done by such a special fund, and he

suggested that the present time was an opportune one for our members to make a personal contribution, and

he himself started with a donation. The W.M. then passed a list round the room, with the result that £22 was

given or promised. This, with the £25 voted by the Lodge, makes a total of £47, which we hope to make over

£50 when a few of the absent brethren send their quota in. The following day the visitors were taken to the

Park, a very pretty and tastefully laid-out one, and which our M.W.G.M. much admired, and at mid-day they

left per motor-car for Opunake. They stopped at Kaupokonui en route, and inspected the largest cheese

factory in the world, under the guidance of Bro. McDonald, the manager. An al fresco lunch was partaken of

here, a hamper having been provided by the Hawera brethren from the Central Hotel, and which was well

appreciated by our chief rulers. It is stated that our R.W. Bro. Peterkin proved that he had fully recovered

from his late indisposition, and was, in fact, ready for another one. A splendid day and good roads made the

trip very enjoyable, and the party arrvied at Opunake shortly before two, and were met by the brethren there.

————

Ngamotu, No. 48.—The installation on 17th September was conducted by the outgoing Master, W. Bro. W.

N. Ewing, and importance was added to the occasion by the presence of the M.W.G.M., who was

accompanied by the R.W.Prov.G.Ms. of Taranaki and Wellington, R.W. Bros. F. P. Corkill (P.Prov. G.M.),

and H. H. Seaton (J.G.W.), V.W. Bro. H. Dempsey (P.A.G.S.), and W. Bros. Haddrell (G.D.), Harle and

Smart (G.Ss.). The work of the, Installing Master was a fitting finish to a very successful term of nearly two

years' efficient service in the chair. Bro. Frank Stanley Johns, J.W., assumes the Mastership, Bro. E. W.

Garner again takes office as S.W., the other positions in the Lodge being filled by Bros. W. P. Nicoll as J.W.;

J. S. S. Medley, P.M., Treas. ; W. H. Haddrell, P.M., Sec.; A. Forbes, S.D. ; W. S. Gilbert (not of the Gilbert

and Sullivan combination), J.D. ; R. L. McIlroy, P.M., D. of C.; A; H. Goss, I.G.; W. H. Moyes and E. Bary,

Stewards ; and J. Asher, P.M., Tyler. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. G. T. Murray, P.M., and the

warrant, etc., by W. Bro. R. L. Mcilroy, P.M., while the M.W.G.M. delivered the address to the newly

installed Master, V.W. Bro. Dempsey to the Wardens, and R.W. Bro. Sargent, Prov.G.M., to the brethren.

Felicitations were expressed by R.W. Bro. Goldwater, Dep.Prov.G.M., on behalf of the Prov.G.L. of Ireland,

and by the Masters of Craft Lodges present. Subsequently a very simple repast this served, the cost of the

usual supper having already been voted to a war relief fund, but if the fare was plain the time spent at the

festive board was none the less enjoyed. The customary toast list was honoured, the principal speakers being

the G.M. and visiting G. officers. In responding to the toast of "The G.M., M.W. Bro. Dougall made an

eloquent appeal in support of a fund for the dependents of New Zealanders going to the front, and the

circulation of the glove produced about £25, which will probably be substantially supplemented. Vocal items

were contributed by W. Bro. Perry, and Bros. C. H. Weston and A. H. Goss, and a violin solo by W. Bro.

Rockel. R.W. Bro, Seaton .gave a clever exhibition of sleight-of-hand, which was a pleasing innovation and

more appreciated than an anecdotal effort by the same genial brother. The manner in which W. Bro. Johns

invested his officers deserves mention, and augurs well for the chair work of the coming year. — [Lodge

Correspondent]

————

Ikaroa, No. 115. — A special meeting of the brethren of the Lodge was held in the New Masonic Hall,

Opunake, on Wednesday afternoon, 16th September, for the purpose of opening the new building, which has

recently been completed, and is erected in reinforced concrete. The ceremony was performed by the

M.W.G.M., Bro. J. J. Dougall; and the following G.L. officers were present :—R.W. Bro. F. J. Peterkin,

P.G.M., Wellington District ; R.W. Bro. R. W. Sargent, P.G.M., Taranaki District; W. District; H. Seaton,

J.G.W., Wellington; W. Bro. W. H. Haddrell, J.G.D. ; W. Bro. J. Quin, P.G.S. ; and W. Bro. G. W. Rogers,

G.S. A number of brethren from other district Lodges, including W.Ms. and P.Ms., also attended, sixty-two

brethren signing the attendance book. The Lodge was tyled at 2.30 p.m., when the M.W.G.M. was received

with the usual honours, W. Bro. F. J. Kimbell, I.P.M., Lodge Hawera, No. 34, kindly acting as a of C. The

M.W.G.M., in formally declaring the Lodge open, congratulated the brethren upon their spiritedness in

erecting such a fine hall, which was certainly a credit to the Craft and themselves, and that he was especially

pleased at being able to perform the opening ceremony, and expressed a hope that it would not be long

before the building would be consecrated. He gave a very lucid and interesting address on the origin and

early history of Freemasonry, which was much appreciated by the brethren. R.W. Bros. F. J. Peterkin, R. W.

Sargent, and W. Bros. H. Seaton and W. H. Haddrell also expressed pleasure at being present at the function,

and wished the Lodge every success in its new home. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from

a number of brethren, including R.W. Bro. F. P. Corkill, P.P.G.M., one of the Charter members of the Lodge

and its first W.M., also W. Bro. F. E. Wilson, New Plymouth. Much regret was expressed at the partial

destruction of the Lodge Charter, which occurred at the recent fire which destroyed the buildings in which

W. Bro. G. W. Roger's (the Lodge Secretary) office was situated. Although in one of his safes, it and three

M.M.'s certificates and his own P.M.'s certificate were rendered almost undecipherable. Duplicates of the

charter and certificates have been applied for through the P.G.M. of the district. The labours of the Lodge

being ended, all the brethren partook of afternoon tea in the supper-room of the Town Hall. The tables had

been well provided by the ladies, and ample justice was done to the good things provided. The M.W.G.M.

thanked the ladies for their kindness and hospitality, W. Bro. Seaton responding on their behalf in his well-

known inimitable style. The M.W.G.M. and G.L. officers left for Eltham at 4.45 p.m.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

——————

WELLINGTON.

N.Z. Pacific, No. 2.—At the August meeting of this Lodge there was the usual numerous attendance. Interest

centred in the ceremony of raising a, candidate, being performed by the P.Ms., who very efficiently did their

work. W. Bro. J. H. Worboys was W.M. for the occasion, and was assisted by W. Bro. E. A. Blundell. The

officers were as follows :—I.P.M., W. Bro. G. Menzies; S.W., W. Bro. Ramsay; J.W., W. Bro. H. A. Bruce;

S.D., R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, G.J.W. ; J.D., W. Bro. J. C. Penrice; I.G., W. Bro. R. Witheford. The W.Ts.

were presented by V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge; the T.H. was recited by W. Bro. G. Menzies ; and the F.C. was

delivered by 'W. Bro. J. S. Connell.

————

St. Andrew, No. 32.—On Monday, the 21st September, the monthly meeting was held in the Freemasons'

Hall, the Lodge being tyled at 7.15 p.m., and W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen presiding over a large attendance of

members and visitors. After transaction of routine business, a ballot to determine the candidature of an

applicant for admission into the Craft was taken and proved favourable, and a motion by the W.M. having

relation to the Lodge finances was discussed and adopted. The Lodge being opened in the Second and Third

Degrees, the ceremonial business, that of raising a candidate, was proceeded with, and was performed by the

W.M., assisted by W. Bros. J. Rod (Exhort.), O. Neilson (T.H.), G. Russell (Chaplain), and Bros. A. W.

Rowlands (S.W.), W. Simpson (J.W.), A. Schmidt (S.D.), J. C. Riddell (J.D.), and A. Greening (I.G.). On

resuming in the First Degree nominations of officers for the next ensuing year were received, it being

noticeable that the recommendations of the Standing Committee, which had previously met and reviewed the

position, were adopted. Certificates were presented with appropriate remarks, including a P.M.'s diploma

from the G.L. of Scotland to a brother now affiliated. The W.M. announced that the next meeting would be

handed over to the P.Ms., who would work the Third Degree. Greetings were tendered before closing, a

number of foreign jurisdictions and Lodges being represented by visitors present. At the refectory

adjournment much pleasure was afforded in listening to the musical items of Bro. St. George, an E.C. brother

who has evidently visited many Constitutions and observed the proceedings.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Ulster, No. 62.—The regular meeting was held at Petone on 16th September, the W.M. (Bro. G. D.

McEwen) presiding. One brother for affiliation was duly elected, and two candidates for Freemasonry were

elected; one candidate was proposed. Amendments to Lodge by-laws submitted by the Lodge Trustees to

establish a building fund were approved. A lecture by V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge, G.Lec., entitled "An Enquiry

into the Freemasonry of To-day," was delivered. The Lecturer dealt with the subject from the inception of

the Order up to the present day. and also dealt in detail with the early objects in comparison with the

teachings of to-day. The lecture was very instructive, and was much appreciated by the members. There was

a very large attendance of the brethren, and Lodges Waiwhetu and Otari also paid an official visit to do

honour to the occasion. After the Lodge was closed the brethren adjourned to the refectory, and the usual

toasts were honoured, interspersed with songs, etc.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Otaki, No. 72. — The regular meeting was held on 8th September. The principal business was the raising of

one brother. The ceremony was conducted by the W.M. (W. Bro. Watt) and officers of Lodge Tutanekai. W.

Bro. Watt gave the obligation, W. Bro. J. P. Shand the T.H. and Signs, Bro. Lenzini the W.Ts., Bro.

Whitelaw the Final Charge. The Ob. Bible was presented to the candidate by W. Bro. Shand. H.G.W. having

been offered by W. Bro. Watt, W. Bro. T. Brown (Lodge Horowhenua,), and other visitors, an adjournment

was made to the refectory, where the usual toasts were honoured. W. Bro. Simson thanked W. Bro. Watt and

the members of Lodge Tutanekai for having come such a distance to work the degree.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Huia, No. 171. — The monthly meeting was held on 3rd September. The first business was a proposition to

eliminate the usual "Fourth " during the present great crisis, with the result that a proportion of the funds

which would be saved by an act of self-denial could be placed aside to be devoted to the humanitarian side of

life; in other words, to assist in relieving any distress which must arise from such a great calamity. The

ceremonial work consisted of passing a brother to the Degree of F.C., the work being carried out by the

W.M. and his officers.

A joining member was elected.One pleasant feature of the meeting was a goodly number of visiting brethren,

who are stationed at the military camp. Among the number were some eminent brethren from a military as

well as a Masonic stand-point.An adjournment being made to the refectory, the visitors were most

pronounced in their utterances re the pleasure derived from the visit, one and all contributing to make the

hour a pleasant one. Finally we bade each other adieu, trusting that the G.A.O.T.U. will watch and sustain

them under the unforeseen trials and difficulties which are associated with, and inseparable from, the great

ghastly institution, modern warfare. —[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waimarino, No. 175.—The ordinary monthly meeting was held on the 7th September, the W.M. (W. Bro.

E. Mugridge) being in the chair. The ceremonial consisted of posing two brethren, the ceremony being

performed by the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. A. Revell, the address in the S.E. being given by W. Bro. A.

Revell, the W.Ts. by Bro. J.D., and the Final Charge by Bro. Sec. W. Bro. Revell presented Bro. Vine with

his M.M. diploma. A ballot took place for the officers for the ensuing year, and auditors were appointed for

the same period. H.G.W. were received from a visiting brother. Lodge closed at 10.30 p.m., afterwards

adjourning to the refectory, where W. Bro. T. A. Harris, P.M., on behalf of the W.M., officers, and brethren,

presented Bro. Sec. with a piece of plate on the occasion of his marriage.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The regular monthly meeting was held at Lower Hutt on 9th September, W. Bro. L.

F. Ayson, W.M., presiding. The Lodge was in mourning out of respect to our late W. Bro. the Rev. Joshua

Jones; P.M. Two candidates for initiation were elected, and two other candidates initiated, the W.M. being

assisted by R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin (N.E. Charge), W. Bro. G. Allport, W.M. of Installed Masters' Lodge

(W.Ts.), and W. Bro. H. Hobbs (Final Charge). Bro. E. J. Guiness (S.W.) was elected W.M. for the next

term, and is to be installed on 14th October. W. Bro. E. P. Rishworth, I.P.M. and Bro. J. McLachlan, J.W.,

were elected Auditors. Bro. P. A. Glennie having joined the Expeditionary Force, his dues were remitted

until the return of the force.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.—The regular meeting was held in St. Augustine's Hall on 9th September, V.E. Comp.

Lee presiding. Officers for 1914-15 were duly elected. The balance-sheet was read, which shows the Chapter

to be in a flourishing condition. S.E. read his annual report, in which he hoped companions would not let

their zeal for the Chapter overrun their discretion, that they would one and all continue to support their 1st

Prin. in the future as they had done in the past. W. Bro. N. W. Taylor was advanced to the honourable degree

of M.M. V.E. Comp. Lee obligated, V.E. Comp. McLean gave the Signs, E. Comp. Broadly presented the

W.Ts., M.E. Comp. Page delivered the Final Charge. The ceremony was carried out in an efficient manner.

Comps. Richardson, Judd, Cresswell, W. Smith, Yemm, and Hopkinson were presented with their R.A.

diplomas. Comp. Wait was presented with his R.C. certificate. One of our companions, Comp. G. R.

Hadfield, has joined the forces for the seat of war. We wish our companion will enjoy the best of health, and

return to us in good form. We shall watch the movement of his regiment (No. 10) with much interest. —

[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Timaru, No. 15.—The annual meeting was held on 8th April. Sup. G. Chapter was represented by R.E.

Comp. A. C. Andrews, D.G.Z. , R.E. Comp. C. Flavell, G.Supt. Canterbury, M.E. Comp. Morgan Evans,

G.C., M.E. Comp. F. C. B. Bishop, P.G.D. of C., M.E. Comp. W. M. Duncan, P.G.Soj., V.E. Comp. Alf.

Budd, P.G.D. of C., and V.E. Comp. A. J. Hoskins, P.A.G.St.B. V.E. Comp. Bishop, acting-G.D. of C.,

having announced the G.Supt., he was enthroned and received the honours due, whereupon the R.E.D.G.Z.

and ten other G. Chapter officers were received and saluted. The installation of V.E. Comp. G. J. Wallace

was conducted by the R.E.G.Supt., while E. Comp. Sinclair Sutherland was installed by the R.E.D.G.Z., and

E. Comp. W. J. Sauter by the G.Supt. A Board of Installed Mark Masters was opened by V.E. Comp. W. M.

Hindmarsh, P.W.M.M., and W. Bro. G. J. Wallace installed. Companions being re-admitted, V.E. Comp. G.

J. Wallace was invested, enthroned, and acknowledged Z. of the Timaru Chapter, No. 15, by G.Supt., who

presented the newly-installed 1st Prin. The companions saluted the V.E.Z. V.E. Comp. A. J. Hoskins,

P.A.G.St.B., invested and enthroned E. Comp. S. Sutherland as H., and V.E. Comp. W. J. Souter as J. V.E.

Comp. Hindmarsh invested the officers :—Treas., E. Comp. G. Burns; S.E., V.E. Comp. Alf. Budd, P.G.D.

of C.; S.N., V.E. Comp. M. Evans, G.C. ; 1st Soj., E. Comp. R. Hyman; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. G. D. Shaw; 3rd

Soj., E. Comp. W. D. Nicholl; Janitor, V.E. Comp. Mason. The Charge to the 1st Prin. was given by R.E.

Comp. A. C. Andrews, P.G.Z. ; the charge to the officers by V.E. Comp. C. E. Russel-Rendee, Z. of Rose

and Thistle Chapter; while the Charge to the companions by V.E. Comp. A. J. Jones, Z. Chapter St. John,

1137, E.C. A resolution was carried congratulating the M.E.G.Z. on his having volunteered and been

accepted for service at the front. The following telegram was sent to Lieut.-Colonel Esson, Wellington : —

"Forty companions Timaru installation send to you greetings and congratulations, wishing you God-speed

and a safe and speedy return." The V.E.Z. received congratulations from Sup.G. Chapter, the G.Supt. St.

Augustine No. 1, Albert Edward No. 3, Waimate No. 16, Iwikitea No. 33, Rose and Thistle No. 37, St. John

1137 E.C.; and Arbroath No. 7 I.C. The companions spent. a very pleasant hour in the refectory.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

————

Hinemoa, No. 25.—The regular convocation was held in the Chapter-room, Daniel Street, on the 20th

August. There was a good attendance of officers and members. The business was the exaltation of one

candidate. The V.E. the 1st Prin., Comp. J. P. Shand, conducted the ceremony, which was impressively and

interestingly performed. The investiture was done by the V.E.Z., assisted by E. Comps. H. B. Bridge and J.

Reid, 2nd and 3rd Prins. respectively. V.E. Comp. O. Neilson explained the Ss., which were further

explained by V.E. Comp. A. Thompson. E. Comp. E. Morris presented the W.Ts., and E. Comp. H. B.

Bridge delivered the Final Charge. E. Comp. J. Reid gave the Lecture on the Altar. V.E. Comp. O. Nielson

presented V.E. Comp. A. Thompson with his certificate as E. Chief in the side degrees. The elections were

then proceeded with. The S.E. was instructed to write to M.E. Comp. J. J. Esson, G.Z., who is leaving with

the Expeditionary Force for the front, wishing him God-speed and good luck. Adjournment was then made to

the refectory.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————————

Supplement to “The New Zealand Craftsman”

FAREWELL GATHERING TO WOR. BRO E. R. WILSON, W.M. LODGE MASTERTON WHO JOINS THE

EXPEDITIONARY FORCE AS A MAXIM GUN OFFICER.