A MOST distinguished brother in the Dominion recently expressed the opinion, which will readily be

concurred in, that the people of New Zealand having been immune from the danger of war, and not having

witnessed any of its horrors, even in the transit of wounded men, are unable to appreciate the state of feeling

and high tension which prevails among all classes in Great Britain. And this failure of realisation must be our

excuse for some surprise in connection with a "problem" which is presumed to have arisen in the Old

Country, the authority for which is no less than the "London Freemason." From our contemporary we learn

that a difficulty has arisen as to the position of German and Austrian brethren who are members of English

Lodges. And it says :—

"The case of our German and Austrian brethren in English Lodges is one of those questions where our

loyalty as Masons to our country on the one hand, and our adherence to Craft principles and rules on the

other hand, compel us to become polemical, even against our desires, for it is a saddening subject. There

is quite a variety of opinion, but an easy division can be made into three groups. There are those who call

for the immediate expulsion of alien members. A more moderate measure is suggested whereby such

brethren should be asked by the W.M. to consider themselves under an implied suspension rather than an

actual one, and stand aloof from all Masonic meetings for the time being, their subscriptions of course

being also suspended. The third course is, as before suggested, for all parties to take no notice of

nationality when assembled as Masons. Each of these methods are fraught with difficulties. "

Though we may not have a proper conception of the war feeling in England, we are still somewhat astounded

at the first two suggestions as herein stated. Masonic expulsion is the greatest punishment that can be

inflicted, but before such sentence can be pronounced certain procedure has to be adopted of a judicial

character, which is calculated to safeguard as far as possible the interests of the accused. Imprimis, a specific

charge must be preferred, and be proved up to the hilt. But here we have no suggestion of offence; it is

simply that certain brethren are of a nationality belligerent to Great Britain. That is no crime, and may only

be a misfortune according to the visual line of sight. If the brother who is alien to the country in which he

resides performs any act contrary to the laws of such country, he violates his Masonic obligation, and thereby

the regulations of the Craft, and could properly be impeached, but the transgression would have to be proved,

and ample opportunity must be given the accused to make his defence. Failing offence there is no Masonic

law that would permit expulsion simply because of alienage. A brother in discussing the question in the

"Freemason," refers to German atrocities, which in our opinion is most improper, as there is no suggestion of

any kind that the German members of London Lodges were particeps criminis. The second suggestion

contained in our contemporary's article, that alien brethren should be asked by the W.M. to consider

themselves under an implied suspension and stand aloof from all Masonic meetings, is almost offensive. If

there is one section of any community more than another that should believe in the complete innocence of a

member until guilt is proved, it is the institution of Freemasonry. This is a time when Freemasonry should

rise above nationality, and the brother of foreign extraction whose country is at war with ours, merits our

sympathies, so long as he conforms to Masonic law, which is in itself security against any breach of the law

of the State in which he resides. He is a small minority in his Lodge, occupying a most difficult position,

which should be made as easy as possible for him by the fraternal kindness of the large majority. Our London

contemporary concludes its article as follows :— " What appears to be the wisest course is to give alien

brethren to understand that, as Craftsmen, we acknowledge no change in fraternal feelings, but, as there are

some who would surely find unpleasant thoughts and feelings arising if they met these foreign brethren in

Masonic gatherings, the truly Masonic course is to abstain from attendance, and thus give no cause for regret

or offence. They will readily see the desirability of such precaution."

We regret we must join issue on this point, as we do not agree that there is any "truly Masonic course" in

impelling any worthy brother from enjoying his Masonic privileges indefinitely. It should never be forgotten

that one effect of the present war will be to prove Freemasonry. It is only in the greatest stress that the metal

of the nation, the institution, or the individual is tested. If it rings true, if the refining test is passed, the just

reward will be merited. Freemasonry has ever made a profession of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Now

is the time to put these principles into practice. Brotherly Love will not allow the Masonic death of a brother,

simply for a nation's offence or criminality. Relief is not comprehended in donating pecuniary assistance, but

in the far greater humanitarian work of giving assistance to those afflicted in mind, body, or estate. And Truth

demands that Freemasons must practice those excellent precepts, which they so ardently profess, otherwise

such professions can only be characterised as sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. And the man outside the

pale of the Craft may have just cause for his belief that Freemasonry has been weighed in the balance and

found wanting.

———————

THE G.L. of France has written to the G.L. of New Zealand pointing out the misery and suffering entailed by

the war; stating it had decided to open (a) an ambulance for the wounded, without distinction of nationality

or religion, (b) a service of free meals, and (c) a service of domestic help for sick women; and appealing for

financial assistance. It was resolved by the Board to vote the sum of 100 from the General Fund, subject to

the G.Reg. being satisfied that such a vote was legal, and that the M.W.G.M. confirmed the vote.

———————

THE SILVER JUBILEE OF THE G.L. OF NEW ZEALAND.

———<>———

On the 29th April, 1891, the first communication of the G.L. of New Zealand was held in Christchurch. At

that meeting the officers were elected, all necessary business was transacted, and on the following evening

the G.M., the late M.W. Bro. Henry Thomson, was installed and his officers were invested. The meeting was

attended by some 300 brethren, representative of the whole of the then "colony," and marked a distinct epoch

in the history of Freemasonry in New Zealand. Of the 92 Lodges that had six months earlier given their

adhesion to the new order of things by signing the declaration of allegiance, only 34 were represented at the

official opening. The fact that considerable delay had occurred in bringing G.L. into actual existence, after

the meetings of the General Conference held in September of the previous year, was largely responsible, but

it is satisfactory to note that later there were few depletions, and only some three Lodges ultimately

repudiated the declaration. It is not the intention of the writer to refer at this time to the history of the

movement, as possibly a few months later the time and purpose will be more opportune. Perhaps the saddest

reflection we have is in the fact that of the first officers elected by G.L. some twenty-five have passed to the

Great Beyond, including two distinguished brethren who were pillars of the movement, but whose names are

not even a memory to the great majority of the members of to-day. Need we say that we refer to M.W. Bro.

E. T. Gillen, one of the prime movers in the movement, and to the first G.M., the late M.W. Bro. Henry

Thomson, each of whom had devoted a life's service to Freemasonry, and their last thoughts were for its

future welfare. On the 12th of May next G.L. will be called upon to celebrate in some form the Silver Jubilee,

and it will devolve upon the government of the Craft to suggest a suitable form of commemoration, not of an

evanescent character, but something that will live as a monument of good, when the present generation has

passed away, and like its predecessors has ceased to be remembered. The M.W.G.M. has, we believe, given

some thought to the matter, and may probably be prepared to suggest a means of fittingly signalising the

occasion. In a subsequent issue we hope to be able shortly to review the rise and progress of G.L.

———————

AN EXPLANATION.

———<>———

The twenty-sixth annual communication of the G.L. of New Zealand will be held in the city of Wellington on

the 12th and 13th May next, and the Lodges throughout the district will have the opportunity of returning in

some measure the hospitality they have received in other parts of the Dominion in years past. A preliminary

meeting has been held, and the various committees in connection with the plan of organisation have been set

up. A word of explanation as to the precedure now generally adopted may be in season, seeing that some

little exception has been taken to the proposals made in the present instance. In the earlier history of G.L.,

and, indeed, as late as 1905, it was the custom for each city or town where G.L. met to be responsible for all

social functions in connection with the gathering. In the year named the meeting was held in Palmerston

North, and the whole cost had to be shouldered by the only Lodge in existence in that town, and the call was

nobly responded to. But after that experience a scheme was adopted, which has been in practice ever since,

viz., that each Lodge in the district should be asked to contribute a quota towards the entertainment of the

governing body, which plan has been found to work very well, as it has been generally recognised that the

honour is to the whole district, not to the particular city or town in which it is actually held. While it is

doubtless very nice for any place to be selected wherein to hold the Parliament of the Craft, yet it must not be

forgotten that each year increases the responsibility, the work, and the cost; and further, it is now becoming

almost impossible to hold the annual meetings in the smaller centres of population, owing to the large

accommodation required both for the meeting and lodgment of brethren. On this occasion the action taken by

the brethren of Wellington city has a precedent in every other district. It may further be observed that there is

no compulsion in the matter, consequently if any Lodge wishes to record its opposition, there is no reason

why it should not be done in a courteous and Masonic manner. When in May last G.L. decided to hold its

next meeting in the Wellington district, we expressed the hope that either Napier, New Plymouth, or

Wanganui should be accorded the honour, as three years hence the Capital City must be selected, as change

of office will then be made to Wellington, and a G.M. from the Wellington division of the Dominion will be

installed. And we still think that it is a matter of regret that the course indicated could not have been

followed, as it would have given what may be proved to be a last chance to one of the other towns in the

Wellington division of the Dominion to have had the meeting of the Parliament of the Craft in its midst.

———————

RETURN OF M.W. Bro. M. NICCOL, G.Sec., G.L. OF NEW ZEALAND.

———<>———

It was with the greatest pleasure we had the opportunity of welcoming M.W. Bro. Niccol on his return to

New Zealand on the 15th December, after a six months' holiday, which included a tour of Great Britain. Our

genial brother was looking remarkably well after his somewhat varied experience. Shortly after his arrival in

England war was declared, and the country resembled an armed camp, soldiers, soldiers everywhere, and

excitement reigned supreme. Bro. Niccol visited the G.Ls. of England and Scotland, and was received in the

most enthusiastic manner on both occasions. In both bodies Masonic business was entirely subsidiary to

patriotism. Our distinguished brother was unfortunate in suffering from indisposition, which rendered a

retreat to Bournemouth for a month indispensable. All his plans were laid for a trip through the Continent,

finally making Naples his port of departure, but the dogs of war upset the plan. The outward trip to Sydney

was made under most unfavourable circumstances. The ship being small and an old one, was entirely

unequal to the demands made upon it. Though the change has been most beneficial from a health point of

view, we are sure our brother is quite pleased to be home again, and will fully appreciate the quietude of New

Zealand after the period of excitement and strain he has passed through during. his sojourn in England. We

are sure all the brethren will join with the CRAFTSMAN in offering a most hearty welcome to Bro. and Mrs.

Niccol on their return to the Dominion of New Zealand.

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

News and Notes.

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

LODGE UNITED SERVICE, No. 10, has conferred the honour of life membership upon R.W. Bro. T. W. Allen

and Bro. Neumegen, who respectively held the offices of Sec. and Treas. of the Lodge for nearly thirty years,

and who relinquished active office a few months ago.

AT Lodge St. Andrew's annual meeting the retiring Master, W. Bro. Nielsen was the recipient of a very

handsomely chased and engraved jewel presented on behalf of his fellow-members. At the banquet

proceedings subsequently a P.M. paid of this brother that if he indicated a wish to see a couple of hundred

bricks transported to the top of a particular sky-scraper, nothing would be said, but one could depend that

those bricks would be there in due course neatly stacked; he had the knack. (The brother referred to has been

wondering since if he rests under a subtle accusation of indulging the "tired feeling.")

THE installation meeting of Lodge St. Andrew, held on its patron-saint's day, was very successful from all

points of view, and indicated careful preparation. The Lodge has emerged from a very prosperous year and

can look forward with confidence.

THE brethren generally will be sorry to hear that R.W. Bro. D. A. Jolly, P.G.S.W., is at present an inmate of a

private hospital in Auckland. It is to be hoped that news will soon be received of his being on the road to

convalescence.

R.W. BRO. E. P. LEE, D.G.M., has been elected to the Parliament of New Zealand as the member for Oamaru,

and R.W. Bro. R. Fletcher, P.D.G.M., as member for Wellington Central. We congratulate both brethren on

their success.

THE G.L. of South Australia is about to erect a temple in Adelaide, and in laying the corner-stone proposes to

have a setting maul composed of wood from all quarters of the world, for which purpose it has asked

contributions from all its correspondents.

WE learn that M.W. Bro. C. J. Griffiths, P.G.M., is living in London, where he has a number of relatives, and

that he is not likely to return to New Zealand for some considerable time, if at all.

THE M.W.G.M., Bro. J. J. Dougall, had a most successful tour in the Auckland District last month, and, as

might have been expected, received a very hearty welcome from the brethren.

AT the nomination of officers in the Masters' Lodge, 161 (Dunedin), the only nominee for the position of

W.M. was W. Bro. D. Hanis Hastings. W. Bro. T. Gallagher, who as Sec. has been the mainstay of the Lodge

for some years, desires to be relieved of this arduous office, and takes the position of J.W., his successor

being W. Bro. C. L. W. Lischner, who should make an admirable Scribe.

WE regret to learn that the genial G.Sec. of New South Wales, V.W. Bro. A. H. Bray, has had to undergo a.

serious operation, but are pleased to hear from latest advices he is slowly recovering.

THE R.A. Masons in New South Wales under the allegiance of the G. Chapter of Scotland are soliciting

authority to a referendum of the members, with reference to amalgamating with the Sup.G. Chapter of New

South Wales.

AT its November meeting the B. of G.P. of the G.L. of New Zealand adopted the following resolution :—"

That the R.W. Prov.G.M. of the Auckland District be requested to report on the advisability or otherwise of

dividing the Auckland district, at his earliest convenience."

CAPTAIN MUNRO, of the 2nd (Queen Alexandra) Mounted Rifles, and an officer of the. Wanganui Stock

Department, who has volunteered for the front, was on Saturday evening farewelled by a large gathering of

the Masonic fraternity, and presented with a fine pair of prismatic binoculars as a token of their esteem.

Captain Munro has gone into camp at Trentham.

THE Masonic orchestra attached to Lodge St. Andrew, Wellington, has earned great popularity, and is in

much request. We understand that its members contemplate a concert, the proceeds of which will be devoted

to the G.L. of New Zealand War Relief Fund.

THE G.L. of Pennsylvania is, without doubt, the wealthiest of the G. jurisdictions. Its assets to-day are from

ten to twenty million dollars. Just now it is nursing a trust fund, which will mature in a couple of years and

net two and a half million dollars. This fund is to be used for the establishment of a vocational school for

boys. This is certainly a most noble work, and illustrates the practical side of the Fraternity.

THE personal friendship which was a feature of the college days of the late King Edward and the Right Hon.

Thomas F. Halsey, Dep.G.M., is recalled by the announcement made during the present week that the son of

the Dep.G.M. has been appointed aide-de-camp to His Majesty the king. Bro. Captain Lionel Halsey, under

his new appointment, succeeds Rear-Admiral Morgan Singer, who ceases to hold office by reason of his

promotion. Bro. Captain Halsey was the first captain of the battle-cruiser "New Zealand," which recorded its

first achievement off Heligoland Bight. The captain's own first achievement was as a lieutenant of the

"Powerful," when he was in charge of that vessel's famous 4.7-inch gun during the siege of Ladysmith. —

"The Freemason," London.

THE annual convocation of the Sup.GR.A. Chapter of New Zealand will be held in Christchurch on the 3rd

February next. The only question of importance for consideration will be the action of the G. Chapter of

Scotland with regard to recognition.

W. BRO. R. B. B. WILLIS, P.G.D., and formerly Dep.G.Supt. of Auckland, was installed as W.M. of Lodge

Progress, Southbridge, last month. It speaks volumes for Bro. Willis's interest in the Craft, that after having

borne the heat and burden of the day in another part of the Dominion, as a ruler in the Craft, he is ready to

respond to the call of his brethren and take up the gavel for a further term.

THE G.M. of Maine ruled that Lodge funds are held by the Lodge in trust for the purposes of relief, and the

usual and necessary ordinary expenses of the Lodge, and could not properly be appropriated for the purchase

of a P.M.'s jewel for a retiring Master.

IT is somewhat singular that in February of next year there is no full moon, which will confuse the date of

meetings of moon Lodges under a strict reading.

LODGE WATERLOO has 355 shares in the Freemasons' Hall Co. and 5 in the Masonic Newspaper Co. We

believe the Treas. would be a happier man if these positions were reversed.

LODGE TIITANEKAI has eight brethren serving their King and Country in Samoa and Egypt, and others on the

way to the front.

———————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

———<>———

The installation meeting of Lodge Taringatura was a pronounced success. The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Wm.

Timpany, conducted the ceremony. Eighteen brethren were present from Invercargill, several of whom

assisted in the ceremony. The attendance totalled 65, including 20 P.Ms. At the after meeting light

refreshments were substituted in lieu of the annual banquet. The War Fund of G.L. will benefit by some £20

by this one effect alone.

It is interesting to learn that Lodge Fortitude contains two veteran choir singers, W. Bro. E. Johnson having a

continuous record of 57 years, and W. Bro. E. Parker of 50 years. Quite recently Bro. Parker was presented

with a handsomely-mounted walking stick to commemorate his jubilee as a chorister.

W. Bro. A. Jolly was present by special invitation at last regular meeting of St. John's Lodge. His discourse at

the after meeting was particularly appropriate and admirably delivered. If the instruction so eloquently

imparted to the newly-raised brethren and, incidentally, to the members of the Craft present, be retained in

their memories and be acted upon through life, W. Bro. Jolly will have done much to serve Freemasonry

during his brief but busy visit to Southland.

On the 16th inst. Southern Cross Lodge (20 strong) paid a visit to Lodge Harvey, and worked the Third

Degree. The meeting passed off happily, and the visitors were afterwards entertained in true Masonic style.

R.W. Bro. Wm. Timpany, Prov.G.M., was present, and contributed in no small degree to the pleasure of the

meeting.

———————

AUCKLAND NOTES.

———<>———

The annual meeting of Lodge Maungawhao, No. 168, was conducted by M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson,

Prov.G.M., who installed Bro. C. Hudson as W.M. There was as usual a large and representative gathering of

Auckland brethren upon the occasion. The W.Ts. in the three degrees were presented by W. Bro. W.

Bridgman (W.M. Lodge St. Andrew, No. 8), W. Bro. W. Coltman (W.M. Lodge Albion, No. 45), and W. Bro.

W. R. Leighton (W.M. Lodge Waitakerei, No. 170). The address to the W.M. was delivered by R.W. Bro. F.

Kearsley, P.D.G.M., and that to the Wardens by R.W. Bro. J. Catchpole, S.G.W., while R.W. Bro. G. Barclay,

P.S.G.W., gave the address to the brethren. The presiding officers were W. Bro. Endean (W.M. of Ara Lodge,

No. 1), and W. Bro. Arnold (W.M. of Lodge Auckland, No. 87).

* * * *

The visit made by the G.M. to the Waikato and to Te Aroha was much appreciated by the local brethren. At

both places the meetings were well attended, and the address given by the G.M. attentively listened to. The

G.M. was accompanied on his tour by R.W. Bros. Powley and Catchpole.

* * * *

The three Lodges at the Thames are now arranging for the formation of a United Board of Inquiry for that

town and district.

* * * *

Amongst the visitors at the November meeting of the Auckland Provincial Chapter, No. 9, was R.E. Comp.

Porritt. The G.Supt. (R.E. Comp. Kearsley), in a few well-chosen words, conveyed a welcome to the

distinguished companion, who expressed his appreciation of the reception given him.

* * * *

The new W.M. of Lodge Franklin, No. 58 (Pukekohe) is W. Bro. M. McIntyre, who was recently installed

into the chair by the Prov.G.M.

* * * *

The annual meeting of Lodge Alexandra, No. 1188, E.C. took place at Pirongia on 2nd December. W. Bro. C.

Jenkins, Dist. Pres. B. of G.P. acted as Installing Master, and placed Bro. S. H. West in the Chair, Bros. H.

Fear and H. Burchell being subsequently invested as Wardens. The presentation of the W.Ts. was arranged as

follows :—W. Bro. Lewis (Alpha), W. Bro. Bishop (Waipa), and W. Bro. Camaron (Tawhiri). W. Bro.

Wiseman, D.G.Treas., addressed the Master and Wardens, and W. Bro. Jenkins delivered the address to the

brethren.

* * * *

A very pleasing feature at the annual meeting of the United Masters' Lodge, No. 167, was the recognition of

services rendered to the Craft by W. Bro. Josiah Martin, I.P.Ms of the Lodge. M.W. Bro. Nicholson, on

behalf of the members, asked Bro. Martin's acceptance of a purse of sovereigns, and in doing so referred to

that brother's eminent services as a Masonic lecturer and student during a period extending over many years.

Bro. Martin, who is now in failing health, briefly but feelingly acknowledged the presentation.

* * * *

Lodge Takapuna, No. 202, has received an excellent start. The brethren have been lavish in the matter of

presentations, and the greater part of the furniture, etc., has come to the new Lodge in the form of gifts. The

Lodge opens with 40 members, which number will no doubt be quickly increased.

* * * *

During the visit of the G.M. to the Waikato, the brethren of Lodge Tawhiri at Frankton Junction, had the

privilege of receiving an informal visit from M.W. Bro. Bengall during the afternoon. The G.M. was shown

over the Lodgeroom and entertained by the local brethren.

* * * *

As an evidence of the interest which some country brethren take in their Lodges, it is worthy of mention that

one of the members of Lodge Nau Mai (Taumarunui), who lives in the rough and rugged country lying

between the Stratford-Whangamomona, railway and the Main Trunk, rode a distance of 70 miles on

horseback in order to be present at the annual meeting of his Lodge.

* * * *

W. Bro. H. L. Wade, the retiring W.M. of Lodge Maungawhao, No. 165, was the recipient of a fine jewel

from the members of the Lodge upon his vacation of the chair.

* * * *

The collection in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund which was made at the annual meeting of Lodge

Maungawhao, although perhaps not equalling some of the Lodge's previous efforts, was a very handsome

contribution, especially when the state of business at the present time is remembered. The sum of £54 8s.

was obtained.

* * * *

The W.M. of Lodge Waitakerei (W. Bro. Leighton) went to no end of trouble in his efforts to make the

opening of the new hall a success, and it must have been gratifying to him to see the excellent response to his

invitation. It is owing very largely to this W. brother's initiative that the hall proposal has been brought to a

successful issue.

* * * *

The annual communication of the District G.L. of Auckland E.C. was held on 1st December, and was

presided over by R.W. Bro. A. S. Bankart, D.G.M. The list of officers was follows :—D.G.M., Bro. A. S.

Bankart; D.D.G.M., Bro. W. S. Furby; D.S.G.W., Bro. N. Newcombe; D.P.G.W., Bro. Dr. G. Lapraik; D.G.

Chaplain, Bro. Rev. W. E. Connolly; D. G. Chaplain, Bro. Rev. T. O'Callaghan, D.D.; D.G.Treas., Bro J. F.

Colegrove; D.G.Reg., Bro. G. M. Newton; Pres.B. of G.P., Bro. C. H. Jenkins; Pres.B. of B., Bro. F. L.

Armitage) ; D.G.Sec., Bro. W. W. Daw; D.G.S.D., Bro. J. W. Proud ; D.G.J.D., Bro. E. D. Smith; P.D.G.S.D.

(past rank), Bro. T. H. Wilson; D.G.Supt. of W. Bro. D. W. Jack; P.D.G.Supt. of W. (past rank), Bro. E.

Hartshorne; D.G.D. of C., Bro. A. S. C. Brown; Asst. D.G.D. of C., Bro. C. F. Miller; D.G. Sd.B., Bro. G. E.

Harnett; D.G.St.B., Bro. J. Hare; D. G. St.B., Bro. E. J Wilkins ; D.G. Organist, Bro. R. Leslie Hunt ;

D.G.Purs., Bro. J. J. Kirkbride; Asst. D.G.Purs., Bro. J. F. Kelly; D.G. Tyler, Bro. T. M. Green; D.G. Stewards,

Bros. T. Linton, T. McFarlane, B. L. Catt, F. E. F. Weir, G. W. Sim, G. H. Wansbone.

* * * *

At the termination of his Auckland visit the G.M. journeyed to Gisborne, where a special meeting of the

Abercorn Lodge was held, at which the Gisborne brethren were present in large numbers, and at which the

distinguished brother was welcomed.

* * * *

At the installation meeting of Lodge Alexandra, No. 1188, E.G. (Pirongia), W. Bro. F. D. Wood, P.M. of the

Lodge, received from the brethren a P.M's. jewel in recognition of his services, rendered in many and varied

capacities to the Lodge.

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

THE INITIATE AND HIS LODGE.

———<>———

(A Paper read in Robert Burns Lodge, No. 139, by W. BRO.

R. W. BRIGHTLING, D. of C., 17th November, 1914.)

(Note.—The P.Ms. of Robert Burns Lodge have formed themselves into a committee to deliver monthly

papers on various subjects to the Lodge, this ensuring the P.Ms. being in intimate touch with the Lodge, as

well as affording instruction to the younger brethren.)

As the years roll along competition in every department of life becomes more keen. This is said to be due to

the revival of learning, and as students of social life it is right and proper that we should understand the

character of the forces producing it. The first part of our First Lecture asserts that learning was limited to the

few, who took good care to conceal it and confine the functions of society to their grasp. No wonder, then,

that small progress was made. In our day the process of education is the one means of keeping abreast of the

advanced; the spirit of enquiry must be cultivated. No process of education is controlled by religious

societies or convocations; every branch of learning is now untrammelled. Thus education has become the

great field of activity among all people. The position which the Masonic body holds is a high one, and

unquestionably it possesses great influence in swaying opinions—social, political, and so forth. It must, then,

be apparent to those who pride themselves on association with the Order that every effort should be made to

afford assistance and instruction to those admitted into it. Indifference to the instruction of the young of a

community is admitted to be prejudicial to the interest of the State. Is not such a like neglect of the

development of Masonic knowledge among our members contributing to the attendance at our meetings

almost solely to be amused? The common cry in reference to present-day sports is that there is a predilection

for watching instead of participation in the games. The advantages resulting from a reasonable participation

in manly games, particularly with those whose occupations do not embrace the development of physical

strength, can scarcely be over-estimated. It is that branch of learning which prepares a nation for its

protection, or even existence, and when a Lodge fails in its duty to afford instruction to its initiates it may

proportionately expect to receive resignations. There are hundreds of resignations in the Craft every year, and

like numbers are holding to membership and paying subscriptions on demand without being known, except

perhaps to some senior member. At the same time, and apart from contributing instruction as they ought to be

capable of doing, their attendance and association would assist the Order in its many deliberations in arriving

at a sound and definite good to the body as a whole. One .cannot visit without being an observer, and too

often observations are so unfavourable, and lack of knowledge so conspicuous and astounding, that in such

company good fellowship is out of the question.

The problem whether the initiate's position in the Order is favourable to his view or anticipations is of

consequence. The force of early impressions is widely acknowledged, and the ceremony of installing a

Master as ruler is periodically announced as a new idea. We should unquestionably capture the attention of

the initiate—rivet it, so to speak, to his state—and cause him to feel that the labour he has entered upon and

the company he has joined are alike profitable. Should the value of first impressions be assessed as

advantageous by the candidate at the time of his entrance into the Lodge, how much more to be appraised is

the association of gentlemen that sustain them ! Herein the qualifications of the candidate present

themselves. How is it possible that moral or mechanical instruction can be sustained or made attractive with

absence of fitness to receive or maturity of intellect to guide.

The Ancient Charges at makings proclaim that "he that be made be able in all degrees," and so forth. If a

rigid adherence to that decree were observed we would prove that we are solicitous to exclude from the

Fraternity all likely to become burdensome rather than useful, and have the happiness of communicating the

knowledge we possess to those only who are anxious to receive and profit by it.

The source whereby an initiate may obtain instruction of the right quality is not so much in the Instruction

Lodge, useful as it may be, as in the example of those surrounding him. In this respect it must be admitted

that those at the head are too ready to shield rather than admonish a transgressor into a career more to his,

and the Craft's credit. Often is the event for a Master, or by his mouthpiece, to admonish the initiate on the

chastening influence of temperance : "Let temperance chasten you ;" and yet within an hour the whole

company may be called upon to hearken to a song or anecdote, quite out of keeping with such candidates'

sentiments. Melody with the best of singers soon perishes, and a candidate present, with great hopes and

future resolves, feels that he is scandalised, inasmuch as he perceives the few conspicuous in the meeting by

their rank or office have lamentably failed to support the responsibilities of their position.

Few initiates are aware that they are members of the B.A. Lodge, and as such they have the right to be

present, and the right to be present carries with it the right to be instructed. Just for a moment consider a

condition upon which a man may be accepted for Freemasonry. He petitions for admission, and in the request

he says that he has a general desire for knowledge. Without that declaration, which he made in a solemn

manner, he could not have accepted. It may be taken for granted that that which is required on the one hand

in duty bound should be accorded on the other.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———————

MANY MASONS DO NOT UNDERSTAND MASONRY.

———<>———

Evidences that many Masons do not understand Masonry are seen and heard every day. Brethren are

continually suggesting that the fraternity should do this and stop that, without knowing that the ideas that

they advance are directly opposed to the aims and objects of our institution.

The cause of all the confusion is ignorance, the force to which Masonry is irrevocably opposed. While

receiving the three degrees, the candidate has placed before him an outline of what Masonry is, and he is

admonished to apply himself to the study of the subject. Unfortunately, however, a very small per cent. of

those who receive the degrees attempt further education in Masonry after being enrolled as members.

Sometimes Masons will awaken to the necessity for knowledge, perhaps, and devote more time to learning

the lessons of life and less to adding of membership.

Our fraternity is made up largely of men who are so busy with material things as to think they have no time

for spiritual and moral development, a condition which is contrary to the fundamental basis of the institution.

The real purpose of Masonry is to develop the spiritual part of man, and efforts to satisfy his physical wants

are of secondary importance.

Our institution claims to bring men to light but fails in many of its attempts, because the Masonic meaning of

light is misunderstood often by those who are trying to teach.—"Orphans' Friend."

———————

IN REMEMBRANCE.

———<>———

" A LIFE WELL SPENT IN ACTS OF PIETY AND VIRTUE."

————

Freemasonry in general and the English Craft in particular has suffered almost irreparable loss by the death

of W. Bro. J. T. Lawrence, a Masonic writer of deserved repute, and whose fame is world wide. As the justly

popular vicar of a large parish, it speaks volumes for the late Bro. Lawrence's capacity for work that he was

enabled to devote so much time to literary work and the active practice of Freemasonry. As a Masonic writer

he achieved the exceptional distinction of being thoroughly understood. He made no pretence to being highly

scientific or deeply mystical, yet there was not a line in all his works that did not convey instruction and

appeal to the understanding of the youngest neophyte in Freemasonry. It was our privilege and pleasure to

comply with a request to review many of his books, and in one instance we suggested that the G.L. of N.Z.

would incur a wise expenditure in placing this copy in the hands of W.Ms. of all its Lodges, and though the

advice was not accepted by G.L., we believe we are correct in saying that the Prov.G.L. of Canterbury did

circulate this book to all the Lodges within the province.

In the appreciative notice of Bro. Lawrence's career, published by the "London Freemason" and reprinted in

this issue, we are not at all surprised to learn that our dear brother held a deep hold on the sympathetic

affections of the Brotherhood. A keen, observer, a reader of men, and broad-minded in all his views, it is

little wonder he was so deeply beloved in his own immediate sphere of action. Two years ago we received

the following letter from him,-which is characteristic of his kindly disposition :—

St. Peter's Vicarage,

Accrington, 8th January, 1913.

Dear Brother,—May I thank you very warmly for your kind review of " Masonic Jurisprudence " in your

issue, 2nd December. It is very cheering. I always enjoy reading the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, from the days

when as a hard-up editor in Madras I used to look forward to its regular arrival to supply me with ideas

and material for my own journal. It is a thing upon which to be congratulated that your journal should

have gone on for so many years practically in unaltered form. I seem to recognise the very type on the

outer cover. With best New Year's wishes from—

Yours fraternally„

JOHN T. LAWRENCE.

May we with all reverence be permitted to say, in requiem : " Soft and safe to thee, my brother, be thy earthly

bed; bright and glorious be thy rising from it. Fragrant be the acacia sprig that there shall flourish ; and in the

bright morning of the world's resurrection may your soul awake to newness of life and expand in immortal

beauty in realms beyond the sky. Until then, dear brother, Farewell.

———————

MASONS ENGAGED IN WAR.

———<>———

The great war in Europe, so generally deplored, is the more regrettable by Masons because of the fact so

many of the brethren of the fraternity are engaged in it, in one or the other of the contending armies. The

"Masonic Standard" gives some interesting information, which we take the liberty of giving our readers, as

follows :-

The Emperor of Austria is the most Catholic of monarchs, and gives no countenance to Masonry in his

dominions. But it exists there under cover, and Hungary has a G.L. which has long been in fraternal relations

with the G.L. of New York.

In Servia Scottish Rite Masonry has recently obtained a footing, and when peace is restored our fraternity

will doubtless find a fallow field in that country. We are informed that Servian Masons maintain an

orphanage where no less than 2,600 orphans have been trained for their life work. With half of Europe

engaged in making orphans, this charity will have a growing importance.

In Russia Masonic Lodges were closed in 1822, for political reasons, and the order is still in force. The

Freemasons of Russia are not permitted to organise openly.

From England our Masonry is derived, and our Masonic relations with the Mother Country are most cordial,

as also with Belgium, Holland, and Italy. In France Masonry has been a great power for progress and liberty,

and although we are not in fraternal relations with the French Masons, we cannot fail to recognise the value.

of French Masonic influence in the peculiar conditions which prevail in the country.

German Masonry stands very high in our estimation. The German brethren are philosophers, and give to their

Masonry a dignity and seriousness which we well might imitate. Masonry in Germany is more exclusive than

in this country, and devotes its energies largely to the promotion of education and works of philanthropy.

One of the most distressing features of the war is that it disturbs temporarily the entente cordiale which has

existed between English and German Masons, and which received a great impetus last year by the visit of

Lord Ampthill, Pro-G.M. of the G.L. of England, together with a delegation of associate officers, to the

German G.Ls. at Berlin. The visitors were most hospitably received and entertained, and Lord Ampthill was

elected an honorary member of several of the G.Ls. On a number of occasions he responded to the addresses

of welcome in German, and of course, everybody concerned swore eternal friendship.

The loyalty of the German Masons to the Kaiser was abundantly shown last year at the various festival

communications held in celebration of his birthday and the twenty-fifth anniversary of his reign. Of touching

significance is the following, from the oration of G. Orator Adler, at the joint Festloge held in Berlin on 27th

January, 1913 :-

"The celebration of this festival fills our hearts with thanks, that we live in peace, feeling assured that

wise counsel guides our destiny and leads us to enjoy happiness and contentment and permits the full

enjoyment of our pleasure. In celebrating the day of rejoicing, at this time, we are recalling the struggles

and tribulations that our forefathers suffered in freeing themselves from foreign oppressors, and the

occurrences of those days are never to be forgotten, but have been indelibly recorded in the tablets of

history. Who can remember the year of 1813 without feeling in his heart the reaction of that great, holy,

and pure movement of our people, which was so extraordinary in history."

Masonry is for peace, but Masons are patriots, and respond with alacrity when their country calls to arms.

Ours were a querile society indeed if we could but cry "Peace ! Peace ! when there is no peace." The Masons

in the countries at war will perform their full duty as patriots, and will do what they may to mitigate the

horrors of the strife.

Let us hope that the entente cordiale so rudely interrupted may be restored at the earliest possible moment,

and that the animosities engendered by war may give way to feelings of amity and good will under the

influence of Masonic precept and practice.—'`The Tyler Keystone."

———————

VISIT OF THE M.W.G.M. TO AUCKLAND.

———<>———

The announcement that the G.M. would visit Auckland during November and would take part in several

Masonic functions roused a considerable amount of interest amongst the local brethren.

The ceremony of constituting and dedicating Lodge Takapuna, No. 202, which was carried out by the G.M.,

is fully reported elsewhere. This was the cause of a very fine gathering of the Craft, there being a numerous

representation of all the Constitutions.

Following the meeting at Takapuna, M.W. Bro. Dougall visited Te Aroha and Hamilton, and attended

meetings at both places, subsequently returning to Auckland.

It had been arranged by the M.W. Prov.G.M. (Bro. Oliver Nicholson) that the G.M. would meet the Auckland

brethren at the annual meeting of the United Masters' Lodge, No. 167, on Friday, 27th November, and

consequently the attendance of the brethren was such as to easily constitute a record for that Lodge. The

Prov.G.M. was first received and saluted, and assumed the chair for the purpose of receiving the G.M. and

officers of G.L. M.W. Bro. Dougall was accompanied by a large representation of present and past G.L.

officers, amongst the number being R.W. Bros. Powley, Wetherilt, McLean, and Kearsley, P.D.G.M. ; R.W.

Bro. Allen, P.Prov.G.M. ; R.W. Bro. Catchpole, S.G.W.; R.W. Bro. Rhodes, P.G.W. After being welcomed and

saluted, the G.M. assumed the chair for the purpose of conducting the ceremony of installation. The D. of C.

announced the re-election of R.W. Bro. George Barclay as W.M. of the Lodge, and the Installing Master then

directed W. Bro. C. J. Schnauer (W.M., Lodge Ara, No. 348, I.C.), W. Bro. W. Coltman (W.M., Albion, No.

45), W. Bro. W. P. Endean (W.M., Ara Lodge, No. 1), and W. Bro. W. J. Arnold (Lodge Auckland, No. 87) to

withdraw for the purpose of introducing the W.M.-elect. R.W. Bro. Barclay was announced by the D. of C.,

received and presented by the Installing Master, by whom he was duly placed in the chair. The following

officers were then invested :—S.W., W. Bro. D. B. Wallace; J.W., W. Bro. M. Copeland; Sec., V.W. Bro. G.

A. Gribbin; Treas., V.W. Bro. E. R. Piggott; D. of C., W. Bro, M. Blair; Organist, W. Bro. A. C. Harrison;

S.D., W. Bro. J. Morran ; J.D., W. Bro. T. Leighton; I.G., W. Bro. T. A. Foweraker ; S.S., W. Bro. J. C.

Spinley; J.S., W. Bro. H. Willis. An interesting address upon the Masonic education of our brethren was

delivered by the W.M. The G.M. addressed those present. His remarks, which were eloquent and inspiring,

were listened to attentively by all the brethren. At the termination of the meeting the brethren were

entertained in the lower hall. The toasts honoured were those of the M.W.G.M. and the W.M. An attractive

musical programme was provided.

———————

THE THREE DEGREES.

———<>———

A few years ago a very vigorous controversy took place in the Quatuor Coronati Lodge, in which the eminent

authorities of that Lodge were ranged on opposite sides. The questions involved related to the history of the

three degrees of pure and ancient Freemasonry. When I say that such well-known authorities as the late Bro.

Hughan and Bro. Gould, the historian, took diametrically opposite views, it will be seen that the contest was

one of intellectual giants. Several lengthy papers were read, and on each a long and interesting discussion

took place.

There were two main questions discussed—one, whether before the era of G.Ls., namely, the year 1717, there

were any degrees at all (i.e., whether there was only one ceremony), the other whether at the time of the

publication of the first edition of the Constitutions in 1723 there was in existence and recognised three

degrees of Freemasonry.

The first important paper was read by Bro. Hughan (A.Q.C., x., 127), and he put forward the following

views. In the first place, he held that there were no degrees of Freemasonry before the G.L. era; that there

was only one esoteric ceremony on the admission or making of Masons. He was careful to define what he

meant by a degree. He did not deny that there were at any rate in early times different grades of Masons; but

he stipulated that to constitute a higher degree there must be an esoteric or secret ceremony, at which

Freemasons of a lower grade were not permitted to be present. He held that no evidence of such a ceremony

existed, and that what evidence existed was against it. No minutes of English Lodges exist before 1700. The

evidence as to the practice of English Lodges is therefore very meagre. The old manuscript Charges or

Constitutions—from the ancient Regius or Halliwell manuscript in the British Museum—contain no

reference to degrees. Elias Ashmole's entry in his diary in 1646 simply states that he was made a Freemason,

and the entry in 1682 records his presence at Masons' Hall, London, when six gentlemen "were admitted into

the fellowship of Freemasons," and he refers to them as "the new accepted Masons," and terms himself "the

senior Fellow " among those present. The other few references to Freemasonry in the seventeenth century

contain no suggestion of degrees. Bro. Hughan referred also to the minutes of two Lodges in the eighteenth

century prior to 1717, and can find no reference in them to degrees. He held that these facts showed that

there was but one esoteric ceremony before 1717, and that there were no higher secrets than those

communicated to the initiate. He did not discuss the nature of the esoteric ceremony, but he was plainly of

opinion that the whole contents of our Third Degree at least were the creation of a period subsequent to 1717.

On the other question Bro. Hughan was equally positive. He held that although in 1717 there were no

degrees in Freemasonry, in 1723, when the first Book of Constitutions was issued, the three degrees were

known and practised; but he considered that the Third Degree, being then quite new, was little thought of,

and was by no means considered an essential for the holding of high Masonic rank. He mainly relied on the

Book of Constitutions itself. Referring to G.L. it was enacted :— " Apprentices must be admitted Masters and

F.C. only here unless by dispensation."

There is no doubt that this looks like a plain reference to three degrees. The Constitutions, however, contain

no other reference to Masters, save where referring to a Master of a Lodge ; and the requirement of

candidates for office, including that of even G.M. itself, was merely that the brother must be a F.C.

Both the contentions above set out were strongly contested by other eminent brethren. The main assault was

made by the late Bro. Speth, the Sec. of the Lodge, who read a remarkable paper in the following year

(A.Q.C., xi., 47).

Bro. Speth argued that from the earliest records of Operative Freemasonry there were two degrees—that is,

two sets of secrets, the one communicated to the Apprentice, the other communicated to him after he had

served his apprenticeship and was admitted a Master of the Craft. His arguments were based first on

probability. The old manuscript Constitutions showed a ceremony and secrets communicated to the

Apprentice at the time of his acceptance or initiation, and he contended that there must have been additional

methods of recognition communicated to the finished Craftsman. The Freemason moving from place to place

would be entrusted with secrets, signs, etc., which would enable him to easily prove his competency to any

Master of work to whom he should apply for employment. This is supported by expressions in the old

Constitutions which it was urged indicate his sets of secrets which are to be kept.

Bro. Speth considered that the apparently single ceremony given in the seventeenth century to speculatives

indicated that the two degrees were in such cases given together, as there was no reason for distinguishing

the Apprentice. He also held that at the time of forming the first G.L., and for some years afterwards, two

degrees — and only two degrees — were conferred, namely, the Apprentice's and Master's, otherwise called

the F.C., and in particular it is contended that the reference in the Constitutions of 1723 is to two degrees

only. The statement that Apprentices must be admitted "Masters and F.C." only in G.L. refers only to the

conferring of one degree. They were admitted Masters, and such admittance constituted them F.C. This is

strongly borne out by the fact that the G.L. minute of a resolution passed on 27th November, 1725, altering

the above rule merely allowed ordinary Lodges to make "Masters" at discretion and contained no reference

to Fellows. It is true that Anderson in his Constitution of 1738 (thirteen years afterwards), in referring to this

resolution, mentions both Masters and Fellows, but this cannot be taken as against a minute made at the time.

It was also held by Bro. Speth that the Master's or Second Degree as it existed from early times was in

essentials the Master's Degree of later times, and that the Apprentice Degree was subsequently split into two

degrees, which were denominated the E.A. and the P.C.

The views put forward by Bro. Speth were supported by Bro. Gould, and some few Years later—in 1903—

the latter put his views forward in a paper entitled "The Degrees of Pure and Ancient Freemasonry." (A.Q.C.,

xvi., 28.)

It is, of course, impossible for me to give all the arguments adduced in this controversy, but there are some

special points of interest which I wish to put before brethren.

It is plain that there are special difficulties in any investigation of the probable contents of ancient esoteric or

secret ceremonies. It seems to me to be especially hazardous to dogmatise upon the basis: that no mention is

made of degrees in minutes or contemporary writings. Ashmole does not purport to give the slightest

indication of the method of his making, and there is certainly nothing to show that he did not on one day

receive two degrees. Similarly, as it was the practice to write out the old Constitutions, all secret parts of the

ritual are naturally omitted; and any reference to there being two degrees may have been considered quite

improper. I think, therefore, that the negative evidence shows nothing at all one way or the other.

lf, however, it can be shown that there were two degrees at the very earliest period of the G.L., and especially

if it can be shown that there were two degrees shortly prior to the foundation of the G.L., then there appears

to be a strong probability that two degrees existed far back in the early period of Operative Masonry ; for it is

difficult to believe that without any central organisation and with separate Lodges, each with an independent

existence, a new degree should have been added.

There is evidence of a striking character in this direction, and the most important fact has been discovered

since the above-mentioned papers were published. It is noticeable that the earliest records which we have of

G.L., namely, 1723, proceed on the basis of a well established system of two degrees. There is absolutely no

evidence whatever of anything new in Masonry being introduced between 1717 and 1723, but it is true that

we have no evidence of any kind of the doings of G.L. or private Lodges during this period.

I must now refer to the Scottish minutes, which brethren know, of course, go back to the beginning of the

seventeenth century, more than a hundred years before the constitution of the Scottish G.L. The Lodges

whose minutes have thus been preserved were purely operative Lodges, and the minutes give little

information. They show a degree conferred upon the Apprentice, and refer to the communication of the

"Mason's word and all that appertained thereto "—an expression which is decidedly cryptic and suggestive.

The Schaw Statutes of 1598, which were formulated to govern the Lodges throughout Scotland, prescribed

that at the making of Masters two Apprentices must be present. This has been generally held to show that at

the "making of Masters" in Scotland no degree could have been conferred, and it has been assumed,

therefore, that in Scotland one degree only was conferred prior to the G.L. period.

There is, however, in existence the minute-book of a Lodge that met in a small hamlet called Haughfoote, in

Midlothian, and the first entry, evidently of a ritualistic character, dated 22nd December, 1702, is most

important. The first part of the entry is missing, a page having been torn out, probably by a careful brother

who considered that it disclosed too much. As it exists the passage is as follows, commencing in the middle

of a sentence :— " . . . . of entrie as the Apprentice did leaving out (the Common judge). Then they

whisper the word as before, and the M.M. grips his hand after the ordinary way."

Bro. Speth pointed out that this was part of a ritualistic instruction, probably for passing a Fellow, and that it

rendered probable the existence of a Second Degree in one part of Scotland in 1702.

Since Bro. Speth's time, however, a very important discovery has been made. A manuscript has been found

and acquired by the G.L. of Ireland, and has been called by the late Bro. Hughan the Chetwoode Crawley

M.S. It was found in a volume included in a lot purchased from a second-hand collector, and is considered by

Bro. Hughan to have been written by a brother to assist his memory. It is entitled " The Grand Secret, or the

Form of Giving the Mason Word." It is undated, but the experts place it by the writing at 1730, or a little

earlier. It distinctly describes two separate degrees, in the higher of which the Apprentices are excluded, but

the chief interest lies in the fact that it contains the same words as in the incomplete entry in the Haughfoote

minute-book, and plainly gives the rest of the incomplete sentence. It shows without any possibility of doubt

in my opinion that the Haughfoote entry is a description of the ceremony of making a Master—in fact, a

higher or Second Degree. (See A.Q.C., xxvi., 16.)

If this is correct, then two degrees were in existence in 1702, and Bro. Gould's and Bro. Speth's contention is

that there were two degrees, the Apprentice and Master or P.C., before the G.L. era is confirmed.

It is true that Bro. Hughan, who as I have pointed out held the opposite view, and who described the

Chetwode Crawley M.S. in 1904 (A.Q.C. xvii., 91), seemed still unconvinced, and in particular distinguished

the Haughfoote entry because throughout that minute-book there was no word of the exclusion of

Apprentices. But I think, notwithstanding the authority of such an accomplished Masonic antiquarian, that

the fact he points out shows merely that such matters were not inserted in ordinary Lodge minutes. In fact it

seems to me to throw a new light on all the Scotch minutes.

Brethren may ask : Of what importance is it whether there was only one degree or two degrees at or

immediately before the G.L. era? The answer is that upon the determination of that point depends the

antiquity of some of our most cherished institutions. There is a large amount of evidence which goes to show

that the essentials of our first two degrees were originally contained in the Apprentice Degree. If that is

correct, and there were two degrees prior to the G.L. era, and therefore inferentially for a very lengthy period

before that time, then we are justified in assuming that all the essential features of our present Third Degree

are not the creation of innovators less than two hundred years ago, but go back to the early beginnings of the

Craft. There are almost insuperable difficulties in showing what the esoteric ceremonies at a certain period

consisted of, but there are certain indications coupled with the above considerations which go to show the

antiquity of the most important points in our ritual.

An uncertain point is as to the actual time when the two degrees were split into three by breaking up the

Apprentice Degree into two parts. It was certainly before 1738, and probably about 1730 or slightly earlier.

Reference was then made to the spurious initials published in the eighteenth century, and the following

references were given : Gould's History, Appendix ; A.Q.C., xxvi, 17; A.Q.C., xvi, 36; A.Q.C., xxv, 350, 366;

A.Q.C., xi, 59.

———————

INSTITUTION OF A NEW LODGE.

———<>———

Lodge Takapuna, No. 202 on the roll of the G.L. of New Zealand, was ushered into being on the 23rd

November, under very promising auspices. Starting with about forty members, including several P.Ms., with

an enthusiastic P.M. of an E.C. Lodge as its first W.M., and with one of the most prosperous suburbs of

Auckland as its location, the Lodge has every prospect of a successful career. Its meeting place for the

present is the new Foresters' Hall of the district, but a site in the centre of Takapuna township is under offer

from one of the brethren of the Lodge upon most advantageous terms, and it will be the endeavour of the

promoters of Lodge Takapuna to secure the property and build a hall upon it at an early date. in the meantime

the latest Masonic infant is well endowed by its sponsors, a large portion of its equipment having been

donated by members and officers, and by outside brethren—a handsome compass and square, for example,

being provided by Lodge Onewa, another recently established Lodge in the neighbouring town of Northcote.

The inaugural ceremonies were attended by a large gathering of members of the Craft from Auckland,

Devonport, Northcote, and elsewhere, to the number of about 300. M.W. Bro. Dougall, G.M., conducted the

proceedings of constitution and dedication, being attended by the S.G.W. (R.W. Bro. Catehpole), and by W.

Bro. S. S. Allen, S.G.D. The chair of J.W. was filled during this portion of the evening by R.W. Bro. G.

Barclay, P.G.W. Other distinguished officers who assisted in the proceedings were M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson,

P.Prov.G.M., and now Prov.G.M. of Auckland, R.W. Bro. G. Powley, P.D.G.M., R.W. Bro. F. Kearsley,

P.D.G.M., and V.W. Bro. E. J. McFarland, who acted as G. Chaplain in the course of the consecration rites.

Lodge Takapuna having. been duly constituted with the usual symbolical use of corn, wine, salt, and oil, and

the members of the new Lodge having rendered homage to the G.M., an address on "The Nature and Objects

of Freemasonry " was delivered by M.W. Bro. Dougall, and the Lodge was called off for a short interval. On

the Lodge being again called on, the installation of the Master-elect was proceeded with. The M.W.G.M.

transferred the control of the meeting to M.W. Bro. Nicholson, by whom W. Bro. Herbert George Stringer

was duly installed as W.M. W. Bros. H. J. Kallender (W.M. of Lodge Onewa, No. 182) and Coltman (W.M.

of Lodge Albion, No. 45) acted as presenting officers. The tools of the three degrees were presented by W.

Bro. F. E. F. Weir (W.M. of Lodge Remuera, 1710, E.C.), W. Bro. A. C. H. Scott (W.M. of Lodge Ponsonby,

708, E.C.), and W. Bro. W. R. Leighton (W.M. of Lodge Waitakerei, 170). The W.M. invested his own

officers, as under :— D.M., W. Bro. David Lusby, P.M.; S.W., Bro. William Blomfield; J.W., Bro. Rev. G. A.

J. Macdonald; Treas., Bro. A. E. Warnock; Sec. W. Bro. Fred. B. Woodhead, P.M.; D. of C., Bro. H. Brittain

Bull; Chaplain, Bro. R. Graham; S.D., Bro. A. E. Kusabs; J.D., Bro. E. W. Alison, junr. ; I.G., Bro. F. A.

McDonald; Organist, Bro. Swain; S.S., Bro. A. Hector Pierce; J.S., Bro. H. Steere; Assistant Stewards, Bros.

R. S. Thompson and G. Mills; Tyler, Bro. W. Inch.

An interesting feature of the gathering was the presence of R.W. Bro. A. S. Bankart, of the E.C., and the

officers of D.G.L., under which the W.M. of Lodge Takapuna had served his previous term of Mastership.

The collection taken up in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund realised £11 8s.

———————

OPENING OF NEW MASONIC HALL AT HENDERSON.

———<>———

There was a large assemblage of Freemasons at Henderson on 18th November, in response to the invitation

sent out by the W.M. and brethren of Lodge Waitakerei, No. 170, to witness the formal opening of the hall

which the brethren have just erected as their Masonic home. All the Lodges in Auckland and surrounding

districts were well represented, and the Prov.G.M. (M.W. Bro. Nicholson) attended with a large

representation of the officers of G.L.

The formal part of the proceedings occupied only a few minutes. The W.M. asked the Prov.G.M. to declare

the hall open for Masonic purposes. The G.D. of C. presented W. Bro. H. L. Wade, W.M. of Maungawhao,

No. 168 (the architect for the building), who presented the W.Ts. which had been used in connection with the

erection of the structure. The Prov.G.M. declared the hall duly open, and at the same time congratulated the

brethren of the Lodge on their enterprise in having become the possessors of such handsome premises.

One great feature of the evening's proceedings was, however, the working of the ceremony of the Third

Degree, which it had been previously announced would be performed by the Prov. G.M., assisted by a team

of G.L. officers. Accordingly M.W. Bro. Nicholson assumed the chair, after which the following brethren

were conducted to their several stations :—R.W. Bro. J. Catchpole as I.P.M.; R.W. Bro. G. Barclay, P.S.G.M.,

as S.W.; R.W. Bro.. F. Kearsley, P.D.G.M., as J.W. ; R.W. Bro. G. H. Powley, P.D.G.M., as Chaplain; W. Bro.

Howie Walker, P.G.D. of C., as S.D.; W. Bro. C. Page, P.G.D.C., as J.D.; and W. Bro. Ferneyhough as I.G.

The ceremony was excellently and impressively carried out.

The brethren of Lodge Waitakerei subsequently entertained the visitors, and the approach of train time

brought to a close all too soon, in the opinion of many, a most enjoyable function.

———————

THE REAL AND THE IDEAL.

———<>———

Here is a tale in two parts, suitable for telling in the Authors' Lodge :—Part I.—Side remarks by

Distinguished Author while composing an epoch-making novel : (a) ."For heavens sake, Mary ! Can't you

stop that child crying without singing at the top of your voice? How is a man to get anywhere with all that

noise going on ?" (b) "Yes, yes, yes ; take the paste, take the shears, take the paper, take the envelopes, take

the stamps, take the matches, take anything, but let me work in peace !" (c) "Oh, if you say so, I suppose we

must pay this idiotic return visit, but I do wish you'd remember that every minute taken out of my working

day cuts down our incomes by just so much !" Part II.—From the Dedication Page of the completed epoch-

making Novel : "To My Wife, Mary, without whose gentle inspiration, true companionship, and constant

helpfulness, these pages would never have been written, I gratefully inscribe this book."—"Square and

Compass."

———————

BRO. THE REV. J. T. LAWRENCE, M.A., P.A.G. CHAPLAIN.

———<>———

It is with the deepest regret that we place on record the death of Bro. Rev. John Thomas Lawrence, M.A.,

Past Asst. G. Chaplain, which took place at Accrington on the 7th October, after a few weeks' illness and a

very serious operation. The end came very suddenly, although it was known that he could not last very long.

He was one of those exceptional brethren of whom it can truly be said that in Freemasonry, as in other walks

of life, though being dead his works do follow him, and it is in the literary fields of Freemasonry that his

name will continue for very many years to hold a premier position as an intelligent teacher and guide. His

death is a distinct loss to Freemasonry—not to the English Craft alone, but to the entire Masonic world.

Bro. Lawrence was so well known at Home and abroad, by reason of his voluminous writings and instructive

lectures and addresses, that it seems impossible for one to express in mere words how great a hold he had on

the sympathetic affections of the Craft. All who became acquainted with him realised that he was one who

was not content with being a passive Mason. He saw in Freemasonry a great moral lever, and though he did

not go so far as some and admit that Freemsonry was a religion, he saw a channel of communication between

religion and Freemasonry which he greatly admired, and used his time and talents to keep that channel pure

and sweet. So much so that in his church work he could infuse many of the best aspects of Masonry, and in

his Masonic work brought to bear all the qualities of a truly Christian gentleman, void of offence, but always

ready to minister and serve where good could be accomplished. In this way he spiritualised Masonry without

ever trenching upon the forbidden grounds of religion, and he developed Masonic powers without infringing

upon politics. In fact, he was ever one of the first to vigorously resent any such attempts on the part of others.

As vicar of the very large and important parish of St. Peter's, Accrington, he disclosed the same breadth of

sympathy and feeling; consequently his influence was wider and greater than could otherwise have been the

case. He was immensely popular amongst his people, whose chief opinion was summed up in the

expressions that he was " Not a one-sided parson," and " A thoroughly good all-round sort of chap." The

secret lay in his ability to adapt himself to circumstances, to make the best possible use of every opportunity,

and to maintain an unflinching stand on principles and landmarks which had been well thought out.

Bro. Lawrence was born at Leeds on 24th March, 1859, and was therefore in his fifty-sixth year. He was

educated at Malvern College, whence he obtained an open methematical scholarship at Merton College,

Oxford, and graduated Master of Arts in 1886, having in the meantime been ordained by the Bishop of

Oxford. For two years he served as curate at the parish of Stoke Newington, and then took up an appointment

in India as secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, and chaplain of the Military

Orphanage in Madras.

During his residence in Madras he was initiated in the Pitt Macdonald Lodge, No. 1198, in 1889; joined the

Universal Charity Lodge, No. 273, Madras, and was installed Master in 1893. In 1897 he was invested as

D.G.W. of Madras. On his return to England he became a joining member of the Anchor and Hope Lodge,

No. 37, Bolton, and the Abbey Lodge, No. 2529, Whalley. In 1902 he was invested as Prov.G. Chaplain of

East Lancashire, and in 1910 was appointed Asst.G. Chaplain of England.

As an R.A. Mason he was exalted in the Pitt Macdonald Chapter, No. 1198, Madras, in 1891, and installed

1st Prin. in 1896. In the following year he was invested as D.G.Soj. of Madras.

In the Mark Mason's Degree he was advanced in the Macdonald Ritchie Lodge, No. 160, Madras, in 1892,

installed Master in 1895, and appointed D.G.W. of Madras in 1896 and 1897.

He was installed a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta in the St. John of Jerusalem and Malta Preceptory,

No. 73, Madras, in 1894; was installed Preceptor and Prior in 1898, and invested Prov. Vice-Chancellor of

Madras in the same year. In the Order of the Secret Monitor he was inducted in the Damon and Pythias

Conclave, No. 14, Madras, in 1891.

BRO. THE REV. J. T. LAWRENCE. M.A., P.A.G. CHAPLAIN.

As a writer and author he was popularly known wherever Masonic works and journals circulate. His chief

aim was to make the symbolic teachings of Freemasonry and all the concordant Orders an up-to-date ethical

force. In this phase of Masonic authorship he stood alone. The vital, living present was his vineyard of toil.

He completely ignored the mystery of the past, its history, and its antiquities. To sow the fields of the present

with the most acceptable seed, and to wait for the result, was as essentially a part of his Masonic life as it

was his chief concern in his religious life. He imbued the so-called dead symbols of the Craft with a living

and ever-present spirituality, and gave them interpretations which appealed to every class of mind, and thus

made his lessons universally acceptable. As a lecturer on similar lines his services were in frequent demand.

These demands were acceded to so far as they did not interfere with his parish duties, and his services were

generously accorded to the Lodges and associations which make the study of Masonic subjects a part of their

work.

Bro. Lawrence's first work for Freemasonry as a writer was as editor of the " Indian Masonic Review," the

duties of which office he fulfilled from 1895 until 1899. Since that period he has been a frequent contributor

to " The Freemason," and few, if any, know better than we how generally welcome his contributions were to

brethren in all parts of the world. He rendered similar service to the "Masonic Illustrated " prior to its being

incorporated with " The Freemason." Among his published works are Masonic Jurisprudence and

Symbolism, as Interpreted by Grand Lodge Decisions." This contained an introduction by Bro. Canon

Horsley, P.G. Chaplain, and was published in 1908. Four years later a second edition was called for, but in the

meantime so much new matter had been prepared that the references to the symbolism of the Craft were

omitted, and the title altered accordingly. The decisions referred to in the new edition covered a lapse of time

from the formation of the United G.L. down to the time of publication. The subject of symbolism dropped

out of this second edition opened a way for a series of volumes on the subject, and in succession there came

from his pen " Sidelights on Freemasonry," " By-ways of Freemasonry," The Perfect Ashlar," and " The

Keystone."

He also wrote or edited a series of eight Masonic Directories, or handbooks of practical directions for

officers in the Craft, B.A., and Mark Degrees, comprising :—" The Deacons' Work," The Wardens' Work,"

"The Secretary's and Treasurer's Work," " The Worshipful Master's Work," The Mark Work," "The Royal

Arch Work," " The Chaplain's and the Organist's Work," and " The Work of the Director of Ceremonies, the

Tyler, the Almoner, the Charity Representative, the Stewards." Among his non-Masonic productions are :—

"The Directory of Musical Biography," "The Parish of Accrington," "The Church Organ," and three brief

Indian Histories, each of which was published in six languages.—" The Freemason."

———————

A REMARKABLE INITIATION.

———<>———

(By BRO. DR. JOSIAH WILLIAMS, F.R.G.S.)

A few months before the trouble in the Soudan commenced I accompanied a private expedition, our object

being sport and exploration through the Soudan. We travelled through the country of the powerful Beni Amir

tribe, the hitherto unexplored country of the Kunama or Base people, to the border of Abyssinia, where we

experienced a check and some hairbreadth escapes by reason of the warlike attitude of the Deurbelas, a wild

and lawless border tribe, who attacked us with spears, killing one of our men. This caused us to retreat again

into the Base country, and retrace our steps to the Beni Amir tribe. Thence we wandered on to the country of

the Hamrans, or sword-hunters, and pitched our little camp by the side of a beautiful river called the Tacazze,

or Settite, where, from time to time, we issued forth in quest of the lordly lion, the ferocious buffalo, and

other wild animals. After a fortnight's encamping there we made our way to Massowah, and started by a

Rubattino steamer for civilisation. However, I will only touch lightly on our travels so far as Kassala, the

scene of my initiation into the ancient rites of Freemasonry.

At Cairo our party was made up to ten, including three white servants and one black. About the end of

November off we went to that most uninteresting port, Suez, where we were compelled to remain for a whole

week because of a block in the Suez Canal. At the end of that time we were fortunate to obtain a British India

steamer, which, after a three days' voyage, landed us at Suakim, in the Soudan. Here about three days were

spent in sorting our boxes and in engaging about sixty camels to transport us across nearly three hundred

miles of desert to Kassala. After a good deal of shouting and wrangling and roaring of the camels which

accompanies such preparations, our caravan made a start to cross the desert. In consequence of illness in

camp, we were three weeks in accomplishing the journey. Arrived at Kassala, our camp was pitched on the

edge of the sandy river-bed of the Gash, about a quarter of a mile outside of the town, in a delightful spot

under tall waving palms, lemon tamarisk, and tamarind trees. About a quarter of a mile behind us was the

curious-looking town of Kassala, surrounded by a wall (loop-holed) composed of mud bricks baked in the

sun—which, by the way, baked us pretty well also. We spent about a week at Kassala, engaging camels to

take us on to the Beni Amir tribe.

Two or three days after our arrival, one Demetrius Masconas, a Greek, who was then employed by the

Egyptian Government in sinking wells, requested me to visit his son in the town, as he was very ill. We

struck up a friendly acquaintance during our stay, and this led to frequent conversations on the state of the

country, on slavery, and so on. That slavery did exist I had ocular evidence. Amongst other subjects, the

subject of Freemasonry cropped up. He remarked that two of my party were Masons. I told him that it had

been my intention long ago to enter a Lodge, and that effect would be given to it on my return to England. To

this he replied, " Why not now I can initiate you to-morrow, as I am a Master in the Thirty-third Degree." He

belonged to the Lodge Pythagoras of Alexandra, as also to Greek and Italian Lodges. It did seem strange that

Masonry should be found represented right in the heart of the Soudan, amongst a lot of uncivilised

Soudanese. There was no, regular Lodge there, or indeed a Lodge of any kind, and I know now that the

whole thing was most improper and irregular. Nevertheless, I can say that to my lot fell the distinction of

being the only one ever initiated into the mystic rites of Freemasonry in Kassala.

On arranging to visit the Greek on the following day, he certainly did say : "There is no Lodge here, and,

under ordinary circumstances, I would not initiate you, but as the circumstances are peculiar, and as you are

very likely to encounter dangers of various kinds, it might so happen that Freemasonry might save your life

even in the Soudan." I thanked the worthy Greek, and we parted, he ardently invoking T.G.A.O.T.U. to

shower down blessings on my head for services rendered to his son. "What should I have done," he

exclaimed, "had you not arrived here? My son is very ill, and there are no medicines here to give him; he

must have died. The good God has sent you, and I am most thankful."

The following day found me paying a visit to the Greek in Kassala. He greeted me most cordially, and at

once conducted me to his sitting-room, where the ceremony of initiation was proceeded with in the most

solemn manner. Daylight was excluded, but the room was illuminated by several wax candles. On a table at

one end of the room lay an open Bible with the requisite accessories. As the W.M. and myself were the only

two persons in the room, those who are in the know will readily understand that many of the little formalities

which always take place in a properly constituted Lodge were obliged to be omitted, the W.M. contenting

himself by explaining that "In a regular Lodge so-and-so takes place." The ritual, as I since know, was gone

through in an excellent manner. In due time all was over, and the next day the W.M. presented me with a

provisional certificate, written in abbreviated French and stamped at the corner. The stamp bore the

impression of the Pyramids, and the words "Lodge Pythagoras." The W.M. desired me to call at the Lodge in

Alexandria on my return, but I did not do so, as my time there was very limited.

On my return to camp I was not long in seeking my two brother Masons, and communicating to them the

secrets which I had just learned, doubtless to their very great surprise. It was very amusing to see the

astonishment depicted on their countenances, as they knew perfectly well that I was not Masonic when I left

Cairo. There was A., seated on the shady side of the tent reading a book. On looking up he discovered me

making mystic signs. These he pretended to ignore, and exclaimed, "What's the matter, doctor ? Are you not

well?" My reply was : "Permit me to grasp you by the hand." This conveyed some information. He then

called out to his friend C. : Come here; let us question this doctor and examine him thoroughly." C. appeared,

and said, "Let us away to the interior of the tent." Although my examination was satisfactory, they both

thought that the W.M. had initiated me in a most improper and irregular manner.

When, some months afterwards, I returned to England and made application to join a Lodge, my certificate

excited much curiosity. It was sent by the W.M. to G.L., with its history. The officers of G.L., on returning the

certificate, stated that there could be no doubt that I had been initiated under very peculiar circumstances and

in a very irregular manner, and suggested that it would be advisable for me again to go through the whole

impressive ceremony, when my Mother Lodge would be in the town where I resided. This was accordingly

done.

The foregoing is an illustration of how Masonry is spread over the whole surface of the inhabited globe.—

"The Freemason."

———————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 19th DECEMBER, 1914.

———<>———

J. W. Coleman 17/6, D. Hyaniason 20/-, Capt. Hood 31/8, F. C. Knight 45/-, H. A. Mariner 18/4, F. H.

Muellar, O. Nicholson 15/-, S. H. Pagni 15/-, G. Reid 20/-, P. M. Thomson 20/-, J. Wiseman 27/6, J. Endean

20/-, J. Reid, D. E. Fraser, H. G. Stringer, R. Gardner, W. S. Cooper, N. Williams, F. Wilson Smith, H. L. and

N. Wade, F. R. Trevithick, W. J. Stemson, H. N. Garland, J. W. Probert, S. Whyte, C. W. Page 20/-, G. W.

Ravenhill 20/- (Auckland), L. J. Thompson (Hunterville), G. T. Allen (Sumner), W. Storah (Waipukurau), J.

Morley (Wellington S.), C. O. Knight 23/6, F. Bird 26/-, W. A. Fendall 6/10, J. E. Holmes, D. W. Jack 15/-,

A. McLeod 2/6, F. W. Fothill, S. Warner 20/-, A. E. Furness, N. C. McKenzie, D. Windust, D. A. McLean, D.

J. Lamare, E. G. Burt (Whangarei), H. Tanner 50/- (Epsom), C. Silvester, R. H. Wilson, A. Wilby, S. Martin,

A. B. Charters 40/- (Wellington), H. C. Blundell (Kawakawa), A. H. Crook, B. Gee 20/- (Invercargill), W. J.

White, J. Whalley (Palmerston North), R. A. Andrews 20/-, C. E. Beachem 30/-, G. E. Buckland 20/-, R. R.

Gregg 20/-, J. Jackman 19/2, C. Speight 20/-, H. Tristram 20/-, E. A. Tisch 15/10, J. W. Warren 10/-, R. H.

Webb, G. Primrose, R. English, A. K. Wrigley, H. B. Jenkins, W. M. Cann, H. N. Forsythe, J. Varney

(Hamilton), J. E. Herbert 19/2 (Frankton), W. Mullar 20/-, F. Potts 20/-, Dr. E. E. Roberts 30/-, P. Holmes, S.

H. Boyce, J. F. Brookes, J. A. Bryce, J. T. Douce, F. C. Thomason, Colonel T. Jowsey, J. H. Hammond, G. W.

Ollard (Cambridge), M. Forbes (Wanganui), J. T. Henderson (Christchurch), F. H. Newton 22/6 (Nightcaps),

W. Pasco (Waipawa), A. D. Woodward (Westport).

(All 7/6 except those noted.)

OBITUARY.'

———<>———

W. BRO. J. P. COX, AETAT 82.

———

At his residence, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston, James G. Cox, aged 82 years. Thus the last

notice is given to the world of one who, though little known outside the district of the

Wairarapa, has worthily played his part on the minor stage of life and has earned eternal rest.

Fifty or more years ago Mr. Cox was known in Wellington as a storekeeper on what was then

known as "The Beach," but is now Lambton Quay. On the one side a row of small shops of

primitive architecture, and on the other the murmuring of the silvery waves on the sea-girt

shore. The town life of the period evidently did not appeal to Mr. Cox, as he soon outspanned

for the Wairarapa, bringing up at the small hamlet of Featherston, where he has since resided,

engaged in different pursuits. He took an active part in all local movements, and for many years

was regarded as the perpetual chairman of the Town Board.

He joined Freemasonry in the late seventies, by initiation into the Greytown Lodge, No. 1720,

E.C. In 1880 he was one of the founders of Lodge St. John, Featherston, and subsequently

became W.M., and remained attached to it until his death. He was also a member of the

Wairarapa R.A. Chapter, and therein passed through the principal chairs. He was the Grand

Representative of the G. Chapter of Oregon in New Zealand. While Lodge St. John was attached

to the E.C. he attained to the rank of D.S.G.W., but did not hold office under the G.L. of New

Zealand. He was held in the highest esteem not only by his brethren, but throughout the

Wairarapa. His remains were conveyed to their last resting place in the Featherston Cemetery on

Sunday, 6th December.

———————

FREEMASONRY'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR.

———<>———

Bro. the Marquess of Lincolnshire, K.G., G.C.M.G., P.Prov. G.M. of Buckinghamshire and a P.D.G.M. of New

South Wales, although over seventy years of age, has been enrolled as a special constable at High Wycombe

(Eng.)

The Lord Mayor of London, Sir T. Vansittart Bowater, J.G.W. of England, is honorary colonel of the 1st

Brigade of the London Rifle Brigade. His second son holds a commission in the Westminster Dragoons

(Yeomanry), and his third son is a lieutenant of the City of London Fusiliers. His brother, Major Frank

Bowater, is with his two nephews in camp at Mares-field. Truly, the Bowater family is well represented with

the colours.

The war has made havoc with many of the Masonic Lodges, especially among those whose members belong

to the naval and military forces of the country. In fact, some of the Lodges, notably the Lord Charles

Beresford, No. 2404, the Per Mare per Terram, No. 3609, the Engineer, No. 2599, the Army and Navy, No.

2738, are stated to have suspended their meetings altogether, as all the members have proceeded to the seat

of war. Hence it happens that Bro. Orlton Cooper, P.M., P.Z.L.R., finds himself in his seventieth year

constrained, by force of circumstances, to become Master for the second time, having been elected to the

Royal Crown Lodge, No. 3133, which is composed of naval and military officers. The Lodge has sent

subscriptions to the Prince of Wales's National Fund, and also to the League of Mercy.

———————

PETITION FOR SUBDIVISION OF THE WELLINGTON DISTRICT.

———<>———

A petition conveying a resolution carried in each of the fifteen Lodges referred to therein, praying fqr the

subdivision of the Wellington District by the creation of a new Masonic District, to be called " The Ruapehu

Province," bounded towards the south and east by the Manawatu River, towards south-west by the sea,

towards the north-west by the present Taranaki District, and towards the north by the Auckland District, has

been sent to the B. of G.P. The petition is signed by the W.M. and Sec. of each of the fifteen Lodges, and is

recommended by R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M. of Wellington District. It was resolved to recommend

G.L. to grant the prayer of the petitioners.

———————

BIOGRAPHICAL.

———<>———

W. BRO. FREDERICK CHARLES BRENCHLEY BISHOP, ACTING-G.SEC.

————

The subject of this notice first saw Masonic light in Christchurch, being initiated in Lodge St. Augustine, No.

4, on 10th

October, 1899. He was installed as W.M. 13th March, 1906; appointed G. Steward, 1908; and G.D. of C.,

1910; was one of the foundation members of the Masters and Past Masters Lodge, and was installed Master

on 4th December, 1912, and is still occupying the chair.

Bro. Bishop has taken a very active part in Capitular Freemasonry, and was exalted in St. Augustine Chapter,

No. 1, on 15th February, 1905; installed 3rd, Prin. J. in 1909; H: in 1910; Z., 11th October, 1911; W.M.M.,'

8th November, 1911; W.C.N. and M.E.C., 28th November, 1911; appointed G. Organist of Sup. G. Chapter in

1909, and G.D. of C., 1913. Aspiring to the higher degrees, our brother was perfected in Beckett Chapter, No.

135, on 26th November, 1906; installed as M.W.S., March, 1912, and served for two years in that

distinguished office.

He was appointed G. Representative of the G.L. of Kansas in 1912, and was elected Prov.G.Sec. of the

Prov.G.L. of Canterbury at its inception November, 1909.

When M.W. Bro. M. Niccol, G.Sec., was granted leave of absence in May last, Bro. Bishop was appointed

acting-G.Sec., which position he will fill until Bro. Niccol's return.

Our W. Bro., though having taken many degrees, has not yet joined the order of Benedict, and consequently,

having no family ties, is able to devote much time to the service of Freemasonry. In Canterbury he is as well

known as the Cathedral, and enjoys the esteem of all the brethren, being ever ready to take any part that may

be allotted to him, no matter how difficult it may be. Any Masonic function in that province would be

incomplete without the presence of W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop.

———————

AMERICAN FREEMASONS IN ENGLAND.

———<>———

Under the heading of " Masons to Assist Lodge Men Home," the Cincinnati " Commercial Tribune " gives

the following news :-

Three hundred families of American Freemasons are among the stianded in London, according to a

cablegram reaching Colonel William B. Melish, P.G.M. of the Knights Templar, and coming from

Frederick C. Van Duzer, Chairman of the American Relief Committee in London. The families comprise

some 700 persons in all. Mr. Van Duzer suggested that the Masonic bodies in the United States should

arrange for sending a steamer to London to take these people back to their homes. The condition of many

of them, he adds, is deplorable, though the committee is doing all it can to assist them. Colonel Melish

immediately communicated with President Wilson, asking that the American Ambassador be requested to

give attention to the matter. In reply, a telegram was received from the President's private secretary, Mr.

Tumulty, saying the Department of State would act at once. It is expected steps will be taken to give relief

and to bring the stranded ones home.

The foregoing was the first intimation received that there were American Masons in London who were

practically in a tight corner for the time being, although it was generally known, as an item of news, that a

large number of American visitors were stranded through their itinerary being disarranged and their inability

to cash their Continental drafts. That the American residents in London were fully able to assist their

compatriots was generally undersotod, also that all appeals were being attended to at the special bureau

which had been established at the Savoy Hotel. The committee in charge of this bureau have had some

thousand of applications to deal with. In many cases parties of wealthy Americans were reduced to the

possession of merely a few shillings; some were penniless. With large funds to draw from in America, and

plenty of unnegotiable paper in their pockets, their plight was vexatious rather than disastrous.

So many of these applicants were Masons that the question naturally arose, Could nothing be done by the

English Craft? Bro. Bernard Novambere, of Chicago, who was fortunate in having sufficient gold for his

own needs, and also with plenty of time on hand before he need return to Chicago, rendered what assistance

he could, and then made application to the G.Sec. for such advice and assistance as the head of the English

Craft could render. It was not a question of grants of money so much as temporary homes pending the arrival

of funds and the loan of money for securing passages over the Atlantic. This was a condition not provided for

in the ordinary course of G.L. administration, and Bro. Novambere was referred to Bro. F. C. Van Duzer,

P.G.D., Sec. of the America Lodge, No. 3368. Fortunately, Bro. Van Duzer was acting as secretary of the

bureau at the Savoy Hotel, and at once saw that prompt action was necessary in the interest of the Craft on

both sides of the water. A special department for registering the needs of Masonic brethren was at once

formed, and placed under the care of Bro. Novambere, who, being an American Mason, was eminently

qualified to render excellent service.

How well that service has succeeded can be told in a few lines. Pending the receipt of assistance from the

United States Government, Bro. Van Duzer has financed the Masonic Registration. This has called for

somewhere about four thousand pounds, but much of this was of a nature that could not be included in the

general scheme of the bureau. It was a responsibility between Masons, and in every case where time has

permitted the assistance rendered has been redeemed.

The names of Masons and their dependents registered at the Masonic table number over seven hundred. Not

one case has been allowed to pass over unsatisfactorily. Steamer passages have been provided for 136 cases;

211 have been relieved with sums of money according to present needs; 52 have been provided with loans

for paying their passage; 67 lots of luggage have been recovered; and 326 steamship passages obtained for

those who needed the help of the bureau to secure them. Cases of serious illness was the hardest feature to

deal with. These called for special visits to nine brethren; eight ladies, and five children. Bro. General

Edward Le Vine, of Chicago, who also was fortunate in possessing a supply of gold, and was travelling the

country in his own motor, rendered considerable assistance. For visiting purposes his car was placed at the

service of the Masonic Registration, and in conveying passengers across and about London was found

exceedingly serviceable. Among the minor services rendered was the despatch of eighty cablegrams for

money to be sent to London, and seventy cablegrams to Masonic Lodges to send needed assistance to their

members. At the time of writing there are only eight cases on the list—five brethren and three ladies. They

are housed at the Savoy Hotel, and will probably leave London about the middle of the coming week. At the

same time, Bro. Novambere will return home, and, we feel assured, will carry with him the hearty good

wishes of the English Craft. To Bro. Van Duzer, whose already recognised ability as an organiser is fully

recognised in his work for Anglo-Foreign Masonry in London, both American and English Masons will

speak with no uncertain voice.—" The Freemason," London.

———————

INTERPRETATION OF A RULE.

———<>———

At the November meeting of the B. of G.P. of the G.L. of N.Z., the Acting-G.Sec. reported that he had been

asked as to the position of a member of a Lodge, who has resigned from another Lodge without being clear

on its books. After consulting the G.Reg., he had replied that the name of the brother in question would be

removed from the lists of members of both Lodges. This ruling had been questioned, and the writer asked

that the matter should be brought before the Board. The G.Reg. stated that in his opinion Rule 185 was

perfectly clear, that a member resigning his Lodge without complying with its By-laws (and the payment of

dues was one of those By-laws) shall be deprived of all Masonic privileges, and this being so he cannot

retain his membership in any Lodge. The Board unanimously endorsed the opinion of the G.Reg., and it was

resolved to minute the same, reporting it in the Proceedings as an interpretation of Rule 183.

———————

FREEMASONRY IN LUXEMBURG.

———<>———

The leading authority of the Craft in this Grand Duchy is Supreme Council (not, however, of the so-called

"Ancient an. Accepted. Scottish Rite," says Bro. Gould in his "History of Freemasonry ") which was

established in 1849. The jurisdiction is the smallest one known, and consists of a single Lodge founded in

1803, with a membership of 80.—" Freemason' Chronicle."

———————

MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSON.

———<>———

After nearly two centuries of honoured existence as the exponent of Craft Masonry pure and undefiled, the

G.L. of Scotland has fallen from her high estate. Hitherto she had been the only one of the three Mother G.Ls.

which continued to hold that a Craft G.L. could know no other Masonry than that of St. John. England, at the

union, compromised with the high degrees by recognising the RA. as an integral part of Craft Masonry.

Ireland has long since recognised the high degrees, and Scotland alone held the primitive faith. Traitors have

of late been taken into her councils, and for some time we have seen the shadow of the writing on the wall.

Now she has filled the cup of her iniquity. She has become the tool of the clique, and is now busy expelling

all who will not bow the knee to Baal. She has been weighed in the balance and found wanting, and the result

has been in Scotland, as elsewhere where the tail has tried to wag the dog, where the high degrees have tried

to run the Craft Lodge. A new G.L. has been founded, or, rather, the Scottish brethren who refuse to submit to

foreign dictation have declared that, as the G.L. has ceased to be a three-step body, it has ceased to be the

G.L. of Craft Masonry. And they at once proceeded to reorganise the original G.L.— the true successor of

that one founded on St. Andrew's Day, 1736. We have been favoured with copies of the Proclamation sent to

all Lodges holding Scottish Charters and to the G.Ls. of the world, in which the " National Symbolic G.L. of

Scotland of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons " sets forth its position, and as we believe it will prove

interesting reading to our brethren, we reproduce it.

PROCLAMATION.

" Unto all Free and Accepted Masons, and especially to those holding Scottish authority. Greeting.

" R. W., W., and very dear Brethren : As is well known to you, the G.L. of Scotland from its inception has

been what in ancient phraseology is termed a three-step system—that is, it practised only the degrees of St.

John's Masonry, and rejected as un-Masonic all other degrees or Orders professing to be Masonic. In 1801 it

passed an edict forbidding all its Daughter Lodges practising other than these degrees, and in 1803, when a

clandestine body was established in the City of Charleston, in the United States of America (falsely claiming

to be Scottish), sent a circular to the G.L. and sought its recognition, G.L. indignantly denied its claims. To

quote from the ` History of Freemasonry,' by Alexander Laurie, G.L. declared `that such a number of degrees

could not but inspire the most profound surprise in those' professing Scottish Masonry ; that it could never

recognise such a collection, seeing that it had always preserved the Scottish Rite in the simplicity of its

primitive institution, and that it would never disarrange its system in this respect.' This position taken by the

G.L. is set forth and emphasised in the eighty-seventh section of the G.L. law (1904 edition), which declares

G.L. recognises no degree of Masonry but those of E.A., F.C. (including the Mark), and M.M.,' and is made,

if possible, more emphatic in section 229 : No clothing nor insignia purporting to be Masonic shall be worn

in G.L. or in any subordinate Lodge, excepting that appertaining to Craft Masonry, which alone is recognised

and acknowledged.'

" In taking this stand the G.L. showed wisdom, as it prevented the various high-degree systems from making

the Craft Lodge the theatre in which to fight their quarrels, and so peace and harmony, so essential for the

welfare of all institutions, and particularly this of ours, has been secured for close on three centuries.

Attempts have been made at different times to disturb this happy condition, but there has always been

sufficient loyal brethren in G. Committee and G.L. to frustrate the designs of the trouble-makers.

Unfortunately for peace, harmony, and the welfare of true Scottish Freemasonry, three years ago the disloyal

element succeeded in having a resolution adopted by G.L. extending recognition to certain high-degree

systems in Scotland and refusing recognition to others. And, strangest thing of all, the ones recognised by

G.L. are of modern origin and mostly of foreign importation, while the ones to whom recognition is refused

are the most ancient and native Scottish bodies. As a result, loyal M.Ms. are being persecuted and driven

from the Order because they prefer the ancient Scottish bodies to which they have been members for a score

of years to the modern and foreign importation. To further show the animus and un-Masonic feeling which

characterises this foreign crusade, the brethren thus persecuted are given no chance to defend themselves

according to Masonic law. The charges are not preferred against them in their Mother Lodges, where they are

known and where they would be sure of a square deal, but before a sub-committee of G. Committee, the

members of which are also members of the foreign bodies opposed to that of which the accused belong, and

who have decided the issues before the cause has been heard, the whole thing being a farce and a disgrace to

Masonry in whose name it is done.

"Without doubt, the vast majority of the brethren who voted for that un-Masonic resolution in G.L. were

either deceived as to the status of the several high-grade bodies, or were not conversant with their history.

Therefore a word explanatory may not be out of place. The bodies sought to be recognised by G.L. as

Masonic are : The Sup. G.R.A. Chapter, the Grand Priory of the Religious and Military Order of the Temple

and Malta, the Supreme Council of the A. and A. Scottish Rite, and the Royal Order of Scotland. Of these

only the first (R.A. Chapter) is a native Scottish body, although of irregular and clandestine formation,

having seceded from the regular body (the Early Grand) in 1818. This original irregularity was healed by its

union with the regular Early G.R.A. Chapter in 1895, after which it became the only Grand-body in Scotland

working the Arch of Zerrubabel. The case of the Grand Priory is different. Like the Sup.G.R.A. Chapter, it

was irregularly and clandestinely formed in 1812. It seceded from the Early Grand. Unlike the Chapter,

however, the original irregularity has never been healed, and it still remains an irregular and clandestine

organisation. During the chequered existence of this body it has changed names and constitutions at least six

times. Its organiser, Alexander Deuchar, following the footsteps of other Scottish traitors, sought for and

obtained aid from England and had his treason endorsed by the Duke of Kent, then G.M. of the English

Knights Templar. (When was England backward in encouraging Scottish traitors ?) Even with ducal

patronage the Deuchar Conclave had but a short existence; it died, but was partially revived as a non-

Masonic body, admitting indiscriminately Masons and non-Masons. After but a short period this body also

died, and has been succeeded by several others, until at present it is represented by the Grand Priory, which

now claims to have been healed by union with the regular Scottish Knights Templar body, the Early Grand

Encampment. This alleged union is as false as all else in its history, as, instead of a union between two

bodies there was a secession of some of the members of the Early Grand engineered by one A. A. Murray,

who had been made a Knight Templar under the irregular body and subsequently—professing to see the error

of his way—became healed in the regular body, and by professing unbounded enthusiasm for his new love

and distaste for the old one, he wormed himself into the confidence of the members to such an extent that he

was ultimately elected G.M., thus placed in a position to accomplish—as he fondly thought—the end he had

in view when he became a member of the regular body. In this he did not count on the loyalty of the ancient

Encampments, who rejected him and his traitorous schemes with scorn, and the only result of his perfidy was

that he succeeded in banding over to the irregular Priory the funds and some of the property of the Early

Grand, and having himself made Scribe E. of the Supreme Chapter. The Early Grand Encampment, however,

goes on its way as before, true to its ancient motto, We were the first, we shall be the last.'

" 'The Royal Order of Scotland' has been worked as a side step or degree in the Scottish Encampments of

Knights Templar long before the body calling itself a G.L. of that Rite was organised, and we have it on the

authority of Lyon, Hughan, and Gould, the Masonic historians, that the Rite was known and practised in

France, Holland, and England long years before this so-called G.L. was thought of, that, in fact, its very

knowledge of the degrees was obtained from Holland, its founders being ignorant of the fact that it was

known and practised in the Early Grand Encampments.

" The body styling itself 'The Supreme Council of the A. and A. Scottish Rite is the most monstrous fraud of

all. The others whose irregularity the G.L. of Scotland covers with the mantle of its recognition cannot claim

to be de facto, much less de jure, of Scottish origin. With this one the assumption of the Scottish name is a

bare-faced fraud, as it was only introduced into Scotland from France in 1846 in opposition to the native

Scottish high-grade body, 'the Grand Council of Rites,' and the French body which gave this Supreme

Council birth was not even a native of France, but had been introduced there in opposition to the regular

French Grand Orient. The French intruder was in turn the offspring of a fraudulent body founded in America

in 1802 by five Jew peddlers, an organisation styled by the historian Kloss 'the grand lie of the order,' and by

the historian Ragan ' the father of all the bastard children of Freemasonry.' It has created dissention in the

Craft in every country cursed with its presence. In many cases it has caused splits and disunion where

otherwise harmony would have prevailed. As noticed above, when it first approached the G.L. of Scotland for

recognition, that body indignantly repudiated its claim to Scottish Masonry. The present members of G.L.,

lacking the wisdom of their predecessors, have taken this unclean thing to their bosom, and the result is the

inevitable—first wrangling and dissension, then persecution and disunion.

"A word regarding the legitimate and native Scottish high-grade bodies which she has declined to recognise,

and which never sought G.L. recognition, but was always found loyally supporting G.L. as supreme in Craft

Masonry and knowing nothing else. Of these there are two, the Early Grand Encampment of Knights

Templar, with Encampments dating back to the eighteenth century (see Lyon's History of Masonry in

Scotland), and with an unbroken succession of G.Ms. since 1822. Grand Encampment controls the degrees of

Pilgrim, Knight Templar, Mediterranean Pass, and Knight of Malta. The other, the Scottish Grand Council of

Rites, has an existence coeval with the Grand Encampment, is also an Early Grand body. It controls the

higher degrees of Scottish Masonry, as also the Masonic Rites of Memphis and Mizraim. It also has an

unbroken line of G.Ms. since 1822.

" Knowing thus the history of the several high-grade bodies working in Scotland, the native Scottish as well

as the foreign importations, knowing also that it is the latter and not the former that has sought to make the

Craft Lodge their battleground and G.L. descend from its acknowledged position as conservator of pure

Symbolic Masonry, to become the tool of a clique, is it to be wondered at that the brethren who wish to have

Scottish Craft Masonry governed, as of old, by a Craft G.L. which would live up to the ancient law that G.L.

knows but the degrees of St. John's Masonry, should brand a G.L. that would seek to introduce other degrees

as having ceased to represent the Scottish Craft, that it had forsaken the Landmarks and broken the covenants

made by its predecessors, and who is no more the successor of the G.L. formed on St. Andrew's Day, 1736,

and which had ceased to exist, that therefore no Scottish Mason owed it further allegiance? Or that they

should have proceeded to resuscitate the original G.L. under the style and title, ' the National Symbolic G.L.

of Scotland of Free and Accepted Masons ?'

" The National Symbolic G.L. invites all Scottish Masons to assist in the work of renovating Scottish

Masonry, to clear it from the weeds and tares that have sprung up and threatened to choke it, to make it, as it

was of old, the bulwark of true Craft Masonry and the uncompromising enemy of un-Masonic innovations.

" The work to which we have set ourselves is a great one, but with your assistance, brethren, we are sure of

success. Let us leave to our sons as a heritage the true Scottish Masonry we have inherited from our fathers,

a Masonry characteristic of the Scottish nation, the peer of all, the tool of none.

"And to this end may the G.A.O.T.U. aid and guide us.

" On behalf of the National Symbolical G.L. of Scotland."

—" Universal Freemason."

———————

NECESSITY OF THE ROYAL ARCH.

———<>———

The system of Masonic degrees, as now practised, is the product of an evolution. Prior to 1717 there is no

record that Freemasonry consisted of more than one degree. The symbolism, the beautiful lectures, the ornate

diction, with which we find it clothed to-day, represents the growth and development from the crude and

transition stage of past centuries. Strictly speaking, there was no degree from the dawn of Freemasonry until

it began to take on the speculative feature. Before the speculative era, the initiate or Apprentice was sworn on

" the buke " to observe certain charges, now known as the " Ancient Charges and Regulations." This

constituted the entire ceremony, with perhaps the recital of the various legends of the Craft, portions of

which are retained to this day.

The Mason, prior to the "Revival" of 1717, was designated as an Apprentice, F.C., or Master, not because of

any special ceremony or degree work, but on account of the length of the time of service and skill manifested

in his handicraft. The Ancient Charges and Regulations, as read to the Apprentices, referred to the duties they

owed to each other, to the Lodge, and the Holy Church. It is even doubted by some of our best Masonic

historians that a grip and password were connected with these ancient ceremonies.

Ancient Craft Masonry, from its earliest legendary (625 A.D.), down to 1740, made no pretensions to

philosophical speculations. No latter-day wise men existed to convert the simple tools of the operative

craftsman into a philosophical fog bank. Near the middle of the eighteenth century other than mere

operatives were admitted into the guilds or Lodges, and men were elected to preside over the brethren who

were not skilled in the implements of the Craft. The introduction of the speculative Mason prepared the way

for the dawn of Freemasonry. The so-called "Revival" of 1717 was but the bursting forth of the evolutionary

forces that had been slowly developing for half a century. These same forces are at work to-day, so that it can

be truly said that Freemasonry is a progressive science. Masonic historians are agreed that some time

between 1723 and 1730 the Second and Third Degrees were evolved, and in this evolution of degrees,

ritualism and symbolism were developed, resulting in the intellectual and philosophical Freemasonry of

today.

The central idea of the entire system of Freemasonry became the " loss " and " recovery " of the " Word,"

symbolizing death and the resurrection, the ending of the present and the beginning of the future life. The

student of Freemasonry must admit that "The Word" is the central point around which the entire system of

Masonic symbols must revolve. "Its possession is the consummation of all Masonic knowledge; when lost,

its recovery is the soul's object of symbolic labour." Mackey says : "No event in the history of Speculative

Freemasonry had so important an influence upon its development as a system of symbolism, as the invention

of the R.A. Degree and its introduction into the Masonic ritual."

The R.A. stands as the rainbow of promise in the ritual ; it stands as the promise of the resurrection; of that

which was lost and that it shall be recovered.

The question arises as to whether the Master's Word was originally communicated in the Third Degree? On

this point there is some diversity of opinion. In our present ritual of the Third Degree the Master's Word is

lost. Dr. Oliver, a noted Masonic historian, says : " The True Word was never lost, but transferred to the

R.A.," and, in corroboration of this statement further says : "I have before me an old French engraving of the

ground work of the Master's Lodge, dated in 1740, containing the usual emblems and on the coffin is the

'True Word' in Roman capitals." This would tend to prove that before the legend of Hiram Abiff was

introduced into the Master's Degree, the True Word was communicated in the Master's Degree and not a

Substitute Word. It necessarily followed that when the legend of Hiram became a part of the ritual of this

degree, the "loss" of the "Word" followed, as the "loss" is a part of the Hiramic legend. But the "loss"

without a "recovery" would be an absurdity ; to complete the symbolism of Freemasonry, the "Word " must

be recovered, hence the necessity for a fourth Degree, the R.A.

In 1738, or earlier, the story of the loss of the Word and the new legend, the R.A., were gradually introduced

into Lodges, and when the division occurred (1751), dividing the Freemasonry of England into the

"Moderns" and "Ancients." the latter organised a G.L. and adopted a ritual of four degrees, the fourth being

the RA.

The G.L. of " Moderns " evidently continued to use the old ritual, without the legend of Hiram Abiff, while

the G.L. of "Ancients" used the new ritual containing the Hiramic legend and the Fourth Degree, until the

year 1813, when the two G.Ls. united and formed the present G.L. of England, known as the United G.L. of

England. It is therefore to the G.L. of Ancients that we owe the Master's Degree as found in our ritual and

also the preservation of the R.A. Degree. One of the articles of union of the two G.Ls. of England in 1813

was the retention of the degrees as formulated by the G.L. of " Ancients"; hence, among the articles of

agreement of this union, we find the only declaration made anywhere or at any time as to what constitutes

"Ancient Craft Masonry." This article declares that "Ancient Craft Masonry shall consist of the degrees of

E.A., F.C., and M.M., together with the Holy R.A."

We see, therefore, that the R. A. is merely the evolution of a truth contained in the early Third Degree. It is

not a "Higher Degree," but the last volume of a series in sublime story revealed through symbolism. The

Master's Degree without the R.A. is a story half told, a song unsung, and a, promise unfulfilled. The

candidate is promised that he should receive, but is put off with a "Substitute." He is left in darkness, m

doubt, and to the thoughtful one in a condition of disappointment. Yet, there is a purpose behind this seeming

deception. Light and revealed Truth come only through toil and willing service. This lesson must be learned

before any Mason is qualified to know and appreciate the Truth, the Master's Word. It is, possibly,

unfortunate that the R.A. Degree was separated from the "Blue Degrees" ; but, whether fortunate or

unfortunate, the R.A. stands as the last of the degrees in Ancient Craft Masonry. It is the summit, and no

M.M. is in possession of all that Freemasonry teaches without the R.A. The series of four degrees continued

to be conferred under a Lodge charter until about 1750, in America at least. The earliest history that we have

of the R.A. in this country was in 1758, when it was conferred under a Lodge charter in Philadelphia. It was

introduced into New York about the same time by an English military Lodge, in Massachusetts in 1869,

where it was conferred by St. Andrew's Lodge.

Since that time the R.A. Degree has remained secure in its superior place. "The term R.A. Lodge was

succeeded by Chapter and R.A. Chapter. The word Chapter was used in Connecticut as early as 5th

September, 1783; in Pennsylvania, 5th September, 1789; in New York, 29th April, 1791; in Massachusetts,

19th December, 1794. The word Chapter took the place of Lodge in England, for the first time, 29th April,

1758. The word companion, used in the Chapter in place of brother, was first used in England in 1778. These

terms, Chapter and Companion, were soon carried to America, where they flourish as elements in the

capitular system of degrees."

Such, in brief, is the history of the R.A. Degree; its parentage is as legitimate as any of the degrees of

Ancient Craft Masonry; it sprang from the introduction of Speculative Freemasonry into Operative

Masonry—the fruit of symbolism and allegory. To be a M.M. is the highest and most honourable degree that

any man can attain; it entitles him to all the rights and privileges of the Craft; all the accumulated so-called

higher degrees do not add anything to his Masonic stature. The R.A. is a part of the Master's Degree—the

summit of its excellence. It is the privilege and should be the duty of M.Ms. to complete the Masonic story,

told in allegory and revealed in symbolism by receiving the R.A..—"Book of Information," Orient Chapter.

———————

ROLL OF HONOUR.

———<>———

Bro. Prince Maurice of Battenberg, who has died of his wounds, was born on 3rd October, 1891, and was the

youngest of the three sons of Princess Henry of Battenberg, whose husband died in January, 1896, while on

his way to Madeira, suffering from fever, after taking part in the operations of the British Expedition to

Ashanti. Prince Maurice from his boyhood showed a decided liking for healthy sport, was an excellent

golfer, sometimes played cricket and football, and took a keen interest in aviation, having made many flights

from the Hendon aerodrome, and looped the loop with Hamel. He really did not know what fear was. When

at the war with his regiment, about the end of last month, he very narrowly escaped the rifles of the enemy. It

was his first battle. The men on either side of him were shot, and a bullet went through his cap. Prince

Maurice was highly esteemed by all his brother officers, and among the men he was very popular for his

cheerfulness and soldierly qualities. To his widowed mother, Princess Henry of Battenberg, his sister the

Queen of Spain, his two brothers who are both on active service, Freemasons tender the most sincere

sympathy. Prince Maurice's untimely death in the full vigour of his youth will cause deep regret among the

members of the Order, for he was one of our most promising brethren. He was initiated in the Heroum Filii

Lodge, No. 3404 (the Lodge of Old Wellingtonians), on 21st June, 1912, at Wellington; and was passed in

the following October and raised in November, in London. He was the present W.M. of the Twelve Brothers

Lodge, No. 785, Southampton, having been installed on 22nd April last.

* * * *

Great regret has been caused throughout Court circles and Freemasonry also by the official news of the death

of Bro. Captain Thomas Henry Rivers Bulkeley, of the Scots Guards, who has been killed in action.

Our late brother was initiated in the Studholme Lodge, No. 1591. He subsequently joined the Kitchener

Lodge, No, 2998, Simla. He was exalted in the Simla Chapter, No. 2998. In September, 1910, he was made a

P.S.G.D. of England.

Captain Bulkeley was until recently Equerry to the Duke of Connaught, and has been Comptroller to His

Royal Highness's Household in Canada since 1911. He married last year Miss Evelyn Pelly, lady-in-waiting

to the Duchess of Connaught, and leaves an infant son. Mrs. Rivers Bulkeley is the daughter of Lady Lilian

Yorke and the late Sir Henry Pelly, Bart., and grand-daughter of the late Earl of Wemyss.

Son of Colonel Charles Rivers Bulkeley, the late officer was born on 23rd June, 1876, at Whitchurcb, Salop,

and was educated at Eton. In 1894 he joined the Oxford Militia, in which he became captain three years later.

In 1899 he was gazetted second lieutenant in the Scots Guards, and from that year until 1902 he was serving

on the Staff in the South African War. He took part in Lord Methuen's advance to the relief of Kimberley, and

was slightly wounded at Belmont, but subsequently fought at Paardeberg and in other actions. He was three

times mentioned in despatches, and received the Queen's medal with six clasps and the King's medal with

two clasps. Captain Bulkeley was A.D.C. and Comptroller of the Household to successive Viceroys of India,

Earl Curzon of Kedleston, and the Earl of Minto, and then acted as A.D.C. to Field-Marshal the Duke of

Connaught from 1907 to 1909.

* * * *

Bro. William Edward Stroud, who was well known as the naval nightwatchman at Clarence Gate, went down

in the "Cressy." He was in the Royal Fleet Reserve, and was just on fifty-five. He has left a young son.

—"Freemason's Chronicle."

———————

WHAT IS MASONRY?

———<>———

(CLEMENT E. STRETTON, Secretary York Division Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons,

Wailers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers, and Bricklayers.)

——————

Bro. Ryerson, in the July issue of the " Tyler-Keystone," page 150, appears to be under the impression that

the ancient " Worshipful Society of Free Masons," Operative, was, as he says, "a sort of labour union." The

Society requests me to point out that there is a very important difference between the ancient Masons' Trade

Guild and a labour trade union.

The Trade Guild was and still is a society in which the masters and the men worked together for the mutual

advantage of both, and for the protection of their trade.

On the other hand, the modern form of labour trade union works simply in the interests of the workmen and

against those of the masters, and this is the reason why, in these days, there are constant strikes and disputes,

but under the old Trade Guilds such disputes were settled without any trouble.

The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Operative, has in its possession details of many such cases. For

instance, as long ago as A.D. 1356 there was a "dispute" in London between the "Masons who were hewers"

and "light-Masons or setters." A congregation was held, presided over by the Mayor, and new regulations

were drawn up, and further trouble ceased.

The York Division of the Operative Society of Masons (of which the writer is secretary) has in its possession

the proof that "King Athelstan gave Masons a Charter A.D. 926, and in twelve years to come, 1926, it will

have been in force for one thousand years, and this is the authority under which the Society still works. But it

is also in possession of Acts of Parliament, passed in the years 1562 and 1825.

The three Master Masons of each Operative Lodge are required to see that the Act of 1825 is always in their

possession before proceeding to open their Lodge, and they are further instructed " to immediately produce

the said Act of 1825 to all judges, law officers, and police officers on demand." Thus the legal position and

locus standi of the Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Operative, are clearly defined and established.

Originally Operative Free Masonry in England was, and still remains, a religion and a trade combined.

Previously to the time of Henry VIII., bishops, priests, and monks were Designers, Master Masons, and

working members of the Free Masons' Trade Guild, and there is clear proof that Masons' Lodges which

worked on cathedrals and churches required all the Masons to be Christians, but this requirement was struck

out at the time of the Reformation and Henry VIII.

The very fact that in ancient times the Operative Mason's' system was to a great extent under the control of

the church accounts for the Society having so very much in its possession which refers to religion and trade

combined. On the other hand, when Dr. James Anderson, in his 1723 Constitutions, "digested" the old system

into the Speculative method, he struck out the name of God in his first charge. Having been both an

Operative and a Speculative Free Mason for the past forty-three years, and been a Master in both, .the writer

is satisfied that the Speculative has been derived from the old Operative Guild system.—Leicester, England,

16th July.—" The Tyler-Keystone."

———————

FREEMASONRY IN BELGIUM.

———<>———

English Lodges were established at Alost in 1765, at Ghent in 1768, and at Mons in 1770. The latest of the

three, La Parfaite Union, claims (though on wholly insufficient evidence, says Bro. Freke Gould in his

"History of Freemasonry") to have been originally constituted by the Duke of Montagu, G.M. of England, in

1721.

Under Joseph II. Masonry, in what was then the Austrian Netherlands, greatly flourished, but all the Lodges,

with the exception of three, were closed by that Emperor in 1786. Others, indeed, continued to exist, but all

Lodges, including the privileged three, were formally prohibited from assembling, by an edict of 1787.

During the closing year of the eighteenth century, and until 1814, the Masonry of Belgium was conducted

under the ægis of the G. Orient of France.

Prince Frederick William, second son of King William L, was elected G.M. in Holland in 1816, of Belgium

in 1817, and of a G. Orient, with jurisdiction over the Lodges in both these countries, in 1818. In 1830

Belgium obtained its political, and shortly afterwards its Masonic, independence. Prince Frederick, however,

remained at the head of the Dutch Craft until his death in 1881.

The G. Orient of Belgium was constituted in 1833.

There are twenty-four Lodges in Belgium, with a total membership of about 3,500. Five Lodges meet at

Antwerp, four at Brussels, two each at Ghent and Verviers, one each at Bruges, Charleroi, Courtrai, Huy,

Tournai, Louvain, Liege, Mons, Namur, Spa, and Stanleyville (Congo).

The G.L. of England is not in friendly relationship with the G. Orient of Belgium (as the G. Orient of France),

and consequently there is no interchange of representatives. — "Freemason's Chronicle."

———————

NEW YEAR'S GREETING.

———<>———

Give a tender thought and a word love-fraught to the friends of "Auld Lang. Syne ;"

To the friends who are dead in the year that has fled— old comrades of yours and mine;

Then a cheery smile, and an eye without guile, and a word of kindly cheer,

With a heart-warm grasp in a true man's clasp to the friends of the Glad New Year.

Thus the future face with a heart of grace, marching always in the van;

While the joy bells zing and the moments swing toward the BROTHERHOOD OF MAN.

—Exchange.

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

Reports.
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[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Taringatura, No 100. — The last meeting for 1914 on 7th December was well attended. Bro H. Graham made

his first appearance in the chair, and acquitted himself creditably. One joining brother from Scotland was

duly received by ballot, and several appeals were also considered. The usual “washing up”accounts were

passed for payment, including G.L. half-yearly dues, as it is the laudable desire of the brethren to close not

only the financial year (in September) but he solar year, too, free from liabilities. The question of

contribiutions to the M.W.G.M.’s War Benevolence Fund was considered, and including the individual

contributions of members and the savings effected on the annual installation banquet, the Treas. Was able to

make up £22 18s. 6d. as the amount to be sent in by this Lodge. That amount, quite apart from the usual

contribution to the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, is to be sent with the half-yearly returns. It was announced tha

at the next meeting on 25th January the Third Degree would be conferred on a member of Lodge Fortitude at

the request of the W.M. of that Lodge. The Lodge closed at 9.40 p.m., and during a brief period spent in the

refectory, mutual good wishes for the coming Christmas season were exchanged.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

OTAGO.

Oceanic, No. 154.—The monthly meeting was held on the 18th ult., when there was a large attendance of

both members an visitors. W. Bro. J. Couchman, who occupied the chair for the first time, had a Third

Degree to work, and both he and his officers are to be congratulated upon the result. One new member was

elected, and Bros. A. J. Couchman (Lodge Harvey) and A. J. C. Runciman (Lodge Rawhiti) joined the Lodge

as affiliate members. A vote of sympathy was passed to R.W. Bro. D. A. Jolly, the first W.M. of Oceanic, on

account of his illness, and a letter of thanks was ordered to be forwarded to Bro. J. E. Green, at present a

resident of Auckland, for notifying the Lodge as to the state of Bro. Jolly's health. After the Lodge was

closed the usual pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—(Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Masters' Lodge, No. 161.—At the November meeting an exceedingly interesting and educational paper was

read by R.W. Bro. J. J. Clark, Prov.G.M., being entitled "The Early Days of Freemasonry." After a short

discussion the usual vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer. Amongst the visitors was R.W. Bro. W. J.

Rees, Prov.G.M, of the Irish Constitution. Bro. Rees expressed himself as very pleased at having be present,

and congratulated Bro. Clark on the high standard of his paper. Two new members were proposed. In the

absence of the W.M., through sickness, W. Bro. A. Fieldwick, I.P.M., occupied the chair. At the request of the

Prov.G.M., the W.M. (Bro. R. Jamieson) is making arrangements for himself and officers to conduct the

installation of the W.M. and invest the officers of Lodge St. Thomas Kil., 83 (Kaitangata) early next year.

The R.W.Prov.G.M. will preside and act as installing officer, but all the rest of the work will be performed by

officers of the Masters' Lodge.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

CANTERBURY.

Southern Cross, No. 6.—An emergency meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Kaiapoi, on 23rd November.

The business was the nomination and election of W.M. and officers. This second election was made

necessary on account of the Master-elect, Bro. Blighting, leaving for the North Island a fortnight before the

date of installation.

The annual meeting was held at Kaiapoi on 3rd December the attendance being good. After formal business,

V.W. Bro. J. Thornton, D.P.G.M., and officers of Prov.G.L. were admitted and fittingly received. Bro. William

Arthur Gribble, Master-elect, was presented, and having subscribed to the ancient charges was Obligated,

and on the retirement of M.M was installed as W.M. by V.W. Bro. Thornton. Bro. F.C. Bishop presented the

W.Ts. The usual proclamations made, and the W.Ts were presented by W. Bros. J. R. Kent, P. J. Coates, and

T. Lister. The officers were invested by Bros. W. Broadley and R. Baldwin as follows :—I.P.M., W, Bro. A.

L. Gray; S.W. Bro. T. Hoskin; J.W., Bro. W.C. McPherson. Chaplain, W. Bro. J. H. Crawshaw ; Treas. W.

Bro. R. Wylie; Sec., Bro. R. H. Croft; S.D., Bro. C.T. Baynon ; J.D., Bro. F. J. Garnett; D. of C., Bro. G. A.

Kisling; Organist, Bro. C. Hoskin; I.G., Bro. H. McDougall; Stewards, Bros. J. P. Mably and J. E. Monk;

Tyler, Bro. J. A. Mealings. The address to the Master was given by V.W. Bro. J. Thornton, to the Wardens by

W. Bro. H. Hopkinson, and the concluding address to the brethren by W. Bro. J.N. Du Feu. Refreshments

were subsequently served in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Progress, No. 22.—The installation of W. Bro. R. B. B. Willis, P.G.D., as Master took place on 1st

December. In the absence of the W.M., Bro. J. C. Free, who was away electioneering, the Lodge was opened

by the I.P.M., W. Bro. Wickliff, who has occupied the chair frequently of late. Heavy but welcome rain fell,

which prevented many visitors from a distance coming. Punctual to the minute the R.W. Prov.G.M., Bro. F.

C. Burns, P.G.M., with his Deputy, V.W. Bro. Thornton, and Prov.G.L. officers—who had motored from

Christchurch—were announced, and admitted and assumed the various chairs, and proceeded to install the

W.M.-elect, who being on old P.M., did not necessitate the full ceremony being given. The W.Ts. of the three

degrees were presented briefly but feelingly by W. Bro. Jacobs (W.M. of Lodge Waihora, 141), W. Bro.

Penlington (P.M. of the same Lodge), and W. Bro. D. T. Wraight (W.M. Lodge Ahurewa, 181) respectively.

The newly-installed W.M. invested his Wardens and officers in a manner which showed no evidence of rust

through want of work. A dainty little stand-up supper was partaken of in the refectory, and a few formal

toasts proposed. Regret was also made at the absence of R.W. Bro. D. T. J. Withers, who was called away

just before the meeting. After a pleasant forty minutes in the refectory the members of Prov.G.L. started on

their return to Christchurch, and a very happy and enjoyable meeting ended at 10.30 p.m.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Concord, No. 39.—The monthly meeting took place in the Masonic Hall, Papanui, on the 25th November.

W. Bro. Gasson, I.P.M., in the absence of W. Bro. Laurie, W.M., in the chair. A sum of £2 2s. was voted

towards a case of distress in the Wellington district. W. Bro. Baldwin's annual appeal for the Empty Stocking

Fund met with a satisfactory response. The calls for subscriptions lately, especially in connection with the

war, have been so numerous, and may continue to be so for some time, that other benevolent calls will

probably suffer in consequence. The ordinary individual who works for the average salary cannot go on

indefinitely giving shillings and half-crowns without economising somewhere. If the man who can afford to

give £1 or £5 would only give as often and in proportion to the man who can only afford the humble two

shillings at a time, it would make a material difference to many of the funds that are at present being raised

throughout the Dominion. A candidate was initiated, the ceremony being carried out in a very creditable

manner, the W.M. of the Civic Lodge presenting the W.Ts. Our S.W. is giving every promise of being a first-

class ritualist, and should ably fill the W.M.'s chair when he reaches that exalted position. His rendering of

the charge after initiation is always a pleasure to listen to. An exceedingly pleasant evening was spent in the

refectory. The brothers Orchard gave some excellent vocal items, and Bro. Dick Morgan was in his usual

fettle. A collection in aid of the M.W.G.M.'s Masonic War Fund was taken up during the evening. Wishing

the CRAFTSMAN the compliments of the season.— [Lodge Correspondent.] [Heartily reciprocated.—ED.C.]

————

Methven, No. 51.—The regular meeting was held on 2nd December. The W.M., Bro. Donald Duff, presided

over an attendance of 25. One gentleman was elected to membership. One brother was passed to the F.C.

Degree by the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. Goodwin, Signs Bro. McKee, S.E.: Bro. Hitchcock. W.Ts. ; Bro.

Mitchell, Charge after P.; Bro. Stone, T.B. A long discussion ensued on the method by which the Lodge

would subscribe to the M.W.G.M's appeal, and was finally left over to next meeting, a notice of motion being

given for that night. A pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, when the kindly feelings between Lodges

Methven and Erewhon were much in evidence.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Robert Burns, No. 139.—On 1st December a visit was paid to Lodge Tawera, Oxford. Despite the very

unpropitious weather some 22 members made the trip, and were accompanied by W. Bro. Vincent (W.M.

Avon Lodge). The party occupied five motor cars, and made the 40-mile trip in safety. They were accorded a

hearty reception by the Tawera brethren, who invited them to confer the Third Degree upon a brother by the

Scotch method. As this was the first occasion upon which a "Scotch Third" had been worked in Tawera

Lodge, the brethren were greatly interested. The following took part in the ceremony : W.M., W. Bro. R. W.

S. Eastwood (Ob., W.Ts., and Ex.). I.G., Bro. Blackmore (Charge after T.). W. Bro. T. Neuburgh (Ss. and

Light of M.M.), W. Bro. R. Vincent, V.M. Avon Lodge (Ex. Ss.), S.D., Bro. T. Kirker (Charge after R.), S.W.,

Bro. Taylor, and J.W., Bro. Wilson (T.H.), whilst Chaplain Bro. L. Ormandy recited the prayers. After the

Lodge was closed an adjournment was made to the refectory, where a very pleasant time was spent. W. Bro.

Weld (W.M. Lodge Tawera) mentioned that he was especially pleased to have the Robert Burns members

with them again, as the first Tawera candidate had been initiated by the Robert Burns Lodge. After having

spent a very enjoyable evening, the visitors left for Christchurch about 12.30 a.m., and a pleasant run was

made back to town.

The regular meeting was held in St. Augustine's Hall, Christchurch, on 15th December, when there was a

good attendance of members and visitors, the W.M., W. Bro. R. W. S. Eastwood, presiding. The usual routine

business was quickly disposed of, and two persons were initiated. The W.M. was assisted by W. Bro. Thomas

(W.M. Christchurch Lodge), Charge after I.; J.W., Bro. T. Wilson, N.B. Charge; I.P.M., W. Bro. Bush, R. for

Prep. ; W. Bro. Bingham (W.M. St. Alban's Lodge), W.Ts.; and S.W., Bro. Taylor, Final Charge. An excellent

explanation of the T.B. was given by S.D. Bro. T. Kirker, and Bro. L. Ormandy made an efficient Chaplain.

Two fresh propositions were made for membership. After the Lodge was closed the usual pleasant hour was

spent in the refectory. — [Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Unanimity, No. 106.—The monthly meeting was held on the 3rd December, there being a good attendance

of members and visiting brethren. Two brethren were raised to the M.M. Degree by the W.M., assisted by

several of the P.Ms. Some discussion took place in reference to the War Benevolent Fund, when it was

decided that a levy of 1/- per member per month be made during the duration of the war. This appealed to

most of the members as being more satisfactory than haphazard and irregular donations, as one P.M. pointed

out that if this method were adopted by the whole of the Lodges throughout the Dominion an amount of

between £500 and £600 would be raised monthly. I note that several other Lodges have already done this.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

HAWKES BAY.

Bedford, No. 25. — The monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom on the 1st December. W.M. Bro. W.

H. Booth presided. A notification from G.L. re annual communication to be held in Wellington on 12th May

next was read, and W. Bro. W. A. Chambers was nominated for "any office " in G.L. A circular general appeal

was supported, and several accounts were passed for payment. Two candidates were passed to the Second

Degree, being Obligated by the W.M. and Entrusted by W. Bro. Elliott; Investiture, S.W. Bro. Gore; W.Ts.,

J.W. Bro. Williams ; S.E. Address, W. Bro. John Scholes ; Final Charge, S.W. Bro. Gore. A very hearty vote

of thanks was accorded to W. Bro. D. Milne for his presentation to the Lodge of a beautiful piece of furniture

in the shape of an Altar. This fine spirit of emulation has been in evidence among the members for some time

past, much of the inside furnishings having been donated by members at different times. One candidate was

balloted for and accepted, and one other was proposed. In the refectory a newly-passed brother gave an

interesting sketch of his recent trip Home, and related how he was "discovered " on board ship, and taken in

hand.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Abercorn, No. 30.—The installation of Bro. Thomas Williams as W.M. took place is the Masonic Hall,

Waipawa, on 14th December. The Lodge met at 4 p.m., when the ordinary business was disposed of. Lodge

was then called off, and resumed at 7.30 p.m. The ceremony was performed by R.W. Bro. Harston,

Prov.G.M., assisted by R.W. Bro. T. Hobson, W. Bros. J. Hobson, P. Wall, J. W. Elliott, D. Milne, H. Hoben,

W. Chambers, Morrison, and Carter, Bro. Parkin acting as Trumpeter. The ceremony was conducted in an

impressive manner. The following officers were invested :—I.P.M., W. Bro. J. M. Watson; S.W., Bro. W.

Pasco; J.W., Bro. A. Parkin ; Treas., Bro. R. W. Todd ; Sec., . Bro. Gee. H. Hunt; Chaplain, Bro. E. E. Bott;

S.D., Bro. F. E. Rowe ; J.D., Bro. J. Milburn; I.G., Bro. T. M. Moor; S.S., Bro. G. Nielson ; J.S., Bro. W. V.

Verran. After the Lodge was closed the brethren partook of supper, when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts

were honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Ruahine, No. 80.—The monthly meeting was held on the 1st December. A few accounts were passed for

payment, and the sum of one guinea voted towards a circular appeal. One candidate took his M.M. Degree,

and W. Bro. A. Stevenson, W.M., who Obligated the candidate, was ably assisted in his work by W. Bro.

Leigh, who communicated the Signs; W. Bro. Cartwright delivered the T.H., W. Bro. Horne the Exhortation,

W. Bro. Burley the T.B. and additional S. ; W. Bro. F. J. Hutchins presented the W.Ts., and W. Bro. H. Turvey

delivered the Final Charge. The V. of S.L. was presented by the W.M. The Lodge commenced business fairly

promptly, but it was after 11 p.m. before the Lodge was closed, and it was unanimously agreed to dispense

with the "Fourth," which rarely occurs. The Sec. reported that the M.W.G.M.'s appeal for funds in connection

with the War Benevolent Fund was meeting with success, and judging by the number of Ruahine's brethren

who had already paid or promised, he thought that not a single member on the roll would fail to subscribe. —

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

AUCKLAND.

Maungawhao, No. 168.—The installation meeting was held at the Masonic Hall, Mount Eden, on the 19th

November. There was a very large attendance of members and visitors. The installation of the Master-elect,

Bro. Charles Hudson, was conducted by M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, Prov.G.M. who was assisted by R.W.

Bro. J. Catchpole, S.G.W., R.W. Bro. G. Barclay, P.S.G.W. (act.-J.G.W.), W. Bro. A. H. Walker, P.G. D. of C.

(act.-G.P.), W. Bro. C. M. Page, P.G.D. of C., as G.D. of C. and other G.L. officers. The W.M.-elect was

presented by W. Bro. A. I. Farmer (I.P.M. Lodge Ara, No. 1) and W. Bro. W. J. Arnold (W.M. Lodge

Auckland, No. 87). The W.Ts. in the degrees were presented by W. Bro. Coltman W.M. Lodge Albion, No.

45), W. Bro. W. Bridgman (W.M. Lodge St. Andrew, No. 8), and W. Bro. W. R. Leighton (W.M. Lodge

Waitakerei, No. 170) respectively. The address to the W.M. was delivered by R.W. Bro. F. Kearsley,

P.D.G.M., to the Wardens by R.W. Bro. J. Catchpole, S.G.W., and to the brethren by R.W. Bro. G. Barclay,

P.S.G.W. The W.M. invested the following officers :—I.P.M., W. Bro. H. L. Wade; S.W., Bro. H. T. Surman;

J.W., Bro. N. T. Williams; Chaplain, V.W. Bro. Rev. E. J. McFarland, P.G. Chaplain; Treas., W. Bro. H. N.

Gill, P.M. - Sec., V.W. Bro. F. H. Mueller, P.G.R.; S.D., Bro. P. M. Macfarlane; J.D., Bro. D. Smith; D. of C.,

W. Bro. J. Vuglar, P.M.; I.G., Bro. F. R. Trevithick ; S.S., Bro. S. G. Burns; J.S., Bro. W. I. Stemson; Asst.-

Stewards, Bros. W. S. Cooper and S. Orbell; Tyler, Bro. G. J. Thorpe. The offertory on behalf of the W. and

O. and A.M. Fund amounted to £54 17s.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [Too late for December issue.—Ed.C.]

————————

WELLINGTON.

St. Andrew, No. 32,—The installation meeting was held on St. Andrew's Day (30th November) at the

Masonic Hall, and it attracted a large gathering of members and visitors. The Lodge was tyled at 6.30 p.m.,

the W.M., Bro. C. W. Nielsen, presiding, and after transaction of some routine business visitors were

received, including the W.Ms., officers, and brethren of all city Lodges, and the W.M. of Lodge Commercial

Travellers, N.S.W. W. Bro. F. J. Hunn attended from Masterton, and acted in his official capacity of G.D. of

C. in an efficient and painstaking manner. The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, was received, followed

by M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M.; R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, J.G.W.; V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge, G.Lec.; W.

Bro. J. H. Worboys, S.G.D.; W. Bro. A. Veitch, P.G. Supt. of W.; W. Bro. J. Firth, G.S.B. The W.M.-elect, Bro.

A..W. Rowlands, S.M., was then installed according to ancient custom by R.W. Bro. Peterkin, assisted by

M.W. Bro. Williams and other G.L. officers. W. Bro. J. H. Worboys invested the following officers :—Dep.-

Master, W. Bro. F. C. Broomhall; S.W., Bro. W. Simpson ; J.W., Bro. A. Schmidt; Sec., Bro. J. B. Lea; Treas.,

W. Bro. A. T. Wells ; Chaplain, W. Bro. G. Russell; D. of C., W. Bro. J. Rod; Organist, Bro. J. Cowley; S.D.,

Bro. J. A. Riddell; J.D., Bro. A. Greening LG., Bro. L. McGregor ; B.S., Bro. G. Lawrence; J.S., Bro. T.

Johnstone; acting-Tyler, Bro. A. E. Colman. W. Bro. J. W. Elison, P.G.D. of C., presented the Warrant,

Constitution, and By-laws, and the W.Ts. in the respective degrees were presented by W. Bro. O. Neilson,

P.G.D. (Third Degree), W. Bro. G. Russell (Second Degree), W. Bro. T. Jaffray (First Degree). The addresses

to the Master, Wardens, and brethren were very ably delivered by R.W. Bro. G. Allport (D.D.G.M., E.G.), W.

Bro. J. Rod, and R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin respectively. On assuming the gavel the newly-installed W.M.

addressed the meeting appropriately to the occasion. At the request of the .brethren the Prov.G.M. presented

W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen, the retiring Master, with a particularly handsome gavel in token of their appreciation

of the efforts that had been exerted by him during the year. The recipient suitably acknowledged the gift. G.L.

having retired, and H.G.W. having been tendered, the Lodge was closed at 9.45 p.m., and the brethren

assembled in the banqueting hall, where to the enlivening strains of the pibroch they sat down to

refreshment. The usual toasts were honoured and responded to, a strong feature of this portion of the

proceedings being the instrumental and vocal items of the orchestra (which mustered in force), and Bros.

Naismith and Jago. The meeting from start to finish was admirably conducted and highly successful, and

marks the termination of a particularly prosperous and harmonious year, and appearances foreshadow a

continuance of satisfactory conditions.

The first ordinary meeting of the year was held on 21st December at 7.30 p.m., when the new W.M. (Bro. A.

W. Rowlands) was greeted by a very satisfactory attendance of members and visiting brethren. After

transaction of business of a formal nature, two G.L. circular appeals were considered, and sums of two

guineas each voted in support. The matter of contributing to the G.L. War Benevolent Fund was referred to

the Standing Committee to consider and report upon. The ceremonial work was to pass one brother, and this

was rendered by the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. O. Neilson (Apron Charge), W. Bro. G. W. Nielsen (S.E.

Address), Bro. W. Simpson and A. Schmidt (W.Ts. in concert with W.M.), and Bro. W. Simpson (F.C.). The

ceremony was well carried out, quite apart from the fact that it was the first effort of the new set of officers.

The orchestra, which attended in strong force, played melodies appropriate to the season. After receipt of

H.G.W. the Lodge was closed, and the brethren repaired to the refectory, where most enjoyable items were

contributed, and the toasts of King and Craft, absent brethren, the I.P.M., candidate, and visitors were

cordially honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Rangitikei, No. 38.—The annual meeting was held at Bulls on the afternoon of 28th October. W. Bro. G. W.

McKenzie presiding. A large attendance of members, besides visitors representing sister Lodges, assembled

to congratulate the Master-elect, Bro. K. W. Deighton, and to assist in the ceremony of his installation. R.W.

Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., was in attendance, and was heartily welcomed. After receiving the honours

due to his exalted rank, the Prov.G.M. intimated that the installation ceremony would be conducted by W.

Bro, J. H. Perrett, who then proceeded with the work, which was performed in a manner leaving nothing to

be desired. W. Bro. W. J. Phillips, as D. of C., filled that important office with credit. The W.Ts. were

presented by W. Bro. W. A. Bailey (Feilding), W. Bro. C. S. Rush (Manawatu Kil.), and W. Bro. T. Chisholm

(Rangatira). The officers for the ensuing year were invested by the newly-elected W.M., who was particularly

happy in his remarks to the individual office-bearers whom he had chosen to assist him in controlling and

managing the affairs of the Lodge, The officers for the ensuing year are ;—I.P.M„ W. Bro. G. W. McKenzie;

S.W., Bro. Geo. Williams; S.W., Bro. R. Chisholm; Sec., W. Bro. T. King, P.M.; Treas., W. Bro. J. E. Walker,

P.M. ; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. Anderson, P.M. ; Organist, W. Bro. J. H. Perrett, P.M.; D. of C., W. Bro. W. J.

Phillips, P.M.; S.D., Bro. G. H. Hathaway; J.D., Bro. H. J. Fagan; I.G., Bro. A. E. Eglinton ; Tyler, Bro. L. R.

Mehelvie; S.S., Bro. M. D. James ; J.S., Bro. A. K. Drew. The address to the W.M. was delivered by the

Prov.G.M., that to the Wardens by W. Bro. W. J. Croucher, G.S. while W. Bro. T. King addressed the brethren.

Before the Lodge closed W. Bro. J. Anderson was made the recipient of a P.M.'s jewel as a slight recognition

by the brethren of the assiduity with which he has applied himself in promoting the best interests of the

Lodge in various capacities for a number of years. A collection on behalf of aged and indigent Freemasons

realised a substantial sum. The social evening which usually follows an installation at Lodge Rangitikei was

dispensed with on this occasion.—{Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Ulster, No. 62.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Petone, on 16th December, W. Bro. G.

D. McEwen presiding. The ceremonial work was to pass two brethren. This was ably performed by the

W.M., assisted by Bro. C. A. Strong, J.W. (S.E. Charge), W. Bro. R. Wylie (W.Ts.), and Bro. W. H. Richards,

S.W. (Final Charge). The lecture on the 1st T.B. was very ably delivered by W. Bro. R. Colquitt. The Lodge

was closed at 9.45 p.m., and a very pleasant time was spent in the "Fourth." This being the last meeting of

the year seasonable toasts were duly honoured, interspersed with songs, etc.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No. 156.—The regular meeting was held on 4th December in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore. W.

Bro. P. C. Watt, W.M., presided over a large attendance of the brethren, including the W.M. of Lodge Otari

and visitors from other Lodges. A donation was made to G.L. circular appeal. The business was the initiation

of three candidates, including J. A. Burgess, of H.M.S. Phyche, for whom a special dispensation was granted,

owing to his leaving Now Zealand for the seat of war. Ballots were taken for two joining members, and

proved favourable in each instance. The ceremony of initiation was performed by the W.M., Bro. P. C. Watt,

who duly Obligated the candidates. The S., T., and W. were given by W. Bro. A. Spicer, P.M.; the Apron

Charge by W. Bro. M. G. Fisher, P.M.; N.E. Corner by Bro. E. Howell, Treas.; Reasons for Prep., by Bro. C.

W. Martin, I.G.; W.Ts., by Bro. J. W. Sexton, S.D.; Charter, Constitution, and By-laws, presented by the

W.M.; Final Charge, by Bro. A. A. Whitelaw, J.W. Nominations of officers were taken for ensuing year, and

one proposition for joining member. After H.G.W. the Lodge closed, an enjoyable hour being spent in the

refectory.

An emergency meeting was also held on 18th December. The business consisted of raising two brethren. The

W.M., Bro. P. C. Watt, handed the gavel to W. Bro. H. Ivory, P.M., to work the degree. He was ably assisted

by R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., and M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M. and the P.Ms. of the Lodge. W.

Bro. J. P. Shand, P.M., acted as S.W.; W. Bro. A. Spicer, P.M., as J.W.; W. Bro. S. E. Harrap, I.P.M., as S.D.;

and W. Bro. T. Rowell, P.M., as J.D. The W.M. congratulated the P.Ms. on the manner in which the ceremony

was worked, passing special commendation to R.W. Bro. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., and M.W. Bro. Williams,

P.G.M., for their kindly interest and attendance, and expressing regret at their early departure from the

meeting to catch trains. A large number of visiting brethren were present, and after spending an enjoyable

programme in the Fourth Degree, expressed their pleasure at having spent an enjoyable and profitable

evening.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Hula, No. 171.—Since furnishing the last report to the CRAFTSMAN, the officers and members of the Lodge

responded to the kind invitation of Manawatu Kil., and worked a degree, two candidates being duly initiated

into the mysteries of the Craft. At the ordinary meeting on the 4th, the work consisted of passing a brother to

the F.C., the work being carried out by the W.M. (I.P.M. Bro. Stone); Final Charge by R.W. Bro. Reeking.

Two candidates were proposed for the next ballot. Bro. Johnstone, who had only recently taken his Third

Degree, has gone with the Expeditionary Force to the front, making two we have bid farewell to. The next

meeting to be held will be to receive nominations for officers for the ensuing year, when it is hoped a good

attendance will be recorded, it being a privilege all members ought to take advantage of if they have the

future welfare of their Lodge and Masonry generally at heart.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The usual meeting was held at the Lower Hutt on 9th December, when there was a

good attendance of brethren. Amongst the visitors were the W.M. and officers of Lodge Brooklyn, whom we

were very pleased to see, and, as W. Bro. Arcus aptly said, it is a long way from Brooklyn to the Hutt, and it

is just as far from the Hutt to Brooklyn, but W. Bro. Arcus can rest assured we will repay his visit in force

some time in the near future, as we have fond memories of our last visit, when our motor bus refused to take

the hill, and we had to fall back on the common tram. But Brooklyn Lodge were not the only visitors, as at a

quarter past eight R.W. Bro. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., entered the Lodge with a bodyguard of two captains and

four non-commissioned officers from the Trentham camp, and as you, Bro. Editor, would be aware, our R.W.

brother looked a proud and happy man, as you know how patriotic a member of the Empire he is. R.W. Bro.

Peterkin apologised for his late arrival, and we accepted it, as we knew that after the arrival of the train he

had taken the visitors to his place to show them where the squashers grew, and also to refresh the inner man.

After the usual business, and the voting of a sum to a circular appeal, two brethren were passed to the degree

of F.C. W. Bro. Guiness Obligated, Bro. McLachlan Invested, R.W. Bro. Peterkin gave the address after

Investiture, W. Bro. Ayson gave the S.E. Charge, W. Bro. Monroe presented the W.Ts., and Bro. McLachlan

explained the 2nd T.B. The Lodge was closed in the Second Degree. W. Bro. Hobbs and W. Bro. Rishworth

were nominated as J.G.D. and G.Sd.B. in G.L. The Lodge was closed at 9.30 p.m. A very pleasant hour was

spent in the refectory, when the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given. That of the visitors was ably

responded to by the W.M. of Brooklyn Lodge, W. Bro. Captain Munro (I.P.M. of Lodge Motua, 195), W.

Bro. Captain Houlker (of Victory Lodge, 40, Nelson), Bro. Sergt.-Major Taylor (N.Z.P.S., of Austral Lodge,

2534, E.C., South Africa), Sergt. Penrheys-Evans (Lodge Franklin, 58), Corporal Murray (of Lodge Taupiri,

118), and Corporal Maddren (of Lodge Hikurangi, 140), W. Bros. Munro's and Houlker's speeches being

well worth listening to, and they also expressed a wish that the Secs. of Lodges would send circulars out to

the camp so that the brethren there would know when the Lodges met in Wellington. Please accept heartiest

Christmas greetings from myself and Lodge Waiwhetu, and may the coming year be a prosperous and happy

one.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [Very heartily reciprocated.—Ed.C.]

————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.--The regular meeting was held in Christchurch on 9th December, V.E. Comp. W.

Broadly presiding. The business was the exaltation of one brother. V.E. Comp. W. Broadly obligated; V.E.

Comp. T. W. Lee gave from the Know ledge; V.E. Comp. T. Bailey, of Canterbury Kil., gave from the

Discovery; V.E. Comp. W. F. McLean gave P.G. and R.W.; V.E. Comp. A. H. Thorpe illustrated the Signs;

V.E. Comp. F. C. B. Bishop delivered the Charge, and M.E. Comp. S. C. Bingham the Lecture at the Altar.

Credit is due to all for the able manner in which the ceremony was conducted. Congratulations were tendered

to the Sojs. for the efficient way they did their part of the ceremony.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Manawatu, No. 11.—The Chapter continues to make good headway, and is in a most flourishing condition,

which is most gratifying to the officers and members. Recently four Foxton brethren were exalted to the R.A.

Degree, the following meeting two candidates were advanced to the M.M. Degree, and one was successful at

the ballot for the next date of meeting. The members of the Chapter were pleased to receive a visit from the

old veteran, W. Bro. Hosking, from Ormondville, his renowned capabilities as a ritualist being too well

known to need any commenting upon, it being a treat to receive a visit from him and to have the privilege to

listen to his delivery of any work he is called upon to perform.— [Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 30.—The monthly convocation was held on 7th December, V.E. Comp. W. Dobson, Z.,

presiding over a good attendance of members. One candidate was elected, another proposed, and certificates

were presented to several members. It was decided not to hold the usual convocation in January. The several

side degrees were conferred on two candidates by V.E. Comp. Gillespie, assisted by E. Comps. J. Craven and

F. Craven. An enjoyable hour was spent in the refectory, and occasion was taken to welcome Comp. Vernon

Smith, who has been absent from Dannevirke for some time, and consequently has not been able to attend

the Chapter. Passing reference was made to the fact that Comp. Smith bad, during his "temporary absence,"

taken unto himself a -life partner. In acknowledging the toast Comp. Smith expressed regret at not having

been able to attend the Chapter for some months, and laughingly admitted that, had he known what was in

store for him, he would have been tempted to have excused himself on that occasion.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

W. BRO. F. C. B. BISHOP. ACTING GRAND SECRETARY. CHRISTCHURCH.