FREEMASONRY AND THE WAR.

To assume that the great European war is not having any influence on Freemasonry would be to ignore facts

that are daily becoming more patent, and which will later be brought home to every individual in very

practical form. Risking the charge of iteration, we again assert that the people of New Zealand have not had

the horrors and tragedies, the sufferings and self-sacrifices, brought home to them. The sufferings of

hundreds of thousands of starving and homeless people cannot appeal to a far-distant community which

always has its stomach full; neither can the plight of myriads of frozen soldiers, immersed in trenches of

liquid mud, be faintly realised by us in the enjoyment of the bright and warm days of the Antipodean

summer. But a change is even now in evidence, and the families whose means are limited are viewing the

first results of "glorious " war on the domestic economy of this far-distant land. The increase in the price of

all necessaries of life, with the prospect of further higher rates, the big advance in the cost of wearing apparel

owing to a greater demand and a lessening production, with the almost inevitable certainty of a war-tax

imposition, must make the wage-earner view future prospects with considerable alarm. And while our small

Dominion may joyously demonstrate at its contribution of fighting men for the defence of an Empire, the jay

must be tinged with sorrow with the knowledge that this phalanx of fighters constitutes the backbone of the

actual working resources of the country, and are drawn from every industry. And we are told that the number

is to be increased by two-monthly reinforcements. A fair proportion of these men are Freemasons, and a

feeling is generally existent that these brethren should not suffer any disability by reason of non-payment of

dues; indeed, in many Lodges arrangements have been that all such fees and dues shall be remitted during

the currency of the war in New Zealand, although the proportion will not be very great from any one Lodge,

it will still mean an economic adjustment of Lodge funds, and G.L. will, no doubt, forego its membership

fees on this account. But in Great Britain the strain will be very great; indeed, some Lodges have already

closed down temporarily owing to the large diminution of members. At the meeting of the G.L. of England

held on 2nd December a proposal was submitted by the B. of G.P. to enable a Lodge to remit the sub-

scriptions of any member who is in the service of the Crown during the war. It may be assumed that the G.L.

of New Zealand will take similar action at its annual meeting in May next. In passing we may say a few

words with reference to that meeting, though recognising we may tread on delicate ground. It is established

custom for the Lodges located in the centre where the annual communications are held to fittingly entertain

the visiting members of G.L. at festive gatherings. On the last occasion that G.L. was held in Wellington City

the death of the late King Edward plunged our Empire into mourning, and all festive gatherings were

abandoned. At this time almost the whole world is bereaved; nations are weeping for their children, and are

metaphorically clothed in sackcloth, with ashes upon their heads. Is this, then, a time for Masonic festivity or

the spending of much money in pleasurable waste? Our Wellington brethren may resent our words, but their

truth will find an echo in the hearts of many generous brethren. Rather should the cost be devoted towards

the alleviation of the distress of a naked and starving nation, whose brave men are fighting as never men

fought before to preserve their very existence. Another difficulty has arisen in Great Britain, which is

virtually an unknown quantity here, viz., the question of the admission of thousands of Freemasons of

Belgium and France who are refugees. It is especially unfortunate that the G.Ls. of France and Belgium are

not in association with the British G.Ls., because of their disregard of what Britain considers the fundamental

principles of the Brotherhood. This, of course, is not a matter that can be adjusted in five minutes;

consequently the refugee brethren cannot gain admission. But what they may lack from the absence of

fraternal intercourse within will be fully made up by brotherly kindness and assistance from without.

Though the full rigour of the war may not have been appreciated in the past in this country, the time is

rapidly approaching when every brother will realise that his responsibilities are increasing, and with this

knowledge we hesitate to labour the cause of our Special Appeal War Fund. But we are given to understand

that it has not, to the present, realised the anticipations of the M.W.G.M., and that only a very small

proportion of Lodges appear to have dealt with the G.M.'s message. We have no desire to harass the feelings

of those brethren who, under recently altered conditions, find it difficult to make both ends meet; but we are

impelled to believe that there are quite a number of Craftsmen who, without the necessity of any great self-

sacrifice, could materially and effectively assist the very meritorious project of the G.M. To-day there are no

calls upon such a fund, but at any moment the New Zealand force may be precipitated into the fighting line,

and casualties may necessitate calls which the fund, no matter what may be its extent, may be quite

insufficient to meet. The aid of all our well placed brethren is earnestly invoked in the cause of suffering

humanity.

———————

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

——<>——

The De Burgh Adams Lodge, No. 444, I.C., purposes celebrating its jubilee on the 18th inst., and is naturally

desirous of having as large an attendance as possible of "old and former" members of the Lodge. The

celebration will take the form of a garden party at "Aotea" and a Lodge meeting in the evening, which will

be held in the Theatre Royal, New Plymouth. The origin of the Lodge is quite historical, and its early history

is coeval with many of the military events of the old Maori wars. As an instance, we find that on the 6th

August, 1865, the brethren attended a Lodge of Emergency for the purpose of assisting at the funeral of Bro.

A. R. Close, Captain 43rd L.I., who had been killed in action at Te Ahu Ahu. The following brief particulars

are taken from a history of the Lodge, compiled and published in 1908: "The De Burgh Adams Lodge was

inaugurated in A.D. 1865. At that time and for some years previous the settlement of Taranaki was the

theatre of war, the long and anxious struggle between the Native race and the settlers, which closed in

exhaustion somewhere in 1870, having started in Taranaki in 1860. For two or three years previous to the

Lodge's erection New Plymouth was the headquarters of a large number of Imperial troops, many of the

officers of which belonged to the fraternity, and, while there was a Lodge in the town—Mount Egmont,

E.C.—the need of another was much felt. Overtures were entered into in 1864 by these military brethren for

the erection of a Lodge under the I.C. and on 13th January, 1865, formal application was made to the

Dep.G.M. of the Province (R.W. Bro. Henry De Burgh Adams) for a dispensation to open and work a Lodge

under the I.C., to be called the De Burgh Adams Lodge. In the latter part of the month this was received, and

on 8th February, 1865, an assemblage of brethren met at the Lodgeroom, Masonic Hotel, Devon Street, at

high noon, and there in due and regular form, under the presidency of Y.W. Bro. J. Newland, P.P.J.G.W. of

Herts, of the Mount Egmont Lodge, was duly constituted and erected. This being the first Lodge opened

under the new Prov.G.L. of Ireland for New Zealand, it was called after the name of its honoured Prov.G.M.,

who during his life evinced a close and loving interest in its welfare." Among the few surviving founders are

R.W. Bro. John Ellis, who is fittingly occupying the Master's chair during the present year, and W. Bro. W.

G. P. O'Callaghan. Another old and esteemed member, who joined the Lodge in 1868, is W. F. Brooking,

who is still active and doing good work in the Lodge. De Burgh has the somewhat unique experience of

numbering two P.G.Ms. of the G.L. of New Zealand on its honorary list—viz., M.W. Bro. Herbert J.

Williams, elected 11th August, 1899, and M.W. Bro. Lord Plunket, elected 21st November, 1906. The

CRAFTSMAN offers De Burgh Adams Lodge the heartiest of congratulations on its attainment of its fiftieth

anniversary, and especially felicitates R.W. Bro. John Ellis, W. M., as one of the founders, on the fact that,

having piloted the Lodge from the East on several previous occasions, he is again in charge of the quarter-

deck in this auspicious year.

———————

OUTSIDE APPEALS FOR MASONIC ASSISTANCE.

——<>——

We have it on authority that the Salvation Army purposes circularising all Masonic Lodges in New Zealand

in aid of one of its more recent undertakings. Its circular states " that, in addition to its other philanthropic

work and activities, it has undertaken the responsibility of housing some 2000 refugees in Great Britain, and,

in addition to this, in view of the awful suffering and imperative need for immediate help, General Booth is

sending a special mission of relief and succour to Belgium. The financial stress in the Old Land, owing to the

war, has seriously affected the revenue of the Salvation Army, and the General states that he is in great

stress, hence the appeal to New Zealand." We recognise that the Salvation Army is engaged in great

humanitarian work, is always ready to give assistance where it is needed and at the time it is most required,

but we doubt if any appeal to Masonic Lodges in New Zealand will at this time be productive of any result.

We have always contended that Freemasonry as an organisation should not be exploited by outside bodies

unless for some very special purpose. And though we do not under-estimate the importance of the .work this

great Army is undertaking, yet it would be futile to disguise the fact that Masonic Lodges have their hands

quite full at the present time. Freemasonry has its own system of active philanthropy, the scope of which is

increased by the great war. Many Lodges are practising self-denial by the abrogation of the refreshment

function, and the contribution to the Special Masonic War Relief Fund; and, no matter how worthy the object

any outside body has in view, we do not think that any appeal to Freemasons as a body can possibly be

productive of much result. Individually many brethren will have every sympathy with the work the Salvation

Army is undertaking, and its splendid administrative power will be quite recognised, and those whose means

will allow will, no doubt, show their sympathy in practical form. We may mention that, as the result of an

appeal in New South Wales, the G.L. of that State voted a sum of £25 to this particular Salvation Army

Fund, and, no doubt, the G.L. of New Zealand will have the opportunity of also reviewing a similar

application.

———————

THE SUPREME G.R.A. CHAPTER OF NEW ZEALAND.

——<>——

The annual convocation of the above body will be held in Christchurch on the 3rd inst., but, unfortunately,

its chief will not be present, be being in Egypt with the Expeditionary Force. From a perusal of the report of

the Supreme Committee it does not appear that the business to be transacted, outside a review of the

operations of the year; is of great moment. The question of the relations between the G. Chapters of Scotland

and New Zealand will perhaps create some discussion, but, pending a reply to the formal application made to

the G. Chapter of Scotland for the interchange of fraternal relations, by R.E. Comp. T. Ross, in propria

persona, we do not see that any decision can be arrived at. It will, no doubt, be urged that greater expedition

could have been used in dealing with the application, but the present war is responsible for a general

dislocation of Masonic business in the United Kingdom. The 1st G. Principal of Scotland (Lord Cassilas) is

on active service, with many other good and true brethren, and it is perhaps too much to expect that minor

matters should receive consideration while the existence of an Empire is in the balance. So far as the

financial position of the G. Chapter of New Zealand is concerned, there are indications that it has suffered

somewhat by the depletion of members and the failing-off in Masonic activity. But as there are few

institutions or individuals that will not be affected sooner or later, the position can only be considered as the

natural sequence of events. R.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews is to receive the honour of being enthroned in the

principal chair, and the meeting being in Christchurch is sufficient guarantee that there will be a large and

brilliant assemblage to do honour to the occasion.

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

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

WE offer our congratulations to our old correspondent, Bro. J. H. C. Randall, on his accession to the chair of

M.W.S. of "Fides et Justitea," Rose Croix Chapter, Papeete.

IT is with the greatest regret that we have to chronicle the somewhat serious illness of W. Bro. Morris Fox,

the Secretary of the. Installed Masters' Lodge of Wellington, and Actuary of the Government Life Insurance

Office. At latest advices he was progressing satisfactorily, but it is not probable he will resume his

professional duties for some little time. The CRAFTSMAN wishes him a quick convalescence.

DURING the festive season we received a cheque on the Bank of Prosperity for three hundred and sixty-five

days of unbroken prosperity, and health, and happiness. We very sincerely hope the cheque will be

honoured, and cordially thank the drawer, M.E. Comp. S. Clifton Bingham.

Bro. MAJOR W. S. AUSTIN, inspector of schools at Greymouth, has received leave of absence, and has gone

into camp at Trentham to join the reinforcements for the front.

THE G.M. of Vermont emphasised the true duty of Masonic Lodges, even though burdened with debts for

new buildings, when he said, " To such Lodges your G.M. desires to say that the relief of worthy distressed

Masons and their families is the first duty of the true Mason. To refuse charity because your Masonic

building is not paid for is to neglect your greatest duty for selfish reasons."

THE present European war, while cruel and revolting, is really paving the way for the advancement of

Freemasonry. After it is all over the products of peace will make great advancement. Men will seek to ally

themselves with those influences which make for human betterment and the guarantee of perpetual goodwill

among men. In all this the power of Masonry will be sought. —" Illinois Freemason."

V.W. BRO. SUB-INSPECTOR CRUICKSHANK, who has been promoted to Auckland, was farewelled by the

Timaru brethren last month prior to his departure.

WE regret to learn, per medium of the newspaper press, that W. Bro. J. S. Pepper, formerly of Carterton, and

latterly of Greymouth, died in Auckland on 12th January.

THE various Lodges in New South Wales have subscribed the sum of £1,909 2s. 10d. to the Patriotic War

Fund of that State. The G.L. had previously voted the sum of £250.

THE orchestra of Lodge St. Andrew, Wellington, has arranged to hold a concert in the Masonic Hall on the

17th inst., in aid of the G.L. War Relief Fund. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental items has

been arranged, and, as tickets are going off rapidly, a substantial addition to the fund may be anticipated.

BRO. J. W. COPTHORNE, for some years a member of Waterloo Lodge, Wellington, died at Otaki on the 18th

ult. He was for a long time in business in Wellington, and was greatly esteemed by those who knew him. He

retired from his Lodge some fifteen years ago.

IN our January issue we published an article under the title of "The Three Degrees," and we have to express

regret that the name of the writer was incidently omitted. "The Three Degrees" was a paper read at the

November meeting of the Installed Masters' Lodge, of Wellington by W. Bro. P. Levi, M.A., who is the

present S.W. of the Lodge.

THE Editor offers his warmest thanks to the many brethren who so kindly sent Christmas and New Year's

greetings, but the large number quite precluded individual acknowledgment. Among the latest received were

cards from W. Bros. J. H. C. Randall, Papeete; Frank A. Steans, Manchester; Bro. and Mrs. Chas. A.

Conover, Michigan; and Thos. L. Davies, San Francisco.

A PETITION has been been received from a number of companions in Stratford and Inglewood for a charter

for a new Chapter to be held alternately in these two towns. After full consideration Sup. Committee decided

to grant the prayer of the petitioners. The new Chapter will be under the immediate supervision of R.T.

Comp. G. W. Palmer (West Coast N.I. District), and will probably be constituted about the end of March.

THROUGH the courtesy of the G. Sec. of Victoria, we have received the Semi-Jubilee Souvenir, which is a

record of the proceedings of the 25th Anniversary of the G.L. of Victoria on 29th April, 1914. As it records

the principal historical Masonic events, it is most interesting reading, besides conveying a fund of

information to the present day Freemason. It is lavishly embellished with pictures and portraits, including all

the P.G.Ms.—with the exception of the first, M.W. Bro. Coppin — the reigning G.M., and G.Secs. since

institution. The G.L. has had a very prosperous and harmonious career, and there is only one Lodge in the

State—Combemere—not under its jurisdiction. The N.Z.. CRAFTSMAN congratulates the sister jurisdiction,

and wishes it continued prosperity in the future.

FEBRUARY being a short month, will necessitate the CRAFTSMAN going to press earlier than usual. The editor

will esteem it a favour if correspondents will kindly note this intimation.

LODGE ST. ANDREW'S balance-sheet for the past year, adopted at the last meeting, disclosed a continuance of

satisfactory financial conditions. The brethren have succeeded in saving a tidy benevolent fund.

———————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——<>——

At the December meeting of the Wairaki Lodge, W. Bro. John Gray gave a very interesting address in

connection with the 1st T.B. It is gratifying to learn that W. Bro. Gray is engaging in explanatory work—a

role he is well qualified to fill.

* * * *

Judging by the number of propositions for membership coming forward, the roll of Lodge Winton will be

added to considerably during the present year. Lodge Winton is situated in a rich district offering the best of

material to build up a really strong Lodge. Men of long and good standing in the district have been recently

added to the roll, and others are about to be—all of whom will give real strength to the Lodge.

* * * *

Bowling appears to be a rival of Freemasonry. It was thought that Southern Cross Lodge would attract a

record attendance of visitors from afar off on New Year's Night. But, no ! The lovely evening and the bowls

proved too great a distraction, and only a few out of the many attended. There was no ceremonial work. A

lecture by the W.M., Bro. Critchfield, entitled " The Stone of Foundation and Divine Truth" and the singing

of a solo by a Dunedin visitor, Bro. Colin Gray, occupied the time of the meeting very interestingly and

pleasantly. A very pleasant hour was afterwards spent in the social hall.

* * * *

The heartfelt sympathy of Southland brethren is extended to W. Bro. A. R. Porter and his family in the

bereavement they have suffered by the death of wife and mother. The late Mrs. Porter was highly esteemed,

and her death in the prime of life is a source of very deep regret and. loss to a wide circle of friends.

———————

AUCKLAND NOTES.

——<>——

There is very little to record with respect to Lodge or Chapter meetings at the present time. Many of the

Lodges go into recess during December and January, and those that do meet as usual are but sparsely

attended, as many of the brethren are sojourning at the seaside, while others make the weather conditions an

excuse for their non-attendance at their Lodge or Chapter meetings.

* * * *

W. Bro. R. White, I.P.M. of Lodge Te Marama, No. 186, has returned to Auckland from his trip to England.

War broke out during Bro. White's sojourn in the Old Land, and Bro. White, who is an enthusiastic member

of the Legion of Frontiersmen, tendered his services with other members of that body. They could not at that

time be accepted, but Bro. White rendered some assistance in the capacity of a special constable, and has

many incidents to relate in connection with the rounding up of aliens and other suspects.

* * * *

The lady friends of members of Lodge Waitakerei held an " at home ' at the Lodgeroom, Henderson, upon a

recent Saturday afternoon. There was quite a large gathering, and those present were entertained to tea and

some nice music.

* * * *

It is understood that Bro. H. L. Wade, I.P.M. of Lodge Maungawhao, No. 168, is about to leave Auckland for

the purpose of joining the Expeditionary Force, having been nominated for a lieutenant's commission therein.

* * * *

The Hauraki R.A. Chapter at the Thames, the only Chapter in New Zealand now holding under the G.

Chapter of Ireland, is at the present time in active work, and has recently received quite an accession of new

members.

———————

THE WAR AS VIEWED BY BROTHERS IN THE COUNTRIES ENGAGED.

——<>——

"With outbreak of the present conflict between the countries of Europe I sought at once to gain some

expression from Masons there. From a number of these replies have been received, and I give an instalment,

of them. It is not for me, in this place, to express opinion. The brothers must, in each case, speak for

themselves. Only I would venture to direct attention to the pathetic nature of the communication from

Belgium. In some two or three cases I have permission to use names of the writers. With the others it seemed

wisest, and for obvious reasons, to present them anonymously. The translations have been carefully made, to

preserve the sentiment of the originals."—Editor " Freemason."

THE ENGLISH POINT OF VIEW.

I am in receipt of a letter from R.W. Bro. Alfred F. Robbins, Pres. of the B. of G.P. of the G.L. of England.

In it are the following sentences to my present purpose :-

" I hold from my heart that in the present war my country is in the right. But I deeply deplore that all the

efforts of recent years, of myself and those who think with me, to promote an Anglo-German

understanding through Freemasonry, have at this period come to nought. Yet I do not regret a single effort

made. My earnest prayer, indeed, is that out of the present appalling welter will come good, and that

when the world again is blessed with peace a bridge may be built by Masons, and on Masonic principles,

across the abyss of national hatreds."

Another English brother with whom I have been in correspondence for some years, and whom I have learned

to admire for his information and breadth of view, and to respect for the earnestness of his convictions, also

writes me, though without permission I cannot use his name. He says :-

" I have been one of the much-despised and condemned Little Englanders '—that is, we have believed the

high road of progress for the British Empire led over the places of peace, and that it was nothing short of

criminal to tempt strife. The recent attempts of English Freemasons to gain the confidence and fraternal

co-operation of German brothers seemed to many of us a movement full of promise for good. Lord

Ampthill, our beloved Pro G.M., had the solid support of the Craft in the efforts made to bring about a

thorough understanding. But it seems that the teachings and restraints of Freemasonry, the precepts of

Christianity and the bitter experiences of history were not of sufficient force to hold in check an

aggressive militarism. Even the most ardent lovers of peace are convinced that the present war is a

necessity. If there is anything sacred in the solemn promises of nations, any real meaning to the much-

abused word honour, then surely is Great Britain justified in entering the conflict. We are not stirred by

any hatred of the German people, though there have not been lacking those in both countries who have

tried for years to sow the seeds of hatred. I have, as you know, some means of ascertaining public

sentiment in these islands, and I say to you, my dear brother, that the overwhelming desire of the English

people now is that, because of their immense sacrifices, the real German nation may emerge stronger than

ever, to spread its commerce and its culture, and thus reach to an influence and grandeur beyond anything

that could be gained by victory of its armies. To bring about the destruction of militarism the French

Republic and the British Empire have settled to their work in grim earnest. Whatever the cost, the shadow

and terror of the sword must be removed from Europe.

" I agree most heartily with the words and sentiments of your recent letter, that the time of greatest

opportunity for the Masonic fraternity of the world will follow upon the present war. If the united

membership can be brought to realisation of possibilities the institution may well lead toward a lasting

peace, based upon the brotherhood of man. May God grant that the blood of the nations be not spilt in

vain !"

AS SEEN BY A FRENCH MASON.

In the October issue a short article was given from the gifted pen of Bro. Oswald Wirth, the editor of " Le

Symbolisme." The following letter from the same writer seems to be well worth the space, as it puts clearly

the French point of view, not only as regard the war, but as revealing the really reverent view with which

Freemasons of that country regard the G.A.O.T.U. :—

" You ask me of the peace congress (` reunion pacifists ') at Frankfort. Let me inform you that the three

Prussian G.Ls., in the month of June, forbade their subordinate Lodges from being officially represented

at this meeting. Such course gave much cause for reflection to the French brethren, who were most

favourably disposed toward a Franco-German understanding.

"All we can say at this time is that it is happy for Freemasonry that William II does not belong to our

Order, as did his father and his grandfather. These latter did nothing disloyal, and we have no cause to

blush for them. But this their successor will be severely judged by history. A criminal, respecting neither

faith nor law, he pretends to do all in the name of God. Now, after the violation of Belgian neutrality,

regardless of the treaties guaranteed by Prussia, it is blasphemous for him to write ' Gott mit uns ' upon

his standards, when 'Lug and Trug ' (Falsehood and Felony) would be in better taste. This is another

example of the abuse which is made of the name of God. Which one is the real atheist—he who, while

Tearing in the name of God, acts disloyally, or that one who, without speaking of God, conforms himself

to the principles of a sane human morality ?

" Here is a magnificent theme for meditation by Anglo-Saxon Masons, who may perhaps agree that

nothing can be worse than to hide behind God in order to do evil. It is assuredly less evil to hide behind

God to do nothing; but better, in my view, would it be to respect God sufficiently riot to reduce Him to

the role of a screen. It seems to me that in this regard we are more respectful than our Anglo Saxon

brethren, who love to laud themselves by blazoning the name of God in great letters, while among us the

conception of the Supreme Being remains piously conserved in the heart of each one. The Eye which sees

all will distinguish between the Pharisaism of the one class and the frank sincerity of the other. If I held

belief in the Gospel I would endeavour to support it by acts rather than by vain words.

" As to the war, we deplore it profoundly, and we have but one hope—that it may be as short as possible.

The German people are the victims of those who govern them. We wish to retain them in the orbit of

general civilisation, by doing the least amount of harm compatible with the necessity of conquering them,

and thus bringing them to reason. Our generalissimo, Bro. Joffre, does not seek for glory in arms. So far

as he can he will avoid the effusion of blood. He will content himself with minor operations, with the

object of checking the enemy and allowing the forces of the foe to wear themselves out, thus rendering

them harmless, until the moment comes when, manifestly reduced to impotence, they will capitulate

without having truly battled. This systematic temporisation will permit the German nation to become

master of itself, and of entering eventually into the real European concert. Ceasing then to be a terror to

the world, it will become a nation like the others, and be devoted to beneficences and to the welfare of

humanity. But, alas, those poor Germans are so hard-headed that they may not comprehend !"

[The reader will readily understand that this letter was written before the great battles of September. If,

indeed, it was the plan of General Joffre to "temporise," the tremendous onslaught of his antagonists forced

him to the most serious of fighting.— Editor.]

FROM A GERMAN STANDPOINT.

" I do not believe that you would allow space in the pages of The American Freemason for discussions by

the brothers of contending nations as to the causes of the present great war. In your favoured land of

peace it is the part of wisdom to stand above and beyond the quarrel that has involved almost all of

Europe. And as American Masons, we can hope and expect that you will form no judgments in advance

of a full revelation of the facts. We hear that American sentiment is strongly against the Germans. It is not

for me to say upon what information such sentiment is based, nor will I attempt to present any arguments

to prove it unjust. I for one am willing that the future shall give the full evidence, and that the great

neutral nation of the United States shall make decision as to the justice of our cause. But I will say, with

hope that it may pass the editorial censor, that the whole German nation, without regard to affiliations or

creeds or political differences, is standing as one man back of the policies of the imperial government.

"But I know you are concerned, more especially, as to the Freemasonry of the Fatherland in this present

crisis. It will not surprise you to be told that our Lodges are depleted, many of them dormant, because of

the drain upon their memberships. With universal military service and the need for using the full force of

the Empire against its foes, only those too old for enrolment or those retained at home in indispensable

military or civilian labours, are available to carry on Masonic work of any sort. Yet I would assure you,

my dear Bro. Morcombe, that Freemasonry in Germany is not dead, nor a dying force. In our country, as

in yours, Masons are taught in their Lodges the great duties that are inseparable from citizenship and

membership in society—and among these are devotion and loyalty to country. We do not blame, but

rather honour, our English and French brothers, that they have answered to the last test of loyalty ; they

will not blame us, that we have done likewise. When the full duties of manhood rise before us, we take

that which lies nearest, dearest, and most manifest, or we fail in all. But I am confident that what we have

taught our brothers in the Lodges of Germany will not be forgotten by them when they are in the field. I

am sure they will be the better men, and better soldiers, because of the teachings and disciplines of

Masonry. And also I. am certain that if, consistent with their duties as German officers and soldiers, they

can bring relief to a suffering brother, whatever the uniform he wears, they will gladly recognise the bond

of our common fraternity. And let me, in the name of our brotherhood, protest to you and to American

Masons, against those stories of atrocities with which it is sought to blacken the character of our German

soldiery. The very strictness of our discipline, insisted upon from the highest to the lowest, should give

the lie to the awful tales that are told of marauding and destruction and debauching and murder that is not

war. Brother Morcombe, the German people is as kindly-hearted as any; for us this is not an outbreak of

rapine and a relapse into savagery. Take it from me, as from one Mason to another, that the stories you

hear from the battlefields or from the ruined towns of Belgium, are no more than nights of imagination, or

the deliberate lies of those who wish to create a hostile sentiment. Perhaps this also may pass the

censorship of a kindly brother.

" Nor would I have you believe that the comparatively few of us who are left at home are unmindful of

our duties. For these are now multiplied many times beyond the duties of the times of peace. Already

there are widows and orphans to be cared for—even though with these our Government is very generous.

But so far as our means will allow the Craft of Germany is trying to make Masonry stand for what you in

America so well express by 'Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.' To me, at least, knowing what I do of

American Masonry, this phrase seems to express the very fundamentals of the fraternity. Alongside of

these words the 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' of French Masons seem cold and almost without

meaning.

" I do not know whether this will reach you, our communications are so uncertain. But I would ask you to

present to our American brothers our salutations, and I would ask from them their sympathy with German

Freemasons."

THE APPEAL FROM BELGIUM.

" Your letter, a valued surprise, has reached me where I am in camp with my regiment. I can hardly

answer it as you would desire. I can tell you little of Belgian Masonry or, indeed, of Belgium itself. You

who are outside the conflict will know more than we do, who are engrossed so completely with our

duties. I have seen the invasion of Belgium from the beginning ; have taken part in some events that will

stand as part of the world's history. Our little nation is the plaything of the great Powers. Those by whom

we should have been protected have violated our neutrality, have overrun our fields, have wantonly

destroyed our towns and villages. And now they turn upon us, as in the fable of the wolf and the lamb,

and declare us at fault because we have dared to defend our homes. We have lost almost everything but

our man-right and our honour, and these we are determined to hold to the last. The free countries of

Europe will not allow us to be utterly destroyed as a nation, and the armies of France and England will

avenge our wrongs.

"In the times of peace, as you know, our Masonry has had its struggles for existence. We came into

conflict in the Parliament and at the elections, with a Church that sought to destroy our institution. But

now there is neither Masonry nor Catholicism—it is the whole Belgian nation fighting for its life. The

Mason and the Catholic march' side by side, knowing no distinction. The greater brotherhood has asserted

itself. We are all free men, fighting against an alien despotism. Yet I still trust the time will come, as you

seem to believe, and that in it Freemasonry will have part, when among all the peoples the brotherhood of

man shall be the greatest and universally acknowledged principle of human intercourse; when the weak

shall no longer be a pray to the strong; when civilisation can put quick curb upon unholy ambitions, and

when the sword will not be the supreme arbiter of the world.

" Farewell, my brother; if in a happier day I may again salute you, it will be for me a great pleasure. If,

like thousands other of my fellow-countrymen' I must give my life upon the altars of patriotism, will you

not remember me now and then as one who had in many things thoughts like to your own.

"Ask American Masons to think with sympathy of their Belgian brothers; ask the American people to also

yield to our nation their sympathy—that sympathy that always in the hearts of a generous race is evoked

on behalf of those who suffer and die for what they believe to be right and honourable."—"American

Freemason."

———————

PRESENTATION.

——<>——

On Thursday, 14th January, the members of Lodge St. Martin, Pleasant Point, and their wives and lady

friends entertained W. Bro. W. C. Brydon and Mrs. Brydon at a social evening on the occasion of their

departure for Waimate. A pleasant evening was spent, and at a suitable break in the proceedings W. Bro.

(Rev.) Stanley Hinson presented Bro. Brydon with a solid gold watch and chain as a token of the regard and

esteem in which he is held by the brethren of the Lodge. Bro. Brydon suitably replied. He has been at

Pleasant Point as representative of the National Mortgage and Agency Co. for ten years, and his upright

dealing in all matters has earned the respect of a very large number of friends. He is being transferred to the

charge of the company's Waimate branch, and all his friends will wish him every success in his new sphere.

———————

" CAN YOU BEAT IT?"

——<>——

A country editor received a card which contained the following :—" Please send me a few copies of the

paper containing the obituary of my aunt. Also publish the enclosed clipping of the marriage of my niece,

who lives in Lebanon. And I wish you would mention in your local column, if it does not cost anything, that

I have two bull calves for sale. As my subscription is out, please stop my paper. Times are too bad to waste

money on newspapers.' —Exchange.

OBITUARY.

——<>——

BRO. A. C. LENNARD, WANGANUI.

A painful shock 'was caused in Wanganui last month by the news that Bro. A. C. Lennard, one

of the town's best-known business men, had died suddenly (says the " Herald "). He had been in

his usual health lately, but was seized with an attack of heart failure, and passed away. The late

Bro. Lennard had been resident in Wanganui for about thirty-five years, for the most part of

which he conducted a grocery business. He was a man of retiring disposition, and took no active

interest in public affairs, but was a great enthusiast in musical circles, and a member of all the

local musical societies. He was also a well-known member of the Masonic fraternity, and had

held the post of organist in St. Andrew Sit. Lodge for about twenty years. Bro. Lennard left a

widow and two sons.

——————

BRO. H. W. GODFREY, PAHIATUA.

Death has removed a very old resident of the Pahiatua district in the person of Bro. H. W.

Godfrey, who was over eighty years of age, and was for many years a well-known builder. The

late Bro. Godfrey, as a young man, was personally acquainted with Charles Dickens, the famous

novelist, and frequently related experiences of Dickens. Prior to going to Pahiatua twenty-four

years ago, the deceased lived at Papanui, near Christchurch, for forty years, and was a member

of Concord Lodge.

————————————

W. BRO. and M.E. COMP. JAMES MACGREGOR, P. G.Z., INVERCARGILL.

To Freemasons and others the enjoyments of the festive season were greatly marred by the

passing "of W. Bro. and M.E. Comp. James Macgregor, whose death took place on Christmas

Night suddenly and without warning. For very many years our deceased brother was actively

associated with the Masonic, social, musical, and sporting life of Invercargill, in all of which he

took a leading part. The Masonic fraternity has lost a great enthusiast ; individual members a

loyal, genial, and generous friend, and while his presence and valuable assistance are lost to us,

they will not be forgotten by his generation.

The deceased was initiated into Freemasonry in Southern Cross Lodge, No. 997, E.C., at

Invercargill, on 8th January, 1883, and raised on 21st March of the same year. On 3rd

September, 1884, he demitted and affiliated with Lodge Victoria, No. 471, I.C. About this time,

as many remember, a wave of depression enveloped New Zealand, and our late brother decided

to woo fortune in other lands. On leaving Invercargill for Australia, he was, on 1st November,

1887, unanimously elected an honorary life member of Lodge Victoria (471, I.C.).

During his residence in Sydney he joined the Rose of Sharon Lodge, No. 116, United G.L. of

New South Wales, and from which he demitted on 12th June, 1899.

Not finding life to his satisfaction in Sydney, he returned to Invercargill, and at once resumed

active connection with Lodge Victoria (471, I.C.). Having previously discharged the duties of

Sec. and filled other subordinate offices, he was elected W.M. 1899-1900. In 1902 he held the

appointment of S.D. in the Prov.G.L. of New Zealand, I.C. He was a charter member of Lodge

Waihopai, from which he resigned on 19th May, 1913.

While always proving a constant, earnest, and devoted worker in the Craft, the R.A. was his best

loved and greatest field of achievement. He was admitted a Mark Master in Southland Kil. R.A.

Chapter, No. 185, S.C., on 15th September, 1885, and demitted therefrom on 27th October,

1887. He was exalted to the Holy R.A. Degree in Southern Cross Chapter, No. 997, E.C., on

28th September, 1887.

On returning to New Zealand from Australia he affiliated with Southern Cross R.A. Chapter,

No. 3, on 22nd September, 1899, and maintained active connection with it until death severed

the tie. He took the R.A.M. and Council of Knights of the East and West in Southern Cross

Chapter, No. 3, on 21st March, 1901.

He was installed 3rd Prin. on 28th September, 1900 ; 2nd Prin. 18th September, 1901; 1st Prin.

26th September, 1902; alto taking the degree of an Installed Mark Master.

He was elected 3rd G.Prin., J., on 22nd January, 1903; 2nd G.Prin., H. January, 1904;

Dep.G.Prin., 31st January, 1905; and 1st G.Prin. Z. 29th January, 1906. He was appointed

representative Z., the G. Chapter of Alabama on 24th May, 1904.

During his recent trip to the Homeland he was elected an honorary member of St. Andrew R.A.

Chapter, Glasgow, Scotland, on 13th August, 1907.

The deceased was buried with Masonic honours on Sunday, 27th December, 1914.

The Lodge of Sorrow was opened at 1 p.m. in the Masonic Hall, Invercargill, by the W.M. of

Victoria Lodge, W. Bro. O. Joyce. On adjournment the large attendance proceeded to deceased's

late residence and took their position in processional order at the head of the cortege. Members

of the Caledonian Pipe Band of Southland (of which body deceased was late President) acted as

pall bearers at the house. To the wail of the bagpipes and the sound of muffled drum the long

procession, headed by the white-gloved Masons, and the national guard and tartan-clad

members of the Highland and Caledonian Societies following, wended its way to the Eastern

Cemetery. On arrival at the grave the Freemasons took charge, the pall-bearers being P.Ms. of

Victoria Lodge, the W.M., Bro. O. Joyce, officiating. The solemn and impressive ceremony

being ended the brethren returned to the Lodgeroom, where the usual formula was gone through

and the Lodge closed.

——————

BRO. G. R. SPENCE.

A highly-respected member of Wairaki Lodge, Bro. G. R. Spence, passed to his long rest on

30th November. Our late brother was initiated in Wairaki Lodge in March, 1907. 'While

remaining loyal and faithful to his Lodge and obligations, failing health precluded him from

taking the active part he would have wished in the affairs of his Lodge. He was accorded

Masonic burial. The W.M., W. Bro. Clapp, officiated at the grave. The large attendance at the

Lodge of Sorrow and at the interment testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was

held.

———————

A VETERAN FREEMASON MEETS WITH A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

——<>——

A nasty accident happened at Wellington on 15th January to W. Bro. C. M. Igglesden, who resides with his

son-in-law, Mr. C. V. Goulter, at Rawhiti Terrace, Kelburn. Bro. Igglesden, who has been quite active in

spite of his eighty years, went to the Kelburn terminus of the cable tramway, shortly before 10 o'clock, for

the purpose of catching a car to town. He commenced to cross the line while a car was ascending a few yards

away, and was unable to clear the rails in time, with the result that he was knocked down by the front of the

car, and his legs were caught between the car step and the platform. It was found necessary to raise the car

with the aid of crowbars before he could be released. Bro. Igglesden was removed to his home, and was

attended by Drs. Henry and Pattie. His injuries consisted of a badly crushed right knee, a fractured bone in

the right hand, and bruises about the body; he was also suffering considerably from shock.

Our old and esteemed brother has had a long and worthy Masonic career. Many years ago (1876) he was

Secretary of the Dist.G.L. of Wellington, E.C., and still retains his membership in New Zealand Pacific

Lodge, No. 2. He was a resident of Nelson for some years, and was a frequent attendant at Victory Lodge.

His many old friends will heartily wish him a speedy recovery.

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

Correspondence.

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

DUAL MEMBERSHIP.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—The interpretation of Rule 183, which was given in the January issue of the

CRAFTSMAN, indirectly raises the question whether it is wise to allow membership of more than one Lodge

at the same time. If dual membership had been prohibited it is possible that the brother referred to would

have been saved the unpleasant position in which he is now placed. It is probable that he retained

membership of his old Lodge through feelings of sentiment, when he was not in a position to stand the

financial calls of both the old and the new Lodges or possibly his finances changed and he did not realise his

position until he was in arrear. Then he resigned from one Lodge, hoping, no doubt, to retain membership of

the other.

Would it not have been better for him and the Craft if he had been compelled to resign from the first Lodge

before joining the second? I certainly think so.

But there are other and, in my opinion, stronger reasons in favour of one Freemason—one and only one

Lodge.

Take the case of a brother who is a member of two Lodges. He may resign from one (being financial in both,

or at least in the one from which he resigns), and he would obtain his clearance certificate. He may then fall

into arrear in the remaining Lodge, or even be struck off for non-payment of dues, yet he holds a demit,

regular and in order, showing that he has paid all fees and dues to date. Armed with his G.L. certificate and

that demit, it is possible for him to receive all Masonic privileges, including re-admission into another

Lodge, if he so desires, Of course, he would have to run the gauntlet of a full enquiry before admission, or a

possible " bowling out " and punishment afterwards, but such a case should not be possible.

Then, again, a brother owes certain duties to his Lodge. He should attend its meetings as regularly as

possible, and assist the Lodge to the utmost of his ability.

How many of us properly carry out our duties towards one Lodge? Then why allow the farce of membership

of two or more Lodges ?

It should be more earnestly inculcated, that the privilege of membership of any Lodge carries with it

corresponding liabilities and that it is the duty of each brother to pay those liabilities in full.—Yours

fraternally,

FREDK. H. MUELLER, P.G.R.

Mount Eden, 15th January, 1915.

[We agree with our correspondent that the advantages of dual membership are quite outweighed by the

disadvantages. The U.S. of A. prohibit it.—ED.C.]

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

LODGE CIRCULARS.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Kindly allow me space in your valued paper to voice a protest against the practice of

some Lodge Secs. of posting the Lodge circulars per the halfpenny open circular postal rate. I have inside

knowledge that in pursuance of their duty postal officers have to scrutinise the contents of these circulars,

and they then discuss among themselves the fact that some brother officer or friend, or some Government

officer, is up for candidature, or to pass his various degrees. I know of one case where a subordinate in a big

office was harried by a superior officer (the latter a R.C.), who had, through the office chatter, become

acquainted with the fact that his junior was up for F.M., and brought the matter under the notice of the chief,

but got little satisfaction, as the latter was himself a Craftsman, though it was not generally known. Therefore

I contend that the parsimony of some Lodges in saving a few coppers is entirely unwarranted, and that in

every case the circulars should be sent sealed down, so as to avoid unnecessary unpleasantness and the

prying eyes of either official or private persons. Thanking you in anticipation of your publishing this protest,

— I am, yours fraternally,

No. 2.

21st January, 1915.

[Quite right.—ED.C.]

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

A BUSINESS EXPLANATION.

The attention of Lodges and readers of the CRAFTSMAN is called to the change of designation in the

advertisement of one of the leading business firms in New Zealand. The Dresden Piano Co. has ceased to

exist, and the Bristol Piano Co. reigns in its stead. From a perusal of the advertisement it will he seen that the

appellation of " Dresden " was given to this well-known firm over 30 years ago, not because its origin was

German, but by reason of its honourable association with music and art, and, as further stated, the company

is essentially British both in the constitution of its shareholders and in the capital invested. Many Lodges and

Freemasons have for years past done business with this company, and there need be no hesitation in the

continuance of business in the future, on the ground of nationality. Though the company may have sacrificed

something in the change of name which had earned wide popularity, it is to be congratulated in coming out

in the open and honourably placing its position and reasons for change of name before the public. The writer

has been intimately acquainted with the Wellington manager for many years, and can confidently endorse his

bona fides in connection with the matter.

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

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

LIVE ON! O MASONRY, LIVE ON!

———<>———

(By LAWRENCE N. GREENLEAF.)

Say not, say not, that Masonry is waning in its power,

Supplanted by the secret swarms which multiply each hour.

It hath no rivalry with these ; it seeks not, but is sought ;

Relief a tenet, not an end, sole object of its thought.

Their single aims are incidents within its vast purview,

Which sweeps the starry universe and canopy of blue,

Which traverses the lines of earth, the flaming sun its guide,

With sleepless vigil seeketh truth where'er it may abide.

It sees the Hand Omnipotent which traced the Grand Design,

And bows in adoration ere it graspeth square and line—

Live on ! O Masonry, live on !

Live on ! O Masonry, live on ! Thy work hath scarce begun.

Live on ! nor end, if end there be, till earth's last setting sun.

Live on ! Thy work in ages past hath but prepared the way ;

For every truth thy symbols teach there's pressing need to-day.

In cultured or unlettered age humanity's the same,

And evermore the passions rage whose furies thou wouldst tame.

Would but the nations heed thy Plumb, war's carnage soon would end,

Thy Level rivalries subdue, thy Square to virtue tend,

Thy Trowel spread that true cement which doth all hearts unite,

And darkness comprehend and glow with thy immortal Light.

Live on ! O Masonry, live on !

Live on ! O Masonry, live on ! Thy " G " forever blaze,

To penetrate the mists of doubt, and heavenward turn our gaze;

To set our hearts aflame with zeal where'er our tasks may lie,

Within the quarry's gloomy depth, or on the turret high.

Or, mingling with the outer world, amid its noisy din,

Ne'er, ne'er may we forget without the lessons taught within.

Reflected ever may they be in upright lives and pure,

For on foundation such as this shall Masonry endure,

Till, merged in those intenser rays that mark the Perfect Day,

Its blessed light, while earth revolves, shall never fade away.

Live on ! O Masonry, live on!

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

PRESENTATION TO R.W. Bro. H. F. ARNOLD.

———<>———

At the December meeting of the United Board of Enquiry, Christchurch, after the regular business had been

dealt with, an opportunity was taken to make a presentation to R.W. Bro. H. F. Arnold, P.G.W., who has

filled the office of Tyler to all the Masonic bodies meeting in St. Augustine Hall for many years.

Supper, which had been provided by the courtesy of the Master of Canterbury Lodge, 1048, E.C., having

received due attention, the President, R.W. Bro. S. Clifton Bingham, gave the toast of "The King," and then

proposed the health of our guest. He spoke in high terms of the tact, discretion, and conscientious regard for

the principles of Freemasonry, with which R.W. Bro. Arnold had discharged his onerous duties, to the entire

satisfaction of all concerned, and referred to the many offices he had filled with credit and honour during his

thirty-four years of Masonic life, particularly instancing the long series of services to his Mother Lodge

(Unanimity, No. 3), and also to R.A. Freemasonry, when that important branch was languishing in

Christchurch, and on behalf of the Masonic bodies meeting in the hall, presented our brother with a purse of

sovereigns, as a slight memento of the respect and esteem in which he was held, and in the name of the

Freemasons of Christchurch, wished him a pleasant holiday, and a safe return in renewed health to resume

his duties for, he trusted, many years to come. The toast was given with musical honours, and after a short

space of time had elapsed, R.W. Bro. Arnold very feelingly thanked the brethren for the kindly thought

which had prompted the gift, and assured them that in future he hoped to continue to do his duty to the Craft

he loved so well, quite as faithfully as he had endeavoured to do in the past.

The toasts of " The President of the Board," and " The Master of Lodge Canterbury, 1048, E.C." (our host)

were duly honoured, and W. Bro. Vincent having contributed a song, the proceedings terminated with the

Tyler's toast, given by R.W. Bro. Arnold.—[We regret this came to hand too late for insertion in the January

issue.—ED. C.]

———————

THE USEFUL LIFE.

———<>———

It should be our constant effort to make our lives useful. To this end, we should equip ourselves, and we

should not become weary in our efforts in this direction, for in due season we will succeed, if we faint not.

There is a well defined course to be pursued, and we must not deflect therefrom. It is along this line of our

thinking, feeling, and willing. We must think of others as well as ourselves; love others as ourselves ; and do

unto others as we would expect them to do unto us. Such a course of conduct will result in a useful life.

Helping others, we help ourselves, and loving others, we love ourselves. There is something attractive in

every human being, and we should diligently seek to discover it, because that will be a point of loving

advantage of usefulness. " As a man thinks, so he is."

Every condition, especially the extraordinary, should be seized upon as a fitting opportunity of extending

needed help. This disposition is inseparable from usefulness.

A noted artist painted a picture of Christ. He had a friend who was a noted judge of paintings, and he

earnestly desired his friend's criticism. So he made an engagement for a definite hour on an agreed day for

his friend to be at his studio to pass judgment upon the picture.

When his friend reached the studio he placed the picture on the easel in the midst of favourable light, and

then withdrew to a spot out of view, but where he could observe the effect upon his friend.—" Square and

Compass."

———————

ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

———<>———

Bro. Colonel John Barlow, P.G.Treas. of England, is training recruits at Risley Camp.

Bro. Major Percie Cyril Cooper, P.M. of the Clissold Lodge, No. 2551, London, is serving with the

Honourable Artillery Company.

Bro. George W. Eggleston, P.M. of the Stanhope Lodge, No. 3520, is Quartermaster and Hon. Lieutenant of

the 6th Reserve Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, now quartered at Bishop Auckland.

We are officially informed that 139 old boys of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys are serving in the

Army and Navy as commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates. There are also four

masters and five house porters of the Institution serving with the colours.

From the Borough of Shoreditch Lodge, No. 3064.—Bros. Gilbert H. Lovegrove, I.P.M., Sergeant in the

Honourable Artillery Company ; E. H. Moseley, S.W., Transport Lieutenant (went through the Boer War); J.

Chapman, Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant.

From the Royal Crown Lodge, No. 3133.—Bros. Lieut. A. C. V. Gibson, W.M., Royal Garrison Artillery;

Captain T. Kidston Allsop, P.M., London Scottish; Captain H. Travers Adams, Middlesex Regiment ;

Captain George A. Adams, Royal Fusiliers; Lieut. Sydney R. Sandeman, Royal Garrison Artillery; Captain

Harry Simpson, -City of London Regiment; H. E. Matthews, 4th Royal Sussex Regiment; Major F. P.

Latham, 3rd Welsh Regiment; Major E. Cheaters Rogerson, Lancashire Fusiliers.

Kent has ten Service Lodges—viz., Royal Navy, No. 420, Ramsgate; Lord Warden, No. 1096, Deal; Royal

Military, No. 1449, Canterbury; United Military, No. 1536, Woolwich; West Kent Volunteer, No. 2041,

Woolwich; Military Jubilee, No. 2195, Dover; Lord Charles Beresford, No. 2404, Chatham; King's Navy,

No. 2901, Gillingham; United Service, No. 3124, Sheerness; and Per Mare Per Terrain, No. 3609, Chatham.

The total membership of these Lodges exceeds 2000, and the majority of the brethren are on active service.

———————

FREEMASONRY " AS SHE IS SPOKE."

———<>———

We have often had the desire to report speeches at the social board of Freemasonry in a literal way, but many

of them would read out of place if we indulged in the practice. We have just come across the following item

in the report of the debating society of a famous college :—" The secretary, who had neither grasped the

point at issue nor followed the line of argument, was hereupon foolish for the space of five minutes." Fancy

writing that in connection with a Masonic speaker ! Yet truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

———————

STUPENDOUS MONUMENTS.

———<>———

BY WHOM AND TO WHOM ERECTED.

————

(By WM. DU PONT VAN HORN, M.D.)

"The people who erected the obelisks in Egypt and covered them with hieroglyphics, who wrapped the

mummies, embalming them with great care, knew no more about the pyramid builders than we do to-day.

Those majestic, voiceless sentinels—the pryamids—with heads uncovered and lifted heavenward, stood

there on the broad plain silent and dumb, with no one to explain their origin, when Egyptian civilisation

began." (So writes Jurden.)

"The wonder of the world—the eternal pyramid—whose existence astounds our credence, whose antiquity

has been a dream, whose epoch is a mystery ! What monument on earth has given rise to more fables,

speculations, errors, and misconceptions?" says Gliddon.

Despots considering empires their private domains, and the people as their property, gave themselves up to

depredations and all licentiousness of the most arbitrary authority. And all the strength and wealth of nations

were diverted to private expense and personal caprice ; and kings, fatigued with gratification, abandoned

themselves to all the extravagances of factitious and depraved tastes. Under the cloak of religion, their pride

founded temples, endowed indolent priests, built for vain skeletons, extravagant tombs, mausoleums, and

pyramids; millions of hands were employed in the labour.

During twenty years a hundred thousand men laboured every day to build the pyramid of the Egyptian

Cheops. How many millions of lives were lost in putting one stone upon another, under the form of

monuments, temples, and churches !

Pizza Smith says, " They Pyramids ! What a lesson to those who desire a name in the world does the fate of

these restless, brick-piling monarchs afford. Their names are not known; and the only hope for them is that,

by the labours of some cruelly industrious antiquarian they may at last become more definite objects of

contempt.

Amongst the stones required for building the Great Pyramid one was ordered which did not fit in with any of

the Egyptian building notions, neither in their temples, tombs, or palaces. For in place of being cubic, this

stone was all acutely angled; all sharp points; turn it over on any side, one sharp corner or edge was always

sticking up in the air. It had five sides, five corners, and sixteen angles. Such a stone was a stone of

stumbling and a rock of offence to builders whose heads did not understand and hearts did not appreciate the

work they were engaged upon.

"A stone the builders refused hath become the head of a corner. From Jehovah hath this been. It is wonderful

in our eyes." (Psalms exviii., 22-23.)

The great Pyramid of Cizeh is situated in the Libyan Desert, on the west bank of the Nile, about nine miles to

the south and west of the City of Cairo, and on the opposite side of the river. It is more commonly known as

the "Pyramid of Cheops."

Of the thirty-eight pyramids of Egypt., thirty-seven have been built in modern times—that is, within the last

5,000 years ; and from the indications it is probable that they were built to serve .as tombs. It is also evident

that the builders of the later pyramids supposed that the first, the great pyramid of Gizeh, was built for the

same purpose.

No one can possibly examine the interior of the pyramid with-sot, being struck with astonishment at the

architectural skill displayed in its construction. Particularly is this true in regard to the principal apartment,

known as the King's Chamber." This commences on the fiftieth layer, and the walls are formed from

immense blocks of granite, polished like glass, and so fitted that the joints can scarcely be detected. There is

no machinery in the world to-day so perfect that it will make two surfaces thirty or more feet in length met

together so exactly as do these wonderful stones in the great pyramid. A polished stone coffer, conveniently

deep, and wide and long to accommodate the body of a man, and put up in noble place, would seem, as here,

to bespeak a. royal sarcophagus. Shaw denies its tombic character and pronounces it a temple of religious

mysteries. Who were, and whence came those mysterious people who invaded the Nile Valley and built the

great pyramids? The pyramids of Egypt and those of America were the work of the same people. It is one of

the principal points of interest in connection with Egypt that its oldest monuments are by far the finest. We

care not how, when, or by whom the great pyramids or monuments were built, they are certainly a credit to

the builders. We care not when or by whom Freemasonry was founded, its founders builded better than they

knew. Let us not forget that our responsibility increases with the growth of our institution.

To raise structures so stupendous and yet so useless, there must have been tyranny on the part of the rulers,

and slavery on the part of the people, which is on a par with our present-day system. No wealth, however

great, no expenditure, however lavish, could meet the expense which would have been incurred, if they had

been the work of free men, who received for their labour a fair and honest reward. But in Egypt, as in

America at the present time, such considerations were disregarded, because everything tended to favour the

upper class of society, and depress the lower. Then, as now, there must have been an immense and

impassable gap.

Let us pass from Asia and turn to the New World, where we shall meet with fresh proof that the people at

large are but little, less than beasts of burden. The only part of America which before the arrival of

Europeans was in some degree civilised was Mexico, to which may be added that long and narrow tract of

land which stretches from the south of Mexico to the Isthmus of Panama. The inhabitants, aided by the

fertility of the soil, seem to have worked out for themselves a: certain amount of knowledge; since the ruins

still extant prove the possession of mechanical and architectural skill far too great to be acquired by any

nation entirely barbarous.

Both Mexicans and. Peruvians erected immense buildings or monuments, which were as useless as those of

Egypt, and which no country could produce, unless the labour of the people was ill-paid and ill-directed. The

cost of these monuments of vanity is unknown; but it must have been enormous; some particulars have been

gathered, from which an idea may be formed on the subject. To take, for instance, the palaces of their kings :

The erection of the royal residence in Mexico during fifty years, occupied 200,000 men. Striking facts,

which, if all other testimonies had perished, would enable us to appreciate the condition of countries in

which, for such insignificant purposes, such vast power was expended. The immense pyramid of Cholula had

a base twice as large or broad as the largest Egyptian pyramid. The loss of life in the erection of these costly

monuments must have been very great, but are nowhere recorded. Let us briefly turn our thoughts to latter

day monuments : By whom and to whom erected.

Recently in Philadelphia Bro. John 'Wanamaker dedicated the new £500,000 Manufacturers' Club. He gave

praise to those who had charge of the money that paid for the building. He lauded the manufacturers of the

city as being the life-blood of our prosperity, and said that the new building should act as a monument to all

Philadelphia to the debt it owes to its manufacturers. But he never said a word about those who were lost or

maimed in the actual construction of the building. He never mentioned the toiling hundreds whose sweat

alone is responsible for the fact that the building stands to-day. Perhaps Bro. John Wanamaker does not

realise that it was working men that put up the structure ; he thinks it was money that did it. Heroes of

industry and science are all men who have built monuments for themselves.

The Wright brothers found humanity fastened to the earth. They gave wings to the human race.

Marconi, the Italian, gave to humanity a .voice that crosses oceans and continents.

Edison was put to work as a boy taking one single message over one wire when the world did not know the

power it was using. He has now given us the phonograph and the electric light.

Goethals did the work at Panama upon which millions had been expended and the best efforts of hundreds of

engineers and scientists had only resulted in failure. He turned swamps and cuts and slides into a permanent

canal, a new highway for the world.

The canals and railroads of Christendom are but tracks all around the world of the mighty footstops of

labour. The temples and towers and castles of the old world are all the product of labour, without them

antiquity could not have been, without them there would be no memory of the past and. no hope for the

future. Freemasonry honours the worker, the toiler, it honours, him who goes forth mid the struggling

element and fights his battle.

One of the great captains of commerce fixed as the goal of his ambition the ownership of the tallest building

in the world. He has attained it. The Woolworth Building towers unto the sky like a pyramid of ancient

Egypt. It is a monument to the builder, but represents the toil taken from thousands of lives.

Another captain of industry set as the goal of his ambition the desire to see his factories humming with the

cheerful labour of the most skillful and best paid workers of the world. Henry Ford's dream is coming true.

His shops are the Mecca of the ablest craftsmen, and Henry Ford has built a lasting monument for himself

and posterity for ever.

We cast medals and we erect monuments, but methinks the grandest monument ever recorded on the records

of time is embodied in the following poem :—

She always made home happy, what a noble record left,

A legacy that spoke of home to those she left bereft.

And what a testimony given by those who knew her best,

Engraven on that plain rude stone that marked their mother's rest.

It was a humble resting place, I know that they were poor,

But they had seen their mother sink and patiently endure,

They had marked her cheerful spirit when bearing one by one

Her many burdens up the hill till all her work was done.

And when was stilled her weary head, folded her hands so white,

And she was carried from the home she always made so bright,

Her children raised a monument that money could not buy,

As witness of a noble life, whose record is on high.

A noble life, yet written not, in any book of fame,

Among the list of noted ones none ever saw her name.

For none but her own household knew the victories she had won,

And none but they could testify how well her work was done.

—" Mackey's Monthly:'

———————

THE OLD OPERATIVE GUILD.

———<>———

Bro. Clement E. Stratton, of Leicester, England, has been frequently heard by our readers, setting forth the

position and the antiquity of "The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons," etc. But it seems that

society is in a bad way, and that its membership is being rapidly lost to the trade unions of the country. And

now, says Bro. Stratton, in a letter just received :—

" The old Operative Guild has determined to continue as an organisation at least until 1226, when the

Athlestan Charter, under which it holds, will have been granted one thousand years. The Guild officers are of

opinion that by the year 1926 all the workmen will have gone over to the trade union, and it has been

suggested that at that date the Guild will be probably changed to the Speculative system, as the Operative

Lodges of Scotland have already been changed. The books of the Guild and the rich history of Operative

Masonry would then come into the libraries of the Speculative Lodges.—" The American Freemason."

———————

ROOF OF THE WORLD LODGE MEETS ON SUMMIT OF THE ANDES.

———<>———

CALIFORNIAN GIVES EXPERIENCES OF REMARKABLE

LODGE SESSION ON PERUVIAN MOUNTAIN.

Since leaving Oakland on 10th March last, I have travelled some; on my travels I have seen many interesting

countries and peoples, among all of whom I have found brother Masons. I am at present located, at Cerro de

Pasco, and recently attended a unique Masonic meeting, a description of which I am sure will interest you.

Cerro de Pasco, one of the highest cities in the world, is situated among the snow-capped peaks of the Andes

Mountains, 238 miles north-east of Callao, in Peru, at an altitude of 14,208 feeet. It is reached by the highest

railroad in the world, which in a distance of 106 miles rises from sea level to an elevation of 15,665 feet,

passing through 64 tunnels and over 67 bridges. The territory traversed is the land of the ancient Incas, and in

addition to the wonderful mountain scenery, there are historical battlefields, ruins of prehistoric towns, and

terraced mountain sides, once cultivated and irrigated by this wonderful race; making the trip one of

unending interest and attraction.

There is a regular Masonic Lodge in Cerro de Pasco, " Roof of the World Lodge," No. 1094, chartered by the

G.L. of Scotland in 1912. The officers and members of this Lodge have extended me every Masonic

courtesy, and it has been a great pleasure to meet with them and make their acquaintance. No-where have I

ever been more strictly examined, or extended a more hearty welcome. And only those who have travelled in

foreign countries can appreciate how much a true Masonic welcome means to a wanderer who is thousands

of miles from his native land, and among a strange people who speak a strange tongue.

The membership of this Lodge is made up of the better element of the English-speaking residents of Cerro de

Pasco, and among them are to be found natives of nearly every civilised country in the world. Their work

and the language of their lectures is almost identical with that of our own Californian ritual. I recently had

the pleasure of being present at one of their meetings when a F.C. was raised to the sublime degree of a

M.M., and. the manner in which the ceremonies were performed did credit to the officers and members, and

our ancient traditions and customs were strictly complied with and adhered to.

Roof of the World Lodge regularly holds its meetings at an altitude of 14,208 feet, and claims the distinction

of being the highest regular Masonic Lodge in the world. But in order that there might never be any question

as to this claim, they made. application in June last to the G.L. of Scotland for a special dispensation

permitting them to hold a regular Lodge meeting at the summit of Mt. Meiggs (altitude 17,575 feet), which is

the-highest peak of the Andes in this region. This dispensation was granted, under date 30th June, 1914, and

in compliance therewith the meeting was held on 29th August, 1914. And it was my honour and pleasure to

attend and represent Fruitvale Lodge, No. 336, at this, the highest regular meeting of M.Ms. ever held in the

history of Masonry.

At 6.20 a.m. the members and sojourning brothers started from, Cerro de Pasco in a special coach over the

Cerro de Pasco railroad. The officers and brothers carried with them the charter of the Lodge, the special

dispensation, and all of the W.T. and paraphernalia necessary and incident to the opening, holding, and

closing of a regular Lodge of M.Ms.

From Cerro de Pasco the train makes its way around the mineral-laden peaks of the Andes and across broad

Pampas and plateaus, descending to an elevation of 12,178 at Oroya in a distance of about 100 miles. Here

our coach was transferred to a. special train on the Peruvian Central Railroad, and then began the ascent to

the highest summit reached by the highest railroad in the world. This is at Ticlio, altitude 15,665 feet. And

after nearly three hours of winding and switch-backing through canyons of, indescribable grandeur, and

along precipitous snow-covered mountain sides, we reached this point shortly after high twelve, and were at

the foot (?) of Mt. Meiggs.

Here and at other stations along the line the party was joined by other members of the Craft, making a total

of 29 M.Ms. who began the perilous ascent to the appointed meeting place. The day was perfect, the sky

being clear, and the air crisp and cold, despite, the tropical. sunshine. All were clad in heavy boots, sweaters,

and overcoats, and were generally well equipped for the journey. Each carried some portion of the

paraphernalia, but the burden was so equally distributed that it amounted to but a few pounds each ; and it

was well that it did not, for the climb was destined to be a most severe tax upon the strength and energy of

even the strongest. The air pressure here being less than half that at sea level, breathing is difficult and

physical exertion is a difficult feat. The heart, which at sea level beats normally at 72 times per minute, here

races along naturally at about 100, and several members of the party registered pulsations as high as 128.

Nearly all suffered more or less from soroche or mountain sickness. Several had severe headaches, nausea,

nose bleed, dizziness, and violent ringing of the ears. But all reached the summit safely by 3 p.m., except one

brother, who was so ill that he was compelled to turn back.

It was a sheer climb of 1,910 feet, the last third of which seemed to be almost vertical, and was accomplished

with the greatest difficulty by clinging to the projecting points of the rocks and by assisting each other from

one crevice foothold to another. Many times were the weary brothers compelled to sit down and refresh

themselves, and vainly did they wish for something to catch hold of to assist them in arising, but there was

nothing, for this is miles and miles above the timber line.

Upon gaining the summit all were in a state of extreme exhaustion, and several were quite ill, one brother to

such 811 extent that for a time it was feared that he would have to be carried hastily down the .mountain in

order to save his life ; but upon resting a few minutes he rapidly recuperated, and was able to make the return

journey without especial assistance. The feat of one brother deserves especial mention. Bro. Victor V.

Morris, a member of Roof of the World Lodge, suffered the loss of his right leg, just below the knee, several

years ago, but has since become so proficient in the use of an artificial one that he made this perilous ascent

with apparently no greater fatigue and with but a trifle more assistance than his more physically fortunate

brothers.

Upon assembling at the summit a small level place was cleared away, and in the centre an altar of stone was

erected, and stations for the W.M., S.W., and J.W. were likewise constructed of stone. Tylers were stationed,

and in addition to the sword they were also armed with field-glasses, with which they were enabled to scan

the horizon for miles in every direction, but no enwans or eavesdroppers were seen to approach, and the

ceremonies were uninterrupted. All present signed the Tyler's Register, and numbered among the visiting

brethren were Craftsmen from several jurisdictions in the United States and Europe. The Grand Jurisdiction

of California was represented by one other besides myself, Bro. J. N. Pyster, of Santa Barbara Lodge, No.

192.

Lodge was regularly opened and closed in due and ancient form in the E.A., F.C., and M.M.'s Degrees. And

at 5 p.m. the return journey was begun. The descent, though no less dangerous, was accomplished much

more quickly and easily, and the railroad safely reached by all, just at dark, where the special train awaited

us. Cerro de Pasco was reached shortly after low-twelve. It was a tired crowd, but there was not one but that

deeply felt the honour of having been present at such a memorable meeting, and counted the effort

immensely worth while.—Nelson Phelps Rounsevell, in " The Trestle Board."

———————

FREEMASONS AS MEN.

———<>———

The principles of Freemasonry are perfect, but practical exemplification by Freemasons is sometimes

imperfect. It is much pleasanter, and it sounds better, to laud the former and overlook the latter, but it is not

quite right to do so. We must consider facts as they are, and not as they ought to be, especially if we wish to

rectify them. When we admit that all Freemasons do not " act upon the square," we state a painful, but not a

remarkable fact. We are none of us as good as our principles. There is no religious sect that does not possess

members who both consciously and unconsciously are neglectful of its doctrines.

To err is human. The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is always weak. We state the matter thus not to

extenuate the serious and intentional faults of brethren, but to place members of the Masonic fraternity upon

the same level with those who espouse noble principles, but are neglectful of them in practice. A bad Mason

does not prove Masonry to be a failure, any more than a bad Christian argues rotten Christianity. It is the old,

old story of the variation between faith and practice—no matter how perfect the former may be, the latter

will be less so. Hence the necessity of aiming very high in every case, if we would make our actions agree

with our principles.

———————

MASONRY TRACED IN YUCATAN RUINS.

———<>———

That the famous ruins of the Temple of Uxmal, Yucatan, are of Masonic origin, and that the builders of King

Solomon's Temple had something to do with the Yucatan structure, is a deduction finding increasing support,

following repeated investigations.

The Frenchman, Le Plongeon, is among those who earliest discovered that a number of the Temples in

Central America and Yucatan had many things in common with the architectiire of the ancient East. A

Mason, Le Plongeon, after excavating the magnificent Uxmal Temple, found it arranged in Masonic form,

and he at once began to look for Masonic signs. These, it is said, were numerous. The three rectangular

chambers of the Temple are at once significant to every Mason.

That there was communication between Tyre and America many centuries ago is something quite a few

historians agree upon. In Central America ornaments, weapons, and armour of Phoenician workmanship

often were found. Aristotle speaks of the Senate of Carthage, 509 B.C., passing a law prohibiting any-one

from emigrating to the "western land beyond the pillars of Hercules."

It is a curious fact that the figures on the great sacrificial altar at Tenochtitlan are the same as those on the

Temple of Solomon. Le Plongeon bases his conclusions as to territorial communications between east and

west on the evidence found in the Canary Islands and the Caroline Islands. In the ceremonies of Egypt there

occurred many Maya words.

In the middle chamber of the Uxmal Temple explorers versed in Masonic lore found what they regarded as

evidence of the practice of the rite of the third degree, as illustrated in the bas-relief figures above the lintel

to the entrance. In the ruins was found a statue of a figure wearing an apron with a hand upon it.

Explorers in Central America and Mexico have only recently begun to look for the historic connection

between the uncovered ruins and the architecture of the, East. Signs are multiplying, that the Maya

civilisation is linked strongly with the Orient.— " Christian Science Monitor."

———————

THE MASTER'S RESPONSIBILITY.

———<>———

The responsibility of a Lodge depends wholly upon the man who is at the helm. If the presiding officer is one

who believes that " whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well," then the success of the Lodge is

assured. But if he belongs to that class of men who are being prompted by friends merely that he may have

the coveted honour of being dubbed a P.M., and who follows the policy of getting through with a thing the

easiest way possible, then it is reasonable to suppose that the Lodge will decay, and its usefulness be greatly

impaired. A live Master means a live Lodge, and the converse is equally true. In nine eases out of ten where

it is found that a. Lodge is nob prosperous, and is barely existing, it will be found that the trouble is with the

Master, who, lacking in interest, soon finds his example followed by his officers and members. On the other

band, the election of a live wire as Master of a Lodge has often resulted in restoring to usefulness an inactive

Lodge, and brought prosperity and interest. The moral of all this is to properly officer your Lodge, and then

there will be but little-chance for stagnation.—" Brotherhood."

———————

A HOME FEELING.

———<>———

Said a brother to me : " I like to visit that Lodge; there is always such a home feeling there." There are Loges

and Lodges. Here is a text for observation and investigation. There is a whole lot of truth and force in the

remark. Visiting Lodges is like visiting some homes. In some you feel a homelike atmosphere of welcome as

soon as you enter. It is not formal or superficial, but it is real, genuine, pure " homey " feeling. You are made

to feel at home. In some Lodges there is not that feeling. We are all members of one common family; we

may belong to different Lodges, but our Order is just the same, no matter in what Lodge you are. Cultivate

this spirit of making the visiting member feel at home, no matter whether he is from a local Lodge or from

some distant place. Make him feel at home.—" Bundle of Sticks."

———————

WORTH REMEMBERING.

———<>———

P.G.M. Bro. Daniel McDonald, correspondent writer for Indiana, has this bit of information for the Craft

worth remembering :-

" It may be of interest to state that a writer who has investigated the question has ascertained that there are

ninety-eight sovereign G.Ls., fifty-one in the United States, eight in Canada, three in the West Indies,

Mexico and Central America one each, six in South America, six in Australia, Egypt and Liberia one each,

the United Kingdom three. Eight G. bodies control the German Empire, and the rest of the ninety-eight are

distributed throughout Europe. No less than eighteen G.Ls. claim direct descent from the G.L. of England,

and of the whole ninety-eight seventy work in the English language."

———————

WANTED—A friend who will recognise me when I am compelled to wear patched pants; who will take my

hand when I am sliding down hill instead of giving me a kick to hasten my descent; who will lend me a

dollar without two dollars security ; who will come to me when I am sick; who will pull off his coat with the

odds of two to one against me ; who will talk of me behind my back as he does before my face ; such a man

is wanted by tens of thousands of human beings throughout the world.—"Tyler Keystone."

———————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 23rd JANUARY, 1915.

———<>———

G. Brayshaw 15/- (Morrinsville), N. Clarkson 37/6, E. Tomkinson, T. Ross 10/10 (Dunedin), J. P. Fisher

(Otautau), A. L. Arrowsmith, G. Bray 10/-, S. Payton 15/-, A. Nichol 15/10, T. W. Somerville 40/-, G.

Wrightson 10/-, M. M. Carpenter 10/-, E. Loader 20/-, J. McLeod 20/-, L. de Latour 10/10, C. L. Dimock

10/-, A. E. Wakeman, J. G. Turnbull, B. A. Fraser, W. J. H. McCormick, G. Parker, P. E. Wakeman

(Taihape), S. M. Dixon 20/-, W. M. Myer 20/-, J. Munro 26/8, Dr. Turnbull 16/8, D. N. Watkin 16/8, G.

Kreger 13/4, J. R. Moore, H. C. Wilson, W. P. Shaw (Mangaweka), E. Mercer 25/10, T. Chisholm 20/10, F.

C. Berry, P. Earle (Herbertville), E. Dommett 30)-, R. A. Bayliffe, H. Y. Cameron, W. J. Ingle, - McCully,

R. H. Carey, F. Spencer (Marton), C. Alberthsen 20/- (Eketahuna), G. S. Murray (New Plymouth), A. J.

Stapleton (Waikino), G. B. Edwards (Kurow), W. Shannon (Hokitika), J. W. Probert (Auckland), R. M.

Tinsley (Te Kuiti), D. Thompson 12/6, J. O'Neil 10)- (Feilding), J. R. Douglas 10 / - (Hampden), F. Henry

17/6, F. Merlet 20/-, W. Tinny 20/-, W. H. Kendall, T. Skipage 10/-, N. A. Thomas, J. W. Holland, A. H.

Stone, N. Matthews (Featherston), E. Larkin 10/-, S. Polson 10/-, E. J. Polson 10/- (Greytown), J. Archer 9/4,

S. H. Conder 10/-, Dr. Cook 17/6, Dr. Cowie 10/-, H. Crass 10/-, A. Donald 17/6, F. Evans 10/-, A. Hoar, F.

J. Hunn 20/-, T. G. Holloway 10/-, R. E. Jones 9/4, N. Miller 10/-, C. W. Perrin, O. V. E. Pragnell 17/6, J. V.

Gordon 10/-, E. Wilson 19/2, W. K. Welsh (Masterton), J. Symon 21/8, G. Ellis (Waimate), A. T. Wells

(Island Bay), J. Anderson (Sanson), J. McKenzie (Cass), F. Steans, E. A. Tomkins 35/10 (Christchurch), S.

Gempton, F. W. Willey, W. H. Whitton 20/-, C. H. Mott, Sam Wood 11/6, A. A. Hastings, D. M. Lister 20/-,

H. Madsen 9/5, T. McCallum 30/- A. D. McLeod 10/-, J. Tyler 10/-, A. Wright 10/-, E. E. Woodley, J.

Benjamin (Martinborough), G. T. Allen 15/-, J. Harrison 10/-, J. Jones 6/8, T. M. Page 10/-, F. D. Pelling

20/-, A. Bowden 47/6, W. Wilson 10/-, H. Greathead (Eketahuna), G. M. Farmer 39/2, J. W. Mills 10/-, W.

H. Purdie 20/-, A. Vaughan 10/10, F. Hewat 20/- (Pahiatua). Omitted from December issue : J. Gentles

(Wellington).

All 7/6 but those noted.

———————

" THE INTERPRETATION."

———<>———

By W. PERLEY AUSTIN.

Masonry uses no spectacular methods to increase its membership, or strengthen its influence in the

community. It offers no prizes as inducements to capture men as candidates for initiation into its mysteries. It

does not open its charter now and then, and enter upon a campaign for recruits, cheapening its degrees and

opening wide its doors to all who by hook or crook can be persuaded to enter. None of its members stand

upon the housetop calling out an invitation to the passing crowd. It empIoys no state deputies to arouse

enthusiasm, or to arrange contests in which the chief object sought for is to obtain the largest .possible

number of new members. It does not parade the streets with blaring bands, and waving banners, and thus

seek to create the desire for membership in the minds of those who view the passing procession. Masonry

never arranges a bargain sale for the cheap purchase of its degrees, nor does it ever advertise its wares on

billboard or fence corner. It hires no orators to proclaim its principles, or tell the world that " it is the best

ever." It never locates a Lodgeroom conveniently near a saloon, where a member so inclined can run out and

" wet his whistle between the acts," and return in five minutes. 'It. never has a club-room stocked with " wet

goods ". adjoining its regular meeting place, where members who do not care to see the work of ite degrees,

or help in the transaction of business, can sit and swap yarns, and flatter themselves into believing that they

are attending Lodge.

The process by which Masonry is built up, and the method employed from the beginning of its history, are

entirely devoid of the spectacular, and no inducement is offered to any man to become a member. No

promises of future elevation to office are made, no prizes are held out, no financial advantages are offered.

He who comes seeking admission into the Order of Masonry, comes without hope of fee or reward. Care is

exercised in the election of men for initiation so that only those who are believed to be " worthy and well

qualified " can become members. When it happens that a man is initiated whose faults of life can show him

to be wholly unworthy of the confidence placed in him, and Who fails in profiting by Masonic teaching, it

follows that somebody has been fooled. Or that the investigating committee failed in the performance of a

solemn duty. Moral fitness is the only standard to be used in investigating a candidate for membership, and

however strong the friendship may be between the candidate and some inside the Lodge, that friendship is

not to be a factor in determining the fitness of the applicant. He must stand or fall on his own merits as a

man.-" Mackey's Monthly."

———————

THE POINT WITHIN THE CIRCLE.

———<>———

By DENMAN S. WAGSTAFF.

Brethren of the Mystic Tie - ye who are endeavouring to be better men; ye who are basking in the spotlight

of fraternal " Day," lying idle until night-drones in the hive; • ye who sit reverently by, gleaning light and

feeling the truth attimes, without an eternity of conviction of the righteousness of the great cause-allowing

others to act while you personally make no effort -to all these I write and say : "Have a care ! Look ahead;

and while there is yet time-act !" I do not preach this from a pinnacle of self-righteousness, from a height

above the clouds of suspicion or the vapours of non-fulfilment, but from an earnest desire, by delving within

the mystic circle, to myself take on the courage of conviction-and act; so that each hour may find me strong

and stronger in the faith that comes by contact with the sublime principles of Masonry and the homely

lessons it teaches to the homely man. He may understand, be he ever so lowly and unblessed with

educational polish. He will understand, as the rough ashlar takes the polish from the " fellowcraft." These

teachings wake in me no antagonism to a fellow-no " holier than thou " sentiment, but touch me roughly at

times-startle me with the truth of conviction that I am the fellow the finger is being pointed at. I am the

preacher who, somewhat "swelled-up, ' talks-and while so busy, forgets to "make good," as they say. This,

friends, is " The Point Within the Circle" I desire to call your attention to. Masonry in her great lessons,

direct and symbolical, does not generalise-does not " play to the galleries," does not " whitewash " us as a

class, because we have " joined." Masonry seeks and finds the " soft spot " representing each individual

brother and endeavours to draw the line between good and bad, between action and idleness for him, in

surrounding him with the influences that make for individual betterment, and hence the hewing of a more

perfect ashlar. These lessons should have a daily home-corning. I believe that we are the better for Masonry,

and as I say these things to my brethren I gain courage and more courage to endeavour to establish the fact

within my just revisit little circle. So you, who are reading these confessions, just revisit the scenes of your

childhood, kneel again at "Mother's knee," be even as simply innocent as then and have Faith. Then comes

Hope and then Charity, the foundation stone. Thus the lesson of The Point Within the Circle will take root

and like the breath of the rose, diffuse its Sweetness throughout our little world.-" Trestle Board."

———————

THE LATE EARL ROBERTS.

———<>———

The late Earl Roberts, in addition to his great activity and labours as a military man, found time to devote

attention to Freemasonry, and rose to the highest distinction under the English Constitution, being appointed

S.G.W. of England in 1895. It. was during his tenure of office that the Rahere Lodge, associated with St.

Bartholomew's Hospital, was consecrated, when the then Prince of Wales (the late King Edward), M.W.

G.M. of England, and President of the Hospital, attended. Lord Roberts then filled the chair of S.W., the Earl

of Lathom, at that time Prov.G.M., being the Consecrating Officer, while a most distinguished visitor was

the then Crown Prince of Denmark, G.M. of that country at that time. He was later further honoured

Masonically in the consecration of the Earl Roberts Lodge, No. 3151, established in 1906, by upwards of

twenty founders, the majority of whom were members of the Second London Rifles, of which, the late Earl

was the honorary colonel. Lord Roberts had promised to be present at the consecration of this Lodge, but

was prevented by reason of pressing affairs of State requiring his attention in the House of Lords. The

founders' jewel of the Lodge included a replica of the Victoria Cross, which the Earl won in the Indian

Mutiny, and may be said to be unique in this respect.-" Freemasons' Chronicle."

———————

THE OLD ALNWICK LODGE.

———<>———

The relationship of the Masons' Company with the London Guilds forms the subject of a paper in the

"Transactions of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge," by Bro. Edward Gander, F.S.A. Bro. W. B. Hextall

(Derbyshire), commenting on the paper, says :—" The incidents and fines and penalties which appear in the

old charges seem to me to be matters from which useful deductions are capable of being drawn. The Alnwick

Lodge was known to be one of the few connecting links between the old Operative Masons, and the Masonry

promulgated soon after 1717, and in Strachan's ' Northumbrian Masonry' (1898) the penalties imposed on

defaulting members of that body are set out at length." In this connection it may be mentioned that the writer

of these notes in the " Advertiser " was recently in Alnwick, the county town of Northumberland. In one of

the principal streets at the entrance to a close or passage, "Freemasons' Tavern " appeared on a signboard.

Enquiries showed that the entry was the back way to an old hostelry, recently scheduled for compensation.

Some of the ancient penalties might with advantage be reimposed on the local brethren for allowing the sign

to remain, unless it may be regarded as a landmark of the old Operative Masonry associated with Alnwick„

says the " Staffordshire Advertiser."—" Freemasons' Chronicle."

———————

THE TIMELY WARNING.

———<>———

REMINISENCES OF DR. ROBERT MORRIS.

————

(By R. M. Jr.)

————

It was in the early fifties, I was travelling on a stern-wheeler from Cairo to Memphis, and a slow and painful

conveyance it proved to me. The bill of fare was frightfully scanty, and bedding bug-haunted, the company

profligate. Gambling was going on from sunrise to midnight., and every hour or two a fight settled the game,

after which a new " deck of keerds," as the gamblers uncouthly called them, was "fotch on," and another

round began, to terminate as before.

Among the passengers, I had observed a young man of that gentle, amiable cast of countenance, which

young men even at this day sometimes wear, who have been raised in pious families, under the hands of

loving mothers and praying fathers. How such a man got to the gambling-table, I have never ascertained; but

rising one night a while before twelve, after vainly attempting to snatch sleep among the roaches and more

offensive vermin, I discovered him there, excited with the gambler's madness, worse than delerium tremens

itself, and in a rapid process of being plucked by the experienced scoundrels around him. The sight shocked

me. I was quite unprepared for it. Through my conversation with him the previous day, I was confident he

knew little or nothing of cards, a thing easily enough seen, by the way, in his awkward style of handling

them, and that he would not rise from that dangerous place while he had a dime left in his pocket. After

standing by for a considerable time, during which dollar after dollar disappeared from his pocket to enlarge

that of his opponents', I took a chair close by him, and leaned my elbows upon the table in real distress.

A square piece of tobacco lay there—a plug, I think, such things are called—with a knife by it. Mechanically

I took them up, and began thoughtlessly to chip the edges of the tobacco. While doing so, the young man

reached his hands in my direction for the pack of cards, it being his deal, and exposed his wristbands to my

view. By the flash of the candles, I observed that they were fastened with gold studs, having Masonic

emblems, the Square and Compass, upon them, a sign I never fail to see, when within my purview.

A thought occurred to me. This is a Mason. I will warn him of his danger. So with the knife I cut deeply into

the tobacco the same emblems, the Square and Compass, and laying it down with the knife before him, as if I

supposed they were his property, I arose and left the table. I could see that his eye caught the emblem

instantly, and that he understood me.

It was a curious thing to observe him then. He went on dealing the cards, but so listlessly and carelessly as to

forfeit the deal. He laid his forehead in his hands thoughtfully, and his hands upon the table. Once or twice

he counted his little pile of money, now reduced to a trifle. He got up for a drink of water, and walked in an

uncertain manner to and fro, sat down again, played the game out, and by the evident co-operation of his

adversaries won it. Got up again, drank, and took a longer walk. Played again and won. And then, as with a

power given him at that instant from on high, he threw down his cards with startling vehemence, fell on his

knees, raised his hands aloft to heaven, and with a mighty voice repeated an oath that he would "Never,

never, never gamble again, so help me God."

I sat by his side all that night, bathing his head in cold water ; and that saved him, I think, from a terrible

attack of brain fever, saved him for a lovely girl to whom he was even then betrothed, saved him to be the

father of as charming a girl as ever sprung like an olive-shoot by human feet, saved him to become one of the

best officers in one of the best G.Ls. in the land, saved him to become one of my best correspondents and

truest friends—a Mason, whom I hope at the resurrection day to rise.

Nor is this the whole story; for one of the gamblers, to whom the knife and tobacco really belonged, seeing

the Square and Compass cut on his plug, sat with me all that night at that brotherly work, avowed himself,

too, a Mason — declared, in language more ardent than necessary (for under other circumstances, I would

have called it blasphemy), that "had he known the young gentleman was a Mason, he was essentially d—d if

he would have played a game with him," and the next morning, learning the exact amount that had been won,

collected it from the others and restored it to him.

That gambler took a step in the right direction, consequent upon the rebukes, compliments, and counsels,

which, combined in equal doses, I administered to him, and quit the river for ever, opened a book store,

became a grain dealer, a dry goods merchant, and made money at all these things, was elected to a high

position of the county, and still holds that position; and to conclude the story, I still have the plug in my

possession, with the original " Square and Compass " upon it.—Franklin Ky.

———————

AGUINALDO A MASON.

———<>———

The historic town of Imus, Philippine Islands, was the scene of an interesting ceremony one Sunday

morning, when Emelio Aguinaldo, ex-president of the revolutionary government, was affiliated to the Lodge

Pilar, which he himself had established in the year 1896, prior to the outbreak of the revolution against

Spain.

This Lodge went out of existence at the time of the revolt, and did not commence work again until 1912.

Since 1896 Aguinaldo had not been active in the Order, but on the suggestion of his friends and fellow-

members he again joined, amid appropriate ceremonies.

After the Masonic formalities at the Lodgeroom, a social gathering and luncheon was held at the " Maquina,"

where over two hundred Masons attended to celebrate the event, among them Felipe Buencamino, and

several members of the Order from Manila.—" Temple Topics."

———————

MASONIC ATTRIBUTES.

———<>———

A good Freemason is a man with a pure, big heart. He is broad, not narrow; kind, not cruel; gentle, not

rough; forbearing, not contentious; manly, not childish; forgiving, not condemning; humble, not puffed up;

seeketh not his own, much less another 's ; in honour he prefers his brother. He will not cheat, wrong, nor

defraud his brother, nor will he use the holy name of God in vain.—" Kansas City Freemason."

———————

TWO GREAT MASONS,

———<>———

Viscount Kitchener was made a P.G.W. of England in 1897. He was made Dist.G.M. of Egypt and the

Soudan from 1899 to 1902, and Dist.G.M. of the Punjab from 1902 to 1909.

General Sir John French was initiated some years ago, and passed in the Cutlers Lodge, No. 2730, London,

in May, 1906. He was raised in the Jubilee Masters Lodge, No. 2712, on 15th June, 1906, by Bro. Alderman

W. Walter Vaughan Morgan, P.G.W., then Lord Mayor of London.

———————

AN INTELLIGENT CANDIDATE.

———<>———

An eminent Mason recently said that just about one in a thousand who receive the degrees have a rational

conception as to what Masonry really is. If this is true, whose fault is it? Is it always the fault of the

candidate? An intelligent man who recently took the degrees was asked what he had learned in the various

degrees. He said after a little study : "The strong lesson in the First Degree is faith—faith in God and faith in

humanity. In the Second Degree I was taught the mysteries of moral science, and the goodness of the Creator

was shown me through his wonderful works. In the Third Degree I was taught fidelity, that the grave is not

the end, but the beginning of eternal life. There are several other things that were taught me, but this is a

short statement of the results that I received." It seems that this brother secured a pretty good idea of what

was intended to be conveyed to him.—" Masonic Tidings."

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

Reports
———————————————————————————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

OTAGO.

Clinton, No. 183. — The regular meeting was held on 3rd December in the Oddfellows' Hall, Clinton, W.

Bro. C. A. Capamagian, W.M., presiding over a good attendance of members. Ordinary routine business

being disposed of, a donation was granted to a circular general appeal from G.L. The ceremonial work was

the initiation of two candidates. The W.M. Obligated and communicated the Secrets, Bro. Charlton Apron

Charge, N.E. Corner W.M., Mode of Prep. Bro. W. Brown, W.Ts. Bro. R. Mclndoe, Final Charge Bro. W.

McIndoe. At the close of the meeting a lecture, which was much appreciated by the brethren, on the 1st T.B.

was ably delivered by Bro. Wm. Brown. The Lodge having been closed, a pleasant hour was spent in the

"Fourth," when the usual Masonic and patriotic toasts were duly honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

CANTERBURY.

Southern Cross, No. 6.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Kaiapoi, on 7th January. The

W.M., Bro. W. A. Gribble, presided over a fair attendance. The work was the initiation of one candidate,

which was carried out in a very thorough and impressive manner. The W.M. was assisted in the work by the

S.W. (Investment), W. Bro. Stanton (Ex. of P.), W. Bro. Gray (W.Ts.), and J.W. (Charge after Invest.).

H.G.W. were expressed by visiting brethren, after which the Lodge was closed. The brethren adjourned to

the refectory, where a very enjoyable hour was spent. The usual formal toasts having been honoured, the

W.M. proposed the health and good wishes of Southern Cross Lodge to W. Bro. Gray, who had that morning

received word from headquarters of being appointed to a commission in the Forces. Before this appears in

print W. Bro. Gray may be out of the country, and the brethren present at the meeting endeavoured to give

our brother as good a send-off as was possible under such short notice. The Tyler's toast brought to a close a

very enjoyable and successful meeting. We trust W. Bro. Gray will be spared to return and join us in many

more such evenings.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Concord, No. 39.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Papanui, on 23rd December, W.

Bro. R. Baldwin in the chair. The various chairs were filled by P.Ms. of the Lodge, and they showed the

brethren by the manner in which they raised a brother to the Third Degree that they were still in excellent

working trim, and had far from forgotten their ritual. The various P.Ms. are to be congratulated on the

manner in which the ceremony was conducted. There is no doubt that to give the P.Ms. an opportunity now

and again to work a degree is a means of keeping them in close and intimate touch with the Lodge. We are

glad to be able to record that our venerable Tyler, Bro. May, seems much improved in health. Bro. Albert

Patrick, who has been away from the district for some time, and is now making for the "front," was present at

the meeting. The brethren wish him every luck and a safe return. The Stewards had provided a nice repast for

the " Fourth," and a very pleasant time was spent there.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Christchurch, No. 91.—The monthly meeting was held on 22nd December in the St. Augustine Hall, W.

Bro. Thomas, W.M., presiding. Routine business and nominations for G.L. having been disposed of, the

ritual work, consisting of the raising of two brethren, was proceeded with. The W.M. obligated the candi-

dates, the first part of the Exhortation being delivered by W. Bro. Ferguson, P.M.; the T.H. was resumed by

W. Bro. Yemm, P.M.; the T.B. was explained by W. Bro. Roberts, P.M.; the Ancient Charge was given by

W. Bro. Parkes, P.M.; the W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. F. Adams, P.M.; the Final Charge being given

by the S.W., Bro. Kiddey. The Lodge having been closed, a pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

HAWKES BAY.

Scinde, No. 5.—The regular meeting was held on19th January in the Lodgeroom, Tennyson Street, Napier.

There was a very good attendance of members and visitors, W. Bro. C. H. Critchley, W.M., in the chair.

There were four ballots, three being candidates for initiation, and one for affiliation. Two guineas per month

for three months was voted to the relief of the widow of a late brother. One candidate was initiated by the

W.M., who was assisted by W. Bro. Ritchie, I.P.M. (Ob.), W. Bro. Freedman (Secrets), R.W. Bro. Harston,

Prov.G.M. (Address N.E. Corner), W. Bro. Thomas (R. for Prep.), S.D. Bro. Bowes (W.Ts.), and S.W. Bro.

Thomson (Final Charge). The Lodge has donated £25 to the Special War Distress Fund of G.L., and there is

a fair amount also promised by the members. We hope to make the total up to £50. An adjournment was

made to the refectory, where the usual loyal and other toasts were honoured, and a pleasant hour spent in

songs, recitations, etc.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

TARANAKI.

Hawera, No, 34.—Last month's notes were not forwarded, although your correspondent was not without

material. The December regular meeting was well attended, W. Bro. Bishop, W.M. being in the chair. Bro.

Gregson, from Lodge Patapsco (Maryland, U.S.A.), was elected a joining member, and six candidates were

also elected. A notice of motion by W. Bro. Sec. was carried, by which half of the dues of brethren residing

in the Manaia district will be set apart to form a transit fund to assist them in attending Lodge meetings. A

lecture by R.W. Bro. Rowe, G.Lec., on the " Lessons of the First Degree," was read by W. Bro. Kimbell,

I.P.M., and listened to with interest by the brethren.

At an emergency meeting on 15th December two candidates were initiated. It was announced that since the

last meeting Bro. Boase had passed to the G.L. above, and it was resolved that a letter of sympathy be sent to

his relatives. Bro. Boase had been a member for a number of years, and was universally respected. His death

was a very sudden and unexpected one, and therefore the more keenly felt by the brethren.

The regular meeting in January was held on the 5th, W. Bro. Evans, I.P.M., presiding. An apology was

received from the W.M., who was unavoidably absent from the district. Bro. A. H. Lennox (of De Burgh

Adams Lodge) and three candidates were elected. Two brethren were 'passed to the Degree of F.C. by the

acting-W.M., assisted by P.Ms. and officers. A vote of sympathy to the daughter of the late Mrs. Pitcher was

ordered to be sent. Mrs. Pitcher was the widow of our late W. Bro. Pitcher, who was one of the founders of

the Lodge, and for many years was looked upon as being the father of our Lodge. Bro. Chaplain (Rev. Bro.

Davies) resigned his office and asked for his demit, having been promoted to vicar of Pongaroa, His

resignation was received with feelings of regret mingled with congratulation on his promotion. In the

refectory, after the conclusion of the Lodge meeting, our rev. brother's health was drunk and expressions of

regret again made at his projected departure. The W. Bro. Sec.'s health was also drunk, and he was

congratulated at being again restored to health and well enough to be once again in our midst. It appears that

since our former regular meeting our W. Bro. Salmon had undergone a somewhat severe operation, but had

recovered his former health I sufficiently to enable him to attend this meeting. In responding to the toast our

W. Bro. paid a tribute to the skill and kind attention of our Bros. Drs. McDiarmid and Thomson. The

Lodgeroom and building generally is in the hands of the renovators Bros. Burrell and Tarrant, under the

guidance of our Bro. Architect Roe. Consequently the interior of the room has been shorn of its usual

adornments during the last two or three meetings. A fair sum is being spent in re-roofing, painting both

exterior and interior of all the rooms, re-papering, repairs to floors, etc., and the Temple generally being put

in a thorough state of repair. Already it bears evidence of considerable improvement.

The emergency meeting on the 19th January drew a full attendance, when the business was to initiate two

candidates. Owing to the absence of the W.M. on military duties, the I.P.M. opened the Lodge, and shortly

after handed the gavel to W. Bro. Kimbell, as it had been arranged to hold the meeting as a P.Ms.' night, the

P.Ms. filling all the offices. The candidates, who were brothers, were made doubly so, the Ob. being given

by W. Bro. Kimbell, and the Secrets explained by W. Bro. Quin. The N.E. Corner was given by W. Bro.

Salmon, the Reasons explained by W. Bro. Burgess, the W.Ts. by W. Bro. Evans, and the Final Charge by

R.W. Bro. Sargent. A solo, "Charity," was rendered by W. Bro. Quin during the N.E. Charge. Occasion was

also taken by our R.W. Prov.G.M. to pay an official visit to the Lodge. In the refectory our R.W. brother's

health was drunk, and he was congratulated at having reached the fortieth milestone of his Masonic career,

and during his reply he alluded interestingly to some of the incidents experienced in his early Masonic days.

A farewell toast was given to Bro. Carrington, who is shortly leaving this district for Napier. His presence at

our meetings will be greatly missed. The harmony of the meeting, both in the Lodge and refectory, was

greatly enhanced by the artistic playing of the violin by visiting Bro. Savage, who assisted our Bro. Organist.

Nominations were made in the Lodge for G.L. rank for the offices allocated to Taranaki, also a nomination

for re-election of our present M. W.G.M.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

WELLINGTON.

St. Andrew, No. 32.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 18th January, W. Bro. Rowlands (W.M.)

presiding over a large attendance. Attention was given to various matters of general business, including

nominations of G.L. officers and contribution to the G.L. War Benevolent Fund. In connection with the

latter, the meeting was informed that the Standing Committee had met and discussed the position, and

recommended that the Lodge vote the sum of £25 in aid. The recommendation was adopted by the Lodge;

attention being drawn during the discussion to the concert which Wellington brethren are arranging to hold

on 17th February to assist the fund. The balance-sheet for the past year, duly audited and circulated, was

adopted, a satisfactory financial position being disclosed. The ceremonial work for the evening, raising two

candidates, was conducted by the W.M., assisted by his officers, the addresses and charges being delivered

by Bro. A. Schmidt (15 F.Cs.), W. Bros. J. Rod and A. McBeath (Exhort.), W. Bro. F. C. Broomhall

(Raising), W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen (T.H.), W. Bro. T. Jaffery (W.Ts.), Bro. W. Simpson (Final Charge). The

Lodge being closed in the various degrees and H.G.W. tendered, the brethren repaired to the lower hall,

where toasts and musical items were honoured and rendered. The meeting was noteworthy for the number of

P.Ms. of the Lodge that attended, circumstances being responsible for a larger attendance in that direction

than has been witnessed for years. The services of the Sec., it was stated, will soon be lost owing to his

intention to join the reinforcements, a matter to which further reference will be made at the next meeting. —

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.—The regular meeting was held on 14th ult., W.M. Bro. Doig and his officers

being in the chairs. A fair attendance of members was present, as well as a number of visitors from

Manawatu Kil. The initiation of two candidates was carried out by the W.M. and officers, ably assisted by

W. Bros. Bullock, Rice, and Richardson. Feeling reference was made by W. Bro. Treadwell to the loss

sustained by the death of our late Organist, Bro. A. C. Lennard, which occurred suddenly on 30th December.

Bro. Lennard had for a number of years presided at the organ, and helped materially, although unobtrusively,

to enhance the pleasure of visitors and brethren attending our Lodge. An invitation to attend the Jubilee

celebrations of De Burgh Adams Lodge in February was submitted to the brethren, and possibly a large

number of St. Andrew Kil. will avail themselves of the opportunity of visiting the northern city. After Lodge

closed, an hour was spent in the refectory, where the opportunity was afforded the brethren of saying

farewell to Sergt. Bro. Tattle, who has joined the Expeditionary Force. Bro. Tattle served in the South

African war, and has now resigned a remunerative position to take up arms on behalf of his King and

Country. "All honour to him," as Bro. Craig expressed it when proposing Bro. Tattle's health and to his safe

return. Several other brethren spoke, including Chaplain Rev. Bro. Carew Thomas, who gave some

interesting particulars of hospital work now in progress in Britain in connection with the war.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

Huia, No. 171.—A well attended meeting was held on the 7th ult., the first business dealt with being the

nomination of officers for the ensuing year. This having been disposed of, the officers and members of the

Manawtau Kil. were received, they having paid an official visit, which we duly appreciated. The work con-

sisted of raising a brother. Although the heat was most oppressive, the work was performed expeditionsly.

H.G.W. having been offered, a short adjournment was made to the refectory, where a few appropriate toasts

were drunk ere we dispersed.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—Tbe monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom on 13th January, when there was a

good attendance of the brethren, although it would have been a much better success if attended by some of

the brethren who never come to our meetings. This has always been a sore point with our Lodges, and it is a

hard matter to know how the brethren can be induced to attend more regularly, as there are always certain

ones we never see at our meetings; but, for all that, the meetings of Lodge Waiwhetu are always enjoyable

and instructive, and we live in hopes of getting every brother to attend. I know it would please our genial

W.M. if it could be done. A letter of condolence was sent to Bro. Cuming on the death of his child; also one

to M.W. Bro. Niccol congratulating him on his safe return. It was decided to fall in with the scheme of

finance for entertaining delegates to the G.L. meeting in May. Two brethren were proposed for affiliation.

After the accounts had been passed two brethren were passed to the Degree of F.C. W. Bro. Guinness

obligated and communicated the Secrets, Bro. McLachlan invested, W. Bro. Ayson gave the S.E. Charge, W.

Bro. Jarrett presented the W.Ts., and W. Bro. Hobbs explained the 2nd T.B. Numerous apologies were

received, and the Lodge was closed at 9.15. A pleasant hour was spent upstairs, interspersed by song and

story, and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close at 11 p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.—The regular meeting was held in St. Augustine's Hall on 13th January, V.E. Comp.

W. Broadley presiding. After the ordinary business Chapter was closed and a R.A.M. Lodge opened by W.

Bro. J. Robertson, W.C.N. Thirteen brethren were proposed and duly elected. GV. Bro. J. Robertson

Obligated, W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop the Mark or Signature, W. Bro. W. Broadley invested them with aprons,

W. Bro. W. F. McLean presented the W.Ts., and W. Bros. A. C. Andrews and J. Robertson gave the Final

Charge. Bros. T. Whee and W. Broadley were installed as W.C.N. by M.E. Comp. S. E. Bingham. W. Bro. F.

C. B. Bishop made the proclamation, and the newly installed W.C.Ns. were saluted in proper form. The

Lodge is to be congratulated on the way the ceremony was conducted. All were highly pleased and enjoyed

the meeting muchly.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————————————

A. & A. RITE.

Wellington, No. 91.—The quarterly convocation of Wellington Chapter was held in the Chapter room on

15th January, M.W.S., Bro. W. H. Jones presiding. One candidate was perfected in the Rite, the M.W. being

assisted by Ill. Bros. Rev. T. Porritt and Williams and the officers of the Chapter. Congratulations were

tendered to Ill. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt on his attaining the rank of 30 dog. Correspondence from Sup. Council

was discussed, and the Recorder was instructed to apply for further information. The balance-sheet for the

year 1914, which indicated that the finances of the Chapter were in a healthy position, was adopted. A very

pleasant and instructive hour was subsequently spent in the refectory, not the least item of interest being the

relation by E. and P. Bro. Rev. A. M. Johnson of some incidents of his recent visit to England.

Supplement to “The New Zealand Craftsman”

R U L E R S I N T H E C R A F T , N E W S O U T H W A L E S .