GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

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SEMI-JUBILEE. COMMEMORATION.

————

ON the 12th May next the G.L. of New Zealand will celebrate its twenty-fifth birthday, and the question as to

the best form is now being considered by the B. of G.P. The scope is not very wide, and may almost be

comprehended in historical or practical method, or both. In April of last year the G.L. of Victoria engaged in

a semi-jubilee celebration, and it, took the form of a historical address delivered in G.L. by M.W. Bro. Rev.

A. T. Holden, G.M., on the occasion of his installing his successor, and a few nights later there was a

banquet in honour of the occasion. The address and the proceedings at the banquet were subsequently

published in a neatly got up brochure, containing the photographs of the G.M. and all past G.Ms. but one,

which presumably was not procurable. Probably it will be decided that the G.L. of New Zealand shall follow

on similar lines so far as the historical retrospect is concerned, and that part of the programme can be safely

entrusted to the M.W.G.M., Bro. Dougall, and the M.W.G.Sec., Bro. Niccol, with the full assurance that it

will receive ample justice at their hands. But there is another side—the practical—which we hope will also

receive very earnest consideration. We believe that it was the desire of the G.M. originally that an extra

special effort in aid of the Annuity Fund would have constituted a worthy Jubilee memento, in practical

form. But his plans were defeated by the European catastrophic war, and as a result a special Masonic War

Relief Fund has been brought into being, and the question now arises as to whether this fund cannot be made

to assume sufficient magnitude as to be constituted a special memorial effort of the semi-Jubilee year. Unless

the war is brought to a speedy conclusion, of which there is no outward or visible sign at present, there is

every probability that such a fund will speedily be required ror the succour of injured soldiers who are

Freemasons, and for the widows and orphans of any who may be killed. As at present the Expeditionary

Force has not been in the fighting line it is difficult to realise the appalling nature of possible casualties, but

with the advent of spring, when every available man will be required, and when operations will be carried on

which we are told will " stagger humanity," then relief calls will be made which will tax any such fund, no

matter how great its resources may be. Possibly the B. of G.P. will give this matter ample consideration

before finally deciding on its form of celebration. There is one other form to which this journal has

previously drawn attention, and which might fittingly be commenced this year, even if not completed. We

refer to a comprehensive history of G.L., with which might be incorporated a synopsis of Freemasonry since

it was first planted in this land. If such a work is to undertaken—and no brother could, or would, attempt to

discount its value—it should be undertaken at once, before the few remaining veterans become, like the moa,

extinct. In counting the actual number of those active aged brethren who constitute the sole remaining links

between the Freemasonry of to-day and that of long ago, one is almost horrified at the smallness of the

census. On a former occasion we opined that they could almost be numbered on the fingers of both hands,

but to-day it seems that one hand would be sufficient for the task. No brother has such an accurate and varied

experience of the history of old-time Freemasonry in New Zealand as our G.Sec., M.W. Bro. Niccol, and

much of which there is absolutely no record. R.W. Bro. Geo. If. Powley, of Auckland, is another case in

point. We cordially hope that both these brethren may remain in the flesh for very many years, but it would

almost amount to culpable negligence not to have on record their knowledge and experience of Masonic

events of long ago, for the benefit of many future generations of Freemasons. If a history could be

commenced, and embodied only the experience of these and the few old brethren who remain, a great work

would be inaugurated well worthy of the semi-Jubilee year, and would be of incalculable value when another

twenty-five years have expired, and the Jubilee of the G.L. of New Zealand is celebrated.

—————————

AN INTERESTING REPORT.

———<>———

In most American Masonic jurisdictions it is the custom to include in the proceedings of meetings a review

of the doings of other G. bodies. A special committee is appointed for the purpose, and while generally the

comments and criticisms are interesting reading, the review has not so much value for practical purposes,

owing to the belated nature of the reports. The proceedings of the G. Chapter of Illinois, just to hand, furnish

a. case in point. The " committee" of Illinois reviews, amongst others, the proceedings of the G. Chapter of

Texas, and inter alia says :—

Diplomatic relations with Scotland were broken off and the Scotch ambassador was given his passports. But

whether this amounts to a declaration of war I leave the jurists to decide. At all events, this is what they did :

Resolved, That the G.R.A. Chapter of Texas renounce and discontinue her fraternal relations with the ‘Sup.

G.R.A. Chapter of Scotland,' and forbid R.A. Masonic intercourse between members of Chapters under our

jurisdiction, and of Chapters owing obedience to said G. Chapter of Scotland, until such time as that G. body

shall purge itself of its conduct in invading the jurisdiction of other G. bodies, and in refusing to recognise

such G. bodies on the conditions that the rights of Scotland to continue to establish subordinate Chapters

within the confines of such jurisdictions shall be reserved ; and that our G.Sec. be instructed to notify the G.

Chapter of Scotland of the action taken by this Gr. Chapter."

Now, this information is most important to three Australasian G. Chapters, which have been so invaded. But

though the foregoing resolution was adopted by the G. Chapter of Texas in 1913, this is the first intimation

we have had as to the extent which Texas champions the cause of other oppressed jurisdictions.

* * * *

The " Committee " of the G. Chapter of Illinois is comprehended in the person of Geo. W. Warville, a well-

known American Masonic writer, and he ornaments his report by appending brief comments on matters of

immediate Masonic interest. His quaint sayings and good common sense, flavoured with a little gentle

sarcasm, make very interesting reading. The latter is in evidence in the following reference to smoking in

open Chapter : —" Speaking about smoking in open session, I notice that many of our city Chapters are now

using a substitute for tobacco. It generally takes the form of five-cent cigars."

And again : "From items in the Masonic Press it seems that Stephen Berry, the very efficient Sec. of the G.

Chapter of Maine, has been presented by his companions with a silver loving cup. But what in thunder can

Berry do with a loving cup in Maine?"

He credits C. C. Hunt, of New York, with handing the following bit of citrus to Masonic orators :—" We

have observed that the orator who apparently gives the greatest delight to the Masonic masses is long on

hyperbole and short on history; strong in imagination and weak in education." In a very interesting article

headed "Rituals," Bro. Warville discourses on the procedure adopted in different States. In referring to New

York, which is the largest R.A. Masonic jurisdiction in America, he says : — “It will be remembered,

however, that in New York, notwithstanding its large and varied membership, there are no printed rituals.

Neither does it seem that there is any demand for aids of this character. There is one G.Lec., who has about

twenty assistants distributed in various parts of the State." Bro. Warville concludes that "perhaps after all

New York has the best solution of the printed ritual problem, and that is—no printed rituals." As a

companion in New York said, in commenting on the disabilities surrounding printed rituals : " We in New

York always know where the rituals are; they are in the heads of the High Priest and other officers." To us in

New Zealand this would seem to be bridging the impossible. The writer would certainly very much like to

investigate the practical working of the system. Bro. Warville deals with other subjects most effectively,

including " Capitular Government," " Joint Convocations," " The Mark Degree," etc., etc. Bro. Warville's

appendices, besides conveying very useful information, tend to relieve the "review" of proceedings of much

of the monotony which is inseparable from works of this character.

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

News and Notes.

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THE esteem in which Bro. Lea, Sec. of Lodge St. Andrew, is held, was testified at the February meeting of

the Lodge by the presentation to him of a fine secretary's jewel. Bro. Lea, who has filled the office of Sec. for

several years, leaves New Zealand with the reinforcements as pay-sergeant.

CHRISTCHURCH LODGE celebrated its twenty-first anniversary on 26th January last, and a very neat booklet

of the history of the Lodge was published as a souvenir of the occasion.

ADVICE has been received of the death of R.W. Bro. Dr. L. Secord, the representative of the G.L. of New

Zealand near the G.L. of Canada for many years. R.W. Bro. John Boyd has been nominated as his successor.

BRO. WALTER WINTON, adjutant of the Salvation Army, has appealed for a contribution from G.L. funds on

behalf of poor and distressed refugees in England. A reply was returned that the Board could not divert the

funds of G.L. to other than Masonic purposes and charities.

THE G.L. of Ireland, at a recent meeting, voted £500 to the Prince of Wales's National Fund, and invited

Lodges and other Masonic bodies to contribute through G.L. In response to this appeal a total of £2,257 has

been contributed.

AT a meeting of the G.R.A. Chapter of Scotland, held on 18th December, the 1st G.Prin., Lord Cassilles,

presiding, a charter was granted to Ponsonby Kil. Chapter, No. 394, Auckland.

THE G.L. of Pennsylvania is considered the wealthiest, having assets of nearly 20,000,000 dollars.

THERE is a Lodge in Ireland which uses the Esperanto language in opening and closing.

THE sum of £2,000 is being raised by the Lodges in Quebec for the Canadian Patriotic Fund, to which each

Mason is expected to contribute one dollar.

THIS would be a different world if all men were Masons who belonged to Masonic Lodges.

THE last words of the great German poet and philosopher, Goethe, were, " Light, more light."

THE total amount of the funds of the G.L. of New Zealand now under investment is £33,759 5s. 9d.

BY the resignation of Comp. J. E. Herbert, Waikato Chapter will lose a most efficient officer. As S.E. he was

most prompt in his work, and most capably filled all the requirements of the office.

THE installation of Bro. E. Norton as W.M. of N.Z. Pacific Lodge, No. 2, will take place on the 28th inst.

Bro. Norton has been a most painstaking officer in the several offices he has passed through, and will no

doubt prove a worthy successor to Bro. Connell, the present Master, who has been most successful in the

governance of the Lodge during his term.

UNDER the heading " A Night Out," a description is given on another page of a motor car trip in the far

south. An incident pertaining thereto is worth recording. One of the brethren had lost a valuable dog a week

previously, and on the outward journey he thought he identified the animal standing on the road. The

happenings on the road evidently got mixed up with Masonic ceremonial, and focused into a kind of

nightmare, for the following day, after sleeping for some five hours, this brother dreamt he saw his dog on a

hillside, and he woke up at the sound of his own voice shouting for his canine friend. The name he was

calling in tones loud enough to wake up the whole neighbourhood was that of the great-grandfather of David.

W. BRO. REV. MACKENZIE, Vicar of All Saints' Church, Sumner, went into camp at Trentham at the end of

last month to take up the position of camp chaplain. In all probability Bro. Gibson will receive the

appointment of Chaplain to the Fifth Contingent.

AT a meeting of the Sup. Committee of the G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand, held in Wellington on the 19th

ult., M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams consented to continue the office of G.S.E. in response to a most

extraordinary mass of requests, numerously signed, from all parts of the Dominion. The unanimous

testimony of confidence and esteem should be most gratifying to the M.E. Companion.

—————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

———<>———

At last meeting of Southern Cross R.A.C., the newly-exalted companions were treated to a very able

exposition of R.A. Freemasonry by M.E. Comp. Wm. Smith. The discourse, while not too long, was

interesting and highly instructive from beginning to end, and on its conclusion the speaker was heartily

thanked for the information imparted.

The joint installation of Lake Lodge of Ophir and Arrow Kil. Lodge passed off uneventfully. Perhaps the

only thing calling for notice was the sparse attendance of the brethren concerned. This falling away.

detracted greatly from the pleasure of the large number of visitors who travelled long distances to attend the

function. The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Wm. Timpany, conducted the ceremony, and, in afterwards addressing

the Lakes brethren, his remarks were those of a wise and careful shepherd to his flock.

Southern Cross Lodge paid a visit to Lodge Fortitude, much to the pleasure and satisfaction of the Bluffites.

The visit is to be returned at an early date.

W. Bro. Archdeacon Packe has been appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity Parish, Gisborne. We regret his early

departure, but heartily commend him to the fraternal care of our Gisborne brethren.

Brethren will learn with real pleasure that R.W. Bro. Steans is longing to " come back again," and that we

may expect him among us again in the near future.

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R.W. BRO. LIEUT. COL. GEO. BARCLAY, P.G.W.

———<>———

The latest loss to New Zealand Freemasonry, consequent on the European war, is the above-named brother,

who has accepted a commission in the Fifth Expeditionary Force, and is now in camp at Trentham. In

Freemasonry Bro. Barclay has always been an active force. In Dunedin, where he resided for some years, he

attained the rank of D.S.G.W., and in 1901 the past rank of G.D. of England was conferred upon him. On his

removal to the Auckland district, his activity was continued, and he was a founder and first Master of Lodge

Tawhiri at Frankton, He was elected WM. of the United Masters' Lodge of Auckland in November, 1913,

and was re-elected in 1914. He was appointed S.G.W. of the G.L. of New Zealand in 1911. He holds many

other positions, and rank in other degrees of Freemasonry, and has been most prolific as a lecturer. The NEW

ZEALAND CRAFTSMAN is indebted to him for many favours, and will greatly miss his departure. It is now

many years ago since the writer first met Bro. Barclay in Freemasonry, and in course of conversation Bro.

Barclay said, " You do not appear to remember me," to which the present scribe replied in the negative. " Do

you not remember me as a sergeant in your company in Wellington, the Thorndon Rifles ?" and then it

dawned on the ex-captain, and he had no difficulty in calling to recollection what an excellent officer

Sergeant Barclay was. The wishes of the CRAFTSMAN are tendered to Bro. Barclay, and may he return from

his military duties covered with honour and glory.

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LODGE ST. ANDREW'S CONCERT AND THE WAR FUND.

———<>———

The concert organised by the orchestra. of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32 (Wellington), in aid of the G.M.'s War

Benevolent Fund culminated on Monday evening, 17th ult., in the lower Hall, Boulcott Hall, and drew a

splendid audience of brethren and lady visitors. Recent experiences have shown that when this Lodge makes

up its mind to do anything, something results, and its latest effort proved no exception. Before 8 p.m. the hall

was filled; later the pasages were black with crowded humanity. At 8 sharp the National Anthem was sung,

after which, while the people settled in their seats, the orchestra extended themselves in a preliminary known

as " Cincinnati Post." Quiet being restored, R.W. Bro. Seaton mounted the rostrum and briefly explained the

reasons for the proceedings. He regretted the absence through indisposition of M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, and

was gratified to see such a large audience. The fund inaugurated by the G.M. was intended to assist brethren

returning from the war wounded, and dependents of such brethren who had departed with the forces (already

numbering about four hundred) and who did not return, and the Lodges were supporting the movement in

various ways. Lodge St. Andrew's orchestra had promoted this concert to assist, and thanks were due to it, to

the lady artists and brethren of other Lodges contributing their talent, and especially to Sec. W. Bro. Wells

for his efforts. Bro. Seaton having effected an orderly retreat, Bro. F. Bryant rendered the first vocal item,

entitled " Two Eyes of Grey," and Bros. J. and P. Connell followed with their duet, " Battle Eve," in which

the bass was carefully handled, and both voices blended well, as would be expected in the case of brothers.

Bro. A. Oakey's " Sergeant of the Line " was notable for distinct enunciation, in which the wiles and

persuasions of the " bully sergeant," bent on recruiting, were discussed. A good item this, and well sung.

Bros. Dunn and Lunt, often heard in local Masonic gatherings, gave "Cleansing Fires," and scored. The

orchestra here seized the stage and vigorously fusilladed the assemblage with " Hamiltonian," a melodious

march in which the wood-wind and brass were distinctive, and Bro. Wells stroked the double bass (a gift

from the Lodge for the orchestra) with artistic tenderness. Having relapsed, they were recalled, and treated

the listeners to "Policeman's Holiday," in which they showed undoubted form and demonstrated that they are

siffleurs as well as musicians. This encore took immensely, and the committee quite made up its mind that

whatever followed no money would be returned at the doors. Miss B. Purdom's dramatic recital, "Two Little

Scottish Martyrs," a pathetic story of the Covenanters, was ably rendered and closely followed. She was

encored. Miss Muller, L.A.B., who succeeded with " April Morn," is an accomplished soprano, and has good

command of a fine voice. Her item called for the exercise of skill and technique, and was appreciated. A

dramatic recital entitled "The Old Man and Jim, given by Bro. J. C. Bell, was well worth listening to. The

rule forbidding encores being now broken beyond repair, Bro. Bell was twice sent for, and proved equal to

the summonses. He responded with the story of the presentation of the V.C. to a Tommy Atkins by the late

Queen Victoria, and with an account of two different methods of proposing, one adopted by Algernon of the

West End, and the other by his neighbour coster 'Arry of the East, neither of which will probably be adopted

by any of the young M.Ms., who closely listened in the hope of learning something. W. Bros. G. Smith, J.

Connell, and Bros. A. Longmore and W. Thompson sang the quartette " Spin, Spin," of which the audience

would have liked more, and gave as an encore " Lovely Night." The bass solo, " On the Bosom of the Deep,"

by Bro. R. H. Meates, the next contribution, exhibited true pitch and sonorousness of voice. Bros. Charlton

and Thompson were well received in the duet " Stars of the Summer Night." "Mandalay," from Bro.

Meredith," was well sung, and was followed as an encore by " Tipperary " (or more correctly a parody there-

on), in the chorus of which the audience let itself go with great gusto. " God Save the King " once more, and

the audience blew home before a howling northerly gale in high spirits, and with the consciousness that it

had not been called out to face the elements for nothing.—[From our Correspondent.]

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THE SQUARE AND ITS TEACHING.

———<>———

[A Paper read in the ROBERT BURNS LODGE, No. 139, by W. BRO. H. WYATT, Sec., on 19th January.]

The Square is, perhaps, the most intimate of all the emblems in Freemasonry. It is typical of the very essence

of the teachings of the Craft, and is the emblem of justness and truth. This should always be impressed upon

the candidate, who should be induced, by example and precept, to carry it into his everyday life, and in all

his transactions with his fellow-man.

Throughout our ritual, and, indeed, in the whole of our ceremonies, no opportunity is lost of impressing this

upon the candidate. From the moment of his admission the Square is with him. It is one of the first things he

sees in Freemasonry, and its lessons are the first impressed upon him. In fact, it regulates his whole Masonic

life, and we hope that its teachings are taken into the ordinary work-a-day life of all of us.

Let us pause a moment to consider what those teachings are. They are : Be just to your fellow-man ; be

charitable in act, in thought, and in word; give all the kindness that justice and mercy may require. In fact,

the Square typifies most of the excellencies that the true Freemason should make the necessities of his life,

and may be best summarised to do to others as in like case you would wish to be done by.

Not only to the Freemason, but to the outer world, the symbol of the Square is one of the most respected and

revered. To be a square man is to be a model of uprightness and justness, charitable in feeling, and ready to

overlook the weaknesses of our fellow-man, and assist him so far as lies in our power.

To act on the Square is synonymous with honesty and uprightness, and has long been considered so by all

countries.

As the ancient Freemason tried the rough material by the Square, and brought it into due form, so the

symbolised Square has been in all ages the agent to bring the human character into due form, and to so train

it that it may be charitable and just.

But while the Square is the emblem which should guide the actions of every Freemason, are there not some

among us who are inclined to flaunt the jewel, but at the same time neglect the great lessons it teaches?

Let us all think for a moment of our actions during the past year. Are they in accord with the teachings we

profess, and which are covered by this grand emblem ?

How many of us when we quit the Lodge think of our duties as brothers or pause to think how we can assist

those we have sworn to cherish? In the Lodge we are " hail fellow, well met " with all, meeting them on the

level, and professing brotherhood, which should at least assure apparent friendship under all circumstances.

But when we meet the brother outside are we prepared to still act that part towards him ? I fear many of us

are not. A recognition in the street, a word to a friend, a wish to do all in our power to assist him to advance,

are among the things that prove our brotherhood, and we should not hesitate to carry them through. But I fear

there are many who do not give these ideas a thought once they have quitted the precincts of the Lodge. Such

brethren do not recognise their brotherhood, neither do they regulate their actions by the teachings of the

Square.

Surely the ties of brotherhood should be greater than they are among us. Let us remember that a stronger

bond than blood brotherhood should hold us, and that no effort should be lost in the way best calculated to

snake his life happy and useful. I say, advisedly, that a stronger bond than blood brotherhood should bind us,

as here we have the choice of our brethren, and should any not consider a candidate for that brotherhood fit,

he has the right to object to him, but once having accepted him, then I say the bond of brotherhood should be

there even stronger than if he were our brother by birth.

How many of our brethren, if given the chance which we can often by a word timely spoken give them, may

be made better men, finding their metier, and in their turn assisting to promulgate the true principles of the

Square

Charity does not always mean the giving in money, it means the kindly feeling, the wish to assist in some

way, and if we only remember our obligations the Square and its teachings will be ever present with us, and

we cannot help but carry them out. It should be the ideal of every Freemason to live up to the spirit of those

grand old lines :-

Who wears the Square upon his breast,

Shall in the face of God attest, and in the face of man,

That all his actions shall compare

With the Divine unerring Square,

That squares great nature's plan.

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WHAT IS THE GENDER?

———<>———

[By BRO. GEO. W. WARVILLE.]

Many G. High Priests, and not a few of the correspondence reporters, habitually refer to the governing

bodies of other jurisdictions as " sister G. Chapters. I am finding no fault with the practice. In fact, any old

name will suit me. But I am slightly desirous of knowing how these companions ascertained the gender of

the foreign bodies. And so, once in a while, I spear a question at some of them, but the answers thus far are

not very satisfactory.

Last year my esteemed friend, Comp. James L. Michie, of South Carolina, employed the " sister " term in his

correspondence report. Whereupon I ventured to express a little mild wonder as to how he discovered the

gender. This year he comes back as follows :—" He wonders were we got the gender in ' sister' G. Chapters.

Well, the Old Mother Lodge and her sisters, Scotland and Ireland, is good enough authority for us. Besides,

the term of very generally used by American G. Masonic bodies. Did you ever hear of a brother G.L., or a

brother G. Chapter, Comp. Warvelle ?"

I frankly confess that I do not now recall having ever heard the expression " brother " G. Chapter, although I

have a faint recollection of such terms as " Brother Mason " and " Masonic brother," and I do not remember

such names as " Sister Mason " or " Masonic sister."

Conceding, for the purposes of the argument, that the metaphor " mother " may be fitly applied to the

original G.L. of England, it is yet somewhat of a strain on the imagination to think of all of its progeny as

females. Then, too, there is a manifest absurdity in giving the feminine gender to an organisation composed

wholly of males. In its entirety we call our society a fraternity—brotherhood, and not a sorority—sisterhood.

Why, then, if the whole is masculine, should not particular congregations thereof be called " brother "

Chapters ?

If English, like the classical and many of the modern European languages, had a grammatical gender, the

usage under discussion might be proper. But this is not the case. In English only the natural gender is

recognised, and therefore the sister men are denied this linguistic aid. But it may be well to see how the word

" Chapter " is treated in the languages from which it is derived. In its original form we find the Latin word

"caput," the gender of which is "neuter." It will therefore be seen there can be no "sister Chapter " in the

original language. From the Latin it was taken over into French. The French gallicised it, as they did many

Latin words, and it assumed the form of "Chapitre." But while French, like Latin, has a grammatical gender,

it is confined to masculine and feminine. There is no neuter. And so, the word became " masculine." From

the French the word was taken over into English and slightly anglicised, by which process it assumed its

present form, " Chapter." Having no sex—natural gender—it is treated as neuter. We never allude to the

Chapters of a book, or a column, as" she " or "her," nor should we to a congregation of men, for all are

derived from the original Latin word " caput " (a head).

I grant you, however, there does seem to be a need for some proper qualifier in connection with the word

"Chapter." And out of this apparently insistent demand has come the incongruous word "sister." The late

Wm. R. Bowen, of Nebraska, noted this want a number of years ago, and strove to supply it by suggesting

the word " fellow," as " fellow G. Chapters." During his lifetime he continued to employ this term, hut it

never gamed any currency, and at his death it was discontinued by his successor. Now, if we must have a

special appellation—some word suggestive of gender—I think, perhaps, we can find nothing better than Bro.

Bowen's " fellow." It is a good English word, meaning a companion, associate, sharer, or an equal in power,

rank, and character, and with these meanings the word is much used by the best English writers. Now, these

are just the ideas which the sister men are trying to express by an inappropriate word. Further, we would

have abundant authority for its use, as it was extensively employed by the old Freemasons. Indeed, the idea's

connoted in the word "fellowship " were of the very essence of the fraternity.

—————————

MOON LODGES.

———<>———

Under the caption "Moon Lodges," the G.M. of Illinois says —"In this age of interurbans and automobiles,

there is very little reason why Lodges should meet by the moon, and I am of the opinion that a fixed calendar

meeting date conduces to better Lodge attendance. I believe that the time has conic when this G.L. should

require all its constituent Lodges to hold their stated meetings upon a fixed calendar date, and thus put an end

to a system which is not only obsolete, but will result in interminable confusion."

—————————

TRUTH IN BRIEF.

———<>———

Anybody can soil the reputation of any individual, however pure and chaste, by uttering a suspicion that his

enemies will believe and his friends never hear of. A puff of the idle wind can take a million of the seeds of a

thistle and do a work of mischief which the husbandman must labour hard to undo, the floating particles

being too fine to be seen, and too light to he stopped. Such are the seeds of slander, so easily sown, so

difficult to be gathered up, and yet so pernicious in their fruits. The slanderer knows that many a mind will

catch up the plague and became poisoned by his insinuations without ever seeking the antidote. No

reputation can refute a sneer, nor can any human skill prevent mischief.—" Masonic Tablet., 1872."

—————————

TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY OF THE CHRISTCHURCH LODGE, No. 91.

———<>———

[Paper read by R.W. BRO. S. C. BINGHAM, P.PROV.G.M.]

BRETHREN, -I approach the task entrusted to me this evening with some temerity, realising as I do that my

chief difficulty will be to make the notes that I have prepared from the records of our Lodge at all interesting

to those of you who are not members. They should be, and I believe are, of great interest to the brethren who

have been actually engaged in carrying on the work for the period which closed in November last year, and I

trust will also be valuable and instructive to our younger brethren, upon whom, in time to come, will devolve

the burden of office. They have been compiled with the sincere hope that a study of the incidents in our first

twenty-one years' record will enable them to avoid the pitfalls which naturally beset the inexperienced

brother who essays to carry on the work of Freemasonry.

It is an old saying, and a wise one, that " happy is the country that has no history," a paraphrase of which I

venture to apply to our Lodge, and we may well be deemed fortunate, in that during the twenty-one years'

existence which I propose to briefly review, no disruption, secession, or scandal has occurred, that might

have given the members cause for grief, or the profane opportunity for either mirth or sarcasm. Let me

remind you of a phrase in an installation ritual well known to some of us, that the public reputation of our

institution will be found to rise or fall, according to the tact, fidelity, and discretion with which its affairs are

conducted, and in proportion as the character and conduct of its principal officers are deemed praiseworthy

or censurable.

The erection of our Lodge was primarily the result of the formation of the G.L. of New Zealand in the year

1891, which I think I correctly define as the outcome of an earnest desire on the part of a great number of

progressive Freemasons for the benefits of self and government.

A period of much unrest and turmoil (but also of much real Masonic progress) followed, for although edicts

of non-intercourse were at once issued by those in authority locally, and in due course confirmed by their

respective G.Ls., most of the brethren who watched carefully the proceedings and subsequent results were

agreed that the dry bones of Freemasonry in New Zealand were vivified into new life. I must admit that I was

not a member of the Craft at the time, but it has been my great privilege to have been since very closely

associated, Masonically and otherwise, with many of the chief actors, or rather workers, of the period, and I

believe that I correctly state the facts of the case.

The erection of our Lodge, as I have already stated, was one of the minor results of the movement referred

to. Many members of the two Lodges meeting in Christchurch under the G.L. of Scotland, viz., Robert Burns

604 and Crown 695, were in sympathy with the movement for self government, and there can be little doubt

that a good deal of feeling was engendered in both Lodges on the question. Notices of motion to transfer

allegiance were given more than once, but after keen debates, the conservative section in each case was

victorious and the status quo maintained, although with but narrow majorities. The issue was considered too

important to abandon, and several informal meetings of those brethren who were well assured of the stability

of the new organisation, and the advantages of local government., followed, and ultimately 29 associated

themselves together, and applied to the G.L. of New Zealand for a charter. This application was supported by

the favourable recommendation of Lodge St. Augustine, No. 4, the only other Lodge in the city of

Christchurch meeting under authority of the new G.L., and the petition was in due course granted by M.W.

Bro. Malcolm Niccol, G.M.

We are naturally exceedingly pleased that we are able to welcome that distinguished brother, who, as you are

aware, is our G.Sec., on this, to us, auspicious occasion.

It may not be out of place here to refer to the name of the Lodge, which may possibly strike sonic of those

present as devoid of that measure of humility which should ever mark members of our great fraternity. It

was, however, the intention of the founders to assemble as "Lodge Christchurch," but the officials in the G.L.

office imposed the title of " The Christchurch Lodge" upon them, and it was not till later that the discrepancy

was noted—somewhat too late to remedy the error, without causing much trouble.

It will ill become such a modest member of the Lodge as myself to make any suggestion, but perhaps later in

the evening some visitor might hint that our venerable and much respected brother, the Rev. W. Ronaldson,

P.G.Sec., was gifted with true prophetic insight when he made out our charter so.

On Tuesday, 5th December, 1893, in this hall, our Lodge was erected by M.W. Bro. Henry Thomson, one of

Canterbury's most distinguished Freemasons, who has since been called to the Grand Lodge above. He was

assisted in the ceremony by R.W. Bros. C. P. Hulbert, then G.Supt., R. C. Bishop, P.G.W., C. A. C. Hardy,

and W. Bros. Millar and Baker. We are pleased to be able to welcome one of these brethren to-night. The

choir of St. Augustine Lodge, at that time renowned for its musical ability, under the baton of the late Bro. A.

Searell, supplied the incidental music.

During the preliminary stages, the founders were greatly indebted to W. Bro. Alex. Millar, Master, and the

officers and brethren of St. Augustine, No. 4, for help and guidance freely extended, and, indeed, without the

ungrudging assistance then given, it is doubtful whether the project would have been brought to a successful

fruition. It will be readily understood, therefore, that there was never the slightest intention of presuming

upon the established position of that Lodge as premier in the city, both by reason of its age and standing.

Of the 29 founders, the following were invested as officers, viz. :—Master, W. Bro. J. HudsonW. Bro. E. H.

Cooper ; P.M. W. Bro. W. F. McLean; S.W., W. Bro. D. Round ; J.W., W. Bro. J. T. Henderson ; Treas.,

Bro. C. J. Marshall ; Sec., Bro. W. R. Gahagan; S.D., Bro. T. W. Hemsworth; J.D., Bro. J. Bell; D. of C.,

Bro. J. Hughes ; I.G., Bro. Geo. Ferguson; Tyler, Bro. A. Gee.

Four of these brethren still participate in our labours, and we have, in addition, the following brethren who

signed the petition, viz. :—W. Bros. Hopkinson and Robertson, and Bro. G. W. Christensen.

Seven candidates were initiated during the first year, of whom Bro. A. C. .Andrews and T. H. Davies have

filled the chair.

In January, 1905, my own name successfully passed the ballot, and, without pausing for consideration, I was

forthwith initiated,

It would take too long to enumerate the various presentations and minor events that have taken place, and I

have no desire to weary you, so that I shall only briefly allude to what may be considered the more striking

items.

In November, 1895, at the installation of W. Bro. E. H. Cooper, a collection for the W. and O. Fund of G.L.

was taken, the sum of £5 18s. 6d. being the result, a very respectable amount, and .comparing favourably

with present-day results, especially as the attendance was well under 100. As far as I can trace, this is the

earliest instance of a collection for the W. and O. Fund being taken up at any installation meeting of a Lodge

under the G.L. of New Zealand. That fund now has a capital of over £22,000, a large portion of which has

been raised by the system thus inaugurated.

It was resolved in 1897 to set aside 25 per cent. of the initiation fee to form a benevolent fund.

A committee was set up in 1899 to consider the question of ritual, and after much deliberation, the following

year saw the adoption of that in present use. This may be best described as a blend of English, Irish, and

Scottish working, and has been favourably commented on by many visitors at different times. Absolute

adherence has always been insisted upon by the Masters of Instruction, and all are agreed that the step was

one in the right direction.

It is generally agreed that our ceremonies of reception, with their special points of variance from those of

sister Lodges, are impressive, and contain sufficient of the older (and in some cases more dramatic) working,

to be both interesting and instructive. The high grade of perfection at which the work of the Lodge has been

consistently maintained, can only be attributed to a rigid adherence to the adopted forms. Some of us older

fogies, whilst loyally accepting the innovation as absolutely necessary in the best interests of the Lodge,

naturally felt, some regret in dropping the old customs, and I personally will never forget the "Test of

Memory," with the accompanying rap from the 24-inch gauge administered by the at the Sec.'s table, at the

conclusion of the initiation ceremony.

In 1903 the initiation fee was increased from the minimum hitherto in vogue to seven guineas.

Two years later the question of finance was again before the Lodge, and as a result of a special committee's

report, the following changes were proposed, and their adoption marks, in my opinion, a new era in the

Lodge's history. It was decided :

(1) To raise the annual dues to £2.
(2) To pay the initiation fees into a special fund for benevolent purposes.
(3) To take all charity grants therefrom.

From the special fund so created, we have been able to vote, up to date, some £400, in addition to levies and

personal contributions that have been called from time to time for special purposes, and our last balance-

sheet shows that we have nearly an equal amount in hand, which, according to our by-laws, is available only

for the relief of our distressed brethren and families, or such purpose as may fittingly come under the heading

of Charity and Brotherly Love.

Brethren, the action taken then was I firmly believe, in the very best interests of Freemasonry in general, and

certainly of those of our own Lodge. Who does not remember the old days, when a vote of a paltry guinea

was usually considered a quite sufficient exemplification of those truly Masonic virtues, Benevolence and

Charity, to be not infrequently followed by much more lavish expenditure in another direction!

The formation of the Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge, the Board of Enquiry, and the Board of Casual

Relief, all of which originated in this city, received the hearty support of members of our Lodge.

In June, 1906, we were honoured by a visit from our G.Sec., and on the same evening the G.Supt. presented

the Lodge with the very handsome banner, now standing in the East, which had been designed by one of the

P.Ms., and prepared and donated by W. Bro. T. H. Davies. Such an addition to our furniture has been much

appreciated, and enables us to assemble under our banner in due form in Prov.G.L. and other ceremonial

occasions.

One of the most recent acquisitions of the Lodge has been the Honours Board, which is on the north wall of

the Lodgeroom. It was specially designed by one of the P.Ms., and enables us to do honour to those brethren

who have devoted so much of their time and ability in the important and onerous work in the Master's Chair.

The institution of an annual P.M.'s Night in Christchurch lies to the credit of our Lodge, and, speaking as one

of them, I can testify that the opportunity of showing how to do, and perhaps more often how not to do, has

been much appreciated.

Those of us who have occupied the chair, will entirely agree with the statement that as Masters, our work

was materially lightened by the wholesouled energy of those who have at various times acted as Sec. We

have only had three, viz., Bro. W. R. Gahagan, who, after three years' good work, was elected Warden, and

in due time filled the chair ; Bro. W. V. Mauchlin, who did yeoman service for eleven years, and was

followed by W. Bro. Hopkinson, who continues to devote practically all his hours of leisure to the onerous

duties of that office.

Another factor in the success of our Lodge has undoubtedly been the great interest taken in the Lodge of

Instruction by all members. M.Ms. have always been especially urged to be present, and a very high ratio of

attendance is on record.

There is no royal road to the Master's chair. Knowledge of the ritual and regular attendance are requisitions

which every candidate for office is expected to possess.

I do not propose to weary you with statistics, and will merely mention that of the 29 founders, seven are still

with us. Our register shows that we have initiated 175 brethren, received as affiliates 70, lost by various

causes 146, leaving the present membership at 128.

Three of our members are serving their country, viz., W. Bro. G. W. McLean, I.P.M., is in Samoa, Bro.

Major Row in Egypt, and Bro. L. A. Cox at Trentham.

Brethren, you will no doubt say that I have brought forward no great or striking deeds to merit applause. That

is so, but I venture to express the hope that our records show that the Lodge has at least justified its

existence, by striving to follow Masonic teachings, as well as the frailties of human nature have permitted.

As our means have allowed, we have endeavoured to act up to the principles inculcated by our ritual, and I

believe that our sins have been rather of omission than commission.

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

Correspondence
———————————————————————————————————————————

WHAT THE G.L. OF FRANCE IS DOING.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO,— I noticed in the CRAFTSMAN of this month that the G.L. had voted a sum of £100

towards the works of assistance inaugurated by the G.L. of France. In this connection you will be pleased to

know what has been done since the outbreak of hostilities. The G.L. occupies in Paris a large building, its

own property, which was in former times a Monastery. The apartments have been in part transformed into a

hospital for mounded military, and at present there are 23 beds, operating room, and all necessary appliances,

with an efficient staff of doctors and nurses. This was ready on the 12th August, and has been in use since

that date.

Another portion of the building was transformed into a large dining hall, with kitchen and everything

necessary adjoining. This distribution of free meals has been going on since the 7th September, and during

September and October some 5,100 meals have been supplied.

The members of the B. of G.P. have also taken charge of refugees, finding them lodgment and, where

possible, employment. The committee have also undertaken other works for the relief of the destitute and

suffering, and this without distinction, and with funds raised by the Lodges and some 2,000 francs which

have up to the present been donated by other Masonic powers.

Our Lodge here raised for a first contribution to this fund £41 12s., and we are now about to raise another

subscription, as every little we can send keeps the good work going, and it is our duty to do at the present

time all we possibly can to relieve distress in France or elsewhere.

With kindest regards and fraternal good wishes,—I am, yours fraternally,

J. C. RANDALL, 31 deg.

Papeete, Tahiti, 28th January, 1915.

OBITUARY.

———<>———

W. BRO. GEORGE LUKE, P.M.

Wellington brethren were greatly shocked to learn of the sudden death of Bro. Luke, which

occurred on the morning of the 3rd February. Our brother had retired to rest on the previous

night apparently in the best of health, hut never rose again. Bro. Luke was initiated in Brooklyn

Lodge on 2nd May, 1906, and took his M.M. Degree on 1st August. He was elected Chaplain in

October following, J.W. in 1909, S.W. in 1910, and W.M. the following year. Bro. Luke entered

Capitular Freemasonry in 1907, and after filling a number of offices, was elected 1st Prin. in

September, 1914, thus literally dying in harness. Of a very quiet and retiring disposition,

Masonry was his hobby, and he devoted much time and attention to it. His funeral, which was

largely attended, took place on the 5th February, and the Masonic service was conducted by

R.W. Bro. H. Seaton, J.G.W., and V.W. Bro. Herbert B. Bridge, G.Lec.

———————

W. BRO. MORRIS FOX, P.M.

———

The death of W. Bro. Morris Fox will be deeply deplored by a large number of Wellington

brethren, and more especially by those of the two Lodges with which he was actively associated

at the time of his death. Bro. Fox was initiated, in Wellington Lodge, No. 1521 E.C., to which

he remained attached for many years. In 1907 he threw in his lot with N.Z. Pacific Lodge, No.

2,. and ultimately became W.M., afterwards continuing an active member. On the formation of

the Installed Masters' Lodge of Wellington in 1912, Bro. Fox became a foundation member, and

in October, 1913, he assumed the office of Sec., which he retained to the time of his demise.

Our late brother was gifted with abilities of a very high order, both professionally and in his

private life, while his sunny, genial disposition endeared him to those with whom he came in

contact.

The funeral took place on the 6th February, and the Government Insurance Department took

charge of the arrangements. There was a very large attendance at the obsequies, testifying

eloquently to the high regard in which the deceased gentleman was held by many and varied

sections of the community. The Government Insurance Offices were closed an hour earlier than

usual, and the Commissioner (Mr. J. H. Richardson), the Deputy-Commissioner and Secretary

(Mr. W. B. Hudson), the Supervisor of New Business (Mr. Geo. Robertson), the Accountant

(Mr. G. W. Barltrop), the Assistant-Actuary (Mr. P. Muter), the Chief Medical Officer (Dr.

Cahill), the Chief Clerk (Mr. R. G. Niven), and all the members of the staff were present to pay

a last tribute of respect to their deceased colleague. Many of those who had been associated

with Bro. Fox in the earlier clays, when he took a prominent part in amateur theatricals, were

also present, together with a large number of representative public men. The Rev. H. W.

Thomson officiated at the graveside. The Masonic service was performed by R.W. Bro. Herbert

Seaton and V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge, and among the gathering was a considerable number of

members of the Installed Masters' Lodge, of which Bro. Fox was secretary, and of members of

N.Z. Pacific Lodge, No. 2, of which he was a member.

———————

W. BRO. H. OHLSSON, P.M.

———

The death of W. Bro. H. Ohlsson, of Wellington, took place on 18th January. The deceased had

been in broken health for over a year, and on the evening of the date mentioned he passed

peacefully away. He leaves a widow and one son. Born in Malmo, Sweden, in 1864, he came to

New Zealand when a young man, and was for some years prior to his death employed by

Messrs. Sander Bros., contractors. He was initiated in Lodge Eketahuna, No. 92, in February,

1894, and on his removal to Wellington affiliated with Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32. After serving

in the lower offices he attained to the chair in November, 1910.

Our brother, who was of a kindly and modest disposition, and held in deserved respect, was

accorded a Masonic burial, in which the W.M. of the Lodge, assisted by P.Ms. , and V.W. Bro.

H. B. Bridge, G.Lec:, took part.

———————

W. BRO. F. Y. LETHBRIDGE, P.M.

———

W. Bro. Frank Yates Lethbridge, of Makino, died at Feilding on the 26th January, after a

lengthy illness and two operations. He was a very prominent figure in the district, and had

occupied many public positions. He had been a member of the Manawatu County Council,

chairman for years of the Manchester Road Board, Mayor of Feilding from 1882 to 1889,

captain of the old Manchester Rifles, whom he commanded at Parihaka, and a member and

officer of a large number of other local institutions, particularly the Horticultural Society. In

1893 he unsuccessfully contested the Rangitikei seat in the House of Representatives against

Mr. John Stevens, but was returned for that seat in 1896 and 1899. In 1902 he was elected for

the Oroua constituency, but did not contest the seat at the 1908 election, Mr. D. H. Guthrie

taking his place. He was a member of several Royal Commissions, notably that in connection

with the timber industry. In sporting matters he was very keen. For years the Feilding Jockey

Club used his property free for a racecourse, and he was one of the leading spirits in the control

of the Feilding athletic sports. Bro. Lethbridge was born in New Plymouth in 1852, being a son

of the late Mr. O. Y. Lethbridge (who was a member of the Taranaki Provincial Council), and

married a cousin. He was educated at the Nelson Public School and Boys' High School,

Christchurch ; took up farming on the Feilding run in 1876, and when that was subdivided and

sold he built a residence on his property at Makino, where he could combine farming with his

greatest hobby, the cultivation of native trees and shrubs. Bro. Lethbridge was a prominent

member of the Feilding Lodge, in which he was initiated, and subsequently held the chair of

W.M., into which he was installed by the writer of this notice.

———————

W. BRO S. BIRD, W.M.

———

Lodge St. Augustine, No. 99, has suffered a heavy bereavement, inasmuch as it has pleased

T.G.A.O.T.U. to call from labour our esteemed W.M., Bro. S. Bird. W. Bro. Bird has been a

sufferer for some time past, yet in spite of his illness he was present at one of our meetings since

he was attacked, and conducted a First, practically rising from his bed to carry out the

ceremony. Since that time his trouble developed more, and very much to his deep regret, he was

unable to confer the Second Degree on those he initiated. Yet he was always hopeful, and in the

last interview the writer had with him he said that all that evening he was there in spirit, though

absent in the flesh. Indeed, Bro. Bird's hopeful spirit sustained him to the very last, and it was

only within a short time of his passing away that he recognised the fact that his illness was

going to prove mortal. To the members of his Lodge Bro. Bird had much endeared himself by

his quiet and unassuming manner. He was one of nature's gentlemen—a true white man. He

rather felt the visitation laid on him, coming as it did when he had attained the long desired and

looked-for dignity of the Master's chair, for his whole heart and soul were in his Lodge. He was

also 2nd Prin. of the Waimate R.A. Chapter, No. 16, and would, had he been spared, have

attained the rank of Z. next September. His attendance at both Lodge and Chapter, instruction or

regular meeting, was notable, being never absent unless indisposition or an engagement he

could not put off intervened, and that was seldom. W. Bro. Bird was an initiate of the Lodge

over which he presided, and has filled all the junior offices with the greatest satisfaction, and

although no opportunity was given him for exercising authority he, during his short occupancy

of the chair, gave evidence that judgment and discretion were not wanting. He was buried in the

Waimate Cemetery on Sunday, the 14th February, and was accorded a Masonic funeral. The

Lodge of Sorrow was opened by the I.P.M., W. Bro. Menzies. Prov.G.L. of Canterbury was

represented by V.W. Bro. Rev. Mackenzie Gibson, who came down from Christchurch at the

request of the Acting-Master and the officers to conduct the last sad Masonic rites. On the

Lodge of Sorrow resuming the V.W. brother expressed the sympathy of the M.W.G.M. and the

R.W. Prov.G.M. with Lodge St. Augustine in their sad bereavement. He also expressed his own

sorrow at the loss of W. Bro. Bird, with whom he had been associated for a number of years in

church work. A resolution expressing sympathy with Mrs. Bird and family, and testifying to the

work of our late brother, was passed in silence. The funeral cortege was a lengthy one, thus

evincing the high esteem in which our late W. brother was held in the neighbourhood.

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

SUPREME GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF NEW ZEALAND.

———<>———

ANNUAL CONVOCATION, 1915.

The twenty-third annual convocation of Sup.G. Chapter was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Christchurch, on

Wednesday, 3rd February, 1915, at 2 p.m.

ATTENDANCE.—The chairs of G. Chapter were filled by the following G. and acting-G. officers :—M.E.

Comp. W. Smith, as G.Z. ; R.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews, D.G.Z. ; R.E. Comp. T. Ross, G.H. ; R.E. Comp. M.

J. Harris, G.J. ; M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams, G.S.E. ; V.E. Comp. J. S. Hope, G.S.N. ; V.E. Comp. H. H.

Seaton, G.Treas. ; V.E. Comp. A. W. Graham, as 1st G.Soj. ; V.E. Comp. E. Nordon, as 2nd G.Soj. ; V.E.

Comp. A. Budd, as 3rd G.Soj. ; V.E. Comp. R. Gillespie, G.D. of C. ; V.E. Comp. H. F. Arnold, P.G.Soj. ;

V.E. Comp. W. F. McLean, P.G.Supt. of W. ; V.E. Comp. G. Menzies, P.G.Supt. of W. ; V.E. Comp. F.B. B.

Bishop, P.G.D. of C. ; V.E. Comp. C. W. B. Norwood, P.G.Sd. B. ; E. Comp. Dr. E. Leslie Crooke, as G.

Organist ; Comp. G. W. Hulme, P.A.G.D. of C. ; V.E. Comp. H. Priestley, P.A.G.Sd. B. G.Supts. : R.E.

Comp. Geo. W. Palmer, West Coast, NI ; R.E. Comp. C. Flavell, Canterbury ; R.E. Comp. E. Dacre Dunn,

Westland ; R.E. Comp. E. Lane, Otago. P.G.Zs. : M.E. Comp. Geo. H. Powley ; M.E. Comp. Arthur Clothier

; M.E. Comp. Rev. E. E. Chambers. G.Representatives : V.E. Comp. W. Broadley, No. 1 ; V.E. Comp. G.

Menzies, No. 2 ; V.E. Comp. T. Hobson, No. 4 ; M.E. Comp. E. E. Chambers. No. 6 ; M.E. Comp. A. C.

Clothier, No. 7 ; V.E. Comp. W. J. Hill, No. 8; M.E. Comp. G. H. Powley, No. 9 ; R.E. Comp. W. Dawick,

No. 11; V.E. Comp. A. Budd, No. 15: V.E. Comp. D. A. Fulton, No. 16 ; V.E. Comp. J. S. Hope, No. 17 ;

V.E. Comp. J. W. Warren, No. 22; V.E. Comp. J. Ashwell, No. 23 ; V.E. Comp. W. H. Jones, No. 24 ; V.E.

Comp. H. B. Bridge. No. 25 ; V.E. Comp. A. M. McLeod, No. 27 ; V.E. Comp. S. C. Hanlon, No. 28; V.E.

Comp. A. B. King, No. 29; V.E. Comp. R. A. Gillespie. No. 30 ; V.E. Comp. J. Thornton. No. 31 ; V.E.

Comp. H. Priestley, No. 32 ; V.E. Comp. Russell Rendle, No. 35.

VISITORS.—At the evening session the visitors included M.E. Comp. E. H. Cousins, Prov.G.H. ; M.E. Comp.

H. Williamson, P.G. Chancellor ; and M.E. Comp. H. A. W. Pugh, Prov. 1st G. Soj., of the Scottish

Constitution.

OPENING.—At 2.15 p.m. the assembled companions were called to order by the G.D. of C. (V.E. Comp. R.

Gillespie), and M.E. Comp. W. Smith, I.P.G.Z., attended by the officers of G. Chapter, entered the hall in

procession, and having assumed the respective chairs, G. Chapter was opened in regular form, and the

M.E.G.Z. in the chair received the homage of G. Chapter in the salutation made.

ROLL CALL.—On the roll being called representatives of the following Chanter responded :— 1, 2. 4, 6, 7,

8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35—in all 66 members being present.

APOLOGIES.—The following apologies were received and ordered to be recorded Comps. J. J. Esson, G.Z. ;

Rev. T. Porritt, C. J. W. Griffiths, R. Fletcher, J. D. Webster, M. Niccol, P.G.Zs. ; R.E. Comps. L. Freedman,

P.D.G.Z. ; F. Kearslev, G.Supt. of Auckland ; T. M. Rankin. G.Supt. of Southland,: R. G. V. Parker,

P.G.Supt. of Otago ; V.E. Comps. A. H. Thorpe, G. Barclay, N. M. Rivers, H. M. Ewing, A. M. Duncan, and

H. Coop, P.G.Soj.: C. W. Neilsen, G.Reg. ; M. Evans. G. Chancellor ; G. Gordon, E. Hosking, P.G.Sd.B. ; L.

H. Mueller, T. Gilmour, J. J. Hiskins, W. G. Alexander, P.Z.

MINUTES.—On the motion of M.E. Comps. Powley and Chambers the minutes of the last meeting, having

been printed and circulated, were ordered to be taken as read and were confirmed.

CORRESPONDENCE.—A letter was received from V.E. Comp. H. M. Ewing, withdrawing the resolutions of

which lie had given notice. The remainder of the correspondence referred to the numerous apologies herein

recorded.

REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE.—This report was considered seriatem.

On Clause 5, Comp. Priestley referred to the proposed new Chapter, Egmont, which he thought was an

invasion of the territory of Takahoa Chapter. The position was explained by G.S.E., and Comp. G. W.

Palmer, G.Supt., stated that he had informed Comp. Priestley of all matters in connection with the proposed

Chapter.

Re Clause 8, Comp. Ross gave further particulars re his mission to Scotland. Some discussion followed, but

the chairman of Sup. Com. pointed out that as a formal application had again been made to Scotland for

recognition, the matter was sub judice until a reply had been received.

Clause 12, Finance.— This clause evoked some discussion, and was made the occasion of a bitter and

personal attack on the G.S.E. A number of companions promptly defended the executive officer, and

subsequently it was moved :-" That G. Chapter desires to express its full confidence in the G.S.E. ; that the

salary voted last year was fully warranted, and requests the M.E.G.S.E. to allow his nomination for office to

stand." The motion on being submitted to G. Chapter was affirmed, with one dissentient.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following are the G. officers elected :— G.Z., M.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews,

Canterbury ; D.G.Z., R.E. Comp. T. Ross, Otago; G.H., R.E. Comp. M. J. Harris, Auckland; G.J., R.E.

Comp. E. Dacre Dunn, Westland; G.S.E., M.E. Comp. H .J. Williams, Wellington; G.S.N., V.E. Comp. W.

M. Hindmarsh, Canterbury; G.Treas., V.E. Comp. H. H. Seaton, Wellington ; 1st G.Soj., V.E. Comp. T.

Hobson, Wellington ; 2nd G.Soj., V.E. Comp. W. G. Alexander, Otago; 3rd V.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon, West

Coast, N.I.; G.Reg., V.E. Comp, C. W. Neilson, Wellington; G. Chancellor, V.E. Comp. M. Blair, Auckland;

G.Supt. of W. V.E. Comp. N. J. Brokenshire, Southland ; G.D. of C., V.E. Comp. G. J. A. Shakleton,

Canterbury ; V.E. Comp. W. H. Jones, Wellington ; G.St.B., V.E. Comp. T. Gilmour, Otago; G. Organist,

V.E. Comp. A. W. V. Vine, Canterbury ; Asst. C.D. of C., V.E. Comp. D. M. Jack, Auckland ; Asst. G.St.B.,

V.E. Comp. W. T. Simmonds, West Coast, N.I. ; Asst. G.St.B., V.E. Comp. C. H. Dement, Wellington

G.Supts. : Auckland, R.E. Comp. F. Kearsley; Wellington, M.E. Comp. T. Porritt ; West. Coast, R.E. Comp.

G. W. Palmer; Canterbury, R.E. Comp. V. Flavell; Otago, R.E. Comp. E. Lane; Southland, V.E. Comp. J. J.

Hiskins ; Westland, R.E. Comp. Dr. E. D. Dunn. Chairman of Sup. Committee : M.E. Comp. R. Fletcher.

Sup.G. Committee : V.E. Comps. A. Veitch, W. H. Jones, C. Dement, O. Neilsen, the G.Prins., P.G.Zs.,

G.Supts., G.Treas., and G.Reg. (ex -officio).

The report as amended and the balance-sheet were adopted. A SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT referred to the

official visitation of G.Z., announced that a charter had been granted to " Heretaunga " Chapter, Hastings,

and recommended that on the constitution of the Chapter, a new RA. Masonic district be created in Hawkes

Bay. Also that the assessment to G.P. be increased 1/- per capita. The report was adopted.

An appreciation of the services of M.E. Comp. J. J. Esson were ordered to be recorded, and a vote of thanks

was passed to M.E. Comp Griffiths and R.E. Comp. Ross for their services in Scotland.

At the evening session the Principals were installed with the customary ceremonies, M.E. Comp, S. C.

Bingham being the Installing G.Prin. Four G. officers who were present were invested. A very excellent

address was delivered by M.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews, G.Z., and we regret the exigencies of space preclude

its publication. It is a further matter of regret that the proceedings of the afternoon did not more nearly

harmonise with the excellent sentiments enunciated by the M.E.G.Z.

A motion to revise the ritual was referred to Sup. Committee.

Fraternal greetings having been given by the representatives of foreign G. Chapters, the twenty-third annual

convocation was closed in ample form.

Subsequently the visitors were entertained at supper by the Canterbury Chapters, where the customary toasts

were honoured.

—————————

TABERNACLE A TRADITION.

———<>———

There is no direct allusion in the Bible or in Josephus to the "Tabernacle erected by our ancient brethren near

the ruins of King Solomon's Temple." It is entirely a Masonic tradition, and yet like all traditions it must

have had some basis upon which it was built.

When Cyrus liberated the Jews, they returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and began immediately to

rebuild the temple and city, and Ezra tells us that upon their arrival, they "built the altar of burnt offering and

offered sacrifice," yet this in itself would not necessitate a building or tent, for in both tabernacle and temple

the altar of sacrifice was always in the open court ; yet as the priests and Levites were there and "all the

religions ordinances of Moses were observed," it is not at all unlikely that a "ohel " or tent was erected for

worship.-" Ark Temple Bulletin."

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

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

———<>———

BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED AT THE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL,

WELLINGTON, ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, 12TH AND 13TH MAY, 1915.

————

G.L. WILL BE OPENED ON WEDNESDAY, 12TH MAY, AT 10 A.M.

1. The minutes of the annual communication of 1914 will be submitted for confirmation.

2. The annual balance-sheet to 31st March, 1915, will be submitted for adoption.

3. Election of the M. W. G.M.

4. Election of other G. officers.

5. Report of the B. of B.

6. Report of the Annuity Board of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund.

7. Report of the B. of G.P.

8. Petition for Subdivision of Wellington District and Creation of new district, "Ruapehu."

9. Election of Auditor.

10. Fixing the amount of the Representation Levy for 1915-16.

G.L. will adjourn at 1 p.m., and will re-assemble at 2.30 p.m., and will again adjourn at 5 p.m.-, reassembling

at 7.30 p.m., for the Installation of the G.M.-elect, M.W. Bro. John Joseph Dougall.

Appointment and Investiture of the R.W. the Dep.G.M. Appointment and Investiture of the R.W. the

Prov.G.Ms. of districts.

Appointment and Investiture of the R.W. the S.G.W. and J.G.W.

Appointment and Investiture of G.Lecs.

Investiture of elected G. officers.

Address from the M.W.G.M.

G.L. will be closed and business adjourned till next day.

G.L. SESSION WILL BE RESUMED ON THURSDAY, THE 13TH MAY, AT 9.30 A. M.

Business on the agenda paper for Wednesday which was not completed will first be disposed of.

11. Proposed Amendments in G.L. Laws :-

1. The W.M. or representative of Lodge Manawatu No. 47, to move-

That to Rule 178 of the Constitution be added the following clause :--` At least twice in each

year the G.See. shall send to all Lodges under the jurisdiction of G.L. a list of a.11 brethren

whose names have been struck off the roll, as hereinbefore provided, together with an

intimation that these brethren should no longer be permitted to participate in any Masonic

privilege until reinstated.' '

2. V.W. Bro. E. D. Mosley, G.Reg:, to move-

(1) In Rule 96--To add after the word " Master,"- the words " Immediate Past Master."

(2) In Rule 156-To delete the words "any member,'' and substitute the words "any
brother"

12. Ordinary Notices of Motion :-

1. W. Bro. C. G. Bullock, P.M., of Lodge St. Andrew EiL, No. 79, Wanganui, to move, in
accordance with notice given by him-

" That the Wellington Province be divided from the Manawatu River northwards."

2. W. Bro. H. Hobbs, P.M. of Lodge Waiwhetu, No. 176, Lower Hutt, Wellington, to move, in
accordance with notice given by him—

"That the sum of £2,000 be transferred from the Fund of Benevolence to the W. and O. and

A.M. Fund."

3. The W.M. or representative of Lodge Feilding, No. 41, Feilding, to move, in accordance with

notice given by the Lodge-

" That the resolution passed at the communication of G.L., held at Christchurch in May, 1914,

to the effect "That upon his G.L. Certificate being returned to the custody of the G.Sec., W.

Bro. O. N. Gillespie be suspended sine die,' be RESCINDED, and in substitution therefor it be

resolved-` That W. Bro. O. N. Gillespie be expelled from the Craft.' "

13. General Business by permission of the G.M.

G.L. will be Closed.

MALCOLM NICCOL, G.Sec.

Christchurch, 9th February, 1915.

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

FREEMASONRY AND THE MASONIC SPIRIT.

———<>———

[A Lecture delivered by V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge, G.Lec.]

Speculative Masonry, or Freemasonry, is in a large measure not understood, or misunderstood, both within

and without the Craft. Among the brethren the prevailing misunderstanding arises from a narrow and

somewhat selfish view of objects aimed at by the Institution, and from an ignorance, partly unavoidable

owing to lack of competent instruction, and partly avoidable, being the result of a very culpable carelessness

on the part of the brethren themselves. Without the Craft, although anyone can nowadays purchase for a

small stint books and pamphlets setting forth in plain and attractive terms the true nature of the Masonic

Association, its aims, and purposes, the misrepresentation thereof, and the failure to grasp their real

character, are as amazing as they are deplorable. The most generally accepted errors as regards the Craft are

that it is a more or less dangerous secret society, used, despite denials, for political and anti-religious, in the

sense of anti-denominational, purposes; that its influence is all powerful in defence of its members who may

have broken the laws; that it is a benefit society, and is bound to provide for the poor and destitute among its

members, and for their dependants in case of death; that its meetings, under the cover of alleged ceremonies,

are really only social gatherings, chiefly remarkable for an absence of moderation in connection with the

liquid refreshments consumed. All this nonsense, much of it unfortunately malicious, is, of course, only

laughable to the initiated. But, if the matter is given thought, it is also to be regretted. Freemasons, too, must

face this question : For how much of this gross misrepresentation is the public behaviour of many of the

brethren themselves responsible? If we are not true to the Masonic Institution, its tenets and principles, and

to ourselves, how can we expect the uninitiated to be just in their estimate of us ? The object, then, of this

lecture is, with as little sermonising as possible, to make it clear to the brethren exactly what Freemasonry in

its speculative form or its ethical side is, and for what it stands. Thus his duties and responsibilities will be

brought home to each brother, and in the loyal carrying out of them in his everyday life in the world of men,

the example he sets will not only disabuse the public mind of opinions inimical and harmful to the Craft, but

will insensibly tend to improve the conduct of others with whom he is brought in contact.

Now, What is the meaning of the word Speculative in its relation to Freemasonry Primarily it serves, of

course, to distinguish present-day Masonry from the purely Operative, or trade form— the trade and

organisation of the old stonemasons. Specially, however, it has reference to the nature of the Freemasonry of

to-day, which is the outcome in an ethical sense of speculation, meditation, and philosophic reasoning,

brought to bear upon the allegory and symbolism deduced from the material art of Masonry. To assist the

ethical principles involved the material side of the building art has been spiritualised. The object desired to

be obtained was not only to preserve the wonderful discipline and organisation, and the brotherhood relation

so marked in the Masonic trade guilds—or, as we term them, the Operative Masons—but to bring about the

spiritual uplifting of Man, more especially of the Speculative Freemason And there is the opportunity to

correct that narrow and somewhat selfish view of Freemasonry held by so many of its members. This

spiritual uplifting of the Freemason was not intended to be restricted to an individual application only. It is

not sufficient from the point of view of the great Masonic mission that its noble ideals and its divinely

established tenets and Principles should begin and end in the life of the Mason within the Craft. Quite the

contrary. The grand scheme was, and is, that the great moral lessons learnt within the Craft were to bear fruit.

abundantly outside in the profane world by the fidelity with which their teachings were adhered to there by

those who had been privileged to learn them. Every Freemason is, in fact, a missioner to the world at large of

the Masonic tenets and principles, Motherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The two former included that greatest

of all virtues, Charity—and all of them summed up in those expressive words, the Fatherhood of God, the

Brotherhood of Mau. It is not sufficient Irons the Masonic idealistic standpoint that the Freemasons should

be imbued with sympathy for—which is Brotherly Love—and the desire to alleviate the suffering and

distress of—which is Relief—his brother Mason. That sympathy and that desire to relieve must in all

sincerity and in practice be shown equally to all God's creatures. It should be spontaneous, ever alive, in

memory of a certain peculiar moment when poor and penniless oneself received sympathy, relief, and

encouragement. It is not sufficient from the Masonic point of view that the Freemason should be of decorous

behaviour only when in the Lodgeroom and among his brethren. The great Masonic essential, Truth,

demands that every brother, in addition to seeking for the truth in all things, should also be personally the

embodiment of it in his life, his acts, and his conversation. The hypocrisy which presents one side of his

character to his brethren, and another totally different in the course of his daily intercourse with men is an

abomination. He is of those who are responsible for the misrepresentation and calumny of Freemasonry by

the uninitiated. This master of conduct, clean, sober, honest, and upright living, Freemasonry demands of its

members flint the inception of their membership. To that end he is directed in that beautiful Final Charge

delivered to him directly he is admitted to Brotherhood. The reason is obvious. Once admitted as a member

of this ancient and honourable Institution its honour and reputation are placed, trustfully, in his keeping.

Should he do aught to disgrace himself, thereby he brings disgrace on the Craft. Surely it is as well that all of

the brethren should realise that great responsibility.

We see, then, that the Freemasonry of to-day is really a great moral school, represented by an association of

specially selected men, deemed suitable to the practice of the teachings of the school in their own persons,

and, progressively, to act as examples for good to others. The ethics, or moral precepts, taught by this school

are those laid down in the V.S.L., or perhaps it is more correct to say in the Sacred Writings, for in certain

countries the Koran and the Zenda-Vesta take the place of the English Bible in our Lodges. That this is so is

explained by the fact that the simple and primitive theological belief required as the essential to admittance

within our fold is that of a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being—God— T.G.A.O.T.U. In this belief all

the races and creeds of the world are united, and hence the universality of Masonry. Only the athiest is barred

to our ranks. While absolutely demanding a confession of this simple belief from an intending initiate,

Freemasonry does not otherwise concern itself as to his religious or political opinions or leanings. With

denominational or sectarian religion, or with politics, Freemasonry has no part or even interest. Indeed, it

expressly forbids the discussion of either of them—or their introduction as at possible subject of

discussion—within the precincts of the Lodge. The reason for this is twofold. Freemasonry teaches that the

Supreme Being is all-Father, all-Creator, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, absolutely pure and good, of

impartial justice and inexhaustible loving kindness, the giver of all gifts, the preserver from all evil ; that

there is it life to come in which the Mason will be rewarded or punished according to his deserts. With other

dogmas it is unconcerned ; it asserts none, and controverts none. In the second place it teaches the virtues of

goodwill to all, and of harmony and concord. That which is likely to disturb the one or the other is forbidden

where Freemasons foregather for fraternal relations, for peace, for rest from the world's turmoil, and for the

enjoyment of that wonderful element of Masonic equality. Notably, however, it emphasises here one of

Masonry's greatest attributes, Liberty—liberty of conscience, of thought, of action, as becomes free men—a

liberty, however, which is never allowed to degenerate into license. An able Masonic writer puts it in this

way :—" Liberty to think our own thoughts, to believe our own creeds, to regulate our own lives; liberty to

dissent, if we see fit, from the weight of authority ; liberty to be men, not slaves; liberty to think, speak, act

as we please" — and then comes the all-important provision — " provided we offend not our brother." It is

the saving grace of charity which is to regulate our freedom—our liberty. For charity in the Masonic sense

does not mean, save in very small degree, the doling out of alms, the giving of money to those who may need

it, admirable as such action is when not indiscriminately, and so it may be, unwisely, put into practice. The

charity required of the Freemason is the fullest and broadest, and the best type of that virtue, which we know

is divine in its essence, is so approved of Heaven, and like its sister Mercy, blesses him who dispenses it

equally with its recipient. It is the charity which in all cases restrains from act or speech which may offend

our brother—that is, our fellow-man. It is the charity which thinketh no evil, which abhors mischievous

gossip and slander; which does not impute base motives; which is silent where good cannot be spoken;

which has ready sympathy for all human weaknesses, suffering, and distress. Such is Masonic charity. No

wonder it is described as the highest rung of the Masonic ladder, the pre-eminent virtue, the attainment of

which in its fullest extent marks the perfect Mason. So complete is the ethical teaching of the great Masonic

moral school that nothing has been omitted whereby the Mason may qualify himself for the approval of his

Creator, and the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. He is taught his duty to God, to his neighbour, and to

himself ; he is enjoined to be a good citizen, a good husband, a good father ; he is taught that death is to be

preferred to dishonour, and that fidelity, temperance, and fortitude are the indispensable attributes of the

good Mason. Furthermore, he is enjoined to continue to educate himself and so acquire extended knowledge,

included in which is an extended knowledge of Masonry. The Freemason is specially enjoined to make a

daily advancement in this direction. Up to comparatively recently it would seem as though the Lodges

considered that this knowledge was confined to an intimate acquaintance with the ritual used in our

ceremonies. Hence the practice has grown up of constant and consistent repetition of ritual work on every

possible occasion to the exclusion of everything else Masonic save the routine business of the Lodge. The

want of a candidate upon whom to practice over again this or that portion of the ritual was considered a

calamity, and W.Ms. vied with each other, and took solid credit to themselves, in the number of candidates

"put through" in their year of office. It never seems to have occurred to these worthy and zealous brethren

that the constant reiteration of the ritual, unrelieved by other mental food, was almost certain to pall upon the

thinking members of the Lodge, to gradually lessen their interest in the Lodge meetings, and, it may be,

cause them to become first casual absentees, and then habitual ones. Yet a knowledge of human nature

should have warned them of this possible result, and also that, where brethren still remained loyal in

attendance, the probability was that they attended, not so much for the proceedings within the Lodgeroom, as

for the society of their friends and brethren in the refectory after the ceremonial had necessarily been

tolerated for the sake of the after-part. And yet it is the proceedings in the Lodgeroom which are all

important, and not the period given to social purposes and refreshment, though that has also its valuable uses.

The piling up of candidates, and the hurrying of them through the degrees, is not by any means an advantage

to the Craft, which does not seek quantity in respect of its membership so much as quality. From the purely

Masonic point of view it is distinctly beneficial that the candidate's progress in the Craft should be slow and

measured rather than hurried. He should be made to thoroughly understand one step before he is permitted to

take another, and a forward, one. Thus if the Lodges will only approach the matter from the proper and

certainty desirable standpoint, there should be no difficulty for them apportioning certain of their regular

meeting evenings solely to the imparting of the Masonic knowledge, which no amount of repetition of the

ritual will afford their members — such as the history of Masonry so far as it is known, its traditions, its

symbolism, and its ethics put plainly and clearly as apart from the language of the ceremonial. These

occasional mental diversions will be found not only to afford the members a constant spring of interest in

their Lodge, and a renewing of true Masonic fervour, but will also revive their interest in the ritual working

itself, because they will view it by the various additional lights which the intellectual instruction afforded by

papers, essays, etc., have thrown upon it. One is glad to note that many Lodges are, now adopting this view

of their duty to their members, and are consistently arranging for intellectual Masonic' instruction as well as

for the ordinary ritual teaching. It is, in the opinion of most experienced and distinguished brethren, a good

and very healthy sign.

Now, the peculiarity of the great Masonic moral school lies in the manner in which it instructs its pupils.

Proud of its ancient lineage, faithful to its traditions, sprung from those ancient builders famous in the

Middle Ages, in the era of the Roman Empire, in the Kingdoms of Persia. and Egypt, and among the

Israelitish nation, it retains distinctive and characteristic features even as the stonemason of yore had a mark

by which his work was known to all concerned. Thus it impresses its ethical teaching by means of allegory

and of symbols—the allegory being based on the building of that magnificent work, King Solomon's Temple

; the symbols being the working tools of the operative masons. The erection of King Solomon's Temple

serves to allegorically represent the erection within the Freemason's heart of the spiritual temple— a work

which the faithful carrying out of the teachings of the great Masonic moral school will surely accomplish.

And here is the encouragement and consolation of the brother who, regarding the lofty ideals of the Masonic

ethical code, and aware of human frailty, naturally exclaims "It is too mutch ; no human being could attain

such a state of perfection.” Well, Freemasonry does not demand the miraculous, nor does it expect the

sudden or immediate attainment of all its aims and objects as regards the individual. Forcibly it impresses

upon its members that its moral science is progressive, and therefore that the students thereof must be

progressive in its assimilation. But it does require conscientious and prolonged, determined endeavour to

secure the moral progress. If proof is wanted of this, it is to be found in the Lodgeroom in the forms of rough

and perfect ashlars, the former emblematical of the newly-made Mason, the latter, as the T.B. has explained

to you, the Mason " in his declining year's, after a long life well spent in piety and virtue." You will observe

that it is a lifelong effort which can attain to Masonic excellence. With the symbols in common use in the

Lodge ceremonies, and as jewels of the various offices, you are too well acquainted to need further reference

here. But it may be impressed upon your minds that, there is nothing which plays a part in our ceremonies

but which has a valuable significance, and it is the gaining of information in this respect, either by personal

reading of Masonic literature, or by delivering in the Lodge by competent members of addresses, or the

reading of Masonic papers, which is so important to the brethren.

And now to touch on another point, rendered necessary by the varying temperaments and dispositions

common to human nature, said therefore to be found in the varied personalities among the brethren. Because

a dissertation such as this on the ethical or moral requirements of Freemasonry must inevitably, if full justice

be done to it, be of the nature of a sermon, or serious discourse, that is not to say that there is anything

narrow, or of cant, or of undue restriction in Freemasonry. Quite the contrary. The Masonic scheme

expressly includes the duty of not only being happy ourselves, but also of communicating happiness to

others. All the pleasures of life freely open to its members; each brother's conscience must be the guide to his

indulging therein. But Freemasonry does require that the brother in his enjoyment thereof should practice

moderation, for it is excess which disfigures the character of a Mason, and deforms his very soul. Besides, if

a brother is a slave to some pleasure in life, he is dominated by it, and is no longer a free man. Moreover, if

the indulging in any worldly pleasures is calculated to do harm to himself, or through him to others

dependent upon him, the brother's duty is to refrain therefrom. No one rule can apply generally to all men.

Conscience must be the guide, as it most certainly will be the monitor, and its warnings should not pass

unheeded. So it will be seen that a Freemason can be a strict and a good Mason without being in any sense a

narrow-minded bigot, or zealot, condemning all those things, in themselves harmless, which go to the

making of the joy of living. Surely no better type of a man can be imagined than the Freemason, true to his

Masonic teachings, yet sharing fully, while restrainedly, in the recreations, the joys, and the pleasures of the

world in which he finds himself. He has learnt that great Masonic lesson, a knowledge of himself, and is

therefore master of himself.

For the earnest and thoughtful brother who would follow out the Masonic teachings—the Masonic principles

and tenets—there is necessary the cultivation within himself of the Masonic spirit. What is this Masonic

spirit? Let us arrive at an understanding of it by a somewhat analagous case. Just now, owing to a condition

of things which all Freemasons most sincerely deplore, we are finding ourselves moved and actuated by what

is called the patriotic spirit. This means that almost everything else concerning us in life comes second to the

desire to render some service to our country in its hour of need and peril. Our thoughts are centred upon how

its outlook is faring from day to day. In short, our country's success and well-being, are ever present in our

minds, foremost in our thoughts. Suppose that the times have reverted to the normal, and substitute for the

word country the word Freemasonry, and you have here a. fairly good explanation of what is meant by the

Masonic spirit. If the Freemason from the inception of his novitiate cultivates the habit of measuring his

words and acts, and even his thoughts, by the Masonic standard of line and rule—and if an earnest Mason he

should do this—then he is cultivating the Masonic spirit. The inevitable result will be—sooner or later,

according to the brother's temperament—that insensibly the Masonic tenets and principles will govern the

ordering of his life. Faced by or that problem as to course of action this Masonic spirit will unfailingly point

out to him what his duty as a Mason demands of him, and his will be the responsibility whether or no he

answers that call of duty according to his Masonic obligations. Needless to say that the Masonic way will be

the right way, no matter how far opposed it may be to the promptings of human nature, and the procedure

which appeals to him because it would be, or is, "the way of the world." The cultivation of the Masonic

spirit, in short, makes it infinitely easier for the brother to be a good Mason, and the good Mason must be a

good man.

Perhaps there is no more amazing thing to the average Freemason than the extraordinary hold upon him

which the Masonic tie exercises. He accepts it, though, quite as a matter of course, and does not bother to

enquire into it very deeply, if at all. Most probably the wonder is first given birth within him at the sight of

aged and middle-aged. brethren who, despite their tale of years, and often of infirmities, are most regular in

their attendance at Lodge, and always enthusiastic as regards Freemasonry. More often than not these

zealous brethren have no Masonic rank or distinction, other than the ever bright honour of being M.Ms.

What is it that holds these men, and the vast majority of others whom he knows, as well as himself, so

strongly ? Put briefly, it is the fellowship which is the outcome, and so greatly a part, of Freemasonry. You

have it in the fraternal grasp of the hand whenever and wherever Mason meets Mason. As though it were

some electric current, the spirit of fellowship passes insensibly from one to the other. If you are a M.M. you

sense at once all that is included in the five points of fellowship from the simple fraternal handshake. Are

you visiting a strange Lodge? You produce your credentials, and thenceforward you know you need no

further introductions. You are on terms of fellowship with all the brethren around you, who without fuss or

convention accept you readily as a brother, and as a friend. The desire for fellowship is one of the strongest

instincts of human nature. In no other association of men is it so fully and abundantly gratified as it is in the

Masonic Institution. It is strengthened, consolidated, of course, by the common observance of certain solemn

and more or less mystical rites and ceremonies, and by the common possession of certain secrets necessary

only to preserve the privileges of the Craft to those who are entitled to them by due qualification. In the

midst of a world of strife, of suffering, of turmoil, and of care, the brother knows that in the fellowship of his

brethren he will find at least concord, sympathy, rest, and innocent recreation. He will be among those who

claim no superiority over each other or the stranger within their gates, and in whose hearts there is no guile,

but only brotherly love and fraternal regard. Such is this fellowship tie which binds the Mason to the

Masonic Institution, and to his Lodge, and holds all Masons to brother Masons throughout the world.

—————————

A NIGHT OUT.

———<>———

[By a Newly-raised Brother.]

Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, paid an official visit to Lodge Harvey, No. 49, on Wednesday, 16th December,

for the purpose of working the Third Degree. The party left Invercargill at 5 p.m. by motor cars on their 40-

mile journey to Gore. W. Bro. J. Critchfield was accompanied by R.W. Bro. W. Timpany and eighteen

officers and brethren. The trip outwards, with the exception of three punctures and a broken cylinder, was

uneventful, and Gore was reached at about 5.30 p.m. Mine hostess at the Southland Hotel soon -busied

herself attending to the wants of her guests — the said wants being chiefly soap, hot water, towels, brushes,

etc. After a good clean up the visitors strolled along to the Freemason's Hall, and many were the expressions

of praise from the townspeople at the compactness, neat arrangement, and general comfort of the

Lodgeroom. After the W.M. had made quite sure of his bearings, a return was made to the hotel, where a

capital tea was in readiness.

At 7.45 p.m. the Lodge was opened, and W.M. Bro. L. Fretwell handed over the gavel to his visitor, W.M.

Bro. J. Critchfield. The ceremony of raising was conducted in due form and in an impressive manner by the

Southern Cross Lodge. The "Fourth " was celebrated at Brice's tea rooms, and Masonic harmony prevailed

till midnight. Hasty farewells and hearty good wishes from our brethren of the town with the sanguinary title,

and we were homeward bound at 12.45 p.m.

All went well for seventeen miles till Edendale was reached, when bang went a tyre on the big car. The other

cars stood by while repairs were effected. After half-an-hour at the pump and other incidental happenings

necessary in the operation, we were off again. But our luck was out. A short run of 100 yards, and bang went

the tyre again This time the driver decided the rupture was beyond repair, and eleven dejected brethren

received his verdict in a silence that was almost audible in its intensity. Time, 2 a.m., and 24 miles from

home; climate, decidedly wintry. A hasty consultation, and the decision arrived at for the other cars to

proceed on their journey, and after depositing their passengers, to return for the poor unfortunates. And, oh !

the loneliness of the situation when left on that country road, with no company except a keen east wind. Out

of the eleven, three decided to walk, as they said, "just to keep warm," till the cars returned; two reconnoitred

the district seeking accommodation; and the remaining six turned in" in the broken-down car.

Of the first three--the pedestrians—many and varied are the accounts of the distance they covered. They are

positive they covered anything from ten to fifteen miles, but others say they were picked up three miles from

the break-down. In any case, all are agreed that they were soaked through, and more than half frozen, when

they were picked up by the rescuing car. This vehicle, licensed to carry five passengers, had the whole eleven

on board—some in the car, and some sticking to the outside like flies. The two who prospected for an

accommodation house found such a place, but were unable to rouse any of the inmates. They finally forced

an entrance, and, after wandering round, they settled themselves on a sofa, lying close to each other for

mutual comfort and support. The cold, however, was too intense to allow of sleep; and by some means the

house cat had discovered them, and decided that, though they were strangers, they had some warmth about

them. After putting up with the mewing of the cat for some time Bro. Wootton suggested to his companion,

Bro. Kelly, that the cat had better be put out. Matches were struck, and behold ! not only one cat, but seven

kittens had been born on the sofa in the still quiet hour. Our brethren magnanimously gave up the couch to

the newly-arrived family. As daylight was by this time well advanced it was possible to see round about. The

six who had turned in on the car found the conditions too cold, and they also set out on a prospecting tour,

being successful in finding a sugar-and-milk factory in full running, Here they were made welcome, and

stowed away near the boiler. The relieving car picked them up at 6 a.m. and Invercargill was reached at 7.30

a.m. The trip was surely "a night out." Serious vows were made never—no, never !—to take on another

motor trip, but the writer has no doubt that when the sun shines again, and the W.M. calls for the support of

his Lodge on a similar excursion, the response will be as hearty as ever. These incidents speak well for the

zeal and enthusiasm of brethren generally, and go in some measure to prove the depth and underlying

meaning of Freemasonry.

A special word of praise is due to Bro. Coleman, who, of his own free will, and in his own car, drove over

that bleak road under the most wintry conditions for the relief of his brethren in distress. To do the trip once

was certainly commendable, but to return after reaching town with his first passengers speaks volumes for

Bro. Coleman.

To those who undertake the management of these trips all credit is due, and the writer does not care to let the

opportunity pass without commenting unfavourably on the individual who does not book his seat on the

outward journey, but begs to be squeezed in on the return. The cars are always comfortably filled, and these

self-imposed additions are often the means of removing all the comfort arranged for.

—————————

AMERICAN MASONS START A BIG MOVEMENT FOR WAR RELIEF.

———<>———

For the first time in the history of American Freemasonry all the G. and subordinate bodies in the United

States are united in a charity that promises to be the largest ever undertaken.

The movement was begun in Cincinnati on the 29th November, and all the details were perfected at a

conference in the Hotel Sinton, at which were present some of the most illustrious men in the Fraternity.

The object is to aid the sufferers from the European war. As Freemasonry belongs to no time or clime, but is

universal, so too will this charity embrace the peoples of all the nations at war, and include not only Masons

and their relatives or dependents, but the destitute, regardless of whether they or theirs are members or

affiliated with members of the Order.

The idea of the charity was conceived by Colonel William B. Melish, of Cincinnati. For a week or more lie

sent out telegrams and letters to the forty-nine G.Ms. of the country, as well as the heads of other Masonic

bodies, Of the forty-nine G.Ms. forty-six replied favouring the plan,

Some idea of the aggregate amount that will likely be raised can he gathered from the fact that in the United

States there are 1,580,000. Freemasons. Should they average only one dollar apiece it will be seen that the

amount will be very large.

Speaking of the object of the charity, Colonel Melish said :— "It is well known to the Fraternity that there

are thousands of Masons in arms. The first relief will go to these, their aged parents, their wives and children.

Now, there are many widows and half orphans. But it is the intention to aid not only Masons and their poor,

but the destitute of all the nations.

"The Fraternity believes it is its duty to raise a large fund to render relief and assistance to the distressed by

wide and wise neutral distribution among Masons and other worthy destitute.

"It is felt that all Masons are fellow-soldiers in God's army of peace, and it should be the constant prayer of

Masons and all good citizens of the United States for peace through a life that refuses to countenance hate

and bloodshed."

Colonel Melish did not begin the project until he had conferred with the G.M. of Ohio. Then he summoned

to the conference the leading officials of the Order, and they gave their approval. He presented to them the

scope of the work, form of organisation, and the frame of an appeal. At the conference there were eighteen

people, representing thirty-one jurisdictions.

As the work is one that has long been upon the heart of Colonel Melish, and he having conceived the idea,

the confreres with one accord selected Colonel Melish as executive head of the actual work by naming him

chairman of the executive committee. The long experience, wide acquaintance, and ability that Colonel

Relish has shown in similar work also marked him in the opinion of the others as the man best fitted to

execute the work.

WILL DIRECT WORK.

He, therefore, will direct the entire work from Cincinnati, collect and forward funds, name executive staff of

clerical assistants, and receive all communications and reports. No one will receive a salary or other

remuneration save the clerks and stenographers.

The Frist National. Bank and the Union Savings Bank and Trust Company have been designated as

depositories. Disbursements will be made on Vote of the Executive Committee. He will be in touch with the

G.Ls. of the countries at war. There are G.Ls. in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium, and Germany.

There are no G.Ls. in Austria and Russia.

In London is American Lodge of Masons, No. 3368. During the first two months of the war through the

members of this Lodge there were $5,000 used to assist destitute Americans Masons Hack home. The

members are all American-born, and through this Lodge Committee, still in existence, much information will

be secured.

MASONIC WAR RELIEF.

The organisation just perfected will be known as the Masonic War Relief Association of the United States.—

" The Commercial Tribune.''

—————————

KNOWN BY THEIR FRUITS.

———<>———

Neither age in Masonic membership, prominence in Masonic society, or prominence in the Masonic ritual

are reasons tor Masonic honours.

Long service is commendable, if the service has been unselfish and has benefited the fraternity. Prominence

in the public eye may only spell abnormality in the man.

Proficiency in the ritual may only mean a good Memory, without ability to apprehend or expound the truths

uttered. Parrots are proficient in memory, but have no conception of the words they utter.

Masonic honours should be bestowed upon those who have earned them, rather than upon those who seek

them. Masonic duties well performed should call forth expressions of Masonic gratitude.

The wreaths of laurel should rest on the brows of those who have performed services without expectation or

hope of reward.

In every Masonic body, there are faithful men, thoroughly dependable men, but exceedingly modest men,

who do anything and everything so quietly and so unostentatiously that the merit of their work goes

unnoticed.

We shower honours upon men in proportion to the noise they make rather than in proportion to what they

accomplish. We condemn a noisy rattling gas engine in an automobile and promote its Masonic prototype in

the Lodge.

A flat-wheeled trolley-car attracts our attention, but we do not admire its performance or enjoy its effect

upon our ear-drums or nervous system. Why, then, do we pay attention to men in i proportion to the noise

they make in performing Masonic duties?

" Ye shall know them by their fruits." "Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?" When Masonic

bodies pay greater attention to the fundamental worth and character of men, they will do more honour to the

noblest among their members.

Men will not then be assigned work for which they are not suited, because they have the time, or because

they offer themselves for the service. Men will not then be judged by what they say of their own

accomplishments, but, rather by reason of what they accomplish.

Masonry will come into its own, as a power to help press forward the progress of mankind, when reason

supplants physical sense and wisdom is heeded instead of words.

" A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a. corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore, by

their fruits ye shall know them."—' Oriental Consistory."

—————————

THE LEVEL.

———<>———

[Selected.]

———

The chief glory of Masonry is that it levels all the barriers that intervene between individuals and

communities, and brings together upon a plane of common equality persons of the most diverse opinions,

occupations, and interests. Overleaping all boundaries of selfishness and exclusiveness; overruling' all social

and class distinctions, breaking down all the partitions of bigotry and intolerance, it unites in common work

and common objects the good and true of all pursuits, opinions, and languages. The Lodge can never become

the exclusive creature of any social, political, or religious class or sect, because it is the joint possession of

the best representatives of all classes and conditions. Here upon the level—the symbol of equality—the rich

and poor, the high and low, the titled prince and the sturdy yeoman, forget all differences of rank and station,

unite their best endeavour for the highest good of each and all. Here the best representatives of the various

church creeds, and the most diverse theological sentiments stand side by side without a single test between

them. Here the leaders of opposite parties and rival factions forget their intrigues, and catching the spirit of

loyal sympathy and philanthrophy breathed from every lesson of the Order, their hearts are melted into

responsive love and fraternal peace. Here nobility of birth and blood is superseded by that higher nobility

which is disposition and life. Here the crown of royalty and the sceptre of authority belong to those most

distinguished for virtue and honour. Here all languages are melted into words and symbols, conveying the

same meaning to all minds, and bearing the same significance in all circles. Of course, it is not assumed that

these noble and honourable aims are never lost sight of by persons who have sought and obtained the

fellowship of the Order. Bad men sometimes conceal their selfish designs so skilfully that the closest

scrutiny may fail to unmask them.

But the object of Freemasonry to unite and harmonise in a benevolent and honourable work, the best

representatives of all theological and governmental opinions, is not the less apparent on this account. And

that its influence in this direction has been good no one acquainted with the facts in the case will pretend to

deny.

The most important incorrigible political zealot and the most intolerable bigot meet in the Lodgeroom, and

heartily fraternise with others of the most dissimilar associations and convictions. Here upon the level the

antipodes of political and theological sentiment meet and join hands; and here the good and true of all classes

and conditions have realised, in the fullest and sweetest sense of the Psalmist's words : "Behold how good

and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."—" Trestle Board."

—————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 20th FEB., 1915.

———<>———

M. McKenzie, V. Cox 10/- (Blenheim), T. W. Bragge 25/- (Picton), W. Callaghan (Timaru), F. W. Smith

(Stratford), W. E. Ward 21/- (late Gisborne), E. Fleming (Invercargill), G. E. Fownes 10/- (Wellington), J.

Lachlan (Lower Hutt), McChrystal 30/- (Trentham), A. Kaye (Christchurch), P. C. Petersen (Patea), A. N.

McKelvie (Auckland), A. Kienzle 10/- (Levuka), P. J. Bear 10/- (Napier), J. Jacobson (Whangarei), W. C.

Hyde (Wanganui), Exors. J. Fletcher 25/10 (Bulls), M. W. McDonald (Ngakawau), F. R. Ford (Waitara), W.

W. Brown (Mataura), A. T. Peterkin (Westport), A. C. Knapp 1/8 (Wyndham).

(All 7/6 but those noted.)

—————————

KEEP STRAIGHT AHEAD.

———<>———

Pay no attention to slanderers and gossip-mongers. Keep straight on in your course, and let their back-biting

die the death of neglect. What is the use of lying awake nights brooding over the remark of some false friend

that runs through your brain like lightning ? What's the use of getting into worry and fret over the gossip that

has been afloat to your disadvantage, by some meddlesome busybody, who has more time than character?

These things can't possibly injure you unless, indeed, you take notice of them, and, in combating them, give

them standing and character. If what is said about you is true, set yourself right; if it is false, let it go for what

it will fetch. If a bee stings you, would you go to the hive and destroy it? Would not a thousand come upon

you? It is wisdom to say little respecting the injuries you have received. We are generally losers in the end, if

we stop to refute all the back-bitings and gossipings we may hear by the way. They are annoying, it is true,

but not dangerous so long as we do not stop to expostulate and scold. Our characters are formed and

sustained by ourselves, by our own actions, and not by others. Let us always bear in mind that "

calumninators may usually be trusted to time, and the slow but steady justice of public opinion."—" Scottish

Rite Bulletin."

—————————

OBLIGATED ON THE KORAN.

———<>———

King Oudh, an East Indian, was made a Mason in Friendship Lodge, London, a volume of the Koran being

used in the initiation, and the candidate was obligated on the Mohammedan Scriptures by the Master, an

English clergyman.

—————————

During the armed conflict now raging in Europe, Americans may well continue to sit low in the boat, and it

behoves Masons to use their influence to restrain reckless rocking of the governmental craft. Never was

belief in Freemasonry more needed than now. It is a time for that level-headedness for which the Masonic

institution is noted.—" Voice Review."

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

Reports.
———————————————————————————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Taringatura, No. 100.—The monthly meeting on 25th January was every well attended. The usual routine

business was dealt with, including the resignations of two brethren, which were received with regret. The

diplomas of several brethren were presented, as was also his P.M. certificate to W. Bro. Roxburgh, I.P.M.

The degree work was the raising of a brother of Lodge Fortitude. The ceremony was performed by the W.M.,

Bro. Henry Graham, assisted by W. Bros. Roxburgh, Campbell, Johnson, and John Gray, P.M. of Lodge

Wairaki, No. 145. Bro. D. Walker, S.W., presented the W.Ts. After the usual greetings the Lodge closed at

10.20 p.m. At the short after meeting, W. Bro. Gray had some very nice things to say about our hall and the

working of the degree, for in the ceremonies our officers, who have collectively to travel something like two

hundred miles to attend meetings, have practically no meetings for instruction.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

———————

OTAGO.

St. Thomas Kil., No. 83.—The installation of the W.M. and investiture of officers, held in the Masonic Hall,

Kaitangata, on the 10th ult., was somewhat out of the ordinary, inasmuch as all the work was performed by

officers and members of the Masters' Lodge, No. 161. After the Lodge had been opened, and the

R.W.Prov.G.M. (R.W. Bro. J. J. Clark) received, the acting-G.D. of C. (R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick, P.G.W.)

placed the following W. brethren in their respective chairs :—S.W., W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings ; J.W., W.

Bro. J. Davie; Sec., W. Bro. R. Jamieson (W.M. of the Masters' Lodge); S.D., W. Bro. C. W. L. Lischner,

G.Supt. of W.; J.D., W. Bro. A. Allan ; I.G., W. Bro. Couchman (W.M. of Lodge Oceanic, No. 154). The

W.M.-elect having been obligated, a B. of I.M. was formed, and Bro. Samuel Newborn was installed as

W.M., and afterwards invested W. Bro. W. D. Paterson as I.P.M. After the brethren had been admitted, the

following officers were invested, each officer of the Masters' Lodge investing his respective office :—S.W.,

W. Bro. Daniel Wilson; J.W., Bro. Thos. Sharp; Sec., W. Bro. P. Soonest; Treas., W. Bro. R. D. Welsh; D. of

C., W. Bro. Wm. R. Houstoh; Chaplain, W. Bro. Wm. Duncan ; S.D., Bro. A. Ferguson; J.D., Bro. John

Oliver; I.G., Bro. Jas. Richardson; Tyler, Bro. Samuel J. Jones; Steward, Bro. J. McAughern. The address

were given as under :—The W.M., Bro. Jamieson ; Wardens, W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings; the brethren, W,

Bro. C. W. Lischner. The Charter and B. of C. were presented by R.W. Bro. Fieldwick, who also invested the

W.M. in the Installed Masters' Degree. Before the Lodge closed the R.W. Prov.G.M. expressed his pleasure

at having had the services of the officers of the Masters' Lodge. It was a new departure, and he hoped that it

would not be the last time that he would be accompanied by the W. brethren of that Lodge He considered

that the experiment had been very successful, and he hoped that it would soon be repeated. He was pleased

that another member of the Masters' Lodge, viz., W. Bro. Dr. Stenhouse, from Owaka, had come a long

distance to be with them that evening. The W.M. having thanked the R.W.Prov.G.M., the W.M. of the

Masters' Lodge, and the visiting brethren, the Lodge was closed at 9.46 p.m. During the evening a collection

was taken up for the W. and O. and A.M. Fund. The visiting brethren were afterwards entertained at supper

in the Church Hall, when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured after justice had been done to the

excellent fare provided by the Kaitangata brethren. In reply to the toast of his health, the R.W.Prov.G.M.

made a stirring appeal on behalf of the M.W.G.M.'s War Fund. He referred to the fact that he had recently

had a letter from a brother serving with the troops in Egypt who had visited Lodge Kitchener in Cairo. That

brother said that at that meeting every nation and colour of those who were allied to our troops were

represented, and he learned a practical lesson of the universality of Freemasonry. In proposing the newly-

installed W.M.'s health, W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings referred to the fact that he had been R.W.M. of the old

Scotch 659 Lodge in 1887-8, and it was a source of pleasure to visit them again after so many years. There

was only one brother, viz., Bro. J. Hislop, who was an active member in those days. He hoped during the

forthcoming year to bring down a team and work a degree. The W.M., in responding, said that the Kaitangata

Lodge was under a deep debt of gratitude to W. Bro. R. Jamieson and his officers, and he hoped it would be

the precursor of many such gatherings. Amongst those who assisted towards the harmony were W. Bros.

Jamieson, Davie, Duncan, and Bro. Richardson.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Clinton, No. 183.—The monthly meeting was held in the Odd-fellows' Hall on 28th January. The Lodge was

opened by the W.M., W. Bro. Capamagian, and there was a large number of brethren present. After ordinary

business was disposed of nominations were received for W.M., Treas., and Tyler for the ensuing twelve

months. The ceremonial work was the passing of two brethren to the Second Degree, which was carried out

by the W.M. and his officers as follows :—The Ob., by the W.M. ; S.E. Corner, Bro. Wright, J.W. ; W.Ts.,

Bro. Wm. Brown, I.G.; Final Charge by Bro. R. McIndoe D. of C. Two proposals for membership were

received. H.G.W. having been tendered by visiting brethren, the Lodge was closed at 10 p.m., and a pleasant

hour followed at the "Fourth."—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————————

CANTERBURY.

Southern Cross, No. 6.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Kaiapoi, on 4th February. The

W.M., Bro. W. A. Gribble, presided over a good attendance of brethren. The W.M. conferred the Second

Degree on one candidate, and was assisted in the work by the S.W. and J.W. and W. Bro, Stanton. 'There

being no further business, the brethren repaired to the refectory, where the usual formal toasts were honoured

Several brethren contributed songs, and all vied with one another to make the time enjoyable. The Tyler's

toast concluded another very successful and enjoyable evening. Since last Lodge night the brethren have

attended the W. M. in force in paying a visit to the Concord Lodge at Papanui and Unanimity installation

meeting at Lyttelton, and on both occasions enjoyed themselves thoroughly. It is also very gratifying to the

W.M. to note the way in which the brethren are attending him in his visits.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Concord, No. 39.—The regular meeting was held on 27th January in the Masonic Hall, Papanui, W. Bro. R.

Laurie, W.M., in the chair. There was a very large muster of visitors. Most of the town Lodges were

represented, and there were many brethren present from Kaiapoi and Lyttelton. The Second Degree was

worked, and, with the assistance of several of the visiting W.Ms., a brother was given another step forward in

his Masonic career. Only the routine business was put through. W. Bro. Vincent, W.M. of the Avon Lodge,

kindly gave a solo in the Lodgeroom. Masonic circles here, and especially the Avon Lodge, are very

fortunate in being able to claim a singer of W. Bro. Vincent's ability. It was a pleasure to see once more the

refectory filled to its capacity. The rumour that we were likely to lose our W.M. was no doubt responsible for

the large attendance of brethren, who wanted the opportunity, if necessary, of wishing W. Bro. Laurie

goodbye. However, it seems our W.M. has not yet received definite information of his removal to the North

Island. Thanks to the musical members of the Avon Lodge, and some of our own brethren, a most excellent

musical programme was given, the patriotic items of which greatly helped to make an enjoyable evening.

Our thanks are due to those brethren of the Avon Lodge who so kindly contributed their services to make our

"Fourth" so successful. Since writing the above, our W.M. has received his marching orders, and is

proceeding shortly to take up his railway duties at Ohakune. Opportunity was therefore taken at our

instruction meeting on Wednesday evening, 10th February, of drinking his health and wishing him good luck

in his new sphere. W. Bro. Gasson, in proposing W. Bro. Laurie's health, regretted W. Bro. Laurie had to

sever his connection with the Lodge before his year of office had expired, but congratulated him on his

promotion. Several other brethren also spoke, and then W. Bro. Laurie feelingly responded, and reviewed his

work with the Lodge during the last eight years. The brethren of the Lodge wish W. Bro. Laurie every

success in his railway career, and no doubt before very long he will be able to continue his Masonic life in

the North Island.—[Lodge Correspondent.].

————

Christchurch, No. 91.—The twenty-first birthday was held on 26th January, W. Bro. R. J. Thomas (Master)

presiding. After a little routine business had been transacted, W. Bro. Thomas handed the gavel to W. Bro.

D. Round, the oldest charter member, and asked him to appoint his officers and conduct the Lodge that

evening. Officers were appointed as follows:— S.W., W.Bro. G. Ferguson; J.W., W. Bro. O. Mazey ; S.D.,

W. Bro. H. Hopkinson; J.D., Bro. Jenner; LG., Bro. Bowden. The Pray. G.M. and his officers and the G.M.

and officers were then admitted, and received the usual honours, after which R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham read a

short history of the Lodge, and presented the G.M., G.Sec., Prov.G.M., and Prov.G.Sec. with bound copies

of the history of the Lodge from its inception. The M.W.G.M., in a few brief remarks, said that if Lodge

Christchurch had done nothing more than present to the Craft the worthy brother who had read the paper, it

had done a great work, but he knew the Lodge had done much more, and he admired the esprit de corps that

animated the Lodge, and hoped that the coming twenty-one years would be as fruitful as the past had been.

M.W. Bro. Niccol said it gave him especial pleasure to be present, as he had been G.M. when the charter was

granted. With respect to the name of the Lodge, "The Christchurch Lodge," he called to mind that about the

same time another Lodge was set up named after a city, a Lodge similar in many respects to the Christchurch

Lodge, and it had been named " The —— Lodge," and he supposed the example had been followed.

However, he was proud of the Christchurch Lodge, and it gave him much pleasure to be with them. M.W.

Bro. Binns also congratulated the Lodge on the good record it had. After H.G.W. had been offered by a great

number of visiting Masters and brethren, the Lodge was closed in due form. An adjournment was then made

to the Cadeena Tea Rooms, where a repast was partaken of by about 120 brethren, and toasts and musical

items contributed to a most enjoyable evening.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 99.—The regular meeting was held on 27th January. In the absence of the W.M. (W.

Bro. S. Bird), the I.P.M. (W. Bro. Menzies) presided. After a favourable ballot had been taken for two

residents of Waimate, the acting-Master proposed that a letter of sympathy and wishes for recovery be sent

to the W.M., Bro. Bird, who was confined to his bed by illness. One brother was passed to the F.C. Degree

by the acting-Master, assisted by W. Bro. Fulton, Secrets. W. Bro. Clow, of Lodge Canterbury Kil., gave the

W.Ts., W. Bro. Shackleton the S.E. Charge, and W. Bro. Colville the Final Charge. H.G.W. were received

from Canterbury Kil., Lodge McKenzie, Lodge Rakaia, and two others, of which your scribe did not catch

the names. An invitation was received from Lodge Waitaki, No. 11, to attend its Jubilee meeting in February.

As Lodge Waitaki has in times past been a good friend to Lodge St. Augustine, and the latter's Lodge night

falling on the same date as that of Lodge Waitaki, it was resolved to ask for a dispensation to hold our

meeting a week later. A brother was proposed for affiliation with his mother Lodge. In the "Fourth" Degree

Bro. E. J. Atwill proposed the toast of the heroic men composing the North Sea Fleet, who amid the storms

and cold of that sea are defending the shores of Old England. Needless to say, it was heartily drunk. Our

brother just mentioned recently attained his 70th year, and on its date was visited by a number of the

brethren, who enjoyed his hospitality. In return for this W. Bro. Fulton presented Bro. Atwill with a small

token of the esteem of the brethren in the form of a set of military hair brushes. The "Admiral," as he is

familiarly called (for your readers must know that in his younger days Bro. Atwill served in the " Queen's

Navee "), returned thanks for the gift, saying he was sorry that more of the brethren had not been present. W.

Bro. Clow, in responding to the toast of the visitors, expressed his great pleasure in being present, and

thanked the acting-Master for affording him the opportunity of taking part in the evening's work.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Thistle, No. 113. — The January meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Ashburton, on the 20th. A fair

attendance of brethren was presided over by the W.M., W. Bro. S. Crooks. After routine business, there

being no "work," a paper was read by W. Bro. J. Williams, and was much appreciated by those present. The

usual happy hour was spent in the refectory.

On the 17th February the monthly meeting was held. There was a small attendance of brethren, with W. Bro.

Crooks, W.M., in the chair. A new affiliate, Bro. Petty, was introduced by W. Bro. J. Williams and

welcomed by the W.M. After routine business, again no "work," the W.M. asked the Sec. to perform the

time-honoured (in the breach) custom of reading the by-laws. A keen look (of surprise) came into the eyes of

all present. It was, alas, but fleeting, for the Sec. had hardly reached the second page when a. glance round

revealed three-fourths of those present with closed eyes and shirt-fronts rising and falling steadily. The rest

had a vacant look in their eyes which denotes the far-away or wandering mind ; and still the sonorous tones

of the Sec. rolled steadily on. The usual happy hour was spent in the refectory.–{Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Robert Burns, No. 139.—The regular meeting was held in St. Augustine's Hall on 19th January, when there

was a good attendance of members and visitors, W. Bro. R. W. Eastwood (W.M.) in the chair of K.S.

Nominations were taken for various G.L. offices. The ceremonial work, passing two brethren, was duly

performed, the W.M. being assisted in the ceremony by W. Bro. J. C. Graham (W.M. Canterbury Lodge),

Charge after Investiture; W. Bro. J. C. Watson (D.M.), Charge in S.E. ; Bro. Taylor (S.W.), W.Ts.; and W.

Bro. Wyatt (Sec.), Final Charge. The Lodge was then closed in the various degrees, and the brethren

adjourned to the refectory, where a pleasant time was spent.

The February meeting was held in the St. Augustine Hall, Christchurch, on the 16th, when the W.M. (W.

Bro. R. W. Eastwood) presided over a large attendance of members and visitors. The M.W. was appointed

representative to G.L. After formal business was disposed of, two brethren were raised. The W.M. was

assisted by W. Bro. Borthwick (W.M. Unanimity Lodge). Charge after Investiture ; Bros. R. H. Taylor

(S.W.) and T. Wilson (J.W.), T.H. : W. Bro. A. Russell. (W.M. Conyers Lodge), W.Ts. ; W. Bro. F. Steans

(W.M. Civic Lodge), Ex. and Secrets ; and W. Bro. H. Wyatt (Sec.), Final Charge. After the Lodge was

closed the usual hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

WESTLAND.

Mawhera, No. 136.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 11th February, W. Bro. Hales in the chair.

There was an exceptionally large number of brethren in the East. Among them were the following visiting

brethren :—W.M. Bro. W. J. Peck, Lodge Greymouth ; W.M. Bro. H. G. Wilton, Lodge Lazar; W.M. Bro. L.

de Berry, Lodge Pacific, Hokitika; P.M. Bro. W. A. Rumbold. Lodge Torea, Granity ; P.M. Bro. A. J.

Wilkes, Lodge Waro, Blackball. The business was the raising of Bro. Kemp by W. Bro. Hales, assisted by

W. Bro. Richmond, who gave the Ex. Charge; W. Bro. Rundle gave the T.H., and I.P.M. Bro. Morice

presented the W.Ts.- of a M.M. W. Bro. Hartland gave the Final Charge.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

HAWKES BAY.

Victoria, No. 21.—The regular meeting was held on 2nd February, when there was a good attendance of the

brethren, as well as several visitors, including P.M. W. Bro. Burnsday, of Lodge Manuherekiko, No. 190,

Alexandra S. The Lodge was presided over by W.M. Bro. H. W. Whitton. The Prov.G.M., W. Bro. H. L.

Harston, paid an official visit. The W.M., officers, and brethren of Scinde Lodge also paid an official visit.

The business was to raise one brother, the W.M. being assisted by W. Bros. Andrew, Chegwidden,

Wundram, and Wilkie, and S.W. Bro. Kirk and J.W. Bro. Hill. After the Lodge was closed a pleasant hour

was spent in the refectory, when the usual loyal and Craft toasts were duly honoured. During December and

January this Lodge is in recess, and several of the brethren took advantage of the occasion this year to

renovate the interior of the Lodge-room, giving their services and supplying the materials free, the result

being a complete transformation. The matter was mentioned in the refectory by the Prov.G.M., who said

when the members of a Lodge showed such devotion it spoke well for the good of the Lodge.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Bedford, No. 25. — The monthly meeting was held on 26th January. There was an average attendance,

presided over by the W.M., W. Bro. W. H. Booth. After dealing with correspondence and passing accounts

amounting to £20 14s. 4d., the Lodge was opened in the Third Degree, two candidates were raised by the

W.M. W. Bro. Elliott obligating and delivering the Retro. to the first, W. Bro. Chambers giving the Ex. and

Ss. The second candidate was obligated by the W.M., W. Bro. Wright raised, and R.W. Bro. T. Hobson

entrusted him. The T.H. was delivered by W. Bro. Storah, also the remaining Secrets. The W.Ts. were

presented by J.W. Bro. Williams, and S.W. Bro. Gore delivered the Final Charge. One candidate for

admission was elected. A P.M.'s certificate was presented to W. Bro. Wright, and a M.M. certificate to Bro.

Sutherland. W. Bro. W. A. Chambers was elected Lodge representative to the G.L. Communication in

Wellington, to be held on the 12th and 13th May next.

An emergency meeting was held on the 9th February, the W.M. being supported by his regular officers. One

candidate was raised to the Third Degree, the work being distributed as follows :— the W.M. ; Retro. and

Raising, W. Bro. Elliott; Ex. and Secrets, W. Bro. Chambers ; Investiture, Bro. Gore, S.W.; T.R. and

remaining Secrets, W. Bro. Storah ; W.Ts., J.W. Bro. Williams ; and Final Charge, S.W. Bro. Gore. Before

the Lodge was closed the W.M. made reference to the sudden demise of one of the members of Bedford, in

the person of Bro. R. Staines, who was admitted to the Order in 1899. A vote of sympathy with the widow

and family was carried in the usual Masonic manner. — [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 66. — The January meeting was held on the 21st, and there was a fair attendance of members,

but nothing like what should be if members would give their Masonic duties a little more attention. There are

members living within easy distance of the Lodge and are very seldom present. This is not Masonic. One

brother was passed to the F.C. Degree. The W.M. obligated the brother and instructed him in the Signs, etc.

Bro. Snell, S.W. invested the candidate, Bro. J. C. Davidson, J.W. gave the W.Ts., S.E. Address by Bro.

James, S.D., and the Final Charge by Bro. Snell, S.W. The Lodge closed at 9 p.m., after which a very

pleasant time was spent in the refectory.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

TARANAKI.

Hawera, No. 34.—The February meeting was held on Friday, 5th, in place of Tuesday, having been

postponed on account of the Eltham installation falling flue on the 2nd. Our Bro. Richardson, who has

accepted service in the N.Z. Military Expeditionary Forces, was a candidate for the Third Degree, and was

duly raised therein by our W.M., W. Bro. Bishop, assisted by the various P.Ms. Bro. Sec. gave notice of

motion that all fees due by members joining the Expeditionary Forces should be remitted during their

absence from the Dominion, this being the first brother of our Lodge who has been able to offer his services.

Demits were granted to one brother who had taken up his residence in Auckland, and to another who from

adverse circumstances was unable' to continue a paying membership. Owing to the resignation of our Bro.

Chaplain the W.M. appointed Bro. Magnusson to that office, and he was duly invested by R.W. Bro. Sargent.

An emergency meeting was held on the 16th, when the W.M. and brethren of Lodge Ngamotu journeyed

from New Plymouth to take part in the work, which was the initiation of two candidates. The first was Major

T. C. Sutherland, who was obligated by our W. Bro. Kimbell, the W.M. having invited him to do so on

account of a very old friendship between our D. of C. and the candidate. Our officers conducted this part of

the work as far as the investiture, when the W.M. requested W. Bro. Johns, of Lodge Ngamotu, to take the

gavel. This was accepted, and the officers of that Lodge occupied the chairs and initiated Mr. Wm. Grant, the

W.M. being assisted by W. Bro. Perry (Secrets), W. Bro. Ewing (R. for Prep.), Bro. Nichol (W.Ts.), and Bro.

Garner giving the Final Charge. The Charter, etc., were presented by R.W. Bro. Sargent. W. Bro. Johns

thanked the W.M. for the invitation, and the privilege accorded them of doing the work. After the close of

the Lodge the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where a very sociable and enjoyable time was spent, both

visitors and visited keenly appreciating the occasion. These fraternal visits are a great help to Freemasonry in

cementing the bonds of friendship, and they are also of considerable benefit in bringing out the finer points

of our ceremonial work, making this very much more interesting when rendered by different voices to those

which we are accustomed to hear. Especially is this so when performed with that degree of excellence shown

by our visitors on this occasion. A somewhat busy time will occur this next month for those of our brethren

who like to show their practical regard for our sister Lodges, as, in addition to our ordinary meeting on the

2nd March, there are installation meetings of Lodge Stratford on the 3rd, Lodge Moa on the 5th, and Lodge

Patea on the 10th.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

WELLINGTON.

St. Andrew, No. 32. — The Lodge held its usual monthly meeting on 15th February, when the proceedings

were opened by W. Bro. Rowlands in the chair at 7.30 p.m. He referred in suitable terms to the loss sustained

by the death of W. Bro. Ohlsson, a P.M. of the Lodge, and a motion of condolence with the family was

carried in silence. Routine business and two ballots were then dealt with. Amongst the communications one

was received from a large country Lodge stating that in revising its own by-laws it had practically adopted

the Lodge's form after making various comparisons, and asking for two spare copies. The request was com-

plied with, and reference was made to the sincere compliment paid to the Lodge form of by-laws.

Congratulations were tendered to W. Bros. J. Rod and C. W. Neilsen on their elevation to the ranks of J.G.D.

and member of the B. of G.P. respectively. The ceremonial business was to initiate a candidate, and the

ceremony was carefully rendered by the W.M., assisted by Bro. A. Greening (J.D.), Bros. A. Schmidt (N.E.

address), L. McGregor (R. for Prep.), G. Lawrence (W.Ts.), W. Simpson (Final Charge), and J. C. Riddell

(T.B.). At the request of the W.M., Bro. J. B. Lea, Sec., who is leaving with the New Zealand

reinforcements, was presented by the 1.P.M. with a very handsome jewel as a mark of appreciation from

members of the efficient and attentive manner in which he had performed his duties during a term of office

extending over three years. The duties pertaining to such an office were stated to be exacting, besides

important, and the way in which they had been performed by the Sec. had given much satisfaction. The

brethren wished him God speed and a safe and speedy return. In a suitable acknowledgment Bro. Lea assured

members that his Lodge would often occupy his thoughts, and on meeting night wherever he might be he

would be with them in spirit. After the announcement of two propositions and tender of H.G.W. the Lodge

was closed in due form, and brethren retired to honour the toast of the Sec. and the usual toasts.— [Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Ulster, No. 62.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Petone, on 20th January, W. Bro. G. D.

McEwen presiding over a good attendance of members and visitors. The ceremonial work was to pass one

brother, and this being the anniversary meeting the W.M., in accordance with the usual practice, requested

the P.Ms. to assume the various offices. The W.M. handed the gavel to W. Bro. R. Wylie to work the degree,

and he appointed officers as under :—S.W., W. Bro. R. Jenkins ; J.W., W. Bro. W. Cox; ; S.D., W. Bro. R.

Colquitt; J.D., W. Bro. J. C. Davis ; I.G., W. Bro. G. G. Schwartz; D. of C. W. Bro. J. G. A. Castle. W. Bro.

R. Wylie was assisted by W. Bro. J. G. A. Castle (S.E. Charge), W. Bro. R. Jenkins (W.Ts.), and W. Bro. J.

C. Davis (Final. Charge). The lecture on the 2nd T.B. was very ably delivered by W. Bro. R. Colquitt. On

resuming the chair the W.M. congratulated the P.Ms. on the efficient manner in which the ceremony had

been worked. R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., was in attendance, and he was accorded a very hearty

welcome by the Lodge. One brother was proposed for affiliation, and the Lodge was closed at 9.15 p.m., and

a very enjoyable programme was spent in the "Fourth" Degree. — [Came to hand too late for last issue.—

ED.C.]

The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Petone, on 17th February. Owing to the unavoidable

absence of the W.M. (Bro. G. D. McEwen), W. Bro. J. C. Davis, 1.P.M., presided over a good attendance of

members and visitors. The ceremonial work was to raise one brother, which was very ably performed by W.

Bro. J. C. Davis, assisted by the following officers, viz. :— The T.H. and Signs were explained by W. Bro.

R. Jenkins, the W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. G. G. Schwartz, and the Final Charge was delivered by W.

Bro. R. Wylie. The lecture on the 2nd T.B. was very ably delivered by W. Bro. M. W. Ross. During the

evening a ballot was taken for an affiliating brother and proved favourable. One applicant was also proposed

for admission to the Craft. The routine business was disposed of by 10 p.m., and the brethren then adjourned

to the ante-room, where a very pleasurable time was spent. — [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No. 156.— The installation of Bro. E. D. Alexander, S.W., as W.M. and the investiture of his

officers, was held in the Masonic 1411, Adelaide Road, Behampore, on 6th February. The ceremony was

conducted by R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., assisted by R.W. Bro. Hobson, Prov.G.M. (Hawkes

Bay), R.W. Bro. H. Seaton, S.G.W., V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge, and W. Bro. J. Worboys. W. Bro. J. Rod acted

as G.D. of C. A large company of visiting brethren was present. The Ancient Charges were read by W. Bro.

J. Worboys, S.G.D. The W.M.-elect was obligated by R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M. The W.Ts. in the

Third, Second, and First Degrees were presented by W. Bro. A. W. Rowlands (W.M: Lodge St. Andrew), W.

Bra. Moncrieff (W.M. Lodge Waterloo), and W. Bro. J. Reid (W.M. Lodge Hinemoa) respectively. R.W.

Bro. Hobson (Prov.G.M., Hawkes Bay) acted as investing officer, his engaging manner and apt remarks to

the various officers being highly appreciated by the brethren. The address to the W.M. was delivered by

R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., to the Wardens by R.W. Bro. H. Seaton, S.G.W., and to the brethren

by V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge, G.Lec. A collection for G.L. W: and O. Fund amounted to £7. W. Bro. P. C.

Watt, I.P.M., was then presented to R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., who presented him with a P.M.'s

jewel as a small token of the esteem in which he was held by the officers and brethren of his Lodge. W. Bro.

Watt feelingly replied, thanking the officers and brethren for their kindness, and expressing his thanks at the

hearty support received during his term of office. V.W. Bra. H. B. Bridge apologised for the absence of M.

W. Bro. H. J. Williams and R.W. Bro. T. Porritt, who were prevented from attending owing to indisposition.

After the retirement of G. officers the Lodge was closed, after the W.M. had received H.G.W. of W.Ms. of

visiting Lodges. A very pleasant time was spent in the refectory. After the toast of the King by the W.M., the

toast of G.L. was proposed by W. Bro. J. P. Shand, Sec., and responded to in that happy and inimitable

manner of the Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin. The toast of Visiting Lodges was placed in the capable

hands of W. Bro. H. Ivory, P.M. The retiring W.M. Bro. P. C. Watt, was proposed by W. Bro. E. D.

Alexander, W.M. A number of interesting speeches were given by the visiting brethren. The programme of

instrumental items and songs was rendered by St. Andrew's Lodge orchestra and Bros. Lunt, Dunn,

Meredith, Rev, G. S. Cook, and W. Bro. Connell, W.M. of Lodge N.Z. Pacific. The Lodge was heartily

congratulated on the manner in which the whole programme was carried out.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Huia, No. 171.—The monthly meeting was held on the 4th ult.., when a considerable amount of important

business was transacted, among the most important items being the election of the W.M. for the ensuing

year. It will not be superfluous or out of place to state that the consensus of opinion held and expressed by

the members was that the outgoing W.M. had by his tact and kindly disposition materially strengthened the

Lodge, and in vacating the chair will carry with him the good wishes and confidence of the members of the

Lodge, which, by the way, is a tribute he richly deserves. The work performed during the evening consisted

of the raising of a brother to the degree of a M.M. Two candidates were balloted for successfully, one candi-

date also being proposed. The officers and members of the United Manawatu Lodge, E.C., paid us an official

visit, which we duly appreciated, as the most cordial relations have always existed betwixt the two Lodges.

We now look forward to the 4th March, the date of the installation, when we anticipate a large attendance,

especially visitors, providing the elements prove favourable. We trust that the fates will grant our sincere

desire in this direction. — [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The usual monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom, Lower Hutt, on 10th

February, when there was a fair attendance of visitors and brethren. There was not a large amount of

business, and after that was disposed of a ballot was taken on behalf of a candidate for initiation, and he was

declared elected. Ballots were alto taken on behalf of a joining P.M. and a brother, who were both elected.

One candidate was proposed for membership, and the accounts passed for payment. Two candidates were

raised to the degree of M.M. W. Bro. Guineas obligated, R.W. Bro. Peterkin gave the Ex., W. Bro.

Rishworth communicated the Secrets, Bro. McLachlan invested, W. Bro. Anson gave the Charge after

Investiture, Bro. Frethey presented the W.Ts., and W. Bro. Hobbs explained the T.H. and the Signs. W. Bro.

Reid, W.M. of Lodge Hinemoa, presented the Bibles on which they were obligated. The Sec. was instructed

to write letters of condolence to the widows of W. Bros. Luke and Fox. The Lodge was closed at 9.45 p.m. A

pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, where W. Bro. Reid, of Lodge Hinemoa, kept the brethren in good

humour by his. Scotch wit and his tales of what he could do on a farm, but nevertheless we were pleased to

see W. Bro. Reid and his Hinemoa brethren, as well as the other brethren who were present.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

—————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

Waimate, No. 16. — The regular meeting was held on 20th January. The only business was conferring the

degree of I.M.M. upon V.E. Comp. Fulton, 1st Prin. of the Chapter. The ceremony was carried out by the

I.P.Z., V.E. Comp. Menzies. At the conclusion of the ceremony an adjournment was made , to the

refectory.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 30.—The monthly convocation was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Dannevirke, on 1st February.

V.E. Comp. W. Dobson, Z., presided, there being a good attendance of companions. The business was the

advancement of one brother of Lodge Ruataniwha, the duties of W.M.M. being entrusted to V.E. Comp. E.

Hosking, who was assisted in the ceremonial work by V.E. Comps. Gillespie (Lecture), J. Brown (W.Ts.),

and W. Dobson (Charge). A ballot was taken for a candidate for advancement, and proved clear. Another

candidate was proposed for membership. A very pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, Comps. E.

Hosking and D. N. Wilson doing yeoman service. As G. Chapter opened in Christchurch an surd February, it

was necessary for the Rawhiti companions to leave Dannevirke on the morning following the convocation,

and, considering the distance and the comparative youth of the Chapter, it was most gratifying to find

Rawhiti so well represented in Christchurch, as when the roll was called four members of Rawhiti Chapter

answered the call. There should have been five, but V.E. Comp. Brown was detained at Dannevirke at the

eleventh hour.—[Chapter Correspondent.]