SUPREME GRAND R.A. CHAPTER OF NEW ZEALAND,

THE Annual Convocation of G. Chapter will be held in the OCEANIC MASONIC HALL, St. Kilda, Dunedin, on

Thursday, 17th February, at 2 p.m. Morning dress will be worn at the afternoon session.

Concession tickets have been granted by the Railway Department, and the names of G. officers and delegates

attending must be inserted by G.S.E., to whom application must be made by those companions desiring to be

present.

Chapters and G. representatives are notified that Representative Commission must be in the office of G.S.E.

at least seven days before the date of meeting. As hotel accommodation in Dunedin will be limited owing to

race week, G. officers and representatives are advised to apply to the Dunedin companions without delay.

———————————

AUTHORISATION OF RITUAL WORKING.

———<>———

IT is passing strange that the question of the authorisation and publication of Masonic ritual is more "mixed,"

and evokes more diverse opinions than any other domestic subject in connection with Freemasonry. In New

Zealand we offer as a reason against such authorisation that on the creation of G.L., members of three British

Constitutions were assimilated, and it would not be desirable to wound their amour propre by a change in the

mode of working. But as precisely the same state of affairs existed in all the Australian Colonies, and three,

if not four, have authorised and published a ritual, which is loyally adhered to, New Zealand's "reason" must

be regarded rather as an excuse. Throughout the United States of America there is no doubt as to the

authorisation, though in some States publication is vigorously denounced. Yet, notwithstanding this

denunciation, the States are the home of the professional ritual printer, who does not publish "by authority."

But this by the way. The present intention is to refer to the position of the ritual in England. It is an accepted

legend that England's G.L. has never at any time authorised a form of Masonic working. Though what

objection there can be to "authorisation" we cannot for the life of us understand. Indeed, in our opinion, there

is every reason why the mother G.L. of the world should establish a set form of ritual for the general use of

the members of that Constitution, and as an example of the erudition and literary attainments of those whom

we are wont to consider as the leaders of Masonic, intellectuality. But at various times this claim of "not

authorised" has been disputed, and the Emulation Lodge of Improvement is instanced as a case in point of

warrantry. Some years ago, the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN had the temerity to express its opinions on the subject, and

pointed out that the Emulation Lodge of Improvement had a world-wide reputation as the recognised

Masonic authority on English ritual, which drew a contradiction horn the " Freemasons' Chronicle," London,

to which the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN replied as follows :—

"THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT.

" In its September number the Freemasons' Chronicle,' London, reprints an article from the N.Z.

CRAFTSMAN, entitled ' Uniformity of Working,' in which a statement is made that the Emulation Lodge of

improvement was chartered by the G.L. of England. Our contemporary appends the following footnote to the

reproduced article:—

'The above critic must himself be criticised. The Emulation Lodge of Improvement has no warrant or

special Constitution from the G.L. of England. It simply meets, as many others do in this country,

under the wing or sanction of a regular Lodge—in this case No. 256.—Ed. F.C.' The CRAFTSMAN

thanks the 'Chronicle' for this correction, which will be information, not alone to us poor colonials,

but, also, to many English brethren, notably our immediate authority for the statement—a ruler in the

Craft recently arrived from London. 'There is, however, one little difference between this so-called

Lodge of Improvement and the many others that meet under the wing or sanction of a regular Lodge,'

that whereas the 'many others ' are unknown outside their own limits, the so-called Emulation Lodge

has a world-wide reputation, which has completely overshadowed its foster-mother, No. 256. And

there is a further singularity in that many colonial visitors to London assert they have become

members of or visited the Emulation Lodge of Improvement during their stay, which must be an error,

and, if they have joined anything, it must really have been No. 256 they attached themselves to. One

more point. It must now go forth to the Masonic fraternity, on the authority of the Freemasons'

Chronicle,' that the Emulation Lodge of improvement has hitherto been sailing under false colours,

and the ritual purporting to be the work of the same Lodge, and which is " so largely used and quoted,

is a misnomer, and should really " bear the imprimatur of No. 256. But whether the said Lodge is

chartered directly or indirectly, it is surely not implied by the Chronicle that the G.L. of England has

no knowledge or control of the Lodge of Improvement under the wing of No.. 256, and is not

cognisant that a ritual purporting to emanate from that source is scattered broadcast over the world.

Further, is it customary for each of the many other' Lodges of improvement to engage in ritual

compilation, or is this work special to the Lodge of Improvement held under the wing of 256? As this

is a subject of general Masonic interest, we should esteem the favour of receiving further information

from our contemporary, and in our desire for more light have no objection to criticism."

We may state, in addition, that the "Chronicle" in this instance did not strengthen its position by sheltering

the Lodge of Instruction under the wings of a private Lodge, as the following rule of the G.L. of England will

indicate “:—Article 158, B. of C., says : "No Lodge of Instruction shall be holden unless under the sanction

of a regular warranted Lodge, or by the special license and authority of the G.M. The Lodge giving its

sanction, and the brethren to whom such license is granted, shall be answerable for the proceedings, and

responsible that the mode of working adopted has received the sanction of the G.L."

But we have a special reason for again referring to the question of authorisation, as in "The Freemason,"

London, of 20th November last, the following advertisement appears :—

"Stability Lodge of Instruction. Demonstrations of the Stability Working will be given at the

Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London, commencing at 6 p.m. prompt, on Thursday, the 2nd

of December, 1915 {1st and 2nd Degrees), '' and on Thursday, the 2nd of March, 1916 (3rd Degree

and Installation Ceremony), by the Preceptor, W. Bro. F. W. Golby, P.A.G.D.C., Bro. E. Edden as

I.P.M., Bro. T. E. Estall Lewis, as S.W., Bro. B. Whitmarsh Gray; as J.W., Bro. A. Jackson. as S.D.,

Bro. Sydney A. White, as J.D., Bro. F. U. Lloyd, as I.G., Bro. Stanley M. Brown and Bro. Percy Sollas

as Candidates. Tickets, price one shilling each, can be obtained from any of the following. [Here

follows list of names.] Applications for tickets should state Name and Rank of Brother, also Number

of Lodge. Morning Dress. Masonic Clothing. M.Ms. only. The Stability Lodge of Instruction was

founded in the year 1817, and is the lineal descendant of the famous Lodge of Reconciliation which

settled the working to be universally used by the Craft, which was formally approved and adopted by

the United G.L. of England in the year 1816."

It is only reasonable to suppose that if this advertisement is stating what is not correct, and the working of the

"Stability" Lodge of Instruction was not formally approved and adopted by the G.L. of England, that the

officers of G.L. would not allow its Hall to be used for the Demonstration of the several degrees.

Why there should be a tacit admission that it is infra. dig. for the G.L. of England to acknowledge and

authorise its own ritual, is most difficult to understand. There is a fairly wide-spread feeling, outside

England, that the formulation and authorisation of a ritual free from existing anomalies and inaccuracies

would add greatly to its prestige, and would present a worthy example for the Masonic world to follow, and

would tend to eradicate some of the hybrid working sometimes witnessed.

———————————

THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND.

———<>———

In the report of the Board of Casual Relief for North Canterbury, recently presented, the following paragraph

appears :— "Owing to the more or less frequent applications for relief from brethren who hold fife members

tickets, procured at a very nominal cost in Scotland, your Board reported the matter to the G.L. of New

Zealand, with the result that the G.Sec. communicated with the G.L. of Scotland. We feel confident that our

act-ion will be the means of our distant brethren taking action on this important matter."

We should be glad to be as optimistic as our Christchurch brethren, but experience teaches that the G.L. of

Scotland is very slow to take action on complaints made by jurisdictions foreign to itself. We say this with

regret and entirely without offence, but a recent decision of Scotland lends colour to our contention. For

some years past, a custom has become somewhat prevalent of American visitors to Britain, either from

personal desire, or from the solicitation of friends, entering the portals of Freemasonry through the medium

of Scottish Lodges. As a casual visit does not confer the rights of citizenship, or constitute the habitat of the

visitor, in the generally accepted sense, many State G.Ls. of America took exception to the practice and sent

protests to the G.L. of Scotland. Indeed, it is in our mind that one G.L. suspended fraternal relations over this

question. After considerable time, a motion was made in the Scottish G.L. having for its object limiting the

possibility of Lodges initiating candidates "whose domicile was not in Scotland." Considerable opposition

was raised to the original motion, and it was referred to the G. Committee for amendment, which body,

according to the "Glasgow News," altered the motion to read as follows :—"No Lodge in Scotland shall be

entitled to initiate into Freemasonry any applicant whose domicile is not Scottish (other than a person

serving in any branch of His Majesty's Imperial Forces), unless such applicant has resided within the British

Isles for at least the twelve months immediately preceding the date of his application, or unless, on special

cause shown, a dispensation is granted by the G.M."

In its amended form it was assumed that the proposed new rule "would give greater freedom of selection to

Lodges, and would provide for any special circumstance which would make the admission of a candidate

desirable.

The proposed new rule was fully discussed at the communication of the G.L. of Scotland held on the 4th of

November, and a negative amendment was moved that the new rule be not accepted. The report, published in

a contemporary journal, from which we quote, states that the motion was rejected by 178 to 93. If the G.L.

meeting is correctly reported in this journal, then it is clear that the new rule was turned down. If this is the

correct rendering, then we are not at all sanguine that the G.L. of Scotland will attempt to remedy what has

for some time past been a standing grievance in New Zealand.

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ENGLISH FREEMASONS INTERNED IN GERMANY.

———<>———

Bro. Sir Edward Letchworth, G.Sec. of the G.L. of England, has received a letter from Bro. C. Hull,

P.P.G.D., Herefordshire, stating that there are about 170 brethren interned in the Civilian Camp at Ruhleben,

Germany, who are in need of relief, and asking the G.L. for assistance. The brother states that many of the

prisoners are in very reduced circumstances, and would be grateful for gifts of food, tobacco, etc. This, of

course, is only one prisoners' camp, and there must be many more in the camps of enemy alien countries.

The G.Sec., at the instance of the B. of G.P., has sent letters to all English Lodges drawing attention to the

need of the brethren who are prisoners. That the response has not been immediate in some Lodges arises

from the doubt as to whether parcels sent will reach their destination or will be confiscated by the Germans.

If report speaks truly German necessities are also very great, and the parcels would be tempting. Doubtless

proper steps will be taken to ensure, as far as possible, gifts reaching their destination. Reports from all

sources depict the deplorable state to which English prisoners are reduced, which alone appears to indicate

that the enemy is quite aware that he is fighting with a halter around his neck. Given an assurance of safe

transit, we are sure the English Lodges will nobly respond to this worthy call, and will do all in their power

to relieve the necessities of their unfortunate and deeply-to-be-pitied brethren. The thought naturally recurs

as how many New Zealand brethren many also be interned prisoners, and whether they have any suffering

needs. Hitherto our soldiers' work has been in Gallipoli against the Turks, and we know that prisoners have

been taken. But all recent information would go to show that the nation that has acquired the opprobrium of

the "unspeakable" Turk is not only a worthy foe, but he also treats his prisoners in a human and civilised

manner. However, it would not be difficult to ascertain the exact position from some of our distinguished

brethren, in Egypt or elsewhere, and the authoritative assurance of good treatment would be most welcome

to the friends in New Zealand, who have relatives in the danger zone. Since the foregoing was written we

learn that the appeal in England was promptly and generously responded to, and within a fortnight of its

issue a first draft was sent by the assistance of the Foreign Office to the German Ambassador in Berlin, for

the use of English Masons at Ruhleben. The G.L. will probably vote a sum of £100 from the Fund of

Benevolence.

———————————

GRAND LECTURERS.

———<>———

We regret the necessity of recurring to this theme, but there would appear to be some doubt as to whether the

original intention of G.L. has borne the fruit the new system was anticipated to yield. It was intended to

provide opportunities for brethren to acquire more Masonic light, and make a periodic advancement in

Masonic knowledge. The brother who moved the resolution for the provision of G. Lecturers, said :—"There

should be something more in our institution than the ordinary ceremonies. At present we gave nothing to

members beyond the ritual ceremonies, which must in time pall upon many people. It was desirable to attract

to the Craft the best men in the country, and to do so we must give them something to meditate upon, and

talk about. The institution of Lodges of Masters and Past Masters showed that the brethren desired something

more than the ordinary ceremonies."

Admirable sentiments, unanimously concurred in, and G.L. did not hesitate to authorise the appointments.

Now, after a lapse of four years, the question may be pertinently asked if the brethren so earnestly desired

something more than the ordinary ceremonies, why have they not taken more advantage of their

opportunities? As a matter of fact, the question is on all fours with the work of literary Lodges, and all that

has been advanced as to the partial failure of these Lodges—that is, so far as they minister, or fail to minister,

to the presumed wants of the large majority of Masonic membership —will equally apply. If brethren truly

want more than the ordinary ceremonies, they will readily put themselves to some inconvenience to satisfy

that want. Do they do so? We regretfully answer in the negative. In research Lodges, where invariably

excellent programmes are provided and sometimes exciting discussion follows, the attendance of the M.M. is

infinitesimal. So alto with the G. Lecturer. When he is billed to appear, the visitors' list of the Lodge in

which the lecture is given rarely exceeds that of an ordinary meeting. A. G. Lecturer recently travelled some

distance to deliver an address, and found an attendance of thirty, all local brethren' with the exception of two

Prov. G.Ms., who were not resident, and their attendance involved some sacrifice. Besides not justifying the

good attentions of G.L., this treatment of the subject of "more light" is most unfair to the brother who is the

G. Lecturer, and naturally leads him to wonder whether he has sacrificed his time and comfort wisely and

well. Notwithstanding all that has been said to the contrary, we are forced to the conclusion that a large

majority of the brethren do not desire to delve into the higher branches of Freemasonry.

———————————

ATTEMPTED EXPLOITATION.

———<>———

A few years ago an enterprising "brother" (sic) from South Africa visited the capital city of New Zealand on

business bent. With the slimness that is characteristic of his country he "acquired" a list of names of good

brethren, and speedily did remarkably good business—for himself ; they subsequently had cause to lament.

Early in 1915 the "brother" again renewed his acquaintance with "Tom Tiddler ground," honouring

Palmerston North, Wanganui, and Rotorua with his attentions. His natural astuteness and absence of scruple

were again all in his favour, and shekels came flowing in. But in an unfortunate moment he decided to again

exploit Wellington, where he broke new ground in so far as members were concerned. In the pursuit of his

avocations he had the misfortune to fall ill, but even that he turned to good account, and certain brethren,

particularly the W.M. and S. Warden, of a suburban Lodge ministered to his afflictions in a most brotherly

manner. But even this sickness was in another way a blessing in disguise, as it gave him some grounds for

making a claim on their charity. True to their Masonic instincts and education, they at once responded and a

very handsome solatium was gathered in for presentation on the eve of departure. But, though the African

gentleman was slim, the W.M. was acute, and some unguarded words aroused his suspicions, which upon

investigation assumed practical form. Then the development came that the sick visitor was identical with the

not over scrupulous trader of years ago. Communication was opened with some of the other towns that had

been honoured with the attentions of the "brother," and all suspicions were more than confirmed. The W.M.

read a lesson to the exploiter which will, no doubt, be indelibly impressed upon his memory, and when he

subsequently shook the dust of Wellington from his feet, he was a very sorrowing, if not a wiser man,

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

News and Notes.

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THE M.W.G.M. honoured our sanctum with his presence last month and kindly discussed Masonic matters

generally.

W. BRO. DR. WILLIS, P.M., of Feilding Lodge, has been attached to the Ninth Contingent with the rank of

Captain, N.Z.M.C.

CHAPLAIN CAPT. E. L. GARNER, who has been in the Trentham Camp for some considerable time, and who

for the last two months acted as the special representative of the G.L. of New Zealand, has joined the Ninth

Contingent for special service in Egypt. Our brother was very greatly beloved at Trentham, and will be very

greatly missed by the military authorities there.

W. BRO. REV. CANON TUKE, who has been vicar of St. Augustine, Napier, for the past fifteen years, has

been made an archdeacon and appointed to the district of Tauranga. W. Bro. Tuke has been most active in

Masonic work in Napier and his loss will be felt by the brethren.

WE acknowledge with thanks receipt of two copies of the eleventh annual report and balance-sheet of the

North Canterbury United Board of Enquiry. From the report we learn that 81 propositions were dealt with-21

less than previous year. The receipts were £35 2s. 6d., and the expenditure £35 7s. 6d. Bro. R. Baldwin is the

secretary.

LIEUT.-COLONEL POTTER, Camp Commandant at Trentham, was initiated into Freemasonry in Waiwhetu

Lodge, Lower Hutt, on 12th January.

THE G.L. of England now provides a pension and insurance for its superannuated salaried officers and

clerks, on the basis that the G.L. pays two-thirds and the officers and clerks one-third of the amount. This is

the fixed contributing basis, and is effective on the officer or clerk attaining the age of 65 years.

W. BRO. AND MRS. R. Foss, of Fernridge, were tendered a farewell "social" on 13th January by the settlers

of the district, and presented with an oak roller-top desk and an armchair. Bro. Foss, who has been

headmaster of Fernridge School for some years, has been transferred to Carterton on promotion.

THE brethren of the Dominion will be gratified to know that M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson, P.P.G.M., who has

been so indefatigable in the cause of Freemasonry for many years past, has consented to accept nomination

for the office of G.M. for the ensuing year, and as there were no other nominations he is virtually elected.

V. WOR. BRO. HERBERT B. BRIDGE, G. Lect., delivered an address in Otaihape Lodge, Taihape, on the 12th

ult., entitled "A Dissertation on the History of Freemasonry." R.W. Bro. D. McFarland, Prov.G.M. of

Ruapehu, and T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M. of Wellington, were present.

M.E. COMP. A. C. ANDREWS, 1st G.Prin. of the Sup.G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand, announced his

intention of visiting the Wellington City Chapters on the 26th ult. As the CRAFTSMAN went to press two days

prior to that date, a report of the visit will have to be deferred until our March number is issued.

WE direct the attention of Boards of Enquiry in New Zealand to a letter in our correspondence columns from

R.W. Bro. W. F. Brooking of New Plymouth, on the question of advertising the meetings and names and

addresses of executive officers. Two such advertisements will be found following Lodge advertisements, and

other Boards desiring to follow the example may do so without cost on sending the necessary particulars.

IT is reported that M.W. Bro. Lord Chelmsford will receive the appointment of Viceroy of India. Lord

Chelmsford was successively G.M. of Queensland and New South Wales, and earned golden opinions for his

active Masonic work, which was not in any way of an ornamental character.

WE have received from Bro. R. Howell, of Wellington, a copy of three poems written by him, entitled,

"Response to Call of the Empire," "Man the Fleets," and "Our Women," all of which deeply breathe the spirit

of patriotism. To assist in the work of publication, Bro. Howell will be glad to sell copies at the following

rates : 50 at 7/6, 25 at 4/-. His address is care of Y.M.C.A., Wellington. Sir Robert Stout has commended the

efforts of the writer at his advanced age—over 74 years.

As the Annual Convocation of the Sup.G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand will be held in Dunedin during the

summer race week, it will be necessary for G. Officers and Representatives requiring accommodation to

make early application to either M.E. Comp. Arthur Clothier, or R.E. Comp. T. Ross, or any other

Companion who may be specially appointed, notice of which will be sent to every Chapter.

CABLE advices announce that the Order of St. Michael and St. George has been conferred upon W. Bro.

Colonel W. Meldrum, of Hunterville, and M.E. Comp. Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Eason, of Wellington, both of

whom were recently mentioned in despatches. The CRAFTSMAN very heartily congratulates our distinguished

brethren on their preferment.

THE G.L. of N.S.W. has 895 of brethren under its jurisdiction at the front, of whom 40 have fallen. The

brethren in the Liverpool Camp have formed an Association, which now numbers 160 members, who are

reported to be doing much good work amongst the troops.

THE Wellington United Board of Enquiry in January (says a correspondent) adopted a set of constitution and

rules which had been drafted for it by a sub-committee of all the talents. As it is intended to adhere very

strictly to it in future, the Board should be nothing if not businesslike and precise in its transactions.

THE "Daily Sketch" of 26th October contains a picture of the Masonic Lodges of Ilford, Surrey, marching in

procession to the parish church to take part in a service of intercession for the brethren fighting at the front.

The members of the Craft are all in evening dress, bareheaded, and wearing full Masonic clothing and

jewels, and the street is lined with cadets.

———————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

———<>———

In December Lodge St. John held an emergency meeting to confer the Second and Third Degrees on Bro. A.

S. Reid, who is off to fight for King and country. The Second Degree was worked by P.M.'s of the Lodge.

P.M. Bro. A. S. Cookson, who was on holiday in Invercargill, occupied the chair, and he and his colleagues

conferred the Degree in an admirable manner. The Third Degree was conferred by the officers of the Lodge.

Quite an enjoyable time was spent in the refectory. Bro. Cookson was in good form and good use was made

of his presence from a musical point of view. P.M, Bro. Butterfield gave the speech of the evening and it was

very ably replied to by the newly raised Bro. A. S. Reid.

* * *

On 20th December Lodge Mokoreta visited Lodge Mataura and worked the Second Degree. The

performance was an excellent one and evoked the admiration of the Matauraites. The visitors were very

cordially received and entertained, and the hope was expressed that many such visits would take place

between the two Lodges.

* * *

W. Bro. James Walker has been appointed Caretaker of the Invercargill Masonic Hall in place of Bro. T.

Belworthy, resigned.

* * *

W. Bro. W. B. Scandrett was present at the Lodge of Sorrow on 13th inst., and, in supporting the motion of

condolence moved by Bro. W. A. Stout, S.W., Lodge Southern Cross, added his tribute to the character and

worth of our late esteemed V.W. Bro. W. G. Mehaffey, at whose initiation, 36 years ago, he had assisted,

M.W. Bro. M. Thompson, P.G.M., R.W. Bros. H. Hall and Wm. Smith, P.G.D.Ms., R.W. Bro. Wm.

Timpany, Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. T. M. Rankin, P.P.G.M., and W. Bro. John Gray also expressed their

profound sorrow at the loss of so able a man and good Freemason.

———————————

AN OLD JEWEL AND A PAGE OF ANCIENT MASONIC HISTORY.

———<>———

The following correspondence has been kindly sent to us by R.W. Bro. Hon. George Fowlds, P.D.G.M., and

fully explains itself. Many Masonic historians have referred to the indenture that existed between the

apprentice and his employer, but the exact terms as set forth in the enclosed form will be doubly interesting

from its intimate relation to one of our own honoured and distinguished brethren.

"Auckland,

"4th January, 1916.

"DEAR BROTHER WILLIAMS,—When I visited my father's home in Scotland in 1893, I was looking through,

with my father, some old drawers filled with family trinkets and papers. My eye caught sight of an old

Masonic jewel. I picked it up and asked my father if he knew what this was. He replied, "No ! I don't know

what it is, but I know where it came from. It belonged to your great uncle, George Fowlds, who was an

architect and mason." My father also had a pile of old architectural drawings, which had also come to him

from the same source. As 1 was the only one of our family who had taken up Masonry, I became possessed

of the old P.M.'s Jewel, which I brought back with me to New Zealand. I showed the jewel to some Masonic

friends in Scotland, who were greatly interested in it, amongst them Bro. Reid, G.Sec., Edinburgh, who tried

at the time to trace something of its history from Lodge Records. The number of the Lodge on the jewel

alongside the initials G. F. were somewhat defaced, and we took them for 29 and failed at the time to get any

further information. Some months ago a gentleman in Auckland brought to me an old document, the

Indenture of Apprenticeship as a Mason of his grandfather to George Foulds, of Beith, Ayrshire, Scotland.

This gave me a clue to location, so I wrote to Bro. Reid, sending him a copy of the old Indenture Agreement.

I enclose for your perusal his reply, and also a letter he received from the Secretary of Lodge St. John Kil.,

No. 157 (formerly No. 209). I also enclose a copy of the Indenture Agreement. If you think the matter of

sufficient interest to mention it in the CRAFTSMAN you are at liberty to do so.—Yours fraternally,

"GEO: FOWLDS."

"The G.L. of Scotland,

"Edinburgh,

"George Fowlds, Esq., "4th November, 1915.

"Auckland, New Zealand.

"DEAR BRO. FOWLDS, —I duly received your letter of 25th August, and immediately on receipt of your letter

I communicated with the Secretary of Lodge St. John Kil., No. 157, which was chartered on 1st November,

1784. 1 enclose herewith his reply, from which you will see that the result of his search has been to show that

George Faulds was admitted a member of the Lodge (the number of which was at that time 209) on 15th

January, 1793, and was elected to the Chair on 7th December, 1799. He evidently also in later years filled the

offices of S.W. and Steward. I think by the information given by the Secretary of the Lodge in Beith that

there can be no dubiety but that the party traced in his books was none other than your grand uncle. I regret

the delay in being able to supply you with this information, but the Secretary is engaged on war service and

is working until late every night. It was an interesting coincidence that a friend of yours in Auckland should

be in possession of the apprenticeship indenture of his grandfather to a man who should turn out to be your

grand uncle.—With kind regards, yours fraternally,

"DAVID REID, G.Sec.

"Beith, St. John's Kit, No. 157,

''Beith,

"David Reid, Esq., "3rd November, 1915.

"Grand Secretary

"Edinburgh.

"DEAR SIR AND BROTHER.—I have now had time to search further regarding George Faulds, but find it is

impossible to give you the dates on which he was initiated, passed and raised. The records at this particular

period only show a register of members, and it appears that only one or two meetings per year are recorded.

No record has been kept of meetings held for the purpose of working degrees. Undernoted is exact copy of

entry in register :—

'No. 238. January 15th, 1793, George Faulds,. Mason, son to William Faulds, Cotton Carder in Beith, by

Bill paid 13/6.

'At a meeting of the above Lodge held at Beith on December 7th, 1799, Brother George Faulds was

elected to the office of R.W.M. for year 1800.

'At a meeting of the above Lodge held at Beith on December 27th, 1800, Bro. George Faulds was elected

to the office of Senior Warden for year 1801.

'At a meeting of the above Lodge held at Beith on December 18th, 1802, Bro. George Faulds was elected

to the office of Steward for year 1803.

'At a meeting of the above Lodge held at Beith on December 17th, 1803, Bro. George Faulds was elected

to the office of Steward for year 1804.

'At a meeting of the above Lodge held at Beith on December 15th, 1804, Bro. George Faulds was elected

to the office of Steward for year 1805. '

I hereby certify that I have carefully taken the foregoing extracts from the old Minute Book of the Beall St.

John's Nil. Lodge No. 157, and hereby vouch for their accuracy.—Yours fraternally,

WALTER PATTISON, Sec."

[COPY]

"INDENTURE BETWEEN GEORGE FOULDS AND

JOHN BARR, 1811.

"IT IS CONTRACTED AGREED AND ENDED between the parties following, viz., GEORGE FOULDS

Mason in Beith on the one part and JOHN BARR Son of John Bar Coalhewer at Quarrelton with special

advice and consent of his said Father, and the said John Barr as taking full burthen on him for his said Son,

on the other part in manner following, that is to say the said John Barr Junr. with consent foresaid bath

become bound, and hereby binds himself an apprentice and servant to the said George Foulds in his said

Trade and employment of a Mason, and that for the space of Three Years from and after the date hereof,

during which snake the said John Barr Junior apprentice as principal, and the said John Barr his father is

Cautioner with and for him, bind and oblige themselves, jointly and severally, that the Apprentice shall faith-

fully and honestly serve his said master by night and day, and obey all his master's commands in everything

lawful and ordinary for apprentices in like cases, and not to absent himself from his said master's service

upon any pretext whatever without liberty asked and obtained, otherwise to serve two days for each day he is

so absent, the number of absent days to be ascertained by the master's writ or oath if required; and that the

apprentice shall not reveal his master's secrets nor do or know anything that may tend to his prejudice

without timeously discovering the same that it may be prevented, nor frequent bad company whereby he may

be withdrawn from his master's service or his own instructions, and shall repay his master whatever loss or

damage he may sustain by his said apprentice, likewise the said apprentice shall maintain himself in bed

board clothing and washing during his apprenticeship and provide himself with necessary tools for his work

during that time. For which causes, and on the other part, the said George Foulds as principal and Gavin

Pettigrew Vintner in Beith as Cautioner with and for him Bind and oblige themselves that the said George

Foulds shall teach and instruct the said John Barr Junior in the said trade and employment of a Mason, and

shall not conceal from him any part thereof known and practised by himself in said space of time, but shall

do the utmost of his power to cause the said apprentice take up learn and understand the same; and the said

George Foulds Binds himself to pay the said apprentice Seven shillings sterling weekly for the first year of

said apprenticeship, Eight shillings sterling weekly for the second year, and Nine shillings sterling weekly

for the third year, and the said George Foulds and John Barr Junior Bind and oblige themselves to free and

relieve their said Cautioners of the above cautionary obligation ; And lastly both parties oblige themselves

and their heirs to perform their respective parts of the premises to each other under the penalty of Ten

Pounds sterling to be paid by the party failing to the party observing or willing to observe the same over and

above performance; and they consent to registration hereof in the Books of Council and Session or others

competent therein to remain for preservation and that Letters of Horning on six days' charge and all

execution needful may pass on a Decree to be interponed hereto in common form and constitute.

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF these presents written upon stamped paper by James Robertson (Writer in

Beith), are subscribed by the parties at Beith the Thirtieth day of April Eighteen Hundred and Eleven years

before these witnesses Robert Barr Flesber in Kilbarehan and the said James Robertson.

"(Sgd.) ROBERT BARR, Witness GEORGE FOULDS

"(Sgd.) JAMES ROBERTSON, Witness JOHN BARR

GAVIN PETTIGREW

JAMES BARR"

"This is to Certify that John Barr has served his time faithfully and honestly and is hereby discharged.

"GEORGE EOULDS.

"2nd May, 1814.

True Copy of original Indenture in possession of W. Donald McLeod, Sharebroker, Auckland, a grandson of

John Barr, Junr. I believe George Foulds was an uncle of my father's.

GEORGE FOWLDS.

Auckland,

8th August, 1915.

———————————

THE ISSUE OF THE WAR.

———<>———

Thus " The Queensland Freemason " : Upon the issue of the war depends whether the greater part of the

world shall conform to Prussianism and its negation of personal and national liberty, and its brazen

declaration of the doctrine that might is right, or whether each nation shall be free to work out its own

destiny in its own way and to attain its own ideals. Not only is Australia interested vitally in that vast

spiritual and political conflict, but her existence as a British community depends upon it. . . . Freemasons

have enlisted all the world over. Freemasons' sons are fighting at the front ; more Freemasons and

Freemasons' sons are ready to march to the war. . . . The brotherhood of Freemasonry is the brotherhood of

love and freedom, mercy, charity, and enlightenment. No doubt there are members of our Universal Order in

the ranks of the enemy. For those we may have pity. In some cases their eyes are closed to the light. For all

there is the thraldom of a pitiless system, which forces all within its ambit to fight or work. One of the most

awful features of the world-struggle is the breaking down of all the great spiritual forces. All the faiths, all

the beneficent orders, have been powerless to prevent the plunging of humanity into the very hell of all the

vilest passions. The very men who have created this terrible tragedy carry it on with the Name of the Most

High upon their lips. Never was the All-Merciful inure foully blasphemed. When the Freemason things of

this and the awful things which have been done in the name of German kultur, he needs no other call to join

the forces that are arrayed against this monstrous efflorescence of evil—this incarnation of all that is

revolting, this prostitution of nations who have done great things in the realms of the arts and the sciences.

This adds to the awfulness of the crime which has been committed against humanity; and it can never be

purged away. Centuries of right-doing will not efface the memory of the bloodstained- events of last year.

All that can be done is to render the guilty nations incapable of further harm, and that can only be done by

destroying their power for evil. . . . Every man who places himself at the service of his country will share the

honour of helping in the accomplishment of that necessary achievement. It may take a long time ; it will

entail supreme sacrifices and unflinching fortitude, but the reward will be great. As we think of those who,

like the brethren who have been faithful unto death, we may recall the thought of Hallech, in his lines on

Death, and apply their prophetic vision :-

"But to the hero, when his sword

Has won the battle for the free,

Thy voice sounds like a prophet's word :

And in the hollow tones are heard

The thanks of millions yet to be."

———————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 24th JANUARY, 1916

———<>———

J. Burgess (Dipton), J. Brooks (Cambridge), P. Bond 11/8, J. Houlker 6/8 (Nelson), H. Toogood 10/-

(Masterton), A. Stevens 15/- (Samoa), O. S. A. Harvey 10/- (Ponsonby), Geo. A. Crook (Napier), R.

Cameron 20/- (Herbert), J. Henderson (Christchurch), H. McDougall (Rangiora), J. R. Douglas 10/-

(Hampden), J. W. Gilchrist 34/2 (Taihape), Lodge Phoenix (Akaroa), A. T. Peterkin (Westport), E. G.

Guinness 20/-, W. Beck 20/-, Inspector Hendry 20/-, W. E. Bartley 40/-(Wellington), N. Cook 68/4, J. May

40/-, S. W. Kirk 40/-{Johnsonville), H. Ayson 20/-, J. Neil 37/6, E. P. Rishworth 47/6 (Lower Hutt), L.

Nesbit, senr. (Kaeo), A. R. Thompson, G. J. Shepperd 9d (Hawera), J. Cox (Utiku), T. W. Redman

(Roxburgh), G. W. Cobb 10/-, J. Houliston 5/-, J. W. Kershaw 10/-, H. Lawson 20/-, F. McCallum 20/-, H.

Madsen 10/-, A. D. McLeod 10/-, J. Saunders 20/-, J. Tyler 20/- (Martinborough), C. J. Carlyon 20/- F.

Merlet 60/- T. Skipage 20/-, W. Tinney, H. Tutbury (Featherston), F. W. East 10/- (Prebbleton).

(All 7/6 except those noted).

OBITUARY

———<>———

V.W. BRO. WILLIAM GRAHAM MEHAFFEY, G. LECT.

————

On Tuesday, 11th January, the Craft sustained a grievous shock on learning of the death of V.W.

Bro. W. G. Mehaffey, G.Lect. Instead of such regrettable intelligence concerning him, we had been

looking forward with pleasant anticipation to the time when he would mingle with us again. He

was making a good recovery from the accident he recently met with, but the end (heart failure)

came with painful suddenness and quite unexpectedly. It is with poignant grief we realise that he is

gone from us for ever, and that we shall no more listen to his words of wisdom, his perfect diction,

and his delightful humour.

The deceased was initiated in Lodge Southern Cross, No. 997, E.C. (now No. 9, N.Z.C.) on 17th

December, 1879, and raised on 24th March, 1880. He was installed W.M. on 24th June, 1885;

elected G.Asst.-D, of C. 27th April, 1892; and appointed G.Lect. on 10th September, 1912, and

which office he held at his death.

A Lodge of Sorrow was opened on the 13th inst., at 2 p.m., M.W. Bro, M. Thompson presiding.

The usual procedure having been observed, the Lodge was adjourned, and the assembled brethren

repaired to the residence of our late brother, and thence to the grave in the Eastern Cemetery.

The pall-bearers at the house were members of the family, and at the grave R.W. Bro. Wm.

Timpany Prov.G,M., R.W. Bro. Wm. Smith, P.D.G.M., R.W. Bro. T. M. Rankin, P.P.G.M., W.

Bros. C. H. Roberts and Jos. Holloway, and Bro. W. A. Stout, S.W. The Masonic service was very

impressively carried out by R.W. Bro. Wm. Smith and W. Bro. C. H. Roberts.

On returning to the Lodge Bro. W. A. Stout, S.W., in moving a vote of condolence with Mrs.

Mehaffey and family, and also of appreciation of the late V.W. Bro. Mehaffey's services to

Southern Cross Lodge and to Freemasonry generally, spoke very highly and feelingly of the

deceased's many sterling qualities. He dwelt upon his kindly, obliging, and generous disposition,

and his willingness to aid in the work of the Lodge at all times. As a lecturer he had few equals. His

lectures were always looked forward to, not only for their subject matter, but also for the choice of

language they contained and the excellent delivery. In the refectory his extempore speeches and

witticisms never failed to delight his audience. He was a keen and ready debater and a skilful and

impartial chairman. His services were frequently sought, and willingly given, as judge of debate

and other elocutionary and literary competitions, and there could be no greater tribute to his

impartiality and honesty of purpose than the acceptance of all his decisions uncomplainingly and

with the utmost goodwill.

The community has lost an excellent citizen. A kindly, courteous, and gifted personality has gone

from the Southern Cross Lodge. Freemasonry throughout the Dominion, enriched from his well of

knowledge, is the poorer by his death. But happy thoughts remain; indeed, no one has left us more

pleasant memories than William Graham Mehaffey.

————————

BRO. LEONARD ROBINSON.

————

After four months' acute suffering, Bro. Leonard Robinson passed away to his rest. The deceased

was initiated, passed, and raised in Waikaka Lodge in 1907. Removing to Mataura district, he

became a member of Mataura Lodge in July, 1915. Our late brother was held in the highest esteem,

and, when health permitted, he regularly attended the meetings of his Lodge. His interest in

Freemasonry was keen to the last. The sincere sympathy of a wide circle of Freemasons is extended

to Mrs. Robinson and her three little children in their bereavement.

————————

W. BRO. F. W. EAST, P.G.S.

————

A very old and highly respected brother of Lodge Lincoln, in the person of W. Bro. F. W. East,

P.G.S., passed away on the 14th January, at the age of 76. Our deceased brother had been most

regular and attentive to his Masonic duties almost up to the last. Of a charitable, cheerful, kindly

nature, he was beloved and respected by all. The late W. Bro. F. W. East was one of the oldest

Freemasons in Canterbury, having joined Lodge Canterbury, No. 1048, E.C., over 40 years ago. He

was a founder of Lodge Lincoln in 1880, and served as W.M. for several years at intervals. He

came to the rescue of Lodge Lincoln when it fell on evil days many years ago, and purchased the

hall and property to prevent it falling into other hands. But for his efforts the Lodge would probably

have fallen through, as for several years he practically kept it alive. It cheered our late brother very

much when of late years he was able to dispose of the hall and property to the Lincoln Lodge, and

to know its affairs were flourishing again and in capable hands. There are still two foundation

members of Lodge Lincoln left, in the persons of W. Bro. A. R. Kirk, of Christchurch, and Bro. W.

G. Jennings, our only Tyler. The latter is still hale and hearty, and carries out his onerous duties to

the full satisfaction of the brethren. The late Bro. East was buried at Prebbleton on Sunday, the

16th. There was a large attendance of brethren, including M.W. Bro. Dougall, G.M., and

representatives of Prov.G.L., Lodges Waihora, Crown, Christchurch, Civic, Lincoln, and

Canterbury, 1048. E.C. Six members of deceased's Lodge acted as pall-bearers. The heartfelt

sympathy of all goes out to our late brother's widow and family.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

W. BRO. JAMES FERGUSON WATSON, P.M.

————

The late Bro. Watson was initiated on the 29th November, 1898, in Sir Donald McLean Lodge,

1646, E.C. (Waitara), and after passing through subordinate offices was installed as W.M. in 1901.

Leaving Waitara, for Stratford in 1904, he affiliated to Lodge 75 and proved himself a very useful

member, serving as Sec. for several years. Kindly and helpful to newly-made brethren, Bro.

Watson gained the respect and goodwill of all with whom he was associated, both in the Lodge and

outside. Failing health led to his retirement from business about two years ago, and he removed to

Auckland, in the hope of deriving benefit from the warmer climate. This however, was not realised,

and he passed away on the 9th January. His body was taken to New Plymouth, where, at the

request of Lodge Stratford and in accordance with Bro. Watson's expressed wish, Masonic burial

was accorded. The service was conducted by R.W. Bro. F. P. Corkill, P.P.G.M., assisted by V.W.

Bro. Archdeacon Evans, P.G. Chaplain. W. Bro. F. S. Johns, P.M., acting as Precentor. The W.Ms.

of Ngamotu and Stratford Lodges were accompanied by a number of P.Ms. and brethren of both

those Lodges.

————————

M.W. BRO. SIR SAMUEL WAY, G.M. SOUTH AUSTRALIA AGED 79.

————

One of the best known figures in Australian Freemasonry has passed away, in the person of Bro.

Rt. Hon. Sir Samuel Way, for many years the G.M. of the G.L. of South Australia. He was born at

Portsmouth, England, in 1836. He was called to the South Australian Bar in 1861, and made Q.C.

in 1871. He was elected to the House of Assembly in 1875, and was made Chief Justice in 1876.

The only Judges in the British Empire senior in judicial service to Sir Samuel Way are Chief Baron

Niles, of Ireland, and Lord de Villiers, of South Africa. He had been Lieutenant-Governor of South

Australia since 1890, and had administered the Government of South Australia eleven times

between 1877 and 1914. He had also frequently acted as Deputy-Governor for short periods. He

was created a baronet in 1899. It is quite safe to say that there was no brother throughout Australia

who was so beloved by Freemasons as the late Bro. Sir Samuel Way. What better epitaph can

possibly be bestowed?

————————

R.W. BRO. JOHN CONELLY, P.P.G.M.

————

Information comes to hand through the public press of the death of R.W. Bro. John Conelly,

P.Prov.G.M. of Marlborough, at Blenheim, on the 22nd January.

———————————

MASONIC CREED.

———<>———

[A Declaration of Beliefs Presented by Sidney Gilbreath, 32nd deg., at a Masonic Banquet at Johnston City,

Tenn.]

—————

1. The Mason believes in God, and in the Supreme Ruler are securely founded faiths and hopes. In the
God of our Rite are united all the perfected virtues of humanity and presided over by a supreme intelligence

and perfect wisdom. His justice and mercy are in equilibrium and absolute harmony. We adore, revere and

love Him, because He is worthy of adoration, reverence and love, and our highest privilege is to honour Him

by practising the virtues.

2. The Mason believes that his soul is immortal, and that escaping from its material dwelling, it shall, in
perfect freedom and with unending opportunities, continue throughout eternity the worthy tasks commenced

in life, and begin others not revealed in earth's visions. We believe the immortal soul begins its life at our

birth and that we must do nothing to degrade it, to dwarf its growth, or weaken its hopes and aspirations

while its habitation is human.

3. The Mason believes in religion—in the positive religion that finds its highest expresson in doing good,
not merely because it is a duty, but because it gives joy; a religion that not only accepts right, but wars

against wrong ; a religion that acknowledges the Fatherhood of God in the practice of human Brotherhood.

4. The Mason believes in human friendships, and his brother is his second self, whose welfare lie guards
as he protects and guards his own. Through misfortune no estrangement comes, and adversity only

strengthens the bonds of affection. The memory of his friend is sacred, and he guards its honour as jealously

as he protects the good name of the living.

5. The Mason strives earnestly toward the mastery of his passions, but has forgiveness and charity for the
error of others. He dare not indulge in any excesses that would degrade his body, weaken his intellect, or

deform his soul. He lends a helping hand to a weaker brother, and points him to firmer foundations.

6. The Mason hears much, speaks little and acts well. For a good deed his memory reaches through
eternity, for a wrong or weakness forgetfulness comes with the sunset. The good name of a brother is sacred,

and within his own bosom are enfortressed the human frailties of the weak. For evil good is rendered, and

strength and superiority are captive to a neighbour's needs.

7. The Mason is a workman. He avoids idleness. He would become a master of industry and production.
The world—material, intellectual, social, spiritual—is the forge where nature is shaped, the factory where

minds are fashioned, the fields where the relationships of men are nurtured, the studio where souls are

polished, and in them all the Mason labours seeking the perfect man.

8. The Mason believes in purity of life; he protects virtue and guards the home. To the sacredness of
fatherhood and motherhood his truest allegiance is given, and the cry of the orphan and widow to him makes

the deepest appeal. To him the home, with all its joys or its griefs, its richness or its needs, its fullness or its

emptiness, is ever present with supreme claims.

9. The Mason is a champion of freedom—freedom in the national life, guaranteed by justice ; freedom in
work guarded by the good angels of temperance; freedom in thought and speech under the banners of

prudence ; freedom in conscience, with fortitude to meet the judgments of eternity.

10. The Mason believes in the absolute supremacy of the moral forces and that from their arbitrament there
can be no appeal. He believes that the three greatest of all the moral forces in the universe are Faith, which is

the only true Wisdom, and which is the very foundation of all government; Hope which is strength, and

which insures against failure in all the worthy ambitions of life ; and Charity, which is beauty, and which

alone makes possible the animated united effort of men in building with their fellow men the temples of a

more perfect life.

———————————

RITUALISTIC EXACTNESS.

———<>———

The elaborate ritual of Masonry is deserving of both a careful study and rendering by the members of the

Craft. The ceremony connected with the imparting of the several Degrees must be rightly observed in all its

parts if a due impression is to be made on the mind of the candidate. It detracts from the effect on any

Masonic service whenever the prescribed ritual is departed from, and the appointed ceremony is abridged or

added to in any important particulars. We recall occasions when we have seen the members of a Lodge

brought to mortification by the faulty text spoken by the officers in doing of the work, or when some mistake

in the arrangements has been the means of turning a solemn service into a farce. An ignorant or careless

method of procedure is always to be deprecated. The Lodge suffers, candidates have good reason to

complain, and injustice is done to genuine Masonry, whenever the details of ritualistic observance are made

of none effect. A perfect and intelligent rendering of the text, together with an exact conformity to well

considered usages and ceremony, will render attractive almost any portion of the Masonic ritual, while a

crude and mangled presentation of even the most interesting parts of the system will most surely disappoint

the expectations of cultivated minds. It follows, then, that the ritual of Masonry should command attention—

that it should be studied, understood, and rendered with precision, by those who have the conducting of

Lodge affairs. In this view it becomes important that the correct text shall be made authoritative and come

into general use, and that a uniform practice shall prevail in illustrating the varied ceremonial which belongs

to the ritual. The endeavour should be to have as much uniformity as possible in the conferring of degrees,

and setting forth of the principles of Masonry. Among Lodges and brethren there should always exist an

earnest feeling to ascertain the exact language and requirements or the ritual, and the aim should be to follow

the same with exceeding carefulness.

It is possible, however, to err in this direction. There are brethren who seem to imagine that Masonry is

nothing else but a system of rites and ceremonies, and that the proper formulating of a ritual is what holds the

institution together. They will become greatly exercised over the misuse of a word in the text, or some

variation in the ceremonial, and will be quick to notice and condemn the slightest deviation from what they

hold to be the ancient and authoritative ritual. Brethren of this stamp, we think, put too much stress upon

words whilst they unduly magnify customs and ceremonies, which after all are only the dress of ideas, or the

machinery by which work is done and results are reached. It is a good thing to have textual exactness in the

Lodge; to have a unity of work and ceremony in the unfolding of Masonry; but it is not well to expend too

much time or effort in this direction: certainly it is unwise to neglect more important matters for those of

secondary rank. Masonry cannot thrive and flourish on mere ritualistic exactness alone. It will live and thrive

notwithstanding the lack of entire uniformity and technical correctness of work, if it can but have an

intelligent membership, who shall comprehend the true genius of the institution as a moral and beneficent

force among men. Masonry is more than a system, and its power depends upon the character of its members

rather than upon their ritualistic acquirements.

—"Scottish Rite Bulletin."

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

Correspondence.

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

THE ADMISSION OF VISITORS.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.—In your issue of November 1st you publish an article headed "The Admission of

Visitors." The writer of the article lays stress on the- points that visitors must produce a certificate or be

vouched or How would you deal with the case of a brother who is a private in a military camp and wishes to

attend a Lodge meeting in the nearest town to the camp ? A kit bag is very apt to go astray, and naturally a

man thinks too much of his lodge certificate and apron to take it with him into camp with a good chance of

getting it lost. An officer, of course, has more room and more chance to look after his things. In the case of

our brothers in khaki, do you think that a strict, examination would suffice if they cannot produce a

certificate or be vouched for I am prompted to write this letter because I have seen actual cases of men in

khaki not being able to produce certificates, hut quite capable to prove themselves Masons under strict

examination, leaving the officers of the Lodge in a quandary as to whether to admit them or not.—Yours

fraternally

D. HEBENTON,

Box 120, Masterton, Lodge Masterton No. 19.

28th December, 1915.

[Rule 121 13. of C. is very explicit and no W.M. has any power to vary its provisions. While a soldier may

be liable to lose his diploma on service, there should be little or no risk in New Zealand camps.

Unfortunately, a recent experience shows the necessity of extra caution, not a modification.—ED. C.]

———————————

BOARDS OF ENQUIRY.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.—I see by the last copy of CRAFTSMAN that the idea of a directory of the various Boards

of Enquiry within the Dominion is suggested and approved of. Might I say that I think it is an excellent idea,

another link in the chain of our better organisation, and anything that will help to that is well worth adopting.

It should prove a good source of enquiry to a Board seeking information could the directory be made at all

complete, for it sometimes happens that one has to seek information outside his own district and province,

and hardly knows where to apply ; the Secretary of another Board might be the very thing did he know of

him. As a contribution I beg to • forward some particulars of our little circle, which started in 1905, and has

filled what might well be termed "a long felt want." It is formed of the three Lodges working in New

Plymouth, the Mount Egmont Lodge, No. 670, the De Burgh Adams Lodge, No. 446, I.C., the Ngamotu

Lodge, No. 48. At their respective elections each year two members are appointed by each Lodge to

represent it on the Board of Enquiry for the ensuing year, and these six elect a President and Secretary. All

applications for admission, either by initiation or affiliation, within the three Lodges, is passed on to the

Board, which has to investigate and report. Our present Board consists of W. Bros. H. J. M. Wells, W.M.,

and F. C. J. Bellringer. I .M., Mount Egmont Lodge, John Toms, W.M., W. F. Brooking, P.P.D.G.M., De

Burgh Adams Lodge, and E. W. Garner, W.M.. and F. S. Johns, P.M., of the Ngamotu Lodge. R.W. Bro.

Brooking is President, which at present also combines the office of Secretary (address, Robe Street, New

Plymouth), and we meet on the first Wednesday of each month. We have been in hopes of gathering in some

of the other Lodges around, but difficulty of representation seems to deter, although, if my information is

correct, other districts have Boards of Enquiry extending over a wide area, and find no difficulty in

satisfactory representation. I would like to know how they do it. I trust that the other Boards in the Dominion

will take up this matter and forward particulars for a complete directory, for I can see that it would be a

valuable source of information to all parties. We are all after the same thing, and if general knowledge of

each other could only conduce to consensus of opinion and unity of working we might make these Boards

much more useful than they are now. Heartily reciprocating the CRAFTSMAN'S seasonable greetings.—Yours

fraternally, W. F. BROOKING. Robe Street, New Plymouth,

10th January, 1916.

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

Poetry.

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

BROTHERHOOD.

———<>———

[By Edwin Markham].

The crest and crowning of all good,

Life's final star, is Brotherhood;

For it will bring again to Earth

Her long-lost poesy and mirth ;

Will send new light on every face

A kingly power upon the race.

And till'it comes we men are slaves,

And travel downward to the dust -of graves.

Come, clear the way, then, clear the way :

Blind creeds and kings have had their day.

Break the dead branches from the path.

Our hope is in the aftermath—

Our hope is in heroic men,

Star-led to build the worli again.

To this event the ages ran :

Make way for-Brotherhood—make way for man.

———————————

THE PALACE.

———<>———

[Rudyard Kipling].

When I was King and a Mason—a Master proven and skilled-

I cleared me ground for a Palace such as a King should build.

I decreed and dug down to my levels. Presently, under the silt,

I came on the wreck of a Palace such as a King had built.

'there was no worth in the fashion—there was no wit in the plan—

Hither and thither, aimless. the ruined footings ran—

Masonry. brute. mishandled, but careen on every stone :

'After me cometh a Builder. Tell him, I too have known."

Swift to my use in my trenches, where my well-planned ground-works grew,

I tumbled his quoins and his ashlars, and cut and reset them anew,

Lime I milled of his marbles; burned it, slacked it, and spread,

Taking and leaving at pleasure the gifts of the humble dead.

Yet I despised not nor gloried; yet, as we wrenched them apart,

I read in the razed foundations the heart of that builder's heart.

As he had risen and pleaded, so did I understand

The form of the dream he had followed in the face of the thing he had planned.

When I was a King and a Mason—in the open noon of my pride,

They sent me a Word from the Darkness—They whispered and called me aside.

They said—"The end is forbidden." They said—"Thy use is fulfilled.

Thy Palace shall stand as that other's—the spoil of a King who shall build."

I called my men from my trenches, my quarries, my wharves, and my sheers.

All I had wrought I abandoned to the faith of the faithless years.

Only I cut on the timber—only I carved on the stone :

"After me cometh a Builder. Tell him, I too have known."

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

A CANTERBURY VISITATION.

———<>———

On 13th January Lodge St. Augustine No. 99, at the invitation of Lodge St. Martin, Pleasant Point, paid a

fraternal visit and worked a Third Degree for Lodge St.' Martin. The visit had been brought about through

the instrumentality of W. Bro. Brydone, a P.M. of Lodge St. Martin, who some time ago became a resident

of Waimate. The W. brother had excited the curiosity of his Lodge in the matter of Lodge St. Augustine's

working of the Third Degree, and the upshot was an invitation to No. 99 to visit the Point. The W.M. of

Lodge St. Augustine, W. Bro. Thos. Manchester, is a keen Mason and a good workman, and enlisting the

sympathies of his officers and some of the brethren, some sixteen of them set out in four cars driven

respectively by the W.M. himself, S.W. Bro. Jas. Manchester, J.D. Bro. Beckett, and W. Bro. Brydone. The

afternoon was very hot and a strong nor'-wester was blowing, yet in spite of wind and weather the distance of

42 miles was accomplished in very good time. On arrival the visitors were met by the W.M., W. Bro.

Stewart, and the Secretary, W. Bro. McPherson, Pro.G.S.W., and others, and conducted to the Lodge room,

where a short rehearsal was gone through.

In the evening Lodge St. Martin was opened by the W.M. and the W.M. officers and brethren were received

in the First Degree. Greetings having been exchanged, W. Bro. Stewart handed the gavel to W. Bro.

Manchester with the request that he and his officers would carry out the work of the evening. The officers of

Lodge St. Augustine having taken their respective chairs, a brother was raised to the degree of a M.M. by W.

Bro. Manchester, assisted by the officers of his Lodge, as follows :—Ob., W. Bro. Manchester ; Retro. and

1st part 'LH. W. Bro. Menzies • Prayer, Chaplain Bro. Creiser ; Emb. and 'Secrets' W. Bro. Shackleton;

Continuation of T.H., T.B. and Signs, W. Bro. A. J. Hoskins; W.Ts., S. W. Bro. Jas. Manchester; and Final

Charge, W. Bro. Colville.

W. Bro. Manchester, in presenting the V. of S.L., on which he had been obligated, to Bro. Agnew, urged

upon him to follow its precepts, for its teachings would enable him to become a true and good Mason. The

evening being so hot and the Lodge somewhat limited in size made the room rather uncomfortable, yet in

spite of this drawback the working was carried out smoothly and cleanly.

In the "Fourth" the toasts and speeches were somewhat contracted owing to the lateness of the hour and the

desire of the Waimate brethren to get on the road home. After the Loyal Toasts, W. Bro. Stewart proposed

the health of W. Bro. Manchester; who in his reply thanked the officers and brethren of Lodge St. Martin for

the invitation to work the Degree, and invited the W.M. to bring down a complement to work a Degree in

Waimate. W. Bro. Manchester was entrusted with the toast of the candidate, cud though, as he said, he knew

nothing about him personally, he congratulated him on the manner in which he had gone through the Degree,

and from that he judged he would make a valuable member of the Craft. Bro. Atmill (the Admiral) was

entrusted with the toast of the Returned Troopers and spoke eloquently of their work. The only representative

present, Bro. Aitken, of Lodge St. Martin, briefly replied. Other toasts were the Visitors, proposed by Rev.

Bro. Hanson, Our Brethren at the Front, and the Tyler's Toast. After enjoying the hospitality of the Point

brethren, the Waimate brethren, amid a hearty send-off, left about 11.35 p.m. for home, which was reached

after sundry breakdowns on the part of sonic of the cars, about 1.45 a.m.—LODGE CORRESPONDENT.

[We reciprocate our correspondent's good wishes.—ED. C.]

———————————

FOR THE EMPIRE.

———<>———

Mother, with unbowed head

Hear thou across the sea

The farewell of the dead,

The dead who died for thee.

Greet them again with tender words and grave.

For, saving thee, themselves they could not save.

To keep the house unharmed

Their fathers built so fair,

Deeming endurance armed

Better than 'brute despair.

They found the secret of the word that saith,

"Service is sweet, for all true life is death."

So greet thee well thy dead

Across the homeless sea,

And be-thou comforted

Because they died for thee.

Far off they served, but now their deed is done,

For evermore their life and thine are one.

—HENRY NEWBOLT.

In selecting the subject for our 1316 calendar—Australasia's Sacrifice for the Empire—our aim has been to

perpetuate in an artistic form Australia and New Zealand's awakening and entry into nationhood. We have

endeavoured to portray the sentiment that Sir Henry Newbolt, the English poet, has so ably expressed in the

above verses. The gallant part played by our manhood in the fight for Empire and Honour is a subject worthy

of perhaps abler treatment, but that is a matter we respectfully leave to your judgment. If our calendar serves

its purpose in bringing home Australasia's sacrifice for all that every Britisher holds dear, then our

endeavours will not have been in vain. It is an Australian production, from a painting by Mr. Ambrose

Patterson.

DUNLOP RUBBER CO. OF AUST., LTD.

[THE CRAFTSMAN acknowledges with thanks receipt of this very handsome calendar.]

———————————

" BUSINESS AS USUAL."

———<>———

[By the Junior Steward, in the South African "Masonic Journal."]

Scene I., 8.30 te.m. :

"Dad," said little Lewis, "what does it mean when people put up a card in their window with 'Business as

usual' on it ?"

"As usual during the alteration of the map, my son," returned paterfamilias.

"Do you mean during the war ?" pursued the enquiring mind.

"That's it. You see, Kaiser Bill would like to smash our trade, but he can't do it. We've got the ships and got

the men and got the money, too."

"My teacher says that's why people are called Jingoes, because of that song," said Lewis.

"Your teacher knows too blamed much," said pater, with sudden heat.

There was a pause. "Do you find business as usual, dad ?" said young hopeful, tactfully changing the subject.

"Can't grumble. Kaiser Bill's put more than one little thing in my way."

"Dear," said his wife, suddenly looking up from her letters, "don't forget to give me the church subscription

before you go. I promised Mr. Goodly I would have it ready to-day.

"Well, you can just tell Mr. Goody-goody he'll have to put up with half-a-crown in future; in these times—

eh? Oh, don't begin arguing about it; he's got to make sacrifices like the rest of us. I can't subscribe to

everything. There's the Belgian Fund and the Governor-General's Fund, and all the rest of them."

'Very well, dear, I must tell him. The Church Treasurer told me the other day that they owe him two months'

salary." "By Jove, he's got a hope ! Well, I must be off. Don't forget my dress shirt."

"Oh, is it Lodge to-night? Of course, yes! Will you want anything when you get back?"

Not to eat. You might see that the soda-water's made, though. And if the whisky's low, just send Lewis round

to the Bottle Store with a note."

"Whisky as usual, dad?" said Lewis.

"Now, look here, young feller : I don' want quite so many of your funny remarks. If you're not careful, you'll

find your seating arrangements upset for the next day or two."

Scene II , 8.30 p.m. :

"Well, brethren, you have heard this very earnestly-worded circular from the Benevolent Fund for Aged

Freemasons. What is the Lodge going to do about it? Will some brother put forward a proposition?"

"Worshipful Master, I beg to propose that we do nothing in the matter for the present. We are all—all, I

think—doing our little best for those who fight our battles in the field, and it is only right that we should

make the War Funds our first consideration. Only this morning I told my wife, when she wanted a

subsbription for the church, that we really must cut it down. So it is with this. We as a Lodge may rightly feel

proud, Worshipful Sir, of the manner in which we have supported the District Grand Master's War Fund. But

we cannot do everything."

"Worshipful Master, I beg to second the proposition. This is a time when we ought to consider most carefully

before we spend a penny unnecessarily—still more before we rashly issue subscription lists."

"Any other proposition, brethren? All agreed ? Agreed, Bro. Secretary."

Any accounts, Brother Treasurer ?"

"Green and Morison, seven-fifteen-six, Worshipful Master; Mineral Water Factory, one-fifteen-six ; Cash

Grocery Store, two-twelve-eight that's all."

"Brethren, these accounts have been before the Standing Committee and are in order. I will thank some

brother to move their adoption."

. . . "Carried, Brother Secretary."

Scene III., 10.30 p.m.

"Brethren, the Worshipful Master has entrusted me with a toast that is always highly honoured in this Lodge.

When I look about me, and see so many visitors around our festive board, I am proud to reflect that whatever

may happen on the fields of Belgium and France, Masonry, at least, cannot be killed. Brother Visitors, we

are glad to welcome you, and on behalf of the Lodge I assure you that whenever you think fit to honour this

Lodge, you will find, if I may say so, 'Business as usual. '"

———————————

DEATH OF THE EARL OF SEAFIELD,

———<>———

A NATIVE OF NEW ZEALAND.

The deepest sorrow was expressed throughout the north when it became known that James Ogilvie-Grant,

eleventh Earl of Seafield, Chief of the Clan Grant, and a captain in the 5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders,

had died in France on Friday as the result of wounds received in action.

A telegram was received by the family from the chaplain of the Casualty Clearing Station stating that Lord

Seafield was dangerously wounded and not recovering. 'This was confirmed later by a telegram from the

War Office announcing that death took place on Friday, and expressing very deep regret:

The Earl was shot in the head, but whether it happened when at the head of his company or from a single

bullet is not yet known. But he died in hospital shortly after being wounded.

Dr. Cumming Grant, of the Clan, and a personal friend of the late Earl, has been in touch with the War

Office and the Prime Minister with the view of having the body brought home to Scotland for burial. There

are difficulties in the way, however, and no definite arrangements have yet been made.

This is the first occasion on which a Chief of the Clan Grant has fallen in battle, deceased being the thirtieth

Chief of the Clan, and eleventh Earl of Seafield.

There is now no Earl of Seafield living, but deceased's eldest brother is Baron of Strathspey. His daughter,

Lady Nina, becomes Countess of Seafield, and it is understood the vast estates are held in trust for her till she

attains the age of 40.

INTEREST IN FREEMASONRY.

The late Earl was Prov. G.M. of Elgin and Moray. In that capacity he had done really excellent work among

the Lodges, and the brethren of the Province greatly deplore his loss. Pathetic interest attaches to the letters

he recently sent to the Prov.G.Sec., Mr. J. B. Maim, M.V.O., these letters showing that in the stress of war he

was mindful of the interests of Freemasonry.

On September 7 the Earl wrote

"Dear Bro. Mair,—I have not heard from you for some time regarding our Lodges in the Province, I hope

everything is going on well. Please convey my fraternal greetings to our brethren in Lodge as opportunity

offers. If not already done, I think it a good idea for each Lodge to have a roll of honour of those brethren

serving their country, and these who have been killed and wounded. This to be read in open Lodge and

preserved. It is only right that some record should be preserved and kept of those Masonic brethren who are

now doing their duty for future generations—lest we forget. I merely put forward this suggestion, and I hope

it will meet with the approval of the brethren. Later on we may be able to discuss some form of memorial to

our fallen brethren.—Yours fraternally

"(Sgd.) Seafield."

Another letter followed on September 17 :

"Dear Bro. Mair,—I have received your letter of 13th inst., with enclosures. I am glad that my suggestion

was well received by the brethren, and I hope that a complete roll will be made. It will be useful for future

generations, especially so as later on our charitable funds may be called upon to aid the widows and children

of those brethren who have given their lives for their King and country. I am very much indebted indeed to

Dr. Cameron for looking after my work for me. Will you please tell him so from me? We are all very happy

out here and have just come out of the trenches, where we have been for a spell. The life is grand and

healthy, and I have never felt better in my life. I shall be glad to hear from you from time to time, and with

my fraternal greetings to the brethren, yours fraternally,

"(Sgd.) Seafield."

The final letter, addressed from Belgium, was written on November 2. It was in the following terms :

"Dear Bro. Mair, — I have received your letter enclosing minutes of last quarterly meeting. I am very

grateful indeed at the warm reception my suggestion has remixed, and I may now leave it entirely in the

hands of brethren in Lodge. Kindly thank the brethren for their good wishes so very kindly expressed

towards me, and say that I hope sooner or later to take my place amongst them for the good of Masonry and

our mutual benefit. I am indeed sorry to hear of Dr. Cameron's indisposition, and hope that very soon he will

be strong and well again. Kindly convey to him any fraternal greetings and best wishes for his speedy

recovery. I have read the minutes of the last meeting with interest and agree with all that you have done. I

hope to run home for a few days' leave soon.—Yours fraternally "(Sgd.) Seafield."

THE EARL'S CAREER.

James Ogilvie-Grant, the eleventh Earl of Seafield (Baron Strathspey of the United Kingdom), was born on

April 18, 1876, in New Zealand. Although he succeeded to the title at the age of twelve years, when his

father died, his accession to the estates took place only some three years ago upon the death of Caroline,

Countess Dowager of Seafield, mother of the eighth Earl. The eighth Earl died in 1884, young and

unmarried, and as the estate had been disentailed by his father, he left it to his mother, who administered it

until her death. The title, in default of direct issue, passed in that year to a distant cousin, the third son of the

sixth Earl. This cousin, James Ogilvie-Grant, who sat in Parliament for Elgin and Nairn from 1868 to 1874 (a

position in which he was followed by the late Duke of Fife), became ninth Earl, an empty honour without the

estates. His son, after service as a midshipman in the Navy and later in the mercantile marine, had gone out

to New Zealand and settled there as a farmer near Oamaru, He married Ann Trevor Cory, only daughter of

Major Evans, of Cleencavin, in the Otago County, New Zealand. When his father died in June, 1888, he

became the tenth Earl of Sea-field. He did not come back to this country, and only lived for some six months

after his accession to the title. He was succeeded by his son, whose death is announced. From 1884,

therefore, until the death of Caroline, Countess Dowager, in the autumn of 1911, the title and the property

were divorced. By her will, dated September 19, 1891, with ten additions coveting a period up to July 26,

1911; the Countess Caroline left her estate (certain charitable and other bequests excepted) in the hands of

trustees to be preserved for the heirs who would thereafter succeed to the style and title of Earl of Seafield.

The purposes of the trust, after payment of expenses, burdens, improvements, etc., was to make provision for

the then Earl (the eleventh) and for his successor in the title. Provisions were also made for the Earl's wife

and children, should he predecease them (as he has done), and for the widow and younger children of Francis

William, the tenth Earl. After the reduction of heritable debts, the trustees were directed to entail the estates

on the Earl of Seafield for the time and his successors in the title.

In June, 1898, the eleventh Earl married Nina, daughter of Dr. J. H. Townend, and there is one child of the

marriage, Lady Caroline Ogilvie-Grant, who was born in 1306. The Earl and his Countess arrived at Castle

Grant in the last week of July, 1912, and the celebrations in honour of the homecoming expressed the

wholeheartedness of the welcome given by the tenantry, feuars, and employees on the estates. Since then,

although he took his share in the public work of the district, the Earl lived rather quietly. The Countess Nina

has been very active in organising various branches of work for the comfort of the forces in the field. The

Earl was a Deputy- Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace of the counties of Banff, Moray, and Inverness. His

residences in the north were Cullen House, Banffshire; Castle Grant, Morayshire; and Balmacaan, Inverness-

shire.

The family of Grant is one of the oldest, and for centuries was one of the most prominent in the north of

Scotland. The late Earl represented the 25th generation in male descent from Sir Laurence Grant, who was

Sheriff of Inverness in 1255. The family of Seafield, to whose principal title and estates the chief of the Clan

Grant succeeded in the year 1811, traces its descent from a younger son of the house of Airlie, in the 15th

century, and hence the name Ogilvie. Fatality has pursued the heads of the family in recent years. Ian

Charles, only son of the 7th Earl, died after he had held the title and estates only three years; the 9th Earl,

who did not succeed to the estates, bore the title only three years ; and his son, the 10th Earl, only six

months. The late Earl, who was 39, and had, as stated, been head of the house for 27 years, has died only

four years after his succession to the family property.—"Northern Scotsman," 20th November.

———————————

VEN. ARCHDEACON EVANS APPOINTED TO S.S. " MAHENO."

———<>———

V.W. Bro. Archdeacon Evans, P.G. Chaplain, has been offered and accepted appointment as Anglican

Chaplain on the "Maheno" hospital ship, which left a few days ago on her second voyage of mercy. In an

admirable editorial the "Taranaki Herald" expresses the opinion that no better selection could have been

made, the earnestness, sympathy, and enthusiasm of the Archdeacon stamping him as specially fitted for the

special duties which will devolve upon him. Our V.W. brother has for many years been actively connected

with the volunteer and territorial forces, is chaplain of the 11th (Taranaki) Regiment, and now ranks as

Colonel. On his departure from New Plymouth the W.M. and a number of P.Ms. and officers of Ngamotu

Lodge manifested their affection for our brother by turning out to see him off by the early train. We join with

the Taranaki brethren in wishing him Godspeed and a safe return.

———————————

ENGLAND AND ITS ALLIES AS FREEMASONS.

———<>———

By FRED ARMITAGE

———

[Written for the "American Freemason" by the author of The Masonic Lodges of the World."]

———

[Some two months ago Bro. Armitage gave explanation in these pages of action taken by the G.L. of

England in excluding, during the period of war, brothers of enemy birth. Now, in response to a further

question, this kindly and eminently qualified brother sets forth the English position as to the Masonry

of the countries with which Great Britain is allied. The information thus presented is of great value.

The article is, by arrangement, published simultaneously in the "American Freemason" and in the

"Freemason of London."—Editor "American Freemason."]

Having in a previous number of the "American Freemason" given my views as to our relations as

Freemasons with the members of the German Lodges, I am now asked by the editor to continue the subject

by a brief account of our relations with the Lodges of our Allies, which I proceed to do.

I may remind my readers that those G.Ls. which are officially recognised by the G.L. of England— and

without which recognition English Freemasons are not allowed to admit into their Lodges brethren of other

countries — are contained in the Official Year Book issued annually by our G.L. Now, it must be a matter of

grave thought for the future—when these stirring times subside and we are at peace, and we shake hands

with all those whose friendship we have enjoyed in time of deep peril —that not one of our Allies is joined

with us in the bonds of Masonic brotherhood, except France to a very slight extent, as I shall shortly show,

and Italy. Neither Russian, Serbian, nor Belgian Freemasons are at present allowed to enter our Lodges, and

speedily our G.Ls. must awake to this almost perilous state of things, and the energies of our diplomatists in

Freemasonry must be aroused to enquire thoroughly into the causes of this, and find a thorough

rapprochement.

To deal with the mater in detail, let us start with Russia, where the whole Masonic trouble arises from the

action of the State. Though in 1732 Lodges were instituted in that country and went on for ninety years, they

were at last, in 1822, suspected of being used as training-grounds for revolutionary societies, and in that year

an ukase was issued forbidding them to exist in Russia, since which time they have not been known there.

Whether the lapse of nearly a century has altered the complexion of matters, and whether Lodges can now be

safely allowed to be re-established, is a matter for the Tsar and his advisers. We can only hope that the new

era, which must dawn upon Russia at the conclusion of this great war, may bring with it fresh ideas on this

most important subject ; that Freemasonry may again be established in Russia, and that the brethren there

may have as great influence in the cause of the education of the young, as our large institutions for the boys

and girls exercise in this country.

As to Serbia, the matter is at present in a nutshell, for there is only one Lodge in that country, to be found at

Belgrade, under the guardianship of the G.L. of Hamburg.

Italy, of course, has always suffered because of the unreasoning ban placed by the Pope upon the Craft there.

In 1862 the present G. Orient of Italy was founded at Rome, and at present possesses 350 Lodges, which

mostly have devoted themselves to the working of the higher degrees.

The most important of all of the systems must be that of our beloved ally France, which for many years was

also allied to us in the interests of the Craft. The recognition of the guiding care of a Supreme Being has

always been one of the fundamental of our Constitutions, though the greatest latitude as to the nature of the

God worshipped by our brethren has been allowed, and no impediment has been found in the admission of

men of all religions, though we have never admitted as a brother a man with no religion, and no God.

Why the French G.L. should have invited trouble on this point, it is at the present time difficult to find out,

but the feet remains that they did; for, in 1877, they altered their Constitutions by stating that they considered

metaphysical conceptions as belonging exclusively to the individuality of its members, and refused to accept

any dogmatic affirmation. With this declaration the Bible, and all other Sacred Books, were abolished from

their Lodges, though doubtless most of the members had, and still have, a belief in God. It was a very

pitiable thing to do, and brought upon them inevitably, in 1878, the implied censure of the English G.L.,

which then resolved that, with such an altered body of rules, it was impossible for the two G.Ls. to attempt to

fraternise, for the common basis of thought was gone. So for nearly forty years this lamentable state of things

has gone on, and the Frenchman and Englishman, good friends as they have always been, with common joys

and common sorrows, and with great visions of the entente cordiale in politics, social friendships, and

business relations, yet broke down in Freemasonry, and knew not one another in that sphere.

To-day another generation of Frenchmen has arisen, and they know, as we do, that this state of things cannot,

and must not, last ; and even to-day things have been attempted to be altered. Two French-speaking Lodges

have been founded in London for some years, working under our English banner, of the Lodge of

Instruction, of which I have myself been admitted as a member, and I am struck with their fraternal bearing

and facility in rendering our ritual in French. More important still is the fact that, two or three years ago, a

new French G.L. was instituted in France, with a Constitution similar to our own. The G.L. of England has

recognised this new G.L. of France, and it has been included in our present Year Book. Let us hope,

however, that at the end of this war the older Grand Orient in Paris may look into the points of departure of

forty years ago, and so arrange the Constitution that we may be able in future to meet all French Masons on a

common basis, to work for the good of the grand principles of the Craft.

With reference to Belgium, while no recognitiion is given to its authority in our Year Book, the reason is not

easy to find, as we know of no difficulty of the same kind as with the French Body, and we understand that

the Bible takes its place in their Lodges. There is one very distinguished Belgian Mason who has been

admitted as a member of a well-known London Lodge, with the consent of our G.L., and it is difficult to

understand why this should have been allowed by that body if there was anything amiss in his qualifications

from our English point of view. This Belgian question is certainly another matter which must be speedily

inquired into, and set right by our English body, which aims at the Brotherhood of all Men under the

Fatherhood of God.

———————————

PLEA OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE NETHERLANDS

TO FREEMASONS OF THE WORLD.

———<>———

[I am indebted to Beo. G. C. Valette, editor of "L'Union Fraternelle," of s'Gravenhage, Holland,

for the following important document. Our brothers of the Netherlands, placed where the sounds

of great conflict are to be heard over their frontiers, are yet capable of calmly looking forward to

the return of peace, and of estimating the important work that Freemasonry of the world should

be prepared to take up in. aiding to heal and reconcile the peoples. This message, addressed to

the Craft of the neutral nations, is one of inspiration, of incitation to utmost effort. Our readers

will also thank Bro. Valette for his careful translation into English, as here given. Editor

"American Freemason. "]

The terrible war now raging over the greater part of Europe, and even over a portion of Asia, has confused

not only the economical and social life of the nations, but it has also most seriously interrupted the brotherly

relations heretofore existing amongst Freemasons of the various countries.

At the very moment when many of the most seriously-thinking Freemasons, cherishing the highest ideals of

the Craft, had hoped that the time was come to advocate the establishment of a real international Masonic

union, there was interruption. There was the reasonable expectation that thinking brothers in all countries

would succeed in so composing differences dividing the grand powers of Masonry, that in 1917 they might,

without any exception, send their delegates to London to join in solemn celebration of the second centenary

jubilee of the foundation of the fraternity in its present form. Then came the great world war, destroying

many such beautiful dreams and for the time being obscuring the ideals to which we had held.

To the superficial view it appears now that the brethren of the European nations are farther separated from

each other than ever before. Moreover, the utterances, even of the Masonic press of these countries, reveal

the national bitternesses between the countries at war, so violent and passionate that one might doubt

whether brotherly relations can ever again be restored between them.

Yet even those brothers who seem to be foremost in the national enmities will freely acknowledge, in their

true and in-most hearts, that the Masonic creed does not tolerate present conditions, or the continuance of an

unfraternal relation between brethren. The material losses which war has brought to the whole world are

incalculable. And not less great in loss are the utterances of spiritual and moral depression, and even of

despair, that can be heard, even in the neutral countries.

After the conclusion of peace it will be more necessary than ever before that there shall be found an

institution capable of giving guidance to public opinion. There will be need of an organised body looking

forward with faith and hope, even in the midst of a general perplexity, to a better future—having firm

conviction that the highest moral ideals of humanity and progress will finally prevail. There is no cause for

despair, though just now such ideals are hardly to be recognised, because of the bewilderment of the nations.

When the time shall have come there can be no other than the institution of Freemasonry that can take up and

carry on the necessary work.

It is the present task of Freemasonry to project the necessary measures, so that there may be established in

the near future a durable relationship between the different Grand Powers of the fraternity. In such

adjustments, however, it is understood from the first that each shall preserve untrammelled freedom of

thought and action, holding without question or criticism to their points of view on all controverted

questions.

We do indeed cherish the hope that Freemasonry will be able to reach its aim. The great war,

notwithstanding the immeasurable misery it brings, is bringing this great profit also, that all the well-minded

among men, and notably among them the Freemasons of the various countries, will see at last that they are at

one in interest and destiny. Masons will realise that the Craft is one, and that only in perfect union and

universal esteem and aid can strength sufficient for its work be sought. From those whose entire powers of

body and mind are now given to the defence of country, and the cause which they have espoused, we cannot

ask that they will occupy themselves with the question of what is to be done for the restoration of the broken

relations of brotherhood. The utmost we can hope, from them is that they will not give way to a bitterness to

great for healing. We must be satisfied if brothers of the countries at war can realise that the separation is but

temporary. Then we can expect that with the restoration of peace they will at once give their aid to the

bringing together of the severed ties of brotherhood.

But now we ask that Freemasons of the neutral countries take up the task of preparation, conserving the

fraternal relationship so that when the time shall come, the institution can reach its aim without waste of time

or effort. The conviction that this can and should be done has given our General Committee the courage to

come to brothers of the neutral countries with this question : Will your G.L. and your Lodge be willing at

once to undertake with us consideration of the means necessary to reach the end indicated?

It will give to the G.L. of the Netherlands a great satisfaction if we can arouse among the brothers of the

neutral countries a deep interest in this all-engrossing question. It will further afford us a real pleasure if we

can gain from the G.Ls. and from the brothers generally the assurance that they will cooperate with us, and to

know that there is throughout the entire Craft of the world a community of thought and sympathy in the

object we hope to attain. To our brothers in all the countries, whether neutral or of the belligerent powers, we

offer our assurances of high esteem and regard.

This document is officially issued, is separately addressed to the different G.Ls. and other governing bodies

of Masonry, and is formally signed by the G.M. and G.Sec. of the Netherlands Constitution. I am sure that

among the thoughtful brothers of the United States this appeal will evoke sympathetic response.—

[''American Freemason."]

———————————

A MASONIC IDEAL.

———<>———

[Address by Bro. Charles H. Jacobson, 33 deg.]

————

The great purpose of Masonry is the pursuit of an ideal. Victor Hugo has said that "Under every civilisation

there sleeps-a volcano. " If the great Frenchman spoke truly, then it must be fed by lost end greed,

intemperance, contempt for law and decency, morality and truth. We, who are gathered here to-night, are

picked men, chosen supposedly for worth, honour, morality, and meritorious service in the great cause of

spiritual, moral, and intellectual progress and enlightenment —factors that are absolutely essential to the

attainment of the ideal. Some of us who are here have been crowned with the highest honour of the rite,

others no less worthy are waiting at the threshhold ; but, my brethren, none of us, through all the steps of his

mystic journey, ever felt his heart swell and thrill with a higher sense of pride and gratification than when

standing in the north-east corner of the Lodge to all appearances a just mid upright man and Mason. Then

and there was born within him the high resolve to be always, and under all circumstances, what he then

appeared. Have the passing years, with the temptations and allurements of life, left the lamb-skin with, which

he was then clothed as pure and spotless as when the wondrous beauty of Masonic life first appeared before

his opened eyes?

Too often this emblem of innocence has decorated vice and immorality; too often it has served as a covering

for hypocrisy, selfishness, and cruel greed, and too seldom has one with righteous courage stood boldly forth

and driven the offender from our temples. The principles of Masonry are of the highest, deepest, and most

comprehensive nature. They are immutable and eternal because they are of Truth itself, which is God, and

Light, which is the bright radiance of His loving smile and benediction; but the principles of Masonry are

quite a different thing from the individual lives and acts of Masons, and therein is the weak link in an

otherwise perfect chain. Our friends, neighbours, and the world at large base their opinion of our institution

upon the lives and acts of its members, and just as our lives and acts in the world, in our business, social, and

political relations, shall reflect and accord with the principles and teachings of Masonry, just as we shall

stand upright by the plumb, conscious of the purity of our motives, meeting each other and all men on the

common level of humanity before God, squaring our every act and word by the perfect square of Truth,

Right and Justice, and covering all with the soft and gracious mantle of Charity; just in like measure will our

influence, and the influence, power and usefulness of Masonry increase and spread among men, and so in

strict equity will the light of God's beneficence shine for us in the life to come, rewarding each according as

he deserves reward.

The mantle of Charity is broad and ample, but it is not broad enough nor ample enough that we may with

impunity suffer sin and wrong to spread and feed beneath its gracious folds. But, my brethren, the world is

growing better day by day. The rising sun of every opening dawn shines upon a better, sweeter, purer world

than that on which it set. On every side we see evidences that men are striving to fulfill the greatest of all

commands, "Love one another." Slowly, but surely, with a force irresistible in its dynamic power, is that

marvellous sermon, spoken twenty centuries ago in far-off Judea, coming down to us, permeating the souls

and consciences of men with an insatiable longing for good, the true and the beautiful. Slowly but surely

men are learning that love is stronger to overcome than hate, and forgiveness bringeth ever a sweeter solace

than revenge. It needs no spirit of prophecy to see down through the future and predict the dawn of the

newer, fairer, and better day, whose rising sun, radiant with the splendour Of God's promise, shall illuminate

the nations of men, softening their hearts, through the wondrous alchemy of love into complete accord with

the harmonies of God. Then shall every man's heart, in perfect unison with the Divine, be attuned to

Heaven's sweetest symphonies.

We, who have been honoured above our fellows, are marked men. The white light that shines upon exalted

station beats upon us : our words, our acts, our examples, are commented upon, and only as we shall measure

up to the highest possible standard of excellence will we be worthy of the laurels gained, for though elevated

in rank, yet we are simply Masons, members of the grandest brotherhood the world has ever known, standing

on a common level with the E.A., merely his equal in the eyes of God. The duties of life, which are more

than life, remain to be done. In proportion as we shall faithfully perform those duties will the temple rise,

beauteous, harmonious, symmetrical, in perfect equilibrium, majestic, glorious, towards Heaven. The Royal

Secret. The Masonic Ideal realised.

———————————

SHORTENING THE RITUAL.

———<>———

Now, the average man wants everything in tabloid form. He favours the short story rather than the lengthy

novel ; newspaper utterances must be measurably brief or he will not read them; if a sermon is 45 minutes or

more in length, he votes it tedious; even his amusements must be in vaudeville shreds, the sketchiest kind of

musical comedy or a short session of movie drama. The modern tendency in all lines is toward brevity, and

the same order that prevails in amusements, reading, church service, etc., is spreading to the work of the

Lodge.

In many of the minor fraternities rituals have been revised and shortened, repetitions eliminated, and

unnecessary diction cut out, resulting in a gain in coherence with no diminution in force or expressiveness.

Even the Masonic ritual in some grand jurisdictions has recently undergone an overhauling and pruning

which most Masons no doubt will agree is to its improvement, says the "Masonic Chronicler" (Chicago).

It is contended by many that some of the other Masonic bodies might profitably follow the example set by

the Lodge in the matter of simplifying and shortening certain sections of the ritual. The lectures could be

abridged, it is asserted, with a corresponding gain in clearness and great improvement in effectiveness. The

cutting out of unnecessary repetitions cannot possibly be viewed as laying sacrilegious hands upon the

hallowed work of our Masonian forefathers.

Notably is this need for abbreviation true as regards the ceremonies in the Capitular degrees. Harry W.

Harvey, D.G.H.P., speaking at York Chapter's Harvey Night not long ago, definitely took this view of the

matter and made an earnest plea for the sanction of all R.A. Masons to the proposed revision of the ritual by

which the work would be much shortened. He did not hesitate to express the belief that too much time was

taken up in the actual conferring of degrees, thereby necessitating the neglect of other lines of Masonic

endeavour, and voiced the opinion that the work should be arranged so that more time could be given to

other things fully as important as the ceaseless grinding of the degree mill.

The matter of revising the chapter ritual is now in the hands of a committee, and a large majority of R.A.

Masons will, no doubt, favour the adoption of an abridged form of the work when the matter comes up for

final approval at the session of the G. Chapter to be held here this autumn. —"Masonic Standard."

———————————

HAD TO STAND.

———<>———

The number of anecdotes that foreign papers print about Mark Twain shows how world-wide is the famous

humorist's popularity. In the course of one of his lecture trips Mark Twain arrived at a small town. Before

dinner he went to the barber's shop to be shaved.

"You are a stranger ?" asked the barber.

"Yes," Mark Twain replied. "This is the first time I've been here."

You chose a good time to come," the barber continued. "Mark Twain is going to read and lecture to-night.

You'll go, I suppose?"

"Oh, I guess so."

"Have you bought your ticket?"

"Not yet."

"But everything is sold out. You'll have to stand."

"How very annoying!" Alark Twain said, with a sigh. "1 never saw such luck! I always have to stand when

that fellow lectures!"

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AMBITIONS OF A YOUNG MASON.

———<>———

Practically every young Mason—by that term we mean the man who just recently became a Mason—has

ambitions. He may not admit it even to himself, but he inwardly wishes he could take part in the regular

workings of the Lodge. He sees enough while taking the degrees to instil in him a desire to be able to take

some part of the work of either conferring the degrees or the regular work of the Lodge, and his desire is a

commendable one. Furthermore, if his desire is sufficiently strong he will eventually take some part. There is

no excuse a brother can make that he has received no preferment or that he has never had a chance to do

anything in the Lodge. Such a remark is that of a lazy man. The man who never had a chance is the same one

who is always waiting for some one to bring around the sliver platter. Masonry is full of chances, and good

ones, too. If a brother will show that he is taking an interest in his Lodge and becomes proficient in certain

parts he will be given plenty of opportunity to do something. But he must try to be of some service.

—"Oklahoma Mason."

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DON'T GET DISCOURAGED.

———<>———

Don't get discouraged because you have made a mistake. There has never been a human being who did not

make some mistake. The best we can do is to try not to make the same mistake again. In this way, our work

will become more and more accurate, and we will become more and more reliable.

Don't get discouraged because you are blamed for something you did not do. Explain the matter in a

straightforward manner if you can; if you cannot do that, circumstances seeming to point to you as the guilty

party, just wait. Time will clear up the whole matter and exonerate you from all guilt.

Don't get discouraged because you seem to be standing still in your business life while others are forging to

the front. Do your duty faithfully and your opportunity will surely come and when you least expect it.

Don't get discouraged because others seem to be making e brilliant success of life, while you are only

making a moderate advancement. Meteors make a brilliant dash across the midnight sky, but they soon die

out and are heard of no more.

Don't get discouraged because you have lost your position through no fault of yours. Many a man has risen

from such an experience to Higher and better work than he would have gained if he had held the old place.

Don't get discouraged because people laugh at you and ridicule you when you are trying to do right. Every

successful man has had the same experience; in fact, it seems to be one of the prices we have to pay for

success.

Don't get discouraged about anything when you are striving to do your best. Everything will come out all

right and you will laugh to-morrow over the cares and worries of to-day.

—S. R. Bulletin.

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Reports.

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[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

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CRAFT LODGES.

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SOUTHLAND.

Taringatura, No. 100.—The last meeting of the year on the 20th December was, as is frequently the case,

but moderately attended. The special business was the passing of a brother. The ceremony was performed by

the W.M., Bro. David Welkin, assisted by W. Bros. Johnson (Ss.) and Roxburgh (Ancient Charge), while

Bro. H. Bear, S.W., presented the W.Ts. Two candidates were balloted for and accepted. The usual "washing

up" accounts, including G.L. half-yearly dues, were passed for payment, leaving the liabilities of the Lodge

at the beginning of the New Year nil. Re the art union tickets, it was decided that they lie in the Sec.'s hands

for sale to such brethren as apply for them. The feeling was that as the response of the brethren to the

M.W.G.M.'s appeal had been so generous—the total amount for the Lodge being now £80—it would be

unwise to make yet another appeal, even for the small sum of one shilling each, especially since so many of

our brethren gave, not only financially, but largely of their time and energies, to the other "War Fund"

movements carried on in the Southland district.

The monthly meeting on the 17th January was well attended. The usual routine business received attention.

Two candidates were balloted for and accepted, while one joining brother was proposed. Two candidates

were initiated by W. Bro. D. Walker, W.M., assisted by W. Bros. Graham (Ss.), Roxburgh (Charity Lecture),

Clark (Prep.), Johnson (Ancient Charge), and Bro. S. E. Griffiths, J.W. (W.Ts.). H.G.W. from visiting

brethren were received and acknowledged, and the Lodge closed at 10.25 p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———————————

OTAGO.

Kurow, No. 164.—There was a very good attendance at the Masonic Hall, Kurow, on 20th January, when

the Third Degree was ably and impressively carried out by the W.M., W. Bro. Ayson, assisted by the I.P.M.,

W. Bro. Taylor (Ss.); P.M. W. Bro. Hays, D. of C. (Exhort.); P.M. W. Bro. Appleby, Sec. (Light of a M.M.);

Bro. Barclay, S.D. (W.Ts.); W. Bro. Todd, P.M. 184 (T.H. and five signs); W.M. (Ob. and Final Charge).

The newly raised brother (Bro. J. Collins) is proceeding to the front, and leaves with the earnest wish of the

brethren that he will have a safe and honourable return after the war. A pleasant hour was spent in the

"Fourth."— (Lodge Correspondent.]

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CANTERBURY.

Unanimity, No. 3.—The W.M., W. Bro. J. A. Borthwick, presided over a large attendance at the January

meeting, that being his last night in the chair. The First Degree was worked, the W.M. being assisted by W.

Bro. Wilson (W.M. of Concord Lodge); W. Bro. Kent (acting W.M. of Conyers Lodge); W. Bro. Kiddey

(W.M. of Christchurch Lodge) ; and P.Ms. of the Lodge. There were also present the W.M. of Crown Lodge

(W. Bro. Tapping), and the W.M. of Ashley Lodge, Rangiora (W. Bro. B. A. McKeown). The election of

W.M. resulted in Bro. A. G. W. Pearson, S.W., being unanimously chosen, and a strong team of officers

were elected. The installation will be held on 1st February, and a promenade supper will be laid in the

refectory in lieu of the usual banquet.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Southern Cross, No. 6.—The monthly meeting was held at Kaiapoi on 6th January. The W.M., Bro. Thos.

Hoskin, presided over a good attendance of members. This was the first night for the last twelve months on

which there has been no Degree work, and the W.M. took advantage of the opportunity offered to ask W.

Bro. W. A. Gribble to deliver the lecture on the 1st T.B. There were a fair number of new members present,

and the explanation proved very interesting to them. Next Lodge night the lecture on the 2nd T.B. is to be

delivered, at the request of the Lodge, by the same brother. There being no business to conduct, the W.M.

opened the Lodge in the Third Degree, and afterwards closed down finally at 9.10 p.m. All the brethren

retired to the refectory, where a pleasant hour was spent. The usual toasts were duly honoured, and W. Bro.

Gribble proposed the toast of still another brother who is shortly to leave for Trentham and the front. The

evening was made more enjoyable by the presence of a really good collection of phonograph records, which

were played over and much appreciated by the brethren. The Tyler's toast brought to a close a very profitable

and enjoyable evening. W. Bro. Lieutenant A. L. Gray sends greetings from Anzac, and wishes to be

remembered to all his brethren. He states that he is still very busy dodging shells, bullets, and fleas. We trust

that he will be successful.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Progress, No. 22.—The annual meeting took place in the Masonic Hall, Southbridge, on 21st December.

The Lodge was opened at 7 p.m., a large number of brethren being present. Two brothers were passed to the

Second Degree at 8.30 p.m. The Prov. G.L. was admitted, and W. Bro. R. B. B. Willis, P.G.W., was

reinstalled as M. The ceremony was a short one, it not being necessary to open a B. of LM., but was

excellently done by R.W. Bro. Clifton-Bingham, P.P.G.M., who came from Christchurch, accompanied by

members of Prov.G.L. of Canterbury, and was I.M. in the place of R.W. Bro. John Thornton, D.P.G..M.,

who, we regret to say, has been seriously ill, and is not yet fully recovered. The W.Ts. in the three degrees

were formally and shortly presented by W. Bro. Wraight of Lodge Ahurewa, 181. W. Bro. Jambe of

Waihora, 141, and Bro. Walker, P.M. of Lodge Progress, respectively. The re-installed W.M. invested his

officers as follows :—S.W., Bro. J. S. Inwood, P.M.; J.W., Bro. C. H. Piper; Treas., Bro. E. G. Hubbard,

P.M. ; Sec., Bro. J. W. A. Walker., P.M.; S.D., Bro. J. H. M'Millan; J.D., Bro. A. Baxter; D.C., Bro. S. J.

Wickliff, P.M.; I.G., Bro. J. S. M'Clelland; Ss., Bros. E. F. Chapman and W. C. Hickman; Tyler, Bro. Joe

Hannah; Organist, Bro. A. J. Inwood, P.M. Before retiring from the Lodge the I.M. spoke in eulogistic terms

of the many years the W.M. had worked for the good of Freemasonry, and congratulated the brethren on

again having him as their head for another year. The W.M. suitably replied. The Lodge was closed in due

form at about 9.45 p.m., and after spending about half-an-hour in the refectory and partaking of some light

refreshment, the P.G.L. left for Christchurch.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [We cordially reciprocate W. Bro.

Willis's kind wishes.—ED. C.]

————

Christchurch, No. 91.—The monthly meeting was held in the St. Augustine Hall on 28th December, W.

Bro. W. E. Kiddey, M., presiding over a good attendance. Routine business and nominations for G.L.

officers having been dealt with, the ritual work, consisting of the passing of one brother, was proceeded with.

The candidate was obligated by the W.M., receiving from him the G.W. and I. of a F.C. The Charge in the

S.B. was delivered by W. Bro. J. Robertson, P.M.; the Apron Charge by W. Bro. Parke, P.M.; the W.Ts.

were explained by W. Bro. Jas. Henderson, P.M. ; and the Final Charge was delivered by the S.W., Bro.

Mitchell. The Lodge having been closed in due form, the members and visitors fraternised m the refectory, a

pleasant hour being spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

St. Augustine, No. 99.—An emergency meeting was held on 6th December to confer the degree of M.M. on

Bro. A. G. Benns, of Lodge Dunedin, No. 931, E.C., at the request of his mother Lodge. The W.M., Bro. T.

W. Manchester, presided. Bro. Berms was raised to the degree of a M.M. The work was allotted by the W.M.

as follows :—Ob., W.M. ; Retro., W. Bro. Fulton; Prayer, W. Bro. Garland; 1st part T.H., W. Bro. Lee;

Emb., W. Bro. Shackleton; Ss., W. Bro. Menzies; 2nd part T.H. and S., W. Bro. Hoskins; W.Ts., S.W. Bro.

James Manchester ; Final Charge, W. Bro. Colville.

The regular meeting was held on 15th December, the W.M., Bro. T. W. Manchester, presiding over a fair

attendance of brethren. The work was balloting for two new members successfully and initiating one

candidate. The work was successfully carried out by the W.M. and the following P.Ms. and brethren :—Ob.,

the W.M. ; Ss., W. Bro. Menzies ; N.E. Charge, W. Bro. Fulton. Prep., Bro. E. J. Atwill; W.Ts., Bro. C.

Bateman, J.W. ; Final Charge, W. Bro. A. C. Colville. During the long period of mourning the "Fourth" has

lost the better part of its attractiveness, and has become somewhat, may I say, stale. On the following day,

the 16th, our Lodge journeyed to Kurow and worked a First for Lodge Kurow, and met with a splendid

hospitality.

The January meeting was well attended, over 34 brethren having signed the appearance book. The work was

split up among the P.Ms. and officers of the Lodge. It cannot be denied that where the W.M. shows an

unselfish spirit it not only enhances the work, but gives zest to the attendance of P.Ms. and brethren. The

work was the Initiation of two candidates. The W.M., W. Bro. T. W. Manchester, gave the Ob. ; W. Bro.

Fulton, P.M., the N.E. Charge, at the pause of which W. Bro. Hoskins, P.M., rendered the Solo, "Charity,"

and gave the Ss. Prep. was given very impressively by Bro. E. J. Atwill; the W.Ts. by the J.W., Bro. C.

Bateman; and the Final Charge by W. Bro. Colville, P.M.D.C. W. Bra. W. C. Brydone, of Lodge St. Martin,

was elected, who, your correspondent anticipates, will prove a great acquisition to No. 99. A vote of

sympathy with Bro. H. Scott, in the passing of his sister, was carried. W. Bro. J. Menzies was nominated for

the office of G.S., and W. Bro. Calder for that of J.G.D. A notice of motion moved by W. Bro. Hoskins, that

a levy of 1/- per member be made to purchase the books of tickets allotted to our Lodge in the art union of

the box of surgical instruments presented by R.W. Bro. Redman, was carried. The half-yearly returns showed

that there were 117 members on the books of the Lodge. A letter was read from the G.Sec. congratulating the

Lodge on raising the sum of £30 towards the G.Ms. Soldiers' Fund. This amount had been virtually promised

by our late W.M., W. Bro. Bird, and had he not been called from labour before the expiry of his term it

would doubtless have been handed in before. Many of the brethren of the Lodge felt it incumbent on them to

redeem W. Bro. Bird's promise. H.G.W. were accorded the W.M. from 1137 (E.C.), Timaru; 164 (N.Z.),

Kurow ; 154, Oceanic (N.Z.), Dunedin ; 197, Korangi, Timarn; and his own Lodge. An adjournment to the

refectory proved that the brethren were in a happy mood. Bro. Atwill amused the company by a recital of the

recent visit made by the Lodge to Pleasant Point, and elicited hearty laughter by attempting to describe the

actions of two brethren who on the following morning went sheep counting. —[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Robert Burns, No. 139.—The monthly meeting held in St. Augustine Hall, Christchurch, on 21st December,

when there was a good attendance of members and visitors ; W. Bro. R. H. Taylor, W.M., in the chair. The

opportunity was taken to re-invest W. Bro. Cuming as Chaplain. Our worthy brother has held this office for

many years, but was prevented by illness from attending the installation meeting. One member was admitted

by ballot. The ceremonial work consisted of the passing of one brother. The W.M. was assisted during the

ceremony by W. Bro. Cuming, Chaplain (Invest.); W. Bro. T. Newburgh (Light of M.M.); W. Bro. R.

Eastwood, I.P.M. (Sub. Sec.) ; Bro. T. Kirker, S.W. (Signs and T.H.); Bro. A. Hunter, J.W. (T.H.); Bro. T.

Wilson (T.H.); and W. Bro. R. Benghting, D.C. (Final Charge). The Lodge was then closed, and an

adjournment was made to the refectory, where the usual toasts were honoured and the brethren entertained.

—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————————

HAWKES BAY.

Scinde, No. 5.—The regular meeting was held on the 18th January at the Lodgeroom, Tennyson Street,

Napier. The Lodge was opened at 8 p.m,, W. Bro. J. P. Thomson, W.M., being in the chair. There was only a

fair attendance of members and visitors, no doubt the sultry weather being greatly responsible for the sparse

attendance. One candidate for Freemasonry was balloted for, and one brother was passed to the F.C. Degree

by the W.M., who was assisted in the ceremony by W. Bro. J. W. Ritchie (Secrets), W. Bro. T. Parker

(Address in the S.F. Corner) ; J.D. Bro. Turville presented the W.Ts., the Charge being delivered by J.W.

Bro. Bowes.

On Wednesday, the 19th, the W.M. and officers journeyed to Waipukurau by invitation to raise two brethren

of Lodge Bedford.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Abercorn, No. 30.—The installation meeting was held on the 13th December, when Bro. W. Pasco, S.W.,

was installed as W.M. by R.W. Bro. Harston, Prov.G.M., assisted by R.W. Bro de Lisle, W. Bros. Critchley,

Hobson, Elliott, Thomas, Roach, Ritchie, Bros. Parkin and Bott, There was a large attendance of visitors and

members. W. Bro. Critchley filled the position of D. of C. with dignity. W. Bro. Pasco invested the following

officers :— I.P.M., W. Bro. Williams; S.W., Bro. A. Parkin; J.W., Bro. G. Hunt; Treas., Bro. R. W. Todd ;

Sec., W. Bro. J. N. Watson; Organist, Bro. E. E. Bott; S.D., Bro. J. Milburn; J.D., Bro. G. Nielsen; D. of C.,

W. Bro. Robin; I.G., Bro. W. V. Verran; S.S., Bro. M. H. Sebley; J.S., Bro. A. E. Wilson. The W.Ts. were

delivered by W. Bros. Gore, Colebourne, and Thomas respectively. The address to the Master was given by

R.W. Bro. de Lisle, to the Wardens by W. Bro. Watson, R.W. Bro. Harston addressing the brethren. On

behalf of the members, R.W. Bro. Harston presented the retiring Master with a handsome P.M.'s jewel, and

on behalf of the junior officers he also presented the newly-installed W.M. with a pretty M.M.'s jewel, as an

appreciation of his untiring efforts in assisting them to become proficient officers of the Lodge. The

collection in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund amounted to £4 15s. After the ceremony a pleasant hour

was spent in the refectory, but only necessary toasts were honoured, owing to the Lodge being in

mourning.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 66.—The regular meeting was held on the 16th December, and was presided over by the

W.M., W. Bro. Wm. Snell. There was a very poor attendance. Seeing there are such a large number of the

brethren who reside in the town and within a very short distance of the Lodge, one would naturally expect to

always have a good attendance, and it only means one night per month, and for those who wanted to get

home early, they could leave immediately the Lodge work was over, and not remain to the "Fourth"—and

this would mean about two hours only. Of course, there are cases where a brother cannot attend through

having engagements, but these are few, and I would impress on the brethren to make up their minds to be

more regular in attendance in future. The work consisted of raising one brother. The I.P.Ms, W. Bro.

Harrison, took charge, and placed his officers as follows: —S.W., W. Bro. Gillespie; J.W., W. Bro. J.

Craven; I.G., W. Bro. Haines ; S.D., W. Bro. F. Craven; J.D.. W. Bro. Blakiston. W. Bro. Harrison obligated

the candidate, and was assisted during the ceremony by W. Bro. F. Craven. The candidate was invested by

W. Bro. Gillespie; the T.H. was delivered by W. Bro. Gillespie; W. Bro. Blakiston presented the W.Ts. ; the

Final Charge was given by W. Bro. Paton, and W. Bro. Soundy presented the V. of S.L. The ceremony was

gone through without a single hitch, and considering the P.Ms. have been out of practice for a considerable

time, their work was very creditable. W. Bro. Snell thanked W. Bro. Harrison and his officers for performing

the ceremony, and W. Bro. Harrison returned thanks for having had the opportunity. During the evening W.

Bro. Gillespie presented the Lodge with a gong, donated by W. Bro. Steffenson, of Lodge Ruataniwha., and

his son, who reside at Petone. The gong is a magnificent article, and well adapted for the purpose it is

wanted. The Sec. was instructed to convey the thanks of the Lodge to W. Bro. Steffenson and his son. A

number of improvements have been going on about the Lodge for some time. Amongst them have been the

lining and papering of the outer reception room and the dressing-room. This work has been completed, and is

a very great improvement. A concrete wall has just been put up and extends from the front on each side of

the Lodge, and a nice gate has been added. These additions have very much improved the appearance of the

building. During the year the Lodge has made fair progress, financially and otherwise, and considering the

heavy outlay that has taken place owing to the war, etc., the Lodge is in a satisfactory position, and every-

things points to a good future. I am directed by the W.M. and officers to convey to the staff of the

CRAFTSMAN the usual New Year greetings.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [Heartily reciprocated.—ED. C.]

————————

RUAPEHU.

Huia, No. 171.—The monthly meeting was held on the 4th December, when, although there was an absence

of visitors, yet one very satisfactory feature of the meeting was the good attendance of the Lodge members,

who evince a live interest in the welfare of the Craft, and their own Lodge in particular. A considerable

amount of routine business being disposed of, passing of two brethren was proceeded with, the work being

distributed as follows:— the W.M. ; Secrets, the I.P.M., W. Bro. Smith; S.E. Corner, by W. Bro. Stone;

W.Ts., by the W.M., S.W., and J.W. ; pars 3-6, Charge re Behaviour, Bro. J. Y. Oliver ; Final Charge, by the

S.W., Bro. Turner ; 2nd T.B., by the I.P.M. ; Lecture on Symbolism on the Winding Stairs of Second

Degree, by the W.M., W. Bro. Spooner. In concluding the work the W.M. announced that he purposed

paying an official visit, with the officers and members of the Lodge, on the 17th, when we will proceed to

the United Manawatu E.C. brethren, when no doubt we will receive a most cordial reception, and spend an

interesting and instructive evening with our sister Lodge. Now, Bro. Editor, this concludes my contribution

as correspondent for this year. I offer you the compliments of the season, with a relaxation for a short, space

of time from the arduous duties as Editor of the CRAFTSMAN.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [Came to hand too

late for last issue. The compliments are cordially reciprocated, but may point out that the Editor gets no

relaxation, the work must go on.—ED.C.]

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WELLINGTON.

St. Andrew, No. 32.—The first regular meeting of this Lodge to be held under direction of the newly

installed W.M. was held on 20th December, when the Lodge was tyled at 7.15 p.m., W. Bro. W. Simpson

presiding. As the evening proceeded, the atmosphere plainly indicated the season of the year, and induced

various experiments with the object of ensuring ventilation of the hall. Routine business having been

transacted and communications from G.L. attended to, the ceremony of raising a candidate was proceeded

with and performed by the W.M. and his new officers in a very creditable manner, especially in view of the

fact that the offices were new to their occupants. The W.M. was assisted also by W. Bro. F. C. Broomhall,

D,M. (Exhort.), Bro. J. Riddell (15 F.Cs.), W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen (Investiture), Bro. L. George (W.Ts.), W.

Bro. A. W. Rowlands (T.H.), Bro. A. Schmidt (Final Charge). The Lodge being resumed in the Second and

First Degrees, Xmas greetings were exchanged between the W.M. and the brethren, and the Lodge was duly

closed in L., P. and H. Adjournment was then made to the refectory, where a number of musical items were

interspersed with the usual toasts. A visitor, Bro. Kerr, who has not in the writer's experience, contributed to

the free and easy Degree in this Lodge, gave some items in a most refreshing manner which lost nothing by

reason of their antiquity.

The regular meeting was held on 17th January, the W.M., Bro. W. Simpson, presiding. There was a very

satisfactory attendance, including the Prov.G.M. and other G.L. officers, and visiting W.Ms. and P.Ms. The

annual balance-sheet, previously audited, was adopted, the financial progress of the Lodge appearing

therefrom to have been well maintained during the past year. The matter of curtailing the refreshment

account was referred to the Standing Committee for consideration. Executive business being completed, a

brother was raised to the Third Degree. The W.M. was assisted by his officers and the following brethren and

members, :—W. Bro. J. Rod (Exhort.), R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin (Invest.), Bro. J. Riddell (15 F.Cs.), W. Bro.

C. W. Nielsen (T.H.), Bro. L. McGregor (W.Ts.), Bro. A. Schmidt (Final Charge). After presentation to the

candidate of the copy of the V. of S.L. on which he had been obligated, Lodge was closed in Third and

Second Degrees. Two propositions were announced, and H.G.W. having been tendered, the Lodge was

closed in L., P. and H., after which brethren repaired for a brief space to the refectory. — [Lodge

Correspondent.]

Tutanekai, No. 156.—The regular meeting was held on 13th January. There was a large attendance of

members and visitors, including the W.Ms. of Lodges Brooklyn and Otira. A letter was received from M.W.

Bro. H. J. Williams expressing his regret for being unable to be present owing to indisposition. The

ceremonial work was the initiation of two candidates. The W.M., Bro. E. D. Alexander, gave the Ob. ; W.

Bro. Harrap communicated the Ss. ; Apron Charge, W. Bro. Rowell, D.C. ; N.E. Charge, Bro. Howell,

Treas.; Prep., Bro. Key, I.G. ; W.Ts., Bro. Martin, J.D.; Final Charge, Bro. Lenzini, S.D. A ballot was taken

for a candidate for initiation, which proved successful. Bro. Whitelaw, S.W., was unanimously elected W.M.

for the ensuing year. After H.G.W. the Lodge was closed in P. and H., and a pleasant time was spent in the

refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The monthly meeting was held on 12th -January and was quite a military meeting

from the fact that ever 30 brethren from Trentham Camp turned up to do honour to Lieut.-Col. Potter, Camp

Commandant, who, along with Lieut. T. D. Hartley, took his first step in Freemasonry. Many kindnesses

have been bestowed on the brethren in camp by Col. Potter, more especially so when the two meetings were

held at Trentham, and many were the kind remarks made by the visiting brethren, which remarks went to

show the esteem and respect in which he is held by them. After the usual correspondence had been read,

which included two letters from brethren of the Lodge away in Egypt, and the two candidates had signed the

necessary declaration and complied with the By-laws, they were admitted and initiated into Freemasonry. W.

Bro. McLachlan obligated; W. Bro. Rishworth communicated the Ss.; Bro. Leighton invested; R.W. Bro.

Peterkin gave the N.E. Charge; W. Bro. Hobbs gave the R. for P. ; and W. Bro. Oiliness the Charge after

Initiation. One brother was proposed for affiliation. H.G.W. were received on behalf of 30 Lodges. In the

refectory a pleasant hour was spent, and in response to the toast of the visitors some excellent speeches were

made by those who .responded, and many were the words of praise given to Lodge Waiwhetu for the

reception given to the visitors.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Whetu Kairangi, No. 201.—The regular meeting was held in the Lodge room, Worser Bay, on Saturday,

8th January. W. Bro. Boon presided, and there was a good attendance. We were all pleased to see R.W. Bro.

Peterkin again with us, and to know that he has got over his late indisposition. Another welcome face was

that of V.W. Bro. Porritt, just back from his trip south. It had been arranged that the ceremonial work should

be entrusted to Hinemoa Lodge, and W. Bro. Robinson and his officers assumed control of the Lodge, and

raised two brethren to the degree of M.M. This work they carried out in a particularly impressive and

finished manner, and the members of Whetu Kairanga were very pleased with the work done. The meeting

was a very successful one, and one to which members can look back with very pleasant recollections.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]