REFRESHMENT.

———<>———

FORTY years ago the social side of Freemasonry was a very distinct feature, and it was as unvarying as the

laws of the Medes and Persians. Whether the function was a Lodge installation, a consecration, or laying a

foundation stone, the call to refreshment was symbolised by a "banquet" in the strict interpretation of the

term, the minimum cost of which was one guinea, and though we do not recall the fact that money was more

plentiful than to-day, one rarely if ever found any exception taken. To-day, under the assumption of a greater

morality, we cynically comment on the wasteful habits of our forefathers in Freemasonry, and almost

unanimously decide that their epicurean tastes were calculated to, and perhaps did, prostitute the real

purposes of Freemasonry. But it is quite possible that our spectacles do not quite reflect the actual position of

the past. Four or five decades ago, the conditions of the then "Colony"—and we have an affection for the old

appellation—were quite different to those of to-day, socially, politically and Masonically. Amusements of all

kinds were exceedingly limited, and it may be doubted if the average individual outlay under this head was

equal in twelve months to that for a period of six months in the present era, even of cheap picture shows.

Masonically, the average age of members was very much higher, and Masonic life considerably longer,

which conduced to more sociality, if not stronger fraternity. If the cost of refreshments for each Lodge

meeting was very greatly in excess of that of to-day, it was distinctly the event of the month, anticipated with

pleasure and thoroughly enjoyed in realisation, and frequently was the only extravagance for the month.

While, if the relief of distress was not in organised form, it was still dispensed with the utmost liberality. It is

rather too readily assumed to-day that the "social" habits of former days were injurious to the reputation and

the best interests of Freemasonry. This opinion may have subsequently supervened, but it was not so held

then, as the whole state of the times was so distinctly sociable in all grades of society. But we do not write as

the apologist of old time Freemasonry —one aged brother sarcastically says, there is no occasion—but rather

as leading to present conditions. With the introduction of the public works and immigration scheme in the

early seventies, a general evolution overwhelmed the colony. With it also commenced a decided influx into

Freemasonry, and many of the entrants were not of the moneyed class. In due course this was to a large

extent responsible for more economical considerations, and a more organised system of relief began to be

demanded. For years past the general cry has been "lighter refreshments," heavier relief, and charity

circumscribed by rule and line. This cry was freely answered and carried into practical effect. Suddenly the

great war came, and with it changes in all states of society, and retrenchment and greater economy

individually and collectively became the slogan to the people. Freemasonry, animated by the best of motives,

readily acquiesced. The festive board at once became lighter, and in some cases disappeared. But though this

journal has always advocated the greater moderation, we do not think absolute abolition is desirable, well

knowing and fully appreciating the influence and value of the social function. Now, a word to G.Ls. and

Chapters which only meet annually. It is well known, if not expressed, that a spirit of emulation has been in

evidence for some years past, without doubt the intention being to give as much pleasure as possible to

visiting brethren. A most laudable desire ! But there has always been the danger of this spirit of emulation

exceeding the bounds of prudence, especially at this time, when the cost could be so well applied in other

directions. In former times the G.L. of New Zealand was content to celebrate its annual meeting with simple

refreshments after the grand function. Then two nights' entertainment supervened, which was subsequently

further increased by day outings of varied character. While not in any way attempting to dictate to the

different districts wherein future inactions will be held, we would still point out that each form of

entertainment means additional cost, and the G.L. War Relief Fund is still comparatively very small. Each

day gives further proof that if this fund is to be effective as additional relief to maimed brethren, or to the

widows and orphans of those killed, its dimensions will have to be very greatly augmented, and economy

exercised at the functions of G. bodies could be productive of considerable increase to the fund. We are glad

to record that the Sup. G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand at its annual meeting last month in Dunedin, wisely

set the example of excising all second day functions from its programme. The refreshments at the close of

the ceremonial meeting closed the festivities, and this course was generally lauded. It requires some strength

of resolution to break from past custom, and perhaps the risk of acquiring a reputation for meanness, but in

the present strenuous times this may well be risked, especially if it is in the cause of good works.

————————

EDITORIAL COMMENT.

———<>———

RAFFLES.—We understand that some little exception has been taken—on principle—to the case of surgical

instruments, kindly donated to G.L. War Fund by R.W. Bro. Dr. Redman, being disposesd of by "raffle." We

presume that what is meant by "principle" is that the element of gambling should not be introduced into

Freemasonry, and such principle is no doubt quite right. But gambling is interpreted as "to play or game for

money or other stake," or, in other words, a desire to acquire a maximum stake by a minimum expenditure.

But it would appear that the only gambling element with regard to the case of instruments is the name

"raffle," and the manner in which the result is to be determined. And the promoters may have contributed to

the gambling supposition by the announcement that if preferred the sum of £100 would be handed to any

Lodge (not member) which might draw the winning number. But we do not for one moment believe this

statement has acted as an inducement to Lodges to purchase tickets; on the contrary we are assured that in

some few instances it has acted as a deterrent. Neither do we imagine that there is one member who

purchased a ticket who had any desire to acquire the prize. He simply regarded this as another device to

augment the War Fund, and he responded accordingly. One could almost fancy the morbid owner of such a

possession sitting by the fireside on a winter's night with the lights not turned up, and glancing at his cabinet,

conjuring up a vision of an ancient battleship of Nelson's day. The scene could change to the cockpit, with its

operating table, and rows of wounded. Then the ghastly blood-covered instruments performing their several

parts in the hands of the skilled surgeon, and he would almost fancy he could hear the cries and groans of the

wounded. Aroused with a start, he would again glance at the case on his cabinet or sideboard, but would he

regard it as his most treasured possession? We trove not. In a museum it would be an attraction and draw

crowds of morbid people who would gaze upon the instruments with awe, but as an individual we do not

want the case. Dismiss the gambling theory, the principle is quite safe, and those who have assisted the war

fund by this means need have no qualms of conscience that they have been engaged in gambling.

BUSINESS AT G.L.—The announcement has been made by the chief executive officer of the G.L. of New

Zealand that no notices of motion have been given for the Annual Communication in May next, and that it

appears that only routine business will engage the attention of G.L. We are not aware of any momentous

question either of policy or administration likely to obscure the horizon of G.L. politics. But since the

commencement of the war it has been tacitly understood in the British G.Ls. that only questions of urgent

and deep moment should be submitted for consideration. In England immediately prior to the war the Craft

was rent asunder by the conflict of party on the question of an entire change in the government of English

Freemasonry. But, like Home Rule in Ireland, when war broke out the opposing camps broke up, and it was

mutually agreed to adjourn the contest until the close of the war. Who can doubt the wisdom of such a

course? And it is one that can be followed in the oversea dominions with advantage. The only discussion

necessary in the G.L. of New Zealand at the present time is to give practical evidence of our loyalty, and to

discover the best means of alleviating the distress that numerous of our brethren and their relatives will

suffer.

INSTALLATION MEETINGS.—It would appear to be constitutionally correct, and in any case is very general

practice, that the Master of a Masonic Lodge should be elected at one regular meeting, and be installed at the

following regular meeting. Under the Scottish Constitution it is the custom in many Lodges to hold the

installation meetings on the 30th November—St. Andrew's Day. In some cases this has caused confusion, as

Lodges held the regular meeting on the ordinary day in November and the installation meeting on the 30th.

This was the practice with a few Lodges in New Zealand some years ago, but we thought the practice had

been abrogated until receiving cards of a lodge for the regular meeting on the 20th January, and an annual

installation meeting on the 25th. In England the position is very clearly defined, as the constitution provides

for the ballot taking place on the day named in its by-laws—which must be the regular meeting and then

goes on to say :—"At the next regular meeting . . . he shall be installed." And this law is generally in vogue.

Under the G.L. of New Zealand the regulations are most ambiguous, and on such an important question

leaves much to be desired. It simply refers to the day named in the by-laws. Though the matter may not

appear to be of any great importance, as to whether two meetings can be held in one month, neither of which

are emergent, yet the questions are pertinent., firstly, as to whether the installation of W. M. should be held

on the regular monthly meeting of the Lodge, and secondly, when a Lodge provides for holding monthly

meetings, can two regular meetings be held in one month. In our opinion the answer to the first question

must be in the affirmative, and the second, in the negative.

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

News and Notes.

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

THE February meeting of the I.M's. Lodge of Wellington was not largely attended, but a most exhaustive and

exceedingly interesting discussion took place on a paper read by the W.M. at the previous meeting. This is

the usual practice, but will be departed from at the April meeting, when the discussion will follow the

reading, as the paper may not be printed.

W. BRO. COLONEL TRACEY INGLIS of Auckland, who went with the 'daheno on her first trip to the

Mediterranean, has assumed the command of the medical branch at the Awapuni Camp.

LIEUT. FOWLDS, son of R.W. Bro. Hon. G. Fowlds, is with the 3rd Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle

Brigade at the Rangiotu Camp.

W. BRO. "BOB" WITHEFORD, P.M. of New Zealand Pacific Lodge, has received a commission in the New

Zealand military forces.

THERE was a large attendance at the installation meeting. of Lodge Tutanekai on the 3rd February. The new

W.M. is very popular, and as a distinguished brother told him, he has established a reputation that will

require a lot of living up to.

THE M.W.G.M. has donated £10, amount of travelling expenses of his recent southern trip, to the G.L. War

Fund.

R.W. BRO. THORNTON having been installed as Prov.G.M. of Canterbury, has resigned the presidency of the

B. of Benev., and is succeeded by W. Bro. W. Brown of Lyttelton.

V. W. Bro. E. D. MOSLEY has been appointed G. Rep. of the G.L. of Ohio, near New Zealand, in succession

to the late M.W. Bro. F. C. Binns.

THE B. of G.P. of the G.L. of New Zealand has invested £3000 in 5 per cent. Debentures of the New

Plymouth Borough Council Loan.

IN connection with business to be transacted at the annual meeting of G.L., there were no notices of motion

of any kind, and business will be entirely routine.

LODGE ROBERT BURNS, Reefton, held three meetings in one week during the month of January. On the 20th

the regular meeting was held, an emergency on the 24th, and an annual installation meeting on the 25th.

A CABLE message from Egypt announces that Bro. Claude H. Weston, of Ngamotu Lodge, No. 48 (New

Plymouth), has got a step, and is now Major Weston. Two of the sons of the Lodge have just been accorded

the privilege of a Lewis and have been initiated into Freemasonry previous to leaving on active service.

Corporal Kenneth S. Ewing of the 10th Reinforcements, eldest son of our W. Bro. W. N. Ewing, P.M.,

received his First Degree in Ngamotu Lodge, his Second in Lodge Waiwhetu (Trentham), and came home

for the Third. Cadet Leonard Goss, eldest son of our Bro. A. H. Goss, J.D., is in his third year at the Military

College, Duntroon, and advantage was taken of the vacation to give him his E.A. and F.C. while here. Bro.

Goss, junr., has returned to Australia, but it is probable that he will be back shortly in order to join the New

Zealand forces for the front. The advent of these young men into Masonry was regarded as an interesting

episode in the history of our Lodge, and, the brethren manifested their goodwill to the neophytes and their

parents by turning up in considerable numbers on each occasion. We have no doubt that they will uphold the

honour of King and Craft wherever the fortune of war takes them.

CAPT. E. S. HARSTON, of the Wellington Infantry Battalion, has been mentioned in despatches. Capt. Harston

is the son of R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston, of Napier, who is the Prov.G.M. of Hawkes Bay.

THERE was an excellent attendance at the annual convocation of the C.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand held in

Dunedin on 17th February, both at the business and ceremonial meetings, which was a tribute to the

popularity and esteem in which M.E. Comp, T. Ross is held.

JANUARY, 1917, will complete the twenty-fifth year of the existence of the G.R.A, Chapter of New Zealand.

At the annual convocation held last month M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams, who has held the office of G.S.E.

since the inception of the Chapter, announced his intention to retire from office at the end of the year.

————————

TARANAKI TRIFLES.

———<>———

The event of the month, in Masonic circles in the Taranaki district, was the installation of Bro. J. Lindsay

Weir as W.M. of Lodge St. John, Eltham.

* * * *

Over a hundred signed the attendance book, easily a record for the Eltham Lodge, and practically every

Lodge in Taranaki was represented.

* * * *

The motor car has been brought to its present state of perfection for the special convenience of the fraternity,

and excuses for not attending any important function are hard to find.

* * * *

R.A. Masonry is progressing in this district. Early this month the companions of Egmont Chapter journeyed

to Wanganui to work a Mark Degree.

* * * *

Those who were able to go to the river town were delighted with the reception accorded them, and a

suggestion made by V.E. Comp. Bullock that an annual interchange of visits between Wanganui Chapter and

Egmont was cordially received and is certain to be acted on.

* * * *

The 1st Prin. of Egmont Chapter has removed to Auckland and was not able to take his place when the

Chapter visited Wanganui, but his work was ably performed by Comp. G. Young, 2nd Prin.

* * * *

At the ordinary convocation of the Egmont Chapter, held in Inglewood on the 14th February, two members

were proposed.

* * * *

Tukahoa Chapter has now fixed its abode in Hawera, and this should prove convenient for a majority of the

members.

* * * *

Harking back to Craft Masonry, two installations are to take place early in March, Bro. Roberts as W.M. of

Lodge Moa, and Bro. C. H. Speck as W.M. of Lodge Stratford.

* * * *

An experienced brother acting as D. of C. announced, "The brethren will now face the E. and salute, etc.,

taking their time from me." As he stood by the S.W., how did they do it ?

————————

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE REPORTS

———<>———

CALIFORNIA draws attention to the very small criminal element in Masonic membership as shown by the

almost entire absence of criminal charges made against members. Less than one in every 2,500 Masons in

California is prosecuted for crimes involving moral turptitude in the tribunals of the Craft. Little more than

one-half of that number are found guilty and disciplined.

* * * *

Great financial problems are to be solved in connection with the Masonic Temple in San Francisco. A debt

of over $300,000 remains on their million dollar edifice. However, if anybody can, they will swing it. It is

really a question whether Lodges and G.Ls. do not dissipate their energies for the true purposes of Masonry

by engaging in these vast, commercial enterprises.

* * * *

The retiring G.M. was presented with "a solid silver service." This looks from this distance as a most

pernicious practice. Presenting an appropriate jewel as a memento of service is fitting, but to go into the

making of presents of considerable intrinsic value is too commercial and mercenary for Masonry.

* * * *

FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.—Resolved : That this G.L. affirms its approval of the principle under

which a Master of a Lodge or a presiding Warden may call upon any M.M. to preside in his presence and

under his direction, the Master, or acting-Master, being responsible for all that is done the same as if he were

actually presiding in person.

* * * *

IDAHO says : Numerically speaking we are prospering ; gaining in members and in the number of Lodges.

This is cause for congratulations, but let me admonish you, brethren, to be guarded and, always remember

that Masons should be made—not fast but well. The Masonic standard is high, and it takes a man to maintain

it. It is a serious mistake to elect weak men, or men of low mental or moral worth, hoping to elevate them

through the associations of the Lodge and its members; the Lodge is not a reformatory. Masonry demands of

her suitors that they be good men and true, before they receive her favours, as well as after. Character is our

greatest asset, and the standard of the men you initiate to-day will be the standard of the Lodge in the future.

Beware the men who seek to join for business, professional, or political reasons—for the standing it will give

them in one way and another, and in balloting the Lodge should always be given the benefit of the doubt.

* * * *

IOWA.—Referring to the misuse of the blackball the G..M. says :—:Brothers, 1 caution you in terms of

sincerest meaning—be careful—and remember always that there is that all-seeing eye who is Master and

Judge of us all. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone." One of my hardest problems

has been to offer a remedy where this germ has strongly manifested itself. A few Lodges now report

themselves at a standstill owing to these unwholesome conditions. Another deplorable condition, and too

prevalent, is the unnecessary publicity given to unfavourable ballots. I fear many of our brethren soon forget

their vows of secrecy. A Lodge's disposition of a petition for the mysteries should be both secret and sacred,

and its action, especially if unfavourable, should remain within the confines of its own walls. If these affairs

could be discreetly handled, as was the intent of the originators of our Order, there would be less of

heartache and infinitely less food for the ever-ready gossips.

SMOKERS ARE SELFISH.

Smoking in Lodgerooms is treated without gloves. Poetry and all—he says :

" A club there is of smokers—dare you come

To that close, clouded, hot, narcotic room?

The very candles seem

Dying for air and give a ghastly gleam."

The inclination of men to smoke, regardless of their surroundings, is not always agreeable, nor is it always to

be encouraged. There are some Lodges in this jurisdiction that permit smoking during the conferring of the

degrees. While our law is silent on this practice, the annoyance is apparent and should be stopped. No

member of the institution should demand the right to indulge in any habit that offends his brethren. A Mason

has not the true spirit of brotherhood at heart who would smoke or perform any other act that would tend to

be offensive or degrade the dignity of this beloved Order. Where this custom prevails it shows weakness in

the presiding officer and ignorance on the part of those so indulging.

* * * *

MARYLAND.—The distinction between Order and Fraternity is being ignored, sometimes the words are used

interchangeably, more frequently the word Order is used. It is not to criticise this "modern" invention, though

I confess to a weakness for the word "Antient," as the English spell it. An Order is conferred, a Fraternity is a

confession or recognition of equal rights, enjoyed, inherited, if you please, but first in a man's own heart; not

solicited nor invited, much less urged; but somehow there is a drawing, a leaning, a yearning, and he finds

fellowship in kindred spirits. It is the soul seeking after light, if haply he may find it.

* * * *

MICHIGAN.—The G.M. inveighs against the over-big Lodges. He says "that in Lodges having a large

membership we have too many brethren who are Masonically inactive, and it is too often the case that only a

small proportion of them attend our meetings with any degree of regularity." In Detroit alone there are six

Lodges each with over 1,000 membership. These are Palestine, 2,184; Zion, 1,635; Ashlar, 1,555; Detroit,

1,537; Union of S.O., 1,107 ; and Friendship, 1,003—a total of 8,861 in six Lodges. From this it will be seen

that Bro. Perrett has a right to be heard on this question. He also expresses the opinion that often Lodges are

too easily created when membership is so small as to render their existence a constant struggle. The district

deputy system as practised in Illinois is highly commended.

* * * *

MISSOURI.—The report says the G.M. was "prolific in decisions." One decision discloses a unique provision

of law. It requires as pre-requisite to the exercise of the right to vote, hold office or demit, that a newly-made

M.M. "shall pass a satisfactory proficiency examination in open Lodge." A complication is suggested.

Another law says "all must vote," yet some are required to be examined before they can do so. Failing in the

examination they are not allowed to obey the law. Here is a good chance for the work of a harmoniser of

laws.

* * * *

IN MONTANA the G.M. recommends that an instructor be provided who is "competent to translate the entire

cipher." Such a need discloses that even with a cipher-key to the work little progress is made in reaching

efficiency and uniformity in the ritual. Why not abolish the cipher and get back to the old Masonic way from

"mouth to ear"? One Lodge found a candidate who was "unable to learn the lecture" in the First Degree. The

G.M. refused to give permission for his advancement. He said that "the candidate must conform with and

meet said requirements or he is not a fit subject for advancement."

* * * *

NEBRASKA. The G.M. strenuously recommended that a salary of $1,000 be fixed for his successors. As this

could only apply to the future, he could urge this in justice to those who would come after. The G.L. adopted

the suggestion, but the G.M.-elect "declined to be the first G.M. to draw a salary from this G. jurisdiction."

This is a rather over-sensitive view to take, as the work of the Craft takes a great part of the G.M.'s time, and

it is only fair that he should receive some compensation to cover loss by neglect of his own business. Illinois

pays its G.M. $2,500, and he is worth the money.

* * * *

NEW BRUNSWICK held a special session to celebrate the festival of St. John the Baptist. G.L. was formed in

procession, and, headed by a band, marched to Trinity Church, where the G. Chaplain preached a suitable

sermon. The parading of Masonry by public procession and the blare of trumpets on Sunday is not strictly in

accord with the notion of many Craftsmen. They think this does not comport with the quiet dignity of the

ancient fraternity. However, our New Brunswick brethren may be right in thinking that it pays to advertise.

The G.L. is mixed up in a "Masonic Hall Company," and is gradually absorbing the stock. It will soon be the

sole owner. At the annual, arrangements were made to incorporate both G. and subordinate Lodges under the

law of the land.

* * * *

NEW YORK.—One of the big things in New York is its Masonic debt. This runs into the millions, and makes

its business aspect a matter of very serious import. A State-wide movement is in progress to accumulate a

"redemption or endowment fund." The G.M. reports that after the former session of the G.L. $200,261.00

had been received from all sources to go into a sinking fund to retire a portion of the gigantic debt. At this

time he announces the receipt of $451,416.62. This comes from a systematic effort by the Lodges. The

balance-sheet shows 5 per cent. mortgages outstanding against the G.L. of $1,200,000.00 and 6 per cent.

mortgage, gold bonds $1,050,000.00. The entire liabilities, including a surplus . of over $2,000,000.00, is the

gigantic sum of $5,417,528.19.

Another of the big enterprises carried on by the Empire State G.L. is their great Home at Utica. They are

reminded by the G.M. that they "clothe, feed, and house nearly 500 adults and children; that many of our

aged ones remain in our care for many years; that we train and educate our children, who also remain with us

for long periods—sometimes longer than the old can stay." The membership of the Home consists of 186

men, 124 women, 73 boys, and 61 girls, a total of 444. After full consideration it was decided not to affiliate

with the War Relief Association in relieving distress in Europe, but "to collect and disburse their own funds."

The following reference is made to New Zealand :—Bro. John J. Dougall was the only one nominated and

was unanimously chosen. He was eulogised by the brother who placed him before the G.L., and the one who

seconded did likewise. In most G.Ls., if nominations are made at all, merely names are given without

comment as to qualifications.—In suspending a brother indefinitely our New Zealand brethren introduce a

new phrase. The order was that he "be suspended sine die."

* * * *

NOVA SCOTIA.—Under the law of this jurisdiction an I.G. is elected in addition to the J.D. The station of the

I.G. is at the inner door to see that the Lodge is tiled. The question is asked, "What, then, are the functions of

the J.D. ?"

* * * *

OREGON.—In his report the G.Sec. indulges in comments as to the condition of Lodges. He sets out a rather

startling case of ignorance when he says : "In many of the Lodges throughout this jurisdiction there cannot

be found at this time a copy of the proceedings of this G. body for the past few years, and in a great many

Lodges the officers do not know the whereabouts of a copy of the Constitution or of such a document as by-

laws, and much less the fundamental facts of Masonic law."

A record of much significance is shown in this :—"The G. Marshal announced that there was without the G.

High Priest of the G. Chapter, R.A. Masons, of Oregon, and the R.E. G. Commander of the G. Commandery,

Knights Templar, of Oregon, who desired admission. The G. Marshal admitted the distinguished visitors in

the persons of Bro. Clyde Evans and Bro. Dillon B. Grant, who were received and greeted by the G.L., and

who on behalf of the branches of Masonry they represented brought the felicitations of those bodies, and

spoke a few words of the work of their Orders." The reviewer of the G.L. of Illinois says: Permit a question.

When did the order of Knights Templar become a branch of masonry? Templarism is an institution of

renown, and the writer himself, as a member, knows and appreciates most highly its impressive ritual and its

deep obligations. Yet it is not any part of Masonry. It is a more modern society of lofty aims and purposes. It

is, in short, Templarism, and exemplifies in marked degree the fundamentals of the Christian religion. The

brethren admitted were, no doubt, worthy Masons, and as such could be received. The grand sire of the

Oddfellows and the supreme chancellor of the Knight of Pythias, if Masons in good standing, might with

equal propriety have been introduced to the Craft. Templarism, though accepting as members none but

Masons, is no more Masonry than Oddfellowship or Pythianism. At one and the same time Illinois had the

supreme presiding officer of the general G. Chapter R.A.M., and the G.M. of the G. Encampment, Knights

Templar, as active members of the Masonic G.L. Neither of these distinguished men and Masons was ever

presented to the Illinois G.L. in consequence of holding high positions in these other excellent and useful

organisations.

* * * *

WEST VIRGINIA.—Regarding the attitude of G.M. Darrah concerning smoking in Lodge sessions, the

reviewer says :—He seems to be dead down on members smoking during Lodge sessions. He is surely right

as to this, but I fear he has not the smoke habit ground into his frame, or he would go more "azy" on the

subject. He is correct in prohibiting the infernal nuisance; but my, my, it's a big undertaking to sit two or

three hours in a Lodge hall without "chawen or smoken." I have tried it, and I speak from sad experience. I

have been a smoker of the weed for half a century, and I am free to say that no one with sound sense will

indulge such a fool habit.

* * * *

NEVADA.—G.Sec. Vanderlieth recommends action leading to "further light in Masonry" by saying :—There

is a growing interest in the study of the history, traditions, and symbolism of Freemasonry. A National

Masonic Research Society has been formed, with headquarters at Anamosa, Iowa. Its objects are the

propagation and diffusion of the light of Masonic knowledge and understanding, and "The Builder," an

excellent journal, is its official organ. A number of our members have joined. There should be many more.

The Masonic Lecture Bureau, of Helena, Montana, provides Masonic lectures of merit at a minimum

expense. A few of our Lodges are using these lectures at their stated meetings. We have three study clubs

doing excellent work. Every Lodge should give over a part of one monthly meeting to study. Our code and

proceedings should not be forgotten, for they contain information of the utmost value to our members.

Several G.Ms. advocate that each Lodge should set apart evenings for the study of the law of Masonry. Such

a knowledge is needed. Every member should have some knowledge along this line, but officers particularly

should be eager and earnest to become proficient in the law of Masonry.

————————

THE SECOND TEMPLE.

———<>———

(A Paper read to the Installed Principals of Wellington).

By G.S.E.

I purpose to-night directing your attention to a consideration of what is known as the Second Temple, the re-

building of which forms the subject of, and is intimately associated with the E. and R.A. Degrees, and is the

only warrant in Freemasonry for the introduction and standing of those illustrious brethren who were

presumed to be the original G. Principals of the Holy R.A. Degree.

I may premise my few brief remarks by saying that in the English R.A. Masonry was divided into three

epochs, the first being the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, two years after the exodus of the

Israelites from their Egyptian bondage. It was called the first, or Holy Lodge, and was erected by Moses,

Aholiab, and Bezaleel, at the foot of Mt. Horeb. Bezaleel was the grandson of Hur (not the companion of

Moses), and it is stated that he was filled with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and knowledge,

and in all manner of workmanship. Aholiab was not distinguished by such particular mention, but it may be

gathered incidentally from Exodus, xxxv., 34, that he was a man of no less ability, and no less divinely

instructed.

The ground plan of the Tabernacle was 150 feet by 75 feet, but the actual tent was 45 feet by 15 feet. Here

the people of Israel assembled to offer up thanksgiving for their deliverance from bondage. Here were

delivered the forms of those mysterious prototypes, the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant. Here were

delivered the sacred laws, engraven by the hand of the M.H., and those sublime and comprehensive precepts,

of civil and religious polity, which, by separating His favoured people from all other nations, consecrated

Israel a chosen vessel to His service. For these reasons this is denominated the First or Holy Lodge.

The Second or Sacred Lodge was figuratively constituted by the building of King Solomon's Temple, which

was commenced 1011 B.C., 480 years after the exodus and building of the first Tabernacle. As you are

aware, the construction occupied seven and a half years, being finished 1004 B.C. To most Freemasons, the

details of this Temple, and its wonderful magnificence, are well known, especially seeing that our

traditions—no matter how mythical they may be—founded speculative Freemasonry on this epoch in

history. All R.A. Freemasons also know that the Temple was utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, King of

Babylon, after an existence of 400 years, or in the year 586 B.C.

We now come to the Third, or Grand and Royal Lodge, which lays the scene at Jerusalem after the return of

the Jews from Babylonish captivity, from which they were released by Cyrus, King of Persia, who

subsequently granted them permission to rebuild a house to the Lord God of Israel, and returned much of the

treasure taken from the old Temple.

It is somewhat singular that there is not much reliable information with regard to the Second Temple. One

historian says :—"What Josephus tells us has to be measured by the fact that he could not keep out of his

mind the Temple with which he was familiar—the Herodian restoration of the Second Temple."—sometimes

incorrectly referred to as the Third Temple.

But it seems to be generally agreed that the Second Temple occupied the same site as the old one. The timber

was brought as before from Tyre and Lebanon on floats to Joppa. The altar of burnt offering was erected at

once, in all probability on the site of the of one, in order that the worship of God should not be neglected.

And it is here that the three Principals, whose prototypes we honour in our R.A. Chapter, appear upon the

scene, and who are as household words in R.A. Freemasonry. It is perhaps a little singular that it is only in

the E. Degree that some little information is to be found about them. The R.A. is practically silent, but it is to

the Red Cross, which we usually regard as only subsidiary, or a side degree, that we obtain most of the

information with regard to Zerubbabel, the Prince of the people. He was the grandson of Jehoiachin or

Jeconiah, the last King but one of Judah, who was deposed by Nebuchadnezzar. His father's name was

Shealtiel, or Salathiel. Mackey identified him with Sheshbazzar, named in the Book of Ezra, which is in

accordance with the tradition of our Knights of the Sword.

Haggai was the chief of the prophets who flourished after the captivity, and accompanied Zerubbabel to

Jerusalem to rebuild the Second Temple. He reproved the people for their neglect in rebuilding the Temple,

and incited them to work by the promise of God's assistance.

Jeshua was the High Priest by lineal descent from the Pontifical family, for he was the son of Josadec, who

was the son of Seraih, who was the High Priest when the Temple was destroyed by the Chaldean.

The building of the Temple was naturally a work requiring much deliberation and preparation. Funds were

needed and we have the authority of Ezra and Nehemiah that a collection was made. The foundation was laid

with great rejoicing, and special reference was made to those among the aged who remembered the First

Temple. Then there came a check. The mixed population, whom the returned captives found in the country,

whose claim to racial purity was more than doubtful, were anxious to join in the work. But one of the first

cares of those who had led the captives back to their native land had been to settle the very important

question of pedigree. Already there were those even among the priesthood who had imperilled the purity of

the race by marrying outsiders, and they had been vigorously outcasted. The petition of the newcomers was,

therefore, certain to be rejected. Ezra says that the Samaritans, as they were even then called, set on foot

intrigues which, it is said, eventually induced Cyrus to recall the faculty he had given for the rebuilding, and

in any case operations were not resumed until the second year of Darius Hystaspis. The work was

recommenced 520 B.C., and finished four years later. "There is no question," says Lawrence, "of the

suspension of the work for 17 years, but it is highly improbable that the Samaritans could have influenced

Cyrus to the extent indicated, not, on the other hand, that Cyrus would have acted in such an arbitrary way

merely on their representation. The greater probability is that the work was stopped because enthusiasm had

evaporated, or, to put it quite plainly, for want of funds. The course of events which culminated in the

dedication of the Temple is well described in Ezra iii. and iv. Zerubbabel is said to have had one

disappointment after another, of which the opposition of declared adversaries, combined with the suspicions

of his own people, were not the least, and it was not until after a direct appeal to Darius that it was carried to

a. conclusion.

Another singularity is that Zerubbabel falls into absolute obscurity, and his name is not even mentioned in

connection with the dedication. Lawrence opines that he was probably recalled to Babylon, as, being of

blood-royal, his continued presence in Jerusalem might have resulted in a movement for the restoration of

the throne of David. His name occurs only on one other occasion, viz., in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, but

is there written as Zerababel. In one edition of English ritual, I think the Oxford, The name of 1st Prin. is

thus spelt and pronounced throughout. Comparing the Second Temple with the First, the Talmud says that

five things were lacking, the Shekinah, the sacred fire, the ark, the Urim and Thummim, and the Holy Spirit.

Instead of the ark and the mercy-seat, the Most Holy Place contained the stone of foundation, whereon the

priests used to offer incense on the Day of Atonement, otherwise it was empty, and Tacitus graphically

describes it as inania arcana. According to Hecateus, a writer who was contemporary with Alexander the

Great, the dimensions of the two Temples were virtually the same.

The Temple is not again referred to in Biblical history, otherwise than in the apocrypha. 350 years after its

dedication –168 B.C.—Antiochus Epephanes plundered the Temple, and desecrated it by building therein an

altar to Jupiter Olympus. He took many of the vessels and distributed them to the Jews of Antioch, his

friends, by whom they were placed in a local synagogue. An account of these proceedings will be found in

the Books of Maccabaeus. Two years later Judas Maccabaeus recovered Jerusalem, and cleaned and repaired

the Temple, built a new altar, and provided fresh vessels. But ill-fate seemed to pursue it. Time after time it

was plundered and its walls razed. In 37 B.C., Herod, a descendant of the Maccabees, was made King of the

Jews by decree of the Roman Senate, and he proceeded to restore the Temple. It is customary to regard this

as the Third Temple in Jerusalem, but it is more correct to consider it as still the Second Temple rebuilt and

improved. Masonic interest is not maintained beyond this period, hut Herod spared neither time nor money

in the completion of his self-imposed task. To allay the fears of those Jews who objected to any part of the

old Temple being pulled down, he engaged that the work of rebuilding should go on pari passu with that of

demolition. It was built of white marble, and its eastern front was covered with plates of gold, which

reflected the rays of the rising sun for miles round. One very significant feature was the Tower of Antonia,

the summit of which commanded a view of the several courts. In A.D. 70 there took place a memorable

revolt against the Romans, culminating in the terrible events of the siege of Jerusalem, during the course of

which the flaming firebrand was thrown into the Temple from the Tower of Antonia, and in spite of the

efforts of Titus, the Temple was burnt to the ground in such wise as to fulfil the prophecy that not one stone

should be left on another.

When we come to consider the great shrines and buildings devoted to religious purposes, that we know

existed in Rome, Athens, Ephesus, Babylon, Susa Memphis, and Thebes, and of which we literally know

nothing, it is more than a coincidence that the minutest constructive details of the Temple erected by Icing

Solomon have been preserved.

Just as the First Temple is held by the Craft to symbolise the structure of character in this life, its successor is

in the highest degree a type of the life in the world to come.

It has already been stated that five things were lacking in the Second Temple that were much in evidence in

the first, one of which was the Urim and Thummim, of which there is special reference made in Lev. viii., 7,

in connection with an important. item in the insignia of the High Priest, and which is now worn by the 3rd

Prin. of a R.A. Chapter. The verse to which I refer says :—"And he put the breastplate upon him, also he put

in the breast-plate the Urim and Thummim." It is a singular fact that this, or these articles, constituting an

important and mysterious part of the High Priest's clothing, should not only have disappeared before the

Second Temple was built, but there is practically no trace remaining of what the Urim and Thummim

consisted of, or what were its or their purpose. The Hebrew people were essentially a people of records, and

even the Talmud, which we are wont to regard as the Jewish Book of the Law, or Holy writings, has been

recently stated as a work of Rabbinical records.

Hence the more occasion for wonder that the Urim and Thummim had such a mysterious disappearance and

is so shrouded in mystery.

As might be expected, several Masonic writers have endeavoured to fathom the mystery, but not any pretend

to actual knowledge. As an example I have selected two, the first from Dr. Mackey, the well-known

American writer, and the second from late Rev. Bro. Lawrence, a more modern writer, of great research and

excellent judgment.

"URIM and THUMMIM—two Hebrew words, signifying, as they have been translated in the Septuagint, `Light

and Truth.' They were sacred lots worn in the breast-plate of the High Priest, and to be consulted by him

alone for the purpose of obtaining a revelation of the will of God in matters of great moment. What they

were, authors on Jewish antiquities have not been able to agree. Some suppose that the augury consisted in a

more splendid appearance of certain letters of the names of the tribes inscribed upon the stones of the breast-

plate; others, that it was received by voice from two small images which were placed beyond the folds of the

breast-plate. A variety of other conjectures have been hazarded; but, as Godwyn observes, `He spoke best

who ingeniously confessed that he knew not what Urim and Thummim 'was. But the researches of Egyptian

archaeologists have thrown much light upon this intricate subject, and relieved it of many of its difficulties. It

is now known that the Egyptian judges wore breast-plates, having inscribed on them two figures, the one of

the sun Ra, in a double sense, that of physical and intellectual light, and the other that of the goddess Thme,

in her twofold capacity of truth and justice. Now, in Hebrew the double capacity of anything is expressed by

the plural form of the noun. But the Egyptian Re, the sun or light, is in Hebrew Aur and Thme, truth is Thme,

Aur, in the plural, is Aurim. Thume, in the plural, is Thmim. Now, it seems to me, and I have the high

authority of the Egyptian archaeologists with me, that the Aurim and Thumim of the Hebrew breast-plate

were borrowed from the breast-plates of the Egyptian judges. Moses, we know, was versed in all the learning

of the Egyptians, and these very breast-plates had already been consecrated in the eyes of the Jews by their

seeing them worn as tokens of official dignity by the ministers of justice, who were also High Priests in the

Egypt which had formerly been the land of their taskmasters."—Mackey.

"There were three ways in which God disclosed His will to the chosen people. These were by dreams and

visions, by the lips of the prophets, and by lot, in other words, by Urim and Thummim. As the lots were but

two in number, or, in modern language, the ballot admitted but of two issues, 'Yes' or 'No,' being presented at

the time, it was necessary to put the question in a form which admitted only of an affirmative or negative

answer. But if the nature of a question were such that it would not be answered by a 'yes' or `no,' an issue

was framed for the presiding officer. A graphic account of the way hi which the lot was cast is given in 1

Sam. xiv., where an issue personal to Saul and Jonathan was decided. Another somewhat exciting incident

was the detection of Achan, recorded in Josh. vii., 18. Exactly what the Urim and Thummin was is even yet.

a matter of speculation. They were concealed in or behind the breast-plate of the High Priest, If the former,

they were probably carried in a pouch; but if the latter, then they undoubtedly referred to the precious stones

which composed the breast-plate, which, according to Josuphus ('Ant.' III., viii., 9) became exceptionally

brilliant or dim, according to the manifestation or withdrawal of Divine Favour. They are not referred to after

the time of David, when the prophetical order was co-ordinated, although in the Acts of the Apostles a lot

was cast, by which Matthias was chosen to fill the vacancy in the Apostolic College caused by the defection

of Judas Iscariot."—Lawrence.

From the brief reference to these three epochs of Biblical history which are indirectly interwoven with

Masonic traditions, and with the known history of the children of Israel, who were designated the chosen

people of God, it would appear that they were not immune from any of the trials and tribulations to which all

nations of the earth have for ever been subject, but rather that they were tried in the fire of affliction, and in

the sufferings they experienced, whereby they were almost humbled to the dust in their Egyptian captivity,

and again after their exaltation under Solomon as one of the greatest nations on earth, they were

subsequently defeated, and taken captive to Babylon. And once more after the rebuilding and restoration of

the Second Temple, it was taken and plundered twice within the next 500 years, and its people put to the

sword. And before another century had expired, it was razed to the ground in accordance with prophetical

utterance.

May we not hope that they were heirs to a more enduring inheritance. A house not made with hands eternal

in the Heavens.

[The writer of this paper acknowledges his indebtedness to Lawrence's "Sidelights of Freemasonry."]

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

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BELGIAN MASONIC RELIEF FUND.

———<>———

The G.Sec. informed the B. of G.P. at its January meeting that twenty-three Lodges had forwarded sums

aggregating £64 17s. for transmission to London, and expressed the opinion that further contributions would

be received during February.

After some discussion it was resolved that a draft for £100 be sent to the G.Sec. of England to be disbursed

by him in assisting distressed Belgian Freemasons, the question of the total amount to be contributed from

G.L. funds to stand over till next meeting of the Board.

————————

AN ANCIENT MASONIC RELIC.

———<>———

In a house in Barngreen, close to the Arbroath Abbey, there has been found a stone slab, about three feet

square, with three outstanding figures—the Master of a Masonic Lodge and his Senior and Junior Wardens.

The figures are supported by the pillars, whose significance is well known to the members of the Craft.

Around the border of the slab are the words, "In the Lord is all my trust." Over the top are scrolled the Latin

words, "Amor, Monestas, Justitia," the root virtues of the Masonic creed, and at the foot, "Let there be light."

There is a profusion of symbols interspersed—the holy volume, the sacred altar, the Deity, the sun and stars.

The house in which this relic has been found is said to have been at one time a place of public entertainment

or hostelry, and it is not improbable that a Masonic Lodge met within its walls. Previous to the discovery of

the relic it had been coated with several layers of wallpaper, so that the successive inhabitants of the house

were quite ignorant of the existence of this interesting relic.—"Glasgow Weekly,"

OBITUARY.

———<>———

R.W. BRO. JOHN CONOLLY, P.P.G.M., AETAT 59.

————

The late Bro. John Conolly, who was a notable resident of Marlborough from his

boyhood days, passed away at his Springlands home on 22nd January, after a lengthy and

patiently borne illness. The deceased, who was a son of the late Judge Conolly, arrived at

Picton with his parents when about eight years of age, and lived his boyhood and young

manhood days in this town uprightly and without blemish. He was educated at the Picton

School, and although his professional duties later in life called him to the centre of

population, he has ever been looked upon as Picton's champion. After leaving the Picton

School, he was sent to the Rev. T. Porritt, who was then teaching at Kaikoura, to

complete his education, and was afterwards admitted to his father's office at Picton. Later

on he was placed in charge of the Blenheim branch, and, when his father was appointed

Judge of the Supreme Court, and removed to Auckland, Bro. John Conolly took charge of

the business, which has been carried on to the present day, the admission of younger men

into partnership being the reward of faithful and trusted service. In educational matters he

always took a deep interest, and he was for many years an active member of the

Marlborough Education Board. The late Bro. Conolly was for very many years a

prominent member of Unanimity and Waitoki Lodges, and he had held the office of

Prov,G.M. for the district of Nelson and Marlborough. He was also a member of the

Marlborough. R.A. Chapter. His genial and kindly disposition made him loved and

respected throughout the whole province, and there was probably no man more widely

known than he. His great kindness towards the poor and needy was one of the strongest

traits of a sterling character, and he will be sadly missed in many ways throughout the

district. As head of the firm of Conolly, Burden and Churchward, he was Picton's legal

friend and adviser, and no solicitor could have been more implicitly trusted. He leaves a

widow, to whom the sympathy of all will go out in her great bereavement. The funeral

took place at Picton, and there was a large and representative attendance. The members of

the Masonic Order from the Picton and Blenheim Lodges attended in full regalia, and the

departed brother was accorded the full and beautiful Masonic rites of burial. The body

was first taken to Holy Trinity Church, where a short service, conducted by the Ven.

Archdeacon Grace, assisted by the Rev. N. Friberg, was held, at the conclusion of which

the Funeral March was played by Miss Philpotts. At the graveside Archdeacon Grace

conducted the burial service, after which he spoke a few stirring "in memoriam" words in

respect to the grand and noble life of the departed. The Masonic funeral service was then

read by Prov.G.M. Bro. W. E. Redman, and the members of the Order paid their last

token of earthly respect by placing the emblematic sprig on their brother's coffin.

FAREWELL TO BRO. W.H. LAVELLE.

———<>———

A special meeting of the members was held in the refectory on 26th January for the purpose of farewelling

Bro. W. H. Lavelle, who has enlisted and is leaving for the camp about the 3rd February. The chair was

occupied by the W.M., W. Bro. W. Snell, with Bro. Lavelle on his right hand, and a large number of P.Ms.

were present and the other members were well represented ; also a number of visitors were present from

outside Lodges. During the evening the W.M. referred to the fact that Bro. Lavelle was leaving his business

and wife and family in order to do his bit for the Empire, and congratulated the Lodge on having a brother

who considered the Empire first, and who could not hold back when his country wanted him. Other members

referred to Bro. Lavelle as being a thorough good business man and one that will be missed in Dannevirke.

He was always ready to assist in any movement in the interest of the town. Bro. Lavelle, in replying, said he

felt sorry in leaving, but he considered that it was the duty of every British subject at the present time to

assist the Empire, and this cannot be done more effectually than by every man who can possibly see his way

to enlist to do so, and he having been able to arrange his business satisfactorily he was only too pleased that

he was thus able to get away and do what he considered was the right thing. Bro. Lavelle thanked the W.M.

and officers and members of Lodge Rawhiti for their many good wishes expressed, and hoped that they

would all be present on his return. Other members referred to the splendid example of Bro. Lavelle, and

hoped he would come back safe, and they promised him a right hearty reception. During the evening songs

and musical items were rendered by members and visitors.

————————

TRURO'S MAYOR ELECT.

———<>———

MR. J. TONKIN'S LONG CONNECTION WITH THE CITY.

————

Mr. John Tonkin, nephew of the late Bro. E. Chegwidden, of Victoria Lodge (whose obituary notice

appeared in the October issue of the CRAFTSMAN) and cousin of W. Bro. E. Chegwidden, P.M., and at

present Treas. of Victoria Lodge, was recently appointed Mayor of Truro. The following notice appeared in a

Home paper :-

At the conclusion of the meeting of the Truro City Council on Tuesday, the committee appointed to consider

the Mayoralty decided to invite Councillor John Tonkin to fill the position for the next twelve months, and

Mr. Tonkin has accepted the honour.

The mayor-elect has resided in the city for the greater portion of his life. Educated at the British school and

at Mr. Davis's school near the Green, he entered the post office in 1867, and was principal clerk at Truro for

many years. This was at the time when the premises now occupied by Mr. Burton were used as a post office,

and people obtained what they required through a small opening in the lobby. The delivery of the letters was

then done by two men, and the work at the office was practically all done by the postmaster and Mr. Tonkin,

but when the present post office premises were occupied the staff was considerably increased. The postal

service was then in a transition stage, and shortly after country people, who had previously only a biweekly

delivery, received their letters daily.

Mr. Tonkin was appointed postmaster at Blandford (Dorset) in 1900, and four years Later was promoted to

postmaster at Bury (Lancashire). On attaining the age of sixty Mr. Tonkin retired from the postal service, and

settled in Truro.

For many years he has been a prominent Freemason ,and is one of the oldest P.Ms. of Lodge Fortitude, 131,

Truro, having been W.M. as far back as 1888, and holding Provincial rank of Assist.-Sec. and S.G.D. In the

Fortitude Lodge of Mark Masons W. Bro. Tonkin went through the chairs about twenty-five years ago, and

holds the rank of P.P.S.G.W. in Cornwall and P.P.G.S.O. in Dorset. On leaving Truro for Blandford in 1900,

he was the recipient from the brethren of Fortitude Mark and Craft Lodges of a solid silver tea and coffee

service as a mark of their esteem and regard.

Like his predecessor hi office (Mr. J. J. Smith), Mr. J. Tonkin is an active member of the St. George's United

Methodist Church, and during a long connection with that place of worship he has filled almost every office

open to a layman. He is an overseer, and the representative of Kenwyn Urban on the Truro Board of

Guardians, and secretary of the Truro City and Rural District War Relief Fund and Belgian Relief Fund.

Mr. Tonkin joined the City Council three years ago, when he filled the vacancy caused by the retirement of

Mr. H. Tippet, there being no contest.

————————

THE LIGHTS.

———<>———

A Lodge has three symbolic Lights : one in the East, one in the West, and one in the South, represented by

the W.M., S.W., and J.W. There is no light in the North, because King Solomon's Temple, of which every

Lodge is a representation, was so far north of the ecliptic that the sun could dart no rays into the northern part

there. The north, therefore, we Masonically call a place of darkness.—"Thornburg Monitor."

————————

THE LEGEND OF TUTANEKAI

———<>———

A ROMANCE OF THE PAST.

————

[By BRO. A. A. WRITELAW, Lodge Tutanekai, No. 156.]

————

To many Masonic brethren the picturesque story of the love of the great Maori chieftain, whose name this

Lodge bears, and of the brave Maori maiden, Hinemoa, after whom our parent Lodge is named, may not be

altogether familiar. It is one of those romantic love stories which have been repeated orally from generation

to generation, and one not likely to be

soon forgotten. For are there not many

now living who claim descent from the

illustrious chieftain and chieftainess, and

amongst whom the story is still told as in

days gone by; and are there not also

many who pass with fraternal greetings

through the portals of the Lodges which

now bear their names, and to whom

those names signify good fellowship and

brotherly love?

Tutanekai was the foster-son of

Whakaue Kaipapa, the great ancestor of

the Ngati Whakaue people who now

dwell at Ohinemutu, Mokoia Island, and

round the shores of Lake Rotorua.

Whakaue loved the lad and was very

kind to him, treating him as if he were

his own son. Their home was on Mokoia

Island, in the centre of Lake Rotorua,

and here Tutanekai and his brothers

grew to manhood. Here they learned the

various arts in which the Maoris of

olden times were skilled, and here, also,

they learned the art of love. Tutanekai,

at several of the tribal meetings which

were held at Rotorua, had exchanged

loving glances with Hinemoa, the

daughter of Umukaria, who lived across

the lake at Owhata, and had also made

avowal of his love to the beautiful girl.

It was at this time that Tutanekai across

there in the island of Mokoia had built

himself an elevated balcony on the slope

of the bill called Kaiweka, and on this he and his friend Tiki used to go and play music together. On the cahn

summer evenings the delightful notes were wafted by the gentle breeze across the lake to Owhata, where

dwelt the lovely maiden to whom this music gave gladness of heart, and in whose breast there was a great

passion for Tutanekai. At one of their meetings at Rotorua, Hinemoa had asked him for a sign that she might

know when to go to him to be his wife, and Tutanekai had told her that when she heard the sound of his flute

from over the water he would be waiting for her. But difficulties lay in Hinemoa's path. What path of true

love ever did run smooth? Her people, suspecting her, had taken care that none of the canoes were left afloat;

every one had been hauled well away from the beach, and this had been done for many days and many

nights.

Poor Hinemoa reflected sadly in her heart, saying, "How can I contrive to cross the lake to Mokoia?" As she

sat upon the ground meditating what course to pursue there came to her the soft sweet notes played by

Tutanekai and his friend Tiki, and the young and beautiful maiden felt as though an earthquake shook her to

make her go to the beloved of her heart. Alas, there was no canoe she could use, but that difficulty was no

obstacle to the girl in whose veins ran the blood of Umukaria, the fighting chief of Owhata. She decided to

swim the four to five miles of water that separated her lover from her, and, taking six gourds to serve as

floats, three for each side, she went out upon the rock Iri-iri-kapua. which is still to be seen at Owhata, and

thence to the spot called Wairerewai, at the edge of the lake, where she

threw off her clothes and cast herself into the water. After swimming

for some time she reached a post which had been placed in the lake by

her father, and holding on to this, she rested and eased her wearied

limbs. After resting she swam on again, and when weary floated on the

waters of the lake, supported by the gourds ; and when she had eased

her weariness swans on again. All the way across there came to her the

sweet sound of Tutanekai's music, and guided by it, she at length

touched the shore of Mokoia, landing at the hot pool Waikimihia.

directly in front of Tutanekai's house at Kaiweka pa.

After her long swim in the cold waters of Rotorua, Hinemoa got into

the pool to warm herself, for she was trembling all over, partly from

the cold, and partly also from modesty at the thought of meeting her

beloved Tutanekai.

While the maiden was thus warming herself, Tutanekai, who felt

thirsty after his long performance on the trumpet, asked his friend Tiki

to bring him some water. So Uki went to fetch it in a calabash, and

drew it from the lake close to the spot where Hinemoa was sitting. The

timorous maiden, feigning a man's voice, gruffly demanded the calabash, and after drinking from it,

purposely threw it down and broke it. Tiki returned to Tutanekai, who enquired for the water, and on being

told that the calabash had been broken by a man in the bath, he ordered Tiki to take another and bring the

water. At the bath the calabash was again asked for by Hinemoa, and broken as at first. After this had been

done several times, Tiki went to Tutanekai and told him that his calabashes had all been broken by a stranger

in the bath. Tutanekai, enraged at the thought of anyone daring to do such a thing, seized his mere, and,

going down to the hot pool, demanded, "Where's the fellow who broke my calabashes?" Hinemoa knew the

voice, and coyly concealed herself under the ledge of rock, so that Tutanekai would not find her without

some searching. At last, after feeling about and seeking along the edge of the pool, he touched her hand and

cried out, "Hello! who's this?" and Hinemoa answered, "It is I, Tutanekai." And he said, "But who are you?

Who's I?" Then she spoke louder and said, "It's Hinemoa." And Tutanekai said, "Can such indeed be the

case? Then let us go to my house," The maiden answered "Yes," and rose up in the water as beautiful as the

wild white hawk, and stepped upon the edge of the bath as graceful as the shy white crane,

" And with his cloak around her thrown,

He led her to his dwelling lone;

By all the law the land supplied,

So wedded, and so made his bride."

The descendants of Tutanekai and Hinemoa are at this very day dwelling on the beautiful island of Mokoia,

and at Ohinemutu, Owhata, where the rock, Iri-iri-kapua., on which Hinemoa used to sit, is still to be seen;

and at Owhatiura and Ngapuna,. At each of these kaingas the people delight to tell the story of the love of

Tutanekai and Hinemoa, and of the great prowess of their fighting ancestor, and the great beauty of their

renowned ancestress. The story is

one that is not likely to be soon

forgotten, for the Ngati Whakaue

tribe still have this song and teach it

to their offspring :-

" Am I not descended from the

great ancestress who swam

hither?

From Hinemoa, whom I

resemble from having crossed

the sea," etc.

And to the brethren of Lodge

Tutanekai this song is peculiarly

appropriate, for have not we also

descended from Hinemoa, our

parent Lodge, whom we resemble,

and with whom, and all other sister

Lodges, we go forward in the bonds

of good fellowship and brotherly

love. And for all time So Mote it

Be.

————————————————

SUPREME GRAND R.A. CHAPTER OP NEW ZEALAND.

———<>———

The annual convocation of this branch of Freemasonry was held in the St. Kilda Masonic Hall on Thursday,

17th February, M.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews, G.Z., presiding, supported by RE. Comp. T. Ross, D.G.Z., R.E.

Comp. M. J. Harris, G.H., and M.E. Comp. Rev. T. Porritt, as G.J. The other G. officers present included:–

M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams, G.S.E., V.E. Comps. H. H. Seaton, G.Treas., C. W. Neilsen, G.Reg., and V.E.

Comp. T. Gilmour, G.St.B. The remaining offices were temporarily filled. The followiing Past 1st G.Prins.

were present :—M.E. Comps. Rev. E, Elliot Chambers, Geo. H. Powley, J. M. Brown, and the Rev. T.

Porritt. The G.Supts. of Canterbury (C. Flavell), Otago (E. Lane), Southland (J. J. Hiskins), and Hawkes Bay

(T, Hobson) were also in attendance.

REPRESENTATIVES.—The following is the list of representatives :– Comp. T. W. Lee, No. 1; V.E. Comp, A.

Veitch, No. 2; V.E. Comp. J. Walker, No. 3; V.E. Comp. T. Hobson, No. 4; M.E. Comp. Rev, E. E.

Chambers, No. 6 ; V.E. Comp. H. W. Hillier, No. 7; M.E. Comp. J. M. Brown, No. 8; M.E. Comp. Geo. H.

Powley, No. 9; V.E. Comp. J. Moncrieff, No. 10; V.E. Comp. W. Dobson, No. 11; V.E. Comp. A. J,

Hoskins, No. 16; R.E. Comp. N. J. Harris, No. 17; V.E. Comp. H. Panckhurst, No. 18; V.E. Comp. P. G.

Bowater, No. 21; V.E. Comp. H. E. Tristram, .No. 22; V.E. Comp. H. H. Seaton, No. 24; V.E. Comp. J. P.

Shand, No. 25; V.E. Comp. A. B. King, No. 29; V.E. Comp. J. Craven, No. 30; V:E, Comp. H. W. Wait, No.

31; V.E. Comp. H. Priestley, No. 32; V.E. Comp. T. Gilmour, No. 33; V.E, Comp. J. Hamilton, No. 34; V.E.

Comp. C. B. Russel Rendle, No. 35.

MINUTES.—The minutes the last annual convocation having been printed and circulated, were on motion

ordered to be taken as read, and were confirmed.

ROLL OF CHAPTERS.—On the roll being called, twenty-six representatives of chapters answered.

APOLOGIES.—A very large number of apologies were received and ordered to be recorded.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. —V.E. Comp. H. Seaton, acting as chairman of Sup. Com., moved the adoption

of the balance-sheet, and explained several items of the accounts. Comp. W. Dobson commented on the

dilatoriness of G.Supts. in rendering their accounts, and suggested that they should be requested to furnish

them at stated periods within each year, so as to enable G.S.E. to include them in the list of sundry creditors.

R.E. Comp. Lane thought such a suggestion too arbitrary, as some of these officers might not desire to render

accounts at all. The motion for the adoption of the accounts was seconded by V.E. Comp. Veitch, and

carried.

REPORT OF SUP. COM.— The two first clauses were adopted without comment.- Clause 3—revision of

ritual—provoked free discussion, in the course of which T.E. Comp. C. E. R. Rendle explained that in

moving on the question of ritual at the last convocation, he had not in any way intended to reflect on the

author or revisers of the book now in use. Ultimately it was resolved on the Motion of G.S.E, that the general

committee consist of the four G. Prins. and one member from each of the four principal centres of the

Dominion, who shall meet one or two days (as may be necessary) before the next convocation of G, Chapter,

and in the event of any companion appointed being unable to attend, his district shall appoint a substitute.

The following .companions were nominated from the four centres :—Auckland, R.E. Comp. E. Kearsley ;

Wellington, M.E. Comp. Rev. T. Porritt ; Canterbury, R.E. Comp. C. Flavell ; Otago, R.E. Comp. E. Lane,

Clause 4 was agreed to. Clause 5 was amended by adding the words, "and Rawhiti Chapter, Dannevirke,"

after the word "Napier.''

Clause 6.—R.E. Comp. E. Lane, G.Supt., explained that steps had already been taken to remove Cromwell

Chapter, if it was found impossible to carry on in Alexandra.'

Clause 7.—In accordance with the recommendation of Sup.Com., the chairman moved, "That an amount of

£296 be appropriated by this G. Chapter to provide for the payment of what would be considered a

permanent annuity to the G.L. of New Zealand." The motion was seconded by T.E. Comp. T. W. Lee and

unanimously adopted,

Clause 8 was adopted. The G.Reg. made a full explanation of the advantages to be derived by the adoption

by chapters of the suggested amended by-Law relating to trustees of chapters.

On Clause 15 being called, M.E. Comp. Rev. E. E. Chambers made sympathetic reference to the loss

sustained by M.E. Comp.. G. J. W. Griffiths in the loss of his youngest son, who had been killed in Egypt,

and moved that a letter of sympathy be forwarded to M.E. Comp. Griffiths.

Clause 16.— Election of G. Officers.—The allocation as submitted in this clause was unanimously agreed to

with the addition of the name, of Comp. D. Darroch as Asst.-G.Sd.B.

The assessment for the current year was fixed at 1/- per member for general purposes, and 1/- for

representative tax. The report as amended was then agreed to.

Resolved on the motion of M.E. Comp. G. H. Powley that in addition to the letter already sent to M.E.

Comp. J. J: Essen, a resolution be entered on the records of this meeting expressive of appreciation of the

conduct and example of Comp. Esson in offering his services at an early stage of the war, and of the eminent

services he has rendered, which have secured the distinction conferred by His Majesty the King, that of

Comp. of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

The M.E.G.Z. read an address at this stage, referring to the principal matters of interest which have occurred

during his term of office.

On the motion of V.E. Comp, W. Dobson, it was resolved, "That this annual convocation place on record its

deep appreciation of the services rendered to Capitular Freemasonry for a long period of years by M.E.

Comp. Rev. T. Porritt,"

The past services of M.E. Comp. R. Fletcher were also made the subject of a special vote, and regret was

expressed at his retirement,

At the evening session R.E. Comp. T. Ross was installed with the usual ceremonies by M.E. Comp.

Andrews. The M.E.G.Z. then installed his deputy—R.E. Comp. M. J. Harris — and M.E. Comp. Clothier

performed a like office to the G.J., RE. Comp, J. Mancrieff. M.E. Comp. Rev, S. G. Chambers invested the

other officers present in his characteristically happy manner.

The following is the list :—G.S.E., M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams; G.S.N., V.E. Comp. C. E. R. Rendle;

G.Treas., V.E. Comp. A. Veitch; lst G.Soj., V.E. Comp. G. Cooper; 2nd G.Soj., V.E. Comp. A. H. Walker ;

3rd G.Soj., V.E. Comp. R. Prentice; G.Reg., V.E. Comp. C, W. Neilsen; G. Chancellor V.E. Comp. W.

Dobson; G.Supt. of W., V.E. Comp. H. Priestley ; G.D. of C., V.E. Comp. W. Miller ; G.Sd.B., V.E. Comp.

G. T. Bull ; S Gd.B., V.E. Comp. W. Moyes ; G. Organist, V.E. Comp. R. Hawcridge ; Asst;-G.D. of C.,

V.E. Comp. C. H. Critchley ; Asst. G.Sd.B. V.E. Comp: D. Darrach ; Asst. G St.B. V.E. Clomp. T. E.

Hamerton; Asst.-G.Reg., V.E. Comp.. J. Menzies. G.Supts. : Auckland, R.E. Comp. Kearsley ; Wellington,

M.E. Comp., T. Porritt ; West Coast, R.E. Comp. G. W. Palmer ; Canterbury, .R.E. Comp. C. Flavell; Otago,

R.E. Comp. E. Lane; Southland, V.E. Comp. J. J. Hiskins ; Westland, V.E. Comp. Dr, E. D. Dunn ; Hawkes

Bay, R.E. Comp. T. Hobson. Chairman of Sup.Committee V.E. Comp. H. H. Seaton. Sup. Committee, V.E.

Comps. Dement, Jones, Parsons, Menzies, and Shand.

M.E. Clomp. T. Ross then read the following admirable address :—

COMPANIONS.—For almost a quarter of a 'century our Sup.G. Chapter has assembled once in every year in

solemn conclave to select from among their numbers a companion to preside over them. This year the choice

has fallen on my humble self, and I deeply appreciate the very great honour conferred on me by the ap-

pointment. Let me assure my companions that, the Most High helping me, nothing will be lacking on my part

to uphold the best traditions of G. Chapter, and all that Capitular Freemasonry represents, in this far distant

outpost of the English-speaking race. I trust that when at the end of my term I shall have laid aside the

sceptre, you will be able to say the confidence reposed in me this day has not been misplaced.

During the past history of G. Chapter the office I have now the honour to occupy has been held by

companions of esteem and worth, many of whom have filled the highest and most important positions in

Craft Masonry and in our G.L. My constant endeavour will be to attain to the high standard of excellence

they have already set this G. Chapter. I trust that during the coming year I shall have their assistance and

guidance if questions of importance arise. Hitherto my activities in Capitular Freemasonry have been

confined to matters concerning the district, and although engaged in a business that still requires personal

supervision, I have in the past been able to devote some little of my time to our Chapters in the immediate

surrounding's. My horizon is now being extended to embrace the whole territory of New Zealand. Under

ordinary circumstances I could have promised a visit to quite a few of our most distant Chapters, but today

we live in strenuous times, and if I am unable to visit as I would wish, I trust my companions will take the

sincere desire for the deed.

On entering another year (an important one to us, as it completes our semi-jubilee), I look forward with

every confidence that out G. Chapter will go on increasing in membership and improving in interest, and that

we will more than ever carry out the great principles of Capitular Freemasonry. In this connection I feel

certain I speak the feeling of every companion here where I say that so long as we retain the services of our

M.E. Clamp. Herbert J. Williams in the triple capacity of officer, guide, and friend we need have no anxiety

for our continued prosperity, for the maintenance of our dignity, and for the promotion of all the virtues that

R.A. Masonry stands for.

"Lifting the fallen brother up;

Sweetening the draught in the bitter cup;

Heeding the orphans plaintive cry ;

Wiping the tear from Sorrow's eye."'

Looking round to-day at our large gathering, we miss many of the familiar faces, who in past years have

helped to swell our numbers and give counsel in our deliberations. I refer to those who have responded to the

call of Empire, abandoning the ease and comforts of domestic life, and the emoluments of lucrative office,

for the hardships of tented field and the rigours of crowded trench. Among the first to answer to the dictates

of patriotism, by laying down the sceptre of office and buckling on the sword of defence, was our then M.E.

1stG. Prin. Comp. Essen. So well and worthily has he discharged his duty at the head of our brave New

Zealanders that to-day he stands in the presence of kings and receives the reward due to noble and heroic

services. We greet our M.E. Comp. at the front as Lieut.-Col. James Jacobs Essen, C.M.G. May the example

of his achievements be an inspiration to every companion here to do his part in this great war—each in his

own particular sphere—by bodily service, by pecuniary assistance, by encouraging words. Many of our

companions even in the humblest ranks have done heroes' work. They were set to accomplish the impossible,

and the tales of their deeds of daring have made "all the world wonder." The storming of Gallipoli has been

an epic ; the assault at Suvla Bay and Anzac Cove, the dogged pertinacity of sticking to it in Suicides' Gully

and Shrapnel Valley, have left an imperishable record of fearless intrepedity and undaunted fortitude. We

trust fitting recognition will be apportioned to each and every one who has borne the brunt of battle, and the

hardships of campaign. Some will return to us physically or mentally sick ; or scarred and torn with death-

dealing destructive missiles bearing all the evidences of deadly combat—to these we shall extend the hand of

living and fraternal welcome. Many of our companions and brethren have, alas, made the supreme sacrifice.

They now sleep under strange skies on Turkish shores, in Egyptian sand, in Arabian deserts, or in French

soil. As their names will be emblazoned on the walls of our temples, may the memory of their gallant deeds,

their feats of heroism and their sublime demise, be ever enshrined on our hearts as an imperishable

memorial. The noble example of those who left these shores, and who are still leaving us to take the place of

those who have fallen, will assuredly stimulate .us who are left to make conditions easier for our companions

or brethren, and our sons, engaged in fighting the enemy at the front; so that when a truce is called to this

dreadful carnage, we may be able to say, "We could not all go, but, thank God, those who went and fought so

valiantly to uphold our rights—we helped them with our good wishes, our prayers, our substance. We believe

we are justified in doing our utmost to attain a victory for our arms. We are engaged in fighting an enemy

country whose sole object is to aggrandise itself by the dismemberment of the Empire of which we form an

integral part. An Empire that to-day, as yesterday, stands for righteousness, for peace, for justice, for equity,

and for freedom. We who live here under the Southern Cross, in this far-flung part of the Empire, have

carried out these great virtues of the English-speaking people. Our treatment of the Maori race, some of them

honoured legislators in our parliament, many of them esteemed brethren in our Lodges, and companions in

our Chapters, bear testimony to our sympathetic humanity. In trade, in commerce, in the professions, New

Zealand has welcomed the peoples of every nationality, imposing no conditions, no restrictions, not even of

naturalisation, ere the stranger could engage in trade, or practise his profession. Our homes, our Lodges, our

Chapters, and only most select corporations were open to all—the one essential being a semblance of moral

worth. This magnanimity of treatment, this generosity of sentiment, has been accounted against us by our

enemies as a sign of decadence, an evidence of lack of virility, While we were assisting, benefiting, and

fraternising with the alien, he was repaying our hospitality by spying upon our weaknesses, and engineering

his shoddy goods on our markets, returning our generosity by mapping out our country for future

possibilities of invasion, and monopolising the export of our resources, to pile up munitions in his beloved

Fatherland for our future subjection. When we are confronted with individual and national principles of so

debased and degrading a type—a people possessed of considerations that subserve all the finer instincts of

chivalry, courtesy, integrity, and honour, for national aggression—when we read of the sinking of peaceful

shipping without warning, and the drowning of helpless infants, feeble men and women, and inoffensive

passengers, the burning of churches, the murdering of prisoners, the shooting of nurses, and the

indiscriminate bombing of sleeping families—we stand aghast, and ask ourselves what has become of the

influence of ten thousand years of civilisation, the teaching of nearly two thousand years of Christianity, and

the practice of the principles of our Freemasonry from time immemorial.

To-day, when "The earth is full of anger,

The seas are dark with wrath"

if all the nations engaged in this great Armageddon had thrown all that civilisation, Christianity, and

Freemasonry stand for to the winds, to be scattered to the four cardinal points of the heavens, this world

would indeed be in a sorry plight. When, however, we see the chivalrous Latin races and the illustrious

English-speaking Empire allied with the fervent and zealous Slavinian peoples to combat these Teutonic

devils of blood, lust, and rapine—whose evangel is that of "blood and iron," "might makes right,"

"frightfulness," and all the foul abominations that have been engendered in the bottomless pit—then it is we

may take heart of grace and say,

"God is in his Heaven; All will be well."

We know we are fighting for the right, we believe that right, and liberty, and justice will prevail. We are

convinced that our civilisation, which has been permeating the ages with sentiments that go to ennoble and

refine humanity will assert itself. That the religion in which we have been nurtured will vindicate its hold on

men, and that the teachings of our beloved Masonry will triumph. That

"The time shall come when earth shall be

A garden of joy from sea to sea;

When the slaughterous sword is drawn no more,

And goodness exults from shore to shore."

Companions, I cannot conclude with nobler sentiments than repeating the desire of that great poet and

Freemason, Robert Burns :

"Then let us pray that come it may,

As come it will for a' that ;

That man to man the world o'er,

Shall brithers be and a' that."

Fraternal greetings having been tendered by the representatives of a number of G. Chapters, G. Chapter was

closed in ample form at 9.30 p.m.

Subsequently refreshments were served in an adjoining room, which was followed by the toasts and harmony

usual on such occasions.

————————————————

INSTALLATION OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER OF CANTERBURY.

———<>———

The annual communication of the Prov.G.L. of Canterbury, which should have taken place in October, but

which had to be postponed owing to the serious illness of the Dep.Prov.G.M., V.W. Bro. Jno. Thornton,

P.B.B., was held in the St. Augustine Hall, Christchurch, on Monday, 31st January. The business portion of

the proceedings having been disposed of, R.W. Bro. M. S. Brown, Dist.G.M. of Canterbury, E.C.,

accompanied by several of his officers, was received in due form. W. Bro. J. N. Do Feu, G.D. of C.,

announced the presence of the M.W.G.M., M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, who was received and saluted with the

honours due to his rank, Other G.L. officers who accompanied him were: — M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol,

P.G.M.; R.W. Bro. W. Broadley, P.G.W., as S.G.W.; R.W. Bro. J. A. Frostick, P.G.W., as J.G.W.; V.W. Bro.

Rev. F. P. Fendall, P.G. Chaplain, as G. Chaplain; V.W. Bro. H. J. Otley, G.Treas.; V.W. Bro. E. D. Mosley,

G.Reg.; R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham, P.P.G.M., Pres. B. of G.P.; W. Bro. R. B. B. Willis, P.G.D., as S.G.D.; W.

Bro. M. B. Wright, P.G.B.B., as J.G.D. ; W. Bro. J. N. Du Feu, G.D. of C. ; W. Bro. E. Nordon, P.G.Purs., as

G.Purs.; W. Bros. J. Mackenzie, W. F. McLean, T. W. Lee, and H. Wyatt, G. Stewards. The M.W.G.M.

stated that owing to his election as Prov.G.M., V.W. Bro. Thornton had resigned his office as Pres. of the

Board of Benevolence, and he had therefore appointed. W. Bro. W. Brown, P.G.Purs., to fill the vacancy

thus caused, and he invested V.W. Bro. Brown with the insignia of his office. The presented V.W. Bro.

Mosley, G.Reg., with his commission as representative of the M.W.G.L. of Ohio near the G.L. of New

Zealand. After the G.M. had stated the object of the meeting, and the G. Chaplain had engaged in prayer, the

G.Sec. read R.W. Bro. Thornton's commission of appointment as Prov.G.M. of Canterbury. Having

ascertained that there was no objection to Bro. Thornton being installed, the M.W.G.M. directed the G.D. of

C. to retire, with a deputation consisting of four G. Stewards and four Installed Masters, for the purpose of

introducing the Prov.G.M.-elect. The G.D. of C. having made the announcement, a procession, as follows,

entered:—

G. Director of Ceremonies.

G. Steward with wand. G. Steward with wand.

Installed Master, carrying Installed Master, carrying

cushion with collar and cushion with apron.

jewel.

V.W. BRO. JOHN THORNTON, P.B.B.,

Puov.G,M.-elect.

Installed Master. Installed Master.

G. Steward with wand. G. Steward with wand.

The Prov.G.M.-elect was presented by the G.D. of C. to the M.W.G.M., who, after the Chaplain had engaged

in prayer, enquired if Bro. Thornton was prepared to accept the office to which he had been elected, and, on

receiving an answer in the affirmative, obligated, invested, and enthroned him, and he was proclaimed by the

G.D. of C. R.W. Bro. Thornton then announced that he appointed W. Bro. Kenneth Mackenzie, P.G.D. of C.,

Geraldine, as his Deputy, but, unfortunately, Bro. Mackenzie was unable to be present, so could not be

invested. The officers having been elected earlier in the evening, those present were invested by M.W. Bro.

Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M. The following is the list of officers —Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Jno. Thornton

Dep.Prov.G.M., W. Bro. Ken. Mackenzie; Prov.S.G.W., W.. Bro. J. N. Du Feu ; Prov.J.G.W., W. Bro. A. J.

Hoskins; Prov. G. Chaplain, Bro. Rev. A. H. Norris; Prov.G.Treas., W. Bro, R. C. McL. Symes;

Prov.G.Reg.; W. Bro. W. J. Hunter; Pres. Prov.B. of G.P., R.W. Bro. W. Broadley; Prov.G.Sec., W. Bro. F.

C. B. Bishop; Pres. Prov. Board of Benevolence, W. Bro. J. Richardson; Prov.S.G.D., W. Bro. C. M.

Suckling; Prov.J.G.D., W. Bro. C. J. Talbot; Prov.G.Supt. of W., W. Bro. Fred Lill; Prov.G.D. of C., W.

Bros. W. McBride and G. Yemm; Prov.G.B.B., W. Bro. G. H. Patrick; Prov.G.Sd.B., W. Bro. J. J. Heasley ;

Prov.G.St.B., W. Bro. A. Murray ; Prov.G. Organist, Bro. Dr. F. C. A'Court ; Prov.G.I.G., W. Bro. R. L.

Bush; Prov. G. Stewards, W. Bros. G Burns, James Carr, E. Haley, R. C. Littlejohn, E. T. Powis, Colin

Thompson; Prov. B. of G.P., V.W. Bro. W. Brown, V. Bros. J. Furneaux, A. K. Hadfied, A. H. Hobbs, H. B.

Sorensen; Prov. B. of Benevolence, W. Bros. W. G. Cookson, R. W. S. Eastwood, J. H. Parkes, H. F.

Penlington, J. W. Roberts. The M.W.G.M. then addressed the meeting, and, in the course of his remarks,

gave it as his opinion that Prov.G.L. had proved a success. Although it had only been in existence six years,

he felt there was not a brother who would wish to revert to the old system. At first there had been a doubt,

but this had disappeared. He would like to see Prov.G.Ls. formed in the other districts, and he thought the

time would come when they would be general throughout the Dominion. The R.W.Prov.G.M. said it was

customary for the Prov.G.M. to prepare an address to be read on these occasions, but his state of health had

not permitted him to do so. He referred to the loss we had sustained by the death of M.W. Bro. Binns, and

stated it was his intention to follow in his steps as far as he could. He also referred to the state of the Craft in

the provincial district, thanking several of the W. brethren for the work they had done during the time he was

ill, and concluded by a reference to the war, and the special (war) Benevolent Fund which the G.M. had

instituted. The M.W. G.M. having congratulated the R.W.Prov.G.M. on the honour which had been

conferred upon him, retired. In tendering his congratulations, the R.W.Dist.G.M. of Canterbury, E.C., said

reference had been made to the good feeling that had existed between the two Constitutions in Canterbury.

How could it have been otherwise with such a leader as the late M.W. Bro. Binns ? He hoped the same good

feeling would continue.

————————————————

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

———<>———

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

AUCKLAND, ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, MAY 10 AND 11, 1916.

G.L. WILL BE OPENED ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, AT 2 P.M.

1. The minutes of the annual communication of 1915 will be submitted for confirmation.

2. Election of the M.W.G.M.

3. Election of other G. officers.
4. The annual balance-sheet to 31st March, 1916, will be submitted for adoption.
5. Report of the Board of Benevolence.
6. Report of the Annuity Board of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund.

G.L. will adjourn, and will re-assemble at 7.30 p.m. for the Installation of the G.M.–elect, M.W. Bro. Oliver

Nicholson. Appointment and Investiture of the R.W.D.G.M. Appointment and investiture of the

R.W.Prov.G.Ms. of districts.

Appointment and Investiture of the R.W. the S. and J. G. Ws. Investiture of elected G. officers.

Address from the M.W.G.M.

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

G.L. SESSION WILL BE RESUMED ON THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1916. Business on the agenda paper for

Wednesday, if not completed, will first be disposed of.

7. Report of the B. of G.P.
8. Election of Aunitor.
9. Appointment, of Trustees.
10. Fixing the Representation Levy for 1917.
11. General Business, by permission of the G.M.

————————————————

LECTURE OF THE THIRD DEGREE.

———<>———

The following lecture is by P.G.M. E. H. Addington of Louisiana, and is taken from "Square and

Compasses" .-

My brother, you have now completed the actual ceremony of the Sublime Degree, and it becomes my duty to

attempt to tell you something of the meaning sought to be conveyed by these formalities. It is true that this

degree is so many-sided and so lends itself to the individual aspiration of the man who, technically, becomes

a M.M., that I can lay no claim that what I here say is more than what to me seems the most important and

most obvious of its many meanings. And at the outset I confirm what you no doubt already take for granted,

that the occurrence represented in the second part of the ceremonies is legendary and purely symbolical. It is,

in fact, a crude drama, performed to illustrate the great fundamental need of human beings and to hint what

are the forces that heretofore have prevented the coming of conditions that would meet and supply that need.

Since man has had the idea of a Higher Power, there has existed the idea that real knowledge of God, for

example, and taking the most common form of the idea, such knowledge as would enable its possessor to

speak the actual name by which the Most High is known to himself, would give to the possessor of such

knowledge miraculous powers for good; practically would make him able to do the infinite things that are in-

superable in the mind from the idea of God.

But man only can work to whatever ends he seeks, by use of the means he has, and always he has attempted

the infinite riddle of the universe, has sought to comprehend the infirmities of space and time, and the

infinite harmony of creation, the orderly course of events, with which space and time are filled, by use of his

finite and very limited powers of observation and reason. He has attacked the problem of the infinitely great,

the infinitely sacred Name, with the powers and activities of a very fine intellect and personality, because

there has been no other way for him to do, and the aspirations of the ages have aptly been symbolised in the

idea of a perfect structure, built on earth, but built for God; approaching completion, but incomplete; built by

a Master, but never finished because the Master has been destroyed by some part of the very forces used in

the erection of the structure.

Always man has sought to be God. Always his very supreme effort has been only human. Always must these

things be in just that relation, regardless of what advance man may make,

Masonry is the frank admission that man is finite; that final knowledge is impossible to him; that his true

work and best destiny are in the plane of actualities, rather than in dreams of the impossible.

In this the Mason who understands the meaning of the Third Degree simply faces, with mental courage, the

common practical method. In all the affairs of life men are seeking perfection iii finite things. In business, in

finance, in politics and statecraft, in scholarship, in religion, even in pleasure and dissipation, each strives to

accomplish the infinitely perfect, in respect to things and conditions that have no element of stability, no

quality of endurance; and each of us, in many ways, is making the effort for perfection. In many things it is

merely in the day's work. In others, it is the cry of desperation or the delight of abandon. Usually the idea of

the perfection sought is but dimly recognised. But here in the Lodge, in this brotherhood that exists for

brotherhood only, we frankly realise that we are seeking to perfect ourselves and definitely acknowledge that

the task is infinite, only approximately to be accomplished.

We see in the entire legend of the perfect building, unfinished because of the death of the Master builder, at

the hands of some of the very workmen employed up to the actual time when the crime was committed, an

allegory of human relations as they should be; as they would be were not Love, the Master builder,

constantly slain by elements in human nature itself and abroad in human society. What we seek is perfect re-

lations among men; perfect brotherhood. The plan on our trestle board attempts a condition in which every

human being will act toward every other with entire affection. We recognise at least three of the things that

constantly interfere. They are Ignorance that unfits man for brotherly relations. Superstition that in its most

acute manifestations forbids the free flow of affection, and Greed that actually destroys that love must be the

master motive in ideal human relations.

Relegating to the wisdom of future generations the finding: of the final basis; the recovery of the true name,

we go daily about the task Of searching the hills of our own characters and lives, to locate and conquer the

ruffians, Ignorance, Superstition, and Greed, striving to bring about a time when in our own persons no lack

of knowledge will cause hasty imputation of unworthy motive in judging others, when our religion will be

free from superstition that regards an honest difference of opinion as evidence of unworthiness, when no

greed for possession will cause us to deviate from the path of rectitude and of humanity.

My brother, this means that you are now enlisted in the cause -of humanity. Be, as: nearly as constant effort

and vigilance can make you, a true brother. Whenever you truthfully can say that you are a brother in act,

word and thought, to all things, then, and not until then, will you be in fact a Master Mason. Notwithstanding

your official recognition as a Master Mason, and notwithstanding the same official recognition of all who

have performed the ceremonies of the degree, whether hero or hereafter, whether in this life or that to come,

until perfect love becomes the Master Motive, we still have a rugged road to travel, beset with dangers.

————————————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 19th FEBRUARY, 1916

———<>———

C. P. Powles 10/-, G. Menzies, S. Martin, A. Erskine (Wellington), J. George 15/ - (Roxburgh), M. Vance

101- (Ohakune), S. H. Condor 10/-, H. Cross 10/-, J. B. Henry 10/-, F. G. Holloway 10/-, J. Bunn 10/-, R. E.

Jones 10/-, J. Milne 20/-, C. W. Perrin 10/-, S. D. Pearce 14/2 (Masterton), J. McLachlan (Lower, Hutt), J.

W. Probert 1/8 .(.Auckland), J. W. Cornwall 1/8, (Tutanekai), A. Chisholm (Takapau), S. J. Ball

(Canvastown), L. Watson (Oxford), J. H. Marriott 1/8 (Christchurch), L. Harston 21/ - (Napier), A. H.

Maguire 17/6 (Feilding), J. W. Boothman (Palmerston North), J. Anderson (Sanson), M. McDonald

(Lauriston, Otago).

(All 7/6 except those noted,)

————————————————

DEATH OF SIR SAMUEL WAY, GRAND MASTER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

———<>———

The death of Sir Samuel. Way, the M.W.G.M, of Free

and Accepted Masons of South, Australia, removes

one of the foremost citizens of the Commonwealth of

Australia from public life.

The Right Honourable Sir Samuel Way, Bart., P.C.,

D.C.L., Lieutenant-Governor and Chief Justice of

South Australia, was born at Portsmouth, England, on

11th April, 1836, and was therefore in his eightieth

year.

He arrived in Adelaide in 1852, and took up law as his

profession, being called to the Bar in 1861, taking silk

in 1871. Mr, Way was a successful advocate, and

enjoyed a very large practice, which he sacrificed to

the extent of £5,000 a year when he accepted the

office of Chief Justice in 1876. When Lord Rosebery

carried his Act for the direct representation of the

colonies on the Judicial Bench of the Privy Council,

Sir Samuel Way was the first representative of

Australia to sit on the Bench of the most illustrious

legal Court in the world.

In 1906 he was offered a seat on the Federal High

Court Bench, but declined the honour, preferring to

end his career in the position which he had filled with

so much dignity for thirty years.

He was possessed of oratorial gifts of no ordinary

kind. Some of his best efforts have been in connection

with Masonic celebrations, and his addresses when being delivered at installations of G.Ms. in the various

States have been described as classic utterances,

The late M.W.G.M. of. South Australia began his Masonic ' career in the Lodge Harmony, Adelaide, being

initiated on the 13th October, 1862, but as an ordinary M.M. he did not actively participate in the Craft. In

1884 he took the lead in the movement for the establishment of the Sovereign G.L. of South Australia, and

was elected the first G.M., which position he held up to the time of his death, with the exception of an

interval of five years, when he retired in favour of Lord Kintore, who was then Governor of the State. Ho

was a member and P.M. of the Adelaide Lodge of Mark Master Masons, and Past Prin. of the South

Australian R.A. Chapter. He was also G.M. of the G.L. of Mark Master Masons of South Australia,

established. in 1906, as well as G. 1st Prin. of tho Sup. R.A. Chapter of South Australia.

In 1897 he was appointed by the Prince of Wales (the late King Edward), the M.W.G.M. of England, to the

rank of P,G.W. of England, and amongst those who received a similar honour at that time was Lord

Kitchener.

He also represented the Mother G.L. of the World in his own G.L. from its inception. He was also a member

of the Order of Knights Templars, Rose Croix, and 32nd Degree, the latter honour being only shared by two

other Australians, namely, Sir James Boucaut (of Adelaide), and R.W. Bro. Alexander Gorrie, Dist. G.M. of

Queensland, E.C. He also had the honour of presenting to Queen Victoria the beautiful address forwarded by

Freemasons of the Australian G.Ls. on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.

Though it was far from unexpected, the news of the death of Sir Samuel Way was received with the deepest

regret throughout the Commonwealth. The fortitude which he showed in facing an affliction which proved to

be mortal, and his courage in submitting to the amputation of his left arm in July, 1914—an operation which

was performed by a Sydney specialist as a last resort—won him the sympathy and admiration of thousands

whom he did not personally know.

A general decline of his health extended over a period of four years. Since his operation, however, he was

almost constantly occupied with work, and appeared on the Bench fairly regularly, until the last day of the

judicial term, 18th December. He remained conscious to the last hour of his life.

The late Sir Samuel Way was accorded a State funeral, and was interred at West Terrace Cemetery,

Adelaide, on Tuesday, 11th January.—[Per favour of the "Queensland Freemason."]

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

Poetry.

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

TELL HIM NOW.

———<>———

If with pleasure you are viewing any work a man is doing,

If you like him, or you love him—tell him now ;

Don't withhold your approbation, till the parson makes oration,

As he lies with snowy lilies o'er his brow.

For no matter how you shout it, he won't really care about it,

He won't know how many teardrops you have shed.

If you think some praise is due him, now's the time to slip it to him,

For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead.

More than fame and more than money is the comment, kind and sunny,

And the hearty warm approval of a friend.

For it gives to life a savour ; and it makes you stronger—braver,

And it gives you heart and spirit to the end.

If he earns your praise, bestow it ; if you like him let him know it,

Let the words of true encouragment be said;

Do not wait till life is over, and he's underneath the clover,

For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead.

—"Brotherhood."

——————————

KEEP ON DOING.

———<>———

There is lots of joy in living if you strike the proper gait ;

if you always come up smiling in the face of every fate.

if you're keeping step and whistling some lively little tune,

You'll be living gay and happy and as a sunny day in June.

Keep a level head, don't worry, help your brothers on the way ;

Let the sunshine of good humour shine upon you ev'ry day ;

Speak a cheerful word at all times, never 'knock" your fellow man,

And you'll surely be rewarded just keep doing all you can.

There is lots of joy in living if you live your life aright ;

Lots of sunshine and of roses, keep your ayes 'turned to the light ;

Look behind the clouds of trouble; there's a silver lining there,

And you'll find it if you're only living life upon the square.

Scatter good cheer like the thistle scatters seed before the wind,

And the petty woes and troubles soon will be left far behind.

Be a "booster" every minute, help along your follow man,

And you'll surely be rewarded—just keep doing all you can.

—Selected,

——————————

HANDS ACROSS THE SEA.

———<>———

Here's "Hands across the sea !" Here's "Hands across the sea !"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who by their acts exemplify the principles '-we teach.

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

We hear the cry that welleth up from people long oppressed.

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

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

Striving for the mastery, the ever present- fear,-

With nations watching nations and the war clouds hovering near.

And the question ever riseth as portentious signs we trace.

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

And Masonry makes answer, with its never-changing plan :

The Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man,

Though aeons upon aeons break up the shores of time,

This is the grand fulfilment and the prophecy sublime

This is the work of trestle board for brethren everywhere,

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

For trowel and clement of love to strengthen and unite

The human race in brotherhood and usher in the light ;

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

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

—American G.L. Proceedings.

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

ALIEN ENEMY FREEMASONS.

———<>———

[By BRO. REV. CANON J. W. HORSLEY, P.G. CHAPLAIN, in the London "Freemason."]

Non omnia possumus omnes —which may be translated as regards myself—as I cannot see all newspapers,

and rarely see "The Freemason," a fault or a misfortune, no doubt. But I heard at G.L. that there had been

some comments in your columns as to certain proposals with regard to German Masons in England, and as to

our present and future relations with the German G.Ls. The matters brought forward and referred to the

Board of G.P. cover two points : whether the rights of individual lodges shall be overborne by a decree

which deprives them of autonomy, and whether we should treat the G.Ls. of Germany as we were forced to

treat the Grant Orient of France.

As to the former I am not now concerned to speak, though I regard the proposal as un-Masonic if applied to

reluctant bodies. But the other proposal, i.e. that we should immediately withdraw our recognition of the

German G.Ls., seems to me to deserve the harder term of anti-Masonic. France abolished the most vital

landmarks of the order, and sorrowfully we had to excommunicate her, and excommunicated she remains,

from a Masonic point of view, in spite of the country being our ally and friend. But by no formal action of

which I have heard has German Masonry done anything of the kind. We should distinguish between a nation

and the Craft therein.

Utterances were cheered at G.L. which seemed to me the voice of but pseudo-patriotism of a blatant kind,

and I murmured to myself the true and inspired and immortal words of Nurse Cavell : “I recognise that

patriotism is not enough, but I must put from me all thoughts of anger and bitterness." I recognise that

Temperance in speech becomes us, even when the conduct, not of an enemy nation, but of enemies in that

nation, is in question. I recognise also that Fortitude is required by those who will not meet a Hymn of Hate

by what seems to me its English equivalent in prose, for the epithet "pro-German" will surely be yelled at

any who plead for a mind calm; well balanced, and just, or deprecate such indiscriminate and blind hatred as

displays itself (for example) in the wrecking and looting of a baker's shop because the owner's name of

Strachan was deemed to be German, My son, who was about to be ordained, entered the army with my

approbation, was seriously wounded at Ypres, and has just gone out to France, but that will not hinder my

being called a pro-German if I plead for sanity and charity and dignity of attitude and utterance ; but as the

herculean navvy said when asked why he let his little wife knock him about "'It amuses her, but it doesn't

hurt me!"

But I am seriously concerned, in the name of Prudence and Justice, for the spirit and reputation of the Craft.

How often have I not heard, and even uttered, panegyrics on the intention and power of it to hasten the day

of universal brotherhood ? Was this all humbug, to be exposed as such directly a nation which contained

some of our brethren was arrayed against us? I have heard our G.M, tell how, after the bitter Boer War, he

received a welcome from Boer as well as from British lodges in South Africa. I have heard Bro. Sir Charles

Warren say how, in an earlier day, his claiming entrance to a Boer lodge helped to avert suspicion and a

desire for conflict But now we are asked to render it possible that after peace, which we desire to be

honourable, and therefore not dishonourable to the vanquished, we shall be found deliberately, and without

due cause on the part of those who must remain our brethren (until by some overt and definite broach of the

landmarks they have forced upon us non-recognition), to have broken down the bridge on which we might

and should met in happier days with open hands instead of mailed fists. Much do I pray for our victory; more

for peace; and most for an extended and deeper brotherhood amongst all men, after the fashion which we

contend the Craft can teach them.

But if, at the bidding of an indiscriminate hatred, we are to belie our professions and embitter our temporary

opponents by excommunicating them, then I am not alone in saying that I shall have little interest in what

will have become a mere English club, and have ceased to be the exponent and animator of a fraternity

which should play so great a part in the creation and promotion of peace and goodwill, irrespective of

nationality and unaffected by transitory variance, when the bluster and the intoxication of warfare have

passed away. I trust, therefore, that the careful consideration by the Board of G.P. of the four proposals

referred to it will, at the least, result in the entire repudiation of that one numbered 3.

[This resolution reads as follows :-3. The immediate withdrawal of this G.L.'s recognition of the German

G.L.—Ed. C.]

——————————

R.W. BRO. LIEUT.-.COL. GEO. BARCLAY, EGYPT.

———<>———

Writing to the W.M. of Lodge Tawhiri, No. 166, R.W. Bro. Barclay gives the following description of a visit

paid by him :—

"It will, no doubt, be interesting to yourself and other members of No. 166 to learn that I recently paid a visit

to a Lodge in Egypt bearing the same number as Lodge Tawhiri. The Lodge to which I refer is the El Aziz,

No. 166 on the Register of the National G.L. of Egypt. This is an Arab Lodge and meets at Alexandria. The

membership is confined to Egyptians, and the Lodge is worked in Arabic. There were many points of interest

which I noted in connection with my visit. The interior decorations of the Hall were rather pleasing—on the

walls were depicted various traditional scenes, and in the East were also displayed a number of handsome

banners belonging to different Lodges, R.A. Chapters, etc., as well as transparencies showing the All-Seeing

Eye, and the Sun and Moon. Following the Mohammedan custom, the brethren sat with their heads covered,

and although a certain number were in European costume, others wore the Arab gown of white or other

colour, and the sight of the red fez or tar bousch, with the bright dress and the apron with its red and green

facings, made a very unique spectacle. The ceremony of raising was carried out, and for this a special

chamber was used. This room was draped in black, and previous to entering it each member reversed his

apron and collar, displaying the black lining on which was shown the E.O.M. The candidate was obligated

on the Koran, and the ceremony generally was somewhat similar to our own, I was very warmly welcomed

by the W.M. or Venerable as he is called, and on mentioning that I was a member of Lodge No. 166, N.Z.C.,

the W.M. desired that I should convey the salutations of himself and brethren of the Aziz Lodge to my

brethren at Frankton Junction."

——————————

A WIDESPREAD MASONIC PUBLIC SALUTE.

———<>———

The suggestion I submit is that some simple form of salutation by decree shall be used by every Mason upon

all occasions, whenever and wherever he meets a brother Mason, whether it be in public or private, the

salutation to convey as much as possible not only the act of recognition, but also the expression and spirit of

friendliness.

Perhaps the nature and purpose of my suggestion can be better realised when I cite the world-wide and

universal military salute, which is in a sense both crude and difficult to perform, but which all military men

use on all occasions. The kind of salutation I would suggest should not be of a secret nature or difficult, but

should be distinctive, graceful, and easily recognised for the following reasons :—

Masons in this age and time have no reasons for not gladly, willingly, and publicly acknowledging their

allegiance and connection to the great and gracious Masonic body.

Although it is contrary to the wise and basic law in Masonry to solicit others to become members,

nevertheless it is greatly to be desired that all men who are duly and truly prepared in their hearts should do

so.

A proper salutation, if adopted, would soon become as thoroughly identified with the Masonic order as the

military salute is identified with the military institution of the world. I firmly believe that it would serve the

purpose of keeping our great order and its divine ethical principles constantly before the world and in the

attention of all men; thus possibly awakening the impulse in many worthy and qualified individuals to come

within its sacred folds, thereby increasing the membership and usefulness of that greatest moral factor in all

the world, Masonry.—J. A. Knapp.

——————————

LARGE CHRISTMAS GIFT TO WEST VIRGINIA GRAND LODGE.

———<>———

The G.L. of Masons of West Virginia is the recipient of a Christmas gift amounting to £25,000. This amount

of money came to the Masonic order through Henry King, who was a wealthy oil operator, who came from

Pennsylvania and settled near Sistersville, W. Va. He was successful in his business ventures, and knew how

to take care of his earnings. He was a bachelor with few relatives. He accumulated many hun Bred thousands

of dollars. He was generous to all charitable institutions and to the needy. His will provided most liberally

for his nephew and family, some remote relatives, and close acquaintances. There remained about £60,000,

which he bequeathed in equal amounts to the Masonic G.L. of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The will provided that if either State did not have a Masonic home, then the securities should be used for the

education of orphans of Masons and charitable work. T. W. Hennen, G.M. of West Virginia, O. S.

McKinney, treas., and T. P. Jacobs, counsel of the G.L., went to Chester, Pa., recently. This sum will be used

to brighten the path and lighten the toils of children in West Virginia.

The officers of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic G.L. of West Virginia are :—Judge C. W. Lynch, of

Clarksburg, pres. ; E. M. Showalter, of Fairmont, sec. ; O. S. McKinney, Fairmont, treas.—"Register,"

Wheeling, W. Va.

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

Reports.
———————————————————————————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Taringatura, No. 100.—At the meeting on the 14th February the attendance was the usual harvest time

array, not so many as usual. The business was the passing of two brethren. The ceremony was performed by

the W.M., Bro. D. Walker, assisted by W. Bros. Graham and Johnson and Bro. Beer, S.W., who presented

the W.Ts. A parcel of reports of foreign G.Ls. (chiefly in U.S.A.), presented to the Lodge library by the

M.W.G.Sec., were received with thanks. The ballot was taken for a joining member, who was unanimously

accepted. W. Bro. Sec.'s motion, of which notice had been given, that £70 be added to the deposit in the Post

Office Savings Bank, was carried. W. Bro. Johnson, Treas., in seconding the motion, stated that the sum on

deposit would now be £200, adding his congratulations to the brethren on the entirely satisfactory financial

condition of the Lodge. H.C.W. were received from visiting brethren, and the Lodge was closed at 9.45

p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Winton, No. 108.—The regular meeting was held on 18th January, but was only moderately attended. Bro.

J. A. Hamilton, W.M., occupied the chair. The ceremonial of the evening was an initiation. This was carried

through by the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. T. Walker, who delivered the N.E. Charge; W. Bro. Ritchie

explained the M. of P. ; Bro. Broom, J.W., explained the W.Ts., Bro. Tulley, S.W., I. and A.C. A contract

was let for repairing and painting the outside of the Hall. £2 10s. was voted towards the special War Fund.

The Lodge was closed at 10 p.m. and the usual pleasant time was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

——————————

OTAGO.

Kurow, No. 164. — A good Meeting was held on the 17th February, when the W.M., assisted by his

officers, passed to the F.C. Degree one brother, who proved himself to be a very excellent candidate. The

W.M., W. Bro. Ayson, obligated, and delivered the Final Charge, W. Bro. Todd the Secrets, W. Bro.

Appleby the Prayers, Bro. Winnington S.E. Corner, Bro. Barkley Investiture, W. Bro. Hays, P.M., W.Ts. We

are all sorry to part with our esteemed Bro. E. J. Newlands, S.D., who has been a very enthusiastic

Freemason in Lodge Kurow. Our brother has accepted the position of head teacher or master of the school in

Apia, Samoa. Our brother carries the good wishes of the W.M., officers, and brethren of Lodge Kurow. We

trust he may meet with brethren there, and that he will let his light shine in Samoa. At the "Fourth" a toast, to

Bro. J. Collins's daughter, one week old, was enthusiastically drunk, and a toast to the brethren of 164 at the

front.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————————

CANTERBURY.

Southern Cross, No. 6.— The monthly meeting was held at Kaiapoi on 3rd February. The W.M. Bro. Thos

Hoskin presided over a good attendance of members. After the usual business, a ballot was taken for a

candidate. W. Bro. W. A. Dribble gave the explanation of the T.B., which was listened to with interest by the

brethren. W. Rm. T. Lang presented a framed photograph of himself to the Lodge, and was duly thanked for

his gift. There being no further business, the Lodge was closed at an early hour and the brethren adjourned to

the refectory, where an enjoyable hour was spent. On the evening of the 10th February, the W.M. and his

officers and a number of brethren journeyed to Rangiora, and at the invitation of W. Bro. McKeown passed a

brother to the Second Degree. The W.M. ought to be gratified with the number of his followers, and all who

attended thoroughly enjoyed the outing.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Christchurch, No. 91.—The monthly meeting was held in the St. Augustine Hall on the 25th January, W.

Bro. W. E. Kiddey (W.M.) in the chair. One brother was raised to the degree of M.M. The candidate was

obligated by the W.M., who delivered the Exhort. and communicated the S., S. and W. of a M.M. W. Bro.

Moore (W.M., Thistle Lodge, Ashburton) addressed the candidate on his investiture. The T.H. was related by

W. Bro. Yemm, P.M., the T.B. was explained by W. Bro. Hopkinson, the. W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro.

J. Buchanan (W.M., Avon Lodge), the Final Charge being delivered by the S.W. The Lodge having been

closed, an enjoyable hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tawera, No. 188.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Oxford, on the 1st February, W.

Bro. L. Watson presiding over a good attendance. The principal business was the election of officers and the

making of arrangements for the installation in March. One candidate was proposed for membership. The

W.M. reviewed the work of the year, and expressed his appreciation of the earnest and enthusiastic manner

in which all the officers had attended to their duties. The year had been a busy one, and the attendance of

both officers and brethren had been uniformly good. He congratulated the Master-elect, Bro. R. F.

Henderson, on his election, and bespoke for him the hearty support of the Lodge. A pleasant hour was spent

in the refectory. In proposing the toast of the retiring Master, the Master-elect referred to the way in which

the dignity of the Lodge had been upheld, and how well the Lodge had been represented by the W.M. in his

visitations. The W.M., in reply, referred to the devotion of his officers to their duties, and the band of

affection that had been woven by their association with each other. He then, in a pleasing and interesting

manner, gave an account of his experiences in the visits he had paid to Lodges during his holidays.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

——————————

HAWKES BAY.

Victoria, No. 21.—After a two months' vacation this Lodge assembled on 1st February, W.M. Bro. W. A.

Kirk presiding over a good attendance. The raffle that is being conducted under G.L. supervision was

brought under the notice of the brethren by the W.M., who spoke of the very worthy object for which it was

being conducted, and concluded by proposing that Victoria Lodge purchase the tickets outright in the name

of the Lodge trustees, and that such of the brethren who desired be given the opportunity to recoup the Lodge

funds by donating the sum of one shilling for each of the tickets purchased. One ballot was taken. One

candidate was initiated, the work being carried out by the following brethren :—Ob., W.M., Bro. Kirk ; S.

and S., J.W., W. Bro. W. A. Wilkie ; N.E.C., J.D., Bro. H. Bate; E. of P., S.G., Bro. Jarvis ; W.Ts., J.W., W.

Bro. Wilkie; F.C., S.W., Bro. R. Hill. At the conclusion of the ceremony the W.M., addressing the candidate,

said : 'Although we look forward to conferring further favours upon you at our next regular meeting,

everything will depend upon your regular deportment, your behaviour as a Freemason, strict conformity to

our laws, and being steadfastly true to the obligation

you have just entered into, for though, as you were

told by the W. Bro. J.W., there are several degrees in

Freemasonry with peculiar secrets restricted to each,

these are not communicated indiscriminately, but

according to merit and ability. I wish to impress this

upon your mind, the better to enable you to retain

what you have already received and to be fully

prepared for that which is to come." A paper was read

by Bro. F. Maidens, entitled "Impressions of

Freemasonry," for which he received many

congratulations on this, his maiden attempt. Other

brethren are preparing papers and other work which

will no doubt be equally interesting. Since the last

regular meeting, Victoria and Scinde Lodges

combined in erecting a handsome memorial to the

late R.W. Bro. H. C. A. Wundram. The final selection

of the stone was left in the hands of W.M. Bro. Kirk,

and I feel sure brethren will agree that the design is

most appropriate and a credit to the two Napier

Lodges. The work was carried out by Bro. F. Harris,

proprietor of the H.B. Monumental Works, who

assisted. those responsible in no small manner.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Bedford, No. 25.—W. Bro. J. P. Thomson, W.M. of Lodge Scinde, No. 5, Napier, paid an official visit to

Bedford on the occasion of our last monthly meeting, on the 19th January, and he was accompanied by quite

a number of brethren who undertook the journey of about fifty miles, in true fraternal spirit. Arriving by car

at about six. p.m., the party partook of refreshments arranged for, and presented themselves at the

Lodgeroom right up to time. The W.M. of Lodge Abercorn, No. 30 (W. Bro. Pasco), with a strong contingent

of his brethren, was welcomed, and immediately afterwards Lodge Scinde was received in due form. Our

Master, in a few well chosen words, welcomed Bro. Thomson on behalf of Bedford, and invited him to

assume immediate control and conduct the ceremony of raising two candidates. Bro. Thomson briefly

acknowledged the courtesy extended and requested his officers to repair to their stations, the ceremonial

work being distributed as follows :—Ob., the W.M., Bro. Thomson; Retro., W. Bro. Critchley; T.H. and R,

W. Bro. Thomas; E. and Ss., W. Bro. L. Freedman. S.W. Bro.Bishop invested the candidates and delivered

the Charge. The W.Ts. were presented by J.W. Bro. Bowes, and W. Bro. Freedman entrusted the remaining

Ss. and T.H. and delivered a final address. The whole ceremony was worked smoothly and effectively and

certain variations in procedure were freely discussed at a later stage. In returning the gavel, W. Bro.

Thomson expressed his pleasure and appreciation of the privilege, accorded him and tendered the W.M. the

best wishes of Scinde. After adjournment to the refectory, where song and story were sung and told, scene of

the older brethren, in reminiscent mood, outlined the doings of the olden time, and, needless to say, were

listened to with rapt attention throughout. When the time of departure drew near, the wish was expressed on

all sides that this gathering might prove but the forerunner of many other happy meetings. On this occasion

Bedford also had the pleasure of welcoming W. Bro. D. Milne, just recently returned from England, where

he journeyed to offer his services to the Imperial authorities. Bro. Milne detailed his experiences in his

characteristic way, and disillusioned his hearers with regard to reported conditions at Home. He accepted his

own disappointment with a sense of grim humour.

The regular monthly meeting was held on the 16th February, and there was a good attendance of members to

witness an initiation ceremony. The W.M., Bro. Gore, administered the Ob. and entrusted the candidate, and

the ceremony was continued by the following brethren :—S.W., Bro. Williams (investiture), W. Bro.

Chambers (N.E. Address), W. Bro. Milne (R. for Prep.), W. Bro. Wright (W.Ts.), S.W., Bro. Williams (Final

Charge). Officers for the ensuing year were nominated. Accounts amounting to £11 6s. 6d. were passed for

payment. The extension of the refectory by the addition of an ante-room 20 x 14 will afford the brethren a

good deal more comfort than they have hitherto enjoyed, especially on the occasion of an installation. The

thoughtfulness of our W.M. in working out the details and seeing that the work was expeditiously carried out

was favourably commented upon. He and his officers have done everything possible that lay in their power

during the past year to further the best interests of Bedford. The usual happy gathering was held in the

refectory.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Abercorn, No. 30.—The regular monthly meeting was held in Waipawa on the 14th February. W. Bro.

Pasco, W.M., presided. The ceremonial work consisted of one initiation. The candidate was obligated by the

W.M., W. Bro. Williams entrusted him with the Secrets, W. Bro. Robin delivered the Charge in the N.E.,

Bro. Bott, R. for Prep., Bro. J.W. the W.Ts., and Bro. S.W. the investiture and Final Charge. The explanation

of the 1st T.B. was also delivered by Bro. Bott. Bro. Bott is to be congratulated on his lucid and faithful

rendering of this particular work, which was highly appreciated by all who had the pleasure of hearing it. A

pleasant hour in the "Fourth" brought the evening to a close at a somewhat early hour for Abercorn, viz., 11

p.m. The W.M. is commencing his term of office with an innovation, viz., tyling to time and closing so that

country members may get home at a respectable hour. This is a step in the right direction.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No. 66.—The monthly meeting was held on the 20th January, when a fairly good attendance of

members and a few visitors were present. The only business was a ballot for a candidate for initiation, which

was satisfactory. After some routine business was transacted the Lodge closed and the members adjourned to

the refectory, where a pleasant time was spent, there being some very good talent present, visiting Bro.

Taylor being a host in himself. Songs were rendered by Bro. D. N. Wilson in his usual finished style. Other

brethren present contributed items, and altogether a very pleasant evening was spent.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————————

RUAPEHU.

Ruapehu, No. 128.—The installation meeting was held on the 17th February. There was a large attendance

of brethren, including numerous visitors from Ohakune, Hunterville, Bulls, and Wellington. Among the latter

was the veteran R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, the Prov.G.M. of Wellington, who journeyed from Pongaroa in

response to an invitation to be present, and, needless to say, he was accorded a hearty welcome. The Prov.

G.M. of Ruapehu was unable to attend, owing to important business necessitating his presence in

Wellington, which was much regretted by Ruapehu brethren. The ceremony of installing Bro. H. J. Cameron

was performed in a most efficient manner by W. Bro. John Robson. The important duties of D. of C. were

most ably carried out by W. Bro. F. G. Hilton, which tended in no small degree to the smooth working of the

ceremony. The following brethren assisted the Installing Master :—R.W. Bro. Peterkin (address to the

W.M.), W. Bro. Hatherley (address to the Wardens), and W. Bro. Hilton (address to the brethren). The W.M.

invested the following officers :—I.P.M., W. Bro. J. Robson ; W.M., W. Bro. H. J. Cameron; S.W., Bro. E.

R. Galpin; J.W., Bro. W. W. Thomas; Trees., W. Bro. C. Cummins; Sec., W. Bro. J. Mogridge ; D. of C., W.

Bro. F. G. Hilton; Organist, W. Bro. A. E. S. Crozier ; S.D., Bra. A. J. Dixon; J.D., Bro. R. Upchurch ; S.S.,

Bra. J. S. McDonald; J.S., Bro. C. T. Lound; Tyler, W. Bro. W. A. Watt. After the close of the Lodge the

brethren assembled at Gould's cafe and were entertained with light refreshment. The usual toasts were

honoured, and musical items, songs, and recitations were rendered, which made the time appear to pass all

too quickly. R.W. Bro. Peterkin, in responding to G.L., expressed his regret at the absence of the Prov.G.M.

of Ruapehu, and in doing so made some very eulogistic remarks, which if printed would probably make

R.W. Bro. McFarlane blush, so I refrain. In responding to the toast of Installing Master and I.P.M., W. Bro.

Robson referred to the happy conditions existing under which the newly-installed W.M. assumed control of

Lodge Ruapehu. For years past they had been struggling with a debt on the Lodgeroom, which had hampered

them considerably when endeavouring to assist benevolent cases. Notwithstanding this handicap, however,

they had never allowed one appeal to pass without assisting. The last instalment on the building debt had

been paid during the past year. They were now free of all liability on the property, with a credit cash balance

of over £60. In future they would be enabled to more liberally assist benevolent calls, He congratulated the

W.M. on having a good team of officers to work with, and predicted for them a prosperous year of office.

Bro. A. E. S. Crozier presided at the piano, and so rendered valuable assistance to harmony. The gathering

dispersed shortly after midnight, after a most enjoyable time.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Huia, No. 171.—An emergency meeting was held on the 17th of January, for the purpose of conferring the

Third Degree upon a military brother, who belongs to the Ambulance Corps at Awapuni Camp, a special

request being received from his mother Lodge, Lodge Koranga, Timaru, when, although at such a short

notice, the officers and members of this Lodge assembled in good numbers, W. Bro. Smith, I.P.M.,

presiding, in the absence of the W.M., who is at present in Australia.

The usual meeting was held on the 3rd of February, the work being heavy, including the annual election of

W.M. and officers, the choice of W.M.-elect being unanimously decided by the brethren in favour of the

present S.W., Bro. W. C. Turner ; the by-laws being read, also the annual balance-sheet which disclosed the

position of the Lodge to be in a satisfactory position, beyond our most sanguine anticipations. The ritual

work consisted of the raising a brother to the degree of M.M. by the I.P.M. and his officers, with the

assistance of a worthy visiting P.M., W. Bro. Neilson, who carried through the work most effectively.

H.G.W. being received from visitors, also a message conveyed from the late W.M. of the E.C. United,

Manawatu, W. Bro. Dr. Martin, who has gone to the front again, who reminded us of the fraternal

relationship existing between the two Lodges, and expressed a sincere desire that our Lodge may continue to

flourish, and adding that he would look forward to revisiting us on his return from Berlin, when peace is

restored and everything returned to its normal state. The next meeting will be the installation, when we invite

all to attend who are able to do so.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————————

WELLINGTON.

Tutanekai, No. 156.—The annual meeting was held on the 3rd February. The Lodge was opened at six p.m.,

the W.M., Bro. E. D. Alexander, presiding. The W.M. elect, Bro. A. A. Whitelaw. S.W., was duly installed

in the chair of K.S., according to ancient custom, by M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M., assisted by R.W.

Bro. T. A. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, P.J.G.W., W. Bro. J. Rod, J.G.D., W. Bro. W. H.

Jones, G.D. of C., W. Bro. Veitch, and W. Bro. Rishworth; Trumpeter, Bro. M. Manthell. The W.Ts. in the

various degrees were presented by W. Bro. Robinson, W.M. Lodge Hinemoa, W. Bro. Norton, W.M. Lodge

N.Z. Pacific, and W. Bro. Simpson, W.M. Lodge St. Andrew. The W.,C. and By-laws were presented by W.

Bro. Guiness, P.M., Lodge Waiwhetu. W. Bro. Connell, P.M. Lodge N.Z. Pacific, rendered an appropriate

solo. R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton invested the following officers :—S.W., Bro. J. W. Sexton; J.W., Bro. G. F.

Lenzini ; Sec., Bro. E. Howell; Treas., W. Bro. J. P. Shand, P.M. ; D. of C., W. Bro. Rowell, P.M. ; S.D.,

Bro. C. W. Martin; J.D., Bro. G. W. Key ; I.G., Bro. F. J. Reid; J.S., Bro. H. Laughton ; Organist, Bro, B. W.

Blakely ; Tyler, Bro. A. B. Duff. The Chaplain, Bro. Rev. W. Shirer, and the S.S., Bro. W. T. J. Morton, who

were unable to be present, will be invested at the first opportunity. The address to the W.M. was delivered by

M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M., to the Wardens by W. Bro. J. Rod. J.G.D., to the brethren by R.W. Bro.

T. A. Peterkin. After the W.M. had returned thanks to the members of G.L., visiting Lodges, and his own

Lodge, a collection was taken up on behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, which realised £4 6s. 8d., and

considering the number of brethren present, was rather small. On behalf of the Lodge R.W. Bro. T. A.

Peterkin presented W. Bro. E. D. Alexander, I.P.M., with a P.M.'s jewel as a token of the esteem of the

brethren, for which he expressed his thanks. Hearty congratulations and best wishes were tendered to the

W.M. for a successful year of office. The Lodge was then closed, when all partook of refreshments. The

usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to. Several brethren gave songs and recitations,

and altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The monthly meeting was held on the 9th February, when again there was a good

attendance of brethren of the Lodge and visiting brethren from the camp. The usual correspondence was

read, including letters from Bros. Glennie and McClure, both of whom were at the front. Bro. Glennie's letter

was very interesting, and described the doings of our boys at Anzad. He went away with the main body, and

has been right through the lot, and has up to now been so far fortunate to escape, and in his letter he sends

fraternal greetings to the brethren, and hopes to be with them again safe and sound. His description of their

life in the trenches up to their middles in snow and water, with the most of them frost-bitten, shows what

they had to go through. A letter was also received from Bro. Lieut. McClure, who is at present in the Military

Camp of Instruction at Zeitoun, Egypt. The ceremonial business was the passing of three brethren. W. Bro.

McLachlan obligated, Bro. Leighton invested, R.W. Bro. Peterkin gave the S.E. Charge, W. Bro. Rishworth

presented the W.Ts., and W. Bro. Hobbs explained the 2nd T.B. One brother was balloted for and one

proposed.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———————————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER

St. Augustine, No. 1.—Regular meeting was held in St. Augustine Hall on 9th February, V.E. Comp. W.

Broadley presiding. W. Bro. B. A. McKeown, W.M. of Lodge Ashley, was proposed for membership. The

ballot for the admission of W. Bro. Fred Hill proved successful. M.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews, G.Z., was

received and saluted in due form. Comps. Chittenden, Cookson, Graham, and Suckling were presented with

their R.A. diplomas by M.E. Comp. Andrews. The Chapter was adjourned and a Lodge of E.Ms. was opened

by E. Comp. C. W. Bingham, W.E.M. ; V.E. Comp. W. F. McLean, S.W. : E. Comp. W. H. Arrow, J.W. ; E.

Comp. J. A. Staples, S.D. ; E. Comps. Hollow, Hopkinson, and Richardson, Captains of the Veil. Bro. C. S.

Johnston was acknowledged as all E.M.. E. Comp. C. W. Bingham obligated. V.E. Comp. W. F. McLean

gave the P.G. and P.W. ; V.E. Comp. W. Broadley delivered the Lecture ; V.E. Comp. F. C. B. Bishop gave

the F.C. A word of praise is due to those who took part in the ceremony. It was rendered in the clearest

possible manner your correspondent has had the pleasure to witness. The Lodge was closed and Chapter

resumed. After H.G.W. Chapter was closed. [Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Waterloo, No. 2.—The regular convocation was held on the 26th January, V.E. Comp. J. Rod presiding, and

there was a good attendance of members. Official visits were received from Wairarapa, No. 10, Brooklyn,

No. 24, and Hinemoa, No. 25. The G.D. of C. announced the attendance of the G.Supt., M.E. Comp. W, H.

Porritt, who was received with G. Hollows. The 1st G.Prin., M.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews, was then

announced and received with G. Chapter officers, and duly saluted. Two ballots were successful. After a rep-

resentative to attend the G. Chapter convocation had been elected, the Chapter was adjourned and a Lodge of

E.Ms. opened by W.E.M. Bro. C. W. Neilsen. Bro. H. K. Robertshaw was admitted and acknowledged by

the W.E.M., assisted by W. Bro. J. Rod, who obligated the candidate, and W. Bro. C. H. Dement, who gave

the lecture. The Lodge was then closed and Chapter resumed. S.E. was directed to convey to M.E. Comp. J.

J. Esson the Chapter's congratulations on the recent honour of C.M.G.A. being conferred upon him. Three

votes of sympathy and condolence were passed to companions recently bereaved. Apologies for absence

were received on behalf of M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams, on account of illness, M.E. Comp. R. Fletcher, who

was detained at another meeting, V.E. Comps. O. Neilson and Geo. Russell, also Comps. Ellison and

Colmer, who for various reasons were prevented from attending. After the 1st Call the G.Prin. gave H.G.W.

on behalf of G. Chapter and thanked the 1st Prins., officers and companions of the various Chapters for their

kind reception. G. Chapter then retired, and the Chapter was closed, an adojurnment being made to the

refectory, when M.E. Comp. Andrews gave an interesting account of G. Chapter work.— [Chapter

Correspondent.]

————

Waimate No. 16.—The usual meeting was held on 26th January, The Chapter having been duly opened by

1st Prin. V.E. Comp. Fulton and ordinary business having been transacted, it was adjourned for the purpose

of working the Mark Degree. W.M.M. Bro. Shackleton presided over a very fair number of M.Ms., and

along with his officers ably conferred the degree upon two brethren of Lodge St. Augustine No. 99. The

following brethren held the various offices and very creditably supported the W.M.M. : S.W., Bro. Beckett;

J.W., Bro. Atwill ; S.D., Bro. C. Buteman; J.D., Bro. C. Manchester ; M.O., Bro. Coventry ; S.O., W. Bro.

Hoskins ; J.O., Bro. Thos. Manchester ; and I.G., Bros. Jas. Manchester. The Ob. was given by the W.M.M. ;

the Signs, W.Ts., and F.C. by W.P.M.M. Bro. Colville. The proceedings in the "Fourth" were somewhat of a

brighter and livelier character than has lately been the case, and the brethren dispersed about 10.30 p.m. This

last advancement finishes the list of newly joined members, there being five to take the E. and R.A. Degrees.

Unfortunately, Bro. Glanville has moved to Takaka, Nelson, and carries with him the best wishes of his

brethren here.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Wanganui, No. 23.—The resumption of labour after two months' vacation was marked on 4th ult. by a large

attendance. After the transaction of formal business, the officers and companions of the recently established

Egmont Chapter (Stratford) were admitted. The visitors then proceeded to work the Mark Degree in a

manner that reflected credit, especially so when the scattered nature of their districts, and the difficulties to

be overcome in arranging meetings of instruction, are considered. To W.M.M. Young; and Bro. McAlister,

S.W., fell the principal parts of the ceremony: A capital musical programme during the following hour in the

refectory added to the attractions of the evening. The speeches gave evidence that it is more than probable

that an annual interchange of visits between the Egmont and Wanganui Chapters will be the outcome of the

relations now established. We trust that such a course will be adopted. Yet another of our companions, E.

Comp. A. W. Larsen, 3rd Prin., has seen his way clear to answer the country's call. It is our hope that it may

not be long before he is able to return to continue his career with us. —[Chapter Correspondent.]