THE CONSTITUTION OF GRAND LODGE.

AT a time when "sacrifice" is being so strongly urged throughout the British Empire, and economy is

presumed to be the watchword of every individual, it is fitting to enquire how far economy is the order of the

day in our social and philanthropic institutions. It is not meet that a journal devoted entirely to Masonic

interests should pretend to make any enquiries outside its own family, but it is most opportune that the

question should be discussed as to what is being done by the Masonic G. bodies in the Dominion of New

Zealand to reduce all unnecessary expenditure and apply the residue to the alleviation of the distress which is

not only existing, but accruing per medium of the gigantic barbarous butchery which is the star event of our

twentieth century civilisation. And as the G.L. of New Zealand stands alone in its system of constitution, it is

with that body we propose to deal. On several occasions prior to the war exception has been taken to the

ponderous system of government, and that ponderosity is the result, firstly, of the absence of foresight when

the representation scheme was inaugurate& and, secondly, the rapid growth of the institution. Consequently

any modification of that scheme would not come at all as a war measure, though the necessities of the war

should emphasise the reasons for reform at the earliest possible moment. For the benefit of those members of

G.L. who have no knowledge of the inception of the representative system, it may be stated that prior to its

adoption the meetings of G.L. in the various centres were quite parochial in character, and invariably

reflected local views. To remedy a state of affairs which was admittedly undesirable, it was decided to

provide for the appointment of Lodge representatives, and the payment of their transit expenses. In the

discussion that ensued it was pointed out that to make provision for each Lodge in the territory being

represented would in a very few years, with the natural accretion of Lodges, provide a governing body of

unwieldy dimensions. But as the then danger was non-existent, and Lodge representation was naturally

popular, that proposal was carried, the suggestion of district representation being turned down. But it must

now be quite patent to all those who attend G.L. that as a constitutional governing body it is unwieldy, and

necessarily costly, and the only argument in favour of the continuation of the present system is that the social

aspect of the question should also be considered. This journal has always been emphatic in the opinion that

the results of G.L. communications have not at any time been commensurate with the cost, and we further

hold that G.L, is not called upon to pay the cost of a social picnic each year, in addition to the cost incurred

locally. With the annual increase of P.Ms., and the addition of new Lodges, the constitution of the Masonic

Parliament of New Zealand is out of all proportion to the number of members in the jurisdiction. In the

Parliament of the country 76 representatives are considered sufficient to legislate for upwards of a million of

people. Yet the Masonic institution, with only a little occasional legislation, apparently requires 200 paid

representatives, and 500 or 600 registered P.Ms., to govern seine 15,000 brethren. The annual cost averages

between £700 and, £800 per annum, and a saving of only 50 per cent, of that amount would make a most

welcome addition to the relief and benevolent funds. Since writing the above we have received a letter,

which we publish in our correspondence columns, on the same subject, but our correspondent offers no

solution of the difficulty, except to hold G.L. meetings in Wellington. We do not think this would effect a

very great saving, and we are quite sure the Wellington brethren—or those upon whom devolves the work of

organising G.L. meetings—would very strongly object. The methods of effecting economy are to lessen the

number of representatives by two-thirds, or agree to biennial communications, neither of which have hitherto

found favour with those most interested—the delegates themselves. There is one point, however, made by

our correspondent which is well taken. He says " Is it a fair proposition to be constantly appealing to the

brethren of New Zealand for assistance for benevolent purposes when G.L, itself makes no effort to reduce

its own cost?" The query is open for the consideration of brethren, and they can give the answer. We are

quite satisfied that there is too much government in Freemasonry, and that in the multitude of councillors

there is NOT wisdom.

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RECIPROCATION IN CONFERRING DEGREES.

——<>———

It is not at all an unusual occurrence for a request to be made by one Lodge to another to confer degrees on

some member of the requesting Lodge. Invariably' the invitation is courteously complied with, and the

degree is conferred without any charge being made. This is the recognised custom, but there are exceptions

to what is almost a rule. Recently a case was brought under our notice where a Lodge, on receiving an

application of this character, insisted on receiving a proportion of the fees originally paid by the candidate to

the Lodge in which he was initiated. We do not say that the Lodge acceding to the request was not strictly

within its rights, but it would be infinitely more preferable if at all times such a request was treated as a

fraternal courtesy. In. instances where the claim has been insisted upon, the unfortunate candidate has been

the sufferer. His own Lodge was quite prepared to confer the degrees, hence the liability beams his by

change of location. It may be instructive to note how the position is dealt with in foreign jurisdictions. In the

United States of America, in connection with R.A. Freemasonry, there is what is called a "General G.

Chapter," which appears to have jurisdiction over a number of State G. Chapters which voluntarily become

constituent to it. Its functions would also appear to be advisory rather than mandatory, and its decisions are

accepted rather as a point of honour than a matter of law. It speaks volumes for its management that there has

been no clashing of interests between it and State G. Chapters. At the last triennial meeting of the General G.

Chapter, the question of what was designated "inter-state courtesies" recurred, and the following resolution

was adopted :— "Your committee has also referred to them the matter of the disposition of foes in cases

where a candidate is elected to receive the degrees in one . Chapter, which in turn requests that another

Chapter confers these degrees for them. While this General G. Chapter has no right to regulate such matters

arising between the G. Chapters of respective States, we would recommend that as to such Chapters as are

appendant to this G. body, that the Chapter electing shall retain the fee; the Chapter conferring degrees doing

so merely as an act of courtesy ; and to the end that we may have some fixed, definite and standing rule in

such cases, we recommend that the General G. Sec, send a copy of this section of our report to the several G.

Chapters comprising this General G. body asking for the enactment of a similar law."

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FROM LODGE QUATUOR -CORONATI.

——<>———

A most interesting paper was read at the June meeting (1915) of Lodge Quatuor Coronati by Bro. Gordon P.

G. Hills, L.R., on "Some Usages and Legends of Crafts kindred to Freemasonry." He prefaced his address by

a reference to a paper published anonymously in 1730, entitled the "Defence of Masonry;" reply to an attack

on Freemasonry entitled "Masonry Dissected, the author of which was styled by Bro. Gould as a "man of

learning, a master of style, and an able polemic," who draws various analogies between the Craft and other

organisations. The author says :—"The consideration of such similarities teems to be more suggestive to

Freemasons as a comparison between Freemasonry and the City Companies." He says :— "There are oaths

administered, and sometimes solemn obligations to secrecy. There are a Master, two wardens, and a number

of assistants, to make what the 'Dissector' may call a 'perfect Lodge' in the City Companies. There is the

Degree Enter'd Prentices, Master of his Trade or Fellow Craft, an Master, or the Master of the Company."

With this description we may compare Bro. Conder's concise statement as to the constitution of City

Companies. He says:— "From time Unmemorable there have been three grades of membership. First : The

members of the Freedom, or Yeomanry. This was obtained either by apprenticeship of seven years,

patrimony, redemption, or gift. Secondly Members of the Livery—those entitled to wear the clothing of the

Company and vote at Common Hall. These were usually the Master Craftsmen and members of the

Yeomanry employed as workmen, when skilled labour was protected by a Company, as in the case of the

Masons of London. Thirdly : Members of the Court of Assistants, who formed the governing body, and from

whom were chosen the Master and Wardens."Bro. Conder adds as a necessary official of the earlier times,

"A beadle to summon the members together and transact other minor duties." The writer of the paper says

parallel between the grades of membership in the City Companies and those of Freemasonry appears more

accurate to-day than, it did in the circumstances of 1730; while, on the other hand, the Tyler of those days

actually delivered the summons for meetings to the members of the Lodges, and, in some cases, also wearing

the uniform of a beadle, as several livery coats preserved in the North of England are evidence." (This quite

coincides with a formula often given to Tylers at investiture, heard in OUT youthful Masonic days, "to

convey all summonses that may be issued.") The writer goes on to say :— "I think we may with confidence

assert that if we could review a record of the procedure and practices of our Masonic forbears in mediæval

times we should find them acting generally very like kindred institutions of the same period, and that when

we come to the period of the eighteenth century reorganisation., they consciously, or unconsciously, but very

naturally, borrowed from the customs of the City Companies and other contemporary associations. I suggest

that, from the reference in the 'Defence,' we may almost claim an admission, on the part of a leading

apologist of the Craft, that there was conscious imitation. " The writer of the paper goes on to say :—"On the

other hand, looking for operative influences, we meet in the early days of the 1717 'Revival' with Grand

Officers, described as of various trades, e.g., Mr. Jacob Lamball, Carpenter; G.W. 1719 (who continued for

many years to take part in G.L.); Mr. John Cordwoll, City Carpenter, G.W. 1718: Mr. Thomas Morice, Stone

Cutter, G.W. 1718, 1719, 1721 ; Mr. Thos. Hobby, Stone Cutter, G.W. 1720; Mr. Joshua Timson,

Blacksmith, G.W. 1722; Mr. Richard Ware, Mathematician, GC.W. 1720; Mr. John Senex, Bookseller, G.W.

1723; Mr. Joseph, Painter, G.W. 1727. The four annual assemblies of G.L. in 1717, 1718, 1719, 1720, are

said to have been held at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern, and through the course of these gatherings one can

trace a very definite development is the dignity of the proceedings of the Order. In 1719, under Dr.

Desagulier's Grand Mastership, Bro. Anderson records that 'the old regular and peculiar toasts' or health of

the Freemasons were revived, old brethren visited the Lodges, noblemen entered the Order, and new Lodges

were constituted. In 1721 it was decided that the 'General Assembly' required more room, and it was agreed

that the next meeting be held at Stationers' Hall, Ludgate Street. `Thereafter meetings took place in the halls

of the Mercers' Merchant Tailors, Fishmongers, and Stationers, in an environment which could hardly have

failed, in determining the procedure of the Craft. A brief outline of the programme of a City Company will

illustrate this suggestion. The proceedings started with attendance at church. Then the election of Master and

Wardens took place at the hall; this was followed by a banquet, after which the result of the election was

proclaimed, and the ceremony of 'crowning' the new Master and Wardens was performed.

We have made the foregoing copious extracts from Bro. Hill's paper for two reasons, firstly, because, to our

regret, we cannot insert it in our columns verbatim; and, secondly, it sheds some light upon what has hitherto

been enshrouded in darkness, and contributes to the theory that speculative Freemasonry had no organised

origin as such prior to the "Revival" period of 1717. It has hitherto been "almost agreed" among Masonic

historians that in the proceedings of the G.L. of England there was a hiatus of between the years 1717 and

1723. Yet Bro, Hills gives a list of G.Ws. and some of the G.Ms., and states that in 1721 it was decided to

hold subsequent meetings in the Stationers' Hall, instead of the Goose and Gridiron Tavern, to secure more

accommodation. If the facts as stated by Bro. Hills have been brought to light, then there should not be any

difficulty in obtaining other particulars of interest and importance. We notice that one work of reference

given by Bro. Hills is "The Hole Craft and Fellowship of Masonry.'' In addition to the names of the Wardens

quoted are their occupations, which would indicate that for some years after the revival, operatives held the

principal offices in the new speculative G.L. This, together with the candid admission that there was

"conscious imitation" of the City Guild Companies, is almost sufficient to establish the fact that there were

no purely speculative Lodges prior to the "Revival" period. The procedure adopted by these old Guild

Companies is practically followed to-day, even to going to church "to hear the sermon,'' as in many Lodges

under the Irish Constitutions this is still an acknowledged custom, duly practised.

The foregoing reference does not nearly exhaust the interest of the paper. Four old engravings are shown and

explained. "The Princely History of St. Crispin, the patron saint of the Shoemakers' trade, and also that of St,

Clement, who obtains the allegiance of Blacksmiths. Reference is made to "Old Celebrations and

Blacksmiths' Lore," together with an account of the annual ceremony on the evening of St. Clement's Day —

23rd November—by the Blacksmiths' apprentices of Woolwich Dockyard. "Old Clem." was carried round in

procession, with anvils and hammers, and made the following oration to the awe of an admiring crowd of

youngsters, who used to regard the show as quite as event of the year : —

"I am the real St, Clement, the first founder of brass, iron and steel from the ore. I have been to Mt. Etna,

where the god Vulcan first built his forge, and forged the armour and thunderbolts for the god Jupiter. T.

have been through the deserts of Arabia, through Asia, Africa, and America, through the city of Pongrove,

through the land of Tipmingo, and all the northern parts of Scotland. I arrived in London yesterday on the

23rd November, and came down to Her Majesty's dockyard at Woolwich to see how all the gentlemen

Vulcans came on there. I found them all hard at work, and wish to leave them well on the 24th." The writer

of this review recalls witnessing this celebration in his youthful days, and he had great admiration for such a

travelled artisan. Bro. Hills says :— "One feels that the Saint's lengthened travels have rather obscured his

identity, as his attributes sound more like those of Tubal Cain, whose Biblical description as instructor of

'every artificer in brass and iron' was fully recognised in the mediæval legend of our Craft."

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

News and Notes.

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M.W. BRO. M. NICCOL., G. Sec., has paid a brief visit to Auckland, to complete arrangements for office

accommodation, and other matters, in connection with the transfer of the office of G. Lodge to Auckland in

May next.

AT a meeting of Wellington Rose Croix Chapter, No. 91, held on 25th February, Ill. Bro. Surgeon-General

R, S. F. Henderson, 30 deg., of McMahon Chapter, Quetta, was elected a joining member, and took part in

the ceremony of Perfection.

ON the 8th March, Waterloo RA, Chapter exalted a brother in Brooklyn Chapter, though the said brother was

a member of Waterloo. Thera was a good attendance of Visitors, and a pleasant gathering, resulted.

WE regret that a large number of reports and Southland Notes came too late for insertion in last issue, owing

to the shortness of the month necessitating going to press two days earlier than usual.

AT the February meeting of Whetu Kairangi Lodge, Mrs. H. J. Wyatt.—wife of the Treas.— was presented

with a silver tea salver, suitably engraved, in appreciation of her untiring services in the interest of the Lodge

since its foundation. The W.M., Bro. Boon, made the presentation, the value of which was enhanced thereby.

FROM the annual report of Lodge Tutanekai, Wellington, it would appear that though ten persons were

initiated during the year 1915, the total gain was only two, as there was eight dismissions. Complaints are

made in some parts of the Dominion that Lodges are at a standstill with regard to the making of members,

but this evidently does not apply to Lodge Tutanekai.

A CASE has been brought .under the notice of the B. of G.P. of a Lodge conferring the Second and Third

Degrees on a candidate on the same night, the reason being to facilitate the departure of an officer to

Trentham. The Board had no option but to rule the procedure ultra vires, and the Third Degree will have to

be legalised before a diploma can be issued.

IN the art union for the case- of old surgical instruments, which was drawn on the 14th March in the presence

of the G.M., the Presidents of the Bs. of G.P. and B., the G .Sec,, W. Bro. Sorensen, and Sergeant of Police,

10,840 tickets had helm sold, and the winning number was drawn by Lodge Waimate, No. 99.

G.L. WILL be asked to consider a proposal from the Secretary of the Treasury to convert the 4 per cent.

Debentures maturing in 1918, 1919, into 4½ per cent. Debentures, with a currency of twenty-five years.

THE amount to the credit of the Special War Benevolent Fund of the G.L. of New Zealand is £7042 1s 6d, of

which £488 is has been received on account of the Surgical Instruments Art Union.

SUNDRY Lodges in New Zealand have contributed a sum of £72 14s to the Belgian Masonic Relief Fund, and

the B. of G.P. has increased this amount, and sent, a draft for £100 to Sir Edward Letchworth..

THE original charter of Crown Lodge, Christchurch, now No. 138, N.Z.C., has been cancelled by the G.L. of

Scotland, and returned to the Lodge as a memento of its former association.

A CABLED message of sympathy was sent from New Zealand to the G.L. of South Australia on the death of

the M,W.G.M., Sir Samuel Way.

R. W. BRO. D. MCFARLANE, Prov. G.M. of Ruapehu district, reports that Waimarino Lodge, No. 175, is now

favourable to the establishment of a Lodge at Ohakune.

W. BRO. JOHN MENZIES, of Waimate, has suggested to the B. of G.P. of the G.L. of New Zealand that in the

event of the war continuing G.L. should not meet in 1917, and the money saved should be placed to the

credit of the War Benevolent Fund.

THERE will be changes in the offices of Prov.G.M. for Auckland, Wellington, Otago and Southland districts.

R.W. Bro. Murdock McLean will in all probability succeed M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson in Auckland, W. Bro. J.

W. Ellison will be appointed to supervise Wellington, the old veteran, R. W. Bro, T. A. Peterkin, will receive

the well-earned appointment of Dep.G.M. The successors to R.W. Bros. Clark of Otago, and Timpany of

Southland, have not yet been selected.

THE prayer of a petition for chartering a new Lodge at Ohakune has been granted. The petition is signed by

twenty-seven brethren, and the Prov. G.M.,R.W. Bro. D. McFarlane, reports favourably on the prospects of

the proposed new Lodge, which is to bear the euphonious name of "Ngaruhoe," after the volcanic mountain.

THE last meeting of the B. of G.P. in Christchurch prior to the removal of G. Office to Auckland, will be held

on the 14th April.

AT the meeting of 'United Service Lodge, Auckland, on 29th March, an item on the agenda was, "To ballot

for and, if successful and in attendance, initiate (under dispensation) a chief officer in the Indo-China Steam

Navigation Co.'s service.

AT the Supreme Court, Wellington, on the 20th ult., Mr. M. Myers move for leave to employ Oliver Noel

Gillespie in the office of Messrs. Loughnan and Jacobs, of Palmerston North, where he (Gillespie) would be

a clerk under the supervision of Mr. Loughnan and a managing clerk. Gillespie was a Feilding solicitor,

whose misappropriation of funds resulted in his conviction, imprisonment, and removal from the roll. He had

recently been discharged from prison, and Mr. Myers stated that the Law Society did not object to his

employment in the office of Messrs. Loughnan and Jacobs. At the present time there was considerable

difficulty in obtaining law clerks, and Mr, Jacobs (one of the members' of the firm above-mentioned) had

gone on active service, It was desirable that Gillespie should find employment in Palmerston in order that he

might be there to assist the Official Assignee in winding up his estate. The Court reserved decision.

THE March meeting of Lodge St. Andrew was honoured by a visit from the Prov.G.M., R,W. Bro. Peterkin,

who attained that day his seventy-eighth- birthday, and, quoting from a telegram received by him, was still

"not out." His parting address to the Lodge on his impending retirement from the .care of the district was a

most sincere and dignified one. Needless to say, his birthday was subsequently toasted in orthodox style.

THE attention of those brethren who are interested in horticulture is directed to a notice in our advertising

columns of Bro. W. B. Hardy, Nurseryman, Lower Hutt. Wellington brethren will be quite repaid by a visit

to his nursery.

THE Waterloo R.A. Chapter met on the 22nd March, when two brethren were acknowledged. M.W. Bro. H.

J. Williams react a paper on the "Mark Degree, its Romance and its Lessons," and was specially requested by

the Chapter to publish it in the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN.

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SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——<>———

R.W. Bro. Wm. Tirnpany, Prov.G.M. is to be heartily congratulated on his son having been mentioned in

despatches for conspicuous service at the Dardanelles.

* * * *

W. Bro. A. W. Oxley has been transferred from Invercargill to Nelson. A good ritualist and speaker, and

willing at all times to take any part assigned him, his presence will be much missed in Lodge St. John and in

Southern Cross Chapter, of which he is 3rd Prin.

* * * *

When in Dunedin on R.A. business, W. Bro. James Walker, St, John Lodge, and W. Bro. J. Hamilton,

Wallace Lodge, attended a meeting of Lodge Celtic, S.C. They speak very highly of the welcome extended

to them, and are still extolling the ceremonial work of She Lodge.

* * * *

Bro. Dickie, Mataura Lodge, is still in Gore Hospital, having had to undergo another operation. Latest

reports, however, are favourable to a complete recovery. The many friends of Bro. H. T. Munro, of the same

Lode, will regret to learn that he is laid aside with a very painful illness, but hopes are entertained that he will

soon be about again.

* * * *

The combined installation meeting of Lake Lodge of Ophir and Lodge Arrow Kil. was conducted by the

Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Wm. Timpany. The ceremony took place at Arrowtown. The attendance of members

and visitors was not up to expectations, and was commented on at some length by the Prov.G.M. and R.W.

Bro. F. A. Steans. Light refreshments and a short toast list took the place of the usual social and .dance.

* * * *

Judging by remarks of Matauraites at the after meeting, the visit of Lodge Waihopai to Mataura Lodge did

much to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection. The visitors worked the Third Degree. Their

exemplification of the work was carried cut with that confidence, attention to details, and solemnity which

must surely lead even the oldest Craftsman to discover new grandeur in the oft repeated ceremony. W. Bro.

Todd and his officers had a very cordial reception, and thoroughly enjoyed their visit.

* * * *

At last meeting of Southern Cross Lodge, R.W. Bro. F. A. Steens spoke very happily for upwards of an hour

of his travels abroad. He was particularly interesting when explaining the routine of Lodge work in England,

and of the many kindnesses and attentions shown him by brethren of all ranks of English life.

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TARANAKI TRIPLES.

——<>———

Three installations within is fortnight have kept the Prov. GM. of Taranaki busy.

* * * *

Patea Kil., Moa and Stratford have just concluded their annual meetings and things Masonic will now run

quietly for some months in this district.

* * * *

R.W. BRO. T. C. FOOKES, P.PROV,G.M., was Installing Master at Lodge Stratford on the 15th. This is his

first appearance in active work for more than two years and expressions of pleasure and congratulations on

his restoration to good health were general.

* * * *

The annual meeting of the Board of inquiry (Stratford) was held on the 14th, when W. Bro. McAllister was

elected president for the ensuing year, and W. Bro. Pugh secretary.

* * * *

Regret was expressed at the retirement of the secretary, Bro. Jackson, .who has been acting in that capacity

since the inception of the Board. He is removing to New Plymouth.

* * * *

Lodge Moa has lost (for a short time only, it is hoped) one of their active members in W. Bro.. Stratford,

P.M., who has been given a commission in the 14th Reinforcements.

* * * *

Bro. Stratford was also an officer in Egmont R.A. Chapter, and carries with him the best wishes of all the

Comps.

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Correspondence
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PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—From time to time vigorous pretests have been made against the publication in the

daily press of our G.D. proceedings, etc., and it is well known that most brethren disapprove of our Lodge

business being known to the profane. No benefit whatever accrues to the Craft from having the G.L. officers'

names advertised to the general public. Also, when our worthy G.M. delivers his address, it is not to the

people of New Zealand that he speaks, but to a portion, i.e., Freemasons. Will G.L. in its wisdom henceforth

prohibit the publication of Masonic doings? I hope so. This unostentatious attitude would, I feel sure, be

appreciated by the majority of Craftsmen throughout the Dominion. What is your opinion, Mr. Editor?—

Yours fraternally,

FRANK ROBINSON,

Master Hinemoa Lodge, No, 132,

Wellington, 16th March, 1916,

[Our voice has ever been heard on this subject with no uncertain sound. The credit is due to the CRAFTSMAN

for the entire cessation of the old practice of publishing Lodge reports in the profane. press.— ED.C.]

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COATs OF ARMS FOR LODGES.

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TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—I have noticed on many occasions the need which Lodges seem to, feel of a

distinctive badge, for use on. Lodge banners, on seals and Lodge documents and founders' jewels, and

particularly on the ribbon of other presentation jewels. Sometimes a Lodge will annex for these purposes the

coat of arms of the city or borough where it meets; sometimes it is content with its number, or name, or both,

enwreathed in a scroll or a floral decoration ; sometimes it adopts one of the symbols which are the current

coin of the craft. I should like to suggest that G.L. should assume the function of granting coats of arms, to

Craft Lodges; and that on each grant a fee should be levied and paid to the credit of the War Benevolent

Fund (just as at present a fee is charged for patents in office in G.L., and paid to the General Fund of

Benevolence). I make this suggestion with some diffidence, for although there is presumably nothing

improper in such a body as a Freemason's Lodge adopting a coat of arms, as G.Ls. frequently do, and some

Craft Lodges also, I recognise that a question might arise whether this step might not be a usurpation by G.L.

of a Craft Lodge prerogative. I think, however, that the Craft Lodges can, if they so desire, resign this

prerogative, if it exists; and that in view of the proposed application of the proceeds of grants, they would

readily do so. The rights of any Lodges which already regularly use a coat of arms could be conserved; but

even such Lodges would, I think, willingly take both the opportunity of getting their arms approved by G.L.

and the occasion of making a special contribution to the War Benevolent Fund. For the credit of G.L. it

would be necessary that nothing in the way of false heraldry should receive its imprimatur; and that the more

glaring instances of defective taste, landscapes and seascapes proper, and the like which deface the arms

assumed by some of our local bodies, should be ruled out of court. (If you look through the arms shown on

Lodge jewels in one of the English Masonic furniture catalogues, you will see some of the awful warnings I

refer to.) In this respect, the appointment of a sort of benevolent censorship ought to be appreciated alike by

Lodges and by those whom they delight to honour. This would involve securing the services of a skilled and

zealous brother, who- should in heraldry and coat of arms 'discharge the same expert functions as G.Reg.

wields in respect of law and by-laws. Such a brother, who had made heraldry his hobby and who was

competent to blazon, should not be difficult, to find. The office of G.Purs, might fittingly be specialised and

appropriated to him. One imagines some kind of regularity in the arms, and great scope for a tactful G. Purs.

The city or borough arms, suitably differentiated in accordance with heraldic rules, would do for the senior

Lodge of a town, should it desire to claim them; occasional Maori emblems or Maori decoration for Lodges

with aboriginal names ; for the four research Lodges, arms founded on those of the four university colleges.

Names like "St. Andrew," "St. George," "St. John," "Lion," "Moa," "Weka," "Abercorn," , "Havelock,"

"Plunket," "Arrow," "Crown," "Southern Cross," at once suggest appropriate heraldry. If Lodges with fifty

members or more paid ten guineas for a grant, and smaller Lodges five guineas, a substantial increment to

the War Benevolent Fund should result; and, in return, the Lodges would be the possessors of a badge to be

proud of, not only for its intrinsic seemliness, but also for the charitable association of its origin.—Yours

fraternally,

M.M.

Napier, 17th March, 1916. •

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GRAND LODGE REPRESENTATION,

——<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—it will doubtless be remembered by some of your readers that two or three years back

I called attention to the fact that the matter of representation at G.L. ought to engage the-attention of the

executive, as well as of the body of our New Zealand Masons, I then gave figures showing the expense G.L.

was put to in conducting its meetings on the present franchise, may I term it, and tried to show that the

unwieldiness of the convention was no true measure of its importance, that the work could be better done by

a lesser number of delegates. This matter of representation has never passed from my mind. I now think that

the time is approaching when G.L. will have to give attention to this subject, and I will try as succinctly as I

can to give point to my reasons for so thinking. Without going into figures here, to any brother interested in

the matter it must be obvious that the results attained in G.L. are not commensurate with the expense

attendant on these annual meetings, and that there are other and more useful purposes to which any savings

on the annual convention .could be diverted. A smaller gathering would I am sure be quite productive of

equal earnestness and general utility as the present cumbersome scheme. It is noticeable to one who attends

G.L. meetings with some regularity that the debating is as a rule confined to the older and more experienced

brethren, that about nine-tenths of the delegates never open their mouths. This leads one to imagine that

many look upon the office of delegate as affording am opportunity for a cheap trip. After hearing the lucid

and forcible arguments of W. Bro. Jolly against centralisation at Christchurch, I confess my views were

changed, and I supported him, but although not in favour of centralising G.L. office, I can see no valid

reason why G.L. annual meetings should not be held in Wellington, the "hub" of New Zealand, thereby

saving each year a fairly considerable sum of money to be devoted to real charitable purposes. The

formulation of a contracted representation scheme is a matter for the executive to consider and to bring

before G.L. The days of economy are upon us now, and I venture to assert that it is the duty of our ruling

body to take this matter into serious consideration, not only for the present, but for future years. The money

thus saved from the putting into effect some such lessened number of representatives could with great profit

be diverted to the Benevolent Fund, the W. and O, and A.M. Fund, the War Fund, with an eye to the

establishment of a Masonic Orphanage. And I would like to point out that in all probability claims will be

made on behalf of our wounded and maimed soldier brethren and their dependents, which will greatly add to

the burden to be borne by our Benevolent Fund. Moreover, I would ask, is it a fair proposition to be

constantly appealing to the brethren of New Zealand for assistance for benevolent purposes, when G.L. itself

makes no effort to reduce its own cost? I trust, Sir, that this matter will not be lost sight of by the executive

or the Craft in general throughout New Zealand.—Yours fraternally,

J. MENZIES, P.M.

——————————

GRAND CHAPTER OF SCOTLAND.

——<>———

A revision of the constitution and laws of the G. Chapter of Scotland has been proceeding for some time. The

final acceptance of the amendments was considered at a special convocation of G. Chapter in October last.

The chief alterations have regard to the various degrees worked in conjunction with the R.A., and, from a

circular issued by the G.S.E., Comp. A. A. Murray, may be briefly summarised as follows :—

The Mark, Excellent, and R. A. Degrees can be worked on separate nights, but the candidate must petition

for and pay the fees for the whole. The Mark Lodge can be opened without opening the Chapter, but, in the

case of the Excellent, the Chapter must be opened first. A diploma is now issued for the Excellent Degree if

desired.

The Degrees under the control of Sup. G. Chapter are now divided into three series: (1) The R.A. which is

just the same as hitherto, including the Mark and Excellent Master and the Installation Degrees; (2) The

Lodge and Council of Royal Ark Mariner and Red Cross, with the Installation Degrees; and (3) The Royal,

Select, and Super Excellent Masters, or Cryptic Degrees, with the Installation Degree.

A separate Charter is required for each series, but those for the Lodge and Council, and for the Cryptic

Degrees, bear the same name and number and meet in the same place as the Chapter to which they are

attached.

A candidate from a foreign constitution may join the Lodge and Council, or the Royal and Select Masters,

without affiliating to the Chapter, but any such candidate for any Degree must pay the registration fee, to

Sup. G. Chapter in addition to the charge for his diploma, and, of course, also the charge for his affiliation to,

or receiving the Degrees in, the Lodge and Council, or the Cryptic Council.—"The Freemason," London.

——————————

LODGE ALBION, No. 45.

——<>———

The W.M.'s address at the memorial service to the late W. Bro. T. J. Rutland and Bro. W. Anscombe,

Thursday, 10th February, 1916 :—

Brethren, this evening we have met to offer our last tribute of respect to the memories of two of our brethren

who have been called to their account and have passed the portals of the G.L. above, viz., W. Bro. T. J.

Rutland and Bro. W. Anscombe. W. Bro. T.J. Rutland affiliated with this Lodge in 1914, having transferred

from Oceanic Lodge, Dunedin. Though only a comparatively short time with us, he has won the esteem and

affection of the brethren by his kindly disposition and genial nature, His musical abilities will also be missed

in our social gatherings. He has been an ardent student and worker in the Craft, and I feel sure that, had this

unhappy war not broken out, and he had had more time to devote to his Masonic duties, Lodge Albion would

have been the richer for his ripe experience. Bro. Anscombe was one of the oldest subscribing members of

our Lodge, having been initiated in the year 1900, and, although his duties have prevented him latterly from

being a regular attendant, he never forgot his Mother Lodge, and the older members will recall the time when

our brother seldom failed to answer the summons to attend his Lodge, His enthusiasm for Freemasonry was

well known to those brethren who came in contact with him, and I feel sure that he carried its teachings into

his daily life, Whilst we number among our ranks those who differ widely from each other—socially,

politically and commercially—we refuse when assembled as Freemasons to recognise these differences; for

are we not taught that we are all sprung from the same stock, partakers of the same nature, and sharers in the

same hope? And the lives of these brethren in their different spheres of labour have, I doubt not,

unconsciously tended to spread the benign influences of Freemasonry. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the

bereaved relatives who are left to mourn their loss, and we can only pray that Time, the great healer, will

soothe them in their affliction. And, brethren, while we deplore the loss of our beloved brethren and pay this

fraternal tribute to their memories, let us not forget. that we too are mortal; that our bodies, now strong and

vigorous, must ere long, like theirs, become tenants of the narrow grave; and that cur spirits, like theirs, must

return to the God who spoke them into existence, " Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of

trouble. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down ; he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not," The

Almighty fiat has gone forth, " Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return,' That we are all subject to that

dread decree, the solemn cause of our present service and the daily observation of our lives furnish evidence

not to be forgotten or neglected. The great Creator having been pleased out of His infinite mercy to remove

our brethren from the cares and troubles of this transitory life, thus severing another link in the fraternal

chain by which we are bound together, let us who survive them be yet more strongly cemented by the ties of

union, friendship and brotherly love, so that during the brief space allotted to us here we may wisely and

usefully employ our time, and in reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly acts mutually promote the

welfare and happiness of each other, The niches they have carved in the hearts of the brethren of Lodge

Albion will not easily be effaced, Brethren, they have laid down their W.Ts. We cherish their memories in

our hearts; we commend their souls to God.

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

MASONRY THE SOCIAL BOND.

———<>———

[BY RIGHT REV. DR. D’ARCY, LORD BISHOP OF DOWN.]

The Lodges of Holywood gathered at a Sunday afternoon service recently at the Parish Church, and were

supported by a large number of brethren from the surrounding district. The collection was in aid of the

Masonic Widows' Fund of the Province of Down. The Lord Bishop of Down and. Connor and Dromore,

Right Rev. Dr. D'Arcy, was the preacher, and took for his text : " Ye also, as living stones, are building up a

spiritual house." In the course of his address he said the subject he particularly wished to bring before them

was closely related to the fundamental principles of the Masonic Brotherhood. It was the effect which times

of great trouble had upon the building of the Spiritual Temple. How was the community effected in such a

time as ours, and what was our special duty and function at such a time?' In general, he thought it must he

that, the life of the community was budded up in height. That expressed a great truth— a truth which was

applicable to the material as well as to the spiritual life. Times of ease and safety were inevitably times when

spiritual energy tended towards expansion and dissipation. During the long spell of peace and security our

civilisation had become weakened through the influence of ease and self-indulgence. Love of pleasure and

endless means of amusement and distraction had caused a slackening of moral fibre. Nothing seemed worth

while —and now he was speaking not so much of their own community in Ulster as of the world-wide

community—except the making of money and pleasure. Life had lost its great significance. Great sacrifices

seemed uncalled for. Earnest endeavour, except for this one purpose of making money, seemed mere

fussiness. The effect upon us all was far greater than we imagined at the time, and this in spite of all the great

and varied organisations characteristic of our age for good work of various kinds. Then came the war. The

awful pressure of iron necessity began. Slowly at first, and unwillingly, men realised that the age of careless

pleasure-seeking was over. A time of stress had come; a time when men must be prepared for the utmost

sacrifices. If there was anything they had reason to be specially thankful to God for it was this, that the call to

brace ourselves to effort and sacrifice came to us in time; before the slackening of the moral fibre had gone

too far, Surely it was true of the nation that in the time of trouble it had risen in height. The splendid

response of our manhood and our people to the call of country and duty, the devoted services of the

womanhood, the great outpouring of charitable effort and giving, the loving help so willingly bestowed on

the afflicted people of Belgium and other tortured lands—these things marked a sudden elevation and

uprising in height of the moral elevation of the community.

Just recently we had had a marvellous illustration of it. We had just had imposed upon us taxation so

tremendous that it surpassed anything in our history. And the nation had taken up the burden not merely

willingly, but cheerfully, feeling that the cause was worthy of the sacrifice. And as it had been with the

nation, so it had been with the Church. There had come to us a new elevation of spirit and of effort. There

had been more prayer and less controversy, more self-sacrificing devotion and less of the mere machinery of

Organisation, a truer sense of the need of God and a higher realisation of His presence. They had arisen in

height—been lifted up nearer to God and to heaven. More and more as the great struggle proceeded was the

truth becoming evident that the struggle in which our country was engaged was a struggle for liberty, for

humanity, for brotherly love, for all the things on which the possibility of a humane civilisation depended. It

was a struggle against a heartless despotism founded on militarism and sustained by the cult of blood and

iron3 it was it conflict against a Moloch armed with the magic panoply of modern science. Science, the

minister of light, had been-made- the agent of death and hideous execution, designed to destroy all that we

recognised as noblest and fairest. In a time like this our duty was to recognise the greatness, the splendour,

the holiness of the cause for which we were struggling, and to arise to the height of that great cause,

Thousands upon thousands had already realised that it was better to die in such a cause than to live in a

godless, materialist world. For such a cause no sacrifice was too great.

Again, it was our duty in this time to employ all the forces of our individual and organised life for the

support of that cause. The- Masonic Brotherhood aimed at moral and social ends, the cultivation of brotherly

love — the very thing we were striving for, surely, ultimately, in this great war the cultivation of charity,

charity of heart and charity of action; and the cultivation of noble, mutual helpfulness in the common affairs

and relationships of human life. The Masonic Brotherhood was one of our great social bonds of union. It

helped to give strength to the community. The effect upon the Masonic Brotherhood, as upon all the other

great social organisations, of the awful stress of the times must surely be to give that elevation of spirit, of

purpose, and of effort of which he had been speaking. Thus the bonds of brotherly love would be drawn

closer, and the true meaning and value of Masonry would be more perfect and real. As they all knew,

Masonry was founded on faith in God. It believed in God's overruling providence in. the things of men; it

believed in the great future life. How important it was for us at this time to realise that this world was after

all but the promise of a greater and a better life. The dear young hearts that had spent themselves so nobly on

the field of battle had not perished. Thank God for the Christian hope in this time of so many sore

bereavements. God had for them better things than this world at its best could give them. For them and for us

there was the promise of all the attainment of which human souls were capable. Continuing, the preacher

remarked that we had outgrown the mischievous doctrine of universal comfort for mankind. Here we had no

real abiding-place; here there was no ultimate satisfaction for our souls. There was that in us which was

made, for better things. Upwards, ever upwards, strove the spiritual in our nature, seeking satisfaction in the

conquest of the material world, in science, in art, in literature ; attaining to great things, but never to ultimate

satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Lord Bishop remarked that the collection that afternoon was for a very important Masonic

charity, the County Down Masonic Widows' Fund. It was a time when widows were being multiplied in the

laud, a time of sore bereavements, It had always been one of the glories of the Masonic Brotherhood—the

care for the widow and the orphan. The charities of Masonry were it glory—noble charities, nobly

administered in the spirit of love, and also with a great deal of cars and capacity and good management. The

demands of the times were very great, and if there was any claim that they felt could not be ignored it was

the claim of the widow- and the orphan.—"The Freemason," London. .

——————————

BIOGRAPHICAL.

——<>———

M.E. Comp. THOMAS ROSS, 1st G.PRIN. of the SUP. G.R.A. CHAPTER OF NEW ZEALAND.

Our distinguished companion has seen much active service during his twenty-eight- years of Masonic life.

He was initiated into Freemasonry on 26th May, 1888, in Otago Kil. Lodge, under the Scottish Constitution,

to which he remained attached until a large majority of the members seceded for the purpose of forming a

Lodge of the same name under the G.L. of New Zealand, when Comp. Ross joined the seceders. He took a

leading part in the formation of Lodge Maori, and became its first W.M. In 1904 Comp. Ross was elected

Pres. of the B. of B. of G.L., and the Representative of the G.L. of North Dakota in 1905. In 1906-07 he

filled the office of Dep.G.Supt, of Otago, and at the annual comunication held in 1908 was appointed the

Prov.G.M. of Otago. In May, 1910, he was appointed Dep.G.M., and in 1912 was elected to the important

office of Pres. of the B. of G.P., and was re-elected in 1913. In Capitular Freemasonry Comp. Ross is very

active, having held membership in Otago Chapter No. 7, Maori Chapter No. 28, and Otago-Kil, Chapter No.

116, S.C., in which Chapter he has served in nearly every office, and was installed as 1st Prin. in 1905. He

was practically responsible for the erection of Maori Chapter No. 28, of which he was the first 1st Prin. The

first office to which he was elected in G. Chapter was that of G.D. of C. in 1910, became 3rd G.Prin, in

1913, 2nd G.Prin. in 1914, D.G.Z. in 1915, and received the unanimous vote of G. Chapter at the

convocation held in Dunedin on 17th February, 1916. He also represents the G. Chapter of Alabama near the

G. Chapter of New Zealand, On a recent visit to Scotland M.E. Comp. Ross attended a meeting of that G.

Chapter, and most earnestly set forth the claims of the G. Chapter of New Zealand to recognition, but owing

to the war this question has not yet received consideration. In the higher degrees, Comp. Ross is a Knight

Templar and Knight of Malta of the Scottish Rite, and has held the office of Secretary of the Preceptory and

Priory of Otago for five years. He is also a member of the Allied Degrees, and was perfected as Rose Croix

in 1903, in the Sphinx Chapter, and in 1904 received the 30 degree (Scottish Rite) in the Otago Consistory.

Our M.E. companion is an enthusiast in Freemasonry, and is an earnest and very consistent worker, which is

evidenced in the fact that he has recently accepted the office of Master in the Dunedin Masters Lodge. For

some years he was a member of the Dunedin Harbour Board, and as a business man of long standing in

Dunedin he is held in great repute. In Otago he is justly regarded as one of the pillars of that Craft he has

always so worthily upheld. In his new office he will not only maintain the traditions of his illustrious

predecessors, but all his efforts will be put forth to add increased lustre to the reputation of the Sup.G.

Chapter of New Zealand.

————————————

R.W. BRO. JNO. THORNTON, PROV.G.M. OF CANTERBURY.

————

The new chief of the Canterbury Provincial District was initiated in the Canterbury Lodge, No. 1048, E.C.

1894. He served in all the offices, and was installed as W.M. in 1905. He Was a foundation member of

Lodge Civic, No. 157, and up to the present has acted as Preceptor. Was Master of the Masters' and Past

Masters' Lodge, No. 130, in 1911, President of the United Board of Enquiry in 1914, was the first S.G.W. of

the Prov.G.L. of Canterbury, 1909-10, and Dep. Prov.G.M., 1912, till he was elected Prov.G.M. Was G.

Steward in 1909, and President of the B. of B. 1914-16. Was installed as Prov.G.M. of Canterbury on 31st

January, 1916. In Capitular Freemasonry he has always been keenly interested. He was a P.M.M. of the

Hiram Mark Lodge, E.C., and P.W.C.N. of the Royal Ark Mariners' Lodge attached thereto. He was P.Z. of

the Prince of Wales R.A. Chapter when this Chapter worked under the E.C. and continues his active interest

therein by occupying the position of Preceptor at the present time. Was elected Asst.G.Sd.B. in Sup.G.

Chapter in 1912. Bro. Thornton is also a member of the A. and A. Rite, having been perfected in the Beckett

Chapter in 1912. As a business man and a citizen of Christchurch he is held in high esteem, and from the

prominent part he has taken in Freemasonry, he is rightly regarded as a leader of the Craft in that city. Owing

to indifferent health lie has been prevented from taking as active part in Masonic matters for some time past

as he desired, but with returning health he will no doubt worthily follow in the footsteps of his deeply

venerated predecessor.

——————————

MASONIGRAMS.

——<>———

American Freemasons are not content with the fellowship which the Craft and other regular degrees afford,

and for some years past have been developing the "Shrine," which is said to put a smile on the face of

Masonry. Evidently the Shrine is not capable of producing a sufficiency of opportunities to smile, and further

efforts are needed. In Michigan a new "Order" has been introduced, named the Grotto. Although but a few

weeks old, it now numbers about two thousand members. This Grotto is enthusiastic, and the prophets feel

that they have an organisation that offers great opportunities for fellowship to all Masons. There does not

seem to be any spirit of rivalry between this organisation and the Shrine or other Masonic organisations. In

fact, it is notable that in the cities where the Shrine Temples are located, the Grotto has been enthusiastically

received. Many most prominent Masons are affiliated with the Grotto, and it is regarded as one of the real

enjoyable playgrounds of Freemasonry, to which all Masons are eligible without the previous attainment of

high rank. Shadukiam Grotto, previous to last month, had the distinction of having received the largest class

ever initiated into the Order, but now the Ayran Grotto, Chicago, has established a record by receiving a

class of 1520 at one ceremonial session. Shadukiam confers the Orders with the assistance of a cast of

seventy men. Because of the lack of facilities at the Temple, the use of a theatre has been called into play,

and the scenic effects require twenty drop curtains, besides numerous spot lights and other electrical effects.

America appears to be still "licking creation."

A unique double installation took place recently at Norwood, South Australia. Bro. S. Angel, Master-elect of

the Emulation Lodge, No. 32, and Bro. F. M. Angel, Master-elect of the daughter Lodge, Emulation Lewis,

No. 69, are twin brothers, and so much alike that it is a difficult matter to detect any difference in the two

portraits. The two Lodges met together, and the two brothers were installed in one ceremony. At the banquet

the toasts were presented alternately by the two Masters. It is said that if the Masters changed places in

presiding over the respective Lodges many brethren would be unable to detect the change.

A copy of the "Boston News Letter" of 1721 mentions that the ship "Freemason" sailed from Boston for the

West Indies, 18th September, 1721. This was four years after the organisation of the first G.L. of England,

and ten years before the establishment of the first known Lodge in America.

A correspondent at Seattle, U.S.A., states that the steamship "Edison Light," one of the two trial ships sent to

Puget Sound to determine if the inter-coastal freight movement between the North Pacific and Atlantic Coast

ports via the Panama Canal justifies the establishment of a new service, is attracting much attention on the

water front of the Washington city because of the Masonic flag she flies at her foremast, which is the

personal flag of the master of the vessel, Captain E. M. Torrey, and bears his initials, the number of his

Masonic Lodge, and the square and compasses. Captain Torrey is a 32nd Degree Mason, a Knight Templar,

and a member of Aurora Lodge, No. 50, of Rockland. Chief Officer W. T. McAloney, of the same vessel, is

also said to be an enthusiastic Mason, with affiliations at Lewiston. The "Edison Light" is said to be the first

vessel to enter the port of Seattle with a Masonic emblem so displayed.

Some twelve hundred brethren, many of them members of the G.L. of California, then in session, witnessed

the production of the six-act play, "The Legend of the Temple," from the pen of Bro. Jesse M. Whited, S.W.

of the California Lodge, No. 1, at the Scottish Rite Temple, San Francisco. The drama, which is founded on

picturesque incidents in the history of Masonry, was produced by members of the San Francisco Bodies, A.

and A.S.R., and staged under the direction of Bro. Edgar M. Cameron, the music being furnished by the

choir of the California Lodge, No. 1. The visiting brethren and resident Masons highly enjoyed the creditable

production of this truly impressive story of the Master's degree, which reflected high credit upon both the

author and its producers.—''The Freemason," London.

OBITUARY.

——<>——

M.W. BRO. HON. SIR J. W. HACKETT.

———

M.W. Bro. Sir J. W. Hackett., Legislative Councillor and newspaper proprietor, is dead. M.W.

Bro. Sir John Winthrop Hackett, K.C.M.G., M.A., LL.D. (Hon., Dublin), editor and proprietor

of the West Australian and Western Mail, Perth, was born in Ireland in 1848. He was educated

at Trinity College, Dublin (M.A.), and became a member of the Irish, New South Wales,

Western Australia, and Victorian Bars. He was a delegate from Western Australia to the

National Australasian Federal Convention in 1891, and to the Federal Convention of 1897-98,

which framed the Commonwealth Constitution, and was also a late member of the Federal

Council of Australasia. Sir Winthrop was identified with the leading public institutions of Perth,

being president of the Zoological Gardens, Western Australian Museum, and National Gallery,

Registrar of the Diocese of Perth, and Chancellor of the Cathedral. He was also Chancellor of

the University, in which he endowed the first chair (agricultural), chairman of the Karra, Katta

Cemetery Board, and P.G.M. of Freemasons of Western Australia. He declined an offer of

knighthood in 1902, but was created a Knight Bachelor in 1911 and K.C.M.G. in 1914.

——————————

MASONIC GATHERING AT SEA.

——<>———

Bro. H. J. Williams,

CRAFTSMAN,

Wellington, New Zealand.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— I am sending you a brief account of a Masonic meeting held at sea on board

Transport 44 on the evening of Saturday, 12th February, by brethren who are now on their way to the great

war as members of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and the Rifle Brigade Field Ambulance, which will, I

think, prove of interest to our brother Masons at home in New Zealand, while the enclosed signed list

representing the attendance book will, I hope, be an interesting souvenir for the office of the CRAFTSMAN.

The officers' mess room was utilised as a Lodge, and being properly tyled, we opened and closed in the First

Degree, no Masonic signs or symbols of any sort being used. Bro. Major A. A. Martin, W.M. of Lodge 1721,

E.C., Palmerston North, took the chair, while the other offices were filled as follows: — Bro. Quartermaster-

Sergt. James H. Langley, P.M. of Lodges Nos. 10 and 55, N.Z.C. ; S.W., Bro. Captain W. H. Feldon, 2221,

E.C., Auckland ; J.W., Bro. Lieut. D. Kennedy, Lodge Tongariro, 705, E.C., Wanganui; I.G.Bro. Lieut.-Col.

Hardy Neil, Ara, No. 1, N.Z.C., Auckland. On the floor of the Lodge the following brethren were

assembled:— Bro. Staff-Sergt. C. Pierson, Lodge St. John, 1137, E.C., Timaru; Bro. Sergt. Downard, Te

Aroha, 52, N.Z.C.; Bro. Staff-Sergt. E. M. Dillon, Marine Lodge, 942, E.C. ; Bro. Cpl. E. T. Hawkes, St.

Andrew, 32, Wellington; Bro. Rflm. R. Cate, Unanimity, 106, Blenheim; Bro. Pte. H. B. Langey, Lodge 102,

N.Z.C., Whangarei. The brethren present, though small in numbers, were highly representative of

Freemasonry in New Zealand, their Mother Lodges being widely distributed throughout the Dominion. They

desired to extend through you H.G.W. to the G.Ls. of the English and New Zealand Constitutions in New

Zealand, and through them to the various Lodges throughout the Dominion. The labours of the evening being

ended, H.G.W. were received from all the Lodges represented by the brethren present, and the Lodge was

closed in harmony and peace. The W.M. impressed, speaking from experience gained on the Western front,

on all present their duty as Masons to become acquainted with all brethren in their vicinity while engaged in

the war. It was impossible for various reasons to meet in the " Fourth," and so, after joining hands and

singing " Auld Lang Syne," the brethren dispersed, all highly pleased to have met on the square. With

H.G.W., — Yours faithfully and fraternally,

D. KENNEDY, Lieut.,

Asst.-Adjutant, H.M.N.Z. Transport No. 44.

[The souvenir is duly appreciated, and we offer our best thanks to Bro. Kennedy.—ED.C.]

——————————

GRAND LODGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

——<>———

[Address of the G.M., M.W. BRO. ARCHBISHOP RILEY, at the Festive Board, 29th January.]

W. Brethren and Brethren,—I am reminded that this year is an unfortunate occasion for myself, because it is

the thirteenth time I have been elected as G.M. (Laughter.) I always thought thirteen was very unlucky, but,

on the other hand, I know that "every sea has its saw, and there's luck in odd numbers, said Rory O'More."

(Laughter.) However, I have often told you, I think, that about 20 years ago I went to a banquet at Norseman,

and there were 13 of us, and for a long time one of the number, whenever he met me in the streets of Perth

here, world rush across the street and say, "How are you? We are all alive yet. Good-bye." (Laughter.) But

you know some people have a habit of reminding you of unpleasant things. I was on the mail boat on

Tuesday; and there was a lady on board who was very anxious to see me. (Laughter and Ah, ah !) Rather

remarkable, was it not? (Laughter.) I had you there. (Laughter.) But when I tell you the reason you will be

rather amused. She wanted to remind me that some years ago her husband, myself and four others were all in

the same compartment in a train going from London down somewhere, and she bad seen us off ; she wanted

to tell me that I was the only one left. (Laughter.)

You know it has its comic side certainly, but it reminds you of friends that have gone, so that was not

altogether pleasant. However, it amused her. (Laughter.) Then you know it is twenty-one years in a few days

since the day on which the Rector of Albany (who, you remember, after seeing me when I preached there in

the morning, and I came up to Perth in the evening, on the Sunday) preached from that well-known text,

"When they saw him they besought him to depart out of their coast." (Laughter.) I have told you that before,

but I never forget it somehow. After all these years, naturally one looks back, but at the present time one can

do nothing but look forward. At least, I cannot. It is rather sickening to look back during the last year or two;

we have made so many mistakes, and so on. But we have to look forward, and I want to look forward with

hope, with determination that we are going to win. (Hear, hear.) We have a great many of our brethren at the

front. I hear from Bro. Makeham regularly, and Bro. Archdeacon Collick, and Bro. General Hobbs, and a

good many others, and they all of them, when they write to me, want to be remembered to their various

friends in Perth. I am very proud of the men we have sent out, and I think when the history of everything is

going to be written, in the days that are to come, so far, the one thing that will stand out as the most

remarkable event in the whole of the war, or of any war I have ever read about, was the coming away from

Anzac. (Applause.) When you come to think that doctors, staff, and everybody expected at least 10,000

wounded, and they had one man with a sore ankle or something, it was most marvellous; the most

wonderfully-planned thing, and the most splendidly carried out thing that has ever been done in warfare.

When our men can do such things as that, and when they can get such glory as they have done, I am not at all

afraid of the war as far as the men at the front are concerned. What does distress me, at times, is the action of

some of those who are at home, and I think that in the future perhaps the nation will have to be a little more

regulated than it is at the present time. Men will not be allowed their own sweet will when the nation is in the

death throe. As far as Masonry is concerned, of course, we are passing through a crisis. I never knew any

time in the world's history when we were not, somehow. But now we are passing through a crisis which taxes

the faith and the hope of a great many of us when we look forward and wonder what is going to happen. It

has always been a dream of mine that Freemasonry would band together the different nations, but all the

vision has vanished for the time being. But that is always the case, like the receding wave, which will come

up again; it will come up again in the future much stronger than ever, and be a binding link between nations

that are now divided. At all events, amongst ourselves I think we have done well in Western Australia. We

had a bad quarrel with the Scotch, but we never allowed it to have any effect upon our own conduct. I never

did. They have always been very civil and very good to me. Some think that because they are Scottish things

should be run their way. (Laughter.) That is said for the benefit of our G. Sec. (Laughter.) I think we have

done pretty well here in Western Australia, and I certainly think that when the history of the State is written,

and when the story of her goldfields is told, there will, at all events, be this prominently brought forward, 1

think, that there was one factor which knit together men who were from all parts of the world, all degrees of

station in life, and with different amounts of worldly possessions, and so on. There was one force bound

them together on the goldfields, made life tolerable, gave hope and strength to a good many, and that was the

Masonic Craft. I believe that certainly and strongly, and, further, when we look back and see what

Freemasonry has done we feel fully convinced. Our soldiers teach us this; we have some of them with us to-

night; they teach us to look forward with the greatest hope. Do not let us be downhearted about the future,

but try and do more good even than we tried to do in the past. I must not take up your time. Somehow I do

not feel merry this evening, since they tell me this is my thirteenth times. (Laughter.) But I will get over that,

perhaps. You know, of course, that there is a Thirteen Club in New York. They do all sorts of funny things;

they spill the salt, they cross knives, have death's-heads on the table, and I do not know what; they say the

thirteenth man gets up first; they smash glasses, and looking glasses, but fellows have done that without

belonging to a Thirteen Club, though. (Laughter.) Still that is the sort of thing they do in New York, when

they are not writing notes to the enemy. (Laughter.) However, we will have to get over this thirteen business,

and if I manage to live through it then perhaps some of us will begin to think that the thirteen business is

played out. I am very much obliged to you for drinking my health, and I am more than obliged to you for re-

electing me, and I do hope that, notwithstanding the troublous times through which we are passing, our

meeting together will cheer us up a bit and make us feel that we do want sympathy and the help of

friendship, especially in these hard times, and that when we want it we will find it amongst our brethren.

During the evening songs were ably sung by V.W. Bro. Shepherd and Bro. D. Casey, with W. Bro. M. D.

Musgrove, G. Organist, at the piano.

The Tyler's toast, "Auld Lang Syne," and the National Anthem terminated a successful gathering.

—"West Australian Freemason."

——————————

THE CRAFT IN IRELAND.

——<>———

Although Freemasonry in Ireland is a vigorous element in the Craft Universal, it does not lend itself to

journalistic reporting, hence its work is only known by its ultimate results. Once a year, however, the G.M. is

expected to review the year's work, and his address is printed in the journal which reports the proceedings at

the Grand Festival held on 27th December. From this annual publication an interesting survey of the year's

work with regard to the Craft and its institutions is made possible, and invariably shows that our Irish

brethren possess and exercise the Masonic spirit in very full measure.

Notwithstanding the seventeen months of strain and anxiety of the European war, the Masonic Order in

Ireland has maintained its activities in the good work of benevolence and the promotion of brotherly feeling.

True, its social side has been adversely affected, and there has been a considerable abandonment of anything

in the nature of festivities, but the savings have been directed into charitable channels.

A Masonic National Relief Fund, started at the outbreak of the war, was liberally subscribed to, and no less a

sum than £3,505 has been contributed by the Irish brethren. Out of this, £1,000 was sent to the Prince of

Wales's National Relief Fund, and grants were also made to the Belgian and Red Cross Funds, leaving a

balance of £2,095. It was decided to convert this into a fund for the specific purpose of alleviating distress

suffered by Freemasons of the Irish Constitution and their dependents owing to the war. Further

Subscriptions have been received on behalf of the new fund, which now amounts to about £3,000. One of the

first contributions was a sum of two thousand dollars (£516 10s. 7d.) from the Masonic War Association of

the United States of America, the chairman of which has intimated that further money will be forthcoming as

needs may develop. A special committee representative of Dublin and all the provinces is in charge of the

administration of the new war relief fund.

BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.

While the two schools of which Irish Freemasons are so justly proud are carried on with continued

efficiency, the charitable organisations of the Order have suffered financially owing to the exceptional

demands made on their supporters by circumstances arising out of the war. This is particularly so with regard

to the Victoria Jubilee Masonic Annuity Fund, the subscriptions to which have fallen off by about £400

under those of last year. Although the total subscriptions to the Female Orphan School for the year amounted

to £3,755, as compared with £2,173 for the previous year, the former figure contained special donations

towards a fund for the erection and equipment of additional buildings for the practical teaching of domestic

economy, involving an expenditure of £2,752. The finances of the Boys' School suffered in not receiving this

year from Masonic bodies the usual or average amount received from permanent official subscriptions. The

brethren should bear in mind that, as food and clothing have increased in price, the cost of maintaining the

pupils in the schools will be correspondingly increased.

INCREASING MEMBERSHIP.

Membership of the Order continues to increase in Ireland, but owing to the large number of brethren engaged

in military service the attendance at meetings has shown a falling off. Since 1914 six new Lodges have been

founded, and two of these are attached to military corps—the 7th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers and

the 16th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles. The warrant of the latter is with the battalion in France, where a

Lodge meeting was held and degrees conferred within shell range of the enemy. Three warrants were issued

to Belfast and one to Bombay, where there are now two Lodges under the Irish Constitution. Only one

warrant has been surrendered during the year.

THE G. OFFICERS.

There is no change in the list of G. officers, those holding-office in 1915 having been unanimously re-elected

for the ensuing year. The Earl of Donoughmore, the G.M., has been unable to attend meetings of G.L. as

frequently during the last twelve months as in the former year, as he has been engaged for the greater part of

the summer and autumn, and is, in fact, still engaged, at headquarters of the Red Cross Society with the

British Expeditionary Force in France. A letter from him was read at the stated communication of the G.L.

on St. John's Day, expressing his regret at being unable to be in his place as presiding officer. He was, as

usual, represented by that Irish Masonic veteran, Bro. Sir Charles Cameron, C.B., who, although beyond his

85th birthday, is still hale and hearty. Besides his high offices in Craft Masonry and Knight Templary, he is

still Sec. of Lodge No. 25, a position he has held for over fifty years. Another old and distinguished

Craftsman, Bro. W. J. Chetwode Crawley, G.Treas., who has been a prominent. figure in Irish Freemasonry

for the past forty years, and a Masonic historian of world-wide reputation, has been laid aside by illness for

some time past, but an improvement in his condition has set in, and it is hoped he will be soon able to resume

his work in the interests of the Order.—"The Freemason."

——————————

SOCIAL INFLUENCE OF MASONRY.

——<>———

The principal intention in forming societies is undoubtedly the uniting of men in the stricter bands of love,

for men, considered as social creatures, must derive their happiness from each other. Every man is designed

by Providence to promote the good of others, ignoring in part his own advantage, and by special intercourse

he secures their good offices by being, as occasion may offer, serviceable unto them. Christianity in general,

never circumscribes our benevolence within the narrow confines of nature, fortune, profit or personal obli-

gation. What we would say is this—that we have love not for our next neighbour only, this being merely a

point of convenience, nor to our acquaintance solely, this being the effect of inclination purely to gratify

ourselves. We are not to regard our friends only, because gratitude and common justice require even that at

our hands.; nor yet from those especially whom we expect to receive benefit, for this interest and policy will

prompt us to; nor our relations only, for this the ties of blood and mere nature dictate; nor is our love and

charity limited to them particularly, who are of the same opinion with us, for by the very same reason that we

are induced to believe ourselves in the right, they may imagine themselves so, too; and what we may judge to

be a perfection among ourselves, they may condemn as a blemish. Be it so, then that in some points, or rather

modes of worship we may differ or dissent from each other yet still the Lodge reconciles even these. There

we all meet amicable and converse socially together. There we harmonise in principles though we vary in

punctilios. There we join in conversation and intermingle interests. There we discover no estrangement of

behaviour nor alienation of affection. We serve one another most cheerfully in all the kind of of a cordial

friendship. Thus we are united though not agreed ; united in the same grand Christian fundamentals, though

distinguished by some circumstantials; united in one important band of brotherly love, though distinguished

by some peculiarities of sentiment. Freedom of opinion thus indulged, but its points never discussed, is the

happy influence under which the unity of this truly Ancient and Honourable Society has been preserved from

time immemorial. And, whoever is an upright Mason can neither be an atheist, deist, or libertine, for he is

under the strictest obligation to be a good man, a true Christian, and to act with honour and honesty, however

distinguished by different opinions in the circumstantials of religion. Upon which account Masonry has

become the centre of union and the means of conciliating friendship among men that might have otherwise

remained at perpetual distance causing them to live as brethren, as heirs of the same hope, partakers of the

same promises, children of the same God, and candidates for the same heaven.—"Scottish Rite Bulletin."

——————————

THE OLD OPERATIVE GUILD.

——<>———

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

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

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

now, says Brother Stratton, in a letter just received, "The old Operative Guild has determined to continue as

an organisation, at least until 1926, when the Athlestan Charter, under which it holds, will have been granted

one thousand years. The guild officers are of the Opinion that by the year 1926 all the workmen will have

gone over to the trade union, and it has been suggested that at that date the guild, will probably change to the

Speculative system, as the Operative Lodges of Scotland have already been changed. The books of the guild

and the rich history of Operative Masonry would then come into the libraries of the Speculative Lodges.—

Exchange.

——————————

A WORD OF CAUTION.

——<>———

I do not know of any quality which is more needed in our public life— than an absolute refusal to repeat

unproved tales to the detriment of others. Many a man who would be ashamed to start, gossip or slander is

willing to repeat it. Many a man who would scorn to strike his neighbour behind his back is content to stab

his neighbour's reputation by the utterance of half truths which are worse than lies in their effect,

straightforward enough to tell the truth to themselves, charitable enough to think no ill of their neighbour,

sound of judgment to value men and things for what they really are, strong of principle to sink the ideal of

self in the ideal of duty.—" Missouri Freemason."

——————————

HASTEN SLOWLY.

——<>———

"Festiva lente," that is, "hasten slowly," wore the words adopted as a motto by the Emperor Titus, with the

device of an anchor, a thing slow to move, and around it a dolphin, the swiftest of fishes. The same words,

with TERMINUS, the immovable god of landmarks, joined to the rapid thunderbolt, were adopted as his device

by the Emperor Augustus. "They teach us what we learn from the familiar axiom of "more haste, the less

speed," and might be approximately assumed as a motto for every Lodge in reference to its advancement of

candidates. Let the Mason who would ascend the ladder of initiation remember that, strictly speaking, a

degree is something that is gradual. Let there be no unnecessary delay, for that would mark indifference; but

let there be no impetuosity of progress, because that is unaccompanied by improvement. `Hurry," says

Colton, "is the apprentice of Despatch, but never learns his master's trade." If every candidate would only

HASTEN SLOWLY so that progressive knowledge should precede. progressive advancement in initiation, we

should have no indifferent Masons. Skilful apprentices would proceed to craftsmen, and accomplished

craftsmen would in time be made intelligent Masters ; so we should have no more making of candidates by

steam, and should seldom hear of Masons taking their demits, and passing over into unaffiliation, because

they had lost all interest in an association whose principles they had never learned.— Exchange.

——————————

ANCIENT LANDMARKS NOT IMMUTABLE,

——<>———

The Illinois Illinois Freemason admonishes the Craft that adhering to the ancient landmarks does not mean

that the fraternity shall not keep abreast of the times and shape its policies to .meet conditions of each age. It

is all right to respect the fundamentals of the fraternity, hut whenever the time comes that a law or regulation

is holding the fraternity back and deterring it from proper influence 'among mankind at that moment it should

be changed to meet the new conditions.

——————————

PRACTICAL FREEMASONRY.

——<>———

The English Freemasons of Cairo are not unmindful of their obligations towards their poor and distressed

brethren. Those in authority recently formulated a scheme for the regular visitation of the sick and wounded

soldiers in and about the Egyptian capital. Those brethren who were willing to participate in the scheme were

organised into visiting parties which would cover all the local hospitals, and arrangements were made for

notices to be exhibited at all the military hospitals and convalescent homes inviting Freemasons and sons of

Freemaaone, who desired to be visited by members of the fraternity to advise the secretary appointed in

connection with the scheme. This consideration on the part of the brethren of the E.C. Cairo will not only be

appreciated by those who are privileged to receive the visits, but will also be very gratifying to the members

of Lodges to which the soldier brethren belong.

——————————

VETERAN BRETHREN.

——<>——

An interesting meeting of three worthy and distinguished brethren of Lodge of Otago, No. 7, Dunedin, took

place recently at the residence of R.W. Bro. Rev. W. Ronaldson, P.P.G.M. W. Bro. J. Alberto (85) and Bro.

M. Walker (86), who were accompanied by Bro. E. T. Moller, W.M., and W. Bro. D. C. Cameron, Sec.,

spent a most enjoyable hour with Bro. Ronaldson (92), talking over old times in connection with the early

days of the Craft in Dunedin. It was a real treat to see how our elderly brethren (who had not been able to

meet for some years) revelled in their reminiscence of their early association in Freemasonry, and to witness

the glow of pleasure they each experienced in meeting together once more. The aggregate age of our three

brethren is 263 years. R.W. Bro. G. Watts kindly attended to take a photograph, but unfortunately Bro.

Ronaldson was not permitted to be up that day. It is hoped, however, to obtain a group if possible at an early

date.

——————————

Men are apt to fret and worry,

What's the use?

When too late they always hurry,

What's the use?

Just to keep the business boomin'

Men to many things inhuman—

Even argue with a woman.

But, what's the use?

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

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND OF ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

——<>——

Grand Secretary's Office, ,

Christchurch, 18th March, 1916.

MEMO. FOR THE INFORMATION OF LODGES,

——————

DRAWING OF RAFFLE.

——————

The Raffle for Surgical instruments took place on Tuesday, 14th March, in the presence of the M.W,G.M.

and other officials of G.L., and a sergeant of police.

The winning ticket, No: 13494, is held by Lodge St. Augustine, No. 99, Waimate.

Ten thousand eight hundred and forty tickets were sold, and every one of these was represented in the

drawing.

Yours fraternally,

MALCOLM NICCOL,

Grand Secretary.

——————————

A POPULAR ERROR.

——<>——

In an address delivered before the G.L. of North Carolina, the orator said :—

"We Masons of North Carolina are gathered here representing an institution that has lived throughout the

ages, unchanged by time and glorious in its achievements."

Commenting upon—not the "singularity" of the speech—the P.G.M. of Wisconsin, Aldro Jenks, is quoted in

"Masonic Tidings" as saying :—

"There can be no doubt but that Masonry has lived longer than any other fraternal organisation, and that it is

glorious in its achievements. That it is unchanged by time, no one at all familiar with its history will affirm.

The ceremonies of the degrees have changed greatly, even within the recollection of Masons now living.

Many of its laws and usages have been changed. At one time, every Entered Apprentice was considered a

Mason and entitled to all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry, many of which privileges are now

reserved only to the Master Mason. We know also that at one time the R.A. Degree constituted a part of

Symbolic Masonry, and that instead of having various degrees, there was but one ceremony, which has been

split up into three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry and that of the R.A. Many other matters might also be

mentioned. These considerations, however, are sufficient to show that Masonry cannot boast that it has been

unchanged by time. Nevertheless, there is a certain amount of stability to the traditions, customs, and usages

of the Craft, and this it is that adds largely to the charm of the Masonic institution and has made it

enduring."—" Kansas City Freemason."

——————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 22nd MARCH, 1916.

——<>——

C. P. Powles 10/-, G. Menzies, S. Martin, A. Erskine, J. R. Morley, Geo. E. Smith 20/-, J. P. Shand 166/-

(Wellington), J. George 15/- (Roxburgh), M. Vance 20/- (Ohakune), S. H. Conder 10/-, H. Cross 10/-, J. B.

Henry 10/-, F. G. Holloway 10/-, F. J. Hunn 10/-, R. E. Jones 10/-, J. Milne 20/-, S. D. Pearce 14/2, C. W.

Perrin 10/- (Masterton), J. McLachlan (Lower Hutt), J. W. Probert 1/8 (Auckland), J. W. Cornwall 1/8

(Tutuanui), A. Chisholm (Takapau), S. J. Ball (Canvastown) L. Watson (Oxford), J. H. Marriott 1/8

(Christchurch), H. L. Harston 21/- (Napier), A. H. Maguire 17/6 (Feilding), J. W. Boothman, H. C. Smith

20/- (Palmerston North), J. Anderson (Sanson), M. McDonald (Lauriston, Otago), J. J. Jackson, senr. (Te

Kopuru), J. Morrison 55/- (Drumduan), E. G. Browne 10/- (Hinuera), G. Barclay 10/6 (Egypt), W. J. H.

McCormick (Taihape), — Vicary 10/- (Otorohanga), S. W. Franklin 20/- (Ti Tree Point), W. Cowley 10/-,

W. H. Parker 10/- (Manunui), A. Young (Waipapa, via Mataroa), H. Langdon 10/- (Waihi), Ben Ling 38/4

(Otaki), A. Henderson 10/- (Hunterville), P. C. H. Petersen (Hautapu, Waikato), Mclndoe Bros. (Wairuna),

E. G. W. H. Watts 18/4, Wm. Reid 10/- (Dunedin), H. C. Wilson (Kawhatau, Mangaweka), J. T. Taylor

(Awatuna, Taranaki).

(All 7/6 except those noted.)

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

Reports.
———————————————————————————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

OTAGO.

Otago, No. 7.—The regular meeting was held in the King Street Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on 9th February.

W. Bro. E. T. Moller, W.M., presided over an excellent attendance of members and visiting brethren. R.W.

Bros. G. Watts and A. Stoneham, P.P.G.Ms., by special invitation visited the Lodge officially and were

accorded a hearty welcome. Arrangements were completed for the W.M. and officers of Lodge No. 143 to

conduct the Third Degree ceremony at our April meeting. A candidate was initiated into membership, the

ceremony being conducted by the W.M. ; the S. and Ss. were exemplified by W. Bro. J. Wood ; the N.E.

Charge was delivered by W. Bro. D. C. Cameron; the Address on Prep. by W. Bro. J. C. Easton; the W.Ts.

by W. Bro. F. W. Clayton; and the Final Charge by W. Bro. O. H. Pinel. After the Lodge closed an hour was

spent most enjoyably in the refectory, where an excellent musical programme was presented.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Masters, No. 161.—The usual meeting was held in the King Street Masonic Hall on the 24th of February,

when there was a fair attendance. The W.M., W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings, presided. Two W. brethren were

affiliated. The election of WM. and officers was the first business of the evening, and R.W. Bro. T. Ross,

P.D.G.M., was elected W.M. The W.M. was elected delegate for the G.L. Communication in Auckland next

May. The R.W. Prov.G.M. was to have given a paper, but public business prevented his attendance at the last

minute. In order to fill the gap, the W.M. read a paper which had been previously read at the M. and PMs.

Lodge, No. 130, by V.W. Bro. T. W. Rowe, G. Lect. : "Freemasonry and the War." This gave rise to an

interesting discussion, so that the evening was not wasted. R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick, D.Prov.G.M., stated that

he had been asked by R.W. Bro. D. A. McNicol, the first W.M. of the Lodge, to state that, owing to his

wife's state of health, he (Bro. McNicol) had decided to settle in Nelson, and would have to sever his

connection with the Masters Lodge. General regret was expressed on hearing this announcement, and

eulogistic references to R.W. Bro. McNicol's excellent qualities as a Freemason and as a citizen were made

by R.W. Bros. Ross and Fieldwick, W. Bro. T. Gallagher and the W.M. The secretary was instructed to write

to R.W. Bro. McNicol, expressing regret that he was compelled to leave Dunedin, thanking him for his

services to the Masters Lodge, and hoping that both he and Mrs. McNicol would be spared for many years of

"health, happiness and usefulness. After the Lodge had closed a pleasant hour was spent in the supper room,

when the usual toasts were honoured, and the opportunity was taken advantage of to have a free discussion

over matters pertaining to the Lodge.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Kurow, No. 164.—On the 16th March Lodge Kurow had a record meeting. The chief work was the raising

of one brother. The work was most impressively done by the W.M., W. Bro. C. Luke Ayson, assisted by W.

Bro. Hays, P.M., Ss. ; W. Bro. Appleby, Sec., Light of a M.M. and Retro. ; Bro. Barclay, Investiture and

Final Charge ; Bro. Winnington, W.Ts. ; Bro. Edwards, of Lodge Rakaia, the five Ss. ; W. Bro. Todd the

T.H. Bro. Evison appeared to fully realise the grandeur of the Third Degree, which seemed to reflect to the

brethren in general. The W.M. and Sec. and W. Bro. Hays all spoke of the urgent need for every brother to

do his part to swell the M.W.G.M.'s War Fund, pointing out that although Lodge 164 had contributed some

£30 odd to that fund every brother should do a little to help those noble brethren who were giving their lives

for our freedom, by providing for their dependents. At the hour spent in the "Fourth" a few good speeches

were heard, one particularly appropriate by W. Bro. Hays in proposing the visitors coupled with the name of

Bro. Edwards, of Lodge Rakaia, when he recalled some of his useful work in furnishing and what the

Americans call "safety first" to the lamps, and also recalled the fact that if any 'brother failed to turn up or be

ready with his work, Bro. Edwards was always there to fill the gap. Bro. Edwards replied in a most encour-

aging speech, showing that even in Lodge Rakaia there were little corners to fill. Before closing, I might

mention that at the February meeting Lode 164 purchased three books of their tickets for the art union in aid

of our brethren at the front.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

CANTERBURY.

Southern Cross, No 6.—The usual monthly meeting was held at Kaiapoi on 2nd March. The W.M., Bro.

Thos. Hoskin, presided. Several matters of importance were brought forward to be discussed next meeting.

The W.M. was elected to represent the Lodge at the G.L. Communication. W. Bro. W. Kiddey, W.M. of

Christchurch Lodge, was in attendance, accompanied by a following of sixteen officers and brethren, and

were duly admitted. The work was the initiation of one candidate. W. Bro. Gribble was acting-Chaplain, and

the W.M. obligated, restored to L., and communicated the Ss. ; the S.W. invested; and the J.W. gave the

Charge after Investiture; W. Bro. W. A. Dribble gave the N.E. Charge ;. W. Bro. Stanton the Ex. of Prep; and

W. Bro, Kiddey presented the W.Ts. Upon the candidate's re-entry into the Lodge, the Final Charge was

delivered by the J.W., Bro. R. H. Croft. Altogether the work was conducted in a very impressive and

thorough manner, and reflects credit upon the W.M. and his new officers. W. Bro. Dribble presented the

Lodge with a framed enlargement of himself, and the W.M. expressed the thanks of the Lodge for the gift.

H.G.W. having been expressed, the Lodge was closed and the brethren retired to the refectory, where an

enjoyable hour was spent by all.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Christchurch, No, 91.—The monthly meeting was held in the St. Augustine Hall on 22nd February, W. Bro.

W. E. Hiddey, presiding over a good attendance. The ceremony of initiation was performed. The candidate

was obligated by the W.M., receiving from him the Secrets of the 1st Degree; the Charge after Investiture

was delivered by the J.W.; the Charge in the N.B. by W. Bro. G. Mazey, P.M. ; the W.Ts. were explained by

W. Bro. Wilson, W.M. Concord Lodge; the Final Charge was delivered by the S.W., after which the T.B.

was explained by W. Bro. R. Torrance, P.M. The Lodge having been closed, the usual hour of pleasure and

profit was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 99.—Wednesday, the 16th of February, was the regular meeting night. The work was a

passing in which Bros. Anderson, Geo. Reynolds and Win. Duncan were passed to the Second Degree by the

W.M., W. Bro. T. W. Manchester. On this occasion, except in the secrets, when he was assisted by P.Ms. W.

Bros. Fulton and Colville, the W.M. conducted the main part of the ceremony "on his own," and a very

creditable working it was, more especially so as he had practically risen from bed, to which a severe attack of

sciatica had for a few days confined him, to conduct the ceremony. The Final Charge, however, was given by

that most worthy brother, W. Bro. Colville, P.M. One brother was proposed for affiliation and there was one

proposed for initiation. In the refectory, for the first time in six months, toasts and fires were in vogue, and,

although the attendance was somewhat limited, as several of the brethren departed after the closing of the

Lodge, it cannot be gainsaid that the renewal of these time-honoured functions imparted a zest to the meeting

and harmony added to the enjoyment of the supper room.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Thistle, No. 113.—The regular meeting was held on 16th February, with a good attendance of members, and

a large number of visitors from the sister Lodges, Ashburton, No. 1811, E.C., and Erewhon, No. 200, N.Z.

After the ordinary business two successful ballots for initiation and affiliation respectively were taken. An

appeal from Australia for assistance towards a widow of a former brother of Thistle Lodge was received, and

it was decided to vote five guineas towards the same. The ritual work consisted of the working of the Third

Degree. The W.M., Bro. A. L. Moore, who gave the Ob. and Ss., was ably assisted by W. Bro. Knight, P.M.

(P.G. and P.W.); W. Bro. J. Williams, P.M. and D. of C. (Charge); W. Bro. Harris, P.M. (Exhort.); W. Bro.

Crooks, I.P.M. (L.M.M.); W. Bros. T. Williams and C. Campbell (Sec.), P.Ms. (T.H.); W. Bro. Nicol, of

Ashburton Lodge (W.Ts.). The work was most impressively carried through, and reflected much credit on

the officers—this their first, working of a Third Degree since the Installation in November. During a social

hour in the refectory, W. Bro. J. Williams, P.M., D. of C., who volunteered his services for the front and

leaves shortly for Trentham, was presented with a useful and beautiful wristlet watch.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Robert Burns, No. 139.—The monthly meeting was held In St. Augustine Hall, Christchurch, on 15th

February, the W.M., W. Bro. R. H. Taylor, in the chair of K.S, The ceremonial work consisted of the

initiation of one candidate. The W.M. was assisted during the ceremony by W. Bro. R. Eastwood, I.P.M.

(Ss.); Bro. A. Hunter, J.W. (R. for Prep.); W. Bro. G. Hunter, W.M., Civic Lodge (Charge after Initiation);

W. Bro. J, R. Buchanan, W.M., Avon Lodge (W.Ts.); W. Bro. T. Newburgh, Sec. (N.E. Corner); Bro. T.

Kirker, S.W. (Final Charge). After the Lodge was closed the usual pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.-

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Amuri, No. 184.—The monthly meeting was held on 18th February, W. Bro. Goulding presiding. Prov.G.L.,

returning from Cheviot and Kaikoura installations, paid an official visit, being represented by R.W. Bro. W.

Broadley, P.G.W., W, Bros. F. C. B. Bishop, P.C.S., Yemm, R. Baldwin, P.P.G.W., and Haley. The usual

routine business being disposed of, one brother was passed to the F.C. Degree. W. Bro. Goulding obligated

and communicated the Ss. ; the W.Ts. were presented by the M. and W ; Bro. D. W. Hunter, S.W., gave the

S.E. Address ; Bro. C. E. Derrett, S.D., the Charge after Investiture; W. Bro. Thompson, I.P.M., explained

the duties of a Craftsman. An enjoyable and instructive time was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Tawera, No. 188.—The installation meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Oxford, on 7th March, when

there was a large attendance of members, as well as visitors. R.W. Bro. John Thornton, Prov.G.M., was

Installing Master, and was assisted by a large number of members of Prov.G.L. The W.M., Bro. J. J.

Dougall, G.M., was also present, and received a hearty welcome. The presentation of W.Ts. was made as

follows :— I.M., W. Bro. R. L. Bush, Prov.G.I.G. ; M.M., W. Bro. B. A. McKeown; Final Charge, W. Bro.

H. J. Horrell; First Degree, W. Bro. T. Hoskin. The Warrant, Constitution, By-laws and Regulations were

presented by M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, G.M. The R.W. Bro. J. Thornton addressed the W.M. ; R.W. Bro. W.

Broadley, P.O.W., invested the Wardens who were addressed by W. Bro. J. N. Du Few, G.D. of C.,

Prov.S.G.W. The officers were invested by W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop, P.G.D.C., Prov. G. Sec., and W. Bro. R.

Baldwin, P.Prov.J.W., addressed the brethren. On behalf of the officers and brethren the Prov.G.M.

presented the I.P.M., W. Bro. L. Watson, with a P.M. jewel, and in doing so congratulated the Lodge on the

success that had accompanied its activities, and attributed much of that success to the zeal and assiduity and

earnestness of the I.P.M. W. Bro. Watson briefly replied in a concise speech, and showed how every member

of the Lodge had co-operated to make the work of the Lodge a success. The following are the officers for the

ensuing year :— W.M., W. Bro. R. F. Henderson; I.P.M., W. Bro. L. Watson; S.W., Bro. W. G. Rudd ; J.W.,

Bro. G. J. Leech; Chaplain, Bro. A. E. King; Treas., W. Bro. J. J. Heasley; Sec., W. Bro. P. C. Jones; S.D.,

Bro. A. Orton; J.D., Bro. T. L. Gainsford; D. of C., W. Bro. W. Weed; Organist, Bro. A. H. C. Orr; I.G., Bro.

A. Stubbs; Stewards, Bros. G. Smith, C. Hall, T. Frame; Tyler, Bro. F. Hopkins. After the Lodge a banquet

was held in the Coronation Hall. The usual toasts were honoured, and outstanding feature of which was the

able speeches that were made by the brethren. The Lodge was congratulated on the success that had attended

it since its inception, four years ago, and the whole function was acknowledged to be the best in a series of

good ones.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———————

AUCKLAND.

Albion, No. 45.—The monthly meeting was held on 10th February in the Masonic Hall, Devonport, the

W.M., W. Bro. W. G. Allen, presiding over a large attendance of members and visitors. After the ordinary

routine business had been disposed of, a memorial service was held out of respect to the memories of two

brethren who had died since the last meeting, viz.: W. Bro. T. J. Rutland and Bro. W. Anscombe. The service

consisted of hymns, prayers delivered in an impressive manner by W. Bro. Ed. Bartley, Chaplain, an address

by the W.M., and finishing with the "Dead March," played by W. Bro. W. Rolfe, P.G.T., Organist. The

ceremony of passing a brother was then proceeded with, the W.M. being assisted by W. Bro. W. Coltman,

I.P.M., Sc. ; W. Bro. F. Bartlett, W.M. Lodge Manakau, No. 24, Address after Investiture; W. Bro. T.

McNab, W.M. Lodge Ponsonhy, No 54, S.E. Corner ; the J.W., Bro. M. G. King, W.Ts.; and S.W., Bro. V.

R. Anderson, the Final Charge.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tauranga, No. 125.—The February meeting was held on the 17th, the W.M. Bro. T. R. W. Philpotts,

presiding over a poor attendance. There being no candidate coming forward, the W.M. took the opportunity

of reading an extract from a very interesting volume dealing with the subject of "Freemasonry in Olden

Times," by Dr. Oliver. The matter of correct precedent in connection with the bringing forward and

proposing of candidates was debated in connection with a motion appointing an investigation committee.

The opinion was expressed that no name should appear on the Lodge circulars as a candidate until the same

had been dealt with by the committee, and the resolution made provision for this being done. It was also

resolved that in future the names of candidates be not printed, but written, on the Lodge circulars for the first

and second notices. —[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

RUAPEHU.

Huia, No. 171.—The annual installation of W.M. was held on 2nd March, when, notwithstanding the

oppressive heat, a good attendance was duly recorded, a great number of visitors from the various Lodges

being in attendance, G.L. being represented by R.W. Bros. Peterkin and D. MacFarlane, Prov. G.M. The

I.P.M., W. Bro. Smith, was acting-W.M. The acting-W.M. handed over the gavel to R.W. Bro. D.

MacFarlane, and the M.E., Bro. W. C. Turner, was presented. Ancient Charges were read by the Sec., and,

after obligation, the brethren retired, and Bro. Turner was duly installed. The brethren were re-admitted, and

proclamation, procession, and salute followed. Presentation of W.Ts. by W. Bros. R. M. MacKnight, P,M.,

acting W.M. Lodge United Manawatu, E.C. ; O. S. Rush, Lodge Manawatu and H. W. Smart, W.M. Lodge

Otaugaki ; Presentation of Charter, Book of Constitution, and By-laws, including Address to the W.M. R.W.

Bro. MacFarlane; Address to the Wardens, R.W. Bro, Peterkin, P,G.M, The investiture of officers was

conducted by W. Bro. W. C. Turner as follows :— S.W., Bro. A. W. Gallichan; J.W., Bro. J. F. Manning;

Chaplain, Bro. H. J. Canton; Treas., Bro. S, Abrahams; Sea., Bro. C. J. Hewlett ; S.D., Bro. N. D. Stubbs;

J.D., Bro. J. R. Lauchlan; D. of C., W. Bro. J. Stone; 1.G., Bro. J. J. Oliver; Organist, Bro. J. U. Whitehead;

S,S., Bro. S. W. Oliver; J.S., Bros. H. G. Fletcher and T. W. Synott ; Tyler, Bro. H. Elerhon. The Address to

the Wardens was delivered by R.W. Bro. Peterkin, P.G.M., that to the brethren by W. Bro. J. A. Rawson,

P.M. The collection in aid of W. and. O. and A.M. Fund realised .£5 6s. The G.L, officers then retired, the

Lodge closed, and an adjournment was made to the refectory, where several appropriate songs and addresses

were given. The temperature was such that no one desired to prolong the evening to a late hour. In

conclusion, a suggestion to local brethren, this Lodge members included, might not be amiss, viz., at future

installations, be punctual in your arriving, as it delays the ceremony with such dilatory methods. Visiting

Lodge members from miles around are prompt and up to time, while local members are careless and

indifferent. If they cause such delay, they should wait until the re-admission of brethren, and not spoil a fine

ceremony by delaying the business.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

WELLINGTON.

St. Andrew, No. 32.—The regular meeting was held on 21st February, with the W.M., Bro. W. Simpson, in

the chair. There was a large attendance of members and visitors, the latter including several local W.Ms., and

P.Ms. from other districts who .are returning home after attending to Masonic duties elsewhere.

Confirmation of minutes and transaction of routine business being completed, four candidates were passed to

the Second Degree, the ceremony being performed by the W.M., assisted by his officers. W. Bro. J. Rod

delivered the Address after investiture W. Bro. F. Darcy the S,E. Charge, W. Bros. Rowlands, Wells and

Broomhall the W.Ts. in concert, and Bro. A. Schmidt, S.W., the Final Charge. The S,E, address was

rendered in a form in which the giver was accustomed to render it in earlier experience, and the substance

and manner of delivery were impressive. Lodge being resumed in the First Degree, a motion congratulatory

of W. Bro. Lieut-Colonel. Bacon on his attainment of the dignity recently bestowed upon him by the King

was carried, H.G.W. were tendered from representatives of Lodges scattered far and near, and brethren in

due course retired after an instructive evening spent in sweltering conditions. At the refreshment table the

musical items of both visitors and members were of excellent taste and quality. The remarks of visitors who

had had experience in the working of Boards of Enquiry elsewhere were both useful and interesting, and

were prompted by the reference made to the President of the Wellington Board, who was present.

The regular monthly meeting was held on 20th March, when W. Bro. W. Simpson presided over a

satisfactory attendance of members and visitors, the latter including R.W. Bro. Peterkin, Prov.G.M., and

theW.Ms. of Lodges Hinemoa and Tutanekai, W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen was appointed Lodge representative to

the Masonic Hall Company. Two candidates for Freemasonry were elected, one candidate was raised to the

M.M. Degree. The W.M. was assisted by W. Bro, J. Rod (Exhort.) ; W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen (Prayer and

Investiture Address) W. Bro. F; Darcy (15 F.Cs.) ; W. Bro. A. W. Rowlands (T.H.); Bro. G. Laurence

(W.Ts,); Bro. A. Schmidt (Final Charge); W. Bro. A. T. Wells (Address Recapitulatory of Craft Degrees).

Greetings to the chair were extended and messages and remembrances from brethren absent at the war were

tendered. The Prov.G.M. delivered a few remarks which were followed with deep interest. He intimated that

he would very shortly retire from the office he now held, for several reasons, the chief being that he had, that

day attained his seventy-eighth birthday. His term of office had been a term of true pleasure for him, and he

thought that he possessed the esteem and regard of his brethren in the district. For his successor when

appointed, he asked the same consideration and friendly feeling as had been extended to him, and he knew

that it would be reciprocated. He felt it his duty to make this statement to this important Lodge, which he was

visiting, and as retiring Prov.G.M. wished the brethren adieu. Lodge was closed in due form and brethren

retired to the refectory and discussed toasts. As usual, abundant cordiality prevailed here. The toast of

visiting brethren proposed by the Lodge Chaplain, afforded an opportunity of wishing the Prov. G.M. "Many

happy returns of the day," and reminding the brethren that he would still be with them in another capacity.

The combined visit of Tutanekai and Hinemoa, who appeared to be as happily associated in the Craft as they

evidently were in Maori lore (according to Tutanekai's W.M.) was remarked upon, and a timely warning to

St. Andrew to beware of its laurels, was uttered. A most useful evening, profitable alike to the candidate and

the brethren, was terminated at a reasonable hour.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Ulster, No. 62.—The regular meeting was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Petone, on the 15th March. W. Bro.

W. H. Richards presided over a good attendance of brethren. The W.M., officers, and brethren of Lodge

Waiwhetu, - No. 176, were present by invitation, and opportunity was given theirs to work the Third Degree,

when Bro, Davies, their own candidate, was raised to the degree of a M.M. The ceremony was carried out in

a very efficient manner by W. Bro. McLachlan, who was ably assisted by his officers. The T.H. and S. were

explained by W. Bro. Guinness, and the W.Ts. were presented by Bro. Leighton, S.W. General regret was

expressed at the demise of Bro. John Lee, for many years a member of the Craft, and for the past eight years

associated with Lodge Ulster. Numerous visitors, including a good number of brethren from the Trentham

Camp, were present. H.G.W. were received from Lodges Waiwhetu No. 176, St. Patrick 468 (1.C.), 844

Otago (E.C.), New Zealand 15, Trustino 199, Sempre Peratus 3015; Lodge 18, and Otago No. 7. The Lodge

was closed at 9.30 p.m., when the usual adjournment was made to the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No, 156. —The regular meeting was held on 2nd March. The W.M., Bro. A. A; Whitelaw,

presided over a large attendance of members and visitors, including the W.Ms. of Canterbury Kil., No. 23,

St. Andrew; No, 32, Brooklyn, No. 132, Whetu Kairangi, No. 201. At the request cm the W.M., W. Bro. O.

Neilson, P.M. Lodge Hinemoa, invested V.W. Bro. Rev. Wm. Shiver as Chaplain, and Bro. Morton, S.S. The

report and balance sheet were adopted as read. It was decided that the tickets for the raffle that is being

conducted by G.L. be purchased outright. The ceremonial was the initiation of two candidates. The W.M.

gave the Ob.; W. Bro. Shand, Treas., Signs and Secrets ; W. Bro, Alexander, I.P.M., Charge after Investiture;

W. Bro. Rowell, D. of C., Charge in the N.E, ; Bro. Martin, S,D., R. for Prep. ; Bro. Key, J.D., W.Ts. ; Bro.

Sexton, Final Charge; Bro. Lenzine, Lect. on the 1st T.B. After H.G.W., the Lodge was closed and a pleasant

time spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.— At the usual monthly meeting, held on 8th March, the annual interchange of visits

took place, and Lodge Ulster, No. 61, Petone, visited Waiwhetu and occupied the various chairs and worked

the Third Degree. The W.M., W. Bro. Richards, can be well congratulated on the excellent way his officers

carried out the degree work, and as it is always a pleasure for both Lodges to interchange visits, this year's

was right up to the standard of previous ones. As the Ulster Lodge works the New Zealand Alternate Scotch,

it was something new for some of our younger members to see and notice the difference between that and

our own. One candidate was raised, and W. Bro. Richards obligated, and was assisted in the other work by

W. Bros. Jenkins and Davis. Bro. Strong, S.W., invested; W. Bro. Colquet gave the T.H. and S. ; Bro,

Mather, J.W., presented the W.Ts,; and Bro. Strong gave the Final Charge. On the following Wednesday,

15th March, the Waiwhetu Lodge returned the visit, and worked a Third Degree at Ulster Lodge, W. Bro.

McLachlan obligated, and was assisted by W. Bros. Gainless and Rishworth, who communicated the Ss. and

gave the T.H. and S. ; Bro. Leighton presented the W.Ts.; and altogether the friendly visits between the two

Lodges for the year 1916 passed off very satisfactorily and pleasurably to both Lodges. — [Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Whetu Kairangi, No: 201,— The regular meeting was held in the Lodge room, Methodist Church, Worser

Bay, on Saturday, 12th February, W. Bro. Boon presiding. An affiliating brother was duly elected a member

of the Lodge. After two candidates had been proposed for initiation, the Lodge closed early, in order that the

evening might be devoted to the ladies, who were then admitted. A very pleasant evening was spent. R W.

Bro. Peterkin, and V.W. Bro. Porritt, P.G.C., each delivered a short address, after which a bright programme

of musical items, recitations, etc., was carried out by the members, assisted ably by the visitors. The evening

altogether was a most happy one, and all are already looking forward to next year's ladies' evening.

Advantage was taken of the occasion to present Mrs. H. S. Wyatt, who has been untiring in her work for the

Lodge, with a silver E.P. tray, subscribed by members, and. suitably engraved. The presentation was made

by W. Bro. Boon, who pointed out how much the Lodge was indebted to Mrs. Wyatt for the amount of work

she had done for it since its foundation, and the pleasure it gave members to be able to recognise this in a

small way. Mrs. Wyatt has proved herself a good "sister," and the members of Lodge Whetu Kairangi

heartily thank her for what she has done.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————————————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

Manawatu, No. 11.—The monthly meeting was hold on 16th March, when, owing to the unavoidable

absence of the V.E.Z., Comp. Hocking, who is seriously indisposed, the meeting was presided over by V.E.

Comp. Dawick. Amongst the ordinary routine business dealt with was correspondence giving a resume of the

recent G. Chapter Convocation. The degree work consisted of the advancement of one candidate to the

Degree of M.M. The following officers contributed a share of the work : — W.M.M., Bro. Dawick; S.W., W.

Bro. Stone; S.W., Bro, Gallichan; Bros, Holben, Hewlitt, Oliver; Final Charge, W Bro. Grove, There is a

considerable amount of work in view for next meeting, hence attention is necessary by the officers to be

present at rehearsals, in order to perfect, themselves in the work, also render it impressive to the candidates,

which of course means self-sacrifice on the part of the officers, all of which they were conversant with when

they consented to take office. No doubt it is a .severe task, as many of the principal officers in the Chapter

also hold very important positions in the various Craft Lodges, and have, perforce, to spend much time in the

direction of discharging their respective duties, yet, as the old adage puts it, the willing horse must rise to the

occasion and cheerfully perform the work.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Wanganui, No. 23.—The regular convocation was held on 2nd March. After formal business, the Chapter

was adjourned and a Lodge of E.M. opened. A brother was duly exalted, the W.E.M. being assisted by R.E.

Comp. Palmer and V.E. Comp. Gordon. A pleasant time followed in the refectory, where some interesting

speeches were made. We are glad to notice through the CRAFTSMAN that the Comps. of the Egmont Chapter

have pleasant memories of their recent visit here.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No, 50.—The monthly convocation of the Chapter was held on Monday, 6th March, V.E. Comp.

John Craven, Z., presiding. The ceremonial business consisted of the exaltation of one candidate. The

ceremony was performed by V.E. Comp. Craven, Z., assisted by E. Comp. C. L. Thomson, 1st Soj., V.E.

Comps. I. Brown (Ss.), R. H. Gillespie (F.E. of S.), W. Dobson (Charge), and E. Comp. Gardiner, J. (W.Ts.).

V.E. Comp. Craven reported on the proceedings of the annual convocation of G. Chapter recently held at

Dunedin, at which he represented Rawhiti Chapter. R.E. Comp. T. Hoskins, G. Supt. of the district, was in

attendance, and on the completion of the ceremonial business an adjournment was made to the refectory,

where an enjoyable hour was spent.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

Supplement to “The New Zealand Craftsman.”

Supplement to “The New Zealand Craftsman.”