THE NEW YEAR. . . . "...




















    THE NEW YEAR.


    . . . " Toll ye the church bel ls sad and


    low, And tread sof tly and speak low, For


    the Old Year l ies a -dying."


    So wrote Tennyson. But the Old Year is dead, and there will be


    few to sorrow over its demise, with all its awful memories.


    Another year of " Hell broke loose," of rivers of blood, of


    ferocious, wholesale murder, demonstrating the cheapness of


    human life, and creating a new era of white slavery unparalleled




















    THE NEW YEAR.


    ———<>———


    . . . " Toll ye the church bells sad and low,


    And tread softly and speak low,


    For the Old Year lies a-dying."


    So wrote Tennyson. But the Old Year is dead, and there will be few to sorrow over its demise, with all its


    awful memories. Another year of "Hell broke loose," of rivers of blood, of ferocious, wholesale murder,


    demonstrating the cheapness of human life, and creating a new era of white slavery unparalleled in history,


    all at the instigation of one vampire, and the world its powerless to arrest his course. An old writer, who


    flourished more than fifty years ago, must have had prescience when he wrote-


    .." Proud tyrants who maliciously destroy,


    And ride e'er ruins with malignant joy,


    Humbled in dust, soon to their cost shall know


    Heaven our avenger, and mankind their foe."


    The first two lines, have been amply experienced, the second part of the prophecy we hope may be


    consummated during the coming year. Freemasonry has had its full share of trouble in the past year. Many


    British Lodges have been largely depleted by the exigencies of the war, and have suffered a full proportion


    of losses. The Grand Lodges have been called to deal with the question of alien members, and while England


    has practically ostracised all members of enemy nationality, Scotland has only done so in modified form,


    which has evoked some commendation in neutral countries. As might have been expected, Masonic "relief"


    is not being withheld, and England has a special Masonic Hospital of its own, in addition to making large


    contributions to the several war funds, and also to the prisoners interned in Germany, and Scotland and


    Ireland are also participating in similar work. There are few Lodges in Great Britain that have not suffered


    greatly by the casualties of war, and whether it has been Bro. Lord Kitchener, P.G.W., or Bro. John Brown,


    M.M., their loss has been deeply mourned. In the oversee possessions of the Empire the Masonic heart has


    pulsed high with patriotism, and though the preponderance of the membership is incapacitated by age, the


    sons have been imbued with the spirit of their fathers, which beats high for justice, for freedom, and for


    humanity. And though the toll of life has been heavily taken, there is compensation in the words so


    beautifully expressed by Patrick Henry, who said —


    "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid,


    Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but, as for me, give me Liberty, or Death !"


    The Old Year fittingly expired in darkness, gloom, sorrow, and some little despair, for never were the


    possibilities of the pessimist greater. But may we not lift our eyes to the rising of the sun of the New Year in


    all the joyful anticipation that the silver lining of the dark cloud will coon appear, and will be followed by the


    refulgent rays of the sun of an honourable peace, when the cannon shall be stilled and the sword be sheathed.


    Then we as Freemasons may fervently hope that the sacrifice of millions of lives has not been made in vain,


    that the blood that has deluged the earth may have a purifying influence in softening the heart of the savage,


    and dispelling the worst passions of man. That it may have a refining and purifying influence on mankind


    generally, which alone can bring about the much-vaunted brotherhood of man, and make for the future peace


    of the civilised world. Then may Freemasonry come into its own, then may it exert that influence in the


    cause of humanity, which is utterly beyond- its power amid the cannon's roar, and in the heat of battle. It may


    be that we do but dream of the possibilities of the glad New Year, but it is a dream to which hope looks


    forward with ardent joy, when one law shall govern all nations, tongues and kindreds of the earth, and that


    shall be the law of Universal Brotherhood. To all our brethren wheresoever dispersed under the lofty canopy


    of heaven we wish most heartily a bright, happy, and prosperous New Year.





    ————————


    THE OWNERSHIP OF SYMBOLS.


    ———<>———


    Associations of men, founded for fraternal and ethical emit poses, for the most part propagate their peculiar


    views by rites and ceremonies, into which enter both tradition and symbolism. The tradition is usually of the


    nature of allegory, and the symbolism serves to illustrate and teach the moral lessons sought to be conveyed.


    If an association of this kind has existed long enough to have some claim to antiquity, there will presently be


    found in connection with it the issuing of certain literature dealing with its history. This will include, of


    course, its origin and progress, and the literature will then develop into research essays and theses


    demonstrating painstaking excursions into the far-away past by different schools of thought. Inevitably the


    symbolism in use by the association receives considerable attention, because antiquity and symbolism are


    absolutely inseparable. The value, then, to an association claiming with pride and satisfaction an ancient


    origin, of the particular symbols it affects for ritual, ceremonial, and ethical purposes is very great indeed,


    and, perhaps, it is not to be wondered at if, in their zeal, the members; of the association who devote time and


    talent to research and study in its connection come to feel a proprietary right to these symbols, and make


    literary claim accordingly. But the claim is none the less misleading, and, from a historical point of view,


    erroneous, however legitimate the use of the symbols may be for ethical purposes. To take a case in point :


    The Christian association, most rightly and appropriately, uses the symbol of the Cross, and unquestionably


    claims it as peculiarly its own. Yet the cross as a geometrical figure and as a symbol was in use ages before


    Christianity was known or thought of. If, then, a writer on Christianity uses the term, the Christian Cross, for


    ethical teaching, while he is quite justified in so doing, he is historically incorrect. This brings us naturally to


    a consideration of our own Masonic association and its use of symbols, and the evident claim made to the


    ownership of all and sundry of them—the proprietary right to them—by even the most learned and


    distinguished writers on Masonic subjects, since they invariably refer to them as "Masonic" symbology.


    Now, we are presumptuous enough to suggest—nay, even contend—that there are no "Masonic" symbols


    outside of those constituted by, and representing, the well-known working tools of the operative mason. It is


    true that quite a number of other symbols are used in Masonry, and quite legitimately; to point its ethical


    teachings. But they are not "Masonic" symbols in the true and proper sense, since they owe their origin to


    causes and objects entirely outside of, and apart from, the traditions of Masonry. It would be perfectly


    correct to allude to these extraneous symbols as "symbols, or symbolism, adopted in Masonry," and were this


    done considerable confusion to the student and seeker after truth would be avoided. By way of clarity, here is


    our illustration of the contention thus set forth. Certain familiar signs and geometric figures are used in


    Masonry. Take, for instance, the dot, or point; the circle; the triangle, apex up and apex dawn; the circle


    within the triangle, and so on. You will find distinguished Masonic writers referring to these as "Masonic"


    symbols. As a matter of fact, these symbols had their origin in India thousands of years ago, and were the


    outward expression of the threefold Deity there worshipped, the dot, or point, representing the sun, or the


    essence of the Deity, and the circle the world as then known, also the idea of eternity, and sometimes, again,


    the sun as the Supreme Power. Where is the connection of such an origin with, say, even the earliest Masonic


    body, the Ancient Builders? It is true that some of these geometric figures alluded to are to be found on all


    ancient buildings and monuments in India. But they were set thereon as the distinctive marks of a certain


    religion, as dedicating these buildings and monuments to the gods of that race and time. They were not


    builders’ marks, and had nothing whatever to do with Masonry. Their adoption and use by the Masonic


    Institution as an adjunct to the propagation of the ethical lessons conveyed in Speculative Masonry is quite


    proper and legitimate. Can the same be said, however, when they are included in the term "Masonic"


    symbology? Of course, the contention her put forward is capable of elaboration, and has been treated with


    extreme brevity. There was no occasion, however, to labour the subject, which seems to be an interesting


    one, and of considerable importance from a Craft point of view. If the premise as set out by us is correct,


    then it will not be denied that there is a responsibility attaching to writers on Masonic subjects which they


    should ever bear in mind.


    ————————


    "A PECULIAR SYSTEM OF MORALITY."


    ———<>———


    At the last meeting of the Installed Masters Lodge of Wellington, a paper was discussed, one of the subjects


    of which dealt with the question of ritual, the writer of the paper contending that ritual meant something




    deeper, more important and more mysterious than the teaching of moral precepts, and in favour of this


    contention the author said : " The ritual proclaims insistently that it (Freemasonry) is a peculiar system of


    morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." A brother, in discussing this, said: "1 have always


    taken exception to that phrase in the ritual which appears to be regarded as the most beautiful conception of


    Freemasonry. Morality may be defined as the doctrine of moral duties, distinguishing between right and


    wrong. This is the only system I am aware of, and I do not see how there can be others of a special character.


    Yet Freemasonry, as the writer of the address stated, 'insistently' claims to have a 'peculiar' system of its own,


    and, as the phrase reads, the system is veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. The words sound nice,


    and 'fall trippingly off the tongue,' which may account for their universal acceptance as a ne plus ultra


    definition of Freemasonry." W. Bro. F. W. Rowe, when G. Lec. in Canterbury, also delivered an address on


    ritual, and, referring to this phrase, said a "Here it is definitely stated that Freemasonry is a system of ethics.


    This is not exactly correct, for Freemasonry is really an association of certain persons banded together for


    certain purposes, the basis of whose union is partly, but not entirely, ethical. In this answer," adds Bro.


    Rowe, "there is a confusion between the institution itself, the principles on which it is based, and the ritual in


    which those principles are illustrated. But in the Charge after Initiation this system of ethics has become an


    art. . . In the ceremony of passing, the candidate is told, You are now placed –—, to mark the progress you


    have made in the science.' So according to the ritual, Freemasonry is a system of ethics, an art, and a science.


    It cannot be all three." Macky says that Freemasonry is best defined by saying that it is a. science which is


    engaged in the search after Divine Truth. But we prefer to accept the explanation of the German


    Encyclopedia, which defines Freemasonry as the activity of closely united men who, employing symbolical


    forms, borrowed principally from the mason's trade and from architectural work, strive morally to ennoble


    themselves and others, and thereby to bring about an universal league of mankind, which they aspire, even


    now, to exhibit on a small scale. The definition of Freemasonry in a few words may appear a small matter,


    but it is not so, as the accepted ritualised version clearly proves. In these days of hustle and stress it is the


    headlines that convey the impressions. The well-known aphorism defining Freemasonry has been accepted


    and lauded for many decades, yet thinking men hesitate to believe that it is correct, and have the conviction


    that it fails to do anything like justice to such an institution as Freemasonry.


    ————————


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


    ———<>———


    The meeting of G. Chapter to be held in Auckland on the 7th of February will complete the 25th anniversary


    of this branch of Freemasonry, and the occasion naturally forms the subject of special comment in the report


    to be presented by Sup. Committee, which is as follows :—" Though no special offices or celebration have


    been prepared for this, the twenty-fifth anniversary of G. Chapter, Sup. Committee cannot allow so important


    an event to pass without offering its congratulations to G. Chapter on the success which has attended the


    operations of R.A. Freemasonry under this jurisdiction for the past quarter of a century. The opening of G.


    Chapter in 1892 was attended with many difficulties, and the action to a certain extent was forced owing to


    the direct association of some Chapters with English Lodges, some of whom did not transfer their allegiance


    at that time to the G.L. of New Zealand. The difficulty of formation will be more readily appreciated when it


    is considered that the constituent elements out of which G. Chapter was formed held origin from the English,


    Scottish, and Irish Constitutions, each of which had its own laws, ritual, and procedure, which it was


    naturally desired should be perpetuated. After several meetings, the fusion was effected with what may be


    considered—under the circumstances—as a minimum of discussion and entirely without acrimony. And


    there is every reason for a feeling of satisfaction when it is considered that the seven Chapters of 1892, three


    of which were then exceedingly weak, should have multiplied to a roll of 39. That during this long period


    only three have been lost, one of which was in a dying state on joining the federation. That the amalgamation


    of two Chapters in Oamaru have produced and sustained one of the two largest Chapters in the territory.


    Without being guilty of undue laudation, G. Chapter can fairly take credit for having placed Capitular


    Freemasonry on a better and firmer foundation than it occupied prior to 1892, and has more fully developed


    the working of the best elements of this sublime degree." The N.Z. CRAFTSMAN adds its felicitations to those


    of Sup. Committee on G. Chapter having attained its semi-jubilee, Freemasonry proper consists of what is


    colloquially known as the " Blue " degrees, and there is an acknowledged difficulty in working any other


    degrees or rites to a thoroughly successful issue; therefore we have the more pleasure in offering the heartiest


    congratulations to any body which has so successfully negotiated all the hurdles for a period extending over


    twenty-five years.




    ————————


    GRAND LODGE ANNUITIES AND THEIR RELATION TO OLD.AGE PENSIONS.


    ———<>———


    It will be remembered that at the last meeting of G.L. the question was raised as to whether the granting of a


    full annuity would have the effect of reducing—under certain circumstances —the amount of an old-age


    pension granted by the Government, and it was very properly argued that an annuity should not be regarded


    as income in the ordinary acceptation of the term, but simply as Masonic benevolence. And this view was


    fortified by the fact that the so-called annuities are not, granted for life, but are subject to review each year.


    The question raised in G.L. was freely discussed, the only result being a decided conflict of opinion as to the


    actual position. And later the question again arose, and became in dispute between the Prov.G.M. of


    Westland and the Registrar of Pensions at Greymouth. Since the G.L. communication, R.W. Bro. Hon.


    George Fowlds has kindly interested himself in the matter, and the following was submitted to the B. of G.P.


    at its December meeting :-


    (a) A letter from R.W. Bro. Hon. Geo. Fowlds, reporting his having recently interviewed the Commissioner


    of Pensions in Wellington, and summarising the views of that gentleman regarding the question of grants or


    annuities from G.L. funds to Government pensioners as affecting their old-age pensions or war pensions.


    Regarding war pensions, the position is quite clear that the Government pension will not be affected in any


    way by grants from G.L. Special War Benevolent Fund, so far as disabled soldiers are concerned. With


    regard to old-age pensions, the Pensions Act of 1913 provides that any money received by way of "charitable


    relief " not exceeding £52 in any year is exempt as income for old-age pension purposes. The Commissioner


    regards grants or annuities from G.L. funds as coming under the heading of charitable relief, and so far as he


    is aware this is the view usually taken by Magistrates when granting pensions.


    (b) Correspondwenee between the Commissioner of Pensions and the Registrar of Pensions at Greymouth,


    and between the , last-named gentleman and R.W. Bro. Richmond, confirming the information obtained by


    R.W. Bro. Fowlds.


    It is most satisfactory to have the matter so far settled, and it should not only give an impetus to the fund, but


    the Annuity Board should consider whether in some of the most distressful cases the amounts now voted to


    annuitants could not be increased.


    ————————


    SOME EFFECTS OF THE WAR ON FREEMASONRY.


    ———<>———


    At the October meeting of the Authors Lodge, No. 3456, E.C., London, the following resolution was


    carried:— "That owing to the difficulty of meeting at frequent intervals, and the increased cost of dining, the


    Authors Lodge—instead of being held eight times a year, as resolved in June, 1912—shall revert to the


    original six times annually, viz., January, March, May, October, November, and December." The circular of


    meeting noted that the Lodge would meet at 5.30 p.m. precisely, and the hope was expressed that the after-


    dinner proceedings would be concluded by 9 o'clock, to enable the country brethren to catch their trains, But


    the troubles of the Lodge were not over, as we learn from a special notice that, owing to the National Liberal


    Club having purchased the Westminster Palace Hotel, the Authors Lodge and Chapter could no longer be


    accommodated there. The W.M. at once appointed an emergency sub-committee to deal with the matter, and


    after considerable trouble the following report was made :—" The emergency committee compared the


    accommodation and tariffs of these establishments. Since the outbreak of war, we have been provided at


    Westminster Palace Hotel with a dinner at the reduced charge of 3s. 6d. a head, exclusive of wine. This is no


    longer obtainable. No restaurant, it has been found, welcomes a Lodge or Chapter, the subscription of which


    does not include a full dinner with wine. In the circumstances, the best arrangement possible has been made.


    It was found that the Cafe Monico offered comparatively a better menu and more advantages than could be


    had elsewhere at five shillings a head, exclusive of wine." Another suggestion was made in one of our


    London contemporaries, that on the day of Lodge meeting the members should lunch together at 1.30, then


    proceed to the Lodgeroom, conduct their business, and disperse. But it was pointed out that such a course


    would militate against attendances, as professional and business men could not forego their afternoon


    business engagements, many of which were made at short notice. A knowledge of the foregoing facts should


    inbue Freemasons in the Antipodes with a spirit of thankfulness for all the blessings and privileges they at


    present uninterruptedly enjoy. The "dining" custom is inexpressibly dear to our English brethren, but at this




    time its maintenance often presents difficulties which cannot be fully appreciated in this country, where the


    refreshments dispensed, though frugal in character, are open to all visitors as a matter of course without any


    charge being made. As a matter of fact, Freemasonry in Australasia is being conducted as of yore,


    completely undisturbed by any of the effects of the great European war.


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


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


    W. BRO. SURGEON-GENERAL HENDERSON was installed as W.M. of Lodge Aorangi, E.C., Wellington, on


    28th November. There was a large attendance, especially of military brethren. The G.L. of New Zealand was


    represented by R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, D.G.M. ; R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, P.G.W., and other past G.


    officers.


    LODGE ST. ANDREW, Wellington, anticipated St. Andrew's Day by a few hours, and held its annual meeting


    on 29th November. The attendance of members and brethren was very large, and the ceremony was


    performed by the members of the Lodge, with the exception of the B. of I.M., which was presided over by


    the Prov.G.M.


    WE were indebted to Lodge Southern Cross, Kaiapoi, for invitation to attend the annual meeting on 7th


    December, but indisposition was alone a sufficient excuse for absence. Though many years have elapsed, the


    writer remembers with pleasure the hospitable reception he received on the last occasion of his visit, and


    how well the Lodge does its visitors.


    THE agenda of Lodge Hinemoa for the December meeting contained two ballots for affiliating members, four


    ballots for candidates for initiation, and five initiations.


    VICTORY LODGE, Nelson, has contributed the sum of £82 10s. to the G.L. War Fund, and has five members


    on service.


    AT a recent meeting of Timaru R.A. Chapter eleven brethren were balloted for, and one companion for


    affiliation. At the same meeting the W.M.M. was installed, and three brethren were advanced.


    W. BRO. R. B. B. WILLIS, who has just retired from the chair of Lodge of Progress, Southbridge, after two


    years' occupancy, was congratulated by the Prov.G.M. at the annual meeting on the progress of the Lodge


    under his rule. W. Bro. Willis is a very active Freemason, and attained distinction many years ago in the


    Auckland district, where he acted as D.Prov.G.M.


    WE acknowledge with thanks the receipt of copy of the proceedings of the Prov.G.L. of Canterbury for the


    year ended 30th September last.


    THE annual convocation of the Sup. G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand will be held in Auckland on


    Wednesday, 7th February, commencing at 2 p.m. Evening dress will not be worn at the afternoon session. If


    Auckland maintains its temperature reputation, many of our southern companions will feel the change.


    OUR thanks are due to those brethren who have so kindly sent letters of appreciation on what they kindly


    term the excellence of the December issue of the CRAFTSMAN. We use our best endeavours to maintain the


    reputation of the journal, though general conditions at this time greatly tend to retard our efforts.


    For the first time since 1812, during the Napoleonic wars, German Freemasons have established a G.L. on


    the field of battle. This lodge was organised near Warsaw by officers, physicians, and soldiers, and is known


    as the G.L. of Friendship of Prussia. "Virginia Masonic Journal."


    AT the November meeting of the B. of G.P., G.L. of New Zealand, it was reported that a packet of heather


    had been received from the hills of Scotland." The kindness was ordered to be acknowledged with thanks


    and fraternal greetings.


    THE G.L. of Alberta has forwarded a commission appointing W. Bro. Stanley Milroy, G. Representative near


    the G.L. of New Zealand, in succession to R.W. Bro. G. Hulme, deceased.


    THE G.L. of Dakota has appointed R.W. Bro. David McFarlane Representative near the G.L. of New


    Zealand, and R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston has been commissioned to represent the G.L. of Indiana. Commissions


    in each case have been received.




    THE following were the balances standing to credit of the several funds on 30th November last :—General,


    £2,755; Benevolence, £2,207; Annuity, £28,753; War Fund, £9,694. The amount contributed by Lodges to


    the War Fund for November was £96 16s.


    WE thank a number of brethren for cards of Christmas and New Year's greeting. We greatly appreciate the


    kindness, but shall be unable to reciprocate in similar form until the war is over.


    A REPRINT from a London contemporary states that Warner Lodge, Chingford, had fourteen candidates


    recently, most of whom were members of the New Zealand contingent stationed at Hornchurch. What the


    ceremony was is not stated, but the proceedings commenced at 2.30 and lasted till 7 p.m., the installation


    ceremony capping the day's work.


    THE next meeting of the B. of G.P., G.L. of New Zealand, will be held on the 26th January, by which date all


    nominations for G.L. office for the ensuing year will have closed.


    BRO. D. B. WALLACE has given notice that at the January meeting of the B. of G.P. he will move in the


    direction of revising the present form of ritual.


    ————————


    CANTERBURY CHIPS.


    ———<>———


    Opportunity was taken at the installation in Christchurch Lodge on 28th November to complete the


    investiture of those officers of Prov.G.L. who did not receive their collars of office at Timaru the previous


    month. Those so invested were :—W. Bro. Fred Lill, Prov.J.G.W. ; W. Bro. R. C. Symes, Prov.G. Treas. ; -


    W. Bro. H. B. Sorensen, Pres. Prov.B. of G.P. ; W. Bro. D. Manson, Prov.G.D. of C. ; W. Bro. W. G.


    Carson, Prov. G. Board of Benevolence; W. Bros. B. W. Henning, B. A. McKeown, and W. Weld,


    Prov.G.Ss.


    * * * *


    A good D. of C. is a jewel of price. In investing W. Bro. D. Manson into this office in the Prov.G.L. on 28th


    November, R.W. Bro. Jno. Thornton, Prov.G.M., said that they had always been fortunate in having good


    men in this position, and he was sure the new office-holder would equal the reputations of his predecessors.


    His immediate predecessor, particularly, W. Bro. J. N. Du Feu, had shown marked ability. That the hope


    expressed about W. Bro. Manson, who is one of the most popular of Christchurch brethren, has a substantial


    foundation was abundantly shown in the " fourth," when his " fires " were admirably successful, as well as


    all his other work.


    * * * *


    Is the spirit that seeks records approved in Masonry? It would almost seem as if Fate were determined to


    work against attempted records in Christchurch. When Avon Lodge was paying an official visit to Civic a


    couple of months ago, a prospective attendance of over 40 was assured. But an unfortunate fire intervened


    and detained many members. When Canterbury Kil. counted on 40 members attending Avon, the Athenic


    popped into port and "held up" many brethren. So far as "records" are concerned, they have no value in


    themselves, as the brethren here amply recognise. The rivalry that is indicated above is on the friendliest


    basis, and is proving all to the good by inducing the best possible musters of brethren. There is no danger of


    the mere desire for a record swamping the essential spirit of Masonry.


    * * * *


    That the ritual of Masonry forms no empty shell, but embodies the germ of good deeds, was quietly


    impressed upon a Lodge in Christchurch recently. At the last meeting the Sec. read a pathetic letter from a


    brother in reply to a letter of condolence from him in the loss of the brother's young daughter. The brother


    said that he simply could not say how grateful he was for the kindness shown him by the Master and the


    brethren during his trouble. The writer mentioned further that since the death of his daughter his son had


    been in hospital, and not expected to live, but on the very day of the Lodge meeting, had taken a turn for the


    better. The Master of the Lodge, in a few quiet but very impressive words, obviously spoken under emotion,


    said he desired to convey to brethren the deep thanks of their brother for the sympathy extended. On his own


    behalf also he thanked them. The whole incident had shown him the binding nature and real value of a


    Mason's ties, and he would like all brethren to appreciate those obligations and count upon them for the


    future. The little boy concerned was now getting along as well as could be expected, and at the Christmas


    season would benefit from the Lodge's empty-stocking fund.




    * * * *


    " I am glad to see here the same feeling that we have on the Coast," said R.W. Bro. Steer, Dist.G.M. of


    Westland (E.C.), in responding to the toast of his health at the November meeting of the Christchurch Lodge.


    There, he explained, the existence of the two Constitutions—the New Zealand and English— side by side


    was almost forgotten. They were simply one Masonic family, and were all equally welcome in each other's


    Lodges. He attributed this happy state of things to the fact that they all knew one another, and he hoped the


    same relationships .would long continue. Assurances that the same friendly feelings obtained in Christchurch


    were subsequently given by R.W. Bro. M. S. Brown, Dist.G.M. (E.C.), and R.W. Bro. Jno. Thornton,


    Prov.G.M. The latter made the interesting remark that at one time he had been S.W. to R.W. Bro. Brown.


    * * * *


    A creditable attempt was made by Canterbury Kil. Lodge to regain the laurel wreath of record-holder for the


    best turn-out at a visit on 7th December, when calling upon Avon Lodge—the Lodge which had wrested the


    honour from them. The new record is 34, the old one having been 31. Arrangements had been made to secure


    an attendance of about 40, but the late arrival of the Athenic in port prevented many members from


    attending, so that there is no change in the position. A very pleasing feature of the visit was the large number


    of P.Ms. that attended. The W.M., Bro. W. B. Cederman, attended in uniform, his military rank being


    Sergeant-Major.


    * * * *


    Elocution as applied to Masonry does not receive the attention it deserves. Too often the " atmosphere "


    which it should be the aim of every participating officer to create is shattered by one brother who may speak


    too hurriedly or in too obviously a parrot fashion—scampering along to the end and glad then to cease. In its


    most perfect form elocution should be least noticeable—that is, the main impression of a beautiful service


    should be left on the minds of the brethren without the means by which that impression is created being


    observed. To the trained ear, of course, good elocution is at once a blessing and a joy, but every brother


    knows when he has listened to a good ritual and when to a mediocre. It was the pleasure of those attending


    the installation of Bro. James Mitchell as W.M. of Christchurch Lodge on 28th November to listen to a well-


    rendered ritual. Particularly was this so in the working of the B. of I.M., and, as an elocutionist himself of no


    mean order, W. Bro. Mitchell, in replying to the congratulations of R.W. Bro. Jno. Thornton, Prov.G.M.,


    who carried out the installation, said he would like to congratulate the Prov.G.M. upon the elocutionary


    power of his work. He appreciated the effect achieved, and had been greatly impressed by the Installing


    Master's ability. This, it may be observed, is eminently as it should be. Good elocution is a joy for ever. Bad


    elocution is ——.


    * * * *


    W. Bro. Major " Jim " Murphy, officer in command of the 24th Reinforcements, a P.M. of Avon Lodge,


    attended the monthly meeting of Avon on 7th December, and was promptly cast by W. Bro. L. B. Hart into


    the D. of C.'s chair. No more popular Master than Bro. Jim has ever occupied the Avon chair, and every


    brother present was delighted to see his cheery face and manly figure as he carried out in praiseworthy style


    the duties of his temporary office, which involved attendance upon three initiates.


    Another brother present in khaki at Avon's meeting was Sergt. F. J. Hanna, also of the 24ths, looking as fit as


    the proverbial fiddle. Over half-a-dozen other members of the Lodge are at present in camp, but were unable


    to be present.


    * * * *


    Expectations of a happy time in the " Fourth " were not disappointed, as it was speedily seen by the twinkle


    in the W.M.'s eye that he had something in store for the military members. Accordingly at an appropriate


    interval a "guard" was despatched to conduct Major Murphy and Sergt. Hanna before the O.C. (alias the


    W.M.). W. Bro. Hart, with the "prisoners" duly ranged before him, then declared that Avon Lodge could


    allow neither brother to depart without some memento of his association with the Lodge. They were proud to


    think that one of their members had been entrusted with the charge of a reinforcement, and were confident


    that the trust would be well fulfilled. To the Major they would present a compass, by which he might steer


    his course and serve to be reminded of happy times in Avon Lodge. To Sergeant Hanna they would give a


    money belt, in the hope that it would be always kept full and serve as a friend in need in the future. The


    W.M. made an admirably earnest speech, which fitly concluded by wishing both recipients full success and a




    safe return. The health of both brethren was drunk with honours, a special "extra" being rendered W. Bro.


    Murphy in recognition of his recently born son and heir.


    * * * *


    The response made by W. Bro. Major Murphy was telling and effective. It was impossible to think that he


    would ever forget Avon Lodge, where he had spent so many happy days, so that there was no need for this


    gift; in any case his Master's jewel, which be treasured highly, would have served as a constant reminder. He,


    however, thanked them for their gift, which he would always esteem. Referring to the camp life, Major


    Murphy testified to the wonderful efficiency and interest evoked in the training there, and said that, with the


    officers and n.c.o.'s with him, he was sure the Twenty-fourths would be one of the best lots to leave the


    conutry. The life was most attractive, and his one regret was that he had not been in Trentham before, but


    that had been impossible for domestic reasons.


    * * * *


    With his face wreathed in smiles, Sergeant Hanna cordially thanked the brethren for their gift, and said that


    he was thoroughly enjoying himself in camp. He had not laughed so much in his life as during the past three


    months. Other members of the Lodge—Bro. Joll and W. Bro. Vincent—were also fit and well and enjoying


    themselves.


    ————————


    NELSON NOTES.


    ———<>———


    On the 30th November a very large gathering of brethren of Victory Lodge, besides representatives of other


    Lodges, met to bid farewell to W. Bro. E. W. Rudman, who has since left to take up duties in the Postal


    Department of the Empire City. W. Bro. Ching presided at the gathering, and presented Bro. Rudman with a


    P.M.'s jewel, one of the very few presented in the Lodge, as a token of esteem and goodwill, and also for the


    many services rendered by this brother, both in Lodge and at the festive-board. Bro. Rudman has lived in


    Nelson since early boyhood, and made himself popular, not only as a Freemason, but as a citizen. Victory


    Lodge parted with him with much regret, and vice versa he with Victory.


    * * * *


    It is regretted that Bro. M. Snadden, of Richmond, has been admitted into the annexe at the Nelson Hospital.


    * * * *


    W. Bro. F. W. D. Cox, of Greymouth, and of Victory Lodge, suffered a very severe bereavement by the loss


    of his son by drowning on 21st November. This will be a very hard blow, and the sympathies of the brethren


    will go out to him and his family.


    * * * *


    The Freemasons of Nelson tender to the CRAFTSMAN their hearty good wishes for the festive season and


    coming year, and for its splendid efforts in helping to keep the flag of the fraternity flying.


    * * * *


    Bro. A. Sievwright, who met with an accident last month, has now fully recovered.


    * * * *


    Victory put through three extra good candidates at its meeting on the 14th December, viz., W. W. Snodgrass,


    secretary of the Nelson Sick and Wounded Soldiers Fund, and a very energetic citizen; H. G. Hill, formerly


    of the British and Dominions, Wellington, and now general manager of the Nelson District Fruitpackers,


    Limited, an institution assuming proportions of some magnitude; and Dr. H. E. A. Washbourn, formerly


    resident surgeon at Nelson Hospital. By the way, the addition of the latter makes six of the medical fraternity


    attached to Victory Lodge, one being Lieut.-Colonel Andrew, P.M., officer in charge of Featherston Camp.


    Another of the medical faculty was proposed on the 14th. This makes the seventh.


    * * * *


    W. Bro. C. B. Harkin, also V.E. Comp., has been elected to membership of Victory Lodge and Chapter. He


    has made his last response as a visitor, for which he no doubt offers thanks.







    ————————


    PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CANTERBURY


    NOTES.


    ———<>———


    The annual communication of the Prov.G.L. of Canterbury, held at Timaru on 20th October, was a great


    success, both from a business as well as from a social point of view. The meeting was held at the invitation


    of Lodges Caledonia, No. 16, Timaru, No. 146, and Koranga, No. 197, supported by the other Lodges in


    South Canterbury. The brethren of Timaru fairly excelled themselves in their efforts to make the trip


    enjoyable for their North Canterbury visitors. On one afternoon a motor drive was arranged and carried out


    to show the northern brethren the beauties of the district; and on the next day a trip was made to the fishing


    grounds at the Opihi, where, after inspecting the river, the party enjoyed the hospitality of W. Bro. McBride,


    P.Prov.G.D. of C.


    * * * *


    A very enjoyable bowling match was held between teams representing the Christchurch and Timaru


    brethren. The result was a win for the home team.


    * * * *


    Lodge Mackenzie, No. 91, catered well for the pleasure of their visitors at their annual meeting in October.


    * * * *


    The Prov.G.L. were highly delighted with their picnic to Lake Te Kapo.


    * * * *


    The brethren of Lodge Progress, No. 22, Southbridge, are famous for their hospitality, and their annual


    meeting in De, cember was no exception to the rule.


    * * * *


    Southern Cross, No. 6, Kaiapoi, has a splendid night at their installation on 'Thursday, the 7th inst., and


    treated Prov.G.L. right royally.


    * * * *


    In response to a very cordial invitation, the Prov.G.M. was present at the installation of Bro. William


    Chapman as Master of the Lodge of St. John, No. 1137, E.C., by R.W. Bro. M. S. Brown, Dist.G.M., on the


    11th inst. The Lodgeroom was taxed to its utmost capacity, and, the evening being warm, the brethren were


    delighted when the ceremony was concluded, and they were able to get a breath of fresh (?) air again. The


    social hour in the refectory was thoroughly enjoyed, and all present voted the meeting a great success.


    * * * *


    The ladies of the Red Cros Society at Temuka undertook the catering for the annual meeting of Lodge St.


    George, No. 29, on the 13th inst., and are to be congratulated on the manner in which they carried out their


    duties. It is rumoured that a very successful canvass will enable practically the whole amount of the contract


    to be handed over to the funds. [Received 19th December, ED.C.]


    ————————


    THE FREEMASON'S DUTY.


    ———<>———


    [An Address read by W. BRO. G. F. ALLEN, P.M., Civic Lodge, 157, in the PROV.G.L. of CANTERBURY.]


    —————


    We live in stirring times. International issues of greatest import are being decided almost before our eyes.


    While we tonight in this beautiful hall are met in quarterly communication of Prov.G.L., under conditions


    that typify peace, love, and harmony, there is on the battlefields of Europe many a. brother, many a personal


    friend, at death grips with the enemy, under such conditions of hate and conflict as the world has never seen.


    Their sense of duty has made them participators in the bloodiest struggle in the annals of the human race.


    They have not lost sight of "the allegiance due to the Sovereign of their native land." In the horrors and


    terrors of the darkness, in the madness of the bombardment, in the hellishness of the charge, Masons of all




    nationalities, but particularly, for us, our erstwhile fellow-citizens, are doing what they consider their duty


    for King and Country. And when they return, as we know some of them will, sharing the well-earned glories


    of victory, we have every reason to expect that all that counts for the brotherhood of man will be advanced


    another important stage. We, though not amongst the heroes of the fight, shall profit immensely. Masonry


    will achieve greater results than ever. Are we going to accept them? If we are, in what spirit do we expect to


    do so?


    It is significant that, in the very early stages of the entered apprentice's career, his duty is so clearly defined,


    the possibilities of his work are unfolded with such a beauty of delineation and such force of conviction, that


    the nature of his first contact with us is, at once, both stimulating and inspiring. As we, in the earliest stages


    listened to the recitation of that portion of the Charge after Initiation, we were struck with the important


    duties we were to observe. But those were times of peace, and our interpretation of the term " duty " was


    framed in terms of peace. In time of warfare, more particularly during the stupendous crash of nations we are


    witnessing, the word duty conveys an unsuspected message, and causes us to review our obligations to our


    Maker, to our neighbours, and to ourselves, in the intense light of conditions altogether new.


    Each portion of this threefold duty is capable of elaboration in the form of a special paper. At present I intend


    to make some reference to the last : "our duty to ourselves." I do so because I firmly believe that if we


    perform our duty to ourselves, as we are directed to, we shall to a very large extent incorporate the other two


    duties set out. The charge exhorts us to observe "such a well regulated course of discipline as may best


    preserve our bodies and our minds in their fullest splendour, thereby enabling us to exert those talents


    wherewith God has blessed us, as well to His glory as to the welfare of our fellow creatures." I venture to


    say, brethren, that, if Masonry offered no other advice than that, we should be amply repaid for any sacrifice


    we have made in the interests of the Craft. Self-discipline of body and mind, together with their fullest


    development and the attainment of their maximum proficiency, is an ideal that commends itself to soldier


    and sailor at war as well as to the Masonic citizen well outside the zone of fire. If, however, this mental and


    corporeal development is demanded of us as members of an organisation, it is not to be lightly considered.


    The time has passed when we can any longer look upon our duty as a mere suggestion of what we may be


    able to do. With our brethren in the Navy and Army setting such a priceless value upon the term " duty," it is


    quite time that we also should rise to the occasion and feel the real joy of sharing such a magnificent


    conception of the term. I quite realise that, in our own country, the conception of what a Mason's duty


    consisted has much improved with passing years. There has been, however, at times, a slackness in the


    attainment of our ideals, and, perhaps, some self-deception as to what was excusable and what was not.


    In the midst of prosperity, and with no foe in sight, who was to disturb the apparent harmony by pointing out


    our errors of omission? This great war, however, has had its tonic effects. It has laid bare some of the dusty


    corners in our temples, and has exposed some flaws of our existence. We all feel stirred to action and nerved


    to our responsibilities.


    In the ritual we are exhorted to maintain our mental and bodily fitness in their fullest splendour. Does the


    routine of our Masonic activities assist us in this? I think it does in many ways. I quite believe that the


    memorising of our beautiful ritual has more beneficial results than we have admitted for it. It strengthens the


    mind by demanding of us, as a class, a regular effort of concentration of thought. This may seem a trivial


    matter. We, as Masons, may not notice its result, because we are so gradually drawn under the influence of


    it. But there is something in a Mason that at once distinguishes him from the uninitiated, and I believe this is


    largely accounted for by the fact that he has mastered a certain sequence of ceremonies in language that


    breathes the admirable spirit of our Order with the choicest fragrance. Then the training which each office in


    the Lodge affords us gives us, as we ascend to the Chair of K.S., a mental and bodily control, the lack of


    which, in many men of education and high moral worth, is often most painful to witness. The traditional and


    necessary dignity of all our ceremonies assists in giving us a sense of deliberation, calmness, proportion, and


    security, that is most valuable in our every-day lives. The loftiness of our ideals, of course, is inspiring, and


    illuminates the mind in such a way as to be acceptable to men of all creeds, and to races of every colour ; and


    the evident train of results following these facts has a broadening effect upon our mental outlook, the


    beneficial effects of which we are very apt to overlook.


    Our standards of conduct are embodied in such words as these : Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance,


    Mercy, Wisdom. We are recommended to practice these, not only within the limits of Freemasonry, but in


    the world of humanity outside. And it is the full realisation of all that these terms mean, and the constant


    disciplining of our actions so that they may prove worthy of these attributes, that form the mind of the Mason


    as we see him, strongly contrasted with the outer world. This is no mean privilege. We do not claim that our




    Masonic art is superior to every other of a similar kind; but the vitality of its principles, the almost daily


    application of its teaching, and, with these, the marvellous universality of its influence, make it such a factor


    in the mentality of the races of men as to bid us pause to examine its beauty and admire its effects.


    Again, the influence of the level in Masonry contributes in no small way to the preservation of our mental


    faculties in their fullest splendour. We all meet on common ground. It is true that the bigger meeting to some


    extent confines the limits of Masonry in this respect. But in smaller Lodges such is certainly not the case.


    Such equality may seem impossible. I believe that, in the case of many brethren, the genuineness of it is


    insufficiently realised: Yet in a society which, above all, gives each brother the credit for so much that makes


    for brotherhood, and, to its credit, is firmly convinced of the fact that there is more good than bad in most


    men if it is sought for, in such a society, the influence of the level has possibilities and practical results that


    we often quite overlook. Two events, amongst many important events within my Masonic memory, force me


    to this conclusion—the one, the welcome given to Sir Ernest Shackleton and the other the reception of


    Captain Halsey, his officers and crew of H.M.S. New Zealand and the accompanying warships. Since that


    time we have learned to appreciate the British hero more, and let us hope that their meeting with us has


    carried many a comforting and cheering thought during the darkest hour of danger. This meeting on the


    level, this spirit of confidence and reliance in each other, this assurance of mutual understanding of each


    other, and this contract for mutual support, gives the greatest buoyancy to the mind. It impregnates us with a


    determination to live down all that is petty and foolish, and actuates us, in taking a broad view of the affairs


    of life. It is a tonic for our thoughts and a spur to a better and a richer life.


    These are some of the means by which Masonry assists our mental development. Our system of morality


    cannot do everything. We are, however, exhorted to dedicate ourselves to pursuits in life that will enable us


    to benefit mankind in general. The liberal arts are recommended for study, particularly geometry. This latter


    is perhaps obscure in meaning, unless we consider it as the study of proportions, particularly that study of


    mankind which will give us the power to see the proper relationship of events and the proportions of their


    influence. He is indeed wise who can do this; but if we are to exert those talents wherewith God has blessed


    us it is our duty to take such mental exercise as will equip us in this direction. Let us therefore exercise our


    sympathies and emotions, that we may be merciful; let us make our observations in life so accurately that our


    logical deductions may lead us into the paths of prudence and justice; let us train our wills that our self


    command results in temperance and fortitude, and, finally, let us strive to exercise all these mental gifts in


    such perfect combination that we shall acquire in no small measure that wisdom which will enable us to


    practice brotherly love, relief, and truth.


    The preservation of our "corporeal faculties" is wisely a Masonic duty. The need for physical fitness is


    greater to-day than ever. Time and again have we heard from our soldiers in training how greatly they have


    benefited from the active life of the camp. Evidence of all sorts shows how completely mental balance is


    dependent upon balance of physical development. While "a mere athlete may be half man, half beast, and the


    mere scholar half man, half ghost," it is certainly desirable to secure a perfect body as soon as possible. We,


    as Masons, should fully recognise this, both for ourselves and for our children's sakes. There are so many


    circumstances to-day making for deterioration that I count it a Mason's duty to his fellows to do all in his


    power to preserve the vitality of the human 'race. Perhaps it is here that our practices are in error. There is an


    undermining influence sometimes in the amount of Masonic work crammed into each week of the month.


    Most of it is done at night, too often resulting in a succession of late hours. This, I feel sure, was never


    intended, and is not in keeping with the mental and bodily stability our exact duties require of us.


    Brethren, we have strenuous times before us. The hero's widow and child are already with us; soon the


    maimed and wounded will return, and greater demands will be made upon our strength than ever. We fully


    realise this. Our duty is as clear to us as to soldier and sailor in mortal combat. Sons of pioneers, as many of


    us are, we shall leave nothing undone that is within our power to accomplish. Brethren, that is what we feel;


    but our power to do our duty to our brethren is entirely limited by our mental and bodily fitness. Interde-


    pendent as each is upon the other, we shall succeed only as we have maintained each in exquisite balance


    with the other.


    The whole depends upon how fairly we have treated ourselves. May we in the past have preserved all our


    faculties in their fullest splendour, so that, in the stirring times ahead, they may be exerted as well to the


    glory of the G.A.O.T.U. as to the welfare of our fellow creatures.







    ————————


    THE MARK DEGREE, ITS ROMANCE AND LESSONS.


    ———<>———


    AN ADDRESS BY M.E. COMP. H. J. WILLIAMS.


    —————


    (Published by Request.)


    —————


    An American writer on the subject of the Mark Degree commences by saying, "There is no authentic account


    of the origin of this degree." The same remark may be applied to every degree in Freemasonry with equal


    cogency, thus evincing how much more Freemasons are indebted to tradition than to chronology. So far as


    can be ascertained, the following appears to be the most correct history of the degree.


    The Mark M.M.'s branch of Freemasonry first appears, not as a separate degree, but as an extraneous


    addition to the Second Degree in the Craft, which led to the habit of Masons making their signatures in the


    Lodge books, not only with their names, but also with a mark which they adopted, as was done by the old


    Steinmetzens in Germany. Scotland has always been looked upon as the place of its origin, and the minute


    book of the Lodge of Edinburgh contains what are known as " Schaw Statutes," or Charges for Operative


    Masons, dated 28th December, 1598, one of which declares that " the day of receiving of a Fellow of Craft


    be orderly booked, and his name and mark be inserted in said book." In pursuance of this, in the minute-book


    of the Aberdeen Lodge is found dates 1670, signed by forty-nine M.Ms., who append their Masonic marks,


    as set out by F. Armitage, in his " Short Masonic History."


    The earliest reference to the Mark Masonry in England is on 1st September, 1769, when it appears from the


    records of the Phoenix RA. Chapter at Portsmouth that Thomas Dunckerley, as Prov.G.M., introduced the


    Mark Degree there, and for many years the Mark Degree was worked by Craft Lodges and R.A. Chapters,


    but it gradually died out, and there is little heard of it in England between 1813 and 1851, though it was


    worked both in Canada and America at that period. At about this time higher degrees in Freemasonry were


    the vogue, some ardent Scottish Masons conceived the idea of making the mark rite a part of the Second


    Degree of the Craft, and conferred it on M.Ms. The first record of it as a separate degree in Scotland is


    contained in the minutes of the Lodge Operative at Banff in 1778.


    In 1851 a body of English Masons, desiring to be constituted as a Mark Masons' Lodge, applied to the Bon


    Accord Chapter of Aberdeen to grant them a charter, which they obtained. This, of course, was entirely


    irregular, as the proper body to grant it was not a private Chapter, but the G.R.A. Chapter of Scotland, which


    then controlled the Mark Degree, as well as that of the R.A. The Charter was afterwards rescinded, but the


    Mark Degree went on in England, and in 1855 meetings were held with a view to its having a proper status


    in England.


    On 5th March, 1856, at a meeting of the G.L. of England, it was resolved unanimously :—" That the Degree


    of Mark Mason or Mark Master is not at variance with the ancient landmarks of the Order, and that the


    degree be an addition to and form part a Craft Masonry; and consequently may be conferred by all regular


    warranted Lodges, under such regulations as shall be sanctioned by the G.M." The resolution, however, was


    negatived when the minutes were brought up for confirmation in the following quarter.


    There was no looking back, however, on the part of the promoters of the scheme, and in 1857 the Mark G.L.


    was founded in England as a separate institution, and afterwards housed itself at Mark Masons' Hall, Great


    Queen Street, London, where it has flourished ever since, many of the most prominent Craft Masons having


    taken a leading part in the Mark Degree, notably the late King Edward and the Duke of Connaught, who


    have been G.Ms. of the two sections during the last twenty-seven years, the latter succeeding his brother


    when he ascended to the throne.


    It is curious to note that in England the R.A. is recognised, and the Mark Degree is not ; in Scotland, the R.A.


    is not, but the Mark is; and in Ireland both are recognised.


    The reason why the Scottish Constitution formally recognised the Mark is that it has long been worked in


    Craft Lodges in connection with, and as an adjunct to, the Second or F.C. Degree. And though there is no


    formal recognition of the R.A. by the G.L. of Scotland, the two bodies work in complete harmony, and many


    of the brethren are members of both.


    For the groundwork of the degree Mark Masonry is indebted to the building of King Solomon's Temple,


    which is the basis upon which the whole superstructure of Freemasonry rests. And though to-day this




    legendary foundation is recognised as being quite mythical, yet the end fully justifies the means, in view of


    the great moral edifice erected.


    The scene of our story lies in the great Temple building, and the wonderful organisation which controlled


    180,000 workmen is recounted. The first page of the history of the degree opens with the introduction of the


    F.C. who desires enrolment in the army of workmen, and as a Mark man he works well and worthily, and


    receives his wages. The fact that he has worked "well and worthily" may be noted in view of subsequent


    happenings. After working in the quarries for some time, on one eventful day he accompanies some of his


    fellow-workmen, and duly submits his work for examination to the overseers, but for some unaccountable


    reason he presents a stone which is not confined to right lines and angles, but was in the form of what was


    subsequently known as a keystone, wedge-formed, an entirely new departure from the rectangular. This in


    itself was quite sufficient to excite the surprise of his companions and the displeasure of the overseers, who


    refused to pass the stone, and as an indication of contempt finally ordered it to be heaved over among the


    rubbish, and the legend relates that it long lay hidden. For centuries it was believed that the principle of the


    arch in building was not known at the time of King Solomon, and it was only within the last few years that


    this statement has been entirely disproved. Archways with regular keystones have been found in the


    doorways of tombs at Thebes, which could not be of later date than 1540 B.C., or 460 years before the


    building of the temple. And we are further told that the Cyclopean gallery of Tyrius exhibits lancet-stapled


    arches as old as Abraham. It is assumed by Lawrence that the principle of the Arch was a kind of guild


    secret, of which Hiram Abif would be in possession, but it was not known to the workmen generally. But to


    return to our romance. The craftsman who had been turned down by the overseers was on subsequent


    examination denounced as an imposter, and narrowly escaped the penalty which invariably followed such an


    indictment. But as time went on, and the building neared completion, it was discovered by the Master that a


    certain stone was necessary for the completion of the building, and the Master was satisfied that he had


    issued a plan of this particular stone. The overseers having been convened in council, admitted having


    received it, but working strictly by plans, the stone was rejected and cast aside. How it was subsequently


    found by the skilful craftsman, and the honour that he received, is well-known to each Mark Master. That the


    craftsman was a skilful worker must be admitted from the excellence of his artistic work. That he was


    actuated by good motives may be gathered from the record that from the commencement of his career he


    worked "well and worthily." Yet when the stone was rejected, he was deeply humiliated, he was accused of


    working for self-glorification, and received angry words and reproaches. And we know that, his fellow-


    workmen were well pleased at the humiliation of what they conceived to be his vanity. Picture to yourselves


    what this worthy craftsman must have suffered, perhaps for years, until the subsequent finding of the stone.


    Whether his work was the result of seeing the plans, or whether as an artist he knew such a stone would be


    required matters little, there is no record that he displayed the least vanity or ostentation. On the contrary,


    after the finding of the stone, the extreme value of which was recognised by Hiram Abif, he was advanced to


    the degree of Mark Master and ordered to cut his name upon it. Again imagine the feeling of the worthy


    craftsman when the stone—his work—was being conveyed with much pomp and parade to be fixed in its


    place. Well might he have been excused for manifesting feelings of the utmost pride, and of retaliating on


    those of his companions who had assisted at his humiliation. He had no such thoughts, but rather in an


    ecstacy of joy gave the thanks to God that he had worked well.


    Were there no other lessons conveyed in the teaching of the Mark Degree, this beautiful romance and its


    moral should give ample compensation. And there is no other character in Freemasonry who shows such


    restraint under suffering, patience of endurance under the sneers and gibes of his fellows, or such nobility of


    character in the hour of his unbounded triumph. What a glorious example of the suppression of self, and the


    glorification of the Supreme Architect.


    THE MARK.


    To the ancient operative mason the "mark" was only a means of identification, protected by his known ability


    and the registration of his mark, as signatures are, in our day, recorded in a bank.


    In ancient Rome, when two friends were about to part, it was a custom to break a piece of money or ivory in


    two, and having registered a secret mark, each retained a part, and this was a token of everlasting friendship,


    and was called the " arrhabo." Both word and custom were borrowed from the ancient Israelites, for it is


    derived from the Hebrew "Arabon," a pledge.


    Among modern speculative Masons the mark is no longer a means of livelihood, nor is it a mere emblem or


    ornamental appendage of the Mark Master Degree, but a sacred token of the rites of friendship and brotherly




    love, it is a veritable "tessera hospitalis," and when presented by the owner to another Mark Master, would


    claim, from the latter, acts of friendship, which only a mutual obligation would warrant.


    If a mark is presented for the purpose of obtaining a favour, it then becomes an "Arabon," or pledge, and


    while it remains in the possession of its owner, it ceases, so far as lie is concerned, to be of advantage to him,


    until, conforming to an ancient usage, of redeeming it from its former pledge.


    In Rome the "tessera hospitalis" extended to the descendants, and if the father exchanged a broken die on


    parting, the son honoured it, as this short quotation from an old Roman comedy will show, as between


    Agorastocles and Poenulus :—


    Ag.— I am a son


    of old Antidamus


    Poe.—If so, I pray you


    Compare with me the hospital die


    I've brought this with me.


    Ag,.—Prithee, let me see it. •


    It is, indeed, the very counterpart


    Of mine at home.


    Poe.—All hail, my welcomed guest,


    Your father was my guest, Antidamus.


    Your father was my honoured guest, and then


    This hospital die with me he parted.


    Now that we understand the customs of the ancients, how easy to comprehend the message of St. John the


    Evangelist, when he says, To him that overcometh will I give a white stone, and in it a new name written,


    which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it," or in a more literal translation, " To him who overcometh


    will I give an arabon of my affection, and entitle him to privileges and honour of which none else can know


    the value or extent."


    THE SYMBOLISM


    The symbolism of the Mark Degree, unlike all other degrees in Freemasonry, may be comprehended in one


    emblem—the Keystone. Around this is woven the whole of the romance. It was this that caused the


    humiliation of the skilful craftsman, in his desire to produce good and useful work, and his long period of


    sorrow and dejection caused by its rejection, and; consequently., to this symbol he owed his honourable


    advancement, and the tardy recognition of his skill.


    We need no legend to estimate the value of the Keystone in its material sense. -To the operative mason of to-


    day it is an invaluable aid in the science of architecture. How much more so would it be in ancient days,


    when it would appear that the knowledge of its use and construction was actually confined to a privileged


    few of the higher class of Temple builders. To speculative Mark Masons of to-day it not only constitutes the


    jewel of the degree, but it also bears the special mark chosen by the Mark Mason on his advancement to the


    honourable degree.


    Now, what are the great lessons which the teaching of the -degree inculcates? We may answer, primarily,


    "Charity," in its highest attributes. Not to judge harshly and condemn the actions of others because we may


    not understand them. To act in charity to all mankind, and more especially to our brethren in Freemasonry, is


    a Masonic command, which was not exemplified by the overseers in their treatment of the skilful craftsman's


    work. Among some of the sterling precepts of the Mark Degree we are enjoined to do justice to all mankind,


    to love mercy, which equally blesses him who gives and him who receives, to practice charity in all its


    phases, to maintain harmony in our own persons, and to endeavour to promote it with others. To quote an


    American writer :—" The rejection of the keystone should teach us that nothing has been made in vain. It


    matters not how worthless and insignificant a creature may appear to our prejudiced eyes, we may rest


    assured that if infinite wisdom has been employed in its creation, it has, in the economy of Providence, its


    appropriate place and use, from it we may also learn never to despond and grow weary in well-doing.


    Although our motives may be misinterpreted, and the work of our-hands be misjudged by our erring fellow-


    men, still may we have faith that there is over all a Judge who sees not with the eyes of man."


    I wonder how many of us seriously consider the very great responsibility that devolves on the members of


    this degree. In the concluding charge the newly-admitted brother is told that while he acts in conformity with




    the sublime precepts of the' Craft, " Should misfortune assail you, should other friends forsake you, should


    the envious traduce your good name, or the malicious persecute you . . . among Mark Master Masons. you


    will ever find friends who will administer relief to your distresses and comfort in your affliction." Surely this


    constitutes the essential essence of true Freemasonry, and were it only given practical effect would raise


    Mark Masonry high above its sister branches of Freemasonry and would convert the ideal into the real.


    ————————


    LEIF ERICSON, THE NORSEMAN,


    ———<>———


    DISCOVERER OF AMERICA.


    —————


    [By CYRUS FIELD WILLARD, 32deg.l


    It is curious how the facts in relation to the discovery of America by Leif Ericson, the Norseman, have been


    minimised and almost suppressed by certain agencies well known to Masons.


    We have seen a wave sweep over this country ever since the Chicago Fair in 1893, whose sole purpose has


    been to exalt Cristoforo Colon, the Italian, better known under the Latin-form of the name as Columbus.


    This finally culminated in the formation of the organisation known as the Knights of Columbus, the militant


    lay organisation of the Roman Catholic Church, and laws have been passed in a number of States making


    some day in October, which they call "Discovery Day," a legal holiday, to the consequent disarrangement of


    business and labour.


    Already in some States different societies have passed resolutions, or are considering them, asking their


    Senators and Representatives to introduce into their legislatures bills repealing "Discovery Day" as a legal


    holiday, in view of the fact that Columbus did not discover America, thus allowing those who know better to


    continue their business and labour without interruption, while permitting those who wish to celebrate this


    alleged historical event to do so to their heart's content.


    The Encyclopaedia Britannica will show anyone that Columbus discovered the Island of Guanahani, or San


    Salvador, in the Atlantic Ocean, in 1492, and it might be almost as truthfully said he discovered America if


    he had discovered one of the Cape Verde Islands or the Island of St. Helena.


    The same authority declares that Columbus died in ignorance of the existence of the continent of America.


    John Cabot, in the service of the King of England, discovered Newfoundland and New England in 1497, and


    to him, if to any of the later discoverers, should the credit of discovering America be awarded.


    But 500 years before, in the year 997, the hardy Norsemen landed on the shores of New England under the


    leadership of Leif Ericson, the son of Eric the Red.


    There is a fine monument by my old friend Anne Whitney, the sculptor, on Commonwealth Avenue, in


    Boston, to commemorate the event. There is also, or was, another statue of Leif Ericson in Milwaukee, near


    the lake front, also commemorating his discovery.


    In the Ridderstadt, the national history of Sweden, there is a statement that Columbus, before setting out on


    his voyage to America, made a voyage to Iceland, and in the monasteries there found the records of the


    discovery of America by Leif Ericson.


    I will now quote from the Encylcopædia Britannic article, "America," page 263:


    "America had, of course, been known to the barbarous tribes of Eastern. Asia for thousands of years, but it is


    singular that it should have been visited by one of the most enterprising nations of Europe five centuries


    before the time of Columbus without awakening the attention of either statesmen or philosophers." This is a


    conclusive statement. It was visited by one of the most enterprising nations of Europe 500 years before


    Columbus. It is not so singular, however, when we know the ecclesiastical organisation that has been busy


    all the centuries trying to suppress or minimise facts to suit the Jesuitical purposes of the ecclesiastical


    heirarchy.


    The same authority goes on to say :—"Iceland was discovered about 860 and colonised by the Norwegians in


    874. About fifty or one hundred years later the same people planted colonies in Greenland. Now, the position


    and direction of this coast once known, it required no great effort to trace it southwards to Labrador and


    Newfoundland."




    Under the heading "Leif Erikson," on page 1906 of the Encyclopædia Britannica, of the Americanised


    version, published in 1906, we find the following:—


    "Leif Erikson (or Ericson), a Norse discoverer, born in Iceland about 970. " (Note the fact that he was born in


    Iceland.) "His father, Erick the Red, was discoverer and coloniser of Greenland.


    "There are two sagas,* from which we derive our information of Leif Ericson. Both tell essentially the same


    story, varying only in the cause ascribed for his setting out.


    "In the Flateryarbok he is represented as setting out in search of land seen by Bjarne Flujulfson a few years


    before, while the Hauksbok saga says he was sent by King Olaf Trygvason.


    'Whatever the cause, they both agree that in the year 1000† he landed on the shores of North America, first in


    Newfoundland, then in Nova Scotia, and filially in New England, where he spent the year 1000-01, and


    which he called 'Vinland,' on account of the abundance of wild grapes growing there.


    "He then set sail for Greenland, where he became the chief of the colony. He is supposed to have died about


    1020.


    "The history represented in the sagas rests upon no slender foundation, being confirmed by Adam of


    Bremen, whose chronicle‡ cites the discovery of Vinland as authentically reported to him by the Dane,


    Svend Estredson, who" (according to him) "knew the history of those barbarians by heart as if it had been


    written" (as it was).


    "It may be Mentioned that for several years the late Professor E. N. Horsford pursued his researches


    concerning the identity of Vinland, claiming to have established the site of the chief settlement, Norumbega."


    Under the head of "Norumbega" in the same volume of the Encyclopædia Britannica, page 2293, we find the


    following :— "Norumbega, a name whether of Indian, Norse, or Spanish origin, is uncertain, by which the


    early French explorers of America designated a region or city on the north-eastern shore of New England, or


    possibly within the limits of what are now known as the British Provinces.


    "According to B. F. DeCosta, in his work on Norumbega and the English Explorers, a very similar


    name occurs in the map of Verrazzano (1529)§.


    "With various spellings, the name also appears in maps and records of other authors of the period, the


    site of the lost city↕ being variously located on the Penobscot, in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, the


    country of the lower Hudson, and lastly by the late Professor E. N. Horsford, along the lower reaches


    of the Charles River, Mass."


    ——————


    * A saga is a metrical narrative.


    † Later authorities place the date three years before in the year 957.


    ‡ Columbus probably saw the chronicle of Adam of Bremen.


    § In other words in the map published by Verrazzano in 1529 only thirty-seven years after Columbus's alleged


    discovery, the chief city of the Norsemen in Vinland planted about 520 years before was definitely marked.


    ↕ How many of our cities and towns in Massachusetts were lost or wiped out by the Indians, it is unnecessary to


    mention.,


    Under the heading of "America," page 264, the Encylcopædia Britannica goes on to say :—


    " They (the Norsemen under Leif and Bjorn) spent the winter in the country, and one of them, who


    was a German, having found some wild grape vines growing, they called it Vinland.


    "They had some intercourse and traded for furs with a people who ca-me in leathern boats and were


    called Skreelings, from their dwarfish size.


    "A colony was planted (Norumbega) and remained for many years in the country, the situation of


    which is indicated by a fact casually mentioned, that the sun remained nine hours above the horizon on


    the shortest day.


    " This indicates the forty-first parallel of latitude and the actual latitude of Rhode Island*, the country


    which every collateral circumstance would lead us to fix upon as the seat of the colony, is from 41deg.


    to 42deg. The Skreelings were, of course, the Esquimaux. The vine appears to be the fox grape, which


    grows wild in that part of America.


    "The account, though meagre, is distinct and consistent. Its authenticity can scarcely be disputed, and


    it is almost equally obvious that the country it refers to under the name of Vinland is in the vicinity of


    Rhode Island.




    "A conclusion resting on such strong grounds, scarcely requires to be supported by the high authority


    of Humboldt and Melte Brun.


    "That the colony disappeared and that the discoveries made were not prosecuted further, are not


    circumstances which will shake the credit of the narrative in the minds of those who know the


    numerous reverses which befell the early colonies in New England and other parts of America.


    '"The hostilities of the Skreelings was, no doubt, the principal cause of the abandonment of the colony.


    "The Norsemen describe Vinland as a rich country, with a delightful climate. The interest excited by


    the obscure accounts of these countries was probably such as the announcement of a new island


    eastward of Spitzbergen would produce at the present day.


    "No reasonable doubt can exist, however, that the north-eastern portions of America were familiarly


    known to the Norsemen of the eleventh century."


    —————


    *Where the " Skeleton in Armour " described in Longfellow's immortal verse was dug up.


    After this clear and emphatic statement by such an eminent and authoritative source as the Encyclopedia


    Britannica, preceded by similar testimony from such well-known scholars as Humboldt and Malte Brun, and


    many others, what more needs to be said by the writer ?


    Apparently the only reason that people do not give Leif Ericson the credit be deserves as the discoverer of


    America, is because they do not want to do so.


    There is no question as to the historical fact that he did discover the mainland of America about 500 years


    before Columbus, who did not.


    The agencies that sought to exalt Columbus and the Knights of Columbus have been the principal cause of


    obscuring the fact that Leif Ericson discovered America about 500 years before Cristoforo Colon or


    Columbus.


    The Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian societies all over the country, and in fact, all the Scandinavian and


    Teutonic societies, as well as the Masonic lodges, should demand that the alleged "Discovery Day" of


    Columbus should be repealed as a legal holiday.


    They should also order extra copies of "The New Age" containing this article, with the historical facts therein


    briefly stated, and circulate them widely, so that he people of America may know the facts. In a former


    article on "The Masonic Value of the Kensington Rune Stone," published in "The New Age" in November,


    1910, the writer, under the nom de plume of "Ignotus," showed that the date on that stone which was dug up


    at Kensington, in Minnesota, about the time I wrote the article, which date was the year 1362, proved that the


    Norsemen were in Minnesota at least 130 years before Columbus set sail from Spain, and that they were


    Masons, and used "the word that is not a word, the word brought from India," as was Leif Ericson.


    It is not my purpose to detract from what Columbus did, nor is it my purpose to take up the question whether


    he was a Jew, as has been ably urged by one writer.


    He was an able man and received a classical education, so that he was able to read the chronicle of Adam of


    Bremen.


    According to the article on "Columbus" in: the Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. VI., page 171, "He


    (Columbus) is known among other places to have visited England, 'Ultima Thule' (Iceland), etc. In his


    northern journey, too, some vague and formless traditions may have reached his ear of the voyages of Biorn


    (Bjorn) and Leif, and of the pleasant coasts of Helleland and Vinland that lay toward the setting sun. All


    were hints and rumours to bid the bold mariner sail westward," etc.


    My purpose is to show that Leif Ericson, the Norseman, discovered America about 500 years before


    Columbus.


    If credit is to be given for the discovery of America to any one man it should be given to Leif Ericson the


    Norseman, as the historical proof of his voyage cannot be truthfully denied.


    In conclusion, let me say that the origin of the word "America," which has been assigned to Americus


    Vespucius, must be traced to some other source, inasmuch as the first name of Vespucius happened to be


    Alberigo, and not Americus.


    But this is a matter worthy of a future article.—"New Age."




    ————————


    LEGENDS OF KING SOLOMON.


    ———<>———


    [By BRO. GEORGE WARVELLE.]


    —————


    Through all the degrees of the American system of Freemasonry there runs a coherent and connected series


    of legends concerning King Solomon. Indeed, it may properly be said that he is the central and commanding


    figure of the system—the pivot around which all of its incidents revolve. In this paper, however, I shall


    confine myself to a discussion of some of the legends as they are found in the Capitular Degrees.


    For all of our knowledge concerning King Solomon we are dependent on the books of Kings and Chronicles.


    There are no contemporary records, nor does he receive any mention in the earlier books written after his


    time. The book of Kings, which is arbitrarily divided in our English Bible into two books, was written about


    four hundred years after Solomon's death, and the work of the Chronicler was not performed until more than


    six hundred years after that event. The account in Kings is regarded by the Biblical scholars as embodying a


    genuine Solomon legend, but the later story, as told in Chronicles, is not considered as historical, except as to


    matters borrowed directly from the earlier version.


    Among other Masonic traditions there is one which says that after Solomon had reigned many years over


    Israel, he became very feeble, and was obliged to receive assistance in a peculiar manner. Without in any


    way denying the veracity of the tradition, I am yet inclined to inquire : By what authority is it supported ?


    Certainly not by Scripture, for about all that is written with respect to his latter days is : "And Solomon slept


    with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father." (I. Kings xi, 43; and see II. Chronicles ix,


    35.) When, where, or how he died ; whether front accident, infirmity, or old age, we do not know. Still, as he


    reigned for forty years, it is not unlikely that he may have become a trifle infirm with advancing years.


    In II. Chronicles ix, 29, it is written : " Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written


    in the book of Nathan the Prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Idoo the


    Seer against Jeroboam, the son of Nebat ?"


    But, alas! The book of Nathan we have never seen, and of the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite we are


    equally ignorant. Of course, it is just possible that the framers of the P.M.'s degree may have had access to


    these lost books, or, peradventure, they may have obtained their information from the Inspectors General of


    the Rite of Perfection, to whom all of the knowledge of the world was as an open book.


    But if the Scriptures furnish us with little Information relative to Solomon's latter days, there is yet a wealth


    of tradition upon which we may draw. From the Chronicles of Abou-djafar Mohammed Tabari, it seems that


    Solomon attained only to the age of fifty-five years, and that the larger portion of his life was spent in the


    building of the Temple. In this work he was greatly assisted by the Jinns (Genii), whom he pressed into his


    service. And, so the story runs, toward the end of his life, he often visited the Temple, remaining there for a


    month or more, wholly absorbed in prayer, and while he was thus standing, with bowed head, in an humble


    attitude before God, no one ventured to approach him.


    Solomon knew that the Temple was not completed, and that if he died, and the Jinns knew of it, they would


    at once desist from their work. Wherefore, being conscious of his approaching end, he prayed Yahwe that in


    the event of his death the fact might be hidden from the Jinns until the Temple should be finished. And


    Yahwe heard the prayer. So Solomon died in the Temple, leaning upon his staff, with his head bowed in


    adoration. And his soul was taken so gently from him by the Angel of Death, that the body remained


    standing, and so it remained for a whole year, and those who saw him thought he was but deeply engaged in


    prayer, and they ventured not to approach him. Meanwhile the Jinns worked day and eight until the Temple


    was finished. Then the body fell, and they knew that Solomon was dead.


    The M.E.M. Degree presents King Solomon in one of the most pleasing phases of his many-sided character.


    The main incidents of the degree are but expansions of the Masonic legend, and, notwithstanding the


    introduction of the Biblical prayer of dedication, are wholly unsupported by Scripture. Yet, as the prayer, and


    its resultant, occupies a prominent place in the ceremony, we may profitably pause a moment and consider it.


    The earlier Scriptural account of the dedication, as found in I Kings viii, is regarded by the Biblical scholars


    as a late composition. This, they say, is evident from the fact that the entire narrative is saturated with the


    Deuteronomic spirit, while the prayer put in the mouth of the King, in style and ideas, is centuries later than


    the building of the Temple. Neither does it comport with the character of Solomon as shown in the earlier




    traditions. From these latter it would appear that the real Solomon was not a particularly devout person; that


    his worship of Yahwe, as the tribal God, was perfunctory only ; that he was tolerant of the religious beliefs


    of those around him, and was easily influenced by them to regard with favour the more sensuous worship of


    Moab and Ammon. Particularly is this true when we view his relations with the "strange women," who seem


    to have found him an easy mark.


    The later account, as found in II Chronicles v-vii, and which is employed in the M.E.M. Degree, is largely


    copied from the Book of Kings, but with many expansions of Levitical ceremonies that had no existence


    until more than a century after the captivity. The incident of the consuming fire from heaven is found only in


    this narrative. It does not seem to have been known to the author of the earlier account in the Book of Kings.


    The Solomon of the M.M. Degree is, of course, impossible. Indeed, it is generally conceded that the


    incidents of the degree could not have occurred in the manner and form of the ritual. And yet this is very


    justly regarded as one of the most impressive as well as one of the most instructive of all the lessons in the


    Masonic curriculum, I am referring to the old degree as taught by Cross, Sheville, and Gould, and which for


    half a century was conferred in the chapters of Illinois, rather than to the emasculated lecture we now give


    under that name. The only Scriptural incident is the introduction of the parable of the householder in a


    manner that sets at defiance all laws pertaining to time and space. This, however, does not in eny way


    militate against the degree as a son it imparts.


    The name which we employ in the Masonic legends is taken from the English version of the Scriptures. This


    name follows the Greek form as found in the New Testament, as well as that employed by Josephus. The


    Latin Salomo follows the Greek version of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint. The Hebrew form is


    Shejomo (for Shelomon), and means "Man of Peace."


    His reign covered a period extending from about 995 to 955 B.C. It was one of comparative peace and stable


    government, with much material development. At his death the kingdom became disintegrated and fell to


    pieces, but the fame of his wisdom and the splendour of his court became all the greater iii succeeding


    generations. As the monarch under whom the throne of Israel reached its highest glory, this, perhaps, was but


    natural, and time only magnified in popular imagination the proportions of so striking a figure. Thus he


    became and remained the type alike of magnificence and wisdom. But the word usually translated "wisdom"


    means more properly skill in government, although the Rabbinical legends of later date greatly extended this


    original meaning. By false interpretations of some passages of Scripture he was given sovereignty over


    demons (the Jinns), as well as over beasts and birds, and the power of understanding their speech. It is


    interesting to note in this connection that much of his wisdom, as well as his power over demons, command


    of the elements, etc., arose from the fact that he was in possession of a seal (ring), on which was engraved


    the "great and ineffable Name." Thus the Rabbinical tradition serves in a measure to support the Masonic


    tradition. —"The Builder."






    OBITUARY.


    ———<>———


    MRS. C. T. CAMERON, DUNEDIN.


    We deeply regret to have to record the death of the wife of W. Bro. D. C. Cameron,


    P.M., and Sec. of Lodge Otago, No. 7, which occurred on 15th November last. The


    late Mrs. Cameron was deeply engaged with her husband in temperance work, and


    also had a large part in the educational and philanthropic work in the community of


    Dunedin. Mrs. Cameron is survived by her husband, nine sons and three daughters.


    Three sons went to the front, two of whom are still there; the third has returned to


    New Zealand wounded. There are eighteen grandchildren. The many brethren to


    whom W. Bro. Cameron is known will accord him their heartfelt sympathy in his


    bereavement, in which the CRAFTSMAN very sorrowfully joins.











    ————————


    ANOTHER SACRIFICE


    ———<>———


    [COPY.]


    " Somewhere in France,"


    15th October, 1916.


    Secretary, Waikaka Lodge, No. 151,


    Waikaka.


    DEAR SIR AND BRO., —You will have learned with great regret that our brother, Private Geo. Lamb, 1st


    Battalion, Otago Regiment, was killed in action during the New Zealand Division's attack in the battle of


    Somme.


    His ritual and certificate were on his body when he fell, and were taken charge of by our brother, Lieutenant-


    Colonel A. S. Charters, commanding the battalion.


    Our brother was a good soldier, and did his duty faithfully and well. He was under my command, and I wish


    to pay a tribute to the great gallantry of our brother and of the men who fought with him.


    Kindly convey to the members of your Lodge and the members of his family my sympathy with them in their


    great loss.—


    Yours fraternally, (Signed) D. COLQUHOUN,


    Major, 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment.


    P.S.-1 am enclosing ritual and certificate.—D.C.


    ————————


    THE ROYAL ARCH IN IRELAND.


    ———<>———


    [By J. L. CARSON, Past King.]


    ————


    During my visits to the Valley Royal Arch School of Instruction at Elkton, so many companions seemed


    anxious to know something of the government of the R.A. in Ireland, I have been tempted to put together a


    few of the regulations in such a way as I hope may be interesting and instructive to my R.A. companions in


    Virginia.


    The government of the Order in Ireland is vested in the G.R.A. Chapter of Ireland, which consists of the


    following grand officers :—King, High Priest, and Chief Scribe, a Captain of the Host, Superintendent of the


    Tabernacle, R.A. Captain, Captain of the Scarlet Veil, Captain of the Purple Veil, Captain of the Blue Veil,


    Chaplain, Treasurer, Registrar, and Janitor—all of whom must be Past Kings of some subordinate chapter.


    The G.M. of the G.L. of Ireland must be the Grand King of the G.R.A. Chapter and nominate a duly


    qualified Dep. G. King. No G. officer of any other G. body of Freemasons can hold office as an officer of the


    G.R.A. Chapter except the Grand King and Registrar.


    The meetings of the Grand Chapter are held in Dublin in February, May, July, and November.


    No decorations whatever except those of the R.A. Order are allowed in the G.R.A. Chapter.


    The Apron of White Lambskin is bordered and lined with scarlet silk, the ribbon round the border having in


    the centre half-inch gold braid, and in the centre of the flap is an embroidered gold triangle, within which is a


    triple-tau in gold. The sash is a four-inch scarlet ribbon, worn under the coat. The medal is pendant from


    white ribbon, except those of Kings or Past Kings, whose ribbons are scarlet.


    The officers of a subordinate chapter are the same as those of G. Chapter, and any companion elected to be


    King must be either the Master or P.M. of a Blue Lodge and at least five years a M.M. in good standing.


    Before exaltation a brother must be a registered M.M. six months, and produce his G.L. certificate; more


    than two Black Beans exclude, and the minimum fee is fixed at $15.75. Companions are not allowed to wear


    the Apron, Sash, or Jewel outside the Chapter or in public processions.


    The degree of Mark Master Mason is conferred under a R.A. Warrant only, and the officers are Master,


    S.W., and J.W., Treas., Sec., S.D., and J.D., Master, S. and J. Overseers, LG., and Tyler.




    The officers of the R.A. Chapter, under whose warrant the Mark Lodge is held, in the order of their rank, are


    the officers of the Mark Lodge.


    At the installation of officers, the King-elect is brought forward by two Past Kings, addressed by the


    presiding King, and makes the usual promises to endeavour to promote the general good of the Order,


    promote the happiness of the Companions, preserve the solemnity of the ceremonies, and observe the


    General Laws of the G.R.A. Chapter, after which a prayer is offered.


    The King then directs all Companions who are not Kings or Past Kings to retire. During the retirement the


    King. is duly installed and anointed, and receives the secret instructions and robes of office, after which the


    Companions return to the Chapter ; another prayer is then offered up, and the King saluted in "due and


    ancient form."


    The Royal Arch Board of General Purposes consists of the G. Officers of the G. Chapter. Its duties are to


    examine all correspondence and bring it before the G. Chapter in a regular and digested form, to see that all


    orders of the G. Chapter are carried out, to arrange all minor differences between subordinate chapters, to


    recommend the elective' G. Officers, to act as a house committee, to examine all accounts and recommend


    same for payment if correct, and generally to relieve the G. Chapter, by its advice and labours, of much


    tedious and routine business, recommending whatever may to the Board seem advantageous to the welfare


    and good government of R.A. Masonry in Ireland.


    ————————


    WORLD PROGRESS.


    ———<>———


    We are continually reminded of the great change that must come to the world before the human family will


    live together in peace and comfort. We cannot take up our morning paper without reading of some atrocious


    act of selfishness and crime. Man's greed for money and power and his hatred of whatever may stand in the


    way of his gain has often led to heartless outrage of family and friendship ties and even to murder.


    On a larger scale the nations of the world act in the same way. Greed of power, of territory, and of trade, are


    sufficient incentive for breaking treaties and trespassing on the rights of another people who have smaller


    armies and fewer guns for their protection.


    The horror of warfare from such cause was never before illustrated as in the great war which now involves


    the leading nations of Europe. For more than two years this horrible experience has been prolonged—


    thousands of its victims have been maimed or killed, while innocent dependents have suffered privation and


    misery without hope of relief. Why does this condition exist? Surely all will admit that comfort, prosperity,


    and happiness are the attendants of peace, while their opposites always prevail in time of war. Is it not time


    for the world to reform? Who will lead in the reformation?


    Movements for world peace are not unknown, although their value is now overshadowed by the spirit of


    warfare which dominates the nations, yet peace may ultimately be recognised as the first essential of


    prosperity in national as well as in individual life. This truth must be taught to the peoples of the world. It


    should be the motive of every human effort. It should be the inspiration of the church, the school, and the


    commercial activities of life. Especially should the Masonic brotherhood send out an influence in this


    direction that shall be felt.


    We are taught that Freemasonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion. Let this be a living faith, and


    the great Masonic Brotherhood will become a power in curbing the war spirit and the military influence


    which now controls the nations of the world.


    We cannot expect them to change their methods in a moment —education is necessary; for truth and right


    are not always recognised at first sight.


    Our own nation and our own people should take the lead and assert their belief in prosperity through right


    rather than by might. The military influence should be curbed and in its plate the Brotherhood of Man and


    Fatherhood of God proclaimed as the real foundation of human happiness. This is the field of Masonic


    influence. Are we in sympathy with the thought, and shall we give it our support? — "New England


    Craftsman."







    ————————


    AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE UNVEILING OF AN


    ALTAR IN LODGE SCONE, N.S.W.


    ———<>———


    BRETHREN,—As shown in the recent reading from Holy Writ, .altars in ancient times (as well as now) were


    built either for sacrificial or memorial purposes when commemorating some important event or person. In


    modern times memorial altars have generally been erected in memory of some sanctified persons, and


    frequently over the body of the person to be commemorated; at other times sonic portion of a body known as


    .a relic would be placed in or under the altar. But we, as speculative Masons, do not specially venerate any


    person or sect, and the only relics we have are our archives or ancient records, some of which you have just


    seen placed in this altar. What we have just had read to us from Holy Writ shows the necessity for mankind


    always to have some visible memorial to remind us that, though we may be separated by time, distance, Ian-


    guage, or different liturgies and ceremonies, and have known God under different names, yet all through the


    long past ages, and at the present time, man has always sought and revered the same God, the one central -


    point in the universe, that point from which a Mason cannot err. On the front of this altar we .see a peculiar


    symbol which has many significances—astronomically, the point represents the Supreme Being, and the


    circle the universe; it also symbolises the annual course of the sun in its apparent circuit round the zodiac,


    and the two lines represent the solstices within which that circuit is limited. In our ritual we have allegorical


    names for those solstices, and we are taught that the Mason who, in imitation of the great luminary the sun,


    subjects himself to the restraint of morality and virtue will not wander from the path of duty. The ancient


    tribes contiguous to Judæa placed a jod or dot in the centre of a circle as a symbol of the Deity surrounded by


    eternity. The Chinese now use a symbol that bears a great resemblance to that upon our altars, but instead of


    rods or lines to the north and south of the circle, they place two serpents, emblematical of the universe


    protected and supported equally by the power and wisdom of the Creator. The Hebrews also symbolised


    God's power by a brazen serpent ; and amongst all peoples the serpent has always been used as a symbol of


    subtlety or wisdom. Again, the ancient Scandinavians symbolised the universe as a -circle, with the sacred


    city of Asgard in the centre, but the circle was shown as a snake or serpent holding its tail in its mouth. The


    British Druids, to whom we owe most of our Masonic ceremonies and teachings, greatly venerated the point


    within a circle, as can be seen by many of their temple ruins still standing in Britain. I have mentioned these


    matters so that you should know of the universal application of this sign to denote or mark the temple or altar


    of the Deity. In all ancient systems of mythology the Great Father, or the male generative principle, was


    uniformly symbolised by a point within a circle. It is still the theological sign for God, astronomically it is


    used -to represent the sun, chemically it stands for gold, the purest .of the metals. It also represents the


    allegorical future city of New Jerusalem, a city always resplendent with light and purity, sun and gold. So we


    know that this sign 'has at all times been al witness or resemblance to man of his peculiar connection with,


    and reverence for, the centre of the universe—God. Now, brethren, let us emulate the children of Reuben


    and of Gad, and -dedicate this monument as a memorial to us for all time, so that we can all meet in front of


    this altar in a true brotherly spirit of unity. For, whatever may be our individual moral or religious ideas, we


    know that they have all emanated, as by some great centrifugal force, from a common centre, and that also


    by further manifestation of Divine power we are all being drawn by centripetal force again towards that


    Great Centre.


    But these two apparently opposite forces are really only different aspects of the same power, used by the


    G.A.O.T.U., both are symbolised in the sign upon this altar. Remember that nothing yet went to God unless


    it first came from God, and let this be our witness. The children of Reuben and of Gad named their altar Ed,


    or witness.—" The Keystone."


    ————————


    JUTLAND BATTLE.


    ———<>———


    A REMARKABLE INCIDENT.


    ————


    A quarterly convocation of the Supreme Grand R.A. Chapter of Scotland was held last Friday in the B.A.


    Hall, 75 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Comp. the Right Hon. Sir Robert K. Lanes, Lord Provost of Edinburgh,


    Depute 1st G.Prin., presiding over a large gathering.




    A duplicate diploma was granted to a companion under unique circumstances. The companion is the


    commander of a vessel which took part in the Jutland battle, and which came ill for special mention in


    Admiral Jellicoe's report. During the action the vessel in question sank two enemy ships, and she herself was


    severely damaged. A high explosive shell entered the commander's cabin and wrecked it, everything being


    either destroyed or blown overboard, with the exception of his craft and R.A. diplomas. As the companion in


    question was desirous of presenting his R.A. diploma to his mother Chapter, it was agreed to grant him a


    duplicate copy, the incident to be recorded on the original diploma.—"Weekly Scotsman," 23rd September,


    1916.


    ————————


    SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 20th DECEMBER, 1916.


    ———<>———


    W. H. Short, F. A. Thompson (Nelson), F. C. E. Dunning 10/-, T. F. Sparks, Amos. Wilby (Wellington), J.


    West, B. Gardner, J. Thompson, Rongotea Lodge (Rongotea), W. W. Moore 10/- (Hastings), F. Strugnell


    (Tuhipa, Kawakawa) W. Storah (Waipukurau), J. Hunt 26/10 (Timaru), F. C. Purvis 40/- (Remuera), C. P.


    Mori (Globe Mine), L. Meeking 20/- Chisholm 20/-, C. R. Dean 47/6, W. Hodgson 20/-, J. Higgins 25/10, H.


    R. Street 21/8, J. L. Thompson 11/8 (Hunterville), A. L. Arrowsmith 15/10, G. Bray 17/6, L. De Latour 17/6,


    G. Dymock 20/-, B. A. Fraser 11/8, A. James, W. J. H. McCormick 10/8, Geo. Parker 11/8, J. G. Turnbull


    11/8, P. C. Wakeman 13/4, Rev. W. F. Stent (Taihape), A. C. Drury, T. A. Harris, W. E. Waldegrave


    (Raetihi), P. and P. Hansen (Hukaroa), R. A. Cutler, W. Mugridge, Geo. Brownlee, T. E. Hartland


    (Okahune), S. C. Parlour 40/- (Morrinsville), R. Todd 20/- (Dunedin).


    (All 7/6 except those noted.)


    ————————


    H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, G.M., is likely to join the list—by no means a short one— of Royal authors.


    So, at least, we gather from a writer in the "Birmingham Daily Post," who says :—"During the period of his


    Governor-Generalship of Canada, I hear, the Duke of Connaught kept a record of the incidents attaching to


    his sojourn in the Dominion, and, as soon as sufficient leisure may be found, this will probably be 'written


    up' in the form of a volume which may serve for presentation purposes among members of the Royal Family


    and intimate friends of the Duke and Duchess. Their Royal Highnesses and Princess Patricia have brought


    back with them from Canada a very large collection of trophies and relics of their travels—especially in the


    far North-West—which will, as soon as possible, we mounted under expert guidance. It is gratifying to hear


    that, while the Duchess of Connaught is decidedly stronger than she was—far stronger than could have been


    expected after her extremely severe illness in the spring of 1913—both the Duke and Princess Patricia are in


    excellent health and spirits. The former is likely to desire some respite from official labours for at least a


    little time to come; but His Royal Highness is so full of vigour and activity that it would be no surprise soon


    to be furnished with plain proofs of both." Although the list of Royal authors is a long one, it cannot be said


    that their works have achieved lasting fame, but we venture to predict that the scale will be turned in their


    favour should the prognostication of the writer of the paragraph quoted prove to be correct, for the powers of


    the G.M. in accurate and picturesque presentation of a subject are not unknown.


    ————————


    FEATHERSTON MILITARY MASONIC CLUB.


    ———<>———


    The inauguration of this club has filled a long felt want in this camp. There has always been a strong desire


    among the members of the Craft here for some tangible organisation or representation which would place all


    Masonic matters in this camp on a sound and satisfactory footing. Although the soldier brethren had been


    received with open arms by St. John's Lodge, still, with so many Lodges represented in camp by numerous


    brethren, it soon became apparent that organisation was necessary, in order to bring everyone into closer


    touch, and to harmonise Masonic effort. St. John's had for some time been trying to suggest to G.L. some


    suitable man as Masonic representative at the camp, but had not been successful until the advent of Bro.


    Green, Chaplain-Captain of the Salvation Army, than whom, although not a P.M., it would nevertheless be


    extremely difficult to find anyone more suited for this position. As a result of constant suggestions and


    discussions, a meeting was arranged in a room adjoining the Salvation Army Institute on Wednesday, 22nd


    November, 1916, when a strong gathering, representing nearly every district in the Dominion, assembled. It


    was apparent at once that this room would be too small for future occasions, but Bro. Green informed the


    members later that the Salvation Army, to whom the room belonged, would be pleased to considerably




    enlarge it and make it sound-proof at their own expense. Bro. Green in a few wards outlined the reason for


    which the meeting was called, and the process of forming the club was commenced. The W.M. of St. John's


    took the chair, as the Prov.G.M, had previously intimated to him that all camp Masonic affairs should be


    conducted under the wing of that Lodge which was so handy to the camp. He briefly outlined the Masonic


    history of the camp. Afterwards the business of the meeting was proceeded with. Nomination of Officers :—


    Patrons, Bro. Lieut.-Colonel Adams (Camp Commandant), W. Bro. Major Newcomb (Camp Adjutant);


    President, W. Bro. Everton (W.M. of St. John's) ; Vice-Presidents, W. Bro. Hughes (Lodge Masterton), W.


    Bro. Stout (Lodge Carterton), W. Bro. Morrison (Lodge Greytown); W. Bro. Kershaw (Lodge Waihenga) ;


    Organising Secretary, Bro. Green (Chaplain-Captain Salvation Army); Treasurer, Bro. Lacey (S.S.M.);


    Secretary, W. Bro. Nixon, Act.-J. (Armourer-Sergt.) ; Steward, Bro. Knowles (Corporal N.Z.M.C.);


    Doorkeeper, Bro. Patterson. After the election of officers, Bro. Talbot proposed that the scope and objects of


    the club be laid down in the minutes, and suggested that the following be adopted :—(1) To bring all


    Masonic brethren in camp into closer association; (2) promotion of Masonic organisation for assisting


    neighbouring Lodges with working, etc. ; (3) instruction, discussion, and debates on Masonic subjects; (4)


    recreation and arrangements for Masonic visits; (5) the investigation, on behalf of local Lodges, of proposed


    candidates. This was seconded by Bro. Green and carried. It was decided that a small entrance fee be charged


    all members, and if found necessary, in view of entertainments, a further levy may be made. It was resolved


    that the club be under the full control of the W.M. of St. John's Lodge, No. 37, Featherston, and co-ordinate


    all its work in harmony with the Lodge, which is regarded by the Craft as its sponsors. In this way


    arrangements could more easily be made to assist, if necessary, in the work of Lodges in the vicinity. The


    next point raised was the necessity of acquainting every Lodge in the Dominion that this club was now in


    existence, and that each should be circularised and requested to notify the Masonic representative when any


    of its members were proceeding to the camp. The matter of refreshments up to the present had been


    generously supplied by Bro. Green, but now the club has managed through the good offices of one of the


    camp workers to obtain the same without charge. Thus every meeting will cost nothing for entertainment and


    refreshments. Since the club's inception the first full working of a degree by the camp brethren took place at


    the ordinary monthly meeting of St. John's on the 11th inst., when the W.M. handed the gavel to W. Bra.


    Powell, P.M. of Lodge Unanimity, to pass Bro. McKeown, of St. John's Lodge. W. Bro. H. Edgecumbe


    (P.M. Lodge Te Awamutu, No. 119) acted as S.W., and W. Bro. G Logan (Lodge Unanimity, No. 106) J.W.;


    W. Bro. Ecford (P.M. Lodge Unanimity) S.D. About 40 members from the camp were present, and the


    ceremony was conducted with smoothness and efficiency, that demonstrated the fact that there were many


    Craftsmen of marked ability in the camp. At the initiation of Bro. Kendall, which took place just previously,


    the address was given by W. Bro. J. Little (Lodge Ngapara, No. 68).—[We hope the last item of the


    foregoing was done with the full sanction of G.L., which body we understood had taken exception to


    Masonic degrees being conferred in military camps. —ED. C. ]


    ————————


    NEW LODGE.


    ———<>———


    The M.W.G.M. has granted the prayer of a petition for the constitution of a new Lodge at Ruawai, a


    settlement on the Northern Wairoa, Kaipara. The G.M. proposes to constitute the Lodge—which will be


    numbered 207—on or about the 30th January.


    ————————


    ROYAL ARCH MASONRY.


    ———<>———


    INSTALLATION.


    ————


    A very enjoyable and enthusiastic meeting of the Hauraki R.A. Chapter took place in the Masonic Hall,


    Queen Street, last evening, the occasion being the installation of E. Comp. J. T. Inglis as 1st Prin. and


    investiture of officers for the ensuing year. M.E. Comp. C. Schnauer, of Ara R.A. Chapter, Auckland, and his


    officers, were officially received with the customary honours. E. Comp. G. Powley, Past 1st Prin. Scotch and


    New Zealand R.A. Chapters, received an enthusiastic welcome from the members. The control of the


    Chapter was then handed over to M.E. Comp. Schnauer, who in his usual efficient manner duly invested and


    installed E. Comp. Inglis, who in turn installed and invested his officers. The address to the 1st Prin. was


    ably delivered by E. Comp. G. Powley, P.L., and to the brethren by E. Comp. Schnauer. E. Comp. Inglis




    thanked the Auckland companions for their visit and the able way they had assisted in the ceremony. E.


    Comp. Schnauer said it always gave him and his fellow-companions great pleasure to visit their Thames


    companions, and he hoped the Hauraki Chapter would always call on them at any time. He wished the


    Chapter great prosperity in the future. Comp. G. Powley also returned his sincere thanks for the hearty


    reception accorded him. The following were the officers invested : 1st Prin., . M.E. Comp. J. T. Inglis ; 2nd


    Prin., Comp. H. Lowe ; 3rd Prin., Comp. J. Patterson; Chief Scribe, Comp. J. Hodge; S. of T., E. Comp. W.


    H. Lucas; R.A. Capt., Comp. J. Shand; C. of S.V., Comp. F. E. M'Cullough; C. of P.V., Comp. G. Cullen; C.


    of P.V., Comp. W. Potterton; I.G., Comp. G. Stamper.


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


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


    [Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]


    ————


    CRAFT LODGES.


    ————


    SOUTHLAND.


    Taringatura, No. 100.—The usual meeting on 11th December was not so well attended as usual, "sheep "


    and "show " keeping many regular attendees from their accustomed places. The special business was the


    initiation of one candidate. The work was most efficiently performed by the W.M., Bro. H. Beer, who was


    cordially complimented on his first efforts in the chair. He was assisted by W. Bros. Johnson (Charity and


    Ancient Charges), Walker (Secrets), Clark (Prep.), while Bro. Griffiths, S.W., presented the W.Ts. One


    rejoining brother was balloted for and accepted. One brother (the first for over five years) was struck off for


    non-payment of dues. The usual "washing-up " accounts were passed for payment, leaving a clean sheet to


    begin the New Year. A committee was set up to effect some necessary repairs to the hall and grounds. It was


    also resolved that cordial Christmas greetings be cabled to our four brethren (Allan, Hayles, Souter and


    Menzies) on active service in France. —[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———————


    OTAGO.


    Oceanic, No. 154.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, St. Kilda, on the 20th ult., when


    there was a fair attendance of both members and visitors. The W.M., Bro. A. Cannon, presided. Three


    candidates were initiated, the work being allotted as follows :—Ob., the W.M. ; Secrets, W. Bro. J.


    Couchman; N.E. Charge, W. Bro. A. W. S. Hellyer; M. of P., W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings ; W.Ts., Bro. W.


    Mills, J.W.; Final Charge, W. Bro. W. Jacobsen. Nominations were taken for G.L. office, and the bye-laws


    recently revised by a committee were agreed to. It was announced that one brother had returned from the


    front, whilst another one had volunteered. The usual pleasant hour was spent in the supper-room, when


    congratulations and the season's greetings were exchanged with the visitors.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———————


    CANTERBURY.


    Southern Cross, No. 6.—The installation meeting was held at Kaiapoi on 7th December. As expected, there


    was a record attendance of visitors, Christchurch Lodges especially being well represented. The seating


    accommodation of the Lodgeroom was taxed to the utmost, and the room was in consequence uncomfortably


    warm. The Lodge was tyled at 6.30, and by 7.15 the visitors were being admitted, and well on time the


    Prov.G.L. officers entered and took charge of the ceremony of installation. The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. J.


    Thornton, installed Bro. C. E. Baynon as Master. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. B. A. McKeown, P.


    H. Early, J. Mitchell, and N. W. Pavitt respectively. The address to the Master was given by R.W. Bro. the


    Prov.G.M. The following officers were invested by W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs and R.W. Bro. Broadley :—S.W.,


    Bro. R. H. Croft; J.W., Bro. F. J. Garnett; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. Stanton; Treas., Bro. T. P. Mably; Sec., Bro.


    C. F. Sneyd; S.D., Bro. E. J. Monk ; J.D., Bro. L. C. B. Fuldseth ; D. of C., Bro. J. G. Yellowlees; Organist,


    Bro. H. Best; I.G., Bro. P. Luisetti; Ss., Bros. J. M. Gray and Hunt; Tyler, Bro. J. A. Mealings. The address


    to the Wardens was given by W. Bro. G. Yemm, and the address to the brethren by W. Bro. J. C. Watson. A


    collection was made for the Annuity Fund, and yielded £5 8s. After the ceremony the brethren adjourned to




    the Oddfellows' Hall, where a light supper was prepared, to which the brethren did ample justice. A rather


    later hour than usual saw the close of a very successful meeting and the beginning of what we all trust will be


    an equally successful year. On behalf of Southern Cross I tender you, Mr. Editor, the compliments of the


    season and best wishes for a successful year.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [Heartily reciprocated.—ED. C.]


    ————


    Progress, No. 22.—The installation meeting was held on 5th December, when Bro. Claude Herbert Piper


    was installed into the Chair of K.S. by the retiring Master, Bro. R. B. B. Willis, P.G.D., in a very able and


    impressive manner. The Lodge was tyled at 7 p.m. prompt, and a candidate was initiated into Freemasonry.


    The R.W. Prov. G.M. of Canterbury, Bro. John Thornton, and officers of Pray. G. Lodge entered at 8.45 p.m.


    There was a large number of members and visiting brethren present, which taxed the holding capacity of the


    Lodge to the utmost. After placing the W.M.-elect in the Chair of K.S. the I.M. handed the Gavel to the R.W.


    the Prov. G.M. The W.Ts. to the W.M. were presented by W. Bro. Yemm, P.Prov. G.D.C. The W.Ts. were


    presented by W. Bro. F. J. Lemon, Master of Lodge Waihora, W. Bro. J. W. A. Walker, P. Prov. G. Std., and


    W. Bro. John D. Cameron, Master of Lodge Ahurewa, No. 181, respectively. Address to the Master by R.W.


    Bro. John Thornton, Prov. G.M. Investiture of Wardens by R.W. Bro. W. Broadley, P.G.W., P.Prov.G.W.;


    address to the Wardens by W. Bro. F. Lill, P.J.G.W., and the address to the brethren by W. Bro. F. C. B.


    Bishop, P.G.D.C., Prov. G.Sec. The following are the officers for the ensuing year :Master, Bro. Claude


    Herbert Piper ; I.P.M., W. Bro. R. B. B. Willis, P.G.D.; S.W., Bro. J. H. McMillan; J.W., Bro. J. S.


    M'Clelland; Treas., W. Bro. E. G. Hubbard, P. Prov. G. Std. ; Sec., W. Bro. J. W. A. Walker, P.M., P. Prov.


    G. Std.; S.D., Bro. C. F Chapman; J.D., Bro. W. C. Hickman ; D.C., W. Bro. S. J. Wickliffe, P. Prov. G. Std.;


    Organist, W. Bro. A. J. Inwood, P. Prov. G. Std. ; I.G., Bro. James Hannah; Stewards, Bros. J. S. Chapman


    and A. Weavers ; Tyler, Bro. Joseph Hannah. A very pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, and sonic


    excellent speeches were made; the verdict on leaving for home being, "A most enjoyable and happy


    meeting.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Christchurch, No. 91.—The installation meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on 28th November, W. Bro.


    W. E. Kiddey presiding. The Prov.G.M., accompanied by P.G. officers, was admitted and duly honoured.


    Dist. G.L. officers and D.G.M., E.C. were also admitted, followed by M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M., and


    G.L. officers. There was a very large gathering of Lodge representatives and visiting brethren. R.W. Bro. J.


    Thornton, P.G.M., conducted the installation of Bro. J. Mitchell as Master, and presided over the B. of I.M.,


    W. Bro. G. Yemm presenting the W.Ts. M.Ms. having been re-admitted, the usual processions and salutes


    were gone through. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. T. Hoskin (W.M., Southern Cross, Kaiapoi), W.


    Bro. E. W. Budden (W.M., Conyers Lodge, E.C.), W. Bro. T. Kirker (W.M., Robert Burns). M.W. Bro.


    Dougall presented the Warrant, Bye-laws, etc. The Prov.G.M. addressed the Master. The Wardens were


    invested by W. Bro. F. C. Bishop, Prov.G.S. ; and W. Bro. F. Lill, P.J.G.W., addressed them. The remaining


    officers were than invested by W. Bro. F. C. Bishop, the address to the brethren being delivered by W. Bro.


    J. N. Du Feu, P.G.D. of C. The appeal in aid of the Annuity Fund was made by W. Bro. J. W. Roberts, Pres.


    Prov. B. of B., and realised £8 10s. The officers installed were as follows : D.M., W. Bro. J. H. Parke ; S.W.,


    Bro. D. Sheffield; J.W., Bro. G. W. Jenner ; Chaplain, W. Bro. G. Ferguson; Treas., W. Bro. G. Mazey; Sec.,


    W. Bro. H. Hopkinson; S.D., Bro. W. T. Doig; J.D., Bro. W. L. N. Newth; D. of C., W. Bro. G. Yemm;


    Organist, Bro. R. Lake; I.G., Bro. T. C. Hill; S.S., Bro. H. R. Adams; Assist.-Ss., Bros. G. J. H. Garton, J. H.


    Dickenson and W. H. Coombes ; Tyler, R.W. Bro. H. F. Arnold. Full advantage was taken in the refectory to


    offer good wishes and congratulations to the W.M. and the Lodge by the distinguished brethren and


    visitors.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Robert Burns, No. 139.—The monthly meeting was held on 23rd November in Masonic Hall, Christchurch,


    W. Bro. Kurken, W.M., presiding over a fair attendance. The visitors included a contingent from Lodge


    Tawera, Oxford. The ceremonial work, consisting of raising, was carried out by the W.M., who was assisted


    by the following brethren :—W. Bro. Henderson (Tawera Lodge), C. after Inv.; W. Bro. T. Newburgh, Sec.,


    Raising and Light of M.M.; W. Bro. W. Robinson, Sub-Secrets ; W. Bro. J. C. Watson, D.M., and Bro. T. W.


    N. Wilson, S.W., T.H. ; W. Bro. Brighting, D.C., ex-Ss. ; W. Bro. Kiddey, W.M., Christchurch Lodge, No.


    91, W.Ts. ; W. Bro. Eastwood, P.M., Final Charge. A vote of sympathy was passed with the W.M. on the


    illness of his wife. After the Lodge was closed, the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where the usual


    pleasant time was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]




    ————


    Avon, No. 185.—A heavy evening's work was done on the 7th December, when, with a good attendance of


    brethren and visitors, W. Bro. L. B. Hart passed three initiates. The number was composed of two brothers,


    and a third who desires in the next few months to proceed to camp. The number made the perambulations a


    little complicated, but, thanks to incessant care on the part of the officers concerned and the judicious


    coaching given by the very enthusiastic preceptor, W. Bro. F. M. Collins, the degree was conferred with


    conspicuous success and impressiveness. Musical passages in the degree were admirably rendered by the


    choir. W. Bros. W. B. Cederman (Canterbury Kil.) and R. Kennett (Canterbury Lodge) assisted in the


    obligations, and the charges were given as follows:— Charge after Investiture, W. Bro. W. H. Cheeseman ;


    N.E. Corner, W. Bro. S. T. Smith; Charge after Initiation, W. Bro. F. M. Collins; W.Ts. W. Bro. W. B.


    Cederman. Visitors from a number of other Lodges were present. The following nominations for offices in


    G.L. were made :—W. Bros. H. B. Sorensen, F. M. Collins, and S. T. Smith. On adjourning to the "Fourth" a


    very happy and pleasant time was spent with recitations, musical items, and speeches.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ———————


    MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.


    Victory, No. 40.—The last meeting of the year was held on 14th December, W. Bro. J. L. Ching presiding.


    About sixty were present. Amongst the correspondence was an interesting letter from Private V. J. Blake-


    Huffam, in No. 2 Stationary Hospital, and written from Brockenhurst, Hants, England. Kawatiri-Westport


    expressed thanks for assistance given in connection with the funeral of their late Bro. Paton, who died at


    Nelson, and W. Bro. Cox returned thanks for the Lodge's sympathy on the drowning of his son—" the hope


    of years dispelled in a single day." W. Bro. Ching was nominated for the Board of Benevolence. W. Bro.


    Barton (Waterloo) was elected to membership. Three candidates, being in attendance, were initiated into the


    mysteries of Freemasonry by the W.M. and his officers, assisted by the following P.Ms. : W. Bros. R. W.


    Stiles (Secrets), J. A. Orsman (N.E. Corner Address), B. H. Moller (Ex. of Prep.), R. A. Scott (W.Ts.), R.W.


    Bro. Moyes (Charge after Initiation), and W. Bro. A. W. Oxley, who gave the T.B. and further expounded on


    it at the festive board. It was decided to "call off" the January meeting. W. Bro. F. Gibbons, of Southern Star


    Lodge, E.C., was proposed for affiliation, and two candidates were nominated for membership. It has been


    decided to inaugurate a vocal class for the practice and introduction of musical work into the Lodge and at


    the festive board. This has been warranted by the talent unearthed among the members and by recent


    additions. We wish the CRAFTSMAN and all brethren the season's greetings and Masonic prosperity in the


    New Year.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [Heartily reciprocated.—ED. C.]


    ———————


    HAWKES BAY.


    Bedford, No. 25.—Matters Masonic have been rather quiet in Bedford of late in the way of degree work,


    and the W.M., Bro. W. H. L. Williams, has taken advantage of the dearth of candidates to invite his P.Ms. to


    deliver the lectures, which are usually deferred indefinitely. That these lectures still have an attraction for the


    brethren generally is evidenced by the splendid attendance at our last two monthly meetings, which were


    over the average. At the October meeting Bro. W. A. Chambers gave the Lecture on the 1st T.B., and at last


    meeting W. Bro. J. W. Elliott that of the 2nd T.B. Both were very well received, and there is a movement on


    foot to continue the good work of enlightening the brethren on things Masonic by arranging for a series of


    lectures or papers. Owing to the next regular monthly meeting falling at a time when most of the members


    are likely to be absent on pleasure bent during the festive season, it was unanimously resolved to allow the


    January meeting to lapse. In responding to a toast, the W.M. expressed his thanks and keen appreciation of


    the very cordial support that had been vouchsafed to him since his accession to the Chair of K.S., and


    concluded by tendering the brethren the season's heartiest greetings.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———————


    AUCKLAND.


    Hokianga, No. 69.—The installation meeting was held on 9th November, when Bro. A. A. Potter was duly


    installed in the Chair of K.S. by R.W. Bro. Murdoch McLean, Prov.G.M. Unfortunately the gathering was


    not as large as was expected, owing to the unsettled state of the weather, which for the previous week had


    been anything but fine. The following officers were invested by W. Bro. H. A. Williams :—S.W., Bro. G.


    Downs; J.W., Bro. S. T. Norton; Treas., Bro. S. Rogers; S.D., Bro. W. H. Kirkpatrick; J.D., Bro J. P. Hansen;




    I.G., Bro. R. Ker; Tyler, Bro, S. H. Airey. W. Bro. D. B. Wallace, P.G.D., invested W. Bro. H. A. Williams


    as Sec. W. Bro. A. C. Wallace presented the W.Ts. in the Third Degree; W. Bro. H. A. Williams, in the


    Second Degree; and W. Bro. H. Philip, in the First Degree. At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren


    retired to the Public Hall, where a most enjoyable evening was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———————


    RUAPEHU.


    Huia, No. 171.—The usual meeting was held on 7th December. A good attendance was duly recorded, the


    routine business being considerable, including a ballot for initiation, which proved successful, after which


    the W.M. and his officers proceeded to work the Third Degree, the various portions of the work being


    allotted as follows : Ob. by the W.M., Bro. Turner; Signs and Secrets by W. Bro. Smith; Ex, by I.P.M., W.


    Bro. Spooner; T.H., by W. Bro. Stone; W.Ts. by the Sec., Bro. Hewlett ; Final Charge by W. Bro. Stubbs,


    Lodge Ruataniwha. The work performed, in the opinion of your humble correspondent, did not reach the


    usual standard of efficiency, owing to delays, which prolonged the ceremony unduly. However, we have to


    bear in mind, on the authority of philosophers and savants, that all events move in cycles ; hence we must


    profit by experience, bearing in mind that expedition and alacrity, without the sacrifice of dignity or


    decorum, is absolutely essential to ultimate success, both individually and collectively. One proposition was


    made for an affiliation, also two notifications for the ballot for initiation, from which the prospects are very


    satisfactory, and, to use an old aphorism, " All's well that ends well." The evening culminated with a short


    time spent in the refectory. Judging by the animated flow of conversation, no one went away dissatisfied.


    Now, Mr. Editor, this concludes my term as Lodge Correspondent. Accept my sincere thanks for past


    considerations shown to me both in your official capacity and otherwise, including the compliments of the


    season. Finally, may you be permitted to enjoy good health in your future sphere of action is the genuine


    wish of one whose desire is that the cause of Masonry may long flourish and expand in the future years.—


    [Lodge Correspondent.] [Good wishes heartily reciprocated.—ED. C.]


    ————


    Waimarino, No. 175.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom on the 11th ult., the W.M.


    (W. Bro. A. Mabbott) presiding. It being the most busy time of the year, quite a number of the brethren from


    the country were unable to be present; so the attendance was not quite up to the average. The ordinary


    business having been disposed of, W. Bro. Harris, D. of C., invested Bro. W. M. Fraser (who could not be


    present at the installation) as I.G. W. Bro. Mabbott then proceeded with the raising of Bro. E. F. Gibson.


    The Ob. and Ex. having been given by the W.M., the T.H. was given by Bro. Peter Hansen, S.W.; the further


    Signs by W. Bro. Harris, P.M., D. of C. ; the W.Ts. by Bro. A. C. Drury, S.D. ; and the Final Charge by Bro.


    J. C. Goodger, J.W. Amongst the visiting brethren we were most pleased to meet a distinguished brother


    from the capital City in the person of W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt, P.M., P.G.C., who addressed the brethren and


    gave H.G.W. on behalf of Lodges 37 and 201. W. Bro. Porritt officiated at the dedication of this Lodge as G.


    Chaplain, A pleasant time was spent in the refectory, Bro. W. E. Waldegrave, S.B., giving his usual careful


    attention to the wants of the brethren. W. Bro. Porritt gave a happily worded little speech asking for


    subscribers to the CRAFTSMAN, with exceptionally good results.


    ———————


    WELLINGTON.


    St. Andrew, No. 32.—On 29th November the Lodge held its annual installation proceedings at the Masonic


    Hall, and the members may be pardoned for considering that their efforts to ensure a successful gathering


    met with a fair reward. St. Andrew's Day is the regular day set apart by the Lodge for its annual junketing,


    but circumstances necessitated a slight shifting of the date, and the Prov.G.M. offering no objection, granted


    his dispensation. The Lodge tyled at 6.30 p.m., under the superintendence of the W.M., Bro. A. Simpson,


    and in the interval until 7 o'clock, the time for reception of visitors, a quantity of routine business, including


    a ballot for a joining brother, was transacted. An apology was received from M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, who


    intimated that owing to indisposition he would be unable (for the first time for a number of years) to attend


    this installation meeting of the Lodge. At 7 p.m. visiting Lodges and brethren were received with a degree of


    energy and promptitude that reflected to the credit of the D. of C., W. Bro. Rod. Indeed, the proceedings


    throughout were conducted with a faithful regard to scheduled time that must have gladdened the hearts of


    many suburbanites present. The visitors included the Masters, officers and representatives of all the City and


    suburban Lodges, and a number of brethren from other parts of the territory who happened to be in the City


    at the time. The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Ellison, was duly received, accompanied by R.W. Bro. Seaton,




    P.G.W.; V.W. Bro. Bridge, P.G.L.; W. Bros. O. Neilson and J. J. Esson, P.G.D.; H. Preston, G.B.B., and


    other present and past G.L. officers. Honours having been accorded, the installation ceremony was


    commenced, and conducted up to the formation of the Board by the W.M., Bro. A. Simpson. W. Bro. C. W.


    Nielsen filled the S.W.'s chair, and W. Bro. O. Neilson, from the J.W.'s chair, wielded the gavel of that


    officer with great firmness and skill. After a creditable piece of work W. Bro. Simpson resigned his position


    to the Prov.G.M., by whom a B. of I.M. was opened, and Bro. Albert Schmidt, S.W., installed into the chair


    according to ancient custom. On re-entry of M.Ms., the Prov.G.M. presented the Warrant, Constitution and


    By-laws. The W.Ts. in the various degrees having been presented by W. Bros. A. A. George (Hinemoa),


    Meek (Otari) and A. Longmore (Leinster), the investiture of officers was entrusted to W. Bro. J. J. Esson,


    and was carried out in his best style. The officers for the year are : D.M., W. Bro. F. C. Broomhall ; S.W.,


    Bro. J. C. Riddell ;. J.W., Bro. A. Greening; Sec., W. Bro. A. T. Wells; Treas., W. Bro. A. W. Rowlands; '


    Chaplain, W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen; D. of C., W. Bro. J. Rod ; Organist, Bro. A. Cowley; S.D., Bro. L.


    McGregor; J.D., Bro. G. Lawrence; I.G., Bro. D. M. Wright; Acting-Tyler, Bro, Gardiner; S.S., Bro. W. F.


    Thompson; J.S., Bro. L. D. McGillvray. Prior to the investiture the Lodge choir of nine voices, assisted by


    the orchestra, rendered "Incline Thine Ear " in a way that evidenced careful preparation and study. The D. of


    C., W. Bro. J. Rod, was assisted in the proclamations by Bro. H, McComish as Trumpeter. Addresses were


    then delivered by the following members of the Lodge To the Master, W. Bro. F. C. Davie; to the Wardens,


    W. Bro. A. W. Rowlands; to the brethren, W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen. The installing officer then surrendered the


    gavel to the newly installed W.M., who expressed his thanks to all concerned in a manner satisfactory and


    commendably brief. The retiring W.M., on being presented to the Prov.G.M., was made the recipient of a


    P.M. s jewel donated by his fellow-members, for which he expressed thanks. On the first call the Prov.G.M.


    in his remarks ventured the opinion that the large attendance that evening would be appreciated by the newly


    installed W.M. and the Lodge, and expressed his own gratification at noticing the commendable way in


    which the proceedings bad been conducted and the work performed by the officiating brethren, all of whom,


    with the exception of himself, were members of the Lodge. For his own part, he considered it praiseworthy


    that members should undertake such work in their own Lodge, and the brethren who had taken part in the


    ceremony that evening had no reason to be dissatisfied with their efforts. Greetings were tendered and Lodge


    duly closed, when an adjournment was made to the refectory, where, in addition to appropriate toasts, an


    excellent musical programme was provided, which was disturbed less than usual—at least, so your


    correspondent thought—by retiring brethren setting out homeward. At a moderate hour the final toast


    terminaed a most enjoyable evening and one that will compare favourably with previous occasions of the


    kind in Lodge St. Andrew.


    On 20th November an emergency meeting was held at the Boulcott Street Masonic Hall, Lodge being tyled


    at 7.30 p.m., the W.M., Bro. W. Simpson, presiding over a good attendance of members. The meeting was


    convened for the purpose of passing five candidates, and the ceremony was performed by the W.M., assisted


    by W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen (Secrets), W. Bro. F. C. Broomhall (Investiture Address), Bro. L. McGregor (S.E.


    Address), W. Bro. A. W. Rowlands and Bros. A. Schmidt and A. Greening (W.Ts. in concert), Bro. A.


    Schmidt (F.C.), The Lodge being closed in the F.C. Degree and resumed in the E.A., the 1st T.B. Lecture


    was delivered to the candidates by Bro. A. Greening, S.D. In the course of the evening the W.M. referred to


    the loss which had been sustained by an old member, W. Bro. J. Danks, whose son had recently died of


    wounds received in action on the West front. This soldier was attached to the artillery service, and had been


    absent for over two years when he received wounds resulting in his death. The Lodge recorded a vote of


    condolence with his father. A. M.M.'s certificate from the United G.L. of England was presented to a brother,


    and Lodge was then duly closed, when brethren repaired to the refectory, where, in addition to the usual


    toasts, they listened to discussions on matters of domestic interest to the Lodge.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Tararua, No. 67.— The first regular meeting after installation was held in our Masonic Hall on 7th


    December, Bro. T. Riddell, W.M., presiding. A first notice of a joining member having been read, a second


    notice and ballot of a W. brother as a joining member was taken and proved clear. The work was to pass


    Bros. W. J. Palmer and L. H. Fenn, and was rendered as follows : The W.M. obligated, communicated the S.,


    T. and W., and the Charge after Investiture; Bro. R.V. King, S.W. invested the brethren with the F.C. badges


    and delivered the S.E. Charges; the W.Ts.were given by the principal officers ; an W. Bro. T. Bacon gave the


    Final Charge. We were pleased to have Bro. G. Harold Smith attending Lodge again. The balance-sheet was


    adopted as read, and disclosed a very satisfactory position. After passing accounts due for installation


    expenses, year's printing, and G.L. dues—a total of just under £50—it was decided to put £25 of balance at


    bank in the Post-Office Savings-Bank to earn interest. Our Lodge Tararua Benevolent Fund now stands at




    £32. Nomination of G.L. officers was held over, as we are going to try and make a strong effort to be


    included in the honours which are few and far between for country Lodges. A. pleasant hour was spent in the


    refectory, where a sad though gracious surprise was given our retiring W.M., W. Bro. Bacon, by presenting


    him with a splendid framed enlargement of his late son, Signaller T. R. Bacon, he having been killed on the


    Western front.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The regular meeting was held on 13th December, when there was a good attendance


    of brethren from the camp. Correspondence was read from various Lodges, thanking Waiwhetu for their


    kindness in conferring degrees upon their members in camp ; from G. Sec., forwarding nomination papers


    for G.L. officers. W. Bro. Hobbs and Rishworth were nominated. A letter was also read from Bro. Lowry, of


    No. 1 Stationary Hospital, sending H.G.W. to the brethren; also service cards from Bros. Glennie and


    McClure. Two candidates were elected, and two more proposed. The work of the evening was the Second


    Degree, and two brethren of the Lodge and one from Lodge Te Aroha were passed. W. Bro. Leighton


    obligated ; W. Bro. Hobbs communicated the Secrets; Bro. Teagle, S.W,, invested W. Bro. Graham, of


    Lodge Lincoln, and gave the Charge after Investiture; Bro. Harman, J.W., gave the S.E. Charge ; W. Bro.


    McLachlan explained the 2nd T.B. ; and Bro. Teagle presented the W.Ts. A feature of the evening was the


    splendid manner in which the candidate answered their questions, not a mistake being made. The rest of the


    business being concluded, the Lodge was closed at 9.30 p.m.— [Lodge Correspondent.]


    —————————


    ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.


    Victory, No. 12.—The last regular convocation of the year was held on the 23rd November, when V.E.


    Comp, J. L. Ching presided over a good attendance. The work was moderately heavy, and included the


    acknowledgment and exaltation of W. Bros. Wallace, Budden, Shaw-Thompson, and McInnes (Motueka


    Lodge), and W. Bro. Baird (Golden Bay, E.C.). E. Comp. A. W. Oxley acted as E.M., and the 1st Prin. took


    the exalted degree. Assistance in the work was given by V.E. Comps. Moyes, Moller, Stiles, and Bolton. It


    was decided to call off in December, and resume in January, when the following big batch will be


    advanced:— Bros. L. de Estcourt, H. P. Stephenson, A. E. Davies, T. Houlker, W. C. Hyde, G. Stratford, and


    L. W. Taylor. A. notice of motion to be considered at next meeting is "That the three Principals be the


    Masters of the three degrees, viz., the 1st Prin. to conduct the Exalted Degree, the 2nd Prin. the Excellent,


    and the 3rd Prin. the Mark. E. Comp. Rudman had only just been installed as 3rd Prin. when he received


    notice to transfer to Wellington. V.E. Comp. Harton has been elected to companionship.—[Chapter


    Correspondent.]