" THE GOOD MEN DO LIVES...
















    " THE GOOD MEN DO LIVES AFTER THEM."


    ———<>———


    IT has become almost axiomatic to hear it said on the death of some person that he is forgotten in ten


    minutes, told his place is filled in half-an-hour. If in this practical world, with its advanced codes, this has


    become immutable law, then it savours strongly of unkindness, not, to the dead, but to their memory in the


    thoughts of the living. No one is happy in the contemplation that a life well spent in the exemplification of


    domestic and public virtues is so soon forgotten after demise. Nor does such forgetfulness conform to the


    poet's ideal, or to the lessons he would inculcate. Thus Longfellow has the well-known lines:—


    "Lives of great men all remind us


    We can make our lives sublime;


    And, departing, leave behind us


    Footprints on the sands of time."


    That man does not tread in the footsteps of the " great " — or, as we prefer to designate it, the "good "—is


    largely due to the shortness of the public memory. Take, for example, one of the greatest and "good" men of


    the last century, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone. Notwithstanding his long life, largely devoted to the


    service of his country—and a most unselfish service—within a few short months he was virtually forgotten,


    and his great political example was rarely quoted or referred to except for political exigencies or to make


    political capital. And yet Shakespeare's quotation is so frequently paraphrased, "The good men do lives after


    them." Just here the question might be pertinent, what is the definition of the word "good"? And in reply it


    may be stated that there are few words in the vocabulary that are so prolific in definition. For our present


    purpose we select the following: " The quality of " doing good is to be kind, benevolent, humane, merciful."


    Collier says: "All quality that is good for anything is founded" originally in merit." Thus it would seem that


    the attributes necessary for being or doing good make the paraphrase of the caption of this article especially


    applicable to Freemasonry, in which body the events of good which are done during life are held in


    remembrance while memory lasts, and fully bears out that " a good name is better than precious ointment."


    We have many instances of those who have well and ably played their part in Freemasonry, who are held in


    evergreen remembrance by their brethren. The good they have done lives after them, and offers a shining


    example for emulation, even to those by whom they were not known. As one example of many, the M.W.


    Bro. who was first called to the chair of the G.L. of New Zealand was renowned in Freemasonry. He had


    filled the highest offices in his district under another constitution before the colonial G.L. was called into


    existence, and in all the offices he had held ho had amply justified the suffrages of his brethren. As a


    Freemason he was charitable, humane and just, and sought every occasion of doing good. Indeed, he had all


    those attributes which so largely contribute to the making of the "perfect" Mason. By his confreres he was


    ever held in the highest esteem. To the Craft generally his many brilliant Masonic qualities were fully


    recognised and heartily appreciated, while his Masonic knowledge on all subjects was sufficient to ensure


    that his admonitions and instructions should be received with respect and be attentively received. The


    majority of the Brotherhood of the G.L. of New Zealand of to-day had no personal knowledge of the late


    M.W. Bro. Thomson, but at a recent meeting where his name and services were mentioned the reference was


    received with the greatest applause. "The "good he had done lived after him," in contradiction to the practice


    of the world; and his is not by any means a solitary case. Were any additional incentive required to practice


    the Masonic virtues of being charitable, humane and just, and seeking, every occasion of doing good, it


    might be found in the knowledge that when we have been translated to a higher sphere the good we have


    attempted to do will keep us in the remembrance of our brethren, and may, perchance, offer some little


    example and help to teach the lesson—


    " That men may rise on stepping stones


    Of their dead selves to higher things."







    —————————


    LEAVE WELL ALONE.


    ———<>———


    It is generally conceded by a majority of the brethren—most certainly by those most competent to judge—


    that the diction of our ritual, addresses, charges, etc., is exceedingly beautiful as well as extraordinarily apt


    for the purposes desired. Its beauty mainly lies in its simplicity and in the sincerity and devotional spirit


    which it breathes. In it there is an utter absence of any straining after florid expression with a view to


    sensational oratorical effect. The language employed is, indeed, beautiful for exactly similar reasons, though


    in lesser degree, to those which mark the Holy Writings as pre-eminently the grandest and the greatest of all


    literature. Is it not strange, then, that quite a number of those whose duty it is to expound this ritual should


    seek to embellish and improve upon it by interpolations or addenda of their own? Well, to students of human


    nature it is not at all strange, because they are aware that the average human being is morally convinced that,


    had he only had the opportunity of arranging and managing this world, he could have done much- better than


    the Great Creator Himself. Philosophers will tell you that this overweening vanity on the part of the petty


    human being is not meant for irreverence in any way, but is a most useful trait, as making for human


    progress. There may be something in that; at the same time it would be difficult to find a decent category in


    which to classify the man who would publish an edition of the V. of S.L. containing amendments,


    interpolations and addenda embodying his own ideas and idiosyncracies. To return, however, to the question


    of our own ritual rendition, the substitution of a synonym or the alteration of a sentence, while retaining the


    meaning involved, is excusable enough when memory is slightly at fault, It is the interpolating of fancied


    improvements and the adding of phrases which is so greatly to be condemned; and this for two reasons. One


    is that it opens the door to wrong and unauthorised teaching; the other, that, except in very rare cases where


    the exceptionally skilled and gifted is in control, the literary harmony and contiguity are inevitably rudely


    disturbed, if not entirely destroyed. As an instance of the former, to take one out of very many which might


    be adduced, on several occasions the brother entrusted with the address to the newly installed Master has


    instructed him and also those present that he has been placed in a certain position "figuratively to represent


    the rising sun." This piece of gratuitous teaching, or supposed embellishment of the original, is not to be


    found in any authorised version of the address, and whence it originated is a mystery. But what is worse is


    that it is incorrect, a palpable misstatement of fact to anyone who will reason the matter out, and therefore


    erroneous instruction, calculated to disgust those who know and to amuse those too readily disposed to


    humorous criticism. The mental confusion responsible for the quick assimilation of this misstatement by the


    habitual interpolator of the ritual is quite easy of understanding. The new Master is admonished to


    symbolically imitate in his administration of his Lodge the beneficent effects of the "glorious luminary of


    Nature"; and in another place he is told that the symbolical reason for his occupying a certain position is that,


    as the sun, rising in the east, heralds the new day and does so many and great beneficent acts, so he, the


    Master, is where he is symbolically to do likewise as regards his Lodge, the brethren, and mankind generally.


    But this is not to say—nor is it anywhere said—that he figuratively represents the sun itself. The idea that it


    should be so is, indeed, too absurd to warrant labour of the point in its denial. As bearing out the second


    reason for condemning mutilation, amendments, or interpolations of the ritual at the whim or fancy of this or


    that exponent, one has only to recall how very rarely in literature collaboration is a success; or, again, how


    the unfinished posthumous works of authors, completed by some friendly writer, have almost invariably


    suffered in style and literary value because of that well-intentioned but alien touch. It is one thing to deliver


    an original address, and quite another, and far more difficult and unsatisfactory, to take another man's


    address and improve and polish it up. As a rule the latter results in the marring of the original and in an


    inharmonious literary effect disappointing to all concerned. It may be that this itching on the part of so many


    to "improve" the existing ritual is part of the insidious, if futile, Movement to "modernise " Masonry. But the


    Craft generally can take heart of grace, for of a surety a horde of Cook's tourists cannot modernise the


    Sphinx or the Pyramids, and Masonry is as ancient as are these. Our best advice to all brethren is, in dealing


    with the ritual, "to leave well alone."


    —————————


    THE following extracts from a circular issued by M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, G.Sec., will explain the


    position as regards G.L. officers for the current year : "In consequence of the annual communication of G.L.,


    which was convoked for 2nd May, 1917, at Invercargill, having lapsed, there has been no opportunity for the


    election and appointment of G.L. officials for the year 1917-18 in the ordinary statutory manner. To meet


    this emergency, and acting under directions from the M.W.G.M., I have obtained the resignations of all




    brethren who were appointed or elected at the annual communication of G.L. held in Auckland on 10th May,


    1916, in order that new officers may be appointed in their places." Under Rule 23 of the B. of C. these new


    appointments have now been made by the G.M. in accordance with—so far as the elected officers are


    concerned—the selection made for submission to the G.L. communication, 1917-18, by the B. of G.P.


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


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


    THE restricted train service between Wellington and its suburban districts will, of course, interfere


    considerably with the interchange of visits by the brethren of the respective localities. There are rumours,


    however, of a motor lorry service or something of the kind being substituted, which may alleviate the


    position. On special occasions the energy and enterprise of the Craft may well be relied upon to find a way


    out of existing difficulties.


    WELLINGTON brethren will unite in condolence and sympathy with W. Bro. T. Kirker, so well known to the


    Craft in this city, but at present W.M. of the Robert Burns. Lodge, Christchurch, on the occasion of the


    recent death here of his mother. Mrs. Kirker had attained the advanced age of 84 years.


    As hinted in the May issue, the editor of the CRAFTSMAN found himself able last, month to take a well-


    earned and much-needed rest holiday trip to Rotorua for a few weeks. While wishing him much accrued


    benefit therefrom, subscribers will, no doubt, generously overlook any shortcomings in this issue, due to the


    absence of the master mind and hand.


    THE " Freemason " (England) says : The Irish bull is, happily, not yet extinct, and its humour occasionally


    lightens the burden of existence. An excellent illustration was given a few evenings since at the installation


    meeting of Ulster Lodge, No. 2972. A brother responding to one of the toasts, in a speech as eloquent as only


    an Irishman can make, was carried away by his flight of oratory and besought the brethren "to look back into


    the dim, distant future." And, strange to add, he was ignorant of the cause of the sudden outburst of


    uproarious laughter until he had taken his seat and made the enquiry of a brother seated next to him, when


    his own laugh was as hearty as any.


    ELSEWHERE in this issue will be found an admirable address, delivered by its author, R.W. Bro. Keesing,


    before St. Andrew Kil. Lodge, No. 79, recently. We heartily commend its perusal by members of the Craft


    generally. Our thanks are due to R.W. Bro. McFarlane for his courtesy in forwarding us so excellent a


    Masonic paper.


    THE newspaper "Press" is responsible for the following :— While travelling on an underground railway in


    London at the time of the outbreak of war, Mr. Malcolm Niccol, G.Sec. of the G.L. of New Zealand


    Freemasons, was robbed of a valuable gold watch presented to him by the Freemasons. Mr. Niccol has just


    attained the jubilee of his admission into Freemasonry, and occasion was taken recently by a number of his


    Masonic friends in Auckland, in celebration of the event, to present him with another gold watch, similar to


    that stolen from him.


    LODGE HARVEY, Gore, has reduced the liability on its new building to £85, so that the Lodge is now within


    measurable distance of being free from debt.


    AN article headed "Wairarapa Notes " in a local contemporary contained a report of the Masterton Lodge


    installation. If the writer is a member of the Craft it would be as well if the W.M. of Masterton Lodge drew


    his attention to the constitutional rule forbidding publication of Masonic matters in the ordinary press.


    A CORRESPONDENT writes that the Masonic movement amongst the New Zealand troops at the front, which


    has resulted in the formation of an organisation to be known as the "New Zealand Expeditionary Force


    Masonic Association," has been warmly taken up at the various centres where portions of the Dominions'


    forces are congregated. At the Reserve Depot at Sling it has been decided to form a branch, and enquiries


    have also come from Boscombe, Brockenhurst, London, and other places. The headquarters of the


    association are with the New Zealand Division in the field in France.


    A WIDE circle of Masonic friends will heartily congratulate R.W. Bro. A. Veitch, of Lodge Waterloo, No. 13,


    on his appointment by the M.W.G.M. as G.S.W. for the current year. Similar congratulations from


    Wellington brethren will be extended to M.W. Bro. G. Menzies, G.Supt. of W., W. Bro. E. P. Rishworth,


    G.D. of C. and W. Bro. R. M. Roberts, G.S. The Wellington members of the B. of G.P. and B. of B.


    respectively are W. Bro. J. T. King and W. Bro. J. P. Shand. The complete list of new G.L. officers is


    published in this issue.




    THE members of the Waikaia Lodge of Instruction are most enthusiastic in their work, and have perfected


    themselves to such an extent that all the degrees have been studied and worked in a manner reflecting the


    highest credit on all concerned.


    THERE was an excellent attendance at the annual meeting of St. Mark's Lodge, notwithstanding that it was


    held on the night of Anzac Day, and that there were no trains from Featherston, which precluded all the


    soldiers in camp from being present.


    —————————


    SOUTHLAND NOTES.


    ———<>———


    At the after meeting of Lodge St. John, W. Bro. Frain congratulated the W.M. on having invited W. brethren


    from other Lodges to assist in the ceremonial work. He thought the innovation was a good one, and would


    greatly encourage visiting. Bro. Frain's remarks were received with favour, and W.Ms. may try the


    experiment in their respective Lodges, with undoubted good results.


    * * * *


    Keen disappointment is felt by brethren over the postponement of G.L. communication. The committees had


    all been busy, and preparations for the reception of visitors and for their entertainment were well in hand. It


    is hoped that Invercargill will be the first town honoured with G.L. when matters are again normal.


    * * * *


    W. Bro. Robison (Lodge St. John) will vacate the chair of K.S. with a feeling of duty well done; at least, that


    is everyone else's opinion. The year has been specially attractive from many points. The evening in October


    last, when a "Burns Night" was carried through so successfully, will long be remembered by those brethren


    who were privileged to be present. Bro. Robison, moreover, has been assiduous as a visitor to all parts of the


    Southland District, and this pleasing duty has been well reciprocated.


    * * * *


    The Hall Committee of the three Invercargill Lodges would be well advised to renew the crockery. After


    visiting Waihopai, one is struck with the very handsome cups, saucers, and plates that adorn tire social board,


    and on returning to the town the very harlequin appearance is rather jarring. The writer noticed that the


    Stewards of St. John had hired a special set to serve their excellent oyster soup at last meeting.


    * * * *


    W. Bro. George Reed is still a hospital patient, though his friends will be pleased to know he is mending.


    * * * *


    W. Bro. J. Aitken has had a severe illness; he is still confined to his home.


    * * * *


    Bro. W. D. Skelton, who has recently returned from the front, was a visitor at the Gore installation last


    month, and gave a most interesting resume of life at Gallipoli and France. He has promised to be present at


    the installation meeting of Lodge St. John, and many will be glad to meet, him again after his adventurous


    career.


    * * * *


    A very interesting exhibit is to hand from Bro. Hector Fallow, at present, "somewhere in France." The


    exhibit is an invitation to attend Jeanne D'Arc Lodge, No. 5, to be held at the Grand Hotel du Nord, rue de Is


    Grosse, Horloge, Rouen, on Thursday, 22nd February, 1917, at 5.45 p.m. precisely. The invitation is


    handsomely printed in English on a folded sheet, folio size. The agenda paper is very extensive, and includes


    passing three brothers to the F.C. ; ballot for five young members; ballot for and if approved to initiate two


    candidates; and ballot for ten proposed candidates. Then follows dinner at 8.15 p.m. We trust Bro. Fallow


    was able to accept the invitation to be present.


    ————————————————


    FOR SALE.


    —————


    Six Volumes of Gould's " History of Freemasonry "—Quite unsoiled, with original wrappers still on.


    Apply with offer to


    Manager, N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, Box 8, G.P.O., Wellington.




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


    CANTERBURY CHIPS.


    ———<>———


    A very fine fraternal gathering of the Masons of Canterbury will take place in Christchurch on 13th June,


    when representatives of the Lodges of South Canterbury will pay a visit to the Lodges of North Canterbury.


    Some forty or fifty brethren from the South are expected, and a right royal greeting will be extended to them.


    The gathering will be held under the auspices of St. Augustine Lodge, and the various positions will be filled


    by the Masters of the city Lodges, while the Masters of country Lodges will be asked to assist in the work.


    The function will be a combined meeting of Masons, irrespective of Constitution. The Dist.G.L., E.C., will


    attend, and the Prov.G.L., N.Z.C., will also be present. A record gathering of Masons upon this unique


    occasion is anticipated.


    * * * *


    A novelty is promised for the June meeting of Civic Lodge, as on that occasion the Lodge will be officered


    by the original officers as at its establishment some nine years ago. The M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall will be in


    the Chair of K.S., and the R W. Prov.G.M. Bro. J. Thornton will dignify the position of D.C.


    * * * *


    When Lodge Civic was established, the custom of a weekly lunaeon together was adopted and continued for


    some years, till it gradually lapsed. Recently this has been revived, and the weekly luncheon has been well


    attended and much appreciated by brethren. In passing, it may be mentioned that regular ' tables" of Masons


    are quite au established feature in this city in a number of hostelries. Brethren who lunch in town have


    gradually accumulated a little coterie with much consequent pleasure to themselves.


    * * * *


    The visit paid by 30 brethren of Canterbury Lodge, in seven motor cars, to the Ashburton Lodge on 8th May,


    was a most conspicuous success, and resulted in the largest and finest gathering of Masons ever held in


    Ashburton. The degree worked was the Third, the Brother being the Rev. H. M. Rogers, the Anglican


    clergyman of the town. A feature of the occasion was the splendid musical programme provided both in


    Lodge and in the "Fourth." A great many brethren of the Lodge are members of the Commercial Travellers'


    Club Concert Party, and have been consistently practising for a monster concert to be given on 24th May.


    They were, therefore, in excellent voice, and gave a series of items described by one brother of experience as


    "the finest musical programme I ever heard at any Lodge." To mark the occasion, the Canterbury Lodge


    presented the Ashburton Lodge with a fine set of black ebony gavels, very beautifully inscribed. The W.M.,


    W. Bro. S. A. Orchard, should feel proud of the fine showing made by his Lodge, but the Lodge would


    return the compliment by saying that he is fully worthy of the best support. Two of W. Bro. Orchard's


    brothers are soloists of fine capacity, and accompanied the party.


    * * * *


    Many brethren On being installed into K.S. Chair, will have felt what W. Bro. W. A. Johnstone expressed on


    being installed W.M. of Lodge Timaru, on 20th April. He then found, he said, that the whole of the 21 years


    he had been a Mason, he had been only on the porchway of Masonry, and what he had learned that night was


    too sacred to be thought lightly about.


    * * * *


    By the way, a good record in Masonry is held by W. Bro. Johnstone's father. In July he will complete fifty


    years' continuous membership in one Lodge, the Nightcaps Lodge, and doubtless that event will be duly


    noticed by our northern friends.


    * * * *


    The half-century mark has also lately been chalked up here in Christchurch by W. Bro. W. Cummings, but in


    his case it is 50 years a Mason, and not of the one Lodge. W. Bro. Cummings was made a Mason in England,


    but has for many years been a valued member of the Robert Burns Lodge and librarian of the Masters' and


    Past-Masters' Lodge. At the last meeting of the Robert Burns Lodge the health of the veteran was fittingly


    toasted.


    * * * *


    At the last meeting of Avon Lodge, word of his well being was received from Sergt.-Major Billson, who


    reported his safe arrival at Sling Camp, after an interesting voyage. He visited two Lodges—a Dutch and a




    Scottish—at Capetown, and reported very hearty treatment from the brethren there. Meetings of Masons


    were also held on board.


    * * * *


    Bowling and Masonry are very much combined in Christchurch, as well as in other parts of New Zealand.


    This was very clearly shown at the "Fourth" Degree of the Robert Burns Lodge on 15th May, when the initial


    steps for the formation of a Masonic bowling tournament were taken. W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs, of the Concord


    Lodge, was considering the matter of a match between a rink from his Lodge and one from Robert Burns


    Lodge, when the chairman, W. Bro. R. W. Eastwood, who was acting in the absence of W. Bro. T. Kirker,


    suggested that the other Lodges in Christchurch be asked to participate, and that an annual tournament be


    instituted. The matter was enthusiastically taken up by the W.Ms. present, and delegates were appointed


    from each of the Lodges represented to act as a committee in the carrying out of arrangements. W. Bro. L. B.


    Hart (Avon Lodge) promised a challenge cup, to be called the "Hart Challenge Cup," and the S.W. of Lodge


    Unanimity agreed to bring the matter before the Lyttelton members. It is proposed to hold the tournament in


    the spring and to make it an annual function, at which the lady friends of the members will be asked to assist.


    W.Bro. R. W. Eastwood was appointed as convener of the committee. It is expected that every Lodge in


    Christchurch and Lyttelton, with probably the country Lodges, will take part, and that the gathering will be


    another tie to bring Masons in the district together.


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


    FAITHFULNESS TO THE CRAFT.


    ———<>———


    [A Paper by R.W. BRO. KEESING, of Lodge St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.]


    BRETHREN,—What motive or motives influenced you to become members of the Craft? It is not at all


    probable that you were acquainted with the inner workings of our Lodge or the beauties of our ritual or


    ceremonies, and yet you gave a solemn pledge "that you were prompted to solicit the privileges of


    membership not through any coercion or undue persuasion, but by a favourable opinion pre-conceived of the


    institution, a general desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to render yourselves more extensively


    serviceable to your fellow creatures.


    Brethren, there is but one way by which you could have conceived a favourable opinion of our institution,


    and that is by having contact with men who were members of the Craft, by witnessing the kindly


    comradeship, the brotherhood, that was exhibited by them towards each other, by noting that they were good


    parents, husbands, and citizens, and by hearing of the many acts of kindness and thoughtfuhiess that they


    performed when occasion was presented to them. With these things in view it was natural that your good


    instincts would prompt you to seek closer companionship with these men whose lives and actions you


    admired. You have a desire for knowledge and to be more serviceable to your fellow men. Without any


    doubt, if you attend to your Lodge and your Masonic duties, and if you so conduct yourself as to command


    the respect and admiration of others, you will obtain a better knowledge of yourself and increase your ability


    to be of service to your fellows. Cultivate the noble principles upon which our society is founded—Brotherly


    Love, Relief, and Truth.


    " Brotherly Love,'' Brethren : Think of that principle often, and always when you think of it remember that


    there is no surer way to happiness than proving your love for the Parent God by extending a brotherly love to


    his children, your fellow men. It is said, ' Life is like a mirror." If you smile into your mirror it will smile


    back at you, and so it is with life. Every smile you give, every good or kind act you do, is reflected back


    upon you. Once possessed of that great principle, that great emotion, "Brotherly Love," the heart must


    prompt relief to the needy you may meet, for there can be no truth in the former if the latter does not result.


    "Truth" ! What a great, what an all-embracing word is "Truth" ! Shakespeare says : " To thine own self be


    true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man."


    Brethren, the glorious teachings of our Craft should impress us now more than ever before. The practice of


    Freemasonry should level all men to a common platform from which they may influence for good not only


    the individual, but by their united endeavours communities—aye, and even nations. Let us determine to


    cultivate truth, to avoid hypocrisy and sham, and to be honest and earnest in our endeavours to be more


    extensively useful to our fellow creatures. Let us as Freemasons awaken to the serious responsibilities and


    duties which devolve upon a body of intelligent men who preach and practise such noble principles as we do.


    Brethren, awake to the fact that if we are not faithful to our professions we are hypocrites. If we neglect that


    great Masonic principle, "Truth," then the community in which we live must be expected to do likewise. If




    we profess and do not perform, what result must we look for. Brethren, the answer to that question is


    "Germany." Have the Freemasons of Germany been faithful? Have they practised the principles of Brotherly


    Love, Relief, and Truth? The answer to that question is now being written in blood. Our Craft is largely


    represented in Germany, and we know that members of the Craft are numerous among their ruling classes.


    Therefore, brethren, let us take the lesson seriously to our hearts and determine as a powerful organisation to


    save our nation from a like fate by being faithful to our teachings. In Germany God is forsaken, and worldly


    power and wealth are erected in His place. The great and only religion recognised is "Might is right." What


    does that mean? It means that the power to do is its own justification for doing. It means that the doer is not


    responsible for his acts to God or man; that if he be strong enough, he is justified and entitled to perpetrate


    any act, however contemptible, however dastardly, however inhuman, until he meets with a stronger power


    to deprive him of his might. This is the position taken up by Germany to-day, and this is the exact antithesis


    of Freemasonry.


    Brotherly Love, Relief, and Troth will preserve and ennoble our nation and our Empire so that they shall


    never suffer the shame and degradation which is now being experienced by Germany.


    Brethren, the object of my short paper to-night is to endeavour to stimulate you to a keener sense of duty. I


    want you to recognise that when you became Freemasons you took upon yourselves serious responsibilities.


    The man who becomes a member of the Craft as a form of amusement only never should have been


    admitted. Such a man never was fit and proper to be a Freemason. A man of sound judgment knows how to


    distinguish between the time for serious considerations and the time for conviviality, and the latter is much


    more enjoyed when the former has been duly attended to. Brethren, I am sure I am voicing the wishes of the


    rulers of this Lodge when I say that it is open to every member to help in the good work we aim at. Every


    member should feel it his bounden duty to attend his Lodge every meeting if possible. Every member meets


    with some experience at some time or another, which would be of interest to the brethren, and possibly


    educational. Why should he not commit it to writing and submit it to the W.M., with an offer if he thinks


    desirable to read or recount it on some Lodge night? Many interesting and profitable items might be


    produced in such a way. The officers cannot be expected to make all the attractions of the meetings. They are


    elected to preside over, to conduct our ceremonies, and to control the deliberations of the Lodge, but they are


    not expected to do all the deliberating ; the brethren on the floor should take an intelligent part in all matters


    under discussion. It has been said that some brethren tire of attending to hear the same ritual repeated. May I


    advise you, brethren, to each procure a copy of that same ritual and study it. Practice reading it aloud, as


    though doing the work in the Lodge. Put your heart into it, and very soon the lovely teachings will have got


    into your heart. I have listened to the ritual for about thirty-seven years, and have never tired. I am of opinion


    that only he tires who listens to the words without digesting and assimilating the sentiment's. Nevertheless, I


    feel sure that the W.M. would give due consideration to any suitable item submitted to him by a brother for


    rendering either in Lodge or the refectory. In any case, brethren, I ask you to remember your obligation to


    attend your Lodge whenever possible, if within the length of your c.t. I would again impress upon you to


    practise outside of the Lodge those excellent precepts you are taught in it. You will thus retain your own self


    respect and command the respect of others. As evil communications corrupt good manners, so in reverse the


    .communication of good manners will break down evil and. corruption. Let each of us adopt the role of


    missionary and go into the world determined to influence some at least by the practice of our Masonic


    virtues, by the example of good living, by assisting the weak and aiding the strong in their endeavours for


    good. Let us never forget God, as the Germans have done. Let us pray that He may be pleased to bless our


    efforts to maintain justice and morality among the nations. May he bless our nation with success and the


    world with peace, and return to us at an early day in honour and safety our loved ones who are away.


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


    THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CANTERBURY.


    ———<>———


    "THE CARE OF OUR INITIATES."


    ————


    [W. BRO. S. PARNWELL SMITH, P.Prov.G.D. of C., read the Quarterly Address at the Meeting held on 17th


    April.]


    The subject that I have chosen for my address to-night is entitled "The Care of Our Initiates." It is a subject


    to which I have given much careful thought and attention, and one to which, I think, all Masters of Lodges


    should devote more consideration.




    We find, however, that most of our Masters are so fully occupied with the making of Masons, and so much


    engrossed with this all-important work, that they pay little or no attention to an initiate after he has passed


    through his three degrees.


    You will find (I am speaking now of the Craft as a body) that it is our one thought and aim to get as many


    eligible men as possible into our ranks. That is right, and should be so, for the more Masons we can make the


    better for our country, our laws, and our nation. It must be evident to the Craft in general that the greater the


    number of Masons in a community the better the conditions of life must be, owing to their individual and


    united influence.


    But, whilst we are anxious to make Masons, we should not be content merely with getting men into our


    ranks; we should certainly see to it that their entry into Masonry should be a permanent and lasting one. We


    are, however, faced with this undeniable fact, that a large number of men, and good men, too, enter our


    ranks, take a certain interest in our Order, and after a short period gradually drift away. Do we ever ask our-


    selves why this is so, or do we endeavour to rectify it? Is it that the conditions are such as to offer little or no


    inducement for them to hold it permanently, or is it that there is a want that the individual cannot explain,


    and which we do not put before him?


    We put a man through his three degrees, and then practically forget all about him, so anxious are we to


    proceed to the next initiation. If he cares to come along and see certain degrees worked over and over again,


    that is good; but a man wants something more than that. He wants something to induce him to come to our


    monthly meetings, and that something we do, not supply. We duly impress our initiates with the fact that


    they are expected to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge, but do we expect them to make that


    advancement by their own individual efforts? Have they the means whereby to do so, or should it not be our


    duty to give them opportunities of improving their knowledge of Masonry and provide the necessary means


    for them to do so?


    You may reply that they have the Lodge of Instruction for this purpose. To my mind the Lodge of


    Instruction, as at present constituted, is a misnomer. What instruction does an initiate get there? He comes


    along and sees a degree worked, often in a slipshod manner; hears the Preceptor praise, or find fault, as the


    case may be, and that is all. Lodges of Instruction should be called Lodges of Rehearsal, where certain


    officers and members are given certain ritual work to learn, and then come along to rehearse the same, or


    perhaps the degree to be worked the succeeding Lodge night may be gone through, and that is called


    instruction.


    I asked a very respected P.M. the other week why the Lodge was just, perfect and regular, why Jacob's ladder


    rested on the V. of S.L., and what was the symbolism of the Mosaic pavement on the floor of the Lodge? Not


    one of these questions could he answer, and yet he attends Lodge of Instruction and takes a prominent part


    therein.


    Just here I would like to draw a comparison between the Church and our Order. When a man signifies his


    intention to join a church he is waited upon by the minister of that particular church, and he is spoken to in


    regard of what is required of him as a member. He is prepared to some extent for his entry, and generally


    made to feel that he is already a member. Do many of our Masters take that interest in our initiates? When a


    man has become a regular member of a church, and is for any length of time absent from its meetings and


    services, he is waited upon by officers of the church to find out the reason for his absence, and an endeavour


    is made to ensure his more regular attendance. Do we bother ourselves to any great extent to get members to


    attend regularly?


    Again, you will find certain classes set up in connection with a church for the teaching and study of its


    doctrines and aims, at which one can make daily advancement in its principles and history. Now I come to


    the chief point in connection with our initiates. I consider that certain classes should be formed in connection


    with every Ledge, in which initiates and others could get a knowledge of our Masonic symbolism and


    history, and where they could ask for, and be given, an explanation of everything in connection with the


    working of the various degrees. I would go still further, and say that certain Lodge nights should be set apart


    for lectures on Masonic subjects. We have plenty of P.Ms. who could teach the rudiments a Masonry at these


    classes or lectures, and duly impress them on our initiates, so as to induce those initiates to go still further in


    their search for knowledge.


    I feel quite sure that these classes or meetings would be largely attended by initiates and members, and,


    moreover, they would be greatly appreciated by one and all. Also, the Craft as a whole would be able to


    attain a greater knowledge of its teachings and aims. Members, too, who are seeking a daily advancement in


    Masonic knowledge could be offered an opportunity of attaining this end.


    OBITUARY.


    THE LATE BRO. HENR Y S A IN T - GE OR GE.


    We are indebted to R.W. Bro. Bingham for the follow-
    ing extended notice concerning the death of the late Bro.
    Henry Saint-George, so well known here as the
    Examiner to Trinity College. The reference is taken
    from the London "Freemason's Chronicle " :—On the
    29th ult., Bro. Henry Saint -George, who was organist of
    the Authors Lodge and Chapter, No. 3456, and the St.
    Leonard Chapter, No. 1766, died on his return from
    India. He had had a perilous voyage, and had arrived a
    day sooner than was expected. Unfortunately, the strain
    he had endured in examining students, both in the plains
    and hills of India, for the Trinity College of Music, as
    well as the anxieties of the voyage, undermined his
    health, and he succumbed from the malady, although only
    just fifty years of age. His death is a great loss to his
    Mother Lodge, as he had always, when in England, taken
    an active part in whatever was going on. During nine
    years he had been an examiner for Trinity College, and,
    in that capacity, had toured through Canada, Australasia,
    New Zealand, and India. He had been elected a member
    of the Authors' Club in 1910, his qualifications being
    that he was the author of " The Bow, its History and
    Use".; " The Place of Science in Music " ; "Fiddles, their
    Selection, Preservation and Betterment" ; and " The
    Young Man from Stratford," dealing with the
    Shakespeare-Bacon controversy. At the Authors' Club
    Monday night discussions he was a fluent speaker, and
    had a remarkable gift of expressing himself tersely and
    eloquently. He had recently been engaged as an exten sion
    lecturer for the Selborne Society, and at one time he was
    a prominent member of the Paddington Conservative
    Association, speaking forcibly at their meetings.
    Moreover, he was a good draughtsman, and made many
    water colour sketches of the different places he visited,
    besides bringing back with him a large collection of
    photographs he had taken of Masonic temples in different
    parts of the Empire. His zeal as a Freemason dated from
    his initiation in the Authors' Lodge, on 20th March,
    1912. He took his Second Degree the following April,
    and the Third in May. Bro. Saint -George was exalted


    in the St. Leonard Chapter, No. 1766, on was March,
    1914. Although so recently a Mason, he was amongst the most
    zealous of its votaries. Wherever he went in his extensive travels,
    he visited the Masonic Lodge of the locality. He was fond of
    saying that, wherever he was





    In conclusion, I hope that this initial paper on an important subject may produce some little food for thought


    amongst Masters of Lodges, and that we may be able to look forward in the near future for practical results


    on the lines indicated.


    ————————


    NOTHING FOR NOTHING.


    ———<>———


    [By BRO. A. J. HEIGHWAY.]


    You'll get nothing out of Masonry—if you put nothing into it. That's the way with life, too. No man in this


    world ever got anything really worth while without paying the price for it. The athlete secures his muscles by


    work ; the student wins the prize by work; the business man achieves success by work ; and the Mason gets


    the best out of Masonry by work. Cheap bargains never are satisfactory. The better worth while a thing is,


    the heavier is the price demanded.


    It is no different with Masonry. You get nothing for nothing there. There is a price to pay. What are the two


    sides of this bargain—Masonry and the price demanded? What is Masonry ? It is a broad humanitarianism. It


    is a compelling agency to good deeds; it is a common solvent of creeds, a dissipator of dogma; by its agency


    men meet "upon the level," mingle in responsive love and fraternal peace. It soothes the inward mind and


    excites to a wide compassion. It leads the thought up to God, on to the future, out to humanity. It will do all


    this for you—if you pay the price. The price is not small—it requires a definite effort on the part of every


    individual. The price is responsiveness—responsiveness to the teaching of the Craft, and responsiveness to


    the appeal of humanity. The teachings of the Craft give you the principles of conduct, and humanity gives


    you the opportunity for their practice.


    This "Humanity," now : Humanity is a big and wide conception, and if you are going to wait till you can do a


    deed that will benefit the whole of humanity at one swoop—well, you'll wait some time. But don't forget that


    it's you and your neighbour—in the Lodge and out of it—who make up humanity. So start in now and do the


    good deeds that come handy.


    Masonry is like everything else really worth while in this, too, that the more you put in the more you get out.


    That isn't the case with quite everything, even with gold-mines, but it does apply in Masonry. The more


    deeply a brother studies its teachings, the more faithfully he applies its principles, the more energy he puts


    forth, the greater will be his return. Look at this in relation to your Lodge. There are two sorts of brethren


    you will notice—the workers and the drones. The worker is the enthusiast who pours forth his energy


    unsparingly, who always has the good of his Lodge or of a brother at heart, and works keenly to that end. He


    is a joyous, cheerful soul, at whose coming all faces light up, and round whom the very life of the Lodge


    revolves. The drone, on the other -hand, sits back, and is prepared to receive rather than give. He makes no


    stir to penetrate the mysteries of the Ritual and the Craft, responds to no appeal to his spirit or to his mind,


    remains in intellectual stagnation, when he might be vibrating with life. Neither in a beehive nor in a Lodge


    is a drone popular. It is against reason that he should be. Life is a mutual sort of business. We none of us give


    much for nothing. It can't be done, really. There is mutual giving in friendship, and there must be mutual


    giving in Masonry. If a brother complains that he is getting very little out of Masonry, he should pause and


    inquire what he is putting into it? He'll get nothing back, unless he gives something out. He might ask, "What


    can I give?" Well, even if his abilities are not great, he can give a sympathetic understanding to the ritual, a


    regular attendance at Lodge, a cheerful mien and friendly advances to brethren to whom he may not formerly


    have spoken; he might make a point of discovering the good in every fellow brother, and perhaps will


    discover chances of lending quiet assistance. And it must be remembered that these gifts to Masonry are on a


    relative and not on an absolute basis. We can't all be Masters, but it is mere truth to say that cheerful and


    loyal floor members can do even more for the general harmony of the Lodge than can the Master. A cheerful


    word or a sympathetic understanding extended from one floor member to another may be of priceless


    worth—may smooth a rough path, or soothe a troubled mind. And if this atmosphere of "giving" were


    prevalent, each brother would find that he was "receiving" in return. The more he called upon his nature for


    sympathy to others, the greater capacity for sympathy would he discover in himself. The more he practised


    Masonic principles, the greater would he find his comprehension and understanding of them to be. In paying


    out the price he would be discovering the return. The more he put into Masonry, the more would he get back.


    Energy always recoups itself. The athlete's energy yields muscle, the student's energy, brain, and the Mason's


    energy the greatest of all—character and nobility of soul. Therefore, give that ye may receive.


    ————————




    THE WELLINGTON UNITED BOARD OF ENQUIRY AND BOARD OF CASUAL RELIEF.


    ———<>———


    The annual meeting of the Wellington United Board of Enquiry was held on 15th April. W. Bro. Neilsen,


    President, congratulated the members of the Board on the excellent work which had been done during the


    year, and thanked them for the interest they had displayed in furthering the business of the Board. The


    election of officers resulted in W. Bro. J. Firth being elected President; W. Bro. W. C. Robinson, Vice-Presi-


    dent; and W. Bro. Henry Hobbs re-elected Secretary. W. Bro. Neilsen and the Secretary were accorded votes


    of thanks for their services during the year. Owing to the increased cost in the working expenses of the


    Board, the levy for the year was fixed at the old rate of £1 5s. per Lodge. Each Lodge also to pay the sum of


    2s. 6d. per candidate forwarded to the Board for consideration. During the year 99 candidates had been


    considered by the Board, of whom 92 were recommended, 4 not recommended, and 3 withdrawn.


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


    Correspondence


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


    MORE LIGHT.


    ———<>———


    TO THE EDITOR.


    DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Can you oblige by throwing some more light on the following cryptic paragraph in


    the report of the Prov.G.M. of the Wellington District to G.L. in connection with this year's communication


    of that body ? "The old system of allowing each Lodge to arrange the details of its own ceremonial work,


    whilst carefully observing ancient charges and landmarks, was, I consider, preferable to the schoolboy-like


    lessons now so often in evidence." On the face of it, if this is meant as a reflection on the ceremonial working


    in the Lodges in this district, speaking with considerable experience, I have no hesitation in terming it both


    unjust and unwarranted. The Lodges very closely conform to the scheme as laid down for their instruction


    and guidance in the Ritual of the G.L. of New Zealand. If it is a criticism and a belittlement of the Ritual of


    the G.L. of New Zealand, coming where it does, and not as a private communication to the B. of G.P., it


    would seem to be in questionable taste on the part of a brother whom G.L. has delighted to so signally


    honour.—Yours fraternally,


    A. M.M. OF MANY YEARS' STANDING.


    [We had not seen the paragraph until you drew our attention to it. Like yourself, we quite fail to grasp its


    meaning.—ED. C.]




    OBITUARY.


    ———<>———


    THE LATE BRO. HENRY SAINT-GEORGE.


    —————


    We are indebted to R.W. Bro. Bingham for the following extended notice concerning the


    death of the late Bro. Henry Saint-George, so well known here as the Examiner to Trinity


    College. The reference is taken from the London "Freemason's Chronicle " :—On the


    29th ult., Bro. Henry Saint-George, who was organist of the Authors Lodge and Chapter,


    No. 3456, and the St. Leonard Chapter, No. 1766, died on his return from India. He had


    had a perilous voyage, and had arrived a day sooner than was expected. Unfortunately,


    the strain he had endured in examining students, both in the plains and hills of India, for


    the Trinity College of Music, as well as the anxieties of the voyage, undermined his


    health, and he succumbed from the malady, although only just fifty years of age. His


    death is a great loss to his Mother Lodge, as he had always, when in England, taken an


    active part in whatever was going on. During nine years he had been an examiner for


    Trinity College, and, in that capacity, had toured through Canada, Australasia, New


    Zealand, and India. He had been elected a member of the Authors' Club in 1910, his


    qualifications being that he was the author of "The Bow, its History and Use".; " The


    Place of Science in Music" ; "Fiddles, their Selection, Preservation and Betterment" ; and


    "The Young Man from Stratford," dealing with the Shakespeare-Bacon controversy. At




    the Authors' Club Monday night discussions he was a fluent speaker, and had a


    remarkable gift of expressing himself tersely and eloquently. He had recently been


    engaged as an extension lecturer for the Selborne Society, and at one time he was a


    prominent member of the Paddington Conservative Association, speaking forcibly at their


    meetings. Moreover, he was a good draughtsman, and made many water colour sketches


    of the different places he visited, besides bringing back with him a large collection of


    photographs he had taken of Masonic temples in different parts of the Empire. His zeal as


    a Freemason dated from his initiation in the Authors' Lodge, on 20th March, 1912. He


    took his Second Degree the following April, and the Third in May. Bro. Saint-George


    was exalted in the St. Leonard Chapter, No. 1766, on 11th March, 1914. Although so


    recently a Mason, he was amongst the most zealous of its votaries. Wherever he went in


    his extensive travels, he visited the Masonic Lodge of the locality. He was fond of saying


    that, wherever he was received as a guest, he was expected to do three things, namely,


    make a speech, play the organ, and play a solo on the viol d'amore, for Bro. Saint-George


    was a remarkable violinist, and, apart from that, had an extraordinary knowledge of


    obsolete string instruments, being a good executant on the viol d'amore and viola da


    gamba. The Ladies' Nights of the Authors' Lodge, in which he took part, will be


    remembered by all who attended them, as he and Mrs. Saint-George were active in


    providing the musical programme. But he never wished to put himself forward, saying


    that if anyone else wished to appear, he would stand aside. He was a man of broad views,


    generous disposition, and, like all brethren who have travelled far, was profoundly


    impressed with the greatness of the future, not only of the British Empire, but of British


    Freemasonry. The funeral took place at Paddington Cemetery, Willesden Lane, on the 1st


    February, and the Authors' Lodge and Chapter sent a wreath, as did the St. Leonard


    Chapter, the last rites being attended by a deputation of brethren, who placed a sprig of


    acacia in the grave. The greatest sympathy is felt with the widow and her son in their


    bereavement, and brethren in different parts of the Empire who have been acquainted


    with Bro. Saint-George will be grieved to hear of his premature death.




    NOTES ON THE MASONIC APRON.


    Bro. A. Cadbury Jones, Secretary-General of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia, lectured recently in


    Bradford on "The Masonic Apron," and we are now privileged to make the following extracts from the


    lecture then delivered. After dealing with the origin of the apron and its symbolical meaning, particularly as


    regards Freemasonry, Bro. A. Cadbury Jones proceeded :—


    Among the Israelites the girdle formed a part of the investiture of the priest. In Persia, where the mysteries of


    Mithras were observed, a white apron was placed upon the candidate; while in Hindustan a sash, termed the


    sacred zenner, was used. The Essenes used a white robe bordered with a blue riband, the emblem of holiness,


    and, coming to more modern times, we are informed by Koempfer that the Japanese in certain of their rites


    invest the candidate with a white apron. In some of the Scandinavian ceremonies a white shield was used,


    but the instruction given was very similar to that used by Masons. And so in all ages and amongst all


    peoples—Indian, Persian, Jewish, Ethiopian, and Egyptian—the apron has always been a badge of


    distinction.


    Eumolpus of Thrace was an initiate of Ceres,' at Eleusis (1350 B.C.), and was appointed High Priest. The


    office remained in his family for 1,200 years. He it was who instituted the lamb's skin as a symbol of peace


    and goodwill. Hence our ancient brethren insisted on our badge being worn only when love and harmony


    prevailed.


    With regard to the M.M. Apron, the three rosettes denote not only that the wearer has passed the Third


    Degree, but they also represent the Sacred Delta, or Supreme Triangle, which in ancient religious systems


    was a symbol of Truth; and those who made a declaration upon it were conscious of the solemnity attached


    thereto, as well as of a penalty attending a violation of an obligation. The symbol is well known to all


    students of antiquity; it was the sacred sign of the great Triad, and, in modern times, of the Trinity.


    Then we have two ribands, which are the ends of the stole worn by the higher priesthood. In Egypt this was


    placed upon the aprons in a manner very similar to that of to-day. As the clothing became more extended the


    stole was lengthened, until it was eventually hung from the shoulders, and finally suspended round the neck




    with the long ends hanging over the gown. At one period the stole became so common amongst all classes of


    priests that the Council of Laodicea forbade its use by the inferior orders of clergy. In our churches we note


    that it is worn by ordained priests with the ends hanging, while the minor clergy wear it sash fashion over the


    left shoulder.


    From the ends of the Masonic stole depend fringes or tassels, each of which consists of seven ropes or cords.


    It is commonly supposed that these are relics of the tie band; in some of the earlier aprons the tassels are


    missing, and where there were tassels they were supposed to be the ragged ends of the tie. But this


    supposition is not correct.


    The tassels, by regulation of G.L., are divided into seven ropes or drops; these are reminiscent of the seven


    stoles of Isis, which were the equivalent of the seven stepped ladder, or the seven altar steps in the mysteries


    of Mithras. Then there was the seven-fold division of things, which implied that each of the seven planets


    has special influence over the seven ages of man. Amongst the Hebrews the tassel or fringe was of great


    importance; the Talmud is explicit, for it explains that the precept concerning the fringe is so great that he


    who diligently observes it is regarded in the same light as if he had kept the whole Law. The virtue of these


    in recalling the attention of the wearers to the Divine commands, and preserving them from sins they had


    been on the point of committing, is said to be very great. (Numbers xv., 39, and Deuteronomy xxii., 12.)


    We may therefore conclude that the apron is intended to remind us of our moral and social welfare, and


    above all of those exalted precepts which are enshrined in our ritual—precepts which have descended to us


    from the remotest times (as we put it, from time immemorial), and whose meaning is never to defame,


    slander, or injure a brother, but to defend him and his while mortal life shall last, and thus extol the Creator,


    T.G.A.O.T.U. Whose beneficence protects us, Whose love sustains us, and Whose motto is Charity—Charity


    of word, Charity of thought, and Charity of deed.—" The Freemason,"






    —————————


    FREEMASONRY IN KATHIAWAR, BOMBAY PRESIDENCY.


    ———<>———


    The annual installation meeting of Lodge Kathiawar was held in the Masonic Hall on Saturday, 10th March,


    when H.H. Sir Ranjitsinghji, Jam Sahib, was installed as W.M. for the ensuing year by the D.D.G.M. who


    had come up from Bombay specially for the purpose. There was a good attendance of members, the


    proceedings being ably supervised by the retiring Master (W. Bro. H. J. Anti). and the .See. (W. Bro. G. M.


    Munshi). After the meeting the members adjourned to the banquet, where covers were laid for sixty guests,


    many of them being invited for the occasion and comprising the principal residents of Rajkot -and district. In


    the course of the evening H.H. the Jam Sahib announced a donation from himself of Rs.5,000 towards the


    funds of the- Lodge, for which he was thanked.




    [The above cutting from the " Times of India" of 17th March refers to the old Cambridge cricketer, Ranji, the


    Jam Sahib of Nauanaggar, Kathiawar, Bombay Presidency. He is a Rajput by caste—a high caste of


    Hinduism. Lodge Kathiawar belongs to the English Constitution.]






    Poetry.
    SOME TIME AT EVE.


    ———<>———


    Some time at eve, when the tide is low,


    I shall slip my moorings and sail away


    With no response to a friendly hail,


    In the silent hush of the twilight pale,


    When the night stoops down to embrace the day -


    And the voices call in the water's flow—


    Some time at, eve, when the water is low.


    I shall slip my mooring and sail away


    Through purple shadows that darkly trail


    O'er the ebbing tide of the unknown sea,


    And a ripple of waters to tell the tale


    Of a lonely voyager, sailing away


    To mystic isles, where at anchor lay


    The craft of those who have sailed before,


    O'er the unknown sea to the unknown shore


    A few who have watched me sail away,


    Will miss my craft from the busy bay;


    Some friendly barks that we anchored near,


    Some loving souls that my heart held dear,


    In silent sorrow will drop a tear ;


    But I shall have peacefully furled my sail


    In mooring sheltered from storm and aale,


    And greeted the friends who have sailed before


    O'er the unknown sea to the unknown shore.


    —LiZzie Hardy Clark in " Dalruth Masonic


    Calendar."


    —————————


    THREE GATES,


    ———<>———


    If you are tempted to reveal


    A tale someone to you has told


    About another, let it pass


    Before you speak, Three Gates of Gold.


    Three narrow gates—First, "Is it true ?"


    Then, "Is it needful?" In your mind


    Give truthful answer. And the next


    Is the last and narrowest, " Is it kind ?"


    And if to reach your lips at last


    It passes through these gateways three,


    Then you may tell the tale, nor fear


    What the result of speech may her—Exchange.


    —————————


    NEARING THE JOURNEY'S END.




    ———<>———


    A little more tired at close of day ;


    A little less anxious to have our way;


    A little less ready to scold and blame;


    A little more care for a brother's name ;


    And so we are nearing the journey's end,


    Where time and eternity meet and blend.


    A little less care for bonds and gold


    A little more zest in the days of old;


    A broader view and a saner mind,


    And a little more love for all mankind ;


    A little more careful of what we say ;


    And so we are faring- a-down the way.


    A little mare love for the friends of youth ;


    A little less zeal for established truth ; •


    A little more charity in our views;


    A little less thirst for the daily news;


    And so we are folding our tents away


    And passing in silence at close of day.


    A little more leisure to sit and dream ;


    A little more real the things unseen ;


    A little bit nearer to those ahead,


    With visions of those long-loved and dead;


    And so we are going where all must go,


    To the place the living may never know.


    A little more laughter, a little more tears,


    And we shall have told our increasing years ;


    The book is closed, and the prayers are said,


    And we are a part of the countless dead.


    Thrice happy, then, if some soul can say:


    " I live because he has passed my way.'


    — M.C.L., in " Brotherhood."


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


    THE OPPORTUNITY OR FREEMASONRY.


    The horror of the European War hangs like a pall over the world. It would seem that the veneer of


    Christianity and civilisation had been stripped from mankind, and that humanity stands revealed in more than


    primitive barbarity. War has lost its glamour. No longer man pits his personal strength and powers against


    his antagonist in fair and open combat, but, entrenched behind barriers at heretofore inconceivable distances,


    he pumps his death-dealing missiles into the ranks of his enemies with as little thought as the miller's boy


    pours the grain into the hopper.


    The veriest coward, skulking deep in the depths of the ocean, may hurl a bolt that will consign thousands of


    his unsuspecting fellows to unknelled graves; or flying far above and beyond the lines of his foes, drop death


    and destruction upon the heads and homes of his hapless women and children.


    Such, in outline, is the picture of war in the boasted twentieth century —war more merciless, less scrupulous


    than any other in written annals.


    It is to this feast of horrors that the nations of the Old World seem to be inviting, impelling ours. May the


    Power of Peace so subdue our passions that we decline the invitation.


    But there is another side to the picture. No man knows to what depths of sorrow and suffering, through how


    many weary months, perhaps years, this war will drag its awful horror. Yet all men know that after clouds


    conies sunshine ; after darkness, light.


    When the end has come and the cost is counted, nations will want to civilise, not Mexicanise, their subjects.


    Who shall lead in the great work of binding up the wounds and healing the differences of the peoples ?




    This question cannot be answered in the spirit of narrowness and bigotry; the fair and open-minded man will


    admit that there are at least a trinity of forces that are entitled to strive to harmonise and pacify the world, so


    diverse, so incongruous, so antagonistic now and in times past, that to enumerate them in the same sentence


    seems ridiculous.


    Masonry, least in numbers, will claim her place because her first tenet is so broad that all men can stand


    thereon. "Brotherly love teaches us to regard the whole human species as one family; the high, the low, the


    rich, the poor, who as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support,


    and protect each other. On this principle Freemasonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion, and


    conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at perpetual strife. "


    Masonry has been too provincial. She refuses, even in this country, to unite her States in one Grand


    Jurisdiction.


    With many of the Masons of the Old World we refuse even to fraternise.


    Though professing the broad tenet, we have looked askance at brethren of every other tongue or race.


    The second power, the greatest numerically, is the Roman Catholic Church, which holds sway over perhaps


    sixty per cent. of the people at war. Her voice must be for universal peace, for her people are a large part of


    every so-called Christian nation on earth.


    The other factor in the problem are the Socialists, who teach the common brotherhood of man and the


    abolition of war. It has been claimed that their growing power made several monarchs willing to hasten the


    war.


    The Socialists are the bitter foes of Catholicism, and as a class scorn Masonry.


    Will, then, Masonry, in the spirit of its tenets, forget her animosities, magnify her agreements, minimise her


    differences, and make common cause in beating swords into plough-shares and spears into pruning hooks ?


    Universal peace should be the universal slogan. Is Masonry prepared to embrace her golden opportunity?


    —A. C. Bagnall, in the "Masonic Bulletin," America.


    ———————————————


    MASONRY : ITS RITUALISM.


    ———<>———


    Every organisation has its extended form and its inward vital essence. The form is the natural protection of


    all that which, dwelling within, gives life, beauty, excellence and worth. Nature abounds in examples. The


    plant has its organs arranged so as to prevent the destruction of the more delicate parts, that its life may be


    preserved to accomplish the end of its being.


    Man is "so fearfully and wonderfully made" that every part is "fitly framed " to protect the vital organs, to


    facilitate action and produce power. The bones composing the skeleton are hollow, that lightness may be


    secured without weakness.


    Constant contact with, and the observation of, the beauties of nature lead to the adoption of a similar plan in


    the construction of every successful human institution. Masonry has such a form, rendered almost divinely


    beautiful by its inward stores of essential power and vitality. Having existed for a time " whereof the memory


    of man rtumeth not to the contrary," its origin is veiled in the deepest mysteries of antiquity. To reach the


    source of this ethical Nile, sage and philosopher have struggled in vain. Friend and foe, one to sustain and


    the other to annihilate, have embarked in fruitless expeditions to discover this humane and beneficent North


    Pole. This coy maiden, " with countenance demure and modest grace," though leaving abundant evidence of


    her benignant reign, has baffled all the attempts of her curious friends and malicious enemies to discover the


    land or the time of her birth, but upon every near approach of curiosity, knowledge, or opposition, hides


    among the dense mazes of the remotest antiquity. Though her origin is thus obscured, her exceeding great


    wealth of beauty and of worth presents Masonry to the world as worthy of all imitation and study.


    ITS RITUALISM.—Masonry Seizes upon an operative art to teach and enforce a speculative science. Its


    outward form— its body—is its ritualism, which for unnumbered ages has been and is still in substance the


    same. While differing in its less important minutia; in different lands, it is, nevertheless, the protection and


    covering of a soul or essence, which differs neither "jot nor tittle" among all the peoples of the whole world.


    Human beings throughout the world, varying in the unimportant incidents of dress, colour, stature and habits,




    are, in the essential structure of their inner powers of body and soul, the same; at least similar, Hic et


    ubique—here and elsewhere.


    The catholicity of Masonry is shown by the precepts and practices which characterise its work among those


    of every clime, race, or tongue. Its universality and antiquity convince unbelievers of its excellence and


    disarm ignorant antagonists. An institution based upon a false foundation or inculcating dangerous or corrupt


    principles cannot become universal nor exist, for a long period without supposing humanity to be ignorant,


    corrupt, or vile. Those, therefore, who would, through ignorance, ridicule our excellent institution, or through


    malice attempt to destroy it, must concede that their own race is their worst enemy. On the other hand, those


    who uphold its sublime precepts know that it leads to the strongest manhood where mercy always seasons


    justice.


    After thus reviewing the incontestable proofs of its worth and strength, we can profitably contemplate its


    form and the means of increasing its usefulness and accelerate its progress. As a sound body is essential to


    the existence and usefulness. of a sound mind, so ritualism, the body of Masonry, must be definitely


    understood and faithfully adhered to in order that the tenets of our institution may be kept in a salutary


    condition before whose lives are impressed with their influence. Thousands of years have perfected the


    forms and ceremonies of the several degrees in Masonry. They come to us hallowed by the memories of the


    past and sanctioned by immemorial usages, and it is hardly probable that in obscure Lodges, whose members


    are often ignorant of the meaning or philosophy of these symbols and rites, any improvements can be made


    in the ancient landmarks, historical and traditional ceremonies of the institution. The closest adherents to the


    ritual are the brightest and most useful Masons, and Lodges becoming most perfect in the standard work are


    most successful, attract the best men„ and receive most advantages from a full attendance of the


    membership. When has the true Masonic heart, wearied and grown tired of the careful, effective initiation of


    the neophyte When did the delineation of the beauties of operative and speculative Masonry to the


    wondering F.C. lose its freshness? To whom has the story of the widow's son, with its sad pathos, its thrilling


    tragedy, and its sublime lessons of life, death and immortality, ever been told, and the heart and the pulse


    beat not the quicker? Our ritualism, then, is the outward organism used to protect, foster and maintain those


    noble tenets which have made memorable the noblest of human societies. It, therefore, becomes the duty of


    Lodge and individual craftsmen everywhere and at all times to preserve in their primitive purity the several'


    ceremonies of the institution, neither adding to nor taking therefrom.—" Scottish Rite Bulletin."


    ———————————————


    THE SQUARE.


    ———<>———


    We have been thinking of late very much about the deep and impressive significancy of a square. It is one of


    the leading emblems used in the Masonic institution, and is not only indispensable in the operations of


    practical Masonry and other mechanical pursuits requiring accuracy of workmanship, but its significancy in


    moral instruction is of that substantial and impressive character which is essential to success. Of all our


    emblems it is the chief. In all our rehearsals it is named first. It stands at the head of the list, and next in


    importance to the great Book of God. And why ? We wish we could tell to the readers of the "Bulletin " the


    wonderful properties of the square, or repeat to them its lessons of priceless wisdom.


    A square is an angle of ninety degrees, or the fourth part of a circle. It is an instrument which consists


    essentially in having at least one straight edge at right angles to another." In mechanical labours it is used for


    the purpose of testing the accuracy of angles and ascertaining their completeness, or the fitness of parts to fill


    their places in the whole. As, whether timber or stone is square, and therefore prepared to be put into the


    building.


    As used in the Lodge in the mystic labours it means Truth and Virtue. It represents Truth—absolute,


    unerring, eternal Truth ; and as such is applied to the moral workmanship of the Craft, to test its accuracy


    and fitness. If it will not endure the application of the square, then it is not good work, and must be rejected ;


    nor is he who performed it a good workman. He is not yet a Master, but only an Apprentice, or at most a F.C.


    He cannot, or does not, make work which will stand examination by the square—by truth—and hence his


    education is incomplete.


    Masonry teaches us to subdue the passions, to conquer our appetites, do justly to all men, and obey the


    commands of the Master—God. Until we can do all this our work is not square, and we should be continued


    in our apprenticeship. The practice of advancing an Apprentice to the position of a F.C., whose business is to




    test the work and who are presumed to be proficient themselves, is a practice ruinous to the best interest of


    the members, and not at all creditable to the professions we make.


    But to make men Masters, whose work is neither a square nor an oblong, but only fitted to be cast among the


    rubbish, is to depart essentially and fatally from the precepts of the fathers. What does that degree imply ?


    That the candidate has learned to handle the axe, chisel, or mallet, or all of them ? No, but that they have


    produced perfect specimens of work, and not only so, but that they are able to apply the required tests, and


    tell when the work is perfect. The rough corners of the native ashlar must be removed; profanity, falsehood,


    intemperance and every moral deformity which disfigures the moral character must be removed; and the


    heart, disposition, tempers, life, affections—all so chastened, subdued and elevated that they will endure the


    application of the square—Truth, Divine Truth. Then, and not until then, according to the genius of Masonry,


    should the tyro be advanced to honours or distinctions.


    Truth is unbending, unchangeable, eternal. It is the same to-day that it was when our ancient brethren were


    toiling in the mountains of Lebanon, or placing the capstone upon the glorious edifice in Jerusalem. "Fear


    God and keep His commandments," is the perpetual rule of human action. And human action that will not


    abide the test of that square will not be suitable for the spiritual temple in the heavens.


    The square, in Masonic language, is also synonymous with Virtue—" the square of truth and virtue." Human


    action must be directed by these; human character must be formed of them. To be truthful and virtuous—this


    should be, must be, the aim of every faithful and upright Mason.


    We fear our work is not finished with reference to the square; nor is that instrument applied to it as it should


    be. We go too fast; we hurry things—don't wait and watch and try. Anything will do if it will only bear an


    outside polish, whether square or not. We fear unless we are careful our structure will begin to lean—perhaps


    totter—it may be, fall—unless we are more careful in .preparing the material that is presented at our temples


    for the application of the square.


    Then, brethren, understand how to use the square and apply it to every rough ashler and find out if it is free


    from spot or blemish, and if it will make a perfect ashler fit for that temple not made by hands eternal in the


    heavens.—" Scottish Rite Bulletin,"


    ———————————————


    SYMBOLISM


    ———<>———


    Symbolism is the language of the world, and yet, strange to say, it is only in Freemasonry, as the grand


    successor of all ancient, mysteries that this fact is fully appreciated and acknowledged. What is an idea or a


    thought ? Who can answer? We know of no reply, and can make no reply except by a symbol, which is a


    word. Words printed or written are but the symbols of sound, and sound, to become intelligible, is but the


    expression of letters. We think, for instance, of God ; that is, we think of the great creative intelligence which


    brought the world and us into existence, and we do not know by what He calls Himself, but we do know that


    He makes Himself manifest to our natures by His own spiritual power and influence.


    You, could not know that I was thinking of Him unless I gave you a symbol of my thought, and such a


    symbol as you could understand, and knowing that you know Him by a certain name, I give the sound of that


    name and write G O D, which being pronounced or sounded gives the word "God." Nine-tenths of religion is


    expressed by symbols. For instance, the Christians use the Cross, which is the emblem of sacrifice and


    suffering. They use bread and wine as emblems of flesh and blood, and they use water in baptism as the


    emblem of purification.


    Other religions have also their symbols of sacrifice and offerings, and without this symbolism all religion


    would become at once a silent faith without a single word to express it. The ancient astrologists, who forgot


    and lost more than the world has ever learned since, taught altogether by symbolism, and as for the ancient


    mysteries of the philosophers, which taught more in their alphabet than we have learned in our most com-


    plete works, they had no language but symbols. It is not strange, therefore, that our fraternity, springing from


    the womb of science now unknown, should have symbols instead of words; and what a glorious and simple


    symbolism it is! Brother, have you ever taken up a square and compass Masonically, and sat down and


    studied them? Just think of the world of thought that clusters around them in the lessons of the several


    degrees of Masonry. They convey a morality in the First Degree that has no equal in any code of morals


    extant; and in the Seventh Degree, or R.A., the compass tells a story of God that we can find nowhere else


    outside of the Great Light. Take up the plumb and just let your mind roam over all it teaches, and then ask




    yourself if you will ever be able to live up to all that this one single symbol teaches. So with every other;


    there is a volume in each, and were we a preacher we think we could take the Masonic symbols for texts and


    talk to our fellow-men for a century without becoming exhausted. Yet how sad it is to see a Master explain


    these symbols with about as much feeling as a daily labourer would tell an apprentice how to knock corners


    off of a stone with a common hammer. After all, Masonry has its first and only home in the heart and soul,


    and unless the Mason is one there originally, all the degrees in the world will not make him one, and if his


    heart is not all right he is only so much " dead wood " in a Lodge-room.


    Brethren, study your symbols ; there is a whole world in them.—"Louisville Bulletin."


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


    Reports


    ———————————————————————————————————————————
    Secretarial and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]


    ————


    CRAFT LODGES.


    ————


    SOUTHLAND.


    Southern Cross, No. 9.— The Lodge held its regular meeting on Friday, 4th May. There was a fair


    attendance of members and visiting brethren. The very impressive ceremony of raising was carried out in an


    admirable manner, W. Bro. W. A. Stout being assisted by W. Bro. J. Critchfield (T.H.), W. Bro. Pilcher


    (W.Ts.), W. Bro. Roberts (Explanation of Ss.), W. Bro. Lowry (Final Charge). The V. of S.L. on which the


    candidate had been obligated was presented by R.W. Bro. W. Smith. The election of officers was held the


    same evening. Two new members were elected and one proposed. At the after-meeting W. Bro. W. Robison


    proposed the toast of the W.M., and eulogised W. Bro. Stout for the high standard of work and conduct he


    had maintained in the Lodge during his year of office. In replying, Bro. Stout mentioned the strenuous times


    through which all Lodges, along with other organisations, were passing. It was not to be expected that there


    would be many new members when so many young men were answering the call of their country. He


    thought if a Master maintained the standard of his Lodge without going backward, that was as much as could


    be expected of him. A very pleasant social hour was spent. The installation meeting takes place on Friday,


    1st June, Bro. I. Copeland being the W.M.-elect.


    ————


    Harvey, No. 49.—The installation of Bro. David Dickie Steadman as W.M. of Lodge Harvey, Gore, took


    place on 11th April, the officiating officer being W. Bro. E. C. Smith, of the same Lodge, who elected to


    give the Prov.G.M. a rest. W. Bro. Walter Gee, P.G.D., acted most efficiently as D. of C., contributing much


    to the success of the meeting, which was most successful in every detail. W. Bro. G. J. Anderson read the


    Ancient Charges most impressively, and W. Bro. Smith conducted the B. of I.M. The presentation of W.Ts.


    was in the able hands of W. Bros. MacGibbon, Keating and Young. The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. A. Le


    Hoyles, was impressed into the service to give the address to the W.M., and the following brethren were


    invested by quite a number of investors : S.W., Bro. A. G. Clarke ; J.W., Bro. T. J. Sherborne, jun.; Sec., W.


    Bro. W. Gee, P.M.; Treas., W. Bro. James Boyne, P.M.; Chaplain, Bro. Rev. J. M. Simpson; D. of C., W.


    Bro. A. A. MacGibbon, P.M.; Organist, Bro. J. Scorgie; S.D., Bro. H. C. MacGibbon; J.D., Bro. W. Kirker;


    I.G., Bro. D. Cook; Tyler, W. Bro. H. Geisig. W. Bro. F. Young gave the charge to the Wardens, and the


    Installing Master impressively addressed the brethren. A banquet was subsequently held in Brice's Rooms,


    and a good time was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    St. John, No. 94.—On Friday, 20th April, there was a very large attendance. One candidate was initiated,


    and the election of officers was also carried out. It was interesting to note that there was competition for I.G.


    (three nominees), and also for Stewards there were six nominations for three vacancies, necessitating a ballot


    in each case. Bro. Bonifant, S.W., is the Master-elect. Official visits were received from G.L., Victoria, No.


    147, and Southern Cross, No. 9, each having good representation. At the close of the evening R.W. Bro. Le


    Hoyles, Prov.G.M., paid a well deserved compliment to W. Bro. Robison concerning the progress of the


    Lodge during the past year. A very pleasant after-meeting was also well attended. Amongst visitors were W.




    Bro. Rusden, from Lodge Fortitude, W. Bro. Beer, .Lodge Taringatura; W. Bro. Prain, Lodge Waihopai ;


    R.W. Bro. Timpany, Lodge Mokoreta ; and Bro. Drurie, Lodge Brooklyn; besides those paying official


    visits.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Taringatura, No. 100.—The usual monthly meeting on 7th May was well attended, about thirty brethren


    being in attendance. Bro. H. Beir occupied the chair, and was supported by a goodly array of P.Ms. and all


    his officers. Correspondence was dealt with and accounts passed for payment, and W. Bro. Graham's notice


    of motion re the hall, after being discussed, was withdrawn without prejudice to its being brought forward at


    some future meeting. One candidate and a joining member (formerly a. P.M. of this Lodge) were proposed.


    The special business was the initiation of two candidates. The ceremony was performed by the W.M.,


    assisted by W. Bros. D. Walker (Ss.), Roxburgh (Charity Lecture), Clark (Prep.), Johnson (ancient Charge),


    while Bro. S. E. Griffiths presented the W.Ts. The W.M., on behalf of the Lodge, expressed good wishes for


    a speedy return after victory to Bro. John Chartres, the eighth member of the Lodge to don the King's


    uniform, and who was present in khaki. The W.M 's expressions were heartily endorsed by the members, and


    Bro. Chartres suitably replied. Eight of our members are now on active service, and several more have been


    called up. All names are to be inscribed on the Lodge roll of honour. After H.G.W. the Lodge closed about


    10.45 p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Victoria, No. 147.—The regular meeting on Friday, 11th May, was well attended. As is usual in this Lodge,


    most of the chairs in the East were occupied. Four candidates were passed to the F.C. Degree. W. Bro. A.


    Wilson was assisted in the ceremonial work by W. Bro. A. McNeil, who delivered the Charge in the S.E.; W.


    Bro, S. Craig, Charge after Passing ; the W.Ts. being presented by the Master and Wardens. The Prov.G.M.,


    R.W. Bro. A. Le Hoyles, was present, and before leaving the Lodge made pleasing reference to the W.M.


    and officers of Lodge Victoria during the year. Excellent though their work had been, he exhorted the


    officers-elect to strive to do even better. Bro. J. Buchanan is the Master-elect. The Prov.G.M., in a short


    address at the after-meeting, spoke favourably on the position of G.L. funds. The Benevolent Fund was


    nearly £30,000, and the Special War Fund had exceeded £10,000. Still there was need for more, and he


    counselled those Lodges that had been dilatory in these matters to look to their laurels. He also expressed, on


    behalf of himself and Southland brethren, the disappointment felt over the unavoidable postponement of G.L.


    communication. He trusted that in the very near future the G.M. and several G.L. officers would pay a visit


    to Invercargill, and thus in some measure make up for the loss. In speaking of local matters, he was sure that


    W. Bro. Alex. Wilson would vacate the chair with a satisfaction of duty well done. The Lodge had prospered


    under his care, and the ancient landmarks had been well guarded. His remarks were well appreciated by all


    present.


    ————


    Waihopai, No. 189.—The Lodge held its regular meeting on Monday, 16th April, when one candidate was


    initiated. W. Bro. Gilchrist, W.M., was assisted in the ceremonial by W.. Bros. Todd, Haggitt and Gilchrist.


    Owing to an important public meeting in Invercargill, several brethren were unable to be present. A


    noticeable absentee was Bro. Organist. The work was faithfully and impressively carried out, but the lack of


    music was very apparent. Lodge Southern Cross paid an official visit, W. Bro. Stout being attended by


    several officers and brethren. After the initiation ceremony the election of officers for the ensuing year took


    place. On this occasion there are quite a few unusual changes, due in some measure to the operations of the


    military ballot. Bro. Vernon Smith, S.W., is the Master-elect. The annual installation takes place in May. —


    Lodge Correspondent.]


    —————————


    OTAGO.


    Kurow, No. 164.—The W.M. (W. Bro. H. Barclay) presided over a fair attendance of members and visitors


    at the regular monthly Meeting, held on 3rd May. Two brethren were affiliated, and one candidate was


    passed to the degree of F.C., the W.M. receiving valuable assistance from W. Bro. C. L. Ayson and W. Bro.


    A. N. Hayes, while W. Bro. R. C. Gillies supplied the musical part of the ceremony. Reference was made to


    the death of Bro. Deal, and W. Bro. A. N. Hayes moved that the Lodge tender its sincere sympathy to the


    relatives, and instruct the Sec. to write to W. Bros. H. G. and W. P. Deal, of Daman], expressing the


    condolence of members of this Lodge. The W.M. organised a party to pay a fraternal visit to Cromwell Kil.


    Lodge, No. 98, on 11th April (a journey of 100 miles), but owing to heavy rains the trip was abandoned. A




    party comprising W. Bro. A. N. Hayes, W. Bro. C. L. Ayson, and Bros. J. D. Collins and G. P. Martin paid a


    fraternal visit to South Rakaia, No. 31, to honour Bro. Edwards, W.M.-elect (a former member of this


    Lodge). The W.M., accompanied by W. Bro. A. N. Hayes, journeyed to Oamaru to attend the installation


    ceremony of Waitaki, No. 11. Both parties were well received, and had a very enjoyable outing. Although


    our Lodge is situated at the end of a branch line among the snowy mountains, we are always pleased to greet


    visitors, and if the atmosphere is cold it is compensated by a hearty welcome. The W.M. is instilling


    enthusiasm into members, and holds weekly Lodges of Instruction for that purpose.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    —————————


    CANTERBURY.


    Southern Cross, No. 6.—The regular monthly meeting was held at Kaiapoi on the evening of Thursday, 3rd


    May. The W.M., W. Bro. Baynon, presided over a good attendance of members. The W.M., officers, and


    brethren of Lodge Ashley were announced and admitted in due form. The work for the evening was the


    initiation of two candidates. The W.M. gave the Ob., and, assisted by W. Bro. Withers, of Ashley, com-


    municated the Ss. The S.W., Bro. Croft, instructed by the W.M., invested the candidates, and W. Bro. W. A.


    Gribble gave the C.A. W. Bro. Hoskin delivered the N.E. Charge, and W. Bro. J. Stanton explained the R.


    for Prep. On the candidates' re-entry the S.W. delivered the Final Charge. The Standing Committee was


    instructed to meet and formulate some plan to place the Lodges in a better financial position, and report to


    next Lodge meeting. A. pleasant innovation was a. musical interlude, given by Bros. Croft, Broadley, and


    Best while the candidates retired, which was much appreciated by all. At the close of the Lodge an


    adjournment was made to the refectory, where a pleasant hour was spent, contributed to mainly by musical


    brethren.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    Concord, No. 39.—The regular monthly meeting was held at the Masonic Hall, Frank Street, Papanui, on


    Wednesday, 28th March. W. Bro. T. H. North presided, and as this was his last night in the chair prior to


    installation, there was a record attendance of visiting Masters and brethren. W. Bro. North fully deserved the


    high compliment paid him by such a fine gathering, as he has worthily upheld the honour and reputation of


    Concord Lodge during his term as Master. He has been most assiduous in carrying out his onerous duties,


    and by his fair and impartial judgment has won the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. The


    year just closed has been a strenuous one for Concord Lodge—as it has been for all Lodges—owing to


    brethren leaving for the front. We are pleased to report that during the year we have not had to mourn the


    loss in action of any who are fighting for King and Country, and it is our sincere hope that it will not be long


    ere we will have the joy of welcoming them all hack again in our midst, safe and sound. The election of


    W.M. and officers for the ensuing year resulted in Bro. J. W. H. Francis, S.W., to be W.M., the other officers


    "going up one." W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs, who has been Preceptor for a number of years, intimated that he did


    not seek re-election, and W. Bro. H. Wilson was elected in his stead. W. Bro. Hobbs will be missed very


    much at instruction meetings, as he has always been most regular in his attendances, and has been


    responsible in no small degree for the high standard of work for which Concord is famed. By his kindly and


    tactful assistance to the officers in their work he has ensured that the coming W.Ms. will be worthy


    successors to the P.Ms. of the Lodge. I feel sure that W. Bro. Hobbs will not lose interest in our instruction


    meetings, and expect we will often have his company at these gatherings. In W. Bro. Wilson we have a very


    able successor, and I can assure him that he will have the hearty support of all. The work for the evening


    consisted in conferring the Third Degree on one candidate. W. Bro. T. H. North, W.M., obligated the


    candidate, and W. Bro. Wilson, I.P.M., communicated the S. T. and, W. W. Bro. R. Baldwin invested our


    brother with badge of M.M., the " charge after " being rendered by W. Bro. S. Orchard, Master of Canterbury


    Lodge. The T.H. was very ably given by W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs and W. Bro. W. Gasson. W. Bro. Bottrell,


    Master of Civic Lodge, presented and explained the W.Ts., the Final Charge being given by W. Bro. R.


    Baldwin. One candidate was elected a member on the ballot. We are hoping to have a good gathering on


    23rd May on the occasion of the installation of Bro. Francis as W.M. and investiture of his officers.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ————


    Christchurch, No. 91.—The monthly communication was held on 24th April in the Masonic Hell, W. Bro.


    James Mitchell (Master) presiding. One brother was passed to the Second Degree, the following taking part


    in the ceremony :—Charge after Investiture, W. Bro. J. W. Roberts, P.M. ; Charge in the S.E., W. Bro. F.


    Adams, P.M. ; W.Ts., W. Bro. Johnston (Master Crown Lodge) ; the Final Charge being delivered by Bro.


    Sheffield, S.W. The W.M. obligated the candidate and communicated the Ss. of the degree. The Lodge




    having been closed in due form, the usual pleasant hour was spent in the refectory by visitors and brethren.—


    [Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    St. Augustine, No. 99.—The regular monthly meeting took place on Wednesday, 2nd May, W. Bro. James


    Manchester, W.M., presiding. The work of the evening consisted of passing Bro. Malthus, and was carried


    out by the W.M., who gave the Ob., assisted by W. Bro. Thos. Manchester, I.P.M., Ss. ; W. Bro. Shackleton,


    Treas., S.E. Charge in old Scotch form ; Final Charge, W. Bro. Colville, D. of C., and W.Ts., Bro. E.


    Beckett, J.W. Votes of condolence were passed with Bro. M. Cochrane on the decease of his wife, and with


    J.W. Bro. Beckett on that of his eldest brother. A letter of congratulation was ordered to be sent to W. Bro.


    H. P. Fraser, the father of the Lodge, on attaining his eightieth birthday. A pleasant hour was spent in the


    refectory.


    An emergency meeting of the Lodge was held on Wednesday, 9th May, to initiate Mr. Benjamin Watkin.


    The work on this occasion was carried out by the W.M. and officers of Lodge Caledonian, No. 16, Timaru.


    The Lodge having been duly opened by W. Bro. Jas. Manchester, W.M., W. Bro. A. Kennedy, W.M. of


    Lodge Caledonian, accompanied by Bro. Cranston, S.W., Bro. G. Glue' J.W., Bro. Collins, S.D., Bro.


    McLean, J.D., Bro. Hunt, Chaplain, Bro. Randall, I.G., and twelve of the brethren, escorted by two worthy


    and venturesome brethren of Lodge Methven, No. 51, was received in due and ancient form. W. Bro.


    Manchester at once handed the gavel to W. Bro. Kennedy, with the request that he and his officers would


    carry out the work of the evening. Bro. Kennedy gracefully acceded to the request, and his officers having


    taken their various offices, the work was duly proceeded with and carried out in a satisfactory manner. The


    work was allotted as follows :—Ob. and Ss., W. Bro. Kennedy, W.M.; Apron Charge, Bro. Randall, I.G. ;


    N.E. Charge, Bro. Glue, J.W. ; at the presentation of salver, W. Bro. Hoskins sang " Charity "; R. for Prep.,


    Bro. Cranston, S.W.; W.Ts., Bro. Collins, S.D. ; and Final Charge by W. Bro. Burns, P.M., D. of C. The T.B.


    was very correctly given by Bro. McGuinness, J.D., Lodge Methven, No. 51. The Lodge having been closed


    down, an adjournment was made to the refectory, where a real Caledonian night was spent, for the visitors


    well and worthily upheld the title of their Lodge by songs and anecdotes drawn from Auld Scottish sources.


    One of the stories related drew from a brother of Lodge St. Augustine, who hails from the Palatine Country,


    the " Yorkshireman's Toast," which I may perhaps be allowed to quote :— " Hear all, see all, and say


    nothing. Sup all, and pay nothing. And when you do owt for nowt, do it for tha'sen." After a very pleasant


    time thus spent in harmony, our visitors departed for home shortly before midnight.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ————


    Robert Burns, No. 139.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on 15th


    May. The chair was occupied by W. Bro. R. W. Eastwodd, P.M., in the absence of the W.M., W. Bro. T.


    Kirker, who has sustained a severe loss in the death of his mother in Wellington. A vote of condolence with


    the W.M. was passed in silence, the brethren standing at F. After the transaction of formal business the W.M.


    enquired whether any brother present was desirous of being raised to a higher degree, whereupon one brother


    presented himself. The W.M. was assisted during the ceremony by the following brethren : W. Bro. L. B.


    Hart, W.M., Lodge Avon, Inv.; W. Bro. T. Newburgh, Sec., Raising; W. Bro. R. L. Bush, Light of M.M.; W.


    Bro. W. M. Robinson, Ss. ;. Bros. T. W. N. Wilson, S.W., and A. Hunter, J.W., T.H.;.W. Bro. J. C. Watson,


    Ex. Ss. ; W. Bro. Bottrell, Civic Lodge, W.Ts, ; and W. Bro. H. Wyatt, Chaplain, Final Charge. The Lodge


    was then closed, and the brethren present, who included a number of country visitors, adjourned to the


    refectory, where the time was passed in the usual happy Burns manner.


    ————


    Avon, No. 185.—P.M.'s night on the evening of the 3rd May brought together a good attendance of brethren,


    who were pleased to welcome also a goodly number of visitors. The Lodge was officered as follows :—


    W.M., W. Bro. T. M. Collins ; I.P.M., W. Bro. E. Nordon; Chaplain, W. Bro. H. B. Sorensen; S.W., W. Bro.


    W. G. Cookson ; .14., Bro. S. K. Bassett; Treas., W. Bro. C. A. Myrhe ; Sec,, Bro. B. Falck; S.D., W. Bro. N.


    Wood; J.D., W. Bro. D. Main; I.G., W. Bro. J. R. Buchanan. The work for the evening was the Third Degree,


    into which two brethren were raised, the officers in every case showing that they had by no means allowed


    the lapse of years to dim their memories. The brethren were obligated by the W.111., who also gave the


    Exhortation, assisted by W. Bro. Myhre. The Explanation bf the S. and S. was given by the W.M., assisted


    by W. Bro. Bottrell (Lodge Civic). The Address after Investiture was given by W. Bro. North; the Address


    on the Apron by W. Bro. J. Hood ; the T.B. by W. Bro. Cookson ; Further S. and S., W. Bro. E. Nordon; the




    W.Ts. by W. Bro. Bottrell; and the Final Charge by W. Bro. Fry. Before closing the 'Lodge the W.M. in the


    chair thanked the W.M., W. Bro, L. B. Hart, for allowing the P.Ms. the privilege of working the degree.


    Apologies for absence were received from W. Bros. Whittingham, Crook and Vaughan. Several propositions


    for affiliation and one new member were received, after which, in the "Fourth," the usual pleasant hour was


    spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————————


    HAWKES BAY.


    Victoria, No. 21.—The regular monthly meeting was held on let May in the Masonic Hall, when W. Bro.


    Harry Hill presided over a very large attendance of members and visitors. The business paper was a record


    one for the Lodge, including four ballots, two notices of motion, read bye-laws, election of W.M. and


    officers, and the raising of two candidates. The ceremonial work was carried out by the following P.Ms. :—


    S.W., W. Bro. W. A. Wilkie ; J.W., W. Bro. W. A. Kirk ; S.D., W. Bro. Jas.. Redshaw, P.G.S. ; J.D., W. Bro.


    E. Chegwidden ; I.G., W. Bro. Jas. Archer. The manner in which the veterans acquitted themselves gave one


    the impression that they were all candidates aspiring for the chair in the E. The final address to the


    candidates was very impressively delivered by W. Bro. L. Freedman, P.G.S.D. (Scinde Lodge, No. 5). The


    election of W.M. for the ensuing term resulted in W. Bro. W. A. Wilkie, P.M., being unanimously elected to


    again preside in the E., and he will have with him the following officers :—Bros. W. G. Jarvis, H. Bate, W.


    Bros. E. Chegwidden, J. Redshaw, W. A. Kirk and H. W. Whitton, Bros. J. Rockell, H. F. Funke, W. E.


    Yates, Geo. Bennett, Jas. Berry, P. J. Russell and Geo. Robson. One proposition was received for


    membership. The Lodge was then closed, and the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where a pleasant hour


    was spent, the proceedings being enlivened by several fine selections by the Lodge orchestra.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ————————


    AUCKLAND.


    Ponsonby, No. 54.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday, 1st May. There was a


    large attendance of members and visitors, W.M. Bro. L. C. E. Hamann presiding. After receiving visiting W.


    brethren and brethren, there being no work excepting to elect two auditors, for which positions W. Bro.


    Johansen and Bro. J. T. Johnston were elected. After receiving H.G.W. from visiting brethren, Lodge was


    closed at 8.20. Bro. Philphot (Organist) and Bro. Brough having arranged a musical programme, the Fourth


    Degree was one of the best ever held here. The first item was a flute solo by Master Gilman (a pupil of Bro.


    Geo. Poore), which was heartily encored. Songs by Bros. Fogarty, Jas. Littler, Lewis, Brough, duets by Bros.


    Fogarty and Littler, also by Bros. Lewis and Littler, were each encored. It was indeed a musical treat, thanks


    to Bro. Philphot managing.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Piako, No. 160.—The regular meeting was held on 4th April. The business was the passing of a brother, the


    ceremony being performed by the W.M., W. Bro. R. Palmer, assisted by his officers and P.Ms. The work


    was performed very creditably, taking into consideration the fact that this is the first degree work done since


    the installation, and that the officers were all new to their work. A brother gave notice of motion at next


    meeting " That the joining or affiliation fee charged by the Lodge be reduced to 5s." It was decided that a


    letter be written to W. Bro. S. S. Allen, who is away on active service, congratulating him on his promotion


    to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. At the close of the meeting the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where


    the usual toasts were honoured, and a pleasant hour was spent.


    The regular monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom, Morrinsville, on 2nd May. The business of the


    evening was the initiation of one candidate, the ceremony being performed by the W.M., assisted by his


    officers and P.Ms. In accordance with notice of motion duly given, it was moved, seconded, and carried


    unanimously, "That the joining or affiliation fee charged by this Lodge, as stated in the schedule of fees, be


    reduced to 5s." The fee charged up to the present has been 30s., and it was the feeling of the brethren that


    there should be no affiliation fee charged at all, but as G.L. makes a charge of 5s. for each joining member it


    would be necessary to charge this amount, as the Lodge is only a comparatively new one, and is financially


    just getting firmly on its feet. The meeting closed at 10 p.m., when the brethren adjourned to the refectory,


    where a pleasant hour was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————————


    TARANAKI.




    Stratford, No. 75.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom on 16th May, W. Bro. W. H.


    Besley, W.M., presiding over a fair attendance of brethren. A candidate was proposed for initiation. W. Bro.


    A. W. Reid, who had been first Master of the Lodge at its consecration twenty-five years ago, and who,


    together with five other esteemed brethren, has been made a life member, returned thanks for the honour


    conferred upon him, and promised on a future occasion to favour the brethren with reminiscences of the


    early years of the Lodge. As the J.W. Bro. Spilman, will be shortly leaving Stratford to take up professional


    duties at Palmerston, the W.M. congratulated him on his promotion, and expressed his regret and that of the


    brethren on losing the valuable assistance of Bro. Spilman. The departing brother is to be presented with an


    address from the Lodge in appreciation of his worth and zeal in the Craft. A lecture was read by Bro.


    Chaplain on "The Connection of British and Continental Freemasonry and Roman Catholicism." The W.M.


    mentioned that several books had been donated to the library. In the refectory afterwards a pleasant hour was


    spent. The health of the departing J.W., Bro. Spilman, was drunk, and best wishes were expressed for his


    happiness and prosperity in his new home.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————————


    RUAPEHU


    St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.—At the monthly meeting, held on Thursday, 10th inst., a large gathering of


    brethren of our own and sister Lodges were present, as well as a fair number of visitors from other parts of


    the Dominion. The W.M., Bro. A. E. King, occupied the chair. After routine business had been transacted,


    the W.M. called upon R. W. Bro. Keesing; who gave an address upon "Faithfuluess to the Craft." This


    address will be found in another column of this issue. The R.W. Bro.'s remarks were listened to with great


    interest and attention by the brethren, and he was warmly complimented upon the able discourse.


    Nominations for office for the next twelve months were received, and to show that the interest and desire for


    office in St, Andrew Kil. is being maintained, no less than 12 brethren are nominated for the position of I.G.


    After H.G.W. from visiting brethren, the Lodge was closed, and those present adjourned to the refectory. The


    hour spent there proved a very enjoyable and instructive "Fourth." The health of the Lecturer was proposed


    in an eloquent and impressive manner by W. Bro. G. S. Gordon, who during his remarks, referred to R.W.


    Bro. Keesing's long association with our Lodge, extending as it did over a period of 37 years. The R.W. Bro.


    in replying, took the opportunity of impressing upon the younger members the need for a close and careful


    study of the teachings of our Ritual. He himself had, until quite recently, attended Lodge consistently, and he


    assured the brethren that the more one attended and studied the teachings of the Craft, the more the hidden


    mysteries and beauties of our Ceremonial would be revealed. The other toasts, "Our Brethren at the Front"


    and "The Visitors" were entrusted to junior members, and they handled their subjects in a manner which well


    merited the complimentary remarks from those brethren to whose lot it fell to respond. Musical items were


    also given, and one and all felt on leaving that a profitable and instructive evening had been spent at St.


    Andrew Kil.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Kimbolton, No. 123.—The usual monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom, Kimbolton Road, on the


    10th May, there being an unusually good muster of members. There being no degree work on hand, a Lodge


    of Instruction in the First Degree was held. Upon adjourning to the refectory, W. Bro. J. M. Turnbull read a


    most interesting paper on "The Masonic Life History of R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin." At its conclusion, the


    toast of the R.W. Bro. was taken with musical honours and three times three. The toast was responded to by


    W. Bro. Jarrett, P.M. of Lodge Waiwhetu, No. 176, .and S.W. during R.W. Bro. Peterkin's Mastership of that


    Lodge, who entertained the brethren with many intimate and personal recollections of our R.W. Brother. It


    being the last meeting of the Lodge prior to W. Bro. Jarrett going into camp, on his journey to the front,


    advantage was taken to present him with a small token of the esteem and regard in which he is held by the


    brethren of the Lodge, and to wish him every success and a safe return.— [Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Huia, No. 171.—The monthly meeting was held on the 3rd May, when a considerable amount of business


    was disposed of, including the investiture of the Sec. and the Tyler. The ceremonial work consisted of the


    initiation of a candidate, carried out as follows :—Ob., by W. Bro. Gallichan; S.S., W. Bro. Spooner; N.E.


    Corner, W. Bro. Stone; Investiture, by the S.W., Bro. Manning; Prep. Charge, W. Bro. Smith; W.Ts., Bro.


    Stanley; Final Charge, by the W.M. ; Lecture on the 1st T.B., by the S.W., Bro. Manning. At the request of


    the W.M. of the Lodge, W. Bro. Dawick, Lodge Kil., presented several diplomas to the brethren who were


    entitled to receive the same, and expressed a hope that the recipients would value them, and that their zeal for




    Masonry would never abate as the years rolled by. H.G.W. were offered, and a few minutes were spent


    together in the refectory. Since the foregoing meeting was held, it is my sad duty to report the loss the Lodge


    has sustained by the sudden passing away of one of our oldest members of the Lodge, in the person of Bro. J.


    Currie, an unassuming but genuine man and a Mason in the true sense of the term. For many years he had


    been employed in the Public Service as an engine-driver on the railway. He was stricken down while at


    work, and expired twelve hours later. A Masonic funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, the great cortege


    which proceeded to the cemetery consisting of the members of the Railway Department, kindred societies,


    and Masonic brethren, which rendered it a very imposing sight, and was evidence of the esteem in which the


    late brother was held. The last sad rites at the graveside were carried out by the W.M., W. Bro. Gallichan,


    assisted by W. Bro. Spooner, W. Bro. Smith, and the Chaplain, Bro. Canton, all of which forcibly reminds us


    that we are all passing hence to that bourne from which no traveller ever returns.—.[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Waimarino, No. 175.—The attendance at the Lodgeroom on 14th May was, owing to weather conditions,


    not quite as good as usual. The principal business of the evening was the passing of one brother to the F.C.


    Degree, the ceremony being conducted by the W.M., Bro. A. Mabbott. The Address in the S.E. Corner was


    given by W. Bro. W. H. Tustin; the W.Ts. by Bro. J. C. Goodger, J.W. ; and the Final Charge by Bro. Peter


    Hansen, S.W. The usual harmony prevailed in the "Fourth," the toast most enthusiastically drunk being that


    of a leading brother who is about to don khaki, still further increasing the Lodge's high percentage of


    members with the colours.—{Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————————


    WELLINGTON.


    St. Mark, No. 53.—Met in annual session on the anniversary of the patron Saint —25th April—W. Bro.


    Robert Stout presiding. The attendance of visitors was good, all the Wairarapa Lodges being represented.


    Visitors from a distance included M.W. Bro, H. J. Williams, R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, Prov. G.M., W. Bros.


    A. Veitch, G.D., H. Preston, G.B,B., and Dr. Morice. R.W. Bro. J. Moncrieff, P.D.G.M., was also present.


    The Prov,G.M. conducted the ceremony, installing W. Bro. Robert Stout for a second term. W. Bro. G. Hyde


    made a most efficient D. of C., while Bro. Sergeant Christie manipulated the trumpet. The W.Ts. were


    presented by W. Bros. Everton, Hughes, and Kershaw. The following officers were invested by the W.M. :—


    S.W., Bro. A. J. Rayne; J.W., Bro. Knox-Smith; Treas., W. Bro. T. H. Hughes, P.M. ; Sec., W. Bro. A.


    Phillpotts, P.M. ; S.D., Bro. A. W. Birss; J.D., Bro. J. Linton; Chaplain, Bro. W. A. Kitchen; I.G., Bro. A. J.


    Lindop ; Tyler, Bro. J. Stevens; S.S., Bro. W. J. E. Rae. W. Bro A. Veitch ably addressed the W.M., R.W.


    Bro. J. Moncrieff gave the Wardens' Charge, while M. W. Bro. Williams was responsible for the address to


    the brethren. In the refectory the St. Mark brethren did the visitors well, which perhaps conduced to the very


    excellent addresses that followed. W. Bro. Roydhouse was very happy in dealing with the toast of G.L., and


    M. W. Bro. Williams dealt exhaustively with the subject in his reply.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Ulster, No. 62.—There was a very large attendance of members and visitors at the meeting held in


    Freemasons' Hall, Petone, on 16th May. The principal business was the raising of a F.C. The ceremonial


    work was done by W. Bro. Leighton, the W.M. of Lodge Waiwhetu, and the other officers of that Lodge,


    assisted by R.W. Bro. Peterkin, D.G.M., and W. Bros. Guinness, McLauchlin and Rishworth. The T.H. was


    given by W. Bro. Hobbs, and the W.Ts. presented by Bro. Teagle, S.W. Bro. T. Mather, S.W., was elected as


    the incoming W.M. The Lodge was closed at 10 p.m., and an enjoyable hour was spent in the refectory,


    where the visitors were entertained and the usual toasts honoured. It is proposed to hold the installation


    meeting on Saturday, 23rd June, in place of the usual Wednesday, on account of the alterations in the train


    arrangements. This should suit the convenience of visitors from Wellington, as a train runs in from Petone


    shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturdays.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Tararua, No. 67.—The regular meeting was held on Thursday evening, 3rd May, a dispensation being


    granted in order to be clear of Lodge Eketahuna's installation, when a large number of members


    accompanied the W.M. The Second Degree was conferred on two brethren. The W.M. obligated the


    candidates and communicated the S., T. and W. of the Degree. Bro. W. Thomson, acting-S.W., invested


    them with the F.C. Badges; W. Bro. A. Ross gave the S.E. Address, the W.Ts. being explained by the


    principal officers, and the Charge after Passing by W. Bro. T. F. Hewat, D. of C. The 2nd T.B. was explained


    by Bro. D. G. H. Smith, I.G. W. Bro. White-Scott, D.M., presented the Lodge with a set of gauntlets for the




    W.M. and Wardens. These had been sent with a covering letter to him from an anonymous brother. The


    present was accepted with much pleasure. Two ballots for membership were taken and proved clear. A


    pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Eketahuna, No. 92.—The installation of Bro. T. Knight took place on the 10th in the presence of the largest


    number of brethren seen here for years, seventy-one signing the attendance book. The Lodge was tyled at


    6.30, and after the usual business had been transacted the visitors were received ; the Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro.


    Ellison, as Installing Master; W. Bro. Sexton (Lodge Tutanekai), acting-G.J.W. ; and W. Bro. Whitelaw


    (Lodge Tutanekai), acting-G.S.W. The customary proclamations and salutes were given in each degree. The


    W.Ts. in the Third Degree were given by W. Bro. Hughes (Lodge Masterton); in the Second Degree, by W.


    Bro. T. Riddel (Tararua) and the First Degree, by W. Bro. Gibson (Lodge Puketoi). After the presentation of


    the Charter and B. of C. the following officers were invested by W. Bro. Bowden :—D.M. W. Bro. Wilson ;


    S.W., W. Bro. Wilson ; J.W., Bro. W. Duff ; Tress., Bro. J. Harrison; Sec., Bro. R. Piekson; Chaplain, Bro.


    R. Ford-Hutchinson; Organist, Bro. T. T. Alan; D. of C., W. Bro. Rowden; S.D., Bro. W. Crocker ; J.D., Bro.


    H. E. Greathead; I.G., Bro. W. V. Waldin; S.S., Bro. F. E. Williams; J.S., Bro. J. Metcalfe ; Tyler, Bro. W.


    Todd. The address to the W.M. was given by W. Bro. Dempsey, to the Wardens by W. Bro. Wilson, and the


    brethren by 1P.M., W. Bro. Remnent. The collection for the W. and O. Fund amounted to £5 13s. 3d. In


    returning thanks the W.M. thanked all those who had come such a long way to the meeting, and also asked


    R.W. Bro. Ellison to present the I.P.M., W. Bro. Remnent, with a P.M.'s jewel, which he did in a few well-


    chosen remarks. H.G.W. were extended from Tutanekai, No. 156; Tararua, No. 67; Masterton, No. 19 ;


    Otangaki, No. 70 ; Ruahine, No. 80 ; and St. John, No. 37. After the Lodge was closed the brethren


    adjourned to the public hall, where an excellent repast was done full justice to and the usual Masonic toasts


    were duly honoured. The Tyler's toast brought a very pleasant installation to a close. Eighteen brethren


    visited the installation at Lodge Masterton, No. 19, on Tuesday, 15th May, and had a very pleasant time.—


    [Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Tutanekai, No. 156.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, on


    Thursday, 3rd May, in the presence of a large attendance of members and visitors, the W.M., Bro. Sexton,


    presiding. The business of the evening was the initiation of two candidates, who, having been presented in


    due form, were obligated by the W.M. The S. and S. were given by W. Bro. Shand, the Apron Charge by W.


    Bro. Whitelaw, N.E. Corner by the J.W., Preparation by the S.D., W.Ts. by W. Bro. Harrop, and the Final


    Charge by the S.W. After H.G.W. by the visitors, the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where a pleasant


    hour was spent in music, song, and story. —.[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————


    Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The usual monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, 9th May, and, despite the


    weather being bad and the night turning out wet, there was a good attendance of brethren and a number of


    visitors from town, who journeyed out by motor car owing to the curtailment of the train service. After the


    routine business had been done and one brother balloted for as a joining brother, the ceremony of initiation


    was conferred on two candidates. W. Bro. Leighton, W.M., obligated, W. Bro. Guineas communicated the


    Ss., Bro. Teagle, S.W., invested, W. Bro. Ayson gave the Charge after Investiture, Bro. Purdy, S.D., gave the


    N.E. Charge, Bro. Carver, J.D., presented the W.Ts., and Bro. Teagle, S.W., gave the Charge after Initiation.


    On Wednesday, 16th May, the W.M., officers and a number of brethren journeyed to Petone to visit Lodge


    Ulster, No. 62, and, at the invitation of the W.M. of that Lodge, conferred the Third Degree on one candidate


    and spent a very profitable and enjoyable evening.


    ————




    Whetu-Kairangi, No. 201.—The regular monthly meeting of the Lodge was held on Saturday, 12th inst.,


    when W. Bro. Aston presided over a good attendance of members and visitors. A very interesting exhibit in


    the Lodgerooen was a plan of the new Lodgeroom proposed to be erected on the section acquired by the


    Lodge near the tram terminus at Seatoun. This plan, the result of a round table conference amongst members,


    had been licked into shape in a most commendable manner by that zealous member, Bro. Robertson, and the


    result appeared to give great satisfaction to the brethren. It is hoped to make a start with the erection of the


    building in the near future, and we are looking forward with confidence to holding our installation meeting in


    our own home. The site has a frontage to the tram line, so that the long walk visitors now have to undertake,


    together with the uneasiness and anxiety caused by the necessity of leaving the Lodge in time to catch the


    homeward car, should soon be things of the past, and we shall expect an increased number of visitors. The


    ceremonial business of the evening was the raising of a brother. W. Bro. Aston obligated and gave the


    Exhort. ; W. Bro. Boon, Fifteen F.Cs. ; V.W. Bro. Porritt, S., T. and W. ; Investiture, Bro. Fox and W. Bro.


    Aston; T.H., Bro. Robertson; Sub. S., Bro. Robertshaw ; W.Ts., Bro. Morris; Final Charge, W. Bro. Boon.


    On Wednesday, 16th inst., advantage was taken of the new motor- ’bus service, which the enterprise of the


    Miramar Borough Council has supplied, to pay a visit to Ulster Lodge. Eighteen of the brethren, with S.W.


    Bro. Fox at the steering-wheel, turned out for the occasion, and the trip was made under the most happy


    conditions. The greatest good feeling prevailed amongst the brethren, the driving was excellent, the


    ceremonial work at Ulster Lodge most interesting, while the warm welcome and hospitality of the Ulster


    brethren made it hard for the visitors to say "good-


    bye." However, the home journey was another


    pleasure, and members separated, voting the visit one


    of the most enjoyable outings in their experience.—


    [Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————————


    ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.


    Manawatu, No. 11.—The regular convocation was


    held on 17th May. The business was to advance a


    candidate. W. Bro. J. Stones presided, and was assisted


    by W. Bro. Dawick; W. Bro. Storrie, W.M.M.,


    obligated ; W. Bro. W. H. Smith, J.W. ; W. Bro.


    Gallichan, S.W.; Bro. J. Oliver, as M.O.; Bro. Cook, as


    J.O.; W. Bro. Dawick, S.O. ; W. Bro. W. S. Smith,


    S.D. ; Bro. Canton, J.D. After the ceremonial work had


    finished a discussion took place with regard to the


    remission of dues on the part of members of the


    Chapter engaged on active service. Finally it was


    decided to grant a remission to those who had actually


    reached the front, those who remain in service within


    the Dominion to contribute as usual, no exemption to


    be granted. A little variety was given in the refectory


    by W. Bro. W. H. Smith, who stressed the necessity of


    more instruction being given by officers to those


    newly admitted re the significance of steps and signs


    and its relationship to the Craft work. The offer of our


    worthy W. Bro. to attend and impart such information


    at rehearsals was gladly welcomed.—[Chapter


    Correspondent.]