ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE

OF NEW ZEALAND.

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A COMMUNICATION of the G.L. of New Zealand will be held in Wellington on the 8th and 9th of the present

month, and two years will have elapsed since the last meeting was held. It will be fresh in the minds of

members why the meeting convened for 1917 was allowed to lapse, and that the decision then arrived at met

with general approval.

The agenda, as published, has a somewhat formidable appearance, but most of the items would appear to

have arisen, rather than have accrued, during the two years' interval. But in several of the motions of which

notice has been given there would appear to be the elements for no inconsiderable debate. With the first

one—the permanent location of G. office—we shortly expressed our views last month. To this the mover has

replied by a letter in our correspondence column, which may, or may not, be considered as further

illuminating the position. The proposal to recognise the G.L. of France has already excited considerable

discussion, especially in America, where an opinion appears to prevail that, while from sentimental reasons

connected with the war it would be a desirable step to accord recognition, yet there are Masonic difficulties

which cannot be so easily overcome, if existing fraternal relations are to be maintained. In any case, the

easiest and shortest way to remove the obstacle rests with the French G.L. However, as the question is in the

hands of so expert a brother, no doubt he will submit good and sufficient reasons for his proposal. The

suggestion to increase the amount of present annuities has our entire support, even if it became necessary to

apropriate a portion of future annual capital for the purpose.

A proposal is being made by the B. of G.P. to amend the laws to provide : (1) For the appointment of

Dep.Prov.G.Ms., and (2) to give G.Ds. of C. precedence over G.Ds., with the title of V.W. Apparently the

first proposal is to meet the case of the Auckland Provincial District, which is the only one having over forty

Lodges, and to which the proposed new rule is only likely to apply—at any rate, for some time to come, and

is an alternative to the suggestion to divide the district. Such being the case, it may appear equitable that the

members of the district only affected should be allowed the decision. It may be pointed out that there is

already power for the appointment of one deputy in each district, but, somewhat singularly, it has only been

given effect to on two occasions—viz., once in Auckland and once in Wellington district, and, so far as the

past is concerned, has never been regarded with any degree of favour.

With reference to the proposed elevation of G.Ds. of C., we are aware that this course has been followed in

the G.L. of England, but we were never quite satisfied as to the justness of the reasons. As at present advised,

we hold that whatever advantage may be given to the G.D. of C., G.Ds. should not be abased, but at least

should be given the same appellation—that of V.W.

The proposed amendment to safeguard the positions of Masters and Wardens who may be called upon to go

on active service will, no doubt, commend itself to members of G.L., who will be only too glad to do

anything that will conserve the rights or ameliorate the position of brethren on service.

The proviso to issue, during the continuance of the war, some documentary evidence, in lieu of the present

G.L. diploma, is a good one, and should, be of inestimable benefit to soldiers on the field.

The proposed amendment giving brethren the right of appeal is both necessary and just; but it has long been

held that the whole system of dealing with grievances and complaints is far too complex. Thus a Lodge, the

Prov.G.M., or the B. of G.P. may virtually hear and decide complaints, while appeals may be lodged against

any or either of the three authorities. In many States of America a Lodge is very properly not allowed to try

one of its own members, for reasons of a very tangible character. Indeed, they should be quite obvious. If the

law provided that in ALL cases the complaint should be heard and adjudicated upon by the Prov.G.M., who

would really occupy the position of Stipendiary Magistrate, the B. of G.P. could perform the functions of a

Supreme Court, and G.L. the Court of Appeal. Lodges and brethren would then know exactly where they are,

and much of the present complicated system would vanish.

The suggested amendment to Rule 190 is a very simple one, and one wonders why it was never given effect

to before. It is intended to provide that, in the event of the date of annual installation of a Lodge being altered

to suit the convenience of G.L. or the Prov.G.M., the usual dispensation fee may be waived. The present

writer moved this some twenty or more years ago, and was howled or scowled down, because, in the opinion

of some one, it would be productive of so much abuse ; in what manner, it was never defined.

Though it would appear there is ample work for the communication of G.L., three business sessions should

be ample time to deal with it, providing members are content to hear the same argument, without useless

repetitions. There is no doubt that the evening function will be a very brilliant one, and will be numerously

attended. The G.M.-elect is well known and highly esteemed throughout the length and breadth of the

Dominion. He is far removed from political faction, and the high office he now holds will be a sufficient

guarantee that the institution of Freemasonry in New Zealand will be fearlessly and impartially governed so

far as he is concerned.

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JOINING FEES.

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Some years ago this journal went very fully into the question of joining fees, and explained the difference

between those and affiliation fees. Advantage was taken of the occasion to point out the hardship of charging

comparatively high fees to brethren of the same constitution who, by the misfortune of circumstances in

being transferred from place to place, had to pay a fresh fee in each new location. Our articles at that time

had considerable influence, as the majority of Lodges lowered their joining fee, merely charging a nominal

amount for the purposes of registration, five shillings being the usual fee. But in process' of time, in the

revision or reprint of by-laws, and the desire to acquire revenue, the amount has been raised, and in many

Lodges it has now reached 20s., which makes it equal to an affiliation fee, which is in quite a different

position, as it may be necessary for the Lodge to furnish a diploma to an affiliate, which it is never called

upon to do in the case of a joining brother. Our attention has been called to this matter from the experience of

a well-known and much-esteemed brother during the past few years. He had the misfortune to be transferred

from a northern city to a southern town some years ago. After a few years a further transfer was effected to

another southern city; In a comparatively short time a further remove to Wellington was ordered ; and since

his first advent here he has been called upon to reside in two other northern towns. Now this worthy brother

holds Freemasonry in great repute, and has a well-ordered mind as to his duty to the Craft in any town that

may become his place of residence, the result being that he has joined Lodges and Chapters in each of the

places where he has been domiciled. In some of these bodies he has paid the nominal fee, but in others he has

been penalised in the larger amount for the privilege of continuing his membership in Freemasonry, and in

the same constitution. Though not given to complaint, he has complained—and righteously so. We have

hitherto contended, and still do so, that Lodges should warmly welcome joining brothers, and should offer

every inducement with the welcome. But a high fee for no privilege is tantamount to the cold shoulder, and is

as expressive as though the device were printed : "No joiners wanted here." There is just one other phase of

the question. We frequently lament the largeness of the army of unattached, and the large joining fee is a far

greater source of addition than is generally conceived. As the high rate fee is only a bagatelle in the revenue

of the Lodge, we strongly counsel those Lodges that have it to at once revise it, rather than penalise even one

worthy, but unfortunate, brother during each year.

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CLOTHING OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.

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The Grand Lodge of New Zealand provides two sets of clothing for its principal officers, and the question

has frequently arisen—on what occasions should each be worn? Unfortunately, it has become the practice to

use what is known as the "full dress" clothing on all and sundry occasions, and the undress does to lend to

the fellow who no longer holds G. office, and does not possess any purple in his own right. Consequently the

"full dress" of the principal officers has become very common, and the fringe presents many points of

unequal lengths. We have always contended that "undress" is the proper clothing to wear in private Lodges.

But prosperity not infrequently conflicts with regulation ; hence profusion holds sway. We are not aware

whether the G.L. of England has had a similar experience. If so, it is taking steps to alter the custom in the

future, and leave no doubt on the matter. At the communication of that G.L., held in March last, amendments

to the constitutional laws were proposed, the following being included :—

In the G.L., and when ordered by the G.M., the present G. officers wear chains of gold, or metal gilt.

In Prov. and Dist. G.Ls., and at great ceremonials, consecrations, and festivals authorised by the G.M., the

present G. officers wear embroidered collars, but on all other occasions collars of plain garter-blue ribbon,

four inches broad.

In the G.L. and in their Prov. or Dist. meetings, or when officially present at any Lodge in their respective

Provinces or Districts, or when visiting any Prov. or Dist. G.L., Prov. and Dist. G.Ms. wear chains of gold or

metal gilt, but on all other occasions collars of plain garter-blue ribbon, four inches broad.

P.G. officers of the G.L. of England in the G.L., Prov. and Dist. G.Ls., and at great ceremonials,

consecrations, and festivals authorised by the G.M., wear embroidered collars, and on all other occasions

collars of plain garter-blue ribbon, four inches broad.

It would certainly be in the interests of economy and uniformity, as well as the natural fitness of things, if the

G.L. of New Zealand would adopt similar enactments.

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MASONIC TOASTS.

———<>———

Our contemporary, the "West Australian Freemason," has laid down the dictum that at the festive meetings

of all Masonic Lodges the toast of the "Navy and Army'' must be drunk immediately after that of the "King."

One Lodge in Westralia omitted to do this, and our contemporary castigates it in the following terms : " It is

a callous oversight, embodying an insult both to our Empire in general and to our absent brethren in

particular, and is indicative of ingratitude and selfishness." This is a fairly strong indictment, and we were

led to wonder what would happen if we attempted to so assail any Lodge in this territory. We should rather

anticipate a visit from the Master and Wardens armed with chop-axes, seeking our scalp, or our head. As a

matter of curiosity we consulted the latest numbers of the " London Freemason and the " Freemasons'

Chronicle " for a lead as to the attitude of Masonic Lodges on the spot, and we found that in some Lodges,

even at installation meetings, there was no reference to matters militant. The nearest approach to the toast in

question was "His Majesty's Forces." But this was not in any sense general. In this Dominion the toast of

"Our Brethren on Service " is usually honoured, at any rate at festival meetings, and its comprehensiveness

quite fills the bill. But certainly no one would presume to impugn the loyalty of a Lodge for omitting to

submit the toast. Our friend should remember that these are festive gatherings, and stereotyped toasts soon

lose much of their savour by constant repetition. The test of loyalty and true feeling is not what we say at

after-dinner gatherings, but what we are doing in a practical manner to assist our brethren at the front, to

ameliorate their condition and help them in their affliction, when disabled by the casualty of war. Where a

brother or a Lodge is doing this, and making sacrifices to do it, it matters little what he says at the festive

board or how often he honours any particular toast. In any case we have some feelings of sympathy for the

unfortunate Lodge that received such a severe castigation for what was, no doubt, a very innocent omission.

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

News and Notes.
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THE annual contribution to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution of England was announced recently as

having reached the magnificent total of £58,890 10s. This is only one of three philanthropic institutions

under the aegis of the G.L. of England.

THE dues per member to the G.L. of Oklahoma is 10s. per member, of which ls. ld. is appropriated to the

War Relief Fund. The office of G.Lect. is abrogated in favour of a "cypher key." The last G.Lect. was

created Emeritus for life, with a retiring allowance of £15 per month.

THE office of G.L. has now removed to Wellington, and is located in the Te Aro branch, Bank of New

Zealand Building, Manners Street.

AT a largely attended meeting of Ara Lodge, No. 1, on the 10th ult. M.W. Bro. M. Niccol, G.Sec., was

presented by the M.W.G.M., on behalf of the Secs. of the Lodges in the Auckland District, with a handsome

canteen of cutlery, prior to his departure for Wellington, in recognition of the many kindnesses received at

his hands by them.

IN the present issue we present as an inset the portrait of M.E. Comp. J. H. Harkness, 1st G.Prin. of the Sup.

G.R.A. Chapter of New Zealand. A biographical notice of Comp. Harkness's Masonic career appeared in the

August number of the CRAFTSMAN, 1915.

THE Silver Baton Appeal Committee notify that all returns must be made forthwith, otherwise tickets

represented by outstanding butts will not participate, in the drawing, which takes place on the 10th inst. at the

Town Hall. Will Lodge Secretaries please note.

THE G.L. of Kentucky has voted to sell its present Masonic Home, and rebuild on the cottage community

plan.

THE several committees set up in Wellington to complete arrangements for the annual communication of

G.L. are all busily working to make the several functions completely successful. W. Bro. C. W. Neilsen,

P.M., is the chief secretary, and will, no doubt, be a very busy man when the clans assemble.

ATTENTION is directed to the revised advertisement, of Mr. C. Innis. Like all other tradesmen, he experiences

difficulty in getting his orders filled ; consequently he has been compelled to withdraw a number of leading

Masonic books from sale at present ; but he anticipates being able to add largely to his present stock of

Masonic works in about four months' time.

WE learn from W. Bro. Horace Priestley that it has been decided to form a Lodge at Kaponga (Taranaki),

subject to a charter being granted, and a petition has been sent to the M.W.G.M. to that end. The proposed

Lodge is fortunate in having three P.Ms. in the list of petitioners, and W. Bro. W. Ward has been selected for

W.M.-designate, with W. Bro. Horace Priestley as Sec.

OUR correspondent who supplies the report of the "coming home" of Hamilton Chapter members from

Rotorua, relates that progress was stopped by a fallen tree across the road ; and, not having a chop axe, they

cut the tree through with a "pocket" knife. It would be interesting to know whether the knife was large or the

tree small. Next, please !

WHEN W. Bro. Geo. Barclay left New Zealand in command of the Railway Engineers, he accepted the rank

of Major, in lieu of his proper rank—Lieut.-Colonel—because the command was not of sufficient strength to

ensure the higher military rank. His many friends will now be pleased to know that he has recently been

gazetted to his old rank of Lieut.-Colonel, and for the present will continue in command at Boscombe, Hants,

England.

M.W. BRO. MALCOLM NICCOL, G.Sec., offers his most grateful thanks to those Lodges and brethren Who so

kindly sent resolutions and letters of sympathy on the death of his youngest boy, killed in action. The very

large number sent quite precludes the possibility of individual replies.

AT the quarterly communication of the G.L. of Western Australia, held in the Masonic Temple, Hay Street,

Perth, on 24th January, M.W. Bro. the Right Hon. Sir William Ellison-Macartney, K.C.M.G., P.G.M. of

Tasmania, was unanimously elected G.M. The M.W. Bro. will be installed at the annual communication of

the G.L. in April.

A NEW Dist.G.L. has been formed under the G.L. of Scotland, with the title of "Dist.G.L. of the Middle

East," the meeting place to be Kuala Lumpur. The new district, which embraces the Lodges in the Straits

Settlements and the Federated Malay States, will have as its Dist.G.M. the Hon. Eric Macfayden.

THE practice of balloting for the office of W.M. when there is only one candidate is not infrequently made

the subject of ridicule and sarcastic comment. A case has recently occurred where a Lodge rejected on ballot

the only candidate for the office of Master. A new election has been ordered, and it will be interesting to

watch the result.

R.W. BRO. A. S. BANKART, D.G.M. of Auckland under the E.C., has notified M.W. Bro. Niccol, G.Sec., of

the removal of Alexandra Lodge, No 1188, from Pirongia to Hamilton.

THE B. of G.P. of the G.L. of New Zealand has recently reviewed the salaries of the staff, and fixed them as

follows : Accountant, £350 per annum; typewriter and clerk, £150; second clerk, £104.

THE editor proffers his warmest thanks to his Invercargill friends for their many kindnesses during the recent

visit of himself and wife. The coldness of the atmosphere received ample compensation in the warmth of the

welcome.

AT the annual communication of the G.L. of Tasmania, held in Hobart on 28th February, M.W. Bro. the

Hon. C. E. Davies, M.L.C., was unanimously elected G.M. for the twentieth time. This is accounted a record.

He was first, elected to the position in 1896, and has filled the office ever since, with the exception of the

two years in which he stood aside in favour of M.W. Bro. Sir William Ellison-Macartney, the then Governor.

BRO. LORD FRENCH has been for many years an ardent member of the Craft. On his father's side he comes

from a famous old Galway family, of which Lord de Freyne is now the head. His mother was a Scotswoman,

a native of Glasgow. It has been said that union of Irish and Scottish blood is responsible for the curious

mixture of caution and impetuosity which have been the distinguishing characteristics of Lord French's

military career.

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SOUTHLAND NOTES.

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At Lodge Waihopai last meeting, on the motion of W. Bro. Todd, a resolution of appreciation of the work of

W. Bro. Gilchrist during his term as Acting-W.M. was adopted. Bro. Todd had quite a lot of good things to

say in furtherance of his motion. Bro. Gilchrist is removing to Christchurch for health reasons. He has been

identified with Lodge Waihopai ever since its formation, has filled the chairs of office in succession, and

besides being a W.M. for the full term, has controlled the Lodge during the past seven mouths in place of W.

Bro. Vernon Smith. The Acting-W.M. has been particularly thorough in his work and in attention to all

matters concerning the welfare of the Lodge. He will be very much missed. Had it been generally known that

this was W. Bro. Gilchrist's last night at Waihopai, there would undoubtedly have been a much larger

attendance of visitors. At the "Fourth" R.W. Bro. Hoyles proposed the health of the departing W.M., and in

well-chosen terms conveyed the good wishes of brethren generally. The toast was enthusiastically honoured.

Bro. Gilchrist, in replying, expressed his appreciation of the sentiments of the Prow. G.M., and testified to

the pleasure he had derived from his associations with Lodge Waihopai. He felt the parting keenly, but

circumstances compelled him to move, and he could only hope for a re-union with his brethren at some

future time. Amongst the visitors was W. Bro. E. H. Whitmore, representing Lodge Mataura, who, in spite of

his years and the wintry climatic conditions, had come along to assist in doing honour to W. Bro. Gilchrist.

* * * *

W. Bro. C. H. Roberts treated his brethren, at a Southern Cross instruction meeting, to a very able

explanation of the 3rd T.B. Owing to a variety of circumstances, the attendance was poor, but those who

were privileged to hear Bro. Roberts's short paper were deeply interested.

* * * *

Bro. P. B. Macdonald has taken over the duties of Organist to Lodge Southern Cross.

* * * *

Lodge Victoria maintains an activity in many directions. A visit to an instruction meeting showed a very

healthy state of affairs, a continued regular attendance of brethren, and thorough work of instruction. After

the ritual a free-and-easy social gathering is held, and opportunities are given for expression of opinion such

as seldom occur at the regular meetings. This Lodge will also show well in contributions to the W. and O.

and A.M. Fund, one single effort realising over £22. The Stewards' Account, too, is made to balance itself,

there being no call on the Lodge funds for refreshments. At a recent instruction meeting your correspondent

was given an opportunity of pushing forward the claims of the CRAFTSMAN, and received an attentive

hearing, after which two new subscribers were enrolled.

* * * *

A unique toast, and one that seems to have much to commend it, has been introduced in the "Fourth" at

Lodge St. John on a few' occasions. The toast is that of "The Master Mason," and is responded to by junior

members of the Lodge or junior visitors. The response gives these younger brethren an opportunity of

expressing ideas arising from the enthusiasm of youth, and at the same time the discretion of age can be

introduced by those of our brethren who have "borne the heat and burden of the day."

* * * *

The annual installation meetings in Invercargill are drawing near. Lodges Waihopai and St. John are due in

May, ant Lodges Southern Cross, Victoria, and Fortitude in June. It each of these Lodges the retiring Masters

can reasonably claim to have had successful years, for in spite of the fact that so many men have been called

for military service, every meeting in the town Lodges has been devoted to ritual work, and in some cases it

has been found necessary to hold emergency meetings.

* * * *

Bro. J. Lipscombe, S.W., will be installed as W.M. of Lodge St. John, and Bro. A. B. Edmonds, S.W., as

W.M. of Lodge Waihopai, in May.

* * * *

A somewhat unusual occurrence was witnessed at Lodge St. John on 8th April, when the J.W. was called

upon to explain the 1st T.B. Two candidates were placed before him, not only brothers in Freemasonry, but

natural brothers as well—Norman and Roy Thompson, sons of an esteemed deceased Freemason. Bro. Jas.

Manson gave the address in an excellent manner, and it was quite apparent that his effort was well

understood. Bro. Lieutenant Roy Thompson is a Main Body soldier, and is in New Zealand on duty for a

short period before returning to the front.

* * * *

Bro. A. Storey, who has recently returned from the front, was present at the last meeting of his Lodge, and

received a welcome greeting. He is suffering from severe wounds in the right arm. In welcoming him home

again, W. Bro. Buchanan expressed the hope of a speedy recovery and a renewed regular attendance from

Bro. Storey. In responding, the returned soldier brother was particularly interesting. He had had opportunities

of visiting Lodges in Africa, England, Scotland, and France, at all of which he had always received a truly

Masonic welcome. He had also been fortunate enough to get a week's leave of absence from duty in order to

attend the installation of the Duke of Connaught as G.M. of England. This ceremony lasted two days, and

was described as magnificent. Bro. Storey had great praise for Chaplain Luxford, a former member of Lodge

St. John, and W. Bro. Hardy, formerly of Lodge Victoria, and now Secretary to the Masonic Expeditionary

Force Association. Many details, too, were given of personal experiences, and as Bro. Storey related his

narrative in a pleasing natural manner, including up-to-date soldier language, his listeners were well

entertained.

* * * *

The installation meeting of Lodge Orepuki takes place on the 17th April, when Bro. W. D. Clark will assume

control. The Prov.G.M. (R.W. Bro. A. le H. Hoyles) is Installing Master, and the duties of D. of C. will be

carried out by W. Bro. L. C. Clapp, junr.

* * * *

Lodge Fortitude is experiencing a quiet time at present. W. Bro. E. Parker, W.M., has put in a lot of energy

in connection with the Lodge, and has been ably supported by W. Bro. Rusden and his officers. Attendances

at regular meetings have been good throughout the year, considering the state of business at Bluff owing to

the war. Both Lodges St. John and Victoria have paid official visits to Fortitude, and it is now time Lodge

Southern Cross organised a motor trip to Bluff.

* * * *

At the March meeting of Lodge Waihopai Bro. Brandford was welcomed back to his Lodge after a strenuous

period of active service. Bro. Brandford has had interesting experiences, and had enjoyed Masonic

gatherings in Capetown, France, England, and Scotland.

* * * *

Amongst those killed ou active service, a recent casualty list contains the name of Bro. D. G. Swan, a

member of Lodge Victoria. Bro. Swan enlisted from Dunedin.

* * * *

W. Bro. J. Buchanan is constantly receiving letters from brethren at the front, thanking the Lodge for

Christmas parcels sent forward. These parcels appear to have all safely reached their destinations, and have

been highly appreciated. Lodge Victoria has now twenty-six members on military service.

* * * *

Bro. Hector Fallow is a regular correspondent. His last letter to W. Bro. Bonifant is dated from Rouen, where

at time of writing he was engaged on special military work.

* * * *

W. Bro. A. S. Cookson, now a resident of Dunedin, paid a visit to Invercargill at Easter, and was in

attendance at an emergency meeting of his Lodge (St. John) on 1st April. Bro. Cookson is the possessor of a

specially fine tenor voice, and his contributions to the harmony of the evening found great favour.

* * * *

It is the intention of Lodge Victoria to visit Lodge Aparima next month and to work the Third Degree. This

visit is the outcome of a suggestion from Bro. Tait, who stated the disabilities under which the Lodge at

Riverton was working. W. Bro. Brokenshire is organising the trip, and it is hoped he will succeed in getting a

large number of his brethren to attend.

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N.Z.E.F. MASONIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE.

———<>———

Minutes of conference of delegates from the various branches of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association in the

United Kingdom, held at Holborn Restaurant, London, on Wednesday and Thursday, 9th and 10th January,

1918. R.W. Bro. Major G. Barclay, V.D., occupied the chair, and the following delegates were present :—

President, R.W. Bro. Major G. Barclay, V.D. (Ara No. 1) ; General Secretary, Bro. Rev. A. Hardie, C.F.

(Harvey, No. 49) ; London, Bro. Major T. McKibbin (Warner, No. 2256, E.C.); Hornchurch, Bro. Captain

W. E. Carter (Onewa, No. 182); Sling, Bro. Q.M.Sergt. J. Y. Warren (St. Andrew, No. 8) ; Codford, Bro.

Sergt.-Major L. E. Lowery (Waiwhetu, No. 176); Stevenage, Bro. Sapper E. Barry (Manawatu Kil., No. 47);

Grantham, Bro. Second-Lieut. J. C. Nutt (St. John's, No. 37); Walton-on-Thames, Bro. Sergt. J. A. Brown

(Rongotea, No. 146) ; Brockenhurst, W. Bro. Captain L. Armitage (Waitemata, No. 689, E.C.) ; Boscombe,

Bro. Sergt. T. Edwards (Concord, No. 39) ; Torquay, Bro. E. L. Garner, C.F. (Brooklyn, No. 131) ; Ewshott,

Bro. Sergt. C. T. Loader (Ulster, No. 62) ; Brooton, Bro. Second-Lieut. J. Pagan (Palmerston, No. 26). Also

W. Bro. Major W. G. Wray (Sling), V.W. Bro. Rev. McKenzie Gibson, C.F. (Hornchurch), Bro. Sergt. C.

Purchas (Boscombe), Bro. Sergt. W. J. Nags (London), and Bro. L. Sim, N.Z.F.A. (France). Apologies were

received from a number of brethren.

Bro. General G. S. Richardson, C.B., C.M.G., addressed the conference, and on behalf of the London

brethren welcomed the delegates, expressing his appreciation of the work of the Association and his hopes of

its further usefulness.

The president detailed the work which had been done since the inception of the Association, and explained

the purpose of the conference.

AGENDA.

1. Appointment of an Advisory Committee for England.—A long and full discussion took place, and the
following was decided :—(a) That a committee, to be called the " U.K. Commit-tee,'' be set up in the United

Kingdom to deal with matters pertaining to the control and management of the branches of the Association

formed within the United King'dom; (b) that the headquarters of this committee shall be in London; (c) that

the members of this committee shall be nominated by the branches of the Association in the United

Kingdom, one representative to each branch; each branch may appoint a proxy representative;

(d) in addition, there should be a chairman and a secretary, to be appointed by the Executive Committee of

the Association.

2. Candidatures for Masonry.—Bro. Major Wray moved, Bro. Captain Carter seconded, and it was
carried :—" That candidature for admission to the Craft Lodges in the United Kingdom be referred to the

nearest branch, which shall obtain satisfactory references from at least three brethren who have known the

candidate in civil life, and, failing this, the matter to be referred to the General Secretary for further action.

3. Formation of a Benevolent Fund.—After a good deal of discussion it was agreed, on the motion of Bro.
Warren, seconded by Bro. McKibbin " That no action be taken."

4. Disposal of Funds.—As the balance-sheet was not to hand the matter was left over.

Amendments to Constitution.—Clause 1 to be amended to read : " 1. That an Association be formed to be

called the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association " ; proposed by 'Bro. Warren and seconded by Bro. Armitage.—

Carried. Clause 2 (c): That the words " of any individual member and " be deleted; proposed by Bro. Wray

and seconded by Bro. Carter.—Carried. Clause 3—Amended as follows : " That any member of the Order

who is on the strength of the N.Z.E.F. and any," etc. ; Bro. Barclay moved and Bro. Wray seconded.—

Carried.

6. Jewel.—Moved by Bro. Warren and seconded by Bro. Armitage :—" That members of the
N.Z.E.F.M.A. who are M.Ms. may wear the jewel of the Association." Carried. Owing to the difficulty

experienced by the manufacturers in connection with the obtaining of labour and material, it was decided to

advise that no further orders for jewels should be placed meantime.

7. Cards for membership.--It was decided that, in order to avoid delay in the issue of membership cards,
a supply of blank cards (signed and numbered) should be furnished to each branch, the branch secretary to

render a return to the General Secretary at the end of each month. Benches to apply for cards required.

8. Post Card for Advising Movements of Brethren.—It was suggested that a card suitable for this
purpose should be printed, and a pro forma was handed in.

9. Masonic Literature.—The president stated that the various Literary Lodges in England and New
Zealand had been circularised, with the object of obtaining lectures and papers on Masonic subjects, and a

ready response was being made. Branches would be able to obtain copies when required for use at meetings.

10. Additions, etc., to Constitutions.—The General Secretary reported a number of alterations and
additions to the constitutions. A reprint would shortly be made.

11. Brethren Communicating with their Lodges.—It was reported that a supply of cards, suitable for this
purpose, would shortly be available for issue to brethren. It was hoped that many brethren who did not write

to their Lodges would find time to send a card.

12. Additional Information with respect to Members— It was resolved that the private address in New
Zealand should be recorded in the case of each member.

13. Issue of a Quarterly Circular.—The president suggested that a quarterly circular should be issued to
members, and the proposal was approved.

14. Aprons for Use of Members.—Bro. Loader reported, re aprons, which the Ewshott branch have had
made for the use of brethren when visiting Lodges, and produced samples of same.

15. Appointment of Vice-Presidents.—It was resolved that the Executive Committee be recommended to
appoint W. Bro. Major W. G. Wray, M.C., as a Vice-President, and that they also ask W. Bro. Colonel

Esson, C.M.G., to accept a similar position in New Zealand.

16. Complimentary.—The General Secretary conveyed the decision of the general meeting held in France,
on 21st December, 1917, when 80 brethren were in attendance, to present the president of the Association

with an 18ct. gold jewel, in recognition of his services to the Association, and it was agreed "that this

conference endorse the action of the parent body in presenting the jewel to the president." R.W. Bro. Barclay

responded, and deputed the secretary to carry back his thanks and appreciation.

17. Conclusion.—The minutes having been read and passed as correct, the president (Major Barclay)

thanked the brethren for their attendance and close attention to the business which had been brought forward.

He was fully convinced that their meeting would be productive of much good, and would mark another stage

in the history of the Association. He mentioned the great services which had been rendered by the General

Secretary (Bro. Rev. A. Hardie), a reference which met with unanimous approval from those present.

On Wednesday, 9th January, the delegates and others were entertained at lunch at the Holborn Restaurant by

the members of the London branch of the Association. Bro. Colonel G. T. Hall, C.M.G., occupied the chair,

and gave a hearty welcome to those present.

————————

A VISIT TO AN OLD LODGE.

———<>———

[BRO. G. BARCLAY.]

————

I recently accepted an invitation to visit Lodge Unity, No. 132. This old Lodge meets at Ringwood—a small

town on the Outskirts of the New Forest, about fifteen miles from Bournemouth, and a place with many

associations of the past. Its people are proud of the fact that the town was referred to in the Domesday Book,

and that since that time it has played a part in history. It was near by — in what is now known as

Monmouth's Close—where Monmouth was discovered concealed in a ditch after the battle of Sedgmuir ; and

not far away is Tyrrell's Ford, marking the place where Sir Walter Tyrrell is alleged to have crossed the

River Avon in making his escape after the murder of William Rufus in the New Forest. The town is full of

many quaint buildings of ancient design; the doorsteps of many of the houses projecting well into the

footpaths make it hazardous for the traveller to move about at night unless he keeps to the centre of the

roadway. The Lodgeroom was situated in the rear of an old hotel, probably in the earlier days known as an

inn or tavern ; and to reach there you passed through several narrow stone-paved passages. The brethren of

the Lodge gave me a most kindly welcome, and prior to the opening the W.M. took me round on a tour of

inspection of the Lodge's treasures. Lodge Unity dates from 1764, and, consequently, has many relics of the

past. Probably the most highly prized possession is the warrant; it is hand-written on a sheet of paper of

about foolscap size, and is insured for a considerable amount. There are two fine old chairs, occupied by the

W.M. and S.W. How they came into the possession of the Lodge is unknown, as the fact is not mentioned in

the minute-books. At one time they were apparently ecclesiastical property. The Master's chair bears the

inscription : "His Majesty King George III. visited the city of Salisbury, September 30th, 1778, and was

seated in this chair and throne in the choir of the Cathedral during the performance of the three anthems."

The S.W. chair has a plate setting out that it was occupied by Queen Charlotte on the same occasion. Some

of the W.Ts. of the Lodge are very old, those for the First Degree having been in use since the opening. The

Deacons use the mallet as their collar jewel—a relic handed down to them from the past. There were several

points of difference in the working of the Lodge which I found of interest. During the temporary retirement

of the candidate the Sec. was called upon to read the by-laws of the Lodge, and my attention was attracted by

one clause which prescribed that any brother divulging any information with respect to any proceedings in

the Lodge should, if a member, be permanently excluded, and, if a visitor, be denied admittance to any future

meetings. The by-law went on to provide that, in the event of a candidate being black-balled, the W.M.

should immediately cause this clause to be read in the Lodge, so that no brother might plead ignorance

thereof. It is worth mentioning that the Sec: was seventy-nine years of age, and the Chaplain seventy-eight,

while the Tyler had held office for forty-one years. One special feature at the festive board, and which so far

the Lodge has been able to maintain, notwithstanding food restrictions, is a large beefsteak and kidney

pudding. This has been served regularly at the dinner following the monthly meeting of the Lodge for over a

century, and the brethren quite pride themselves upon the fact. Any brother visiting the Lodge for the first

time was, they intimated to me, expected to ask for a second helping, and this I had no hesitation in doing.

————————

WELLINGTON UNITED BOARD OF ENQUIRY.

———<>———

ANNUAL MEETING.

————

The annual meeting of the Wellington United Board of Enquiry was held in the Masonic Hall on 16th April.

After the various candidates had been considered, the election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in W.

Bro. W. C. Robinson being elected President ; W. Bro. H. G. Teagle, Vice-President ; and V, Bro. Henry

Hobbs (re-elected), Sec. The balance-sheets of the Board of Enquiry and Board of Casual Relief were

adopted. During the year 114 candidates had been considered, of which 109 were passed and five not

recommended. The retiring officers were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for their services during the year,

and W. Bro. Robinson, in a few well chosen words, presented W. Bro. Firth, the retiring President, with a P.

President's jewel, expressing the appreciation of the brethren for his work during his term of office.

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

Correspondence.
———————————————————————————————————————————

ROMAN CATHOLICS AS FREEMASONS.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Since I have been in New Zealand I have noticed a great deal of ignorance on the part

of brethren regarding the Papacy. The following is taken from "Uncle Sam or the Pope—Which ?" page

107:—

(57.) LEO AGAINST FREEMASONS.

"It may seem to some that Freemasons demand nothing that is openly contrary to religion and morality ; but,

as the whole principle and objects of the sect lie in what is vicious and criminal, to join with these men or in

any way to help them cannot be lawful."

Yet some Masons truckle to the Pope's minions !

PAGE 12, SAME BOOK. CANON LAW NO. 12.

" The Pope can release from every obligation, oath, or vow, either before or after being made."

Yet I find New Zealand Masonic Lodges admitting these men and otherwise patronising their churches,

bazaars, fetes, etc.—

Yours fraternally, CANADIAN MASON.

————————

RITUAL WORK.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—I notice in the last issue of the CRAFTSMAN that one of your Lodge Correspondents

expresses the opinion that " all work should be done from the dais." The reason he gives is that "no matter

what time and effort a floor member puts into a charge . . . there is a lack of dignity, of weight, of

impressiveness." I fail to see the force of his argument. It is surely unnecessary for a member to become

W.M. before he can fully understand the teaching of our ritual and appreciate the beauty of the charges.

Furthermore, it cannot be denied that there are many members, who have never occupied the position of

W.M., who are able to deliver an address with "dignity" and "impressiveness." I take it that the W.M. may do

the whole work, and that therefore he can request any competent brother to assist, and I consider that no

restrictions should be placed upon a W.M. in the exercise of, his discretion in requesting such assistance. He

should not be limited to the P.Ms. of the Lodge. If the W.M. be satisfied, from work done in Lodge of

Instruction or for any other reason, that a brother is capable of assisting in the work of the Lodge, surely the

W.M. is justified in taking full advantage of that brother's ability. The impression made upon the candidate

should be the chief consideration, and it must be remembered that, especially at an initiation, the candidate

does not necessarily know the difference in rank between Bro. I.G. and W. Bro. I.P.M.

It is sometimes said that the P.Ms. should be given work to do ; otherwise they will not attend. If a W. Bro.,

who has received the highest honour that a Lodge can bestow, requires to be enticed to attend the regular

meetings, then he appears to me to be lacking not only in gratitude to his Lodge, but in courtesy to the W.

Bro. who, for the time being, occupies the position he once held, and also in a proper sense of his duty as a

member of the Lodge. I do not wish to suggest that the P.Ms. should be overlooked by the W.M. in allotting

the work, but I consider that ability, and not rank, should be the deciding factor.

I wish to take this opportunity of mentioning another point, and that is the practice in some Lodges of the

J.W. presenting the W.Ts. and the S.W. delivering the Final Charge in each degree. I consider this practice

unwise. As I have already suggested, the discretion of the W.M. in allotting the work should not be in any

manner restricted. It is no more the duty or the right of a J.W. to present the W.Ts. than to communicate the

Secrets or deliver the N.E. Charge. If a brother occupies one of the three principal offices of the Lodge, he

should be capable of assisting at any portion of the ceremony, and there is no reason why he should be given

the same piece of work meeting after meeting for twelve months.—Yours fraternally,

F. H. MUELLER, P.M.

Mount Eden, 17th April, 1918.

————————

ON SERVICE.

———<>———

TO THE SEC. OF LODGE ———, WELLINGTON.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Just a note to thank you for Lodge circulars, which are coming to hand now fairly

regularly, and also for your letter received some time ago. I have joined the N.Z.E.F. -Masonic Association

in France, and have attended some of the meetings, which are as a rule largely attended, and our roll numbers

something over 800 members; so you can guess the good work being done among its members. We have

some very good officers, and our Sec., Bro. Captain Hardie, is a real good worker ; also Bro. Major Barclay

has been untiring in his efforts for the welfare of all those belonging to the Craft. I sent you some little time

ago some of the notices, also our Christmas card, which I trust arrived safely. I will, as far as I am able, keep

you posted with our doings while on active service, as I am sure same will be interesting to you. In

connection with this association we have branches in all New Zealand camps, convalescent camps, and

hospitals, and I can assure you that Freemasonry has become a real live thing, and those of us who have been

lucky enough to be present at the meetings and hear of the work this association is doing can realise the

benefit it has been to our wounded brethren, and also to the loved ones of those who have made the supreme

sacrifice., One cannot really tell you of the immense amount of comfort it has been to many in a letter, but

some day I hope to be able to have a good long talk about the work, etc., to all at Lodge Leinster. Please

thank the W.M., officers, and brethren of my Lodge for their kind wishes for my welfare, and, if they could

only realise how much I appreciate their kind thoughts, I am sure that they would be pleased indeed, as I am ;

it is so nice to know that one is so often thought of, and I often think how much more interesting I shall be

after returning to New Zealand in our toast of the "Fourth," "Absent Brethren," especially if they are longing

as much as I am to have the pleasure of being with you all again. It is at times like the present, when one

can't get back when they so long to, that the separation from those one loves becomes almost unbearable.

Still, if one lives up to the teachings of our Craft, all things will work together for good. It is a great pity that

more of our military officers are not members. One can almost pick out an officer who is a member and one

who is not by their different treatment of the men under their command ; and how much more respected and

liked by the men is an officer belonging to the Craft, as they seem to realise that what our constitution

teaches are the principles that Great Britain and her Allies are fighting for is taught and practised in our

Lodges, who endeavour all the time to create and cultivate an atmosphere of right and justice, consideration

for others, regard for honour and truth; and the military officer who is a member of the Craft practises this

with the above result. Please convey to the W.M., officers, and brethren my hearty good wishes.—Yours

fraternally, A MEMBER.

France, 21st January, 1918.

————————

GRAND SECRETARY'S OFFICE.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—The leading article in your March issue will, no doubt, be read with great interest

throughout the territory, and it is very encouraging to know that you yourself still believe that the G. Sec.'s

office should he located permanently in one place. Your contention that the time is inopportune to bring this

matter forward will be disputed by many, who consider that the present is certainly not the time to incur the

great expense occasioned by removing the G.Sec.'s office. It is unfortunate that the Wellington brethren were

not consulted before this notice of motion was given, but, nevertheless, it is plain that if the G.Sec.'s office is

to be permanently located in the one place, that place should be the city of Wellington. The fact that the

office will be established in Wellington for the coming two years is also an excellent reason for bringing the

matter again before the G.L., so that if permanent location .is decided upon, then no further removal expense

will be incurred.—Yours fraternally, A. ARMSTRONG.

Wanganui, 19th March, 1918.

————————

SHOULD FLOOR MEMBERS TAKE PART IN THE CEREMONIES?

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—I should be glad if you would publish my opinion with regard to a report from Avon

in your last issue. Your correspondent seems to have been shocked with the unusual change of the Avon

Lodge in allowing a floor member to take part in the ceremony of initiation. Oh, ye Gods on the dais, to

allow an ordinary member of the Lodge to give a charge or an address of any description to the brethren! It is

a pity, when our W. brethren think so much of themselves and so little of the brethren on the floor. Here we

have a brother, the I. G., giving the address after initiation in a splendid and impressive manner, and after he

finishes his work and goes to receive his wages, his masters on the dais pay him with scruple and diffidence.

I fail to see how he could have great reliance in their integrity after the manner in which they received his

address.

Now, in my own district I know a brother (who is on the dais now) who, before he had been in the Lodge

two years, prepared and read one of the best papers on Masonry that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

This same brother has given several papers on different subjects in connection with the Craft before he was

elevated to that high and lofty Chair of K.S. I well remember the time when he was a plain and humble

brother on the floor, he gave his first paper, and a brother to your correspondent, one of those old fossils on

the dais, took strong objection to him giving a paper, because he contended that only P.Ms. should be

allowed to address the brethren. This same old fossil could not prepare a paper himself, as he had not the

ability. Of course, these old fossils are not necessarily old in age, but they are very old in their ideals of

Masonry. Why, dear Editor, some of the best papers I have read in your worthy CRAFTSMAN have been

written by brethren on the floor. I quite agree that a brother who has passed through the Chair of K.S. could

not fail to be a better man ; still, I do hold that there are brethren on the floor just as good and as capable of

giving a Masonic address as our W. brethren in the East. 1 do hope and sincerely trust that the brethren on

the floor will receive more encouragement in their Masonic work from the P.Ms., and especially from your

Avon correspondent.—Yours fraternally, WOR. LEVEL.

————————

THE OLD RETURN AND THE NEW.

———<>———

(Continued).

It might here be explained that the Samaritans were an idolatrous race bordering on Judea, and said to be

descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph. Much could be said regarding this race, but

sufficient it is to say that a very great hatred and jealousy sprang up between the two nations, until we are

told by Jewish history that no two nations ever hated each other with more unmitigated bitterness. The

Samaritan influence at the court of Cyrus became very great, so that it can readily be perceived that every

obstacle was put in the way of the Jewish race to prevent its resuming the building of Jerusalem. However,

on the accession of Darius to the throne of Persia, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah strongly urged on

Zerubbabel, the chieftain of the people, to renew the work. The Persian pashas of the province sent to the

sovereign for instructions. Darius commanded the archives to be searched, in which the original edict of

Cyrus was found. Darius, who in all respects pursued the policy of the great founder of the monarchy, re-

issued and confirmed the decree. Under the protection of the Persian governors the Jews pressed forward the

work, and in the sixth year of Darius the second Temple, built on the old foundations, but of far less costly

and splendid materials, was finally completed. The dimensions seem to have been the same as with that of

Solomon, except, perhaps, the height of the interior, which was greater, and showed the want of the lofty

porch tower. The feast of dedication was celebrated with all the joy and magnificence which an

impoverished and dependent people could display ; but what a falling-off in the national sacrifice of 100

bullocks, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and 12 goats, for a sin offering from the countless hecatombs of Solomon !

The treasures of the national poetry were not exhausted. The hymns composed for the second dedication—

probably the five last psalms in the collection—though they by no means equalled, approached far nearer to

the vigour and dignity of the earlier hymns than either the Temple itself or its prototype.

The Jews enjoyed another kind of satisfaction. Their Samaritan adversaries were not merely frustrated in

their opposition to the building of the Temple, but obliged by an imperial edict to contribute to its

completion.

We know that it was with Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest as leaders that the exiles returned to

Palestine, and I think it would not be inopportune were I to give you some idea of the powers which were

vested in the High Priesthood regarding the meting out of justice, and later of the duties and methods adopted

by the tribunal known as the Sanhedrin.

At the return, the High Priest Joshua, next to Zerubbabel, stood at the head of the people. It was quite in the

nature of the case that he should soon take first place. Zerubbabel was a descendant of David. This served to

recommend him to many among the people. But in the eyes of the Persian king, or Persian governor, to

whose jurisdiction Judea also belonged, his extraction easily rendered him a somewhat suspected and

dangerous person. What guarantee had they that he would not attempt to place himself upon the throne and

render his people independent ? Thus it was not unnatural that the government of Judea was entrusted to men

of another family, perhaps even by preference to foreigners. Such a governor, whether all Israelite or a

stranger, represented in either case the sovereign power of Persia, to which exclusively he owed his

elevation. Meanwhile there remained room for a national authority next or opposite to him ; in fact, its rise

must have been desired and promoted by the Persians in their own interest. The position was now taken up as

a matter of course by the Jerusalem priesthood, with the High Priest at their head. His dignity descended by

inheritance to his eldest Son, so that it did not lack the requisite stability. He was, moreover, the

acknowledged representative of the religious individuality and unity of the Jewish people. Nor should we

forget that he found a firm support in the comparatively large number of priests, Levites, and other officers

of the Temple. Regarding the powers conferred on the High Priest., we must understand that there was as yet

no fixed court, such as the Sanhedrin. We may therefore assume that the High Priest exercised his authority,

which was tolerably unrestricted and nowhere accurately defined, and that in very weighty matters the

decision rested with the whole community, who were summoned to Jerusalem for that purpose. The High

Priest continued independently at the head of judicial affairs until the reign of John, about 135 B.C., when we

first hear of the formation of the Sanhedrin. At all earlier period we hear of a Senate, in the time of

Antiochus the Great (223-187 B.C.). This, as the title shows, must have been an aristocratic body, doubtless

presided over by the High Priest. Under the earlier Maccabees reference is made to a Senate or eldership,

called in the Talmud "The Tribunal of Asmoneans." Later, this body took the name of "Sanhedrin," or

assembly. It consisted of seventy-one members, and was presided over by the Nasi (Prince), at whose side

stood the Ab-Beth-Din (Father of the Tribunal). Its members belonged to the different classes of society ;

there were priests, elders—i.e., heads of families, men of age and experience, scribes or doctors of the law,

and others exalted by eminent learning—the sole condition for admission into this assembly. The

presidentship was conferred on the High Priest in preference, if he happened to possess the requisite qualities

of eminence; otherwise "he who excels all others in wisdom" was appointed, irrespective of his station. The

limits of its jurisdiction are not known with certainty, but there is no doubt that the supreme decision over

life and death, the ordeal of a suspected wife, and the like criminal matters, were exclusively in its hands.

Besides this, however, the regulation of the sacred times and seasons were vested in it. It fixed the

beginnings of the new moons, intercalated the years when necessary, and watched over the purity of the

priestly families. By degrees the whole internal administration of the commonwealth was vested in this body,

and it became necessary to establish minor courts similarly composed all over the country and in Jerusalem

itself. Thus we hear of two inferior tribunals at Jerusalem, each consisting of 23 men (Lesser Sanhedrin), and

others consisting of three men only. These courts of 23, as well as those of three men, probably represent

only smaller or larger committees chosen from the general body. Excluded from the office of judge were

those born in adultery, men born of non-Israelitish parents, gamblers, usurers, those who sold fruit in the

Sabbatical year, and, in individual cases, near relatives. All these were also not admitted as witnesses. Two

scribes were always present, one registering the condemnatory, the other the exculpatory votes. The mode of

procedure was extremely complicated, and such was the caution of the court that capital punishment was

pronounced in the rarest instances only. The Nasi had the supreme direction of the court, and convoked it

when necessary. He sat at the head, and on his right hand was the seat of the Ab-Beth-Din; in front of them

the rest of the members took their places, according to their dignity, in a semi-circle. The court met on

extraordinary occasions in the house of the High Priest. Its general place of assembly, however, was a certain

hall, probably situated at the south-west corner of the Temple. With the exception of Sabbath and feast-days,

it met daily.

Passing over a space of close on 2,000 years, we find the world engulfed in terrible war, the Jew a wanderer

in every country, but taking upon his shoulder the burden of duty towards the countries wherein he may be

settled. In this country the ability of the Jew has been recognised, and no obstacle is placed in his way

whereby he may attain to glorious heights. Not so in other countries, where the strong wave of anti-

Semitism, not lessened by the increase of civilisation, has been the menace continually hanging over his

head. As in the captivity at Babylon, so during the succeeding captivities, and so to-day, the Jew, by his

staunch adhesion to his religious customs, has been able to outlive the cruel designs of his persecutors. For

close on 2,000 years the Jew has been a wandered in every country of the globe, and their history can be

written in one word—namely, "persecution." Now, thanks to the memorable victories of General Allenby,

thanks to the magnificent offer of the British Government, ever ready to uphold the rights of small nations,

and ever ready to watch their progress, we are on the eve of that return—a return, we may hope, which will

be the last.

Zionists of belligerent countries, as well as of the allied nations, have joined in a general thanksgiving, and

plans are even now in progress for the reclaiming of the country. A rather miraculous event was that the date

of the capture of Jerusalem by General Allenby should coincide with the first day of our festival of

Chanukah, a festival held to commemorate the defeat of the Syrian army by Judas Maccabeus and the

consequent restoration of the Temple. It is generally assumed that the return to Palestine will be on the lines

of the first return, although under conditions ameliorated by the benefits derived from 2,000 years' progress.

As in the case of the first return, there will be many whose home ties in the country of their adoption will not

permit them to participate, but who will render all assistance in their power for the good of their returning

brethren. Much could here be said about the prospects opened up by England's magnificent offer, were time

to permit, but before closing I would like to give you a prophetic parable, written in Chaldaic about the year

1300, and which forms the conclusion of our Passover service at home. It is quite figurative, and written on

the lines of "The House that Jack Built." It concerns one only kid that my father bought for two zuzim. A cat

then came and devoured the kid, and in turn came a dog who bit the cat, then a staff that smote the dog, then

a fire that burnt the staff, water which quenched the fire, an ox came and drank the water, slaughterers came

and slaughtered the ox, and finally the angel of death came and slew the slaughterers. The parable is

descriptive of incidents in the history of the Jewish nation, with some reference to prophecies unfulfilled.

The kid refers to Israel, the cat to Babylon, which swallowed up the Jewish nation A.M. 3338. The dog refers

to Persia, by whose power Babylon was overthrown, A.M. 3390. The staff refers to Greece, which put an end

to Persian domination A.M. 3442. The fire refers to Rome, which put an end to the Grecian Empire at the

Battle of Pynda, A.M. 3529. The waiver refers to the Turks, by whom the Holy Land was wrested from the

possession of Rome, A.M. 4398. The ox refers to Edom, by which name the European nations are termed.

These will go up against the Holy Land and wrest it from the Turks. The slaughterer refers to the fearful war

which will take place, in which the Angel of Death will play the predominant part. This parable was written

600 years ago, and it is remarkable how its prophetic reference has been verified.

To-day, companions, we Jews stand on the threshold of momentous events. To-day we stand., shoulder to

shoulder with our comrades of other faiths in that great fight for the principles we hold most dear. Mother

England has silently watched our efforts, and to-day extends to us her bounteous goodwill and the hope el

our salvation. We, therefore, appreciating to the full the benefits bestowed upon us by this great nation, do

say that we will never sheath the sword until the principles for which we are fighting shall be gained. Her

war shall be our war, her sufferings our sufferings, and her peace our peace; and, as England has been all she

can to the Jew, so shall the Jews be all they can to England.

OBITUARY.

BRO. HENRY FOLEY BENNETT.

A large number of Wanganui brethren assembled on Saturday, 30th March, to pay the last

respects to the late Bro. H. F. Bennett. The W.Ms. of the three local Lodges were present. The

usual rites were performed by Prov. G.M. Bro. D. McFarlane, W. Bros. R. W. Green,

Treadwell, Richardson, and Craig. The pall-bearers were W. Bro. G. McLean, Bros. F. Symes,

J. E. M. Rose, and G. Allen. Bro. Bennett was a member of Lodge Geraldine, but his duties as

representative of Messrs. Sims, Cooper and Co. in this district had made for him a large circle of

friends. In addition to the brethren, there was a good attendance of the general public, with

whom the late brother had been held in the highest respect.

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

Poetry.
———————————————————————————————————————————

HE PRAYED.

He prayed,

There where he lay,

Blood-sodden and unkempt,

As never in his young carelessness he'd dreamt

That lie could pray.

He prayed;

Not that the pain should cease,

Nor yet for water in the parching heat,

Nor for death's quick release,

Nor even for the tardy feet

Of stretcher-bearers bringing aid.

He prayed,

Cast helpless on the bloody sod :

"Don't trouble now, O God, for me,

But keep the boys. Go forward with them, God !

O, speed the Camerons to victory."

The kilts flashed on : " Well played,"

He sighed, "well played !"

Just so he prayed.

—W. M. Letts.

————————

A MASONIC CREED IN VERSE.

———<>———

I believe all men are brothers,

God the Father of us all;

I believe in serving others •

When their needs upon me call.

In that Book upon our altar

I believe is Truth and Life •

Though in darkness I may falter,

It will guide are through the strife.

I believe within this mortal

House of clay a spirit lives,

And the grave's dark, narrow portal

Entrance to God's kingdom gives.

I believe my Heavenly Master,

Bending o'er me when I pray,

Points the way from dark disaster

To the light of glorious day.

—" Masonic Standard.''

————————

A FEW NOTES ON SOME POINTS OF MASONIC PRACTICE.

———<>———

[By W. BRO. P. LEVI.]

I must first state that these notes have been gleaned from a Masonic publication called "Miscellanea

Latomorum, or Masonic Notes and Queries," an excellent serial which has had a very chequered career. It

was started by Bro. E. L. Hawkins, but after a year or two his death in 1913 brought the publication to an

end. A few brethren wished to revive it, and the editorship was taken up by Bro. F. W. Levander. Three

volumes of the new series were completed, but in December, 1916, Bro. Levander, being then W.M. of

Quatuor Coronati Lodge, also died, and the publication was again interrupted, and is now suspended until

after the war. The main part of the publication consists, on the one part, of short queries, which can be sent in

by any member of the Craft ; and, on the other, of answers to these queries, which may be supplied by any

one or more brethren. The other parts of the publication consist of short notes on points of interest in

Freemasonry. A brother in Wellington has a complete set, but I myself have only recent numbers.

THE TYLER'S TOAST.

Some considerable difference of opinion exists as to the proper way of honouring this important toast. The

main questions raised are whether it should be given sitting or standing, and whether ordinary or silent fire

should be used.

As you are aware, there are different practices in New Zealand, and the differences seem to be as much

marked in England. Some English Masons consider that the toast should be given seated and with silent fire,

to mark its special distinction from all other toasts.

One writer in "Misc. Lat.," Vol. III., p. 60, says : "I have never heard of the Tyler's (or any other) toast being

given sitting."

Another says : "Twenty years ago this was given with silent fire at most Lodge meetings. Of recent years it

has been given frequently in the manner customary with other toasts."

Bro. B. H. Cartwright says : "The toast should be given by the Tyler, standing beside the W.M. The brethren

should then rise, drink, and fire (`taking the time' from the Tyler), just as in the case of any other toast. There

is no justification for deviation from the customary practice."

It is stated that silent fire had been forbidden in a certain province in England. The writer of a Masonic work

in 1885 deprecated what he called " the recent absurd innovation, for which no authority can be found, of

accompanying the final toast by actions partially of a funereal character alien in every respect to the true

sentiment of the toast itself."

My limited experience in Wellington is that, although the sitting is a comparatively recent innovation,

introduced some few years ago by some of the E.C. Lodges, silent fire is always given. I can find no

reference in "Misc. Lat." to the special kind of fire which I have always seen given in Wellington, but

perhaps that is what is meant by silent fire. A less known variation is that of this toast being given otherwise

than by the Tyler. In the province of Bristol, in England, it is invariably given by the S.W. ("Misc. Lat.," Vol.

III., p. 88). A still greater diversity is noted in "Mist. Lat.," Vol. IV., p. 43. In 1861, at a consecration meeting

of the Royal Oak Lodge, the first W.M. himself gave this toast as the first one, explaining that this was the

custom in his mother Lodge (Mount Lebanon, now No. 73, E.C.).

It will surprise most brethren to hear that in many London Lodges it is considered improper for a visiting

brother to give H.G.W. unless he is a visiting W.M. or comes with a special authority to do so. It appears that

some eminent English brother has laid down that an ordinary member of a Lodge cannot have an implied

authority to give the H.G.W. of his Lodge. I am sure brethren will agree that it would be a great pity if this

picturesque custom, as at present practised in this country, should be at all interfered with. One brother, in

"Misc. Lat.," gives what I think must be the true explanation of the anomaly, if there be one. This is that the

original custom was that the visiting brother gave his own H.G.W., adding the name and number of his

Lodge so as to identify his origin. According to this the word "from" has at first been mistakenly interpreted

and then become general. This seems to me quite reasonable.

NUMBER NECESSARY TO CONSTITUTE A LODGE.

It is peculiar that the English B. of C. does not state what number is necessary. I am not sure whether there is

any provision in the New Zealand B. of C. It certainly seems remarkable that in such an elaborate set of

regulations there is none specifying a quorum.

There are different answers to the query on this point. Some, relying on the 2nd T.B., say that five may open

and hold a Lodge, but that seven must be present to initiate a brother or work a degree. The G.Sec. of

England, in 1896, gave a ruling that the only authority we have is in the Craft lectures. The fourth section of

the first lecture lays down that seven must be present at a making ; the first section of the second lecture, that

five must be present at a passing ; the first section of the third lecture, that three are necessary at a raising.

In 1880 the G.Sec. had laid down that it had always been considered that three subscribing members are

required to continue to hold a warrant, that five must be present to open a Lodge and do anything except

confer the three degrees, for which seven are necessary.

————————

SOCIAL GATHERING IN DUNEDIN.

———<>———

On Thursday evening, the 21st of March last, a number of brethren assembled for the purpose of paying

honour to two worthy members of Lodge Otago, No. 7—first of all to welcome Bro. F. W. Nicol on his

return to Dunedin after serving his King and Country, and secondly to bid farewell to R.W. Bro. Barton,

P.G.W., on the eve of leaving for Wellington to take up his residence. The proceedings were in the form of a

social gathering, the chair being occupied by W. Bro. John Wood (W.M. of Otago, No. 7). He was supported

by R.W. Bro. A. W. Flett, Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. E. W. G. H. Watts, P.P.G.M., R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick,

P.G.W., and the guests of the evening. Harmony was dispensed, songs, etc., being greatly appreciated. The

speakers all referred in eulogistic terms to the faithful and soldier-like efforts of Bro. Nicol, who had so

willingly answered the call, leaving his family ties, as he deemed the call to "shoulder arms" of paramount

importance, and all expressed their great pleasure to see him home again. To bid farewell to R.W. Bro.

Barton was not so pleasant, for his long and faithful membership of No. 7 had been the means of making

many true friends, and his absence from Dunedin will certainly be felt. To mark the occasion, W. Bro. J.

Wood, on behalf of the brethren, handed to R.W. Bro. Barton a well-filled sovereign case. In doing so he

asked Bro. Barton to accept the gift in the spirit which prompted the action of the givers, viz., their true

expression of regard for him. After Bro. Nicol and R.W. Bro. Barton had replied, the proceedings were

brought to a close by all joining in singing "Auld Lang Syne."

————————

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

———<>———

FUNCTIONS.

G.L. will be opened in the Town Hall, Wellington, on Wednesday, 8th May, at 10 a.m. for the despatch of

business. It will adjourn for lunch, resuming at 2 p.m., and again adjourning at 5 p.m. At 7 the brethren will

assemble, and V.W. Bro. Hon. A. L. Herdman will be installed as G.M. At the close of this ceremony, which

will no doubt be of a very brilliant character, G. and P.G. officers and G. representatives will be entertained

at supper in the Concert Chamber. G.L. will resume on Thursday morning at 9.30, and it is hoped the

business will be concluded by lunch time. In the afternoon there will be a water excursion and tea at Day's

Bay (weather permitting), and in the evening a concert in the large Town Hall, and supper in the Concert

Chamber. On Wednesday afternoon visiting ladies will be entertained to afternoon tea at the Oriental Bay

Kiosk, and in the evening they will be invited to attend the Queen's Picture Theatre. Given good weather,

visitors should have a most enjoyable time.

————————

FREEMASONRY AND ITS EXCLUSIVENESS.

———<>———

[W. BRO. F. ROBINSON, P.M.]

————

It has been stated that Freemasonry is exclusive. Perhaps it is as well that it should be so. A picture that is

intended to fascinate the ages should not be hung on the outer wall. It should be carefully guarded and

preserved. A force that makes for universal good should be used as much as possible, but should not be

weakened by overwork or needless exposure. There ought to be a welcome at every Masonic altar for all

who can strengthen this splendid instrumentality for the uplifting of mankind. There must be rigid rejection

of every element that will impair its strength and beauty. Solicitation is unmasonic and rarely practised.

Every candidate should seek admission to the Fraternity of his own freewill and accord. The Square and

Compass should mean so much for noble manhood as to make every Lodgeroom too small and the work of

every Lodge laborious. Men face death to dig into the frozen earth for gold; they court the heat of Africa in

search of diamonds; they climb mountains to find health; they are tireless in feasting the eye and soul on the

beautiful. Why? Because there is a fascination and real worth in what they seek. Masonic altars have been

built in almost every town and village, and are numerous in every city. Temples of our Ancient Craft left

their domes where every eye can see them and our emblems are worn by a large army of men.

With which, by the way, I do not agree. In themselves none of these things mean anything. An altar is

senseless wood and gilt ; temples imaginary or real are simple architecture, the Square and Compass are cold

unfeeling metal. The symbols of Freemasonary are only guide boards to the most beautiful system of truth,

charity, sympathy, manhood, and brotherhood that man has ever devised, a system so beautiful that it must

be an irresistible charm to every manly heart and intellect.' The guide boards, like the sign at the cross roads,

says, " Yonder is what you want." But the traveller on the highway would be disappointed and indignant if

the finger of the sign-post at the cross-roads pointed towards a waste and trackless forest. Does the Square

and Compass point to what it claims to "be pointing at." It says, "This is the way to the finest development of

heart and soul, to delightful peace, to a mutual fellowship with worthy brethren, whereby a Mason is

invigorated and strengthened, to a reunion with T.G.A.O.T.U. and the home of old age." If this is what we

make Freemasonry, millions will stand at its doors eager to enter.

As Craftsman, we should never forget that it is the inside and not the outside that needs careful watching. If

its standards are high, the Lodge can attract only those who can see the beauty and benefit—moral and

intellectual—in its ritual, work and influence, if its standards are high. It is a mistake to suppose that a

system in itself, however fine in conception, can win admiration and loyalty. The loveliest picture that was

ever painted would never thrill if it were not hung on the wall by human hand and in an advantageous

position. The statue that glows with the touch of genius and seems to breathe and speak or smile or weep,

would not create in us such deep emotion unless it were set on a pedestal for our study and admiration.

The church spire, the church altar, and the sacred desk mean nothing but a suggestion that there is a system

of religion which involves ideals of man's relations to God and his fellowmen. It is the people in pews and

the preacher in the pulpit that must give vitality and beauty to religion, if it has any. It is gentleness, the love

and sympathy of Freemasonry that will crowd our ante rooms with men who are knocking for admission and

the eloquence of its forms must find brilliant expression in our individual lives.

If we are Masons only in the Lodgeroom, we lack the spirit and the very essence of our ancient Brotherhood,

which in its perfection is a charm that the noble minded cannot resist.

Lodgeroom Masonry is no better than the "amen corner" religion, which does not extend beyond the limits of

its corner. Carry with you, I say, the gentle thought, the kindly word and helping hand, showing

distinguished consideration for the faithful wife who is the angel of your home and the patient mother of

your children. The people who ought not to join our Institution would never seek admission if they knew that

to be a Freemason was to live in an atmosphere of purity, love, and devoted brotherhood to man. The

character of the order ought to consist in its unequalled readiness in advancing the best interests of the

human race, in permeating mankind with a moral force, the spirit of love and a hunger for the dawn of

universal brotherhood. To my mind, the influence and importance of Freemasonry in this direction is evident

and unquestionable, but not what it might be if every brother had a full conception of the breadth and depth

of Masonic significance, and was always a practical exponent of Masonic ideals. The civilisation of which

we are so pardonably proud, and which means the betterment of human conditions, is the aggregate of

individual effort and sacrifice. Even collective forces are simply the sum of individualisms, and so it must be

the individual man who is to make the world a brotherhood. If we carry into the outer world what we are

taught in the Lodge it will invigorate us and intensify our desire to do good and to attain to the highest ideals

that man has ever formed, in the midst of contentions it will be the dove of peace; to every heart that aches it

will bring a balm and over every grave it will arch a rainbow of consoling promise, but neither the Lodge

name, nor the ritual nor the emblems nor the brilliant history of Masonic triumphs can accomplish this. The

individual Mason whose heart has flowered in brotherhood and who indeed understands the significance of

the First, Second, and Third Degrees of Ancient Craftmasonry must do this. He must be the living ideal of

Freemasonry so pure and brilliant in his great office of brother to Mankind that his voice will be like melody

to the hopeless. What makes this man a light to the world, a hope to the hopeless, a guide to the lost, an

inspiration to the despairing, a character that seems like a fadeless flower in the desert will be the enquiry,

and the answer will come from admiring men Freemasonry—exclusive in its grandness of purpose and

exclusive in its holy ministrations exclusive in that it wants exalted manhood as its expositor and love for

man as the glowing light that fills every breast that is imbued with Masonic teaching.

In the Lodgeroom it is a dull intellect and unresponsive conscience and a heart that beats in discord with the

finer feelings of our nature that does not respond to the eloquent call to higher, holier living and the

invitation to aid in the broadening of brotherhood. The trouble is that we are apt to forget it all at the portal of

the Lodgeroom and to put our Freemasonry in the satchel with our apron. It would appear that double

mindedness a quality of character presenting features sometimes as dissimilar as the antipodes is a human

frailty. Under one influence the mind is as pure as the snowflake that rides the wind ; under another is a

seething cauldron of thought that is an offence to purity. In one position we are the soul of benevolence ; in

another we may be the blight of selfishness. There is no place in our Lodgerooms for double characters ; no

place for him who is a Mason when at the altar, but who, when out in the world is as ineffectual an exponent

of this principle as is the badge which he often wears.

When a man is endowed with the inspiration of Masonic teachings it means that he has acknowledged and is

a friend and active everlasting loving friend of man. Brethren, are you Freemasons?

————————

MOTION re HUTMENT SCHEME.

———<>———

At the regular meeting of Lodge Koranga, No. 197, held on 26th March, R.W. Bro. Hindmarsh moved that a

levy of 5s. per annum per member for the duration of the war be made in aid of the Masonic Hutment

Scheme. In speaking to the motion, the mover strongly urged on the brethren the necessity for aiving this

movement every assistance, pointing out that a great opportunity was afforded to the New Zealand Masons

of assisting a scheme which would create a strong link between themselves and those on the battle front. The

fact that the hutments would be under the management of the Y.M.C.A. was a sufficient guarantee that

money contributed would be used to the best possible advantage. He considered that it was not only a duty,

but a privilege, to assist the movement. Although the motion named the minimum amount of the levy, any

member was free to make his donation as large as his circumstances might warrant. He pointed out that no

scheme previously proposed could bring the brethren so closely into touch with those who were so

strenuously bearing the heat and burden of the day at the front. The appeal was an eloquent one, and the

motion was carried unanimously, the hope being expressed that a similar response would be met with from

the Masons throughout New Zealand.

————————

"ALL NATIONS, TONGUES, AND CREEDS."

———<>———

A Masonic writer tells of being the honoured guest at a Masonic Lodge meeting in the great Temple at

Calcutta. There were about 150 Masons present, men of almost every nationality and creed. The Third

Degree was conferred on three F.Cs., who knelt together before the same altar. One was a Christian, who

took his Ob. on the Bible one was a Mohammedan, who took his Ob. on the Koran; the other a Hindoo, who

took it on the Shastras. The oath was administered by an English Lord-a Judge of the Supreme Court-and he

was assisted by the G.Sec., a Parsee and follower of Zoroaster. There Masonry is seen and felt. There it is

now what it was in Europe during the dark ages. There no one thinks it trifling or useless. These men in India

are among the learned, the influential men. Among Asia's teeming millions, who can calculate Masonry's

influence? — "Queensland Freemason."

————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 22nd APRIL, 1918.

———<>———

J. M. Davies, H. J. Farrant, J. G. Petrie, J. Critchfield 10/-, T. M. Rankin 23/6, C. Poole 20/-, J. Holloway

20/-, R. Smith 20/, J. Manson 20/-, Al. Thompson 17/6, A. Hoyles 27/6, I. Copeland 25/-, L. Padget 15/10,

W. Irvine 29/2, F. Steans 9/2, Dr. Crawford 27/6, A. R. Porter 37/6, E. Lyon 10/-, W. Timpany 27/6, W.

Robison 15/10, E. Jackson 17/6, E. Huffadine 20/-, J. Smith 20/-, W. Smith 27/6, F. Bonifant 7/6, R. Hislop

7/6, A. Geddes 7/6, W. Fraser 7/6 (Invercargill), L. Curtis 10/-(Queenstown), O. A. Million (Puniho), G. W.

Geddes (Owaka), W. W. Thomas (Marton), W. R. Williams (Blenheim), G. Ramsbottom (Waitotara), C. L.

Thomas 17/6, J. H. Murdoch 13/4, A. Hobson 13/4, R. C. Harris, H. White 27/6, J W Boyce 10/-, S. Wood,

G. Tudehope, E. Williams, W. Kirk, E. Bennett, A. E. Currie 25/-, C. Duncan 17/6, M. D. McGoun 13/4, P.

H. Harris 13/4, A. Hastings 9/2, J. Edmondson 27/6, H. E. Bourgeois 10/-, F. Lowe 10/-, J. Etheridge 27/6,

A. S. Erskine 10/-, H. Hill 37/6, J. E. Peach, J. Holmes, H. B. Houghton 19/2, H. Bate 17/6, A. S. Erskine, S.

J. Davys 30/-, J. Georgeson, W. T. Fleming 25/-, J. Morling 8/9 (Napier), J. Milburn 17/6. R. Chadwick 37/6,

W. Pellow 10/- (Waipawa), J. J. Gilmour 15/-, Geo. Harris 13/4, A. Galloway 30/-, Dr. W. Reedie 8/9, J.

Trotter, F. Armstrong, G. H. Hussey, L. Stewart 8/9 (Dannevirke), F. H. Hillier, T. M. Bloor, C. Smith, W.

Hobson, R. Fraser (Takapau), E. Hosking, H. J. Newling 10/10 (Ormondvilie), T. H. Barclay 36/8, H. Hunt

(Norsewood), W. L. Williams 20/-, J. Sharpin 8/9 (Waipukurau), W. Wood (Otane), A. F. Glenny, A.

Brodie, — Parkinson, J. B. Hird 9/2 (Hastings), E. Edgecombe 8/9, W. Johnston 17/6 (Porangahau), R.

Meredith (Tara), R. Bly (Woodville), C. C. Nicholas (Orepuki), G. W. Smith 17/6, J. J. Dickson 17/6, E. V.

Iggulden, J. P. Moore, R. M. Mowat, O. Johansen, F. Berry, W. Taylor, E. J. Green, B. Signall, W. B. Marsh,

S. Dickie, E. Jefferson, H. A. Bygum, E. Borridge, J. McLeod, J. Osier, J. Stannage, W. J. Sargisson 40/-

(Wairoa), C. Anderson 9/5 (Bunnythorpe), J. Marx 60/- (Eltham), J. R. Tait (Denniston), Capt. Bellamy

(Hamilton), T. L. Adams 10/- (Nelson), F. W. Willie (Auckland), S. J. Ball (Canvastown), M. W. McDonald

(Dunedin), W. H. Jones 17/6, W. W. de Castro 9/2, H. Wade (Wellington), H. Mercer 10/- (Taihape), J.

Quinn 10/- (Hawera), J. Steven (Clinton), H. D. Wilson 8/- (Central Otago), W. J. Frew 10/- (Ashhurst), W.

J. Winray 20/-, J. B. Wood 1/8, A. B. Gilmour 21/8, J. S. Allan 47/6, A. S. Hookey 22/6, T. H. Garrett 34/2,

H. E. Burgess 17/6, T. Ellery 23/4, E. D. Smith 22/6, E. H. Mann 57/6, C. Mathews 17/6, R. de Costa 17/6,

A. G. Beere 47/6, A. Kirk 17/6, W. H. Smith 30/-, F. C. Perry, G. R. Grant, G. E. Duncan, R. Jackson, W. G.

Sherratt, F. Stevenson, C. Tune, J. Berry, C. Webster, W. J. Forrest, W. Cave, J. R. Miller, L. J. Plank, A.

Langridge, H. J. Clayton, F. O. York, W. J. Green, T. Adams, W. R. Clarkson, G. K. Miller, H. E. Bright, C.

Adair, H. M. Choveaux (Gisborne), J. D. Thomson 10/- (Alexandra), L. Wright (Makotuku), R. J. Young

10/-, S. H. Conder 17/6, H. Crass 17/6, J. L. Hughes 6/8, R. E. Jones 27/6, J. B. Henry 17/6, R. T. Costello

15/-, Sergt. W. Miller 14/2, O. Pragnell 17/6, S. D. Pearce, D. G. Brown, A. Johansen, H. Lambert, F. W.

Temple 8/9, R. S. Gerrard 8/9, J. A. Elder, W. T. Winslade (Masterton), G. A. Campbell 17/6, M. H.

Kendall, Sergt.-Major Lacy, W. McKeowan (Featherston), C. J. Poison 46/8, S. Poison 27/6, A. O. Casey, O.

Peterson, H. Morrison (Greytown), W. Trott (Petone), R. Smith (Carterton), A. Harrison (Abbotsford), J. M.

Izard (Stratford), W. Greening (Wairongomai), H. W. Thorpe (Warkworth), C. C. Ruby 30/10 (Motu).

(All 7/6 except those noted.)

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Reports
———————————————————————————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Southern Cross, No. 9.-The regular meeting was held on 5th April. One candidate was initiated. W. Bro. I.

Copeland, W.M., gave the Ob. ; W. Bro. B. D. Lowry, the Charge in the N.E. ; M. W. Bro. M. Thompson,

the W.Ts. ; W. Bro. Copeland, the Ss. ; and W. Bro. Critchfield, the Final Charge. Nomination of officers for

the ensuing year was taken. H.G.W. were received from Lodges Waihopai, St. John, Victoria, and

Palmerston South. A very enjoyable couple of hours' social entertainment followed.— [Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

St. John, No. 94.— Special emergency meetings were held on 1st and 8th April. At the latter one brother, on

military service, was passed to the F.C. Degree. The W.M., W. Bro. F. Bonifant, obligated the candidate, and

also gave the Final Charge; the S.E. Charge was given by W. Bro. J. Aitken; the W.Ts. by the W.M. and

Wardens; and the 1st T.B. by Bro. J. Manson, J.W. Bro. J. Aldred officiated as Organist. The ceremony was

pleasing and attractive, the outstanding feature being the Ex. of the T.B. by the J.W. After the Lodge had

closed, a fine musical programme was carried through in the refectory. Items were contributed by W. Bros.

Walker and Prentice and Bros. Aldred, R. Thompson, J. Fraser, and D. L. McLean. The annual installation

takes place in May.

————

Victoria, No. 147.— There was quite a good attendance at the regular meeting on 12th April, besides a

number of visitors. Three candidates were raised to the Degree of M.M. The Ob. was given by W. Bro. J.

Buchanan, W.M. ; T.H., by W. Bros. G. J. Yule and N. J. Brokenshire; Exhort., by W. Bro. A. Geddes;

W.Ts. by W. Bro. S. Craig; and the Final Charge, by W. Bro. J. G. Petrie. H.G.W. were received from

Ledges Southern Cross, St. John, Fortitude, Wallace, and Orepuki. Officers were nominated for the coming

year. The ceremony of raising was efficient and attractive. At the social meeting following the usual toasts

were honoured, musical and other items making up a very happy time.

————

Waihopai, No. 189.— At the March meeting, held on 18th March, two candidates were initiated. W. Bro. G.

A. Gilchrist, acting-W.M. obligated the candidates,, and W. Bro. R. N. Todd gave them the Ss. ; the Charge

in the N.E. was delivered by W. Bro. A. McNeil; the W.Ts., by the W.M. and Wardens ; the R. for Prep., by

Bro. T.Bird, J.W. ; and the Final Charge, by W. Bro. A. B. Haggitt. There was a fair attendance, and the

ceremony was well conducted. The brethren afterwards sat down to an enjoyable supper, and the usual toasts

were honoured.

An emergency meeting was held on 25th March, when two candidates were initiated.

At the April regular meeting on the 15th one candidate was passed to the F.C. Degree, the ceremonial work

being carried through by W. Bros. Gilchrist, Todd, Haggitt, and Bro. T. Bird, J.W. The officers for the year

were elected. A very pleasing after-meeting followed. The annual installation takes place in May.— [Lodge

Correspondent.]

————————

OTAGO.

Oceanic, No. 154.-The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, St. Kilda, on 21st March, when the

W.M, W. Bro. A. Walker, presided over a large attendance. Two F.Cs. were raised, the work being

undertaken as follows : Ob., the W.M. ; 1st Secrets, W. Bro. H. W. S. Hellyer ; Exhort., Bro. A. Runciman ;

Emblems, W. Bro. W. Jacobsen ; Narrative, Bro. Riddell ; Final Secrets, R.W. Bro. A. Stoneham ; W.Ts.,

Bro. H. F. Harris ; Final Charge, Bro. W. Mills. The W.M. was appointed the delegate to G.L. Four

candidates were elected, and one was proposed. The usual enjoyable hour was spent in the supper-room.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Masters', No. 161.—The annual meeting was held in the King Street Hall, North Dunedin, on 25th March,

when R.W. Bro. T. Ross presided over a fair attendance of members and visitors. After the usual formalities,

the Prov.G.M., R.W .Bro. A. W. Flett, was received, and assumed the chair, and received R. W. Bro. J. J.

Clark, D.G.M., and the other G.L. officers. W. Bro. John Couchman was installed as W.M., and invested

R.W. Bro. T. Ross as I.P.M. The Prov.G.M. presented the Charter, etc., and addressed the newly installed

W.M. upon the special duties that fell to the Master of a Lodge of Research. W. Bro. J. Dumsday was

invested as S.W., and W. Bro. J. W. Woodhead as J.W., by R.W. Bro. Clark, who also delivered a short and

interesting address. W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings, P.G.S.B., then invested the following officers : Treas., R.W.

Bro. J. Quaill; Sec., W. Bro. W. Lischner ; D. of C., R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick ; Chaplain, W. Bro. C.

Thomson ; Organist, W. Bro. A. E. Jenkins; S.D., W. Bro. A. Allan; J.D., W. Bro. C. F. J. Bell; I.G., W. Bro.

A. Boyd; Ss., W. Bro. W. A. Hay, G. G. Adess, and E. Moeller. W. Bro. Hastings also delivered the usual

address to the brethren. The W.M. having addressed the installing officers and brethren, a collection was

taken up for the W. and 0. and A.M. Fund, and the Lodge was closed at 9.30 p.m. R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick

acted as G.D. of C., and W. Bro. W. Hawcridge, P.G.O., was the Organist. The usual installation supper was

held and well attended.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

CANTERBURY.

Unanimity, No. 3.—The monthly meeting was held on 6th April, W. Bro. R. J. Connal presiding over a fair

attendance. The work was the raising of a brother who is shortly joining the Expeditionary Forces. The

candidate was obligated by the W.M., who was assisted by W. Bro. Pearson, P.M., who gave the Exhort. ;

W. Bro. Flavell giving the T.H., and W. Bro. Gogoll explaining the T.B. The W.Ts. were given by W. Bro. J.

Banks (W.M. of Canterbury Lodge, No. 1048, E.C.), and W. Bro. Borthwick gave the Final Charge. A

pleasant hour was afterwards spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 4.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 9th

April. The new W.M., W. Bro. D. Redpath, was fairly well supported, considering the main business of the

evening does not appear to be popular with the average member. At the request of the W.M., W. Bro.

McGregor Wright, P.G.B.B., D. of C., in his characteristically happy manner, invested those officers who

had not received investiture at the instaltktion meeting in March. The balance-sheet and report of the Finance

Committee for twelve months to 28th February were discussed, and the brethren expressed themselves

satisfied that the outgoing officers had carried out their trust faithfully. As the Lodge has an income of some

£405, that trust was not a sinecure. Several suggestions were made whereby the "predominant characteristic"

might be extended to useful purpose. After the admission of visitors, W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop, P.G.D. of C.,

Prov.G.Sec., delivered a short, but extremely interesting address. The W. Bro. had entitled his remarks

"Carry on," and divided the subject into three heads—What ? Why ? and How ? Under the first head he

briefly outlined the early history of the Lodge, much to the edification of present members. His next head

was devoted to Freemasonry in general, including a racy description of the system of government, and he

concluded by pointing out some of the innumerable ways in which a brother could qualify himself in some

measure to deserve those qualities we so frequently attribute to ourselves. At W. Bro. Bishop's request no

formal vote of thanks was proposed, as he held the opinion that no brother should be especially thanked for

endeavouring to carry out one of his Obligations. During the subsequent hour in the refectory quite a popular

programme of song and story was carried out. At one stage the irrepressible S.S. (Bro. Sydney Smith) was

heard audibly explaining away the dark appearance of some of his baked potatoes by informing the W.M.

that the "gas" liberated by the financial critics was not so effective that they had caused him to keep burning.

The period of mourning for the late R.W. Bro. Thornton, Prov.G.M., having expired, the sound of "fires" was

again heard.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Methven, No. 51.—At their regular meeting on 27th March, when there was a good gathering, the chief

work was to initiate two brethren. The work was well and faithfully carried out by the W.M., W. Bro. H. H.

Pawson, assisted by several of the brethren, who each carried his part in a very impressive manner. Previous

to the initiation of the two candidates the officers for the year 1918-19 were duly nominated. At the close an

hour was pleasantly spent in the "Fourth."—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 99.—A fair muster of the brethren met at the regular meeting on 27th March. The work

was that of passing three candidates, and the ceremony was conducted by the W.M., Bro. Chas. Bateman

(Ob.), assisted by W. Bro. D. Fulton (Secrets), W. Bro. J. Menzies (S.E. Charge), Bro. E. Beckett, S.W.

(W.Ts.), and W. Bro. N. Colville (Final Charge). Two appeals were disposed of for two guineas each. Bro.

Beckett, S.W. thanked the Lodge for its letter of sympathy on the death of his father, as did W. Bro. S. J.

Adams for one on the death of his sister. W. Bro. Adams forwarded a cheque for three guineas in aid of the

Masonic Hutment Fund. A satisfactory report on a candidate was received from the South Canterbury Board

of Enquiry. The W.M., W. Bro. Chas. Bateman, was elected as the Lodge's representative to the annual

communication of G.L. in May. The Revision of By-laws Committee handed in their report, and the by-laws,

as revised and in one or two cases altered and amended, were adopted, and ordered to be sent to G.L. for

approval. One feature of the revised laws was the raising of the entrance fee to 8 guineas and the annual

contribution to 30s., in place of 6 guineas and 25s. H.G.W. from Lodge Koranga, No. 197, and Lodge

Conyers, No. 1916, E.C., were tendered, and the Lodge closed in due form. An enjoyable hour was

afterwards spent in the refectory. —[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Amuri, No. 184.—The meeting on 29th March was well attended, and presided over by W. Bro. T. G.

Thomson. The ceremonial of the evening was the passing of a brother. W. Bro. Hunter obligated ; Bro. C. E.

Derrett, S.W., invested the brother ; the Address after Investiture being rendered by Bro. P. R. Dunbar. The

Address in the S.E. was given by W. Bro. Thomson. Bro. H. R. Davison, J.W., presented and ably explained

the W.Ts. The charge on the duties of a craftsman was given by W. Bro. Munro. The usual happy time was

spent in the "Fourth," where a welcome was extended to Bro. Nicholson, lately returned from France.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Avon, No. 185.—The last regular meeting was held on 4th April, when G.L. of New Zealand and Prov.G.L.

of Canterbury were present, R.W. Bro. Bingham, P.Prov.G.M. and seventeen members representing

Prov.G.L., while G.L. of New Zealand was represented by R.W. Bro. Gifkins, with ten members. The

presence of these distinguished brethren of the Craft lent distinction to the ceremony, and the building was

well filled with our own brethren and brethren from other Lodges. Space forbids us mentioning all the

names, but it was pleasing to note present W. Bros. Collins, Main, Wood, Smith, Cookson, Owen, Hart,

Hood, Nordon, and Myhre, ten of our P.Ms., while we were pleased to see many faces amongst the floor

members that have been absent lately. R.W. Bro. Bingham was greatly gratified at the excellent meeting and

particularly at the fine attendance of Avon Lodge members, there being fifty-four present. It is the

continuance of these splendid attendances of members that has made Avon Lodge one of the finest in the

Dominion. During the evening the Chaplain's chair subscribed for by the brethren of Avon Lodge as a

memorial to the late R.W. Bro. Jno. Thornton, Prov.G.M., was unveiled by R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham, who

spoke of the qualification required of a Prov.G.M., and said that our late R.W. brother was a man who

possessed the qualifications in a. high degree, and whose tact, courtesy, and judgment could not be

surpassed. Our W.M., W. Bro. W. E. Scott, in asking the Hall Committee to accept the chair, stated that the

presentation was not in any way meant as a memorial from the Masons of Canterbury, being solely as a mark

of the love and affection felt by Avon Lodge for our late R.W. brother. R.W. Bro. Bingham, who is chairman

of the Hall Committee, thanked Avon Lodge for their handsome gift, and took the opportunity presented of

explaining the management of the hall in the interests of Freemasonry. An outstanding feature of the

ceremony was the music rendered by the orchestra, who played "March Romaine" (Gounod), march from

"Alceste " (Gluck), suite from " Merchant of Venice," and other items of a similar nature. In the "Fourth" a

very pleasant time of toast, elocution, mastication, and music was spent. Orchestral items, selections from

"Faust," and overture, "Light Cavalry" (by Suppe) were rendered by the orchestra, the players being :

Conductor, Bro. A. L. Sutton; leader, Bro. Naumann; violins, Bro. Sandston and Brown; viola, W. Bro.

Cookson; 'cellos, Bros. Westwood -and Dickenson; bass viol, Bro. H. Price; clarinet, Bro. Clarkson; cornets,

Bros. Blythe and Noble ; trombone, Bro. Muschamp ; piano, Bro. Lake. Songs were sung by Bro. Taylor in

his usual popular manner, and a monologue was given very effectively by our newly affiliated brother, W. H.

Jones.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

WESTPORT.

Kawatiri-Westport, No. 152.—Keen interest was taken in the regular meeting held on 8th April. There was

a large attendance of brethren and visitors. The W.M., Bro. D. Gibbard, after opening the meeting,

conducting important business—viz., election of officers and W.M., and routine—and opening the Second

Degree, explained that, by request, R.W. Bro. J. H. Harkness, P.P.G.M., had consented to work the Third

Degree, which the brethren would have the opportunity of witnessing that night for the first time in Kawatiri,

as the "Robert Burns" Third had been arranged for, and he, the W.M., had very great pleasure in asking R.W.

Bro. Harkness to proceed with the ceremony of raising a brother to the degree of a M.M. R.W. Bro.

Harkness, on taking the chair, thanked the W.M. for the privilege offered, and selected his officers from the

P.Ms. : S.W., Bro. G. Hufton; J.W., Bro. A. Skilton ; S.D., Bro. G. Jones ; J.D., Bro. F. Hobbs; I.G., Bro. S.

Paul; Organist, Bro. D. Gibbard. The candidate was admitted, and the ceremony of raising carried out. It

would be impossible in a brief report to convey a clear idea of the excellence of the working and the

solemnity of the whole proceedings. The Ob., charges, recitals, and, indeed, every part was a distinct

pleasure and a lasting experience; no brother could witness such work and fail to receive a great uplift—

Freemasonry, not merely recited, but its teachings and ideals so voiced from the soul as to grip through and

through. Each of the officers, too, carried out their part in striking accord, and deserve every credit. The

W.M., on resuming the chair, feelingly expressed his deep sense of appreciation and thanks to the acting-

W.M. and his officers for the splendid working of "Robert Burns" Third, and hoped that it might be repeated

at an early date. An unanimous resolution was carried endorsing the remarks made. R.W. Bro. Harkness, on

behalf of himself and the P.Ms. who had taken part, thanked the W.M. and the Lodge for their vote of thanks

and approval and the privilege, after fifteen years, of again working the degree he had by special request

undertaken. The labours of the evening were followed by a very pleasant hour in the "Fourth," where the

usual toasts, interspersed by musical items, were entered into in fine spirit. Altogether a most enjoyable and

profitable evening was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Havelock, No. 104.—The annual installation meeting was held on 23rd March, when there was a record

attendance of brethren and visitors to do honour to Bro. W. H. Marriott, the W.M.-elect. The presiding

officer was R.W. Bro. C. H. Mills, Prov. G.M. for Nelson and Marlborough ; and W. Bro. T. B. Salmon, of

Lodge Wairau, discharged the duties of acting-G.D. of C. The introduction of visiting Lodges showed clearly

that the brethren from neighbouring Lodges had rallied in fine style to help us in our celebration. Lodges

Unanimity and Wairau, of Blenheim, and Lodge Waitohi, of Picton, were well represented ; and from Nelson

(fifty miles away) came a large contingent from Lodge Victory and from Southern Star Lodge, No. 735, E.C.

Other Lodges represented were Connaught, No. 187, Dunstan, No. 103, Otago Kil., No. 143, and Celtic

(Dunedin). The Installing Master addressed the W.M.-elect after his presentation by W. Bro. Salmon. The

Ancient Charges were read by the acting-G.Sec„ W. Bro. Lucas (Lodge Wairau). The W.M.-elect having

taken the usual Ob., M.Ms. retired, a B. of I.M. was opened, and Bro. W. H. Marriott was duly installed in

the Chair of K.S. The W.Ts. of an Installed Master were presented by W. Bro. Lucas. The customary

proclamations and salutes were given in each degree, and the W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. Gibson

(W.M. Of Lodge Wairau), Bull (W.M. of Lodge Unanimity), and Simpson (Lodge Southern Star)

respectively. The address to the Master - was given by W. Bro. Girling, P.G. Supt. of W. The I.P.M., W. Bro.

Russell, was invested by the newly installed Master, and W. Bro. Leaper (of Lodge Southern Star) invested

the Wardens—Bro. E. J. Roche, SW., and Bro. L. S. Humphries, J.W. The other officers were invested by

W. Bros. C. B. Harton and J. L. Ching. The address to the Wardens was given by W. Bro. Thomas (Lodge

Havelock), and that to the brethren by the R.W. Installing Master. The collection in aid of the Annuity Fund

resulted in a sum of over £5 An excellent supper awaited the brethren at the close of their labours. The

refectory was taxed to its utmost limit, and the Stewards had a busy time. An addition to the usual toasts was

that of "Absent Brethren at the Front," which was feelingly proposed by W. Bro. Salmon, and drunk in

silence. In his response W. Bro. Eckford (P.M. of Lodge Unanimity), who has lately returned from the front,

dwelt on the longing each soldier feels to get back to the fighting line. At first he is delighted at the chance of

returning to his native land, but soon the call comes, and, though he knows all the hardships and dangers, his

only wish is to rejoin the mates he has left behind. He could not account for the feeling, but there it was:

There was plenty of musical and other talent among the visitors, and a thoroughly enjoyable time was spent;

the only drawback being that the lateness of the hour demanded the Tyler's Toast before the resources from

which we were drawing were anything like exhausted. The meeting was an entirely successful one, thanks to

the hearty support of our sister Lodges.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

HAWKES BAY.

Scinde, No. 5.—The regular meeting was held at Napier on 19th March, the W.M. (W. Bro. Bowes)

presiding over a good attendance. Inward correspondence included two circular appeals, to which two

guineas each was donated. The Lodge was then opened in the Third Degree, when the W.M. received

appeals, to which two guineas each was donated. The R.W. Prov.G.M. (R.W. Bro. Harston) was received,

and, after having received the gavel from the W.M., proceeded to say that the object of his attending in an

official capacity was to welcome distinguished brethren from districts outside Hawkes Bay, who were

visiting Napier for the purpose of making the trip to Waikaremoana. Owing to disquieting reports coming to

hand of a serious conflagration on the West Coast, many of the brethren had left early that morning, but to

those who were present he extended a most cordial welcome. R.W. Bro. Harston then handed back the gavel

to the W.M., who then proceeded with the raising of two brethren, and was assisted in the ceremony by W.

Bros. Bishop (Ex. and Raising), Ritchie (Ex. and Secrets), Thomas (Raising), Kirk, Lodge Victoria

("Remember Now Thy Creator"), Freedman (T.H.), R.W. Bro. Harston (Charge after Raising), Bro. Turville,

J.W. (W.Ts.), Bro. Currie, S.W. (Final Charge), the W.M., W. Bro. Bowes, giving the Ob. A ballot was

taken, resulting in Bro. Rev. W. J. Simkin being elected a member of Lodge Scinde. Nominations were taken

for the appointment of a delegate for G.L. communication, when W. Bro. J. W. Ritchie was unanimously

elected. The collection on behalf of the Lodge Benevolent Fund having been taken up, the Lodge was closed.

An adjournment was then made to the refectory, where a very pleasant hour was spent, during which W. Bro.

Cameron, P.G.S.D., made a strenuous appeal for subscribers to that most excellent Masonic organ, the N.Z.

CRAFTSMAN. Later on Bro. Hornsby gave a most vivid and pleasing account of the journey to Lake

Waikaremoana, during the course of which he related the legend of "The Lady of the Mists." The Tyler's

toast terminated a most enjoyable and instructive meeting. — [Lodge Correspondent.] Too late for April

issue.—ED.]

The regular meeting was held on 16th April in the Lodgeroom, Tennyson Street, the W.M. (W. Bro. Jas.

Bowes) presiding over an excellent attendance of brethren and visitors. One member was affiliated. The

W.M. then received W. Bro. Cooper, W.M. of Lodge Heretaunga, and a strong contingent of Heretaunga

brethren. The principal work was the raising of a candidate to the Third Degree, the W.M. being assisted as

follows : Ob. and Charge after Raising, the W.M. (W. Bro. Bowes) ; Exhort. and Raising, W. Bro. Bishop ;

Secrets, W. Bro. Cooper (W.M., Lodge Heretaunga) ; T.H. W. Bro. Murray (Lodge Heretaunga) ; Extended

Secrets, W. Bro. Ritchie ; W.Ts., Bro. Turville, J.W. ; Final Charge, Bro. Currie, S.W. ; Ancient Charge, W.

Bro. Freedman. Nomination of officers for the ensuing year was taken, the contested chairs being those of

J.W., J.D., and I.G., for which ballots will be necessary. An enjoyable time was spent in entertaining

Heretaunga brethren, who had paid a friendly visit. The W.M. and brethren also had great pleasure in

welcoming Rev. Bro. Redgrave, whom we hope to have present with us on many future occasions.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Bedford, No. 25.—The annual meeting was held at Waipukurau on 3rd April. Eighty brethren signed the

appearance book, of which thirty-seven were P.Ms., and sixteen Lodges were represented. W. Bro. W. A.

Chambers presided, and R.W. 13ro. H. L: Harston, Prov.G.M., conducted the ceremony of installation,

assisted by W. Bros. Gillespie, R. Bishop, Steffensen, Carter, and Barclay. W. Bro. C. H. Critchley acted as

G.D. of C., and W. Bro. J. Scholes as Organist. Bro. H. J. Newling was installed as W.M. by the Prov.G.M.,

the W.Ts. being presented by W. Bro. E. Hosking. On the re-admission of M.Ms. the several proclamations

were made by the G.D. of C., and W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. Hobin, Chisholm, and Wilkie. W. Bro.

J. W. Ritchie delivered the address to the W.M., and the following officers were invested : S.W., Bro. H.

Hobson ; J.W., Bro. G. F. Gay ; Chaplain, W. Bro. A. W. C. Stace ; Treas., W. Bro. F. W. Gore; Sec., W.

Bro. J. W. Elliott ; Organist, W. Bro. J. Scholes, P.M. ; D. of C., W. Bro. D. Milne; S.D., Bro. J. Wilkins ;

J.D., Bro. D. Armand ; I.G., Bro. P. J. Ryan ; S.S., Bro. G. Robinson ; J.S., Bro. J. Warren; Tyler, Bro. E.

Fee. W. Bro. P. A. Chadwick charged the Wardens on their duty, and R.W. Bro. Harston suitably addressed

the brethren. The usual offertory was taken up for G.L. Annuity Fund. The proceedings were continued in

the refectory, where the usual toasts were honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Abercorn, No. 30.— 0th March saw Abercorn Lodge, Waipawa, a hive of busy industry and preparation for

its annual installation and investiture of officers. The weather was boisterous, but did not deter the

attendance in large numbers of representatives of Hawkes Bay Lodges, and even from a greater distance, so

that the Lodgeroom and its appurtenances were heavily taxed in the matter of accommodation. The

Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston, officiated as Installing Master, and was ably assisted by W. Bro. R.

Chadwick as S.G.W., W. Bro. J. D. Ritchie as J.G.W., whilst W. Bro. C. H. Critchley acted as G.D. of C.

Bro. G. H. Hunt was duly installed as W.M. ; and here it is relevant, perhaps, to say that it is not long since

members of Abercorn thought the services of the newly installed Master would be lost to them, owing to his

having entered camp some time ago with a view to active service abroad. However, a break-down in camp

necessitated his return to civilian duties and his Lodge, and right glad were all members to welcome him

again. The W.Ts. in the respective degrees were presented by W. Bros. W. A. Wilkie (Lodge Victoria),

Cooper (Lodge Heretaunga), and J. Bowes (Lodge Scinde). The W.M. was addressed by R.W. Bro. R.

Chadwick, after which W. Bro. Carter addressed the newly installed Wardens, and the R.W. Installing

Master the brethren. The following officers were invested : I.P.M., W. Bro. A. Parkin; S.W., Bro. J. Milburn;

J.W., Bro. E. E. Bott ; Sec., Bro. J. W. Strang ; Treas., Bro. R. W. Todd ; Organist, Bro. F. Holt ; D. of C.,

W. Bro. W. Pasco; S.D., W. V. Verran; J.D., Bro. R. N. Verran; I.G., Bro. F. Glenny ; S.S. and J.S., Bros.

Brewer and Thackeray. The Lodge refectory refused to contain all those in attendance, so that the ante-room

was resorted to by the overflow. The usual toasts were duly honoured, and all present, notwithstanding the

lack of accommodation, adjudged the meeting one of the most successful in the history of Abercorn.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

AUCKLAND.

Te Aroha, No. 52.—The annual installation meeting was held on 21st March, when, in the unavoidable

absence of the M.W. G.M., Bro. G. L. Simpson was duly installed into the Chair of K.S. by R.W. Bro. M. J.

Harris, P.G.J.W., assisted by W. Bro. Bongard (P.M., Lodge Sir Walter Scott, No. 15), W. Bro. Cannon

(P.M., Lodge Ohinemuri, No. 107), and D. of C., W. Bro. Cornish (Lodge Te Aroha, No. 52). The following

officers were afterwards invested by the newly installed W.M. : I.P.M., W. Bro. E. H. Hawken; D.M., W.

Bro. J. M. Bell; S.W., W. Bro. H. Dalton; J.W., Bro. Whyte, S.D.; Sec., W. Bro. Motley ; Treas., Bro. T.

Hughes ; Chaplain, Bro. A. Wagstaff ; D. of C., W. Bro. G. Cornish; Organist. Bro. J. Barber ; S.D., Bro. A.

Caudwell, ; J.D., Bro. J. D. Mackay ; I.G., Bro. L. Buchan; S.S., Bro. A. J. Graham; J.S., Bro. C. T. Were;

Tyler, Bro. A. J. Cumming. Before G. officers retired the M.W. Installing Master, on behalf of the brethren

of Lodge Te Aroha, presented the retiring Master with a P.M.'s jewel. It is gratifying for the Lodge, as well

as for W. Bro. Hawken, to know that during his term of office, both from a numerical and financial point of

view, the past year has been one of the most successful in its history. An offering in aid of the W. and O. and

A.M. Fund realised the sum of £8 ls. The brethren adjourned to the refectory for refreshment, when the usual

toasts and speeches followed, interspersed with songs, recitations, etc. The proceedings terminated a little

after midnight, thereby bringing to a close one of the most successful and enjoyable Masonic gatherings ever

held in the Thames Valley.—[An occasional Correspondent.]

————

Maniapoto, No. 206.—The ordinary meeting was held in the Lodgeroom on 26th March, when a visit was

paid by the W.M. and officers of Lodge Plunket, No. 163, who worked a Third. The ceremony was most ably

performed by W. Bro. Hargreaves (Ob., Exhort., and Final Charge), Bro. Crawford Boles (Exp. of Secrets),

W. Bro. Graham and Bro. Howarth (T.H.), Bro. Pettigrew (W.Ts.). During the course of the ceremony

excellent ceremonial music was rendered by Bro. Webster, of Lodge Tawhiri. One joining member was

elected, and M.Ms.' certificates were presented to Bros. H. W. Clarke, J. A. Ruddy, and H. A. Ringer. After

the Lodge was closed, a happy hour was spent in the " Fourth " at Bro. Heerdegen's.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Montrose, No. 722, S.C.—The installation meeting was held on 27th March, the R.W.M., Bro. W. J. L.

Whinray presiding. The two local Lodges—Abercorn, No. 76, and Turanganui, No. 1480, E.C.—were very

strongly represented, over one hundred being present. In the absence of the D.G.M. and the Auckland

members of D.G.L. (owing to the present uncertainty of steamer connections), W. Bro. T. Ellery, acting

substitute D.G.M., conducted the ceremony, assisted by W. Bro. Beare, P.D.D.G.M. (address to the

Wardens), W. Bro. Smith, acting G.D. of C. (address to the members), W. Bro. Whinray, (Charges), and W.

Bros. Fraser, Kirk, and Johnston. The presenting officers were W. Bro. C. Blackburn (Abercorn, No. 76),

and W. Bro. A. F. Long (Turanganui, No. 1480, E.C.). The address to the Master and presentation of Charter,

etc., was given by W. Bro. Ellery, the address being very finely handled, and added considerably to W. Bro.

Ellery's previous reputation. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. C. Blackburn (Abercorn, No. 76), Long

(Turanganui, No. 1480, E.C.), and Whinray, I.P.M. The R.W.M. then invested Bro. A. E. Walker, S.W. ;

Bro. W. D. Christie, J.W. ; W. Bro. A. G. Beere, Treas. ; W. Bro. T. Ellery, Sec. W. Bro. Whinray invested

W. Bro. W. Fraser, Dep.M. ; W. Bro. W. H. Smith, Substitute-M. ; W. Bro. R. Johnston, Chaplain ; Bro. A.

F. Langridge, S.D. ; Bro. B. G. Dudfield, J.D. ; W. Bro. D. R. De Costa, Organist; Bro., H. George, I.G. ;

Bro. A. E. Beatson, S.S.; and Bro. J. J. Maconald, J.S. After H.G.W. the Lodge was closed in due and ancient

form at 10.15 p.m., and the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where ample justice was done to a

sumptuous repast. The gathering terminated shortly before 1 a.m. The collection in aid of the W. and O. and

A.M. Fund produced over £12. It had been intended to adorn the incoming officers with a new set of collars

and gauntlets, but these only came to hand on the day succeeding the meeting. They have been procured at a

cost of £30, and are the gift of the brethren to the Lodge.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

RUAPEHU.

St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.—Two candidates were passed at the regular meeting, held on 14th March. W. Bro.

H. C. Price acted as S.W., in the unavoidable absence of Bro. J. E. M. Rose, and Bro. J. Passmore as I.G.,

Bro. P. Evans, S.D., being in camp. The W.M. delivered the Ob. and Secrets; the S.W. presented the W.Ts.;

and W. Bro. A. E. King gave the Final Charge. The motion of Bro. J. D. Anderson, on the question of

closing down for the months of January and February, was ruled out of order by the W.M. on a technical

point. It will come up for discussion at the April meeting. In the refectory an enjoyable social hour was

spent. The W.M. took the opportunity of reminding the brethren that subscriptions to the "Cheer-O" Hutment

Fund were due, and in a telling speech impressed upon the brethren the need for generous giving. Among the

visitors present was a strong contingent from Lodge Ruapehu.— [Lodge Correspondent.] [Too late for April

issue.—ED.]

Despite the bad weather there was a fair attendance at the April meeting. The principal business centred in

Bro. J. D. Anderson's motion to alter the by-laws so that future January and February meetings be

discontinued. Bro. Anderson contended that the poor attendance at these meetings was sufficient reason why

they should be abandoned. Many brethren were away on holiday. The heat of the season and various sports

and pastimes were causes that reduced the attendance. He thought that the break would result in renewed

enthusiasm and better meetings. Bro. J. McFarlane seconded the motion, which, after full discussion, was

carried by a large majority. In the "Fourth" a lecture was given by Bro. R. J. Jackson on "Napoleon."

Reference was made to Bro. D. L. Robertson, who has laid down his life in France in the recent fighting. A

good programme of recitations and music was gone through, and a very pleasant evening brought to a

close.—[Lodge Correspondent.] [Exigencies of space necessitated the curtailment of this report.—ED. C.]

————

Kimbolton, No. 123.—The monthly meeting was held on 28th March, Owing to the inclement weather there

was only a small muster of brethren. This was unfortunate, as it was the first meeting held under the gavel of

W. Bro. Hansen, W.M. The work was initiation, in which the W.M. was assisted by W. Bro. McKay, I.P.M.

(Ex. of Prep.); Bro. Verry, S.W. (Ss.); and Bro. E. S. Davies, 1.G. (Address in the N.E.). The J.W. presented

the W.Ts., and the S.W. delivered the Charge. Among the business transacted was the election of a

representative to annual communication and the voting of a donation of £10 to G.L. Fund for the Annuity

Fund. A pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, when the toast of the newly initiated brother was honoured.

The toast of "Brethren at the Front" was also taken at the usual hour of 11 p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Pacific, No. 2.—The installation meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on 25th March, when

Bro. R. H. Webb, S.W., was installed in the chair of K.S. according to ancient custom. The Lodge was tyled

at 3.30 p.m., the W.M., Bro. J. Tamblyn, presiding. The usual routine business having been disposed of,

visitors were admitted, and R.W. Bro. Ellison, Prov.G.M., accompanied by his officers, and R.W. Bro. Peter-

kin, P.D.G.M., were received with the appropriate honours. An apology was received from M.W. Bro. H. J.

Williams, P.G.M., expressing poignant sorrow at not being able to be present owing to his absence from

home on account of ill-health. This is the first occasion for 36 years that he has been absent from the

installation meeting of his Lodge. This is surely a record! The W.M. now handed the gavel of the Lodge to

W. Bro. Worboys, P.G.D., and one of our oldest P.Ms., and requested him to conduct the ceremony of

installation. The Installing Master was assisted by R.W. Bro. Ellison, R.W. Bro. Seaton, V.W. Bro. Bridge,

and W. Bro. Ramsay, in the B. of I.M., and. by W. Bro. A. Scott, who officiated as D. of C. The I.P.M. was

invested by the newly-installed W.M., who paid a high tribute to the work of the retiring Master. W. Bro. M.

G. Fisher, P.G. Organist, presided at the organ during the afternoon ceremony. The Lodge was called off

after the installation of the Master-elect, and called on at 7.30 p.m.,, when there was a large attendance of

visitors and members, among whom was W. Bro. Wray, P.M. just returned from the front, and to him the

W.M. (Bro. Webb) extended a very hearty welcome. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. E. Norton, P.M.,

W. Bro. Wray, P.M., and W. Bro. R. A. Nicol. Bro. M. Manthel performed the duties of Herald in his usual

finished style. The Warrant, B. of C., and By-laws were presented by W. Bro. I. Salek, P.M. At this stage of

the, proceedings a beautiful selection was rendered by the Waiata Quartette. W. Bro. T. Gibson, P.M.,

invested the following officers :—S.W., Bro. J. H. Hutchings; J.W., Bro. G. W. A. Clark ; Chaplain, Bro.

Rev. J. H. Sykes; Treas., W. Bro. Gibson (invested by W. Bro. Worboys) ; Sec., W. Bro. Worboys; S.D.,

Bro. P. C. Connell; J.D., Bro. J. F. Thomson; D. of C., W. Bro. A. Scott; Organist, Bro. H. W. Godier; I.G.,

Bro. A. G. Cate; S.S., Bro. A. E. Kennard; J.S., Bro. C. :Ingram. Bros. B. T. Blake and C. H. Nicholls were

appointed Asst.-Stewards, and Bro. Gardner Acting-Tyler. The Auditors for the year are Bro. J. Kellow

(appointed by the W.M.), and Bros. E. W. Hunt and A. J. Petherick (elected by the Lodge). The address to

the W.M. was delivered by W. Bro. Tamblyn, I.P.M., the address to the Wardens by W. Bro. J. Connell,

P.M., and the address to the brethren by W. Bro. E. Blundell, P.M. At the conclusion of the ceremony the

W.M. addressed a few words to the visitors, to those who had taken part in the ceremony, and to the brethren

of his Lodge. The Prov.G.M. presented the retiring Master with a P.M.'s jewel, which the Lodge had

provided as a mark of appreciation of W. Bro. Tamblyn's efforts during the year. The I.P.M. suitably replied.

Before retiring from the Lodge the Prov.G.M. made reference to the fact that the whole of the ceremony had,

been carried out by P.Ms. of the Lodge, and suggested that the precedent was a good one for other large city

Lodges to follow. After H.G.W. and congratulations from the visitors, the Lodge was closed in due form

about 9 p.m: An adjournment was made to the refectory, where the usual toasts were honoured, interspersed

among which were several excellent musical selections and recitations. Bro. Godier, who officiated as

musical director throughout the proceedings, was as usual a host in himself. A most succesful and enjoyable

annual gathering was brought to a close about 11 p.m. I should like to add that W. Bro. Worboys fully

deserved all the compliments paid to him for the able manner in which he conducted the ceremony and

performed the important duties of Installing Master on the occasion of his initial effort in that capacity. W.

Bro. A. Scott, who made his first appearance as D. of C. at an installation, carried out his duties in a masterly

manner, showing that he possesses high qualifications for that office. The newly-installed W.M. rose to the

occasion, and it was evident that the brethren were quite satisfied that W. Bro. Webb will maintain and

uphold the traditions of the Lodge and carry out in an able manner the high and important duties entrusted to

him.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Andrew, No. 32.—The monthly meeting was held on 18th March, W. Bro. J. C. Riddell, W.M., in the

chair. A good attendance of members and visitors was recorded. Sundry items of correspondence, including

two circular general appeals, were considered and attended to, and three propositions of candidates' for

initiation were favourable. The degree work, to pass three candidates, was carried out by the W.M., assisted

by officers and the following members and brethren : W. Bro. O. Neilson (Address on Invest.) ; Bro. C.

Panting (S.E. Address) ; Bros. Thompson, J.D., L. A. George, Chaplain, and Paton, S.S. ; (W.Ts,) ; Bro. A.

Greening, J.W., (Final Charge) ; W. Bro. G. F. Lenzini, of Tutanekai Lodge (T.B.). Before closing, the

Lodge decided to take up £500 War Bonds, pursuant to the prospectus now being circulated throughout the

country. No, dissent was expressed to the proposal ,(or entertained, for that matter, so far as is known), the

chief consideration in support of the suggestion being the patriotic sense of the members. Lodge was closed

in due form, and an adjournment made to the refectory, where the usual toasts were gone through. It might

be remarked in closing that the ceremonial of the evening was largely given over to the junior officers, who

did not fail in any respect.—[Lodge Correspondent. [Too late for April issue.—ED.]

The regular meeting was held on 15th April, when the W.M., W. Bro. J. G. Riddell, presided over a good

attendance of members and visitors, the latter including a number of visiting W.Ms. and P.Ms. and brethren

of Lodges located near and far, not the least being a Charter member and first W.M. of a Transvaal Lodge

holding under the S.C. R.W. Bro. Peterkin was also conspicuous by his presence as a member of his Lodge.

Minutes and correspondence having been disposed of, the Lodge proceeded with the business of initiating

three candidates, the father and brother of one of whom were both present, and are members of differently

located Lodges. The W.M. was assisted by W. Bro. O. Neilson (Invest. Address), Bro. L. A. George (N.E.

Address), W. Bro. F. G. Broomhall (M. of Prep.), Bro. Jackson (W.Ts.), and Bro. A. Greening (F.C.). The

Master was well supported by these brethren and his officers, and, if one might be permitted to say so,

particularly by his alert J.D. During the evening a grant to the G.M.'s War Benevolent Fund was voted, and,

after the announcement of some propositions, H.G.W. were tendered and Lodge was closed. In the refectory

some capital items were contributed, and opportunity taken by a member to draw attention to the near

approach of the date for the G.L. communication, prior to which the Silver Baton Fund will have to be

closed. Lodges have in instances done well in this matter, but not so well as they can do if they brace

themselves for a final rally right up to the finishing first. It is believed that the brother to be entrusted with

the task of formally handing over the proceeds of the fund will be given a task worth his while. Let us see

that it is so.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tararua, No. 67.—The regular meeting was held on 27th March. Lodge was tyled punctually at 7.30 p.m.,

W. Bro. Ralph V. King, presiding. After routine business and the appointment of W. Bro. Geo. Moore, Sec.,

as representative at G.L. communication, the raising of a brother was then carried out, the W.M. giving Ob.,

Secrets, Exhort., Charge, and S.S. ; W. Bro. T. F. Hewat, T.H. and Signs; W. Bro. Wm. McKay, W.Ts. : and

W. Bro. I. H. Griffiths, D. of C., Charge after Raising. After closing, a short time was spent in the refectory,

occasion being taken to farewell W. Bro. W. McKay, who is returning for the present to Martinborough. We

have lost an exceedingly good member.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Otaki, No. 72.—The usual monthly meeting was held on 27th March, the occasion being the annual visit of

Lodge Hinemoa. The Lodge was tyled at 7 p.m., and the visitors were received, Lodge Hinemoa being

represented by the W.M. and some twenty-six members. W. Bro. Quayle then handed the gavel to W. Bro.

Rev. G. Knowles-Smith, and requested him to conduct the work—the initiation of two candidates. The

officers of Lodge Hinemoa then took their respective places, and the candidates were admitted. The W.M.

gave the Ob. ; W. Bro. George, the Lesser Lights and Signs ; W. Bro. Dement, the Charge after Investiture;

Bro. Jones, J.W., Charity Charge; Bro. Brotherton, I.G., Exp. of Prep. ; Bro. Jenkins, J.D., W.Ts. W. Bro.

Neilson presented the B. of C. and Lodge By-laws, and Bro. Shannon, S.W., gave the Charge after Initiation.

W. Bro. Quayle resumed the chair. H.G.W. were offered by visiting brethren, and the Lodge was closed at

9.45 p.m., an adjournment being made to the refectory, where the usual toasts were honoured and a pleasant

time spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No. 156.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, on Thursday, 4th

April. The W.M., Bro. Lenzini, presided over a fair attendance of brethren and visitors. Ballots were taken

for two candidates, both proving clear. The ceremonial work was the passing of two brethren. The W.M.

administered the Ob. ; W. Bro. Whitelaw gave the S., T., and W.; the S.W., Bro. Martin, invested; W. Bro.

Sexton was responsible for the Apron Charge; whilst the Address in the S.E. was given by the J.W., Bro.

Key. The W.Ts. were given in concert by the W.M. and Wardens. W. Bro. Alexander gave the Final Charge.

After the Lodge resumed in the First Degree, a notice of motion that a Lodge of Instruction be formed was

carried unanimously. The Lodge closed at 9.45 p.m., when a pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The regular meeting was

held on 13th March, when there was a good

attendance, including the W.M. and several

brethren from Lodge Otari, whom we were very

pleased to see. The work was the First Degree,

and two candidates were initiated. W. Bro.

Teagle, W.M., obligated and communicated the

Secrets; Bro. Carver, J.W., gave the Charge after

Investiture; Bro. Harman presented the W.Ts. ;

R.W. Bro. Peterkin gave the N.E. Charge and Bro.

Purdy, S.D., gave the Charge after Investiture. W.

Bro. McLachlan was elected Treas., in place of

W. Bro. Burns, resigned owing to his being

appointed Inspector of Schools, and in

consequence being away from the district a good

deal. W. Bro. Teagle was elected representative to

G.L. communication. £2 2s. each was voted to

appeals from G. L. A pleasant hour was spent in

the refectory, where R.W. Bro. Peterkin (who, by

the way, will be 79 years of age on 20th March)

was in great form. The brethren of his Lodge join

in wishing him many happy returns of the day—a

wish we are sure will be heartily supported by all

the brethren in the Dominion.—[Lodge

Correspondent.] [Too late for April issue.—ED.]

The monthly meeting was held on 10th April. The

work was the passing of two brethren. W. Bro.

Teagle,W.M., obligated and communicated the S.,

T., and W. Bro. Harman invested ; W. Bro.

Williams, Camp Representative, gave the Charge

after Investiture ; Bro. Harman gave the S.E.

Charge ; and Bro. Carver presented the W.Ts. W.

Bro. Hobbs explained the T.B. Application was

received from Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, E.C.,

and Lodge Otago, No. 7, to pass two brethren to

the 2nd Degree. One candidate was elected, and,

after the business was concluded, a pleasant hour

was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

———————————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

Mokoreta, No. 1.—An official visit was paid to

Mokoreta Mark Lodge on 13th March. The G.

Chapter was represented by R.E. Comp. Steans,

G. Supt. of Southland, accompanied by V.E.

Comps. Waters and Timpany and E. Comp. Irvine

(3rd Prin. of Southern Cross, No. 3). The Mark

Degree was efficiently worked. The Ss. were

explained by W.M.M. Bro. Carson and W. Bro.

Winning ; the W.Ts. by W. Bro. Timpany ; the

Final Charge by W. Bro. Kingsland ; and the

Mark Lecture by Bro. Irvine. The visitors were

treated most hospitably, and this, combined with a good motor run both ways, in addition to a fine working,

made up a very enjoyable outing.—[Chapter Correspondent.] [Too late for April issue.—ED.]

————

Otago, No. 7.—The convocation held on 6th April was presided over by V.E. Comp. G. T. Lumsden, the 1st

Prin. (V.E. Comp. A. Stoneham) being unable to attend. The business was the advancing of one brother, who

was duly obligated by his father (W. Bro. John Pringle, W.M.M.). A motion by the Hon. Treas. (V.E. Comp.

H. W. S. Hellyer, G.S.N.), that the sum of £20 be added to the Benevolent Fund Account, was carried

unanimously. Steps are now being taken to enquire into the cost of the necessary banners and furnishings for

the Principal's aprons. On the eve of his departure for the North Island occasion was taken to bid good-bye to

one of our most enthusiastic members — V.E. Comp. G. H. Westwood, P.Z. Speaking to the toast of his

health (proposed by V.E. Comp. H. W. S. Hellyer), V.E. Comp. Westwood, while regretting that, for a time

at least, he was severing his connection with the Otago Chapter, said that his absence from among the

companions would be deeply felt by himself, and he had no doubt that at the end of twelve months he would

probably find himself among them all again.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Waikato, No. 22.—Seventeen members of the Chapter journeyed to Rotorua, leaving Hamilton at 7 a.m. by

four motor-cars on Sunday, 17th March. We made the trip in very good time, considering the roads, arriving

at the thermal regions at one o'clock. The car driven by our 3rd Prin., E. Comp. Sims, had a blow-out just

after leaving Hamilton, but that was the only mishap on the way down, although, crossing over the Mamakau

Hill, the roads (if I am permitted to call them roads) were simply shocking—nothing but big rut holes for a

good ten miles over the hill. Luckily, having had no rain for some time, they were very hard, so we arrived

without mishap. We tyled the Lodge at 2 p.m. on Monday afternoon. Twenty-six signed the attendance-book.

The work consisted of advancing seven brethren from Lodge Rotorua. E. Comp. Sims, W.M.M., conducted

the ceremony, assisted by V.E. Comp. Gummer (the Secrets), E. Comp. English (the W.Ts.), V.E. Comp. J.

C. Williams (the Lecture), and V.E. Comp. Speight (the Final Charge). A Lodge of E.Ms. was opened at 7

p.m. by W.E.M. E. Comp. Andrews, when the seven candidates were acknowledged as E.Ms. assisted by

V.E. Comp. J. C. Williams, after which V.E. Comp. E. M. Gummer exalted the candidates, assisted by V.E.

Comp. Speight and V.E. Comp. J. E. Williams (the Secrets), E. Comp. Webster (the W.Ts.), and V.E. Comp.

Andrews (the Charge). All the degree work was given most impressively, and the ritual work was of a very

high order, and would be hard to beat in any of our city Lodges. The "Fourth" was given by our Rotorua

companions, assisted by the candidates, for which the Chapter is very much indebted to Comps. Goudie and

Brackebush for their trouble in making our stay a pleasant one and the way we were entertained. At the

"Fourth" we sat down to a table of good things that not many towns in the Dominion could equal Rotorua for

hospitality, saying nothing of the musical talent they had, which was of a very high order. The proceedings

terminated well after midnight by singing the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne," when one and all

expressed our gratitude to the Rotorua companions for their hospitality. The weather broke up on the

Monday night. What with wind and rain, we could see there would be something doing before we got back to

Hamilton. Not long after retiring, the S.E., E. Comp. J. W. Hodd, was awakened to see if he would allow two

of our companions to share his bed, he being the only one to have a double bed. These two companions were

sleeping in a tent, and got flooded out. He, of course, could do nothing under the circumstances but consent,

but in the meantime the landlady, thinking something was amiss, came on the scene, so they were once again

made as comfortable as possible, considering their wet pyjamas.

The bad weather coming on, we were advised to get away as soon as possible on Tuesday morning, as the

roads soon get very greasy, and we decided to take the longest road for home, through Lichfield, as Mamaku

Hill may be too greasy after the rain. The first car to get away was driven by Comp. English. He had all the

heavy weights, and got away at 9.30, soon to be followed by the 1st Prin., V.E. Comp. Gummer. Comp.

English had not gone far when the first troubles began, big trees having been blown across the road, and

having nothing to cut them away with. One of the companions, Comp. Prickett, he being more enterprising

than the othes, started to cut a tree through with a small pocket knife, and, after a tedious job he just managed

to get one through when the 1st Prin.'s car came along. He evidently has been caught before, as he was armed

with a tomahawk, so they were soon able to clear the road. The cars driven by Comps. Andrews and Sims

were about one hour behind, so they did not experience the tree difficulty. Nevertheless, they were not

without mishap, as the roads being greasy, they had trouble on most of the small hills. At last the two front

cars were overtaken (I may say compulsorily overtaken) crossing a stream of water. The water got in the

engine, but that was soon overcome. From them into Tirau we had many troubles, either one car or the other

arriving at Tirau just after 5 p.m., when we thought our troubles were at an end. We had small refreshments

and some biscuit and cheese—the first since breakfast.

We parted company with our genial 1st Prin., V.E. Comp. Glimmer, who lives at Morrinsville, he taking the

Matamata Road ; and the other three cars started for home through Cambridge quite in good spirits, thinking

our troubles were at an end. We had not gone more than about three miles from Tirau when the most serious

difficulty faced us. Each car had difficulty in climbing the hill, even with the chains on, and, after reaching

the top of the hill an axle-pin broke in the car driven by

Comp. Sims ; so they had to leave that car on the road

for the night, and its occupants had to walk back to

Tirau. Comp. Andrews consented to take their luggage

on. In the meantime Comp. English had gone on ahead

in his car, and five miles further on we found him

taking his luggage out, his car having gone amiss. We

took their luggage, and they started to walk to

Cambridge—about ten miles. Comp. Andrews took his

load to Cambridge and returned to bring them in, and

in the meantime we telephoned from Cambridge and

got a taxi out from Hamilton, and with the taxi and

Comp. Andrews we reached Hamilton at 11 p.m., after

a very long day, plenty of experiences, and nothing to

eat.

The hero of the trip was certainly Comp. Andrews.

After dropping his load at 11 p.m. at Hamilton, he had

to return to Cambridge to his home. He was at the

wheel continually from ten in the morning until

midnight, and met all his difficulties most cheerfully.

The thanks of the companions who made the trip are

certainly due to him for his unfailing attention to all,

but I think the next time we make a trip to Rotorua it

will not be by motor.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

Supplement to The New Zealand Craftsman."