THE GRAND LODGE COMMUNICATION.

THE twenty-seventh annual communication of the G.L. of New

Zealand, held on 8th and 9th May, is now but a memory—and,

we hope, a (pleasing one. The business sessions were well

attended, but'there was only a minimum of debating power,

which was not an unmixed evil. The number of brethren at the

evening meeting is rather difficult to compute, but may be

stated approximately at one thousand, which was a tribute to

the popularity of G.M. Herdman. A special feature of the

brilliant ceremony was the splendid choir, tutored by Bro.

Robert Parker, L.T.c.L., who presided at the magnificent

organ. Bro. Parker also played a Masonic march of his own

composition, and was responsible for a new setting to the old

ode, " In Wishes True and Hearty." The singing of the " War

THE GRAND LODGE COMMUNICATION.

——<>——

The twenty-seventh annual communication of the G.L. of New Zealand, held on 8th and 9th May, is now but

a memory—and, we hope, a pleasing one. The business sessions were well attended, but there was only a

minimum of debating power, which was not an unmixed evil. The number of brethren at the evening meeting

is rather difficult to compute, but may be stated approximately at one thousand, which was a tribute to the

popularity of G.M. Herdman. A special feature of the brilliant ceremony was the splendid choir, tutored by

Bro. Robert Parker, L.T.C.L., who presided at the magnificent organ. Bro. Parker also played a Masonic

march of his own composition, and was responsible for a new setting to the old ode, "In Wishes True and

Hearty." The singing of the "War Hymn," and also the hymn for those at sea, by the large body of brethren

will long linger in the memory of all who heard it. The G.M.'s address, eagerly anticipated, conveyed much

useful advice; indeed, it may be regarded as an admonition for the regulation and due observance of Masonic

life.

With regard to the business transacted, though the agenda had a somewhat ponderous appearance, there was

not a great deal of really debateable matter, and all the discussions were limited in their duration. The big

defeat of the "Centralisation of Grand Office" question was a foregone conclusion, if only for the reasons

given by this journal in a previous issue. It was inopportune in being submitted again so soon after the

previous decisive defeat. The form of its introduction was bad, as it did not pretend to compass any finality,

and would, if carried, have led to interminable discussion in the future. The arguments of the mover were

crude in the extreme, and, with a six years' experience of B. of G.P. administration, we have no hesitation in

saying that the proposal submitted of having Boards in many centres would be absolutely impracticable. We

sincerely hope this question will not recur during the next decade, and, in saying this, believe we are voicing

the views of many Wellington brethren. The next question in order of importance was a resolution to

favourably consider the application of the G.L. of France for recognition. To this the mover, by leave of the

G.M., added the G. Orient of France. The address was moved in a lengthy speech, much of which was highly

controversial, but, as an amendment was adopted referring the question to the B. of G.P. for enquiry as to

what is being done by other Constitutions, we do not propose to comment on the question at this stage. In

connection with amendments to constitution, G.L. declined to accept the proposal to confer " V.W." rank on

any brother who may be appointed to the rank of Dep. Prov.G.M. (this has no reference to any district where

a Prov.G.L. exists), but conceded such rank to G.Ds. of C., and gave them precedence over G.Ds. A number

of minor amendments were agreed to. The following motion, of which notice had been given, was

unanimously adopted, to the credit of the hearts of members of G.L. :—

" That as our annuities, owing to the increased cost of living are now less adequate than in pre-war days,

G.L. recommends all Lodges under its jurisdiction to ask their members to contribute 2s. each per annum

to the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, in addition to what they are disposed to give at the annual installation

meetings. The additional sum thus raised to be spent annually by the Annuity Board in supplementing

annuities where necessary, the balance, if any, to be capitalised as are the annual collections."

To many the most startling statement was contained in the announcement that the present G.Sec., M.W. Bro.

-Malcolm Niccol, would retire at the expiration of the present term—i.e., the currency of G.L. in Wellington.

We will only say at this juncture that, should this intention be given effect to, it will be a serious loss to G.L.,

and M.W. Bro. Niccol will be most difficult to replace. There are two qualifications essentially necessary in

the holder of this office—viz., Masonic experience and a very complete knowledge of Masonic law, both

written and unwritten. The present G.Sec. has both of these, and has ever been the embodiment of that

suaviter in modo which has so endeared him to the hearts of the brethren. We will not say anything more on

this matter at the present time, as later we shall feel called upon to deal with it at greater length, especially in

connection with any recommendation that may hereafter be made by the B. of G.P.

The several social functions provided by the Wellington brethren were taken full advantage of, and were

greatly aided by the glorious weather that prevailed throughout the week. But, while gratefully

acknowledging and appreciating the hospitality proffered, an opinion was expressed that, during the war at

any rate, the evening function of the second day could well be dispensed with. It would not only relieve local

responsibility, but would leave visitors free to return to their homes a day earlier if they so desire it.

———————

As we have had twice as much copy as space this month, a general pruning has been necessary, and a

number of Lodge reports are omitted altogether. As so much matter is coining to hand, and paper is daily

becoming more scarce, we earnestly ask our correspondents to compress their contributions within the

smallest possible limits, especially Lodge reports.

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

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

OWING to pressure on our space the list of subscriptions received is held over.

THE handsome sum of £526 was realised in connection with the silver baton appeal. The winners proved to

be Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32, who had subscribed no less than £115.

GREAT interest was taken in the drawing in connection with the silver baton which took place in the presence

of a large gathering of representative Freemasons in the Wellington Town Hall on Friday, 10th May. The

M.W. the Grand Sec., assisted by R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, Prov.G.M. and V.W. Bro. W. R. T. Leighton,

P.G.D. of C., officiated. The whole of the arrangements in connection with the drawing were in the hands of

a special committee, who discharged their duty in a most efficient manner.

AN article appeared in our April and May numbers; which we strongly commend to the attention of our

readers, and more especially to those who are R.A. Masons. The writer of the article, in addition to being a

well-read Freemason, is an officer of the Jewish Synagogue, and from his association with that faith is

enabled to elucidate many points omitted by historians. The article is not only educative, but is most

interesting throughout. The writer is to be congratulated on the able manner in which the facts are marshalled

and condensed.

WE thank W. Bro. H. Nutt for his kindly expressed appreciation and good wishes for the welfare of the N.Z.

CRAFTSMAN.

R.W. BRO. W. F. BROOKING, of Lodge De Burgh Adams, No. 446, I.C., New Plymouth, will attain his

jubilee in Freemasonry on the 13th July, and in commemoration he has been elected once more as the W.M.

of the Lodge. The Craftsman offers hearty congratulations to the venerable Brother.

THE G. Chapter of Canada has discarded the sash as a part of R.A. Masonic clothing.

R.W. BRO. LT.-COL. GEORGE BARCLAY writes us from England that the opening of the Masonic hut has

made a great impression both in France and England, the English brethren being greatly taken with the idea.

WE are pleased to note that the name of the hut presented by the New Zealand brethren to soldiers in France

is now "The New Zealand Masonic Gift Hut."

THE balance-sheet of the Freemasons' Hall Company of Wellington, which was recently submitted to the

annual meeting of shareholders, for the first time, shows a profit on the year's transactions.

BRO. GARDNER, the custodian of the Wellington Freemasons' Hall Company, has been called up for military

service, and has passed the Medical Board. He expects to go into camp within the next six weeks.

ANOTHER important link in the chain of fraternal relations between Great Britain and France was forged on

the 25th February, when the Britannic Lodge, No. 9, was founded and consecrated under the National and

Independent Grand Lodge of France, the only governing Masonic Lodge in France recognised by the G.L. of

England. The Dep.G.M., Bro. Charles Barrois, constituted the Lodge, and in the consecration ceremony was

assisted by a number of prominent English brethren.—"The London Freemason."

A RECENT number of an Australian Masonic journal inserted three articles from the NEW ZEALAND

CRAFTSMAN, and quite properly acknowledged their origin. We fully appreciate the compliment. The

Virginia Masonic Journal also reprinted a CRAFTSMAN article, but made no acknowledgment of its

indebtedness.

During the past month the W.M. of Civic Lodge has paid fraternal visits to a number of Lodges at Dunedin,

where lie was most cordially received, and he brought back with him pleasant memories of happy hours

spent among the southern brethren.

Ten brethren were exalted in Manawatu R.A. Chapter last month, which has the appearance of a boom in the

Capitular Craft.

Next month we hope to present our readers with a portrait of the M.W.G.M. and a short Masonic biography.

———————

NOTES ON THE GRAND LODGE MEETING.

——<>——

Large attendances at all functions.

* * * *

Glorious weather throughout the entire week. Ladies present at four functions; no initiations.

* * * *

Whispered that uninvited strangers had pride of place at the supper after the concert, and kept it.

* * * *

The shining features at the installation meeting were the grand organ, Bro. Robert Parker, and the

magnificent choir. Bro. Parker should bid high for a couple of dozen male voices for St. Paul's.

* * * *

The Masonic Quartette Party took big honours at the concert, and deserved them.

* * * *

The new G.M. gave some good homely Masonic advice on quite a number of subjects, and was loudly

applauded at its conclusion.

* * * *

The Installing G.M., M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson, gave the brethren a taste of his quality as a ritualist,

notwithstanding he was a little nervous withal.

* * * *

The G.L. members had an afternoon off on Wednesday, and quite a number of them revived their youthful

days by boldly flirting with the ladies at the Oriental Kiosk. No names—this time_

* * * *

The visitors to Day's Bay, who were desirous of acquiring photographic fame, spoilt their teas and narrowly

missed the steamer.

* * * *

Summary.—Glorious weather, good brotherly meetings—better sisterly ones, hats off to the twenty-seventh

annual communication and to those who did the work in the conduct of the arrangements.

———————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——<>——

Reports of the installation meetings of lodges St. John and Waihopai are just too late for this issue ; they will

appear in due course next month.

* * * *

Invercargill brethren have had the pleasure of W. Bro. Vernon Smith's company for a few days. Business

necessitated Bro. Smith residing in Dunedin for the past six months, and before these notes appear he will

have made another change in his address—viz., Trentham. During his absence the W.M.'s office at Waihopai

has been capably filled by W. Bro. Gilchrist. Bro. Vernon Smith is one who puts a great amount of careful

thought and study into his work; his health was proposed at Lodge Waihopai by W. Bro. A. McNeil, who, as

he stated, felt unequal to the task of doing justice to the toast. Bro. Smith's reply was typical of his

characteristics—a simple speech of thankfulness to those who had so capably maintained the prestige of the

Lodge; he looked forward to returning after his term on active service and renewing his pleasant

associations. Bro. H. Connor, on behalf of the brethren, wished the W.M. God-speed and a safe return.

* * * *

Lodge Southern Cross installation meeting will be held on Friday, 7th June ; Bro. W., F. Irvine, S.W., is

W.M.-Elect. The following week, Friday, 14th June, Bro. P. B. MacDonald will he installed as W.M. of

Lodge Victoria. Good attendances are anticipated at both these meetings.

* * * *

Lodge Victoria has lost one of its founders, W. Bro. Duncan McFarlane, who passed away at the advanced

age of 78. The deceased brother was an active man in public life, and of later years had been unable to

devote much time to his Lodge. He was a town councillor for many years, had been Mayor of Invercargill on

different occasions, and in March, 1917, completed a term of four successive years in the mayoral chair.

Though ofttimes in feeble health, he never missed saying farewell to the boys of the reinforcements from

Southland, notwithstanding the fact that the train then left soon after six in the morning. His genial nature

and charitable disposition will long be remembered. Anybody and everybody was welcome at all times at

"Craigielea," his residence in Esk Street. In all his public beneficent work his excellent wife was closely

associated with him, and the sincere sympathy of the public goes out to her in her bereavement. A Lodge of

Sorrow was presided over by W. Bro. Buchanan, and many brethren present testified to the excellent

qualities of the deceased brother. W. Bro. Duncan McFarlane was also a member of the Druids, Oddfellows,

and Foresters, in each of which societies he had held high office.

* * * *

W. Bro. Bonifant, the retiring W.M. of Lodge St. John, is under orders to proceed to camp in August. His

successor, Bro. Lipscombe, will miss him greatly as I.P.M. Another brother who will also be much missed

from Lodge St. John, is Bro. D. L. M'Lean, a particularly capable Steward of the Lodge, and one who has an

inexhaustible fund of humorous stories; he goes into camp this month (May).

* * * *

M.W. Bro. M. Thompson had a specially good word to say for the social side of Freemasonry when

proposing the "Newly-Initiated " at Lodge Southern Cross. He quoted Lord Kitchener as having stated that

the social side of Masonry had been a greater factor than any other in educating the people of India so far as

the English language and British customs were concerned, the result to-day being the unbounded loyalty of

the people in India.

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

THE TREASURES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND.

——<>——

R.W. Bro. Colonel G. Barclay, in a letter from England, makes the following remarks : "Last week I had the

pleasure of listening to a most interesting lecture, which was delivered by W. Bro. Dr. Hammond, P.G.D.,

the Librarian of the G.L. of England. The lecture was delivered under the auspices of the Bournemouth

Lodge of Instruction, and was entitled "Some more of the Treasures of Grand Lodge." Dr. Hammond

showed a large number of very fine slides, depicting many old jewels, aprons, certificates, and other relics

now in the possession of the G.L., and the interest in the lectures was considerably enhanced by the large

amount of information which the speaker was able to impart in connection with the various articles which

were shown on the screen. The lecture was most instructive, and was voted a real treat by all of the brethren

who were privileged to be present."

In a letter from R.W. Bro. G. Barclay, the writer says, inter alia: "In his lecture at Bournemouth. Dr.

Hammond, in extending an invitation to the brethren present to visit the G.L. Library and Museum at

Freemasons' Hall, London, referred to the members of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association, who were daily

visitors at Great Queen Street—on some days as many as seven or eight putting in an appearance—and who

took a keen pleasure in all they saw. Dr. Hammond also stated that it had been his privilege on different

occasions to conduct some of these brethren to meetings of various Lodges, and he could not help being

struck by the intelligent interest which they took in the proceedings, and the subsequent comments and

comparisons on what they had seen. He felt assured that the experience which these overseas brethren were

now enjoying would later on make them better men and Masons."

————————

CHURCH SERVICES AT ELLERSLIE.

——<>——

The W.M. and brethren of Lodge Wairoa, No. 55, attended divine worship at Christ Church, Ellerslie, on

Sunday, 21st April. There was a good attendance. The vicar, Rev. Canon C. A. Tisdall, was the preacher,

whose sermon was based on the text (I. Kings, 6-7): "And the house, when it was in building, it was built of

stone made ready before it was brought thither : So that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of

iron heard in the house while it was in building." The whole sermon was very interesting and helpful, and the

brethren entered into the service wholeheartedly, and thoroughly enjoyed the service. This is the third time

we have attended church as a Lodge since the G.M. expressed the wish that Lodges should attend Divine

worship at least once a year. I have reason to believe that the majority of the brethren wish that the

attendance at church as a Lodge occurred more frequently.

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

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

——<>——

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION.

————

In spite of war-time, and notwithstanding a reduction in the travelling expenses allowed to representatives,

there was a very large attendance at the annual communication of G.L. held at the Wellington Town Hall on

8th and 9th May. M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, G.M., presided, while the S.G.W.'s chair was filled by R.W.

Bro. A. Veitch, and that of J.G.W. by R.W. Bro. Willis.

ADDRESS FROM THE CHAIR.

The G.M., addressing the gathering after the formal opening, expressed regret that during his two years of

office his sphere of Masonic activity had been necessarily limited, owing to the serious illness of his wife;

and also his gratitude to the brethren throughout New Zealand for the forbearance shown to him under the

circumstances. He was pleased to note that the brethren of Invercargill had taken in a brotherly spirit their

disappointment at the lapsing of the communication that was to have been held in their town last year. The

hopes felt at the last communication that by this time the European war would have ended in a victory for the

Allies had not been realised, but it was a matter for rejoicing that the Allies were still resolute in their

determination to remain in the field until the world and humanity were freed from the thraldom of militarism

as practised by Prussia. He congratulated the brethren from New Zealand now at the front upon the success

which had attended the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association, under the leadership of R.W. Bro. Colonel George

Barclay. To the relatives of brethren who had fallen he extended hearty sympathy, and to wounded brethren

fraternal sympathy and hopes of their speedy recovery.

Coming to the position of the Special War Benevolent Fund, the G.M. pointed out that on 31st March it-

amounted to over £11,500, which a special effort of the Wellington brethren would increase to over £12,000.

It must be a matter of deep gratification to M.W. Bro. Dougall, P.G.M., that the fund which he had

inaugurated when in office as G.M. had been brought to such a considerable sum. Within the last few months

a movement had been launched in connection with G.L. for the establishment and maintenance of Masonic

hutments at the battle front. This movement originated in the Palmerston North and Wanganui districts, and

was in due time brought before the B. of G.P. With the unanimous sanction of the Board, he (the G.M.) had

sanctioned an appeal to Lodges and brethren. It was proposed that the hutments should be maintained by the

Y.M.C.A. organisation, at an annual cost to G.L. of £500 for each hutment. The Board anticipated the

favourable result that eventually followed the appeal by completing the arrangement for a hutment, which

was accordingly opened at the N.Z.F.A. camp in France on 9th February last, and he had received from

Brigadier-General G. N. Johnston a letter announcing the opening, and adding: " I would like to place on

record our deep appreciation of the very thoughtful gift. This fills a long-felt want, and is a very great boon

to the men." He had also received from a P.M. of one of the Auckland Lodges an extract from a letter

received by the brother from his son, which contained these words : " My word, we have got a grand

Y.M.C.A. in our camp here—a big hut. It is given by the Masonic people of New Zealand. I reckon it is the

best one of its kind up the line here, and they get some big shows there." This showed how the gift was

appreciated. What he asked the brethren to do in the matter was to make their contributions to the fund

annual contributions. If every brother under the jurisdiction of G.L. would devote, say, sixpence a week to

the purpose, the Craft would be able to maintain thirty or forty hutments. He reminded the brethren that we

in New Zealand were living in comfort and security through the sufferings' and hardships endured by our

soldiers in the field. Surely, then, the least that could be expected from us was that we should practise some

act of self-denial in order to contribute an annual amount to give them a little pleasure and comfort while

serving the Empire. The establishment of the hutments would also be a living fraternal link between the

brethren at the front and those still in New Zealand, and he commended the scheme to the Craft as one of the

best to which it could devote its attention at the present time.

With regard to the contribution of G.L. to the New Zealand War Loans, the G.M. stated that the B. of G.P.

had felt that in justice to the Craft their contribution to the last loan should be a substantial one. Of the first

and second war loans they had taken up £1,200 and £2,500 respectively, and they decided to supplement

these amounts by taking up another £10,000. The money was not immediately available, but, in view of the

arrangements made by the Government with the banks, the Board had arranged to borrow the necessary sum

from their own bankers, pending the maturing of other funds which would enable the liquidation of the

overdraft. The Board had felt that this was a contribution which, as loyal citizens, they ought to make to the

country's financial necessities, and he felt sure that G.L. would approve and commend the step.

The affairs of GL., both financially and numerically, were in a very prosperous state, as the reports of the

several Boards would show. He urged the brethren, however, not to be satisfied with this kind of success, but

to pledge themselves to exemplify in their daily lives the principles of their institution. Concluding, he

thanked the D.G.Als, of his two years of office, R.W. Bros. Peterkin and Clark, for their kindly assistance,

and especially R.W. Bro. Clark for having undertaken in his stead visitations to various parts of the

jurisdiction. Further, he thanked the M.W.G.Sec. for his always-ready assistance. In this connection he

reminded G.L. that the time was coming when M.W. Bro. Niccol would feel that retirement from office had

become necessary to him. More than once the M.W. brother had hinted that he was feeling his

responsibilities and his age. Probably after the term to be spent by G.L. office in the Wellington district it

would be necessary to consider seriously M.W. Bro. Niccol's voluntary retirement. He hoped that when that

time did arrive G.L. would not be unmindful of the important services he had rendered to the Craft, and the

very efficient manner in which he had carried out the duties of his office. After also thanking the Presidents

of the Masonic Boards of his term of office, the G.M. added that in retiring from the chair he would continue

to take an active interest in the work of the Craft.

THE NEW GRAND MASTER.

On nominations for the office of G.M. being called for, M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M., nominated V.W.

Bro. the Hon. Alexander Lawrence Herdman, P.G.Reg. There were, he said, few men in the Dominion who

were held in higher estimation than V.W. Bro. Herdman—not alone for his integrity and up-rightness, but

also for the very definite opinions he was known to hold and his courage in expressing them. G.L. might

have full confidence that in his administration of the office of G.M. he would display urbanity, zeal, and

equity.

The motion was seconded by M.W. Bro. Nicholson, and carried unanimously.

The G.M.-elect briefly acknowledged his election, but reserved his principal remarks until the evening.

ELECTIVE GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.

Other G. officers were elected in accordance with the following scheme of distribution, submitted by the B.

of G.P.:—

WELLINGTON DISTRICT.

G. Chaplain, Bro. Rev. John H. Sykes ; G. Treas., W. Bro. John T. King ; G. Reg., W. Bro. Chas. M.

Nielsen; Pres. of the B. of G.P., V.W. Bro. Jas. J. Esson; Pres. ,of the B. of B., R.W. Bro. Herbert H. Seaton ;

G.Ds. of C., W. Bros. George Russell and Albert Erskine; G.S., W. Bro. T. F. Hewat ; members of the B. of

G.P. W. Bros. Joseph G. Harkness,. Richard Jenkins, S. T. S. Martin, Edward J. Guiness, and Edward P.

Rishworth ; members of the B. of B., W. Bros. Jas. H. Jerram, Edward D. Alexander, Arthur A. George,

William A. Baudinet, and James McLachlan.

AUCKLAND DISTRICT.

S.G.D, W. Bro. Matthew Blair ; G. Supt. of W., W. Bro. James W. Cochrane ; G.B.B., W. Bro. M. A.

Benney ; G.Purs., W. Bro. William S. Williams ; G.Ss., W. Bros. Henry O. Searle and Thomas Kennedy ;

members of the B. of G.P., W. Bros. John E. Herbert and William Coltman ; members of the B. of B., W.

Bros. Thomas Corson and N. A. Winter.

CANTERBURY PROVINCE.

G. Chaplain, W. Bro. Rev. A. H. Julius ; G.D. of C., W. Bro. David Manson ; G. Organist, W. Bro. Alfred

W. V. Vine; G.S., W. Bro. Richard W. S. Eastwood; member of the B. of GP., W. Bro. Sidney F. Pawson;

member of the B. of B. W. Bro. Charles J. Talbot.

OTAGO DISTRICT.

G.Sd.B., W. Bro. William G. Hay G.St.B., W. Bro. John Forrester ; G.Purs., W. Bro. Henry E. Woodhead ;

G.S., W. Bro. David Scrimgeour ; member of the B. of G.P., W. Bro. Alexander Steele ; member of the B. of

B., W. Bro. William J. Hill.

SOUTHLAND DISTRICT.

S.G.D., W. Bro. E. B. Pilcher ; G.S., W. Bro. A. N. MacGibbon ; member of the B. of G.P., W. Bro. William

R. Rusden ; member of the B. of B., W. Bro. J. J. Griffiths.

RUAPEHU DISTRICT.

Supt. of W., W. Bro. Robert Laurie; G.Sd.B., W. Bro. David Galloway; G.S., W. Bro. Charles F. Spooner ;

member of the B. of G.P., W. Bro. George Bray ; member of the B. of B., W. Bro. Cyril L. Dymock.

HAWKES BAY DISTRICT.

G.B.B., W. Bro. W. H. Hobin ; G.S., W: Bro. D. Wilson; member of the B. of GP., W. Bro. John A. Miller ;

member of the B. of B., W. Bro. William A. Wilkie.

WEST COAST DISTRICT.

J.G.D. W. Bro. Frank W. Robinson; G.S. W. Bro. Matthew S. Montiord; member of the B. of G.P., W. Bro.

John Hart; member of the B. of B., W. Bro. Frederick Hobbs.

NELSON AND MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT.

J.G.D., W. Bro. Malcolm McKenzie ; G.S., W. Bro. Ralph H. Lash; member of the B. of G.P., W. Bro. Noel

Paton; member of the B. of B., W. Bro. Alexander Weaver.

TARANAKI DISTRICT.

G.Sd.B., W. Bro. Joseph P. Keen; G.S., W. Bro. Louis de Launay ; member of the B. of G.P., W. Bro. Frank

S. Johns ; member of the B. of B., W. Bro. Frederic G. Kimbell.

FUNDS AND FINANCE.

The financial clause in the report of the B. of G.P. showed that the cash balances of the several funds at 31st

March, 1918, were as follows :—

£ s. d.

General Fund . ... 4,937 14 11

Fund of Benevolence .„ ... 2,797 3 1

W. and O. and A.M. Fund ... 31,594 3 9

Special War Benevolent Fund ... 11,523 4 2

Circular Appeal Funds ... ... 1.297 4 4

Representation Fund 693 8 9

Belgian Masonic Relief Fund 19 4 0

Masonic Hutment Fund ... ...226 7 6

Total ... £53,088 10 6

A note added by the Board stated : The credit balance in the National Bank of New Zealand working account

at 31st March, 1918, was £2,998 14s. 9d., but, to enable the Board to take up £10,000 of the War Loan last

year, it was necessary to arrange for a special advance from our bankers in anticipation of the maturing of

debentures early in 1919, so that at present we have an overdraft of £7,710 4s. 3d. on our Special War Loan

Account, and our net credit balance at 31st March was therefore only £53,000.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.

The report of the B. of B. showed that £398 10s. 3d. had been expended during the year in relief, twenty-

seven specific grants being shown. Two circular appeals had been sanctioned during the last year, and were

still current. Sixteen other funds, created by means of circular appeals, were being administered by the

Board, the balances of such funds showing a total of £1,297.

ANNUITY BOARD.

The report of the Annuity Board showed that three annuitants had died during the year, and eight new

annuities had been created. Forty-nine annuitants were shown on the current list, the total charge upon the

fund being £1,285 10s.

It was stated in the report :—

The capital value of the Annuity Fund at present, taking into account accrued interest as at 31st March, 1918,

is £32,384 16s. 9d., an increase of £2,080 5s. 7d. over the amount at the close of the financial year of 1917.

The increase was made up as follows :—

£ s. d.

Voluntary contributions from Lodges and brethren

as per detailed tables herewith ... ... 1,489 7 2

Discount on purchase of Papatoetoe Road Board

Debentures... 50 0 0

Refund on account of Pyle Circular Appeal ... 98 19 0

Interest capitalised after payment. of annuities ... 441 19 5

Total ... .. £2,080 5 7

The income derivable from the invested Annuity Fund for the year 1918-1919 will be about £1,550. The

annual charge upon the Annuity Fund is at present about £1,300, so that a margin of £250 per annum exists

for the creation of new annuities.

All the above reports, together with the corresponding reports for the year ended, in March, 1917, were

adopted.

BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

Two reports of the B. of G.P. were also considered. For the most part the report for the year just ended was

formal. There were clauses recording the causes of the lapse of the communication of 1917, and the

necrology of the year—including such names as those of R.W. Bro. the Rev. Wm. Ronaldson, P.G.Sec. ;

R.W. Bro. Alfred Kidd, P.G.W.; R.W. Bro. Murdoch McLean, P.D.G.M.; R.W. Bro. John Thornton,

Prov.G.M. of Canterbury; Sir Edward Letchworth, P.G.Sec. of the G.L. of England ; and many other worthy

brethren. Other principal paragraphs were as follows :—

GRAND LODGE DE FRANCE.

A proposal has been received from the G.L. de France, Rite Ecossais Ancien Accepté, for the exchange of

representatives and the establishment of official relations with that body, but the Board, whilst animated by

the friendliest feelings towards our French brethren, did not feel justified in taking decided steps in regard to

recognition in view of the attitude of the G.L. of England.

NEW LODGES.

No petitions for new Lodges have been presented to the G.M. during the year which has just closed, but

numerous enquiries have been made and movements are on foot which will almost certainly result in the

establishment shortly of several new Lodges in virgin soil, it being the fixed policy of G.L. to avoid the

erection of new Lodges in the near neighbourhood of existing ones, as that might lead to unhealthy

competition and consequent introduction of bad material.

The military wave which is agitating all circles at present has also had a tendency towards the relaxing of our

ordinary conservatism, but proper precautions have been inculcated and observed.

REGALIA FOR DISTRICTS.

In order to meet long-standing complaints of Prov.G.Ms. that they were not supplied with regalia to enable

them, to make a decent appearance when visiting Lodges in company with G.L. officers on official

occasions, this Board distributed amongst the several districts nearly two years ago such regalia as could be

spared from headquarters, and ordered a supply of new regalia from London.

Owing to war conditions in the Old Country we have been unable to get our order executed in London,

although we are still buoyed up with hopes of ultimately getting it. Under these circumstances we ask the

patience and consideration of those affected.

REPRESENTATION LEVY FOR 1918.

The Board decided not to make any levy upon Lodges for representation this year, but to expend the money

contributed in 1917 in paying the transit expenses of Lodge representatives for 1918 so far as the sum

available will go. In view, however, of the increased cost of fares by rail and the cancellation of all

concessions hitherto allowed, it was found necessary to restrict the payment of transit expenses of

representatives to second class by rail and first class by steamer and coach.

INCREASED COST OF SUPPLIES.

Owing to the increased cost of supplies of all kinds, particularly parchment, it has been found difficult to

keep up our stock, and as the price for parchment is constantly rising it may be necessary to print our

certificates on paper for a time. Samples have been obtained, and, no doubt, the Wellington Board will

carefully go into the matter.

FINANCIAL CONDITION OF LODGES.

It is very pleasing to find that, in spite of the unfavourable conditions arising from the war, our Lodges

continue to thrive. The G.Sec. reports that no Lodge on our roll is indebted to G.L., and every call is being

met cheerfully and liberally, although these calls are exceptionally frequent and heavy.

WORK OF STAFF.

The quite exceptional experience and capability of M.W. Bro. Niccol have enabled him to render vital

assistance to the Board in its deliberations on many difficult questions, while the excellence and efficiency of

the work done by Bro. R. Hutcheson and other members of his staff conclusively prove that they have had at

heart the best interests of the Craft. We experience much regret in parting with them, and wish them a

pleasant stay in Wellington during the next two years.

Both reports of the Board were adopted. In reference to a clause in the 1917 report, a resolution was passed

approving the payment of a war bonus of 10 per cent. to the G.L. office staff, and making it apply also to the

G.Sec., and to be retrospective.

It was agreed that the next annual communication should be held in Christchurch, and the representation levy

was fixed at 9d. per capita.

Some discussion arose in regard to the clause relating to the issue of M.M. certificates printed on paper.

V.W. Bro. Bridge suggested that such certificates should eventually be replaced with parchment ones, and

the G.Sec. said he thought that any Board administering the affairs of G.L. would recognise that that was the

proper course.

AUDITORS AND TRUSTEES.

W. Bro. H. Ivory, of Wellington, was appointed Auditor to G.L.

New Trustees were appointed as follows : M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, R.W. Bros. T. A. Peterkin, J. W.

Ellison, A. Veitch, and H. H. Seaton.

THE CRAFT AND THE WAR.

THE SPECIAL BENEVOLENT FUND.

War subjects cropped up in two reports. The Annuity Board stated, in regard to the Special (War) Benevolent

Fund:—

The fund has now reached a total of £11,523 4s. 2d., but the time for operating upon the fund has apparently

not yet arrived, as, up to the end of the financial year of G.L., no claims had been made. One case has since

transpired, and enquiries regarding its merits are now being made. In view of the fact that it will probably be

some considerable time before calls upon the fund can be established, the B. of G.P. has invested the greater

part of the capital, and the item of interest earned appears in the accounts of the Board for the first time. It

will, however, be necessary to keep a portion of the fund readily available for use at short notice.

Paragraphs of war interest in the report of the B. of G.P. were as follows :—

REPRESENTATIVES IN MILITARY CAMPS.

W. Bro. James Williams, Staff Sergeant-Major in Trentham Military Camp, continues to devote considerable

time and attention to the care of brethren arriving in camp. His services in a variety of ways have lightened

the cares of those sojourning there. Frequently Bro. Williams has been very helpful, and always has he been

very cheerful and optimistic.

In Featherston Camp we have lately enlisted the services of Bro. Lieutenant Johnson in succession to Bro.

Chaplain-Captain Green, who has gone to the front. Bro. Lieut. Johnson is most active in promoting every

movement calculated to further the happiness and comfort of brethren arriving in that camp, and Lodges

should instruct their members to make themselves known to him immediately upon arrival.

FIGHTING MEMBERS.

The G.Sec. has prepared and issued a roll of the names of members of our Lodges who have left the shores

of New Zealand to assist in fighting for the right in this terrible war. That roll contains nearly two thousand

names, and is every day being added to, for the end, though never in doubt, is not yet in sight.

The War Benevolent Fund is now over the sum first aimed at when M.W. Bro. Dougall projected it, but our

efforts to increase it should not flag, for undoubtedly the calls upon the fund will be many, and all we at

home living in comfort and safety can do in the way of money contribution is small indeed in comparison

with the sacrifices made by those who were able to go.

The N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association continues to thrive and prosper, thanks to the efforts of R.W. Bro.

Colonel Geo. Barclay and his devoted assistants. This Association serves to bind our brethren at the front in

one indissoluble band, and has done much to prove the reality and value of Freemasonry as an institution; it

should therefore receive every encouragement we can give it.

MASONIC " CHEER-O HUTMENT SCHEME.

The G.M. recently issued a circular letter inviting Lodges and brethren to contribute to a fund having for its

object the maintenance of one or more huts as near the fighting line as military rule would permit, at which

huts all soldiers of the Allied Forces could obtain light refreshments and a cheery word when going into or

returning from battle. Such refreshments to be supplied absolutely free of charge.

The Board arranged with the management of the Y.M.C.A. that G.L. would pay the cost of maintaining one

such hutment for a year, the Association taking charge and running it, the cost not to exceed £500 per

annum, and an announcement to be placed on or in the hut that those obtaining rest and refreshment are the

guests of the Freemasons of New Zealand. The hutment has been established in the New Zealand artillery

area, with great success, by the General in command, and is now in full swing.

The reply of Lodges to the G.M.'s circular indicates that he struck a responsive chord in their hearts, and it

seems probable that sufficient will be provided to maintain several similar hutments.

RED CROSS FUND.

The Board has contributed from G.L. funds the sum of £100 to this admirable and well managed institution.

AFFLICTED BRETHREN.

On the motion of M.W. Bro. Williams, resolutions of fraternal sympathy were passed in regard to R.W. Bro.

Robert Fletcher, P.D.G.M., and R.W. Bro. Dr. Withers, P.D.G.M., both of whom were stretched upon beds

of sickness.

AMENDMENTS OF GRAND LODGE LAWS.

By this time all the business set down on the order paper for the first day's ordinary, as distinguished from

the ceremonial, session had been disposed of. What remained was the consideration of notices of motion and

amendments of G.L. laws, which the agenda paper had fixed for the Thursday's sitting. Standing orders were,

however, suspended so far as to allow the business provided for the second day to be taken in hand, with an

understanding that anything that appeared debatable should be postponed till the time appointed on the

agenda paper.

First came an amendment brought forward by the B. of G.P., to provide for the rank and designation of Dep.

Prov. G.Ms., and to alter the rank and designation of G.Ds. of C. and P.G.Ds. of C., so that they shall be

designated and rank in order of precedence immediately after P.G.Lects. and before G.Ds.

A very short discussion was sufficient to show that the proposal in regard to Dep. P.G.Ms. was unpopular, if

it had not even been brought in under some misapprehension, and the allusions to the subject were deleted

from the motion. The alteration of status in the case of G.Ds. of C., present and past, was agreed to.

The next amendment proposed was one providing for the appointment of more than one Dep. Prov.G.M.

where a district contains forty or more Lodges. On the motion of M.W. Bro. Dougall, the clause was

amended to make it apply only to a district where no Prov.G.L. exists, and in this form was agreed to.

Rule 102 was amended to enable the G.M., by special dispensation, to provide for the eligibility to the

Master's chair of a Warden who, through serving in a military capacity, has been unable to complete his full

term of Wardenship.

An amendment to Rule 146, which relates to initiation in cases of special emergency, was meant to provide

that, should emergent circumstances arise after a candidate has been proposed in any Lodge under Rule 145,

the Master may apply to the G.M., or to the Prov.G.M., for a dispensation authorizing the Lodge to proceed

under Rule 146, and if the G.M. or Prov.G.M. is satisfied that the emergency justifies it, he may grant a

dispensation.

After some discussion, the final settlement of the question was deferred until next day.

An amendment to Rule 15 was adopted, providing a form of written application to be signed by joining

members.

Rule 168 was amended to make it permissible during the continuance of the war for Lodges to issue to

brethren going to the front proofs of their membership, but all such proofs must be verified by the signature

of the G.Sec. and be impressed by the seal of G.L.

The form of the original rule was altered to make it quite clear that there shall be no charge for any certificate

issued under it. The certificate to a brother engaged in active service is only to be issued after he has

surrendered his M.M. certificate to the Sec. of his Lodge, that document to be at any subsequent time

returned to him in exchange for the temporary certificate. In the course of the discussion it was made clear

by the G.Sec. that no difficulty would be raised as to the return of the M.M. certificate to the relatives of a

brother who loses his life at the front, or to a brother who proves the loss at the front of his temporary

certificate.

Consideration of an amendment to Rule 177 (Mode of Permanent Exclusion), giving an excluded brother the

right of appeal, was deferred until next day.

Rule 190 was amended to enable the B. of G.P. to waive the usual fee for the alteration of a Lodge's regular

installation date, when such alteration is made for the convenience of the G.M. or the Prov.G.M.

Shortly after midday Grand Lodge adjourned until evening.

INSTALLATION OF THE NEW GRAND MASTER.

The ground floor of the Town Hall was well filled in the evening, when G.L. resumed for the installation

ceremonies. M.W. Bro. Nicholson presided, and other P.G.M's. present were M.W. Bros. Niccol, Williams,

Griffiths, and Dougall. The Prov.G.L. of Canterbury was represented, as at the legislative sitting earlier in

the day, by a strong delegation, headed by W. Bro. Kenneth Mackenzie, Dep. Prov.G.M. A strong choir of

Wellington brethren was present under the direction of Bro. Robert Parker, who also officiated at the grand

organ. W. Bros. W. R. T. Leighton and E. P. Rishworth were the G.Ds. of C.

M.W. Bro. Herdman was invested and enthroned according to ancient forms by M.W. Bro. Nicholson, and

duly proclaimed and saluted by all ranks in the Craft.

The Grand Master announced the appointment as his Dep. G.M., R.W. Bro. Judah H. Keesing, P.G.W., who

was also obligated, invested, and enthroned.

The appointment of Prov. G.Ms. was announced as follows : M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson (Auckland

District), R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison (Wellington District), W. Bro. Kenneth Mackenzie (Canterbury District,

Deputy), R.W. Bro. R. Hawcridge (Otago District), R.W. Bro. R. H. Richmond (West. Coast District), R.W.

Bro. C. H. Mills (Nelson and Marlborough Districts), R.W. Bro. A. Le H. Hoyles (Southland District), R.W.

Bro. H .L. Harston (Hawkes Bay District.). R.W. Bro. R. W. Sargent (Taranaki District), R.W. Bro. D. J. F.

McFarlane (Ruapehu District).

The Prov.G.Ms. were invested by M.W. Bro. Niccol, with the exception of the temporary president of the

Canterbury Province.

It was announced that the G.M. had appointed W. Bro. Chas. M. Page, of Auckland, as S.G.W., and W. Bro.

Alfred E. Smith, of Invercargill, as J.G.W. Neither of the Wardens-designate was present, and it was stated

that they would be duly invested in their own districts.

Such of the other officers elected at the morning sitting as were present were invested by M.W. Bro. Niccol.

ADDRESS BY THE GRAND MASTER.

Addressing the brethren, M.W. Bro. Herdman expressed his sense of the dignity of the installation

proceedings, and of the high examples that he had to emulate in his distinguished predecessors in the chair.

In these days of tragedy and anxiety, he proceeded, members of the Craft were specially called upon to

exhibit the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. A shadow was hanging over the world, and

thousands of human beings who had been fighting bravely against adversity and misfortune caused through

war were looking for the assistance and comfort which true Masons were specially qualified to give.

Freemasonry was not a benevolent institution, but a social body, whose members met together to cultivate

the social virtues, especially those which tended to make men look with kindly and generous eyes upon the

weaknesses of their fellow-men, and on those who were in need of help. Above all, Freemasonry was a loyal

institution. Loyalty to the Sovereign and obedience to the law of the land were some of the features of its

policy. If ever there was an opportunity for the exercise of Masonic principles it was to-day; if ever there was

a time when men should be loyal to their Sovereign, and rigidly and strictly obey the laws of the country, it

was to-day.

For many years it had been his privilege and pleasure to meet in different parts of New Zealand many

brethren who were prominently identified with the Craft, and it had been his pleasant experience to observe

that the great bulk of the fraternity in this country exhibited in their daily lives the ancient principles of the

institution. Occasionally, but very rarely, some brother brought discredit upon the institution, an institution

which should receive the respect of everybody in the community. It was sometimes said that a Mason should

always receive preference on the part of another Mason—that he should receive the support of brother

Masons even for posts for which there were other candidates with superior qualifications. To that doctrine he

refused to subscribe. A man who was placed in a position of responsibility must be faithful to his trust, and

see that he who was best qualified for the vacant post received it, regardless of other considerations. If he

failed to do that, he would be acting dishonourably, and if there was one thing more than another that a

Mason should be, it was an honourable gentleman. Moreover, he need not prate about his honour. Some

persons seemed to consider that honour was a rare quality, but his own observation was that most men of our

race were disposed to be honest. He always looked with suspicion on the man who boasted about his honour,

and who tried to impress one that he was not as other men were. When one came across such a person, one

should beware of him, and watch him.

Another type of man rarely met with amongst Freemasons was the hypocrite. Beware of his unctuous smile,

and do not be deceived by his oleaginous manners. Of all detestable creatures the hypocrite was the most

detestable, Again, a type of Freemason who did not bring credit upon the institution was the brother who

went about decorated with Masonic emblems. No Mason had the right to parade his Masonry.

A Mason should be a modest individual who did his work in the community quietly, who obeyed the laws,

and was considerate to the weaknesses of his fellow men, and he should avoid advertising his connection

with the Craft.

Some time ago he found in a book the observation that "A well ordered Masonic Lodge is a source of

strength to the community. It really focuses all that stands for the good order of the community." That must

be so. Every man who belonged to the institution had to pass a test. Every brother was a competitor in the

dispensation of charity and in doing kindly actions towards his fellow men. That being so, must not every

Masonic institution be a source of strength to the community? It must make for the good of the land and for

its good government.

"We are;" proceeded the G.M., "passing through desperate times. As we sit in this hall to-night, brethren

from all parts of New Zealand, I believe there is passing through every brother present some thought about

what is taking place on the battlefields of France. We all earnestly hope, and we earnestly trust, that the

struggle that is going on to-day will end in favour of our country and our race. But words will accomplish

nothing. Words are only the tinkling of a cymbal and the sounding of brass. Sitting still will do no good.

Action is needed, and I do not think I am trespassing beyond the bounds of propriety in a Masonic institution

when I say I believe it is necessary, if success is to attend our efforts in this struggle, that every man in the

community must place himself behind the leaders of our nation until those leaders are demonstrably proved

to be wrong. It becomes the duty of every Mason to support those leaders with all the strength and the will

and the power they possess.

"I am not at all certain that this war does not contain in it something for good. I am not it all certain that it is

wholly evil. I believe I have detected in this country signs of a strength that is growing—a strength that

would never have grown but for the circumstances of this war. I believe that to-day we are making history,

the effect of which will be felt in this country throughout the ages. We are growing in strength, in wisdom,

and in experience. Down at our wharves I have seen young men leave this country—happy men, men with

smiles upon their faces, the happy product of a happy country. I have seen those men return to our shores,

some of them broken, but still with smiles upon their faces and confidence in their hearts. And I have said to

myself that in the years that are to come—a hundred years hence—stories will be told in thousands of homes

in this country—on the hillsides, in the valleys, in the cities, and in the solitude of the bush—to the honour

and glory and to the memory of those men who were prepared to sacrifice everything in order that our race

might live and our nation might not suffer.

"So I venture to say, in conclusion, that it behoves every brother present to-night, in the days that are to

come, and until this great struggle is ended in our favour, to comport himself before his fellow men,

remembering the canons taught to him at his Lodge's monthly meetings, that those who do not belong to the

Masonic institution will say— 'This man is indeed a worthy and upright citizen and a worthy Mason.' "

———————

SECOND DAY'S SITTING.

———

AMENDMENT OF LAWS.

On resuming on the morning of Thursday, 9th May, G.L. quickly disposed of the postponed questions as to

amendment of the laws.

The problem as. to Rule 146 was solved by agreeing to the repeal of the existing rule and the substitution of

the following :—

"In cases of special emergency the following course may be pursued : If any two M.Ms. of a Lodge shall

transmit in writing to the Master the name, age, profession, or occupation, and place of abode of any

candidate whom they may wish to propose and the circumstances which cause the special emergency, or if

such special emergency shall arise after a candidate has been proposed in a Lodge and his proposer and

seconder shall transmit in writing to the Master the circumstances which cause the special emergency, then

and in either of such cases, if, in his opinion, the emergency be real, the Master shall apply to the G.M. or to

the Prov.G.M. for a dispensation, who, being also satisfied that the emergency is real, may grant a

dispensation, and in that event the Master shall notify every member of his Lodge, either in the summons for

the next regular meeting or in a summons for a Lodge of Emergency, to meet at a period of not less than

seven days from the issuing of the summons, and the candidate (subject to his being or having been approved

on the ballot) may then be initiated. The Master shall, before proceeding with the business stated on the

summons, read the proposition and dispensation, and state to the Lodge the cause of the emergency, which

shall be recorded in the minutes."

The amendment to Rule 177, giving an excluded brother the right to appeal within three months, was agreed

to. The opinion was expressed that its omission from former editions of the B. of C. had been an oversight.

LOCATION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICE.

Notices of motion were then dealt with. First in order was a motion by W. Bro. N. G. Armstrong, of Lodge

St. Andrew Kil., No. 79, Wanganui—

"That the office of G.L. be permanently located in the City of Wellington, and that the B. of G.P. be

empowered to take the necessary steps to carry this resolution into effect." The mover made it clear that his

purpose was to bring about the centralisation merely of the office—that he desired that the principal Boards

should still have their headquarters in the four chief centres in rotation, and that the G.Sec. should for each

meeting travel to the centre where the Boards should sit. His main points in support of the motion were the

expense and risks of the continual two-yearly removals of G.L. office, the centralness of Wellington as

compared with other cities of the Dominion, and the economy which it was claimed would result from the

change.

The history of former motions of the same kind was dealt with by several brethren, and finally Bro. Jolly,

leader of the opposition at the last debate on the subject in Christchurch, when the decision of the Auckland

communication of the previous year in favour of centralisation was rescinded traversed the proposal in one

of his most trenchant speeches. With very little further debating the motion was negatived on a show of

hands.

FRENCH FREEMASONRY.

M.W. Bro. Dougall, P.G.M., obtained leave to alter the motion of which he had given notice with regard to

the recognition of the G.L. of France to the following form :—

"That G.L. is of opinion that the recognition of French Freemasonry should receive favourable

consideration."

M.W. Bro. Dougall dealt with the subject at some length, acknowledging at the outset that his motives in

bringing it forward were, in the first place, affection roused by the conduct of Frenchmen in the present war,

and, secondly, a doubt whether Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry had treated Continental Freemasonry with the

fairness that characterised Freemasonry as a whole. Developing his subject, he claimed that there was no

foundation for the common assertion that French Freemasonry was atheistical—that it taught that there was

no God. The keynote of French Freemasonry was absolute liberty of conscience, such as New Zealand

asserted in regard to its education system. His address went in some detail into the history of the Craft in

France and into the principles it there professes.

After a short discussion the matter was referred to the B. of G.P., to ascertain the policy of other G.Ls. in the

matter and report to the next annual communication. This amendment was accepted by M.W. Bro. Dougall,

and agreed to.

INCREASE OF ANNUITIES.

R.W. ' Bro. R. H. Richmond, Prov.G.M., moved :—

"That as our annuities, owing to the increased cost of living, are now less adequate than in pre-war days,

G.L. recommends all Lodges under its jurisdiction to ask their members to contribute 2s. each per annum to

the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, in addition to what they are disposed to give at the annual installation

meetings. The additional sum thus raised to be spent annually by the Annuity Board in supplementing

annuities where necessary, the balance, if any, to be capitalised as are the annual collections."

The proposition., he said, originated with W. Bro. Paterson, W.M. at the time of Lodge Runanga, and arose

out of the difficulty which it was evident that the Annuity Board experienecd, through the limitation of its

funds, in granting the full annuity in a particular case. He estimated that if the scheme were taken up it would

raise an additional £750 per annum, and that would go a long way in further lightening the burdens suffered

by many brethren through sickness, poverty, and old age.

The motion was seconded by R.W. Bro. Ross, P.D.G.M., and agreed to.

SILVER BATON FUND.

The M.W.G.Sec. announced that the Silver Baton Fund, originated by Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32, had

reached the sum of £500, which would presently be paid over for the benefit of the Special (War) Benevolent

Fund. Of the total, more than one-fifth had been contributed by Lodge St. Andrew itself. G.L. passed a

hearty vote of thanks to the committee who had charge of the Silver Baton movement—viz., R.W. Bro. J. J.

Rod, V.W. Bro. J. Russell, W. Bros. J. Rod, P.G.J.D., and ,A. T. Wells, and Bro. L. A. George; and also to

Bros. Scannell and Thompson, the donors of the baton.

After votes of thanks had been passed to the retiring officers of the past two years, and to the Wellington

brethren for their hospitality to visiting members of G.L., the proceedings were closed.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.

The Wellington brethren provided quite a plethora of social functions, which were much appreciated,

especially by visiting ladies.

On Wednesday afternoon the Oriental Bay Kiosk was crowded, the occasion being afternoon tea provided

especially for visiting ladies, and quite a number of local brethren and their wives were present to do honour

to the visitors. An excellent programme of music was provided.

The same evening some forty or fifty brethren and ladies visited the Queen's Theatre, and a most enjoyable

evening was spent. At the Town Hall supper was served, Grand Officers and representatives being the

invited guests. R.W. Bro. Ellison, Prov.G.M., occupied the chair, and in response to the several toasts some

excellent speeches were made. The splendid Wellington quartette party again delighted the brethren with

their superb vocalisation„ On Thursday after-noon an excursion to Day's Bay drew a monster crowd, and as

the weather was glorious the outing was keenly enjoyed. Afternoon tea was served in the pavilion, and the

ubiquitous photographer secured some groups of the revellers.

The evening was devoted to a concert in the Town Hall, when a really good programme was presented. At

ten o'clock an adjournment was made to the large hall for supper, and though quite a number of the guests

had to take the refreshments in picnic fashion, they were none the less enjoyed and hilarity reigned supreme.

It is quite safe to say that the Wellington gathering will long be held in pleasurable remembrance.

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

Correspondence
———————————————————————————————————————————

WHO SHOULD ASSIST THE W.M. IN HIS WORK?

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—In your May number there are two letters bearing on the question of whether floor

members should be allowed to do any part of the work which it is the special duty of the W.M. to perform. I

think there is even stronger objection to anyone under the degree of P.M. so assisting than there would be to

a floor member doing any part of the special work of the Wardens, when both those officers are present. I

will not discuss the effect on the P.M. who may feel slighted by being passed over, though this does not tend

to ensure their attendance or promote the true interests of the Lodge. On the face of things the P.M. should be

best qualified to assist the W.M. with delegated work. I quite admit that some brother on the floor may be a

better elocutionist, or perhaps have a more retentive memory, but that is scarcely the point, and in any case if

the floor member has all the necessary qualifications he should in time be found in the chair of K.S. It should

be obvious that if the P.Ms. cannot do the work as well as it should be done, the Lodge should never put

them in the chair. The W.M. has no right to make the candidate it subject for experiment by one who has not

attained the rank of W.M., for, as one correspondent admits, the chief consideration should be the impression

made on the candidate. There is also the danger of the W.M. being suspected of favouritism and a too urgent

desire to "push on" some member who is still on the floor of the Lodge.

While on this subject I also desire to enter my protest against the practice adopted by some Lodges of

allowing other Lodges to work degrees for them. It is no doubt very friendly and all that, but it seems to

follow that if the visiting Lodge does the work better, then every member who has taken degrees in that

Lodge has reason to be dissatisfied with its officers ; if its working is worse, then the candidate has suffered.

Yours fraternally, PENTALPHA.

———————

ROMAN CATHOLICS AS FREEMASONS.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—I am sorry to see that "Canadian Mason" in your May issue, denounced the New

Zealand Masonic Lodges for their tolerant attitude towards Roman Catholics. It seems necessary to remind

him that Freemasonry knows no distinctions of creed, and that at one period all Freemasons were Catholics.

We know of course that since Pope Pius the Ninth's excommunication of Freemasons a man cannot be at

once a good Catholic and a Freemason. But even this may be but a passing phase. In the meantime, we do

not welcome Catholics, though I for one would have no objection to initiate the Pope himself. So far as our

secrets are concerned it is ridiculous to suppose that they have never been revealed. But it is the policy of this

Church to discountenance anything that may promote the brotherhood of man—indeed, every church really

understands brotherhood to mean belief in its own dogmas. That has been the case throughout the ages, and

will continue so long as priestcraft exists. Freemasonry is the only institution the world has ever seen which

embraces all religions in its scope, and it is doing most splendid work in creating what is really the religion

of humanity. Its influence is specially marked in India, and your May issue, I notice, records the presence in

a Lodge of Christians, Mohammedans, Hindoos, and Parsees. In what other institution dealing with morality

and belief in a Supreme Being would such a combination be possible? I may also remind your correspondent

that there are Catholics and Catholics—bigots and liberal-minded men. I can recall at least one case in which

Freemasonry prevailed with a Catholic, and you will also probably remember it, when I mention that it

occurred in a southern town about the year 1878. In the hospital there a Catholic who was also a Freemason

lay dying. He had begged his brethren to keep the priests away from him, as he held that Freemasonry filled

all his requirements. This exclusion of the priests led to a lot of angry correspondence in the newspapers and

some brethren were foolish to answer the indignant protests of the priests. The result was to give the case

much more than local interest. The brother who died had occupied the Master's chair in a Lodge in the North

Island, but at the time of his death he was in very poor circumstances, and his widow and a son and a

daughter were very poorly provided for. Though the Freemasons in those days numbered but few the

collection taken up all over the colony on behalf of the widow and the fatherless resulted in obtaining a sum

which proved sufficient to maintain the widow and family and educate the children. Not only that, but. the

final balance-sheet of the fund published in the Craftsman a few years ago showed that there still remained a

sum of £700, which Grand Lodge decided should be set aside as a dowry for the daughter should she marry.

The son now occupies an excellent position. So your correspondent will see that at least one Catholic died a

true Freemason.—Yours fraternally, PENTALPHA.

———————

FLOOR MEMBERS TAKING PART IN CEREMONIES.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— It is gratifying to know that a word of criticism by the Lodge Correspondent of Avon

Lodge should have caused some comment in your paper as regards floor members doing work at the Lodge

meetings. As a W.M., I consider that, in the first place, it was not correct for a correspondent of a Lodge—

who, by the way, I have learnt is not a P.M.—to criticise any action by his W.M. in giving work out to a

floor member ; but, this being done, I would like to mention that, unfortunately, there are not a great number

of P.Ms. who make themselves acquainted with charges such as the Charge after Initiation. In the case

mentioned I have also learnt that the P.M. who had agreed to give this charge was detained from his Lodge

by ill-health, and that Bro. Hatch, I.G., gave this charge at practically a moment's notice. It is well to have

brethren of this type to fall back on, and I might say, having heard the work done, I feel certain that it was

quite as dignified and impressive as could be done by any P.M. It is a splendid thing to have younger

brethren in a Lodge taking so much interest as to learn charges such as the one above mentioned. The only

way for P.Ms. to prevent what they may consider an injustice to themselves happening is for them to attend

their Lodges and make themselves conversant with the work to be done.—Yours fraternally,

W.M.

———————

FLOOR MEMBERS AND RITUAL WORK.

——<>——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— It is, indeed, gratifying to find that the Avon Lodge reports are read with interest by

many Masons over New Zealand, and it is without doubt a striking comment upon the value of your paper in

keeping Lodges in touch with each other's proceedings and ideas. We of Avon Lodge believe that we have

many thoughts and ideas of benefit to other Lodges, and we gratefully acknowledge helpful ideas from

others. Let me say at the outset that the opinions expressed in our reports are my own, as I hold that a

correspondent has a right to voice his own opinions in his own way, subject only to the blue pencil of the

Editor. Some may say that no correspondent should criticise his W.M.'s doings, but, while I concede that

criticisms of what are purely Lodge matters should be made in the Lodgeroom, I cannot concede that

criticisms of matters of general interest to all Freemasons should be withheld, just to save a W.M.'s feelings.

Again, I hold that my criticism was constructive, and not destructive, and has been the means of creating a

good deal of thought on a very important subject. In general reply to your correspondents, I would state that

they will surely not contend that an E.A. could perform the same work equally as well as a M.M. Can they,

then, hold that a floor member can perform the work better, or even as well, as a P.M.? Perhaps at this point

it will be well to quote Captain Scott : " I do not regret this journey, as it has enlarged my vision, increased

my faith in God and my fellow men, and brought to me opportunities of usefulness beyond my conception."

The Masonic journey through the various offices cannot but have the same effect, and that effect is plainly

shown in the giving of a charge. Forgive me for trespassing on your space to such an extent; and will you

kindly assure one and all that I am not a P.M. nor an old fossil? On the contrary, I am supposed to be rather

youthful and progressive.—Yours fraternally, AVON LODGE CORRESPONDENT.

[This correspondence must now cease.—ED. C.]

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

THE ORIGIN OF THE ROYAL ARCH.

——<>——

[A Lecture delivered by V.E. COMP. E. NORDON before the Members of Prince of Wales R.A. Chapter,

Christchurch.]

————

In an earlier lecture, on the old return and the new, I dealt with the occupancy of Palestine by the Jews, and

the dispersion, and probable happenings in case of a new return. Following on the interesting matter I looked

up in connection with that lecture, I was induced to delve a bit further, and on this occasion I want to say

something about the origin of R.A. Masonry. I do not claim any originality in the present lecture, since my

matter is taken mostly from William James Hughan's "Origin of the English Rite of Freemasonry." This very

valuable book, which is now practically unprocurable, was lent me by M.E. Comp. S. C. Bingham.

On the actual origin of R.A. Masonry, it is extremely difficult to speculate ; but it is not an unsafe venture to

place the introduction of organised R.A. Masonry, with a distinct ritual, at about 1740.

In approaching the subject, it is necessary to go back to a brief consideration of the character of the three

degrees, especially that of the Master Mason, both ritualistically and-generally. There seems to be little

doubt, that these three degrees became separate and distinct only after the constitution of the first G.L. in

1717.

"It seems difficult to understand," says Bro. Hughan in the valuable work to which I am so much indebted,

"how anyone conversant with their noble histories can cherish the fancy that the three degrees as we have

them, and even the R.A. and other ceremonies were worked by our ancient brethren during the seventeenth

century. Three grades there were undoubtedly in those early times—namely, apprentice, fellow-craft, and

Master Mason—being suggestive respectively of apprentices, journeymen, and masters—but so far as the

minutes of the Lodges testify prior to the 18th century, or, in fact, any document whatever, it is doubtful if

there were any separate degrees known save the first—the only esoteric ceremony being a simple rite of

initiation, its participants never afterwards being excluded from any Masonic meetings because of degrees

being worked additional to, separate from, or superior to, the form of reception in which they took part on

becoming apprentices. The apprentices accordingly became fellow-crafts or journeymen, on their essays or

work being passed by competent judges, and then Master Masons according to circumstances, but never

because of taking certain degrees until the G.L. era." (This is the considered conclusion of Bro. Hughan.)

G.Ls. were an institution of the 18th century, and an outgrowth of speculative lodges, which existed from

"time immemorial." The first of its kind was the G.L. of England, constituted on St. John Baptist's Day,

1717. This was followed by the constitution of York G.L. on 17th December, 1725, but it is important to

remember that this Lodge collapsed in 1790. While these two G.Ls. were flourishing, however, disputes

arose in London between some of the Lodges and G.L., and this led to the formation of another rival under

the name of the G.L. of England according to the old constitutions. The members of this G.L., under the

Grand Mastership of the 3rd and 4th Dukes of Atholl, became known as Atholl Masons, or "ancients," while

those of the premier G.L. were unfairly styled "moderns" or "regulars"—the term "modern" being imported,

rightly or wrongly, in view of the allegation of modern innovations in the ritual.

The antiquity of the Third Degree is a matter on which there is a wilderness of criticism, but the absolute

records place it at about the revival in 1717, to 1720. It is probable that R.A. Masonry was the first ceremony

associated with the Craft degrees, although, before minutes of the R.A. are met with, there are records of

other extra degrees. Minutes of the R.A. of 1743-1744 place it in the position of being one of the earliest

known of the additional ceremonies. Another point arises as to what the R.A. consisted of in its early days,

and whether it was formed by taking from the M.M. a portion of its ritual, and amplifying the ceremony to

form a fourth degree, or whether it was substantially and entirely a new creation. The oldest minutes of

R.A.M. preserved are of the year 1753, in the United States, and 1758 in England, but the degree is

mentioned in the Atholl records of 4th March, 1752. The earliest typographical account of the degree,

published in Dublin in 1744 by Fifield Dassigny, M.D., reads :—

"I am informed in that city (York) is held an assembly of Master Masons, under the title of R.A. Masons,

who, as their qualifications and excellencies are superior to others, they receive a larger pay than working

masons ; but of this more hereafter. Now, as the landmarks of the constitution of Freemasonry are

universally the same throughout all kingdoms, and are so well fixed that they will not admit of removal, how

comes it to pass that some have been led away by ridiculous innovations, an example of which I shall prove

by a certain propagator of a false system, some few years ago, in this city, who imposed upon several very

worthy men, under a pretence of being Master of the R.A., which, he asserted, he had brought with him from

the City of York, and that the beauties of the craft did principally consist in the knowledge of this valuable

piece of masonry. However, he carried on his scheme for several months, and many of the learned and wise

were his followers; till, at length, his fallacious art was discovered by a brother of probity and wisdom, who

had some small space before attained that excellent part of masonry in London, and plainly proved that his

doctrine was false—whereupon the brethren justly despised him, and ordered him to be excluded from all

benefits of the Craft, and although some of the fraternity have expressed an uneasiness at this matter being

kept a secret from them (since they had already passed through the usual degrees of probation), I cannot help

being of opinion that they have no right to any such benefit until they make a proper application, and are

received with due formality—and as it is an organised body of men who have passed the chair, and given

undeniable proofs of their skill in architecture, it cannot be treated with too much reverence, and more

especially since the character of the present members of that particular Lodge are untainted, and their

behaviour judicious and unexceptionable, so that there cannot be the least hinge to hang a doubt on, but that

they are most excellent Masons. I cannot help informing the brethren that there is lately arrived in this city a

certain itinerant Mason, whose judgment (as he declares) is so far illumined, and whose optics are so strong,

that they can bear the view of the most lucid rays of the sun at noon-day — and although we have contented

ourselves with three material steps to approach our summum bonum, the Immortal God, yet he presumes to

acquaint us that he can add three more, which, when properly placed, may advance us to the highest

heavens."

This long quotation is strongly emphasised by Bro. Hughan, who points out that it is clear that the aim of the

Third Degree, in 1744, culminated in reverence for the summum bonum, the Immortal God. Bro. W. A.

Lawrie, G.Sec., declared that there was no evidence of any kind of existence of the R.A. Degree in Scotland

prior to 1743. This reference to 1743, Hughan declares, was likely to be to the old Lodge of Stirling, and he

was fortunate in being able to examine the ancient records, including two old historic brasses. These brasses

are three inches wide, and nine inches long, and are of rude workmanship. The one of special interest refers

to "the Redd Cross, Knights of Malta, and the Night Templer." The idea of their having been engraved in the

seventeenth century Hughan dismisses entirely, because the Knights of the Temple and other chivalric

ceremonies under the protecting wing of Freemasonry cannot be determined so early. The by-laws of this

Stirling Lodge are stated to have been agreed to on May 14, 1745, and provided for certain fees, from the

Entered Apprentice onward, including the excellent and super-excellent 5s., and Knights of Malta 5s." The

Sup. G. Chapter of Scotland sought to fix the dates of origin of the Chapters on its register, and in 1818 a

special committee reported those which had (to use its own words) "produced satisfactory evidence of their

having existed in the knowledge and practice of R.A. Masonry, etc., since the period set against their

respective names, the first on the list being Stirling Rock R.A. Chapter from the 30th of July, 1743." As the

Chapter at Stirling is still on the roll, it is the oldest on the world, if this date can be established. Hughan

considers, however, that so early a reference to the Knights of Malta, detracts from the genuineness of the

whole record. It is evident, indeed, that Bro. Hughan takes a conservative view of the matter, and rejects all

but documentary evidence of the subject. Thus, in 1867-1868 he had a very interesting discussion with the

Rev. A. F. A. Woodford, M.A., who insisted that the second part of the Third Degree existed certainly in the

15th century. This second part of the Third Degree he took to be substantially the R.A., holding to the theory

that the R.A. was a mutilation or development of the Third Degree. This view is held by other authorities,

and is in some measure justified by certain words and symbols, found on tracing boards, depicted in the

oldest Masonic works extant. Dr. Oliver asserts that a certain Chevalier Ramsay visited London about 1740,

for the purpose of introducing his degree into English Masonry, and his schemes being rejected, nothing

appears more likely than that he would throw himself into the hands of the schismatics." It is therefore," he

adds, "extremely probable that Ramsay was concerned in the fabrication of the English degree. " Hughan

dismisses this theory entirely, on the ground that there was not a tittle of proof that Ramsay's "inventions"

were entertained either by the G.L. of England, or any other Masonic body in England or Ireland, and also on

the ground that the Atholl Grand Lodge had no existence until seven years after his death. Dr. Oliver also

declares that the degree "is very properly denominated the English R.A., for it was doubtless a fabrication of

that country, and from thence was transmitted to every part of the world, where it now prevails." This guess,

comments Hughan, is probably more correct than Dr. Oliver's previous theory, since what is known as the

R.A. of the Continent cannot be considered precisely the same as the degree in England of that name. Dr.

Oliver also declares:— "The true word never was lost, but was transferred by the seceding brethren, at the

great Schism of 1740, to the R.A., and in corroboration of this hypothesis, I have before me an old French

engraving of a Master's Lodge, dated in that very year, containing the usual emblems, and on the coffin the

veritable word in Roman capitals. Hughan confesses his inability to decide which was the senior, the English

or the Continental R.A. It is peculiar, and rather in support of the mutilation theory that the word, which was

once lost and is now found, is alluded to in the ceremony of the Third Degree as worked in 1730. Much

more, however, than a word is involved in the mutilation spoken of. The late Doctor Joseph Robbins,

P.G.M., of Illinois, refers to the mutilation of the Third Degree as a pure fiction. He asks why, if the degree

was mutilated as the result of differences between the Ancient and Modern Masons of England, it should

have been mutilated in Scotland and Ireland. It is remarkable, too, that at the union of the rival G.Ls. of

South Carolina, representing the Regular and Atholl Masons, the joint committee of both bodies reported that

there existed no difference in the mode of passing and raising, instructing, obligating and clothing, in the

respective G.Ls. Bro. Robbins considers that if there is any further room for doubt it is disposed of by the

fact that the rituals extant from 1723 to 1730, in the five G.Ls., showed the same modes of recognition as

exist at the present day. This period ante-dates by 20 or 30 years, the first appearance of the R.A., and he

holds that the identity of the essentials of the ritual, then and now, is conclusive proof that the alleged

mutilation of the Third Degree to form the basis of the R.A. is pure fiction. The theory that a word was

placed in the R.A. prominently, which was previously given in the sections of the Third Degree, and known

as "the ancient word of a Master Mason," is worthy of careful consideration. It is said to be still so

communicated in some Master Masons Lodges on the Continent, and it is to be found on old Tracing Boards

of early 18th century. The amplification and prominence which followed such removal and incorporation

into another degree, appear to provide the key to the problem, and permit of a change being made, without

any violence to the ordinary ritual. According to this idea, that which was once lost and then found in the

Third Degree was subsequently under the new regime discovered in the R.A., only much extended, and

under most exalted and dignified surroundings. Had the R.A. necessitated any integral portion of the Third

Degree being severed from its normal surroundings, and entirely removed from the ritual, is it likely that the

ceremony would have been patronised by Lord Blaney, I.P.G.M. and other influential members of G.Ls. in

1767, and subsequently. But even if such had been the case, one could scarcely credit brethren who held

aloof from R.A. Masonry being parties to such an arrangement. So that the prominence given to a word by

R.A. Masons, not alluded to significantly in the degree of a Master Mason, save in one of the sections, might

thus be omitted in the one, and made the chief feature of the other, without causing much disturbance ; its

gradual elimination from the Lodge being the work of time, and in some parts the old system being still

continued. The earliest records of R.A. Masonry in England are not quite so old as those of Scotland, but

actual typographical references go further back. There is an interesting record of a Chapter in Bristol in 1798

where a brother who was already an Ancient R.A. Mason was proposed and exalted. This` is a most unusual

record, although re-making in Craft Lodges between Ancients and Moderns was quite common.

It is well to note that the ceremony in Ireland differs much from that of England and Scotland, for it has

nothing to do with the rebuilding of the Temple as narrated by Ezra, but with the repairing of the Temple by

Josiah, the three chief officers, or principals, being the King (Josiah), the Priest (Hilkiah), arid the Scribe

(Shaphan), not as we have them, Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Jeshua. It is extremely interesting to read the

records of various old Lodges relating to the R.A. That R.A. Masonry was practised in Scotland at an early

date may be inferred from the names given to various Lodges, which were styled R.A. The Grand Chapter of

R.A. Masons for Scotland was formed on 28th August, 1817. This body was inaugurated notwithstanding

G.L. opposition to the degree. In an address which prefaces the by-laws of the R.A. Chapter, No. 6, Dundee,

it is stated that "from a minute dated 25th January, 1773, it appears that the G.L. of England had recognised

and encouraged the R.A. and its concomitant degrees, and that by a special understanding with the G.Ls. of

Ireland and Scotland they became fully authenticated in these kingdoms." But the G.Ls. of Ireland and

Scotland did not so recognise R.A. Masonry, but only as working the three established degrees did they

promise "Brotherly connection and correspondence with the Atholl Grand Lodge." The G.L. of Scotland in

1800 did something more than merely ignore the additional degree, for on 26th May of that year it 'expressly

prohibited and discharged all lodges having charters, from the G.L., from holding any other meetings than

those of the three Orders, namely, the first three degrees. A similar resolution was passed on August 4, 1817,

and on December 27 it was agreed that from that date no person holding an official position in any Masonic

body, which sanctions higher degrees than those of St. John's Masonry, shall be entitled to sit, act, or vote in

the G.L. of Scotland." This was warmly opposed by the G. Chapter, and a protest was issued, signed by the

G. Prins., two of whom were P.G.Ms., but for a time the effort to obtain, a more liberal treatment was not

successful. Of late years, toleration (almost partial recognition, remarks Bro. Hughan) prevails, and the G.Ls.

of Scotland, which has from the first refused to adopt R.A. Masonry, has agreed to an amended definition of

St. John's Masonry—namely, Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft (including the Mark), and Master Mason,

and, moreover, has adopted the Degree of an Installed Master. The G.L. of Ireland strictly "prohibits as

unlawful all assemblies of Freemasons in Ireland, under any title whatever, purporting to be Masonic, not

held by virtue of a warrant or constitution from the G.L., or from one of the other Masonic Grand bodies

recognised by and acting in union with it. So that in England R.A. Masonry is officially adopted, and the

Mark Degree is not ; in Scotland the R. A. is not, but the Mark is ; and in Ireland both are recognised.

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

Enquiries on Matters of Masonic Interest
———————————————————————————————————————————

WHEN SHOULD THE T.B. BE EXHIBITED?

——<>——

I am instructed by the members attending the Lodge of Instruction to write to you in connection with a

discussion as to the position of the T.B. in the Third Degree, when the candidate is admitted as a F.C. to be

raised to the Third Degree. The Preceptor said he considered that the T.B. should not be exhibited until the

F.C. had taken the Ob. Several of the members were of the opinion that, as the Lodge was opened in that

degree, the T.B. should be exhibited all the time. This Lodge works the Alternative or Scotch Third. Should

the T.B. be exhibited to a candidate admitted as a F.C., when the Lodge has opened in that degree for the

purpose of raising him? or should it only be exhibited after the F.C. has taken the Ob. in the Third Degree

?—Yours fraternally, E. G. HAYNES.

Moorhouse Street, Morrinsville.

[The usual custom is to unveil the T.B. on the opening of the Lodge.—ED. C.]

OBITUARY.

——<>——

BRO. K. O. DE CEUT.

———

Word has been received that Bro. K. O. De Ceut, of Lodge Abercorn, No. 76, Gisborne, was

killed in action in France on 12th April. Bro. De Ceut left as a 2nd lieutenant in the 13th

Reinforcements, and has been promoted twice in the field, receiving his captaincy about two

months ago. Bro. De Ceut was a member of the Gisborne R.A. Chapter, as well as one of the

most prominent of the younger members of Lodge Abercorn.

——————

W. BRO. J. C. R. WATTS.

———

We regret to have to record the death of W. Bro. J. C. R. Watts, who was killed in action in

France. W. Bro. Watts was beloved and respected by every member, and his death is a great loss

to Lodge Piako, but his true Masonic character will live long in the memory of the brethren. W.

Bro. Watts leaves behind him a wife and young family.

——————

BRO. W. H. ARROW, .I.D.

———

It is sad to reflect that on 2nd May our late brother, though in his usual good health—was, in

fact; ready to leave his home to attend to his Masonic duties at the regular meeting of Lodge

Avon—when suddenly some cord binding us to life snapped, and after a few hours Bro. Arrow

passed into the presence of T.G.A.O.T.U. Bro. Arrow was initiated into Freemasonry by Avon

Lodge on 2nd June, 1910, was passed on 5th July, and raised on 3rd November of the same

year, and, at the time of his death, held the office of J.D. in his mother Lodge. Quiet and

unassuming, he nevertheless possessed the confidence of the members of Avon Lodge, who

recognised those sterling qualities necessary to make a good Mason. The funeral on Sunday, 5th

May, was largely attended by brethren, there being in all seventy-eight Masons present, of

which over fifty were members of his own Lodge—striking testimony, indeed, of the love and

esteem in which he was held. The Masonic ceremony at the grave-side was conducted by W.

Bro. W. E. Scott (W.M. of Avon Lodge), assisted by Bro. Rev. Tanner (of Robert Burns

Lodge).

————————

THE N.Z.E.F. MASONIC ASSOCIATION.

——<>——

[Copy of Minutes of Meeting held in the N.Z. Masonic Gift Y.M.C.A. Hut, N.Z. Artillery Lines,

"somewhere in Belgium," Monday, February 18th, at 2.15 p.m.]

By vote of the brethren present the chair was occupied by Bro. Major Evans, N.Z. Cyclist Corps. The object

of the meeting was in response to an invitation from Bro. Kenner, Y.M.C.A. secretary, to meet in the hut

presented to the N.Z.E.F. Y.M.C.A. by the Masonic brethren in New Zealand. The official opening of the hut

had taken place a few days previously. There were 51 members present. A cordial welcome to new brethren

was extended by the chairman. The chairman expressed the thanks of the brethren to Bro. Kenner for his

invitation to them to be present, and at his request Bro: Kenner mounted the platform and gave details of the

construction and opening ceremony of the hut. It had been opened the previous Saturday by General Russell,

accompanied by General Johnson and a number of staff officers. The hut, although a large one, was crowded

out for the opening ceremony, and a 30ft. extension was at once decided upon and immediately put in hand.

A draft syllabus of the week's activities was submitted to the brethren, showing concerts and lectures were to

be held nightly. The hut was to be named "The Masonic Gift Hut." Three reasons had decided its erection on

the present site : Firstly, artillerymen came from all parts of New Zealand ; second, the headquarters of the

N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association were with the artillery and the hut would be most central for them; and, lastly,

he, as secretary of the hut, was a member of the craft and attached to the artillery. It was the intention of the

New Zealand Y.M.C.A. and himself to double the utility of the hut and make it a thorough credit to New

Zealand Freemasonry. It would be always open and ready to receive and welcome members of the craft as a

link uniting them with their brethren in New Zealand. He invited an brethren to visit him as frequently as

possible and assured them of his hospitality at all times.

An interval was made, during which refreshments and smokes were handed around, kindly provided by the

generosity of the Y.M.C.A. and the secretary, Bro. Kenner. Upon resuming, the following notice was moved

by the chairman, Bro. Major Evans : "That this meeting of the members of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic

Association, held in the Masonic Gift Hut, sends fraternal greetings, and desires to convey to the brethren of

New Zealand Lodges their hearty appreciation of the gift through the Y.M.C.A. of this hut for the use of the

members of the New Zealand Army in France." The motion was seconded by Bro. Major Howard, and

carried unanimously, with the addition that the motion be forwarded by cable. The meeting closed with a

vote of thanks to Bro. Kenner. The hut was gaily decorated with streamers and flags, and looked most

attractive and homely. There were fifty representatives of New Zealand Lodges present.

A. HARDIE, Hon, Gen. Sec.,,N.Z.E.F.M.A.

————————

LADIES' NIGHT IN WHETU-KAIRANGI LODGE.

——<>——

The fourth annual ladies' evening of Whetu-Kairangi Lodge was held at Seatoun on 20th April. The record

attendance amply demonstrated the growing popularity of, and the necessity for, the brethren entertaining

their lady friends at least once a year. The W.M. (Bro. Thos. O. Fox) presided, and was well supported by

many eminent brethren, among whom were R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, P.D.G.M., and R.W. Bro. J. W.

Ellison, Prov.G.M. The proceedings were opened in accordance with Masonic custom by singing our

opening hymn, followed by prayer, conducted by Bro. Rev. J. H. Sykes. W. Bro. Thos. O. Fox, W.M., in a

few well chosen remarks, welcomed our guests to the first ladies' evening held in our new home. A solo by

Bro. Laycock preceded an address on Masonry and its objects, delivered by our worthy V.W. Bro. Rev. T.

Porritt, P.G.C. The subject was well treated by our Rev. Bro., and greatly appreciated by those privileged to

hear him. A solo by Bro. Dunn, the hymn for brethren at sea, and the closing prayer terminated the first part.

At the request of the W.M., our sisters retained their seats while the brethren dismantled the Lodge and set

up the festive board. The loyal Masonic toast was proposed by the W.M. The next toast, that of the ladies,

was in the hands of R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin, P.D.G.M., to which he did full justice in his usual

characteristic manner. The response by W. Bro. Sergt.-Major J. Williams, on behalf of our sisters, added

greatly to the enjoyment of the evening. The remainder of the evening was spent with dancing, singing,

recitation, cornet and piano solos. "Auld Lang Syne " by the assembled company brought to a close the most

successful ladies' evening we have had, in time for our guests to get the last car.

————————

TRENTHAM CAMP.

——<>——

W. Bro. J. Williams, G.L. Rep. in Trentham Military Camp., would like W.Ms. and Secs. of Lodges

throughout the Dominion to notice that he is now in a position to get into touch with brethren coming into

camp the day of their arrival, and would like Secs. to instruct members as follows :-

When members concentrate with a draft, soon after the medical examination, on arrival, they are taken to the

Church of England Institute to have their personal records compiled. W. Bro. Sergt.-Major Williams is

always in charge of this proceeding, and if Secs. have furnished their members with letters of introduction,

this would be the best time to present them. Should members come in at other times, they are always taken to

Records Office soon after arrival, and should then ask for Sergt.-Major Williams. In each case he will be

then pleased to put them in touch with meetings in camp, and to give any other help or advice in his power.

Bro. Williams asks that Secs. of Lodges and others who may write will kindly excuse him replying to their

letters (unless a direct answer is desired), as his duties keep him too busy to reply in every case. He would be

glad also to receive monthly circulars from those Lodges who do not already forward them, as the reading of

these is always of interest to the members at the weekly meetings. Papers that have been read at meetings

would always be welcome, and will be returned after use if desired. J. WILLIAMS.

————————

THE SILVER BATON.

——<>——

The ownership of this implement was decisively settled on 10th May, when, by resort to the ancient method

of drawing lots, Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32, was designated the lawful owner. The services of the G.Sec.

were requisitioned to draw the ticket, the Prov.G.M. (R.W. Bro. Ellison) being present, and keeping a wary

eye upon the operation. At the meeting of Lodge St. Andrew on 20th May V.W. Bro. J. J. Essen formally

presented the baton to the W.M., on behalf of the organising committee, and referred to the fact that it had

been the means of increasing the War Benevolent Fund by close on £550. Lodges generally had responded

well, and as this particular Lodge had contributed over £100, its chances of securing a win were, of course,

proportionate. It was hoped that the claims of the Hutment Fund would be kept in mind. Thanks were

expressed for the services of Bros. Thompson and Scammell, who had made and donated the baton, for the

willing assistance of the CRAFTSMAN, and of Bro. A. Ferguson, who had done much printing. The W.M.

(Bro. J. C. Riddell) testified to the large amount of work that had been done by the committee, and delivered

the baton to the D. of C., impressing upon him that he and his successors in office would be responsible for

its safe keeping.

————————

LODGE AVON ORCHESTRA.

——<>——

One of the most pleasing features of the progressive Avon

Lodge of Christchurch is the possession of an organised

orchestra, providing incidental musical settings during

workings of the various degrees of initiation, and which

also adds much to the attractiveness of the, working of the

Fourth Degree in its performance of suitable

accompaniment to the gentle art of mastication. This

excellent little body of musicians was formed at the

instance, and during the term of office, of the energetic W.

Bro. L. B. Hart, I.P.M. of Avon Lodge, and is also

available for service in Bro. Lodges, on the payment of a

small fee as contribution towards a music library fund.

At the invitation of the W.M., W. Bro. W. E. Scott, and of

W. Bro. Hart, the efforts of Avon Lodge orchestra were met with tangible appreciation by a motor picnic to

the Hill Top Hotel, overlooking Akaroa, on March 16th, where an excellent lunch was provided by the host,

and which was done ample justice to. Comic element was furnished to the entertainment by the local cat,

which, disguised as a captive balloon, paraded the dining-room and performed various antics in return for

small donations of food.

The day was a most delightful one, and after lunch a number of selections were performed by the orchestra

in the ground attached to the hotel to an audience composed of three local residents and the cat, aforesaid.

In the afternoon the party motored to the beautiful residence of Bro. W. Gray at Kaituna, where they were

most hospitably entertained by the host and family, a most enjoyable couple of hours being spent, and a

number of musical items contributed. The party reached home again about 7 p.m., and the kindness of AV.

Bros. Scott and Hart was very much appreciated. Special thanks is also due to Bro. Price, Bro. Falck, J. W.,

and Bro. Simes, who provided cars. The photograph in our paper was taken in Bro. Gray's grounds by Bro.

Westwood.

————————

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL.

——<>——

Christchurch Lodge, No. 91, held its twenty-second annual children's social on 13th April, when there was a

large gathering of parents and children present in the refectory of the Masonic Hall. An excellent programme

of recitations, songs, dances, etc., was contributed by juvenile performers, and a ventriloquial item by Mr. C.

Wood, whose patter with "Jacky" proved most acceptable to old and young alike. A dainty supper,

distribution of toys, and an hour's free-and-easy brought a most successful evening to a close.

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

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

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Southern Cross, No. 9.—The regular meeting was held on 3rd May, when four candidates were initiated.

W. Bro. Copeland obligated the candidates, and was assisted in the ceremonial work by a number of

brethren. This being the final night of W. Bro. Copeland's year, the attendance of members and visitors was

very good. The brethren afterwards adjourned to the refectory, where a very sociable meeting was held.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. John, No. 94.—The regular meeting, held on 19th April, was well attended, each of the other town

Lodges paying official visits. Two F.Cs. were raised to the degree of ALAI. The report and balance-sheet

disclosed an exceptionally successful year—a good increase of members and a sound finance. After

receiving one proposition for membership and H.G.W. from visitors, brethren adjourned to the refectory,

where a pleasant and harmonious hour was spent, the usual toasts being duly honoured.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Lodge Victoria, No. 147.—One candidate was initiated at the regular meeting on 10th May. In the absence

of the W.M. (at G.L. communication), W. Bro. Alex. Wilson occupied the chair, and conducted the

ceremonial work, being assisted by officers and members of the Lodge. The work was good, and enjoyed by

all present. At the after-meeting harmony was contributed by Bros. Buchanan, Watson, and Brokenshire.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waihopai, No. 189.—An emergency meeting of the Lodge was held on Monday, 13th May, when three

initiates were passed. W. Bro. Vernon Smith, W.M., after a six months' absence, was in the chair, and his

temporary presence in the town, combined with the fact that this was his only opportunity of presiding at a

meeting of his Lodge, drew a very fine representative attendance. The ceremony was decorously conducted,

giving pleasure to all. An enjoyable after-meeting followed.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

OTAGO.

Teviot, No. 148.—Our meeting on 26th April was not so well attended as it should have been. Two

candidates were passed to the F.C. Degree. The working went smoothly, and the various charges were well

given. Our Lodge has sustained a severe loss in the departure of W. Bro. Dr. Gilmour, who is proceeding on

active service. Our loss, however, will be many a gallant brother's gain. Dr. Gilmour has been Sec. of Lodge

Teviot for many years, and its present flourishing condition is due in large part to his faithful and self-

sacrificing work. That our brethren realised his worth is evidenced by the fact that the office of Sec. is kept

open for him, and Bro. H. Henderson has been appointed acting-Sec. At the installation ceremony on 23rd

March W. Bro. Gilmour was presented with a Sec.'s jewel and apron. Bro. Flett, P.Prov.G.W., made the

presentation on behalf of the brethren of Lodge Teviot, and also paid a high tribute to Dr. Gilmour. We wish

our Sec. God-speed and a safe return.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Oceanic, No. 154.—The monthly meeting was held in the St. Kilda Masonic Hall on 17th April, when W.

Bro. A. Walker presided over an extra large attendance. Five candidates were initiated, the W.M. giving the

Ob., W. Bro. J. Couchman the Secrets; W. Bro. W. Jacobsen presented the Aprons; W. Bro. H. W. Hellyer

gave the N.E. Charge; W. Bro, A. McKenzie, the M. of P. ; Bro. H. F. Harris, J.W., the W.T.'s. ; and Bro. W.

Mills, S.W., the Final Charge. One candidate was elected. Amongst the visitors present were the Prov.G.M.,

R.W. Bro. A. Flett, and the majority of the W.Ms. of the various town and suburban lodges, who all

congratulated the Lodge upon the class of candidates who were initiated that evening. The usual pleasant

hour was spent in the social ball, there being extra talent on the occasion, notably W. Bro. J. D. Cameron,

Bros. Moore and Mearns. Bro. Gordon Titchener bad charge of the musical arrangements within and outside

the Lodge.

The annual P.Ms.' meeting was held on the 15th ult., and, as is usually the case, there was an extra large

attendance of members and visitors, when the W.M., W. Bro. A. Walker, handed the gavel to W. Bro. A.

McKenzie to conduct the business of the evening, who was supported in the E. by all the P.Ms. of the town

and suburban Lodges who were in the chair in the same year as himself, making a unique gathering. W. Bro.

McKenzie appointed the following officers :—S.W., W. Bro. W. Jacobsen ; J.W., W. Bro. J. Couchman ; D.

of C., R.W. Bro. A. Stoneham; S.D,, W. Bro. H. W. S. Hellyer ; J.D., W. Bro. J, A. Black ; I.G., W. Bro. H.

C. Anderson. Five E.As. were passed in the Second Degree, the ritual work being distributed as follows :—

The O., the W.M. ; Secrets, R.W. Bro. A. Stoneham ; S.E. Charge, W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings; W.Ts., W.

Bro. J. Couchman ; Final Charge, W. Bro. J. D. Cameron. At the conclusion of the work, W. Bro. McKenzie

thanked the W.M. for the opportunity he had given the P.Ms. of doing the work, and said that it had been a

pleasure to all concerned. Bros. H. F. Titchener and Ross were presented with their M.M.'s diplomas, and

one candidate was proposed. As is usually the case on P.Ms.' night, the proceedings in the supper room were

of an extra festive character. Songs and other items were given by W. Bros. J. D. Cameron and Page, Bros.

A. Moore, W. Mills, Penrose, Currie, and others. R.W. Bro. Stoneham, in proposing the usual military toast

gave an appropriate and exceedingly interesting patriotic speech, and, as it was the anniversary of the W.M.'s

natal day, reference was made to the coincidences and his health toasted in the usual manner. The company

broke up shortly after eleven o'clock, one and all feeling that they had spent a profitable and enjoyable

evening.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

CANTERBURY.

Unanimity, No. 3.—The usual meeting was held at Lyttelton on 4th May. W. 13ro. R. J. Connal presided

over a goodly gathering of both visitors and brethren. The work was the passing of a brother. The candidate

was obligated by the W.M., the Charge after Investiture being given by W. Bro. Merrifield (W.M., Lodge

Canterbury Kii., No. 23). The S.E, Charge was given by W. Bro. Scott (W.M., Lodge Avon, No. 185), and

the W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. Francis (W.M., Concord Lodge, No, 39). W. Bro. Pearson, P.M., gave

the Final Charge. The brethren then adjourned to the refectory, where a pleasant hour was spent.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

St. Augustine, No. 4.—The regular monthly meeting, held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 14th May,

proved more than ordinarily interesting. The Sec., a new broom, had been dipping into the first minute-books

of the Lodge, and had produced three gems, which the W.M. decided should be again recorded in

appreciation of the foresight of our pioneers. From the minutes of 11th January, 1854: "That the thanks of the

brethren be given to Bro. W. G. Brittan, F.C., for his liberal gift of a site for the proposed Masonic hall."

Minutes of 18th September, 1861; "That every working officer not being present at Lodge at the appointed

time shall be fined 2s. 6d. (except in case of sickness), unless he gives notice one hour beforehand to the

W.M. or Sec. of his intention to be absent." Minutes, 27th December, 1861: " That the ballot-box do circulate

through Lodge, instead of the Master and members moving to vote." The Sec. was instructed to ascertain if

the second item had ever been rescinded—perhaps with a view to collecting back fines. The W.M. (W. Bro.

Redpath), in furtherance of that fraternal feeling existing between the two Constitutions working in

Christchurch, had undertaken to pass a brother of Conyers Lodge, No. 1916, E.C,, and the ceremony was

carried out in a manner which met with the warm approval of an exceptionally large number of visitors. Bro.

Albert Cutts, initiated in Conyers Lodge, No. 1916, E.C., on 14th February, 1918, was passed to the degree

of a F.C., and four of the local sitting Masters assisted in the work. W. Bro. Bailey (Conyers Lodge, No.

1916, E.C.) communicated the Ss. ; Bro. Scott (Avon Lodge, No. 185), Charge after Investiture ; W. Bro.

Maffey (Civic Lodge, No. 157), N.E. Charge; and W. Bro. Danks (Canterbury Lodge, No. 1048, E.C.), the

W.Ts. The Lecture on the 2nd T.B. (heard only too seldom in No. 4) was given in a pleasing manner by Bro.

Stewart—a young, but enthusiastic, brother of No. 4. Some sixty guests were entertained in the refectory,

and, after being regaled on the result of the sporting propensities of two of our keenest officers, in the shape

of jugged and roast hare, were treated to equally satisfactory mental fare. V.W. Bro. Julius, G.C., took

advantage of the very representative gathering to strongly recommend every brother to make himself familiar

with Masonic politics, in view of the G.L. communication in Christchurch in May, 1919, and especially with

regard to the matter of the recognition of the G.L. of France. W. Bros. Jones (Lodge Mokoreta, No. 63),

Holmes (Lodge Whangarei, No. 78), Menzies (Lodge Dunstan, No. 103), Buchanan (Lodge Victoria, No.

147), and several other visitors from far afield, expressed their appreciation both of the evening's work and

the magnificent hall the Christchurch brethren possess. The musical programme was agreeably augmented

by Bro. Mel. Orchard (of Canterbury Lodge, No. 1048, E.C.), whose always willing services will shortly be

sadly missed, as he is on the eve of joining the colours.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Concord No. 39.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Papanui, on April 24th. The Lodge

was tyled at 7.15 p.m. The W.M., W. Bro. Francis, presided, and the Lodge-room was well filled with

brethren and visitors. The election of W.M. resulted in the S.W., Bro. A. J. Nicholas, being elected W.M. for

the ensuing twelve months. The names of officers will appear with the installation report. The Third Degree

was worked. The W.M., W. Bro. Francis, obligated the candidate ; W. Bro. Wilson communicated the S., T.,

and W. The S.W., Bro. Nicholas, invested our brother with B. of M.M. the address after being given by W.

Bro. Hollow. W.M. of Crown Lodge, No. 138. The T.H. was recited by W. Bro. Pengelly, of Canterbury

Lodge, and continued by W. Bro. Hobbs. W. Bro. Sheffield, W.M. of Christchurch Lodge, presented and

explained the W.Ts. ; the Final Charge being given by the S.W., Bro. Nicholas. W. Bro. Danks (W.M of

Canterbury Lodge), at the request of the W.M., presented the candidate with the copy of the V.S.L. on which

he had taken his three Ohs. The usual pleasant hour was then spent in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Methven, No. 51.—The Lodge had a very good gathering on 17th April. Two brethren were passed to the

degree of a F.C. W. Bro. H. H. Parson, W.M. presiding, obligated the candidate. He was assisted by Bro.

:A.dams, acting-S.W., who invested the candidates. Bro. Campbell gave the S.E. Address ; Bro. Lock

presented the W.Ts. ; the Secrets were given by Bro. Maginness, J.D. ; the Charge after Passing was

delivered by W. Bro. Hall. The work was all carried out in a manner creditable to Freemasonry. The

following officers were elected : W.M., Bro. J. F. Stone; S.W., Bro. H. Maginness; J.W., Bro. S. J. Carleton;

Chaplain, W. Bro. Blacklor; Treas., Bro. Angus McKay. Sec. was left over, as some difficulty was presented

in that officer being supplied. S.D., Bro, J. Osburn ; J.D., Bro. W. T. P. Lock ; I.G., Bro. J. Campbell; O.G.,

Bro. A. Reid ; D. of C., W. Bro. Goodwin ; Organist, W. Bro. Todd ; S.S., Bro. Robinson ; Ss., Bros. T. Gray

and W. Buchan. A pleasant half-hour was spent in the "Fourth" after closing the Lodge.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Christchurch, No 91.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on 23rd April, the W.M., W.

Bro. Sheffield, presiding. The ritual work was the initiation of a candidate, who was obligated by the W.M.

The Secrets were communicated by W. Bro. Jas. Mitchell, P.M. ; the Charge after Investiture was delivered

by the J.W., Bro. Newth ; the Charge in the N.E. by W. Bro. R. Macfarlane, P.M. The W.Ts. were explained

by W. Bro. Francis (W.M., Concord Lodge); the Final Charge being delivered by the S.W., Bro. W. Doig.

Routine business having been disposed of, the Lodge was closed, members and visitors spending a pleasant

hour in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 99.—An emergency meeting was held on 17th April, when the W.M., Bro. C. R.

Bateman, assisted by the following P.Ms, and officers, conferred the Second Degree on three brethren : Ob.,

W. Bro. Bateman; Secrets, etc., W. Bro. Fulton ; Investiture, Bro. Beckett, S.W.; S.E. Charge, W. Bro.

Shackleton; W.Ts., Bro. C. Manchester, J.W. ; Final Charge, W. Bro. Colville. Twenty-seven brethren

signed the roll. On 24th April the regular meeting took place. An attendance of forty-four brethren met the

W.M., Bro. Bateman. The work was conferring the First Degree upon two candidates. The ceremony was

gone through impressively, the work being distributed as fellows : Ob., W. Bro. Bateman; Apron Charge, W.

Bro. Hoskins; N.E. Charge, W. Bro. Fulton ; W.Ts., Bro. E. R. Beckett, S.W.; R. for Prep., Bro. E. J. Atwill;

the Final Charge was impressively rendered by W. Bro. Coath. Two proposals for membership were received

and one demit granted. A vote of sympathy with Bro. G. B. Turnbull, who lost a brother in the recent

fighting in France, was passed in the customary manner. It was decided to obtain an enlarged photo of the

late Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Thornton, to hang in the Lodgeroom; also to contribute to the fund for completing

the dressing of R.W. Bro. Thornton's grave. It was decided to support the request to W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop

to take the office of Prov.G.M. Needless to say, this motion was unanimously agreed to. W. Bro. Bishop's

popularity in this Lodge is well known and sincere. A motion asking Prov.G.L. of Canterbury to hold one of

its quarterly sittings in Waimate was agreed to. The usual adjournment to the refectory was made, the

proceedings therein being greatly enhanced by the loan of a piano by Bro. M. Cochrane, and no small

merriment was caused by the strenuous efforts of a brother who essayed to "vamp" an accompaniment to the

lender's Scotch song.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Civic, No. 157.—The monthly meeting was held on 7th ult., W. Bro. Wm. Bottrell, I.P.M., in the chair, the

W.M., W. Bro. Maffey, attending G.L. at Wellington. Two brethren were passed before a good attendance of

brethren and visitors. The ceremony was very well carried out, the following assisting; in the work : Charge

after Investiture, Bro. R. J. Thompson, J.W. ; Address, W. Bro. C. T. Johnston, I.P.M., Cromwell Lodge;

W.Ts., W. Bro. H. G. Bailey, W.M., Conyers Lodge; Charge after Passing, W. Bro. R. English.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Amuri, No. 184.—The regular meeting was held on 26th April, W. Bro. T. G. Thomson, W.M., presiding.

Correspondence was received from Prov.G.L. respecting a memorial to our late R.W. Prov.G.M. when £1

was donated. A request from Canterbury Kil. Lodge to raise a member of that Lodge at present in our district

was acceded to. The ceremonial was the passing of a candidate, in which the following members took part :

Ob. and Secrets, W. Bro. D. H. Hunter ; Investiture and Presentation of W.Ts., Bro. C. E. Denett, S.W. The

Address in the S.E. was given by Bro. H. R. Davison, J.W. ; the Address after Investiture by Bro. E. Britton.

W. Bro. Dr. Turnbull impressively addressed the candidate on the duties of a Craftsman. The usual happy

time was spent in the "Fourth."—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Avon, No. 185.—The last regular meeting was held on 2nd May: and was in every way the equal of those

that have gone before. Summoned as they were by a circular of uncommon design and interest, the members

responded well, and forty-four were seated in the Lodgeroom before visitors were received. The work was

the conferring of the E.A. Degree upon two candidates by the W.M., W. Bro. W. E. Scott, who obligated and

communicated the S. and S., assisted by W. Bro. Bailey, W.M. of Conyers Lodge. The other work was done

as follows : Address after Investiture, W. Bro. Francis (W.M., Concord Lodge); N.E. Charge, W. Bro. H.

Owen (Avon Lodge) ; W.Ts., W. Bro. Bailey (W.M., Conyers Lodge); Final Charge, W. Bro. S. P. Smith

(Avon Lodge). W. Bro. E. Norden was requested by the W.M. to present Bro. Macfarlane, of Lodge Harvey,

Core, with his M.M.'s certificate. At the conclusion of the business, and before closing, the W.M. asked the

S.W. if every brother had had his due, and was informed that many had not, as they were absent serving their

King and country.

The J.W. then read the names of those brethren serving at the front, after which prayer was given by the

Chaplain, the brethren standing to order. "Almighty Father and Supreme Governor of the Universe, we

commend to Thy Fatherly providence our brethren who are serving in the cause of righteousness and liberty,

and maintaining the honour of their King, their Empire, and their Order. Be unto them a tower of strength,

and cover their heads in the day of battle. In the midst of toil and fighting, in suffering and captivity, give

them brave endurance of body and soul, and confidence in Thine abiding presence. Grant that, in Thine own

good time, their warfare ended; they may return safe and victorious to their beloved country, and to this their

Lodge, if it be Thy most holy will, and Thine shall be the glory.—So mote it be." So closed a most

impressive meeting, members leaving with a close fellowship for those of our brethren who were not present

to receive their dues. It was, indeed, stretching our thoughts and Prayers across the sea, to strengthen and

sustain our soldier brethren in their great fight against the evil forces of the world. The "Fourth" was of more

than usual interest and enjoyment., for, in addition to the Avon talent, there was present Bro. Philip

Newbury, who sang "Come into the Garden, Maud," and also "I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby."—[Lodge

Correspondent.] [We regret the necessity of condensing this report, but necessity knows no law.—ED. C.]

————————

HAWKE'S BAY.

Bedford, No. 25.—At the last meeting, held on 1st May, a very interesting letter was read from an old

member, in the person of Major J. L. C. Merton, M.C., now stationed at Sling Camp, England. As chairman

of the Sling Branch of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association, he forwarded a resolution passed thereat tendering

H.G.W. to their brethren in New Zealand. No less than 44 Lodges were represented on that occasion, a

complete list of which were given. Evidently the brethren appreciate the facilities offered for a common

meeting ground, and one can readily understand how every opportunity for fraternising was eagerly

embraced. Bro. Sec. was requested to acknowledge fraternal greetings tendered from over the seas, and in

reciprocating the good wishes of the branch, to express the hope that it may continue to flourish until such

time as the need for its services may happily be no more. After investing the S.W., who was unable to attend

the installation meeting last month, the W.M. invited our Chaplain, W. Bro. A. W. C. Stace, to address the

Lodge. The speaker took for his subject the first seven verses of the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes, and gave

an interesting interpretation thereof.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Lion, No. 114.—The installation meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Ormondville, on 17th April. The

usual routine business having been disposed of in the afternoon, the Lodge received visitors at 7 p.m. There

was a large and enthusiastic gathering, every Lodge in the Hawkes Bay district being represented. At 7.30

the R.W. Installing Master, Bro. H. L. Harston, P.G.M., was admitted, and conducted the installation

ceremony, assisted by W. Bro. J. W. Ritchie as G.S.W. and W. Bro. Miller as J.G.W. Bro. H. N. Benson was

duly installed in the Chair of K.S. In the B. of I.M. W. Bro. Hobin, of Lodge Abercorn, No. 30, explained the

W.Ts. to the newly installed Master. W. Bros. Fraser, James, and Hunt presented the W.Ts. respectively. The

address to the W.M. was given by W. Bro. Gillespie, after which the J.W. was invested, the S.W. (Bro.

Fothergill) being absent through illness. The address to the Wardens was given by W. Bro. Elliott (Lodge

Bedford). The W.M. then invested the other officers, after which R.W. Bro. Harston gave the address to the

brethren. G.L. then offered H.G.W. and retired, when congratulations were offered from Lodges.

Refreshments were served in the hall adjoining. Midnight saw the conclusion of one of the most successful

installation meetings, both as regards the ceremonial and the spirit of enthusiasm shown throughout the

proceedings.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

AUCKLAND.

Ara, No. I.—The monthly meeting held in the Lodgeroom Princes Street, on the 10th April, was devoted

entirely to harmony. The past two years having been exceptionally strenuous ones for the officers, owing to a

record number of candidates going through (all of whom are playing good and true Freemasons and worthily

upholding the traditions of the Fraternity), consequently very little time has been devoted to festivity. As this

would be the last occasion on which the popular and energetic Bro. A. G. Graham (who has served a term of

two years in this office) would be occupying the chair at a regular monthly meeting, it was decided to have

no degree work on that occasion, so that both officers and brethren could have a little Masonic recreation.

The programme was one of exceptional merit, every item being contributed by members of the Lodge.

Special invitations were sent to the W.Ms. and brethren of the city and suburban Lodges, and resulted in a

record attendance of some 250 brethren of different Lodges being present. During the evening M.W. Bro.

Oliver Nicholson, G.M., on behalf of the Secs. of the Lodges in the Auckland Prov. District, presented M.W.

Bro. Malcolm Niccol, G.Sec., with a valuable case of cutlery, to mark their very great appreciation of his

valuable services to Freemasonry in general and the brotherly assistance and advice afforded to the Secs.

during his two years in Auckland, it being probably his last appearance in this city in this capacity. M.W.

Bro. Nicholson, in making the presentation, spoke in glowing terms of the work done for Freemasonry by

our G.Sec., and hoped to see him occupying that position for some years to come. He asked the brethren to

see that their glasses were fully charged, as he intended to propose the toast -of the M.W.G.Sec. M.W. Bro.

Niccol, on rising to respond, received a very enthusiastic reception. Replying to the toast, he thanked the

brethren for the hearty reception accorded to him, and expressed his very great pleasure at being with them

that evening. The presentation came as a complete surprise, and he heartily thanked the Secs. for the kindly

feeling which prompted the gift, it being one in which his wife also participated. He did not require anything

to remind him of the pleasant relations existing between himself and the Secs. of the Lodges in the Auckland

Province, but he would always value this gift as a mark of esteem from the donors. A most enjoyable

evening terminated at about 11 o'clock.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Wairoa, No. 55.—The installation meeting was held in the Lodgeroom, Ellerslie, on 15th April, when about

seventy brethren assembled to do honour to Bro. Ernest Reeves Pilkington, M.-elect. The Installing Master

was W. Bro. A. J. S. D'Ewes, the retiring Master. The presenting officers were W. Bros. F. Mason (W.M.,

Lodge Auckland, No. 87) and C. H. Holland (W.M., Prince of Wales Lodge, No. 1338, E.C.). Bro. E. R.

Pilkington was duly installed into the Chair of K.S. The whole ceremony was carried out in a very able

manner by W. Bro. D'Ewes, and he is to be congratulated on the careful attention he must have given to the

details of the work of the degree. The address to the W.M. was delivered by W. Bro. Graham (W.M., Ara

Lodge, No. 1) ; the address to the Wardens by W. Bro. N. Williams (W.M., Lodge Maungawhao, No. 168);

and the address to the brethren by W. Bro. J. Wooller (P.M., No. 55). The following officers were invested :

I.P.M., W. . Bro. A. J. S. D'Ewes; S.W., Bro. G. V. Westbrooke; J.W., Bro. A. C. Hill ; Treas., Bro. J. Dykes

(re-elected) ; Sec., W. Bro. H. Nutt (re-elected) ; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. Wooller ; D. of C., W. Bro. Kent-

Johnstone, P.G.S. ; S.D., Bro. G. P. J. Bracewell ; J.D., Bro. S. M. Knight; Organist, Bro. A. J. Burrows (re-

elected); I.G., Bro. W. Walker ; S.S., Bro. W. H. Rice; J.S., Bro. O. A. Darby ; Assist.-S., Bro. F. G. Alpe;

Tyler, Bro. Hadfield (re-elected). The "Walter Reginald Pountney " Memorial Chair (S.D.) was unveiled by

W. Bro. J. Wooller, and presented to the Lodge on behalf of the brethren who had subscribed to the same. W.

Bro. Wooler addressed a few remarks to the brethren re our late beloved brother, who gave his life at the

battle of the Somme on 15th September, 1916. Bro. Pountney was S.D. of the Lodge when he volunteered

for service. The collection on behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund amounted to £3 10s. W. Bro. H. Nutt

presented the I.P.M. with a P.M.'s jewel as a token of esteem from the brethren and in recognition of services

rendered to the Lodge. The brethren of Lodge Wairoa regret that no representatives of G.L. were present. We

presume that they have had their time fully occupied with other important Masonic business. It was bearing

this in mind that sitting Masters of city Lodges were asked to deliver the various addresses, so that the G.M.

and his officers might be relieved to a certain extent. It should be very gratifying to the G.M. (especially as

we are without a Prov.G.M.) that there are such efficient members of G.L. as W. Bros. Graham (W.M., No.

1), N. Williams (W.M., No. 168), and our own W. Bro. J. Wooller. All the brethren of Lodge Wairoa are

grateful to these W. brethren for their assistance. The brethren spent a pleasant hour in the South, when the

customary toasts were honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Taupiri, No. 118.—At a recent meeting a very interesting ceremony was performed by W. Bro. A. H.

Waring, P.M., when he unveiled the portrait of our late W. Bro. John Kinson, P.M. In performing the

ceremony, W. Bro. Waring made touching and eulogistic reference to the character of our late esteemed

brother. He pointed out the many excellent characteristics he possessed, especially laying stress on his

whole-hearted devotion to Freemasonry, his perfect charity, simplicity, and transparency of character, his

intense belief that Freemasonry, properly practised, would be a powerful means of uplifting humanity. He

deplored the accident which had deprived Lodge Taupiri and Freemasonry generally of one of its brightest

ornaments. The brethren then stood in silence while the portrait was unveiled.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Piako, No. 160.—The monthly meeting was held on 24th April, a good number of brethren and visitors

being present. The ceremonial consisted of raising a brother, the work being done by the W.M., assisted by

the P.Ms. and officers, after which an adjournment was made to the refectory, where light refreshment was

partaken of and the usual courtesies duly exchanged.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Maniapoto, No. 206.—The monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom on 23rd April, the attendance

being very satisfactory. The ceremonial work consisted of passing a brother, the work being allocated as

follows : The Ob. and Secrets were given by W. Bro. S. A. Cook, the Investiture by Bro. C. J. N. Miller, the

S.E. Corner by Bro. J. A. Ruddy, the W.Ts. by Bro. C. J. N. Miller, and the Final Charge by Bro. Heerdegen.

Two new candidates were proposed, one for affiliation and one for initiation. After the Lodge was closed, a

happy hour was spent in the " Fourth."—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

TARANAKI.

De Burgh Adams, No. 446, I.C.—On 17th April the monthly meeting was held, when W. Bro. Wm.

Hoskin, W.M., presided over an attendance of some eighty brethren, mostly visitors. The ceremony was a

Third Degree, which was worked by Lodge Ara, No. 348, LC, Visitors were received. There were present :

The P.G.M., R.W. Bro. W. J. Rees, of Auckland; the W.M., officers, and brethren of Lodge Ara, No. 348,

I.C. ; several brethren from Lodge of Light, No. 454, I.C., of Thames; W. Bro. B. L. Catt, P.M., Lodge Eden,

No. 1530, E.C. ; W.M. and brethren of Mount Egmont Lodge, No. 670, E.C. ; I.P.M. and brethren of

Ngamotu Lodge, No. 48. Other Lodges represented were : Otago Kil., No. 143 : Hawera, No. 34 ; Stratford,

No. 75 ; Sir Donald McLean, No. 1646, E.C.; Moutoa (Wanganui), and others. The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro.

W. J. Rees, was received with honours. He immediately took charge of the gavel, and opened up G.L.

proceedings, after which he passed the gavel back to the W.M., who handed it to the W.M. of Ara Lodge to

conduct the ceremony of raising. He was assisted by W. Bro. Schnaeur, who gave the T.H. ; the J.W. Bro.

Fletcher, who gave the W.Ts. ; and V.W. Bro. Frank Wiseman, who gave the Final Charge. The degree was

worked in an-excellent manner, especially considering that only one officer was in his place, the rest being

substitutes. After the ceremony the W.M. of Ara Lodge, W. Bro. Wm. Wilson, thanked the W.M. and

brethren of De Burgh Adams Lodge for the invitation to work the degree. On resuming the chair, the W.M.

of Lodge De Burgh Adams heartily thanked the visitors for their presence. During the evening nomination of

officers for the ensuing year was taken. R.W. Bro. W. F. Brooking was nominated for the W.M.'s chair. It

will be R.W. Bro. Brooking's jubilee on 13th July, 1918, as a member of De Burgh Adams Lodge. It was

thought fitting to do him honour by placing him as W.M. The Lodge closed at. 10.30 p.m., when the brethren

adjourned to the refectory, where they were entertained and the usual toasts honoured. During the hours of

refreshment the W.M. of Lodge Ara was presented with a pair of gold sleeve-links by V.W. Bro. Piggott, on

behalf of the Ara brethren, as a token of the very high esteem in which he is held by them.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————————

RUAPEHU.

Manawatu Kil., No. 47.—At the regular meeting on 9th May two candidates were initiated, the ceremony

being conducted most impressively by the W.M., Bro. D. Dustin. He was subsequently warmly congratulated

by the P.M. on his success with this, his first degree work as W.M. The N.E. Charge was given by Bro, C.

Rush, P.M.; the W.Ts. by Bro. W. Mundy, I.P.M. ; the Secrets by Bro. A. Clarke, P.M. ; the Prep. by Bro. A.

Wright ; and the Final Charge by Bro. W. H. Smith. Three candidates for initiation were approved and three

brethren from other Lodges were elected members. The finances were shown to be in a flourishing state.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.— The regular meeting was held on 9th May, when the W.M., W. Bro. R. W.

Green, presided over a good attendance of members and visitors. The business was raising a brother. The

W.M. was assisted by W. Bros. Treadwell, Craig, Doig, Bullock, and King, in an impressive ceremony. The

notice of motion to increase the annual subscription was held over. Mention was made that a brother had

been passed on our behalf at St. John's Lodge, No. 37, Featherston, by brethren from Featherston Camp. We

are indebted to our sister Lodge for its courtesy. Nominations for office for the ensuing year were taken, and

the usual keen competition for the position of I.G. and Stewards was shown in the large number of aspirants.

The brethren expressed their great pleasure in welcoming among them again Bro. C. W. Tremewan, who has

for years past been in ill health. We hope to see him ultimately restored to the full use of his limbs, towards

which, after a long illness, he is making steady progress. The brethren are highly gratified at the honour paid

R.W. Bro. J. H. Keesing, P.M., in his appointment to Dep. G.M. After so distinguished and useful a Masonic

career we are glad to see his services so honourably rewarded. We also congratulate R.W. Bro. D. McFarlane

on being re-elected Prov.G.M. of Ruapehu District.

On 16th ult. an official visit was paid to Lodge Tongariro, E.C. The occasion was the more interesting in that

W. Bro. J. Curtis, P.M. of that Lodge, acted as W.M., and had the pleasure of initiating his son into Ancient

Freemasonry.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Lodge Kimbolton, No. 123.—The monthly meeting was held in the Lodge-room on the 25th April. The

work was an initiation. The candidate was obligated by the W.M., who was further assisted by W. Bro.

McKay (Ex. of P.), W. Bro. Bailey (S.), W. Bro. Nix (Lesser Lights), and Bro. E. S. Davies (Address in the

N.E.). The J.W. presented the W.Ts., and the S.W. delivered the C. After the ceremony an adjournment was

made to the refectory, where a pleasant time was spent, the usual toasts, including that of "Brethren at the

Front " and the "Newly-Initiated Candidate," being honoured. A distinguished visitor for the evening was W.

Bro. Cameron, travelling representative of the CRAFTSMAN, who, in response to the toast of his health, gave

a highly interesting address, based on his observation of the differences in Lodge working he had noticed in

his travels.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Te Awahou, No. 133.—The annual installation and investiture of officers was held on 15th inst. There was a

good attendance, including Lodge representatives from Dannevirke, Eketahuna, Palmerston, Rongotea, and

Levin. Owing to a. motor-car mishap R.W. Bro. McFarlane, Prov.G.M., and the D.G.M., R.W. Bro. Keesing,

were unable to be present. R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash, P.G.S.W., officiated as Installing Master, and W. Bro. J. K.

Hornblow, D. of C. Other brethren who assisted with the ceremony were : W. Bros. A. J. Graham, A. Clarke,

W. Amon, D. Dustin, R. James, and E. Healey. Our esteemed and aged brother, R.W. Bro. T. A. Peterkin,

was unable to be with us this year, owing to indisposition, but sent fraternal greetings and good wishes. The

W.M., W. Bro J. J. W. Stevenson, who has been elected for a further term in office, was presented by the

Lodge with a handsome and suitably inscribed jewel. During the ceremony a special hymn was sung in

memory of the brethren at the front. In the evening the visiting brethren, wives, sisters, and sweethearts were

entertained at a social gathering in the Town Hall, the interior of which was tastefully decorated for the

occasion. A number of vocal items were much appreciated. The following officers were invested W. Bro. J.

W. Stevenson; I.P.M., W. Bro. H. J. Berry ; S.W., Bro. S. E. Cowley ; J.W., Bro. W. Renton; Chaplain, W.

Bro. J. H. Bredin; Sec., Bro. A. E. Wainwright ; Treas., W. Bro. E. Healey ; S.D., Bro. J. M. Barr ; J.W., Bro.

R. M. Parkes ; I.G., Bro. H. J. Claris ; Tyler, W. Bro. F. W. de Ridder; S.S., Bro. Knewstub; D. of C., W.

Bro. Hornblow. [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Moutoa, No. 195.—The night of 25th April was a favourable one, when well over one hundred brethren

attended the annual meeting. Both the sister Lodges were present in strong force; while outside Lodges were

well represented. W. Bro. N. G. Armstrong, P.M. of Lodge St. Andrew Kil., again came forward to assist us

as Installing Master. With him were associated : S.W., W. Bro. A, King ; J.W., W. Bro. H. C. Price ; Ds. of

C., W. Bros. Craig, Deem, and Gordon. After the reception of visitors and of the Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro.

McFarlane, the W.M.-elect, Bro. F. Symes, was presented and installed in the Chair of K.S. In the various

addresses and presentations able assistance was given to the officers of the Lodge by the W.Ms. and P.Ms.

from Lodge St. Andrew Kil. and Lodge Tongariro, F.C. Thanks are clue to Bros. Walpole and Robertson for

assisting the ceremony with appropriate solos. Regret was expressed by the newly installed W.M. at the

unavoidable absence of the I.P.M., W. Bro. McLean. His regret was, however, he stated, tinged with pride,

for our esteemed brother had that day embarked with his Reinforcement to do his share in the Empire's work.

He trusted his return would be safe and not far distant. The Lodge having been closed, the brethren

adjourned to the adjacent Town Hall, where, in the course of a pleasant evening, the usual loyal and Masonic

toasts were duly honoured. The following brethren fill the various offices for the ensuing year : I.P.M., W.

Bro. G. L. McLean; S.W., Bro. F. Bourne ; J.W., Bro. J. Arnold; Treas., W. Bro. G. G. Bullock, P.M. ; Sec.,

W. Bro. N, P. Svenson, P.M. ; Chaplain, Bro. Rev. D. Campbell ; S.D., Bro. E. Runnerstrum; J.D.,: Bro. C.

L. Cornish ; I.G., Bro. C. C. Moutray ; Tyler, Bro: C, P. Bates ; S.S., Bro. E. Senior ; J.S., Bro. N. B. Allan;

Organist, Bro. S. Austin ; Choir Master, Bro. C. J. Sharpe ; Auditor, Bro. D. R. Robbins.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Nganruhoe, No. 205.—The regular meeting was held on 23rd April, the W.M., W. Bro. T. P. Finnan, being

in the chair. Three candidates were elected. One brother was proposed for affiliation. The election of officers

was taken for the ensuing year. [Names will appear in installation report.] Two candidates were initiated. The

W.M. obligated and communicated the Secrets. The Address after Investiture was given by W. Bro. C. H.

Wardell, of United Manawatu, E.C. The S.E. Charge was delivered, and the W.Ts. presented by Bro. M.

Vance, J.W., and the Final Charge was given by Bro. A. C. Yelland, S.W. An enjoyable hour was spent in

the " Fourth " Degree, when the usual toasts were honoured.

On Sunday, 14th April, the brethren attended a commemoration service in St. John's Church. Bro. J. A.

Butler assisted in the first part of the service. The lesson was read by Bro. M. Vance. The W.M. and W. Bro.

Laurie offered up prayers on behalf of those at the front, while the vicar, Rev. Bro. Atelier, delivered an

appropriate and eloquent address.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

WELLINGTON.

St. Andrew, No. 32.—The regular meeting was held on 20th May, when, although Lodge was tyled earlier

than usual (7p.m.), the attendance of members was very satisfactory. M.W. Bro. M. Niccol, G.Sec., and

R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, Prov.G.M., were received and accorded honours. The G.Sec. expressed his

acknowledgments in his own apt manner. The business was raising two candidates, one being the son of an

old and esteemed member. The W.M. presided, and was assisted by his officers and by W. Bro. J. Rod

(Exhort.), W. Bro. A. Schmidt (Prayer and Secrets), V.W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen (15 F.Cs.), R.W. Bro. J. W.

Ellison (Address on Investiture), V.W. Bro. J. J. Esson (T.H.), W. Bro. H. G. Teagle, W.M., Waiwhetu

Lodge (W.Ts.), W. Bro. G. F. Lenzini, W.M., Tutanekai Lodge (F.Cs.). At the request of the W.M., M.W.

Bro. M. Niccol presented the candidates with copies of the V.S.L. with appropriate remarks. A brief

interlude, having relation to the Silver Baton Fund, followed, to which reference is made elsewhere, and G.L.

officers retired, proceedings being subsequently closed and an adjournment made to the refectory. Here the

brethren enjoyed some musical items of excellent quality, interspersed with interesting speeches. One of the

visitors astounded his hearers by solemnly announcing that he had that evening made his fifty-seventh visit

within the space of three months. His remarkable record was subsequently explained by the circumstance

that he is the CRAFTSMAN representative, and the Lodge was pleased to make his acquaintance. Both in

Lodge and subsequently, letters and extracts from letters written at the front and received by members were

read for general information and reflection. The meeting was generally of a cordial and satisfactory nature, in

painful contrast to the sousing downpour which greeted brethren on their sallying forth into the night at the

close.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tararua, No, 67.—The monthly meeting was held on 25th April. Two ballots were successful. The W.M.

and his officers initiated a candidate in a capable manner, the charges, etc., being given as follows : W.M.,

the Ob. and Secrets; S.W., Investiture and N.E. Corner ; J.W., Prep. ; I.G. W.Ts.; J.D., Charge after

Initiation. W.Bro. Hewat was elected Chaplain and invested by the W.M., who recalled the brethren's notice

to what the jewel represented. The W.M. read another short paper. On retiring, a short time was spent in the

refectory, and we are now looking forward to next meeting, when the P.Ms. will work a Third. Bro. W. R.

Richards, on holiday, was operated on in Dunedin Hospital, and is making good recovery ; whilst Bro. J. G.

C. Cox is only holding his own in a local hospital after a very serious operation.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No. 156.—An emergency meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, on 25th April, for

the purpose of raising two brethren. There was a fair attendance of brethren and visitors. The W.M., Bro.

Lenzini, presided, and administered the Ob., and gave the Exhort. The following brethren assisted in the

ceremony : W. Bros. Shand and Alexander (F.F. and Raising), W. Bro. Whitelaw (Signs), Bro. Martin, S.W.

(Investiture); Bro. Howell, Sec. (Apron Charge), W. Bro. Riddell, W.M. of Lodge St. Andrew (T.H.), and

Bro. Key, J.W. (W.Ts.). W. Bro. Mather, of Lodge Ulster, presented the V.S.L. The labours of the evening

being ended, a pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.

The regular meeting was held on 2nd May in the Freemasons' Hall, Berhampore. There was a large

attendance of brethren and visitors. Official visits were paid by Lodges Otari, Whetu-Kairangi, and Leinster.

There were also present several visiting P.Ms. The W.M., Bro. J. Lenzini, presided. The ceremonial world

was the initiation of one candidate. The W.M. obligated, and, assisted by W. Bro. Nicol (W.M., Lodge Otari)

gave the S., T., and W. The investiture was in the hands of the S.W., Bro. C. Martin. W. Bro. Sexton, I.P.M.,

gave the Apron Charge ; Bro. E. Howell, the N.E. Corner ; Bro. Donald, the Prep, ; W. Bro. Alexander, the

W.Ts. ; Bro. Read, the Final Charge; whilst the Lecture on the T.B. was in the hands of W. Bro. Whitelaw.

Nothing further offering, the Lodge closed at 10 o'clock, after which an adjournment was made to the

refectory, where a most enjoyable time was spent.

An emergency meeting was held on 18th May for the purpose of raising two brethren. At the request of the

W.M. (Bro. J. Lenzini), W. Bro. Shand occupied the chair, and appointed his officers as follows : D. of C.,

W. Bro. F. Robinson; S.W., W. Bro. P. C. Watt ; J.W., W. Bro. Alexander ; S.D., W. Bro. Whitelaw ; J.D.,

Bro. C. Martin; Chaplain, W. Bro. O. Neilsen; LC., W. Bro. Riddell. The W.M. (Bro. J. P. Shand)

administered the Ob., and the work was apportioned as follows :— Exhort., W. Bro. F. Robinson; F.F. and

Raising, W. Bros. J. Lenzini and P. C. Watt ; Investiture, W. Bro. Watt ; Apron Charge, Bro. E. Howell ;

T.H., W. Bro. Riddell ; W.Ts., Bro. C. Martin ; Final Charge, W. Bro. Alexander. The V.S.L. was presented

by W. Bro. McKenzie (W.M., Lodge Korangi). After H.G.W. from the visitors the Lodge closed at 9.45, and

an adjournment was made to the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Otari, No. 190.—The regular meeting on 14th May was well attended by members and visitors, amongst the

latter being the W.Ms. of Lodges Ulster, Coronation, and Wellington, No. 1521, E:C. At the request of the

W.M. (Bro. R. A. Nicol), W. Bro. J. G. Harkness, P.G.D., assumed the chair, and, with the assistance of the

P.Ms., who filled the subordinate offices, conducted the ceremonial of the Third Degree. The S.W. Bro. A.

Ferguson, was the sole nominee for the office of W.M. for the ensuing year. At the conclusion of business a

pleasant half-hour was spent, during which the popular representative of the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, W. Bro.

Cameron, "got busy."

At an emergency meeting on 21st inst. the W.M. (W. Bro. R. A. Nicol) raised two F.Cs. to the S.D. of M.M.

The comfortable little Lodgeroom is being further improved by the provision of additional ventilation. The

supervision of the I.G., Bro. Holdsworth, has been most effective.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Whetu.Kairangi, No, 201.—An emergency meeting was held on 27th April in the Masonic Hall, Seatoun,

the W.M. (Bro. Thos. O. Fox) presiding. The ceremonial was the raising of two brethren. The W.M. (Bro.

Thos. O. Fox) gave the Ob., Exhort., and 15 F.Cs. to the first candidate; and W. Bro. T. W. Boon, P.M., 15

F.C's. to the second candidate. The S. and S. were communicated by the D.M., V.W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt,

P.G.C.; Inv, Bro. E. Morris, Jun., S.W. ; Charge after Investiture, W. Bro. Thos. O. Fox, W.M., ; T.H. and

Ext. Ss., Bro. T. S. Robertson ; W.Ts., Bro. E. Morris, Jun., S.W. ; Final Charge, W. Bro. T. O. Fox, W.M.

V.W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt, P.G.O., presented the candidates with the plans and specimens of a perfect

Mason—the V.S.L.

The regular meeting was held on 11th May, the W.M. (Bro. Thos. O. Fox) presiding. Routine business

having been disposed of, the ceremonial of passing two brethren was proceeded with. Ob., the W.M. ; S. and

S., V.W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt, P.G.C. ; Inv., Bro. E. Morris, Jun., S.W. ; Charge after Investiture, W. Bro. D.

Sheffield (W.M., Christchurch Lodge, No. 91); S.E. Address, W. Bro. T. W. Boon, P.M. ; W.Ts., Bro. T. S.

Robertson ; Final Charge, Bro. C. E. Bennett, J.D. ; T.B., W. Bro. Thos. O. Fox. W.M. One proposal for a

joining member and two for initiation were received. A pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

Otago, No. 7.—The advancement of Bros. W. S. McCrorie

and E. Pringle as E.Ms. took place on 4th May, in the

presence of a representative gathering. The brethren were

obligated by W. Bro. A. McKenzie, W.E.M., W. Bro. G. T.

Lumsden illustrating the Signs.

A week later W. Bro. E. Pringle (who is employed in the

Railway Department) received instructions to proceed to To

Kuiti (Main Trunk, North Island), and expressed his desire to

be exalted prior to his leaving Dunedin. With that end in view,

an emergency convocation was held on 17th May, and, under

the guidance of V.E. Comp. G. T. Lumsden, P.Z. (in the

absence of V.E. Comp. A. Stoneham), Bro. Pringle was

exalted to the Degree of a R.A. Mason. The work was very

creditably performed, E. Comp. D. Scrimgeour, as 1st Soj.,

acquitting himself in a highly satisfactory manner. We again

had the pleasure of having with us V.E. Comp. G. Menzies,

P.Z. (Waterloo, No. 2), who, on a former occasion, when

replying to the toast of his health, ventured the hope that ere

long his name would be added to our roll.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

————

Manawatu, No. 11.—The regular convocation was held on

16th May, when V.E. Comp. W. H. Smith presided. The

routine business was lengthy, included in the same being three

ballots for exaltation. All proved successful. The ceremonial

work consisted of the exaltation of ten brethren to the R.A.

Degree. The following assisted in the work: E. Comp. A. J.

Graham, E. Comp. A. W. Gallichan, V.E. Comp. J. Stone. The

1st Soj. (Comp. Oliver) rendered his portion in an impressive

and excellent manner. An adjournment to the refectory after

the ceremonial work had been completed concluded a most

interesting and enthusiastic meeting, which included the

acceptance of an offer from the Wanganui Chapter to visit and

work the next degree.—[Chapter Correspondent.]