THE BALLOT.

DURING the past few months there appears to have been a mild epidemic of rejected candidates on ballot,

and the use of the black ball would seem to have caused a confusion of ideas in the minds of some W.Ms. In

one instance we hear of a second ballot being taken after the declaration of the first and the departure of

some brethren. In another the Master announced his intention of finding out the culpable ones and "bringing

them to book " ; while a third Master stated that it was most un-Masonic to use a black ball without first

making a confidential communication to himself. But these were capped by a representative of K.S., who

affirmed that it was illegal to use a black ball, as the law had provided a remedy in the confidential

communication to the Master. One more instance occurred in the case of a Master who holds that a private

communication is valueless unless the member states specifically the nature of his objection to the proposed

candidate. It is unfortunate that the law, which was made with the best intentions, should be so misconstrued,

and should become a scape goat to bridge the Master's difficulty. Now let us see what the law actually does

say, and whether it is suspectible of any interpretation to override the use of the black ball. Rule 144 says :—

" When any candidate for initiation or joining shall be proposed, it shall be the duty of the Master and

Wardens of the Lodge to make investigation as to the moral character and the qualifications, of the

candidate . . . and no proposition shall be acted upon until satisfactory evidence can be obtained

regarding the character and general fitness of the candidate. In the event of the result of such enquiries

being unsatisfactory, or if any member of the Lodge shall in confidence inform the Master that he

entertains such an objection to the candidate as would cause him to use a black ball in the event of a

ballot being taken, the Master shall, without disclosing the source of his information, communicate to

the proposer of the candidate the fact that he is objected to, so as to enable the proposer, if he shall

think fit to withdraw the proposed prior to a ballot being taken."

A careful study of this rule should clear the air very considerably. It does not in any sense warrant the

assumption of those Masters who hold that no member should take exception to a candidate unless he has

been guilty of some very heinous offence. Again, the rule makes it quite clear that it is not imperative for the

objecting member to state the ground of his objection. All that is necessary is that he should state that he has,

an objection which would lead him to cast a black ball in the event of a ballot being taken. It should be

further noted that a bad flaw in a person's character, or the commission of a serious crime, are not necessary

to compass his rejection, but the absence of general fitness is all-sufficient for the purpose. It is not

infrequently stated that the rejection of a person by a Masonic Lodge is a stigma on his character, and affects

his reputation. Nothing of the kind. If Mr. A. is not endowed by nature to appreciate and assimilate the

teaching, practices, and principles of Freemasonry, there is no object in admitting him, and if Bro. B. is

aware of this deficiency he has a right to object to the admission, but there is no reflection on Mr. A.; he

simply has a defect or fault in his constitution. There is a further point in the rule which cannot be too

strongly emphasised. "No proposition shall be acted upon until satisfactory evidence can be obtained

regarding the character and general fitness of the candidate." In other words, it is not sufficient to ascertain

that there is nothing against the candidate, but there must be satisfactory evidence in his favour of general

fitness, or, in other words, he will be calculated to add lustre to the institution. In connection with the rule

which allows confidential communications to be made to the W.M., there are writers who contend that this

provision is irregular inasmuch as it perverts the secrecy of the ballot, and there is some ground for this

opinion, as many brethren who have lived in small communities are well able to testify.

One more point before we dismiss the rule. There is a very general impression that the W.M. has sole power

to withdraw an objected candidate. This is not so, he can only advise the proposer, who, if he be obstinate—

and he sometimes is— will demand a ballot and deplore the inevitable result. Much has been said and written

as to the right of every brother to the use of the black ball; therefore we will only make brief reference here.

The late Bro. Lawrence, in his "Jurisprudences" says :

"The ballot is rightly held to be a very sacred thing, and G.L. has, very properly, always discouraged

any attempts to violate its secrecy." "Masters and secretaries have from time to time displayed great

ingenuity in trying to trace adverse votes; but when appealed against they have invariably come to

grief." The writer of "Freemasonry and its Etiquette" expresses the view that "the ballot is intended to

be absolutely secret, so as to give absolute freedom from fear of consequences. A black ball is quite as

legal as a white one, and any brother who votes according to his conscience has a right to be

protected." It is perfectly true that there are times when the black ball is abused, but that is not good

and sufficient reason for its abrogation. By the same token cases are not unknown where

communications made to the Master "in confidence," have not been held inviolate, and it has been

known to seriously affect the business life of the brother who has acted up to the strict letter of the

law. We believe that one of the greatest safeguards against the abuse of the black ball would be that

the Lodge should be thoroughly assured of the moral character and general fitness of every candidate

submitted for admission into Freemasonry.

——————————

BRO. MORECOMBE, the editor of the "American Freemason," says : " I am still sticking tight to my

contention that Masonry would have been infinitely more efficient, and of greater good to the world, if there

had never been a degree invented or acknowledged beyond that of Master Mason."

——————————

THE REFECTORY

———<>———

WHAT pleasurable feelings this word conjures up, not only in connection with Freemasonry, but also in the

historic traditions of the past. Close your eyes for a few moments and imagine you are transported to the

Middle Ages in Great Britain, when abbeys, priories, and monasteries were scattered throughout the length

and breadth of the land, each with its rich appanage supporting a large number of clerical and lay brethren.

And in history, verse, and song the members of these varied orders have ever been limned as of the rubicund

robust species, who thoroughly enjoyed the purposes and uses of the refectory. Can we not picture them after

the work of the day is over, assembling in the well-lit room, for refreshment after labour. These gatherings

have been portrayed as being of the most jovial type, where creature comforts abounded and good-fellowship

reigned supreme, and this picture has been generally accepted as against the occasioned traditions of

ecclesiastical austerities. In the old Ingoldsby legend, "The Jackdaw of Rheims," there is an elaborate

description of one of these feasts, which, besides detailing the good things provided, pictures the little

singing boys—

"Two by two, in order due,

Marching the grand refectory through."

And there is the authority of "The Friar of Orders Gray," that—

"No baron or squire or knight of the shire

Lived half so well as the holy friar."

And instances may be multiplied ad infinitum. Hence the word refectory will ever be associated,

ecclesiastically, with the large well-lighted apartment, the festive bountifully supplied board, and the rotund

and jovial company surrounding it. Probably it is due to some of these things that Freemasonry has adopted

the term "Refectory" in connection with the place for holding its festive gatherings. The transition from the

solemnity of ceremonial in the Lodge-room to refreshment, with its pleasing converse, jest and song in the

refectory, harmonises well with the customs of the early churchman, and perhaps with greater warrant. And

though we may at times take exception to some of the practices at the social board, there can be no doubt

that, properly conducted, the refectory is an all-important part of Freemasonry, which contributes no little to

the success of the institution. Fortunately, we now live in an age when excesses are not only strongly

deprecated, but the committal of which is nearly sufficient to induce social ostracism.

In addition to the pleasures of a moderate conviviality, the refectory gives opportunities for forming new

friendships and cementing old ones, which cannot be promoted in the Lodge-room, where the strictest

decorum is the watchword. And in this sense alone the refectory has its uses. Were the pleasures and duties

of hospitality abrogated by the abolition of the festive meeting, then much of the present interest in Free-

masonry would be lost. But, in advocating the charms of sociality, let us ever remember that temperance is a

cardinal virtue, and is the controlling influence that contributes most largely towards the retention of the

social pleasures of Freemasonry. Speaking generally, the festivities of modern Freemasonry are most modest

and scononaic in character, but are amply sufficient for the proper provision of refreshment after labour, and

in evidencing the hospitable intention which animates all Freemasons. And while this temperate moderation

continues the refectory will remain a tangible and enjoyable part of the institution of Freemasonry.

——————————

THE MASONIC GIFT HUT.

———<>———

In another part of this issue we publish a very excellent report of what was known in New Zealand

Freemasonry as the "Cheero" Masonic Hut, which was presented to the soldiers in France and was run under

the auspices and supervision of the Y.M.C.A. The report graphically portrays the building of the hut, the

opening ceremonies, and the amusement and enjoyment it gave to many soldiers at the front. The last two

paragraphs, however, became suddenly ominous, recalling to the mind the " Eve of Waterloo," and almost

presaging disaster, which was subsequently confirmd from another source, as Mr. Hay, Supervising

Secretary of the Y.M.C.A., wrote from the front on 13th July : "As you will know, the hut is now well within

the reach of the enemy's field guns, and the last report is that it had suffered rather badly. It is impossible to

shift it, as no transport can be got. It is hard we should have to lose this hut, but it is the fortune of war." On

receiving this information, M.W. Bro. M. Niccol, with commendable promptitude, at once got into

communication with the active authorities of the Y.M.C.A. and instructed them to cable Home to carry on

the work under canvas in the meantime. When the troops go into winter quarters a more permanent structure

will be erected. We may add that the last instalment of payment is due and will be paid on the 1st October.

There is a further sum of £500 now in hand, and the Board of General Purposes will be asked at its next

meeting to sanction the appropriation of this money to the erection and maintenance of another hutment. So

let it be clearly understood, brethren, that the demolition of our first hut by the enemy does not stay the good

work, but rather we hope another half dozen more may rise on the ruins of the first. It should be extremely

gratifying to every Freemason in New Zealand to know the great pleasure the New Zealand hutment has

given to so many soldiers in the firing line, and the graphic picture as portrayed by the writer of the article

should stimulate every brother to renewed efforts, to provide as many more hutments as possible for the

soldiers in winter quarters. The recent success of the Allies appears to have engendered the suggestion that it

is the beginning of the end of the war. It may be the beginning, but we opine the end is still far off, so far that

the Craft should not relax its efforts one iota, with the full assurance that no matter how great its usefulness

may be, all will be required, even to the last jot.

——————————

ROYAL ARCH MASONIC CLOTHING

———<>———

For some reason with which we are not acquainted a movement is on foot in Canada to discard the sash as a

part of R.A. Masonic clothing. The G.S.E. of that jurisdiction has been in communication with the G.S.E. of

New Zealand, and has submitted the following .questions (1) Is the wearing of the sash in New Zealand

Chapters insisted upon? (2) The origin of the sash, and whether it has any symbolic signification, other than

tradition? (3) Is there any brother in New Zealand who has made the regalia of R.A. Masonry a study?

As the matter is one of more than passing interest, we append the reply of the G.S.E. of this jurisdiction :—

" With reference to your letter of 27th July, just to hand, I am afraid I cannot throw very much light on the

origin of the sash worn in our R.A. Chapters. In fact, I doubt it will be somewhat difficult to obtain any

reliable data. The Sup. G. Chapter of New Zealand was constituted in 1892, on the lines of the Sup. G.

Chapter of Scotland, to which a number of our Chapters at that time owed allegiance. Though there were

some departures on details, the essentials were preserved, and this applied to the matter of clothing. There

was also an additional inducement in the fact that a similar apron and sash are worn by Chapters under the

G.R.A. Chapter of England. There has not at any time been any suggestion to change this clothing, and if a

proposal were submitted to abrogate the sash, I do not think it would be entertained for one moment, as that

is generally regarded as an integral part of the regalia of the Holy R.A. Degree. In our ceremony of exaltation

the candidate and the two Sojs. are invested with sashes, and the officiating officer says: I invest you with

these sashes as badges of honour.' And our laws provide that the sash must form a part of the proper clothing

of a R.A. Mason. So that, before the sash could be abolished, both the ritual and constitutional law would

have to be altered. Mackey, in his lexicon, says : `The sash, or scarf, seems to have been derived from the

Zennar, or sacred cord, placed upon the candidate in the initiation into the Mysteries of India, and which

every Brahmin was compelled to wear. This cord was woven with great solemnity, and ,being put upon the

left shoulder, passed over to the right side, and hung down as low as the fingers could reach.' In the

Symbolical Lecture of the E.C., a distinct reference is also made. It says: ` The ribbon (or sash) worn by

companions is a sacred emblem denoting light, combining its two principal colours, purple and crimson,

which colours were also interwoven in the veils of the Tabernacle. Its irradiated form signifies Justice

tempered with Mercy ; it is therefore considered a fit emblem of royal dignity and power.' Personally, I

should be very sorry to see the sash consigned to oblivion, as it is quite a distinctive feature in R.A. clothing,

and I think the importance of the degree merits a specially distinctive character. I may say I have instituted

enquiries, but have not found a brother who has made a special study of R.A. Masonic regalia.

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

News and Notes.

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

IN responding to the toast of G.L. at the installation meeting of Lodge Waterloo, M.W. Bro. M. Niccol

mentioned the fact that he first saw the light of Freemasonry the same year that Waterloo was founded –

1867.

THE Hawkes Bay Rose Croix Chapter, for which a charter has been granted by the Supreme Grand Council

of England and Wales, will probably be consecrated in Wellington some time during the present month.

IT is not often that father and son are initiated into Freemasonry at the same time, but such an event

happened in Lodge Moa at the September meeting.

THE services of the late Bro. R. Fletcher to Lodge St. Andrew in the days that are gone were the subject of

eulogy at the September meeting, and a vote of condolence was passed to his widow. The late brother was

one of the best secretaries with whom we have been associated. Punctual to a fault, accurate to a degree,

laudably concise in his records, and eminently methodical in all his work. Endowed with a large amount of

practical common-sense and foresight, his retirement from active Masonic life in favour of politics was a

distinct loss to his Lodge and the Craft generally, and we doubt whether the alternative chosen presented any

compensation, even to his ambition.

WE have received a copy of the balance-sheet of Lodge Rotorua. It appears to be a very practical and open

document, and the hon. treasurer has steered clear of all bewildering intricacies. The excess of assets

amounts to £675 16s. 6d., which should be very satisfactory to so small a Lodge.

THE present issue of the CRAFTSMAN had to go to press earlier than usual owing to Dominion Day holiday,

and Saturday and Sunday coming so near the end of the month. Some reports and other matter have been

held over in consequence.

IN present issue we present as an inset a picture of the interior of the Ohinemuri Chapter room prior to the

late disastrous fire. It was one of the prettiest and best furnished in the Dominion; indeed, we are told the

Banners were unequalled.

A PETITION is being presented to the M.W. Grand Master for the erection of a Lodge at Tautapere,

Southland.

THE attendance at the September meeting of Lodge St. Andrew, Wellington, was abnormally large, due no

doubt to the high reputation the W.M. (Bro. Riddell) has established as a ritual worker. The Third Degree

was worked.

Two Masonic Lodges in England have every member in the Army ; one in London and one in Hounslow,

Middlesex.

BRO. C. J. KENT-JOHNSTON, formerly town clerk of Otahuhu, and more recently accountant to the Patriotic

Association, has been appointed accountant to the Waikato Shipping Company.

IN a well-known literary Lodge a cultured brother recently read a paper which was essentially ethical in

character and a distinct departure from previous custom. At a meeting of the Lodge held last month the paper

was very fully discussed, but there was evidence all through the discussion that the author had taken the

worthy brethren by surprise.

LODGE OTARE, Khandallah, in amending its by-laws, is making some rather drastic changes. It is proposed

to limit the membership to 60, exclusive of country members. Country members are defined as those residing

50 miles from the Lodge-room. The subscription of a member who resides outside the Dominion for not less

than one year will be reduced to 10s. 6d. It is understood that the amendments will be adopted.

BRO. C. INNES, Masonic bookseller, of Wellington, and well known throughout the Dominion, has gone into

camp at Trentham, and during his absence his Masonic book department will be controlled by the manager

of the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, to whom all correspondence in connection with this branch should be addressed.

(Box 8, G.P.O., Wellington.)

DURING the month of September the usual activity prevailed in connection with Capitular Freemasonry, as

the majority of installations are held in that month.

THE installation ceremony of Lodge Waterloo, held last month, was performed most expeditiously, and the

refectory was reached soon after 9 o'clock, one result being that the W.M. responded to the toast of his health

to a " full house."

WE notice in a Lodge balance-sheet that the outstanding dues appear as £142 ls. This surely calls for

immediate action.

AT an emergent meeting of Lodge Tutanekai, held on the 29th August, the ceremony of raising was

undertaken by the W.M. (Bro. Riddell) and officers of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32, and without undue flattery

we do not hesitate to say it was one of the best renditions—if not quite taking the palm—of what is known as

"the Scotch Third ' that we have witnessed. Without any attempt at dramatic effect, each officer appeared to

"feel " his part, and the utmost solemnity was maintained throughout. The musical portion was entrusted to

the organist— Bro. Cowley—for selection, and, as expressed by a brother subsequently, the whole was

happily conceived and brilliantly executed, being thoroughly in unison with the intention and spirit of the

Degree.

AT the installation of the W.M. of Lodge Waterloo, Wellington, last month, there were over 60 P.Ms.

present. Since the institution of the Lodge in 1867 forty Masters have been installed, and 39 of the number

were personally known to the writer. The Lodge, which was constituted under the S.C., was the second

Lodge instituted in the City of Wellington.

LODGE STRATFORD, No. 75, was well represented at the consecration and installation ceremonies of Lodge

Kaponga on the 21st August, and all speak highly of the hospitality extended by their Kaponga brethren. It is

said " that three notable P.Ms. arrived home at 5 a.m., looking anything but Smart, indeed more like

Co(a)leman, owing to the refusal of their Ford car to leave Kaponga district. Much sympathy was extended

to one who had Grubb(ed) about the car for about five hours cranking her up, especially so as he has now

developed a peculiar twitch of the arm and next day was seen in the street trying to crank up the Borough

Council's handcart. Evidently he has developed 'crankitis.'

AT the last regular meeting of Lodge Tutanekai, W. Bro. Whitelaw presented the Lodge, on behalf of Bro. C.

Martin, S.W., with two framed charts, showing the attendances and position of each brother from the

inception of the Lodge to the present time. The workmanship of these charts reflects great credit on Bro.

Martin, to whom the work was a labour of love.

"THE MASONIC HOME JOURNAL," Kentucky, complains somewhat bitterly of the indifference of P.Ms. In

New Zealand the reverse is the case, as P.Ms. manifest the greatest interest in their Lodges, and are always

keen to assist in the work.

V.W. BRO. F. C. B. BISHOP, Prov.G.Sec. of Canterbury, has been elected Prov.G.M., by the Prov.G.L., and

his installation will take place on the 31st October. The M.W.G.M. will conduct the ceremony.

IN our next issue we hope to present a portrait of the M.W. G.M. and a short biographical sketch of his

Masonic life. We regret to say the picture came to hand too late for insertion in present issue.

AN event which must be comparatively rare is the initiation into Freemasonry on the same evening of father

and son. Such an event took place in Lodge Unanimity, Blenheim, on 12th September, when Mr. Alexander

Thomson, of Ward, and Mr. Herbert J. Thomson were the candidates. The latter is a returned soldier, and the

former was called up in the ballot a few months ago, but was "turned down." Naturally, the occasion created

a good deal of interest in Masonic circles in Blenheim, and there was a large muster of the brethren to give

the initiates a good "send-off."

LODGE WAIHOPAI still continue to lose active members from their ranks. At a recent meeting three members

were toasted previous to leaving for camp, while Bro. Newman was remembered prior to his going into the

backblocks of Southland.

LODGE UNANIMITY, No. 106, Blenheim, is getting together a " picture gallery " of considerable proportions.

All round the walls of the refectory are hung portraits of P.Ms. and of G.L. officers. Three photographs were

recently added to the collection, and others are to follow shortly.

NATURALLY, a candidate has no idea of the "preparation" to which he must submit before entering the

Lodgeroom. One candidate at a certain Lodge recently had not long before been under examination by a

military medical board. Replying to the toast of his health after the initiation ceremony, he said that, having

in mind the "method of preparation" to which he had been subjected by the doctors, he would not have been

surprised had he been required to " display his beauty unadorned." Needless to say, he felt greatly relieved

when he found that it was not altogether the "altogether" that was required of him.

——————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

———<>———

Four motor-cars and one motor-bus, all well loaded, were requisitioned to take Invercargill brethren to the

installation meeting at Riverton. The night was beautifully fine, most of the road in good order, and a few

records were broken. R.W. Bro. A. E. Smith drove his own car, and W. Bro. A. B. Haggitt was at the wheel

in his. Both cars left on the return journey some time before the bus, but both were overtaken. There is some

talk about an air bubble in the petrol tank, or was it a petrol bubble in the air tank ? The puzzle is : Who

offered, and who declined the tow line? Those in the motor-bus were a happy party, and never realised the

distance travelled. For tall stories, some of the No. 9 brethren would be hard to beat.

* * * *

The spirit of fraternity was evinced at Lodge Waihopai, when W. Bros. Stout and Irvine, of Southern Cross,

being called upon at short notice, assisted in the work of the Third Degree. W. Bro. Stout gave an excellent

rendering of the T.H., and W. Bro. Irvine delivered the Charge in an equally capable manner.

* * * *

Each of the four Invercargill Lodges are fully alive to the value of instruction meetings, and the interest of

members is manifest by the regular attendances thereat.

* * * *

Vote of condolence were passed at Lodge Victoria to the relatives of the late Bro. A. R. Dawson, who died

after a very short illness; and of the late Bro. Chas. King, killed in action. Similar votes were passed to Bros.

Smith and Brown, Lodge Waihopai, on account of family bereavements.

* * * *

The military call continues, and each Lodge, month by month, loses valued members. S.W. Bro. L. L.

Padget, Southern Cross, goes into camp in November, and others are following. The position is a serious

one, and, as has been pointed out by our Prov.G.M. and others, members who are left at home must

recognise their responsibilities, rendered all the greater by the absence of their soldier brethren.

* * * *

The gas heaters at Lodge Waihopai are giving full satisfaction, and wintry conditions prevailing outside are

soon forgotten in the Lodgeroom. It is pleasing to note the progress of this Lodge year by year. A trifle over

twelve months ago the electric light was installed, now the heating has been attended to, and no doubt next

year will see some other equally important improvement made.

* * * *

W. Bro. A. E. Ward fully deserved all the kindly remarks at Riverton. Lodge Aparima has had two years of

adversity, and during that time Bro. Ward, in spite of a severe and painful illness, has, with other P.Ms.,

stuck manfully to his post of duty. W. Bro. J. T. Price, the newly-installed Master, is a brother of sincere,

earnest purpose, and, under his guidance and control, the many good wishes for the prosperity of the Lodge

will undoubtedly be fulfilled.

* * * *

In the Southland district, as elsewhere, there is quite a large number of unattached Masons, and, in view of

the fact of the depletion of members due to the military call, it would be prudent for Lodge officers to

discover these brethren, and endeavour to renew their former Masonic activities. Moreover, G.L. Board of

Benevolence, in recognition of the increased cost of living, is desirous of augmenting the amounts of

annuities; and, with this purpose in view, brethren are asked to, as far as possible, add to their yearly

donations to the funds. If unattached Masons were again linked up, and their sympathies aroused, much good

work in this direction might be accomplisher. The Lodges, too, should take up the responsibility of collecting

early in the year. This duty, rendered necessary by in most cases the general apathy of the day, is often left

till sell on in the- season, and what should take months to do thoroughly is skimped over in a few weeks.

* * * *

The very fine address delivered by W. Bro. Griffiths has caused many brethren to think and discuss ways and

means of further instruction from similar discourses. Owing to a con-galley of ritual work a difficulty arises,

but a practicable scheme is suggested in that the Masters of the four Lodges in town might mutually arrange

to set apart one regular meeting night each quarter for this desirable purpose. In that way each Lodge would

forfeit one night only in the year, and undoubtedly the quarterly lecture would be looked for with interest.

That pleasure and profit would be the result goes without saying. So, Worshipful Masters, take this hint and

get busy.

——————————————

NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE MASONIC ASSOCIATION.

———<>———

GENERAL MEETING.

————

A meeting of the members of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association from the New Zealand Divisional

Ammunition Columns and the New Zealand Divisional Train was held in Rev. A. Hardie's room in the field

on Monday, 10th June, at 8 p.m., Bro. A. Hardie, C.F., general secretary, in the chair. The following motions

were resolved in the affirmative :—

(1.) MASONIC BURIALS.—That the secretary address a letter to R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay re permission to

use Masonic honours at the funeral of any brethren dying in the field.

(2.) VOTE OF THANKS.—That a vote of thanks be given to Bro. Hardie for convening this meeting and for the

able manner in which it was conducted.

Bro. B. C. Jacobs expressed the feeling of the brethren he stated that it was only through meetings of this

ascription that the brethren were able to recognise each other as Masons.

Speaking to this motion, Bro. McKinnon thanked Bro. A. Hardie for having written to his late brother's

Lodge notifying them of his death. He expressed the general feeling of appreciation of this act, being sure

that the brethren in New Zealand will be happy to know that our welfare in the field is being hooked after by

capable hands.

MEMBERS PRESENT.

Bros. A. Hardie, C.F., 18/35 (M.M., Lodge Harvey, No. 49, N.Z.C,); Dr. B. C. Jacobs, 50549, N.Z.F.A.

(P.M., Lodge Waihora, No. 141, N.Z.C.); Corporal F. Matheson, 17/881, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge St. Patrick,

No. 468, E.C.); Gunner C. J. Gray, 43494, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Otago, No. 844, E.C.); Private M.

Meadows, 19/184, 3rd O.I.B. (M.M., Lodge Masterton, No. 19, N.Z.C.); Q.M.S. A. Morrison, 2/502,

N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Maori, No. 105, N.Z.C.); Gunner F. Gatley, 11/1638, N.Z.D.E. Co. (E.A., Lodge

Coronation, No. 2930, E.C.); Dr. J. M. Jack, 7/1364, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Conyers, No. 1916, E.C.); Dr.

Geo. Dancy, 50207, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge St. Patrick, No. 468, I.C.); Dr. Wm. McKinnon, 43932,

N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Tongariro, No. 705, E.C.); Corporal J. H. B. Raitt, 8059, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge

Ngapara, No. 68, N.Z.C.); Dr. W. Burrel, 11600, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Wellington, No. 1596, E.C.); Dr.

Jas. A. Little, 16899, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Ngapara, No. 68, N.Z.C.); Corporal Chas. E. Brooke, 5/650,

N.Z.A.S.C. (M.M., Lodge Manakau, No. 24, N.Z.C.); S.S. W. Morgan, 14/158, N.Z.A.S.C. (M.M., Lodge

Kingaroy, No. 3412, LC.); Corporal F. Cumming, 2/2106, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Craigino, No. 1042,

S.C.); Sergeant C. E. Cook, 2/2088, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Cargil Kil., No. 632, S.C.); Gunner A. M. Law,

50217, N.Z.F.A. (M.M., Lodge Horowhenua, No. 135, N.Z.C.); Corporal R. C. Bishop, 18059, N.Z.F.A.

(M.M., Lodge Leinster, No. 44, N.Z.C.); Q.M.S. Harrison, N. Z. F. A., M. M. (Lodge ——).

Bro. A. HARDIE, C.F., Chairman.

——————————————

SOLDIERS' MASONIC CLUB, TRENTHAM CAMP.

———<>———

The second annual meeting was held in the Methodist Room on the 27th August, W. Bro. Staff Sergeant-

Major J. Williams presiding. The attendance of members in camp was very large, and contingents from the

Hutt, Petone, and Wellington quite filled the large hall. The G.L. of New Zealand was represented by M.W.

Bros. M. Niccol, G.Sec., and H. J. Williams, P.G.M.; R.W. Bros. J. W. Ellison, Prov. G.M., and H. H.

Seaton, P.G.W.; W. Bros. G. Russell, G.Treas.; Colonel J. J. Esson, President B. of G.P., and others.

The proceedings opened with the National Anthem, and songs and recitations followed in quick succession.

The chairman, who is the representative of the G.L. of New Zealand in camp, then read the following

report:—

SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF G.L. REPRESENTATIVE, TRENTHAM MILITARY CAMP.

BRETHREN, -I have the honour to present my report on the two years during which I have acted as G.L.

representative in this camp.

At the time of our last annual meeting we were considering fresh quarters, and on that night I received a

cheque from G.L. towards that object. Donations were also received from various Lodges throughout the

Dominion toward the same object, for all of which I desire to tender my sincere thanks. After considering

various schemes, the offer of the Salvation Army to allow us to enlarge the room we were using was

gratefully accepted, the work was put in hand, and we now have a room quite adequate for our ordinary

meetings, well furnished and cosy. I desire here to again express the gratitude of the Masons in camp to the

Salvation Army for their continued generosity in this respect.

Through various causes, mainly the way troops now go on to Featherston soon after concentrating, our

meetings are not as well attended as during the first year, but the average still is about 20 each meeting.

Meetings are held weekly as far as possible, and during the two years 95 meetings have been held, the

remaining 9 (of the possible 104) having been called off on account of various holidays.

For the benefit of those who have not attended our meetings let me outline their scope : Every brother on

presenting himself for the first time is required to prove himself to my satisfaction; minutes are kept and

confirmed at each meeting; papers are read from various sources, notably from the various Masters' and Past

Masters' Lodges throughout the Dominion; exhibitions of proving are given and prove of great help,

especially to the younger brethren; candidates are coached for further degrees; brethren are introduced to

each other, and usually about an hour is spent in chat and smoke.

During the two years our meetings have been attended as under :—

N.Z.C., 171 Lodges, represented by 518 members; E.C., 56 Lodges, represented by 129 members ; S.C., 32

Lodges, represented by 68 members ; I.C., 9 Lodges, represented by 14 members ; other Constitutions, 3

Lodges, represented by 3 members. Totals, 271 Lodges, represented by 732 members.

Receipts for the year totalled £60 4s. 7d. from all sources, and expenditure £48 7s., leaving a balance of £11

17s. 7d. This is kept up by a levy of is paid by new members on the occasion of their first appearance. [The

above amount includes £7 on account of silver baton art union.]

I would again like to express my thanks to M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M., for the periodical supply of

the CRAFTSMAN, which is much appreciated.

Correspondence has grown to quite an extent, over 300 letters having been written this year.

Such, brethren, is a brief report of our past two years' work, and let me express the sincere hope that before

this time next year peace will have been declared, and instead of being gathered here we will be attending

meetings of our Lodges in peace and quietness, or, in the case of those who may be overseas, looking

forward to a speedy return to our native land. —Your fraternally,

J. WILLIAMS, P.M.

The chairman, unconscious of what was to follow, then invited M.W. Bro. M. Niccol to say a few words, and

the few words comprised making a presentation to W. Bro. J. Williams of a handsome office desk, suitably

inscribed. In referring very happily to Bro. Williams's services in the camp, Bro. Niccol said that Bro.

Williams was not only the right man, in the right place, but he was made for the position. An ovation was

accorded to the popular recipient.

The services of M. W. Bro. H. J. Williams were then invoked, at short notice, to offer for the acceptance of

the chairman's good wife, a very handsome service of plate.

By this time the stalwart Sergt.-Major was in a state of effervescing excitement, and was not quite clear in

his own mind how he was upended. And the salute he was favoured with on rising to respond did not tend to

tranquilise his mind. However, everyone knew what he wanted to say, and his confusion of ideas added zest

to the incident. Refreshments then came naturally in order, and it was no light task ministering to the wants

of the two or three hundred present. Then everything went as merry as a marriage bell, until military

discipline decreed at the approach of the hour of ten, "lights out," and a most jolly and pleasant evening was

brought to a happy close.

——————————————

N.Z.E.F. MASONIC ASSOCIATION.

———<>———

(Communicated.)

————

The second anniversary of the first meeting of New Zealand Freemasons in France took place on 21st June

last, and to commemorate the occasion meetings were held at the various camps, depots, etc.

In France a largely attended gathering took place in the neighbourhood of Divisional Headquarters. W. Bro.

Major Finnis occupied the chair, and welcomed the brethren. The general secretary then gave a short

historical review of the foundation and work of the Association. A roll of those present at the first

memorable meeting; held in Armentieres, was taken, and the following brethren were found to be in

attendance, viz. : W. Bro. Major D. White, Bros. Loader, Jacques, Harrison, and Tucton. A resolution,

conveying greetings from the, brethren present to their brethren overseas, and condolences to those Lodges

whose members had made the supreme sacrifice, was proposed by W. Bro. B. C. Jacobs, seconded by W.

Bro. D. White, and unanimously agreed to. It was decided that, where possible, the Masonic rites should be

performed at the burial of members. A list of names of soldiers desirous of becoming Freemasons was read,

and it was decided to forward same to R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay for further consideration. The question of

admitting as members civilian brethren from New Zealand was discussed, and decided in the negative. At the

conclusion of the meeting refreshments were provided, through the co-operation of the Y.M.C.A., and were

much appreciated.

The Freemasons attached to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital in France held a meeting in the

Pathological Laboratory. W. Bro. F. L. Armitage was in the chair, and W. Bro. A. Clark delivered an

interesting address on the First Degree.

The brethren of the New Zealand General Hospital at Walton-on-Thames secured a small steamer, and

celebrated the occasion by a river trip to Windsor, amongst those present being W. Bros. Luxthrd and

Mackenzie-Gibson. A most enjoyable outing took place.

The branches at Christchurch, Hornchurch, etc., also held meetings, and passed appropriate resolutions.

——————————————

LADIES' EVENING.

———<>———

The W.M., officers, and brethren of Lodge Concord, No 39, entertained their lady friends at an "at home" at

the Hall, Papanui, on the 11th September. The function was a very great success. The first part of the evening

was held in the Lodge, room, where the W.M. (W. Bro. Nicholas) cordially welcomed the guests. Musical

items were rendered by Bros. Lawn, Morgan, and Malcolm. A short paper was read by W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs,

after which an interval of ten minutes followed to allow the guests to become acquainted. The second part

consisted of a supper in the refectory, after which the usual loyal toasts were honoured. The toast of the

evening, "The Ladies," was submitted by W.M. W. Bro. Nicholas in a very happy manner and was

responded to on behalf of the ladies by Bro. Thompson, who voiced the appreciation of the ladies in a very

capable manner. The usual 10 o'clock toast was proposed by V.W. Bro. Du Feu. Musical items were

rendered by W. Bro. Hyman, Bros Hill, Malcolm, and Morgan; elocutionary items by W. Bro. Hyman and

Bro. Malcolm ; and Bro. Cookson quite mystified the audience with his conjuring tricks. A most successful

function was brought to a close by the singing of a hymn for the nation.

———————————————————————

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

OBITUARY.

———<>———

R.W. BRO. R. FLETCHER, P.D.G.M.

———

The enveloping hand of the Grim Reaper has again been active, and Bro. Robert Fletcher passed

to his last home on 4th September, after a long illness. He was initiated into Freemasonry in

Lodge St. Andrew (then under the S.C.) in August, 1888, was passed as F.C. in September, and

raised in November ; was installed as W.M. in December, 1893, and again it) November, 1900;

and he filled the office of Sec. during the years 1895-96-97-98-99, and 1901. On 15th February,

1897, our late brother moved for the establishment of a Lodge Benevolent Fund, which was

only carried in the face of considerable opposition, and a sum of £25 was deposited with the

Public Trustee as the nucleus of the fund. At the end of May last the amount to credit of the

fund was £964 3s. In May, 1904, Bro. Fletcher received his first appointment in G.L. (that of

S.G.W.), and in 1906 he succeeded to the important office of Prov.G.M. of Wellington, which

office he held during the years 1907 and 1908, and on his elevation to the office of Dep.G.M. in

1909 he still retained the supervision of the district. In R.A. Masonry Bro. Fletcher was exalted

in Waterloo Chapter, Wellington, in 1892, and was elevated to the principal chair in 1896; was

elected 1st G.Soj. in 1903 ; 3rd G.Prin., 1904 ; 2nd G.Prin., 1905 ; Depute, 1906; and G.Z.,

1907 ; and for some years subsequently he was Chairman of Sup. Committee. He was a member

of the Wellington Rose Croix Chapter, A. and A. Rite, and also of the Wellington City Lodge of

Installed Masters. For several years he was chairman of the Masonic Newspaper Company.

The late Bro. Fletcher had a somewhat remarkable career, and his comparatively short life of

fifty-four years had been an extremely busy one from youth. He was born and educated at St.

Andrew's, Fifeshire, Scotland, where among his fellow-scholars was Field-Marshal Sir Douglas

Haig. From school he entered the service of the Midland Railway Company, but remained there

but a short while. Bro. Fletcher next went to sea before the mast in the Dundee Shipping Line of

sailing ships. In 1883 he arrived in Wellington, and, after being in the coastal trade for some

time, settled here, where he obtained employment as a pilot for the Harbour Board, and

afterwards on the wharves. Subsequently he worked for some years for Messrs. Joseph Nathan

and Co., and later started business as a carrier. Bro. Fletcher first came before the public as a

candidate for the Wellington Harbour Board in 1906, and headed the poll. He continued to be a

member of the hoard until his demise. His long association with the local waterfront and a clear

and quick business perception rendered him particularly valuable as a member of the Harbour

Board. In 1910 he was elected to the position of chairman, and after five rears' tenure of office

he declined to offer himself for re-election. One of his favourite schemes, which he lived to see

materialise, was the Harbour Board employees' superannuation—a boon which is greatly

appreciated by all concerned. He was a member of the Wellington City Council from 1907 till

1915, and during that period acted as chairman of the Markets Committee. In 1911, as a Liberal

candidate, he unsuccessfully contested the Wellington Central seat against Mr, F. M. B. Fisher ;

but at the general election in 1914 he won the day by defeating his former opponent, Mr. Fisher

(then Minister for Marine), by a majority of over 2,000.

A LARGELY ATTENDED FUNERAL.

The funeral of the late Bro. Robert Fletcher, M.P., which took place on 6th September, was one

of the largest seen in Wellington for some considerable time, and testified to the esteem in

which the deceased gentleman was held, both as a public man and as a private citizen. The

cortege left his late residence in Thorndon Quay shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon, and

proceeded to the Karori Cemetery, where the remains were cremated. Pro. Rev. W. Shirer

officiated at the last rites. The large attendance included all the Ministers in town—the Acting-

Prime Minister (Sir James Allen), Sir Francis Bell, Sir William Fraser, the Hons. W. D. S.

MacDonald, D. H. Guthrie, T. M. Wilford, J. A. Hanan, and G. W. Russell; the local Members

of Parliament, together with Messrs. C. Witty (Riccarton), J. T. M. Hornsby (Wairarapa), and J.

S. Dickson (Parnell), and most of the official staff of Parliament Buildings. The G.L. of New

Zealand was represented by M.W. Bros. M. Niccol and H. J. Williams, P.G.Ms. ; R.W. Bros. J.

W. Ellison. Prov.G.M., and H. H. Seaton, P.G.W.; W. Bros. C. W. Neilsen, G.Reg., and G.

Russell, G.Treas. The City Council, Harbour Board, and Grand Lodge of Druids were also

largely represented, notwithstanding the execrable weather. As the deceased had intimated his

desire for private interment, there was no Masonic ceremony. To the great regret of the brethren,

our late brother relinquished his active interest in Freemasonry when he became a candidate for

Parliament some six years ago.

——————

W. BRO. JOHN JONES.

————

Lodge Ngamotu, No. 48, has lost another of its P.Ms. through the death of W. Bro. John Jones,

who fell a victim to typhoid fever on 25th August, at the age of 53. Our brother was a Londoner,

and for a number of years was an enthusiastic member of St. George's Rifles, one of the best-

known of the metropolitan volunteer regiments. Coming to New Zealand twenty-five years ago,

he took up farming in Taranaki, but the life did not suit him, and he resumed his former

vocation of accountant. For the last five years W. Bro. Jones has been secretary of the New

Plymouth Gas Company, and had just completed his annual balance when stricken down. He

was initiated in Ngamotu in 1900, served most of the offices, and was installed W.M. in 1907.

Tale!

——————

W. BRO. ANDREW GRAHAM.

————

On 3rd September the W.M., officers, and brethren of Lodge Whetu Kairangi, also brethren

from sister Lodges, paid their last sad tribute of respect to departed merit, in the person of W.

Bro. Andrew Graham, P.M. At the grave the burial service was conducted by the Rev. A. E.

Hunt, Congregational minister, to which Church our late brother belonged, after which W. Bro.

Thos. O. Fox, W.M., assisted by V.W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt, P.G.C., conducted the ceremony

according to Masonic custom. During the short period our late brother has been a member of

this Lodge he has amply demonstrated that source of strength a P.M. can be to his Lodge, and

by his ever-ready assistance has earned the respect and esteem of all the brethren with whom he

came in contact. For some years he was a very active member of the R.A., especially in the

Canterbury, Otago, and Southland districts. As a railway officer he had a very peripatetic life,

which has militated against obtaining more detailed particulars. His loss will be long felt in this

young Lodge, the sympathy of which goes out to Mrs. Graham and family in their bereavement.

——————

W. BRO. J. BARTLETT.

————

It is with sincere regret we have to record the death on 12th August of W. Bro. S. Bartlett, of

Victory Lodge, Nelson. Our late brother took a keen interest in the Lodge, and prior to his

illness was an active worker, being ever ready to bear his share in maintaining the welfare of the

Lodge and the Craft of which he was so proud. He was initiated 29th September, 1903; passed

10th November, 1903; raised 9th February, 1904 ; W.M. in 1910; and laid to rest on

Wednesday, 14th August, 1918.

——————

BRO. HENRY WELLS.

————

We regret to record the death of Bro. Henry Wells (Victory Lodge, Nelson), who passed away

at Ashburton on 20th August. Bro. Wells transferred from Lodge Masterton to Lodge Victory

on 13th December, 1917. He took an active interest in the musical portion of the Lodge, but his

health prevented him remaining in Nelson to continue his Masonic labours.

——————

W. BRO. CANON W. S. LUCAS.

————

Yet again Victory Lodge, Nelson, has to mourn the loss of a P.M. in the person of W. Bro. W.

S. Lucas, who crossed the river on 25th August, 1918. W. Bro. Lucas was a P.M. of Lodge

Forest, No. 116, and on coming to the city to live transferred to Lodge Victory. He has been a

member since 12th July, 1904, and in his earlier membership helped in the ceremonies. Of late

his health prevented activity in the society he loved.

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

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

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

———<>———

A. J. FINCH.—The trustees of G.L. have no power to invest money on the security you suggest, and special

authority would have to be given by G..L. before it could be done.

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

TURNING TO THE EAST.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.—Whilst not exactly understanding why this custom is adopted in Masonry at certain

prayers, I take exception to the excessively bad taste of your correspondent, " Pentalpha " in miscalling the

practice a High Church innovation." Apart from the cheap sneer, it shows his appalling ignorance. The

symbolism of the Church is as rational and sensible as that of the Craft—more so, in my opinion—and this

old and historic custom of turning to east in saying the Creed contains the beautiful symbolism of turning to

the light in memory of " that bright Morning Star " (i.e., the Sun of Righteousness) " whose rising brings

peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race," and of facing all one way as Christians.

"Pentalpha" (who might as well have had the courage to give his name in full, like Bro. Nordon) will

probably next object to candles as a "High Church " innovation.—Yours fraternally,

JOHN W. WARREN, P.M.

Hamilton, 14th September.

———————

IS FREEMASONRY A LUXURY ? .

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO., —The expressions made "that Freemasonry is a luxury " and "that anyone who cannot

afford to pay his dues, during the war period, should drop out," and others of a similar nature, demand full

consideration from every member of the Craft, more especially so during the present crisis, when so much

sacrifice is being made and further called for. Will any brother accept the responsibility of proving that

Freemasonry is a luxury or that any brother should drop out? The opposite view appeals to me, and for that

reason I believe that a healthy discussion on the matter will help everyone to value more the institution to

which we belong. It is to be regretted that as Freemasons we do little else than skim the surface—therefore

do not grasp its import. Its ideals, teachings, obligations, and admonitions are so standardised that if we

would but take careful records of its advantages, then only one conclusion could be arrived at : that it is a

sound investment for the monies so expended.

What, is a luxury ? I have asked some and their reply was, "That it was something that could be done

without.” That is not a correct answer. Test it and see. Meat, bread, boots, hats, and heaps of other things

could be done without, yet they are scarcely luxuries. I turn to Webster's for a definition, and this is its

purport : "A free extravagant indulgence in the pleasures of the table, as in rich and expensive diet, or

delicious food and liquors ; or the free indulgence in costly dress and equipage; in short, "a dainty." Do these

definitions conform to Freemasonry ? Far from it. In ancient times so united a brotherhood was the Craft that

its greatest opponents recognised it as a powerful and upright institution. Just upright and freedom of sound

judgment and strict morals are the characteristics maintained. These are not luxuries. Men have joined the

Craft knowing nothing of its high ideals, but it ' made better men of them. " Those obligations," said one

brother, " brought me upstanding, the moral side of life I thought little about, but afterwards I respected its

teachings." The V.S.L. is another strong point. To be influenced by its teachings is no luxury, yet grants real

pleasure. The influence of Freemasonry in citizenship, politics, war, and religion is very large indeed.

Freemasonry says : "Be cautious, be kind, do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It teaches

kindness and condescension, courtesy and affability, obedience and submission. Relieve distress is another

strong point, help the sick, comfort the mourner. For years past appeals have come before you and in no case

was it as a luxury that you granted them ; yet the money so worthily spent formed part of your contributions.

I made a call in D—. to a shipmate from the Old Land, to find the man laid up from the effects of a stroke

and his wife bedridden for eight years, and I wondered why such a case was not in a charity institution. The

solution was he was a Freemason—doctor a Freemason—no bill—coal, groceries, etc.; might have dropped

from the skies. How does that strike you as a luxury Freemasonry says it is a good thing to live for others, it

kills selfishness, and tells you to bury your sorrows by carrying sunshine to others. It also reminds us that the

G.A.O.T.U. will reward or punish us as we have obeyed or disregarded his Divine command ; that the

brother who has lived Freemasonry may patiently await the dying throb with the assurance that all is well.

Then Freemasonry, from an educational standpoint, is invaluable ; many a brother has risen in life, assisted

by the lessons, confidence, and stability he has received in the Craft. Then comradeship is a great boon,

especially when travelling, and the kindly advice also much appreciated by the visitor. None of the above are

luxuries, yet they belong to the order. The war, too, reminds us that the leading men at the head of both

army, navy, and other high positions are held by worthy Freemasons, and we are proud of the fact. We hope

soon that a cessation of hostilities will take place, and it is certain that in the ultimate arrangements for a

lasting peace the influence of Freemasonry will be largely in evidence.

Is the annual contribution of £2 2s. not a splendid outlay as against all the advantages of the Craft ? This

brings me to the other point, "That a brother should drop out if he cannot afford it." In such a case—that it is

owing to the strain of the war or similar difficulty—we as true brethren should stand by that brother. For

years he may have proved a worthy brother; now when adversity comes let him go. No, never. If a vote were

taken here to-night the result would be a sound argument against the proposal. Finally, the extra cost of

living is very keen, and one is justified in looking all around to cut out luxuries. If Freemasonry is a luxury

only (which I refuse to admit), then the only thing left for me to do is request my demit. Churches require

more support, patriotic purposes demand more. I have spent more on tobacco since the beginning of the war

than ever before, and I don't feel like curtailing that. Our Benevolent Fund, W. and O. and A.M. Fund, and

others, all need supporting : am I justified in terming them luxuries and turning them down ? There may he

luxuries in the "Fourth" Degree; liquor, for instance, but Kawatiri has cut that out during the war. I feel

convinced that any attempt to place so low a value on Freemasonry as a luxury must reflect upon the one

who advances such proposals.

— I am, etc., NOT A LUXURY.

[Rule 161 B. of C. provides for your second point.—ED.,C.]

———————————

MASONIC GIFT HUT OF THE NEW ZEALAND Y.M.C.A.

———<>———

The " Cheero " Hut, which was given to the Y.M.C.A. by the Freemasons of New Zealand for the benefit of

soldiers in France is one of those bright memories that will not fade while the doings of the N.Z.F.A. on the

Western Front are remembered. It earned and sustained the reputation of being one of the largest and best-

equipped huts in the historic sector which radiates from the melancholy ruins of Ypres.

When the artillery went into winter quarters early in December, the surroundings were barren and the

outlook bleak. The early fall of darkness made their nights doubly long. Every evening the big Y.M.C.A.

marquee was crowded with soldiers who had been toiling all day on the building of stables and the digging

of "bivvies." Twice in the space of a few weeks the marquee was blown down, but despite mud and rain the

saturated canvas and soiled equipment were soon unravelled, and so continued the round of concerts,

tournaments, lectures, meetings, and the serving of refreshments. In those days we were continually "up

against it."

Then came the Freemasons' gift of a hut and the decision of the Y.M.C.A. that it should be located in the

artillery camp. To the delight of the "diggers " the sections of timber soon commenced to arrive from the

coast. However, by way of reminding us that we were still at war, a howling easterly gale levelled the walls,

and transport dificulties caused a delay of a few weeks before the remainder of the timber was on the site.

The final spurt saw the hut erected within a fortnight, neatly painted inside and out; comprising a concert

hall, 65 ft. in length; a large canteen running off at right angles from the end of the hall; a spacious " quiet

room " for reading and writing, a smaller room for the use of officers ; and the whole comfortably furnished

with all the minor appointments of a super-modern war institute.

We remember it most vividly on the night of the official opening, with banners of welcome overhanging the

stage and flags above the pictures in the concert hall. All seats were occupied and scores of men were

standing when Major-General Russell, Brigadier-General Johnston, members of the Staff, and officers of the

Artillery arrived. The speeches of the G.O.C. and others contained happy references to the work of the

Y.M.C.A., to the generosity of the Freemasons, and to the quality of the gift. Then followed a memorable

concert, and the opening of the canteen, when the soldiers "came into their own."

As the days went by the " Cheero " Hut was true to its name. There was a "Cheero" for the men when they

left for the guns and more "cheeros" awaiting them on their return. The sunshine most appreciated is that

which succeeds the storm, and it is only those back from the noise of the guns and bursting shells who can

appreciate the feeling of relief which rose up when they left the Corduroy Track on the last stretch for home.

A hot drink and biscuits, a smoke and a yarn with the boys, combined with the general buzz of conversation

in the canteen, helped them to forget the war. Without realising it, they were in a different world. Apart from

the social touch, imparted by the refreshment canteen, there were numerous activities in keeping with the

ideals of the Y.M.C.A. war work, while the programme of coming events announced for each evening an

entertainment, popular lecture, debate, games, tournament, or some other attraction.

The crowds outgrew the capacity of the building, so the concert hall was extended to a length of 100 feet. By

a series of negotiations which would take too long to enumerate, electric lighting was obtained for the whole

of the hut, also footlights, sidelights, and headlights for the stage, while sounding wires were strung down the

hall,' a handsome draw-curtain was made, and materials were procured from London for the painting of

scenery. The formation of a pierrot party was got under way, and meanwhile valuable contributions were

obtained from visiting entertainers. The New Zealand Pierrots, the "Tuis," the "Manchester Bombs," and the

Canadian "Beavers" were specially good. While all were meritorious, we cannot forget the spirit displayed

by the Canadians from a hospital clearing station about 10 kilometres down the line. Without neglecting their

regular duties they came up three nights in succession and put on "shows" which would have done credit to

professionals. So great was the demand for seats that, admission was regulated by ticket (without charge of

course) on a unit basis. Although we and the Canadians are now far apart, we hope some day to return the

compliment. Such is the feeling of the brotherhood which springs up between overseas comrades in arms

The worst of the winter was over and we were gliding onward in pleasurable anticipation of spring time.

Shells again commenced falling round the camp, though not as harmfully as on a certain day in January,

when the casualties in men and horses were painfully severe. Still, the uncanny feeling of something about to

happen was in the air, and happen it did with startling suddenness. One evening we were enjoying an

illustrated lecture on " Astronomy " by a. visiting professor from Oxford, when an officer entered and called

for all men belonging to a certain unit to report to headquarters forthwith. At intervals men belonging to

other units were called for, and by the time the lecture came to an end the news had gone round that an

enemy offensive on a big scale had started at a distant part of the line and the New Zealand Division was

forthwith to move to the centre of activities. After the rush of dismantling and packing, the head of the

column moved off next morning and the remaining units followed later.

Thus we were compelled to leave the "home " which spun such happy memories. As we walked down the

track leading to the main road, the sun was shining fitfully between showers, illuminating the camouflaged

walls, and the white picket fence just newly erected. We lingered on the crest and wondered, as we still are

wont to wonder, whether we shall be permitted to revisit the spot where for the first time in France this prac-

tical form of expression was jointly given to the highest ideals of Christianity and Freemasonry—our duty to

God and to our fellow men.

[The above report was written by a well-known Auckland journalist brother, who is at the front, and was

transmitted to M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, G.Sec., by Lieut.-Colonel Geo. Barclay.—ED.,C.]

———————————

VISIT OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CANTERBURY TO AKAROA.

———<>———

(By One of the Party.)

————

In a scattered district like Canterbury, which contains some 35 Lodges, there are many enjoyable outings

made by the officers of Provincial Grand Lodge, and none are more enjoyable than the trip to Phoenix

Lodge, Akaroa.

On 13th September we gathered in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, at 2.30, to board one of Mr. Alf. Read's

cars, which was to take us the 58 miles to Akaroa, over one of the most magnificent drives in the Dominion.

The party consisted of V.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop, Prov.G.Sec. ; R.W. Bro. W. Gifkins, P.Prov.G.M. ; W.

Bros. D. C. Cameron (Lodge Otago), P.G.D., representative of "The Craftsman" ; J. Gillanders, P.G.St.; J.

Richardson, P.G.B.B. ; T. Kirker, Prov.G.D. of C. ; and R.W.S. Eastwood, G.St.

W. Bro Cameron had never been over the road before, and V.W. Bro. Bishop was at once busy pointing out

the beauties of the scenery. Through the pretty little township of Tai Tapu, thence on to the plain of

Motukarara, with its rolling downs skirting the road, and after that nearly 40 miles of real hill climbing,

which gave even those who had been over the road before thrills, as vista after vista of magnificent valleys

were opened before them. A halt at the Hill Top to renew the water in the radiator, and a short walk around.

The country looked beautiful in its spring dressing. Occasionally we passed patches of snow a foot or more

deep, still left in the higher and shadier parts after the recent great storm, but these only added to the

picturesqueness of the scenery. Soon we descended to the foot of the hills, and for miles ran along by the

side of the sea round bay after bay, and now we were approaching Akaroa. Five minutes run along the

Promenade and we pulled up at our destination, the Bruce Hotel, where we found V.W. Bro. Rev. A. H.

Julius, G.Chap., secretary of the Lodge, awaiting us. Here we were joined by W. Bro. A. Cookson, P.G.

Organist, who had arrived earlier. After introductions to several members of the Lodge, and to some visitors,

we were soon seated at dinner, which the party did full justice to after their long ride.

The Prov.G.L. was due to enter the Lodge at 8 p.m., and before that time the members were busy taking

turns in lugging the heavy official clothing chest up the hill to the pretty little Lodgeroom. At 8 o'clock sharp

the Prov.G.L. entered in the following order ; Installing Master, V.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop; S.W. W. Bro. J.

Gillanders; J.W., W. Bro. J.. Richardson; S.D., W. Bro. A. Cookson; J.D., W. Bro. R. W. S. Eastwood; I.G.,

W. Bro. W. F. Thomas, the procession being led by W. Bro. T. Kirker, Prov.G.D. of C. Then followed the

entry of G.L., represented by R.W. Bro. W. Gifkins, who had with him V.W. Bro. Rev. A. H. Julius and W.

Bro. D. C. Cameron. The ceremony of installing Bro. F. O. Armstrong was performed with great dignity by

V.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop, who delivered his work in an impressive manner, which added much to the

beauty of the ceremony. The Board of I.Ms. was opened by V.W. Bro. Bishop, and the W.Ts. in that degree

presented by W. Bro. J. Richardson, P.G.B.B. The address to the W.M. was delivered by R.W. Bro. Gifkins,

P.Prov.G.M. The W.Ts. in the three degrees were presented by W. Bros. J. Gillanders (Third), W. Bro. T.

Kirker (Second), and W. Bro. R. W. S. Eastwood (First). W. Bro. A. Cookson invested the Wardens and

afterwards addressed them, and W. Bro. R. W. S. Eastwood invested the officers, the address to the brethren

being delivered by W. Bro. D. C. Cameron. The officers for the year are : W.M., W. Bro. F. G. Armstrong ;

I.P.M., W. Bro. J. Kerridge; S.W., Bro. T. McKenzie; J.W., Bro. W. Jacobson; Secretary, V.W. Bro. A. H.

Julius; Treasurer, W. Bro. T, E. Taylor; D. of C., W. Bro. T. Masefield; S.D., Bro. C. Goodwin; J.D., Bro. S.

Vogan; I.G., Bro. C. Hall; Tyler, Bro. H. J. Barnham; Ss., Bro. T. Wakelyn, J. Wright, and T. Stewart. The

"Fourth" Degree was a most enjoyable function, the brethren of Lodge Phoenix laying themselves out to

thoroughly entertain their guests. Incidentally here I might mention the very fine V.S.L. which the Lodge has

in use. It is a copy of the second edition of the James I. Bible, and probably is the only one in New Zealand

of the fifty copies printed of that edition. Several of the Prov.G.L. officers were bibliophiles in a mild way,

and they eagerly examined this treasure.

Next morning we were up bright and early, for the Phoenix brethren had arranged a launch trip to show us

the beauties of the famous harbour. The sea was as smooth as glass as we left the wharf in Mr. Whelch's

launch Tui, under the superintendence of the W.M., V.W. Bro. A. H. Julius, and W. Bro. Basil Henning. It

was a trip to be remembered, for our cicerones knew every point and every story of the historic spots we

were passing, and lost no opportunity of giving us information. In the afternoon we travelled to the head of

the harbour, passing the famous Onawe Peninsula, the scene of the great massacre, where even yet traces of

the Maori fortifications can be seen, and we could appreciate the bravery of those old Maori warriors who

attacked such a stronghold. In the evening a number of brethren visited. W. Bro. R. Newton at his homestead

on the Waterfall Road, where they were hospitably entertained.

On Sunday Morning, shortly after 10 o'clock, we boarded our car for home, Mr. Read, who was at the wheel,

taking us by way of the Summit Road, which lengthened the trip by seven miles, and gave us many new

views even more charming than those we saw on our outward trip. Half-past one found us back in Cathedral

Square, tired, but pleased with our trip to " Lovely Akaroa."

———————————

CONSECRATION OF LODGE KAPONGA, No. 208.

———<>———

August 21, 1918, was a red letter day with the Freemasons of Kaponga district, for on that date Lodge

Kaponga, No. 208, had its birth. The consecrating officer was R.W. Bro. J. H. Keesing, D.G.M., assisted by

M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M., G.Sec., and by other G.L. officers.

The ceremony was performed in a most efficient and impressive manner, and will be long remembered by

the brethren present. The installation ceremony was carried out by R.W. Bro. R. W. Sargent, Prov.G.M. of

Taranaki district, and R.W. Bro. Sargent installed the W.M.

The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. George Young, P.M., Lodge Moa; W. Bro. E. C. Hayton, W.M.,

Lodge Hawera; W. Bro. J. McAllister, P.M., Lodge Stratford. The Charter from the G.L. of New Zealand

and the B. of C. were presented by R.W. Bro. J. H. Keesing, D.G.M. The address to the W.M. was given by

M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M. R.W. Bro. McFarlane, Prov.G.M. of the Ruapehu district, installed the

Wardens. The address to the Wardens was given by W. Bro. Horace Priestley, P.M.

The Secretary and Treasurer were invested by M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M., and the remaining

officers by W. Bro. Ashton, W.M. Lodge Stratford. The address to the brethren was given by W. Bro.

Keesing, D.G.M.

The first officers are as follows :—W.M., W. Bro. Wm. E. Ward; S.W., Bro. Alfred H. Guy; J.W., Bro.

William B. Fearon; Sec., W. Bro. Horace G. M. Priestley; Treas., W. Bro. W. B. Hislop; D. of C., W. Bro. R.

G. Surrey ; Organist, Bro. G. A. Lyall; Chaplain, Bro. H. F. Forster; S.D., Bro. Geo. Foster; J.D., Bro. R. F.

Walker; LG., Bro. T. A. Bertie; S.S., Bro. F. D. Fox; J.S., Bro. P. W. Allan; Tyler, Bro. A. Z. Walker.

At the close of the ceremony the brethren retired to the refectory and sat down to a sumptuous repast, and

judging from the quantity of turkey there, some of the members should soon be flying. As the younger

members of the G.L., i.e., the D.G.M. and the G.Sec., are not accustomed to late hours, the toast list was a

short one. All the brethren present voted the whole proceedings a great success.

———————————

MASONIC MEETING ON THE SITE OF K.S. TEMPLE.

———<>———

A meeting of the brethren of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association was held in Jerusalem on the site of King

Solomon's Temple on 6th April, 1918. There were representatives of 27 Craft Lodges present. The Lodge

was duly constituted and opened in the First Degree. The following resolutions were carried :-

(1) That fraternal greetings and hearty good wishes be sent to the G.L. and to all Lodges in New Zealand.

(2) That fraternal greetings and hearty good wishes be sent to the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association in
France.

(3) That fraternal greetings and hearty good wishes be sent to all Lodges represented at this meeting.

(4) That a vote of sympathy be sent to all brethren hindered by the perils of war from attendance.

The W.M. made felicitous and congratulatory references to the uniqueness of the occasion, and on the new

and astonishing contribution added to the history of the Freemasonry that day. The meeting closed in peace

and harmony.

———————————

"THE VISITORS."

———<>———

[A Toast Proposed at the Installation of Principals of Timaru Chapter on 10th September by

COMP. G. J. WALLACE.]

In proposing this toast I intend to depart entirely from the recognised lines. My reason for doing so is to

suggest some "visits" for our thoughts. They are not usually good visitors. They spend too much time at

home.

Visiting in its broadest sense (or, in other words, interesting ourselves in the welfare of those around us) is

the root foundation of civilisation. The primitive man no doubt visited his neighbour with the idea of

enlisting his sympathy for the purpose of mutual protection, which in time led to the formation of tribes, and

later still to the birth of nations. Then came alliances between two or more, and to-day we hear talk of a

league of nations, a consummation which I am sure we all hope will be realised.

At this moment there are thousands of visitors in Europe. Not much at a festive board, nor at a conference,

but in the battlefield, fighting for right and justice, sacrificing everything that is near and dear to them, to

assist others in maintaining their independence, which is, or ought to be, the birthright of every nation.

When we look around this world of ours we cannot but ask the question—who is there, what is there, that is

not merely a visitor? The real, the lasting things are the unseen things. Flowers, the purest, the most

beautiful, the most perfect of God's creations are merely callers, here to-day and gone tomorrow. Our own

life is but a fickle visitor, departing sometimes at the shortest notice and apparently without the slightest

provocation. But the real life—the character, the principles for which we stand—are everlasting.

Many of the greatest men who have visited this earth are gone, but their souls are still living, not in some

distant heaven, but here, still influencing the destinies of men.

Our revered and honoured leader, Mr. Lloyd George, is but a visitor: disease, or death, or the assassin, may

destroy his body, but no power on earth can destroy the indomitable spirit, which will continue to live and

influence and inspire not only members of the British nation, but of other nations.

And so it is with Freemasonry, the real part is not our members, our Lodges, nor our ceremonies, but the

unseen force behind it.

We cannot all visit the ends of the earth, nor even the Lodges in our own territory, but we can all see that the

principles we inculcate are never absent in our own homes, are always present in our business, and we

should all endeavour to see that they are constant visitors at all tribunals where justice and equity are

dispensed.

We, as R.A. Freemasons, only claim to be visitors. We are sojourners who deem the lowliest service in the

work of the Lord to be to us an honour, and we are willing and anxious to contribute our best services in

forwarding the great and glorious work of building what we call the most Holy Royal Arch, whose

foundation is brotherly love, relief, truth, and whose keystone is the brotherhood of man.—[Published by

request.]

———————————

THE PRESENTATION OF THE APRON.

———<>———

‘My Brother,—I now present you this lambskin or white leather apron. It is an emblem of innocence, and the

distinguishing badge of a Mason. It may be that in the coming years upon your head shall rest the laurel

wreath of victory ; on your breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an Eastern potentate; nay, more

than this, with light added to the coming light, your ambitious feet may tread round after round the ladder

that leads to fame in our mystic circle, and even the purple of fraternity may rest upon your honoured

shoulders; but never again from mortal hands, never again, until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed

upward and inward through the pearly gates, shall any honour so distinguished, so emblematical of purity

and all perfection, be bestowed upon this which I now confer. It is yours to wear throughout an honourable

life, and at your death to be placed upon the coffin which shall contain your earthly remains, and with them

laid beneath the silent clods of the valley.

"Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever present reminder of a 'purity of life and rectitude of

conduct,' a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements. And when

at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of their toilsome journey, and from your nerve-less grasp

shall drop for ever the working tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as

the emblem which I now adorn you with. And when your trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before

the Great White Throne may it be your portion to hear from Him, Who sitteth as the Judge Supreme, the

welcome words : ' Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' "

———————————

INITIATION.

———<>———

When the W.M. of a Lodge is installed, he is presented with a copy of constitutional law, and is advised to

make it his constant study, in order that he may be prepared to meet any cases of difficulty or doubt that may

arise during his tenure of office. Many Masters, no doubt, attend to this recommendation, and cases not

infrequently arise which prove that the study of Masonic law is honoured in the breach rather than the

observance, and as a consequence the B. of G.P. of G.L. is called upon to advise or adjust difficulties that

have arisen in consequence of a non-compliance with official advice. One such case is of recent origin, and

we specially refer to it now in the hope that our present reference may lead W.Ms. to avoid a similar pitfall.

The special error into which the Master fell was allowing the initiation of a candidate for Freemasonry to be

performed in the body of a Lodge other than his own. Article 145, B. of C., provides the modus operandi for

proposition, ballot, and initiation; and the instructions, which are very explicit, can only be construed as

meaning that an initiation must take place in the Lodge wherein the candidate has been elected, and which

will always stand as his mother Lodge. If any further evidence is required, it will be found in Rule 151,

which provides :-

" If, after the election of a candidate, but before his initiation, objection be made to the Lodge in

which the ballot has taken place, by any brother, the candidate shall not be initiated until such

objection shall have been enquired into by the Lodge and met to the satisfaction of the brethren.'

The confusion of ideas which is sometimes brought about arises no doubt from the fact that unwritten law

permits one Lodge to confer the Second and Third Degrees on members of other Lodges, who by reason of

removal or other causes are prevented from receiving those two degrees in their own Lodges. This is a

distinct concession for the convenience of travelling members. But even this should not be done except by

special request and under seal of the Lodge requiring the especial favour. But it must be particularly born in

mind, that in no case can this apply to initiations, which must take place in the Lodge of which the candidate

is becoming a member. Failure to remember this rule brings great hardship on the candidate, whose initiation

in ordinary course would have to be repeated.

———————————

AN ENGLISH MASON AT RUHLEBEN.

———<>———

In the " Weekly Dispatch " of the 24th ult. appeared a strikingly interesting article by Bro. Ernest Pyke,

which contained a reference of special interest to his fellow English Masons. It is prefaced by an editorial

statement that “In his famous book, 'My Four Years in Germany,' Mr. Gerard, the late American Ambassador

to Germany, makes particular mention of Mr. Ernest Pyke, an Englishman whom Mr. Gerard often met

during his visits of inspection to Ruhleben Camp. Mr. Pyke was the 'Soul of Ruhleben,' and was largely

responsible for the fact that life in the camp was at all tolerable. Last week Mr. Pyke was repatriated."

The article thus concluded :—" When I left Ruhleben on 7th March, at 2 a.m., everybody was in wonderfully

good spirits. There were 136 of us repatriated, 116 for England, the others for internment in Holland. Most of

the German officers in the camp came to the Zoological Garden Station to see us off by the 8.30 a.m. train

for the Dutch frontier. I shook hands with the camp doctor, Kapp, one of the whitest men I have ever known.

The camp commandant also wished me good-bye and ban voyage. Probably they were glad to see the last of

us, for they were kindly men who deplored our captivity as much as we did ourselves. Before I left my

comrades in the camp presented me with a gold watch in appreciation of all I had done for them in the matter

of their food. Dr. Kapp also asked me to accept a small Masonic charm—we were both Masons—and with

these, allied to a comprehensive experience of German character, I am back in England."

—"London Freemason."

———————————

A TABLE OF HYMNS.

———<>———

The following has been sent to W. Bro. E. Harnmet, P.G. Pur., from his nephew on active service :—

By Private Stanley Rayner, A.M.S. Dept., Headquarters, 1st Army, B.E.F.

6.30.— Reveille—" Christians, Awake."

6.45.— Rouse Parade—" Art Thou Weary ?"

7.0.— Breakfast—" Meekly Wait and Murmur Not."

8.15.— Company Officers' Parade—" When He Cometh."

8.45.— Manoeuvres—" Fight the Good Fight."

11.15.— Swedish Drill—" Here We Suffer Grief and Pain."

1.0.— Dinner—" Come, Ye Thankful People, Come."

2.15.— Rifle Drill—" Go, Labour On."

3.15.— Lecture by Officer—" Tell Me the Old, Old Story."

4:30. — Dismiss— "Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow."

5.0.— Tea—"What Means This Eager, Anxious Throng ?"

6.0.— Free for the Night—" O, bard, How Happy Should We Be?"

10.0.— Last Post—" All are Safely Gathered In."

10.15.— Lights Out—" Peace, Perfect Peace."

10.30.— Inspection of Guards—" Sleep On, Beloved."

—" Victorian Craftsman."

———————————

THE OBLIGATIONS OF A FREEMASON.

———<>———

[An Address Delivered by W. Bro. J. J. Griffiths, Lodge Mataura, in Invercargill, on 13th September.]

Freemasonry has been designated as a speculative science built on an operative art, and there are those who

claim the Craft has been in existence for a very long period, even fixing 5000 years ago as a starting point to

obtain connection with the present day, and no doubt it is a delightful pursuit to trace away back into

antiquity the doings of our forefathers.

Let us take a peep into that dim and distant past for a few moments and get just a nodding acquaintance with

the unconscious founders of our speculative science. We read that 2000 years B.C. there were companies of

builders consecrated to Dionysius or Bacchus. They were divided into communities, each group presided

over by a Master and two Wardens. They had means of recognising each other in light or darkness, used

Masonic implements in their ceremonies, inculcated and practised charity, and in their rites the initiate

passed through death and restoration to his fellows.

Other secret societies were scattered over the whole of Asia, and were the builders of temples in India, Persia

and Syria, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Temples' of Ephesus, and whole cities in Thibet, China, and Siam.

These societies were not embraced under one universal name such as ours, but their objects and principals

were the same, names being taken by groups to distinguish themselves, just as we are divided into

Constitutions and Lodges.

Thus we find them in the Cabeiri of Samothrace, of whom it is recorded that their ritual symbolised a brother

slain by three of his brethren, and restored to life ; the Giblimites, or Stone-squarers, of Phoenicia, who

celebrated the death and resurrection of Adonis; tile Suasticas of China, who worked a ritual of three

degrees; the Egyptians, in whose rites the place of burial was marked by a sprig of erica; the Brahmins,

whose assemblies were presided over by three, placed E., S., and W., and whose ritual passed the initiate

through death to resurrection, and whose salute included foot to foot and breast to breast ; the Greeks, who at

Eleusis marked the descent of Prosperpine into the regions of death, and escape therefrom; and the

Scandinaverians, who obligated their initiate, worked three degrees, used lights in the E., W., and S., and

raised the initiate from a pastos or coffin.

King Solomon erected his Temple to the Most High on Mount Moriah in 1017 to 1010 B.C., Hiram, King of

Tyre, being a Dionysian, and here we have evidence of a prior existence of the practice of Masonry; the

modern version of which we are all acquainted with.

In 714 B.C. Numa Pompelius, King of Rome, founded the Colleges of Artisans, where gathered workmen

and scholars from all parts of the world. They established Lodges presided over by a Master and Wardens;

used the symbolic language arid implements of Masonry, divided into three classes, had secret modes of

recognition, and admitted distinguished men as honorary members; they obligated their initiates, pledged

them to make no innovations, and inculcated piety, virtue, and charity.

In the time of Christ we have the Essenes of Palestine and Syria, who obligated their initiates and inculcated

piety, virtue, and charity; in England the Druids, whose Lodges represented a point Within a circle, who

worked three degrees, the initiate going through a symbolic death, and was raised from a pastos or coffin.

Coming to our own times, we have a system, divided into three parts, embracing the practice of piety, virtue,

and charity. It requires three obligations, the last of which is the one that is most to be considered on the

present occasion, and it is promised that once taken the terms of the Ob. of the Third Degree are literal and

not theoretical, that the communication is strictly esoteric, while the practice is exoteric, for although by its

terms we confine ourselves to observe the practice thereof' as between Master Masons, the universality of the

science is such, and the members thereof so vast, that the observance of our vows automatically becomes the

rule of our daily life, hence those who conform to, and practice the principles of the S. and C. are recognised

by members of the Masonic and profane world as just and upright men.

We commit ourselves to obey S. and S. if within the length of our c.t., and it may be permissible to explain

that its length is commensurate with the extent of our conscience.

Human nature is such that this is a variable quantity ; how variable is evinced when we compare the

attendance at our Meetings with the roll of membership, and the utter neglect of those non-attending to plead

excuse.

The F.P.O.F. are confined to M.Ms..and are very explicit in their terms. We are committed to defend and

support them even to the extent of danger to ourselves, We are not to allow them to be in want of the

necessaries of life; if we are unable to relieve them ourselves it is our duty to seek those who can do so. Their

secrets, with certain reservations, are to be kept, hence amongst brethren it is customary to talk freely and

with confidence, relying on the fidelity of each other for the observance of this point. We are to maintain a

M.M.'s honour, defend him in his absence, speak favourably of him if truth will permit, and if this cannot be

done, adopt what had been designated a M—s peculiar virtue S—e. We are not to injure him ourselves or

knowingly suffer others to do so if it is possible to prevent it.

These F.P.O.F. are somewhat far reaching, and as they are applicable to all M.Ms. throughout the world it is

well for us to continually think of them, especially, so when initiates are in view, and if we are not prepared

to freely and fully admit them to the participation in the F.P.O.F. in their literal sense we should be honest

and stop them taking the Ob., but once taken we become co-partners in an undertaking we have individually

sworn honestly to perform.

Brethren, our obligations inculcate the doctrine of service. They point out to us the means whereby we can

live our lives so that the world will be better for our brief sojourn here. It is certainly very interesting to

know that people in ages past met together and practised similar rites to our own. It is very instructive to read

of the introduction of Masonry amongst the British people, but, what really counts is the present and the

amount of energy we are putting into the practice of the sublime truths given utterance to in our Lodges.

Our obligations teach us that Masonry has no place for the little, selfish side of man. Its secrets are dead to

him who looks at life that way. It looks for the man with the bigger soul, with the more universal spirit; it

stops and stays with him only who sees in the betterment of the human race man's mission, who can take by

the hand the fellow who is down and out, and put him on his feet, and send him on his way better man. Its

teachings are wonderfully practical and God-like when once we recognise them.

It gives to the individual a higher conception of a more definite mission, but, while this is the spirit of

Masonry do we all realise it, for no man can understand and appreciate it until he has pondered long and

faithfully upon its teachings. Too many, alas, fail to understand or get that broader vision our obligations are

intended to give ; to them Masonry is a failure; they are neither active nor practical Masons, but merely

hangers on. Such is not the fault of Masonry, but is due to the fact that they have failed to mix thought and

action.

Brethren, Masonry is the essence of service ; it is the sun of exhaustless radiance, uplifting man and making

him more closely related to his Creator.

———————————

WHEN I AM GONE.

———<>———

When I am gone,

And other men are trying where I tried

To- stem the billows of life's rushing tide,

If those who knew me best may pause to toss

From memory but a rose upon the moss,

And say, " He strove with earnestness of heart

To do whatever was his given part,"

Then will I not have lived entirely vain,

And, dying, will have left a sweet refrain—

When I am gone !

When I am gone,

If some true mail, or buoyant-hearted soul,

May stop beside my grave to read the scroll,

And, reading, think of how I cheered the weak

And helped the sick and weary climb the bleak

And jagged stones, to rest and hope anew,

Or shielded aught from stormy winds that blew,

Then will my living have been right, indeed;

Replete with greatness, in a world of need—

When I am gone,

—"Masonic Home Journal. "

———————————

THE OLDEST FLAG IN EXISTENCE.

———<>———

The following extract should be of the greatest interest, especially to Royal Arch Masons : "At the diamond

jubilee celebrations of the Hobart Synagogue recently, the Jewish flag was displayed for the first time in

Australia. The flag was made by Rabbi Morris. It is blue and white. In the centre is a design in blue, two

triangles reversed and crossed, and showing six points. The Rabbi stated that a similar flag was flown from

the Tower of David in Jerusalem by the courtesy of the British Government, who intended to restore their

country to the Jews. This was the first occasion on which it had appeared for 2000 years. The oldest flag in

existence, it had been expunged from the "Gazetteer of National Flags," and its design is preserved only in

Jewish writing."

———————————

COMBINED INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE

WELLINGTON CITY R.A. CHAPTERS.

———<>———

The annual meeting of the Waterloo, Brooklyn, and Hinemoa R.A. Chapters was held in the Masonic Hall,

Daniel Street, on list September, there being a large attendance of companions. The officiating G. Prins. were

M.E. Comp. Rev. T. Porritt as G.Z., M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams as G.H., and M.E. Comp. Colonel J. J.

Esson as G.J. At 6 p.m. a Conclave of Installed Prins. was formed, and the degrees were conferred on the

Prins.-elect of the three Chapters, and the Mark Masters were installed into their respective chairs by M.W.

Bro. H. J. Williams. At 7.30 the companions were admitted, and a Chapter was opened, the 1st Prin. of

Hinemoa Chapter occupying the chair. On the admission of the G. Prins. they assumed the principal chairs,

and M.E. Camp. Rev. T. Porritt installed the 1st Prins. of the three Chapters. M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams

installed the three 2nd Prins., and M.E. Comp. Colonel Eason installed the 3rd Prins. V.E. Comp. H. H.

Seaton acted as G.D. of C. in his usual able manner. R.E. Comp. J. Moncrieff, D.G.Z., invested all the office

bearers and delivered the final address to the companions. M.E. Comp. Rev. T. Porritt addressed the 1st

Prins., and M.E. Comp. Colonel Esson addressed the other officers. The following is a list of the officers of

the three Chapters :-Waterloo Chapter, No. 2 : Z. E. Comp. J. W. Ellison; H., E. Comp. J. McLachlan ; J., E.

Comp. R. J. Shakes; Supt. of W., V.E. Comp. C. H. Dement; S.E., E. Comp. A. Scott; S.N., E. Comp. W.

Berry; Treas., V.E. Comp. G. Russell; lst Soj., E. Comp. E. J. Guiness; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. R. Colquitt; 3rd

Soj., E. Comp. J. Gordon; Organist, E. Comp. B. W. Blakeley. Brooklyn Chapter, No. 24: Z., R Comp. S.

M. Arcus; H., E. Comp. A. Schmidt; J., E. Comp. W. J. Westwood ; Supt. of W., V.E. Comp. E. B. Parsons;

S.N., E. Comp. H. Roscoe; Treas., E. Comp. J. F. Perry; 1st Soj., E. Comp. H. V. Futter; 2nd Soj., E. Comp.

H. J. Furness; 3rd Soj., E. Comp. E. C. Smyth; Janitor, E. Comp. J. W. Richardson. Hinemoa Chapter, No.

25: Z., E. Comp. Rev. G. Knowles Smith; H., V.E. Comp. O. Neilson, P.Z. J., E. Comp. J. W. Sexton; Supt.

of W., V.E. Comp. J. P. Shand, P.Z.; S.E., E. Comp. John Melville ; S.N., E. Comp. C. Pettersson; Treas.,

V.E. Comp. J. Reid, P.Z.; Organist, E. Comp. B. W. Blakely; lst Soj., E. Comp. F. C. Broomhall; 2nd Soj., E.

Comp. C. G. F. Morice ; 3rd Soj., E. Comp. C. W. Martin; Janitor, E. Comp. P. C. Watt. R.E. Comp. J.

Moncrieff, at the request of the 1st Prin. of Hinemoa Chapter, presented V.E. Comp. Martini, I.P.Z., with a

set of miniature jewels on his retirement from the chair, which was suitably acknowledged by the recipient.

M.G. Comp. H. J. Williams, by special request, voiced the esteem and appreciation in which V.E. Comp. C.

W. Neilsen, I.P.Z., is held by members of Waterloo Chapter, and offered for his acceptance a set of R.A.

Masonic jewels. The gift was very effectively acknowledged. Comp. Williams then addressed V.E. Comp.

Burgess, I.P.Z. of Brooklyn, who retires after two years' service, and presented him with a handsome case of

fruit knives and forks, which Bro. Burgess very feelingly acknowledged. M.E. Bro. Williams then handed to

V.E. Comp. J. W. Ellison, Z. of Waterloo Chapter, the original Charter of that Chapter, issued in 1876, and

gave some interesting particulars in connection therewith. Camp. Ellison stated that the Charter would be

framed and placed on the walls of the Chapter-room. An apology was offered for the absence of M.E. Comp.

M. Niccol, P.G.Z., through indisposition. A very happy -reunion was subsequently held in the refectory, and

the chairman, in proposing the toast of the Installing G. Prins., made exceedingly happy reference to the two

veterans and to Comp. Esson, who is only yet qualifying. The proceedings were terminated at the very

respectable hour of 10.30 p.m.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 21st SEPT., 1915.

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S. R. Russell 14/2, S. Shannon, T. H. Gill, H. K. Robertshaw, W. Rutherford 30/- (Wellington), J. M.

Paterson 10/- (Mataura), R. Colligan, J. Abson (Denniston), J. Opie 20/-, R. Maddren (Winchester), J. J.

Boyd 2/6 (Otautau), R. Dickson 33/- (Mangaweka), C. Ryder 17/6 (Wharema), R. Orr, A. Irvine 17/6, A. M.

Brodrick 37/6, Dr. R. A. Shore, F. Bradley (Cromwell), D. Jamieson, E. Fenton 47/6, A. P. Davis, A. J.

Hustler, F. J. Rowley, C. Blackburn 10/. (Gisborne), Dr. J. Gilmour 5/-, Lodge Teviot 37/6, J. George 28/4,

Dr. Henderson 17/6, F. P. Mitchell, A. Williamson, R. Wilson, R. Glendenning 40/- (Roxburgh), T. Louie,

A. McKinnon, D. Fraser, H. Gibson, A. Horn, F. MacRae, T. Ross, D. Finlayson, E. W. Messent, A. J. Guild,

W. Thompson (Middlemarch), J. Deaker (Sutton), W. Gallacher (Clyde), J. Kitto, D. S. Middleton (Lowburn

Ferry), R. Smith (Bannockburn), C. Johnston (Kawarau Gorge), T. H. Mee (Becks), G. Alexander, J.

Clouston (Lander), O. Moen (St. Bathan's), W. A. Bodkin, E. Marslin, A. Whittleston, J. McAuliffe

(Alexandra), F. Trevithick 10/- (Auckland), T. Ritchie 1/8 (Hastings), L. E. Collett 5/- (Lyttelton), F.

Bonifant 30/10, J. Mackay, J. Aldridge (Invercargill), R. Todd 25/-, F. Clayton 15/-, R. Todd 10/., J. Phillips

10/-., J. Jenkins (Dunedin), J. Webber (Rotorua), J. Robinson (Seddonville), W. Paterson 24/2, D. Clements

24/2, T. Sharp, A. Ferguson, J. Griffen, J. R. Sharp (Kaitangata), J. Lyall 32/6 (Balclutha), A. MacBean 36/8,

H. Ewen (Dipton), S. Griffiths, G. Johnson, F. Dunlop 39/2, Rev. Rattray, A. Japp (Arrowtown), T. Gilmour

29/2, L. Curtis 17/6, W. Wilson 5/-, J. Miller (Queenstown), T. Robertson 20/- (Aka Aka), C. Flavell

(Heathcote), W. G. Renall (Masterton), J. Cooper 50/10 (Wanganui River), A. Kitchen (Carterton), R.

Workman 13/4 (Kaikoura), J. Karlson 24/2 (Awariki), H. Kingham 21/13, J. Mayes, Inspector Hastie 17/6,

A. Newton 20/-, C. W. Wood, G. J. Wallace 10/-, J. Soutar 10/-, J. Hunt, W. McBride 25/-, J. Imrie 17/6, J.

T. Collins, R. R. Randle, A. Hornsey, F. Stowell (Timaru), F. Joynt 46/8, J. Taylor, A. Buist, H. Smith, D.

Packer, A. Guild (Temuka), – Hawken 11/8, H. Scott 37/6, Mansfield Bros. 15/10, J. Hillary 13/4, S. Bassett

23/4, J. Moyes 10/-, T. Newburgh 17/6, S. Orchard 18/4, J. Hood 23/4,, A. J. Symonds 47/6, R. Hutt 17/6, B.

Perry 17/6, F. Cone 27/6, A. H. Webb 17/6, T. Davies 37/6, D. Main 23/4, H. F. Skey, A. L. Cropp 9/2, G. F.

Allan 32/6, R. Davidson 27/6, – McCracken 10/-, G. Ruck 37/6, W. R. Cooksley 25/10, A. Morrison, R. W.

Gale, A. C. Hewlett, S. C. Bingham, R. Lake (Christchurch),.H. Ayson (Raratonga), A. L. Reid 25/-

(Thames), W. O'Callaghan (New Plymouth), G. Dorricott (Lumsden), J. Heyworth (Kilbirnie), H. Thomas

40/- (Dannevirke), H. J. Richards 20/- (Levin), A. G. Steffensen (Petone), R. Scott 57/6 (L. Kyburn), T. B.

Robilliard 27/6, R. M. Dunlop 37/6, J. Donn 47/6 (Ashburton), J. Struthers 30/10, W. Mackenzie 33/4, A.

Jones, E. D. Rowe, J. Sutherland, H. Archdall, W. S. Jordon (Rangiora), P. Angus (Halswell), R. Forsyth

(Fernside), R. McIntosh (Loburn), B. Henning, T. Wakelin (Akaroa), G. Reynish (Pigeon Bay), Shirley

Baker 10/- (Oamaru).

(All 7/6 except those noted.)

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Reports.
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[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

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CRAFT LODGES.

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SOUTHLAND.

Southern Cross, No. 9.-The regular meeting, held 6th September, was well attended. One brother was

passed. W. Bro. W. F. Irvine, W.M., gave the Ob. and Explanation of Ss., etc.; the W.Ts. were presented by

the Master and Wardens; M.W. Bro. M. Thompson delivered the S.E. Charge; and R. W. Bro. W. Smith the

Final Charge. Bro. L. L. Padget, S.W., explained the second T.B. To the Master, his officers, and to those

who assisted, congratulations are offered for one of the most efficient workings for a long time past. After

the ceremony a very pleasant social hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Clutha, No. 14.—The installation meeting was held on 9th September, and there was a large attendance of

members and visitors. After the usual business, W. Bro. Hawcridge, P.G.M., and G.L. officers were received.

The W.M.-elect was presented and the Ancient Charges read by W. Bro. Hawcridge. After a B. of I.M. was

formed, and Bro. G. T. Dent duly installed into the chair by Bro. T. Ross, P.D.G.M.; the W.M.-elect invested

the I.P.M., Bro. Stenhouse; W. Bro. Cashill and W. Bro. Bell invested the following officers : S.W., Bro. G.

R. Henderson; J.W., Bro. Robt. Henderson; Chaplain, W. Bro. B. Whiting, P.M.; Sec., W. Bro. W. G. Finn,

P.M.; Treas., Bro. J. R. Hunter; S.D. Bro. S. V. White; J.D., Bro. A. Cohan; D. of C., W. Bro. A. R.

Lattimore; Organist, Bro. P. Mason; I.G., Bro. J. R. Copland; Tyler, Bro. Jas. Watt; Ss., Bros. Jno. Clark,

David Sinclair, and J. P. Lyall; auditors, W. Bros. Wm. Henderson and A. McDonald. The W.Ts. were

delivered by W. Bros. B. Whiting, P. Cashill, and McLean. The Charter, B. of C. and By-laws were

presented by W. Bro. Hawcridge, P.G.M. W. Bro. A. Fieldwick, P.G.W., carried out his duties as D. of C. in

a very able manner ; address to W.M., by W. Bro. T. Ross, P.D.G.M.; address to Wardens, W. Bro. Menzies;

address to brethren, W. Bro. Allan. A collection in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund amounted to £6 8s.

6d. W. Bro. G. T. Dent then returned thanks. W. Bro. R. Hawcridge, P.G.M., returned thanks on behalf of

G.L., and retired with G.L. officers. H.G.W. being received, the Lodge closed and adjourned to the Dalton

Hall, where the supper was held, about 130 brethren being seated. The various toasts were duly honoured,

and ended one of the enjoyable evenings in Lodge Clutha.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Aparima, No. 77.—The annual meeting was held in Riverton on 20th August, when Bro. Thos. Jas. Price

was installed as W.M. R.W. Bro. A. C. H. Hoyles, Prov.G.M., conducted the ceremony, and the office of D.

of C. was filled by W. Bro. A. B. Haggitt. To these brethren is due the principal credit for the-very efficient

and pleasing manner in which the ceremony was carried out :—Officers invested were : I.P.M., W. Bro. A.

E. Ward; S.W., Bro. S. L. McNeil; J.W., Bro. D. M. Tweedie Treas., W. Bro. A. E. Willett; Sec., W. Bro. E.

B. Gee; J.D., Bro. E. B. Patrick; D. of C., W. Bro. T. B. McIntyre; Organist, Bro. W. A. Mansell; 1.G., Bro.

D. Telfer The Wardens were invested by R.W. Bro. Wm. Timpany, and addressed by M.W. Bro. M.

Thompson; the Treas. and Sec., by W. Bro. J. M. Aitken; J.D., by W. Bro. W. F. Irvine; D. of C. and

Organist, by W. Bro. W. D. Clark ; and I.G. by W. Bro. A. B. Edmonds. The address to the W.M. by R.W.

Bro. Hoyles, and address to the brethren by R.W. Bro. Smith covers the principal portions of the ceremony.

That Lodge Aparima maintains the fraternal sympathy of Southland Lodges was evinced by the large

gathering of visitors, representative of over a dozen Lodges; many of the brethren had travelled great

distances to be present, and every one felt he had received his just due. Something new in the district, so far

as the harmony was concerned, was the singing of the complete ode : "Onward, Mason Brothers," two verses

for each degree. To the writer's mind the innovation added lustre to the sequence of the proceedings. The

W.Ts. ware presented by W. Bros. C. W. Tonkinson, W. D. Clark, and A. W. Clapp respectively; and the

Ancient Charges were read by W. Bro. A. E. Willett. The whole of the ceremony was thoroughly performed,

and brethren were unanimous in their praise. W. Bro. Price, in returning thanks, spoke with a fervour and

sense of gratitude far beyond the ordinary. A fine banquet had been prepared in More's Hall, and a most

enjoyable after meeting was spent. To do justice to all that was said and done at the meeting would take up

too much space in the CRAFTSMAN ; suffice it to record that ample justice was done to the many good things

provided, and that the speeches and musical items were, without exception, excellent.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Orepuki, No. 137.—The monthly meeting was field in the Masonic Hall, Orepuki, on 12th September, the

W.M. (W. Bro. W. Clark) in the chair, with a record attendance, visitors being present from Lodges St. John,

No. 94; Wairaki, No. 145; Victoria, No. 147; and Aparima, No. 77. Two brethren were raised by the W.M.,

who was assisted by P.Ms., W. Bros. Dandy, Nicholas, Fortune, and Charlton. The W.Ts. were presented by

Bro. Hinchcliff, J.W. W. Bro. Sec. was confined to bed through sickness, but W. Bro. Nicholas piloted a

good deal of routine business successfully through. An appeal for the Hutment Fund was responded to by

brethren. A request from Tuatapere brethren for a recommendation of their appeal for a charter for a new

Lodge was brought forward, and the meeting unanimously decided to recommend the petition. We

understand our country brethren intend moving in this matter without any delay, and the Orepuki brethren

wish the every success. A short time was spent at the supper table ere the visitors and brethren departed

homewards.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Victoria, No. 147.—W. Bro. P. B. Macdonald, whose business calling has kept him beyond the length of his

c.t. since the night of installation, was back in the chair on 13th September, to the evident pleasure of the

large number of brethren present. For the first time for many months Lodge Victoria had no ritual work; the

consequence being that a most profitable evening was spent, W. Bro. Griffiths, Lodge Mataura, having, by

invitation, prepared an address (published in this issue) on "The Obligations of a Freemason." The lecturer

was heartily thanked by the W.M. A duet, " Ora Pro Nobis," by W. Bros. Macdonald and Brokenshire, was

also much appreciated. An enjoyable after meeting followed, when brethren generally availed themselves of

the opportunity to voice their appreciation of W. Bro. Griffiths for the pains he had taken in preparing his

very excellent address. R.W. Bro. Smith let himself go (but not enough, however) in his comments laudatory

of the sentiments underlying what was contained in the paper, and his lecturette, more in the way of a formal

talk, was fittingly complimentary to Bro. Griffiths.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waihopai, No. 189.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Gladstone, on 19th August, for the

purpose of passing two brethren. There was a splendid attendance. The work was performed by the W.M.,

Bro. A. B. Edmonds, assisted by his officers and several P.Ms. of sister Lodges. The W.M. obligated the

candidates; the Secrets explained by W. Bro. Todd; the S.E. Corner by W. Bro. Kerse; the W.Ts. by the

W.M., S.W. and J.W.; the T.B. by the S.W.; and the Final Charge by W. Bro. Timpany. After H.G.W. had

been extended the Lodge closed, when the usual adjournment to the " social board " was made.

In the past Lodge Waihopai have usually been favoured with very uncertain weather on their usual monthly

meetings, but on this occasion, 16th September, the elements were perfect, and as a result we had a splendid

muster of members and visitors. Amongst the visitors were the W.M. and officers of Lodge Victoria,

together with the W.M. of Lodge Southern Cross. A brother was raised to the Degree of a M.M. The

ceremony was conducted by W. Bro. A. B. Edmonds, assisted by the following : Ob., W.M.; Charge, R.W.

Bro. Timpany; Secrets, W. Bro. Todd; Investiture, S.W.; T.H., Bros. Stout and Haggitt; Ss., W. Bro. Haggitt;

Final Charge, W. Bro. McNeil. On the closing of the Lodge the members and visitors adjourned to the

refectory, where a very pleasant hour was spent at refreshment.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

OTAGO.

Oceanic, No. 154. — The monthly meeting, held at o St. Kilda Masonic Hall on the 21st August, was in

some respects a unique one, as the eldest son of the W.M. (W. Bro. A. Walker) was initiated, and he is the

first Lewis that has been initiated in Oceanic. Bro. Jack Walker is only 19 years of age and has enlisted, and

will be shortly going into camp. As might have been expected, there was a large attendance, including

numerous friends of the W.M. The Lodge was tyled at 6.30 p.m: The ceremony of initiation was taken first,

the W.M. giving the Ob.; R.W. Bro. A. Stoneham and W. Bro. Couchman, the Secrets; N.E. Charge, W. Bro.

H. W. S. Hellyer ; M. of Prep., W. Bro. A. McKenzie ; W.Ts., Bro. H. F. Harris ; and Final Charge, Bro. W.

Mills. The Lodge was then opened in the Second Degree, and seven brethren were passed, in the first portion

of the ceremony, the brethren being taken in two batches. The W.M. delivered the Ob., W. Bro. J. Couchman

the Secrets, Bro. Riddell the N.E. Charge; Bro. Harris the W.Ts. ; and Bro. Mills the Final Charge. One

brother was affiliated and another proposed for affiliation. The nomination of officers was also taken, there

being no opposition for any office. After the long evening's work the social hour in the supper-room was

appreciated, the proceedings being very enjoyable. "Our Brethren at the Front" were not forgotten, neither

were the Chaplain's twin boys.

An emergency meeting was held on 9th September for the purpose of raising Bro. Jack Walker, a son of the

W.M., who was going into camp the next day. Notwithstanding the early hour at which the Lodge was called

together, there was a very large attendance in honour of the popular W.M. and his "Lewis." The Ob. was

given by W. Bro. McKenzie, the Exhort. by Bro. Runciman, the E. of M. by W. Bro. W. Jacobsen, the

Narrative by Bro. Riddell, the Final Secrets by W. Bro. Hellyer, the W.Ts. by Bro. H. F. Harris, and the Final

Charge by W. Bro. A. Cannon. At the request of the W.M., the V.S.L. upon which the brother had taken his

Obs. was presented by W. Bro. Oxley. A short time was spent in the supper-room, when the health and

future prosperity of Bro. Jack Walker was drunk with enthusiasm.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————————

CANTERBURY.

St. Augustine, No. 4.—The regular meeting was held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 10th September.

W. Bro. R. Redpath, although severely indisposed, resumed his control of the Lodge. During the evening the

W.M. informed the brethren that V.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop had been practically unanimously nominated as

Prov.G.M. and would be installed on 31st October. W. Bros. McGregor B. Wright, Jno. Richardson, A. A.

Locke, and D. McKenzie were nominated for office in Prov.G.L., but the former asked to be excused of his

civic duties. The ceremony of initiation was carried out, the W.M. being assisted by W. Bro. H. H. Wauchop;

Secrets, W. Bro. H. G. Bailey (W.M., Lodge Conyers, 1916, E.C.); Charge after Investiture, W. Bro. McG.

B. Wright, P.G.B.B.. N.E., W. Bro. S. K. Bassett (W.M., Avon), W.Ts.; W. Bro. Stables, Charge after

initiation. The subsequent hour in the refectory was marked by the usual pleasant harmony. In proposing the

toast of "Our Newly Initiated Brother," W. Bro. McGregor B. Wright struck a new note when he impressed

on the brethren the duty they owed to their initiate.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Concord, No. 39.—The Lodge held its regular meeting in the Masonic Hall, Papanui, on 28th August. The

W.M. (W. Bro. A. J. Nicholas) presided over a full attendance. Two candidates were elected and one

proposed. The work was conferring the Third Degree on two brethren (at the request of the W.M. of Lodge

Avon, No. 185). The W.M. (W. Bro. Nicholas) obligated the candidates; the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. L. B.

Hall, communicated the S., T, and W.; W. Bro. Pengelly recited "Remember Now"; the Address after

Investiture was given by W. Bro. J. Hurly .(W.M., Lodge Civic, No. 157); W. Bro, Hunter (W.M., Lodge

Robert Burns) presented and explained the W.Ts. ; the T.H. was explained by W. Bros. R. Baldwin and W.

Gasson ; Bro. J. M. Beanland, _S.W., delivered the Charge after Raising. W. Bro. Hart, on behalf of Lodge

Avon, presented each of the candidates with the V.S.L. on which he had taken the Obs.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Methven, No. 51.—The regular meeting was well attended. W. Bro. J. F. Stone presided. As there was no

ritual work the W.M. had invited I.P.M. W. Bro. H. H. Pawson to deliver a paper, intimation of which was

made by circular, the subject being a M.M.'s certificate. The paper chiefly dealt with the symbolism

portrayed in our most recent M.Ms.' certificates, at the conclusion of which many of the brethren expressed

their thanks and pleasure. W. Bro. Mitchell, in a short speech, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the I.P.M.

for his able paper, at the same time expressing the fact that the wonderful work of art was not only pleasant

to the eyes, but good for (mental) food, and a paper to be desired to make one wise. He suggested that such

papers should be given when opportunity afforded W. Bro. H. H. Pawson, in acknowledging the vote of

thanks, said he was delighted to see such a good attendance. It is understood that W. Bro. Mitchell will treat

the brethren to a paper at the first meeting when there is no degree work. The Lodge closed at 10 p.m. A

pleasant half hour was then spent at refreshment.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Kaikoura, No. 60.—August, 1918, has been a busy month, inasmuch as in it we have had no less than three

meetings. The first meeting, to pass a brother (of the Royal Aviation Corps) shortly to leave for England, was

held on the first Thursday in the month, W. Bro. Richardson, W.M., conducting the ceremony.

On the following Thursday the same brother was raised, W. Bros. Howard, Boyd, Morrison, and Hayward

assisting W. Bro. Richardson, W.M., in the ceremony. On the conclusion W. Bro. Morrison, on behalf of the

W.M., in a very sincere address, presented the raised brother with a V.S.L. In the refectory, in between the

musical and vocal items, several brethren took the opportunity of giving the newly raised brother information

and instruction of such a nature as to prove useful to him whilst abroad.

The third meeting was a business one, ballots being taken for a joining brother and for a candidate.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 99.—The annual installation ceremony took place on 23rd August, when Bro. E. R.

Beckett was installed by V.W. Bro. Kenneth MacKenzie, P.G.C.D., Dep. Prov.G.M. of Canterbury, in the

Chair of K.S. There was an excellent attendance of brethren. The following visiting Lodges, represented by

their W.Ms. with their retinue, were received:— Waitaki, No. 11; Pareora, No. 134; St. Martin's, No. 162;

Timaru, No. 196; Koranga, No. 197. Representatives were also present from other Lodges—viz., St, John's,

No. 1137, and Conyers, No. 1916, E.C.; Avon, No. 185; Civic, No. 157; Cheviot, No. 134 ; Ruataniwha, No.

172; Caledonian, No. 16; Oamaru Kil., No. 82. W. Bro. K. MacKenzie, Dep. Prov.G.M, was received,

attended by a number of Prov. G. officers. The W. Pray. G.D. of C. announced that R.W. Bro. W. Gifkins,

P.Prov.G.M. of Canterbury, was present, accompanied by several P.G. officers. A Board composed of thirty

Installed Masters was formed, being the largest Board formed within the precincts of No. 99. Bro. E. R.

Beckett was installed by the V.W. Installing Master, and the W.Ts. of the Installed Master presented by W.

Bro. T. W. Manchester, Prov. G. Supt. of W. M.Ms. having been admitted, the several proclamations were

made. The W.Ts. in the three degrees were all given in "short metre" (a most commendable practice) by W.

Bros. Glass (Lodge Waitaki, No. 11), M. Ketterick (Lodge Timaru, No. 196), and Palmer (Lodge Pareora,

No. 134). The address to the W.M. was impressively given by V.W. Bro. K. MacKenzie. The investiture of

the Wardens was entrusted to W. Bro. T. C. Flatten, P.Prov. G.D., while the address to those officers was

given by W. Bro. G. J. Wallace, P.Prov.G.D. of C. The investiture of the officers was performed by W. Bro.

W. McBride, Prov.J.G.W., in a happy and concise manner. R.W. Bro. W. Gifkins, P.Prov. G.M., eloquently

addressed the brethren. W. Bro. J. Richardson, P.G.B.B. P.Pres. Prov. B. of B., made an earnest appeal on

behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, which elicited a total for this Lodge of £14 2s. 6d. An incident

which evoked some amusement was the sudden departure of a brother just entered on finding that he was not

"properly clothed," while the S.D. was fairly "streaking" after him. G.L. and Prov. G.L. having retired, the

Lodge was closed in due form, after greetings had been tendered by visiting Lodges. The annual banquet was

held in the Olympia Hall, and Bro. Barford catered in his usual abundant manner. The toasts customary to

such occasions were duly honoured. In proposing the toast of the newly installed W.M., V.W. Bro.

MacKenzie referred to his impending departure for camp on 9th prox. W. Bro. Beckett, in responding, said

that as long as he remained in New Zealand he would control the Lodge himself, coming down whenever he

could. Meanwhile the P.Ms. had kindly offered to "carry on." The following officers were invested : W.M.,

Bro. E. R. Beckett; S.W., Bro. C. Manchester; J.W., Bro. R. Creeser ; Chaplain, Bro. C. E. Lancaster ;

Treas., W. Bro. G. J. Shackleton; sec., W. Bro. A. J. Hoskins ; D. of C., W. Bro. A. Colville; S.D., Bro. W.

E. Evans; J.D., Bro. S. I. Fitch ; I.G., Bro. A. J. Jones; Organist., Bro. R. Steele; Ss., Bros. W. Barford, J.

Bird, and S. Malthus; Tyler, W. Bro. H. P. Fraser; Auditor, W. Bro. W. C. Brydon.

As our newly installed W.M. (W. Bro. E. R. Beckett) has been called up, an emergency meeting was held on

4th September, and one candidate received his First Degree. W. Bro. Beckett gave the Ob., and was assisted

by W. Bro. Hoskins (Apron Charge), W. Bro. Fulton (N.E. Charge), W. Bro. T. W. Manchester (Secrets),

Bro. C. E. Manchester, S.W., presented the W.Ts., and W. Bro. W. Coath rendered very eloquently the Final

Charge. For an emergency meeting the attendance was very good, forty-two signing the attendance book,

amongst whom were representatives of Lodges Conyers, No. 1915, E.C., and Winchester, No. 1737, E.C.,

the latter being an old member of this Lodge (W. Bro. D. Ferguson), who in the refectory recalled his

recollections of R.W. Bro. McNeill, an esteemed P.M., when the Lodge was No. 576, S.C. A very enjoyable

time was spent in the refectory, the principal toast being that of the W.M., and wishing him success and a

safe return. He went into camp on 9th September.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Amuri, No. 184.—The August meeting was held on the 23rd, W. Bro. Hunter presiding. The nomination of

officers for the ensuing year, being the principal business, was disposed of, when the ceremony of initiation

was proceeded with. W. Bro. Hunter obligated and communicated the Secrets. The brother was invested by

Bro. C. E. Derrett, who also gave the Ex. of Prep. The Address after Investiture was given by Bro. P. R.

Dunbar. The Charge in the N.E. was delivered by W. Bro. Goulding. The presentation of the W.Ts. was

entrusted to Bro. E. Britton. Bro. H. R. Davison gave the charge on the duties of a Freemason. Visitors

representing Lodges Canterbury, Manga-te-Weka, Canterbury Kil., Stratford, Methven, and Amberly

tendered greetings. The usual "Fourth " was enlivened by song and story.–[Lodge Correspondent.] .

—————————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Havelock, No. 104.—At the regular monthly meeting on 17th August there was a goodly gathering of

members and visitors. One candidate was initiated by the W.M. (W. Bro. Marriott), assisted by P.Ms. (W.

Bros. Thomas, Scott, and Price) and officers. After the initiation W. Bro. Thomas, D. of C., on behalf of the

Lodge, presented to W. Bro. Scott, who is leaving the district, a P.M.'s jewel. He testified to W. Bro. Scott's

devotion to his Lodge, to the appreciation by the brethren of the valuable services rendered, and to the

general regret at the loss of so popular as officer. The labours of the evening being ended, an adjournment

was made to the refectory, where, in addition to the usual toasts, the health of W. Bro. Scott was drunk with

enthusiasm. The W.M. ; W. Bro. Thomas, D. of C.; W. Bro. Russell, I.P.M.; Bro. Roche, S.W.; Bro:

Humphries, J.W., and other brethren all spoke in eulogistic terms of the departing brother's zeal for the Craft,

his untiring energy in the service of his Lodge, and his good comradeship. W. Bro. Scott feelingly thanked

the brethren for their gift and for their expressions of appreciation and goodwill. He would carry away with

him the memory of many happy hours spent in Lodge Havelock. Reference was also made to Mrs. Scott,

whose activity in every movement for the welfare of the district has been so pronounced, and her health was

enthusiastically drunk. Bro. and Mrs. Scott leave Havelock with the best wishes of the Masonic fraternity for

their future happiness and prosperity.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Unanimity, No. 106.—The new W.M. (W. Bro. H. R. Bagge) opened his year with an emergency meeting

on 29th August, when three candidates received the Second Degree. There was a good attendance. The

Degree was very clearly worked, giving evidence of careful preparation.

The regular meeting was held on 12th September, when the attendance was large, the sister Lodge (Wairau,

No. 42) sending along a good muster. The occasion was a. somewhat unique one—the initiation of both

father and son. The I.P.M. (W. Bro. T. F. Bull) was in charge of the ceremony, and was assisted by W. Bros.

R. P. Furness, J. Brown, W. J. Girling, H. R. Bagge, R.W. Bro. C. H. Mills, Prov.G.M., and Bros. W. M.

Lambie and A. L. B. Ross (W.Ts.). The collection during the Charity Charge amounted to £2 9s.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

—————————

AUCKLAND.

United Service, No. 10.—The August meeting was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Princes Street, on the 28th.

Proceedings were somewhat marred by the absence through illness of the W.M. (Bro. A. W. Morris), who

has the best wishes of his brethren for his speedy return to his Masonic and official duties. The chair was

taken by W. Bro. J. W. Swales, who conducted the business in his usual efficient manner. Four successful

ballots were taken, and three candidates were initiated. The W.M. was assisted by W. Bro. Dutton, giving the

M. of Prep.; W. Bro. Binney, the N.E. Charge; and the address by W. Bro. Wallace. When the business side

of the evening was finished, the brethren adjourned to the supper-room, where refreshments, harmony, and

visitors were plentiful. During the month official visits were paid to Lodges Ara, No. 1; Ponsonby, No. 54;

and Maungarau.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Rotorua, No. 158.—The installation was held on 20th August. Owing to the unavoidable absence of M.W.

Bro. O. Nicholson, P.G.M., through the illness of his wife and recent family bereavement, the ceremony was

performed by R.W. Bro. M. J. Harris, assisted by other G.L. officers. There was a record attendance, thirty-

three Lodges having representatives present. The ceremony was conducted with smoothness, combined with

due impressiveness and solemnity. W. Bro. J. W. Webber was placed in the chair for a second term, with the

following officers to support him: I.P.M., W. Bro. G. Urquhart; S.W., Bro. W. T. Pakes; J.W., Bro. J. F.

Reeve; Chaplain, W. Bro. W. W. P. Hall; Treas., W. Bro. W. Hill; Sec., Bro. W.. Montgomery; S.D., Bro. F.

Barnard; J.D., Bro. N. M. Keane; D. of C., W. Bro. H. A. Goudie; Organist, Bro. H. F. O. Twigden; I.G.,

Bro. C. R. Tapper ; Ss., Bros. A. Robertson, E. Robinson, and F. D. Davies; Tyler, Bro. J. B. Redward. The

address to the W.M. was delivered by R.W. Bro. C. H. Clinkard (E.C.). The W.M. invested the Wardens. W.

Bro. Urquhart, I.P.M., invested the remaining officers. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. G. T. Simpson

(W.M., Lodge Te Aroha), E. O. Amoore (W.M., Lodge Tirau), and W. L. Foycraft (W.M., Lodge Tauranga).

The offertory on behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund realised £7 10s. Lodge having been closed, the

brethren adjourned to the tea kiosk in the Government gardens for light refreshments, the usual toasts being

duly honoured. A gratifying feature of the gathering was the presence of a number of returned soldier

brethren, who, needless to say, received a cordial welcome.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Maniapoto, No. 206.—The regular meeting was held on the 17th September, and was well attended,

notwithstanding the inclement weather. Special business consisted of the adoption of the balance-sheet and

the election of officers for the ensuing year, the ceremonial work being confined to two passings and one

raising. Accounts amounting to £130 14s. 3d. were passed for payment, the principal item of which was the

purchase of the Lodge's freehold site, amounting to £120. The election of officers was taken and will appear

in the report of installation. The ceremonial of the Second was carried out by W. Bro. Benner, assisted by W.

Bro. Cook, Ob. and Secrets ; Bro. Miller, Investiture ; Bro. J. A. Ruddy, S.E. Corner ; and Bro. Bell, W.Ts.;

and of the Third was carried out by W. Bro. Benner, assisted by W. Bro. Cook, Ob.; Bro. Miller, Investiture;

Bro. Heerdegen, Exhort. and Charge; W. Bro. Cook and Bro. Lord, Secrets ; Bro. J. A. Ruddy, WI's. ; Bro.

Stuart, Final Charge. The Lodge closed at 11 p.m., after which an hour was spent in the 'Fourth."—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

—————————

TARANAKI.

Hawera, No. 34.—Our usual monthly meeting was held at the Temple, on 3rd September, when there was

quite a large muster of brethren. W. Bro. P. P. Hayton, W.M., occupied the chair, and was ably assisted by

his officers and P.Ms. The work set down was three raisings in the alternative Scotch. The W.M. obligated,

assisted by W. Bro. Till, Exhort.; R.W. Bro. R. W. Sargent, Secrets; W. Bro. Kimbell, T.H. ; further Secrets,

W. Bro. Thomson; W.Ts., W. Bro. Evans ; Final Charge, W. Bro. Keen. The candidates were in good form,

it being a pleasure to see the work done. Three types of New Zealand life were depicted by our candidates.

Bro. Death represented the good citizen, Bro. Capt. Spratt the returned-soldier who had helped to make New

Zealand history at Gallipoli, and Sergt.-Major Hill the young married man full of vim and energy who is

going to join our boys to keep the good old flag flying on the Western front. The W.M. is doing good

serviee.to the CRAFTSMAN by having one evening per month set aside to discuss and read articles appearing

in its columns, doubtless of mutual benefit to Lodge and journal.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Moa, No. 110.—The monthly meeting was held in the Lodge-room, Inglewood, on 13th September. A

motion was brought forward by Bro. W. Dean that a candidate should pay an annual subscription according

to his degree—i.e., a third for E.A. and two-thirds for F.C. His point was not so much a matter of finance as

of privilege, and he argued that a candidate who might take some months going through had to pay a full

subscription without full privilege. After full discussion the motion was lost. Bro. E. L. Hardie was appointed

correspondent for the CRAFTSMAN. Two candidates, father and son, were initiated by the W.M. and other

officers. The N.E. charge was given by W. Bro. Lightfoot, the W.Ts. by Bro. J. Johnson, S.W.; the Final

Charge by the I.P.M. (W. Bro. J. Roberts); the Explanation by W. Bro. T. Hamerton. The Secrets were given

separated by W. Bro. Allemann and Bro. G. Hutton, J.W., respectively. Before the Lodge closed the W.M.

brought up the matter of Lodge of Instruction. Bro. Hunter, J.W., appealed to the brethren to attend better

than they had done, and it was only by attending the Lodge of Instruction that the brethren who aspired to

office could hope to become proficient. One joining member was elected, and two other brothers were

proposed. During the "Fourth" the health of the newly-installed brethren was proposed by W. Bro. Lightfoot

and suitably responded to.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————————

RUAPEHU.

St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.—The monthly meeting was well attended by the brethren and was considerably

augmented by the official visit of Lodge Moutoa. Two candidates were initiated, the ceremony being

conducted in an impressive manner by the W.M. (Bro. J. E. M. Rose), assisted by R.W. Bro. J. H. Keesing,

D.G.M., and W. Bros. G. G. Bullock and J. C. Richardson. The motion to raise the Lodge subscription was

finally laid to rest. The report of the special committee set up to report on the Lodge finances showed that to

increase the subscription was quite unnecessary, that the Lodge was in a good financial position, and that

members should be more prompt in payment of their dues. In the refectory a pleasant hour was spent. £40

was raised in the room for the purpose of buying a billiard table for the Returned Soldiers' Convalescent

Home. In addition to the customary toasts, Bro. W. J. Trownson, who leaves for camp on the 9th October,

was honoured by the brethren in hearty manner.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Huia, No. 171.—An emergency meeting was held on 29th August, when three candidates were initiated, a

good attendance being recorded. The monthly meeting was held on 5th September, when one brother was

raised to the degree of a M.M., the W.M. being assisted by the P.Ms. Owing to the exigencies of the war, this

Lodge had the misfortune to lose its Organist. However, W. Bro. A. J. Graham, being a man of many parts,

very willingly and ably stepped in, and filled the breach, which act is duly appreciated by the brethren. After

the conclusion of the evening's proceedings a few minutes were spent in the refectory, when we had an

unexpected visit from R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash, who, after pressure had been brought to bear, delivered an

interesting and optimistic address dealing with the potentialities of Masonry, in the Ruapehu district in

particular, all of which was well received by all present.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————————

WELLINGTON.

Waterloo, No. 13.—The ceremony of installing Bro. W. A. Parton as W.M. and the investiture of officers

took place at the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, on 9th September. There was a large attendance of visitors

and brethren, including 53 P.Ms. The Lodge was specially favoured by the presence of a number of G.L.

officers and the W.M. (W. Bro. Whelan) and officers of Lodge Victory (Nelson). W. Bro. Gordon conducted

the ceremony of installation up to the B. of I.Ms., when R.W. Bro. G. Wilson, P.P.G.M., took charge of and

completed the ceremony. M.W. Bro. M. Niccol, P.G.M., G.S., addressed the W.M.; R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison,

P.G.M. the Wardens; and M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, the brethren. P.G.M., Bros. Palmer and MacMorran

acted as S.W. and J.W. respectively, and W. Bro. Scott as I.G. The presenting officers were W. Bro. A.

Erskine, G.S.D. of C., and W. Bro. Wm. C. Robinson, P.M. The trumpet calls were nicely given by Bro.

Manthell, and Bro. J. Cowley acted as Organist. The investiture of officers was undertaken by W. Bro. G. E.

Smith, who invested the following brethren;: S.W., Bro. F. H. Mather; J.W. Bro. W. Berry ; Sec., W. Bro. G.

E. Smith ; Treas., Bro. A. W. Press; D. of C., W. Bro. A. Erskine, G.S. ; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. Mowatt ; S.D.,

Bro. T. R. Wallace; J.D., Bro. E. C. Gannaway; I.G., Bro. J. E. Dawson; S.S. Bro. A. Holloway ; J.S., Bro. C.

N. Cathie; assist.-Ss., Bros. R. K. G. Hardie, H. A. Norris, and F. A. Macindoe. The W.Ts. were presented by

W. Bro. A. Ferguson (W.M., Lodge Otari), K. M. Carter (W.M., Lodge Coronation), and S. R. Shannon

(W.M., Lodge Hinemoa). Much to the enjoyment of the brethren, Bros. Thompson, Scammel, Connell, and

Smith contributed a quartette during the evening. The W.M. (W. Bro. Parton) favourably impressed those

present by his earnest and sincere remarks and thanks to those who had assisted in the ceremony. The I.P.M.

(W. Bro. Gordon) was presented with a handsome P.M.'s jewel as a token of esteem from the members of the

Lodge. The ceremonial work was brought to a close with the singing of the hymn for those in the battle line.

An excellent cold collation was laid in the large hall, where the brethren spent a pleasant hour. During the

evening the following toasts were proposed: "The King and the Craft," by the W.M.; "G.L.," by W. Bro.

Gordon, and responded to by M.W. Bro. Niccol, G.Sec.; "The Newly Installed W.M.," by M.W. Bro. H. J.

Williams, P.G.M. ; Brethren Absent on Service," by W. Bro. J. R. Palmer; " Visiting Lodges and Brethren,"

by W. Bro. R. A. Scott ; " Newly Invested Officers," by W. Bro. Robinson, and responded to by Bro. Mather,

S.W., and Bro. Berry, J.W. W. Bro. Scott, who proposed the toast of the visiting Lodges and brethren, was

very happy in his remarks. He said that, while this gathering was not quite a "Coronation," we had met for a

"Pacific purpose, and he was glad to see that "Victory" had come to "Waterloo" in "Wellington." Musical

items were rendered by W. Bros. G. E. Smith, J. Connell, E. A. Blundell, and Bros. Scammel and Thompson.

The singing of "Auld Lang Syne " concluded one of the most enjoyable evenings spent by Lodge

Waterloo.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Andrew, No. 32.—The regular meeting was held on 16th September, when a satisfactory attendance of

members and brethren was in evidence. At an early stage the W.M. referred to the recent demise of an old

member (R.W. Bro. Robert Fletcher, P.D.G.M.), who had succumbed to a protracted illness. The deceased.

brother had in his time exercised considerable influence in the counsels of the Lodge, and the existing

Benevolent Fund was originated by him. The members of the Lodge are glad to acknowledge that he

rendered it good service at times when it was needed. A motion expressed in appropriate terms was carried in

silence, and recorded. A motion of sympathy with our old brother, W. Bro. T. Jaffery, who has received

news of the death of his son in action, was passed in regretful silence. A letter was received and read from

the Secretary of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association, conveying a resolution of sympathy with the Lodge in

the death from wounds received in battle of Bro. Lieut. W. H. Moore, one of its members. Two candidates

for affiliation were accepted, one of them being a member of a Lodge in which he has paid dues three years

in advance from date. Two candidates were raised, the W.M. and officers performing the ceremony, assisted

by W. Bro. F. C. Broomhall (Exhort.), W. Bro. O. Neilson (Invest. Address), W. Bro. J. Rod (T.H.), V.W.

Bro. C. W. Neilsen (W.Ts.), Bro. R. Hutcheson (Final Charge), M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams presenting the

V.S.L. to the candidates. On resuming in the E.A. Degree, nominations of officers for the ensuing year were

received, the result being that the ballot-box will not be in strong demand. Three propositions of candidates

for initiation and one for affiliation were announced. Before closing, reference was made by a member to the

form of Lodge summons recently adopted, the opinion being expressed that an improvement had been

effected, the W.M. being understood to be the author of the design in use. As members had had time in

which to become familiar with the style of summons, it was moved that the form introduced be adopted as

the standard form for the Lodge. The motion was carried, and Lodge closed in due form. Proceedings in the

refectory were, under the circumstances of the evening, of a restrained character.—[Lodge Correspondent.)

————

Leinster, No, 44.—The regular meeting, held on 2nd September, was attended by a large number of

members and visitors, the W.Ms. of Lodges N.Z. Pacific, Waterloo, and Tutanekai paying a fraternal visit.

W. Bro. R. J. Shakes presided. A ballot for an affiliating brother proved clear. R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, Prov.

G.M., referred to the loss which our esteemed treasurer, W. Bro. W. Wills, P.M., had sustained by the death

of his mother, and also the W.M. by the death of his grandmother, and moved that letters of sympathy be

forwarded. The ceremonial was the initiation of two candidates and was particularly well carried out, each

officer doing his duties in a very capable and impressive manner, the W.M. obligating the candidates, W.

Bro. A. McLaren, I.P.M., the N.E. Charge; W. Bro. G. F. Lenzini, W.M. of Lodge Tutanekai, the Charge

after Investiture; Bro. A. F. Baudinet, Ss., the Mode of Prep.; Bro. D. Parnell, J.W., presented the W.Ts. ;

and Bro. W. J. Garrett the Final Charge. V.W. Bro. W. H. Jones, P.G.D. of C., presented the B. of C. and By-

laws. During the ceremony W. Bro. J. A. Connell, P.M., of Lodge Pacific, sang a solo in a very pleasing

manner, which made the ceremony more impressive. The Lodge was closed at 9.35, and a very pleasant hour

was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Ulster, No. 62.—The regular meeting was held at the Freemasons' Hall, Petone, on 18th September, when

there was a good attendance of members and visitors. The ceremonial business was initiation of two

candidates, the principal portion of the ceremony being done by the W.M., Bro. A. G. Steffensen, and W.

Bro. J. C. Davis. The address in N.E. was given by Bro. Harman (the S.W. of Lodge Waiwhetu) ; the M. of

Prep. was explained by Bro. R. A. Scott, S.D. ; the W.Ts. presented by Bro. R. Appleyard, I.G.; and the Final

Charge given by W. Bro. R. Jenkins. One candidate was proposed for initiation. The business concluded at

9.30 p.m., and the brethren then adjourned to the refectory, where the visitors were entertained and the usual

toasts honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No. 156.—An emergency meeting was held in Freemasons' Hall, Berhampore, on 29th August,

in the presence of a very large assemblage of visitors and brethren. Amongst the former was M.W. Bro. H. J.

Williams, P.G.M. The W.M. of Lodge St, Andrew (W. Bro. Riddell), assisted by W. Bro. Rod, W. Bro.

Rowlands, W. Bro. Oscar Nielsen, Bro. Lance George (Chaplain), Bro. Hutchinson (S.W.), and Bro:

Thompson (J.D.), took charge and worked the degree. The V.S.L. was handed to the newly raised brother by

M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams. After H.G.W. by the visitors the Lodge closed at 10 o'clock. The number in

attendance necessitated the tables being laid in the Lodgeroom, which was soon accomplished by a host of

willing hands, and a most profitable and pleasant hour was spent at the festive board.

The regular meeting was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Berhampore, on 5th September. The Lodge was tyled

at 7 o'clock, and the W.M. (Bro. G. F. L. Lenzini) presided over a large attendance of visitors and brethren.

The ceremonial business was the initiation of four candidates, who were obligated two at a time by the

W.M., assisted by W. Bro. Whitelaw (S., T., and W.), Bro. S.W. (Investiture), W. Bro. Alexander (Apron

Charge), Bro. J.W. (N.E. Corner), Bro. Hull (Prep.), Bro. Shapcott (W.Ts.), Bro. Mollinson (Final Charge).

R.W. Bro. Ellison, Prov.G.M. presented a brother with his M.M.'s certicate, whilst V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge

presented a P.M.'s certicate to W. Bro. Sexton. The Lodge closed at 9.45 p.m., when the usual adjournment

was made.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

———————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.—The regular convocation was held in the Chapter apartments of the Christchurch

Masonic Hall on 11th September. Owing to several of our P.Zs. having accompanied the R.E. G. Supt. on his

official attendance at Waimate and Timaru Chaper installations, and the fact of a popular Masonic function

falling on the same night, the attendance was not up to the usual. V.E. Comp Stables opened the Chapter, and

after consideration of the balance-sheet and election of officers, adjourned the Chapter and requested Bro. H.

Hopkinson W.M.M., to proceed with the advancement of a brother. The W.M.M. was assisted by W.M.Ms.

Gogall (Albert Edward), Jewel; Stables, Secrets ; F. S. Palmer (Canterbury Kil), W.Ts. ; T. W. Lee, Final

Charge.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Waterloo, No. 2 ; Brooklyn, No. 24 ; Hinemon, No. 25.—A combined meeting was held in the Chapter-

room, Daniel Street, on 28th June, for the purpose of conferring R.A. Mariners and Red Cross Degrees upon

fifteen candidates. The R.A. Mariners Degree was worked by Bro. J. Reid, C.N., and the Red Cross Degree

by M.E. Comp. C. H. Dement, assisted by the officers from the different Chapters. There was a good

attendance, and the meeting was quite a success.

On 31st July another meeting was held by the same Chapters, when the degrees were further explained by

Bro. J. Reid, C.N., and M.E. Comp. C. H. Dement, and the members who had taken the degrees at the

previous meeting were presented with their diplomas. It was urged by members that in future meetings be

held more frequently than in the past, to enable them to obtain a fuller grasp of the work of the degrees.—

[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Waitaki Kil., No. 8.—The installation convocation was held on 4th September, and resulted in a very large

attendance of members and visitors, 62 being recorded. There was a goodly number of visitors from

Dunedin, Timaru, Waimate, and Christchurch, including the V.E.Zs. of Timaru and Waimate Chapters.

Apologies were received from M.E. Comps. A. Clothier and W. Smith, R.E. Comp. F. A. Steans, and V.E.

Comps. A. W. Oxley and J. A. Peebles, The Chapter was opened by the V.E.Z. (Camp. G. M. Whale), and,

after the routine business was disposed of, the R.E. G. Supt. of Otago (R.E. Comp. E. Lane) was received

with due honours. The V.E.Z.-elect having assented to the Ancient Charges, and all companions under the

rank of 1st Prin. having retired, a conclave of Installed Prins. was opened, and E. Comp. C. A. La Roche

installed as let Prin. by V.E. Comp. G. M. Whale, E. Comp. J. Crombie as 2nd Prin. by V.E. Comp. C. A. La

Roche, and E. Comp. W. Brown as 3rd Prin. by E. Comp. J. Crombie. On the companions being admitted, E.

Comp. J. Crombie invested the 3rd Prin.; V.E. Comp. C. A. La Roche, the 2nd Prin. and V.E. Comp. G. M.

Whale, the 1st Prin. R.E. Comp. E. Lane, G. Supt., then charged the V.E.Z. and presented the Charter. The

V.E.Z. was proclaimed and saluted. The charge to the 2nd Prin. was given by V.E. Comp. W. Whyte,

P.G.Sd.B., and to the 3rd Prin. by T.E. Comp. W. G. Alexander, P.G. 2nd Soj. The V.E.Z. invested his

officers as follows: Treas., V.E.. Comp, A. Mackay; S.E., M.E. Comp. J. M. Brown; S.W., E. Comp. J.

McLaren; 1st Soj., Comp. T. Herron; 2nd Soj., Comp. A. Curwood; 3rd Soj., Comp. G. Puttick; D. of C.,

V.E. Comp. W. Miller; Organists, Comps. R. J. Meldrum and F. C. Burry; Janitor, R.E. Comp. Cathcart.

R.E. Comp. R. H. Cathcart, P.G.H., addressed the Prins.; the V.E. 1st Prin. of Tinian Chapter (Comp. Souter)

addressed the officers; and M.E. Comp. J. M. Brown, the companions. H.G.W. and congratulation's were

tendered by the G. Supt. and visiting Zs. A well earned word of praise is due to V.E. Comp. W. Miller, D. of

C., for the excellent manner in which the ceremony was conducted from beginning to end. The Chapter

having been closed, the companions assembled in the refectory to a light repast, where the remainder of the

evening was spent most enjoyably in listening to some excellent speeches, songs, and recitations, in which

the visitors excelled.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Waimate, No. 16.—A regular meeting was held on 28th August. The work was the exaltation of five

brethren. The ceremony was carried out by V.E. Comp. Jas. Manchester (Ob.), assisted by V.E. Comps.

Menzies, Shackleton (Investiture), Colville (Secrets), and Hoskins (Final Charge). E. Comp. Evans was 1st

Soj. The election of officers for the ensuing year was taken. Toast, song, and story followed in the refectory.

The annual meeting was held on 11th September, on which occasion R.E. Comp. F. C. B. Bishop was

welcomed in his new capacity of G. Supt. of Canterbury. The R.E. Comp. has always been a most welcome

visitor to both St: Augustine, No. 99, and to the Chapter, and we heartily congratulate him on the attainment

to his present rank in Capitular Masonry. R.E. Comp. Bishop was supported by no less than five V.E.

Comps. from the various Christchurch Chapters. It was, moreover, most gratifying to the members of No. 16

to have the pleasure of welcoming the V.E. visitors. It is only fitting to recognise the true spirit of Capitular

Masonry which prompted R.E. Camp. Lane, G. Supt. of Otago, to visit us again on this occasion.

R.E. Comp. Lane has always evinced a strong regard for this Chapter, because he looks upon it as an

offshoot of the old Oamaru Chapters, inasmuch as the Waimate Chapter was consecrated in 1901 by M.E.

Comp. J. M. Brown and companions of the Oamaru Chapters then existing. The Chapter having been

opened, R.E. Comp. Bishop, G. Supt., was received with honours. R.E. Comp. Lane, G. Supt. of Otago, was

likewise received. Sup. , G. Chapter was represented by M.E. Comp. A. C. Andrews, P.G,Z.; R.E. Comp.

Flavell, G.J. ; V.E. Comps. J. Menzies, P.G.Reg. ; J. Robertson, G. Supt. of W.; A. Colville, P.G.D. of C. ;

A. J. Hoskins, P.G.St.B.; G. B. Perkins, G.D. of C.; E. Nordon, P.A.G.R. M.E. Comp. Andrews handed the

sceptre to R.E. Comp. Bishop, for the purpose of carrying out the work of installation. A conclave embracing

eleven members was formed, and V.E. Comp. Jas. Manchester was obligated as 1st Prin. by the R.E. Supt.;

E. Comp. C. E. Manchester was obligated as 3rd Prin. by V.E. Comp. J. Robertson, G. Supt. of W.

Unfortunately, E. Comp. E. R. Beckett, who should have been put in the chair of H., was compelled to go

into camp two days prior to our meeting. The address to the 1st Prin. was given by R.E. Camp. E. Lane; that

to the 3rd Prin. by V.E. Comp. Robertson, G. Supt. of W. V.E. Comp. E. Nordon, P.A.G.Reg., invested the

officers. The addresses to the 1st Prin. and to the officers were eloquently given by R.E. Comp. Flavell, G.J.,

whilst that to the companions was given in an earnest manner by M.E. Comp. Andrews, P.G.Z. G. Chapter

officers retired after tendering congratulations. It was decided to give three guineas to the W. and O. and

A.M. Fund. The Chapter being closed, an adjournment was made to E. Comp. Barford's rooms, where the

companions sat down to a plentiful supper. Toast, song, and story filled up the evening, and one and all

appreciated the enjoyable time passed. The following morning V.E. Camp. Manchester took a party of the

visitors out in his car to see the local coal mine at Waihao Forks. Following is the list of officers for the

ensuing year : Z., V.E. Comp. James Manchester (re-elected); H., E. Comp. E. R. Beckett; J., E. Comp. C. E.

Manchester; S.E., V.E. Comp. J. Menzies, P.Z., P. Assist.-G. Reg. ; S.N., E. Comp. R. Creerer; Treas., V.E.

Comp. Shackleton, P.Z. P.G.D. of C.; 1st Soj., E. Comp. W. E. Evans ; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. A. W.

Manchester ; 3rd Soj., E. Comp. E. J. Atwill; D. of C., V.E. Comp. A. Colville, P.Z., P.G.D. of C. ; Janitor,

V.E. Comp. H. P. Fraser, P.Z. ; Assist.-Janitor, E. Comp. F. Bastings ; Ss., Comps. Barford, Malthus, and

Brain ; Mark Master, V.E. Comp. D. A. Fulton, P.Z.; E.M., V.E. Comp. A. J. Hoskins, P.Z., P.G.St.B.—

[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Wanganui, No. 23.—The annual convocation was held on 5th September, Comp. C. C. Moutray, V.E.Z.,

presiding, the business being the annual installation. G. Supt. R.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon, with Installing

Prins. and officers of Sup. G. Chapter, were admitted and welcomed. The G. Supt., R.E. Comp. G. S.

Gordon, was Installing G. Prin., and V.E. Comp. G. G. Bullock rated as G.D. of C. The D. of C. presented

the 1st Prin.-elect, who was installed by R.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon ; investiture and installation of 2nd Prin.

by R.E. Comp. G. W. Palmer, P.C. Supt. of W.; 3rd Prin. by V.E. Comp. G. G. Bullock, P.Z., G.Soj.,

investiture of officers by R.E. Comp. G. W. Palmer, E. Comp. N. Roulston, and Comp. C. P. Bates. The

address to the 1st Prin. was given by V.E. Comp. C. C. Moutray, I.P.Z. ; to the officers by V.E. Comp. E.

Runnerstrum; and to members by R.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon. Several visiting companions from Ruapehu

Chapter, No. 19, were present, though arriving late owing to the inevitable motor-car mishap en route. M.E.

Comp. H. J. Williams telegraphed his inability to be present, owing to the death of M.E. Comp. R.

Fletcher.—[Chapter Correspondent.] [Our correspondent has omitted to furnish the names of any officers.—

ED. C.]

————

Iwikatea, No. 33.—The monthly convocation was held on the 23rd August, there being a good attendance.

V.E. Comp. W. G. Finn, Z., presided. The work was the advancement of two brethren, W. Comp. Wm.

Henderson delivering the lecture. On resuming in the R.A., the V.E. made reference to the loss that two

companions had sustained—one of a son and the other a brother, the companions all standing for a few

moments out of respect to their memory. The Chapter being then closed, adjournment was made to the

refectory, where an enjoyable tour was spent.—[Chapter Correspondent.]