A RETROSPECT AND GREETING. ...













    A RETROSPECT AND GREETING.


    ———<>———


    IN December, 1914, the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, in


    mentioning the near approach of the usual festive


    season, deplored the futility of tendering the


    ordinary seasonable greetings on that occasion. In


    offering brief comment on the previous five months


    of war, it said :


    " . . . in the arbitrament of nations by force of


    arms, which, by man's inhumanity to man, is


    fostering not alone wholesale murder without


    limitation, but is producing such unspeakable


    atrocities as pale into insignificance and put to


    shame the barbarities of the ancient barbarian, a


    perusal of the newspaper press reveals that deeds


    of sickening horror and atrocity are being daily


    perpetrated in the name of civilised war, deeds


    that centuries of atonement, were it possible,


    could not expiate."


    The hope was then expressed that before the next


    Christmastide came round "all strife would " be


    ended, and the bonds of brotherhood universal be


    drawn more closely." Unfortunately, not any of


    those hopes were realised, and with each recurring


    Christmas the outlook, if not darker, gave few, if


    any, gleams of light. During the long four years that


    have passed the CRAFTSMAN refrained from war


    comment except as it affected the craft of


    Freemasonry; but in an article we felt constrained to


    write in our last issue doubts were expressed as to


    whether Germany was yet prepared to surrender,




    unless forced from within, and in the light of the


    startling events which have followed each other with


    astounding rapidity during the past few weeks that


    last sentence almost appears as the spirit of


    prophecy. The abandonment by her whilom friends


    and allies, the revolution of the German people, and


    the abdication of William Hohenzollern have forced


    the acceptance of the armistice, which must result in


    peace. May it be a peace which shall never again be


    disturbed by any nation of the earth. But in the peace


    felicitations which were so joyfully celebrated last


    month—almost under a temporary aberration of the


    public mind—there is one thought that should never


    be allowed oblivion under any circumstances.


    Notwithstanding the jubilation appeared so general


    in thousands of households, the sound of mourning


    was heard, and in each the expressive words of John


    Oxenham might have sensed the agony felt—


    I know ! I know !—


    The ceaseless ache, the emptiness, the woe,—


    The pang of loss,—


    The strength that sinks beneath so sore a cross.


    " Heedless and careless, still the world wags on,


    And leaves me broken. Oh, my son ! my son!"


    Yet, think of this !-


    Yea, rather think on this !-


    He died as few men get the chance to die,


    Fighting to save the world's morality.


    He died the noblest death a man may die,


    Fighting for God, and right, and liberty ;


    And such a death is immortality.


    " He died unnoticed in the muddy trench."


    Nay—God was with him, and he did not blench;


    Filled him with holy fires that nought could quench;


    And when He saw his work below was done,


    He gently called to him—" My son ! My son!"


    These should be the sons of the nation, and year by


    year their memory should be held in remembrance,


    evergreen, as heroes who have fought and died for


    God, and right, and liberty. And now that nation has


    ceased to war against nation, we can look forward to


    peace and tranquility, and hail the approaching


    festive season as we did of old, but with a chastened


    spirit over the great dangers escaped, and with all


    thanks to the Great Ruler of the Universe for his


    manifold favours. And in reciprocally offered


    greetings, from which we have been so long


    debarred, let us not forget our still absent brethren,


    and most cordially and heartily pray for their safe


    return to the land of their nativity or adoption, from


    which they have been parted so long.










    —————————


    N.Z. CRAFTSMAN.


    ———<>———


    It is only on very rare occasions that any reference to


    the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN has been made through its


    colunms, but the present time is opportune to say a


    few words regarding its history and to make some


    explanation as to its administration during the past


    four years. For some few years prior to 1895 a.


    series of the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN was published in


    Auckland by Messrs. Cleave and Co. in magazine


    form, but early in that year (1895) it was stated that


    Messrs. Cleave, not being satisfied with the support


    accorded, contemplated the cessation of publication,


    whereupon the late Bro. E. T. Gillon (the then editor


    of the Wellington " Evening Post ") discussed with


    Bro. H. J. Williams the question of acquiring


    Messrs. Cleave and Cm's interest, forming a limited


    liability company, and publishing the paper in


    Wellington. The result of the discussion was the


    convention of a meeting of Wellington Freemasons,


    the ultimate formation of the N.Z. Masonic


    Newspaper Company, and the acquisition of the


    rights of Messrs. Cleave and Co., of Auckland. Bro,


    E. T. Gillon was appointed editor, with Bro.


    Williams as associate, the latter brother being also


    appointed secretary and manager. The first number


    of the new series was published on 1st June, 1895,


    and the publication has been continuous to the


    present time. After the first two months Bro. Gillon


    withdrew from the editorial chair by reason of


    illness, and the mantle fell on the shoulders of the


    present editor, and has been worn by him ever since.


    Three points of interest may be mentioned, as each


    is of somewhat unusual occurrence: (1) The journal


    has been regularly issued on the first of each month


    for the whole twenty-four years. (2) Messrs.


    Blundell Bros., of Wellington, who secured the first


    contract for printing, have held it to the present time.


    (3) The same brother has held the editorial and


    managerial position for the full term of twenty-three


    and a half years. Many difficulties—perhaps of a


    minor character—have been experienced during this


    long term, but they became accentuated almost with


    the advent of the great war. Probably in no branch of


    commerce has there been such an advance in prices


    as in paper of all kinds and printing material


    generally. In some cases it has advanced 500 per


    cent. Needless to say, the difficulty of obtaining


    labour became enhanced with the departure of each


    draft of men. For the past two years the editor has


    also added the duties of publisher to his other


    offices, and in this has had to rely almost entirely


    upon his own unaided efforts. Though the cost of


    publication has increased month by month, only one


    change has been made in the journal—viz., a


    diminution in the number of pictures and portraits




    published. Though frequently urged to curtail the


    size, or increase the price, the management has


    resisted, with a steady optimism of being able to win


    through. The present issue, however, is the


    Christmas number, which has always been the


    specialty of the year, and with its eight additional


    pages and pictorial attractions has invariably


    induced the highest encomiums. On this occasion


    the increased cost has precluded the extension of


    former years, while illustrations are virtually


    prohibitive. Therefore in this instance we crave the


    consideration and sympathy of our readers, with the


    fervent hope that trade considerations will be


    entirely changed during the coming twelve months,


    and that in December of 1919 the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN


    may excel all its former efforts in volume and


    general excellence.


    —————————


    SUCCESSION TO OFFICE.


    ———<>———


    There has been ample evidence latterly that the "


    succession to office " policy, so generally adopted, is


    not productive of complete satisfaction, and one of


    its worst features is the too frequently accepted


    inference of the-holders of office that each year they


    have a prior claim to the office immediately superior


    to that already held. A brother may have "pulled


    through" the duties of subordinate offices


    indifferently well, and still not possess one


    qualification for the Master's chair, and yet would


    most strongly resent any attempt to interfere with his


    presumed prior claim. In these days of higher


    education and a more comprehensive system of


    national enlightenment it is essential that the Master


    of a Masonic Lodge, who should both rule and


    teach, should he well qualified to perform these


    functions without exciting ridicule or bringing the


    institution of Freemasonry into contempt. There is


    no lack of information or instruction to guide the


    ambitious but incompetent brother. The compasses


    remind him that in every station in life he should


    limit his desires, and that, rising to eminence by


    merit, he may live respected and die regretted. On


    rising to the first of the principal chairs he is


    admonished to assiduously assist and support the


    W.M., and carefully instruct those who may be


    placed under his care. But if a Warden is in need of


    elementary instruction himself, how can he instruct


    those who may be placed under his care: We often


    wonder what the feelings of the brother must be on


    his attaining the Master's chair, and whose only


    claim is that of "succession," when that splendid


    charge is delivered specially to him on the night of


    installation, when his duties and responsibilities are


    so graphically portrayed. If it never dawned upon


    him before, he cannot escape the knowledge


    propounded to him on that important occasion, that


    the honour, reputation, and usefulness of the Lodge


    will depend upon his skill and ability, and that it is


    his peculiar province to communicate light and


    instruction to his brethren. If a brother has any


    knowledge of his own limitations and impotence,


    such a clear pronouncement of his duties should


    wring his very soul. With the "succession " practice


    we have no objection, could all things be made


    equal, which they cannot. We most fully concur with


    the opinions expressed recently by a distinguished


    brother, who holds that the rulers of Freemasonry


    should be drawn from the very best material, for


    then only can their decisions and instructions " be


    received with respect and he attentively observed."


    —————————


    THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.


    ———<>———


    Though the Dominion of New Zealand has


    occasionally been visited by mild epidemics, or


    those that have been limited to specific localities,


    nothing like the present widespread threefold species


    of influenza is within the remembrance of the oldest


    inhabitant. It has not only infected thousands of


    people and caused a heavy mortality, but it has


    completely paralysed business, and almost induced a


    state of panic. Government offices, merchants,


    insurance offices, shops, and factories have in many


    instances had to close down, and when even banks


    are necessitated to follow the same course, the


    serious and widespread nature of the affliction can


    be appreciated.. In many instances Masonic Lodges


    followed the general example in suspending their


    meetings, and at one time it appeared that the


    December issue of the CRAFTSMAN would also go


    by default. That it is not so speaks volumes for the


    indefatigable efforts put forth by the officer in


    charge of Messrs. Blundell Bros. jobbing


    department, and that he was able to consummate the


    work with the small amount of assistance at his


    command. It thus goes without saying that the


    present issue will not in any way compare with the


    Christmas numbers of previous years. Many pages


    of matter must of necessity be jettisoned, but we


    hope our subscribers will not only recognise the full


    measure of our difficulties, but will also appreciate


    the great efforts that have been made to prevent the


    continuity of nearly twenty-four years from being


    broken.


    —————————


    NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.


    ———<>———


    Owing to the difficulty of obtaining labour, and to


    our increased circulation, it has become necessary to


    go to press some days earlier than heretofore. Until


    further notice the date for closing press matter will




    be the 20th of each month, In December, owing to


    the Christmas holidays, it will be necessary to close


    up about the 18th.


    —————————————————————


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


    A G.R.A. CHAPTER for Queensland was constituted


    on 31st October at Brisbane. A personal invitation


    was sent to the S.E. of the G. Chapter of New


    Zealand, but, as it did not reach him until 5th


    November, it was neither possible to attend nor send


    any congratulations.


    THE G.Sec. of the G.L. of New South Wales (Bro.


    Arthur H. Bray), having been medically ordered


    complete rest, has been on extended holiday, which


    it is hoped will effect his complete restoration.


    WE have omitted several Lodge reports, which came


    late to hand, as they have become ancient history.


    R.W. BRO. W. MOYES and Bro. E. H. Short attended


    the Motueka Lodge installation on 24th October, and


    R.W. Bro. W. Moyes and W. Bros. J. A. Orsman, A.


    W. Oxley, and T. D. Milne, St. Cuthbert's Lodge,


    Colliugwood, on 26th October. R.W. Bro. Moyes


    conducted the installation in each Lodge.


    IN the present age, when men are talking about


    Masonry becoming a world power, let us not forget


    that this can only be accomplished by setting an


    example of Masonic character in each community.


    Until Masons become Masons outside of the


    Lodgeroom as well as in it, there is no hope that


    Masonry will influence the world.


    IN the year 1908 Lodge Victory, Nelson, purchased


    a half share in the Masonic Hall for the sum of £680.


    A special "building fund" was set up, to which


    contributions were invited, and with such success


    that the whole amount has been cleared off. The


    total amount paid for principal and interest


    amounted to £810 5s.


    ON the agenda of Lodge St. John, Featherston, there


    were nine candidates on proposition, two of whom


    were down for ballot, and there were also four


    candidates for raising. May we suggest, festina lente.


    LODGE BROOKLYN is to be congratulated on the


    substantial reduction made in connection with the


    liability on its hall property. A balance of assets was


    shown on 30th September amounting to £1,154 15s.


    6d.


    A NUMBER of Lodge reports are unavoidably held


    over, owing to the difficulty of getting this issue to


    press, for which the influenza epidemic is


    responsible.


    "ON this, the regular night of meeting of Lodge


    Otaihape, No. 142, on Tuesday, 12th of November,


    we humbly offer up our heartfelt thanks to


    T.G.A.O.T.U. for peace declared today; acclaim


    with pride the glorious deeds of our soldiers and


    sailors and their Allies; and affirm our loyalty and


    pride in King and Empire on the final victory for


    Freedom, Right, and Justice, and that a copy of this


    motion 'be sent to the Grand Secretary,


    Wellington."—Inserted by request. [The resolution


    is premature.—ED., C.]


    AT the last regular meeting of Lodge Mataura, at the


    conclusion of V.W. Bro. W. V. Brown's address,


    Bro. P. Tait sang the solo, "The Holy City," in fine


    style. He was ably accompanied by Bro. Walton, of


    Gore, who very kindly came down especially to


    assist.


    W. BRO. ROBERT BROWN, late of Lodge Wairaki,


    No. 145, is again in harness, having affiliated with


    Lodge Mataura, No. 174. This W. brother has been a


    tower of strength in the past, and his knowledge and


    ability will be of much use to, and be appreciated by,


    the brethren of No. 174.


    AT the last regular meeting of Lodge Mataura, No.


    174, V.W. Bro. W. W. Brown gave a most


    interesting and instructive address on " Jerusalem,


    the Holy City," tracing its history from 1400 B.C. 'to


    the entry of General Allenby this year, and detailing


    the many trials of the Chosen People of God. He


    pointed out that no nation that had conquered the


    Jews and despoiled Jerusalem had prospered, that


    General Allenby entered the city for the express


    purpose of restoring the city to the Jews, and that


    Jerusalem would ultimately become the centre of the


    world by Divine right. The V.W. brother was


    listened to with rapt attention by the brethren, and a


    most excellent address came to a close all too soon.


    W. BRO. P. J. DE LA MARE, of Lodge Connaught,


    No. 187, BOW resident at Mataura, is very keen on


    Masonic work. It is quite a pleasure to see him at


    both regular and instruction meetings, and Lodge


    Mataura has greatly benefited thereby. Now that he


    is affiliating with No. 174 we predict that much will


    be heard of this W. brother in the Southland


    Provincial District.


    THE opening of the Hawkes Bay Rose Croix


    Chapter, which was a fixture for 15th November in


    Wellington, had to be abandoned by reason of the


    influenza epidemic. Unfortunately, all the petitioners


    from Hawkes Bay assembled in the capital city, as


    the telegram notifying the postponement did not


    reach them in time.


    THERE is practically no news from Southland this


    month. Influenza is rampant, and all meetings are


    abandoned.







    —————————————————————


    CHRISTMAS AND MASONRY.


    ———<>———


    [By W. BRO. THE REV. J. G. GIBSON.]


    ————


    There is a peculiar appropriateness in the association


    of the Christmas festive season with our Craft spirit.


    As a distinctively Christian festival there is no


    reliable mention of Christmas until about the end of


    the second century of the Christian era. And it does


    not appear to have been by any means a general


    custom even a hundred years later. During the reign


    of the persecutor Diocletian, while that tyrant was in


    the city 'of Nicomedia, he was told that the


    Christians of that place were holding a festival of the


    nativity in a certain building, and he closed the doors


    and destroyed them all by setting fire to the house.


    Nor does the actual day seem to have been at all


    uniform, for some held the celebration in May or


    April, and some in January. The probability is that


    the Christians in different places adopted as their


    own some custom already recognised in connection


    with pagan rites, and that this date varied in different


    places.


    And the day finally adopted by the people of North


    Europe was evidently not the actual anniversary of


    the Incarnation. It is interesting, and especially so to


    Masons, to seek the reason why the Christmas


    festival was fixed for the 25th of December, which


    could not have been the actual anniversary of the


    events or Judea's plain. We find that the date


    coincides in a remarkable manner with that of the


    winter solstice, when death has reached in nature its


    deepest grave, and when the new life began to make


    itself felt in the life of the universe. Indeed, all


    around the date of the modern Christmas Day were


    assembled a number of pagan festivals, or rather a


    series of acts of the same festival, and it was most


    convenient that the Christian reading of the solstices


    should in the Christian way be accepted upon the


    basin of rites that were all over the world recognised


    in some way an explaining the mysteries of life and


    death.


    The rites most used in connection with folk customs


    in the North of England are those' of the


    Scandinavian wild hunt, which ends in -the sacrifice


    of the boar to Odin. At the winter solstice the old


    Norse forefathers of the English race believed that,


    during the period commencing 25th December, and


    terminating twelve days later, the eyes of man were


    most open to the phenomena of the occult powers. In


    fact, Christian observances are an overlay upon the


    ancient Scandinavian Yule-tide. With great wisdom


    the first missionaries were careful to retain all the


    truth that was taught by heathenism, while squeezing


    out the vile, the impure, the reasons that could not at


    any time be recognised as in keeping with the


    doctrines in life of the Christian religion. It is not


    easy to find in any part of the world a religion that is


    wholly outside the limits of the Great Level.


    There are fundamental principles which relate to the


    creational and redemptive work of T.G.A.O.T.U.


    which are common to all mankind; and it is wise to


    retain these while introducing means of


    improvement where these are admissible. Hence we


    have in our own circles two chief expressions of one


    foundation doctrine of sacrifice that is found pure


    and single, as we read it in the M.M. Degree, and


    that is the H.R.A. ceremony. And this again is


    differently rendered outside all Masonry. But in that


    of the M.M. and H.R.A., as in that which is in the


    bodies of Masons which form the great orders of


    Christian chivalry, there is a clear all-including


    legend which does not counter that of the Christian,


    or any other rendering.


    We find, therefore, that in the Yule festival, with its


    Christian festival of the nativity includable, we have


    a Masonic Level upon which all true religions can


    build, although they may elaborate differently. The


    feast of the nativity is not a Masonic festival, but it


    is permissible to Masons in the light of the Masonic


    acceptance of the inner principle of the Yule festival.


    The student of Scandinavian mythology is struck


    with the inner and inspiring unity of doctrine of that


    wonderful and a little obscure system. There is a


    wonderful similarity to the root between the


    Egyptian and the Scandinavian ideals of life. And


    they are both revived in the Christmas festivals. The


    more we modernise our observances of Yuletide, the


    more obscure becomes the meaning of the ancient


    rites. Take them, these rites, as we find them in that


    form that is most in accordance with their ancient


    character, and you will find that the old religion, or


    the old myth, is easily made to accord with the


    essential characteristic, to the new. All about the old


    Yule feast turned upon the light and heat. Even the


    bristled masker who reproduced the Scandinavian


    boar accords well with the central fact of the


    nativity. And it equally agrees with the teaching of


    the H.R.A., and that of the Knights Templar.


    Equally, moreover, it agrees with the ancient


    mysteries of the solstices. The whole picture is that


    of the oncoming of light through darkness, the gift


    of life through sacrifice and death right through the


    old series of the ancient religions, and the mysteries


    by which these religions were 'fixed in the minds of


    their initiates is the lesson of the natural series of


    conditions. Man made perfect through suffering is


    the central ideal of the ancient mystery, although


    men have sought out many inventions which have


    had the effect of obscuring the revelation.




    The position of light and fire in all these ancient


    customs that endear Christmas to us is wonderfully


    suggestive. In the North, fires are kept in with great


    care on Christmas Eve ; as the Yule log is brought in


    and laid upon the fire, and the lights are lit, it is


    thought very unlucky to extinguish either the fire or


    the candles. And it is amid the glare of the bright fire


    and of the assembled candles that the "boar's head"


    is placed upon -the weigh-bearing table. In the lights


    are the good luck of household; woe to him who


    shall give a light from his own house to even a


    neighbour!


    Light is too precious to give away. It may kindle


    other lights, but must never be surrendered. And


    even at this feast, the feast of the winter solstice,


    there was blent in indissoluble way the idea of the


    sacrifice. With Odin was ever present the man with


    the boar's head. No sacrifice, no king, no winter


    pain, no joyous spring of a new birth ; no discipline,


    no better home of rest. For the Scandinavians had


    two heavens, one for the ordinary man who was not


    willing to risk his life; the other was for those who


    adventured, and at the end of all toil entered of the


    Master's Part first and second. The Master is dead;


    the Master lives.


    May we not as true Masons remember, too, that the


    characteristic of manhood which appeals most to all


    our fellowmen is that which is grateful and


    hospitable. Woe to the churl on Christmas Eve : it


    was also woe to the miser in the days of merry


    wassail in the good old times of yore. Houses which


    have bolts at other times scarcely need hinges on


    Christmas Day.


    Then we remember those we have at other times


    forgotten to serve. We are so filled with the spirit of


    light that we want to scatter some of it somewhere.


    Hence we help even those whom we would at


    ordinary times refuse as undeserving. We now think


    of the giving more than of the receiving.


    Pile on the logs, open the old chimney corner, let the


    table sparkle with a thousand candles, burden the


    board with the steaming "boar's head," keep open the


    doors that the hungry may feast, turn your backs


    upon the old winter that is past, and expand under


    the influence to the coming joy of sacrifice, fill the


    wassail up, call in the "mummers " as your


    Scandinavian ancestors did to remind you of the


    Yule Host that T.G.A.O.T.U. leads, load the holly


    tree down with your blessings, banish the lower self


    that the better self may have room to grow; let this


    be true of you. "The people that dwelt in darkness


    have seen a great light."—" Queensland


    Freemason."






    —————————————————————


    Poetry.
    —————————————————————


    MASONIC TYLER'S TOAST.


    ———<>———


    " Are you charged in the West?"


    " Are you charged in the South?"


    The Worshipful Master cries.


    " We are charged in the West,"


    " We are charged in the South,"


    Are the Wardens' prompt replies.


    Then to our final toast to-night


    Our glasses freely drain—


    Happy to meet, sorry to part,


    Happy to meet again.


    The Masons' social brotherhood,


    Around the festive board,


    Reveals a wealth more precious fat


    Than miser's selfish hoard.


    We freely share the priceless store


    Which generous hearts contain—


    Happy to meet, sorry to part,


    Happy to meet again.


    We meet as Masons, free and true;


    And when our task is done •


    A merry song or social glass


    Is not unduly won.


    And only at our farewell pledge


    Is pleasure tinged with pain—


    Happy to meet, sorry to part,


    Happy to meet again.


    Amidst our mirth we drink to all


    Poor Masons o'er the 'world;


    On every shore our flag of love


    Is gloriously unfurled.


    We prize each brother, fair or dark,


    Who bears no moral stain—


    Happy to meet, sorry to part,


    Happy to meet again.


    The Mason feels the noble truth.


    The Scottish peasant told :


    The rank is but a guinea stamp,


    The man himself's the gold.


    We meet the rich and poor alike,


    And equal rights maintain—


    Happy to meet, sorry to part,


    Happy to meet again.


    Dear Brethren of the Mystic Tie,


    The night is wailing fast ;


    Our task is done, our feast is o'er,


    This toast must be the last.


    Good night, good night, once more,


    Once more that farewell strain—


    Happy to meet, sorry to part,




    Happy to meet again.


    —" The Freemason," London.


    —————————————————————


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


    TURNING TO THE EAST.


    ———<>———


    TO THE EDITOR.


    DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—I am glad to find that some


    of my letters are causing other brethren to write. I do


    not expect every brother to agree with all I may


    express, but discussion is beneficial to all of us, and,


    I think, tends to add interest to the CRAFTSMAN. Let


    me, however, hasten to assure W. Bro. J. W. Warren


    that he has altogether misunderstood my reference to


    High Church innovation. As a Freemason I could


    never be guilty of sneering at any form of religious


    belief. I have always thought that the counsel to


    "avoid every topic of religious or political


    discussion" implies that we must also tolerate all,


    and respect every brother's religious belief, whether


    he is Christian, Jew, Parsee, Mohammedan, Hindu,


    or any other. To me one of the greatest charms of


    Freemasonry has always been that it is the only


    institution in the world in which all creeds can meet


    in truly fraternal fellowship and pay adoration and


    homage to the Almighty Father. I alluded to this as


    "High Church" because it is within my own


    knowledge that the practice was first introduced into


    R.A. Chapters by one who is a High Churchman. I


    contend that it is not only an innovation, but out of


    place in a body which acknowledges no sectarian


    differences, and, further, that if the attitude is to be


    adopted for one prayer it should be adopted for all


    prayers. I quite agree with him that it is an "old and


    historic custom.' It is, indeed, so old that it antedates


    Christianity by several thousands of years, for it was


    the practice in the mysteries of Bacchus, themselves


    a development of the original sun-worship.


    Moreover, if Bro. Warren had fully studied these


    origins of our mysteries, he would not have mistaken


    the allusion to "that bright Morning Star." It does not


    mean what he apparently thinks it does, nor is it


    correct to say "peace and salvation" - it should be


    "peace and tranquility." As to my writing under a


    nom de plume, I have always held that what is


    written is of much greater importance than the name


    of the writer. You are, however, at liberty to give


    him my real name, if he desires to know it, and I


    shall be glad to communicate with him privately on


    the rather interesting subject he has, perhaps


    inadvertently, touched–upon.—Yours fraternally,


    PENTALPHA.




    —————————


    OUR MASONIC PARLIAMENT.


    ———<>———


    TO THE EDITOR.


    DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— As one who has been


    present at nearly all the communications of G.L.


    held in the last twenty years, I feel impelled to raise


    my voice in favour of having our Masonic


    Parliament made more representative of the wisdom


    of the Constitution than it now is.


    Time was when G.L. consisted chiefly of the


    greybeards of the Craft—the sturdy veterans who


    were chiefly instrumental in setting up the banner of


    independence of the Mother Constitutions, and who


    were elected representatives of their Lodges by


    reason of their known Masonic experience and


    enthusiasm. But we have altered all that. The hand


    of the Destroyer has, alas, taken a large proportion


    of the members of that splendid band of well


    instructed Masons away from the scene of their


    earthly labours, and others have reached an age


    when they cannot be expected to give G.L. the


    benefit of their ripe knowledge and experience.


    The representation system adopted many years


    ago—at the instance of the late M.W. Bro. Burton,


    was it not?—excellent as it is in many ways, has not


    made for the aggregation in G.L. of the concentrated


    wisdom of the Craft. True, it does ensure a splendid


    attendance at the communications, but that is not


    everything. Its result is to make G.L. consist mainly


    of the sitting Masters of the territory. Without


    disrespect to those brethren, they may fairly be


    described as the least competent, amongst those


    eligible, for legislation on Masonic law. No one will


    contend that a newly fledged Master, whose study


    has necessarily been mainly directed merely to the


    acquisition of knowledge of ritual in order to fit


    himself for the direction of his Lodge and its


    monthly work, possibly to the exclusion of matters


    of Masonic history and philosophy, is better fitted to


    adjudicate upon the matters dealt with by G.L. than


    those who have preceded him in the chair, and since


    their relief from ceremonial work have had leisure to


    look deeper into the larger matters of the institution.


    It has however, come about that representation of his


    Lodge in our Masonic Parliament is looked upon as


    the special prerogative of the sitting Master (though


    he may not have been in office more than a month),


    and the election of an older member to the office is


    the exception to the general rule. No one grudges the


    young Master the annual excursion, or blames him


    for taking advantage of his privilege, but the net


    result is that G.L. now comprises, in general, the


    least experienced of those qualified for carrying out


    its work.




    Another result is that, as every Master—or nearly


    every Master—feels it his duty and his privilege to


    attend G.L., the expense of the communications has


    become exceedingly heavy and quite out of


    proportion to the value of the work accomplished.


    Certainly it involves an expenditure of Masonic


    funds in travelling expenses that comes under the


    heading of economic waste, and a large proportion


    of which could well be devoted to purposes more


    beneficial to the Craft. Moreover, the representation


    of every Lodge in New Zealand has made G.L. an


    unwieldy body, in which the deliberation is carried


    on, for the most part, by the remaining small nucleus


    of "old hands," and the voting done in silence by the


    relatively uninstructed many.


    Were the author of the representation system still


    with us, I feel sure that he would say that his plan,


    excellent as it was for his immediate purpose of


    stimulating interest in G.L., has outgrown its


    usefulness, and that the time has come for a further


    measure of reform. What direction that reform


    should take is a matter that could, I submit,


    profitably be discussed by Masonic enthusiasts in


    the columns of the CRAFTSMAN, with a view to


    ultimate action in G.L. itself. That method seems to


    me essential to good results, inasmuch as, until the


    proposals crystallise themselves, time would only be


    wasted by throwing the question down on the floor


    of G.L. for discussion, seeing that it could not


    possibly be decided at one communication, and the


    adjournment of a debate to another year would only


    mean useless procrastination.


    As a tentative scheme I would suggest that the


    remedy is the partition of this Masonic territory into


    districts of moderate size—say, by subdivision of


    each province—each district to return one


    representative; or, perhaps, the return by each


    province of a given number of representatives, the


    members of each Lodge to vote individually in the


    election. Such a plan should lead to the return of


    brethren of proved experience and standing. It would


    not debar the selection of sitting Masters, where they


    were men of outstanding capability and knowledge,


    nor need it prevent Masters from exercising their


    immemorial right of attending G.L. if they chose, in


    addition to the district representatives, though it


    would mean doing so at their own expense, unless


    returned by the district. In that respect their position


    would differ in no wise from that of Masters in


    office under other Constitutions which have no


    representative system, or of registered P. Ms. under


    our own Constitution.


    I fear, Bro. Editor, that I have trespassed to some


    extent upon your space, but the subject seemed to


    me to be of sufficient importance to call for


    discussion, and I hope to see it ventilated further,


    with profit to the Craft. — Yours fraternally,


    REFORMER.


    —————————


    NEED FOR UNIFORMITY.


    ———<>———


    TO THE EDITOR.


    DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— A striking inconsistency in


    the instruction given to candidates in our Lodges


    impresses any brother who does much visiting, and


    must be not only bewildering to initiates, but liable


    to hamper them when they come in time to be


    examined on visiting Lodges to which they are


    strangers. I refer to the instruction given them as to


    their mode of answering the examining Master, or


    any brother by whom they are required to "prove


    themselves." In one set of Lodges they are gravely


    informed that they must always "throw the challenge


    back" ; in another no such injunction is given. What


    must be the opinion of the novice who has been


    enjoined to "throw back " as to the instruction he


    hears in another Lodge which omits such a


    direction? Must he not feel either pity or contempt of


    an officer who omits what he has been taught to


    believe is an all-important essential feature of


    Masonic tests? And when he has noted the


    discrepancy in method as between different Lodges,


    must he not feel concern, if called upon to undergo


    examination, as to which mode he should adopt, and


    whether, if he fails to hit upon the procedure of the


    particular Lodge he desires to enter, he may not be


    turned down? Even in the Lodges of our national


    Constitution there is no regularity on the point.


    Personally, I am not biassed in favour of either


    method, but I do plead for uniformity. Could not


    either the B. of G.P. or G.L. itself give some


    direction on the point? And don't you think that, for


    the credit of the institution, it is worth while to bring


    about such consistency—to have either all Lodges


    instruct their new members to "throw back," or none


    ?—Yours fraternally, AN ACTIVE P.M.


    —————————


    THE PILLARS AT THE PORCHWAY OR


    ENTRANCE.


    ———<>———


    TO THE EDITOR.


    DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— There is a contention abroad


    that the pillars which stood at the p. or e. of K.S.'s


    Temple are designated " left " and " right " in


    relation to the person entering. I contend that they


    are designated in relation to the building. Thus the


    left pillar would be on the right of the person


    entering. Will you, please, state which view is


    correct?—Yours fraternally,


    282 Rintoul Street, Wellington South.


    PRECEPTOR.




    [On page 129, G.L. of New Zealand Ritual, the


    position is explained.—ED. C.]


    —————————————————————


    AMERICAN INDIANS AS MASONS.


    ———<>———


    A writer in the "Masonic Journal of South Africa"


    gives the following interesting account of


    Freemasonry among the American Indians. Legends


    which have a Masonic colouring are numerous


    among the American Indians. Some of them cause


    the inquirer to hesitate and consider before he puts


    them aside as being only characteristic of mystic,


    social, and benevolent societies among the


    aborigines. The signs and words startle one by their


    evident proximity to those known in Freemasonry.


    George Copway, one of the Ojibway Tribe, which


    dwelt on the north-western shore of Lake Superior,


    was a highly educated Indian. He was a member of


    the Masonic Brotherhood. He asserted that the


    elements of Freemasonry had long been known


    among the tribes of the forest. He stated that the


    proficient in the art wore a small badge of cloth


    adorned with wampum and surrounded by a fringe


    of feathers. On its face was a device of a finger


    pointing to a long road, emblematical of a future life


    of instruction. This badge was worn nearest the skin,


    on the breast. It was the Indian's diploma, the


    voucher of his character, the mystic credential of his


    standing.


    There was a similarity in some points which


    characterised the principal festivals of the Iroquois,


    some which obtain among us Freemasons of the


    present day. The Indian perambulated round their


    council room, which was always an oblong square,


    while the wigwams in which they lived were


    circular. At each round of the procession, which


    followed the course of the sun, it stopped at the East,


    where the three oldest chiefs were seated, dressed in


    the most ancient costume of the nation. Each time


    certain questions were asked of those venerables and


    answers returned. The procession consisted of nine


    males, two of whom were the bearers of the animal


    to be sacrificed to the Great Spirit, "Ho-wah-ne-o,''


    whom they recognised as their Creator, Preserver,


    and Benefactor. They never used the full word, "Ho-


    wah-ne-o," but simply said " Ne-o," even at their


    most sacred festival. The meaning of "Ho-wah " is "


    Jehovah."


    Eli S. Parker, a full-blooded chief of the Six Nations,


    grandson of the renowned Red Jacket, who was once


    Grand Orator of the G.L. of Illinois, some years ago


    alluded to himself at a Masonic banquet at a Western


    city as follows :-


    " I am almost the sole remaining scion of what was


    once a noble race, but which is now as rapidly


    disappearing as the dew before the morning sun. 1


    found my race wasting away, and I asked myself :


    `Where shall I find home and sympathy when our


    last council fire is extinguished? I said : 'I will knock


    at the door of Masonry and see if the white race will


    recognise me as they did my ancestors, when we


    were strong and they were weak.' I knocked at the


    door of the Blue Lodge and found brotherhood


    around its altar. I went before the Great Light in the


    Chapter and found companionship beneath the


    Royal Arch. I entered the Encampment, and there


    found valiant Sir Knights willing to shield me,


    regardless of race or nation. I feel assured that when


    my glass is run out, Masonic sympathisers will


    cluster round my coffin and drop into my lonely


    grave the ever-green acacia, sweet emblem of a


    better meeting. If my race shall altogether disappear


    from the continent, I have the consoling hope that


    our memory will not perish, but will remain in the


    names of our lakes and rivers, your towns and cities,


    and will call up memories otherwise forgotten. I


    have in my possession a memento which highly


    prize. 1 wear it near my heart. It came to me from


    my ancestors as their successor in office. It was a


    present from George Washington to my grandfather,


    Red Jacket, when your nation was in its infancy.''


    As he spoke he removed the wampum from his neck


    and drew from his bosom a large, massive medal in


    an oval form, and passed it round. On the side of this


    medal were engraved in full length the figures of


    Red Jacket in costume, presenting the pipe of peace,


    and Washington, with right hand extended, in the act


    of receiving it. On the other side were Masonic


    emblems, with the date, 1782.










    OBITUARY.


    ———<>———


    BRO. W. DENHOLM.


    ———


    It is with regret that we have to record the


    death of Bro. W. Denholm, of Lodge Victoria,


    No. 21, who passed away at the ripe age of 82


    years. The late brother joined the Lodge in


    1879, and was senior member at the time of


    his demise. W. Bros. H. J. and E. J. Bull are


    both sons-in-law of the deceased, to whom we


    extend our deepest sympathy.


    ——————


    BRO. GEORGE HAYES GIBSON.


    ———


    A Lodge of Sorrow was held at the Temple,


    Hawera, on 28th September, when some 120


    brethren assembled to pay their last tribute of


    respect to the late Bro. George Hayes Gibson.


    A full Masonic ceremony was very ably


    conducted by the W.M. of Lodge Hawera and


    W. Bros. Hunt and F. G. Kimbell. Our late


    brother was highly esteemed as one worthy of


    the best, and the funeral was full evidence of


    that, it being one of the largest seen in Hawera


    for several years.


    ——————


    W. BRO. ROBT. PRENTICE, P.O.D. OF C.


    ———


    Word was received on 18th November of the


    death of W. Bro. Robt. Prentice, P.G.D. of C.


    ''Bob" was one of the most popular members


    in Southland. His geniality was proverbial,


    and, being possessed of a rich baritone voice


    and an ever-ready willingness to assist at


    entertainments, his loss will be sadly regretted


    by the townspeople of Invercargill. Lodge St.


    John mourns the death of a worthy brother,


    and brethren throughout Southland will share


    the feelings of sympathy and regret.


    ——————


    W. BRO. DR. W. BEY, AGED 67.


    ———


    We deeply regret to chronicle that W. Bro.


    Colonel W. Bey, of Greytown, succumbed


    last month to the dread fiend that has been


    ravaging the Dominion. Our late brother, who


    was the son-in-law of W. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt,


    was initiated in Lodge Greytown, and passed


    through the Master's chair in that Lodge. He


    was also a member of Wairarapa R.A.


    Chapter, wherein he became 1st Prin. many


    years ago, and likewise held membership in


    Wellington Rose Croix Chapter, A. and A.


    Rite. The late Bro. Bey had been a resident of


    the Wairarapa for upwards of thirty years, and


    was held in the highest esteem by all classes


    in the district. As the medical man in a large


    country district, he had led a very strenuous


    life, and since the commencement of the war


    had been on the military medical staff.


    Recently he lost his only son, who was killed


    in France, and the bereavement was a very


    heavy blow. He will be mourned and missed


    throughout the Lower Wairarapa district.


    ——————


    BRO. W. J. INGLE.


    ———


    At the August meeting of Lodge Ruapehu the


    sad news was received that one of its most


    esteemed members (Bro. W. J. Ingle) had


    made the supreme sacrifice "somewhere in


    France." The late Bro. Ingle joined the


    Medical Corps of the 12th Reinforcements,


    and left New Zealand on 6th May, 1916. In


    his capacity of dispenser he had to return on a


    hospital ship. Three days from Colombo he


    was taken ill, and remained on the sick list


    until Lyttelton was reached. He remained in


    New Zealand on sick leave for six months,


    and then left for the front with the 231d


    Reinforcements. After reaching his


    destination he had the privilege of rejoining


    his old contingent, the 12th. Although several


    opportunities were presented for returning


    home, he steadily refused them all, deeming it


    his duty to "carry on." In due course he


    reached the firing line, and went through some


    exciting experiences. At the time of his death


    he was with his company in camp resting


    some nine miles behind the firing line. On


    Sunday, 28th July., he had just got a cup of


    cocoa, and called on his mates to join him,


    when he was struck by a piece of shell, which


    rendered him unconscious, and he died two


    hours later. The Secretary of the N.Z.E.F.


    Masonic Association (Rev. Bro. Hardie Fox),


    writing from France under date 8th August,


    1918, after referring to our late brother's death


    from wounds, continued : "As Secretary of the


    N.Z.E.F. -Masonic Association, I came in


    touch with Bro. Ingle a good deal, and he ever


    proved himself a willing and worthy brother ;


    indeed, I mourn his loss. On the evening of


    26th July Bro. Ingle was present at our


    Association gathering, when a flashlight photo


    was taken, which came out fairly well. I am




    sending a copy of this photo to the late Bro.


    Ingle's family."


    ——————


    W. BRO. W. H. SHORT, P.M.


    ———


    This well-known brother of Lodge Victory,


    No. 40, Nelson, passed away at the Nelson


    Hospital on the evening of 18th November,


    being a victim to the prevailing pneumonia


    epidemic. Although of a retiring disposition,


    he was a sincere worker in the cause of


    Freemasonry, and was greatly respected. Bro.


    Short was installed as Master in 1894, and at


    the time of his death was Chaplain of his


    Lodge. He was a P.Prin. of Victory R.A.


    Chapter, and was the elected Mark Master for


    the present term. Bro. Short was married, but


    had no family. He leaves a wife, an aged


    father, and sister. The funeral took place on


    the 20th, and a short Masonic service was


    read by R. W. Bro. Wm. Moyes, P.Prov.G.M.




    —————————


    INTERPRETATION OF THE FIRST SEVEN


    VERSES OF


    THE TWELFTH CHAPTER OF


    ECCLESIASTES.
    ———<>———


    " Remember now thy Creator in the clays of thy


    youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years


    draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure


    in them. While the sun or the light or the moon or


    the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after


    the rain.


    " In the days when the keepers of the house shall


    tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves,


    and the grinders cease because they are few. And


    those that look out of the windows shall be


    darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets.


    " When the sound of the grinding is low, and he


    shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the


    daughters of the music shall be brought low.


    " Also when they shall be afraid of that which is


    high, and fear shall be in the way, and the almond


    tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall lie a


    burden, and desire shall fail because man goeth to


    his long home, and the mourners go about the


    streets.


    " Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden


    bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the


    fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.


    " Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was,


    and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."


    We have been repeating this passage for many


    fleeting years. Have we discovered all the jewels


    hidden beneath the surface? It is, of course, a vivid


    picture of old age, when the blood runs sluggish and


    the body is ripening for the tomb.


    The keepers of the house are the hands. The strong


    men that bow themselves are the limbs bent with


    age. The darkening of "those that look out of the


    windows " alludes to the failing eyesight. The "doors


    shut in the streets" are the lips closed over the


    toothless gums, and when the teeth are missing the


    "sound of the grinding is low." "And he shall rise up


    at the voice of the birds "has reference to the time


    when the luxury of strong and steady nerves has


    departed, and every sound annoys and even the


    grasshopper is a burden. "And all the daughters of


    the music shall be brouglit low." The ears are the


    daughters of the music, and they are brought low as


    the hearing fails. "They shall he afraid of that which


    is high, and fears shall be in the way",– is the


    childish timidity of old age. "And the almond tree


    shall flourish." In order to understand this allusion,


    we must remember that the almond tree blossoms in


    the winter time. At this season it is covered with a


    mass of white bloom. And so, in the winter of life


    the hair becomes whitened and the head is frosted


    and crowned with its silvery crest, the harbinger of


    the fast-approaching time when the body shall again


    become dust and the unfettered soul shall seek its


    heavenly harbour. The loosening of the silver cord


    has reference to the spinal cord, from its silvery


    appearance; the golden bowl is the brain ; the pitcher


    at the fountain refers to the clipping up of the vital


    fluid, drop by drop, and flue wheel is the heart—the


    force pump which draws the water from the cistern.


    I know of no passage in the Bible, or any other book,


    richer in beautiful imagery or more redolent of


    striking metaphor than that contained in the first


    seven verses of the twelfths chapter of


    Eccesiastes.—


    [Communicated.]


    —————————


    WHAT AN APPRENTICE OUGHT TO KNOW.


    ———<>———


    [By BRO. HAL RIVIERE, of Georgia, in " The


    Builder."]


    Masonry teaches by allegories and symbols, and it is


    your part to extract from them the truths that will lie


    of service to you in the building of an upright


    Masonic character. If you perceive only the stories


    that Masonry presents to you and do not see more


    deeply into what they are designed to teach, you will


    miss the best part of Masonry; yet you may comfort


    yourself with the thought that by far the great


    majority of Masons aro no wiser than yourself. But


    if by pondering the allegories and symbols of these




    degrees you find the hidden truth, a new world of


    wisdom, strengths, and beauty will be revealed to


    you.


    In order to understand the symbols of the three


    degrees it is necessary for you to know that, broadly


    speaking, Masonry has come from two general


    sources. One of these was the societies of


    stonemasons who flourished in mediaeval times, and


    were the builders of those great cathedrals which are


    being destroyed in France and Belgium to-day.


    These societies gradually ceased to be bands of


    operative workers, and admitted men not really


    connected with the actual work of building. By 1717


    Masonic Lodges had become purely speculative.


    We, as Masons, no longer build temples and


    cathedrals of stone, but we build spiritual temples,


    temples of character, temples of upright manhood


    and integrity.


    The second great source from which Masonry


    derived its symbolism was the ancient mysteries. In


    every ancient nation that attained any degree of


    civilisation were secret organisations known as the


    Mysteries, having initiation ceremones. These


    organisations were composed of the wisest men of


    those nations, and all the higher knowledge of


    religion, art, and science was taught in them alone.


    Men waited and laboured for years to become


    prepared or worthy to be initiated into the Mysteries.


    It is said that the great philosopher, Pythagoras,


    waited for twenty years to be initiated into the


    mysteries of Egypt. Moses seems also to have been


    an Egyptian initiate, while St. John the Baptist came


    from the Jewish sect called Essenes, which practised


    the mystical rites. It has claimed that Jesus of


    Nazareth was an Esselte, His teachings conforming


    somewhat closely to their practices.


    In the ancient mysteries of India the candidate might


    receive the first degree as early as eight years of age.


    Then began a severe system of mental and moral


    training to fit him for advancement; for with every


    degree it was intended that he should attain more


    perfection. He was invested with a three-ply cord


    called the zennar, emblematic of their triune God.


    The candidate was kept a long time in darkness


    before taking a degree, to reflect upon the


    seriousness of the step he was about to take. Truly


    wanting light, he was taught to worship God as the


    source of light. He was conducted regularly round


    the room, usually a cave or grotto hewn out of solid


    rock, passing from east to west by way of the south,


    his right side next the altar. The priests chanted, "I


    copy the example of the sun and follow his


    benevolent course." He next made a declaration that


    he would keep himself pure, that he would be


    obedient, and would maintain secrecy. After that he


    was divested of his shoes and clothed in a white


    linen robe. We read in the book of Ruth that it was a


    custom in Israel that, to confirm a contract or


    agreement, a man took off his shoe and gave it to his


    neighbour.


    Masonry demands that a candidate be prepared. This


    preparation should be mental and moral as well as


    physical. Our Order subscribes to no system of


    religious doctrine, but it requires that every man who


    presents himself as a candidate for initiation shall


    declare a belief in one God, all-wise, all-powerful,


    all-good, who reveals himself to mankind; also


    teaches that there is life beyond the grave.


    The candidate must come of Isis own free will; must


    be a man, free born, twenty-one years of age, able to


    read and write, and his moral qualities must be such


    as will hear a rigid investigation by a committee of


    Master Masons appointed for that purpose. Masonry


    tries to exclude those who come through mere


    curiosity or through a desire for business or social


    gain. To be a member of the Investigating


    Committee is one of the most serious duties a Mason


    is called upon to perform, and every candidate


    deserves careful consideration.


    Masonry invites no man. He knocks at the door of


    the Lodge of his own free will. Gold cannot buy,


    rank cannot demand; neither can learning guarantee


    admission, unless a reputation for generosity,


    truthfulness, and rectitude of conduct be coupled


    with it.


    The great virtue of secrecy is necessary in our Order,


    so that Masons will appreciate the lessons taught. As


    a secret shared between two people binds them


    together, so the secrets of our Fraternity binds the


    brethren together. If our teachings of beautiful truths


    were scattered broadcast. Wrought the world, they


    would become commonplace; so they are taught


    under secrecy, only to those deemed worthy to


    receive and practise them.


    Nothing can more torture a man than the pangs of


    remorse that a guilty conscience can force upon him.


    Sharp instruments may torture the flesh, but unless


    the torture be unto death a few short days will


    suffice to heal the wound, and only the scars remain


    to remind of the agony endured. But the torture of a


    guilty conscience is not so. Memory of pledge


    violated, evil deeds clone, kind actions left undone,


    comes to us after years have passed ; comes as we


    lie upon our beds and chases sleep from our eyes,


    and makes our bed a hell; comes amid our innocent


    social pleasures and turns our joys to pain. A face, a


    word, or an odour may bring back the hateful


    incidents of a scene that no subsequent life of purity


    and holiness and rectitude of conduct can banish


    from the memory. Brother, guard well your actions,


    that henceforth no memory of evil deeds disturb


    your peace or rack your mind and conscience!




    Prayer to Almighty God becomes a duty as well as


    the privilege of every Mason. Prayer that has


    become merely a bed-time custom is not a prayer.


    The object and effect of prayer are to bring the soul


    into conscious harmony with the all-wise Father,


    whose laws are true and just, and-righteous


    altogether. "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire," so


    says the old song. Prayer reveals a man to himself.


    For what do you pray? On what do you meditate?


    What thought do you ponder and keep within your


    heart? Be sure that it will find expression in your


    outer life; for " the within is ceaselessly becoming


    the without." Guard well your thoughts, the source


    of all your deeds and actions.


    The trust of a Mason is in God. So ever place your


    trust in God and walk uprightly through life, fearing


    no danger. Know that a man's worst enemy is


    himself, and that one with God is a majority.


    Masonic light is the object of every Mason's search.


    He seeks it in the Holy Bible, that inestimable gift


    from God to man, which is given us as a rule and


    guide for our faith and practice; seeks in the great


    book of nature; seeks in the hearts and lives of men.


    If he realise that Masonic light is a symbol for truth,


    if he sees beyond the symbol to the truth itself,


    comprehending it by the light of knowledge and


    wisdom, then the full glory of Masonic light will


    shine in his heart, and he will go forth to bear the


    light aloft and let it shine among men.


    The candidate symbolises the progress of a man


    from ignorance to knowledge, and also the progress


    of the human race from savagery to civilisation.


    Cares and temptations of business and pleasure


    throw obstacles in the way of men and of nations,


    and challenge their capability and integrity. Both


    individuals and nations must overcome obstacles


    and demonstrate their right to advance to broader


    fields of usefulness.


    While demanding that all Masons yield obedience to


    the tenets of the Order, Masonry requires no act or


    belief that will conflict with any of the exalted duties


    that a man owes to God, his country, his neighbour,


    his family, or himself. Reverence for God,


    patriotism, and brotherly love are so frequently


    inculcated and so forcibly recommended in the


    Lodge that the Mason who does not practise those


    virtues is recreant to the trust imposed in him by his


    brethren. Truth being the centre of all Masonic


    teaching, and the highest principles of reverence;


    patriotism, and charity being founded upon truth, it


    follows that he who lives up to the highest principles


    of Masonic duty will naturally practise all moral,


    social, and religious virtues.


    He who is in conscience bound to perform an act, to


    accomplish a purpose, or to keep a secret, is bound


    by ties, though invisible, that are stronger than any


    bonds that could be forged or contrived by man. The


    release of the candidate from the last ties that bind


    him to the world he has left outside the Lodge-room,


    coupled with the reception of light, is a symbol of a


    new birth, a birth from the darkness of ignorance


    and superstition to the light of wisdom, tolerance,


    generosity, and all commendable virtues.


    Charity should be a distinguishing characteristic of


    every Mason. It is in the practice of this .virtue that


    man most nearly reveals his kinship to Clod. Hear


    Buddha on the charitable man :—


    "The charitable man is loved by all ; his friendship is


    prized highly ; in death his heart is at rest and full of


    joy, for he suffers not from repentance ; he receives


    the opening flower of his reward and the fruit that


    ripens from it. The charitable man has found the


    paths of salvation. He is like the man who plants a


    sapling, securing thereby the shade, the flowers, and


    the fruit in future years. Even so is the result of


    charity, even so is the joy of bins who helps those in


    need of assistance."


    If the virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence,


    and Justice were practised by all mankind, then


    charity, as an act of almsgiving, would cease : for


    ignorance and intemperance and injustice would he


    banished from the world, and the woes of misery


    and penury that follow them would then give place


    to joy. But the poor we have with us always ; so as


    we minister om charity, let us remember that it is not


    only those who are in straitened financial


    circumstances that need on' assistance, but that the


    poor in spirit, the despondent, the discouraged, may


    be heartened and lifted up by kind and encouraging


    words. Let us give bountifully of our love and


    sympathy to every brother in distress.


    —————————


    LIGHT.


    ———<>———


    Light is a symbol of know ledge. May every Mason


    strive incessantly for light, and especially for the


    eternal light; when a society is assembled anywhere


    to do good, they require an influential person to


    communicate the light of experience, instruct them,


    and point out the way they should go, or bring light


    to them. This may be done symbolically by suddenly


    lighting up a dark room with torches.


    He who thus introduces the light into the Lodge


    must be a worthy man, and experienced in the Craft.


    "Lux," Latin for light. It has been applied to


    Freemasonry because Masonry is a fountain of


    intelligence, wisdom. and light. It is a favourite word


    in Freemasonry.


    Light.—And God said : "Let there be light, and there


    was light." In this expression there is more sublimity


    than in any sentence ever written by uninspired man.


    "Let it be, and it is,'' or ''light was.'' You may search




    the productions of man in vain for a sentence of


    equal beauty and sublimity.


    "Let there be light "—it came :


    Thick darkness fled before it, and the spray


    Of the dark waters leaped up to the day


    Of that first heaven-sent flame.


    —" Scottish Rite Bulletin."




    —————————


    THAT M.E. Comp. M. J. Harris, P.G.Z., has


    established himself as a prime favourite in Gisborne


    was evinced on the occasion of his visit to the


    installation meetings in September, when the


    members and companions of Abercorn Lodge and


    the Gisborne Chapter took the opportunity of


    presenting him with a silver cigarette case suitably


    engraved. By special request the presentation was


    made by the P.G.M., Bro. Nicholson, who is himself


    a member of Abercorn Lodge.


    —————————


    QUALITY—NOT QUANTITY.


    ———<>———


    [By J. L. CARSON in the " Virginia Masonic


    Journal."]


    In this paper I want forcibly to urge to your most


    attentive consideration the fact that it is not on


    numbers that the success of Freemasonry depends.


    Believe me when I say, after many years of intimate


    association with the Order, from experience gained


    in many jurisdictions, Lodges, and degrees, and an


    extensive and long-continued consideration of its


    peculiar and interesting aspects, backed up by a


    love. and veneration for it, which, though feeble and


    faulty in many respects, is second to none, that it is


    the quality of our members which we should look to,


    and not their numbers, as alone contributing as well


    to the nobility and security of our institution as a


    whole, as to the success and reputation of those


    integral and component parts of it.


    The objects, aims, and teachings of Freemasonry are


    very high and comprehensive. Her science is no


    longer operative, but speculative, and as such she


    invites her sons to utilise not only the revelations of


    the universe, but the intellectual faculties with which


    they have been endowed, towards a contemplation


    of the Mighty Light which shone upon the darkness


    of chaotic void and constructed the stupendous


    edifice of this mundane sphere. She asks us to view


    this structure of Time, with its massive pillars and


    great foundations laid in the Creation week, and


    maintained throughout the progress of human


    destinies by the wondrous fiats of the natural laws


    which baffle finite intellect, as an emanation of the


    Deity—the Great Architect of the world's colossal


    form—and the Grand Geometrician who maintains,


    by the harmony of his perfect plans, the symmetry


    and superhuman beauty of nature's loveliness, of


    which the more we see as we ascend the staircase of


    life, the greater appears to be the majesty of the


    Mighty Builder, and the more acutely we become


    impressed with the fragility and impotency of


    ourselves. But Freemasonry brings us further still


    she seeks that in our circumambulation of the Lodge


    below view its transitory edifice, and these fleeting


    environments of Time, as also a forecast of the


    enduring Temple of Eternity, the everlasting


    residence of the Most High; and that, as the


    craftsmen of old worked in the quarries of Tyre and


    the forests of Lebanon, and further prepared and


    polished the material. that with aptitude and


    exactness the stones and beams might be fitted for


    the building of the Solomonic temple at Jerusalem,


    and being directed and kept in order by the wisdom.


    strength, and mechanical harmony of the Grand


    Masters, so we are taught in the ceremonies of our


    symbolic Craft to work and to prepare in the quarries


    and forests of life, to polish and to fit ourselves


    under the All-Seeing Eye of the Supreme Grand


    Master, for places side by side with other stones


    similarly denuded of the excrescences of vice, in the


    Eternal Temple of the Heavenly Jerusalem, the


    Grand Lodge Above, Free and Accepted by the


    Most, High, when the Lodge below shall have for


    over ceased its labours and time shall be no more.


    Freemasonry thus brings before us the Omnipotence,


    Omniscience, and Omnipresence of the Deity, the


    common Father of all, and we are bound to love and


    venerate Him as such : and likewise she teaches that


    we are concomitantly bound to recognise the great


    human family, being His children, as our brethren,


    and to be guided in our actions through life by a


    recognition of these principles and :in


    acknowledgment of corresponding obligations.


    Freemasonry knows no particular creed or party,


    divests herself of all sectarian prejudices, religious


    bigotries, polemical strifes, political differences and


    animosities, or social watches and distinctions


    (though, of course, paying honour where honour is


    clue), and insists alone upon the common connecting


    bonds which should link us together here, the


    uncertainty and instability of our condition in the


    Lodge below, all alike being brothers of the dust ;


    she bids us contemplate the awful and solemn fact of


    the immortality of the soul, that as we look forward


    to be raised from mortality to incorruptibility, so our


    feet should press firmly the rounds of Jacob's


    Ladder—faith, hope, and charity—while we


    endeavour to ascend; practising the grand principles


    of brotherly love, relief, and truth to all our brethren,


    the practical emanations of those great virtues,


    "prudence directing us, temperance chastening us,


    fortitude supporting us, and justice the guide of all




    our actions," over evincing to the Most High, loyalty


    to the powers that be, love to our fellows, industry,


    integrity, and self-control. Such being the noble and


    comprehensive aims of our time-honoured


    institution, the Universal Brotherhood, that has been


    often so ruthlessly assailed, and ever bears


    unflinchingly. And unhurt, the brunt and violence of


    opposing storm, need we feel surprised if


    occasionally. to our sorrow and dismay, we find


    departures from her straight and undeviating


    precepts, lack of zeal, or a deficiency of those


    capacious sympathies which should ever


    characterise a truly Masonic heart?


    No; until the Lodge below is transmuted into the


    Lodge above, the frailties, imperfections, and


    backslidings incidental to everything mundane will,


    alas, occasionally blemish the exterior of our fair


    form, and temporarily disturb the homogeneity and


    moral cohesion of its structure. As there are


    occasional but only transitory disturbances from the


    laws of nature, so there will be deviations from the


    fixed principles of Freemasonry, and perturbations


    in integral portions of her domain. Let us not be


    disheartened by failures, ever how lamentable; but


    let us be the more careful to bring within our portals


    none but those of whom we may have reasonable


    expectation that they may be a credit rather than the


    reverse; such men as may at all events seem to have


    the characteristics of which a good Mason should be


    formed and be prepared in the heart, the true


    chamber of Masonic preparation. Unless a man has


    reverence for T.G.A.O.T.U., some good solid sense


    so as to recognise his obligations to others and to


    himself, and somewhat of the spirit of love and


    kindliness of disposition, how can it be expected that


    any ceremonial or symbolic teaching will make him


    a worthy pillar in the phenomenal state of our grand


    speculative structure? Brethren, pardon me for


    dwelling on the advice I humbly tender you: be more


    careful of your quality than of your quantity; don't,


    through mistaken zeal, augment your Lodge roll at


    the expense of the fibre you admit to it. Seek but


    those who are likely to be actuated by charity,


    devotion, honour, and straightforwardness, and that


    you believe will bind themselves to the Order as the


    Order does to all true and trusty brethren, mutually


    and reciprocally hand to hand, foot to foot, shoulder


    to shoulder, in the great and oftentimes difficult


    labour of life.


    —————————


    TYRE OF THE PHOENICIANS.


    ———<>———


    [By FRED P. CREE.]


    ———


    Off the coast of Asia, some one hundred and twenty


    miles north-west of Jerusalem, lies a barren, rocky


    island over the greater part of which now washes the


    sea : but on this island once stood the greatest city of


    the then known world ; here once entered the


    commerce and culture of earth ; through the streets


    of this city passed the peoples of all races ; from it


    went out the light of science, literature, and the


    arts—for this was the site of Tyre of the


    Phoenicians, the city of Hiram the King.


    To us moderns, the word "city" at once brings a


    mental picture of tall buildings, chimneys belching


    smoke, long trains of cars hurrying here and there to


    depots, and, perhaps, great steamships slowly


    steaming to port. Not such, however, was this queen


    of the ancient world in the days of Hiram. Nestled


    on its rocky island. surrounded by the sea, and


    connected with the shore by a bridge of boats some


    three miles long, it presented a picture of white


    houses, two or three stories in height, palaces rising


    above deep, green foliage, and no smoke, save from


    the sacred fires from its temples.


    Hiram ruled the world, not by the sword, as Rome


    ruled, but by commerce. Into the little port—for a


    modern ship could not find shelter in either


    harbour—came the wealth of the world of his day.


    In its markets was to be found the tin from far-away


    Spain, the copper of Cypress, rams from Arabia,


    grain from Judea, linen from Egypt„ dyes from


    Greece, and ivory from the Persian Gulf. Here all


    races met to interchange their goods, and from Tyre


    went out the Dionysic artificers to design temples,


    palaces, and buildings for the surrounding kings.


    Egypt perfected much, but it was from Tyre that her


    knowledge was diffused to other lauds. There her


    sombre designs of temples were modified into the


    ideas that later gave us the buildings of Greece by


    joining with them the ideas of other lands. The


    sailors of Tyre penetrated to the far distant shores of


    the sea that washed their island. In their ships


    (scarce more than forty feet was the largest) they


    sailed into the far Atlantic and up even to England.


    So it is not strange that the great city grew from its


    island site up the main land shore and over near-by


    isles, until the palaces of its merchant princes were


    more luxurious than the dwellings of many kings.


    But as to the city itself. Let us picture it as we see it


    from the hills of the shore. To the north lies the


    harbour known as the Sidonian, to the south that


    known as the Egyptian. Both were about three


    thousand feet in area, protected by a sea wall, and


    closed by night with an iron beam. The two harbours


    were connected by a canal that ran through the


    centre of the city, and along this canal, clossed at


    places by bridges, were the clocks and the market of


    the world. Picture a wide street, strange boats with


    lowered masts on either side of a wide canal some


    forty feet wide that ran down its centre, and is




    crossed here and there by a bridge ; thousands of


    slaves—black, yellow, white—labouring at great


    bales of goods. Here piles of crude tin, here great


    heaps of ivory, there a cage of strange birds, and the


    babble of a thousand different languages, and you


    have a faint idea of this great street, the marketplace


    of earth in the clays of Solomon. There is no place


    like it on earth to-day.


    Let us gaze front this picture to the temples. The


    most interesting is that of Melcarth, the great god of


    the city, and in it Herodotus tells us he saw a pillar


    of emerald that shone by night of its own lustre. In


    front of this temple stood two tall pillars—one


    dedicated to winter, the other to summer. The next


    most interesting temple is that of Afradite, whose


    orgastic worship afterwards brought disgrace on the


    city, and who has led to the word Phoenicia being


    associated with wicked devil worship and caused to


    be forgotten that this race gave us the letters which


    we now form into our words. This temple stood


    apart from the main street, and was even more


    beautiful than the great temple. There were some


    twenty other temples in the city, and across another


    island, connected with the main island by a stone


    bridge, stood the palace of Hiram the King.


    Such was this strange city. Succeeding races have


    despoiled its ruins, until to-day the traveller passes it


    as uninteresting, and not until one searches through


    the histories of other lands does he discover that on


    this island once stood a city that played a great part


    in the diffusion of the arts and sciences among the


    various races of man.—" The Master Mason."


    —————————


    FREEMASONRY IN ST. HELENA.


    ———<>———


    [By BRO. J. L. CARSON.]


    ———


    The Island of St. Helena is small, its area being only


    forty-five square miles, and undiscovered until 1501.


    It became a dependency of Great Britain in 1651.


    The old East India Company secured a charter of


    possession in 1673, and governed the island until


    1834, when it became a Crown Colony.


    Jamestown, the capital, has a population of about


    3,000—the total population of the island being under


    5,000 — composed of military and government


    officials, "Yamstacks," residents principally


    descended from European and Asiatic settlers. And


    "Capeboys" from the African negroes of the West


    Coast, who were bought and brought ashore from


    slave ships previous to 1834, when England


    purchased all the slaves for about £20,000, and gave


    them their freedom. Jamestown is picturesquely


    situated in a deep valley at the head of the bay, a


    ladder six hundred feet long leading from the town


    up the face of an almost perpendicular cliff to the


    top of Ladder Hill, the seat of the Garrison.


    Longwood, where Napoleon lived during his exile,


    and where he died, can be reached by a good road


    from the top of Ladder Hill, or by a drive of three


    miles up the valley from Jamestown. This is the


    Mecca of all visitors to the island.


    St. Helena has a very fine climate, the oak and


    banana, Scotch pines and bamboos, willows and


    orange trees, poplars and lemon trees grow side by


    side. Farmers raise three crops of potatoes annually,


    two of which they export. Here you find doves,


    partridges, and sparrows, and as a strange freak of


    nature the rats build their nests in high trees. There


    are no bees, no lakes, no fresh water fish in the


    rivers; but round the coast are found no less than


    sixty-five species of salt-water fish, in which a large


    export trade is cultivated.


    In 1764 the "Ancient" G.L. of England chartered


    Lodge No. 132, which lapsed after a few years'


    struggle. The "Modern" G.L. chartered Lodge No.


    568 in 1798, and its Warrant was signed by the


    celebrated G.Sec., Bro. Wm. White, and issued to F.


    Robson, S. Fraser, and D. Hamilton, to hold a Lodge


    "to be opened in a house on said Island," for "such a


    sum of money as may suit the convenience of the


    Lodge and reasonably be expected towards the


    Grand Charity."


    Lieut.-Col. Francis Robson was Lieutenant-


    Governor of the Island in 1801-3, and "Prov.G.M. of


    St. Helena." He was succeeded in 1803 by David


    Kay, M.D., who was Dep.G.M. for many years. In


    1813, at the revision of English Lodges consequent


    upon the "Union," the Lodge became No. 588, and


    was erased in 1832, not having been heard of, or


    from, for years. "St. Helena Lodge," No. 718—now


    488—was warranted in 1843, while the ''Old Rock


    Lodge." No. 1214 (now 912) received its Charter in


    1862. Both these Lodges still meet regularly in the


    little Masonic Hall in Jamestown, and are another


    link in the great chain of Freemasonry that circles


    the globe. They carry in their minute books the


    names of visitors from all parts of the world, and


    here, indeed, Masons from the East give the right


    hand of fellowship to brethren from the West. It is


    just a place where one expects "to part to meet no


    more" until the great meeting in the Grand Lodge


    Above.


    May T.G.A.O.T.U. ever be kind to those worthy


    hospitable brethren who keep the old flag of


    Freemasonry flying in lonely St. Helena.—" The


    Freemason," London.









    —————————


    SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED TO 20th


    NOVEMBER, 1918.


    ———<>———


    J. Baird (Kokonga), C. S. Stemson 17/- (Kingsland).


    Rev. C. Thomas 10/- (Auckland), T. Kennedy


    (Dargaville), J. N. Carson, R. M. Henderson


    (Lyttelton), J. R. Palmer, G. Parkinson 30/-, P.


    Strachan 15/-, J. G. Williams (Denniston), W.


    Robertson (Brookside), D. Wilkinson, A. A.


    Readdie, F. E. South, W. W. Williamson. G. R.


    Knibb, G. H. Patrick. G. T. Gale, F. J. Paterson. J.


    Dean (Geraldine), Baxter Bros. (Ruapuna), W.


    McClea 10 - (Christchurch), J. Robertson


    (Waimate), A. McDougall. R. G. V. Parker


    (Wellington), W. Keller 25/-, A. Cowie 27/6. H. A.


    Thompson 27/6, H. M. Coulson 27/6, J. J. Breeze


    10/10, W. Shannon, A. A. Andrews. G. Yeale


    (Hokitika), B. Bagley (Dannevirke), W. C. Hyde


    10/- (Nelson), E. Warnes 17/6, J. Steer 17/6, H. G.


    Clear 18/4, A. Naylor, R. H. Richmond 15/, G. R.


    Harker 15/-, Capt. Colclough 15/-, J. R. Simpson


    17/6, R. Williams 20/-, W. J. Watson, F.


    Barrowman, F. A. Kitchingham, G. F. Moss, J.


    Tennant, J. S. Nash, A. Fairhall, E. Larcombe


    (Greymouth), G. H. Clapham. G. T. Adamson 27/6


    (Ross). G. W. Palmer 26/8 (Wanganui), G. D. H.


    Smith (Hamua), T. H. McVilly 42/6 (Victoria), H.


    M. Thorpe (Ngaruawahia), W. Hindmarsh 15/-, W.


    H. Nicholas 37/6, R. Lochore 27/6, A.P. Mori 12/6,


    N. A. Gandel 10/-, M. N. Rivers 35/-, W. J.


    Robinson, J. B. Auld (Reefton), E. Barter 20/-


    (Rangiora). Dr. Telford 22/6, G. Brown, E.


    Dumpleton, R. Dale, H. L. Neilson, S. Pendleton. A.


    D. Robertson, J. Watson, L. Y. Rasmussan


    (Blackball), D. Armstrong. (Ngahere), S. F.


    Tomlinson (Cobden), H. Griffiths. J. Richards, P.


    Dafforn, J. S. Nimmo, J. Rogers. W. Dando


    (Brunnerton). A. J. Boddy (Runanga), W. Hewitson,


    W. Watson (Burnett’s Face), H. W. Farrier 38/10


    (Rangiora).


    (All 7/6 except those otherwise noted.)


    —————————————————————


    Reports.
    —————————————————————


    [Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward


    Reports.]


    ————


    CRAFT LODGES.


    ————


    SOUTHLAND.


    Taringatura, No. 100.—The regular meeting was


    held on 21st October. W. Bro. S. E. Griffiths


    presiding, with a good attendance of brethren and


    two visitors. A volume of business was transacted,


    including the election of W.M. and officers for the


    ensuing term, our present W.M. (W. Bro. S. E.


    Griffiths) being re-elected for another term. The


    annual report and balance-sheet was adopted. Two


    brethren were passed to the Second Degree by the


    W.M., assisted by P.Ms. Bros. Johnson (Secrets),


    Walker (S.E. Address), M. Beer (W.Ts.), and W. A.


    Roxburgh (Final Charge). A vote of two guineas was


    granted for an appeal. The widow of our much


    respected late Sec. (Bro. W. H. Clark, P.M.)


    presented the Lodge with two bound volumes of


    Lodge notices, installation programmes, and menu


    cards—a collection for many long years. It will be


    remembered that our late brother was an artist of


    great merit in compiling a toast list with poetic


    quotations. The menu cards and toast lists were


    much sought after at every installation of Lodge


    Taringatura. Our late brother had also a library of


    some hundreds of books, some of which were of


    considerable value, part of which has been disposed


    of in Dunedin. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs.


    Clark for her generosity. The Lodge was closed at


    10.45 p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———


    Mataura, No. 171.—Visitation has been the order


    of the day between Lodges Harvey, No. 49. and


    Mataura. At the last regular meeting of this Lodge


    W. Bro. E. C. Smith, accompanied by Bro. Walton


    and others, were in attendance. and on the following


    Wednesday W. Bro. J. N. West, accompanied by his


    officers and brethren, visited Lodge Harvey, and, at


    the invitation of W. Bro. A. G. Clark, assisted in the


    ceremony of initiation. This particular ceremony was


    of especial interest in that one of the candidates was


    a Lewis, and his father (W. Bro. Ray), who was in


    attendance, has been one who has taken a very great


    interest in the Craft, and it is very gratifying to see a


    son following in so worthy a father's footsteps.—


    [Lodge Correspondent.]


    ——————


    OTAGO.


    Oamaru Kil., No. 82.—The installation meeting


    was held in Oamaru on 23rd October and brought a


    large gathering of brethren from town and country,


    the local Lodges also being well represented. Much


    regret, however, was expressed for the absence of


    the R.W. Prov.G.M. (Bro. R. Hawcridge), who,


    unfortunately was detained at the last moment by a


    variety of causes. The ceremony was exceedingly


    well performed by W. Bro. J. Taylor, an old P.M. of


    the Lodge, assisted by a number of old P.Ms., who


    showed by their proficiency that they had not


    forgotten the teachings of their youth, while the


    experienced and systematic methods of W. Bro. D.


    Miller as D. of C. caused every part to come




    smoothly and in due order. The several addresses to


    the W.M., Wardens, and brethren were given very


    impressively by W. Bros. D. Miller, J. C. Dickson,


    and William Bee respectively. The W. Installing


    Master presented the Charter, and W. Bros. W.


    Miller and J. Crombie obligated and invested the


    officers. A word of praise is also due to the Chaplain


    of the Lodge (W. Bro. W. Miller), who is always


    impressive in the earnest manner in which he


    performs his duties. Bro. David A. Bee was installed


    as W.M., and invested his I.P.M., W. Bro. J.


    Crombie ; and the following brethren were invested


    in their several offices : S.W., Bro. W. Brown; J.W.,


    Bro. J. Maclaren : Treas.. W. Bro. G. M. Procter ;


    Sec., W. Bro. J. M. Brown ; Chaplain. W. Bro. W.


    Miller ; D. of C.. W. Bro. D. Miller; S.D., Bro. G.


    Puttick ; J.D., Bro.A. Riach ; I.G., Bro. W. Shirkey :


    Organist. Bro. J. B. Fergusson ; Ss.. Bros. E.


    Hambleton. J. Toner, and H. L. Familton ; Tyler,


    Bro. J. C. Walker; Auditors, W. Bros, C. A. La


    Roche and W. G. Davies. A liberal collection was


    taken up for the W. and O. and A.M. Fund. Two


    candidates were elected. A large number of


    telegrams, apologising for absence and tendering


    hearty congratulations, were read. Congratulations


    and good wishes were given by many visitors and


    members of the Lodge, and finally, by the prompt


    and excellent manner in which the ceremony was


    conducted, the Lodge was closed at an early hour,


    which enabled the brethren and visitors especially to


    have a good time in the refectory without being


    detained too late.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ——————


    Oceanic, No, 154.—The annual meeting for the


    installation of the W.M. and the investiture of


    officers was held in the St. Kilda Masonic Hall on


    the 16th ult. The Lodge was tyled at 4 p.m., and after


    the ordinary business R.W. Bro. R. Hawcridge,


    Prov.G.M., accompanied by the G.L. officers, was


    received, The \\V.\\[.-elect took the usual Obs., and a


    B. of I.M. was formed, when the Prov.G.M. installed


    Bro. William Henry Mills as W.M. for the ensuing


    year. Bro. Mills having invested his I.P.M. (Bro. A.


    Walker), the Board was closed and the Lodge called


    off. On resuming in the evening, there was a ery


    large and representative attendance, not only the


    New Zealand G.L. being well represented, but the


    Dist. and Prov.G.Ms. of the other Constitutions, well


    supported by their own G.L. officers, were present.


    After the usual proclamation and salutes in the


    various degrees, and the presentation of the W.Ts.


    by W. Bros. J. Couchman, J. Bissland, and J. A. P.


    Fredric, the R.W. Prov.G.M. presented the W.M.


    with the Charter and B. of C., and R.W. Bro. T.


    Ross. P.D.G.M., addressed him. R.W. Bro. A.


    Stoneham, P.Prov.G.M., then invested Bro. H. F.


    Harris as S.W., and Bro. M. J. Pierce as J.W. R.W.


    Bro. A. Flett, P.Prov.G.M., addressed the Wardens.


    W. Bro, Hay, G.S.B., then invested the following


    officers : Sec., W. Bro. W. Jacobsen ; D. of C., W:


    Bro. H. W. S. Hellyer; Chaplain, Bro. A. D. Edgar ;.


    Organist, Bro. C. G. Titchener. The Treas. (Bro. A.


    J. Runciman) is at present in camp. R.W. Bro. A.


    Fieldwick, P.G.W., then invested : S.D., Bro. W. H.


    Riddle; J.D., Bro. W. S. McCrorie; I.G., Bro. J. H.


    Ching; Tyler, Bro. C. Tilleyshort. R.W. Bro. E. G.


    H. Watts, P.Prov.G.M., addressed the brethren. R.W.


    Bro. A. Stoneham presented the I.P.M. (W. Bro. A.


    Walker) with a P.M.'s jewel, and in so doing referred


    to the successful year that Bro. Walker had just had.


    Bro. Walker carried with him in his retirement from


    the chair the best wishes of every member of the


    Lodge. Bro. Walker thanked W. Bro. Stoneham for


    his kind words, the Lodge for their gift, and the


    P.Ms. and officers for the manner in which they had


    supported him. The usual collection for the G.L. W.


    and O. and A.M. Fund having been taken up,


    congratulations were conveyed to the W.M. by the


    visitors, and the Lodge closed. W. Bro. H. W. S.


    Hellyer, P.G.D., was an excellent G.D. of C. The


    Oceanic choir, under Bro. C. G. Titchener, rendered


    the usual odes, greatly assisted by the brethren of St.


    Andrew's orchestra, who also contributed a couple


    of selections during the ceremony. Bro. H. Holland


    acted as Trumpeter. The usual installation supper


    was afterwards held in the St. Kilda Town Hall, the


    usual toasts being honoured and a very hearty time


    spent. The speech of the evening was undoubtedly


    the one made by the Prov.G.M. when he proposed "


    Our Brethren at the Front." It was not only the


    manner in which it was delivered, but the matter


    contained therein was full of information and


    instruction. Musical and other items were


    contributed by the St. Andrew's orchestra, the W.M.,


    W. Bros. J. Dobbie. J. D. Cameron, W. Jacobsen,


    Bros. Long, Johnson. Jacobs, and others. The


    gathering broke up just before midnight, special cars


    being provided for the visitors.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ————————


    CANTERBURY.


    Kaikoura, No. 60.—Our monthly meeting took


    place on 17th October, when the attendance of


    members was exceptionally good, and we were


    honoured by several visiting brethren. The business


    consisted of two passings, one of the candidates


    being a member of our neighbouring Lodge, Amuri.


    W. Bro. Richardson conducted the ceremony, which,


    according to the visitors, was carried out in very


    good style. The following brethren assisted in the


    work : Bro. Robinson, J.W., communicated the S.


    and S. ; Bro. S. T. Harris gave the Charge after


    Investiture : Bro. O. G. Harris, J.S., the S.E. Charge :




    W. Bro. J. Johnston, the W.Ts. ; Bro. Stanlake,


    S.W., the Final Charge ; and Bro. Gibson. D. of C.,


    explained the T.B. A happy time was spent in the


    refectory. In addition to the usual toasts, we were


    treated to some very acceptable vocal items from a


    visitor of Lodge Scinde. Also the brethren present


    took the opportunity of saying farewell to Bro.


    Gibson, who goes into camp shortly. W. Bro.


    Morrison, in his usual capable style, proposed the


    test to Bro. Gibson, and, in addition, asked him to


    accept a present from his brethren as a small mark of


    their appreciation of the manner in which he had


    worked for the Lodge, at the same time pointing out


    that the departing brother, although a very young


    Mason, had been fortunate enough to be given a


    fairly important part in the Lodge, and what he had


    done he had done well. Bro. Gibson replied,


    thanking the brethren very sincerely.—.[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ———


    Amuri, No. 184.—There was a good attendance at


    the Masonic Hall, Rotherham, on 25th October,


    when Bro. C. E. Derrett was installed in the Chair of


    K.S. W. Bro. D. W. Hunter presided, and after the


    transaction of formal business, V.W. Bro. F. C. B.


    Bishop, Dep.Prov.G.M., accompanied by Prov. G.L.


    officers, were received. W. Bro. Hunter presented


    the W.M.-elect, who took the usual Ob. A B. of I.M.


    being opened by the V.W. Installing Master, Bro.


    Derrett was installed in the chair, the W.Ts. being


    presented by W. Bro. Baldwin, P.Prov.G.W., P.D. of


    C. The W.Ts were presented by W. Bros. Hunter


    (Lodge Amuri), Powis (P.M., Lodge Cheviot), and


    Hobbs, P.G. Supt. of W. The Dep. Prov.G.M.


    presented the Warrant, Constitution, and By-laws,


    and impressively addressed the W.M. The Wardens


    (Bros. H. B. Davison, S.W., and Britton, J.W.) were


    invested by W. Bro. Hood, Pres., Prov. B. of B.; and


    they were addressed by W. Bro. F. Collins, Prov.


    G.W. The remaining officers—viz., Chaplain, Rev.


    Bro: J. H. Thomson ; Treas.. W. Bro. Munro, P.M., ;


    S.D., Bro. P. R. Dunbar ; J.D., Bro. J. Gallagher ; D.


    of C., W. Bro. Goulding, P.M., ; I.G., Bro, B.


    Hampton ; Steward, Bro. Castles ; Tyler, Bro. P.


    McDougall ; Organist, W. Bro. Jones—were then


    invested by W. Bro. F. Collins, Prov.G.W. The


    brethren were addressed by W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs,


    P.G. Supt. of W., P.P.G.W., in an eloquent manner.


    A collection in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund


    realised £4 2s. 9d. W. Bro. A. H. Hobbs, on behalf


    of the brethren, presented W. Bro. Hunter with a


    handsome jewel as a mark of appreciation of the


    good work done during the past two years. W. Bro.


    Hunter suitably responded. An adjournment was


    made to partake of the good things provided. The


    usual pleasant time was spent, several musical


    brethren contributing. This being the last occasion


    on which we should meet V.W. Bro. Bishop as


    Prov.G.Sec., W. Bro. Collins eulogistically referred


    to the many years of good work done by our


    distinguished brother, and congratulated him on


    being elected Prov.G.M., at the same time handing


    over in a jocular manner a "silver cup" on behalf of


    Prov.G.L. —[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ————————


    MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.


    Victory, No. 40.—The regular meeting was held on


    the 14th ult., and was well attended, though the


    prevailing epidemic prevented a good number


    assembling. The Third Degree was conferred upon


    three brethren. There was also a thanksgiving


    service on Die satisfactory ending of the war. The


    W.M. (Bro. C. M. Whelan) delivered a stirring


    address, which was supported by W. Bro. Dimant


    (of Lodge Southern Star), whilst W. Bro. H. Wilson


    (of lodge Ionic. Dunedin) gave a prayer. One


    nomination was received for membership, and Bro.


    Dr. A. C. McKillop (Lodge Spey, Kingussie ,


    Scotland) and Bro. D. Dawson (Lodge St. Andrew.


    S.C., Dunedin) applied for affiliation. The Sec.


    reported that the final payments had been paid off


    the mortgage, and that the Lodge was quite clear of


    debt. The Sec. reported that great help had been


    received from voluntary contributions, sixty-four


    members having contributed £160 to finally dispose


    of the mortgage. The following resolution was


    carried : "That this Lodge expresses its satisfaction


    at the fact that the Lodge has succeeded in paying


    off its indebtedness of £680 on the Masonic Hall. "


    W. Bro. W. H. Short, at time of -writing, was very


    seriously ill with pneumonia. At the suggestion of


    the Prov.G . M., all Lodge meetings and exercises


    have been cancelled for the time being. Lodge Forest


    has suspended its installation indefinitely. It was to


    have taken place on 20th November.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ———


    Motueka, No. 117.—The installation meeting was


    held or 24th October. There was a good attendance.


    The ceremon of installation was carried out by R.W.


    Bro. W. Moyes, P.P.G.M., on behalf of R.W. Bro.


    Mills, P.G.M., who was unable to be present. Bro.


    Geo. T. Heath was duly installed in the Chair of


    K.S., and the following are his officers for the


    ensuing year : S.W., Bro. W. Nicholson : J.W., Bro.


    C. Knapp ; Treas., Bro. T. G. Brougham : Sec., Bro.


    W. McInnes Chaplain, Bro. Geo. Budden ; S.D.,


    Bro. Massey Thompson ; J.D., Bro. Geo. Chapman ;


    I.G., Bro. — Powell ; D. of C., Bro. R. H Shaw-


    Thompson ; Tyler, Bro. F. G. Knapp. A pleasant


    time was spent in the " Fourth " Degree.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ——————




    HAWKE'S BAY.


    Scinde, No. 5.—The monthly meeting was held on


    15th October, the W.M. presiding over a good


    attendance. The Lodge was opened by W. Bro. A. E.


    Currie. Two ballots were taken both of which proved


    clear. The W.M. then proceeded with the ceremony


    of passing Bro. Pollock (of Lodge Otago Kil) and


    Bro. Stichbury, and was assisted in the work as


    follows : Ob and Secrets, W. Bro. A. E. Currie : S.E.


    Corner, W. Bro. C. L Thomas. D. of C. ; W.Ts., Bro.


    H. E. K. Bourgeois, J.D. ; the Final Charge being


    excellently rendered by Bro. R. V. C. Harris, J.W.


    Notice of motion relating to the Lodge property was


    given by R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston, P.G.M., and the


    collection on behalf of the Lodge Benevolent Fund


    having been taken up, the Lodge was closed and an


    adjournment made to the refectory, where a pleasant


    hour was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———


    Victoria, No. 21.—An emergency meeting was held


    on 29th October, W. Bro. W. G. Jarvis presiding


    over a satisfactory attendance. The business was to


    initiate three candidates. The W. M. was assisted in


    the ceremonial work by the following. P.Ms. : Bros.


    Jas. Redshaw, W. A. Wilkie, A. W. Kirk, J. B.


    Andrew, E. J. Bull, Jas. Archer; and Bros. Jos.


    Rockwell, Organist, and H. Bate, S.W. The Lodge


    was closed.


    The regular meeting was held on 5th November,


    there being a satisfactory attendance. One candidate


    was balloted for and elected. A circular appeal was


    presented on behalf of the "Cheer-O" Hutment Fund.


    After consideration the sum of £10 10s. was voted to


    the fund, which was later supplemented by a W.


    brother with a cheque for £10 10s. Three candidates


    were raised to the degree of M.M. by the W.M. (Bro.


    W. G. Jarvis), who was assisted by the following


    P.Ms. : Bros. A. W. Kirk, Jas. Archer, H. W.


    Whitton, Hy. Hill, E. J. Bull, E. Chegwidden, J. B.


    Andrew, W. A. Wilkie; and Bros. H. Funke and H.


    Bate. Two candidates were proposed for


    membership.— [Lodge Correspondent.]


    ——————


    AUCKLAND.


    Abercorn, No. 76.—The annual installation took


    place in Abercorn Hall, Gisborne, on 3rd September,


    when Bro. Charles Matthews was installed as W.M.


    by M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, P.G.M. There was a


    large attendance of members and visitors, including


    the W.M., officers, and brethren of Lodges


    Turanganui, No. 1480, E.C., and Montrose, No. 722.


    S.C. The following brethren assisted in the


    ceremony : R.W. Bros. G. Powley, M. J. Harris, and


    W. R. Leighton, and W. Bros. J. S. Hope, M. G.


    Pasco (W.M., Lodge Turanganui), W. L. Clayton


    (W.M., Lodge Montrose), and W. T. Essen. The


    W.M. invested his officers as follows : S.W., Bro. G.


    R. Grant; J.W., Bro. F. Foote ; Treas., W. Bro. D. G.


    Robertson ; Sec., RW. Bro. G. T. Bull; D. of C., W.


    Bro. T. Corson; Organist, W. Bro. A. T. Hookey ;


    Chaplain, Bro. Rev. W. T. Drake ; S.D., Bro. W. R.


    Oxenham; J.D., Bro. J. B. Cutlebert ; I.G., Bro. V.


    C. R. Mitford; S.S., Bro, A. H. Collin; A.Ss., Bros.


    York and Leslie. In investing the Deacons the W.M.


    said that the Lodge was proud of the fact that both


    were men who had fought in France, and lately


    returned. The collection taken up for the Annuity


    Fund amounted to £40 1s. 9d. A pleasant hour was


    spent in social intercourse after the Lodge was


    closed, and, in replying to the toast of G.L., M.W.


    Bro. Nicholson gave us one of his straight talks on


    practical Freemasonry and the duties we owe to the


    Craft, which was greatly appreciated.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.] [Too late for November issue.—ED.


    C.]


    ———


    Waipa, No. 119.—The installation was held at Te


    Awamutu on Friday, 18th October, in the presence


    of a very large number of members and visitors, 65


    being recorded and 17 sister Lodges being


    represented. The ceremony was performed by M.W.


    Bro. 0. Nicholson, P.G.M., Prov.G.M., assisted by


    G.L. officers, the presenting officers being W. Bro.


    H. N. Forsythe (Lodge Beta Waikato, No. 12), and


    W. Bro. J. M. Browning (Lodge Waipa). Bro. J.


    Morgan was duly installed in the Chair of K.S., and


    he invested W. Bro. Wm. Jeffery as I.P.M. W. Bro.


    Jeffery invested the following officers: — W.


    Bro. H. Y. Collins ; S.W., Bro. A. Young; J.W., Bro.


    I. G. Armstrong; Treas., Bro. A. E. Patterson ; Sec..


    Bro. C. G. Downes ; Chaplain, Bro. H. Innes Jones;


    Organist, Bro. J. Marshall; D. of C., Bro. J. Bathurst;


    S.D., Bro. F. J. Gilbert; J.D., Bro. W. Mensforth ;


    I.G., Bro. E. E. Phillips; Tyler, W. Bro. H. Dawson:


    S.S.. Bro. J. M. Spear ; J.S., Bro. J. Strachan. The


    address to the W.M. was given by R.W. Bro. Geo.


    H. Powley, and to the Wardens by R.W. Bro. J. W.


    Cochrane, G. Supt. of W. ; while M.W. Bro. O.


    Nicholson delivered an impressive address to the


    brethren. V.W. Bro. W. R. T. Leighton, P.G.D. of


    C., carried out the duties of D. of C. in his usual


    capable manner. The W.Ts. were presented


    by W. Bros. H. Benner (Lodge Maniapoto), H.


    Lewis (Lodge Alpha), and A. G. Sanford (W.M.,


    Lodge Tawhiri). The W.M. thanked those who had


    assisted in the ceremony, and the sincerity of his


    remarks created a very favourable impression. The


    brethren present after the closing, adjourned to the


    supper-room of the 'Coven Hall, where an excellent


    cold repast was partaken of and a most enjoyable


    hour spent. One of the most pleasing items of the


    evening was the presentation by M.W. Bro. O.




    Nicholson of jewels to W. Bros. J. M. Browning and


    W. Jeffery, both of whom well deserve the


    handsome tokens of esteem presented to them.—


    [Lodge Correspondent.]


    ——————


    TARANAKI.


    Hawera, No. 34.—The monthly meeting was held at


    the Temple on 1st October, when W. Bro. E. C.


    Hayton presided over a large assembly of brethren.


    The work was two initiations, the candidates proving


    to be much above the average, which made the work


    all the more pleasant. The W.M. was ably assisted


    by W. Bro. Till, who gave the N.E. Corner ; W. Bro.


    Keen (R. for Prep.) ; W. Bro. Hosking (W.Ts.) ; and


    W. Bro. Till (Final Charge). Ballots were taken for


    one joining member, and also for two candidates. A


    vote of sympathy was passed to the wife and family


    of our late Bro. George Hayes Gibson. After Lodge


    was closed, a pleasant hour and a half was spent in


    the refectory.


    An emergency meeting was held at the Temple on


    15th October, when two candidates were initiated


    into Freemasonry. The W.M. delivered the Ob, and


    Secrets, and was ably assisted by W. Bros. Hunt,


    Till, Evans, and Magnusson.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ——————


    RUAPEHU.


    Manawatu Kil., No. 47.—At the regular meeting on


    10th October the principal business consisted of the


    initiation of two candidates. Bro. D. E. Dustin,


    W.M., conducted the ceremony, assisted by W.


    Bros. Hopwood, Clarke, Mundy, and R.W. Bro. W.


    H. Smith. The W.Ts. were presented by Bro. Moodie


    (W.M., Lodge United Manawatu, No. 1721, E.C.).


    At an emergency meeting the previous month two


    candidates were passed, the T.B. being most ably


    delivered by Bro. E. V. West, J.W., and at this


    meeting he also faultlessly gave the 1st T.B. Lecture.


    —[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———


    St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.—Three candidates were


    down for passing on 14th November, but only one


    put in an appearance, the prevailing epidemic having


    temporarily laid the other two aside. The Lodge was


    under the control of the I.P.M. (W. Bro. R. W.


    Green), who was assisted in the ceremony by the


    Dep. G.M. (R.W. Bro. Keesing), the Dist.G.M. (R


    W. Bro. D. McFarlane) and W. Bro. Richardson. In


    view of the glorious war news to hand during the


    week, the acting-W.M. referred appropriately and


    briefly to the great cause we had for gratitude to


    T.G.A.O.T.U. for the successful progress of the war.


    He then called upon the Dep.G.M. to offer up a


    prayer of thanksgiving for the victories vouched to


    our arms in battle. Those who know our old and


    esteemed brother can imagine in what fitting


    language he gave expression to the deep feelings of


    humility and gratitude that filled our hearts. W. Bro.


    Green followed the Dep.G.M., and reminded the


    brethren, in the words of the Charge after Initiation,


    of the allegiance we as Freemasons owed to the


    Sovereign of our native land and the indissoluble


    attachment to his country that is implanted in the


    breast of every Britisher. He then called upon the


    brethren to join in singing the National Anthem,


    after which the Lodge proceeded to the business of


    the evening. A ballot was taken, and was successful,


    for an affiliating member. A very interesting and


    satisfactory report from the President of the United


    Board of Enquiry, giving an account to the fifth year


    of working, was read to the Lodge, and afforded


    additional proof, if such were needed, of the


    excellent work performed by the Board since its


    inception. R.W. Bro. D. McFarlane (President) and


    W. Bros. Gordon, Richardson, and Meuli were re-


    elected for a further term as the Lodge


    representatives on the Board, and thanks were


    recorded for their past services. At our last meeting


    we were lamenting the fact of our Sec. (W. Bro. N.


    G. Armstrong) having to leave us to go into camp.


    We are now in the happy position of looking


    forward to his early relinquishment of active service


    in the army and a renewal of his active service in the


    Craft.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———


    Ruapehu, No. 128.—The monthly meeting, held on


    17th October, was unusually well attended, over


    fifty members and visitors signing the attendance


    book. The dais on this occasion was not large


    enough to accommodate all the P.Ms. present. A


    circular appeal was favourably received. A


    dispensation having been granted for the purpose, a


    candidate (on leave- from camp) was balloted for


    and initiated. The ceremony was performed by the


    P.Ms. of the Lodge, W. Bro. F. G. Hilton being in


    the chair. He was assisted by W. Bros. J. Robson as


    D. of C. ; A. J. Could, S.W. ; N. A. Nielsen, J.W.; J.


    J. McDonald, S.D. ; W. R. Snellgrove, J.D. ; H. J.


    Cameron, I.G. The work throughout was


    exceedingly well done. A movement is on to make


    some necessary improvements to the Freemasons'


    Hall, and a sub-committee was set up to draft plans,


    etc., and report later.—[Lodge Correspondent.]


    ———


    Huia, No. 171.—An emergency meeting took place


    on 24th October. The ceremonial work consisted of


    the initiation of two candidates. The unique position


    occurred of the W.M. being alone in the East, all


    P.Ms. being prostrated with the prevailing epidemic.


    However, the floor members filled the breach. The




    W.M. obligated; N.E. Corner, Bro. Slipper ; W.Ts.,


    Bro. Stubbs; Prep. Charge, Bro. Lachlan ; Final


    Charge, Bro. Brougham; Lecture on 1st T.B., Bro.


    Lachlan, J.D.


    The ordinary monthly meeting was held on 7th


    November, the night in question being signalised by


    one of the most tempestuous gales ever experienced


    in the history of this Lodge, the attendance being


    very limited. The raising of a brother constituted the


    business, and was carried out by the following


    officers : W.M., Ob. ; W.Ts., Bro. Gallichan, I.P.M.


    ; Charge after Raising, W. Bro. Turner (including


    Signs and Tokens); Exhort, and T.U., by W. Bro.


    Stone. D. of C. ; Final Charge, by the W.M. (W.


    Bro. Manning). One candidate passed the ballot, and


    one was also proposed. The officers and brethren


    desire to thank Bro. Porteous, the Organist of


    Manawatu Kil., for services rendered in the


    unavoidable absence of W. Bro. Graham, whose


    ministrations to the sick have kept him continuously


    going day and night in the dispensary.—[Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    ——————


    WELLINGTON.


    Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The usual monthly meeting


    was held on 13th November, when, owing to the


    prevailing epidemic, there was a very poor


    attendance, only one visitor signing the book.


    Contrary to the usual attendance of brethren from


    the camp, there were only two put in an appearance


    (W. Bro. Williams and the candidate), although


    arrangements had been made for a large attendance,


    owing to the candidate being a lieutenant of the


    permanent staff ; but all leave being stopped, they


    could not get down. This meeting was the first after


    the installation, and therefore the first with the new


    officers in the chair, and they acquitted themselves


    very well indeed. W. Bro. Harman obligated and


    communicated the S., T., and W.; Bro. Carver, S.W.,


    invested; W. Bro. Teagle, I.P.M., gave the Charge


    alter Investiture; Bro. Carver, the N.E. Charge; and


    Bro. Purdy, J.W., the W.Ts. W. Bro. Williams, D. of


    C., gave the Charge after Initiation. Two


    propositions for membership were received, and a


    successful ballot was taken for a joining P.M.


    Numerous apologies were received from brethren


    who were laid up with influenza.— [Lodge


    Correspondent.]


    —————————


    ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.


    Victoria, No, 4.—The monthly convocation was


    held on 31st October, V.E. Comp. Jas. Bowes, Z.,


    presiding over a large attendance of members and


    visitors. One candidate was elected and advanced to


    the degree of M.M.M. by Bro. H. L. Harston,


    P.W.M.M., who was assisted by W. Bros. L.


    Freedman, R. Bishop, Jas. Bowes, and Bro. A. J.


    Turville. V.E. Comp. R, Bishop presented V.E.


    Comp. J. Bowes, E. Comps. A. J. Turville and W. A.


    Wilkie with their G. Chapter certificates. R.E.


    Comp. Thos. Hobson was nominated for D.G.Z., and


    V.E. Comp. Jas. Redshaw for 2nd G. Soj. The


    Chapter was closed, and the companions adjourned


    to the refectory, where a social hour was spent, the


    usual Masonic toasts being honoured. —[Chapter


    Correspondent.]


    ———


    Otago, No. 7, and Maori, No. 8.—The joint


    installation of these Chapters took place in the St.


    Kilda Masonic Hall on 2nd November, and, as usual,


    a large number of companions were in attendance.


    R.E. Comp. E. Lane. G. Supt. of Otago, as the


    Installing Principal, was called upon to do a good


    deal of the work in connection therewith.


    Immediately after his reception he presented to V.E.


    Comp. R. Hawcridge a P. Mark Master's jewel, the


    recipient being called away at an early hour to attend


    another meeting. Then the G.Supt. sprung a surprise


    on those present by the presentation to V.E. Comp.


    A. Stoneham (Otago Chapter) of a framed


    photograph of Oamaru companions who had assisted


    in the ceremony of conferring the degrees of Royal


    Ark Mariners and Red Cross Knights on the


    members of Otago Chapter. In thanking the donors'


    for their thoughtful gift, V.E. Comp. Stoneham


    assured R.E. Comp. Lane that the framed


    photograph would occupy a prominent place on the


    walls of the Chapter-room. For the positions of V.E.


    1st Prins. E. Comps. A. McKenzie (Otago) and J. G.


    Ross (Maori) were installed. The 2nd Prins. were E.


    Comps. J. Pringle (Otago) and C. F. J. Bell (Maori),


    and the 3rd Prins. E. Comps. J. A, McPhee (Otago)


    and A. J. Jordan (Maori). To V.E. Comp. H. W. S.


    Hellyer, G.S.N., was entrusted the investiture of


    Officers, who made it an occasion for very lucidly


    explaining to each officer the duties relating thereto.


    Once again V.E. Comp. J. J. H. Dumsday was D. of


    C., and gloried in the work. At the joint installation


    in 1917 E. Comp. J. G. Ross was then en route to


    France, and wrote wishing the members of his


    (Maori) Chapter H.G.W. for the coming year. This


    year he is back again with us, and it was his good


    pleasure to learn on his arrival in Wellington that he


    had been chosen as 1st Prin. Z. of Maori Chapter.


    Needless to say, a good deal was expected from him


    in the refectory as to his experiences while engaged


    in Red Cross work, and those present were treated to


    quite an instructive insight as to what those who


    were engaged fighting on the Western front had to


    contend with.—[Chapter Correspondent.]


    ———




    Victory, No. 12.—The installation took place on


    25th October under very favourable circumstances,


    the number present being a record. It was regretted


    that circumstances prevented the attendance of M.E.


    Comp. T. Porritt, G.Supt., but the installation was


    ably carried out by M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams,


    G.S.E., assisted by V.E. Comps. G. Russell, W.


    Noyes, B. H. Moller, and A. W. Oxley. V.E. Comp.


    C. B. Harton acted as D. of C., and E. Comp. G. A.


    Edmonds as Organist. V.E. Comp. S. F. Bolton was


    installed into the chair of 1st Prin. ; E. Comp. L.


    Reynolds, as 2nd Prin. ; E. Comp. C. M. Whelan as


    3rd Prin. Officers were invested as follows : S.E.,


    V.E. Comp. R. W. Stiles; S.N., V.E. Comp. W. H.


    Short ; Treas., V.E. Comp. B. H. Moller ; Supt. of


    W., V.E. Comp. C. B. Harton ; lst Soj., E. Comp. A.


    G. Shrimpton ; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. H. H. Edwards;


    3rd Soj., E. Comp. W. C. Hyde ; Organist, E. Comp.


    G. A. Edmonds; 1st Steward, E. Comp. T. Houlker;


    2nd Steward, E. Comp. L. M. Estcourt; Janitor, E.


    Comp. C. W. Moore. The officers appointed for the


    Mark and Excellent Lodges are as follows":—Mark


    Lodge Officers—W.M.M., Bro. W. H. Short ; S.W.,


    Bro. L. Reynolds; J.W., Bro., C. M. Whelan; M.O.,


    Bro. A. G. Shrimpton; S.O., Bro. H. H. Edwards;


    J.O., Bro. L. M. Estcourt ; S.D., Bro. W. C. Hyde;


    J.D., Bro. V. N. Granville ; Chaplain, Bro. S. F.


    Bolton; Organist, Bro. G. A. Edmonds ; I.G., Bro. J.


    R. Gankrodger. Excellent Lodge officers — Bro. T.


    D. Milne; S.W., Bro. C. M. Whelan; J.W., Rio, W.


    C. Hyde ; Capt. 3rd Veil, Bro. H. H. Edwards; Capt.


    2nd Veil, Bro. H. P. Stephenson; Capt. 1st Veil, Bro.


    G. A. Edmonds; Conductor, Bro. T. Houlker ;


    Chaplain, Bro. J. H. Ching ; I.G., Bro. H. Collins.


    Resolutions of sympathy were passed to M.E.


    Comps. Porritt and Williams, who had sickness in


    their families. Ten applications were made for


    companionship—four from Victory, five from


    Forest, and one from Motueka Lodge. The newly


    installed 1st Prin. delivered an excellent address. At


    the conclusion of the ceremony there was the usual


    repast, and several toasts were honoured. The


    Victory Glee Club contributed several items.—


    [Chapter Correspondent.]


    ———


    Waimate, No. 16.—The regular meeting took place


    on 29th October, V.E. Comp. Jas. Manchester, 1st


    Prin., presiding. The principal business was the


    installation of E. Comp. E. R. Beckett as 2nd Prin.


    H., he having been in camp on the occasion of the


    annual installation. The ceremony was ably carried


    out by V.E. Comp. A. T. Hoskins, P.G.St.B., with


    V.E. Comp. A. Colville as G.D. of C. Two brethren


    were proposed for membership. At the close of the


    Chapter a happy hour was spent in the refectory,


    where opportunity was taken of speeding the


    departing companion and of welcoming Comp. A. S.


    Blake, safely returned, who gave some very


    interesting remarks on his experiences abroad. He


    specially eulogised the N.Z.E.F. Masonic


    Association.—[Chapter Correspondent.]


    ———


    Wanganui, No. 23.—The monthly convocation was


    held on 7th November. V.E. Comp. F. Symes


    presided, with V.E. Comp. G. G. Bullock acting H.,


    and E. Comp. J. R. Foster, J. The work should have


    been the acknowledgment of two brethren, but,


    owing to the influenza epidemic, they were unable to


    be present. Five Ark Mariners' diplomas and one


    R.A. diploma (a visiting companion) were presented


    to the several companions; also a 1st Prin.'s diploma


    to V.E. Comp. F. Symes, by visiting Comp. W. R.


    Snelgrove, of Ruapehu Chapter. Two brethren of


    Lodge Moutoa were proposed for R.A. Masonry.


    Sympathy was extended to E. Comp. F. B. King, 4


    Courtenay Place, Wellington, in his illness, and


    wishing him a speedy recovery. R.E. Comp. G. S.


    Gordon, G.Supt., presented to the Chapter, on behalf


    of Comp. D. Munro (at present at the front), a


    unique gavel from Palestine. V.E. Comp. F. Symes


    acknowledged, and will reply on behalf of the


    Chapter. The Chapter closed at 8.30 p.m.—[Chapter


    Correspondent.]


    ———


    Gisborne, No. 36.—The .annual convocation was


    held in Abercorn Hall on 2nd September, when V.E.


    Comp. D. G. Robertson was installed as Z., E.


    Comp. A. T. Hookey, H., and E. Comp. T. Corson as


    J. The installing officer was M.E. Comp. M. J.


    Harris, P.G.Z., assisted by two other P.G.Zs. in the


    persons of M.E. Comps. Oliver Nicholson and G.


    Powley, E. Comp. W. R. Leighton acting as D. of C.


    The addresses to the Principals were given by the


    installing officer. The officers were invested and


    addressed by M.E. Comp. Nicholson, and the


    address to the companions given by M.E. Comp.


    Powley. The following officers were invested : S.E.,


    V.E. Comp. G. T. Bull; S.N., E. Comp. F. G.


    Rowley; Treas., V.E. Comp. A. J. Fyson ; 1st Soj.,


    E. Comp. A. B. Gilmour ; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. C.


    Blackburn ; 3rd Soj., E. Comp. C. Matthews ; Ss.,


    Comps. Mitford and Pike; Janitor, E. Comp.


    Coleman.—[Chapter Correspondent.] [Too late for


    November issue.—ED. C.]












    —————————


    A. & A. RITE.


    Wellington, No. 91.—The annual conclave was held


    in Wellington on 18th October, E. and P. Bro. A.


    Veitch, presiding, when there was an excellent


    attendance of brethren. E. and P. Bro. Ashwell,


    P.M.W.S., of Lathom Chapter, was also present. The


    routine business having been disposed of, Ill. Bro.


    Surgeon-General Henderson, C.B., 31 deg., with the


    assistance of Ill. Bro. Rev. Thos. Porritt, 30 deg.,


    conducted the ceremony of installation, Ill. Bro. H J.


    Williams, who is regarded as the father of the


    Chapter, being, unfortunately, absent owing to the


    serious illness of his son. E. and P. Bro. Reginald J.


    Foss was installed as M.W.S. The beautiful


    ceremony was impressively carried out, E. and P.


    Bro. Geo. Allport being the presenting officer. At


    the conclusion of the investiture and induction the


    M.W.S. then appointed his officers as follows :


    Prelate. E. and P. Bro. Rev. A. M. Johnson; 1st


    General, E. and P. Bro. J. Rod ; 2nd General, E. and


    P. Bro. Geo. Allport ; Recorder, E. and P. Bro. G. E.


    Smith, P.M.W.S. ; Marshal, E. and P. Bro. H. B.


    Bridge; Raphael, E. and P. Bro. H. H. Seaton ; D. of


    C., Ill. Bro. Rev. Thos. Porritt, 30 deg. ; Herald, E.


    and P. Bro. J. J. Esson ; Captain of the Guard, E. and


    P, Bro. G. Russell; Organist, E. and P. Bro. J.


    Cowley. After the "Nunc Dimittis" had been


    chanted, an adjournment to the refectory followed,


    where two pleasant and profitable hours were spent,


    Bro. Geo. Smith's quartette party making valuable


    contributions to the success of these proceedings. A


    feature of the many good speeches was the frequent


    reference to the general regret at the unavoidable


    absence of Ill. Bro. H. J. Williams, 30 deg., who has


    been so closely identified with the progress of the


    Chapter from its very earliest days, and who through


    many long years and a dark period of depression has


    been its main pillar and support. In commenting


    upon the prosperous condition of the Chapter the


    various speakers conceded that the credit was almost


    entirely due to Ill. Bro. Williams, who had been ably


    seconded by his esteemed colleague and dear friend,


    Ill. Bro. Rev. T. W. Porritt. It is seldom, indeed, that


    one hears such a spontaneous acknowledgment of


    indebtedness.—[Chapter Correspondent.]