FRATERNITY

———<>———

MAY be briefly defined as a community of men of the same class, profession, occupation, or character,

associated for some common purpose, interest., business, or pleasure. Fraternity and brotherhood are

generally held to be synonomous, or convertible terms, and with the majority of mankind it would be heresy

to assume that either could be anything but of good origin and honest intention. As associated with

Freemasonry the word fraternity falls trippingly off the tongue, and is assumed to imply a closer and dearer

mutual interest. And it is rare indeed to find any expressed belief that either fraternity or brotherhood can

exist, except for purposes that are good. Yet we know that fraternities of thieves do exist in all large cities,

and some of the political assassins and blood-soaked murderers of the day would deny the justice if not

designated as brotherhoods or fraternities. Shakespeare must have had Soviets or Bolsheviks in his mind's

eye when he said :

"The deep disgrace of brotherhood

Touches me deeper than you can imagine."

While Southey, we believe, once said :—"With what terms of respect knaves and sots will speak of their own

fraternity." So that it is evident, much as we may wish to the contrary, good-fellowship and loving-kindness

have not a monopoly of the use of such words as fraternity. But for our present purpose we will discard any

consideration of those who disgrace these words by their infamous associations, and simply inquire as to

their use by Freemasonry, and what special significance, if any, these words may have. Freemasonry has

many appellations apart from its generic name. It is a brotherhood, a fraternity, a craft, or an institution. If

the two first, are used in the same relation as the last two, then they have no more significance, and are

merely titles of convenience or change. But if fraternity—so far as Freemasonry is concerned—is to be

construed as the state or quality of being more brotherly, then it behoves us to inquire whether we are acting

up to our protestations or stultifying our professions. In many periods of the world's history associations —

political, many of them—have been formed for mutual protection. Bound together by oaths, the more

stringently observed according to the imminence of the danger. The moving spirit of the brotherhood may

have been fear, rather than love or the general interest. But the principle involving mutual assistance was the

groundwork of the confederation. If the teaching of Freemasonry has any virtue, then we must discard the

thought that the words fraternity and brotherhood are merely designations of convenience, and having no

further significance. Take, for example, that great charge which says : "Should you at any time meet a

'brother' in distressed circumstances . . . . you will cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising that

virtue you now profess." Here it is an integral part of the brotherhood or fraternity, that you are commanded

to assist. There is no self-interest or mutual protection in this, but it is the claims of fraternity that are so

forcefully brought under the notice of brothers. Again, "You are to relieve the necessities of brethren to the

utmost of your power and ability, and on no account to see them wronged, but timely to apprise them of

approaching danger, and to view their interests as inseparable from your own. Such is the nature of your

engagements, and these duties you are bound by the most solemn ties to observe." These two simple extracts

from everyday teaching should be quite convincing as to the meaning of the fraternity or brotherhood of

Freemasonry. There is no danger to necessitate a close observance of the pact of confederation, neither is

there any necessity to have these words as simple designatory. Need we say that Freemasonry is different in

its constitution from any other organisation? What may be considered in some associations as a figure of

speech is in Freemasonry—or should be—a real live wire. And it is the non-recognition of this fact that

sometimes leads to awkward questions and inconvenient conclusions. Freemasonry has a mission which is

not as others are. It is those grand principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth which form the

groundwork of that fraternity, which as yet is not clearly acknowledged. If the principles of the Craft were

not so often locked up with the apron month by month, then the full significance of Masonic fraternity would

find fuller sway and more general acknowledgment. Give the true fraternity full scope in its truest sense, and

there will be no occasion to ask as to where Freemasonry is drifting. If it ever suffers destruction it will be by

its self-destroying hand. It has the principles; are they not all-sufficient? It has the inculcation; does it heed

it? Bind Freemasonry together in one communion of true brotherly love and genuine fraternity, and it is then

fortified against the world of doubt or opposition.

————————

A SUGGESTED PRE-REQUISITE TO INITIATION.

———<>———

In January last the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, in its leading columns, made a suggestion as to action that could be

profitably taken before the actual initiation of a candidate. Sufficient precedents, both of ancient and modern

times, were adduced to prove that there was nothing chimerical in the proposal, and its adoption would be to

the advantage of Freemasonry generally, and the proposed candidate in particular. As the general tendency

would be to relieve the Craft from those who could not respond to the principles and teachings of

Freemasonry, and who on being instructed would probably "wilt" prior to the ceremony of initiation. But to

the earnest candidate who might have a genuine desire to acquire knowledge, and with a mind well

instructed in the principles of morality and virtue, the pre-initiation teaching would be of inestimable value,

tending to throw light on dark places, and to prepare the receptive faculties for an appreciation of the

initiatory teaching of Freemasonry. Were the slight machinery required but once put in motion, we have

confidence that there are many rulers in the Craft to whom it would be a delight to act the part of mentor in

the communication of fitting Masonic preliminary instruction. It was perhaps something of a coincidence

that a few days previously to the appearance of our article, " The Freemason " (London) published a circular,

a copy of which is placed in the hands of every candidate for initiation in a Lodge under the jurisdiction of

the G. Orient of France. In the first paragraph, the candidate for initiation is instructed to read carefully the

instructions given, to enable him to understand the principles of Freemasonry, and to decide whether he will

persevere in his application. He is further informed that at his initiation he will be questioned upon the

general sense of these instructions. The aims and objects of Freemasonry are then briefly explained, followed

by the duty imposed upon Freemasons. The privileges of a Freemason are shortly recited, and the means by

which the privileges may be lost. There is nothing in all this that may not be told to any person who is not a

Freemason, and we are informed that it has excellent results in active operation. To the Freemasons of this

country our suggested pre-requisite may appear visionary. In other territories it was never at any time

deemed experimental, but came into active operation as a matter of course, with the very best results.

Presumably Masonic governing bodies, as well as individual members, are animated by a desire to labour for

the best interests of Freemasonry, and especially to guard well the inner entrance against improper intrusion,

or, in other words, to prevent, as far as possible, persons obtaining admission who will not reflect honour or

credit upon our institution. And from the ample experiences of both the G. Orient and G.L. of France, the

course outlined will largely assist in this result. Again we commend the suggestion to the Freemasons of

New Zealand.

————————

IMMORTALITY.

———<>———

Our contemporary, the "American Freemason," recently said : "A G.M., or a G.L., I have forgotten which,

has just decided that no man can be made a Mason who will not subscribe to a belief in the immortality of

the soul. To such a ruling I object, if for no more than that the requirement is without Masonic warrant."In

New Zealand we go one better, as our official funeral service informs the world that we accept the doctrine

of the immortality of the body. It says : "So in the bright morning of the world's resurrection, your mortal

frame, now laid in the dust by the chilling hand of Death, shall spring again into newness of life," etc. As

there are so many brethren who do not accept the doctrine of the resurrection of the body, whatever they may

do with regard to the soul, it is to be deplored that these statements are incorporated in Masonic public ritual,

which is so calculated to convey a false impression as to the tenets of Freemasonry.

————————

ILL. BRO. R. S. F. HENDERSON, 31deg.

———<>———

The departure of Bro. Henderson from New Zealand removes a strong personality and a most active and

vigorous worker from the ranks of Freemasonry. Arriving here some three and a half years ago to take up the

appointment of Director of Medical Services to the New Zealand Government, Bro. Henderson at once

associated himself with the various branches of Freemasonry, and after a short time was elected W.M. of

Aorangi Lodge, E.C., a position he held for two years. He at once affiliated to Wellington Rose Croix

Chapter, A. and A. Rite, in which branch of Freemasonry he has special interest, and later was elected

M.W.S. With great generosity he equipped the Chapter with the most complete and up-to-date furnishings.

His regular attendance, active work, and keen interest especially endeared him to the members, by whom

their loss will be greatly felt. His marked enthusiasm should serve as a guiding light to encourage the weak

and stimulate the strong. We are sure we re-echo the hope of every member of this Chapter, that whether Ill.

Bro. Henderson returns to New Zealand, or in the vicissitudes of his life's work he is called to some other

sphere, he will ever be held in the kindliest remembrance, and it will be the fervent hope that in the evening

of his days he may have all the serenity and happiness this world of partings can give. It is to be regretted

that there are not more distinguished visitors to New Zealand, who, like Bro. Henderson, would show their

interest in Freemasonry in practical form, so that when their brief sojourn is ended, it will be by their works

that they will be remembered.

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

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

REGRET will be felt in the respective districts that this month will see the retirement of several Prov.G.Ms.,

who have secured the appreciation and esteem of all members of their districts by their general courtesy,

exhibited on all occasions. The names include R.W. Bros. H. L. Harston (Hawkes Bay), A. le H. Hoyles

(Southland), C. H. Mills (Marlborough and Nelson), and R. H. Richmond (Westland).

THE M.W.G.M. officially visited Rotorua Lodge and the Auckland City District last month.

ON the April agenda of Victory Lodge, Nelson, there were five candidates for ballot, and three on first

notice.

THE Easter holidays necessitated going to press on the May issue five days earlier, which will be sufficient

reason for the exclusion of late reports or other press matter.

AT the April convocation of Wellington Rose Croix Chapter, No. 91, it was announced by the G.Insp.-Gen.,

V.Ill. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, 33deg., that the Sup. Council had been pleased to grant the 31deg. to Ill. Bro. H.

J. Williams, 30deg. The many Masonic friends of Bro. Williams will be delighted to hear of this well

deserved recognition of this distinguished brother's services to the A. and A. Rite.

AT the convocation of Wellington Rose Croix Chapter, No. 91, during the proceedings incidental to the

farewelling of Ill. Bro. Surgeon-General Henderson, C.B., 31deg., it was mentioned that V.Ill. Bro. Malcolm

Niccol, 33deg., G.Insp.Gen. for New Zealand, was now the oldest member of the 33deg. in the world, and

the oldest Insp.Gen.

ILL. BRO. SURGEON- GENERAL HENDERSON, 3ldeg., was farewelled at the regular meeting of Wellington

Rose Croix Chapter, A. and A. Rite, on the 11th April. He was also the subject of felicitous speeches at the

installation meeting of Aorangi Lodge, E.C., also held last month.

THERE was quite a fair attendance at the meeting of the Installed Masters' Lodge, held first Tuesday in April.

The business included a discussion on a paper read at the February meeting by Bro. Queree, "The Study of

the Liberal Arts and Sciences," which discussion was most complimentary to the author ; and a paper was

read by Bro. Col. Purdy, entitled "Light." We suggest that the whole of the June meeting be set aside to the

discussion on this paper, which is likely to be fairly exhaustive.

IT should be specially noted by all brethren attending G.L. in Christchurch on the 28th of the present month,

that W. Bro. T. Kirker is secretary of all committees set up to make the necessary arrangements for the

reception and entertainment of G. officers and representatives.

THE present number of the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN completes twenty-four years' publication of the present series,

of which the last four years has been the most trying of the whole period.

THE annual meeting of Lodge New Zealand Pacific held on 24th March was very largely attended. There

were two sessions, the first at 3.30 and the second at 7.30. The number of brethren at the afternoon session

was most gratifying, while in the evening space in the Lodgeroom was at a premium. W. Bro. Hutchins, the

new W.M., is a very courageous one, as, under stress, he negotiated three Third Degrees the evening

following his induction into the chair.

TUTANEKAI LODGE, at its last regular meeting, was the recipient of a handsome banner, presented by the

W.M. and brethren of Hinemoa Lodge. The painting emblematically depicts the ancient Maori legend of

Hinemoa and Tutanekai.

THE friends of R.W. Bro. T. Hobson, P.Prov.G.M. of Hawkes Bay, and now resident at Levin, will regret to

learn that he met with a somewhat serious accident recently, by severing the arteries of his left wrist, which

placed him hors de combat for some weeks, and prevented his attendance at several important Masonic

functions, including the installation of one of his brothers at Bedford Lodge, Waipukurau.

THE Peace Celebrations Association of Marlborough has invited the Unanimity Masonic Lodge to take part

in the procession in connection with the forthcoming celebrations. The Lodge very properly replied that it

was not the practice of Masonic Lodges to appear in public in regalia.

THE monthly convocation of Waterloo R.A. Chapter was convened to meet on the 23rd April, and it was

anticipated that the attendance would be large, as the other Wellington Chapters were invited to be present to

receive the M.E. 1st G.Prin., M.E. Comp. J. Moncrief. Another event on the agenda was to make a

presentation from the Wellington R.A. Masonic District to M.E. Comp. Rev. T. Porritt, who has recently

retired from the office of G.Supt., an office he has held for eleven years. A full report will be presented in

our next issue.

————————

CANTERBURY CHIPS.

———<>———

[SPECIALLY COMMUNICATED.]

————

All matters in connection with the approaching G.L. communication are well in hand. The various

committees are all hard at work, and everything-points to a successful meeting in May.

✳ ✳ ✳

The committee appointed to arrange for a suitable building have definitely decided on the Colosseum, in

Armagh Street, which they have taken from the lessees, who are using it as a skating rink. Arrangements are

being made for heating the building if necessary, and extra lighting is being put in by the lessees in

conjunction with their own business, and the G.L. will have the full benefit of any improvements made by

the proprietors. The installation will be held in the Colosseum on the 28th May, and on the evening of the

29th it is intended to hold a conversazione for all members and their wives and lady friends.

✳ ✳ ✳

A ladies' committee is to be appointed to look after the visiting ladies while the G.L. is in session.

✳ ✳ ✳

Bro. Nicholls has placed his grounds at Mona Vale, one of the beauty spots, at the disposal of the committee

if it is decided to hold a garden party.

✳ ✳ ✳

The R.W.Prov.G.M. is taking an active interest in the arrangements, and W. Bro. Kirker, Prov.G.Sec., is

secretary to all the committees. He has circularised all the Lodges and officers of G.L. in regard to

accommodation, and any brother wishing to stay at any special place should communicate with him, care of

P.O. Box 372.

✳ ✳ ✳

The Prov.G.L. of Canterbury has had a strenuous time since the 1st January. During January all the

installations that had been postponed owing to the epidemic were conducted, and the R.W.Prov.G.M. has had

a busy time. Prov.G.L. has attended 19 meetings for the quarter ended 31st March last, 16 of them being

installations.

✳ ✳ ✳

It is with regret I have to mention the loss sustained by R.W. Bro. Bishop in the death of his sister, which

took place on the 18th March. She had suffered greatly, and it was a blessed relief from pain when she

passed quietly away. Our sympathy has also been extended to W. Bro. Halstead, of Fairlie, whose father

paced away about the middle of March.

✳ ✳ ✳

W. Bro. Cookson, P.G. Organist, met with a serious accident, being found on the Lincoln Road with his

motor-bike on top of him. He was in a very precarious state for some days, but is now making steady

progress towards recovery, although it will be some time before he can take up his duties as Sec. to Lincoln,

No. 33, again.

✳ ✳ ✳

W. Bro. T. Hoskin, W.M. of Southern Cross, No. 6, Kaiapoi, is an inmate of the Timaru Hospital with a

badly broken leg, and his progress is not at all satisfactory. The Timaru brethren are looking him up, and will

see that he wants for nothing.

✳ ✳ ✳

All the Lodges have plenty of work ; in fact, one Lodge has had to get assistance in working its Third Degree

from some of the country Lodges.

✳ ✳ ✳

The Board of Inquiry meets on Monday, the 7th, and I understand has 17 proposed candidates before it.

✳ ✳ ✳

The quarterly communication of Prov.G.L. is to be held in Christchurch on Tuesday, the 29th inst..

————————

LODGE VICTORY NOTES, NELSON.

———<>———

Bro. Battery S.M. J. M. Burlinson, of the Australian I.F., writing from Namur in January last, forwards good

wishes to Lodge brethren, and reports that Bro. Lieutenant J. V. Roebuck was killed in action. No date is

given. Bro. Roebuck was formerly connected with the Lands and Survey Office, Nelson, and afterwards

transferred to Perth, and fought with the 32nd Field Artillery. This makes the fourth brother who has "gone

hence" as the result of the war.

✳ ✳ ✳

The amount acknowledged towards the Memorial pillars and honours board at the March meeting was £84

10s. 6d. The following brethren have since added their names:— W. Bro. E. J. Thomas, and Bros. S. A.

Gibbs-and J. Baird, bringing the total amount to £87 10s. 6d. The special committee has had several

meetings in order to make the design as perfect as possible, and have been ably assisted by Mr. Wm.

Houlker, who is preparing the final working plan. The honours board is in the hands of W. Bro. H. H.

Johnston. It, is hoped every brother will identify himself with the memorial.

✳ ✳ ✳

At the March meeting Bro. H. J. Savage presented the Lodge with a board suitable for an honours board. The

gift was accepted with thanks, and it was decided that the names of the W.Ms, of the Lodge be inscribed

thereon.

✳ ✳ ✳

W. Bro. J. Williams and Bro. F. Varney were duly elected as affiliating brethren at the March meeting.

✳ ✳ ✳

Sixteen members of the bodge journeyed .to Havelock on 15th March and assisted in the installation of Bro.

E. J. Roche, formerly J.W. of Victory Lodge. W. Bros. Whelan, Orsman, Stiles, and Citing assisted in the

ceremony.

————————

BLENHEIM INCIDENTS.

———<>———

In November next the Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity, No, 106, will celebrate its jubilee, and at the last

meeting a committee was appointed to make arrangements for suitably commemorating the event. It is hoped

that ex-members from all parts of the Dominion will foregather, and that G.L. will be well represented. The

"father" of the Lodge is MW. Bro. C. J. W. Griffiths, P.G.M., who was initiated on the day after it was

consecrated.

✳ ✳ ✳

At the April meeting of Wairau Lodge, No. 42, R.W. Bro. C. H. Mills, Prov.G.M., intimated that owing to

pressure of private business he had been compelled to request the G.M. to relieve him of his duties. R.W.

Bro. Mills's retirement will be received throughout Nelson and Marlborough with very keen regret, for

during his term of office he has proved himself a most capable officer, and has earned the respect and

affection of brethren iii all parts of his scattered district.

✳ ✳ ✳

The appeal made by W. Bro. W. W. Tylor, W.M. of Wairau Lodge, No. 42, when visiting the sister Lodge in

Blenheim recently, for the holding of periodical instructional meetings, in order that the brethren might learn

something more of Freemasonry than they could derive from the ritual, has found support from a W. brother

residing in Dunedin. At the last meeting of Lodge Unanimity, No. 106, a letter was read from this brother

expiessitig aproval of W. Bro. Tylor's sentiments. The difficulty, of course, in a. small town is that there are

few members who are able to deliver lectures on matters of Masonic interest.

✳ ✳ ✳

W. Bro. Geo. J. Logan, who, while in England as a member of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, took

an active part in several Masonic gatherings, has returned to Blenheim, and at the April meeting of Lodge

Unanimity he was warmly welcomed back to his "mother" by the W.M. on behalf of the members.

✳ ✳ ✳

An interesting fact in connection with the initiation ceremony performed at Wairau Lodge, No. 42, on 8th

April, by the W.M. and officers of Lodge Unanimity, No. 106, was that both the candidates presented were

the sons of Freemasons. The father of one initiate was an interested spectator of the ceremony, and, in reply

to the toast of his health at the "Fourth," he remarked that if his son gave the Lodge as little trouble as he had

given the "old man," it would not have any cause to regret having admitted him.

————————

TARANAKI NOTES.

———<>———

W. Bro. R. H. Nolan, of Lodge Hawera, has done splendid war work in organising and maintaining the

Soldiers' Hostel in London for the benefit of our fighting men when they were on leave in " Blighty." Now

that the war is over, Hawera brethren are looking forward with great pleasure to W. Bro. Nolan's return.

✳ ✳ ✳

Our new Lodge at Kaponga is working well. Recent official visits to the Lodge include the Prov.G.M, also

the W.M. and officers of Lodge Hawera, and at the March meeting the W.M. and brethren of Lodge St. John,

Eltham, attended in goodly numbers.

✳ ✳ ✳

The consensus of opinion is that our Kaponga brethren are indeed fortunate in having W. Bro. W. E. Ward as

first W.M. His ability and previous experience in the chair are a great asset, to Lodge Kaponga at this early

stage.of its career.

✳ ✳ ✳

Since our last issue Lodge Stratford has held its annual installation meeting, when the S.W., Bro. R.. M.

Peattie, was in- stalled by the Prov.O.M. A large number of P.Ms. and brethren from all parts of the district

were present. _

✳ ✳ ✳

It is unfortunate that in some of our Lodges a great deal too much time is frittered awry in the early part of

the evening. A late start may mar the success of the whole gathering. R.W. Bro. Sargent, our Prov.G.M.,

commented upon this at Stratford.

✳ ✳ ✳

At the April meeting of Hawera Lodge a P.M.'s jewel, suitably inscribed, was presented to W. Bro. John

Hunt, who is leaving us to take up his residence in Auckland. He will be greatly missed by his old friends.

For many years he has zealously guarded the interest of Freemasonry on the Waimate Plains, where a large

number of the members of Lodge Hawera reside.

————————

EXCERPTS FROM "THE FREEMASON" (LONDON),

1st MARCH, 1919.

———<>———

An Especial G.L. will be summoned by the M.W.G.M., to be holden at the Royal Albert Hall, on Friday,

27th June, for the expression of the Craft's thankfulness to Almighty God for the triumphant termination of

hostilities by the armistice of the 11th November, 1918 ; of its loyalty to His Majesty the King; and of its

gratitude to all, especially the many thousands of our brethren, who, on the sea, on the land, in the air, and

every branch of the public service, assisted to secure the victory of civilisation and freedom in the great

struggle thus closed. The M.W.G.M. has forwarded an invitation to the G.M. and G.Sec. of every English-

speaking sovereign jurisdiction to be the guests of G.L. for this celebration, the arrangements for which are

being pressed forward by a special committee, presided over by Bro. J. S. Granville Grenfell, G.D. of C.

✳ ✳ ✳

The B. of G.P. is strongly of opinion that G.L. will desire a perpetual memorial to be placed in Freemasons'

Hall of the affection and gratitude entertained by the Craft for the Dep. G.M., Bro. the Right Hon. T. F.

Halsey. This desire has been deepened by a keen sense of the invaluable service that distinguished

Freemason has rendered by his conduct of the business of G.L. throughout the war, during the whole of

which the Pro-G.M., Bro. Col. Lord Ampthill, G.S.C.I., G.C.I.E., was on military service, on his return from

which Ca., the Board feels, will cordially welcome him back to Masonic work. A proposition, therefore, will

be submitted for commissioning an artist, selected by the Dep.G.M., to paint his portrait for preservation in

Freemasons' Hall.

✳ ✳ ✳

It being felt that the coat of arms displayed by G.L. should receive sanction more authoritative than that of

prolonged use, the B. of G.P. desires approval for an application, through the College of Arms, for the Royal

approval of the time-honoured device, surrounded by a bordure, which, with H.M. the King's permission,

would associate the Craft in an especial degree with the country, by the display of the Lions of England—an

association the more appropriate in a year particularly marked by recognition by patriotic endeavour.

✳ ✳ ✳

That the sum of three hundred guineas from the funds of G.L. be voted for the purpose of presenting a

suitable wedding gift to H.R.H. Princess Patricia of Connaught (the Lady Patricia Ramsay), with the

expression of sincere congratulation to Her Royal Highness and of earnest good wish for her long continued

happiness ; and that the action already taken by the B. of G.P. in this regard be approved.

✳ ✳ ✳

In view of the constantly recurring rumours concerning a rapprochement between the Roman Catholic

Church and Freemasonry— to the latest of which we referred in our last issue—we would suggest to some

studious brother that a subject well worth investigation would be the divergence which has developed

between the two. It was not always there, and it would be interesting as it, would be valuable to trace its

history. Only so recently as 13th February, for instance, it was casually remarked in the "Times Literary

Supplement," in the course of a review of a work on the fall of the French Benedictines : "Many monks were

Freemasons ; the procureur général and the priors of St. Avoid and Bouzonville were numbered among

these. " Here is a specific point certainly worth following up. [The rumours here referred to are quite news to

the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, which confesses to being very sceptical with regard to any such rapprochement.—

ED.C.]

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

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

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

———<>———

A NEW ZEALANDER.— Regret cannot afford space for your letter ou " Our National Schools Crisis."

P.M. LODGE MACKENZIE.—The publication of your letter and extracts would indubitably induce a

theological discussion, probably of no little bitterness, and we are not prepared to take the responsibility of

this, especially as no ultimate good could acr-rtie. Your own arguments are not by any means the last word

on the subject, and it given effect to would unjustly " eliminate " a not inconsiderable section of present

members.

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

INITIATION.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—I thank "Pentalpha " for his letter on the above in your issue of 1st March.

Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to obtain a copy of Bro. Paton's "Freemasonry and its Jurisprudence,"

and as neither the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN nor the G.Sec. could answer my query definitely, I would take it as a

favour if you could send a copy of the Sixteenth Landmark to the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN to enlighten them, many

others, and myself through that monthly.—Yours fraternally,

LOOKING FOR KNOWLEDGE.

————————

THE TARINGATURA NOTICE OF MOTION.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— In your issue of the CRAFTSMAN of let February is a report from Lodge Taringatura,

No. 100, South. land, in which I notice with regret that, the brethren of that Lodge want all Germans and

persons of enemy origin excluded from becoming members of any Freemasons' Lodge in New Zealand for

the next ten years. I regret this, because I know of families of German .origin who voluntarily have served,

and suffered death and sounds for our Empire ; in fact, not a single one of the brethren of Lodge Taringatura,

according to their own report, have suffered like these; yet these brethren would not have a friendly hand

held out to such loyal and brave young men. It is such an unpopular act to say anything of a defensive nature

on behalf of German settlers, be they ever so peace-loving and inoffensive. No one knows this better than I

do; yet for the sake of truth and justice would I recommend the brethren of Lodge Taringatura, to reconsider

this matter, with the hope that they will withdraw their motion to G.L.—Yours fraternally,

H. P. HENRIKSEN, M.M.

————————

FREEMASONS AND THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— One reads with no small measure of surprise that the B. of G.P. has resolved that no

appeal of any kind, individual or otherwise, presumably, regarding the National Memorial Cathedral and the

Masonic National Memorial therein, as propounded by the Rev. Bro. C. F. Askew, Incumbent of St. Mark's,

Wellington, shall be made. This memorial is quite outside the pale of things sectarian, as our beloved Craft

has a divine character, wholly without a dogma. This aspect of the case therefore needs no consideration;

indeed, none was ever contemplated. When one reflects on the important share that English, Scotch, and

Irish Lodges have borne in the Homeland, by subscribing munificently to various cathedrals, parish

churches, etc., not only by offertories, but by laying foundation stones, and making presentations of pulpits,

windows, pews, lecterns, fonts, chapter houses, and what not (in one known instance they built a vicarage),

the resolution of the B. of G.P. is perplexing. Brethren generally appear to be unaware of what guided the

Board in its deliberations. It is deplorable that in such an important question as a National Memorial

Cathedral, in which it is proposed to erect a Masonic National Memorial in honour of our brethren fallen in

the war—and what more fitting place.?—the brethren of the Empire City and district will be debarred from

enjoying the privilege of .participating in this fine scheme as Freemasons, but only as private individuals. If

the fraternity here only had a lead, I feel sure it would have risen en masse to memorialise those of the Craft

who have made the supreme sacrifice in the noble cause of Honour, Liberty, and Justice, and I know of

nothing more appropriate than the dedication of a Holy Shrine to the glory of T.G.A.O.T.E., and such an one

as our worthy brother the Rev. C. F. Askew, has brought before us. Precedent is certainly not lacking, for did

not an ancient G.M., K.S., do the same kind of thing? In conclusion, here is, I say, a glorious opportunity for

all the Freemasons of the Dominion, but especially those of the Wellington District, to take part in and hand

down to posterity something worth having, and of which all will be justly proud. Let us embrace it.—Yours

fraternally, FRANK ROBINSON, P.M.,

Hinemoa Lodge, No. 122.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED.

———<>———

A. F. Neilson (Pihama), J. Anderson (Sanson), A. T. Peterkin (Wellington), D. Jack 17/6, R. Cowan 13/4, J.

H. Stallard 13/4, D. A. McLean 17/6, A. M. McLeod 17/6, W. J. Dawson 14/4, W, Simpson 13/4, A. T.

Allwood 13/4, N. McKenzie 20/-, J. Reid 6/10, A. E. Marwick, A. E. Furness 10/-, W. H. Clark, S. Worner

20/. (Whangarei), F. C. Purvis 37/6 (Titoki, Whangarei), R. Hamilton 14/4, J. T. Millington 14/4, J.

Rutherford 12/6, A. M. Rust 12/6, K. Mackbeth 11/10, C. B. Kerr, H. Cheeseman, J. Twizell (Hikurangi), E.

Worner 27/6 (Auckland), G. A. Shaw 13/4, F. Harris 13/4, T. Cox 13/4, A. Shand 5/10, J. H. Braithwaite 8/9,

C. Leyland, H. S. McMath, E. W. Davey, R, Boyd, W. Rust (Huntly), H. A. Waring 20/-, R, T. Hill (Taupiri,

Huntly), P. C. Gould 14/4, E. H. Jones, G. N. Morrish (Ngaruawahia), A. J. Tong 17/6, A. K. Weeks 28/4

(Waharoa), G. G. Bell 12/6, H. A. Kelso 12/6 (Mata Mata), J. Barr-Brown 27/6, S. J. Parker 8/9, W. King

8/9, W. C. Hewitt (Putaruru), P. Richardson (Onehunga), C. Carryer (Davenport), R. Hamilton (Marau, Bay

of Islands), L. Dodds, junr., F. T. Goodhue (Kaikoke), C. S. Foster (Ohaewai), J. A. Cook (Waimate N.), M.

M. Tubbs (Keri Keri), R. M. Stevens (Maungatapere), R. E. Southby (Tirau), J. Martin, H. C. Ross

(Hamilton), Lieutenant-Colonel Barclay 10/- (England), P. McIntosh, H. Graham (Lumsden), A. Dowgray

(Granity), P. H. Gwyne 2/6, R. J. Groom (Christchurch), B. Watkin (Waimate), T. Ramsbottom (Aramoho,

Upper Thames), M. E. Croft (Hukapapa), A. S. Gates 6/3, H. J. Free 10/-, R. Ormsby (Te Kuiti), A. J.

Graham 6/3 (Ohaupo), J. Heerdegen 13/6, J. Willis 13/6, J. Ormsby 13/6, T. Black 13/6, C. Miller 13/6, C.

H. Lord 17/6, H. Benner 17/6, A. Kerr, B. C. Gifford, J. A. Ruddy J. H. Johnston, J. A. Perry, J. Liddy

(Otorohanga), W. A. Gray (Mount Eden), N. M. Keen, F. Davies, E H. Robinson, J. F. Reeve, J. R.

Blencowe 15/-, C. R. Tapper 12/6, J. H. Buddle (Rotorua), C. H. Roffey (Waitoa), A. C. Yelland

(Rangataua), C. M. Luke (Parnell), J. H. Gillies (Avondale), E. H. Robinson (Ohinemutu), W. H. Gifford

12/6, W. Harvey 12/6, E. J. Swann 12/6, H. A. Sharp 12/6, G. W. Henderson 14/4, H. L. Jones, T. H. Hall

17/6, B. P. Andrews 17/6, M. Ashton 17/6, W. E. Crump 17/6, W. L. Foxcroft 17/6, A. Brown £1, R. J.

Inglis, A. J. Rolfe, R. L. Thomas (Tauranga), W. Whittaker 25/-, C. A, Suckling 8/9, W. R. Sloane 8/9, W.

Morrison 8/9, J. Franklin 8/9, F. A. Read 8/9, M. Ramson, F. Francis, E. F. Snell, H. Fortune, J. E. Thomson

(Whakatane), R. King, E. Bishoprick, T. E. Palmer, A. Montgomery (Te Puke), A. H. Chapman (Dayleston),

W. Gardiner 10/- (Taumaranui), W. H. Williams 20/- (Ohura), W. Hill 17/6, T. H. Kirkby 17/6, A. T. Butt

17/6, G. Urquhart 17/6, W. Wallace £2/10/-, A. W. Stevens 37/6, D. H. Bertram 15/-, F. H. Barnard 12/6, J.

Morgan 12/-, S. J. Hale 11/3, H. C. Hardcastle 12/6 (Rotorua).

(All 7/6 except those noted.)

————————

THANKSGIVING AND MEMORIAL SERVICE.

———<>———

A Masonic service was held in the Town Hall, Wellington, on Sunday, 13th April, at 3 p.m. There was a

large attendance of brethren, numbering some six hundred, and about two thousand friends of members. The

proceedings opened with the processional hymn, "Onward, Brother Masons," with Bro. W. H. Godier at the

grand organ. The National Anthem followed, after which V.W. Bro. Knowles Smith led in prayer. R.W. Bro.

J. W. Ellison, Prov.G.M., then delivered an address, and the large meeting united in the " Old Hundredth."

The "Creation Hymn " was splendidly rendered by the special choir, and Bro. Dr. Pinfold read the thirtieth

Psalm. The good old hymn, "O God, our Help in Ages Past," succeeded, and Bro. L. C. Barnes delighted the

audience with the well-known sacred solo, "The Trumpet Shall Sound." The hymn, "God of Our Fathers," by

Kipling, was sung with immense volume, an Bro. Rev. W. Sykes engaged in prayer. The choir next rendered

"The Chapel," and "Brief Life is here our Portion " followed. The choir were again heard to advantage in

"Memorial Song." Bro. Rev. W. Shirer delivered an excellent address, which was greatly appreciated by the

numerous audience. "The Last Post " was sounded by the trumpeters. The concluding hymn, "For all the

Saints," was sung, and the Benediction, pronounced by Bro. Rev. W. Sykes, concluded the service.

————————

THE CLOTHING OF A FREEMASON.

———<>———

[By BRO. J. T. LAWRENCE, England.]

————

The wearing of Masonic regalia is now practically restricted to the Lodgeroom, and to the adjoining

refectory (if tyled). Time was, not so very long ago, when this was not the case. We pick up old Masonic

periodicals, and even periodicals not pertaining to the Craft, and read of Masonic funerals and processions in

which "the gorgeous apparel of the brethren in high office lent a welcome tinge of colour, etc., etc." Worse

still, the writer has just laid down a Masonic journal wherein a Masonic ball is described, at which, not

content with coming in all their bravery, those present during the evening transferred most of it to the

persons of their fair partners. This, it is fair to say, was a twenty years' old incident, and it is only mentioned

in order to illustrate the change in Masonic sentiment.

Whilst the clothing of a Freemason is but one of the many incidents, our colloquialisms show to what an

extent it has managed to overshadow even more important incidents. For instance, we speak of red and blue

Masonry. Certain Lodges are described as red apron Lodges. Accession to high office is referred to as

attaining the purple. The W.M. is said to have so many collars at his disposal. Probably all this will go on,

and provided that the right idea gets more and more firmly implanted, perhaps it does not matter. The right

idea is, in the writer's opinion, that the clothing is not worn to adorn the brother who wears it, but that the

brother is meant to adorn the clothing.

The essential of all Masonic clothing is the plain white lambskin, gauntlets and collars are suggestive

incidentals, and such accessories as purple and gold and parti-coloured badges have useful significance, but

first comes the lambskin, which the G.M. himself never lays aside, in spite of all the embroidery which

appears to try and conceal it. It is the first gift of the Order to the neophyte. It is the privilege of the S.W. to

bestow it, and he does so in language more or less felicitous. It is, of course, no essential part of his remarks

to make reference to stars and garters. What is essential is that it is the badge of innocence and the bond of

friendship, and to that extent stands on at least equal terms with any other order, be it star or be it garter, ever

invented.

But the S.W. goes on to make statements which are more open to criticism. The candidate is told that if he

does not disgrace that badge, it will never disgrace him. The inference, that under certain circumstances the

badge may disgrace him, is one the writer cannot admit, because there are no such conditions conceivable.

When the candidate first entered the Lodgeroom it was with the accompaniment of certain adornments,

which were doubtless derived from the customs of the Vehmgerichte which flourished in Westphalia some

centuries ago; but these are now replaced with the emblem of modesty, industry, innocence, and thrift.

Whilst it is now universally made of lambskin, this has not always been the case. In Part I. of Ars Quatuor

Coronatorum, 1892, Bro. Crowe proves that linen was used in time past quite as frequently as any other

material, and Bro. D. Murray Lyon, G.Sec. of Scotland, also draws attention to linen aprons he has come

across. St. Mary's Chapel, No. 1, Edinburgh, possesses an inventory as recent as 1866, in which reference is

made to "twilled cotton aprons."

Passing by the material, let us examine the form of the badge, An apron, of course, is the first article of

clothing mentioned in the world's history, which fact is the authority for referring to the Masonic badge as,

among other symbolisms, being the emblem of modesty. It is very ancient. The Jewish priesthood was

clothed with aprons, including the three Masonic colours of blue, purple, and crimson. The Essenes clothed

their candidates with long aprons bordered with blue fringe, and the apron is also found in the Persian rites of

Mithras; while Mackay tells us that most of the figures of heathen gods which have been dug up are clad in

superb aprons. The plain white apron is generally the property of the Lodge, and is taken from the candidate

at the close of the evening, so that the injunction to him to "moralise upon it" loses some of its meaning.

It is often erroneously described as the badge of an E.A. It is nothing of the sort. It is the badge of a

Freemason, and should be instinct with the same lesson to the most exalted officer in the Craft as to the

Apprentice of yesterday. The various adornments which the apron undergoes as its wearer makes progress in

Masonry are not important, nor do they convey any particular moral lessons, though attempts to invest them

with such are sometimes made by fanciful brethren. The rosette possibly has Masonic significance,

reminding the M.M. of the "point within the circle," and if this be so, its applicability to a F.C.'s apron may

be questioned. The colours of the adornments are constitutional : Sky blue for the rank and file; garter blue,

popularly referred to as the "purple," for G. and Prov. and Dist. G. officers, and crimson and purple in the

Arch, are authorised by the G.L. and G. Chapter of England. Under the G.L. of Scotland, Lodges may choose

their own colours, though in G.L. itself green is generally worn. In due course the three rosettes give place to

the same number of "levels," a term which is erroneous. Obviously so; because there is but one officer of the

Lodge distinguished by the level, and it is not the W.M. The symbol in question is in the inverted "tau." In

the Arch, the three "taus" are combined in the manner familiar to all Arch Masons.

The apron is the absolute essential article of clothing, and the only occasion on which a brother may appear

in Lodge without it, is when he makes an unwilling appearance in G.L., to show what cause he can why he

should not be expelled from the Order; in other words, when he is fighting for his Masonic life. —"The

Masonic Journal."

————————

A GENEROUS SHIPPING COMPANY.

———<>———

Instances of an unfortunate crew being treated with generosity by the shipping company concerned are not so

common that the following incident is worthy of mention. It will be remembered that eighteen months ago,

the Burns, Philp steamer "Matunga," en route from Sydney to New Guinea, disappeared. At first, all hope for

the passengers and crew was given up, but it was presently learned that the ship had been captured by the

German raider "Wolf," and the people aboard were taken to Germany. The dependents of the crew, most of

whom were married men, were left in a most unenviable position. The company, however, shouldered the

burden, and allowances were made to all the dependents. These payments went on during all the time the

men were prisoners. With the signing of the armistice, the "Matunga " contingent was released, and 26

officers and members of the crew arrived back in Sydney recently. The Burns, Philp Company gave them a

formal welcome home. In the course of the proceedings it was stated that the company had paid out no less

than £11,000 in wages and allowances since the "Matunga " was lost. The crew received wages all the time

from the disappearance of the "Matunga" to the moment they landed again in Sydney. The 26 men drew

£3,900 the day after they arrived.

In addition, the company sent £5,000 to the Red Cross in London, to be expended on food parcels for the

men while they were prisoners, and at Christmas it presented each wife rated as a dependent with £10, and

each child with £2. The men concerned are loud in their expressions of gratitude to the company-a refreshing

thing in a shipping world which at present is overshadowed with constant friction and recriminations

between shipping companies and their employees.

————————

AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION.

———<>———

It is but rarely that the placid procedure of the B. of I.M. suffers interference, but an exception was made at

the annual meeting of New Zealand Pacific Lodge on 24th March last, when the proceedings of the B. of

I.M. were intercepted by V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge, acting as S.G.W., who, immediately after the opening of

the Board, rose in his place and said :-" M.W. Installing Master, I have to ask your forbearance while I delay

the work of the Board for a few moments in order to fulfil a mission which has been entrusted to me. It has

been noticeable for some time at these important ceremonies that there has been a deficiency in technique

owing to the fact that, when the time came to present to the newly-installed W.M. the W.Ts. of his rank in

the Craft, these Ts. were not in evidence. Their presentation, therefore, was merely a matter of description,

very inefficiently conveying to, and impressing on, the candidate the great symbolic lessons involved. 1 am

asked, therefore, to now beg your acceptance of, and to present to you for your own use, and as a souvenir of

fraternal regard, this case containing a set of I.M.'s W.Ts., and in so doing to express the hope that you may

be spared many years yet to continue to conduct these and other Masonic ceremonies with that dignity and

ability which ever distinguish your rendition thereof, and which add so much to the instruction and

enjoyment of the brethren. Again apologising, M.W. Installing Master, for delaying your work, I will now

ask the R.W.D. of C. to place in your hands this case of I.M.'s W.Ts." The. M.W. Installing Master was

somewhat non-plussed, but speedily regaining his mental equilibrium, thanked the donors for their kindly,

thoughtful, and useful gift, and expressed his hope that he would be enabled to use the W.Ts. for many years

in the service and to the glory of Freemasonry.

————————

THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.

———<>———

The following circular, which is placed in the hands of every candidate for initiation in a Lodge under the

jurisdiction of the G; Orient of France, will be of interest :—

GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.

————

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANDIDATES PROPOSED FOR INITIATION.

————

The candidate for initiation should read carefully the following instructions, which will enable him to

understand the principles of Freemasonry, and to decide whether he will persevere in his application. At his

initiation he will be questioned upon the general sense of these instructions.

Freemasonry is essentially a philanthropic, philosophic, and progressive institution, having for its object the

search for truth, the study of morality, and the practice of brotherhood. It aims at material and moral

development, and the intellectual and social perfection of humanity. Its principles are mutual toleration,

respect for others and for self, and absolute liberty of conscience. Regarding metaphysical conceptions as

belonging exclusively to individual appraisement, it refuses all dogmatic affirmation. Its motto is Liberty,

Equality, Fraternity.

The duty of Freemasons is to extend to the whole of humanity those fraternal ties which bind together the

whole body of Freemasons throughout the globe. The duty of the individual Freemason is on every occasion

to assist, enlighten, and protect his brother, even at the risk of his own life, and to shield him against

injustice. Freemasonry regards work as one of the essential duties of humanity. It honours equally manual

labour and intellectual work.

Initiation consists of several degrees or grades. The three first degrees are those of E. A., KC., and M.M., the

last alone conferring full Masonic rights upon the candidate. Nothing can dispense with these degrees as

prescribed by the ritual. No one can be admitted and enjoy the privileges attached to the title of

Freemason:—

1. If he is not of full age—that is, at least 21 years;

2. If he is not of irreproachable reputation and morals;

3. If he has not honourable and sufficient means of existence;

4. If he does not possess at least education sufficient to comprehend Masonic teachings.

The Masonic qualification, together with its rights and privileges, are lost :—

1. By dishonourable action;

2. By undertaking work regarded in the social scale as notoriously disreputable;

3. By the violation of the Masonic obligations undertaken on initiation.

No one can be admitted until his application has been considered by a special committee appointed for that

purpose, and every admission is subject to ballot.

The G. Orient of France does not constitute Lodges in foreign countries where there is existing a regular

Masonic organisation in fraternal communication with it.

Freemasonry having to provide its own working expenses and funds for other fraternal purposes, the

candidate must, immediately prior to his initiation, pay to the Treas. of the Lodge to which his application

has been made the sum of ………… and undertake to pay an annual fee of ………….

NOTE.—Freemasonry has at all times granted full liberty to all creeds and faiths. The United G.L. of

England,-in contradistinction to the G. Orient of France and Lodges allied to it, imposes the obligation of a

belief in a Living, Supreme Being, whilst the G. Orient regards all creeds as personal matters. The United

G.L. Of England, while proclaiming the liberty of human conscience, yet at the same time believes in the

imposition of dogma, which compels not infrequently acts of hypocrisy. The G. Orient of France, adopting a

logical, sincere, and tolerant attitude, objects to the imposition of such a religious belief, which is a modern

innovation in Freemasonry, and takes its stand on the individual liberty of each of its members, a liberty to

be exercised in the paths of honour and brotherhood.—" The Freemason," London.

————————

" LIGHT," AN ANCIENT LANDMARK.

———<>———

[Paper by BRO. COL. PURDY, read at the INSTALLED MASTERS' LODGE.on TUESDAY, 1ST APRIL, 1919.]

————

On our entrance into Freemasonry we are charged "to adhere to the ancient landmarks of the Order," and "to

make a daily advancements in Masonic knowledge."

A knowledge of the ancient landmarks of the Order will entail many years of study upon the initiate. How do

we make advancement in Masonic knowledge ? Only by two methods—word of mouth and reading. In word

of mouth teaching we are sadly hampered in this Dominion, because there is really no definite authoritative

body that can be appealed to. In reading we are also sadly hampered, as there are no handy well-stored

reference libraries. Most Lodges have a library, but all that I have seen are on about the same par, a few

books, such as Gould's invaluable history, generally with at least, one volume missing. It would be a boon to

students of Freemasonry if all the small libraries were pooled and one central reference library established.

1 submit that a body such as this Installed Masters' Lodge would be of the greatest service to Freemasonry if

it could and would develop itself into an appeal court on all Masonic questions. Here we have a collection of

enthusiastic Masons, past masters of the art, showing their keenness and interest by continuing as an

Installed Masters' Lodge after they have passed the Chair, a time when as we well know many of the

brethren give up all active interest in Masonry. There is a real need for such an appeal court, especially in a

Dominion like New Zealand, far away from the centre of things. In England there are many so-called Lodges

of Appeal, where a Mason groping in the dark can obtain light; but out here I do not know of any.

Carry your minds back to your initiation, after you had been charged to do various things. Were any of you

ever specially advanced in Masonic knowledge by a Lodge or by any esoteric teaching from one of the

admitted lights of the Craft? Had you not rather to go groping in the dark and doing the best you could by

yourself? True, I never knew a Mason refuse to help a brother when occasion demanded, but that occasion

had to be sought for, and one often found that the worthy brother did not know much outside the ordinary

scope of the ritual.

It is painful to contemplate the many discrepancies in the working of different Lodges. You hardly ever find

two Lodges agreeing on a definite method of working, and the reason is plain.

In the early days population was sparse, Lodges were few, inter-communication was difficult, rituals were

non-existent, and everything was word of mouth. Worthy brethren founding Lodges adopted a certain

method of working. That working gradually became stereotyped, until ultimately it became a "landmark,"

and woe betide any brother who ventured to depart from it.

Since May, 1912, all new Lodges have to work under the New Zealand Craft Ritual as approved by G.L. One

would think, therefore, that here at any rate we would have uniformity. But no! These new- Lodges differ as

much from each other in their methods of working as do the older Lodges, and, consequently, instead of the

new leaven gradually making for purity in the future, confusion will only become worse confounded.

I suggest that a Lodge formed to do exactly correct working is an absolute necessity in the Craft in New

Zealand. Knowledge is both esoteric and exoteric. Masonic knowledge is purely esoteric, but we are

recommended to study the seven liberal arts and sciences, that is, exoteric knowledge. Now, it is because

Masonic knowledge is purely esoteric that a guide is necessary. We need light.

The G.L. of England has never approved of a printed ritual. The G.L. of New Zealand has approved of a

printed ritual. But it is to be remembered that there never has been a ritual printed, and I venture to say there

never will be a ritual printed which gives all the working of the Masonic ceremonies.

I have often heard worthy brethren express in strong terms the difficulty they had to enter a Lodge in a place

where they were not known. A friend of mine (now, alas, dead) who was a great traveller told me not long

ago that he went to a well-known Lodge in New York, of which his brother was a member, his brother being

also a P.M. and a Mason of great repute. In spite of this, my friend had to go through what he termed the

stiffest examination he had ever been put to, and this its spite of the fact that he himself was a.P.M. in one of

our oldest Lodges, and also a New Zealand G.L. officer.

From my own knowledge, it would be well if New Zealand was equally as strict. No Mason should ever

object to being thoroughly proved. The officer responsible for visitors in each Lodge should insist that every

brother admitted is known to him as a true Mason, and not, as is so often done, take the thing as a matter of

course. The reason, of course, is obvious. Any man so inclined can get a certain knowledge from printed

rituals, for although rituals are, supposed to be sacred, and only used by the brethren, yet we all know there.

are ways and means of getting them ; but no man can get from any book all the really important esoteric

teaching. That can only be obtained by word of mouth. Consequently, the necessity of an examination which

will prove the candidate for admission is a genuine Mason and not an intruder who has gained his knowledge

from a book.

We are taught that Freemasonry is an ancient institution, ancient as having subsisted from time immemorial.

It is laid down that the ritual is an ancient landmark. Article XV. of the " Articles of Union" reads :—

" After the day of the re-union, as aforesaid, and when it shall be ascertained what are the obligations,

forms, regulations, working, and instruction to be universally established, speedy and effectual steps shall

be taken to obligate all the members of each Lodge in all the degrees according to the form taken and

recognised by the G.M., P.G.Ms., G. officers, and representatives of Lodges on the day of re-union; and

for this purpose the worthy and expert M.Ms. appointed as aforesaid shall visit and attend the several

Lodges within the Bills of Mortality, in rotation, dividing themselves into quorums of not less than three

each, and they shall assist the Master and Wardens to promulgate and enjoin the pure and unsullied

system, that perfect reconciliation, unity of obligation, law, working, language, and dress, may be happily

restored to the English Craft."

I have already pointed out how errors have crept in in New Zealand, and how landmarks have been made

that are not ancient landmarks.

It is only by study that we can get at the truth, and I submit we need light and guidance in that study. Let me

quote an example of what I mean. [Bro. Purdy here referred to certain differences in working in different

Lodges, but obviously these cannot be published.] A seeker after truth has to find out for himself to a very

large degree, and these differences in working constitute for him a serious problem.

The history of the ritual is very interesting,and most elucidating, but is not for this paper. Suffice it to say

United G.L. was formed in 1813, that it constituted a Lodge of Reconciliation to settle the ritual once and for

all, and that G.L. approved, sanctioned, and confirmed that ritual on 5th June, 1816. [Here follow further

references to Lodge working which cannot be published.]

Freemasonry is defined as a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. I

often hear Masons of repute say, "Ritual is not everything—it is really a minor part of Freemasonry." Now,

this is not so. Ritual is Freemasonry. It is everything. Once let a Mason study the ritual, and try and get under

the surface of things, and he will be amazed at the wealth of thought opened to his view.

Would it not be wise to give young Masons light on this great and important subject of Freemasonry? How

different the ritual would appear if we knew, even in a limited degree, some of the symbolism? Why has no

attempt been made to help young Masons? Why are they left to grope in the dark when their crying need is

light, and it is ready to hand? What is the predominant wish of an initiate's heart? And why is that wish not

gratified in a symbolical sense as well as in the material one? Do you not think if the symbolical meaning

was taught to all our initiates that many of the excrescences would disappear from the working of the ritual;

that this craving for theatricality would cease; that brethren would discover that the finest expression is

repression? That a ceremony conducted in the old quiet dignified way is much more expressive than some of

the displays we witness?

Light is the symbol of joy and of life-giving power. Fire, the giver of light, is a thing sacred in primitive

religions. Fire-worship still has its place in two of the great religions of the world—the Parsees adore fire and

the Brahmins worship it—in the Inner Temple fire and light played a conspicuous part in their ceremonies—

the Shekinah was a cloud of fire in the Holy of Holies symbolical of the presence of Jehovah—before it was

a candle-stick with six branches, on which seven lamps eternally were burning—all synagogues have their

eternal lamp—the Greeks and Romans had ceremonial lights—a golden lamp burned night and day in the

sanctuary of Athenia Polls on the Acropolis. In Christian times fire and light were conceived as symbols of

the Divine nature and Divine presence, but not until after the second century. In the third century ceremonial

use of lights was firmly established—they were used at the Eucharist, at baptisms, ordinations, funerals, etc.

Altar lights were not used on the altar until the twelfth century. The threefold elements of a wax candle were

held to be :—Rush wick, the product of pure water ; wax, the offspring of virgin bees; the flame, sent from

heaven.

Light is a symbol of the presence of God and a tribute of adoration. Lights were burnt before the tombs of

martyrs, also before relics, images, -and pictures, and certain lights themselves came to be regarded as

objects of worship and to have other lights burned before them,

In the completed ritual of the Mediaeval Church, still preserved by one well-known religious sect, the use of

ceremonial lights is recognised either as a symbol of God's presence or of the children of light in conflict

with the powers of darkness, also as an expression of joy at great festivals, also as a votive offering, an act of

worship to God.

It is clear, therefore, that in all times and in all ages lights have been used for ceremonial purposes. The M.L.

is undoubtedly to represent the Eternal Light—the light ever burning symbolising the presence or the Great

Light. That is why the M.L. should always be in evidence. But its symbolical use has been forgotten.

The following letter from the G.Sec. of the United G.L. of England in 1839 its reply to an inquirer shows that

authority's opinion on the matter :—

"Freemasons' Hall, 7th December, 1839.

"Dear Sir and Bro.,—In reply to your questions as to the propriety of extinguishing the M.L., and, if

extinguished, of introducing a lanthorn with a star, etc., I feel no difficulty in stating that such

extinguishment is not only improper, but positively in violation of a most maturely considered and un-

equivocal direction of the G.L., and that the introduction of a lanthorn, etc., is equally against the order. In

the Lodge of Reconciliation the extinguishment had been proposed, and occasioned much dissatisfaction. In

order, therefore, to settle that and some other points, or, more properly speaking, to carry out the intention

and direction of the Act of Union that there should be a conformity of working, etc., a special G.L. was

convened on 20th May, 1816, to witness the ceremonies proposed by the Lodge of Reconciliation. These

concluded, the several points were discussed, amongst others the M.L., and decisions were come to upon

them. But to afford opportunity for the most mature consideration, and to leave the subject without a

possibility of objection, another special G.L. was holden on 5th June following to approve and confirm what

had been done on 20th May. At these meetings the M.W.G.M. presided, and the attendance of members was

larger than at any other I recollect (excepting the day of union). The decision was that the M.L. was never to

be extinguished while the Lodge was open, nor was it by any means to be shaded or obscured, and that no

lanthorn or other device was to be permitted as a substitute. . . . As to the penalty with which G.L. might

think fit to visit a Lodge; acting in contravention of its positive order I venture no opinion; you are as capable

as myself to decide upon that point.—I remain, dear Sir and Bro., yours fraternally,

WM H. WHITE, G.Sec."

————————

THE OLDEST GRAND INSPECTOR.GENERAL, A. AND A. RITE,

OF ENGLAND, WALES AND BRITISH DEPENDENCIES.

———<>———

In the course of his speech in the refectory after the convocation of Wellington Rose Croix Chapter, No. 91,

in April last, V. Ill. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, 33deg., in replying to the toast of his health, became reminiscent,

and recalled that he and eight others, some 45 years ago, failing to get either an English or Scotch charter for

the A. and A. Rite in New Zealand, worked under an Egyptian charter. This roused the ire of the Scotch and

English authorities, and the latter promptly granted a proper charter, and conferred the 33deg. on three

members of the nine, of whom Bro. Niccol is now the only survivor. Incidentally, Bro. Niccol remarked that

the manner in which the Wellington Chapter was now worked, and its equipment., were second to none in

the world. It is understood that the officers and members of Wellington Chapter have now ordered larger

sized hats.

————————

PRESENTATION TO ILL. BRO. SURGEON-GENERAL

R. S. F. HENDERSON, C.B., 31deg.

———<>———

The April convocation of Wellington Rose Croix Chapter, No. 91, was availed of as the opportunity to say

farewell to one of P.M.W.Ss., Ill. Bro. Surgeon-General Henderson, C.B., 31deg., who was shortly to return

to England, and in doing so to present him with a small token of regard and esteem whereby to keep green in

his memory not only the members of the Chapter, but also of New Zealand itself. The presentation consisted

of an illuminated address, bound in covers of inlaid New Zealand woods, each cover representing a design

appropriate to the Order of the A. and A. Rite. The inlaying of the woods, prominent among which were

totara, honeysuckle, hinau, kauri, rimu, and other well-known polishing woods of the country, was very

artistically executed, as were also the illumination of, and fancy script in, the address, which was as

follows:—" Ill. Bro.,—It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that the brethren of the Wellington Rose

Croix Chapter realise that, your official work in New Zealand being now completed, your sojourn here will

shortly cease, and that the parting of the ways is inevitable. But your brethren cannot allow you to depart

without offering a small token of their great esteem, and their high appreciation of your great Masonic work

in this country. On your arrival in the Dominion you at once associated yourself with the Wellington Rose

Croix Chapter, and the deep interest you have manifested, and the good work you have so unostentatiously

performed—sparing neither your strength nor your time nor your means—will long live in the memories of

the brethren, and will be embalmed in the annals of the Chapter. How greatly you have endeared yourself to

the members can only be very feebly expressed here, but should the fates decree your return, the warmth of

the welcome that awaits you will demonstrate to the full the estimation in which you are held. In asking your

acceptance of this small memento, we offer our best and heartfelt wishes for your future, wherever you may

be, and may the evening of your life be attended by every happiness this world can give." Following the

address, spread over several pages, came the signatures of the officers and members of the Chapter in due

order of precedence.

The presentation was made in open Chapter, and in the presence of an assemblage of over 50 members,

including the G.Insp.Gen. of New Zealand, VIII. Bro. Malcolm Niccol, 33deg., by the M.W.S., Bro. R. J.

Foss, who said that the record attendance that evening was the result of a general recognition of what Ill.

Bro. Henderson had done for Rose Croix Masonry here during his somewhat brief sojourn amongst us. He

made reference to the increase in membership, and the advancement of the Chapter in every way, and said

that these things were associated in his mind with two Ill. brethren, one of whom was regrettably absent that

evening, the other was Ill. Bro. Henderson. When it became known that the latter Ill. brother was going to

leave us, very genuine regret was felt by all the members. As a military man, Bro. Henderson would

appreciate action, not words. So he would just say that they now proposed to exert a little privilege they had

of presenting Bro. Henderson with a mild token of their esteem, possessing a distinctive Maoriland character,

to take with him to the Old Land. Bro. Foss then described the presentation, and said he hoped that when

turning over its leaves the recipient would remember the Chapter, and other Masonic incidents experienced

in New Zealand. Bro. Foss then read the address as above, and handed the presentation to Ill. Bro.

Henderson.

VIII. Bro. Niccol, 33deg., said it was unnecessary for him to supplement what had been said by the M.W.S.,

but there was no one knew better than himself how much Ill. Bro. Henderson had done to exalt Rose Croix

Masonry in New Zealand, where it was now more flourishing and efficient than ever it had been before.

Bro. Henderson, in reply, while deprecating too much importance being attached to the little he had been

able to do, eulogised the present working of the Wellington Chapter. When he first visited it three and a half

years ago, he had the advantage of having seen the working in other countries, and he thought he might make

certain suggestions. He was delighted with the way in which his suggestions were taken up and carried out,

and the general kindness shown him. That he should never forget. As for the presentation, he could not

adequately express his sense of pleasure at the admirable and appropriate form it had taken, and his sincere

thanks were due to all concerned. It would not be necessary, however, for him to turn over its leaves to

refresh his memory of either this Chapter or New Zealand. Again he thanked them.—[Specially

Communicated.]

————————

GRAND LODGE OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

———<>———

MOTION BY R.W. BRO. J. G. MOON.

————

RULING BY THE GRAND MASTER.

————

The following motion, of which notice had been given by R.W. Bro. J. G. Moon, P.O.W., was ruled out of

order by the G.M. :

— That in the opinion of this G.L. no person of enemy origin, naturalised or unnaturalised, that is, of any

country with whom Great Britain has been at war for the past four years, viz., Germany, Austro-Hungary,

Bulgaria, and Turkey, should be admitted into Freemasonry in any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this G.L.

for a period of twenty (20) years." The M.W. G.M. said :—" Brethren, while personally, as an individual, I

am altogether in accord with the ideas of R.W. Bro. Moon, seeing that the conduct of the nations referred to

has been such as will never be forgotten, and I am sure that for generations the very name of our enemies

will stink in the nostrils of all decent peoples, yet I must remind you that we have our duties as Freemasons

to consider. Under our laws every P.M. is absolutely compelled to uphold our ancient charges and

regulations, and I, by reason of the office I hold, am particularly charged to see that they are properly

enforced in this G.L. It is by virtue of this stringent adherence to the path laid down for us that Masonry

occupies the position it has in the world to-day, and any G.L. that permits the slightest infraction of the

ancient charges, not only discredits itself, but does an injury to Freemasonry all the world over. Our

institution is universal; it knows no creed, sect, or nation, and one, of our ancient charges warns against

introducing matters of quarrel within the doors of the Lodge, and says:— ‘We also are of all nations,

tongues, kindreds, and languages, and are resolved against all politics, as what never yet conduced to the

welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will.’ To these ancient charges and regulations everyone of us is bound to

give allegiance, and I have therefore no option but to rule that the motion tabled by R.W. Bro. Moon is

altogether, out of order. Personally, as I have said, I sympathise with his ideas, but the matter is one that must

be left to the private Lodges. If any Lodge cares to admit a German (though I cannot think that such a thing

would be likely), that is a matter for the consciences of its members. As a G.L. we can do nothing in the

matter. I declare the motion out of order."—" Keystone."

[In a leading article in last month's issue of the N.Z. CRAFTSMAN we offered comment on a similar motion

which is to be moved in the G.L. of New Zealand this month. We went somewhat more fully into the matter

than the G.M. of New South Wales has, but one of our conclusions was precisely the same as his.—ED.C.]

————————

MASONS ON THE BOWLING GREEN.

———<>———

The last match of the season for the Wyatt Memorial Ashlars was played on 12th April, when the N.Z.

Pacific team, consisting of Bros. Norton, Worboys, Vosseller, and Ingram, were successful in their challenge

game against the holders, Bros. Smith, Berry, Gannaway, and Erskine, of Lodge Waterloo, the scores being :

N.Z. Pacific 30, Waterloo 13. During the summer six enjoyable games have been played for the Ashlars, the

Lodges participating being Whetu Kairangi, Waiwhetu, Waterloo, and N.Z. Pacific, and the only regret of

the donor, Bro. Wyatt, of Seatoun, is that more Lodges have not been engaged in friendly competition for

these coveted trophies.

————————

THE CHEVALIER D'EON, MASON AND MASQUERADER IN FEMALE ATTIRE.

(Continued.)

———<>———

[By HENRY R. EVANS, LITT. D., 33deg. HON., in the " New Age."]

————

But imagine the sensation when the Chevalier d'Eon finally confessed that he was a female! He assumed the

dress of -a woman from that time to the day of his death. Returning to France, he was presented to Louis

XVI. as the Chevaliere d'Eon, and was invited everywhere ; the lost brilliant circles of society welcomed him

with open arms ; and his old military comrades feasted and toasted him as a heroine. When the American

War broke out he offered his services to the French Government to fight for the American colonists against

England, but his offer was not accepted. In 1785 he returned to England to settle up some financial affairs,

and remained there for the rest of his days.

As I have previously noted, the scandal regarding d'Eon affected the Masonic fraternity ; it covered the Order

with "a storm of caricature, satire, and general opprobrium." Says Calvert :—

"A couple of well-executed prints which showed the Chevalier in female guise, and the introduction of the

clothing and symbols of the Craft, insisted on his Masonic standing, obtained a great vogue, and it could not

be denied that he was, as the inscription on one of the pictures announces, ‘Admitted a Freemason in the

Lodge Immortality of the Order, at the Crown and Anchor in the Strand.’

"According to the Chevalier's journal, on the 18th May, 1768, he paid the sum of 10s. 6d. ‘pour reception

dans la respectable Loge de l'Immortalite,’ the French Lodge, No. 376 on the register of the G.L. of

Moderns, which was formed on the 8th September, 1766, and was known as the ‘Crown and Anchor Lodge,

constituted ye Lodge of Immortality in ye Strand.’ He paid his quarterage of £1 7s., contributed £1 1s. to the

Fund of Benevolence, and was raised to the Third Degree at a cost of £4 7s. in January, 1769, and served his

term as J.W. in 1769-70. Soon after this time the Chevalier was so alarmed at the possibility, even the

prospect, of being kidnapped by the insurance brokers or the policy holders, who, eager to make money by

the solution of the problem of his sex, would not have hesitated at a compulsory means of settling the

question, that he disappeared from his lodgings, and shortly afterwards found sanctuary with Earl Ferrers at

Staunton Harofd, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch. It is an extraordinary thing that any Lodge should have admitted

d'Eon to membership at a time when the betting was seven to one that he was of the female sex, but it is still

more amazing that he should have found an ardent supporter in a nobleman who, in 1762 and 1763, had

occupied the chief office in the G.L. of England ; and while the heavy-handed satirists and lampooners of the

period were using the verdict of the Court of King's Bench as a peg on which to hang many coarse gibes at

the fraternity generally, the `Ancients ' quickly turned it to account against their rivals of the ‘Modern’ G.L.

They pointed to the B. of C., which, from the first edition, had insisted that ‘The persons admitted to a Lodge

must be good and true men, free born, and of mature and discreet age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral

or scandalous men, but of good report,’ and they inveighed fiercely against the laxity displayed by a

‘Modern’ Lodge which had not only initiated a man who was a public scandal, and, according to current

report, immoral, but one who had not even filled the physical requirements of the Old Charges. Such a point

was not likely to escape the notice of Laurence Dermott, who, in a new edition of ‘Ahiman Rezon,’ issued in

1778, emphasised the physical requirements of candidates for intiation, with the following note :—

"This is still the law of Ancient Masons, though disregarded by our brethren (I mean sisters), the Modern

Masons, who (some years ago) admitted Signiour Sing Song, the Eunuch, T—nd—ci, at one of these Lodges

in the Strand, London. And upon a late tryal at Westminster, it appeared that they had admitted a woman

named Madam d'E—.'

"Having been legally proclaimed a woman, and deciding to conduct himself in future as a member of the

non-eligible sex, d'Eon was not again received in a Masonic Lodge, but his death revealed the fallibility of

the law, and from the Chevalier's MSS. we find that he possessed a nice appreciation of the merits of

Freemasonry. This appreciation is contained in a rough draft of what was intended to be published in the

form of a polished essay on `Freemasonry and Quakerism,' which is preserved in the collection of Mr. J.

Eliot Hodgkin."

The French Revolution put an end to d'Eon's pension, not the fact that he posed on every occasion as an

ardent Jacobin ; called himself the Citoyenne Geneviève, and assembled a great number of Frenchmen living

in London, on 14th July, 1790, "to celebrate publicly the anniversary of the glorious Revolution and to take

the civic oath." When English sympathisers met, under the presidency of Lord Stanhope, to celebrate the

same glorious occasion, d'Eon was unable to attend the meeting, but he sent a souvenir in the shape of "a

stone taken from the arch of one of the principal gates of the Bastile, which has endured the musketry volleys

of our brave Parisians." He also offered to serve as a dragoon in the French Army, but he appealed in vain to

the Republic. His name had been listed as a Royalist by the Convention, and that ended the matter. From the

year 1790 to the close of his eventful career, d'Eon lived a hand-to-mouth existence.

He was reduced to taking part in public fencing competitions, in which he generally wore his old dragoon

uniform, yet at several matches he appeared in a semi-feminine costume, So great was his skill with the

sword that he usually came off victorious in these competitions. But on 26th August, 1796, at a match held at

Southampton, he was so severely wounded by his adversary that he had to abandon fencing forever. An old

English lady, Mrs. Mary Cole, received him into her house in London and nursed him back to health ; to the

end of his life, Mrs. Cole tended to his wants with the most touching devotion. Towards the last poverty

obliged him to pawn his Cross of Saint Louis.

The curtain was now about to fall on this strange life drama. Despite age and sickness, the Chevalier's

indomitable energy never flagged. He succeeded in interesting the Citoyen Otto, the Commissioner of the

French Republic in London, and through him sent, on 18th June, 1800, a petition to Talleyrand, the Minister

for Foreign Affairs, in which he enumerated his services to France :—

"I have fought the good fight; I am seventy-three years of age ; I have a sabre-cut on my head, a broken leg,

and two bayonet thrusts. In 1756 I contributed largely to the re-union of France and Russia. In 1762 and

1763 I laboured night and day to establish peace between France and England. I was in direct and secret

correspondence with Louis XV. from 1756 to the year of his death. My head belongs to the War Department,

my heart to France, and my gratitude to Citizen Charles Max Talleyrand, the worthy Minister for Foreign

Affairs, who will do me justice, and will not leave me to die of despair and starvation."

Citizen Otto secured for him a passport to Paris and Tonnerre, and Senator Barthelemy promised to introduce

him to the First Consul, Napoleon Bonaparte. But the Chevalier lingered on in London, and finally breathed

his last on 21st May, 1810, at the house of his friend, Mrs. Cole. A post-mortem examination revealed the

fact that he was a man ; the doctor was not less sur prised than Mrs. Cole on discovering the real sex of this

enigmatic personage who had for so many years kept the public guessing. "His life," says Alfred Rieu, "will

remain for all time as one of the strangest challenges that history has ever made to fiction."

And so the curtain fell forever on a daring and brilliant adventurer, who was "ruined by his inordinate pride."

————————

AVON LODGE AND ITS ORCHESTRA.

———<>———

Avon Lodge is proud of its orchestra, the members of which always turn up in force at Lodge meetings. At

the April meeting 15 were present, under the baton of genial Bro. Noble, and rendered "Raymond Overture"

(Thomas) and "Moon Moths " (Kussner). A quantity of new orchestral music was recently imported, so the

music-loving Masons of Christchurch have some feasts in store. W. Bro. Kiddy, of the Christchurch Lodge,

recently donated a set of bound book covers for loose music. The members desire to place on record their

appreciation of his thoughtfulness. The enthusiastic efforts of Bro. Naumann, leader of the orchestra, are

largely responsible for its success. Avon Lodge generally turn on some imported talent in the refectory. At

the April meeting Bro. Fred. Bluett, Australia's greatest comedian, sang a parody on "Rocked in the Cradle

of the Deep," and Bro. Stirling, of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge, gave selections on an old English coach

horn and Scotch airs on a one-string fiddle. Avon Lodge is inundated with work just now, and several

Lodges have kindly assisted in raising five candidates, which leaves one to be raised, three awaiting passing,

three awaiting initiation, and four more candidates have passed the Board of Inquiry.

MUSICAL PICNIC.

The annual picnic of the Avon Orchestra took place last month at Waihora Park, Motukarara, when W. Bro.

L. B. Hart, Pres., took with him 14 members and their families by motor cars, 40 being present. After lunch

an orchestra race was held, when each individual had to run about 30 yards, play a verse of "Abide with Me,"

run another 30 yards, play a verse of "Home, Sweet Home," and then run another 30 yards to the tape. Bros.

Sandston and Brown were first and second respectively, but were disqualified on account of skipping some

of the music, so the first prize of a shaving glass was presented to Bro. Clarkson, clarionette. The brass

instruments had no chance in this race, as their race time was too slow compared with the lighter

instruments. The ladies also had a race, after which the party repaired to Bro. Gray's estate at Kaituna, where

they were entertained at afternoon tea. Bro. Gray had sent invitations to his neighbours for miles around to

come and hear this orchestra, and quite a crowd had gathered. After tea a musical concert was given, the

three principal items being "Light Cavalry," "Merchant of Venice," and "Poet and Peasant." After their

photographs were taken by a number of camera fiends, W. Bro. Hart thanked Bro. Gray for his hospitality,

who suitably responded. Before returning to Christchurch, Bro. Gray showed the visitors over his orchards

and gardens, which are very extensive.

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

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

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Taringatura, No. 100.—The installation of W. Bro. S. E. Griffiths, postponed in November, was held on 19th

March, when there was a large attendance. The ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans,

P.Prov.G.M., assisted by M.W. Bro. M. Thomson, P.G.M., and P.Ms. and W.Ms. of various Lodges. The

duties of D. of C. were capably performed by W. Bro. Rusden. As it is the second period that W. Bro.

Griffiths has occupied the Chair of K.S., a large portion of the ceremony was omitted. After the W.M. had

been duly installed, proclamations made, and the customary salutes given, the following officers were

invested : S.W., Bro. G. Finlay ; J.W., Bro. D. F. McLeod (invested by W. Bro. Rusden, addressed by W.

Bro. H. J. Riddell); Treas., W. Bro. G. F. Johnson; Sec., Bro. R. N. Wilson (invested by W. Bro. A. J.

Clarke); J.D., Bro. H. Ewen (invested by M.W. Bro. M. Thomson); D. of C. W. Bro. H. Graham; Organist,

W. Bro. D. Walker ; Chaplain, Bro. D. K. Fisher (invested by W. Bro. C. Webb); I.G., Bro. J. R. Thomson ;

Tyler, Bro. C. Belsham (invested by W. Bro. J. S. Lipscombe) ; Ss., W. Bro. Roxburgh, Bros. R. N. Taylor,

W. Stewart., P. McIntosh, Jos. Beer, F. Gluyas (invested by W. Bro. F. Tilley). R.W. Bro. Steans addressed

the W.M., and M.W. Bro. M. Thomson addressed the brethren. W. Bro. G. F. Johnson, who has for many

years filled the position of Treas., and during the past year has acted as Sec., was taken by surprise when he

was made the recipient of a Treas.'s jewel. In making the presentation on behalf of the W.M. and brethren,

R.W. Bro. Steans congratulated the Lodge on its sound financial position, which, he said, was due to a large

extent to the energies of W. Bro. Johnson, whom he described as a pillar of the Lodge. W. Bro. Johnson

suitably replied. After the termination of the ceremony an adjournment was made to MacPherson's Buildings,

where a generous banquet was prepared. The customary toasts were duly honoured, and musical and

elocutionary items considerably enlivened the proceedings. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close

by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———————

CANTERBURY.

St. Augustine, No. 4.—The first regular meeting of the new year was held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall

on 8th April. W. Bro. Duff opened his Lodge promptly at 7.30 p.m., and, after welcoming two of his brethren

on their first appearance in Lodge since their return from active service, proceeded to the annual discussion

of the Lodge balance-sheet. Probably owing to the Lodge's healthy financial position, this item had a good

passage, and some discussion ensued on the Finance Committee's report, which was eventually received and

adopted. W. Bro. Redpath, 1.P.M., who had been entrusted with the pleasing duty of suitably recognising the

extended aid of the better half of our veteran S.S., reported as follows : "W. Bro. Redpath , assembled some

half-dozen brethren last evening at Bro. Sydney Smith's residence, 22 Carlton Street, Merivale, and made a

presentation to him. Both Bro. Smith and his wife were completely taken by surprise, and their genuine

appreciation was made more apparent by the unaffected way in which your gift was acknowledged. Mrs.

Sydney candidly informed W. Bro. Redpath that, whilst her labours had not always been labours of love for

the Masons, she was very willing to help our Bro. Sydney, as his interest in his Lodge was such a big part of

his life. When Bro. Sydney attempted to return thanks, he was immediately informed the present was for

Mrs. Sydney. The gift, consisted of four pieces on a silver-mounted oak tray, inscribed : 'To Mrs. Sydney

Smith; an appreciation from the brethren of St. Augustine Lodge, No. 4. March, 1919.' " Previous to

commencing his address on the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association, W. Bro. Major Finnis handed to the W.M. the

gavel he had used when presiding as W. M. at a meeting of the Association, held at Authie, France, on 21st

June, 1918. W. Bro. Duff, in acknowledging the gift on behalf of his Lodge, paid a well-deserved tribute to

W. Bro. Finnis and the other brethren who had obeyed the Empire's call, and referred to the peculiar

symbolism of this gift, the emblem of authority, which had been used at a meeting, representative of all that

pertains to peace and goodwill, held actually within the firing line. W. Bro. Finnis's remarks were listened to

with appreciation, and the brethren gathered incidentally some slight idea of the trials of a soldier's life. Bros.

Anthony and Pritchard also referred to their connection with the Association at different branches. Before the

Lodge was closed one W. brother was proposed as a joining member. The usual pleasant hour in the

refectory, and the keenness of all the brethren, augurs well for success in the ensuing year, both in Lodge and

refectory. — [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Methven, No. 51.— On 9th April the Lodge held one of the most successful meetings of its history for

ordinary purposes. The weather broke, and we had heavy rain all the afternoon, and at midnight the ground

was white and snow falling fast and heavy. The P.Ms. were invited to, and accepted, the work of raising one

brother. Bro. Galanders presided, obligated the candidate, and gave the P.Ss. He had for S.W. W. Bro.

Goodwin, who also delivered L. of a M.M. and the F.P. of F. W. Bro. Blacklar was in the S.W.'s chair, and

delivered the prayer, also the Retrospect. W. Bro. Todd was D. of C., and gave the T.H. W. Bro. Mitchell

was S.D., and also delivered 15 F.Cs. W. Bro. Pawson, I.P.M., was J.D., and gave the further Ss. W. Bro.

Duff was I.G., and delivered the address on the W.Ts. The presiding brother (W. Bro. Galanders) then gave

the Charge after Raising, closed the Lodge in the Third Degree and also in the Second Degree, but before

doing so called on R.W. Bro. Bishop (who, I may say, came all the way from Christchurch to do honour to

W. Bro. Stone. W.M., his P.Ms., and brethren) to present the V.S.L., which was done most impressively, and

accompanied by good Masonic advice. Prov. G. L. numbered ten, which, for a record stormy night, was

good. The Lodge was then closed. In the refectory, where a. happy hour was spent, a toast was given to Bro.

Hy. Maginnis, W.M.-elect. W. Bro. Galanders and R.W. Bro. Bishop, Prov.G.M., were heartily thanked for

their visit. W. Bro. Stone, while working a degree, thanked W. Bro. Bishop for his visit, also for several

points advised on to secure dignified work, also respecting applause, all pointing to Masonic procedure.

On Friday, 11th April, the W.M., his officers and brethren,, numbering twelve, paid a visit to Lodge

Erewhon, No. 200, when, by invitation of W. Bro. Ruddenklau. W.M., they worked the Third Degree. In

both cases the Alternate Scotch was worked.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Augustine, No. 99.—The regular meeting was held on 12th March. Owing to harvest work and other

causes, the attendance was not quite so good as usual. The work scheduled for the evening was the

conferring of the Third Degree upon two brethren. The ceremony was carried out by the W.M., Bro. Beckett

(Ob.), assisted by W. Bro. C. R. Bateman (Exhort.). W. Bro. Lee (1st T.H.), W. Bro. Shackleton (Emb.), W.

Bro. Jas. Manchester (Ss.), NV: Bro. Menzies (continuation T.H. and further Ss.), W. Bro. Colville (Final

Charge), and Bro. C. E. Manchester, S.W. (W.Ts.). Our W.M. has his hands full, as there are seven others

awaiting this degree. The Lodge being closed, the refectory was visited for an hour.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Avon, No. 185.—The regular meeting was held-in the Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on 3rd April, when W.

Bro. S. K.. Bassett, W.M., presided over the attendance of 120 members and visitors. A letter was read from

W. Bro. Major Murphy (who has just recently been mentioned in despatches), conveying greetings from

Bros. Billson, Hilson, Hanna, and himself. The letter conveyed interesting information regarding a Masonic

meeting held in Cologne under the jurisdiction of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association, where all were present.

The work was to initiate three candidates. They were obligated by the W.M., who, in conjunction with W.

Bro. Yellowlees (W.M., Lodge Conyers) and W. Bro. W. E. Scott, I.P.M.: communicated the S. T., and W.

After investiture the W.M. of Lodge Canterbury (W. Bro. G. Berry) addressed the brethren, after which W.

Bro. J. Voss delivered the N.E. Charge in an impressive manner. W. Bro. Yellowlees (W.M., Lodge

Conyers) presented the W.Ts., and W. Bro. W. Cookson the Final Charge. The usual special prayer

terminated a pleasant and successful meeting.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Wairau, No. 42.—The regular meeting was held in the Lodge-room, Blenheim, on 25th March. There was a

good attendance, the W.M. (W. Bro. Tyler) presiding. Four propositions for membership were received, and

one as joining member. The W.M. was elected to represent the Lodge at the G.L. meeting. W. Bro. Paton

having resigned the position of Treas., W. Bro. M. McKenzie was elected to the position. The principal

business was the raising of two brethren. The W.M. conducted the ceremony, and was assisted by W. Bros.

McKinley and Nos-worthy, and Bros. T. E. Cleator, S.W., A. Jellyman, J.W., and W. R. Macintosh, S.D.

H.G.W. were received from Lodge Hinemoa, Wellington. During the evening the W.M. took occasion to say

a few words of farewell to Bro. George Horne, who is leaving the district to reside in Wellington. Bro. Horne

is an old member of Wairau Lodge, and will he much missed.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Unanimity, No, 106.—Owing to the regular meeting night clashing with the licensing referendum, the

meeting was postponed till the following evening, lithe April; There was not a large attendance. A letter was

received from the secretary of the Marlborough Peace Celebrations Association, inviting the Lodge to take

part in the procession in connection with the forthcoming celebrations. It was decided to reply that it was not

the practice of Masonic Lodges to appear in public in regalia, and to point out that members of the Craft who

were members of Friendly Societies would be participating with those bodies. A ballot was taken, and

proved successful. Three candidates were passed, the W.M. (W. Bro. H. R. Bagge) being assisted in the

ritual work by W. Bros. J. Brown, R.P. Furness, and C. A. Eckford, and Bro. W. M. Lambie, S.W. It was

decided to purchase a new set of regalia for the officers. At the request, of the W.M., W. Bro. F. T. Bull

presented a brother with his M.M.'s certificate.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

AUCKLAND.

Ponsonby, No. 54.—There was a very good attendance at the regular meeting on 4th March. The work is as

the Third Degree, which was carried out in a very excellent manner. The W.M's work was, indeed, very fine.

The brethren assisting the W.M. were : W. Bro. L. C. E. Hamann, Secrets; W. Bro. Armstrong (P.M., Lodge

Harmony, No. 2180, E.C.), T.H. ; W. Bro. T. McNab, Signs and Secrets ; Bro. F. Snell, W.Ts. ; Bro.

Stancombe, Charge. The brethren are very pleased to have with them once again Bro. Cyril Dutton, brother

of the W.M., who has just returned from the front, he having been on active service with the Australian

Forces for four years.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Wairoa, No. 55.—Our regular meeling on 17th March was the most successful of the year. The work was

the First Degree. The W.M. of No. 55 handed the gavel to the W.M. of Lodge Prince of Wales, EC., for the

purpose of conferring the First Degree on two candidates. The work was well done, and the candidates have

every reason to remember "that peculiar moment, etc." W. Bro. E. S. Stephenson was assisted by W. Bro.

Prince (Address after Investiture), W. Bro. Wilson, P.M. Aro, No. 348 (N.E. Corner Address), W. Bro.

D'Ewes ,(Mode of Prep.), W. Bro. G. Champion, P.M., No. 1530, E.C. (W.Ts.), W. Bro. C. E. Dutton, W.M..

Lodge Ponsonby, No. 54 (Charge). The election of officers took place, Bro. George V. Westbrooke, S.W.,

being unanimously elected W.M. for 1919-20. I am glad to be able to report that the Lodge is progressing.

We now have sixty-one members, an increase of about thirty-six in about four years and a half. We are

holding our installation meeting on 21st April (Easter Monday), when we hope to have quite a lot of country

brethren with us—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Piako, No. 160.—The installation took place in the Masonic Hall, Morrinsville, on 14th—March, when a

large number of brethren attended, including representatives from many other Lodges. Bro. R. J.

McCausland was placed in the Chair of K.S. by the Installing Master (V.W. Bro. Leighton), after which the

W.M. invested his officers as follows : I.P.M., W. Bro. S. B. Sims ; D.M., W. Bro. H. J. Clifford ; S.W., Bro.

F. A. Pickett ; J.W., Bro. C. B. Sims ; Chaplain, Bro W. Morrice ; Treas. , Bro. H. Arnold ; Sec., Bro. J. W.

Clark; S.D., Bro. W. A. Robertson ; J.D., Bro. M. B. Mackenzie; D. of C.. W. Bro. C. M. Gummer ;

Organist, Bro. A. Gifford; LG., Bro. A. Cutforth ; S.S., Bro. D. C. McLeod; J.Ss., Bros. G. J. Johnson and F.

Johnston ; Tyler, Bro. E. G. Haynes. On behalf of the Lodge the Installing Master presented W. Bro. Sims

with a handsome P.M.' s, jewel. After H.G.W. the Lodge was closed, and the brethren adjourned to the

banqueting hall, where they did justice to the good things provided.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

RUAPEHU.

Manawatu Kil., No. 47.—The regular meeting was held on 13th March. The principal business was the

initiation of two candidates, the ceremony being conducted by W. Bro. W. Mundy, acting W.M., assisted by

W. Bros, Snell. Clarke, and W. H. Smith, and Bro. A. M. Wright. The election of officers resulted : W.M.,

Bro. E. R. B. Holden; S.W., Bro. E. R. G. Tucker ; J. W., Bro, E. V. West; Sec., Bro. C. S. Rush, P.M. ;

Treas.. Pro. J. A. Nash, P.G.S.W. ; D. of C., Bro. A, Torstonsen. P.M. ; Chaplain, Bro. A. Clarke, P.M. ;

S.D., Bro. W. Mundy ; J.D., Bro. A. Worboys ; I.G., Bro. A. H. M. Wright ; Tyler, Bro. A. Lambarth ;

Organist, Bro. H. S. Porteous; Choirmaster, Bro. J. Bett ; S.S., Bro. W. R. Douglas; J.Ss., Bros. C. S. Pees

and J. Linklater ; Representative on Board of Enquiry. Bro. W. H. Smith, P.G.J.W.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Andrew Kil., No. 79.—The usual monthly meeting was held at the Masonic Hall, Marton, on 10th April.

There was a very fair attendance of the brethren. The business was to pass four brethren. The W.M.

conducted the whole of the ceremony, apart from what falls to the regular officers of the Lodge, with the

exception of the Charge after Passing, which was given by W. Bro. Hendry. W. Bro. James L. Stevenson,

one of our most worthy P.Ms., is still, unfortunately, on the sick list, and has been unable to take an active

part in Lodge affairs for some time past. Notwithstanding this, he continues his interest in the Craft, and his

absence is greatly felt in many ways. Brethren will be interested to learn that the billiard table presented by

the Freemasons of Wanganui to the Returned Soldiers' Convalescent Home at Gonville is now duly installed,

and is proving very useful. The amount of business and the number of candidates to put through will

necessitate our holding two or three emergency meetings before our installation in July. Visiting brethren

might bear this in mind. We will be glad to see them at any time.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

WELLINGTON.

N.Z. Pacific, No. 2.—The annual meeting for installation purposes was held on Monday, 24th March,

commencing at 3.30 p.m. W. Bro. R. H. Webb presided over an excellent attendance, including some thirty

P.Ms. Formal and routine business being concluded, M.W. Bro. W. J. Williams, P.G.M., attended by R.W.

Bros. H. H. Seaton, P,G.W., H. B. Bridge, P.G.Lect., W. Bro. J. H. Worboys, P.G.D., and a number of G.

and P.G. officers, entered the Lodgeroom and assumed the chair, R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, acting as G.D. of

C., Bro. W. H. Godier as Organist, and Bro. M. Manthel as Herald. Bro. J. H. Hutchings, W.M.-elect, having

been presented, was addressed by the Installing Master (M.W. Bro. Williams), the Ancient Charges were

read, and he subscribed to the usual Ob., and in a B. of I.M. he was properly installed in the chair. The Lodge

then called off until 7.30 p.m. On calling on at 7.30 prompt, the hall was very fully taxed for seating

accommodation. There was a very large attendance, M.W. Bro. M. Niccol, G.Sec., being amongst the

visitors. The usual proclamations were made by the D. of C., and the W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. H.

A. Bruce., J. Connell, and E. Norton. In the absence of the Prov.G.M., M.W. Bro. M. Niccol presented the

Charter, B. of C., and Byelaws. W. Bro. T. Gibson very impressively invested the following officers :—

W.M., Bro. J. H. Hutchings; S.W., Bro. G. W. A. Clark; J.W., Bro. P. C. Connell ; Chaplain, Bro. Rev. J. H.

Sykes ; Treas., W. Bro. T. H. Gibson. P.M. ; Sec., W. Bro. J. H. Worboys, P.G.D. ; S.D., Bro. J. F. Thomson

; J.D., Bro. A. E. Kennard; D. of C., R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, P.G.W. Organist, Bro. H. W. Godier ; I.G.,

Bro. C. R. Ingram; S.S., Bro. B. T. Blake; J.S., Bro. H. J. Freeman ; Assist–S., Bro. C. W. Miller ; Tyler

(acting), Bro. E. B. Paton. The address to the W.M. was delivered by W. Bro. J. H. Worboys. R.W. Bro. H.

H. Seaton charged the Wardens, and V.W. Bro. H. B. Bridge impressively addressed the brethren. The W.M.

briefly thanked all and sundry for his election and installation, and the usual offertory was taken for the G.L.

Annuity Fund. A P.M.'s jewel was presented to the retiring W.M. by M.W. Bro. Niccol, and suitably

acknowledged. The refectory was reached shortly after 9 p.m., and a small toast list was effectively dealt

with. The harmony was excellent, the Masonic quartette being in excellent form, to the pleasure and

admiration of the brethren. A most pleasant evening was spent, and brethren were enabled to catch their

trams after the toasts had been disposed of. The new W.M. should have been a proud man that night.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Masterton, No. 19.—The regular meeting was held in the Lodgeroom on 9th April, the W.M. (W. Bro. O.

N. C. Pragnell) presiding. Just as the Lodge was about to tyle, a surprise visit was paid to us by the W.M. and

brethren of Lodge St. Mark, No. 53, from Carterton. Needless to say, these visitors were welcomed and

received a warm greeting. The business set down for the evening was initiation, but, owing to the

unavoidable absence of the candidate, this had to be postponed. The election of officers for the new year was

held. A vote of sympathy was passed to W. Bro. Pragnell, W.M., on the death of his late father. A most

interesting and profitable time was spent in the refectory, when Bros. Dr. Cook (late of the N.Z. hospital ship

"Marama") and Dr. Prior (who joined the Craft in Lodge Boscombe in England) gave most interesting

addresses on their experiences. Bro. Dr. Cook's remarks were mostly of the sea, and Bro. Dr. Prior's on his

experiences in France and England. The brethren one and all were unanimous that the meeting was one of

the best yet held.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No, 156.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, on Thursday, 3rd

March. The W.M. (Bro. C. W. Martin) presided. There was a large attendance of brethren. After routine

business was transacted the W.M. handed the gavel to W. Bro. Shannon (W.M. of Lodge Hinemoa), who,

assisted by his officers, worked the ceremonial business, which was the raising of a brother. At the

conclusion of the ceremony W. Bro. Martin resumed the chair, and the Lodge closed at 10 p.m., and the

usual adjournment was made to the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

Manawatu, No. 11.—A convocation was held in the Lodge-room on 21st March, V.E. Comp. Stone, P.Z.,

presiding in the capacity of acting-W.M.M., assisted by Bros. Sinclair, S.W., and Spooner, J.W. The

ceremonial work consisted of the advancement of three candidates, the work being allocated thus : Ob., Bro.

Stone, W.M.M. ; Ss., R.W. Bro. Smith, W.M.M.; W.Ts., Bro. Gallichan, Z. ; M.M. Lecture, by the M.O.,

Bro. J. Y. Oliver ; Final Charge, R.W. Bro. Smith, M.M., P.Z., Bro. S. Oliver, J.O., and Bro. Wright, S.O.,

respectively. The Conductor was W. Bro. Graham. The candidates were W. Bro. Turner, P.M., W. Bro.

Stubbs, and Bro. Skinner (all of Lodge Huia). Two propositions for advancement were received. At the close

a light refreshment was partaken of in the refectory, when among other subjects discussed at length was the

eternal question of advertising the date of Chapter meetings in the local press for the benefit of any visitors in

the town. In the writer's opinion, it is a most unprofitable and debatable subject, as, owing to the diversity of

opinion, no finality is ever reached, as extraneous matter is always introduced, which renders the

proceedings dreary and monotonous to the listeners ; also it is not instructive to the newly advanced

brethren.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Waimate, No. 16.—The regular meeting was held on 19th March. After the Chapter was opened it was

adjourned to work the Excellent Degree. The degree was conferred on two brethren by Bro. Hoskins,

W.E.M., who gave the Ob. and Ss., assisted by W. Bro. J. Menzies, who delivered the Lecture. The other

offices were filled by W. Bro. J. Manchester, S.W.; W. Bro. T. Manchester, J.W. ; Bro. E. Beckett,

Conductor; W. Bro. Shackleton, Capt. 1st Veil ; Bro. A. Jones, Capt. 2nd Veil; Bro. C. Coventry, Capt. 3rd

Veil; Bro. E. J. Atwill, I.G. The Chapter was resumed, and ordinary business, including adoption of balance-

sheet, was transacted. How is it, Mr. Editor, that Chapter meetings are not too well attended? I hear the

complaint from other quarters. It should not be so. Yet I notice that many companions appear to lose their

interest in Capitular Masonry very shortly after taking the degree. Is it that the ceremonial lacks in interest?

When one considers that this degree furnishes the key to that which was lost, surely one's interest ought

rather to be quickened than slackened. Let us hope better things for/the future.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Wanganui, No, 23.—The monthly convocation was held on 3rd April, V.E. Comp. F. Symes, Z. in the chair;

R.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon, acting-H.; and E. Comp. J. R. Foster, J. The work was the advancement of two

brethren, both of Moutoa Lodge. Bro. F. Symes, W.M.M., was assisted by Bros. Gordon and Bullock,

P.W.M.Ms., and Bros. Moutray, Foster, and Copestake, of Egmont Chapter.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Iwikatea, No. 33.—The regular convocation was held on 11th April in the Masonic Hall, Balclutha. V.E.

Comp. A. Lattimore presided, with E. Comps. A. Stenhouse and J. McMiller H. and J. respectively. The

business was the advancement of two brethren of Lodge Clutha, No. 14. The ceremony was carried out by

the W.M.M., Bro. J. McMiller, who obligated, W. Bro. A. Stenhouse the W.Ts., W. Bro. W. Henderson

(P.G.D. of C.) the Lecture, Bro. A. Cohen the Final Charge. Lodge was closed and Chapter resumed. V.E.

Comp. W. Henderson (P.G.D. of C.) presented diploma to 2nd Prin., E. Comp. A. Stenhouse, and heartily

congratulated him on the high honour. Two brethren were elected for membership. A very enjoyable time

was spent in the refectory.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Egmont, No. 37.—The annual convocation was held at Stratford on 14th April. R.E. Comp. Gordon, the

G.Supt. of the district, opened a Conclave of Installed Principals at 4 p.m., when the three Principals-elect

were obligated. The Chapter was opened at 7.30, when a fair number of companions attended. R.E. Comp.

Gordon, assisted by R.E. Comp. Palmer, G.J., impressively installed the three Principals—George Hirst

Hutton as Z., W. H. Besley as H., and Geo. Smart as J. V.E. Comp. F. Copestake addressed the newly-

installed Z., and R.E. Comp. Palmer gave the addresses to the H. and J. The address to the officers of the

Chapter was delivered by V.E. Comp. Geo. Young, P.Z., and that to the companions at large by V.E. Comp.

McAllister, S.E. The officers, as follows, were invested by V.E. Comp. Copestake, I.P.Z. :—S.E., V.E.

Comp. J. McAlister; S.N., E. Comp. J. Wilks ; Treas., E. Comp. R. M. Peattie; 1st Soj., E. Comp. Win.

Power ; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. Wm. Dean; 3rd Soj., E. Comp. J. R. G. Sutherland; Janitor, E. Comp. S. O.

Spurdle. At the close of the ceremony a very pleasant hour was spent in the refectory. R.E. Comp. Gordon

congratulated the Chapter on its steady progress. V.E. Comp. Hutton is the first R.A. Mason made in the

Chapter to occupy the chair, and was warmly congratulated and commended on that account. Under his

guidance Egmont Chapter should prosper.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————————

A. & A. RITE.

Wellington, No, 91.—The regular quarterly convocation was held on 11th April, Bro. R. J. Foss, M.W.S.,

presiding. The attendance was a record one of over fifty members and visitors, and included the V.Ill.G.

Insp. Gen. for New Zealand (Bro. Malcolm Niccol, 33 deg.). There was no business other than routine

matter, the occasion being mainly availed of for the purpose of farewelling Ill. Bro. Surgeon-General

Henderson, 31 deg., P.M.W.S., of the Chapter, prior to his departure for England. The numerous and

distinguished assemblage present was ample testimony to the esteem in which that illustrious brother is held

by the members of the Wellington Chapter and the Order generally. The G. Insp. Gen. (V. Ill. Bro. Niccol)

was received in proper form and accorded the honours due to his exalted rank. Among the incidental

business done was a report read by the M.W.S., Bro. Foss, from the Court of Honour on the proposal to

formulate an amendment to the law relating to the proposition of candidates, as suggested by E. and P. Bro.

Seaton at the January convocation. The report was not in favour of any alteration in the procedure as at

present, and E. and P. Bro. Seaton having explained the reason for his suggestion, the matter was not further

proceeded with. Five members had the honour of having their certificates presented to them by the G. Insp.

Gen. VIII. Bro. Niccol also explained that, in addition to his desire to be present to assist in doing honour to

Ill. Bro. Henderson, he was there to announce that the Sup. Council, 33 deg., had been pleased to confer the

31st Degree on Ill. Bro. H. J. Williams, 30 deg., who was, unfortunately, absent that evening owing to

serious illness in his family. The announcement was received by the members present with the greatest

pleasure and satisfaction, and regret was expressed at Ill. Bro. Williams's absence and the cause thereof. A

presentation was then made by the M.W.S., Bro. Foss, to Ill. Bro. Henderson, 31deg., a report of which will

be found under separate heading elsewhere in this issue, and Bro. Henderson suitably replied. The Treas.'s

report and balance-sheet was ordered to be printed, and will come up for adoption at next convocation.

Chapter was then closed, and an adjournment made to the refectory, where the toasts of honour were, of

course, those of V.Ill. Bro. Niccol, C. Insp. Gen., 33 deg. ; the Sup. Council, 33 deg. ; and Ill. Bro. R. S. F.

Henderson, 31 deg. The speeches were good and to

the point, and some reminiscences of Bro. Niccol

relating to the A. and A. Rite some forty years ago

were both interesting and amusing. Interspersed

musical items were given by the well-known Waiata

Quartette. Bro. Thompson, and Bro. Hocking, and

were much enjoyed, as was also a legerdemain

interlude by Bro. H. H. Seaton, whose humour and

skill in this connection is ever unfailing.—[Specially

written for N.Z. CRAFTSMAN.]