INSTRUCTION NOT REQUIRED.

——<>——

THE caption of this article is apparently the slogan of

the average New Zealand Mason. He is ready and

willing enough to assimilate what he can of the

technical and mechanical side of Masonry, as

represented by the ritual, because office in his Lodge

is only to be reached by so doing, and office is the

sum of his ambition, and the goal he aims at. To do

him justice, one must also credit him with

considerable ethical improvements as a result of his

connection with the Craft. Outside of these things he

has no soul beyond incidental social enjoyment.

Endeavour to interest him in the intellectual side of

Masonry, the study by which he will learn to

understand something about the history, the

traditions, the symbolism of the institution he

belongs to, by which even the ritual he is ready to get

off parrot fashion, for the sake of office, will be

revealed to him as something more beautiful and

significant than he has ever imagined ; endeavour to

interest him in these things, and he shuts up like an

oyster. This sort of instruction is not required ; it is

altogether superfluous so far as he is concerned, for,

is it note fact, the highest Masonic honour can be his

without any knowledge whatsoever of this kind.

Why, he may be enrolled even as a ruler in the Craft, and yet be as ignorant as, nay, quite possibly be more

ignorant than, many of the profane as to the origin and esoteric meaning of Masonry. A strange thing this,

indeed. One wonders in what other walk in life is it possible to attain to the high and influential places

without the study and application, which have been the guarantee of fitness and qualification. A mischievous

thing this, too, for it engenders a feeling of disappointment and disillusion in the brother of intellectual parts

and refinement which too and services. It is also, probably, the basic cause of the strange mental apathy

which is characteristic of frequently culminates in disgust, and the consequent loss to the institution of the

brother's influence the average Mason, when it comes to the question of any higher instruction than that

required for the mere technical or mechanical side of Masonry. Are we being unfair in any way, or too severe

upon the average Mason in this matter? Well, let facts speak for themselves. In most of the centres of

Masonic districts there have been inaugurated Lodges of Research, or Literary Lodges, the membership of

which is confined to I.Ms., with the addition of associate members, who, save that they have no vote in the

adminstration of these Lodges, enjoy practically all the benefits included in full membership. Also, there are

numbers of Lodges of Instruction in connection with the ordinary Lodges. What is the experience in

connection with these bodies, whose functions are solely the improvement of the M.M.? In every case the

attendance at the meetings is of an attenuated character. In connection with the I.Ms.' Lodges a lamentably

small percentage of P.Ms. consider it their privilege or duty to become members, while of those who join or

affiliate, only a small proportion attend the meetings. Is it either unjust, then, or too severe to deduce from

this that the average Mason does not want instruction of the higher nature, since his Masonic ambitions can

be attained without it, and since it entails a certain amount of study and self-sacrifice? And yet what a fount

of mental culture and mental recreation these good people are deliberately eschewing, how significantly they

are belittling the status and importance of the ancient and honourable institution, of which they are but

mechanical members. For if the institution is not worth understanding, from every standpoint, the esoteric as

well as the exoteric, then it cannot be worth much at all, since its ethics are not peculiar to it, save as regards

the system by which they are inculcated, and its social attractions can be met with in any profane club or

other organisation for the association and entertainment of men. But we do not believe that this inevitable

inference, so untrue in fact to those who really think and know, is intended seriously by the great apathetic

body of Masons, who turn the blind and deaf side to the higher instruction. With them it is just sheer

carelessness and laziness. A case of too much bother and trouble, seeing that one can get on without it, get on

sufficiently that is, and be just as good a Mason, or so they fondly think, and so the self-deception goes on,

and presumably will go on unless the powers that be shall lay it down that no P.M.'s diploma shall be issued

to a brother until he has given proof of his fitness and proper qualifications for that exalted position, a fitness

and qualification resulting from a knowledge extending beyond the ritual and the Lodge ceremonial.

—————————

MASONIC WAR MEMORIAL.

———<>———

"The G.L. of Freemasons on 3rd September decided, on the Duke of Connaught's motion, to

appeal for funds from their brotherhood all the world over. The object is to erect a Masonic

Temples as a central home for British Freemasonry, and as a perpetual memorial to brethren

who had fallen in the war."

We do not think a worthier memorial could-be raised to our brethren who have fallen in the war than that

embodied in the proposal of the Duke of Connaught. England has always been regarded as the Mecca of

Freemasonry. It is the hope of every Freemason that opportunity may occur to enable him to visit it, and

worship in its temple. And this feeling—almost reverential—will be enhanced if a temple is raised worthy of

the Freemasonry of the world, more especially if the Masonic world contributes to its erection. And we

believe it will only be necessary for the appeal to go forth to secure a response that will be unprecedented in

its fervour. Further, the movement follows most fittingly on the great Masonic peace demonstration which

was held in the Royal Albert Hall on the 27th June last. We are told in the official report that, although the

gathering was restricted to holders of admission cards, long queues assembled outside the large hall two

hours before the commencement of the proceedings, and the 8,500 brethren from various jurisdictions the

wide world o'er filled the hall to its utmost limits. All assembled to give thanks to Almighty God for His

blessings and mercies vouchsafed. We are further told that, had it been possible to provide accommodation,

no difficulty would have been experienced in securing an attendance of at least ten or twelve times that

number. The only cause for regret was the absence of the M.W.G.M., the Duke of Connaught, through

illness. Thirty-three Masonic jurisdictions were officially represented, and the attendance of other foreign

visitors was very large, easily constituting a record. To a country having such large Masonic potentialities,

the suggestion of the M.W.G.M. as to the form of a national peace memorial is a very happy one, and is

eminently calculated to prove a brilliant success, even though as yet quite in an embryo stage. Bridging the

abyss of some eleven thousand miles, the theme may be continued in this little New Zealand land, and could

we but point a fitting and practical moral with which to adorn the tale, then could we claim one more victory

for the war. The question of proper and enduring peace memorials is not infrequently asked, and in only one

instance, so far as we are aware, has it been solved in favour of a memorial temple—if for the moment we

may pose grandiloquently. And yet in three large centres such a work would stand forth for the next half a

century as one of the greatest utility, as a landmark of the peace which memorialised the great war, erected to

the service of God, and for the beneficent purposes of philanthropic Freemasonry. In no place in New

Zealand would a work of this character be more practical than in the Capital City of the Dominion. The

brethren are not in any sense proud of the hall in which they meet, nor are they satisfied with the

accommodation. And the company which is the owner is getting tired of trying to solve the intricacies of the

fiscal position. To increase the chaos each of three suburban Lodges have a hall, and in two out of the three

the accommodation has been outgrown. The obvious solution would be the erection of a Peace Memorial

Hall on a central site, which would be available for all Lodges, and containing such accommodation as

would constitute it a fitting Masonic home in the truest acceptation of the term. If we may be permitted to

express an opinion, it is that it is virtually impossible to negotiate the financial difficulties surrounding the

present central hall. But that it is quite practicable, if the business men of the Craft get together, to erect a

suitable Masonic Hall of modern design suitable to all the requirements of Freemasonry in all its varied

forms. An example has been presented in Christchurch of what can be done by united effort. To remain

quiescent is to tacitly admit that business acumen is not equal to that of the southern brethren, or that

Masonic interest in the Capital City is becoming arctic in character, being already below zero.

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

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

“PAST MASTER”, who wrote to the CRAFTSMAN last month upon archaic words in our ritual, and, inter alia,

mentioned the meaning and pronunciation of "cowan," -asks us to correct a singular-slip which he made in

the latter respect. What he intended to convey was that the accent is placed on the first syllable, whether the

word be given as "cow-an" or "co-an."

SOME months ago the G.R.A. Chapter of Canada decided to eliminate the sash from the regalia of the degree.

This action did not meet with general approval, and at the last convocation of G. Chapter it was decided that

the sash should be restored, as it is a distinctive feature of the insignia of the R.A. The decision met with

hearty approval from all parts of the territory.

WE offer our acknowledgments to sundry Lodges for copies of annual balance-sheets. All seem to have

substantial assets, Lodge Leinster having pride of place with £1,247 7s. 5d. Lodge Rotorua, in the sulphury

town of that name, though smaller than many of its compeers, is secure with a balance of £689.

W. BRO. G. E. SMITH, P.M., and Sec. of Lodge Waterloo, Wellington, acted as Installing Officer in that

Lodge on the 8th September. It was his maiden effort in this capacity, and his work was the subject of the

highest encomiums from those present.

BRO. RALPH KING, who for some years past has been an active Masonic worker in Pahiatua, has now left

that district, having entered into partnership with Bro. J. Baillie, chemist., of Hamilton. We wish our brethren

every success in their business venture.

THE UNITED MASTERS' LODGE, No. 167, at the regular meeting held at Auckland on 29th August, welcomed

R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay upon his return from active service. The W.M. (Bro. Blair) and R.W. Bro. D. B.

Wallace referred to the work done by R.W. Bro. Barclay during the three years be had held the W.M.'s chair,

and also to his services while at the front. An interesting reply was given by R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay.

DURING the war the wearing of evening dress at Masonic meetings was suspended, the G. M. of England

himself setting the example. The old practice has now been resumed under authority.

W. BRO. J. J. PICKETT, recently postmaster at Timaru, retired from the service last month on superannuation.

He purposes residing at Hastings, where he should be a tower of strength to Freemasonry in that district. The

CRAFTSMAN wishes him many years of ease and happiness, thus fittingly crowning a most strenuous life.

LODGE NGAURUHOE started a little over three years ago with a debt of nearly £600. It now owes less than

£200, due mainly to the efforts of the brethren and voluntary donations. Their peace celebration offering

came to nearly £100.

QUITE a gloom was cast over the Apiti and Kimbolton districts when the news spread of the death from

diphtheria of Jean, the second daughter of W. Bro. W. McKay, of Apiti. The deceased, who was a robust

little girl of 10 years, was apparently in splendid health up to within two or three days of her death, when she

developed what was thought to be a severe cold. Medical aid from Feilding was immediately summoned,'

and the doctor pronounced the case as one of diphtheria, with very serious complications, the latter being

responsible for her untimely end.

AT a specially organised function, Bro. E. H. Brewer, of Lodge Abercorn, Waipawa, who has departed for

new fields, was presented with a fountain pen as a mark of the esteem in which he is held by the brethren.

WE regret that Invercargill copy was again crowded out through late arrival. We suggest that our Invercargill

correspondents should anticipate their usual dates by at least three days. They are probably not allowing for

the paralytic state of the nationalised railways.

—————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

———<>———

W. Bro. J. Manson (W.M.) was well assisted by his officers and brethren in arranging a social and dance on

30th July. It was a great success, about 75 couples being present. The Prov. G.M. (R.W. Bro. A. B. Haggitt)

and G.L. officers were in attendance.

✳ ✳ ✳

The signing of peace was celebrated in Invercargill by a combined thanksgiving service on Sunday, 20th

July, and a Masonic banquet on the following Wednesday. At the former ladies were present, the service

being conducted by W. Bro. Rev. C. P. Webb. The service was well attended.

✳ ✳ ✳

The annual meeting of Lodge Aparima was held on 12th August at Riverton. The day was very bleak and

wintry, consequently there was only a fair attendance, Nevertheless, those present derived profit and

pleasure. The ceremony was conducted by G.L., W. Bro. J. C. Clapp acting as D. of C.

✳ ✳ ✳

At Lodge Victoria regular meeting on 8th August, one candidate was initiated. The feature of the evening

was the Final Charge delivered by W. Bro. E. Parker (Lodge Fortitude). This compliment was extended to

W. Bro. Parker, the candidate being his own son.

✳ ✳ ✳

Bro. H. Parata proposed the toast of "The Visitors" at Lodge Aparima on the 12th August in a manner so

pleasing and interesting that brethren were, like Oliver Twist, wanting more. His introductory stories of

actual personal experiences were particularly good. At the same meeting the comfort of the brethren was

zealously attended to by W. Bro. E. B. Gee, Sec.

✳ ✳ ✳

Lodge Southern Cross attended at Riverton in full force.

✳ ✳ ✳

On 15th August Bros. Fallow and Moorhouse were welcomed back to Lodge St. John. Bro. Fallow,

("Hector") has been a good correspondent during his absence, and has kept the brethren well posted in

matters of Masonic interest in England and France. Some of his notes have already appeared in the

CRAFTSMAN.

✳ ✳ ✳

The Hall Committee in Invercargill deserves Congratulation for the very fine sets of screens provided to

increase the comfort of the social hall. These have been a long while coming, but we appreciate them.

✳ ✳ ✳

At Lodge Southern Cross on 1st August, during an interval, R.W. Bro. W. Smith was asked to express an

opinion on "A Pre-requisite to Initiation," as it appeared in a recent article in the CRAFTSMAN. Bro. Smith in

his reply showed no hesitancy in affirming the advantage of every candidate being informed to some extent

of what manner of organisation he was joining.

✳ ✳ ✳

Freemasonry is a progressive science, and to apply the adjective in its fullest sense, surely the rulers in the

Craft require to have progressive ideals. At an installation meeting in June last, R.W. Bro. Hoyles,

P.Prov.G.M., counselled the W.M. to keep his Lodge abreast of the times, and to get away from the idea that

because his predecessors had pursued a certain course he must not deviate from it. Surely, now, here is an

opportunity for progress, by introducing a "Pre-requisite for Freemasonry" in our Lodges under the

superintendence of an experienced W.M. who would guard the landmarks against intrusion.

✳ ✳ ✳

The late Bro. L. C. Haman, Lodge Victoria, was interred with Masonic rites on 11th August. There was quite

a large attendance of the late brother's fellow members, besides visitors from sister Lodges. W. Bro. Alex.

Greig, W.M., conducted the ceremony.

✳ ✳ ✳

Despite restricted train services and other consequent inconveniences, Lodge meetings are being well

attended so far as the town is concerned. Our brethren in the country, however, are suffering a handicap, and

it is hoped the normal service will soon be resumed.

—————————

WAIRAU LODGE NOTES.

———<>———

Bro. W. R. Lloyd Williams, who has removed.to the Gisborne district, has resigned his position as J.D. He

has been a capable and conscientious officer, and his departure from the district is much regretted.

✳ ✳ ✳

In proposing the health of the Dep-Prov.G.M. at the meeting of Wairau Lodge on 26th August, W. Bro.

McKenzie said that W. Bro. Furness was initiated at the first meeting the speaker had attended in

Marlborough, and he had always found him "one of the best."

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

A MOST IMPORTANT GATHERING.

———<>———

Probably the largest and most enthusiastic gathering of Freemasons ever seen in Dunedin assembled in

Lodge Otago Kil., No. 143, on Thursday, 21st August, when the work of initiation was carried out by the

officers of Lodge Celtic. This strong and old-established Lodge has decided to transfer its allegiance to the

G.L. of New Zealand, and tremendous interest is being evinced in the process, since Lodge Celtic has always

been the most typically Scottish Lodge in the South. Pride in the patriotic attitude of New Zealand has been

the chief factor in their transfer. After W.M. Bro. A. McLachlan had opened the Lodge and disposed of

routine business, the large number of visitors were received. The Prov.G.M. of Otago, R.W. Bro. Hawcridge,

and R.W. Bro. Ross, P.D.G.M., attended by G.L. officers, were then received and duly honoured.

Bro. McLachlan then placed the gavel in the hands of the R.W. Prov.G.M., who addressed the brethren as

follows :— ''To-night is capping night. Our students hold high carnival ; sand we Freemasons bound by so

strong a tie of brotherhood that the good-fellowship existing between the happy-go-lucky, free-and-easy,

devil-may care, poor varsity scholars is known-the world over as the 'Freemasonry of Students.' We also

ought to be singing Gaudeamus igitur ' (So let us be joyful). From us, too, the clouds of war have been lifted.

The thunder of guns, the lightning of bursting shells, the poisonous emanations of the bottomless pit, the

bewildering evolutions of the hawks of war with their fiery droppings, the sneaking assassin the submarine,

the lurking sandbagger the mine, the deadly barbed snare, the whole of the hellish products of ‘man's

inhumanity to man’ are all banished. From battle and murder, and from sudden death, the good Lord has

delivered us. 'Gaudeamus igitur,' and we Freemasons came prepared for rejoicing to-night. The spirit of

reconciliation is in the air. There is nothing so sad as family quarrels. When brothers are at variance, when a

house is divided against itself, the very angels weep. And the house of Freemasonry in 'God's Own Country'

has been so divided. I do not know how many of you have passed through a very common experience. It has

been my lot to go it three times, for I was a youngest son. My elder brothers each in turn took to himself a

wife and started a home of his own. In each case he did the wrong thing. The family did not think he had

chosen the right wife. He should have gone about it differently. If he had done this, or that, or the other thing,

of course no one would have objected. But, of course, no one could have anything to do with or countenance

such an utterly unsuitable match. He had cut himself off from his family. He had chosen his own way. 'Of

course, we don't wish him any harm,' etc., etc. Oh, the pity of it! Yet it goes on so every day. It is the very

commonest experience in life. And what invariably happens? By and by the corners wear off. The younger

members of the family discover that the new daughter-in-law is a thundering good sort. The old people look

on their family at first with dismay ; even their own children desert them. Then sadly and stiffly they bow to

the inevitable, and suffer overtures to be made. Through the little breach in the barrier of pride comes a little

trickle of reconciliation. It becomes a stream of mutual forbearance, a torrent of goodwill, until at last a

perfect flood of that great heavenly joy which the angels feel over human repentance sweeps away the barrier

altogether, and love reigns supreme. 'Gaudeamus igitur!' Freemasonry in New Zealand is at an advanced

stage of that same experience. In 1890 the Masonic Lodges in this then colony decided to make a home of

their own and to choose a bride for themselves. Of course, they chose the wrong bride, and went the wrong

way about it. The same old story ; reconstruct it for yourselves, brethren. The barrier cracked when the old

folks at Home agreed to accept the situation. The G.L. of Scotland was the last to do so, actually signing the

term only a year before the war. In the greatest trouble which ever befell the great British family, we have

had to sink our private differences, and we have learnt mutual forbearance. Indeed, the old folks express

pride in us—and I, an Englishman, beg to be permitted to say that I know nothing of which I am more proud

than to be also a New Zealander—a member of that Dominion whose war record of loyalty and devotion to

the Motherland is so remarkably ahead of any other of the five great Dominions. The feeling that they are no

longer exiles in a distant little colony, but citizens of a very great Dominion—great in courage, in heart, in

soul, in intelligence, if not in number—has completely altered the aspect of the great mass of the younger

members of the old family towards the ostracised branch of Freemasonry married to the formerly despised

New Zealand. They feel that New Zealand is all right — a thundering good sort. But the heads of the old

family are not yet ripe for perfect reconciliation. Lodge Celtic is in the position of a son who has taken the

married brother's part, and has frankly told his parents so—told them that henceforth he, too, is a New

Zealander. And we welcome them to our home, take them to our hearts, and swear eternal devotion to their

welfare. And it is with regard to their welfare that we have asked Celtic to postpone its meeting of this

evening. We are so certain that the leaven of reconciliation is at work, that all the barriers still hindering the

perfect reunion of the Masonic family in this fair Dominion are about to be swept away, that we wish no

action on our part, or on Lodge Celtic's part, to be interpreted as re-erecting that barrier. To ensure that end I

am asking Lodge Celtic to postpone its meeting meanwhile, and in order that no brother may fail to

understand the exact nature, of the position in which Lodge Celtic is placed, I am going to read you a very

concise statement of the problem with which the G.L. of New Zealand is asked to deal:— ‘The Lodge Celtic,

formerly No. 477 upon the roll or register of the G.L. of Scotland, has by an overwhelming majority of fifty

votes to three votes, there being also one informal vote, decided that it desires to transfer its allegiance from

the G.L. of Scotland to the G.L. holding Masonic jurisdiction over the territory of New Zealand, within

which territory the said Lodge Celtic holds its meetings and confers degrees. The G.L. of Scotland has, by

formal agreement with the G.L. of New Zealand mutually agreed to and signed by both the parties aforesaid,

made a solemn covenant to constitute no new Lodges within the recognised territorial boundaries of the

Masonic jurisdiction of the G.L. of New Zealand, to wit, the political boundaries of the Dominion of New

Zealand, and also to permit the Lodges already at the time of the said agreement existing in the said territory,

but practising Freemasonry under warrants of authority from the G.L. of Scotland, to transfer, if they so

desire, their allegiance to the G.L. of New Zealand upon the fulfilment of certain conditions. The aforesaid

Lodge Celtic believes itself to have fulfilled those conditions, inasmuch as through its W.M., Wardens, and

officers it did, on the 30th day of May, 1918, make application in writing to the G.L. of Scotland for

permission to obtain a vote of its members in open Lodge at a regular meeting, of which due and timely

notice should have been given, and the business stated ; inasmuch as Lodge Celtic did during June, 1919,

receive from M.W. Bro. David Cooke, Dist.G.M. of the S.C., representing the G.L. of Scotland in such

Masonic jurisdiction as it may still possess over the district of New Zealand South situated within the

Masonic territory of the G.L. of New Zealand, a printed communication bearing the signature of the

Dist.G.Sec. of the Dist.G.L. of Scotland, and authorising and commanding Lodge Celtic, within six weeks

after receipt thereof, to convene a meeting of its members to decide upon the question of transferring its

allegiance to the G.L. of New Zealand; inasmuch as the said vote was taken at a regular meeting of Lodge

Celtic, No. 477, held upon 17th August, 1919, of which due and timely notice had been given, and the

business clearly stated upon the summons thereto; inasmuch as the said vote resulted in the declaration of

more than two-thirds majority of the members present that they did desire to transfer their allegiance to the

G.L. of New Zealand ; inasmuch as the W.M. and Wardens did thereupon declare the vote carried ; inasmuch

as Lodge Celtic did further at the same meeting, as directed in the formal agreement aforementioned existing

between the G.L. of Scotland on the one part and the G.L. of New Zealand on the other part, decide by vote

that its funds should be vested in Bro. J. S. McPeak, P.M., Bro. D. M. Miller, P.M., and Bro. W. H. McLeod,

P.M., as trustees of the said Lodge Celtic ; and, moreover, did proceed as directed in the said agreement to

return its charter to the G.L. of Scotland for cancellation. Lodge Celtic, acting in good faith in the full

assurance that it has fulfilled its obligations to the G.L. of Scotland, and being within the territorial Masonic

jurisdiction of the G.L. of New Zealand, has made humble petition to the G.L. of New Zealand, by a written

document signed by 53 financial members of the said Lodge Celtic, praying that a warrant of constitution

should be granted to them, enabling them to make Masons and perform such other Masonic rites and transact

such business as comes within the landmarks of Freemasonry, is approved by the constitution of the G.L. of

New Zealand, and is sanctioned by the by-laws of the said Lodge Celtic. On the other hand, R.W. Bro. David

Cooke, acting as the Dist.G.M. of the S.C. of Freemasons, and qualified representative of the G.L. of

Scotland, hath protested that the said Lodge Celtic did act in error, having no authority in writing from the

G.L. of Scotland to take a vote enabling it to transfer the said Lodge Celtic's allegiance to the G.L. of New

Zealand.’ I shall offer no comment, other than this :—Nothing but the most direct evidence will ever

convince me that any G.L., especially one of the antiquity, dignity, honour, and reputation of the G.L. of

Scotland, would knowingly place obstacles and quibbles in the path to prevent an old honourable Lodge such

as Celtic from attaining its legitimate aspirations, clearly expressed to them over fifteen months ago." These

remarks having been listened to with keen interest and rapt attention by the brethren, the gavel was then

placed in the hand of W. Bro. Torrance (Lodge Celtic), whilst his officers were placed in their respective

chairs. The business of initiation then proceeded in an impressive manner. Congratulations and fraternal

greetings having been offered, the Lodge was then closed. The brethren adjourned to the refectory, where the

array of creature comforts suffered severe diminution, and a very pleasant time was spent in song and music.

The function was brought to a close shortly before midnight by honouring the Tyler's toast.—[Local

Correspondent.]—[We understand that some technical difficulty is holding up the transfer of allegiance for

the present.—ED.C.]

—————————

ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS OF MASONIC INTEREST.

———<>———

Q.— Can the five who hold a Lodge carry on the ordinary business, except the ceremonial work

A.— In my opinion, No ! but in certain circumstances can hold the charter against extinguishment.

OBITUARY.

———<>———

R.W. BRO. C. M. PAGE.

———

THE PASSING AWAY OF A LOVABLE SOUL.

The brethren of Auckland received a severe shock when the news went forth that our respected

brother, R.W. Bro. C. M. Page, had passed away, after undergoing a serious operation. Wide

expressions of sorrow were made over the loss the Craft in general had suffered, and at the Masonic

Club and Institute, in which our late brother had taken such an active interest. The members realised

that a dear, lovable soul had passed away, and that for us would come the days when we would long

for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still. Our brother for some time past

had passed through a rather sad experience, which at times caused a deal of pain and anxiety, but

was borne with great fortitude, for he had learned that great blessing—to suffer and murmur not. The

attendance at the funeral showed the great love and respect for him. The W.M. and P.Ms. of his

Lodge (Manakau, No. 24) acted as pall-bearers, and carried the remains of their late Sec. to the house

appointed for all living. The Rev. Bro. Macfarlane, P.G.C., officiated at the grave, the service being

given in a feeling and expressive manner ; and the hymn, "Brief life is here our portion," was sung

with marked feelings of sorrow. Bro. O. Nicholson, P.G.M., rendered the Masonic service with a

deal of emotion at the passing away of an old friend and Masonic colleague, and as he stood over the

grave, telling of the Advent truth in our service, we could lift up our heads with thankfulness to

T.G.A.O.T.U. for the blessed hope for the human race. Well could he exclaim with a heart and voice

full of pathos : "'Till then, farewell, farewell, my brother." And as we dropped our sprig of acacia

into the grave, we saw that our late dear brother during his life had peculiarly gained the respect and

love of his aged brethren, that their eyes were full of tears—an expression of affection to departed

merit.

At the annual meeting of the Masonic Club and Institute, after the yearly business was over, V.W.

Bro. E. M. Piggott, Pres., referring to the sad event, said :— "Brothers, it is my sad duty to draw

attention this evening to the passing away of our late Bro. C. M. Page, P.G.S.W., or, as we lovingly

always called him, 'Charley.' It is a term of friendship and good fellowship. Brothers, we shall miss

his genial face, his happy laugh, his good council, his hearty co-operation in our work, and his

energetic work for the advancement of the Club and the Craft in general, loved by all, and to our

sorrow he has passed from us. As a Mason he had a deep conception of his duties and privileges,

ever ready to drop a veil over the failings of a brother; and to pour the balm of consolation into the

bosom of the afflicted brother. I like to think of the dear old Charlie as belonging to the order of the

Cross, and the commendation to come to him from the Lover of humanity : 'As ye have done it unto

one of the least of these, ye have done it unto Me.' Brothers, we are only human. To many of us here

this evening, and getting into the evening of our lives, the passing away of old friends and brothers

leaves a shortage in the links that bind us to each other. We are getting older, we don't make many

new friends, and we hug the old to our breasts, and the severance is hard to learn, for it teaches us

not to deem all others mortal but ourselves, that here we have no continual city, but that we should

look for one to come, to work now, for the night cometh, when no man can work, and so lay up our

record as our brother did, that the world may be the poorer for us leaving it. To-night it is our duty

to unveil a portrait of our late brother that we may gaze from time to time on a face that was so dear

to us, and lest we shall forget the rich legacy he has left us—work and duty faithfully performed.

Brothers, I should have looked on the unveiling of this portrait as a great honour. I have requested

the W.M. of Lodge Manukau, Bro. Gibbons, to attend here this evening, with the whole of his Lodge

if possible, to take part in this ceremony, as an act of courtesy and in memory of the tribute paid to

departed merit. I now ask the W.M. of Lodge Manukau to unveil the portrait." W. Bro. Gibbons

desired to thank the Pres., V.W. Bro. E. R. Piggott, for the great privilege granted him as W.M. of

Lodge Manukau to unveil the portrait of their late esteemed Bro. Sec., R.W. Bro. C. M. Page. He

could honestly say that he was beloved by all his members. Lodge Manukau had suffered a great

loss. They had not realised their loss fully yet, and he now had the honour of unveiling the portrait

of his dear friend and brother for many years. After which the President said : "Let us now in all

humility express our thanks to T.G.A.O.T.U. for His goodness and mercy, that He has spared our

late brother to us for so many years, and we give Thee thanks for all that was so lovable in his

character, and we pray Thee to give unto us that spirit of brotherly love that shall bind us closer to

each other. We thank Thee for all Thy mercies vouchsafed unto us. Keep us, we pray Thee, in Thy

love, and keep us in Thy faith, that our eyes may ever look forward to that bright Morning Star,

whose rising shall bring peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.

"Earth to earth and dust to dust,

Calmly now the words we say,

Leaving him to sleep in trust

Till the resurrection day.

Father, in Thy gracious keeping,

Leave we now Thy servant sleeping."

—By One who Loved Him.

—————————

W. BRO. HARRY NEVILL HERTSLET, P.M., P.Z.

———

Three days after the demise of Bro. Atwill, the brethren of Lodge St. Augustine, No. 99, were startled

to hear of the "passing hence" of W. Bro. Hertslet, who ceased from labour on 23rd August from

heart disease. W. Bro. Hertslet was initiated on 14th July, 1897, passed 8th August, 1897, raised 6th

September, 1897, and after serving in the junior offices of the Lodge, was installed as W.M. 1902-

03, and filled the chair with dignity and fair-mindedness. In recent years W. Bro. Hertslet was not a

frequent visitor to the Lodge ; the state of his health and the distance from the Lodge proved obstacles

to his more frequent attendance, though on special occasions' such as P.Ms.' night, he often took part.

W. Bro. Hertslet was a charter member of Waimate R.A. Chapter, No. 16, having been previously a

member of the Oamaru Chapter. In 1906 he was installed in the 1st Prin.'s chair. W. Bro. Hertslet

was interred in the Waimate Cemetery on 25th August. He was accorded a full Masonic funeral. A

Lodge of Sorrow was held in the Lodgeroom, and the brethren met the funeral on the town boundary,

and preceded it to the cemetery, where they paid "the last sad tribute of respect " to their departed W.

brother, the Masonic service being read by the W.M, W. Bro. C. E. Manchester.

—————————

BRO, EDWIN JOHN ATWILL.

———

Bro. Atwill was initiated into Lodge St. Augustine, No. 99, on 28th June, 1893, passed 23rd

August, and raised 27th September, 1893. He died on Wednesday, 20th August, 1919. He was a

very consistent member in his attendance, and filled several of the floor offices, though he never

aspired to the East. He was, however, always delighted when an opportunity was afforded him of

filling the place of any of the junior officers absent from duty or on extraordinary occasions. Some

ten or twelve years ago he visited the Homeland, where He enjoyed the privilege of attending

Lodges in his native county of Devon. Here He heard the "R. for Prep." He was so struck with it

that he obtained a copy, and at nearly every initiation in his mother Lodge since his return he had

been called upon to deliver his charge, which previously had never been heard in the Lodge, and

gave it with an earnestness and intent that could not fail to impress the candidates. Bro. Atwill was

also a companion of Waimate R.A. Chapter, No. 16. In it he belch for many years office as 3rd Soj.

He also took the Ark Mariner and Red Cross Degrees. He was a native of the famous seaman-

producing county of Devon, and in his youth and earlier manhood served in the Royal Navy,

chiefly in Eastern seas. Bro. Atwill was of a genial, open-hearted disposition, and there are not a

few old-age pensioners and others who will sadly miss him. He was a Justice of the Peace, and

claimed that he signed more legal documents than any other J.P. in Waimate. His remains were

placed to rest in the Waimate Cemetery on Friday, 22nd August. He was accorded a full Masonic

funeral, the brethren having previously held a Lodge of Sorrow in the Lodgeroom, whence they

marched to the deceased brother's residence, and thence to the cemetery, where the beautiful

Masonic funeral service was read by the W.M., W. Bro. Chas. E. Manchester.

PRESENTATIONS IN WATERLOO LODGE.

———<>———

Presentations appeared to be the order of the day at Lodge Waterloo's installation meeting, held on 8th

September. Apart from the jewel presented to W. Bro. Parton, I.P.M., and refered to elsewhere in these

pages, no less than three other presentations were made. After the Lodge was tyled, and before visitors were

admitted, W. Bro. W. C. Robertson, P.M., asked the W.M. to accept on behalf of the Lodge a pair of very

nice Deacon's wands, remarking that the wood (puriri knot) had been contributed by an old P.M. of the

Lodge. After supper, W. Bro. Parton asked W. Bro. Erskine, D. of C., to accept from the members of the

Lodge of Instruction a handsome walking-stick, explaining the W. Bro. Erskine had worked hard as

Preceptor to the Lodge of Instruction ever since its inception some years ago. At a later stage, W. Bro. Parton

presented to the Lodge a fine enlargement of the officers of the Lodge during his term of office. Space will

not permit of recording all the nice things said during this very happy evening.

—————————

CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION OF LODGES EIRENE, No. 211, and IONIC, No. 212.

———<>———

Canterbury has recently added two more Lodges to the roll of G.L., viz., Eirene (Greek for "Peace"), No.

211, at Little River, and Ionic, No. 212, at Christchurch. Owing to his judicial engagements preventing him,

the M.W.G.M. was unable to conduct either of the consecration ceremonies, and he entrusted this duty to

M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M.

The consecration of Lodge Eirene, No. 211, took place at Little River at 4 p.m. on Friday, 22nd August, in

the presence of about 100 brethren, who had assembled from far and wide to witness this interesting

ceremony. The ritual appropriate to the occasion was impressively rendered by M. W. Bro. Douall, assisted

by V.W. Bro. Rev. A. H. Julius, G. Chaplain. The consecrating officers were M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall,

P.G.M. (Corn), R.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop, Prov.G.M. (Wine), R.W. Bro. W. Gifkins, P.Prov.G.M. (Oil), and

R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham, P.Prov.G.M. (Salt). The consecration and dedication being ended, an adjournment

was made till 7.30 p.m. By this time additional brethren had arrived, so that there was a splendid attendance

to witness the installation of the W.M. R.W. Bro. Bishop, Prov.G.M., resumed the Lodge, and then called

upon V.W. Bro. Rev. Julius, G. Chaplain, to deliver the address. It is unfortunate that our V.W. brother

speaks ex tempore, so that it is not possible to publish his address, although your scribe feels sure it would

have been read with interest and profit by your readers. W. Bro. Gerald Morris was then installed as W.M.

by the R.W.Prov.G.M., after which the usual processions, proclamations, and salutes were made, and the

W.Ts. presented by W. Bros. F. G. Armstrong (W.M. Lodge Phœnix, No. 43), W. L. Morgan (W.M. Lodge

Lincoln, No. 33), and W. T. Doig (W.M. Lodge Christchurch, No. 91). M.W. Bro. Dougall, P.G.M.,

presented the Charter, B. of C., and the By-laws and Regulations of the Prov.G.L., and then delivered the

address to the W.M. W. Bro. H. Wyatt, P.G.S., invested the Wardens, and they were addressed by R.W. Bro.

W. Broadley, P.G.W. R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham, P.Prov.G.M., invested the officers, and W. Bro. G. F. Gee,

P.Prov.G.W., addressed the brethren. R.W. Bro. W. Gifkins, P.Prov.G.M., made an eloquent appeal on

behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, the resulting collection being highly satisfactory. Before closing this

report mention must be made of the able and dignified manner in which V.W. Bro. G. B. Perkins, G.D. of C.,

carried out the important duties of his office, and no little of the impressiveness and smoothness of the

working was due to the care and attention he gave to those duties. The brethren of Lodge Eirene entertained

their visitors to supper after the meeting, and full justice was done to the good things provided. The usual

loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured, and special mention must be made of the speech by M.W.

Bro. Dougall, in which he gave good counsel and kindly advice to the officers and brethren of the new

Lodge.

On Monday, 25th August, at 4 p.m., the Christchurch Masonic Hall was well filled by brethren desirous of

witnessing the consecration and dedication of Lodge Ionic, No. 212. This Lodge is a daughter of Lodge

Avon, No. 185, and consists entirely of members of that Lodge. M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M., conducted

the ceremony in the same impressive manner as he usually does, V.W. Bro. Rev. A. H. Julius, G. Chaplain,

assisting him in those portions special to his office. The consecrating officers were M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall,

P.G.M. (Corn), R.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop, Prov.G.M. (Wine), R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham, P.Prov.G.M. (Oil),

and R.W. Bro. W. Broadley, P.G.W. (Salt). After the ceremony was concluded, the Lodge was adjourned till

7 p.m., and was then resumed by the R.W. Prov.G.M., the Lodgeroom being now taxed to find the

accommodation required. M.W. Bro. the Hon. Mr. Justice A. L. Herdman, G.M., was received with the

honours due to -his exalted rank. V.W. Bro. Rev. Julius, G. Chaplain, delivered a very instructive address,

which was listened to with marked attention. W. Bro. W. E. Scott, Prov.G.D. of C., presented Bro. James

Edgar Dunstan, the W.M.-elect, and in due course was installed into the chair of K.S., the W.Ts. of an I.M.

being presented by W. Bro. R. C. Symes, Prov.G.Treas. W. Bro. E. Nordon, P.G.Purs., having been chosen

as the first I.P.M., was invested as such by W. Bro. Dunstan. After the usual procession, proclamations, and

salutes, and the presentation of the W.Ts. by W. Bros. W. T. Doig (W.M. Lodge Christchurch, No. 91), G. L.

Berry (W.M. Lodge Canterbury, No. 1048, E.C.), and S. K. Bassett (W.M. Lodge Avon, No. 185), the

M.W.G.M. presented the Charter, B. of C., and the By-laws and Regulations of Prov.G.L., and M.W. Bro.

Dougall, P.G.M., addressed the W.M. W. Bro. G. Yemm, P.G.D., invested the Wardens, to whom W. Bro. J.

W. Roberts, Prov.J.G.W., delivered the address. The officers were invested by V.W. Bro. J. N. du Feu,

P.G.D. of C., and the address to the brethren was given by W.Bro. A. H. Hobbs, P.G.Supt. of W. A very

considerable sum was contributed in response to the appeal on behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund. An

unusual and pleasing feature of the meeting was the presentation by W. Bro. E. Nordon of foundation

member's jewels, bearing the additional inscription on a gold scroll of "Consecrating Officer," to the

M.W.G.M., M.W. Bro. Dougall, P.G.M., and the R.W.Prov.G.M., who expressed their thanks and

appreciation for the gift. Again V.W. Bro. G. B. Perkins discharged his duties as G.D. of C. in a manner

which left nothing to be desired. The refectory was more than comfortably filled for the supper and the

excellent entertainment provided for their guests by the members of the "baby Lodge.''

Regret was expressed at both these meetings that our esteemed and respected M.W. Bro. Malcolm Niccol,

P.G.M., G.Sec., was unable to be present, so it devolved on W. Bro. T. Kirker, Prov.G.Sec., to fill his place,

which he did in a most efficient manner. Thus the two new Lodges have been solemnly consecrated and

dedicated, and from what your scribe knows of the members of both Lodges, he feels safe in prophesying

that they will be a credit to G.L.—[Specially Contributed.]

—————————

N.Z.E.F. MASONIC ASSOCIATION.

———<>———

A meeting of members of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association was held at Auckland on 29th August, when

occasion was taken to extend a hearty welcome to R.W. Bro. Lieut.-Col. G. Barclay, the president of the

association, upon his arrival in Auckland. The chair was occupied by Bro. Major G. R. Hutchinson, vice-

president. R.W. Bro. Col. Barclay gave a resume of the history of the association since its inception

"somewhere in France." It was decided to form an Auckland Branch, with the following executive :—

Chairman, Bro. Chaplain E. R. Garner; Deputy-Chairman, W. Bro. E. Stillwell; Hon. Secretary, Bro. A. W.

Brockie (c/o Hutchinson Bros., Custom Street West) ; Hon. Treasurer, Bro. W. Cooper; Committee, W.

Bros. A. N. McKelvey and W. J. Stancombe, Bros. H. R. Harris and N. Coldicutt. Appreciative reference

was made to the services rendered by R.W: Bro. Col. Barclay to the association.

A meeting was held at the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, Wellington, on the 5th September, for the purpose

of forming a local branch of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association. R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay was present, and

explained the objects of the meeting, at the same time outlining the activities of the association in the past. It

was resolved to form a Wellington Branch, and the following officers were appointed :—Chairman, V.W.

Bro. Colonel Esson, C.M.G. ; Deputy-Chairman, W. Bro. Colonel J. S. Elliott; Secretary, Bro. Dunbar

Sloane (Johnsonville); Treasurer, Bro. C. Scott; Committee, W. Bros. Major Finnes, Jansen, Bros. H.

Harland, N. R. Brown, Shearne. R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his

attendance.

At a meeting held in Christchurch on Monday, 8th September, it was resolved by the members present, after

listening to an address by the President (R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay), to form a local branch. The following

executive was set up :—Chairman, W. Bro. G. T. Weston ; Deputy-Chairman, Bro. Dr. Marks ; Secretary,

W. Bro. Colonel J. Murphy (69 Lichfield Street) ; Treasurer, Bro. A. J. Towns ; Committee, W. Bro. T. H.

Ker, Bros. A. A. Johnston, M. H. Moyle, G. E. Bilson, G. Weir, F. L. Anderson. R.W. Bro. Colonel Barclay

explained that the balance of the jewels on order from England were expected to arrive at any time, and that

arrangements were being made for future orders to be executed in New Zealand. The matter of a suitable

diploma of membership was also engaging the attention of the executive.

—————————

SOCIAL EVENING IN LODGE LEINSTER.

———<>———

Owing to the world convulsion during the last five years, the usual friendly gatherings have not been held by

Leinster Lodge. But now that we are living in a time of peace, the members can meet again for social

purposes. It was on the evening of 10th September that about 150 members and friends of the Lodge

assembled in the Masonic Hall, and freely danced to the music so capably rendered by an orchestra under the

conductorship of Mr. A. Williams. Amongst the numbers present were several members of the Lodge who

had recently returned from active service, and although one or two were deprived of the privilege of dancing,

others found they had not forgotten the art. During the evening Miss Shakes, a sister of the W.M., very ably

delighted her hearers with the singing of " 'Tis June." Miss Shortlander, a prize-winner at the recent local

competitions, also impressed the audience with a recitation, as did also Bro. Theo Hills. Bro. T. H. Wilson;

who has been absent on active service, sang a song in excellent voice. Those who were not able to dance

contented themselves with a game of euchre or 500. The catering was in the hands of Bro. W. Dustin, and a

very excellent supper was provided. After supper dancing was continued till the early hours of the morning,

and the opinion was freely expressed that a most enjoyable evening had come to an end all too soon. The

duties of Ms.C. were very efficiently carried out by Bros. Jackson and Thornton.

—————————

W.M. BRO. HINDMARSH'S REMARKS AT LODGE KORANGA MEETING.

———<>———

It is my privilege to make the customary appeal on behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, and if you will

bear with me for a few minutes I should like to refer to the position of the fund, and to one or two points

which have occurred to me. The capital value of the fund is £34,649. The unexpended balance of the "Cheer-

o" Hutment Fund, £1,100, is to be transferred to it, in compliance with a motion carried at last G.L, meeting,

and some of us hope that a large proportion of the Special War Benevolent Fund, which amounts to £13,342,

will ultimately also be transferred to the W. and O. and A.M. Fund. The claims against the War Fund have so

far amounted to only £145. The present charge against the W. and O. and A.M. Fund is 54 annuities,

totalling £1,428. The maximum annuity to an aged Mason is apparently £26, an insignificant amount in

ordinary times, but how much more so under war and post-war conditions. When the maximum was fixed at

that amount it was probably because a larger grant would have meant a corresponding decrease in the

amount payable by the State under the Old-age Pension Act. The State now pays a pensioner £26 per annum,

plus a war bonus of 50 per cent., i.e., £39 per annum altogether, and allows him to receive £34 annum from

other sources without abatement of his pension, and, indeed, some Magistrates allow a pensioner the full

pension, plus £52 per annum from other sources. It is to be hoped that our maximum annuity to aged and

penniless Masons or their widows will soon be raised at any rate to £34. Many of us, including, no doubt, the

trustees themselves, would be more than pleased if the trustees could be empowered to grant annuities up to

£150, and ignore the State old-age pension altogether if no satisfactory arrangement could be made with the

Government. Many of us would, I fancy, give much more liberally and willingly if we could feel that our

past and present donations were not being dispensed in doles barely sufficient to keep body and soul

together. Personally, I would sooner see a few decent annuities granted than many trifling ones. It is

estimated that the interest on the capital fund for the year 1919-1920 will be about £1,650, and that there will

therefore be a margin of about £230 for the creation of new annuities. It is the fixed policy of G.L. to use

only the interest earned by the fund for the purpose of annuities, and no increase in the total of the annuities

can be made, therefore, except in step with the increase in the capital fund. Thus a donation of £500 from this

Lodge would be added to the capital fund, and, assuming that interest at the rate of 5 per cent. could be

obtained, would provide a fresh annuity of £25. Brethren, I trust the present policy in regard to the fund will

be reviewed by G.L. in the near future, and that a better policy may be discovered. Judging from the prompt

and magnificent response made to the Special War Fund, I feel confident that voluntary subscriptions to the

W. and O. and A.M. Fund would increase by leaps and bounds were G.L. to decide that the principal sum of

the W. and O. and A.M. Fund must remain at a fixed amount—say £35,000—and that any available annual

surplus beyond the £35,000 most be used in supplementing current annuities and creating new ones. It is

obvious, brethren, that while the present policy in regard to the fund is continued that a substantial annual

voluntary subscription is required from the brethren of the Dominion to enable the trustees to increase the

number and, we hope, the size of the annuities.

—————————

PRESENTATION OF SECRETARY'S JEWEL.

———<>———

To W. BRO. E. NORDON, P.G.Purs., Secretary of the Christchurch Masonic Hall Co., Ltd.

————

In Gloucester Street, Christchurch, stands the Christchurch Masonic Hall, probably the finest Masonic

building south of the line, and undoubtedly the finest in New Zealand. The erection of this temple is very

largely due to the energies of W. Bro. E. Nordon, who organised the idea of housing the Masonic Lodges of

Christchurch in a building owned jointly by all. He has been acting as Secretary of the Masonic Hall Co. for

over five years, and through his untiring efforts the hall is at last free from debt. To mark the occasion, and to

demonstrate to W. Bro. E. Nordon that his labours have been greatly appreciated, the Lodges and Chapters

tenanting the hall subscribed for a Secretary's jewel, and presented this to W. Bro. E. Nordon at the August

meeting of Lodge Canterbury, No. 1048, E.C. W. Bro. E. U Just, Deputy-Dist.G.M., in making the

presentation, on behalf of the various Lodges, made reference to the great thought W. Bro. E. Nordon had

given to the hall, the sacrifices he had made in furthering the project, and the very high esteem in which he

was held by all. W. Bro. Nordon suitably replied. It is understood that W. Bro. E. Nordon is leaving New

Zealand early in the New Year for health reasons.

—————————

SCOTTISH CONSTITUTION.

———<>———

CHANGE IN D.G.M.-SHIP.

————

After having held office for more than a quarter of a century, R.W. Bro. William McCullough has retired

from the position of Dist.G.M. of the S.C. in Auckland. On the 24th July, at a sitting of Dist.G.L., held in the

Freemasons' Hall, Belgium Street, Auckland, Bro. McCullough installed his successor, R.W. Bro. William

Handley. There was a large gathering of the Craft for the occasion, all the four constitutions operating in the

Dominion being largely represented. Among the distinguished visitors present were M.W. Bro. O.

Nicholson, P.G.M., and R.W. Bro. T. R. S. Milroy, Dep.G.M., N.Z.C. ; R.W. Bro. A. S. Bankart, Dist.G.M.,

E.C. ; and R.W. Bro. W. J. Rees, Prov. G.M., I.C., all of whom made congratulatory addresses to the new

Dist.G.M. A presentation was made to R.W. Bro. McCullough, in the shape of a silver tea and coffee service,

on a salver which bore the following inscription :—" Presented to R.W. Bro. W. McCullough on his

retirement from office as G.M. of Scottish Freemasonry for the North Island of New Zealand, in recognition

of his loyalty and the many valuable services rendered by him during his long term of office, extending over

a quarter of a century, and as a token of the esteem in which he is held by the brethren of the Lodges under

his jurisdiction.—Auckland, 24th July, 1919." R.W. Bro. Handley, the new Dist. G.M., who, in civil life, is

the proprietor of one of the largest aerated water manufacturing businesses in Auckland, was initiated in

Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, S.C. in June, 1891, and after passing through minor offices, was installed as

W.M. of the Lodge in December, 1895. In the Dist.G.L. he has filled nearly every office, the last being that

of Dep.Dist.G.M,, which he held for several years. He is also a P.Z. of the Ponsonby Kil. Chapter, and

P.M.M. of the Mark Degree.

—————————

LADIES' NIGHT.

———<>———

Owing to the war period, it is some time since the brethren of Pacific and Waterloo have had the pleasure of

entertaining their lady friends, so now that activities have ceased, one can work and enjoy oneself with better

spirit. An exceedingly enjoyable evening was spent in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, on the 29th August,

when the two Lodges conjointly held a social and dance. The hall was appropriately decorated with bunting

and the flags of all nations. The evening programme was commenced by the Waiata Quartette Party, whose

item needs no flattering remarks, sufficient to say they were all in good form. Others who contributed to the

musical part of the evening included :— Mrs. McLeod, Bros. F. S. Giles (of H.M.S. New Zealand), G. C.

Boyes, J. Connell, J. Fraser-Thomson, A. Allen, and G. Holloway. The supper was laid in the adjoining

room, and was in charge of Bro. Dustin. The tables were tastefully decorated, whilst the supper was all that

could be desired. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing, Bro. J. Cowley being the accompanist.

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

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

A QUESTION OF HEARTINESS.

———<>———

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—It has often occurred to me that our degree ceremonies generally end somewhat more

abruptly than is desirable. As a rule, when the words of the printed ritual have been accomplished, all that we

see is a hand-shake given by the W.M. to the candidate, accompanied by a few words of congratulation and

welcome, more or less happily expressed, according to the W.M.'s capabilities, and an invitation to the

neophyte to find a seat somewhere in the Lodgeroom ; whereupon he looks round somewhat vacantly, not

knowing where he may be entitled to "camp" in his novel surroundings, unless some old friend is present and

beckons to him. I have in mind the method of procedure in at least one other society with which I am

acquainted. There, at the conclusion of the ritual ceremony, it is the custom for the new initiate to be placed

in front of the principal chair, facing the gathering, whereupon the presiding officer introduces him to the

brethren collectively, commends him to their friendship, and immediately declares a recess of four or five

minutes. Naturally, then, the other members gather round the new arrival, with warm hand-shakes and words

of greeting—both by old personal friends and all others present—and he is made to feel a hearty welcome,

presently settling down to a seat in congenial company, and the ordinary business is resumed. Something of

this kind in each of our degrees would, I suggest, go a long way in making new members feel that they are

among a band of hearty brothers. True, it is not provided for in the printed ritual, but neither, for that matter,

is the sentence of congratulation now usually spoken by the W.M.; and if one is in order, why not the other ?

It is nothing uncommon to hear a W.M. announce in the course of a meeting that he gives the brethren "the

freedom of the Lodgeroom " for a few minutes. For what purpose could he do this better than making the

newest arrival in his Lodge "feel his feet," so to speak 9—Yours fraternally,

22 YEARS A P.M.

—————————

THAT BRIGHT MORNING STAR.

———<>———

[A Paper by V.W. BRO. H. B. BRIDGE, P.G.Lect., read at the

INSTALLED MASTERS’ LODGE, Wellington, on 5th AUGUST, 1919.]

————

The brethren will recognise, without more specific reference, which is undesirable, the part of the ritual from

which the title of this paper is an extract. Probably there is no sentence in the whole of the Masonic ritual, as

we now have it, which has been a more fruitful source of controversy than the one to which reference is here

made. Quite recently it was the subject of dispute in the columns of our excellent local Masonic journal, the

N.Z. CRAFTSMAN, and the writer has seen from time to time more or less acrimonious criticism of the

allusion to the Morning Star in other journals devoted to Craft matters and interests. As is the case in most

contentions, the very best, intentions form, or lie at, the basis of the trouble. In this particular instance

jealousy for the rigid adherence to the non-sectarian character of Masonry, an attitude absolutely vital to the

universality and progress of our institution, is responsible for the hostility shown by many well-meaning

brethren to this ritualistic passage. It is argued by these good, though over-zealous and mistaken, people that

this reference to "that Bright Morning Star" is an allusion to the Founder of Christianity, and as such should

never have been included in, or retained in, the ritual of an Association professing entire freedom from

denominational creed or dogma outside of the simple, basic belief in the existence of a Supreme Being,

T.G.A.O.T.U. It will be noticed that the expression "retained in" the ritual has been used. The reason for this

is that some of the writers on the subject have suggested that the sentence under review is a survival from the

Operative Masons' ritual, and, doubtless, found its way therein at the time Operative Masons were under the

patronage and domination of the Roman Church. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that though plausible,

there is no foundation in fact for this explanation. Let me say here, too, that this contention that the

paragraph under discussion is a direct allusion to the Founder of Christianity has unfortunately been

bolstered up by a very frequent misquotation of the wording, the phrase "whose rising brings peace and

tranquility" being often rendered as "peace and salvation," which is quite erroneous, and, of course, decid-

edly mischievous in effect. The object in writing this paper is to endeavour to show, not only that there are

no real grounds for the attitude taken up by those who are so strenuously opposed to the wording of this

sentence in the ritual, but also that, on the contrary, the compilers of the ritual are to be commended in

having shown such ready appreciation of the beautiful symbolism attached to the Morning Star when

associated with the ceremony during which reference is made to it. As a symbol it is, indeed, most

appropriate to the ceremonial incident just previously enacted, so apt, in fact, that it may be confidently

asserted no other symbol could be found which would so perfectly fit the circumstances of the case. Let us

now analyse the symbolism of the Morning Star in its connection with this portion of the ritual, and the

special ceremony in which such prominence is given to it. Astronomically, the Morning Star is the herald of

the dawning of a new day, just as its opposite, the Evening Star, presages the coming of night. To fully

realise the sentimental attributes of the rising of the Morning Star, one must draw a contrast with those of the

Evening Star. The latter foretells the dying of another day; the approach of the time when man can no longer

work ; when darkness covers the face of the earth; a time of mysterious silences . and still more mysterious

sounds ; a time when crime and vice are abroad in the land ; when the noxious things of life crawl from their

crannies and hiding places ; a time of fear and depression, and the time when the vital powers of the human

being are at their lowest. Darkness has ever been associated with evil, and in its sombre, unknown

possibilities is a fitting emblem of death. On the other hand, the rising Morning Star brings joy and gladness

with its promise of yet another day, of light once more, in which man may work, and renew his association

with his fellow-man in business or in pleasure, or in both; when new physical vigour, both of mind and body,

comes to mankind, renewed hope, fresh impetus to aspiration, revivified energy for the daily task, and a

sense of gratitude to his Maker for the protection which has wrapped him round so carefully through the

preceding hours of darkness. In short, with the new-born day, man rises to a new life, as it were, with all its

joys and sorrows, it is true, but yet with its new possibilities, its renewed opportunities, its chances of doing

what has been left undone, of turning over that fresh leaf in the Book of Life, of Regeneration. Of all this the

rising of the Morning Star—the Morning Star itself—is emblematical. What more fitting symbol, then, than

this of the promise of the new life after death—of the immortality of the soul? It is in this sense, and in this

sense only, that it is used in the particular portion of the ritual under review. Coming where it does in

connection with this special ceremony, this is so clearly demonstrated, to my mind, that always it has been

amazing that any other reading of it could be made, or other meaning attached to it. The members of this

Lodge will understand the writer is not posing as an authority on this subject. He is merely giving his own

views of the matter, the result of a thoughtful study of the question. Unfortunately, the writer has been unable

to find, in such Masonic works as are available any attempt to throw light on the passage. To the writer, as

has been said, the explanation of the reference to the Morning Star, and its symbolism, so clear, that no light

thereon would seem to be necessary. It would seem that the subject could be profitably discussed by this

Lodge. One would be glad to hear the opinions of members, and whether the views herein expressed find any

support from among them, or whether, possibly, some brother has more extended knowledge of the matter

than the writer has been able to acquire. It is essentially the function of this Lodge, where there are any

subjects of dispute in either our ritual, or our ceremonial presentations, to discuss these matters, and to

endeavour to arrive at a correct solution of any problem involved. The result of this must necessarily be the

better instruction of brethren, and an increased interest in matters vital to the Craft.

—————————

OVERSEAS MASONS.

———<>———

AMERICANS AT GRAND LODGE.

————

The festivities arranged in honour of the overseas Masons when on an official visit to London culminated in

a special meeting of the G.L. of England at the Albert Hall. Long before the appointed hour the great hall

was filled from the floor to its topmost gallery with a shimmering mass of dark and light blue, while, as

usual, a cross of crimson was made on the ground by the collars of the stewards. Masons who had come from

every part of the country to attend this gathering were much disappointed when they learned that the G.M.

was not well enough to preside. And they were assured that the Duke of Connaught fully shared their

disappointment by Lord Ampthill, who took his place, and who was accompanied by Prince Arthur of

Connaught. The special feature of the meeting was the presence of so many G.Ms. and other distinguished

Masons, who represented almost every jurisdiction in the United States and all the Dist.G.Ls. of the Empire,

together with deputations from Scotland and Ireland. After a loyal address to the King had been moved, the

part played by His Majesty's forces in the war was gratefully and sympathetically acknowledged. The

visiting brethren from overseas were then called upon to address the meeting. The G.Ms. of the States of

New York and Massachusetts gave eloquent expression to the bond of brotherhood which now unites British

and American Freemasons. And the G.M. of Ontario said, with the same deep feeling, that Canadians were

closer than ever to the Mother Country. So straight from the heart did their words come that all present felt

that the English-speaking Masons could be counted on to get together and help to rebuild the Temple of

World Peace.

—————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED.

———<>———

S. C. Bingham (Christchurch), R. Colligan, J. W. Abson (Denniston), J. Brown, A. G. Hornsey, J. Hunt, C.

Wood 12/6. (Timaru), — Shannon (Lyall Bay), J. D. Webster, W. A. Harvey, A. W. Brockie, Rev. Carew

Thomas 10/- (Auckland), C. Gill, F. C. Bowkett, A. N. Janson 10/- (Wellington), W. Boylett (Newtown), J.

Walker 20/- (Taumarunui), R. N. Taylor 10/- (Lumsden), A. H. Strong 10/- (Hamilton), W. S. Currie

(Ohura), E. Lyon 10/- (Invercargill), J. W. Scurr (Dunedin), N. Paton, W. G. Rudd (Blenheim), T. S.

Robertson 10/, (Worser Bay).

(All 7/6 except, those noted.)

Subscribers who paid the travelling agent received an official receipt.

—————————

THE FIRST-NAMED OF THE GRAND PRINCIPLES ON

WHICH OUR ORDER IS FOUNDED.

———<>———

[A Paper written during the Great War, 1914-18, by BRO. F. R. TREVITHICK, and read in the

UNITED MASTERS' LODGE, No. 167, on 30TH MAY, 1919.]

————

This title draws attention to a subject. so great, and of such vital importance to mankind, as to almost

preclude the attempt to give it proper treatment through the medium of a short paper such as this, the more

especially as the consideration of any subject of Freemasonry should include the consideration of the science

as a whole, and the bringing into action all that we have grasped of the science as working tools.

This paper is confined to a brief reference to the following, as bearing upon our subject, viz. :—Direct

teaching and work in Lodge ; symbols ; Nature's laws classical writers ; leaders of today ; and public

opinion.

In the first paper, which I submitted to the W.M. of this Lodge, I asked, "Is the essence of our teaching that a

man must build himself ?”

That I -was not singular in thinking thus is shown by an article in the January number of the N.Z.

CRAFTSMAN, 1919, headed, " What is Masonry Doing ?" in which the following statements are made

"Masons act as individuals, and not as a society, organisation, institution, or any other form of combination

or conspiracy."

"No Mason, whether temporary officer or not, has any right to speak for Masonry, or for other Masons, upon

any subject except to give his opinion if asked for. Neither has any Mason, official or otherwise, any right to

interpret the teachings of Masonry for others, nor compel acceptance of his interpretations. When a Mason

speaks or writes either for public or private hearing or reading, he expresses his individual thought or

sentiment, and does not speak nor write for Masonry, nor for other Masons, except with their express

consent. Masonry is trying to teach Masons to become men, individuals,' and not institutionalists, so that

they may think for themselves, make independent choice, and act of their own free will and accord."

When in the Second Degree we make search in our efforts to discover the hidden mysteries of Nature, we

find that equilibrium —stability—both in Nature and in ourselves, is brought about by the play of equal and

opposite forces. Forces which in themselves are directly antagonistic to each other, and I was led, when

considering this, to mentally enquire, what is the matrix whence these (opponents, as between themselves,

but whose resultant is harmony) spring ? Have they a common source? or is each in its inception a separate

creation? And startling as it may be at the first glance, there appears to me one great potential originating

them and furnishing the underlying and continuously working, vivifying principle in everything, and that

principle is love.

A DEFINITION OF THE NOUN, "LOVE."—When referring to the noun "Love" in this paper I wish its definition

to be that given to it by "Webster," viz. : "A manifestation of desire for and earnest effort to promote the

welfare of a person, especially as seen in God's solicitude for men and in mews gratitude and reverence to

God."

We approach the science of Freemasonry of our own free will and accord. Each must steer his own barque,

thereby preserving his bodily and mental faculties in their fullest energy, and the earnest individual effort to

grasp an import of our symbols leads to a love for the science which may act as a key to open to the

understanding some of its wisdom and beauty, and does not love prove to be one of the most effective and

necessary of working tools ?

I would like to state that when considering Freemasonry from on intellectual point, and putting my thoughts

upon paper, I have found it impossible to abstain from reference to "the great factor ruling all,"

T.G.A.O.T.U., but I do not make reference to religion, nor advocate any form of religion when doing so. On

this point I quote a paragraph from a paper on "The Divine Geometry." It may be found in the June number

of "The Builder," 1918, a journal for the Masonic student, published in Iowa. The periodical I refer to was

kindly lent to me by W. Bro. Wallace. The article says, "Surely when we have our minds with us, it must be

apparent that the everywhere present order of things is the revelation of a- Divine Orderer! Where there is so

much intelligence there must be an Intelligence; where there is so much harmony there must stand near a

great musician! The beauty of all creation is the outstanding, the splendour of an Eternal Artist ! Long ago a

psalmist cried, ' Whither shall I flee from Thy presence?' We cannot flee from His presence. Everywhere He

is. . . . To escape from Him is as impossible as to climb out of the atmosphere!''

In our ritual, in the Charge after Passing, the C. is "earnestly recommended" to study the science of

geometry, that particular science being "established as the basis of our art," but in ancient times, in the

Pythagorean Lodges, the ritual was more exacting, for the brethren were actually taught geometry in order

that they might be able to deduce a reason for all their thoughts and actions, and to ascertain correctly as to

the truth or falsehood of any proposition by the unerring process of mathematical demonstration. Thus being

enabled to contemplate the reality of things, and to detect imposture and deceit, they were pronounced to be

on the road to perfect happiness.

It was stated in those days that the only way to abstract the intellect from sensibles, and to prepare it for

intelligibles, was by the aid of a knowledge of arithmetic, astronomy, geometry, and music.

Hierocles, a writer of the fifth century, A.D., regarded philosophy in its practical aspect, as a discipline for

purifying or elevating the mind by inculcating virtue and leading to truth. He said, "Two things are necessary

to all men in order to pass through life in a becoming manner, viz., the aid of kindred and sympathetic

benevolence.'

Does not this pronouncement of Hierocles point to the first named of the grand principles on which our

Order is founded, viz., Brotherly Love?

In my paper on "The Winding Stair," there was a reference to the point within a circle, the symbol of

T.G.G.O.T.U., and to the symbol of the cone formed by the revolution of a right-angled triangle about its

perpendicular, the section of the cone being an equilateral triangle, the symbol of spiritual things. The point

in this geometrical symbol is in touch with the circle (the circle of our Masonic duties) by the radius (perhaps

our c.t.), which is the base of our personal or individual triangle.

The whole cubic content of the cone formed by the revolving of our personal triangle (our daily advancement

in Masonic knowledge) is thus controlled and guided by that point ; in fact, while considering the

geometrical figure or symbol for non-material things or "intelligibles," as symbolised by the triangle and

cone, we see that everything spiritual is indeed a part of T.G.G.O.T.U. immortal.

The perpendicular of the right-angled triangle, reaching as it does from the centre of our Masonic circle, to

the summit of our earthly career, and the connecting line from that centre to "'The Highest Heaven'' is here

(as has been pointed out by W. Bro. Wallace in his paper on the "Point Within a Circle "), the symbol of

Love ; and as that great benign influence emanating from the point within a circle is proved by the geometric

symbol of the cone to be present throughout the realm of spiritual things, and as we cannot separate

ourselves from that realm, it must therefore be true that our dark hours, as well as our bright hours, our

pleasures and our pains, our joys and our griefs, are equally the consequence of the love which is beneficial

and necessary to the building-up of our Masonic character, our Masonic heart.

To consider for a moment our pavements as depicted on the T. Bs. of the First and

Third Degrees, we find white and black squares in equal numbers, and it is apparent in

the geometrical design of those pavements that they are visible, and, in fact, exist only

by the contrast or opposition between the white and black areas.

The geometrical figure of our pavement is, as a whole, inequilibrium, as there are an

equal number of squares of each value, white and black.

Let us consider the white squares to symbolise the love of light or of goodness, and

the black squares to symbolise the hatred of darkness or of evil.

White squares join other white squares in a point at each corner, and similarly do the black squares, thus

forming diagonals of white and diagonals of black squares, or, as they appear when viewed along diagonal

lines, as chains of diamonds, white and black.

Operative masons know that a rectangle may be held and maintained in stability by a diagonal member, and

as a rectangle is held in perfect stability by its diagonal, so is our heart held by its love of goodness and its

hatred of evil, as graphically pointed out in the symbol of the rectangular pavement, and upon the system of

morality thus set forth, each of us must build his life's temple, the foundation of which will prove to be only

square, level, and safe when the diagonal attractions, forces, or chains of love and of hate are properly held,

directed, controlled, and balanced. The labour and stress to attain this end is beneficial, and is, in fact,

necessary to our progress.

Thus the conflict against (or hatred of) evil advances us.

The presence of evil (the sum of the black squares) is thus shown, not as an evidence of the absence of love,

but actually as an evidence of love itself, as supplying the only means of development.

Thus, not only the white squares, but the black squares also, point to what is beautiful and beneficent.

We find that all the vast evidence of the unknowable of that we call T.G.A.O.T.U. proves goodness to the

world and to mankind, and to the individual man who follows the teaching of the Craft.

Looking back through the history of the world, we see that the law of evolution has worked for the

advancement of mankind, and that war's and plagues, though apparently bad things in their time, have

subsequently proved to be steps in the advancement of the race.

From a sensitive contemplation of our Masonic science, we may be impressed by the seemingly endless

repetition of some symbol. Take that of the square, for example.

It is as though our ancient brethren knew that we could be induced to "take notice" only from repeated efforts

on their part. As from a multiplication of certain symbols.

Richard Jeffries, an English naturalist, said : "Trees throw away handfuls of flowers ; and in the meadows the

careless spend-thrifty ways of grass and flower and all things, are not to be expressed."

Seeds by the hundred million float with absolute indifference on the air. The oak has a hundred thousand

more leaves than necessary, and never hides a single acorn. Never was there such a lying proverb as "Enough

is as good as a feast."

Our ancient brethren may have emulated Nature by a method analogous to this.

Everything of which we are conscious is in motion—at work—and is held in motion—within due bounds—

by a mysterious power. We are conscious of the existence of the invisible mysteries of what we term

attractions, or forces, in our material world, such as that of gravity, magnetism, chemical affinity, and others.

It is apparent to us that the stability of our material world is dependent on the working of these invisible

forces, and that the slightest breach of any one of Nature's laws, attractions, or forces must bring trouble to

us.

We are also conscious of attractions or laws that control our non-material world. The law of maternal love,

and of brotherly love, for instance, and to the violation of the latter law the disastrous events of the years

1914-1918 may, to a great extent, be attributed.

Bro. Pyke, in his book, " Morals and Dogma," says :—" There are many things in us of which we are not

distinctly conscious, and to waken that slumbering consciousness into life is one office, of every great

ministration to human nature. A dim consciousness of infinite mystery and grandeur lies beneath all the

common-place of life. Man is encompassed with incomprehensible wonders. There is more here; than the

world we live in. It is not all life to live. An unseen and infinite presence is here, a sense of something greater

than we possess—a memory of the dead, touching continually some vibrating thread in this great tissue of

mystery. It is one part of our Masonic culture to find these traits of power and sublime devotion, to revive

these faded impressions of generosity and self-sacrifice, and to induce us to yield ourselves to their guidance

and control."

The three great emblematical lights of the Lodge are symbols to us of the power, wisdom, and beneficence of

T.G.A.O.T.U.

The first-named of the grand principles on which our Order is founded is Brotherly Love.

The first act to our initiate at the door of the Lodge is one of love. The taking him by the hand when he is in a

state of doubt and darkness and is opposed by the first obstacle in the course of his seeking the light.

During the whole ceremonies of the attaining of his degree he is led, guided, and supported on either hand by

the gratuitous help and wardenship of the Deacons.

In the ancient charge in the First Degree his duty to his neighbour—which is founded on love—is pointed

out. Benevolence is emphasised by word and—in the most striking way—by act. The beauty of our brightest

jewel—charity—is emphasised, and in the last act of all he is r—on t—f—p—o—f.

Thus, as I suggested in my second paper, the cone (or pyramid) of a Freemason's ascent is held up and

supported by the perpendicular of a triangle joining Heaven and earth—a perpendicular of love—and is in

every internal direction built of Divine triangles tied to this perpendicular.

So in our ceremonies is the whole Masonic career from birth to death, and after, supported, guided, and

stayed by loving acts, teachings, and thoughts.

Once initiated we become brethren, and in the official record of our proceedings in Lodge we are careful to

always state that the Lodge closed in P., L., and H.

We find in the lectures of the three degrees in Craft Masonry, "Emulation " working, it says, speaking of the

spirit of brotherly love, which is inculcated, " Can anything have a more direct tendency to promote the glory

of God, peace on earth, and goodwill towards men?"

"This is the use and end, the golden rule, of Freemasonry." Such are some of the evidences, taken from our

symbols and working, on which I base my suggestion.

Bear with me, W.M., whilst I briefly look beyond ourselves and see if there is anything which contradicts or

supports what I take to be the teaching of the Craft.

How do some of the great writers whose works are generally recognised as classics put it?

Pope, in his " Essay on Man," says :-

" Heaven's attribute was universal care."

* * * * * *

" In faith and hope the world will disagree,

But all mankind's concern is charity.

All must be false that thwart this one great end,

And all of God, that bless mankind or mend."

Pope said :-

" Look round our world, behold the chain of love,

Combining all below and all above."

Shakespeare says :—" For charity itself fulfils the law, and who can sever love from charity ?"

Milton says :—" Add deeds to thy knowledge answerable, add faith, add virtue, patience, temperance; add

love, by name to - come called charity, the soul of all the rest."

Henry Drummond says in his book, "The Ascent of Man" :— “But, after all, the miracle of evolution is not

the process, but the product. Beside the wonder of the result, the problem of the process is a mere curiosity of

science. But, what is the product? It is not mountain and valley, sky and sea, flower and star, this glorious

and beautiful world in which man's body finds its home. It is not the God-like gift of mind, nor the ordered

cosmos where it finds so noble an exercise for its illimitable powers. It is that which of all things in the

universe commends itself, with increasing sureness as time goes on, to the reason and to the heart of

humanity—love.”

"Love is the final result of evolution. This is what stands out in Nature as the supreme creation."

In the V.S.L.' Paul, when writing to the Corinthians, devoted a chapter to what charity really is. In the

Revised Edition the Greek word is translated not charity, but love. "And now abideth faith, hope, love, these

three; but the greatest of these is love."

Trace, too, the history and development of our own public opinion, which in the course of its evolution has

had a constantly softening tendency, and which, to mention a few instances only, has abolished slavery, has

protected by legislation our women and children, has brought about such reforms in our treatment of the

insane and the indigent, has done so much to prevent cruelty to man and beast, and to the growth of that

(generally prevalent feeling of horror at neglect of and cruelty to the helpless, and the growth of the desire on

all sides in public and private life to assist the weak and distressed.

In the "Watt Anniversary Lecture " for 1918, dealing with "Some problems of Modern Industry," one of our

present-day great captains of industry, Mr. Hitchens, the chairman of the great corporation of Cammel, Laird

and Co., Ltd., says :—" For the past four hundred years we have tried one expedient after another. State

control of wages and prices, co-operative guilds, the home industries system, economic individualism, only

to end up where we began." And further on :—" But something clearly has been wanting to their success in

the past; something abstruse and elusive perhaps, or possibly something so obvious that, as Socrates found in

his search for justice, it has been under our noses all the time. Might it be that in seeking to solve these social

problems primarily by legislative measures and mechanical devices, or by a precise adjustment of relations

based on force or self-interest, we are putting the cart before the horse? Faust, after mastering philosophy,

jurisprudence, and religion, failed to find the key to knowledge, and betook himself to magic. Possibly we,

too, should pay less attention to the pursuit of pure reason, should think less in the head and more in the

heart, for it may be that the solution of this industrial problem, which is far the greatest we have been called

upon to meet, lies beyond mere intellectual and legal formula, beyond all economic laws and doctrines; and

depends on our attitude towards social existence; in plain terms, on our moral code. If we are ever to solve

the great industrial problem it can only be by recognising that industry is primarily a national service, and the

object of those engaged in it is first and foremost the good of the community as a whole." And later on : "The

mainspring of all political philosophy and of human existence is to be found in a single sentence uttered by

the greatest philosopher of all time : ‘If ye love Me keep My Commandments.’ Love of God and love of man

are the bases on which human society rests ; they are the final motives of all right conduct; without them all

societies crumble, and the world becomes the pandemonium it is to-day."

Looking further abroad still, we see in Nature that through all its workings not one single law, or force, or

part, works for itself alone, but all for the whole—the very antithesis of self—and when we ponder it all,

how beautiful, how great the benevolence of T.G.A.O.T.U. appears. How impossible it is for anything but an

unbounded love to have produced such results.

In our ritual we cannot but be impressed with the "Concern of Charity." The first care is "protective," to see

that the L. is properly t—."

The J.W. calls the brethren from L. to R. The S.W. sees that every brother has had his due. The W.M.

employs and instructs the brethren in Freemasonry. The C. hopes-to become a Freemason by the help of God

(by love). The apron is the bond of friendship.

We must work with love and harmony.

The distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason's heart is charity.

The "truly Masonic ornaments " are benevolence and charity. There is a statement in the lecture on the First

Degree T.B. that "charity comprehends the whole."

The "indissoluble attachment to our native land."

The ubiquity of the grand principle of love or charity in our ritual is a parallel to our geometric symbol of the

point within a circle, and the cone formed by the revolution of our personal triangle.

Is not love, then, one of the principal reasons for the existence of our science and for its perpetuation?

The colour symbol of loyal love is red, signifying love incarnate. "Of all the virtues love is the greatest and

best. Without it our purity will be austere and our truth but cold light."

Science has demonstrated light as being composed of colours. The seven colours in the rainbow when

compounded produce white. "White, the simple hue that rises from the fusion of all colours, has ever

symbolised the good as opposed to the evil. Air, sunlight, and water bleach. Hence white has become the

symbol for the pure."

Blue, the symbol of truth. The great blue vault re-appears untarnished after every blackening storm. Truth

and fidelity. The little blue "forget-me-not " is a declaration of constancy.

Black is the absence of colour.

The knowledge of light and darkness—good and evil—was man's first lesson in independence.

Colours have been given a prominent and consistent use. The Union Jack everywhere preaches progress,

brotherhood, purity, truth, love, sacrifice, and the sanctification of all life.

The love of colours—love of the beautiful—the fusion which produces light, and the hatred and fear at the

absence of colours, or blackness (the fear of being cast. into outer darkness—into evil) is inherent in

mankind.

May not the first-named of the grand principles on which our Order is founded be understood by us

Freemasons to be the most beautiful of the laws of T.G.G.O.T.U., and as perhaps the most powerful of all the

W.Ts. put into our hearts by Him?

It may be that until we obey the fundamental law of love there will be no peace on earth.

Much more might be written, but I fear to weary you.

I trust the few points to which attention has been drawn will be sufficient to show that there is much to

justify me in submitting to your criticism the conclusion to which I have come, that whilst building, each one

his own temple, the great principle to which all things, and every part of it must conform, and on which the

soundness and fidelity of the whole work depends, is love. Love to God, our country, our fellows; and

ourselves.

—————————

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE.

———<>———

Intimation has been received that the Supreme Council of Scotland has appointed Ill. Bro. Colonel G.

Barclay, 32deg., to the position of S.G.Insp.-Gen. 33deg. for the Dominion of New Zealand, in place of the

late Ill. Bro. Thomas Sherlock Graham, 33deg., of Dunedin.

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

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

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

————

SOUTHLAND.

Orepuki, No. 137.—This Lodge has had a busy time for some months back, and work is looming ahead. On

14th August an initiation took place. The attendance of brethren was very good, and the evening's work was

well manipulated. The W.M. (Bro. J. H. Sorenson) carried through his position, including the Ob., in his

usual thorough manner. The Wardens and Deacons did their posting with alacrity and precision. The Lesser

Lights and Explanation and Secrets were given in masterly style by the I.P.M., W. Bro. Clark. The N.E.

Charge was well given by W. Bro. F. Fortune. Explanation of Prep. was tellingly addressed by W. Bro. G.

Charlton (W.M. Lodge Tuatapere, No. 210). The W.Ts. were presented by the S.W. of Lodge Tuatapere,

Bro. F. A. Kemp doing his portion perfectly. W. Bro. L. Cross gave the Charge, showing that he appreciated

the work placed in his hands. At the refectory the toasts usual to the occasion were duly honoured, and a very

pleasant evening closed about 11.30 p.m.—[Came too late for September issue.—ED.C.]

The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on 11th September, at which the officers and members of

Lodge Tuatapere were present and worked the First Degree. The W.M. (W. Bro. J. H. Sorenson) expressed

the pleasure of our Tuatapere brethren's presence, and handed the gavel to W. Bro. G. E. Charlton, W.M. of

Lodge Tuatapere, who then asked his various officers to take their respective situations. The initiation

reflected the very greatest credit on the young Tuatapere Lodge. The work went on without a hitch. The N.E.

Charge was given by Bro. Kemp. The W.Ts. were presented by Bro. Rillstone, who also acted as I.G. The

Charge was given by Bro. J. J. Hinchcliffe. The 1st T.B. was given by Bro. Windleburn. The W.M. thanked

the visitors for their great kindness in working the degree. W. Bro. Charlton responded. W. Bro. Sorenson

took the opportunity to bid farewell and good luck to W. Bro. C. C. Nicholas, who has been a member of the

Craft here for eight years, and a resident of Orepuki for 19 years as manager for Messrs. McGruer, Taylor

and Co., and has severed his connection to enter into business as partner with our esteemed Bro. Charlton,

W.M. of Lodge Tuatapere. W. Bro. Nicholls suitably responded. W. Bro. Cameron, travelling representative

of the CRAFTSMAN, was present, and opportunity was given for him to introduce his subject. At refreshments

afterwards the toasts were proceeding when a hurried termination to the proceedings took place, as a W.

brother was apprised of the fact that his house was on fire. The refectory was soon cleared, and happily the

fire, was got under before much damage was done.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

OTAGO.

Oceanic, No. 154.—The regular meeting was held at the St. Kilda Masonic Hall on the 20th August, when

W. Bro. W. Mills, W.M., presided over a large attendance. A vote of condolence and sympathy with the

widow and family of the late Bro. J. Douglas was passed, and a letter was received from one of his sons

thanking the W.M. and officers of the Lodge for having given his father a Masonic funeral. Five E.As. were

passed, the work being performed by the following brethren :— Ob., W.M.; Secrets, W. Bro. J. Couchman;

S.E. Charge, Bro. W. McCrorie; W.Ts., Bro. M. Pierce; Final Charge, Bro. H. F. Harris. Nominations of

officers were taken, and in no case was there any opposition. One candidate was proposed.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

The monthly meeting was held on the 17th ult., when W. Bro. W. Mills, W.M., presided over about eighty

members and visitors. An E.A. was passed to the F.C. Degree, the work being distributed as follows : Ob.,

the W.M.: Secrets, W. Bro. H. W. S. Hellyer S.E. Charge, Bro. W. McCrorie; W.Ts., Bro. M. Pierce; Final

Charge, W. Bro. A. Walker. Two brethren were exalted. The Ob. was given by the W.M. ; the Secrets, W.

Bros. J. Couchman and Hiller and R.W. Bro. A. Stoneham ; Exhort., W. Bro. W. Jacobsen; Verses, W. Bro.

A. McKenzie, who also acted as Chaplain; Emblems, Bro. Gordon Tichener ; Narrative, W. Bro. A. Walker;

W.Ts., Bro. M. Pierce; and Final Charge, W. Bro. A. Cannon. The W.M. presented the two brethren with the

copies of the V.S.L. upon which they had taken their Obs. The election of officers was then taken, and Bro.

H. F. Harris, S.W., was unanimously selected as the next W.M., and there was no opposition for any of the

other offices. Two -proposals for membership were received, and the Lodge, which opened at 6.30 p.m.,

closed at half past ten, the W.M.'s final meeting having been very successful from every point of view. At the

supper table W. Bro. D. Harris Hastings, in proposing the health of the visitors, alluded to the fact that they

had with them that evening a distinguished visitor in R.W. Bro. Lieut.-Col. G. Barclay, P.G.W. R.W. Bro.

Barclay had not only done his duty as a soldier in Gallipoli and France, but had made it his especial business

to look after our military brethren, and every Lodge in the Dominion owed him a debt of gratitude for his

magnificent work. The founding of the N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association was in itself a great work, and would

in the future, as well as in the past, be helpful to the interests of the Craft. R.W. Bro. Barclay, in replying,

gave some very interesting reminiscences of his travels and the Lodges he had visited, and fully explained

the work of the Masonic Association. He was pleased to be able to tell them that he had received a letter of

thanks from the G.Sec. of the G.L. of England for their work in watching over the interests of the Craft, in

particular seeing that no undesirables from New Zealand found their way into English Lodges. The Tyler's

toast terminated an enjoyable and instructive evening.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Clinton, No. 183.—This Lodge held its first ball since the outbreak of war on the 3rd September, and despite

the particularly inclement weather and disorganised train service, it was a splendid little function. Seventy-

five couples took part in the grand march headed by W.M. Bro. William Brown and his better half. The hall

was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, and looked really splendid. The catering and the music

were both first class, and the floor was voted to be perfect, and all those present spent a very enjoyable

evening.

On the 10th September the Lodge paid an official visit to Lodge Clutha, on the occasion of their installation

and ball, and were accorded a right hearty welcome by the officers and members of that Lodge. A fair

number of the visiting brethren took the opportunity of introducing their lady friends to the Clutha brethren,

and all those present spent a very enjoyable evening.

The Lodge held its usual monthly meeting on the 11th September, W. Bro. William Brown presiding over a

good attendance. There were five candidates for initiation, the work being performed by the following

brethren :—Ob. and Secrets, W. Bro. William Brown, W.M. ; R. for Prep., Bro. R. McIndoe, J.W. ; N.E.

Corner, Bro. Alex. Hall; W.Ts., Bro. A. Murray, S.W. ; Final Charge, Bro. W. T. Dark, Tyler. A ballot was

taken for a member of an Irish Lodge for affiliation. Lodge Clinton is especially congratulated on its present

W.M. (Bro. William Brown), who fills the chair of K.S. in a most capable manner. Bro. Brown is a first-class

ritualist, and his powers in this direction are likely to be somewhat severely taxed in the near future, as quite

a number of candidates are offering. This Lodge has been handicapped in the past by not having a temple of

its own, but to the surprise and extreme pleasure of the officers and brethren they recently received a

splendid offer of a site for a new building. This was made by Mr. William Charlton, father of our late W.

Bro. A. Charlton, who lost his life in the defence of his country. Needless to say, this most generous offer

was thankfully accepted by the Lodge. This should serve to spur the brethren of Lodge Clinton to their best

efforts to erect a temple of their own, for which purpose a. fair sum of money is already in hand.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————————

CANTERBURY.

St. Augustine, No. 4.—The regular meeting was held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 12th August. W.

Bro. C. H. Duff, W.M., occupied the chair, and among the visitors were several who found some attraction in

Christchurch this week. Some belated replies to the previous month's roll-call were read and duly

appreciated. The brethren supported in the customary manner a resolution of fraternal sympathy with the

relatives of the late W. Bro. A. Cookson, P.G.S., and with the Lincoln Lodge, who lose the personal interest

of a sincere brother as well as an able Sec. All the P.Ms. of the Lodge were nominated for office in Prov.G.L.

The ceremonial work was an initiation, and the W.M. was assisted by W. Bro. Thompson (W.M. Civic), C.

after Invest. W. Bro. McGregor Wright, N.E. ; W. Bro. Beanland (W.M. Concord), W.Ts. and, W. Bro. J. A.

Stables, Charge after Initiation. The subsequent hour in the refectory was as enjoyable as ever.

The regular meeting was held in the Christchurch Masonic HaIl on 9th September. W. Bro. C. H. Duff,

W.M., was in the chair, and welcomed a good attendance of members and visitors, including several brethren

from H.M.S. "New Zealand." Three circular appeals on behalf of widows of brethren who were victims of

the influenza epidemic met with a liberal accord. The business part of the meeting included a ballot, a

resignation, and a proposition for membership. The degree work was to pass a brother on behalf of St. John's

Lodge, No. 37, Featherston. The W.M. was assisted by W. Bro. Yellowlees (W.M. Conyers, No. 1916, E.C.),

Charge after Invest.; W. Bro. Stables, S.E. ; and W. Bro. Giles (H.M.S. "New Zealand "), W.Ts. The

subsequent period in the refectory proved most enjoyable: W. Bro. Whiteside, in a stirring speech, proposed

the toast of our naval brethren, to which W. Bro. Giles and several of his comrades replied in interesting and

entertaining manner. Bro. Sergt. Kuill's tabloid recital of the heroic Zeebrugge raid was typical of naval

tradition in its elimination of self, "the job" being everything. The "Victory Song " again proved its

popularity. During the warship's stay at Lyttelton the Masonic brethren have taken full advantage of the

invitations from the various Lodges, and have formed many close friendships, which may have effect when

our battleship goes out of commission.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Robert Burns, No. 139.—The year started well, and at W. Bro. Blackmore's first meeting on 16th

September there was a large attendance. The statement of accounts showed the Lodge in a sound financial

position, and there is every prospect of a really good year. All the Lodges in this district are showing rapid

progress, and none more so than the Robert Burns Lodge. The special work was the initiation of three

candidates, the ceremony being performed by W. Bro. G. A. Blackmore, W.M., assisted by W. Bro. Smith

(W.M., Lodge Unanimity), who gave the Charge after Investiture; A. Hunter, I.P.M., R. for Prep. ; C. H.

Duff (W.M., Lodge St. Augustine), W.Ts. ; and T. W. N. Wilson, Chaplain, Final Charge. The W.M. took

the opportunity of welcoming two brethren who had returned from the front. All the brethren who went to

the war, except Bro. Douds, who made the supreme sacrifice, have now returned, and are settling down to

Masonic work in the Lodge. In the refectory there was a muster of over a hundred, and in proposing the

health of the returned brethren Bro. Rev. W. Tanner made a short but eloquent speech.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

———

Amuri, No. 184.—The monthly meeting was held on 12th September, being presided over by W. Bro. C. E.

Derrett, W.M. There was a good attendance, considering the inclement weather. A ballot was taken for a

candidate. Officers for the ensuing year were elected. The ceremony of initiation was then proceeded with.

The W.M. obligated the candidate, the Secrets being communicated by W. Bro. Hunter. Bro. H. R. Davison

invested ; W. Bro. Goulding gave the Address after Investiture ; the Charge in the N.E. was given by W. Bro.

C. Thomson ; Bro. B. Hampton explained the R. for Prep. ; the W.Ts. were presented by Bro. E. Britton ; the

Final Charge was given by Bro. H. R. Davison. The usual pleasant time was spent in the "Fourth."—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

———

Koranga, No. 197.—The installation of Bro. James Moyes as W.M. was held in Timaru on 26th August.

The ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. F. C. Bishop, Prov.G.M., assisted by Prov.G.L. officers.

Following the custom adopted two years ago, the B. of I.M. was held in the afternoon, and the Lodge

resumed at 7.30 p.m. The installation of W. Bro. Moyes marks the beginning of a new era in Lodge Koranga,

he being the first W.M. to occupy the chair who was not one of the original officers of the Lodge. R.W. Bro.

Hindmarsh, P.G.W., made the appeal on behalf of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, and his remarks were so

pointed and forceful that they are forwarded for publication. As a result of his address, a resolution was

passed by the Lodge to the effect that the time had now arrived when a halt should be called in the

accumulation of the reserve for this fund, and the interest and annual donations to the fund should he used

for the purpose of providing annuities for deserving cases. At the subsequent banquet, held in the Arcade

Cafe, the customary toasts were duly honoured. Special reference, however, must be made to the toast of the

returned Masons, which was responded to by Bro. D. Menzies. His speech was a very happy one, and the

toast was honoured in an enthusiastic manner.—[Lodge Correspondent],

——————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Wairau, No. 42.—At the regular meeting on 26th August the attendance was again a gratifying one. The

newly-appointed Dep.-Prov.G.M. for Marlborough, W. Bro. R. P. Furness, paid his first official visit, and a

very cordial reception was extended to him. Among the visitors was the W.M. of Lodge Unanimity (W. Bro.

Lambie). Three brethren were passed to the degree of F.C. The W.M., W. Bro. T. E. Cleator, was assisted by

W. Bro. J. McKinley, W. Bro. A. Gibson, Bro. A. E. Jellyman, S.W., W. Bro. Lambie (106), W. Bro. R. P.

Furness, Dep. Prov.G.M. (106), and Bro. W. R. Lloyd Williams, J.D. Two candidates were elected.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]—[This report is considerably belated, only having come to hand just before we went to

press.—ED.C.]

——————

HAWKES BAY.

Scinde, No. 5.—The regular meeting was held in Napier on 19th August, the W.M. presiding over an

excellent attendance of brethren and visitors, amongst whom were Bro. J. P. Moore (S.W. Lodge

Waikaremoana) and Bro. E. E. Bott (S.W. Lodge Abercorn). Two ballots were taken, and were found clear.

The W.M. initiated two candidates, and was assisted in the ceremony as follows :—Ob., W. Bro. J.W.

Ritchie, P.G.S. ; Secrets, W.Bro. A. E. Currie, I.P.M. ; the address in the N.E. corner was excellently given

by R.W. Bro. H. L. Harston, P.P.G.M., R. for Prep. were splendidly explained by W. Bro. R. Bishop ; W.Ts.,

Bro. A Hobson, S.D. ; and Final Charge by Bro. R. V. C. Harris, S.W. Later the report and balance-sheet,

showing the Lodge to be in a sound and satisfactory financial condition, were adopted. A notice of motion by

W. Bro. E. Eales, dealing with Lodge funds, and one by W. Bro. R. Bishop, amending by-law 25, both of

importance, were adopted, after a considerable amount of discussion. The Lodge was closed at a late hour,

and the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where an enjoyable time was spent.

The regular meeting wits held at Napier on 16th September, the W.M. presiding over an excellent attendance

of brethren and visitors, totalling 46, including the W.M. of Victoria Lodge (W. Bro. H. Bate), R.W. Bro. H.

L. Huston, P.P.G.M., and thirteen P.Ms. Amongst the visitors were W. Bro. J. Hobson (of Bedford Lodge),

W. Bros. J. Redshaw and W. Kirk (of Victoria Lodge), and W. Bro. A. Russell (of Conyers, E.C.). The

Treas., Bro. T. W. Bear, announced that a mortgage of £400 on the Lodge property had been paid off, a

statement which should be very gratifying to the brethren. Three circular appeals were read, and to each £3

3s. was donated. A letter from the wife of W. Bro. J. K. Martin, a former P.M. of Scinde Lodge, recording

her husband's unexpected and sudden death recently at Invercargill, was received with deep regret, and in

consequence of circumstances related therein, donated the sum of £15 15s. to his widow. One brother and a

candidate were elected. The W.M. (W. Bro. A. J. Turville) initiated two candidates, and was assisted in the

work as follows :—Ob., W. Bro. J. Bowes and W. Bro. E. Eales; N.E. Corner, W. Bro. L. Freedman, P.G.D.

; R. for Prep., W. Bro. C. L. Thomas ; W.Ts., Bro. A. Hobson, S.D. ; Final Charge, Bro. R. V. C. Harris,

S.W. The collection on behalf of the Lodge Benevolent Fund was then taken, after which two proposals for

initiation were made. The brethren adjourned to the refectory, where an enjoyable hour was spent,

interspersed with song and story and the customary toasts.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Abercorn, No. 30.—At the August meeting of Abercorn two brethren were passed to the F.C. Degree, the

second ceremony being conducted by the P.Ms., with the following officers:— W.M., W. Bro. Hobin ; S.W.,

W. Bro. Critchley ; J. W., W. Bro. Williams; Deacons, W. Bros. Hunt and Parkin ; I.G., W. Bro. Pasco. The

"old-timers" showed that they have lost none of their dash, the ceremony being carried through with

precision. The address in the S.E. corner was given by W. Bro. Watson, the explanation of the W.Ts. by W.

Bro. Williams; the Final Charge by W. Bro. Critchley ; and the T.B. by W. Bro. Hunt.

At the September meeting one brother was raised. In the absence of the W.M., W. Bro. Hunt conducted the

ceremony, being assisted in the working by W. Bro. Cartwright (Exhort.), W. Bro. Parkin (Charge after

Raising), W. Bro, Hobbs (Secrets), W. Bro. Critchley (T.H.), W. Bro. Parkin (Extended Secrets), W. Bro.

Williams (W.Ts.), and Bro. Bott (Final Charge).—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Ruataniwha, No. 172.—The installation meeting was held on 20th August, there being a good attendance

from the neighbouring Lodges, the curtailment of the railway trains having prevented others from attending.

R.W. Bro. R. S. Chadwick, Prov.G.M., was the Installing Master; and was assisted by W. Bro. J. H.

Morrison (S.W.) and W. Bro. J. A. Miller (J.W.). W, Bro. J. Hobson performed his duties as G.D. of C. in his

usual efficient manner. Bro. J. Hobson, S.W., was installed in the chair, and very creditably invested his

officers as follows :— I.P.M., W. Bro. J. W. Watkins ; S.W., Bro. R. B. May ; J.W., Bro. J. W. Thompson ;

Treas., Bro. C. Smith ; Sec., W. Bro. E. Johnson; Organist, W. Bro. J. Scholes, P.G.J.D. ; D. of C., W. Bro.

M. Steffensen; S.D., Bro. A. Black; J.D., Bro. F. H. Hillier; I.G., Bro. R. Meredith ; Tyler, Bro. W. J. Craig.

The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bro. A. E. Currie (Lodge Scinde), W. Bro. H. Hobson (Lodge Bedford),

and W. Bro. W. Dobson (Lodge Rawhiti). The address to the W.M. was given by W. Bro. E. Hocking ; W.

Bro. J. W. Elliott addressed the Wardens and R.W. Bro. R. S. Chadwick, Prov.G.M., the brethren. The W.M.

received many congratulations and H.G.W., and we trust that he will have a prosperous year of office. It was

the intention of the brethren to present the retiring W.M. with a PM's. jewe1, but unfortunately it did not

arrive in time. A collection was taken up in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, which resulted in the sum

of £4 14s. 6d. After the Lodge was closed, the brethren retired to the festive-board at the Town Hall, where

the usual Masonic toasts were given and responded to.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————

AUCKLAND.

United Service, No. 10.—On 27th August the W.M., W. Bro. M. Berry, had the pleasure and gratification of

extending a welcome to two more of our soldier brethren recently returned from active service, in the

persons of W. Bro. E. Edwards (a P.M. of the Lodge) and Bro. Harris (who before going to the war held the

office of J.W.). Needless to state, the brethren were delighted to see them back safe and sound, and the

Lodge is the richer by their return. Bro. H. Lloyd, who returned some months ago, badly wounded in the leg,

was also present, and it is good to know that he is able to get about again fairly well. The Lodge was

honoured by visits from the W.M. of Lodge Ponsonby, No. 54 (W. Bro. W. J. Stancombe), and the W.M. of

Lodge Albion, No. 45 (W. Bro. C. L. Jewell), each W. brother being accompanied by his officers. Three

candidates were initiated. The W.M. obligated and imparted the Secrets; W. Bro. J. C. Spinley gave the

address in the N.E. corner; W. Bro. J. W. Swales explained the Prep. ; Bro. H. T. Garrett, J.W., presented the

W.Ts. ; Bro. A. C. Hallett, S.W., Investiture Address and Final Charge. At the request of the W.M., W. Bro.

A. W. Morris presented to W. Bro. William Tailby his G.L. certificate as G.S.B. Bros. A. Tailby; J.

McLaughlin, A. Preston, and Rinals also received from the same W. brother their certificates as M.Ms. In the

refectory the usual toasts were honoured, interspersed with song and story, and reminiscences were

exchanged with reference to the visit to G.L. in May last.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Piako, No. 160.—There was a good attendance at the regular meeting, held in the Lodgeroom on the 13th

August, returned brethren of whom the Lodge is justly proud, being in attendance. W. Bro. R. J. McCausland

presided, and initiated a candidate, being ably assisted by W. Bro. H. J. Clifford, who gave the Secrets ; Bro.

R. C. Allen, Address in N.E. ; Bro. C. B. Sims, W.Ts.; Bro, F. C. Pickett, Final Charge ; and W. Bro. S. S.

Allen, the T.B. Two candidates were proposed for initiation, and one for affiliation. The usual social hour

was spent in the refectory, the visiting brethren contributing to a pleasant evening.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]—[Too late for September issue.—ED.C.]

———

Pono, No. 203.—The annual installation took place on the 10th September in the Lodgeroom, Dargaville.

The Lodge was tyled punctually at 7.30 p.m., but owing to the very bad weather, and also to the fact that the

milking season is now well under way, there was only a small attendance of country brethren. Still, we were

pleased to notice in our midst several Ruawai brethren, who had travelled over 50 miles to honour us with

their presence. W. Bro. Finch left Dargaville at 7 a.m. to meet M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, P.G.M., D.G.M.,

and G. L. officers at Ruawai to motor them to Dargaville, thus enabling them to be present at 8 p.m., they

having left Auckland at 7 a.m. per train to Helensville, there taking steamer to Dargaville, a total distance of

about 100 miles. The ceremony was capably carried out, when Bro. J. Griffiths and the officers were

installed into their respective chairs. The Lodge was closed at 9.30 p.m., when the brethren present adjourned

to the International Hall, where a banquet was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and a couple of hours spent in

harmony. In fact, the 1919 installation, though the attendance was smaller than the three previous ones, was

one of the most successful ever held in Pono.—[Lodge Correspondent.] —[Information as to officers not

furnished.—ED.C.]

——————

TARANAKI.

Hawera, No. 34.—The regular meeting was held at Hawera on 17th September, when a satisfactory number

of brethren and visitors was present. The W.M. (W. Bro. Colin Brown) conducted the ceremony of raising,

assisted by several P.Ms. The W.M. gave the Ob., assisted by W. Bro. J. P. Keen, who gave the Exhort. ; W.

Bro. Thomson, T.H. ; R.W. Bro. Sargent, Further Secrets ; W. Bro. Evans, W.Ts. ; and W. Bro. Keen, Final

Charge. The candidates were particularly good, it being a pleasure to listen to them answering the various

questions, and to watch the careful attention they gave to the whole ceremony. The Lodge is to be

congratulated on having such a good set of officers, and those members aspiring to higher office have a high

standard set before them. Lodge Hawera has been wise in looking into the future, having recently purchased

another site for our future temple. After the ceremony a happy hour was spent around the social board, the

usual toasts being duly honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Kaponga, No. 208.—The annual meeting was held on 25th August, when Bro. A. H. Guy, S.W., was placed

in the chair. The B. of I.M. was held in the afternoon, and presided over by R.W. Bro. Sargent, Prov.G.M.

This saved considerable time in the evening, when the Lodge resumed at 7 p.m. The W.Ts. were presented

by W. Bro. Colin Brown (of Lodge Hawera), W. Bro. Hammond (of Lodge Opunake), and W. Bro. A. N.

Rogers (of St. John's Lodge, No. 95). The address to the W.M. was given by R.W. Bro. Fookes, P.Prov.G.M.

of Taranaki. W. Bro. Guy then invested his officers as follows :—S.W., Bro. W. B. Fearon; J.W., Bro. G. A.

Lyall; Treas., W. Bro. Hislop; Sec., W. Bro. H. Priestley ; S.D., Bro. R. F. Walker ; J.D., Bro A. T. Bertie;

Organist, Bro. A. Thomas ; I.G., Bro. Colin Walker ; Tyler, Bro. J. Kehely. The address to the Wardens was

given by W. Bro. McAlister (of Lodge Stratford), and the address to the brethren by W. Bro. H. Priestley.

After the Lodge was closed some 70 brethren adjourned to the Town Hall and were given a cup of hot soup,

which put some life into them, as not one member left until after the Tyler's toast had been given. Great

praise is due to the ladies for the way they worked to make the "Fourth " a success. Of course, the usual toast

list was gone through, and all the brethren went home well satisfied. —[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————

RUAPEHU.

Kimbolton, No. 123.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on the 11th September, when one

brother was raised to the degree of a M.M. Three brethren of Lodge Rangitira (Hnnterville) paid a surprise,

but nevertheless a most welcome, visit, and W. Bro. Dukeson kindly assisted with the work of the evening.

In the "Fourth" their little koreros were much appreciated, and considerably brightened the wee hour spent in

the refectory. It is probable that some of the local brethren will repay this visit at an early date, and

incidentally renew the much too brief acquaintance. The advice tendered by W. Bro. Powell will not, I

venture to say, fall on deaf ears. W.M. Bro. L. J. Verry, who is leaving Kimbolton within a week or two to

take up his residence at Wanganui, took the opportunity of thanking the brethren for their past loyalty and

support, and he intended to still attend the monthly meetings, but he was sure there would be a continuance

of that loyalty and support, especially from the P.Ms., who, he trusted, would conduct the rehearsals and

assist him in every other direction.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Huia, No. 171.—The ordinary meeting was held on the 4th September. Two ballots for initiations proved

clear, and one proposition was received. The ceremonial work consisted of three passings. The work was

allocated as follows :—Ob., by the W.M. ; Investiture and S.E. Corner, W. Bro. Manning, I.P.M. ; W.Ts.,

conjointly by the W.M. and the two Wardens; Secrets and Final Charge, by the W.M. The next monthly

meeting will be worked exclusively by the P.Ms., who, no doubt, will be put on their mettle, particularly as

the W.M., officers, and members of United Manawatu, E.C., have announced their intention of paying an

official visit.. In addition to the foregoing, a cordial welcome and reception to all the soldier brethren will

form a special feature. We desire this to be widely and generally known, as a general invitation is extended

to one and all, when we sincerely trust all will avail themselves of the opportunity on such an auspicious

occasion, all of which will cement and strengthen the mystic tie.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————

WELLINGTON.

Waterloo, No. 13.—The installation of W. Bro. F. H. Mather and investiture of his officers took place at the

Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, Wellington, on 8th September. The Lodge was tyled at 6 p.m. sharp, visitors

were admitted at 6.30 p.m., and G.L. at 7 p.m. There was a large attendance of W.Ms. and brethren from city

and suburban Lodges, visitors, and brethren of the Lodge. G.L. was well represented, the brethren being

particularly gratified by the presence of M.W. Bro. Nicol, P.G.M., G.Sec., M.W. Bro. Williams, P.G.M.,

R.W. Bro, Ellison, Prov.G.M., and R.W. Bro. Seaton, P.G.W., P.B.B. The ceremony of installation up to the

B. of I.M. was undertaken by W. Bro. Parton, at which stage the gavel was handed to W. Bro. G. E. Smith,

P.M., who opened the Board, and completed the ceremony in a very able manner. The presenting officers

were W. Bro. Erskine, D. of C., and W. Bro. Robinson, P.M. The following W. brethren occupied the offices

set opposite their respective names :—S.W., R.W. Bro. Veitch, P.G,W.; J.W., W. Bro. Scott, P.M. ; I.G., W.

Bro. Palmer, P.M. The WTs. were presented by W. Bro. Robinson, P.M., W. Bro. Sims. P.M., and W. Bro.

Scott, P.M., and the Warrant, B. of C., and By-laws by R.W. Bro. Ellison, Prov.G.M. The address to the

W.M. was delivered .by M.W. Bro. Malcolm Nicol, P.G.M., G.Sec., in his own inimitable manner, which

riveted the attention of the brethren. W. Bro. Gordon, P.M., invested the officers, and the work was done

with vim and thoroughness. The address to the Wardens was given by R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, Prov.G.M.,

and that to the brethren by our veteran friend, M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M. At the request of W. Bro.

Mather, W.M., a handsome P.M.’s jewel was presented to W. Bro. Parton, I.P.M., by M.W. Bro. Nicol,

P.G.M., G.Sec., in a few well-chosen words. W. Bro. Parton suitably responded. The following is a complete

list of the officers for the year :W.M., Bro. F. H. Mather ; I.P.M., W. Bro. W. A. Parton, P.M.; S.W., Bro. W.

Berry ; J.W., Bro. T. R. Wallace ; Sec., W. Bro, G. E. Smith, P.M. ; Treas., W. Bro. W. C. Robinson, P.M. ;

D. of C., W. Bro. A. Erskine, P.M., P.G.S. ; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. Mowatt, P.M. ; S.D., Bro. E. C. Gannaway;

J.D., Bro. J. E. Dawson; I.G., Bro. C. N. Cathie; S.S., Bro. R. K. G. Hardie ; J.S., Bro. H. A. Lamb ;

Assistant-Stewards, Bros. G. C. Boyes, F. A. Macindoe, B. H. Haines, W. A. G. Hatch, and H. A. Norris ;

Auditors, Bro. G. C. Boyes (appointed by the W.M.) and W. Bro. R. A. Scott, P.M., and Bro. W.

Chegwidden (appointed by the brethren). After the completion of the ceremony, an adjournment was made to

the large hall, which had been most artistically decorated for the occasion, and a very pleasant hour was

spent. The toasts of the King and G.L. having been duly honoured, and in the latter case responded to by

M.W. Bro. Nicol, P.G.31., G.Sec., M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M., proposed the toast of the newly-

installed W.M., W. Bro. Mather. The M.W. brother was most happy in his remarks, and the toast, was drunk

with great enthusiasm. W. Bro. Mather's response was one of the finest, that it has ever been the writer's lot

to listen to, leaving the impression that Waterloo's new W.M. was a deep thinker and something more than a

ritualist. W. Bro. G. E. Smith, P.M., proposed the toast of the absent brethren, and W. Bro. Gordon, P.M.,

that of visiting Lodges and brethren, which was replied to by several visiting W.Ms. and brethren. The

Masonic Quartette rendered some beautiful items, both in the Lodgeroom and after supper. Bros. Burd and

Laycock and W. Bro. Connell, P.M. also contributed to the enjoyment of the brethren. After the Tyler's toast,

"Auld Lang Syne" was sung, bringing to a close a most successful evening, both from a ceremonial and

social point of view.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

St. Andrew, No. 32.—The regular meeting was held on 15th September, when, owing to the formidable

appearance of the circular, which included amongst other- items the initiation of five candidates and the

passing of four others, Lodge was tyled at 6 p.m. The P.Ms. had been invited to assume the responsibility of

working one of the degrees, and the W.M., with a kindly regard for their grey hairs and waning powers of

endurance, called upon them at once. W. Bro. J. Rod graced the chair of K.S., and acquitted himself

worthily, being weightily supported by W. Bro. F. C. Broomhall as S.W. (Final Charge), W. Bro. W.

Simpson as J.W. (R. for Prep.), W. Bro. A. Schmidt as S.D. (Secrets), W. Bro. J. C. Riddell as J.D. (W.Ts.),

W. Bro. A. W. Rowlands as D. of C. (N.E. Address), V.W. Bro. G. Russell as I.G., and W. Bro. T. Jaffray

(Address after Invest.). The bulky number of candidates was handled by the Deacons in a manner that it is

hoped was not unobserved by the junior officers of the Lodge. A respite was conceded, and work resumed at

7.30, when minutes and correspondence were attended to, and three ballots taken. The W.M. then proceeded

to pass four other candidates, being assisted by his officers and brethren, Bro. A. C. Blair delivering the

Address after Invest., W. Bro. A. Ferguson the S.E. Address, Bros. Scammell, George, and Thompson the

W.Ts., and Bro. G. Lawrence the Final Charge. At a quite commendable hour Lodge was closed, and

brethren retired to well earned refreshment, enlivened with oratory, recitation, and song, including a much

appreciated item from a brother serving on the battle-cruiser.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Ulster, No. 62.—The monthly meeting was held at Petone on the 17th September, when the business was to

initiate a candidate. W. Bro. Wylie gave the Ob., the W.M. (Bro. Y. G. Carver) the Signs and Secrets, Bro.

R. A. Scott the Charge in the N.E., Bro. Melhuish the Mode of Prep., Bro. Armstrong presented the W.Ts.,

Bro. Strong gave the Final Charge, and W. Bro. Colquitt the T.B. One new member and two joining

members were proposed. The Lodge being closed, the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where the usual

toasts were duly honoured, one being for Bro. Max Williams, who recently returned from active service. —

[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Tararua, No. 67.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 14th August. As this was the last meeting

which W. Bro. R. V. King was able to attend, and then only through the extreme kindness of a brother

offering to motor him to Palmerston, as business necessity required his being in Hamilton on the Saturday,

with train arrangements anyhow, occasion was taken to farewell our departing W. brother, and as a token of

esteem W. Bro. Griffith, at the W.M.'s request, presented him with a P.M.'s jewel. Six years previously to the

night W. Bro. King had been raised in the Lodge, and in replying intimated that his sudden departure

deprived him of a pleasure in surprising the Lodge, as he had intended that his Masonic library should be

used as a circulating one for the members later on when two more consignments of Masonic works came to

band. He also intimated that he had no intention of severing his membership, considering it a duty to his

mother Lodge to remain on the active list.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Tutanekai, No. 156.—The regular meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, on 4th September,

the W.M. (Bro. C. W. Martin) presiding.. There was a large attendance of visitors and brethren. Two

brethren were accepted by affiliation. One candidate was initiated, the ceremony being performed by the

W.M. (Ob. and Signs), assisted by Bro. Key, S.W. (Investiture), Bro. Shapcott (Apron Charge), Bro. Jones

(N.E. Corner), Bro. Latham (Prep.), Bro. Smart (W.Ts.), Bro. Read, J.W. (Final Charge). W. Bro. Shand

presented the B. of C. and Bylaws to the candidate. After H.G. W. from the visitors, a pleasant hour was

spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Waiwhetu, No. 176.—The monthly meeting was held on 10th September. There was a good roll-up of

brethren, no doubt due to the fact that it was the annual election of officers. Two guineas was donated to

each of three circular appeals. One candidate was raised. W. Bro. Harman obligated ; W. Bros. Guiness and

McLachlan continued the ceremony ; W. Bro. Hobbs gave the Exhort. and Secrets ; W. Bros., Leighton and

Tamblyn gave the T.H. ; Bro. Carver invested ; W. Bro. Ayson gave the Charge after Investiture; and Bro.

Carver presented the W.Ts. The Lodge was closed in the Third and Second Degrees. The election of officers

resulted in the S.W., Bro. Carver, being elected W.M., and all the other officers advanced a step. Several

apologies were received, and the Lodge closed at 10 p.m.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Otari, No. 190.—The usual monthly meeting was held in the Lodgeroom, Ngaio, on 9th September, W. Bro.

Tanner presiding. There was a good muster of local brethren and W. brethren, and brethren from Lodges St,

Andrew, Waterloo, and Coronation. After the usual routine business was disposed of, the initiation of a

candidate was proceeded with. The W.M. took the Oh. ; W. Bro. Meek gave the Signs and Secrets ; S.W.

Bro. Craig invested ; and W. Bro. Curtis addressed the candidate ; the Charge in the N.E. corner was given

by Bro. Patrick; the R. for Prep. by Bro. Colpus ; the Final Charge and T.B. by Bros. Craig and Taylor

respectively. H.G.W. were given by visiting Lodges, and the meeting closed at 9 p.m., and adjourned to the

refectory, where an enjoyable hour was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Whetu Kairangi, No. 201.—The regular monthly meeting was held at Seatoun on 13th September. The

attendance of members and visiting brethren was very satisfactory. Lodge was tyled at 7.10 p.m., the W.M.

(W. Bro. E. Morris, junr.) presiding. Two brethren were raised to the sublime degree of M.M., the work

being performed by the W.M., assisted by W. Bro. T. W. Boon (15 F.C.), W. Bro. Robinson (Charge after

Investiture), Bro. Robertson, S.W. (T.H.), Bro. G. F. Browne, J.W. (Secrets further explained), Bro. C. E:

Bennett, S.D. (W.Ts.), W. Bro. T. O. Fox, I.P.M. (Final Charge). The copies of the V.S.L. on which they had

taken their S.O. in each of the degrees were then presented to the candidates, with a few well-chosen

remarks, by W. Bro. H. Wright (Canada). The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded

with, and as several nominations had been received for the various minor offices, the results of the ballots

were eagerly watched for, W. Bros. Robinson (Hinemoa) and Wright (Canada) acting as scrutineers. The

following officers were duly elected :—W.M., Bro. T. S. Robertson ; D.M., V.W. Bro .Rev. T. Porritt ; S.W.,

Bro. G. F. Browne ; J.W.; Bro. C. E. Bennett Chaplain, Bro. W. W. Rowntree; Treas., Bro. H. J. Wyatt ;

Sec., W. Bro. T. O. Fox ; S.D., V.W. Bro. Rev. J. H. Sykes ; J.D., Bro. T. H. R. Boon ; I.G., Bro. A. G.

Claridge; Tyler, Bro. R. G. Huggins; S.S., Bro. S. M. Stone; J.S., Bro. E. Rough ; Assistant-Stewards, Bros.

J. E. Ramsay and G. Day Auditors, Bros. W. M. Beck, E. P. Campbell, and S. M. Stone. Lodge was then

closed in P. and H., at 10.45 p.m., and an adjournment made to the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.— The regular convocation was held in the Chapter-room on 13th August. A good

attendance supported V.E. Comp. J. A. Stables, who opened his Chapter and disposed of the business, which

included nominations of officers for the ensuing year, before adjourning the Chapter. W.E.M. R. McFarlane

then opened a Lodge of E.Ms., and acknowledged Bro. C. H. Duff. Bro. G. Yemm acted as Conductor, and

subsequent comments declared that the degree was well worked. Before closing the Chapter, feeling

reference was made to the death of Comp. Arthur Cookson. It was reported that E. Comps. H. Hopkinson

and D. Sheffield, both absentees on account of ill-health, were on the fair road to recovery. In the refectory

later, tangible evidence was manifest that the war was over and the "dry" spell broken.

The regular convocation was held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 10th September. Time night proved

most stormy, and the attendance suffered accordingly. V.E. Comp. Stable presided. The business comprised

balloting, for the incoming officers, and the acceptance of V.E. Comp. Jno. Robertson's resignation. The

companions placed on the minutes their regret at the severance of his long and valuable connection with No.

1. The 1st Prin.-elect, E. Comp. H. Hopkinson, was absent, but expected to resume his ordinary avocations

and many Masonic duties at an early date. The companions also expressed their sympathy with V.E. Comp.

Broadley, who was confined to his home, but wrote very cheerfully. Consideration of the balance-sheet was

deferred. The ceremony of exaltation was very creditably carried through, but owing to the poor attendance

some of the lectures were postponed. M.E. Comps. Andrews and Bingham and R.E. Comps. Flavel and

Bishop assisted in the ceremony, and the latter also presented some diplomas, including one to a brother

exalted in Wallace Chapter, who was later proposed for affiliation. The social hour in the refectory lost none

of its sociability through the inclemency of the weather. Opportunity was taken to toast the incoming

Principals and officers, and also the 1st Prin.-elect

(E. Comp. Garten) of Canterbury Kil. RA. Chapter,

and M.E. Comp. Cooksley, who was on the eve of

his departure to Wairoa, was toasted.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

———

Manawatu, No. 11.—The annual convocation was

held on 18th September. The G.Supt., V.E. Comp.

Palmer, conducted the proceedings of installing and

investiture of officers, as follows :— Z., E. Comp. J.

W. Sinclair; H., E. Comp. C. F. Spooner ; J., E.

Comp. J. Y. Oliver ; Treas., Comp. S. Abrahams; D.

of C., V.E. Comp. A. J. Graham ; S.E., V.E. Comp.

A. J. Graham ; S.N., Comp. Wright ; 1st Soj., Comp.

S. W. Oliver ; 2nd Soj., Comp. A. Cook ; 3rd Soj.,

Comp. W. Mundy ; Janitor, Comp. H. E. Throu ;

Auditor, Comp. W. Turner. The financial position of

the Chapter is most satisfactory. A second amount

was authorised to be invested in war bonds. An

adjournment to the refectory, with customary toasts,

ended the evening.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

———

Timaru, No. 15.—The ordinary convocation was

held on 20th August. The work was the exalting of

one brother, and the election of officers for 1919-20.

The V.E.Z. was assisted by V.E. Comp. G. Burns

(Discovery), E. Comp. A. McKenzie (Signs), V.E.

Comp. W. M. Duncan (Signs further illustrated), E.

Comp. J. T. Collins (W.Ts.), V.E. Comp. W.

McBride (Final Charge), Comp. J. J. Pickett (Lecture

on Pedestal). The names of companions elected to

office will appear in the report of the annual

meeting.

The annual meeting was held on the 17th September,

when the ceremony of installing. E. Comp. Andrew

McKenzie as 1st Prin., V.E. Comp. Geo. Wallace as

2nd Prin.; and E. Comp. James Moyes as 3rd Prin,

by R.E. Comp. F. C. B. Bishop, G.Supt. of

Canterbury, and officers of Sup.G. Chapter, took

place. The Chapter, was opened at 7 p.m., and the

routine business having been. disposed of, the G.D.

of C., V.E. Comp. G. B. Perkins, entered and announced R.E. Comp. the G.Supt., who assumed the sceptre,

and received R.E. Comp. C. Flavell, G.H. A Conclave of installed Principals was opened, and the Principals-

elect were installed by the R.E.G.Supt, R.E.G.H., and V.E. Comp. J. Robertson, P.G.Supt. of W.

respectively. The 1st Prin. was addressed by the G.H., the 2nd Prin. by V.E. Comp. A. J. Hoskins, P.G.St.B.,

and the 3rd Prin. by V.E. Comp. J. Robertson. The following officers were then invested by M.E. Comp. J.

E. S. Jackson, 3rd.G.Prin. of the Dist.G. Chapter (South Island), E.C. :—S.E., V.E. Comp. J. W. Souter ;

S.N., Comp. Murdoch McLeod; Treas., V.E. Comp. W. McBride; 1st Soj., E. Comp. G. Murdoch; 2nd Soj.,

E. Comp. J. T. Hunt; 3rd Soj., Comp. H. S. Palmer ; Organist, Comp. Axel Newton; Janitor, V.E. Comp. Jas.

Mason. The final addresses were given to the 1st Prin. by the G.H., to the officers by V.E. Comp. J. W.

Souter, and to the companions by V.E. Comp. W. McBride. After the Chapter was closed a very pleasant

time was spent in the refectory. The attendance at the convocation was the largest on record for South

Canterbury, and V.E. Comp. A. McKenzie was felicitated upon the fact by several of the speakers.—

[Chapter Correspondent.]

———

Wanganui. No. 23.—The monthly convocation was held on 4th September, V.E. Comp. F. Symes in the

chair. After the minutes, correspondence, etc„ and two ballots (successful) had been dealt with.

Sup.G.Chapter, represented by the G.J., R.E. Comp. G. W. Palmer, entered the Chapter, and, having been

saluted, handed the gavel to V.E. Comp. G. G. Bullock, who conducted the installation ceremony, ably

assisted by R.E. Comp. G. W. Palmer, G.J., V.E. Comps. N. Roulston, C. C. Moutray, and F. Symes.

Officers for the ensuing year are :—V.E. Comp. P. Higginbottom, Z. ; E. Comps. J. R. Foster and W. E.

Longshaw, H. and J. respectively. The S.E. reported that no dues were outstanding on the books. Apologies

were received from M.W. Comp. H. J. Williams, G.S.E., who was unable to attend owing to the entire failure

of the nationalised railways of this country, and R.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon. A total of 31 companions

attended the Chapter, and all remained for the "Fourth," where a very enjoyable evening was spent.—

[Chapter Correspondent.]