THE PARTING OF THE WAYS.

——◄►——

AT the annual communication of the G.L. of New

Zealand, to be held in Auckland on 11th May next,

an official farewell will be taken of the G.Sec.,

M.W.Bro. Malcolm Niccol. For some time past our

distinguished brother has been in very indifferent

health, which has culminated in a determination to

sever his official connection with G.L. This

decision, which we are assured will be received with

the greatest sorrow by the brethren, has not been

arrived at without due consideration, coupled with

the desire of Bro. Niccol to act with what he

conceives to be the strict line of duty to G.L. Some

fifteen months ago our brother, recognising his

physical disabilities, expressed a desire to retire, but

the Wellington B. of G.P., unwilling that G.L.

should lose the valuable services of its chief

executive officer, provided special expert assistance,

in the hope that with the lessening cares of office the

G.Sec. might be enabled to go at reduced pressure,

and the final parting be indefinitely postponed.

Unfortunately, the industrial trouble which was in

operation at the date of holding the annual meeting

in Invercargill accentuated the worry in connection

with the holding of the Masonic Parliament., the

immediate result being that a few months

subsequently M.W. Bro. Niccol found it-necessary

to obtain sick leave, and take up his residence in

Auckland, where he has since remained. Later he

communicated to the G.M. his deep regret that he

would be compelled to retire from office in May

next. The M.W.G.M., in communicating this

decision to the B. of G.P., made certain

recommendations—(1) As to granting an extension

of sick leave: (2) providing a retiring allowance of

£400 per annum. The Board considered the G.M.'s

note, and decided to submit a proposal to G.L. that

the retiring allowance be £250 per annum, but did

not deal with the first suggestion. The Board may be

animated by what it conceives to be a strict sense of

duty, but we think it will be very generally held that

it has erred on the side of rigid economy. But before

further discussing the merits of the care, it will be

enlightening if we very briefly refer to the

association of the G.Sec. with the G.L. of New

Zealand. On the institution of that body in 1890,

Bro. Niccol accepted office as G.Supt. of Auckland,

which office he held until elected G.M. in 1892. On

retiring from the G.M.'s chair after two years' service

he again took charge of the Auckland District for a

time. In May, 1900, on the resignation of V.W. Bro.

Ronaldson, Bro. Niccol was appointed by M.W.

Bro. Russell, G.M., as G.Sec., and this position he

has held for twenty-one years. At the time of his

appointment he had had more than thirty years'

experience in Freemasonry, and had held many

official positions under the then existing

constitutions. His ability was fully recognised, and

his knowledge of Masonic law and custom was

beyond dispute, and during his twenty-one years'

service this reputation has been fully sustained, to

the great advantage of the G.L., of which he was the

chief executive officer. Hence the cause that has

necessitated his retirement is the more to be

deplored. Should it not be the desire of every

member of the G.L. of New Zealand to render the

evening of our veteran brother's life both happy and

comfortable ? Yet how is this possible on a retiring

allowance of £250 per annum ? In these days

especially things are not always what they seem, and

if we accept the official estimate, the purchasing

power of £250 is as nearly as possible £125 per

annum. Will G.L. in its appreciation of merit and

ability, coupled with a fairly long service, ask our

highly esteemed brother to be happy and

comfortable on £125 per year ? We think not. It may

not be quite within the province of this journal to

make a suggestion, and, as the G.M. has already

done so, almost unnecessary. In supporting the

amount suggested by the G.M., we are not bursting

with generous pride, and do not think full justice is

being done, considering the special circumstances of

the case. We well remember when Sir Edward

Letchworth retired from the secretaryship of the

G.L. of England under somewhat similar

circumstances, there was not the slightest hesitation

by the G.L. of England to making the pension the

actual amount of the salary that distinguished

brother had enjoyed, viz., £1500 per annum. The

G.L. of New Zealand can just as well afford to be

generous, and it not quite to the same extent, still

sufficiently so to do justice to the esteemed guide,

philosopher and friend of G.L., whose many genial

qualities so greatly endeared him to the many

brethren with whom he came in such frequent

contact. The other suggestion emanating from the

M.W.G.M. may well be left in his hands to deal

with.

———————

TO SUBSCRIBERS TO THE N.Z. CRAFTSMAN.

——◄►——

It has been quite clear to the directors of the

Masonic News. paper Co. for some time past that in

consequence of all round increased charges of

production, administration, and Government postal

tax, the present rate of subscriptions would have to

be increased with the advent of our new year (1st

June). It is quite true a small advance in the rates

was made last year, but from somewhat peculiar

circumstances the new rates yielded less than the

old. This at first sight may appear a paradox (this is

not original), but is explainable in the fact that where

formerly advance payments were only a very small

factor, now, through the energy of our canvasser,

they are a dominant feature of the payments

received. Thus, instead of receiving 10s. annually

from a majority of subscribers for booked

subscriptions, the majority now pay 8s. 6d. as an

advance payment, which has been a loss of 1s. 6d.

each. Then, again, in computing our estimate of

expenditure twelve months ago, we had not the

faintest conception that the Government intended

penalising us with a 100 per cent. increase in stamp

duty. That is the last straw, and but for that it is quite

possible we could have still maintained our

equilibrium of finance without having recourse to

further increase. Again, the excessive cost of living,

which has continued on the high grade, made an

adjustment of salaries an imperative necessity,

otherwise the service could not have been

maintained. When the postal charges were so largely

increased, we computed that the tax would mean an

increase of expenditure of £100 per annum to our

company, but we have found that this estimate was

quite under-stated, and it can now approximately be

fixed at £150. The new rate of subscriptions which

will come into operation on 1st June will be 10s. per

annum paid in advance and 12s. if booked. Judging

from our recent experience, we do not think there

will be many subscribers who will pay 12s. in

preference to 10s., and it must, then, be admitted that

the smaller sum is extremely moderate in the face of

all the modern difficulties by which we are

surrounded. We feel sure that subscribers to the

CRAFTSMAN will fully appreciate our troubles and

tribulations, and recognise that the extra amount of

subscriptions we are asking them to pay is the

"irreducible minimum" under the circumstances.

—————————————————————

News and Notes.
—————————————————————

WE received two reports of the consecration of

Lodge Karitane, The selection was made in the

priority of reception.

FOR the reason contained in the report of the March

meeting of Robert Burns: Lodge, No. 139,

Christchurch, it was facetiously termed a "bowlers'

night." The performance of the bowlers who are

Masons demonstrated that they are equally

proficient with the W.Ts. as with bowls.

CORRECTION.—In our last issue it was stated that

W. Bro. Dr. Todd, formerly of Lodges 184 and 147,

had affiliated with Lodge "Waipa," Te Awamutu. It

should have read Lodge "Waipu, ' No. 179, North

Auckland. Lodge Amuri, No 184, of which Bro.

Todd was a foundation member, has now conferred

the honour of life membership upon him.

WE regret there was quite a number of reports,

addresses, etc., crowded out of the April

CRAFTSMAN by reason of the Easter holidays, and

apparently the pressure of publication cannot be

overtaken in the present issue, but we have

endeavoured to give preference to publication of

items of the greatest moment.

LODGE PATEA KIL. has selected three P.Ms. to fill

the three principal offices in the Lodge for the

current year. The Sec. is also of that rank.

THE W.M.G.M. has been pleased to authorise the

issue of a. warrant for the opening of a Lodge at

Manurewa, to bear the place name, and to be

numbered No. 222.

THE G.M. has been advised by the B. of G.P. to

grant a charter for a Lodge at Wakaia, to be called

Lodge "Switzers."

Two petitions for new Lodges are being circulated in

Wellington City, and will shortly be presented to the

B. of G.P.

LODGE TOREA, Westport, advises us that its

meetings will be held in future on the first Saturday

after the first pay-day in each month. As we have no

knowledge as to the date of pay-day the position is

somewhat obscured, which makes it impossible to

give date of meeting in the CRAFTSMAN.

CONCLUDING paragraph of a report recently

presented to St. Augustine Lodge, No. 4 :—"In

conclusion, your committee feels that it would like

to ask the brethren to take their Masonry more

seriously—even the Constitution and By-laws are

well worth some study—whilst the principles we

profess, if practiced in ever so small a degree, would

make not only our Lodge meetings happy events, but

everyday life more agreeable."—[True Masonic

sentiments.—ED.C.]

WE are asked by the G.S.E. of the G. Chapter of

New Zealand to note the following correction :—In

the abstract of Chapters contained in the annual

proceedings, Rose and Thistle Chapter was debited

as owing £1 2s. at the close of 1920. The entry was

an error, and that Chapter was not in debit at that

date.

SHORTNESS of space causes us some vexation of

spirit this month, as several articles have to be

omitted.

THE average Masonic life, says the "Virginian

Masonic Journal," stand at seven years in the

country and five years in town. What is wrong? The

reply given by the same journal is that Lodges are

fast becoming mere ritual mills, just working

without let up—from the time they open till it's time

to catch the last trolley home—grinding out degrees.

THE installation of the W.M. of Lodge Manawatu

Kil. and investiture took place at Palmerston North

on the 20th April, at 4 p.m. In the evening a grand

Masonic ball and concert was held at the Municipal

Hall opposite the Lodge.

THROUGH the efforts of the W.M. of Lodge

Manawatu Kil., the Annuity Fund of G.L. will

benefit by an amount in the vicinity of £100.

R.W. BRO. D. MCFARLANE, P.P.G.M. of Ruapehu

District, is leaving for a well-deserved trip to the

Islands. Before doing so, however, the Lodges in the

district made him a presentation of G.L. regalia,

presented at Lodge Manawatu Kil. installation on

20th April.

ILL. BRO. GRIFFITHS, the M.W.S. of Blenheim Rose

Croix Chapter, having taken his departure for

England, Ill. Bro. H. J. Williams will preside at the

next regular meeting on the 27th May. He will be

accompanied by several distinguished brethren from

Wellington Chapter, who will assist in working the

ceremonies.

———————

ACACIA NOTES.

——◄►——

Bro. Charles Saundercock gave the 2nd T.B. at last

meeting, and did it excellently.

  

Bro. H. Billens, J.W., was prevented from being

present owing to Easter holidays.

  

W. Bro. Rev. A. L. Canter, W.M., is having a little

difficulty in attending, meetings owing to excessive

pressure of business in his new parish. It is a little

awkward for Acacia, though we are lucky to have

W. Bro. Cadman so handy. He is very consistent

with instructions, and is training the " ship's_

officers " very creditably.

———————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——◄►——

The installation meeting of Lodge Waihopai, No.

189, which is to be held in May, will in all

probability be postponed for a week on account of

the absence of a large number of W. brethren, who

will be, in Auckland on G.L. business.

  

Lodge Wairaki unfortunately struck a very bad night

in March for the installation meeting, in conseq4nce

of which the attendance suffered considerably.

  

The installation meeting of Lodge Harvey was held

on 13th April. Owing to the awful climatic

conditions prevailing, comparatively few

Invercargill brethren made the trip. The ceremony

was conducted in a splendid manner, and

demonstrated the high state of efficiency attained by

all concerned. A large number of members and

visitors from surrounding districts were present.

After the ceremony the brethren of Lodge Harvey

entertained the visitors.

  

R.W. Bro. Haggitt, Prov.G.M., wrenched his knee

recently while on the golf links, and has not been

able to get about for several days.

  

Southern Cross held an emergent meeting on 14th

April. A very striking feature at the " fourth " was a

short talk on "The Origin of Freemasonry," by M.W.

Bro. M. Thompson, P.G.M. This proved very

interesting and instructive, and should be greatly

appreciated by all who were fortunate to be present.

Talks of this nature are unfortunately too seldom

heard. The "fourth degree," or after meeting, as it is

now commonly called, provides a splendid

opportunity for imparting knowledge, not only to the

many new members, but also to large numbers of

seasoned members. R.W. Bro. T. A. Steans,

P.P.G.M., also gave a few of his experiences when

visiting in England several years back.

  

Bro. T. A. Clark, of Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9,

has been transferred to Timaru. Bro. Clark, who is in

the Railway Department, has been a member of

Southern Cross for many years. He is a keen

Freemason, but has been prevented from taking

Office owing to the nature of his civil duties. We '.

strongly recommend him to the Timaru brethren.

  

The brethren of Lodge Waihopai have decided to

present their P.Ms. with a jewel characteristic of

their office. One of the brethren has designed a very

neat jewel, which has been approved and placed in

the hands of the jeweller. Several will be presented

at the installation meeting.

  

Lodge Waihopai will work the Second Degree for

Lodge Victoria on 13th May.

  

The installation meeting of St. John, No, 94, will be

held on 27th May.

  

The first mneeting of the Murihiku Rose Croix

Chapter with the new set of officers will be held on

29th April.

  

Lodge Orepuki held their installation meeting on

20th April. A number of Invercargill brethren were

present. The Western , District was also well

represented.

  

Four candidates were acknowledged at the April

Convocation of Southern Cross Chapter.

  

W. Bro. Vernon Smith (Waihopai), W. Bro. Derbie

(Victoria), W. Bro. Farrant (Southern Cross), and W.

Bro. Jas. Manson will represent their various Lodges

at the G.L. Convocation in Auckland in May.

  

About 100 Members and visitors were present at the

April meeting of Lodge St. John, when three

"raisings " were conducted.

———————

MARLBOROUGH NOTES.

——◄►——

M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M., passed through

Blenheim recently on his way to Christchurch.

While he was in Marlborough's capital the pipe band

paraded the town, followed by a festal procession. It

was not in honour of Bro. Williams, however ; it

was St. Patrick's Day!

  

Before leaving for the Old Country, M.W. Bro. C. J.

W. Griffiths paid a farewell visit to Wairau Lodge,

No. 42, where he received the same cordial "send-

off" that he had at Unanimity and at the R.A. and

R.C. Chapters.

  

W. Bro. W. G. Rudd, W.M., has been elected to

represent Lodge Unanimity at the annual

communication of G.L. in May.

  

An official visit was paid to Wairau Lodge on 8th

March by W. Bro. Hazelwood (W.M.) and the

officers of Lodge Waitohi, No. 111, Picton, who

worked the Third Degree. The work was very well

done, and the D.Prov.G.M. (W. Bro. R. P. Furness)

complimented W. Bro. Hazelwood on this fact. The

visiting brethren were hospitably entertained at

supper by the members of Wairau Lodge.

  

W. Bro. Hazelwood has been invited to visit Lodge

Unanimity on 14th April and work a degree there.

This is the last opportunity he will have, as he goes

out of office at the end of April.

  

Bro. H. Leslie, S.D. of Lodge Unanimity, was taken

suddenly ill at a rehearsal on 7th March, and is still

confined to his bed. At the last meeting the Lodge

passed a resolution of sympathy with the popular

brother and officer.

  

A few years ago a Masonic picnic was an annual

institution, but it was abandoned during the war. The

matter was referred to at the March meeting of

Lodge Unanimity, and it was left to the W.M. to

consult the W.Ms. of Lodges Waitohi and Wairau

with a view to resuscitating the gatherings.

  

There was a great gathering at Havelock on the 2nd

April on the occasion of the installation of Bro. S. J.

Ball as W.M. Bro. Ball was initiated in Wairau

Lodge, and Wairau members attended in very strong

force to do him honour—a compliment which he

greatly apreciated.

  

One of the candidates initiated in Lodge Unanimity

in April was minus his right arm, which he lost in

the great war.

  

W. Bro. E. J. Hazelwood, W.M. of Lodge Waitohi,

whose year ended on the 29th April, paid official

visits and worked degrees in all the other Lodges in

Marlborough during his term. The result of the good

seed thus sown will probably be a crop of visits paid

to Lodge Waitohi during the current year. The

Picton brethren have a reputation for hospitality, too.

———————

NOTES ON HUTT VALLEY CHAPTER

OPENING.

——◄►——

Generally admitted to be a remarkably fine function.

  

The visit of G.Z. was well paid and fully

appreciated.

  

The presence of M.E. Comp. Porritt was missed,

especially in the conclave, which he made especially

his own.

  

The absence of all veterans but one— M.E. Comp.

Williams— marks the passage of time.

  

Both ceremonies were all that could be desired, and

every officer did well.

  

V.E. Comp. Guiness should be a proud man, and, as

one companion expressed it, his election should

constitute one of the early successes of the new

Chapter.

  

V.E. Comp. J. McLachlan worked hard and

unostentatiously for the success of the new Chapter,

but he may be assured his merit and ability were

fully recognised.

  

The transit was not devoid of experiences. One car

broke down coming to the meeting, and the Acting-

G.J. nearly missed his part. On the homeward

journey another car had to seek the aid of a tow-

rope, while a third car punctured just as town was

reached.

———————

FAREWELL TO BRO. DR. KENNY, TE

AROHA

——◄►——

-A very pleasant evening was spent after Lodge of

Instruction at Te Aroha on 16th .March. Fully 60

brethren assembled to do honour to W. Bro. D. G. G.

Kenny, who has secured an important appointment

connected with the Pacific Cable Board at Fanning

Island. For 16 years W. Bro. Kenny has laboured

amongst his brethren, and during the whole of that

time has devoted much of his time to Masonry. Dr.

Kenny is highly popular, not only in Te Aroha, but

in all parts of New Zealand. W. Bro. Kenny was the

first medical officer to the Waikato Hospital, which

position he held with exceptional credit to himself

for many years. Bro. Kenny relinquished this

position to accept the position of chief medical

officer at the Rotorua Sanatorium. Owing to

Government changes, Dr. Kenny finally settled at Te

Aroha, where up to the present time he has held a

Government appointment connected with the Te

Aroha Sanatorium, besides enjoying a very wide

practice. Indeed, Te Aroha was fortunate in having

such an experienced brother in its midst. Now that

W. Bro. Kenny has decided to leave Te Aroha,

mainly to assist his esteemed wife's restoration to

health after a severe attack of double pneumonia, the

brethren decided to join in harmony and show W.

Bro. Kenny that he was leaving some very sterling

friends behind. W. Bro. H. Dalton presided. Among

the speakers, besides the chairman, were W. Bros.

Jas. Bell, F. Wild, H. Clifford, and Bros. A. J.

Burrows and John Lennard, very intimate friends of

the guests of the evening. The company was also

favoured with a visit by W. Bro. Cameron. Very

eulogistic addresses were made. W. Bro. Kenny's

life can best be illustrated when it is stated that he

led a truly "Masonic" life, always acting up to the

highest tenets of Freemasonry. During the severe

time experienced in the influenza epidemic, it was

stated, Bro. Kenny worked most assiduously day and

night to combat the sufferings of all and sundry, and

not in one instance did he make a charge for his

services. It was significant that most of the speeches

were brief, for the speakers felt sorrowful at the

early departure of one whom they loved. W. Bro.

Kenny had always devoted his life in the direction of

assisting those in need, and hundreds of people owe

a deep debt of gratitude to both Dr. and Mrs.. Kenny

for their many silent actions of benevolence. W. Bro.

Dalton presented W. Bro. Kenny with a case of

Loewe pipes, and following this a suitable

presentation is to be made to Mrs. Kenny for her

numerous and kindly acts so freely and happily

dispensed. W. Bro. Kenny is a musician of some

distinction, and it was in this special direction that

he caused so many " fourth degrees:" to pass off so

pleasantly. W. Bro. Kenny, on rising to respond,

received a wonderful and spontaneous reception. He

traversed his experiences covering the 16 years he

had resided in Te Aroha. He regretted beyond

measure the thought of having to leave, and would

always have a warm spot in his heart for his Te

Aroha friends. Some of his best and brightest friends

lived in Te Aroha, whom he wished every

prosperity.

A musical programme concluded (shall I mention

the time— 1 a.m.?) in far too brief a time, for one

and all seemed bent on making the genial guest

happy.

—————————————————————

Correspondence.
—————————————————————

THE COMMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE.

——◄►——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,-As I am unable to attend G.L.

this year, I will ask you for sufficient space to refer

to two matters which are set down for discussion.

One proposes the centralisation of G.L. office, and

the other seeks to make Boards of Enquiry part of

the Constitution, and to make their decisions binding

on all Lodges throughout the territory. I am a

thorough believer in the wisdom of centralising G.L.

office, and would like to see Boards of Enquiry in

every district. But there is something I value more,

viz., the maintenance of the spirit of harmony, and

the preservation of the private rights of Lodges.

Therefore, were I attending G.L., I would vote

against both these proposals. What has possessed the

W. brother who is bringing up the former proposal I

cannot imagine. It has been turned down so

emphatically on previous occasions in recent years

that its revival is not only ill-timed and inopportune,

but a waste of G.L.'s time. It seems to me far better

to leave it to time and circumstances to bring about a

change of heart in its opponents, than to keep

harping away about a subject in a fashion that can

only cause irritation and a certain amount of ill-

feeling. True, it will be many years before the

change comes, but in the mean time let us at least

preserve unity and concord, and give a rest to a

subject on which there is palpably a great amount of

disagreement. As to making Boards of Enquiry

compulsory, such a proposal, in my opinion, would

be an unwarranted intereference with the rights of

Lodges. At present the setting up of such Boards is

entirely voluntary, and the system works well. Why,

then, the need of change? A compulsory Board of

Enquiry in Auckland City, for instance, would be a

fearfully cumbersome affair if every Lodge were to,

be adequately represented, and without adequate

representation the Lodges would run the risk of

being tied hand and foot by brethren over whom

they had no control. A Lodge's internal economy,

including admission to membership, is its own

affair, and nobody else's. If a Lodge chooses,

voluntarily, to delegate that function to a Board of

Enquiry, it has an undoubted right to do so, but to

make such delegation compulsory is a gross

violation of ancient custom. — I am, etc.,

LET WELL ALONE.

[We fully agree with our esteemed correspondent's

exposition of the position.— ED.C.]

———————

APPRECIATION.

——◄►——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,— Will you kindly allow me

through your columns, on behalf of the musical

brethren of Wellington, to thank the members of the

various city and suburban Lodges for their splendid

response to our efforts towards the special appeal in

aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund. The "Waiata

Quartette" visited Lodges 127, 44, 176, 201, 190, 62,

32, 2, 13, and rendered musical items, after which a

collection was taken up, and resulted in the sum of

£48 10s. being raised. Owing to sickness and other

reasons, it was not possible to visit every Lodge. The

point to be specially mentioned is that when taking

up the collections it was announced that each, Lodge

would be credited with the amount so contributed,

and that the G.Sec. has been pleased to do this.

Towards the conclusion of the special appeal, a

grand Masonic concert was held at the Concert

Chamber, Town Hall, Wellington, at which the

following ladies and brethren contributed :— Misses

F. Barry, F. Churchill, M. Chatwin, B. Godier, Bros.

T. Hill, S. Allwright, W. F. Thompson, H. H.

Seaton, A. Williams; D. Gillies, Culford Bell, P.

Martin, J. S. Connell, F. Laycock and the Waiata

Quartette. The items were nicely chosen and

artistically rendered, each performer having to

respond to a well-deserved encore, while Bro. W. H.

Godier excelled himself at the piano. The concert

was pronounced a great success by those present,

and a vote of thanks accorded to the ladies and

brethren who contributed items. The nett proceeds of

the concert, amounting, to £88 17s., together with

the £48 10s. above-mentioned, a total of £137 7s.,

were forwarded to the fund as a contribution raised

by the efforts of the musical brethren of Wellington.

The G.Sec., in acknowledging receipt of the money,

states that he is directed by the M.W.G.M. to convey

his deep appreciation of the special effort by the

musical brethren to augment the fund.— Yours

fraternally, JAS. S. CONNELL, P.M.,

For the Musical Brethren.

———————

COMMEMORATION OF JUBILEE.

——◄►——

PATEA KIL., No, 18, N.Z.C., FORMERLY No,

536, S.C.

———

SHORT HISTORY.

——————

Pates Kil. was working under a dispensation from

the New Zealand Prov.G.L. of Scotland before

getting its Charter from from the G.L. of Scotland.

Its first meeting was held on 29th December, 1870.

Patea Kil. can be said to be an offshoot of St.

Andrew Kil., now No. 79, N.Z.C., at that time No.

481, S.C. It appears that a number of brethren

resident in the Patea district, being anxious to form a

Lodge, affiliated with St. Andrew Kil., Wanganui, to

put themselves in good standing, and immediately

afterwards formed a Lodge at Patea.

As mentioned, the Lodge worked under a

provisional charter or dispensation, pending the

issue of a charter from the G.L, of Scotland, which

was, as a matter of fact, only issued and dated on the

3rd February, 1873, just three years after the Lodge

had been founded, which goes to show the great loss

of time which was occasioned in those days through

having the governing body so far distant from the

Craft Lodges, and further emphasises the wisdom of

the establishment of the G.L. of New Zealand, which

was consummated at a later date.

Unfortunately, the early history of the Lodge is more

or less shrouded in mystery owing to the loss of the

early records and books, which fact was reported to

the Lodge at its regular meeting in February, 1893. It

is, therefore, impossible to give very definite data

with regard to the first fourteen or fifteen years of

the Lodge's history, or even record with any

certainty the names of the various brethren who held

office as W.M. during a part of this period.

CHARTER MEMBERS.– The record of the charter

members and all the members from the

commencement of the Lodge down to 1883 was

found on a certified copy of a return to the Pro-G.L.

of Scotland, otherwise it would have been difficult

to have even had a record of the charter members, as

the records held by the G.Sec. of the G.L. of

Scotland are absolutely worthless. The following

brethren constituted charter members :– R.W. Bro.

William Dale (No. 481, S.C.), Bros. Arthur Sands

Brook Foster (No. 10, I.C.), George Beamish (No.

481; S.C.), Andrew Smith (No. 447, S.C.), Thedore

Espange (No. 481, S.C.), Charles Rassman (No. 447,

S.C.), John Gillman Beamish (No. 15, I.C.).

The first R.W.M. was W. Bro. Wm. Dale, now

resident in South America, and of the other officers

all that can be gathered is that Bro. Geo. Beamish

was S.W. and his brother, Bro. John G. Beamish,

was Tyler.

Of the Charter members all have ceased from labour

with the exception of W. Bro. Wm. Dale and Bro.

John G. Beamish, who is with us this evening, but,

unfortunately, his memory is not good and he cannot

remember details such as he would like, so he has

not been of much assistance in compiling such of

the-early history as we have been able to collect.

In hunting through what early records remain one

cannot help but be struck with the number of

military men who were members of the Lodge in the

early days, amongst whom were the following :

Major Noake, officer commanding the district; A. S.

Foster, Captain ; H. Dundas, Surgeon ; W. A.

Winchombe, Lieutenant Military Settlers ; R. Noble,

Sergeant ; Alfred Wood, Coxswain ; Francis

Stanhope ; C. Grigg ; E. C. Meredith, R. C. McKay ;

J. Caldwell; R. T. Blake, Native Interpreter ; and

Colonel Goring, Superintendent A.C. Forces. All

these brethren being either initiated or affiliated

between the years 1871 and 1876, the above is due

to the fact that Patea was at that time a military

town, most of the brethren affiliating from Scotch,

Irish, or English Lodges, which, no doubt, they had

joined prior to leaving the Old Country. Bro. J. G.

Beamish was initiated in No. 15, I.C., in 1867, three

years before becoming one of the Charter members

of Patea Kil., No. 536, S.C.

In 1870 the New Zealand Prov.G.L. of Scotland was

situated at Dunedin. In July, 1876, all the Lodges of

the North Island were circularised from both

Wellington and Auckland, with a view to the

establishment of a Prov.G.L. of S.C. for the North

Island, to be situated,at either Wellington or

Auckland. Eventually Auckland was decided on as

the headquarters, and henceforth Patea Kil., No. 536,

was controlled from Auckland instead of Dunedin.

There can be no doubt that the early history of the

Lodge was controlled and built up by a strong,

vigorous type of Mason ; in fact, one can hardly

picture it otherwise when we remember the stamp of

men who formed the destinies of this fair Dominion

in its early days, carving out for themselves and their

families homes from the virgin bush and swamp

lands, with very little returns for their labour, against

great handicaps in rough and ready means of

transport.

In its earliest days the meetings of the Lodge were

held in a hall which was situated at the corner of

York and Bedford Streets, near the traffic bridge

across the Patea River, this locality at that time

being much sought after for building sites, it being

the impression that the town would be along the

river bank, which proved not to be the case.

The late W. Bro. G.- D. Hamerton affiliated in 1876

from De Burgh Adams, No, 446, I.C., as a P.M.,

and, together with his brother, the late W. Bro. T. E.

Hamerton, proved a tower of strength to the Lodge,

more especially in later years when the Lodge was

passing through a period of trial.

In later years the meetings of the Lodge were held in

a hall situated in Oxford Street, and known as

Mahoney's Hall, the meetings being held there until

such time as the present Lodge-room was built.

In 1879 several brethren resident in Hawera

affiliated with Patea Kil. for the purpose of forming

a Lodge in Hawera under the S.C. Amongst these

was Bro. G. V. Bate, of Hawera. A Lodge was

formed and a dispensation granted in 1880, being

No. 652, S.C. (now No. 34, N.Z.C.) ; so that Lodge

Hawera may be said to be an offshoot from Lodge

Patea Kil. in the same way that Lodge Patea Kil.

descended from Lodge St. Andrew Kil. At this time

extensive railway works were being carried on close

to Patea. A number of the contractors and officials

were Masons, and regularly attended the Lodge

meetings, so that the meetings were both largely

attended and full of interest.

1890.— There was a very long discussion at the

regular meeting held on 7th October, 1890, as to the

advisability of supporting a proposal to form a G.L.

of New Zealand. It was at length agreed to Join in

and work under the G.L. of New Zealand, and to

surrender the Charter to the G.L. of Scotland. Patea

Kil. then became No. 18, N.Z.C.

1891.— The oldest active member on our books

today (Bro. A. Edser) was initiated on 7th April,

1891, being twenty-nine years an active member,

holding office on many occasions. At the same

meeting the Charter under the G.L. of New Zealand

was presented to the Lodge, and the dispensation

under which it had been working was returned to the

G.L. of New Zealand.

1893.— Unfortunately, when the railway line was

completed an already reduced population, due to the

withdrawal of the A.C. forces, was still further

reduced, and we find that at a meeting of the Lodge

held August, 1893, owing to depleted membership, a

long discussion took place as to the advisability of

the Lodge resigning its Charter. In fact, a resolution

to surrender the Charter was actually moved, but,

fortunately, an amendment was proposed, "That the

Charter be held by such members as may elect to do

so, all willingly paying an equal proportion of the

liabilities."

The late Bros. G. D. and T. E. Hamerton strongly

supported the amendment, which was carried. The

Lodge was practically dormant from August, 1893,

to 10th December, 1896, when a meeting of brethren

of the district was convened, and the Lodge revived

under the late W. Bro. G. D. Hamerton as W.M. ;

and we are thankful to say that from that day

onwards the Lodge has continued to prosper.

1896.— W. Bro. C. A. Larcombe, the oldest active

P.M. in the Lodge, was initiated in May, 1896. He

was later installed as W.M. in 1901 (twenty years

ago). During the whole of his twenty-four years of

membership W. Bro. Larcombe has taken a keen

interest in the affairs of the Lodge, holding the office

of W.M. on more than one occasion, and is always

willing to fill any office or otherwise assist when

called upon to do so.

The first mention of the building of a Lodgeroom

was made in 1896, but it was not till 1899 that

tenders were accepted, and the first meeting in the

new Lodgeroom was held on 18th October, 1899.

1901— In 1901 the question of the formation of a

Taranaki ProV. District was discussed, and a

resolution passed that G.L. be asked to give effect to

a resolution passed at G.L. in 1893: "That Taranaki

be constituted a separate district." Patea being at this

time in the Wellington district; M.W. Bro. Herbert J.

Williams, P.G.M,, being G. Supt., nothing seems to

have been done in this direction until March, 1903,

on the elevation of Bro. Williams to the office of

G.M., when the Lodge was notified that the B. of

G.P. had created a new Masonic district, the

boundaries to be the old Provincial boundaries of

Taranaki, and that R.W. Bro. Corkill had been

appointed as G. Supt. In this connection a tribute

must be paid to M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams for the

great amount of work be put in as G.S. over a very

large district. His name appears as conducting all the

installations of Lodge Patea from the time of joining

the N.Z.C. to 1903.

In conclusion, one cannot help but wonder what

amount of influence for good Lodge Patea Kil. has

exerted, perhaps unconsciously, in the district during

the fifty years of its existence, and more especially

amongst its individual members. We think that it

will be agreed that, although there are possibly some

brethren who attend Lodge and seemingly get no

benefit therefrom, as they never by any action help

or show any keen interest in affairs Masonic, yet

even these brethren must unconsciously be

influenced for good. In most cases we know that the

brethren are influenced by the teachings and

principles of Masonry for their betterment. We have

all seen this in our own Lodges, and if this be so,

then the influence must be for the general good in

any community, so that we think we can safely say

that Lodge Patea Kil. has justified her existence, and

let us hope that, before the next fifty years pass

away, Masonry will come into its own as a guiding

influence in every community where the principles

for which Masonry stands are counted as worthy.-So

mote it be.

———————

GRAND LODGE MEETINGS.

——◄►——

AUCKLAND ARRANGEMENTS.

———

The Reception Committee in connection with the

G.L. communication, to be held at Auckland on 11th

and 12th May, with W. Bro. Chas. E. Dutton as

chairman, and W. Bro. J. P. McPhail as secretary,

has done good work in arranging for the reception

and accommodation of visitors during their stay in

the Northern city. Suitable accommodation has so

far been secured for all delegates and brethren of the

various Lodges throughout New Zealand who have

applied, and those who have not yet done so should

do-so at once, otherwise they may be disappointed

on arrival at Auckland. Members of this committee

intend doing their very best for their visitors. Every

train will be met at Auckland, and members of the

committee will generally see to the comfort of the

visitors. All brethren arriving at Auckland are

particularly asked not to leave the railway station

until they have made themselves known to the

Reception Committee, the members of which will

wear a silver badge with the square, and compasses

on the lapel of their coats.

All communications should be addressed to the

Chairman Reception Committee, Box 997, G.P.O.,

Auckland.

We wish all visitors to Auckland every happiness,

and assure them of a hearty welcome at the hands of

the Auckland brethren. CHAS. E. DUTTON,

Chairman.

———————

A VETERAN COMPANION HONOURED.

——◄►——

At the April meeting of the Paritutu R.A. Chapter,

No. 40, held in New Plymouth, the companions

decided that, the services in the cause of Capitular

Freemasonry in this district so freely and generously

given by V.E. Comp. G. F. Robinson, ought to be

kept fresh in the memory of the younger members of

the Chapter, and to do so worthy an object have

approached Sup. Com. to permit the local Chapter to

make our esteemed companion an honorary member

of this Chapter. Though now living in retirement in

Christchurch, his labours for the good of the Order

were spread over many years. He was prime mover

in the formation of a Chapter of RA. Masonry,

which culminated in the consecration of Paritutu

Chapter, No. 196, S.C., on the 18th June, 1883, the

consecrating Z. being V.E. Comp. W. B. Sealy, of

Trafalgar R.A. Chapter, No. 157, S.C. At the

installation ceremony, V.E. Comp. Robinson was

installed the first Z. of the new Chapter on the 18th

June, 1883, and held his first meeting on 3rd July,

1883. In 1887 he was working still, in the capacity

of S.E. In September, 1890, he again held office as

Z., continuing in that post till February, 1894. It was

during this period that the Paritutu Chapter gave its

allegiance to the Sup.G.R.A. Chapter of New

Zealand, becoming No. 5 on the register of that Sup.

governing body. Through the years 1894-1896-1900

he still took very keen interest in the working of the

Chapter. He held office in G. Chapter, being G.

Chancellor for one year. May his declining years he

peaceful, with many pleasant recollections.

———————

UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL TABLET

TO LATE R.W. BRO. A. W. FLETT,

P.P.G.M. OF OTAGO.

——◄►——

Honoured and revered among members of the Craft

throughout the Dominion, and holding pride of place

in the affections of all Otago Freemasons, R.W. Bro.

Arch. Wm. Flett answered the call of T.G.A.O.T.U.,

and entered into "those mansions not made with

hands, eternal in the Heavens " on 1st May, 1920.

Truly it could be said of him that he loved

Freemasonry as, indeed, Freemasons loved him. The

ancient charges were fully exemplified in his daily

life. A man among men, he realised the value of the

brotherhood, into the work of which he threw him-

self with untiring zeal and unflagging energy, and

with all the talents with which T.G.A.O.T.U. had

blessed him. Of cheerful and genial disposition,

frank and open to a degree, earnest and painstaking,

true and trusty, he packed his twenty-one years of

Masonic life full to the uttermost. Assuredly he

made a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge,

and earned the approval of a good conscience and of

his brethren. Fitting it was, therefore, that the scene

of his activities should witness a gathering to do him

honour, and that upon the walls of the temple he had

helped to erect a tablet should perpetuate his

memory. This was stated as the object of the

meeting in a eulogistic address by R.W. Bro. A.

Fieldwick, Prov.G.M., who presided over a large

and representative gathering of brethren in Lodge

Haeremai, No. 155, Dunedin, on 2nd March. After

Scripture reading and prayer by G. Chaplain, V.W.

Bro. D. Calder, an address on R.W. Bro. Flett's

Masonic career was given by W. Bro. A. Brown,

P.M. Otago Kil., No. 143 (in the unavoidable

absence of R.W. Bro. G. Watts, P.P.G.M.). R.W.

Bro. Flett was initiated in Lodge Otago Kil., No.

143, in 1899. After passing through minor offices,

he was installed as W.M. in 1905. His efforts were

largely responsible for his mother Lodge coming

over to the N.Z.C. In 1907 he became foundation

member of Lodge Haeremai, No. 155, and was its

Sec. from inception till 1911, during which time his

wise counsel and dominating personality did much

for the welfare of the new Lodge. He was G.S. in

1908, G.D. of C. 1912-1913, and Prov.G.M. 1916-

1917, filling all offices with high honour to himself

and with distinct usefulness to the Craft. On the

untimely death of R.W. Bro. R. Hawcridge in 1920,

such was his zeal for Freemasonry that he at once

accepted the office again, and faithfully discharged

its onerous duties to the time of his decease. The

memorial tablet, an excellent piece of workmanship

from the hands of W. Bro. E. Moller, was unveiled

by M.W. Bro. Thos. Ross, G.M., who referred to the

ancient custom of erecting monuments, etc., to the

memory of the great, and spoke with much feeling

of our late brother—a good man, a splendid citizen,

a loving husband, an indulgent, father, and a zealous

Freemason, who was carried away in the full vigour

of his manhood and at the very height of his

Masonic career. His fragrant memory is ever

entwined in our hearts, but this tablet will serve as

an inspiration to us to carry on the work he loved so

well, while succeeding generations will know that he

was worthy of our highest honour. R.W. Bro. J. J.

Clark, P.P.G.M., was closely associated with our

worthy brother for many years, and bore passionate

testimony to R.W. Bro. Flett's work and worth. He

was one of the leading spirits in Lodge Haeremai,

No. 155, and exerted a potent influence for good in

the councils of the Lodge, and it was fitting that here

a memorial tablet should be erected. He ever had a

kindly thought, .a bright smile and a word of cheer,

while his ear was ever open to the cry of distress.

When the mists of life filled the valleys he lifted our

eyes to the mountain tops, and when the mountain

tops were in darkness he directed us to the stars and

gave us words of comfort and of hope. Let us not

mourn our brother, whose life will have a lasting

impression upon us. To live in hearts we leave

behind is not to die. With his life's work before us

and his memory graven in our hearts, we look

forward to that immortal dawn when we shall meet

our brother again. Until then may we safely say —

" Father, in Thy gracious keeping,

Leave we now our brother sleeping."

V.W. Bro. W. G. Hay, G.Reg., recalled the time

when he first saw the light of Freemasonry. He was

then much struck with the complacency of R.W.

Bro. Flett as he occupied the W.M.'s chair. This

complacency was a distinguishing characteristic of

our late brother, whose life was marked with such

great usefulness, not only in Lodge Haeremai and

the Craft, but also in every detail of his daily life.

His memory would ever be cherished by those

among whom he toiled within these walls, while the

tablet erected to his memory would speak to those

who come after us. In conclusion, V.W. Bro. Hay

stressed the fact that every true Freemason has the

acacia sprig of evergreen, the hope of immortality, a

hope which should be to us a vital force as we

follow on in the path of life. He touched with

tenderness upon the virtues of our well beloved and

much esteemed brother, of whom he said, " We

know his life and character, we know the kind of

man he was, and, in the words of the Apostle Paul, `

more than conqueror' was he." The whole ceremony

was a fitting tribute to a life well lived, and its

sacred solemnity appealed strongly to all present.

Bro. Haggitt presided at the organ and materially

assisted in the musical part of the ceremony. W. Bro.

R. Walls contributed a solo.

———————

THE LANDMARKS IN THE SYSTEM OF

MASONRY.

——◄►——

[A Paper read at the INSTALLED MASTERS' LODGE,

Wellington, on 5th April, by V.W. BRO. C. W.

NIELSEN, P.G.Reg., W.M.]

It is not the purpose of the following remarks in any

way to attempt to analyse and compare the various

summaries of Masonic landmarks that, have from

time to time been propounded, if the limits of time,

indeed, permitted of such an effort, but, rather, to

discuss, having due regard to the requirements of

brevity, the fundamental ideas implied in the

conception of what is termed " landmarks," and to

view the relative importance of the latter as factors

in the whole Masonic system.

Before proceeding, it might lot remarked that among

the subjects which are presented to the attention of

the Masonic beginner few are pressed with more

persistency or in terms of more definite injunction

than, as they are commonly termed, " the landmarks

of the Craft," notwithstanding that no branch of

Mason enquiry, whether into historical or symbolic

investigation, raises more perplexing and vigorously

contested difficulties and controversies. At various

stages of his progress the novice is enjoined to make

the landmarks his particular study, and in no way to

permit any departure from them, and if, as a fully

instructed Craftsman, he is called upon to assume

the responsibilities which preferment to the premier

position in his Lodge imposes, he finally assents to

the formal proposition that innovations in the body

of Masonry—in other words, the introduction of fea-

tures not squaring with the basic principles are

impossibilities. As in ordinary parlance a landmark

essentially conveys the idea of something readily

recognisable and ascertainable, one might expect

that in the Masonic sense the term would have

application to a series of principles or rules as

readily ascertainable and well established. That the

contrary is the case is one of the few affirmations

bearing on the subject that can be made without in-

curring the risk of opposition.

The positive enactments of almost all G.Ls. make

reference to the term, some by expressly declaring

what are the landmarks, and others by limiting their

own legislative capacity within the bounds of

consistency with them without indicating what those

fundamental principles are, in relation to which

consistency is enjoined. The sovereign authority in

this territory, for instance, holds that its power of

enactment for the government of the Craft must be

exercised with a due regard to the care that the

ancient landmarks of the Order be preserved. Some

American jurisdictions have adopted the

compilations of various writers, others have

maturely considered and promulgated, as binding,

authoritative lists of their own, while several have

indicated the opinion that it is inadvisable to attempt

to make any declaration on the subject, in the

direction of hazarding a precise definition or

comprehensive enumeration. The diversity of

opinion thus exhibited by governing jurisdictions is

reflected in the opinions of individuals, and so

different writers have produced from time to time

their respective classifications, all varying in the

number of landmarks and the specific rules to be

included under the heading, and the same author

maybe, as in the case of Mackay, revising his

original production and issuing another of lengthier

proportion.

The first mention of the expression "landmark"

appears in Payne's General Regulations of the G.L.

of England, published in 1723, an article of which

provided that " every annual G.L. has the inherent

power and authority to make new regulations or alter

those for the real benefit of this ancient fraternity,

provided always that the old landmarks be carefully

preserved." This reference has not since been added

to by the premier G.L., and in considering the matter

particular regard requires to be paid to it and the

attendant circumstances. Payne undoubtedly worked

upon operative manuscripts being the materials at

his hand, and according to one view advocated by

Bro. Hextall in the Quatuor Coronati Lodge, he used

the term to signify simply the secrets which existed

among the operatives when they alone supplied the

membership of the Craft. This interpretation of the

term would mean, in relation to the speculative Craft

of to-day, nothing more than the fundamental idea of

secrecy, and would deprive it of association' with

many ideas that we are accustomed to attach to it.

The word, as we use it, embodies the notion of a

fixed principle to which we are bound to conform,

furnishing a standard or criterion by reference to

which Masonic legality and force can be ascertained.

The regulations of Payne were published in con-

junction with Anderson's Charges at a date when the

organisation of the speculative Craft as we know it

was a recent' occurrence. They were expressed to be

repealable and alterable, in contradistinction to the

old landmarks, and the source of the latter must, for

the enquirer, be the old manuscript charges. Prior to

1717 Lodges existed in operative form, uncontrolled

by any central or overriding authority, and free to act

as they chose, but all exhibiting similar

characteristics, aims and methods evidenced by the

manuscript copies, preserved to us. In none of these

writings was the term "landmark" employed, but

from their contents are deducible the fundamental

principles which, with the modes of recognition, are

required to be regarded as inseparable from the

Craft. It is the failure to agree as to what is and what

is not, a fundamental or basic principle thus

evidenced, that has largely contributed to the

diversity of opinion and result before alluded to. A

usage or custom may be sanctioned or enjoined by

universal practice, i.e., common law, and yet not be

referable to the category of landmarks. What tests,

then, should be applied in attempting a deduction of

these fundamentals? From a comparison of the most

apt and reliable definitions, the essentials of a

landmark would appear to be universality, antiquity

and immutability. The first two characteristics are

dependent upon questions of fact; a custom or usage

might or might not be of universal application, and

of an age so remote as not to be referable in origin to

a definite point of time. The attribute of

unchangeability involves an assertion which is

justified by the proposition that a departure from

these old and universal principles would involve a

radical alteration in the nature of the institution,

placing it beyond the pale of what is known as

Masonry. If the proposition is accepted that a custom

to he accepted as a landmark must possess these

attributes of universality, unchangeability and

indisputable antiquity, the task then is to distinguish

between fundamentals on the one hand, and on the

other customs s and usages of lesser sanction but

which are comprehended in the class of Masonic

customary law, for in this distinction between basic

principles and common low lies, I believe, the

explanation of the divergencies that are so noticeable

in attempts to define the landmarks. Masonic

landmarks and rules of Masonic common law are by

no means synonymous terms, for conceding that

both may possess the attribute of universality, as, for

instance, the custom of government of Lodges by

Masters and Wardens, a custom or usage sanctioned

by common law may be of comparatively modern

origin, and therefore not be in theory unrepealable.

To amplify this, take the case of the W.M. elected to

rule a Lodge. The installation ceremony has it that

from time immemorial it has been the custom to

elect from the Wardens, past and present, a

craftsman to act as Master, and Paton's enumeration

of landmarks includes the government of Lodges by

Masters and their Wardens. The custom is

established and universal, but the records of a very

old Lodge (Mary's Chapel, Edinburgh) prove that at

one time the government of that Lodge was vested in

a President and Deacons.

While considering this matter of the essential

characteristics of the fundamental rules, and the

distinction between them and the customs or usages

of common law, it must be admitted that it is less

difficult to criticise the lists of landmarks that have

been furnished, and object to particular inclusions in

them, than to essay an attempt at a precise and

complete formulation. The division of the symbolic

Craft into three degrees has been included in the

category. Remembering that according to the

historic method of investigation antiquity requires to

be established, the case for the inclusion of the

division into three degrees appears open to question.

The old charges, and extracts from diaries written

prior to the revival, indicate substantially that the

whole of Masonry was then imparted at one sitting,

such divisions as existed being " parts of a single

ceremony rather than distinct, degrees. Lyon

indicated this in his account of the ceremony of the

communication of the "Mason-word." The division

into three separate degrees, with the detachment

from the third degree of the R.A. or the

communication of the true word, followed the

completion of the evolution of the speculative Craft

at a time when many of the customs and usages now

firmly established by common law were in process

of formation. The right to visit may well be

supported as a landmark, having in view the theory

evidenced by the charges that all Masons were free

to enjoy mutual intercourse, and were members of a

single Lodge, meeting for convenience at different

points.

The subject of landmarks, and their relative position

in the Masonic system, is of more than mere

academical interest. The Masonic system is built up

of these fundamental principles, in character

unalterable and universal, common law or usages of

such universal application as to demand respect, and

positive enactments or those acts of legislation

which every superintending authority has power to

make provided that consistency with the primary

rules be maintained. Of these classes of law,

differing in origin, the last is the least important,

viewed from the sanction which gives it force and

the importance of its subject matter. Positive

enactments are designed to meet the needs of the

hour, and to provide for contingencies which have

arisen or which it is conceived may arise. Legislators

rarely can, or do, fully provide for every case, and

legislative gaps remain to be filled by reference to

the body of traditional law, which, furthermore,

supplies the criteria for the estimation of the ethics

of proposed new law. Signs are not wanting in the

Masonic world of tendencies and desires in the

direction of extending its field of operations, and

relaxing some of its restraints ; in other words,

modernising its which, if permitted indulgence,

would spell the end of what is entitled to be termed

"Freemasonry." Imagine, for instance, a suggestion

that it would make for the utility and beneficience of

the Craft to so remodel its constitution as to permit

of the inclusion ofhe gentler sex in its ranks. From

an appreciation of the tests of a landmark,

universality, antiquity and immutability, and bearing

in mind the restriction as to membership enjoined by

those tests, the only possible answer that honesty

and fidelity could dictate would be that the adoption

of any such suggestion would so alter the character

of the institution as to destroy its essence. The

resulting product, whatever name it assumed, would

be a mockery and travesty to which the name of

Freemasonry could not with any degree of truth be

applied.

———————

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF GRAND

LODGE.

——◄►——

ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY THE AUCKLAND

BRETHREN.

————

The next communication of G.L. is to be held at

Auckland on Wednesday and Thursday, 11th and

12th May, 1921. The Auckland brethren are looking

forward with much pleasure to meeting the visiting

brethren, and under the direction of M.W. Bro.

Oliver Nicholson, P.G.M., Prov.G.M., assisted by

the various committees elected for the occasion, are

laying themselves out to receive their visitors in a

truly Masonic spirit. The accommodation at the

hotels and boardinghouses in the city is expected to

be fully taxed. The reception committee, on which

falls the arrangements for the reception and comfort

of the visitors, consists mostly of young and

vigorous Masons, who are very anxious to attend to

the comfort of their guests. The reception

committee, of which W. Bro. Chas. E. Dutton, W.M.

Ponsonby Lodge, No. 54, is chairman, and W. Bro.

J. P. McPhail, P.M. of St. Andrew Lodge, No: 8, is

secretary, has circularised all the Lodges throughout

New Zealand regarding accommodation for the

delegates, and is now receiving replies. The

committee wishes all visitors to understand that if

they will notify their time of arrival in Auckland,

representatives will meet them and generally see to

their comfort. All communications, which are

specially invited, should be addressed to the

Chairman, Reception Committee, Box 997, G.P.O.,

Auckland,

The scheme of the entertainment submitted by W.

Bro. A. C. Hallett, chairman of the entertainment

committee, and approved of by the executive

committee, is as follows :—First day : (1) Visitors to

be taken for a drive round the suburbs ; afternoon tea

provided. (2) Visitors to be taken to picture

entertainment in the evening. Second day : Harbour

excursion, afternoon. (2) Concert, dance and supper

in the Town Hall. The executive committee will be

in attendance at the Masonic Institute to issue tickets

and supply any information required. Executive

committee : R.W. Bros. F. Kearsley (chairman), G.

Powley, J. Catchpole, W; Bros. D. B. Wallace, W.

Tailby (general hon. secretary).

—————————

PRESENTATION TO R.W. BRO. R. W.

SARGENT, P.P.G.M. OF TARANAKI.

——◄►——

At the regular meeting of Hawera Lodge, No. 34,

held it February last, a record attendance for

Taranaki was present on the occasion of the

presentation of a set of P.P.G.M.'s regalia to R.W.

Bro. R. W. Sargent. Practically every Lodge in

Taranaki was represented. Afar the visitors and the

Prov.G.M. (R.W Bro. Ewing), with G.L. officers,

had been received, W. Bro Grainger (W.M. of Patea

Kil., No. 18) occupied the chair, and after seven

sitting W.Ms. had formed a procession to bring in

the regalia and laid it on the altar, he asked R.W.

Bro. Ewing to make the presentation. After a very

appropriate address, he asked a representative of

each Taranaki Lodge to add a few remarks, which

was done in such a manner as to show the universal

esteem with which R.W. Bro. Sargent was held by

all the Taranaki Lodges. Among correspondence

received was a letter from De Burgh Adams Lodge,

I.C., and a telegram from Mount Egmont Lodge,

E.C., congratulating R.W. Bro. Sargent After this

ceremony W. Bro. Martin again resumed the chair

and requested R.W. Bro. Ewing to unveil the

Honours Board of this Lodge, which he did after a

very appropriate address, to which he asked R.W.

Bro. Fookes, P.P.G.M., to add a few remarks. The

board being unveiled, was duly honoured according

to Masonic custom. This Honours Board is a credit

to Bros Duffill and Gibson, who spent much time in

the designing thereof After H.G.W. had been

tendered and the Lodge closed, an adjournment was

made to the Central Tea Rooms, where the visitors

were duly entertained. Throughout the evening W.

Bro Hayton, as D. of C., marshalled the proceedings

well, in spite c the very crowded room.

—————————

CONSTITUTION AND CONSECRATION OF

HUTT VALLEY R.A. CHAPTER, No. 42.

——◄►——

This function, which has been contemplated for

some time, was consummated on the 6th April at the

Lower Hutt, Wellington. The pretty Waiwhetu Hall

was constituted a Chapter-room for the occasion,

and with the aid of the new banners and furnishings,

a charming transformation was effected, which was

the subject of general comment. The 1st G.Prin.

(M.E. Comp. C. Flavell, of Christchurch) honoured

the occasion with his presence, and conducted the

consecration ceremonies, being strongly supported

by G. Chapter officers. V.E. Comp. J. McLauchlan,

as G.D. of C., most efficiently performed the duties

of that office, the Acting-G. Organist being Comp.

B. W. Blakeley. There was a large concourse of

Wellington companions, who, owing to the

unsuitable nature of the railway service, had to rely

upon motors for transit. At 7 p.m., the companions

having been assembled under their respective

banners, the G.D. of C. announced the M.E.G.Z. and

officers of G. Chapter, who entered in procession,

bearing the consecrating elements. M.E. Comp. C.

Flavell took the chair of Z., M.E. Comp. J. J. Esson

that of H., and V.E. Comp. S. Martin the chair of J.,

M.E. Comp H. J. Williams, G.S.E., R.E. Comp. H.

Seaton, G.S.N., V.E. Comp. A. Veitch, G.Treas.,

V.E. Comp. C W. Neilsen, G.Reg., V.E. Comp. J. P.

Shand as. 1st G,Soj., V.E. Comp. J. W. Ellison as

2nd G.Soj., V.E. Comp. C. B. Parsons as 3rd G.Soj.,

V.E. Comp. A. Schmidt as G.Sd.B., T.E. Comp. E.

Nordon, P.G.Soj., V.E. Comp. J. Rod, P.G.S.B.

A Chapter having been opened, prayer was said by

Acting-G.J. G.Z. then stated the purpose of the

meeting, and G.S.E. explained the steps that had

been taken in the formation of the Chapter, and that

they were all in order. The petitioners having been

properly ranged, the petition and charter were read

by G.S.E., and the petitioners signified their assent

of the officers named in the warrant. The first

portion of the dedicatory prayer was offered, and the

invocation pronounced by G.Z. The jewels, clothing,

etc., were uncovered, and the candles lighted, and

G.J. read the proper portion of Scripture, and an ode

was sung, during which the elemental officers knelt

round the Chapter Board. The elements were then

distributed as follows :—Corn, M.E. Comp. Esson ;

Wine, R.E. Comp. Russell ; Oil, R.E. Comp. Seaton

; Salt, V.E. Comp. Neilsen. The procession was

formed, and after each circuit the several elements

were presented to the Consecrating Officer (M.E.

Comp. Flavell), and were used by him in accordance

with R.A. Masonic custom. The customary ode was

sung during each perambulation, and the invocation

appropriate to each pronounced by the G.J.,

followed by G. honours. The Chapter was then

solemnly dedicated. The G.J. then censed the new

Chapter in three perambulations, and with the proper

invocation. Then followed the concluding part of the

dedicatory prayer, the proclamation by the G.D. of

C., and the patriarchical benediction.

M.E. Comp. J. J. Esson, P.G.Z., delivered the

following address, which was greatly appreciated by

companions :— Companions,—It is custom, when

the ceremony of consecration has reached this stage.

to address those present upon the nature and

purposes of R.A. Freemasonry. These are so fully

exemplified in the ritual that it would appear almost

superfluous to do so, but in order to appreciate the

full significance and importance of its teaching, it is

necessary to go back to the story of the event we are

now celebrating with joy and thanksgiving. It is a

chapter from the history of a remarkable race,

which; although not qualified to play any great

political part in the world's history, yet possessed a

divinely humane religion, which gave it a permanent

individuality and endowed it with moral and

intellectual qualities, supported by which it proved

immeasurably superior to pagan environment and

enforced association with those who worshipped

drunken and adulterous gods. This superiority was

entirely due to that belief in T.G.A.O.T.U., which,

an eminent writer states, laid the foundation stone of

the unity and progress of humanity. The completion

of the K.S.T. marked the highest degree of glory and

prosperity attained by the Hebrew people, but the

death of King Solomon was followed by a series of

national misfortunes, which culminated in the

disruption of the kingdom and the dispersal of the

best of its inhabitants. The individual character of

the race, which had been highly developed under

centuries of hardship and suffering, proved, as is

often the case, unequal to the strain of prosperity,

under which, it gradually weakened. The people

became luxurious, idle and extremely lax in the

observance of their moral and religious duties.

Financial depression, internal strife, arising out of

tribal jealousies, followed, and Israel became "a

house divided against itself." The temple of national

character was overthrown, and its restoration and

elevation became the hope and ideal of prophets,

priests and poets, whose brave and unselfish efforts

in maintaining the eternal principles of truth,

honesty, integrity and justice filled the world with

splendour, and have been adopted as the basis of

what is termed Capitular Freemasonry. Here it is not

inappropriate to remark that in claiming a share in

the heirship to their greatness, we have accepted an

obligation to perpetuate its glory. The loss of

independence by a disunited people occupying a

buffer, or border, state, is an inevitable consequence,

and the Israelities were dominated in turn by the

Egyptians, Assyrians and Persian; and later by the

Greeks and Romans. .There was a long struggle

between Egypt and Assyria for supremacy in

Western Asia, each overthrew the other time and

again, until the Persian finally overthrew the

Assyrian. During the fierce wars which were waged

between the adjacent nations in the struggle for the

lordship of the world, the Israelites were literally

between the hammer and the anvil. The thought and

sentiment engendered by such an unhappy condition

is graphically expressed in their imperishable

literature, for the wonderful work of the Hebrew

writers is marked by a simplicity and perfection of

language which has at all times strongly appealed to

and influenced the human race. In 606-5, B.C., when

Judah was under Egyptian suzerainty, relations

between Egypt and Babylon were again disturbed,

and Nebuchadnezzar, Prince of Babylon, later its

King, appeared before Jurusalem as a direct

challenge to Egypt. The city at once capitulated, and

Judea became a province of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar then carried off a portion of the

vessels of the Temple, and also certain youths of

noble and royal blood. It is from this period that the

seventy years' captivity is dated. The Jews were by

no means submissive vassals; indeed, they were

passive resisters, refusing payment of tribute and

constantly intriguing, for which offences they were

sharply disciplined. The Temple treasures were

levied upon to make good the deficiency in tribute,

and in addition the people were fined and taxed.

These lessons passed unheeded, and the disaffection

continued, until the murder of a Babylonian

representative brought about the great catastrophe,

and the fulfilment of a terrible prophecy by Jeremiah

that Jerusalem should be "wiped as a dish and turned

upside down." This was in 597 B.C., when King

Nebuchadnezzar recaptured the city and made it a

desolation. He broke down the city walls, destroyed

the buildings, including the Holy Temple, and

carried into captivity 7,000 soldiers, 1,000

mechanics and artisans, and 2,000 nobles and

officials, amongst them being the men of eminence

and the best intellect of Jerusalem, thus making the

fall complete and restoration difficult. This is termed

the Great Captivity, for those taken away exceeded

in number any other of several removals.

Nebuchadnezzar, who had already achieved some

fame as a builder, evidently conceived the idea of

erecting in Babylon a great temple for the worship of

Bel-Merodach, to be similar to, yet surpassing in

magnificence and splendour, the world-famed

edifice he had destroyed. It was, therefore, only

natural that he should be anxious to secure skilled

artisans and mechanics who were familiar with the

details of the Temple, and who could possibly

supply him with its plans, and the V.S.L. records

that -" he carried away all the craftsmen and the

smiths." Many of the captives went over to native

cults and adopted practices which were most

repugnant to the orthodox and faithful, who, as a

result of this defection, were the more closely drawn

together, with increased zeal for the worship of

T.T.A.L.G.M.H., and strengthened in the desire to

restore His " dwelling place in Jerusalem," to which

their thoughts constantly turned, with penitence for

the past and solicitude for the future. As was

foretold, a long period of captivity was endured

before return was possible, and in the meantime

Babylon became the principal centre of the

intellectual culture of Israel. The deported colonists

were made free citizens of this old-established

kingdom, and were allowed to go from place to

place and to engage in any trade or occupation, but

were enjoined by their prophets and leaders to bear

in mind their duty to the M.H. ; to seek the peace of

the land: in which they were compelled to reside,

and to pray for the life of its king. A constant

pressure was applied, not only in the direction of

maintaining the national religion unsullied, but also

to preserve the purity of the race, which in the main

has continued a separate entity in many strange

lands. Such was the position when Babylon

succumbed to Cyrus, the victorious Persian. Cyrus

proved a wise, just and merciful ruler, who fully

realised the disadvantages of a hostile priesthood

and an unpatriotic alien populations He at once

instituted reforms, and in accordance with his views

of toleration, coupled, no doubt, with a desire to

have, a strong and loyal ally on his Egyptian

frontier, granted permission to all Jews who wished

to do so, to " go to Jerusalem in Judea," and further

decreed that all the gold and silver vessels of the

former Temple should be restored — a diplomatic

and just action, which at once inspired the gratitude

and loyalty of the Jews. It is worthy of note that the

decree did not provide for compulsion or undue

influence of any kind whatever, and that those who

returned did so entirely of their own free will and

accord. The warm appreciation of the Jews is

recorded in their writings, which represents Cyrus as

a great kings who regarded his position as a trust for

the service of others ; as one who set honour above

riches, and whose reign brought relief to the

distressed and consolation to the afflicted. Although

the number of exiles who elected to avail themselves

of the decree was comparatively small, it comprised

the great leaders of intellectual and religious

thought, men of industry, integrity, and high

principle, whose excellence of character inspired the

belief and confidence of their fellows. They were

those whose companionship had been cemented

during the bitterness of the captivity, who remained

firm in the true faith of Jehovah, and lived in the

hope of restoring his worship on the ancient site of

the Temple, which had been evolved from the

Tabernacle set up by their forefathers in the

wilderness. There was much careful preparation for

this great task, the laxer elements were rigorously

eliminated, and it was a purged and recruited

remnant that set out, with hope and courage, for the

Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Time will not permit

of more than a passing reference to the enormous

difficulties connected with the transportation of

women and children across hundreds of miles of dry

and waterless country, a journey which under the

most favourable conditions must have occupied over

three months. The re-settlement of the returning

exiles and their dependents and the restoration of the

Temple called for able and wise leadership, which

was forthcoming in the persons of Z.H.J.E. and N.,

under whose counsel and guidance the religious

patriotism of the carefully selected community was

fostered and developed. In 516 B.C., a few days

after its completion, the second Temple was

dedicated to the honour and glory of the M.H. Like

its predecessor, it was 20 years in building, and the

same scrupulous care was displayed in selecting the

men and materials employed in its reconstruction.

The work of restoration was often impeded by foes

without and disaffection within, and at times trade

and agriculture were suspended. Famine made its

appearance, houses, vineyards, and fields were

mortgaged to provide the means of subsistence, and

those who had neither property nor credit gave their

children as slaves in security. The faith of the

pioneers was severely tested, but it proved equal to

all adverse circumstances, and they successfully

upheld the great traditions of their race, as well as

those eternal principles to which we have given our

adherence—those principles which give human life

its definite purpose and object, and around which to-

day the moral fabric of the whole world is .woven.

The lesson is obvious, and the history of our

illustrious predecessors is a complete exposition of

the nature and purposes of R.A.F., for it expresses

throughout that reverence for the M.H. and His Holy

Law which alone binds men together in true

companionship, and without which there can be

neither peace nor progress. Our purpose is the

erection of a Temple in which selected Freemasons

of any age, condition of life, nationality or creed,

can meet to promote the good of all, to war against

selfishness, teach the love of truth and equity be-

tween all men, and sound judgment in every cause—

a place where rich and poor can labour together,

where factions and pasties are forgotten, and where

charity prevails. Such a lofty ideal of action and

conduct is not impossible of attainment if each

member does his duty, for those who are faithful in a

few things will be faithful over many things, and

those who do their duty in every-day or trivial

matters will fulfil it on great occasions. We pray that

the Hutt Valley Companions will be a community of

those who desire to do justly, to love mercy, and to

walk humbly with the M.H. This is the foundation

upon which we build, and the future of the Chapter

will depend upon the loyalty of its companions to

the principles and ideals Which actuated the temple-

builders of old, for they form the basis of a useful

life, and to them we must conform, if our institution

is to be of any service or profit to mankind. May the

M.H. bless and prosper the work we are undertaking

in His Holy Name.

INSTALLATION.

At the conclusion of Comp. Esson's address, R.E.

Comp. Geo. Russell, G.Supt., at once assumed the

chair to conduct the ceremony of installation. E.

Comp. E. J. Guiness was presented by the G.D. of

C., addressed on the duties of his office, and the

articles were recited. After prayer was offered, a

conclave of I.Prins. was opened, and Comps. Teagle

and Colquitt received the degree of J. at the hands of

V.E. Comp. S. Martin, Acting-G.J. Comp. Teagle

was instructed in the degree of H. by M.E. Comp. J.

J. Esson, Lastly, E. Comp, Guiness received the

degree of Z. from the installing officer. An I.M.M.

Lodge was then opened, and Bro. Guiness was

regularly installed as Mark Master by P.M. M. H. J.

Williams. The conclave on resuming was closed and

companions readmitted, when V.E. Comp. Guiness

was invested and installed in his chair by the

installing officer. V.E. Comp. Teagle was next

invested and installed as: 2nd Prin. H. by M.E.

Comp. Esson, and E. Comp. Colquitt was placed in

the chair of J. by V.E. Comp. Martin.

The following officers were invested by V.E. Comp.

C. W. Neilsen, G.Reg.:—S.N., Comp. Herbert

Ernest Leighton ; Treas., Comp. William Henry

Frethey ; D. of C., V.E. Comp. James McLachlan ;

1st Soj., Comp. Thomas Mather; 2nd Soj., Comp.

James Robert Purdy ; 3rd Soj., Comp. William

Henry Richards; Janitor, Comp. Albert Carver. S.E.,

Comp. Edward Percival Campbell, was unable to

attend through illness.

The address to the 1st Prin. was given by M.E..

Comp. H. J. Willliams ; to the officers by R.E,

Comp. W. H. Seaton ; and to the companions by

M.E..Comp. C. Flavell. Greetings from Chapter

having been tendered, the M.E.G.Z. and his officers

retired, and Hutt Valley Chapter was closed, shortly

after 10 p.m.. Refreshments were subsequently

served in the refectory, and toasts appropriate to the

occasion were honoured.

—————————

THE GRAND MASTER IN INDIA.

——◄►——

The " Madras Mail " of 13th January (just to hand)

has the following :—

A MASONIC WELCOME.

A special meeting of the D.G.L. of Madras was held

yesterday to welcome H.R.H. the Duke of

Connaught, who is the G.M. of all English

Freemasonry. Between 300 and 400 brothers

assembled from all parts of the Masonic District of

Madras, which includes Hyderabad and Mysore, as

well as the Madras Presidency.

The visit of the G.M. is unique in the history of

Freemasonry in Madras. His Royal Highness,

accompanied by H.E. the Governor, arrived at 6.30,

and was presented with.an address of welcome,

enclosed_in a handsome casket m the form of an

ivory pillar on an ebony base, designed and

manufactured by Messrs. P. Orr and Sons, Ltd.

The ceremony was a brilliant one, though an element

of sadness was imparted to the proceedings by the

memory of the sudden death of W. Bro. W. M.

Wales, who was to have been the D. of C. at the

meeting.—"Freemasons' Chronicle. "

—————————

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL.

——◄►——

The 25th annual children's social of Lodge

Christchurch was held in -the Masonic Hall on 2nd

April, about 300 adults and children being present.

A long and varied programme of juvenile items was

given, after which a supper of all things good to the

youthful heart was indulged in, followed by a

distribution of toys, books, etc., and an hour's free

romp for young and old, which brought a most

successful social to a close.—[Lodge

Correspondent.] [Sorry constricted space prevented

inclusion of the long and excellent programme.—

ED.C.]

—————————

ENQUIRY ON MATTER OF MASONIC

INTEREST.

——◄►——

Q.—Is it correct to cover the 1st T.B. when the

Lodge is opened in the Second Degree, and also the

2nd T.B. when the Lodge is opened in the Third

Degree?

A.—No.

—————————

INSTALLATION ADDRESS.

——◄►——

[By BRO. JOHN W. WARREN, W.M. Alexandra

Lodge, No 1188, E.C., 15th December, 1920.]

R.W. BROTHER, W. BRETHREN AND BRETHREN,—

In literary, scientific, artistic, and kindred societies it

is an invariable custom for a new President to give

an inaugural address. I do not, however, propose to

go to that extent, but I am going to claim your

attention for a few moments while I say a few words

about Freemasonry in general and English

Freemasonry in particular. If we confine ourselves to

the strict line of historic record, we cannot trace

modern Freemasonry beyond the year 1717, when

the first G.L. was founded in London: The late Bro.

R. F. Gould, the Masonic historian, says : "The

prevailing theories with regard to Masonic history

are of so conflicting a nature that the student may be

sorely tempted to take refuge in the sceptical

solution propoanded by a notable mystic of the last

(18th) century—' No man can give any account of

the Order of Freemasonry, of its origin, of its

history, of its object, nor any explanation of its

mysteries and symbols, which does not leave the

mind in total uncertainty on all these points.' "

The descent of modern Masonry has been variously

traced—froth the Essenes ; the Culdees ; the Roman

Collegia Fabrorum; the oriental Building and other

fraternities; the Trade or Craft Guilds of the Middle

Ages ; and from the German Steinmetzen, or

operative stonemasons of the 11th century: Of the

Building Corporations of the Middle Ages but little

definite information can be !obtained, except in

regard to the German Steinmazen, who claimed to

have been formed into a society at the building of

Magdeburg Cathedral in 876 A.D. As, however, that

edifice was not commenced until 1211, it is evident

that German Masonic tradition is not reliable with

respect to dates. The difficulty of establishing a

connection between modern Speculative Masonry,

on the one hand, and the Operative Masonry of the

13th century on the other, is increased, when we find

writers like Cleland maintaining that the Masonic

Fraternity of to-day has developed from the Druids

of Ancient Britain. Such divergence of opinion is not

uncommon in the world of research, and, to my

mind, is the result of taking too confined a view Of

the subject in hand. If we regard the internal

evidence afforded by the peculiarity of our customs,

teaching, and ritual, in conjunction with what we

know of the principles and practices of ancient

philosophic and religious bodies, as well as the

methods adopted by the confraternities of builders in

the Middle Ages, we hall discover that the roots of

Freemasonry extend so far back into antiquity as to

fairly justify the traditional Contention of the Craft

that it is the most ancient institution that ever

existed. Long before the story of the "Golden

Fleece" found a place in Greek mythology, long

before the cohorts of the Imperial City followed the

"Roman Eagle" to victory after victory, the

"distinguishing badge of a Mason" was worn by the

initiates of the Egyptian priesthood, as is shown by

countless pictorial representations on papyri and in

sculptured representations on the walls of temples

and monuments which, still extant, carry us back to

a hoary antiquity of over 5,000 years. The Temple of

Solomon, which figures so largely in Masonic

tradition that it may well be regarded as one of the

foundations of the Masonic system; finds a replica

again and again in the temples of Egypt, India,

Mexico, and other countries, of an age that makes

the now exploded chronology attached to the Bible

of Christendom seem almost youthful.

From very early times, bordering. on the pre-

historic, down to the commencement of the

Christian era, and even for centuries after, learning

was everywhere confined to brotherhoods, who,

either to retain the power which that learning gave,

or fearful of the consequences that might attend the

"casting of their pearls before swine," carefully kept

secret all that they knew, and bound their initiates by

the most solemn oaths to continue that secrecy.

These brotherhoods were possessed of a religious

philosophy of marvellous depth, of an extensive

knowledge of the sciences of geometry and

astronomy, and of a skill in erecting mighty

buildings which are a never-failing source of wonder

and admiration to scholars of modern days. The

mysterious groups and circles of stones still

remaining in various parts of the world and

generally ascribed to the Druids ; the mighty piles—

pyramid, temple, and obelisk of Egypt ; the

wonderfully elaborate antique temple's of India—all

owe their existence to the learning and skill of such

religious fraternities. These structures, wherever

found, bear mute but incontrovertible testimony to

the wisdom and knowledge, the skill and ability, the

persevering energyand integrity of workmanship of

the builders, who, though not known as Freemasons,

were undoubtedly the original founders of the Art. ,

With them science, philosophy, religion, and

architecture were intimately connected, and so

continued until the early centuries of the Christian

era, when, by the rapid spread of Christianity owing

to the proselytising efforts of the monastic

brotherhoods, laymen gradually assumed the work

of erecting the multitudinous churches, cathedrals,

monasteries, and religious houses that sprang into

existence in the south and west of Europe. During

the same periods other trades formed themselves

into guilds, but the building fraternities, by the

necessities of their art, were foremost in knowledge,

and by their close connection with the Church had a

more perfect understanding of the true principles of

pure religion, which enabled them to see the

shallowness of what Protestants are inclined to call

superstitious practices which were introduced from

time to time ; and they preserved an independence of

thought and liberty of action which justly entitled

them to be called—as they were— "Freemasons."

By reason of their art they were continually brought

into contact with all classes and conditions of men,

and were far ahead of their contemporaries in

general knowledge and education. They well knew

the nature of the Church and had learnt to practise

toleration. All who were good and true and well

skilled in the art were admitted to their fellowship ;

they were also protected from the persecutions of the

Church and the bleed-thirsty Inquisition, which

could the more readily be done by them because no

class or condition could possibly dispense with

operative masons.

If I have made myself clear so far, you will readily

understand how it is that so much of our moral

philosophy comes to be depicted by symbols taken

from architecture and astronomy. It will be

apparent—(1) That ancient brotherhoods in general

were the custodians of the learning of their day ; and

(2) That those societies of the Middle Ages with

whom we claim kindred were not only well skilled'

in the building art, but were the champions of

freedom of thought and the staunch opponents of

religious bigotry and despotism.

Now we reach a period of marked change. With the

establishment of the printing press, in the middle of

the fifteenth century, came an increasingly rapid

spread of education, while the Reformation at the

beginning of the sixteenth century—though by no

means an unmixed blessing—resulted in a

development of liberty of conscience such as the

world had never before witnessed. The Masonic

Fraternities here seem to have completed one phase

of their usefulness; for, in consequence of the

Reformation, they dwindled into comparative

insignificance until about the end of the sixteenth or

beginning of the seventeenth century, when more

and more non-operatives were admitted and

Speculative Masonry became established in the land,

to flourish and grow to the ample proportions,

extending all over the world, with which we of to-

day are so familiar.

As I intimated in my opening remarks, the official

written history of our society only dates from 1717,

previous to which we must glean what we can where

we can, but we have numerous proofs of the

existence of Masons' Lodges; in great numbers

during the whole .of the seventeenth century, that

they were usually called "Fraternity" or "Society,"

that some were composed solely of workmen, others

of gentlemen or non-operatives, and others of both

combined. But although they were evidently the

successors of the church-building lodges of

Freemasons, how these arose in the first instance,

and why they gradually developed into the bodies

we meet at later times, are questions of the utmost

difficulty.

In 1716 four of these Lodges existed in London.

There were probably more, but four we know about,

and three of them are still in existence. These four

were the Lodges that met at the "Goose and

Gridiron" Ailhouse in St. Paul's Church, yard, the

"Crown" Alehouse in Parker Lane, near Drury Lane,

the "Apple-Tree Tavern " in Charles Street, Covent

Garden, and the "Rummer and Grapes" Tavern in

Channel Row, Westminster. In those good old days

Lodges were not distinguished by any name or

number, neither had they the fine halls and buildings

we see to-day, but were known by the "Signs of the

Houses " at which they met. Lodges began to be

numbered about 1740, and to assume names about

1769. Well, these four Lodges met at the Apple-Tree

Tavern and resolved to form a G.L., or Central

Authority, and to "chuse a Grand Master." This

resolution was carried into effect on the 24th June,

1717—the Feast of St. John Baptist—when Mr.

Antony Sayer, Gentleman, was elected G.M. This

feast-day was naturally selected because St. John

Baptist and St. John the Evangelist were always

considered—even by the old operative Lodges—as

the patron saints of the Craft. That is why we have

so many Lodges named "St. John." In 1718 Antony

Sayer was succeeded as G.M. by George Payne,

Esq. ; in 1719 by Dr. Theophilus Desaguliers; in

1720 by George Payne again, and in 1721 by John,

Duke of Montague. From that date the G.L. of

England has always had at its head a nobleman or

Prince of the Blood. New Lodges were formed and

warranted, pre-existing Lodges joined the

organisation, and the society rapidly increased in

strength and importance. But prior to 1717 there was

never known in Freemasonry such a thing, as a G.L.,

nor such a title as G.M. In 1729 the Irish Lodges

established the G.L. of Ireland, and in 1736 Scotland

followed suit. Meanwhile, in 1725, the old Lodge at

York assumed the title and functions of a G.L., but

there was no rivalry between it and London.

Although it called itself the "Grand Lodge of All

England," it never exercised jurisdiction beyond the

counties of Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire.

During a rather fitful career it established a few

Lodges of its own, but these, as well as the mother

Lodge at York, all died from inanition at the close of

the century.

More important was a schism which occurred in

1751, which resulted in six Lodges establishing a

rival G.L. in London. The new-comers styled

themselves "Ancient" Masons, and thus forced on

the original G.L. the perfectly erroneous designation

of "Moderns. " They seem, however, to have

justified their existence, for in 1813 the 388 Lodges

of the older organisation under the Duke of Sussex

as GM.. and the 260 Lodges of the newer under the

Duke of Kent as G.M. (the father and uncle of

Queen Victoria), together with their respective

G.Ls., combined to form the present "United Grand

Lodge of England," which now numbers over 2,000

Lodges in all parts of the world.

Quite early after the formation of the G.L. of

England in 1717, and the greatly increased

prosperity of the institution, foreigners were

admitted members, and, returning to their own

homes, formed Lodges there under warrants from

the G.Ls. of England, Ireland, or Scotland. The same

thing occurred in the colonies and overseas

dominions. In course of time foreign countries and

most of the colonies erected G.Ls. of their own,

independent of the mother countries, but still

pursuing the same spirit, still governed by the same

fundamental laws ; and thus arose the great

Fraternity which now covers the face of the earth—

all sprung from that little island home across the sea

and from the action of four London Lodges in 1717.

I trust this brief sketch of our society has not

wearied you, but I felt impelled to give it, partly that

my younger brethren should get some idea of "what

we are and whence we came," and partly to provide

an answer to those older brethren who are prone to

decry the G.L. of England and its so-called "grand-

motherly legislation." It must be remembered that

she is the parent or grandparent of every G.L. in the

world. Thus it ill becomes any brother to speak

disparagingly of his great ancestor.

And now, to-day, I suppose Freemasonry is in a

more excellent condition than it has ever known

before. Its members include numbers of the best men

in every civilised community ; its principles are

sound, its teachings lofty and pure. But if

Freemasonry is to advance still further, if it is to

make a still deeper impression on society, if its

power for good is to increase, there is much to be

done. The Brotherly Love we profess must be

uniformly manifested, not merely in the Lodgeroom

and towards our fellows in the Craft, but in every

department of life and towards everyone we meet.

This is the real charity that St. Paul wrote about to

his Corinthian friends—a charity far beyond the

mere bestowal of eleemosynary relief, which is a

necessary but purely incidental result of our moral

teaching, and not the object of our existence as a

Fraternity. To be deservedly called Master Masons

we must be raised from the cold confines of worldly

selfishness to a generous loving sympathy with our

fellow-men. Then we shall, silently but powerfully,

assist in the betterment of society, in the upliftment

of humanity ; and play a noble though unobtrusive

part in hastening the advent of that glorious time

spoken of by the poet Burns, when

" Man to man the world o'er

Shall Brothers be for a' that."

—————————

UNVEILING A ROLL OF HONOUR IN THE

CHRISTCHURCH MASONIC HALL.

——◄►——

On the conclusion of the degree work in St.

Augustine Lodge, No. 4, on the 12th April, the

W.M. (W. Bro. Ranger) surrendered his authority to

R.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham, Chairman of the

Christchurch Masonic Hall Co., Ltd., who requested

M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M., to unveil the Roll

of Honour erected by the Hall Company to the

memory of our fallen brethren of Canterbury

Province.

M.W. Bro. Dougall accepted the gavel, and invited

R.W. Bro. C. Dilworth Fox, P.Dist.G.M. of

Canterbury, E.C., and R.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop,

Prov.G.M., to be seated on either side of him.

M.W. Bro. Dougall said that the Masonic Hall

Company had erected the Roll of Honour to

commemorate those brethren who had "gone west"

during the great war, and the great gathering that

evening had come together to pay its tribute of

honour, esteem and respect to those men. The Roll

of Honour would last not only while those present

lived, but as long as the Masonic Hall existed. Their

soldier brethren had passed from them, but they

would still live in their thoughts and in their being. It

was very difficult to-day—only two and a half years

after the war had ended—to visualise the magnitude

of the world struggle that had taken place. He

honestly believed that it was too soon for them to get

a right perspective of the matter—to realise the

magnitude of the victory we had gained. The war

had been a war for an ideal—whether Might or

Right should rule the world. T.G.A.O.T. U.,

however, had decreed that the ethics which had

guided humanity in the past should continue to rule

the world. It was impossible to doubt that there had

been some great guidance from above in the conduct

of the war. One had only to remember Germany's

war preparations to realise that some Supreme

Power had guided our destiny. Germany had been

preparing for war for years. England, on the other

hand, had the naval instinct. She had a navy just

powerful enough to protect her Empire. Admiral of

the Fleet Lord Jellicoe had said that if the submarine

war had been put into effect at the beginning of the

war it was doubtful whether Britain -would have had

one ship left. The enemy, however, had made a

miscalculation. They had done all in their power to

ensure victory, and where they had failed was in

matters beyond human forethought. Brains were on

the side of the Allies. In the history of the war two

names would stand pre-eminent—Joffre and Foch.

Both these men in the supreme crisis had developed

genius probably unequalled in the history of the

world. Genius, he said, came from God, not from

man. We in New Zealand had failed to realise the

magnificent fighting quality of our men at the

commencement of the war. On the 28th April, 1915,

however, the New Zealanders and the Australians

made their mark on the wide world. On that historic

day they received such a baptism of blood that they

entitled themselves to rank with toy nation in the

world. On all the battlefields subsequently they

showed their valour—showed that they were men of

whom any nation might be proud: Not only were

they valorous in fighting, but they proved

themselves to be gentlemen. We in New Zealand

should feel supremely proud of our men—we could

never pay enough honour, or a sufficiently high

tribute, to those of our men who fought in the great

war. When the history of the war came to be written

it would be a proud thing for New Zealand to be able

to say that, of all the oversee Dominions who sent

men to the front, she was the one nation who never

failed to provide its quota. War would never end,

and our duty was to see that we were as ready to

fight in the future as we had been in the past.

Whether war came or not, they should strive to

emulate the example of their soldier brethren. If they

all did that, God's blessing would rest upon the

Dominion as it had done in the past.

The roll of honour was then unveiled.

The hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light," was sung, and the

most impressive ceremony was concluded with the

National Anthem: "God Save the King."

In the refectory, W. Bro. T. H. Williams proposed

"Our Sacred Dead," a toast which was received with

a solemn silence fitting to the toast and the able

manner in which it was proposed.

R.W. Bro. C. Dilworth Fox proposed "Our Returned

Brethren wishing them a speedy restoration to their

normal vocations,'' which was responded to by W.

Bro. Lieut.-Col. J. Murphy and W. Bro. Major W. G.

Wray, of the Canterbury Branch of the N.Z.E.F.

Masonic Association.

A voluntary collection taken in the refectory for the

W. and O. and A.M. Fund realised £8 17s. 6d.

The board itself is a handsome piece of work,

containing thirty-nine names, surmounted by the

inscription, " Dulce et Decorum est Pro Patri Mori,"

It is constructed of puriri, which formed portion of a

military bridge erected during the Maori War in

1862 and destroyed during that strife. It lay in the

Warwhakihio River until reclaimed by Bro.

Stanford, of New Plymouth. The chairman informed

the brethren that they were indebted to Mr.

Walwork, of the local School of Art, for the

handsome design, and to W. Bro. G. A. Mazey for

his oversight from commencement to finish of the

work.

—————————

PRESENTATION TO M.W. BRO. H. BRAY,

G.SEC. OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

——◄►——

Our worthy, genial, and generally esteemed brother

recently had the rank of P.G.M. conferred upon him.

At the communication of G.L. of New South Wales,

held on 9th March, he was felicitated by M.W. Bro.

Thompson, G.M., who presented Bro. Bray with a

suit of regalia of his new rank, and also a very

beautiful tea and coffee service. The G.M. eulogised

Bro. Bray's 33 years' service and the manner in

which he had won the love and esteem of his

brethren. The M.W. the G. Sec. feelingly expressed

his thanks for the handsome manner in which he had

been treated by G.L.

—————————

TWO IMPORTANT MASONIC EVENTS.

——◄►——

On the 15th February last the Prince of Wales, the

Duke of York, Rear-Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, and

Surgeon-Commander Louis Greig, R.N., were

exalted to the R.A. Degree in United Chapter 1692,

which is principally composed of members of the

Household Brigade Lodge and the Navy Lodge,

There was a large attendance of distinguished

companions, but the after speeches were of the

briefest possible character.

On the 11th of February the same brethren were

perfected in the United Rose Croix Chapter, No.

169, at Duke Street, St. James's. This event was of

especial interest and significance, as it was the first

occasion on which two princes of the blood royal,

and sons of the reigning monarch, have joined the

Rose Croix Rite. Again the utmost brevity was

observed.

—————————

CONSECRATION OF LODGE KARITANE,

No. 221.

——◄►——

The ceremony of the constitution of Lodge Karitane,

No. 221, was carried out at Waikouaiti, Otago, on

the 14th March, under most auspicious

circumstances. There was an attendance of over two

hundred brethren. In addition to a large muster from

Dunedin, there was a numerous representation from

Oamaru, Kurow, Naseby and other country places.

The M.W.G.M. carried out the ceremony of

consecration, being assisted by V.W. Bro. Rev. D.

Calder as G. Chaplain, V.W. Bro. W. Lischner, G.D.

of C., and W. Bro. A. E. Jenkins, P.G. Organist, as

G. Organist. The elements, were presented by R.W.

Bro. Robert Scott, P.G.W. (corn), R.W. Bro. A.

Fieldwick, Prov.G.M. (wine), R.W. Bro. G. Barclay,

P.G.W. (oil), R.W. Bro. J. Quaile (salt). The oration

on the aims and objects of Freemasonry was

delivered by R.W. Bro. G. Barclay, P.G.W., Acting-

G.Sec. The ceremony throughout was most

impressive, and was appreciated to the full extent by

the large gathering of brethren who were present.

The installation of W.M. and investiture of officers

was carried out by R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick,

Prov.G.M., who had the assistance of R.W. Bro. J.

Quaile, W. Bros. McCaskill and Cheyne in investing

the officers. The address to the W.M. was delivered

by R.W. Bro. G. Barclay, that to the Wardens by W.

Bro. Deal, and the address to the brethren by V.W.

Bro. W. G. Hay. The first W.M. of the Lodge is Bro.

Dr. A. C. McKillop, and he is supported by the

following set of officers :—D.M., W. Bro. R.

McMeeking; S.W., Bro. W. R. McKenzie ; J.W.,

Bro. O. F. McLeod ; Treas., Bro. G. M. Morris ;

Sec., Bro. G. L. Swift ; D. of C., W. Bro. G. J. L.

Kerr ; Chiplain, Bro. Rev. J. J. Cairney ; S.D., Bro.

Jas. McGill ; J.D., Bro. W. Anderson; I.G., Bro. A.

Edmensen ; Stewards, Bros. A. McArthur and D. E.

Sawers; Tyler, Bro. J. A. Thomson. The proceedings

were brought to a close by a banquet, which was

held in the Athenaeum Hall. The newly constituted

Lodge is not the first to be established in Waikouaiti.

Lodge Waikouaiti, No. 2115, E.C., was instituted in

1885, and became No. 57 on the roll of the G.L. of

New Zealand. It, however, fell on evil days, and

became dormant in 1897, being removed from the

roll in 1902. Conditions in the district have now

changed, however, and the new Lodge starts with

excellent prospects for the future. A number of

handsome donations of furniture, etc., were made to

the new Lodge.

—————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED.

——◄►——

R. G. Southby 11/- (Tirau), R. H. Hodgson

(Otahuhu), A. Lobb (Bennett's Junction), W.

Ormiston 40/- (Pongaroa), E. W. Davey 1/5

(Huntly), J. Cameron, W. A. Wright 24/2

(Matamata), F. Rogers (Mangatainoka), F. Bedford

(Seatoun), E. Halstead 5/6 (Styx), J. E. White 11/-

(Okaihau), O. Moen 15/9 (Waitahunga Gully), G. A.

Simpson 19/6, F. Godfrey, G. A. Simpson 6d.,

(Wanganui), O. A. Darby 11/- (Auckland), W.

Knowles (Bluff), C. W. Wilson 20/- (Waikiwi), A.

M. Robertson 16/- (Hamilton), S. J. Dall 21/-

(Canvastown), F. C. Faville (Christchurch), L.

Wright (Ormondville), J. McMillan 41/6 (Waitati),

A. Rasmussen 10/- (Balfour).

(All 8/6 except those noted.)

—————————————————————

Reports.
———————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward

Reports.]

———

CRAFT LODGES.

———

SOUTHLAND.

Southern Cross, No. 9.—The regular meeting was

held on 1st April. W. Bro. H. Farrant, W.M.,

presided over a good attendance. The initiation

ceremony was worked. The W.M. was assisted by

W. Bros. Stout, Padget, R.W. Bro. Steens, Bros. R.

S. Cutfield (S.D.) and Jas. Davies (J.D.) also gave

valuable assistance. The nomination of officers for

the coming year was received. The Lodge closed, all

retired to the social hall, where the usual toasts were

given and received.

An emergent meeting was held on 14th April for

passing two E.As. W. Bro. Farrant was in the chair.

The W.M. obligated the candidates and gave the

Secrets ; Bro. W. Robison, S.E. Charge ; W.M. and

Wardens, W.Ts. ; W. Bro. Stout, Final Charge. W.

Bro. Aston kindly officiated in the absence of the

Organist. After the ceremony the brethren spent a

pleasant hour in song and story.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

———

Harvey, No. 49.—It has become almost a tradition

with Lodge Harvey that the outgoing W.M. should

install his successor. This annual ceremony took

place on 13th April, when W. Bro. R. P. Boyne,

acting as Installing Master, installed Bro. H. C.

MacGibbon, S.W., in the chair, with the assistance

of W. Bro. E. C. Smith as D. of C. The ceremony

was carried out smoothly and impressively, eliciting

well merited expressions of appreciation and

congratulation on all hands. W.Ms. outside the ranks

of G.L. have one opportunity, rarely more, of

carrying out the installation ceremony, and it is

gratifying to all, more particularly to the W.M.

himself, when his efforts meet with unanimous

approbation. The investiture of officers was well

carried out by the W.Ms. of representative Southland

Lodges. In the absence of the R.W.Prov.G.M., who

under doctor's orders was unable to be present, G.L.

was represented by R.W. Bro. W. Smith, P.P.G.M.,

whose genial presence contributed towards the

good-fellowship so evident throughout the meeting

and subsequently at the festive board. His appeal to

the assembled brethren on behalf of the funds of the

W. and O. and A.M. was both original and

convincing, and should be productive of our best

efforts. A large number of brethren assembled at the

"Fourth," when the usual toast list was honoured.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Taringatura, No. 100.—Notwithstanding the fact

that harvesting operations are in full swing

throughout the district, there was quite a good

attendance at the February meeting. The principal

business was the passing of two candidates. W. Bro.

H. Ewen conducted the ceremony, and was assisted

by P.Ms. Bros. G. F. Johnson, H. Graham, W.

Roxburgh, D. Walker, and S.W. Bro. R. F. Hayles.

At the supper table, as well as the customary toasts,

some fine musical and elocutionary items were

contributed. The addition to the hall is well forward,

and very soon the brethren will be able to appreciate

the comforts of a spacious and well equipped social

room.-[This report was a long time in transit.-ED.C.]

There was a good attendance at the meeting on 21st

March, when the principal business was the raising

of two candidates. W. Bro. H. Ewen, who presided,

conducted the ceremony, and he was ably assisted

by P.Ms. Bros. W. Roxburgh, C. F. Johnson, H.

Graham, D. Walker, and S.W. Bro. R. F. Hayles. A

very fine Roll of Honour, which is to be officially

unveiled at a later date, was on view on meeting

night, and was much admired by the brethren.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Victoria, No. 147.— The regular meeting was held

on 8th April, W. Bro. Alex. Derbie presiding. The

attendance was very large. The Third Degree was

worked, the W.M. being assisted by W. Bros.

Wilson, Brokenshire, Kerse, Petrie, Geddis,

Campbell, and Bros. Fraser, Battersby and

Buchanan. The customary social gathering was held

after the Lodge closed, when all present appeared to

enjoy themselves.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Waihopai, No. 189.— The regular meeting was

held at Gladstone on 21st March, when there was a

large attendance. W. Bro. Campbell was in the chair.

One demit was granted, and the nomination of

officers for the coming year made. Two appeals

from G.L. were supported. One brother was

affiliated. The W.M. of Lodge Victoria (Bro.

Derbie) and his officers conducted the ceremony of

passing three candidates. W. Bro. Derbie was ably

asissted by W. Bros. Wilkon, Kerse, Petrie, and Bro.

Fraser (S.W.). The ceremony as conducted by this

Lodge is characteristic of the Irish working, and was

greatly appreciated. Greetings were extended by

representatives from sister Lodges, and all retired to

the social room, where the proceedings were of a

quiet character. Bro. Denton (Victoria) rendered an

elocutionary item, which was very heartily

received.-[Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Tuatapere, No. 210.— The monthly meeting was

held on 23rd March, and an emergent meeting on

6th April,' W. Bro. J. J. Hinchcliff (W.M.) in the

chair. One candidate was initiated, and three

proposals for membership accepted. A donation was

passed to each of two circular appeals. W. Bro. C. C.

Nicholas was elected delegate to the Auckland

communication, and two other brethren expect to

accompany him, namely, W. Bro. F. A. Kemp, who

has gone via Sydney, and Bro. B. Richards (J.W.).

The balance-sheet shows assets £295 9s. 11d.,

liabilities nil. The year begain with twenty-nine

members, and closed with forty-two. Eighteen

meetings were held during the year. The credit

balance stands at £27 7s. 5d. The Lodge has

contributed to the W. and O. and A.M. Fund an

average of more than 12s. 6d. per member, though

this did not come in under the balance-sheet. —

[Lodge Correspondent.]

——————

OTAGO.

Hiram, No. 46.— The regular meeting was held on

22nd March, The wintry weather did not prevent a

large attendance. Two circular appeals were

contributed to. Two officiating brethren and two

candidates for initiation were elected. Bro. Homan,

S.W., was elected as the Lodge representative to the

annual communication of G.L. The annual dues

were fixed at £1 10s. The ceremonial work consisted

in passing four brethren, and was carried out in a

satisfactory manner by the W.M. and his officers.

After the closing of the Lodge a pleasant hour was

spent in social intercourse.— [Lodge

Correspondent.]

———

Cromwell Kil., No. 98.— The officers and brethren

met in the Lodgeroom on 21st March. The chief

business was the raising of a candidate. Taken all

round, the work was splendidly done by the W.M.

and his officers, especially as it was the first meeting

after the installation, when consequently everyone

was new to his work. At the close of the meeting a

very pleasant social gathering was spent, when the

usual toasts were-proposed and drunk with

enthusiasm. The gathering was held in the rather

confined ante-room of the Lodge, when it was

forcibly brought home to all the urgent need of a

suitable refectory. The matter was introduced by the

W,M., and, judgingby the enthusiasm displayed, it

will not be long before the much needed

improvement will materialise. Barely two years ago

a Building Fund was established, which fund now

stands at about £90. So members feel justified in

making an early beginning of the work. Quite a

number of those present offered to become operative

Masons. This is not the first time the question of

building has been raised. An effort had been made

some years back, but owing to lack of support the

matter fell into abeyance.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Masters' Lodge, No. 161.— The installation of

R.W. Bro. G. Barclay, P.G.W., as W.M. and

investiture of officers by M.W. Bro. Thos. Ross,

G.M., and R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick, Prov.G.M.,

assisted by G.L. officers, took place in Haeremai

Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on 31st March. There was a

fairly good attendance, the Lodgeroom being

comfortably filled, and the ceremony was carried out

in quite an exemplary manner. The other office-

bearers of the Lodge were :— S.W., W. Bro. J. B.

Dreaver; J.W., W. Bro. J. Bissland; I.P.M., V.W.

Bro. J. A. P. Fredric, G.Treas. ; D.M., W. Bro. C. F.

J. Bell; Treas., R.W. Bro. J. Quaile, P.G.W ; Sec.,

W. Bro. W. Lischner ; D. of C., W. Bro. A. Allan ;

Chaplain, W. Bro. G. G. Adess ; Organist, Bro. E. A.

Borrow; S.D., W. Bro. E. A. Cannon ; J.D., W. Bro.

W. R. Knowles; I.G., W. Bro. H. E. Woodhead ;

Tyler, Bro. R. Trezise; Auditor, R.W. Bro. J. J.

Clark, P.D.G.M. At the close of the ceremony the

W.M. gave an interesting address upon the aims and

objects of a Lodge of Research, and dealt with the

work which the Masters' Lodge had done in the past,

what he hoped it would do in the future, and

concluded by intimating to the Lodge that it had just

been honoured by being asked to conduct the

ceremony of the installation of Lodge Haeremai on

the 23rd inst. in that hall. A pleasant couple of hours

were spent in speeches, toasts and harmony in the

refectory.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

———

Clinton, No, 183.— The regular meeting was held

at Clinton on 24th March. The principal business

was the installation of W. Bro. Robert McIndoe as

W.M. and installation of officers. The ceremony was

performed by R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick, Prov. G.M.,

assisted by the following G.L. officers, viz. :— W.

Bro. Henderson (Lodge Clutha), V.W. Bro. Lischner

(G.D. of C.), W. Bros. Wm. McIndoe (Lodge

Clinton), De la Mere and Brown (Lodge Mataura).

The following officers were then installed I.P.M.,

W. Bro. R. G. Shepherd ; S.W., Bro. R. C. Cairney;

J.W., Bro. A. Murray ; Treas., Bro. D. B. Wallace ;

Sec., Bro. W. T. Dark ; Chaplain, Bro. A. Black ; D.

of C., W. Bro. Wm. Brown ; S.D., Bro. K. G.

McKenzie; P.D., Bro. D. Wallace; Organist, Bro. C.

McIndoe ; I.G., Bro. H. Steel; Tyler, Bro. Wm.

Nelson; Stewards, Bros. Brown (Senior), McGaw,

Wm. Graham, Sheddan and Kidd. Lodge Clinton

was specially favoured by visitors, especially from

Lodge Owaka and Lodge Mataura, several brethren

of these Lodges braving the particularly boisterous-

weather. The Lodge has a specially good set of

officers for the ensuing term, and should have a

prosperous year. — [Lodge Correspondent.]

——————

CANTERBURY.

Unanimity, No. 3.— The regular meeting was held

on 5th April, W. Bro. Owen (W.M.) presiding over a

good attendance. A notice of motion to establish a

Benevolent Fund, and to deduct £2 2s. from every

initiation fee and place it to the credit of the

Benevolent Fund was carried. W. Bro. Smith

(Chaplain) presented the I.P.M. (W. Bro. Law) with

his P.M.'s diploma, and also a diploma from Lodge

Trafalgar, Leith, Scotland, to one of our brethren

who has recently joined Unanimity, but who had not

had an opportunity to have it presented since taking

his third step over five years ago. W. Bro: Furneaux

was elected to represent the Lodge at G.L.

communication in May. The work was passing a

brother, and the W.M., who obligated the brother

and also communicated the Secrets, was assisted by

Bro. Oates (J.W.), Charge after Investiture; W. Bro.

Brown (W.M. Kil.), S.E. Address ; W. Bro. Cooper

(W.M. Crown) W.Ts. ; W. Bro.. Furneaux, Final

Charge. — [Lodge Correspondent.]-[Will the J.W.

state the nature of the error he complain: of ?—

ED.C.]

———

St. Augustine, No. 4.— The annual meeting was

held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 8th March.

W. Bro. Baxter opened his Lodge early, and

received the numerous visitors before 7.30 p.m.

R.W. Bro. Bishop, Prov.G.M. was in particularly

good form, and was ably assisted by M.W. Bro. J. J.

Dougal P.G.M., R.W. Bros. Bingham, Dep.G.M.,

Ronaldson, P.P.G.M., and Barton, P.G.M., to carry