APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION INTO

FREEMASONRY.

——◄►——

AT the last annual meeting of G.L. a resolution, of

which notice had been given, was submitted, by

proxy, and after some discussion was referred to the

B. of O.P. for consideration. The resolution, which

is somewhat ambiguously worded, reads as

follows:— "That the following be added to Rule

142, Book of Constitution, or that a new Rule (No.

142A) be made:—' Every applicant for initiation

into Freemasonry shall be handed by the Secretary

of the Lodge the Booklet on The Aims, Objects, and

Teaching of Antient, Free and Accepted

Freemasonry," sanctioned and issued by G.L., which

must be returned to the Lodge after perusal. On the

applicant then deciding to proceed with his

application, it shall be considered by the

Investigation Committee of the Lodge or Board of

Enquiry where such is constituted.'

It the first part of this resolution does not mean what

it says, and we gathered from the remarks of the

proxy mover that it does not, then it may, if allowed

to pass, be productive of some danger. It cannot

mean that every applicant for initiation into

Freemasonry shall be handed a booklet . . . because

later it is stated, "On the applicant then deciding to

PROCEED WITH his application," etc. When a person

is proposed for admision into Freemasonry, he

becomes an applicant, without any reservation that

his candidature MAY be determined subject to his

perusal of any specified book. The proposal belongs

to the Lodge, and is acted upon in the usual way.

From the discussion that ensued, we are led to

believe that the intentions of the mover would have

been met, had the rsolution read as follows :— "Any

person contemplating becoming an applicant for

initiation " into Freemasonry shall be handed a

booklet," etc. We understood the mover to say that

one of the difficulties of obtaining candidates was

that they knew nothing about the Order, and the

Craft should have some book setting forth the aims,

objects, and teachings to those who might thus be

induced to join. A further error was made in referring

" to THE booklet" . . . " sanctioned and issued by

G.L.," thus lending colour to the assumption that

such a work had been compiled and circulated.

Dealing with the first part of the resolution, if our

impressions are correct, then the resolution would be

ultra vires, as it would propose to deal with persons

whom Freemasonry does not know, and over whom

it has no jurisdiction. It cannot possibly refer to

applicants for initiation, as they, if accepted, will

receive instruction and information in due course. So

that, apart from other considerations, it would be

manifestly improper to distribute Masonic literature

to the profane as an inducement to them to enter

Freemasonry. As a matter of fact, it is common

knowledge that since the war there has been an

abnormal Masonic boom, which in some instances

has been somewhat embarrassing, and the question

of restraint has arisen. As a speaker recently put it,

abnormal admissions are dangerous, in that the same

supervision cannot be exercised where numbers are

great. Freemasonry has no mission to encourage

admissions to its ranks, but rather to judge of the

absolute suitability of those who come strictly of

their own free will and accord.

The assurance was given in G.L. that no book or

booklet such as that suggested in the resolution had

been compiled or sanctioned by G.L.. In some

jurisdictions a demand has been made for a book of

this character, NOT for circulation among

problematical candidates, but for the instruction of

those who are newly initiated, which is quite another

tale. The well-known Masonic American writer—the

Rev. Joseph Fort Newton—tells how on the night of

his initiation he was asked to give his impressions of

Freemasonry as far as he had gone. And, among

other things, he made a request to know if there was

any little book which would tell a young Mason the

things he would like to know about Masonry. But no

one present knew of such book, and ultimately this

brother was commissioned by the G.L. of Iowa to

prepare a brief, simple, and vivid account of the

origin, growth, and teaching of the order, and the

work designated the " Builders" was the result.

Although it has been well received by the Masonic

world, and is an unquestionably valuable addition to

the literature of the Craft, yet with all submission we

contend it does not meet the case in point, especially

as set out by its author. This " brief," " simple," and

vivid account of the origin, growth, and teaching of

the Order, is a volume of over three hundred pages,

and includes such subjects as : The Drama of Faith,

The Secret Doctrine, The Collegia, Masonic

Philosophy, The Spirit of Masonry, etc., etc. This,

however, by the way indicates the difficulty of

obtaining a small, simple booklet, suitable for

instructing not the skilled craftsman, but the

doubting and unlearned neophyte. Doubtless when

this remit from G.L. is considered by the B. of G.P.

the viewpoint contained in this article may also

receive consideration.

————————

AN INNOVATION.

——◄►——

A practice has arisen in a few Lodges which in our

opinion cannot be too strongly deprecated. It is that

during the delivery of the Charity Charge an

offertory is taken up from the brethren present.

Presumably the intention is to further impress the

candidate with the exercise of that virtue which

should be the distinguishing characteristic of a

Freemason's heart—charity. But, whatever the

motive, the practice is quite an innovation of

comparatively recent date, and the only purpose it

appears to serve is to humiliate the candidate. The

usual plan of simply presenting the salver was

dignified, and clearly reflects the explanation that

this trial was not made to sport with your feelings,

which explanation is not so susceptible of truth

where an offertory has been taken up. The candidate

hearing the powerful charge on charity as applied to

Freemasonry cannot stand unmoved on seeing the

members of the Lodge offering their contributions,

knowing at the same time that he is debarred, having

been deprived of the means, and unable at the

moment to make what would be to his mind a

suitable explanation. In the modus operandi supplied

by the ritual, the plate is presented to him, and the

reason is AT ONCE supplied. In the innovation he has

to stand for some little time while the salver goes

round the Lodge, and it is then that his feelings

suffer humiliation, which the subsequent

congratulation does not efface. Each time we have

witnessed the new procedure, it has entirely failed to

impress us as possessing any advantages ; but, on the

other hand, the time taken in making the collection

makes a distinct break, and spoils the sequence of

what otherwise is a very beautiful charge. We do, not

think for one moment that the Lodges adopting the

new order have done so with any desire to sport with

the feelings of the candidate, and have probably

never analysed the position. But we feel sure we

shall receive a majority support when we say that the

innovation is not good in either principle or practice,

and does not make for the best interests of

Freemasonry.

—————————————————————

News and Notes
—————————————————————

THE newly-formed G.L. of Queensland has applied

to the G.L. of New Zealand for recognition and the

exchange of representatives. The board of General

Purposes postponed consideration of the request until

its next meeting.

SEVENTY brethren have signed a petition for a new

Lodge at Anderson's Bay, Dunedin, to be called

"Lodge Waverley." The M.W.G.M. has been advised

to grant his warrant for the erection of the proposed

Lodge. R.W. Bro. George Barclay, G.Sec., has been

designated as the first W.M.

THE term of office of the present Prov.G.M. of

Canterbury will expire on the 14th September next.

Authority has been given by the Board of General

Purposes for the necessary steps to be taken for a

new election to be held. R.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop is

the present holder of the office.

WE regret to learn that W. Bro. J. A. Orsman, of

Victory Lodge, Nelson, met with an accident on the

29th June, resulting in breaking the small bone of his

leg, which will incapacitate him for some weeks. The

CRAFTSMAN wishes him a speedy recovery.

A WARRANT has been granted for the Constitution of

another new Lodge in the Capital City, to be known

as the "Empire Lodge, No. 225." Sixty-two brethren,

who are ex-service men, from different parts of the

Dominion, have signed the petition, and the Lodge

will be constituted in the Masonic Hall, Wellington,

by the M.W.G.M. on the 9th of August. Bro. J. W.

Bright will be the first W.M.

A NUMBER of companions resident in Rotorua are

taking steps to petition the Sup. G.R.A. Chapter of

New Zealand for a charter. Hinemoa Chapter,

Wellington, is getting abnormally large, and it is

quite possible there may be a hiving off there.

THE brethren will be glad to learn that W. Bro. A. S.

Boldero, P.M., Sec. for Lodge Waipu, No. 179, who

has had a very severe attack of appendicitis, and who

was operated on at Whangarei on 21st April, is now

home and making good progress.

ILL BRO. Rev. T. Porritt, 30 deg., who was recently

installed as M. W.S. of the Tararua Rose Chapter,

may be quoted as a Masonic enthusiast. He is 84

years of age, yet willingly accepted nomination as

the head of Tararua Chapter. His expert knowledge

of the rite and his knowledge of Freemasonry in

general will render his services invaluable to the new

Chapter.

WHILE we are always quite willing to give as much

publicity as possible to the Masonic work of districts

and Lodges, we must impress on our Southland

correspondent that there are nine districts and 224

Lodges. Verb. sap.

AN old and respected brother of Lodge Leinster (W.

Bro. Wm. Wills) has resigned from an active part in

the duties of the Lodge, after being continually in

office for almost twenty-nine years, being for the last

twelve years Treas. We trust that he will not

altogether forget the first Monday in the month,

because we always look to the old P.Ms. for advice

and support. We all wish W. Bro. Wills a long and

continued prosperity.

A MASONIC medallion, bearing date 1516, which,

though discovered in Ireland some years ago, was

unknown to the Masonic authorities until recently,

has been handed over to Mr. R. W. Wilson,

Prov.G.Sec. of Tyrone and Fermanagh. The

medallion was found by the caretaker in the wall of

an old country house in Derganyneville, near

Dromore, County Tyrone, belonging to Mr. J. J.

Nelson. It was covered with soot, and had evidently

been hidden in the chimney of the house, which was

built in the old wattle-and-clay style, now almost

obsolete in Ireland. The members of the Dublin

Masonic Lodge of Research believe that it is one of

the oldest Masonic emblems in Ireland, and the date

it bears is 101 years before the establishment of the

G.L. of England, the mother G.L. of the world.

A DISTINCT feature of the consecration of Lodge

Raukawa was the large number of P.Ms. attending.

The number was estimated at between fifty and

sixty.

R.W. BRO. A. S. BANKART, D.G.M. of Auckland,

E.C., was present in the G.L. of England held on

Wednesday, 1st June, presided over by the.

M.W.G.M., the Duke of Connaught. Bro. Bankart

also attended the Grand Mark Lodge meeting which

was held the previous evening.

THE subscription to "The Freemason," London, has

been increased, and is now 20s. per annum.

IF there is one busy man in this Dominion, whose

private avocations are most exacting, it is the

R.W.Dep.G.M. Yet he is most assiduous in his

Masonic duties. Lodges and Chapters, consecrations,

installations, and ordinary meetings, all secure a

share of his attentions. Surely a record will be

established. But if we may be permitted to say so,

burning the candle at both ends is not good training

for the nerve-wracking work of the next

Parliamentary session.

THE twenty-sixth annual meeting of the N.Z.

Masonic Newspaper Co., Ltd., was held in the

registered office of the Company, Wellington, on the

15th July, when the- report and balance-sheet were

adopted. Like all other joint stock companies in these

critical financial times, the company has had a

strenuous year, but, as the chairman expressed it, it

may be congratulated on coming out nearly square in

its profit and loss account. A very hearty vote of

thanks was passed to the administration.

THE Empress Lodge is to be opened in. Wellington

city on the 9th inst., and it is proposed by the

promoters to give it a great send-off. A general

invitation is being extended to all Lodges, and

doubtless some hundreds of brethren will respond.

But if absolute success is desired, arrangements

should be made to secure a larger room than the

Boulcott Street Hall. The M.W.G.M. will preside.

THE CRAFTSMAN is pleased to learn that R.W. Bro.

F. C. B. Bishop, Prov.G.M. of Canterbury, has

almost recovered from his recent serious illness, and

has taken up some of his duties. We assume it will be

necessary for him to repress the exuberance of his

Masonic enthusiasm for a time.

————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

——◄►——

The three town Lodges meeting in the Forth Street

Hall, Invercargill, have changed the nights of their

regular meeting. Southern Cross, No. 9, meet on the

first Thursday ; St. John, No. 94, on the third

Thursday; and Victoria, No. 147, on the second

Tuesday.

  

The installation meeting of Lodge Mataura was

largely attended. A good number of Invercargill

brethren were in attendance, many making the trip

by motor. R.W. Bro. A. B. Haggitt conducted the

ceremony of installation.

  

Several companions from Southern Cross Chapter,

No. 3, were present at the opening of the new

Chapter in Dunedin.

  

The brethren of Lodge Victoria at their last meeting

expressed their appreciation of the valuable services

of W. Bro. Broken-shire, who has for many years

past managed the clerical and social affairs of the

Lodge. The task of conducting the social meetings is

in itself no light task, and as a slight token of

appreciation a cheque of £25 was voted to the

worthy brother.

  

Bro. Wm. Bird (Lodge Waihopai) was recently an

inmate of the Park Private Hospital, suffering from

appendicitis. Satisfactory progress has been made,

and by this time Bro. Bird should be about again.

————————

MARLBOROUGH NOTES.

——◄►——

Notwithstanding the fact that the night was bitterly

cold, there was almost, if not quite, a record

attendance at - the installation meeting of Lodge

Wairau, on 28th June, when Bro. W. R. Mackintosh

was placed in the Chair of K.S., the Installing Master

being V.W. Bro. R. P. Furness, Dep.Prov.G.AL So

far as is known, all the town brethren had arrived

home before the earthquake came.

  

W. Bro. W. M. Lambie, I.P.M. of Lodge Unanimity,

was farewelled by the Lodge at a social gathering

held in the refectory on 24th June, and presented

with a P.M.'s apron as a mark of appreciation of the

eminent service he had rendered during his

occupancy of the various chairs. Brethren from

Lodge Unanimity and Lodge Wairau joined in

paying eloquent tributes to W. Bro. Lambie's sterling

worth as a citizen and a brother, and sincere regret

was expressed at his impending departure.

  

Bro. T. Halligan, S.W. of Lodge Unanimity, is about

to take up his residence in Dunedin. Keen regret was

manifested amongst the members when it became

known that Bro. Halligan would not be able to go on

to "the East," because he has been such a keen and

painstaking officer that his accession to the chair for

the next Lodge year was regarded as a matter of

course. Speaking during supper at the July meeting,

Bro. Halligan said that it had always been his

ambition to reach the chair, and it was hard to have

to go away when this ambition was so near to being

realised ; but he had no choice in the matter. He

intimated that he would always remain a member of

his mother Lodge.

  

The sight of about 100 brethren sitting down to an

installation banquet clad in their overcoats is not, I

should say, a common one, but the night was so cold

on the occasion of the Lodge Wairau installation that

topcoats were donned. The banquet was held in the

Church of England Sunday-school, the Lodge

refectory not being large enough for the purpose.

  

"The crown of the year," so far as the W.M. of

Lodge Unanimity (W. Bro, W. G. Rudd) was

concerned, occurred on 14th -July, when he raised

his three brothers to the Third Degree. A brother-in-

law (a member of a Christchurch Lodge) was also

present. The ritual in this unique ceremony was

splendidly rendered, and the proceedings were

watched with great interest by the large number of

brethren in attendance.

————————

ACACIA NOTES.

——◄►——

As a reward for their services at installation, etc., the

sisters of Acacia were given a social on 21st June. It

was a huge success, the arrangements being carried

out in a faultless manner, thanks to the local

brethren.

  

Quite a number of outsiders were at the social, which

will no doubt be beneficial to the Lodge in various

ways.

  

We are glad to hear that R.W. Bro. Bishop is picking

up again.

—————————————————————

INQUIRIES ON MATTERS OF MASONIC

INTEREST.

——◄►——

Q.—Is it consistent for members of a R.A. Chapter

to pass a vote of -sympathy with a P.M. of a Craft

Lodge in the event of the death of one of his family,

such P.M. not being a R.A. Mason ?

A.—No; the Chapter has no official Masonic

knowledge of the P.M.

—————————————————————

Correspondence
—————————————————————

A QUESTION.

——◄►——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Why is it that so many New

Zealand Freemasons, when changing their domicile,

instead of joining a Lodge under the banner of the

G.L. of New Zealand join an English or Scotch

Lodge ? Is it disloyalty, ignorance, or both?—Yours

fraternally, CURIOUS.

[Such a statement as this requires more authority

than mere assertion.]—ED.C.]

————————

THE ADDRESS OF SAPPER J. LONG.

——◄►——

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.,—Might I enlist your co-

operation in the following? For some time now I

have been trying to find the whereabouts of a

member of the N.Z.E.F.M.A. After repeated use of

the penny post, I now apply to the readers of the

CRAFTSMAN, and will consider it a favour if any

leader will forward me the address of 27918 Sapper

J. Long, 5th Light Railway Operating Co., N.Z.E.

Thanking you in anticipation.—

Yours fraternally, A. HARDIE, C.F.,

Gen. Sec. N.Z.E.E.M.A., Trentham Militate, Camp.

15th July, 1921.

—————————————————————

OBITUARY.

——◄►——

W. BRO. THOMAS FLOWER, P.M.

———

It is with deep regret that we have to chronicle

the death of W. Bro, Thos. Flower, which took

place at Bulls on the 1steJuly. Deceased's parents

were among the first settlers in Nelson, where he

was born in 1844. His early life was spent in that

town, and later in Blenheim. He came to Bulls in

1873, and in that year established the Rangitikei

Steam Flour Mills, which business has been

conducted by him ever since. He saw Masonic

light in Lodge Rangitikei in 1882, and was W.M.

of the Lodge in 1891. Deceased leaves a widow

and a grown-up family of four, to whom we

tender our fraternal and sincere sympathy.

———————

W. BRO. JAS. WALKER, P.G.J.D. AGED 64

YEARS.

———

It is with deep regret that we record the death of

W. Bro. Jas. Walker, who passed away on 11th

June, as the result of a motor accident. He was

crossing the Main Street, Invercargill, about 2.10

p.m., when he was knocked down by a motor-car

and rendered unconscious, in which condition he

lay for several hours in the Southland Hospital,

eventually dying at 10.30 p.m. W. Bro. Walker

joined the Craft 28 years ago, and daring his

Masonic career made many friends and filled a

large number of important positions. He was a

P.M. of Lodge St. John, No. 94, P.Z. of Southern

Cross Chapter, No. 3, J.G.D. in 1908, and about

twelve months ago was perfected in the Murihiku

Rose Croix Chapter, No. 36. For the past five and

a half years W. Bro. Walker has served as Tyler

for Lodges Southern Cross, St. John, and

Victoria, and Janitor for the Southern Cross R.A.

Chapter. Enthusiastic in his work, fearless and

outspoken on all occasions, most genial in

temperament and generous in disposition, he was

very highly esteemed by all who knew him. His

funeral was attended by a large number of

brethren from various Lodges. The pall-bearers at

the grave-side were M.W. Bro. Thomson, R.W.

Bros. Haggitt, Rankin, Steens, W. Bro. Robt.

Smith, and Bro. Speirs. W. Bro. Fortune read the

burial service. The sympathies of the brethren are

extended to the widow and family.

TWO IMPORTANT DECISIONS.

——◄►——

UNITED G.L. OF ENGLAND.

————

[Extract from Report of the B. of G.P. to G.L. of 2nd

March, 1921.]

———

In the report presented to G.L. on 3rd March, 1920,

the Board said :—

"An invitation has been received from the Swiss

G.L. Alpine to an International Congress of

Freemasons of Lodges of all countries, to be held in

Switzerland during next autumn, in order to

exchange ideas but not to pass binding resolutions.

The Board would note that G.L. has never

participated in a Masonic gathering at which are

present those who do not conform to those Antient

Landmarks of Freemasonry which demand an

express belief in T.G.A.O.T.U., and an obligatory

recognition of the V.S.L. It always has shown itself

ready to work in the most friendly spirit with all

brethren who acknowledge and act in accordance

with these Antient Landmarks. In these circum-

stances, the Board does not recommend the

acceptance of this invitation."

From a communication of 8th September, 1920, it

appears that the project was abandoned because of

the small number of acceptances received by its

promoters ; but subsequently the idea was revived,

and an invitation issued for next autumn to a similar

meeting to that originally contemplated. There has

been forwarded by the M.W. G.M. of the Grand

Orient of the Netherlands to the M.W. Pro G.M. a

letter conveying a wish that the United G.L. of

England would be represented at this year's

gathering. To that letter the M.W. Pro. G.M. has for-

warded a reply (see Appendix A), which the Board

considers to be most desirable to be communicated

to the whole Craft, as expressing the policy

regarding such International Masonic gatherings

which has been steadily pursued by G.L.

The necessity for this policy to be fully stated in

plain terms is enforced by the knowledge that one of

the subjects intended to be raised for discussion at

the proposed conference last year was what is termed

" the woman question." The position of this G.L. in

that regard is clear. As recently as in the Board's

report to the Quarterly Communication of 3rd

September, 1919, it was stated :

"The Board's attention is being increasingly drawn to

sedulous endeavours which are being made by

certain bodies unrecognised as Masonic by the

United G.L. of England to induce Freemasons to join

in their assemblies. As all such bodies which admit

women to membership are clandestine and irregular,

it is necessary to caution brethren against being

inadvertently led to violate their Ob. by becoming

members of them or attending their meetings. G.L.,

nine years since, approved the action of the Board in

suspending from all Masonic rights and privileges

two brethren who had contumaciously failed to

explain the grave Masonic irregularity to which

attention is now again called; and it is earnestly

hoped that no occasion will arise for having again to

institute disciplinary proceedings of a like kind."

Partly as a consequence of the decisions thus referred

to, the question has now to be submitted to G.L. in

fuller form. The G.See. has received a petition

bearing four signatures, two of ladies, styling

themselves respectively the G.M., the Dep.G.M., the

G.Treas., and the G.Sec. of, and on behalf of, "The

Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry,- the

request being made that this should be laid before the

Board, with a view to recommendation to G.L. for

recognition. In this petition, it was stated that the

body in question modelled its Constitution and

Ritual upon those of the United Grand Lodge of

England, departing from them only in the one matter

of the admission of women:. It was said therein that

"the number of women who are given possession of

the genuine Masonic secrets is daily increasing;" but

it was added, " The illegitimacy, Masonically

speaking, of the bodies communicating these secrets

is not denied ;" and, because of this, the protection of

the United G.L. of England was sought.

The Board, agreeing entirely with the policy always

pursued by this G.L. in respect of the admission of

women to Freemasonry, had no hesitation in

declining to recommend G.L. to grant the prayer of

the petition; and it requested the G.Sec. to forward to

the lady who had signed the document as G.M. a

reply (see Appendix B), which it now commends to

the serious consideration of the Graft. It would

emphasise the statement that—being assured by

experience of the resolve of G.L. on this matter—

"the Board will continue to exercise its disciplinary

powers towards any member working under the

English Jurisdiction who violates his Ob. by being

present at or assisting in assemblies professing to be

Masonic which are attended by women." After tins

clear warning, no brother will be in a position to

plead ignorance of the Craft's attitude on the subject.

————

APPENDIX A—INTERNATIONAL MASONIC

CONFERENCES.

Freemasons' Hall, London, W.C. 2

3rd February. 1921,

Dear Sir and M.W. Brother.—

I have received your letter of the 11th January

concerning, the invitation given by the Swiss G.L.

Alpine to the leading personages of the various

Masonic Jurisdictions, to attend what is described as

a semi-official meeting in Geneva, and thereat to

consider various questions on which these

Jurisdictions at present differ. To this invitation you

and your personal wish for its acceptance by or on

behalf of the United C.L. of England.

Because of the expression of that wish, I desire

precisely to place before you the position this Grand

Lodge adopts in regard to such proposed

International Masonic Conferences, whether termed

official or semi-official. On the 17th March, 1920,

that position was stated in the following letter from

the G.Sec. of this Jurisdiction to the Swiss G.L.

Alpifia, in reference to a similar invitation as that to

which you now draw attention :

"I am directed to state, in reply to the invitation to

attend an International Masonic Conference in

Switzerland during the coming autumn, that the

United G.L. of England will be unable to send

representatives on the occasion. It never participates

in a Masonic gathering in which are treated as an

open question what it always has held to be antient

and essential Landmarks Of the Craft, these being an

express belief in T.G.A.O.T.U., and an obligatory

recognition of the V.S.L. Its refusal to remain in

fraternal association with such Sovereign

Jurisdictions as have repudiated or made light of

these Landmarks has long been upon record, and its

resolve in this regard remains unshaken."

In view of the fraternal association which has long

been maintained between the Grand Orient of the

Netherlands and the United G.L. of England, I wish

to add that the experience of the past seven years,

and the deepened feeling of reverential awe for all

that is essential in the antient landmarks, observable

on all hands amongst our brethren as a direct

consequence of the war, strengthen the belief that

English Freemasonry will in no way depart from the

position which it has always held and frequently

defined. A further consequence of certain

happenings of the war is to make more firm our

resolve to keep, as far as in us lies, Freemasonry

strictly away from participation in politics, either

national or international. This attitude of aloofness

from necessarily controversial affairs of State, on

which brethren can legitimately and most properly

differ, has ever been maintained by our G.L. since it

was first convened in 1717. Because of this, it held

aloof from such international conferences as were

summoned during the war; and never more than now

has the necessity for the maintenance of this attitude

been felt by English Freemasons. Each initiate into

our Lodges has it impressed upon him that he must

refrain from every question of political or religious

discussion in Lodge. G.L. a fortiori never joins in

either. Other G.Ls. take a different view; but that of

England would not consider any proposal to make

our immemorial practice in this respect conform to

theirs.

For these reasons, the invitation to participate in the

proposed International Conference of Freemasons at

Geneva cannot be accepted. Such an assembly might

be termed informal, but inevitably it would be

regarded as opening a door to compromise on those

things which this G.L. has always held to be

essentials. Such a compromise English Freemasonry

will never contemplate. On these essentials we take

the firm stand we have always done; we cannot

detract from full recognition of T.G.A.O.T.U., and

we shall continue to forbid the introduction of

political discussion into our Lodges. Nothing I have

written, however, lessens our desire to work in the

most friendly spirit with all brethren who

acknowledge the same fundamental Landmarks oh

the Craft, and we feel that there is here a sufficiently

wide field for fraternal endeavour to engage all our

available attention and our utmost strength.

Accept, M.W.G.M., on behalf of myself and the

United G.L. of England, cordial wishes to the Grand

Orient of the Netherlands and all brethren under its

jurisdiction, and believe me.

Yours sincerely and Fraternally,

(Signed) AMPTHILL,

Pro Grand Master.

APPENDIX B.—WOMEN AND FREEMASONRY.

Freemasons Hall, Loudon, W.C.2,

February, 1921.

Dear Madam,—

I have laid before the B. of G.P. your communication

of November last, enclosing a petition from a body

styling itself the Honourable Frnternity of Antient

Masonry, praying recognition from the United G.L.

of Antient„ Free and Accepted Masons of England.

The Board, after giving full consideration to

this petition and the explanatory statement from

yourself with which it was accompanied, directs me

to state that it cannot recommend the prayer of the

petition for acceptance by G.L. The body from which

that document emanates claims, in the words of the

petition, to be " a genuine Masonic Organisation . . .

working on strictly orthodox lines . . . . . and

departing from them only in the one matter of the

admission of women." This "one matter" affects a

principle on which the United Grand Lodge of

England has always stood firm, and concerning

which it admits no compromise. No woman can be a

Freemason according to the original Plan of

Freemasonry to which English Freemasons have

from time immemorial adhered. Every brother

among them is pledged, while respecting genuine

and true brethren wherever they are to be met, to

discountenance all dissenters from that original Plan,

and to admit that it is not in the power of any man or

body of men to make innovation in the Body of

Masonry. In these conditions, it is impossible for the

B. of G.P. to recommend to G.L. the prayer of the

petition; and it will continue to exercise its

disciplinary powers towards any member working

under the English Jurisdiction who violates his Ob.

by being present at or assisting in assemblies

professing to be Masonic which are attended by

women.

Yours faithfully,

(Signed) P. COLVILLE SMITH,

G. Sec.

————————

UNVEILING A MEMORIAL TABLET.

——◄►——

A meeting of an exceedingly impressive nature was

held in the Freemasons' Hall, Invercargill, on

Sunday, 15th June, for the purpose of unveiling a

handsome marble Roll of Honour to the memory of

the brethren who died for the cause of liberty and

justice. The Lodge was opened by the W.M. of

Lodge Southern Cross (W. Bro. Glancefield). R.W.

Bro. A. B. Haggitt, Prov.G.M., was in attendance,

accompanied by G.L. officers.

The proceedings opened with the singing of the

hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light," followed by an address

by the Chaplain (Bro. Rev. H. G. Gilbert), who saw

service with the 3rd Brigade Artillery :—

"To every man who shared to any extent with our

comrades, returned and unreturning, the vicissitudes

and chances of the late war, the hymn 'Lead, Kindly

Light,' which with so much feeling you have sung, is

crowded around with many varied and sacred

memories. It carries our minds back to a hundred

scenes in home camp, on transport, or nearer to the

line, where in solemn service we met together with

so many rare souls whom we shall see on earth no

more. It touches the chords of remembrance and

awakens within us many cherished memories of the

men we knew. And it seems to me that anything

which has the power to bring before our minds the

great thing they did, and the great sacrifice which in

so many cases they made, must be of very real worth

to ourselves and our generation. This, brethren, is

surely the thought that is in our minds as we come

together now to unveil this tablet to the memory of

those other brethren of ours who sleep in graves

across the sea. It is with no thought of adding to the

glory of our departed comrades that we unite in this

solemn service to-day. No offering we may bring, no

honours we can pay, can add to the glory that is

already theirs. It is just that we would keep green the

memory of the men we knew and mourn; just that as

the years roll by we would keep ever warm their

place within our hearts. It is not necessary to-day that

we should dwell at length upon the great necessity

that called them from the quiet ways of peace to the

scenes of war. Those long and bitter years of conflict

are not yet so far away that we have forgotten. We

see now, perhaps far more plainly than we did while

the smoke of battle was about us, what was at stake

in that tremendous struggle. Through those long

years we were in deadly grips with a powerful and a

pitiless foe, we were engaged in a life and death

struggle with scientific, ethical, and military

barbarism. We recall with pride the loyal part our

own kind played in that struggle, and to-day we

would do honour to the memory of our brothers who

left these shores tied did not return. We dare not—

nor would we wish to—let their memory fade.

Already out yonder where they lie, the golden

harvests of peace are growing over the fields where

war's red harvests were an unsparingly reaped. Red

poppies are blooming along the Somme, the great

shell-holes are being levelled and carpeted over with

grass. The battle scars are vanishing. That is

inevitable and it is well. 'As the ground was before,

thus let it be.' But it would not be well should we

allow a like thing to happen to the memory of our

fallen; it would not be well if we let their memory

fade. We think of them to-day—and perhaps we may

be pardoned if we cannot think of them as those

whose lot it was to remain at home think of them—

we who saw the manner of their passing. We seem to

see them still as they marched brown-limbed and

strong across the sands of Egypt, or over the cobble

stones of Belgium and France. We hear them singing

at the top of their voices as they swing through some

shell-scarred village to their quarters—' going into

rest.' We recall the jokes they passed from lip to lip

in musty dug-outs and mud-sodden trenches. We see

them sharing the bitter and the sweet with their pals,

and doing daily the deeds of heroes in the spirit of

big, overgrown children. We see them, cigarette on

lip, standing to arms in the cold grey dawn of many a

battle morning, and going at last with unflinching

courage to meet the unseen, with a smile of grim

determination. Somehow, we cannot seem to think of

them as dead, the men we knew, and yet we know

for them the strife is ended, the battle day is past.

"They hear not now the blazing cannon roar,

The battle's thunder will not break their rest.'

"Their part in the world's great task of progress is

done; it is for us who remain to cherish their memory

and strive in every way to live worthy of the great

principles for which they died. They taught us many

things, these men, things we had half-forgotten,

things which perhaps we never knew. They showed

to us, in the face of most appalling difficulties and

constant dangers, the power and worth of real

brotherhood. 'Bear ye one another's burdens ' was no

abstract theory of life to them, it was a thing of daily

practice. A band of brothers they were, sharing the

big things of life and death in circumstances that

ever stressed the worth of true comradeship, that

ever tended to draw man's soul nearer and ever

nearer to the souls of men. Through them also we are

taught to consider anew the meaning and the worth

of sacrifice :

" Their lonely graves along the countryside,

Where sleep the brave hearts who for others died,

Tell of life's union with the crucified.'

"They taught us, too, many of them, that the Creator

of all things, the ultimate determining Factor in all

the happenings of history, is nearer to the children of

men in their struggles than sometimes men had

dreamed. We think of the one who wrote :

" ' And all the while in street or land or by-way-

In country laud or city street or by-way-

You walked among us, and we did not see.

Your feet were bleeding as You walked our

pavement.

How did we miss Your footprints on our

pavements?

Can there be other folk as blind as we?

You helped ns pass the jest along the trenches,

When in cold blood we waited in the trenches,

You touched its ribaldry and made it fine.

You stood beside us in our pain and weakness,

We're glad to think you understood our

weakness—

Somehow it seems to help us not to whine.'

"The recognition of this past help carries the speaker

on to the closing appeal :

" ' Though we forgot. You, You will not forget

us—

We feel so sure that You will not forget us—

But stay with us until this dream is past.

And so we ask for courage, strength, and pardon ;

Especially, I think, we ask for pardon—

And that You'll stand beside us at the last'

" Brethren, as we unveil this tablet to their memory

to-day, may it be our aim and resolution so to use the

peace we enjoy as the price of their sacrifice, that our

lives and labours may be blest in the fostering of true

brotherhood among all men, to the inbringing of that

day of Peace so long ago heralded in Bethlehem, to

the establishing of those conditions which Tennyson

foresaw as he wrote of the time when

" "the war-drum throbbed no longer, and the battle

flags were furled,

In the parliament of men, the federation of the

world.'"

At the close of the address the hymn, "O, God, Our

Help in Ages Past," was sung. R.W. Bro. T. M.

Rankin, G.D. of C., on behalf of Invercargill Lodges,

requested R.W. Bro. A. B. Haggitt, Prov.G.M., to

unveil the memorial tablet. R.W. Bro. Haggitt

explained that the memorial had been erected by the

Hall Committee in honour of the brethren from the

three town Lodges who had made the supreme

sacrifice in the Great War. To these departed

brethren our R.W. brother paid a beautiful tribute,

and his words of thanksgiving for those who had

been spared to return were very appropriate. The

memorial being uncovered, the Chaplain offered up

prayer. R.W. Bro. E. A. Steam here asked permission

to say a few words, and very neatly pointed out the

part flowers played on occasions of deep sorrow and

great rejoicing. Bro. Stevens, in a style truly

characteristic of himself, deposited a beautifully-

made wreath with the square and compasses

effectively outlined at the foot of the memorial. The

closing hymn, "Abide With Me," was sung, and

Lodge was closed, and an adjournment made to the

refectory adjoining, where a beautiful marble tablet,

erected in honour of those who enlisted for active

service, and returned, was in a simple manner

unveiled by the Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Haggitt. The

service was of a simple but very impressive nature,

and will long be remembered by those who were

fortunate enough to be present.

————————

THE M.W. GRAND MASTER OF ENGLAND.

——◄►——

The M.W.G.M., H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught,

celebrates half a century's membership of the Privy

Council, having been introduced to it on 16th May,

1871, at a meeting held soon after he had attained his

majority. "Rarely," observes the "Daily Chronicle,"

"does a Privy Councillor celebrate a jubilee of

membership, and Queen Victoria's only surviving

son, who is a most popular royalty, will have hearty

congratulations on having been a P.C. for fifty years.

The Duke is called 'the business man of the Royal

Family,' and his advice has been often sought by

many of his relatives on business affairs, for he is

shrewd, with plenty of common sense, and possessed

of good information and judgment." We are glad to

have the opportunity of quoting from a non-Masonic

source this testimony to the fine business abilities of

the M.W.G.M., which are being continually and

continuously given to the service of the Craft. It is a

testimony which every loyal Freemason will be most

ready and happy to endorse, not only with his lips,

but in all sincerity.—" The Freemason."

————————

SUBSCRIPTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED.

——◄►——

W. A. Gibson 25/- (Sydney), J. S. Laurence

(Ipswich), W. W. Cossgrove (Thames), L. A. C.

Anderson, J. Bowes, L. Freedman, R. C. Magill 8/6,

S. L. Anderson 8/6, F. S. Rolls 8/6, G. H. Hine

(Napier), L. Simcox (Killinchy), G. H. Baxter, S. B.

Pilcher, W. H. Aubrey, O. E. Barron (Picton), R. A.

Offwood, W. Galbraith (Woodville), J. Moncrieff, A.

Phillpotts, R. R. Hore, J. J. Knox-Smith, P. A. Cole,

W. F. Roodhouse, R. Stout, J. B. Bairstow, J. W.

Ellis (Carterton), H. E. Hart, H. Johnson 8/6

(Masterton), R. H. Wilson 7/6, G. Wilson 20/-, J. J.

Esson 20/- (Wellington), J. Robertson

(Christchurch), N. T. Williams 21/-, H. Harnett 11/-,

E. G. Haynes 21/6, W. Goodwin 22/-, H. Gribble

20/-, G. Lumsden (Dunedin), W. Scott 8/6

(Invercargill), T. McArthur 41/-, A. Mabbott 11/-

(Raetihi), L. Watson 21/- (Oxford), W. G. Fraser

(Petone), R. H. T. Southee 12/8 (Kiwitea), T.

Graham (Marangai), J. Tamblyn 8/6, N. Dempsey

(Lower Hutt), D. M. Robertson 2/-(Hamilton), C.

Hiorns (Te Kuiti), T. Hewson 21/- (Opunake), J.

McLauchlan 30/- (Wyndham).

(All 10/- except those noted.)

————————

CONSECRATION OF THE

CELTIC R.A. CHAPTER, No. 42.

——◄►——

For some considerable time past there has been a

feeling amongst R.A. Masons in Dunedin that there

was room for an additional R.A. Chapter in the city.

Of the two New Zealand Chapters, Otago, No. 7,

meets at St. Kilda, and Maori, No. 28, at

Ravensbourne, and the prospects for a Chapter

established to meet in the centre of the city were

considered to be remarkably good. The

consummation of the idea has been deferred from

time to time in anticipation of the realisation of a

certain event in Craft Masonry; but some months ago

it was decided that no further postponement should

take place, and active steps were commenced for the

erection of the new Chapter. The name "Celtic " was

selected ; a good many of the promoters hailed from

that Lodge, and there was, no doubt, a considerable

element of sentiment in the choice of a name

savouring so strongly of the land from which the

parents of many of the members came. The petition,

which bore the signatures of forty-five R.A. Masons,

was duly approved by Sup. G. Chapter, and on

Thursday, 23rd June, the constitution and dedication

of the Chapter took place. The ceremony was

performed by the M.E. 1st G. Prin. (Comp. C.

Flavell), who had with him M.E. Comp. H. J.

Williams, P.G.Z., G.S.E.; M.E. Comp. Wm. Smith,

P.G.Z. ; M.E. Comp. A. Clothier, P.G.Z. ; M.E.

Comp. Thos. Ross, P.G.Z. ; R.E. Comp. H. W. S.

Hellyer, G. Supt. ; R.E. Comp. R. G. V. Parker,

P.G.Supt. ; and a number of other present and past G.

Chapter officers. The beautiful ritual, appropriate to

the consecration of a new Chapter, was impressively

rendered, V.E. Comp. J. G. Ross, P.G.D. of C.,

acting as G.D of C., and. E. Comp. Rev. C. J. Bush

King performing the duties of Acting-G.J. The

installation ceremony was conducted by the G.Supt.

(R.E. Comp. H. W. S. Hellyer), who invested and

installed V.E. Comp. G. Barclay, P. 1st G. Soj., as

1st Prin Z. ; and the latter afterwards invested and

installed his 2nd Prin. (V.E. Comp. P. J. Helean,

P.Z.) and 3rd Prin. (Comp. A. McLachlan. The

charge to the 1st Prin. was rendered by M.E. Comp.

H. J. Williams, who also presented the Charter in

very appropriate terms; and to the 2nd and 3rd Prins.

by R.E. Comp. Parker. The officers were invested by

V.E. Comps. A. McKenzie, 2nd G. Soj. ; and G.

Lumsden, P. 1st G. Soj. M.E. Comp. T. Ross

afterwards addressed the Prins., the address to the

officers was rendered by M.E. Comp. Clothier, while

M.E. Comp. Flavell addressed the companions. The

following is a full list of the officers of the new

Chapter :—Z., V.E. Comp. G. Barclay; H., V.E.

Comp. P. J. Helean; J., E. Comp. A. McLachlan ;

S.E., E. Comp. R. McMecking; S.N., E. Comp. W.

Miller ; Treas.. V.E. Comp. J. H. Moir ; 1st Soj.,

V.E. Comp. A. McKenzie ; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. A. C.

McKillop; 3rd Soj., E. Comp. A. R. Harrison; D. of

C., R.E. Comp. R. G. V. Parker; Organist, E. Comp.

F. C. Pizey ; Stewards, E. Comps. A. Logie, W. R.

McKenzie, and J. E. Newall. The gathering is

considered to have been the largest which has taken

place in connection with Capitular Freemasonry in

Dunedin. In addition to many visitors from outside,

the local Chapters, as follows, attended with their

Principals and companions :—Otago, No. 7 ; Maori,

No. 28; Otago Kil., No. 116, S.C. ; Otago, No. 844,

E.C. ; Port Chalmers Marine, No. 942, E.C. The

members of Celtic Chapter afterwards entertained

the visitors in the refectory, where a pleasant hour

was spent. During the evening thirty candidates were

proposed for exaltation, and also several as joining

members, so that the prospects of the new Chapter

may be considered as very promising.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

————————

DEDICATION AND CONSTITUTION OF

LODGE RAUKAWA, No. 224.

——◄►——

The inauguration of this Lodge in Wellington City

was marked by a good attendance and excellent

ritual rendition, expeditiously performed. The

Dep.G.M. (R.E. Bro. J. J. Esson) acted as

consecrating officer, in the absence of the G.M., and

performed his duty in a most impressive and

dignified manner. He had the assistance of M.W.

Bro. H. J. Williams, who filled the unusual office to

him of G.Sec. ; V.W. Bro. J. Sykes, as G. Chaplain ;

R.W. Bro. E. P. Rishworth, as G.D. of C.; R.W. Bro.

G. Russell, R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, V.W. Bro. C.

W. Neilsen, and W. Bro. R. H. Wilson, who bore the

Elements. W. Bro. J. C. Greer, of Lodge Wellington,

E.C., kindly presided at the organ, and W. Bros. J.

Rod and A. A. George filled the offices of Deacons.

Every attention was paid to the minutiæ of the

beautiful ceremony, and it gave the greatest pleasure

to the brethren present. Prior to its conclusion, V.W.

Bro. Rev. J. Sykes gave an address appropriate to the

occasion, and we regret that the exigencies of space

preclude its reproduction. The installation followed

closely, the conduct of this ceremony being in charge

of R.W. Bro. G. Russell, Prov.G.M. ; V.W. Bro.

Rishworth still filling the role of D. of C. W. Bros.

R. A. Nicol and S. P. Andrew were presenting

officers, and W. Bro. James Havelock Jerram was

installed as W.M. of the new Lodge with the usual

ceremonies. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros.

Flanagan, G. W. Lawrence, and H. S. Anderson. The

charter was presented by R.W. Bro. G. Russell in

terms appropriate to the occasion, and R.W. Bro. J. J.

Eason addressed the W.M. on his duties. W. Bro.

Jerram then invested Bros. B. E. Murphy as S.W.

and C. J. Hewlett as J.W., and W. Bro. H. Buddle

(W.M. of Lodge Aorangi, E.C.) charged the

Wardens. The following officers were then invested

by the W.M. :—Chaplain, Bro. Alfred Thurkettle;

Treas., W. Bro. Reginald Herbert Webb, P.M. ; Sec.,

W. Bro. Ernest Norden, P.M., P.G.J.D. ; D. of C.,

V.W. Bro. Charles William Neilsen, P.G. Reg. ;

S.D., Bro. Alfred Clarke Turnbull; J.D., Bro. Arthur

Theodore Markman ; I.G., Bro. Llewellyn Williams ;

1 S.S., Bro. Reginald G. C. Ffitch; J.S., Bro. Francis

F. Mackenzie ; Actiug-Tyler, Bro. Gardiner. R.W.

Bro. James J. Essen. Dep.G.M, will act as I.P.M. for

the current year. M.W. Bro. H. J. Williams delivered

the concluding address to the brethren. The W.M.

briefly addressed the Lodge, and promised his best

efforts. Congratulations having been offered, the

Lodge was closed at the early hour of 9 p.m.,

enabling a very pleasant time to be spent in the

refectory, where the usual toasts were honoured.

————————

A. AND A. RITE OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

——◄►——

CONSECRATION OF TARARUA

CHAPTER, No. 219.

————

A Rose Croix Chapter of the A. and A. Rite was

consecrated at Masterton on the 29th June. There

was a satisfactory attendance of E. and P. brethren,

including a fair contingent from Wellington Chapter;

No. 91, headed by its M.W.S. The G. Insp.-Gen. for

New Zealand (V. Ill. Bro. H. J. Williams) performed

the ceremonies of consecration and installation, and

was assisted by E. and P. Bro. Ven. Archdeacon A.

M. Johnson as Prelate, E. and P. Bro. James Rod as

D. of C., E. and P. Bro. Geo. Russell as 1st General,

E. and P. Bro. H. H. Seaton as 2nd General, E. and P.

Bro. G. E. Smith as Recorder, E. and P. Bro. J. C.

Greer as Organist, E. and P. Bro. C. G. F. Morice,

Capt. of the G. At the close of the dedication

ceremonies Ill. Bro. Rev. T. Porritt, 30 deg., was

impressively installed as M.W.S., and then appointed

the following officers :— Prelate, E. and P. Bro. O.

N. C. Pragnell ; Recorder, E. and P. Bro. J.

Moncrieff, P.M.W.S. ; 1st General, E. and P. Bro. G.

Russell; 2nd General, E. and P. Bro. A. R. Hansen;

Treas., E. and P. Bro. R. J. Foss, P.M.W.S. In

presenting the charter the installing officer delivered

a most appropriate address, which was quite a relief

from the usual stereotyped form. The same

distinguished brother also delivered an address on

the A. and A. Rite, which was most appreciatively

received. At the conclusion of the ceremonies

refreshments were served in the refectory, and a very

pleasant hour was spent.— [Chapter Correspondent.]

————————

MASONIC CENTRE IN BRIGHTON

SECURED.'

——◄►——

Brighton, or "London by the Sea," as it is generally

known, is a favourite resort not only of all

Englishmen, but also of all visitors. Many, however,

may not be aware of its importance as a Masonic

centre, particularly for the Province of Sussex, over

which the Duke of Richmond rules as Prov.G.M.

Brighton has two Masonic Clubs, one on the main

road leading from the railway station to the sea, and

another on the sea front itself, in a cave, known as

the Smugglers' Cave. But the most important

meeting-place for Lodges has always been the Royal

Pavilion, and this has now been reopened for

Masonic purposes, after being diverted to other

purposes for some six years.

The distinction of being the first Lodge to return to

its home belongs to the Royal Clarence; the second

oldest Lodge in Sussex, whose warrant dates back to

1789. Its only senior is the Howard Lodge of

Brotherly Love, No. 56, which meets at that other

notable seaside resort, Littlehampton, which claims

1736 as the year of its foundation. The reopening of

the Royal Pavilion for Masonic purposes happily

coincided with the installation meeting of the Royal

Clarence Lodge, when William H. Maher, the son of

an initiate of the Lodge, was duly installed into the

high office of ruler, and, at the conclusion of the

ceremony, he gave some very interesting details

concerning the Lodge.

Mr. Blaber quoted from the "Sussex Weekly

Advertiser" of 1739 to show that the sanction of the

Duke of Clarence had to be obtained to the use of his

name and title. He concluded with a reference to the

movement now in progress for the establishment of a

Masonic Temple at Brighton, and recalled the fact

that as long ago as 1850 members of the Royal

Clarence Lodge met representatives of other Lodges

at the Brighton Town Hall, and decided to start a

movement for the acquisition of a Masonic Temple

in the town, while the subject recurred in 1867, when

it was reported that attempts to secure a suitable site

for the temple had been unsuccessful, and it was

decided to approach the Brighton corporation with a

view to obtaining the permanent use of the Royal

Pavilion for Masonic purposes. It was from that date

that the association of Freemasonry with the Royal

Pavilion dated.

————————

"ONE OF THE HIDDEN MYSTERIES OF

NATURE AND SCIENCE."

——◄►——

[Paper read before the United Masters Lodge, No.

167, by W. BRO. F. R. TREVITHICK.]

WORSHIPFUL MASTER,—In a book by Wor. Bro. G.

A. Gribbin entitled "History of the Ara Lodges," are

these words : "If we were asked why we adhered to

Freemasonry, we might sum up what we had to say

in four key words—venerate, approve, admire,

enjoy. We venerate the august origin of

Freemasonry, our consciences approve the principles

which it uniformly inculcates ; we admire its

symbolic system of instruction and we enjoy the

opportunities of being emancipated from restrictions

of prejudice and joining in social re-union." "Our

institution is based upon those deep principles, from

which all that is valuable ultimately derives its

vitality."

This paper contains a brief Masonic speculation on a

hidden mystery of nature and science, and thus

appertains to the Second Degree, as in that degree we

are recommended to employ and cultivate a

scientific system of appreciating nature, our

geometrical basis supplying a means of testing and

proving the results of our efforts.

In Bro. Euclid's Elements of Geometry, the first

conception placed before us is that of a point. We

commonly think of a point as being a symbol of

some exact locality. Every college we pursue in this

world must have a point of commencement, and a

point at which we aim.

Sir Norman Lockyer, in his charming book, "The

Dawn of Astronomy," tells us that our ancient

brethren oriented their temples to a point in the

heavens through which they conceived one of the

heavenly bodies would pass at some definite time

within the year. He also points out that in laying out

the ground for the building of a temple, the first

thing done was to orient the plan by laying down a

line (the brethren will remember what are the W.T.s

in the Third Degree) to represent the axis of the

temple. This line was commenced from a point

which indicated the locality where the image

personating the Deity was to be placed and was

carried away in the direction of the particular point

in the heavens. The soul then (as it were) of a temple

was its constancy to a .definite point in the cosmos.

We should reverence our grand old brethren who,

when building a material temple, or a mystic temple

of Masonic art, always prove to have worked

rationally, always true to some definite point or

object. The point was always a conception.

That their conceptions were not myths has surely

been proved. A proper conception of the symbol of

"the point within a circle" is the foundation of

Freemasonry. The whole structure tumbles down

without trust in T.G.A.O.T.U.

"The end and aim of all scientific endeavour is to

describe natural phenomena, including all visible and

invisible things—matter, life, and mind—by simple

mechanical laws, expressible in simple mathematical

equations."

The manner in which a subject is expressed or

brought before us will prove to be either a help or a

hindrance to our understanding, therefore while we

continue to appreciate the connection of our whole

Masonic system (an echo of the fact that the universe

is one harmonious whole), we should try to avoid be-

coming confused by the multiplicity of its details.

The force of "gravity, perhaps, has more of the allure

of something infinite than anything we know of, yet,

the strength of its action is expressible in the

simplest of equations." Newton's law of inverse

squares was indeed the first found of the great

physical constants of nature. So far as we know, this

force is universal. We may say that all matter

whatsoever has the same attractive force. A feather

falls at the same rate as a cannon ball when in a

vacuum.'

(To be Continued.)

—————————————————————

Reports.
—————————————————————

[Secretaries and Scribes are requested to forward

Reports.]

————

CRAFT LODGES.

SOUTHLAND.

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

held on 8th July, W. Bro. Glancefield being in the

chair. The ceremony was the raising of four F.Cs.

The W.M. was assisted by W. Bros. Farrant, Aston,

Camn, Porter, Padget, Irvine, and Bro. Robinson.

The ceremony was well conducted. Two

propositions were received and several ballots taken.

H.G.W. being received, the Lodge was closed, and

an adjournment made to the refectory adjoining,

where the usual toasts were given and received.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. John, No. 94.—At the regular meeting held in

June W. Bro. Fraser conducted his first meeting

since being installed. The Degree work was the

initiation of three candidates. The W.M. was assisted

by W. Bros. Manson, Fortune, Bonifant, also Bros.

Wilson, Lawson, Curle, and Jackson. A very

enjoyable gathering was held in the refectory at the

conclusion of the ceremonial.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Lodge Taringatura, No. 100.—The June meeting

was very well attended. W. Bro. H. Ewen presided,

and conducted the ceremony of raising one

candidate. Those assisting in the ceremony were

P.Ms. Johnson, Graham; Campbell, Beer, and

Roxburgh, and Bro. Hayles. The building committee

reported on their work concerning the new social

hall, which will be completed within a few weeks.

The opening ceremony, taking the form of a banquet

and ball, will be held on Friday, 26th August. The

hour spent in the refectory was an exceedingly

pleasant one. The musical and elocutionary items

and the speeches of members and visitors were of

high order. Bro. John Fraser, a former officer of the

Lodge, after a long absence, was present, and was

heartily welcomed. The members of the Lodge are

preparing for a very large gathering of Masons on

the occasion of the opening of the new social hall.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Lodge Victoria, No. 147.—The July meeting was

held on the 12th, W. Bro. Derbie in the chair. The

elect-ion of officers was conducted. The business

was the initiation of one candidate, which was

conducted by W. Bro. Derbie, W.M., assisted by W.

Bros. Brokenshire, Geddes, Petrie, and junior

officers. The customary social hour was held after

the ceremonial work.—[Lodge Correspondent. ]

————

Lodge Waikaka, No. 151.—The installation

meeting was held on 27th June, when Bro. Robt.

Murray was installed as W.M. by W. Bro. R. P.

Boyne. There was a large attendance, a special train

being run from Gore. W. Bro. E. C. Smith acted as

D. of C. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. D.

R. Howden and J. Lipscombe. The Wardens were

invested and addressed by W. Bro. Steadman (Lodge

Harvey) ; Sec. and Treas. by W. Bro. T. J.

Sherborne, jun. ; Chaplain and D. of C. by W. Bro. J.

Lipscombe (Lodge St. John); Deacons by W. Bro. A.

Scott (Lodge Waihopai, No. 189) ; I.G., Tyler and

Stewards by W. Bro. Howden. W. Bro. E. C. Smith

addressed the brethren. A splendid banquet was held

after the ceremony in the Oddfellows' Hall.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Mataura, No. 174.—The installation meeting was

held on 13th July, and was conducted by R.W. Bro.

A. B. Haggitt, Prov. G.M. of Southland, assisted by

various G.L. officers. W. Bro. D. Howden was

installed in the chair for the second time, the other

officers being: Bros. P. Tait (S.W.) D. McK.

McDonald (J.W.) R. W. Coltherd (S.D.), W. L.

McIntosh (J.D.), J. McDonald (I.G.). W. Bro. V.

Smith, of Lodge Waihopai, carried out the duties of

D. of C. in his usual efficient manner. A noticeable

feature of this gathering was the very splendid

representative attendance of members of the Craft,

some 21 Lodges having tendered H.G.W. A pleasant

hour was spent in the refectory after the meeting,

when the usual toasts were proposed and responded

to, one brother from Ireland mentioning that should

any of the brethren be taking a week-end trip to

Belfast, Ireland, and felt inclined to visit an Irish

Lodge, he could assure them a hearty welcome.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Waihopai, No. 189.— The first meeting conducted

by W. Bro. Wm. Mitchell was held in the Masonic

Hall, Gladstone, on 20th June. There was a splendid

attendance. Five ballots were taken and found clear.

The ceremonial work was to initiate three candidates.

The W.M. obligated the candidates, and was assisted

by W. Bros. A. Scott, R. M. Todd, V. C. Smith, and

Bros. Wardens. After the Lodge closed all gathered

for a short while in the social room to partake of

light refreshment,—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tuatapere, No. 210.—The regular meeting was held

on 22nd June. W. Bro. J. J. Hinchcliff, W.M., who

has been laid aside by an operation, has progressed

in health very satisfactorily, and was present and

handed the gavel to W. Bro. F. A. Kemp, I.P.M. to

open and conduct the routine business of the Lodge.

W. Bro. C. C. Nicholas was called on by the Acting-

W.M. to conduct the ceremony of initiation on one

candidate, and was ably assisted in the ceremony by

W. Bros. G. E. Charlton and F. A. Kemp and Bros.

R. Windleburn, J. A. Weavers, W. Young, B.

Richards, and G. N. Stancombe.. Brethren now

reported regarding their visitations, and H.G.W. were

received from Lodge Orepuki. One proposition was

received for membership.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

[Lodge 221 being placed in the Southland district

was a typographical error.—ED.C.]

————————

OTAGO.

Hiram, No. 46.—An emergency meeting was held

on the 21st June, when four brothers were passed to

the Second Degree, one on behalf of Lodge Ngapara,

No. 68.

The regular meeting was held on the 28th June, the

W.M. (Bro. Cardno) presiding. The Prov.G.M.

(R.W. Bro. Fieldwick) was present. Two candidates

were elected. The ritual work consisted in the

initiation of four candidates, and was carried out in a

manner that evoked the commendation of R.W. Bro.

Fieldwick. Several G.L. certificates were presented

by the Prov.G.M. One candidate was proposed for

initiation. The Lodge closed at 9.40 p.m.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Dunstan, No. 10.—Last month the W.M. and

brethren of Lodge Dunstan paid an Official visit to

Lodge Manuherikia Kil., when they were invited to

carry out the ceremony of raising Bros. J. Frater and

N. Mason. There was a large attendance of brethren,

and the ceremony was splendidly carried out, Lodge

Dunstan being complimented on their working.

Lodge Dunstan had the pleasure of entertaining the

officers and brethren of Lodge Manuherikia the

following week, when the latter carried out the

ceremony of initiating one brother.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Manuherikia Kil., No. 109.—The regular meeting

was held in the Lodgeroom on 17th June. Lodge

Dunstan paid a visit in force, and performed the

ceremony of raising three candidates. A very

pleasant hour was afterwards spent in the refectory,

the usual toasts being honoured, and congratulations

showered on the visitors for their very effective

working of the Third Degree.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Ionic, No. 191.— Under perfect weather conditions

a record assemblage assisted in the installation of

Bro. A. R. Harrison as Well. on 13th July. The

Installing Master was R.W. Bro. A. Fieldwick,

Prov.G.M., who was accompanied by numerous G.L.

officers. After due assent to the Antient Charges, the

W.M.-elect was obligated, and thereafter in a B. of

I.M. duly installed in the chair of K.S., and due

honours were accorded him. On the readmission of

the brethren the usual proclamations were made, and

the W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros. G. Winter, J.

McCormack, and R. Clark. The Prov.G.M. presented

the Charter, B. of C., and the By-laws. V.W. Bro. W.

G. Hay, G. Reg., invested Bros. Thos. Graham

(S.W.) and Thos. Tomkins (J.W.), W. Bro. H. W. S.

Hellyer, P.J.D., invested W. Bros. S. F. Bridgman

(Sec.), N. P. Bremner (Treas.), J. L. Miller (D. of

C.), J. A. McPhee (Chaplain), and Bro. P. Rouse

(Organist). W. Bro. Jacobsen, P.G.S., invested Bros.

Jno. Miller (S.D.), J. C. Lindsay (J.D.), R.

Tilleyshort (I.G.), A. A. Fleming (Tyler), and Jno.

McPhee (Chief Steward). R.W. Bro. Geo. Barclay,

P.G.W., G.Sec. addressed the W.M. ; W. Bro. P.

McCaskill the Wardens; and W. Bro. A. McLachlan

the brethren. Bro. B. Tait was Trumpeter, and Bro.

M. Hope presided at the organ. A solo, "My Task,"

was capitally rendered by Bro. R. Shrimpton. The

whole ceremony was excellently rendered, and was

most capably controlled by V.W. Bro. W. Lischner,

G.D. of C. W. Bro. Benfell, the retiring W.M., was

presented with a P.M.s jewel at the hands of the

Prov.G.M., who bore testimony to the work of the

past year. R.W. Bro. Barclay addressed W. Bro. S. F.

Bridgman on entering on his fourth term as Sec., and

on behalf of the Lodge made a presentation of a

handsome Sec.'s jewel. Both recipients suitably

responded. The W.M. thanked all and sundry for his

election and installation, and received numerous

fraternal greetings. The Lodge was closed in good

time, and all adjourned to the refectory, where an

enthusiastic and successful gathering took place. In

responding to the toast of G.L., the Prov.G.M. gave

most excellent advice concerning the admission of

members. The usual other toasts were honoured, and

a good musical programme contributed to the

success of the evening.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

CANTERBURY.

————

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

on 5th July, W. Bro. Owen, W.M., presiding over a

good attendance. Special committees were elected to

carry out celebrations in connection with the 70th

birthday of the Lodge in October. The W.M. handed

the gavel to W. Bro. Taylor, who, with the assistance

of other P.Ms. of the Lodge, conducted the work,

which was the raising of a brother. The W. Bros.

who assisted W. Bro. Taylor were:— I.P.M., Law

S.W., Hatton; J.W., Furneaux; Chaplain, Flavell ; D.

of C., Walker ; S.D., Collett ; J.D., Smith; I.G.,

McKeown. Afterwards a pleasant hour was spent in

the refectory, the P.Ms. again being to the fore in

song and story.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

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

held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 12th July.

The W.M. (W. Bro. H. J. Ranger) was in the chair.

The domestic part of the meeting included the

nomination of R.W. Bro. F. C. B. Bishop as

Prov.G.M. for Canterbury, considerable

correspondence, and reading propositions of two

candidates for membership. The brethren were

raised, the W.M. being assisted by W. Bros. Dr.

Marks (W.M. Canterbury, No. 1348, E.C.), Cooper

(W.M. Crown, No. 138), Stables, McGregor B.

Wright, Duff, Ker, Tomkinson, and Richardson. The

usual harmonious hour in the refectory followed the

closing of the Lodge.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Southern Cross, No. 6.—The regular meeting was

held on 7th July, W. Bro. Fuldseth presiding. The

work was raising one brother. The ceremony was

conducted by W. Bro. Archdall, W.M. of Lodge

Ashley, assisted by his officers and P.Ms. After

routine business had been disposed of, the Lodge

was closed, and brethren adjourned to the refectory,

where a pleasant social hour was spent.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Christchurch, No. 91.—The monthly meeting was

held in the Masonic Hall on 28th July, W. Bro. T. C.

Hill (W.M.) presiding. Formal business having been

disposed of, the W.M. handed over the gavel to R.W.

Bro. S. C. Bingham to conduct the ceremony of

raising four brethren. The Acting-W.M. called on the

following P.Ms. to officer the Lodge :—S.W., V.W.

Bro. Hopkinson; J.W., W. Bro. J. Mitchell; Chaplain,

W. Bro. Newth; I.P.M., W. Bro. A. C. Andrews;

J.D., W. Bro. F. L. Adams; S.D., W. Bro. G. Yemm;

D. of C., W. Bro. Torrance; Assistant-D. of C., W.

Bro. Kiddey ; I.G., W. Bro. Roberts; Tyler, R.W.

Bro. Arnold. The candidates were obligated by R.W.

Bro. Bingham, who also gave the first portion of the

Exhort. and communicated the secrets of the Degree;

W. Bro. Yernm gave the second portion of the

Exhort. ; the Apron Charge was given by W. Bro.

Hill; the W.Ts. were explained by W. Bro. Torrance;

the Trad. History was related by W. Bro. G.

McLean; the T.B. was explained by W. Bro.

Fergusson ; the Final Charge being given by W. Bro.

Manzey. The Lodge having been closed in due form,

a social hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Robert Burns, No. 139.—The regular meeting was

held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 21st June,

the W.M. (Bro. W. E. Rogers) presiding over a large

attendance. The officers for the ensuing year having

been nominated, two brethren were raised. In the

ceremony the W.M. was assisted by W. Bros. J. W.

Hillary (W.M., Lodge Avon), Hill (W.M., Lodge

Christchurch), Vogan (W.M., Lodge Lincoln),

Robinson, Blackmore, Eastwood, and Kirker, and

Bro. L. W. Ormandy. A pleasant hour was spent in

the refectory, the toast of "The Visitors" calling forth

a lot of amusing speeches.

An emergency meeting was held on 6th July, when

there was again a good attendance, presided over by

the W.M. (Bro. W. E. Rogers). Four brethren were

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

Robinson, Blackmore, Eastwood, Hunter, and

Kirker, and Bros. Ormandy and Newman.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Tawera, No. 188.—The ordinary meeting was held

on 5th July, the W.M. (W. Bro. T. C. Horn)

presiding. There was a good attendance, which was

especially gratifying inasmuch as there was no

ceremonial working. The W.M. gave an interesting

report of G.L. proceedings, as well as his

impressions thereon, for which he was thanked. At

the request of the W.M., W. Bro. L. Watson, I.P.M.,

addressed the Lodge, and chose for his subject "The

Application of Masonic Truths to Civic Life.'-The

speaker, by apt illustration and quotation, showed

how the principles inculcated within the Lodgeroom

could be exemplified in civic life, spreading the

influence from the individual to the community,

leavening public opinion, and determining world

activities. W. Bro. Watson was heartily thanked for

his encouraging and inspiring address. A very

pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Acacia, No. 209.—The monthly meeting was held in

the Lodge-room on 20th June, and was presided over

by W. Bro. Canter. After a lot of business had been

transacted, the Lodge was closed in due form. There

was no retirement to the refectory, owing to the next

night being a long night at social for ladies.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————————

MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.

Wairau, No. 42.—The installation meeting was held

on 28th June, over a hundred brethren, including

twenty-two P.Ms., being present. Bro. W. R.

Mackintosh was placed in the chair and proclaimed

as W.M. V.W. Bro. R. P. Furness, Dep. Prov. G.M.,

was the installing officer. A pleasing feature was that

assisting him were three P.Prov.G.Ms. (R.W. Bros.

W. W. De Castro, W. E. Redman, and C. H. Mills).

W. Bro. J. F. Nosworthy, Acting G.D. of C.,

presented Bro. W. R. Mackintosh, who took the

customary Ob. At the B. of I.M. W. Bro. W. J.

Girling was S.W., and W. Bro. W. C. Lucas J.W., the

latter also presenting the W.Ts. W. Bro. Mackintosh

invested W. Bro. A. E. Jellyman as I.P.M. On the re-

admission of the brethren the proclamations and

salutations in the three degrees were given, and the

W.Ts. presented by W. Bros. W. G. Rudd, S. J. Ball,

and T. Myles. W. Bro. M. McKenzie, P.G.D.,

presented the Charter, B. of C., and By-laws; and

R.W. Bro. W. E. Redman delivered the Charge to the

W.M. W. Bro. Mackintosh invested Bros. S. V. Croft

and A. F. N. Lucas as S.W. and J.W. respectively ;

R.W. Bro. W. W. De Castro, P.Prov.G.M., delivering

the charge to the Wardens. The investiture of the

other officers was performed by W. Bros. A. Gibson,

J. F. Nosworthy, A. E. Jellyman, W. H. Moore, and

D. Crowe, the officers for the ensuing year being as

follows :— W.M., Bro. W. R. Mackintosh ; I.P.M.,

W. Bro. A. E. Jellyman ; D.M., W. Bro. H. Boyce;

S.W., Bro. S. V. Croft; J.W., Bro. A. F. N. Lucas;

Chaplain, Bro. B. J. Cooke; Treas., W. Bro. M.

McKenzie, P.G.D. ; Sec., W. Bro. W. C. Lucas,

P.G.S.; S.D., Bro. E. Quayle; J.D., Bro. A. W. O.

Renner ; D. of C., W. Bro. W. W. Tyler; I.G., Bro. J.

J. McFarlane; S.S., Bro. W. Milroy ; J.S., Bro. J.

Miller ; Tyler, Bro. J. W. Fraser. The final address to

the brethren was delivered by R.W. Bro. C. H. Mills,

P.Prov.G.M. The collection in aid of the Annuity

Fund amounted to £8. Before the G.L. officers

retired, V.W. Bro. Furness, on behalf of Lodge

Wairau, presented W. Bro, A. E. Jellyman with a

P.M.'s jewel, with best wishes for the recipient on

the well deserved recognition of his term as W.M.

H.G.W. were received from visitors. The "Fourth,"

held in an adjoining hall, was a pleasant function,

Bro. M. A. Cheek having charge of the music, as

also in the Lodgeroom, and carrying out his duties in

his usual efficient manner. The usual loyal and other

toasts were honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Unanimity, No. 106.—The last meeting, held on

14th July, was very well attended. W. Bro. W. G.

Rudd, W.M., was in the chair. On account of the fact

that he is leaving Blenheim shortly for Dunedin, Bro.

T. Halligan, S.W., was not a candidate for the

W.M.'s chair. W. Bro. J. M. Lightfoot, Treas., was

elected to that position. Bro. C. N. Fisk was re-

elected Tyler. Three Bros. Rudd were raised to the

degree of M.M. by the W.M., assisted by V.W. Bro.

R. P. Furness, W. Bros. J. M. Lightfoot, H. R.

Bagge, and C. A. Eckford, and Bro. E. L. Hay,

Organist, the last-named explaining the W.Ts. in an

excellent manner. A short lecture was given by R.W.

Bro. W. E. Redman, P.Prov.G.M., on the early

history of the G.L. of England. R.W. Bro. C. H.

Mills, P.Prov.G.M., was elected as one of the

Lodge's representatives on the Marlborough United

Board of Enquiry, in place of W. Bro. W. M.

Lambie, who has left Blenheim. Two brethren were

proposed as joining members, and two candidates for

initiation. The proceedings in the refectory were of a

very enjoyable nature, songs, recitations, and a

whistling solo being interspersed among the usual

toasts.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

HAWKES BAY.

Victoria, No. 21.—The regular meeting was held on

5th July, with an excellent muster. Among the large

number of visitors was the Prov.G.M. (R.W. Bro. J.

W. Ritchie). The degree work was initiation. The

W.M. was assisted by W. Bros. W. G. Jarvis, E. J.

Bull, H. Bate, J. B. Andrew, W. A. Wilkie, Bro. F.

R. Lee, and W. Bro. Whitton. A pleasant surprise

was sprung upon the members in the presentation to

the Lodge of a handsome W. M.'s chair by three

esteemed brethren, and is a handsome addition to the

Lodge furniture and reflects great credit on the

brethren responsible for its manufacture and design.

H.G.W. were tendered. A pleasant hour in the

refectory brought a profitable meeting to a close.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Rawhiti, No 66.—The installation of Bro. William

Beedie as W.M. took place at Dannevirke on 25th

May, when 126 visitors and members signed the

attendance book. The ceremony was carried out by

R.W. Bro. J. W. Ritchie, Prov.G.M., assisted by

R.W. Bro. R. S. Chadwick, P.Prov.G.M., other G.L.

officers being W. Bros. Jonathan Brown, J. Hobson,

H. P. Horne, A. J. Turville, J. Craven, G.S.B., and F.

A. C. Baddeley. W. Bro. R. A. Gillespie, G.D. of C.,

made the proclamations, and the W.Ts. in the

degrees were presented by W. Bros. H. Gilmore

Smith (P.M., Lodge Pacific, No. 1453, E.C.),

Gunning (W.M., Lodge Lion), and Offwood (W.M.,

Lodge Ruahine). The Charter and By-laws were

presented by R.W. Bro. Ritchie, P.G.M., who also

addressed the brethren, and the WM. was addressed

by R.W. Bro. Chadwick, P.Prov.G.M., the address to

the Wardens being given by W. Bro. H. N. Benson.

The following officers were invested :—D.M., W.

Bro. W. Dobson; S.W., Bro. J. J. K. Gilmour ; J.W.,

Bro. G. I. Anderson; Treas., W. Bro. J. C. Davidson ;

Sec., Bro. A. J. C. Runciman ; D, of C., W. Bro. W.

Snell; S.D., Bro. C. J. Hansard; J.D., Bro. J.

Livingston; I.G., Bro. J. Trotter; S.S., Bro. P. W.

Dorrington; J.S., Bro. M. W. Hartgill ; Tyler, Bro. A.

H. Ross; Chaplain, Bro. S. Ashcroft; Organist, Bro.

W. McKinnon. After the installation ceremony, R.W.

Bro. R. S. Chadwick, on behalf of the brethren of

Lodge Rawhiti, presented W. Bro. W. Dobson with a

P.M.'s jewel. At the close of the Lodge the brethren

adjourned to the Town Hall, where a most enjoyable

banquet had been provided, and the usual toasts were

duly honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Heretaunga, No. 73.—A fine night and a waxing

moon helped considerably in making the attendance

of 220 brethren (including 56 P.Ms.) at our annual

meeting a record for us on 13th July. The R.W.

Prov.G.M. and R.W. Bro. Harston, P.Prov.G.M.,

were present, assisted by W. brethren from all

Lodges in the Hawkes Bay district as Assistant G.L.

officers, for the purpose of installing Bro. J. E. Jones

into the Oriental chair. The large number of brethren

present bore their discomforts bravely and with

commendable endurance, for if the temple is full

with an attendance of 100 brethren, what is the

superlative term for more than double that number?

It being the first visit to this Lodge as Prov.G.M.,

R.W. Bro. J. Ritchie quickly disarmed any critics by

his excellent work and his sound practical address

and appeal in the refectory on behalf of the Annuity

Fund, which amounted before the brethren dispersed

to £30. The W.Ts. were presented by W. Bros.

Elliott, Morling, Hill, and Wilkins, and the several

addresses were given by W. Bros. Bishop, E. Bull,

and R.W. Bro. Harston. The whole work of the

ceremony was marked with precision and

promptitude, and must have created a very

favourable impression. Bro. Sec., on behalf of the

members of the Lodge, presented a jewel to W. Bro.

Tombs for super-excellent work as Organist for a

great number of years, but now residing in Napier,

his change of towns being a great loss to this Lodge.

Another milestone in the history of this Lodge is

passed, and everything points to a very successful

year for W. Bro. J. Jones and his enthusiastic

officers, The refreshment part of the evening's work

was held in the adjacent hall, the periods between the

toasts being filled with music, song, and recitations.

"Cohen at the Telephone," by W. Bro. H. G. Smith,

created boisterous and uproarious applause, and very

deservedly so. The forty-third annual meeting is now

past, and we will go on striving, and perhaps

achieving, for the good that we can do for

Freemasonry, and therefore the uplifting of all. The

following officers were invested :—S.W., Bro. J. R.

Foot, P.S.W. ; J.W., Bro. A. W. Hamilton; Treas.,

W. Bro. W. A. Carter, P.G.D. ; Sec., Bro. T. Morgan,

P.G.W.; D. of C., W. Bro. L. T. Cooper; Chaplain,

Bro. R. Waugh; Organist, Bro. T. J. Ferbrache; S.D.,

Bro. F. J. Cowlrick; J.D., Bro. C. Palmer; I.G., Bro.

A. W. Parkinson; Tyler, Bro. J. Burns; S.S., Bro. W.

H Scott; J.S., Bro. A. Beckett; .Assist.-Stewards,

Bros. J. Fix and R. W. Hislop.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————————

AUCKLAND.

United Service, No. 10.—The annual meeting was

held in the Freemasons' Hall on 29th June, when

Bro. H. T. Garrett was installed as W.M. W. Bro. A.

C. Hallett, the retiring W.M., performed the duties of

Installing Master. M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson, P.G.M.,

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

attendance. The ceremony was carried through in a

very impressive manner, and W. Bro. Hallett was the

recipient of laudatory commendation upon his fine

work. W. Bro. M. Beney, P.G.B.B., addressed the

W.M., while W. Bro. J. S. Hope, P.G.D., performed

a like service to the Wardens. M.W. Bro. O.

Nicholson delivered a stirring address to the

brethren. W. Bro. C. C. Dutton, W.M., was D. of C. ;

W. Bros. J. Dawson and J. Stanwell were presenting

officers. W. Bros. W. J. Gladding (W.M. Lodge

Eden, No. 1530, E.C.), S. Holden Howie (W.M:,

Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708, S.C.), and E. Ashby

(W.M., Lodge Ara, No. 348, I.C.) presented the

W.Ts. in the respective degrees. The musical portion

of the ceremony was under the able direction of Bro.

D. V. Lillicrap, Organist; and Bro. F. C. Burnnand

(of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 418) was Herald. Officers

for the ensuing twelve months were invested as

follows :— I.P.M., W. Bro. A. C. Hallett; S.W., Bro.

G. F. Pelham ; J.W., Bro. S. W. Turley; Treas., W.

Bro. J. C. Spinley (re-elected ; Sec., W. Bro. M.

Berry; D.M., W. Bro. J. W. Swales; D. of C., W.

Bro. W. Tailby, P.G.S.B. ; Chaplain, Bro. E. L.

Harvie; S.D., W. Tailby, jun.; J.D., Bro. A. W. T.

Pooley; Organist, Bro. D. V. Lillicrap; I.G., Bro. W.

L. Rowland; S.S., Bro. A. V. Swales; J.S., Bro. J. H.

Jones; .Assist.-Stewards, Bros. A. L. Kluver, G. C.

Connell, W. Binden, J. S. Garrett; W. T. Rowe, H. J.

Job, G. A. Elwin ; Preceptor, W. Bro. A. C. Hallett.

During the offertory Bro. O. Finlay (Lodge

Auckland, No. 87) played a trombone solo, "The

Lost. Chord." At the conclusion of the ceremony

M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson, on behalf of the brethren of

Lodge United Service, presented the I.P.M. (W. Bro.

Hallett) with a beautiful I.P.M.'s jewel, at the same

time paying a tribute to the excellent work done by

the recipient, during the past year. W. Bro. W.

Tailby, on his retirement from the office of Sec., was

also honoured by the members of the Lodge with a

Sec.'s jewel. W. Bro. Hallett presented the Lodge

with a handsome D. of C.'s baton. The attendance

numbered over 240 members and visitors, and a

pleasant, hour was spent in the refectory, when the

usual toasts were honoured.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Beta Waikato, No. 12.—The installation of Bro. H.

B. Jenkin as W.M. took place at Hamilton on 27th

June, and was a record gathering-in every way; 156

signed the attendance book, and 33 different Lodges

were represented. The ceremony was in the capable

hands of M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, P.G.M.,

Prov.G.M., assisted by G.L. officers and several

W.Ms. of sister Lodges. As D. of C., R.W. Bro. W.

R. Leighton, P.G.J.W., was at his very best, and an

orchestra, under Bro. T. S. Webster, supplied the

musical portion in a most efficient manner. The

presenting officers were W. Bro. H. Speight and W.

Bro. H. Thorpe. The officers invested were : W.M.,

Bro. H. B. Jenkin ; I.P.M., W. Bro. E. A. Bryant;

D.M., W. Bro. W. Day, P.M.; S.W., Bro. A. Bullock;

J.W., Bro. Geo. Primrose; Sec., W. Bro. C. Speight;

Treas., Bro. I. G. Reynolds; Chaplain, W. Bro. W. H.

Fricker; D. of C., W. Bro. H. N. Forsythe; S.D., Bro.

Frank Vickery ; J.D., Bro. Arthur W. Smith ;

Organist, W. Bro. Bain; I.G., Bro. Jas. Oldham; S.S.,

Bro. F. Campbell; J.S., Bro. Carrick Nisbet; Tyler,

Bro. P. Prisk. The Lodgeroom has recently been

renovated, and looked very fine. A pleasing feature

of the renovation was the fact that the whole of the

cost was defrayed by the members without drawing

on the Lodge funds. During the evening the

opportunity was taken by the M.W.G.M. of

presenting P.Ms.' jewels to W. Bros. Bain and

Forsythe. After the ceremony an adjournment was

made to the Town Hall, which had been most

tastefully decorated, and a splendid supper was

thoroughly enjoyed by all. The toast list was

responsible for several fine speeches, and the

installation of 1921 was voted by all to be the finest

Masonic gathering ever held in Hamilton.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Waipu, No. 179.—The Lodge met on 21st June.

Stormy weather kept back quite a number. The

meeting was small, but profitable. The W.M. (W.

Bro. Snaith) being on holiday, W. Bro. McMillan, D.

of C., occupied the chair. Bro. Hart, who has been in

Australia for some years, has just returned, and was

admitted a joining member. Many of the older

brethren, as well as the younger brethren, gave him a

hearty welcome. As there was no degree work, W.

Bro. McMillan opened in the Second Degree, and

had the 2nd T.B. explained. A pleasant half-hour was

enjoyed in the refectory after the closing of the

Lodge.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Whakatane, No. 198.—On 13th July an emergency

meeting was called for the purpose of accompanying

the remains of our late Bro. Cornelius Mahoney to

their last resting place. Lodge was tyled at 2 p.m. and

opened in the Third Degree, after which the brethren

in procession .preceded the hearse to the grave-side.

The Anglican Church service was read by Bro.

Klingender, and W. Bro. Snell followed him with the

very impressive Masonic service. At its conclusion

the brethren cast their sprigs of acacia into the open

grave, and returned to the Lodgeroom to close down.

The regular meeting was held on 15th July, when

there was a good gathering of brethren. W. Bro.

Franklin, W.M., occupied the chair and conducted

the initiation of one candidate, being assisted in the

work by W. Bros. Snell, Prideaux, Read, and

Peebles. The election of officers for the ensuing year

was held, and Bro. F. Arthur Read, S.W., was

unanimously elected as W.M., W. Bro. Buddle as

Treas., and Bro. Prideaux as Tyler. All the remaining

officers were returned unopposed. An interchange of

congratulations in the refectory brought to a close a

very enjoyable evening.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

RUAPEHU.

Manawatu Kil., No. 47.—The monthly meeting was

held on 13th July. There was a good attendance. The

main business was the raising of two brethren. The

ceremony was conducted by the W.M. (W. Bro. E.

V. West), assisted by W. Bros. Clark, Torstonson,

Holben, and Raleigh, and Bro. S.W. Two candidates

for initiation were elected, and three were proposed.

W. Bro. E. K. G. Tucker, I.P.M., was presented with

a P.M.'s jewel, on behalf of the officers of the Lodge,

by W. Bro. Holben. In this refectory the usual toasts

were honoured, and W. Bro. Cameron (CRAFTSMAN

representative) gave an interesting response to that of

the visitors, exhorting those present to live up to and

act upon the grand principles of the Order.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Huia, No. 171.—The monthly meeting took place on

7th July, when, for some unaccountable reason, the

attendance was not up to the usual standard. An

official visit from the W.M., officers, and brethren of

Lodge Manawatu Kil. gave an additional interest to

the proceedings. The W.M. and his officers

conducted the ceremony of raising a brother. This

being the first working of a Third since assuming

office, a little more attention to details is necessary

ere we perfect ourselves. At the conclusion of the

ceremonial two propositions were received for

initiation. After retirement a few toasts were received

and duly honoured. The brethren were pleased to

meet W. Bro. Cameron once again. His activities as

canvasser for the CRAFTSMAN appear to be as keen

as ever. In this connection he secured several new

subscribers to the official organ of the Craft during

his visit.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Mouton, No. 195.—The regular meeting was held

on 23rd June, with an excellent attendance of

brethren. The report and balance-sheet showed a

very satisfactory year's working, and was adopted

without discussion. The ceremonial work of

initiating one candidate was ably conducted by the

W.M. (W. Bro. Runnerstrum), who was assisted by

the following brethren :— W. Bro. Bowater, W. Bro.

Symes, Bro. E. Senior, S.D., Bro. C. L. Cornish,

S.W., and W. Bro. Deem. A very enjoyable hour was

spent in the refectory. The singing talent, being of a

very high character, was much appreciated.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

WELLINGTON.

Leinster, No. 44.—The annual meeting was held on

4th July, Bro. W. J. Garrett, W.M., presiding. There

was a large attendance to do honour to the W.M.-

elect (Bro. D. Parnell). The Dep.G.M. (R.W. Bro. J.

J. Esson) was accorded the usual honours.

Accompanying him were the following G.L. officers

R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, R.W. Bro. H. Seaton, V.W.

Bro. C. W. Neilsen, V.W. Bro, Bridge, W. Bro. J. H.

Worboys, Bro. J. H. Sykes, W. Bro. J. Rod, V.W.

Bro. Jones, and W. Bros. A. A. George, H. W.

Preston, R. H. Wilson, H. V. Futter J. Gordon,

Shand, Roberts, Bland, and Parsons. R.W. Bro.

George Russell, Prov.G.M., was unavoidably absent

through illness. W. Bro. D. Ritchie presented the

W.M.-elect. The-Ancient Charges were read by W.

Bro. A. McLaren, Sec. The Ob. of Fealty was given

by the retiring W.M., who then handed the gavel to

the Installing Master (R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison), who

was assisted by W. Bro. Roberts, S.W. ; W. Bro. W.

A. Baudinet, J.W.; W. Bro. A. Longmore, I.G. ; and

W. Bro. Wilson, Chaplain. The proclamations were

read by the D. of-C. (W. Bro. E. B. Parsons), and the

trumpet calls by Bro. H. McComish. The address to

the W.M. was given by the D.G.M. (R.W. Bro. J. J.

Esson). V.W. Bro. Jones invested Bro. E. C. Smyth

as S.W. and Bro. H. W. McCarthy as J.W., the

address being given by W. Bro. R. H. Wilson. W.

Bro. Jones invested the following officers :—Treas.,

W. Bro. W. A. Baudinet; Sec., W. Bro. A. McLaren;

Chaplain, W. Bro. R. H. Wilson ; D. of C., W. Bro.

R. J. Shakes; S.D., Bro. B. J. Jackson; J.D., Bro. A.

F. Baudinet ; I.G., Bro. E. A. Thompson ; Organist,

Bro. J. Cowley ; S.S., Bro. T. H. Wilson; J.S., Bro.

G. A. Jamieson ; Tyler, Bro. M. J. F. Gardner. R.W.

Bro. J. J. Esson, D.G.M., presented W. Bro. W. J.

Garrett with a P.M.'s jewel. W. Bro. Garrett suitably

responded. The W.M. having tendered thanks, a

collection for the Annuity Fund was taken, and

amounted to £8 14s. The W.Ts. in the various

degrees were presented by W. Bros. R. A. Scott, G.

W. Lawrence, and G. F. Browne. H.G.W. having

been tendered, the Lodge was closed. A very

pleasant time was spent in the refectory, where the

various loyal and Masonic toasts were duly

honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

St. Mark, No. 53.—The regular monthly meeting

was held on 14th July at 2.30 p.m., when one

candidate was passed, being duly obligated by W.

Bro. R. Smith. The Secrets were communicated by

W. Bro. R. Stout, the S.E. Charge by W. Bro.

Hughes, the W.Ts. jointly by the W.M., S.W., and

J.W., the Charge after Passing by Bro. W. A.

Kitchen, S.W., the T.B. by R.W. Bro. J. Moncrieff.

One proposal was received for initiation. After the

Lodge was closed, the refectory was-reached, when

two visiting brethren were warmly welcomed and a

very pleasant evening was spent.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Hinemoa, No. 122.—Thursday, 14th July, was a

great night. The attendance was large, taxing the

accommodation to the utmost. There were several

reasons for this. Two brethren were to be raised to

the sublime degree ; there was the election of

officers, always an important event at Hinemoa ; it

was the last regular meeting of a very popular W.M.

(Bro. S. L. Russell). The Prov.G.M. had intimated

that he would be present, and, in addition, it was

learned that the Dep.G.M. (R.W. Bro. Esson), with

local G.L. officers, was paying an official visit, and a

right royal welcome was given them all. The whole

proceedings were conducted with a solemnity and-

decorum befitting the occasion, and, while the

meeting was unavoidably long, it was nevertheless

characterised by harmony and that spirit of

fellowship we always endeavour to promote. The

Prov.G.M. presented several brethren with their

M.Ms.' certificates. After the conclusion of the

business an adjournment was made to the refectory,

where an exceedingly interesting and pleasant hour

was spent. On the request of the W.M., the Dep.G.M.

turned on "Hinemoa" light, an electrical decoration,

and in a happy speech referred to the symbolic

nature of the colour effect, white and blue expressing

the hope that Hinemoa members might ever be

famed for their purity of character and unsurpassed

for their benevolence. The decoration was designed

by, and was the outcome of loving labour by, Bro. E.

G. Cooper, the brethren of the Lodge contributing

about £11. for material—just another evidence of

their loyalty and appreciation of their mother Lodge.

Altogether it was a delightful evening, the time

passing all too quickly.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Tutanekai, No. 156.—The regular meeting was held

in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, on 7th July, the

W.M. (Bro. F. Read) presiding over a satisfactory

attendance. After transacting routine business the

ceremonial of initiation was proceeded with by the

W.M., who was assisted in the work by W. Bro.

Martin, Acting-S.W. (Investiture and Signs); Bro.

Mollinson, J.W. (N.E. Charge); Bro. Jones, S.D.

(Apron Charge); Bro: Latham, Acting-Tyler (W.Ts.);

Bro. Barnes, S.S. (Prep.); W. Bro. Key was

responsible for the Final Charge. During the evening

W. Bro. Shand presented W. Bro. Key with his

P.M.'s certificate. The Lodge closed at 9.45 p.m.,

when the customary adjournment was made.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

————

Otari, No. 190.—The installation meeting was held

on 12th July, the Lodge being tyled at 5.30 p.m., the

W.M. (W. Bro. Jas. Craig) presiding. After disposal

of Lodge business, visitors were admitted. M.W.

Bro. H. J. Williams, P.G.M., R,W. Bro. J. J. Esson,

Dep.G.M., R.W. Bro. Russell, Prov.G.M.,

accompanied by G.L. officers, past and present, were

admitted and welcomed in due form. The Dep.G.M.

then assumed the chair, and very ably conducted the

ceremony of installing Bro. H. E. Anderson, S.W., as

W.M. of the Lodge. In this work the Dep.G.M. was

assisted by the P.Ms. of Lodge Otari. The W.Ts.

were presented by the W.Ms. of Lodges Aorangi,

E.C., Coronation, and Renown, while the R.W.

Prov.G.M. presented the Charter and B. of C. The

following officers were invested by Ws Bro. J. H.

Jerram: —D.M., W. Bro. R. A. Nicol; S.W., Bro. A.

J. Patrick ; J.W., Bro. W. Hutchings ; Treas., W. Bro.

J. H: Jerram; Sec., W. Bro. Ed. Meek; D. of C., W.

Bro. W. A. Tanner; Chaplain, W. Bro. S. P. Curtis;

S.D., Bro. C. Colpus; J.D., Bro. V. E. Johansen; I.G.,

Bro. W. E. Nicholls; S.S., Bro. H. Harland; J.S., Bro.

C. Glinday ; Assistant-Ss., Bros. J. W. Grant and S.

Guy; Auditors (appointed by W.M.), Bro. R. G. C.

Ffitch, (elected), Bros. W. E. Nicholls and W.

Hutchings. The addresses to the W. M. , Wardens,

and brethren were delivered by R.W. Bro. Geo.

Russell, Prov. G.M., W. Bro. E. Nordon, and M.W.

Bro. H. J. Williams respectively. The Lodge was

closed at 8.30 p.m., and the Lodgeroom was then

cleared and the banquet prepared. The usual toasts

were honoured and responded to in brief and

felicitous speeches, and several musical and vocal

items were pleasing1y rendered. W. Bro. Anderson

was the first candidate to be proposed and initiated -

into Lodge Otari after its foundation, and by a happy

circumstance he has been installed as W.M. of the

Lodge by the Dep.G.M. (R.W. Bro. Esson), who was

himself the first W.M. of Lodge Otari, and who

initiated W. Bro. Anderson into Freemasonry.

Considering the threatening state of the weather and

the distance from town, it augurs well for W. Bro.

Anderson that so many brethren from Wellington

and surrounding Lodges braved the elements and

journeyed out to the hilly suburb, the Lodge

accommodation being utilised to the full.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

————

Mokoia, No. 213.—The regular meeting was held in

Wellington South on 28th June. W. Bro. H. Flanagan

presided. The business was to initiate three

candidates. The W.M. (Bro. Flanagan) was assisted

in the subsequent ceremony by the following

brethren :—W. Bros. J. Lenzini and S. L. Russell,

Bros. J. E. F. Perry, R. Binns, A. Stone, C. Cook, P.

Dement, T. Robertson. W. Bro. T. Boon was

welcomed back to the Lodge after his temporary

absence, and at the conclusion of the ceremonial a

pleasant hour was spent in song and story.

An emergency meeting was held on 5th July. The

business was to pass three brethren. W. Bro. S. L.

Russell, assisted by his officers and brethren, worked

the ceremonial at the request of W. Bro. H.

Flanagan, the brethren of Lodge Hinemoa assisting

being W. Bros. G. Knowles-Smith and S. Martin and

Bros. P. Reid, Young, Boylett, Robbins, and

Penman. The extended Charge after Investiture given

by W. Bro. Martin was very impressive as well as

most instructive, while the rendering of the T.B. by

Bro. J. Penman was a feature of the working. The

most cordial relations exist between Lodges

Hinemoa and Mokoia, and the hour was late when

the Tyler's toast was given, yet the time passed all

too quickly.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

————————

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

St. Augustine, No. 1.—The monthly convocation,

held in the Chapter apartments of the Christchurch

Masonic Hall on 13th July, was well attended. The

brethren from Rangiora who are being prepared as

the nucleus of the proposed Chapter in that district,

were acknowledged. The W.E.M., W. Bro. R.

McFarlane (H.), being assisted by P.W.E.Ms. Yemm

(Z.), Hopkinson (I.P.Z.), and Andrews (D. of C.).—

[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Southern Cross, No. 3.—A special convocation

was held on 18th June. The 1st Prin. (V.E. Comp,

Robert Smith) presided over a good attendance of

companions., One candidate was exalted to the R.A.

Degree. The V.E. was assisted by V.E. Comp.

Waters, and R.E. Comps. F. A. Steans and T. M.

Rankin.

The regular convocation was held on 18th June to

advance two candidates. .A. Lodge of Mark Masters

was opened by W.M.M. Hoyles, assisted by his

officers. V.E. Comp. W. T. Waters delivered the

Lecture. R.E. Comp. Steans also assisted as D. of C

The Ss. were explained by E. Comp. Hoyles ; Bible

Readings. V.E. Comp. Waters; W.Ts, E. Comp.

Rusden; Final Charge E. Comp. A. Scott. Owing to

the death of our esteemed companion Jas. Walker,

harmony was not indulged in.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

————

Otago, No. 7.—The monthly convocation was held

on 2nd June in Freemasans' Hall, St. Kilda, when

there was a large gathering of companions. After the

usual routine business the V.E. 1st Prin. adjourned

the Chapter to enable the Mark Masters degree to be

worked under the guidance of W. Bro. M. J. Pierce

(Mark Master) and his officers. Ten brethren were

advanced to the honourable degree of Mark Master

Masons, the ceremony being carried out in a most

satisfactory manner, the W.M. being assisted by W.

Bros. Oxley, Hellyer, and Bro. Sparrow. The Chapter

has been most fortunate in the quality of candidates,

and the ten brethren just advanced are maintaining

the high standard reached, which augurs well for

Capitular Freemasonry. The V.E. 1st Prin. (G.

Barclay) of Celtic Chapter was present with his

officers, and received a very hearty welcome and

congratulations. The 1st Prin. of Otago Chapter

intends paying an official visit to the opening

convocation of Celtic Chapter on the 16th July. After

H.G.W. had been extended, the Chapter was closed,

and an adjournment was made to the refectory, when

the customary toasts were duly proposed and

honoured, not forgetting that of the newly-advanced

brethren. E. Comp. F. H. Lampen gave a most

interesting report of the visit of the companions of

Otago Chapter to the Cromwell Coronation

Chapter.— [Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Cromwell Coronation, No. 20.—It was an

enthusiastic party of companions, accompanied by

the G.Supt. of Otago (R.E. Comp. Hellyer), who

assembled at the Dunedin Railway Station on Friday,

24th June, to join the Otago Central express on the

occasion of the official visit of the Otago Chapter to

Cromwell Coronation Chapter. The thanks of the

companions to the Dunedin stationmaster are due to

that official for his thoughtfulness and kindness, in

setting apart a most comfortable carriage for their

journey. This was much appreciated by all. The

weather being fine, the run up to Cromwell was

enjoyed by the party. It being the first occasion some

of the companions had visited Central Otago, they

were much interested. On arrival at Cromwell we

were cordially met by the V.E.S.E. (Comp. A. M.

Irvine), who had left no stone unturned to make our

reception a pleasant one. After ample justice had

been done to a sumptuous dinner, the mountain air

having had a most accelerating effect on most of the

companions' appetites, punctually at 8 p.m. we were

announced at the Chapter room, and cordially

welcomed by the V.E. 1st Prin. (Comp. Jas. Ritchie).

The G.Supt. of Otago was duly received and saluted.

V.E. 1st Prin. (Comp. Jas. Ritchie), on behalf of

Coronation Chapter, expressed his thanks and

pleasure for the presence of the G.Supt. with them on

the occasion of his first official visit to the Chapter,

and trusted that his visit would be one of satisfaction

and pleasure. The principal business was the

advancement of five brethren, the working of the

Mark Masters Lodge being in the hands of the

officers of the Otago Chapter. The ceremony was

carried out by the following brethren :—W. Bros.

Pierce (Mark Master), J. Dunsday, J. A. McPhee, and

Bro. J. Sparrow, the whole degree being under the

supervision of Bro. F. H. Lampen, who as D. of C.

carried out his duties in a most efficient and

dignified manner. Upon resuming the Chapter, R.E.

Comp. Hellyer, on behalf of G. Chapter, tendered

H.G.W. V.E. 1st Prin. (Comp. J. A. McPhee), on

behalf of Otago No. 7 R.A. Chapter, also tendered

G.W. An adjournment was then made to the

refectory, where justice was done to the splendid

banquet provided. After the toasts of the King and G.

Chapter had been honoured, V.E. 1st Prin. (Comp.

Jas. Ritchie) proposed the toast of the G.Supt. of

Otago, and complimented him on the office which he

now holds, and in a few well-chosen remarks hoped

that they would see him on very many occasions. In

replying to the toast, R.E. Comp. Hellyer thanked the

V.E. 1st Prin. for his cordial reception, and after a

few words of advice to the officers and companions,

trusted that the Chapter would go on and prosper.

The toast of the Otago -Chapter, No. 7, was in the

capable hands of V.E. Comp. Broderick, who gave

some of the difficulties which the Chapter had to

contend with, but they never lost hope, believing that

the Coronation Chapter would yet rise to that

prominence which had been in days gone by, and

thanked the members of Otago Chapter for their

presence, and their interest in the Cromwell Chapter.

V.E. Comp. J. A. McPhee, 1st Prin. Otago Chapter,

in acknowledging the toast, offered his thanks for the

splendid reception and attention they had received.

The musical items provided by Comp. Shrimpton,

also the reminiscenses by E. Comp. Major Lampers,

who as an after dinner speaker has few equals, were

much enjoyed. Comp. Hodson presided at the piano.

Next morning the return journey to Dunedin was

accomplished in good weather, arriving back in good

time, one and all having had a right royal time,

which will long be remembered as the most

successful visit yet undertaken by the companions of

the Otago Chapter.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Wanganui, No. 23.—The Chapter met for the

monthly convocation on 7th July, when there was a

fairly good attendance. V.E. Comp. Foster, 1st Prin.,

presided. One brother was elected and two others

proposed. The V.E.Z. referred feelingly to the recent

death of Bro. A. Mewburn, who was to have been

balloted for that evening, and it was resolved to

record the companions' sorrow at his death and

sympathy with his family in their bereavement. A

Lodge of Ex.Ms. was opened, V.E. Comp. Bullock

acting as W.E.M., and E. Comps. Longshaw and

Passmore filling the Ws.' chairs. Two brethren were

acknowledged. V.E. Comp. Moutray delivered the

lecture, and V.E. Comp. Symes communicated the

Ss., besides assisting V.E. Comp. Foster and E.

Comps. Senior and Jacob in guarding the veils.

Comp. Beckwith, as usual, was an efficient

conductor.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Paritutu Chapter, No. 40.—The regular meeting,

held on the 6th July, was the occasion of the

advancement of four brethren. Work in all the

departments was smoothly and ably conducted under

E. Comp. M. D. Stagpoole, who is well versed in the

ritual, the captains of the veils being thoroughly

capable. E. Comp. Burton is always in his element as

conductor. Our next regular meeting will be the

occasion of nomination of officers for the ensuing

twelve months. Matters were discussed by com-

panions for the advancement of the order in this

district and carefully considered, definite steps being

taken.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

————

Hutt Valley, No. 41.—The regular meeting was held

at Huia Street, Lower Hutt, on the 24th June, V.E.

Comp. E. J. Guiness presiding over a large number

of members and visitors.

Two candidates were elected, and the Degree of

M.M.M. conferred on three brethren. The Degree

work was performed by W. Bro. E. J. Guiness, Bros.

E. P. Campbell, W. B. Hardy, and W. Bros. J.

McLachlan and H. G. Teagle. Chapter closed at 9.40

p.m.

An emergency meeting was held on 8th July, the

business being the advancement of three candidates.

The work was performed by the following

brethren:—W. Bro. Guiness, Bros. Longman and

Hardy, and W. Bro. Richards. Chapter closed at

9.15 p.m., and an adjournment was made to the

refectory, where an enjoyable hour was spent.—

[Chapter Correspondent.]

————————

A. AND A. RITE.

Wellington, No. 91.—The quarterly meeting was

held on 15th July, and there was a full agenda. E.

and P. Bro. Ven. Archdeacon A. M. Johnson

presided over an excellent assemblage of brethren.

Four candidates were elected, subject to perfection,

and three were perfected. E. and P. Bro. H. B.

Bridge was elected M.W.S. for the ensuing year,

and E. and P. Bro. J. Rod was elected Treas. Very

cordial congratulations were proffered to V. Ill.

Bro. H. J. Williams on his elevation to the 33deg.

and to the rank of G.Insp.-Gen. A limited time was

subsequently spent in the refectory. It is proposed to

hold an emergent meeting in September to cope

with the increasing work.—[Chapter

Correspondent.]

————

Hawkes Bay, No. 199. — The quarterly meeting

was held at the Masonic Hall on Thursday, 16th

June, E. and P. Bro. A. Hobson, M.W.S., was in the

chair, and presided over a good attendance of

members, despite a boisterous and stormy evening,

which, however, could not damp the enthusiasm of

those present. Three candidates were perfected, the

M.W.S. being ably assisted by E. and P. Bros. G. F.

Roach (Prelate), I. H. Colebourne (1st General), J.

A. Miller, and A. W. Parkinson, the whole

ceremony being very impressive and uplifting.

Congratulations from the Chapter to Ill. Bro. H. J.

Williams on his recent elevation to the highest

position in the A. and A. Rite in the Dominion were

directed to be forwarded, from whom an apology

for non-attendance owing to urgent duties in

connection with a Masonic function in Dunedin was

received.—[Chapter Correspondent.]