WITHOUT DETRIMENT.
——<>——
"No man ought to be allowed to enter the Order
"unless he is equal to its demands, financially as
"well as mentally and morally, able to pay its fees
"and dues, and to do his part in its work and relief."
"Yet no set of men," however intelligent
"and strong, are exempt from the vicissitudes and
"tragedies of life.''—" South-western Freemason,"
Los Angeles, California.
"WITH these sentiments we cordially agree, especially in view of the fact that in our day and generation a
strong impression appears to exist amongst outsiders that when a man succeeds in becoming a Freemason he
has indirectly effected an insurance against death or a breakdown in the health of the family bread-winner.
We may write and talk as much as we please about such an erroneous assumption, and loudly declaim that
Freemasonry is not a benefit society, but the idea is one that is not easily dispelled. There is some sound
reason for its existence, too, because the charity of the Craft is well known, notwithstanding that it is
administered without any ostentation. The relief afforded to those in distress cannot be hidden in small
communities, if for no other reason than the natural one, that the beneficiaries themselves are prone to give
wide expression to their feeling of gratitude. Admission to Freemasonry, however, presupposes an ability on
the part of each candidate to participate as a helper in the scheme, not as a "leaner." Financially the power to
help others may be small, but it is the principle, not the individual contribution, that sanctifies the giving. We
need hardly say that we are very far from asserting that membership should be restricted to the well-to-do;
still we have no hesitation in affirming that it should not be open to those who have made no reasonable
effort to provide for their own future, or for those who are dependent upon them. If the circumstances
connected with some of the appeals that come before Lodges are frankly and honestly reviewed, it must be
recognised that in many cases the question of whether the candidates were in a position to meet the necessary
charges without detriment to themselves or their connections was overlooked. The obvious conclusion is that
the adoption of active measures is necessary to ensure that no candidate be permitted to deprive himself or
his dependents of any of the comforts they should have. It is difficult, perhaps, to speak the truth without
giving offence, but it is patent that in many instances the fees accepted by the Lodges should have been
devoted to life insurance, or to membership in a friendly society. Even if the applicants were actuated by
noble motives, their ambition was an extravagance that should not have been countenanced, and it was not
altogether honest in, the circumstances to have permitted the sacrifice. The position is not without its
difficulties, because, apart from the test of character and moral worth, no hard and fast line can be drawn,
and all attempts to do so are met with the argument that they are not strictly in accord with the ideas,
traditions, and customs of Freemasons, who "neither in "their hearts nor outwards eyes, envy the great, nor
do the "low despise." In some of the centres where strong Boards of Enquiry have been established particular
attention is paid to the circumstances of applicants, but it is rarely that a candidate is rejected on that account;
nevertheless the knowledge that such enquiries are made acts as a useful cheek. The danger of admitting
those who are influenced by personal interest may be minimised, but it will never be wholly eliminated in a
commercial age when so many men, as a matter of business, take all they can get from their fellows and give
as little as they can. There is, however, excellent traditional authority for the rejection of those who are un-
able to properly appreciate their cares and responsibilities, or whose habits and modes of thought and
thriftlessness disclose a selfish disregard for the interests of those dependent upon them. They may be good
enough fellows in every other respect, but such are never likely to become useful members of an institution
the members of which are drawn together under a common and unselfish impulse to help others, to feed the
hungry, clothe the naked, and bind up the wounds of the afflicted. The obligation, however, is to give, and
do, and carries with it no personal right to relief, prospective or otherwise. Surely there can be no objection
to requiring every candidate to adduce proof before he is accepted that the step he proposes is one that can be
taken without the slightest detriment to himself or others and that he has made adequate provision against his
own sickness or death. To this no prudent man of moral worth could take exception, and young men in
particular should be advised by those they approach that such proof is absolutely necessary. No Lodge can
afford to lay itself open to the suggestion that it has accepted fees from those who are unable to afford the
luxury of assisting others, and who have not made reasonable provision for their own needs. There is reason
to believe that some Lodges are not sufficiently careful in this respect, and that their loose and superficial
methods call for thoughtful attention and possibly legislation in the near future.
———————
THE EMBRYO CANDIDATE.
——<>——
The official report of the proceedings at the last annual assembly of R.A. Masons of the territory discloses an
interesting and, one might judge, vigorous discussion having reference to the status of a candidate for
admission to Capitular Masonry. The Executive, whose responsibilities are analogous to those assumed by
the B. of G.P. in Craft Masonry, submitted for adoption a rule explicitly declaring against the exaltation in
one Chapter of a candidate previously balloted for and accepted in another. In the ordinary course one may
assume that proposals having relation to points of jurisdiction and procedure, formulated by an Executive
entrusted with the duty of supervising the administration and government of a particular branch of the
fraternity, have previously received adequate consideration by persons acquainted with the details of the
subject, and in this instance the argument that ensued justified such an assumption. In supporting the rule it
was contended that in the case of an aspirant for R.A. membership the ceremony of exaltation constituted the
factum of admission, and that no chapter other than that which had received the petition and pronounced
favourably thereon through the medium of the ballot was competent, or should be permitted, to confer the
degree of the R.A. whatever change of circumstances affecting residence or otherwise might have arisen.
Obviously the point of view here taken was one dealing primarily with considerations of principle, to say
nothing of difficulties in practice and routine that might thereby be avoided. The opposition proved
numerically stronger, and the adoption of the explicit rule, designed rather in the nature of a declaratory
provision, was frustrated, although the pre-existing law remains unchanged. Curiously enough, in a territory
far removed from this, a contributor to an American contemporary, Bro. Melvin M. Johnson, P.G.M. of
Massachussets, covered similar ground in a reasoned and thoughtful article dealing, inter alia, with the status,
rights, and obligations of a candidate for Symbolic Masonry, from the reception of his petition to its final
consummation. He puts it that
"a candidate, by petitioning, submits himself to the Masonic laws of the jurisdiction, and has
irrevocably given to that Lodge the right to accept or reject his application. Until that particular Lodge
has either declined to do or has actually done what he has requested, no other Lodge in the world may
deal with him. If the Lodge accepts his application by electing the applicant, the situation is analogous
to what the law calls a contract. By that election the Lodge has bound the Fraternity to give him the
degrees, subject to and in accordance with its customs and laws. Until this agreement has been carried
out (or terminated in accordance with law—as, for instance, on objection duly sustained) no other
Lodge in the world may deal with this unfinished material."
As the considerations thus advanced manifestly apply equally to a candidate for admission into the R.A. as to
one seeking initiation into a Lodge, the exponents of the suggested law, which, as stated above, was rejected,
find themselves in good company. Some of the arguments tendered ad contra would indicate that regard for
principle and tradition was the last thing to consider. Members were wanted, it was asserted, and the
proposal did not assist in that direction. The rejoinder might with force be made that that jurisdiction, be it a
G.L., G. Chapter, or what may be, which jealously regards tradition, precedent, and custom, more worthily
fulfils its function and furthers the cause of the Craft than would be the case if it permitted such
consideration to be subordinated to a desire to increase by any means the roll of its membership. It has been
well said that Freemasonry is a law unto itself. Drummond said, "The natural tendency to mould Masonry
according to modern ideas, rather than to abide by the old laws and the ancient usages of the Craft, is the
greatest danger to the prosperity and perpetuity of the institution." Tradition is everything in Masonry, and
the authority which in season and out of season insists upon it, in preference to regard for expediency, is
more surely assisting to preserve its perpetuity. Freemasonry, as we now know it, is essentially a democratic
institution, whose forum or parliament, changing as it does in personnel from year to year, is susceptible to
the influence of caprice and sentiment notwithstanding that questions of more or less moment may be
involved in the issues before it. The need is so much the more obvious for leaders versed in the philosophy
and history of the Craft, able and willing by logical argument and suasion to point the way.
———————
Lodge Roof of the World, No. 109, A.F. and A.M., is located at Cerro de Pasco, Peru. This Lodge is at an
altitude of 14,208 feet above sea-level, and is said to be the highest Masonic body in the world. In order to
beat their own record, however, its members recently climbed to the top of a neighbouring mountain and
held Lodge sessions at an altitude of 15,575 feet. A brother received his Masonic degrees at that altitude and
can certainly be said to have received high degrees.
———————————————————————————————————————————
News and Notes
———————————————————————————————————————————
The additional Lodge for Napier, the petition for which was considered by the B. of G.P. recently, will be
known as "Lodge Napier, No. 266." The consecration will take place on Wednesday, the 17th September,
when the Pro-G.M. will officiate.
Lodge Waimea, No. 268, at Nelson, will be consecrated by the Pro-G.M. on Saturday, the 27th September.
A petition has been received by the B. of G.P. for the erection of a Lodge at Cashmere Hills, Christchurch,
and has been recommended to the favourable consideration of the G.M.
A petition has been prepared for the formation of an additional Lodge at Hastings, Hawkes Bay, and the
opening will probably take place in September.
The meetings held in Christchurch during the visit of the 1st G.P. of R.A. Masons were of a very enthusiastic
nature. The consecration of the Crown Chapter and the meeting on the following evening of the combined
Chapters were both most successful functions, and the impressions created by the M.E.G.Z. were very
favourable.
The meeting of the G.M. with the North Canterbury brethren at Rangiora on the 13th August was a very
happy function. There was a crowded attendance, and the chair was occupied by W. Bro. Rowe (W.M.,
Lodge Ashley).
The G.M. was to meet the Napier brethren on the evening of Monday, 25th August.
His Excellency Lord Jellicoe proposes visiting Taranaki during September, and is to meet the local brethren
at New Plymouth on the 15th of that month.
The B. of G.P. has decided to ask G.L. to extend recognition to the G.L. of Panama.
The Prov.G.M. of Otago has advised the B. of G.P. that there is a probability of the formation of a Lodge at
Pembroke, Lake Wanaka.
Lodge Arawhaiti, No. 267, Remuera, Auckland, was opened by the Prov.G.M. of Auckland (M.W. Bro.
Oliver Nicholson) on the 31st July. This Lodge is an offshoot from Lodge Ara, No. 1, some thirty-six
members of that Lodge having signed the petition for the erection of the new body.
M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M., has returned from Sydney, where he went to represent the G.L. of New
Zealand at the installation of the G.M. of New South Wales. He describes the ceremony as a brilliant one,
and the hospitality as being on a very high scale.
Lodge Matamata, No. 265, was consecrated by the Prov. G.M. of Auckland on Tuesday, 12th August. The
brethren had erected their own hall in which the proceedings took place.
The Constitution of Lodge Camaro, No. 260, had to be deferred owing to illness of the W.M. designate, and
has now been arranged, and will be conducted by the Pro-G.M. on Wednesday, 3rd September.
A charter has been granted for the new Lodge at Whangarei, which will be designated as Lodge Parahaki,
No. 269.
The G.M. has granted a warrant for the new Lodge proposed to be established in Reinuera, Auckland. It will
be known as "Lodge Orakei, No. 270."
A meeting of the brethren interested in the formation of another Lodge in the Southern part of Christchurch
was held last month, and a petition is now in the course of circulation. The Acting-Sec. is W. Bro. Chas.
Johnson.
There are quite a large number of brethren resident in the Maheno, Kakanui, and Otopopo districts who are
members of the Oamaru Lodges, and a strong desire is being expressed for the formation of a Lodge for their
convenience, probably at Maheno.
The G.L. of Massachusetts is the only one in the United States that permits plural membership.
In Ireland in 1753 there were only thirty-seven Lodges, all in Dublin and the south and west, with the
exception of one Lodge in Fermanagh. In 1923 there were 607 Lodges on the Irish G.L. register. Antrim had
173, Down 134, Derry and Donegal 40, Tyrone and Fermanagh 31, and Armagh 28. There were forty-eight
Lodges abroad, and seven military Lodges. Dublin had sixty-nine Lodges and Belfast 108. During 1923
warrants were issued for twenty-live new Lodges —all located in Ulster.
The Robert Burns Lodge (Christchurch) struck out on a new line in its installation programme this year,
giving a sketch history of the Lodge in addition to the ordinary programme. That this innovation was
appreciated was shown by the great rush there was for programmes. The sketch history fills eight pages, and
should be useful when the Lodge celebrates its jubilee in about two years' time.
———————
SOUTHLAND NOTES.
——<>——
R.E. Comp. Wm. Irving, G.Supt. of Southland, paid an official visit to Wallace Chapter on 24th July. He was
accompanied by V.E. Comp. Robt. Winning (1st Prin.) and E. Comp. Sydney Smith (Scribe N., Southern
Cross LA. Chapter, No. 3).
W. Bros. Chas. Wilson and H. T. Connor have both suffered severe relapses. W. Bro. Wilson is at present
still confined to his home. W. Bro. Connor is in Southland Hospital undergoing special treatment. Bros. J.
McDonald and Thos. O'Connell (Lodge Waihopai) have both made good progress towards recovery.
The musical items by the Masonic orchestra and Bros. Hinton, Kummett, and McDonald were of a
particularly high standard, and assisted the success of the Victoria installation.
The annual dance social held by Lodge St. John, No. 94, on 25th July in the Forth Street Hall was indeed a
brilliant function. The temple was well packed by members of the Lodge and lady friends. W. Bro. Geo.
Curie presided and received a large number of visiting brethren. After a short address of welcome by the
W.M. a sacred solo was sung by Bro. Kummett, followed by two verses of "Lead, Kindly Light," sung by the
whole assembly. The company then retired to the refectory, which was indeed a picture, as the result of
extensive decorations carried out by Bro. Robt. McKillop and his assistants. Dancing was indulged in until
the small hours of the morning. Good music, a well prepared floor, and an excellent supper helped to make
the evening the success it was in spite of the great crowd present. Bro. Pedlar, S.W., acted as M.C., and Bro.
Lange had charge of the music.
The installation of Huiroa R.A. Chapter was held on 5th August, and attracted a good attendance of
members, also a good following from Southern Cross Chapter, No. 3.
The erection of Lodge Southland is now well under way, and will probably be consecrated in the month of
October.
W. Bro. Brokenshire has retired from the position of Sec. of Lodge Victoria, No. 147, after ten years' service.
A splendid gathering assembled on 12th August to do honour to W. Bro. W. Fraser, who was installed W.M.
of Lodge Victoria, No. 147, for a second term. The installation was ably conducted by R.W. Bro. W. A.
Stout, Prov. G.M., and P.Prov.G.Ms.
The installation of Southern Cross R.A. Chapter, No. 3, will be held on 11th September, when E. Comp.
Arthur Scott' will be installed as 1st. Prin.
Lodge Celtic will pay their annual visit to Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, on 10th September.
The junior members of Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, were entertained by the members of the Junior Lodge
of Instruction under Lodge Waihopai, No. 189, on 25th August.
The members of Lodge Waihopai propose to hold their annual social and dance early in September.
The regular meeting of Murihiku Rose Croix Chapter, No. 36, S.C., will be held on 29th September.
The brethren of Lodge Harvey entertained their lady friends at a recent meeting.
Lodge Switzers will hold their annual meeting on 3rd September. The brethren of Lodge Aparima were
called to labour for installation purposes on 26th August.
The speeches at the after meeting of the Huiroa KA. Chapter installation were excellent, and augur well for
the coining year.
V.E. Comp. W. R. Winning (1st Prin., Southern Cross R.A. Chapter) was unable to be present at the last
convocation owing to illness.
———————
OTAGO COMMENTS.
——<>——
W. Bro. Gallop (Lodge Waverley, No. 226) has earned congratulations upon his Lodge's visit to Roxburgh—
some twenty-one strong—to work the First Degree in Lodge Teviot, No. 148.
The ceremonial working and the splendid reception afterwards were happy complements to a successful
function.
Other fraternal visits include those of Lodge Clutha, No. 14, to Lodge St. Thomas Kil., No. 83, Kaitangata;
Lodge Ngapara, No. 68, to Lodge Kurow.
Social gatherings were most enjoyable and successfully carried out by Lodge Hercules No. 36, Cromwell
Kil., No. 83, while the annual ball of Lodge Karitane, No. 221, was a very happy reunion.
In the prime of early life, and after a long illness, Bro. A. E. Borrow has been called to the G.L. above, and
has left Dunedin Freemasonry much the poorer. Of genial and happy disposition, he gave freely of his high
musical ability to all and sundry. Lodges
throughout the district all owe him a debt of deep
gratitude, and join in extending sincere sympathy
to his parents and relatives.
Dunedin brethren were pleased to see Rev. Bro.
Col. Barclay, G.Sec., during a recent visit, and to
note that he is as keen and as alert as ever.
Bro. Lischner, Prov.G.M., accompanied Lodge
Waverley to Roxburgh, and has since conducted
the installation ceremony of Lodge Palmerston,
No. 46.
———————
MARLBOROUGH NOTES.
——<>——
The Unanimity installation meeting—largely attended by members from all parts of Marlborough and
Nelson—left a very good impression. It was a record in every respect, and the newly-installed W.M., W.
Bro. A. M. Thomson, received a happy introduction to the chair. Brethren were enthusiastic over the comfort
and attractiveness of the refectory at the new Masonic Temple, and as the Temple itself will be on a
somewhat larger scale there will be so much additional comfort that attendances at meetings should not be
affected by any shortcomings in appointments.
Opportunity was taken by W. Bro. W. J. Girling during the banquet to enter a strong plea for brethren to
support the Temple by taking up shares. He stated that many more shares would have to be subscribed before
the cost of the new building was in sight, and he looked to the Blenheim brethren to rise to the occasion.
There was a satisfactory response, about 115 shares being taken up in the room.
By the way, W. Bro. Girling came over from Wellington to attend the Unanimity installation, and during his
temporary absence he received the glad tidings that a son had been born. Brethren rejoice in his good
fortune.
W. Bro. A. C. Nathan was the recipient of a P.M.'s jewel from the brethren as a memento of his year in the
chair, and also in recognition of his services to the Lodge. The presentation was made by R.W. Bro. Furness.
Bro. J. 1-1. Foster received a certificate of life honorary membership in recognition of long and faithful
service as Tyler.
The installation meeting of the Marlborough Rose Croix Chapter will take place on Monday, September 22,
and that of the Marlborough R.A. Chapter on the following evening. On the Tuesday morning the Wellington
Preceptory will meet in Blenheim for the purpose of conferring a number of degrees, and in the afternoon the
Chair degrees of the R.A.C. will be conferred. R.E. Comp. Martin and his party are helping themselves to a
very busy week, because the programme will be repeated in Nelson on 24th and 25th September.
There is every likelihood of a large attendance of Marlborough brethren at the consecration of Lodge
Waimea in Nelson on Saturday, 27th September. The ceremony will be conducted by the Pro.G.M., M.W.
Bro. H. L. Michel, and R. W. Bro. R. P. Furness, Prov.G.M., will instal the Bishop of Nelson as the first
W.M.
———————
GRAND LODGE NOTES.
——<>——
IRREGULAR MASONIC LODGES.
It was brought to the notice of the B. of G.P. that a spurious and clandestine Masonic organisation known as
"Co-Masonry," which has been at work in the Homeland for some time, was now setting up Lodges in this
Dominion. This body professes to work the Three Degrees of Antient Craft Masonry, to admit women,
confer signs and secrets said to be Masonic, and endeavours in different ways to copy the practices of
Freemasonry. It was further reported that attempts had been made to induce Freemasons to attend the
meetings of the body referred to.
The Board considered it necessary to issue instructions warning brethren that if they attended any of these
Lodges they would be violating their obligation
and would render themselves liable to Masonic
discipline. It was also deemed advisable to
emphasise the necessity of the exercise of great
caution in admitting strangers to our Lodges, and
that the production of a G.L. Certificate should, in
every instance, be demanded.
BOOKS, ETC., FOR GRAND LODGE.
The Board has pleasure in reporting that the late M.W. Bro. C. J. W. Griffiths, P.G.M., made a bequest to
G.L. of a considerable number of Masonic books and some valuable Masonic manuscripts. Occasion has
been taken to convey to the relatives of our late respected brother an expression of the Board's appreciation
of this handsome addition to G.L. Library.
———————
R.A. NOTES.
——<>——
On Thursday, 31st July, the two Christchurch Chapters (St. Augustine and Prince of Wales) and the Lyttelton
Chapter (Albert Edward) held a combined meeting to meet the 1st G.Prin., M.E. Comp. Colonel S. S. Allen.
The R.A. Degree was worked, the officers being:—V.E. Comps. R. W. S. Eastwood (St. Augustine), Z.; R.
Hyman (Prince of Wales), H.; C. J. Johnson (Albert Edward), J.; T. Hatton (Albert Edward), D.E.; and J. A.
Stables (St. Augustine), S.N.; E. Comps. D. Round (St. Augustine), 1st Soj.; J. Angus (Albert Edward), 2nd
Soj.; V.E. Comps. J. DuFou (Prince of Wales), B. of. C.; Roberts (Prince of Wales), 3rd Soj.. Each of the
Prins. was the 1st Prin. of his Chapter, and the three Sojs. the 1st Sojs. of their Chapters. After the R.E.
G.Supt. had been received R.E. Comp. Bolani, (G.Supt., E.C., South Island) and R.E. Comp. Cousins (Dep.
Prov.H., S.C.) were admitted, then followed M.E. 1st G.Prin. with his officers, among whom were M.E.
Comp. C. Flavell, P.G.Z., and R.E. Comp. G. Russell, Dep.G.Z. The ceremony was excellently carried out,
the slight differences in ritual being hardly distinguishable. The V.E.Z. was assisted in the work by the
officers above mentioned and M.E. Comp. C. Flavell, V.E. Comps. Col. G. Barclay, and J. Gillanders.
In the refectory there was a gathering of about 100, among them a number of companions from Ashburton,
and after the loyal toast had been received V.E. Comp. R. W. S. Eastwood proposed the health of Colonel S.
S. Allen, 1st G.Prin. He referred to the very fine work Col. Allen had done for his country and the Empire in
the late war, and that on his return he had retained his energy and devoted much of it to Masonry. Honours
both military and Masonic had been showered upon him, and he had shown by his work in both spheres that
they were well earned. He thanked the 1st G.Prin. for his courtesy in remaining in Christchurch to visit them.
In his reply M.E. Comp. Col. Allen said he had entered heartily into the work of his office, and, although a
busy man, had found time to attend five consecrations of new Chapters since February last. He had made up
his mind when he accepted his office that he would at least attend all consecrations, and up till the present
had done so. He hoped the Christchurch Chapters would go on and prosper. He referred to the excellence of
the work, some points of which specially commended themselves to him, but there were others with which
he did not exactly concur. Other toasts were proposed and duly honoured.
———————
HIGHER DEGREES.
——<>——
The Otakou Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor was opened in Dunedin during July, and has started
on what is hoped will be a successful career.
The half-yearly muster of the Dist.G. Priory of New Zealand (Order of the Temple) took place at
Christchurch on the 28th July in the presence of a good assemblage of members of the Order.
The new Conclave Secret Monitors proposed for Christchurch will be opened in the course of a week or so.
A Preceptory of the Order of the Temple is contemplated for Nelson, and will probably be opened during
September.
———————————————————————————————————————————
Chips from many Ashlars
(With as many acknowledgments.)
———————————————————————————————————————————
No man who does not respect every other man in all that is his can be a good Mason. No sort of imposition
or any that can make a human being innocently suffer in his property, his person, or his pride, can be done
without violating the letter and spirit of Masonry.
————
There is an idea abroad among moral people that they should make their neighbours good. One person I have
to make good: myself. But my duty to my neighbour is much more nearly expressed by saying that I have to
make him happy, if I may.—R. L. Stevenson.
————
Every element of ignorance is anti-Masonic. The bigotry that breathes intolerance—the pride that makes
distinctions —the tyranny that is cruel, and oppresses the poor—the arrogance that inaugurates its own
mondpolies—and the selfishness that plants itself within the narrow confines of sectarianism—as well as the
devilish nature that lives and dies ignorant of humanity and charity, are all anti-Masonic. The craft cannot
recognise them in any shape or form, and if any of them ever show their heads in a Lodgeroom the spirit of
Masonry vanishes like ember fires before the destructive avalanche. No, the very first element of Masonry is
light, and he that will comprehend it and enjoy its beauties must become a Masonic thinker.—"Scottish Rite
Bulletin."
————
Out of -the 549 Lodges in the State of Iowa there were 124 that were not represented at the last G.L.
meeting. If this should happen in the State of Michigan we fear that 124 charters would be lifted and the
number of Lodges in the State decreased to 425. The absent Lodges would certainly have to have a very
good excuse for their negligence.—"American Tyler-Keystone."
————
Masonry allows its adepts perfect liberty to follow whatever religion they like, as long as they allow each
one of their brethren peacefully to enjoy the same freedom. It would have him good and charitable, sincere
and discreet, indulgent and modest, equitable and just, sober and honest. The Mason must make no
distinction among men, whatever be the colour of their face, the latitude of their country, their social
condition, their religious beliefs or their political opinions, as long as they are men of virtue.—Clavel,
famous European authority.
————
The duty of a Mason is to endeavour to make man think better of his neighbour; to bring together those who
are severed and estranged; to keep friends from becoming foes; and to persuade enemies to become friends.
To accomplish this he must master his own passions and keep his own poise.
Masonry teaches its votaries to be true and to be honest in their dealings, though financial losses should
result; to be charitable and unselfish; to judge justly and impartially; to be tolerant and avoid intolerance and
persecution; to do that which is right whatever be the cost and to wrong no, man of anything which is his.
————
WORK.
I am the foundation of all business. I am the fount of all prosperity. I am the parent of genius. I have laid the
foundation of every fortune in America, from Rockefeller's down. I must be loved before I can bestow my
greatest blessings and achieve my greatest ends. Loved, I make life sweet and purposeful and fruitful. I can
do more to advance a youth than his own parents, be they ever so rich. Fools hate me; wise men love me. T
am represented in every loaf of bread that comes from the oven, in every train that crosses the continent, in
every newspaper that comes from the press. I am the mother of democracy. All progress springs from me.
Who am I, What am I? I am Work.
————
Freemasonry, as it is organised to-day, is more of an aggregation of individuals than it is an arrangement of
principles. There is too much consideration given to the individual and not enough to the outstanding force
and importance of the fraternity. In speaking of Masonry we are too prone to discuss those who belong to it
rather than the things for which the fraternity stands.
————
The G.L. of Cuba requires that each applicant for membership must submit two photographs with his petition
for membership. One to be attached to the petition and exhibited in the ante-room before the ballot is taken.
The second photograph is to be attached to the diploma issued when the candidate becomes a M.M.
————
Many Masons feel that rejection for membership in a Masonic Lodge is a serious blot on a man's character,
from which it will take him a long time to recover. In the first place, it should never become a matter of
public property. It is nobody's business outside of Masonry who has applied and been rejected, and if we are
true to our obligations and the laws of the order no outsider will ever know it. In the next place, we take
ourselves too seriously. Not all good men are Masons—not all of them care to be. In fact, not all Masons are
good men, and when this is the ease it is not much of reflection on a man to be rejected by those who have
proved themselves really unfit. No—in itself, a rejection for membership in a Masonic Lodge need not worry
any man.—"N.S.W. Freemason."
————
Conferring a Masonic degree is a serious matter. It is a ceremonial, so serious,-indeed, that it may leave an
impress upon the life of the candidate, not only during his natural lifetime, but may even affect his life
beyond the grave. We are not half so crazy as we are given credit with being about perfect ritualism. It is to
be desired, that is true. But until a brother can go on the floor and perform his part of the ceremonies
gracefully, impressively, and with ease, he should never be permitted to take the W.M.'s part.— "Illinois
Masonic Review."
————
There are those who have expressed the thought that Freemasonry is a luxury, basing their opinion chiefly
upon the initiation fees and the dues. We also are inclined to feel that Freemasonry is a luxury, but not in the
sense applied by those who give it a financial aspect. As a matter of fact, the luxury which those who enter
the Masonic Order accord themselves is the luxury of doing good.—"Voice Review."
————
"Of all the tasks which are set before man in life, the education and management of his character is the most
important. He can do much to modify, dispose, and regulate the circumstances of his life so as to diminish
both his sufferings and temptations, and secure for himself the eternal conditions of a happy and upright
life."
————
When the Lodge is closed you may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth; but you are carefully to avoid
excess. You are not to compel any brother to act contrary to his inclination, nor to give offence by word or
deed, but enjoy a free and easy conversation. You are not to use or indulge any immoral or obscene
discourse, but to support the dignity of your character.—Trestle Board.
————
According to Mackey, "The York Rite is the oldest of all rites." In its original form it does not exist
anywhere in the world to-day. The nearest approach to the original would perhaps be the St. John's Lodges of
Scotland, with the R.A. degree of the Scottish Chapter added thereto.
————
The word "chapter," to designate a capitular body, was first used in England on 29th April, 1768.
————
The G.L. of West Australia has decreed that non-Masons may not be presented at the festive board after the
toast list has been commenced. This order precludes the engagement of women and non-Masonic
contributors to the musical programme.
————
If anger is not restrained it is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.—Seneca,.
————
"Respect is often paid in proportion as it is claimed."
————
"If thou art rich, thou'rt poor;
For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows,
Thou bear'st thy heavy riches but a journey,
And death unloads thee."—Shakespeare.
————
"Isn't it strange that Princes and Kings
And Clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
And common folks like you and me,
Are Builders for Eternity!
"To each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass and a book of rules.
And each must make, ere life be flown,
A stumbling-block or a stepping-stone."
———————————————————————————————————————————
Poetry.
———————————————————————————————————————————
" DAD."
——<>——
Dad never had much to say;
Jogged along in his quiet way,
Contentedly smoking his old dudeen
As he turned the soil in the golden sheen.
Used to say, as he slapped th' mare,
One horny hand in his tangled lair,
"Rest is joy when your work's well done,
So pitch in, son."
Sometimes he an' I'd not hitch;
Couldn't agree as to which was which,
Fought it out on the same old lines
As we grubbed an' hoed 'mong the runin' vines;
And his eyes would light with a gentle quiz,
And he'd say in that old soft way of his,
As he idly stroked his wrinkled chin,
"All right, son, you win."
Dad was never no hand to fuss;
Used to hurt him to hear us miss;
Kind o' settled in his old ways,
Born and raised in the good old days,
When a tattered coat hid a kindly heart,
An' the farm was home, not a toilin' mart,
An' a man was judged by his inward self;
Not his worldly pelf.
Seems like 'twas yesterday we sat
On the old back porch for a farewell chat
Ere I changed the farm and the simple life
For the city's roar an' bustle an' strife.
While I gravely talked of the city's charm
His eyes looked out o'er the fertile farm,
An' he said as he rubbed where the, hair wee thin,
" All right, son, you win."
'Member the night I trudged hack home,
Sinkin' deep in the fresh-turned loam,
Sick and sore for the dear old place,
Hungerin' most for a loved old face.
When I climbed the hilltop o'er
There stood dad in the kitchen door,
An' he says in a voice from deep within,
"Hello, son, come in."
One winter's day, the first of snow,
He went the way that we all must go;
An' his spirit soared to the realms above
On the wings of a simple-hearted love.
An' I know that when I cross the bar
I'll find him there by the gates ajar,
An' he'll say, as he idly strokes his chin,
"Hello, son, come in."
—"New England Craftsman."
———————————————————————————————————————————
Correspondence.
———————————————————————————————————————————
We welcome correspondence on Masonic subjects, but are not responsible for the views expressed. It must be clearly
understood that all letters must be couched in courteous and proper language, otherwise they will be at once declined. The
Editor distinctly reserves the right not to publish, or only publish part of, any letter he may consider inimical to the best
interests of The Craftsman.
————————————————————————————————
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
Enquirer.—When standing to order the P.S. should not be altered when p.... is offered.
————————————————————————————————
FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS.
——<>——
(To the Editor.)
Dear Sir and Bro.,—May I suggest that the proceedings, during the social hour following an initiation, or
raising, should be somewhat in keeping with what has taken place previously. It is, I have always
understood, generally conceded that on such occasions anything like undue frivolity should be carefully
avoided: no one, of course, objects to good music and pure humour, but then it should be carefully selected.
A young friend of mine who was raised recently set me thinking when he remarked that the sudden change
from the sublime to the ridiculous, when he passed from the Lodge to the supper room, came quite as a
shock, or, as he expressed it, he felt as if he had gone from the cathedral to a cheap music hall. That an
intelligent candidate should so express himself indicates that some greater discrimination is necessary, and
that W.Ms. might well consider whether the serious lessons of the degrees should be nullified by a form of
amusement which, although harmless enough on proper occasion, is most inappropriate at times such as
those to which I have referred.—Yours fraternally, P.M.
———————
TO W.MS. OF BACK-BLOCK LODGES.
——<>——
(To the Editor.)
Dear Sir and Bro.,—In the course of my duties I have visited some of the back-block Lodges, and was
surprised and sorry to see a small attendance. The reason given was, "There is no work" (no degree work).
All appeared to be anxious to get through the little business; yet the Lodge closed, and into what was called
(erroneously) the "Fourth Degree." In the refectory the brethren were all kind and hospitable, but had no time
for anything but song (some questionable), story, and the toast of "The Visitor" (or "Visitors," as the case
might be). I felt the night was absolutely wasted. As a lover of Freemasonry and the Craft I would urge on
looking to the East. When a young and totally inexperienced Freemason is rushed through the chairs, not for
his merit or for the good of the Craft, but because he is a sociable young man, and because the brethren,
being also inexperienced, think a social evening is the chief end of Freemasonry, have him installed into the
chair of K.S. I would urge in these cases that an experienced brother of ability be asked to give a ten minutes'
address on a Masonic subject. Read an extract from the "N.Z. Craftsman," as it is abundantly capable of
teaching young Freemasons; or read, say, a section of one of the lectures on the degrees, such as that or those
written by an old P.M., and published by A. Lewis, London. This would up-lift young men. All should read
that grand article in the August number of the "Craftsman"—"Look Well to the East." A W.M. should be
capable of teaching, or, if not, should ask the assistance of those in the Lodge who are capable. By inserting
this letter in your most helpful paper I trust it will induce Freemasons to advance in Masonic knowledge.—
Yours fraternally,
A LOVER OF THE CRAFT,
———————
PRESENTATION.
——<>——
The Masonic fraternity in the Thames district is about to lose one of its most enthusiastic and highly
respected members in the person of R.W. Bro. M. J. Harris, of Paeroa, who is leaving for Australia. For the
last 25 years R.W. Bro. Harris, P.J.G.W., N.Z., has been a regular attendant at the three local Masonic
Lodges, and has rendered them all great assistance. At the installation of Bro. T. J. Buehan (Lodge of Light)
on 11th July, the opportunity was taken by the brethren of the three Constitutions to say farewell to R.W.
Bro. Harris and make him a presentation.
W. Bro. Bongard (Lodge Sir Walter Scott) expressed to R.W. Bro. Harris the thanks of the brethren for the
many services rendered to Masonry throughout this district, and the general regret at his departure. In doing
so he requested R.W. Bro. Harris to accept an album containing photographs of the interior of the two
Masonic Halls, the sitting W.Ms. and Secs., and some of the oldest P.Ms. of the three constitutions. The best
wishes for a happy and prosperous future accompanied the present. V.W. Bro. G. Cullen (Lodge of Light,
I.C.) and W. Bro. R. H. Ellis (Corinthian Lodge) also spoke. R.W. Harris was taken by complete surprise. He
sincerely thanked the brethren for the present, which was quite unique, and he doubted if any other brother in
the Dominion had received a presentation such as this, coming from three different Constitutions. It was only
further evidence of the harmony and brotherly feeling existing between the three Constitutions at Thames,
and he therefore would prize the present very highly.
———————
CONSECRATION OF LODGE ARAWHAITI, No. 267.
——<>——
A large and representative gathering of the Craft was present at the Masonic Hall, Princes Street, Auckland,
on 31st July, when Lodge Arawhaiti, No. 267, was constituted and dedicated by W.M. Bro. O. Nicholson,
P.G.M., Prov.G.M., assisted by R.W. Bros. Jas. Armstrong, D.G.M.; P. Kearsley, P.D.G.M.; W. T. Leighton,
P.G.W. (S.W.); G. A. Gribbin, P.G.W. (J.W.); V.W. Bro. Rev. Angus MacDonald, P.G.C. (G.C.); R.W. Bro.
Powley, P.D.G.M. (acting G.S.); V.W. Bro. C. E. Dutton, G.D. of C.; Bros. A. H. Waring, P.G.D. (S.D.); H.
N. Gill, P.G.D. (J.D.); A. M. Bartley, P.G.O. (Org.); and F. H. Hounsell, G.P. (I.G.). In addition to a large
attendance of G.L. officers, representatives of the Dist.G.L. of Auckland (E.C.), Prov. G.L. of New Zealand
(I.C.), and Dist.G.L., North Island of New Zealand (S.C.) were present. The impressive ceremony was
performed in a manner which evoked the admiration of all present, especially those who had never witnessed
a similar ceremony before. The whole meeting went through without a single hitch. The Prov.G.M.
afterwards installed W. Bro. A. G. Graham, P.M. as the first W.M. W. Bros. C. S. Lees (W.M., Ara Lodge,
No. 1), and H. French (W.M., Lodge St. Andrew, No. 8) acted as presenting officers. W. Bros. G. Johnston
(W.M., Lodge Maungawhao, No. 168), E. McDonald (W.M., Lodge Wairoa, No. 55), and A. S. Bailey
(W.M., Ponsonby Lodge, No. 54) presented the W.Ts. The Dep. G.M. addressed the W.M.; R.W. Bro. W. T.
Leighton, P.G.W., the Wardens; and the Prov.G.M. the brethren.
The following brethren were invested by the W.M. and Dep.M.:—D.M., W. Bro. D. Duncan, P.M.; S.W., A.
Burns, jun.; J.W., E. W. Inder; Chap., W. L. Henton, P.M.; Treas., A. J. Harding; Sec., A. Burns, P.G.P.; D.
of C., C. M. Luke, P.M.; S.D., B. C. Chilwell; J.D., O. E. Nicholson; Asst.-D. of C., P. H. Buck; I.G., N. H.
Purdy; S.S. C. Robinson; J.S., M. Elliffe; Asst.Ss., C. F. Nicholson, W. V. Worth, S. Thorne George, L. J.
Patrick, and W. S. Spence.
Four candidates were proposed for initiation. The W.M. gave notice of his intention to propose the election
of M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, Consecrating Officer, as an honorary member. H.G.W. and congratulations
were extended by G.L. and the visiting Prov. and Dist. G.Ls. and representatives of about thirty Craft
Lodges. The usual toast list was honoured in the refectory.
The new Lodge, which will meet in St. Mark's Hall, Remuera, is an offshoot of Lodge Ara, No. 1. Among
the Forty-two founders, who all reside in Remuera, Epsom, and adjacent suburbs, are three P.G. Officers and
six other P.Ms., so that the Lodge is starting under the most favourable auspices.
———————
CONSECRATION OF CROWN CHAPTER AT CHRISTCHURCH.
——<>——
An event of considerable interest and importance in the annals of Capitular Freemasonry took place at
Sydenham, Christchurch, on Wednesday, 30th July, when a new R.A. Chapter was opened. This Chapter,
which is to be known as the "Crown Chapter, No. 56," will meet in the hall of Lodge Crown, No. 138, in
Wordsworth Street, Sydenham, a building well suited for the purpose.
Additional interest was lent to the occasion from the fact that the 1st G.Prin. (M.E. Camp. S. S. Allen) had
notified his intention of personally conducting the ceremony of consecration. The members of the
Christchurch and neighbouring Chapters assembled in good force, and having been called to order, the
Consecrating Officer entered, accompanied by the following companions:—M.E. Comps. S. C. Bingham, A.
C. Andrews, and C. Flavell P.G.Z.; R.E. Comps. G. Russell, D.G.Z.; G. J. Wallace, G.J.; W M. Hindmarch,
G.Sup.; V.E. Comps. G. Barclay, G. H. Cooper, G. H. Harle, P.G.Soj.; J. Robertson P.G.S.W.; J. Furneaux,
G.S.W.; J. A. Stables and J. N. Du Feu, P.G.D.C.; A. H. Hobbs, P.G.S.B.; F. C. A'Court, P.G.O. A Chapter
having been formed, the object of the gathering was explained, and the Petition and Charter were read by
V.E. Comp. Barclay, Acting-G.S.E., the petitioners were ranged in the customary manner, and having
signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant, the G.Z. proceeded to carry out the beautiful
ceremony of consecration. He was assisted by N.E. Comps. Bingham (corn), Andrews (wine), Flavell (oil),
and Hindmarch (salt). The invocations and
prayers were delivered by G.J., and the duties of
the G.D. of C. were capably carried out by V.E.
Comp. J. N. Du Feu, while E. Comp. A'Court
presided at the organ.
The installation of principals and officers was
subsequently carried out by RE. Comp.
Hindmarch, G.Supt., who installed Comp. W. A.
Gribble into the chair of Z., the 2nd Prin. was
installed and invested by V.E. Comp. Robertson,
while V.E. Comp. Hobbs acted similarly with
respect to the 3rd Prin. The Charter, etc., were
presented by M.E. Comp. Andrews, M.E. Comp.
Flavell addressed the 2nd Prin., and V.E. Comp.
Harle the 3rd Prin. The officers were invested by
V.E. Comp. Barclay. The G.Supt. addressed the
1st. Prin., M.E. Comp. Flavell delivered the
address to the officers, and M.E. Comp. Allen
addressed the companions. Congratulations to
the infant Chapter were tendered by the
representatives of the various Chapters present.
A banquet was held at the close of the Chapter
meeting, and the usual toasts were honoured.
The following is the list of officers installed and
invested:—Z., V.E. Comp. W. A. Gribble; H., E.
Comp. J. E. Cooper; J., E. Comp. J. S. Temple;
Treas., V.E. Comp. J. Gough; S.E., E. Comp. J.
W. Piper; S.N., E. Comp. J. Scott; let Soj., E.
Camp. R. S. Draper; 2nd Soj., E. Comp. B. E.
Estall; 3rd Soj., E. Comp. J, L. Gant.
———————
STOP; LOOK, LISTEN!
——<>——
Somewhere we have seen, as a part of the collect of an organisation, the appeal, "O God, keep us from
pettiness," and it occurs to us that this same appeal might well be made by some members of our own order
who seem to have forgotten—if they ever knew them—our fundamental principles.
Not that there is anything specific in the cardinal virtues, the principal tenets or ancient charges referred to in
such adjuration, but rather that a consistent following out of their principles would relieve some of the
members of the Masonic fraternity from a habit which ought not to be permitted to grow.
Too often, in the gossip of the Lodge ante-room, on the street, and elsewhere are heard comments upon a
brother, and even the circulation of statements which are injurious to, or reflection upon a brother member of
the Craft, all without consideration of the possible inaccuracy or even falsity of the statement, not to mention
recollection of or consideration for the obligation entered into by every Freemason.
We are aware that it is human nature, perhaps, to talk injudiciously and to accept as true really unfounded
statements when a little investigation of the right sort would set a brother right and prevent injury of or
reflection upon another member of the Craft.
Too often, indeed, it is asserted that this or that brother has one or another faults when, perhaps, a little more
intimate acquaintance with the brother in question might prove the contrary to be the truth. A frequent
quotation, credited sometimes to Charles Lamb and at others to Ben Jenson, runs to the effect, in reference to
a stranger sitting near by: "I do not know that man, therefore I hate him. If I knew him I probably should love
him." There is a great deal more .of human nature in this reputed quotation than we are sometimes willing to
admit. Nevertheless indiscriminate gossip of one kind or another about a member of the Craft with whom
those circulating the reports are not in any manner acquainted is very far from an exhibition of the true
Masonic spirit. It is always well to be sure of facts before passing them along. Many an individual is led into
an unfortunate situation by a willingness to repeat and even elaborate upon statements coming to him
without authority.
If there is anything at all which a Mason can well do with relation to a brother member of the Craft it is to
"Stop, look, and listen," and then do a little investigating on his own account. —"Missouri Freemason."
———————
MASONIC EQUALITY.
——<>——
The idea of perfect equality in the Lodgeroom is one of the most charming principles in the whole Masonic
system. A man is received into the fraternity on account of, his intrinsic and not his exterior, worth. Brains
and heart, not wealth or estate, are the tests we apply to the Masonic qualifications. The poor man who can
barely pay his annual clues, yet one who appreciates the grand philosophy of human life and lives up to that
knowledge, is as worthy in the sight of God and the Lodge as the man who, with millions of dollars in a
bank, barely understands the principles of our institution. The quality does not cease with personal merit
alone, but extends to all individual rights of manhood and membership; for one man's religion, medicine,
politics, and personal views is as good as another's, and must be respected. The law is not alone in favour of
the humble, but is also just to the favoured, for the merits of all must be respected and all must be treated as
gentlemen and brethren.
In the Lodge no title other than brother is recognised; let him be king, prince, potentate, or President, he is
known and hailed as just "brother." Hence we are led to believe that if a man is a real Mason he would prefer
the title of brother rather than that of some political or professional title; this is the carrying out of that grand
principle, "All men are created equal, and have the same inalienable right." —"Masonic Home Journal."
———————
VISITING.
——<>——
(A "Ten Minutes' Chat" by R.W. Bro. Wm. Hindmarsh, P.G.W., delivered in the refectory after
the meeting of Lodge St. Augustine, No. 4., on 12th August.)
————
Omitting recently-formed Lodges, there are eleven Lodges in Christchurch with a total membership of 1455,
and the interchange of official visits is unlimited.
The annual report of a city Lodge discloses:—
Number on roll (31 country members) .. 140
Average attendance of members at monthly meetings .. 53
Average attendance of visitors at monthly meetings .. 417
Omitting installation and special meetings to which G.L., P.G.L., sister Constitutions, and other Lodges
were invited, the figures are:—
Number on roll .. 140
Average attendance of members per meeting .. 52
Average attendance of visitors per meeting .. 28
Summarising the attendance figures of nine of the city Lodges shows:—
Number of members on combined roll 1212
Average attendance per meeting—members .. 434
Average attendance per meeting—visitors .. 463
And it is patent that the attendance of members is too small, and that of visitors unduly large.
Each W.M., moved apparently by the desire to have large meetings and maintain the prestige of his Lodge
for hospitality, encourages other W.Ms. to pay frequent official visits, and he reciprocates as often as
possible, and with as large a following as possible.
The only "pros" for this unrestricted system of which I can think are:—
That it promotes a strong fraternal feeling between the officers of the various Lodges.
That it creates a rivalry or tension which tends to keep the ceremonial work of each Lodge up to a high
standard. Some of the "cons" are:—
That the W.M. who desires to keep step with those who set the pace must attend an unreasonably large
number of meetings in addition to his own regular and installation meetings.
That he cannot do so without neglecting his business, his family, and the individual members of his Lodge.
That the time spent in receiving a lot of visitors unduly prolongs the meeting and the time taken in getting
them settled at the F.B. so further delays matters.
That the social gathering after the meeting which ought to mean so much to the members of the Lodge, more
particularly to the floor members, becomes more or less a scramble, and there is neither time nor proper
opportunity for fraternal intercourse between the officers and members of the Lodge.
That in all cases the amount spent in entertaining is too large in proportion to the sum spent in benevolence,
and in most cases too large in comparison with the annual income.
That the frequent calls upon brethren to accompany the W.M. on his official visits adversely affects their
regular attendance at their own Lodge meetings.
That brethren are induced to attend so many meetings in addition to the regular meetings of their own Lodge
that only 13 per cent. of the M.Ms. in Christchurch can spare time to take the R.A. Degree and complete their
Masonic education.
I have endeavoured to state the case fairly, and it appears to me that the "cons" have it, and that there is room
for reform.
The maxim "He who seeks only for applause from without has all his happiness in another's keeping" applies
to Lodges as well as to individuals. My considered opinion is that it would be better for Freemasonry in
general and each Lodge in particular if official visits were reduced to a minimum and were restricted to the
W.M. and Wardens, except perhaps at installation or very special meetings.
The W.M. and officers would then have time to get into more intimate touch with the floor members, to
promote their happiness, to increase their knowledge, to improve their esprit de corps, and incidentally win
their more regular attendance at their own Lodge meetings.
Speaking generally, each brother has other important interests and obligations to consider, and should not be
expected to do more for Freemasonry than to attend regularly to his Lodge and Chapter duties. And I am
convinced that the brother who does this will make firmer friendships and take a deeper and longer interest
in Freemasonry than one who is addicted to visiting.
I trust my chat has not wearied you, and I hope the points mentioned may be deemed worthy of your earnest
consideration.
———————
HAVE WE TOO MANY PIN MASONS?
——<>——
By A. B. Leigh, 32deg.
————
A friend of mine was speaking of a certain Mason in our town, and called him a "pin Mason."
"He wears the Masonic pin all right, and a Consistory ring, and can spout the lingo; but when it comes to
putting into actual practice some of the things that Masonry teaches he isn't there."
It is too often true; we have too many "pin Masons"; we forget the wonderful lessons we learned in such
impressive ways; we feel puffed up when we say we are Masons, -forgetting that in real genuine practice
only can we truthfully say we are Masons. Theories are beautiful things—to think about,—but doing the
things we have been told to do are more helpful and more needed in these strenuous times of ours.
To-day as never before we need to be real Masons; to put into practice the sound doctrines of our Order, and•
to lift our lives to the possibilities of a day made glorious by the splendid teachings of the sacred laws of
Masonry. For they are sacred laws, laws out of the great Book; tested and tried and found sufficient by
thousands who have lived by their teachings.
In the out-of-joint condition of the world to-day Masonry stands like a spiritual Gibraltar and points the way
to a happy solution of the troubles that afflict mankind. To reach out a helping hand; to speak a kind word
where a kind word is needed; to be tolerant; to be true to the manhood that is in you; simple, isn't it? And yet
a whole world of happiness is built out of these simple laws.
And a man who has been made a Mason knows these laws, and he knows how to use them; he is no longer
blind, and he is no longer a fool unless he desires to be. He no longer stands outside the walls of spiritual
insight, but has a keener and broader vision.
We do not have to wait for an opportunity to help; help is needed at your very door, and not an hour passes
but that you have a chance to reach out a kindly hand and help some troubled brother; and the places for kind
words are legion, and they cost so little and mean so much.
Haven't you had your heart go dancing for hours over some right word said in the right way and at the right
time? You bet you have, and it gave the fellow who said the words a great warm glow in his heart, and it will
you, too. If you haven't the habit of saying nice things once in a while to a brother, cultivate the habit and see
how much you get out of it; and note how it cheers him.
To be tolerant is the duty of a true Mason; we are prone to judge harshly, to see only faults, to forget virtues.
Don't think your friend is a failure if he falls; if he stays down he is, but his ability and agility to rise proves
his worth. We are told to forgive many times and to judge with the judgment that should be kind when we
are also told that as we judge so shall we be judged. It is a wonderful thing to think of, and means a
wonderful thing individually applied. —"The New Age."
———————
SOME VIRTUES OF MASONRY.
——<>——
Obedience, Constancy, Fidelity, and Charitableness are some of the virtues of the great Masonic fraternity.
One of the first virtues of a Mason is to be obedient, to bend to the high authority that is above, to feel that
the officer in whose presence he stands is clothed with rights and powers that command respect. The
character and worldly condition of the man is merged in the office, and he sits in the East not to exercise an
arbitrary, but a delegated, power; and he is thus in some degree the infallible exponent of the rules and
landmarks of the Craft, the impersonation of the genius and the authority of Masonry. No man is ever indeed
with the spirit of the Craft without having that fixed attachment to its principles, its ordinances, and its
labours which makes him a willing attendant upon the Lodge and induces in him a constantly growing
fondness for our assemblies. The man who catches the honours of the Craft and leaves the Lodge, as lie
hands to his successor the jewels of his place may have some of the secrets of Masonry, but he has none of
its principles. His attachments are to the fleeting honours of the officers, and he knows nothing of the
constancy of the true and faithful brother.
Fidelity is another virtue implying a strict conformity to all the solemn requirements of a M.M.; a full,
perfect, continued fulfilment of all the obligations of the Craft; obligations deep, strict, unconditional. Some
of these may not be mentioned with more distinctness. But fidelity—the fidelity of a Mason—involves a
watchful care; a delicate, but unwinking, vigilance upon all that concerns the Craft. No movement that has a
direct bearing upon the Masonic institution can escape the faithful Mason's notice. He will see the evil and
give the alarm. No true Mason will see a brother falling, relapsing from the path of rectitude, and neglect the
solemn duty of admonition. If he admonish and entreat the erring brother in vain, he cannot be faithful if he
neglect to inform the Craft of the danger they incur by the relaxed morals of the offender. If he is neglectful
he forgets the letter and spirit of the Craft; he overlooks the ties that bind him by one link to the brother, and
by another to the institution. Fidelity to the Craft
involves the unpleasant duty of rebuking. the erring
as well as of admonishing the tempted brother.
A Mason must be charitable. With some the
charitable man is he that gives his thousands to an
object of public benevolence, or who doles a small
portion to the beggar at the door. Either act may be
charitable, or it may be a contemptible ostentation,
undeserving the name of virtue, unworthy the
approval of the Great Architect. The charity which
is the bond of love with Masons lies deeper in the
heart; it is the principle of the act rather than the act
itself;-it is the motive sanctifying the movement and
giving merit to the deed. True Masonic charity finds
its expression often in alms deeds; it is evidenced in
the small pittance which the brother can spare to the
widow and the fatherless; it is evident in the
liberality with which the Masons of Chicago and
Illinois have given to the Masonic homes and to the.
Masonic hospital and other worthy institutions. But
charity also has other modes of expressing itself. It
searches out the object for its exercise; it pours a
light on the pathway of the wanderer; it guides him
onward in his course and silently blesses him.
True Masonic charity exhibits itself in solicitude for
the welfare of all interested in the benefits of the institution; it rejoices in the elevation and prosperity of a
brother; and it sympathises in the humiliation and adversity of the unfortunate.—"Masonic Chronicler.
———————
SOME VIRTUES OF MASONRY.
——<>——
LATE R.W. BRO. A. FIELDWICK, P.PROV.G.M. OF OTAGO.
————
In spite of inclement weather a large gathering assembled on 30th July, under the auspices of Lodge Otago,
No. 7. to do honour to the memory of one who for close on forty years had been ever active in the interests of
the Craft.
W. Bro. J. H. E. Wilson, W.M., and his officers opened the Lodge. The devotional portions were in the hands
of V.W. Bro. H. D. Fenton, P.G.Chap. Addresses were given by W. Bros. Bridgman and Bissland. Floral
tributes were deposited by W. Bros. Wilson (Lodge Otago, No. 7), Newall (Lodge Haeremai, No. 155), and
Jones (Lodge St. Clair, No. 246). R.W. Bro. J. J. Clark, P.D.G.M., sketched R.W. Bro Fieldwick's career.
first in the Lodge of Otago, No. 844, E.C., and later in Lodge Otago, No. 7, since its dedication under the
G.L. of New Zealand to the time of his death. His work for Freemasonry and his influence on the Craft-were
dealt with in grateful terms and in skilful imagery the lessons of his life were emphasised.
M.W. Bro. Thos. Ross, P.G.W., referred to his long friendship with the deceased, and unveiled a memorial
tablet, which set forth R.W. Bro. Fieldwick's Masonic life and the eulogy of his brethren—''A just man, a
true Freemason, a faithful friend."
"The message to the living" was entrusted to R.W. .Bro. Hay, G.S.W., who stressed the blessed hope that
inspires the heart of every Freemason—the hope of immortality and of membership in the G.L. above.
Appropriate solos were sung by Bros. Oliver, Shrimpton, Alexander, and Haig. W. Bro. Easton presided at
the organ, and gave a most effective rendering of the Dead March in "Saul." Public funeral honours were led
by V.W. Bro. S. H. Moir, G.D. of C.
Through detention by stress of weather at
Roxburgh, R.W. Bro. W. Lischner, Prov.G.M.,
was prevented from taking part in the service—a
most solemn and reverent tribute to one who
throughout a useful life had done so much for the
Order he loved so well.
OBITUARY.
———<>———
W. Bro. JAMES COURTNEY GREER (W.M., Lodge
Russell, No. 254; G.Org., G.L. of New Zealand).
————
"From light to light, through brief darkness."
————
It is with profound regret that we have to record the death of W. Bro. James Courtney Greer, G.
Org., and W.M., Lodge Russell, Wellington. W. Bro. Greer passed away on 21st July after a
sharp attack of pneumonia, which followed a chill sustained in the devoted performance of his
Masonic duties. Our late brother was initiated in Lodge Wellington, No. 1521, E.C., in
November, 1915, and took the injunction to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge
very seriously. He was an industrious scholar, and with indomitable energy threw his heart into
the effort to master the meaning of Freemasonry and to trace out its history and origin. In a
comparatively short time he became known as one of the keenest Masonic students in this
Dominion, and his addresses and contributions on jurisprudence and procedure attracted
attention and respect. In debate he was scrupulously just and courteous, and possessed the
ability to state his case clearly and concisely, always ready to meet the wishes of others, but
never afraid to say "No." Like Hezekiah, "In every work that he began . . . he did it with all his
heart." There was hardly a branch of Freemasonry in which he did not excel, being an active,
earnest worker whose personal popularity was great. A man of kindly disposition, unsparing of
himself and generous to a fault. A talented musician with a remarkable adaptability which
rendered the musical portion of any ceremony in which he participated appropriate and most
impressive. Bro. Greer's contributions to the Wellington Lodge of Research have enriched our
Masonic literature, many of them having been reproduced and favourably reviewed in Masonic
journals throughout the British Empire, of which he was a devoted and patriotic son. His
familiar presence will be greatly missed in Lodge, Chapter, and Temple.
The funeral was largely attended by members of both constitutions. The Rev. James Gibb, D.D.,
officiated in the mortuary chapel, and the W.M., Lodge Wellington, No. 1521, E.C., recited the
brief Masonic service.'
———————
"SOLOMON'S TEMPLE" WAS NEVER BUILT.
——<>——
(By Bro. W. England, Chap., Lodge Rotorua, No. 153.)
————
Very crude are some of the statements made by writers who set out to throw discredit on the ancient and
honourable Order of Freemasonry, but Richard Carlile, author of a work which he styles "A Manual of
Freemasonry," seems to head the list with his absolute denial of Biblical history and his unequivocal
challenge to all and sundry to prove Old Testament events from any source other than the V.S.L. It seems
strange that man, as a rule, will place implicit reliance on that which he happens to find in old writings or
inscriptions that may be unearthed in one place or another, while at the same time he looks askance at what is
stated in the Bible. I often try to imagine the furore and excitement that would be occasioned among the
learned of our time had the books forming the Bible but recently been brought to light from, say,
Tutankhamen's tomb. What jabberings and consultations would take place in every tongue under heaven! and
the newspapers would print columns of translations and publish photo lithographic reproductions of selected
passages and chapters. All the old writers—now so highly commended—Eusebius., Herodotus, Moses of
Chorene, Diodorus, etc.—would be discredited at once if they differed by a single fact from what was stated
in the Bible, and the Scriptures would be lauded even more than the Koran, or the writings of Confucius, or
the Book of the Dead, or the Vedas are lauded now. As it is, the V.S.L. is considered by some to be a mere
collection of moral lessons padded out with fairy stories—wholly historic and unreliable. The Bible needs no
defender—least of all myself,—but what I set out to do was to show where Carlile had erred, and to point a
way whereby any who are not able to refute that writer's claims may find ample material to prove that his
statements are loose and vain. I append some extracts from the anti-Masonic publication mentioned at the
head of this paper, and, judging from these, the remainder of his work may be gauged at its proper value.
"The great subject of Freemasonry is Solomon's Temple . . . . I am about to throw light upon it. My historical
researches have taught me that that which has been called Solomon's Temple never existed upon earth; that a
nation of people called Israelites never existed upon earth, and that the supposed history of the Israelites and
their Temple is nothing more than an allegory relating to the mystery of physics generally and the moral
culture of the human mind. Hence the real secret of-Masonry."
"Thus, again, that which was called the building of the first Solomon's Temple never took place on earth: but
the story of the Temple was fabricated."
"That there was no such nation as the Israelites is a truth found in the consideration that they are not
mentioned beyond the Bible in any record whatever. Egypt knew them not; Persia knew them not;
Hindoostan knew them not; Scythia knew them not; Phoenicia knew them not; Greece knew them not as a
nation.
". . . . the Bible in its theological character is wholly, independently, exclusively, entirely a mythological
book: and that from the name of Adam to the name of Christ in the supposed line of Jewish descent there is
not the name of any one human being that has lived and passed the stage of life; every such name being the
name of a principle, relating to human conditions."
"No such building as Soloman's Temple according to the literal reading of the Books of Kings and
Chronicles in the Bible was ever raised in that country now called Judean but the mythological sketch
existing, a colony of men called Jews under the protection and sanction of the Ptolemies of Egypt, about
2,000 years ago, did build a Temple on a spot of ground in Syria or Palestine which was called the second
Temple, and became subject to the fate of all such structures, and at or after the building of that Temple the
name of Jerusalem was first given to the city by which it was to be surrounded, and the name of Judea to the
district of land that had previously been called Palestine: the former Jerusalem having meant nothing more
than a mythological city as it is explained in the Epistle to the Galatians and in the Book of Revelation, a
Jerusalem or city of peace yet to be built."
Consequently, according to this writer, "the esoterical principles of Freemasonry, as of Christianity and of
Judaism, is sun worship and science."
As Carlile considers the men and places mentioned in the Old Testament to be simply airy mirages, let us
turn to witnesses who never saw or heard of the V.S.L. and find what they can tell us.
"The second Temple was built under the Ptolemies of Egypt, and the name Jerusalem was first given to the
city by which it was to be surrounded."
The Ptolemies were in power in Egypt from 332-30 B.C. Herod, King of Judea, rebuilt a Temple at
Jerusalem, beginning the work in the year B.C., or 10 years after the close of the Ptolemiac dynasty. This
edifice is known to us as "Herod's" or the "Third Temple," the Second having been plundered and desecrated
by Antiochus Epiphanes in 168 B.C.
Among the Tel-el-Amarna tablets or diplomatic correspondence is one from a certain "Abdi-taba, King of
Urusalim (or Jerusalem)." This letter from the King of Jerusalem was sent to Tutankhamen's predecessor,
and he lived in 1375 B.C.
Here, then, we have outside records that there was a city named Jerusalem in Palestine as early as 1375 B.C.;
that a Temple existed in that city in 168 B.C. and that that Temple suffered at the hands of Antiochus
"A nation of people called Israelites never existed upon earth; Egypt knew them not."
In 1225 to 1215 B.C. there reigned in Egypt a Pharaoh whose name was Merenptah. A portrait statue of
Merenptah and a stela which gives the most complete account of the Libyan Invasion were discovered in the
funeral temple of this king. The hymn ends with a record of defeats, then we read:—
"The people of Israel is laid waste—their crops are not. Khor (Palestine) has become as a widow for Egypt."
The discovery of papri at Elephantine in 1901 has given evidence that a Jewish settlement had their Temple
there before 525 B.C. Perhaps this was for a little while the only Jewish one standing upon this island in the
Nile at Assouan on the frontiers of Egypt.
Evidently there were Israelites ages ago, and Egypt did know them.
Solomon's Temple: If the Koran is not barred, mention of this Temple and many legends and stories of
Solomon are to be found within its covers.
Pierson tells us that Rabbinical traditions say that in preparing the foundation of the second temple the
workmen discovered a subterranean vault or cavity supported by seven pairs of pillars supporting so many
arches. The entrance to the vault at the destruction of Solomon's Temple had been covered with rubbish, and
so escaped observation.
The researches of archæologists have traced the existence of the arches both pointed and round 2,000 years
anterior to the classic piles of Greece and Rome. In Barkett's "Walks About the City of Jerusalem" is
described a small vault under that part of the Mosque of Omar, which occupies the site of the sanctum
sanctorum of the Ancient Temple, and the Mohammedans claim that it was built by Solomon.
We are told that this Temple of Solomon's was lavishly adorned with gold, and that the articles used in the
celebration of Divine Service were also of gold and silver. Where did Hezekiali, King of Judah, get his gold
and treasure to pacify Sennacherib, King of Assyria, on that monarch's first expedition against Judea? The
Bible relates that "at that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the Temple of the Lord and
from the pillars which Hezekiah, King of Judea, had overlaid, and gave it to the King of Assyria."
Now, according to Richard Carlile, the name Hezekiah was simply the name of a "principle" and the Temple
building a myth. Here's what Sennacherib himself has to say about this occurrence:—
"Because Hezekiah, King of Judah, would not submit to my yoke, I came up against him, and by force of
arms and by the might of my power I took forty-six of his strong fenced cities; and of the smaller towns
which were scattered about I took and plundered a countless number. And from these places I captured and
carried off as spoil 200,150 people, old and young, male and female, together with haste and mares, asses
and camels. oxen and sheep, a countless multitude. And Hezekiah himself I shut up in Jerusalem, his capital
city, like a bird in a cage, building towers round the city to hem him in, and raising banks of earth against the
gates so as to prevent escape. . . . Then upon this Hezekiah there fell the feat of the power of my arms, and
he sent out to me the chiefs and elders of Jerusalem with thirty talents of gold and eight hundred talents of
silver and divers treasures, a rich booty. . . . All these things were brought to me at Nineveh, the seat of my
government, Hezekiah having sent them by way of tribute, and as a token of his submission to my power.''
The foregoing is an absolutely independent corroboration of this piece of Biblical history. Naturally,
Sennacherib did not concern himself as to the source of the treasure taken from Hezekiah, but as the
Assyrian records have borne out the Scripture story in all its main points, the law of evidence will surely
admit Hezekiah's further statement that he obtained the treasure by stripping the Temple—and that Temple
was the one built by Solomon. Sennacherib, moreover, proves that Hezekiah was a man and not a nonentity,
and that there was an earthly city called Jerusalem and a country known as Judea. And this was many years
before the building of even the real "second" Temple.
Here is another point confirming the Biblical history. We are told that at a subsequent expedition against
Hezekiali and the Pharaoh of Egypt a mysterious happening to the Assyrian army caused the King to
terminate the war and hurry off home as fast as he could. You know the story: Hezekiah entered into
negotiations with the Egyptians, and Sennacherib, understanding that the real enemy whom he had to fear
was not Judea, but Egypt, marched his army through Palestine without stopping to chastise Hezekiah and the
people of Jerusalem. He, however, sent Rab-shakeh to deliver an insulting letter to Hezekiah and to work
upon the fears of the inhabitants of the city with the object of getting them to capitulate. Hezekiah spread this
letter before the Lord in the Temple. At this time the Assyrians were facing the Egyptians and boasting of the
morrow, which for them never came, for "the angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the
Assyrians an hundred fonr score and five thousand, and when they arose in the morning, behold they were all
dead corpses." We get the confirmatory evidence from Egypt, for Assyrian Kings do not seem to have been
in the habit of recording their defeats: Herodotus, in Book II., 141, writes this about the peculiar mishap that
befell the Assyrians:—
"After this, Sennacherib, King of the Arabians and Assyrians, marched a large army against Egypt,
whereupon the Egyptian warriors refused to assist him (Sethon), and the priest, being reduced to a strait,
entered the temple and bewailed before the image the calamities he was in danger of suffering. While he was
lamenting, sleep fell upon him, and it appeared to him in a vision that the god stood by and encouraged him,
assuring him that he should suffer nothing disagreeable in meeting the Arabian army, for he would himself
send assistance to him. Confiding in this vision, he took with him such of the Egyptians as were willing to
follow him and encamped in Pelusium, for here the entrance into Egypt is; but none of the military caste
followed him, but tradesmen, mechanics, and sutlers. When they arrived there a number of field mice,
pouring in upon their enemies, devoured their quivers and their bows, and, moreover, the handles of their
shields, so that on the next day, when they fled, bereft of their arms, many of them fell. And to this day a
stone statue of this king stands in the temple of Vulcan, with a mouse in his hand and an inscription to the
following effect: "Whoever looks on me let him revere the gods."
Shalmaneser, another King of Assyria, who reigned before Sennacherib, also knew the Israelites as a nation,
for Jehu, King of Samaria, or, as he is known in the inscriptions, "son of Omri," sent as tribute to
Shalmaneser a quantity of gold, silver, and articles manufactured of these precious Metals. Shalmaneser
evidently was so proud of this acknowledgement of MS power that he had the event sculptured, and a
reproduction appears in Rawlinson's "The Second Monarchy," p. 365. The sculpture shows a procession of
Israelites—men not "principles" —carrying the treasure from Jehu, and the chief ambassador of the Israelites
prostrating himself before the King of Assyria.
Another record states that Tiglath-Pileser also received submission and tribute from Ahaz, King of Judea.
Col. Gander, in one of his books, says that '"The land of Israel was called by the Assyrians the country of the
Kumri, as on a pavement slab at Nineveh here Ivalush, King of Assyria, is spoken of as receiving tribute
from the land of Kumri or Samaria. Also on a marble found by Rankin it is said, ''Sargon, King of Assyria,
came up against the city of Samaria and the tribes of the house of Kymri, and carried captive into Assyria
27,800 people."
Somewhere about the middle of the last century what is known as a "fragment" was unearthed in
Mesopotamia. It gives the interesting information that among Ben-Hadad's allies when he was attacked by
the Assyrians in B.C. 853 was "Ahab of Jezreel." Ahab, King of Samaria, seeing the importance of the crisis,
sent a contingent of 10,000 men and 2,000 chariots—a contingent which took part in the first great battle
between the armies of Syria and Assyria. Ahab, and not Jehu, is the first Israelitish monarch of whom we
have mention in the Assyrian records.
The names of the Kings mentioned in the 14th chapter of Genesis have been proved beyond dispute to be
those of Chaldean and allied Kings and as the greater part of the events detailed in that chapter are fully
corroborated, we are quite justified in assuming that the rest is also true, and that the remaining names—
Abraham and Lot—are also the names of men who took part in the events of that day, and not the names of
some obscure "principle."
Another Egyptian witness is Shishak (or, according to the Egyptian records, Sheshank I.), who, in the
sculptures in the great temple of Karnac, tells the tale of an expedition which he made against Rehoboam and
Jerusalem.
My field of research is extremely limited, but I hope I have shown that the Old Testament stories may not
lightly be set aside.
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NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS.
————
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———————————————————————————————————————————
Reports.
It is requested that Correspondents will be good enough to limit the length of their reports by making them as concise
and brief as possible. The Editor reserves the right to condense and shorten over-long reports.
———————————————————————————————————————————
CRAFT LODGES.
————
SOUTHLAND.
Southern Cross, No. 9.—The regular meeting was conducted on 7th August, W. Bro. H. J. Farrant presiding
over a satisfactory attendance of members. The W.Ms. of Waihopai and St. John, accompanied by various
brethren, were received. The business was the Third Degree, W. Bro. Farrant being assisted by R.W. Bros.
Steans, Stout (Prov.G.M.), Wm. Smith (P.D.G.M.), W. Bros. Robinson and F. Padget, and Bros. Watson,
Sherborne, and junior officers. Several brethren were presented with their diplomas and V.S.L. by W. Bro.
Camm on behalf of the Lodge. The sociable gathering was held in the refectory at the close of the meeting.—
[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Mokoreta, No. 63.—The monthly meeting was held on 17th July at Wyndham, when W. Bro. Williams
presided over a satisfactory attendance of members and visitors, including W. Bro. Sydney Smith (W.M.,
Waihopai, No. 189), accompanied by a number of his brethren. The ceremony was the passing of two E.As.,
conducted by the W.M. and P.Ms., assisted by junior officers as follows:—Ob., W.M.; Ss., W. Bro. McRae;
S.E.Ch., W. Bro. Richardson; T.B., W. Bro. Rice; Final Ch., W. Bro. Mortimer. A M.M.'s diploma was
presented to a brother, and nominations accepted for office-bearers for the coming year. H.G.W. were
received and Lodge closed, and an enjoyable social hour spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
St. John, No. 94.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 17th July, when a large muster of brethren and
visitors signed the attendance book. Bro. Geo. Curle, W.M., presided and conducted the Second Degree,
being assisted by W. Bro. Ed. Jackson (S.E. Ch.) and W. Bro. Bonifant (Final Ch.). An enjoyable hour was
spent in harmony at the close of the meeting.
An emergent meeting was held on 18th July, when the W.M. presided over a fair attendance. The W.M. of
Lodge Waihopai, accompanied by several brethren, was in attendance. The ceremony of initiation was
conducted as follows: Ob. and Ss., W.M.; Inv., Bro. Pedlar (S.W.); Ch.Ch., W. Bro. J. Fraser; R. for Prep.,
Bro. N. Thompson (S.D.); W.Ts., Bro. Wm. Falconer; Final Ch., W. Bro. Fortune. After the ceremony an
adjournment was made to the refectory, where the customary social hour was spent.
————
Taringatura, No. 100.—The regular meeting was held on 14th July, when the W.M. (Bro. F. Gluyas) was in
the chair. There was a good attendance of members, together with a number of visitors. The ceremony was
the initiation of two candidates, carried out by the W.M. Ob.; Se. and Ch. after Inv., W. Bro. G. F. Johnson;
N.E.,. Bro. C. It. Belsham; Prep., W. Bro. H. Graham; W.Ts., J.W. Bro. G. W. Johnson. V.W. Bro. E. C
Smith, Dep.Pro.G.M. visited the Lodge and addressed the brethren and congratulated the Lodge on the
evident signs of progress. The visit of the Dep.Pro.G.M. was much appreciated by the officers and brethren
of the Lodge. A very pleasant social hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Victoria, No. 147.—The installation was held on 12th August, W. Bro. Denton presiding over a crowded
temple. Members were in strong force, also large numbers of visitors from all parts of the Southland district.
Official visits were paid by the W.Ms. and members of the three town Lodges, also several of the country
Lodges. R.W. Bro. W. A. Stout, Prov.G.M., accompanied by P.Prov.G.Ms. in strong force, was received
with customary honours, and conducted the ceremony. W. Bro. W. Fraser, W.M.-elect, was presented,
Antient Charges read by W. Bro. Yule, Ob. administered, and W. Bro. W. Fraser placed in the chair for a
second term, his previous Mastership being in 1921. Address to W.M. by R.W. Bro. W. A. Stout (Inst.
Officer); Wardens addressed and invested by R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans; address to the brethren by R.W. Bro.
T. M. Rankin; Investing Officers – R.W. Bros. Wm. Smith, Haggitt, and Hoyles, and W. Bro. E. B. Pitcher.
Greetings were extended by visitors, and an adjournment made to the refectory, where a splendid banquet
was provided. List of officers: S.W., Bro. McEachran; J.W., Bro. Dennison; Treas., W. Bro. Yule; Sec., W.
Bro. Wilson; Chap., W. Bro. Petrie; S.D., Bro. Fraser; J.D., Bro. Caddie; D. of C., W. Bro. H. Geddes; Org.,
Bro. Leck; I.G., Bro. Young; Tyler, Bro. A. Cockroft; Stewards, Bros. Ellis, Geddes, Robie, Wilkinson, and
Rae.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Winton, No. 108.—The regular meeting was held on 15th July, Bro. Millar presiding over a good attendance
of members. A considerable amount of routine business was disposed of and visitors admitted. W. Bro.
Sydney Smith (W.M., Lodge Waihopai), accompanied by a following of brethren, was received with fitting
honours, and at the request of the W.M. conducted the ceremony of initiation as follows:—Ob. and R. for
Prep., W. Bro. S. Smith; Inv. and W.Ts., Bro. W. R. Copland, S.W.; Ch., W. Bro. Geo. Winter; Final Ch.,
Bro. A. Millar. Bro. A. Dix, J.D., did good service amidst strange surroundings. The Lodge was closed in
P.L. and H. and an enjoyable hour spent around the "festive board."—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Waihopai, No. 189.—The regular meeting was held on 21st July in the Masonic Hall, Invercargill, W. Bro.
Sydney Smith, W.M., presiding over an attendance of just over sixty members. About fifty visitors were
admitted. W. Bro. Geo. Curle (W.M., Lodge St. John, No. 94) and W. Bro. H. Denton (W.M., Lodge
Victoria, No. 147), supported by several of their members, together with P.Ms. and brethren of Lodge-
Southern Cross, No. 9. The meeting was in reality a military night owing to the presence of such a large
number of returned soldier brethren to see two of
their number initiated. One of the candidates held
a very important position in the N.Z.E.P. in the
Great War. Most of the work was conducted by
ex-soldier brethren, and was classed by visitors
well qualified to judge as particularly good—in
fact, a red-letter night in the history of the Lodge.
The ceremony was conducted as follows:—Ob.,
W.M.; Inv., Bro. Copland, S.W.; Ch.Ch., W. Bro.
J. D. Campbell; R. for Prep., W. Bro. Robt. Todd;
W.Ts., Bro. Wm. Bell; 1st T.B., Bro. J. Cushen,
J.W.; Final Ch. Bro. H. McKenzie. After H.G.W.
by visiting brethren the Lodge was closed, and an
enjoyable hour spent around the "festive board."
The excellent speech of Bro. Rev. Gilbert (Chap.)
in proposing the toast of "The Candidates,"
together with several good musical items, were
greatly appreciated.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————————
OTAGO.
Palmerston, No. 26.—The installation of W.M.
Bro. Jas. Lang and officers took place on 8th
August by special dispensation, owing to Lodge
Karitane, No. 221 being misled by taking our date
from an unofficial calendar, and having already
arrangements for their annual ball. The weather
being fine, a record attendance was present, the
following Lodges being represented:—Karitane,
No. 221; Ngapara, No. 68; Arrow Kil., No. 86;
Oceanic, No. 154; Waitaki, No. 11; Maori, No.
105; Hiram, No. 46; Taharangi, No. 235; Teviot,
No. 148; St. John, No. 461, S.C.,; Waverley, No.
226; and Otago Kil., No. 82. It seemed like old
times to see such a good muster of Oamaru
brethren. The installation was conducted by R.W.
Bro. W. C. Lischner, Proy.G.M. (who,
unfortunately, was suffering from a severe cold),
assisted by R.W. Bro. O. H. Moller, P.Prov.G.M.;
W. Bros. W. H. Hopkins, P.G.J.D.; G. R.
Henderson, P.G.P.; P. McCaskill W. R.
McKenzie, S. L. Beck, D. Munro, and R.
Cameron, and R.W. Bro. P. Ledingham (Otago
Kil., No. 82). The ceremony was capably carried
out under the directorship of V.W. Bro. J. H.
Moir, G.D.C. The addresses were delivered by W.
Bro. P. McCaskill. After the Lodge was closed,
those present—about sixty—adjourned to the
Town Hall, where the usual banquet was held, and
although the night was exceedingly cold the
brethren appeared to enjoy themselves, and kept
going till after midnight. The usual toasts were
duly honoured, and items were contributed by
Bro. McKillop, W. Bros. Moodie and D. Ross,
Bros. Reid, Tipini, and Balmbra, W. Bros. Moodie and Ross. Bro. J. Thomson, of Lodge Karitane, was well
up to his usual dramatic form in recitations. [Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Hiram, No. 46.—An emergency meeting was held on 1st July, three brethren being raised to the Third
Degree.
The regular meeting was held on 22nd July, W. Bro. A. Logie, W.M., presiding. R.W. Bro. Lischner,
Prov.G.M. of Otago, was admitted and received with the customary honours. The ritual work was the
initiation of a candidate. The Prov.G.M. congratulated the W.M. on the excellent manner in which the
ceremony was conducted. Three affiliating brethren were balloted for and elected. Two candidates were
proposed for membership. A collection was taken up in aid of the W. and O. and A.M. Fund, realising a
satisfactory amount.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Waverley, No. 226.—The W.M., W. Bro. C. B. Gollop, presided at the regular monthly meeting on 15th
July. The ceremonial work was the passing of two candidates. The agenda included the nomination of
officers for the ensuing year. With the exception of that of Chief Steward, there is only one nomination for
each office, the S.W. for W.M., S.D. for S.W., Sec. for J.W.; the remainder take one step up, and the only
Rev. brother in the Lodge has been nominated for Chap.
On the following Saturday the W.M., accompanied by eighteen officers and brethren, including the
Prov.G.M. for Otago, R.W. Bro. Wm. Lischner, journeyed by motor cars (five) to Roxburgh to visit Lodge
Teviot, No. 148. Weather conditions were most unfavourable, heavy snowstorms being encountered on the
hundred-mile journey. However, an exceedingly optimistic spirit prevailed throughout, the ears reaching
their destination without mishap (not even a puncture) at 5.45 p.m. After Lodge Teviot had transacted its
routine business the visiting Lodge was received. The Lodge was then raised to the Third Degree, and the
Prov. G.M. received with full Masonic honours. The Lodge was then lowered to the First Degree and the
gavel handed over to the visiting W.M., who, with his officers, conducted the ceremony of initiation on one
candidate. At the first time of asking, the Prov.G.M., on behalf of G.L., congratulated the visiting Lodge on
the excellent rendering of the ceremonial. Afterwards a pleasant hour or so was spent in the refectory, where
toasts, usual and unusual, were duly proposed and honoured, interspersed with song and story. Before
leaving on the following day the visiting brethren were taken by several local brethren to see the new hydro-
electric power plant. The visit, despite the unpleasant climatic conditions, was most enjoyable, and will long
live in the remembrance of those who were privileged to make the trip.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————————
CANTERBURY.
Unanimity, No. 3.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 5th August, the W.M., W. Bro. Kerr,
presiding over a good attendance. For the first time for a long period no degree was worked, there being no
candidate ready. So the W.M. carried out the injunctions of the I.M., and had the Lodge By-laws read. The
method adopted was rather unique, the S.D. passing a copy around the Lodge, and each member present
reading a portion aloud. This was followed by an extremely instructive paper being read by W. Bro. T. C.
Hatton, the Lodge Preceptor, who took for his subject "Side-lights on the Ritual." Two propositions were
read, and the W.M. announced that the G.Sec. had promised to read a paper at our next meeting. A ladies'
evening has been fixed for 30th August. The subsequent proceedings in the refectory were most enjoyable.—
[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
St. Augustine, No. 4.—The regular monthly meeting was held in the Christchurch Masonic Hall on 12th
August. Contrary to expectations, in view of the particular date, a large muster of his own P.Ms. and brethren
were assembled when W. Bro. C. J. Jones (W.M.) and his officers entered. The business included two ballots
(both clear), one proposition for membership, a resignation, and a recommendation to make a donation to the
funds of M. and P.M., No. 130. One P.M. was nominated for office in Prov.G.L. Report was made of
bereavements suffered by some of the brethren, and resolutions of sympathy were adopted. The ceremonial
work was to initiate two candidates, and the W.M. was assisted in the ceremony by W. Bros. Temple (W.M.,
Lodge Crown, No. 138), Nedman (W.M., Lodge Robert Burns, No. 139), and Anthony, Tomkinson-Y and
Duff. During the subsequent period in the refectory R.W. Bro. W. M. Hindmarsh, P.G.W., a P.M., gave a
most interesting "ten minutes' chat" on the vexed subject of visiting, stressing the fact that too much visiting
was indulged in by members of town Lodges, to the detriment of that daily advancement in Masonic
knowledge recommended to all members in one of the earliest charges delivered to initiates. Congratulations
were extended to two P.Ms. on their reappearance after a period of ill-health. [Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Christchurch, No. 91.—The monthly meeting was held on 22nd July, W. Bro. H. L. Adams, W.M.,
presiding over a large muster. After routine business the W.M. received V.W. Bro. Du Feu, Dep.Prov.G.M.,
and his officers, also the W.M., officers, and 20 brethren of Lodge Lincoln. W. Bro. Adams then handed
over the gavel to W. Bro. Smithers (W.M., Lodge Lincoln), and asked him to conduct the ceremony of
raising two brethren to the H. and S. Degree of M.M. The W.M. ob. the candidates, and conducted the
raising. W. Bro. McKenzie communicated the Ss, the S.W. continued the TM., W. Bro. Adams explained the
T.B., and W. Bro. Forbes presented the W.Ts. After the Lodge was closed a social hour was spent in the
refectory.
The twenty-third annual adult social was held in the social hall at the Masonic Temple. A large gathering of
the brethren and their lady friends was present. A musical programme was given for the first hour, after
which dancing was indulged in till the "wee sma' hoors."—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
St. Augustine, No. 99.—The installation of W.M. and officers for the year 1924-25 took place on
Wednesday, 13th August. The meeting proved a record one for this Lodge, between 140 and 150 signing on,
including representatives of 21 Lodges of the various Constitutions. Such a meeting must be regarded as a
tribute of high respect for the outgoing and incoming W.Ms. W. Bro. A. J. Jones presided. A letter was
received stating that the old charter of this Lodge (St. Augustine, No. 576) had been forwarded to the G.L. of
Scotland for cancellation and request for its return to this Lodge. R.W. Bro. W. McBride, Prov.G.M., was
accompanied by the following Prov. G.L. officers:—W. Bros. J. W. Souter, S.G.W.; J. W. Beanland, J.G.W.;
G. J. Shackleton Act.-G.S.; H. H. Pawson, S.G.D.; C. Dash, J.G.D.; G. Mckitterick, G.D.C.; G. Tate, G.S.; F.
Stowell, G.S.; D. A. Fulton, I.G. W. E. Evans, J. T. Hunt, J. Manchester. R.W. Bro. McBride was greeted in
due form. The Dist.G.L. of Canterbury, E.C., was represented by V.W. Bro. A. J. Jones, sen., D.D.G.M.,
accompanied by Dist.G.L. officers. G.L. was duly greeted with full honours. W. Bro. A. S. Jones presented
Bro. Samuel Malthus, S.W., for Ob. A board of 20 P.Ms. was formed by R.W. Bro. McBride. The W.Ts. in
the three degrees were presented by W. Bro. G. Dellow (W.M., Lodge Pareora, No. 134), A. L. Taylor
(W.M., Lodge Timaru, No. 196), W. McKinney (W.M., Lodge Caledonian No. 6) respectively. M.W. Bro.
M. Thompson presented the Warrant, Book of C., and By-laws. R.W. Bro. McBride addressed the W.M. The
Wardens were invested by W. Bro. J. H. Beanland, Prov.G.J.W., and they were addressed by W. Bro. F.
Stowell, Prov.G.S. Upon W. Bro. J. W. Souter devolved the duty of investing the officers. W. Bro. A. J.
Hoskins, P.G. Purs., addressed the brethren. The sum of £16 15s. was gathered in for the W. and O. and A.
M. Fund. Owing to the greatly overcrowded state of the Lodgeroom the processional part of the ceremony
had to be dispensed with. The trumpet calls were given by W. Bro. T. Mitchell. The Lodge being closed, an
adjournment was made to the Olympia Hall, where a most sumptuous repast had been prepared by Bro.
Burford, and a long list of toasts, etc., was gone through. R.W. Bro. McBride made a few preliminary
remarks as to the worthiness of the recipient, and then gracefully asked V.W. Bro. A. J. Jones, sen., to pin on
his son's breast a P.M.'s jewel. Proud father, no doubt! The following is the list of officers for the incoming
year:—S.W., Bro. B. Watkin; J.W., Bro. J. Bird; Chap., Bro. C. Asher; Treas., W. Bro. G. J. Shackleton;
See., W. Bro. A. J. Hoskins; D. of C., W. Bro. A. Colville; S.D., Bro. R. R. Clear; J.D., Bro. G. H. O.
Barclay; I.G., Bro. L. C. McLauchlan; Org., W. Bro. J. Menzies; Stewards, Bros. W. Barford, G. B.
Turnbull, H. H. Meredith; Tyler, Bro. Arthur Slade; Auditor, W. Bro. W. A. Lee.
————————
MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON.
Unanimity, No. 106.—The installation meeting was held in Ledge Wairau on 9th August, and the
attendance was easily a record for such a gathering in Marlborough. Over 150 brethren signed the attendance
book, and there were large parties representing Lodges Victory (Nelson), Havelock, Waitohi (Piston), and
Wairau (Blenheim), whilst several brethren conveyed greetings from Lodges in various parts. The
installation of Bro. A. M. Thomson into the W.M.'s chair was performed by R.W. Bro. R. P. Furness,
Prov.G.M., and the Nelson brethren assisted as acting G.L. officers, the following taking part:—W. Bros. A.
G. Shrimpton, J. L. Ching, A. E. Davis, H. Harris, J. Morgan, L. M. Estcourt, H. Hobbs. Bro. A. E. L.
Scantlebury was at the organ, and the trumpet calls were introduced by Bro. Lock (Nelson). W. Bro. J. M.
Lightfoot assisted in the Board. The following officers were invested by W. Bros. Shrimpton, Davies, and
Harris:—Chap., Bro. C. E. Butcher; Treas., Bro. J. G. S. Thompson; Sec., W. Bro. T. F. Bull, P.G.S.; S.D.,
Bro. J. Bary; J.D., Bro. A. W. Wanden; D. of C., W. Bro. C. A. Eckford; Org., Bro. A. E. L. Scantlebury;
I.G., Bro. G. H. Gray; S.S., Bro. W. J. Elvy; J.S., Bro. J. E. Barton; Assistants, Bros. E. H. Whiting, F.
Mogridge, O. G. Thomas, L. Barltrop; Tyler, Bro. C. N. Fisk. The banquet was held in the refectory of the
new Masonic Temple, and it was a very successful function. Again there were over 150 brethren in
attendance, and as they were comfortably accommodated in the new building their enjoyment was much
enhanced. Songs were rendered by Bros. Plum and Gray, and a small orchestra, led by Bro. Scantlebury,
helped materially to enliven the gathering.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————————
HAWKES BAY.
Abercorn, No. 30.—Our regular monthly meeting was held on 21st July, when the business was to raise a
candidate. The W.M. invited the P.Ms. to work the degree, and W. Bro. G. H. Hunt took the chair. The other
offices were taken by following W. brethren:—S.W., C. H. Critchley; J.W., R. J. Pellow; S.D., A. Parkin;
J.D., G. Neilson; Chap., T. Williams; LG., R. N. Verran; Org., E. E. Boit. The candidate was ob. by W. Bro.
G. H. Hunt. The Exh. was delivered by W. Bro. C. H. Critchley, the first part of the T.H. by W. Bro. V.
Williams, and W. Bro. Critchley recited a passage of Scripture, W. Bro. G. Neilson gave the Ch. after R., and
W. Bro. R. J. Pellow communicated the Ss. The S.W. invested, W. Bro. E. E. Bott gave the second part of
the T.H., and W. Bro. A. Parkin explained the further Ss. The W.T. were presented by W. Bro. R. J. Pellow,
and the Final Ch. was rendered by W. Bro. Critehley. The gavel was then handed back to the W.M., who
expresed his appreciation of the way that the work had been carried through. A pleasant hour was spent in
the refectory, during which our W.M. invited the Lodge to accompany him to Divine Service at a date to be
arranged.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
On Sunday evening, 17th August, the brethren of Ledge Abercorn, on the invitation of the W.M., attended
Divine service at the Methodist Church, Waipawa. The service was conducted by the Rev. F. J. Parker in a
most impressive and inspiring manner, and was greatly appreciated by all the brethren present.
The regular monthly meeting was held on 18th August. There was a very fair attendance, and we also had the
pleasure of receiving several visitors. The work, the raising of one brother, was well done, being carried out
by the following:—Questions and Ob., W.M., Bro. W. S. Thackeray; Exh., W. Bro. C. H. Critchley; 1st part
T.H., W. Bro. T. Williams; Ch. and Ss., W. Bro. R. N. Verran;W. Bro. E. E. Bott; Ex.Ss., W. Bro. A. Parkin.
The J.W., Bro. F. Holt, presented the W.Ts., and the Final Ch. was given by W. Bro. Chaplin. The copies of
the V.S.L. upon which they had been ob. in all degrees were presented to two brethren. W. Bro, G. H. Hunt
delivered a lecture on the duties and obligations of a Freemason. A pleasant hour in the refectory was spent,
and the usual toasts honoured.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————————
AUCKLAND.
United Service, No. 10.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 30th July, W. Bro. A. W. T. Pooley in
the chair. Business was the First Degree, two candidates being initiated. The work was carried out as
follows:—Ob. and Ss., the W.M.; M.E. Ch., W. Bro. S. W. Turley, I.P.M.; M. of Prep., W. Bro. W. Tailby,
P.M.; W.Ts., Bro. A. V. Swales, J.W.; Final Ch., Bro. L. E. Harvey, S.W. The Lodge was closed in P., L. and
H., after which a pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Waipu, No. 179.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 12th August, W. Bro. Fenton McKay, W.M.,
being in the chair. A fair number of brethren signed the A.B. No degree work being on hand, the Charges of
a Freemason, from the Book of C., were read. The Lodge being closed in P., L. and H., half an hour was
pleasantly spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Onewa, No. 182.—The first meeting of the Lodge since the loss of our W.M., the late Bro. G. W. Lewis,
was held on 28th July. W. Bro. J. M. Cassie, I.P.M., initiated one candidate, being assisted as follows: W.
Bro. J. Leckie. Ch. after Inv.; W. Bro. W. E. Carter, N.E.Ch.; W. Bro. J. P. Verran, R. for Prep.; Bro. H. W.
Tyer, J.W., W.Ts.; and Bro. Kinnear Smith, S.W., Final Ch. Bro. A. Golden was invested as S.D. The Lodge
will be in mourning for three months.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Morningside, No. 228.—An emergency meeting was held in Hirst's Hall on 28th July. The W.M., W. Bro.
W. H. Keatley presided, when five F.Cs. were raised. The W.M. was ably assisted in the ceremony by W.
Bro. W. L. Harding (W.M., Lodge Arahonui, No. 264) and W. Bros. L. Dodds, J. Heerdegan, M. A. Benny,
C. H. Taylor, and the officers of the Lodge.
The regular monthly meeting was held on 11th August, the W.M. presiding over a good attendance. There
were three proposals for membership. The ritual was the initiation of two candidates. W. Bro. C. Drew gave
the Ch. after Inv., W. Bro. M. Blair the address in the N.E.C., and the M. of Prep. was explained by W. Bro.
M. A. Benny, P.G.B.B. The J.W. presented the W.Ts., and the Final Ch. was delivered by the S.W. The
customary social was held after each meeting.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
Te Puke, No. 261.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 23rd July, W. Bro. G. W. Brown presiding
over a full muster of brethren. A number of visitors were present, including the W.M. of Lodge Tauranga
(W. Bro. H. L. Jones). The work was the initiation of two candidates, The W.M. ob. the candidates and
communicated the Ss., W. Bro. ——— delivered the N.E. Ch., the R. for Prep. were explained by the S.W.,
the W.Ts. wore presented by Bro. D. N. Wilson, and W. Bro. F. A. B. Cameron delivered the Final Ch. The
customary social gathering was held after the Lodge closed.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————————
WELLINGTON.
Tutanekai, No. 156.—The regular meeting was held in the Lodgeroom, Adelaide Road, on 7th August, the
W.M., W. Bro. Jones, presiding. In spite of the inclement weather there was a good attendance of members
and visiting brethren. Three candidates for the Second Degree were passed. After the Lodge had closed a
pleasant hour was spent in music, song, and story.—[Lodge Correspondent.]
————
Whetu Kairangi, No. 201.—An emergency meeting was hold on 17th July. The work consisted of passing
two candidates to the Second Degree. The W.M., Bro. T. H. R. Boon, filleted the work as follows:—Ob. and
Ss., W.M.; Ch. after Inv., R.W. Bro. Russell; S.E., W. Bro. Morris; W.Ts., W. Bro. Robertson; Final Ch., W.
Bro. T. W. Boon. A pleasant hour was spent in the refectory, and regret was expressed at the inability (owing
to sickness) of V.W. Bro. T. Porritt, P.M. P.G.Chap. assisting in the ceremony.
The regular monthly meeting was held on 9th August, when two candidates were initiated. The work was
allotted as follows:—Ob., W.M.; Ss., W. Bro. Robertson; .Ch. after Inv., W. Bro. L. A. Ayson; N.E., Bro.
Brown; Ex. of Prep., Bro. Marshall, 1.G.; W.Ts., Bro. Snelling, J.S.; Ch. after Initiation, Bro, Huggin, S.W.
A pleasant hour was spent in the refectory. Amongst the visitors were the W.M., Lodge Leinster,
accompanied by a number of his brethren, also two P.Ms., father and brother of one of the candidates.
The "ladies' evening," which was held in the Lodgeroom, Masonic Hall, Seatoun, on the 26th July, 1924, was
pronounced a great success. There were about sixty couples present, who spent a very enjoyable evening
dancing. There were also a number of songs and recitations given. An adjournment was made to the Kiosk
for supper. The W.M. welcomed the ladies, and the S.W. responded humorously on their behalf.—[Lodge
Correspondent.]
————————
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.
Southern Cross, No. 3.—The monthly convocation was held on 6th August, when V.E. Comp.——, in the
absence of the 1st Prin., presided, and opened the Chapter, assisted by E. Comps. A. Scott (2nd Prin.) and E.
Comp. Bonifant (3rd Prin.). Election of officers was taken, and resulted in E Comp. A. Scott being declared
1st Prin.-elect. The wads was the exalting of two E.Ms., conducted as follows:—Oh and Ss., V.E. Comp.
Hoyles; Ss. Further Must., E. Comp. McCarroll; W.Ts., E. Comp. Sydney Smith; Final Ch., R.E. Comp.
Wm. Irvine, G.Supt, E. Comp. Wilson as 1st Soj did good work. A very enjoyable hour was spent in the
refectory afterwards.— [Chapter Correspondent.]
————
Wallace, No. 34.—The monthly convocation was held at Otautau on 24th July, when V.E. Comp. G.
Charlton, 1st Prin., presided over a good attendance of companions an visitors. An official visit was paid by
R.E. Comp. W. F Irvine, G.Supt., and V.E. Comp. Winning (1st Prin. of Southern Cross, No. 3). The
ceremony was Passing of the Veils, and was conducted by W.E.M. Bro. Sinclair and officers. Able
assistance was rendered by Bros. Hill and Bird. Lodge of E.Ms. closed, and business resumed in the R.A.
Degree. To put the Chapter on a sound financial basil it was decided to raise the annual dues from. 12/6 to
£1. very enjoyable hour was spent in the refectory at the close of the meeting.—[Chapter Correspondent.]
————
Huiroa, No. 47.—The annual meeting was held on 5th August, a week earlier than usual, to avoid clashing
with the installation of Lodge Victoria, No. 147. V.E. Comp. W. Gee, Z., occupied the chair, and received
visitors from Southern Cross Chapter, No. 3. R.E. Comp. Wm. Irvine (G.Supt. of Southland), supported by
M.E. Comp. W. M. Smith (P.G.Z.), R.E. Comps. T. M. Rankin (G.H.), F. A. Steans (P.G.Supt.), V.E.
Comps. Critchfield (G.Std.B.), Hoyles, and Rusden were received with fitting honours. E. Comp. F. Young
was installed and invested 1st Prin. Z. by RE. Comp. Irvine; E. Comp. J. C. Ray, 2nd Prin. H., by R.E.
Comp. T. M. Rankin (G.H.); and E. Comp. E. Frobarth, 3rd Prin. J. by V.E. Comp. Hoyles. Installation of
W.M.M. was conducted by V.E. Comp. Jos. Critchfield. The three Prins. were addressed by M.E. Comp.
Wm. Smith, R.E. Comps. Rankin and Irvine, and V.E. Comp. Hoyles. Scribes E., H., and Treas. were
invested by E. Comp. Sydney Smith; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sojs. by E. Comp. A. Scott. Address to officers, V.E.
Comp. Rusden; to companions, by V.E. Comp. E. C. Smith, G.D.C. Greetings were extended by visiting
companions, and the Chapter closed in L. and U., and a very enjoyable hour spent in the social room.—
[Chapter Correspondent.]
————
Hauraki, No. 454, I.C.—The annual meeting was held on 11th July in the presence of a large attendance of
visiting R.A. Masons, in the Masonic Hall, Queen Street, Thames. The Prins. installed were Comp. C.
Palmer as King, Comp. H. C. Cordes as High Priest, and Comp. A. J. Brokenshire as Chief Scribe. The let
Prin. was installed by E. Com. J. A. Messenger (P.Z., Auckland Chapter), the 2nd Prin. by V.E. Comp. F.
Wiseman (D.G.S., Ara Chapter), and the 3rd Prin. by C. H. Jenkins (P.Z., Auckland Chapter). The three
Prins. received an interesting address by E. Comp. F. E. McCullough. The following officers were invested
by E. Comp. C. Palmer:—C. of H., E. Comp. Jas. H. Hodge, P.K.; Supt, of T., Comp. T. W. Newman; R.A.
Capt., Comp. T. J. Buchan; Capt. of S.V., Comp. G. W. Stamper; Capt. of P.V., Comp. A. Phillips; Capt. of
B.V., Comp. J. Mogg; Chap., E. Comp. G. Cullen, P.K.; D. of C., E. Comp. F. McCullough, P.K.; Inner
Janitor, Comp. P. Gooder; Senior Steward, Comp. J. Pratt; Junior Steward, Comp, N. Jonassen; Outer
Steward, Comp. W. F. Kemp; Auditors, E. Comp. J. G. Shand, P.K.; E, Comp. F. McCullough, P.K.—
[Chapter Correspondent.]
————————
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.
Wellington Preceptory.—A. meeting was held in the Chapel, Donald McLean Street, on Thursday, 31st
July. There was a full muster of members. The venerable Preceptor made eloquent allusion to the great loss
the Preceptory had suffered in the death of Sir Knight J. C. Greer, who was in every respect a worthy
member. The ceremony of the Templars' Degree was worked and two companions were received, admitted,
and consecrated Knights of the Temple. The annual meeting will be held in September, when Sir Knight
James Rod will be installed Preceptor.—[Preceptory Correspondent.]