THE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION.

————<>————

"X.— The majority of every particular Lodge, when congregated, shall have the privilege of giving

instructions to their Master and Wardens, before the assembling of the Grand Chapter or Lodge, at the

three quarterly communications hereafter mentioned, and of the Annual Grand Lodge, too : because

their Master and Wardens are their representatives, and are supposed to speak their mind.

"XL— All particular Lodges are to observe the same usages, as much as possible; in order to which, and for

cultivating a good understanding among Freemasons, some members out of every Lodge shall be

deputed to visit the other Lodges as often as shall be thought convenient.

"XII.— The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed by the Masters and Wardens of all the regular particular

Lodges upon record, with the Grand Master at their head, and his Deputy on his left hand, and the

Grand Wardens in their proper places, " etc.— (Payne's General Regulations, 1720.)

ORE than two centuries have passed since Payne's General Regulations, which were embodied in

Anderson's pioneer Book of Constitutions of the speculative craft, laid down precise instructions for

the representation of the Lodges in annual and quarterly sessions, so that the chosen representatives,

the Masters and Wardens, might have an opportunity of "speaking the minds" of the Lodges, and assist in the

realisation of a good understanding amongst Freemasons. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand has hitherto

managed to get along with the assistance of annual assemblies, but some tendencies, occasioned to a certain

extent by the numerical growth of the institution, would make a reversion to something approaching the

quarterly communications enjoined by Bro. George Payne, of ancient memory, by no means surprising.

The communication which terminated the thirty-eighth year of the existence of Grand Lodge will compare

favourably with those preceding it, judged by the standard of intelligence and effort brought to bear upon the

business in hand. Two questions of outstanding importance, different in their essence, loomed largely, one,

that of centralisation or permanent location of government, having administrative significance, and the other,

that of Masonic benevolence, dealing with the ethical or idealistic side of the Craft. In the discussion of the

former, no fresh ground was broken, and the possible arguments, both for and against, have been so often

reiterated in past debates, that originality in argument could not have been expected. The proposal to sound

the Lodges themselves by means of a plebiscite in respect of a matter of considerable importance to them,

and as to which there has been much see-sawing in the past on the floor of Grand Lodge, was the most

effectual way of handling a problem which has consistently occupied the attention of many experienced

members of those Lodges. The majority of two-thirds proposed and accepted for a departure from the status

quo, is sufficient, and it might be suggested, more than sufficient, to ensure that a change from the existing

order, if determined upon, will have expediency and the good of the common cause to recommend it. As so

much has already been said, and appeared in print available to Lodges, on the subject, there may be little

occasion to supply further information, statistical, financial or otherwise, bearing on it, but such as may be

supplied by the responsible persons in compliance with requests in that connection will, we have not the

slightest doubt, be kept free from partisan tendencies. The financial side of the question, as we suggested in a

recent article, is by no means of most importance. Broader issues, a regard for the future, and a resolve to

eliminate all parochial bias should influence the Lodges when they speak their minds by their votes. The

decision to require more than a bare majority as a mandate for a change was a wise and proper one. The

present order has existed for so long that a decisive vote should be required to evidence that it has served its

intended purpose and outlived its usefulness, and the vote required, if given, will call for final and prompt

action. Permanent location, or the abandonment of the admittedly unique peripatetic system, will carry in its

train a necessity for providing for the proper representation of the various districts at headquarters, and the

best means of effecting this will be the next question. The expedient of setting apart certain of the meetings

of the governing board, and requiring non-resident members to attend them is an adaptation of the existing

machinery to new conditions which may not prove sufficient for the purpose. The issue is a larger one, and

M

raises the question whether the whole scheme of representation of Lodges should not be revised before the

annual assembly becomes too unwieldy to effectively deal with the business coming before it.

Representation through Provincial Grand Lodges may be one way of meeting the position, although the

machinery now existing for the formation and operation of such subsidiary bodies has not hitherto been

invoked to a considerable extent. Under the conditions now obtaining this is to be expected, as direct

representation existing side by side with provincial government entails multiplicity of organisation, which

would not be the ease with a system of representation through a provincial organisation. It is a question

whether direct representation produces the best results, apart from the consideration of its expense, which, no

doubt, is contributed by the Lodges themselves. The bulk of the personnel of Grand Lodge, that is to say, the

Masters and Wardens in attendance, changes with every Communication, and experience has taught that

some of the more important questions to be handled require some historical knowledge and scone experience

which only the more seasoned members can possess. We hope that the required majority of Lodges will

declare themselves for a permanent location, and if they do the, the choice of location will be a matter of less

importance. A central home for Grand Lodge, and a more efficient and workable system of representation

than now obtains, would, we are satisfied, make for the good of the Craft in the territory, and justify all

efforts brought to bear in their realisation.

The subject of Masonic benevolence is sufficiently important to warrant all the attention that was given to it.

The year just concluded revealed the position that the interest from investments proved insufficient to meet

the calls upon the Annuity Fund by over £1,200. The aim should be to build up a capital fund large enough

by its interest-earning power to meet annuity contingencies, but if contributions are to be intercepted and

diverted to meet deficiencies of income, the time is yet distant when the fund will be self-supporting. The

Communication declined, as previous Communications have consistently done, to endorse anything

savouring of a levy or assessment, and preferred to leave it to Lodges to devise their own means for securing

that increase which on all hands was declared to be essential. It is not a question so much of devising ways

and moans as of quickening the sense of Masonic obligation which is exemplified to the E.A. at the outset of

his career. In the words of the Grand Master::—

"We do not want to beg money from the members; we want to rekindle enthusiasm in the

individuals, to "remind them of the ideals at which night after night they profess to aim. It is the

spirit which needs to be quickened. We must do more to spiritualise our teaching and our work."

The discussion which took place in Grand Lodge on this important subject of benevolence may, and we hope

will, be productive of a greater effort on the part of Lodges to secure a return to the condition of things which

formerly obtained, when income, properly so called, was adequate to meet calls. An average contribution

from the Lodges of under 4/- per annum per member, certainly suggests that much more can be done without

unduly straining individual resources.

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THE UNIVERSALITY OF FREEMASONRY.

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At the recent assembly of Grand Lodge, formal recognition was agreed to be accorded to two foreign

jurisdictions, the Grand Lodges of Sweden and Puerto Rico. The matter is sufficiently interesting to attract

the attention of brethren of an enquiring turn of mind, and goes to show that in Masonic, as well as in every-

day life, general proposition: and slogans require to be modified in practical application. The Grand Lodge of

Sweden is an old established body which upholds the commonly accepted fundamentals, and the relations of

its adherents with the brethren of the premier Grand Lodge have been such that King Edward VII., when

Prince of Wales, received Masonic light in a Lodge working in Sweden when King Oscar of that territory

presided. This should be sufficient warrant that Swedish Freemasonry works on traditional lines, but it is not

till now that the official imprimatur endorses the position so far as the brethren of this territory are

concerned. The ordinary significance of the term "Universality of Freemasonry" would imply that Masons,

wherever dispersed are free to visit and associate with each other in Lodge without let or hindrance,

particularly as Grand Lodges as now organised and understood are more modern creations than the craft

itself. In fact, we know that this is not so, and the well-established practice in English-speaking jurisdictions

is to assume from the beginning that relations between their members and those of another allegiance are not

to be taken as regular unless and until formal recognition has been extended to the latter. As has been pointe,

out by a contemporary whose observations are always interesting, more or less insensibly a practice grew

and it has long been established which involves an important modification of what would be ordinarily

implied by the sweeping phrase which heads these remarks. Probably with a justifiable conservatism which

is a characteristic of the English-speaking Craft, the custom is dictated by a regard for ensuring that in

respect of certain matters, such as modes of recognition, the necessity of the V.S.L. and qualifications of

candidates, which are generally accepted as essentials, there is in fact no divergence.

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NOTICE.

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Communications relating to Subscriptions, Lodge Advertisements and all business matters should be

addressed to the Secretary, N.Z. Masonic Newspaper Co., Ltd., P.O. Box 8, Wellington.

Lodge Reports, literary matter and correspondence should be addressed to the Editor, N.Z. Craftsman, P.O.

Box 8, Wellington.

Communications regarding Trade Advertising should be addressed to the Charles Haines Advertising

Agency, Ltd., P.O. Box 1490, Wellington.

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News and Notes.

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The ANNUAL CONVOCATION of Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand will be held at

Palmerston North on 21st February, when M.E. Comp. His Excellency General Sir Charles Fergusson, Bart.,

1st Grand Principal Z., will preside.

We regret to announce the sudden death on 21st November at Wanganui of W. Bro. Robert Harry Reaney,

P.M., P.Dist.Gr.D.C. Bro. Reaney was initiated in Wellington Lodge, No. 1521, E.C., and was a P.M. of

Tongariro Lodge, No. 705. He was a well-known engineer of the Public Works Department prior to his

retirement some years ago.

H.R.H. the Duke of York, K.G., Prov. G.M. Middlesex, was on Wednesday, 24th October, installed in the

First Principal's chair of the United Chapter, 1629, in the presence of a large gathering. H.R.H. was attended

by E. Comp. A. Burnett Brown (Dep. Prov. G.M. Middlesex), who, at his request acts as his Masonic

equerry at all such functions.

Bro. Lord Blythswood, K.C.V.O., P.O.W., Eng., has been re-elected Grand Master Mason of Scotland for

the ensuing year. A deputation, headed by Brig.-Gen. Sir Robert Gordon Gilmour, Bart., Past G.M., will sail

in January to visit the Eastern and Western Provinces of Cape Colony, Natal and Rhodesia to inquire into the

working of Scottish Masonry in those districts.

Professionalism in Freemasonry is, it is declared on high authority, to cease and all who have the Craft at

heart will welcome the assurance. The scramble for collars has become not only, in many instances,

undignified but amounting almost to a scandal. What becomes of the level and the square when recognition

is awarded to the brother who can boast the largest number of P.M.'s or P.Z.'s jewels and the steady,

plodding worker goes unrewarded/ That is where America has often scored and, although some Jurisdictions

are waiving their restriction of unitary membership in favour of dual membership, it is to be dual and not

multiple. This many, of course, lead to an imitation of an English custom in the establishment of Masters'

Lodges, which is one well worthy of such flattery. Steady, conscientious and effective work alone should

count and included in that work is support of all the Masonic Institutions to the best of the ability of the

individual. It undoubtedly does happen very often that a donation of ten guineas in one instance may involve

greater sacrifice than a donation of a thousand guineas in another.—''Masonic News."

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EXTRACTS FROM LETTER FROM W. J. SONGHURST,

SECRETARY, "QUATUOR CORONATI" Lodge, London, No. 2076.

————<>————

To W. Bro. J. M. W. Ilott, I.P.M.,

Research Lodge of Wellington, No. 194.

"The receipt, two days ago, of your Research Lodge Pamphlets, Nos. 63-68, has given me the opportunity of

going through the whole series, before entering the papers in our library catalogue.

"Perhaps it is an impertinence of me to make any comments on the papers, but really many of them are so

good that I feel like offering my congratulations to someone.

"It must have been a hard task during the past fifteen years to get 35 brethren to expend time and labour in

their preparation. I see that two brethren gave five papers, six gave four, three gave three, four gave two, and

the remainder one each.

"A few, it is true, are based on very questionable authority, some others no mere analogy, and some

apparently on pure theory. But for the most part, I consider them sound, sane, and practical, and they reflect

great credit upon their authors, as well as upon those who induced them to turn their attention to Masonic

Research."

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THE EXTINCT LODGES OF NEW ZEALAND.

No. 7.

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By R.W. Bro. Colonel G. Barclay, P.G.W., Grand Secretary.

—————

LODGE ST. CLAIR, No. 450, S.C., DUNEDIN.

This is a Lodge about which it has been impossible to obtain much definite information. The Grand Lodge of

Scotland has been unable to supply any particulars beyond the fact that its records show that the Lodge was

instituted in 1864, and that a Charter "Lodge St. Clair, No. 450," was issued on the 7th August, 1865, such

Lodge to meet at Dunedin, New Zealand. No members were ever registered, and the impression in the

Scottish Grand Lodge Office appeared to be that the Lodge never actually functioned. The District Grand

Lodge of New Zealand South, S.C., is not able to furnish much information, as most of its old records were

lost when the Masonic Hall in Moray Place East Dunedin, was destroyed by fire in 1881. There is ample

evidence, however, that the Lodge was in existence for several years; it was apparently opened under

Dispensation, as the newspaper references, etc., show that it was functioning for a considerable period prior

to the issue of the Charter. Whether this Dispensation was obtained from the Prov. Grand Master or from

some other source is not known — Bro. V. Pyke, although appointed in 1864 was not installed until the

following year; possibly he may have started to discharge the duties of his office prior to his installation.

At this period the Lodges working in Dunedin were Otago, No. 844, E.C., Dunedin, No. 931, E.C., Otago

Kilwinning, No. 417, S.C., and St. Andrew, No. 432, S.C.

Great prosperity attended the town in those days. It was in the winter of 1851 that Gabriel Read made his

memorable find at Tuapeka; the Dunstan diggings broke out in 1862, while in 1863 the export of gold from

Otago rose to two millions sterling. Amongst those attracted to the goldfields were many Freemasons, and

the fact that money was plentiful no doubt created a desire for Freemasonry amongst those who were

interested in the Craft, and thus led to the formation of additional Lodges. The Lodges Hiram, 1127, E.C.,

Shamrock, 448, I.C., and Celtic, 477, S.C., all came into existence about this period.

The first mention of the St. Clair Lodge which can be traced is in the "Otago Daily Times," of 19th April,

1865, where a full report is given of the installation of R.W. Bro. Vincent Pyke (c) as Provincial Grand

Master of New Zealand, S.C., and the investiture of his officers. The report is interesting as containing the

names of a number of brethren who are shown as members of Lodge St. Clair. The names of the Prov. Grand

Officers are here quoted: Prov.G.M., Hon. V. Pyke; Sub.Prov.G.M., W. Caldwell (W.M. No. 432); S.W.,

McKellar (No. 417); J.W., Richard Oliver (St. Clair); Chap. E. H. Grainger (417); Sec., W. Wilford Wilson

(St. Clair); Treasurer, J. O. Reid (432); S.D., W. Barron (417); J.D., W. Renton (432); Clerk, M. V. Hodge

(417); Bible Bearer, John Hughes (St. Clair); D.C., M. W. Hawkins (417); Marshall, Capt. Patterson (432);

Sword Bearer, G. Dreaver (417); Director of Music, George West (417); Stewards, Bros. Campbell (St.

Clair); McCubbin (417); Eva (417); J. Grey (St. Clair). It is stated that at the ceremony Bro. W. W. Wilson,

R.W.M. of Lodge St. Clair, gave a beautiful oration.

In another issue of the same newspaper appears a report of the Installation of Bro. W. Caldwell as R.W.M. of

Lodge St. Andrew, No. 432, on 24th May, 1865, which ceremony took place at the Masonic Hall, Princes

Street, Dunedin (a) when among the deputations present was one from Lodge St. Clair, S.C.

In the "Otago Daily Times" of 9th March, 1866, an advertisement appears as follows:—

"The officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of New Zealand, S.C., are requested to attend .at the Masonic

Hall this evening at 7.30 and the brethren of the Otago Kilwinning Lodge to assemble in Moir's Hotel at 7.30

to attend the inauguration of the Shamrock Lodge. I.C. The officers of Lodge St. Clair are requested to meet

at the Masonic Hall this evening at 7.30."

It is understood that "The Moir's Hotel" referred to was in Manse Street, on the site of what is now known as

Wain's Hotel.

The minutes of the then Provincial Grand Lodge of New Zealand, S.C., contain a number of references to

Lodge St. Clair.

At the Installation of Bro. Vincent Pyke as Provincial Grand Master on the 19th April, 1865, Bro. W. W.

Wilson, R.W.M. of the Lodge, acted as Prov. Junior Grand Warden. On the 24th June, 1865, Bro. J. G. Fox,

S.W. of Lodge St. Clair, was placed on the Provincial Grand Lodge Committee, and at a special meeting of

the Provincial Grand Lodge on the 14th August, Lodge St. Clair was represented by Bros. W. W. Wilson, J.

J. Martin and G. H. Campbell. At the regular meeting on 28th November, 1805, the Lodge was represented

by Bros. Fox, Wilson, Campbell and Martin, while on the 30th November at the St. Andrew's Day Festival

the members of St. Clair Lodge took part with other Dunedin Freemasons in a grand open air fete, which was

held at Vauxhall, at that time a great pleasure resort, the object being the raising of money for the Benevolent

Fund of the two Constitutions. At the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge on the same evening, St. Clair

was represented by Bros. Wilson, Fox, Campbell and Hughes, and Bro. Fox was appointed a Provincial

Grand Steward. At a meeting on 18th December of the same year, the Lodge was represented by Bros.

Wilson, Fox, Campbell, Hughes, Bathgate and Grey. At this meeting Bro. Bathgate was appointed Provincial

Grand Treasurer. At a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge on 21st March, 1866, a letter was read from

the Secretary of the St. Clair Lodge enclosing she By-laws for approval— they were referred to the

committee of Provincial Grand Lodge, and on the 13th April, the committee recommended to Provincial

Grand Lodge that the By-laws of St. Clair he approved, which was accordingly done. On 26th August, 1867,

Lodge St. Clair is for the first time shown in the Provincial Grand Lodge Records at "No. 450." On 12th

March, 1868, Bro. J. R. Mills, M.M., Lodge St. Clair, was elected Provincial Grand Marshal. The Lodge is

shown for the last time as being represented at a meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on the 5th November,

1868.

The Provincial Grand Lodge Register shows: 1866-67, F. J. Martin, W.M. 1867-68, G. H. Campbell, W.M.;

A. Taylor, S.W.; T. F. Mussen, J.W.

There are no entries for 1868-69, and "extinct" appears in the column for 1869-70.

In the minutes of Lodge Otago Kilwinning-, No. 417, S.C., the following entry appears under date 11th May,

1865:-

"The Secretary then read a letter from the Secretary of the St. Clair Lodge asking for the loan of the

Otago Kilwinning Lodge regalia, till their regalia arrived from England. It was unanimously agreed to

allow them the use of it till its arrival."

The Lodge is mentioned in various issues of Stevens and Bartholomew's N.Z. Directory and the following

extracts are made:-

1865-66—W.W. Wilson, R.W.M., Edgar Bastings, Secretary. Meets first Monday in each month in the

Masonic Hall, Princes Street, Dunedin.

1866-67—Thos. James Martin, R.W.M.; Edgar Bastings, Secretary.

1867-68—George Hyde Campbell, R.W.M.; Thos. J. Martin, P.M.; Adrian H. Buisson, Secretary; John

Mitchell, Treasurer.

In another Directory, Bro. W. M. Hopper is shown as Secretary in 1868.

In " The New Zealand Masonic Magazine and Record" (b) of 1st September, 1869, appears a report of a

meeting of the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge, No. 942, E.C., held on 9th July, 1869, and amongst the visitors

present is the name of "Bro. G. L. Chapman, Secretary St. Clair Lodge, S.C."

Presumably the Lodge ceased working in 1869, as it does not appear in a list of Lodges published in the New

Zealand Masonic Magazine and Record towards the, end of that year, and at a meeting of Lodge Otago

Kilwinning, No. 417, S.C., on 26th August, 1869; the Secretary was instructed to write to the R.W.M. of the

St. Clair Lodge expressing the willingness of the former Lodge to receive as affiliating members any of the

members of Lodge St. Clair, no entrance fee to be charged` beyond the registration fee payable to Grand

Lodge. This offer apparently failed to meet with any great response as only two brethren from Lodge St.

Clair were affiliated with Lodge Otago Kilwinning: Bro. Geo. I. Chapman, Clerk, on 10th March, 1870, and

Bro. John Hughes on 24th June, 1870, although another St. Clair brother was affiliated on 10th March, 1876.

It will be noted that in the newspaper references the name of the Lodge is shown without any number,

indicating that it was working under a Dispensation. An old Attendance Book of Lodge Dunedin, No. 931,

E.C., gives the names of a number of members of Lodge St. Clair, who were visitors at the former Lodge. Up

to 1867, they simply affixed the name of the Lodge to their signature, but from 1868 "St. Clair, 450, S.C."

was given, from which it would appear that the Charter had been handed over to the Lodge towards the end

of 1867 or early in 1868. It was in August, 1867, that the number was first mentioned in the records of the

Provincial Grand Lodge.

Presumably the name of this Lodge had no territorial derivation, as is the case with the present Lodge St.

Clair. Indeed, the chances are that the suburb of St. Clair was not in existence in the early sixties. The

Lodge's name was, no doubt, selected as in the case of other Scottish Lodges to commemorate the St. Claire

of Rosslyn, the hereditary Grand Masters prior to the formation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1735.

The following are the brethren whose names appear as 'having been associated with the Lodge:—

ST. CLAIR, No. 450, S.C.

1865-66—W. Wilford Wilson, R.W.M.

1866-67—Thos. J. Martin, R.W.M.; Edgar Bastings, Secretary.

1867-68—Geo. H. Campbell, R.W.M.; A. H. Buisson, Secretary; John Mitchell, Treasurer.

1868-69—Geo. I. Chapman, Secretary.

Also shown as members:—John Hughes, John Grey, Richard Oliver, H. J. Abel, M. P. J. Martin, Arch.

Taylor, Thos. L. Shepherd, Thos. F. Mussen, W. M. Hopper, J. G. Fox, J. Bathgate, J. R. Mills.

The above list is, of course, incomplete. The names shown have been obtained from newspapers and other

sources, there being no record of the members now available.

The following personal notes may be of interest:—

W. Wilford Wilson.—Was a barrister and solicitor, having an office in Provincial Chambers, Stafford Street,

Dunedin. He came from Castlemaine, Victoria, and is believed to have returned there. He was the first

Provincial Grand Secretary of New Zealand, S.C. In later years Bro. Wilson apparently fell on evil times, as

a letter written from London and asking for assistance was received from him by the District Grand Lodge in

July, 1901.

Thomas J. Martin.— Was a hotel-keeper in Dunedin in the early days.

Edgar Bastings—Was also a hotel-keeper, well known in Dunedin in the pioneer days.

George Hyde Campbell—Of the firm of Calvert & Campbell, solicitors. He was Provincial Grand Treasurer,

S.C. His son is a well-known member of the Scottish Craft in Dunedin.

John Mitchell—Was a member of the late well-known stationery firm of Ferguson & Mitchell.

Geo. I. Chapman.—Was in the service of the Postal Department.

John Hughes.—Was Sheriff's officer to the Court. He later accepted a position in the Dunedin Fire Brigade

and afterwards went to a position in the fire service in Auckland.

John Grey—Had a confectionery business in Dunedin in 1865.

Richard Oliver.—Of the firms of Baines & Oliver, Oliver & Ulph, N.Z. Hardware Co., etc. A well-known

politician and .member of the House of Representatives and later of the Legislative Council.

W. M. Hopper.—Was at one time Secretary of the Benevolent Institution, Dunedin.

John Bathgate was a well-known solicitor, the family being one of the most favourably known in the

southern city. Bro. Bathgate was afterwards a member of the Legislative Council.

(To be continued.)

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GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

————<>————

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION.

———

PROCEEDINGS AT DUNEDIN.

———

GRAND MASTER RE-INSTALLED.

The Grand Lodge of New Zealand held its Annual Communication at His Majesty's Theatre, Dunedin, on the

28th and 29th November, the business, for the first time for very many years, -necessitating a second day's

sitting. M.W. Bro. His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, Bart. presided as Grand

Master. With him in the East were M.W. Bro. G. Russell, Pro Grand Master, R.W. Bro. W. Smith, P.D.G.M.,

Acting Deputy Grand Master, and M.W. Bros. T. Ross, J. J. Dougall, M. Thompson, S. C. Bingham, and H.

L. Michel, Past G.M.'s. R.W. Bros. T. H. Williams, Senior G.W., and J. M. Forrester, Junior G.W., were in

their own Chairs.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

After the confirmation of the minutes of the Annual Communication of 1927 and the Special Communication

of February, 1928, came the election of officers.

The re-election of Most Worshipful His Excellency General Sir Charles Fergusson as Grand Master was

proposed by M.W. Bro. M. Thompson, P.G.M., seconded by M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M., and

unanimously agreed to.

For the position of Pro Grand Master a ballot had seemed unavoidable. Both R.W. Bro. E. W. G. H. Watts,

P.D.G.M., and R.W. Bro. J. J. Clark had been nominated, in each case by a large number of lodges. The

Board of General Purposes, in its scheme of distribution of office, had recommended the election of R.W.

Bro. Watts, who had received the larger number of nominations, but a ballot had been demanded on behalf of

R.W. Bro. Clark. The difficulty was, however, happily solved at the eleventh hour by the withdrawal of R.W.

Bro. Clarke's candidature. R.W. Bro. Watts was accordingly proposed to Grand Lodge by R.W. Bro. Clark

himself and declared elected.

With regard to other elective Grand Officers, the Board's scheme of distribution was agreed to, and the

brethren named in it were declared elected.

(The full list of officers for the year will be found set out in the account of the installation proceedings.)

FINANCIAL.

In moving the adoption of the annual balance-sheet — particulars of which were given in the last issue of the

"Craftsman"—V.W. Bro. A. A. George, Grand Treasurer, pointed out that there was in the expenditure of the

year an outlay of £318 for regalia, rendered necessary by the creation of new Grand Lodge officers. The

Widows and Orphans and Aged Masons Fund had not the degree of stability that was necessary to provide

for the increasing calls upon it. Until the capital value of this fund was stabilised at £130,000, difficulty and

uncertainty in its administration would ever continue to be experienced. The Annuity Board had received in

the past year by way of interest £5534, while it had paid out £6794 in annuities, thereby encroaching upon

the ordinary contributions to the extent of £1260. With regard to the Special War Benevolent Fund, there

were 36 loans outstanding. Of these 21 borrowers were paying satisfactorily, 10 were defaulting, two were

making no effort to discharge their liability, and there were three whose payments were not yet due.

The report was adopted without discussion. So also was that of the Board of Benevolence, also published last

month.

THE ANNUITY FUND.

V.W. Bro. E. J. Guiness, Chairman of the Annuity Board and Board of Management of the Widows and

Orphans and Aged Masons Fund, in moving the adoption of the Board's report, urged that every lodge in the

territory should be particularly careful to see that the candidates it admits are men who have made provision

against old age and insured their lives. Many of the applications that had lately come before the Board had

been necessitated by want of provision that could have been made in the early lifetime of the heads of the

families concerned.

Without debate, the report was adopted.

BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

The various clauses of the report of the Board of General Purposes were reviewed, with no great addition to

the information contained in the document itself, published last month.

At Clause 11, recording the donation by Bro. F. S. Potter, of Auckland, of six acres of land at Panmure for

the establishment of Masonic Homes for Aged Freemasons, thanks was given to Bro. Potter for his generous

gift.

Clause 17, recommending the conferment of Grand Lodge past rank upon several brethren, provided a little

discussion chiefly as to the haphazard way in which such honour had been conferred in recent years, and the

necessity for reserving it for exceptional circumstances. On the other hand, it was contended that in districts

outside the four main centres the active brethren of the Craft had little opportunity of obtaining preferment

except on the honoris causes system, seeing that such offices as Grand Director of Ceremonies were

practically confined to members resident in the cities. R.W. Bro. Dr. Redman, P.P.G.M., urged that there

should be a limit to the number of appointments made on honoris cause lines each year. On his motion it was

resolved that the incoming Board of General Purpose should report to the next Annual Communication as to

the conditions under which honoris cause rank should be conferred, and the number of positions that should

be granted each year.

The recommendations of the Board with respect to honoris cause rank for M.W. Bro. G. Russell (to be

P.G.M.), W. Bro. G. F. Whiteside (to be P.J.G.W.), W. Bro. R. Ball (to be P.J.G.W.), W. Bro. T. B. Salmon

(to be P.G.D.C.), and W. Bro. L. Wright (to be P.G.D.C.) were agreed to. In the ease of W. Bro. Geo.

Hufton, it was agreed that his past Grand Rank should he that of Past Junior Grand Warden, instead of

P.A.G.D.C., as proposed by the Board.

Clause 19, which proposed that a fee of one guinea be charged to future Grand Officers for the use of their

Grand Lodge regalia, was strongly objected to, and was struck out of the report, on the motion of R.W. Bro.

C. W. Nielsen, P.G.W.

At Clause 22, relating to the retirements of Provincial Grand Masters, a vote of thanks was given to R.W.

Bros. W. Lishner, C. H. Critchley, H. G. Teagle, and E. C. Smith, for their past services to the Craft in this

office. A special vote of sympathy was given to B.W. Bro. Teagle, who, while on his way by steamer to the

Communication had received wireless advice that his business premises in Wellington had been totally

destroyed by fire.

In considering Clause 27, as. to the statistics of the Craft, it was pointed out that the stated membership of

26,227 could not be accepted as accurate, seeing that there were many instances in which one brother would

be enrolled as a member of several lodges. An instruction was accordingly given to the incoming Board to

take steps to ensure greater accuracy in respect of the actual individual membership.

The proposal in Clause 28 to increase the salaries of the Grand Secretary and the two principal members of

his office staff, was unanimously agreed to.

Later in the Communication, when notices of motion arising out of its clauses had been dealt with, the

Board's report, as amended, was adopted.

A BLIND CANDIDATE.

An appeal was made to Grand Lodge by the United Forces Lodge, No. 245, Christchurch, against a decision

of the Board of General Purposes in refusing to grant permission for the initiation of a blind candidate.

It was explained by the supporters of the appeal that the candidate was serving in the New Zealand Forces in

France when he formed his desire to join the Craft, but two months before the Armistice he lost his eyesight.

His circumstances were such that he was in no danger of being a financial burden upon Freemasonry, and his

desire for initiation was represented as being very strong. It was urged that the case was unique, both in

regard to the candidate's capabilities and the conditions that had brought about his disability, and a motion

was made that Grand Lodge should disagree with the decision of the Board, and permit the initiation.

Certain obvious difficulties as to literal compliance with the conditions of the commencement of an initiator

were pouted out in debate. While every sympathy was shown with the desire of the candidate to secure

Masonic light, it was soon pointed out that adoption of the motion would bring Grand Lodge into conflict

with the other Grand Lodges of the world, which had taken a definite stand against the admission of any man

who had been deprived of one of his senses—that it would, in point of fact, amount to one of those

innovations in the body of Freemasonry against which all Masters of lodges were pledged. Therefore, it was

urged, much as members of Grand Lodge might wish to meet the de re of the candidate, such an indulgence

was beyond its powers.

V.W. Bro. R. H. Webb, Grand Registrar, pointed out that Clause 157 of the Book of Constitution required

that any degree could only be conferred in conformity with the ritual, whereas in the ease of the candidate

under discussion that course would be impossible.

After a considerable amount of discussion, the M.W. the Grand Master intervened. He was, he said, averse to

taking an active part in a. controversial matter, but while he had felt sympathetically towards the appeal in

the first place, he found after hearing the views of the Board of General Purposes and the Grand Registrar

that he could not leave the matter to Grand Lodge for decision. He had the opinion of the Grand Registrar

that the motion was contrary to the Constitution. Seeing that he was pledged by his obligation to admit no

innovations during his term of office, he must rule the motion out of order.

AMENDMENTS OF GRAND LODGE LAWS.

Two amendments proposed by the Board of General Purposes defining the position and duties of Assistant

Provincial Grand Masters were discussed at some length, and ultimately agreed to in the form submitted by

the Board of General Purposes.

JURIDICAL BOARD.

The Board of General Purposes, while indicating that in its opinion a Juridical Board is unnecessary, yet, in

accordance with the instruction given by Grand Lodge last year, submitted a proposed article of the

Constitution to meet the wishes expressed in last year's resolution. Its draft proposed the appointment by the

Grand Master each year of three brethren familiar with Masonic law and custom, to act with the Grand

Registrar as a Juridical Board.

To this an alternative scheme was submitted by R. W. Bro. C. W. Nielsen, P.G.W., P.G.R., which was taken

by way of amendment. Bro. Nielsen's proposal was for the appointment annually by the Grand Master of a

Juridical Committee of brethren learned in Masonic law and custom, whose written opinions could be

obtained on stated cases by the Grand Registrar or Board of General Purposes.

R.W. Bro. Nielsen's scheme was, after discussion, put to Grand Lodge and carried.

DECEASED BRETHREN'S CERTIFICATES.

At the instance of the Board of General Purposes, another clause was added to the Constitution and Laws to

the effect that every Master Mason's certificate and every certificate of office shall have printed upon it a

request that at the death of the holder it shall be returned to the Grand Secretary for endorsement, and that if

the relatives so desire the document may be returned to them after endorsement.

CIVIL TITLES IN LODGES.

W. Bro. Jacobsen, Past G. Steward, moved a resolution in favour of prohibiting the use of civil titles in

lodges, as being in contradiction of Masonic teachings. As expounded by its mover and seconder, however, it

was plain that it was to the use of military distinctions that exception was mainly taken.

With a very short debate, the motion was rejected.

CENTRALISATION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICE.

R.W. Bro. H. H. Seaton, President of the Board of General Purposes, moved:—

"That having regard to the ever-increasing expense in connection with the biennial removal of Grand Lodge

Office, the risk of losing valuable records by fire or water, the lack of continuity of policy which results from

a complete change in the personnel of the Board every two years, the dislocation in the work caused by the

changes of staff which are inevitable where juniors are employed, the time lost in the transaction of Grand

Lodge business sometimes extending into several weeks while the transfer is in progress and the

inconvenience caused to the members of the office staff in having to break up their homes every two years,

Grand Lodge considers that the time has now arrived when decided action should be taken with a view to

permanently locating the office of Grand Lodge in one of the centres.

"This communication therefore instructs the incoming Board:—

"(a) To authorise the Craft Lodges throughout the territory to take a vote FOR or AGAINST centralisation of

Grand Lodge Office.

" (b) To direct the Lodges to state in which centre, in their opinion, the office of Grand Lodge should be
permanently located.

" (c) In the event of two-thirds of the Lodges favourably deciding on a permanent home for Grand Lodge
office to take steps to prepare the necessary alterations to the Book of Constitution to give effect thereto and

submit same to Grand Lodge at the Annual Communication of 1929, provided always that such alterations

shall make due provision:—

" (1) That the Annual Communication shall be held as heretofore in rotation in the four principal divisions
of the Dominion, and also that the present rule with regard to the residence of one principal officer in each of

the four principal divisions shall be retained.

" (2) For the payment of the travelling expenses of elected members of the Boards resident outside a
radius of fifty miles to enable them to attend the quarterly meetings of the several Boards."

The motion was made, said R.W. Bro. Seaton, with the unanimous consent of the Board, but it should be

noted that the decision was to rest with the lodges. The present communication was an opportune time for the

consideration of the motion, seeing that the next two years, during which the Grand Secretary's office would

be in Dunedin, would complete another cycle of rounds of the four centres under the peripatetic system. The

19 removals of the office and its belongings that had taken place in the last 38 years had cost Grand Lodge

£4,547. The present system involved perpetual risk of the loss of the ever-increasing quantity of Grand

Lodge property and records, either by shipwreck or fire. Consideration for the staff should also weigh in the

matter. How many members of Grand Lodge would like to have to break up their homes every other year,

and find a new environment'? He also questioned whether any brother in charge of a business with 300

branches would dream of shifting the executive offices of the concern biennially. While the matter rested

with the lodges, he felt sure that the proposed change would be in the interests of the Craft in all parts of the

territory.

The first note of opposition to the motion was sounded by R. W. Bro. J. J. Clark, who claimed that no

sufficient reason for an alteration had been shown in any of the discussions upon centralisation proposals in

former years. He found from the balance-sheet that the cost of removals was £177 per annum, or less than 1-

4d per member per annum. With a centralised office there would be necessity to pay the expenses of

members of the Board from distant districts in attending executive meetings. That would mean increased

expense rather than economy. As to the risk to records, it was certain that a large amount of material was

taken from one centre to another, and no investigation had ever been made as to the necessity for such

extensive transport, or the possibility of duplicating some of the records. He therefore moved as an

amendment that the question of permanently locating the Grand Lodge office be referred to the Board of

General Purposes, with instructions to appoint a Special Committee to investigate the subject., the Board to

submit a report to the next Annual Communication.

Discussion for and against the amendment was waged at some length. Eventually the ameudment was

negatived.

Another amendment, by W. Bro. Clayton, in favour of placing the office in each of the main centres for

periods of four years, was ruled out of order.

The motion of the President of the Board was finally adopted, the Grand Master pointing out that it was open

to the Board to appoint a committee, if it so desired, to draw up information to be supplied to lodges for their

guidance when considering the problem.

As 5.10 had now arrived, further business was postponed until the following day.

INSTALLATION GATHERING.

Grand Lodge re-assembled in the theatre in the evening for the re-installation of M.W. Bro. General Sir

Charles Fergusson as Grand Master, and the investiture of other Grand Officers. There was a very large

attendance of Dunedin and visiting brethren.

M.W. Bro. Thomas Ross, P.G.M., performed the installation ceremony, which was carried out with good

musical effects, W. Bro. Axel Newton, P.G.O., presiding at the organ, and W. Bro. J. C. Easton, P.G.O.,

acting as conductor.

M.W. Bro. E. W. G. H. Watts was inducted as Pro Grand Master by M.W. Bro. M. Thompson, P.G.M.; and

R. W. Bro. C. J. Ronaldson, as Deputy Grand Master by M. W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M.

Provincial Grand Masters for the nine districts other than the Province of Canterbury (which has its own

Provincial Grand Lodge and its elective Prov. G.M.), were appointed by the M.W. the Grand Master as

follows, and in nearly all cases were invested, the investing officer being M.W. Bro. S. C. Bingham, P.G.M.;

Auckland, M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson, P.G.M.; Wellington, R.W. Bro. E. J. Guinness; Otago, R.W. Bro. J. H.

Moir; Southland, R.W. Bro. Alex. Derbie; Hawkes Bay, R.W. Bro. J. W. Ritchie; West Coast, R.W. Bro. E.

Deere Dunn; Nelson and Marlborough, R.W. Bro. W. J. Girling; Taranaki, R.W. Bro. G. W. Rogers;

Ruapehu, R.W. Bro. A. J. Graham.

Grand Wardens appointed by the Grand Master were:—Senior, R.W. Bro. S. T. S. Martin, Wellington;

Junior, R.W. Bro. F. W. Herbert, Auckland. These officers were invested by M.W. Bro. H. L. Michel,

P.G.M.

Other officers were invested as follows:—G.Chap.,V.W.Bro. Ven. Arch. J. D. Russell, Oamaru, and V.W.

Bro. Rev. W. H. Nicholas, Foxton; G.T., V.W. Bro. C. Grater, Dunedin; G. Registrar, V.W. Bro. Albert E.

Gascoigne, Dunedin; Pres. Bd. G. Purposes, R.W. Bro. W. G. Hay, Dunedin; Pres. Bd. of Benevolence,

V.W. Bro. S. F. Bridgman, Dunedin; G.D.'s of C.: V.W. Bros. W. R. Brugh, Dunedin; W. C. Mathis,

Auckland; J. H. Jerram, Wellington; A. J. Hoskins, Canterbury; Asst. Prov. G.M.'s: Auckland, R.W. Bro. S.

S. Allen (Samoa), and V.W. Bro. Rev. E. L. Harvie, Cambridge; Nelson and Marlborough, V.W. Bro. H. H.

Edwards, Nelson; S.G. Deacons, W. Bros. F. Bartlett, Auckland; R. J. Foss, Levin; J.G. Deacons, W.

Bros.,G. F. Johnson, Lumsden, and W. R. Wright, Hastings; G. Supt. of Works, W. Bro. J. H. Gillies,

Kohimarama, and C. M. Suckling, Tai Tapu; Asst. G. Directors of C.: W. Bros. J. O. Clapp, Nightcaps, S. H.

Snell, Palmerston North, H. P. Horne, Woodville, A. E. Davies, Nelson, J. A. Milne, Westport, and R. H.

Free, Eltham; G. Bible Bearers, W. Bros. W. C. Robinson, Wellington, and F. L. Adams, Christchurch; G.

Sword Bearers, W. Bros. A. C. Dimmock, Hamilton, and S. C. K. Smith, Invercargill; G. Standard Bearers,

W. Bros. A. Schmidt, Wellington, and A. J. Dixon, Gisborne; G.O., W. Bro. A. H. Margison, Te Aroha;

Pursuivants, W. Bros. A. T. Smith, Ashburton, and T. E. Cleator, Blenheim; G. Stewards, W. Bros. W. J.

Winefield and A. J. Jordan, Dunedin, W. L. Cartmill, Cambridge, G. W. Henderson, Tauranga, E. W. Inder,

Auckland; D. L. Ross, Dargaville, F. R. Trevitick, Auckland, W. T. Doig and G. F. L. Lenzini, Wellington,

A. W. Rowlands, Masterton, J. Caskey, Fairlie, A. J. Merrifield, Lyttelton, G. Murdoch, Timaru, H. S.

Palmer, St. Andrews, F. R. Padget, Invercargill, S. Rice, Wynham, W. J. Beard, Feilding, C. L. Dymock,

Taihape, A. W. Kirk, H. Shaw Thompson, Motueka, E. Nicolson, Reefton, T. A. W. Tait, Greymouth; J. A.

Hansen, Manaia, J. W. Winfield, Inglewood.

Members of the Board of General Purposes.—R.W. Bro. Jas. Quaile, V.W. Bros. G. R. Henderson and J. M.

Rodger, W. Bros. F. W. A. Clayton and G. Dykes, Dunedin; W. Bros. J. B. Page, Papakura; F. A. Pickett,

Morrinsville; A. H. Herbert, Eketahuna; W. Sherris, Christchurch; J. D. Campbell, Invercargill; W. D.

Carson, Palmerston North; W. Dobson, Dannevirke; L. M. Estcourt, Nelson; E. G. Ashby, Greymouth; and

A. E. Asher, New Plymouth.

Members of the Board of Benevolence.—V.W. Bro. A. T. Wells, Wellington; W. Bros. J. Bissland, D. C.

Jolly, J. D. King, W. B. McEwan, A. McKenzie, J. A. Sparrow, and W. J. Suters, Dunedin; W. E. McLean,

Mosgiel; G. E. H. Cleave, Coromandel; A. C. Wallace, Kohukohu; C. H. Burson, Christchurch; G. H.

Stancombe, Tuatapere; R. E. Toogood, Palmerston North; E. Robertson, Pongaroa; O. E. Barron, Picton; R.

C. Palmer, Denniston; and J. Young, Oaonui.

Officers who performed the investitures of elected officers were:—M.W. Bro. Russell, P.G.M., R.W. Bro.

Win. Smith, P.D.G.M., and R.W. Bro. T. M. Rankin, P.D.G.M.

GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS.

For the fourth time you have done me the great honour of electing me as your Grand Master, and I again

assume the office with mingled feelings. I am indeed proud to hold so honourable a position, but on the other

hand experience has taught me how difficult it is to live up to its responsibilities, and I start on another year

with as much diffidence as when on the first occasion three years ago in this same city you placed me in

office. One learns a great deal in three years, hut of all the lessons which are forced on one's mind one main

point emerges, and that is that only after a long period of probation and study, in fact after a lifetime of

Freemasonry, can anyone he in any sense fitted to lead and guide and influence so great an Institution. That

probation I have not been through, and nothing can really make up for its want. In all humbleness I thank

you for the confidence you place in me, and with all sincerity I assure you of my earnest intention to do my

best to serve your interests and that of the Craft. I thank you most heartily for the kindness and consideration

which has been shown me in the past, and once again I ask for your indulgence and sympathy during the

coming year.

Before touching on any other matter, it is fitting that we should for the moment remember those who are no

longer with us. During the past year there have passed away many past and present Grand Officers who were

well known to many of you, and whose loss we all deplore. To one I wish to make special reference, the late

R.W. Bro. Richmond, Past Deputy Grand Master in 1925, when this Annual Communication was last held in

Dunedin. He was a man greatly beloved by all who knew him, one who in his life set an outstanding example

of Masonic integrity and character, and one who is most truly and sincerely mourned. Of him and of those

other brethren whose names are in our mind we think to-day with deep regret and reverence.

It is not necessary for me to detain you by any lengthy reference to matters stated in the annual report, with

which to-day's proceedings have made you familiar. Speaking generally, I think that the condition and

vitality of the Craft have been well maintained. It is satisfactory to note a net increase of 648 members. The

number perhaps may not be very large, but I am inclined to think that the number of candidates admitted is

as many as Lodes can conveniently absorb, and undoubtedly the main point for consideration is quality and

not quantity. From that point of view, in my opinion, there is every ground for satisfaction. The standard of

candidates, from all that I have seen and from enquiries which I have made, is distinctly high.

Another matter for congratulation is the steady advance .made in providing suitable Temples, and in the

general improvement of those in which the accommodation was inadequate.

During the past year I have had the pleasure of meeting brethren at various times and in various lodges in all

Districts except two, and those two I visited in the preceding year. These visits, while by no means as

numerous as I could wish, have given me an opportunity of making myself generally acquainted with

Masonic work and progress throughout the territory, and they have been a source of very great pleasure and

benefit to myself. I have also had the opportunity on two or three occasions of attending the meetings of the

Board of General Purposes and Benevolence, which has given me some insight into the problems and work

which come before the Boards—all valuable experience to me in the position which I hold.

I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the M. Wor. Pro Grand Master and to the R. Wor.

Deputy Grand Master for the constant and ungrudging help which they have given me throughout the year. It

constantly happens that owing to official duties it is impossible for me to carry out engagements in various

parts of the country, and consequently much extra work has fallen upon them. They have supported me most

generously and unselfishly. And I desire to refer to the labours of another body of officers, the Provincial

Grand Masters. Their work is perhaps the most arduous of all, and I feel that in acknowledging their untiring

devotion to duty I am expressing the feelings of all members of the craft. Then to the R. Wor. Grand

Secretary and his staff, to Grand Officers generally, and to the members of the Boards, who give so freely of

their time and leisure to the service of the Craft, I tender on your behalf our grateful acknowledgment. It is

no exaggeration to say that the harmonious working and the general healthy and prosperous conditions which

prevail are directly due to the devoted and unselfish examples set by those whom I have named. Lastly, our

special thanks are due to the four Provincial Grand Masters who this year are retiring from office after

periods of from three to five years' service in that position. They take with them the affection and respect of

those whom they have guided and served so well.

So much as a general review of our annual report. I turn now to the future and to consideration of points to

which, in my opinion, we should direct our attention. I want to give you a train of thought for the corning

year, and to suggest certain lines of action on which we should concentrate.

I take as my text the following extract from our Masonic paper this month, in an article which is well worth

study and reflection: —

"The price of attainment in the moral and intellectual spheres, as well as in other departments of life, is

unceasing vigilance. It takes thought, effort, and self-discipline to hold what we have achieved, and it does

this in even greater degree to advance further in the progressive attainment of the ideals of perfection which

is the goal of the Craft as a whole, and should be the goal of every individual Mason . . . Admittedly, our

ideals in their full splendour are unattainable by frail mortals. . . We are bound, however, to hold the ideal as

the object of attainment, and to press as close to its realisation as circumstances will permit. . . . Constant

vigilance is the price of progress."

Another article on a different subject came to my notice lately, and the two together have the same

reflections running through them. In the latter, it is pointed out how in the animal kingdom certain of the

lower animals are in their early stages biologically better and nobler creatures than they are at maturity.

Darwin records how there are certain larvae which stand higher in the scale of organisation than the mature

animal into which they afterwards develop. The barnacle, for instance, in its youth is a free swimming

animal, with full powers of locomotion and a capacity of seeking and securing its food. But later on it

attaches itself to a fixed object, and its organs of touch and sight and locomotion wither away. It exists

simply to feed upon what comes within its reach. Evolution in fact does not always mean progress upwards.

There is sometimes a beginning upwards, but then a halt, and finally a retrogression.

As in the animal kingdom, so it is sometimes in the life story of human beings. There are some who fail to

keep up the promise of early youth. As years go on they seem to think less of the noble ideals which they

once possessed. Certain lines of conduct and habits of service which they followed keenly in early days are

dropped one by one, always with some excuse satisfactory to themselves.

Why this should be so we need not conjecture. Whichever way the question is answered, one thing remains

certain—the need for effort, if advance is to be made. We grow and prosper spiritually as well as physically

by making use of the powers which we possess. Neglect them, and at once we lose those powers. First comes

stagnation, then retrogression and degeneration.

Now, I am not to be taken as implying that in our Masonry to-day there are signs of such deterioration. There

is no reason to suggest that. But I do say, with the writer of the first article, that progress will only be

maintained by constant vigilance; and with the author of the second, that effort and exertion is everywhere

called for, if there is to be progress at all, and that the price of slackness is degeneration.

It is for that reason that I lately called the attention of the Craft to the need of vigilance in the matter of

instruction of young Masons. I do not wish to trouble you by harping too long on the subject; my views are

set out in the letter which is given in the pages of the Report and which has been circulated to Lodges. I am

convinced from my own personal experience that without teaching and guidance, without study of Masonic

literature, without appreciation of the spiritual aspect of Freemasonry, the mere recital of ritual however

beautiful, or the carrying out of ceremonies however impressive, can never really hold us together or

advance our ideals. Interest is bound to wane, and there will be no incentive at all to pursue Masonic

knowledge and teaching beyond a certain point. I suggest that one of the chief reasons why so small a

number of Brethren (comparatively speaking) seek advancement to further knowledge of Freemasonry is

want of interest. For want of full understanding of what is conveyed and intended to be learnt in the earlier

Degrees they have no ambition to investigate further. More than that, the constant reiteration of things

familiar ends in weariness and boredom.

Incidentally, I would like to see a practice introduced into Lodges that, either at the beginning or at the end

of the working of each Degree, a short address should be given conveying in simple language the inner

meaning of the teaching of the particular Degree, showing its connection with what has gone before, and

laying special stress on the progressive nature of each step forward. I know one Lodge where this custom is

followed, and I am certain that interest in the working of the Degree is intensified in the real understanding

by the members of the inner meaning of the ritual and ceremony.

I appeal earnestly to Wor. Masters of Lodges to take this matter of instruction into serious consideration, and

to make it a feature of your work during the coming year. It is, as you know, "your peculiar province to give

light and instruction to the Brethren of your Lodge." Do not, I beg you, under-rate its importance. Yours is

the responsibility. It was King Solomon who said, "I went by the fields of the slothful and by the vineyard of

the man void of instruction, and lo! it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face

thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw and considered it well, and received

instruction."

I have dealt at some length on this matter because it seems to me to offer the real solution to a problem

which has occupied an important place in our deliberations to-day, that of Benevolence. To this matter I feel

it my bounden duty to refer, because one of the greatest tests of the sincerity of our Masonic professions is

the extent of the sacrifice which we make in that respect. I need not remind you of how from the very

beginning of our Masonic career the exercise of material charity is impressed upon us. One phrase alone I

would recall to your mind: "When anyone is said to be a member of our Institution the world may know that

he is one whose heart is expanded by benevolence."

Do our records justify this assertion? Refer to the statistics of contributions in the Annual Report for the last

year, and judge whether the average contribution of members to our charitable funds is one by which we

wish to prove to the world our realisation of our responsibilities towards the sick and needy and suffering

among our fellow-creatures. We have, it is true, a considerable sum of, invested money, but the credit for

that is not so much ours as that of those who have been before us. A suggestion was mooted this year for the

raising of a fund to develop and increase the scope of an orphanage. For certain reasons this scheme was

found to be in any case impracticable; but the proposal excited opposition in some quarters, on the ground

that such a scheme would militate against contributions to our charitable funds. In other words, the objectors

envisaged the position that our present contributions represented more/or less the high water mark of our

charity.

I refuse to believe in such pessilnistie views of the standard of benevolence in our Craft to-day. I say without

hesitation that we can do better than we are doing. The fault lies not so much in. want of Masonic spirit

among the Brethren as in our methods. When we see that certain Lodges year after year contribute large

sums to Grand Lodge funds, while other Lodges with very large benevolent funds of their own contribute

under a shilling a head, we may be sure that guidance and leading and instruction are at fault. Lodges are not

private benefit societies. They are branches of a great organisation, and it is their bounden duty to support the

organisation as a whole.

My point is that it is not really, or should not be, a question of methods of raising money. No doubt we can

immensely improve our financial position by devising plans of circularising members, of personal appeals,

of instituting Charity Stewards and Charity Jewels, and so on. All these may be necessary, but I want to put

the matter on to a much higher plane. It is a sordid reflection that we Freemasons must, in order to raise our

funds, descend to such devices, when we are pledged by the most solemn obligations to make sacrifices

voluntarily for the help of our less fortunate brethren. When we see Lodges which fail to meet their

responsibilities, it seems to me that the problem is not so much how to improve their methods of collecting

funds as how to awaken new vitality in the Lodge and quicken the sense of responsibility among its mem-

bers. We do not want to beg money from the members; we want to rekindle enthusiasm in the individuals, to

remind them of the ideals at which night after night they profess to aim. It is the spirit which needs to be

quickened. "Forcibly impress on them the dignity and high importance of Masonry; seriously admonish them

never to disgrace it; charge them to practise out of the Lodge those duties they have been taught in it." That

is the real solution. It is in this respect that perhaps we, the leaders of the Craft, are failing—the lack of

earnest stressing of the spiritual side of Masonry which leads to apathy and indifference. We must do more to

spiritualise our teaching and our work.

I can imagine that many of you are thinking that this is idealistic and not practical. Perhaps it may be so. And

yet to me the appeal that Freemasonry makes is to one's better feelings; to one's realisation that after all

happiness comes from self-sacrifice, that the whole inspiration of our Masonic life is in the fact that it gives

us an opportunity to give play to, and to find an outlet for those instincts of love which are implanted within

us. And I feel that unless the impulse for our actions comes from high motives and high ideals, our work in

Freemasonry can never have in it the real divine spark which will glorify and elevate it to the

accomplishment of what we profess.

And so my plea to you for the coming year is to aim at high ideals, to strengthen the spiritual aspect of

Masonry throughout our ranks, to build our Temple on sure foundations. Let us be ever vigilant lest we let go

of our high principles, or fail to keep them up to a high standard. "Constant vigilance is the price of progress,

and unless we press upwards and always upwards we shall inevitably slip back. The Temple will not be

completed in our day, but we must see to it that those who follow us have the dream of completing it before

them, and have the same great ideals at heart as were handed down to us. David was not allowed to see the

completion of his Temple, but he prayed earnestly that the people might keep the dream of it in their hearts.

"Keep this," he prayed, "for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of thy people." Keep that

hope before your imagination. Think of it, dream of it. Build the Temple in your prayers, and some day it

will come true. And it did.

And so will our dream be realised, if only we aim high ourselves and impress the same ideals on others. But

only if our motives are pure and noble; only if we set store on the spirit and do not content ourselves with the

mere letter. -"The letter killeth; it is the spirit that giveth life."

It is true that the higher the ideals the more strenuous is the task, so let me end with a word of

encouragement. We are told that the Israelites of old "journeyed in the wilderness towards the sunrising."

That is the way for us to travel. As a writer has said, "it is the glorious way; because the big noble way to

live, be the darkness what it may, is to steer for the place where the dawn ought to be. It is the hopeful way to

travel for ourselves; and more than that it is the hopeful way for others, for faith is infections; and as

Stevenson said, "the man who looks at the silver lining in the cloud is a public, benefactor" and .draws

weaker men with himself towards the sunrising. Those who travel constantly in that direction will come to

the full light at last. With all your heart and with all your strength believe in. God's sunrise, and day by day

persuade your feet in that way and you will arrive at last. Or as John Bunyan puts it:

'Then, said Evangelist, pointing with his hand over a very wide field, "do you see yonder' wicket gate?"

The man said "No." Then said the other: "Do you see yonder shining light?" He said, "I think I do."

"Then," said Evangelist, "Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto, so shalt thou see the

gate."

KIRKPATRICK MASONIC INSTITUTE.

The business sitting was resumed on the Thursday morning, the M.W. the Grand Master again presiding, and

the newly-installed Grand Wardens in their respective chairs.

R.W. Bro. Seaton moved that £500 be voted towards the cost of the structural alterations required at the

Kirkpatrick Masonic Institute.

W. Bro. S. Smith (Wellington), who had lately visited the Institute, said he thought that they estimate of

£1000 as the cost of the necessary alterations was rather on the conservative side—that the actual cost would

be nearer £1500.

On the motion of R.W. Bro. Girling, Prov. G.M., of the Nelson district, it was resolved that Grand Lodge

should provide half the cost of the work, with a maximum liability of £750.

Another resolution was passed to the effect that applications from members of the New Zealand Constitution

for the admission of children to the home should be endorsed by the Provincial G.M.'s of the districts from

which they come. It was explained that in some instances children had been sent to the home direct from

Craft lodges, to the inconvenience of the management.

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS AND AGED MASONS FUND.

R.W. Bro. Guiness, on behalf of the Annuity Board, submitted alternative proposals:—

(1) That it he a request to each lodge to raise a sum of at least 10/- per member from the brethren of the

lodge, and that such amount be added to and collected with the dues.

Or (2) That each lodge be invited to assess itself for a minimum amount to be contributed by it annually to

the Widows and Orphans and/Aged Masona Fund, that it forthwith advise Grand Lodge of the amount of

such voluntary assessment, and that the method of collecting whether by levy or otherwise be left to each

such lodge.

Explaining the position, R.W. Bro. Guiness said that in the course of the year the Board had had to exercise a

good deal of restriction in the disbursement of Grand Lodge charity. The average voluntary contributions of

lodges had been at the rate of 3/11¾ per member, while the outgoings amounted to over 5/- per member. The

total contributions were from £1200 to £1400 less than the outgoings. The fact was that to-day the funds

depended to some extent upon the contributions of the past, and it was desirable that that should be avoided.

There were 15 lodges whose voluntary contributions were less than 1/- per member per annum, 74 less than

2/-, and 65 less than 3/-. R.W. Bro. Guiness earnestly impressed upon Grand Lodge the necessity for

assuring a more stable revenue to the fund, by adopting one or other of the two schemes.

In the debate that followed, strong objections were raised to anything in the nature of compulsory

contribution, though the speakers recognised that further revenue for the fund was urgently needed.

Finally it was resolved, on an amendment moved by R.W. Bro. Dr. Redman, P. Prey. G.M.,/ "That each

lodge be invited to contribute an increased annual amount to the Widows and Orphans and Aged Masons

Fund, and that the method of collecting be left to the individual lodges."

GRAND LECTURERS.

R.W. Bro. S. T. S. Martin, S.G.W., brought up the question of appointing Grand Lecturers, and on his

motion an instruction was given to the Board of General Purposes to ascertain the names of brethren

qualified for the office, and recommend suitable appointments.

A vote of thanks was given to the Dunedin brethren for their abounding hospitality to visiting delegates and

their wives, and Grand Lodge was formally closed at 11 a.m.

The hospitality extended by Dunedin included entertainment of lady visitors, while their husbands were

engaged in Masonic labour, at tea, motor drives, and theatre parties; a motor tour for both sexes around the

suburbs of Dunedin and to Taieri Valley, with provision of refreshments at Wingatui racecourse; and finally

a ball in the Pioneers' Hall.

——————————

COMMENT ON THE TWELFTH CHAPTER OF ECCLESIASTES.

————<>————

Any man who desires to explain or interpret the V.S.L. must needs give a great deal of time and thought to

doing so—much more than 1 have done or can do. Therefore you will readily understand that the following

interpretation is not my own, but is that of Bible scholars whose opinions may safely be taken as being

authoritative.

First of all: The book of the Bible called Ecclesiastes or The Preacher begins: "The words of the Preacher,

the son of David, King in Jerusalem. Vanity of Sanities, all is vanity."

So it would seem that this book was written by King Solomon himself, in his declining years, after his

triumphs, failures, and disappointments—when he had found as he said: "vanity of vanities, all is vanity."

According to the V.S.L. the year ascribed to the writing of this book is 997 B.C., a rather significant date

when we remember that K.S.T. was built about 1000 B.C.

A noted authority on Bible lore says: We feel no surprise that Ecclesiastes was only admitted to the Old

Testament after prolonged hesitation. Its triumph bears witness to the wide liberality of later Jewish thought .

. .

It is often terribly gloomy, but the last chapter is superb in its English dress; 'Or ever the silver cord be

loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the

cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.' .The

pure music of such sentences is perfect."

It is a well-known fact that scholars can accurately tell the time of the writing of any portion of the Bible

from the style of the language employed in its passages. The book is said to have been written about 250

B.C. Hence the assertion that it was long excluded from the Old Testament.

It is immaterial to us to know who actually wrote this book. We are concerned with the teaching rather than

the author; and it seems to me that the teaching of the book as a whole is the proper appreciation of wisdom.

It abounds in passages that have passed into our daily language; for example:

"A living dog is better than a dead lion."

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, etc."

"The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools."

"Cast thy bread upon the waters for thou shalt find it after many days."

I have read somewhere that the books of the Bible were separated into chapters and verses by a professor or

student who did the work while journeying from Paris to Calais in a hackney coach. Hence often-times the

opening or closing of a chapter seems quite unsuitable and disjointed. Consider the following: In chapter

eleven the ninth verse reals: "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth and let thy heart cheer thee in the clays of

thy youth; and walk in the ways of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou that for all things

God will bring thee into judgment." Verse 10 (the last of the chapter) reads: "Therefore remove sorrow from

thy heart and put away evil from thy flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity."

The next and last chapter begins with the well-known words: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy

youth," etc.

Does it not seem that the chapter should logically begin at the verse in the previous chapter beginning,

"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth"? At all events it seems to me that the meaning of the author would best

be shown if the chapters were somewhat differently divided.

But this by the way. To proceed.

Let me read the 12th Chapter of the Book.

You will notice that our ritual contains only half of the fourteen verses making up the chapter. As has been

said previously, these verses are indescribably beautiful poetry, and, in being translated into every day

language must lose a great deal of their music.

The meaning of most of the passage under consideration has thus been explained in Dr. Oliver's "Remains of

the Early Masonic Writers":—

The keepers of the house are the shoulders, arms and hands of the body; the grinders are the teeth; those that

look out of the windows are the two eyes; the doors are the lips; the streets are the mouth; the sound of the

grinding is the noise of the voice; the voice of the bird is the crowing of the cock; the daughters of music are

the two ears; the silver cord is the string of the tongue; the golden bowl is the pia mater (literally 'tender

mother'), which is the name given to the membrane which clothes the whole of the brain and the spinal cord;

the pitcher at the fountain is the heart—the fountain of life; the wheel is the great artery, and the cistern is the

left ventricle.

This explanation omits the verse beginning: ''Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high and fears

shalt be in the way and the almond tree shall flourish and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall

fail; because man goeth to his long home and the mourners go about the streets."

The reference to the almond tree has been explained as the whitening of the hair on a man's head as he grows

old—the almond tree flowers being of a white colour. The reference to a grasshopper becoming a burden is

something I have not been able to find the explanation of; but the passage "and desire shall fail" seems to me

to require a literal translation. I may be wrong, but I take it that the writer here means that in one's later years

the dictates of passion no longer stir the blood, or make themselves felt, a sure sign that old age is creeping

on.

It is usually understood that this chapter of Ecclesiastes is a description of on-coming age; how the once

upright and strong than is bent with age, having left youth and strength behind him. How with weakening

arms, trembling hands, and failing faculties man waits for the time when death shall claim him, and the spirit

shall return unto God who gave it.

The injunction to "remember now thy Creator" comes with prophetic force from the Preacher, who says in a

previous chapter: "I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards; I made me gardens .

. . . So I was great; and increased more than all that were in Jerusalem before me"; and in a later passage he

says, "Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly as far as light excelleth darkness."

Here is the picture of a man, great above all others of his time; rich in possessions, gifted in many ways, a

man whose wonderful achievements, triumphs, and indulgences nearly ruined his character, who found that

after all, wisdom counts for more than anything else in the world.

Out of his own wisdom he enjoins us, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth," and the

teaching of the Third Degree seems to emphasise that injunction—one, by the way, we are all of us apt to

forget in our daily life. May I say, as I have said before, that to me the proper recitation of the verses of the

12th Chapter of Ecclesiastes is the most impressive and poetical part of the ceremony of the Third Degree.

Note.—_ -Left Ventricle: From this issues the great artery (aorta) which supplies with blood all the body

except the lungs.

——————————

MOUNT EGMONT LODGE, No. 670, B.C.

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SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY—I853-1928.

————

This Lodge held a series of three meetings on 11th, 12th and 13th September last to celebrate its seventy-

fifth anniversary. On the 11th, a commemoration service was held, a very large number of brethren

attending, presided over by the W.M., W. Bro. J. Buttimore, D.G.Std.B. R.W. Bro. S. H. Burnett, Dist. G.M.,

and a large number of D.G.L. officers were present. The ceremony took the form of a service and was held in

St. Mary's Hall.

Prayers were offered by Bro. Rev. E. A. Gillespie, P.P.G.I., I.C., followed by a solo, "Remember Now Thy

Creator," by W. Bro. E. Chatterton. Bro. Rev. J. D. McLennan Wilson took as his scripture reading,

Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12, verses 1 to 7, and Bro. Rev. T. R. Richards, as Second Lesson, 1 Corinthians,

Chapter 13.

THE MASONIC HOPE OF IMMORTALITY.

Rev. J. F. Martin, P.D.G.C., preached the occasional sermon, taking as his subject: "The Masonic Hope of

Immortality."

After acknowledging the tribute of the Lodge in requesting him to come from Auckland for the celebrations,

Bro. Martin referred to the illustrious names of the founders of the Lodge and declared his conviction that

these were a surrounding cloud of witnesses to the fact that Masonry was more than a club, more than a

social society, more even than an institution for the teaching of moral truth by symbol. It was no less than an

expression of that vital spark from the Divine which demanded a spiritual interpretation of the material

things by which and with which we constructed our earthly edifices, leading to the hope that if the earthly

house be dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Recognising the weight of the recent statement of Sir Arthur Keith from the Chair of the British Association

that science could find no indication in the human brain of survival after death, the preacher, however, said

the time may come when this frank acknowledgment of the limitations of science would be valued because

the evidence for immortality rested in higher realms.

First was the decease of the ages and all the noblest characters of the past. Who were the deceived if the hope

of immortality was a myth'? Not the selfish; not the tyrants who had "waded through slaughter on a throne,

and closed the gates of mercy on mankind? Not the Nero and Napoleons. Not those who had satisfied their

own desires and ambitions regardless of the rights of their fellowman. These were the wise and the' dupes

and fools were those who had suffered, without rebellion, in order to gain the light and liberty we possess. It

is harder to believe that thus the world is constructed. As Browning says: "It is a bungle,' a failure, a cheat

and only fit to be hurled back in scorn."

The incompleteness of life demands immortality.

Rudyard Kipling, throwing his "Recessional" into the waste paper basket, only to be rescued by his wife; Dr.

Alex. MacLaren claiming he could not find words to express the surging of his soul; the artist who despairs

of putting his version on canvas; the musician, searching for the lost chord, which he hopes to hear again in

Heaven's high arches; and every Craftsman who finds his trade or profession inadequate to express his

personality. All testify to the need of a larger life and fuller.

Justice demands a realm where injustice will be amended and the inequalities of life adjusted by the unerring

mind of the Supreme Ruler of the Immense. The Old Roman Judge, wherever he went, took with him the

tesselated pavement, and where that was spread out the barbarian knew he would receive Roman justice.

From the pavement of the Grand Lodge above, the G.A.O.T.U. will deliver that justice our hearts long for.

Brotherhood and love demand a complete expression. When the sweet and fair companionships of life are

broken, love follows on to other realms and where our beloved dead are "nearer than breathing" or beyond

the farthest planet, our love follows them and will do so until again there is renewal. All this and many ether

intimations make us feel that "Those we call' dead are breathing of an ampler air for even nobler ends."`

"Seven years ago I was a familiar figure in your Lodge-room," said Bro. Martin, "and the science of Sir

Arthur Keith would tell us that not a particle of that material body in which I moved was here to-day, yet

there is no doubt about the personality, that it will be in the Grand Lodge above. What manner of men shall

we be who possess this hope I Brethren of the highest ideals, of whom it may be said, "He did justly love

mercy, and walked humbly with his God." "So mote it be."

The Rev. J. F. Martin pronounced the Benediction.

W. Bro. C. E. Bellringer, P.D.G.M., read the minutes of the first meeting of the Lodge and also extracts from

the minutes of the meeting held at the Fiftieth Anniversary services of this Lodge in September, 1903. He

then followed on with a short address, referring principally to the fine outstanding qualities and personality

of the foundation members of this Lodge, who were amongst the first pioneers of this district. Their high'

ideals and the manner in which they held to the tenets of the Craft were exemplified for succeeding Masons

to follow and were an inspiration to us in the future. They carried the teachings of the Lodge into their daily

life and were highly respected by the community for their uprightness and strength of character.

The R.W. the District Grand Master conveyed Grand Lodge felicitations to the Lodge and briefly referred to

the pioneer members of the other Lodges in this district.

At this juncture the W.M. of Ngamotu Lodge presented a Director' of Ceremony's wand to the Worshipful

Master, as an appreciation from the daughter Lodge for the help and assistance which had been given by the

Mount Egmont Lodge, to Ngamotu Lodge, throughout its existence and of the good fellowship which existed

between the two Lodges.

The following evening was confined exclusively to past and present members of the Lodge, and included the

unveiling of a Commemoration Roll of Masters by the District Grand Master, who was requested by the

Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Jones, to unveil the Commemoration Roll. The District Grand Master spoke

at some length in glowing terms of the work which had been rendered to this Lodge by its Past Masters.

During the course of the Right Worshipful Brother's address, he mentioned that the traditions of Mount

Egmont Lodge are magnificent, and that they would ever be cherished, from generation to generation. Many

Past Masters, whose names appeared on the Roll of Honour, had ceased from Labour, but the District Grand

Master felt sure that the present Past Masters, and the Masters to be would carry on the glorious traditions

which had now been established, and in the name of Mount Egmont Lodge, No. 670, E.C., the Rt.

Worshipful Bro. Burnett duly unveiled the above-mentioned Commemoration Roll of Honour.

W. Bro. P. J. H. White addressed the Lodge, and gave a very interesting discourse on its past history, and

made generous reference to those past members of Mount Egmont, who had ceased from labour, and who

had rendered in years long past valuable civic services to New Plymouth, as well as to the Province and the

Imperial Government.

—————————

"By the exercise of brotherly love we are to regard the whole human species as one family—the high and

low, the rich and poor—who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are

bound to aid, support and protect each other. On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect

and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual

distance."

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REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES.

————<>————

(Published by the authority of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.)

————

SASKATCHEWAN (CANADA).

1928.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. the Hon. Mr. Justice W. M. Martin.

Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. W. B. Tate, Regina.

No. of Lodges, 189. Membership, 13, 843. Net gain, 237.

The 22nd Annual Communication was held in the Baptist Church, in the city of Saskatoon, on June 20th,

1928e The M.W. Grand Master was on the throne, and there were present 353 brethren, including the Grand

Representative of New Zealand.

The Grand Master's address was exceptionally noteworthy. For practical Masonic helpfulness at home and

abroad, for excellency of diction and for noble and inspiring appeal, we have seen nothing better than this

great message. Quite properly it had to do essentially with Masonic conditions and affairs in the Province of

Saskatchewan, but it was so broadguaged and of a spirit so universal as to yield material enough for a stirring

message to the Craft throughout the world. We reproduce just a part of what he said: "The proudest boast of

the ancient Romans was 'Civis Romanus sum,' and the proudest boast of every Canadian should be: ‘I am a

Canadian citizen' or 'I am a citizen of the British Empire.' "

"Citizenship here means many responsibilities; there is first of all the responsibility of the city, town or

village in which you reside; there is also the responsibility to your province and the Dominion of Canada as a

whole. But this is not all, for citizenship in Canada is not confined to the boundaries of Canada, extensive as

these boundaries are; there is a larger citizenship for which we have a responsibility and from which we

cannot escape, namely our citizenship as subjects of the British Empire. How that citizenship has come about

is a matter of history, and what form it will take in the future is a matter for us to determine. Since the war a

still wider citizenship has come into existence which may be called world citizenship—a duty we owe not

only to our own country or to the British Empire, but to other countries as well. This form of our citizenship

has found expression in the League of Nations, of which our country is a member and for the government of

which we have assumed a share. We cannot escape our responsibilities as citizens of the world; in fact, we

have helped to create it, for our own representatives at the Peace Conference helped to bring the League of

Nations into being and give it form and organisation; moreover, they demanded that Canada should be a

member not merely as a part of the British Empire, but in her own right, a right which was admitted and

which we have to-day. As Canadians, therefore, we have a national citizenship, an empire citizenship, and a

world citizenship, each of which carries with it responsibilities which it is our duty to recognise. How shall

we recognise these responsibilities! There is only one answer and that is contained in the word

"patriotism"— patriotism in its highest form, meaning the measure of our possible service—the doing of

what is best to serve our country, the empire and the family of nations of which the League of Nations is the

organised expression to-day.

"In conclusion, I desire to refer briefly to sonic of the things which should characterise a citizen of Canada. A

good citizen should be law abiding, an upholder of the laws of the country, thereby setting an example to

others. There is nothing more clearly set out in the ancient charges of a Freemason than observance of law

and respect for and obedience of the civil magistrate. . . . .

"Take an interest in your community, in your school, your hospital, and any organisation which has for its

object the betterment of conditions or the assistance of any unfortunate citizens, and where you think you can

be of service. Even little kindnesses make life worth while."

The G.M. said that the District Meetings were well attended and were a great inspiration; there appeared to

be the greatest enthusiasm prevailing among members of the Craft. In many oases members travelled long

distances to be present. He was convinced that these meetings had great possibilities for the Craft; in fact, he

knew of no institution which could do more to cement and build up the Order.

General Fund: Receipts for the year 13,725.04 dollars, and disbursements 13,729.46, loss for year 4.42

dollars. This loss was explained by the permanent improvements to Grand Lodge Office, paid out of revenue.

The Benevolent Fund had investments to the value of 220,001.95 dollars, during the year there had been

expended on relief the sum of 10,921 dollars. The total assets of G.L. amounted to 263,061.18 dollars.

During the year two Masonic Temples were dedicated; two Lodges constituted; and five dispensations were

granted for the formation of new Lodges.

Here are a few thoughtful sentences taken from the report of Committee on Condition of Masonry, which

must appeal to every Mason:

"One who does not exert a beneficial influence upon those with whom he associates is not performing the

duties of a good Mason. Honesty and fair dealing, virtue and truth, are the corner stones."

"Is there sufficient instruction as to the character of the Institution, its traditions, the hidden meaning of the

symbolism employed to teach the highest ideals, and as to the inward spirit of an Institution intended to

shape and mould life and actions!"

"We Masons, if constructive builders, should also be overseeing—far-seeing leaders, and social engineers,

building bridges for the future with living stones—and establishing the rock of social safety in our country—

our kith and kin of the radiant race."

"In. the flower garden of beauty—in the garden and orchard of fruitage and productive strength—in the

fields of intellect — let us not forget the Gardener. Otherwise it will be a garden without water. Let us

irrigate with the spirit."

World Peace.— It was resolved that the Board of General Purposes be instructed to consider the advisability

of this Grand Lodge entering into communication with other Grand Lodges for the purpose of advancing

World Peace.

The Committee on Education is to be commended on the great work it is doing in making more intelligible,

more interesting, and more inspiring the work of the Ritual in the Masonic Degrees. This year the

programme published in the "Proceedings" consisted of Eight Studies, with points for discussion, on the

Third Degree.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: R.W. Bro. E. B. Reilly, Regina.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: W. Bro. J. D. Webster, Auckland.

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PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (CANADA).

1928.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. William J. Drake.

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. Ernest Hemp, Charlottetown.

No. of Lodges, 15. Membership, 1,224. Nett Increase, 27.

The 53rd Annual Communication was convened in the Masonic Hall at Port Hill on June 27th, 1928. Owing

to the illness of the M.W. Grand Master, who was in hospital slowly recovering from blood poisoning, tho

R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Bro. Peter Sinclair was on the Throne. There was a large attendance of brethren,

including the representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

Three Special Communications were held, two for the purpose of dedicating Masonic Temples and one for

attending the funeral of Past G.M. Bro. J. A. Messervey.

The Grand Master visited every Lodge in this Jurisdiction and also on several occasions made unofficial

visits. He found the Lodges in a very healthy condition, with a fair amount of work being done. He granted

four dispensations, three of which were for the purpose of appearing in Masonic clothing and regalia at

church parades. He was called upon to make only one decision: "A petitioner with only one arm had been

balloted for and accepted." The G.M. ruled that he could not allow the Lodge to confer the degrees of

Masonry on the petitioner."

A charter was granted to a new Lodge at Hunter River, to be called "Prince of Wales Lodge." Two Lodges

were consolidated arid a new charter issued bearing the combined name of Hiram-Lebanon Lodge, No. 3.

The Grand Secretary reported that there had been a steady increase in membership since 1905, when the

membership for that year was 608. The statistics show that nine Lodges had an increase in membership, one

was normal, while live other Lodges showed a decrease.

The Grand Lecturer said that there should be some brief discourse on Masonic history, Masonic principles,

or' on the administration and activity of the Craft at every Lodge meeting.

General Fund: Receipts, 2,430.51 dollars; disbursements, 1,209.60 dollars. The Benevolent Fund has

investments to the amount of 8,600 dollars and a cash balance of 3,200.61 "dollars. During the year the sum

of 380.13 dollars was paid out for relief.

The Orphanage Committee reported that at the present time this Grand Lodge is not in the position to

provide as it should towards assisting in the maintainance and education of the Orphaned children of

Masons, who are residing in this province. It therefore recommends that the per capita tax to the Grand

Lodge Benevolent Fund be increased by fifty cents., and that this increase be applied towards this purpose.

A very pleasing feature of the proceedings was the unveiling of a brass memorial tablet, in the Lodgeroom,

erected to the memory of the late Honourable Senator John Yeo, the first Grand Master, when the Grand

Lodge of Prince Edward Island was formed in 1875, and which position he held continuously until 1888, and

was a member of Alexandra Lodge, No. 5, Port Hill.

Grand Representative of New Zealand: R.W. Bro. W. C. Lawson, Alberton.

Grand Representative at New Zealand: R.W. Bro. J. J. Esson, Wellington.

—————————

NOVA SCOTIA (CANADA).

(1928.)

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. John C. MacKay, Sydney, N.S.

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. James C. Jones, Halifax.

No. of Lodges, 81. Membership, 9,820.

The M.W. Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, convened for the 63rd Annual Communication at the Freemasons'

Hall, Halifax on June 13th, 1928, M.W. Bro. J. C. MacKay presiding.

Before the business of the session was proceeded with, Divine Service was held in the hall, the sermon being

by V.W. Bro. Rev. Whidden, Grand Chaplain. His text was taken from Heb. 8:5. "For see, saith He, that thou

make all things according to the pattern showed thee on the Mount." The sermon is published in full in the

Proceedings.

The G.M. said that the past year had not been marked by unusual events. No special communications had

been held, as nothing developed during the year to require the summoning of Grand Lodge.

Nine District Meetings were held, and in the majority of cases the attendance was good. The G.M. believed

that if properly conducted in each district, the blessings of increased wisdom, goodness and happiness were

sure to result from them. There is a lengthy report of these nine meetings, giving the programme carried out

at each. The G.M. visited 34 Subordinate Lodges. He granted a dispensation for the formation of a new

Lodge at Isaac's Harbour. He was asked to officially sanction a scheme to raise a large sum of money, by

means of a Canada-wide lottery, for the purpose of erecting a Masonic building. A part of his reply reads as

follows: "The absurdity of the proposal must be apparent to anyone professing Masonic education or

principles."

The Grand Master, speaking on the "State of the Craft" in part said:—

"Under this caption, much might be written and spoken in commendation of the truly Masonic spirit

prevailing the Fraternity. Evidence is abundant that Freemasonry is being faithfully preached, and zealously

practised throughout our Jurisdiction.

"To know enough of the mysteries to prove that they have received the degrees and proudly to display the

emblems thereof seems to be the chief Masonic end of many who could and should, both passively and

actively, render valuable service and enhance our usefulness.'

"This lack of serious thought and interest is manifest in many of our Lodges where the average attendance at

meetings is woefully small in proportion to the resident membership.

"This is an unhealthy condition, and reference to it bore I regard as an unpleasant duty, and one that involves

the propriety of suggesting a remedy. Well, I do not know that there is any specific unfailing cure for this

evil; but I am reasonably sure that good results can be procured, and mud] improvement achieved through

sincere, consistent and intelligent effort on the part of all our Worshipful Masters their officers and co-

workers to raise still higher the Standard of Masonic education in our Lodges; and also remembering that "a

little fun now and then is relished by the best of men" to encourage and stimulate the social side of our

activities; by making the. Lodge and its affairs really attractive to all through an occasional departure from

rout lite to the realm of play."

The Grand Secretary reports that owing to the continued large number of suspensions for N.P.D., the

membership remains as it was last year. Employment was found for 71 members during the year.

Total receipts, 25,435.09; disbursements, 22,242.91 dollars Assets: General Fund, 14,225.15 dollars;

Temple, 25,000 dols. Endowment Fund, 52,477.49 dols.; Benevolent Fund, 20,628.41 dols.; Masonic Home

(at cost), 22,644.53 dols.; Home Account, Cash Balance 13,054.68 dols.; cash on hand for Home Extension,

20,945.98 lbs. Total, 109,278.32 dollars.

The G.M. stated that all was going well with the Masonic Home, and he recommended that the Building

Committee proceed forthwith to build the extensions as agreed.

The Grand Historian presented a number of interesting reports, among them one on compiling the history of

Freemasonry in Nova Scotia. Last year he tried the experiment of presenting a play dealing with some

feature of Masonic history. The subject was the formation of the first Lodge in Halifax in 1750, the title

being: "As it was in the Beginning He says:—

"This year, I have again ventured into the same field. On this occasion the play is entitled ''A Widow's Son,"

an the story of the drama is based on incidents connected with the first siege of Louisburg in 1745. All the

character are historic personages actually present at the capture of the City by the New England forces. The

costumes, ritual and music of the period are reproduced as far as possible.

"The teaching of Masonic history by the dramatic method is I believe unique with this jurisdiction, and as the

history of the Craft generally, and particularly the history of the Craft in Nova Scotia affords many

opportunities for the presentation of lessons in Masonic history, symbolism and moral teaching, it is my hope

that we shall be able to present other plays from time to time."

Grand Representative of New Zealand: W. Bro. D. A. Thompson, Halifax.

Grand Representative at New Zealand: W. Bro. D. Cameron, Dunedin.

——————————

QUEBEC.

Grand Master: R.W. Bro. Henry Willis, Deputy Grand Master (Acting as G.M.).

Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. W. W. Williamson, Montreal,

No. of Lodges, 88. Membership, 15,158. Nett gain, 469.

An Emergent Communication was held on June 27th, 1927, for the purpose of conferring the last sad rites a

their distinguished ruling Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Walter C. Hagar.

The 58th Annual Communication was held at Montreal on February 8th, 1928, when the Assembly was

presided over by R.W. Bro. H. Willis, D.G.M. Eighty-three Lodges were represented.

The D.G.M., in his address, paid an eloquent and impressible tribute to the deceased Grand Master: "Of

unimpeachable integrity, high moral character and unswerving fidelity to duty, combined with a genial,

lovable disposition, his loss is most keenly felt by his associates in every walk of life . . . His death has left us

richer in the treasured memory of his useful life, and may it call us to higher and more unselfish service . . . "

The record of the late Grand Master's acts, for the three months prior to his death, was laid before Grand

Lodge. He made several visitations, including two 50th Anniversaries of Lodges and 175th Anniversary of

Albion Lodge, No. 2. He consecrated one Lodge and four dispensations were granted for the formation of

new Lodges.

The Grand Secretary reported that every Lodge, with one exception, had one or more initiations. The

membership in six Lodges remained stationary, 13 Lodges show a decrease and 68 Show increases. The

largest number of initiations in any one Lodge was 23 and the largest nett gain was 17.

An interesting addition to the relics of the past was made, by the recovery of the Commission granted to

R.W. Bro. Claude Denechau as Prov. Grand Master of Lower Canada, 108 years ago. It is personally signed

by Frederick Augustus, Duke of Sussex.

The Grand Treasurer's report showed an increase in assets of 19,090.42 dollars. The total assets are

261,106.70 dollars. General Fund: Receipts, 10,221.55 dollars, and disbursements, 7,158.33; Benevolent

Fund, receipts, 9,679.32, and disbursements, 3,424.00 dollars. There was also a Permanent Benevolent Fund,

with an income of 16,639.43 dollars. The only payment against this was 100 dollars, each to five different

hospitals for the maintenance of Masonic beds.

The reports of the District Deputy Grand Masters showed a healthy financial condition of the subordinate

Lodges, and also a happy and harmonious social and fraternal condition of affairs. Several district meetings

were held from which the brethren derived great benefit.

From the report of the Committee on the State of Masonry the following is taken: "Your committee notes

with satisfaction the number of church services held in the various districts and also the large attendance of

the brethren, particularly the one held in Montreal by District No. 2, when over four hundred brethren

attended, and we are pleased to note that the collection was donated to worthy Masonic objects."

M.W. Bro. E. T. D. Chambers, P.G.M., was congratulated on the approaching anniversary of his fiftieth year

in Masonry, forty-one years of which he had very successfully filled the position of Foreign Correspondent.

R.W. Bro. Henry Willis, D.G.M., was elected Grand Master for the ensuing year, and R.W. Bro. W. M.

Cowper as D.G.M.

Grand Representative of New Zealand: W. Bro. W. H. O 'Regan, Montreal.

Grand Representative at New Zealand: R.W. Bro. T. H. Williams, Christchurch.

————————

Past Masters of Lodge Wairaki No. 145 worked the 1st Degree at the December meeting. W. Bro. Lewis

Clapp occupied the Master 's Chair.

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

"I arrange my pillows for another weary night."—Irving.

How often do you do this when you are restless with a heavy cold. Yet a dose of Baxter's Lung Preserves

will give you instant relief, and ensure a sound night's rest. Keep a bottle by you to relieve coughs and colds.

A reliable specific and an invaluable tonic, Baxter's has a successful reputation of over 60 years behind it.

Never fails to give prompt relief to all kinds of coughs and colds, asthma, influenza, bronchitis.

Sold by all chemists and stores. Generous-sized bottle, 2/6; large, family size, 4/6; bachelor size, 1/6. Be sure

you get "Baxter's."

—————————

SUPREME GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER.

————<>————

The nominations and recommendations for Grand Officers for 1929. At a recent meeting of the Supreme

Committee the following recommendations were adopted for submission to Grand Chapter:—

Auckland District.—G.H., V.E. Comp. A. N. McKelvey (Auckland Prov., No. 9); G. St. Bearer, V.E. Comp,

C. B. Kerr (Whangarei, No. 27); G. Org., Comp. A. J. Burrow (Akarana, No. 58),

Ruapehu District.—1st G. Prin. Z., R.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon (Wanganui, No. 23); G. St. Bearer, V.E. Comp.

J. R. T. Slipper (Manawatu, No. 11).

Hawkes Bay District.—Deputy Grand Z., R.E. Comp. R. H. Critchley (Bedford, No. 39).

Taranaki District.—G. Chancellor, V.E. Comp. R. W. Sargent (Turuturu, No. 55).

Wellington Distriet.—2nd G. Soj., V.E. Comp. H. H. Edwards (Victory, No. 12); G.D. of C., V.E. Comp. J.

McArdie (Hinemoa No. 25); G. Sw. Bearer, V.E. Comp. R. W. McVilly (Wellington, No. 62).

Westland District.—3rd G. Soj., V.E. Comp. J. Rose (Kawatiri, No. 21).

Hauraki Distriet.—G. Supt. of Works, V.E. Comp. R. English (Waikato, No. 22); G.D. of C., V.E. Comp. A.

J. Stapleton (Ohinemuri, No. 17); G. Sw, B., V.E. Comp. T. Carson (Gisborne, No. 35).

Canterbury District— 1st G. Soj., V.E. Comp. T. G. Hillier (Rose of Thistle, No. 35); G. Sup. of Works,

V.E. Comp. J. E. Carson (Albert Edward No, 6); G.D. of C., V.E. Comp, J. Murdoch (Timaru No. 15).

Otago District.—Grand J., R.E. Comp. J. R. Dreaver (Maori, No. 28); G.D. of C., V.E. Comp, R. W.

Shrimpton (Otago, No. 7).

Southland District.—G. Scribe N., V.E. Comp. R. Winning (Southern Cross, No. 3).

Recommendations of executive officers and recommended nominations of elective members of Supreme

Committee:—G. Scribe E. R.E. Comp C. W. Nielsen; Chairman, R.E. Comp J. C. Riddell; G. Treas., V.E.

Camp J. W. Ellison; G. Reg., V.E. Comp R. H. Webb. Elective members of Supreme Committee (5): R.E.

Comps. S. T. S. Martin, J. Rod, V.E. Comps. E. Morris, G. F. Browne, A. Burgess.

Nominations of Grand Superintendents of Districts.— Auckland District, R.E. Comp. A. E. Bagnall; Hauraki

District, R.E. Comp. A. H. J. Brackebush; Wellington District, V.E. Comp. J. Gordon; Westland District,

M.E. Comp. J. H. Harkness; Canterbury District, R.E. Comp. J. Gillanders; Otago District, RE. Comp. J. H.

Moir; Southland District, R.E. Comp. A. C. H. Boyles; Hawkes Bay District, V.E. Comp. J. J. Pickett;

Taranaki District, V.E. Comp. R. N. Renaud; Ruapehu District, R.E. Comp. F. Symes.

It was resolved to recommend an assessment of 1s. 6d. for the following year.

The advisability of detaching the Nelson and Marlborough Provinces from the Wellington District and

constituting them a separate Royal Arch Masonic District in the South Island was suggested and discussed,

and it was decided to recommend the adoption of that course to Grand Chapter.

On all occasions that the Supreme Committee of Grand Chapter has met this year, the First Grand Principal,

His Excellency the Governor-General Sir Charles Fergusson has been present except on one occasion, when

absent from the city. It goes without saying that the members have been particularly gratified to welcome his

presence and assistance with the business which he has followed closely.

—————————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

————<>————

An emergent meeting was held by Lodge Mataura

No. 174 on Sunday, 18th November, for the

purpose of holding a Lodge of Sorrow in memory

of the late Bro. S. McKelvie, who died at sea on

15th September.

Two large motor-buses and several cars were

necessary to convey the large number of

Invercargill brethren who attended the recent

Taringatura installation. On the return journey a

"cable tow" had to be employed to tow one of the

cars which developed serious trouble.

Murihiku Rose Croix Chapter No. 36 perfected two

candidates at an emergent convocation in

December.

R.W. Bro. Colonel Geo. Barclay, Grand Secretary,

hopes to pay a visit to the Southland district in

March.

Lodge Tuatapere No. 210 very busy. Au emergent

meeting to initiate three candidates was held on 5th

December.

R.W. Bro. Win. F. Irvine, P.G.J.W., accompanied

by several brethren of Lodge Southern Cross No. 9,

paid a visit to Lodge Aparima on 27th November,

and at the request of W. Bro. Webb, P.M., who

occupied the chair, in the absence of W. Bro. Rev.

Fordyce, W.M., our R.W. Bro. delivered a most

interesting and instructive address entitled "Temple

Building."

Lodge Edendale No. 289 went into recess in

December, but hopes to have an official visit from

Lodge Mataura No. 174 in January. The visitors

will work the 3rd Degree.

W.M. officers and several brethren of Lodge

Orepuki No. 137 paid an official visit to Lodge

Tuatapere on 19th December and worked the 2nd

Degree.

Lodge Victoria No. 147 invaded the Otago territory

on 8th December, when an official visit was paid to

Lodge Hercules (Tapanui). The Southland brethren

were honoured by being entrusted with the

ceremonial work, the 3rd Degree. The following

day (Sunday) the Southland contingent about

twenty strong "extended their researches" in the

direction of the strawberry gardens at Roxburgh,

where a most enjoyable day was spent, prior to

returning to Invercargill.

The Southland district was well represented at the

recent Grand Lodge Communication by practically every lodge, while a large number of P.G. lodge officers

were also present. Every G.L. officer-elect presented himself for investiture.

The long and the short of it at the Grand Lodge Communication—R.W. Bros. Redman (Marlborough) and

Wm. Smith, P.D.G.M. (Southland).

Daylight-saving is having the effect of reducing attendance in some of the Invercargill lodges.

Lodge Waihopai No. 189, however, cannot complain. The November meeting was an exceptionally

enthusiastic one.

The elevation of V.W. Bro. A. Derbie, Asst. Prov. G.M., to the position of Prov. G.M. is a very popular

appointment.

The recent installation of Lodge Taringatura No. 100 was one of the finest recorded in the history of the

lodge.

Congratulations to W. Bro. Geo. F. Johnson, the 'father" of this lodge, on his appointment to the position of

Junior Grand Deacon.

M.W. Bros. Hon. Michel and Maurice Thomson recently visited Invercargill and renewed acquaintance with

many old friends.

Lodge St. John No. 94 is building up a choir in order to assist in the musical portion of the ceremonies. It is

pleasing to see a move in this direction, as of recent years the Invercargill lodges have not fully emphasised

the value of suitable music. Combined with the efforts of an orchestra, the beauty and dignity can be

imparted to the various ceremonies by an organised choir.

Several of the Invercargill lodges go into recess in January.

December and January are the only months in the year in which installations are not held in the Southland

district. A most welcome break indeed.

Bro. E. S. Rae has returned from the West Coast district and once again taken up his duties as Master of

Lodge Victoria No. 147.

—————————

NORTH CANTERBURY NOTES.

————<>————

The Southern Southern Cross installation was a brilliant function. There was a large attendance, and the

R.W. Prov. Grand Master and his officers conducted the meeting with great merit.

The northern eight were well represented at the annual Communication, and all thoroughly enjoyed

themselves and appreciated the many kindnesses of their Dunedin brethren.

The Cheviot Lodge held its usual Christmas dinner, and there was a large attendance of brethren and ladies,

and the W.M., W. Bro. Geeson and his officers and brethren deserve great credit for such a splendid turnout.

W. Bro. Jensen, W.M. of Kaikoura, and his brethren have had a very busy year, and many long journeys

paying visits.

The Kaikoura and Cheviot installations will take place in February, and both lodges intend to make a big

effort to make both functions more cheery and hospitable than ever, The roads are all in splendid order, and

the scenery at its best, and it is one of the finest tours one could possibly combine with a Masonic visit to

either place.

W. Bro. Tucker, W.M. of Acacia, had an excellent meeting on his first night in the chair on 3rd December.

There was a large attendance, and the new team did splendid work.

The Amuri Lodges have a big programme mapped out, and the W.M., W. Bro. Harrison, hopes to receive a

large number of visitors during the year.

Deepest sympathy is extended to W. Bro. Norman Wood in the sad loss he has recently suffered.

A large number of brethren took advantage of the electric rail car to attend the Ashley Chapter installation,

and found it a very comfortable vehicle. It will no doubt be chartered for attending other meetings, especially

in the winter.

Canterbury brethren send hearty greetings for prosperous New Year to Auckland brethren.

Bra. Drou, secretary of Acacia Lodge, has just completed four years of office and the Lodge has flourished

under his thorough penmanship.

Northern brethren extend deep sympathy to W. Bro. Sam. Baird in his recent sad bereavement.

Bro. Andrew Tweedie, of Cheviot Lodge, who with Mrs. Tweedie celebrated their golden wedding recently,

were the recipients of a handsome clock with a suitably inscribed gold plate from the Cheviot brethren.

Bro. Gordon Abbott, of Cheviot, who has been seriously ill, is now well on the road to recovery, and

gradually resuming Masonic activity.

—————————

TARANAKI NOTES.

————<>————

Lodge Hawera, No. 34, visited Lodge Manaia on 18th December, and worked an initiation.

Lodge Whangamomona, No. 234, have altered the date of their annual gatherings, which in future will be

held in February, and are to be congratulated.

W. Bro. N. E. Drayton, who some months ago left Taranaki for the Old Land, has returned to Eltham.

Bro. Firth, until recently secretary of Lodge To Henui, has, by the death of his father, come into possession

of a gold watch bearing an inscription showing that it was presented to the latter by a Nelson Lodge over 50

years ago.

Lodge representatives and others who attended the G.L. Communication in Dunedin speak very highly of the

hospitality of the southern brethren and of the management generally.

One W.M., returning from Dunedin, lost his outfit, appeared at his Lodge without his dress suit, collar,

gauntlets or apron. Fortunately, they have since been recovered.

Paritutu. Chapter, No. 5, held an emergency meeting December 15th to work the side degrees. Quite a

number of companions wore admitted.

During the month an interesting little ceremony was held at Tau Hoa Chapter, Eltham, when V.E. Comp. E.

E. Carter was installed as W.C.N. of the Ark Mariners' Lodge and also as M.E.C. of the Council of Red

Cross Knights.

The installation was done by R.E. Comp. McAllister, assisted by V.E. Comps. Harkness and Manness.

None of the Lodges in Taranaki go into recess for the summer, but the Chapters generally have one or two

months off.

At this festive season it seems fitting to pass on to the staff of the "Craftsman" the appreciation of many of

the brethren who have repeatedly admired the high standard and true Masonic tone of the paper.

May the coming year be a very happy and prosperous one for the "Craftsman" and all associated with it.

—————————

ORDER OF THE TEMPLE.

————<>————

The annual muster of the District Grand Priory of New Zealand was held at the Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on

Tuesday, 27th November, when all the Preceptories on the Roll were represented. The District Grand Prior

presided, and brought forward a number of matters of importance to the Order. Late in the evening a special

meeting of the Preceptory of Otago took place, when a welcome was extended to many visiting Knights from

various towns throughout the Dominion. The ceremony of reception of a Knight of the Temple was

impressively carried out by the officers of the local Preceptory, and the visitors were afterwards entertained

in the refectory. Amongst those present at the meeting was Fr. General Sir Charles Fergusson.

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

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., held their regular meeting on 6th December, with Bro. H. Pierce, W.M., in the

chair, presiding over a good attendance of brethren. M.W. Bro. H. Thompson, P.G.M., accompanied by R.W.

Bros. Wm. Smith and T. M. Rankin, P.D.G.Ms., were received with fitting honours. The ceremony of raising

was ably conducted by W. Bro. H. Pierce and his officers with the dignity and decorum characteristic of this

the oldest Lodge in the Southland territory. The refectory proceedings were of a most enjoyable nature.—

[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Harvey, No. 49.—W. Bro. R. Hamilton (Acting W.M.) presided over a good attendance of members, also

several-visitors. The question of suitable seating and fittings for the adequate furnishing of the refectory

received due consideration. Two E.As. were impressively passed to the Second Degree, after which the

customary hour around the festive board was held.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Fortitude, No. 64. assembled for labour in strong force for the final meeting of the year on December 12th,

with Bro. Joss in the chair. The ceremony of passing claimed the attention of the officers. An interesting

feature of the meeting was the presentation of a P.M.'s diploma to W. Bro. Imlay, jun., by his father, who has

been a hard worker and Past Master of this Lodge for many years. The festive board proceedings were most

enjoyable.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Arrow Kil., No. 86.—Our regular meeting was held on 26th November. No ritual work was conducted.

Nomination of officers was received. It was very pleasing to welcome Bro., H. C. Mackenzie and Bro. A.

Credgington, of Lodge Waihopai, who were passing through the district.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

St. John, No. 94.—The final meeting of the year was held on December 20th, when Bro. Race, W.M.,

presided over a good attendance of members and visitors. R.W. Bro. A. Derbie, Prov.G.M., accompanied by

G.L. officers, was received and welcomed with fitting honours. At the request of W. Bro. Race, the Past

Masters conducted the ceremonial work. W. Bro. Geo. Curie occupied the chair of W.M., and along with his

worthy brethren carried out the ritual work of initiation in a manner truly characteristic of this, the second

largest Lodge in New Zealand. The customary social gathering was held in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

—————

Taringatura, No. 100.—Great enthusiasm prevailed at the installation held on November 21st, when Bro.

Johnson was installed into the chair of K.S. by R.W. Bro. E. C. Smith, Prov. G.M., in the presence of a

capacity attendance of brethren in the well-appointed Lumsden Temple. W. Bro. Nelson, W.M., presided,

and received a very large number of visiting brethren. R.W. Bro. E. C. Smith acted as I.M., ably assisted by

W. Bro. R. P. Boyne, Asst. G.D.C. Bro. W. T. Johnson, S.W. Master Elect, was presented by W. Bros.

Nelson and R. P. Boyne, D.C., and addressed and ob. by the I.M. A Board. of I.M.'s, 4G in number formed,

admitted Bro. Johnson as a ruler in the Craft. W.T.'s were presented by R. W. Bro. F. A. Steams, P. Prov.

G.M. W. Bros. McDonald (Switzers), Fraser (Winton) and Pierce (Southern Cross). Wardens were invested

by R.W. Bro. Rusden, P.G.J.W., and addressed by V.W. Bro. A. Derbie, Asst. Prov. G.M. Address to the

Master was given by the I.M., while the brethren were addressed by R.W. Bro. Wm. Smith, P.D.G.M.

Investing Officers were W. Bro. Manson, P.G.Sd.B.; R: W. Bro. Irvine, P.G.W.; W. Bros. A. Scott,

P.G.B.B., and A. D. Wilson, P.G.Std.B. The newly installed Master briefly returned thanks. Over £11 was

contributed to the W.O. and A.M. Fund. Greetings having been extended, the Lodge was closed and a

retirement made to the refectory where a most elaborate banquet characteristic of Lodge Taringatura had

been prepared. List of officers invested:— W.M., Bro. W. T. Johnson; I.P.M., W. Bro. J. Nelson; S.W., Bro.

J. Harrison; J.W., Bro. J. Campbell; Chap., W. Bro. F. Gluyas; Treas., W. Bro. G. F. Johnson; Secy., W. Bro.

C. H. Belsham; D.C., W. Bro. T. Campbell; Org., Bro. P. Shallard; S.D., Bro. F. Keith; J.D., Bro. J. Marshall

I.G., Bro. A. Jamiesson; Stewards, W. Bro. H. Graham (C.), Bros. McCutcheon, Robb, Scott, Denoon, and

A. Orr; Tyler, Bro. A. L. Kay.— [Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Winton, No. 108, held their regular monthly meeting on 27th November, when Bro. R. J. Fraser, W.M.,

presided over a good attendance of members, also several visitors, anti with the assistance of his officers

initiated several candidates into the M. and P. of A.F. in an impressive manner. A most enjoyable social hour

was afterwards held in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Victoria, No. 147.—A well attended meeting was registered on 11th December, when W. Bro. Rae, W.M.,

who has just returned from the West Coast, once again occupied the Master's chair. Four Fellow Crafts

presented themselves for the ceremony of "raising," which was conducted as follows:—Ob. and Ss., W.M.;

Exh., W. Bros. Tanner and McEachran; Emb., W. Bro. A. D. Wilson, P.G.Std.B.; Inv., and 3rd T.B., Bro.

Kellum", S.W.; T.H., R.W. Bro. A. Derbie, Prov.G.M.; W.Ts., W. Bro. Dennison; Final, W. Bro. Fraser;

Pres. V.S.L. by W. Bro. Rev. Tanner. It was indeed very pleasing to have W. Bro. Rae back with us once

again. W. Bro. Fraser has acted on his behalf during his absence. The toast of the newly-appointed

Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. A. Derbie was honoured with much enthusiasm during the festive board

proceedings.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Waihopai, No. 189.—The brethren assembled in strong force for the last meeting of the year on December

17th, when Bro. N. Macdonald, W.M., occupied the chair. A good number of visitors were received,

including W. Bro. Walker, W.M., and several brethren from Lodge Tuatapere, No. 210. Having dealt with

the general business, four candidates were initiated into the Ms. and Ps. of A.F. in an impressive manner by

the W.M. and his officers. The work in a Temple was followed by a very enjoyable social hour in the

refectory. In view of the near approach of the festive season an appropriate dish in the form of "plum duff"

and cream was provided.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Southland, No. 273, held their regular monthly meeting on 14th December, when Bro. D. McLean, W.M.,

presided over a satisfactory attendance of members and visitors. The ceremonial work, that of initiation, was

ably conducted by the W.M. and his officers. On retiring to the refectory a particularly enjoyable "after"

meeting was held. A substantial "haggis" was conveyed to the festive board in a stately Manner,

accompanied by a tune on the pipes. A cake appropriate of the festive season quickly disappeared from

view.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

Edendale, No. 289, held their regular meeting on 25th November, when W. Bro. W. Irvine, W.M., and his

officers, conducted their first meeting since the installation. The ceremony of "passing" was conducted by

the W.M. and his officers. No meeting will be held in December. [Lodge Correspondent.]

—————

OTAGO.

Waverley, No. 226.—The monthly meeting, the first after the installation, with a new set of office-bearers,

was held in the Lodgeroom, Anderson's Bay, on 16th October, the W.M., W. Bro. A. Glue, presiding. The

ceremonial work was the First Degree, when three candidates were initiated into the M. and P. of Antient

Freemasonry. On the Lodge resuming, after being called off for a few minutes towards the close of the

meeting, a lecture on the First Degree T.B. was delivered by a. veteran P.M. of the Lodge, W. Bro. Beck,

who afterwards presented the I.P.M., W. Bro. T. D. Aitkin, with his P.M. certificate, and the W.M. was

elected delegate to the Communication of Grand Lodge. An adjournment was made to the refectory, where a

pleasant half-hour was spent.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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CANTERBURY.

Unanimity, No. 3.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 4th December, W. Bro. Rowe, W.M.,

occupying the chair over a splendid attendance of brethren. The business consisted of nominations of officers

for the following year and the initiating of two candidates. The W.M. was assisted. by the following: C.A.I.,

W. Bro. Peck (W.M. Lodge Conyers, No. 1916, E.C.), N.E. W. Bro. Oates; R. of P., W. Bro.. Ayers; W.Ts.,

W. Bro. Watsonatson (W.M. Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning, No. 23); Final, W. Bro. F. Kerr. After closing, a

pleasant hour was spent in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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Lincoln, No. 33.—The regular meeting was held in, the Lodge Room, Lincoln, on December 4th. The work,

the raising of a brother of the Lodge, was conducted by the W.M., assisted by W. Bros. Peryman, Exh., John

Mackenzie, Ss., Howell, Ch. after Inv., Phillips, T.H. and Further Ss., and Jas. Mackenzie, W.T.'s, Bro. J.

Watson, S.W., the Final Ch. W. Bro. Smither presented the newly-raised brother with his copy of the V.S.L.

An adjournment was then made to the refectory, where a pleasant hour was spent, the W.M. and W. Bro.

Howell giving an account of their visit to the Annual Communication in Dunedin.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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Thistle, No. 113.—The monthly meeting was held in the Masonic Hall on 17th October, and was presided

over by the W.M., W. Bro. E. Keig. The business was to confer the Third Degree on a candidate, the W.M.

being assisted by W. Bro. J. R. Wells, W.M., Lodge Ashburton, No. 181, E.C. W. Bros. Rountree, Beech,

Easterbrook, Robinson and Harris and Bros. Andrews' Marshall and Knox. The Lodge being in mourning for

a brother who had recently ceased labour, the proceedings in the refectory were conducted in the manner

usually observed on such occasions.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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Koranga, 197.—The usual meeting was held in the Temple on 27th November. The attendance of members

and visiting brethren was not up to its usual on account of the very inclement weather. W. Bro. Melville

presided in the absence of the W.M. (W. Bro. Cook), who was attending G.L. proceedings in Dunedin. Two

G.L. appeals were responded to in the usual practical manner. W. Bro. W. Cooper made his usual annual

appeal on behalf of the Christmas empty stocking fund, a collection being liberally responded to. This

veteran brother's untiring and unselfish efforts during the festive season in the interests of those less fortunate

have had the approbation and practical sympathy of the Timaru Lodges, including St. John, E.C., and

Pareora, 134, .since the worthy object was initiated some years ago. Sincere regret was expressed by several

brethren in the loss shortly to be sustained by the Lodge through the departure of W. Bro. Lance Craig

(organist) and Bro. J. W. Crerar (I.G.), to Hastings and Christchurch respectively. These talented musicians,

who were always ready and willing to give of their best, will be much missed. The ceremony was that of

passing, which was ably carried out by the W.M. and his officers, assisted by W. Bro. Holdgate, of Lodge St.

John, E.C. Two G.L. Lodge Diplomas were presented by W. Bro. Moyes. A pleasant hour was then spent in

the refectory. On December 17th a very pleasant evening was spent in the Temple's Refectory, the occasion

being a ladies' evening arranged for the purpose of a welcome home to W. Bro. and Mrs. Jas. Mayes, who

have been absent for nine months .on a trip to the Old Country and other lands. Representatives from the

sister town Lodges were present, and a most enjoyable evening was spent in vocal items, community singing,

and dancing. The toast to our esteemed guests was proposed and heartily honoured by all present. W. Bro.

Moyes was accorded a great ovation upon rising to respond. After expressing heartfelt appreciation on behalf

of Mrs. Mayes and himself for the honour done them, concluded a happy and instructive speech by

acknowledging that there was "no place like home after all."—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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AUCKLAND.

United Service, No. 11.—The regular monthly meeting was held on 28th November last, when a fair number

of members and visitors were registered. Owing to the absence of the W.M., who was attending Grand

Lodge Communication, W. Bro. Swales, Dep. M. conducted the ceremony of initiating one candidate. W.

Bro. Thompson, W.M., Lodge Morningside, addressed the candidate after the investiture. W. Bro. Maxwell

Walker, W.M., Ara Lodge, gave N.E.G. W. Bro. Hallett, M. of Prep., Bro. J. C. Pelham, J.W.W.T., Bro.

Hilliard, S.W. for Christchurch, after which the candidate was addressed by W. Bro. G. F.Pelham on

"Honour, Virtue, and Mercy.' The customary social gathering was held in the refectory.—[Lodge

Correspondent.]

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Beta-Waikato, No. 12.—The regular meeting was held on the 10th December, when V.W. Bro. E. Lionel

Harvie attended by G.L. officers, paid the Lodge an official visit. One affiliating brother was successfully

balloted for. The report of the committee set up to investigate the sale of the Hamilton East property of the

Lodge was to the effect that Lodge Hamilton, No. 291, had accepted an offer made to them for the purchase

of 3 acres. The ceremonial was the passing of two candidates and the work was well up to the Lodge's high

standard and earned the enconiums of. the Asst.Prov.G.M. The work was carried out as follows:—Ob., W.

Bro. Hughes, W.M.; Ss., W. Bro. C. Nisbet; S.E. Ch., W. Bro. A. Bullock; W.Ts., Bro. C. A. Speight, and

Fin. Ch., W. Bro. H. N. Forsythe. After the Lodge was closed a very happy hour was spent in the

refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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Whangarei, No. 102. — The regular meeting was held on 10th December, when a fair number of visitors

and members were registered. W. Bro. Fleming presided, and after dealing with the general business

conducted the ceremony of initiation assisted as follows: Ob., W.M.; Ss., W. Bro. Bell; Inv., S.W.; N.E. Ch.,

W. Bro. Dawson; Rms. for Prep., W. Bro. J. Reynolds; W.Ts., J.W.; Final Ch., Bro. McLeod. The customary

social gathering was held afterwards in the refectory.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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The Combined Forces, No. 284.—The usual monthly meeting, held in Freemason's Hall, Belgium Street,

Auckland, on 11th December, marked the third anniversary of the consecration of this Service Lodge, and

the occasion was fittingly celebrated. There was a splendid muster of members and visitors, W. Bro. Jas.

Armstead, W.M., presiding. After routine business, including nomination of officers for the ensuing year, the

ceremony of initiation was carried out with commendable efficiency; the W.M. being assisted by W. Bro. T.

J. Fleming, W.M., St. Andrew, No. 8 (Ch. after Inv.); W. Bro. H. G. C. Ernest, W.M., Papatoetoe, No. 227

(N.E. Ch.); V.W. Bro. Major W. C. Finnis, G.D. of C.,. D.M. (Exp. of Prep.); Bro. S. R. Mason, J.W.

(W.Ts.); Bro. A. W. Brockie, S.W. (Final Ch.). Season's greetings were tendered to the W.M. prior to

adjournment to the refectory. The toast of Grand Lodge included special reference to the honour conferred

on V.W. Bro. Finnis in his appointment as G.D. of C. for Auckland Provincial District. A feature of this

portion of the proceedings was the ceremony of bringing in the large birthday cake, three lighted candles

indicating the progress made in the existence of the Lodge. V.W. Bro. C. E. Dutton, P.G.D.C., who was

present, made a strong appeal for more subscribers to that excellent publication, "The New Zealand

Craftsman."—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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HAWKES BAY.

Napier, No. 268, held their last meeting of the year on 15th December, when despite the heavy rain a very

large number attended to witness the ceremony of initiating two candidates. The Ob. were taken by W. Bro.

E. A. Williams, D.C., and the W.M., W. Bro. Leonard Wood, respectively, and the concluding portions of

the ceremony were in the capable hands of W. Bros. Walter Kirk, G.S.; L. Freedman, P.G.D. (Ss.), Louis

Wood (N.E.C.), and W. P. Henderson (Reas.), Bros. .T. H. Fargher, S.D. (W.Ts.), and Raymond Horn, J.W.

(Final). Tile ceremony was carried out with great impressiveness and dignity and reflected much credit upon

the officers. The social hour was agreeably spent in the adjoining refectory, where after the usual Masonic

and Loyal toasts were honoured, Father Christmas was announced, admitted and with due obeisance

presented the W.M. with Christmas puddings properly prepared and of good report, needless to say that they

were appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Several of the brethren favoured the company with songs,

stories and recitations of a high standard.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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RUAPEHU

Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, No. 47.—October 11th, 1928, will stand out in the memory of Manawatu

Freemasons as one of the most interesting meetings held in Palmerston North, the occasion being a visit and

an address on "The Ceremony of Initiation" from the Grand Secretary, Colonel Geo. Barclay, P.G.M., who

was accompanied by the Pro Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Geo. Russell, the Prov.G.M. of the Ruapehu District,

R.W. Bro. A. J. Graham, and the G.Treas., V.W. Bro. Arthur A. George. Not only were the local Lodges

fully represented, but Lodges from the surrounding towns attended in big numbers to hear the address, the

Temple being comfortably filled: The Masonic education of the membership of` the fraternity is everywhere

insisted upon as never before. We know of no more effective means of promoting this desirable end, than to

hear addresses of this description. At no time did the address lose interest, and we trust that our G.Sec. will

make another visit to Palmerston North as soon as possible.—[Lodge Correspondent.]

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ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.

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Southern Cross, No. 3.—In spite of the fact that our November Convocation was held on the 28th, the

installation of the Grand Master in Dunedin, at which a number of comps. were in attendance, a good

meeting was recorded. V. Ex. Comp. Wilson, P.Z., in the absence of V.E. Ex. Comp. Derbie, Z., presided

and dealt with the Chapter business. A Lodge of Mark Masters was then opened by Bro. G. H. Brown,

W.M.M., and officers, and three candidates advanced as follows:—Ob. W.M.M. S. V. Ex. Comp Winning;

W. and Final, R.. Ex. Comp. Wm. Irvine, P.G.Supt.; Lecture, V. Es. Comp. A. Scott, P.G., Supt. Works. A

very enjoyable social hour was spent in the refectory.—[Chapter Correspondent.]

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Huiroa No. 47.—The monthly convocation of the Chapter was held on 4th December, V.E. Comp. R. E.

Boyne presiding. The usual business of the Chapter was transacted, after which V.E. Comp. E. C.Smith

presented three Companions with their diplomas. Greetings were received from Southern Cross Chapter No.

3, and the Chapter was closed in ample form. A social hour was spent in the refectory, where various toasts

were honoured, some excellent speeches resulting. V.E. Comp. Smith gave a resume of the Chapter since its

inception, and incidently some valuable information in relation to Hebraic and Babylonian History. Comp.

Miller read a very interesting paper on "Christmas," altogether a most delightful after-meeting. [Chapter

Correspondent.]

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A. & A.S. RITE.

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Murihiku Rose Croix Chapter, No. 36.—A Special Convocation was held on 12th December, E. and P.

Bro. C. B. Gibbs, M.W.S., presiding over a satisfactory attendance of members. Two candidates came

forward for the ceremony of Perfection, which was ably conducted by the M.W.S. and officers as follows:—

Ob., M.W.S.; Ss.. Inv. and Lecture on Jewel, Ill. Bro. Sydney Smith, 30 deg.; 1st Lecture, E. and P. Bro.

Wm. Irvine, P.M.W.S., who also delivered the 2nd Lecture, assisted by E. and P. Bro. Jos. Critchfield, S.W.

The Preliminary Degrees were outlined by E. and P. Bro. J. J. Griffiths, Chancellor, while E. and P. Bro.

Wm. Robison as M. of C. did splendid work. The ceremonial work or E. and P. Bro. Gibbs, M.W.S., and

those assisting him, was of a high standard throughout, and most impressive. A very enjoyable half-hour was

spent around the festive board. —[Chapter Correspondent.]