SCIENCE AND THE CRAFT.

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REEMASONRY is both ancient and progressive. It upholds the truths that are eternal, but it encourages

its members to add to their knowledge and to extend mankind's perception of truth. At various stages in

his career, the young Freemason is urged to improve his faculties and to advance in wisdom and

understanding. There can, therefore, be no conflict between true science and antient Freemasonry, but rather

a deep sympathy, since both seek truth and progress. The address given by the late Bro. Dr. H. G. Denham

and published in "The Craftsman" last month was an admirable exposition of the spirit and aims, with some

instances of the achievements, of the scientist. "The end of all true scientific investigation," said our late

brother, "is the discovery of truth in the realm of animate and inanimate nature. It represents knowledge as

opposed to ignorance, light as against darkness, a penetration into the great unknown, and its allegiance is to

truth alone, so far as human intelligence can comprehend it at any one epoch." Bro. Denham showed how

great men, inspired by this love of truth had added to the sum of human knowledge. Without thought of

material reward they had patiently pursued their researches, seeking nothing for themselves, nor even

attempting to secure a share in the great advances which their discoveries made possible. Yet it is to their

untiring labours that humanity owes its great progress. "All too often the man in the street fails to realise,"

said Bro. Denham, "that it is this ordered scientific research . . . to which the world is mainly indebted for the

striking discoveries which have done so much to enrich the lines and broaden the culture of the people of the

present century."

Numerous instances were given by Bro. Denham of the great material results that had proceeded from pure

scientific discoveries. That in itself is a corrective of the present tendency to value everything in utilitarian

terms-to ask always, "What is this worth?" or "What can it be sold for?" The scientist and the philosopher

proceed on a different system. They believe that knowledge has a value of its own, that it should be sought

without continual thought of what can be made out of it. And are they not right-more right than many others

who claim that they are "practical"? The latter, keeping their eyes on the solid ground, too often fail in longer

vision. There is a continuing lesson in the story of how Solomon chose wisdom, before power, honour and

wealth, and found that all these things were added. And it is fortunate, indeed, for civilisation that there are

yet men of great intellect and pure motive, who steadily engage in the search for truth and make their

discoveries freely available to the world-in medicine, in industry, and in production.

Sometimes the knowledge is turned to destructive and disastrous uses. We have ample evidence of that

nowadays. Sometimes its normal application to industry has disturbing results by ruining businesses and

throwing men out of employment. But for that the scientist can in no way be blamed. Bro. Denham dealt

with the point and the charge "often levied against science that the world would be the better had many of the

inventions and discoveries of recent years never been made." He pointed out that, against the debit of

industries or labour disturbed, must be set the new products, new industries and new forms of employment

springing from new inventions. "An invention," he said, "is just what we make of it. To the statesman must

be left the task of integrating scientific discoveries into industry so as to give the maximum benefit to

mankind. . . The coming of the machine and of scientific control should be a glorious blessing to mankind

provided society will exercise as much intelligence in fashioning them to their aid as engineers and scientists

have given to the conception of their discoveries."

There is in this scheme a place for the Craft. Whether an instrument is put to good use or ill depends upon

who handles it. Freemasonry, by cultivating the spirit of brotherhood, can assure that better and safer

atmosphere in which discovery will be applied constructively, not destructively. Further, Freemasonry

traditionally presents a unification of those aspects of life which in later times have not the same harmony.

The operative mason of ancient times worked upon the stone, but he understood also the art that his labour

was intended to reveal, and the spiritual meaning that gave life to that art. His industry was a part of life as a

whole, not a drudgery without meaning beyond his wages. To him new knowledge or increased skill were an

addition to the sum of goodness in life. In this fulness of life he found support for his body and satisfaction

F

for mind and soul. Is it not in the restoration of this harmonious order that we shall find the greatest

safeguard for the beneficial application of the new discoveries of science, and the understanding that will

make all invention a blessing? Science gives us the means, but we must ourselves learn how to live; and that

cannot be done without spiritual guidance— that we may have life and have it more abundantly.

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M.W. GRAND MASTER'S VISITS.

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OAMARU.

The first official visit of the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. H. G. Teagle, to Oamaru is one that will live long in

the memory of those brethren who were fortunate to be present at the meeting of Lodge Waitaki, No. 11, on

15th April. The G.M. was received by V.W. Bro. J. S. Duncan, Asst.Prov.G.M., who heartily welcomed him

on behalf of the brethren of North Otago. The G.M. returned the gavel to W. Bro. J. W. Oaten for the

purpose of working the Second Degree, which was carried through in a dignified manner.

At the close of the degree work a pleasing ceremony took place when the Grand Master presented to V.W.

Bro. J. S. Duncan, Asst.Prov.G.M., a set of G.L. regalia from the brethren of Lodge Waitaki as a mark of

esteem and appreciation for the great interest he takes in the Craft.

The G.M. then addressed the brethren and impressed and inspired those present by his words and kindly

manner of expressing them, and all felt that they had been richly rewarded by being present to hear him.

It is universally hoped by the brethren of this district that he will have a lengthy term of office and that they

shall have the opportunity at some not distant future of again welcoming him to our temple.

PALMERSTON.

After visiting Oamaru on his way south. M.W. the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. H. G. Teagle, broke his journey

at Palmerston, where he was met and heartily welcomed by a number of brethren, who escorted him up to the

lodge room. M.W. Bro. Teagle expressed his pleasure at meeting the brethren, and after inspecting the lodge

room and signing the Appearance Book, continued his way to Dunedin.

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JUBILEE OF MANAWATU ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, No. 11.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The Jubilee celebration of Manawatu, No. 11, was held in conjunction with the Installation meeting of Grand

Chapter at Palmerston North on 18th February, 1943. V.E. Comp. T. Worrall. Z., presented addresses of

welcome to M.E. Comp. Sir Cyril Newall, P.G.Z., and also one to his successor, M.E. Comp. W. H.

Sandford, G.Z., both of whom returned thanks and expressed their pleasure at being present at the Jubilee

meeting.

One of the highlights of the evening occurred at the Investiture of Grand Chapter Officers, when a Grand

Superintendent's chain collar was presented to Grand Chapter, from all the Chapters of Ruapehu District, to

mark the completion of 50 years of Royal Arch Freemasonry in the Ruapehu District.

M.E. Comp. G. S. Gordon, P.G.Z., on behalf of Grand Chapter, thanked the Chapters for the presentation,

and expressed the hope that the Jubilee collar would not only be worn by R.E. Comp. W. A. Waters, Grand

Superintendent, with pleasure and satisfaction, but would be handed on to other distinguished Companions to

remind them that it commemorated a milestone in the history of Royal Arch Freemasonry to have completed

the first 50 years in the district.

The V.E. Z. then asked R.E. Comp. W. A. Waters, Grand Superintendent, to take the chair and read the

History of the Chapter.

Jubilee of Manawatu Royal Arch Chapter, No. 11. 1892-1942.

The first mention of a proposal to form a Royal Arch Chapter in Palmerston North is to be found in the

Minutes of Manawatu Kilwinni.ng Lodge, dated June, 1892, when a committee was set up in that Lodge to

investigate the proposal.

The original petition cannot be found, but a dispensation to establish a Chapter was granted by the M.E. First

Principal Edward Thomas Gillon, G.Z., on 1st September, 1892. Two months later, the Manawatu Chapter

was duly opened as No. 11 on register of Supreme Grand Chapter. The ceremony was carried out by M.E.

Comp. H. J. Williams, G.S.E. This meeting took place on 3rd November, 1892. The charter is dated the

following day, 4th November, 1892.

From correspondence in Grand Chapter records, the prime mover was evidently W. Bro. W. H. Smith, a

well-known journalist and Masonic figure in the nineties, and in one of the letters G.S.E. mentioned that

some of the founders were to go to Waterloo Chapter, Wellington, in October, 1892, to be advanced and

exalted in the Royal Arch Degrees.

According to the Attendance Register of the initial meeting on 3rd November. 1892, 13 Companions were

present as follows:—

Herbert J. Williams, Grand Scribe E. Acting Z.

Henry Stephenson Acting H.

Jubal Fleming (P.Z.) Acting J.

J. Sonny, or "Toney" Acting S.E.

W. Riley N.

Thomas D. Brown 1st Soj.

Herbert Hankins 2nd Soj.

H. James Freeman 3rd Soj.

W. H. Smith

Walter Rutherfurd

Wm. Dawick

G. Hawkins

John C. Mowbray, from St. Peters' Chapter, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England.

The founders of the Chapter were :-

Z. W. H. Smith Treas. T. D. Brown

H. W. Rutherfurd 1st Soj. S. Neale, P.Z.

J. W. Dawick 2nd Soj. J. H. Hankins

S.E. J. Fleming, P.Z. 3rd Soj. H. Stephenson

S.N. W. Riley

They have all passed away now, the last being V.E. Comp. W. H. Smith, who died in 1930.

The first regular meeting of the Chapter after consecration was held on 6th December, 1892, when six

brethren were advanced. These were: W. J. Batt, D. Buick, J. B. Brown, William Beck, James Henry

Hocking, and William Dixon. By the time the second year had been completed, the membership of the

Chapter had reached a total of 28 members, made up of the nine Charter members— 18 advanced and one

affiliating member.

The register of members shows that in the 50 years, no less than 313 brethren have joined the Chapter. Out

of this total. 54 are still members of the Chapter, so that 259 have either died, resigned or been struck off.

The oldest member of the Chapter is M.E. Comp. A. J. Graham, who was advanced on 26th February, 1902,

and was elected hon. life member of the Chapter on 25th May, 1942, having been a subscribing member for

over 40 years. During that time M.E. Comp. Graham filled many offices and also attained the high honour of

being appointed Grand Z in 1922.

Unfortunately, all the early records of the Chapter are lost with the exception of Register of Marks and the

original attendance register. From tradition in the Chapter, it is known that many years ago there was a

change in the office of Scribe E. and the new Scribe only procured at the time the books he urgently required

from the former Scribe.

Later on, when the matter of Chapter records was brought up, some Companions went to the home of the

former Scribe to get the books, only to be told by the lady of the house that she had burnt the Masonic

rubbish!

It is interesting to recall what Palmerston North was like in 1892 and what must have happened in the first

few years of the Chapter's existence. The town at that time was mainly supported by farms, flax and the

sawmilling industry. There were two Masonic Lodges in Palmerston North, viz: United Manawatu, E.C.,

founded in 1877, and Manawatu Kilwinning, No. 47, N.Z., founded 1883. The Manawatu Railway Company

had completed the railway line from Wellington in 1886, and when the Chapter was formed, the railway line

from Palmerston North to Woodville through the Gorge was under construction and was opened three years

later.

In 1892, the United Manawatu E.C. Lodge had built a new lodge room on the present site in Broadway, and

it was in this building that the Manawatu Royal Arch Chapter began operations. About 1924, the venue of

the Chapter was changed to the present temple owned by Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, No. 47.

A perusal of information available shows that the Chapter must have had a struggle. The First Principal, W.

H. Smith, held the position of Z. for the first three consecutive years, and then W. H. Dawick held the same

office for a further three years. The fact that two Companions held the office of First Principal for the first

six years between them shows clearly that the pioneers of the Chapter were up against it. In fact, when we

peruse the old minutes of Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning in the nineties, we find there that even in that Lodge,

which now owns all these buildings, that a motion was tabled to decide whether the' Lodge would surrender

its charter owing to difficulties in carrying on!

Also in the minutes of that Lodge is a record of the cementing of fraternal relations with E.C. and an official

visit was made at the next meeting after the ban was lifted. This naturally had its effect on the Royal Arch

Chapter.

From other sources we find that during the nineties there were deputations of unemployed in Dunedin, butter

at one time was only 4d. per lb., while wool was sold as low as 2½d. per lb. As soup kitchens were opened

for unemployed in Dunedin, one can assume that conditions would be somewhat similar elsewhere. Laws

were passed to regulate the matter of attachment of wages and secure homes for the people, and to prevent

them being sold for debt. Therefore it is safe to assume that the founders of the Chapter had to overcome

serious difficulties in the depression in the nineties.

From the original attendance register we find that the attendances at regular meetings varied from 7 to 12

members.

In order to search all available records, which the Chapter might have in the property room, a search was

recently made of all information available, and one original copy of the R.A. Ritual, dated October, 1892,

was found in manuscript form. It is complete with all the signs and secrets and is almost identical to the

Ritual in use to-day. This is the Ritual which was undoubtedly used by the founders of the Chapter.

In March, 1909, the Chapter secured the 17 banners which are still in use, and the following month they were

unfurled by the Grand Superintendent of the District, and lectures given on their history and traditions.

In 1914, the present district of Ruapehu was formed. Formerly the Chapter was in the Wellington District.

On perusing the records which are available from 1908 onwards, one cannot help but being impressed with

the number of Companions struck off for non-payment of dues.

For many years, the Chapter held six regular meetings a year, but the practice of holding regular monthly

meetings was reverted to. It was found that members lost interest when the meetings are too far apart.

Up to 1936 it was the custom of Manawatu, No. 11, to only install as a First Principal one who was a Past

Master of a Craft Lodge. In that year the writer visited Australia and did a good deal of visiting with the

Grand Superintendent of the Scottish R.A. Masonry, where they adopt What they call the "Open Dias," that

is, any member of the Chapter is eligible for office of First Principal. It had been found in Australia that the

Companions became discouraged when they formerly found that they were not eligible for office.

The dispensation to work the degrees of Red Cross Knights and Royal Ark Mariners was granted on 24th

October, 1894, and these degrees have been worked in the Chapter ever since. The Cryptic Degrees have

never been worked.

Since 1918 a new First Principal has been installed every year, but prior to that date, we find that V.E. Comp.

W. H. Smith. T. Wilson and J. Stone each held the

office for three consecutive years. V.E. Comp. W.

Dawick, one of the founders, held the office of

First Principal for three different periods totalling 8

years, while M.E. Comp. A. J. Graham also held

the office for a total of four years at two different

periods.

————————

THE GERMAN BAN ON FREEMASONRY.

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Just prior to the outbreak of war Hitler issued a decree suppressing Freemasonry, but it is evident from the

following incident that Hitler did not kill the spirit of Freemasonry. Bro. H. E. (Tui) Roberts, who is with the

8th Army, in a recent letter to W. Bro. D. S. Richardson, Secretary of Lodge Taranaki, No. 240, related the

following:—"During the battle of Egypt a Sgt. Major of the 20th Battalion came across a wounded German

who asked for a drink of water. As the Sgt. Major, who was a Mason, replied to the request he noticed a

Masonic ring on the German's hand. As the German was unable to speak English, by means of signs, etc., the

Sgt. Major arrived at the conclusion that the man was a Mason. When he made known to the German that he

also was a Mason, the German took off his ring, gave it to the Sgt. Major, then smiled and died."

————————

SWITZERLAND.

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Switzerland has the nearest to a pure democratic government of any country in the world, but it is really a

republic, and the oldest continuous republic in the world to-day. It occupies, at the present time, a very

delicate position, being, surrounded by countries that are fighting each other and making it extremely

difficult for the Swiss people to maintain their independence and freedom. And the Swiss people dearly love

freedom.

It is to be remembered that a few years ago an attempt was made to suppress Freemasonry in that country,

although there were only about 5,000 Freemasons in a populace of 4,000,000. The measure first had to go

before the President and the Congress and then had to be voted upon by the people, and the people's love of

independence caused them to vote that Freemasonry should not be suppressed. It is very heartening to note

that the Roman Catholic populace of Switzerland generally supported the continuation of Freemasonry in

that country.

Present-day conditions make it very difficult for the Swiss, for, as a recent communication stated, they are

fearful of spies from other countries. Many refugees are going there from surrounding countries, and among

them are Masons who find it difficult to follow their professions or technical work so long as the Swiss

residents are able to fill such positions. Therefore, it is an absolute necessity to help them, and our Swiss

brethren have impoverished themselves in doing so. Their reserves have been completely exhausted in taking

care of these refugees, and the members of the Fraternity who are doing this work are not entirely free from

peril and they realise it. Those who are very active know that, if the Germans should overwhelm Switzerland

as they have other countries in Europe, their lives would be placed in jeopardy.—"The New Age."

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SUPREME GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF NEW ZEALAND.

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A meeting of the Supreme Committee was held on 20th May, at which fourteen members were present,

including M.E. Comp. W. H. Sandford, G.Z.

Apologies were received from twenty-three Companions.

The Chairman extended a welcome to the Grand Z. and members from outside districts, and welcomed the

new members.

The Chairman reported the death of M.E. Comp. Viscount Galway, P.G.Z., R.E. Comp. R. S. Wilson,

G.Treas., and V.E. Comp. L. Houlbrooke, P.G.D.C.

Annual Installation, 1943: The Chairman reported that the Annual Installation of Grand Chapter took place

in Palmerston North on 18th February when M.E. Comp. W. H. Sandford, Pro G.Z., was installed as Grand

Z. and several of his officers, who were able to attend, were invested. The other Grand Officers were

invested in their particular district. R.E. Comp. W. A. Waters, Grand Superintendent of the Ruapehu District,

was sincerely thanked for the very able manner in which he had attended to all arrangements in connection

with this meeting.

On the recommendation of the Grand Superintendent, the name of V.E. Comp. Frederick William Grainger

was submitted to the First Grand Principal for appointment as Grand Treasurer (vice R.E. Comp. R. S.

Wilson deceased).

The First Grand Principal reported that he had visited the Hauraki, Hawke's Bay and Ruapehu Districts and

expressed his great pleasure at the standard of work done in each Chapter.

A letter was received from Lord, Bledisloe approving of the design of the chair for Bledisloe Chapter.

Wellington Chapter, No. 62, forwarded £2 from Comp. Lieut. R. M. Smith (serving in Tunisia) for Jubilee

Memorial. The Grand Scribe E. was desired to write to Comp. Smith conveying the appreciation of Supreme

Committee.

Thursday, 8th July, was the date fixed for the next meeting.

While these minutes were being typed advice was received of the sudden death of the Grand Registrar. R.E.

Comp. A. B. Croker.

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THE ROMANCE OF FREEMASONRY.

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An Address by R.W. Bro. Rev. Joseph Fort Newton, D.D.,

at a meeting of the G.L. of Canada, Province of Toronto.

————

My interest in Masonry began before I was born and I owe it to the life of my father. Yes, it is true, that from

the earliest years when I heard that history it warmed my heart. It filled me with a strong urge and put such a

stir in my heart that I wanted to follow it from my earliest boyhood. It showed me a great brotherly love to

the wives and orphans of many unfortunate fellows. And as I have gone on through life and have seen more

of the cruelty of the world and of the unbelievable hardness of the human heart, I have realised that Masonry

is one of the great poems of the world. It is romantic in its origin.

I remember very well asking for admission to the Brotherhood when I was a young minister. When they

were good enough to allow me to enter, I seemed to be in a whispering gallery where voices were trying to

speak to me out of the past, and tell me wise and good and beautiful truths. I wondered if the men in that

Lodge realised the full meaning and the far-echoing and haunting meanings of the symbols round about

them. I wondered if they realised that they had in their hands the shadow of something great and wonderful

and I wanted to know all about it. And in the evening, after I had received the Third Degree of Masonry, I

asked if there was any book that would tell a young man all about what it is and whence it came and what it

is in the world to-day. Nobody seemed to know of that kind of book. Then I asked the Master a lot of

questions. He was a good man and a good Master and knew a good deal about Masonic Law, but he was not

widely enough informed of the story of Masonry.

Then I moved to Iowa. Far back in the history of that Grand Jurisdiction, the first Grand Secretary of the

Grand Lodge of Iowa in some way induced the Grand Lodge to appropriate the magnificent sum of five

dollars to start a library. He did not stop. He kept at it again and again until he built one of the greatest

Masonic libraries in the world. Some of you Masons have visited it. If you want to do any research in the

field of Masonry, that is the place to do it. He had the genius of a book collector and how he got some of the

books without being arrested for house-breaking, nobody was ever able to understand. And there it was—

right at my door. About the same time I became Grand Chaplain and having told this story about a desire for

this book, the Grand Lodge asked me to write such a book for Grand Lodge, and I did. Going back and back

and back, sifting all kinds of wild legends, I sought to find the real facts about real Masons and put them

forth in an understanding way. That little book appeared in 1914 and has gone all over the Masonic world. It

is the only book that has the imprint of a Grand Lodge. Later, while living in England, I did more research

and went through it for mistakes and then brought out a revised edition. It was translated into Dutch and used

as a text in the Netherlands. It was also translated into Swedish and was used in the same way. It is printed in

Portuguese and Syrian and in German, and there is a copy in almost every Masonic Lodge all over the world.

So it has gone from place to place because the need I felt had evidently been widespread, and for the past

thirty years I have tried to do two things: first, to induce Masons to know more about Masonry; second, to

convey knowledge to them that they may be able to know more intelligently of the constructive life of

truthful Masonry. Yes, it is a romance. It was romantic in its origin. Let me sketch it briefly:

The world has cracked up and gone to pieces, not for the first time nor for the last, with wars and then

stretches of peace and re-organisation all in our generation. The cozy, comfortable world of the Middle Ages

was shattered by the Revival of Learning. It was broken up politically by the advent of nationalism, by the

people of the north outside of the old Roman Empire. It was later upset by the Industrial Revolution and still

later by the march of the victory of modern science. The Roman Catholics gave to the men of the Middle

Ages a shrine that still stands. It may be found useful again. We have found to-day, in the breaking up of the

Middle Ages, that they had two commanding philosophies of life but with the breaking up of the Middle

Ages, as far as is realised, we created our modern world, and from among them—Free Masonry, instead of a

response of an unformulated aspiration.

It was in a very casual way that a few conceived the idea of the Grand Lodge. There never was such a thing

before. They did not know they were doing anything great —and that is the way it was done. They never sat

down and planned the thing deliberately. They didn't even keep any minutes of the proceedings of the

famous evening. No minutes were kept for some little time. None were published until 1723. I have great

pleasure in reminding you that the constitution of Freemasonry was written by a clergyman. That is why it

has never been amended. Of course, that clergyman was a Presbyterian. When I read the constitution it

sounded like a product of a General Assembly.

The first Grand Lodge was established midway between the journals of John Fox, the Quaker, and John

Wesley, the Methodist. That is a chronicle that broadens out like a picture in that century. I used to take a

copy in my pocket when I went all over England just to see if I could find a place he had not been. It was a

curious England. It was a time of moral decline, and you remember the famous sermon describing the moral

slump and chaos where the churches were empty and the clergy were sometimes drunken.

Yes, it was a time when the very depth of hidden human need was met by some divine response and as at all

times when real religion is at altogether too low an ebb people argued about religion and pummeled each

other with Bibles to get the better of the argument. When men have nothing real to argue about they argue

about religion. Our William Penn gave that epigram. When they do that they do it in the name of religion—

that which religion forbids. The country was cut up and divided into religious sects so small that you have to

call them insects. It was at that time when Anderson sat down and wrote that article in which he said "In

olden days Free Masons were obliged to be of the religion of the country in which they worked." Now the

religion of Masonry is that in which all good men agree—agree to be good men and true; men of honour and

of honesty. And they agree that each Mason may follow the dictates of his own conscience; may practise the

religion of his own choice. And so they made Masonry a centre of union to those who would otherwise be

kept at a distance—a centre of friendship.

That was the purpose of the organisation as set forth in our Constitution—a great centre of friendship and a

focus of fellowship to bring men together that they may know and understand and, therefore, love each other.

It was not our desire to reform the world, but just to make friends of men in the world—bring men a little

closer together so that each could feel the heartbeat of the other, and sit down and sing together and learn to

be friends.

Brethren, there is nothing that this distracted world needs now more than the making of friends among men.

No wonder in that time of loneliness men were ready to be drawn together as they will be shortly again. The

end of the world has come and that is what has brought us now very close to the end of the human world. No

wonder the romance of Masonry grew so fast. It was needed. Men underneath their sectarianism wanted to

be friends as I believe they do in their hearts to-day in spite of high walls and fortifications. I believe if we

knew what is going on in the hearts of men we should discover that their deep hunger is for a greater)

friendship for each other. I believe that the religion we need is one of great friendship and good will. So

Masonry grew because it was needed, because it ministered to something that men must have.

It grew so fast that at one time there were four Grand Lodges in England. There was a Grand Lodge of All

England and two subordinate Lodges. Then there was indeed an interesting contest between two Lodges.

They had contests—these two Lodges, and the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge loved to write letters to

these Lodges and encourage them along. I have read some of the letters he wrote and he really loved the men

with whom he was engaged in contest. After all, it was a contest between these two Lodges and not a

conflict. There was rivalry, but no wrangling. That is as it should be between Masons and when I read the

letters he wrote to the men I knew he had the heart of a true Mason, and I love him for it. One Grand Lodge

adopted the British Army and the other the Navy and between the two they spread all over the face of the

world. They brought it to this country and Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are still debating which has the

honour of being the oldest Grand Lodge. Living in Pennsylvania, I must take the side of Pennsylvania, of

course.

We had a great debate with Massachusetts and Maine not so long ago. The beauty of the debate was that they

both happened to be right, each from his own point of view. Massachusetts is right in saying that they had

the first Lodge (in Boston), and Pennsylvania is right in saying that they were the first constituted Lodge

under the jurisdiction of the British obedience. But the first Lodge in Pennsylvania was born in 1731 of

which Lodge Benjamin Franklin was Master in 1734. It was authorised in 1735 by the Grand Lodge of

Ireland. But we had a good time arguing it out. I do not know whether you would be interested in part of the

romance in the making of the Republic to the south, in what we call the War of Independence and you call a

disruption of the Empire. It was largely due to Freemasonry, which was the only inter-colonial network

through which the thirteen jealous colonies could possibly work together. It was not easy to get a system that

would get the colonies to work together. They had no common form of government. The Church could not

do it. It was divided. In New England you might be turned out in the snow with the hope that you might

freeze to death. You might be hung by the society of friends on Boston Common. It was a very unfortunate

thing to be an Anglican in New England in those days. On the other hand, if you lived in Virginia in the

south and were a Methodist, you had an equally hard time. You had to pay higher taxes. They even had a law

on the statute books permitting the burning of heretics. They never enforced that law because they were

much too interested in fox-hunting to bother and so the law was never enforced. Those conditions are true of

every one of the Commonwealths of our Republic. I could tell you almost without end of my Mother Lodge

in Texas. We had a revolution of our own in Texas and set up a Republic. We defeated the Mexican army.

My mother was born in Texas when it was a Republic, before it was even a part of the United States. And if

you go to the capital city of that State you can see the French Embassy there where the Ambassador of

France lived. Holland Lodge was the Mother Lodge out of which grew the Grand Lodge of Texas. The

public school system of Texas was revised in Holland Lodge. The men that carved out the Commonwealth,

who organised and framed the law, were members of Holland Lodge. Or take King Solomon's Lodge. They

did the same thing in that Commonwealth. Or St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia. They did the same thing.

This is the way the public schools of New York were established. The Grand Lodge conceived the idea of a

school, free, for underprivileged children. After a while it grew out of all bounds and beyond the powers of

the Grand Lodge and was taken over by the State. But I dare say that it was true in this Dominion, that the

men who set up these institutions of liberty, schools for greater enlightenment—and I might say that this was

not an easy thing to do—were men of our Fraternity, Brothers and builders. Masonry has always made men.

It is a great romance, I tell you. If I had the time to follow it through with you this evening, I believe you

would all agree with me that it is a great romance. I want the young men here to go back to their places,

realising what a great tradition they stand for. Among the most precious of spiritual possessions of the

English-speaking people is the human spirit and enterprise of Freemasonry. It is a shining tradition. It has

been a shining tradition wherever it has gone, as you will have learned from the remarks made by the Grand

Master of Quebec this evening.

It is a tradition of life and liberty and loving kindness which some are trying to tear down to-day.

If it has been a romance in the past, will it be equally as romantic in preserving the inheritance of my fathers

and yours and our common race? Think of what would happen to civilisation if the first thing to be destroyed

is the Masonic Fraternity.

They tried to destroy it in Switzerland last year and made a cunning attempt to do so, but fortunately were

thwarted. If Masonic Lodges are the first thing to be closed, the second thing is the Christian Church. They

stand or fall together because both rest on the same faith and the same dignity of human beings. When one

falls the other falls, too. When man loses faith in himself he loses the sense of his own worth to his race and

to his God. He loses the vision of his own rights that are imbedded in his nature, placed there by God and, if

democracy of this kind goes down, Christianity follows it. This is the desperate cynicism of our day.

Civilised society is endangered by the sudden and unaccountable advent of a spirit—sinister and ghastly and

ruthless. The old Caesarism was much different. There was dignity and law and jurisprudence in the old

Roman Law and there were many great lawyers. We are in the grip of blind idealism. It is a time of great

danger in history as you well know. Culture is in the eclipse. The tom-toms of war are heard incessantly. It is

not a time to be nervous. It is not a time to lose hope. But, if the civilisation that was built up so patiently is

to be preserved and passed on, it will take all the fortitude and spiritual vision of Freemasonry, with the

Christian Church, to take a great part in that enterprise.

Temporarily, at least, we have suffered along with the Christian Church, along with the universities, along

with all those lovely and beautiful agencies and institutions that have been built up for the refinement of

mankind.

Some of us feel a little discouraged. We are sick of the world in which we live. We want to get out of the net

in which we are caught. We would like to have a little rest before beginning again to join hands with like-

minded men and women to rebuild the temple of liberty and culture and reason and kindness which these

incredible nitwits have torn down. It will take a long time to do when sanity returns to this insane world.

Three years ago a book was written in which the writer said: "These things are behind us; human sacrifice,

religious persecution, the subjection of women, punishment without trial, torture by responsible authority,

irresponsible government, the right to go to war regardless of treaties."

These things, the writer said, are behind us. No, they are right before our eyes! No optimist is worth his salt

who does not see everything that the pessimist sees.

That is the kind of world in which Masonry with its gentleness, its loving kindness, its patience, its spiritual

faith and its moral philosophy, is trying to build. At least it can build men up in spiritual strength and moral

integrity, so that if the world cracks up we need not crack up, too.

Edward Gibbon, in "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," gave five reasons for the collapse of that

civilisation which plunged the world into the Dark Ages. It was a great empire, perhaps the greatest the

world has ever known, when the genius of the Caesars picked up the jig-saw puzzle when Alexander the

Great had left, and made a Roman Empire. It was the first time the world had unity based upon law and not

merely upon force. Wherever the Roman legions went they made roads, they set up courts; and to this day

their jurisprudence is a precious legacy of our race.

Why did the Roman Empire collapse? For five reasons, as Gibbon read the record:

First, the rapid increase of divorce; the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, the basis of

human society.

Second, higher and higher taxes and the spending of public moneys for bread and circuses.

Third, the mad craze for pleasure; sport becoming every year more exciting and more brutal.

Fourth, the building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within, in the decadence of the people.

Fifth, the decay of religion, faith fading into a mere form, losing touch with life and becoming impotent to

guide it.

It looks like an untouched photograph of much of the life of our time, does it not, Brethren?

Some of our people are very much afraid lest the alien "isms" which infest the earth may affect our body

politic with some germ, red or black or some other colour. They have a right to be afraid if these trends

which brought Rome down cannot be arrested.

Christianity grasped the crumbling, classic world when Rome fell, re-shaped it, and saved its culture. But if

that faith grows dim in our hearts, what hope have we for our own civilisation?

This is a dark picture. To be truthful, one must paint it so. The misgiving in my mind is back in your minds,

too, as I well know. Who knows his way out? Who can see through the mist and the fog?

But, Brethren, we believe in God. We are taught that, as one of the first as well as one of the last lessons that

Masonry teaches. To me the present world situation is a complete and overwhelming demonstration of the

truth and validity of the principles for which Masonry and the Church stand. It is not because men have

obeyed these principles, that the world is what it is. No; it is because those principles have been repudiated.

It was a great German poet who said that the history of the world is the judgment of the world; and the

history of to-day is the judgment, based on the word of wrong direction, and "unmerciful disaster follows

fast and follows faster."

Everything that is not built on the truth will fall down. A lie cannot stand. The moral order of the world, the

moral order of the universe, is against the social and political order of the world.

That is the great hope, to me, and the only hope I have left.

During the year two charming Brethren wrote an open letter to me in the press. A most courteous and kindly

letter it was, in which they referred to my talk some time ago asking for a "united Masonry in a divided

world." They said many interesting things, some that I did not know—and it is better not to know so many

things than to know some things that are not so! But it was a most gracious letter; and one of their criticisms,

if so gentle a chiding could be called a criticism, was that I put entirely too much religion into Masonry.

That may be so, Brethren; but I cannot help it. God put religion into Masonry. It is one of the forms of the

spiritual life, one of the most beautiful forms; and outside of my home and the House of God it has my

devotion as nothing else has. Do we not need such a great world fraternity as this? Built of spiritual faith; the

faith of God the Eternal. The God Who is the reason for our existence. The explanation of our being. The

consecration of human life—the faith of man; made in His own image and endowed with a spark of spiritual

God-fire.

We need faith in life itself. Not once when I was a young man did I ever hear anybody ask the question—"Is

Life Worth While?" Not once. There were things in life that we did not like in those days, but it never

occurred to us to question the value of life itself. I remember the shock that came to me in reading a book

entitled. "Is Life Worth While?" The question which so many young folk ask in a mood of futility and

despair. And I remember, too, the inspiration I got in reading an essay written by an old and grand teacher.

He said, "Yes," if you make it so it will be worth while. You will not find it to suit you, you must make it suit

you. Take the raw stuff of life and give it shape. That struck a thought and a response in my heart. Always

life is worth while if hearts are sound and true. But it will take heroic hearts and well-established hearts to

stand and keep their poise through the devastating influences that swirl about us in our time.

I go out a great deal with young people and I talk with them and I know something of what is going on in

their hearts. I believe the mood of futility is beginning to ebb. I saw that reflected recently in the youth

conference which has just been recently adjourned. They were confused. What they wanted to do was to be

"anti" this and "anti" that and "anti" the other thing. They did not want to pass resolutions condemning one

idea or another, but only to be positive, to have aspirations for the things for which we stand. Our principles

are the basis of our civilisation and it is not necessary to be "anti" this and "anti" that. They wanted to live up

to those principles and stand by them, and make them fruitful in our own society.

That is the best effect of democracy on your side of the border or on ours. And speaking of that border—it is

invisible but so many Canadian clergymen are coming down and taking the finest churches in the United

States that I am in favour of a patrol along that border!

I don't want to seem pessimistic because no Mason has a right to be that. No man who believes in God will

lose hope nor will he let any other man lose hope. God is our great hope. This is His world. It is in His hands.

It has not slipped out of His hands and it will not. We are at the end of an era; in the chaos and confusion that

always attends another era which is about to be born. It will be different. It will not fit your fashion or mine,

perhaps, but our business is to know what way God is going and to get things out of God's way. I love the

story about Lloyd George as told in the biography of my friend, Mr. Spender. One night in his room, during

the World War, the men of Scotland Yard warned him to be very careful of plots and movements to take his

life. When he heard that he burst out singing a Welsh hymn. If you ever in your life hear singing—he could

sing just like an angel! Many a sing-song I have had in his home. When he had finished singing his hymn the

men near said to him, "You don't seem to be alarmed by this information." He replied, "Not at all, I love it.

When in time of tumult I am happy because I remember a saying of an old Welsh preacher that when there is

tumult and overturning in the town, Brothers, it means that there is a vast divine movement above.

Something new is trying to break into human life —some word that God is trying to speak to us."

That story has done me no end of good. I cannot quite hear the word that God would speak for the new time

which we are entering. It may be that not any of my associates can hear it. Our mind is too full of the past to

listen to that newer word, but I believe, with Emerson, that there will be minds and hearts to hear that newer

word, when dictators will be "gone with the wind"—when there will be a re-birth of the human soul—with

the spark of God-fire.

Liberty and justice and human society will be organised on a higher basis—something nearer the spirit of

Freemasonry and the faith of the Christian Church.

Let me tell a story and close. It is a true story, not one of those yarns that you Brethren sometimes tell. It is a

story that has done me a great deal of good, and it may perhaps explain to you why I have not left my

religion outside of the Lodge. It is a story of Toscanini, that great master of the orchestra. His favourite piece

is the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven. He insists that his orchestra rehearses it piecemeal, each group of

instruments playing its part alone; and he is very exacting about it. Then they must all play the symphony

together. One day the orchestra had a piecemeal rehearsal. Then in a hushed hall they played that mighty

melody at concert pitch and with concert verve, and the volume of melody gathered and grew until every

man was lifted higher and higher because that melody seemed to come from the heart of God; when it was

finished the first violinist said to the second violinist, "If he scolds us after such perfect playing, I will jump

up and push him off the platform."

But Toscanini did not scold. As the last note died away he stood like one transfigured with a terrific emotion

in his heart. He exclaimed, "Who am I—Toscanini? I am nobody. Who are you? Nobody. I am nothing; you

are nothing. It is Beethoven. He is everything!"

Who are you, Brethren? Nobody. Whom am I? Nobody. I am nothing. It is God; and He is everything.

—"The New South Wales Freemason."

————————

THE KING AND THE CRAFT.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

Nearly thirty-two years ago the Grand Secretary issued a circular letter bringing to the notice of Lodges a

historical note by Bro. J. P. Simpson on the toast "King and the Craft," and expressing the Pro Grand

Master's hope that the ancient form of toast would be retained.

As in some quarters the form of the first loyal Toast seems to be open to doubt, the article by Bro. J. P.

Simpson is here reprinted.

THE KING AND THE CRAFT.

Notes by W. Bro. John P. Simpson, B.A., P.A.G.Reg.

The Ritual of Freemasonry as far as the First and Second Degrees are concerned is in part no doubt derived

from the ceremonies of the early Operative Gilds. The expression "So mote it be," and the words "cowan"

and "hele," for instance, point to, a great antiquity. The Toast of "The King and the Craft is not of course any

part of the Ritual, but it is perhaps the best authenticated heirloom we have received from the remote past.

The various Old Charges, dating back to the middle of the fifteenth century, differ in form and as to

historical references, etc., but all, I think, concur in calling on the Mason "to take heed right well and wisely"

to the first charge that Masons should be true men to God, and in the second place that they shall be true

Liegemen to the King, and true to the craft of Masonry. It is not unreasonable, I think, to surmise that in

these Old Charges we have the origin of the Toast of "The King and the Craft," and that on the occasion of

Refreshment, after giving thanks to the Almighty Architect, this Toast would follow naturally, and in due

course.

It will be useful to mention shortly some of the more important references to this old Toast in the Masonic

archives in chronological order.

Dr. James Anderson was in 1738 ordered by Grand Lodge to draw up the revised Constitutions of Masonry.

The Doctor is not a reliable authority as to the early history of Masonry, but he had a sound and accurate

knowledge of the Masonic usages and customs of his own times and those of the preceding generation. The

first actual reference to the Toast is to be found on p. 88, where he informs us that this Toast was drunk by

Scottish Masons in the reign of James I of Scotland (circa 1430). In reference to this custom in Scotland I

may here add that there is still in possession of St. John's Lodge, Glasgow, No. 3, a celebrated Chest which

seems to have been used at great Masonic functions in the seventeenth century and to contain the records.

Outside is carved "God save the King and Mason Craft 1684." Curiously enough, the next reference is in the

time of James I of England, and on page 98 of these Constitutions we have an account of the laying the

foundation stone of the new Banquetting Hall at Whitehall in 1607. Here Dr. Anderson relates that Grand

Master Inigo Jones, and the Grand Wardens, the Earl of Pembroke, and Nicholas Stone, the Sculptor,

attended, and a purse of broad pieces was laid upon the stone for the Masons to drink to:—

"THE KING AND THE CRAFT."

Wherever the Toast is mentioned in these Constitutions it has the honour of a separate line, and larger type.

We are perhaps on surer ground when we arrive at the year 1719. At the Festival of that year we are told that

Dr. Desaguliers, then Grand Master, "revived the old regular and peculiar toasts or healths of Freemasons."

These were then, so far as I can ascertain, three. "The King and the Craft" - represented the principle of

Loyalty, the "Entered Apprentice" (on appropriate occasions), Fraternity, and the "Tyler's Toast," Relief.

Two more were added later at the Festivals, the "Grand Master" and the "Grand Stewards," and by the close

of the eighteenth century the total list averaged about nine.

A further mention of this Toast is to be found on page 180 of the Constitutions of 1738. The occasion

referred to was the laying of the foundation stone of the Church of St. Martin's in Campis, in the reign of

George I, 1727. Many prominent Freemasons attended, amongst others no doubt Dr. Anderson himself. The

Toast of "The King and the Craft" was drunk with full Masonic honours.

No doubt Freemasonry in the first half of the eighteenth century lay under some suspicion of having Jacobite

tendencies. We see that in June, 1722, a Deputation of Freemasons waited on Lord Viscount Townsend, one

of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, and brother-in-law of Sir Robert Walpole, to assure him of the

absolute loyalty of the Craft, and that all their proceedings and ceremonies were founded on this basis.

Later there is an interesting letter relative to this matter from Dr. Thomas Manningham, Deputy Grand

Master 1752 to 1756, dated from Jermyn Street, London, the 12th July, 1757, to Bro. Sauer, of the Hague.

He was authorised by the then Grand Master, the Earl of Carnarvon, to set out the practice and customs of

the English Grand Lodge. After going into various points, he states: "Our Healths in Lodge are first, the King

and the Craft with 3.3. (etc.)." (Q.C. Transactions, v (1893), 110).

In all the Toast lists I have seen, whether in the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries, this Toast holds the

foremost place. It was given with full Masonic honours whether the King was or was not a Freemason. I

have one before me now for the Grand Festival of 1794 (from the "Freemason's Magazine," January 24th,

1864, vol. viii):

1. Toast "The King and the Craft."

Music, "God Save the King."

In the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge from 1738 to 1767 this Toast appears as the proper Toast to give

first after the "Master's Song." After the edition of 1767 the Songs and Toasts are omitted.

The references that I have given above have all been taken from the records of the Grand Lodge founded in

1717, and known as the Senior or Modern Grand Lodge. The other Grand Lodge, founded in 1751, known as

the Atholl or Antient Grand Lodge, professed, and I think with some justice, to practise and observe the more

authentic and correct ritual and customs of Ancient Freemasonry. In any case, it is a fact that at the Union in

1813 the points in ritual and customs for which the Antients contended were almost entirely adopted by the

United Grand Lodge. Having regard to this and also to the fact that a large number of important Lodges on

the present Register are the lineal descendants of the old Antient Lodges, it is important to find out the view

taken as to this Toast by this Grand Lodge. This question I have solved by the aid of Brother Henry Sadler. It

is quite clear that on this point, at any rate the practice of both Grand Lodges was identical. The Grand

Secretary of the Antients, Laurence Dermott, sets out in the very Minutes of his Grand Lodge, on two

occasions, the correct Toasts to be given. In the Grand Lodge Minutes of the 24th of June, 1760, and again

on the 26th of September, 1761, the authorised Toasts are recorded and "The King and the Craft" heads the

List with full Masonic honours. On the first date George II was King, on the second George III, and neither

of these monarchs were Freemasons.

With regard to the custom in the Grand Lodge of Ireland, we read in Spratt's Constitutions, published in

Dublin, 1751, that when the foundation stone of the Parliament House was laid by the Lord Lieutenant, Lord

Carteret, many Freemasons were present, and the health of "The King and the Craft" was drunk. A List of the

Toasts in the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, 1817, is headed by that of "The King and the

Craft."

I think I have said enough to establish the proposition that this Toast is "an ancient usage, and established

Custom of the Order." The strongest possible reasons are essential for doing away with, or altering such

"ancient usages and established customs." With great respect I submit that the circumstances of our times,

and position of Freemasonry, furnish us with very strong arguments for the retention of this Toast in its

present form, and with Masonic honours as it has been given from time immemorial. I do not wish to labour

the subject by recapitulating all the arguments in favour of this; but in conclusion will touch upon one aspect

of the matter only. In the eighteenth century up to perhaps the year 1780, Freemasons' Lodges on the

Continent were allied with religion and royalty, and were perhaps more aristocratic even than in England.

The Higher and Christian Degrees were extensively practised in Germany, and the formation of such Lodges

as "The Contrat Social," composed of members of the Jacobin Club, in Paris, were indications of the

commencement of a new era. The History of the movement is told in an interesting and now rare book by

Professor Robison, of Edinburgh, published 1789, and entitled "Proofs of a Conspiracy against all Religions

and Governments of Europe." He contends that the French Revolution was directly brought about by the

Freemasons' Lodges in Paris, and this is also the view taken by the French Historian Lamartine in his

"History of the Girondists." Since then it is common knowledge that Continental Masonry, for the most part,

has gradually become anti-religious and socialistic, and it would, most unfortunately, be impossible to

associate it in any sense with monarchy or loyalty. It is, I submit, therefore incumbent on us in the Mother

Grand Lodge of the World to be very cautious, and to take no step, however trivial it may appear, which may

give semblance to the idea that the indissoluble connection of King and Craft is not subsisting as it was in the

days of our forefathers. Many other arguments will readily occur to Brethren in favour of the retention of this

ancient Toast in its entirety and with full honours, and I have yet to hear of any valid argument against this

contention.

—"Miscellanea Latomorum."

————————

Bluecher, the famous Prussian Field Marshal, who, joining forces with Wellington, so materially helped to

win the final campaign against Napoleon at Waterloo, was a staunch Freemason. A letter written in January,

1807, eight years before that event has recently come to light, and been published in facsimile in the "New

Age." It is addressed to his successor as Governor of Munster, who was known to him as a brother, although

they had not met personally. Having heard from the Master who succeeded him and other brethren of the

lodge that he had been granted the great honour by him of "having a loaded cannon fired to my health," he

adds that it would have afforded him the greatest pleasure to be able to .work with his correspondent in the

lodge. In the concluding part of the letter Bluecher asks of his successor's fraternal friendship the continued

care of the town and good people of Munster whom he recommends to his kindness and benevolence. "I

have lived there several years," he says, "the latter three as governor of the City and have generally had

occasion to praise them." What a contrast is such benevolent attitude of 1807 to that of these war years of

blood-stained rule!

—"The Freemasons' Chronicle.

————————

As we grow older, the thing that becomes more and more clear to us is the importance of friendships, and

one can conceive of no greater satisfaction than that of conducting himself in such a fashion that he may

constantly add to his list of friends, and thereby obtain a fuller measure of life.

————————

AN AMERICAN'S LAST LETTER FROM GUADALCANAL.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The night before American Marines landed on Guadalcanal in the Solomons, Henry Glorch, machinist's

mate, first class, on the transport George Elliott, wrote to his people.

The letter was to be mailed only if he was killed in action. On October 3 he was reported missing. His buddy

mailed his letter to his people in Chicago. It expresses very simply his confidence in his country, and his love

for his family. It might have been written by any Australian lad on the night before his first action.

Here is the letter which has been widely published in the U.S.A.:-

"Dear Mother and Dad,—This is one letter I hope you never get! Funny way to start a letter, isn't it'? But it's

the best I can do under the circumstances, because if you do get it, that means that I have been very

unfortunate.

"To-morrow I will have the great honour to participate in Uncle Sam's first move of retaliation against the

Japs. And, believe me, I can't wait! Oh boy, oh boy, have they got a surprise coming to them!

"We have been preparing for this for a long time, and now the time has come to quit practising and start

doing. At dawn to-morrow we are going to land United States Marines by the car-load on to the Jap-held

Solomon Islands! And I hope the Jap fleet comes to the rescue because we'll land all over them, too!

"Boy, I'm sure that I'm not a Jap! Especially the way some of our Marines are acting up! Serious as hell, and

making expert and tricky preparations.

"And the bets! You should hear them bet who is going to be the best machine-gun outfit, which rifle

company will pick off the most snipers, etc. There is only one United States Marines.

"Our job, of course, is to get them to the beach as fast, and as many as we can. And we'll do it if we have to

swim ashore with the Marines on our backs! Because I don't think in history a bunch of men have gone into

any engagement as cold and calm and confident as this group. There's only one answer. It will be successful.

"I want you to know that I am not writing this because I have any premonition of anything happening to me.

I'm writing this because in case I get mine, you'll know I got it like a man with a clear conscience, and I'm

not afraid to die for my country.

"Believe that and please don't grieve, for this will all soon be over. I have only one regret, and that is I could

not see you once more. I loved my father and mother and family more than I ever said.

"I will put this letter in my locker, and, in case it happens, my buddy has instructions to mail this to you first

thing. I hope he never gets the chance.

"I'll close this letter now and try to catch a few hours' snooze before we get ready to make the Japs remember

Pearl Harbour. So it's good-bye and good sailing, and my most sincere love to all the family and my friends.

"Your fond and loving son,—HENRY."

—Department of Information.

————————

MASONIC DIGNITY.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

It should be understood that Freemasonry never encourages brethren to disclose their membership of this

Fraternity to all and sundry whom they may meet in the walks of life. To parade it is undignified, and often

leads to a brother's motive being misunderstood, if not misconstrued. It is better that brethren talk less about

Freemasonry, and apply more of their energy to the demonstration of its ideals and principles in their

conduct.

Freemasonry has nothing to gain by its members publishing on the housetops that they have been received

into its fold, but it will gain immensely if they will let it be seen that, having been brought face to face with

its great ideals and teachings, their own lives have been enriched and ennobled. This is what the world wants

to see.

—`Masonic Journal of South Africa."

————————

REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

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

———

VERMONT-1942.

103 Lodges, 16,012 members, a loss of 116.

149th Annual Comthunication held at Burlington 10th and 11th June, M.W. Bro. P. Conant Voter G.M.,

presiding.

The 23 "permanent members" present comprised 7 P.G.M.s. and 16 P.G. Deacons. Visitors were present

from 7 other G.Ls.

47 Fifty-Year Emblems were presented during the year.

The Grand Historian in his report supplied information about the Masonic careers of some of Vermont's dis-

tinguished pioneers.

From the Report of the Committee on Necrology: "According to reports received by the Grand Secretary up

to 1st June of this year, 305 members of the Craft have completed their labours on the Spiritual Temple that

God is building in this world and gone to receive the reward, we trust, of 'good and faithful' craftsmen."

The 144 pages of Reviews by the Grand Secretary include two devoted to New Zealand, 1940, in the course

of which he said: "Somehow, all these Grand Lodges with the English point of view have the knack of

accumulating funds, especially for charity, and keeping themselves on a sound financial basis."

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Cady L. Earle, St. Albans.

Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. Aaron H. Grout, P.G.M., Burlington.

Grand Representative of N.Z. M.W. Bro. Henry L. Ballou, P.G.M., Chester.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. Joseph Morling, P.Prov.G.M., Auckland.

————

NEW MEXICO-1942.

56 Lodges, 6254 members, a gain of 59.

65th Annual Communication held at Albuquerque, 19th and 20th October, M.W. Bro. James A. Elrod, G.M.,

presiding. Ten P.G.Ms., 1 P.G.W., and 1 P.G.T. were present.

Four Special Communications were held, one of which was for the purpose of constituting a new Lodge.

The Editor of the "New Mexico Freemason," W. Bro. H. A. Argabright, in his report, said: "We know that

Freemasonry has been stamped out for the time being at least in many parts of the world. We know that we

have many enemies in this our own free America. Some of our most powerful enemies are the intangible or

imponderable conditions of Masonic ignorance and indifference; competition by diverse and distracting

influences and the trend of the times away from the more thoughtful and profound things of life.

" 'The New Mexico Freemason' is not only an educational activity but a form of Masonic propaganda. I use

this phrase in its highest sense to mean spreading the tenets and principles of Freemasonry. Propaganda has

for years been acknowledged by astute men to be most powerful moulder and developer of thought and

action. It has been practised by every nation and by every social, political and economic movement. It is

simply a form of advertising.

"It is almost axiomatic that 'he who tooteth not his own horn, the same shall not be tooted.' The New Mexico

Freemason' is the way our Fraternity and this Grand Lodge have of tooting our own horn. It is one of the

very few ways in which we are privileged with dignity, and in keeping with our ancient customs, to do any

tooting."

The Committee on Relief disbursed $2437 to 16 cases. New Zealand is not included among the Jurisdictions

reviewed by M.W. Bro. John Milne.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Eric H. Kintsel, Raton.

Grand Secretary (since 1884): R.W. Bro. Alpheus A. Keen, Albuquerque.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. Joseph L. Paxton, Elida.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. Wm. Mclndoe. P.G.W., Clinton.

————

OHIO-1942.

622 Lodges, 173 592 members, a gain of 2780.

133rd Annual Communication held at Colombus, 21st and 22nd October, M.W. Bro. Chas. B. Hoffman,

G.M., presided. Sixteen P.G.Ms. were present.

There were presented 226 fifty-year medals and lapel emblems.

Committees representing the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and other Masonic bodies

met to discuss what, if anything, could be done to assist the nation in the present emergency. The joint

Committees agreed on a statement of Masonic principles and also pointed out to their respective bodies the

importance of stimulating and maintaining the morale of brethren in the service of maintaining intensive

contact between them and their homes and home communities, of assisting investment in defence bonds, etc.

The Grand Master circularised Lodges urging active steps in restoring to membership worthy unattached

brethren.

A letter from the Secretary of Oxman Lodge, No. 652, said in part : "As usual, Ornan Lodge will suspend no

one this year for non-payment of dues. It has been some years since we suspended anyone for non-payment

of dues, and we find that it is not necessary to do so if we are on our toes . . ." Our Master just instituted a

new idea, namely, that of having a Contact Committee to contact every member of the Lodge personally

several times every year. We found there were a number of our members who never came to Lodge and from

whom we never heard, so in the future our plan is to be certain that we have contacted every member of the

Lodge once every six months and inquired about his health and circumstances. The results we have had from

this programme so far are very delightful, and we commend it as a practical idea for any Lodge. Too often

members pay dues year after year and never attend, and we feel that can be remedied if the Lodge takes an

interest in its members, rather than require the members to take an interest in the Lodge. After all, Masonic

officers must do more than merely occupy the chairs. Theirs is a working job, and any Lodge whose officers

will work will have no trouble collecting dues."

The term of office of any District Deputy Grand Master was limited to three years,

A History of Early Freemasonry in three Counties occupies 26 pages of the Proceedings.

There were 222 men, 183 women, 52 boys and 31 girls in the Masonic Home, the grounds of which cover

397 acres.

The 119 pages of Reviews contributed M.W. Bro. Earle Stewart (New Zealand's Grand Representative)

include well over a page devoted to New Zealand, 1941, in addition to which one of twelve specially

selected topical Reviews under the heading "Freedom," is an extract from M.W. Bro. C. MacDiarmid's

Installation Address.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Harry E. Schramm, Maretta.

Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. Harry S. Johnson, P.G.M., Cincinatti.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: M.W. Bro. Earle Stewart, P.G.M., Ironton.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: M.W. Bro. C. L. MacDiarmid, P.G.M., Hamilton.

————

TENNESSEE-1943.

385 Lodges, 37,511 members, a gain of 1,059.

129th Annual Communication held at Nashville, 27th and 28th January, M.W. Bro. Will W. Herron, G.M.,

presiding; Fifteen P.G.Ms. were present.

Four Lodges were consolidated into two during the year. On the evening of the first day a patriotic meeting,

open to the public, was held at which a short address on "Masonry in War" was given by Bro. William C.

Fitzgibbon, personal representative of Treasury Secretary Morgenthau, and the principal address by U.S.

Senator Harry S. Truman, P.G.M., of Missouri, on "World Conditions."

The Reviews by Bro. W. P. Douglas were abbreviated for economical reasons, so that only half a page is

devoted to New Zealand. 1941. He describes M.W. Bro. MacDiarmid's address on "Freedom" as a

masterpiece.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Arch E. McClanahan, Nashville.

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. Thos. E. Doss, Nashville.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. Roy B. Collier, Clarksville.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. John J. Pickett, P.G.W., Hastings.

————————

LOOKING BACK.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

A Philacteria for such Gentlemen as may be inclined to Become Freemasons.

———

Gentlemen,—If the love of knowledge, interest, company, or dear curiosity should take possession of any

corner of your heads or hearts, and work in you a desire of becoming Freemasons, in such case I beg leave to

offer my service as your guide to the lodge door: this proposal will not, I hope, be disagreeable to you,

considering that I am the first person that ever offered assistance in this manner. But before we set out it is

necessary that you carefully examine whether you are properly equipped for such an undertaking.

To this end he it known to you, gentlemen, that in every warranted Lodge they have the following order, viz.:

"Any person, desirous of being made a Freemason in the Lodge, shall be proposed by a member thereof, that

is to say, his name, age, description of his person, title or trade, and place of residence; that such proposal

shall be made in lodge-hours,* at least one lodge-night before the initiation. in order that the brethren may

have sufficient time and opportunity to make a strict enquiry into the morals, character, and circumstances of

the candidate; and the brother that proposes him shall, at the same time, deposit such a sum of the candidate's

money as the majority shall think sufficient (not less than one crown, and in some Lodges not less than one

guinea) to insure the Lodge, that the candidate will attend according to the proposal. And if the Lodge

approve his person, age, character and circumstances, and therefore initiate him into the mystery, etc., he

shall pay whatsoever sum the brethren shall think proper (not less than two guineas) and clothe the Lodge† if

required. But if the Lodge think the candidate unworthy and refuse to make him, his money shall be

faithfully returned to him; but; in case the Lodge approve his person and character. etc., and he refuse to be

made, then shall he forfeit his money for the benefit of distressed Freemasons.

And it is hereby ordered and declared that no person is capable of becoming a member of the Lodge, but

such as are of mature age, upright in body and limbs, free from bondage, has the senses of a man, and is

endowed with an estate, office, trade, occupation, or some visible way of acquiring an honest and reputable

livelihood, as becomes the members of this most ancient and honourable Fraternity.‡

By this regulation you see that the Freemasons will make a strict (though private) enquiry into your character

and ability; and therefore I advise you to be as circumspect on your side. Perhaps you may think that it will

be impossible for you to distinguish the good from the bad, amongst a people who make it their peculiar

study to keep all things secret. Let not such a thought discourage you, when I assure you that you have a

faithful guide who has made Freemasonry (both ancient and modern) his constant study for thirty-three years

past, and thinks it a duty incumbent on him to give you these instructions.

In the first place, when you intend to be made a Freemason, go with your friend to the Lodge and desire him

to show you the warrant or dispensation by which the Lodge is held; that is to say, an instrument printed or

written upon parchment and signed by some Noble Grand Master, his Deputy, and Grand Wardens, and

Grand Secretary, and sealed with their Grand Lodge seal, etc.. persons (therein named) as Master and

Wardens, with full power to congregate and hold a Lodge at such a place, and therein make and admit

Freemasons according to the most ancient and honourable custom of the Royal Craft, in all ages and nations

throughout the known world, with full power and authority to nominate, choose, and instal their successors,

etc. When they produce this authority, or warrant, then call for the bye-laws, and, having seriously perused

them, consider whether your natural disposition will incline you to be conformable to them. Next call for the

roll or list of the members, where you may find the names of some of your intimate and most esteemed

friends, or perhaps the names of such other of your acquaintances as you would not choose to associate with.

If these researches prove agreeable, then you venture to lay down the deposit-money (as it is called), but if

they do not produce the Grand Master's authority by warrant, or dispensation you are to look upon them not

only as the magma of Freemasons, but the very dregs of mankind, who, under the cloak of brotherly love, are

ever upon the watch for an opportunity to pick your pockets and make you contemptible into the bargain.§

Doubtless you will wonder how, or by what means, such abandoned wretches got admittance into a fraternity

which boasts of so much honour and virtue, as to rank themselves with kings and princes; especially if they

adhere strictly to the foregoing regulation. To this I answer that some of the landlords** where the Lodges

are held do often recommend persons to be made Freemasons, and that the lucrative view takes place too

often where impartiality, honesty, and virtue ought to be the points of sight. That others have stood the test of

the strictest scrutiny, behaved well for many years, and afterwards fell into all manner of vices, which serve

to show the instability and weakness of mankind, and that all the doctrines and laws upon earth, without the

grace of God, is not sufficient to make men wise or deter them from evil. Nevertheless, in the system of

Freemasonry there are many ways to mend the manners, polish the disposition, correct the judgment, and

refine the taste of a soul virtuously inclined. And as the number of good and wise Freemasons have always

greatly exceeded that of the foolish and wicked, it would be as absurd to condemn the whole for part, as it

would be in the Jews to condemn Shem and Japheth for the curse brought upon Ham, or the Christians to

condemn the eleven apostles, because Judas turned traitor. But this is not altogether the business of a guide,

therefore I beg leave to reassume my proper character and earnest desire you to shun Mason clubs—that is to

say, lodges formed without authority, for you may rest fully assured that such clubs are generally composed

of excluded members, or persons clandestinely made by them, and consequently incapable of giving proper

instructions to their pupils. Or suppose them capable of giving proper instructions, even then the new

brethren will be led in the dark, because it is the interest of the rebel party to conceal the essentials of the

Craft, which, if revealed, must, of course, prove themselves to be villains. Therefore, in order to avoid falling

into such hands, I earnestly beg of you to have no communication with any lodge, or set of men under the

denomination of a Freemason's lodge, until they produce the Grand Master's authority, signed and sealed as

before-mentioned. But having produced such authority, you may then enter in the name of God. where you

will be acquainted with mysteries which are not permitted to be revealed by a guide, especially out of the

Lodge, and if, after such entrance or admission, you find that I have misled you, I do hereby give you full

liberty to expose me as a blind guide, etc., but if experience teaches you that my instructions, as well as my

intentions, were just, then I hope you will do me the honour of calling me a faithful brother. And that the

God of all light and truth, who is the giver of all good gifts and graces, may bless, prosper, and direct you in

all your public and private lawful undertakings, is the hearty prayer of, Gentlemen, your faithful and

obedient servant,

LAURENCE DERMOTT, Late Deputy Grand Master.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

* That is, from the vernal to the autumnal equinox, between seven and ten o'clock in the evening ; and from the

autumnal to the vernal. equinox following, between six and nine o'clock.

† By clothing is meant white aprons and gloves, not only for every member in the Lodge, but also for all their

wives and sweethearts, if they require them.

‡ To this I beg leave to add a word or two. The persons to whom I now speak are the men of some education and

an honest character, but in low circumstances : I say, let them first consider their income and families, and know

that Fremasonry requires ability, attendance, and a good appearance to maintain and support its ancient and

honourable grandeur. Be it also remembered that they have no title to the general charity until they prove that

they have been formerly in reputable, at least, in tolerable circumstances.

§ For a confirmation hereof read the eighth new regulation where it is ordered that no person so made, nor any

concerned in making him, shall be a grand officer, nor an officer of any particular Lodge, nor shall any such

partake of the general charity, if they should come to want it.

** I do not charge landlords in general with such evil proceedings, because I know many of them that abhor

sinister views, and would sacrifice all pecuniary interest before they would break through any of the sacred rules

or orders of the Craft ; nevertheless, much reformation is still wanted in this quarter.

—"The Freemasons' Chronicle."

————————

OBITUARY.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

BRO. VISCOUNT GALWAY, 33°, P.G.M.

It is with deep regret that we have to report the death of Most Worshipful Brother George Vere Arundel

Monckton-Arundel, Viscount Galway, P.C., G.C.M.G.. D.S.O., O.B.E., K.St.J., which occurred at Worksop

on the 28th March last. He was born in 1882 and was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. M.W.

Bro. Galway was initiated into Free; masonry in the Household Brigade Lodge, No. 2614, in 1908, and was

Deputy Master of the Lodge when His Majesty. King Edward VIII, then Prince of Wales, was initiated in the

Order, and personally carried out the ceremonies of passing and raising. In 1925 M.W. Bro. Galway was

Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England and after his return to England from New

Zealand, was appointed Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire. He visited many Lodges in Sweden

and other countries on the Continent of Europe. In the winter of 1927-28 he went to India with a deputation

from the Mother of Grand Lodges and later took a deputation of Freemasons to the Dominion of Canada.

Soon after his arrival in New Zealand, M.W. Bro. Galway was invited to accept the office of Grand Master

of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and was unanimously elected to that office in November. 1936. He held

office with conspicuous ability until November, 1939, and did not seek re-election owing to his impending

return to England.

In Royal Arch Masonry, M.E. Comp. Galway had a long connection in the Motherland and it is worthy of

record that when His Majesty King George VI and the Duke of Windsor were exalted in United Chapter he

was selected to act as principal Sojourner. In the Province of Nottinghamshire he held the office of Second

Grand Principal for a number of years.

On coming to New Zealand he affiliated with our Senior Chapter, St. Augustine, No. 1, and in 1938 was

elected to the office of First Grand Principal. During the year he served that office he visited most of the

districts throughout the jurisdiction and endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact.

Since leaving New Zealand he has faithfully forwarded greetings to each incoming First Grand Principal and

has been of material service to the Grand Chapter of New Zealand in the Motherland.

V. Ill. Bro. Galway, 33°, took a special interest in the A. and A. Rite, being a member of the Supreme

Council for England, Wales, the Dominion and Dependencies of the British Crown. He was a member of

Morning Star Chapter, No. 33. Under his direction on several occasions the higher degrees were worked in

the Dominion. When he left England for New Zealand he held the office of Grand Marshal. On his return to

London he was promoted to that of Grand Chancellor, which rank he held up to the date of his death.

——————————

V.W. BRO. A. B. CROKER, GRAND LECTURER.

By the untimely death, from heart failure, of V.W. Bro. A. B. Croker, G.Lec., at the early age of 44, Masonry

in this jurisdiction has suffered a great loss, and the sympathy of brethren from all party of New Zealand will

go out in full measure to his widow and young family.

Bro. Croker was initiated into the Craft in N.Z. Pacific Lodge, No. 2, in 1925, and was installed Master in

1936. He was installed as Master of the Research Lodge of Wellington, No. 194, in 1940, and in 1941 was

appointed Grand Lecturer of G.L. for the Wellington territory and was reappointed in 1942. In the Holy

Royal Arch he was installed as First Principal of Waterloo Chapter. No. 2, in 1940, and later became a

foundation member of Bledisloe Chapter, No. 77, in 1942, where he was elected to the office of Scribe E., an

office he still held. It is only a few weeks ago that he was invested as Grand Registrar of Grand Chapter. He

was perfected in Rose Croix Freemasonry in Wellington R.C. Chapter, No. 91. and in 1934 became a

foundation member of Wellesley R.C. Chapter, No. 303, in which, this year, he attained to the office of

M.W.S. He was an officer of practically every other Masonic Order operating in New Zealand

In 1940, the Jubilee year of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, he wrote, at the request of G.L., a History of

the First 50 Years of the Grand Lodge of N.Z. It will therefore become abundantly clear that our late brother

was indeed one who had obeyed the injunction to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. He was

blessed with a high degree of intelligence, an insatiable desire for knowledge, and the rare capacity of being

able to impart knowledge to others. His addresses as Grand Lecturer were most highly instructive and there

was at all times a keen desire among our Lodges to take advantage of his talents in this direction.

Moreover, he was of a most lovable and kindly nature, always ready to help those in need of assistance,

whether of a material character, or in the pursuit of information or guidance in some matter of Masonic

import. He was a tower of strength in his mother Lodge, and it is noteworthy that until his Grand Lodge

duties took him out of Wellington he had never missed one meeting of his Lodge. He will be greatly missed

not only in Freemasonry in Wellington but also in New Zealand. Like his father before him, he leaves behind

an abiding memory of integrity, ability, and loving kindness.

————————

BRETHREN IN THE SERVICES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

COMMITTEE REPORT. No. 3.

————

With regard to the visiting of military, brethren in Wellington Hospital the committee has to report that at

present only two brethren are inmates of that Institution.

Bro. John Wray, after spending a few weeks at his home in Napier, returned to Wellington for further

treatment. He is making good progress and sends a cheerio to his brethren of Napier Lodge, No. 268.

Bro. Vincent Neilson, who has had his injured leg removed, is making excellent progress. He keeps

wonderfully bright and cheery and wishes to be remembered to all the brethren of Waro Lodge, No. 173.

————————

NOT A FREEMASON.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

Whatever may be his trade, occupation, or profession, if a man does not in all his social and business

transactions deal honestly and squarely with his neighbour, he is not a Freemason, and all the forms,

ceremonies, and ritual in the world cannot make him one.—Exchange.

————————

THE HISTORY OF SILK.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

Dr. I. B. Howell, R.A.M.

———

Silk, I have been told, is the strongest natural fibre known to man. For its size, it is stronger than steel. That

is why a silk garment, if properly handled, will wear a remarkably long time. Chief enemies of silk as

wearing apparel are dirt and perspiration. Just as rust will destroy iron or steel more quickly than any amount

of ordinary use, so the acid in perspiration will weaken and ruin a pair of silk stockings in no time at all. Just

as iron can be protected against rust by paint, so silk can be protected against the acid of perspiration by

frequent washing and meticulous cleaning.

The history of silk is one of the most romantic stories in industry. I remember talking to a Chinese college

professor, when in China some years ago, who told me, that in his opinion, the discovery of silk was "one of

the great events in human history." I was surprised to learn that silk had ever been discovered—I somehow

thought it was made; in fact, had never given it enough thought to know it was a discovery at all.

The discovery was made by a Chinese woman, probably the greatest contribution that any woman has ever

made to human culture and well-being. The Chinese woman who discovered it was raised to a saint by the

Chinese Government and, later, elevated to a Deity in recognition of her service to humanity. Then this

Chinese College professor told me the story of Princess Si Link Shi, who lived nearly four thousand years

ago, and whose memory is honoured throughout the world in the very name of the fabric she discovered. The

Chinese word for silk is "si," the first name of the Princess. The French changed this word to "soie," but it

has the same derivation. Our own English word is a contraction of the first two syllables of her name.

Princess Si Link Shi was the beautiful wife of Hoang Tee, father of the first calendar and ruler of the "City of

Heaven," as his capital was called. The Princess had a garden of flowers, shrubs and mulberry trees and, on

sunny afternoons, she used to sit there. She noticed the caterpillars that nibbled at the mulberry leaves, and

she saw them spinning their quaint cocoons of shimmering fine threads, iridescent in the sunlight. She

wondered if these sparkling threads might not be unwound again and, perhaps, woven into a beautiful silver

cloth, like nothing ever before worn by woman. So she gathered a handful of the cocoons and experimented

with them. She found that she could unwind the filament, but, though each thread was fine and long, it was

so fine in texture that it snapped quickly. Eventually, she tried joining the tiny threads together and,

presently, she found herself holding a strand of exceedingly beautiful and shiny filaments like silver strands.

Ambitious to own a garment of this marvellous new material, the Princess patiently gathered cocoons for

months and tenderly twisted thousands of yards of five-strand silk, until she had enough to start weaving.

From her weaving came the first beautiful fabric of silk, a wonderous new gift to the world.

It was two thousand years before the western world learned of this luxurious Chinese fabric, and it was

another thousand years before any attempt was made to introduce silk culture into Europe. The very first pair

of silk stockings was made in 1589 and presented to Queen Elizabeth. Nowadays, in America, every girl is a

queen, to judge by her hosiery. A one-time luxury has become a necessity.

—"The New Age."

————————

INSTALLATIONS.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

Whangarei, No. 102, Masonic Temple was crowded on the occasion of the installation of Bro. William

Harold Calvert as W.M. The assembly was representative of Lodges in all parts of Northland and further

afield. The Installing Master was M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, P.G.M., Prov.G.M.. V.W. Bro. Frederick G.

Alpe was D. of C., and W. Bro. T. W. Bowman. W.M., Lodge Parahaki, No. 269, and W. Bro. B. Banks.

W.M., Star of the North Lodge, No. 1647. E.C., were presenting officers. Other officers invested were: S.W.,

Bro. J. S. T. Tudehope; J.W., Bro. E. R. Woledge; Chap., W. Bro. J. A. Inster; Treas., Bro. A. H. Kearne;

Sec., W. Bro. P. S. N. Connell; D. of C., W. Bro. P. Campbell; S.D., Bro. A. Hilton; J.D., Bro. J. Fuge; Org.,

Bro. R. Goodison; I.G., Bro. A. Fricker; S.S., Bro. A. M. Hart; J.S., Bro. W. J. Roland; Tyler, W. Bro. A. H.

Curtis. A very happy time was later spent in the refectory.

Lodge St. John, No. 94.—Bro. K. H. Smyth was installed Master by R.W. Bro. A. Noble, Prov.G.M., on

20th May in the presence of a splendid attendance of members and visitors and past and present officers of

Grand Lodge. W. Bro. M. Turnbull, A.G.D.C., carried out the duties of his office in an efficient manner. The

Master was addressed by the Prov.G.M. The Wardens were invested and addressed by R.W. Bro. J. Manson,

P.Prov.G.M., and W. Bro. Ed. Jackson, P.G.D., respectively. Address to Brethren by M.W. Bro. T. M.

Rankin, P. Pro G.M. The junior officers were invested by W. Bros. C. W. Wilson, P.G.Purs., E. J. Race,

P.G.D., J. S. Liscombe, P.G.D., H. E. Moore, P.G.S.. G. H. Uttley, P.M. On retiring to the refectory the usual

banquet was held.

Lodge Taringatura, No. 100.—Our installation of Master and the investiture of officers was held on 8th

May when Bro. Thos. Elder was placed in the Chair of K.S. by R.W. Bro. A. Noble, Prov.G.M., assisted by

W. Bro. M. Turnbull, A.G.D.C., and G.L. officers. There was an excellent attendance of members also a fair

number of visitors. The address to the Master was given by the Inst. Officer. Wardens were invested by R.W.

Bro. G. J. Yule, P.Prov.G.M., and addressed by R.vv. . Bro. J. Manson, P.Prov.G.M. Address to Brethren by

R.W. Bro. A. Derbie, P.Prov.G.M. Duties of G.C. by R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans, P.D.G.M. The various

investitures were conducted by G.L. officers. A very enjoyable banquet was held in the Social Hall on

retiring from the temple.

————————

AUCKLAND NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

At the regular convocation of Auckland Provincial R.A. Chapter, No. 9, held on 19th May, V.E. Comp. C. J.

Wilson, First Principal, presided over a splendid attendance of members and visitors. The ceremony of

Exaltation was conducted by the First Principal, and officers, assisted by R.E. Comp. F. W. Herbert,

D.G.Supt., R.E. Comp. A. C. Hallett, and V.E. Comps. E. McDonald and H. French.

————————

TARANAKI NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The annual meeting of Lodge Manaia attracted a very large number of brethren, including more than forty

Past Masters. It was a very happy gathering and the Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. J. C. Barclay, piloted the business

through in good style.

W. Bro. Kerr, the new Master, has every reason to feel pleased with his "send off."

W. Bro. Yarrow, the I.P.M., was unable, through sickness, to attend the Installation, and sympathy was

expressed on account of the bad time he has experienced during the past few months. May he have a speedy

and complete recovery.

W. Bro. A. Ross, P.M., was presented with a P.M. jewel by the Prov.G.M. Through the illness of W. Bro.

Yarrow, a great deal of extra work fell to W. Bro. Ross, and the Prov.G.M. warmly commended him for his

willingness in doing the work and for the thorough way it was done.

The Master, officers and brethren of Lodge De Burgh Adams assisted in working the Third Degree at the

May meeting of Mt. Egmont Lodge, No. 670, E.C.

The Past Masters of Ngamotu, No. 48, will raise a candidate on 26th May.

Bro. E. K. Cameron, a member of Lodge Hawera, entertained the brethren of Patea Kil. on 12th May. Bro.

Cameron is a member of the "Society of Magicians." and is exceedingly clever at the business.

Three candidates were proposed at last meeting of Lodge Kaponga, No. 208.

At the May meeting of Egmont R.A. Chapter a candidate was advanced and another proposed. Lodge

Hawera worked a Second Degree at the May meeting when nominations for Wor. Master. Treasurer, and

Tyler were received.

At the April meeting of Lodge Taranaki, Bro. P. to Hurinui Jones gave a most interesting item on Maori

history at the refectory proceedings.

The Installation meeting of Turuturu R.A. Chapter was held on 17th May and there was a splendid

attendance. V.E. Comp. D. McCormick was duly installed as First Principal, E. Comp. J. Jeromson as

Second, and E. Comp. S. R. Veiter as Third. The proceedings were conducted by the G.Supt., R.E. Comp.

W. W. Thomson, and the gathering was a very happy one. Visitors were present from Wanganui, New

Plymouth and from all round the mountain.

The G.Supt. congratulated the Prov. G. Master on his taking the office of Second Sojourner and also the G.

Lecturer on being invested as Third Sojourner.

Lodge Taranaki made a special feature of the twenty-first anniversary of the Lodge this year.

The Installation was held on 20th May. W. Bro. D. McCormick being placed in the chair by the Prov.G.M.,

R.W. Bro. Barclay. The meeting was a notable one both for numbers and for representation. The proceedings

in the temple and in the refectory passed off without the slightest hitch, a fine sincerity being in evidence

throughout.

The speeches were well above the average, the address by the W.M. in the temple and the speech in the

refectory by W. Bro. T. C. Hobbs being outstanding.

W. Bro. E. C. Hayton, the first Master of the Lodge, replied to the toast of Lodge Taranaki, paying tribute to

many who had taken an active interest in the Lodge in the beginning and during the twenty-one years. The

toast was proposed by R.W. Bro. McAllister, P.D.G.M. Canon Malcolm was very happy in proposing the

toast of "Visiting Brethren."

The brethren of Taranaki district are looking forward with much pleasure to the proposed visit of the G.M. to

the province in June, and Lodge Mania members are especially pleased that their temple has been chosen for

the South Taranaki function.

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SOUTHLAND NOTES.

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The installation of Bro. Thos. Elder as Master of Lodge Taringatura, No. 100, was conducted on March 8th

by R.W. Bro. A. Noble, Prov.G.M., in the presence of a satisfactory attendance of members and visitors.

A handsome Secretary's jewel was presented to W. Bro. W. T. Johnson, P.G.St.B., who has relinquished the

office of Secretary after 14 years of faithful service.

W. Bro. W. C. Torrance, Master of Lodge Victoria, No. 147, who has been in camp since his installation as

W.M., attended the May meeting of his Lodge and conducted the ceremony of Initiation.

In the absence of ceremonial work at Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, last month, brethren were treated to two

excellent explanations of the 1st and 2nd Tracing Boards.

W. Bro. J. Stobo, G.Std.B., who has been released from military duties, has resumed his professional duties

in the teaching world.

Brethren of Lodge Waihopai, No. 189, learn with deep regret that their Master, W. Bro. A. St. C. McGregor,

has left Invercargill with the idea of setting up in business in a northern centre.

Two candidates were advanced at the May Convocation of Southern Cross Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3.

Installation meetings will be held next month by Lodges Southern Cross, No. 9, and Fortitude, No. 64.

R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans, P.D.G.M., will act as Installing Master at Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, this month.

To carry out a ceremony at the age of 85 years is a remarkable performance, and merits special

congratulations.

Relatives and brethren were delighted recently to hear W. Bro. T. R. Pryde, P.M., Lodge Victoria. No. 147,

and Bro. Ian Manson, on active service overseas, speak over the radio conveying greetings and best wishes.

W. Bro. P. R. Anderson, Sec., Lodge Trentham, No. 262, attended the May meeting of Lodge Southland, No.

273, and at the request of W. Bro. R. H. Waddell, obligated the candidate (his brother) in the First Degree.

The hand of death has been active during the past month. After a somewhat lengthy illness, W. Bro. Neil

Macdonald, an old and highly respected Past Master of Lodge Waihopai, No. 189, answered the final call

and passed on.

Another well-known Past Master W. Bro. G. E. Applegarth, who has served Lodge Fortitude. No. 64,

faithfully and well for a number of years was taken ill at a recent meeting and died very suddenly. Lodges of

Sorrow were held by their respective Lodges prior to proceeding to the gravesides.

The Installation of Lodge St. John, No. 94, was held on 20th May, when Bro. K. H. Smyth was installed

Master by R.W. Bro. Noble, Prov.G.M., in the presence of a good attendance.

The annual report of Lodge Harvey, No. 49, showed the affairs of the Lodge to be in a very sound position.

Brethren of this Lodge attended in force to Divine Service recently conducted by V.W. Bro. Rev. Powell.

R.E. Comp. G. H. Brown, G.Supt., accompanied by several Grand Lodge officers attended the April meeting

of Wallace Royal Arch Chapter, No. 34, and witnessed the ceremony of Exaltation by V.E. Comp. Mosley

and officers.

W. Master and officers of Lodge Mataura, No. 174. worked the Third Degree at the regular meeting last

month.

Huiroa Royal Arch Chapter, No. 49, acknowledged two candidates at the May convocation.

The Combined Social Committee has held several most successful dances as part of its programme for the

present winter season.

Several interesting Masonic diplomas and an apron of outstanding interest recently came into the possession

of the Invercargill Freemasons' Hall Company.

The Installation of Lodge Waikaka was held on 24th May, the ceremony being conducted by R.W. Bro. A.

Noble, Prov.G.M., in the presence of a satisfactory attendance of members and visitors.

Invercargill members in strong force attended the half-yearly meeting of the Zealandia Consistory, No. 10, at

Dunedin, and assisted III. Bro. G. J. Reed, Grand Commander, in conducting the ceremony of reception.

Three handsome banners for use in the Southland Preceptory of Knight Templars were dedicated at a recent

meeting of this Masonic unit. The furnishings of this Preceptory are most complete and contribute much to

the dignity and efficiency of the ceremonial.

W. Bro. A. W. Stevens, P.A.G.D.C., representative of the "Craftsman," attended the May meeting of Lodge

Winton, No. 108, and in the absence of ritual work delighted those present with a number of interesting

personal experiences recorded while travelling through the Dominion.

It is reported that Bro. A. Grant, Lodge Victoria, No. 147, and Bro. A. P. Buddle, prisoners of war, have been

repatriated.

The singing of a choir under the conductorship of Bro. Kennedy Black at the recent St. John, No. 94,

Installation was an outstanding feature of the ever-popular meeting.

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OTAGO NOTES.

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Service Lodge, No. 237, Installation, which is usually held on Anzac Day (postponed this year on account of

that day falling on Easter Sunday), drew the largest attendance of any Lodge function so far held this year,

took place at Moray Place Temple on Saturday, 1st May. Many brethren missed the usual special Anzac

commemoration service, but notwithstanding this the absent soldier brethren, of which this Lodge is wholly

composed, were remembered. We were honoured with a visit from the Deputy Grand Master (R.W. Bro. E.

C. Smith) and greatly appreciated a delightful address on Masonry and the present world chaos, in the

refectory. Grand Lodge was well represented, no fewer than 30 past and present officers being in attendance.

We congratulate Service Lodge on a most successful function. Haeremai Lodge, No. 155. held its Installation

meeting on 17th May, and this was well attended.

Koputai Lodge, No. 239, Port Chalmers, celebrated its twenty-first birthday on Saturday. 22nd May. A

strong muster of Grand Lodge officers accompanied the Prov.G.M. for the Installation the same evening.

This Lodge has had rather a difficult time for some years, but it is pleasing to note that it has fallen on better

times and the members are wished every success for the future.

Celtic R.A. Chapter, No. 42, has had a lean time in regard to candidates for about twelve months. Members

brushed up their work at the monthly meeting on 19th May by acknowledging a candidate from a sister

Chapter.

The Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. J. G. Dykes. would welcome notes on any Lodge matters or personalities for

inclusion in these columns, and Lodge Secretaries have been circularised to this effect. Would Lodges please

respond liberally so that Otago Notes may be as comprehensive of our doings each month as possible.

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CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

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Ill. Comp. Dr. Ross Hepburn was installed recently as Thrice Ill. Master of the St. Augustine Cryptic

Council, No. 1, Christchurch, the ceremony being conducted by T.I. Comp. George Blackrnore, assisted by

T.I. Comp. J. A. Stables. Ill. Comp. F. N. Kerr was invested as Depute Master, Ill. Comp. J. C. Lindsay as

Principal Conductor of Works, and Ill. Comp. W. A. Mackrell as Recorder.

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MID-CANTERBURY NOTES.

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The President, W. Bro. Dudley Richards, and Secretary, W. Bro. E. C. Bathurst, have decided that it would

be next to impossible to hold the annual Mid-Canterbury group meeting at Little River this year on account

of the severity of the petrol restrictions.

By courtesy of Lodge Ahurewa, at Dunsandel, the meeting will now be held under its charter, as this Lodge

is the most centrally situated in the group and therefore more accessible.

It is hoped that the attendance at the group meeting will be maintained as the re-union is now an established

landmark in Mid-Canterbury and opportunity is given also to meet brethren from Christchurch and the North

Canterbury Group.

In view of the fact that the Little River brethren have foregone their claim to this year's meeting, it is hoped

that the venue will be fixed for there each year until circumstances permit travelling to their Lodge, and

when the meeting does take place there a bumper attendance is sure to result.

W. Bro. F. McDonald was installed as Master of Methven Lodge, No. 51, on 12th May, when the usual large

number attended.

Provincial Grand Lodge was in full force under R.W. Bro. C. S. Thompson, who conducted the ceremony

R.W. Bro. C. Curtis led an attendance of eight Grand Lodge officers at Methven Installation, being a really

good effort for a country district.

W. Bro. W. Rankin, Master of South Rakaia Lodge, was again installed as Organist.

W. Bro. J. Dockrill, Master of St. Augustine Lodge, No. 99, Waimate, attended the meeting of Thistle Lodge

on 19th May with a following of his brethren.

Accompanying W. Bro. Dockrill was Bro. D. Bird, at one time Warden of Thistle Lodge, and to whom a

good reception was given.

Now that the Mid-Canterbury Group meeting is to be held in Dunsandel, W. Bro. Hugh Billens is sure to

have at least one car load of North Canterbury brethren present. We extend the North Group a very hearty

invitation to be present.

At the meeting of the Rose and Thistle Royal Arch Chapter, held on 28th April. R.E. Comp. G. A.

Blackmore, Grand Supt. of Canterbury, attended and invested V.E. Comp. A. T. Smith as Grand D.C.

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NORTH CANTERBURY NOTES.

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Kaikoura Lodge has several candidates and W. Bro. J. Charlton-Smith and his officers are doing a good job

of work. The Past Masters are also attending and helping as usual.

Cheviot worked a raising on an Acacia candidate and the new Master, W. Bro. Meyers, and his team did very

well. Quite a number of Acacia brethren attended and a very enjoyable evening was spent.

Amuri Lodge worked on its third candidate at its recent meeting and still has another one for next meeting.

W. Bro. Farquhar, the new Master of Amberley, and a number of his officers and brethren attended and were

accorded a warm welcome.

Acacia Lodge has got over its rush and is having a spell. W. Bro. Winter is keeping his team in training

ready to help a sister Lodge, which has a rush at present.

Amberley had a splendid Installation. The District G.M., R.W. Bro. Purchase, and his officers installed Bro.

Sam. Farquhar as Master and invested his officers, and it was a real good meeting.

In the refectory, W. Bro. Purchase delivered his usual eloquent, educational address. The music was as good

as usual and the ladies provided an excellent supper.

The Lodges under the jurisdiction of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury recently made a presentation to

their District Grand Master, R.W. Bro. J. E. Purchase and Mrs. Purchase as a mark of esteem and

appreciation of his good work.

Tawera Lodge has some work and expects more to follow, which speaks well for the district and its brethren.

Mairaki is starting well and at its first meeting for the New Year W. Bro. Colin McIntosh, W.M., gave an

inspiring address.

Ashley had a very pleasant night recently when V.W. Bro. Nelson Wright, Vicar of Rangiora, gave a most

interesting and instructive address.

Bro. E. Blackett is again on the job as Secretary for Ashley and will be ready to receive any enquiries regard-

ing the great North Group meeting to be held at Rangiora in August.

Southern Cross Lodge is very busy and has had a lot of visitors from the city, and the Master and his officers

have been getting about visiting other Lodges which keeps the brethren together.

Bro. Percy Morse, of Amuri Lodge, is at present out of action with a broken bone in his foot. His son, Pilot

Officer Colin Morse is doing well in the R.N.Z.A.F. in England.

Acacia lost one of its foundation members recently in the person of Bro. Fred. Keppler, and sympathy from

our group is extended to his dear ones and Acacia Lodge. Bro. Fred did great work for his Lodge when he

was well and gave the excellently situated sections where the temple stands in Waikari.

Our Mid-Canterbury comrades are getting ready for their group meeting in July. It will be held at Little River

if a railway bus or train can be arranged. W. Bro. Bathurst, their live-wire Secretary, is getting into top gear

to get a full-speed show arranged.

The Great North Group will hold its annual conference, wet or fine, on Saturday, 7th August, circumstances

permitting, in Rangiora, in Ashley Lodge room, under the banner of Amuri Lodge.

W. Bro. Billens, Organising Secretary and Publicity Agent to the Group, is getting all arrangements ready to

stage a de luxe meeting with plenty of entertainment for the crowd which will be greater than usual.

Please pool your petrol and also remember there is a splendid steam service leaving Christchurch at 5.25

p.m. and returning at midnight.

City Masters are requested to keep this night free and come and give this ever-growing prosperous group

your full support and you will enjoy it.