CEREMONIAL WORK.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

N our last issue we commented upon a number of

problems in Lodge working raised by V.W. Bro. J. B.

Thomson, G.Lec., in a paper recently read before the

Research Lodge of Otago. No. 161. There are still several

points raised in this valuable and practical paper that

warrant further consideration. Dealing with the actual

ceremonial work of the Lodge, Bro. Thomson rightly laid

emphasis on dignity and impressiveness as the qualities

mainly to be desired. In our view, however, he went

beyond what the facts warrant, and fell into some exag-

geration, when he said:

"How often do we hear charges gabbled at such a pace

that the candidate can hardly be expected to get the

words, let alone the sense?"

The implication here is clearly that hasty and gabbled

ritual work is prevalent in the Territory at the present

time. While in some instances there may be just ground

for the criticism, our experience is that gabbled and

hurried delivery of charges, and hurried performance of

ritual work generally, is the rare exception rather than the

rule with us in New Zealand at all events. In fact, we

consider that standards of rendition have risen greatly in

the last generation, and are still on the up grade.

This trend is due, we think, mainly to three reasons. The

first is now a matter of history, being the substitution of a

printed ritual for oral tradition supplemented by scraps of

writing as an aid to the memory. Incredible though it now

sounds, this was not uncommon in the Dominion some

sixty years and more ago. Few living Brethren can

remember the clays when ritual was handed down by oral

tradition, though at one time it was quite usual.

Such a system has at first view a romantic and traditional

flavour, dating from the time when reading was an un-

usual accomplishment. It is, however, like many

antiquarian relics, thoroughly undesirable in practice. It

fostered, and indeed made inevitable, purposeless

variations from time to time and place to place, it

impaired the dignity of language, and lowered standards

of delivery, tending to produce the gabbled effect

criticised by the author of the paper. The introduction and

general use of a printed ritual many years ago did much to

elevate and standardise ceremonial working.

Another factor making for improved working standards is

the much higher level of education now prevailing in New

Zealand. Illiteracy in. the sense of inability to read or

write is virtually non-existent in our country. This has

greatly improved standards of speech, enunciation and

appreciation of the meaning of language on the part of the

average citizen, and has contributed its quota to the

improvement of Lodge standards. Finally, in this

connection, might be mentioned the excellent work

accomplished by informal Lodges of Instruction, and the

valuable assistance rendered by Lodge preceptors and

other experienced Brethren who do excellent work in the

ceremonial tuition of younger members.

We are therefore of opinion that actual standards of

rendition, generally speaking, are perhaps less open to this

type of comment than Bro. Thomson's comment seems to

imply. Nevertheless he makes some excellent points that

Lodge officers would do well to ponder. For one thing, in

emphasising the need for good memorising, he impliedly

lays stress on verbal accuracy in delivery, and condemns

deviations from the wording of the charges. We attach

considerable importance to this matter. While minor

deviations from the standard text of the ritual are

inevitable owing to unavoidable occasional lapses of

memory, Brethren delivering charges have no right what-

ever deliberately and consciously to vary the prescribed

wording.

It is not as unusual as it should be to find instances where

senior Brethren take it upon themselves to vary the

wording of a charge, because some other word or wording

pleases them better; or to omit sentences or passages that

they do not like, perhaps substituting others more to their

taste: or to concoct little additions or variations to the

ritual canons of work. We have even known cases where

an entirely new charge, quite novel to the ritual has been

delivered by a Brother from the Chair itself. It is obvious

that if such a practice became general it would not be long

before contradictory and contentious sentiments would be

introduced. Also, in view of the inherent human

propensity towards variation, uniformity of working

would be impaired, perhaps entirely disappear, and a state

of ritual chaos result.

Another desideratum stressed by Bro. Thomson is the

need for slow and clear diction. This requirement must be

interpreted with common sense; for while gabbled ritual is

painful to listen to, so also is a charge delivered with

exaggerated and sepulchral slowness. On the other hand,

delivery of charges is not, and should not be regarded, as

an elocutionary exercise, and made with elaborate

rhetorical effects and gestures. There is room here in a

small way for the application of the sound Masonic rule

of the due mean.

It is of course true that the ceremony should be regarded

primarily from the point of view of the candidate. He

cannot be expected on the occasion of the ceremony to

grasp the full implication of all that is told him, but he

should be charged in such a fashion that he is able without

mental confusion to comprehend what is said to him as

and when it is delivered. It must also not be forgotten that

there are the Brethren as a whole to be considered.

Experience, and the attendance book, show clearly that

the majority of the Brethren prefer degree work to any

I

other business, and charges should accordingly be audible

to everybody within the temple.

Bro. Thomson is, we think, to be thanked for raising these

important if familiar issues, which officers of Lodges

would do well to consider. He is also on firm ground, we

suggest, when he asserts that in the interests of the Lodge

itself, and of the Craft, reasonable capacity as a ritualist

should be regarded as an indispensable qualification in all

candidates for office.

————————

FREEMASONRY'S MESSAGE.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The message of Freemasonry to the world is "Neither

creed, colour, nor race matters—the only vital orthodoxy

is the orthodoxy of love; the only dreadful heresy is the

heresy of hate. In Freemasonry, whether a man is black,

yellow, or brown, he is our brother; and we must do all

we can to stand up for him and his rights as a human

being, a living soul. We ought to thank God that in this

country we are free men —free to express our thoughts,

free to live our lives, free to gather together in such

gatherings as this, with none to make us afraid." ؙ— Bro.

Sir Thomas Allen.

————————

THE GRAND MASTER.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–
M.W. BRO. HIS EXCELLENCY SIR CYRIL NEWALL.

————

For the first time in the history of the Grand Lodge of

New Zealand it has an airman as its Grand Master-His

Excellency, Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Cyril

Newall, G.C.B., O.M., G.C.M.G., C.B.E., A.M.

For three years prior to his appointment as Governor-

General of the Dominion, working day and night, he

planned, organised and carried to completion the immense

air resources of Britain.

It may be mentioned that the new Grand Master began his

air career in a machine which was mostly wood and wire.

That was in 1910 when he took a year's leave from India

so that he could learn to fly, so convinced was he of the

future of the air. That machine did not fall to pieces and

he gained his pilot s certificate in 1911, after which he

tried to break down Army prejudice against the air,

though not with any great success until the war of 1914-

1918.

Sir Cyril was then the only officer of high rank to hold the

Albert Medal, a distinction usually awarded only for

peace-time heroism. When a Royal Flying Corps bomb

store, containing 2,000 high explosive bombs, caught fire

he played a hose through a hole made by the flames and

then led a small party into the building when the bombs

threatened to blow everything, including the surrounding

district, sky-high. The fire was quenched. That was in

1916 when he was enjoying a rest from France.

Sir Cyril was soon in the thick of the fighting when war

broke out in 1914. As a Flight Commander he went

straight to France with the No. 1 Squadron, and in those

days air fighting was done with machines which are now

museum pieces. By 1915 he was Wing Commander with

the 41st Bombing Wing, which carried out furious

operations against German objectives, so that he knows

the political and military effect of bombing behind the

enemy lines. By 1917 he had command of his own squad-

ron and his fame had spread abroad. He emerged from the

war with three rows of ribbons on his tunic, including

French, Belgian, and Italian decorations, and a permanent

post with the newly constituted Royal Air Force.

From 1926 to 1931 Sir Cyril Newall was at the Air

Ministry, first as Director of Operations and Intelligence,

and then as Deputy Chief of Air Staff. After a spell as

commander of the heavy bombers he went to Egypt.

Then, in 1934, he returned to London for another period

at the Air Ministry as Air Member for Supply and

Organisation, succeeding Sir Edward Ellington as Chief

of the Air Staff in 1937.

The Royal Air Force to-day is largely the creation of Sir

Cyril Newall. Chief of the Air Staff throughout the

tremendous expansion of the force, he forged the formid-

able weapon that has frustrated the German air fleets.

From the outbreak of war, until he left England to come to

New Zealand, he carried an enormous responsibility, for

in defence and in attack the operations of the Royal Air

Force 'have been continuous. There has not been a day, no

matter what the weather or other conditions, when its

machines have not been aloft.-"The Airman."

————————

REAL USE OF FREEMASONRY.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

That the real use of Freemasonry in the world is its effect

on man outside of the lodge room. Its teachings and ritual,

beautiful as they are, are only means, not ends. We are

brought to light in order that we may let our light shine

before men, that they may see our good works and join us

in glorifying the Great Architect of the Universe. If we

fail to do this we are untrue to our obligation and are un-

worthy Freemasons.-Exchange.

————————

FREEDOM.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–
By W. Bro. John E. Hunt, P.G.S.

————

FREEDOM is defined to be a state of exemption from the

control or power of another. The doctrine that Masons

should enjoy unrestrained liberty, and be free in all their

thoughts and actions, is carried so far in Masonry that no

Grand Lodge will permit the initiation of a candidate who

even is only temporarily deprived of his liberty. It must be

evident that the word "Freedom" is used in Masonry in a

symbolical sense, differing from its ordinary signification,

while in the word "Free-born and Free man" we use them

in their usual legal acceptation.

Freedom is a word often heard amongst us but which is

restricted to the same limitation as the freedom of social

life. We have in our assemblies no freedom to act each

one as he pleases, but we are, or we should be, free from

the dominion of passion, pride, prejudice and all other

follies of our human nature. We must be free from the

false delusion that we need not be obedient to our laws.

The word "Freedom" should not be taken in its sense of

liberty but rather in its primitive meaning of frankness,

generosity and a willingness to perform one's duty as one

ought.

————————

BRETHREN IN WELLINGTON HOSPITALS.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

COMMITTEE REPORT No. 11.

————

The following Brethren are patients in the Wellington

Hospitals:-

Ewart Hospital: Bro. Rowland Hill, Lodge Pacific, No.

2. He is making steady progress and still keeping his

cheery smile and optimistic outlook.

Public Hospital, Victoria Ward: Bro. R. J. Tomlin,

Lodge Eastbourne, No. 217. He is still under observation,

is feeling very well and hopes in the near future to be well

enough to be moved from the hospital.

Ward 5: Bro. Thos. McCristell, William Ferguson

Massey Lodge, No. 282. He is making steady progress

towards recovery, is quite bright and cheery and hopes

that before many days he may be able to return home and

enjoy the comfort of his own fireside.

Ward 21: Bro. Vic. Neilson, Warn Lodge, No. 173. Our

old friend has returned from the West Coast to have more

attention given to his war wound which he received in

North Africa.

Ward 22: Bro. W. Taylor, Lodges Abercorn and

Eketahuna, another of our soldier Brethren who is

suffering from war wounds received in the Pacific.

Ward 27: Bro. Alec. Reith, Lodge Coronation, No. 127,

is making favourable progress towards recovery and

hopes to be quite well in the near future. The Brethren at

Johnsonville send him their kindest good wishes and

fraternal greetings.

Bro. M. Ponimone, Lodge Jellicoe, No. 259, has just

entered hospital and has not been visited at the time of

going to press. Our representatives will visit him on their

weekly rounds when we hope they will find him pro-

gressing well.

Lewisham Hospital: Bro. Reg. A. Ballantyne, Lodge

Karori, No. 247. Making good progress and hopes to be

home soon.

Bro. J. G. Lancaster, Whetu Kairangi Lodge, No. 201.

Has made a wonderful recovery and has returned home.

Bowen Street: Bro. A. Greenberg, Lodge Aroha, No.

293. Fully recovered and returned home.

Bro. W. Proudfoot, Brooklyn Lodge, No. 132. Is now

making good progress towards complete recovery.

Bro. M. Shapiro, Lodge Hataitai, No. 285. Making good

progress and will soon be convalescent.

We are pleased to report that the high spirit and cheery

'optimistic outlook of the Brethren are well maintained,

and even those who have spent months in hospital give

much encouragement to our representatives in so much as

to make them feel that the visiting has been well worth

while.

————————

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

Fifty-fifth Annual Communication.
————

The fifty-filth Annual Communication of the Grand

Lodge of New Zealand was held in Dunedin on

Wednesday, 22nd November, the Grand Master, M.W.

Bro. H. G. Teagle, presiding.

The unanimous choice by the Craft of His Excellency the

Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, as Grand Master for

the ensuing year was confirmed by Grand Lodge.

ELECTIVE OFFICERS.

The brethren recommended by the Board of General

Purposes for election to Grand Lodge office for 1944-45,

as published in the September issue of "The Craftsman,"

were duly elected, with three alterations. Owing to the

death of W. Bro. R. J. Gamble (Wellington), who was

recommended for office as Grand Steward, W. Bro. E. A.

Sargent was elected in his stead. W. Bro. C. V. Smith

(Otago), recommended for election to the Board of

General Purposes, asked leave to withdraw, and V.W.

Bro. H. S. Bingham was elected. W. Bro. J. Hunter was

also elected a member of the Board of General Purposes.

A ballot which was demanded by Lodge Taharangi. No.

235, for the office of President of the Board of General

Purposes, resulted:— W. Bro. C. G. Hedge, P.G.P.. 532;

V.W. Bro. H. S. Bingham, P.G.D.C., 459.

FUNDS AND FINANCE.

The Statement of Accounts and Annual Balance Sheet for

the period ended 30th September, 1944, included the

following items:-

Fund of General Purposes.

Receipts .. . . £ 6,227 1 1

Expenditure 6.257 10 11

Widows' and Orphans' and Aged Masons' Fund.

Receipts £17,862 6 5

Expenditure 8,732 0 0

Special (War) Benevolent Fund.

Receipts .. £654 13 7

Expenditure 72 12 6

Fund of Benevolence.

Receipts .. .. £1,390 7 3

Expenditure. . 754 12 1

Circular Appeal Funds.

Receipts . £1,215 13 3

Expenditure 500 0 1

Representation Fund.

Receipts . , . £ 1,316 8 0.

Expenditure 1,047 15 0

The Esson K.M.I. Prize Fund.

Receipts , . . £ 5 5 0

Expenditure 5 5 0

Visiting Services Entertainment Fund.

Receipts £613 9 10

Expenditure 100 2 6

Invested Funds .. £219,912 15 0

Invested Funds at 30th' Sept. (previous) 205,540 0 0

Investments are as follows:-

N.Z. Government Securities .. £114,727 15 0

Local Body Securities, including £20

Wellington Masonic Hall Co. Shares . 105,185 0 0

On Current Account .. £4,505 14 11

Cash Balances of the Several Funds.

Fund of General Purposes .. £5,422 1 7

Widows' and Orphans' and Aged Masons'

Fund 192,101 11 9

Special (War) Benevolent Fund . 16,174 8 6

Fund of Benevolence . 6,115 14 6

Circular Appeal Funds 1,694 6 11

Representation Fund .. .. 2,247 4 4

The Esson K.M.I. Prize Fund .. 149 15 0

Visiting Services Entertainment Fund .. 513 7 4

£224,418 9 11

FUND OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

Receipts.

To Grand Lodge Dues .. .. .. £3,862 13 6

„ Initiations and Certificate Fees .. 1,131 0 0

„ Joining Fees - - . - .. .. 125 5 0

„ Dispensations _ . .. 172 4 0

„ Exchanges.. .. 35 6 1

„ P.M. Enrolment Fees.. 136 8 6

„ Sale of Books of Constitution, Rituals,

Bibles, and other Books.. .. 735 4 0

„ Certifying By-la,vvs .. . . 8 0 0

„ Charter Fees .. - . 21 0 0

„ Excess of Expenditure over Income.. 30 9 10

£6,527 10 11

Payments.

By Annual Communication Expenses"£278 19 7

„ Grand Officers' Expenses .. .. .. 197 8 6

„ Provincial Grand Masters' Expenses .. 275 7 6

„ Printing Book of Proceedings and

Board's Reports .... .. .. 475 3 3

„ Ordinary Printing and Stationery, including

New Ledger's Cash Book .. 352 5 2

„ Obligation Bibles .. .. 430 18 4

„ Books of Constitution and Laws 255 13 6

„ Rituals and other Books .. .. .. 5 4 0

„ Repairs to Regalia and Jewels 1 12 6

„ Regalia and Jewel for Grand Tyler 10 0 0

„ Repairs to Office Furniture and Equipment 13 14 0

„ Fee for Reviewing Foreign Grand Lodge

Proceedings .. .. .. .. 37 16 0

„ Fee for Publication of Reviews in

Craftsman" ,. .. .. .. 56 3 4

„ Postages, Stamp Duties, Cables, and ..

„ Telegrams .. . .. 182 14 2

„ Exchanges and Bank Charges collecting

Interest Coupons, etc.,.. 105 13 6

„ Office Rent, Heating, and Lighting .. 316 4 2

„ Office Cleaning.. 46 0 0

„ Audit Fee .. .. .. 52 10 0

„ Telephone, P.O. Box and Code Address

„ Subscriptions .. .. .. .. 39 0 0

„ Insurance on Regalia, Office Furniture, etc. 23 3 8

„ Subscription to "Craftsman" (2 years) ..

and other Masonic Journals .. 83 2 3

„ Directory ._ .. .. .. .. 3 11 0

„ Freight and Cartages on Regalia, etc. ..3 6 3

„ Wreaths .. .. .. .. 2 16 0

„ Research Lodges.. . . . . 100 0 0

„ Salaries .. .. . . . 2,764 5 0

„ Certificate Forms .. 69 15 3

„ Grant to Lodge Trentham towards cost

of entertaining Service Brethren .. 50 0 0

„ Stamp Duty on Cheque Books .. .. 16 17 4

„ Advertising .. .. .. . • • 1 5 6

„ Sundry small charges. 7 1 2

„ Surplus for year carried to Balance Sheet £6,257 10 11

* Previous meeting in Christchurch cost £274 3s 7d.

The report of the Board of General Purposes included the

following items:-

W. Bro. Louis Hammond, F.G.D., aged 76.— Initiated

Lodge St. John, No. 84, in 1893. Joined Ponsonby Lodge,

No. 54, in 1910; W.M., 1916. Secretary in 1918 and 1927

to 1942, relinquishing office owing to ill-health.

Secretary, Auckland Hall Committee, 1930-1943. General

Secretary, Grand Lodge Communication in Auckland,

1932, 1937, 1939. Junior Grand Deacon, 1935. The rank

of Past Grand Warden (Junior) was recommended.

W. Bro. Valentine Dunn, aged 67.-Initiated in Prince of

Wales Lodge, No. 1,338, E.C., in 1903; W.M.. 1910.

District Grand Sword Bearer, 1913. Foundation member

of the Combined Forces Lodge, No. 284. Secretary, 1925-

1930. Treasurer, 1932. Secretary, 1933-1944. The rank of

Past Grand Deacon was recommended.

W. Bro. John Thomas Mangin, aged 83.-Initiated in

Lodge Methuen, No. 51, in 1891; W.M. in 1893 and

1905. Elected to honorary membership in 1933. During

his long membership of the Lodge Wor. Bro. Mangin has

always retained a keen interest in its affairs. The rank of

Past Grand Deacon was recommended.

W. Bro. John P. E. Veale, aged 65.—Charter Member of

Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning, No. 23, 1907. Charter

Member of United Forces Lodge, No. 245, in 1922;

Secretary, 1922-1923; 'W.111, 1925 and 1937; Secretary,

1928-1937. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies,

1936-37. Provincial Grand Treasurer for six years. The

Provincial Grand Master stated that had W. Bro. Veale

continued in office in Christchurch he would have been

first in line for the office of Grand Treasurer in 1947. The

rank of Past Grand Director of Ceremonies was

recommended.

R.W. Bro. John A. Sparrow, P.Prov.G.M., aged 69.—

Initiated in a Scotch Lodge in 1903. Joined Lodge

Manuherikia Kilwinning, No. 109, in 1908; W.M. in

1922. Charter Member of Lodges Waverley, No. 226,

Koputai, No. 238, St. Clair, No. 246, and Achilles, No.

310. Grand Standard Bearer in 1925; Junior Grand

Warden 1933; Provincial Grand Master, 1937-1940. The

rank of Past Pro Grand Master was recommended.

W. Bro. Robert S. F. Inder, aged 88—Initiated in the

Mount Ida Lodge, No. 97, in 1881; W.M. in 1891. The

rank of Past Grand Bible Bearer was recommended.

W. Bro. Archibald McLaren,P.G.Swd.B., aged 77.—

Initiated in Leinster Lodge, No. 44, in 1909; W.M., 1917.

Grand Steward, 1925; Grand Sword Bearer, 1931. Has

held office in his lodge for 32 years, being Secretary for

the past 23 years. The rank of Past Grand Director of

Ceremonies was recommended.

W. Bro. Henry Walker, P.G.S., aged 76.—Initiated in the

Coronation Lodge, No. 127, in 1904. Joined Lodge

Horowhenua, No. 135, in 1907; W.M. in 1911. Grand

Steward, 1935. The rank of Past Grand Deacon was

recommended.

R.W. Bro. John J. Pickett, P.G.W., aged 91.—Initiated in

Lodge Greytown, No. 1,720, E.C., in 1883, and became a

Charter Member of Lodge Haeata, No. 272, from Lodge

Abercorn, No. 30, in 1924. W.M. of Lodge Abercorn, No.

30, in 1890. Grand Steward in 1892. Grand Bible Bearer,

1895. Grand Superintendent of Works, 1897. Grand War-

den (honoris causa), 1933. R.W. Bro. Pickett has given

active service to the Craft for 61 years, and even at his

advanced age continues to do so. The rank of Past Deputy

Grand Master was recommended.

W. Bro. William Mackintosh, aged 68.—Initiated in

Scotland. Joined Wairau Lodge. No. 42, in 1915; W.M.,

1921. Treasurer of the Lodge for the past 21 years;

Auditor for 5 years. Director of the Masonic Temple

Company since its inception. The rank of Past Grand

Deacon was recommended.

W. Bro. Robert A. Upchurch, aged 68.—Initiated in

Lodge Rangatira, No. 71, in 1911. Joined Lodge Ruahine,

No. 128, in 1914; W.M. in 1920. The rank of Past Grand

Sword Bearer was recommended.

W. Bro. Arthur J. Butler, aged 68.—Initiated in Lodge

Kumara in 1918. Joined Lodge Advance, No. 61, in 1920;

W.M. in 1924. W. Bro. Butler held the office of Director

of Ceremonies for many years. The rank of Past Assistant

Grand Director of Ceremonies was recommended.

W. Bro. Andrew Nicol, aged 70.—Initiated in Lodge

Waterloo, No. 13, in 1896. Joined Lodge Masterton, No,

19; in 1906. W.M. of Lodge Waihenga, No. 150, in 1913.

Joined Lodge Whakatane, No, 198, in 1931, and still an

energetic member. The rank of Past Assistant Grand

Director of Ceremonies was recommended.

W. Bro. Thomas A. Bradley, aged 73.—Initiated in

Mount Egmont Lodge, No. 670, E.C., 1895. Charter

Member of Lodge Ikaroa, No. 115; W.M., 1901. Member

of Lodge Stratford, Nb. 75, until moving.to the Waikato

in 1924, when he joined Lodge Tawhiri, No. 166. Has

held the office of Preceptor for years. W.M. Lodge

Tawhiri in 1939. Member of the Board of Benevolence.

The rank of Past Grand Bible Bearer was recommended.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS.

The Board placed on record its sincere appreciation and

that of Grand Lodge of the valuable service rendered to

the Craft by the Provincial Grand Masters.

R.W. Brother Andrew Noble, Provincial Grand Master of

Southland District, passed away on 30th May, 1944,

during the sixth year in this high office.

R.W. Bro Dr. G. J. Yule acceded to the request of the

Grand Master to take charge of the district until the end of

the year. R.W. Brother Yule is unable to accept the

appointment for a further term owing to ill-health.

R.W. Brother F, F. Boustridge, Provincial Grand Master

of West Coast for the past three years, has requested per-

mission to retire at the conclusion of the present term. The

Board expressed appreciation of the valuable service

given by R.W. Brother Boustridge, and expressed the

hope that he would continue in good health to serve the

Craft for many more years.

R.W. Bro. C. S. Thompson, on the completion of six

years' service as Provincial Grand Master of Canterbury,

did not seek re-election, and will be succeeded by Wor.

Brother Alfred J. Jones, who has been elected

unanimously by the Lodges of the Canterbury Province

for the ensuing triennial period.

The Board expressed regret that at the time of writing its

report R.W. Brother Dr. W. T. Simmons, Provincial

Grand Master, Taranaki District, was seriously ill, and ex-

pressed the hope that he would soon be restored to normal

good health.

KIRKPATRICK MASONIC INSTITUTE.

In his annual report, the chairman of the board of

governors of the Institute stated that the income and ex-

penditure account showed a surplus of £180 8s 9d, after

making the usual reserve for depreciation and renewals.

The liquid funds of the board now stand at the very sub-

stantial figure of £2,023 19s 10d, invested in Government

debentures, local body debentures, liberty loans, and

National Savings Account.

During the year eight children were admitted and one left

the Institute. There is now a full complement of girls in

residence. The small number of children on the roll during

the early part of the year caused the board so much

concern that a publicity campaign was undertaken, with

the advice and assistance of Wor. Bro. J. M. A. Ilott, in

order to make the services offered by the Institute more

widely known. This action resulted in immediate applica-

tions for admission. The Board of Benevolence and the

Annuity Board of Grand Lodge also took every opportu-

nity of bringing to the notice of widows who had eligible

daughters the advisability of taking advantage of the

wonderful opportunities offered by the Institute.

PAPAKURA MASONIC BOYS' HOME.

The committee of management of the above home stated

that from January this year a full complement of ten boys

have been cared for in the Home, that being the maximum

number provided for in the trust deed for each home

operated under its provisions.

The boys are all happy and contented, their conduct is

exemplary and they are a credit to the care and attention

given to them by the managers, V.W. Bro. Louis Tustain

and his wife. The home has been visited by nearly 200

brethren during the year, including brethren from the

Allied Forces from other countries. The visitors,

especially those from overseas, are lavish in their

commendation of the work carried on in the home. Plans

are now being prepared for another home to accommodate

a further ten boys, the erection of which will be proceeded

with as soon as war and economic conditions permit. The

committee desire to express their thanks to the many

brethren who have entertained the boys at the home

during the year, and they assure them that their kindly

actions have been very helpful in the work of the home

and that their visits are eagerly looked forward to by the

boys.

NEW ZEALAND LODGE, No. 5175, LONDON.

Although the usual annual reports from New Zealand

Lodge, No. 5175, have not been received for the past two

years. the lodge summonses indicate that the lodge is

functioning regularly. Several members of the New Zea-

land Forces stationed in England have been initiated,

passed, and raised by the lodge during the year.

Bro. M. E. Hankins. a member of the lodge, who recently

returned to England, reports that the Memorial Temple in

London still stands intact and undamaged, and that No.

5175 meets there regularly.

Brother H. R. Hull was installed as Master in April and

appointed Bros. L. Comrie and F. Standford as his

Wardens.

The board expresses the hope that the lodge will continue

to prosper.

THE WAR.

Approximately 250 members of the Craft have joined the

Armed Forces during the year, and during the same period

46 have lost their lives in the service of their country, and

approximately 600 have been discharged from the Forces.

The board remarks that previous reports indicated that the

formation of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Masonic Association

shortly after the first echelon reached its base was fully

justified, and many hundreds of brethren have had reason

to be thankful for the opportunities given by the

Association for New Zealand Freemasons to meet and

fraternise. A. letter received recently from an official of

the association states that close on 1,000 have joined the

association, though there are rather less than 500 now in

the Middle East. Of the others some have passed on,

others are prisoners of war, returned to New Zealand, or

have gone elsewhere.

Other Masonic Associations have been formed in the

Pacific, the majority of the members being brethren of

American lodges. New Zealanders have been admitted to

membership of these associations, and those who have re-

turned speak highly of the fraternal spirit evinced at all

meetings. The generosity of the Pacific Association is

referred to in the report of the Board of Benevolence.

CONDITION OF THE CRAFT.

303 Active Lodges. Membership at 30th June, 1943.

27,685.

ADD—

Initiations .. 1.301

Joinings .. 531

1,832

29,517

LESS--

Demittcd and Resigned Clear .. 518

Struck off and Resigned in Arrears 117

Deceased .. 451

1,086

Membership at 30th June, 1944 28,431

The net gain for the year ended 30th June, 1944, was 746,

as against 471 for the previous year. The figure 28,431

marks a new record of membership.

A new lodge—Achiles, No. 310—with a Charter

Membership of 19, was consecrated on 1st September,

1944.

PROPOSED MASONIC SCHOLARSHIPS.

At the 1939 Communication of Grand Lodge the board

reported that one of the recommendations of the Jubilee

Committee was that bursaries to assist children of

Freemasons in their post-primary education should be

established. The suggestion met with approval, and the

board later appointed a committee to draw up detailed

proposals for consideration. The matter was before the

board in Christchurch from time to time, and the

committee was authorised to postpone presenting its

report; sine die.

The proposal was reopened at the 1943 Communication,

and the suggestion was made that the board would wel-

come a report and endeavour to carry out any suggestions

made.

The committee (R.W. Bros. C. S. Thompson, Prov.G.M.,

and P. H. Harris, P.G.W.) submitted its report, which was

used by the Board of General Purposes as the basis of the

following report, which was submitted to the Grand

Lodge for approval and adoption:—

1. Five scholarships to be provided, to be awarded
annually to deserving children of Freemasons

whose parents find it a hardship to complete their

children's post-primary education.

2. Three scholarships to be made available to
children of brethren belonging to lodges in the

North Island and two to children of brethren

belonging to lodges in the South Island.

3. The value of the scholarships will be £30 per an-
num. For scholars who are obliged to live away

from home this amount may be increased to a

maximum of £60 per annum.

4. The scholarship shall be tenable at any State
post-primary school or registered private post-

primary school approved of by the board for two

years.

The board may, however, at its discretion

increase this period to a maximum of three years

in the case of especially capable scholars.

5. The scholarship shall not be tenable with any
other bursary or scholarship.

6. Candidates shall be selected on general qualifica-
tions for secondary education. No formal

examination to be held. Character and

personality to be considered.

7. Candidates shall not be more than 15 years of age
on the 1st day of July in the year in which the

candidates are selected.

8. Candidates shall have completed a two-year
course in a State post-primary school, registered

private post-primary school, or under the State

Correspondence Tuition course (including year

of selection).

9. In the month of April each year lodges will be in-
vited to nominate suitable candidates (see Clause

1 above) to receive scholarships. Full particulars

concerning each candidate, and a form of ques-

tionnaire to be obtained on application to the

Grand Secretary, shall be given to the Provincial

Grand Master. Nominations should reach the

Provincial Grand Master not later than the 11th

July. Provincial Grand Masters shall forward

each application, with the necessary particulars

and their report, to the Board of General

Purposes not later than the 31st July. On a

separate form, to be handed to the Provincial

Grand Master, the parent or guardian of the child

shall furnish reasons why he seeks the benefit of

the scholarship.

10. The Selection Committee shall consist of the
Grand Master, or his nominee, the President of

the Board of General Purposes, the Grand

Registrar, and two members to be appointed

annually by the Board of General Purposes.

11. Any matters not provided for will, as they occur,

be dealt with by the Board of General Purposes.

12. In order to provide a Scholarship Fund, it is

proposed to amend Rule 190, Book of

Constitution, by increasing the amount payable

by every Craft Lodge for each of its members,

half-yearly, from is 6d to is 9d.

GRAND SECRETARY'S VISIT TO AUSTRALIA.

Acting under instructions from the board, the Grand

Secretary visited Australia in April last for the purpose of

studying the methods of office administration in South

Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, to meet Grand

Officers of those States, and to exchange views on

Masonic matters with his brother Grand Secretaries. In his

report to the M.W. the Grand Master, he stated that he

was warmly received by each of the Grand Secretaries

and was accorded the utmost helpfulness and hospitality

by the Grand Secretaries and the senior officers of the

States visited. He was given the opportunity of

interviewing the members of the office staffs, and was

thus enabled to make a detailed study of the office

routine. Speaking generally, the methods adopted to

record those parts of the activities of the lodges and Grand

Lodge which come under the direct control of the Board

of General Purposes vary little from those in operation in

New Zealand. A loose-leaf system of registers which is in

use in one of the Grand Lodges could, with advantage, be

adopted by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand when the

registers at present in use come to be rewritten.

Each of the Grand Lodges visited has a Widows' and

Orphans' and Aged Masons' Fund similar to that of the

Grand Lodge of New Zealand, if on a less extensive scale.

The Australian Grand Lodges, however, have other com-

mendable outlets for benevolence which do not exist in

New Zealand. There are cottage homes in Adelaide and

Melbourne for aged couples and widows, and Masonic

hospitals in Melbourne and Sydney, all of which the

Grand Secretary had the opportunity of inspecting.

The commodious and well-furnished and appointed

offices of the Grand Secretaries and their staffs in each of

the States visited were most impressive, and also provided

working conditions greatly superior to those in New

Zealand.

INCREASED INVESTMENTS.

Discussing the balance-sheet and statement of accounts,

the Grand Treasurer, V.W. Bro. C. D. Morpeth, said that

the net result of the workings of Grand Lodge for the year

had been an increase in investments of about £15,000. He

referred to the tendency of declining interest rates on in-

vestment moneys, but said that one compensating factor

had been the very considerable increase in the amount re-

ceived from lodges in contributions towards the W.O. and

A.M. Fund. There was no difficulty at present in meeting

commitments, and he did not think difficulty was likely to

arise. Nevertheless, he enjoined care in the administration

of the funds. Money was very plentiful in wartime, and

conditions were liable to change after the war.

THE BENEVOLENT FUNDS.

Dealing with the benevolent funds, the President of the

Board of Benevolence, V.W. Bro. H. Hatch, pointed out

that the relief administered during the year was £407 less

than in the previous year, due to the fact that only 21 ap-

plications were received, as against 37. Referring to the

Aorangi circular appeal, he pointed out that Grand Lodge

was still holding £512 of the fund, as charges for altera-

tions and furniture which had yet to be met. He

congratulated the West Coast brethren on what they had

done in transforming the widow's house, and said that in

establishing the family and giving the children a proper

start in life the board felt it had justified itself. He

commended to the brethren the circular appeal on behalf

of the family of a deceased brother of Southland Lodge.

V.W. Bro. Hatch referred with pleasure to the growing

responsibility the Craft was exhibiting towards

benevolence —their most important activity—by making

more generous contributions to the W.A. and O.M. Fund,

and said that the record amount of £10,754 raised during

the year had been achieved largely as a result of the work

of the Provincial Grand Masters and others who had

endeavoured to educate the brethren by emphasising their

obligation to distressed brethren and dependants. The

West Coast District occupied pride of place with a per

capital contribution of 11s 1d. Many of the brethren there

were miners, and they had set a magnificent standard of

generosity. The Dominion collection averaged 7s 5d per

member during the year, and the cost of annuities

averaged 6s 1d per member. There were now some 306

adults and 172 children dependent on annuities. One very

well organised lodge had made a donation of £264; nine

had contributed over £100 each; 46 between 10s and £1;

48 between 7s 5d and 10s; and 198 less than the average

of 7s 5d. There were three lodges with under 2s, and one

contributed nothing.

"It is quite obvious," said V.W. Bro. Hatch, "that many

lodges still make no effort to assist with contributions to

the fund other than the collection at the installation cere-

mony, and much of this is contributed by visitors. Many

of these lodges have annuitants and have no compunction

in asking Grand Lodge to grant assistance when they have

done nothing even by way of casual relief to those who

are primarily their responsibility. Some lodges consider

the paying off of mortgages of primary importance, and

give little or nothing to charity. The first consideration,

however, of all brethren is their duty to those in need.

This is an inescapable obligation which none worthy of

the name of Mason can evade."

The President said that the board wished to stress the

importance of each lodge having an almoner, and would

like Grand Lodge to instruct lodges to make such appoint-

ments. It is suggested that an almoner be invested, not as

a rotation officer, on the regular installation night.

In a retrospect of the benevolent funds, V.W. Bro. Hatch

said that since the inception of Grand Lodge £37,025 had

been distributed in casual relief, £172,132 by way of

annuities, £35,713 through circular appeals, and £27,569

by war grants—a total of £272,439, truly a large sum for a

Grand Lodge just over fifty years of age. In addition,

many thousands of pounds had been given by lodges

direct to indigent brethren. The board thought the Craft

could claim justifiable pride in its accomplishment.

Remarking that the board would like to see the annuity

fund grow until it could be capitalised at £500,000, V.W.

Bro. Hatch said it was not generally recognised that there

were now 28,431 members of the Craft, every one of

whom might be a prospective claimant, for none could

foretell the future. The board suggested that Grand

Lecturers might make an extensive study of the

benevolent activities and so educate the brethren on this

vital phase of the work of the Craft.

The Benevolent Fund reports were adopted.

GENERAL PURPOSES.

The report of the Board of General Purposes was

considered clause by clause.

The President of the board, V.W. Bro. C. N. Cathie,

referred to the very heavy loss of Grand Lodge officers by

deaths during the year, and on his motion a vote of

condolence with the relatives was passed.

V.W. Bro. Cathie acknowledged on behalf of the board

the ceaseless and self-sacrificing service ungrudgingly

given by the Provincial Grand Masters, and said that it

was reflected in the very healthy and harmonious

condition of the Craft.

Since the beginning of the war, he said, 131 brethren had

given their lives while serving with the Forces. The

number of travelling certificates issued was 2,886. He

expressed appreciation of the work of the 2nd N.Z.E.F.

Masonic Association, which in turn had been helped by

the District Grand Lodge of Egypt and the Sudan, and

also of the good work done by the Masonic associations

and clubs in the Pacific area.

Grand Lodge approved the fixation of the representation

levy for the year at ls, and Auckland as the place for the

next Communication.

Commenting on the proposed Masonic scholarships,

V.W. Bro. Cathie said that until it was known what

response there was likely to be, it was thought advisable

to offer only five scholarships. Should there be need, it

was hoped to make a larger number available in

succeeding years. The value of the scholarships was

higher than was originally suggested; it had been

ascertained that small scholarships were not attractive to

those it was desired to help, the reason being that too

great a burden was left with the parents. The board had

endeavoured to make the scholarships available to

children living in out of the way places.

The report as a whole was adopted, with slight amend-

ments suggested by the President of the board.

W. Bro. E. Cannons was re-elected auditor.

AMENDMENTS TO GRAND LODGE LAWS.

Two amendments to the Laws of Grand Lodge (Book of

Constitution) which were submitted by the President of

the Board of General Purposes were adopted. One defined

the duties of the Grand Tyler, an office introduced last

year, and the effect of the other was to increase the

amount of the levy for the Fund of General Purposes from

ls 6d to ls 9d for each lodge member. It was explained

that the latter change was necessary to enable the fund to

carry on the scholarship scheme after the first year. V.W.

Bro. Cathie said some lodges might find difficulty in

meeting the extra charge, but he pointed out that this was

the first time in the history of the fund that a request had

been made to increase the levy. The increase was agreed

to unanimously.

Discussion on remits bearing on the location of the offices

of Grand Lodge is reported under separate headings in

this issue.

The business session of Grand Lodge was concluded at 5

p.m.

INSTALLATION CEREMONY.

The ceremony of installing the Grand Officers for the

ensuing year took -place in the Town Hall in the evening.

There was a large attendance of brethren.

The new Grand Master, his Excellency the Governor-

General, Sir Cyril Newall, was inducted and invested by

M.W. Bro. Teagle. The other principal officers, most of

whom were present and were duly invested, were an-

nounced as follows:—

Pro Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Ethelbert C. Smith (Gore).

Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. W. J. Girling

(Blenheim).

Provincial Grand Masters: R.W. Bro. A. J. Jones (Can-

terbury), M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson (Auckland), R.W. Bro.

S. M. Stone (Wellington), R.W. Bro. J. W. Dykes

(Otago), R.W. Bro. A. Bullock (Waikato), R.W. Bro. J. D.

Campbell, (Southland), R.W. Bro. E. C. Hurdsfield

(Hawke's Bay), R.W. Bro. D. McIvor (West Coast), R.W.

Bro. J. Baird Nelson and Marlborough), R.W. Bro. Dr. W.

T. Simmons (Taranaki), and R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash

(Ruapehu).

Asst. Prov Grand Masters: V.W. Bro. H. Archbold (Dun-

edin) and V.W. Bro. F. Mogridge (Blenheim).

Senior Grand Warden, R.W. Bro, C. N. Cathie

(Wellington).

Junior Grand Warden, R.W. Bro. G. Gilchrist (Te Aroha).

Grand Lecturers: V.W. Bro. A. Bright (Auckland), V.W.

Bro. Rev. H. R Fell (Wellington), V.W. Bro. G. H. Davies

(Tauranga), W. Bro. J. B. Thomson (Dunedin).

GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS.

Addressing the brethren, the M.W. Bro. Sir Cyril Newall

said he rose to do so with diffidence, as his experience in

the Craft was limited to the past few years. Those had

been very happy years in New Zealand, during which he

had enjoyed much good fellowship and derived great

benefit from his association with the Masonic Craft in

many parts of the Dominion. He said that the high office

he had now attained in the Craft was not of his seeking,

and it was only after very serious consideration of the

many factors involved, not least of which was the in-

adequacy of his apprenticeship, that he had decided that it

was his duty to allow himself to be nominated as Grand

Master. He thanked the brethren for their confidence, and

added that it would be his earnest and constant endeavour

to be worthy of the honour paid him and to serve the Craft

to the best of his ability. Following in the footsteps of a

long line of eminent Grand Masters, he approached his

task with all humility.

The Grand Master expressed on behalf of Grand Lodge

deep appreciation of the zealous and exemplary manner in

which M.W. Bro. Teagle had discharged his duties as

Grand Master during the past two years, and tendered his

personal thanks to him for having conducted the installa-

tion ceremony with such traditional dignity.

Contemplating the miraculous improvement in the war

situation compared with twelve months previously, the

Grand Master referred to the many and dire perils through

which the Empire had passed successfully, and with

added glory to its name, since 1939, and said they must

offer humble thanks to T.G.A.O.T.U. for the protection

and Divine guidance -with which we had been favoured.

Although grievous suffering and continued sacrifice

might yet be required, the ultimate and final defeat of our

enemies was certain. In the days to come we should be

faced with a gigantic task of rehabilitation throughout the

world, and upon all Masons rested an obligation equalled

only by the opportunity to play an influential part in this

great work. "That we are to survive as a people is no

longer in doubt," he added, "but if we are to prove our-

selves worthy of Divine grace we must the more earnestly

strive to be Masons not only in form but in faith, in spirit,

and still more in character, in order that we may contri-

bute to the rehabilitation of the world by setting a

standard of life which our thoughts and actions accord

with the highest Masonic principles.

"One of the fundamental objects of Freemasonry is the

moulding of character which will, by its influence in our

everyday life outside the lodge, draw mankind closer to-

gether. Never has there been such an opportunity for us

'all to dedicate ourselves anew to the supreme tasks of

maintaining the security of the realm and furthering the

welfare of mankind. We are under a solemn obligation to

preserve and enrich our inherited Christian civilisation.

Let us remember, therefore, our duty towards the youth of

today who are to be the citizens of tomorrow; let us

ensure that they, too, are taught reverence, patriotism,

good citizenship, respect for law, and regard for the rights

of their fellow-men. Let us actively support all

movements which have as their object the training of

youth in Christian principles and those other qualities

which I have already enumerated. Every one of us can do

a little something by personal example, and if each does

his part faithfully the sum of our labours will be great and

will prove our worthiness to survive. With the help of the

Most High we shall leave a world fairer than we found it

in which our children will be free to fear God, honour the

King, and serve humanity,"

————————

BACK TO THE OLD ORDER.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

LOCATION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICES.

————

DECISION AT COMMUNICATION.

————

The location of the Grand Lodge administrative offices

has provided the most contentious recurring subject of

debate in the Parliament of the Craft since the establish-

ment of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in 1890. In

1900 and again in 1913 majority decisions in favour of

centralisation were expressed, only to be revoked twelve

months later. Last year, after keen debate in which most

of the old arguments and some new ones both for and

against the proposal were ventilated, a recommendation

by a special committee was approved that the domicile of

the Grand Lodge office and its permanent staff should be

in Wellington, while the headquarters of the executive

boards should rotate as previously every two years. The

voting on that occasion was 513 in favour and 466

against. At the Communication of Grand Lodge at

Dunedin on 22nd November last this decision was

reversed by a majority of five votes.

The debate was initiated on a dissenting notice lodged last

year by W. Bro. W. H. McKinney, P.G.S., on behalf of

the St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 8: "That the motion passed

yesterday changing the itinerary of Grand Lodge Office

be rescinded." There also appeared on the agenda a remit

in the name of St. Andrew's Lodge to the same effect and

also seeking to suspend the operation of the consequential

amendment to the Rules which was passed last year.

Moving pursuant to his notice, W. Bro. McKinney said he

considered that the decision last year would not operate

for the benefit of Freemasonry in New Zealand, and his

lodge opposed centralisation in any of the four centres as

much as in Wellington. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand

had progressed so satisfactorily under the peripatetic

system that any departure from it would be a retrograde

step. It was their birthright that Grand Lodge should be

located for two years in each centre. He claimed to speak

on behalf of the 466 brethren who voted against

centralisation last year and also on behalf of those

brethren who, he declared, were unjustly required to retire

and so missed the opportunity to record their votes. He

also argued that many delegates last year had no

opportunity of perusing the committee's recommendations

before the Communication and of discussing them in their

lodges. The committee itself did not give the matter

sufficient consideration before making its report,

otherwise it would not have said it did not expect much of

a saving would be effected by the change. He suggested

that under the new system the cost to Grand Lodge would

be at least trebled. The committee should have gone into

the question of costs more fully. A great deal had been

made at the previous Communication of the need for

upholding the dignity of Freemasonry in New Zealand by

having permanent premises in Wellington—and it should

not be forgotten that it was a Wellington committee which

had made the recommendations. On the other hand, the

committee exhibited an inferiority complex in its

suggestion that the dignity of Freemasonry could well and

worthily be upheld in the other centres by having there

small branch offices with a clerk in charge. The

disadvantage had also been pointed out of having the

administrative boards separated from the Grand Lodge

office. To have the board of directors of a company in one

centre and the company's office in another would be

ridiculous. He could not see that the proposed branch

offices would be of any use at all. W. Bro. McKinney

concluded by repeating that he considered any departure

from the system that had operated for the past 54 years

would be a retrograde step.

A Wrong Impression.

The Grand Master, M.W. Bro. H. G. Teagle, intervened to

correct a wrong impression created by the mover.

Wellington, he said, had nothing whatever to do with the

report brought down last year. The report was framed by a

small committee of representatives of each of the four

main centres. It happened that V.W. Bro. Cathie,

President of the Board of General Purposes, who was one

of the members, came from Wellington, and he, on behalf

of the committee, but not on behalf of Wellington or of

any other section of the Dominion, presented the report.

The motion was seconded by W. Bro. C. R. de Latour

(Lodge Ponsonby, No, 54).

Replying to a point of order raised by V.W. Bro. G. T.

Baylee, P.G.R., the Grand Master ruled that the motion

was quite in order. It related only to the report submitted

at the previous Communication, and if passed, would

mean only that the report was not approved; the alteration

made to the Constitution would still stand.

W. Bro. Fleming (Lodge St. Andrew's. No. 8) said that

while the motion referred to the report of the committee

of four, Grand Lodge should take the first opportunity to

amend its record, as the form of the adoption of the report

was unfortunately irregular. Grand Lodge had a high

reputation for the good conduct of its business, but it was

quite clear that a grave error of procedure—in fact, more

than one error—took place last year. A ballot had been

demanded by seven brethren, in accordance with the

Rules, but he argued that it was not a proper ballot. The

motion carried did not truly represent the opinions of the

lodges. In 1932 a referendum of the lodges was made by

the Board of General Purposes, and 220 lodges, after full

consideration of the issue, voted against centralisation and

only 79 for. That was a clear indication of the lodges

views. Neither he nor W. Bro. McKinney alleged

anything sinister in connection with the procedure at the

1943 communication; the whole of the brethren of the

territory, had the same principal aim—the good of

Freemasonry in New Zealand, and not the good of

Freemasonry in merely one part of the Dominion. There

was room for legitimate difference of opinion on a matter

of such importance, affecting as it did a system which had

been in existence for 54 years, and no change should be

made until the lodges were given an opportunity to

discuss the matter and express their opinion. Last year

many delegates attended the Communication without

having any instruction from their lodges. If local offices

were set up in the main centres outside Wellington an

officer from the central office would have to move from

centre to centre as the boards changed, and there would

still be the expense of removal. That officer, moreover,

would in fact become the Grand Secretary, placing the

Grand Secretary himself in an invidious position. No one

wanted to see him reduced to the status of a filing clerk or

even to the office of a museum keeper. He was a very

popular officer, and the brethren in the various centres

wanted to have the benefit of his periodic residence in

their midst.

Fear of Dissension.

Emphasising that they did not want government from

Wellington, W. Bro. Fleming said they did not concede to

any one part of the territory any right or privilege that

should not be shared by other parts. Every part of the

territory had the right to have the Grand Lodge office

located there and so feel the pulse of Freemasonry in New

Zealand. As to libraries and museums, he thought each

Centre should have its own. To expend money on one

centre at the expense of another would cause differences

of opinion and resentment throughout the whole territory.

The Grand Master said he wished to correct the mis-

statement that the lodges did not receive notice of last

year's report in time to discuss it in lodge. That was quite

erroneous. The secretaries received the report, and if they

did not bring it before their lodges then it was not the fault

of Grand Lodge. He suggested that speakers should

refrain from speaking of Wellington influence in

connection with the report. Not one Wellington member

spoke at the last Communication. The report was

considered by brethren from all over the territory.

Speaking on behalf of those who did not reside in the four

main centres, W. Bro. Walter Dobson, P.S.G.D., defied

anyone to say that the torch of Freemasonry burned any

less brightly in the provinces than in the other centres. He

denied that Wellington was responsible for the

centralisation move; it had originated, in fact, in Otago—

from R.W. Bro. Dykes, who was deserving of the greatest

credit for bringing it forward. A representative committee

was then formed, and brought down recommendations for

centralisation. W. Bro. Dobson argued that Grand Lodge

had progressed during its 54 years not because of the

peripatetic system but in spite of it. They should learn to

advance with the times, and he urged a fair trial for the

change instituted at the 1943 meeting of Grand Lodge.

Centralisation Only in Part.

The President of the Board of General Purposes, V.W.

Bro. C. N. Cathie. pointed out that the 1943 report did not

recommend centralisation but decentralisation; it recom-

mended centralisation of the office of Grand Lodge, and

decentralisation in other respects, or continuance of the

peripatetic system of government as in the past. There

were still brethren who imagined that the boards would be

permanently located in Wellington. That was not so; the

report supported the centralisation of the offices only. The

issue in 1932 was different; it referred to complete

centralisation of Grand Lodge.

V.W. Bro. C. H. Taylor, Grand Registrar, said there was a

feeling that there was a sinister motive behind the authors

of the change. Those who supported the alteration could

say with perfect truth that they wished to see the good of

Freemasonry served. He referred to the personnel of the

special committee, and pointed out that they were

unanimous, and came to their conclusions with full

realisation of the disadvantages of the existing system and

the advantages offered by the changes they proposed.

Was there anything unreasonable or improper in

suggesting a fair trial? If after two years it was seen that

the plan did not work they could easily revert to the old

system.

V.W. Bro. C. D. Morpeth, Grand Treasurer, likened the

controversy to the old provincial question. No business

concern would have its administrative offices changing

about; they were located in one centre, with branches in

other districts.

At this stage it was proposed that the question be put, and

on a ballot being taken, W. Bro. McKinney's motion was

carried by 556 votes to 454. with 37 informal.

Grand Lodge then proceeded to consider the St. Andrew's

Lodge motion to rescind the decision that the Grand

Lodge offices should be situated in Wellington, and on a

show of hands it was agreed that speeches be limited to

three minutes.

In moving, W. Bro. Fleming said that as W. Bro.

McKinney's motion had been carried, it was consequently

necessary to amend the rule which was changed in 1943.

It was purely a machinery measure.

Accommodation Difficulty.

In the course of the ensuing discussion, R.W. Bro. F. F.

Boustridge, Prov. G.M., said that brethren corning to the

Communication had had experience of the difficulties of

travel and accommodation, and would be able to

appreciate the discomforts entailed by the uprooting of the

families of the members of Grand Lodge staff when it

become necessary to change their abode from place to

place every two years. In the name of common sense, how

could they expect the business of Grand Lodge office to

be carried on efficiently under such circumstance's? The

brother who had been appointed to take charge of the

branch office in Dunedin had advertised for ten days for

accommodation, without receiving a single reply. Yet it

was proposed to uproot the whole Grand Lodge staff and

transfer it to Dunedin at a time when accommodation was

at a premium and it was impossible to get a house. He

appealed to the brethren to reconsider their decision and

leave the matter in abeyance until conditions improved

and the altered system had had a fair trial.

On a further ballot, being taken, the motion was carried

by 484 votes to 479, with 41 informal.

REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS OF FOREIGN

GRAND LODGES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

(Published by the Authority of the Grand Lodge of New

Zealand.)

————

SOUTH AUSTRALIA-1943-44.

153 Lodges, 14,046 members, a gain of 489.

Half-Yearly Communication held 20th October and

Annual Communication held 19th April at Adelaide, M.

W. Bro. Andrew D. Young, Pro.G.M., presiding at the

former, and M.W. Bro. H. E. Sir Malcolm Barclay

Harvey, K.C.M.G., G.M., presiding at the latter.

There were 751 initiations (an increase of 223 over the

previous year), 250 joinings, 36 affiliations and 548

removals. The peak membership was 15,341 in 1940.

Lodges remitted the dues of 1,143 members who had

enlisted for service.

Regarding Ballots the Board of General Purposes said in

its report:—"The duty and responsibility devolving upon

Masters to preserve the secrecy of the ballot cannot be too

strongly stressed. The importance of the method to be

employed is emphasised by the fact that in the ritual it is

plainly pointed out how the ballot shall be distributed and

collected. A secret ballot should be, as the name implies,

secret, and it is wrong for a Brother to allow his

neighbour to see how he votes. It has been equally held to

be a violation of the ballot when dissenting members have

publicly announced what they have done. A previous

intimation of their intention made privately to the

Worshipful Master is in accordance with Masonic

tradition.

"It is recommended that when the ballot has been

scrutinized and declared, the Master shall take steps to

obliterate the result that only he and the Immediate Past

Master know the votes cast for and against. Where three

black balls exclude, it is desirable that the fact of one or

two black balls appearing in the ballot should be known

by these two Brethren only, and, in the event of an

adverse vote, the number of black balls cast should never

be divulged. In this connection also, the Master should

never use the word 'unanimous' when declaring the result

of an election."

During the year £1,322 was distributed in Benevolence.

The War Relief Fund increased by £2,500 to £7,350.

R.W. Bro. Lamb, our Grand Secretary, was a visitor at the

Annual Communication.

The 1943 Proceedings of New Zealand were not received

in time to be included among the Reviews.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Andrew D. Young, Adelaide.

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. R. Owen Fox, P.G.W.,

Adelaide.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: R.W. Bro. C. G.

Ligertwood, B.A., LL.B., P.D.G.M., Adelaide.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. A. Le H.

Hoyles, P.Prov.G.M., Takapuna.

————

NORTH CAROLINA-1944.

316 Lodges, 28,243 members, a gain of 1,652.

157th Annual Communication held at Raleigh 18th and

19th April, M.W. Bro. James W. Payne, G.M., presiding.

The Grand Master reported having attended the

dedication of six Lodgerooms, the mortgage being burned

on each occasion.

1,738 were raised, 442 admitted, 547 reinstated, while

511 died, 288 demitted, 275 were suspended and 1 was

expelled.

Fifty year emblems and certificates were presented to 23

Brethren.

The Grand Orator, Hon. Emery B. Denny, Associate

Justice of the Supreme Court, discussed Masonry as it had

affected or been affected by some of the great crises in

history. In the course of his address he asked a very

pertinent question, saying, "As a result of the exigencies

of war, the participating nations have demonstrated an

ability to produce goods and munitions on a scale that

surpasses anything ever undertaken or contemplated by

man, prior to the present world conflict. Do nations have a

greater capacity to develop materially than they do

morally and spiritually?'

There were 66 guests in the Masonic and Eastern Star

Home and 15 on Home Aid.

The number of children in the Oxford Orphanage was not

stated.

The amount expended from Grand Lodge funds for those

institutions was 62,500 dollars, and the amount paid out

directly for charity was 420 dollars.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Julius C. Hobbs, Wilmington.

Grand Secretary : M.W. Bro. John H. Anderson, P.G.M.,

Raleigh.

Grand Representative of New Zealand: R.W. Bro. F. C.

Wade, P.Prov.G.M., Christchurch.

————

GEORGIA, 1943.

460 Lodges, 42,994 members, a gain of 2.563.

157th Annual Communication held at Macon on 26th and

27th October, M.W. Bro. E. D. Wells, G.M., presiding.

The Corner Stones of a High School and two Baptist

Churches were laid during the year.

There is only one occupant of each Grand rank except that

of Steward, the brethren occupying that rank being First

Grand Steward, Second Grand Steward, and Third Grand

Steward respectively.

As it had been found increasingly difficult to provide

suitable attendance of Masons at funeral services where

the Masonic service was conducted, and as complaints

had been made that the Masonic service used was doleful

and depressing on the feelings of the family of the

deceased, the Grand Master was directed to appoint a

committee to prepare an optional alternative service.

2,650 brethren were raised, 734 affiliated, 1,076

reinstated, while 634 demitted, 587 were suspended and

677 died. There were 66 children in the Masonic Home.

The brother appointed Grand Chaplain was appointed an

Honorary Past Master, and another brother, who had been

appointed Poet Laureate for the Grand Lodge was made

an Honorary Member while he filled that position.

In the place of the usual synopsis of individual Grand

Jurisdictions M.W. Bro. Raymond Daniel, P.G.M.,

"endeavoured to present some little word that would

help," in the course of which he wrote:—"God always

raises up some Moses to cross the Red Sea and conquer

the wilderness. God will do so now, if Freemasons will

only be aware of the situation and their duty awaiting

them.

"Naturally, in conjunction with the declaration of these

facts comes the inquiry as to whether or not we are ful-

filling our duties to our applicants. Are we furnishing

them with Masonic light along the pathway of their

Masonic pilgrimage?

"Or are we merely making it possible for them to be

declared Freemasons and wear the insignia of what seems

to them an 'order' instead of a fraternal society or

knowledge?

"Are we 'freeing' them from darkness and ignorance? Are

we making them FREE-masons?

"Candidates generally wander through Masonic degrees

in a maze of mystery. A few, of their own ability, find the

real secrets of an enlightened life. Some more fortunate

come in contact with leading souls of the Craft.

"Most applicants, however, meander through a parrot-like

rendered ritual and wear a pin.

"These inquiries are fraternally offered in the desire to

meet and remedy a sadly existing condition."

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Dewey H. Wollstein, Rone.

Grand Secretary : R.W. Bro. Daniel W. Locklin, Macon.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. James Morris,

Atlanta.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. William G.

Rudd, P.Prov.G.M.

————

NEVADA, 1944.

26 Lodges, 3,407 members, a gain of 146.

80th Annual Communication held at Carson City on 8th

and 9th June, M.W. Bro. Lem S. Allen, G.M., presiding.

190 brethren were raised, 29 affiliated and 31 restored,

while 21 were suspended N.P.D., 22 demitted and 61

died.

Reno Lodge, No. 13, had 634 members, the average

membership of the other 25 being 111.

In the course of his address the Grand Orator, W. Bro. W.

T. Baker said: "This conflict is a struggle between two

distinct ideologies; between the independent and

dependent man; between free men and the enslavement of

men politically, morally, physically, and spiritually. So

vastly different are these philosophies and so antagonistic

are their viewpoints that a physical encounter was

inevitable. On one hand we find a system whose basic

principle is to allow the individual the greatest amount of

freedom possible, guaranteeing religious tolerance and

encouraging an independence of thought and spirit. The

other concept is based on the dedication of the individual

life to the supremacy of the State, persecuting those who

do not subscribe to its philosophy and intolerant of

religion.

"The proponents of the first-mentioned or democratic

system are committed to the theory that Government is

established only for the purpose of insuring individual

rights, and that these rights are the unconditional, personal

and individual possession of every man, granted him by

the fact of his birth; that he has the right to the pursuit of

happiness in a society where men deal with one another as

equals; that the individual himself is the only and final

judge of this choice and his happiness cannot be

prescribed by another man or society of men; that the

desire for freedom is deeply rooted in the human heart;

that spiritually all men are born free and equal; that man's

greatest need is independence in order that he may create,

originate, work and produce, and in order to accomplish

this he does not need to seek power over his fellow men;

that the degree of his independence and initiative

determines his value and his works as a man . . . . . . "

After describing the dictator or totalitarian system, he

said: "The greatest aim in life is to strive for and to seek

happiness. It cannot be created out of great suffering and

the only happy society is one of happy individuals. The

countries that have produced the happiest men, the

highest standard of living and the greatest cultural ad-

vancement have been the countries where the government

of the State was limited, and the individual was given

freedom or independent action; as the rise of Rome with

law based on the rights of the citizens; the rise of England

with its concept of government based on the Magna

Charta; the rise of our own great country with the degree

of achievement unequalled in history with a system of

government based on our Constitution which gave each

citizen individual freedom and independence. The great

events occurring in our early history aroused the greatest

men of the country to originate and select new and untried

methods and systems of government whereby improved

and more inclusive plans for world progress were made

possible."

One of the sixty-six pages of Reviews of Fraternal

Correspondence by the Grand Secretary is devoted to

New Zealand, 1942 extracts being quoted from M.W.

Bro. Teagle's address.

Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Leslie M. Sanford, Reno.

Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. E. Peterson, Carson City.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. C. E. Rhodes.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. G. R. Hender-

son, P.Prov.G.M., Dunedin.

————————

AUCKLAND NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

At Pt. Chevalier on 31st October, the Annual Meeting of

Lodge Chevalier, No. 303, was held when Bro. John

McLean, S.W., was installed as W.M. by the Prov.G.M.

A very large attendance was present, and the function was

a most successful one. The W.M. was addressed by R.W.

Bro. R. Hay, P.G.W., and W. Bro. H. Roseveare, S.G.D.,

addressed the Wardens. The presenting officers were W.

Bros. C. Hunt and B. Craig (United Service No. 10 and

St. Andrew No. 8). In the refectory W. Bro. Roseveare

represented Grand Lodge, and the proceedings closed on

a most happy note.

The Installation Meeting of the United Masters Lodge,

No. 167, the local Research Lodge, was held on 26th

October and W. Bro.. Richard F. Newton (P.M. Lodge

Waitemata, No. 689 E.C.) was installed by the Prov.G.M.

M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson. The ceremony was carried

out with the special observances peculiar to this Lodge

and a feature of the proceedings was the short historical

account of the various jewels, given by the W.M. in the

course of the investitures. The outgoing W.M., W. Bro, F.

Kennedy, delivered a valedictory address which disclosed

a year of steady progress in the field of Masonic research,

and much valuable work among the Lodges in the way of

lectures. W. Bro. Newton, in a thoughtful and stimulating

address, touched on the functions of Freemasonry in the

post-war world. The presenting officers were

representative of all constitutions and comprised W. Bros.

F. McKenzie (Waitemata, No. 689 E.C.), A. C.

Armstrong (Ara, No. 348 I.C.), D. A. Henderson

(Ponsonby, No. 708 S.C.), and W. A. Donald (Arawhaiti,

No. 207 N.Z.C.).

On 1st November W. Bro. D. A. Henderson was installed

as W.M. of Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708 S.C., for a second

term and a large attendance of Brethren and visitors

testified to the regard in which the W.M. is held in the

city. A most successful year has been enjoyed by the

Lodge, and an equally happy one is presaged under the

guidance of "Dave" Henderson.

The Installation Ceremony of the Arawa Secret Monitor

Conclave, No. 55 E.C., was held on 7th November, when

W. Bro. Trentham Charles Webster was installed as S.R.

A prominent part in the proceedings was taken by the

father of the new S.R., R.W. Bro. J. C. Webster, who is a

P.S.R. of the Conclave. Bro. S. C. Richards was ap-.

pointed C., and Bro. W. J. Taylor C.T.

W. Bro. R. G. Costin presided over a large attendance at

the regular meeting of Lodge Ara, No. 1, on 8th ulto.,

when the son of a well-known P.M. of the Lodge (W.

Bro. W. J. Spring) was initiated. The candidate's

grandfather (W. Bro. W. Spring) was also present.

The Akarana R.A. Chapter, No. 58, held its Annual Con-

vocation on the 2nd November when Ex. Comp. C. A.

Crum was installed as 1st Prin.Z. and Ex. Comps. C. J.

Ellis and W. H. R. Teape were installed as 2nd and 3rd

Prins. respectively.

Lodge Takapuna, No. 202, was taxed to capacity on 15th

November when Bro. Frank E. Sutherland was installed

as W.M. by the Prov.G.M. Bro. Sutherland is well known

in Rugby, musical and banking circles, and a large at-

tendance of visitors furnished evidence of the popularity

of the Lodge, the good work of the I.P.M. W. Bro. C. H.

M. Wills (to whom a special tribute was paid by the

Prov.G.M.) and the wide field of interests of the new

W.M. Great progress has been made by the Lodge in the

past year, and there is little doubt that it will be

maintained under the direction of W. Bro. Sutherland.

In the absence of the D.G.M., R.W. Bro. A. J. Pople, the

W.M. was addressed by R.W. Bro. W. W. Wright, P.G.W.

The Doric was much in evidence on 17th November at the

Installation Meeting of Lodge Maungawhao, No. 168, at

Mt. Eden when Bro. Donald McConochie, J.W., was

installed. The presenting officers were W. Bros. W.

Duncan (Ararangi, No. 297) and J. M. Stormont (First

Temple, No. 302) and the W.T.'s were presented by W.

Bros. T. Dean (Wairoa, No. 55), F. A. Foster (Titirangi,

No. 204), and John McLean (Chevalier, No. 303), and if

an observer had had to rely on the evidence of his ears

alone, the proceedings would unquestionably have been

thought to be Caledonian. The address to the W.M. was

given by R.W. Bro. R. Hay, P.G.W., and the address to

the Wardens by W. Bro. A. Addison, G.Swd.B., and re-

fectory proceedings of a most enthusiastic nature ter-

minated the evening.

At the Installation meeting of Lodge Maungawhao, No.

168, the Prov.G.M., M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, in re-

sponding to the toast of Grand Lodge, paid a warm tribute

to the work done for the past two years by V.W. Bro.

Harry Hatch, of Wellington, as Pres. of the Board of

Benevolence. He mentioned that the President of the

Board had been indefatigable during his term in his work

in the field of Masonic benevolence, and he felt that as

this particular installation ceremony was the last before

the Annual Communication, he could not let the Masonic

year close in Auckland without some reference to the

sterling services given by V.W. Bro. Hatch. The Prov.

G.M. also referred in warm terms to the work of R.W.

Bro. W. W. Wright (who was present) in the same office,

as V.W. Bro. Hatch's immediate predecessor.

————————

HAWKES BAY NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The Annual Convocation and Enthronement of Ex.

Companion C. H. J. Pease as 1st Principal Z. of Bedford

Royal Arch Chapter, No. 39, was held on Saturday, 28th

October, when the attendance was nearly a record.

The G.Supt. R.Ex. Comp. J. W. Elliott, assisted by V.E.

Comp. T. Rowe, P.G. Chanc., and Ken Gillespie,

G.Swd.B., were the Principal Installing Officers and were

assisted by many distinguished Past G. Chapter Officers

numbering 17, amongst whom were six over 70 years of

age.

The G.Supt. in his remarks regretted to advise

Companions that during the last few months no less than

24 Past G. Chapter Officers had passed to the Grand

Lodge above.

The regular monthly convocation of Heretaunga R.A.

Chapter, No. 38, was held on Thursday, 2nd November.

V.Ex. Comp. W. A. Meads, Z., occupying the chair. Con-

trary to expectations, owing to numerous other functions

on account of the Presbyterian General Assembly, there

was a good attendance. The Excellent Degree was the

work of the evening. Ex. Comp. C. S. Samuelson

occupied the chair as W.E.M.

R.Ex. Comp. J. W. Elliott, G.Supt., and G. Chapter

Officers acknowledge the support afforded G. Chapter

during 1944 and extend fraternal good wishes for Christ-

mas and trust the coming year will be even brighter and

more prosperous for Capitular Freemasonry.

Congratulations are extended to V.Ex. Comps. G. J. S.

George and A. K. Johnson on elevation to G. Chapter

Offices of G.Supt. of Works and D. of C. respectively.

Heretaunga Chapter Companions are honoured by these

appointments.

The monthly meeting of Heretaunga Lodge, No. 73, was

held on 14th ulto. when two candidates were initiated.

Opportunity was taken to make a presentation to W. Bro.

Rosenberg, P.M. of Lodge Ruahine, No. 80, who

celebrated his 50th annniversary in Freemasonry. W. Bro.

Rosenberg was initiated in Lodge Ruahine in October,

1894, and was installed W.M. in his mother Lodge in

1902. He afterwards came to Hastings and over a long

period closely associated himself with Hastings' Lodges.

Lodge Te Mata, No. 298. At the regular meeting on

Wednesday, 15th ulto., the ceremony was an initiation

when a very good attendance was recorded. The candidate

proved a very good one and considerable interest was

shown 'in the various charges. W. Bro. V. May, I.P.M.,

father-in-law of the candidate, delivered the Reasons for

Preparation Charge.

The regular meeting of Lodge Victoria, No. 21, on

Tuesday, 7th ulto., was of particular interest when a

presentation was made to W. Bro. Jones, of a Bar to his

Jewel. W. Bro. Jones joined on 5th December, 1922, and

took office as Deacon in 1923, and had been D. of C.

from 1928 to 1940. A presentation of a Parker Fountain

Pen was also made to W. Bro. Kilpatrick who has held

various offices for 20 years. Initiated in 1921 he was

Treasurer for 4 years, then S.W., W.M., I.P.M., and

Secretary for 13 years. Heretaunga Lodge paid an official

visit.

The November meeting of Omarunui, No. 216, was a

special occasion when Chapter Members conducted the

ceremony of initiation. An apology was received from W.

Bro. Jarvis and tribute was paid to the sterling services he

had rendered to Lodge Omarunui over many years.

Lodge Ruahine, No. 80, will within the next 18 months be

celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, having been consecrated

on 22nd June, 1886.

The quarterly meeting of H.B. Research Lodge, No. 305,

was held in the Hastings Temple on Monday, 6th Nov.,

W. Bro. W. A. Meads, W.M., occupying the chair. At-

tendance was somewhat disappointing but this was ac-

counted for by reason of many members being actively

interested in the Presbyterian General Assembly. The

lecture for the evening, entitled "Lavender and Old Lace,"

and dealing with excerpts from the old lectures and ritual,

was delivered by W. Bro. C. W. Kerry, of Masterton, and

proved most instructive and interesting.

Opportunity was taken by many Brethren visiting

Hastings for the Presbyterian General Assembly to visit

many of the Lodges in the district and they were all given

the usual welcome.

Lodge Abercorn, No. 30. Owing to the Wor. Master being

absent at Annual Communication Wor. Bro. Norris,

I.P.M., occupied the chair at the November meeting and

read a paper in place of degree work.

Personal: R.W. J. J. Piebett, P.G.W., celebrated his 91st

birthday on 30th October, and during the week following

was congratulated at many Masonic gatherings. On one

occasion our R.W. Bro. said because of the love and

affection of all the Brethren he would do his best to attain

his 100th anniversary "just to please the boys." That sure

would please us, "Dad," and we know you won't let us

down.

Bros. Nisson and Burr, of Lodge Abercorn, No. 30, have

both returned from Active Service.

Bro. Bob Millar, of Lodge Te Mata, has just returned

from overseas and some years as a prisoner of war in

Germany. We're very glad to see you home Bob and trust

you will continue to keenly interest yourself in Craft

matters.

Bros. R. Spence and Ken Wright, of Lodge Te Mata, are

both back into harness. We trust you both continue to

enjoy good health.

R.W. Bro. Edgar C. Hurdsfield, Prov.G.M., has been very

busy paying official visits during the last few weeks. His

presence at regular meetings is a joy to us all and must be

an inspiration to our future leaders of the Craft. It is a pity

his profession is such and duties so onerous that our Prov.

G.M. was unable to attend Annual Communication last

month.

W. Bro. Bob Bly, P.A.G.D.C., of Lodge Ruahine, has

been doing a spot of visiting in the northern part of the

district. Bob's pleasant smile and happy disposition makes

him a very welcome visitor.

The Prov. G.M. and Grand Officers extended Christmas

and New Year Greetings to all Brethren in the district.

————————

TARANAKI NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

R.W. Bro. W. T. Simmons, Prov.G.M., has returned to

Patea and is well on the way to renewed health. He has

the good wishes of all the Brethren and companions of the

district for a complete recovery.

St. John's Lodge, No. 95, is still going strong, two more

candidates being proposed at the last meeting. Mt.

Egmont Lodge, No. 670 E.C., worked a third degree at

the November meeting, the P.Ms. undertaking the ritual

work with W. Bro. J. Buttimore in charge.

Patea Kil. Lodge, No. 18, was favoured with an address at

the November meeting by the A.G.D.C. elect. W. Bro. F.

W. Hamel.

At the November meeting of Lodge Hawera an interesting

address was given in the refectory by Bro. E. K. Cameron.

Lodge Taranaki Christmas meeting this year will be

carried out in the customary way by the Past Masters, W.

Bro. S. R. Veitch being the W.M. for the evening. In his

hands Brethren can look forward to the full dignity and

efficiency of the ceremonial work, that of the third

degree.

The monthly notices sent out by Lodge Taranaki are most

interesting and informative and your correspondent has

frequently quoted from them, the previous paragraph

being a sample.

The G. Supt. elect for the Taranaki R.A. District, V.Ex.

Comp. J. Campbell is a Past Z. of Tahuroa Chapter and is

an exceeding popular and capable companion.

Egmont R.A. Chapter worked the Royal Ark Mariners

Degree at Inglewood on the 6th November when a

number of Comps. took advantage of the opportunity of

receiving the degree which is not worked very often.

————————

RUAPEHU NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The Oroua Royal Arch Chapter, Fending, held its

Installation Meeting last month when V.Ex. Comp. Ivo

McLennan was installed by V.Ex. Comp. H. Robinson,

2nd Principal Ex. Comp. C. Pearson installed by V.Ex.

Comp. P. C. Betts and 3rd Principal Ex. Comp. R. Burne

by V.Ex. Comp. T. H. Glenn. The G.Supt. R.Ex. Comp.

W. A. Waters was accompanied by R.Ex. Comp. Dobson,

of Hawkes Bay, V.Ex. Comp. R. G. T. Kingdon, G.D. of

C., and several other G.C. Officers.

V.Ex. Comp. L. G. P. Mahoney was installed 1st

Principal of Otaihape Royal Arch Chapter by R. Ex,

Comp. W. A. Waters, G.Supt.; the 2nd and 3rd Principals,

Ex. Comps. T. W. Pairman and W. Butterworth, were

installed by V. Ex. Comps. G. N. MacDiarmid and R. B.

Davis, G.O., respectively. M. Ex. Comp. W. H. Sandford

was installing Mark Master and the D. of C. V. Ex.

Comp. L. N. Ritchie P.G.D.C.

The congratulations of the Companions throughout the

Ruapehu territory are extended to V. Ex. Comp. G. N.

MacDiarmid, Taihape, and V. Ex. Comp. C. Sargisson,

Fending, on their appointment to G.C. office.

The last meeting of the Ohakea Air Force Lodge was held

in Palmerston North instead of Bulls and R.W. Bro. J. A.

Nash, Prov.G.M., was supported by W. Bro. P. W.

Morris, P.A.G.D.C., and several Sitting and Past Masters

from the town Lodges. In future Ohakea Lodge will meet

in Palmerston North and the Past Masters and Brethren of

the local Lodges are very keen and sincere in their desire

to render all possible assistance to our Air Force Brethren.

W. Bro. W. G. Baylis, P.G.S. Lodge Rongotea, was

farewelled at the last meeting of his Lodge when a suit of

G.L. undress Regalia was presented to him in recognition

of his 38 years' service during which time he has missed

only five meetings. The members of Rongotea will miss

W. Bro. Baylis, but hope he will be able to attend an

occasional meeting in the future.

Lodge Otaihape held its Installation on 7th November

when Bro. W. S. McPhail was installed by R.W. Bro. J.

A. Nash, Prov.G.M., who also delivered the address to the

W.M.; the Wardens, Bros. A. O. P. Batley and N. M.

Anderson, were addressed by W. Bro. A. B. Swedlund

and the address to the Brethren by W. Bro. P. W. Morris,

P.A.G.D.C. Quite a large number of G.L. Past and Present

Officers and other visitors were present under the able

direction of W. Bro. H. R. Thorburn, A.G.D.C.

W. Bro. E. B. Cook presided over the regular meeting of

Feilding Lodge in October when two candidates were

initiated and it was pleasing to see such an excellent

attendance of members and visitors.

Marama Rose Croix Chapter has another W.M.S., the

installation of E. and P. Bro. T. P. Hart was performed re-

cently by Ill. Bro. F. J. Rea, 31st Deg., assisted by several

Brethren and Brethren.

The Manawatu Royal Arch Chapter continues to progress.

The 1st Principal, V.Ex. Comp. P. W. Morris, presided

over the last monthly meeting and as W. Mark Master

advanced two candidates. The attendance at the regular

meetings of Manawatu continues to improve and all the

companions are showing an added enthusiasm for Royal

Arch Masonry.

W. Bro. E. J. Hicken, W.M., of Lodge Manawatu Kil.,

had a big meeting last month, the occasion being the

raising of two nephews of our dearly loved Prov.G.M.,

R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash. Needless to say the ceremony was

performed in Kilwinning's usual thoroughness and will be

long remembered by those who were fortunate enough to

be present.

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SOUTHLAND NOTES.

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The Installation of W. Bro. H. A. Knowles as Master of

Lodge Winton, No. 108, on 7th November, for a second

term attracted an excellent attendance. The ceremony was

conducted by R.W. Bro. G. J. Yule, Prov.G.M., ably

assisted by W. Bro. H. Paterson, Asst.G.D.C., and G.

Lodge officers. The Wardens were invested and addressed

by R.W. Bro. Jas. Manson, P.Prov.G.M., and V.W. Bro. J.

D. Campbell, P.G.D.C. Address to Brethren by R.W. Bro.

F. A. Steans, P.D.G.M. The Junior Officers were invested

by R.W. Bro. S. C. K. Smith, P.G.W., W. Bros. J. A.

Cushen, P.A.G.D.C., Jas. Stobo, P.G.Std.B., and F. Tilley,

P.G.O.

Lodge St. John, No. 94, will hold their annual "Scotch

Night" at their regular meeting this month. The ceremony

of raising will be worked by the P.M.'s of the Lodge.

The Installation of Frater A. W. Jones as V. Preceptor of

the Southland Preceptory of Knight Templars was con-

ducted on the 10th November by Past Preceptor S. C. K.

Smith. There was a good attendance of Knights present.

Past Preceptors G. J. Reed, A. Scott, E. McK. Lyon and J.

L. Sutton assisted in the ceremony.

During the past couple of months various members of the

Directors of the Invercargill Freemasons' Hall Co. have

been attending the several Inveicargill Lodges and

addressing the members on matters relating to the Peace

Memorial Campaign being fostered by the Hall Company.

The Ceremony of Advancement was most impressively

conducted by the Officers of the Mark Degree of

Southern Cross Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3, at their

October meeting.

W. Bro. G. J. Reed was recently installed M.P.S. of the

Dunedin Conclave, No. 176, of Red Cross of Constantine.

Huiroa Royal Arch Chapter is in for a busy time for the

next few months as there is a number of good candidates

applying for membership.

Southland lodges were well represented at the recent

Grand Lodge Communication held in Dunedin. The

various delegates returned fully impressed with the dig-

nity and importance of this well-organised function.

The annual meeting of shareholders of the Invercargill

Freemasons' Hall Company held at the end of October

disclosed another year of careful and efficient

management by R.W. Bro. A. Derbie and his co-directors.

W. Bro. Buckingham, Master, Officers and a strong fol-

lowing of Past Masters and Brethren of Lodge Victoria,

No. 147, paid an official visit on 25th November to the

Service Lodge, No. 237 (Dunedin) and worked the

ceremony of raising.

V.Ex. Comp. E. McK. Lyon was installed into the office

of T.I. Master of the Southern Cross Cryptic Council, No.

3, on 24th October. The ceremony was conducted by

R.Ex. Comp. S. C. K. Smith, assisted by R.Ex. Comps. G.

H. Brown, F. A. Steans, A. Scott, and V.Ex. Comp. W. R.

Allen and A. Derbie in the presence of a good company of

members.

Several Invercargill Lodges intend holding Children's

Xmas Parties on Saturday afternoons towards the end of

the school year.

Ex. and Perf. Bro. R. H. Waddell, M.W.S., and officers of

Murihiku Rose Croix Chapter, No. 36, conducted the

ceremony of Perfection at the quarterly meeting held on

29th November. The work was carried out with a dignity

fully in accordance with the high traditions of this beauti-

ful unit of the Craft.

W. Bro. J. C. Prain, P.M., Lodge Waihopai, No. 189, is

making a splendid recovery from his recent severe illness.

W. Bro. Lewis Clapp, well known in Masonic and

educational circles in Southland, recently died in

Wellington.

Invercargill members of the Zealandia Consistory. No. 10,

attended the annual meeting of this unit in Dunedin on

18th November.

Christmas and New Year Greetings are extended to all

members of the Craft throughout the Dominion.

Excellent support is being given by Lodge Southland, No.

273, and other Lodges throughout the district to a circular

appeal on behalf of the widow of a deceased Brother.

Two sitting Masters from Wellington city recently

attended one of the Invercargill Lodges just prior to the

Annual Communication.

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OTAGO NOTES.

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On 18th October the Installation ceremony of Lodge

Oamaru Kilwinning, No. 82, was carried out by V.W.

Bro. J. S. Duncan, Asst.Prov.G.M. of Otago, assisted by

local G.Lodge Officers. Bro. W. Shirkey was installed as

W. Master of the Lodge. W. Bro. J. G. Duncan,

Dep.Prov.G. of Canterbury, was also present with a

goodly number of Brethren from South Canterbury, and

took part in the proceedings. V.W. Bro. G. S. M.

Crawford, G.D.C., was Director of Ceremonies. Bro. J.

Mayfield rendered a beautiful solo in the Temple.

Lodge Oamaru, No. 260, at its meeting on 1st November,

initiated a Brother, with W. Bro. Clayton McDonald in

the chair. This Lodge has now several E.A.'s awaiting

advancement. A discussion took place on the question of

Grand Lodge headquarters, and it was decided to instruct

the Delegate to G.Lodge Communication to oppose the

rescinding of last year's decision in this matter.

The Lodge of Waitaki, No. 11, carried out an initiation

ceremony at its meeting on 8th November, with W. Bro.

H. C. Cameron in the chair. A fraternal visit was paid by

Lodge St. Augustine, No. 299, from Waimate, under W.

Bro. D. Shaw, W. Master of the Lodge. This Lodge meets

on the same evening as Lodge of Waitaki, and had held

their meeting early in order to make the visit possible—a

fine gesture.

On 15th November Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning initiated a

Brother under the guidance of W. Bro. W. Shirkey, the

new W. Master of the Lodge, this being his first meeting

as Master.

There was a good attendance of Companions at the In-

stallation meeting of Waitaki Kilwinning Royal Arch

Chapter, No. 8, on 27th September when Ex. Comp. J. W.

Watson was installed as 1st Principal, J. Y. Rushton as

2nd Principal, and F. J. D. Blackgrove as 3rd Principal. At

the monthly Convocation of the Chapter on 25th October

Ex. Comp. F. J. D. Blackgrove was installed as W. Mark

Master, and a Brother was advanced to the honourable

degree.

On 26th September a meeting of the North Otago Rose

Croix Chapter was held. Ill. Bro. W. J. Girling, 33°,

G.I.C., South Island Division, accompanied by several Ill.

Brethren, installed Ex. and Per. Bro. H. S. Cox as M.W.S.

————————

CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

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The St. Augustine Royal Arch Chapter held its meeting

on 30th October when the Excellent Degree was worked.

The regular meeting of Canterbury Kil winning R.A.

Chapter was held on 6th November when there was a

good attendance.

At the regular meeting of Lodge Riccarton on 21st

November V.W. Bro. Ross Hepburn occupied the chair

for the Past Masters' Night when the Third Degree was

worked. The visitors present included the Groups of Past

Masters of the years 1938-39 and 1941-42 of which V.W.

Bro. Hepburn is a member and also the 1937-38 Group.

An official visit was paid by the Masters and Past

Masters, Lodge No. 130, of which V.W. Bro. Hepburn is

Secretary.

V.W. Bro. Alan Fisher presided at the regular meeting of

the Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge No. 130 on 15th

November which was his last night in the chair. Eight

questions of Masonic interest were answered by V.W.

Bro. Ross Hepburn, Grand Lecturer. There was a large

attendance of visiting Masters and Brethren.

At the regular meeting of Robert Burns Lodge on 17th

October opportunity was taken to enable the sitting

Masters to give an unofficial farewell to R.W. Bro. C. S.

Thompson prior to his retirement from the office of

Provincial Grand Master of Canterbury.

R.W. Bro. H. A. Lamb, Grand Secretary, and V.W. Bro.

C. N. Cathie, Pres.B.G.P., accompanied the M.W. the

Grand Master on the occasion of his official visit to the

Provincial Grand Lodge of Canterbury on 28th October.

The regular meeting of the Royal Canterbury Preceptory

of K.T.'s was held on 20th November when the Eminent

Preceptor, E.Kt. F. J. Shanks, presided. There was a good

attendance of members of the Preceptory.

Excelsior Chapter, No. 78, Rose Croix, held its regular

meeting on 24th November, the M.W.S. Ex. and Per. Bro.

Darcy Doreen presiding. The ceremony of Perfection was

carried out by the M.W.S., assisted by Past M.W.S. and

officers. V.I11. Bro. W. J. Girling, Grand Inspector

General, Southern Division, and several visiting

Illustrious Brethren were present

The local Masters and other Brethren from Christchurch

who have been at Dunedin for the recent Grand Lodge

Communication express their sincere appreciation of the

hospitality extended to them by the Brethren of Otago.

————————

NORTH CANTERBURY NOTES.

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The Waimakariri-Hurunui Group wish all Sister Groups

the Compliments of the Season.

The last night special at Southern Cross, No. 6, in honour

of their popular Master, W. Bro. D. W. Ross, will long be

remembered and he deserves great praise for his energy

and efficiency and the installation of his successor on the

first Thursday in December should be extra good as W.

Bro. Ross has done such a splendid job and his work will

be reflected in the 1945 Master's mirror.

Ashley Lodge has had a busy time and W. Bro. Appleby

has done a lot of visiting and had excellent receptions.

Regret is felt in our group through the loss of W. Bro.

Withers. He did great work in Ashley and was a tower of

strength at the organ. Sincere sympathy is extended to

Mrs. Withers and family and Ashley Lodge.

Ashley Royal Arch Chapter Installation will take place on

Saturday, 2nd December, at 7 p.m. Sister Chapters are

urged to attend and help Ashley in their great effort.

Mairaki, 131, has quite a busy agenda paper and has a

special function on 13th December in the Temple in

Christchurch when the Master, W. Bro. J. B. Struthers,

and his officers will raise his son in co-operation with the

Master and Brethren of Lodge United Forces. City and

suburban lodges should keep this date free, as to see

Mairaki work in the Temple will be an educational treat.

Tawera worked an initiation recently and did the job in

their usual thorough manner. Visitors to lovely Oxford

should look up Bro. R. C. Drummond, secretary of

Tawera, address, "Police Station," and he can direct you

to the scenic wonders.

Kaikoura has a couple of candidates and hopes to stage a

De Luxe meeting in January in honour of their Master.

W. Bro. Selby-Williams, who has had such a successful

year. The installation of his successor will take place in

February and Brethren wanting a real good outing should

get the date from R.W. Bro. Geo, Yemm.

Cheviot Lodge is still busy and W. Bro. McPherson and

his Brethren are going up to Kaikoura in February for the

"Big Night."

Acacia and Amuri have just started their new year and W.

Bros. Whittington and Davison, the new and young

Masters, hope to see their sister lodges visit them often.

Amberley Lodge is very busy and W. Bro. Arthur Burke

sends his kind regards and Season's Greetings to all his

friends in the Waimak.-Hurnui Group.

The country Brethren turned out well to the annual

communication, of Prov. Grand Lodge of Canterbury to

say farewell to R.W. Bro. C. L. Thompson and see in-

stalled our new Prov. Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Alfred J.

Jones. Also to have the pleasure of meeting our Grand

Master, M.W. Bro. Teagle, whose kind words and

friendly hand shake caused great satisfaction. V.W. Bro.

Charles Jones was Grand D.C. and had a team of splendid

assistants who looked after the visitors' comforts. The

Jones turned out in force and several Smiths were also

present. The country groups desire to thank R.W. Bro.

Yemm and Prov. Grand Lodge for their hospitality and

friendly welcome.

On Monday, 18th December, all country Masters should

try and be in Christchurch to attend the eightieth

anniversary of the Canterbury Lodge. This Lodge has a

wonderful record and the members will be delighted to

see as many old Brethren present as possible.

R.W. Bros. John Du Feu and Charles Flavell send the

Season's Greetings to all Lodges in our group.

————————

NELSON-MARLBOROUGH NOTES.

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The Installations of four Lodges in the territory, namely

St. Cuthberts, Motueka, Waimea, and Forest, have been

carried through with complete satisfaction by the Prov.

G.M., R.W. Bro. James Baird, assisted by G.L. Officers.

The attendances at each was remarkably good and fully

representative, and the presence of the Asst. Prov.G.M.,

V.W. Bro. Frank Mogridge, of Blenheim, at St. Cuthberts

and Motueka was greatly appreciated.

The keenness and the Masonic knowledge and ability of

the Worshipful Masters and Officers elected and installed

augurs well for the future progress and expansion of the

Lodges, whilst the warm fraternal spirit apparent between

all the Lodges of each constitution has been again amply

demonstrated.

During these ceremonies the Prov.G.M. has made re-

ference firstly to the increased contributions throughout

the territory to the W.O. and A.M. Fund, and the need for

the Junior Officers to become fully conversant with the

Ritual. At Lodge Forest particular reference was made to

the presence of the three venerable members of the

Lodge, each of whom are P.M.'s, having been members

for over 50 years. They are W. Bros. Cowin, Syder and

Tunnicliff.

At each of the four Lodges the S.W. was installed as

W.M. as follows:—St. Cuthberts, W. Bro. George Davis

Polglase; Motueka, W. Bro. John Francis Heath; Waimea,

W. Bro. George Victor Swafford; Forest, W. Bro. Herbert

William Hunt.

We regret to report that W. Bro. W. C. Lucas, P.G.W.,

Secretary of Wairau Lodge, No. 42, is at present

indisposed and best wishes for his steady and complete

recovery are expressed by a very wide circle of Masonic

friends and associates. W. Bro. A. W. O. Renner, P.G.D.,

has been appointed Acting Secretary. At the last meeting

W. Bro. J. Stewart, P.M., delivered a most interesting

address, his subject being "The Geometry of the

Freemason." The lecturer traced man's recognition of the

hand and the mind of the Grand Geometrician who had

arranged and ordered the creation in a vast series of

superb and perfect designs.

W. Bro. Blackmore and Officers of Marlborough Lodge

of Unanimity, No. 106, are having a very busy year. At

the last meeting two F.C.'s were "raised." A special

invitation has been issued to all M.M.'s to attend

rehearsals and also the Wairau Lodge of Instruction which

is held in the Masonic Temple on the third Wednesday of

each month. The Christmas Tree Function will be held

again as usual on 18th December. An official visit was

paid to Lodge Awatere on 16th November when two

F.C.'s were "raised" by No. 106. Consequent upon the

transfer of numerous members of the Air Force from

Blenheim both Wairau Lodge and the Marlborough

Lodge of Unanimity have had to say farewell to many

Brethren in the Service who during their stay had been

regular visitors. The Blenheim Lodges have spared no

effort to entertain these visiting Brethren and eulogistic

references to the many kindly acts were made by the

representatives of the Brethren in Blue during their

farewell speeches.

Both Lodge Havelock, No. 104, and Lodge Waitohi, No.

111, report good progress and successful meetings.

At the November meeting of Golden Bay Lodge, No.

2194 E.C., a double Second Degree was worked.

Lodge Nelson, No. 288, has had two splendid meetings

since its Installation in September. The special feature in

December will be the initiation of a candidate who was a

member of the Nelson National Reserve. It is expected

that all Brethren who were members of the Nelson

National Reserve will be in attendance.

Motueka Lodge has suffered a bereavement in the

"passing" of one of its esteemed Brethren, Bro. F. H.

Cooper, who during his travels in many parts of the world

had accumulated wide Masonic knowledge. The veteran

Lodge Chaplain, W. Bro. G. Budden, P.G.B.B., is at

present a patient in the Nelson Hospital, and it is earnestly

hoped that he will make a complete recovery from his

indisposition.

Victory Lodge, No. 40, is as usual having a busy time

with well-attended meetings. A triple initiation took place

at the November meeting. With the approach of the

Festive Season greetings have been sent to over forty

Brethren who are either serving in the Forces or who are

now resident away from Nelson.

The annual combined meeting arranged each year by

Lodge Victory is to take place on Saturday, 9th

December, when the Prov.G.M. will attend officially.

This is always a bright function with all Lodges

participating, whilst the special feature this year will be a

presentation by the District Lodges to R.W. Bro. Stiles,

P.D.G.M. The annual children's and parents' night is to be

held 16th December.

The Installation of Murchison Lodge is to take place

Saturday, 2nd .December, and in conjunction with this

meeting the first annual meeting of the "1942" Masters'

Association is to be held.

————————

WELLINGTON NOTES.

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The Installation of Bro. M. W. Priest, S.W., as

Worshipful Master of Eketahuna Lodge, No. 92, and the

investiture of his officers took place in the Masonic

Temple, Eketahuna, earlier in the year. The Installing

Master, R.W. Bro. G. M. Stone, Prov.G.M., M.W. Bro.

Geo. Russell. P.G.M., and G.L. Officers attended.

In his remarks the W.M. said he was conscious of the

high standard that would be demanded of him and also of

what Freemasonry could do for the world in the change-

over from war to peace. If he wanted strength for the task

then it was for each and everyone of us to dwelt in the

secret place of the Most High. Having done that as

individuals then we could hope as a nation to live under

the shadow of the Almighty.

A feature of the "Banquet" was the visit of several

Shetland Brethren from Wellington, Martinborough, and

Ormondville. These Brethren had come long distances in

order to present the W.M. with the working tools of his

Ancient forefathers—The Vikings. They were the Pole

Star, the Anchor, and the Helm Pin. These working tools

were embodied in a beautifully carved model of an old

Viking Galley, and this together with an illuminated

address which explained the tools, and signed by all the

Shetland Brethren was presented to the W.M. by his

fellow-Shetlanders.