RECONSTRUCTION PLANS AND THE...









    RECONSTRUCTION PLANS AND THE CRAFT.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    S the war draws wearily to a close, the idea of reconstruction comes more and more into the foreground.


    To an increasing extent communities arid individuals, from the greatest and highest to the smallest and


    most insignificant, are turning their attention to the kind of world that will emerge from the world conflict,


    and the kind of world it can and should be made. The zeal of the young and ardent, as well as the older and


    less enthusiastic, is everywhere directed to plans for world betterment, in the high resolve that the two


    catastrophes which human folly has brought upon the race in the last generation will not be repeated in years


    to come. It is hoped, in a spirit of tempered optimism, to rebuild the devastated edifice of civilisation on


    securer moral foundations than those of the past.


    It is only natural and proper that Freemasons everywhere should take an especial interest in this moral and


    material rebuilding of the temple of mankind. There would indeed be something amiss with our teaching if


    this were not so. All the same, there appears to be some confused and erroneous thinking in some quarters as


    to the role that the Craft can and should play in the work of reconstruction. One occasionally hears it


    suggested that Freemasonry should abandon its customary neutral attitude to practical political problems, and


    actively participate in the preparation and implementing of plans for social betterment and world


    reconstruction.


    If this means that the Craft should throw its powerful though unobtrusive influence into the scale of moral


    principle and national and world righteousness, it would command universal assent; but here general


    agreement would stop. What many zealots envisage, however, goes far beyond this attitude; they consider


    that the Craft should actively endorse some specific plan or plans of reconstruction, and strive to put them


    into effect, presumably by political action, since there is no other way. This attitude is not, we think, widely


    spread, nor does it appear to represent majority opinion either in this territory or in other territories of similar


    outlook and ways of life such as the United Kingdom, the other British Dominions, and the United States. It


    does however command some following. We believe that, however sincere, earnest and praiseworthy it may


    be in intent, it is based on a misunderstanding of what the Craft can and should do in community life.


    It must not be overlooked that any specific practical detailed plan of action, as distinct from the moral


    purpose and ideals behind it, must of necessity become a matter of contentious politics before it can be


    implemented. As such, its pursuit would involve either the creation of a political party, or affiliation with


    some existing political party, or infiltration of some such party by the incorporation within it of masonic


    "cells," to employ the jargon of the day. Further, to be effective, it would involve sustained and systematic


    struggle by propaganda and otherwise to displace other plans, and to force acceptance from the political


    world and the community at large.


    The Craft does not proselytise, It is an exclusive and not an all-embracing body, it works unotrusively and


    hides its light under a bushel, and it is not organised or adapted for purposes of propaganda or mass


    persuasion. And yet, if it does not do these things, then as advocate of a practical programme of action it


    would prove ineffective, it not totally useless. Descent into the contentious arena of political life, indeed,


    with the incidental publicity and propaganda, seems fundamentally incompatible with the spirit and


    organisation of Masonry as we know it in communities like our own. Political Freemasonry, as it has existed


    at times in Europe and some other parts of the world, has not enjoyed such a measure of practical or moral


    success as should tempt us to follow in that direction.


    As conceived in our territory and similar communities elsewhere, the task of the Craft is edification in the


    literal sense of that fine word; building the temple, the temple of individual character, and allowing the effect


    of this individual building to permeate the community as a spirit standing for integrity of character and


    righteousness of conduct. Here there are no elements of contention to divide us, no differences of view as to


    what is best to be done.


    The Craft embraces in its ranks men of all theistic religions, of all schools of political opinion, of all degrees


    of education, social position and interests, and of every outlook on practical life. On the attempt to formulate


    A




    a specific plan of reconstruction, which must of necessity be more or less contentious, there would be a real


    danger that our unity might break up from within. We agree on moral principles, but we should certainly


    differ, and differ seriously, on their application as embodied in detailed practical policies. The unity of the


    Craft would disappear, and its harmony be perhaps seriously impaired. It might even break up into sects and


    schisms.


    There is also the further danger that if the Craft endorsed one set of reconstruction principles, it would incur


    the hostility of parties advocating other sets, lose the respect that accrues to it from its communal neutrality,


    and become the object of movements for suppression and persecution. That this danger cannot be lightly


    dismissed seems evident from what has happened in some parts of the world in the times we are now living


    in.


    We have our part to play in reconstruction, but as individuals and not collectively as an order; except, of


    course, for reconstruction of specific masonic activities where they have been suspended or impaired under


    persecution in countries now liberated from tyranny. When one looks at the world today, with its


    disillusionment and moral weariness, its indifference to high principles, and its moral insincerity, one cannot


    but feel that there is much need for the permeation of the social body by the principles of the Craft. This,


    however, is not a task for collective application of reconstruction plans; it is the privilege and high calling of


    the individual Freemason.


    ———————


    VISIT OF THE GRAND MASTER, HIS EXCELLENCY SIR CYRIL NEWALL,


    G.C.B., O.M., G.C.M.G., C.B.E., A.M., TO SOUTHLAND.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    Freemasonry in Southland was honoured, on Monday, 12th March, by a visit from the Most Worshipful the


    Grand Master, His Excellency Sir Cyril Newall.


    When the R.W. the Prov. Grand Master became acquainted of the proposed visit he immediately convened a


    meeting of the Worshipful Masters of the City Lodges (combined City Lodges) and arrangements were put


    in train for what promised to be a history-making event in so far as Freemasonry in Southland was


    concerned. The M.W. the G.M., through the Grand Secretary, had very kindly expressed a wish that Her


    Excellency Lady Newall should meet the ladies of Masonic brethren during his visit.


    From the intense interest evinced following the announcement, it was very evident the attendance at both


    functions would be large, and as the day approached it became apparent that the visit of so distinguished a


    visitor would be honoured in true Southland fashion.


    At- the appointed time there was an attendance of more than 350 brethren from the city Lodges, which taxed


    the seating accommodation of the Temple almost to its capacity. Additional seating for over 200 country


    brethren from all parts of the territory was provided and filled to overflowing.


    The Prov. Grand Master, R.W. Bro. J. D. Campbell, expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large and


    representative gathering to do honour to the M.W. the Grand Master. He also pointed out that not only were


    the brethren honouring the Grand Master of Freemasons of N.Z., but they were also honouring a great and


    distinguished airman. The Prov. Grand Master concluded his remarks by quoting the world-famous words of


    the Right Hon. Winston Churchill in reference to the Royal Air Force when he said that "Never had so many


    owed so much to so .few." R.W. Bro. Campbell remarked that our Grand Master was one of "the few" to


    whom Mr. Churchill had referred in such apt words, and on behalf of the Freemasons of Southland


    welcomed the M.W. the Grand Master most heartily and thanked him for finding time from his heavy duties


    of State to so honour the brethren in Southland.


    The M.W. the G.M. thanked the Prov. G.M. for his warm welcome, and stated words could not adequately


    express what he felt at the sight of so large a gathering of brethren. The M.W. the G.M. outlined his career in


    Freemasonry and the great pleasures he had experienced from his association with the Order, as well as the


    many wonderful friendships he had made which would not have been available to him otherwise. The Grand


    Master said that from the relaxation of mind and friendship he had experienced through his association with


    Masonry he was convinced Freemasonry had a big duty to perform in the post-war days when brethren


    would be returning to civilian life after many years of active service. Many of the brethren would require just


    what Freemasonry had to offer, and he commended this thought to every brother to think deeply over and to


    offer the hand of friendship and help with understanding to those who may be in need of such.


    In the refectory His Excellency spoke in lighter vein in reply to his toast, very ably proposed by R.W. Bro. J.


    D. Campbell.




    The G.M.'s praise of the wonderful countryside of Southland he had visited and viewed left little doubt of his


    being genuinely impressed, and some amusement was caused when he commented on the large number of


    Canterbury lambs he had passed in the beautiful green pastures of Southland. His Excellency, in conclusion,


    expressed pleasure at the large attendance and concluded with a further plea for understanding of the


    brethren who had been and would be demobilised from the Forces. At the conclusion of the meeting the


    M.W. the G.M. expressed a wish to shake hands with all present, and his wish was readily gratified to the


    pleasure of the brethren.


    In the largest lounge and tea rooms in Invercargill Her ' Excellency Lady Newell was entertained by well


    over 200 of the ladies of brethren at a musical evening, followed by supper, served amidst a bower of bright


    blooms.


    Her Ladyship was welcomed by Mrs. E. C. Smith, in the unavoidable absence, owing to illness, of Mrs. J. D.


    Campbell.


    Her Excellency replied to the welcome in such a friendly and understanding manner as to endear herself to


    all present, and it is the wish of all that Her Excellency may be able to accompany our G.M. on his next visit


    to Southland.


    During the evening Her Excellency was presented with a bouquet from the ladies.


    The visit of the M.W. the G.M. and Lady Newall will long be remembered as a gracious act, graciously


    executed, by two very understanding and kindly persons.


    ———————


    PAST MASTERS.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    Paper prepared and delivered at a recent meeting of


    Lodge Nau Mai, No. 177, by W. Bro. A. Wilson, P.G.S.


    ———


    Some years ago the following paragraphs appeared in an issue of the "Craftsman" in an article entitled


    "Knife and Fork Masons":—


    "There are three kinds of Masons. The Mason who takes his degrees out of curiosity, and after being


    accepted as a member never finds his way back to the Lodge and forgets what he has heard but not


    understood.


    "The Mason who attends when any special function is on or when he can exhibit himself in a public


    procession, who always pays his dues and demands that he be buried with all the pomp and show of the


    Craft.


    "And the Mason who at his first inception begins to see all the beauties of the Craft and to understand its


    teachings, and who studies to know and serve his Lodge with faithfulness. He pays every obligation, sustains


    his Lodge, accepts every assignment of duty and may always be depended upon for his work."


    Now whilst there are many thousands of brethren who cannot attain, or perhaps do not aspire to the Chair of


    K.S., who are included in the third category, I think it will be admitted that the P.Ms. as a whole do belong to


    that class, and as it is this class of Mason that makes possible that progress without which the Order would


    have long ago fallen into decay, you will appreciate why the P.Ms. exercise such a vast influence on the


    destinies of the Craft. As the permanence and stability of any structure depends in a great measure on the


    solidity of its foundation, so may we liken the Craft as a whole and the Lodge in particular as being firmly


    resting upon the work of the P.Ms. The P.Ms. cannot make any claim to any greater antiquity or historical


    past than any of the brethren, rather to the contrary. In the days of the operative mason the Master must of


    necessity have been the E.A. and F.C. before he could ever hope to be Master. Today the rank of an I.M. is a


    degree as much as that of an E.A., F.C., M.M., or the exalted degree of the R.A. It has its own ceremony by


    which alone a Master can be inducted into the chair, it has its own O., its T.H., its S.G.T. and W. It gives a


    distinct and honourable status in the Craft, and raises its possessor high above the level of an ordinary


    member of the Craft, and it makes him a ruler and elder in the Order; but this was not always so, as the


    following brief review will show:—


    The period immediately following the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 is especially


    interesting to the student of Masonic History and ritual for many reasons, not the least being the tracing of


    the invention or adoption of the curious series of degrees super-imposed on the foundations laid by the


    members of the four Lodges which met at the Goose and Gridiron on St. John the Baptist Day of that year. It




    is now generally admitted that only one degree was in existence at that time. In 1721 Dr. Stukely, the


    antiquarian, records in his autobiography: "I was made a Freemason at the Salutation Tavern, Tavistock


    Street," adding, "I was the first person to be made for many years. We had great difficulty to find members


    enough to perform the ceremony." Dr. Anderson's Constitution, adopted in 1723, stated Apprentices must be


    admitted Masters and F.C. only here—that is, in Grand Lodge; but although no record exists of the actual


    working of a ceremony in Grand Lodge, the clause un-mistakeably indicates the two Degrees were in vogue


    by then. Lodges were in existence in 1727 for the sole purpose apparently of working the Master Masons'


    Degree, which was not considered absolutely essential as it is today, for we read in an attachment on the


    Order published about this time: "Not one in a hundred takes the Master's part except for interest."


    By the year 1730 a system of three Degrees was in full swing, as Pritchard's exposure, printed in that year,


    clearly shows. Ten years later finds the first reference to the Degree of the R.A., but it was not formally


    adopted until 1813, whilst the first mention of Masters being installed as rulers of the Craft, in the manner


    with which we are familiar, happens in the minutes of the Lodge of Promulgation, 4th February, 1811. This


    practice could not have been generally acknowledged, for we find discussion and arguments appearing in the


    Masonic papers as late as 1880 as to whether the ritual of the ceremony of a Board of Installed Masters had


    the approval of Grand Lodge or not. As a matter of fact, the only ritual approved by Grand Lodge is that of


    the three established Degrees. The brethren will have observed that the charges given during the ceremony of


    Installation occasionally differ. This is owing to the fact that there are several different versions of the


    ceremony extant, and that there is no law that any particular one shall be used. As a matter of fact, the


    ceremony of Installation is carried out differently in practically every Masonic Province in N.Z.


    But undoubtedly the most important and outstanding date in connection with the P.Ms. is 5th June, 1765,


    when it was proposed at the quarterly meeting of that schismatic body commonly but erroneously termed the


    Antient Masons: "That every P.M. shall be a member of and have a vote in all Grand Lodges during his


    continuance as a member of any Lodge under the Antient Constitution."


    And according to Gould, this proposal occasioned long and various debates. Several of the Masters and


    Wardens argued strenuously against the motion, and three Masters only spoke in favour of it. At length


    Grand Warden Gibson, who was in the chair, put an amendment to the meeting, which was carried by a


    majority of 22, there being 48 for the P.Ms. and 26 against, whereupon it was ordered and declared that from


    and after the 3rd day of December, 1765, all and any regular P.M. while a member of any private Lodge


    shall be a member of the Grand Lodge and shall have a vote in all cases except in making new Laws, which


    power is invested in the Master and Wardens as being the only true representatives of all the Lodges


    according to the old regulation the tenth. This great privilege was confirmed at the union of the two Grand


    Lodges in 1813. As will be readily understood, the effect of ipso facto membership of Grand Lodge being


    cumulative, the effect in a very few years was to make the influence of the P.M. vote practically irresistible,


    and if we are to judge by results the work of the P.M. stands forth in glowing magnificence in every country


    in the world. A man is free to do his good works with the freedom that God meant him to. Leaving the past


    and Grand Lodge, and coming nearer home to the effect of the P.M. on the individual Lodge. It is true that


    the brethren can best understand and appreciate the work of the P.M. The progress and prosperity of a Lodge


    can usually be measured by the calibre of the P.Ms. who form part of its membership. In every Lodge the


    Master has at his disposal men who are ever ready, willing and capable of undertaking even at a moment's


    notice any work or responsibility he may at his discretion ask them to undertake—men who are constantly


    watching the interest and prosperity of the Lodge, who jealously guard the Master and the brethren from


    deviating, either knowingly or unwittingly, from the ancient Landmarks of the Order; always offering in


    more than sufficient numbers to fill any and all of those offices that either the regulations or the customs of


    the Craft require to be filled by one who has passed through the Chairs; to act as preceptors, to instruct the


    brethren undertaking office in those portions of the ceremonies that are the outcome of tradition rather than


    of ritual. It may sometimes be thought by the younger brethren that the P.Ms. are rather conservative. Most


    probably this is true, but it should be remembered that so far as the Craft is concerned, conservatism is a


    virtue rather than a vice. The Craft is founded on fundamental principles, principles that cannot change, as


    they are unalterable. The majority of P.Ms. are men who have lived a goodly span of their mortal existence


    and have attained that wisdom that only age itself can give, and realise that truth cannot be amended. I hope I


    will be forgiven if in conclusion I pay a tribute to our own P.Ms. for the wonderful Lodge they have evolved


    in this Nau Mai, No. 177. Many have passed on to the Grand Lodge above, but amongst those still left with


    us are at least four to whom we should be especially grateful.


    In conclusion, brethren, I would say that it should be the ambition of every Mason to be ranked among the


    P.Ms. of the Lodge, not so much for the honour which it bestows upon the holder, but because in the process




    of attaining that honour he will of necessity have to serve his brethren in many capacities, and he who would


    rule must first learn to serve, and in serving his brethren he will learn the true meaning of Masonry and the


    true philosophy of life.


    ———————


    WAIKATO PRECEPTORY.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    CONSECRATION CEREMONY.


    ———


    Hitherto there have been no facilities in the Waikato Masonic District for the conferring upon those desirous


    of taking them the Antient and high Degrees of Knight Templar and Knight of Malta. Henceforward,


    however, these Religious and Military orders will possess a home in Hamilton. The Constitution and


    Inauguration of the Waikato Preceptory under Charter from the .Great Priory of Scotland, of the Religious


    and Military order of the Temple, took place in the Masonic Hall, Hamilton, on Saturday, 24th February, the


    Consecrating Officer being V.Em. Frater George Russell, P.P.,K.T.C., District Grand Prior, who was assisted


    by V. Fratres W. Millar, D.G.Sen., A. Burns, P.D.G.C. F. W. Herbert, P.D.G.M., J. Armstead, D.G.C., and


    E., McDonald, District Grand Mareschal, who carried out their duties impressively. The Installation of Ven.


    Frater Henry Rolfe as Preceptor was carried out by V. Frater W. Millar, assisted by V. Frater A. Burns, Jr.


    The address to the Preceptor was given by V.Em. Fr. George Russell, District Grand Prior, the Ob. to the


    Officers by V.Fr. F. W. Herbert, the Charges to the Officers by V.Fr. G. H. Harle, P.D.G., Chap., the


    Address by V.Fr. J. Armstead and the Address to the Brethren by V.Fr. W. Millar. At 2 p.m., after opening a


    Preceptory, five Candidates for admission to the Order (being the foundation members of the Preceptory in


    addition to Charter Members) were duly admitted and received respectively the degree of Esquire and Knight


    Templar, according to ancient usage and custom, the ceremony being most solemn in its nature and


    exceedingly interesting. The degrees were conducted by V.Em.Fr. G. Russell, V.Frs. White, Service and L.


    R. Hegley. In each of the above ceremonies V. Frater S. T. S. Martin, P.P. the esteemed District Grand


    Secretary, acted as District P.P., Chaplain, which duty he carried out in his usual most impressive manner.


    The fratres then spent a very pleasant time in the refectory, when all present voted the meeting very


    successful. The District Grand Prior stated that he felt sure the Waikato Preceptory would be in every way a


    great success, for it had a great Masonic District from which to draw its members. There were 38 members


    present. Among the number were five Present and 14 Past Preceptors.


    ———————


    CROCKETS.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    There is always something new to be learned in the study of Freemasonry—Operative or Speculative. Here is


    a word that I have just come across. It is new to me and will, no doubt, be new to many of my readers. It has


    required some research and I here submit the results.


    Crockets are the angles on Gothic spires. They are, however, more than mere ornaments. According to Sir


    Christopher Wren, our great Operative Mason and architect, in his report to the Bishop of Rothester on the


    state of Westminster Abbey, says that the angles of the spires were generally enriched with the flowers the


    botanists call "calcolas" in order to enable the workmen to ascend on the outside by means of ropes to mend


    any defects without raising large and expensive scaffolds. Now you may add this word to your vocabulary


    for your next talk on Masonry.


    Always remember that Gothic architecture is the one style most intimately connected with the history of


    Freemasonry. It was distinguished by pointed arches and the perpendicularity of its lines.—Sandusky


    "Masonic Bulletin."


    ———————


    LIFE AND ITS MYSTERIES: IMMORTALITY.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    Frank L. Hammer, 32°, San Francisco, Calif.


    ———


    Numerous are the reasons advanced of why the world has seemingly gone to pieces. Extraordinary is the


    ingenuity writers display in avoiding the natural and obvious explanation, in their efforts to evade




    acknowledging the sole and direct cause which is none other than materialism. The destructive doctrine of


    annihilation with its inevitable outcome has superseded the truth of immortality; nearly all semblance of


    morality has disappeared and corruption reigns.


    Rulers seem to be obsessed with the maniacal idea that civilisation is advanced and people improved if the


    earth is drenched with blood; that human sacrifices will make this world better. Ostensibly, World War I was


    for this purpose, and everyone knows the result. It set the stage for World War II and made a bumper crop of


    millionaires. Only money is sacred to materialistic people; human lives are conscripted but capital exempted.


    Only because the minds of the masses are drugged is such a preposterous condition possible; otherwise lives


    would be sacred and wealth conscripted.


    The most imperative need of the world today is for a philosophy which shall destroy materialism, reconcile


    brother with brother, acquaint men with their origin, duty and destiny, and enlighten them of the truth of


    immortality. Universal knowledge of immortal life will revolutionise the world because it will rationalise


    men's conduct. Men conscious of immortality will not hate and kill their fellow-men, realising that what they


    do to another they do also to God.


    Now unenlightened and egotistical leaders believe that by purges, liquidations and wars they are destroying


    life, which would make their crimes infinitely more diabolical. They are worse than cannibals who believe


    that mankind is bread to be eaten; war lords think men exist to be slaughtered for their aggrandisement and


    power. Battalions they send to death for a piece of real estate. The loss of thousands of men they consider


    "negligible," but surround themselves with bodyguards.


    This callous indifference to loss of life arises from their ignorance of a future life where a higher law and


    court of justice are encountered. If they had an inkling that, in the hereafter, they will be held accountable,


    they would speedily alter their conduct and settle their disputes in a different manner. And when this


    knowledge becomes general, as it will, their power over life and death will end.


    People are beginning to question, with considerable doubt and suspicion, the "divine" right of kings and


    rulers to conscript the life and freedom of their fellow-men. Did they derive it from on high or usurp it from


    the people? What right has anyone to deprive millions of souls of earthly life? The physical body is the


    temple of the living God, the dwelling-place of the immortal soul, and was given by God for its terrestrial


    expression. Destroying the body, whether one's own or that of another, is a sin and must be expiated. And


    murder is still murder when multiplied by a hundred, thousand or a million with the consequences multiplied


    proportionately.


    Many people wonder if adequate punishment exists for those responsible for making slaughterhouses of their


    countries, filling hospitals with the maimed, crippled, blind and insane, creating incalculable sorrow,


    suffering and moral disorder. They need have no qualms on this score. God is neither mocked nor cheated.


    While rarely, if ever, are rulers brought to justice on earth, there is a hereafter, a place of stark reality where


    all men reap as they have 'sown. Death wipes out no deeds of infamy, cruelty and murder, but the instigator


    comes face to face with their consequences.


    As everyone knows, or certainly ought to know„ the law of cause and effect is not terminated at death, but is


    eternal in duration and universal in scope, eventually bringing to all their just deserts. Divine Justice is ad-


    ministered through this law, and both evil and good return to their originator. Just as in the realm of physics


    `action and reaction are equal," so on the moral plane cause and effect are equal.


    When death comes to the liquidators, how will they greet their victims? And meet them they shall. Terrible


    are the consequences of murder. Through many long centuries the cries and curses of the slain will ring in


    their ears. Faces glaring with hatred and mockery will constantly be before them, oceans of blood filled with


    ghastly corpses from which escape will be impossible. There will be no surcease from remorse, no peace for


    their soul until reparation has been made. Dante in his "Inferno" gives a graphic and accurate description of


    the fate of such as these. Not a pleasant future to contemplate, nevertheless it is not the doctrine of fear but


    the gospel of truth. Not for naught are so many prayers said for souls in purgatory.


    However, men themselves are responsible for their future condition and not some arbitrary being. In


    "Mystery Mind" we mentioned the Akashic, life's imperishable record. This record is both man's executioner


    and judge. There is no tampering with this document, no judge or lawyer to "fix" it for you. One's secret


    history is told wordlessly and is forever known; the details of earth life are understood, all one's acts and


    their far-reaching consequences. Man sees what he has thought, wished, spoken and done without any


    palliating or extenuating excuses. Happy for us if we live so we can leave this world in good spiritual


    circumstances.




    The first experience on entering the land of silence is usually seeing those who have preceded you; quite


    often the nearest and dearest greets the newcomer and perhaps has long been awaiting his arrival. Hence the


    expression of peace frequently seen on the face of the departing one. At death the soul returns to its Father's


    house, the home from which it has too long been absent. Death is life's most beautiful adventure and is


    reserved for the last.


    Life over there is not so different from life over here, for it is a world of activity, labour and service, with


    every opportunity for realising one's dreams, hopes and ambitions, continuing and perfecting interests and


    studies, and completing plans which perhaps were only commenced on earth. It is a land of eternal


    development and progression, and not a place of eternal idleness, stagnation, sleep and rest. Many believe


    that after death all is different with the individual. There never was a greater mistake. One neither gains nor


    loses through the episode of death.


    After death man assumes his spiritual body, which has senses corresponding to all the external ones and this


    body is beautiful or ugly as was the life the soul lived on earth. Those of great spirituality are dazzling and


    beautiful in appearance, while those who are unevolved or evil are dark and hideous. Here in this earth life


    the robes of honour are frequently worn by dishonourable men. In the next life it will not be so. The light


    from the temple within will clothe itself with a corresponding exterior. If our spiritual bodies are composed


    of goodness and truth, we shall be clothed with pure robes. But if they be composed of selfishness, vanity


    and evil, which are the errors of life, we shall be clothed with the filthy rags of impurity. There are no


    variations to this law.


    There is a gradation or caste in the next world just as marked as among the dwellers of earth. But over there


    caste is determined by mental and spiritual acquisitions; here, mostly by material possessions. On earth, men


    are respectively "worth" so many thousands or millions of dollars; in fact, they often are well nigh


    indistinguishable from their bank accounts. Here is injustice — there is absolute justice.


    Space and time, as understood by us, are unknown in the four-dimensional world, and spirit people have in-


    credible freedom of movement. Their power is higher than organic force, their will overcomes material


    gravity, and they can rise and float with the speed of light upon the ether. A voyage on the celestial seas is


    quicker and more easily accomplished than a telegraph operator can transmit events for the daily press. Will


    is their motive power, and, where they will to be, they are.


    There are no barriers between this world and the spiritual spheres except the false ones which men have


    created in their minds. The spiritual worlds are around and above us, and we are under the constant scrutiny


    of its inhabitants. Their eyes are clairvoyant and they are well acquainted with what we are doing, and they


    also know well what we are thinking. If people realised that thousands of eyes witness every deed, there


    would be a great decrease of crime and evil-doing. If the transgressor knew that he was being watched and


    accompanied every step, from the planning to the execution of his crime, that his conduct was causing untold


    suffering and anguish to those who see what he is doing though powerless to prevent it, much of our crime


    would disappear.


    How fares it with the multitude of young men slain for causes no one can understand? Wrenched from the


    body, they find themselves in the next expression of life bewildered and confounded, emotionally, mentally


    and spiritually unprepared. They are met and cared for by those who understand and they gradually become


    aware of their new status. Liberated from the dense body, their consciousness expands and activity increases,


    affording them innumerable opportunities for sending thoughts to people on earth. Their telepathic ability to


    impress those in the flesh is mainly responsible for the growing interest in what lies beyond.


    Always in time of war, when the exodus into the other world is so enormous, there is a deep desire on the


    part of many people to know what has happened to their loved ones. The soul within rebels at the


    materialistic doctrine of oblivion, and one yearns for assurance and conviction of immortality. This longing


    is stimulated by those over there who see the sorrowing and suffering their departure is causing their families


    and friends, and they seek, through every avenue at their disposal, to impress them they are not dead but


    alive. Many people are aware of these thoughts although unable to see or hear their originators. But, make no


    mistake, their voices will yet be heard.


    Nothing is valued more by the boys in foreign lands whether on earth or over there, than greetings and re-


    membrances from loved ones. These are treasured beyond all price, and people should daily send them


    loving thoughts and pray for their progression and enlightenment. Remember always, they are not "lost," but


    have only preceded you into the heavenly land where each of us will go in our turn. Those who pass on in


    youth have little karma to expiate and rapidly advance to higher planes. While the wicked go to a worse


    place, the righteous and innocent go to a world of surpassing beauty, happiness and peace.




    The laws governing communication between earth and other planes of consciousness are definite and


    irrevocable, more rigid than the laws governing material communications. No caprice or will of man can


    change them one iota; he must familiarise himself with their, operation and then comply with them. Those


    over there are bound by these same laws, for by no means are they free agents, but are subject to many


    restrictions.


    A phenomenon of clairvoyance is at best but an inferential evidence because it is not a matter of universal


    human experience. The same may be said about spiritual manifestations; they too are local, special and


    mostly private; although those who have received such evidence can affirm that immortality is true, and that


    the human soul can never be extinguished. But the evidences which are worth anything are not outside.


    Man's immortality, to be of any practical service, must be experienced in his religious nature, felt in his soul,


    and not merely understood by his intellectual faculties. True evidences come through two inward sources of


    wisdom—intuition and reflection.


    Those who dare to be truthful to these inward sources of knowledge will feel positive evidence of


    immortality, and external evidences will serve but as illustrations. When you find this internal conviction of


    immortality which no sophistry can invalidate, you have found a treasure beyond all price; secure this, and


    worry not about external proof.—"The New Age."


    ———————


    REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


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


    ———


    NOVA SCOTIA-1944


    84 Lodges, 8843 members, a gain of 540.


    79th Annual Communication held at Halifax, 14th June, M.W. Bro. W. T. Powers, G.M., presiding.


    673 were initiated, 135 reinstated, and 60 affiliated, while 55 demitted, 148 died, 72 were suspended, and 32


    were rejected.


    The meeting commenced with Divine Service, a sermon, "Builders Rebuilding the Walls," being delivered


    by R.W. Bro. Rev. G. R. Thompson, D.G.M.


    At luncheon R.W. Bro. F. W. Weaver, P.G.O., Dist. of N.C., delivered an address on "The Altar."


    The Committee on Charity granted $535 to fifteen applicants.


    There were 14 men and 14 women in the Freemasons' Home, while 9 guests were assisted outside the Home.


    M.W. Bro. Reginald V. Harris, P.G.M., Grand Historian, reported that he had completed another 34


    chapters—making 105 to date— of his monumental "History of Freemasonry in the Maritime Provinces."


    During the year Fifty-Year Jewels were awarded to 18 brethren.


    Two Lodges amalgamated.


    Grand Master: M.W. Bro. M. R. Chappel, Sydney. Grand Secretary: W. Bro. James C. Jones, Halifax.


    Grand Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. D. A. Thompson, Halifax.


    Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. Clifford S. Thompson, P.Prov.G.M., Christchurch.


    ———


    WISCONSIN-1944.


    306 Lodges, 51,258 members, a gain of 454.


    100th Annual Communication held at Milwaukee, 13th and 14th June, M.W. Bro. Louis D. Potter, G.M.,


    presiding.


    1324 brethren were raised, 354 affiliated, and 476 reinstated, while 871 died, 444 demitted, and 394 were


    excluded.


    Fifty-Year Membership Certificates were issued to 89 brethren.


    The Grand Master travelled more than 30,000 miles in fulfilling his duties.


    A Special Gifts Campaign raised $133,577 for comforts for boys in the armed forces.


    Approximately 5000 Masons gathered in the Milwaukee Auditorium, in what was believed to be the largest


    tiled meeting of Masons ever held in the United States, to celebrate the Grand Lodge Centennial.


    An address, "Which Way Ahead? The Institutional Mind or the Fraternal Spirit?" was given by Bro. Mcllyar


    H. Lichliter, D.D., L.L.D., Past Grand Chaplain of Massachusetts and Ohio.


    There were 107 guests, of an average age of 78, in the Masonic Home.




    N.Z. is not included among the Jurisdictions reviewed by M.W. Bro. R. O. Jasperson, P.G.M.


    Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Herbert L. Mount, Wauwatosa.


    Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. Wm. F. Weiler, P.G.M., Milwaukee.


    Grand Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. Emil C. Rusten, Eau Claire.


    Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. Alfred W. Parkinson, P.Prov.G.M., Hastings.


    ———


    VERMONT-1944.


    103 Lodges, 16,228 members, a gain of 210.


    151st Annual Communication held at Burlington, 14th and 15th June, M.W. Bro. Cady L. Earle, G.M.,


    presiding.


    A special tribute was paid to M.W. Bro. Dr. W. Scott Nay, aged over 90, who was Grand Master from 1899


    to 1901, and who was present.


    67 Fifty-Year Buttons were awarded.


    568 brethren were raised, 71 were affiliated and 60 reinstated, while 55 were suspended, 89 demitted, and


    336 died.


    $32,214 were contributed by members for the Masonic War Services Fund,


    Special Junctions were held to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge, including an


    historical pageant.


    M.W. Bro. Aaron H. Grout, P.G.M., devotes two of his 81 pages of Reviews to New Zealand, 1942,


    including lengthy extracts from M.W. Bro. H. G. Teagle's address.


    Grand Master: M.W. Bro. Milton S. Czatt, Bratheboro. Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. Aaron H. Grout,


    P.G.M., Burlington.


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


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


    ———


    BRITISH COLUMBIA-1944.


    117 Lodges, 13,224 members, a gain of 161.


    73rd Annual Communication held at Vancouver, 22nd and 23rd June, M.W. Bro. J. D. Brown, D.D., G.M.,


    presiding. In the course of his address the Grand Master said:— "I am led to emphasise and, as every


    Worshipful Master is exhorted to do, to forcibly impress upon the brethren 'the dignity and high importance


    of Freemasonry' Other institutions have their places and deserve credit for the valuable service they put into


    the community, but Freemasonry stands apart from them all. Survey human institutions as you may, not one


    of them can point to the same or like traditions; not one of them stands dedicated to the same exalted task. In


    none of them is the drama of life and death portrayed, the ultimate meaning of life interpreted, the


    responsibilities and duties of life so faithfully outlined, all with a specific aim of determining and shaping the


    whole conduct of life. Any retrospect of its degree, made with a view `to distinguish and appreciate the


    connection of our whole system and the relative dependence of its several parts' must discover a unique


    purpose, a definiteness and a singularity of aim which make the internal and not the external qualifications of


    a man its supreme concern. The Lessons of our working tools are too well enforced to miss this central


    characteristic. We are concerned not so much to direct man's outward social activities as we are to discipline


    and mature his mind that he may worthily perform the duties of life, to fortify his soul for life's struggles and


    adversities, to fashion his inner spirit and to develop a consciousness of rectitude and honour—in short, to


    build the man is the function of Freemasonry. Therefore, it cannot be too emphatically urged that


    Freemasonry is not a benefit society, it is not an insurance organisation, it is not a service club, nor is it con-


    stituted to fulfil these functions. Relief is one of its cardinal tenets, but that relief is spontaneous in its


    impulse and silent in its operations. We make no public appeals, nor can the great fabric of our system, with


    its universal, eternal, and unchallengeable truths, its glorious history and traditions, reaching back as it does


    to time immemorial, its clear distinction between operative and speculative Masonry, be regarded as a casual


    circumstance, a means of getting men together for a few convivial moments. Beyond question Freemasonry


    is devoted to the highest interests that could engage the thought and endeavour of man, the moral and


    spiritual aspect of man's nature and our human existence, the development of manhood and moral character


    as a source of human happiness and the noblest contribution to the common good.


    "All this accords to the Craft a very distinctive, even a unique place in human life. So far as I know, no other


    movement, except it be religion itself, has so high an aim. The institutions of religion have doubtless a larger




    scope. Theirs is a programme of total redemption—the complete salvation of all classes and elements of


    human society. They embrace in their plan not only just and upright men, free by birth, and mature age, of


    sound judgment and strict morals, but men, women and children alike, people of all ages and all sorts and


    conditions of men. They can do this because their aim is nothing other than the regeneration of both


    individuals and society. But Freemasonry, without competing with or offering opposition to the agencies of


    religion, throws all its power and prestige into the great task of developing the mental and moral strength of


    worthy men and creating a standard of citizenship, both national citizenship and world citizenship, in the


    hope of building and guaranteeing the, happiness and welfare of mankind. Hence you can see why we claim


    that Freemasonry is not only 'the most ancient but the most moral human institution that ever existed, as


    every character, figure and emblem has a moral tendency and serves to inculcate the practice of virtue in all


    the genuine professors.' "


    A service of Thanksgiving and Supplication to the Almighty Architect was led by Bro. Rev. George Biddle,


    Grand Chaplain, who gave an address, taking as his text, Amos VII, 8.


    435 were initiated, 70 restored, 210 affiliated, while 167 demitted, 78 were suspended, and 264 died. Thirty-


    six were rejected.


    Relief granted totalled $18,380.


    The 111 pages of Reviews include over a page devoted to an appreciative summary of New Zealand's 1942


    Communication.


    Grand Master: M.W. Bro. William Menzies, Vancouver.


    Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. Frank S. McKee, P.G.M., Vancouver.


    Grand Representative of N.Z.: R.W. Bro. J. J. Miller, Vancouver.


    Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. Col. K. Mackenzie, P.D.G.M., Geraldine.


    ———————


    UNITED FORCES LODGE.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    With fifteen of his brethren, W. Bro. H. A. White, of the Services Lodge, Dunedin, paid a fraternal visit,


    after an interval of four years, to their sister Service Lodge, United Forces, Christchurch, on 17th February.


    He was accompanied by the W.Ms. of Achilles, Otago, No. 7, Otago Kilwinning, Oceanic, and the S.W. of


    Waverley Lodge. Thanks to the W.M. of Shirley Lodge, the gathering of over 100 assembled there and


    witnessed a splendid exemplification of the Third Degree by the visiting Service Lodge.


    In the refectory the various visitors responded to the toast of their health in an interesting manner. United


    Forces Lodge took the opportunity of welcoming


    Captain Ralph Newman, R.N.Z.N.V.R., D.S.O.,


    who has returned on furlough. The W.M. stressed


    the distinguished service performed by their


    brother, and the high rank he had attained in the


    Service, and on behalf of the gathering tendered his


    congratulations. Bro. Newman replied in modest


    vein and was loudly applauded. The following day


    saw an assembly of some 70 brethren, who, thanks


    to the Paparua Bowling Club making their green


    available, were entertained at bowls. Lunch was


    served after the morning game, and during the


    afternoon the visitors drew slowly ahead to take the


    challenge cup by four points. A perfect day and


    outstanding work by a small but efficient band of


    stewards added much to a happy and enjoyable


    outing.





    THE FINDING OF NOAH'S ARK.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    (By A. G. Eastman.)


    ————


    PART II.


    We read in the Bible that the Ark rested on "the mountains of Ararat." Mount Ararat is in the country we call


    Armenia today, and is part of the territory of Soviet Russia, midway between the Caspian and Black Seas. Its


    height is given as about 17,000 feet. The discovery of the Ark was made by some Russian aviators just


    before the Russian Revolution in 1917 A.D. These aviators were stationed at a lonely temporary air outpost


    about 25 miles north-west of Mount Ararat. It was on a terribly hot August day, and they looked with


    longing eyes at the white snow-cap of Mount Ararat, which is always snowcapped because of its height.


    Now I will read you their account: "How we longed for some of that snow! Then the miracle happened. The


    captain walked in and announced that plane No. 7 was ready for high altitude tests, and ordered my buddy


    and me to make the test. At last we could escape the heat! Needless to say, we wasted no time in getting


    ready. No use wasting time warming-up the engine when the sun had it nearly red-hot. We circled the field


    until we hit the 14,000 foot mark, and then stopped climbing for a few minutes to get used to the altitude. I


    looked over to the right at that beautiful snow-capped peak, now just a little above us, and for some reason I


    can't explain, turned and headed the plane straight toward it. My buddy turned around and looked at me with


    question marks in his eyes, but there was too much noise for him to ask questions. After all, 25 miles doesn't


    seem much at a hundred miles an hour. As I looked down at the great stone battlements surrounding the


    lower parts of this mountain, I remembered having heard that it had never been climbed since the year 700


    B.C., when some pilgrims were supposed to have gone up there to scrape some tar off an old shipwreck, to


    make good luck emblems to wear round their necks to prevent their crops being destroyed by excessive


    rainfall. The legend said that they had left in haste, after a bolt of lightning struck near them, and they had


    never returned. Silly ancients! Who ever heard of a shipwreck on a mountain top?


    "A couple of miles around the snow-capped dome, and then a long swift glide down the south side, and then


    we suddenly came upon a perfect gem of a lake, blue as a sapphire, but still frozen over on the shady side.


    We circled round and returned for another look at it. Suddenly my companion whirled around and yelled


    something, and excitedly pointed down at the overflow end of the lake. I looked and nearly fainted. A


    submarine! No. it wasn't, for it had stubby masts, but the top was rounded over with only a flat cat-walk


    about five feet across down the length of it. What a strange craft, built as though the designer had expected


    the waves to roll over the top most of the time, and had engineered it to wallow in the sea, like a log, with


    those stubby masts carrying enough sail to keep it facing the waves. (Years later in the great lakes I saw the


    famous, whale-back ore-carriers with the same kind of rounded deck.) We flew down as close as safety


    permitted and took several circles around it. We were surprised, when we got close to it, at the immense size


    of the thing, for it was as long as a city block, and would compare very favourably in size to the modern


    battleship of today. It was grounded on the shore of the lake, with one-fourth under water. It had been partly


    dismantled on one side near the front, and on the other side there was a great doorway nearly twenty feet


    square, but with the other door gone. This seemed quite out of proportion, as even today ships seldom have


    doors even half that size.


    "After seeing all we could from the air, we broke all speed records down to the airport. When we related our


    find the laughter was loud and long. Some accused us of getting drunk on too much oxygen, and there were


    many other remarks too numerous to relate. The captain, however, was serious. He asked us several


    questions, and ended by saying, 'Take me up there; I want to look at it,'


    We made the trip without incident, and returned to the airport. 'What do you make of it?' I asked, as we


    climbed out of the plane. 'Astounding!' he replied. 'Do you know what ship it is?' Of course not, sir.' Ever


    heard of Noah's Ark? ' 'Yes, sir. But I don't understand what a legend of Noah's Ark has to do with our


    finding this strange thing fourteen thousand feet up on a mountain top.' This strange craft,' explained the


    captain, 'is Noah's Ark. It has been sitting up there for nearly five thousand years. Being frozen up for nine or


    ten months of the year, it couldn't rot, and has been on cold storage, as it were, all the time. You have made


    the most amazing discovery of the age.'


    "When the captain sent this report to the Russian Government it aroused considerable interest, and the Czar


    sent two special companies of soldiers to climb the mountain.


    One group of fifty men attacked one side, and the other group of one hundred men attacked the big mountain


    from the other side. Two weeks of hard work were required to chop out a trail along the cliffs of the lower




    part of the mountain, and it was nearly a month before the Ark was reached. Complete measurements were


    taken, and the plans drawn of it, as well as many photographs, all of which were sent to the Czar of Russia.


    The Ark was found to contain hundreds of small rooms, and some rooms very large, with high ceilings. The


    unusually large rooms had a fence of great timbers across them, some of which were two feet thick, as


    designed to hold beasts ten times as large as elephants. Other rooms also were lined with tiers of cages,


    somewhat like what one sees today at a poultry show, only instead of chicken wire, they had rows of tiny


    iron bars along the front. Everything was heavily painted with a waxlike paint resembling shellac, and the


    workmanship of the craft showed all the signs of a high type of civilisation. The wood used throughout was


    oleander (Gopher, Gen. 6:14), which belongs to the cypress family, and never rots; which, of course, coupled


    with the fact of it being painted and it being frozen most of the time accounted for its perfect preservation.


    The expedition found on the peak of the mountain above the ship the burned remains of the timbers which


    were missing out of one side of the ship. It seems that these timbers had been hauled to the top of the peak


    and used to build a tiny one-room shrine, inside of which was a rough stone hearth like the altars (Gen. 8:20)


    the Hebrews used for sacrifices, and it had either caught fire from the altar or been struck by lightning, as the


    timbers were considerably burned and charred over, and the roof was completely burned off.


    "A few days after this expedition sent its report to the Czar, the Government was overthrown, and godless


    Bolshevism took over, so that the records were never made public, and probably were destroyed in the zeal


    of the Bolsheviks to discredit all religion and belief in the truth of the Bible. We White Russians of the Air


    Fleet escaped through Armenia, and four of us came to America, where we could be free to live according to


    the Good Old Book, which we had seen for ourselves to be absolutely true, even to as fantastic sounding a


    thing as a world flood. Signed, Vladimar Roskovitsky."


    As we see from this account, quite a different set of conditions were responsible for the preservation of the


    Ark. It rested on a mountain so there would be no burial under sand. It was far above the timber line, thus


    there was no danger from destruction by fire. Built of timber named by the Creator, because of its durability,


    and covered with pitch, and lying in a region of perpetual snow and ice, it was thus free from attack or decay


    from parasites of every kind, and finally it was in such an inaccessible spot that it was far from the haunts of


    man until man took to the air. And now let us read God's instruction to Noah regarding the construction of


    the Ark and the warning regarding what was coming on the earth. This is especially applicable now, because


    our Lord compared the conditions then to those at the time of His Second Coming:—


    "Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons


    —Shem, Ham and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.


    And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the


    earth. And God said unto Noah, the end of all flesh has come before me; for the earth is filled with violence


    through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt


    thou make in the ark, and shall patch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou


    shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits (a cubit is about two feet), the breadth of


    it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt


    though finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third


    storeys shalt thou make it." (Gen. 6;9-16.)


    Naval architects who have worked out the displacement of the Ark from the above specifications state that it


    was between 30,000 to 40,000 tons, as large as most of our great liners of today. It was reported in the "Los


    Angeles Times" some years ago, that when the battleship "Oregon" was to be built, it was found that the


    proportions of the ship were exactly those of Noah's Ark, with one slight exception. A telegram to


    Washington secured permission to change this item, and the battleship was built to the exact proportions of


    the Ark, except that the Ark was one-sixth larger.


    God was the Architect of the Ark, the only place of safety on earth during the Flood, and Noah was His


    building contractor and servant. God is the Architect also of His earthly Kingdom, which He set up at Sinai,


    and His building contractor and servant is the great Israel nation, which today is the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic


    race. The British Commonwealth is the Ark today, the place of safety during the coming tribulation on the


    earth.


    At the time of the Flood the Ark had to house the stock of men, beasts and birds which would replenish the


    earth when the judgment was over. It had to be of large proportion, for "two of every sort" had to be housed


    and fed, and in addition, "seven of every clean beast and seven of all fowls of the air." They went in seven


    days before the deluge started, when not only were the windows of heaven opened, but also the fountains of


    the great deep were broken up. This lasted for forty days and forty nights. There evidently was some great


    earth upheaval which broke the oceans, and we read: "And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth;




    and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered" (Gen. 7-19). It is quite clear, as we


    read the description of this giganic world upheaval, that it was world wide, not just some little flood taking


    place in an odd corner of the earth, and that out of it only Noah and those with him in the Ark survived.


    After the waters had gone down, we read about the altar which Noah set up, which this Russian expedition


    found higher up Mount Ararat. "And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and


    of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar." (Gen. 8, 20.) The reason, therefore, for taking


    seven of every clean beast and clean fowl was for the purpose of sacrifice. God then made a Covenant with


    Noah and with every living thing on earth, that never again would He destroy the earth with "the waters of a


    flood." As a token of this Covenant He set the Rainbow in the skies. We still see this token in our skies, and


    yet many deny God and His Word. It's all very well to say we believe in God; the thing is do we believe


    Him? Do we believe all that He has said in His Word?


    (To be continued.)


    —Reprinted from "The Masonic Journal of South Africa."




    ———————


    OBITUARY.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    W. BRO. JOHN EWING WALKER.


    On Sunday, 4th March, the remains of the late W. Bro. John Ewing Walker were laid to rest in the Bulls


    Cemetery. At the conclusion of the Church burial rites a Masonic service was held, the address being


    delivered by R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash, Prov.G.M., also the Public Grand Honours. W. Bros. H. R. Thorburn and


    J. G. Mitchell assisted, and W. Bro. C. H. Thorby, P.G.S., delivered in a very impressive manner the


    concluding rites.


    The late W. Bro. Walker had been a member of Lodge Rangitikei for over 50 years. Grand Lodge honoured


    him with the rank of Past Grand Deacon in recognition of his services, to Freemasonry. A special meeting to


    celebrate the occasion was held at Bulls and was largely attended by Grand Lodge officers from Wellington


    who had been associated with the late Bro. Walker as a member of the Board of General Purposes; also


    brethren from all over the Ruapehu district. W. Bro. Walker was a very popular Mason and will be greatly


    missed by the fraternity.


    ———


    W. BRO. D. S. RICHARDSON, P.M.


    Lodge Taranaki, No. 240.


    "It is right that we should honour men for what they have done and for what they have accomplished in this


    world. But what a man is, is more than what he does. Character determines what a man will do, and


    character, not accomplishment, is what a man takes with him into the other and Higher World."


    The memory of W. Bro. "Dave" Richardson is honoured in Taranaki, both for what he was and what he has


    done. He was held in affectionate regard by all who had come in contact with him, and Freemasonry is the


    poorer today by his passing.


    He was initiated in Lodge Taranaki on 19th November, 1925, and installed as Master in May, 1931. His


    interest in Masonry never slackened, As Secretary of the Lodge he was outstanding and took a keen interest


    in every member. His notes on the monthly summons were a feature that all brethren looked for, and


    whatever the subject, sympathy, congratulation, or kindly criticism, the notes were always in the right key.


    Our W. Brother had been ill for many months, and was a patient sufferer and could have said of death—


    "I wait him calm and unperturbed,


    Undismayed and undisturbed,


    For he but closes earth's dimmed eyes


    To open them in Paradise."




    He was laid to rest in the Hawera Cemetery on 24th February. The Masonic Service was read by R.W. Bro.


    J. C. Barclay, P.Prov.G.M., assisted by Bro. Canon Malcolm. The Lodge of Sorrow prior to the interment


    filled the lodgeroom, and the attendance at the cemetery was exceptionally large.


    ———


    W. BRO. GORDON J. REED, P.A.G.D.C.


    The death occurred very suddenly at Invercargill on 5th March of W. Bro. Gordon J. Reed, P.A.G.D.C., at


    the age of 49 years. Our late brother, who was a most enthusiastic Mason, was initiated in Lodge Southern


    Cross, No. 9, in the year 1922, and after passing through the various chairs was installed Master in 1930. In


    1941 he was honoured with the rank of Asst.G.D.C., in which office he rendered loyal and faithful service to


    Grand Lodge. He was also deeply interested in Capitular Freemasonry and qualified in 1937 as First


    Principal of Southern Cross R.A. Chapter, No. 3. He was also a member of Southern Cross Cryptic Council,


    and at the time of his death held the office of Chap. As a Past M.W.S. of Murihiku Rose Croix Chapter, No.


    36, and Past Preceptor of the Southland Preceptory of Knight Templars our esteemed brother rendered good


    service. He was also a Past Supreme Ruler of the Invercargill Conclave of Secret Monitors and a Past Grand


    Commander of the Zealandia Consistory, No. 10 (Dunedin). Several months ago he was installed M.P.Sov.


    of the Dunedin Conclave, No. 176, of the Masonic Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, which office he


    held at the time of his death.


    Bro. Reed was interested in many institutions working for the welfare of Invercargill. He had a long


    connection with the Invercargill City Council, serving for several years as Deputy Mayor. He also served


    with distinction as chairman of the Baths and Library Committees. His connection with the First Presbyterian


    Church, Invercargill, was spread over a long period, including a number of years as Deacon.


    One of the largest-attended Lodges of Sorrow held in Southland for some time was held on 7th March as a


    tribute of respect to departed merit. The ceremony was conducted by W. Bro. G. E. O. Beetson, W.M. No. 9,


    R.W. Bros. J. D. Campbell, Prov.G.M., and F. A. Steans, Act.G.Chap., and W. Bro. Jas. Stobo, Asst.G.D.C.


    A service was held in First Church, Tay Street, where a large assemblage of Freemasons and the general


    public gathered to do honour to the deceased. A simple, appropriate service was conducted by the Rev. J. A.


    Thomson, who made fitting reference to the work rendered to the community by one who would be greatly


    missed by all. The floral tributes in evidence at the church were an indication of the high esteem in which our


    late brother was held. The service at the graveside was conducted by R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans, P.D.G.M.


    Motions of condolence have been presented by many Masonic units conveying sympathies to his widow,


    sisters and brothers.


    ———


    A UNIQUE FAREWELL.


    On Sunday morning, 11th March, a ceremony, one of the first known of its kind, took place five miles out at


    sea from the Sumner Bar, when by his last request the ashes of the late Bro. William Newstead, of


    Unanimity Lodge, No. 3, Lyttelton, were committed to the deep from the deck of the Sumner lifeboat,


    "Rescue No. 2," by V.W. Bro. Fred Nelson Kerr, P.G.D.C., and at present Grand Superintendent of


    Canterbury Royal Arch and a past deputy captain and life member of the lifeboat.


    The boat was skippered by Br. Charlie Bowman, captain, and his efficient crew, and amongst the invited


    passengers were R.W. Bro. G. F. Allen, P.G.W., W. Bro. S. K. Bassett, Sec of the local Lodge Sumner, No.


    242, and members of Unanimity and Sumner Lodges.'


    After a calm passage past the Shag Rock, over the bar, amid glorious sunshine, with a perfect view of the


    seaside borough and the surrounding hills, the crew and visitors doffed their caps and stood at attention while


    W. Bro. Kerr delivered the farewell oration. He had already conducted the Masonic funeral rites at the


    Crematorium, and stated that our late brother had been an Indian Army veteran, also had seen service in the


    Boer War. After residing in Sumner he had been


    a welcome guest at Sumner Lodge meetings, and


    when he realised that his end was near had sent


    for the speaker, expressing his gratitude to the


    members of the Craft, and a wish that if possible


    his ashes might be committed to the deep, ending


    his request with the wish: "And may there be no


    moaning of the bar," His wishes were granted,


    because no more perfect conditions of sea and


    weather could have been found.




    Readers not acquainted with Sumner will be interested to learn that the Sumner lifeboat, "Rescue No. 2," was


    specially selected by the Grand Master of that day, M.W. Bro. Admiral Earl Jellicoe, when he left the


    Dominion, and it has many unusual features, being unsinkable, if capsized rights itself at once like a cork,


    and possesses special marine engines. It has made many notable rescues and received the unique honour of


    an Award from the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand. At several times in its history the members of


    the crew have nearly all been members of the Sumner Lodge.—Contributed by the Secretary of Lodge


    Sumner, No. 242.


    ———————


    ARE WE INTERESTED?


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    Burt B. Stemmons, 32°.


    ———


    By certain rites and benefits a Freemason is brought to and shares in a sphere of influence surrounding the


    Ancient Wisdom Teaching. This influence, nowhere more apparent than in the Scottish Rite, is crystallised


    in "Morals and Dogma." Without this help, successful, purposeful contact with the philosophy is rarely


    made. Our late Brother J. Ralston Skinner said:


    "There is witness by the emblems remaining in use that two modern bodies have at one time been in


    possession of the keys—viz. (1) that order called the Roman Catholic Church . . . and (2) that body of men


    called Freemasons."


    Dr. James Anderson, D.D., who had much to do with the revival of 1717, said:


    "It is well known that in former times, while learning remained in few hands, the Ancients had several


    institutions for the cultivation of knowledge, concealed under doctrinal and ritual mysteries, that were


    sacredly withheld from all who were not initiated into a participation of the privileges they led to, that they


    might not be prostituted to the vulgar. Among these institutions may be ranked that of Masonry."


    In his now famous Constitutions of 1723. he said:


    "A Mason is obligated by his Tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will


    never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine."


    Now, when we analyse his statements, we find Masonry of 1717 and before that time the custodian of certain


    secrets concealed under ritualistic teaching that were to be discovered through use of an Art. This art could


    be in no way connected with the so-called Builders' Art. It was not ritualism; it was not the allegory that


    clothed it; but consisted of the method used in finding out those secrets not "permitted the vulgar," or


    common people, because of indifference, unworthiness or the inability to understand. The most notable


    system used by Kabalists to educe secret meaning veiled under words of the Hebrew Scriptures was that


    method they gave the name "Gemetrie," signifying the use of numbers applied to their alphabet. This is


    symbolised by our Square.


    More than 300 years before Dr. Anderson's charge of concealed mystery in Masonry, we find that most


    important document pertaining to Freemasonry ever found, the Regius poem of 1390, presenting the same


    claim in a more subtle manner, and with instructions how to arrive at a knowledge of it. This Poem, well


    known to the Fraternity, is but one of the many "Old Charges" written by Hermetic Brethren to conceal,


    perpetuate, and yet diffuse the secret doctrine of the Primitive Revelation. The secret reading of the text


    presents the art of Gemetrie in the study of the Great Light. The text as a whole is found aligned with


    Hermetic and Kabalistic teaching, raising serious doubts with scholars that operative stonemasons were in


    any other than allegory 'ever connected with medieval Freemasonry. The writers nowhere in the poem used


    the word geometry, as written, yet as a church safety measure the term gemetrie is associated with Euclid,


    the geometrician, rather than Euclid of Megara, the philosopher and student of Socrates. Masonry is a system


    of allegory—then, and now.


    The so-called Grand Lodge M.S., in possession of the Grand Lodge of England, written 1583, is a


    noteworthn example of Hermetic teaching in being written on parchment 5 inches wide and 9 feet long; a


    subtle attention arresting notice to 5 and 9—the exposed numbers of a secret trio basic to the whole science


    of Secret Wisdon teaching. The text introduces under guise of illiteracy the symbolism of the bees, in


    principle the same philosophy symbolised by the sacred scarab of ancient Egypt. The rediscovery of


    symbolic relationship between bees and scarabs, with their Kabalistic counterpart, the Ant of Solomon,


    substantiates the "Old Charges" assertion of Masonry's origin in "ye Egypte lond." Scarabs remained almost


    exclusively Egyptian, but bee symbolism in some form or other was adopted throughout the world, and is a




    potent, although generally unrecognised method of presentation in both Old and New Testament allegory as


    well as modern Freemasonry.


    This is due primarily to Kabalists at the revision of the text after the Babylonish exile and, since


    Freemasonry's action is derived from Old Testament sources, being a condensation in allegory of the many


    phases of life diffused throughout many Books into what we are pleased to call "Degrees," Freemasonry is


    Kabalistic, too.


    Solomon was a seeker of the unknown in asking for a wise understanding. The key word is Ask. The


    member awake to present ritualism quite properly realises many things said and done during his journey to


    the East are afterward studiously ignored. He religiously attends subsequent gatherings hoping to obtain


    information he considers withheld. Being unsuccessful, he sometimes inquires, thereby partly fulfilling the


    admonition to Ask, Seek, Knock; but too often is met with evasive replies or assured "there's nothing more."


    To the studious, sincere, earnest seeker of Light the intuitive conviction persists that somewhere there is a


    Key to unlock the secret he seeks. During moments of meditation he wonders about the Art; he ponders on


    the request for metals; he marvels over breast-thumping claims, when invested; he doubts man can receive


    him as directed; he questions the declaration of a principle afterward ignored; he is perplexed how anything


    retained can be lost; he considers fantastic the reason assigned for crime; and is sympathetic with the East for


    contradictions; but can he expect help in representing the dead?


    His solicitation, like Solomon, was by and through a desire for knowledge of the unknown or hidden


    mysteries, which, disappointingly .enough, were undiscovered because of darkness. He should and must


    consider it is he, not the philosophy, that is in darkness, and that the veil cannot be removed except through


    his own worthy efforts. He now is "initiated into a participation of the privileges the mysteries lead to."


    Through acceptance of the benefits conferred, he assumed a different status before T.G.A.O.T.U. Now, he


    has entered and become an apprentice in an entirely new (to him) division of mankind; previously of the


    vulgar or common people, now of the elect; no longer aimlessly wandering, but with journey's end in sight.


    Since Freemasonry's structure is built around the Kabalistic story of King Solomon, and the Temple located


    upon Mount Moriah, none should overlook that site selected for the building. Moriah, as we use the term,


    may be considered a derivative of the Latin "Mors"—death. Moriah "afar-off," was three days' journey for


    Abraham to keep faith with God in the sacrifice upon the altar of his son Isaac; David, too, there built an


    altar and offered sacrifice in appeasement to God; Solomon in like manner and place made sacrificial


    offerings, chief of which were burntAfferings, at completion of the Temple. The ideal of Frermasonry is a


    sacrifice upon the altar of an immoral or sinful life—immorality signifying death of the soul—for that of a


    moral life, the way of Life and Immortality. To improve yourself in Masonry is to improve yourself in


    morality through righteous or holy living which, in time, will rarefy or "step-up" the atomic vibrations of the


    physical body to bring you consciously in touch with the Wisdom teaching. By Kabalists this is referred to as


    Exaltation of Matter, and is symbolised by the number 9. This regime to be successful depends upon your


    willingness to receive ideas, and to surrender ideas regardless of their source, if found to contradict truth. A


    free Mason or Builder entails a mind free of intolerance, or other obstructing emotions. To divest yourself of


    sophistry, and of dogmatism, goes far to help draw aside the curtain between you and the light. Solomon's


    request for understanding was granted after his offering upon the altar was accepted.


    God or Nature has decreed such understanding can be secured in but one manner: "by putting yourself in


    proper position." It is a waste of time altogether unfruitful to try short-cuts or expect success by ignoring


    directions left for your guidance by worthy Brethren who have gone this way before.


    The spiritual significance of Blue is Truth; the colour symbolises Knowledge; the Lodge is You.


    What is your alibi? —"The New Age."


    ———————


    AUCKLAND NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    At the Regular Convocation of Auckland Provincial Royal Arch Chapter, held in December, the following


    resume of a member's career in Royal Arch Masonry was read by the First Principal:—"Most Excellent


    Companion J. D. Webster will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of his Exaltation to the Royal Arch Degree on


    19th January, 1945. He was initiated, passed and raised in the year 1886, in the St. Andrew Lodge, No. 418,


    S.C., and some years afterwards advanced in the same Lodge, which then worked the Mark Degree. Shortly


    after the dedication of the Auckland Provincial Royal Arch Chapter, No. 9, in 1892, he was acknowledged as


    an Excellent Master, and in the following January was exalted to the Degree of Royal Arch Mason. Comp.




    Webster then commenced that long service of usefulness to his Chapter and Capitular Freemasonry. He was


    enthroned as First Principal in 1898, and in 1911 and again in the following year was elected to the important


    office of First Grand Principal. Despite his advancing years (he was 84 years of age last August), he is still a


    good attender and an active member. For many years past at our Annual Convocation the Address to the


    Companions invariably has been delivered by him. There are nearly 5000 members on the register of the


    Supreme Grand Chapter of New Zealand, and M. Ex. Comp. Webster is one of the first on the roll. May he


    long be spared to work among us."


    ———————


    HAWKES BAY NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    The first Installation in 1945 was that of Lodge Porangahau, No. 296, which took place on Monday, 26th


    February, when R.W. Bro. Edgar C. Hurdsfield, Prov.G.M., was Installing Master, assisted by R.W. Bro. T.


    Hobson, P.D.G.M., W. Bros. A. A. Hastings, Asst. G.D.C., J. Hobson, P.G.D., R. W. Carpenter, P.G.D.,


    Thos. Rowe, G.S., E. Commin, P.G.S., G. B. Young, P.A.G.D.C., F. Holt, P.G.S., P. J. S, George,


    P.G.Std.B., and J. Homes, P.M. Bro. James Robert Franklin was installed as Worshipful Master. There was a


    good attendance and the Board of Installed Masters numbered 33. Good progress is being made by this


    young Lodge by way of reducing their debt, and it is pleasing under present conditions to see the enthusiasm


    and support afforded by Past Masters.


    The Installation meeting of Lodge Omarunui, No. 216, was held on Wednesday, 7th March, at Taradale,


    when the Prov. G.M., Installing Master, assisted by the following Grand Officers, W. Bros. A. A. Hastings,


    A.G.D.C., and J. Hobson, P.G.D., V.W. Bro. C. L. Thomas, P.G.D.C., W. Bros. T. Rowe, G,S., E. Commin,


    G.S.. Carpenter, C. Pirie, P.A.G.D.C., J. Rockell, P.G.O., P. J. S. George, P.G.Std.B., and VW. Bro. E. E.


    Bott G.C., performed the ceremony of installing W. Bro. Alfred Henry Burr into the Chair of K.S., it being


    the second occasion on which he has occupied this position in this Lodge, having been first installed as


    Master in 1930. During his first year of office W. Bro. Burr experienced a very trying time, for it was during


    his year that the earthquake demolished the Temple, but he directed his Lodge in a very efficient and capable


    manner under difficult conditions, and so the brethren have seen fit to again elect him to the principal office


    during a year when it is anticipated the Temple will be consecrated. Under the mastership of the retiring


    Master, W. Bro. S. Williams, the Lodge prospered, the debt was cleared, and a very fine balance in credit


    left. Arrangements to suit the Most Worshipful the Grand Master are now being made, and it is hoped the


    Consecration ceremony will be held about the middle of this year.


    A very large gathering assembled for the Installation of W, Bro. Burr, and refectory proceedings, held in the


    Town Hall, ,concluded a very pleasant evening and a memorable one for the newly-installed Master, who has


    earned the admiration of the brethren throughout this territory.


    The Installation of Bro. Ernest Ashburn as Wor. Master of Lodge Waikaremoana, No. 158, was held on


    Tuesday, 13th March, at the Masonic Temple, Wairoa, when the Prov.G.M. was the Installing Master.


    Despite the mid-week ceremony and much more acute travel restrictions, there was a good number of


    visitors from Hastings, Napier and Gisborne.


    The Installation of Abercorn, No. 30, was held on Monday, 19th ultimo, and will be reported in our next


    notes.


    V.W. Bro. Bott, Grand Chaplain, has been laid aside for some time, but is again up and about, and we are


    glad to report is progressing steadily.


    V. Ex. Comp. W. A. Meads, 1st Principal Heretaunga Chapter, No. 38, accompanied by R.E. Comp. J. W.


    Elliott, Grand Supt., V. Ex. Comp. K. A. Johnston, G.D.O.C. elect, are visiting Auckland to attend Grand


    Chapter Communication.


    ———————


    TARANAKI NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    The February meeting of the Taranaki Rose Croix Chapter, held in Hawera, was well attended and was a


    very good meeting in every respect. The M.W.S., Ex, P. Bro. Whittington, is gaining confidence and


    evidently enjoying the work.


    The Preceptory of Taranaki K. T. held a meeting on 17th March and worked a degree.


    Mt. Egmont Lodge of M.M.M., No. 948, E.C., advanged two candidates at the meeting on 22nd March.




    Lodge Patea Kil. No. 18, held its Installation meeting on 14th March, when W. Bro. J. C. Taylor was again


    installed as Master. Everything went off well, although the attendance was scarcely up to the usual number,


    R.W. Bro. Dr. Simmons, Prov.G.M., was in charge, and a fair number of G.L. Officers supported him. As it


    was W. Bro. Taylor's second year the ceremony was shortened somewhat without loss of dignity or


    impressiveness. A very pleasant meeting closed at 11 p.m.


    Lodge Hawera worked a Third Degree at the March meeting. There is a long list of candidates on the way,


    awaiting the second and third step.


    Lodge Manaia paid an official visit to Lodge Hawera on 6th March, and, as usual, a very enjoyable meeting


    resulted. W. Bro. K. F. Mehrtens with his officers started their year's work with a Third Degree and did well.


    W. Bro. R. R. Knewstubb, P.A.G.D.C., who has for more than 20 years been associated with Masonic


    activities in Central Taranaki, has given up business in Stratford and left the district. Although he had stated


    his intention to leave, none of the brethren realised that it was to be so soon, and nothing was done about it;


    now we are wondering what we will do without him. W. Bro. Knewstubb was a P.M. of Lodge Stratford, a


    P.Z. of Egmont R.A.


    Chapter, a P.M.W.S. of Taranaki R.C. Chapter, and a P.G.L. Officer. He was most willing and capable and


    would at a moment's notice fill any office in Lodge or Chapter. He is an excellent D.C. in Rose, R.A. or Craft


    meetings.


    Freemasonry in general and Lodge Taranaki in particular have again suffered a severe loss in the death of W.


    Bro. D. S. Richardson. For some years prior to his last illness, W. Bro. Richardson was Secretary of Lodge


    Taranaki, No. 240, and was esteemed and respected by every Mason in South Taranaki. This was proved by


    the record attendance at the Lodge of Sorrow and at the funeral following. The Masonic service was read by


    R.W. Bro. J. C. Barclay, P.Prov.G.M., assisted by Canon Malcolm, Chaplain of the Lodge.


    At the Installation meeting of Lodge Strafford, W. Bro. George Smart celebrates his jubilee as a W.M. He


    still attends meetings and it is proposed to make a presentation on this occasion to mark the esteem in which


    he is held. He is easily the senior member of the Lodge,


    Rev. and P. Bro. A. M. Niblock, P.M.W.S., is joining up with Pukekura R.C. Chapter and thereby giving


    great pleasure and satisfaction to all B.C. brethren in Taranaki.


    Lodge Moa Installation meeting was held on 19th and was a thorough success. The Prov. G.M. installed Bro.


    Edgar Wright, S.W., into the chair of the Lodge. R.W. Bro. J. C. Barclay, P.Prov.G.M., gave the address to


    the Master, W. Bro. J. G. Sutherland, P.A.G.D.C., the address to the Wardens, and R.W. Bro. J. McAllister,


    P.D.G.M., addressed the brethren. The newly-installed Master made a splendid impression with the work he


    did and in his presiding at the refectory proceedings. R.W. Bro. Dr. Simmons, Prov.G.M., gave some sound


    advice to the younger Masons, and in this class Lodge Moa has a very fine number coming on. The lodge is


    certainly on the up grade.


    ———————


    RUAPEHU NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    The Installation of Bro. W. F. Kerr as W.M. of Lodge Ngauruhoe, Ohakune, was held on 22nd February.


    R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash, Prov.G.M., conducted the ceremony, and was ably supported by a large team of Grand


    Lodge Officers. The following addresses were delivered:—To the Worshipful Master, the Prov.G.M.; the


    Wardens, W. Bro. L. N. Ritchie, P.G.Std.B.; the Brethren, W. Bro. P. W. Morris, P.A.G.D.C. After the


    ceremony the visitors were entertained by the brethren of Lodge Ngauruhoe with the usual Ohakune


    hospitality.


    Lodge Huia, Palmerston North, has a new Master. On 1st March Bro. J. H. Nash was installed by his uncle,


    R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash, Prov.G.M., who also delivered the address to him. The Wardens were addressed by


    W. Bro. O. Doel, and the brethren by V.W. Bro. S. H. Snell, P.G.C. The assisting officers were Past Masters


    of Lodge Huia, under the direction of W. Bro. A. R. McKegg, D.C.


    One of our prominent country Lodges, Lodge Rangatira, Hunterville, held its Installation ceremony on 14th


    March, when R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash duly installed and addressed Bro. A. B. Abel as Worshipful Master. A


    large number of Grand Lodge officers were present, and the brethren of Rangatira excelled themselves in


    their welcome to the visitors.


    W. Bro. W. W. Jones, the Master of Awatea is finishing his year of office exactly as he started. Besides


    initiating two candidates at Awatea's regular meeting, our energetic W. Bro. officially visited six Lodges, all




    within the space of two weeks, and on each occasion had the full support of his Past Masters, officers and


    brethren. Wally is one of those chaps with a way with him which makes it hard to refuse him anything, and


    as a result the members of Awatea have had a big year of work and visits.


    Visitors are always welcome at Ohakea Air Force Lodge, and now that this Lodge meets in Palmerston


    North quite a number of visitors have paid their respects to them. At the February meeting three brethren


    were passed to the Second Degree and two joining members were elected. The future of Ohakea looks very


    bright indeed, and judging by the number of brethren affiliating and joining this Lodge the change of


    location is well justified.


    W. Bro. A. Stableford, the I.P.M. of Lodge Huia, must have felt proud of his efforts on behalf of his Lodge


    during his term of Mastership when he heard so many complimentary references to his year of office at


    Huia's Installation meeting. Our W. Brother has worked hard for his Lodge, and it is pleasing that his efforts


    have been recognised by his brethren.


    W. Bro. Hicken, W.M. of the Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, is keeping his Lodge very busy. At the March


    meeting a candidate was initiated and two were balloted for. The Installation meeting of Kilwinning takes


    place on Thursday, 12th April, and a record attendance is expected.


    Lodge Feilding, No. 44, W. Bro. E. B. Cook, W.M., passed two Entered Apprentices at the March meeting.


    This was the first meeting of the Lodge since the death of W. Bro. H. H. Ferguson, and the brethren observed


    the usual silent period as a token of their respect for their departed brother,


    The Master of Lodge Te Awahou, Foxton, presided over the March meeting, two brethren being "raised." It


    is understood that quite a substantial amount is to be raised for renovating the Masonic Hall in Foxton, and


    the additional accommodation will be appreciated by the brethren.


    The Past Masters of Rangitikei Lodge, Bulls, conducted the Third Degree ceremony at the March meeting at


    the invitation of W. Bro. W. A. Sutherland, W.M. The Past Masters excelled themselves on this occasion,


    which was attended by a large number of members and visitors.


    Ex. Comp. P. W. Morris, 1st Principal of Manawatu Royal Arch Chapter, presided over the March meeting


    of the Chapter. Two brethren were exalted. It is the intention of the Chapter to work the Royal Ark Mariner


    and Red Cross of Babylon Degrees in the near future.


    The Rose Croix Marama Chapter, Palmerston North, held its March Convocation under the direction of the


    M.W.S., Ex. and Per. Bro. T. P. Hart. An excellent attendance was recorded and an interesting address was


    delivered by Ex. and Per. Bro. A. V. Pizzey, P.M.W.S.


    ———————


    SOUTHLAND NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    The outstanding event of the past month was the visit of the M.W. the G.M., Sir Cyril Newell, to a combined


    meeting of members of the five Invercargill Lodges, held in the Forth Street Temple on 12th March. An


    attendance of well over 400 brethren, including many from country Lodges, accorded a most enthusiastic


    reception to our distinguished visitor. The whole function was an outstanding success in every way and


    reflected great credit on the Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. J. D. Campbell, and especially the Secretary, Bro. G. E.


    Mitchell (Sec. Lodge Waihopai, No. 189), who displayed excellent organising ability.


    The same evening the lady friends of the members of the Invercargill city Lodges entertained Her Excellency


    Lady Newell at a social function held in H. and J. Smith's tea rooms, when an excellent programme was


    presented.


    On the afternoon of the 9th March the M.W. Grand Master, when visiting Bluff, made a point of calling in at


    the Bluff Masonic Temple, and met in an informal way the officers and a number of members of Lodge


    Fortitude, No. 64, who had assembled in order to give the M.W. Grand Master an opportunity of making


    contact with brethren of the most southerly Lodge in the Dominion. R.W. Bro. J. D. Campbell, Prov.G.M.,


    was present, along with several G.L. officers


    V. Ex. Comp. A. Coyte, who has made an excellent recovery from his recent serious illness, has returned to


    Invercargill from Auckland. He was present at a recent meeting of Southern Cross Royal Arch Chapter, No.


    3, when he received a warm welcome.


    Another visitor to this meeting was Ex. Comp. R. M. Stevens, H. Carlyle Royal Arch Chapter, No. 74, who


    is at present residing in Invercargill.




    On 14th March Bro. L. H. Jones, one of the keenest young Masons in the Southland District, was installed


    W. Master of Lodge Southland, No. 273, at the hand of R.W. Bro. J. D. Campbell, Prov.G.M., in the


    presence of an excellent attendance of members and visitors.


    V. Ex. Comp. E. McK. Lyon, Z. Southern Cross Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3, attended the recent Annual


    Convocation of Grand Chapter, held at Auckland, as Chapter Delegate, and took a keen interest in the


    proceedings.


    M. Ex. Comp. E. C. Smith, P.G.Z., was also present at this meeting and took part in the ceremony.


    The Combined Social Committee will commence operations for the present winter season early this month.


    This committee has done wonderful work in past years and is deserving of every support and encouragement


    during the coming session.


    A tinge of sadness was in evidence at the recent annual Installation meeting of Lodge Wairaki, No. 145,


    when it became known during the ceremony that W. Bro. A. R. Malcolm, P.G.S., had answered the call to


    the Grand Lodge above after a prolonged illness. Our late brother was a most enthusiastic member of the


    Craft and a highly-respected citizen in the Nightcaps district. He was a Past Master of Lodge Wairaki, No.


    145, and a Past Prin. of Wallace Royal Arch Chapter, No. 34.


    The quarterly meeting of Southern Cross Cryptic Council, No. 3, was held on 21st March, when V. Ex.


    Comp. W. R. Allen, P.T.I.M., received a candidate into the ceremonies peculiar to this branch of Capitular


    Freemasonry in a most impressive manner.


    Past Masters of Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, with W. Bro. Shepherd in the chair, will work the ceremony of


    raising at their regular meeting this month.


    W. Bro. Buckingham, Master, and officers of Lodge Victoria, No. 147 conducted the ceremony of raising at


    their March meeting in a very impressive manner. The W.M. and several brethren of Lodge Hercules, No. 36


    (Otago), paid a fraternal visit. Proceedings in the refectory were of a particularly happy nature. This being


    the annual "Irish" Night, special significance was given in honour of this time-honoured celebration. A


    specially-prepared "pig" was received with appropriate honours and addressed by Bro. F. W. G. Miller, a


    recently-raised member.


    Ex. Comps. F. J. Logan and A. F. H Crawford were unable to attend the February convocation of Southern


    Cross Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3, owing to indisposition.


    Huiroa and Wallace Royal Arch Chapters are both in for a busy time as a number of candidates are awaiting


    advancement.


    Ex. and Perf. Bro. R. H. Waddell, M.W.S. of Murihiku Rose Croix Chapter, No. 36, will hand over to his


    successor, Bro. A. W. G. McKee, on 7th April. This unit of Freemasonry is in a very sound condition and is


    contributing much to the development of the Craft in the "South."


    Bro. Fred. J. Edwards was installed Master of Lodge Wairaki, No. 145, on 10th March, in the presence of a


    good attendance of members and visiting brethren. Grand Lodge was represented by R.W. Bro. J. D.


    Campbell, Prov.G.M., and a good following of Grand Lodge officers. The ceremony was conducted by the


    Prov. G.M. as Inst. Officer, with W. Bro. Jas. Stobo, Asst.G.D.C., in charge on the floor of the Lodge. The


    Wardens were invested and addressed by R.W. Bros. Jas. Manson and Alex. Derbie, P.Prov.G.M.S. The


    address to the brethren was given by R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans, P.D.G.M.. The subsequent refectory


    proceedings, held in the Nightcaps Town Hall, were most enjoyable.


    The Installation of Master and investiture of officers of Lodge Southland, No. 273, attracted a splendid


    attendance, in spite of the many Masonic meetings in the same week. Visitors in strong force, including


    members of Grand Lodge, were received and welcomed with fitting honours. The ceremony of installing


    Bro. L. H. Jones was ably carried out by the Prov. G.M. as Inst. Officer. W. Bro. Jas. Stobo, Asst.G.D.C.,


    kept things going in a bright and impressive manner. The Wardens were invested and addressed by R.W.


    Bros. A. Derbie and Jas. Manson, P.Prov.G.Ms., respectively. R.W. Bro. F. A. Steans, P.D.G.M., addressed


    the brethren. A most enjoyable banquet terminated a very happy and successful meeting.


    The death occurred on 5th March with tragic suddenness of W. Bro. Gordon J. Reed, P.A.G.D.C., a most


    enthusiastic member of all units of the Craft and a prominent citizen and member of various public bodies.











    ———————


    OTAGO NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    The Installation of Bro. Richard Henry Mayfield as W.M. of Lodge Maori, No. 105, was held at


    Ravensbourne on 5th March. Within the memory of many of the brethren present it was the most successful


    meeting ever held in this Lodge. W. Bro. Mayfield has been for some years a most consistent visitor to all


    the Lodges in the district, and has on very many occasions given of his best by either singing at Installations


    or trumpeting, and at times doing both, and as far as ordinary meetings are concerned, he has been a pillar of


    strength to all by his readiness at all times to render an item. And now our brother has seen the result of his


    wonderful work in Freemasonry. On account of the difficulty of transport an attendance of 140 or so was


    expected, but this figure was far exceeded, and the apologies of the brethren of Lodge Maori are due to many


    who were unable to enjoy the comfort that they Usually find in this Lodge. The Installation was carried out


    in the usual efficient manner of R.W, Bro. Dykes, Prov.G.M., assisted by a good team of Grand Lodge


    officers. W. Bro. Green presented the I.P.M., W. Bro. S. Marshall, with a P.M.'s Jewel, and spoke of the high


    regard in which our brother is held in Lodge Maori.


    The flood conditions of both town and country affected the monthly meeting of Lodge Oamaru-Kilwinning


    on 21st February to such an extent that only a very few brethren were able to attend. Only routine business


    was conducted and the work of the evening had to be postponed, as well as the usual annual celebration in


    honour of Bro. Robert Burns.


    On 28th February, Waitaki Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter, No. 8, held its usual meeting, when a brother


    was advanced to the Mark Degree under the guidance of V. Ex. Comp. J. Meikle.


    Lodge Oamaru, No. 260, held its monthly meeting on 7th March and raised a well-known citizen to the


    degree of Master Mason. There was a large attendance of brethren and visitors.


    On 14th March The Lodge of Waitaki, No. 11, raised a brother. The work was carried out by the Past


    Masters of the Lodge, with W. Bro. A. C. A. Whyte in the chair. No less than 14 P.Ms. took part in the


    ceremony. The officers for the ensuing year were nominated at this meeting.


    Mention should be made of the passing of Bro. W. Smyth of Lodge Oamaru, 260. This brother was almost


    90 years of age and was one of the oldest Masons in the district. He was initiated in Lodge Oamaru


    Kilwinning in 1882, and was therefore in his 63rd Masonic year. Our late brother was of sterling character.


    His word was his bond and he never deviated from the straight path he saw. He was attending the funeral of


    an old friend at Port Chalmers and was returning to the train when he collapsed and passed on to a well-


    earned rest in Grand Lodge above. He will be greatly missed.


    We wish to apologise for the omission of reference to the attendance of M.W. Bro. E. C. Smith, Prov.G.M.,


    at Wanaka, Dunstan and Manuherekia Installations in February. The brethren were delighted with his


    refectory addresses, and with the fact that he could find time to accompany the Installation team.


    A strong force from Oamaru assisted R.W. Prov.G.M. and Dunedin brethren with the Installation of Karitane


    Lodge, No. 221, at Waikouaiti. There was a record attendance.


    Taharangi Lodge, No. 235, Maori Hill, and Teviot Lodge, No. 148, Roxburgh, were presided over by the


    Asst.- Prov.G,M. for their respective Installations.


    ———————


    CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    The Installation meeting of Lodge Brighton, No. 236, was held on 7th March, when Bro. G. H. Arnold, J.W.,


    was installed as Master, the ceremony being conducted by R.W. Bro. A. J. Jones, Prov.G.M., assisted by


    officers of Provincial Grand Lodge.


    Lodge Conyers, No. 1916, RC., held its Installation meeting on 8th March, when Bro. H. A. Smerdon, S.W.,


    was installed as Master. The ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. J. E. Purchase Dist.G.M. Provincial


    Grand Lodge was represented by R.W. Bro. C. S. Thompson, P.Prov.G.M.


    The Installation meeting of Lodge St. Augustine, No. 4, was held on 13th March, when W. Bro. G. Morton


    Woods, Prov.G.I.G., was installed as Master. The ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. A. J. Jones,


    Prov.G.M., assisted by officers of Provincial Grand Lodge.


    At the regular meeting of Lodge Riccarton, No. 276, on 20th March, the Master, W. Bro. Charles D. Marks,


    initiated his son, Pilot Officer Alister C. Marks, into Freemasonry. This was an unusual event in the history




    of Lodge Riccarton, a similar occurrence not having taken place since 1925, when the first Master, W. Bro.


    Walcot J. Wood, initiated his two sons.


    The regular meeting of the Masters and Pastmasters' Lodge, No. 130, was held on 21st March, when a paper


    was read by V.W. Bro. Rev. Canon H. O. Hanby, P.G.C., entitled The Place of the V.S.L. in Masonry." This


    was a most interesting and forceful paper and was much appreciated by the brethren present. There was a


    large attendance of visiting Masters and brethren.


    The Masters and Pastmasters Lodge has now become an important feature of Freemasonry in the Canterbury


    Province and is regarded as a source of light and instruction to the brethren of the province generally. The


    large attendances at the meetings and the continued growth of associate membership are indications that the


    work of the lodge, including its Question Evenings, is now regarded as a valuable asset to the Craft lodges in


    the province.


    R.W. Bro. A. J. Jones, Prov.G.M. of Canterbury, has adopted the practice of giving a short prepared address


    in the refectory at Installation meetings an some subject of importance in connection with the Craft. These


    addresses are thoughtful and inspiring and are much appreciated by the brethren of the various lodges.


    R.E. Comp. F. N. Kerr, G.Supt. of the Royal Arch for Canterbury, recently attended the Annual


    Communication of Grand Chapter at Auckland.


    At the regular meeting of the St. Augustine Cryptic Council, No. 1, on 15th March, T.I. Comp. Dr. Ross


    Hepburn, I.P.T.I.M., presided and conferred the Degree of Royal Master.


    The Royal Canterbury Preceptory, No. 246, of Knights Templar held its quarterly meeting on 19th March,


    when the Eminent Preceptor, E. Kt. F. J. Shanks, admitted a candidate to the Degree of Knight Templar,


    assisted by officers and Past Preceptors.


    The Installation meeting of Beckett Rose Croix Chapter, No. 135, was held on 29th March, when E. and P.


    Bro. John F. Hutchinson was installed as M.W.S., the ceremony being conducted by E. and P. Bro. Charles


    Flavell, P.W.M.S. The Grand Inspector-General, V. Ill. Bro. W. J. Girling, was unable to be present owing to


    his absence on Grand Chapter business at Auckland.


    At the regular meeting of Christchurch Lodge, No. 91, on 27th March, there was a large attendance on the


    occasion of W. Bro. W. Latham's last night in the Chair of K.S.


    We record with regret the death of W. Bro. E. W. Walker, P.M. of Lodge Cashmere, No. 271, at the age of


    83. He was one of the grand old men of Freemasonry in Christchurch and was well known as the Chaplain of


    Lodge Cashmere for many years. His quiet sense of humour endeared him to the brethren both of Cashmere


    and of the other lodges in the district.


    ———————


    NORTH CANTERBURY NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    Southern Cross, No. 6, is getting on well and has some very interesting meetings. The Master, W. Bro.


    Tavendale, is visiting as many Lodges as possible.


    Ashley Lodge, No. 28, had a splendid Installation, when Bro. Wally Nairn was installed as Master. There


    was a crowded attendance and R.W. Bro. Alfred J. Jones and his Provincial Grand Lodge team of officers


    carried out their duties with dignity and thoroughness. Grand Lodge was represented by R.W. Bro. John Du


    Feu, P.D.G.M., and he had V.W. Bros. Pryce-Jones, Chas. J. Jones, Alan Fisher, F, N. Kerr, and W. Bros.


    Colin McIntosh, S. Glue, A. S. Drayton, Geo. Harlow and Withell with him, and they were given a rousing


    reception. R.W. Bro. Geo. Yemm, Prov.G.Sec., was in attendance and received some warm handshakes and


    expressions of welcome. In the refectory the festive board was heavily laden and the floral decorations were


    lovely—the Ashley ladies are wonderful decorators and they were specially thanked. The star attraction in


    the refectory was the toast for dear old R.W. Bro. Jack Du Feu, proposed by W. Bro. Ted Smith. He had not


    been able to get out in the country for some time, but he got to Ashley, and the great gathering overflowed


    with joy and enthusiasm, and it is hoped that he will repeat the performance at the great North Group


    meeting in August. R.W. Bro. Du Feu's reply was as usual full of love and appreciation coupled with his


    usual attractive humour, and, strange as it may seem, there was a big crowd of old-timers present to join


    in'the greeting. "The Jones and Smith Families" were out in full force, and Bro. Ted Blackett and Arthur


    Cambridge.


    Mairaki, 131, had a marvellous night for W. Bro. James Struthers' finish, and he has had a splendid year and


    a great team of officers to assist him. The working of the Third Degree on a Cashmere candidate was a feast




    of education, and Cashmere Lodge attended in full force, while there was a large attendance of several other


    lodges. The Installation of Wairaki will be in April, and all lodges are invited, as it will be a super show.


    Tawera, 188 had a real good Installation and a good attendance. Bro. Woodham was installed as Master by


    R.W. Bro. Alfred J. Jones, assisted by officers of Prov.G.L., and he was accorded a great welcome. The


    meeting went well from start to finish, and the ladies put on a real good show in the refectory and were


    thanked for their effort.


    Saturday, August 7th, is the day and date of the star attraction in the Hurunui section of our group, it being


    the Cheviot Installation, and as usual "cheery Cheviot" will be waiting to give the many visitors expected a


    really good welcome. So come along, you city and country brethren, and give this little Lodge a "big" night,


    and you will enjoy it (by one who knows).


    Kaikoura is off again, and W. Bro. Selby-Williams and his officers have a heavy programme of work which


    will keep them going for the full year. The train will be running in a few months and stops at the lodgeroom


    door. No lodgeroom is as close to a railway station as Kaikoura. Nelson and Marlborough will be down on


    the train very soon.


    Amuri Lodge has lost a good member through the passing of Bro. Robert Chiplin, a good Mason, husband,


    father and friend, and the Group send their sympathy to his lodge and relatives.


    Amuri Lodge staged a splendid social at Hanmer recently in honour of many soldier brethren in the Hospital.


    W. Bro. Ted Macdonald was chief steward and everything was full of push and pep.


    Acacia Lodge is getting ready for a "Big Burns Night," when Robbie Burns Lodge will be in attendance. We


    will report on it later on.


    All country brethren are very busy with the late harvest, and in our group in spite of the rain there are some


    marvellous yields of wheat and oats.


    W. Bro. Billens, secretary to the Waimakariri-Hurunui Group, is oiling and greasing the group engines ready


    for a "Bigger, Better and Brighter" effort in August, when the big reunion will take place under the charter of


    Cheviot Lodge, and although it is a long way off, city Masters in particular are respectfully asked to keep


    August free and come out in, say, one car load at least, and let us see there is a Christchurch group. You get


    an opportunity to meet all our Masters at one pop, hear our wonderful entertainers, and enjoy a de luxe


    welcome and NO dull moments.


    The Amberley Installation will be in May—first Monday —and all Lodges are invited. Amberley can put on


    a great meeting.


    ———————


    NELSON-MARLBOROUGH NOTES.


    –⸱––÷––÷––⸱–


    Lodge Nelson, No. 288, met on Wednesday, 21st February, an E.A. being "passed." Lodge Victory, No. 40,


    paid an official visit, W. Bro. George Stiles having a good number of his members in attendance, including


    the Prov. G.M., R.W. Bro. J. Baird. There was an exceptionally good attendance for the first meeting of the


    year, including a large representation of P.Ms.


    On Thursday, 22nd February, Lodge Waitohi, No. 111, met, when two E.As. were "passed," W. Bro.


    Burrough, S.G.D., occupying the chair for the working of the degree.


    The regular meeting of Wairau Lodge, No. 42, was held on Saturday, 24th February, when two E.As. were


    "passed." The annual official visit by Lodge Whetu Kairangi, No. 201, took place, the visiting Lodge


    working the Degree, of which they gave a very fine exposition. A pleasing incident was the presentation by


    the W.M. of Whetu Kairangi of a handsome silver-mounted gavel to Wairau Lodge. The gavel was made


    from wood taken from the Wellington-Blenheim vessel s.s. "Wairau," and is to be taken across Cook Strait


    when Wairau pays a return visit to Whetu Kairangi.


    Waimea Lodge, No. 266, worked the Third Degree at its last meeting, held Wednesday, 7th March. There


    was one ballot for "initiation" and two for "joining." The attendance of Lodge members and visitors was


    excellent.


    The regular meeting of Victory Lodge, No. 40, was held on Thursday, 8th March, when Forest Lodge


    attended officially and worked the Third Degree, two F.Cs. being "raised." The work of the country Lodge


    was carried out most efficiently and received much favourable comment. The attendance of Lodge members


    and visitors was splendid.




    Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity, No. 106, received an official visit from William Ferguson Massey Lodge


    on the occasion of their regular meeting, held Saturday, 10th March. The occasion was an outstanding


    success, the visiting Lodge being present in strength to re-cement the fellowship between the two Lodges.


    Two E.As., one of whom was initiated by the visiting Lodge, were "passed," the work being carried out in a


    splendid manner by the Wellington brethren. The attendance was large and the proceedings in the refectory


    most cordial, the members of No. 106 doing their utmost to repay the great hospitality extended to them on


    the occasion of their previous visit to No. 282.


    These visits from the Wellington Lodges are greatly appreciated by the Blenheim brethren, and, as usual, on


    the day following both Wairau and Unanimity arranged picnic trips down the Sounds, which on each


    occasion were most successful and greatly appreciated.


    At the ordinary meeting of Golden Bay Lodge, No. 2194, E.C., two E.As. were passed to the Second Degree,


    the working being in charge of W. Bro. M. Robertson. Southern Star Lodge is to pay its annual official visit


    to Golden Bay at the April meeting.


    The Installation of Lodge Havelock, No. 104, at which V.W. Bro. F. Mogridge, Asst.Prov.G.M., presided in


    the presence of an excellent representation from both Nelson and Marlborough Lodges, was held on


    Saturday, 17th March. The Prov. G.M., R.W. Bro. James Baird, was in attendance and took part in the


    ceremony. He was accompanied by many G.L. officers, most of whom took some part in the ceremony,


    including R.W. Bro. Eckford, who filled the position of G.S.W. and gave the address to the W.M. The other


    G.L. officers present included V.W. Bro. Gould, P.G. Lec., W. Bros. Craighead, E. L. Hay, P.A.G.Ds.C. (the


    latter very ably assisted as G. Organist): W. Bros. S. J. Ball, P.G.J.D., G. Mitchell, P.Asst.G.D.C., Kirby,


    P.Asst.G.D.C., C. A. Evans, P.G.S. The W.Ms. of Lodges Victory, Wairau, Unanimity, Waimea, Nelson and


    Awatere were in attendance and took part in the ceremony, which was directed by the A.G.D.C., W. Bro.


    Cottier. The installed Master, W. Bro. H. C. Stratford, is a P.M. of the Lodge, having held office in 1938-9.


    This is the third successive year and the fifth occasion upon which a P.M. has been installed as W.M. of


    Lodge Havelock. Mention was made of the excellent work done by the P.Ms. particularly during the war


    years, when there is an extreme shortage of younger members. The refectory proceedings in the Town Hall


    were right up to Havelock's standard of hospitality and cordiality. The proceedings closed in an atmosphere


    of optimism, auguring well for the future success and prosperity of the Lodge.


    The Marlborough Chapter Rose Croix, No. 206, conducted the ceremony of Perfection at the meeting held


    on Tuesday, 6th March. The attendance almost equalled the record established during the previous year. The


    high standard and dignity attained is characteristic of the Chapter.


    The girls in residence at the Kirkpatrick Masonic Institute, Nelson, had a most enjoyable and instructive


    outing on Saturday, 17th March, when, in charge of W. Bro. W. A. Armstrong, they were taken on a tour of


    the district. It was a glorious day, and the busy scenes, with harvesting in full swing, were most interesting.