A PROGRESSIVE SCIENCE.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

REEMASONRY as our teachings repeatedly emphasise, is a progressive science. Not one of our lessons

is brought before candidates with greater reiteration. In the first degree the initiate is exhorted to make a

daily advancement or progress in Masonic knowledge; while in the second degree his progress is

symbolically emphasised by his position in the Lodge during the ceremony. Finally, in the third degree, in

that beautiful retrospect that is one of the masterpieces of our ritual, an epitome of his symbolic progress in

the preceding degrees is given to the candidate prior to his being raised to the sublime degree of a M.M.

All through the ceremonies of Craft Masonry, expressly or by implication, runs the idea of progress, and a

forward-looking point of view, and this is in profound accord with the basic facts of life in general. Living

institutions and organisms do not stand still; either they are making progress or they are going back. In every

aspect of life there is ebb and flow, progress and retrogression. Even if we so desire we cannot stand still. If

we rest on our oars, either the current will carry us onward, or more likely we shall be sucked back into the

shallows of life. Drifters seldom progress; they nearly always lose ground, often without perceiving this until

it is too late. We are either making ground or losing ground, and this applies just as fully within the Craft as

in the outside world; perhaps, indeed, more so.

The fact of progress is familiar, but few people pause to consider what the term implies, though it is quite

clear and simple. Progress presupposes an ideal or standard to be attained, and measures consciously directed

to attain it. Many people have a goal of progress more or less fitfully before their eyes, but lack the

resolution or the opportunity to attain it. How many men, both within and outside the Craft, become

disappointed because, while envisaging the end to be attained, they have not the persistence, resolution and

faith to will the indispensable means. This is the cause of many of the disappointments of life in general, and

of masonic experience in particular.

Both in Freemasonry and outside it, ideals and objectives may be of very different kinds, and of widely

differing degrees, of merit. Men may and do, according to temperament and outlook, pursue spiritual, moral,

intellectual, physical and material ideals, either singly or in combination, It is also possible for ideals to be

the reverse of praiseworthy, to be selfish rather than altruistic, to be degrading rather than elevating, to be

individual rather than social; but as a general rule a man actuated by any normal form of idealism is elevating

himself, and others as well, to a greater or less degree.

It is with idealism as exemplified in Freemasonry that we are primarily concerned; and here the scope is very

wide, affording opportunities for the most diverse characters and temperaments, and affecting the individual

brother, the Lodge, or the Craft as a whole. The opportunities enjoyed within our Order by the individual

members for service to themselves and to others are in fact without limit, because the scope of masonic life,

like the scope of masonic charity, knows no bounds save those of prudence. On entering upon his masonic

life a newly-Made brother who desires seriously to implement his masonic duties, and enter as fully as

possible into the life of the Craft, may look in several directions, either separately or all together, according

to his inclinations and the leisure at his disposal. In fact, if he does not look for the attainment of some

masonic ideal in at least some direction, one may say that he has not lived up to the full measure of his

masonic responsibilities.

In the first place, a brother may be specially attracted by the explanation of the cardinal virtues and the

visions of social and community service opened up to him by the final charge in the first degree. In such a

case the brother, if successful, will enlarge and ennoble his own personal outlook, elevate the tone and

standards of his own Lodge, and diffuse throughout that portion of the community with which he comes into

contact a spirit of toleration, service and altruism that is always valuable as a tonic in community life, and

never more so than today. This represents perhaps the highest form of social service that a brother can render

to his country, and it is none the less effective through being unobtrusive.

On the other hand, brethren of a different temperament may be strongly attracted by the intellectual

symbolism of the second degree, and may incline to devote themselves to the —study of the liberal arts and

F

sciences, particularly in their bearing on Freemasonry. This attitude of mind is perhaps unusual, and it must

be conceded that the number of brethren who deliberately attempt to make a daily advancement in masonic

knowledge is small, and smaller than we should like it to be.

Many brethren, on the other hand, may throw themselves wholeheartedly into the life and administration of

their Lodge, and thus make progress through the various offices until, after attaining the supreme honour of

the Master's -chair, they finally retire into the informal committee of past masters, and by their advice and

experience help others along the road they have themselves travelled in the past. There is of course room for

only one Master in a Lodge in a year, but all the same most brethren who earnestly desire and qualify

themselves for this avenue of progress eventually succeed in treading the path to success. They may even

have the opportunity of further progress in Grand

Lodge service, though opportunities in this

direction are necessarily more restricted still.

Finally there is progress in the Craft as a whole.

This should be shown by a growth in the number

of members and Lodges, a deepening of the spirit

of Freemasonry, and a rise in the standards of

Lodge work and achievement. We have in this

territory a record of past progress of which we

need not be ashamed; and we still possess a fund

of vitality that should enable us to face the future

in a spirit of reasonable confidence.

———————

ADDRESS DELIVERED BY W. BRO. J. STEWART

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

At Meeting of Lodge Wairau, No. 42, Blenheim, on 28th September, 1945.

————

Brethren, I have been asked by the W.M. to say a word in recognition of the glad news that has come to us

since our last regular meeting—the ending of the War, the coming of final Victory and the beginning of what

we hope will be a new era of Peace and goodwill in the world.

Our first feeling of jubilation and rejoicing is over. That was fleeting and boisterous—a matter of a day. And

now we are left with a deeper and profounder, a finer and more lasting emotion that should be with us till the

end of our days—a feeling of deep gratitude and profound thankfulness. We have lived through great days,

we have escaped great and terrible dangers, and for this great deliverance we would give humble and

heartfelt thanks.

In the giving of thanks it is well that we should have definite objectives in mind. We may well, for example,

give thanks to our King for his example of quiet courage and steadfast faith and to our Allies' co-operation,

with whom in war has opened up new possibilities of international understanding and good will for the

future. I shall content myself, however, with naming only two or three centres towards which for a few

moments we may direct our hearts and minds in humble gratitude this evening.

First we may give thanks for our leaders—military and civil. In especial we give thanks for that great and

courageous soul after whose famous ancestor our province is named—a man inspired and inspiring, a man

who never lost heart, who always saw victory even in the midst of defeat, who had the audacity to call our

blackest and seemingly most hopeless period "our finest hour;" a man with the vision of a Crusader and the

heart of a schoolboy, who led us and the Allied world through six terrible years of blood and sweat and tears

to final Victory. No need for us to say what is his place in the defence of Right and Justice in the world!

History will do that. But we can and do offer our thanks that such a man arose in our crisis to guide and unite

and inspire us.

Next we may well be thankful that we are members of a race that has set such an example and established

such a magnificent record during the War as has Britain. Britain entered this War rich and prosperous. She

comes out of it impoverished—impoverished in material things but richer, I believe, in things of the spirit.

She has given of her wealth and her manhood in devotion to a cause. She sought no new territory; she seeks

now no spoils for the victor. She risked everything in defence of weaker nations, in devotion to an ideal, in

the belief that a plighted word must be kept, however terrible the cost, and that moral issues are more vital

than material. Some years before the world madness overwhelmed us England was spoken of as the greatest

power for good in the world. An Austrian Professor added these words to his tribute: "Her Empire will last

just so long as its spiritual basis remains living." In spite of all our national shortcomings, I believe that that

"spiritual basis" does remain a living force in our national life, that the spirit of King Alfred and Queen

Elizabeth, of Wilberforce and Livingstone still moves us, that Freedom with us is not a mere parrot cry, that

"We must be free or die, who speak the tongue

That Shakespeare spoke; the faith and morals hold which Milton held,"

and that we still deserve the tribute paid to us thirty years ago by an American editor when he wrote: "The

fortitude of Great Britain in the heartbreaking years since the war has been a moral encouragement for all

mankind." The war has given us a new pride in our British ancestry. Let us give thanks that we have been

born into this great British heritage, that our sons have proved not unworthy of it, and that we have been

privileged to see this British tradition vindicated as never before in history.

Thanks for our leaders! Thanks for our heritage! Finally and chiefly thanks to the Great Architect of the

Universe Who hath given us the Victory, Whose designs and plans we follow, though so feebly and fitfully!

These others—our leaders, the builders of our Heritage, the makers of our traditions—these are but His

instruments. In His name we went forth to war. His cause, as we understood it, we sought to defend.

Forgetful of Him we have often been. But in our best moments and at times such as these we remember that

his is the only Kingdom that will make for universal peace and brotherhood, for His is the only Kingdom

whose charter is righteousness—the righteousness that exalteth a nation. That is a message from General

Montgomery—"We thank God Who hath given us the Victory."

And so tonight we join in a brief moment of thanksgiving for this so great deliverance, for this great Victory

and for those that have made them possible.

But before we resume our Work, it is fitting and proper that we, a Masonic gathering, should pay a tribute to

those of the Craft who have helped towards this Victory, those who will no more join their brethren' in an

earthly lodgeroom, those who have made the Supreme sacrifice in the name of Justice and Right.

Before suggesting, Worshipful Master, that you might ask the brethren to observe a few minutes' silence as a

tribute to their memory, I may be permitted to remind you of a scene that might have been observed eighty

odd years ago on a battlefield during the American Civil War. The occasion was the dedication of the

battlefield and cemetery of Gettysberg as a national memorial. The chief speaker spoke for one hour. His

words are forgotten. Abraham Lincoln spoke for two minutes. His words form part of the American

Constitution and are written in bronze on many a school wall in America. Here are three sentences from that

address of dedication:

"But in a large sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave

men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. . . .

It is for us the living rather to be dedicated to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus

far so nobly advanced."

Unfinished work which they who fought have thus far so nobly advanced! That challenge holds today of our

Glorious Dead. Their Masonic ideal of beauty and wisdom, tolerance and Charity is still unfulfilled. Their

work for freedom and decency and justice is still unfinished. Unfinished work! It is for us, the living, to

finish it.

———————

WELCOME TO R.W. BRO. W. J. JORDAN.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

On the occasion of the visit to the Dominion of New Zealand's High Commissioner in London, the Hon. W.

J. Jordan, the opportunity was taken by Lodge Manukau, No. 24, to extend an official welcome to our visitor

in his capacity of a P.M. of the Lodge and as a P.G.W. Accordingly, on the 10th October, the lodgeroom in

Queen Street, Onehunga, was filled to capacity at an Emergency Meeting in honour of our distinguished

brother. The W.M., W. Bro. C. O. Baker, presided and received the Prov.G.M., M.W. Bro. 0. Nicholson, and

a large attendance of G.L. officers. The Prov.G.M. then assumed the chair, and R.W. Bro. Jordan was

announced, admitted and suitably received.

A formal address of welcome having been given, the Lodge was closed, and the gathering adjourned to the

refectory, where the toast of the evening was proposed by M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson in a happy and

informal address. R.W. Bro. Jordan, who was received with acclamation, spoke in his reply of his long and

happy association with Lodge Manukau and of incidents during his occupancy of office in the Lodge, and

also of his pleasure in returning, even if only temporarily, to his own Lodge. He also spoke of his

experiences in London during the War, and paid an enthusiastic and fervent tribute to the people of that city.

A brief mention of Masonic contacts in England was also made. The usual Masonic toasts were honoured,

and the gathering concluded with a spirited rendering of "Auld Lang Syne," featuring a special rendition by

the M.W. the Prov.G.M., R.W. Bro. Jordan, and W. Bro. Frank Sutherland, W.M. Lodge Takapuna, No. 202.

———————

SUPREME GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

A meeting of Supreme Committee of S.G.R.A.C. was held in Dunedin on 3rd October, R.E. Comp. T.

O'Shea, chairman, presiding.

The chairman reported the deaths of R.E. Comp. A. Stenhouse, P.G.H., V.E. Comps. A. J. Pople, P.G.Soj., L.

A. Whitaker, P.G.Std.B., and A. A. Potter, P.G.Org., and the members stood in silence for a few moments in

tribute to their memory.

The statement of receipts and payments to 24/9/45 was presented by the Grand Treasurer, showing a balance

at bank of £69/16/5.

It was resolved that the name of R.E. Comp. F. Hayward, P.G.H., be submitted to the Grand Chapter of

Kentucky as their Representative near to this Grand Chapter.

After discussion it was resolved to wait upon R.E. Comp. J. R. Robertson with a view to his undertaking the

task of writing the History of Grand Chapter.

It was resolved that a petition signed by R.E. Comp. S. L. Spanhake and 23 others., praying that a Charter be

granted to the Mahurangi Royal Arch Chapter, to meet at Warkworth, and to be numbered 80, be approved.

A petition signed by M.E. Comp. George Russell and 29 others and supported by the Grand Supt. Wellington

District had been received praying that a Charter be granted by Supreme Grand Chapter under the name and

number of Russell Cryptic Council, No. 51, to which Chapter this Cryptic Council is to be attached as per a

resolution of Russell Royal Arch Chapter, No. 51. It was resolved that the petition be granted.

The next Annual Convocation will be held at Christchurch in February. 1946. The Grand Supt. Canterbury

has advised that the Masonic Hall, Gloucester Street, Christchurch, has been engaged for that date.

It was decided to recommend to Grand Chapter that the representation levy for the year 1946 be 1/6.

Honoris Causa Rank: On the motion of the chairman, and with the unanimous support of the Committee, it

was decided to recommend to Grand Chapter that the rank of Past Grand Z. be conferred on R.E. Comp. S.

T. S. Martin, P. Depute G.Z., for his eminent services to the Royal Craft and in particular for his having

assumed the duties of G.Z. for the greater part of last year.

After consideration of a recommendation from the Grand Supt. Hawkes Bay District, it was decided to

recommend that the rank of Past Depute Grand Principal be conferred on R.E. Comp. W. Dobson, P.G.H., as

a tribute to his eminent services to Royal Arch Masonry and in particular to mark the 34th occasion of his

investiture as Scribe E. of Rawhiti Chapter, No. 30; and that the rank of Past Grand S.N. be conferred on

V.E. Comp. P. S. Wallis in recognition of his services to Royal Arch Masonry over the past 33 years, and in

particular to his long service as Treasurer of Ellerslie Chapter, No. 68. of which he was the foundation First

Principal.

Grand Chapters of Scotland, of New South Wales, and of Victoria: The committee which was set up to

consider the position which had risen in connection with jurisdiction reported that having carefully

considered the relative correspondence it would be necessary to ascertain from the Grand Chapters of

N.S.W. and Victoria the position as it is at present, as it is noted that the Grand Chapters in the other

Australian States have not expressed an opinion. It was decided to write to the Grand Chapters of N.S.W.

and Victoria accordingly, as the information at present to hand is not such as could be placed before our

Supreme Committee for a decision.

The committee received with great pleasure a report from M. E. Comp. W. Reynolds. G.Z., that he had

visited the following districts:—North Auckland, Auckland, Hauraki. Hawkes Bay. Ruapehu, Wellington

and Nelson and Marlborough, where he had attended very successful combined meetings.

A letter was received from R.E. Comp. T. A. Wilson, thanking Supreme Committee for recommending his

appointment as Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Iowa.

The next meeting of committee will be held in Dunedin on 5th December.

————————

———————

FIFTY YEARS A MASON.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

A most interesting meeting was held at Lodge Ngauruhoe on Saturday, 20th October, the occasion being the

celebration of W. Bro. Edgar Larkin's 50 years in Masonry. There was a large attendance of members of the

Lodge and visitors from all parts. R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash, Prov.G.M., presided and spoke at some length in

reference to the activities of the Worshipful Brother as a citizen and the service he rendered as Secretary of

Lodge Ngauruhoe, and at a later stage of the proceedings presented W. Bro. Larkin on behalf of the Lodge

with a very handsome Jewel, suitably inscribed; also depicted on the Jewel was Mt. Ruapehu, snowclad and

smoke rising from it. Tributes were also paid by V.W. Bros. S. H. Snell, P.G.C., P. W. Morris, P.A.G.D.C.,

W. H. Sandford, P.A.G.D.C., and the Masters of Lodges Ngauruhoe, Waimarino and Otaihape. W. Bro.

Larkin was very much touched by the kindly expressions conveyed to him and said he deeply appreciated the

kindly gift in memory of his fifty years.

At the banquet which followed, after R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash had proposed the toast of the guest, W. Bro.

Larkin gave a very interesting talk on his 50 years in Freemasonry. He was initiated at Kaikoura in 1894, and

later went to South Africa, where he joined the Police Force, and referred to the different Lodges he had

attended there; then finally his experiences in the Police Force in New Zealand right up to his going to

Ohakune, where he was Town Clerk for a number of years. He has been a wonderful member of the Craft

and deeply attached to it, and it is hoped that the Great Architect will spare him to carry on for some years to

come. It was a memorable night and one that will not be forgotten.

———————

REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

VICTORIA-1944.

545 Lodges 57,620 members, a gain of 2756 (550 Lodges, 62488 members, at end of 1944, a gain of 4866).

Quarterly Communications held at Melbourne on 15th March, 21st June, 20th September, and 20th

December, M.W. Bro. His Honour Judge Book, KC., L.L.B., Grand Master, presiding at all.

1169 patients (including 230 from the country) were admitted to the Freemasons' Hospital in 1943, and 1032

operations were performed.

During the year 1943 there were 3489 initiates and 1338 joinings, the losses being 599 deaths, 1203

resignations and 269 exclusions.

The total of initiations since March, 1899, was 102,094, and of affiliations (including 7000 foundation

members of Grand Lodge) 42,241, the resignations totalling 63,908, exclusions 11,100 and deaths 11,707.

During the year 53 candidates were withdrawn from ballot, 20 rejected at ballot, and 29 stayed by the Grand

Master.

Five new Lodges were consecrated and Charters had been granted to seven more.

£4219 was disbursed from the Fund of Benevolence (making £154,511 since the formation of Grand Lodge).

Commemorative Jewels were presented to 22 brethren who had subscribed continuously to Freemasonry for

fifty years.

Referring in the course of his report to the delivery of the Special Prayer by the Chaplain, the Grand

Inspector of Workings said: The practice of Chaplains and Deacons perambulating to position in front of

Worshipful Master's pedestal, and wands joined over the head of Chaplain, must be discontinued," and went

on to say: "In the event of a Worshipful Master having in mind any new idea regarding Degree Ceremonies,

it would save quite a lot of time and worry if he would take the opportunity of seeking the advice of a

responsible officer before attempting to put such idea into practice. This would often stop wrong practices

being imitated or copied."

The last quoted paragraph is worthy of general attention.

The G.I. of workings deprecated the holding of too many Emergency Meetings, as the tendency was for them

to be poorly attended, and the impression on the candidates was not what they should desire.

At the Installation of Grand Master in March, V.W. Bro. C. N. Cathie, then P.B.G.P., of New Zealand,

conveyed in person the good wishes and congratulations of the Grand Master and Grand Lodge of New

Zealand.

The Board of General Purposes reported that a brother who occupied the position of Secretary of his Lodge

was charged with derogating his rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon to that of a Past Master, and issuing the

Lodge Summonses as Secretary without his correct rank. The Board was of the opinion that the action of this

brother was deliberate in omitting from official communication his Past Grand Rank, but in view of his

undertaking that he would in future use his proper Masonic rank on all Masonic communications the Board

decided that no further action be taken in the matter.

It was resolved to set aside £3000 per annum from the Benevolent Fund to provide for scholarships and

educational assistance for the sons and daughters of Freemasons, the minimum grant to be £30 per annum.

£1260 was granted to 18 brethren who had suffered losses in the bush fire areas, and an additional £2000 was

granted to cover any further contingencies which might arise. Later another £2000 was voted.

The regulations regarding the possible beneficiaries from the War Relief Fund (which then stood at £50,399)

were amended to read: "That the War Relief Fund shall be used for the relief of—(a) Sailor brethren

(including brethren who served in the Merchant Navy during any war period), Soldier and Air Force brethren

and their dependants; and (b) the dependants of deceased Sailor brethren (including brethren who served in

the Merchant Navy during any

war period), Soldier and Air Force brethren, who are in need."

At the September meeting R.W. Bro. F. E. Pettifer, Deputy Grand Master, delivered an inspiring address on

"Why Freemasonry?" and at the December meeting Bro. Major-General G. A. Vasey, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O.,

gave some insight into what was being done with Australia's fine soldiers under the title, "The Problems of a

Commander."

The Reports of the various Grand Lodges were reviewed as usual by the individual Representatives, and

New Zealand's Representative contributed a concise summary of our 1943 Communication."

Grand Master Elect: R.W. Bro. Frank E. Pettifer, Melbourne.

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. Wm. Stewart, P.S.G.W., Melbourne.

Grand Representative of New Zealand: V.W. Bro. Albert E. Wright, P.P., B.G.P., Melbourne.

Grand Representative at New Zealand: R.W. Bro. Arch. Burns, P.G.W., Auckland.

————

MAINE-1945.

206 Lodges, 36,963 members, a gain of 1431.

126th Annual Communications held at Portland, 1st May, M.W. Bro. Charles E. Crossland, G.M., presiding.

The Grand Master said that they had expected to observe appropriately the 125th Anniversary of the Grand

Lodge, but they had perhaps the smallest attendance since 1850, only 34 Lodges being represented.

Veterans' Medals were presented to 85 brethren who had been in good standing for fifty years.

1984 brethren were raised, 138 affiliated, and 368 reinstated, as against 149 demitted, 146 suspended N.P.D.,

1 suspended from Masonry, and 760 died.

The largest Lodge had 780, others 756 and 702 respectively, while the three smallest had 31, 47, and 56

members, the average being 179.

The District Deputy Grand Masters reported the work of 39 Lodges as Excellent, 121 as Good, 35 as Fair

and 3 as Poor.

The Lodges spent $7348 from their own funds for charity purposes.

Fees for the degrees varied from $30 to $60 and annual dues from $2 'to $10.

An intensive campaign raised $78,000 for "The Maine War Service Fund."

$16,215 were disbursed from the Charity Fund in assisting 106 applicants.

The 72 pages of Reviews by M.W. Bro. Ashley A. Smith, P.G.M., include over one page devoted to New

Zealand, 1943. KW. Bro. devotes a good portion of his summary of our volume to our conditions regarding

the admission of women to lodgerooms.

Grand Master: KW. Bro. Charles E. Crossland, Orono.

Grand Secretary: W. Bro. Conyers E. Leach, P.J.G.W., Portland.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: R.W. Bro. John J. Marr, P.S.G.W., Island Falls.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. Ralph S. Chadwick, P.Prov.G.M., Dannevirke,

———————

MASONIC BRETHREN IN WELLINGTON HOSPITALS.

COMMITTEE REPORT, No. 17.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

Public Hospital.—Victoria Ward: Bro. E. Harris, Lodge Karori, has made a wonderful improvement since

our last report. Ward 4: R.W. Bro. S. T. S. Martin, Hinemoa Lodge, is very cheerful and patiently waiting for

a fractured bone to mend. Bro. G. Clark, late of Empire Lodge, is improving nicely since his amputation, and

is now learning to manipulate his crutches. Ward 29: Bro. S. McDonald, Services Lodge. Progress rather

slow.

W. Bro. Bettany, Leinster Lodge, and Bro. J. Creed, Mokoia Lodge, have been discharged from the Hospital.

We regret to announce the deaths since our last report of W. Bro. L. A. Whittaker (Whetu Kairangi Lodge)

and Bro. F. Willis (Aroha Lodge).

———————

FREEMASONRY IN A NEW WORLD.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

(By Harry L. Baum, 33°, F.G.M., Denver, Colorado.)

———

As the world struggles to rise from the smouldering ashes of destruction wrought by cruel and brutal

occupation and by the devastations of war, it is but natural for those vitally interested in the future of

Freemasonry and of the great principles for which it stands to contemplate most seriously its place in the new

world which is to follow. That it is to be a new world there can be no doubt, but it does not necessarily

follow that it is to be a very good world. No upheaval of such proportions and with such immensity of scope

can take place without leaving after-effects so far-reaching as to be almost limitless. Cataclysmic events have

transpired, and for us and for Freemasonry they can only have profound results, the portent and meaning of

which we should never cease to seek.

We have been fully aware of the awful fate which has befallen our brethren in many lands, a fate shared by

many other innocent and well-intentioned persons, and knowledge of the bestiality which has wreaked its

ruthless kill upon them has filled us with horror and loathing. Our minds recoil from the contemplation of

this savagery, and we find ourselves unable to adjust our thinking to it, or to comprehend the influences

which could so brutalise the intellect of whole peoples as to make them capable of such monstrous atrocities

against humanity. But, to say the least, those influences are powerful, and because of their baneful effects,

and the horrible results which have followed, nothing in the world can ever again be exactly as it was.

Whether we like to contemplate this prospect or not, it is the truth, and upon the outcome of the vast changes

which are destined to appear will depend the welfare of Masonry and the future happiness and stability of

our nation.

I have said that it is difficult for us to comprehend the mental processes of those whose malevolent outlook

makes them proponents of malignity toward humanity, and it is likely that only a few of us will ever delve

deeply enough into their psychology to even begin to understand it. There are, however, certain lessons to be

learned, which it behoves us soberly to study and endeavour to profit thereby. Most important of these

lessons is the undeniable fact that human beings can, as a result of emphatic repetition of lies and deceptive

logic, be converted to an outlook on life and conduct which is so false and vicious as to be incredible to men

of sound reasoning. Once these monstrous fabrications have been impressed upon the human mind,

especially the minds of youth and inexperience or of the credulous and uncritical, it seems well nigh

impossible to eradicate them, and the result is likely to be chaos. We have not realised this fact until now,

and it is a tremendous and awe-inspiring lesson to all whose responsibility it is to shape the thinking of

children and youth, and to endeavour to mould the opinion of those who are, for whatever reason, not

capable of forming competent opinions of their own.

We know now, beyond any doubt, and better than ever before, that it is ideas that count, the natural corollary

of which is that if we wish the principles of justice and liberty to triumph we must earnestly endeavour to

implant their ideals in the minds of all those with whom we come in contact. Not only the ideals of the good

life which will be consequent upon the establishment of freedom and justice among the peoples of the earth

everywhere, but those tremendously more important ideals which indicate the duty and responsibility of

every Mason and every citizen to maintain unchanged those great fundamentals on which Masonry rests.

The task which I have outlined will never be an easy one, but there are certain fundamentals which we can

adopt to guide us, and which will never lead us astray. One needs only to contemplate recent history, and the

sad fate of the millions who have been dispossessed and destroyed, to realise that a society which permits

Masonry to be persecuted and derided, under whatever guise or for whatever specious reasons, lays the

foundation of ruin for itself as well as for the countless innocent victims of its shocking and senseless

barbarity. Masonry is more than simply an organisation, a so-called "secret society," with a certain ritual and

a selected, limited membership. It not only teaches by symbols but is in itself a symbol. As every symbol

stands for something, possesses a special significance, so Masonry stands for something.

In fact, it stands for many things, the total of which can be summed up in one word—justice. For without

justice there can be no liberty and no equality, and no free speech and no free thought and no free worship; it

is the foundation stone of our system of free government, and without it we could not exist as the nation that

we are. So this is the meaning I strive to bring out, and to impress indelibly and forever upon you: If we wish

to preserve the things in which we believe, and by which we live, and to perpetuate them for the generations

which follow us, we must see to it that Freemasonry is preserved, strengthened and extended, as it is,

unchanged in any fundamental or essential particular. Because, as I have said, when Freemasonry is

threatened, free and democratic institutions are threatened, and, when Freemasonry is expelled or submerged,

their destruction soon follows.

No observer of the events of recent history can possibly delude himself with the idea that the winning of the

war will solve all our problems. Quite the contrary, and that is why I endeavour to emphasise these things

now. The false philosophies we must combat, whether German or Japanese in origin, are, collectively, the

evil genius of Freemasonry, and of everything that is gentle, tolerant and kind. They have held sway now for

too long in the world, and over too many of its peoples, and their destructive imprint will not soon fade from

many minds. It is that which we must overcome, and to accomplish it successfully many things must be

done. Not the least of these is the fostering of our Craft in other lands, as they recover from the terror and

devastation of occupation and war. There will be an eager desire for Freemasonry among men of goodwill

everywhere, but to survive and flourish it must overcome the forces of evil, and to accomplish that it must

have help, which must come, in great measure, from us.

This thought opens up a wide vista of possibilities, not the least of which is the possibility for a stronger and

more uniform system of international Masonic association. The stronger is Masonry the world around, the

safer will be our principles and our ideals. Said a brother who is a great Governor of a great State, "I believe

that, if there were fifty million. Masons in the United States instead of three million, there would be no fear

of any invasion of foreign ideas contrary to the spirit of religious and personal freedom of America." That is

a safe statement, but the ideal of such numbers is one difficult of attainment. However, I am quite sure that

much fewer than fifty millions of really earnest Masons, thoroughly imbued with Masonic principles and

willing to sacrifice, if necessary, to disseminate them, will make any nation safe from the vicious influence

of this evil genius which will, if it can, enslave mankind, and reduce men to the status of abysmal brutes to

gain its ends.

Even after every battle is won and the military threat has been dissipated by the force of our arms, we must

still meet and defeat the evil genius. Such is history, as those of us who have lived through two world wars

must by now know. All too often countless priceless lives are lost, precious blood is spilled, immeasurable

sacrifices are made, and wars are finally won, only to be lost after the guns have been put away. They are

lost because ideas fight on, and evil ideas will win if not understood and opposed consistently, courageously

and resolutely. This time that cannot be permitted to happen, for if it does there will never be another

chance—the evil genius will have lost but temporarily, only to have later won the final victory, and then all

that we live by will have been lost to us and to our loved ones—this time, forever.

So the place of Freemasonry in the new world which is before us is a responsible one, and the responsibility

rests upon each and every one of us, as an individual. After all, our institution is but the lengthened shadow

of ourselves, and, therefore, what we are it will be. Such must necessarily be the heart and core of our

practice as Freemasons, for, if there is one thing above all others we are taught by our Craft for the control of

our personal conduct, it is the principle and practice of individualism. This means individual responsibility

for each of us, however small and unpretentious his sphere. For it will be, in the end, the summation of

influence of countless individuals which will determine future policies of nations, and the future course of

civilisation. An informed and watchful public, imbued with the spirit of true constructive service, cannot be

long misled by the most crafty and designing of politicians or the most convincing of dishonest and ruthless

demagogues.

In the end, therefore, we hold our fate and the fate of the institution of Freemasonry in our own hands. If we

are alert and intelligent, industrious, courageous and aggressive, we will be victorious against the evil genius

which threatens us and everything for which we stand. If we are lazy, supine, cowardly, and without the

qualities of leadership, we will aid and abet the decline of our institution, the dispersal of our numbers, and

the destruction of everything we value, in our own country and in the world. This terrible responsibility is

with us, and with those who follow in our footsteps. Ours will be the responsibility if we fail and are

swallowed up in the final holocaust which will destroy all justice, all liberty, all decency. And ours will be

the glory forever if we triumph.—"The New Age."

———————

ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN THE HOROWHENUA DISTRICT.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The 20th Installation of the Horowhenua R.A. Chapter, No. 63, was held on Saturday, 13th October, when

M.E. Comp. R. W. McVilly, Grand Supt., accompanied by a strong representation of Grand Chapter officers,

which included M.E. Comp. W. H. Sandford, P.G.Z., and R.E. Comp. W. A. Waters, Grand Supt. Ruapehu

District, attended for the purpose of the Enthronement of E. Comp. J. C. Moodie as First Principal, the

induction of the Second and Third Principals—E. Comps. C. J. H. Trim and H. L. Taylor—and the

investiture of their officers. The attendance was reminiscent of pre-war days, and the Chapter was honoured

by Principals and Companions from as distant localities as Feilding, Masterton, Palmerston North, and

Raetihi. Many regrets were received from those precluded from attending, including M.E. Comp. T. M.

Rankin (Invercargill), M.E. Comps. Geo. Russell, J. Rod and F. J. Rea, and R.E. Comp. Walter Dobson,

P.G.H. During the proceedings a Board of I.M.M. was opened by R.E. Comp. J. Robertson and Bro. Moodie

was installed as W.M.M. The Rankin Commemorative Jewel, made and donated by the distinguished Comp.

whose name it bears, and worn by the First Principal in each successive year, was entrusted to the keeping of

V.E. Comp. Moodie by R.E. Comp. R. J. Foss, its first wearer. At the request of the Chapter, the Grand Supt.

presented the retiring First Principal, V.E. Comp. H. Walker, with a handsome jewel of a distinctive

character to mark his holding the office of Z. in the Chapter for a second term. During the past year a

committee of three—V.E. Comps. Dumbell, Wilson and Lemmon—had been set up to plan and execute a

suitable board for erection in the vestibule, whereon would be recorded the names of the successive First

Principals of the Chapter, together with distinctive emblems, the executant member of the enthusiastic trio

being V.E. Comp. Lemmon. In due course the work has been completed, and opportunity was taken to

request M.E. Comp. Sandford to unveil this veritable work of art. Our M.E. Companion kindly complied

with this request in a characteristic address, "pointing a moral and adorning a tale" in a most happy manner.

In the subsequent refectory proceedings, the toast of Officers of Grand Chapter, Present and Past, was in the

capable hands of V.E. Comp. Wilson. It was responded to by M.E. Comp. Sandford, supplemented by R.E.

Comp. Waters. The toast of "The First Principal" was entrusted to V.E. Comp. Dumbell, and "Our Visitors"

were warmly welcomed by V.E. Comp. Potts. An extra toast, a little off the record, "The Record Board

Committee" with special reference to the craftsman who put the job through, was included, and the reception

that it met with indicated a deep appreciation. V.E. Comp. Lemmon acknowledged the tribute.

———————

ST. JOHN'S DAY IN HARVEST.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

(By Silas H. Shepherd.)

———

It is a custom to celebrate the anniversary of certain events which have, to a great extent, produced results of

lasting good. If we were to celebrate the anniversary of all the great events in the history of the world we

would have occasion to celebrate nearly everyday of the year; but we limit these celebrations to those nearest

our interests.

In Freemasonry, St. John's days are, by our customs and usages, set apart as days on which "festival com-

munications" may be held. St. John the Baptist's Day is the anniversay of the formation of the Grand Lodge

of England, the Grand Lodge from which every regular Grand Lodge either directly or indirectly derives its

authority, and we may well celebrate the anniversary with appropriate allusion to the events 'which then tran-

spired and the conditions which then prevailed.

It would be most welcome knowledge to every Masonic student to know just what transpired at the so-called

"revival" 228 years ago. We are, however, seriously handicapped in our studies of that important event by

having no contemporaneous record of it. The record we depend upon is contained in the second edition of

Anderson's "Book of Constitutions" (1738) and reads as follows;

"King George I. enter'd London most magnificently on 20 Sept. 1714. And after the Rebellion was over A.D.

1716, the few Lodges at London finding themselves neglected by Sir Christopher Wren, thought fit to

cement under a Grand Master as the Centre of Union and Harmony, viz, the Lodges that met—

"1. At the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house in St. Paul's Churchyard.

"2. At the Crown Ale-house in Parker's-Lane, near Drury-Lane.

"3. At the Apple-Tree Tavern in Charles-street, Covent-Garden.

"4. At the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel-Row, Westminster.

"They and some old Brothers met at the said Apple-Tree Tavern, and having put into the Chair the oldest

Master Mason (now the Master of a Lodge) they constituted themselves a Grand Lodge pro Tempore in Due

Form, and forthwith revived the Quarterly Communication of the Officers of Lodges (card the Grand Lodge)

resolv'd to hold the Annual Assembly and Feast, and then to chuse a Grand Master from among themselves,

till they should have the Honor of a Noble Brother at their Head.

"Accordingly, on St. John's Baptist's Day, in the 3rd year of King George I., A.D. 1717, the Assembly and

Feast of the Free and accepted Masons was held at the foresaid Goose and Gridiron Ale-house.

"Before Dinner, the oldest Master Mason (now the Master of a Lodge) in the Chair, proposed a List of

Proper Candidates; and the Brethren by a Majority of Hands elected Mr. Anthony Sayer, Gentleman, Grand

Master of Masons (Mr. Jacob Lamball, Carpenter, Capt. Joseph Elliot, Grand Wardens) who being forthwith

invested with the Badges of Office and Power by the said Oldest Master, and install'd, was duly

congratulated by the Assembly who pay'd him the Homage.

"Sayer, Grand Master, commanded the Masters and Wardens of Lodges to meet the Grand Officers every

Quarter in Communication, at the Place that he should appoint in his Summons sent by the Tyler."

Among the regulations which were adopted at this meeting the most important was, "That the privilege of

assembling as Masons, which had been hitherto unlimited, should be vested in certain Lodges or Assemblies

of Masons convened in certain places; and that every Lodge to be hereafter convened, except the four old

Lodges at that time existing, should be legally authorised to act by a warrant from the Grand Master for the

time being, granted to certain individuals by petition, with the consent and approbation of the Grand Lodge

in communication; and that without such warrant no Lodge should be hereafter deemed regular or

constitutional."

This regulation may be considered as the most far-reaching in its effects of any rule that has ever been made

by Masons for their government; it is the foundation of our present jurisprudence in regard to regularity. It is

also of historic importance, as it states that the privilege of assembling had been "hitherto unlimited."

Three years after the formation of the Grand Lodge, in 1720, Grand Master Payne compiled the "General

Regulations," the 39th of which contained the following: "Every Grand Lodge has an inherent Power and

Authority to make new Regulations or to alter these, for the real Benefit of this ancient Fraternity: Provided

always that the old Land Marks be carefully preserv'd." This regulation clearly shows a spirit of conformity

to a basic law of an ancient Fraternity.

The organisation of the Grand Lodge in 1717 was called a "revival" by the writers of the 18th and some of

the writers of the 19th century, and implicit faith was placed on the statement that Sir Christopher Wren was

Grand Master of a Grand Lodge that existed prior to 1717 and that he had neglected the fraternity; but there

is no evidence that Wren was even a Mason and therefore none that he was Grand Master, and there is great

probability that he was not. The "formation" or "organisation" of the Grand Lodge of England seems to be a

more definite and appropriate expression of what actually happened; for we are told by Anderson that they

"constituted themselves a Grand Lodge pro Tempore in due form" as their first act.

This formation or organisation of the premier Grand Lodge has been termed a "gigantic blunder" by a deep

thinker and learned student of Masonic fundamentals. He believes that the principle of co-operation was

subordinate to an "organisation." We are sometimes in doubt as to where the happy medium lies, and are

inclined to believe we have it in the Freemasonry of today. We know its weakness and its limitations, but

they are the weakness and the limitations of the individual and not the Fraternity. Its principles are basically

sound and if perverted it is mainly due to two causes, viz: the Masonic politician and the careless

investigating committee.

Organisation is a necessity, and where men are associated with each other it is necessary that they give up a

certain amount of personal freedom for the greater and more glorious liberty of all. We do not wish to

infringe on freedom of thought. The Freemason is, first of all, an intelligent, free moral agent, and, so far as

his Freemasonry applies to the building of his own "Temple of Character," he is free to interpret its laws,

rules and regulations for himself; but when he associates with others in the work of teaching the neophyte

and in the general labours of the Lodge he is subject to self-imposed restrictions which he voluntarily

assumes.

From an historical standpoint the year 1717 is the most important in Masonry. It is the date which divides the

laws of Masonry into the ancient customs and usages and the modern regulations, laws and edicts; it also in a

great measure divides the known from the unknown; for previous to the formation of the Grand Lodge in

1717 we had but few authentic facts on which we can rely. Brother G. W. Speth, in his splendid "Masonic

Curriculum" describes the need of a chart for the use of the Masonic navigator on the sea of Masonic history,

and, after giving his opinion of the value of Gould's "History of Freemasonry" as such a chart, says:

"We rise from the perusal of this book with one fact tolerably well impressed upon our minds, viz., that in

the middle of our ocean lies an island, A.D. 1717, the period at which our Craft underwent a reorganisation

of some sort; and we are conscious that between this island and our own shores lies a tract which is fairly

well mapped out, but that beyond it extends a waste with scarcely a sounding more than approximately

indicated, stretching away into the distant past. Our first effort must be to gain a clear insight into this past;

we shall not altogether succeed, and we shall possibly never even approach the shore at the other side,

although we may be able to fill up many blanks, to discover solid ground here and there, mark the probable

flow of the current and take some additional soundings."

Brother R. F. Gould, in his masterly essay on "Masonic Symbolism" says: "I conceive that there is ground

for reasonable conjecture, whether the Symbolism of Masonry, to a considerable portion of which, even at

this day, no meaning can be assigned which is entirely satisfactory to an intelligent mind, must not 'have

culminated before the very earliest dawn of its recorded history.' Also that it underwent a gradual process of

decay, which was arrested, but only at the point we now have it, by passing into the control of the Grand

Lodge of England in 1717."

Symbolic and traditional knowledge was of great importance to the ancient world and it has been handed

down through the centuries, a priceless gift of the past to the present. Many of the most important truths of

philosophy survived the dark ages through hermetic, Rosicrucian and Masonic sources; but with the

invention of printing, and later the popular thought which came with the Reformation, men no longer relied

to such an extent on symbols and allegory; printed history replaced oral traditions and the methods of the

ancient form of instruction were replaced by ones more adaptable to the conditions of the progressive age

which was born with the invention of printing and gradually developed a spirit of moral, political and

spiritual freedom which found its most pronounced expression in the English Revolution of 1688.

Taine says: "With the constitution of 1688 a new spirit appears in England. Slowly, gradually, the moral

revolution accompanies the social: man changes with the state, in the same sense and for the same causes;

character moulds itself to the situation; and little by little, in manners and in literature, we see spring up a

serious, reflective moral spirit, capable of discipline and independence which can alone maintain and give

effect to a constitution."

Although the reaction of the rule of the sober, long-faced, never-laughing puritan was carried to the opposite

extreme and vices seemed to be the most prominent trait of the Englishman of the Revolution and the

decades that followed it, there was an inner consciousness of moral responsibility which was so well

expressed in the writings of Addison, Defoe, Pope, Berkeley and others, and which eventually found

expression in their acts as well as their thoughts.

Protestant thought was not new thought, but an expression in different form of the Wisdom of the ages.

Restraint of action and liberty of thought are the cornerstones of civilisation, Freemasonry has been laying

these cornerstones in every age and in many lands from time immemorial. The Charge in the 1723 "Book of

Constitutions" concerning God and Religion could not have been written until the world was ready to receive

it. It was taught by Masonic symbol and allegory from time immemorial, but in 1723 it was given to the

world as one of the fundamental principles of the Fraternity.

It is my humble opinion that the fundamental principles of Freemasonry have come down to us from a very

remote antiquity and have been taught by symbolic, allegorical and at times perhaps by hermetical methods,

and that we as individual craftsmen are most of us, as yet, only entered apprentices in the full comprehension

of Freemasonry and that the Craft in 1717 needed an adjustment to meet the changed condition which society

had undergone.

That this organisation of 1717 was not perfect and that its efforts to unite men of every country, sect and

opinion were sometimes fruitless is evidenced by the schisms that have since become a part of Masonic

history. These weaknesses are not, however, the weakness of Freemasonry, but the failure of its votaries to

apply themselves with freedom, fervency and zeal to the task of subduing their passions and the duty of

improving themselves In Masonic knowledge.

The Mason who has studied the events bearing on the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717

knows that its foundation was laid in the basic principle of the "Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of

Man" and he will endeavour to prove to the profane world through his own actions that the Freemason is a

builder—a Builder of Character.

———————

HOLY LAND OF MASONRY.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

(By Bro. George C. Fayville, Jr.)

———

The Holy Land of Masonry is a rough quadrangle, extending from the southern tip of the Red Sea to northern

Syria and between the Nile Valley and Mesopotamia. It comprises what is today called the Near East.

In this territory arose the three great religious systems which have most powerfully swayed the masses of

mankind—Judaism, Christianity and Mohammedanism. Here first began that strife between individualism

and feudalism —between men who hail their king as God and men who hail God as their king—which has

spread today to every corner of the world. The finest ideals of modern culture stem from this minor segment

of the Earth. Judged by its effect upon the course of human history, it is the most important stretch of country

on the globe. Why?

Probably because it consists of narrow fertile tracts separated by broad reaches of desert country. The desert

is a factor in the consciousness of every one of its inhabitants. It not only presents a constant contrast

between the barren and the fertile, but also affords a ready avenue of escape from the pressure of crowded

human activity to the peace of a seemingly infinite solitude.

Such a country, no matter how highly civilised it may appear, will always remain a frontier. Its inhabitants

will develop the frontier virtues and vices. Frontier virtue is more virtuous and frontier vices are more

vicious than are those of more thickly settled lands. The individual is oftener on his own. He is more self-

reliant. He has a better knowledge of his own abilities and his own shortcomings. Because he is always close

to Nature he inevitably senses the presence of God as the only possible explanation of natural phenomena.

Any man who has slept in the open with only the sky for cover and only the stars for company will

appreciate the philosophic and religious advantages of such an environment. There is no other comparable

opportunity either for meditation or for prayer. Under no other circumstances can a man come so surely to

estimate his own greatness—and his littleness—in no other way can he come so surely to the beginning of

wisdom.

In the Biblical accounts of the great teachers, we nearly always find the sentence, "He went out into the

wilderness." Moses went into the wilderness and brought back the idea of a God of Justice. The Children of

Israel spent forty years in the wilderness and laid the foundations of their racial greatness. Moses went out

into the wilderness and returned with the concept of a loving God. Jesus went into the wilderness and found

the Kingdom of Heaven. Paul went into the wilderness and conceived the apostleship to the gentiles. On the

lonely camel trails of the wilderness Mahomet discovered "Allah the mighty, the wise Allah, the

compassionate."

The idea of a chosen people is ill fitted to modern thought, but it is obvious that the environment of the

ancient Hebrews was the most suited to the fulfilment of their great mission. The great sea which guarded

their western shore was navigated only by the ships of Tarsus, and the Phoenicians were their close kinsmen.

The war-like Hittites on the northward were an effectual buffer to the European barbarians. Midway between

the two greatest ancient civilisations (Egyptian and Assyrian) Palestine was a meeting ground and

battleground for much. Both inevitably contributed much to Hebrew culture. The whips and swords of both

helped to remove the unfit from the Hebrew ranks, chasten the Hebrew soul, and toughen the Hebrew

character.

A long hike—and a fascinating story—lies between the burning bush on Horeb, where Moses hid his face

and received the divine instructions which led to the founding of a nation, and Riblah, where Zedekiah lost

his sight and began the terrible trek which marked that nation's downfall. It is an even longer trail—and just

as great a story— from the dreams of Ezekiel and Daniel in the courts of Babylon to the rebuilding of the

temple on Mount Moriah. That wonderful drama, footlighted by the Mediterranean against the backdrop of

the desert, could have been enacted on no other stage.

It is a country well worth studying. The imaginative Mason, poring over maps of the Holy Land of Masonry,

will come to realise why, in the clean, lonely stretches of the desert, Enoch walked with God. He will

understand the evolution of the Deistic concept from that of a stern and jealous God, a semi-barbaric

potentate, to that of a loving Father, leading inevitably to the ideal of the brotherhood of man. He will dimly

perceive why in such a country the fierce independence of the nomad would logically result in an insistence

upon the supreme worthwhileness of the individual soul—the kinship of man and his Creator. Reasoning

from such premises there is no escape from the political concept of democracy, and this was the cradle of

democracy as of religion.

It was also the cradle of the arts and sciences. It gave us mathematics, astronomy, the alphabet, paper, ink,

architecture, and the calendar. It gave us the first navigators and geographers. It is hardly too much to say

that it gave us civilisation. Of the six thousand years of recorded human history, more than half originated

there. The completion of Solomon's temple marks approximately the midpoint of that record.

Lying between the fertile Nile valley and the rich resources of south-west Asia, it was destined to be the

cockpit of the nations which coveted those treasures, and it has resounded to the tread of the great

conquerors. Today the steel treads of Hitler's tanks stir the ancient dust through which rolled the chariot

wheels of Rameses, which has known the tramp of Alexander's phalanxes, the charge of Caesar's cavalry,

and the rumble of Napoleon's caissons; and a grim Scotchman, commanding men and resources from every

free nation on the globe, gave battle in the same cause for which Joshua and Gideon fought.

It is good to know that, despite the onslaughts of the Caesar's, the great ideals which have originated here

have lived and spread; that they have made life happier and finer for people in every land beneath the sun;

that men still consider them dearer even than life; and that no man or combination of men can destroy them

or the free institutions founded upon them.—"Masonic World."

———————

GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF N.Z.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION.

———

The Annual Communication of Grand Lodge of New Zealand will be held in the Town Hall, Auckland, on

Wednesday, 28th November, 1945, when M.W. Bro. E. C. Smith, Pro G.M., will be installed as Grand

Master for the year 1945-1946.

———————

TRUTH.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

"The sun veils himself in his own rays to blind the gaze of the too curious starer." Thus runs our old saying,

and if for "the sun" we read "truth" we will have its application. The deepest truths are veiled and are best

revealed by symbol and allegory.

Truth includes all virtues; it is older than all sects, more ancient than mankind. Its feet never slip. They stand

firm and immovable upon a solid foundation. Storms may beat, tempests may howl, lightning may flash, and

thunders may roll, but it is not disturbed. Evil and falsehood may hurl their javelins at its head, but they

strike the impenetrable shield that surrounds it and fall broken at its feet.

God is the shield and strength of Truth. It gives joy and confidence, and there is no pleasure like that of

standing upon the vantage ground. With truth on his side, a man may stand upright and with modest but

fearless confidence look straight into the face of his creator. God loves Truth and he who acts the truth has

God for his friend.

Truth, like a sunbeam, cannot be soiled by any outward touch. It is pure and immaculate, as eternal in its

purity as the years of God Himself. Happy the man, and safe from calumny's sting, who dwells in the bright

rays of Truth.—C.C.H.

———————

MASONIC PEACE MEMORIAL TEMPLE IN LONDON.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

[Note.—S. E. Potter, of Lodge Temperance, No. 179, in Sydney, New South Wales,

Australia, has written this description of the Temple erected in London, England, as a

memorial to the Masons of the British Empire who made the supreme sacrifice during the

Great War, 1914-1918.]

The building itself externally is substantially constructed of stone; of two stories, surmounted with a tower.

As you enter the main entrance, the brother in attendance directs you up the marble staircase with its

beautiful blue carpet to the reception room, where you are received by the bro" her whose duty is to escort

and explain to the visiting brethren all about the interior of the building.

Having signed the visitors' book, I found that our party consisted of a brother from South Africa, one from

Canada, another from New Zealand, and myself from New South Wales, Australia, our guide being an

English brother, which constituted an Empire Brotherhood.

The Museum . . . contains a wonderful collection of Masonic treasures. Beautifully hand-carved furniture,

belonging to Lodges hundreds of years old, can be seen, one set being made by Chippendale, that is of very

handsome design. Some of the Grand Masters' Chairs, which were used by the Kings and Princes of

England, are also housed here. In glass cases are enclosed a most wonderful collection of Masonic jewels,

the beauty and design and workmanship of which I cannot adequately describe. In one case reposes the

regalia of the late King Edward VII and the E. A. apron of Edward VIII. Many centrepieces of silver, very

magnificent specimens of the silversmith's art, an which were embodied Masonic emblems, could be seen;

most of them were presented by Masons holding high rank. Of very great interest was the wonderful

collection of aprons, not only of the English, Scottish and Irish Constitutions, but from all over the world,

including the Chinese, the majority very rich in design and colour.

Another section of the Museum contains the cut glass used by Lodges in bygone days, Many fine sets could

be seen, one in particular, a Stewart set, shaped like Scotch thistles, with the square and compasses

embossed, also churchwarden clay pipes which were used by the brethren before the Great Fire of London.

Another relic of interest was a gavel which was found when the tomb of King Tutankhamen was opened by

the Egyptian authorities in the presence of the Earl of Carnarvan, The Earl was asked if he would like any of

the jewels the coffin contained; he said he was not interested, but looking down he saw amongst other things

lying on the floor of the tomb, a gavel; that, he said, was the only thing he was interested in. That gavel is

placed side by side with the one that the Grand Master used in forming the foundation stones for the

Memorial Temple, and, although the Egyptian one is 5000 years old, they are similar in construction, the

wood being in a perfect state of preservation.

The building also contains a wonderful library of Masonic books . . .

Leaving the Museum, we proceeded along the wide corridors, past the dressing-rooms of the Grand Master

and Grand Officers, which are paneled, walls and ceilings, and the furnishings, tables, chairs, etc., with

Tasmanian woods, which were presented by the brethren of Tasmania . . On arrival at the doors of the

Temple we were shown a five-pointed star set in the Masonic floor in front of the doors. This star is made

out of a precious green stone, which was presented by a South African brother. It was his wish that it be so

placed in the floor that each Grand Master and Officer would step on it before entering the Temple. It cost

£500. The mosaic floor, domed roof, and lighting arrangements, also the pillars, are something to remember.

Our guide than briefly explained the figures on the great bronze doors. One scene depicts the forest of

Lebanon with the Egyptians hewing the logs of cedar, also the logs being hauled along to King Solomon's

Temple; large blocks of stone can be seen being shaped by Masons, and women weaving the curtains for the

walls, and artificers are shown working in brass and copper. The entrance doors weigh three tons each . . .

[and are easy to move] being hung with ball bearings. On the inside of the doors . . . two large figures of

berthren in full military uniform can be seen on the battlefield with the Grand Master . . . with an arm on

each brother's shoulder giving them words of encouragement. . . .

The Grand Lodge room has a seating accommodation of 1600. . . . The chairs are upholstered in blue, with

the carpets to match; the aisle between the chairs is 18ft. wide. There is a gallery on either side of marble,

each weighing 150 tons, built on the cantilever system, no perpendicular supports being used in its

construction, so that everyone has a clear, unobstructed view of the Grand Master and the workings of the

Lodge. . . . The organ is situated at the rear of the dais. . . . The walls at the rear and sides of the dais are

covered with tapestry, blue and gold, all very elaborate, made by Master Mason weavers at Braintree, in

Essex. It might be of interest to say that only Master Masons were employed on the construction of the

building or its furnishings, and all the materials came from within the British Empire, with the exception of

the mosaic work in and around the roof, which was imported from Italy. The effect of the lighting of the roof

and the large star in the centre is glorious. The Grand Master's Chair is a work of art, beautifully carved and

finished with 22-carat gold leaf, upholstered in cloth of gold. The cost was £1800. The Deputy Master's and

Past Grand Master's, . . . all the other chairs on the dais are finished in gold leaf and upholstered in blue. . .

Our guide then showed us the lodge room known as the Indian Lodge Room, which has a vaulted roof such

as is to be seen in Indian temples; this is the largest lodge room in London, and is used by provincial and

suburban Lodges for the annual installation of their Masters and officers. The Royal Arch Chapter Room was

also visited. . . .

Adjoining the Temple is Connaught House, named

after the Duke of Connaught, who for so many years

was the Grand Master of England. It is here that the

members of the Masonic Club meet, also the

brethren assemble when the business of the lodge is

finished. Also the great Masonic banquets and balls

are held here.

The main banqueting hall will seat 5000 and can be

divided into sections by partitions, which are raised

or lowered by electricity to the floor level. All the

equipment, china, glass, cutlery, etc., bear the

Masonic emblems, of very beautiful designs. . . . It

might be of interest for the brethren to know that the

trustees bought many properties in the near vicinity

of the Temple and had the front elevations so

constructed as to enhance the appearance of the

approach to the Temple. All the priceless treasures

of the Museum have been removed for safety against air raids, and the underground cellars are now made

into bomb-proof shelters for the public.

—"The New Age."

———————

DORMER MASONIC STUDY CIRCLE.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The annual meeting of the Circle was held at the National Liberal Club, Whitehall, London, recently, when

the President, Bro. R. A. L. Harland, at the conclusion of ordinary business, delivered his annual address,

giving expression to the aims and ideals for which the Circle was formed.

It was significant, he commented, that in these days of rapid world transition, there could also be observed a

change invading the Masonic mind, and the long concealed inner meaning of Freemasonry, its deeper, vital

and fundamental implications, at last were beginning to be recognised. Numbers of brethren, no longer

content with routine form and secondary features of the Craft system, practised for the sake of convention,

were now eager for light upon its primary basic principles. Moreover, the generally unsettled state of

religious and scientific thought was contributing to drive some of the more earnest to inquire into Masonic

doctrine for guidance, which they had failed to obtain elsewhere, and in seeking, they were finding. One

asked oneself, therefore, what this forward trend portended, and to what it could or would be made to lead.

To the reflective mind, the prospect before the Craft, like that of every other movement advancing towards

Truth, was perhaps sufficiently indicated by the words of the familiar axiom: "First, that which is natural;

afterwards, that which is spiritual." The growth of a great Institution was necessarily slow, proceeding from

material apparently unpromising, and involving continual selection, rejection and refining, before something

became finally sublimated from it and was forged into an efficient instrument.

During the past two ventures the Craft had been gradually developing from small and crude beginnings into

its present vast and highly elaborated organisation, and today, as a material structure, interwoven with the

social fabric, it stood complete and admirably controlled, while already there were signs of further

indeterminate possibilities. Before the true spirit of Freemasonry could be appreciated upon a scale wide

enough to constitute the Craft a real spiritual force in the social body, it had been necessary to build up a

robust physical framework as a vehicle in which that spirit could eventually and efficaciously manifest.

It had been declared by eminent Masonic teachers, convinced of the future spiritualisation of the Craft, that

no great movement animating human minds and re-disposing human relationships, was either fortuitous,

self-willed, in the sense of originating in merely human whims, or without deep roots in the world of

spiritual causes. Every such movement, they affirmed, originated not from earth, but from Heaven.

This, then, was the case with Freemasonry, and would account for the tradition that it was as old as man him-

self, whatever form it had assumed, and that it was of divine origin. An explicit reference was, moreover,

made in the Craft rituals to the existence of a Grand Lodge Above "where the world's Great Architect lives

and reigns for ever," although nowadays some were prone to regard the allusion as a pious sentiment

expressing the belief that, after their death, worthy brethren combined to constitute a Lodge in the heavens.

There were strong grounds, however, for suggesting that the reference was meant to carry quite a different

meaning and was designed to testify to the fact, which is part of the long stream of esoteric teachings

throughout the ages, that a Supernatural Assembly not only exists, but that it preceded in point of time and

constitution, the Masonic Order on earth. Indeed, had it not so existed and preceded the terrestrial order, the

Craft itself would not have existed, for the hypothesis is that the Craft is the shadow and projection upon the

physical world of corresponding hierarchial Order in the superphysical.

The scheme of the Craft, therefore, contemplated other and loftier planes of life, other stories of the universal

edifice, than this in which we lived and worked. And, as here, at the head of our temporal Brotherhood, there

ruled a Grand Master, so too over the cosmic system there presided the Great Architect and Most Worshipful

of all. The philosophy of the Craft doctrine implied that this world was the place where the symbolic stones

and timber were being prepared "so far off" from that mystical "City of Zion" where, one day, they would be

found put together and collectively to constitute the Temple of humanity, which even now was built without

hands and assembled "without noise of axe or hammer." Meanwhile, we were here on earth, Freemasonry

taught, dwelling by "the waters of Babylon" in a "strange land;" and our teachings emphasised that the

richest harmonies of this life were as nothing in comparison with the "songs of Zion."

To the building of Zion, both earth and heaven were essential. Earth's function was to provide the requisite

physical vehicle in the persons of a body of individuals adapted, organised and pure enough to attract an

influx from above; heaven or the psychic world would contribute the quickening soul to enter the body

prepared. Earth would "lay the foundations of the intended structure;" heaven would raise a superstructure,

perfect in all its parts, and honourable to the builders;" finally God would pronounce His blessing upon the

whole work. For the tabernacle of God was with men, but as with the building of Solomon's symbolic

Temple, it would not be until the building was complete, within and without, that the Divine Fire would

descend, and the glory of the Lord "fill the house." Since the beginning of time, the Hierarchy in the heavens

had been doing their part in this joint work. Was the Hierarchy on earth doing likewise? Each of us must

answer for himself, while at the same time working in harmony and intelligent co-operation. The work went

on, but if what he suggested was to come it had to be "in earth as it is in heaven."

In conclusion he had to acknowledge again the debt of gratitude he owed to the inspiration of the late W.

Bro, W. L. Wilmshurst, held by so many as a messenger to the Craft on earth from the Grand Lodge Above.

He would, therefore, close his address with the words their late brother once spoke, and which also expressed

the aims and ideals for which the Dormer Masonic Study Circle was formed: "For that reason our Craft was

devised; for that reason we are here, trying to help

each other towards the perfecting of ourselves and

the fulfilment of human destiny; and our real

Masonic rank in the eyes of the Great Architect is

that of our knowledge of His World-plan and our

capacity to co-operate with it."

—"The Freemasons' Chronicle."

———————

AUCKLAND NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The largest R.A. meeting for many years was held on the 19th September, when the Annual Convocation of

Auckland Provincial R.A. Chapter, No. 9, took place, and Ex. Comp. H. G. Montgomery was installed as 1st

Principal Z. All Chapters in and about Auckland were represented, and R. Ex. Comp. T. G. Short, G.Supt.,

was received, with an exceptionally big retinue of G.C. officers. Between 70 and 80 Companions of the

Chapter were present, and the meeting was a memorable one in all respects. It is interesting to note that the

Companions of this Chapter represent over 34 Craft Lodges from all over New Zealand. V. Ex. Comp.

Montgomery's Associate Principals are Ex. Comps. B. Millar, H. (who was unfortunately absent by reason of

serious illness), and E. O. Faber, J.

The Annual Installation of the De Molay Preceptory took place on the 2nd October, when Fr, R. E. Laxon

was installed as Ven. Preceptor. A very good attendance of members was present, and the other Auckland

K.T. Preceptories were all represented. The ceremony was carried out by Em. Frater W. Miller. D.G.Sen.

The Sub-Preceptor is Fr. E. J. Clayton.

The Titirangi R.A. Chapter, No. 79, held its first regular meeting on the 26th September, when, as was

natural, the Mark Degree was worked The Chapter has many candidates offering and is assured of a very

bright future. The W.M.M., W. Bro. R. J. Patton, and his officers conducted the ceremony with a high degree

of precision, and the Chapter is functioning with gratifying smoothness.

A large attendance of visiting brethren and members of the Lodge was present at the Installation of Lodge

Orakei, No. 270, on the 17th September, when the S.W., Bro. V. A. Scarborough, was installed as W.M. by

the Prov. G.M., M.W. Bro. Oliver Nicholson. Feeling reference was made by the Prov. G.M. to the death of

the W.M., W. Bro. W. S. Horne, during the past year, and to the services rendered by the then I.P.M., W.

Bro. C. G. H. Putt. The Lodge is looking forward to a very successful year under the guidance of the new

W.M. and his Wardens, Bros. E. W. Hilton and S. M. Evitt.

On Monday, 4th October, St. Andrew Kilwinning R.A. Chapter, No. 564, S.C., held its Annual Convocation,

when Ex. Comp. D. Macfarlane was installed as Z., Ex. Comp. T. R. Gray as H., and Ex. Comp. W. H.

Brown as J. This Chapter is a most vigorous and progressive one and has a wide representation of members

of Craft Lodges of all Constitutions.

Lodge Kumeu, where attendances have suffered for some time through travel difficulties, was the scene of

its largest meeting for many years on the 16th October, when Bro. Stanley W. Lathrope, S.W., was installed

as W.M. by the Prov. G.M. Some 140 members and visitors attended, and a most enjoyable meeting

eventuated.

The Southern Cross Preceptory, K.T., held its Installation meeting on the 19th October, when Fr. T. E. Price

was installed as Ven. Preceptor and other officers invested. Despite bad weather, a very good attendance of

members and visitors was present, and D.G. Priory was also well represented.

Lodge Morningside, No. 228, held its Installation meeting on the 18th October, and an exceptionally large

number of brethren was present to see Bro. H. W. Howell, S.W., installed by the Prov. G.M.

The Annual Convocation of the Karangahape R.A. Chapter, No. 69, took place on the 27th August. when Ex.

Comp. S. H. Clark was installed as Z., Ex. Comp. J. Newsome as H., and Ex. Comp. A. J. Thorn as J. The

weather was atrocious, but a gratifying feature was the large attendance of Companions of the Chapter. A

very successful year is anticipated by the 1st Prin.. who has a keen and enthusiastic set of officers.

———————

HAWKES BAY NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The Installation meeting of Lodge Te Mata, No. 298, was conducted by R.W. Bro. E. C. Hurdsfield,

Prov.G.M., accompanied by G.L. officers, present and past, when Bro. A. H. Sivewright was installed as

W.M. The Address to the W.M. was delivered by the Prov. G.M., to the Wardens by W. Bro. J. Gordon,

P.A.G.D.C.. and to the brethren by R.W. Bro. C. H. Critchley, P.Prov.G.M. The attendance was the largest

seen at Te Mata for some years, with sister Lodges well represented.

Victoria R.A. Chapter, No. 4, held its Installation meeting on 22nd September, when Ex. Comp. John

Edwards was installed as 1st Principal and Ex. Comps. F. W. Cox and C. E. Maney as 2nd and 3rd Principals

respectively. The ceremony was conducted by R. E. Comp. J. W. Elliott, Grand Supt. M.E. Comp. W.

Reynolds, 1st Grand Principal, was also in attendance, and he was accompanied by a large number of present

and past Grand Chapter officers. Companions of the district took advantage of the visit of our Most Ex,

Comp. Reynolds to attend and pay respect. Altogether all Chapters in the district were represented by either

their 1st Principal or Companions, and the attendance was probably one of the largest in the territory for

some years.

Lodge Haeata, No. 272, held its Installation meeting on Monday, 24th September, when Bro. R. W. Fraser,

S.W., was installed as W.M. by the Prov.G.M. This meeting was also the occasion of Haeata's 21st birthday

and a very fitting programme was arranged. R.W. Bro. J. J. Pickett. P.D.G.M., who was Haeata's first

Secretary, was accompanied by a large number of Grand Officers and received by the Prov. G.M. and

accorded Grand honours. In the refectory appropriate speeches were made in connection with the birthday

celebration, and W. Bro. Fraser, W.M., cut a three-decker cake presented by W. Bro. C. H. Slater. The

Worshipful Master's address and the reply to the toast of Lodge Haeata by W. Bro. J. E. Jones, P.G.B.B. and

its first Master, were exceptionally well thought out and delivered and commanded the utmost attention of

all.

The Installation of Bro. F. W. Fox as W.M. of Lodge Napier, No. 268, was conducted by the Prov. G.M.,

assisted by his G.L. officers, on Thursday, 27th September. R.W. Bro. A. W. Parkinson, P.Prov.G.M.,

addressed the W.M., and R.W. Bro. C. H. Critchley, P.Prov.G.M., the brethren. There was a good attendance

of Napier members and brethren from sister Lodges.

———————

TARANAKI NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

The main item in the notes this month is the report of Ngamotu Installation. Bro. T. L. Aylward, S.W., was

duly installed as Master by R.W. Bro. W. T. Simmons, Prov.G.M., on 26th September. The capacious

Temple was well filled and the ceremony went off smoothly, sincerity being the keynote of all the work. W.

Bro. D. Steven, P.G.D., gave the Address to the W.M., and R.W. Bro. J. C. Barclay, P.Prov.G.M., addressed

the brethren. The proceedings in the refectory were of a high standard, the speeches all being good; the

Prov.G.M. dealt in particular with the W. and O. and A.M. Fund.

Lodge Patea Kil. have for some time past featured an address in the refectory, and at the October meeting the

Prov. G.M. was the speaker.

Lodge Te Henui started the year with an initiation. There appears to be plenty of work in prospect.

There was a large attendance of members at the September meeting of Lodge Moa, also an unusual number

of visitors. The First Degree was worked, two candidates being initiated.

Lodge Hawera paid an official visit to Lodge Manaia on 8th October.

Lodge St. John, No. 95, initiated a candidate at the October meeting and balloted for a joining member.

Taku-Hoa R.A. Chapter held their Installation meeting on 27th September at Eltham, when Ex. Comps. M.

Beattie, D. R. Gyde and A. M. Green were duly installed as Z., H. and J. respectively.

RE. Comp. J. L. Campbell, G.Supt., presided over a good attendance.

Paritutu R.A. Chapter had their annual meeting on 3rd October to install Ex. Comps. W. A. Dean, A. C.

Nicol, and T. A. Edwards the three Principals-elect.

Taranaki Chapter (Rose Croix), which now meets at Hawera, held their Installation meeting during the

month, when Ex. and P. Bro. Cyril E. Whittington was inducted into the chair of the Chapter by Ill. Bro. J.

McAlister, 31°. The attendance was not quite up to the usual number, but nevertheless the meeting was a

really good one. 111. Bro. W. H. Humphrey, 30°, acted as Prelate, Ill. Bro. Simmons, 30°, addressed the

officers, and Ex. and P. Bro. T. Richardson, P,M.W.S., gave the Address to the Chapter. The newly-installed

M.W.S. gave an able and inspiring address. The prospects of the Chapter are very bright.

Nine P.Ms. of Sir Donald McLean Lodge, No. 1646, E.C., Waitara, the present Master and a M.M. are to be

exalted in Mt. Egmont R.A. Chapter, No. 670, E.C., on 25th October. This must surely be a record number

for one meeting and will greatly strengthen the Chapter. One naturally asks, does it foreshadow a new

Chapter starting in Waitara?

The Stratford Temple was filled to capacity on 17th October and an extraordinary number of visitors signed

the attendance book. Five sitting Masters, each with a goodly number of officers and brethren, were present.

The five Lodges were Ngamotu, No. 48, St. John's, 95, Whangamomona, 234, Te Henui, 281, and Hinemoa,

786, S.C. In addition most of the Lodges in the district were represented by one or more brethren, besides

others further afield. The work was an Initiation and it was excellently done, the visitors commenting very

favourably on the ritual work. One of the reasons for the extra attendance was the fact that W. Bro. Veale, of

the staff of the N.P.B.S., was to lecture on the "Atomic Bomb." By avoiding as far as possible technical

terms and using simple language, the lecturer held the close attention of the brethren, and was most

successful in telling a fascinating story of the atomic bomb. W. Bro. Veale, who is a P.M. of Lodge Hawera,

is an experienced lecturer and his address was greatly appreciated.

Lodge Ikaroa Installation will be held a few days before G.L. Communication, and as it completes the series

for the year there is always a good gathering.

———————

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

–⸱––÷––÷––⸱–

Lodge Harvey, No. 49, held an emergency meeting on 27th October, when brethren from all parts of

Southland assembled to do honour to the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Sir Cyril Newell, who was paying a

farewell visit to the district prior to departing from the Dominion. M.W. Bro. E. C. Smith, Pro G.M., was in

attendance, supported by R.W. Bro. J. D. Campbell, Prov.G.M., and a good following of Grand Lodge

officers.

A meeting of Royal Arch Masons to welcome the First Grand Principal, previously arranged for 27th

October, was altered to the 29th October so as not to clash with the other important meeting. This meeting

was the monthly convocation of Southern Cross Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3, and was held in the Forth Street

Temple, Invercargill. There was a good attendance of members and visitors. R.E. Comp. G. H. Brown,

G.Supt., was present, together with a number of Grand Chapter officers.

Bro. F. R. Insall was installed Master of Lodge Wallace, No. 129, on 16th October, in the presence of a large

attendance of members and visitors, including M.W. Bro. E. C. Smith, Pro G.M., R.W. Bro. J. D. Campbell,

Prov.G.M., and many other Grand Lodge officers. The ceremony was conducted by the Prov.G.M., assisted

by his officers. A most enjoyable banquet in the Otautau Town Hall terminated another successful

Installation.

The final craft Installation meeting of the year in the Southland Territory, to be held by Lodge Winton, No.

108, on 6th November, will no doubt again attract a large attendance. W. Bro. Harold Knowles, Master of

this Lodge for the past two years, has had a very successful term of office. Owing to the many candidates

seeking admission, it has been necessary to hold several emergency meetings and to take candidates to other

Lodges. The Lodge is in a good financial position, with a beautiful Temple, free of debt, and arrangements

are being made to hold a Consecration Ceremony early next year, when it will celebrate its jubilee of 50

years' service in the cause of Freemasonry.

W. Bro. Barker, who has been Postmaster in Winton for 13 years, and who previously belonged to Lake

Lodge of Ophir (Queenstown), has retired on superannuation and left the district. During his association with

Lodge Winton, No. 108, he has rendered excellent service.

The W.M., officers and a number of brethren (18 all told) of Lodge Cromwell Kil., No. 98 (Otago Central),

paid an official visit to Lodge Southland, No. 273, on 13th October and conducted the ceremony of "raising."

V.W. Bro. J. J. Griffiths, P.G.Lect., who has been resident in Dunedin for some time, attended the recent

Installation of Lodge Mataura, No. 174, and took part in the ceremonial. Congratulations were extended to

him in view of the honour to be conferred on him at the forthcoming Annual Convocation of Grand Lodge.

A handsome framed photograph of the late R.W. Bro. A. Noble, Prov.G.M. of Southland, was presented to

the chairman of the Invercargill Freemasons' Hall Co., at the recent coming-of-age meeting of Lodge

Southland, to be hung in the main assembly room of the Invercargill Temple.

Sympathies are extended to Bro. T. Bath, of Lodge Waihopai, No. 189, in the sad loss of his son, Bro. O. F.

Bath, as the result of an aircraft disaster in the Pacific when returning from service overseas.

The final dance held by the Combined Social Committee early last month marked the closing of another

successful season. About 2.150 has been raised on behalf of the Hall Company funds. The annual meeting of

this Company, held on October 25th, discloses another year of careful and successful administration.

W. Bro. H. J. J. Pierce, Secretary of the Visiting Committee organised by the Prov.G.M., will be pleased to

receive the names of brethren and members of their families who may be suffering from illness, in order to

see that proper attention and extra comforts are available.

The regular meeting of Southern Cross Cryptic Council, No. 3, held on 24th October, was presided over by

V. Ex. Comp. E. McK. Lyon. The degrees of Royal, Select and Super Excellent Degree were conducted.

Ven. Preceptor W. Kelman and Past Preceptors will conduct the Installation of Frazer A. C. Ford as

Preceptor of the Southland Preceptory of Knight Templars at the annual meeting, to be held on 8th

November.

Nominations for office for the coming year were made at the quarterly meeting of Murihiku Rose Croix

Chapter, No. 36, held on 31st October.

A Peace Thanksgiving and Memorial Service, to be held in the Masonic Temple, Invercargill, on Sunday,

4th November, has been arranged by R.W. Bro. J. D. Campbell, Prov.G.M., to give all members of the Craft

an opportunity of giving thanks for the restoration of Peace to a war-stricken world. Addresses will be given

by V.W. Bro. W. Powell, P.G.Chap., and M.W. Bro. E. C. Smith, Pro G.M.

Invercargill members of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Zealandia Cansistory will attend the annual

meetings of these Masonic units to be held in Dunedin on 17th November.

The coming of age of Lodge Southland, No. 273. was celebrated in a fitting manner on 3rd October. W. Bro.

L. H. Jones, Master, presided over a good attendance of members and visitors, including R.W. Bro. J. D.

Campbell, Prov.G.M., and a large number of Grand officers.

Bro. R. McCaughan, Master-elect of Lodge Mokoreta, No. 63, who was unable to be present at the Annual.

Installation in September owing to indisposition, was presented to a B. of I.M. at a meeting held on 4th

October and installed W.M. by the Prov. G.M. Prior to this ceremony the initiation of a candidate was

conducted by W. Bro. G. A. McMillan, P.M., and officers of the Lodge.

V.W. Bro. W. Powell, P.G.Chap., recently suffered injury as the result of a nasty fall.

Past Masters of Lodge Harvey, No. 49, with W. Bro. Patterson in the chair, worked the ceremony of

"raising" at the regular meeting last month.

The Installation of Principals and investiture of officers of Wallace Royal Arch Chapter, No. 34, was held in

the Masonic Temple, Otautau, on 13th October before a large attendance of members and visitors. R.E.

Comp. G. H. Brown, G.Supt., assisted by his Grand Chapter officers, installed Ex. Comp. J. G. Conolly as

1st Prin., Ex. Comp. E. Mason as 2nd Prin., and Ex. Comp. A. H. Grey as 3rd Prin.

The Installation of Bro. E. G. Wilson as Master of Lodge Mataura, No. 174, was conducted by R.W. Bro. J.

D. Campbell, Prov.G.M., on 10th October, in the presence of a good attendance of members and visitors and

G.L. officers.

A handsome V.S.L. from an American brother was handed to Bro. A. G. Weavers at the October meeting of

Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9, for presentation to his son (Bro. J. A. Weavers) on his return from service

overseas. A gavel for use in the lodgeroom, made by a member of the Weavers family from timber selected

from overseas, was presented to the Lodge.

The 56th Installation meeting of the Lodge of Otago, No. 7, was held on the 10th October, when Bro.

Herbert Edgar Lyon was installed in the chair in succession to W. Bro. E. J. Hayward, who had filled the

office for the past two years. The Installing Master was V.W. Bro. H. Archbold, Asst,Prov.G.M., assisted by

G.L. officers, including M.W. Bro. W. Lishner, P.G.M., and V.W. Bro. G. S. M. Crawford, G.D.C. There

was a large attendance of brethren and visitors, including 16 W.Ms., the evening being an undoubted success

and a tribute to the outgoing and incoming W.Ms. Presentation of a bar to his P.M. Jewel was made to W.

Bro. Hayward, and at the conclusion of proceedings all adjourned to the refectory, where a very pleasant

evening terminated.

Maori Lodge, No. 105, at its October meeting, passed two candidates for The Service Lodge, No. 237, there

being a large attendance of Lodge members and visitors. The W.M. (W. Bro. R. Mayfield) has been a

consistent visitor to all city Lodges, all of which are indebted to him for the ready assistance he is always

willing to give, both in the lodgeroom and refectory.

The new officers of Achilles Lodge, No. 310, acquitted themselves very well at their first meeting following

the recent first Installation by passing a brother, who is a medical student in Dunedin, for a Canterbury

Lodge. Achilles Lodge is steadily growing by the addition of several joining members, and three candidates

are under way. The W.M., Bro. S. G. Scoular, is very conscientiously contacting all Lodges.

The past month has been a heavy one for Installations, there having been six very widely spread. Kurow

Lodge. No. 164, although fairly isolated, continues to prosper, and the recent Installation meeting was very

well attended, a full bus load of visitors journeying from Oamaru for the occasion. The Prov. G.M. (R.W.

Bro. J. G. Dykes), assisted by local Grand Officers, and five others from Dunedin, conducted the ceremony.

This Lodge showed every prospect of a successful year ahead.

Similarly, the semi-isolation of Lodge Ngapara, No. 68, resulted in a light attendance of visitors, the main

support again coming from Oamaru. Unfortunately, owing to the clash with other Installations during the

same evening in Dunedin, the Grand officers' team from that city was small, R.W. Bro. Dykes being

supported only by the Pres.B. of G.P. (V.W. Bro. C. G. Hedge) and G.D.C. (V.W. Bro. Geo. Crawford), but

a goodly number from Oamaru lent their willing assistance. Although little work is offering, Ngapara is to be

congratulated on the manner in which it has kept the Masonic spirit going through several very lean war

years.

The Oamaru Lodgeroom once more supplied an excellent setting for the Installation of Oamaru Lodge, No.

82, when a full attendance from all local Lodges assisted in the enthronement of the new Master. The same

Grand officers as officiated at Ngapara the previous evening conducted the ceremony. A very enjoyable

refectory followed the official proceedings, and the prospects of a successful year were apparent.

During the absence of the Prov. G.M., who conducted the above district Installations, the Assistant Prov.

G.M. (V.W. Bro. H. Archbold) supported by city Grand officers, very ably conducted the Installations of

Otago Lodge, No. 7, Oceanic Lodge, No. 154, , and Roslyn, No. 250. All of these were very well attended.

Oceanic, for the first time for some years, requested Grand Lodge officers to do the Installation work. This

gesture was fully appreciated by those present.

A recent highlight in respect to Royal Arch Masonry was the annual Labour Day week-end visit to Cromwell

for the Installation ceremony of Cromwell-Coronation Chapter, No. 20. A full bus load of Dunedin

Companions made the journey. M.E. Comp. W. Reynolds, 1st G.P., came especially to witness Central

Otago hospitality, and I am sure he, along with the visitors, was not disappointed. Despite transport delays on

the outward journey, all arrangements for the entertainment of the visitors were more than generous. The

Installation, ceremony was a very happy and dignified one, while the return hospitality by the visitors on

Sunday evening was excellent.

Owing to heavy Masonic duties, your correspondent has had to arrange for another brother to prepare these

notes for future issues. Will brethren please accept his thanks for past assistance and accord his successor the

same confidence.

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CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

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Crown Royal Arch Chapter held its Installation meeting on 15th October, when Ex. Comp. Gordon King was

installed as First Principal, Ex. Comp. I. A. G. McCullough as Second Principal, and Ex. Comp. A. F. Baker

as Third Principal. The ceremony was conducted by R.E. Comp. F. N. Kerr, Grand Supt., assisted by past

and present Grand Chapter officers. The First Grand Principal. M.E. Comp. W. Reynolds, was present and

paid an official visit.

At Lodge Riccarton, No. 276, the annual P.Ms.' Night was held on 16th October, when Bro. F. J. Shanks

(Master in 1940) occupied the chair and worked the Third Degree, assisted by the Past Masters, the various

chairs being filled by the officers of the year 1940 who are now P.Ms. The occasion was one of special note,

as the candidate was a son of the Master, W. Bro. C. D. Marks. There was a large attendance of visitors.

Prince of Wales Royal Arch Chapter held its regular meeting on 17th October. This took the form of a

combined meeting of the Chapters under the Charter of Prince of Wales Chapter for the purpose of receiving

M.E. Comp. W. Reynolds, First Grand Principal, who was paying an official visit to the Chapters in

Canterbury. M.E. Comp. Reynolds was attended by a large number of present and past Grand Chapter

officers and received a very cordial welcome from the Companions. The chairs were filled by the Principals

of the local Chapters, St. Augustine, No. 1. Albert Edward, No. 6. Prince of Wales, No. 31, Ashley, No. 45,

and Crown, No. 56. The Mark Degree was conferred on five candidates (members of Prince of Wales), and

V.E. Comp. John C. Lindsay, I.P.Z. of Prince of Wales, presided as W.M.M.

St. Albans Lodge, No. 2597, E.C., held its Installation meeting on 24th October, when Bro. A. R. Elley,

S.W., was installed as Worshipful Master. The ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. J. F. Hutchinson,

District Grand Master, assisted by officers of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury. This was the first

Installation conducted by the new District Grand Master.

The Installation meeting of Lodge Cashmere. No. 271, was held on 25th October, when Bro. Fred H. Brown,

S.W., was installed as Master by R.W. Bro. A. J. Jones, Prov.G.M,, assisted by officers of Prov. Grand

Lodge. There was a large attendance.

The Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge was held on Saturday, 27th October. R.W. Bro. A. J.

Jones. Prov.G.M. presiding over a large attendance. The newly-elected officers were invested with the

insignia of their respective offices. An address was given by V.W. Bro. Dr. Ross Hepburn, Grand Lecturer,

on various interesting aspects of. Early Masonic History, including Early Ceremonies, Tracing Boards,

"Drawing the Lodge," Masonic Songs and Music, Exposures, and other matters.

A Combined Meeting of Lodges was held on 29th October, under the Charter of Lodge St. Augustine, No. 4,

for the purpose of receiving M.W. Bro. His Excellency Sir Cyril Newall, Grand Master, who was paying an

official visit to the Lodges in the Canterbury Province. The Second Degree was worked by W. Bro. G. M.

Woods, Master of Lodge St. Augustine, No. 4, and the various chairs wore filled by the sitting Masters of the

local Lodges. There was a large attendance, including a large number of Grand Lodge officers, and the M.W.

the Grand Master received a very cordial welcome and expressed his pleasure at being present and meeting

the Canterbury brethren.

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NORTH CANTERBURY NOTES.

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Southern Cross Lodge, No. 6, staged a splendid P.Ms'. night when W. Bro. Keeper occupied the chair and

the work was of an excellent standard. Ionic supplied a candidate for "raising," and everybody enjoyed the

night. W. Bro. Tavendel will have a special night in November to finish a very good year, and the

Installation will be held on Thursday, 6th December.

Ashley Lodge has a list of candidates, and the Master, W. Bro. Nairn, has a busy time ahead, including a

visit to the Lodges in the Hurunui Group, where a warm welcome awaits him and his brethren.

Mairaki Lodge has taken a new lease of life, and the Master. W. Bro. Arthur Chambers, and his brethren

staged a special night to welcome R.W. Bro. W. J. Girling, D.G.M., and his associates, R.W. Bros. Eckford

and Rudd. These three brethren were on a big Southern tour, and included Mairaki. R.W. Bro. Rudd

presented a picture of himself to Tawera, his mother Lodge, and W. Bro. Watson, who received it, said that it

would be hung in the lodgeroom. R.W. Bro. Alfred J. Jones. Prov.G.M. of Canterbury, also attended, and

Mairaki turned on a super night. The Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Girling, received a great welcome.

W. Bro. Sam Wood, who has celebrated his fortieth birthday as a Mason and is the oldest initiate of Mairaki,

was recently made a life member in recognition of services rendered.

The Amuri Installation went off splendidly. As usual there was a crowded attendance, and Bro. Len. Jordan,

of the Hanmer motor camp, was installed as Master by R.W. Bro. A. J. Jones, and G.L. officers. The work

was well done. A special feature of the meeting was the investment of Bro. Kelvin Dunbar as S.W. and Bro.

Earl Dalmer as J.W. These brethren are just back after four years in "the Middle East," and the remarks of

the investing officer, W. Bro. Woodham, were full of praise and appreciation. In the refectory a splendid

supper was enjoyed and the Hanmer ladies who did the job were thanked for their kindness.

The Acacia Installation was a great success, and Bro. Wesley Harris was installed as Master by R.W. Bro. A.

J. Jones, assisted by his officers. It was a wonderful meeting with a splendid attendance. It was noticed that

the Hurunui Four were represented by their Masters, together with the Masters of Avon and Amberley

Lodges, and many personal friends were present. V.W. Bro. Allan Fisher, P.G.T., on behalf of Grand Lodge,

thanked Acacia for the great welcome.

City and country Masters are asked to note that W. Bro. Selby-Williams, W.M. of Kaikoura Lodge, will have

a special night in January and the Installation of his successor will be held in February. This trip to Kaikoura

in February is well worth keeping in mind, and the arrangements this year are for a Victory meeting.

Cheviot Lodge is experiencing a good year, and W. Bro. Crossan visited Kaikoura recently with some of his

officers and brethren.

The Hanmer Springs Masonic Association is now in full swing and is formed specially for the benefit of

soldier patients in the Queen Mary Hospital. Interesting monthly meetings are held, and all Masons who

happen to be at Hanmer are welcome. All soldier brethren going to Hanmer are urged to make use of this

useful organisation. Bro. James Manson, who resides in Harrowgate Street, Hanmer, is the secretary, and he,

or W. Bro. Eric Flower, at the Hanmer stores, will be pleased to supply full information.

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NELSON—MARLBOROUGH NOTES.

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Regular meetings of all Lodges throughout the Territory have been well attended during the past month, and

whilst there has been a noticeable falling-off in the attendance of "Service" members due to the closing down

of camps, visits by members of other Lodges, many from far afield, visiting the district, which at the moment

is looking at its best with the orchards in full bloom, have been well maintained.

This is our busy period of Annual Installations, resulting in G.L. Officers being fully occupied with their

numerous Masonic duties, and in addition to those now reported, the Installations of Lodges St. Cuthbert's,

Motueka, Waimea and Forest are to take place within the next month.

The District G.L. Officers of Westland-Nelson, E.C., have just completed a most happy and cordial long

week-end with the Installation of W. Bro. O. Roberts as Master of Golden Bay Lodge. No. 2194, E.C., at

Takaka, on 13th October, and of W. Bro. R. H. Richards as Master of Southern Star Lodge, No. 735. E.C., at

Nelson on 16th October.

W. Bro. F. B. Lawn, D.D.G.M., was in charge on both occasions, and assisted by his D.G.L. officers.

conducted the ceremonies in a most impressive manner. R.W. Bro. James Baird Prov.G.M., accompanied by

a retinue of G.L. officers, including R.W. Bro. Stiles, P.D.G.M., at Southern Star, attended on both occasions

and was warmly received by the brethren of the English Constitution. Likewise, the Masters and many

brethren of practically all the Lodges in the Nelson Territory were in attendance and took part in the

ceremonies, and once again that splendid spirit of Masonic fraternity between the two Constitutions has been

very much in evidence.

Southern Star, the oldest E.C. Lodge in the Territory, was celebrating its 92nd Anniversary, and the Senior

Warden. Bro. C. G. Lockyer, P.D.G.S., when proposing in a most able manner the toast of the D.D.G.M. and

the D.G.L. of Westland and Nelson, delivered a very interesting historical survey, with particular reference

to W. Bro. Lawn, D.D.G.M., whom he stated was D.G.M. designate in succession to the late R.W. Bro. Jesse

Steer, to whose passing the D.D.G.M. had made previous reference. W. Bro. Lawn in his reply added some

further interesting details concerning the history of the D.G.L., which is one of the five in New Zealand and

has been functioning for 75 years, during which period there had been only three D.G.Ms.

Wairau Lodge, No. 42, met on Tuesday, 25th September, when two candidates were initiated. Two brethren

were welcomed back from overseas, one after being a P.O.W. since Crete. Actually ten of the members

present were returned from overseas. During the refectory proceedings W. Bro. R. Agnew showed a series of

fine motion pictures which he Made in the Holy Land and Egypt during his service overseas. The Lodge is

paying an official visit to Lodge Kaikoura, No. 60, on Saturday, October 20th, when a Wairau member is to

be "raised."

Waimea Lodge, No. 266, also had a Third Degree "working" at their regular meeting on 3rd October, the last

meeting prior to the Annual Installation. A splendid Ladies' Night, following a lapse of several years due to

war conditions, was held by Waimea Lodge on the evening of 27th September, when there was an attractive

programme enjoyed by a large attendance.

Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity met on 9th October, when a member who had recently completed service

with the R.N.Z.A.F. and now resides in Auckland was "raised." An official visit is being paid Lodge Waitohi

on the occasion of their October meeting.

Forest Lodge, No. 116, welcomed home Bro. D. B. Walker, son of a P.M. and the only "Lewis" member of

the Lodge. The returned soldier son of the Secretary, W. Bro. S. E. O'Hara, has been proposed for

membership.

Victory Lodge, No. 40, initiated four candidates at their October meeting, which was very largely attended,

including an official visit from Southern Star Lodge. This Lodge is being kept extremely busy, with much

work in prospect.

Lodge Nelson, No. 288, held the first meeting of their new year on Wednesday, 17th October, when the

W.M. of Lodge Waimea and a number of his brethren were in attendance and a candidate was initiated, the

new team of officers under W. Bro. Frank Allan putting up a splendid performance. The Lodge was in

mourning following the confirmation of the death on active service of Bro. Bruce Lee, son of the Lodge

Secretary, W. Bro. J. S. Lee. Bruce was reported missing while on air operations in the Pacific in 1942, and

the confirmation of his death has cast a gloom over the Lodge, of which he was a highly-esteemed younger

member.

Both the Victory, No. 12, and the Marlborough, No. 14, R.A. Chapters celebrated their 53rd Anniversaries at

their Annual Installation Ceremonies held recently, when V.E. Comp. E. D. Jack was installed as First

Principal of Victory Chapter, and V.E. Comp. A. H. R. Hood Marlborough Chapter. The Installing Principal

on both occasions was R.E. Comp. E. H. Thomson, Grand Supt., who was assisted by many present and past

Grand Chapter officers. There was an excellent attendance at both Installations, the interchange of visits

between Nelson and Blenheim being greatly appreciated. Instructive addresses were delivered by the Grand

Supt. on both occasions.