The New Zealand Craftsman Wellington, New Zealand, April 1, 1946

WARDENS.

The Wardens, in theory, are "two officers in a state of preparation for the Mastership." As it cannot be known
when the W.M. will be absent, the attendance of the Senior Warden at the stated meetings is essentially
necessary. The Senior Warden is elected annually, and chosen, "not for seniority, but for his merit." His
specific powers and duties may be thus summed up: (1) To succeed to and exercise all the powers of the
W.M. in the event of that officer's absence. (2) To represent the Lodge in conjunction with the W.M. and
J.W. at all the Grand Communications of the Grand Lodge, when such rule prevails. (3) To take charge of
the Craft during the hours of labour—he is to pay the Craft their wages, if aught be due—that is, to make up
in his own person any deficiency created by the Master's absence, and particularly to study the peace and
harmony of the Lodge. To this end he is conjoined with the W.M. in communicating the catechetical
instructions of the Ritual. His station is in the West, upon a dais reached by two steps; his jewel is a Level, an
emblem of equality and harmony, which should ever exist among Masons. Before him on a pedestal is, and
he carries in procession, a column of the Doric order, the emblem of strength. He represents Hiram, King of
Tyre, who is also the representation of the column of Strength, because he gave aid and strength to King
Solomon while erecting the Temple at Jerusalem. The Junior Warden, like his immediate superior, is
annually elected, "not by seniority, but by merit." He must be a Master Mason and a member of the Lodge.
His specific powers and duties are thus summed up. (1) To succeed to and exercise all the powers of the
W.M. in the absence of the two officers above him. (2) To represent the Lodge in conjunction with the W.M.
and S.W. at all the Grand Communications where this ruling prevails. (3) To take charge of the Craft during
the hours of refreshment. In the absence of the S.W. his position is not changed. He is eligible to the office of
W.M. after one year's service. His station is in the South; his jewel is a Plumb, emblematical of the rectitude
of conduct which should distinguish the brethren when, during the hours of refreshment, they are beyond the
precincts of the Lodge. He represents the pillar of Beauty. He has placed before him and carries in
procession a column which is the representative of the left-hand pillar at the porch of the Temple.
—"N.S.W, Freemason."