Brother Secretary,

Our March issue contained a half page article by W.

Bro. C. D. Curtis-Taylor, Secretary of Lodge Te

Kauwhata, No. 364, entitled "Leave it to the Secretary",

which suggested that the most constant critics were

often those who were inclined, when faced with the acid

test of work to do, to "leave it to the Secretary" of the

Lodge instead of trying to rectify what they objected to.

He concluded with the rather sobering thought that it is

not a good thing when we reach the stage of "leaving it

to the Secretary to do our thinking".

Like probably the majority of Secretaries, W. Bro.

Curtis-Taylor has occupied the Chair of K.S. and knows

the difference between the office one is likely to hold

for a year and the office one is likely to be prevailed

upon to hold for as long as possible. Both the office of

Master and the office of Secretary entail a good deal of

hard work and give plenty of opportunities for the

exercise of wisdom and tolerance. But the Chair of K.S.

is a focal point. It is the Master who represents the

Lodge. The office of Master is surrounded with the

trappings of authority and is honoured above all others

with the respect of the Brethren. It is the Master, above

all others, who is appointed to rule and govern the

Lodge.

It is not invariable in all jurisdictions, but in New

Zealand we tend to change our Masters very frequently,

usually every year. This has the virtue that many

Freemasons are able to have the experience of

occupying the Chair. It has become the disadvantage

that what the Americans call "the line" becomes almost

a factory, and that our Masters tend to be not

outstanding Masons, but just the common run of Master

Masons. The test of this is to be found in the fact that so

many P.M.'s become inactive altogether a year or two

after receiving the highest honour it is in the power of

their Lodges to bestow.

Bro. Secretary and his operations are on a different

level. The Secretary's table is not exalted three steps

above the floor of the Lodge. It is on the floor. The

Secretaryship does not normally lead to any higher

office. It is usually regarded as a "side" office. As such,

Bro. Secretary has few ceremonial duties, and if there is

any spotlight at all it is on the papers on his table, not

on him.

Perhaps it is only human nature that Brethren look

forward with keen anticipation to holding the office of

Master, while more often than not Brethren, we believe,

accept the Secretaryship with some degree of

resignation, and to some extent out of a sense of duty.

And yet, with all its tedious work behind the scenes, it

is noticeable that this is an office in which Brethren

tend to remain for a period of years. It is certainly not

from any desire for prominence nor for any furthering

of Masonic ambition. It does not appear likely that it is

from any love of influence, for the holding of this office

confers few opportunities of exercising influence that

one could not exercise without occupying it. It seems

that we may have here an illustration of all the old trite

sayings about virtue being its own reward, about the

busy man being the happy man. There is joy in service,

and the devoted band of Lodge Secretaries is entitled to

a great share of this joy, and in practice seems to

experience it in great measure.

The work of a Lodge Secretary is obviously not work

which is done for the sake of recognition, and

comparisons are apt to be invidious, but it is noticeable

that practice in the matter of the conferment of jewels is

far from uniform. No doubt it is difficult to weigh up

the claims of an excellent year's work as Master against

those of five, 10, 15 or 20 years as Secretary, Treasurer,

Organist, Almoner or Director of Ceremonies, or

occasionally, for example, as Chaplain or Tyler.

Nevertheless, it is suggested that the practically

automatic conferment of a Master's Jewel immediately

on the completion of the year of office, may lead to the

overlooking of claims which could actually be more

pressing. We are generous with our Jewels in New

Zealand, so generous that one sometimes hears Jewels

referred to as "ironmongery". A Jewel is not anything,

usually, of much intrinsic value. It is a token of esteem

and affection to drive home the point that the Brethren

of the Lodge regard the job for which it has been given

as having been well done. Automatic conferment would

make it lose its point. There is a Certificate from Grand

Lodge which is evidence that the Brother has served the

Office. Jewels should always be conferred in respect of

meritorious service, and perhaps it is not too much to

suggest that they should be reserved, as they sometimes

are, for service a little beyond and out of the ordinary,

or for an unusual length of time.

Lodges, therefore, would be doing no more than justice

if they considered very carefully their policy in the

matter of jewels. Modesty, we know, is very often the

mark of real merit, and the most deserving recipient of

honours is often the one who does not press his own

claims.

There are, of course, other rewards for meritorious or

distinguished service. One of these, in appropriate

cases, is a Grand Lodge Collar. Some Grand Lodge

Offices are primarily opportunities for further service.

Some, particularly Past Grand Ranks, are primarily a

dignity. All of them are likely to give the recipient

pleasure; most especially if he has not sought them and

has even been surprised to receive them.

But the greatest reward of all is not one that is conferred

formally. It is the knowledge that one has won and

retained the regard and the respect of one's Brethren;

that they value your work and their association with

you; that they feel you have rightly been accepted into

an assembly of worthy men and worthy men alone. This

reward is not given formally, but informally. Collars

and Jewels are no more than evidence that one has

received it in good measure.

And it would be wrong to suggest that there are not

very many Brethren, undistinguished perhaps in their

labours but worthy and good Masons for all that, who

wear no Collars nor Jewels, whose opportunities for

service have not led them into any prominence at all,

but whose regular and devoted attendance has

nevertheless won them their full share of that greatest

reward of all, the regard and respect in which Masons

should always hold one another.

————

CHANGE OF ADDRESS-"CRAFTSMAN"

Journals bearing the following addresses have been

returned to this office marked, "Gone, no Address".

Should any Lodge Secretary or Brother know the

present address of any of these Brethren, we would be

pleased to receive their advices.

R. U. Anderson, Bedford St., Eltham.

E. A. Cordell, 8 Swanson St., Greymouth.

M. D. Gillard, 44 Edenburgh St., Pukekohe.

D. T. Hart, 88 Buckley Rd., Wellington.

A. A. Hastings, 30 Bleakhouse Rd., Howick.

D. J. L. Hunt, R.D.2, Patea.

D. W. C. McLean, Riverton

J. E. C. Pollock, 100 Apatu St., Wairoa, Hawke's Bay.

A. D. Wilson, c/o Wilson's Store, Ruawai.

—————————————————————

SUPREME GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF NEW

ZEALAND, ANNUAL CONVOCATION,

CHRISTCHURCH, FEBRUARY 21, 1962

Address of First Grand Principal

M.E. Comp. Dr. Ross Hepburn

At this stage, in accordance with the usual custom, it is

my duty and privilege to address Grand Chapter. First

of all I wish to express my sincere thanks to the

Companions of the Canterbury District and of the

Southern Division for nominating me for the office of

First Grand Principal, and to the members of Grand

Chapter for electing me to that exalted office. I will do

my best to uphold the dignity of the office and to

maintain the standard set by my predecessors, and I

trust that your confidence in me will not be misplaced.

My thanks are due to M.R. Comp. Cleeve Hillyard for

installing me into the office of First Grand Principal,

and to the Past First Grand Principals, the Grand

Directors of Ceremonies, and all the other Companions

who assisted in the ceremony. I wish also to extend my

congratulations to the other Grand Chapter Officers

who have been elected or appointed to serve Grand

Chapter during the ensuing year, and I trust that we will

have a happy year together in the work of Royal Arch

Masonry. My greetings are also extended to the

representatives of sister Constitutions who are present

on this occasion.

For several years past, Grand Chapter has been very

much concerned about the related problems of poor

attendance and loss of membership in our Chapters.

While there has been a satisfactory number of

candidates joining the Chapters, there has been far too

heavy a loss through resignations and through

Companions being struck off for non-payment of dues.

These losses tie up directly with the question of

attendance at the Chapter meetings. The same problem

has confronted the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and

also many Grand Lodges and Grand Chapters in other

parts of the world — but that is no reason why we

should not take practical steps to remedy the situation.

Supreme Committee presented an excellent report on

the subject at our 1961 Convocation (Clause 21). This

report included a statement of the problems involved

and a number of suggested remedies. It has since been

circulated to the Chapters throughout the territory and

has been considered and acted on by them, and a further

interesting report on membership was presented to

Grand Chapter today.

I do not propose to discuss the reports in detail, but I

will refer to several matters which I think should be

brought before the notice of the Chapters, and

particularly of the First Principals.

(1) The best contribution which a First Principal can
make to the welfare of his Chapter, and towards the

success of his year of office, is to maintain the interest

of his Companions and to increase the attendance of his

members at the meetings of their own Chapter. A First

Principal who keeps in touch with his Companions

between meetings, and takes a personal interest in their

welfare; will be surprised by their response in the form

of increased attendance, both at the regular meetings of

the Chapter and at instruction meetings and also on his

official visits.

My remarks apply particularly with regard to newly

exalted Companions and to Companions not in office. If

these Companions are made to feel welcome and that

they are part of the Chapter, they will attend and main-

tain their interest instead of absenting themselves and

eventually resigning — disappointed.

A First Principal should not forget his older

Companions. There are many members in every

Chapter who retain their membership, pay their

subscriptions, and support the Chapter financially, but

who never attend. The First Principal should make a

special effort to enlist the interest of these "back-

sliders", to induce them to attend, and to make them feel

that their Companions are interested in them.

All this may seem elementary, but in practice the results

will pay dividends quite out of proportion to the effort

expended by the First Principal or by those whom he

has delegated the task of contacting his Companions.

(2) If interest and attendance are to be maintained,
the Chapter must have a high standard of ritual work.

The first essential is to impress the candidates with the

dignity and importance of our ceremonies, and the

second is to provide meetings which the Companions

feel it is worthwhile to attend, and from which they

would not like to be absent, save in exceptional

circumstances. The candidates coming into the

Chapters are accustomed to a high standard of ritual

and ceremonial work in their Craft Lodges, and all of

them — and especially those who are Past Masters —

will inevitably compare the Chapter working with that

of their own Lodges. It is our duty, therefore, to see

that we impress on them, at the earliest possible

moment, the dignity and high importance of Royal

Arch Masonry.

(3) We are not permitted to solicit candidates for
our Craft Lodges, but no such restriction applies to our

Chapters. Companions are permitted to invite any

worthy Freemason to join Capitular Masonry, subject of

course to the ballot. If our Companions are interested

and enthusiastic, they will (as one writer described it),

be missionaries in the cause of Royal Arch Masonry

and our Chapters will benefit accordingly, and they will

increase both in numbers and in the quality of their

members. Let us remember that the future of the Royal

Craft will be in the hands of the Brethren whom we are

admitting now.

(4) In discussing Royal Arch Masonry with
prospective candidates we must not fail to emphasise

the fact that the Mark, Excellent and Royal Arch

Degrees are part of Pure Ancient Masonry, and are

recognised as such by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand

and that no Brother's Masonic education is complete

without a knowledge of Royal Arch Masonry. Too

many Brethren unfortunately, appear to think that the

three Craft Degrees constitute the whole of Masonry. It

is our duty as Royal Arch Masons to correct this error

whenever the opportunity presents itself. The Royal

Arch is not a higher Degree — it is part of Freemasonry

itself.

(5) My active association with a Lodge of Research
for over 25 years and an extensive correspondence with

overseas Brethren, have resulted in my taking an active

and practical interest in the problem of Masonic

education. I prospose to discuss the question of

Masonic education with special reference to Royal Arch

Masonry.

Our Grand Master, M.W. Bro. William Martin, devoted

his Installation Address in 1960 to the question of

Masonic Education and he has kindly permitted me to

quote from his 'address.

I quote from the Grand Master's Address as reported in

the 1960 Proceedings of Grand Lodge.

M.W. Bro. Martin said:

"It will always be necessary to initiate, pass and raise

candidates and work the ceremonial degrees, but our

obligations do not end there, for much more is required

to ensure that every Freemason is made vividly aware

of what Freemasonry is, of the purpose and objectives

of our ceremonial, and of the total reliance which the

Craft places on the individual Mason as its only means

of promoting human welfare and brotherhood. I am

firmly convinced that a large percentage of newly raised

candidates have a very confused idea of what

Freemasonry hopes to accomplish and the part each is

expected to play, while many hold most erroneous

views for lack of adequate instruction. This, I feel, will

always be the case until W.M.'s give a more literal

interpretation to the reminder each receives every time

he opens his Lodge that he is placed in the East to

employ and instruct the Brethren in Freemasonry,

nothing being said about initiating candidates, which

formerly was, and still should be, of secondary

importance. The current neglect to enlighten existing

Brethren in regard to our aims and objectives, our duties

and obligations, the philosophy and history of

Freemasonry, and to promote the Masonic outlook and

way of life is not a problem restricted to New Zealand,

for many G.M.'s overseas have for years been drawing

attention to the disproportionate time devoted to

enlarging the membership and consequent neglect to

provide time and opportunity for the instruction of the

Master Masons in the meaning and purport of the ritual

ceremonial. Our duty is to make Masons and not mere

members, and this is often a process of slow evolution.

Our primary aim should ever be more Masonry in men

and not merely more men in Masonry; and this requires

regular instruction or study and constant exhortation to

make the principles of Freemasonry a guide to our way

of life.

No programme consisting entirely of ritual degrees is at

all adequate to meet the needs of the average neophyte,

and adequate provision is necessary for instruction not

only in the esoteric teachings of Freemasonry but in

many aspects of the Order of which the ritual makes no

mention, or oblique reference at most. There are scores

of Brethren who state quite openly that they, find the

never-ending succession of ritual degrees monotonous

and wearisome. Doubtless many of these are those,

who, for lack of study or instruction, have failed to

appreciate the significance of our legends and

symbolism, or their application to their outlook and way

of life. They are those who are most in need of

instruction, for complete understanding and

appreciation of the tenets of the Craft is a necessary

antecedent to their practical application in community

and domestic life."

What M.W. Bro. Martin said (as quoted), applies

equally to Royal Arch Masonry.

The Grand Lodge of New Zealand chartered its first

Lodge of Research in 1902, and first appointed Grand

Lecturers nearly 50 years ago. It is only, however, in

fairly recent years that Grand Chapter has taken up the

question of Masonic Education officially and in a

practical way. Grand Lecturers were first appointed in

1948, and the Auckland Chapter of Research was

consecrated in 1954. Both are doing excellent work, but

in addition there is much that can be done by the First

Principles of the Chapters, and it is on their initiative

that the success of the Chapters, and of the Royal Craft,

eventually depends. Grand Chapter can offer guidance

and help, but it is in the individual Chapter that the real

work of Royal Arch Masonry is performed.

The average candidate in our Chapters is anxious to

understand the meaning of our ceremonies and would

appreciate some further explanation of the symbolism

of the Degrees beyond what is contained in the Ritual.

However beautiful the Ritual, and however well the

ceremony is carried out, its impact is lost if the

Companions cannot fully understand its meaning.

I suggest therefore that greater use might be made of the

services of the Grand Lecturers (or if they are not

available, of Past Grand Lecturers or other qualified

Companions), whenever a Chapter has an evening free

of Degree work.

Royal Arch Masonry, like Craft Masonry, is veiled in

allegory and illustrated by symbols; and it is our duty as

Royal Arch Masons to make a daily advancement in

Masonic knowledge. This is even more important in

view of the fact that the available literature on the Royal

Arch Degrees is fairly limited.

It is of course, not always possible to set aside an

evening devoted entirely to a lecture or paper, but much

can be done by the co-operation of the Grand

Superintendents, Grand Lecturers, Past Grand Lecturers

and Senior Past Principals. For example a five-minute

talk in the Refectory by some qualified Companion,

dealing with the symbolism of the Degree just worked,

has proved valuable in several Chapters in the

Canterbury District. It was originally tried as an

experiment and has been well received by the

Companions; and it has fully justified the hopes of

those who originated it.

I do not wish to offer detailed suggestions to the

Chapters as this is essentially a problem for themselves,

but I would mention two or three matters which have a

strong appeal to myself personally.

The first is to encourage Companions to read their Old

Testament history and particularly such books as Ezra,

Nehemiah, Jeremiah and Haggai, which give the

historical background of the Excellent and Royal Arch

Degrees. The background history of our Degrees is a

fascinating subject and one which should stimulate the

desire for further reading.

The second is to encourage each Chapter to establish a

Masonic Library for the benefit of its members, even on

a small scale. Books on Royal Arch Masonry are not so

easy to acquire as those on the Craft generally, but

under proper guidance, the nucleus of an excellent

library could be set up. I believe that many of the

Companions would appreciate the opportunity of

having such books available. It is of course desirable, as

in Craft Masonry, to give preference to authors whose

books are historically accurate and whose

interpretations of Masonic symbolism are reasonable

and intelligent; and to avoid books that are mystical,

fantastic or over the head of the average Mason.

Thirdly, I suggest that a study of the contemporary

history of the times depicted in our Royal Arch Ritual,

and of the historical geography of Palestine, and of the

Middle East generally, will prove extremely interesting

to the Masonic student.

The historical background of the Royal Arch Degree

comprises the Biblical events commencing with the

invasion of Palestine by the Baylonish army when the

Temple was destroyed, on the capture of Jerusalem by

Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. The two great

pillars and all the holy vessels of the temple were

carried away and those were the Jewish people who had

escaped the sword were taken captive and removed to

Babylon. There they remained in captivity for a period

of 70 years until the Babylonish Empire was subverted

by the Persians under Cyrus when they were set at

liberty. In the first year of his reign Cyrus issued a

proclamation granting them permission to return to

Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. At the same time he

restored to them most of the sacred vessels which had

been taken from the old temple and he appointed

Zerubbabel Governor over the land of Judea.

Zerubbabel and his companions then returned to

Jerusalem and after many interruptions and tribulations

due to hostile tribes and local governors, the temple was

finally rebuilt and dedicated. The contemporary history

of the times and the historical geography of Palestine

and the Middle East provide the answer to such

questions as "Why was Palestine constantly invaded

and over-run by foreign powers? "Why was Judah

invaded and Jerusalem destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar,

King of Babylon?"

The answer to these questions is a simple one, but one

which is nowhere disclosed by the Biblical writers, who

were concerned only with local history and national

prestige. It can only be seen by those who can take an

over-all view of Palestine in relation to the

neighbouring countries.

Palestine was a buffer state between Egypt on the south

and the kingdoms of Assyria, Babylon and other

countries located in the valley of the Tigris and

Euphrates (on the north), which were known as the

"River Powers". The coastal plain on the west of

Palestine was the track along which the rival armies

marched during the wars between Egypt and the river

powers, and Palestine was, through a considerable part

of its history, a suzerain or vassal of one or other of the

adjacent foreign powers. Whoever held Palestine held

the key to the Middle East, and this has been so through

the centuries.

At the time of the invasion of Palestine by

Nebuchadnezzar, Judah had, through circumstances

beyond its control, become a vassal state of Babylon.

The immediate cause of the invasion was the refusal of

the king of Judah to pay tribute and his rebellion against

Babylon. This was followed by the seige of Jerusalem

and the first deportation of the Jews to Babylon. This is

a matter of history.

Let us now look at the general background. After the

death of Solomon, Palestine reverted to the old division

into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. It is the

Southern Kingdom, comprising the tribes of Judah and

Benjamin, with which we are concerned as Royal Arch

Masons. These tribes occupied the hill country of Judea

which included Jerusalem and constituted a natural

fortress.

An invading army was compelled to conquer the hill

country, in order to protect its lines of communication

along the coastal plain. Judah therefore became

involved automatically in any war between Egypt and

the river powers. The invading power then occupied

Judah and levied tribute on its people, and on occasion

looted its treasures of gold and silver. The prophets

depicted these foreign invasions as a punishment of the

people for their sins, but today we can see that it was

the geographical position of Palestine that brought

about its ruin and the captivity of its people — just as,

in the days of Solomon, its geographical position had

been exploited for trading purposes and had brought

about great prosperity.

Companions, I offer these comments and these few

suggestions to you in the hope that they may be of some

assistance to the Chapters in maintaining the interest of

the Companions. There is no need for us to undertake

elaborate or highly organised programmes of work to

maintain or increase our membership. A few simple

additions along the lines that I have suggested, will do a

great deal to improve our attendance and hold our

membership, and to raise the standards of Royal Arch

Masonry generally. Any extra time which is devoted to

a short lecture or a five minute address, for example can

easily be saved by a prompt start and by efficient

management in other directions.

What the Companions desire, is to enjoy their Royal

Arch Masonry. We must therefore endeavour to make

our meetings more attractive; and if we can present the

teachings of the Royal Craft in a manner which

combines dignity of working with a fuller

understanding of the symbolism; and at the same time

give the Companions plenty of opportunity to fraternise

with their Masonic friends, we will have achieved

something worthwhile. My remarks are not intended as

in any way a criticism, but rather as an incentive to

improvement and progress.

Companions who habitually absent themselves from the

meetings of their Chapter, lose two of the greatest

benefits which Royal Arch Masonry has to offer —

namely the inspiration which they receive from the

ritual and ceremonial work, and the fellowship of their

Companions. The beauty of the ritual does not need to

be emphasised, but many Companions are inclined to

forget that it is necessary "to keep our friendships in

constant repair". Our friendships in capitular Masonry

are particularly happy and intimate owing to the smaller

numbers in our Chapters, as compared with the Craft

Lodges; but we can maintain these friendships only by

regular attendance.

—————

Obituary
"As, one by one, the autumn leaves fade in the forest

deep,

So, one by one, to each of you must come the touch

of sleep;

As, one by one, the roses burst into the morning

light,

So, one by one, your souls shall wake again, beyond

the night."

ROBERT PRESHAW DYKES

It is with deep regret that we record the passing to the

Grand Lodge above of W. Bro. Robert Preshaw Dykes,

P.M., which occurred at Christchurch during Christmas

week, 1961.

Our late Brother was initiated, passed, and raised in

Lodge Pacific, No. 1229, E.C., Hokitika, in 1909 and

continued to be a subscribing member of Lodges until

his death. In turn he was a member of Mangawhao

Lodge, No. 168, Auckland, William Ferguson Massey

Lodge, No. 282. Wellington (of which he was a

foundation member and a Past Master), and St.

Andrew's Kilwinning Lodge, No. 79, Wanganui. He

also took a keen interest in Capitular Freemasonry,

becoming First Principal of Wellington, R.A.C., No. 62

in 1934-1935, later transferring to Wanganui, R.A.C.

No. 23. In April, 1939, he became a member of Rose

Croix, Hinemoa, No. 226 and later Latham, No. 93,

Wanganui.

A native of Reefton, he received his education at the

State School in that town and the winning of a Tinlene

Scholarship enabled him to continue his studies at the

Nelson Boys' College. Success in the Public Service

Examination secured him a cadetship in the Lands and

Survey Department at Hokitika.

On his transfer to Auckland he attended University and

qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New

Zealand. Subsequently he was sent to Wellington to

join the Maori Affairs Division of the Public Trust

Department and when Maori Affairs were placed under

a separate department of state he became solicitor to

that department, and then a Judge of the Maori Land

Court, to which position he brought deep knowledge of

the problems of the Maori people, thus enabling him to

carry out his duties with justice, dignity and wise

counsel.

He took an active part in sport, being a good footballer,

an excellent hockey exponent and a very creditable

oarsman. While in Auckland he gave good service to

the game of hockey as a referee and administrator.

Our Worshipful Brother is survived by his widow and

one daughter, the wife of the Rev. Rodgers of

Christchurch, Chaplain to the Southern Star Lodge, No.

256. The Rev. Rodgers was absent in Hong Kong at the

time but W. Bro. Dunshea and his Wardens were

exceedingly kind to the bereaved and carried out the

Masonic rights at the burial of a man, who to my

knowledge — and that extends over the long period of

60 years — brought the fundamental principles of

Freemasonry into his every-day life.

The words of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, are indeed an

appropriate "in memorium".

"I held it truth, with him who sings,

To one clear harp in divers tones;

That men may rise on stepping stones,

Of their dead selves to higher things."

— R.S.W.

———◦———

50-YEAR SERVICE BADGE

At the meeting of Lodge Te Awahou, No. 133, held on

Saturday, February 17, a very pleasing ceremony took

place. On behalf of Grand Lodge, W. Bro. A. E.

Cowley, P.G.S., was presented with a Fifty Years'

Service Badge.

The presentation was very ably made by R.W. Bro. T.

Donaldson, Prov. G.M., Ruapehu District. R.W. Bro.

Donaldson spoke of his service to the Lodge and

Freemasonry in general, recalling that he had served as

Master in 1919. He was Secretary for nine years and

still an active worker both in the Lodge, his church, and

civic affairs. W. Bro. Cowley received the

congratulations of numerous Brethren.

This is the third Fifty Years' Service Badge to come to

Lodge Te Awahou, the other recipients being W. Bro.

M. E. Perreau, P.G.D., and Bro. W. S. Barber.

The meeting was favoured also by an official visit from

Lodge Taia No. 229, the visit being made to take back

the travelling gavel. They arrived in strength and tea

was provided at 6.30 p.m. W. Bro. W. R. Edyvane

occupied the Chair and with his Officers, conducted the

ceremony of passing Bro. Young, of Lodge Taia. The

Lodge was comfortably full with Grand Lodge in

attendance.

W. Bro. Edyvane expressed his pleasure and thanked

W. Bro. I. J. Robbie, W.M., Lodge Te Awahou for the

privilege extended to him and his Officers. A very

happy and enjoyable evening was brought to a close at

11.30 p.m.

————

People are like rivers—Whatever is in them comes out at

the mouth.

Like a little boy with a knife, a man who has a sharp'

tongue never knows when to stop using it.

WELLINGTON

WHETU KAURANGI LODGE NO. 201

The February meeting of the Lodge was attended by W.

Bro. Ormond Marshall, and twenty-eight members of

Wairau Lodge, No. 42, it being the biennial visit to

Whetu Kairangi.

The ceremonial—a third degree—was conducted by the

visitors with their customary efficiency. The

proceedings in the refectory were on a very happy note.

A film was shown which depicted the fraternisation of

brethren of the Lodges when a visit was made to

Blenheim in February 1961. Bro. Tom Glover, who

possesses a delightful voice, sang several solos. W. Bro.

J. F. Holm, P.M. of Miramar Lodge, gave a graphic

description of his voyage in the U.S. Icebreaker

"Glacier" to the Antarctic in December of last year. The

visitors were taken to Raumati on the Sunday and W.

Bro. Alfred A. Jones and Mrs. Jones made their home

available for the entertainment of members of both

Lodges. Bro. Frank Newman of Whetu Kairangi

presented a shield which has been designated

"Wairangi" for competition at these social functions.

Wairau, gained the first victory by a narrow margin. As

an expression of her work in arranging such a

bounteous afternoon tea, Mrs. Jones was the recipient of

a crystal bowl. Many friendships were renewed and in

every respect the visit was a decided success.

  

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF WELLINGTON

Brethren will be interested to learn that the Masonic

Annals of the District Grand Lodge of Wellington

(formerly styled "of the North Island"), in the English

Constitution has recently been printed, and is now

available to members of the Craft and to Lodges.

The work has been compiled by V.W. Bro. A. E.

Currie, who is well known to Brethren in the New

Zealand Constitution as a P.G. Reg., and previously as a

P.G. Lec., and in the English Constitution as a Past

District Grand Warden.

V.W. Bro. Currie has brought to the work a long

experience as an author, and the meticulous care which

has been a lifelong characteristic. His ready wit is

apparent throughout the book, and the result is one

eminently readable for its own sake as well as being a

reference book on which students of the history of the

Craft in New Zealand can rely.

It covers much of the early history of the Craft in the

North Island and will be of great interest, not only to

English Constitution Lodges, but also to Lodges of the

New Zealand Constitution who had their origins in

English Freemasonry.

The book is attractively bound in blue cloth, and is

available from the District Grand Secretary, P.O. Box

542, Wellington at a cost of 15s., post free.

  

Preceptor W. Bro. A. S. Barr, P.M., who held the

position of preceptor to the Lodge, has relinquished this

post due to indifferent health. Excellent is the only term

that can be used in paying tribute to the Worshipful

Brother for his services over many years. His successor

is W. Bro. John Watkins, P.M., and every confidence in

his ability to maintain the standard has been expressed

by the brethren.

——— ◦ ———

OTAGO NOTES

One of those very happy occasions in Freemasonry,

"the Master's last night", was celebrated in Lodge

Taharangi, No. 235, when a number of Masonic friends

and business associates assembled to pay tribute to W.

Bro. G. A. Douglas, P.G.S., at the conclusion of his

second year in the Chair. Twelve months ago, W. Bro.

Douglas announced that his policy would be to

incorporate Masonic education with the Degree

ceremonial. This policy has been carried out, and in

addition to full-scale lectures, short talks have been

given in the Lodge and in the Refectory after Degree

workings. W. Bro. Douglas contributed to the

educational programme by reading the Antient Charges

on his last night, when the Grand Lecturer, V.W. Bro.

G. L. Austin, spoke on "Scripture in the Second

Degree". In the Refectory the toast to the retiring

Master was proposed by W. Bro. Ivan Laing, who paid

tribute to the leadership which W. Bro. Douglas had

given the Lodge during a difficult period.

———◦———

SOUTHLAND NOTES

The Brethren of Lodge Fortitude, No. 64, Bluff, had the

pleasure of entertaining their ladies for the first time in

their newly acquired refectory at a social function on

Saturday February 10, and judging by the enthusiasm

shown by those present it augurs well for future

functions to be held.

The Lodge was very fortunate in securing the old dining

room from the Ocean Beach Freezing Works and with

voluntary labour and donations have made a very

comfortable and attractive Refectory out of it. This will

be a valuable acquisition to the Lodge in the future as

previously we were cramped for room when

entertaining during the "Oyster Season" or other special

occasions.

Special thanks are due to all those who helped with

donations and voluntary labour, as by the time the

building is finally completed it should be debt free.

  

A large gathering of brethren from all over Southland

assembled at the recent meeting of the Research Lodge

to listen to a lecture by W. Bro. B. W. Hewat, P.G.L.,

and the history of Lodge Switzers, No. 223, read by W.

Bro. J. Sutherland. There is no doubt that the large

attendance was also a tribute to the Master, W. Bro. S.

G. Little, it being his last night in the Chair. It is

recorded that a pleasant and profitable evening was

spent by those present.

  

The W.M. Officers and brethren of Lodge Orepuki, No.

137, journeyed to Tuatapere recently and were

privileged to perform the ceremony of "passing" on

behalf of Lodge Tuatapere. The standard of work

deserved the congratulations extended to W. Bro. Ray

Herrick by the various speakers in the refectory. Thanks

to the sister lodges in the province, the W.M. of Lodge

Orepuki has been able to conduct ceremonial work,

which would not otherwise have been possible, as no

candidates have been nominated during the past year.

The alterations to the lodge room at Tuatapere are -

really splendid. The effect of the concealed coloured

lighting and the internal decorations, have completely

changed the interior of the lodge room, and it must be

very satisfactory to all those who have in any way

contributed to the change.

  

For the final evening as Master of his Lodge, W. Bro. J.

Annear had the pleasure of seeing his lodge room

crowded with members and visitors. Six visiting sitting

Masters were in attendance which probably provided

the incentive to the Master and his Officers carrying out

the ceremonial work in a most efficient manner.

  

At a recent meeting, Lodge Harvey, No. 49, Gore,

honoured another two of its members by presenting

them with their 50 years' service medals, the recipients

being R.W. Hugh McGibbon and Bro. James Edwards.

In making the presentation, V.W. Bro. D. Russell, who

was entrusted with this privilege, stressed the value of

service of members, especially referring to the

outstanding record of the former brother. True it was

not always possible for everyone to serve by acting as

an officer, but it could be demonstrated by regular

attendance and in an administrative capacity, as in the

case of Bro. Edwards. Perhaps it is fitting to state that

these two brethren were initiated the same evening and,

apart from happy masonic associations, have been very

intimate life-long friends. In reminiscent vein each gave

many entertaining incidents of experiences and

personalities attaching to their membership.

  

The Eastern Southland Chapter of Princes Rose Croix,

No. 119, instituted last year, continue to attract

applications for membership and under the capable

direction of Ill. Bro. Geo. McLeod, M.W.S., has made

commendable progress with the work of this degree.

The installation meeting of this Chapter will be held at

7 p.m. on 7th April, when it is expected there will be a

good representation of members of sister chapters.

  

Lodge Gordon, No. 320, for its first meeting in 1962,

conducted the ceremony of "raising". W. Bro. Forbes,

W.M., was assisted by a very capable team of officers

who gave evidence of sound interest in the work of this

important degree.

  

Lodge Harvey, No. 49, regrets to have to record the

death of one of its prominent young officers, Bro.

Martin Svensson, who sustained grave injuries from a

fall of clay at his brick kiln. Notwithstanding immediate

medical attention our worthy brother passed to the

Grand Lodge above, leaving us with a memory of

enthusiastic service. He is survived by his wife and five

young children, to whom the sympathy of all is

extended.

  

There was a remarkably good attendance of members of

Lodge Waihopai, No. 189, at the first meeting of the

year when the W.M. and his Officers conducted the

ceremony of "raising" Bros. John and Walter Town,

father and son. There was also the added pleasure of the

presence of R.W. Bro. J. Stobo, P.D.G.M., who was

paying the first visit to his mother lodge since his return

from an extended trip to the U.K. and the Continent.

R.W. Bro. Stobo made appreciative reference to the

many brethren who had extended a welcome to him on

his return.

  

At the installation meeting of the Murihiku Chapter

Princes Rose Croix, No. 36, Invercargill, James Leece

Sutton was enthroned as Most Wise Sovereign by the

Sov. Grand Inspector General, V. Ill. Bro. J. W.

Drennan, assisted by a goodly number of Ill. Brethren.

Visitors were present from near and far and the S.G.I.G.

was supported by a strong following of Ill. Brethren of

the Zealandia Sovereign Council. An opportunity was

taken to present the retiring M.W.S., E. & P. Comp. A.

G. Murphy, for a very faithful and efficient service

during his term in the important office of M.W.S.

  

Considerable pleasure was expressed by many members

of Lodge St. John, No. 94, who attended the February

meeting when, owing to unforseen circumstances the

candidate for the evening was unable to attend. Within a

short space of time a programme was arranged for the

evening. W. Bro. J. Sutherland gave a lecture on the

ballot box and Bro. A. Pywell provided a short

programme of organ recital. A most enjoyable social

hour followed in the refectory and it was quite evident

that the change from the usual ceremonial work was

much appreciated.

OKLAHOMA - 1961

Official Proceedings, Grand Lodge A.F. and A.M. of

the State of Oklahoma, 53rd Annual Communication,

1961.

Grand Master, Presiding: M.W. Bro. E. C. Morris.

Grand Master, Elected: M.W. Bro. J. E. Cole.

Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. J. F. Latham.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. J. M. Savage.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. C. P. Bates,

P.G.W.

383 Lodges, 87,169 members, net loss, 704.

The successful experiment of area institutes has been

developed. No fewer than five institutes were held

during the year. They followed very closely the pattern

of the previous year, with attendance broken up into

groups of the W.M.s, Wardens, Secretaries and

Treasurers, and other Officers with a moderator and a

capable panel of consultants for each group.

The Grand Secretary remarked, in terms which must

have been approved by a good many other Grand

Secretaries when they read them:

"While several Masonic leaders over the country have

made statements that they were not concerned about

their losses, I must confess I cannot agree. It is quite

true we don't want large memberships based on the

unfit and the undesirables, but we simply must have

new material in the form of members, and Oklahoma

Masonry must have an increase in its membership, an

increase in per capita tax, or a reduction of activities

such as the operation of our Homes. There is a

constantly increasing number of those entitled to our

consideration, and with a decreasing number of

members it appears an adjustment must take place."

The project for the deposit of Lodge histories continues.

A report was approved from a special committee which

had been set up to approve the establishment of a Grand

Lodge-operated home for aged paying guests. The

report had no final conclusion to offer, but approval was

given in principle to the recommendation that the work

should proceed on the basis of considering the

establishment of six or eight groups of cottages in the

locations in which those who would occupy them

actually wanted to live.

——— ◦ ———

NEW MEXICO - 1961

Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, A.F. and A.M., of

New Mexico, March 20 and 21, 1961.

Grand Master, Presiding: M.W. Bro. W. L. Ranville.

Grand Master, Elected: M.W. Bro. R. J. Lofton.,

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. C. C. Thomas.

Grand Representative of N.Z. W. Bro. C. S. Davidson.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. J. H. Johnston,

P. Prov. G.M.

Sixty-three Lodges, 15,176 members, net gain 164.

The membership difficulty, now so serious in so many

jurisdictions, is referred to in the Report of the

Chairman of the Committee on Foreign

Correspondence. One Paragraph is of some interest as

showing tendencies which we may usefully compare

with these operating in New Zealand.

"Masonry is in competition with many other

organisations and forms of diversion. Time was, writes

Dr Marguerite Rittenhouse, when wives stayed at home

in the evenings and 80 per cent of the husbands went

out at least one night a month. Now 80 per cent of the

wives go out at least one night a month and only 76 per

cent of their husbands. Often one goes out and the other

baby sits. An article in the Ladies' Home Journal of

February,

1959, directs attention to the sociological changes in

husband-wife relationships. Servants are now few —

wives are on the go — they participate in every phase

of community life. They elect political candidates. They

hold office. They are in the professions. They play

bridge, golf and go bowling, sometimes with their

husbands. often just with "the girls", and husbands have

cheerfully agreed to the arrangement which makes them

willing partners in this new social and cultural order,

which allows less time for husbands to attend Lodge . ."

——— ◦ ———

TENNESSEE — 1961

Annual Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge, Free

and Accepted Masons of Tennessee, 147th Annual

Communication, March, 1961.

Grand Master, Presiding: M.W. Bro. W. O. May. Grand

Master, Elected: M.W. Bro. L. A. Hagan. Grand

Secretary: R.W. Bro. T. E. Doss. Grand Representative

of N.Z.: W. Bro. R. B. Collier. Grand Representative at

N.Z.: R.W. Bro. T. Richardson, P. Prov. G.M.

387 Lodges, 80,951 members, net gain, 948.

Consideration is being given to the adoption of the

Sponsor System, modelled on the Mentor plan as in use

in Indiana. The Grand Lodge already has five

educational booklets in use.

A proposal that Grand Lodge should make a substantial

grant to a Lodge which had lost its temple through a

severe windstorm was not approved. It was felt that the

precedent would be dangerous, and that Lodges should

carry adequate insurance on their buildings.

The Board of Custodians reported on a high standard of

work throughout the Lodges, and the issues of

Certificates of Proficiency in appropriate cases.

Ninety thousand dollars was appropriated for the

support of old Masons, Widows and Orphans.

This is a factual and statistical volume of proceedings,

which includes the whole of the Constitution and the

Edicts of Grand Lodge to date. The Chairman of the

Committee on Fraternal Correspondence contributes

one of the larger sections, in which New Zealand affairs

are reviewed.

——— ◦ ———

NORTH CAROLINA - 1961

Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and

Accepted Masons of North Carolina, 1961.

Grand Master, Presiding: M.W. Bro. H. W. Smith.

Grand Master, Elected: M.W. Bro. J. W. Brewer. Grand

Secretary: M.W. Bro. C. A. Harris. Grand

Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. G. A. Farrow. Grand

Representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. F. C. Wade, P. Dep.

G.M.

360 Lodges, 62,496 members, net gain, 365.

Handbooks have been published for the use of Master,

Secretary, District Deputy Grand Master and District

Deputy Grand Lecturer.

The Grand Historian reports: "We have received the

names of a Historian or Committee on History of over

two thirds of the active Lodges in North Carolina.

Every one of the 58 Districts in the State, with the

exception of five, have appointed a Historian or

Committee on History for from one to the entire

number of Lodges in each District. Some of the Lodges

have completed very elaborate reports of the history of

their Lodges from its beginning up to the present tune."

1962 is the 175th Annual Communication year for this

Grand Lodge. New Zealand receives brief mention in

the Fraternal Review.

——— ◦ ———

WISCONSIN — 1960

Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted

Masons of Wisconsin, June 14 and 15, 1960.

Grand Master, Presiding: M.W. Bro. O. H. Larrabee.

Grand Master, Elected: M.W. Bro. E. W. Stegner.

Grand Secretary: R. W. Bro. P. W. Grossenbach.

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

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R. W. Bro. W. J.

Dawson, P. Prov. G.M.

307 Lodges, 63,691 members, net loss, 565.

Six temples were dedicated by the Grand Master during

the year. The Masonic Education Committee has

instituted the "Counsellor" system, and has prepared the

necessary handbooks and Lodge and district counsellors

have been appointed.

Nine Lodges celebrated their centennials during the

year.

Faced with the necessity to deny admission to

additional deserving elderly or sick Brethren who

wished to enter the Masonic Home at Dousman, the

Grand Lodge has had to consider additional financial

appropriation. This involved a thorough survey of the

tax and tax exemption position, and finally a resolution

was passed to authorise the formation of a Masonic

Foundation and to authorise the Grand Master to control

and supervise its activities. There are 112 residents in

the Home and patients in the Hospital under present

conditions.

The Wisconsin Board of Masonic Welfare is a very

active body because frequently persons whose basic

needs are not being met are not eligible for social

security benefits. As far as possible the individual

Lodges are asked to meet their own responsibilities

before calling on general funds.

The Grand Lodge is bedevilled by a legal decision

under which a gift for charitable purposes in Wisconsin

is not tax free if it goes to the Craft, though exempt if

the trustee is a bank, trust company or individual.

——— ◦ ———

UTAH — 1961

Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge, P. and A.M. of

Utah, in its 89th Annual Communication.

Grand Master, Presiding: M.W. Bro. J. P. Coombs.

Grand Master. Elected: M.W. Bro. R. L. Marimon.

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. C. M. Groshell. .Grand

Representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. A. Cline.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R.W._ Bro. D. H. Scott,

P.G.W.

32 Lodges, 6,830 members, net loss, 4.

All the Lodges are in sound financial condition, but

with recollections of more difficult economic conditions

in the past the Grand Master made the point that this

was the time to ensure that every Lodge had adequate

reserve funds. Every Lodge in the jurisdiction has

conducted an educational programme of some kind

during the year.

During its first year of existence the Masonic Research

Club prepared and published five booklets, and there

are several others in preparation. There is also a Grand

Lodge Committee on Masonic Education. The Club has

been accepted as a member of 'the Correspondence

Circle of Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2,076, London.

A paper on proving is printed in the volume, and a

further paper on the observance of the centennial of the

Civil War.

There have been instances of Officers relying on others

to do their work to an extent which would be impossible

in New Zealand, but these have been vigorously tackled

and the general impression from the proceedings is that

of a small Grand Lodge wisely controlled and with

plenty of initiative.

——— ◦ ———

NEW SOUTH WALES — 1960 .

Proceeding of the 72nd Annual Report of the United

Grand Lodge of New South Wales of A.F. and A.M.,

for the year ended June, 1960.

Grand Master, Presiding: M.W. Bro. T. L. Warren.

Grand Master, Elected: M.W. Bro. H. R. Maas.

Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. J. S. Miller.

Grand Representative of N.Z.: M.W. Bro. A. Halloran.

Grand Representative at N.Z.: R. W. Bro. J. Rod, P.

Dep. G.M. (since deceased).

887 Lodges, 133,051 members, net loss, 2,075.

The volume contains records of the four quarterly Com-

munications, and of two Special Communications, the

first for the Installation of M.W. Bro. Maas, and the

other near the 'end of the year for nominations.

The Temple has been painted at a cost of £4,700.

A note that provokes speculation which is, however, not

satisfied elsewhere in the report is "The 1Viasbnic

Catering Co-operative Society continues to provide the

catering for the Lodges in a very satisfactory manner".

There are 221 children in the William Thompson

Masonic School. Further education is also fostered by

the Council.

1,840 patients were admitted to the Hospital during the

year, a record number..

A list of 28 Official Lectures is printed, together with a

list of the topics with which each has dealt or is pre-

pared to deal.

There is an admirable report on New Zealand in the

fraternal review, which is an unusually ambitious (and

successful) one for this part of the world.