Are We Haphazard?
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might". Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
It is a responsibility to propose a man into Freemasonry, and that responsibility is an individual one. It is a
responsibility to accept a man into Freemasonry, and that responsibility is a collective one. In neither case
does the responsibility end with the formal act. There is a continuing obligation.
Just as it is the proposer's responsibility to guide and help the first steps of the new Freemason, so it is the re-
sponsibility of the lodge and the Craft to ensure that he is fully informed, understands to the utmost of his
capacity what Freemasonry is and does, and gains confidence.
In fact many Masons are for a considerable time in a state perhaps not of darkness, but at least of confusion.
They are impressed, but they are mystified. They find enjoyment, but a good deal of it is incidental. They
recognise obligations, but they have little idea of the kind and extent of those obligations. And it is in no way
their own fault.
When one attempts to analyse the Craft one finds in it different elements; the social element, confirming the
Freemason in his moral, social and religious obligations; the benevolent, inculcating and developing his
powers of beneficence; the various aspects of Masonic life which are presented to him in the Charge after
Initiation. That charge is itself a fine piece of Masonic literature and instruction, but it is by no means all that
an E.A. needs to know: it is simply all that can be conveyed to him formally on the particular occasion. And
as he goes through the various ceremonies he receives a great deal of ritual instruction, intended to convey a
series of important moral lessons. He may even in hearing the correspondence read out at the beginning of
the meeting find out that the Craft does certain social work through benevolent funds and homes, but it will
almost certainly be a fairly long time before he knows very much about them.
Our Grand Masters and Provincial Grand Masters, if one can derive information on the point from their
public utterances within the Craft, are primarily concerned about two defects: lack of instruction about the
Craft and a certain lack of tone within the Craft which militates against adequate membership.
This concern is by no means peculiar to New Zealand, and in the United States all sorts of means have been
adopted to try to improve matters. Masonic Research is commended to the Brethren, Lodges of Research are
encouraged and flourish among the more thoughtful Brethren. Here there is a danger of confusing
elementary teaching with research scholarship, even of watering down the very valuable proper functions of
Lodges of Research. Brethren are enjoined to listen to lectures, and lecture programmes are fostered; panels
of lecturers are organised; lectures are printed and distributed, sometimes recorded on tape; Masonic
magazines are encouraged and sometimes distributed free to all Brethren within the jurisdiction; plays with
Masonic themes are performed and in some jurisdictions the Brethren go further, probably, 'than we would in
what we might regard as stunt methods.
The Mentor Plan has received a good deal of support, consisting as it does of booklets used by sponsors in
the inculcation of the essentials of Craft knowledge; and the aspiring or newly-invested officer is not
neglected, for Masters' Books, Senior Wardens' Books, Junior Wardens' Books are available in a number of
places.
There are a number of reasons why Masonry does not hold more of its members, and why attendances are
not higher than they are, and the feeling that inadequate information is one of the troubles appears to be so
well established that it is likely that it is really one of the main elements.
There is a fairly large literature of Freemasonry, but it covers a wide range in quality and in difficulty. It is
all very well to tell the young initiate to read one Masonic book a year; he needs much better guidance than
that. One book which is full of woolly platitudes may be enough to put him off, or one book which is beyond
his understanding at his early stage of Masonic life. And there are questions of ready availability.
The simple facts in New Zealand are that we give no guidance on the topic of reading. We foster no
publication of material of this kind. We publish nothing directed specifically towards the E.A., the F.C. and
the new M.M. We leave it to the Provincial Grand Master, the Grand Lecturer, the Master of the Lodge, and
the Proposer. The Grand Master himself often provides a keynote for subsequent activity; it can, in the nature
of things be little more than an exhortation designed to make the Craft concerned; and in this some Grand
Installation Addresses have in recent years been notably successful. Some Provincial Grand Masters work
hard in their few minutes in the Refectory and succeed in making the Brethren aware that something is
missing—perhaps they are already aware of it, but receive an indication of what it is. The responsibility is on
the shoulders of the Master; he has about ten meetings and a fair pressure of ritual work and he may count
himself fortunate if he can comfortably make an evening available for a talk by a Grand Lecturer. The Grand
Lecturer is concerned, but he reaches each lodge only once or twice. His lectures are not often printed, and
indeed, today, in conformity with a healthy tendency, they are often delivered extempore. There is little
planning, because as things are organised today there is little opportunity for planning within the framework.
It is not for want of good will or concern. The need for some action appears to be generally accepted in New
Zealand. There could be difference of opinion over method. Nevertheless a lead is wanted and the need
should be ventilated. Commercial or private interests might do very well with booklets for the E.A., the F.C.,
the M.M., and the officers if they were well written,
well presented and unexceptionable; but how much
better it would be if publications of this kind were to
appear with an official cachet and a properly
organised distribution.
——————
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.
R. Davies, Branch Creek, Private Bag, Wanaka.
M. D. Gillard, 44 Edenburgh St., Pukekohe.
N. B. Hosking, 30 Connolly St., Lower Hutt.
J. McFarlane, 143 Waiwhetu Road, Lower Hutt.
D. W. C. McLean, Riverton.
George F. W. Park, 408 Main Road, Trentham.
W. H. C. Warhurst, P.O. Box 52, Ohai, Southland.
———————————————————————————————————————————
Address
District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of N.Z. North S.C.
The Grand Supt. M.E. Comp. H. W. deCastro addressed the assembly as follows:—
Companions All, -
Our title "Companions" is truly based on rich companionship, but we must guard against a selfishness of just
getting together and enjoying ourselves. Without due publicity, but also without hiding our privileged
identity as freemasons, let us carry our teachings, by example, to all with whom we daily associate. If the
happy, satisfying way of life which Royal Arch freemasonry teaches is evinced in our deeds then we need
not hesitate to say when asked that we are going to lodge or to a masonic meeting. It is by such conduct that
our associates gain a favourable opinion of the institution, and may eventually seek membership.
The Russian astronaut who recently encircled the earth 18 times in 25 hours acclaimed he did not see God or
any angels up there" asserting that "he believes in the strength of man and his powers of reasoning."
What a contradictory challenge this is to our way of life where we can see the marvellous works of God all
around us—in the tiny flowers, the birds, the tremendously clever organised life of insects, bees, ants and the
swarms of the tiniest of creatures. Compare also the glories of nature in the majestic mountains overlaid with
a blanket of snow, wrapped around with evergreen forests, studded with lakes (the source of the streams and
rivers which irrigate the plains), the everchanging sky, the rainbow, the sunrises and the sunsets and the
glories of the intricately arranged heavenly bodies, all food for the poet's pages! How wasted was that
opportunity to appreciate all this from that viewpoint a short distance out in space.
Companions, last year I asked that you study word by word and phrase by phrase the Lord's Prayer, learned
in childhood and oft repeated in communal worship, in order to ascertain its deep spiritual revelations, and
then a similar study of our ritual when its significant interpretations would be revealed to you. On this
occasion I urge you to avail yourselves of the fund of literature now available revealing the marvellous
discoveries of science concerning the inconceivable universe around us.
Most primitive races regarded the Milky Way as a link between earth and their life beyond death. They
pictured it as a link along which the spirits of the departed moved onto the unknown. The ancient Greeks and
the Chinese believed it was heaven itself where immortals dwelt in perfect happiness. Even today many
people believe that the earth is the centre of this universe.
The revelation commenced in 1609 when Galileo made the first (tiny) telescope and today modern
equipment and the scientists confirm that the Milky Way consists of millions of stars tightly packed, not a
spherical cluster, but in the form of a circular disc about five times the diameter as it is thick. In this our earth
is enmeshed roughly about three fifths of the way from centre to edge and our sun moves with the other stars
in this galaxy. In 1924 another object—the Andromeda Galaxy—was discovered which recent research has
shown contains about 100,000 million stars each similar to our sun. We have also learned that the Milky
Way is between 80,000 and 100,000 light years in diameter with a central bulge of stars about 25,000 light
years thick, around which the sun and its planets make a circuit in about 200 million years. Four thousand
generations of astronauts would be born, live and die in a spaceship which, travelling at the speed of light,
essayed to cross our Milky Way system from side to side.
Modern telescopes have revealed 1,000 million spiral systems of stars even further removed from us than the
Andromeda Galaxy. The limit of the telescopes will always be dictated by the speed of light so that infinity,
already beyond man's comprehension, will always be hid from him. Astronomers have probed out to the
inconceivable distance of 800 million light years and so far have been able to study only about one third of
the explorable universe. What has already been seen
is believed to be merely a speck in a universe
extending infinitely in every direction, and each tiny
part timed to perfection in the function it performs.
Companions, let us contemplate the marvellous
works of the Almighty Creator and resolve in the
humility of our frail mortal insignificance to strive
with every effort and means within our power to fulfil our purpose in this short transitory life. Not in vanity
seeking to be big in our masonic or domestic communities but resolved to give of our little selves to the
bigness of our institutions, environment, and the fast fleeting generation to which we belong. Let us expand
every effort to maintain at its highest level the heritage handed down to us in Royal Arch freemasonry that
we may transmit it with all its benefits to the generations yet born.
Companions, happiness will not be found in outer space but, aided by the teachings of the Holy Royal Arch,
in the quiet contemplation of God in the home, the garden, amongst our companions and in His revelation in
the magnificence of nature and science.
So mote it be.
———————————————————————————————————————————
A Circular From
The Grand Secretary
We are sure that all our readers will be interested to read a copy of the under mentioned circular sent from
the Grand Secretary's office, 1st June, to Lodge Secretaries.
DESIGNATION OF LODGE ROOMS
For some years the Board of General Purposes has deprecated the use of the word "temple" to denote a
Lodge-room or Masonic Hall, but as this term is still being freely used I have been directed to draw the
attention of Lodges and Brethren to the views of the Board.
The use of the word "temple" is considered to be unwise for two reasons—firstly because it could give
offence to those persons to whom a temple is a sacred edifice used for purposes of worship, and, secondly,
because the design of a Masonic Lodge is not based upon King Solomon's temple but upon the Lodge of the
operative Mason.
The following definitions of Temple and Lodges have been extracted from the Oxford English Dictionary:—
TEMPLE
1. (a) An edifice or place regarded primarily as the dwelling-place of "house" of a deity or deities; hence,
an edifice devoted to divine worship.
(b) Historically applied to the sacred buildings of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and other ancient
nations; now, to those of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, and the ethnic
religions generally.
(c) The sacred edifice (or any one of the successive edifices) at Jerusalem, the "House of the Lord", and
seat of the Jewish worship of Jehovah.
2. (a) A building dedicated to public Christian worship; a church; especially applied to a large or grand
edifice.
(b) In France and some French-speaking countries, a Protestant as distinguished from a Roman
Catholic place of worship.
(c) The central place of worship of the Mormons.
3. Any place regarded as occupied by the divine presence; specially the person or body of a Christian.
LODGE.
6. The workshop in which a body of 'Freemasons' worked.
7. Among Freemasons and some other societies; the place of meeting for members of a branch; hence,
the members composing the branch; also a meeting of a 'Lodge' of Freemasons etc.
The term "Masonic Hall" is generally used in England. "Temple" seems to be the more accepted term in the
U.S.A., probably as a result of French influence on early American Masonry, an influence which had little
permanent effect in England.
Although the traditions of Freemasonry deal with, the building of King Solomon's Temple, and the Master is
often said to occupy the Chair of King Solomon as the seat of wisdom, a Lodge is stated to be situated due
East and West in imitation of King Solomon's Temple, not as a representation of it.
The word "Lodge" was originally an operative term applied to a shed or workshop erected near to the build-
ing under construction. This shed was used for dressing stone, for taking meals and for resting in leisure
hours. The Constitutions of 1723 state "A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work".
For these reasons the Board asks that the word "Temple" be not used, but that the terms "Masonic Hall" and
"Lodge-room" be substituted.
INSURANCE
Several years ago Lodges were asked to review the insurance cover on their properties. As values are
increasing-every year this is a reminder that a further review could now be made.
BREAST JEWELS
Attention of the Board was drawn recently to the issue of a Jubilee Jewel to members of a Lodge. The only
breast jewels authorised by the Book of Constitution are centenary jewels which may be worn only after a
Warrant has been granted by the Grand Master, and Fifty Years' Service Badges which are issued by the
Board of General Purposes. By custom, the presentation of a jewel to a Master on completing his year of
office or to a member who vacates an office after long service have been accepted, and the Board has
approved the issue of jewels to the founders of Lodges.
The indiscriminate wearing of jewels not only detracts from the dignity of the Craft, but depreciates the
value of those jewels which have been presented as an appreciation for personal services.
It is the Board's intention to exercise a very strict control over the issue of Breast Jewels:
Yours fraternally,
F. G. NORTHERN
Grand Secretary.
———————————————————————————————————————————
EARLY TO BED
In their campaign to stimulate attendance at Masonic Lodges, Washington Grand Masters and Grand Lodge
Officers in recent years have emphasised the desirability of early closing, writes the Texas Grand Lodge
Magazine. Worshipful Masters and their subordinate officers have been urged to speed routine business and
finish by 10 o'clock.
In a study of the reasons why many Masons fail to attend their lodges, one of the outstanding factors was
found to be late hours. Communications were not properly planned for early closing. Consequently, many
members, particularly the more elderly, are
conspicuous by their absence. As men grow older,
they are more inclined to spend their evening by the
fireside and it requires something special to lure
them out after dinner.
It has also been found that much time is lost by the
failure of the presiding officer to expedite matters.
Consequently, meetings are unduly delayed and
drag on well toward midnight. No wonder that so
few remain for refreshments and the enjoyment of
the social hour. Most of them have to rise early for
their work the following day. If they do attend, they
must leave early for necessary rest.
This campaign, sponsored by the Grand Lodge, is bearing fruit. Officers coming up through the places and
stations are being trained to make their meetings interesting as well as short and snappy. Earlier hours are
resulting; and in time attendance is bound to increase.
The wise Worshipful Master has his programme prepared in advance of a Communication. If it is a regular
meeting he should consult with his Secretary and make note of the matters which require consideration.
Some questions, naturally, are controversial and many cause protracted debate. The Worshipful Master
should be able to control proceedings firmly but not arbitrarily, without undue waste of time. Routine matters
should be disposed of with dispatch. An able presiding officer, acting with judgment and tact, can go through
the programme to an early closing without difficulty.
When degree work is on the trestle-board, much time can be saved by careful preparation. The Worshipful
Master, or any subordinate who has charge of this particular meeting, should in advance make the station and
floor assignments, advising those who are to take part so that they will be fully prepared.
It is well for the incoming Worshipful Master to plan his programme for the entire year. This method will
make the year's programme run smoothly, resulting in improved attendance and better spirit of co-operation.
Always, planning should keep early closing in mind. Remember, your Brethren have to go to work
tomorrow. The Masonic Journal of South Africa
————————
CRYPTIC MASONRY IS SERIOUS, EDUCATIONAL AND BEAUTIFUL
Every Royal Arch Mason should be a Cryptic Mason, from the first beams of the Entered Apprentice to the
full clear light of the Ancient Master. Only in Cryptic Masonry do the rays of the noonday sun dispel the last
lingering fingers of darkness.
Throughout the ages light has been the source of life, the symbol of knowledge and wisdom, the root of joy
and happiness. Ever the foe of darkness and evil, it brings vision to the blind and cheer to the sorrowful.
Symbolic Masonry is the spreading of light. To impart knowledge, one must first acquire knowledge; to
spread light, we must seek it.
When you were raised a Master Mason, you were given Masonic light and a "substitute" and were, sent out
to seek that which was lost. Guided by the bright rays of Masonic light streaming from the Royal Arch, you
found the "true work" and your search was ended.
In Cryptic Masonry you will learn the means whereby the true work was preserved to the craft and you will
come into the final and full light of Ancient Craft Masonic education and knowledge.
Are you content to leave the game at the 7th inning, the opera before the final act, or put down your book
with the last chapter unread'? Generally not! Why then, should you end your Masonic education just short of
perfection?
Whether you consider Masonry as a guiding code of
right living, or a beautiful play, or a wonderful
story, you will miss that vital knowledge of how the
word was saved, if you do not take that final step, which is so most beautifully exemplified in the Royal and
Select Master Degrees.—Courtesy Cryptic Messenger.
—————
Masonry is not an exposition of a new manufactured ritual, nor is it a new revelation. It expresses the under-
lying principles which govern all the religions which the race has loved, and is founded upon the
accumulated traditions which are necessities to humanity.—Sir Gilbert Parker.
—————
If you work for a man, in heaven's name, work for him! If he pays you wages that supply you with bread and
butter, work for him, speak well of him, stand by him, and stand by the institution that he represents.—
Elbert Hubbard.
WAIKATO
Dedication of new Secret Monitor Conclave.
The dedication of the latest Secret Monitor Conclave in New Zealand took place in Rotorua on the evening
of June 30th, when the Right Worthy District Grand Supreme Ruler of N.Z. North, Bro. D. T. Clifton-Lewis,
assisted by R.W. Bro. E. J. Clayton, D.G.V., P.D.G.Chanc., as Commissioning Officer and Grand Conclave
Officers dedicated this new Conclave No. 172.
There was a large attendance of Secret Monitor Brethren from many parts of the North Island, from as far as
Wellington to the Northern Wairoa.
The D.G.S. Ruler of N.Z. Central, R.W. Bro. J. W. Heinemann from Wellington, was in attendance and Su-
preme Rulers from several Conclaves who received a hearty welcome.
After the Dedication Ceremony the Installation of the Officers was carried out, and W. Bro. A. H. Caudwell,
P.G.Sd., was installed into the chair of S. Ruler.
A most enjoyable hour was spent in the Refectory with the entertainment of visitors.
This Order is making steady progress in New Zealand, especially in the North Island.—A.H.C.
—— o ——
WELLINGTON
The highlight of the regular meeting of Lodge Horowhenua 135, on 6th June, after the ceremonial work of
the evening was a presentation of a Fifty years' service Badge to a highly esteemed brother, the Rev. Canon
J. C. Davies.
The attendance was a large one as Brethren from Lodges around the district attended to do honour to a
beloved brother.
In making the presentation V.W. Bro. Ven. Archdeacon H. S. I. Kenney, P.G. Chaplain, expressed his
pleasure at being asked to perform this pleasant task and referred to the long and faithful service of Bro.
Davies to both the Craft and to the church.
The Rev. Bro. was initiated in Lodge Puketai, No. 149, on the 25th November, 1909.
He was a member of Hawera Lodge, No. 34, from the 3rd June, 1913, to the 5th December, 1914. Back to
Lodge Puketai from the 29th June, 1915, to the 22nd January, 1918, Eketahuna Lodge, 23rd March, 1918, to
the 13th October, 1922, and Lodge Horowhenua, No. 135, from the 1st March, 1923, to the present date.
During his long service he served for 18 years as chaplain of the various Lodges as mentioned being the
districts he served also as a Minister of the Church.
In reply to the presentation, R. Bro. Davies, who has always been known for his keen sense of humour,
mentioned that he could hardly hope to be able to live as long to wear the badge as he had served to enable
him to acquire same, and thanked the Brethren for the great honour conferred upon him.
A very pleasing feature of the refectory proceedings was the proposing of a toast to Bro. Davies. W. Bro.
Hirst said that when this privilege had been entrusted to him by the Worshipful Master he at once had a
realisation of a most pleasurable task, a very simple one, yet by way of paradox very difficult.
Pleasurable, because he had known Bro. Davies for thirty years, seven of which as a member of his vestry,
simple because he had a wealth of material to enlarge upon, yet rendered difficult by the fact that Bro.
Davies had never courted eulogistic references to his many good qualities. Whatever Bro. Davies action were
he had considered them to be his bounden duty and was well content to leave it so.
Masonic courtesy, however, required that on such an auspicious occasion credit should be given because it is
due. The brethren would be keenly disappointed if some reference was not made to many fine attributes
displayed over a long period and especially when he could be assured that they bore the hall-mark of
sincerity.
The speaker referred to the absence of M.W. Bro. E. J. Guiness who unfortunately was indisposed and who
had been a parishioner of Bro. Davies at Lower Hutt. M.W. Bro. Guiness had made the following reference
to the occasion:—"The. Fifty Years' Service Jewel which the Grand Lodge has been pleased to grant to Bro.
Davies is a symbol of continuous service to freemasonry for half a century, and also a token of appreciation
of such service. Fifty years is a long period in the active life of any man and we are most thankful to the
G.A.O.T.U. that he has vouchsafed Bro. Davies health and strength to serve him and in our order during that
time. His chief interest, no doubt, has been centred in the church in expounding his will and purpose, this has
been done with unselfishness and zeal.
The jewel is made of true metal, it is gold as genuine as the friendship and advice that Bro. Davies has
always given to us. The unspoken influence of his presence among us, in our lodges, and in the outside world
has always had an uplifting quality and I believe that he has given more and better than we can properly
appreciate or he, himself, may realise."
Wor. Bro. Hirst continued: "Of Bro. Davies personal qualities much could be said, they are well known to
many Brethren and many people in many walks of life, but I have selected one for final mention. I refer to
his kindly and humanitarian outlook, his readiness to ease the sorrows of the afflicted, to drop a tear of
sympathy on the failings of his fellow creatures and his defence of the under dog.
He has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it, he has looked at the best in others
and has given the best himself.
Robert Burns, often quoted as "the immortal bard" has this to say in one of his poems:
The one who heeds our greatest needs,
Cares little how men count their beads,
For righteousness is not in creeds or solemn faces,
But rather lies in kindly deeds and Christian graces.
Kindly deeds and Christian graces! It is this quality, this deep seated background of humanity, which will be
in the thoughts of the assembled brethren and will be honoured most of all tonight.
Brother Davies: In the name of the Worshipful Master and on behalf of the assembled brethren I express the
hope that you will be spared for many years to wear that badge and that those years will be replete with the
Great Architect's richest blessings.
In replying to the Toast, Brother Davies said the proposer had made it difficult for him but deeply
appreciated all that had been said. He said that Freemasonry had meant a great deal to him, that it had a
wonderful appeal and that he was always happy in the company of Freemasons. He paid a special tribute to
those brethren connected with country lodges thirty, forty and fifty years ago. He emphasised the wonderful
enthusiasm that they displayed in travelling over clay roads in the winter time with mud often up to the knees
of the horses. He related many humorous incidents which occurred and said brethren were often loath to
leave the Lodge to make the homeward journey and refectory proceedings went on until the early hours.
As far as kind deeds were concerned Bro. Davies did not claim much merit, he said it was generally easy to
perform a kind deed and if regularly practised could just become a habit, if he had done anything worth
while it was just in the service of the G.A.O.T.U.
MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON
To ensure that news coverage is received from the Nelson Lodges, will Lodge Secretaries please forward reports
to W. Bro. C. H. F. Kingsley, G.S., 28 Percy Street, Blenheim.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
The Installation Meeting of Wairau Lodge No. 42 on Saturday, 23rd June, was a most popular occasion,
when approximately 200 brethren were present to witness the Installation of Bro. Robert Ernest Bullen, into
the Chair of this large and well known Lodge by R.W. Bro. A. E. Shuttleworth, Provincial Grand Master,
who was accompanied by 31 Grand Lodge Officers, including five Past Provincial Grand Masters, and V.W.
Bro. Geo. Palk, Asst. Prov.G.M.
R.W. Bro. R. J. Truman, Prov.G.M., of Westland District, accompanied by seven of his Grand Lodge
Officers was an honoured guest, this being his first Official Visit to the Nelson Marlborough District.
The Working Tools of the Three Degrees were presented by W. Bro. A. A. Jones, W.M., of Lodge Whetu
Kairangi No. 201 (Wellington), W. Bro. A. A. Shuttleworth, W.M., of Forest Lodge No. 116 (Wakefield)
and W. Bro. J. R. Talbot, W.M., of Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No. 106, in that order, and the Masters
of the following Lodges also assisted by Investing Officers of the Lodge—W. Bro. R. M. Robinson, Lodge
Havelock No. 104—W. Bro. R. G. Dawkins, Lodge Waitohi No. 111—W. Bro. S. Arthur, Kaikoura Lodge
No. 60 —W. Bro. G. R. Dickson, Victory Lodge No. 40—W. Bro. A. C. Reilly, Lodge Awatere No. 292—
and W. Bro. Rex Wratt, Lodge Eckford No. 334.
The Address to the Worshipful Master was presented by R.W. Bro. F. C. Brown, P.Prov.G.M., the Address
to the Brethren by R.W. Bro. R. J. Truman, Prov.G.M., Westland, and the Wardens Invested by V.W. Bro.
Geo. Palk, Asst. Prov.G.M.
An outstanding feature of the evening was the Investiture of Bro. R. K. (Dick) Todd as Tyler of the Lodge
for the 29th consecutive year, while he had also held office for several extended earlier periods.
Bro. Dick Todd is the holder of the 50 years Badge, being Initiated in Scotland, and joining Wairau Lodge in
1911; his is the longest surviving membership in the Lodge, and his continued enthusiasm is an inspiration
for all who are privileged to know him.—C.H.F.K.
—— o ——
CANTERBURY
Jubilee of Lodge Tawera, No. 188
June 5th, 1962, was a memorable day for the brethren of Lodge Tawera, No. 188, being its Jubilee Meeting.
The Lodge was fortunate to have the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. W. Martin in attendance, also the Deputy
Grand Master, R.W. Bro. J. S. Hawker, together with other Grand Lodge officers and Provincial Grand
Lodge officers.
Following a welcome to the Grand Master and his
Officers, a Roll Call of past and present members
was read.
W. Bro. R. C. Loney then read a short history of the
Lodge.
The Grand Master congratulated W. Bro. Loney on
the lodge history and urged that it be printed and
sent to the Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge.
Unfortunately our first master V.W. Price C. Jones,
was unable to be present. Naturally, others of the
past members, were unable to be present, by reason
of age and distance.
Following the short lodge meeting, the refectory
proceedings were held in the Oxford Town Hall.
The Grand Master has had earlier associations with
Oxford and recounted some of his interesting and
often amusing experiences.
In more serious vein he wished to leave two thoughts with the brethren, reminding them of the reasons they
gave when joining the Craft:—
1. A desire for knowledge.
2. To be of service to our fellow men.
The Grand Master emphasised the value of a 5 minute lecturette at the opening of the lodge.
And further to the second point, he cited the large number of masons in public affairs, councils, etc., which is
as it should be.
The R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Bro. J. S. Hawker, also has associations with Oxford, having spent his
boyhood in this area. R.C.J.
—— o ——
OTAGO
A Memorable Meeting at Lodge Oamaru No. 260
On Wednesday, May 2nd, Lodge Oamaru No. 260, with W. Bro. J. G. Richards in the Chair, conducted a
most successful combined meeting with its two sister lodges of The Lodge of Waitaki No. 11, and Oamaru
Kilwinning No. 82. The evening's work consisted of three short lectures, one being delivered in each degree.
The W. Master after opening the lodge and welcoming the visitors invited V.W. Bro. J. H. Main, P.G.L., of
Lodge Oamaru No. 260, to address the brethren. V.W. Bro. Main took as his theme the patron saints and the
office of Immediate Past Master.
At the conclusion of V.W. Bro. Main's lecture the Worshipful Master invited W. Bro. E. M. Freeman,
Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Waitaki, to assume the Chair of King Solomon and with his officers
continue the business of the evening. W. Bro. Freeman opened the lodge in the second degree and invited W.
Bro. J. Robertson of the Lodge of Waitaki, to deliver a lecture on the Second Degree. This lecture embraced
the whole degree, the lecturer considering this degree considerably more than the Cinderella degree to which
it is sometimes referred. From this worshipful brother's remarks brethren were given much enlightenment.
This lecture being concluded, W. Bro. Freeman at the request of the W. Master of Lodge Oamaru handed the
Gavel to W. Bro. C. Syme, the R.W. Master of Oamaru Kilwinning and invited him and his officers to
continue and conclude the business of the evening. On the lodge being raised to the Third Degree, W. Bro. J.
Graham of Oamaru Kilwinning, delivered a stimulating address on the Hiramic Legend and brethren were, as
in the case of the two former lectures, considerably better informed.
With the return of the Gavel to his hands the W. Master of Lodge Oamaru closed the lodge summarily and
sincerely thanked the lecturers for their thought provoking and informative talks and for the time they had
most obviously spent in research in the preparation of their papers. Brethren endorsed the W. Master's
remarks in the manner customarily adopted in the lodge room. Greetings were extended and at 9.30 p.m.
brethren retired to the Refectory to partake of a buffet supper. The customary toasts were honoured, musical
items were rendered by W. Bro. W. Neale (solo) and Bro. N. Martin, a visitor from Australia (piano solo).
During the refectory proceedings the recording of the Auckland Masonic Choirs items, which were sung at
the Grand Master's Installation at Auckland in November last year, was played. This recording was received
most favourably by the brethren.
102 Brethren signed the attendance book. The visitors included the W. Bro. Allwer of Lodge Palmerston No.
36, and W. Bro. Kilpatrick, Lodge Ngapara No. 68, and W. Bro. R. Marshall, Past Grand Deacon of the
Grand Lodge of West Riding, Yorkshire, England. In replying to the visitors' toast W. Bro. Marshall referred
to the wonderful Masonic friendship which his mother lodge, Lodge Probity No. 61, had made with the
Advance Lodge No. 61 of Brunnerton, a friendship which was originally initiated during World War II.
During this period the Advance Lodge No. 61 forwarded food parcels to its No. 61 counterpart in England,
Lodge Probity, for which the recipient lodge was most grateful.
One of North Otago's most revered freemasons is R.W. Bro. J. M. Forrester, who in his 97th year still has all
his faculties and does his own garden. From his brain and hand came the design of the Oamaru Lodge
building and to enhance the furniture of the lodge this brother when in his eightieth year set about and hand
executed Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian columns. They were presented to the brethren of North Otago in 1942,
1944 and 1946 respectively. A permanent record of R.W. Bro. Forrester's gesture now takes the form of a
suitably inscribed plaque within the vestibule of the lodge room, this being generously donated by a brother
of Lodge Oamaru No. 260. The plaque was on display for the first time during this combined meeting.
The evening was a historic one for Lodge Oamaru No. 260 and the brethren of the lodge host that the numer-
ous visitors (some 80) received as much pleasure in receiving hospitality and fellowship as the brethren of
Lodge Oamaru No. 260 did in dispensing it.
W. Bro. C. W. Shirley was Director of Ceremonies for the evening.—S.O.W.
An exceptionally large gathering of Royal Arch Masons assembled for the Enthronement of the Principals of
Celtic Chapter, No. 42. The retiring First Principal, V.E. Comp. M. M. Gillick, received and welcomed the
Grand Superintendent, R.E. Comp. George E. Ashcroft, who in turn received the representatives of the
Grand Chapters of Scotland and England, with Officers of their respective District Grand Chapters, after
which M.E. Comp. H. R. Mitchell, P.G.Z., and Officers of the Grand Chapter of New Zealand were received
and welcomed by the Grand Superintendent. The incoming First Principal V.E. Comp. S. W. Clelend, was
Enthroned by V.E. Comp. Ashcroft; the Second Principal, V.E. Comp. O. A. Kempe, was Enthroned by
M.E. Comp. C. G. Hedge, P.Pro. G.M.; and R.H. Comp. R. H. Cleland, P.D.G.C., Enthroned the Third
Principal, E. Comp. J. T. N. Grant, and also Installed him as W.M.M. Grand Chapter Officers completed the
Installation Ceremony in a dignified manner. Collection for the Jubilee Scholarship Fund amounted to
£6/3/3. The presence of the representatives of the sister Constitutions and the cordial relationship which
existed among the Grand Chapter and District Grand Chapter Officers added materially to the success of an
outstanding Convocation.
On Saturday, June 30, W. Bro. James Mitchell again led a full muster of Officers and a large number of
Brethren of Otakou Conclave No. 53, in a second visit to Oamaru to confer the Princes Degree on the 16
Oamaru Brethren. As this was a Regular Meeting, all the candidates were present at the opening and were
most impressed by the Muster Roll which brought home to them the deep feeling of friendship which is the
keynote of the order.
The Degree was worked four times—twice in the afternoon and twice in the evening as on the occasion of
their Induction. In the evening, the Deputy District Grand Supreme Ruler, R.W. Bro. R. H. Cleland,
accompanied by Grand Council and District Grand Conclave Officers was received and honoured. R.W. Bro.
R. H. Cleland participated on each occasion of the working of the Degree and his explanations were greatly
appreciated.
After the closing of the Conclave, all the Oamaru Brethren enthusiastically signed the Petition for an Oamaru
Charter. In addition many Dunedin Otakou Brethren expressed the wish to be foundation members of a new
Oamaru Conclave which undoubtedly will prove to be a very strong Conclave of the Order.
Bro. J. G. Ward expressed the appreciation of the
16 candidates to Otakou for the two visits to
Oamaru and in reply W. Bro. James Mitchell
stated that the hospitality shown by the Oamaru
Brethren would ever remain in the memory of the
Dunedin Brethren. New friends have been made on
the first visit and cemented on the second
occasion. All are looking forward to being together
again as many of the Oamaru Brethren have stated
their intention to attend the Installation meeting in
Dunedin on August 18, when Bro. A. E. Ward will
be Installed and Commissioned as Supreme Ruler.
W. Bro. J. Mitchell after vacating the Chair will
always have a feeling of pride for a term as
Supreme Ruler that proved considerably more than
successful.—L.C.B.
—— o ——
SOUTHLAND
The visit of the Prov.G.M. and Grand Lodge Officers of the Otago District to Lodge Adoniram No. 411,
Invercargill, eventuated on the occasion of the recent Installation of W. Bro. A. C. Paine, very well and
favourably known as "Uncle Clarrie" of 4YZ. The attendance was good and the ceremonial work was carried
out by the visiting Prov.G.M. R.W. Bro. S. F. Chalmers, and his Grand Lodge Officers. Somewhat different
to the Southland ceremonial, the work was excellently carried out and was of great interest to Southland
members in particular.
It was quite interesting also to have the Presidents of the Board of Benevolence and the Board of General
Purposes present together with the Grand Registrar. There were also many railwaymen present to see one of
their number receive the greatest honour his fellow members of Adoniram could bestow upon him. The
social hour in the refectory was most entertaining and enjoyable. The short address by the President of the
Board of Benevolence gave the brethren a brief account of how their contributions were being used and to
what extent the Board was dispensing benevolence in the Southland District. To say the least it certainly
proved that there was still a necessity to increase the contributions from this province. A marked increase
had been recorded this past year which, the President said, was most appreciated and encouraging.
Lodge Fortitude was literally swamped on a recent Saturday evening when Bro. T. W. M. Neilson was
installed Worshipful Master by Rt. Wor. Bro. G. C. Sim, P.G.M., of Southland, together with a strong
following of G.L. Officers. The popularity of the newly installed master was very evident. His regular
visiting for a number of years and his association with a number of other branches in Freemasonry was
undoubtedly the reason for the over crowded lodge room. The I.P.M. Wor. Bro. F. J. Denny, by his frequent
visits and outstanding qualities no doubt also contributed to the large number of visitors. Then, of course,
oysters were on the menu.
The visit of the W.M. Officers and brethren of Lodge Mataura, No. 174, to Lodge Southern Cross, No. 9,
Invercargill, was an event of great interest to local freemasons. It was the first meeting of Lodge Southern
Cross since the installation last month and the ceremonial was an initiation carried out by the W.M. and
P.M.'s of Lodge Southern Cross.
An exceptionally large number of brethren from all over Southland attended a Lodge of Sorrow in Lumsden
recently when tributes were paid to the late Wor. Bro. G. W. Johnson, a very old and esteemed member of
Lodge Taringatura, No. 100. During the past year his absence from lodge has been most marked, for he was
an excellent ritualist, a very staunch member of his lodge and was regarded as being able to undertake any
ritual work in any case of necessity. He will be long remembered for faithful service to the lodge he served
for so many years. It is recorded that the funeral cortege was the longest seen in Lumsden for very many
years. The late Wor. Bro. George Johnson was a good freemason and an excellent citizen.
There was a good attendance at the meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter, Southern Cross, No. 3, when an
exaltion degree was worked by the 1st Principal and his officers. V.E. Comp. H. C. Aitken was extended a
warm welcome by his Officers and Companions on his return to active work in the Chapter after his illness
and operation, and the best wishes were extended to him by his colleagues, the 2nd and 3rd Principals.
SASKATCHEWAN - 1961
The Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. Proceedings of the 55th Annual
Communication, 1961.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. L. H. Bergstrom.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. J. E. Burt.
Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. R. Mayson.
Grand representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. E. H. Knowles.
Grand representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. H. F. Wooffindin, P.Prov.G.M.
208 lodges, 17,541 members, net loss, 108.
During the year the Grand Master made a particular effort to encourage Masonic research and education,
with encouraging results. The number of active lodge committees dealing with these matters has nearly
doubled, and there is a good deal of evidence that they really are active. A simpler forerunner of the mentor
plan is in use in many of the lodges.
Three lodges reached their 75th anniversary during the year.
At the Grand Master's suggestion lodge secretaries have been using spare space on their summonses for
bulletin purposes, with good results. This supplements the material in the thriving publication "The Tracing
Board."
"The average number of regular meetings held during the year was eleven, and emergent two to three. City
lodges, of course, greatly exceeded these figures. . . ."
The Committee on Finance reports sadly: "Your Committee does not predict Grand Lodge costs will remain
static. All services are increasing in cost. We are told that what it now costs to amuse a child is more than
what it cost to educate his parents. Someone said 'Air is still free, but the cost of being able to breathe is
getting higher every day'."
There is a note on New Zealand in the Fraternal Review.
—————
CALIFORNIA - 1960
Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. California, 111th Annual Communication, 1960.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. J. L. Shell.
Grand Master, elected: M. W. Bro. A. E. Breslauer. Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. E. T. Siems.
Grand representative of N.Z.: system discontinued. Grand representative at N.Z.: system discontinued.
696 lodges, 241,819 members, net gain, 1,691.
A useful feature of this volume is the list of foreign Grand lodges recognised by and in fraternal relations
with the Grand Lodges of California.
A proposal is under consideration to change the name of the Grand Lodge to "The Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of the States of California and Hawaii".
On account of reports that certain Brethren had been organising political groups in the name of the Craft for
campaigning for one party or the other in the presidential election, the Grand Master issued an edict to be
read in all lodges requiring the Brethren to keep within the normal Masonic bounds.
A 50,000 sq. ft. hospital unit has been added to the Masonic Home in Union City (formerly Decoto). There
are seven beds in single bedrooms and 121 in 2-bed wards. The cost per bed was approximately $8,400.00,
the total cost being $1,183,385.00. The population of the Home itself at the end of the year was 353. At the
Masonic Home for Children at Govina there were 47 children.
There are now within the jurisdiction 19 Boards of Relief, five of which operate Employment Bureaux.
In so large a jurisdiction it is no surprise to find a Committee on Commercialism; it reports that in spite of
some violations breaches are diminishing in number, scope and seriousness. A good many of the instances of
using Masonic emblems etc., appear not to have
been the concern of any member of the Craft.
The four Research Lodges have performed well,
and two of them successfully sponsored two
lecture appearances of W. Bro. Harry Carr, 1957,
Prestonian Lecturer, of the United Grand Lodge of
England.
—————
ARIZONA - 1961
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge F. and A.M. of Arizona, 1961.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. E. A. Spitler.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. H. W. Holley.
Grand Secretary: V.W. Bro. J. A. E. Ivey.
Grand representative of N.Z.: W. Bro. K. D. Anderson.
Grand representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. T. Hobson, P.Dep.G.M.
60 lodges, 12,589 members, net gain, 319.
The first year of operation under the new system under which the state was divided into three districts
assigned respectively to the care of the Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand
Warden appears to have been very successful.
Approval has been given to the publication of a Grand Lodge journal, to appear four times a year.
Four scholarships, each of not less than $400.00 are to be awarded to appropriate students each school year.
Action is being taken to procure suitable quarters for the Grand Secretary.
A retirement policy has been adopted for officers and employees of Grand Lodge; to be eligible for payment
on retirement the individual must have served for ten years.
There is no fraternal review.
—————
MANITOBA - 1961
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, 1961. Vol. XXI. Part II.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. A. J. Sawatzky.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. B. S. Parker.
Grand Secretary: M.W. Bro. T. C. Jackson.
Grand representative of N.Z.: R.W. Bro. S. Burland.
Grand representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. R. W. Carpenter, P.Prov.G.M.
120 lodges, 16,255 members, net loss, 103.
The Corner Stone of a new lodge called after a distinguished former Governor-General was laid on June 19,
1960. It is The Vincent Massey Collegiate Lodge, Fort Garry, Manitoba. An oration covered the contribution
of the Hon. Vincent Massey and his family to Canada.
"The Act of Incorporation of Grand Lodge provides an easy and inexpensive means for any constituent lodge
to obtain the protection of its members and the other advantages of incorporation. It is encouraging to be able
to report that during the past year Certificates of Incorporation have been obtained by seven lodges."
Considerable steps have been taken by the Board of General Purposes towards putting finance on a more
satisfactory footing. Too little revenue had prevented proper remuneration of staff and had also stopped any
thought of enlarged expenditure where that was warranted.
The Centenary of the Grand Lodge will be celebrated in 1964.
"The Mentor Plan, wherever it is in operation, is being appreciated more and more as a valuable aid in
furnishing instruction to the candidate, that he may have a better understanding and appreciation of the
purposes for which our Institution exists."
A Masonic Appraisal Commission is at present taking stock of the Craft in the Manitoba jurisdiction. There
should be considerable advantages for any Grand Lodge in a survey of this kind.
Persistent research has enabled the Grand Historian to fill in in considerable detail much of the history of the
formation of the original lodge in 1864. M.W. Bro. W. Douglas published his Freemasonry in Manitoba,
1864-1925, some thirty years ago, but he has now rounded out the picture of the earlier years, and the results
are in this volume of the Proceedings.
The Masonic Research and Education Committee held meetings in each of nine districts, as well as two Area
Meetings.
A Fraternal Review does not include New Zealand.
—————
LOUISIANA - 1960
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, 149th Annual Grand Communication. Feb. 8th
and 9th, 1960.
Grand Master, presiding: M.W. Bro. J. F. Hartmann.
Grand Master, elected: M.W. Bro. F. Brown.
Grand Secretary: R.W. Bro. D. P. Laguens, Jr.
Grand representative of N.Z.: M.W. Bro. J. F. Hartmann.
Grand representative at N.Z.: R.W. Bro. R. C. Rutherford, P.Prov.G.M.
275 lodges, 50,982 members, net gain, 389.
On Sunday, February 7, 1960, at an Emergent
Communication of Grand Lodge, the George
Washington Statue located in the Civic Centre of
New Orleans was dedicated and presented to the
City. It is the work of Bryant Baker, the sculptor of
the Washington statue in the George Washington
National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Va., as
consultant, and Donald DeLue as actual sculptor.
There are several illustrations of this fine statue on
its splendid site adjacent to the New Orleans Public
Library. It is nine feet high, cast in bronze and stands
on a 9-foot granite base.
Recognising the consolidation, the Grand Lodge has
transferred to the United Grand Lodges of Germany
the recognition formerly accorded to the United
Grand Lodge of Germany, A.F. & A.M.
Satisfactory progress is being made with the
arrangements for the sesquicentennial of the Grand
Lodge in 1962.
There is an extensive review of the proceedings of
other Grand Lodges, but New Zealand does not
figure in it.