Annual Communication
When wars begin or depressions appear to be taking hold of the economy there are always pressures to cut
out the inessential activities, those things that are not vital to the physical and mechanical maintenance of the
community machine; those things without which the wheels of the machine would still go round.
It is real economy not to waste time or money, thought or energy on non-productive activity, and it is
possible in a completely regimented state to reduce things to bare essentials. The wheels revolve, people get
enough to eat and drink, they keep reasonably warm and the essentials of life are preserved. This should, of
course, be enough for them.
Enough, that is, if one equates the word people with the word morons. More truth is suggested in the words
"not by bread alone" than in many much-quoted sayings. The community which has no surplus thought or
energy, no available time or money, for the things of the mind and the spirit is the community which is
headed for destruction.
In a political context that word "essential", as it is generally used, is a complete misnomer and self-deception.
"Short-term" would better express what is intended. It is the reduction of human activity to the lowest
common multiple. It allows nothing for development or improvement or raising of standards, on the score
that conservation of what is immediately necessary must for the moment or during the emergency exhaust all
that is available.
If the devotees of that kind of thinking really had their way our communities would not last long. They
would be reduced to the materialist level, where people are not much better than machines. Culture and
recreation and some attention to the more basic essentials, the things of the spirit and the requirements of
man's whole nature; if these are denied attention and do not flourish, man will in time become unable to
operate except in a nightmare vacuum, a sterile and mechanical world which so denies the capacities he has
developed that he will in time become mad, his brain not withering but working astray through lack of
appropriate employment.
It is, in fact, in times of stress, or times when stress may be beginning, that we have to be sure we
concentrate on something other than the materialist essentials. The finest work for mankind has perhaps been
done in conditions of adversity: it would be inept, in times of prosperity to try to deny men the small margin
they have gained, the small margin which separates their activities from those of the beasts and the robots,
the small margin which exalts their common humanity.
And so it is that even when hard times come and we find that luxury is flying out of the window, when the
indulgences we have for many years granted ourselves are costing more than we can afford, and when we
have to choose what is really important to us, we have to establish some sort of list of priorities and decide
what is to be cut.
One of the things that was not cut out during two wars and a depression was Masonic observance. In some
ways it costs a good deal, but in some ways it gains for us a good deal. Perhaps, even, because the Craft
makes us look closely at commercial morality and integrity, Masonic observance pays material dividends:
certainly it pays social and spiritual dividends, and contributes to the health and stability of the community at
large.
The rather expensive few days the Lodge representatives spend away from home each year at the Annual
Communication should be looked at in this light. As an additional annual holiday they may or may not be
justified in terms of being appropriate objects for the expenditure of the number of dollars involved: in terms
of each lodge making its appropriate contribution to the governance and ceremonial of the Craft they are well
worth the cost. Representatives will probably all enjoy themselves a great deal; those who take their
responsibilities seriously and remember that the Lodges' money is being spent as well as their own, and that
they are there for a particular purpose, will be likely to enjoy themselves most of all.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
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 advises.
Bro. D. S. Black, late of Park Rd., Auckland.
J. R. Campbell, O.R.D., Oamaru.
J. M. Clark, 76 Godden Cres., Auckland, E.1.
R. L. Cook. c/o P.O. Box 447, Christchurch.
E. H. G. Currin, c/o Teagle Smith & Co. Ltd., P.O. Box, Hamilton.
J. N. Garth, 62 Mungavin Ave., Porirua.
C. B. Hoddinott, 38 Guthrie St., Lower Hutt.
A. E. Lacey, P.O. Box 1, Martinborough.
T. W. J. Matthews, Massey St., Moerewa.
J. E. C. Pollock, Byron St., Leamington, Cambridge.
J. L. Preston, 7 Ngaio St., Takapuna.
"Would any Lodge Secretary or Brother knowing the present address of Bro. C. S. Campbell, last known
address P.O. Box 28, St. Andrews, South Canterbury, please contact the Secretary of Lodge Te Marama,
Bro. R. Dalziell-Kernohan, P.O. Box 113, Ngaruawahia."
WANTED
The following volumes of A.Q.C. to complete my set: Vols. 1 to 8, 10, 19, 50, 52, 53 and 54. Would take all
or any. J. P. GLENIE, P.O. Box 1569, Auckland.
What Do I Get Out Of Masonry?
I get fellowship with men whom I can respect and trust, men who believe in and practice the golden rule of
life.
I get inspiration to greater effort to attain to the highest ideals of relationship to my brother man, and of my
responsibility to him. I get better understanding of my dependence upon and obligation to the Infinite, and
peace of mind and soul in obedience to His Commands. I get opportunity to extend to my brothers a helping
hand till he too sees the Light and can teach others to build temples for the indwelling of the Most High.
That's what I get out of Masonry, get by putting into Masonry the best there is in me in service to my brother
Mason and to brothers who have not yet knocked at the portals of Masonry.
—Scottish Rite News
Banners of all kinds available from
Regalia House
The Husk Of The Kernel?
By Bro. S. Brown-Deverell
The ancient philosophers, in the establishment of their respective sects, divided their schools into two
kinds—Exoteric and Esoteric. In the exoteric school instruction was given in public places; the elements of
science, physical and moral, were unfolded, and those principles which ordinary intelligence could grasp,
and against which the prejudices of ordinary minds would not revolt were inculcated in places accessible to
all whom curiosity or a love of wisdom brought together. But the more abstruse tenets of their philosophy
were reserved for a chosen few who, united in an esoteric school, in the secret recesses of the Master's
dwelling received lessons too strange to be acknowledged, too pure to be appreciated by the vulgar crowd,
who, in the morning had assembled at the public lecture.
Thus, in some measure, it is with Masonry. Its system, taken as a whole, is, it is true, strictly esoteric in its
construction, its disciples are taught a knowledge which is forbidden to the profane, and it is only in the
adoption of the Lodge that these lessons are bestowed; and yet, viewed in itself and unconnected with the
world without, Masonry contains within its bosom an exoteric and esoteric school as palpably divided as
were those of the ancient sects, with this simple difference, that the admission or the exclusion was in the
latter case involuntary, and dependent solely on the will of the instructor; while in the former it is voluntary,
and dependent only on the will and the wishes of the disciple.
In the sense in which I wish to convey the terms, every Mason, on his initiation, is exoteric; he beholds
before him a beautiful fabric, the exterior of which alone he has examined, and with this examination he may
possibly remain satisfied—many, alas! too many are, and if so, he will remain an exoteric Mason. But there
are others whose curiosity is not so easily gratified; they desire a further and more intimate knowledge of the
structure than has been presented to their view—they enter and examine its internal form—they traverse its
intricate passages—they explore its hidden, recesses, and admire and contemplate its magnificent
apartments. Their knowledge of the edifice is thus enlarged, and they have purer views of the principles of its
construction than have fallen to the lot of their less inquiring Brethren. These men become esoteric Masons.
The hidden things of the Order are to them familiar as household words; they constitute the Masters in Israel,
who are to guide and instruct the less informed, and to diffuse light over paths which, to all others, are
obscure and dark.
There is between these studious Masons and their slothful, uninquiring Brethren, the same difference in the
views they take of Masonry as there is between an artist and a peasant in their respective estimation of an old
painting—it may be a Raphael or a Reubens. The peasant gazes with stupid wonder or with cold indifference
on the canvas redolent with life, without the excitation of a single emotion in his barren soul; its colours,
mellowed to a rich softness by the hand of time, are to him less pleasing than the gaudy tints which glare
upon the sign of the village inn; and its subject borrowed from the deep love of history, or the bold imagery
of poetry, are less intelligible to him than the clouded print which hangs conspicuously at his cottage fireside.
He is amazed to see this paltry piece of canvas bought with the treasures of wealth, and guarded with a care
that the brightest jewel would demand in vain. But, to the eye of the artist, how different the impression
conveyed! To him everything beams with light, life and beauty. To him, it is the voice of nature speaking in
the language of art. Prometheus-like, he sees the warm blood gushing through the blue veins and the eye
beaming with a fancied animation—the correctness of the outline—the boldness of its foreshortenings,
where the limbs appear ready to burst from the canvas—the delicacy of its shadows, and the time
arrangement of its lights, are all before him subjects of admiration, on which he could for ever gaze, and
examples of instruction which he would fain imitate.
And whence arises this difference of impression produced by the same object on two different individuals? It
is not from genius alone; for that, unaided, brings no light to the mind, though it prepares it for its reception.
It is cultivation which enlarges the intellect, and fits it as a matrix for the birth of those truths which find in
the bosom of ignorance no abiding place.
And thus it is with Masonry. As we cultivate it as a science, its objects become extended; as our knowledge
of it increases, new light bursts forth from its inmost recess, which, to the inquisitive Mason, burns with
bright effulgence; but to the inattentive and unsearching, are but as dim and fitful glimmerings only
rendering "darkness visible".
Let every Mason ask himself if he be of the esoteric or the exoteric school of Masonry. Has he studied its
hidden beauties and excellencies? Has he explored its history, and traced out the origin and the erudite
meaning of its symbols? Or has he supinely rested content with the knowledge he received at the hand of the
Worshipful Master and Wardens, of his symbolic Lodge and not sought to make any further steps beyond the
porch of the Temple? If so he is not prepared to find in our royal art those lessons which adorn the path of
life, and cheer the bed of death, and for all purposes, except those of social meeting and friendly recognition.
Masonry is a sealed book to him. But if he has ever felt a desire to seek and cultivate the internal philosophy
of Masonry, let him advance in these rarely trodden paths; the labour of such a pursuit is itself refreshment
and the reward great. Fresh flowers bloom at every step and the prospect on every side is so filled with
beauty and enchantments that ravished at the sight he will go on with enthusiasm from fact to fact, and from
truth to truth, until the whole science of Masonry lies before him invested with a new form and sublimity.
—New South Wales Freemason
BENEVOLENCE
An Extract from the Fifth Annual Report of the Taranaki Masonic Trust
Because of the demand it was found necessary to purchase two more wheelchairs. This makes a total of 15.
In two chronic cases the Social Security Department has been persuaded to provide chairs which has eased
the pressure of demand upon Trust chairs.
Trustees continue to be impressed with the wonderful work being undertaken by W. Bro. H. Bayliss. In
South Taranaki he is not only an outstanding Almoner but must now almost be known as "The Wheel Chair
Man." Without doubt he must be the greatest friend known to the afflicted in that area. We could do with a
lot more Harry Bayliss's where "Action" is given such active expression.
It is interesting to recite the amounts expended in acts of benevolence since the Trust came into being.
Benevolence Wheelchairs Total
£ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d.
1962-63 200 8 0 43 0 1 243 8 1
1963-64 333 6 2 31717 3 651 3 5
1964-65 441 15 3 441 15 3
1965-66 657 3 5 62 12 0 719 15 5
1966-67 567 15 0 158 4 9 725 19 9
£2,200 7 10 £581 14 1 £2,782 1 11
Standing on their own these figures are modest it is true. But what they do not reveal is the relief of anguish,
the easing of burden and the helping hand they represent. For no value can be assigned to the human
aspect—the good that has been done to people and the satisfaction it has given to those Masons who have
dispensed the Benevolence.
If figures can mean anything it is truly an indication that the Trust is growing—growing as it was intended,
slowly but surely and positively. The impetus thus far, when projected into the second five years, means that,
in preparing ourselves for the challenge, we must recognise the individual responsibility that is reposed in
each of us.
And what have these figures meant during the year just passed.
Further assistance to University Student (parents in ill health and not able to assist).
Further assistance to University Student (father with heart condition and has since died).
Loan to woman (just widowed) for TV purchase pending receipt of life insurance monies.
Further payment to keep Building Society Shares current to assist family where father suffering a chronic
illness.
Fostering of establishment of Committee for Intellectually Handicapped Children at Stratford.
Grant of materials to Girl Guides' Association for repair of their building at Weld Road, Okato, badly
damaged by vandals,
Flowers to dying girl (similar comforts had previously been provided for her).
Christmas hamper, grocery orders to two families in poor circumstances.
Material provided to assist Brethren in building a storage shed for a Brother in needy circumstances.
Cash grant to lady with limited income for travel to visit aged brother in Tokonui.
Monetary assistance to a widow left in poor circumstances on the death of her husband.
Cash grant in another case of difficult circumstances.
Payment of cost of improved hot water system to assist family where wife afflicted with arthritis requiring
frequent bathing.
Paint and house repair material provided Manaia Action Committee for exterior painting of widow's house.
Clothing order provided for family which lost all its possessions in a fire.
CANTERBURY
VISIT OF M.W. GRAND MASTER
M.W. Bro. J. A. Redwood Attends Southern Star Lodge
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master M.W. Bro. J. A. Redwood received a warm welcome when he paid
an official visit to Canterbury recently. He attended Southern Star Lodge No. 256 on the occasion of the
Installation of Bro. Wilmot L. Ragg as Master for the ensuing year. The principal Lodge Room at the
Masonic Hall, Gloucester Street, Christchurch, was filled to capacity.
Rt. W. Bro. J. W. Vivian, Prov. G.M., said that the Brethren of Canterbury were very glad to have the oppor-
tunity of welcoming the Grand Master to a Meeting in Canterbury. The Grand Master has a dedication of
purpose, and spends a great deal of time in pursuing his interest in Freemasonry and in furthering the work of
the fraternity. He sets an example by carrying out his duties with enthusiasm, and sows the seeds of fraternal
affection. The Craft under the leadership of M.W. Grand Master will grow with benefit and usefulness to us
all.
Address by Grand Master
M.W. Bro. Redwood thanked Rt. W. Bro. Vivian for his welcome and expressed pleasure at the large
attendance of Grand Lodge officers, and also the large number of members of the Lodge, as Weil as the
many visitors. He had noted during the ceremony that the Working Tools in one of the degrees had been
presented to the new Master by his own brother, W. Bro. C. A. Ragg, W.M. Doric Lodge. The Grand Master
said that in his experience it was very unusual for the tools to be presented to a Master by his own brother
who was also a sitting Master of a Lodge.
The Grand Master said that it had been a great honour to represent his own country when visiting France,
Ireland and England. The most important function was the Installation of the Grand Master at the Royal
Albert Hall, London, when 7,500 Brethren were present. His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent took his
obligation before the Earl of Scarborough. When Grand Lodge honours were given it was a remarkable sight
to see 15,000 white gloves raised at once.
There were 100 Grand Masters present from all over the world—as far north as Alaska and as far south as
New Zealand.
Apart from the Church, Freemasonry is the most honourable and ancient institution in existence. No other
institution is comparable with Freemasonry. He could not imagine any organisation in which the ceremony is
carried out so perfectly.
In New Zealand there has been some pessimism during the past two years, but M.W. Bro. Redwood said that
he considered that at present there is a marked upsurge. We can take a certain inward pride that we belong to
this Craft.
The Grand Master mentioned the appointment of Sir Arthur Porritt as Governor-General of New Zealand and
the likelihood that he will join a Lodge in this country.
The Grand Secretary, Rt. W. Bro. F. G. Northern is retiring from office, and the Grand Master asked him to
take out some statistics about the craft during his term of office. The resulting figures are very illuminating.
In 1952 when the Grand Secretary was appointed there were 368 Lodges and there are now 430 being an
increase of 62 Lodges. There were 39,000 members then and 46,000 now. The funds comprised £330,000 in
1952 and £837,000 at the present time. Annuities have increased in number from 198 to 304 and in amount
from £20,000 to £33,000. In addition the craft has buildings in Wellington worth £150,000.
Various trusts have been established for the benefit of the aged and other organisations. Flats have been
erected at Dunedin, Lower Hutt, Napier and Rotorua and there is the fine Roskill Masonic Village in
Auckland.
M.W. Bro. Redwood thanked the Brethren of Canterbury for their support to the Grand Lodge Benevolent
Fund. In Canterbury the contributions exceeded £1 per member, and one Lodge established contributions of
26s. 11d. per member.
He suggested that when Sir Arthur Porritt takes up his appointment as Governor-General, the craft in New
Zealand might mark the occasion by making a special effort in aid of the Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund.—
A.C.F.
ROYAL CANTERBURY PRECEPTORY
A large number of Knights Templar attended the recent Installation Meeting of Royal Canterbury Preceptory
No. 246 when Rev. Bro. Kt. K. A. Robinson was installed as Preceptor and Prior by the Emt. Kt. N. J. G.
Speary, P. Gt. Herald, Provincial Sub-Prior.
The Scottish Constitution was well represented both by a strong contingent of D.G. Priory officers led by the
D.G. Prior, V.E. Frater N. S. Kirby, and by the Preceptor and Fratres of St. Augustine Preceptory.
Obituary
"To a beautiful garden, these friends have gone.
To the land of perfect rest.
Their work is done, and the setting sun
Has sealed their life's long quest.
They have left our earthly garden
For a home beyond the sea.
Though they have gone, they still live on
In our garden of memory."
W BRO. A. L. LEWIS
The death occurred recently at Christchurch of W. Bro. Adam Lindley Lewis, at the age of 67 years. W. Bro.
Lewis was a well known and much respected member of the Fraternity in Canterbury. He was a Past Master
of Lodge Riccarton and a short time ago was appointed Secretary of the Lodge.
W. Bro. Lewis was also a keen member of Excelsior Rose Croix Chapter and had held several Offices. He
had been recommended for office in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canterbury for the coming year.
W. Bro. Lewis had been a sharebroker in Christchurch for over 40 years and he also acted as a racing
handicapper for a number of racing clubs in Canterbury.
V.W. BRO. R. C. CARTER, P.G.C.
The Brethren of Mid Canterbury received with sincere regret the news of the death of V.W. Bro. Carter who
had been well known in the Craft for a long period of years. He was initiated in Crown Lodge in 1926 and
later joined Thistle Lodge and became a Foundation member of Lodge Harmony. He had acted as Lodge
Chaplain for over 20 years and in 1965 he was granted the rank of Past Grand Chaplain, Honoris Causa.
V.W. Bro. Carter was a member of Clifton Rose Croix Chapter and several other branches of Freemasonry
and had completed 40 years' membership of Royal Arch Chapters.
V.W. Bro. Carter had given wonderful service to Freemasonry in the Mid Canterbury district and delivered
lectures of Masonic interest to several country Lodges.
APPEAL FOR A MASONIC UNDERTAKING
The Canterbury Masonic Charitable Trust has forwarded to all Brethren an Appeal for contributions to the
cost of the proposed erection of flats for the aged in Canterbury. The scheme has been initiated by substantial
contributions from Avon, Ionic, Christchurch, and United Forces Lodges. It is hoped that contributions will
be received from each Brother of $5 or more, and early reports say that there has been a ready response.
The Appeal has been recommended to all the Brethren by Rt. Wor. Bro. J. W. Vivian. Provincial Grand
Master, who considers that it will prove a very healthy stimulus, not only to our own attitude to the Craft, but
also to those who are not members of it.
Tracing Boards available on order from
Regalia House
OTAGO
M.W. Brother John A. Redwood, Grand Master, on his first official visit to Otago was received by Rt. W.
Bro. W. W. Mundy, Prov. G.M. into the portals of Lodge Oamaru No. 260 on Wednesday evening, 6th
September, 1967. M.W. Bro. Redwood thanked all present for their reception and informed the Brethren
assembled his own pleasure at having R.W. Bro. Arthur E. Shuttleworth, Deputy Grand Master, and many
other Grand Lodge Officers from Otago with him on this memorable occasion. Rt. Wr. Bro. J. Stobo, P.Dep.
G.M. from Southland was present to see his son presented with his P.M.'s Jewel.
The ceremony of the evening was the installation of Brother David Hume Abercrombie and the investiture of
his officers, the work being carried out with the dignity and decor always expected from Grand Lodge
Officers.
In replying to the toast our Grand Master gave a report of conditions in our craft which dispelled the feeling
that Masonry may have been on the decline. Our Grand Master went on to give a brief but very interesting
address of the recent visit paid by himself and our Grand Secretary to the installation of the Grand Master,
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, of the Grand Lodge of England and the writer feels that the full reply
in the refrectory by our M.W. Brother would have made very interesting reading to all true Freemasons.
History is made and a Past Prov. G.M. who had our Dep. G.M. as his passenger will long remember his visit
to Oamaru as he had to change a wheel just as they were about to 'leave for Dunedin, must have had the
wrong air in his tyres.
On Thursday evening, 7th September, our Grand Master accompanied by a large following of Grand Lodge
Officers visited "The Otago Kilwinning Lodge" No. 143 where the work of the evening was the passing of
Brother Bernard Sul of Lodge Matakana No. 356 and was the combined effort of city and suburban lodges.
Eighteen Worshipful Masters taking part in the ceremony and Brother F. B. Sill, J.W. Lodge Matakana,
father of our candidate, invested his son as a F'.C. Freemason.
Our Grand Master, M.W. Brother John Redwood, has gained the highest respect and wholehearted support of
the Brethren present at his meetings in Otago and may the enthusiasm he has created never wane for his
reply to the Toast to the Grand Master during the refectory proceedings will long give those present food for
thought and action. May T.G.A.O.T.U. continue to give M.W. Brother Redwood His blessing of health and
strength to maintain Freemasonry to the high and dignified place our M.W. Brother believes it should be held
by all both inside the Lodge room and in the outside world.—J.B.
The Mount Ida Lodge No. 97, Ranfurly, will be holding its Centennial Installation on the afternoon of April
6th, 1968, commencing at 2.30 p.m.
Should any former member of the lodge wish to attend would they please communicate with Bro. C. L. J.
Inder, Box 39, Ranfurly.
It is proposed to have a dinner followed by a ball, and I will be necessary to know what arrangements are to
be made.
WELLINGTON
In 1936 the three First Monday Lodges in Wellington City started a very happy custom, that of holding a
joint meeting on one night a year. The first event was a gala occasion, with the Grand Master, a Past Grand
Master, and the Provincial Grand Master present, and a very large attendance of Brethren of the three
Lodges: Leinster Lodge No. 44, Lodge Waitangi No. 251, and Lodge Aroha No. 293. The meeting was held
under the Lodge Aroha charter, and W.Bro. Norman J. Gardiner presided over the gathering on that
memorable night.
The happy custom continued until 1945, when difficulty was experienced in arranging rehearsals, the
meetings being run by the officers of the three Lodges jointly. It was decided then that the whole custom be
put into abeyance, particularly through the real rush of work that followed for all of the Lodges immediately
after the War.
However, the stage was being set for a fresh attempt (after some failures) when Lodge Waitangi and Lodge
Aroha held a joint meeting in 1966, under the former's charter, Lodge Aroha conducting an initiation. Thus it
fell the good fortune of the 1967 Masters of these First Monday Lodges to be in position for further
persuasion of their P.M.'s and Brethren to play on a wicket that had been partly played upon the year before.
W.Bro. John Cornford of Leinster Lodge, W.Bro. Fred Winter of Lodge Waitangi, and W.Bro. Guy Palliser
of Lodge Aroha thus had the great thrill of getting the game going again, with the second innings beginning
in full on the first Monday in August. W.Bro. Cornford and his Officers carried out the passing of Bro.
Alaster Davidson of Waitangi, under the Aroha charter, and in the distinguished presence of R.W. Bro. H. G.
Thom, Provincial Grand Master. A large gathering witnessed an impressive ceremony, with the joy of
reunion aiding and abetting it.
In the refectory, P.M.'s who had taken part in the earlier meetings proposed the toast to each Lodge, and
replies were made by the W.M.'s. To put a polish on the perfect evening, W. Bro. Norman Gardiner was
induced to recall the details of that first meeting hi 1936, which he was able to do perfectly from his actual
speech notes miraculously preserved from that occasion.
After a 22-year break, the three Lodges are re-forging their early bond, and they look forward to the 1968
meeting at Leinster, when Waitangi conducts the ceremony, and friendships are further cemented.—G.C.P.
NGATIAWA LODGE 345
September's meeting will long be remembered by the lodge and the Davidson family in particular.
In a very unique and sincere ceremony the youngest son of Wor. Bro. V. J. Davidson was initiated into the
lodge. His eldest brother, R. J. Davidson, Master of the Lodge, obligated him, while his father who is I.P.M.,
gave him the North-East Change. Another brother, E. J. Davidson, explained the reasons for preparation. A
fourth brother serving in the R.N.Z.A.F. in Christchurch was unable to attend.
All these brethren have been initiated in Ngatiawa Lodge—a lodge renowned for its family traditions. It was
certainly a night to remember.—S.F.
NELSON AND MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT
On Monday, September 18th, Marlborough was favoured with a visit by our M.W. Grand Master, M.W. Bro.
J. A. Redwood.
The meeting was held under the charter of Wairau Lodge No. 42, assisted by the five other lodges in the
District.
There was a large number of brethren present from Havelock 106, Waitohi 111, Marlborough Unanimity
106, Awatere 292, and Eckford 334.
R.W. Bro. J. D. Baird, Prov. G.M., received the Grand Master who was accompanied by R.W. Bro. A. E.
Shuttleworth, Deputy G.M., and 23 other Officers of Grand Lodge. The degree of Fellowcraft was carried
out by The Wairau Lodged assisted by the Masters of Sister Lodges.
In the refectory the toast of the Grand Master was proposed by R.W. Bro. Baird in a very capable manner.
and the brethren were treated to a speech by the Grand Master which was listened to with much interest.
Our distinguished guest met most brethren in the refectory and had a few words with all. The next morning
M.W. Bro. Redwood left for Auckland.—A.G.B.
SOUTHLAND
The recent visit of the Otago contingent of Knight Templars to Southland was one of the highlights of
Freemasonry during the month and an inter-change of visits between members of the two Preceptories is
almost sure to be an annual event. The ceremonial work was undertaken by the Ven. Preceptor of the Otago
Preceptory on one of his own candidates who was very well known having commenced his life in
Freemasonry in a Southland Lodge. The ceremonial work was of a very high standard and favourable
comments were to be heard throughout the whole visit. It could be said that Southland had started the
candidate off in the right way, it could not be denied that Otago had certainly continued the training with
much success. A most enjoyable hour in the refectory concluded a very enjoyable evening.
Lodge Winton No. 108, having no candidates offering, took the opportunity to have some lectures and they
proved to be most interesting and educational. At a recent meeting Bro. F. W. G. Miller of the Victoria
Lodge No. 147, Invercargill related his experiences when he recently visited Vietnam and other
neighbouring countries. Bro. Miller was one of a party of journalists who had organised a visit to the scenes
of conflict to see for themselves what the situation really was and his address was listened to with rapt
attention.
Bro. Miller was tremendously impressed with the predominance of youth in these South-East Asian
countries, with the incredible numbers of young people in Saigon, Bangkok, riding Suzuki motor cycles,
three-wheeled Italian Lambreltas and all manner of other vehicles, some of them greatly overloaded. The
inscrutability of the East, he said, was a myth once you made the overtures. The impassive faces broke into
smiles, little children saluted their elders by placing their hands together and bowing—and smiling. All this
went to show that people were basically the same the world over if the approach to them was friendly and
cordial. Even the bargaining in the Singapore markets was conducted on a friendly basis, almost as if it were
a game with the smiles as small change.
Perhaps one of the finest tasks that was being performed in Asia was the construction of a 95-mile highway
in North-East Thailand, by a team of New Zealand engineers working under Seato. They were opening up
this remote area of villages which had never been in touch before with the outside world and who would now
be able to trade and develop through a good transport system. This was a major task.
"What I did note in particular," he said, "was that these people in Vietnam could buy their food for a few
piastres and eat it at the open air stalls, and when they were sleepy they could sleep on the back of a truck, or
up an alley somewhere, and they never had to cope with cold weather. They certainly had poor homes, but
homes were not so important to them as to the Western world. They had no status symbols, no mortgages, no
coronary troubles and no stomach ulcers. Every day was a new adventure. Who are we to impose the western
world's troubles on to them?"
At a subsequent meeting W. Bro. N. T. Coster delivered a most interesting address on the third degree and it
was quite evident that he had undertaken much research by the way his facts were marshalled. Some
information was given that had probably never been known before by many of the brethren present and it
clearly indicated the value of being an active member of a Lodge of Research. W. Bro. Coster was sincerely
thanked for the splendid effort he had made in preparing such a valuable educational lecture for the brethren
of his lodge. An opportunity was then taken by W. Bro. M. W. Grantham, P.G.B.B., to address the members
on the work of the Board of Benevolence and the granting of bursaries. Speaking from four years' experience
as a member of the Board he cited several cases in Southland which were real problems until they were
brought under the notice of the Board through the respective lodges. W. Bro. claimed that the members of
the Board were most sympathetic and very generous at the same time rejecting cases which had very little, if
any, merit. An explanation was given on the manner in which to make application for assistance, the correct
information needed by the members of the Board and to whom educational bursaries were granted. W. Bro.
Grantham was also thanked for the interesting address he had delivered at the request of the W.M.
"Chatters" from Taringatura Royal Arch Chapter continue to arrive monthly and each issue bears interesting
news which clearly demonstrates progress. News has just arrived that the recent installation meeting was a
huge success. The Grand Superintendent of Otago, honoured the companions with his presence which
sparked off a happy and interesting meeting. The installation ceremony was carried out with much dignity
and solemnity and the Officers were invested according to ancient custom. As "Chatters" states, the stare is
set for another year of happiness and prosperity. A highlight which added to the enjoyment of the evening
was the presentation of a 40-year jewel to well and very favourably known "Lindsay Kay". Most Ex. Comp.
Hallum Smith in presenting the jewel paid a fitting tribute to Lindsay's invaluab'e contribution to this branch
of Freemasonry and expressed the hope that he would live long to receive five-year bars for years to come.
A feature of the refectory was the absence of the ladies on this occasion and the introduction of a buffet
supper. The handiwork of the ladies was very evident and all those responsible were worthy of the highest
praise. It also appear: that a number of the Companions had worked very assiduously prior to the banquet
and whoever they may be, they too, are worthy of the very fine tributes paid to them.
Freemasonry In Denmark
In the Masonic Temple in Copenhagen as well as in the Provinces, the Degrees are conferred in separate
halls, each devoted to one particular Degree, and suitably furnished and decorated.
At the Opening, candles are lit, with a special ceremony, and when the Brethren enter the lodge room it is in
semi-darkness, the ceiling lights being gradually increased in brightness. At the closing, the room is
gradually darkened, till it is finally left in semidarkness, with the ceiling showing the stars as they appear in
the Northern Heavens, and the candles are put out.
Honorary Degree
The brethren are not permitted to enter the lodge room until the officers are all seated, when the Master of
Ceremonies announces the brethren "by Degrees"—first the brethren of the Tenth Degree (there are eleven
Degrees in the "Swedish Rite" practised in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the Eleventh being an honorary
degree, like the Thirty-third in the Scottish Rite), and lastly the Entered Apprentices, the brethren of each
Degree being seated in a group, each Degree differentiated from the others by the wearing of a special sash
over the shoulder indicating their rank.
In addition, all the brethren wear tails and white tie, and white kid gloves, and all the brethren from the Third
Degree and up wear silk hats in lodge. When the Master speaks, all rise.
"Godfathers"
It takes about a year between a Candidate's Application and his finally being voted upon, and it also takes
about one year to be advanced from one Degree to the next.
No one is advanced who does not attend lodge regularly and shows some interest. There are accordingly
comparatively few Masons of the Tenth Degree, and only about 8,000 of all Degrees, in the entire
Jurisdiction.
The Candidate receives a new Apron for each Degree, and a Special Sash for the shoulder, from the Fourth
Degree and up, as mentioned above.
Every Entered Apprentice comes in for the first time accompanied by his two Sponsors, called "Godfathers,"
who call for him at his home, present flowers to his wife or mother, and escort him to the lodge, where he is
admitted through a side entrance into a dark room, where he remains alone for more than an hour, to
meditate on the step he is about to take.
After initiation, he receives, besides the Apron, a very dull Trowel, replaced at the Second and Third Degree,
the last Trowel being of bright gold.
He also receives three pairs of White Gloves; one pair to wear in lodge, one pair to present to the woman he
loves most, and a third pair to be buried with.
The Third Degree is very impressive, the lodge room being decorated in the semblance of an acacia grove,
and all in black; the brethren similarly wearing black cloaks.
—Oregon "Freemason"
"Installing Masters Guide" in stock at
Regalia House
Are We Satisfied?
By Judge Irving R. Kitts, 32°
In a recent article, I read the comment: "Women can sometimes be pleased, but never satisfied!" The person
who wrote that was probably more philosophical than he suspected.
We have no right ever to be completely satisfied, for such a condition would cause us to cease to be creative,
to build and to strive for a better world in which we live, not only for ourselves, but for others living now and
those who follow after us.
It is the ceaseless urge to create, to be productive and accomplish desirable changes for good that makes us
worthy to be God's vehicle for the bringing forth of his manifestations through us.
To be satisfied is to be static, a condition which cannot exist in reality. Life in the body is dynamic, being
either in a state of regeneration or degeneration. We must strive to maintain a proper balance.
The cyclic process of burning energy during working hours (degeneration) and the rebuilding (generation) of
our bodies during night time, rest and sleep keep us in a condition to continue, on the morrow, our work of
creative accomplishment which, in the very nature of things, must be a work of love.
Love is regenerative, and its opposite, hate, is degenerative. Show me a good hater (if there is such a thing)
and I will show you a person who is slowly destroying his own body. The visible traces of accelerated
degeneration will be manifest in his features, both inside and out.
We need not be artistic in the sense the dictionary defines the word, to be creative. The farmer at his plough,
the lawyer in his office, the blacksmith at his forge, the doctor, the banker, the merchant, all are creative so
long as their efforts are directed toward the bringing forth of changes and manifestations for good in the
progress of mankind toward a better world.
The philosophical teachings of Freemasonry direct us toward that goal. We may sometimes be pleased, but
we should never be satisfied.
—The New Age
Rose Croix Eagles and Stars in stock at
Regalia House
Grand Lodge Of New Zealand GRAND LECTURERS:
V.W. Bro. Frank Howarth, Auckland
V.W. Bro. J. Keith Sowry, Lower Hutt
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS V.W. Bro. Dennis R. Brickell, Dunedin
V.W. Bro. William Starry, Hamilton
431 Active Lodges, with an aggregate membership V.W. Bro. Ivan D. McKenzie, Napier
of 46,384.
V.W. Bro. James McFarlane, Mahoenui
GRAND DIRECTORS OF CEREMONIES:
GRAND MASTER: V.W. Bro. Harry W. Dacre, Christchurch
M.W. Bro. John A. Redwood, Auckland V.W. Bro. John Nicholson, Auckland
V.W. Bro. Peter E. Kennedy, Wellington
DEPUTY GRAND MASTER: V.W. Bro. Thomas M. Donaldson, Dunedin
V.W. Bro. Harold T. Gunter, Tauranga South
R.W. Bro. Arthur E. Shuttleworth, Nelson V.W. Bro. A. Bruce Sutherland, Mataura
V.W. Bro. William S. Deerness, Wanganui
PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS: V.W. Bro. Francis A. Ellis, Napier
R.W. Bro. John W. Vivian, Canterbury Province V.W. Bro. Noel W. Moorhouse, Richmond
R.W. Bro. Leslie A. Lincoln, Auckland District V.W. Bro. James B. Coull, Stratford
R.W. Bro. Harold G. Thom, Wellington District V.W. Bro. Gordon C. K. Paul, Greymouth
R.W. Bro. William W. Mundy, Otago District V.W. Bro. Murdoch N. McLeod, Whangarei
R.W. Bro. Douglas E. Trevarthen, Waikato District
R.W. Bro. James H. Buckingham, Southland District V.W. Bro. Henry R. Lupton, Papatoetoe
R.W. Bro. Henry E. Blight, Ruapehu District
R.W. Bro. Andrew Dysart, Hawke's Bay District
R.W. Bro. James D. Baird, Nelson and Marlborough District GRAND SUPERINTENDENT OF WORKS:
R W. Bro. James C. Taylor, Taranaki Dustrict
R.W. Bro. Arthur S. Ransby, Westland District V.W. Bro. Robert Guy, Auckland
R.W. Bro. Wallace Calder, Northland District
R.W. Bro. G. Lionel G. Sharp, South Auckland Dustrict
SENIOR GRAND DEACONS:
SENIOR GRAND WARDEN: W. Bro. Clement S. Currie, Taupo
R.W. Bro. James M. Gabbie, Palmerston North W. Bro. Wilson C. Mawhinney, Ranfurly
JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN: JUNIOR GRAND DEACONS:
R.W. Bro. John A. Young, Roxburgh
W. Bro. Harold J. Batten, New Plymouth
W. Bro. Cyril G. Lowe, Waitoa
GRAND CHAPLAINS:
V.W. Bro. Walter R. Jackson, Levin
V.W. Bro. William G. King, Christchurch ASSISTANT GRAND DIRECTORS OF CEREMONIES:
W. Bro. Reginald T. Sladen, Christchurch
GRAND TREASURER: W. Bro. Philip E. Bradburn, Auckland
V.W. Bro. Lewis N. Ross, Auckland W. Bro. Thomas Edmanson, Wellington
W. Bro. Thomas E. M. Burton, Dunedin
GRAND REGISTRAR: W. Bro. Gilbert W. Ensor, Tirau
V.W. Bro. Laurence H. Southwick, Auckland
GRAND BIBLE BEARERS:
PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES: W. Bro. William H. Barrett, Lower Hutt
V.W. Bro. Derek A. Thorburn, Auckland W. Bro. Robert F. Cleave, Okaihau, Bay of Islands
GRAND SECRETARY: GRAND SWORD BEARERS:
R.W. Bro. Frederick G. Northern, P.G.W., P.O. Box 6439, W. Bro. Ernest Boniface, Palmerston North
Wellington
W. Bro. Ivan J. Horton, Marlborough
PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE:
V.W. Bro. Arthur R. White, Auckland GRAND STANDARD BEARERS:
W. Bro. Keith W. Burgess, Te Awamutu
ASSISTANT PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS: W. Bro. Edwin J. Jordan, Invercargill
V.W. Bro. Thomas T. Eade, Waimate
V.W. Bro. Ian L. Tie, Christchurch
V.W. Bro. .Tack P. Glenie, Auckland GRAND ORGANIST:
V.W. Bro. Edwin A. Sharpe, Birkenhead
V.W. Bro. Victor M. Anderson, Eketahuna W. Bro. Eric J. Speir, Auckland
V.W. Bro. Hubert T. Girdlestone, Eastbourne V.W.
Bro. Leonard I. Box, Heriot
V.W. Bro. Robert Leslie, Dunedin GRAND PURSUIVANTS:
V.W. Bro. William N. Morse, Cambridge
V.W. Bro. Frederick J. B. Beattie, Wairoa W. Bra. Ashley R. McNabb, Karamea
V W Rrn .T Frank Leslie. Te Hana W. Bro. Francis K. Woodward, Waiuku