A Citizen Of The World
The Third Degree in Freemasonry teaches us the lessons of mortality: they are lessons we all have to learn
and they should affect our outlook to the whole of our existence. Man, we are taught, has but a little time on
this earth. Some of us use that little time well, some of us use it ill. Occasionally one of us makes a distinct
and unusual contribution to society, so that he is missed and remembered after he is gone, not simply as just
another pleasant person, but as the man who did such and such a thing, or the man who was in his way a little
different from the common run, a man as we put it, of distinction. Such a man was the late Archibald Ernest
Currie who died quite recently and whose career was formally surveyed in our last issue by his old friend
Wor. Bro. Sir John Ilott, P.G.D., P.D.D.G.M.
Bro. Currie was a member of two Constitutions and held rank in each. In the New Zealand Constitution he
was Master of his mother lodge, Scinde No. 5 and of Research Lodge of Wellington No. 194; successively
Grand Lecturer and Grand Registrar, with the style of Very Worshipful; in the English Constitution, which
he joined in 1925 he held various offices in Wellington Lodge No. 1521 and was a Past Senior Grand
Warden of the District Grand Lodge.
Bro. Ilott summed up something of what his friends will remember: "His scintillating wit and delightful
companionship will be greatly missed by all of us."
For a moment as one reads these words one wonders why the comment is so short, why so little account is
taken of other things, and notably of our late Brother's fine achievement in so many fields: one recognises,
then, that the vital and essential element has been selected: that achievement and formal record do no more
than lead and contribute to the making of what a man is, and that what this man was was a friend.
The word Brother is used perfunctorily and as a matter of normal practice so often that one ofteil fails to,
stop and dwell on its significance. A Masonic Brother who lives up to the name is in fact relying upon many
things to make him worthy of it. Some of these things are innate human qualities and others are habits and
practices acquired through life and developed, often enough, through the application of such standards as
those indicated by the Working Tools charges.
If one had to select from among the latter the word "indefatigable" might first spring to mind: Bro. Currie's
industry was matched only by his learning. His interests were multifarious: with his friend the late W. F.
Alexander he was the authority on a long period of New Zealand poetry. This was a field in which he was
pre-eminent, but he was as much at home in almost any period of United Kingdom literature as he was in
dealing with the prose and poetry, covering a shorter space of time, of Australia or New Zealand—and one
must not forget his translations from the French.
Bro. Currie was the author of standard texts dealing with the law of his own country. For this, his private
practice, his work as Crown Solicitor and Compiler of Statutes supplemented his natural love of research.
Two books in particular, Crown and Subject and his consideration of New Zealand's adoption of the Statute
of Westminster are landmarks. The style is elegant and precise with an occasional weighty phrase or
circumlocution which indicated to the initiate the point of the author's tongue in the side of the author's
cheek, for even in the most serious work this writer could stand off, see himself and his audience in
perspective and allow the smallest of wry grins to flicker momentarily across his lips. In other contexts he
could be outrageously and brilliantly funny: he was known as a wit and as one of the best after-dinner
speakers in Wellington. Perhaps some of his meticulous approach and even of a degree of legal pedantry,
which it delighted him to exhibit, came from his father, the printer of the "Lyttelton Times", in a day when
precision was prized perhaps more highly than it is now.
These talents found a particular outlet in a field where the element of recreation and indulgence of scholarly
instincts for less practical purposes than those of official life gave a different satisfaction. Bro. Currie
became an authority on the Masonic Craft. He knew a very great deal about the Scottish origins of
Freemasonry. He contributed himself as much as anyone in translating the messages and historical teachings
of the Craft for consumption in this far-away country: he helped to shape the modern version of our ritual: he
wrote much of our history, both lodge and chapter and his writings were based upon his own painstaking
research. Not by any means all of his work bears his name: Brethren of Research Lodge of Wellington No.
194 would tell you that publications under their imprint acknowledged to "Brethren of the Lodge" sometimes
owed practically nothing to anyone but Bro. Currie himself: he was embarrassingly generous to those whom
he made his associates.
A man with these interests might well have been a lonely man: Bro. Currie loved company and contributed
always more than his share. He managed to be at the same time abstemious and convivial: he came to be
loved by many whose first reaction was that this man was formidable. Formidable indeed he was, but
tolerant and capable of making extraordinary allowance for the fact that his scholarship was not matched by
those to whom he was speaking: he was intolerant of only one thing: he could not forgive pretentiousness
unsupported by knowledge or achievement. He was so humble a man himself, with all his achievements and
accomplishments, that there was just one man whose point of view he could not see—the man who lacked
humility.
He was well advanced in years when he died. An influential rather than a powerful man, Bro. Currie was, in
fact, a man who found his level. His standing was not measured by the rewards that too often accompany less
meritorious service: it was measured by the respect and affection of many people up and down the country.
His country, his profession, his Craft all owed much to him.
This was an unusual man, much of whose contribution will never be ascribed to him. He has, nevertheless,
his place in our history, and an honourable and recognised place it is. When in the fullness of time he passed
to his long home, many who felt his loss gathered and by their presence indicated to his wife and family their
gratitude that they had been permitted to share so much in what he had to contribute.
* * *
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 advices.
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.
J. N. Garth, 62 Mungavin Ave., Porirua.
C. B. Hoddinott, 38 Guthrie St., Lower Hutt.
T. W. J. Matthews, Massey St., Moerewa.
J. E. C. Pollock, Byron St., Leamington, Cambridge.
W. F. Patton, 4 Craig Cres., Morrinsville.
S S S
WANTED
The following volumes of A.Q.C. to complete my set: Vols. I to 8, 10, 19, 50, 52, 53 and 54. Would take all
or any.
J. P. GLENIE, P.O. Box 1569, Auckland.
FREEDOM
Freedom is a man at the lathe, or at the desk, doing the Job he likes to do, and speaking up for himself. It is a
man in the pulpit, or on the street corner speaking his convictions. '
It is a man puttering in the garden in the evening, and swapping talk with his neighbours over the fence. It is
the unafraid faces of men and women and children at the beach on Sunday or looking out of the car windows
speeding along a four lane highway.
It is a man saying, "Howdy, stranger," without looking cautiously over his shoulder. It is the people of the
country making up their own minds.
—The Masonic Journal of South Africa
Needed — A New Philosophy Of Life
If any proof were required that a new philosophy of life is needed by most of us, it is in constant evidence on
every page of our daily newspapers and on the faces of those about us. The one fundamental for meeting this
need can be outlined in four words: "Stop lying to yourself."
The average citizen is a good natured person and consequently is inclined to deceive himself at times without
fully realising it. He accepts what other tell him without much question as to the value of what he hears. He
listens to the clamour about him and does not appraise properly the things that fill his day. Actual worth
means little to him, although to be satisfied only with the best has always been an outstanding characteristic
of excellence of mind; to be satisfied with mediocrity in either things or thoughts is to stultify one's self and
to make of the business of living a meaningless and hateful task.
Never before has life been able to thrust upon us so many experiences out of which we might construct a
sound personal code and at the same time to prevent us, through their very multiplicity, from obtaining the
necessary understanding of them. To use them, they must be absorbed—made a part of us. In these days of
bewildering rapidity of change we do not have time to use them to advantage, or even to determine just what
constitutes an advantage. We are too busy making a living in spite of the crushingly obvious fact that the real
object of life is not the making of a living but is living, itself.
If we accept as reasonable and true the statement that to live is the real problem before use, the solution must
find its beginning hi a correct conception of living. To earn honestly a small competence and know how to
use it is wealth beyond words. To earn a comfortable or large income and not know how to live is direst
poverty, the commonest poverty in the world today.
No architect can build a house without a plan; he cannot even draw that plan unless he has a fairly clear
picture of the house as a completed structure in his mind. Living, unless it is to be a chaotic hit-or-miss
procedure, has to be planned with equal care and, further, the plan as drawn must be followed without
deviation.
Whether or not we agree on the particularities that constitute right living, it is so described not because of
any sanctity imparted to it by time and habit. Rather it has become an accepted procedure because, out of
recurrent experience and a profound insight into human nature, men have found that only through the careful
and harmonious adjustment of their wants to the hard facts of life in a totally indifferent world can happiness
be attained.
There is but one way of determining what right living may be, and that is through the individual
interpretation of our personal experiences in combination with the experiences of the past. None can make
this interpretation for us but ourselves, otherwise the path we fellow is neither a choice nor our own, but is
the dictate of a will imposed upon us from without. No other individual has the right to force upon us a given
way of life; neither has the community that right so long as our manner of living interferes in no wise with
that of others. If the right to determine our courses for ourselves is usurped by the unworthy or unregenerate
without protest, we are guilty of the worst form of treason. It is, of course, outside our power to choose freely
except as the discernment, the thoughts and the emotions of the moment dictate, but we make little or no
effort to insure the excellence of those factors when choices are to be made. Instead, we permit, even ask,
that our decisions be made for us.
A man's conduct is the true portrayal, the real reflection, of his philosophy of life, and it is determined solely
by the relative value which he, in his own mind, places upon things. He can be sure that these values are
right only if he has chosen wisely the reference points from which to judge their relationships. If he is not
honest with himself to the absolute best of his ability, if he cannot think straight and carry his thoughts to
their logical conclusion in truthful action, he has sold his birthright.
Our Masonic obligation to be truthful with and to ourselves is followed directly by that to assist others to
find and understand the truth. We are unquestionably responsible for the mistakes and sorrows of others if
our intentional failure in this respect has caused them anguish. We lie just as effectively sometimes by
keeping our mouths shut as we might have done by crying an untruth upon a street corner. Not to help others
struggling in the fog of uncertainty and doubt is a betrayal of trust only slightly less heinous than self-
deception. From this it is not to be implied that we are to judge other men as such because of what they do. It
is impossible for us to know all the circumstances leading to their acts. But it does mean that we are
obligated to express a judgment of the acts themselves if these are of social consequence. Tolerance becomes
an abominable crime when it degenerates into laziness or indifference to moral responsibility.
If, then, we are to advance individually and collectively, we must be scrupulously honest with ourselves.
Further, we must bring the light as we see it to the common meeting place and share it so far as possible
Without exception of material gain except such as may come to us through a community of interest in the
result of that sharing. When we can do this, out of a conviction that it is right, we shall be well on our way.
Truth is within the reach of every man who will open his eyes and see.
—The New Age
AUCKLAND
OPENING OF THE MANGERE LODGE, No. 330,
NEW BUILDING
Monday, 6th November, 1967, was a memorable occasion for The Mangere Lodge, No. 330, as it marked the
culmination of a decade of planning and campaigning and 41/2 years of intensive effort—the unveiling of a
commemorative stone and the opening of the Lodge's new home, by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful
Bro. John A. Redwood, O.B.E.
Situated in Massey Road, Mangere, the building is of steel portal
frame, concreted encased columns and concrete infilled panels. The
interior partitions are all of concrete block, pointed and painted. The
floor is 4 in. thick of machine trowelled concrete to a fine smooth
surface. The ceilings are of fibrous plaster finished to a plain flat
surface. The area of the building is 4,500 sq. ft. and incorporates a
Lodge meeting room (1,452 sq. ft), a refectory (1,330 sq. ft) and
other necessary facilities. Provision has been made for a normal
seating capacity of 150, but with added chairs more than 200 can be
comfortably accommodated.
About 5,500 man hours of voluntary labour went into the
construction of this magnificent edifice, the erection of which took
about 4½ years.
The Mangere Lodge, No. 330, was dedicated in December 1947 and met in the Mangere East Public Hall,
near the site of the new Lodge Building. The hall was used for a picture theatre and other public gatherings.
Before each Lodge meeting the hall had to be prepared which meant the removal of everything that was not
required for Lodge purposes. The furniture of the Lodge had to be carried from cupboards at the back of -a
high stage and set up in its appropriate position for Lodge working. The meetings over, the furniture had to
be carried back and replaced in the cupboards.
In 1957 after 10 years at Mangere the Lodge moved to the Papatoetoe Lodge Room in Coronation Road,
Papatoetoe. And now after another 10 years in December 1967, the Lodge returns to Mangere to meet for its
Installation meeting in its very own new building. Monday, December 4th will be the Lodge's 221st meeting
and its 21st Installation meeting.
It is worthy of note also that when the South Auckland District was constituted, the Mangere Lodge was
honoured by being the first Lodge in the new district to have its Installation ceremony carried out by the new
Provincial Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. E. H. Bradstreet, now P.Deputy G.M., and his team of Grand Lodge
officers. Now the Lodge claims another first, in that it is the first in South Auckland to build and occupy a
completely new Lodge building of which it is extremely proud.
After the purchase of three-quarters of an acre of land the Lodge's finances were strained and the building
project was pigeon-holed until the financial position improved. In 1963, 10 years after the negotiations began
for the purchase of land, a Worshipful Brother drew plans and spent many hours in constructing a model of
what he thought would be necessary. This was presented at a regular meeting when the Lodge took a positive
approach and decided to "get on with it". The matter was referred to a special Standing Committee when W.
Bro. R. S. Graham was appointed Superintendent of Works. This appointment was confirmed at next regular
meeting and the project was "on its way". The brethren responded to an appeal for funds by lending $3,400
free of interest on a short term basis and with the proceeds from the sale of part of the land a start was made
with the work. Now, 4½ years later after hours of hard work, frustrations and sacrifice as well as many acts
of generosity on the part of members of the Lodge and sister Lodges the work had reached a stage on 6th
November, 1967, of requiring only a small amount of painting to complete the job. A small mortgage will be
needed to repay the brethren who loaned the initial money so the project could be got going. At the outset
three tenders were received for the work varying from $22,000 to $30,000 but after deciding on a voluntary
labour effort the cost to the Lodge will be, when completed, $11,000—a very commendable effort.
The Lodge met as usual at Papatoetoe on 6th November and after formal business, received visiting Lodges,
the Provincial G.M., Rt. W. Bro. Lionel G. Sharp, who in turn received the Most Wor. the Grand Master,
M.W. Bro. John A. Redwood, O.B.E., and officers of Grand Lodge. The Lodge was called off and Grand
Lodge and Brethren repaired to the new Lodge Building where work was resumed in the Third Degree and
the Grand Master with his officers entered in due form. The W.M. Bro. C. J. F. Addis asked M.W. the Grand
Master to unveil the Commemorative Stone and to declare the Lodge room open for the purposes of
Freemasonry. The Grand Master was conducted to the West of the Lodge and said: "Brethren. The unveiling
of this commemorative stone marks the culmination of years of planning and hard work by Brethren
dedicated to build for Freemasonry, a hall in which to transact Masonic business, and to enjoy the warm,
cordial and fraternal affection of Brother Masons. We should remember at this time those who have toiled to
build this new home for the Mangere Lodge and who, by their efforts have earned the commendation and
gratitude, not only of the present members, but also of those who will enjoy the benefits, the convenience
and the comfort it will provide from generation to generation.
"Freemasonry is richer for their efforts, and I extend on behalf of Grand Lodge congratulations to the
Brethren of the Mangere Lodge on their foresight and courage, also on the magnificence of their design, its
soundness and the excellence of their workmanship. And now, Brethren, it is my special privilege to unveil
the commemorative stone, and at the same time to dedicate this Masonic Hall to the goodness of
Freemasonry.
"May this Lodge room be a happy and peaceful resort of prayer, of virtue and benevolence and remain a
monument to the courage and vision of its present members, and may its walls resound with voices rendering
our beautiful ritual and delivering lectures, and with the joy and piety of our musical odes. I now declare the
Lodge Room open. And may the G.A.O.T.U., bless the Brethren of the Mangere Lodge and their successive
generations with wisdom and understanding to continue their labours in peace, love and harmony."
The following were the officiating officers: Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. John A. Redwood, O.B.E.;
Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. G. Lionel G. Sharp; Chaplain, W. Bro. J. Newell, P.G.S.; Oration, R.W.
Bro. R. L. Ramsey, P.P.G.M.; G.D.S., V.W. Bro. H. R. Lupton, G.D,C.; Grand Deacons, W. Bro. H. M. B.
Osborn, P.G.S., and W. Bro. G. S. Knight, P.G.S.; Bible Bearer, W. Bro. G. O. Anstiss, P.G.P.; Sword
Bearer. W. Bro. R. O. Kirk, P.G.D.; Standard Bearer, W. Bro. L. J. P. Meiklejohn, P.G.S.; Organist, W. Bro.
C. W. S. Judd, P.G.O., while the Herald was Bro. Morrin T. Cooper.
Appropriate prayers were recited and Odes sung which added dignity to the great occasion.
In his Oration, R.W. Bro. Reginald L. Ramsey, P.P.G.M., said:
"This evening we are greatly privileged to be present on an occasion which forms an important epoch in the
history of the Mangere Lodge, and will long continue a happy memory with its members.
"This building has been brought into existence by the expenditure of much thought, time, energy and money,
and it is a tribute to the unity of the Brethren to their zeal for the institution of Freemasonry and their faith in
the everlasting principles of the Craft. Now that the building has been completed the question naturally
arises. Has the effort been worth while? Have the endeavours of the Brethren been so directed that profit and
pleasure will result?
"The answer to the questions will of course be found in the future; but if we take the past and the present as a
guide, there can be no doubt as to what that answer will be. For the Mangere Lodge has prospered during the
past years, is now in excellent condition, and the signs indicate that it has a bright and happy future.
"A Freemason's Lodge is a workshop wherein rough Ashlers, taken from the Quarries of humanity are
wrought into regular form and rendered fit for the intended structure —a house not made by hands.
"The object is to make Freemasons, good men and true, who prize honour and virtue, who will support the
weak, relieve the distressed, defend the virtuous, comfort the sorrowing and who being happy themselves
will strive to bring happiness to others.
"A Lodge is not a factory or machine for the mass production of Masons. It has no assembly line, whereon
the operatives are stimulated by the rhythmic beat of tom-tom melodies. Rather is it a quiet work-room
wherein each unit is custom made, shaped with meticulous care by expert craftsmen. The success of its
operations depends, in the main, upon the skill and ability of the Master and the support and co-operation of
his workmen. And Brethren, surely, if a Brother undertakes the important duties of Master, he deserves all
the support and assistance that can be extended to him. For upon the Master devolves great responsibility,
both in the choice of candidates and the conferring of degrees. It is also his duty to undertake no more work
than his Lodge can fairly perform. It therefore follows that he must be just and discreet in deciding which, if
any of the aspirants for membership shall have his name placed on the order paper to proceed to the ballot.
He must ever be mindful that there are certain qualities necessary in every candidate. First and foremost is a
firm belief and faith in God, the, Great Architect of the Universe. This is something which must not be taken
for granted and although a candidate is required to make an open avowel of his faith prior to initiation, the
discreet Master will satisfy himself of the candidate's sincerity before allowing him to go to the ballot.
"The Master must also bear in mind, as indeed must we all, that the strength of an institution such as ours
depends not so much on numbers alone, but on the standards of conduct and character of its individual
members. This important point was emphasised by Most Worshipful Brother Colonel Sir Stephen Allen,
when he addressed Grand Lodge after being installed as Grand Master at the Fifty-ninth Annual
Communication held in Auckland on 24th November, 1948. W. Bro. Percival, the first Master of the
Mangere Lodge was present and from the manner in which the Lodge has been conducted I can assume that
he and his successors in office gave good heed to Sir Stephen's wise Counsel. By way of illustration Sir
Stephen quoted the story of Gideon in the Book of Judges. The people had flocked to his standard to oppose
the hosts of Midian, but Gideon wanted no one whose heart was not in the coming fight and decreed that all
who were fearful or afraid should return to their homes. Twenty-two thousand deserted him, leaving him
with but 10,000 brave men ready to fight. Although this number may have seemed to be all too few, by
further tests Gideon reduced it to 300 only, and with this small band he inflicted heavy defeat on his enemy
and secured peace for his people for 40 years.
"He made merit the title to a privilege in which even brave men need not necessarily be invited to share. Sir
Stephen also quoted the Battle of Agincourt when King Henry the Fifth was opposed by an army that
outnumbered his own by five to one. Before the battle commenced the King proclaimed that all who had no
stomach for the coming fight should return to their homes, and with the small band left to him, he completely
destroyed the opposing army.
"Whilst Sir Stephen was speaking, my memory recalled an incident which occurred in France some 32 years
previous. Sir Stephen, then Colonel Allen, Officer Commanding our Battalion, had been assigned what
promised to be a particularly hazardous and sticky task. On the eve of the engagement, he passed word
around that all who were afraid or had no stomach for the fight could withdraw without prejudice. The
operation was successful but I never learned whether our Colonel was disappointed or elated that only one
man withdrew.
"However, I do know that it was faith in our Colonel and the fidelity of our comrade that gave strength to our
unit. Although we are not engaged in war or in preparation for battle, surely it is wise, just and proper that
we should exclude from our Lodges all unsuitable material; all idlers who might hinder the work, and all
opponents who might seek to destroy it. Only by so doing can the strength of our institution be retained and
maintained.
"The Mangere Lodge was constituted on 10th December, 1947, with a membership of 36 zealous and expert
brethren. It was established in strength. During the 20 years it has had 85 initiates and 36 affiliates; men who
I am sure have been an influence for good in this district. Today it has 88 members. It is still a comparatively
small Lodge, but a very strong one. Its strength has been amply evidenced in the erection of this splendid
building. During the coming years, we doubt not, the Mangere Lodge will continue to work in the same
excellent manner as it has done in the past. That it will inculcate in its candidates the grand principles of
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. That through the medium of ritual and ceremonies it will teach the lessons
of Virtue, Charity and Fidelity. How little of Fidelity is there in the world today. How little shame is attached
to falsehood and dishonour. Of how few men can it be said, 'His word is his bond'. Even in high places there
are men who make promises oft repeated, but fail to keep them. Men whose precepts are denied by their
example.
"In congratulating the Brethren on the success which has attended their exertions, we humbly pray that the
Mangere Lodge will continue to make its members, men who will not be ashamed to maintain the principles
of the Craft, who will set a good example and practise outside of the Lodge those duties in which they are
instructed within it."
As a token of appreciation for his sterling efforts, example and his drive toward the completion of the
project, the Grand Master asked W. Bro. R. Graham to accept from the members an inscribed gold wrist
watch. He complimented Bro. Graham on his leadership and on a job really well done.
W. Bro. Graham returned thanks, briefly adding that he would take the opportunity at a later date to
adequately thank the Brethren for their handsome gift.
S S S
HAWKE'S BAY
About ninety brethren from many parts of Hawke's Bay took part in the annual Masonic Golf tournament
held at Bridge Pa course, Hastings, on November 12th.
Napier won the Inter-City Cup by beating Hastings in a match involving the 10 best stableford cards. Napier
players scored 344 to the 338 carded by the Hastings team.
The weather was fine and sunny but a gale force wind ripped across the course and made playing conditions
almost abominable.
In view of this, the 40 stableford points carded by Bro. A. F. McKenzie, of Hastings, to win the individual
stableford was remarkable.
Bro. L. Lloyd and Wor. Bro. M. Hobin were next with 38 points and 37 points respectively.
Players were welcomed by Rt. W. Bro. A. Dysart, Provincial Grand Master. Rt. W. Bro. Dysart who is
recovering well from a serious operation was in turn given a warm welcome by the brethren.
W. Bro. B. Grossman, captain of the Hastings team, presented the Inter-City Cup to W. Bro. R. Prebble,
captain of the Napier team.
As usual the tournament was a resounding success and reflected great credit on the organisers, Bro. D.
Ronberg, of Napier, and Bro. Jim Esam, of Hastings. It was the tenth in the series and was run on slightly
different lines than in previous years.
Because of the big memberships at Hawke's Bay golf clubs, it was decided that an all day tournament would
cause inconvenience to the members of the club whose course was used, so the tournament was confined to
one round starting at 11.30 a.m.
As a result of this, the players were despatched from two tees with a minimum of delay.
Next year the tournament will be held at Napier's seaside course, Maraenui.—J.G.E.
S S S
ROSE CROIX CHAPTERS
SOUTH ISLAND ENTHRONEMENT MEETINGS
V. Ill Bro. A. H. C. Cavell, 33°, Inspector-General for the Southern District of New Zealand, conducted
several further Enthronement meetings of Rose Croix Chapters.
He travelled with Ill. Bro. C. E. Wilkins, 30°. D.C. to Oamaru where he conducted the enthronement of E. &
P. Bro. John Turvey Robertson, as M.W. Sov. of North Otago Chapter. There was a good attendance
including the M.W. Sov. and members of Dunedin Chapter, Ill. Bro. G. Neill, 32° and Ill. Bro. S. H. Hastie,
30°, both of Dunedin, and Ill. Bro. R. T. Sladen, 31°, District Recorder, were present.
V. Ill. Bro. Cavell then went to Nelson where he held the ceremony of enthronement of E. & P. Bro. Ralph
Francis Heslop as M.W. Sov. This meeting was held in the very attractive new lodgeroom at Nelson. Visitors
were present from Golden Bay Chapter, Motueka, Marlborough Chapter, Blenheim and the Nelson
Sovereign Chapter.
The enthronement meeting of Star of the South Chapter, Greymouth, completed the enthronements for the
year in the Southern District. E. & P. Bro. D. M. Thomson was enthroned as M.W. Sov. by V. Ill. Bro.
Cavell; and Ill. Bro. Wilkins was Director of Ceremonies. Ill. Bro. Sladen, District Recorder, was also
present.
S S S
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS
INSTALLATIONS BY R.E. COMP L. D. J. SMITH, GRAND SUPERINTENDENT
Crown Royal Arch Chapter No. 56
At Crown Royal Arch Chapter, Christchurch, the Grand Superintendent, R.E. Comp. L. D. J. Smith, installed
Ex. Comp. Eric C. Brown as First Principal Z. of the Chapter. R.E. Comp Smith congratulated the new First
Principal and said that he considered that Royal Arch Freemasonry was prospering in the district.
Selwyn R. A. Chapter No. 81
The following evening R.E. Comp. L. D. J. Smith conducted the Installation Ceremony of Ex. Comp. Francis
Norman Gilbert as First Principal Z. of the Selwyn R.A. Chapter at Dunsandel Masonic Hall. The Grand
Superintendent was supported by M. Ex. Comp. R. Hepburn, P.G.Z., M. Ex. Comp. A. T. Smith, R.E. Comp.
A. J. Hendry, P.G. Supt., R.E. Comp. J. S. Hawker, P.G. Supt., and a number of other officers of Supreme
Grand Chapter
S S S
CHRISTCHURCH
FIRE DAMAGE TO LODGEROOM
Cashmere Lodge Suffers Loss
On a recent Saturday afternoon, the Lodgeroom and Refectory of Cashmere Lodge, Christchurch, were
severely damaged by fire. Two city fire engines answered the call when a neighbour gave the alarm. The
flames had a good hold and the firemen had to rip iron off the roof to get at the blaze. The firemen used
breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control. The damage occurred mainly in the ceiling and roof.
According to the newspaper report, the loss was estimated at $4,000, and detectives made an investigation
into the fire.
Cashmere Lodgeroom is a fine wooden building the foundation stone of which was laid on 19th December,
1925, by Most W. Bro. S. Clifton Bingham, P.G.M.
The Installation Meeting of Cashmere Lodge was to be held five days after this unfortunate occurrence.
However, an immediate offer was made to the Lodge for the use of the Crown Lodgeroom at Sydenham, and
this generous offer was accepted.
S S S
RETIREMENT OF ASSISTANT PROV. G. MASTER
AND NEW APPOINTMENT
At the Cashmere Installation Meeting, Rt. W. Bro. J. W. Vivian, Prov. G.M., informed brethren that V.W.
Bro. I. L. Tie had completed his term as Assistant Prov. Grand Master, and he took the opportunity of
thanking V.W. Bro. Tie for his fine work in Canterbury, and for his very active support of the Prov. G.
Master. During his term V.W. Bro. Tie conducted many Installation meetings, and also represented
Provincial Grand Lodge at English Constitution and other meetings. During the past year V.W. Bro. Tie
conducted eleven installations.
V.W. Bro. Tie was initiated in Lodge of Unanimity No. 3, Lyttelton in July, 1945 and became Master in
1955. He was Prov. G.W. in 1963 and Asst. Prov. G.M. 1965-67.
S S S
APPOINTMENT OF W. BRO. B. H. TIBBS
Rt. W. Bro. J. W. Vivian announced the appointment of W. Bro. Bernard Humphrey Tibbs as an Assistant
Prov. G. Master.
W. Bro. Tibbs was initiated in Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No. 106 in 1948 and is still a member of
that Lodge. On moving to Christchurch, he joined Avon Lodge No. 185 and was Master in 1958. He is the
Immediate Past M.W. Soy, of Excelsior Rose Croix Chapter and Past Principal of Shirley R.A. Chapter.
S S S
CASHMERE LODGE INSTALLATION MEETING
There was a very large attendance at the Installation Meeting of Cashmere Lodge when Rt. W. Bro. J. W.
Vivian, Prov. G.M., installed W. Bro. Campbell McIlroy as Master for the ensuing year. By the kind
permission of the Crown Lodge, the meeting was held at the Crown Lodgeroom owing to the fire damage to
the Cashmere Lodgeroom.
Rt. W. Bro. Vivian afterwards expressed his thanks to the retiring Provincial Grand Lodge officers for their
active work and attention to duty during the past year.
Address by Provincial Grand Master
Rt. W. Bro. Vivian spoke on "Duty", and said that if all classes aimed at doing their duty honestly, strife
would cease and poverty and want would decline. Every man should aim at dealing justly with his
neighbour, and every man should work and labour truly. He invited the brethren to reflect on this conception
of duty.
If our youth were constantly impressed with a fuller and proper conception of duty in all walks of life, and
the benefits accruing from it, an entirely different and more liberal and wholesome outlook on life and living,
would in the course of a few decades, be so developed, that the whole national as well as individual social
outlook and economy, would take new shape. Humanity would enjoy a much closer and happier relationship.
The degree of success in anything is in direct proportion to the amount of effort invested.
S S S
CHRISTCHURCH- COLLEGE S.R.I.A.
The Christchurch College of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (Masonic Rosicrucian Society) which has
been working in Christchurch continuously since 1935, had the pleasure of receiving an overseas visitor at its
Regular Convocation on 4th November, 1967. R.W. Frater S. Wilkinson, VIII°, 9°, a member of the High
Council of the Society attended as a Commissioner from the Most Worthy Supreme Magus.
V.W. Frater B. E. A. Williams, VII°, Celebrant of the College presided and the distinguished visitor was
received by R.W. Frater Dr Ross Hepburn, VIII°, 9°, Chief Adept of the Province of New Zealand.
R.W. Frater Wilkinson gave a demonstration of the working of the Zelator Grade, assisted by the officers of
the College. Later, in the Refectory, he gave an interesting account of his travels and of the recent progress
of the Society, including the consecration of new Colleges in England, Canada and Australia.
S S S
CANTERBURY
ALMONERS' ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY
Hanmer Springs Masonic Association
Splendid work is carried out by members of the Hanmer Springs Masonic Association in visiting and
assisting brethren who are patients in Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Springs. W. Bro. George Jaquiery of
Amuri Lodge who is an officer at the Hospital, has been a leading brother in the work of the Association and
he was recently asked about its activities.
W. Bro. Jaquiery said that in 1943 a group of Past Masters met and decided to form an Association to assist
and entertain Masonic Brethren who were patients in the soldiers' section of Queen Mary Hospital. Thus was
formed the Hanmer Springs Masonic Association. Regular meetings were held and varied entertainment
provided for the Servicemen Patients. It was surprising the number of Brethren found and the methods of
contact. Freemasons from all parts of New Zealand attended meetings—visitors as well as patients. This
work was carried on until the Soldiers' Section was closed in 1947.
The Association went into recess about that time. In 1949 the Association was revived and Brethren living in
the village undertook the care of Freemasons who were patients in hospital. This service has been also
extended to wives of Freemasons. The usual comforts are distributed each week and in this, the Provincial
Grand Lodge of Canterbury Almoners' Association assists to a great extent. An Almoner is constantly at the
hospital looking after the interests of Masonic patients who may become known to him. A strange hospital
and amongst strangers.
It is the Association's aim to show the patient that friends and Brothers are near. The work will continue.
S S S
Obituary
WOR. BRO. FRANK EDWIN DUTTON,
Lodge Charles Revell
The death occurred in Christchurch of W. Bro. F. E. Dutton who was well known in Freemasonry in
Canterbury. He was a very active and assiduous brother, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
Wr. Bro. Dutton was an Englishman who came to New Zealand with his wife and family in 1949. He was
initiated in 1938 in Lancastrian Lodge No. 3631, of Liverpool. W. Bro. Dutton became a Charter Member of
Lodge Charles Flavell when that Lodge was formed in 1954; and he became the Master of the Lodge in
1961. Subsequently, W. Bro. Dutton was appointed the President of the Board of the Provincial Grand Lodge
of Canterbury.
BRO. ROBERT HAROLD MANNING, S.W.,
Lodge Acacia, Waikari, North Canterbury
Lodge Acacia suffered a severe loss when its Senior Warden, Bro. R. H. Manning, was accidentally killed in
a tractor accident on his farm at Springbank, near Rangiora. Bro. Manning had been felling trees near his
homestead, when the tractor he was driving rolled over on a slope. He was aged 55 years.
Bro. Manning has lived until recently at Hawarden, and in 1962 was initiated in Lodge Acacia. He had taken
an active part in Lodge affairs, and if it had not been for his untimely death he would have been installed as
Master of his Lodge in the following month. Bro. Manning was known as a quiet, gentlemanly and likable
brother who is greatly missed by the brethren.
S S S
OTAGO
CENTENNIAL MEETING AND INSTALLATION OF ',
ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST, RIGHT WORSHIPFUL ,1
MASTER OF LODGE CELTIC No. 477
SCOTTISH FREEMASONRY
Rt. W. Brother Walker, District Grand Master, New Zealand South, Scottish Freemasonry, welcomed the
guests of Sister Constitutions, Rt. W. Bro. Wall, Irish Constitution, Rt. W. Bro. L. A. Lord. English
Constitution and Rt. W. Bro. W. W. Mundy, New Zealand Constitution accompanied by District and Grand
Lodge Officers, of the respective Constitutions.
Wor. Brethren of Sister Lodges in and around Dunedin were present and after the Installation ceremony
where the Father-in-law, Wor. Brother. V. C. Preen of the newly installed Right. W. Master, Bro. C. W.
Rush. delivered the address, a courtesy appreciated by all present.
The banquet provided in the refrectory was equal to the momentous occasion and with Scottish Constitution
Lodges no important function is complete without the music of the pipes. Well can the writer remember an
occasion of a "Haggis Night" when the late W. Bro. T. Stuart gave the address to the haggis and a Brother
present forgot himself and made a remark after the "Haggis" had been piped with due ceremony into the
refrectory. "How near to getting the sword thrown at him I am sure this Brother was never aware" and
Brethren of today have no conception of the post-war enjoyment by Brethren and visitors alike when visiting
Lodge Celtic. Home, you could arrive at any time after 3 a.m. What nights they were and then to the serious
of this Lodge when the late Wor. Brother Miller passed to the Grand Lodge Above just after the call-off,
call-on in the third degree, when the wife of the Master in the Chair gave birth to a son and the Lodge
became the God-Fathers of this lucky boy, the visit of the Grand Master of Scottish Freemasonry some few
years ago, these are just a few memories of the past and all look forward to further successes for this old and
respected Lodge.
Thursday night was the occasion of the Installation and Friday night was an informal get-together enjoyed by
all present with the cocktail hour, followed by a dinner and ball on the Saturday night with some 400 guests.
Sunday at the 11a.m. service at First Church where the lessons were read by W. Bro. Weipers, P.M., and W.
Bra. Snelleksz. P.M., brought to a close with thanks to T.G.A.O.T.U. for the past 100 years of His blessings
on this Lodge, Celtic No. 477 Scottish Constitution.