Mount Moriah
Changes in the meeting places of a good many of the Wellington City lodges have occurred as lodge after
lodge has resumed after the vacation in its new quarters—the handsome new Tinakori Road building
designed by Bro. Ian F. Calder and his associates.
It would be difficult to detail all the places in the city in which Freemasons from time to time have held their
meetings. Lodges first established met habitually in the hotels and taverns of early Wellington—Barrett's, the
Panama, Osgood's Empire Hotel, etc.—or in hired quarters such as the Oddfellows' Hall or the premises of
the Wellington Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, a forerunner of the Wellington Public Libraries before
muncipal control took effect in the early '90s. The Athenaeum, which stood about where the Commercial
Bank now stands, was a three-storeyed building which was designed for letting—it had several halls—so that
the libraries could benefit from the proceeds. Today such space would be at a premium, but then it was at a
discount. Not enough bodies came forward to hire the premises, and the building fell into the hands of
receivers. The Boulcott Street building, the foundation stone of which was laid a little over a century ago,
was in use before the end of 1867; its establishment was the cause of "a long, if somewhat faltering,
friendship" between New Zealand Pacific Lodge and Lodge Waterloo, which at first was associated with
Pacific in the project.
Here, too, finance was a difficulty. W. Bro. C. A. Hudson, in his Centennial History of Lodge Waterloo No.
13 ("One Hundred Bygone Years," Wellington, Tolan Printing Co. Ltd., 1966) records difficulties of
payments towards the cost of the building, $2,200, experienced in the early years. The Boulcott Street Hall
was finally taken over by the Freemason's Hall Co. Ltd.. New Zealand Pacific having found the strain of
maintaining it too great. This company gave place to the Wellington Masonic Hall Co. Ltd., which, as Bro.
Hudson puts it (p. 45), "resolved to invest the realisation of its Boulcott Street Hall shares in the new
company which was to erect a building at 38 The Terrace".
The Terrace building was in use from 1926 to 1967 and has been the familiar home of most of the City
lodges for the whole of that time. Not in every way a convenient building, a little bleak and except in the
main halls uncarpeted, it nevertheless after a time inspired affection among its users. The large hall had
seating which, reinforced with light bentwood chairs, made it possible to accommodate very large meetings;
it was handsome, well-proportioned and spacious, and its acoustics were a good deal better than satisfactory.
For smaller meetings there was a smaller lodge room where a number of Craft lodges, the conclaves of the
high and side degrees and Research Lodge of Wellington met regularly—a modest, intimate lodge room
which had associations for many of the Brethren.
It was time for a change, and the change has been made. The acute financial embarrassment of the early days
will not be repeated. The Craft is stronger and a determined effort has been made to open debt-free. In the
new building a lot of the old inconvenience has been obviated. In the main lodge room there is no doubt but
that this is a new room—the splendid and dramatic use of colour lifts the whole lodge above the drab level to
which we had become used—but one is immediately at home. The Freemason is always at home in lodge,
even where the arrangements of ornaments and furniture is different from our own; but in this case it is plus
ca change, plus c'est le meme chose. Much of the furniture and many of the fittings, repolished, refurbished,
renovated and carefully installed are from the old lodge rooms, and give one the impression that one has
always been in this room.
Space and light in the foyer; a handsome main lodge room with an additional area curtained off but capable
of being resumed for populous occasions; a civilised and comfortable refectory, again with a satisfying use
of colour. All these raise the surroundings in which the "Terrace lodges" meet and have their refectories from
the level of the meeting in the public hall with its scrubbed floor to one closer to that of the home or the club.
Galleried around on the upper floor the arrangement is repeated, with additional features. The area is
convenient, the exterior is dignified and there is even a certain amount of car parking space.
We believe that the architect, within the limits of the finance available to him, had done an admirable and
creditable job—perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder.
The tradition of Masonic hospitality is such, and the right of visitation is so well-known, that it is not
necessary to organise invitations to the Freemasons of New Zealand to sit in lodge with Wellington
Freemasons in their new quarters. It is understood that if they can do so, they will.
It is a rewarding and moving experience, perhaps more intense for those who have met for years in the older
and more austere building, to see the lodge opened and the ceremony worked in these surroundings. Those
who use the building are proud of it, and will welcome the opportunity to have associated with them in their
lodge there Brethren from the rest of New Zealand and beyond.
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The Grand Master's Visit To The
Centenary Of The Mt. Ida Lodge No. 97
The 6th April, 1968, will long be remembered by the Brethren of the Mt. Ida Lodge as a fitting celebration to
the completion of 100 years of service to Freemasonry in the Maniototo District of Central Otago.
On that day the 101st Master, Bro. James Mitchell, was installed in the presence of a large gathering of
Brethren from near and far, and the ceremony was highlighted by the attendance of M.W. Bro. John A.
Redwood, G.M., who had journeyed especially from Auckland to be present. He was accompanied by his
Deputy, R.W. Bro. Thomas, W. Pairman and some 30 Grand Lodge officers.
The installation of the Master elect was conducted in the afternoon by the Prov. G.M. of Otago, R.W. Bro.
W. W. Mundy, and was followed by a Centennial Dinner and Grand Ball in the Ranfurly Hall.
Some 250 guests, the Brethren and their wives were present at the Social function which was most
successfuly conducted.
The Mt. Ida Lodge, originally No. 1262 E.C., was founded on the goldfields of Naseby on 5th May, 1868, by
11 members, most of whom were connected with the winning of gold. At the first regular meeting following
the founding, 10 new members were proposed for initiation. Among these prospective members was W.
Inder, whose descendants have an unbroken record of membership of the Lodge for the whole period of its
existence.
Prior to the Installation ceremony, an address of welcome was delivered by W. Bro. A. N. McLaughlin,
P.G.S., followed by the reading of an excellently compiled History of the Lodge by the author, W. Bro. W. J.
Inder. It recalled many interesting details of happenings down through the century—of the difficulties
confronting early Freemasonry in remote areas—of the Brethren who distinguished themselves by their
service to the community in many different walks of life; and of the emergence of the Lodge as a strong and
virile one, now domiciled in a very well designed and handsome Lodge Room at Ranfurly.
The Lodge ' transferred its allegiance to the Roll of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in 1894 as No. 97.
The history which is published in book form, though brief, is worth reading.
At the conclusion of the Installation ceremony the Lodge was presented with a commemorative gavel to
mark the occasion. It was made from the wood of one of the original Wardens Columns which furnished the
Lodge on its foundation and it was embellished with an inscribed plate, hand wrought from alluvial gold won
from the fields of Naseby as a token of esteem and goodwill from the Otago District of Grand Lodge of New
Zealand.
At the banquet the Grand Master in replying to the G.M.'s toast, stressed the need for every member of the
Craft to assert himself wherever possible in promoting the best interests of the Craft, not only in the Lodge
Room, but also by his example of his service to the community at large. Although no publicity is given to the
many acts of Benevolence and Charity, people must not acquire the notion that Freemasonry existed for
itself— that the erection of homes for the aged and the establishment of pensioner flats was ample evidence
of the deep interest with which the Craft concerns itself for the welfare of all people irrespective of race,
creed, or religion. He also stressed the need for members to take their wives a little closer into their
confidence, concerning the activities of the Craft, as
particularly in a country district the womenfolk
constituted a powerful force for good in matters
concerning the Lodge and its association with the
community.
An adequate toast list was honoured and received by a very appreciative gathering. The ball which followed,
concluded the social celebrations on a most pleasant note.
It is a far cry from the clamour of the sluicing and the dredging for gold in Central Otago Districts. Gone
have the boom towns with their ever changing population-for, gone too, is the gold. But the Lodges have
endured where the towns have ceased to exist and they have triumphed over adversity and the vicissitudes of
its communities. The land which was once being washed away down to the sea by sluicing or laid waste by
dredging has been put to better use-the husbandry of agriculture, of cattle raising, of wool and meat
production and the growing of some of New Zealand's best fruit, and in its train stability has been established
for the benefit of future generations. The Brethren of the Mt. Ida Lodge have contributed their share.
It is interesting to observe that long term family connections appear so prominently in this Lodge. Four
generations of the Inder family heads the list, but three generations is quite common. The Master's father was
initiated in 1919— his grandfather in 1879. And so we see the handing down of the tenants and principals of
the Craft from father to son. Long may it continue.
On Sunday, 7th April, a combined Church Service was held at Naseby in the afternoon. The Members of the
Lodge had laid the foundation stone of both the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches in conjunction with the
respective Church dignitories over 90 years ago, and it was most appropriate that the two Ministers of the
two Churches should conduct the service.
Our congratulations to the very capable committee which organised the celebrations so successfully and to
the Mt. Ida Lodge on its conclusion of 100 years of service to the Craft.
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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.
J. R. Campbell, O.R.D., Oamaru. J. M. Clark, 76 Godden Cres., Auckland, E.1.
J. N. Garth, 62 Mungavin Ave., Porirua. W. E. Hughes, Eyres Rd., Whitianga.
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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION ABOUT FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND
The following lists compiled by W. Bro. Frank Gatley, P.M., of United Manawatu Lodge; No. 1721, are a
combination of information obtained from various publications now out of print, plus other enquiries, in an
attempt to present in some detail the growth of Freemasonry in New Zealand.
REGISTER OF LODGES IN NEW ZEALAND WARRANTED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF
ENGLAND, 1840.1896
PART 1
Lodges removed from the Register on account of the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand,
or which have gone out of existence for other reasons.
Column References:
1. Number on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England.
2. Number on the Register of Grand Lodge of New Zealand (where applicable).
3. Page Reference in Lanes Masonic Records.
4. Date of E.C. Warrant.
5. . Date erased in Lanes Masonic Records.
6. Date removed " Historical Supplement" where different from Lane.
NOTES. "A"-Erased by D.G.L. 1894; confirmed by Grand Lodge 1894. "B"-Erased by D.G.L. "C"-Joined
New -Zealand Grand Lodge after 1898.
Line 1 2 3 4 5 6 Notes
1 New Zealand Pacific Wellington 517 2 285 1845 1894 A
2 N.Z. Lodge of Unanimity Lyttelton 604 3 297 1852 1894 1895 B
3 St. Augustine Christchurch 609 4 298 1852 1894 1895 B
4 Southern Cross Kaiapoi 760 6 314 1858 1894 1895 B
5 Rangiora Rangiora 994 — 335 1862 1881 Erased Without comment
6 Southern Cross Invercargill 997 9 336 1864 1894 1899 C
7 Waitaki Oamaru 1111 11 346 1866 1894 1899 C
8 Hiram Dunedin , 1127 — 347 1866 1871 Lane shows "United with
No. 844 in 1871"
9 Northern Star Ashley 1173 — 351 1867 1881 Stated to have never been
constituted
10 Lake Lodge of Ophir Queenstown 1195 85 353 1867 1894 1899 B
11 Marlborough L. of Unanimity Blenheim 1236 106 357 1868 — 1899
12 Totara Ross 1241 — 357 1868 — 1899 Was still on Register in 1894
13 Mount Ida Naseby 1262 97 359 1869 1894 1899 B
14 Masterton Masterton 1430 19 373 1873 1894 A
15 Forest Wakefield 1481 116 378 1874 — 1899 Still on Register 1894
16 Victoria Napier 1577 21 386 1874 1894 A
17 Aparima Riverton 1617 77 389 1876 1894 1899 A
18 Lodge of Progress Southbridge 1651 22 392 1876 1894 1895 B
19 Akaroa Akaroa 1666 — 393 1877 1884 Erased; no comment
20 Hutt Lodge Lower Hutt 1667 — 393 1887 1886 Lane states suspended by
D.G.L. 1886; G.L. 1886
21 Greytown Greytown 1720 74 398 1874 1894 A
22 Palmerston Palmerston (S.I.) 1749 26 400 1878 1894 1899 A
23 Heretaunga Hastings 812 73 406 1879 1894 A
24 Abercorn Waipawa 1813 30 406 1879 1894 A
25 St. George's Temuka 1856 29 410 1880 1894 1895 B
26 South Rakaia South Rakaia 1857 31 410 1880 1894 1895 B
27 St. John's Lodge Ashburton 1858 — 410 1879 1892 United with Somerset No.
1811; is still E.C.
28 Hercules Tapanui 1875 36 411 1880 1894 1899 B
29 Ashley Rangiora 1877 28 411 1880 1894 1895 B
30 St. John's Featherston 1883 37 412 1880 1894 A
31 Rangitikei Bulls 1904 38 414 1881 1894 A
32 Ionic Leeston 1917 — 415 1881 — 1891 Lane shows it still on
Register, 1894
33 Lincoln Lincoln 1918 33 415 1881 1895 1895 B
34 Malvern Springfield 1919 35 415 1881 1894 1895 B
35 Concord Papanui 1925 39 416 1881 1894 1899 B
36 Victory Nelson 1927 40 416 1881 1892 1899 Lane shows "seceded"
37 Feilding Feilding 1940 41 417 1881 1894 A
38 Reunion Blenheim 1956 — 418 1882 1884 Erased
39 Phoenix Akaroa 1959 43 418 1882 1894 1895 B
40 Albion Devonport 2003 45 422 1883 1890 1899 Lane shows "seceded"
41 Hiram Dunedin 2008 46 422 1883 1894 1899 B
42 Aloha Cambridge 2014 81 423 1883 1892 1899 Lane shows "seceded"
43 Waitohi - Picton 236 111 425 1884 — 1899 Was still on Register in 1894
44 Ngamutu New Plymouth 2053 48 426 1884 1894 A
45 St. Mark's Carterton 2059 53 427 1884 1894 A
46 St. John's Mosgiel 2102 84 430 1885 1894 1899 B
47 Waikouaiti Waikouaiti 2115 57 431 1885 1894 1899 B
48 Ruapehu Marton 2137 128 433 1886 — 1905 C
49 Ruahine Woodville 2173 80 437 1886 1894 A
50 Kaikoura Kaikoura 2236 60 441 1887 1894 1895 B Historical Supplement
says "joined G.L."
51 Advance Brunnerton 2245 61 442 1888 1892 1908
52 Mokoreta Wyndham 2287 63 445 1888 1894 1899 B
53 Fortitude Bluff 2301 64 446 1889 1894 1899 B
54 Reunion Blenheim 2445 — 457 1892 1893 Warrant returned unused
55 Avon Christchurch 2627 185 — 1896 — 1911 C
Additional Information re "Totara", No. 1241 E.C., is recorded in the Historical Supplement as removed in
1899-"Grand Lodge formed." But Barclay notes that Totara is last known in 1885. This is confirmed by a
circular letter dated 1899 issued by the District Grand Master of Westland, which states: "The Lodge-Totara-
has been defunct for about 15 years."
REGISTER OF LODGES IN NEW ZEALAND WARRANTED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF
ENGLAND, 1840.1896
PART 2
LIST OF ACTIVE LODGES STILL ON THE REGISTER OF GRAND LODGE IN 1967
Date Ref.
No. Name City or Town District Warrant Lane's Notes
G.L. Number Record
1. Mount Egmont New Plymouth Wellington 670 1856 305
2. Waitemata Auckland Auckland 689 1856 307
3. Tongariro Wanganui Wellington 705 1857 309
4. Southern Star Nelson Westland 735 1853 312
5. Lodge of Otago Dunedin Otago 844 1860 322 A majority of members formed
No. 7 N.Z.C.
6. Dunedin Dunedin Otago 931 1862 330
7. Port Chalmers Marine Port Chalmers Otago 942 1862 331
8. Canterbury Christchurch Canterbury 1048 1864 340
9. Lodge of St. George Lawrence Otago 1128 1866 347
10. Lodge of St. John Timaru Canterbury 1137 1866 348 Lane gives 1865 against Year
Book 18:'56
11. Alexandra Hamilton Auckland 1188 1867 352
12. Pacific L. of Hokitika Hokitika Westland 1229 1868 356
13. Greymouth Greymouth Westland 1233 1868 356
14. Prince of Wales Auckland Auckland 1338 1870 365
15. Pacific L. of Reefton Reefton Westland 1453 1873 375
16. Turanganui Gisborne Auckland 1480 1874 378
17. Wellington Wellington Wellington 1521 1874 331
18. Eden Auckland Auckland 1530 1875 382 A majority of members formed
No. 20 N.Z.C.
19. Sir Donald McLean Waitara Wellington 1646 1876 391
20. Star of the North Whangarei Auckland 1647 1876 392
21. Corinthian Thames Auckland 1655 1876 392
22. Lazar Kumara Westland 1689 1877 395
23. Phoenix Westport Westland 1390 1877 395
24. Remuera Remuera Auckland 1710 1877 397
25. Rodney Warkworth Auckland 1711 1877 397 .
26. United Manawatu Palmerston North Wellington 1721 1877 398
27. Winchester Winchester Canterbury 1737 1878 399
28. St. George's Dargaville Auckland 1801 1879 405
29. Somerset Ashburton Canterbury 1811 1879 406 United with St. John's Lodge,
No. 1856, in 1892
30. Northern Light Kawa Kawa Auckland 1878 1880 411
31. Conyers Sydenham Canterbury 1916 1881 415
32. Opotiki Opotiki Auckland 1930 1881 416
33. Amberley Amberley Canterbury 2007 1883 442
34. Zealandia Whangaroa Auckland 2072 1884 428
35. Duke of Albany Helensville Auckland 2073 1884 428
36. Franklin Pukekqhe Auckland 2138 1886 433
37. Lodge of Harmony Otahuhu Auckland 2180 1886 437
38. Golden Bay Takaka Westland 2194 1887 438
39. Te Awamutu Lodge Te Awamutu Auckland 2221 1888 440
40. Aorangi Wellington Wellington 2300 1889 446
41. St. Albans Christchurch Canterbury 2597 1895 -
Note re Line 29 and also Line 26 in Part 1. The name of the Lodge "Somerset" is taken from Lanes
Masonic Record. but the name used in the 1966 Year Book and also in the N.Z. Craftsman is "Ashburton".
Lane states that the two Lodges numbers 1811 and 1858 "united in 1892". It would appear that the name was
changed following the union.
Note re Dates of Warrant or Foundation of the Lodges. Particularly in the earlier years, when Lodges met
under "Dispensations" for a time before a warrant could be obtained, there was frequently a lapse of a year or
more between the date accepted locally as the date of the foundation and the date when the Warrant was
issued.
REGISTER OF LODGES IN NEW ZEALAND WARRANTED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF
IRELAND, 1840.1903
The following information is based on that contained in "Lodges with Overseas Charters," being Historical
Records Series No. 3, issued for private circulation by the Research Lodge of Wellington, No. 194 N.Z.C.
Line Name Location I.C. Date N.Z.C. Date Notes
No. Warrant of No. Ceased
Number Foundation M/ship
1 Ara Auckland . 348 1840? Refer note "A"
2 Scinde Napier 419 1858 5 1890 Refer note "B"
3 Onehunga Onehunga 420 1863 1868/9 Extinct
4 Lodge United Service Auckland 421 1864 8 1890 Refer note "B"
5 De Burgh Adams New Plymouth 446 1866 -
6 Shamrock Dunedin 448 1866 1870 Extinct
7 Alpha-Waikato Cambridge 449 1865 1868 Extinct
8 Beta-Waikato Hamilton 450 1867 12 1890 Refer note "B"
9 Lodge of Light Thames . 454 1870
10 Coromandel Coromandel 456 1872 17 1890 Refer note "B"
11 Tauranga Tauranga 462 1876 1891 Extinct
12 Corinthian Christchurch 463 1878 1885 Extinct
13 Bedford Waipukurau 464 1878 25 1890 Refer note "B"
14 Nesbitt Gisborne 465 1873 1878 Extinct
15 St. Patrick Dunedin 468 1882
16 Leinster Wellington 469 1882 44 1890 Refer note "B"
17 Victoria Invercargill 471 1883 147 1906 Refer note "C"
18 Abercorn Gisborne 472 1886 76 1892 Refer note "C"
19 Ulster Petone 473 1887 62 1890 Refer note "B"
20 Killarney Blenheim 478 1878 1897 Extinct
21 Pierce Waiuku 480 1893 1903 Refer note "D"
In addition to the above 21 Charters or Warrants officially granted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland, a
dispensation issued by the Ara Lodge, No. 348, in 1853, but after working un der that authority The Mount
Egmont Lodge received its offici Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England, and as No. 670 E.C. is still on
the Register. The E.C. Warrant was granted 1856 as number 968, the number being changed in 1863.
NOTE "A": The Ara Lodge divided on the question of joining the G.L. of N.Z. and in 1967 there are still
two "Ara Lodges one as listed above still working as an I.C. Lodge, the other being allotted No. 1 on the Roil
of the Grand Lodge of N.Z.
NOTE "B": These are six Lodges which seceded from the Grand Lodge of Ireland to become founder
members of the Grar Lodge of New Zealand.
NOTE "C": Line 18 above also seceded, but too late to be classed as a Founder Lodge, while Line 17,
Victoria, transferred the Grand Lodge of New Zealand after recognition had been granted.
NOTE "D": The Pierce Lodge surrendered its I.C. charter "upon erection of Lodge United Waiuku, No. 90
N.Z.C." This Lodge claims to have been founded in 1893 (see The N.Z. Craftsman) so it may have been
simply a change of name. The analysis in the abovementioned Historical Record appears to include Pierce
Lodge as extinct. This is quoted as taken from Bro. G. Barclay's "Extinct Lodges of N.Z."
Line 4 above gives United Service as No. 8 N.Z.C. This should be No. 10.
SUMMARY
Sheets numbered 1, 2 and 3 were built up line by line from (a) Lane's Masonic Record, 1717-1894); (b) The
Roll Lodges of the G.L. of N.Z.; (c) The N.Z. Craftsman; (d) Sundry Lodge Histories and other papers, etc.
Sheets 4 and 5 are abridged from papers issued by the Research Lodge of Wellington, No. 164 N.Z.C., in
1959.
The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was established in April, 1890, against the advice of the Governor of New
Zealand, Lord Onslow, who considered, after very full enquiry, that the time was not yet ripe for such action
although he considered that it would be desirable in a few years.
The first roll of the new Grand Lodge, issued in January, 1892, includes 68 Lodges as transferring their
allegiance, plus six new Lodges erected by the Grand Lodge. Total 74. Including several Lodges warranted
by the three parent Grand Lodge 'between 1890 and 1903, 30 additional Lodges were claimed as adhering
giving a total of 98. This includes a number of "Dual Lodges", where the Parent Lodge still retained its
identity. There are about a dozen Lodges where the position is not quite clear, but the approximate position is
that out of 172 Lodges warranted by the three original Grand Lodges 56 are still in existence working under
eight District Grand Masters, six or seven having dual companions under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
An approximate analysis of these 172 Lodges as at 31/12/1966 is:—
Constitution Joined G.L. Erased from Still Active Total Duals
of N.Z. Other Causes included
E.G. - 4.5 9 41 95 3
I.C. 9 8 4 21 1
S.C. 36 9 11 53 3
__ __ __ __ _
Totals 90 26 56 172 7
E. & O.E. (To be continued in July issue)
Banners of all kinds available from
Regalia House
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Paper Delivered by Bro. E. R. G. Wallis, During Course of
Night of Instruction at Whetu-Kairangi Lodge, No. 201
CANDIDATE—PROPOSER—SECONDER
Brethren these three words, in themselves simple enough, pose numerous questions. Questions of
responsibility: The responsibilities of the Proposer and Seconder, firstly to the Lodge, and secondly to the
Candidate. When a Brother is raised to the Sublime Degree of M.M. he is told that he now has the privilege
of proposing candidates for Freemasonry, and he is enjoined to take great care in exercising that right; but
how many of us realise the full extent of the responsibility that we accept when we propose a candidate? In
effect the very lifeblood of Freemasonry rests on how seriously we take these responsibilities.
Brethren, the future of Freemasonry rests not on increase in our numbers, but on the dissemination of
Masonic principles throughout the world. The nature of the structure which we are building demands the use
of good materials. If we use other than the best then the craft of the Architect and the skill of the operative
are wasted. This structure is not meant to last a few years, a decade, or even a lifetime, but for ever; hence
the selection of the material we use becomes of primary importance, but do we as proposers, and to a lesser
degree as seconders, realise that in our hands rests the basic selection of the material?
Questions are asked of and about the candidate. His habits and antecedents are inquired into. The Wardens
make their inquiries. The Board of Inquiry makes an even more searching investigation. The question the
proposer must ask himself, is whether the candidate is worthy of the trust and reliance he is going to ask the
Craft to place in the candidate. If he has even the slightest doubt of any sort he should voice it to the Master
who will advise.
The deciding question, to my mind, is will the candidate make a good Freemason? In other words, is he
worthy material for this structure of ours? Will he, by example, help to disseminate Masonic principles? If
the answer to this question is in the affirmative, then, and then only, is the candidate a fit and proper person
to be made a Freemason.
So much for the first responsibility, but what of the other, the one that so often seems to be forgotten as soon
as the candidate reaches the Sublime Degree of M.M., if not before.
In the days of the operative masons—as distinct from the speculative body, which we call the Craft—a man
became an apprentice when he was bound to a Master Mason, and he became an Entered Apprentice when
his Master duly had him entered in the books of the Lodge as his apprentice. This, I submit, should be the
case even today—the candidate, in other words, is the apprentice not of the Lodge but of his proposer and
seconder.
Think now of the candidate: He is hoodwinked and led into a completely new experience. A considerable
volume of charges is delivered into his areas of which, in the circumstances, it is doubtful that he absorbs
even a fiftieth. At the close of his Initiation he is handed a card of questions which he is told by the W.M. he
is required to know the answers before further advancement, and that the blanks will be explained to him by
his proposer or seconder.
This is well enough as far as it goes, but will the Proposer or Seconder answer all the questions that the
charges have raised in the mind of the candidate? Now is when they should take their Apprentice visiting to
see similar ceremonies in other Lodges. To my mind there is a case for the ritual of each degree being issued
separately in order that the candidate may be given the opportunity to study and understand some of the
principles underlying our code. These points apply to all our ceremonies—if our candidates are not given
assistance and guidance they reach the degree of M.M. thoroughly bewildered. A number of these study their
ritual and come to an understanding of the principles that make Freemasonry one of the world's great moral
forces.
But what of the remainder who are still bewildered and without guidance? I feel, Brethren, that a number of
those who become apathetic Masons do so through lack of assistance towards full understanding of the
lessons so beautifully expressed in our ritual. A very wise Brother writing in the Dunedin "Evening Star" of
23rd November, 1965, expressed the Aim of Freemasonry as the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood
of T.G.A.O.T.U. There could hardly be a greater objective than this, and I think that greater attention to the
two responsibilities I have attempted to outline can help towards this aim and assist us in building that
perfect structure delineated on the Tracing Board of the Supreme Architect.
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PERSONAL
Most W. Bro. J. S. Hawker, P.G.M., was recently presented with his certificate of appointment as
representative in New Zealand of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales. Most W. Bro. Hawker has
previously been the representative of Iceland.
Rt. W. Bro. E. J. Butcher, P. Prov. G.M., has made an excellent recovery from an illness he suffered in recent
months.
W. Bro. H. W. Calvert, Prov. G. Sec., has been appointed President of the Christchurch Bowling Centre. W.
Bro. Calvert is a member of the Beckenham Bowling Club, and has been the delegate of the Club on the
Centre for eight years.
W. Bro. W. C. Chambers, Chaplain of the Ashley Lodge, was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New
Year Honours for services to the community. W. Bro. Chambers is an Officer of the Order of St. John, and
was for 20 years the District Superintendent of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Rangiora. W. Bro.
Chambers received the congratulations of his Lodge.
Bro. W. W. Soal of Thistle Lodge, Ashburton, was appointed Prov. G. Organist by Rt. W. Bro. Vivian Prov.
G.M. Bro. Soal has been the organist of his Lodge for nearly 20 years and has also acted as organist for
ceremonies of various other Lodges in Mid Canterbury, as well as being the organist in R.A. Chapter.
Rt. W. Bro. A. T. Smith, P.G.W., of Thistle Lodge has celebrated his 89th birthday. Rt. W. Bro. Smith is still
very active in Freemasonry in Mid Canterbury; and
is a familiar figure at many Lodge and Chapter
meetings. He is greatly admired by all the Brethren.
Tracing Boards available on order from
Regalia House
RUAPEHU DISTRICT
ELEGY
As presented by R.W. Bro. J. M. Gabbie, P.S.G.W., at the unveiling
and dedication of a memorial plaque to the late
R.W. Bro. Percy William Morris (Past Deputy Grand Master)
The above ceremony was carried out on Saturday, 27th April, 1968, at the regular meeting of Awatea Lodge
No. 258, the dedication was conducted by the V.W. Bro. M. J. S. Wheeler, P.G.C.
There was a good attendance of Brethren and the collection for the Percy Morris Memorial Fund, which was
handed over to the Ruapehu Masonic Trust Fund amounted to $17.95.
R.W. Bro. Gabbie's elegy reads as follows:
W.M. and Brethren of Lodge Awatea in the unavoidable absence of R.W. Bro. Pairman, Dept.
G.M., the R.W. Bro. Blight Prov. G.M., and R.W. Bro. Donaldson, P.Prov. G.M., the honour
has fallen to me, to, on your behalf, unveil a plaque to the memory of one of Lodge Awatea's
most illustrious and loved members, namely, to R.W. Bro. Percy Wm. Morris, Past Deputy
Grand Master, who laid down the Working Tools of this life on the 19th April, 1967.
I don't propose to weary you with many words; indeed in our late Brothers case, actions rather
than words were the rule. However, some things ought to be said, if only for the record, and for
the information of visiting Brethren.
Briefly, our late R.B. Bro.'s Masonic history was as follows:
Initiated Lodge Tararua No. 67 (Pahiatua), 23rd March, 1921; Foundation Member Lodge
Awatea, 1924; W. Master, Lodge Awatea, 1929-30 and 1930-31; Grand Steward, 1938; Asst.
G.D.C., 1940-41; granted (H.C.) rank, Past G.D.C., 1946; appointed Prov. G.M. Ruapehu
District, 1951-54; granted (H.C.) rank, Past Dep. G.M., 1965.
His death in April 1967 saw the passing of the last Foundation Member of Lodge Awatea. Percy
Morris was not a "yes" man having reached a conclusion his yes meant yes and his "no" no,
even if it meant unpopularity.
Easy of access, he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Freemasonry and no seeker after
information was ever given the brush off. He was no mere theoretical Mason as witness his
active interests in the affairs of the Almoner's Association (fathered by him) and in the Board of
Benevolence.
He maintained his interests in the Craft until the end. I was one of his last visitors and he chatted
away in his usual style of the doing of Freemasonry in general and those of the Ruapehu District
in particular. Perhaps his finest tribute was the amazing goodwill he earned in the hard, cold
outside world.
Brethren—goodwill requires two-way traffic. In the best sense Percy Morris was a man of
honour and a Freemason and a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word
of truth.
The plaque was then unveiled by R.W. Bro. Gabbie and dedicated by V.W. Bro. Wheeler.
Rose Croix Eagles and Stars in stock at
Regalia House
WANTED
The following volumes of A.Q.C. to complete my set: Vols. I to 13, to, 19, 50, 52, 53 and 54. Would take all or any. J.
P. GLENIE, P.O. Box 1569, Auckland.
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NELSON AND MARLBOROUGH
MARLBOROUGH ROYAL ARCH No. 14
Saturday, 4th May, was certainly an outstanding night for Marlborough R.A.C. No. 14. The occasion was an
emergency meeting when 26 Companions from Shirley R.A.C No. 86 made the trip from Christchurch, and
worked the Degrees of the Red Cross of Babylon. This particular degree had not been worked in
Marlborough for several years, so it was of great interest to many to see it revived. The 25 Candidates who
took the Degree must have been greatly impressed, for Shirley Companions were in great form. Their
presentation of the Degree was excellent, and gave credit to the amount of work they must have put into it.
Precision was the keynote. Most of the Shirley Companions were accompanied by their wives.
While the ceremony was in progress, the visiting ladies accompanied by the wives of Marlborough
Companions, were entertained at the local picture theatre. Afterwards everyone assembled in the Lodge
Refectory and partook of a sumptuous supper and spent a very convivial two hours. On Sunday morning the
visitors were taken for a sightseeing trip of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. After lunch our visitors made
the long trek back to their homes and so brought to a close, a happy and memorable weekend.
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On Saturday, 4th May, Tasman Bay Lodge held their eighth Installation at Motueka when Bro. B. A. Billens
was installed in the chair of K.S. W. Bro. Billens is the last of the foundation members to be installed. The
Installation was carried out by R.W. Bro. J. D. Baird and Grand Lodge officers. There was a large number of
Brethren and visitors. The ceremony was carried out with perfection. V.W. Bro. A. H. J. Jackson was Grand
Director of Ceremonies.
Afterwards in the Refectory the usual toasts were duly honoured. There were many apologies, mostly caused
by that old friend "flu". Those that were present were quite satisfied that the evening was one well spent.
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THE J. H. CHILD MEETING
Lodge Hinemoa No. 786 S.C. held its May meeting to work an initiation and to honour the initiation of Bro.
J. H. Child, D.S.M., in May, 1894. Over the last few years the Lodge has adopted the policy of calling this
May meeting the J. H. Child meeting. Unfortunately at the last minute, owing to an accident, Bro. Child was
unable to be present, but the gathering of over 50 was pleased to be present and to honour Harry even in his
absence.
The work of the evening was carried out by members of the English, Irish, New Zealand, and Scotch
Constitutions, each in this way paying a tribute to a very worthy member.
During the course of the evening a message of congratulation on the start of Harry's 75th year in
Freemasonry came from the Governor-General, Sir Arthur Porritt, and was read to the Lodge. A letter and
telegram apologising for absence were received from Bro. Erne Adams, D.G.M. (N.Z. North), S.C., and Bro.
E. A. Rowe, P.D.G.M. (N.Z. North), S.C.
Present at the meeting was Bro. Harry Mace who is now 97 years old, and has been in Freemasonry for 58
years. In the absence of Bro. Childs he cut the cake.
The Brethren of Hinemoa are looking forward to seeing their grand old Brother complete his century—what
a meeting that will be.
Bro. J. H. Child, P.M., P.G.W., P.Z., D.S.M. The D.S.M. is a rare honour conferred only by the Master
Mason of Scotland and is indeed held by a Distinguished Service Member.—T.O.R.
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“Installing Masters Guide" in stock at
Regalia House
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CANTERBURY
FREEMASON CELEBRATES 100th BIRTHDAY
W. BRO. F. L. ADAMS, P.G.B.B.
A Wor. Brother who has been a Mason since 1905 recently celebrated his 100th birthday in Christchurch. He
is W. Bro. Frank L. Adams who was initiated in the Christchurch Lodge No. 91. He received congratulatory
telegrams from Her Majesty the Queen, the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the
Opposition. The Grand Master wrote a letter of congratulations to W. Bro. Adams.
Rt. W. Bro. Vivian, Prov. G. Master, called on W. Bro. Adams at his home. W. Bro. Adams still has a very
alert mind and can recall the details of his early Masonic career. He has been an energetic worker in
Freemasonry and was a regular attender at his Lodge until a short time ago. His eyesight has failed a little,
but generally he is in fairly good health.
W. Bro. Adams was present at the Installation of W. Bro. F. W. Overend at Christchurch Lodge, No. 91, and
came in with Grand Lodge, quite an achievement for our W. Brother.
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BECKETT ROSE CROIX CHAPTER
V. Ill. Bro. G. K. Neill, 33°, Dunedin, Inspector-General for the Southern District carried out his first
Enthronement ceremony when he inducted E. and P. Bro. Robert James Philips into the Chair of Beckett
Chapter at Christchurch. There was a large attendance and V. Ill. Bro. Neill received a very warm welcome
from the Brethren in Christchurch. The toast to the Inspector-General in the refectory was proposed by E.
and P. Bro. C. E. Purchase, I.P. Soy. and the toast to the new M.W. Sov. was proposed by Ill. Bro. J. S.
Hawker.
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OTAGO
THE DEPUTY G.M.'s VISIT TO OTAGO CENTRAL LODGES
There are seven Lodges in the Otago Central area, the Installations of which all occur in April. The first four
take place in the first week, while the remaining three follow a fortnight later, depending of course on the fall
of Easter.
This year the first four were treated to a visit by the Dep. G.M., R.W. Bro. Thomas W. Pairman, who,
accompanied by a supporting Past G.L. Officer, W. Bro. Len Cleaver, P.G.S., decided to have a tour of the
Central District and combine some very impressive sightseeing with Masonic duties. The weather was
perfect, with brilliant skies, warm temperatures and no rain. I learnt that the accommodation was good, the
hospitality was even better, and sociability was excellent.
Our Deputy expresses himself as being most impressed with the Ceremonial as enacted by the Otago
District, particularly the promptitude and efficiency of the Officers participating, which combined to make a
ceremony which could be completed at an early hour, thus leaving adequate time for fraternising in the
refectory. In three of the four Lodges our R.W. Bro. was received in accordance with the honour of his rank
and he addressed the Brethren in the refectory in his reply to his personal toast. He also took part in the
ceremonies of the Lodges by addressing the Brethren and Wardens on three occasions.
He endeared himself to the Brethren by his deep sense of sincerity and by his profound knowledge of the
Craft which only experience and veneration can afford. His genuine "down to earth" approach will be
remembered by the Otago Central Lodges who had the pleasure of receiving him. A farmer himself, he was
on common ground with his hosts and appeared to thoroughly enjoy the experience.
He visited Lodge Manuherikia Kil. No. 109, the St. Bathan's Lodge No. 126, Lodge Dunstan No. 103, and
the Mt. Ida Lodge No. 97.
Otago would like to see him on some future occasion.
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