Vive La Difference
Sometimes differences can be important. Freemasonry is a conservative institution, and does not welcome
innovation. It has come to us from an earlier age, when orthodoxy meant strength, when heterodoxy was
heresy and a threat to the established order. This order, in the Craft, was organised for mutual strength and
support, and considerable precautions were taken against assault from the outsider. Movements towards
change from inside were regarded as the attack from within, what in an intermediate age might have been
called the fifth column. The Craft has always been the whole Craft, and has felt this to be part of its strength.
Discipline and control have thus always been elements in the organisation of Freemasonry, just as discipline
and self-discipline must be elements in the conduct of a good Freemason.
In this there is no taint of empire-building; although this, too, whether from good, mistaken or even bad
motives can become part of the scene. It is a matter of control, and if control is to be effective in the common
interest there must be conformity and submission.
This habit of thought is by no means as harsh as it may at first sight appear. Anyone who attempts to make
changes in the body of Freemasonry will find his attempts doomed to failure, but individual Grand Lodges
permit a good deal of latitude in non-essentials. There is reverence for any ancient custom, though, indeed it
is subject to severe scrutiny. Most Freemasons must have heard of the Director of Ceremonies who, when a
Brother pleaded to be allowed to work in a particular way, because he was following an "ancient custom"
disallowed the contention, snorting: "Damned bad habit!"
This sort of thing aside, we all respect ancient workings, and on amalgamations or on erection of new Grand
Lodges there are usually provisions for the preservation, for example, of certain ritual practices by lodges
which have used them for a very long time. (By analogy, even the Common Law makes concessions to rights
that have subsisted from "time immemorial".) Our ritual did not come to us ready made, and it would be a
pity, on an amalgamation made for administrative reasons, if ancient and sometimes colourful practices were
left to moulder in forgotten keys and ritual volumes, never to come to the attention of anyone but the
occasional historical scholar.
The Craft is not concerned to destroy, and pressure in this regard would be an assault on our history and a
denial of the fact that its course has taken many channels.
If one could contrast the philosophy of English-speaking peoples today with the philosophy of the founders
of the modern Craft, it might well be that the dominant conclusion was that where the emphasis had been on
discipline and the preservation of the status quo it had shifted to questioning, experiment and even
permissiveness in the pursuit of progress. Mankind cannot stand still, and mankind does not try to stand still.
In the eyes of each generation the antics of its successors are inclined to appear a headlong rush towards
destruction, towards perdition. We are inclined to feel that our children should take everything on trust from
us, having due regard to precept. Precept has its place: we offer our successors the best we can from our own
experience. It is our function to do this; but we are inclined to expect also that they will accept it blindly.
We are disappointed that they will not do this, and we have to bring ourselves to an understanding of the fact
that no generation worth its salt will take important things for granted. Examination of society and of one's
own place in it is the proper activity of adult man. One has to make one's own mistakes in order to learn from
them: this is what over-protective parents so often refuse to admit as their children reach maturity. One has to
make one's own mistakes in order to learn from them. Sometimes a whole civilisation must go down into the
depth, must experience Dark Ages, before it can regenerate itself: it is no more than a mirror of the cycle of
birth and death which informs all nature.
What, then, is the place of the Craft? Are we an anachronism, surviving from one age to the next, and
beyond, having outlived our usefulness? This it would be hard to accept: one feels instinctively that it cannot
be so.
Why, then, has Freemasonry its place in the turbulent modern world? First, it states and defines ancient
values in a way which is comforting alike to those who have been exposed to them and have not begun to
test or question them: the simple statement gives food for thought. Secondly, it presents them again and
again for those who have tested them and accepted them.
The young become older: the values do not change. As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so acceptance of
what we believe to be immutable principle comes after the age of experiment. One should never forget that it
is the docile who accept precept without thought: it is the honest-minded, the mentally less lazy, those who
are really and intelligently concerned about the nature and direction of life, who will want to rebel, to
examine, to restate.
Is it too much to suggest that this process, severely testing though it may be, is the very one that in the end
will lead to the acceptance of absolute values, the values we believe lie at the core of the teachings of the
Craft? If we really have confidence in those values, we shall have no doubt.
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MAGNITUDE
The magnitude of the influence of Freemasonry upon the thinking of mankind is immeasurable. The spirit of
Freemasonry is a constructive force and as its name indicates, it builds. There are many institutions
promoting belief in the same God and governed by the same ideals as we, though their methods may differ.
While we build character, beautify lives, create sentiment toward the establishing of brotherly love in the
hearts of men and the accepting of the Golden Rule as the law of their conduct, the many creeds of the
Christian and Jewish faiths are also in their own manner striving for the same goal. Well may we join hands
with any organisation seeking the promotion of our principles, no matter what their method may be, that by
our co-operative effort the people of this world might come to dwell together in peace.
—Square and Compass
________________________________________
ATTENTION PLEASE !
Have you paid your subscription yet ?
If not, would you kindly give the matter your
immediate attention.
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Regalia House
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 advice.
A. Bowden, 738 Tararu Rd., Thames. T. D. Buchanan, 35 Fancourt St., Remuera.
H. C. Bull, 181 Broderick Rd., Johnsonville, J. M. Clark, 76 Godden Cres., Auckland, E.1.
O. C. Campbell, 184 Gillies Ave., Epsom, Auckland. G. E. Collis, Kairanga, R.D. 7, Palmerston North.
John Dennis, Glenure, R.D., Balfour, Southland. C. H. A. Hiri, 9 Craighall Cres., Dunedin.
E. Hemingway, 147 Chadwick Rd., Greerton, Tauranga, Secretary, Matatua Conclave, No. 143, S.M.
C. H. Maginley, 9 Porters Ave., Te Atatu South, Auckland.
Alan Marryatt, 225 Main Rd., Trentham. G. A. Lindsay, 18 Melrose Pl., Tokoroa.
D. R. McKenzie, 87 James St., Whakatane. L. C. McLauchlan, 171 High St., Dannevirke.
Sydney Melville, Box 19, Balclutha. J. D. Moncrieff, 36 Albert St., Pahiatua.
T. D. O'Connor, 84 Flanshaw Rd., Te Atatu. K. A. Richards, Antares Flats, 6 East St., Petone.
G. K. W. Page, Flat 2, 394 Mt. Eden Rd., Auckland. H. Simpson, 197 James St., Whakatane.
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TOLERANCE
The most lovable quality that any human being can possess is tolerance. It is the vision that enables one to
see things from another's point of view. It is the generosity that concedes to others in the right to their own
opinions and their own peculiarities. It is the bigness that enables us to let people be happy in their own way,
instead of in our way.
IMMORTALITY
It is useless to try to prove by logic or by demonstration the immortality of man. We believe it, there is an
end to it! And we do not believe it because we have proved it but we try to prove it because we already
believe it. It is hope, a kind of inward certainty which finds its support not in this fact or in that, but in the
cast and colour of life as a whole. It rises up into our minds like an exaltation from all our thoughts, all our
experiences, all our dreams, as the odour that drifts across a summer field distills from numberless unnoticed
plants. We are never so puzzled as when we are challenged to give a reasoned proof of this hope; and we are
never so unreasonable as when we cease to believe it. Men everywhere always have believed it not because
priests have taught them or because scientists have found out the secret of it but because life itself has taught
them, and it is something that the universe itself is always whispering to them.
—Harry LeRoy Haywood (from "Iowa G.L. Bulletin")
AUCKLAND
LODGE BIRKENHEAD, No. 337
21st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
At the Regular Meeting held in the Masonic Hall, Northcote, on Thursday 1 May, Lodge Birkenhead, No.
337, celebrated the 21st anniversary of its foundation. The Lodge was consecrated on 19 May 1948 by M.W.
Bro. William J. Girling, Grand Master, and W. Bro. Edwin A. Sharpe, a Past Master of Lodge Onewa, No.
182, was installed as its first Master.
In a letter to the Lodge, M.W. Bro. Girling regretted his inability to attend the anniversary meeting and sent
his fraternal greetings to the Master and Brethren of the Lodge and his especial regards to V.W. Bro. E. A.
Sharpe. A full attendance of Lodge members, including 15 of the 18 surviving Past Masters was present and
they were supported by many visiting Wor. Brethren and Brethren. The Lodge was honoured by the presence
of the Prov. Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. Selwyn Oldham and accompanying Grand Lodge Officers.
The ceremonial work of the evening, the initiation of Peter Grahame Aspden, was conducted by foundation
members of the Lodge, and for this purpose the Master, W. Bro. Roland N. King handed the gavel and with
it the control of the Lodge to V.W. Bro. Edwin A. Sharpe, first Master of the Lodge. Other W. Brethren and
Brethren participating were: W. Bro. L. J. Read, foundation member and Master 1956. as D. of C.; W. Bro.
H. J. Verran, foundation member and Master 1950, as Chaplain; W. Bro. R. H. Fleming, foundation member
and Master 1951, as S.W.; W. Bro. W. H. Kedgley, foundation member and Master 1955, as J.W.: W. Bro.
T. G. Price, first joining member and Master 1954, as S.D.; Bro. J. V. Thomson, foundation member and first
Organist, as J.D.; Bro. A. A. Darrington, foundation member and first Tyler, as I.G.
Charges were also presented by W. Bro. Parrish, a past master of Onewa Lodge, No. 182, and an uncle of the
candidate; Bro. Albert Aspden, father of the candidate; W. Bro. G. Warth, first initiate to become Master
(1957); W. Bro. J. W. Irvine, P.G.Swd.B., foundation member and past master of Onewa Lodge, No. 182;
and Bro. W. J. Wallace, one of the first initiates and now Secretary of Lodge Waikowhai, No. 412.
On completion of the ceremonial work W. Bro. L. J. Read, on behalf of the foundation members, presented
to the Lodge a framed colour photograph of the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. H.E. Sir Arthur Porritt, Bt.,
G.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., C.B.E., in the full Masonic dress of his office.
In recognition of his services to the Lodge and as a mark of the esteem in which he is held by the brethren of
the Lodge, it was announced that V.W. Bro. Edwin A. Sharpe had been elected an Honorary Member of the
Lodge.
To further mark the occasion the Master, W. Bro. King, handed to Rt. W. Bro. Selwyn Oldham, Prov. G.M.,
a cheque for $500 as a gift from the Lodge to the projected Geriatric Hospital at the Roskill Masonic Village,
to be used for the purchase of some necessary item of equipment.
Refectory proceedings were held in the adjoining hall, which was decorated with banners bearing heraldic
representations of foundation members, past masters and officers of the Lodge. In proposing the toast to
Foundation Members, W. Bro. N. H. Burnett referred to the foresight and enthusiasm of the Wor. Brethren
and Brethren who founded the Lodge and paid a tribute to those who had passed on the Grand Lodge above.
Finally, a representation of the Lodge Emblem, a Tiaha superimposed on a frame of carved totara and
embellished with paua-shell lettering, was presented to the Lodge by V.W. Bro. Sharpe. This emblem was
carved and fabricated by W. Bro. G. F. Langridge and C. P. Peal, past masters of the Lodge.
Celebrations will continue with a social function to be held at "Trillo's", Westhaven on 15 May when
families and friends will join in our festivities.
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WAIKATO
V.W. BRO. E. H. GILLAM, P.G. Lect.,
EULOGY DELIVERED AT LODGE OF SORROW, LODGE ROTORUA, No. 153, BY
W. BRO. G. W. ENSOR, P. Asst. G.D.C.
We meet here today in this Lodge of Sorrow to offer our last sad tribute of respect to the memory of our late
and very esteemed V.W. Bro. Ted Gillam and to express our sympathy with his wife and family in the loss of
a dearly loved husband and father. May they derive some comfort from the knowledge that his life and
actions earned him such wide respect and appreciation.
We gather together with feelings of sadness mixed with thankfulness—sadness at the passing of a friend and
brother and thankfulness to the Great Architect for the privilege of having been associated with him and
having experienced the depth of his wisdom, his kindness, his faith and his love.
Both within and without the Lodge he conducted himself in accordance with the highest ideals of
Freemasonry and his life was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him.
In his business associations he established an enviable reputation for sincerity, integrity and sound judgment
and his valued advice was sought and heeded by both Maori and Pakeha over a very extended sphere.
He played his full part in civic activities serving in various community organisations including a period as a
Rotorua City Councillor. But it is within the Craft itself that his record of service is outstanding.
A Mason for over 40 years V.W. Bro. Gillam was initiated in Lodge Puketoi, No. 149, at Pongaroa on 19
January 1927. He subsequently joined Lodge Te Puke, No. 231, and after taking up residence in Rotorua in
1934 joined Lodge Rotorua, No. 153 and was installed as Master in 1947. He was a foundation member of
Lodge Arawa, No. 406 and was elevated to Grand Lodge as Grand Lecturer in 1965.
He became a member of the Rotorua Royal Arch Chapter in 1938 and was installed as First Principal in
1948. He was appointed Grand Standard Bearer in 1959. When the Tokoroa R.A. Chapter was formed he
became one of the Foundation members.
Our brother joined the Rotorua Rose Croix Chapter in 1941, was enthroned as Sovereign in 1949 and later
received the 30''. He was a Foundation member of the Tirau R.C. Chapter and Rotorua Conclave of the
Secret Monitor.
He gave of his talents unstintingly in the service of all these branches of the order and performed his
multifareous duties w ith honour and distinction—his knowledge of the various rituals was remarkable and
this together with his deep study of the V.S.L. enabled him to interpret the wider meaning and purpose of our
different ceremonies. As in all his activities he v as ever ready to impart of his knowledge to those who
sought his help and it would be impossible to over
estimate his influence for the good of Freemasonry
in general and this Waikato District and the Rotorua-
Bay of Plenty area in particular.
It as a joy to him that brethren should work together
in lore and harmony and he would often express his
pleasure with the quotation. "How good and pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity".
We will miss his presence but the good example of
his life and actions will remain in our memories.
May it inspire us all to redouble our efforts to live up
to the teachings and principles of our beloved craft
so that when we may be summoned from this
sublunary abode we may also receive the
commendation which we believe our late brother has
so richly deserved. "Well done, good and faithful
servant—enter thou into the joy of thy Lord".
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WELLINGTON
VISIT OF DEACONS TO LODGE WATERLOO, No.13
Deacons from Wellington Lodges were the guests of Lodge Waterloo. No. 13, at its April meeting. The
Lodge was host to 90 visitors.
In a letter commenting on the uniqueness of the occasion the Pro. Grand Master, M.W. Bro. F. W. Pringle,
who is a member of Lodge Waterloo, expressed his wholehearted approval of the visit. He also congratulated
the Master, W. Bro. Kenneth Boyden, on his initiative in arranging the meeting.
The ceremony took much the same form as the one held in October for the members of the Wellington
Masonic Almoners' Association. The address of welcome was again delivered by the Deputy Master, W.
Bro. C. A. Hudson, during the temporary absence of the candidate.
If Freemasonry as a progressive science is the study of a systematised body of knowledge about man from
his birth through life to death then, W. Bro. Hudson stated, it could also be regarded as a progressive art. As
an officer moved through the ranks he added to his knowledge and experience, but more importantly he
increased his own understanding of the teachings of Freemasonry.
As in all arts some are more adept in their practice than others and this could be best seen in the work of
Deacons. The degree of excellence achieved by them in a working, reflects not only the understanding they
have of the ceremonial and ritual, but also of the discipline of their Lodge.
Waterloo's ritual, continued W. Bro. Hudson, contains two basic Masonic lessons for Deacons.
The first of these is brotherly love symbolised by the trowel, the Junior Deacon's jewel, to remind him of his
duty to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which binds us in our sacred bond, a
society of friends and brothers amongst whom no contentions should exist, but that noble contention or
rather emulation of who can best work and best agree.
The second lesson is derived from the Senior Deacon's jewel, the mallet, which ought to teach us that labour
is the lot of man, that skill without exertion is of little avail, for the heart may conceive and the head devise
in vain if the hand be not prompt to execute the &Sign.
Concluding, Bro. Hudson, pointed out that having reached their present office Deacons are now poised for
entry into several stimulating years of increasingly closer association with their counterparts from other
Lodges. These could be years of deep enjoyment for in getting to know one another they would also be able
to judge themselves better. For as Masons they ought to have but one aim in view, namely to please each
other and to unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness to others. To be able to
do this they would need to apply the lessons they were taught as Deacons.
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NELSON - MARLBOROUGH
On Saturday 26 April the Waitohi Lodge, No. 111, Picton, held their Installation Meeting. When Bro. John
Tripe was installed by R.W. Bro. H. J. W. Waters, Prov. Grand Master for Nelson and Marlborough in the
chair. R.W. Bro. Waters was accompanied by 29 Grand Lodge Officers. The ceremony was carried out in the
usual perfect manner. The address to the Master was carried out by the Master's cousin, Wor. B. Dawson of
the St. Augustine Lodge, No. 4.
Afterwards in the Refectory the usual toasts were duly honoured. The toast to the Pro. G. Master was
proposed by Bro. C. H. A. Harris, an ex navy man who, in complimenting the Grand Lodge Officers in their
work, said that in the Navy the higher one goes in the service the least he had to do, but in Freemasonry the
higher one got the more he had to do. He was going on to the bridge one night when he met the Admiral
coming down. The Admiral said, "Come on up, you have more to do than I have."
The ladies put on a wonderful supper and the floral decorations were very highly commended. During the
ceremony the ladies were entertained at Mrs Tripe's house at Koromiko. Afterwards many men folk joined
them.
Waitohi Lodge can look back at another very successful Installation.
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Banners of all kinds available from
Regalia House
————
BOARD OF GOVERNORS, KIRKPATRICK HOUSE
REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1968
I have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report on behalf of the Board of Governors.
Children
At the time of writing this report there are 12 girls in residence and another application is in hand. We could
accommodate several more girls and ask Lodges to bear this in mind if they hear of any case where we may
be of assistance. The health of the girls during the year has been excellent and the reports of their progress at
school and college have been most pleasing. One girl obtained School Certificate last year and this year
Lynette Dunstan has been accredited University Entrance and is a prefect at Nelson College for girls. We are
pleased to be able to assist Anne Finlayson who left the House at the end of 1967 and has now obtained
University Entrance and is at Training College. The Board decided during the year that it would keep in step
with the widening concepts of Masonic Charity as practised in New Zealand and would consider applications
on behalf of girls even where there is no direct Masonic connection in the family. This means that the sole
tests for admission will be the advisability in the girls' own interest and the assurance so far as that is
possible that she will fit in with the girls already here. Again Lodges are asked to bear in mind this relaxation
in the conditions of admission.
Finance
It is pleasing to report that while our accounts show a deficiency for the year it is substantially lower than in
recent years. The deficiency amounts to $1,779.70 and the reduction is attributable to an increase of some
$460 in donations and a saving of $1,370 in expenses, principally repairs. During the year we also received
$3,160 by way of legacies. These now total $23,525 which is all invested in New Zealand Government and
Local Body Stocks and so add materially to our income. The income arising from our original endowment
under the will of our founder, Wor. Bro. S. Kirkpatrick, is now only about 25 percent of the total income
which we require, another 9 percent comes from investment of legacies and for the remainder we must look
to donations.
Property
Grounds, buildings and furnishings have all been maintained in good order and no heavy expenditure is
expected in the near future although painting and decorating are constantly recurring items.
Entertainment
The local Lodges continue to take an active interest in the House by way of outings and evenings and Lodges
in Marlborough are also giving appreciated assistance.
Staff
We are fortunate that our small staff take such a personal interest in the affairs of the House and to Mrs
Legg, her assistant, Miss Shanks, and our gardener, Bro. Gordon Burgess, we express our sincere thanks. Mr
Legg, too, although not a paid member of our staff, does much to help in the smooth running of the House.
In concluding my first report as Chairman, I wish also to thank my fellow Board Members for their great
interest and unfailing assistance in all matters pertaining to the House. My thanks go also to all individuals,
Lodges and the governing bodies of all Constitutions and Chapters for their generous financial assistance
without which our House could not continue.
A. E. SHUTTLEWORTH,
Chairman.
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CANTERBURY
CANTERBURY MASONIC CHARITABLE TRUST
GIFT TO AMBULANCE
A cheque for $480 was handed to the Lyttelton subcentre of the St. John Ambulance Association by the
Masonic Charitable Trust of Canterbury on Saturday afternoon. The money will be used to purchase radio
equipment for two ambulances at the port. The presentation was made by Worshipful Brother F. H.
Beaumont, Master of the. Lodge of Unanimity, No. 3, and was received by Mr W. S. Treninnick, president
of the Lyttelton subcentre of the ambulance. The radio equipment is being installed by the Port Supermarket,
Ltd. —From "The Christchurch Press", 13/5/69
————
IN MEMORIAM
WOR. BRO. W. J. SERVICE, P. Prov. Std. Br.
We regret to record the death of a well known Freemason in the person of Wor. Bro. William John Service,
who ceased labour towards the end of April last.
Wor. Bro. Service affiliated with Lodge Riccarton, No. 276 in 1942 and was installed as Master in 1955. He
was subsequently elected as Provincial Grand Standard Bearer in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canterbury.
Wor. Bro. Service was an engineer in the Post and Telegraph Department and had resided in various parts of
New Zealand. He was for many years District Telegraph Engineer at Christchurch and later was promoted to
Regional Engineer, which position he held at the time of his retirement. He was in his 69th year at the time
of his death.
His funeral service was held at St. Ninian's Presbyterian Church, Puriri Street, Riccarton, and a further
service was held at the Crematorium, John's Road, Christchurch. There was a large attendance of
Freemasons at his funeral.
————
LODGE ACACIA, No. 209
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Lodge Acacia was honoured by a visit from the Pro. Grand Master, Most Wor. Bro. F. W. Pringle, on the
occasion of the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Lodge. Most Wor. Bro. Pringle was
accompanied by M.Wor. Bro. J. S. Hawker, P.G.M., Rt. Wor. Bro. A. F. Fisher, P. Dep. G.M., Rt. Wor. Bro.
E. J. Butcher, P. Prov. G.M., Rt. Wor. Bro. A. R. Chambers, S.G.W., Rt. Wor Bro. W. McK. Norrie, P.G.W.,
and other Grand Lodge Officers.
The Pro. Grand Master was welcomed by the Provincial Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. L. C. H. Suckling.
M.W. Bro. Pringle thanked the Prov. G. Master and the brethren for their greetings and stated that he was
happy to be present on this special occasion. He said that 50 years ago Lodge Acacia was founded—like the
planting of an acacia tree which has been cared for and has flourished. Lodge Acacia has flourished over the
years and has been a credit to those brethren who founded it. He wished that he could transform himself back
20 years or more to meet some of those early day brethren.
History of the Lodge
An attractive history of the Lodge has been compiled and published. It gives details of all the important
events of the past 50 years affecting the Lodge, and mentions many of the brethren who have taken an
important part in lodge affairs.
The Lodge is situated at Waikari in a beautiful and fertile valley in North Canterbury. It is fortunate still to
have a record of an historic meeting held in the Anglican Vicarage on 29 July 1918 and the minutes show
that a committee was set up with the object of procuring a charter and forming the lodge at Waikari.
The Dedication of the Lodge had to be postponed on account of influenza epidemic of November 1918, but
on 27 January 1919 Lodge Acacia was Constituted and Dedicated by M.W. Bro. J. J. Dougall, P.G.M. and
Officers of Grand Lodge. The first Lodge meetings were held in the County Council Boardroom, but in due
course arrangements were made for a Lodge Room to be built. This was completed and ready in time for the
Installation meeting in October 1923. The present refectory was added in 1949, and other improvements and
furnishings have been provided from time to time.
The present Master is Wor. Bro. L. B. Hart, and the Secretary, Wor. Bro. J. Stocks has held office since
1930.
Address by Very Wor. Bro. G. W. Soal, P.G. Lec.
V. Wor. Bro. G. W. Soal who has given wonderful service to Lodge Acacia during many years, gave an
address to the brethren to mark the Jubilee. He paid a tribute to those worthy Masons who met by the
Vicarage fireside to plan and eventually to effect the establishment of the Lodge. They had faith in the future
of the new Lodge and their belief hi Freemasonry was something that was capable of lifting them above their
ordinary lives.
Wor. Bro. Soal said, "Our Lodge has always been small, but always great of heart. It has never had more
than 70 members, and has never produced a Grand Master or Provincial Grand Master. But numerical
strength and preferment in office are not the only criteria of success or of happiness in Masonry or in life. It
would be foolish, too, to claim that it has never known dissension, yet its members have built up a tradition
of loyal service, of brotherly love and harmony, and of sound Masonic teaching that might well be the envy
of many larger and less happy Lodges, and that has ensured that those who have experienced its happy
family atmosphere have been proud to be members of it and to carry that pride, without arrogance or
parochialism, wherever they have gone. This does not in any way mean that its members do not play their
part in the wider Masonic world, or diminish their loyalty and service to the Grand Lodge or to the Craft in
general. Each member knows well that he is but one of the great procession of Masons throughout the world,
and down the long stream of time.
"Our fiftieth birthday is something to be proud of, but it is no time for complacency. It is fitting that, while
we praise those predecessors who have given us so much, we should also examine ourselves, and ask how
much that pride in the Lodge is justified by our own conduct and actions, or how much it rests on the past
and the endeavours of others. Have we done all we should to carry out and to foster the principles we
profess? Does Brotherhood mean the same to us outside the Lodge as it does in it? Does our practice of
Charity towards all men, and particularly the sick, the distressed, the widowed and the fatherless, match with
our words, or even with the often only token standard of our giving? Above all, do we carry the precepts of
Masonry in our hearts and try to live up to them in our daily lives?"
————
MAIRAKI LODGE, No. 131
INSTALLATION MEETING
Rt. Wor. Bro. L. C. H. Suckling, Prov. Grand Master of Canterbury conducted the Installation of Bro. Leslie
George Baldcock, as Master of the Mairaki Lodge, at Cust, North Canterbury. Rt. Wor. Bro. A. R.
Chambers, S.G.W., Rt. Wor. Bro. Ross Hepburn, P.G.W., and a number of other officers of Grand Lodge
were in attendance. Rt. Wor. Bro. Chambers is the second oldest member of the Mairaki Lodge, having been
the school teacher in the district in earlier years.
In the refectory Wor. Bro. M. Richardson, I.P.M., proposed the toast of the Provincial Grand Master, and
extended a welcome to Rt. Wor. Bro. Suckling on his first visit to the Lodge since taking office. In an
attractive speech Wor. Bro. Richardson extended best wishes to Rt. Wor. Bro. Suckling and said that the
brethren looked forward to meeting him.
Address by Rt. Wor. Bro. Suckling
In reply Rt. Wor. Bro. Suckling thanked Wor. Bro. Richardson for his generous remarks, and then gave an
address to the brethren entitled, "A True Mason Lives for the Future".
Rt. Wor. Bro. Suckling said, "A true Mason prepares to live not for today, but for the future. He devotes his
life to the cultivation of moral and social virtues, the upbuilding of the soul, the education of the mind in
order that the influence which he casts upon those about him, shall continue long after his mortal part has
mouldered.
"Every sustaining virtue in life is made more precious by the element of time and continuance. It is
inconceivable that this character which we build with so much pain and self-denial, shall suddenly collapse
like the bubble which is blown into the air. Such a disaster is impossible if we understand Freemasonry
aright, for the character which Freemasonry builds, graced and adorned by those Masonic attributes which
have contributed to its growth and development, is destined to live on and on, ever becoming broader, and
stronger, and finer and deeper, and sweeter with the passing years.
"An eminent Masonic Scholar has declared that no man has any right to claim to be a Freemason unless he
has endeavoured to put into practice at least some of the teachings of the Fraternity.
"It is not necessary," he asserted, "to go up to the Lodge Room to practice Freemasonry. It is in the busy
marts of the world, where men meet each other in their daily affairs, where human kindness and helpfulness
and honesty are so much needed."
LATE WOR. BRO. DOUGLAS W. STARKEY
The death occurred recently after a lengthy illness of Wor. Bro. D. W. Starkey, who was a Past member of
the Board of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canterbury. He was also Lodge Representative on the United
Board of Enquiry for the past 7 years.
Wor. Bro. Starkey has been a member of the Ashley Lodge for over 40 years having been initiated in 1929.
He was a modest man, and was hesitant about taking office. However, he became the Master in 1952 and
was preceptor for many years. He did much for his
Lodge of which he was a strong supporter and he was
well known and highly regarded by members of the
Craft throughout North Canterbury.—ACF.
————
ST. AUGUSTINE ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER
No. 1, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
The above Chapter will be celebrating its centenary on
22, 23, 24 November this year.
We were fortunate in finding a programme of the
Diamond Jubilee Meeting of the Chapter with the
Historical Notes included in the programme.
The Chapter was formed by an application to the
Grand Chapter of England in 1867. A charter duly
arrived dated 4 November 1868, in the name of St.
Augustine Royal Arch Chapter, No. 609, and the
Chapter was inaugurated in the St. Augustine Hall on
25 November 1869.
There were 10 charter members, and M. Ex. Comp. Dr
William Donald, was the first principal of the Chapter.
In 1921 the question of forming a Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand was discussed and later on
formed.
The Chapter decided to transfer to the New Zealand Constitution and was duly registered as No. 1. A petition
was sent to the New Zealand Constitution and was granted, dated 1 January 1892.
Our first home was at 89 Hereford Street, our second home from 1870 to 1916 was 174 Manchester Street,
and our present home is the Masonic Hall, Gloucester Street.
A committee has been formed in the Chapter to organise the carrying out of the Centennial Celebrations,
which will consist of a banquet on the Saturday evening, with a Church parade on the Sunday at St.
Micheal's Church, and on the Monday evening a Centennial Chapter meeting will be held when it is intended
to work a degree. V. Ex. Comp. B. E. A. Williams, P.Z. is chairman of the committee, with V. Ex. Comp. A.
W. Bedwell as secretary, with the past first principals of the last five years and the present first principal.
Any ex companion wishing to know more about these functions should write to V. Ex. Comp. A. W.
Bedwell, P.Z., 22 Roosevelt Ave., Christchurch, 1.
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OTAGO
THE SERVICE LODGE, No. 237
INSTALLATION MEETING
On Anzac Day, 25 April, Brother L. J. Small became the 47th Master of the Service Lodge, No. 237.
R.W. Bro. W. W. Mundy, Prov. G.M., and 20 Grand Lodge Officers were in attendance; there was also a
muster of 230 Brethren.
There is always a good attendance at this Installation Meeting, partly on account of the day being a national
holiday, but principally due to the custom of observing this day by the Lodge as a day of remembrance to our
fallen Brethren.
After the Master is installed, and before the investiture of the Officers, a commemoration service is held in
memory of those Brethren who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country.
In the Lodge Room, in the centre of the pavement, a white draped pedestal on which rests a wreath of red
poppies; at the base a circle of poppies and the hats of the four services—Navy—Merchant Navy—Army—
Air Force.
On this occasion W. Bro. L. J. Small, the newly installed Master, delivered the following address:
Address by W. Bro. L. J. Small, W.M., the Service Lodge, 237 Brethren,
It is our established custom at this particular time that the Service Lodge pays a tribute to those brethren who
have fallen in the service of their country and passed to the Grand Lodge above.
We as Freemasons have many customs, some of them so ancient that their origins are lost in antiquity, closed
pages of the past, and yet through habit more than inclination, the customs prevail.
But our custom to keep Anzac Day sacred, which stretches back over three generations, is not yet old, but
comparatively new and there are those brethren among us who have the most vivid memories of when it
began.
Anzac was conceived on the ravaged beaches of Gallipoli in what can only be described as one of the most
terrible episodes in the history of human suffering.
On those beaches died young men in the flower of life, young men of courage, of intellect, willing men,
dedicated men, whose potential for life had hardly been realised, when, unselfishly, they had to surrender it.
They were not alone in their sacrifices and that too is another great human misfortune, for the scourge of the
Great War claimed thousands of their comrades, in France and on other distant battle fields.
And then a new generation flowered, only to be scythed down in the Second World War which was even
more far flung this time, and to the valiant traditions of Anzac were added place names like Crete and
Greece, El Alamein, Cassino, Normandy, and many others in the Pacific theatre which will not be forgotten.
Many of our soldiers, sailors and airmen lie in distant lands, far from the country of their birth and infant
nurture, and we who are left, remember them, especially on Anzac Day.
We not only have cause to remember them but to be thankful for the sacrifices they made. Our young
servicemen, who marched to war had, in the main, not lived long enough to philosophise about what it was
for which they fought, but they did, in the most simple terms, know the cause in which they served, and that
was freedom.
We now know that their sacrifices were not in vain, in spite of what is most cynically said at times, for at the
end of the last World War, for the first time in history, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was
evolved.
The preamble to the declaration recites that it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a
last resort to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that Human Rights should be protected by the rule of
law, and each party to the covenant undertakes to respect and to ensure to ail individuals within its territory,
and subject to its jurisdiction, the rights recognised in the covenant.
And this ,brethren, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or
other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
When we think of the fallen on Anzac Day we should remember that without them, this declaration would
never have been produced, and that the spark of freedom would lie among the ashes of a devastated world;
so clearly then, their sacrifices were not in vain; but we must always remember that the mission of the dead
is ended and that they witness no more the affairs of men.
How futile it would be if those of us who were spared did not champion their cause in these days of peace,
and carry on the ideals with which they were imdued, to build upon the foundation of freedom which they
laid, and raise a superstructure not only honourable
to the builders, but to our fallen comrades who were
the architects of it; and who better fitted or prepared
for this task, may I ask brethren, than those in the
ranks of Freemasonry.
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Rose Croix Eagles and Stars in stock at
Regalia House
At the basis of our institution is the brotherhood of all men in a family whose father is God. Probably most of
us, when we were initiated, had an image of God that has changed as the years have passed, but there is still
a faith which gives us a common ground where we meet.
There are three vital relationships which men must face in life. The first of these is basic to the continuation
of the human race and this relationship today is called marriage. It is recognised by Masonry and is a sphere
where our institution will not interfere but will endeavour to maintain inviolate. The second vital relationship
is between man and his creator. It is only from among those who profess a belief in God's existence that we
accept men to be initiated but further we do not go, each man following such teachings as seem good to him.
The third vital relationship which must be solved by every man is with other men. This includes the dirty, the
clean, the wise, and the foolish who crowd about us, whether we wish them to or not. This is the realm of
Masonry and our close knit fraternity tells us how we should feel and act towards them. All men are our
brothers and friendship and brotherly love should flow from within our institution towards all men.
Freemasonry is bound to recognise the need for law and order and its tenets and principles include the
necessity for obedience to duly constituted authority. We must do what lies in our power to counteract all
tendencies towards a weakening of the claims of lawful authority and thus join with all men of goodwill,
whether inside or outside our own ranks. in upholding law and order.
It has been said by a distinguished brother that war, especially a Great War, tends to a weakening of moral
restraint, the loss of respect of civil authority and a degeneration of the social structure.
This cannot be denied and the charges of a Freemason say that Masonry has ever flourished in times of peace
and has always been injured by war, bloodshed and confusion.
The great labour of Masons today is to fully recognise this and to help build a world of the kind our fallen
brethren and comrades were trying so desperately to establish.
A true democracy seeks to do justice to all men, embodying discipline, order, adequate knowledge and
opportunity for spiritual expression. We, as Freemasons, must resist all tendencies which might weaken the
processes and ideals of a true democracy.
Freemasons by loyal adherence and obedience to the tenets and principles of the craft, and the active practice
of the virtues inculcated in its teachings, will promote and maintain order in the fraternity.
But we must also cultivate these same virtues as members of our own particular community, as citizens of
our own Dominion, and as members of the world family.
It behoves all men to try always to tilt the scale so that the positive power for good is dominant; in this noble
work, Masonry over the centuries has played a most important role and it is our job to carry on that tradition.
Our strength is precisely in the teachings of Masonry which we have heard so often but which remain
eternally true—brotherly love—relief—truth.
It is often suggested in this modern day and age that Freemasonry should have a definite object, anything so
long as it is a definite object or purpose towards which members could rally their efforts.
The claim has been made that such a programme would give members a greater interest and promote
attendance, as well as attracting prominent people to our ranks in order to be of assistance. Those who make
such suggestions are obviously overlooking the great objective we already have, the objective which was in
the minds of our ancient brethren when they founded Freemasonry so long ago, namely the task of
improving men's minds.
This is without doubt the greatest objective we have, for if we can succeed in the task of making men better,
all other things will automatically follow. The true Mason privately supports all legitimate charities so far as
his means will permit, interests himself in the work of his church and community and exercises his franchise
in an endeavour to promote the welfare of his country.
Therefore, if Freemasonry fulfills its real basic objective, that of making good men, then it needs no other.
Brethren, may I conclude with one last general observation. Freemasonry has endured not because of its
antiquity, its influence or its social standing, but because there have been so many who have lived by it.
The effectiveness of Masonic teaching will always be the measure by which the outside world judges
Freemasonry. The proof of Freemasonry is in our deeds and it is in our deeds that Masonry is made known to
non Masons.
You and I are Freemasonry in the eyes of the world. The only way the Craft can be judged is by its product
and we should be ever mindful that the prestige of Freemasonry lies squarely on the shoulders of us all.
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'Installing Masters' Guide" in stock at
Regalia House