I Mean, Charity
Freemasonry is noted for many things: it is known as a society which is exclusive and has secrets, a society
which looks after its own members, a society which allows only grown men to become its members and will
not admit women or children. It is known as a strongly social influence, confirming men in their civic and
their religious allegiances, without attempting to supersede either. It is known as an ancient order which has
spread to many countries. It is known to be a cult which depends upon symbolism for its method of teaching.
A very great deal is known, outside Freemasonry, about the Craft, for although Freemasonry does not
advertise and has its secrets, it is not a secret society. There is nothing wrong in these things being known.
Certain things, indeed, are expected to be known about every Freemason—that he is one to whom the
burdened heart may pour forth its sorrow or to whom the distressed may prefer their suit; that his heart may
be relied upon to be expanded by pity and goodwill, his hand to be guided by justice. There is indeed, much
that the outside world may know and does know about the Craft and those who are members of it. There is
above all one thing for which the Freemason should always be known, for it should be his distinguishing
characteristic: it is the virtue, the quality of charity.
Charity, we are told in a famous passage, like its sister Mercy, is twice blessed, for it blesses the giver as well
as the receiver. We are reminded that in a society as widespread as our own, the branches of which are
spread over the four quarters of the globe, there are some members who, perhaps through no fault of their
own are poor and needy. We are told that when we encounter any such we should remember the particular
lesson we learned when we were for the moment in the same condition of indigence, and should respond to
the call of the fellow-feeling which this recollection cannot fail to engender.
Even in the days of the cathedral-builders the wandering artisan could rely upon the next band of craftsmen
he encountered to see to his material needs, to look after his safety, assuage his thirst and his hunger. Today
things are more formalised, but there is an officer of the lodge whose function is to dispense alms and
comfort: he is the Almoner. Probably not a great deal of the money which the lodge devotes to benevolent
objects will pass through his hands: resolutions of the lodge or its standing committee or the prerogative
discretion of the Master may take care of a good deal of it. But aid is given sometimes in, cash, some-times
in kind, and sometimes simply through extending the right hand of fellowship to the lonely, to the Brother
who has perhaps for the moment forgotten that he has Brothers upon whom he is entitled to rely. The
visitation of the sick and of the unfortunate is a task which should devolve upon any body of men who are
linked by a common bond. For a Freemason, a member of a lodge, it is obligatory to see that what needs to
be done is done. Apart from what he does himself, the Freemason acts through his agent, one of the officers
of his lodge, the Almoner.
Freemasonry means different things to different men. For some it has a strong religious element: it provides
an observance which they would not miss any more than they would miss attendance at their church or
conventicle. For others it provides a stimulus to
philosophical or historical scholarship: it can be an
abiding interest in this way and it often is. For some
men it is a club and forum, a place where one can be
sure of meeting one's fellows, and sure of a welcome.
For others, in its ritual observances, it satisfies the
love of drama. Freemasonry is as many-sided as a cut diamond. The light that shines out through each of the
faces, the illumination that irradiates the whole, is always the same. It is Charity—Caritas, dearness,
kindness, love: however one expresses it it is always the same, always the distinguishing characteristic of our
Order. If this were to be lacking, Freemasonry would not be Freemasonry.
The work of the Almoner, then, whether it is done by an officer called the Almoner or whether it is simply
part of the work of the lodge, is essential to Masonry: it is the very heart of the Craft.
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ACCURACY
To know the origins of some of the fine phrases in the ritual and with that knowledge to flavour their
teachings with a spiritual insight into the depths of their meaning, is vastly more important than the most
exact repetition of words like the outpouring of an automatic phonograph, says a writer in an overseas
journal.
Accuracy should be the objective of every good ritualist, but it should be the accuracy with knowledge of the
inner meaning of the words spoken.
Only thus can he learn the reward of hearing his brethren say, "He gives that just as if he were making it up
as he goes along". That is the highest praise and is born only by accuracy, knowledge and sincerity. As you
present to the neophyte these masterpieces of the ages, do you have an inward feeling they contain wisdom
that has never been excelled? That you are delivering to the candidate a message that should be to him the
most far reaching, inspiring character building plan of life, that only the chief Architect of the Universe could
draw?
If so, you will not be concerned with oratory or the entertainment of those on the sidelines. You will be
thinking only of your duty to God and the candidate. Your sincerity will be so felt that a misspoken word
will be unnoticed, and when you will have finished, everyone will feel he has been in the presence of God.
If instead of a gem or a flower, we could cast the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend, that would
be giving as the angels must give.
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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 advice.
C. H. A. Hiri, 9 Craighall Cres., Dunedin.
A. C. Gini, Flat 7, 65 Marini Rd., Onehunga 6, Auckland.
G. A. Lindsay, 18 Melrose Pl., Tokoroa.
W. R. Morgan, 2/4 Osborne St., Newmarket, Auckland.
W. Morrow, Box 44 Ranfurly.
D. Reid, 116 Archers Rd., Takapuna, Auckland.
W. F. Taylor, 184 Cameron Rd., Tauranga.
W. W. Henderson, 6 High St., Masterton.
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WHAT PRICE TEACHERS?
Are teachers as important as plumbers? Or bricklayers? Or electrical engineers? Aristotle, more than 2,000
years ago, declared that teachers are more important even than parents, for parents only bring children into
the world; it is the teachers who teach them how to live!
Half the beds in our hospitals are filled with persons unable to adjust themselves to modern living. One
dollar out of every four we spend for medical treatment goes to treat the mentally ill. Juvenile delinquency is
increasing. Prisons are being filled faster than they can be built. The personal virtues—truthfulness, honesty,
integrity—are being disregarded by persons whom you wouldn't think would disregard them:
What is to be done? First, we must realise that "as the twig is bent" so the tree is inclined—and that school
days are the twig-bending days! We must appreciate more fully the magnitude of the responsibility left on
the school-house steps. We must quit quibbling, and encourage teachers to feel that their most important job
is to teach character—in any grade, in any school. Finally, we should evaluate the ability and skill of our
teachers in terms of how their students turn out—the kind of persons they become. Not all teachers can
handle such an assignment. It is imperative that we discover—and pay for—teachers who can!
—J. Alice Edmunds
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75th JUBILEE OF MACKENZIE LODGE, No. 93
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 1969
Address by M. Wor. Bro. F. W. Pringle, Pro G.M.
The thought for what I have to say tonight comes from the printed history of this Lodge—indeed from the
records of the Lodge of July 1895 when the business of the evening was a lecture entitled, "The First
Temple". I do not intend to traverse the history of the Lodge, nor to refer to the great, the good, and
particularly the faithful brethren, who have served and are serving it so well. Rather do I seek to set before
you a lesson compounded from the lecture title of, "The First Temple", and the title which is so dear to me of
"Serving Brother".
To us all was given the opportunity of becoming servants in the building of the great temple of
Freemasonry—to us all was given the responsibility of becoming guardians of that temple—to us all was
given the task of laying up treasures within that temple—to the Glory of God, to the benefit of mankind and
to the spiritual and ethical betterment of ourselves.
I believe it proper on great occasions such as this particularly, and perhaps on the anniversary of our
initiation into the mysteries of our craft, that we should each of us take stock, and consider how well we have
discharged our duties. How well we have served as true and faithful brethren. How much we have merited
the seal of approbation placed on us by our predecessors and by the brethren of our mother lodge at our
initiation.
Too often today in this busy and complex life of the twentieth century, do we tend to put aside the great
lessons of Freemasonry—the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Far too often do we tend to
forget the great words of the final charge in the First Degree—"to your God, to your neighbour and to
yourself".
True it is, that the history of Freemasonry goes back into the mysteries of antiquity. Often I try to visualise
the giant minds of those who conceived and brought into being the tremendous conception of a system of
moral and ethical principles without religious or racial barriers which have endured through the ages. At our
initiation we became part of it. We, all of us, became builders of a temple.
If we think of the great intellects which inspired Freemasonry, let us think also of the vision, the courage, the
foresight and the dedication of the founders of this Lodge, of your lodge and of my lodge. Let us ask
ourselves how our Masonic ancestors would regard us, and to how many of us would they say, "Well done
thou good and faithful servant". Let us in our stocktaking of ourselves consider how well we have guarded
the Temple; the integrity and the proud and the great name of Freemasonry. Let us consider how much we
have adorned and decorated it with the rich silks of compassion and tolerance, the lovely brocades of
temperance and justice, the glorious cloth-of-gold of charity, not only charity of the pocket, but also of the
heart and of the outstretched hand. Let us consider how we have tended the great fire of brotherhood, where
every Mason might warm his hands and go forth to demonstrate to the world at large that he was one to
whom the burdened heart could pour forth its sorrow, to whom the distressed could prefer their suit.
Let us remember that the cement of brotherly love
and affection which united the founders of this
Lodge and indeed, of every lodge, into a society of
friends and brothers, is the very bond which links us
to them, and should remind us of the injunction to
unite in the grand design of being happy and
communicating happiness.
These were the moral duties laid upon us by them to glorify the great temple of Freemasonry. This was the
challenge laid upon us so to carry into the outside world the lessons we were taught within that temple. It is
for us to show that as Freemasons we are interested and willing to help, indeed to lead, in the cause of
medicine and education, in diffusing the light of knowledge, in the care of the aged and the sick, in solving
the problems of youth; that we as citizens of this world are working to make it a better one,
In a more material context let us remember also other aspects of our duty. Have we lowered the high
standards of entry which were demanded by our predecessors? Do we make it too easy today to become a
Freemason, for thus we depreciate the value of our craft? I believe that we should raise our standards and not
permit them to lessen. Are the lodge rooms which were built by our elder brethren maintained to the standard
which they would wish? For here we show part of the face of Freemasonry to the world. The exterior of our
lodge rooms is one of the standards by which we will be judged.
Consider, too, we are guarding the Funds of Benevolence as we should? Are we ensuring that the
contributions made and being made for our charities are being wisely expended? Should we not seek to
conserve the capital sum and not be led into providing resources for projects which may ultimately become a
burden on our successors? I agree that our project for homes and for aged people's accommodation evince to
the world that we are prepared to play our part, but I believe also that every such project should be very
closely examined and the implications of calls on the Funds of Benevolence carefully examined before we
proceed further. The attrition of the capital of the Funds of Benevolence will defeat the very purpose for
which it was raised.
These are some of the things to which I think we should give our constant thought; for each of us was given
the responsibility of preserving the destiny of the Craft.
To each of us was given a rough ashlar to work upon. Let us rest for a moment tonight from our labours, to
see how close it has become to that perfection which will make it a stone worthy of, and fit for the temple
which we seek to raise, to the glory of the Great Architect. Let us remember the faith and the foresight of our
elder brethren and prove that we have accepted the duty laid upon us and that we are indeed worthy of their
trust.
"Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle?
who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
"He that walketh uprightly, and worketh
righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."
WAIKATO
The Whakatane "Beacon", 20 December 1969
LODGE GIFT FOR CARDIAC MONITOR
A cheque of $725 was presented to the Whakatane Hospital Board on Wednesday toward the cost of
purchasing a $1,000 theatre cardiac monitor by Masonic lodges throughout the district as a memorial to two
of their members, Messrs G. W. Drayson and J. F. Gibson, who died in an accident at the Matata subway
some time ago.
At the meeting of the board on the same day approval was granted to supply the balance to purchase the
monitor. It had previously been ordered and was expected to arrive from Australia in about three months'
time.
The hospital already has a $3,000 cardiac monitor but the new one will be installed so that doctors can keep
an eye on the screen while they are operating on a patient.
At the presentation to the board of the cheque, Mr F. Prideaux of the Whakatane branch said that members of
the Whakatane, Apanui, Murupara, Kawerau and Taneatua Lodges had raised the money among themselves
and not with the aid of stalls or galas.
Mr T. G. Santon, the chairman of the Bay of Plenty Hospital Board, said in reply that people should take a
bigger part in the affairs of the board.
"We are not a cottage industry any more and there is always a struggle with growing children such as us to
keep them clothed and fed," he added.
Later at the board meeting he said that he could visualise a memorial plaque or something to that effect being
placed outside the theatre after the monitor was installed that it was largely through the efforts of members of
the lodge that the equipment had been bought and installed.
————
NEW SECRET MONITOR CONCLAVE AT THAMES
A new Conclave of Secret Monitors, Thames Conclave, No. 210, was constituted on Saturday, 22nd
November, 1969, in the Corinthian Lodge room, Thames.
The ceremony of dedication was conducted by R.W. Bro. D. T. Clifton-Lewis, P.D.G.S.R., and was followed
by the Installation of V.W. Bro. L. S. Judd as S.R. by
R.W. Bro. D. A. Marks, Deputy D.G.S.R. In both
these ceremonies, assistance was given by past and
present officers of District Grand Conclave.
V.W. Bro. Judd, the first Supreme Ruler of the new
Conclave was also a foundation member, and
became Supreme Ruler in 1965 of Remuera
Conclave, No. 176, Auckland.
The preceding ceremonies were conducted in the
afternoon, and the evening's ceremony was the
induction into the order of ten brethren.—B.C.M.
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"Installing Masters' Guide" in stock at
Regalia House
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HAWKE'S BAY
Lodge Bedford at Waipukurau, chalked up a "first" on Saturday, February 14 of this year. For the first time
in Masonic history, the Hawke's Bay Almoners' Association held their quarterly meeting in that progressive
Central Hawke’s Bay town, and this was at the express invitation of Lodge Bedford, which incidentally, is
the third oldest lodge in the Bay.
The occasion was not only an almoners' meeting, but also one of the popular "get-togethers", introduced
some three years ago and to which almoners' wives as well as sitting masters and their wives are invited to
get together socially.
For this gathering there were about 60 present, including the Prov. Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Len Webb
and his good lady, and actually more than 50 sat down to enjoy a delightful dinner provided by the brethren
and ladies of Bedford.
The quarterly meeting of the Association was held in the lodge room, and while this "parliament was in
session", the ladies were taken for a tour of central Hawke's Bay, including an interesting break at the
museum at Onga Onga, and a call at the home for the disabled, which is still referred to as the "San Hill" at
Waipukurau. This home was originally a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, but is now the home for many
cheerful disabled persons, who incidentally, were treated to some luscious Hawke's Bay peaches and apples,
a gift from Bro. John Taylor, J.W. of Services Lodge of H.B.
On returning to the lodge room where the almoners had finished their meeting, tongues wagged and
acquaintances were renewed and made over the "cup that cheers" (and something a little more potent) and
this was followed by a delightfully prepared dinner in the refectory.
The dinner was interspersed with a musical programme arranged by Wor. Bro. "Scotty" Armand, and a toast
or two. Wor. Bro. Duncan Hyde, Master of Bedford, welcomed the guests on behalf of his lodge and the
reply was made by Wor. Bro. Harry Groome, chairman of the Almoners' Association. He also thanked
Bedford for the invitation and congratulated the lodge and their helpers on the really wonderful effort which
had been made.
A special toast was honoured, and was proposed by the Prov. Grand Master. This was to Wor. Bro. Ed
Culver and his wife who last month celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. In the course of his reply
Wor. Bro. Culver mentioned that Wor. Bro. Alex Baines, Lodge Lion almoner, and his wife were to
celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary in March this year.
The quarterly meeting resulted in some lively discussion on various topics. One of these was the circular
from the Grand Almoner asking for information concerning almoners' activities, and a unanimous decision
was reached to the effect that while the great amount of information sought by the Grand Almoner would be
desirable, the request covered too comprehensive a field to ensure the information being available with any
great degree of accuracy. The secretary was instructed to advise the Grand Almoner that the almoners of
Hawke's Bay were doing everything humanly possible for those who required their care.
The meeting also decided to purchase another folding wheel chair which will bring the total to 13 and all of
these are in constant use. In fact, it seems almost certain that chair Number 14 will need to be ordered in the
near future. —E.H.C.
————
EXTRACTS FROM HERETAUNGA ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, No. 38,
NEWSLETTER 45, FEBRUARY 1970
Companions . . . we bring you Greetings and Hearty Good Wishes, and trust that 1970, the turn of a new
Decade, will bring You and Yours, Health and Happiness throughout the ensuing Year. In looking back on
1969, we have that warm feeling of a successful year of Progress—the Spirit of Fellowship and
Companionship is here—in our midst, and our "Z." and "P.Z.s" must reap a feeling of accomplishment when
they review the past. Our Chapter can enter 1970 with the knowledge that its foundations have been truly
laid—a credit to the Founders, and it is now our privilege to maintain this Edifice in immaculate condition.
December Convocation
Our Christmas Meeting was a most successful one, being very well attended. We felt greatly complimented
too, by the attendance of our Grand Supt., R.E. Comp. A. G. A. Jeffery and Grand Chapter Officers, as this
time of the Year is an extremely busy one for all. We had also invited Brethren from the various Hastings
Craft Lodges to attend our Christmas Meeting and were delighted to greet the large number, 18, who had
been able to accept . . . whilst formal business was being completed in the Chapter, our visiting Brethren
were being formally welcomed by R.E. Comp. Arthur Port, V.E. Comp. Jack Broomhead, Comps. Eric
Jepson and Bruce Craig in the refectory. The formal business being completed and the Chapter suspended,
our Visitors were admitted, and being welcomed by our "Z", V.E. Comp. Syd Patterson in a few well chosen
words, the Meeting was in the hands of V.E. Comp. Noel Slight who had prepared a paper on "The History
of R.A. Masonry". This, Noel had compiled in a very thorough manner, tracing the history of Masonry
throughout the building of K.S.T. and then through the centuries which followed—the captivity in
Babylon—the return to Jerusalem—the building of the Second Temple, all of which Noel had traced, and
quoted extracts from the V.S.L. to substantiate his findings. The research work that had been put into this
Paper was very intense and we sincerely congratulate Noel on his effort. In conclusion he explained the
pamphlet issued by Grand Chapter regarding the relativity of Craft Lodges and R.A. Chapters—of the 6
degrees in M — 3 in Blue; 3 in Red. Altogether it was a
most invigorating, kindly and thought-provoking
Lecture—one that can help to bridge that passage of time.
At its conclusion questions were asked and answered.
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Rose Croix Eagles and Stars in stock at
Regalia House
Refectory
In the pleasant Hour which followed in the Refectory, 58 sat down to supper and after the usual Toasts were
honoured, our Grand Supt., R.E. Comp. A. G. A. Jeffery expressed his pleasure on being able to attend this
Meeting and also added words of Welcome to our Guests. "The Visitors" Toast was in the capable hands of
R.E. Comp. S. I. Jones, and was very happily replied to by Basil Fox in his own inimitable way. A delectable
supper was served by Bruce Craig and helpers together with a lovely Christmas Cake from Syd Patterson.
Our Thanks to all who made this Convocation such an outstanding one—but then, aren't we "Brethren All".
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WELLINGTON
ULSTER LODGE MEMBERS HONOURED
82nd ANNIVERSARY MEETING
The 82nd Anniversary Meeting of Ulster Lodge, No. 62, held in the Masonic Hail, Petone, on January 21st
was the occasion of a special double presentation which was made prior to the ceremonial work of the
evening—the raising of Bro. James Ian Boyd. As is customary at Ulster's Anniversary meeting the Past
Masters of the Lodge filled the officers' chairs with Wor. Bro. A. E. Simpson acting as W.M.
Bro. Peter Wallace, who was initiated in Howick Lodge in Scotland in 1919 joined Ulster Lodge in 1932,
and was the recipient of the Fifty Years' Service Badge at the hands of R.W. Bro. H. T. Girdlestone,
Provincial Grand Master. In making the presentation he congratulated Bro. Wallace upon receiving the
award, and expressed the hope that he would continue to be blessed with good health, and that he would in
due time qualify for a bar to the badge.
At the recent Communication held in Christchurch four M.M.s were awarded the Grand Master's Order of
Service to Masonry among whom was the present Treasurer of Ulster Lodge. In investing Bro. J. T. Collin
with the collar and jewel of the Order R.W. Bro. Girdlestone mentioned that Bro. Collin had been initiated in
1935. Almost immediately he had been invited to assist the late W. Bro. W. H. Melhuish in his secretarial
duties and from that time he had served continuously in the offices respectively of Assistant Secretary,
Secretary and Treasurer, which office he still filled with distinction, with the exception of the five years
during which he served with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Pacific Islands and Italy. In addition to his duties with
Ulster Lodge he is the Secretary-Manager of the Petone Masonic Hall Committee.
In making the presentation the Provincial Grand Master stated that the award of the Order of Service to
Masonry was a very great distinction, as it was made by the Grand Master himself and was restricted to a
total number of twenty members for the whole Dominion, all of whom were M.M.s—the number had
diminished of recent years and the latest awards brought the total holders to fifteen. He considered the award
to Bro. Collin to be a very fitting recognition of the services which he had rendered in the furtherance of
Freemasonry.
The meeting was, very well attended there being in attendance, in addition to the R.W. Prov. G.M., R.W.
Bro. H. G. Thom, Past Prov. G.M., V.W. Bro. D. M. Air, President of Board of General Purposes and other
Officers of Grand Lodge and the Masters of twelve City and Hutt Valley lodges accompanied by supporting
brethren.
In the refectory toasts to Bros. Wallace and Collin were enthusiastically honoured, and they were the
recipients of many congratulations. The evening was a very happy one and will be long remembered by all
present.—R.W.T.
————
OBITUARY
W. BRO. A. E. LESTER SCANTLEBURY, P.G.O.
TRIBUTE DELIVERED AT THE REGULAR MONTHLY
MEETING OF THE MARLBOROUGH LODGE
OF UNANIMITY ON 10th FEBRUARY, 1970
It is with a deep feeling of loss that this evening we remember the recent passing of our very beloved W.
Brother Lester Scantlebury, affectionately known to his friends as "Scan".
Unfortunately our Brother suffered an illness several years ago which left him partly incapacitated and he
has since been unable to attend our meetings. This is a great pity as there will be brethren here this evening
who never had the pleasure of meeting him.
Our Brother was initiated in this Lodge in 1922, and was installed as its Worshipful Master in 1929. He was
a very gifted musician and was for some years the organist of the Lodge. He was later honoured by Grand
Lodge which conferred on him the office of Grand Organist.
It was by his gifts as a musician and his charming personality that he enriched our proceedings and added
tremendously to the warmth and companionship within the Lodge. He encouraged and stimulated other latent
musical talent in the Lodge and for years we had most enjoyable evenings especially in the refectory and
afterwards when it became quite a habit to prolong the evenings sometimes till quite late. I only hope that in
the not too distant future this atmosphere will return to the Lodge. It was a golden age in the history of
Unanimity.
Our Brother will also be remembered with some amusement as a ritualist. He had an uncanny sense of
improvisation. At times his charge obviously lacked preparation but he would go gaily on and it was only
those who had done the particular charge who would realise that he had gone astray.
As a lawyer our Brother was a gifted advocate. As such he was prominent throughout his years of practice in
this district. He was generous and helpful to his more junior brethren and sometimes encouraged them to
think that his case had little merit. As a result one would approach a case with a false sense of security and
soon find that the bricks would begin to tumble down on him. However, he was a delightful friend and a
delightful enemy.
Our Brother had attributes other than music and the law. As a sportsman he took a keen interest in football
and tennis and in 1915 was a member of the N.Z. Army rugby team against England.
Our thoughts and sympathy go out this evening to Mrs. Scantlebury and her young daughter and to our
Brother's son Deryk who was initiated in this Lodge in 1948 and who has remained a member although he
has resided for many years in Christchurch.
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NELSON MASONIC BOWLING TOURNAMENT
In 1968 our keen eyed Wor. Bro. Mason Allen noticed an article in the Craftsman regarding the Auckland
Masonic Bowling Tournament. He mentioned this in his own Lodge, Waimea Lodge, and a few keen
Bowling Brethren got together and had a Tournament under way and held on 3/2/69. It was a great success
and many Brethren found that apart from Masonic qualities, the least expected had Bowling ability also. Ten
dollars a four was charged and not a refusal received from a Brother who was free to play on the day. As a
result of this Tournament $200 was raised and donations of $100 each was made to Sunnybank Boys' Home
and the Whakarewa Home in Nelson. These were considered to be most in need at that time.
On 2/2/70 the Second Tournament was held and if anything perhaps was more successful than the first. We
had R. Wor. Bro. H. J. Waters, Prov. G.M. say a few words by way of an Official Opening and after an
excellent day's bowling R. Wor. Bro. R. J. Shand Smith, D.G.M., Westland, Nelson E.C., presented the
trophies. It was fine and sunny for both the 1969 and 1970 Tournaments and it was greatly appreciated by
those present that they were able to meet Brethren elsewhere but in Lodge. Play was open to all Brethren
including those unattached, and there were some surprises.
Whilst in Auckland the writer made the effort and met Bro. Harry Morris who organises the Auckland
Tournament and he was most helpful with suggestions. He also pointed out the pitfalls so that we are most
grateful to Harry.
Wor. Bro. Editor this is not written as a literary gem but only in the hope that other Districts would get into
gear and arrange a Tournament so that the Brethren may meet each other outside the Lodge Room on the
Level!
It might interest the Brethren to know that the money raised at the 1970 Tournament, some $200, has been
divided equally between the Cancer Research Society of N.Z. and for the benefit of the girls at Kirkpatrick
House. —R.N.B.
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CANTERBURY
AN APPRECIATION OF OUR FORMER SECRETARY—THE LATE BRO. R. E. BATES
By G. R. Shearman, Foundation Master of Lodge Takahe, No. 397
When you have known a man for 54 years, when you have lived under the same roof, when you have
accepted hospitality in his home, when you have worked closely with him in the business world and in the
field of Freemasonry, you feel that you indeed know him.
Such has been my privilege with our former secretary, the late Bro. R. E. Bates, popularity known always, as
Bill.
To those who knew him well, in any field of his activities, it is unnecessary to eulogise him. His lifework
was spent in highly regarded, Government or quasi-Government positions, where he attained senior status.
He was always reasonable and tactful—he engendered and justified implicit confidence. He cheerfully
undertook the office of Lodge Secretary, which embraces the most onerous and burden bearing duties of a
lodge and he proved to be kind, conscientious and capable.
He was one to whom the burdened heart could look, for consolation and relief. He endeavoured to place
men's feet on higher ground. He could make friends—he could not make enemies. Logically his home was
typical of his approach to life.
Anonymously he was generous to his lodge. He would have been an excellent master because his first
consideration would have been for the sick, the sad, and the stranger within our gate, but on several
occasions when he had the opportunity to be considered for warden, he modestly declined.
Now that he has called to the Grand Lodge above, Lodge Takahe and also his mother lodge—Lodge Ara
have lost a friend and Freemasonry has lost a worthy brother.
g g g
OTAGO
CELTIC ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, No. 42, DUNEDIN
Eulogy by G. H. Chittock, Z., Celtic Royal Arch Chapter, No. 42, 18/2/70
Companions,
During recess the Chapter has suffered grievous loss in the
passing of M.E. Comp. C. G. Hedge, P.Pro 1st G.P. who
died after a long illness on 9th January, 1970 and R.E.
g g g
Rose Croix Eagles and Stars in stock at
Regalia House
Comp. S. F. Chalmers, P.Ch.S.C. who died suddenly on 28th January, 1970. We Companions of Celtic
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 42 owe a great debt of gratitude to our late Most Excellent and Right Excellent
Companions.
As a Past First Principal of Hutt Valley Royal Arch Chapter, No. 41 he joined our Chapter in 1940. He was
Grand Superintendent, Otago District, during the years 1954 to 1956. At the time of his death he was
Representative in N.Z. of G. C. M.E. Comp. Cyril G. Hedge was Master of Ruakawa Lodge, No. 224 in
1923. Joined the Service Lodge, No. 237 in 1940 and the Research Lodge of Otago, No. 161 in 1941. He was
a Charter member of Achilles Lodge, No. 310 in 1944 and served several years as secretary; elected as
Grand Pursuivant in 1942 and President of the Board of General Purposes in 1944 and 1945. The rank of
Past Grand Warden was conferred on him in 1962 as recognition of his eminent services to the
Craft.Kentucky, U.S.A. In recognition of his eminent services Supreme Grand Chapter of New Zealand
conferred on him the rank of Past Pro First Grand Principal in 1962.
In the Chapter he was of a friendly disposition and easy of address. He took a keen interest in all its activities
and was always ready to carry out the duty assigned to him with dignity and zeal. By virtue of his great
experience his counsel was much valued, particularly in administration. He had indeed been exemplary in the
discharge of his duties to Celtic Royal Arch Chapter, No. 42.
R.E. Comp. Selwyn F. Chalmers, P.Ch.S.C. was Master of Lodge St. Clair, No. 246 for year 1944-45. He
was a Charter member of Achilles Lodge, No. 310 in 1944. He was elected Grand Steward in 1950 and
Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1953. His appointments were Asst. Prov. G.M. in 1959 and Provincial
Grand Master in 1960, 1961 and 1962. For many years he was a member of the Board of General Purposes,
the Board of Benevolence and a committee member of the Maryhill Masonic Homes project which was
opened in 1968. His selfless and devoted labours for all that pertained to the Craft, his many good deeds—
the known and anonymous—for the Widows, the Orphans and the Aged will live on.
R.E. Comp. Chalmers was exalted in Celtic Royal Arch Chapter, No. 42 in 1939 and was enthroned First
Principal in 1945. He was elected to the office of Chairman of Committee, Supreme Council in the years
1960-61. At the time of his demise he was Representative in N.Z. of the Grand Mark Lodge of India. His
loyal and meticulous discharge of his duties, whether ceremonial or administrative, were those of high
precept and example.
His genial personality added to the pleasures of our Chapter meetings. The floral decorations he so often pro-
vided for the refectory was typical of his love for flowers and giving pleasure to Companions. His labours for
the Chapter were of quiet dignity and efficiency. He was possessed of a superb knowledge of the ritual.
When we sought his advice his opinions were based on sure foundations.
Both our late Companions took a great interest in Royal Arch Masonry. They worked with vigour and
ability—each in his own way—with sustained effort for many years in this branch of Freemasonry. We will
remember them with high regard and respect. For us members who are honoured to carry on the traditions of
the Chapter it has been our great privilege to have shared our labours with out departed Companions for
whom we mourn today.
To the bereaved we extend our deepest sympathy.
As a mark of respect I invite you to stand in silence in memory of the Companions of our former toils.
————
Rt. W. Bro. James Walker, District Grand Master, Hon. J.G.W., of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, New
Zealand South attended Lodge Otago Kilwinning, No. 417, on Thursday, December 11th, 1969 and with the
assistance of District Grand Lodge Officers conducted the ceremony of installation of Brother J. O.
MacPherson into the C. of K.S. and the investiture of his officers. The District Grand Lodge of England and
the District Grand Lodge of Ireland were guests of the evening and as is always the custom with our Scottish
Brethren the official guests were Piped into the Lodge room and the newly installed Master had this self
same honour conferred on his entry into the refectory.
On Thursday, November 20th, 1969 Brother J. A. Brown, R.W. Master of Lodge Celtic, No. 477 welcomed
Rt. W. Bro. Walker and District Grand Lodge Officers for the purpose of installing Brother R. R. Craig into
the Chair of K.S. and District Grand Lodges of England and Ireland were received by Bro. Walker. During
the evening Bro. Brown was presented with a Past Master's Jewel, which had already been worn by his late
Father, by his own Brother E. Brown a well known and respected Past Master of Lodge Celtic. The work in
the Lodge was completed when Brother A. R. Rankin, District Grand Secretary for many years was
presented with a Jubilee Diploma in recognition of his long association with Scottish Freemasonry in Otago.
———
On Monday, December 15th, 1969 W. Brother R. J. Barton, W.M. of Lodge Haeremai, No. 155 had the
pleasure of welcoming into his Lodge visitors from
University Lodge, No. 3666, Hong Kong and Lodge
Arawa, California and Lodge Glendora, No. 404
along with many other visitors from Lodges in an
around Dunedin. The highlight of the evening was
in the refectory when our visitors from overseas
gave an interesting and informative reply to the
visitors toast of Freemasonry in the respective areas
from which they were visitors, and being the last
meeting of 1969 special items and entertainment
had been arranged which impressed our overseas
visitors. —J.W.B.