THE PEACE AND GOOD ORDER OF SOCIETY
In the Charge after his initiation the newly-made Freemason is exhorted, as a citizen of the world, to be
exemplary in the discharge of his civil duties; by never proposing or at all countenancing any act that may
have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society.
The Masonic Craft is not and never has been an enemy of civic progress: nevertheless it teaches due
obedience to the law of the State. The only possible conclusion is that the Craft frowns on civil disobedience
and bloody revolution, but in no way discountenances change brought about peacefully by constitutional
means.
Since the ritual was composed both governments and the attitudes of peoples towards governments have
changed radically. The modern police state is a new phenomenon. The citizen, being a Freemason, living
under a tyranny might well be forgiven for asking himself whether the Masonic adjuration to keep the law
was intended to bind him in such circumstances. Even under a constitutional government, a democracy of
our own kind, we are still working out social attitudes towards a new kind of political action: the repeated
mass demonstration for protest purposes.
Not so many years ago in a British community action of this sort would immediately have attracted the
attention of the law-enforcement agencies. Today it is carefully observed and watched. We have concluded
that everyone has a right to protest and to bring his protests to the notice of other people. We have for a long
time had rules and laws which give the citizen some right to privacy, not to be annoyed or inconvenienced by
his neighbour's desire to attract his attention and make a particular point. The question society is working out
now is where the line should be drawn. I have a right to walk unimpeded down the street. My neighbour has
a similar right. I am walking to do some Friday night shopping. He is walking, with some hundreds of others,
to draw attention to something he believes to be a social evil, important enough to demonstrate about, so as
to arouse the public conscience.
Am I to be allowed to go about my very necessary weekend shopping unimpeded? Or is he to be allowed to
make his point in the way he has chosen?—it is, after all, just as important to him that he should be able to
do so as it is to me that I do not have to face my wife without the weekend joint.
These and similar questions are exercising the minds of citizens all over the world, and there is surely no
reason why perfectly good compromise solutions should not be worked out within the ambit of sensible laws.
The danger lurks in the fact that there are always those in any community who want to do more than go
about their particular business, whether it be shopping, demonstrating, or even enforcing the law. From a
percentage point of view they are probably a tiny minority, but they constitute a minority important enough
to be the cause of most of the bloodshed that clashes of interest in the streets engender.
We do not see society as divided into the law enforcers on the one hand and the public on the other. That is
not a natural line-up, nor is it the line-up we have in New Zealand. The law enforcers are and must remain
the servants and the protectors of the public: that is the reason for their existence. It is anti-social to bait
them, just as it is anti-social for them to reply too readily in kind when provocation becomes too hard to bear.
From these facts we may perhaps derive the lessons that if we want to protest and demonstrate, and the laws
regulating our protests and demonstrations are reasonable, then we are not going against society if we take
part in what is happening. If we are ordinary unconcerned citizens who do not have a crying interest in the
subject of the particular protest or demonstration, then it is not up to us to adopt a truculent attitude in the
streets, though it would be fair enough politically. If we are law enforcement officers we could well derive a
lesson from the Charge after Passing: not to palliate or aggravate other people's offences, but in the decision
of every infringement, judge with candour, admonish with friendship and reprehend with mercy.
All these things are counsels of perfection: high standards which it is hard to observe all the time. It is a help
to have thought these things out and to have come to one's own conclusions, not simply on the basis of what
one would like to adopt for a guide, but rather on the basis of what guide one can adopt which will not leave
one regretful and remorseful after some unhappy incident.
The expression the peace and good order of society is the very negation of wilful and unregulated conduct, of
the anarchy of following one's own inclinations regardless of the rights of others, careless of the
consequences to oneself or other people, often innocent people.
The Craft does not take sides in matters of religious or political dispute. It is nevertheless incumbent on
every Freemason to keep in mind his three duties as set out in the Charge after Initiation—to God, to his
neighbour and to himself. In order to do this he must know where he stands on questions such as this, and he
is wise if he satisfies himself in advance that his position is one which he will find to be worthy in every
circumstance.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Masonry has that broad basis of principle upon which men of every race, country, sect and opinion may
unite. What we have as Freemasons, the world has been trying to secure for centuries. Basic in our
teachings—that which holds us together in the most tenuous yet the strongest bond between men—is mutual
respect and faith in each oilier. —The Masonic Record, England
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Freedom was a Greek discovery. The Greeks were the first free nation in the world. . . . Greece rose to the
very height not because she was big, she was very small; not because she was rich, she was very poor; not
even because she was wonderfully gifted. She rose because there was in the Greeks the greatest spirit that
moves in humanity —the spirit that makes men free. —Edith Hamilton
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.
R. D. Bachelor, Karariki, No. 9 R.D., Halcombe.
E. Fleming, 207 Riverside Drive, Lower Hutt. G. A. Lindsay, 18 Melrose Pl., Tokoroa.
T. W. J. Matthews, 245 Edmonton Rd., Te Atatu. R. McGregor, 22 Lydia Ave., Northcote.
W. Morrow, Box 44, Ranfurly. A. M. Poole, 50 Waimapu St., Greerton, Tauranga.
P. H. Tomlins, c/o Box 489, Hastings. J. C. Bishop, 104A Hackthorne Rd., Christchurch 2.
H. D. Cook, 718 Pioneer Highway, Palmerston North. H. K. Johnson, 6 Massey Ave., Lower Hutt.
R. McDougall, 1 Tarawera Rd., Johnsonville. P. R. Shaw, 11 Stirling St., Wellington 2.
W. J. McKnight, 101 Argyle St., Kawerau. R. J. Wilson, Plimsoll St., Carterton.
g g g
WAIKATO
Encouraged by reports of successful Grand Balls being held in other Districts and a growing desire for such a
social gathering to be arranged in the Waikato District, delegates from all interested Lodges were invited to a
meeting in Hamilton. It was decided at that meeting to hold a Grand Charity and Debutantes Ball, however,
being cautious, unsure of the response for Debs. and uncertain of the financial success of the venture, the
committee decided to call it simply The Waikato Masonic Ball. Held on 15 August 1970 at the Waldorf
Ballroom, Hamilton, the Ball was a highly successful function in every way.
The ladies had adorned the ballroom with very beautiful arrangements of flowers, large vases on the stage,
sprays on every table, palms and shrubs surrounding the floor. Behind the stage long blue drapes carried a
golden square and compasses, resplendent in the spotlight, whilst emblems of gold on a blue background
were placed around the walls.
The evening commenced with cocktails at 7.30 p.m. followed by dancing till 9.15 p.m. when the Official
Party, in the persons of the Prov. G.M. R.Wor. Bro. W. J. G. Sharp and Mrs Sharp, supported by the Asst.
Prov. G.M., V. Wor. Bro. Geo. Purves and Mrs Purves were welcomed with a fanfare and took up their
positions on the dais.
Fourteen Debutantes, all daughters of members including two from the English Constitution were presented
by their mothers. Each, in turn, made a dignified, beautiful and happy picture as she appeared at the distant
flower-bedecked arch, advanced with poise and grace down the long blue carpet to the stage, there to curtsy
on presentation to our Prov. G.M., R.Wor. Bro. W. J. G. Sharp and Mrs Sharp. The mothers were also
received in their turn to take up positions on the stage and finally the Debutantes' Mistress, Mrs Eric Storey,
who had worked so splendidly and devotedly to make the evening perfect for the girls was also received and
presented with a gift of appreciation from them. Bouquets were presented to Mrs. Sharp and to Mrs. Purves
after which the Prov. Grand Master with a few well-chosen words suitably acknowledged the importance of
the occasion in the young ladies' lives, complimented them and their parents wishing them all every blessing
in their future.
Official photographs followed, the Debs. had the first waltz with father and then the "successful take-over
bid" waltz with their escorts, both being roundly applauded. The Official Party retired from the dais.
followed by the parents and the Debs. with their escorts. The Ball continued to its close on a high note at 1
a.m.
Brethren with their wives, and some with their sons and daughters also from Te Kauwhata to the north,
Taupo to the south, mingled with those from Waihi, Tauranga, Taneatua and Kawerau in the east, to mention
only the more distant, and it is pleasing to record also that the Brethren of our English sister Constitution in
the district fully supported, participated in, and enjoyed the evening with us.
It is also particularly pleasing to record that from the nett proceeds of this, the first truly representative
Waikato Masonic Ball a donation of $800 has been made to the Northern Masonic Trust Board for use in
connection with the projected Home for the Aged at Rotorua.
It is intended to hold the Ball hi-annually and reservations will be made for early August 1972.—E.W.M.
g g g
HAWKE'S BAY
LODGE NAPIER, No. 268
The death occurred on 15 August of our well respected and beloved brother, R.W. Bro. Edwin Charles Pirie,
P.D.G.M. He had been in ill health for some time and had his 88th birthday two days before he died. He was
Initiated in Lodge Napier on 27 January 1927 and was Installed as Master on two occasions in 1934 and
again in 1943. R.W. Bro. Pirie was Invested as Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1941 and became
Provincial Grand Master for the Hawke's Bay District in 1953 and 1954. In 1966 he was granted the rank of
Past Deputy Grand Master.
A large number of Brethren and friends paid tribute to him at his funeral service in St. John's Cathedral,
Napier.
Lodge Napier suffered another severe loss in the death of W. Bro. Victor Thomas Rouse on 12 August. He
had always been a faithful member of his Lodge. He was Initiated on 22 March 1934, became Master in
1946, acted as Secretary from 1949 to 1953 and was Director of Ceremonies from 1953 to 1955. Vic, as he
was known to everyone, was interested in several other activities and his popularity in the district was amply
illustrated by the attendance at his funeral service.
g g g
TARANAKI
BRO. J. H. CHILDS (Born 19 August 1868, Initiated May 1894)
Over the last year brethren of Lodge Hinemoa, No. 786, S.C., had been looking forward to celebrating Bro.
Childs' 100th birthday—to their surprise and that of his family, it was found, on obtaining his birth certificate
from Somerset House, that he had passed the century mark.
Delving back into the Lodge's past records, it is clearly seen that whatever progress the Lodge has made at
any given time, it was found it was one man always to the fore—our Harry. During the First World War a
Trust fund was set up to provide a home for widows and orphans—Harry is now the sole surviving trustee of
that fund which still exists.
Harry has always said that a man's services to his Lodge didn't really begin until he had passed through the
Chair. He remained in Office until 1947 when advancing age, he claimed, made his retirement necessary (but
there is a doubt whether he ever retired).
This winter, to the pleasure of his friends and betterment of his health, he has spent in the local hospital,
where he has maintained his mobility and clarity of mind (even if he does worry about being unable to cut
his hedges).
While we wish Harry more years of life, we feel sure that he will hear these words: "Well done, thou good
and faithful servant . . ." with the same courage and directness of purpose that have always distinguished his
life.
It is with regret that we advise Bro. Childs has
recently passed to the G.L.A.
g g g
RUAPEHU
GOLDEN JUBILEE OF LODGE
WHANGANUI, No. 219
Next November Lodge Whanganui, No. 219, will
celebrate its Golden Jubilee. Festivities will be held
on a weekend that will mark the exact 50 years.
A dinner on the Friday night for Lodge members and
their wives and invited guests will be held on 20
November, the date on which the Lodge was
consecrated in 1920.
There will be a Lodge meeting on Saturday 21
November and a service will be held at Trinity
Methodist church on the Sunday morning of 22
November.
First Master of Lodge Whanganui was Norman
Grahame Armstrong, barrister and solicitor, who
served Wanganui as Mayor for two terms.
He was a man who recognised that from the racial
ties of those who founded New Zealand as a British
colony and nursed it to Dominionhood, there would
one day arise a new race in its own right—New Zealanders.
They would have the basic characteristics of their fore-fathers—English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh—yet
would, in many ways, be a new race.
He recognised, as did those who supported him in his zeal to form a fourth Masonic Lodge in Wanganui, that
the Craft would need such a lodge in this city, which, at that time was a borough eagerly awaiting its right to
enjoy cityhood.
So it came about that on 20 November 1920 in the Masonic Lodgeroom, Bell Street, Wanganui, No. 219,
was formed to join with Tongariro Lodge (English Constitution), No. 705, St. Andrew Kilwinning, No. 79
and Moutoa, No. 195, to further the teachings of the Masonic Craft.
A special committee, under the chairmanship of Wor. Bro. W. H. McGowan, who was Master of the Lodge
from May 1959 to May 1960, has been set up to organise the jubilee celebrations.
It is planned to revive costumes and scenes of 50 years ago, bring back within the atmosphere of refectory
and entertainment hall, the types of programme the founders of the Lodge were accustomed to.
There are many Brethren in various parts of New Zealand who, at some time or another, have enjoyed
membership in Lodge Wanganui.
They are invited to communicate with the Lodge for any further information they might require regarding the
Jubilee meeting and celebrations next November.
They will be welcome to attend the meeting and the celebrations.
Naturally, prior notice would be helpful, in that the committee in charge will have to estimate catering and
Lodgeroom accommodation.
g g g
WELLINGTON
N.Z. PACIFICE LODGE, No. 2
At the July meeting of the Lodge the ceremonial business was conducted by the Past Masters, under the
leadership of V.W. Bro. J. A. Kellow, Pres., Board of Benevolence, who proceeded to initiate his son, Peter.
The occasion was an historic one as Peter is the fourth generation of his family to be initiated in the Lodge,
and was marked by a large attendance of visitors, including M.W. Bro. F. W. Pringle, Pro Grand Master,
supported by some 24 Grand Officers. Also in attendance were representatives of the Wellington Masonic
Association, the Wellington United Board of Enquiry, the 1955 Masters' Association, and the Grand Lodge
Board of Benevolence with which V.W. Bro. Kellow has been associated for a number of years.
M.W. Bro. Pringle was greeted with a fanfare by the Pacific Heralding Party which later delighted the
brethren with an item in the refectory in conjunction with the lodge organist, Bro. Geo. Holloway. An
address of welcome to the district was accorded to our Most Worshipful Brother by R.W. Bro. H. T.
Girdlestone, Prov. G.M., and to the lodge by V.Wor. Bro. J. K. Sowry, I.P.M. who presided in the absence
through sickness of the Master
Brethren were delighted to have in attendance R.W. Bro. R. H. Webb, P.G.W., the doyen of the lodge who
has now sat in N.Z. Pacific with all four generations of the Kellow family.
g g g
NELSON - MARLBOROUGH
INSTALLATION—THE MARLBOROUGH LODGE OF UNANIMITY, No. 106
Tuesday 11 August 1970 was the Installation Meeting of the above Lodge.
Bro. George H. Young, S.W., was Installed in the Chair by R.W. Bro. H. W. J. Waters, Prov. G.M., Nelson
and Marlborough District, before an excellent attendance of brethren from all parts of the district and further
afield, greetings being tendered from 13 different Lodges. An interesting feature of the meeting was the
attendance of eight holders of the Fifty Years' Service Badge.
The ceremony was carried out by R.W. Bro. Waters in the usual easy and dignified manner we have learnt to
expect from him. V.W. Bro. J. T. A. Beaumont, G.D.C., excelled himself in his own Lodge by the masterly
manner in which he carried out his duties.
Some of the 22 Grand Lodge Officers who accompanied the Prov. G.M. assisted in the ceremony and others
in the investiture of the officers. R.W. Bro. G. Palk, P. Prov. G.M. in re-investing the Secretary, mentioned
that the occasion was another landmark in the Masonic career of R.W. Bro. G. Mitchell, P.G.W., who this
evening, he said, was being invested as an officer of the Lodge for the fiftieth consecutive year, the last 36
being in the office of Secretary.
Brethren responded well to the Prov. G.M.'s appeal on behalf of the Fund of Benevolence with a collection
of $86. This included a special donation from W. Bro. H. E. Freebody, P.G.Std.Br., who, now in his 91st
year, has contributed by "Special Efforts" on his part the sum of $125 through Installation collections during
the past five years. He was warmly thanked for his outstanding generosity in this respect.
The refectory proceedings went off happily and smoothly and altogether our new Master has got away to a
good start and should have a successful year in office.
g g g
CANTERBURY
AMBERLEY LODGE, No. 2007, E.C. LATE WOR. BRO. A. BURKE, P.A.G.D.C., J.P.
The Amberley Lodge and the Craft in general suffered a severe loss in the death of Wor. Bro. Arthur Burke,
Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Wor. Bro. Burke was the senior member of the Lodge, having
been initiated in 1929. He was Master for two years in 1944 and 1945. He took a keen interest in the craft,
and his fine service was recognised when he became Past Asst. Grand D.C. of the United Grand Lodge of
England.
In paying a tribute to Wor. Bro. Burke, the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. T. J. Chamberlain said that "here was a
man who was busily engaged in material matters, but who was never too busy to shed a tear of sympathy for
the failings of a brother—never too busy to extend the hand of friendship —never too preoccupied not to be
concerned about the necessities of others, nor to give tangible help where it was required. He never counted
the cost. He did these things humbly and with the utmost concern. He did not wear charity on his sleeve and
on most occasions his acts of kindness were known only to the recipient—and the Grand Geometrician of the
Universe."
Wor. Bro. Burke was for much of his life in the motor trade, and for a long period of years conducted his
own business. He had wide interests in the district, including local body affairs, politics, racing and bowling.
———
CIVIC LODGE, No. 157—INSTALLATION CEREMONY
NEW MASTER PROMINENT IN ORDER OF ST. JOHN
Rt. Wor. Bro. L. C. L. Suckling, Prov. G.M. conducted the ceremony of the installation of Bro. William
Allan McAllister as Master of Civic Lodge. The new Master is a Chartered Accountant, and holds high
positions in the Order of St. John. He is a Knight of Grace, and is the Hospitaller of the Order.
Wor. Bro. McAllister has been a member of the Lodge for 20 years, and held the office of Treasurer for 10
years.
Most Wor. Bro. J. S. Hawker, P.G.M., offered the congratulations of Grand Lodge, and Rt. Wor. Bro. D.
Munro, D.G.M., extended the best wishes of District Grand Lodge.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Munro mentioned that few Lodges have used the name "Civic" as the name of Masonic
Lodges, and that there is only one Lodge called
"Civic" in England, this being in Sunderland.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Suckling also gave his congratulations
to Wor. Bro. McAllister who has been a friend of Rt.
Wor. Bro. Suckling for many years. Rt. Wor. Bro.
Suckling then addressed the brethren.
Address by Prov. Grand Master—"A Walled City"
Rt. Wor. Bro. Suckling, Prov. G.M., said: "It is apparent to most discerning observers, that a great change
has come over Freemasonry in recent years. Gone are the desires, or very nearly so, to cloak our work in
anonymity; to turn away whenever the subject of Freemasonry is discussed, and to preserve that wonderful,
but sometimes unreliable, Masonic virtue—silence.
"We even talk of 'public relations', and the 'image' Freemasonry is presenting to the world, and our more
liberal outlook I am sure is right, and is helping to quash the aura of secrecy with which the public generally
regarded the Craft.
"Do we tend to live in a 'Walled City' where we concentrate on the science of living, and occasionally sally
forth to take part in the world as men, not necessarily as Freemasons? I think the time has come when we
should stand up as Freemasons and be counted.
"The question is sometimes asked whether Freemasonry is to go before, as a pillar of light, or be left behind,
as a collection of pyramids, dedicated to the past and occupied by mummies.
"I believe Masonry is a vital force. In its 250 years of organised activity, Masonry has produced many men
of ability and integrity who became leaders in their community, and Masonry will continue to do so if we
obey its precepts, but let us not be reticent about acknowledging that we are Masons."
In the refectory, the speech of the new Master, Wor. Bro. McAllister, was also well received. After extending
thanks he said:
"I intend to carry on the work of the Lodge according to our past traditions. To this extent I am conservative
rather than radical. Yet I am fully aware that complacency can have no part in a master's year of office. In
this jet-stream age, Freemasonry has so many rivals in the form of societies of men who also have as their
main object, 'service to mankind', we must be careful to see that we can offer something to our fellow men
that will continue to attract them to the Craft.
"That the numbers of members in some lodges may be small should not be grounds for a pessimistic outlook,
provided that quality is present.
"Our Craft is built on firm foundations. This must be accepted as a truism. Had it been otherwise we would
have perished long ago. There have been sufficient 'exposures' written over the ages that would have brought
many a lesser society crumbling to its knees.
"That this has not happened with Freemasonry is sure proof that the original architects were not wanting
when the first foundations were so truly laid."
———
ROSE CROIX CHAPTERS
EXCELSIOR CHAPTER, CHRISTCHURCH
V. Ill. Bro. G. K. Neill, 33°, Inspector-General for the Southern District of New Zealand recently conducted
the Enthronement Ceremony in Excelsior Chapter, No. 78. The new Sovereign is E. and P. Bro. George
William Wallis, who became a member of the Chapter in 1958. He is an accountant and secretary, and has
held high positions in the Presbyterian Church as a lay member. In 1967 E. and P. Bro. Wallis was
Moderator of the Presbytery of Christchurch.
After his enthronement, E. and P. Bro. Wallis addressed the Chapter and his address evoked much
favourable comment from those present. The theme of his speech was that no one in this world can
accomplish anything without the help and assistance of someone else.
In the refectory, the Inspector General, V. Ill. Bro. Neill, said that there are now nearly 700 Rose Croix
Chapters in all parts of the world. He stated that the most important event during the past year has been the
establishment of a Branch of Supreme Council in Australia. This gives a good deal of autonomy to the
Chapters in the Commonwealth.
V. Ill. Bro. Neill informed the brethren that M. Ill. Bro. Sir Donald McGill, Bt., has retired from the position
of Secretary-General of Supreme Council. He was made a presentation which was contributed to by all
chapters. A letter of thanks from Sir Donald McGill was read by the Inspector General.
One of the visitors to the Chapter was Rev. Bro. A. Robert Scott of North Otago Chapter. He had been
inducted as Minister of St. James Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, by E. and P. Bro. Wallis as Moderator.
The Immediate Past Sovereign E. and P. Bro. H. N. Pyne has unfortunately been a patient in Princess
Margaret Hospital during recent months. Ill. Bros. C. E. Wilkins, 30°, and Geo. Burns, 30°, and Bro. F. T. H.
Bell have also be in ill health. The best wishes of the Chapter were extended to these brethren.
The Inspector General sympathised with the Chapter in the illnesses of these brethren, and in the loss of a
number of members during the past year.
He also thanked E. and P. Bro. J. McMillan for carrying out the duties of M.W. Sov. during the illness of E.
and P. Bro. Pyne.
Ill. Bro. G. K. Neill is now residing in Christchurch.
g g g
OTAGO
The Annual Combined Meeting of Otago and Southland Cryptic Councils was held in the Masonic Temple,
Clyde, on 1 August 1970; Cromwell Coronation Cryptic Council being the host Council, with 40
Companions from Bluff to Waimate being present.
The Royal Masters Degree was worked by Huiroa C.C., No. 47; the Select Masters Degree by Waitaki C.C.,
No. 8; the Super Excellent Masters Degree by Celtic C.C., No. 42. The working was of the usual high
standard, and enjoyed by all the Companions present, as was the social hour in the refectory.
We feel that an Annual Meeting such as this can only aid and assist Cryptic Masonry, and must impress upon
the Candidate and new members the friendship and good feeling which is evident in Cryptic Masonry.
The next Annual Combined Meeting will be held in Invercargill, in April 1971, when Southern Cross C.C.,
No. 3, will be the Host Council.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities crept
in—. forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely, and with
too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. —Emerson
g g g
LEADERS AND CRITICS
"Be not deceived: Whatsoever you sow
that you shall also reap."
Every leader, which means every man or woman who stands up and tries to get things done, is a sower. And
though at times they may grow weary and discouraged, most of them will confide that what they reap is
more than full compensation for the effort put forth. Most of them will be content to consider the benefits
that have been achieved and are able to discount the difficulties and hardships that may have attended their
sowing.
It is a curious thing, but true, that every man and every woman who lifts his or her head above the level of
the crowd becomes a target for adverse criticism as well as praise. The fact appears in every group action
from national affairs down to the smallest sewing circle. The effects of it will be found in the political arena,
in professional, educational, scientific, religious, fraternal, and commercial organisations. In all of these
people crave leadership, and yet some are always ready to criticise and condemn that leadership when it
appears.
Leadership is a vital necessity and one of its penalties is prominence. The fact that in some isolated cases
ambition for power or prominence dominates an individual does not nullify the greater fact that the majority
endure the prominence in order to get something beneficial accomplished. Nor does it alter the fact that in
most cases leadership and prominence involve sacrifice and interference with the leader's regular schedule of
living.
Perhaps it is the certainty that sacrifice will be required and interference suffered that makes the finding of
real leaders so difficult. But to that should be added the equal certainty they will be criticised, whoever they
are. Great leaders, of course, anticipate criticism and are prepared to discount it. But even they at times are
troubled by the frequent injustice and thoughtlessness of fault finding.
It was Disraeli, one of England's greatest Prime Ministers, who said: "It is much easier to be critical than to
be correct." At another time, when he was being much annoyed he said: "You know who the critics are?—
the men who have failed." Another great leader of his time who also was often abused said: "Of all the cants
which are canted in this canting world, though the cant of hypocrites may be the worst, the cant of criticism
is the most tormenting!"
And so it is. Here, perhaps, is the reason: there are so many critics who do not know what should be done but
do know in detail what should not be done. Yet, even this knowledge they do not divulge until after some
attempt at doing has been made by somebody else. They have no constructive ideas, but they bubble over
with destructive ones. You never find them standing up to suggest what to do or how to do it, but after
decisions have been made or action begun, their negative views and carping criticisms flow wherever a
listener can be found.
There is little one can do for or with people who suffer from this mental affliction. In most instances they
resemble a certain Mr Kremlin who, Disraeli said, was distinguished for ignorance; he had only one idea and
that was wrong. These people, barren of fruitful ideas but yearning for some importance, fall back upon the
only recourse they have—finding fault with those who are leaders. The psychology of the carping critic is
simple. When he or she points out the faults and mistakes of a leader, or someone prominent, the critic in his
own mind elevates himself above the leader because, obviously, since he knows what the errors and mistakes
are he, himself, would be too wise to make them. Therefore he is smarter and abler than the person being
criticised.
All who would take an active part in serving any organisation, be it Masonry or any other group, should
realise they will have to contend with criticism. But they should also realise the destructive critic invariably
makes a noise much bigger than he is and that most of it is what Shakespeare calls, "sound and fury,
signifying nothing". The vast majority in the rank and file of our organisations are grateful for good
leadership, knowing its cost, and are more than happy to reward with due recognition those who are capable
and willing to supply it.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and
develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and
armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the
few. —James Madison
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
At the end only two things really matter to a man, regardless of who he is; and they are the affection and
understanding of his family. Anything and everything else he creates are insubstantial; they are ships given
over to the mercy of the winds and tides of prejudice. But the family is an everlasting anchorage, a quiet
harbour where a man's ships can be left to swing to the moorings of pride and loyalty.
g g g
THE ORDER OF THE SECRET MONITOR
There has been much activity in this Order of recent months and the years of consolidation have now started
to bear fruit. This branch of Freemasonry has been fortunate over the years in having steady capable
administrative leaders who have preferred to ensure that the foundations of the Order were set in solid rock
and that progress be sure and steady, rather than make a spectacular showing on shifting, uncertain sands.
The Conclaves of the Order are spread throughout New Zealand and are all playing their part in the Masonic
life of the community.
Some of the stronger Conclaves in the North Island have now decided that the time has arrived to branch out
and so we have Erected as reported recently in the "Craftsman" a new Conclave situated at Thames. This the
Thames Conclave, No. 210 has grown out of the Remuera Conclave, No. 176 which although a
comparatively young unit in the Order, has made outstanding progress.
The latest addition to our register is Teraungakau Conclave, No. 211. The name means. "The man of a
hundred thoughts" and has been selected to honour an outstanding member of our Order, David Teraungakau
Clifton-Lewis, I.D.G.S.R.
The Consecration of the Conclave and the Installation of the Supreme Ruler designate took place at the
Market Road Lodge Rooms, Epsom, Auckland, on Saturday, March 7th, 1970 and was unique in the fact that
the R.W. Brother who had been honoured by having the Conclave named after him presided as Consecrating
Officer and dedicated the new Conclave to "The Service of the Friend of All Friends" and to the Order.
The Ceremony was carried out with the most profound dignity, and was indeed a very moving one, which
will be long remembered by all who were privileged to be present, as our beloved brother greatly appreciated
the double honour which had been bestowed upon him and gave his greatest rendition of the ritual in this
"His Finest Hour".
R.W. Bro. D. T. Clifton-Lewis was assisted by R.W. Bro. R. E. Johnston, D.G.S.R., R.W. Bro. G. Brierly,
D.D.G.S.R., and R.W. Bro. W. R. Bazeley, P.G.V. who presented the Elements, and the following Officers
took part in the ceremony.
R.W. Bro. H. A. Marks, the Supreme Ruler Designate, gave the Oration; R.W. Bro. A. Jerram, D.G. Chap.,
as Counsellor; R.W. Bro. W. R. Bazeley, P.G.V., as
Guide; R.W. Bro. J. Dorman, D.G. Chap., as
Chaplain; R.W. Bro. S. McEwan, D.G. Recorder, as
Recorder; R.W. Bro. J. A. Mazzoleni, P.G.V., P.D.G.
Chanc., as D. of C.; R.W. Bro. R. M. Crowe, D.G. D.
of C., as Dep. D. of C.; R.W. Bro. T. Agmen-Smith,
P.D.G.V., as Guarder; Bro. C. W. Bruce as Organist.
The Installation was conducted by R.W. Bro. R. E.
Johnston, District Grand Supreme Ruler, with the
assistance of his District Grand Conclave Officers.
The following brethren taking part by delivering the various Charges and Addresses:
R.W. Bro. W. Davis, D.G. Treas. (Obligation of Fealty); R.W. Bro. A. Nicol, P.D.G.V. (Address to the
Princess); W Bro. R. A. L. Lae, S.R., Arawa Conclave, No. 55 (Warrant, etc.); R.W. Bro. G. Brierly,
D.D.G.S.R. (Address to the Supreme Ruler); W Bro. E. Wright, D.G. Std. (Address to the Visiting Deacons);
W. Bro. M. C. Officer (Address to the Officers); R.W. Bro. S. M. Bartlett, D.G.V. (Address on the
Weapons); R.W. Bro. W. R. Bazeley, P.G.V. (Address to the Brethren); R.W. Bro. R. E. Johnston, D.G.S.R.
(Final Address to the Supreme Ruler).
A very happy evening was spent in the refectory where a special toast was proposed by R.W. Bro. Johnston
to R.W. Bro. D. T. Clifton-Lewis who, in a moving and notable reply, traced the growth, trials and
tribulations of the Order from the time of his Induction.
Before retiring from the refectory R.W. Bro. Johnston announced that on the occasion of the Jubilee Meeting
of Aotearoa Conclave, No. 44, a new Conclave was to be constituted in Wellington.—ZIPH
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
This is what I found out about religion: It gives you courage to make the decisions you must make in a crisis,
and then the confidence to leave the result to a higher Power. Only by trust in God can a man carrying
responsibility find repose. Dwight D. Eisenhower