An interior view of the Edgar Faber Memorial Chapel,

Roskill Masonic Village, Auckland.

OUR GRAND MASTER

Dedication to the service of others is the description that most aptly fits out Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Sir

Edwin Bate, of Hastings.

Now aged 72 Sir Edwin graduated in law at the Victoria University of Wellington in 1920, and went on to

complete his Master's Degree with First Class Honours in 1922. He has now been practising for 50 years.

Sir Edwin has given of his time and talents to many local activities —hospital board, local government,

scouting, savings bank, church, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, St. John Ambulance. He has held national

positions in the Hospital Boards, Trustee Savings Banks, and St. John Ambulance movements as well as

having been a member of various overseas delegations and Commissions set up within New Zealand to

inquire particularly into medical matters.

He was made a Knight Bachelor in 1969.

The New Zealand Freemason

National Advisory Board

M.W. Bro. Sir Edwin Bate, G.M.

M.W. Bro. F. W. Pringle, P.G.M.,

M.W. Bro. J. S. Hawker, P.G.M.

R.W. Bro. C. J. Capper,

P.Prov.G.M. R.W. Bro. F. K. Knox,

P.Prov.G.M.

R.W. Bro. A. S. Oldham, P.Prov.G.M.

R.W. Bro. P. J. Oliver, P.G.W., G.Sec.

V.W. Bro. N. E. Hyde, Pres.Bd.G.P,

V.W. Bro. J. A. Kellow, P.Pres.Bd.Ben.

National Editorial Board

C. A. Hudson, Editor.

A. J. Nelson, R. J. Nelson,

G. C. Palliser, J. M. Pope

H. A. S. Rollinson.

P.O. Box 3745, Wellington, 1.

THE

NEW ZEALAND FREEMASON
Official Organ of

The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. Vol. 1, No. 1. March, 1973

Unless otherwise stated, the opinions in articles and letters are those of their authors alone.

FOREWORD

I am privileged in having the opportunity to write a foreword to the

first issue of the New Zealand Freemason.

This journal will be welcomed throughout the Craft in New Zealand.

Every citizen depends more than ever before upon highly developed

news media, represented principally by the newspapers, radio and

television, to enable him to understand the world in which he lives,

and the rapidly changing trends of events which influence his well-

being, his health, his happiness and his affairs. Similarly every

society, association or club of any size aims in some appropriate

manner to inform its members at regular intervals on matters of

common interest. This by experience has proved to be an essential

exercise in maintaining their interest and in ensuring the continued

success of the enterprise.

Although for many years during the growth of speculative

Freemasonry, our ritual was not reduced to writing, nevertheless even

during that era the importance of the written record in relation to

Freemasonry was recognised by our early brethren. This storehouse of

Masonic literature made sense of the recommendation given to every Entered Apprentice to make a daily

advancement in Masonic knowledge. The sources of that knowledge were available to him in The

Freemason, originally published by J. Denyer Hand of Whitefriars Street, London; in the transactions of the

famous literary Lodge Quatuor Coronati 2076; and in many other publications. Writers like William James,

Robert Freke Gould, Henry Sadler, Thomas Dunckerley and many others in the second half of the nineteenth

century have left us a treasure house of erudition which has ever since enriched the Craft.

Over past years our Fraternity in New Zealand has been served by a proprietary journal the New Zealand

Craftsman. The passing of time and changing circumstances resulted in its recent demise. The establishment

of the New Zealand Freemason by our Grand Lodge now provides us for the first time, and not by any means

too soon, with our own journal which will be edited and managed under responsibility to our Grand Lodge.

Thus participation in this new endeavour by all brethren will be facilitated, and its success will rebound to

the advantage and reputation of the whole Craft.

I would particularly commend the enthusiastic efforts and wise guidance of those brethren who have so

assiduously prepared the ground for the launching of this important project. They have placed us all in their

debt.

I am sure that all concerned with the production of the New Zealand Freemason will maintain a high

standard in all that is printed. It will have the triple function of providing information, instruction and

entertainment. Freemasonry, enshrined in history, jealous of its traditions, and based on immutable

landmarks may fairly be described as a conservative institution. But that is only part of the truth.

Freemasonry in its present form has prospered over nearly three centuries because its philosophy has been

founded upon Grand Principles which remain forever relevant to every age and generation of men. It remains

for us in our day to relate and apply these principles to the social conditions which surround us, to strengthen

the bonds which bind the brethren in our great Fraternity and to accept Freemasonry as an active force and

continuing challenge in the lives of each one of us.

In attaining these objectives the New Zealand Freemason will be a potent force. Let us all give it our active

support in every way within our power, including the supply of suitable material through our respective

Divisional Editorial Committees. They will welcome from the brethren a continuous flow of topical

information, news, and humour; remembering always that, as Lord Cobham once said, "Opinion is free, facts

are sacred." And if there be constructive criticism let us have it. Freemasonry is a precious inheritance into

which we have entered. It will retain its power for good all the more assuredly if we use the medium now

available to us as a forum for the study and appreciation of Freemasonry in all its aspects.

We each have a responsibility for adding our own ashlar as perfect as we can make it, to the edifice which is

Freemasonry. Each of us with his own talents and in his own way will, I trust, feel he is a partner in this

adventure and recognise the opportunity now available to impart, receive and exchange information. Thus

may we all achieve a new dimension in our participation in the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.

Edwin Bate

Grand Master

Marriage Is The Answer

At a ceremony at Takaka, believed to be the first held in this country for 49 years, Golden Bay Lodge, No.

2194 E.C., transferred its allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and amalgamated with St. Cuthert's

Lodge, No. 144. M.W. Bro. Mundy, Pro.G.M., and Officers of Grand Lodge conducted a formal Ceremony

of Reception on the 11th July, 1972. St. Cuthbert's Lodge which formerly conducted its meetings at

Collingwood was erected in 1905 and its number, 144, has been retained by the new Lodge. In recent years

both Lodges had experienced difficulty in maintaining a strong membership. The new Golden Bay Lodge,

No. 144, now has a membership of 153.

Congratulations

The New Zealand Freemason notes that Lodge Manawaroa, No. 438, Palmerston North, during the year

ended 31st August, 1972, made the highest per capita contribution ($10.12) to the Grand Lodge Fund of

Benevolence. The Lodge's donations have risen over a three year period from $261.00 to $597.23, while total

membership over the same period has declined by three. This example of Masonic charity of one of the

younger Lodges should be heeded by many older Lodges and their members.

Commendation For Valour

A member of Golden Bay Lodge, No. 144, Bro. E. F. Kingsbury, recently received a letter of commendation

for valour from the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand. Bro. Kingsbury as station officer of the Takaka

Volunteer Fire Brigade dived through a window of a burning house to assist in the rescue of an aged widow

of his Lodge trapped inside on her own. (Although rescued, Mrs. Page died of burns on her way to the

Nelson Hospital). Bro. Kingsbury will be presented with a certificate from the Society at a future date.

Diamond Wedding

Recently, in Dunedin, M.W. Bro. W. Martin, P.G.M., and Mrs. Martin celebrated their Diamond Wedding

anniversary. M.W. Bro. Martin, now 86, was installed as Grand Master in 1960. The New Zealand

Freemason joins their many friends both within and outside the Craft in extending its congratulations and in

wishing them continuing good health and happiness.

Far From Home

Much comment has been made in recent times to the drift from South to North. The attention of the New

Zealand Freemason has been drawn to the fact that currently, the Master, W. Bro. A. S. Hill, of Lodge

Owairaka, No. 294, Auckland, together with his I.P.M., W. Bro. J. Bateman, and D.M., W. Bro. M. Dodd,

are also all members of Corinthian Lodge, No. 321, Christchurch. In commercial terms, is Auckland

vulnerable to a take-over?

Companionship

To go on a world tour is the fulfilment of many people's ambitions. To become a paraplegic as a result is

perhaps the saddest thing one could imagine.

This is what happened to Cecil H. Beacham of Wellington Lodge, No. 152 E.C., in 1970. He set off to visit

his brother and other relatives in England and while sightseeing in Rome, stood back on a congested path to

allow a lady to pass. He slipped into a hole.

The treatment given at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, England, restored Cecil's faith in himself. He was

determined to return to Wellington, and this was made possible particularly by his niece who accompanied

him on his journey. Now, after a prolonged period in the Hutt Hospital, Cecil is anxious to move to his

retirement villa at Parklands, Waikanae.

The villa has been designed to his requirements, but lacks only one thing : a companion with whom Cecil

may live.

He seeks a man who is retired and who is lonely or without a home of his own. All Cecil asks is for a little

personal assistance each night and morning, the remainder of the day being devoted to household chores,

cooking, shopping, personal interests and hobbies.

Parklands is in delightful surroundings, consisting of villas erected by elderly people in which to spend the

evening of their lives. In Cecil's case, there is a lock-up garage available.

Cecil's present address is, Ward 5, Hutt, Hospital, Lower Hutt. Replies to his appeal for a companion should

be sent there.

Sixty Years of Service

At an informal gathering held at St. Benedicts Street Temple, Auckland, on Tuesday, 19th December last, a

tribute was paid to the long service of R.W. Bro. Arch Burns, P.D.G.M.

Just sixty years earlier, Bro. Burns was initiated into the Craft in Lodge Sir Walter Scott, No. 15, and in the

intervening years he has given a service to the Craft in its many facets which can have few parallels.

At the meeting were gathered upwards of one hundred and fifty of his close Masonic friends drawn from the

27 Masonic units of all Orders of which Bro. Burns is, or has been, a member. It was an informal meeting

but one in which the warmth and sincerity of the tribute was outstanding.

The meeting was addressed by R.W. Bro. H. R. A. Vialoux, P.D.G.M., who, on behalf of those present,

made a presentation to Bro. Burns of an illuminated Address, beautifully bound and attested, in most cases

under seal, by each of the Lodges, Chapters and other Masonic units concerned. Bro. Vialoux said that there

were few in New Zealand who had been members of the Craft for 60 continuous years, but not one who had

in those years been more concerned with the well-being of the Craft, nor had taken a more active interest and

participation in its affairs.

He had difficulty, he said, in deciding how to address Bro. Burns as he had leading rank in every Order to

which he belonged. Under the circumstances, and in view of the informal nature of the occasion, he settled

for the one by which he is best known throughout New Zealand, that is, "Arch".

There was no doubt that this expressed the feelings of every one of the large gathering present, all of whom

subscribed completely to the terms of the Illuminated Address, which said:

"R.W. Bro. Arch Burns,

We, the several Lodges, Chapters and other Masonic Bodies subscribing to this memorandum, convey

to you our Fraternal Greetings and Sincere Congratulations on the occasion of the Sixtieth

Anniversary of your initiation into Freemasonry.

In so doing, we give expression to our recognition and appreciation of your long, active and faithful

service to the cause of New Zealand Freemasonry over the years.

We record our thankfulness for your guidance and assistance and for the benefit we all have received

from your wide experience and great knowledge of Masonic Jurisprudence, Laws and Customs.

"Deus Vobiscum."

It was significant that the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Sir Edwin Bate and the First Grand Principal, M.E.

Comp. W. J. McLeod, each sent a special message of congratulations and good wishes for incorporation in

the bound volume with the Address. A very large companion volume, similarly bound, contained Bro.

Burns's Masonic certificates, upwards of seventy in all.

This may well be the first occasion in this country that a Masonic presentation has been made in this form to

mark such a record of service. Certain it is that no more genuine tribute has been paid to an unassuming

Freemason who has done so much for our Craft in so many ways.

It was little wonder that Bro. Burns was deeply affected by the tribute paid to him. In a typically modest

reply he said that the greatest reward he had received from any service he had given came from the

friendships that had been extended to him by so many throughout New Zealand.

The Daily Advancement — But How?

In that wonderful charge after initiation, the newly made Craftsman has all the major precepts of the Craft

laid out for him. But they are precepts, and he needs the challenge to put them into action, action in his daily

round of life. How is this put over to him in your Lodge? Does he get the message that you there all want

him to go away that night a changed man, determined to start improving his outlook and his actions? Does

your S.W. or other member make him really feel the pressing urgency of this challenge to action inherent in

the charge?

Let us take as an example the call for making a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. What does the

candidate's Proposer, Seconder, or W.M. (or Lodge custom) do about this? They have the ideal human

material to work on at that time : a new man, full of curiosity, eager to learn, wanting to consolidate his

knowldege, glad to extend himself to do so. Flow an his mentors help him?

First, he could receive a copy of the First Degree ritual, now obtainable separately bound from Grand Lodge

Office. Then the Secretary should give him the Grand Lodge leaflet, Letter to an Entered Apprentice.

With these two, he is well on the way to getting a better appreciation of our system in one of its several parts.

And he can be taken on from here by proper instruction from the Lodge's experienced Preceptor at rehearsals

or the Lodge of Improvement or Instruction. The essential thing at this earliest and most impressionable

stage is to catch the E.A.'s interest, extend this knowledge, and feed his enthusiasm. Do we do enough for

our E.A.'s? Couldn't we (fairly easily) do much more? The rewards from such effort are truly great.

C.P.

A New Lodge Is Born

(Excerpts from the Oration delivered by V.W. Bro. G. McCallum, P.G.Lec., at the consecration of Lodge

Orongorongo, No. 440, in October, 1972.)

"This day is a further important epoch in the history of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Another Lodge,

Lodge Orongoronga, No. 440, has been added to the Roll of the Grand Lodge. It is a memorable occasion in

the Wellington Masonic District, as this is the first constitution and consecration of a Lodge since that of

Lodge Waikanae, No. 433, eight years ago, and it is a red letter day in the lives of not only all the Masonic

brethren of this Borough of Wainuiomata but also of all the citizens in the district.

"This Lodge Orongorongo is consecrated in vastly different circumstances from those of Lodge

Wainuiomata 18 years ago. I say vastly different circumstances, brethen, because of the petitioning brethren

of Lodge Wainuiomata, not a third were resident in this area. But today, of the petitioning brethren for Lodge

Orongorongo, almost all are resident in the Borough. Thus, naturally, if they carry out outside the Lodge

those duties they are taught in it, the entire community of this rapidly expanding and closely knit area of Hutt

suburbia gains nothing but good through the influence of Freemasonry."

"In common with many Lodges in New Zealand, you have taken a Maori name, Orongorongo, for your

Lodge. This is quite apt both geographically and symbolically for as the twin streams Wainuiomata and

Orongorongo flow down serenely to the sea, with the range of the hills enjoying the name of your Lodge

separating the waters, so may your brotherly love flow to all your sister Lodges with a warmth of diffusion.

Never let the ardour be cooled by the snowy blasts which come from the Orongorongos in winter but make

your Lodge a haven of warmth and welcome for every Lodge in the district.

"When a Lodge is constituted and consecrated and receives its Charter from the Grand Lodge, the by-laws

and constitution well prepared by skilled brethren guided by the Board of General Purposes, the Lodge

begins its life. But the destiny, prosperity, success, or usefulness, the way in which the Lodge discharges the

aims and objects of Freemasonry, is really dependent on the concerted effort of every member putting his

full weight behind the Officers and Master to make the Lodge a success for the whole of its life."

"Brethren, these are not days for experienced Freemasons to found a new Lodge and proceed to admit

candidates without recalling the primary object and purposes of this ancient Institution which we are all

striving to perpetuate. We must watch that we are not trying to exist and build, merely on reputation, the

image that has been created over sonic 250 years, by which Freemasonry has always stood in the highest

esteem in any community where it existed."

Our New Magazine

The birth of a new magazine is never an easy one, both gestation and parturition being prolonged due to the

intensive planning required to ensure that the new arrival brings not only joy because of his wholeness to his

expectant parents, but also delight to friends and neighbours.

The child is here. The midwives now stand aside and we who are parents by adoption accept responsibility

for his infant nurture. We are elated.

Even those who did not experience the pains of labour feel that this is indeed their child, and so it is because

the continuing responsibility for this paper's well being, its nourishment, and its growth is upon our

shoulders.

In New Zealand there have been other Masonic Journals. They were:—

The New Zealand Freemason, from 6th January, 1880 (price 1/- per copy), to 17th April, 1888.

The Craftsman, from December, 1880, to January, 1882 —6d a copy.

New Zealand Masonic Journal, from February, 1887, to September, 1889, subscription 5/- per annum.

The New Zealand Craftsman Dunedin, November and December, 1889.

The New Zealand Craftsman, from January, 1890, to May, 1971.

Some died in their infancy and one in old age was allowed to die of malnutrition, starved of locally written

and stimulating articles.

May the columns of our new publication named after its great grandfather, be animated not only by written

articles but also by the expression of the brethren in the "Letters to the Editor". One is told so frequently by

brethren who should know better "that no one wants to hear what improvements may be made to our Craft".

The opportunity to "let me speak" is here.

Yes, unto us a Child is born! Will he be a lusty living creature, or will he be doomed to a premature senility

whose demise would be welcomed by the Job's comforters in our midst?

R.J.T.

About Masonic Publications

So at last we have our own publication scheduled for five issues a year. As a Freemason my reaction was and

is "Good show. We need it. Part of the communication gap will now be filled." I mean that, I really do.

As a member of the communications industry in which I have spent most of my life, my reaction was — dare

I say it —"Heigh-ho, tiddly-o, here we go again." I mean that too, I really do.

Because I have some experience myself in 'filling space' I have watched editors, two days over deadline and

one hundred and forty column inches short of copy, reach for the scissors and paste and commit to the press

a pot-boiler which didn't merit the light of day in the first place and certainly shouldn't have been reprinted in

the second — and with or without clearance, usually without.

Here is a hard working character, already pretty stretched in his job, imploring people to write him five

hundred words of 'good stuff' for next month's issue. Make it lively, you know, give it an angle — and you

will let me have it by the twentieth won't you? Sure he will, but he doesn't. He doesn't come to the party at

all. He could have. His was the sort of mind which could find an angle, could have done a better-than-

ordinary job — but didn't get around to it. "Heigh-o, tiddly-o, off for the scissors and paste we go."

The spectacle of a part-time editor slowly losing his joie de vivre because the job becomes all part — his part

— and no time except his time, isn't a pretty one. But it will be better next month. There's that special do at

Gisborne. Old so-and-so usually says something pretty witty. And there's the five day fishing marathon at

Pukipuk. Bound to be some stories come out of that. But if old so-and-so did in fact drop some scintillating

sentences, they never hit the linotype. The stringer forgot to send them in. And the five day fishing was

cancelled anyhow. "Heigh-ho, tiddly-o."

Those, brethren, are the sorts of things which eventually send editors walking backwards up the wall on their

hands. Piece by piece their editorial harness is hewn from them until they end up with space to fill, no

material, no time and probably no interest.

No, I'm not being negative, I'm not saying that it is going to happen but I am saying that it can and it will

unless we do our stuff and help him. That's why I am writing five hundred words which I'd rather have left to

somebody else, because right now I'm so strapped for time it's not funny. There's another reason I want to

say it — and open the window before I do to make the outward passage less painful. A great deal of Masonic

reporting gives me the stitch. More accurately, it used to because I don't read much of it now. It's too dull. It

reads like George Meredith at his most pompous and least inspired. I lost interest and the millions of other

words of 'required reading' and other stuff at my elbow just take over. It lost the race. The competition beat it

to a standstill.

I for one don't want that to happen. I mean it. I really do. 1 don't expect to mark the calendar in anticipation

of receiving my copy of the New Zealand Freemason and greet its arrival with the ecstasy of a doubles

winner at Flierslie. And I won't read the catalogue section which is for reference rather than reading anyhow.

I will read the articles as long as they do something for me or to me. And I will write a thing or two now and

again if anybody asks me in time. But I will not read obvious scissors and paste and I will not submit to

being bored to death, not now, not ever.

So as I am likely to be paying for this highly welcome and greatly respected addition to the Masonic press, I

want it to be the goods, no matter how modest in size. I want it to be good Masonic stuff with an angle and a

message and a recognition that Brother Bill is an ordinary, solid guy who wants it to be told like it really is. I

mean it, I really do. L.E.

NOTES AND QUERIES
This section will endeavour to provide answers to queries sent in by readers, and will issue a wide variety of

Notes of the kind that might interest, amuse, instruct, or remind our readers of just how extensive

Freemasonry is. Experienced Craftsmen will be asked for answers to Queries, and preference will be given to

questions of general interest. Answers are not to be taken to be the official views of Grand Lodge unless

stated.

Notes

Some Basic Books

Many readers have a desire to do something about the practical injunction "to make a daily advancement in

Masonic knowledge," but to do so, do not know what hooks to buy to start their Masonic library. Here is a

brief list that will put them in touch progressively with knowledge of the Craft here and overseas. Apart from

the first, the remaining books arc on sale from, for instance, Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, 27 Great

Queen St., London WC2B 51113, U.K. The first book can be obtained by asking your Lodge Secretary to

order it from the publishers, the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

History of Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of N.Z. 1890-1970. F. G. Northern, P.Dep.G.M. P. J. Oliver, G.Sec.,

for G.L. of N.Z. 1971. $1.50.

Freemason's Guide and C'ompendium. Bernard E. Jones. Harrap, London, 1967. £2.70 posted.

Freemason's Pocket Reference Book. Pick & Knight. U.K, price: £1.20 posted.

Pocket History of Freemasonry, Pick & Knight. U.K. price: £1.90 posted.

Selected Papers, Vol. 2. United Masters Lodge, P.O. Box 564, Auckland, 1.

The Tracing Boards & Other Selected Papers. Research Lodge of Wellington, P.O. Box 6205, Wellington,

1. Price $1.00 posted.

Recorded Masonic Music

There has been a reasonable amount of published music specially composed for Freemasonry, though little

of it has reached the gramophone record. However, there are three rocords produced since 1968 that give us

Mozart's complete Masonic music. Two are probably available only in Britain (Turnabout TV34213S &

TV34214S, and Philips 6500 020), hut the third has also been on sale in New Zealand.

This is Mozart: Complete Masonic Music, Werner Krenn (tenor), Tom Krause (base), with the Edinburgh

Festival Chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Istvan Kertesz; Decca SXL 6409 or, in

N.Z., World Record Club SRZ 6366 (stereo, mono compatible). (World Record Club/EMI Records is at 14

Customs St., Auckland; 71 Manners St., Wellington; Transport Centre, Lower Hutt; 698 Colombo St.,

Christchurch; and 261 George St., Dunedin).

This was reviewed by music critic Frederick Smith in A.Q.C., vol. 84, pp. 236-8. He finds it a very

satisfactory recording, with the bonus of a "comprehensive leaflet with all the German texts and translations

by Peggy Cochrane, and useful notes about each item . . The sleeve has an informative note by H. C.

Robbins Landon", the famous music historian. There is even an extract from the Charge "Ancient no doubt it

is ...", so it does not lack detail.

To the New Zealand listener who wants to have a unique record in his otherwise non-Masonic collection of

LPs, this record is worth the price.

Queries

We remind our readers that we rely upon them to send in Queries of general interest.

So Mote It Be

Q. How do these familiar words originate?

A. The answer given in A.Q.C. 80, p. 336, is that they came into use in the 14th century, the Regius

Manuscript of c.I390 and the Cooke Manuscript of c.1410 both saying "Amen, so mote it he." The phrase

means "so be it" and was used in England in the middle ages as a pious finale to prayers and blessings. The

medieval formula began with the Hebrew word "Amen". This word was used as a formula of acquiescence

and confirmation, to mean "Truly, we believe that it is (or will be) so." Thus, though the terms do not have

the same original meanings, they have virtually come to have the same meaning over the centuries.

LETTERS

A Long and Useful Career

As one who has long advocated the fuller Masonic education of the average Master Mason, I have been

invited to contribute "a hundred words" on the occasion of the issue of the first number of the New Zealand

Freemason, now the official organ of Grand Lodge. Besides being a medium in which to chronicle current

Masonic news from both local and foreign sources, this journal has great potential for acquainting the Craft

with the activities and accomplishments of the Boards of Benevolence and General Purposes, with the aims

and objectives of Freemasonry, and with the part Freemasonry could play in arresting the current disharmony

that pervades the earth.

May I wish the New Zealand Freemason a long, happy, and useful career, and a significant place in Masonic

journalism.

William Martin (P.G.M.)

An Overseas Well-wisher with Experience

All Freemasons will welcome the New Zealand Freemason as a worthwhile addition to a growing volume of

inspirational Masonic literature for brethren generally.

The emergence of this journal as the official organ of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is the result no doubt

of much careful thought and the realisation of the need for authoritative material for dissemination among

brethren, and for an organ in which maximum individual and group participation will be encouraged.

I am looking forward with confidence to the growth of this journal because I know what a powerful vehicle it

can be to revitalise Freemasonry and to foster the expression of ideas and ideals, and the exchange of

experience with Masons throughout the world as well as those within the New Zealand Jurisdiction.

The success of the New Zealand Freemason will depend upon the goodwill and support of all brethren in

New Zealand, the closest co-operation between the National Editorial Board and contributors, and the

encouragement of all concerned in every phase of its production.

I welcome this journal as another source of inspiration. I wish it and you instant and permanent success, a

long and useful life in spreading and maintaing the practical ideals and tenets of Freemasonry.

Maurice H. Kellerman (P.G.W., N.S.W.)

(It is gratifying to have encouragement from R.W. Bro. Kellerman, who apart from having been at primary

school in Lower Hutt, is Secretary of the Masonic Publications Committee of the Grand Lodge of New South

Wales, which publishes a fine journal in the New South Wales Freemason. — Editor).

_______________________________________________________________________________________

CONTRIBUTIONS
The New Zealand Freemason depends on its material cooling forward from brethren throughout the country

through the Divisional Editorial Committees. If acceptable, these Committees send the material on to the

National Editorial Board, which considers its suitability for publication. Letters to the Editor may be sent

directly to the Editor.

The Divisional Sub-editors are:

Auckland Division : V.W. Bro. M. C. Officer, 28 McArthur Ave., St. Heliers, Auckland, 5.

Waikato Division : Advice awaited of appointee.

Wellington Division : W. Bro. R. J. Towers, 26 Wilford St., Lower Hutt.

Canterbury Division: W. Bro. J. N. McClenaghan, 50 Carruthers Street, Ilam, Christchurch, 4.

Otago Division : W. Bro. W. J. Noble, 59 Rawhiti Street, Dunedin.

Accepted articles and other contributions will be acknowledged by the appending of the author's initials. If

manuscripts are to be returned, a clearly stated return address must be shown with the request for return.

Photographs or illustrations considered to be of sufficiently high standard for reproduction in the journal are

welcomed, under the same general conditions as above. Where necessary, captions should be provided.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Our Clear Function

I welcome this opportunity of contributing a few words in the first issue of the New Zealand Freemasons. I

congratulate the promoters of this new publication and feel certain that it will be warmly welcomed by the

brethren in the Gisborne area.

Today many Freemasons show an indifference to the outstanding teachings of Masonry, and its principles

appear to be seldom taken sceriously. Many Freemasons appear quite insensitive to the necessity of

translating its principles into terms of daily living, and I would hope that articles in this new journal will

clarify the fundamental purpose of Masonry and thus quicken in brethren their sense of moral obligation.

I trust that the New Zealand Freemason will receive the support which I am sure it will deserve.

W. B. Turvey (P.G.W.)

Investments by the Board of G.P.

I am optimistic that you may elect to publish this congratulatory letter to all those involved in the first issue

of the New Zealand Freemason along with the others that will assuredly be sent. The publication of this

national journal must broaden the lines of communication and decisively increase each individual

Freemason's involvement.

I would congratulate the Board of General Purposes on what appears to be a small, but laudable, change of

policy in the investments of funds. The 1972 schedule of investments shows that equity share investment in

the N.Z. Insurance Co. Ltd. had been increased to $110,000 (1971, $30,000; 1970 nil); $127,000 placed with

Perpetual Trustees Estate & Agency Co. Ltd., and $38,000 in mortgages. Although a rather conservative

percentage of the total investment they should ultimately be some buffer against the reducing value of

currency and simultaneously effectively increase the average earnings, currently about six percent. I rather

hope that investment in equity shares may be increased to around 20 percent, and would like to see other

views on this matter in your column.

E. I. Runnerstrum (P.M).

Frequency of Meetings

As one most conscious of the Masonic news desert these last two years, I welcome the new journal warmly,

and the opportunity it will give those of us with a point of view we wish to present.

With humility, may I suggest that our Lodges and R.A. Chapters ought to give fresh thought to the question

of frequency of meetings. Not only to those who arc very busy in church, community or business affairs, and

those who feel some strains in keeping up the pace as the years keep up theirs, but to others, too, there is the

problem of attendance at our meetings. If the former's were set at, say, seven per year, plus Installation, and

the latter's at, say, five per year, then one could probably score fuller marks in attendance without the undue

pressure on one today. (Undoubtedly we need better attendances than we get today.) Emergency meetings

would easily cope with any excess of candidates offering.

Other countries seem to manage well this way; and here in New Zealand I seriously suggest it would also

help the inward flow of those willing to take up Office, often a real problem of attendance to the prospective

officer.

R. Bettany (P.M.)

An Attitude of Charity

Best wishes for a successful publication — I hope that it will not he too long before congratulations are the

order. I do trust that much effort will be made by your publication to ensure that the Directory is kept up-to-

date. My I further suggest that officers' forenames be included as well as their surnames.

Sir and Brother, whilst your predecessor deservedly applied space to provincial news and papers by learned

brethren, I do hope that your publication will find sufficient space to publish a few "Letters to the Editor" so

that brethren may find a medium to express their views on matters of Masonic interest.

By the very nature of our organisation it is easy for views and suggestions to flow down from high-ranked

brethren; it is almost impossible for a brother below the rank of Master to ensure that his views have any

forum.

Charity : what brother has not heard an appeal for more funds to meet the ever-increasing costs and calls on

the funds of benevolence? They deserve our support because of need, hut I feel that insufficient appeal to a

charitable attitude is given in cases where a brother has transgressed in some manner, or made a social

blunder. While it is rare for the Lodge or Craft to disown a member, we cannot ignore the meaning of the

Charges in our ritual without wearing away some of our very foundations. My "appeal" is that whenever we

hear an appeal for charity we give it its widest meaning, applying it not only to brethren but to their

neighbours as well.

Tay Wilson (P.M.)

(We regret that at present space cannot be provided in the Directory section for the names of principal

officers of Lodges. — Editor.)

Shades of Greatness

I personally think that Grand Lodge is doing the right and correct thing, in at last establishing its own

Masonic journal.

At the time of writing this, I have no idea how much copy will be needed; it is, I feel, like taking a ticket in a

raffle hoping that your effort will win the marble and be published.

I feel, too, that the new journal should "take on a new look" from its predecessor — good as it was. Once I

heard a man say "A Lodge may make a Mason, but he must depend upon himself for the spare parts and

essential accessories."

This is a great truth which reveals that upon the man himself depends the quality of the Freemason he

becomes. If to the cause of Freemasonry he would contribute, let him from the night he takes his First

Degree, search for more light in Masonry. Soon he will learn that the word "Brother" by which he is

addressed, and by which he addresses his fellow members, takes on for him a new and strange meaning.

Soon he will discover that he has become more tolerant of the intolerance of others; that his own prejudices

are disappearing from his mind; that he is met upon the level to the extent that he meets his fellows upon the

level. Then he will have grown in stature. To what heights?

There is no uniform limit. The attainment of each measures the quality of the character he has built.

Freemasonry has come down to us from a long and ancient line, and even in its present speculative form it is

well over two centuries old. While it has gradually changed through the ages, the progress it has made has

been well grounded on a sound foundation. It will continue to flourish as a monument to the value and

wisdom of the policy of promoting the ideals and principles of brotherhood and good fellowship among all

men in spite of all obstacles and opposition.

The world needs balance — level headed balance. It needs honest leadership. We cannot continue to be

tossed on an uncharted sea without the compasses of wisdom to guide us.

R. A. Whittington (P.M.).

Why Have a Masonic Journal?

This is a question which some brethren have asked, and others have questioned the necessity for it to be

made obligatory for all members of the Craft to receive copies. Under the circumstances it may be

informative to outline the events which have led up to its appearance.

The decision to publish it was the outcome of a number of resolutions passed by Grand Lodge in

Communication: in other words, by the assembled representation of all the lodges operating under our

constitution. It should be remembered that on such occasions the Masters and Wardens can easily reject the

recommendations of the Boards, and on occasion have not hesitated to do so.

The first step was taken in 1965 when, on an amended motion proposed by the Master of the Tauranga

Lodge, the Board of General Purposes was asked to consider a recommendation that a Publicity Committee

should be set up to provide Lodges and the Press with information about the activities of the Craft,

particularly in the field of charitable work.

The Board investigated the proposal and in its report to the following Communication outlined a scheme to

issue several times a year a bulletin in sufficient numbers for all members to receive a copy. This report was

adopted.

Although there were delays, successive Boards continued to work on the details of publishing the bulletin

and finally a report on the progress achieved was made to the 1972 Communication. It was decided to

proceed, and the result is before you.

The nature of the paper changed somewhat in the course of deliberation, brought about in no small measure

by the demise of "The N.Z. Craftsman". We now have a journal designed not only to convey essential

information to the brethren, but to provide a forum in which ideas can be put forward and discussed.

The decision to have this journal issued to all members not only ensures that the contents are widely

available, but has economic benefits which enable a higher and more acceptable standard of publication to be

achieved.

Today we are passing through a period in which there is widespread apathy and an apparent lack of interest

by many brethren, and by demonstrating to them that the high purpose of the Craft is still being actively

pursued, could do much to stimulate the passive ones and hearten the active.

This magazine is not to be the mouthpiece of Grand Lodge, but the voice of the Craft in general and the

success will depend on the support given to it by the average member, not in purchasing it (that has been

taken care of), but by reading it and not hestitating to take advantage of the opportunity to express his view.

In the end, it comes down to this: you have asked for a source of information and here it is. Take full

advantage of the opportunities it offers and the unity and usefulness of the Craft will benefit greatly.

Bowling For Charity

The sum of $233 was raised by the first Canterbury Masonic charity bowls tournament which was played on

the Woolston Workings Men's Club greens, in Christchurch.

A total of 28 fours competed, the winners being a four from the Lodge of Progress, No. 22, Southbridge.

Second was Lodge Malvern, No. 230, Coalgate, and third was Lodge Sumner, No. 242, Christchurch.

A short address was given at the start of the tournament by the Provincial Grand Master of Canterbury, Rt.

Wor. Bro. Ian Tie, and it was declared open by the president of the Christchurch Bowling Centre, Bro.

Mervyn Robinson.

What Can We Do About Great Issues?

Five great and urgent issues confront us for solution, if our civilisation is to endure, much less advance, in

the days that lie ahead of us — what has Masonry to say and do about them?

First, and chiefly, it must in some way organise the moral intelligence and practical capacity of the race and

make an end of war. Otherwise war will make an end of us, bringing the temple of Man down in a charred

and smoking ruin, as it has come so near to doing in our own generation.

Second, we must meet the threat of a corrosive anarchy with a profounder sense of fraternal fellowship and

obligation, in which each man counts for one, and nobody counts for more than one, joined with a sense of

the sanctity of the common will expressed in law, order and the amenities of society.

Third, so long as distances were great and races lived far apart, friction was not keenly felt; hut today the

world has shrunk to the size of a neighbourhood, and many races mingle. The relations of races will be an

acute and vital problem in the future. As a welter of irritations it is hopeless; only brotherliness can solve it.

Fourth, the menace of industrial strife is hopeless if its issues are left to be fought over by extremists, and the

struggle may shatter society. Here, again, our only hope is in the gradual deepening of communal interest

and responsibility, until, as last, private and group interest learn to serve the capital Common Interest.

Fifth, if brotherhood is the fourth dimension of every problem confronting us, plainly our deepest need is for

a spiritual renewal, a rediscovery of a common life in God, the Father, by which truly to serve Man, the

Brother — a purer flame of moral vision to enable us to see the truth and do the right.

Never, surely, has there been a deeper need for real Masonry than today, or a greater opportunity for it. In a

world of faction and feud, the world needs men of wider vision and larger heart — tall enough to see over

walls of sects and party, and wise enough to plan and work for the good of all. Men are selfish and mean and

bigoted and brutal because they do not know the truth that they are Brothers, born of one love together by the

laws of fraternity.

What we need is men, such as Masonry seeks to make and train, to whom brotherhood is not a mere

metaphor, much less a sentiment to be enjoyed in the Lodge and left to evaporate, but a great law and

principle of life, obedience to which is the secret of stability and progress. Indeed, our only hope lies in the

growing sense of the unity and fellowship of the human race; that the injury of one is the hurt of all; and that

spiritual truth is the only practical truth in the end.

Righteousness is the best common sense and fraternity is not simply a fine phrase, but the philosophy upon

which we must build, if society is to endure. Such is the message of Masonry to the modern world — its

open secret to which its temples and its teachings are dedicated. Other secret it has none, save its tokens by

means of which its workmen know and help one another; its charity occult, not its truth.

During recent decades the mind of man, working in the physical realm, has unveiled the lucid and wise order

of the world, and learned the use of some of its laws. If, in the next few decades, a like inventiveness is

devoted to enterprises of moral discovery and social engineering, there will be a new revelation of God in the

fellowship and service of man. What is needed for the good of humanity is obtainable; and to have a part in

so urgent and noble an enterprise is the joy of life.

—Joseph Fort Newton.