-
Articles/Ads
Article New Zealand. ← Page 2 of 2 Article New Zealand. Page 2 of 2 Article New Zealand. Page 2 of 2 Article Jasmania. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
New Zealand.
various flagstaffs , an . l thc ordinary traffic seemed to be carried on merely on sufferance . In Princes-street a gang of men were at work decorating with bunting and foliage thc temporary platform erected on ihe site of the hall , arranging upon it rows of chairs for thc accommodation of visitors , ' and laving down carpeting . 'The Provincial Hotel , on the opposite side of the street , and the Masomc Hotel , next door , wore both gaily ornamented with a line
of flags extending downwards from their flagstaffs to thc top of the central doorway . So great was the interest manifested in the cercmony ' lhat from noon business became almost suspended , and people were observed either hastening homewards or leisurely promenading the shady side of Oueen-street . A \ t one o'clock the District Grand Lodgeof Auckland , E . C , was opened in the . Choral Hall , a large number of
brethren being present . The Organist , Bro . Angelo Forrest , opened » vith the " Coronation March , " and then as the R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . G . S . Graham , entered with his ofiicers and proceeded to their appointed places the stirring notes of Sir Michael Costa ' s " March of the Israelites" resounded through thc hall . Thc D . G . Chaplain , Bro . Rev . C . M . Nelson , " offered up an impressive prayer , after which the chorale " Hail ! Eternal , by Whose Aid" was sung by
a powerful choir under thc direction of Bro . H . Gordon Gooch . The D . G . Master , Bro . Graham , then formally declared the lodge open , and the choir having given the customary response , "So mote it be , " the P . G . Master and Lodge of New Zealand , I . C , and the P . G . Masterand North Island of New Zealand , S . C , were received , saluted , and the brethren conducted to their allotted positions , the Organist playing a " Masonic March Festival , " by Dr .
Spark , the while . The usual set questions and answers were then made and given , after which the D . G . Secretary , Bro . H . G . Wade , read the dispensation authorising thc brethren to appear in regalia . 'The well-known anthem , " Behold how good-and joyful a thing , " was next rendered , and it was followed by an address from the D . G . M ., Bro . Graham , which he closed by sprinkling perfume . The D . G , Master ' s address was a verv brief one .
The D . G . Director of Ceremonies and his assistants then formed the brethren into order of procession , after which they marched to St . Paul ' s Cathedral , the procession being headed by the Engineer and City Band . On arrival at the church door , thc procession halted and faced inwards , leaving a space for the D . G . Lodge Officers and thc D . G . Masters , preceded by their . Standard and Sword Bearers . 'The Deputies and others followed from thc rear . The D . and
P . G . Masters were conducted to their scats by two Stewards appointed to receive them inside the church , the brethren taking seats behind them . Long before the procession had reached Princes-street all the available scats in St . Paul's Church , where the service was to be held , were rilled byladies and gentlemen . When the brethren were seated , the church was crowded to the doors , and many were unable to . obtain seats . Bro . ' Dr . Kidd ( P . G . Chaplain , I . C . ) preached
from the words contained in the 13 th verse of 1 . 3 th chapter of Corinthians : " And now abideth faith , hope , and charity , these three ; but the greatest of these is charity . " An offertory in aid of the funds of the Orphan Home was taken , which amounted lo £ iS 2 s . qd . The brethren having taken the places appointed for them , the D . G . Masters being placed on the li ., N ., andS . sides of the stone , the choir , tinder Mr . II . Gordon Gooch's
direction , sang an anthem . Bro . Dr . KIDD , P . G . Chap ., I . C . read a portion of Scripture , after which the Rev . C . M . Nelson , D . G . Chaplain , K . C , offered up prayer , the D . G . -Master making the response " Glory be to God on High . " The stone was next slowly hoisted into position , when Bro . L . D . Nathan ( Chairman of Trustees ) having read and deposited the scroll , Dr . Goldsbro' , D . G . 'Treasurer , placed the phial of
coins nnd copies of the local daily papers . 1 he cement was then spread by Bro . G . S . Graham , D . G . M ., U . C ., and the stone lowered until it had reached the place prepared for it . 'The D . D . G . Master , Bro . I odder , applied the square to the stone , and the P . G . S . W ., I , C , Bro . Climo , applied thc level . 'The P . G . J . Warden , S . C , Bro . Dewar , having applied the plumb , each Grand Master struck three blows with lhc mallet , when thc D . G . Master
E . C , Bro . Graham , declared the stone well and truly laid . After the singingof an anthem , the architect presented Hie working tools to the D . G . Master , Bro . Graham , who anointed and returned them for the use of the Craftsmen . 'The D . G . Master , E . C , Bro . Graham , scattered corn and consecrated the hall to virtue ; the P . G . Master , I . C , Bro . Pierce , poured out the wine and consecrated it tn
universal benevolence ; and the P . G . Master , S . C , Bro . Whitaker , dropped oil ar . d dedicated it lo nllthe purposes of Masonry . 'The choir after each part of Ibis rile sang verses of the hymn " Genius of Masonry , descend . " The R . W . Bro . F . WIIIVAKEK then mounted the foundation stone and delivered the following oration : — Right Worshipful Masters and brethren : We have arrived at that slaire in Ihe ceremonial in which it becomes
the duty of one of ourselves to address you upon the subject of Freemasonry , lt has fallen to my lot to do so , and I trust to be able lo discharge the duty to your satisfaction . I do not presume to teach the brethren , nor du I presume to tell them what Ihey already know ; but this is a proper occasion for reminding them of certain facts worthy to be remembered , and especially to take a view of our present ' position . In the lir = t place , I shall say a few words as to
Ihe origin of Freemasonry . No doubt there are many theories on this subject , but of this we may be perfectly satisfied—Hint the Institution is of very great antiquity . Some date it as (; : r back as the time of the Patriarchs , but the far more general understanding is that it was instituted at the time of the building of Solomon ' s 'Temple . Whatever thc dale of ils birth , there is no question that in some form it has existed through a long series of years . 'I his
is hardly the opportunity for prosecuting such an inquiry , seeing that it does not immediately concern us . It is no doubt an interesting question , and one which will engage the fvinpnlhies of the brethren ; but we mu ^ t confine ourselves now to a narrower basis . It is not nere- =.-iry to go further l <; 'el ; ler'ii ( be . hot culture , when ( he organisation llou existin ; - ' . vas r ; di-pt ( d , and tlie f << inula tion of the present
system bud . Frerui .-.-onry was ( ben placed upon Us present pedestal - put into ( lie groove in which it now runs . It was then established upon a basis which has continued ever since . In the year 1717 ihe Grand Loilye of England was constituted , a worthy brother of the name of Anthony Sayer being the first Grand Mastei . 'This ran down from generation lo generation , and many eminent men held the chief
New Zealand.
office until it came to the present Grand Master , the Prince of Wales . A few years afterwards , viz ., in 1730 , the Irish Freemasons constituted their Grand Lodge , and their first Grand Master was Viscount Kingston . 'The office descended from one eminent man to another till it reached the Duke of Leinster , in 1 S 13 . I single him out especially , because for sixty-one year- -, he held the position of Grand Master under the Irish Constitution . The present Grand
Master is the Duke of Abercorn . In 173 G the Scotch Freemasons began to follow suit . A Congress was held in Edinburgh , and a large number of Masons attended there , and tlACraft at that time made rapid progress in Scotland . A peculiar institution existed there at that time , viz ., the hereditary head as created by James the Second . At that time William Sinclair , of Rosslyn , was the Grand Master , but he surrendered it as a hereditary office , and was elected
the first Grand Master . Thc present Grand Master is Sir Michael Shaw Stewart . I mention these things in order that yon may understand how the question of precedence is settled , the lodges of the various Constitutions being ranged according to seniority . Thc English lodges , therefore , take precedence of thc others , and arc invariably followed by the Irish . One might remark that it was age before honesty , but as we do not claim to be more honest than our fellows ,
we have placed thc matter of precedence upon thc basis of seniority . But it must not be inferred that there is practicall y any sharp line of distinction between the brethren of the different Constitutions . Indeed , so far from that , you will find in most , it not in all the lodges , English , Irish , and Scotch Freemasons mixed without distinction—all united in one Brotherhood , The constitution of Freemasonry in New Zealand comprises Provincial , or District Grand
Lodges , under which theie is a very large number of subordinate lodges . Freemasonry found a very early home in this colony . So long ago as 1 S 42 Lodge Ara , probably thc oldest lodge in New Zealand , and certainly the oldest in this district , was created , and its first meetings were held in a small building which stood upon the site now occupied by the very handsome mill of Alessrs . Bycroft , and as there was not a meeting place sufficiently
large at that time—there being only a few hundred people here—the brethren had to meet in the billiard-room . But since then thc Order has advanced by rapid degrees , until we see to-day a representation of something like twenty lodges . The organisation , therefore , so far as New Zealand is concerned , comprises the three several Grand Lodges , the three Provincial Grand Lodges , and these subordinate lodges . It may be expressed as a matter of
surprise that in this town—the centre of Freemasonry in the north , and the home of three Provincial Grand Lodges—so much delay has taken place in providing a Masonic Hall , especially as many of thc out-districts have done so . No doubt wc may be accused of remissness , and probably we are open to the charge . At any rate we are now endeavouring to make up the leeway—to do that which we should have done before , and in a way , too , more effectively
than we could ever havc done it before . Masons were few in numbers in the early times , and poor in pocket . Now , however , we feel ourselves in a position to erect a hall which will be a credit lo Freemasonry , and an ornament to the town of Auckland . It is somewhat remarkable that Freemasons' Halls—that is , buildings specially erected and set apart for Freemasonry—are of comparatively recent date , looking to the antiquity of the Order . The first
hall exclusively erected and dedicated to the purposes of Masonry was built in Philadelphia in 1754 , the second in Marseilles in 17 G 5 , and the third in London in 177 G . This last hall was pulled down in 1 SG 4 , and the present handsome and commodious building put up in its place is a fitting home for Freemasonry . I have not been able to find any records of this kind concerning Scotland and Ireland , but now both at Dublin and Edinburgh the
Freemasons have halls in every way worthy of the Order , while all the colonies arc rapidly following in the same direction . I look upon thc erection of a hall in Auckland as a most important event . It is highly objectionable that lodge meetings should beheld at places of public entertainment . That has been hitherto perhaps almost a necessity , but it had no doubt given rise to scandal , which should be carefully avoided . It may now be fairly asked for what object
is there such an extensive organisation required f and what is thereto justify the expenditure of so much time , trouble , and money ? Let us consider what is Freemasonry . One of the greatest writers upon Masonic jurisprudence , Dr . Oliver , defines it as "A system of morality veiled in allegory illustrated by symbols , " but we shall be better able to understand it by what it does and what it teaches . Let us then consider what its objects are—what it does and
what it is intended to do . Firstly , I shall say a few words as to the preparation and admission of candidates . We are no propagandists . It is directly contrary to the principles and rules of Freemasonry that any man should be solicited to become a Mason , and before he is allowed to be proposed he has to sign a declaration that he lias not been induced by improper solicitation to join , and that he is not influenced by mercenary or unworthy motives ,
but that he freely and voluntarily offers himself for initiation into the mysteries of the Craft . The qualifications required of a candidate are few , but ( hey arc peremptory , lie must be a believer in the one and Supreme God—the Father of all—thc Great Architect of the Universe . That is essential , and no man who refuses that belief can be admitted into Fr' -emasonry . It is absolutely essential that he should acknowledge the cne God—the Supreme
Architect of the Universe . You must recollect , however , that we are Universalists as regards religion . We do not exclude men on account of their peculiar denominational creeds , if they believe in a true and only God that , so far as religion is concerned , is sufficient . What do we find all over the world ? 'This , that not only Christians largely swell our ranks , but that even the Mahommedans and the Parsees of India have availed themselves of the privileges
of the Order and have lodges of their own . The latter people , indeed , have nearly a million Freemasons upon their roll . We all acknowledge the one true God , though of course separated by denominational beliefs . As regards ourselves , the Bible is the foundation of our creed , our . Society , and our institutions . In the lodges we hold it to be the corner-stone , our ceremonies are formed on that
basis , and no lodge can be properly held without it . Whenever a lodge meets the Bible is laid open in the midst , and is only closed when Ihe lodge closes . That , however , could not be the case with the Mahommedans and Parsees . On their consciences the Bible would not be binding , and , therefore , the Koran and the Vcrlas take its place so far as they are concerned . We look upon them for all that as
New Zealand.
brothers holding" the same faith as ourselves in a one true God—in the one Great Architect of the Universe . Again , to be a Mason , the candidate must be a freeman , well recommended and favourably vouched for , and he must have the confidence of those Freemasons who know him . We strictly exclude politics from our lodges—they have no share in our meetings . We exclude the subject entirely and absolutely , and the consequence has been and is that
in every country Freemasonry is encouraged and held in high esteem . The State in every such case knows that we do not meddle in politics—that there is in our lodges no plotting or counter-plotting . In America especially has Freemasonry taken deep root , and indeed we havc obtained the confidence of all the free governments under which we live . One most remarkable fact , as showing the favour with which we arc regarded by the government of our own
country , is that at a time when Europe was convulsed , and when thrones were being shaken—when the British legislature thought it necessary to pass laws for putting down secret societies and unlawful oaths—a special exemption was make in favour of Freemasons , whose loyalty and obedience to the laws of the country have never been doubted . We have always enjoyed the confidence of the free governments under which we have lived , because they were
satisfied that we meant no mischief to the State , and , therefore , unlike other orders , we have been trusted without any supervision whatever . The oaths administered to a Freemason are principally intended to bind him to do good and eschew evil . Now let us examine the objects of Freemasonry and what it teaches . It teaches a code of morality and virtue , and its object is to improve man ' s moral nature . It inculcates all the virtues , and it reminds its members from
time , to time of the duties they owe to God , to their fellow med , and especially to their families . It pays especial attention to this portion of the man ' s duty , and Masons ' wives may be satisfied of this , that though the Order calls their husbands sometimes from home , and g ives them a secret which they can never divulge , it does not neglect to compensate them by inculcating upon the husbands a stric attention to their duties towards their families . Masonr
demands that the Mason should not only provide for h family , but that , to the best of his ability , hc should administer to ils happiness , spending a due portion of bis time , " it and that he should not waste his time and substance in .. taverns or in selfishly seeking his own gratification . 'There- ' fore , it appears to me that the ladies may well set aside the knowing of our secrets , resting satisfied that very diligent care is taken of them . I might enlarge upon the duties of
Freemasons , and probably 1 should have done so had the ceremony not been so long , but I may now wind up with one word . A good Freemason by no posibility can be a bad man . If he is a good Freemason he must be a good man . We do not take it upon ourselves to say that we are all good men , but we do say that if a Freemason falls short of his duties it is through no fault of the Institution , but simply because he fails to follow out or conform to its
precepts . Perfection none of us can attain , but if the precepts of Freemasonry were faithfullly carried out we would come as near it as we can . If that is done no harm can accrue , and wc should use our endeavours onl y for the inculcation of proper doctrines . Let us , then , amend our faults and seek in practice to act up to our professions , for the nearer we follow the requirements of Freemasonry we shall the better contribute to our own happiness and that of others .
Offerings having been placed upon the stone , the D . G . Chaplain said the concluding prayer , when Bro . Graham , D . G . M ., E . C , in addressing a few remarks to the assemblage , said that tbe lodges had contributed various amounts towards defraying thc cost of erecting the hall , but as these fell short of thc sum required the balance would have to be derived from subscriptions by the brethren . After having been made aware of the beneficent objects
of Freemasonry , perhaps the ladies would not be disinclined to assist , and if they would therefore prepare and work for a bazaar he would pledge himself lhat they should have a grand ball in return . ( Laughter and loud applause . ) The Masonic version of the National Anthem was then sung , when the procession was rc-formed and marched back to the Choral Hall , where the Grand Lodge resumed its sitting . The offerings laid upon the stone were
awarded to the workmen who were engaged upon thc hall , while a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies and gentlemen of the choir . It was announced that towards the erection of the hall , £ 1000 had been contributed by various lodges , while £ So 3 had been subscribed privately by the brethren , making - a total so far of X 1 S 00 . Other lists have
to come in from thc country districts . The offer of one brother to give a portrait of De Burgh Adams , the first Provincial Grand Master of the North Island , was hailed with cheers . After the transaction of some routinoAmsiness , thc Grand Lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren dispersed . In the evening a quadrille party was held in the Lome-street Hall .
Jasmania.
Jasmania .
CAMPBELL TOWN . —Faith Lodge ( No . 691 ) . —A very pleasant ceremony look place at Davidson's Hotel , the occasion being the opening of the above lodge there . 'This lodge was established in Launceston early in 1856 , but about iSGG fell into disuse , and wascloscd . In response , however , to a petition recently presented by Masons resident at Campbell 'Town and Launceston , the Deputy District Grand Master granted a dispensation for thc removal
of the warrant to Campbell Town , and a number of visiting brethren were present from Launceston , and a few from Hobart , the gathering representing Ihe lodges under ( he three Constitutions in Launceston , and the . two English , lodges of Hobart . Bro . George Smith , P . M ., Deputy D . G . Master , presided , and after a warrant and dispensation had been produced and read , the dedication con mony was performed by Bro . L . Susman , P . M ., District Grand S . W ., alter which the Deputy G . M . installed Bro . II .
Conway , P . M ., as W . M . ; Bro . F . A . Pndficldbeing appointed S . W . ; and Bro . W . C Blyth , J . VV . After the business was concluded , the members and visitors , numbering some thirty , sat down to a very excellent supper , and a very social evening was spent . Among the toasts given was one to the oldest member of the Lodge of Faith , Bro . XV . R . Davey , P . M ., who affiliated with it shortly after its establishment , was afterwards Master , and when it was closed affiliated with the Hope Lodge , of which he is now thesecond oldest member .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
New Zealand.
various flagstaffs , an . l thc ordinary traffic seemed to be carried on merely on sufferance . In Princes-street a gang of men were at work decorating with bunting and foliage thc temporary platform erected on ihe site of the hall , arranging upon it rows of chairs for thc accommodation of visitors , ' and laving down carpeting . 'The Provincial Hotel , on the opposite side of the street , and the Masomc Hotel , next door , wore both gaily ornamented with a line
of flags extending downwards from their flagstaffs to thc top of the central doorway . So great was the interest manifested in the cercmony ' lhat from noon business became almost suspended , and people were observed either hastening homewards or leisurely promenading the shady side of Oueen-street . A \ t one o'clock the District Grand Lodgeof Auckland , E . C , was opened in the . Choral Hall , a large number of
brethren being present . The Organist , Bro . Angelo Forrest , opened » vith the " Coronation March , " and then as the R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . G . S . Graham , entered with his ofiicers and proceeded to their appointed places the stirring notes of Sir Michael Costa ' s " March of the Israelites" resounded through thc hall . Thc D . G . Chaplain , Bro . Rev . C . M . Nelson , " offered up an impressive prayer , after which the chorale " Hail ! Eternal , by Whose Aid" was sung by
a powerful choir under thc direction of Bro . H . Gordon Gooch . The D . G . Master , Bro . Graham , then formally declared the lodge open , and the choir having given the customary response , "So mote it be , " the P . G . Master and Lodge of New Zealand , I . C , and the P . G . Masterand North Island of New Zealand , S . C , were received , saluted , and the brethren conducted to their allotted positions , the Organist playing a " Masonic March Festival , " by Dr .
Spark , the while . The usual set questions and answers were then made and given , after which the D . G . Secretary , Bro . H . G . Wade , read the dispensation authorising thc brethren to appear in regalia . 'The well-known anthem , " Behold how good-and joyful a thing , " was next rendered , and it was followed by an address from the D . G . M ., Bro . Graham , which he closed by sprinkling perfume . The D . G , Master ' s address was a verv brief one .
The D . G . Director of Ceremonies and his assistants then formed the brethren into order of procession , after which they marched to St . Paul ' s Cathedral , the procession being headed by the Engineer and City Band . On arrival at the church door , thc procession halted and faced inwards , leaving a space for the D . G . Lodge Officers and thc D . G . Masters , preceded by their . Standard and Sword Bearers . 'The Deputies and others followed from thc rear . The D . and
P . G . Masters were conducted to their scats by two Stewards appointed to receive them inside the church , the brethren taking seats behind them . Long before the procession had reached Princes-street all the available scats in St . Paul's Church , where the service was to be held , were rilled byladies and gentlemen . When the brethren were seated , the church was crowded to the doors , and many were unable to . obtain seats . Bro . ' Dr . Kidd ( P . G . Chaplain , I . C . ) preached
from the words contained in the 13 th verse of 1 . 3 th chapter of Corinthians : " And now abideth faith , hope , and charity , these three ; but the greatest of these is charity . " An offertory in aid of the funds of the Orphan Home was taken , which amounted lo £ iS 2 s . qd . The brethren having taken the places appointed for them , the D . G . Masters being placed on the li ., N ., andS . sides of the stone , the choir , tinder Mr . II . Gordon Gooch's
direction , sang an anthem . Bro . Dr . KIDD , P . G . Chap ., I . C . read a portion of Scripture , after which the Rev . C . M . Nelson , D . G . Chaplain , K . C , offered up prayer , the D . G . -Master making the response " Glory be to God on High . " The stone was next slowly hoisted into position , when Bro . L . D . Nathan ( Chairman of Trustees ) having read and deposited the scroll , Dr . Goldsbro' , D . G . 'Treasurer , placed the phial of
coins nnd copies of the local daily papers . 1 he cement was then spread by Bro . G . S . Graham , D . G . M ., U . C ., and the stone lowered until it had reached the place prepared for it . 'The D . D . G . Master , Bro . I odder , applied the square to the stone , and the P . G . S . W ., I , C , Bro . Climo , applied thc level . 'The P . G . J . Warden , S . C , Bro . Dewar , having applied the plumb , each Grand Master struck three blows with lhc mallet , when thc D . G . Master
E . C , Bro . Graham , declared the stone well and truly laid . After the singingof an anthem , the architect presented Hie working tools to the D . G . Master , Bro . Graham , who anointed and returned them for the use of the Craftsmen . 'The D . G . Master , E . C , Bro . Graham , scattered corn and consecrated the hall to virtue ; the P . G . Master , I . C , Bro . Pierce , poured out the wine and consecrated it tn
universal benevolence ; and the P . G . Master , S . C , Bro . Whitaker , dropped oil ar . d dedicated it lo nllthe purposes of Masonry . 'The choir after each part of Ibis rile sang verses of the hymn " Genius of Masonry , descend . " The R . W . Bro . F . WIIIVAKEK then mounted the foundation stone and delivered the following oration : — Right Worshipful Masters and brethren : We have arrived at that slaire in Ihe ceremonial in which it becomes
the duty of one of ourselves to address you upon the subject of Freemasonry , lt has fallen to my lot to do so , and I trust to be able lo discharge the duty to your satisfaction . I do not presume to teach the brethren , nor du I presume to tell them what Ihey already know ; but this is a proper occasion for reminding them of certain facts worthy to be remembered , and especially to take a view of our present ' position . In the lir = t place , I shall say a few words as to
Ihe origin of Freemasonry . No doubt there are many theories on this subject , but of this we may be perfectly satisfied—Hint the Institution is of very great antiquity . Some date it as (; : r back as the time of the Patriarchs , but the far more general understanding is that it was instituted at the time of the building of Solomon ' s 'Temple . Whatever thc dale of ils birth , there is no question that in some form it has existed through a long series of years . 'I his
is hardly the opportunity for prosecuting such an inquiry , seeing that it does not immediately concern us . It is no doubt an interesting question , and one which will engage the fvinpnlhies of the brethren ; but we mu ^ t confine ourselves now to a narrower basis . It is not nere- =.-iry to go further l <; 'el ; ler'ii ( be . hot culture , when ( he organisation llou existin ; - ' . vas r ; di-pt ( d , and tlie f << inula tion of the present
system bud . Frerui .-.-onry was ( ben placed upon Us present pedestal - put into ( lie groove in which it now runs . It was then established upon a basis which has continued ever since . In the year 1717 ihe Grand Loilye of England was constituted , a worthy brother of the name of Anthony Sayer being the first Grand Mastei . 'This ran down from generation lo generation , and many eminent men held the chief
New Zealand.
office until it came to the present Grand Master , the Prince of Wales . A few years afterwards , viz ., in 1730 , the Irish Freemasons constituted their Grand Lodge , and their first Grand Master was Viscount Kingston . 'The office descended from one eminent man to another till it reached the Duke of Leinster , in 1 S 13 . I single him out especially , because for sixty-one year- -, he held the position of Grand Master under the Irish Constitution . The present Grand
Master is the Duke of Abercorn . In 173 G the Scotch Freemasons began to follow suit . A Congress was held in Edinburgh , and a large number of Masons attended there , and tlACraft at that time made rapid progress in Scotland . A peculiar institution existed there at that time , viz ., the hereditary head as created by James the Second . At that time William Sinclair , of Rosslyn , was the Grand Master , but he surrendered it as a hereditary office , and was elected
the first Grand Master . Thc present Grand Master is Sir Michael Shaw Stewart . I mention these things in order that yon may understand how the question of precedence is settled , the lodges of the various Constitutions being ranged according to seniority . Thc English lodges , therefore , take precedence of thc others , and arc invariably followed by the Irish . One might remark that it was age before honesty , but as we do not claim to be more honest than our fellows ,
we have placed thc matter of precedence upon thc basis of seniority . But it must not be inferred that there is practicall y any sharp line of distinction between the brethren of the different Constitutions . Indeed , so far from that , you will find in most , it not in all the lodges , English , Irish , and Scotch Freemasons mixed without distinction—all united in one Brotherhood , The constitution of Freemasonry in New Zealand comprises Provincial , or District Grand
Lodges , under which theie is a very large number of subordinate lodges . Freemasonry found a very early home in this colony . So long ago as 1 S 42 Lodge Ara , probably thc oldest lodge in New Zealand , and certainly the oldest in this district , was created , and its first meetings were held in a small building which stood upon the site now occupied by the very handsome mill of Alessrs . Bycroft , and as there was not a meeting place sufficiently
large at that time—there being only a few hundred people here—the brethren had to meet in the billiard-room . But since then thc Order has advanced by rapid degrees , until we see to-day a representation of something like twenty lodges . The organisation , therefore , so far as New Zealand is concerned , comprises the three several Grand Lodges , the three Provincial Grand Lodges , and these subordinate lodges . It may be expressed as a matter of
surprise that in this town—the centre of Freemasonry in the north , and the home of three Provincial Grand Lodges—so much delay has taken place in providing a Masonic Hall , especially as many of thc out-districts have done so . No doubt wc may be accused of remissness , and probably we are open to the charge . At any rate we are now endeavouring to make up the leeway—to do that which we should have done before , and in a way , too , more effectively
than we could ever havc done it before . Masons were few in numbers in the early times , and poor in pocket . Now , however , we feel ourselves in a position to erect a hall which will be a credit lo Freemasonry , and an ornament to the town of Auckland . It is somewhat remarkable that Freemasons' Halls—that is , buildings specially erected and set apart for Freemasonry—are of comparatively recent date , looking to the antiquity of the Order . The first
hall exclusively erected and dedicated to the purposes of Masonry was built in Philadelphia in 1754 , the second in Marseilles in 17 G 5 , and the third in London in 177 G . This last hall was pulled down in 1 SG 4 , and the present handsome and commodious building put up in its place is a fitting home for Freemasonry . I have not been able to find any records of this kind concerning Scotland and Ireland , but now both at Dublin and Edinburgh the
Freemasons have halls in every way worthy of the Order , while all the colonies arc rapidly following in the same direction . I look upon thc erection of a hall in Auckland as a most important event . It is highly objectionable that lodge meetings should beheld at places of public entertainment . That has been hitherto perhaps almost a necessity , but it had no doubt given rise to scandal , which should be carefully avoided . It may now be fairly asked for what object
is there such an extensive organisation required f and what is thereto justify the expenditure of so much time , trouble , and money ? Let us consider what is Freemasonry . One of the greatest writers upon Masonic jurisprudence , Dr . Oliver , defines it as "A system of morality veiled in allegory illustrated by symbols , " but we shall be better able to understand it by what it does and what it teaches . Let us then consider what its objects are—what it does and
what it is intended to do . Firstly , I shall say a few words as to the preparation and admission of candidates . We are no propagandists . It is directly contrary to the principles and rules of Freemasonry that any man should be solicited to become a Mason , and before he is allowed to be proposed he has to sign a declaration that he lias not been induced by improper solicitation to join , and that he is not influenced by mercenary or unworthy motives ,
but that he freely and voluntarily offers himself for initiation into the mysteries of the Craft . The qualifications required of a candidate are few , but ( hey arc peremptory , lie must be a believer in the one and Supreme God—the Father of all—thc Great Architect of the Universe . That is essential , and no man who refuses that belief can be admitted into Fr' -emasonry . It is absolutely essential that he should acknowledge the cne God—the Supreme
Architect of the Universe . You must recollect , however , that we are Universalists as regards religion . We do not exclude men on account of their peculiar denominational creeds , if they believe in a true and only God that , so far as religion is concerned , is sufficient . What do we find all over the world ? 'This , that not only Christians largely swell our ranks , but that even the Mahommedans and the Parsees of India have availed themselves of the privileges
of the Order and have lodges of their own . The latter people , indeed , have nearly a million Freemasons upon their roll . We all acknowledge the one true God , though of course separated by denominational beliefs . As regards ourselves , the Bible is the foundation of our creed , our . Society , and our institutions . In the lodges we hold it to be the corner-stone , our ceremonies are formed on that
basis , and no lodge can be properly held without it . Whenever a lodge meets the Bible is laid open in the midst , and is only closed when Ihe lodge closes . That , however , could not be the case with the Mahommedans and Parsees . On their consciences the Bible would not be binding , and , therefore , the Koran and the Vcrlas take its place so far as they are concerned . We look upon them for all that as
New Zealand.
brothers holding" the same faith as ourselves in a one true God—in the one Great Architect of the Universe . Again , to be a Mason , the candidate must be a freeman , well recommended and favourably vouched for , and he must have the confidence of those Freemasons who know him . We strictly exclude politics from our lodges—they have no share in our meetings . We exclude the subject entirely and absolutely , and the consequence has been and is that
in every country Freemasonry is encouraged and held in high esteem . The State in every such case knows that we do not meddle in politics—that there is in our lodges no plotting or counter-plotting . In America especially has Freemasonry taken deep root , and indeed we havc obtained the confidence of all the free governments under which we live . One most remarkable fact , as showing the favour with which we arc regarded by the government of our own
country , is that at a time when Europe was convulsed , and when thrones were being shaken—when the British legislature thought it necessary to pass laws for putting down secret societies and unlawful oaths—a special exemption was make in favour of Freemasons , whose loyalty and obedience to the laws of the country have never been doubted . We have always enjoyed the confidence of the free governments under which we have lived , because they were
satisfied that we meant no mischief to the State , and , therefore , unlike other orders , we have been trusted without any supervision whatever . The oaths administered to a Freemason are principally intended to bind him to do good and eschew evil . Now let us examine the objects of Freemasonry and what it teaches . It teaches a code of morality and virtue , and its object is to improve man ' s moral nature . It inculcates all the virtues , and it reminds its members from
time , to time of the duties they owe to God , to their fellow med , and especially to their families . It pays especial attention to this portion of the man ' s duty , and Masons ' wives may be satisfied of this , that though the Order calls their husbands sometimes from home , and g ives them a secret which they can never divulge , it does not neglect to compensate them by inculcating upon the husbands a stric attention to their duties towards their families . Masonr
demands that the Mason should not only provide for h family , but that , to the best of his ability , hc should administer to ils happiness , spending a due portion of bis time , " it and that he should not waste his time and substance in .. taverns or in selfishly seeking his own gratification . 'There- ' fore , it appears to me that the ladies may well set aside the knowing of our secrets , resting satisfied that very diligent care is taken of them . I might enlarge upon the duties of
Freemasons , and probably 1 should have done so had the ceremony not been so long , but I may now wind up with one word . A good Freemason by no posibility can be a bad man . If he is a good Freemason he must be a good man . We do not take it upon ourselves to say that we are all good men , but we do say that if a Freemason falls short of his duties it is through no fault of the Institution , but simply because he fails to follow out or conform to its
precepts . Perfection none of us can attain , but if the precepts of Freemasonry were faithfullly carried out we would come as near it as we can . If that is done no harm can accrue , and wc should use our endeavours onl y for the inculcation of proper doctrines . Let us , then , amend our faults and seek in practice to act up to our professions , for the nearer we follow the requirements of Freemasonry we shall the better contribute to our own happiness and that of others .
Offerings having been placed upon the stone , the D . G . Chaplain said the concluding prayer , when Bro . Graham , D . G . M ., E . C , in addressing a few remarks to the assemblage , said that tbe lodges had contributed various amounts towards defraying thc cost of erecting the hall , but as these fell short of thc sum required the balance would have to be derived from subscriptions by the brethren . After having been made aware of the beneficent objects
of Freemasonry , perhaps the ladies would not be disinclined to assist , and if they would therefore prepare and work for a bazaar he would pledge himself lhat they should have a grand ball in return . ( Laughter and loud applause . ) The Masonic version of the National Anthem was then sung , when the procession was rc-formed and marched back to the Choral Hall , where the Grand Lodge resumed its sitting . The offerings laid upon the stone were
awarded to the workmen who were engaged upon thc hall , while a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies and gentlemen of the choir . It was announced that towards the erection of the hall , £ 1000 had been contributed by various lodges , while £ So 3 had been subscribed privately by the brethren , making - a total so far of X 1 S 00 . Other lists have
to come in from thc country districts . The offer of one brother to give a portrait of De Burgh Adams , the first Provincial Grand Master of the North Island , was hailed with cheers . After the transaction of some routinoAmsiness , thc Grand Lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren dispersed . In the evening a quadrille party was held in the Lome-street Hall .
Jasmania.
Jasmania .
CAMPBELL TOWN . —Faith Lodge ( No . 691 ) . —A very pleasant ceremony look place at Davidson's Hotel , the occasion being the opening of the above lodge there . 'This lodge was established in Launceston early in 1856 , but about iSGG fell into disuse , and wascloscd . In response , however , to a petition recently presented by Masons resident at Campbell 'Town and Launceston , the Deputy District Grand Master granted a dispensation for thc removal
of the warrant to Campbell Town , and a number of visiting brethren were present from Launceston , and a few from Hobart , the gathering representing Ihe lodges under ( he three Constitutions in Launceston , and the . two English , lodges of Hobart . Bro . George Smith , P . M ., Deputy D . G . Master , presided , and after a warrant and dispensation had been produced and read , the dedication con mony was performed by Bro . L . Susman , P . M ., District Grand S . W ., alter which the Deputy G . M . installed Bro . II .
Conway , P . M ., as W . M . ; Bro . F . A . Pndficldbeing appointed S . W . ; and Bro . W . C Blyth , J . VV . After the business was concluded , the members and visitors , numbering some thirty , sat down to a very excellent supper , and a very social evening was spent . Among the toasts given was one to the oldest member of the Lodge of Faith , Bro . XV . R . Davey , P . M ., who affiliated with it shortly after its establishment , was afterwards Master , and when it was closed affiliated with the Hope Lodge , of which he is now thesecond oldest member .