Freemasonry In New Zealand.

FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .

On the ist June , the New Zealand Craftsman , which , though we have seriously differed with it on important Masonic questions , has always been one of our most acceptable exchanges , entered upon a new series , and is now published by a new j )

roprietary at Wellington , instead of Auckland , the former , we are told , being a centre from which it can be more conveniently circulated . Under the old regime it was issued in hand y magazine form ; under the new it is a newspaper . But , though it is

changed in appearance , and has a new projmetary , its contents appear to be as carefully and judiciously edited , while its news of the Craft in the various districts is as ample as ever it has been . Indeed , the opening number is full of promise , and if it

pursues the policy it has marked out for itself in the lirst article of the new series , it is certain to exercise a beneficial influence on the members of the different Constitutions in the Colony . It declares that " no effort will be spared not only to ensure that

the Craftsman is a faithful and comprehensive record" of Masonic news from all parts , but likewise that it shall be " a healthy exponent of Masonic opinion in the Colony . " It will remain , as heretofore , "the official organ of the Grand Lodge of

New Zealand , " but " it will not be conducted in any narrow or local spirit . " Its great aim will be "to represent the Craft as a whole , and to protect the interests of

Freemasonry , regardless of differences of Constitution . Its columns will be open to brethren of the Craft , irrespective of any difference in form of Government , and it appeals to the members of each Constitution " to meet us in the same broad

and liberal spirit , by supplying us with information and using our columns to discuss Masonic matters and advance the common interests . " Further than this , it says " on points of difference between the several Constitutions , we shall endeavour to

maintain a just and impartial position while striving to bring about fraternal unity between all sections of the Craft in New Zealand , " and it appeals to the " rulers and members " of the different Constitutions to render it " their earnest assistance in making

the New Zealand Craftsman a thoroughly representative and useful Masonic journal . " These , as we have said , are words of excellent promise , and we sincerely trust they will bear good fruit abundantly . New Zealand is unfortunately , one of the

portions , we might almost say , the only portion , of the British Empire , in which the different Constitutions do not work together li . 'irmoniously , and the Craftsman , in its new form , will be doing a great and good work , for which it will deserve the thanks of

the whole Masonic community , if , by carrying out the admirable policy it has proposed to itself , it in any way conduces to render the relations among " the rulers and members " of the several Constitutions more harmonious than they have been for the last half dozen years .

Having expressed the satisfaction we naturally experience on finding that " the official organ of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand " is actuated by such kindly intentions towards the several Constitutions in the Colony , we pass on to notice the remarks

contained in its leading article , entitled "An Important Change , " "i which il discusses the scheme— -which has alread y been submitted to our Grand Lodge , and at the Quarterly Communication 111 June last was referred back to the Board of General Purposes

' further consideration—for the amalgamation of the Colonial Hoard with the Board of General Purposes . The former Board Wa -s constituted in 1856 for the express purpose of dealing with '" ' ' ( uestions affecting the lodges located in the various Colonics , lll ( l British Possessions abroad . The new idea is to have one

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

General Board , which shall deal with all questions that may arise , whether they affect the interests of our Home or Colonial Masonry , a Committee of the said General Board being told off to look after and advise on Colonial matters , while the resjjonsibility of recommending a particular course or policy will rest

with the Board as a whole . We have said before , and we repeat it here , that it does not seem to us to be a matter of supreme consequence whether our Colonial Masonic affairs are looked after by a separate Board or by a Committee of a General Board . If the present arrangement is not

found to work well , let it go by the board—N . B .: This is not intended as a joke ; if it can be continued with advantage in an amended or modified form , then by all means let it be continued . The material point is to ensure that Colonial questions shall be dealt with in a broad and generous spirit ,

with a decided leaning , wherever possible , towards the unmistakable wishes—so far as they are found to be in harmony with the spirit of our Book of Constitutions—of our Colonial lodges . This is the spirit in which our laws are administered by Grand Lodge in relation to home questions , and what we are anxious

to see is that the same spirit shall be brought to bear upon our Colonial administration . There are good men to be found who understand Colonial affairs ; at all events , there are men who are prepared to treat them as wc have just said we desire to sec them treated , and if Grand Lodge will take care that only such

men as these are elected upon the Boards as now separately constituted , or upon the single Board , which it is in contemplation shall take their place , we shall have no fear as to the relations that will exist in the future between Grand Lodge and the lodges in our Colonies which nay it obedience . We

have already said that there are men of this character upon the present Boards , but it is notorious that there are also men upon them who are not qualified by their ability , tact , or knowledge either of home or Colonial affairs to deal with the many and various , and often delicate questions which are continually being

submitted for their consideration . These are not the men who , to use an expression that has been much in vogue of late , can by any possibility be in touch with Colonial feeling . They

do not know , or knowing , are unable to ajipreciate the hopes and aspirations by which English Masons in the Colonies are actuated . Let us have the right class of men elected on our Boards , and things wil ) proceed smoothly and harmoniously .

But while we concede that there may be room for imjirovement in the constitution of our Board of General Purposes and Colonial Board , we still hold by the opinion wc have exyjressed from the very outset of the New Zealand question in its present form , that the Craft in that Colony , or rather that section of it ,

which established the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand , is responsible for the present inharmonious relations existing among the several Constitutions . A delay on their part till the brethren had become practically unanimous in their desire for independence would have prevented these deplorable dissensions

which have existed for so long . However , it is not necessary , or indeed desirable , that we should traverse ground with which nearly every one must be familiar . A re-union of the Craft is possible , and , indeed , not improbable , provided only that those who are strong , and able , and influential enough to direct public

Masonic opinion exhibit tact and judgment ; and as our contemporary , the New Zealand Craftsman , seems determined to use its influence in promoting a kindly spirit among all sections

of our New Zealand brethren , we are not without hope that sooner , rather than later , an end will be put to the present unsatisfactory condition of Freemasonry in the Colony . We sincerel y trust our hopes may be realised .