NZ Freemason magazine Issue 1 March 2016 by Freemasons New Zealand

Freemason NEW ZEALAND

Issue 1 (Vol. 44), March 2016

Changing seasons and making the difference

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IN THIS ISSUE

From the Editor 2

Hot news 3 From the Grand Master 4 Quality of life from Camp Quality

News clips 6 OPINION Death – the great leveller of all human greatness 8 Letters to the Editor 9 FREEMASONS IN ACTION Freemasons meet on Marae 10 Pushing a hospital bed a marathon distance 10 Carrying the Cans for the Foodbank 10 2016 New Zealander of the Year awards Local Heroes 11

Potter Masonic Trust 23 TRAVEL How to find cool Masonic places in the South Island 24 THE FREEMASONS CHARITY Behind the logo: The art of giving and receiving 26 Grass roots charity 27 CULTURE

The hard road to stardom 28

The developing career of Bianca Andrew EDUCATION The Allied Masonic Degrees 30 The three irregular steps in the first degree of Freemasonry 31

The Freemasons Foundation 32

Return of the Kids Christmas party 11 Pono Walking Stick 12 Freemasonry knows no bounds 12 Freemasons Reading Project Successful 13

WW100 100 years on … NZEF Masonic Association 34

Outstanding students recognised at dinner 14

Go the Naki! 36

Lodge Erewhon Clean up Drive 14

Help guide dog puppies change lives 37

Chinese ladies drumming the praises of the Freemasons 15

Masonic Villages Trust 38

125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS The Rawhiti Lodge 125th Anniversary Celebration 16 150 Years of Freemasonry with Beta-Waikato No 12 17 Hutt Valley celebrates 125th Anniversary 18 An Active Freemason – one man can make the difference 19

A very Grand Installation! 20

Why is broadcast captioning so important? 40

Royal Arch 42 Two million historic Freemason records published 44

First Female CEO of the Freemasons in Australia 45 Past District Grand Masters get a Jewel 45 REGULARS Our Newest Freemasons 47 The back page 48 Service Awards 49

Ladies Programme 21

Cover picture: Lake Rotoiti. Hui Martin, www.digitalfront.co.nz

From the Editor

FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND Level 6, Freemasons House 195–201 Willis Street Te Aro, Wellington 6011 PO Box 6439, Marion Square Wellington 6141 New Zealand Ph: +64 4 385 6622 Fax +64 4 385 5749 Email: secretary@freemasons.co.nz editor@freemasons.co.nz www.freemasonsnz.org

The New Zealand Freemason is the official journal of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed and the advertising content are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of Grand Lodge. Articles appearing in this journal may be reproduced without permission provided acknowledgement of the source is made and a copy of the publication is forwarded to the Grand Secretary. Queries or comments regarding subscription or distribution should be addressed to secretary@freemasons.co.nz or the Chief Executive PO Box 6439, Marion St. Wellington 6141. Queries and comments regarding content and advertising should be addressed to the Editor. Contributions to the magazine, preferably in electronic form (e.g. MS Word documents) are greatly appreciated and should be of interest to a wide audience. Photographs should be high quality, preferably in jpg or tiff format. Contributions may be edited in order to fit space available and to achieve overall balance. Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 words. A guidance sheet for preparation of publishable material is available on request from the Editor. Contributions should be forwarded to editor@freemasons. co.nz Freemasons NZ contributions to Duane Williams, editor@freemasons.co.nz Royal Arch contributions to Geoff Davies, merlin81@xtra.co.nz Magazines are distributed in March, June, September and December. The deadlines for contributions are the first day of February, May, August and November Layout by Bartlett Projects, Wellington Printed by Wickliffe (NZ) Ltd. Copyright © 2015 Freemasons NZ

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One man can make the difference!

ny idea, visionary thought, challenge or task only takes one good man to get it accepted by others and get the ball rolling. I am reminded of the words of a song from The New Moon, a 1930s operetta (with music by Sigmund Romberg and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II), which could be rightly applied to Freemasons and Freemasonry and should be our action plan; “Give me some men who are stout-hearted men, Who will fight, for the right they adore, Start me with ten who are stout-hearted men, And I’ll soon give you ten thousand more. Shoulder to shoulder and bolder and bolder, They grow as they go to the fore. Then there’s nothing in the world can halt or mar a plan, When stout-hearted men can stick together man to man”. When it comes to ‘making the difference’ in Freemasonry, it is up to each one of us to personally make that contribution and not expect others to do it or to even rest on our laurels as in many ways the job never ends. Be prepared to put your hand up and remember actions/deeds speak louder than words. The New Zealand Freemason magazine would like to hear from Freemasons about a personal contribution that you made to your Lodge that made a difference. Maybe it was when you first started your masonic journey when being new you thought outside the square, maybe it was when you were in the Chair guiding your Lodge and maybe at some stage through your long masonic career. These could, amongst other things, make very good tools for The Freemasons Toolbox which can then be shared with other Freemasons. Remember one man can make the difference!

Enough of my mixed metaphors and malapropisms … in this issue you will find a number of interesting articles on health, education, WW100, 125th Anniversary, Ladies and the Grand Installation, the masonic South Island and the usual features of Freemasons in action, newest members, long service, featured pages and much more. Enjoy your Divisional Conference with any or all the members of your Lodge during March and April. VWBro Duane Williams MBE, JP, CLJ, P Dist GM The editor with original leather-bound copperplate membership volumes of Lodge Rawhiti and Beta-Waikato from the Freemasons New Zealand archives.

HOT NEWS New Northern Division Representative on Board

Website tutorials The New Zealand Freemasons website has two tutorial videos on using the Freemasons New Zealand membership area (with more to come) go to freemasonsnz.org/freemasons-tutorials and try them out.

VWBro Noel Ryan PG Lec was appointed on 26 February 2016 as the Northern Division Representative on the Board of General Purposes by the Grand Master. Noel is a member of Lodge Howick, United Masters Lodge and The Lodge of the Liberal

Arts and has been Master of Lodge Howick and of The Lodge of the Liberal Arts (a 500 series Lodge). He is involved in Advertising, PR and Communications and is based in Auckland. Noel was previously on the National Publicity Committee.

Officers of Grand Lodge Nominations for nearly all Officers of Grand Lodge to be installed or invested at The Grand Installation, Promotions

and Preferment close 24 March 2016. Your Lodge Secretary has the details; so don’t let a worthy brother miss out.

Central Division Conference Saturday 5 March 2016 • Convention Centre, Palmerston North Conference Pack and online registrations: www.themasons.org.nz/div/ Contact divsec.central@freemasons.co.nz

Southern Division Conference Friday & Saturday 11–12 March 2016 • Copthorne Hotel, Queenstown Contact divsec.southern@freemasons.co.nz

Northern Division Conference Saturday 9 April 2016 • Novotel, Auckland Airport, Manukau Contact divsec.northern@freemasons.co.nz

GRAND MASTER’S VISITS Feb 20

Installation of Bro John Aldcroft as District Grand Master North Island New Zealand, Grand Lodge of Scotland, Auckland Feb 27 WBro Reece Rogers 100th Birthday Lodge Tuakau, Pukekohe Mar 5 Central Division Conference, Palmerston North Mar 12 Southern Division Conference, Queenstown Mar 31– Apr 3 Grand Installation of RWBro Don Reynolds Grand Master Elect, United Grand Lodge of Victoria, Melbourne

Apr 9 Apr 17 Apr 26 May 7 May 25

Northern Division Conference, Manukau, Auckland 60 Year Badge WBro Bruce McNaughton, Lodge Manaia, Taranaki ANZAC Service, Lodge Koranga, Timaru The Advance-Mawhera Lodge, Shantytown, Greymouth The Freemasons University Scholarship Presentations, Parliament, Wellington

THE GRAND MASTER

Quality of life from Camp Quality A

s we begin the 2016 Masonic calendar, I send my best wishes to you all for a successful year. I am excited by the opportunities we now have to cement the successes we achieved in 2015 our 125th anniversary. Many lodges appear to have been revitalised by the Daisy Player project with the Blind Foundation and the amount received has now far exceeded the target set of purchasing 125 players. Congratulations to all those involved for a very successful project. I understand these additional funds will be used to support the Daisy Player libraries. Recently, I was also pleased to learn of the continuing and increased requests being made to the Grand Lodge Office for the ‘Plain English Guide to Freemasonry’. Originally the booklet was designed to help freemasons, their partners and families to feel more comfortable when answering questions about freemasonry. However the Brethren seem be using them more widely and this is great. You may be interested to learn that one of our Australian Sister Constitutions has recently requested permission to use the

material from our booklet in a similar publication they want to produce. Of course we are happy for this to happen. In January and with Diana, I had the opportunity to attend and observe the work of Camp Quality at a camp being held at Nga Tawa College in Marton. I am now somewhat ashamed that prior to this visit I knew very little about the activities of these camps although I was aware that many brethren had been involved for some time in supporting the camps. We were privileged to attend the Marton camp with Mike Kendrick (Divisional Grand Almoner) and his lovely wife Marion. So what is Camp Quality? It was founded in 1985 and is a not for profit organisation dedicated to bringing fun, hope and happiness to the lives of children living with cancer. It provides week long camps for children between the ages of 5 and 13 years. Camp Quality has a passionate belief in the power of fun to help children and their families overcome the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings and encourages them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

At the Marton Camp over 65 children were in attendance. The camp had a camp dad and mum, programme director, dorm parents, registered nurses and a large team of volunteers from the Manawatu area. The college was a buzz of activity with a great deal of fun and laughter from the children. We were invited to stay for lunch and at the conclusion of the meal all the children sang and danced to popular music with overwhelming enthusiasm. It was a joy to see. Planning for next year’s camp is already underway. This organisation is making a difference to children diagnosed and being treated with cancer and Diana and I are full of admiration for the organisers and volunteers who ran the camp at Marton. Clearly they had worked tirelessly and enthusiastically and they can be very proud of their efforts. One of the greatest challenges for the Camp Quality Organisation is funding. The cost of the week’s camp is $2,000 per child. Whilst this may seem a little high, many activities and outings take place during the week. There are considerable training costs as volunteers who take

part in the camp are required to undergo extensive training as the safety and health of the children is paramount. If you or your lodge would like to assist this wonderful organisation please contact Sheila Hicking- Charity Administrator at Grand Lodge Office who I am sure can provide you with contact details of the Camp Quality Organisation in your area. I am looking forward to attending the three Divisional Conferences. They are important for every freemason as the provide information and discussion in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Personally

I find that they give me an opportunity to listen both formally and informally to discussions about the Craft. I always come away better informed. There is also the added bonus of renewing friendships and making new ones. Please give your support to your Divisional Conference and register to attend if you haven’t done so already. I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! John Litton

From Diana

appy New Year to you all – I do hope you have all had a most enjoyable Christmas and summer holiday period, and that you have been able to make the most of the lovely warm weather we experienced in January and early February. It has been amazing! As John has already reported, he and I had a lovely start to the New Year with a most enjoyable visit to the Wellington branch of Camp Quality, this year being held at Nga Tawa School in Marton. What a wonderful day it was and something that we won’t forget. The atmosphere was electric and full of fun and enjoyment. Everyone, and I mean every child, supporter and organiser, had a happy and relaxed face. There were smiles everywhere! So much positivity that it was hard to realise how sick some of the children really were. It was just fantastic to see the reflective pleasure and enjoyment. They were all behaving as though they were at one continuous birthday party – everyone was having fun and at the same time helping and supporting each other. On the Saturday of our visit, John and I got to experience some of the messy artistic indoor activities named ‘electives’, some on tables, some on the floor, where everyone concerned was completely consumed with whatever they were doing and many were covered with paint and other messy stuff. No one cared. They

were all having too much fun. Amazing works of art were in the making or being created – many to be much treasured later. There was a particular table where participants took it in turns to be the victims of a machine randomly firing blobs of cream at their faces. It was rather like Russian roulette with a gadget that fired cream at will, invariably catching that person unawares. John had a go and got a good dollop of cream on his nose. The Grand Master got plastered – with cream!

The programme for the whole week was really fantastic with the regular feature of an obstacle courses, bouncy castle, slippery slide, giant snakes and ladders game, trailer games and more. There were also horse rides and balloon rides organised, and visits were made to

Owlcatraz, Manfield Racetrack, which included motorcycle rides, vintage car rides and sidecar rides, also mini golf, bowls, rifle shooting and a mobile petting zoo, and to Foxton Beach with IRD rides and beach games. The theme for the week was the Magic World of Disney and the children paraded through the streets of Marton in their costumes one night and on other evenings enjoyed a fun disco, a fantastic magic show and an impressive fireworks display. Even as John and I drove out of the school premises we were held up with a ‘water bomb’ throwing challenge taking place across the drive. The children were so engrossed they had no idea that we were there and it was wonderful to watch them having so much simple fun – a lovely and lasting impression of the whole project. To look ahead, we have a number of visits already organised in different parts of the country, and we have the three Divisional Conferences to look forward to in Palmerston North, Queenstown and Auckland and also the visit to Melbourne at the end of March. I am really looking forward to all those visits and to meeting up again with so many of the lovely people we have got to know during the last couple of years, and I hope that will include many of you reading this. Diana 5

NEWS CLIPS

Passing of a Member of the Order of Service to Masonry Derek Ricketts OSM: A Man with a Vision Sadly WBro Derek Ricketts died in a car accident near his home in Napier 18 January 2016. Derek was born at his family farm in Gloucestershire England in 1928. With the depression he ended up leaving school at 14 to work on farm training school, he showed promise and quickly progressed. These were hard times for Derek, but he always had a dream of working for himself. He meet and proposed to his future wife Audrey a previous Dux of Napier Girls High and barrister while she was on holiday in England. Coming back with her to Napier, in time he started his first small paint shop in Taradale. After selling, buying and expanding at various premises, over the years, he recently with his sons and Audrey grew this into a family business with 3 Mega10 stores. Derek was a Past President of the Taradale Rotary club gaining a Paul Harris Fellow award for 40 years service. He was proposed by Audrey’s father into Scinde Lodge in 1959, Master in

Freemasons New Zealand publications

1968, and then Lodge Secretary and fifteen years as a Lodge Trustee. He was awarded a Roll of Honour in 1995 and the Order of Service to Masonry in 2012. Like his own business vision he had a vision for Scinde Lodge (a new modern Lodge Building with a strong external income) and was a strong mover and shaker right up to the end. Scinde Lodge sold its 1932 Lodge building in the centre of Napier City and Derek with a small committee transformed the $200,000 cash into a $2 million or so, debt free ongoing business within 17 years. Derek was also part of a NZwide Lodge membership drive to help Lodges increase membership. Scinde become the owners of the previous: The United Lodge of Napier’s building,

when they handed in their charter, so the Lodge now had a home again and an income. Unfortunately Derek won’t be around to see the last stage of his vision, a new Lodge Building. He was very well respected and will be sadly missed by members of his beloved Lodge and many others with his 56 years of service. WBro Gary Severinsen QSM, PDistGDC and member of Scinde Lodge No 5

Tauranga Reunion Tauranga College (Co-Ed) 70th Reunion, May 2016. TDHS past pupils included. Phone G Ware 07 576 6750 email gmware@eol.co.nz for more information.

Powering Potential – young people with purpose Freemasons New Zealand is funding this Powering Potential programme for three years and a very successful 3 days was held recently for 40 young secondary school scientists from throughout New Zealand. Their task was to work on a number challenges facing New Zealand (and potentially the world) and to come up with solutions which they presented

to Government Departments, Crown Owned Entities and the Scientific Community for further evaluation. Freemasonry has had a long connection with the Royal Society with many of its founding members in the UK being Freemasons Sir Christopher Wren, Sir Joseph Banks and Sir Isaac Newton to name a few and of course here in New Zealand over the last 20 years or so.

A large number of Lodge Management Tools are available. Contact Barbara at 04 3856622 or email membership@freemasons.co.nz

Young scientists with their certificates, facilitators, peers, staff from RSNZ and Freemasons Chief Executive Laurence Milton bottom far left.

NEWS CLIPS

National Office Staff Staffing has been reduced by nearly half in the last few years at National Office (Grand Lodge Secretariat) with only three fulltime staff including the Chief Executive and two part-time staff with Freemasons New Zealand and one fulltime and one part-time staff with The

Freemasons Charity. Our organisation is striking a balance between membership levels and the need to provide the services expected by our members. The friendly and helpful team in the reception area of Freemasons New Zealand.

Laurence Milton (Chief Executive), Irene George (Finance), Sheila Hicking (The Freemasons Charity), Barbara Pickering (Membership), Shelley Newson (The Freemasons Charity), Kathleen Haskell (Administration) and Duane Williams (Communications).

The Freemasons

Charity Herald Editorial: The times are a’changing

Almoners lapel badge

MARCH 2016

Making a nationwide 4 difference

Powering Potential Powering Potential is the Royal Society of New Zealand’s new flagship programme. Organised by the Royal Society and supported by Freemasons New Zealand it brought forty of New Zealand’s brightest secondary school science students to Wellington. Their task was to problem-solve issues facing the country, supported and guided over the four days by scientists and mentors. Each student had been required to submit an in-depth application, which focused on their own science research or outlined how he or she had contributed to an area of science in their school or community. They were selected because they were serious about

going on to study science at a tertiary level and also have a passion and thirst for the world of science. Coming from all over the country, to gather at the offices of the Royal Society of New Zealand, these young people were total strangers to each other. With the confidence of youth in a very short time, with the assistance of the mentoring group, they were interacting as if they had known each other forever. The energy in the room was almost palpable with a sense of expectation. They were divided into teams of four, each tasked with addressing questions submitted by scientists and other groups such as

Scientists of the future, together with their mentors, pose after the presentations.

Freemasons Park in full swing An outdoor learning facility, now named the Freemasons Park, which has dramatically improved the development of blind and visually impaired children visiting and/or attending the Homai School in Manurewa. The park was officially opened last May. Principally funded by The Potter Masonic Trust, it has enabled the Blind and Low Vision Network of New Zealand to provide a facility to give the children ‘learners’ more support in the development of their physical and sensory activities.

NIWA and DOC. The event closed with a presentation on the final evening where each group spoke to those gathered on their progress in addressing these complex questions. The creativity involved in the presentations, along with the articulate descriptions of facts and the conclusions drawn, was highly impressive. Just 48 hours earlier these forty young people were total strangers to each other, the way they melded into teams in such a short time gave further proof of the talent and commitment on offer in the room. At the end of each presentation the person who posed the question gave a critique on the findings of the group. In all cases they, and those in the audience, were highly impressed by the group’s achievements. Each student received a certificate and a book to acknowledge their involvement in the project. Freemasons New Zealand, with funding from The Freemasons Charity, has committed to a threeyear partnership with the Royal Society in support of this worthy programme.

Local support Each year The Freemasons Charity provides financial support to brethren for a multitude of projects undertaken in their communities. Likewise, The Freemasons Charity is grateful for the support of lodges and individual brethren whose generosity makes these grants possible in areas where there is an identified need. Donations should be forwarded to our bank account 06 0501 0515360 00 and include the lodge name, number and a reference (e.g. ‘Charity Donation’).

Latest Charity Herald The latest issue is out and enclosed with this magazine. It is stuffed full of charitable projects big and small; National, District and Lodge projects. Also see The Freemasons Charity feature in this issue.

Where in the world? MWBro Dr Gary Bacon Grand Master United Grand Lodge of Queensland reading the NZ Freemason magazine after his recent cruise trip around New Zealand. He is very keen on Forestry and says that the portrait in the background is of Araucaria biwillii (Bunya Pine) a cousin of our A australis (NZ Kauri). Send a picture of you and your NZ Freemason magazine from somewhere in New Zealand or overseas to editor@freemasons.co.nz to show the lengths to which it travels!

Brianna, who has been blind since birth, enjoying a talking book from the Blind Foundation Library.

Growing the

DAISY player The last issue of the Charity Herald (May 2015) announced the 125th Anniversary project as a target of 125 DAISY Players for the Blind Foundation, which has also been celebrating 125 years. This recognised the long association between The Freemasons Charity and its predecessors and the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind. This association has extended to support by individual lodges. This has been an exceptional project, which sought lodges funding for a DAISY player at a “minimal” cost of $500 per unit. A commitment, underwritten by The Freemasons Charity, was made to provide 125 players. Thanks to the generosity of Brethren this goal has been met, in fact exceeded. Funding for the first 125 units was handed over to the Blind Foundation Chief Executive, Sandra Budd, in Christchurch last June. Funds subsequently collected are being handed over to the Foundation to provide further books for the DAISY player library.

Blind Foundation clients say … “The DAISY Player has changed my life dramatically. Thank you!” – Duncan “I can spend hours beside my DAISY. I really enjoy it and it is very important in my life.” – Olive “Absolutely love my DAISY Player. It’s easy to use and I have it sorted now.” – Rhonda “The DAISY player is my mother’s lifeline in keeping her vital and stimulated.” – Margaret

A gift for no reason As Freemasons we want to acknowledge our widows. Since 2009 we have enabled our Almoners to distribute to these important ladies. The important message is to let them know that, despite the loss of their husbands, they haven’t been forgotten and that they can rely upon the support of their lodge at any time. By keeping in regular contact the Almoner is able to identify needs and respond accordingly. Previous gifts have included

a hankie, compact mirror, a shopping bag and a moisturiser and soap pack. The most recent has been a 125th anniversary gift of a notebook and pen.

Testing the swing.

THE FREEMASONS CHARITY — A TRADITION OF CARING

Website and Social Media Freemasons New Zealand has a national website through which members can also access the Membership Area along with a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Issuu and YouTube. Check them out and either ‘like’ or ‘follow us’ on the world wide web: freemasonsnz.org facebook.com/nzfreemasons twitter.com/freemasons_nz instagram.com/freemasonsnewzealand linkedin.com/company/freemasons-new-zealand issuu.com/fmnz 7

OPINION

Death – the great leveller of all human greatness D

eath is not discussed very much in society today. Is it a forbidden subject – too shocking or uncomfortable for ordinary conversation? This is a death – denying age. Death is so disturbing a prospect that we push out of sight for as long as we can. Man, is the one creature who knows he must die, is trying desperately to forget it. That is why people are often poorly equipped to handle death. No matter how the idea is repressed, death will eventually present itself as an inescapable fact, with overwhelming results. The rejection of death is seen in countless ways youth, avoidance, denial, etc. Other generations buried their dead with great ceremony and raised monuments to their memory. Today, few attend funerals, and it is hoped that finial arrangements can be made as quickly as possible, so as not to attract the attention of anyone not immediately involved. The denial of death is also shown in the way we treat grief. We act as if sadness were immoral and unworthy, and at the very least inconvenient. Everyone wants to cheer up the bereaved. A widow or widower soon learns that after the first few days, no one wants to talk about the dead spouse; people quickly change the subject whenever it is mentioned. Although this is thought to be a kindness to the bereaved, it is equally likely that the idea of death itself

Mike (left) with masonic author Robert Lomas.

is so upsetting that great numbers of people want to deny that it has taken place, and that the one who died has ever lived! Our attitudes toward death may partly be a result of our changed manner of dying. In earlier times most people died in their own beds, without the benefit of drugs and life-extending devices. Their family and friends were around them. Even children knew the reality of death at an early age. Death came close on the heels of consciousness. Today death is another matter. The dying are in hospitals surrounded by a plethora of medical apparatus and sedating drugs. Visiting them is a journey to a strange world. Often people die alone, except for the attending professionals. Many adults have never seen anyone die and so they can forget that death happens and is something which befalls everyone, yet strangely no one in particular. It is not surprising, then, that the most common statement of bereaved persons is “You never think that it will happen to you”. Our ways of living and dying make it quite possible to deny that death exists until it proves its existence near at hand. No wonder, then, that death is deeply disturbing. It is kept in the realm of the unspeakable. When it does break through the conspiracy of silence, it comes as a shocking fact for which we are not prepared. Denying the existence of death is essentially self-defeating because the time always comes when the lie must be given. For everyone, the truth of death must be faced at last. The first thing that needs to be said is that grief is normal and not shameful. There is real sorrow over the death of loved ones, and it is neither honest nor fair to pretend that there is not. We cannot ask the bereaved to act as though nothing serious has happened, and to quickly move on. Death means separation and even if the separation is recognised as not permanent, it will last through all the important events of earthly life. Bereavement means loss…… the loss of the gift of life to someone

important to us. At its best, this is the finest earthly gift we have. The more enrichment the person brought to our lives, the greater the pain in our separation. The more we loved them the more we had to lose. That is why the death we fear most is not our own. Many people face the certainty of their own death with great composure. The fear they do feel is often not for death itself but for the effects it has. They wonder what will happen to the people they love; they dread being apart from them. People who ask about life after death are usually asking not about themselves but about someone they care for greatly. The hardest thought we have to bear is not that we will die but that someone we love will die and possible before we do. When men face the fact of death honestly, they are more likely to see a meaning in sorrow and grief. But what of the fear of death itself? Death represents the greatest un certainty …. The fear of the unknown and whatever is unknown is frightening while nothing is further beyond our investigation and experiments than the other side of death. Man need not hide from death as the ultimate unmentionable tragedy. Neither pretend that it is less serious than he knows it to be .A fact he cannot afford to obscure but not an unbearable one. Denial of this salient truth pays a heavy price. ‘Remembering is an act of resurrection, each repetition a vital layer of mourning, in memory of those we are sure to meet again’. anon. The Freemason, of all people having been raised to the Sublime Degree, should be able to face the fact of death without denial or stoic acceptance recalling to mind; ‘It is that mysterious veil that the eye of human reason cannot penetrate, unless assisted by the Light which is from above’ and HOPE. Bro Mike Mahon JW of The Te Aroha Lodge No 52

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Queensland congratulates NZ Greetings Bro Editor Congratulations to the NZ Fraternity on reaching your 125th milestone. I took the December 2015 issue of your masthead magazine with me on a recent circumnavigation of Aotearoa. What an informative read it was, when the effects of days of Force 8-10 conditions permitted.

The coverage of your celebration events and sweep of history showcased the impressive contribution of the Masonic Family to the fabric and wellness of your local communities and wider society.

Having got to know a fair number of Kiwis both in Freemasonry and Forestry circles it comes as no surprise to note the energy and commitment exhibited by your members in pursuit of noble causes and enterprises. Your legacy after 125 years is one to savour. If only NZ had accepted the invitation extended to join the 1901 austral Federation, then we on the big island could claim to support the best Union team ever! Fraternally, Dr Gary Bacon, Grand Master United Grand Lodge of Queensland

Widows Sons help to raise the profile of Freemasonry Dear Editor We now have three Widows Sons chapters in New Zealand, the Grand Chapter, South East Chapter and Wellington Chapter. In 2015 the Widows Sons helped to raise money for the St Johns Ambulance appeal with a massive effort by Sam Rowntree assisted by members from all three Chapters. We raised money for the Canterbury, Nelson/Marlborough and West Coast Rescue Helicopters. We organised the Ride of Respect to raise money for the RSA, this is now the largest annual motorcycle ride in New Zealand and again was put together by members of all three chapters. The Auckland Ride organised by Brother Marshall, Wellington by Brother McKee and Canterbury by Brother Rowntree. We took part in the White Ribbon Ride, the Pink Ribbon Ride and half a dozen other large charity rides. So how does this help Freemasonry; on each of these rides we wore our Widows Sons Regalia so that the public could see the good work being done by Freemasons. The photographs in the press and on social media all show clearly identified members of the Masonic order supporting our communities. This has now been recognised on a natio nal level when Neil McKee (Wellington Chapter President) and I found ourselves being awarded local hero medals in the New Zealand of the year awards. A few members of the fraternity still frown on the Widows Sons and believe that

Fires Dear Editor We endeavour to be word perfect with our ritual because it is in written form. We follow a procedure in our refectory because the list and order of our toasts is passed down from generation to generation and is written down in our Installation Programmes. But our Fires are not in written form and are passed from one generation to another by word of mouth. Unfortunately over time many great fires are lost through death and resignation. It is a unique part of our proceedings that should not be lost. I understand and will be corrected if wrong that originally you toasted someone and then threw the glass in the fire (hence the name). This proved expensive and of course the best glassware was not used. Because there were too many to stand around the fire people sat at tables and when the toast was made and drunk you banged the glass down on the table and it was refilled by the steward waiting on that table. Again as

the night wore on the glasses were hit harder and many broke. We then progressed to fires of Hand and Foot but carpets were laid in refectories and this became ineffective. We now use hand and elbow or glass on tables. Many of you have been to Lodge Meetings and been in refectory when three or four toasts have been proposed and after each toast the Director of Ceremonies has said “and the fire will be three times three” after the next toast “and the fire will be three times three” and the same again. No variety and how boring. So let’s hear from you, tell us your favourite Fire (not your Lodge Fire) and we can make a list. If you are too shy to do it through the NZ Freemason magazine you can e-mail me psmithy@xtra.co.nz and it can be put on paper, maybe even on the back page of you Lodge By-laws and be there for future Director of Ceremonies. Yours Fraternally, Peter Smith, Timaru

Where was the Junior Deacon? Dear Editor In the early years of Freemasonry, when there were many secret groups or societies working against the Crown of England, Parliament enacted the “Unlawful Societies Act” of 1799 banning all Secret Societies that required their members to take oaths. The primary objective of this Act was to suppress all secret activity that could involve the Jacobians and/ or the Roman Catholic Church. After considerable debate In the House of Commons, the Bill was passed with some amendments. One amendment was to specifically exclude Freemasonry from the requirements of the Act. This, it is thought, was because of the loyalty to the Crown expressed by the Members of Parliament, both the Commons and House of Lords, who were active members of Masonic Lodges as well as Grand Lodge.

we portray Free Masonry in a bad light; to you I would ask that you learn about us and what we do before you judge us. In 2016 we will again host the Ride of Respect all around New Zealand to support the RSA and the Fallen Heroes Trust. Join us at one of these events and speak with your brothers about what they are doing and why, and watch the attitude of the public towards us. You will be surprised. God bless and hope you all have a great 2016 Jackie Adams, President, Widows Sons Grand Chapter, New Zealand

As a result of this exemption, all Masonic Lodges, on their meeting night, were required to list the names of all members and visitors attending. This list was prepared by the Junior Warden and handed by him to the Junior Deacon for delivery to the Clerk of the Peace. After delivery, the Junior Deacon returned to the Lodge as quickly as possible and reported to the Senior Deacon. The Senior Warden would then turn to the Worshipful Master and report the return of the Junior Deacon. The Worshipful Master could then open his Lodge and conduct its business. Later this requirement was amended to a list of names and addresses of all members of a Lodge to be returned by the Lodge Secretary to the Clerk of the Peace on an annual basis. This requirement for an annual return ceased in 1967 when an Act of Parliament repealed the Act of 1799. Adapted from a paper presented by RWBro Wayne Anderson Comment: I recall reading somewhere that a delegation from the Grand Lodge of England met with the representatives of the Government of the Day to plead their case for exemption from the Unlawful Societies Act. The claim being made was that every Lodge meeting included a “Toast to Crown”. As a result of that plea the Fraternity escaped inclusion. There may be a reader of this who has better knowledge of this matter than myself, if so, may I ask that he or they share that information with me. WBro Robert Jaray Editor’s note: The trials and tribulations of antient Freemasonry.

FREEMASONS IN ACTION Freemasons meet on Marae Mākirikiri Marae in Dannevirke has opened its doors to the Freemasons allowing them to hold a traditional lodge meeting inside a wharenui. Freemason Leader, Paddy Driver says, “As far as we know and from discussions from our headquarters we don’t believe that it’s been done in New Zealand before, but we don’t know, but it’d be nice to find out.” It was an experience the Freemasons hope will help discard any perceptions of them being a secret society. The Freemasons stay true to their ancient traditions that trace back to stonemasons in the 1500s. “We’re trying to get out more in the

public and show ourselves in a greater light and that we do an awful lot of good for the community,” says Driver. 48 couples were welcomed onto the marae. It was an opportunity to understand the similarities between tikanga Māori and Freemasonry principles. Hohepa Tatere says, “Māoridom has a very close relationship to free masonry in that it’s like a family and once a family becomes associated with the marae it’s not for one day it’s for life.” The Freemasons believe in love of mankind and showing charity. Those are the principles they strive to live by. With thanks to Maori Television Photos: Christine McKay, Dannevirke News

Freemason volunteers raise funds for St John Ambulance by pushing a hospital bed a marathon distance A dozen bikers and their supporters are nursing tired legs and blisters after pushing a hospital bed 46 kilometres from Rangiora to Christchurch. Widows Sons Motorcycle Club President Sam Rowntree said a little bit of pain and discomfort was worth it to save lives. “It was a birthing bed, so it was reasonably heavy.” The walk/run took 7.5 hours on Saturday 26th September 2015. “I don’t think we’ll make the record books for the fastest marathon,” he said. The club, which is the Freemason’s motorcycle association, raised more than $80,000 to enable St John to buy muchneeded defibrillators for its ambulances. Rowntree said they were able to raise so much money because the Freemason’s 10

Carrying the Cans for the Foodbank Lodge Te Puke No 261 ran a project with its members to collect 200 cans for the Te Puke Foodbank at Christmas but managed to hand over 261 items which also included soap, toothpaste and washing powder. Said Graeme Barnett of Lodge Te Puke “charity and benevolence is what we do as Freemasons”.

Lauren Turner, left, Mike Gaffney, Sam Rowntree and Don Brightwell are part of a team of 12 who pushed a hospital bed 46 kilometres from Rangiora to Christchurch Hospital to raise money for St John Ambulance.

matched dollar for dollar what Widows Sons raised. The Widows Sons Motorcycle Club has raised thousands of dollars for Christchurch organisations so far this year, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and White Ribbon.

Te Puke Community Care Trust volunteer Yonita Johnson helps Te Puke Lodge Master WBro Graeme Barnett unload items for the Foodbank.

2016 New Zealander of the Year awards Local Heroes Three Freemason Local Heroes

The awards for the 2016 local Hero category in the New Zealander of the year awards took place in November. Two members of the Widows Sons have been recognised for the work they have done in their community’s although this work took place with the aid and support of all the Widows Sons and although it was presented to two individuals it a credit to all the its members. Neil McKee the President of the Wellington Chapter and Jackie Adams the President of the Grand Chapter both attended an awards evening in Wellington to be presented with their medals. Neil was presented with his medal for the hard work and effort he put in to organise the Wellington Ride of Respect in 2015. The Ride of Respect took place throughout the country to raise funds for the RSA. Four of the nine rides where organised and run by the widows Sons and this event has now become an annual fixture on the ride calendar. Jackie was presented his medal for his effort in bringing the Ride of Respect to New Zealand, his fund raising and involvement with the White Ribbon organisation and for the Centenary Masonic Poppy Pin that was released in 2015. Additionally, Peter Woodward’s (a 50 year Freemason) connection with the Coastguard service started in the UK in 1987 after resigning from the local Volunteer Fire Brigade in Fowey,

Pass the parcel

Return of the Kids Christmas party

Cornwall. The volunteer Coastguard in the UK is different to that which we understand here. In Cornwall the Coastguard volunteers were required to learn to abseil down cliffs and tended to have a more land based focus with its activities. A permanent move back to New Zealand in early 2002 and in early 2006, Pete joined the Kapiti Coastguard based in Paraparaumu, where he works on communications. Pete and his colleagues are on 24/7 duty and are armed with pagers to enable them to immediately respond to all call outs. Since being part of the Kapiti group Pete has personally raised over $140K for the organisation. He is currently working on raising funds for a new vessel as the existing one is now over 23 years and has reached its “use by” date. The Brethren of District 19 Kapiti-Wellington and District 21 Hutt Wairarapa are also presently raising funds to be used for the purchase of new communications and other electronic equipment for the new vessel. We are well down the track of meeting our minimum target of $50K and hope by the end of the project March 2016 it will be closer to $100K. While all of this is going on Pete has just finished raising $4.5K for a new defibrillator AED, to be available at the Coastguard at the Paraparaumu Beach, for all the community and thousands visitors to the area. The Freemasons have also contributed to this activity.

Many Freemasons will remember when, as a child, they were taken by their Father or Grandfather to a children’s Christmas party at their Lodge. It was often their first taste of the fraternity of Freemasons. On Sunday 20 December the Wellington Freemasons Centre, located in the Wellesley Boutique Hotel, resurrected this tradition by hosting a party especially for children of Districts 19 & 21. With party food available on arrival the 35 plus children, watched over by a similar number of parents and grandparents played the traditional party game of pass the parcel. This was followed by a reading of The Grinch who stole Christmas, presented by Margaret Robertson. All the children received a present from Father Christmas who, beneath the white beard, bore a striking resemblance to District 19 Grand Master, Graham Redman. Hotel staff member, Meghan Coomber, daughter of Martin Coomber, Past Master of NZ Pacific Lodge No 2, played the vital role of Santa’s fairy. The party finished with a cup cake decorating competition and it was agreed that it was a most enjoyable party for both the children and adults present. With the many positive comments received, the plan is to repeat it next Christmas.

Graham ‘Santa’ Redman and Meghan ‘Fairy’ Coomber.

FREEMASONS IN ACTION Pono Walking Stick Round about 1895 the Auckland masonic district had a prominent businessman, lawyer and financial administrator in the person of Oliver Nicholson appointed as Provincial Grand Master. He held this office for nearly 50 years on and off (until 1945) and during this period he concurrently held the office of Grand Master for New Zealand for the usual period 1916–17. At some time during his term as Provincial Grand Master he was presented with a walking stick and it is this stick which is the subject of this article. The actual stick is of polished ebony 830mm (28inches) long, surmounted by 100mm (4 inches) of kauri, finishing in a handgrip in the shape of a ball 45mm (1.75 inches) The surface of the ball is inlaid with other New Zealand woods, depicting some of the emblems found in a masonic lodge – the square and compass, the mosaic payment, and the blazing star, being prominent. The work is of exquisite design and workmanship and credit is

due to the craftsman that executed it. Unfortunately extensive enquires have failed to ascertain who the person was, and the actual date of its presentation to MWBro Nicholson PGM. MWBro Nicholson was a man of many interests, and one of those interests was in business known as the Northern Wairoa Stores – a two story department building in the main street of Dargaville, with grocery, drapery, hardware, and bulk farmer’s supplies. The NW Stores were managed by another prominent person – Mr Benjamin Berry. Ben later joined Pono Lodge No 203, and progressed to occupy the Master’s chair in 1929–30. Some short time after MWBro Nicolson died his family suggested to WBro Berry that he might like to choose some personal possession of M WBro Nicholson’s as a memento of their association. WBro Ben chose this walking stick. Quite some years elapsed and WBro Berry was entitled to and received his 50 years jewel from Pono Lodge. On the same evening he presented this walking stick to Pono Lodge in appreciation of his many years association, and

MWBro Oliver Nicholson.

on the understanding that it be used as the pointer by the brother who giving the tracing board lecture. It now holds pride of place in a wall bracket under the tracing board and has been used repeatedly. We of Pono Lodge are particularly pleased and proud to be the present owners of this particular piece of, and we invite any visitors to our lodge rooms to inspect it. On the closure of Lodge Pono 203 on the 17th October 2015 this walking stick was gifted to the Whangarei property company and is to be use for the same purpose as in Lodge Pono. Bryan Wiig

Freemasonry knows no bounds A Brother returns

In 2013 Brother Tim Schmidt was initiated and passed in Lodge Manchester No. 287 (NZ Freemason Edition 3 2013). On his return to Germany he joined Müffelmann Zur Treue No. 1014 I.O. Münster, where he was raised to the Third Degree in April 2015. He is currently the Secretary of the Lodge. When Lodge Manchester 287 closed, several of the Brethren joined Otangaki No 70. At the start of January 2016 Tim was back in NZ to catch up with friends, including Freemasons. On 6 January Lodge Otangaki held an emergency meeting, performing a simulated 3rd degree with Tim acting as the candidate. The Brethren wanted to do this for Tim so he was able to experience all three degrees under Freemasons New Zealand. Due to the time of year, and the number of people who met Tim when he 12

was in Freemasonry in NZ in 2013, the ceremony was performed by Brethren from a number of Lodges and also included the District Grand Master. Tim was very impressed, firstly because we memorise the charges (in Germany they are read) and also because there were more Brethren present (40 in total) than at his actual 3rd degree in Germany. When he arrived back in Germany, Tim sent the following email: “Becoming a Freemason in New Zealand makes me always appreciate the members and friends I met at Lodge Manchester No 287 and the other Lodges I visited during my time there. When I left New Zealand in 2013 I

joked that I would be back for my third degree well knowing that I was not likely to be back very soon. In the end I was lucky enough to have the chance to do so. Even though it was a simulated third degree I enjoyed being raised under the New Zealand Constitution as much as I enjoyed my regular third degree in Germany – maybe even more. I appreciated the fact that you all did this during your summer break just to make a special event for me. For that I’d like to say thanks to all of you. I’d also like to say a very special thanks to Brother John Stantiall who organised the event and made it possible. I will never forget this experience.” John Stantiall

Freemasons Reading Project Successful Lodge Erewhon No 200 backs book Initiative

Worshipful Master Bro Brian Reodique is keeping the wheels of the Lodge Erewhon rolling with a new community project. “Books for Bikes” The Lodge in association with Ashburton Library launched this initiative to encourage children to read. “Books for Bikes” began on October 2nd and closed on November 16th and was for boys and girls in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6. It involved reading books and answering questions to enter into a draw amongst all entrants with consolation prizes in each Year. There was no entry fee and participants could enter as many times as they liked. Entrants had the opportunity to win a boy’s or a girl’s bike valued at $425 each. Cycle retailer Paul Wylie supplied the cycles at a discount with local booksellers donating consolation prizes and vouchers The rules said that entrants had to identify a book’s main characters, a favourite and why, a favourite part and why, positive lessons learnt and rate the book. Lodge Erewhon Master Brian Reodique said he got the idea after talking to W Bro William Bromley, a Past Master in the United States of America who gave him the idea and he thought he could use the project here, “My son aged 8 loves reading books. It’s really good to encourage reading” Brian said In America Masonic Lodges initiate a wide variety of community projects including education and supporting people in need Funding for the project was given a generous boost with a grant from the Timaru Sophie Street Car Park Trust of $425 along with a donation from Titirangi Mt. Albert Lodge No.204 who gave $95 to the project. Lodge Erewhon funding bridged the shortfall. Worshipful Bro Brian Reodique was pleased with the response we received with 56 entries from 10 Schools in MidCanterbury. He thought we may have had

more entries being a free competition with valuable prizes. It was timed to take place during the School holidays so as to not put extra load on the teachers. Next year we may come back to the winter semester. All Headmasters in the region were emailed a poster and entry form to copy for the pupils. Winners were: Girls Bike Sophia Aguila Winners of the draw for bikes. Back row from left: WBro from St Joseph’s school Milner Jacob, Lodge Deputy Master, Master of Lodge Erewhon WBro Brian Reodique, Children’s Librarian Adrienne Year 3 Moodie. Front row from left: Girls Bike Sophia Aguila Year 3 Boys Bike winner Ethan from St Joseph’s School. Boys Bike winner Ethan Reodique Reodique Year 6 from St Year 6 from St Joseph’s School. Absent was the winner of a tablet computer, Summa Thompson-Banfield, Year 5 from Joseph’s School Ashburton Christian School. Summa Thompson-Banfield Year 5 from the Ashburton Worshipful Master Brian Reodique said Christian School was the winner of a it was a learning curve taking on an Tablet computer untried project like this especially with the Lodge not having done anything like Consolation prizes were given for: this before. The Lodge will be looking to Best effort in Year 6, Alex Bateman, repeat this worthwhile reading project Tinwald School next year. Best effort in Year 5, Amelia Swan Noel Lowe Hampstead School Best effort in Year 4 and 3 James Ferguson-Cooke and Emily-Jane Elliot

What positive lesson did you learn from this book? Some interesting quotes from entrants:  I have learnt that even if you are scared or afraid you can still do something to help out a friend – Year 5 pupil  I have learnt to give it your best – Year 5  Cheating is not OK – Year 3  Always wash your hands – Year 3  You don’t steal things from other people – Year 3  The positive lesson I learnt was to always be brave – Year 3  That when you are mean you always get punished for what you did – Year 5  That you have to obey your parents – Year 5

 Never swallow a star or your mouth will glow – Year 3  Whoever you are, rich or poor, big or small, if you put hard work into something you can do it – Year 6  Don’t go too fast in cars or you will crash – Year 3  Not to be naughty – Year 3  Tell the truth because lies get you into trouble – Year 3  People can change when you get to know them – Year 5  The positive lesson I have learnt from the book was to love my siblings dearly – Year 3  If you want something ask politely – Year 3 winner

FREEMASONS IN ACTION Outstanding students recognised at dinner Extending our Community Engagement

On the 30th of April the 5 students who were selected from Auckland University and AUT University to receive Freemasons Charity University scholarships were guests of honour at a dinner

hosted by the Lodge of Peace No 322. The students, their partners, family members and members of their faculties were all invited to the lodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular meeting. The evening was very special for the students who were acknowledged by the brethren of the lodge and a very supportive representation from Grand Lodge. Divisional Grand Master Tony Smith and his wife Shirley attended, along with District Grand Masters Gary Salmon and Mike Wyse together with their wives and many other senior brethren. The lodge room was opened to all guests where the students were individually introduced and presented with a small token to recognise them as the

Lodge Erewhon Clean up Drive Lodge Erewhon No 200 Master Brian Reodique has come up with another good Community project. On the weekend before Christmas 37 members (some from other Lodges), partners and friends took part in a cleanup project of the roads and river crossings along the banks of the Ashburton River. Worshipful Master Brian Reodique and Secretary VW Bro Noel Lowe liaised with the District Councils Community Services Officer Craig Goodwin to identify the areas that needed rubbish picked up. They concentrated on plastics, paper and trash. Blue plastic rubbish bags were supplied by the District Council along with maps of the areas in need of a clean-up. Heavy objects were noted for

the Council. Two teams started on the bridge approach and moved down the river crossings. The other team concentrated on the river crossing west to Digbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridge. In two hours they were amazed at the amount of rubbish they picked up filling two 1 ton trucks. Council Officer Craig Goodwin made arrangements for them to deposit the rubbish free of charge at the collection depot next day. Worshipful Master Brian Reodique said this type of project was a first for Lodge Erewhon No 200 and it may be revisited as it left a great feeling of achievement and pride with the membership. It has set a good example in the community and the District Council was very pleased with our effort. The Lodge has had an influx of young Filipino members who are willing to tackle community projects to raise the profile of Lodge Erewhon in the community. Their recent projects come within the objects of Freemasonry. They were disappointed that citizens had wilfully deposited rubbish in these areas spoiling the river crossings for those who use the areas for recreation. Members of the Lodge Erewhon clean up team with the bags VWBro Noel Lowe of rubbish on trucks outside the Ashburton Masonic Centre. 14

winners of the scholarships from the Auckland region. Following the presentation in the lodge room a dinner was held to honour the students and to provide an opportunity for all present to socialise and most importantly to lay the foundation stones of relationships between the craft and these wonderful young academics. The evening also presented an opportunity for the students to meet and get to know each other before travelling to Christchurch in June where they received their scholarships together with the winners from the other universities throughout the country. Looking back at what was a highly successful night, two highlights deserve mention. The first would have to be the scene in the lodge which saw selection panel member and previous winner of a scholarship himself, Worshipful Bro. Dr Logan Wait (IPM from Lodge North Harbour) handing over gifts and congratulating the winners. It is a wonderful moment when you see a young man who has received one of our scholarships go on to become a leader in the craft and then to take a role in selecting and recognising the generation of recipients. The second highlight was provided by one of the post graduate scholarship winners, Sasha Rasmussen. Sasha, whose grandfather is in the craft, spoke in the lodge room on behalf of the students and in her words of thanks she touched on a very important point. She said that the scholarships were of great value to the students in more ways than just the money. She said that the way the Freemasons recognised the students and acknowledged their achievements and community involvement is deeply encouraging. Sasha went on to say that the scholarships provide them with a validation of their efforts that they seldom receive and that they were deeply grateful for the support and the endorsement by Freemasons. The feedback from the families and the faculty members was very warm. The lodge plans to host the dinner again next year. Rick Pullim

Chinese ladies drumming the praises of the Freemasons Cruise ship passengers, tourists and curious passers-by who ventured near Dunedin’s renowned Chinese Gardens on a sunny Saturday morning were wowed by a colourful, musical event when ladies from the Dunedin Chinese Association provided a dazzling display of dance combined with the playing of yao gu (waist drums) as they practised for forthcoming events in the city. By the end of last year the Chinese ladies urgently needed to replace costumes and drums to enable them to continue to practise and perform their ancient art. Although they did not think that they would be considered, they applied to the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust (OMCT) for financial assistance for the new equipment and were amazed to find that, two months later, their wish had been granted.

culture, and this has been influential in the region ever since. A multi-ethnic organisation like Freemasonry could not fail to acquiesce to a plea for help for people from such a background and, as might be expected, the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust was there when called upon. With their grant the Chinese Association purchased a suite of colourful costumes, waist drums, a computer and several other articles. Although the items purchased were all “Made in A donation from the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust helped China”, one could not really to purchase the colourful costumes and waist drums that argue that this was not per- splashed colour on the cityscape. fectly appropriate. In the past the ladies have not been able to perform in Dunedin’s delightful Santa Parade About the Otago Masonic (a charming event focused mainly on Charitable Trust children and young families) but now, New Zealand is unique in having the four main Masonic constitutions, namely the with the OMCT’s help, they can. Needless Irish, English, Scottish and, of course, the to say they are also in the line-up for New Zealand Constitutions based on its the Chinese New Year celebrations in territory. In April 1958 these four gathered February. to discuss the possibility of establishing “a home for the aged” in the City of Dunedin. The Dunedin Chinese Association has A committee was formed and the following long wanted to become even more intemonth they founded ‘The Southern Masonic grated within its local community and, Association’, which was launched formally since receiving the grant from the OMCT, in September 1958 at the Moray Place Masonic Lodge (See “Home Sweet Home” the Association has been able to display Chinese settlers flooded into New Zealand to in ‘Repository’ on this website.) in the its art at the recent Festival of Culture work the gold fields in the mid-1800s. presence of 200 Freemasons; 44 individual and also during the Moon Festival. Lodges being represented. This Association Otago, and indeed New Zealand as a Association representative Ji Ying Xue became the charitable arm of Freemasonry in Otago. It was in 1976 that the name was whole, has had a long association with said, “the ladies are delighted with the changed to the Otago Masonic Charitable Chinese immigrants since the gold Trust’s [OMCT] support” and added, “our Trust (OMCT). The main body, the OMCT, rushes in the mid-eighteen hundreds Association could do little without the also has under its wing, The Boock Estate when thousands of Chinese poured into Trust’s assistance.” Trust; The Port Chalmers Marine Lodge Bursary Fund and The Fred Staub Memorial the country to work the gold fields. With On the day, the troupe performed Trust, the latter created in 2013. The Trust is them they brought their strong ancient flawlessly for our photographs; though financially very sound thanks in no small due it might conceivably to the outstanding skills of Fund Manager, be argued that the arRWBro Les Green PGW. The OMCT helps deserving causes throughout the Otago rival of reporter David region; its grants are made annually, and Loughrey and nationapplications to the Trust must be in BEFORE ally known photograthe end of February each year. pher Peter McIntosh, from the newspaper The Otago Daily Times may also have helped spur them on! Located close to the CBD, Dunedin’s attractive and tranquil John Wren-Potter Chinese Gardens form an oasis within the city.

FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND

125th Anniversary Celebrations The Rawhiti Lodge 125th Anniversary Celebration The Rawhiti Lodge celebrated its 125th Anniversary with a special Lodge Meeting and celebratory dinner in the Dannevirke Town Hall on 21 November 2015. Dignitaries included The Grand Master MWBro John Litton, Deputy Grand Master RWBro Mark Winger, Past Grand Master MWBro Barry McLaggan, Divisional Grand Master, RWBro John Peryer and many others. The celebrations commenced with a Lodge meeting in the afternoon. The meeting was going well until a dog in the Vet Clinic next door started howling. This caused some amusement to those in attendance however made it difficult to concentrate on the ritual requirements for the meeting. The dog stopped when the meeting concluded. During the meeting the Worshipful Master of the Rawhiti Lodge, WBro Paddy Driver, presented his Officers to the Grand Master. Following this VWBro Graeme Evans Dist GM presented the current Masters

from the District to the Grand Master. Of special significance to the Rawhiti Lodge was the presentation of a 60 Service Bar to Bro Frank Beckett. Afternoon tea was served in the Refectory after the meeting. The ladies held their event in the concert chamber of the Dannevirke Town Hall and from all accounts had a great afternoon. Included in the entertainment was an Irish comedian who imitated Mrs Brown along with a talk from Diana Litton, displays from the Dannevirke Weavers Club, Dannevirke Art Society and the Dannevirke Crochet Club. The evening event started with predinner drinks and was opened with a welcome speech from Councillor Jim Crispin (who is also a member of the Rawhiti Lodge) The Worshipful Master provided an opening address giving a short history of the Lodge and a prediction for the future of the Lodge. Dinner was served and what a feast. Celtic music was provided by

the Wellington band ‘Rigmarole’ during the evening and a great address was given by the Grand Master between the main course and desert. The Grand Master’s speech touched on the state of Freemasonry in New Zealand and the way ahead for the future. A further address was given by the Deputy Grand Master, RWBro Mark Winger. RWBro Winger has special ties to the Tararua area having lived in Norsewood some years ago. He gave an excellent talk on freemasonry in the area as well as the future of freemasonry nationwide. Finally the Grand Master and Master of Lodge Rawhiti cut the 125th Anniversary cake. The cake was awesome and the icing featured the Grand Lodge 125th Anniversary logo. Overall the event was a great success. The many months of planning and hard work and dedication by a small band of Rawhiti Lodge members and their wives paid off. Thanks to the generosity of a number of donors the event showed a $67 surplus when the books were closed. A great article was published in the Hawkes Bay today newspaper and went a long way towards promoting freemasonry in the District. A special thanks goes to all those who supported the Lodge by attending and particularly to those who travelled long distances to attend. It was especially appreciated by the organisers. WBro Paddy Driver Photos: Christine McKay, Dannevirke News

Some of those who attended the meeting, including the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Divisional Grand Master.

Worshipful Master of Rawhiti Lodge address at the evening ceremony.

Recipient of the 60 year bar Bro. Frank Beckett and wife May at the function.

The fantastic cake presented by District Grand Master Graeme Evans wife Robyn.

125th ANNIVERSARY 150 Years of Freemasonry with Beta-Waikato No 12 Brethren, when first asked if I would make a presentation to my Lodge and assembled guests to mark our 150th Anniversary, my first thought was to look out RWBro Nathan’s work on the history of Freemasonry in the Waikato; which proved an excellent source of detail. Of course, as we all know, while New Zealand Constitution Lodges all work from the same Landmarks, it would be a brave man indeed who claimed there are no individual foibles that go to make each Lodge unique. So I decided that my presentation should more be about capturing the flavour of the community from which we grew, rather than the nuts and bolts of dates, places and people. The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12 was originally constituted an Irish Lodge (Number 450 – we still have our original gavels, which we used in the Sesquicentennial Ceremony) as we were founded by militiamen. At the time the Irish Constitution had a much closer relationship with the military than either the English or Scottish Constitutions, and as a result many Lodges in garrison towns around the various frontiers of Empire started their Service as Irish

WBro Todd Saunders, with Grand Master and Sesquicentennial Certificate.

Lodge members and visitors.

Lodges. Along with many other Lodges we would later join the New Zealand Constitution. In 1864, following the defeat of the Waikato tribes and their allies at Rangiriri, and their subsequent withdrawal into the south Waikato at Paterangi, British forces advanced to Ngaruawahia – there to find everyone gone, then on to Kirikiriroa. Travelling upriver by gunboat the troops arrived at what is now Memorial Park, and stormed ashore, expecting trouble … and finding noone opposing their landing. Kirikiriroa Pa (on whose fringes the current BetaWaikato Lodge building stands) had lain unused for some time, as had Miropiko Pa on the eastern shore; most local Maori had wisely pulled out. Redoubts were established on both sides of the river, including one beneath what is now the Anglican Cathedral of St Pauls (beneath which the remains of earthworks can still be seen), commanding the river approaches. In May of 1865 a meeting was held, driven in no small part by VW Bro de Burgh-Adams, who was on a oneman drive to strengthen Freemasonry throughout the new colony. He founded no less than five Lodges in two years, as compared to two new lodges in the previous 20; clearly a man with a very clear vison of the future. In December of that year building commenced in Irishtown (now Hamilton East) on land donated by a local brewer and publican, being completed for a total cost of some £600,

including labour – a veritable fortune at the time. Part of the flavour of the community, of course, came from the wives and ladies of the town, who arrived in 1865, once the war in the Waikato had ended, travelling by river from Queen’s Redoubt in Pokeno. There were two women in particular, Mrs Steele – wife of the Officer Commanding the garrison, and Mrs Vowles – an Irishwoman of strong views, and less than a great fan of Mrs Steele. The military band were drawn up to greet the ladies, welcoming them to their new homes – tents, raupo huts, lean-tos and the like – Mrs Steele would come ashore first, as was her right as the most senior lady aboard, and all would be right and proper. The vessel approached the shore and, as the story goes, Mrs Vowles casually passed her baby to another lady, divested herself of her overdress and plunged into the river! The band was in sudden disarray as they attempted to rescue her, but Mrs Vowles waded ashore and is said to have bellowed “I’m the first woman in Hamilton, Mrs Steele!” Of course, she was promptly cut dead by all the good women of the town, but she was unrepentant, going on to establish her family in Irishtown, where some of her descendants still live. Just a hint of the flavour of the early days of the community that produced our Lodge, which made it what it is today, that gave it its traditions and landmarks. Our membership has waxed and waned, we have contained mayors and butchers, brewers and drain layers, politicians, churchmen, labourers, soldiers, sailors and airmen: a real cross-section of our community. We may have moved to the West side of the Waikato River, but the heart of the Lodge remains the same: we are Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12, the oldest in the Waikato, and looking forward to the next 150 years with interest. Grand Master, Worshipful Master and Ralph Evans District Grand Master.

FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND

Hutt Valley celebrates 125th Anniversary This Dinner was attended by the Grand Master and Freemasons and their partners from the wider Wellington Region as part of the 125th Anniversary celebrations.

125th ANNIVERSARY

An Active Freemason – one man can make the difference Thomas Alexander Peterkin was born in England in 1839, and became an engineer and gasfitter with the Railways. He moved to Australia in 1870,with 2 children, and had a further two children in Australia, where he managed a foundry in Geelong, superintended the building of a freezing works in Rockhampton, and managed a foundry there, and later served as an engineer on Cable work. He was initiated in Leinster Marine Lodge in 1876, and later that year came to New Zealand with the telegraph vessel Agnes, which laid a cable between the North and South Islands In July 1877 (aged 38) he moved to Westport with his family, where he had been appointed Railway Engineer. He joined Phoenix Lodge on 15 March 1878, and was Senior Warden when he moved to Christchurch in October 1880 as Manager of Christchurch Tramways. In Christchurch he joined the Lodge of Instruction formed by Bro H Thomson (later GM of GL New Zealand), and completed the 3 Royal Arch Degrees in Canterbury Chapter. He was living in Papanui, and wanting a lodge closer to home worked with others to form The Concord Lodge 1923EC, and was the founding JW in March 1881, Master in 1883. In September 1883 he was appointed to the Government Workshops, Addington, and in May 1885 to Hillside Workshops, Dunedin. In Dunedin he joined Lodge of Otago EC where he was Treasurer and Preceptor of the Lodge

of Instruction from 1885 to 1887 – as well as being Pres of the Bd of GP, Pres of Bd of B, and G Reg in the Dist GL of Otago, E.C. He joined Lodge Hiram and became Master in 1888, having assisted in moving the Lodge from Green Island to Caversham. In July 1886 he was appointed railway Manager in Westport, where he became Master of Phoenix Lodge in 1892. At the time of the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Bro Peterkin was influential in all his three lodges joining. He was asked to run a Lodge of Instruction at Denniston, which he did every Saturday night for two years, and became the first Master of Aorangi Lodge in 1893, re-elected 1894. Brethren at Mokihinui held a Lodge of Instruction for some time, until a Lodgeroom was built at Seddonville, and Peterkin was installed as first Master in 1896, being installed by Bro H J Williams, PDGM, in the presence of Bro R J Seddon. He then held instruction at Granity, leading eventually to the formation of Torea in December 1900. In 1897 he was appointed locomotive engineer at Wellington where he joined Ulster No 62. He later joined NZ Pacific No 2, and was instrumental in the formation of Waiwhetu Lodge No 176, being installed as first Master in October 1910. Following his retirement from the Railways in April 1905, T A Peterkin served as Mayor of Lower Hutt Borough from 1907 to 1909, and was on the Hutt River Board until 1913. He was a

Charter member of the Research Lodge of Wellington in October 1912 and of Jellicoe Lodge in November 1923 He became a GS in 1893, jumped to JGW the following year, held the office of Prov GM of Wellington from 1912 to 1915 (aged 74 to 76), and Deputy GM in 1916. In 1912 the Wellington Province comprised 35 lodges; in 1915 Ruapehu District was formed with 15 Lodges, leaving the Wellington District with 23 lodges. RWBro Peterkin died in June 1926, aged 87, his wife of 52 years having passed away in 1922. A large number of Masons attended the funeral, which was of a Masonic character. In May 1915, the Dominion reported: “A proposal at the Masonic Communication in Wellington on Thursday morning that ‘the hat should be passed around’ for the Patriotic Fund caused Mr T A Peterkin, Wellington Provincial Grand Master, to send for his hat, a light grey bell topper, which has become part and parcel of his make-up this many years. The hat was passed round with many a joke, and when finally handed in contained a sum of £44. Then someone suggested that ‘Peterkin’s tile’ should be sold by auction, and the genial owner, nothing loth, was the first to commence the sale. The end was that over £100 was raised on the grey bell topper, which was finally purchased by the Scinde Lodge, Napier, for £25.”

Gracefield Railway Workshops.

A very Grand Installation!

THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND The Grand Installation is being held from 18–20th November 2016 in Wellington This Grand Installation the Programme is being concentrated on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th November 2016, with some by invitation only events before and after, and leaving the Sunday free to explore Wellington. All events associated with The Grand Installation are being held at Queens Wharf and on the Wellington Waterfront. A great mixture of events to tempt everyone’s palette from Freemason to Partner and Family to Friends with all events tailored to be enjoyed by all.

PROGRAMME Friday 18th November

Installation Secretariat 8.30am – 5.30pm, Amora Hotel Installation Registrations 8.30am — 1pm, Amora Hotel Installation Rehearsal 9.30am – noon, TSB Arena, Queens Wharf Ladies Function 1.30pm – 4pm, Shed 6, Queens Wharf Business Session (Communication) 1.30pm – 4pm, Shed 6, Queens Wharf Welcome Cocktails 6 – 8pm, Mac’s Bar (Te Aro and Waterfront Rooms), Wellington Waterfront (near Te Papa) Saturday 19th November

Installation Secretariat 8.30am – 5.30pm, Amora Hotel Installation Rehearsal 9.30am – noon, TSB Arena, Queens Wharf Delegation Photos 1 – 2.30pm, TSB Arena Arcade, Queens Wharf Grand Installation 3 – 6pm, TSB Arena, Queens Wharf Grand Banquet from 6.30 – 11.30pm, Shed 6, Queens Wharf Registration forms are again enclosed in this issue of the New Zealand Freemason magazine or go to the Freemasons New Zealand website www.freemasonsnz.org and register online electronically or print out the Registration PDF. There is still time to get the Early Bird Specials and utilise the Time Payment Plan. Contact details New Zealand Conference Connexions Ltd, Jim Watt, P O Box 22401, Khandallah, Wellington 6441, email jim@nzcc.net.nz or mobile 021 715 442.

Ladies Programme Over the two days of The Grand Installation the ladies will be able to enjoy and participate in four major events including the ‘much talked about’ Ladies Function as well as the Welcome Cocktails, The Grand Installation and the Grand Banquet all on the waterfront in close proximity to hotel accommodation. Those who attended the last Grand Installation will remember how well received the Ladies Function was and the organising team are planning on delivering another sensational function for the ladies – it will 2 ½ hours of fun, friendship and pure enjoyment at Shed 6, Queens Wharf on the Wellington Waterfront. Additionally with the Sunday free – time can be spent exploring Wellington and all it has to offer by way of sightseeing, shopping, cafes/restaurants, entertainment and still have time to relax. The Grand Installation one weekend when you can share your Freemasonry with your wife or partner and they will enjoy it!

Various activities from the Ladies Function at the 2013 Grand Installation.

The United Grand Lodge of Queensland On behalf of Freemasons Queensland, Australia, I have great pleasure in inviting you to attend the Grand Installation of RW Bro Alan Townson, DGM and Grand Master-elect.

Friday 1st July Meet and Greet Cocktail Reception

The celebrations will begin with a Cocktail Reception on Friday, 1st July 2016 and conclude with a Farewell Luncheon on Sunday, 3rd July 2016.

Saturday 2nd July Ladies Breakfast Grand Installation Grand Banquet

Carol and I look forward to welcoming you to Queensland. We encourage you to take the opportunity to extend your stay to visit some of the many attractions that our beautiful state has to offer.

Sunday 3rd July Farewell Luncheon

MW Bro Dr Gary Bacon Grand Master

For more information please contact UGL Queensland: email: installation@uglq.org.au or phone: 07 3229 3533

The Acacia Society

Making a bequest to The Freemasons Charity plays an important role in helping to maintain the tradition of caring for our communities and will ensure Freemasonry remains a force for good in New Zealand.

If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation or would like to discuss making a bequest, please contact Sheila Hicking in confidence: 04 385 5748 or sheilah@freemasons.co.nz Registered Charitable Entity CC46016

A heart expanded by charity The work of New Zealand’s greatest Masonic benefactor lives on

Frederick Seymour Potter Business man | Philanthropist | Freemason With a compassion for children in need. The Potter Masonic Trust is the legacy of Brother Frederick Seymour Potter (1857-1941) coach-builder of Auckland. His gifts, long ago, of land and capital, remain a major force in the charitable work of the Freemasons of New Zealand. Benevolence is an integral part of Freemasonry. The principle of caring for others is nurtured and practiced by Freemasons in New Zealand and around the world.

Early times Being childless himself, it may be that this gap in Brother Potter’s life was the inspiration for his generosity. ‘Places for children to play’ was his stated motivation for the first gifts of this quiet, compassionate man. In 1916 he gave what are now Seymour Park in Mt Roskill and Potters Park in Balmoral, to the citizens of Auckland, to remain as open spaces in perpetuity. In the 1930’s, the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was entrusted with land at Panmure, Karaka and Papakura. Homes for ‘needy boys’ were established and an endowment fund established an orphanage in Whangarei. Further land in central Auckland, where his coach- building business had been located, was also gifted to the Freemasons.

To this day the invaluable Potter Masonic inheritance continues in the care of the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

Our work today Children and young people remain our focus – just as Brother Potter directed. Of that, we are proud. Potter Masonic Trust spreads its benevolence across a wide range of community facilities, educational programmes, music, disadvantaged children, children’s health and more.

Freemasons Park, the new sensory ‘playground’ at the Homai school for blind children in Auckland is a recent gift to the community by Potter Trust. The Park is proving an outstanding success as a means of allowing the learners there to experience the outdoors in a new environment of freedom and security. The resulting growth of confidence, physical enrichment, self-esteem and just plain old fun is making a huge difference in young lives. Brother Frederick, we think, would be pleased!

Recent recipients of Potter Masonic Trust assistance include : BLENNZ - Homai school Outdoor learning environment Epsom Girls Grammar Foundation Sports equipment Hamilton City Council Children’s garden Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Youth concerts National Foundation for the Deaf Paediatric programme Bay of Plenty Badminton Sports equipment MIddlemore Hospital, Giraffe unit Waiheke Scouts Sea Scouts boats John Walker Trust - Find Your Field of Dreams Children’s swimming programme

Mt Richmond Special School Equipment Auckland Regional Authority Children’s garden

23 Originally produced as a public document for the opening of Freemasons Park May 2015

How to find cool Masonic places When travelling around the South Island there are interesting Freemason-related locales to visit. Use this as an opportunity to share Freemasonry with partners or friends and encourage non-Freemasons to also search these out.

Lake Lodge of Ophir, Queenstown: At 13 Marine Parade is one of the first permanent material buildings to be erected in Queenstown and is a Historic Place Category 1 building. The oldest Masonic Lodge building in New Zealand (still in use) its foundation stone was laid in 1863. The Lake Lodge of Ophir was formally constituted on 18 July 1864, the name of the Lodge deriving from the Old Testament and refers to a fabled region of gold. As the only stone building in Queenstown for some years the lodge was a distinctive feature of the early town.

Ferrymead Heritage Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sumner Lodge Hall: Also while visiting the Christchurch area if visiting the Ferrymead Heritage Park you will find the Sumner Lodge Hall which was shifted here from its site in Sumner back in 2004. Today it is the home of Lodge of Unanimity Sumner No 3 and has been carefully restored after the Canterbury earthquakes. Photos of the relocation can be found on their lodge Facebook site at: bit.ly/sumnerlodge

St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Basilica, Invercargill.

country it is a Greek Revival building. It was designed by Broderick & Royd with completion in 1926.

Arrow Kilwinning Lodge: Not far from Queenstown in Arrowtown is another Historic List Category 1 building at 9 Fifeshire Street. Most Southern Freemason Hall: The Masonic Hall at 80 Forth St Invercargill is the third of the three Category 1 Historic Masonic buildings in New Zealand. Considered probably the most impressive of any lodge buildings in the

Grave of the GLNZ 1st Grand Master MW Bro Henry Thomson: He died on 13 September 1903 and was laid to rest a week later in the Linwood Cemetery, Linwood Ave, Christchurch. The grave 24

situated in Plot 4, Blk 14 was recently repaired after earthquake damage and rededicated in a ceremony officiated by Grand Master MW Bro John Litton.

Lodge Rooms at Ferrymead.

1st Freemasons Gathering in NZ: If driving around Banks Peninsula, a journey to Port Levy will take you to the site of the first New Zealand meeting of Freemasons which occurred in 1837 with a gathering of French Masons on board the whaling ship Le Comte de Paris.

in New Zealand’s South Island of Canterbury in AD 1938 AL 5938’ with the ‘Press’ recording that every masonic lodge in Canterbury Province contributed to the cost. Designed by C.L. Allen and executed in 1938 by Frederick Mash (1867–1955), a stained glass designer and executant (who was working for Smith & Smith, Ltd Christchurch), the window was handed over to Christchurch citizens in a ceremony on 31 Oct. 1948. While visiting take a look at the other four windows in the building called: The Arms of England and France; The Antrobus Anns; The Rhodes Anns; The Wauchop Anns all executed by F. Mash but with different designers and donors. Lodge Rooms at Shantytown.

The Sign of the Takahe, Cashmere, Christchurch: Up Dyers Pass Rd at 200 Hackthorne Rd is this Category 1 Historic Building. Used as a restaurant and function centre it is presently closed until late 2016 as it undergoes repair and strengthening work due to the Canterbury earthquakes. Among the set of stained glass windows in the building you will find in the porch two ‘lights’ forming a 1990 × 1360mm window called Masonic Symbols in an Idealised Landscape. This commemorates ‘the goodwill of the Masonic Order’. The windows were donated by ‘The Freemasons

Shantytown Heritage Park: You will discover in Shantytown a replica of the Greymouth Masonic Lodge room (now demolished), gifted to Shantytown by the Lodge in 2000. The building is the first Masonic Hall in an outdoor museum

Miners’ Memorial, Greymouth.

Other Historic Buildings There are a number of buildings around the South Island classified on the Historic Building list as Category 2 being buildings of ‘historical or cultural significance or value’. These include: Masonic Hall (Phoenix Lodge), 160 Rue Jolie, Akaroa Former Lodge Hall, 6 Davids Street & Sumner Road, Lyttelton Former Masonic Hall, 38 Shiel Street, Reefton Former Lodge Hall, 51 Russell Street, Westport Public Hall & Former Masonic Lodge, 57 Bledisloe Street, Kurow Former Lodge Hall, Ravensbourne Road, Ravensbourne, Dunedin Former Port Chambers Marine Lodge, 29 Wickcliffe Terrace & Currie Street, Port Chambers Former Lodge St George, 5 Colonsay Street, Lawrence Former Clyde Town Hall & Public Library, now the Dunstan Masonic Centre found at 26 Sunderland Crescent, Clyde The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No 98 found at 69 Melmore Terrace, Cromwell Cultural Hall / former Masonic Hall, Nith Street & Forth Street, Invercargill in New Zealand and is the home of The Advance Mawhera Lodge No.61 as well as The Greymouth Lodge No 1233EC plus the Star of the South Rose Croix. The address is Rutherglen Rd, Paroa, Greymouth. The Lodge rooms are open for public viewing every day that Shantytown is open and attracts a lot of interest from both visitors from NZ, but more noticeably, from those from overseas. This article came from a Tool in the Freemasons Toolbox to be found on the new Freemasons New Zealand Website www.freemasonsnz.org

Behind the logo The art of giving and receiving While it is often heard that charity is the cornerstone of Freemasonry there have been few who have practised and promoted it to the extent achieved by the late Edgar Faber, Grand Master in 1956–57. His efforts and legacy live on through The Freemasons Charity and the Freemasons Foundation.

or centuries Freemasons have given to those needing assistance. Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. It was first organised in England in the early 17th century (but its origins go back much further) when ‘charity’ was the term for acts of giving to those who had little. Charity is mentioned throughout the history of Freemasonry in New Zealand; one such being a reference in 1892 that

Freemasons University Scholarships Freemasons Scholarships were awarded for the first time in 1992 for academic excellence. Scholarships are awarded to scholars from eight universities in New Zealand. To date, these scholarships have totalled $4,610,000 and many of the recipients have gone on to become leaders in their fields. Watch out for their remarkable stories in future issues of this magazine.

£200 had been invested on behalf of the Board of Benevolence. Over a period of many years a number of funds were set up including the ‘Widows and Orphans and Aged Masons Fund’. In 1956 the scope of Masonic charity was extended to include public charity and ‘Aged Masons’ was changed to ‘Aged Persons.’ Despite considerable sentimental attachment to that fund it was felt that the name ‘Fund of Benevolence’ was more comprehensive and this was the title agreed upon at that time, but times inevitably change!

Creating a new image The purpose of introducing a new name and identity for benevolence within Freemasonry ten years ago was to refresh the enthusiasm of brethren and facilitate getting assistance to those in need. A new, streamlined system was being introduced which made applications for funds simpler and more sympathetic and decisions were being devolved to those who were in the field. The whole benevolence system was being simplified. Lodges could feel connected to the workings at Head Office and could have an influence. The new name, The Freemasons Charity, attracted a new visual repre sentation to support the new identity. This name added an affirmation of the inherent and historical position of charity within the organisation – ‘a tradition of caring’. It was now descriptive of the work and meaningful to those both within and outside the organisation. The logo, chosen for its descriptive value, uses a stylised meeting of out stretched arms which embodies help and assistance in a warm greeting.

Powering Potential Forty young scientists recently gathered for the inaugural Power Potential Programme organised by the Royal Society of New Zealand and funded by The Freemasons Charity, who will contribute $30,000 annually to the project for the next three years.

Defibrillators Freemasons in New Zealand have so far funded the distribution of 120 Defibrillators throughout the country thanks to the support of The Freemasons Charity.

Continuing the legacy The extensive legacy created by the Freemasons of the last century provided the foundation for The Fremasons Charity, as it exists today, to continue with its great works. Despite the excellent returns which continue to be received on its prudent investments, resulting in a portfolio now worth $23 million, there is an ongoing need to top up the capital. For this, the Charity relies on the generosity of Lodges and individual Freemasons in various ways. The Acacia Society was established to smooth the way for our Brethren to contribute by way of a legacy knowing that it will be used for the future benefit of their own charity. The Freemasons Charity continues to face, and respond to, new challenges. How these are being addressed is set out in the Deputy Grand Master’s Editorial in this month’s edition of The Charity Herald.

Grass roots charity Throughout New Zealand local Lodges are hard at work supporting their local charities often with innovative ideas, which come to the rescue of their communities and help to build awareness and goodwill towards Freemasons and all that they achieve. When a good project is identified there is always the opportunity to boost its funding with a supporting grant from The Freemasons Charity. These are just three of the many recent community projects.

Flying to the rescue Vital tasks for unmanned flying vehicles that might have previously been undertaken by expensive helicopters, or financially were not feasible, now include surveillance of rural fires. The rural firefighters use a drone to get the bigger picture by viewing fires from above and to keep their personnel safe. Members of the Rangitikei Lodge No 38 came to the rescue of their volunteer Rural Fire Service when it needed to replace its firefighting drone that was lost earlier last year. Initially, members contributed about $450 but, with the addition of a $900 grant from The Freemason’s Charity, they were able to donate $1,350 towards a new drone.

An opening success When two brethren noticed Judith May, one of the Ellesmere Community Vehicle Trust drivers, struggling with opening the 2.8 metre sectional council garage door their immediate thoughts were “can we offer assistance’? With permission from the council it was quickly agreed an automatic door opener would be of considerable help to Judith and other drivers. With all parties in agreement the Lodge of Progress No 22 and The Freemasons Charity combined to fund the door opener. Struggling with the door is now a thing of the past.`

Spuds for the memories Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms come on gradually, with the first sign being mild forgetfulness. At first, someone may have trouble remembering small things, like what they did yesterday.

They may get confused easily and, the weigh-in was fantastic. “It was lots of eventually, they may forget how to do fun. I like that it was not a competition important, everyday things, like cooking as such but rather a competition meals, getting dressed or using the toilet. between friends and families. … One They may not recognise even close family of the objectives of Freemasonry is to members. This can make it very hard for be charitable to our community. We someone with Alzheimer’s to look after decided that the Alzheimers Society was themselves. The time from onset to death a worthy recipient of our support.” is usually very long, anywhere from five Local Freemasons assisted with to 20 years. selling, emptying and collating results. All this can place a great strain on Painters from around the region supplied those left to care for the sufferer. Thus, the buckets and Bunnings Warehouse community based support mechanisms took care of the prizes. become essential. One such support group is the Alzhei mers Society Gisborne which, with the aid of local Freemasons, has developed a local project, called Spud in a Bucket, which is aimed at both fund raising and community awareness. The annual fundraiser calls on residents to buy a bucket and single spud for $10. The money goes to the society and the rest is up to the entrants to grow Handing over the generous donation toward a new drone to and nurture their spuds. Kirsty Chaffe from the Rural Fire Service are Freemasons Brian In the most recent Short and Graeme Hill. season 300 buc kets were sold raising $3,000 for the society. At the weigh-in last December one of the winners set a new record for the event. Alan Benson won the award for the greatest weight of spuds at 1.2kg. Christine Cutis won the award for the most grown, with an impressive 30 spuds hiding in her bucket. Alzheimers Society committee member, Free Graeme Revell, Mary Staley and John Otton work their way mason Dan Staley, said through hundreds of buckets during the weigh in.

The hard road to stardom The developing career of Bianca Andrew The reputation of NZ opera stars on the international stage has been enhanced by the performances by Dames Kiri Te Kanawa and Malvina Major. Both have ensured that what they have created will live on by the support they have given to up and coming singers. In May 2012 the Freemasons Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists programme was launched. One of the three emerging artists selected in that year was Bianca Andrew, who has subsequently been a finalist in the Lexus Song Quest and through scholarships is now in her second year at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music in London.

ianca was born in Wellington in 1989. She played lead roles in school musicals and it was during this time that she fell in love with the French language, and consequently French music. She was passionate about French, English, Art History, Classical Studies and Music. Bianca says, “the great thing about operatic singing is that it brings together all these passions into one profession – languages, history, stories, symbolism – that is why it is the perfect job for me,” She describes her eureka moment. “I discovered opera when I was sixteen years old, not in an opera house, but at The Warehouse. In one of the red bargain bins I spied a CD with the title: ‘100 Best Classical Hits – $5’. I bought the album on a whim and took it home. That afternoon, exquisite voices singing the

Bianca in Tuscany.

love duet from Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly sailed out of the little stereo in my bedroom, and struck my sixteenyear old heart right to its core. I was so affected by this music that I As Zerlina being seduced on her wedding day by Don Giovani. decided, from that day forth, opera had to be my life and my world.” Bianca began her Bachelor of Music programme. This was achieved by a at the New Zealand School of Music in Guildhall Scholarship, a grant from the 2008, and completed her Postgraduate Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation and the hard Diploma of Music in 2011, where she grind of fund raising. At the end of her first year at the studied under Margaret Medlyn. As an Guildhall, Bianca returned to New emerging opera singer Bianca made her main stage début in the role of Kate Zealand where she gave a series of conPinkerton in Madame Butterfly – “the certs in Wellington and Auckland. While very opera that got me hooked all those she was here I had the opportunity to interview her for this magazine. Over a years ago!” After six years studying and working leisurely luncheon we talked about her as a young singer in New Zealand, she first year at the Guildhall and what was achieved the opportunity to attend one of the reality of daily life as a student. The first year had concluded with her the most prestigious music schools, the recital entitled “Love Lost and Found”, Guildhall School of Music and Drama which covered a range of songs in sevin London and to study with Yvonne eral languages. She passed her exam Kenny, regarded as one of the most diswith distinction and was awarded a full tinguished sopranos of her generation. fees scholarship for the second year. The programme at the Guildhall is designed to prepare singers for the She was also a recipient of a $20,000 demands of a professional career, with musical scholarship from the NZ Vice classes in foreign language studies and Chancellors Committee, an award, diction, opera and theatre coaching, which is to assist NZ citizens who have stagecraft, oratorio and wide oppor- demonstrated accomplishment in musitunities for performing in the UK and cal performance. Bianca lives in Goodenough College Europe. The reality was the need to raise in Mecklenburgh Square south of Kings $160,000 to cover tuition and living Cross. Her day, during the first year, costs for the duration of her two-year began with coffee from a nearby café

followed by a couple of hours studying repertoire and then by Tube to the Barbican by 10 am to book a practice room. This was followed by an hour of warm up, physical breathing and yoga before spending an hour practicing repertoire. Afternoons were spent in class on such skills as language and stagecraft followed by a coaching lesson with Yvonne Kenney. Now part way through her second year Bianca gives an overview of what that year entails. “Along with eleven other young singers on my course, each term I work with a director, conductor, repetiteurs, coaches and my singing teacher to prepare a selection of scenes from various operas which we perform at the end of each season. In a typical week I try to get to Guildhall by 9 am to do a vocal warm-up, and then the rest of the day is dedicated to a mix of things like vocal coaching with visiting conductors and repetiteurs, drama and movement classes, language coaching, a voice lesson with my teacher, rehearsals for our opera scenes and my own personal practice.” “Other spare moments are usually put to good use, translating various texts and songs into English, writing character

studies, planning recitals and, of course, there are always a plethora of administrative bits and pieces to do with fundraising and scholarship applications. Before getting stuck into opera scenes rehearsals in October, Bianca headed to Tuscany at the kind invitation of Patricia Hurley who runs opera-themed tours to countries all over the world. As part of her Italian opera tour she invites several young Kiwi singers to stay with her and her tour-group at the beautiful Villa Petrolo. “I spent the week there with baritone Jarvis Dams and sopranos Isabella Moore and Madison Nonoa. Together we received Italian language lessons each morning, as well as coaching on Italian opera repertoire. These lessons culminated in two wonderful concerts that we performed for audiences at Villa Petrolo and, later, in Rome.” Last November, the Year Two group performed their first set of opera scenes, which were a huge success. To quote reviewer Brian Dickie. “My standouts were many – Bianca Andrew in all she did – Sonya in the War and Peace excerpt, Zerlina, and Chérubin. Here is someone to watch.”

As the amorous Cherubin, attempting a rather awkward night-time serenade.

The first term of 2016 introduced a new set of opera scenes to learn, beginning with a trip to Budapest to perform in a new opera, Narkissus and the Reflektions by Laurence Osborn. Later in the term Bianca will be singing Octavian in the Presentation of the Rose from Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier and Cherubino in a scene from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro to be performed in London and Fontainebleau in France. Like the previous Grand Divas Bianca may one day grace the world stage. If she does Freemasons can be proud of a rising star they helped to launch. WBro Morris Robertson QSM

The Hard Road ahead

ew Zealand singers studying in London have typically completed a four or five year course of study at a New Zealand university before taking a Post Graduate singing course in London, followed by another year or two in a dedicated Opera Course. Some, like Bianca, will have already been an Emerging Artist in the NZ Opera’s internship programme. Pianist Catherine Norton was a NZ Opera Emerging Artist (repetiteur) before going on to the Guildhall to study accompaniment. Répétiteurs are seldom seen by the public but are essential to the success of an opera production in their role as vocal coach and rehearsal accompanist. Catherine recently returned from her postgraduate study in London and is now accompanying singers, and teaching accompaniment to pianists at the New Zealand School of Music. In London she gained a clear insight into what it takes to

be a successful singer, pointing out that there is no one path to success. During their time in London, in addition to their regular studies, they will have Master classes with visiting premier singers, some of whom will select students to take minor parts in their own performances. Students may also be noticed by opera companies and orchestras that are looking for fresh talent to introduce to their audiences. Catherine observes that, while it is recognised that singers need moral and financial support during their period of formal study, the time after they graduate and are trying to launch careers is also very difficult financially. Support networks that they had as students are no longer available. Added to the cost of hiring practice facilities and accompanists, they have to travel extensively to intensive auditions, and pay for further coaching and promotional material.

While there is excellent teaching available in New Zealand, students in London or New York benefit from the cultural buzz of these cities, and the opportunity to observe a broad range of performances on a regular basis. They value both the moral and financial support that they receive from New Zealanders and always enjoy performing back home. The New Zealand Opera, aided by the Freemasons’ Foundation, has in recent years included in their productions an increasing number of New Zealand singers. This has both given further opportunities to student singers, and those in the early stages of their careers, to apply their studies within a professional company, and to maintain a connection with the New Zealand public. WBro Geoffrey Coker Past Grand Organist

The Allied Masonic Degrees T

he first Grand Lodge of England was set up in 1717, with 4 Lodges initially, but by 8 years later, there were 64 Lodges on the list. With the growth in the Craft, came the invention of new degrees. In France particularly, the Lodge members applied themselves to the formulation of rituals based on biblical or historical events, folk lore and possibly even other less likely sources. In England, Craft Lodges, despite the hostility of the original Grand Lodge, joined the leaning towards the practice of non-Craft work. One writer estimated that between the early 1700s and 1800, there were no less than 1200 degrees invented. However, the number which survived more than one performance was almost infinitesimal. Those which survived, and are still practised today succeeded in clothing their basic incident with a convincing connection with Masonry or with a moral in accordance with masonic teachings. By the late 1800’s ‘Grand Bodies’ had been formed to take control of the few remaining degrees that were being worked. With the exception of a few ‘orphan’ degrees, the transformation was now complete. Some of these were: St Lawrence, the Martyr. Originally titled St Laurence the Martyr, it is asserted that the degree was being worked in Lancashire and Yorkshire from the 1750s. The Grand Tylers’ of Solomon. Also known as Masons Elect of Twenty Seven. A degree named ‘Select Masters of Twenty Seven’ was worked in America in 1761, and Carlile (1825). Grand High Priest. A quite complicated origin, with evidence of portions of the ritual interlocking with other degrees in America, France, England, Ireland, and Austria. It (or a form of it) was worked in Antient Lodges in England (making it post 1751). The Red Cross of Babylon. This degree’s similarity to the Red Cross ritual 30

of Scottish and New Zealand Royal Arch and to the 15th to the 17th degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite give a clue to its derivation in the 1750s. This is reinforced by a claim that an Antient Lodge in Sunderland was working an important element of the degree in 1755. Knights of Constantinople. The earliest documented evidence shows that this was being worked in America in 1831. On Saturday 9th August 1879, a meeting was held at Alexandra Palace, London, and the Council of Side Degrees was established. This title was short lived, and was superseded by The Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees. The new body had issued its first warrant by 1 January 1880. New Zealand Councils

Zealandia Council No 19, located at Port Chalmers seems to have been issued a warrant on 10 May 1887. However, not much happened and the Council was declared dormant in 1920. Five brethren flew to Sydney and took all 5 degrees at a marathon session at St Leonard’s Council No 60, NSW on 24 July 1970. On their return, they got to work and sorted out all the arrangements, necessary for the consecration of New Zealand Council No 69 which took place on 22 March 1971, and marked the return of the Allied Masonic Degrees to New Zealand. Taradale Council No 81 followed soon after and was consecrated on 15 May 1976. Very shortly afterwards, Palmerston North Council No 83 was consecrated on 11 September 1976. One of the members of Taradale was Bro Oswald Jackson who was instrumental in forming the West Coast Council No 95 which was consecrated in Greymouth on 10 November 1979. The Order in New Zealand grew in numbers, and on 15 May 1989, Waikato Council No 121 was consecrated in Hamilton. At the same time, the Division of New Zealand was created.

And on 17 February, 1996, the warrant for Zealandia Council No 141 was re- issued. The six Councils still exist in New Zealand, they meet quarterly and the current District Grand Prefect for New Zealand is Right Worshipful Brother Bryce Smith of Wanganui. The Allied Masonic Degrees worked with New Zealand are: THE FIVE DEGREES

1. St Lawrence the Martyr. Candidates are admitted as Brethren of the Order in this Degree which tells the story of St Lawrence, put to death by the Romans because of his love for the poor and infirm. Regalia consists of a bar of miniature jewels, (or a composite jewel). 2. Knights of Constantinople. The Emperor Constantine is concerned at the arrogance of his knights, so takes steps to teach them humility. The messages in this short degree are relevant to all Freemasons, and all mankind. 3. Grand Tyler of King Solomon. A diligent craftsman finds his life endangered due to the carelessness of King Solomon and his Council. We are taught to show mercy and never make hasty decisions. This Degree stresses the importance of the Tyler in any Lodge. 4. Red Cross of Babylon. This is the English version and is only worked within the Allied Degrees. While different from the Royal Arch version, everything ends up the same. 5. Grand High Priest. A great deal involves early parts of the Old Testament. Abraham and the ancient Kings come into the ceremony, as well as an early High Priest. The candidate receives something of great value during the ceremony, and will participate in a meaningful way in the fellowship of the Brethren present. Phil Brooke District Grand Secretary

An explanation of the three irregular steps in the first degree of Freemasonry

o understand the significance and meaning of the three irregular steps in the first degree we need to set the scene. Consider the following points and see if you agree that they will cause any man to be anxious, concerned and fearful to some extent: The Candidate knows that he is about to endue a rite of passage into a society of men he really wants to join. He knows nothing of what is about to happen. He is probably feeling humiliation at being in a state of semi-undress. He cannot see because of the blind-fold. He is probably having grave doubts about the whole experience but having come this far is unwilling to back out – although it has been known and some do. He hears the knock and the doors open and he hears the voices of people inside the Lodge. The doors close and he is still outside feeling confused. The doors open again and he is now taken by the hand and lead over the threshold. At this point his heart is probably thumping, he is probably feeling really confused and doesn’t know what is happening to him. He finds he is dependent on his guide (the Junior Deacon) who he may not know or trust at this stage.

He is questioned and his guide whispers words in his ear and he copies these words as his answers to the questions. Then follows a series of events where he is guided around and hears people talking about him and what he is there for. He gets used to being lead by the hand in a firm way. Then he hears someone addressing the Worshipful Master and hears a reply and a series of questions and again a friendly voice prompts him with answers. Then he hears the Master telling the Senior Warden to direct the Deacons to instruct him in the proper steps and gets lead off again on another blind journey. He is told to stop or at least his guide stops him and now whispers in his ear how to position his feet at right angles and tells him to take a step forward. How do you think the Candidate feels right now? He has been pushed and pulled about all around the Lodge, which he cannot see, heard people speaking about him and now he is told to step forward. He is probably thinking – WHERE? – WHY? This is where we are at when trying to understand the question about the irregular steps. An answer to the question emerges as follows; Freemasonry appreciates all the above and so asks each Candidate to take a short step with his left foot because he is anxious, unsure, worried about what

might happen to him. He is taking a step into the unknown. When he has done this and feels that nothing bad has happened because of this step, he is asked to take another a little longer and because he learning to trust his guide – he does take another, slightly longer step. The third step is even longer and represents the enormous step into Freemasonry where he arrives at the pedestal (even though he does not know this yet) where he is about to take his Solemn Obligation and become a Freemason. Some freemasons attach significance to the fact that there are three steps – they say the number represents the three degrees. It is more probable that there are three steps and three degrees because the number three was and still is regarded as significant in many ways to do with human life. In the original Masonic ceremonies there were only two degrees, that of Apprentice and that of Fellow of the Craft. A Freemason was not regarded as a Master Mason until he had been installed in the Chair of his Lodge. Another modern add-on is the belief that the steps should be 9 inches, 12 inches and 15 inches representing a right-angled triangle. This is a misconception and was never laid down in the original ritual books. I hope this helps some of us understand why we take three steps of unequal length. George Allan Chair Education Pillar

REPORT Magic Flute connection adds extra masonic flavour to Whanganui Opera School Håkan Hågegard in tuition with Jonathan Eyers, bass baritone from Hamilton.

One of the features of this year’s NZ Opera School at Whanganui in January was the attendance of internationally renowned Swedish operatic baritone Håkan Hågegard. He was there as the voice tutor at the annual school for New Zealand’s emerging opera stars for which the Foundation has been a supporter for some years.

r Hågegard has performed in all the world’s major opera houses and holds a Professorship in Vocal Studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway. His Masonic connection was established playing the role of Papageno in Ingmar Bergman’s 1975 acclaimed film version of Mozart’s Masonic opera ‘Die Zauberflöte’ (The Magic Flute), regarded as one of the finest opera films ever made.

As has become the custom during the two weeks the opera school is in town, an evening for Whanganui Freemasons and their wives and friends was held at which, this year, Professor Hagegard was the special guest and speaker. Arranged with local Freemasons by Opera School founder and Executive Chairman W Bro Donald Trott, the evening was a resounding success. Professor Hågegard spoke at length, using film clips, about his experience making the Bergman film and his understanding of the Masonic and other influences embedded in this Mozart masterpiece. The two-week school provides intensive vocal, language and acting training with tutors of international standing for competitively selected students who are looking to make careers in opera. Public performances are also scheduled around Whanganui City culminating in the finale, this year the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation ‘Great Opera Moments’ at the Royal Wanganui Opera House.

NZ Opera will perform ‘The Magic Flute’ in their 2016 programme in Wellington May 28 - June 4 and Auckland June 16 - 26 Buy tickets at www.nzopera.com

NORTH EAST SOUTH & WEST

McCahon House Trust

A donation has been made by the Foundation to the McCahon House Trust.

The Trust is the body responsible for the conservation of the work of New Zealand’s greatest painter Colin McCahon. The house where he lived and worked in French Bay in Titirangi, Auckland, in the fifties is now a museum. Alongside it, a purposebuilt studio and accommodation is used by the the winners of contemporary artists’ residencies to research and develop new work each year. The site has received thousands of visitors since it was restored and opened to the public in 2006.

The Foundation can be contacted at PO Box 113144, Newmarket, Auckland 1149. Telephone: (09) 520 6414 or email: info@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz

Charity Registration No CC27639

Looked at our new website? www.freemasonsfoundation.org.nz Comments to judith@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz

Writers Festival success spurs our support

The success of our venture into the Auckland Writers Festival last year has prompted us to again put our weight behind the Schools Programme in 2016.

Record attendances and halls full of enthusiastic teenagers came from every

direction in the Auckland area last year to fill the Aotea Centre and Town Hall venues to hear international and local writers talk about their art and explain their methods. To meet the demand the Festival has expanded the schools days this year with extra sessions and workshops. The Festival itself takes place on 10th-15th May. As an added advantage our ‘Gold Partner’ status for the Schools Programme part of the Festival is given considerable exposure through the event’s printed programme and media publicity. A Freemasons–branded item is included in the give-away pack for all student attendees. The Festival is very appreciative of our support. They write in the programme - ‘The Auckland Writers Festival is delighted to deliver its Schools Programme with the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation. Through this programme we hope to inspire young writers and readers and celebrate the wonderful world of story with them’. For more details - www.writersfestival.co.nz

Telling the New Zealand story

The Foundation has agreed to help them with their ‘Books in School Libraries

Programme’ already well-established with Teachers Associations and School Libraries. In this new issue of key history titles, 3,000 books will be placed in 480 school libraries for the benefit of nearly 300,000 students. Amongst the six history books, selected by history teachers as ‘must-haves’, are ’The Treaty of Waitangi’ by Claudia Orange, the standard guide and definitive history ; and ‘Encircled Lands; Te Urewera 1820-1921’ by Judith Binney. The Books in School Libraries programme makes a positive contribution to New Zealand schools at a time when school libraries are often working with constrained budgets.

Bridget Williams Books is an award-winning Publishing Trust of New Zealand non-fiction. It has a 40-year record of publishing the histories and stories of New Zealand of both long ago and of today and making a significant contribution to New Zealand’s intellectual life.

With the publisher we share the vision about the significance of knowledge of New Zealand, and its place in the education of young New Zealanders, giving them a fuller understanding of their country, its past and its future. We are happy to contribute to the ‘Books in School Libraries’ programme.

NORTH EAST SOUTH & WEST

Huntington’s Up-date

NZ Opera at St Thomas’

We are helping the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain The Foundation’s annual gala of operatic hits performed by the Research to bring top researchers from the Harvard Medical School to New Zealand. Professors James Gusella and Marcy MacDonald, collaborators with our Professor Faull and his team working on the Huntington’s mission, are expected in March to update our researchers, clinicians and patients on the latest scientific advances and the search for treatments. A free public lecture will be held. Watch our website for details - www.freemasonsfoundation.org.nz

young resident artists of NZ Opera will take place this year on Thursday 21st April at St Thomas’ Church in Kohimarama.

A full house last year and a review in ‘Metro’ who dubbed it ‘huge fun’, will surely see another sell out. So watch for the usual email notice to Lodges coming soon. Or you can book direct from the Foundation - contact details above. 33

100 years on … On the 21st June 1916 and in the midst of a major First World War Battle in France, the “1st New Zealand Expeditionary Masonic Association” was formed and a young President elected. He was RWBro and Major George Barclay VD. Prior to this event he left New Zealand in 1914, proceeded to the Middle East and then on to the UK where he occupied a Senior position in NZ Headquarters near London. From the moment he left NZ he was actively involved in forming “Informal*” Masonic groups that grew rapidly throughout the war. Even the guns could not stop this activity, which only encouraged many Freemasons from other Constitutions to participate. (*A word of mutual, Constitutional meaning.)

uch was the enthusiasm and encouragement of this Brother Freemason that in excess of 100 “Informal Committees or groups” were very quickly formed within the United Kingdom and the Battlefronts in France, thereby creating a most unusual situation that those various United Kingdom Grand Lodges made immediate use of, the NZEFMA to verify the standard and quality of any NZ soldier wishing to join one of their Lodges. Many Kiwi soldiers took advantage of this situation and it is believed that members of the Association, at some many hundreds became members of period, during World War 1. these other Constitutions. It is recorded At the conclusion of the First World that over 50 new members joined one War, the NZ Troops were the last to particular English Constitution Lodge return home, in 1919. within two years. Lack of Transport beIt is also considered very ing the prime reason likely that the membergiven, however, as a ship of the NZEFMA was lasting symbol of their well into three thousand presence over the past members as, in excess of four years and, to avoid 1,800 medals were issued at a “Riot in the making” the conclusion of the War they were employed in and, this did not include constructing or etching those who were “killed in the white chalk emblem action” or, who joined the of the Kiwi, a permanent “Australian Expeditionary “backdrop to the barrack Force” and other Colonial WBro and Major David Ackroyd, which they also built. DSD, RNZALR. Armed Forces. All being 34

In addition to the construction of “The Kiwi on the Hill” the Troops were also responsible, on arrival, for building the permanent accommodation, of Huts (also featured). Living in Tents in the meantime. The “Kiwi” is maintained today by the local “ Scout” group. Today in 2016, and one hundred years later the “Annual Re-union” of the Association was, on Monday the 15th February graced by a new “Centennial” President and Brother, whose only difference from those days in 1916 is his name. We are sure you will wish to welcome, as we do. David joined the NZ Army 7th Jan 1974 as an RF Cadet, Burrows Class.

New Zealand Expeditionary Force Masonic Association New Zealand Expeditionary Force Masonic Association (Founded in France 1916)

Killed in action The extent of those many Kiwis “killed in action” is best illustrated by the map below which simply indicates their WW1 “resting place” This includes many Freemasons. Some by their very action received high awards such as the VC.

In Dec 1976 he graduated into the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corp (RNZASC) in the trade of Steward and through the ranks to Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2). In 1979 the RNZASC Corp was disbanded and he was posted to the Royal New Zealand Corp of Transport (RNZCT) on its formation. In Dec 1996 the RNZCT was disbanded and on the Formation of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR), “the Duke of York’s Own” he was posted to the RNZALR. In Nov 1998 he was commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant and promoted to Major in 2004.

During his service in the NZ Army he has had two postings to Singapore in 1982–84 and 1987–89, four months in Antarctica and two 12 month postings to East Timor (later Timor Leste) in 200405 and 2010-11. In the 2012 Diamond Jubilee and Queens Birthday Honours and Awards he was awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) for service to the NZDF. WBro David Ackroyd is also currently the Master of Lodge Mangaroa No419 at Trentham, Upper Hutt. Tim Brown, New Zealand Expeditionary Force Masonic Association on its Centenary

Please be advised that the official date for the commencement of the Association’s Centennial Celebrations is Tuesday the 21st of June 2016. Activities associated with this remarkable event will, for various reasons, be spread over the Association’s forthcoming Masonic year. However, as a prelude to those events the following is advised, A brief preview/Trailer of the Association’s history (approx. 8 minutes) will be featured on the Central Division website, commencing on Wednesday (2nd)/ Thursday (3rd) this week. A static display also covering the History of the Association, since it’s foundation, will be featured at the forthcoming Central Divisional Conference, held at the Palmerston North Convention Centre on Saturday the 5th of March. It is hoped this display will also be featured at the Southern and Northern Divisional Conferences in order that the Association may be more readily viewed as an “active organisation”, worthy of membership. If any member of the Association has any thoughts regarding the above and recommendations, please contact the writer or your Executive. A. R. Tim Brown Secretary. The NZEFMA artimbrown@xtra.co.nz

Go the Naki! Taranaki Masonic Charitable Trust adds Manadon Retirement Village to its suite of elder care facilities.

n September 25th, 2015 the Taranaki Masonic Charitable Trust held the official opening of their new retirement village and the Executive Officer, Jill Dingle described the opening day as a “celebration of success” and a day where the Trust could say thank you to all of those who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the beautiful Manadon Retirement Village can give those in the community of Taranaki an opportunity to enjoy the culture and life style that past and present Taranaki Masonic Trust Boards have worked hard to secure for residents who live in one of their six Masonic Trust villages in Taranaki. Back in September 1974 the Taranaki Masonic Charitable Trust formed a planning committee to investigate the building of retirement villages in Taranaki. After much thought and discussion it was agreed that the first village be developed under the Tennant Contribution Scheme. Over the past 41 years the Trust continued develop Retirement Villages in the district and have been supported by those in the community who enjoy the lifestyle that is offered. With waiting lists and 100% occupancy in the villages it was decided that a further village should be developed in New Plymouth which would bring the number of villas,

for those who can live independently, to 113. On 10th May 2013 the Trust purchased a property on Manadon Street, a lovely sunny flat piece of land which is just three minutes’ walk from the newest supermarket in New Plymouth. The Trust moved forward quickly and gathered around a strong and supportive team of positive people to give the Trust guidance and their expertise, including The Masonic Villages Trust in Wellington. They offered the Taranaki Masonic Trust the opportunity to work with them in particular with the Project and Financial Management of the Manadon development, an offer that was quickly accepted and one that has been very successful. Local Architects Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner and New Plymouth Civil Engineers BTW were engaged, tenders went out and the Trust felt fortunate in being able to appoint some highly respected local businesses to work on the development, Cleland’s Construction for the building

Contract and Taranaki Civil Construc tion for the Civil work. Along with them came the sub-contractors, and once again a group of local people who have worked tirelessly to achieve an excellent result. Celebrations of the finish of the first phase and the commencement of the second phase of the village, was shared with 70 invited guests with the Speaker of the House, the Rt Hon David Carter conducting the official opening formalities. A number of new residents have moved into the first phase and deposits have been paid for 50% of the second phase. At completion there will be 37 villas who will all share a very modern Clubroom where residents are able to enjoy activities of their chose, whether it is social evenings, playing cards, reading or just chatting. A 20 minute walkway to the beach is just a few meters from the gate. Taranaki Masonic Charitable Trust independent living villages offer a life style of choice, and the trust proudly celebrates all its residents including the 90 and 80 year olds in their villages who are supported by their families, local agencies and the Taranaki Masonic Charitable Trust. Jill Dingle

Help guide dog puppies change lives Wanted: People who can spare a few hours of their time to help puppies become life-changing guide dogs.

he Blind Foundation is urgently seeking volunteers to help collect during the Red Puppy Appeal street collection on April 1 and 2. The annual appeal raises funds for the breeding and training of guide dogs. Guide dogs provide freedom and independence to people who are blind or have low vision. That means being able to carry out day-to-day tasks such as catching the bus, crossing the road and going to work.

Blind Foundation spokesperson, Alison Wheatley, says guide dog puppies go through two years of rigorous training before they graduate. Once assigned, their working life averages between eight and 10 years. Some of this year’s graduates will go to people who haven’t had a guide dog before while others will replace retiring guide dogs. “We don’t charge people to receive a guide dog – all the costs for breeding and training are met by public donations.

That’s why the Red Puppy Appeal is so important,” says Wheatley. The continued generous support of the New Zealand public enables our puppies to succeed in their vital work. “Just a few hours of your time could help make a world of difference to someone is who is blind or has low vision,” she says. To sign up as a volunteer for the Red Puppy Appeal, visit redpuppy.org.nz or phone 0800 120 254.

About Blind Foundation guide dogs

About the Blind Foundation

Guide dogs can make a life changing difference to people who are blind or have low vision. Guide dogs give people living with sight loss independence and confidence. Guide dogs are taught to guide people around hazards, negotiate traffic, locate common destinations and travel on public transport. Guide dog puppies are identified by their bright red coats and the average working life of a guide dog is 8 to 10 years. Guide dog puppies are identified by their bright red coats and the average working life of a guide dog is eight to 10 years. The average time spent waiting for a guide dog is around 12 months, but it can take longer if people have specific needs.

The Blind Foundation is New Zealand’s main provider of practical and emotional support for the thousands of Kiwis who are affected by sight loss, enabling them to face their future with confidence. It provides practical support in living independently, help with technology, ways to continue reading, and advice on staying in or looking for work. The Blind Foundation’s vital work helping people with sight loss is only possible thanks to the generous support of the public.

The Masonic Villages Trust is a charity set up in 1960 by Freemasons in the southern North Island to provide care and services for older people. Since then, the Trust and its two charitable operating companies, Masonic Care Ltd and Masonic Villages Ltd, have earned an enviable reputation for great care and great communities.

Move to Masonic was inevitable

Ben and Ann Rickards say they’re not really ‘people persons’, but they are doers, which means they are active in the community. From their base at Wairarapa Masonic Village in Masterton, their activities include adventures all around New Zealand. Until very recently, they travelled by campervan. But for health reasons the camper is now on the market after being their holiday escape vehicle ever since Ann stopped paid work nine years ago. Three and a half years ago they moved to the village from their family home. “The upkeep of the house and grounds had become a chore, taking us away from things we wanted to do. As a Freemason I had been on the committee in the early days that set up the village, so everything pointed toward us coming here,” says Ben. “The years we have spent here have been the best we have spent for many a long time. We live in a beautiful home where the maintenance is done promptly by someone else. We don’t even have to organise the tradesmen.” They say that one of the great things about a campervan is the people you meet at the camping grounds. “They come from all sorts of backgrounds and styles of life. But you all enjoy each other’s company,” says Ben. He likens it to living at the Masonic Village. “It’s like living in the best of camping grounds. Everyone is friendly and looks out for each other, without being on their doorstep or in each other’s spaces.” Not that you will often find Ben and Ann resting at home waiting for your knock on the door. As doers, they always seem to be out and about doing things. For her it’s Probus, their grandchildren, the village singing group, sharing gardening tips with others in the village, trips away and a potluck dinner they organise once a month. Then there’s all the village activities. “There’s always something to do.” For Ben, it’s the Lodge and what Ann describes as “the best babysitting service in town”… the local Men’s Shed. As a former painter and then maintenance man for the Masterton Licensing Trust, he still likes getting his hands dirty. “We have all sorts of people at the Men’s Shed – doctors, lawyers, labourers, tradesmen and even a former steam engine driver – doing all sorts of projects,” he says. One of these was building new letterboxes for most of the 101 villas and flats at the Wairarapa Masonic Village. These had been designed and approved before Ben became involved, but he ended up assembling and painting them in an empty unit at the village,

Ben Rickards sharpens up for his next project

with valuable help from fellow resident Bill Willoughby. “We’ve also made small wooden helicopters for the Life Flight Trust to sell for fundraising. For the RSA we made crosses to commemorate those who died in the First World War, plus a low white picket fence to go around them,” Ben says. “In the school holidays we organise projects for children, like making their own go-carts and racing them. They learn practical skills that they don’t get from home.” This autumn Ben and Ann are off on a Transit tour with two other village residents to Taranaki and the Waikato. This will include visits to Raglan and Port Waikato, areas near to where Bill worked on farms in his youth. They will also travel along the Forgotten Railway to Whangamomona in modified golf carts. It’ll all be great fun. But Ben won’t be offering to help farmers with the scrub-cutting that kept him busy on the farm back in the day. “We lead a really active life, like many of the other residents in the village. But there are limits. I am 84.”

An artist’s impression of the main entrance to Woburn Apartments, now being built as part of Stage 2 of the development

Woburn stage 2 underway

The second – and final – stage of Woburn Apartments, The Masonic Villages Trust’s stunning Lower Hutt retirement community, is now being built. By mid-2017, when it is completed, residents will able to enjoy the full range of the Apartments’ facilities. The new reception, with its two-storey atrium, will give the Apartments a sense of style. But at its heart will be the facilities that create community: the café, lounge bar, gym, art & craft room, library, snooker room, movie theatre and indoor bowls and darts areas. In addition there will be a business centre, with a computer suite, printer and newspaper table. These will join Bar West, the men’s shed and the conservatory in stage one, facilities that are popular with residents in Stage 1 and their visitors. Woburn Apartments manager Chris Wilson says one-third of the 39 apartments in Stage 2 have been sold or have committed buyers.

Like to join? The trustees of The Masonic Villages Trust would like more people who support its work to become members. Chief executive Warick Dunn says a lot of people volunteer their time to help residents and it would be great to have them join the Trust. Also, family members of residents are among the Trust’s strongest supporters, so it would be good to see them joining too. Membership is open to all and costs only $20 a year. It’s one of the main ways the Trust has of keeping supporters informed and involved. Members also review the work of the Trust and elect Trustees at each annual meeting. To join the Trust, contact Warick Dunn, warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz or phone 04 569 8512.

“For people wanting to move in immediately we have two-bedroom apartments available in stage 1. For those who can delay their move for 12 months, there will be additional one and two-bedroom apartments in stage 2.” Prices for one-bedroom apartments range from $291,000 to $325,000 and two bedroom apartments from $391,000 to $514,000. These prices reflect the high quality of the fit-out and the standard of the community facilities. Monthly fees are fixed for life and residents share the capital gain on their apartment when it is sold. Wilson says a feature that sets Woburn apart is its scale. “As a boutique community we are large enough to offer residents a full range of activities and small enough for them to maintain their individuality.” The Apartments are in located in Wai-iti Crescent, one of the smarter addresses in Lower Hutt, next door to the highly regarded Woburn Masonic Care rest home and hospital. “For many residents, a big selling point is the fact that Masonic Villages Limited is a charitable company. Any surpluses it makes are used to improve facilities and services for the benefit of residents,” says Wilson. To contact Chris, ring 04 978 2591, email aptmger@ masonicvillages.co.nz

The Masonic Villages Trust Head office: 63 Wai-iti Crescent l Woburn l Lower Hutt 5010 New Zealand l Tel +64 4 569 8512 l www.masonicvillages.co.nz warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz

Why is broadcast captioning so important to people who are deaf and hard of hearing? The National Foundation for the Deaf promotes the interests of over 700,000 New Zealanders who are deaf or hard of hearing. No news is captioned on any channel between 11pm and 12 noon the following day Some main channels cannot support live captioning and some free to air channels have no captioning whatsoever (Prime TV) No New Zealand On Demand or TV catch up service offers captioning (including TVNZ On Demand, 3Now, Sky Go, Lightbox) Netflix offers 100 percent captioning

What are captions?

Captions are similar to subtitles that you see on a foreign film, but they are in the same language as spoken audio. They also include text for sound effects like “door slamming” or song lyrics, or simply say “silence” when there is no sound at all. Why do we need captions and how do we access them?

Captions show us what other viewers can hear. Without them, television programmes are a series of moving pictures and guesswork. People that need them can turn them on using a button on their remote control or by choosing an option on their phone, tablet or computer.

Sadly, some excellent examples of great New Zealand content are available in America with closed captioning and not here e.g. Brokenwood Mysteries. We made the Video to highlight that Deaf and hard of hearing New lip reading is notoriously unreliable Zealanders need to be able to watch what and we need captioning. But, in New they want, when they want and how they Zealand we’ve fallen significantly behind want – just like everyone else. They want our neighbour, Australia. Their TV to be part of the conversation about the stations are required to broadcast with latest news, reality show, political anHOW CAN YOU HELP? 100% captioning. The United States has nouncement or Rugby result. Captions had captioning legislation for decades. We can’t gain access to broadcast are not a luxury, they are essential. United Kingdom, Canada and much of media without you and need Captions give us the full story so we can Europe also require broadcasters to capyou to please walk beside us andThe World Health Organisation predicts participate too. tion. But in New Zealand only one news support us by first, signing the that by 2050, one out of every four people Louise Carroll programme has captioning (One News) petition to show your support forwill have some type of hearing loss. CEO, National Foundation for the Deaf Why did we make the very amusing Rugby World Cup Bad Lip Reading Video?

END THE SILENCE

mandatory broadcast captioning to give us access, then, most importantly, share it via your social networks.

Join the SILENT LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE and help

Our campaign is not political – buildchange attitudes towards people with hearing loss. ing an accessible, inclusive society Help us raise vital funds for advocacy, prevention Register now. It takes just a few minutes is essential for all New Zealanders. and support, and experience a little of what deafness to create your own fundraising webpage at is like along the way, a reality for one in every six www.silentleadershipchallenge.com Please help the Captioning Working New Zealanders. Group to help us get thousands of people to sign this petition so we For further information email silentleadershipchallenge@nfd.org.nz or phone 0800 867 446. We need you to support our vital work. can create a change. We can’t do it without you and very much appreciate your help. Thank you for signing and sharing. Petition link: bitly.com/CaptionitNZPetition

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Raising a glass to the New Zealand farmer W

hich is the best performing, most innovative, technologically advanced group in the farming world? If you had attended the recent annual Summer Lecture hosted by the Manawatu Royal Arch Chapter No 11 in Palmerston North you would already know the answer. They are farmers innovative in farming practices, utilising the latest technology and scientific advances in their field to lead the world in their area. And all this is achieved without the benefit of subsidies and while having to pay GST! This year’s Summer Lecturer, Jacqueline Rowarth, Professor of Agri business at Waikato University, left no doubt who this group is. Professor Rowarth provided a mountain of statistical evidence and informed comment to

support her position. of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The audience, which included memBy the way, the group in question is bers of the farming community as well the New Zealand dairy farmer. as Freemasons, responded well to her Rod Johnson presentation with questions and comments. This was Professor Rowarth’s second Summer Lecture. An entertaining and gifted speaker, she is an ardent proponent of the role of science in business, research and education in general. Her expertise extends over most aspects of soil and plant, technology and agricultural education. She was the 2009 Federated Farmers Personality of the Year and is a Companion Professor Rowarth receives the thanks of the Chapter and its guests from the First Principal of Manawatu RAC, VEComp Trevor Hardy.

Auspicious occasion for Ara in Auckland

First Grand Principal Geoff Davies made his first official visit to Auckland in December, as Grand Master of Cryptic Masonry in New Zealand, to attend the installation of The Ara Cryptic Council No 53.

Right Illustrious Companion Arthur French delivering the Address to the Thrice Illustrious Master.

Chapter makes its mark in new setting

rom February 1, the Wellington Freemasons’ Centre at the Wellesley Boutique Hotel in central Wellington is the new home of Tutanekai-Hinemoa Royal Arch Chapter No 92. The occasion was “marked” by its first ceremony in the magnificent meeting room – the installation of the Third

Principal, E Comp Marty Arrell, as Worshipful Mark Master. REComp Phil Brooke, assisted by VEComp Allan Wilkins, carried out the ceremony, after which the First Principal, VEComp Geoff Todd, and VEComp Ed Robinson jointly presented the Lecture of the Mark Tracing Board.

The move of the Chapter from its former home at the South Wellington Masonic Centre in Brooklyn Wellington reinforces the role of a downtown Freemasons’ Centre as providing a meeting place not only for Craft Lodges, but for Royal Arch Masonry and other Orders.

FROM LEFT The meeting room at the Wellesley Boutique Hotel dressed as a Royal Arch Chapter; The three Principals: from left, E Comp Bernie Harris (2nd Principal Haggai), V E Comp Geoff Todd (1st Principal Zerubbabel) and E Comp Marty Arrell (3rd Principal Jeshua); Geoff Todd, wearing the apron of an Installed Master of the Mark degree, presents the Tracing Board of the degree.

White Ribbon activities taking off in Wellington area

ollowing on from the article on these pages in the previous issue of the N Z Freemason, Royal Arch and Craft Masons are working together in the Wellington Royal Arch District in support of White Ribbon, the national organisation which encourages men to eliminate men’s violence towards women by taking ownership of the issue and modelling good behaviour to change attitudes to the problem. Grand Superintendent Ken McQueen and the two District Grand Masters, Glen Houlihan (Hutt Wairarapa No 21) and Graham Redman (Kapiti-Wellington No 19), whose Craft Districts cover the Wellington Royal Arch territory,

have met on several occasions in recent months to discuss the programme and have taken the White Ribbon Pledge of “I promise never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women”. With Glen and Graham’s support, Ken is organising four White Ribbon awareness nights in the area over the next few months, with the first scheduled to be held in Masterton on March 9, at the regular meeting of the United Lodge of Masterton No 19. The trio also plan to promote the programme at meetings and installations during 2016 and encourage

brethren and companions to take the Pledge, with the aim of getting as many members as possible wearing the White Ribbon lapel badge by the end of 2016. Glen has also created a single graphics file with Craft, White Ribbon, and Royal Arch logos all side by side for use in email signatures. The White Ribbon project will be launched nationally at the upcoming Royal Arch Convocation in Auckland.

Two million historic Freemason records published online Newly digitised collection offers fascinating insight into one of world’s most intriguing organisations

ore than two million historic Freemason membership records from the United Grand Lodge of England have been published online for the first time, revealing the names of some of the most famous and well-connected men in British history. Digitised by Ancestry, the world’s largest family history resource, the UK and Ireland Freemason Membership Registers 1733–1923 span 190 years and offer fascinating insight into the inner workings of one of the world’s most intriguing organisations. Rich in detail, each record reveals the Freemason’s name, profession, residence, date of initiation or date that they joined the organisation, age at initiation and lodge location. Accordingly, this collection will be of vital significance for anybody looking to locate, or find out more about, a Freemason ancestor. The records also feature numerous famous Freemasons, including: Oscar Wilde – Following his initiation on the 23 February 1875, Irish-born Wilde is listed as a member of the Apollo University Lodge, Cambridge.

A novelist, essayist, and one of the most popular playwrights of his time, his novels The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest remain popular today. Sir Henry Wellcome – Scientist, businessman, philanthropist, archaeologist and collector, Wellcome is best known for his pioneering approach to medical research. His legacy, the Wellcome Trust, continues to provide grants to pharmacology departments to educate and train young researchers. Winston Churchill – Appearing in the records at the age of 26, Churchill was initiated into Studholme Lodge on the 26 May 1901. He went on to become a British statesman, orator, author and eventually prime minister across the years 1940–45 and 1951–55. Many credit ‘British Bulldog’ Churchill for leading the country to victory in World War II. Joseph Rudyard Kipling – Writer, poet, and novelist, Kipling’s works of fiction include children’s favourite The Jungle Book and Kim. Born in Bombay, Kipling was initiated in the Lodge of Hope and Perseverance No 782, in Lahore in 1886.

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Novelists and scientists aside, further analysis of the records reveals that engineers, merchants and clerks were the most common professions of English Freemasons. Similarly, in Ireland, farmers, clerks and engineers make up the top three most frequently occurring member roles. A plethora of other professions also appear, not least 14,882 ‘Gentleman’, and even a solitary ‘Cloth Shrinker’. ‘As Freemasonry in the UK approaches its 300th birthday in 2017, we are pleased to be able to provide access to details of past members. The records demonstrate the extensive involvement which Freemasons have had in British society at national and local level and I hope that they will provide a fascinating insight.’ – Diane Clements, Director of the Library and Museum of Freemasonry Miriam Silverman, Senior UK Content Manager from Ancestry comments: ‘We’re delighted to be able to offer people an online window into a relatively unknown organisation. Whilst we can’t reveal the inner workings of Freemason ceremonies, what we can tell you is the details of over two million historic members. So, if you want to find out more about a Freemason ancestor or locate a famous member, now is the perfect time to get online and start your search.’ To search the UK and Ireland Freemason Membership Registers 1733–1923 and more than 16 billion historical records worldwide, visit www.ancestry.co.uk A part of the launch, Sir Tony Robinson took a tour of Freemasons’ Hall with Dr James Campbell who was able to debunk some of the common myths surrounding Freemasonry. See on YouTube: youtu.be/gHDphnO1Sy0 With thanks to Freemasonry Today

First Female CEO of the Freemasons in Australia

GEMLINK

little known fact is that over three years ago The Grand Lodge of Western Australia appointed Marie-Louise MacDonald their Chief Executive Officer. A first for a Grand Lodge in Australasia and indeed, we believe, of the world. She was a previously advisor to the former Federal Minister Susan Ryan for the Status of Women. All she knew about Freemasonry at the time was the Dan Brown novels and whilst she had the management skills for an organisation she has had to come up to speed on the culture of Freemasonry. She said she has found Freemasons to be great and that they were there to help the people of Western Australia. With thanks to the West Australian Post

Dennis D. Blacklaws Qualified Gemologist, Diamond-Grader, Internationally Qualified Jewellery Appraiser

04 566 3668 www.gemlink.co.nz dennis.blacklaws@gemlink.co.nz 10 Laings Rd, Lower Hutt

Past District Grand Masters get a Jewel On the 22nd November 2015 the Waikato District Grand Master, VW Bro Jim McLaggan, hosted a luncheon in honour of his immediate predecessor, VW Bro Dean Richards, which was attended by a

large number of brethren and ladies. Dean and his wife Jean were presented with a lovely gift, along with a beautiful orchid. Also attending were four past DGMs

together with their wives. All five past DGMs were presented with a commemorative medal, with grateful thanks for their outstanding work and continued contribution to Freemasonry. WBro Brian Cowley GS

VWBroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dean Richards, Paul Sutcliffe, Warwick Roberts, and John Waldron, and RWBro Jim McQuitty. Their wives are: Jean, Vanessa, Lesley, Barbara, and Gerry.

Masonic Multiple Births – Triplets and Twins T

he United Lodge of Otago No 448 of Dunedin has been in the very fortunate situation of recently having taken 6 multiple candidate workings bringing 10 more men into Freemasonry, being: June 2014 Double Initiation of Paul and Eion Sammes (uncle and nephew) February 2015 Triple Initiation of Braeden Donaldson, John Bollen and Alex Swan ABOVE, FROM LEFT Bro Akshay Shukla EA, Bro Tomo Huro EA, VWBro Ron Hunter Dist GM, WBro Kyle Parnell WM, Bro Braeden Donaldson FC, Bro John Bollen EA, Bro Jonny Dyas MM, Bro Connor McGregor EA.

June 2015 Double Initiation of Akshay Shuckla (ex-Kashmir) and Tomo Huro (ex-Tokelau Islands) August 2015 Triple Initiation of Ben Fitzgerald, Michael Goodman, and Will Mahon (ex-UK) October 2015 Double Passing of Akshay Shuckla and Toma Huro February 2016 Double Raising of John Bollen and Connor McGregor. The triples were actioned by placing the candidates at the North, South and West faces of the VSL Pedestal and enlisting the support of a third deacon. The candidates range in age from 21 to 41 years. Their occupations are University Student, Medical Researcher, Sound

Engineer, Videographer, Medical Doctor, Cleaner, Accountant and Structural Engineering Shop Manager. It is a recently and now well established custom in the Wickcliff District for the Dist GM to attend all Initiations and welcome the new brother(s) into the District and Freemasons New Zealand. Barry Simpson Footnote: Bro Jonny the Master Mason brought his friends John and Connor in by sparking their interest to be involved in Freemasonry. Editor’s note: One man can make the difference or there must be something in the Otago water and another new member below!

Our Newest Freemasons

Julian Snowball Angus Williams Matthew Nieper Joseph Rodrigo Kenneth Ryan William Williams Johnathon Stevens Shane Isted Dean Manhood Fergus Hosie Edwin Isip Walter Picar John Webb Jason McColl Jeffrey Glynn Edsel de Ramas Alister Herbert

The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12 The Hiram Lodge No. 46 The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47 The Methven Lodge No. 51 The Greytown St Marks Lodge No. 53 Papakura Lodge No. 56 Lodge Otangaki No. 70 The Alpha Lodge No. 81 The Alpha Lodge No. 81 The Alpha Lodge No. 81 Lodge Arrow Kilwinning No. 86 Lodge Arrow Kilwinning No. 86 The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98 The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98 Rongotea Lodge No. 146 Piako Lodge No. 160 Unity Lodge No. 271

Michael Tombros Alexander Malolot Marco Dumas David Bayliss Sean Robertson-Welsh Allen Aquino Andrew Simpson Jozeph Horopapera Keith Blair Dino Lacson Richard Levangie Mark Comber Quentin Lowe Taylor Warwood Harold McMichael Lester Cosingan

November 2015 – January 2016 46

Unity Lodge No. 271 Unity Lodge No. 271 Lodge Papatoetoe No. 227 Lodge Nelson No. 288 Lodge Howick No. 314 Harmony Lodge No. 325 The Wayfarers Lodge No. 389 Lodge Apanui No. 395 Lodge Apanui No. 395 Lodge Arawa No. 406 Lodge Mangaroa No. 419 Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426 Lodge Maungarei No. 427 The United Lodge of Otago No. 448 Lodge Arowhenua No. 473 Lodge Arowhenua No. 473

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The Back Page IF – Bro Rudyard Kipling

Masonic Hotels There are many Masonic Hotels throughout New Zealand which probably owe their existence to the original owners who were Freemasons or that Freemasonry was popular in the area or the fact that the name ‘has a certain ring about it’ like Royal or Criterion or the Grand. Here is a great example of an Art Deco Masonic Hotel in the village of St Andrews in South Canterbury and close by was Lodge Pareora No 134 which handed its charter in on 13th April 1999. The name belongs to the District and another village Pareora a few kilometres up the road. Editor’s Note: I came from Pareora originally but never managed to visit the Lodge in St Andrew’s as a Freemason before it closed, as I was in Papua New Guinea at the time.

Ceremonial Review Committee Submissions on this review from Lodges or Members to crc@freemasons.co.nz

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two imposters just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build ‘em up with worn out tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breath a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”; If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch; If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run - Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And - which is more - you’ll be a Man my son!

Not a Freemason? Interested? Freemasons are ordinary men in the com munity, 21 years and over, of all religions and backgrounds, who share a concern for human values, moral standards and the rights of individuals. Ask one to be one… or enquire at Freemasons New Zealand: www.freemasonsnz. org, secretary@freemasons.co.nz, 04 385 6622 or write to P O Box 6439, Marion Square, Wellington 6141.

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SERVICE AWARDS

60 YEAR BADGE

WBro Ian Alexander Cedric Levingston PM WBro Donald Barry McKay P Dist GDC WBro Barrie Phelps Hopkins PM WBro Stanley William Potter PM RH WBro Bryan Alfred Waters PM RH VWBro Arthur Ernest Wilson PGC WBro Jack Rowland Tocker PGP Bro Edward Peter Heatherington MM

Scinde Lodge No. 5 The Ashley Lodge No. 28 Lodge Takapuna No. 202 Trentham Lodge No. 262 Lodge Selwyn No. 274 The Milford Trinity Lodge No. 372 Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426 Pegasus Daylight Lodge No. 450

50 YEAR BADGE

WBro Robert George Newlands PM WBro Brian Alexander Train PM Bro Alastair Reginald Goodall MM WBro Colin Walter Conyers Peach PM WBro Alan Duncan Gordon PM WBro Brian Victor Burgess MM Bro Kenneth Allan Lockhart MM Bro Clifford Johnson McAuley MM RWBro Peter James Willis PGW WBro Edward Snelson PM RWBro William James Williamson P Dep GM Bro John Robert Cross MM WBro Arthur Warren Jensen PM WBro Richard Lionel Woolf PM WBro Peter James Forbes PM

New Zealand Pacific No. 2 Patea Kilwinning Lodge No. 18 The Fortitude Lodge No. 64 Lodge Abercorn-Tuahine No. 76 Lodge Tawera No. 188 Lodge Omarunui No. 216 Lodge Manurewa No. 222 Lodge Waverley No. 226 Westminster Lodge No. 308 Browns Bay Lodge No. 346 Browns Bay Lodge No. 346 Lodge Takahe No. 397 The Gate Pa Lodge No. 407 The Henderson Meridian Lodge No. 463 The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468

November 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 2016

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