NZ Freemason magazine Issue 2 June 2016

Freemason NEW ZEALAND

Issue 2 (Vol. 44), June 2016

RECOGNISING

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IN THIS ISSUE

Freemasons University Scholarships 23

From the Editor 2

Hot news 3 From the Grand Master 4

The Freemasons Foundation 28what

Big start to the year and a cracking pace set for us all!

?

Obituary MWBro Kenneth Wilson Norton 7

Enhancing Fellowship in Your Lodge

is my

risk of

prostate cancer?

Let blindness be no barrier 30

OPINION Corporate and the Craft 9

The story of a the prostate cancer risk for Freemason kiwi blokes visionary increases dramatically with age

25 TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

News clips 10

1 in 9

THE FREEMASONS CHARITY Doing good across the world 32

Letters to the Editor 12

FREEMASONS IN ACTION Wellington Masonic Charity Bowling Competition 13 Freemasons in Taupo take ANZAC to the public 14

1 / 14

A further $50,000 to enhance the Daisy Player project 33 1 / 500

1 / 50

CULTURE Exploring sensitive issues on the 40 yrsstage 3450 yrs international

Colourful Quilts for Cancer 13

chance

60 yrs

70 yrs

Kaitaia Remembrance Park re-dedication 14

Heartland Bank FreemasonsFamily history and genetics BRCA1 Your risk of prostate cancer also might increase if you Scholarships 2016 36

Christchurch/Canterbury Ride of Respect 15

Masonic Villages Trust 38

“Mason” turns one 16 Freemasons and Timaru Car Parking 17

Māori men are less likely to be HEALTH BRCA2 diagnosed with prostate cancer, 5 things Kiwi blokes need to about cancer 40 butknow when diagnosed they are

Breakfast is on the Freemasons in Porirua 17

What’s my risk of prostate cancer? 41

have close relatives with breast cancer that is linked to faults in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2

Ethnicity

twice as likely to die from it.

Auckland reeling from Scots Grand Night 18

GetTheTools www.GetTheTools.org.nz

Divisional Conferences 19

Discussing the nuts & bolts of Men’s Health

0800 CANCE

(226 23

Royal Arch 42

Donation to Beach Haven Scout Group 19 WWII Legions of Honour to Freemasons 21 Western Australia Grand Master’s NZ connections 22 First World Festival of Masonic Arts 22

EDUCATION Our responsibilities as Freemasons 44 REGULARS Our newest Freemasons 46 The back page 48 Service Awards 49

Cover pictures: New Zealand Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand • Hamish Beattie demonstrates his waste picker. • The Grand Master, MWBro John Litton, makes a presentation to Jacinda Adhern MP at the conclusion of the Scholarships ceremony.

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1

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

Fun, Fellowship and Freemasonry!

R

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.

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ecent research highlights that all Freemasons (new or experienced) rate Fellowship at 70% compared to Education, Ceremony and Charity at 10% each. This year Membership is the key, for everyone in Freemasons New Zealand (you included), as our membership wants Fellowship and fellowship means Membership.

With this in mind we need to improve our ‘product offering’ to retain our current members, retrieve lost members and not to disappoint those joining us (where we have over promised and under delivered).

To do this we could use the Freemasons Toolbox to help us with ideas to ensure our programmes have more fellowship opportunities, making for a meeting that members want. We need to streamline the ‘Lodge Night’ to make it as efficient as possible (before, during and after). Social activities should be designed around member-only events or members, partners, families and friends events, and in the case of the latter, getting input from those to be invited on the proposed activity and venue. Our masonic family is important and we must find ways to thank them for their support of us when we go out for our Freemasonry. Lodge accommodation could be better utilised – for the use of the whole community and the viability of the Lodge. We should seriously consider our options including consolidating from ‘just adequate’ to ‘excellent’ facilities to become a showcase for Freemasonry in our communities.

Alliances between Lodges can help provide the necessary ‘wriggle’ room to make and support these changes – as we all have the same end in mind.

Improve what you are offering to your members and you will keep them and probably get back some resigned members as well because they can see the improvements and our newer members will get the ‘product’ you promised them when they first joined Freemasonry.

Enclosed is your personal Invitation from the Grand Master MWBro John Litton to attend the Grand Installation of RWBro Mark Winger Deputy Grand Master Elect as the new Grand Master in Wellington from 18–20 November 2016. Register today at www.freemasonsnz.org This bumper issue contains the Freemasons University Scholarships a flagship of Freemasons New Zealand for well over 30 years, Men and Cancer, Freemasons in Action, Masonic Education, Arts and Sciences, International Freemasonry and many more interesting articles.

The New Zealand Freemason magazine is your quarterly communication!

Have a warm and safe winter, keep an eye on others wellbeing and enjoy your New Zealand Freemason magazine.

VWBro Duane Williams MBE, JP, CLJ, P Dist GM

All figures GST exclusive. For full advertising details contact communications@freemasons.co.nz

2

Fellowship in action.

HOT NEWS Key Leadership positions announced New Grand Master Designate and Deputy Grand Master Elect

RWBro Mark Winger Deputy Grand Master has been recommended to Lodges by the Board of General Purposes as Grand Master Designate and RWBro Graham Wrigley President of the Board of General Purposes has been appointed Deputy Grand Master Elect by the Grand Master MWBro Litton.

Mark was previously Grand Registrar, Superintendent of The Freemasons Charity and is currently Deputy Grand Master. He chairs The Freemasons Charity National Committee. Mark belongs to three lodges in Auckland – Manukau-Westmere Lodge, United

MWBro Barry McLaggan

Masters Lodge and The Lodge of the Liberals Arts. He is a Solicitor with Holmden Horrocks an Auckland law firm.

Graham was previously Past District Director of Ceremonies, Past District Grand Master and is currently the President of the Board of General Purposes. He belongs to three lodges, one in Wellington – Lodge Zetland and two in Christchurch – The Avon Shirley Lodge and The Masters and Past Masters Lodge. He is National Education & Training Manager for Education for the New Zealand Red Cross based in Christchurch.

We will learn more about both of them in our September issue.

pgm

It is with a great deal of sadness that we advise that MWBro Donald Barry McLaggan PGM passed away on Tuesday 21st June 2016. He was Grand Master of Freemasons New Zealand in 20062008 and many will remember his extensive visiting to Lodges throughout the country. Our sincere condolences, to his wife Jill and the family. A full account of his life and times will appear in the September Issue of the New Zealand Freemason magazine.

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

Graham Wrigley and Mark Winger.

Peter Benstead.

New President of the Board of General Purposes VWBro Peter Benstead PGDC has been appointed as the new President of the Board of General Purposes by the Grand Master MWBro John Litton and will be invested at The Grand Installation. He will, however, attend Board Meetings from now until then to assist in transitioning into the position.

Peter has held a number of Senior Management positions with Contact Energy, the New Zealand Veterinary Association and currently the New

Zealand Racing Board. He is an experienced director and senior manager, with more than 30 years of leadership, business development, project management, marketing, sales and channels expertise.

He is a member of The Saint Andrews Lodge, the Research Lodge of Wellington and Lower Hutt Lodge and well as Chair of the Communications Pillar and a Member of the National Strategic Plan Committee.

GRAND MASTER’S VISITS 29 June – 5 July Queensland Grand Installation, Brisbane 9 July Installation, Lodge Arawa No. 406, Rotorua 10 July Presentation Young Mariners and District Meeting / Lunch, Rotorua

11 Sept 19 Sept

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Church Service and 70-year Service Bar to VWBro Dodds, Gate Pa Lodge, Tauranga 50-year Badge Presentation VWBro Barrie Buck, United Horowhenua Lodge No.464, Levin

3

THE GRAND MASTER

Big start to the year and a cracking pace set for us all!

W

e have had some wonderful experiences over the last few months but also some sadness with the passing of MWBro Ken Norton. My memory of MWBro Norton was his soft deep voice, gentle friendly manner and his ability to always remember my name. Diana also remembers his wife (Elva) and her project where all the ladies knitted and made teddy bears for orphan children. Diana still has the knitting pattern provided by Elva at that time and still uses it. MWBro Norton and his wife will I am sure be sadly missed but held in high esteem and affection by many Freemasons.

In February I received an invitation to attend the installation of Brother John Aldcroft as District Grand Master of North Island New Zealand of the Scottish Constitution. The invitation also included an opportunity to meet with the Grand Master of Scotland – Brother Charles Gordon of Esslemont-Grand Master Mason. I was well supported

by NZ Constitution brethren for the Installation meeting and as we were received and entered the Lodge at the Ara Lodge rooms (Irish Constitution), we were accompanied by the magnificent sound of bagpipes played by some four pipers. I am sure we all enjoyed the ceremony and the banquet which included the traditional address to the haggis and the consumption of some fine whisky.

The following day’s meeting where, I was accompanied by the Deputy Grand Master RWBro Mark Winger, we met with Brother Charles Gordon, Grand Master Mason and the Grand Secretary of Scotland, Brother David Begg and

we shared experiences and areas of common interest. The Grand Master Mason has held his Office for some 8 years and is clearly dedicated and passionate about Freemasonry. We extended an invitation for him or his NZ representatives to attend our Grand Installation in November and he confirmed that he will request the District Grand Masters of the North and South Island and other Scottish Constitution brethren to be present at that time. We GM and WBro Reece Rogers. were very pleased to receive such I have been invited by Auckland news and look forward to receiving University to two functions. The first was them.

The 100th birthday celebration of to a lunch to acknowledge the contribuWBro Reece Rogers at Lodge Tuakau, tions made to the University medical Pukekohe, was a tremendous event. The researchers. The occasion gave me the Lodge had arranged a Past Masters meet- opportunity to catch up with Professor ing so that WBro Reece could occupy Russell Snell whom I had met last year the Master’s Chair for the evening. The in South Australia (the Barossa Valley) warmth of my welcome by WBro Reece at the SARDI Research Station and learn was excellent and the smile given to all the more about the progress being made in visitors by Reece was outstanding. The finding a cure for Huntington’s disease Lodge Room was filled with members and Alzheimer’s.

The second more recent event was and visiting brethren and after giving my congratulations on a fantastic achieve- a celebration showcasing the advances ment the Lodge was closed so that we in Neurosurgery and Research hosted could join the ladies and continue with by Brother and Distinguished Professor the festivities. Reece is an amazing man Richard Faull. The large contribution as he still plays golf, cuts his own lawns made by the Freemasons was publically and drives a car. The ladies and brethren acknowledged to the crowded audience clearly have a great affection for him and in the lecture theatre.

A number of neurosurgeons made ilone of the ladies (Lynne Houston) had made a beautiful birthday cake which lustrated presentations in their specialist Reece cut with expertise. Following a fields and I have to admit that the technitoast made by WBro Reece’s son, we all cal nature of some of the presentations joined in a ‘sing song’ with the Northern left me gasping to try and understand.

Division’s answer to Michael Buble Two memories standout for me. The – VWBro Graham first was a video showing a recipient of Houston GDC. This some amazing brain surgery – Andy was a celebration to McDowell. We were first shown Andy prior to his surgery where he struggled remember.

Subsequent to this, to speak and control his limbs. We were Reece has appeared then shown the vast improvements made on a national TV news to his speech and actions after surgery. programme with that It was amazing and even more so when same wonderful smile. Andy was introduced to us and walked As part of the interview steadily to the lectern and gave us an Reece was playing golf address in a clear steady voice. The other New Zealand and Scottish Grand Masters. Scottish Grand Master and was a real star with memory was the respect and admiration 2nd from the left, New Zealand Grand Master 3rd from the right. shown to Professor Faull by his team of the putter!

4

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Researchers and the Neurosurgeons.

His dedication and enthusiasm for the research was felt by all those present.

Diana and I were grateful for the invitation to attend all three Divisional Conferences. Such events give us opportunities to meet and talk in a relaxed way with many brethren and their partners. I certainly learnt a great deal and congratulate the lodges on the many achievements and progress they are making. Discussion on the various remits was carefully chaired by RWBro Winger, Deputy Grand Master, as he allowed those who wished, the opportunity to put their points of view before ballots were held. The workshops held by Brothers Dai Gilbertson and Neville Patrick were

We have also had a very quick visit to Taranaki to honour the achievement of WBro Bruce McNaughton RH upon his attaining 60 years of membership to Freemasonry. We were hosted for lunch by Rosemary and Graeme Harvie (Divisional Secretary) before moving to the Hawera Senior Citizens Hall for the presentation and celebration. WBro Bruce has an impressive masonic career and can be very proud of the contribution he has made to his Lodge (Lodge Manaia) and to Freemasonry.

In recent times we have visited both the East and West Coasts of the South Island. I received an invitation to attend the Lodge Koranga ANZAC service at Timaru. Part of the visit included a

Group in attendance. At the refectory proceeding we were entertained by some splendid singing from the Culture Group and members of the Masonic Choir.

As we drove down to Greymouth the weather did us no favours as it was wet and very misty. However after settling into our hotel in Greymouth we attended a dinner where we met many of the brethren from the Advance Mawhera Lodge including the Master Elect Bro Mel Woodgate and his wife Norma. The following day the weather was superb and we were guided by Mel and Norma to view Pancake Rocks and the blow holes.

A large swell and a full tide meant the blow holes were operating at full throttle.

What an experience we had feeling the

Victorian Grand Installation, reception of the New Zealand delegation.

excellent as we were all challenged to think and discuss the meaning of true Brotherhood, Intergeneration Teamwork and making them happen in our Lodges.

I trust all Lodge representatives have provided a full report to their brethren on the proceedings of the Conference they attended?

We were thrilled to be accompanied by a large team of New Zealand Brethren and their partners to the Victoria Grand Installation in Melbourne and Diana and I wish to thank them all for the wonderful support. This Installation Ceremony is somewhat special and traditionally conducted with amazing precision. I am sure there must be many hours of rehearsal completed to achieve the standard we experienced. It has also become a tradition to hold a Grand masters’ Conference after the completion of the Installation celebrations where we share views on many common areas of masonic interest.

visit to the Farmer’s Trading Company carpark in the heart of Timaru, which at first glance seemed a strange request. To our surprise and admiration we were to learn that the Freemasons of the Midland District including those from the English Constitution have managed this car park since 1988. Lodges are rostered on twice a year and brethren travel up to 100km each way and give freely of their time.

The generosity of those who use the carpark is incredible as they donate their change when paying a parking fee. The accumulation of these donations has enabled many thousands of dollars to be distributed to community projects (assistance to schools and health groups such as the Cancer Society, Blind Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Society).

Diana and I felt very privileged to be invited to the Lodge Koranga Anzac service. The service was very moving and it was good to see other community groups such as the RSA and Te Aitarakihi Culture www.freemasonsnz.org

ground shake and the blow holes boom as they sprayed water all around and on us. This was a sight to behold and has given us a lasting memory.

Later this day Norman Young – Lodge Secretary and his wife Sandy took us to Hokitika Museum where we met Richard Seddon (aka David Verrall) who was dressed in the appropriate clothes of that time. We spent nearly an hour at the museum before indulging in some ‘white bait ’sandwiches at a local café before moving on to view the Hokitika Gorge with its amazing turquoise water.

The Advance Mawhera Lodge Installation meeting was held at the Lodge Room in Shantytown with its recreated buildings of a 19th Century gold mining town. The lodge room was full of brethren which provided a great atmosphere for the meeting. Following the installation the Lodge room was cleared and set up for a refectory to which the wives, partners and family 5

were invited. This was a very happy and cosy end to truly memorable occasion.

The next day we attended a brunch at the home of Norman and Sandy Young where I was again spoilt with some excellent white bait patties. I was mildly chastised for calling them ‘fritters’ which is not a term used on the Coast. Diana and I would like to sincerely thank all those brethren and their partners of the east and west coasts of the South Island who gave us such a warm and friendly welcome during our visits.

The Freemasons’ University Scholar­ ships were again held in Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber. This room

provides a wonderful ambience for such an occasion. It was a privilege to welcome and thank Jacinda Ardern, Member of Parliament for being our host, addressing the students and making the presentations. Jacinda was a recipient of one of our scholarships in 2001. A report on the presentations appears later in this edition of the Freemason.

Finally may I congratulate the Grand Master designate – RWBro Mark Winger and Deputy Grand Master elect – RWBro Graham Wrigley on their forthcoming appointments to these senior positions. I have had the privilege of working closely with them over the last two and half

years. Their support and guidance has been invaluable to me and I am sure they will continue to fully apply their skills, experience and energy for the future success of Freemasonry. They like me would welcome your presence and support at the Grand Installation in November.

This will be a spectacular occasion and a ‘flag ship’ event which all Freemasons and their families and friends should experience.

I send my best wishes for a safe and warm winter.

John Litton

would like to endorse John’s com- arms and shoulders, and viewed up close ments and thanks for the tremendous frogs, dragons, tuataras and other very warmth and hospitality we have received interesting creatures. We then went onto while on our visits over the last four visit the Dinosaur Farm nearly which months. We have had an amazingly busy is such a delight for children and, later and enjoyable time, meeting and engag- in the afternoon, some of us tried our ing with so many people, and also seeing hands at mini-put. The final scores were some areas of New Zealand we haven’t very interesting! seen before.

The ladies’ functions that have been organised have been tremendous. The three Divisional Conferences were very different and each one very enjoyable. At the Central Conference we visited a local herb farm near Ashhurst and took part in a ‘hands-on’ workshop where each one of us was able to create her own personal WBro Reece Rogers surrounded by hand cream, made from herbal a bevy of ladies on his 100th birthday. extracts, nutrient rich oils and essential oils. It was great fun and most informative and enlightening More recently, the afternoon spent At the Southern Conference in looking round Shanty Town in Grey­ Queenstown the ladies were treated mouth was a very enjoyable and interestto a fantastic cruise on the lake, which ing visit. Shanty Town was constructed included a running commentary by the in the early 1970s with 30 re-created skipper of the boat, who pointed out the historic buildings making up a 19th cenhighlights of the area and its history. The tury gold mining town. It is staffed by scenery was amazing and we were really volunteers who are really dedicated to blessed with the best possible weather. It their work and do a tremendous amount was a really great experience. of fundraising in support of its developAt the Northern Conference held in ment. There is a church, a bank, hotel, Auckland, we ladies visited Butterfly a butcher’s shop, shoe shop, barber’s, Creek just outside the airport. There we carpenters, and a blacksmith. The town enjoyed butterflies settling on our heads, also contains a hospital, train station, fire

station, a church, a jail, and the Masonic Lodge where the Installation was held.

There is also an amazing room that contains graphical geological information on the area, with fantastic displays of the rocks and details about their formation – so much to absorb!

I do so enjoy meeting the partners and wives of Freemasons who are able to be present at the Masonic functions that I attend. It is very special to me to be able to engage with them and get to know them all and, in some very special occasions, other members of their families.

I also very much appreciate the time and effort that has been taken by the organising teams to give the ladies an enjoyable outing and time together whatever it might be.

I have enjoyed putting together my most recent Snippets newsletter and showing some photos of the many and varied activities that have been undertaken by us all over the last few months.

John’s term of office finishes in November, and we do hope that as many of you who can be there will register for the Grand Installation. I am sure it will be will be an event not to be missed.

Thank you for your tremendous support to us both.

Diana Litton

From Diana

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OBITUARY

MWBro Kenneth Wilson Norton PAST GRAND MASTER

1 March 1929 – 2 April 2016

Summary of eulogy Lodge Papatoetoe No 227

On the viewing of the Minutes of the Lodge for the 19th of February 1959: Kenneth Wilson Norton was proposed on the 19th of February 1959, a 29-yearold married Electrical Contractor living in Papatoetoe. Ken was a businessman in Papatoetoe for over 40 years running the workshop and successful contracting business in Papatoetoe.

Initiated 21st May 1959, Passed On the 30th of July 1959 at an emergency meeting was held to pass Brothers Rollinson and Norton both great friends for many years, Raised On the 29th October 1959 at another Emergency Meeting to Raise Brothers Norton and Rollinson.

Brother Norton had his Master Masons certificate presented on the 21st July 1960.

On the occasion of a visit by the Grand Master in October 1961 MWBro William Martin; Brother Norton presented the Third degree Tracing Board.

Fine acclaim by such a young mason December 1966 he was invested as Junior Warden, December 1967 Invested as Senior Warden; also notable that while he was Senior Warden he was also building his new home in Hillside Rd, less than half a kilometre from his original home and very close to where his mother and father had resided in Papatoetoe.

Ken, Stan Davidson and Terry Meekan.

In December 1968 Bro Norton was installed as Master by the Prov GM RWBro Murdoch MacKenzie.

Ken completed many terms on the Standing Committee and was instrumental in the setting up of the Papatoetoe Combined Masonic Properties Co. and was for some time a Director and Chairman of the Company.

Notable, the late RWBro Terry Meekan, Past Deputy Grand Master having the bond of Friendship dedication to Masonry tolerated at least 35 years of comment and wise observation on his ability as a musical director by MWBro Norton and this was a great source of humour to all in the Lodge and around the Province.

Grand Lodge

Member Boards of General Purposes & Benevolence 1975 Grand Steward in 1977 Grand Junior Deacon 1979 Grand Director of Ceremonies 1981–82 Provincial Grand Master 1987–90 Board of Benevolence 1991 The South Auckland Province’s First Grand Master Grand Master 1992–93

On Friday evening 27th November 1992, MWBro Kenneth W Norton was installed as Grand Master, to become the first mason initiated in the South Auckland District to become the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand.

The evening was made a family affair with his son www.freemasonsnz.org

Bro Murray Norton carrying the NZ Ensign at the ceremony.

He was installed as Provincial Grand Master of the South Auckland District in 1987 and appointed to the Board of Benevolence in 1991. As well as his Grand Lodge commitments he was an executive member of the Potter Masonic Centre Management Committee for five years and the South Auckland District representative for three years on the Northern Masonic Association Trust Board, both of which he relinquished when elected Grand Master Designate in 1992, as well as his Craft involvement.

MWBro Norton is a Rose Croix Mason, being a member of the South Auckland Sovereign Chapter No.95 of the A & A Scottish Rite, Interestingly at the Celebration of the Chapters 50 years he was the oldest member and elected into the 30th Degree, he was never invested as the MWS of the Chapter.

Continued over…

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An extract from the NZ Freemason magazine V21 Issue 1 of 1993 On the evening of Friday, 27 November, 1992, in the main auditorium of Auckland’s Aotea Centre, RWBro Kenneth Wilson Norton will be installed as our new Grand Master.

RWBro Norton has a long and distinguished masonic record and can be correctly described as one of the Craft’s most dedicated and hardworking Freemasons.

Born 1 March 1929, educated at Seddon Memorial High School, RWBro Norton chose to follow the electrical trade. Subsequently he completed his trade certificate to become a Registered Electrician and, in 1955, established a Home Appliance and Lighting Showroom in Papatoetoe.

Community interests His business and community interests are as extensive as his masonic ones. He served for two years as Chairperson of the Papatoetoe Businessmen’s Association, three years on the local intermediate school committee, four years on the Papatoetoe Rugby Committee.

And the list goes on!

Sporting His sporting pursuits include five years as coach/manager of the Papatoetoe Rugby Club, 14 years as an executive member of the Pukekohe Golf Club during which time he held two-year terms as Captain, Vice President and President, and he has also been a member of the Eagles Golfing Society of New Zealand for five years.

MWBro Norton was born in 1929 at Auckland, attended the Papatoetoe Central Primary School, and completed his secondary education at the Seddon Memorial Technical College. He followed the electrical trade, becoming a Registered Electrician and establishing a Home Appliance and Lighting Showroom in Papatoetoe. During his time in business, he took a very active part in local, district and sporting affairs.

He served two years as chairman of the Papatoetoe Businessmen’s Association and three years as a member of the local Intermediate School Committee.

After being involved with his sons in the Papatoetoe Rugby Club, serving on the committee for four years and as a coach-manager for five, it was his love of golf that finally succeeded in gaining his talents and ability. He became closely associated with the Pukekohe Golf Club, serving fourteen years on the Executive.

During this time he served two year terms in the offices of Captain, VicePresident, and President. He has also

8

Family

In 1977 he was elected as Grand Steward, in 1979 Grand Deacon and in 1981-82 Grand RWBro Norton has been married for over 40 Director of Ceremonies. years and he and his wife Elva have three sons He was appointed Provincial Grand Master, and seven grandchildren. Mrs Norton, whilst South Auckland District, a three-year term, in always fully supporting her husband’s many 1987. masonic duties has her own interests too. She In 1991 he was appointed to the Board of gains great pleasure and satisfaction from her Benevolence. floral art work and is currently president of He also numbers among his other major the local floral art group. Through masonic masonic commitments a five year executive connections she has become involved with the membership of the Potter Masonic Centre in Ladies Auxiliary at the Roskill Masonic Village Papakura and three years on the Northern and also enjoys active participation in church Masonic Association Trust Board. affairs as often as possible.

The Norton’s are busy people. But even with their tight schedule they Ken and Elva. found time to build and develop a seaside residence on the Coromandel Peninsula where they can relax and fit in a little boating and fishing. As Grand Master, RWBro Norton may find it more difficult to take advantage of his Coromandel hideaway but with his well-known organisational abilities, he may well be able to slot in some R & R on the coast.

Masonic Qualifications RWBro Norton was initiated into Lodge Papatoetoe in 1959 becoming Master of that lodge in 1968.

In 1976–77 he served on the Grand Lodge Boards of General Purposes and Benevolence.

been a member of the Eagles Golfing Society of New Zealand for five years.

MWBro Norton was married for over forty years and he and his late wife Elva were blessed with three sons and many grand and great grand children. Ken was a very dedicated family man, being fully involved in the family’s activities, first with their sons and their interests, and also his grand and great grand children.

Tucked away on the Coromandel Peninsula in Tairua is a seaside residence that has been developed by Ken over the years for relaxation, and where they have been able to fit in some gardening, boating and fishing, as well as entertaining many of the District and visiting Freemasons.

The Installation of MWBro KW Norton, while being a first for the South Auckland Province, was also a first in many ways for Freemasonry. For the first time ladies and invited guests were included and were able to watch the ceremony of Installing the Grand Master. For the first time journalists and

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reporters from television were invited to film and record the ceremony, and members of the public able to attend.

Announcement of financial assistance to the Pakuranga Health Camp and the Scouts’ Association $100,000 each was made at the Ceremony and recorded by the news people present.

Following his term as Grand Master he went on to help and work for Habitat for Humanity and from this the true Freemason was seen, as he was always there to aid and assist.

Over latter years and with Ken’s health failing he never lost his interest in Papatoetoe Lodge or for that matter the Craft in general. Ken was a Freemason who epitomised all that was great in Freemasonry; he had time for all, from the newest Apprentice to the most Senior, his deportment and dress were an example to all, and above all a humble Freemason.

VWBro Graeme Norton PGLec and Nephew

OPINION

Corporate and the Craft Since becoming Freemason six years ago and being installed in the chair as Master back in April, which to be fair, in most cases is quite a rapid ascension, my professional career has also moved at a rate of knots. Here’s my thinking on how and why the two are closely aligned: If you think about it carefully both the hierarchical nature of a corporate company and the fraternity have similarities, and while some people reading this are thinking ‘absolutely not and we don’t want to be like a corporate’ I think the Craft has been heading down that road for some time.

I’ve had the pleasure and honour of being selected to be part of the senior leadership team at work, and I’m currently engaged in a year long leadership course, these courses have given me insight in to great leadership skills and something as Master of my Lodge are high on my agenda to use in the lodge.

Leadership in the lodge is vital in my opinion, it gives a sense of pride, care and attention and of course sets the tone of the lodge, and it also gives every Brother something to aspire too. A corporate company isn’t always a democracy and lodges are run as an all inclusive type of affair, but Masters hold the reins and should use skills like tact, diplomacy and persuasion, while also knowing where to hold and where to give. Standards are contagious and if – as a Master your standards are high, you’ll find people around you will raise their game too, I believe ceremonies are where the bar is to be set as high as possible, not only to ensure a new candidate is given the best show possible, but as I’ve said to create a sense of pride, workings are called workings for a reason- you have to put work in to them to get the best out of each individual taking part.

We as Freemasons also need to listen, not just hear, and actually listen to what’s going on around them. One of the

corporate processes I’m going to try with my new members, is one on one’s, it won’t be a formal meeting but the questions will be of a corporate flavour, questions such as , what are they getting out of the craft?

What would they like out of the craft?

What things outside of Lodge would they like to undertake – like organising a charity event or even a social event.

These events can sometimes be very complex and are almost like projects to set up and run, so while a brother maybe looking for some project management experience for his career development, he can cut his teeth on it outside of the corporate circle. It’s one of the benefits of what we have as Freemasons – a wealth of opportunities at our finger tips that are seldom used most of the time.

But that’s not only what we can do for the Craft, it’s what the craft can do for each and everyone of us, during my many many years in the craft- six in total, yes it was a joke, the craft has given me much, especially in the personal development space, it’s taught me temperance first and foremost to listen to others opinions which has helped me see solutions to challenges from other angles, which in turn builds trust, respect and friendship.

I don’t necessarily have to act on every piece of advice, but actively listening and showing interest in a person’s opinion and thoughts means they feel valued too, and is what a new Freemason must feela valued member of the fraternity, which we say they are- but are we actively making it so?

I’m very fortunate at my Lodge to have six new candidates coming through; they are all young energetic and professional

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Matt Dyer with his proposer Dennis Blacklaws.

modem day men, like me – probably.

My aim, to ensure they are comfortable with their choice to join, to be up upfront around expectations, to make sure every ceremony for them is as good as it can be (regular rehearsals), and to check in with them outside of the lodge on a continual basis just like I do with my team at work, make it as enjoyable as I can for them, and to give them everything I can so they get the most out of the craft. Those are some lofty goals, but given I do most of those tasks all day every day at work, should it be that difficult? I don’t see it, and neither should anyone else.

So my goal is set, the plan for my term set – now to execute those two simultaneously – simple!

If it will work in a corporate, why won’t it won’t outside of a corporate with just a little bit of tailoring – I’ll let you know how I go.

Matt Dyer

WBro Matthew Dyer is the Master of Lodge Zetland No 312 based in central Wellington at the Wellington Freemasons Centre within The Wellesley. Lodge Zetland is a two year lodge with the Master and Officers in for a two year term but it meets bimonthly. Matt is from the UK originally and with family previously in the Craft he currently works for Spark New Zealand.

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NEWS CLIPS

Queen’s Birthday Honours 2016 Freemasons New Zealand congratulates Bro John Renata Broughton, CNZM on being awarded a Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Maori Health, Theatre and the Community. Bro John is a member of The Hiram Lodge No 46 in Dunedin and Bro Murray Ian Mansfield, QSM with a Queen’s Service Medal for Services to Pipe Band. Bro Murray is a member of Manuwatu Kilwinning Lodge No 47 in Palmerston North. Both in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2016 on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday.

Editor’s Note: Interesting their Lodges have consecutive numbers.

New Publication Announced Have you yet to visit the Freemasons Toolbox online? If not then you’re missing some great ideas to enhance your Lodge.

However for those who find searching the Toolbox online a little daunting all the Tools on fellowship have been captured in a new publication: Enhancing Fellowship In Your Lodge – 25 Tools to Success. Email mem.chair@freemasons.co.nz if you would like a copy.

Frank Penny with his certificate marking his 75 years of service to the Masonic Lodge in Dunedin. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Frank notches up 75 years as a Freemason It’s not that Frank Penny is ungrateful about receiving an award for 75 years’ service to the Masonic Lodge – the 96-year-old just refuses to believe he has done anything particularly special to deserve it.

“I’m only receiving it because I’m still here.

“It’s not because of any deeds I’ve done. It’s all because of longevity.’’

During a monthly lodge meeting in Dunedin last night, Mr Penny was presented with a certificate which celebrates his 75 years of service to the Masonic Lodge organisation. The Hiram Lodge No. 46 Master Brian Hastie, of Dunedin, said it was a rare achievement.

“I have never heard of this happening anywhere before now.’’

Mr Penny has already received Masonic Lodge badges for 50, 60 and 70 years of service.

Yesterday, he recalled the moment he first became aware of the lodge.

“When I was a boy, I used to play outside with other children in the street in the evenings. I was probably about 7 to 9 years of age.

“My house was a few doors away from the old Oceanic Masonic Lodge in Prince Albert Rd, and well-dressed men used to pass by in the streets on their way to lodge meetings.

New Zealand Freemason magazine You can now read the New Zealand Freemason magazine on our website www.freemasonsnz.org or subscribe to receive a free electronic version editor@freemasons.co.nz in addition to the printed copy.

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“I said to my mother, who are all these men going by who are all dressed nicely and carrying satchels with them?

“She said they were all masons and they were a fine lot of men and I decided there and then that I would become a mason.’’

Mr Penny said he worked his entire life in retail at Paterson and Barr – from 1935 to 1980. For many years, he was a manager and director of the Dunedin business. When he was 21, he was initiated into Lodge Oceanic.

“I remember it well because I was about to go overseas to World War 2. I was in the special armoured squadron.’’

He has since been a member of the Musselburgh Lodge and is still a member of the Hiram Lodge. Mr Penny said he is no longer able attended lodge meetings, but he still lived by the principles of the Masonic Lodge and continued to pay his membership fees.

“I keep paying the fees because, from a charity point of view, they create seats in the university for various research, and they help people out who might be finding themselves in a bit of a pinch.

“They do wonderful things for the community. It’s a wonderful organisation.’’

Thanks to John Lewis Otago Daily Times

Spot the Freemason Somewhere in this magazine is the picture of someone not obviously a Freemason but with a clue within the picture. First ten correct answers (describe picture and give page number) to editor@freemasons.co.nz will receive a small prize!

NEWS CLIPS

Deliciously Healthy Cookbook

Where in the World!

This 100 page full colour cookbook by Alison and Simon Holst is available to Freemasons and their Families for $15.00 including GST and Postage. A great addition to your household or a nice gift.

Produced for Diabetes New Zealand and Freemasons New Zealand as part of our Live Life Lighter Family Health programme it is a great way to eat enjoyable food as part of a healthy diet.

Orders can be sent by email to editor@freemasons.co.nz or The Editor, NZ Freemason Magazine, Freemasons New Zealand PO Box 6439, Wellington 6141 and payment details will be advised.

Our New Zealand Freemason magazine certainly gets around, here is the magazine editor in Goa, India at a Spice Plantation, with a copy. The Elephant was called ‘Amar’, the Mahut ‘Raj’, the passenger ‘Duane’ on a gentle 500m stroll through the forest. The elephants were well cared for with plenty of water, fodder and shelter.

Send a photo of you and your NZ Freemason magazine from somewhere around New Zealand or Overseas to show the universality of the craft to editor@freemasons.co.nz

Blankets needed!

If anyone has any wool blankets that aren’t being used, there is a charity that would be delighted to have them.

Little Sprouts is an organisation in New Zealand that provides boxes containing everything needed for babies of vulnerable families. The charity is very passionate about its work and is run entirely by volunteers, who are dedicated to ensuring that all babies in New Zealand get the best start in life. They give away boxes containing everything needed for a new baby’s arrival – the details are on their website http://littlesproutsnz.org.

A 100% wool blanket is included in each box. At the moment, Little Sprouts are looking for good condition wool

blankets from smoke-free homes in any size to be made into cot sized blankets by their craft volunteers. If there is a stain or two, it’s no problem as they can work round it.

If you have any blankets you no longer need and would like help, please donate them to Little Sprouts by dropping them off at one of the addresses below or contacting us for alternative drop off points.

Auckland: Baby Online’ Showroom in Mt Wellington, 66a Carbine Road, Mt Wellington, Open: Monday to Friday, 9 am until 5 pm. Saturday, 9 am until 4 pm or phone Katherine Robinson on 021 273 5429

Wellington: Kennard’s Self Storage,19 Hutt Road,Thorndon.Open: Monday to Friday, 8 am until 6 pm; Saturday, 9 am until 5 pm; Sunday, 9 am until 4 pm or phone Margaret on 021 2600 687 Christchurch: My Refund Ltd, 61 Shakespeare Road, Open: 8:30am–8pm Monday–Friday or phone Geraldine on 027 307 5417 Many thanks Diana Litton

New Divisional Grand Masters for Northern and Central Divisions appointed Our Grand Master has appointed VWBro Gary Salmon Dist GM and VWBro Jim Watt P Dist GM as the Divisional Grand Masters Elect for the Northern and Central Divisions respectively and their appointments come into effect at The Grand Installation.

Gary is a Past District Grand Director of Ceremonies and currently a District Grand Master –Auckland West District No 3. He is a member of Lodge Arawhaiti and The Coromandel Lodge and previously a member in Lodges in Hamilton

and the Hutt Valley. Gary is Head of Order Matters for the Order of St John based in Auckland.

VWBro Gary Salmon Dist GM and VWBro Jim Watt PDistGM

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Jim is a Past District Grand Director of Ceremonies and Past District Grand Master. He is a member of Scinde Lodge in Napier and New Zealand Pacific Lodge, The Coronation Lodge, Lodge Waikanae and The Research Lodge of Wellington all in Wellington. Jim is an Events Organisers with his own company NZ Conference Connexions which has helped organised a number of national events like The Grand Installation and Freemasons University Scholarships Presentations.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thanks Dear Freemasons I am writing to thank you once more for awarding me a Freemasons University Scholarship in 2009, and to update you on my progress since receiving this award.

I was awarded this scholarship to help fund my Bachelor of Science (Honours) research dissertation in Biological Sciences at The University of Auckland. This research was focussed on understanding the ecology of epiphyte communities in New Zealand’s northern conifer-broadleaf forests. The first-class honours degree I then received allowed me to move directly into PhD research, also at The University of Auckland.

My PhD was focussed on the ecology of our kauri forests, which are currently threated by Phytophthora agathidicida (kauri dieback disease): a soil-borne, fungus-like organism that attacks the roots of kauri and leads to their eventual death.

My research was focussed on the role of kauri within its ecosystems, aiming to understand that should we lose kauri from these forests, what else we would stand to lose alongside it. We’ve known for many years that kauri leaf litter has a considerable effect on the soil environment beneath

Community Engagement kauri canopies and changes the chemistry of the soil. What I found was that this in turn creates very distinctive plant communities that live beneath these ancient trees, which exist nowhere else. If we lost kauri from this disease, an entire ecosystem type would go along with it.

Following my PhD I have worked on a number of post-doctoral research projects, all based around a theme of understanding the resilience of plant communities to changing environments and stressors; be they plant diseases, invasive species, climate change, or changes in governmental legislation. Based at The University of Auckland, I worked on questions such as the potential effects of recent reductions in tree protection legislation in urban Auckland (and other urban centres), the dynamics of New Zealand forests following large-scale disturbances, and how highly flammable invasive plants might affect fire risk in our invaded ecosystems.

Most recently, I have started a postdoctoral research position in the UK, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, based at Kew’s Millennium Seedbank at Wakehurst Place in West Sussex. Here, I am researching seed behavior: whether species can be stored in a conventional seedbank, and for how long, and what environmental conditions they require to germinate. This research has practical implications for the conservation of plants within seedbanks, but will also provide insights into how species might be affected by climate change at this critical stage of their lifecycle.

Again, I would like to thank you all for awarding me the Freemasons University Scholarship, and helping me start a career of scientific research.

Kind regards, Dr Sarah Wyse

Wanted!

Dear Editor Any old disused, obsolete or unwanted firearms.

Brethren, if you have any old firearms or weapon’s that you would like to dispose of, I have a reputable, licensed firearms collector who will gladly take them of your hands and add them to his personal collection for future preservation.

Like many old and unused items, which cannot be sold or passed on to others, for various reasons, such as strict regulations, 12

and are consequently dumped, or thrown away, I have a collector who is keen to preserve these old weapons.

If any brother has such an item and would like to dispose of it legally, they can contact me by either phone; 09-238-7837, or email reg.watt@vodafone.co.nz WBro Reg Watt Editor’s Note: Old weapons can also be handed into the New Zealand Police at any time. www.freemasonsnz.org

Dear Editor If all the Freemasons who have read their NZ Freemason magazine would arrange for their copy to be left at the waiting rooms of their doctors, dentists, opticians, café, library or other public place, etc., then it would be read by a tremendous number of people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to discover Freemasonry in all its forms. This would be a wonderful opportunity to spread information about Freemasonry and a very inexpensive way of achieving publicity.

The NZ Freemason magazine is a very colourful and well presented magazine and would be a marvellous ambassador for our organisation to the general public.

My suggestion is for the Editor could arrange for an empty box or space for a name or contact number to be inserted in each issue it might encourage a prospective candidate to enquire about joining.

WBro D H Darling Editor’s Note: See the front page of this issue!

Our Charity Dear Editor This letter is to thank The Freemasons Charity for the $500 we received to aid the Dunedin Masonic Charity Bowls who were then able to donate a $1000 to the Otago Community Hospice after the bowling tournament this year.

Dunedin Masonic Charity Bowls was formed in 1981 and continues to help various organisations around our city and province. We always try to give funds to organisations that help both the city and the province. Last year it was the Otago Helicopter Trust.

Each year we manage to give a $1000 and each year we are thanked beyond what we expect.

So thanks to The Freemasons Charity it means we can continue to help those special causes.

GD Barkman, Dunedin Masonic Charity Bowls Editor’s Note: See the other article in the Freemasons in Action section of this magazine along a similar vein. Also remember that The Freemasons Charity (our Charity) can nearly always assist in doubling the amount of funds (with the proper application) that you can donate to community organisations to support them.

FREEMASONS IN ACTION Wellington Masonic Charity Bowling Competition Following on from two separate tournaments held in Wellington and the Hutt Valley the present combined Charity Bowling Tourna­ ment organised annually by the Kapiti-Wellington and Hutt-Wairarapa Districts dates back to 1992 and in the intervening 24 years numerous charitable organisations have benefitted by some $58,000 plus subsidies of at least the same amount again from The Freemasons Charity. The Wellington Free Ambulance, Life Flight Trust, Mary Potter and Te Omanga Hospices and Blind Foundation are but some of the organisations we have been able to assist.

This year Flight Life Trust again received nearly $2000 and over the years have benefitted by some $30,000.

A small committee organise and run the event with an indispensable coordinator who sorts out the teams and their

playing order with great skill, not an easy task as many a bowler will know.

For the entire time the Hutt Bowling Club has made a huge contribution by making their excellent greens and facilities available without charge. With sixteen greens available there is more than enough space to accommodate all entries, the average in recent times being about 23 teams.

The event itself is a Progressive Triples where playing partners change for each of three games with prizes being awarded for overall winners as well as the highest scoring skips, twos and leads. The modest entry fee covers a tasty catered lunch

as well as going some way towards the cost of prizes.

Each Lodge in the two districts is invited to contribute by sponsoring a green and money raised from this source and the entry fees from players will normally ensure a viable event.

It would appear, however, from recent entry analysis that there are fewer Freemasons playing bowls these days but that has never been a problem and over the years comments from other non-masonic players have been regular and very complimentary, long may that happy situation continue.

John Hollick

Colourful Quilts for Cancer Patients at Whangarei’s Jim Carney Cancer Centre can have treatment in more comfort after 20 colourful quilts were donated by members of the Wells­ ford Marsden Masonic Lodge.

Last week the lodge members took the quilts to the centre at Whangarei Hospital, where they were gratefully received.

Patient Janet Johnston was one of the first to wrap herself up in one.

Lodge Master Lindsay Stichbury said the idea for the quilts came about a year ago.

“A friend of my wife Christine, JanMarie Olsen, accompanied another

friend to the unit for treatment sessions, and came back feeling the unit needed a bit of colour,” Mr Stichbury said.

“She asked Christine if she would join her making some comfort quilts for the unit. When my wife mentioned this to me, I, as the master of the Wellsford Marsden Masonic Lodge, asked the members of the lodge if they would support them financially.

“Not only did we agree to support them but also contacted the Freemasons NZ Charity for further support.”

The two women, over the period of a year, made the 20 quilts and with the offer from Jenny Bailey of Quietly Quilting in Kaiwaka to donate the quilt stitching for free, they were able to complete them in time for the onset of winter.

The Luxin RAOB (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes) Lodge of Maunga­ turoto also provided financial help.

The quilts have been welcomed at the $5 million unit, built after Northlanders raised $3 million and the Northland District Health Board provided the rest.

“The quilts have brought beautiful colour to the centre and with the weather cooling down, they couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Dee Telfer, clinical nurse manager at the treatment centre.

“The ladies who helped make the quilts had come through on the open day and noticed that while we had red treatment chairs the place needed brightening up, and they have certainly achieved that.

“We are extremely grateful for their kindness.”

The women of the Wellsford Marsden Masonic Lodge have made quilts for the Jim Carney Cancer Centre. Former patient Janet Johnston (centre front) describes the care there as wonderful. Photo: John Stone, Northern Advocate

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FREEMASONS IN ACTION Freemasons in Taupo take ANZAC to the public On an evening close to ANZAC Day the Freemasons of Taupo assisted by the Taupo School of Music performed ‘The Empty or Vacant Chair’ ceremony.

This ceremony dates back to 1875 and it was performed at the Taupo Museum in front of a crowd consisting of around 100 members of the public and the masonic fraternity.

This version of the Empty Chair performed in Taupo was done with an ANZAC touch and is all about commemorating the service men and women who

served their country in various conflicts in New Zealand history.

The Taupo Museum made for a poignant back drop, and the sounds of bagpipes and music made the experience a moving one for all present (including the President of the local RSA and local councillors).

Lodge Kaimanawa No 426 (Taupo Freemasons) have been performing this as a public ceremony for the past five years and the Master David Hennigan says “we change the ceremony each

year to keep in interesting for us and the members of the public, it’s a great way to show people Freemasonry at its best while lifting the veil of mystique”.

Kaitaia Remembrance Park re-dedication On March 24th 2016, one of New Zealand’s earliest war memorials was rededicated in Kaitaia, 100 years to the day since its original unveiling in 1916. This “Angel Memorial” is the centrepiece of Kaitaia’s upgraded Remembrance Park.

With assistance from the Freemasons Charity, the Manganui Kaitaia Lodge No 78 sponsored one of the six tables which have been erected in the refurbished Remembrance Area adjacent to the Far North RSA in Kaitaia.

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An impressive re-dedication ceremony was carried out – with RWBro Terry McConnell, PGW acting as Master of Ceremonies. Terry was one of the original promoters of the project – all of whom are Vietnam War Veterans from Kaitaia.

Photo 1 shows the Angel Memorial in Remembrance Park with the Armed Services Guard of Honour.

Photo 2 shows RWBro Terry McConnell PGW, Mrs Carter, mother

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of Bro John Carter, Mayor of the Far North District, VWBro Bob Banks, PG Lec, WBro Lawrie Atkinson, Chairman of the Te Hiku Community Board of the Far North District Council who was in charge of arranging the ceremony, and VWBro Bob Vartan, District Grand Master.

Photo 3 shows the table top in Remembrance Park with the inset inscription donated by the Mangonui Kaitaia Lodge No 78.

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Christchurch/Canterbury Ride of Respect, 24 April 2016 The Ride of Respect is a way by which motorcyclists can pay tribute both to our tri-service personnel and to the fallen and their families. The ride was originally organised in the UK by two biking Grandmother’s, Julia Stevenson from Dartford in Kent and Anne Cole from Gloucester. Julia organised the first Ride of Respect back in 2010. Even in its first year over 22,000 motorcycles and pillions took part. The ride has continued to grow each year, in fact for the past two years the ride is being organised in other countries around the globe, all under the same banner effectively becoming one single ride. Over the past 5 years’ it has raised over a million pounds for military charities.

In New Zealand all profits from each of the rides will be going to the RSA and other Forces charities organisations.

This was the second time that The Widows Sons had hosted the event here in Christchurch and I guess that with the success of the last event we should not have been surprised by the turn out this year. However when 405 riders plus pillions and 3 dogs, descended and filled the Papanui RSA carpark to the point of overflowing we did start to

wonder if we would be able to pull the day off once more. How wrong could I have been there were bikes of all shapes and sizes, groups and individuals young and old, yet after the quick talk outlining the event and a short safety briefing the group organised themselves into a long column and under the direction of the marshals steadily exited the Carpark in small groups of forty or so and made their way through the Sunday morning Christchurch traffic up to the Templeton RSA. Again the Templeton RSA would play host with hot food and drink and with bikes parked up as far as the eye could see on the surrounding streets (residents had been warned).

The next leg was made easier owing to the fantastic support of the Christchurch Motorcycle Police division who helped marshal the routes busiest crossings. The procession of bikes stretched out over a couple of Km’s and astonished onlookers waved as we passed. Just over nine minutes of nothing but Bikes (it’s not something you see every day). The route mainly followed the winding backroads and we were treated to a glorious view of the Southern Alps bathed in sunshine.

From Sam Rowntree, new Widows Sons National Chapter President Last year at one of our gatherings on the West Coast it was decided that we wanted to do something of merit regarding forces remembrance. All three services were represented and members came from all three major centres.

It was decided that we would contact the UK in regards to becoming part of the Ride of Respect (where it had been running with great success for the past 4 years). With the blessing of the UK, Jackie Adams (at the time President of the National Chapter) found 9 other motorcycle organisations as well as organising the Widows Sons Chapters to host the ride. The first year was a great success raising $10,000 for the RSA with 1000 riders taking part.

This year it was time to step down from his role as President in the Widows Sons, but not before being volunteered to continue his task of

national Ride of Respect Organiser.

This year there were 11 Rides covering every corner of NZ. With the forming of the forth Chapter of the Widows Sons it meant that four of those would be hosted by ourselves. So on the 24th of April (form now on the nearest Sunday to ANZAC) the event proved to be an even bigger success. Raising $17,000 with 1200 riders.

I know of at least three members of the craft that joined as a direct result of the Ride of Respect last year and there is even more interest this year.

The Widows Sons which now comprises of four Chapters and 85 members nation-wide in New Zealand.

The Widows Sons last year raised just over $120,000 for charity and raising the profile of Freemasonry at the same time.

www.freemasonsnz.org

Again the weather gods were smiling and the sound of the bikes and the views over the Canterbury plains was a perfect combination. Before we knew it Oxford was in sight and the welcome mat was out at the Oxford Workingman’s Club.

A chance to refuel with sandwiches and savouries for all who needed them and any drinks you could have wished for.

The Final leg into Rangiora gave the riders the chance to enjoy being part of something special along under the shadow of Mount Thomas the road was filled with bikes as far as the eye could see. I must admit the idea of including the Rangiora High street was a last minute one (well in Oxford actually) but it seemed to work out for the best with the local police helping with a little traffic management at the town hall. It certainly gave the town something to talk about.

Our last stop would be back at the RSA Papanui where a lone Piper played and the group stood in silence listening to the last post play and hearing the Soldier Ode, all thoughts were for those brave souls who gave so much for the liberty that we all enjoy today. Mr Pat Duggan the Regional President of the RSA was on hand and it gave me great pleasure to be able to hand over $4380 raised on the ride. The funds will be staying in Canterbury and used to support service personnel from all three branches of the armed forces. A further $1055 will go to the fallen hero’s fund.

Southern Divisional Grand Master Rob Angelo, all geared up.

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FREEMASONS IN ACTION “Mason” turns one You may recall an article printed in NZ Freemason in December 2014 covering the story of how Freemasons from both Ruahine and Eastland Districts, along with local community groups, the Hastings District Masonic Trust and the Freemason’s Charity, had together raised $60,000 to purchase a SimNewB (Simulated New Born Baby) to provide advanced training of nurses and clinicians in the Child & Youth Services Department of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board.

Well one year on and in recognition of the generous contribution made by the Freemasons, the two Nurses, who spoke to the ladies group at the Central Division Conference in Hastings in A training scenario in action.

2011, Dianne O’Connor, (Clinical Training Nurse) and Michelle Robertson, (Clinical Nurse Manager) at the Hawkes table and chairs. As further recognition Bay DHB have named the SimNewB of the enormous contribution made by mannequin “Mason” They also offered the Freemasons, they have named this to provide a report on Masons first year. education room “Mason’s Room”.

To facilitate Dianne and Michelle’s offer Infants in the paediatric ward are adThe Heretaunga Lodge No73 hosted mitted with a variety of complaints but an evening to celebrate Masons first as they have small airways they are often birthday, where in excess of 60 Brethren respiratory compromised. Conditions and their wives/partners enjoyed a very like bronchiotitis, bronchiectasis and enlightening presentation covering the asthma cause mucous and inflammaextraordinary benefit Mason has been tion leading to coughing, shortness of for training at the Hawkes Bay DHB. breath, intercostal chest recession and The acquisition of Mason led to the using the accessory muscles. The infant idea of a multifunction training room. gets tired and stops breathing leading to Prior to the arrival of respiratory arrest. If this Mason, the Hawke’s Bay is not diagnosed and acHospital had no dedition taken cardiac arrest shortly follows. cated space available for After running traintraining or education, ing scenarios with this was mainly undertaken in the wards.

Mason for 6 months to Dianne and Michelle simulate babies and infants presenting the fore made an application and received approval for mentioned scenarios, they were pleasantly some innovation funding (Specific Internal) astonished at the high to realise their dream level fidelity and realism achieved by the simulato have a dedicated training room complete tions, which have all made an immense difwith computer access, TV screen connection, a The door to Mason’s Room – ference to the skill levels dedicated portable work a multifunctional room for training, and confidence of nursing staff. Mason’s skin station for Mason and education and family meetings.

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www.freemasonsnz.org

is surprisingly realistic, she can present as a limp, cyanotic newborn baby with no vital signs, or as a vigorous newborn baby would, with arms and legs moving, she can turn blue indicating respiratory issues and simulate an erratic heart rate.

Mason has been recognised and accepted as a fundamental part of continuous education and training at the Hawkes Bay DHB. It has therefore been given high priority. Despite the ongoing significant workload of high acuity on the children’s ward and special care baby nursery, participating staff are highly committed to dedicating the necessary time for scheduled training sessions with Mason.

As part of the purchase package, they also received a Resusci® Baby with QCPR (High Quality CPR Feedback System).

Dianne and Michelle offered a huge thank you to Hawkes Bay Freemasons, saying that the enormous contribution has made a difference in preparing Hawkes Bay medical staff for emergency situations, and saving the lives of our precious babies and children in Hawke’s Bay.

Breakfast is on the Freemasons in Porirua

Freemasons and Timaru Car Parking The Freemasons of the Midland District have been managing the Farmers’ carpark in central Timaru since 1988.

The management of the 30 space carpark, behind the Farmers store, was offered to the Midland Almoners’ Association by VWBro Paul Johnston, the then manager of the store. The offer was promptly taken up, solving a problem for the store and providing funds to be used for charitable works.

The Farmer’s carpark was situated adjacent to the Timaru District Council carpark which was unmanned and serviced by an unreliable machine.

Following approaches to the Council, and some considerable time later, the offer to manage both facilities was taken up. The Council did the ground work to join the two carparks into one, built a centrally located attendants’ booth, and the Freemasons operated the combined unit easing the frustrations of Timaru’s shoppers.

Today, the site is occupied by a multilevel parking building, constructed in 2008, including barrier arms, an

automatic ticket dispenser, a computerised reader and system to calculate the parking fee, and now gives the public covered access to the main shopping area through the Farmers store.

The Midland District lodges, including the English Constitution lodges, are rostered on duty twice a year and brethren travel up to 100kms, each way, to give freely of their time to provide this service. Some wives and partners also attend to the duties in the booth.

The carpark is administered by a charitable trust that provides a manager and three supervisors. A supervisor hands over the carpark to the lodge in the morning and takes back control in the afternoon and reconciles the takings for the day. The supervisor remains on call, by telephone, to deal with any issues that may occasionally arise.

The generosity of the travelling public is astounding with thousands of dollars being gifted to the charitable trust by way of ‘keep the change’ donations. Many thousands of dollars have been distributed, in conjunction with the Midland Masonic Charitable Trust, over the years. Funds have been given to provide nursing bursaries, assistance to schools, kindergartens, churches, youth groups, health groups such as the Cancer Society, Stroke Foundation, Blind Foundation, and the Alzheimer’s Society.

A district project, in conjunction with the Midland Masonic Choir’s Charity Concert, raised $42000 for the South Canterbury District Health Board’s appeal to purchase an MRI Scanner for the Timaru Base Hospital. The two charitable trusts contributed significant amounts of money towards this project.

The most recent initiative is a musical scholarship for outstanding musicians at the eleven high schools in the Midland District. Each high school is asked to nominate their top musical scholar, each year, and a $500 grant is given at the Choir’s annual concerts in Timaru and www.freemasonsnz.org

A low decile primary school helped by local Lodges. Lodge Windsor and Mana Lodge, both based in Porirua, stumped up with $1000.00 to help see that no school child goes hungry.

Here is what the School Principal, Chris Theobald, had to say about the Freemasons ….

“Holy Family are very fortunate to receive the support of Lodge Windsor and Mana Lodge, we feel humbled that a group not closely associated with our school are empathetic and compassionate enough to help out our children. The funds received will go towards supporting our ‘Breakfast in Schools’ programme, we have about 45 students that have breakfast at school each morning. It will be great to be able to offer some variety to our students in the morning in the form of different spreads for their toast or some fruit for their cereal. Our students learn best when they have had sufficient fuel to power their brains for the exciting learning happening in classes. We have many people that make our successful ‘Breakfast Club’ function well, from national sponsors Fonterra and Sanitarium to our daily volunteers and now our friends at the Lodge Windsor and Mana Lodge!”

WBro Allan Davidson presenting the cheque to Chris Theobald. Photo: Christian Hipolito

Ashburton. The students each provide an item, demonstrating their ability, at one of the concerts.

The Freemasons of the Midland District continuous and unstinting support to the carpark will ensure that charitable donations will be made in the name of Freemasonry for the foreseeable future.

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FREEMASONS IN ACTION Auckland reeling from Scots Grand Night Gathered in the magnificent Ara 348 Irish constitution lodge room in Airedale Street was the Grand Master Mason Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont and Grand Secretary David M Begg for the purpose of proclaiming the commission of Brother John Maurice Aldcroft as District Grand Master of North Island New Zealand, Grand Lodge of Scotland for a period of 5 years on 20th February 2016.

A Scottish District Grand Master being installed in the Irish Lodge room show the very strong bond between the constitutions, a historic bond so strongly held between the English, Irish and the Scottish constitutions.

The lodge room was filled to capacity, Right Worshipful Brother Brian J Westhead, District Grand Master, North Island United Grand Lodge of England, Right Worshipful Brother Andrew G McGregor, Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Lodge of Ireland New Zealand and Brother Mervyn A Gilkinson, District Grand Master, New Zealand South, Grand Lodge of Scotland were received.

Most Worshipful Brother John W Litton Grand Master, Grand Lodge of New Zealand and his deputation were then received, it was indeed an honour to the Scottish Constitution and very much an honour to Brother John Aldcroft personally that the Grand Master had travelled with his wife Diana from Wellington be with us on our special day.

Each Distinguished guest was heralded in by Very Worshipful Brother James Morton, Past Grand Lecturer NZC and by our District Grand Pipers, whist the organ music was played by Very Worshipful Brother Harvey W. Sadgrove, Past District Grand Master NZC Hon. Member St Andrew No. 418. Harvey is also the Worshipful District Grand Organist, District Grand Lodge North Island New Zealand. What a wonderful mix of

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specialist musician’s across the constitutions in perfect harmony.

Brother Wolrige Gordon carried out the Installation Ceremony with the usual highest standard and great dignity assisted throughout by Brother Begg, Grand Secretary. The commissioned Officebearers, Brother George S. Nisbet, Depute District Grand Master, Brother Alfred C. Powell, Substitute District Grand Master, Brother Ernie F. Heafield, District Grand Secretary and Brother Ian W. Eggleton as District Grand Chaplain had their commissions proclaimed and were then invested by the Grand Master Mason.

The Grand Master Mason, Brother Wolrige Gordon, by complete surprise conferred the rank Honorary Grand Rank of Grand Deacon, Grand Lodge of Scotland on Right Worshipful Brother Roly White immediate past Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Lodge New Zealand Grand Lodge of Ireland. Not many occasions when one finds Right Worshipful Brother Whyte speechless but this was one of those very special occasions. A well-deserved recognition for one who has served as Provincial Grand Master for 15 years and is also an honorary member of Lodge Ponsonby 708, Scottish Constitution.

The Grand Master Mason bestowed Brother Aldcroft with the rank of Honorary Junior Grand Warden and Brother Tom Walsh PM Lodge Montrose 722 Gisborne with the rank of Honorary Grand Architect. Both very well deserved recognition for exemplary service.

The refectory proceedings were a buzz of laughter and camaraderie and following “the ARA 348” tradition NO Speeches.

The formal dinner commenced at 7.00pm when Brother Tony Graham, District Grand Piper piped the procession welcoming the entry of our new District Grand Master Brother John Aldcroft and Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont, Grand Master Mason.

One hundred and fifty six Ladies and brethren sat down to a wonderful dinner of Ham, Sirloin beef, Crumbed Fish, Chicken, new potatoes, baby kumara, mushrooms and green peas. A cold selection included Oysters, Mussels, and several selections of salads. Dessert was just a picture of all things nice and Kiwi lead of course by Pavlova. www.freemasonsnz.org

No Scottish festive board would be complete without the Ode to the Haggis

by Brother George Imlah, Past Depute District Grand Master, with no fewer than 4 Past District Grand Masters and Brother Gilkinson the District Grand Master from NZ South making up the Haggis Party, led

by Brother Ron Mair District Grand Piper.

What a marvellous sight and yes aided by lots of single malt!

Our MC for the evening was the lively Brother Iain Robertson, a PM from 1977 and how fitting that he was also Brother John Aldcroft’s proposer into Lodge Ponsonby 708. Brother Iain kept the evening going like clockwork with dignity decorum and ample lashings of fun and laughter, Brother Iain’s toast to the newly installed Right Worshipful District Grand Master was very special as a close friend, an employer, and a teller of great tales.

Most Worshipful Brother John Litton, Grand Master gave a wonderful response to the toast to the “sister constitutions” It was so heartening to see all the constitutions working in Harmony.

The Grand Master Mason and the Grand Master, during their visit to Auckland, also had the opportunity to sit down to a meeting, accompanied by their respective organisational team members and discuss first-hand any issues important to fraternal accord in New Zealand.

Brother Aldcroft is quite a unique person, devoted to Jean, his golf, his work and his Masonry, he is the only Scottish Mason that we know off who has been presented, in 2008, with a certificate of appreciation awarded by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in recognition of the valuable contribution to, and the support of Freemasonry in New Zealand.

The term of office for a Scottish Constitution District Grand Master is five years and we all look forward to a rewarding time under the guidance and leadership of Brother John Aldcroft.

Ernie Heafield District Grand Secretary

Divisional Conferences

Donation to Beach Haven Scout Group

Whilst the three Divisional Conferences, held in Auckland, Palmerston North and Queenstown earlier this year, are about the work of Freemasons New Zealand with Remits and Workshops and group discussions to advance the Seven Pillar Strategic Plan; it is also about our wives and partners who support us in Freemasonry and we feature them in this issue.

Here is a selection of activities that the ladies took part in as part of all three Divisional Conferences.

Help comes in all shapes and sizes.

The Belmont Albion Lodge No 45, The Lodge North Harbour No 182 and with assistance from The Freemasons Charity,

Central – making scented oils.

Southern – lake trip.

www.freemasonsnz.org

helped sponsor three Scouts in 2016, by proving a donation of $920 to the Beach Haven Scout Group.

Northern –minigolf.

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WWII Legions of Honour to Freemasons Life was lived literally on a wing and a prayer For many a fighter pilot during World The pair later discussed it before deWar Two, life was lived literally on a ciding to accept the offer. “We thought wing and a prayer a war recalled French we might as well be killed by our own Legion of Honour recipient Donald Ivey hands as anyone else’s,” Mr Ivey said. of Ashburton.

One time his plane was hit by enemy A painting which hangs in the fire and he was not able to make it back Rosebank rest home room of Don Ivey to the RNZAF base in England, having shows a Mosquito aircraft flying in all its to instead land in France at an airfield wartime glory with ammunition fire ex- which had just previously been captured ploding around it. It is an accurate depic- by American forces from the Germans. tion of survival in the skies during World The World War Two song ‘Coming in War Two, where a few metres in altitude on a Wing and a Prayer’ tells of a damcould mean the difference between life aged war plane limping back to base, and death. hinting of the desperate situations faced It was the reality lived by Mr Ivey, who by fighter pilots. But Mr Ivey said he served as a fighter pilot during the war, never felt the need for prayer, as there flying 65 missions over enemy territory was never any opportunity to be scared. while posted with the famed Royal New Most of his missions were single aircraft Zealand Air Force No. 487 Squadron in ones and he flew at night, alongside one 1944 and 1945. other crew member, the navigator.

The 93-year-old was last week award“When you go out at night, you have ed France’s highest honour, the French to climb up and get in the cockpit, and Legion of Honour, for his contribution once you do that there were an awful lot to the liberation of France. of things you have to concentrate on,” Mr Mr Ivey had been working as a shepherd in the Ashley Gorge when he decided to volunteer as a wireless operator air gunner.

At a Levin training school he and one other member got called from the hundreds there to see an air force leader and asked if there was any reason they may not be able to train as pilots.

Donald Ivey.

Ivey said. “You had too much to concentrate on (to be scared).

“It had been sad to lose friends, many of whom had flown at night just like him, but not returned to see another day. They just wouldn’t come home; you never knew what happened to them. And you never heard what happened to them later either”, he said.

VWBro Don Ivey PGDC of Lodge Erewhon No 200

He was initiated on into Lodge Erewhon on 27/01/1949 and has served 66 years as a valuable Brother. VWBro Don served as Master from 26/10/68 through to 26/4/70 an extended term when Lodge Erewhon changed the timing of its installation date. On his return from hostilities VWBro Don Ivey and his late wife Mary settled and farmed in the Ruapuna District Mid Canterbury until the passing of Mary on 28th June 1990.

Don never renewed his Pilot’s Licence being content to live with his memories of flying during World War Two. He is now the Patron of the Ashburton Aviation Museum where his Log book can be seen with the many photos of the aircraft he flew mostly the de Havilland Mosquito and commentaries of his missions.

Ashburton Guardian and Noel Lowe

Freemason of 70 years Hamish Craig awarded the Legion of Honour Imagine propelling yourself into German-occupied France with nothing more than a parachute and courage.

Bound by secrecy for 50 years, Hamish Craig couldn’t even re-tell his World War II adventures to his children and grandchildren.

The former South Otago farmer was silent about his daring exploits with French-Resistance fighters, the Maquis, because of the top-secret nature of the mission.

But now le chat is well truly out of the bag, with the 93-year-old war veteran’s recent appointment as Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by François Hollande, the French President. This is France’s highest decoration.

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During a two-day visit to New Zealand, to receive the award, his daughter Ruth the Prime Minister of France, Manuel Craig said.

Valls, met and personally thanked Craig “It is wonderful to have his contribufor his courage and contribution to the tion acknowledged in such a special way. liberation of France, and congratulated At the time he, like so many others, felt him on his award.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, and the New Caledonia – French Polynesia presidents also added their congratulations, at a ceremony held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Scottish-born Craig, who trained in the United Kingdom’s Auxiliary Unit to defend his country for the D-Day opera- Hamish Craig and his grandson Alexander, prior to tion, was honoured and proud meeting with Manuel Valls, the Prime Minister of France.

Southland Times

www.freemasonsnz.org

The Navy and Normandy Frank Bertram David Jones, born in village of Beeding, West Sussex, England, 2nd son of Bertram and Eva Jones, brought up on a dairy and cropping farm. I left School at 16 years of age, five days after my birthday. I went to the Navy Office in City of Brighton West Sussex and volunteered for the Navy.

I got a call to the Navy Office on 8th January 1943, sent to the training establishment HMS Royal Arthur at Ingoldmells, near Skegness, where we were kitted out with uniforms and all the equipment required by a sailor, Following two weeks training we were sent to HMS Duke for further training and small arms drill and target practice on the firing range, three months later I was sent to HMS Vernon for Electrical Training (Torpedo).

At the Whale Island Gunnery School near Portsmouth I trained on the 6 inch, 4 inch and 40mm Bofors AA guns, on completion of the course I went to the Naval Barracks at Portsmouth. I was sent home on 10 days leave and then returned to Barracks where I was informed that I would be joining the Cruiser HMS Belfast. I was given a train ticket to Rosyth, where the ship was at anchor.

On joining the Belfast we sailed to Scapa Flow north of Scotland, escorting convoys in the north Atlantic to and from Loch Ewe. Then in December 1943 we escorted the Convoy JW55 to Murmansk in Russia with no loss of ships. On leaving Murmansk with convoy No 54 to the UK on the 26th December, we were informed that the German Battle ship Scharnhorst was at sea and would try and attack the convoy.

In the early morning of the December 26th the Scharnhorst was located on our Radar, it was as black as the ace of spades in winter up there, there is little or no day light, when Scharnhorst came into our range, we along with Norfolk and Sheffield opened fire. We did not do too much damage to Scharnhorst apart from knocking her radar out of action. Her 11 inch guns gave Norfolk rather a nasty pounding and then the Scharnhorst took off. Due to her size she could travel faster than our smaller ships. Some hours later we again located Scharnhorst and opened fire on her. She again turned away; we chased her south where she ran into the fire from the Battleship HMS Duke of York with her 15 inch guns. Together we sank Scharnhorst. Her crew of consisted of almost 2000 men only 29 were saved.

In all I took 4 convoys to Russia.

Next came Operation Tungsten, This was an attempt to try and sink the German Battleship Tirpitz at her

he was just doing what was required of him, and he never for one minute expected to be honoured for it.�

Following the war, Craig moved to South Otago with his young family, in the late 1950s and lived in the Clutha District for more than 30 years.

For many years, he managed a sheep farm at Puerua in South Otago. Many will remember him playing the church organ. He has been a Freemason for more than 70 years, and earlier this year, was presented with his 70-year badge.

Prior to retiring, he worked for the former Clutha County Council, and later managed a farm goods Store in Balclutha.

Craig prolonged his retirement years by driving taxis and buses in the Balclutha and South Otago area.

His retirement truly began when he moved to the Hibiscus Coast north of Auckland. He was married to Connie, who passed away in 2001, for more than 50 years. He has three children, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

In all those years, he never spoke about his part in WWII, which made the Auckland ceremony special to him, his family said, to reflect and remember the sacrifices that many made, and to formally sit alongside others who also risked their lives in the war.

Also present was Phyllis (Pippa) Latour Doyle. She is the only person who, like himself, was parachuted alone, into occupied France to work with the Maquisards. www.freemasonsnz.org

Frank Jones

moorings in Norway Air craft from HMS Victorious torpedo and dive bombers caused problems for Tirpitz but did little damage.

June 6th 1944 D Day we were gunnery control ship on Juno and Sword beaches and being the first ship to open fire, we spent 6 weeks at Normandy assisting with our 6 inch Guns, Once the troops had got passed the range of our guns, we returned to England and convoy JW 58 to Russia, then back to South Shields for a refit and over haul. Six weeks later we were sent to the Pacific. Arriving just as the war ended .Our main job was getting Australian troop from the Copper mines in Formosa, They were in a shocking condition along with Red Cross internees from Shanghai and Nanking.

Next came two weeks R and R we were sent to Dunedin for a holiday, then to Napier. Back to Singapore where I left Belfast, being shipped home to the UK for Christmas 1946. I left the Navy in March 1947.

In October 1948 I came to New Zealand and worked on a farm. I then joined the Police force and later was a Traffic officer in Lower Hutt. Last 20 years of my working life as manager of Brugger Industries – Steel Division.

Have been a Freemason now for 27 years and in the A&A Rite for 26 years.

On the 27th April 2016 being award the French Legion of Honour, for services at Normandy

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Western Australia Grand Master’s New Zealand connections MWBro Dr Bill Babe was brought up in Wellington, being the eldest of three sons, where his father was the Secretary of Internal Affairs and part of his portfolio was arranging the visits of foreign dignitaries including The Queen and members of the Royal Family . His Father was invested by the Queen as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Bill didn’t sit School Certificate but passed his University Entrance Exams in his 3rd year at Secondary School at about 15 years of age. After completing his secondary schooling he attended Victoria University of Wellington where he sat his Medical Intermediate and was then accepted for entry to Medicine at Otago University and after completing a postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics he became a General Practitioner.

Dr Bill took a position with the Maniototo District Health Board and resided in Ranfurly, Central Otago.

His passions at the time included food, a large variety of cars, smoking (since sensibly ceased) and an ability to get around the District to accidents very fast. He was also a member of the Balmoral Curling Club in Naseby and spent a lot of time hunting, shooting and fishing as well as weekends at Wanaka with weekends of skiing in winter.

Bill joined Freemasonry thanks to medical masonic connections when an old Obstetrician Dr Baden Watson who had lived and worked in Ranfurly from 1927 to 1932 came to collect his 50 year Badge from his Mother Lodge and asked Bill why he had not joined the Lodge and when told that he had not been asked,

Dr Watson said that of course he would not be asked he had to request to join.

Shortly afterwards papers were signed and Bill was initiated as a member of Mt Ida Lodge No 97 which meets in Ranfurly from July 1982 until leaving for Australia in 1985 but remained a country member for a number of years.

MWBro Dr Bill Babe now resides in Perth, Western Australia and is Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of Western Australia having been installed in October 2015. He has visited his mother lodge when first in the chair of a Lodge in 1992 and again in May 2013 when he was the Deputy Grand Master of the Western Australian Constitution and hopes to attend his mother lodge again while the Grand Master.

WBro Syd Broadley

First World Festival of Masonic Arts The Celebration of Apollo

With more masonic art than can be found under heaven and earth.

This Masonic Arts Festival was held in the capital city of Brazil – Brasilia and involved Freemasons from throughout the world from 15-20th September 2015. It was hosted by the Association of Masonic Arts and the Grand Orient of Brazil.

This has been shared by Bro Janos Cegledy, who was again visiting New Zealand and had the opportunity to go to the Installation of Lodge Zetland No 312 in Wellington recently.

He was invited to attend the First World Festival of Masonic Arts to give a concert and has shared some photos with us including a mention about Freemasons New Zealand.

Janos is based in Japan and involved in Freemasonry there; which shows the ‘universality of our science’. He would be pleased to meet any New Zealand Freemasons visiting Japan so he could reciprocate the hospitality.

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www.freemasonsnz.org

Freemasons University Scholarships 2016

University study, combined with service to the community and positive ambitions for their respective futures, has paid off for 26 students from seven New Zealand Universities, who were presented with Freemasons scholarships totalling $184,000 on 25th May. The students were handed their scholarships by former Freemasons scholar, Jacinda Adhern MP.

S

cholarship recipients, their supporters and guests, were welcomed to Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber by the Grand Master, MWBro John Litton, to the 38th presentation of the Freemasons University Scholarships.

After giving a brief history of the Chamber, John Litton talked about Freemasonry in general and the philanthropic work and educational contributions made by The Freemasons Charity, noting that. “Each year the Freemasons Charity, often in partnership with individual Lodges, provides around $1.3 million for a myriad of worthy projects.

The beneficiaries of this sizeable funding Mingling.

are mainly involved in the fields of health research and education.” He went on to make specific reference to the donation of 125 DAISY players to the Blind Foundation as part of the commemoration of 125 years of Freemasonry New Zealand.

Speaking specifically about the day’s event, John Litton said. “Today we gather to celebrate the success of those in the tertiary sector, our 2016 scholars. To qualify as a Freemasons University Scholar you must be an A-grade student and have an outstanding performance in academic studies. In addition you are required to have a strong and active involvement in

Studying the form.

community volunteering. Some of you may see your scholarships as a means of reaching your chosen academic target, while others see their scholarship as a stepping stone to new challenges. There is the inevitable attraction to travel, to extend research internationally and to hone your specialist skills. Our reward is measured in your success and your contribution to improve life and living, both in New Zealand and throughout the wider world.”

Recognition.

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Guest speaker Jacinda Ardern MP A

t the conclusion of his address John Litton introduced guest speaker and presenter Jacinda Ardern, noting that, “as Freemasons we are immensely proud of Jacinda and her achievements, as she was a recipient of a Freemasons University Scholarship in 2001.”

He said that, “Jacinda is highlyrespected politician with a bright future.

She is a Labour List MP and spokesperson for several portfolios. Prior to being elected to Parliament in 2008, Jacinda’s work experience ranged from policy development through to managing a large international government organisation.”

Jacinda began her address with a welcome to all present, especially the scholarship recipients. She commented particularly on the University of Waikato group from her alma mater. She was especially impressed by the acheviement, over and above academic studies, of all those present.

Jacinda considered herself lucky to have received the scholarshop, then worth $2,000, when she was studying for a Bachelor of Communication 15

years ago. Seeking to avoid the burden university degree as the ultimate goal. of a student loan, and commuting daily The Freemasons Scholarship enabled her from Morrinsville, she worked 20 hours to go beyond the ticking of a box and rea week with the Community Living Trust alise that education was a conveyor belt and, during holidays, demonstrated to jump on an off throughout one’s cacookware at The Farmers. Being awarded reer, which might now comprise fifteen the scholarship made her realise that. different roles over five separate careers.

“Maybe I could do something different”.

Her concluding message was. “Use the The difference materialised with a award of your scholarships to imagine six-month international exchange at and seize the opportunities which lie Arizona State University. Because of ahead for you.” the timing differences between Waikato and Jacinda Ardern with the scholars from her Arizona State semes- Alma Mater, Waikato University. ters she successfully sought the opportunity to undertake a brief internship as an executive assistant in Parliament. This set her on the road she now travels in her very successful parliamentary career.

Initially Jacinda saw the opportunity to embark on a

ROLL CALL OF SCHOLARS The programme offers two levels of scholarships, Post Graduate worth $10,000 and University worth $6,000. Snippets fron the recipients academic and community achievements follow. The full descriptions for each of them can be found in The Freemasons Charity section of the Freemasons New Zealand web site. Go to www.freemasonsnz.org and, on the left blind, click The Freemasons Charity.

POST GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS Natalie Germann Auckland

Fiona Jackson

Having graduated with a First Class Honours majoring in psychology, she is now working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with her research focusing on the prevention of sexual violence. Natalie has volunteered for several organisations in the field of mental health and has had numerous leadership roles associated with the University.

From Hollywood to Silverdale, Hamilton, Fiona Jackson is still living her movie dream as she tackles the final year of a PhD in screen and media at the University of Waikato. During her twenties Fiona worked as an actor, stunt performer and director’s assistant in California.

Fiona’s research has included co-writing, securing funding and producing the film Penny Black, giving a young cast and

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Waikato

crew a unique opportunity to work at the feature film level.

Kathryn Strang

Massey

Passionate about wildlife, zoology and conservation, Kathryn has her eye on feral cats and their impact on native fauna.

She is in the final stages of a PhD in Zoology, conducting her study on an Hauraki Gulf island that has a dense kiwi population. Kathryn is a qualified kiwi bander, with skills in telemetry

www.freemasonsnz.org

Fiona shows the Penny Black poster to Dianna Litton.

patrolling high-risk Hawke’s Bay beaches and as a senior instructor in a beach education programme.

James Tapper Lincoln

Philippa Connell Canterbury A career in New ZealandChinese relations beckons for Philippa Connell who is currently completing a Master of Science in applied psychology. Her degree’s combination of psychology and economics supports Pip’s plans to be a consultant assisting New Zealand businesses that seek to tap into Chinese markets. Alongside her

A love of sports and problem-solving sees James Kathryn demonstrates feral cat trapping. in his final year of a Master of Planning at Lincoln and feral cat trapping and colUniversity. His dissertalaring. She has participated in tion focuses on reviewing the wildlife protection projects in resource consent process that Swaziland, the Amazon Basin the private sector faces when and North Sumatra. developing sports facilities that benefit Hamish Beattie Victoria the community. He As the speaker responding on aims to provide behalf of the scholars, Hamish’s insight into how the consent experience and aspirations resource are reported elsewhere in this process can be made article. Aside from his studies, more efficient for he has been involved in Surf private sector develLife Saving New Zealand, for opers aiming to build nine years as a senior lifeguard facilities that will best serve the community. Philippa Connell’s Chinese connection.

academic studies and travels, Pip helps lead the Canterbury Wildcats women’s basketball team.

Shannon Tumataroa – Otago Shannon is researching towards a PhD in Psychology, studying the effects of financial hardship on cognitive control in low-income households.

“Understanding how people make financial decisions is vital to ensuring economic equality and fair access to financial tools such as microloans, insurance and saving accounts,” says Shannon who has already put her skills to good use as an advisor for communitybased budget advisory services.

She has also been a youth mentor for Police initiative ‘Operation New Direction’.

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS University of Auckland David Cole David is studying for an Honours in history with a dissertation on late antique/early medieval slavery, with a focus on the realities of slavery and serfdom under the early feudal economy. David intends to keep working with youth charities to better the situation of Auckland’s young people and to better understand how the speed of urbanisation in Auckland is placing pressure on traditional play space.

Hannah Pym With medieval England her specialty subject and working towards a PhD., Hannah believes she will eventually find her perfect job as a museum curator.

In the meantime she is enjoying working for Auckland War Memorial Museum as a visitor host. During a year’s study at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, she volunteered as part of a team auditing a collection of objects stored during extensive redevelopment at the Museum of Norwich.

Florence Reynolds Having completed a conjoint BA, majoring in psychology and BSc., majoring in Ecology, Florence is now undertaking Honours in Geography, specialising in conservation and biosecurity. She has a particular interest in the eradication of plastic polution and, as a member of the Aotearoa Youth Leadership Institute’s delegation, she attended the Paris Climate Conference.

with majors in chemical and biological engineering. Morgan aims to work in the food and beverage industry to learn more about practical process design.

Ultimately this will make process technology more accessible to improve global food distribution and nutrition. She is President of the university’s Young Engineers Society, and as a board member of Student Engineers NZ.

Beth Pearsell-Peters

From age twelve Elliot began volunteering at the Waikato Museum’s Excite science centre.

There, over seven years, his technical and professional skills developed as he helped fix computers, build robotic arms, design interactive exhibits and guide school groups around the exhibitions. He is also Chairperson of, and a qualified driver, at the Glen Afton Heritage Railway.

Beth’s studies in biology focus on terrestrial ecology and plant function as healthy ecosystems that lay the foundation for life on Earth. Beth’s passion for the arts and social justice inspired eight years of international travel after leaving high school. Working in diverse jobs and volunteering in a variety of cultures showed her the reality of human impact on the planet and motivated her to develop viable solutions and pathways to a more sustainable future.

Morgan Fahey

Massey University

University of Waikato Elliot Baptist

Morgan Fahey of Hamilton is completing a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours

Wendy Brown Wendy is a mature student at Massey University working

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Jacinda Adhern presents the certificate to Wendy Brown.

towards a postgraduate diploma in psychology. She has developed a non-retirement plan of becoming a registered psychologist working in private practice, with a mix of paying and koha clients.

She has joined Victim Support as a volunteer and is delighted to be able to ‘pay forward’ to others the help she once received from that organisation. Wendy has previously volunteered at the local Foodbank and helped as a trained Family Budget Adviser.

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Tessa-Maree Nielsen Tailoring exercise to improve the health of people with serious medical conditions is key to Tessa-Maree who is completing her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise with Honours, majoring in exercise prescription and training at the Palmerston North campus. Her study is providing hands-on experience as she works with a range of people with specific health conditions.

She is exploring the gap that exists between hospitals and home for those suffering from various debilitating health conditions.

Katheryn Margaret demonstrates her juggling skills.

Kathryn Margaret Pascoe Multi-talented Katheryn Margaret is completing a Bachelor of Social Work at the Palmerston North campus. She has performance skills that few other social workers could lay claim to, including expertise in stilt-walking, juggling, trick fire hula hooping, poi and fire-eating. She is now in a fulltime role with the the Student Association as the Distance Student Advocate.

Victoria University of Wellington Lucy McLean Lucy is completing the final year of a BSc, majoring in psychology and development studies at Victoria. For the past five years she has volunteered at the Wellington Soup Kitchen serving evening meals, collecting in annual appeals and, as a member

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of the Wellington Youth Choir, singing at functions for the elderly. Last year Lucy became a phone counsellor at Youthline Wellington, showing a genuine commitment and drive to support young people.

Melanie Thompson In 2006 Melanie began a BA majoring in international relations and development studies.

She put her studies on hold for a period of travel, and gaining new skills in Europe. Returning after several years outside of academia she has approached her study with a clear focus and ambition to achieve the very highest levels of success. Now in her second stint at Victoria, Melanie has graduated BSc, Continuing her studies, she is particularly interested in genetics, immunology and vaccines against traditional infection and cancer.

Morgan Watkins Morgan is currently on an exchange at the University of Copenhagen where he is studying electives at Masters’ level in negotiation techniques, international human rights law and international energy law. With a BA in History and Political Science completed, he is continuing his study towards a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and is undertaking research into the ‘dark sides’ of participatory culture online, which has application to privacy and internet issues, the area of expertise he is keen to eventually work in.

Lincoln University Genevieve Steven In her final year of study for a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Geneivive is completing an Honours project on soil microbiology, researching bacteria associated with phosphate solubilisation in soils. As winner of the inaugural Green Agriculture Youth Innovation Award in

2014, Genevieve is concerned by the effects of conventional farming practices, where use of chemical products negatively impacts the environment and food quality.

University of Canterbury Natalie Looyer

Kendra (right) explains her Navy travels to Anna Charles-Jones.

Examining the origins of Western civilisation and using critical thinking to apply the learnings to today’s society is Natalie’s passion, as she studies towards a BA with Honours in Classics and English.

Her interests in Greek philosophy, epic poetry and ancient sport have directed her towards a research project looking at sport and athletics in ancient Greece.

She hopes to draw links between the sense of New Zealand cultural nationalism and that of the ancient Greeks, through the popularity of sporting idols and war heroes.

Kendra Roddis Witnessing the devastating effects of natural disaster, poverty and human trafficking has led Kendra to study for a career in development. After College, Kendra served in the Royal New Zealand Navy for four years, as a Navigation and Warfare officer.

The ship she served on was one of the first deployed to Haiti in January 2010, after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. She participated in aid efforts and disaster relief, including clearing rubble and building orphanages. She completed a BA last year, with a double major in political science and Spanish, and is now gaining an Honours degree in diplomacy and international relations,.

Aaron Stockdill The emerging field of Artificial Intelligence beckons Aaron, who is studying towards a BSc with Honours in computer science.

He is a computer science tutor at the University of Canterbury and a mathematics tutor for high school students. He was a

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co-founder of Potato Softworks, a web design company, where he is the lead front-end developer and web designer. Last year Aaron was awarded a summer research scholarship at Australian National University. His research project focused on exploring artificial intelligence and randomness.

University of Otago Anna Charles-Jones Anna is completing her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery as a trainee intern at Dunedin Hospital. As part of her internship she will serve a threemonth elective in the remote Orkney Islands to pursue her passion for rural medicine by observing the systems that govern the delivery of medical care in rural Scotland. Last year she participated in the year-long Rural Medical Immersion Programme.

Anna’s involvement in the programme fueled her drive for a career in rural medicine.

Conrad Goodhew With a Bachelor of Applied Science in sport and exercise nutrition, Conrad seeks to pursue his goal of a sports dietitian by completing the Master of Dietetics degree. He has become a player, coach, committee member, and assistant club captain at the Otago University Rugby Football Club. He has also brought his nutritional expertise to the club where he cooks healthy meals for sale at the clubroom, demonstrating that healthy food can also be tasty and affordable. Ultimately Conrad hopes to work as Dietitian for high performance sport.

Dayle Keown After initially obtaining a Masters degree in Science, majoring in cellular and molecular biology, microbiology and genetics, Dayle is currently completing the final year of his Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery. Last year he participated in the Rural

Medical Immersion Programme, working alongside hospital staff in Balclutha. He has been a volunteer ambulance officer with St. John for the past six years.

His aspiration is to work with one of the smaller New Zealand hospitals, while teaching and researching clinical medicine.

Medical Scholars, Dayle Keown and Anna Charles-Jones with Mark Winger.

Address on behalf of the Scholars Improving the quality of life for waste picker communities in inhabited landfills is the basis of Hamish Beattie’s thesis as he works towards a PhD in Architecture at Victoria University.

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hroughout his architectural studies Hamish has been interested in sustainable and innovative design, particularly for ageing and low socio-economic populations. Many marginalised people around the world turn to landfills and scavenging as a source of livelihood.

While these communities are often well organised, this is not always so in areas with high migration and large numbers of vulnerable children, widows and disabled persons.

In his address, Hamish expressed his gratitude to Freemasons New Zealand, and acknowledged the significance of its contribution to education. He said. “As recipients of these prestigious scholarships, we now have an increased ability to follow our passions and dreams. This year’s scholars will use their scholarships in a variety of ways. This generosity will have a unique contribution to each of our chosen fields”.

He continued. “While writing this address I came to ponder our individual roles in the context of time and was reminded of Isaac Newton’s famous expression”. “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. None of us made it here today alone. Each of us stands on the shoulders of those who came before us and also braced in our positions by those who support us. These are our parents, mentors, leaders, teachers and the innovators in our respective fields. Our role as scholars and members of our communities is to build solid foundations for those who will follow us, and to acknowledge those upon whose foundations we stand”.

“However, our duty is not to just strive upwards in our endeavours. We should also to look laterally, to the constructions and foundations of others, and lend our expertise in helping them lay their own.

Freemasons scholars of 2016, let this

Presentation display of Hamish’s studies.

scholarship stand as a mark of this duty to follow the example of all Freemasons as we endeavour to work in our own professions with integrity, goodwill and charity”.

“To do this, we must always try to ask the right questions. Recently I was reading a passage from the 2016 Pritzker prize-winning Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena whose work focuses on projects of public interest and social impact. He stated his work has shifted focus to become predominantly about precise analysis of the communities in which he works as opposed to forcing a conventional architectural solution from the outset. He went on to state that nothing is more dangerous when delivering built outcomes for a community than answering with precision the wrong question”.

“We must not think of analysis as hindering how we implement our goals. We must view it as the process that injects the richness of life into a proposition. Every innovator in every field excels at asking the right questions. And not only do they know how to do it themselves; they know how to teach that skill to others. My challenge to this year’s Freemasons scholars is that, before you seek answers, make sure that you first ask the right questions”.

Morris Robertson, with thanks to Joanne Ruscoe Photos: Mark Coote and Morris Robertson

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REPORT Better hearing for pre-schoolers The Foundation has made a grant for a pilot programme to provide specialist therapy for hearing-aided young children

The grant allows the Auckland-based charity ‘Hearing

House’, to increase their assistance for hearing-deficient children and allow them to enter school with much better language skills than otherwise would be the case – and thereby increase the quality of their education. Especially designed for hearing-aided children rather than those with Cochlear implants, the programme aims for a maximum of 20 children to receive treatment.

The pilot programme makes a start in an area of health that currently is estimated to have ‘scores’ that could qualify for help. Hearing House also provides guidance and support for the families of these children.

The clinical team at Hearing House liaise with audiologists at local district health boards encouraging them to refer children whom they believe have a language delay. The therapy can have a dramatic effect. Mother of coming-up-5, Stella, who started wearing hearing aids at 2 says ‘ I know the difference this will make going into a classroom of 25. Stella is getting a massive head-start on some of the other children’.

Where there’s HOPE Diabetes Auckland’s ‘HOPE’ programme (Healthy Options Positive Eating) is designed as an awareness and prevention programme aimed at communities particularly at risk of diabetes.

These include Pacific, South Asian and Maori communities where risk is highest. The wider objective is to achieve long-term lifestyle changes leading to healthier families.

A three-stage train-the-trainer process begins by identifying and recruiting people who have the right connections in their communities – ‘Cultural Champions’ - to deliver the diabetes message on foods and cooking, while their training uses culturally appropriate resources, tools and skills. The immediate aim is to find and train at least 20 Cultural Champions who can each engage with 100 plus at-risk individuals annually. Connecting with all age groups is vital, with ‘elders’ particularly important as key influencers in family food values and patterns of eating.

The HOPE programme is a recognition of the changing patterns of New Zealand diabetes risks and is a further arm in the fight to control the disease in our populations – a cause the Foundation is very willing to support.

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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

Hospice Youth Ambassadors honoured

The connection between Freemasons and the Hospice movement around the Northern region is strong and on-going.

The assistance provided by the Foundation, Lodges and

Districts, independently or in association, are many and varied.

Outstanding in this sense is the Freemasons South Auckland Hospice Charitable Trust, a permanent resource established some years ago through the famous new house build and auction in Karaka where the best part of a million dollars was raised for the benefit of the Totara Hospice in Manurewa. This created a close bond between the Hospice and Lodges of the South Auckland District and the Freemasons Foundation who assists with administration of the Trust.

So it is gratifying to see the Hospice being rewarded with recognition for their work, raising awareness of the role of Hospice and encouraging all parts of the community to join the task of providing care to those whose lives are limited.

Totara Hospice Ambassadors at a fund-raising event

We are therefore delighted and proud of the Totara Hospice ‘Youth Ambassadors’ who were presented with the Minister of Health Youth Team Volunteer Award at a special ceremony at Parliament, part of a national programme recognising and celebrating the contributions of volunteers to the health and disability sector.

The Totara Ambassadors team of 22 students, aged 11 to 19, have contributed more than 1600 hours of volunteer work including helping with fund-raising events and raising the profile of the Hospice in the community and amongst other young people.

Many have experienced the grief of losing loved ones and are finding volunteering a way to ‘give back’ .

Totara Youth Ambassadors, Fangafua Pooi (L) and Rosie Kennedy (R) with Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman

Scholarship Winner Each year, at our offices in Auckland, we host the award presentation to the winner of the annual Auckland Masonic Education Foundation university scholarship.

The 2016 winner is Daniel Carson who is well advanced in his

Medical degree in surgery at the University of Auckland. The $6000 prize will help in funding his continuing studies.

The Scholarship is made possible by the Trust which evolved under VW Bro Warren Howard, from the long-expired Lodge Orakei No 270. We help with administration.

L to R: Warren Howard, Daniel, Reid Polkinghorne

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Let blindness be no barrier The story of a visionary Freemason

Mark Luxon is an inspiration to all Freemasons and potential Freemasons who might believe that a disability could preclude them from full participation in the workings of a Lodge. Despite being blind Mark is preparing to ascend to the chair of Christchurch’s Avon Shirley Lodge. How both Mark and the Lodge have risen to the challenge is a story worthy of telling.

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Bro Mark Luxon

orn in 1963, the oldest of three boys, Mark has lived all his life in Christchurch. His sight loss is the result of a rare recessive variant of a genetic condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which was diagnosed shortly after he commenced primary school. Neither of his brothers was similarly affected and, up to that point, no one was aware of any family history of such.

Mark began his education at Thorring­ ton Primary School in 1969 and when it was established, two year’s later, that he was sight impaired, he was transferred to Elmwood Normal School which housed a specialist resource unit then known as a Visual Centre that was, and still is, a specialist teaching unit for the support of blind and vision impaired primary and secondary school pupils. The Centre is managed by Homai School for the Blind in Auckland, from which staff members meet the special educational needs of vision impaired children from birth to

Technology to the rescue Back in 2009 Mark was among the first like the old cassette tapes and players. It’s 50 people in New Zealand to receive a hard to find the words to express just how Daisy player, which forms a significant part important and central talking books are to of his daily life. He says, “talking books the lives of blind and vision impaired people, and magazines are my primary source of I simply can’t imagine life without them.” entertainment as well as a link to current Alongside the use of the Daisy Player, events and issues in the wider world. I GW Micro’s Window-Eyes provides blind would spend at least 2–3 hours per day users access to Windows based computers listening to my talking books and magazines by speaking the contents of the computer’s and, on cold or wet days, significantly screen. All applications, word processors, more time than that. The talking book Internet, email are available to the blind service is consistently rated by clients as user. being one of the Blind Foundation’s most Mark’s comments on his extensive use valued services. There is of his Daisy Player are a a wide range of material ringing endorsement for currently available The Freemasons Charity’s and the catalogue is project to commemorate continually expanding. the Grand Lodge of The sound quality of New Zealand’s 125th digital talking books Anniversary project, so and the reliability of the generously supported by Daisy player represent Lodges and individual a vast improvement Freemasons throughout Loading a Daisy Player. over previous formats the country.

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Mark’s comments on his extensive use of his Daisy Player are a ringing endorsement for The Freemasons Charity’s project to commemorate the Grand Lodge of New Zealand’s 125th Anniversary project, so generously supported by Lodges and individual Freemasons throughout the country.

21 years throughout Canterbury and Westland.

Some of the children attending the Visual Centre are taught Braille while those with some usable sight are supported with adaptive devices such as magnification lenses of various types and, later, closed circuit TV readers and they are also taught to touch type as many of them have difficulty in learning how to write by hand.

In 1975 Mark progressed to nearby Heaton Intermediate thus allowing him to continue to attend the Visual Centre for an hour or so on a daily basis for the next two years. He later attended Cashmere High School and continued to receive daily support from an itinerant teacher from Elmwood who assisted him in keeping up with daily class work, homework, and typing skills. He later enrolled at the University of Canterbury from which he graduated BA in 1988, having majored in history.

Mark commenced employment with the Inland Revenue Department in 1989 where he remained until 2012 as his sight continued to deteriorate. He is now employed in a family owned business.

He has served on the Canterbury branch committee of Blind Citizens NZ for over a decade and currently holds the office of Chairman.

Mark was initiated into The Millen­ nium 2000 Lodge in 2004 and was

Senior Warden in 2014 when it handed in its Charter and he, along with others, joined Avon Shirley Lodge No.185.

The current Master of Avon Shirley Lodge, WBro Clive Fletcher, who has been driving Mark to and from lodge meetings, has come to appreciate Mark’s remarkable abilities and commitment to a Masonic career, which includes his aim to become Master of the Lodge. Clive comments. “I have been able to give him the chance to deliver a number of charges in all three Degrees, and he has also stood in, often at short notice, as Senior Warden and Inner Guard. When I asked him to consider undertaking this work for me his answer was always in the positive and along the lines that ‘I’ve done that before, it will not take too much brushing up before I am ready to go’. What an absolutely wonderful attribute. Even with his disability he is always willing to assist, he sets a great example to many people.” With a vacancy for Senior Warden coming up on the ladder Mark is now in line to be installed as Master in 2017.

When asked how the Lodge has adapted to assist Mark to fully play his part Clive Fletcher responded. “We have all tried to be supportive, open-minded and inclusive. We obviously know of his disability but we try and help Mark without patronising him. He is a very independent person who thrives on responsibility we assist him by allocating a individual at each meeting to assist him

by sitting alongside him to describe the current scene and to inform him when he is required to salute etc.”

“For example, when Mark delivers the Working Tools, the tools are placed directly into his hands before he delivers the words, rather that passing them to him on a cushion. Mark has been provided with an electronic copy of our Book of Ritual, which enables him to read the words via his PC, which is equipped with synthetic speech software called Windoweyes. He tells me that this is a very effective way of working for him.”

“We make time to explain things to Mark, things that we, as sighted individuals, take for granted. Items such as the Tracing Boards have been described to him so he can form a picture of them.

Likewise the Wardens columns, gavel, charter etc, all items we can see, but which he cannot. We encourage Mark to ask us to describe items to him, which reminds us of how lucky we are to be sighted. Mark tells me that he recognises the history that Freemasonry represents and hopes that he can play a small part in preserving its traditions. He brings a willingness and commitment to participate in the Lodge and, with the appropriate supports in place, a commitment to the future and continuation of Freemasonry and an appreciation of it’s past. What a wonderful attitude to have.”

Mark comments on what he has gained through Lodge membership. “For me the main benefits of Lodge membership have been fellowship and boosting my self confidence in public and social situations. For example, getting up and delivering a charge takes me out of my comfort zone being one who doesn’t always feel at ease speaking out in public.

I’m able to participate in the lodge with the support of the brethren, someone to give me a lift there and back, someone to tag along with on visits and someone to rehearse my lines with.”

In summing up Mark Luxon as a person and as a Freemason, Clive Fletcher comments. “He is a committed and articulate individual who, despite a serious disability, is always cheerful and willing

Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited diseases that affect the photoreceptor (light sensing) cells responsible for capturing images from the visual field. These cells line the back of the eye in the region known as the retina. People with RP experience a gradual decline in their vision because the two types of photoreceptor cells – rod and cone cells – die. Rod cells are present throughout the retina, except for the very centre, and they help with night vision. Cone cells are also present throughout the retina, but are concentrated in the central region of the retina (the macula). They are useful for central (reading) vision and for colour vision. In RP, the rod cells, and eventually the cone cells stop working, causing vision loss; however, many people with RP retain useful central vision well into middle age.

Rod cells are usually initially involved as previously mentioned, and difficulty seeing in dim light, including transitioning from light to dark and vice versa, is one of the earliest symptoms experienced. There can be a very variable range in the onset of RP. The condition is slowly degenerative and both eyes are usually affected in a similar way.

There are, as of yet, no proven or effective cures for RP, although research in this area has recently accelerated. The term RP represents an extremely varied number of diseases, as scientists have now identified more than 50 genes that can have mutations causing RP.

Anatomy of an eye.

to help where he can. He certainly does not keep himself hidden amongst the masses, and the Lodge, and myself, are committed to help him achieve his dream of becoming Master of Avon Shirley Lodge. As the current Master I feel humbled in his company, he is an inspiration to all, by showing that despite a disability, a dream can be achieved with hard work, and the Lodge is pleased to offer appropriate support where necessary to assist Mark in becoming Master.

WBro Morris Robertson QSM

Mark enjoying ‘reading’ via a Daisy Player.

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Doing good across the world Celebrating the successes of Freemasons University Scholars

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his issue carries the story of the 2016 Freemasons University Scholarships; another 26 set to join the ranks of our distinguished alumni. The investment to date by The Freemasons Charity is approaching five million Dollars. Add this to the various University Research Fellowships, this represents a considerable contribution to the future of New Zealand and beyond, a contribution challenged by some of our Brethren who see the Charity as supporting the “professional grant seekers” and perceive it to be not as worthy a cause as that of the “relief of the suffering and needy.”

Nevertheless, the subject is worthy of examination both from the question of our priorities and the outcomes of the investment in the scholarships.

In his address to the scholars, reported elsewhere in this issue, the Grand Master, MWBro John Litton, said “some of you may see your scholarships as a means of reaching your chosen academic target, while others see the scholarship as a stepping stone to new challenges.” Often, these targets are reached way beyond the boundaries of New Zealand.

Ed Hillary reached what could be described as the pinnacle of his career on the summit of Everest in 1953 but, to him, it only broadened his horizons, in his commitment to the Antarctic, the people of Nepal and, later, as NZ High Commissioner, cementing the relationships between the peoples of New Zealand and India.

Prize Fellow, Max Harris, at All Souls Oxford.

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For many of our past scholarship holders the funds provided have been used as a step up the ladder, something their limited finances might otherwise have precluded them from doing. Our alumni, often with differing backstories, have established an excellent record in subsequently gaining Rhodes Scholarships as well as those to other prestigious Universities.

Four recent Rhodes Scholars are Max Harris, who has become a Prize Fellow at All Souls College, giving him seven years of accommodation, meals and living expenses together with the opportunity to pursue research in any field he wishes.

James Bonifacio, whose research area is cosmology, is particularly interested in a modification of Einstein’s theory he calls massive gravity. Louis Chambers, a strong advocate for Generation Zero, and now a Junior Associate with McKinsey & Associates in London, studied at The Oxford Department of International Development on the understanding of change and inequality in developing countries and the interaction of these countries with the rest of the world.

Alice Wang, Light Senior Scholar at St Catherine’s College, has as her thesis topic for a Master of Public Policy: “Can developing countries innovate across the global productivity divide?”

While those heading for Oxford tend to have a legal background others have used their Freemasons Scholarships to help gain qualifications as a steppingstone to further their specialist careers.

In other fields, as covered elsewhere in this issue, Theatre Director, Eleanor Bishop, is making waves in New York with her ground breaking Feminist Theatre. Olivia Faull, whose story, along with those of James Bonifacio and Louis Chambers, featured in the March 2013 issue of New Zealand Freemason, is a Post Doctoral researcher in Neuroscience at Oxford where she is particularly interested in www.freemasonsnz.org/charity

brain adaptations in response to endurance exercise training.

Amongst those who have remained in New Zealand, sisters Rene and Lindi Engelbrecht have both used their scholarships to advance their qualifications to enter the field of oil and gas engineering in Taranaki and Robyn Langlands who was co-founder of Kaibosh, a growing food rescue and redistribution charity.

While it has been an expectation that our recipients who travel overseas may eventually return to ‘give back’ to New Zealand, we should also recognise that some of them will attain even greater heights to the benefit of mankind through their continuing international achievements.

The value of these scholarships, worth up to $250,000 per annum occasionally leads to the question. “How and why do we do it”? Supporting education through Scholarships, University Fellowships and funding of Research Chairs has been made possible by the cumulative contributions from Freemasons throughout NZ and the wise investment of these funds over many years.

The educational support given by The Freemasons Charity in no way diminishes the efforts directed towards relief and suffering. While we can tell heartwarming stories about the people we have supported there are also many we have assisted who, for various reasons, we cannot seek to publicise. But, when we have good news, such as the achievements of those we have helped along the way, we should not hold back in demonstrating their positive and worldwide achievements.

The Freemasons of New Zealand can take pride in the part that their Charity, through the Freemasons University Scholarships, has played in launching many illustrious careers. Our reward is measured in the success of our selected scholars through their contributions in many fields both in New Zealand and throughout the wider world.

Funding a ‘library shelf’ A further $50,000 to enhance the Daisy Player project The generosity of brethren from throughout New Zealand resulted in the 125th Anniversary appeal to provide 125 Daisy Players being oversubscribed. With a top up from The Freemasons Charity the Grand Master, MWBro John Litton, was able to make a presentation to representatives of the Blind Foundation during a break in the meeting of The Board of General Purposes on 14 June.

Being able to access information is the key to participating in society, yet less than 5% of printed material is available to New Zealanders who are blind or have low vision. For over 40 years the Blind Foundation has proudly provided these

A shelf of books waiting to be recorded.

people with access to professionally narrated books, newspapers and magazines.

The library has a very thorough system for selection of books. Firstly it seeks suggestions from its users, staff and booksellers and by regular monitoring of the latest book releases. Once purchased the books need to be processed, which includes cataloguing, post production and advertising. Cataloguing is essential to enable users to easily search for titles. They must then be uploaded onto the Foundation’s server so that they can be burnt onto a CD on demand ready to be sent to users. Some 31,000 requests for book titles are requested each

The Grand Master makes a presentation to Alison Wheatley, Blind Foundation Executive Director Supporter Marketing & Fundraising, watched on by Lyn Thomas, Head of Supporter Relationships and Sheila Hicking, Charity Administrator.

month and, for copyright reasons, disks must be returned and destroyed before a new one can be issued.

The Blind Foundation proposes to use the additional funding to complement the Freemasons Daisy Players with a ‘Library shelf ’ of books comprising 33 new titles, some recorded in New Zealand and some imported.

Bowling along The Southland Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) was the recipient of $3,800 in funds raised by Mokoreta Lodge no.63, located in Wyndham, Southland, matched by a 1:1 subsidy from The Freemasons Charity. The Lodge raised its share by its annual Southland/Otago bowls Lodge members and MS Society personnel at the handover of funds.

Southland Express

tournament, which attracted bowlers from as far away as Mosgiel, Tapanui and Lumsden. Now into its 32nd year, Mokoreta Lodge’s annual tournament is a huge community effort, raising funds for a selected charity. The MS Society said that the donated funds would be going towards providing welfare to assist clients with ongoing costs such as transport.

Ava’s trike Competitive cyclists are usually portrayed riding on two wheels. Adding a third wheel has allowed Hamilton’s Ava Meehan to compete in the NZ Junior Disability Games. At the age of 2 Ava contracted Steph A, consequently loosing losing the use of both

legs and her right hand. Not letting misfortune stop her, in Ava’s first competition last year at Cambridge’s new velodrome she managed to complete a huge 19 laps and, according to her father, finish with a smile.

This success has seen her back competing in this year’s event.

The $4,000 initial funding was raised by the joint effort of Lodges, Sir Walter Scott No.15, Otahuhu No. 387, Whitianga No. 433 and Coromandel No.17. This was topped up to the $5,000 needed by The Freemasons Charity.

Ava, supported by her brother, Hamish, ready for action at the velodrome.

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Exploring sensitive issues on the international stage Freemasons Scholar Eleanor Bishop uses theatre to raise awareness An entry in the 2008 Freemasons University Scholarship programme began with the words.

As a famous playwright said, “all the world’s a stage” – and the world of stage, or more accurately, Theatre Studies, as a means of getting to the core of disturbing contemporary issues, is the one that Eleanor Bishop has successfully made out as her international career.”

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eflecting on her Freemasons Univer­ sity Scholarship Eleanor comments.

“I walked into my Freemasons interview, sat down and said, “I want to make feminist theatre”. “Not only did they listen and understand, they supported me. That money kept me going during my last year of university and when I graduated and began the hard task of being an artist and an activist. More than the money though was the fact that this prestigious and socially engaged institution supported me in my dream to make challenging, provocative and important

Eleanor Bishop on location in New York.

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art work that opens up conversation around some of the most difficult topics of our time – violence against women.”

From Lower Hutt, Eleanor attended Chilton St James School and Wellington Girls College before going on to Victoria University where she got her start in theatre. During her undergraduate studies at in 2006 she took the initiative to apply for an academic exchange at the Royal Holloway College in London, embracing the opportunities available at this prestigious institution.

At the time of receiving her 2008 Freemasons Scholarship, Eleanor said that it was her ambition to study internationally for her Masters and Doctorate degrees in order to round out her education in this relatively new field of study.

Following this she wanted to teach, direct, research and write, including in the field of community theatre and social change.

She graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Theatre and a Commerce degree in Marketing.

Eleanor spent 2009 making theatre, working as a producer and director. She ran the Wellington Producers Room, a creative space for theatre practitioners at Wellington Arts Centre as well as tutoring Theatre and Arts Marketing at Victoria University. In the same year she was named “Most Promising New Director of the Year” www.freemasonsnz.org

at the Chapman Trip Theatre Awards.

The award was for the production of Eli Kent’s The Intricate Art of Actually Caring, which was initially staged in Eli’s bedroom at the New Zealand Fringe Festival. It had subsequent seasons at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre, the Christchurch Arts Festival and toured nationally.

Later, Eleanor was the co-director of theatre company The PlayGround Collective, which made original New Zealand work that encompassed sitespecific, new writing and participatory forms that toured arts festivals and venues nationally.

American experimentalism

Eleanor is currently in her final year studying for her Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Carnegie Mellon Univer­ sity’s School of Drama in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania as a John Wells Fellow. The School produces innovators, practitioners and industry leaders in the arts and entertainment professions who indelibly impact how people experience the world at large. The Directing Fellows are encouraged to think critically and adventurously about their work in a generative environment. The program admits two highly motivated directors as John Wells Fellows each year who demonstrate the ability and drive to articulate their own vision for theatre and contemporary performance. Directing skills are honed in workshops and performances, as well as through theory, history, and studio classes.

Eleanor’s thesis production of Antony and Cleopatra was a big success. The Tartan review described it thus: “Last weekend the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama staged a gripping re-imagining of the ancient tale of the powerful Roman

general and enchanting Egyptian queen’s doomed love affair and placed it firmly within the racial tensions of present-day America”.

Of her first year at Carnegie Mellon, Eleanor wrote in her blog. “I said recently that when I left New Zealand I was looking for a different kind of work to be inspired by. In terms of original work, New Zealand is really good at devised physical based theatre, and the way Maori and Pacifica artists are fusing traditional art forms with Western theatre making continues to fascinating. But, neither of these is really for me. I would say that the best thing about coming to Carnegie Mellon has been really digging down into American experimentalism – it’s legacy and where it is currently. The American avant garde feels like a really sweet home right now.”

“Leaving New Zealand was also me committing deeply to attempting to make the work I truly wanted to achieve, and that really is feminist work. It feels funny that there was a time when that wasn’t as glaringly obvious to me as it is now. But, there was a lot of fear there and I don’t know why. Sometimes it can be hard in New Zealand to put your foot in the ground as a young artist and say ‘yeah that’s what I stand for’, especially if there aren’t a lot of people doing it around you. But, no one is ever going to give you permission to make your art.”

New Zealand is Really Really Far Away

Despite her absorption into American culture Eleanor has not abandoned her New Zealand roots as exemplified in her January 2014 production of New Zealand is Really Really Far Away, which was an ironic and earnest attempt to introduce international audiences to New Zealand’s history, culture and heritage. It is told through song, puppetry and story by a duo of expat Kiwis confused by their own national identity and longing for home. An installation accompanied the show where many of the audience shared the memories of their home.

Exploring the difficult social issues

Eleanor’s recent production of Steuben­ville is a participatory theatrical event reflecting on the culture of violence in our communities. It was performed in New York in January as part of the prestigious Special Effects Festival. It has now been made available Steubenville. for touring to colleges and communities.

Earlier this year American Theater magazine ran an article on ‘Fourteen Theatrical Plays to Change the World’.

One of these was Steubenvile, which is based on a campus violence case that had been widely posted on social media. The article said. “The case has a particular resonance with young people, which is why Eleanor Bishop is tackling its legacy with a group of undergraduates at Carnegie Mellon University. A directing student in CMU’s school of drama, she’s working with them to create Steubenville, a documentary theatre piece that combines trial transcripts and social media postings from the crime with the artists’ own observations about being young women in America.”

Discussing the show Eleanor says, “I’m very excited that it’s being made on a college campus, given that violent assaults on American college campuses is now becoming such an important issue.

These young people, the actors are 20, and they’re hungry to make work about

their own experiences and how they navigate their relationships.”

This is not the first time Eleanor has used devised theatre to address a social problem. Before enrolling at CMU, she created a piece in her native New Zealand that confronted the country’s bingedrinking epidemic among students. That show, Like There’s No Tomorrow, is touring New Zealand this year.

Eleanor has observed that the issues portrayed in Steubenville bear similarities to recorded cases in New Zealand.

She says that both genders need to engage in the conversation about violence against women. “I really want men to join in that discussion as well, because those very destructive ideas of masculinity and femininity harm everyone, including men.”

Not yet the final act

This is not the last we will hear of Eleanor Bishop. She has become a force to be reckoned with in her theatrical portrayals of social issues that cannot be swept under the carpet. The Freemasons of New Zealand can take pride it the part that their Charity, through the Freemasons University Scholarships, has played in launching this illustrious career which, using the vehicle of theatre, has presented a concern for social issues on the international stage. The support given at her first interview has borne fruit.

WBro Morris Robertson QSM Photos: Jordan Harrison, Louis Stein.

New Zealand is Really Really Far Away.

www.freemasonsnz.org

35

Freemasons Scholarships 2016 Thomas Vosper

Northern Division

Thomas attended Hamilton Boys High School, and achieved NCEA Level 3 Endorsed with Merit. He is now attending Waikato University, is enrolled in Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and is looking at completing some Commerce papers to compliment his engineering skills. Thomas hopes to gain employment in an agriculture industry when his degree is completed.

Thomas is actively involved in the community – having participated in a native gully restoration programme – planting native trees to encourage bird life back into the inner city. He was also part of another tree planting project in Kennedy Bay, Coromandel area trying to curtail the spread of the Ross River virus throughout swamp lands.

He co-coached a Primary School Year 5/6 Hockey Team.

His care for others in the community is shown by regularly driving an elderly neighbour to visit his wife who was recently placed into a rest home and mowing lawns for elderly friends when they are recovering from surgery.

Thomas has an active sports life which includes; having played soccer for Marist since he was four years old. He played Cricket at Intermediate and High School, was in the 1st XI at Hamilton Boys High School and the U18 Men’s Team for Waikato. He has achieved a Brown Belt in Karate as well as mentoring a young boy who had been looking at giving up.

Charlotte Reay

Central Division

Charlotte is an 18 year old student from Havelock North, Hawkes Bay who is now attending Otago University.

Charlotte’s connections with Freemasonry go back many years with her mother’s Great Grandfather and Grandfather being Freemasons with over 50 and 46 years respectively in the UK. Her Paternal Grandfather Bro Robert Reay has given over 50 years to Freemasonry in New Zealand and is currently a member of Orewa Lodge No 370 and a Past First Principal of Hibiscus Royal Arch Chapter No 107. Her Dad Bro Bruce Reay is a Freemason too!

Charlotte was awarded a Principal Academic award in years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 and achieved NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 with excellence.

She topped her classes in most subjects and was top in her Schools Business Department at Havelock North High School.

Charlotte has been awarded her Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. She has been helping with Brownies and Girl Guides and is on the Hastings District Youth Council.

She volunteered for three years at the ‘Save the Children’ shop in Havelock North. She has tutored others needing assistance and coached a neighbouring school’s Netball team as well as updating the School Netball website.

Charlotte had this to say… “I would like to sincerely thank you for choosing me to be one of the recipients of the 2016 Heartland Bank Freemasons Scholarship.

Regrettably I am unable to formally receive the scholarship due to having recently arrived in Dunedin and moving into Selwyn College to commence my studies. I am extremely grateful for the generous scholarship; it will go a long way in helping me to complete my first year Health Sciences Degree at the University of Otago”.

Katherine Williams Southern Division

Katherine was educated at Marlborough Girls College, achieved NCEA Level 3 with Merit and she is now enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing in Nelson. Katherine hopes to gain employment within a hospital environment, possibly in the area of Accident & Emergency.

Her Grandfather is WBro Tony Williams who is a Past Master of Lodge Awatere No 292 and also a member of The Havelock Lodge No 104 in the Marlborough area.

Katherine is very com­mu­ni­ty minded, being involved in Surf Life Saving at Rarangi in Blenheim including National C h ampi ons h ip s and assists with the Nippers (younger members) as well as fundraising for the club. She partakes in voluntary activities around Blenheim, for instance, marshalling duties at the Wine and Food Festival.

Katherine has attended St Mary’s Church Youth Group since Primary School and helps with fundraising there also.

While attending Marlborough Girls College, Katherine played both basketball and netball.

Katherine received her Scholarship at the Southern Division Conference held in Queenstown earlier this year.

The Heartland Bank Freemasons Scholarships are provided annually by Heartland Bank under the auspices of Freemasons New Zealand and are administered by The Freemasons Charity. These scholarships are to assist children and grandchildren of Freemasons, who are able students, and are active in their communities. Three $6,000 scholarships are presented, one per Division. Presentations are usually made at each of the Divisional Conferences.

36

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37

THE MASONIC VILLAGES Sold on the men’s shed and a sunny apartment

Going to sea has taught many young men the ways of the world. So it was for John Beauchamp, when he enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Navy, serving on the last of the great British battleships, the HMS Vanguard when training in England.

“I did three years as an ordinary seaman, but I soon learned that the officers had smarter uniforms and attracted the better looking girls,” he recalls.

Thus began a journey up through the ranks of the British and New Zealand navies, ending with

John Beauchamp and his pride and joy, in the Woburn Apartments’ men’s shed

Beauchamp’s retirement 23 years ago at the age of 60 as Lieutenant Commander. And yes, along the way he did manage to attract a beautiful bride, Kathleen.

Throughout his career, Beauchamp had an engineering bent. His hobbies were model engineering and wood turning.

“In the early days, the ships had reciprocating steam engines so, although I was the Captain, in quiet times I would invite the chief engineer up to the bridge and I could go down and watch the fascinating machinery in the engine room.”

Retirement has enabled Beauchamp to devote more time to his hobbies, including model steam engines. This in turn led him to build a scale model of an 18-foot classic steam boat.

“First I made the model from scale plans bought from the UK, then I scaled it up and made a full-sized one, manufacturing everything except for the pressure gauges. It was amazing, there was no difference in the two boats, apart from the scale.”

When you’ve built a real steam boat, what do you do?

If you’re like Beauchamp, you encourage others to do the same.

Then, you get together with those others and set up the classic

and vintage boat show, now held in early March each year at Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Those first 21 years of retirement were spent in Christchurch, where Kathleen had family links. But following her death in 2015 there was

38

little to hold Beauchamp in the Garden City.

“During my career we had spent several years in the Capital where our children went to secondary school. With two of them now living there, it was a no brainer to come back to Wellington and to live independently in a community where I am close to them and have the opportunity to make contact with people who are at the same stage of life as me,” he says.

“I looked at the retirement communities on offer. But it was the men’s shed that sold me on Woburn Apartments. That – the boutique scale of the development – and my north-facing apartment with all-day sun.”

It’s thanks to Beauchamp that the men’s shed is very well equipped. About 90% of the gear is his, with the Apartments providing a drill press and small tools as required.

“Personally it is great to be able to assist other residents with the maintenance of their personal possessions. Also, I can make the minor repairs or do the refurbishment needed to turn spare furniture into a saleable item for the Red Cross,” he says.

As for the model boat that’s currently the centrepiece in the men’s shed, Beauchamp says he’ll get it going again now he’s settled into his apartment. The boiler needs some repairs and then independent testing and certification before it can be used in public.

As for building another full-sized boat … no, that’s not on the cards, though a model steam engine might be. That leaves one

TRUST

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.

Ruapehu Almoners to the rescue

Very tight government funding of aged care means that even the most efficient rest homes and hospitals struggle to fund the equipment they need.

Fortunately, The Masonic Villages Trust is joined at the hip with Lodges in the southern North Island – a relationship that benefits the Trust’s care residents and the staff that look after them.

Masonic Court in Palmerston North is the latest recipient of donated equipment, with the grateful thanks of manager Barbara Mouat.

“I don’t like to overdo the requests for help,” she says, “but we had an urgent need for a modern electric floor scrubber and an alternating air mattress for one of our residents who is particularly prone to pressure sores.”

The person she called was Wally Plank, secretary/treasurer of the Ruapehu Manawatu Masonic Almoners Association and a board member of the Trust.

He coordinated donations from the Freemasons of the Ruapehu district and obtained matching funding from The Freemasons Charity.

A total of around $5,500 for the two items.

Plank says this sort of equipment doesn’t have immediate donor appeal, but it is vital for a modern aged care hospital.

unanswered question: Is a railway engineer’s uniform as attractive to the pretty girls as a naval officer’s uniform?

John Beauchamp may be about to find out.

Footnote: John is distantly related to Katherine Mansfield (nee Beauchamp), but claims he has not inherited any of her literary talent!

“The RotoWash floor scrubber is so efficient and easy to use on all floor surfaces. Formerly spills were dealt with manually. The Rotowash does a better job and if you are not satisfied with the result, you can simply go back and take another pass,” he says.

Mouat says the alternating air mattress is a top of the range model that is proving to be invaluable for improving the skin integrity of a resident.

Practical help from the Ruapehu Manawatu Masonic Almoners Association is greatly appreciated

“The mattress is made from a grid of cells that cyclically inflate and deflate in an alternating pattern, providing regular periods of pressure relief and the stimulation of blood flow to all skin areas. This in turn ensures the tissues are provided with oxygen and metabolic waste products are removed – an optimum healing environment.”

The Almoners Association was set up some 60 years ago, with funding mainly from donations from Lodges in a district stretching from Taihape to Wanganui, down to Foxton and across to Palmerston North. Further funds were later added when a Lodge closed in Wanganui. ”We support a number of worthy causes, but the Trust is always a priority because of the role of Freemasons in setting it up. The directors of the Trust board are largely drawn from the craft and of course, caring for the aged is part of what we are all about,” Plank says.

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

39

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Next GZ selected R

EComp Brian White PGSupt, of the Hauraki District, has been nominated as First Grand Principal for 2017-2019. An election for the role will be held at an upcoming Convocation of Grand Chapter in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Brian is a Past Master of Lodge Te Kauwhata No 364, but is now a member (and Junior Deacon) of Lodge Taupiri No 118, which he joined when Te Kauwhata closed.

In the Royal Arch he is a member of Te Marama Chapter No 54 and served four terms as its First Principal.

In Grand Chapter he was appointed a Grand Standard Bearer in 1994, Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2001 and served as Grand Superintendent of the District 2013-2016. He is also a member of Waikato Cryptic Council No 22. His Masonic interests include several other Orders, notably the Order of the Secret

Monitor, in which he is currently the Deputy Grand Supreme Ruler, and the Rose Croix, of which he is Lieutenant Grand Commander.

Brian grew up on his parents’ dairy farm and has spent most of his working life as a dairy farmer.

His son Brendan and wife Stacey are now running their farms and Brian helps out when needed.

Brian and partner Chris Parkinson have five children between them and 13 grandchildren, aged from 21 down to two.

Brian is a Justice of the Peace and over the years has been active in a number of local community and sporting organisations. Since 1998 he has been a member of the Te Kauwhata Volunteer Fire Brigade and is also its education officer.

Brian and Chris.

A pleasant duty The Grand Superintendent of the Ruapehu-Taranaki Royal Arch District, REComp Roger Gregory, had a pleasant duty to perform on a recent trip to Scotland: he made a special presentation to Lodge Livingstone St Andrew No 573 and its partner Chapter of the same name and number. The Lodge and Chapter meet at Motherwell, near Glasgow.

“It was a great pleasure to present to the Worshipful Master, RWBro Gordon McAlpine, and the First Principal, VEComp Gavin McNab, some Lodge and Chapter aprons and certificates of a former member of both bodies, WBro and VEComp James McAdam. The regalia and certificates date back 125 years. I took them over on behalf of Mrs Elsie Stenner, granddaughter of James 42

McAdam, and also the widow of WBro history, and in due course they will send Fred Stenner of Lodge Ohura. She is me a photo of the restored aprons which now a member of the widows’ list of the I can pass on to Mrs Stenner,” he said.

Taranaki Daylight Lodge of which I am Good one Roger! currently Master.

“The aprons were in a very fragile condition, but the members have promised to get them restored as well as possible. The certificates, which included several issued by other Orders, were in very good condition. The members of the Lodge and Chapter were very pleased to receive them as a rare piece of Roger Gregory making the presentation to First Principal Gavin McNab and Worshipful Master Gordon McAlpine.

All in the family

I

t’s not that unusual to see father and son in a Chapter, but father and daughter?

Well, it can happen in some circumstances, and it did before the regular meeting of Maori Royal Arch Chapter No 28 in Dunedin in April.

Jessica Todd, daughter of First Principal Richard Todd, received a certificate and cheque from Grand Chapter

marking her successful application this year to the Jubilee Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Making the presentation, REComp Michael Robertson, the Grand Superintendent of the Otago District, noted her academic achievements to date and wished her success in her future studies.

REComp Michael Robertson and Jessica Todd after the presentation, with Jessica’s father, VEComp Richard Todd looking on from the East.

An investment for the future

I

n a first for Royal Arch Freemasonry in New Zealand, a significant investment in equipping future leaders within the Order has been made through a twoday residential programme for emerging leaders to be held in Wellington in late July.

Twelve candidates drawn from all three Divisions who have expressed their interest in and long-term commitment to Royal Arch Freemasonry are to undertake the course, which will be facilitated by a Wellington-based company experienced in training leaders.

The aim of the project is to identify, equip, support and promote those who, in the next 10 years and beyond, will be leaders in the Royal Arch and elsewhere – the skills acquired will not only assist the Royal Arch, but will also be an investment in their personal development and applicable in the Craft and other environments, reflecting the aims and goals for the Order outlined by First Grand Principal Geoff Davies in his March 2015 Inaugural Address.

In its strategic direction and planning, Grand Chapter’s Management Council

(the equivalent of the Board of General Purposes) seeks to accurately reflect the needs and wants of membership, provide open and clear channels of communication, and adapt to our evolving social environment, whilst maintaining a clear direction for the Order.

Not only will the students be better equipped to assist with these aims, but by undertaking the programme will also provide relevant input in Grand Chapter’s long-term planning.

All Royal Arch Freemasons were deeply saddened to hear of the death on June 21 of MEComp Barry McLaggan PGZ, who was the first GZ in many decades who also served as Grand Master of the Craft. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Jill and family, including son Jim who is currently District Grand Master of the Waikato District in the Craft and a PGDC in the Royal Arch. He will be very much missed.

Grand Convocation, Auckland. MEComp Barry McLaggan is second from the right.

43

Our responsibilities as Freemasons I

t has happened many times – a new mason stops coming to Lodge within a year or two after completing his third degree. Investigation reveals one reason often given is that the newer Freemason started to feel ‘left out’ soon after completing his third degree. Up until then members spoke to him in Lodge before a ceremony and afterwards at the Refectory, encouraged him, welcomed him in, but after his third he was left alone. No-one was looking after him during Lodge meetings and explaining what was happening, no-one asked him to sit next to them at refectory, no-one was caring for him between Lodge meetings or answering his questions. He was left on his own, he started to lose interest and he stopped attending. There is an old saying “People will automatically stop trying if they feel unwanted – they won’t fix it, or beg, they will just walk away”.

You may say that the Proposer and/ or Seconder should have a duty of care, and in most cases they do, up to the third degree. When the new mason is having a good experience he stays with the Lodge. The Freemasons who leave are the ones who feel ‘left out’ because Lodge members just get on with their masonry, deliver all their usual Charges in the ceremonies and have their own pals to talk to at refectory. So, how do we get Proposers/Seconders to take responsibility for their new Brother past the third degree?

What if a proposer is not good at looking after his new Freemason, should we ask someone else in the Lodge to take over and become a true Masonic Brother and mentor the new person?

Is this a responsibility that we should all share because we are supposed to be a Fraternity, a Brotherhood?

Does this responsibility include a bit of education for the newer mason? To quote a Past Grand Master from another Constitution when he was speaking on this, “The lack of educational work in the average lodge is the principal reason for the lack of interest and the consequent poor attendance 44

in Freemasonry…” He also said that, “The ritual does not make Freemasons. It only makes members” and that we tend to leave our newest Brethren “hanging at the end of the 3rd Degree, having heard a lot of words and really not knowing what they mean. Until the Degrees are explained to the candidate he has no idea of what he has gone through. To suggest that the explanation is complete with the lectures (and Tracing Boards) of each Degree is again burying our head in Masonic sand.”

So, a question comes to mind, how could a Lodge do this on a regular basis?

One idea that has worked well in some parts of New Zealand is to perform a ceremony one month and follow it next month with an explanation given by three or four of the Lodge members. They have to take responsibility for researching the meaning of each Charge and prepare an explanation to share in open Lodge next month. This works well for any Lodge that does not have a full programme of Candidates throughout the year. Even for Lodges with plenty of work on their books it is a good idea to take your time and explain to each and every Candidate the meaning of the words and phrases used in every Charge (including the Working Tools and the Tracing Boards) in each ceremony. Candidates report that Freemasonry makes more sense to them, helps them understand, gets them started in taking an interest in the ritual and Freemasonry generally. By the way, other masons also appreciate it.

Should our responsibilities include educating/coaching members (newer and older) in what is required to perform the Lodge offices. A Deacon, for example, needs to be coached and instructed in how to guide a candidate round the Lodge, how to square the Lodge (if that is www.freemasonsnz.org

done in your Lodge), how to report to a Warden, take the step, give the salute (we could all probably do with a refresher lesson here). This has to be done with caution and kindness. I have heard of a few masons who have left their Lodge because of an abrasive DC or Preceptor.

So, maybe we have a responsibility to educate our DC in man-management skills – this is a tough one as many masons live in fear of the DC who has held that Office year after year and no-one has the courage to ask him to shift over and let someone else have the opportunity.

Maybe it’s the DC who needs the education because he is letting things slip and allowing errors to creep in which if not corrected soon become the way to do things (because no-one wants to correct the DC) and become “Lodge custom”.

The Master of the Lodge has a responsibility to run each Lodge evening effectively, to chair committee meetings with firmness and brotherly love, and to represent his Lodge at outside activities such as the funeral of a Brother. Should he have a responsibility to seek training to become better at all of these? Could the Education Pillar bear responsibility for providing that training and help? What of the members of the Lodge – what are their responsibilities? Or is it acceptable to leave it to someone else? We are a fraternity, the term comes from the word frater meaning Brother. Brothers within a family do not always see eye-to-eye and sometimes fall out with each other, but the old saying that blood is thicker than water applies equally to Freemasons as it does to family brothers. Do we have a responsibility to each other? Should we be our brother’s keeper to the length of our own cable-tow?

So, an important question is “What are our own responsibilities to our Lodge brethren, to masons in other Lodges, to Freemasonry”? It has to be more than achieving a good standard at ritual. How does your Lodge look out for all its members? Please write to the editor or myself and give us your good practices which we can then share with every Lodge and Freemason in New Zealand so we can keep our new recruits.

George Allan Education Pillar

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45

Seven Entered Apprentices

A Night to Remember O

n the 12th April 2016, Brethren started to arrive at The Alpha Lodge No 81 at 6.30 pm which was a little unusual as we normally tyle at 7.30 pm with the first of our members coming in from around 7 pm, but this was just the first of the 62 Brethren filing into the Lodge for what was expected to be a really great evening and the anticipation of being part of something very special had brought the members and visitors out to The Alpha Lodge on a cold and rainy night.

So what was all this anticipation about, because to all appearance it was to be a Lodge night with a First Degree Tracing Board, a short lecture, and a presentation to one of The Alpha Lodge members?

If you had read this programme on a normal Lodge Summons, what are the chances that on a cold miserable and rainy night you might have said, I will give this one a miss, and if you did make the decision to stay at home, you have just missed out on one of the best Masonic nights of the year.

We have to put the evening into perspective, because it was “not” just a normal First Degree Tracing Board, or a Short Lecture or just a Presentation, as it involved the appearance of seven Alpha Lodge Entered Apprentice Freemasons, at the same time which I believe has never been seen before in The Alpha Lodge, or probably in any Lodge before for many, many years, if ever. The lecture to the Apprentice Freemasons was to be presented by MWBro Barry McLaggan PGM and the presentation of a Fifty Year

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Service Badge to WBro Bill Patton of the The Alpha Lodge.

The Seven Brethren, under the very able control of Bro Alan Read, Junior Deacon, were then guided to the East to salute the Worshipful Master, who then invited MWBro Barry McLaggan PGM and VWBro Jim McLaggan DistGM to meet and greet the seven Entered Apprentices. Another first for The Alpha Lodge was having a Past Grand Master and a District Grand Master, who are not only Father and Son, but were both taking an active part in the evening’s ceremony.

After the Brethren had been presented to our distinguished guests, the Junior Deacon guided them to the North West corner of the Lodge where they were received by W. Bro Denis Whitfield who skillfully proceeded to inform the Brethren as to the meaning and story of the First Degree Tracing Board which included a full perambulation of the Pavement and all the items thereon.

After the explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board they were then addressed by MWBro Barry McLaggan PGM and needless to say, it wasn’t long before MWBro McLaggan had all the Brethren in the lodge in the palm of as his hand as, looking around the Lodge room all you could see were happy smiling faces eagerly awaiting what was to come.

MWBro McLaggan in his inimitable way, then proceeded to explain to the Entered Apprentices that prior to arriving at the lodge this evening the topic

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for his Lecture was going to be – The 20 things he hated most about Freemasonry.

Then explained that after seeing all the newly made Freemasons sitting eagerly awaiting his talk, there was no way he could deliver a lecture with any negative sentiments. But with a wry smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, Barry still blamed the Entered Apprentices for making him change the Topic of his Lecture at such short notice.

A special moment for the Entered Apprentices occurred when M.W. Bro. McLaggan addressed each of them individually with the Question – “And why did you join Freemasonry my Brother?”

Of the seven replies there were only two who stated the same reason, which just goes to show that there are many and varied reasons why good men and true, are still joining our great organisation today.

Just when we thought that MWBro McLaggan had finished, for at the onset he had informed the Master that his talk was going to be a short one, he once again surprised the Brethren and especially the seven Entered Apprentices by presenting each of them with a Masonic Tie as a memento of this historic night for The Alpha Lodge, which I know they will never forget.

I didn’t check with the other Brethren in the Lodge, but I bet they were wishing they could have received a tie from the former leader of the Craft in New Zealand. (I know I did).

One of the visiting Lodges had brought along their own Entered Apprentice and MWBro McLaggan without any delay, sought him out and involved him in the evening’s proceedings and also presented him with a Masonic Tie. Part of MWBro McLaggan’s lecture was to show the Entered Apprentices his Apron, which he explained was the apron of the highest rank in New Zealand, but then he asked the Brethren to look closely at the centre of the apron which was white, the same colour as the ones that they as Entered Apprentices, were wearing.

Now to the observant reader we have also stated that there was to be a presentation to one of our members,

Our Newest Freemasons

Naveet Kumar Lucas Creary Russell Brents Lawrence Uy JR Isagani Jnr Juyad Freddie Alipio Jerald Ybanez Jay Payot Bernardo Campilan Joven Pablo Rodger Finlay Colin Wood James Moffatt Samuel Martin Leon Dalziel James Moodie Clayton Locke Jake Thomas Bryce Davidson Arie Lute Nigel Blair George Beveridge Bevan Kenny Simon Manukonga Brett Clarke James Barras Cameron Polmear Marcelo Briones Jnr David Peeters Darrin Dey Knox Henderson III Sherwin Subli Kane Smith Hu Zhang Duncan Tanner Franz Cabahug

Manukau-Westmere Lodge No. 24 The Saint Andrews Lodge No. 32 The Lincoln Lodge No. 33 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Phoenix Lodge No. 43 The Te Aroha Lodge No. 52 The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 The Advance Mawhera Lodge No. 61 The Fortitude Lodge No. 64 The Rawhiti Lodge No. 66 The Alpha Lodge No. 81 The Alpha Lodge No. 81 The Alpha Lodge No. 81 The MacKenzie Lodge No. 93 Lodge Whangarei No. 102 Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No. 106 Lodge Waihi No. 112 Thistle Lodge No. 113 Motueka Bays Lodge No. 117 The Wallace Lodge No. 129 Te Awahou Lodge No. 133 The Crown Lodge No. 138 The Crown Lodge No. 138 Hikurangi Lodge No. 140 Golden Bay Lodge No. 144 Lodge Tawhiri No. 166 Lodge Waitakerei No. 170 Lodge Ahurewa No. 181 Lodge Clinton No. 183

Alex Catequista Warren Tolentino-Fowlie Kayol Robinson-Douglas Ronald Carbonel Romeo Beltejar Enrique Arcelo Charles Caballero Ricci Robbins-Ambrose Steven Jory Emmanuel Daud Bayonas Jerico Tolentino Mark Clark Philip Ryan Alistair Kennard Phillip Young Jim Kennard Craig Nelson Jan Joubert Jamie Vujcich Michael Boneham Brian Bueno Kristianne Banan Elmer Guevarra Nader Luthera Jeremy Newell Sam Burke Samuel Couch Glen Ellicott Murray Otway Robert Kingman Graham Slee David Barnes Francisco Sherriff Mark Emnace John Hooper Ben Trethewey

Lodge Clinton No. 183 The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185 Lodge Te Marama No. 186 Lodge Waihopai No. 189 Lodge Waihopai No. 189 Lodge Waihopai No. 189 Lodge Erewhon No. 200 Lodge Tawera-O-Kapiti No. 253 Lodge Parahaki No. 269 Unity Lodge No. 271 Unity Lodge No. 271 Lodge Haeata No. 272 Lodge Wanaka No. 277 Lodge Nelson No. 288 Lodge Nelson No. 288 Lodge Nelson No. 288 Lodge Kororareka No. 304 Lodge Howick No. 314 Lodge Howick No. 314 The Lodge of Peace No. 322 Harmony Lodge No. 325 Harmony Lodge No. 325 Harmony Lodge No. 325 The Mangere Lodge No. 330 Lodge Hillcrest No. 363 Lodge Waiheke No. 367 Lodge Orewa No. 370 Lodge Orewa No. 370 Lodge Takahe No. 397 Lodge Kerikeri No. 402 Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426 Lodge Homewood No. 447 Lodge Idris No. 452 Lodge United Taranaki No. 456 Lodge Aquarius No. 466 Lodge Discovery No. 501

February to April 2016 WBro Bill Patton, Bill is a very quietly spoken person and if the truth be known he would probably have just let things carry on without any fuss, but of course milestones like being a Freemason for 50 years should never be dismissed and forgotten.

MWBro McLaggan seamlessly went from his lecture to the Entered Apprentices, when he crossed the Lodge room and addressed WBro Bill Patton to congratulate him on achieving such a well deserved honour within the Freemasons fraternity and presented him with his Fifty Year Service Badge.

After offering his congratulations to WBro Bill Patton for achieving this great milestone, he then asked WBro Patton to describe to the assembled Brethren what life was like when he first joined Freemasonry and also what impact did being a Freemason have on a Farmers

family in those early days, especially with travel.

The topic quickly turned to the farming and dairy industry which revealed some very interesting facts about our “quietly” spoken Brother, and added comments, from VWBro’s Warwick Roberts and Bob Monson gave the Brethren other interesting stories of Bill’s life throughout his early career, especially in the Dairy Industry.

MWBro McLaggan then called upon the Worshipful Master, WBro John Whitehead to present WBro Bill Patton with his Lapel Pin and then called upon VWBro Jim McLaggan to present a framed Certificate in recognition of Bill’s 50 years in Freemasonry.

When MWBro McLaggan finally saluted the Master to end his part in the evening’s proceedings, the smiles on the Lodge Brethrens faces were still there, and I am sure that the Brethren would www.freemasonsnz.org

have been very happy to have seen him stay there all night.

To the Brethren of The Alpha Lodge No 81, Officers of Grand Lodge and Visitors, the Master would like to express his gratitude for helping to make this special night for the seven Entered Apprentices, one that they and everyone present will never forget.

Brethren these are just some of the comments we received from the assembled Brethren at the end of the meeting.

Mesmerizing wasn’t he. A true inspiration.

One of the best, if not the best Lodge night I have ever been to.

I have never seen so many smiling faces at a Lodge meeting.

It makes you proud to be a Freemason.

WBro David Wilson Photos: Bro Kerry Blakeney-Williams

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The Back Page Many small ways of assisting Central Otago, like many other fruit growing areas in New Zealand, rely heavily on seasonal workers from Vanuatu for harvesting and other labour intensive activities on the orchards and vineyards.

These employees are respected for their industrious work ethic, their demeanour towards supporting their people at home and are welcomed into the churches of

communities where they come to work.

Following the cyclone which devastated the islands a couple of years ago, a member of the ‘Craft’, after a local Sunday service, had a discussion with a small group from Vanuatu on how the cyclone had affected them at home. He was later approached to see if there was any change that he m ay know of a spare Bible lying around in the church that could be forwarded home to Vanuatu as their church had been destroyed and the bibles lost along with their church during the storm.

The Church couldn’t provide, but the local knew that his Lodge had three Bibles and that there were no records of how or when one of them came in the Lodges possession. The Lodge agreed to donate the Bible; it was suitably inscribed by the late WBro AG Hubbard, PGDC (who incidentally had been to the Island of Efate) and presented to Watson Talep, the shy person who made the request.

Since then gifts from Vanuatu have been received and recently photos of the damage done to Watson’s home and the repaired church the VSL in place.

Cyclone damage to Church.

After – reconstructed Church.

Tomb with a View Designed by our Grand Superintendent of Workings VWBro Graham Strez (Architect Associates) for an anonymous future recipient at Waikumeke Cemetery.

The citation from the Institute of Architects’ Auckland Branch reads – Death awaits us all. So, for a man to engage an architect to think about how

he may lie in eternity, before death has knocked for him, is a tribute to the architect. Marble speaks volumes about the graveyard, while a mahogany ceiling floating on a narrow slit of light allows the spirit to come and go as it desires.

This mausoleum is generous, considered and compositionally calm, just as we all expect death to be.

The Working Tools of an E-Mason I now present to you the working tools of an E-Mason; They are the Mouse…

The Keyboard…. and the Modem.

The Mouse is to move within the desktop, the keyboard to input the data, and the modem to publish the data to cyberspace.

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But as we are not, however, assembled as Computer Nerds, but rather Operative or E-Masons, these tools are downloaded as vehicles of moral significance and to show the meaning of E-Masons, and thus we apply them….

The Mouse teaches us to keep within the bounds of the screen – a square wherein which we must all meet.

The Keyboard to show us that communication will lead us to better understanding of each other and the rest of mankind.

And the Modem to teach us that even when we are alone on the most remote part of the globe, we may meet and gain moral sustenance from each other and thus learn more of the wonderful works of the GAOTU. Anonymous, thanks to International Masonic Poetry Society

SERVICE AWARDS 70 YEAR BADGE

VWBro Horace Kay Taylor PGDC RH WBro James Hamish Craig PM

Lodge Rotorua No. 153 Lodge Orewa No. 370

60 YEAR BADGE

WBro Robert Kenneth McCormack PM The Ara Lodge No. 1

Bro Eric Ashley Jack MM New Zealand Pacific No. 2

WBro Adam Falconer Love PM The Southern Cross Lodge No. 9

Bro Douglas Henry Richards MM Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning No. 82

Bro James George Sinclair MM Lodge Auckland Maungakiekie No. 87

VWBro Rodney Harries PG Lec Motueka Bays Lodge No. 117 VWBro Maurice Bishop Evans P Asst Prov GM The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185

WBro Desmond George Riley PM Lodge Doric Brighton No. 236

WBro Charles Samuel Johnstone PM RH Lodge Wanaka No. 277

WBro William Bruce McNaughton PM RH Lodge Manaia No. 286

WBro Harold Bert Hayward PM Lower Hutt Lodge No. 299

WBro Peter Charles Single PM RH Services Lodge of Hawkes Bay No. 313

WBro Roland Keith Duffin PM The Lodge of Peace No. 322

WBro Bryan Kevin Lawless PM Lodge Eckford No. 334

Bro Richard Ernest Harris-Daw MM The Wayfarers Lodge No. 389

WBro Trevor Hall Crane PGO The Gate Pa Lodge No. 407

Bro Leonard David Ullrich MM The Pakuranga Lodge No. 416

WBro James Brown PM Lodge Waikanae No. 433

WBro John Jamieson Leitch PM The Hawkes Bay Daytime Lodge No. 453

WBro Stephen David Hassan Hill PM Lodge Aquarius No. 466

RWBro Alan William Davies PGW The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468

50 YEAR BADGE

Bro Ashley James Cropper MM Bro Ross Harry Seymour MM Bro Richard Kenneth Sisam MM WBro William Frederick Patton PM WBro Maurice Andrew Roycroft PM WBro Brian Roberts PM WBro Graham Stewart Reid PM WBro Mervyn Lang PM WBro Robert James Moore PM WBro Donald William John Brownlee PG Swd B WBro Brian Reginald Black PM Bro William McCullough MM VWBro David Percival John Pretty PGDC VWBro Bruce Youngman PGDC VWBro Henry Edward Halliday P Dist GM WBro Roger Grant Duncan PM WBro James Thomas Lupton PG Swd B WBro Noel Francis Rankin PM WBro Charles Barry Jones PM WBro Cedric H Spearritt Bro John Robert Cross MM Bro Raymond Keith Ferguson MM RWBro Alexander Heuchan Parr PGW WBro Peter James Forbes PM

Lodge of Unanimity Sumner No. 3 United Lodge of Masterton No. 19 The Franklin Lodge No. 58 The Alpha Lodge No. 81 Lodge Waihi No. 112 Lodge Rotorua No. 153 Lodge North Harbour No. 182 Lodge Whakatane No. 198 Lodge Erewhon No. 200 Lodge Titirangi Mt Albert No. 204 Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225 Taia-Raukawa Lodge No. 229 Lodge Whangamomona No. 234 Lodge Awatere No. 292 Lodge Eckford No. 334 Ngatiawa-Russell Lodge No. 345 Browns Bay Lodge No. 346 The Milford Trinity Lodge No. 372 Lodge Mt Maunganui No. 376 Lodge Otahuhu No 387 Lodge Takahe No. 397 Lodge Albany No. 404 Pegasus Daylight Lodge No. 450 The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468

February to April 2016 www.freemasonsnz.org

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*Freemasons New Zealand is not a promoter of and does not guarantee the obligations of Heartland Bank Limited in relation to Heartland Bank deposits. Copies of Heartland Bank’s Disclosure Statement and Investment Statements are available from www.heartland.co.nz or by calling 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62).

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