Freemason NEW ZEALAND
Issue 3 (Vol. 47), September 2019
Meet the
Grand Master Elect
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In this issue From the Editor 2
NZ Freemasons in the Great War 20
Hot Off the Press 3 Grand Master’s Visits 3
Grand Master elect: The sum will be much greater than the parts 23
Promotions & Appointments 4
Otago Masonic Charitable Trust 26
The Grand Installation 2019 5
The Freemasons Paediatric Fellowships at the University of Otago 28
News clips 6
Beyond the Fellowships 29 Opinion: Communication 8
Samoa 2019 9 Lodge Calliope Speak up 10 Recent Grand Master visits 12
A plain Freemasons guide to cancer 30 A Lodge room hidden in plain sight 31
THE FREEMASONS CHARITY Bowling to keep navigation rolling 32 Stretching out for a needed stretcher 32
FREEMASONS IN ACTION
A helping hand for hands that help 33
Unity of purpose in life giving trees! 13 ‘A mild touch of the Cancer’ 13
Safety for the Southern Skies 33
More Masonic involvement in ANZAC Day 13 Public forum on Alzheimer’s 14 Differently Abled Children’s Playground 14
Lighting Lyttelton’s Time Ball 34 Lodge Miramar is remembered in Scotland 35 Masonic Villages Trust 36 Masonic Knowledge 38 ANZMRC travelling speaker 39
Freemasons take to the tracks 15 Hands across the water 15
Freemasons Foundation Report 36 Royal Arch 44
Lodge inspired by deaf students 16
Outstanding Service to Freemasonry: WBro Henry Thayer RH 46
Riding for the Disabled 16
Another 70 Year Freemason 46
Help for Kindergarten in August 17
Welcome to our newest Freemasons 47
The Southern Scooter Challenge 17
The Last Word! 48
Freemasons Scholar and Camp Purple 18
Brothers in Freemasonry – Brothers in Scouting 47 Service Awards 49
FRONT COVER Grand Master Elect Graham Wrigley.
www.freemasonsnz.org
1
From the Editor
FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND
National Office Unit 2, 22 Tacy Street Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022 PO Box 6439, Marion Square Wellington 6141 New Zealand Ph: +64 4 385 6622 Fax +64 4 385 5749 Email: membership@freemasonsnz.org communications@freemasonsnz.org www.freemasonsnz.org
Our Family
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 (secretary@freemasonsnz.org). Queries or comments regarding subscription or distribution should be addressed to membership@freemasonsnz.org or the Executive Director, PO Box 6439, Marion Square, Wellington 6141. Queries and comments regarding content and advertising should be addressed to the Editor. Contributions to the magazine, preferably in electronic form (e.g. MS Word documents) are greatly appreciated and should be of interest to a wide audience. Photographs should be high quality, preferably in jpg or tif format. Contributions may be edited in order to fit space available and to achieve overall balance. Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 words. A guidance sheet for preparation of publishable material is available on request from the Editor. Contributions should be forwarded to communications@freemasonsnz.org Freemasons NZ contributions to Duane Williams, Editor communications@freemasonsnz.org Royal Arch contributions to Duane Williams, Editor gsn@royalarch.org.nz Magazines are distributed in March, June, September and December. The deadlines for contributions are the first day of February, May, August and November Layout by Bartlett Projects, Wellington Printed by Fisher Print Ltd, Palmerston North Copyright © 2019 Freemasons NZ
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A ‘once in every three years’ event is happening for Our Family this year and you are all invited. It’s happening from 15 to 17 November 2019 in a very eclectic city – Wellington. It will involve a magnificent ceremony, a sumptuous banquet, some welcome refreshments, a bit of business, something very special for our partners and a farewell lunch. For some; it will be a once in a life-time event, for others; it will be a familiar friend. You will get to meet lots of family members you have perhaps never met before including some from overseas! The invitation to this wonderful event extends to you and your partner and other members of your extended family in your locale. Your invitation is enclosed in this issue of the New Zealand Freemason magazine. I am of course talking about our triennial Grand Installation. Come and support your new Grand Master. Thank our outgoing Grand Master. Support all the new active Offices of Grand Lodge who are to be invested. Take part in the governance of Freemasons New Zealand. Enjoy the company of your fellow Freemasons and their partners. Soak in the spectacle that is the Grand Installation. Have lots of fun at the associated activities. Enjoy a weekend break with you and your partner. This is your opportunity to show to your newer Freemasons, by getting them to come with you, part of the total fabric of Freemasonry in New Zealand. As part of ‘Our Family’ you are more than welcome to join us for this big celebration. Register at www.freemasonsnz.org/grandinstallation either online or by PDF. This issue contains a spread on our new Grand Master, lots of Freemasons in Action, feature article of the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust and the good work it is doing, our usual features from Masonic Villages Trust, Freemasons Foundation and The Freemasons Charity, a ripping global crossword, some more masonic knowledge and of course our newest Freemasons and those who have served us well. We hope a little bit of something for everyone and an enjoyable read and well worth sharing with family, friends and the public. VWBro Duane Williams MBE, JP, KLJ, GSec
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LEFT MWBro Grand Secretary M Niccol, 1911. RIGHT VWBro Grand Secretary D Williams, 2019.
Hot Off the Press A “random act of kindness”
Officers of Grand Lodge for 2019–22
I
n late June, The Freemasons Charity once again sent out a gift for distribution to all Lodge widows. This year the gift is a clear magnifying ruler bookmark which is to be sent to our 3,400 widows throughout New Zealand as a “we are thinking of you” gesture. A great gift with so many handy uses! We ask the Lodge Almoners to ensure distribution of these gifts within the next month or two as it is a great way to have a mid-year catch up with their widows. If your numbers have changed or should additional gifts be required please contact Shelley Newson, Charity Administrator – phone 04 385 5748 or email tfcadmin@freemasonsnz.org
With advice of your appointment you are reminded that you will be eligible for the ‘Early Bird Special’ in relation to Registration for the Grand Installation with a 50% discount for yourself and your partner on the Registration Fee. Registrations can be found at www.freemasonsnz.org/grandinstallation either online or printable PDF.
The Freemasons Charity Management Committee The Board of General Purposes has approved the following changes in membership effective from 1 November 2019 to this committee of the Board. WBro Adrian Douglas is appointed to the Committee, replacing RWBro Bob Black who will have completed his term. WBro Jeff Mear is appointed to the Committee, replacing VWBro John Dennison who has been appointed Junior Grand Warden. RWBro Jim Watt will take on the role of Chairman, replacing RWBro Graham Wrigley, who has been elected as the incoming Grand Master. The outgoing Chair thanked both Bob and Dennis for their contributions over the last few years and looked forward to the appointment of Adrian and Jeff and their input in the future. Adrian Douglas.
Jeff Mear.
Jim Watt.
GRAND MASTER’S VISITS 7 Sep Presentations at Lodge Okara Daylight No 461, Whangarei
17 Oct Installation 3× Dowie The Franklin Lodge 58, Pukekohe
28 Sep Installation at Lodge Whitianga No 443, Whitianga
19 Oct Lodge Matariki No 476 Constitution, Dedication and Installation, Manukau
8 Oct Presentations at Lodge Rotorua No 153, Rotorua
2 Nov Two 50 Year Badges, The Hercules Lodge No 36, Tapanui, Otago
14 Oct Presentations at Lodge Manaia No 286, Manaia, Taranaki
www.freemasonsnz.org
6 Nov 50 Year Badge RWBro Reid Polkinghorne, Lodge Arawhaiti No 267, Auckland 9 Nov 150th Celebrations for Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No 106, Blenheim 15–17 Nov Grand Installation RWBro Graham Wrigley Grand Master Elect, Wellington
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Promotions & Appointments 2019–22 Grand Master
National
RWBro GJ Wrigley DepGM
Deputy Grand Master
National
RWBro JL Watt DivGM
President Board of General Purposes
National
RWBro RM Angelo DivGM
Divisional Grand Master Northern Division
National
Divisional Grand Master Central Division
National
VWBro RD Pratt DistGM
Divisional Grand Master Southern Division
National
VWBro PT Cooney DistGM
Senior Grand Warden Junior Grand Warden
National National
RWBro PR Muir JGW VWBro KJ Dennison PDistGM
National
VWBro GJ Webb GC
Grand Registrar
National
WBro NC King PM
Grand Treasurer
National
VWBro MF Cadman GT
Grand Almoner
National
VWBro RG Monson GAlm
Grand Superintendent of Works
National
VWBro GF Strez GSuptW
District Grand Master
National
Northland
WBro HC Chamberlain GS
Auckland
WBro CF Bayne GS WBro GP Deevy GS
VWBro MA Hattie PDistGM
Grand Chaplain
Grand Secretary
District Grand Director of Ceremonies
VWBro DP Williams GSec Grand Steward
Counties-Hauraki
WBro BH Wiig PM
Waikato
WBro BT Jeffs PGBB
Bay of Plenty
WBro DM McNab PGBB
Taranaki
No appointments (PDistGDC’s will be used)
Ruapehu
WBro J Pennell GS
Ruahine-Eastland
WBro DH Driver GS
Kapiti-Wellington
WBro CR Nunnerley GS
Hutt-Wairarapa
WBro SA Griffin PM
Nelson/Marlborough/ West Coast
WBro CN Bowhill PM
Canterbury
WBro DN Barron PGS
Midland
WBro AR Fraser GS
Otago
WBro AA Woodhead PM
Southland
WBro BM Smillie PGS
Northland
WBro JR Sawyers PM
Northland
VWBro Ronald E McCracken PGDC
Auckland
WBro David C Piper GS
Counties/Hauraki
WBro Paul BJ Chappel DistGDC
WBro MA Smith PM
Waikato
WBro Richard J Evered PDistGDC
WBro AS Alexander PM
Bay of Plenty
WBro Glen A Harris DistGDC
Taranaki
VWBro Roly B DistGM
Ruapehu
WBro Ashley F Williamson DistGDC
WBro JA Anderson PM Auckland
WBro M Pagulayan PM
WBro JW Frost PM Counties-Hauraki
WBro F Reynolds PM WBro AG Bagley PM
Waikato
WBro DJJS Earl PM
Eastland/Ruahine
WBro Nigel R Friggens DistGDC
Kapiti/Wellington
WBro Michael P Turner GS
Hutt/Wairarapa
WBro Edward R Robinson PGStdB
Nelson/Marlborough/ West Coast
WBro Allan S Cameron PDistGDC
Taranaki
No Appointments (PGS’s will be used)
Canterbury
WBro Michael T Wooding PDistGDC
Ruapehu
WBro RN Baggott PM
Midland
VWBro Alexander Solomon PGDC
Otago
VWBro Alistair M Smith PGDC
Southland
WBro Russell JW Falconer PGS
Northern Division
WBro JF MacDonald PM
Central Division
WBro GH Morgan PGS
Southern Division
WBro DE Marsh PM
Northern Division
WBro PE Larsen PGD
Central Division
VWBro DD Blacklaws GDC
Southern Division
WBro LI Bain PDistGDC
Northern Division
VWBro BT Crone DivGAlm
Central Division
VWBro MDG Kendrick DivGAlm
Southern Division
VWBro JM Elston DivGAlm
Senior Grand Deacon
Central Division
WBro CG Lloydd PGS
Junior Grand Deacon
Southern Division
WBro DP Lyons GS
Grand Bible Bearer
Southern Division
WBro RS Robson GS
Grand Sword Bearer
Central Division
WBro RC Isles PGS
Grand Standard Bearer
Northern Division
WBro IT Ashley PM
Grand Organist
Southern Division
WBro WF Grubb PM
Grand Inner Guard
Northern Division
WBro KW Dalzell PM
Grand Tyler
Central Division
WBro KW Stokes PM
Grand Lecturer
Grand Director of Ceremonies
Divisional Grand Almoner
WBro MJ Tribe PM Bay of Plenty
WBro KD Carroll PM WBro RO Jones PM
WBro CM Tagoai PM Ruahine-Eastland
WBro GR Bundle PM WBro WJ Feetham PM
Kapiti-Wellington
WBro MAJ Dyer PM WBro WJ Taylor PM WBro WD Shugg PM WBro CA Fraser PM
Hutt-Wairarapa
WBro BF Green PM WBro J Johnson PM
Nelson/Marlborough/ West Coast
WBro IT Plummer PM WBro MC Rich PM WBro JJ Wootton PM WBro G van Asch PM WBro CFD Williams PM
Canterbury
WBro DM Eveleigh PM WBro DP Quilatan PM WBro SJ Rowntree PM WBro GM Clausen PM
Midland
WBro CV Cayanan PM WBro JA Gridgeman PM
Otago
WBro E Minoza PM WBro CMD Inder PM WBro DS Prew PM WBro BJ Robson PM
Southland
WBro K Campbell PM WBro GR Tolentino PM
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www.freemasonsnz.org
The Grand Installation Wellington, New ZealanD
15-17 November 2019
Programme and events Friday 15th November 2019 9am - 5pm • Registration • Michael Fowler Centre - Foyer 1.30pm - 4pm • Ladies Function • Shed 6 Dress code | Ladies - Smart casual dress 2pm - 4pm • Business Session • Michael Fowler Centre - Auditorium (NZ Freemasons only) Dress code | Brethren - Lounge suit and tie with regalia 6pm - 8pm • Welcome Cocktails • Michael Fowler Centre - Renouf Foyer Dress code | Brethren - Lounge suit and tie | Ladies - After five Saturday 16th November 2019 8.30am - 12pm • Registration • Michael Fowler Centre - Foyer 1pm - 2pm • Delegation Photos • Michael Fowler Centre - Foyer Dress code as per Grand Installation 3pm - 5.30pm • Grand Installation • Michael Fowler Centre - Auditorium Dress code | Brethren to be invested - Formal dress (tails or dinner suit) or dark lounge suit and tie, with apron and gauntlets on and collar/chain in hand Brethren in audience - Lounge suit and tie with regalia | Ladies - Smart casual dress 7pm - 11.30pm • Grand Banquet • TSB Arena Dress code | Brethren - Formal dress or dark lounge suit and tie | Ladies - Evening dress Sunday 17th November 2019 12pm - 2pm • Lunch • Te Papa - Oceania Room Dress code | Brethren - Smart casual | Ladies - Smart casual
www.freemasonsnz.org
5
News clips Freemasons ‘Speak Up’ TV show in its second season Freemasons New Zealand is producing a second season of the ‘Speak Up’ TV programme for the interest of all New Zealanders. Every Thursday on Face TV Channel 083 Sky TV at the new starting
time of 9pm. Watch it live each Thursday or you can view it on the Freemasons New Zealand YouTube channel: bit.ly/fnz-youtube. Every Thursday night up to the Grand Installation.
Barry Rushton, presenter of ‘Speak Up’ TV programme — Thursdays 9pm on Sky 083.
6
www.freemasonsnz.org
Masonic Car Stickers Masonic Car Stickers (transfers) available from Lodge Whakatane No 198 for $1 plus postage and handling $1.50. Contact whakatane198@gmail.com or 07 308 7086 A great way to ‘Speak Up for Freemasonry’!
speak up for
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CAP FRONT
your lodge name and number here
CAP BACK
your province or location here YOUR CONTACT NAME Email address Cell
CAP $ QUANTITYMINIMUM 10 caps
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To Order Contact Project Convener - Andy Wrighton email: andy.wrighton@xtra.co.nz
THE HAVELOCK LODGE No 104
Where in the World I spent a few days in my home town of Hawick in the Scottish Borders and took the opportunity to visit my cousin and present him with a copy of the last issue of the Freemason magazine. I have attached a photo with myself on the left and my cousin Bro Hamish Smith who is a Past Master of my mother Lodge Harwick No 111. Hamish is a craftsman Jeweller and Watchmaker and has created some lovely masonic jewels for various occasions over the years. The monument in the background is in recognitions of the youth of the town who fought the Battle of Hornshole in 1514, the year after the Battle of Flodden. Remember to take an interesting photo of you and the NZ Freemason magazine around New Zealand or overseas and send it in to communications@freemasonsnz.org. WBro John Oliver, Lodge Manuwera No 222
Crossword solution
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7
OPINION
Communication I
n the business world today, it is realised that good internal communication is vital to the success of every organisation. This means: 1. That telling the members what is happening is important if you want to keep them motivated 2. That if they are to carry out their functions efficiently, employees must have knowledge about matters which directly relate to their work 3. That nothing is achieved by the sender of information, verbal or written, if the recipient does not receive it or understand it. In this short article, I want to apply these principles to Freemasonry. We are, after all, wedded to the idea of good communication, since we use that word to describe the Triennial General Meeting of Grand Lodge. Let us apply these principles to the new member of the Craft. Does he receive the information he needs to put Freemasonry into perspective in his mind, or is he left to flounder around on his own, trying to find out what it is all about? In a progressive Lodge he may be assigned to a mentor to help him, but in many instances this does not occur. Unless he has an enquiring mind, it is likely that he will either be content to see his Lodge meetings merely as a place where he enjoys pleasant male company_ or he will become dissatisfied and gradually drift away. In either case, the purpose and philosophy of Freemasonry will escape him and he is not going to benefit from what Freemasonry can offer. How then, is the new mason to take on board the information expounded in our ritual if he cannot understand it? Many of us enjoy the beautiful prose adopted in our ritual, and gain pleasure from hearing it performed well in lodge, and I am one of them. But think of the
young man of today, whose work and home commitments allow him little time for leisure pursuits other than perhaps in sport or some other physical activity, and a certain amount of television watching, to which we are all subjected. Is he intellectually prepared to understand the complexities of our peculiar system of morality? In addition, we need to realise that in today’s world the code of morality is largely unspoken, so he will not be used to thinking about it. Yet here we are, in our ritual, spelling out our peculiar code in language that was in common use three centuries ago. And we expect him to understand it! I ask you, is it any wonder that our numbers are falling when we are failing in the most basic principle of good communication. If the pupil hasn’t understood, the teacher hasn’t taught. What, then, can we do about it? Well, first we must ensure that prospective members are in the right frame of mind to receive the information we are going to give to them. Grand Lodge has issued some very good written material that Lodges can make available to their
members to distribute to friends and colleagues who express an interest in Freemasonry. From this, the uninitiated can gain some idea of what they can expect from membership. Then, when they have joined, we need to help our new members to understand what the present ritual is trying to tell them in the language of the past. While I would not suggest that we replace the ritual we use in the ceremonies I would like to see made available to candidates, immediately after they become master masons, a written interpretation of the ritual in modern English. This would help them to understand what we are trying to communicate to them in our ritual. After all, this approach has already been adopted with the Bible. When I was young, the King James version was the only one readily available. Now we have a number of versions in modern English, which serve to clarify the more obscure passages. So what do you think? Communication is the name of the game they say, so what about paraphrasing the ritual? Has anyone got the time? RWBro Bill Hibbard PGW
HAVE YOUR SAY Write a letter to the Editor – preferably 300 words maximum. Submit an Opinion piece – 800 words plus a 100-word author biography, and a photo. 8
www.freemasonsnz.org
Samoa 2019 – Lodge Calliope T
he last week of August was a great time to visit Lodge Calliope – escaping from the winter of Auckland to the warmth of Samoa, taking togs, sunscreen, and regalia! Time for the Installation meeting of Lodge Calliope no 252, with the Grand Master in attendance. It was over 25 years since the last visit by a Grand Master so the Lodge had gone to extra lengths to ensure the visit was an Event. The tourist resort of Saletoga Sands had almost been taken over by the Freemasons – we had a tiki tour of the island – checked into our accommodation removed our watches, and became engulfed in the family-friendly experience only Samoa can provide. A few days of sight-seeing, sunbathing, food, drink….. this is how to do a bit of masonic visiting! On the Saturday, a Lodge room was created in the conference facility beside the blue lagoon – air conditioned, modern, stylish. While the ladies sipped fruit cocktails, swam in the pool and snorkeled in the lagoon, the men donned lavalavas, collars and aprons and installed the new officers of the Lodge. The Grand Master took the opportunity to promote WBro Greg Taylor to PGStdB, in recognition of the sterling work Greg had done as the masonic link between Auckland and Samoa and promoted VWBro Evan Taylor to PGDC in recognition of the assistance he had
given to the Auckland district over the past couple of years. Lodge Calliope is isolated masonically. Lodge Benjamin Kneubahl, which formerly met in American Samoa, has had its charter uplifted by the Grand Master so it leaves Calliope alone in the region. To compensate, the Grand Master announced several initiatives to
strengthen the bonds to New Zealand, and to ensure a strong flow of resources and information is maintained. Calliope will be celebrating its centenary in 3 years time, so the Lodge was urged to start planning now – think about a major public act of charity that might occur; think about booking out the Saletoga Sands resort for the celebrations; think about encouraging New Zealand freemasons to visit at that time so the event will be something very special for the local freemasons.
www.freemasonsnz.org
The Grand Master has granted $5,000 from The Freemasons Charity to be used by Lodge Calliope in scholarships to link back to NZ. Lodges in Auckland will be encouraged to consider projects involving Samoa – defibrillators is an obvious possibility. The Auckland District GMelect was in attendance getting ideas as to how he might help build bridges with Samoa. Lodge Calliope is keen to link up with other brethren using technology – it is planning a way forward with this but it would be a great way to foster interest amongst New Zealand brethren in what is the only overseas New Zealand Constitution lodge. The brethren of Lodge Calliope and their partners went to extraordinary lengths to ensure our stay was special and they are keen to build on this visit especially with a centenary just round the corner. Wouldn’t it be great to have a contingent of visitors from NZ visiting Lodge Calliope, staying at the resort, having a relaxing three or four days being entertained in the sun and sea of Samoa, and extending the masonic hand of friendship across the Pacific. This trip to Lodge Calliope was an undoubted success, and our hosts in Samoa did us all proud. No longer the ‘chicken coop’ but an event any Lodge in New Zealand would have been proud to have conducted. We are planning our return visit. Join us.
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‘Speak U
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ow, just a couple of months Alternative logo out from the end of our Grand Master’s term of office and the threeyear term that was first set for the Speak Up campaign, is a good time to look at FREEMASONRY how far we have come withFORthe Speak Up concept and where we go now. In the first place we know that the Master colour variations new 5-year strategic plan, already under way and extending until 2023 has Speak Up as a major element in its mix. So we can expect to be encouraged to continue our efforts to ‘spread the word’ by taking every opportunity in our daily lives to talk to the people around us about Freemasonry.
Not bad! After all, Speak Up is about a conscious effort. But we have a long introducing new men to our organisa- way to go before that happens! Master logo tion and getting them in the doors for the first time. We all know it’s quite a Speak Up features in ‘Our Plan for different thing to keeping them for the the Future’ long term. The new 5-year plan for the period The levelling out of total member- 2019–23, devised for us all by our ship has got to be a promising sign. hard-working Grand Lodge team has Remember ‘Speak Up’ activity took six ‘Speak Up’ as an integral component. months, well into 2017, to get up and running. A lot of the new enthusiasm The new 5-year plan … has that has been eagerly generated around ‘Speak Up’ as an integral Speak Up took time to galvanise and component generate the resulting ‘public’ impact. That impact has been spread out over So when your Lodge is planning its the following 12 months and more. future please ensure that along the way your members learn, understand For ultra small spaces Colour palette Speak Up is not just ‘another ‘ idea All factors considered you have to and practise the ability to answer the It’s fair to say that we can use the word say it’s been a very good start questions – about secrets – and gen‘successful’ if our membership numbers der – and our enormous charity – and All factors considered you have to can explain these things in clear simple is the gauge. It might be going too far to FOR say we have reversed the slow slide but say it’s been a very good start. We all language. And then send them out into we can say that the slide is no longer a recognise that it’s quite an ‘ask’ for 6000 our communities, proud and confident FREEMASONRY slide. It’s more of a level line (well at the good Freemasons to open the ears and to talk about Freemasonry till the cows last look anyway). And that undoubted- hearts of 4,710,1889 New Zealanders come home. ly is success! Especially when the slide (as of Sunday, 4 August 2019) and that has been going on for such a long, long, a mostly unreceptive audience, just by Every Freemason needs to be using our voices! prepared, and to act … explaining long time! Freemasonry in plain English But puting aside the calculations of Speak Up needs perseverance 1 Full colour ‘Speak Up’ was always going to be more We have tried many ideas over the recent numbers take on quite a than a three-year exercise. Perseverance, years. The Speak Up idea is working. shiny hue a good masonic word, is the key action Let’s keep it working. those that join us and those that leave for the future. It willAlternative always be a con- logo us and looking only at initiations, recent tinuous task to raise public awareness numbers take on quite a shiny hue. In and more understanding of who we the 12 months ending April 2018 there are and what we stand for. But now were 10% more initiations than in the we know it can produce real results same period the previous year. Then in for Freemasonry and for every Lodge the April 2019 year initiations went up in the country. So we must now make another 16 %on that. Speaking Up about Freemasonry a natural, every-day thing that we do without FOR
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www.freemasonsnz.org
Master colour variations
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f ‘Speak Up for Freemasonry’ is going And know what we aren’t e.g. secret soto be our theme for the revitalisation ciety, mutual aid society, religion, sect, of our organisation for Master another colour five elitist, world conspiracy etc etc. variations years and beyond let’s remind ourselves just what it is and how it works. Here’s a What every Freemason quick re-cap for those maybe scratching needs to know their heads and thinking ‘I should have Before he can speak up a Freemason done more’. But especially for all the must have enough knowledge to permit new Freemasons that have joined us him to speak freely and in simple terms in recent times – and current Masters about who we are and what we do. He preparing their 5-year plans! doesn’t have to ‘know it all’. A little of our organisation, a little history – where ‘Speak Up for Freemasonry’ simply we came from, the principles of the FOR explained Craft, our social life, some of our charFREEMASONRY The objectives: itable works both in his Lodge and our national projects, about our ‘secrets’, To raise the awareness and underabout the qualifications we require. standing of Freemasonry 7 Gold should ensure that every Lodges To communicate the purpose of member knows these things. A good Freemasonry place to start is by reading the Speak spaces‘Simple Answers to Leading To explain the benefits For of ultra small Up booklet membership Questions’. All the simple questions, as well as the awkward ones that might The target audience: arise with those who are ignorant of First: The non-masons closest to Freemasonry, are explained. our members Second: All other non-masons
What every Freemason needs to do
The purpose:
Attend to your Masonic education! (see above) Be proud of being a Freemason. There’s a lot to be proud11of! (see above) 10 Small Smaller Take your courage in both hands and tell your family and friends and associates (it’s usually easiest in that order) that you are a Freemason – and wait for the questions. It takes a little practice but it gets easier! Don’t put it off. The knockers might give you a hard time at first but they’ll wilt as you keep telling them the good things! Engage in the future plan of your Lodge – which will include the SpeakUp activities. Volunteer for the work of putting your Lodge plan into action!
To encourage enquiries for membership What ‘Speak Up for Freemasonry’ means
Every Freemason needs to be prepared, and act, in communicating with those who don’t know us, directly face to face, explaining Freemasonry in plain English. To explain in simple language: How we make good men better men What we do for our communities The compassion we bring with us The personal enjoyment we derive from being a Freemason The camaraderie and fellowship we build among members Why we are a fraternal organisation
FOR FREEMASONRY 5 Horizontal open
Speak Up can work in other ways
Speaking up for ourselves can be a challenge for many Freemasons so what many Lodges do, very successfully, is to engage in some public activities, manufacturing opportunities to speak to the public in a less overt way and with supporting Brothers at hand. We’ve become experts at this means of connecting with the ‘public’ and speaking up in a supporting environment is easier to manage. The one-on-one conversation is softer and more natural. FOR There are many examples. More likely FREEMASONRY every Lodge understands and has used this strategy to attract public attention within your community. Assisting local 8 Light blue worthy individuals or groups with either funds or physical support is common. Medical causes or assistance for children Colour palet are popular needs that ‘fit’ our style. Promoting open days or evenings at the Lodge is one of the actions we Da encouraged for enticing membership c1 which are strong on providing informar0 tion about the Craft. Speak Up is here to stay
The need to find and offer the right men the opportunity of belonging will ever remain. But now probably more 12 Smallest than ever. And to quote from the Grand Master’s Installation speech, three years ago come November, in the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington: ‘And I make the point that this is not recruitment advertising. We don’t do that and we are not starting now. I am asking you to create a positive awareness of Freemasonry so that good men will HEAR about us, like what they hear and want to join us’. He also said ‘Be positive and proud of Freemasonry, and let’s put our organisation back on the pedestal where it belongs’. Thanks for a great idea Most Worshipful!
As someone, a winner of a Freemasons Scholarship in fact, once said – Let’s do this! www.freemasonsnz.org
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Recent Grand Master visits
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WBro Ba ird promote d to PGB B
Installation at Lodge Fortitude, Bluff.
WBro Cross promoted to PGSwdB
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Freemasons Rescue on Paraparaumu Beach, at official lau nch.
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Lodge Whakatane No 198 Installation.
Mike and Heather Cooke special prese ntation.
Kapiti Coastguard Freemasons Rescue boat launch.
VWBro Richards
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Bro Weir receives Ord to Freem asonry (O er of Service SM ).
Visiting Lodge Taupiri No 118.
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Freemasons in action
Unity of purpose in life giving trees! Unity Lodge No 271 participated with the Christchurch City Council Ranger’s Tree Planting and Maintenance Activity on 17 August 2019 at Victoria Park, Port Hills. There were different groups present and it was their way of ‘Speaking Up for Freemasonry’.
Freemasons from Unity Lodge together with Dai and Fiona of the Christchurch City Council Rangers
‘A mild touch of the Cancer’ Grand Master Mark Winger and Deputy Grand Master Graham Wrigley attended the launch of David Downs new book A mild touch of the Cancer. The event took place in Auckland recently, with proceeds going to the Malaghan Institute for CAR-T cell Research. Freemasons New Zealand is also supporting Malaghan through the Freemasons CAR-T cell Research Programme. Copies of the book will be available at the Grand Installation for $40.
More Masonic involvement in ANZAC Day Kevin Peachey as Master of Ceremonies at the Whangarei ANZAC dawn service at the Cenotaph. He is currently Vice President of the Whangarei RSA and Secretary of Lodge Hatea 431. He has been MC for the past four years, as well as conducting the ANZAC service in the soldiers cemetery at Maunu.
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Freemasons in action Public forum on Alzheimer’s A public forum on Alzheimer’s, sponsored by Milford Trinity Lodge No 372, Lodge Selwyn No 274 and Lodge Wairoa No 55, was held at the Highland Park Masonic Centre on Monday 15th July. The speaker was Dr Ngaire Dixon, Chair of Alzheimer’s New Zealand and daughter of MWBro David Mace ONZM PGM. She was accompanied by Dr Andrea Kawkowski, Visiting Fellow for Alzheimer’s NZ and Dr Malvinder Singh-Bains, Post Doctorial Scientist for the Centre of Brain Research, University of Auckland Medical School. Dr Dixon’s presentation covered the experiences of several Alzheimer sufferers and how they were heroically managing their dementia with exercise and other means with the assistance of Alzheimer’s NZ. She also covered the work that Alzheimer’s NZ does and how we can all assist. Their website is worth viewing to see the extent of support and information available: www.alzheimers. org.nz
After the presentation, Dr Dixon, Dr Kawkowski and Dr Singh-Bains were available for answering questions and all three proved very popular for an extended period. A free light lunch was then provided, which allowed more time for questions. The forum was well attended by 45 people and all agreed it was an interesting and valuable presentation by Dr Dixon, together with the contributions by Drs Kawkowski and Sing-Bains. At the meeting, RWBro Roger Carson PGW sold
25 copies of the booklet ‘Dipping into Dementia’ at $10 each with $8 being donated to organisations that support people with dementia and their families.
Differently Abled Children’s Playground Lodge Eckford No.334 in Blenheim, with the assistance of The Freemasons Charity, provided funding to the Differently Abled Childrens’ Trust in a recent playground re-vamp project. Brethren from the Lodge attended the official opening. The children’s playground at Pollard Park in Blenheim has been re-imagined and upgraded to be more universally accessible for all children in the community. A mayoral opening and ribbon cutting by local youngsters occurred recently. Lodge Eckford added $10,000, provided means to purchase a Liberty swing, capable of integrating a wheelchair and a large double musical xylophone playground instrument. Other groups in the Marlborough community, Rotary and Lions contributed to the funding efforts too, in the form of additional musical playground equipment. The
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Marlborough District Council provided support and much of the ground preparation work. Spokesperson for Differently Abled children trust Alana Sagar, thanked all businesses, charitable
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organisations, and individuals in the community for supporting their cause. The re-vamped playground provides a 21st-century experience for the children of Marlborough for many years to come.
Freemasons take to the tracks Lodges in the Ruapehu District raised funds, with the help of The Freemasons Charity, to refurbish a carriage for the Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway Inc. The carriage is branded with Freemasons New Zealand logos and in our signature blue colour. Not only great charity work but Speaking Up for Freemasonry too!
Hands across the water
50 year Jewel Presentation to WBro John Watson WBro John Watson, a member of Montville Lodge No 260 UGLQ received a pleasant surprise at Montville Lodge’s June meeting when Wor Bro Chris Sills, IPM of St Andrew Kilwinning Lodge No 79 New Zealand Constitution presented him with a 50 year Service Jewel on behalf of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. John was Initiated as a member of St Andrew Kilwinning Lodge, which is located in the City of Whanganui on the West Coast of the North Island, on the 8 August 1968 and has maintained his membership of the Lodge ever since. St Andrew Kilwinning Lodge No 79 was established in 1868 and celebrated their Sesquicentennial in 2018. John as
a Senior member of the Lodge attended this event and acted as Organist for their ceremony. Unfortunately John’s 50 years of Service did occur until a couple of
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months after the Sesquicentennial so it was not possible to make the presentation at that event. John has been an active member of Montville Lodge No 260 since November 2000 and has served the Office of Wor shipful Master for three years, from 2016 to 2018. Currently John’s skills as an Organist are in high demand on the Sunshine Coast and he regularly provides the music for Installation and Degree ceremonies for a number of Coast Lodges. Michael Aldrich, Montville Lodge No 260 AGDD District 27, UGLQ
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Freemasons in action Lodge inspired by deaf students Milford-Trinity Lodge No 372 in Auckland, has been inspired to help local students. During a recent visit from the students of the Kelston Deaf Education Centre, the Milford Trinity Lodge members discovered that the pupils were making a short film in collaboration with Touch Compass Dance Trust. Touch Compass places huge value on the inclusion of people with disabilities, respecting what everyone can bring to the table. They empower and build confidence in those that have disabilities and encourage them to reach their potential. (www.touchcompass.org.nz). The process involved eight, three-hour, weekly workshops working with award winning film makers, script writers, editors, and directors, to tell a story in film while promoting the use of New Zealand Sign Language. The students were being upskilled by experts, opening up a range
of potential career opportunities in areas never previously contemplated. Help from Government agencies had allowed the students to write and film themselves performing but they were short of the funds to complete the post-production stage and finish the project. The Lodge was convinced and made a donation of $1,000. The Freemasons Foundation was happy to make up the difference. The result is a superb film acted by the pupils and giving a very powerful warning on Drink Driving. We were delighted to hear from Kerry Jelicich, a Senior Teacher at the Centre that “our movie is beginning to grow some wings. It is about to be entered into “Deaffest”, a UK film festival.” As for the Freemasons she explained “these special opportunities where our
deaf students are able to share their culture, language and life stories with you allow deaf youth to develop confidence and pride in their deaf culture and to create a greater awareness of deafness and NZ Sign Language in the community in which they live”.
FROM LEFT Felicity Crowe, Kerry Jelicich and student Shoja Muhammdi.
United Lodges of Nelson riding to the aid of local organisation The Lodges of Nelson responded in double quick mode to a call for help from the Local Riding for the Disabled Association and Nelson Hospice. So what’s the story? Well, Nelson Hospice has recently moved to their new custom built premises, for which project the local Freemasons and The Freemasons Charity donated a huge 65,000 dollars. The old Hospice site staff and administration building, Eden Villa remained at the old site and needed to be sold, the funds from which would go to the Hospice. However, two large shipping containers which had been used for storage were left behind Eden Villa and Tasman House in the villa grounds. The Hospice wanted these moved asap as the real estate agents are about to market
the two houses that are on the site and therefore they were prepared to sell these containers at a discount to a deserving cause; enter Nelson Whakatu Riding for the Disabled Association. The local Freemasons had helped this organisation on a number of occasions so the hailing channels were already open. A very short time window now presented itself in which to find the funds to purchase these containers and then to move them to their new location. The local Freemasons were contacted by the Forest Lodge who for many years has worked with the Hospice helping them with maintenance and small projects. They contacted the rest of the Nelson lodges and The Freemasons
Charity and within a day or so the money for the containers was in place. Nelson Lodge, who had helped the RDA before, and the Forest Lodge then requested its members for volunteers for a working party to come and “prepare the ground” for the containers. The local Lift and Shift company more than just came to the party when they offered to pick up and move these enormous containers for a pepper corn charge, at 7am on Monday morning! Within two days and on a very frosty morning we arrived and prepared the ground – this involved moving an old shed out of the way then levelling the ground ready for the containers. Proper masonry. Luckily an ex-civil engineer was in the working party and the task was quickly achieved. Safe and Sound.
Now that’s what we call a quick response to an urgent need. District Grand Master Ian Mclean, who is recovering from medical problems said, “This is a great example of the local Freemasons showing Brotherly Love and relief in an active form – well done to the Nelson Lodges and Grand Lodge for acting so promptly.” 16
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Help for Kindergarten in August It was learned that the Hanan Kindergarten in Timaru was endeavouring to raise sufficient funds to purchase and install a Shade Sail over their Children’s Sand Pit Area for the purpose of solar protection whilst children were playing in that area.
The members of two Masonic Lodges, namely Lodge Timaru No. 196 and Lodge Koranga No. 197, upon hearing of this worth-while project, decided to combine and assist as best they could to see this venture come to fruition. In association with the Midland Masonic Charitable Trust and The
Freemasons Charity, these two Lodges managed to make available $2000 towards the valiant efforts of the Kindergarten in their needing to raise $6300.00 thus enabling this Shade Sail project to be realised. Representatives of both Lodges as well as the Divisional Grand Almoner were present when their contribution was gratefully received by the Kindergarten Head Teacher, Ashleigh McPherson, who accepted this on behalf of the Kindergarten, with the comment that by having this Shade Sail installed now, it would certainly provide the solar protection that was necessary for the young children in the coming summer months. EGD
Keith Elston (Div Grand Almoner) Keith Murray (Wor Master Lodge Timaru No.196) Eoin Dryden ( Koranga Almoner) Ashleigh McPherson (Head Teacher) David Darling (Wor. Master Koranga No. 197) Kendall Smith (Asst Teacher) Nicole Rooney (Parent Committee Secretary).
The Southern Scooter Challenge Some of you may be aware of the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari. An event involving scooter riders traveling from Christchurch to Hokitika to raise money for the Cancer Society. However not many people are aware of another scooter endurance event, I refer of course to The Southern Scooter Challenge. Starting from the windswept Stirling Point in Bluff and finishing at the alpine resort of Queenstown. This Challenge is not for the fainthearted, it is designed to be a gruelling
and uncomfortable test of endurance on 50cc scooters. This event raises funds for The PlaceMakers Foundation which this year we will be supporting Prostate Cancer Southland and Hospice Southland.
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A team from the Widows Sons (based in Christchurch) known as The Throttlestop Riders, will be riding to and from the event in a bid to raise funds and heighten the events profile, (1400 km in 6 days at an average speed of 25kmph). Show your support by visiting www.southernchallenge.co.nz and either use SPONSER (drop down menu) sponsor a friend/ support a friend/ Throttlestop Riders, or simply select DONATE.
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Freemasons in action Freemasons Scholar and Camp Purple Hello, my name is Sean Boult and I am a research assistant at the University of Auckland. In 2017, as a Masters student at the University of Otago, I was fortunate to receive a Freemasons post-graduate scholarship for my work on agricultural pathogens. While I remain incredibly grateful for the financial support of my studies, by far the most impactful part of becoming a Freemason Scholar was the opportunity to meet a Freemason by the name of Brian Poole at the scholarship ceremony in Wellington. Brian, in turn, introduced me to Camp Purple, a summer camp for kids and teenagers living with Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and I have been involved ever since. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease following my first year at University. So I can appreciate what’s it’s like to face all the challenges of being a young person trying to figure out their place in the world with the added burden of dealing with debilitating pain, repeat hospitalisations, invasive surgeries, and severe fatigue. It would be difficult to put into words the difference this camp makes in the lives of the young people who attend it. And to be quite frank, the friendships and support networks they build will be invaluable in the times ahead for them. At Camp Purple, I volunteer as a group leader, which is similar to the role of camp counsellor or camp companion at other camps. Like any charitable
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organisation, Camp Purple relies on the generosity of sponsors and the efforts of individual fundraisers. On the 12th of August, Joshua Bardell, a fellow Aucklander and University of Otago Alumni, Emily Spink a Cantabrian who studied at the University of Canterbury, and myself, all group leaders at Camp Purple, will be joining 70 teams from around the world in India to undertake the Rickshaw Run. The Rickshaw run is a journey of around 3500 km through India on a 145cc Rickshaw that needs to be completed in 12 harrowing days. By
who needs to be acutely aware of where the bathroom is at any given time, on top of everything else their illness brings, it is very easy to simply watch the world pass by from your bubble. Having taken the name “3-Ply”, a small bit of Crohn’s humour there, we have raised over $23,000 through organising fundraising events and, of course, the support of our family, friends, and colleagues. With our fundraising efforts officially ending on the 6th of October, we hope to get as many campers as possible attend the 2020 camp in Wellington
convention, each team is there in support of a charity they adore, and for us, that charity is Camp Purple. By competing in the Rickshaw Run, we hope to not only raise money for Camp Purple, but to help inspire the campers themselves to take on their own crazy adventures and pursue whatever goals they might have. We ourselves know from experience that as a young person
and we would be incredibly grateful for any support, financial or otherwise, you might be able to provide in achieving this goal. Our journey itself can be followed through the following facebook link: facebook.com/3PlyNZ/. Our Givealittle page where donations can be received: givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/3-ply-takeon-the-rickshaw-run-2019
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Supporting Our family SAVE ON YOUR FUEL and receive other great benefits too! Kiwi Fuelcards offer genuine fuel savings, as well as great Benefit Card discounts at selected suppliers throughout TO APPLY - HEAD TO the country.
BIT.LY/FMNZFUELCARD OR CONTACT THE TEAM ON
0800 43 83 83
reasons to sign up • Kiwi fuelcards have no limit - most other fuelcards limit the quantity to 50 litres - making it a great choice for trucks and passenger vehicles too with guaranteed savings off every litre of fuel. • Kiwi fuelcards discount applies to diesel purchases too! • No strings attached no contracts and no need to collect points or grocery receipts. • Cards are available to friends and family also! Provided they sign up with the Freemasons New Zealand form. • A percentage of each purchase made goes to Freemasons New Zealand to assist lodges and districts further. • Signing up is super easy, with help if you need it.
Please see the enclosed brochure for more information. www.freemasonsnz.org
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NZ Freemasons in the Great War T
he First World War – also known as the Great War – had a devastating impact on the whole world. It is estimated there were some 40 million casualties from the conflict worldwide – 19 million deaths and some 23 million military personnel wounded. In 1914 New Zealand had a population of about 1.1 million, and in total, more than 124,000 men enlisted for war service with about 100,000 young people serving overseas – including more than 550 women who volunteered as nurses. It is estimated that 18,200 young men were killed, and more than 41,000 were wounded or stricken with disease. About 16 New Zealand nurses who went to Europe to tend the sick and wounded, also lost their lives. More than 16,500 of the young men who served overseas never returned and more than 3700 of them were never recovered, and simply vanished. New Zealand suffered far more proportionally than any other country in the British Empire, and our casualty rate was the highest of all the British Dominions, such as Australia, Canada, South Africa and India. The Yale University professor of history, Jay Winter says British casualties in terms of those killed on active service were one out of eight, while for New Zealand he puts to figure at between onein-six and one-in-five. That means that almost 10 percent of New Zealand’s total population fought in the war, and 60 percent of those Kiwi soldiers became casualties, being either killed or wounded. Putting that extraordinary loss into a modern perspective, if today’s New Zealand population had participated in World War I, we would send half a million Kiwi soldiers to fight, of whom 90,000 would be killed and 200,000 would be wounded, with injuries such as the loss of arms, legs or eyesight. That’s more than the entire population of the Bay of Plenty. Our records show that New Zealand Freemasons were to the fore in volunteering for military service. 20
More than 2400 of our Brethren served in the Armed services in the Great War, and more than 300 did not return, their remains forever lying in the foreign fields of Europe and the Middle East. Older Lodges in New Zealand – those that were in existence at the time of the First World War – all have their Roles of Honour, remembering their brethren who gave their lives in that conflict. A great number of others have similar memorials from the Second World War. These important and revered reminders should always hold pride of place within our Lodge rooms and should be honoured at every meeting of the Lodge. Eleven New Zealanders were awarded the Victoria Cross for their action during the four years of the war, and five of those were, or subsequently became, Freemasons. They were Corporal Cyril Bassett, Lance Corporal Sam Frickleton, Sergeant John Grant, Sergeant Harry Laurent and Corporal Leslie Andrew. Cyril Bassett was born in Auckland in 1892 and was a bank clerk until he volunteered for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1914 joining the New Zealand Divisional Signalling Company as a sapper (military engineer). He won his VC for his actions in laying and maintaining telephone lines under heavy Turkish fire during the Battle of Chunuk Bair at Gallipoli. After the battle he was evacuated from Gallipoli because of ill health and after convalescing in England, returned to action on the Western Front where he was wounded
twice. He was also recommended for the Military Cross for his bravery during the Europe campaign, but this wasn’t awarded. He returned to New Zealand in late 1918, and was discharged in 1919, working for the National Bank in Auckland and Paeroa. He was initiated in The Ara Lodge No 1 (now The Ara Taimau Lodge No 1) in November 1937, and died in Devonport in 1983, aged 90. Scottish-born Lance Corporal Samuel Frickleton came to New Zealand with his family in 1913 as a 22-year old, settling in Blackball (Westland) where he worked as a coal miner. He enlisted with the Canterbury Regiment in February 1915 as a Rifleman and served in Egypt and later on the Western Front, where he was promoted to Lance Corporal. It was during the Battle of Messiness in June 1917 that he won his VC. His battalion had come under heavy fire from German machine gun posts and although suffering from a hip wound, he nevertheless led his section to bomb one of the posts killing it occupants, then attacked a second post, killing its entire 12-man crew. His citation records that his actions saved his own unit and many others from what would have been very severe casualties. Bro Frickleton was wounded twice in the arm and hip and was also badly gassed, and his injuries affected him severely for the rest of his life. He returned to New Zealand in June 1918 where he was accorded a hero’s welcome at the Auckland Town Hall. He worked for a time in Westland and in Wellington, and later as a farmer at Waikanae. He was initiated into KawatitiWestport Lodge No 152 in 1921 and was later a member of Scinde Lodge No 5 at Napier and Taia Lodge No 229 in Kilbirnie. He died in Wellington in 1971 at the age of 80. The Frickleton family paid a heavy price for its FAR LEFT Corporal Cyril Bassett VC, Ara Lodge No 1. LEFT Lance Corporal Sam Frickleton is presented with his VC by King George V in Glasgow in September 1917.
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involvement in the Great War. Altogether nine brothers were involved – one was killed in action in the Battle of Somme, and five were wounded. Leslie Andrew lied about his age to serve overseas during the First World War. The 20-year-old was awarded the VC for his actions during an attack on the village of La Basseville, near Messines. Leading a section of men, Andrew captured a German machine-gun post before stalking a second position and destroy-
New Zealanders, Lance Corporal Cecil Hill, under heavy point-blank fire, broke ahead of the platoon and attacked one post which his platoon was then able to capture. He then attacked another nearby machine-gun post in similar fashion and soon his platoon, and the rest of his company, were able to put the remaining posts out of action. Lance Corporal Hill was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his part in the operation. Two months later in early November,
LEFT Corporal Leslie Andrew, 2nd Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment, 1NZEF.
FUNDS NEEDED FOR MEMORIAL After seven years of planning, the NZ War Memorial Museum Trust has purchased the historic former mayoral residence and surrounding gardens in Le Quesnoy, where it is creating a permanent museum to honour and preserve the history of our involvement in both World Wars. New Zealand is one of the few participating nations that has no permanent or dedicated site in Europe to tell the many remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice, and to remember the New Zealanders who fought and died. The Trust is raising $15 million to complete the project, which will exhibit interactive and precious historic collections and focus on New Zealand’s military involvement in Europe and our significant contributions in both World Wars. Although the Lodge appeal officially concluded on June 30, those still interested in contributing to the project can do so by visiting the Trust’s website (nzwmm.org.nz/ donate) and donating by credit card or bank deposit as convenient. To date, more than $41,000 has been donated to the appeal by individuals and Lodges.
MIDDLE Sergeant John Grant VC, the Hawera Lodge No 34. RIGHT Sergeant Harry Laurent VC, the Taranaki Lodge No 240.
ing it with hand grenades. While his men were carrying back the captured guns, Andrew and another soldier discovered another machine-gun in a trench. The two men rushed this position too, throwing grenades and clearing it before finally returning to their company. He was a member of St Andrews Kilwinning No 79. Initiated 1922. Passed and Raised 1923. Died 1969 buried in Levin. Brother John Grant, normally known as Jack, was born in Hawera in August 1889 and worked as a carpenter in the district until volunteering in June 1915. He was posted to the First Battalion of the Wellington Regiment with the NZ Expeditionary Force and began service on the Western Front in 1916 with the 7th Reinforcements and was involved in many of the notable battles of the war, escaping largely unscathed. In September 1918, the New Zealand Division was engaged in the Second Battle of Bapaume, when the 1st Battalion came under heavy fire from five German machine-gun posts, which threatened their advance. Bro Grant and another
just a few days before the Armistice, Bro Grant was wounded in action. He returned home to Hawera in early 1919, where he was given a hero’s welcome, and presented with a gold watch. He became a Hawera Borough councillor, and later moved to Paeroa, but he struggled to find and remain in employment, and by 1934 his marriage had broken up and he had been declared bankrupt. Today, it would have been recognised that he was suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. Bro Grant was initiated in the Hawera Lodge No 34 on June 1, 1915, was passed to the second degree by dispensation on June 18 that year and raised two month later on August 13. A year later he was on the Western Front. In 1922, he was a charter member of Lodge Taranaki No 240 in Hawera. He spent the last years of his life in the Roskill Masonic Village in Auckland where he died in 1970 at the age of 81. Bro Harry Laurent was born in Tarata, near Hawea, in 1895, and was working at a cheese factory when he enlisted in May 1915. He was just five foot five inches tall, barely meeting the minimum height requirement. But what he lacked in height, www.freemasonsnz.org
he more than compensated for in courage. In October that year he travelled to Egypt with the 2nd Battalion of the NZ Rifle Brigade, and then on to France in April 1916, where he was wounded in the Battle of the Somme in October. In September 1917 during the Battle of Épehy, Bro Laurent and his platoon of 12 men advanced toward enemy lines on a reconnaissance patrol, when they found themselves well behind the enemy’s line, and surrounded by Germans. Realising this, he led his men in an attack against a machine gun post which they captured, killing 30 Germans and taking others prisoner. What happened next has been described as “audacious, incredible and beyond comprehension.” Although under heavy enemy fire from all quarters resulting in the loss of half the platoon, Sergeant Laurent and his surviving five men entered a German command post, shot and killed the commanding officer who was on the phone seeking urgent assistance, and cut the telephone line. The Germans, thinking they had been overrun then decided to surrender, 21
and came out of the command post with their hands in the air. That day, the six New Zealanders captured one German officer, 111 German soldiers and two messenger dogs. What happened next is equally unbelievable. The six New Zealanders then lead their captives back through the German lines towards the Allied line. Bro Sgt Laurent later wrote his account of this audacious act: “The Germans, seeing the column, began to open to let us through. When we got near, they realised what had happened and that they were prisoners and they started taking shots at us, but they didn’t do any good because they were hitting their own men, wounding and killing them. Two of the men were injured by snipers and a German was killed by a German on the line, so they stopped and we walked straight through. I never had a rifle – I had a revolver and I don’t think I ever took it out of the holster.” Bro Laurent was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and returned to New Zealand and a hero’s welcome in August 1919 and was also presented with a gold watch. He married in 1921 and took up farming. He was initiated in the Taranaki Lodge No 240 in Hawera in April 1942 and was Master in 1959. He later moved to Hawkes Bay and joined Heretaunga Lodge No 73. He died at the home of his son in Hastings in December 1987 at the age of 92, the last surviving Great War VC winner. Another outstanding action in the war in which Freemasons were actively involved was the capture of the walled French fortress township of Le Quesnoy on November 4, 1918. Le Quesnoy had been occupied by the Germans in 1914, and in November 1918 several thousand German troops were holding the town. In what was to become the last major action by New Zealanders in the Great War, the 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade was given the task of capturing the town. Because of the large number of French civilians held captive inside the walls, the New Zealanders knew that it would be impossible to heavily bombard the town, so the decision was made to storm the wall using ladders. In a unique New Zealand action – and what would become our greatest single military success 22
of the war – the New Zealanders clambered over the outer ramparts and the inner walls of the township and captured the town taking 2000 Germans prisoner, without any loss of civilian lives and without destroying any of Le Quesnoy’s historic architecture. Research undertaken by the New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust – Le Quesnoy, indicates that 142 New Zealanders were killed in the action that day or subsequently died of wounds. Four of them were Freemasons.
FROM LEFT A front view of the NZEFMA medal belonging to Bro John Grant VC. The jewels were first made by George Kenning & Son of London in 1919 and ranged from 15 shillings ($1.50) for gilt metal, to seven pound 10 shillings ($15) for 18ct gold. Later they were manufactured by Moller & Company of Dunedin. Some 400 were issued in total. A view of the back of the NZEFMA medal belonging to Bro John Grant VC. The rare shell medal issued by the Sinai and Palestine group of the NZEFMA. The jewel is made from a craved Mother of Pearl shell, and all have the date April 6 1918 engraved on the rear, commemorating the unique Masonic meeting held in the cavern under the Sacred Rock within the Mosque of Omar on that day.
They were: Bro Frank Campbell Larking of The Lion Lodge No 114, Ormondville (killed in action); Bro Kenneth McKenzie of Lodge Kimbolton No 123, Kimbolton (died of wounds, 20 November 2018); Bro Samuel Joseph Poole of Lodge Manga te Weka No 178, Mangaweka (killed in action) and Bro Jack Wenham Hartland of Lodge Ngauruhoe No 205, Ohakune (killed in action). Our warrior brethren were obviously keen to continue their Masonic activities despite the daily struggles and deprivations. The NZ Expeditionary Force established a Masonic Association in France – the NZEFMA – which met for the first www.freemasonsnz.org
time at Armentieres in Flanders on May 16 1916, under the chairmanship of Bro Major (later Lt Colonel) George Barclay of the 4th Battalion, New Zealand Field Engineers, who later became Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. At that time there were about 500 New Zealand Freemasons known to be serving in the armed forces and about 85 brethren from New Zealand, English and Scottish constitution lodges attended that meeting. The stated objective of the NZEFMA was to promote fraternal relationships, organise events of Masonic instruction and lectures, facilitate visits to European lodges, and record the deaths of serving brethren. Membership grew rapidly, with one account stating that by 1919, membership had grown to 1800. A branch of the Association was also formed in Palestine (now Israel) in 1917, which led to the well-known and unique lodge meeting that took place in the natural cavern beneath the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount in Jerusalem on April 6 1918, the history of which is recorded in detail elsewhere. After the war the NZEFMA continued to exist with branches in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and was instrumental in the establishment of Service Lodge No 237 in Dunedin, United Forces Lodge No 245 in Christchurch and Combined Forces Lodge No 284 in Auckland. The Association continues to this day. In the years following the Great War, membership of the Craft grew strongly in New Zealand as it did after the Second World War, perhaps as returned servicemen sought the close bonds and comradeship they had experienced during their time in the armed forces. In the five years after the Armistice, membership soared by 48 per cent from 14,416 in 1918, to 21,320 in 1923. Over the following five years membership growth slowed to 23 per cent. A similar growth was recorded after the end of World War Two. We should all remember the sacrifices and the suffering of our early brethren, and never forget their willing commitment to their duty as men, as New Zealanders, and as Freemasons. Tom Clarke
The sum will be much greater than the parts, says Grand Master elect R
WBro Graham Wrigley is sitting in his NZ Red Cross office in Christchurch talking to me via Zoom. He’s relaxed, dressed casually but smartly and speaks articulately and passionately about the pressing issues facing Freemasonry. But he doesn’t frame them as problems; he sees them as opportunities. Listening to Graham outline his thoughts is like listening to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen discuss his side’s next outing immediately after a lack lustre performance. He’s totally focussed on the improvements he knows his players are capable of, just as Graham is totally focussed on how Freemasonry in New Zealand is on the cusp of something special. A third generation Freemason, Graham begins our interview by relating something his parents said to him many years ago when, as a 15 year old, he left school and started his apprenticeship as a watch maker (he’s actually a qualified Horologist – Google it). “They said if I did my apprenticeship as a watchmaker, I’d have a career for life. Never be out of a job. Well, my parents had my best interests at heart, but things have definitely changed in the watch making business over the years. I think I’d be out of work about now,” he laughs, showing me the smart watch he’s wearing in place of anything Swiss made. Freemasonry runs in Graham’s blood. Not only were his Dad and his Grandfather Brethren, but so, too, were uncles on both sides of the family. And he relates his apprenticeship story to illustrate a key point: as Grand Master elect, he’s concerned to ensure Freemasonry adapts positively to the 21st century and remains relevant in today’s digital age.
Not only were his Dad and his Grandfather Brethren, but so, too, were uncles on both sides of the family
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m a traditionalist. I like and respect the history of Freemasonry and the charitable and fraternal values that underpin our Craft, and I don’t want to change any of that. “But for our organisation to remain sustainable we must also remain relevant. We must understand the environment we are now operating in and we must do all that we can to make Freemasonry attractive to the next generation of Masons who will follow in our footsteps. “I’m not going to drive change and I’m certainly not advocating change for change’s sake. But I do feel there is value in being free to ask questions of ourselves about our organisation, and about how we position ourselves in what – let’s be honest – is a cluttered membership market for many organisations.
“How do we make the experience of being a Freemason as attractive and as compelling as possible?” “For example, how do we make the experience of being a Freemason as attractive and as compelling as possible? Can we do anything we’re not doing now? How best do we appeal to our sons and nephews, for example, whom we might approach to join us?” It’s these twin themes of enhancing the ‘membership experience’, of making it welcoming and compelling, and of inspiring and achieving ‘connectedness’ – both among Brethren and between Freemasonry and the outside world www.freemasonsnz.org
– that Graham returns to frequently in our interview. He talks excitedly about better ‘connecting’ lodges with their communities and vice versa. He talks about the importance of ‘engagement’ and putting ‘a human face’ to the organisation so the local community and the local lodge(s) have a better awareness, understanding and appreciation of each other, mutual respect for each other, and better relationships. He talks about creating ‘a family atmosphere’, which extends beyond a Brethren’s wife or partner, to embrace their whole family, friends and workmates and, by extension, the community. He says this approach to ‘actively living Freemasonry’, taking it beyond the four walls of the lodge and positioning it as still relevant and attractive in today’s fast-paced world is a necessary component of keeping our Craft alive. “Yes we do it now to some extent, but we must make it part of our DNA.” He cites the Australia jurisdictions who have altered the wording of their 23
OUR GRAND MASTER ELECT traditional ‘toast to the ladies’, to a ‘toast to partners and families’. “Times change. And I’d venture that in the last 50 or so years, they’ve changed more rapidly and more significantly than ever before. We have to accept that momentum shift and keep pace with it,” he emphasises. “To stand still as the world moves forward is actually going backwards. “Hold on tight to the fundamentals of Freemasonry but be willing to evolve and adapt.” And this is where Graham shifts the discussion to one of his favourite topics – people. He says people are critical to our organisation, and everything we do
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is for, and about, people. Not just people in our lodge, but for everyone around us and in our communities. “The more we connect and build relationships and communicate with these wider networks the stronger Freemasonry will be.”
“The more we connect and build relationships and communicate with wider networks the stronger Freemasonry will be.” Graham sees this concept expressed well in his professional capacity. In his two main career choices in the NZ Fire Service and with NZ Red Cross people have been critical to the organisations’ success at a strategic level and to the team’s success at an operational level. “You can’t enter a burning building without the total and unwavering support of your crew. They have to have your back and you have to know it and have theirs. “As an aid worker or first responder in an emergency situation your first job is to help people, but you need a team of people around you to do your job well.” And here Graham is speaking from personal experience. During his five years as a watch maker, he joined the Hawera Fire Brigade as a volunteer in 1966. Two years later he was in Wellington as a permanent paid firefighter helping to rescue survivors of the Wahine Ferry disaster who made it to the Seatoun shoreline.
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He was appointed into the Service’s executive ranks in 1980 at age 33 and was then selected to attend the prestigious Brigade Command Course at the Fire Service College in England. He spent four months there with a focus on high level management and command. Along the way, Graham was elected on to the International Council of the Institution of Fire Engineers, and in 1993 was elected as the first International President, and first President outside of the United Kingdom. In another ‘first’ he was appointed as the Chief Fire Commander for Otago at the age of 43 – the youngest chief in New Zealand at that time. Unfortunately, the first major incident in which he was involved in that role was the Aramoana shooting where 13 lives were lost. After serving a stint as Chief Fire Commander for the Wellington Area, a position he held for eight years, he retired from active service and moved to Christchurch as the Regional Director for the Canterbury West Coast Region of New Zealand Red Cross. Graham’s had various roles in over 20 years working for the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. He’s acted as the Director General for six months and worked in Vanuatu as acting Chief Executive assisting in the recovery processes following the devastation of several cyclones. He’s now the Red Cross’ Head of Education and Training. Graham’s professional history is valid because so much of it centres on managing and connecting people and moulding them into high performance teams with common goals and agreed approaches to solving problems. And he makes his earlier points about the importance of people to the future of Freemasonry, and about the need for connectedness and communication, because of his concern that some lodges can, unwittingly, fall into the trap of operating in isolation. They can become separated from their community, and their community separated from them. “Just because we are a close-knit family of Brethren in a fraternal society
OUR GRAND MASTER ELECT doesn’t mean we can disconnect from what’s happening around us,” he says. Some lodges can also become invisible in their community or can sometimes appear visually to be a bit tired or old fashioned. He says how we present ourselves and our lodges creates public perceptions and reinforces attitudes among those around us, and those attitudes drive behaviours, both our own and those of the people with whom we interact. “A lodge is definitely more than just bricks and mortar – our Brethren make the lodge what it is. But, just for a moment, let’s consider the actual building itself – how does it appear, how is it
“First impressions count, and we need to ensure ours are as positive and as welcoming as possible.” At this point Graham reminds me he is a traditionalist at heart and is certainly not looking to do anything radical. But he is keen to see the organisation and its people continue to actively embrace the new, five year strategic plan and all it entails. And part of that is reflecting on how we can build better connections with our communities, and how we are perceived is fundamental to that. “Our vision talks about adding value to society, by supporting good men, their families, and their communities, and in-
Speaking of strategic plans, Graham tells me he has his own plan, to be implemented when he becomes the Most Worshipful Bro Graham Wrigley. But before readers leap to any conclusions about Graham’s plans for world domination, he’s quick to explain his plan simply identifies the key priorities that he will have to focus on as Grand Master to help bring to life and implement the organisational strategic plan. “I respect the scale and importance of this role and I am determined to give it my best and to live up to the good works of my many hard working and successful predecessors. “So, I’ve put a great deal of thought
branded, what is our signage like, what does the building’s appearance and presentation say about us to an outsider, to someone who comes across us for the first time, or someone from our local community who’s maybe entertaining the idea of joining? “When we look at our lodges with a fresh set of eyes, we have to ask ourselves what message we are sending to our community about our organisation. “Do we appear welcoming, inclusive, dynamic? Do we have a high profile? Are we an organisation that would appeal to a younger man? Does the membership experience look like it might be good value? Can I see myself coming here (to this building) on a regular basis?
itiatives focussed on ‘our community’ is one of three planks in that strategic plan. “We want to actively engage, we want to actively communicate, and we want to actively set about building relationships, both locally and nationally.
and preparation into this as all Brethren would expect me to. “Having my own personal plan means I can set goals for my performance as your Grand Master and measure myself on my delivery.” He says he hopes lodges will also look at our plan and, a bit like him, write their own plans for achieving the goals set out in our bigger picture strategy. “We’ve all got a role to play (once again, Graham emphasises the importance people play in driving an organisation forward) and we can all contribute something. If we all pull together the sum will be vastly superior to the individual parts and we will achieve great things as an organisation.” Daniel Paul
“Just because we are a close-knit family of Brethren in a fraternal society doesn’t mean we can disconnect from what’s happening around us” “This takes our ‘Speak Up’ campaign to the next level and I’m really excited about that, and about how it will continue to benefit Brethren and Freemasonry in New Zealand.”
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OTAGO MASONIC CHARITABLE TRUST
Recognising scholars and supporting community organisations throughout Otago Sunday 16th June, at the Masonic Centre in Dunedin, saw the introduction to the University of Otago Paediatric Fellows and the region’s Freemasons University Scholars, together with the presentation of community grants which, including Dunedin and the rest of the Otago Region, totalled $120,631.
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or almost 100-years four Masonic constitutions were based in the Otago Province, namely the English, Irish, Scottish, and later, the New Zealand Constitutions. In April 1958, representatives from all four gathered to discuss the possibility of establishing a Masonic home for the aged in the city. A committee was created and the following month they formed The Southern Masonic Association. This organisation was officially launched in September 1958 at the Masonic Lodge in Moray Place, Dunedin in the presence of 200 Freemasons. 44 Lodges being represented. This Association became the charitable arm of Freemasonry in the Otago region from then on. In 1976 the name was changed to the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust. While the name the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust had been in force for 41 years, but times changed and it became clear that researchers did not understand that the OMCT was actually and ‘active’ charity. Hence, on 15 August 2016, the name was changed to the Otago Freemasons’ Charity. The original Trust name has been retained for as the charity’s trading name. The Trust started with the Maryhill Masonic Cottages, then the Ranui Home for the Aged, and on to cover every 26
Freemasons Scholarship recipients from the University of Otago: From left Professor Glenn Summerhayes, (University of Otago Masonic Scholarships Committee) Jared Monk, Hetal Shukla, Georgina Cook, Brin Ryder, John Dennison.
part of Otago, with amounts ranging in scope from $100, up to many thousands. Notable recipients include Ross Home, the Otago Hospice, Taieri Court, Tapanui Hospital and the Little Sisters of the Poor. Other worthy recipients include, schools, early learning centres, Scouts, Guides, foodbanks, sports clubs, the Air Training Corps, and outward bound. The Otago Freemasons’ Charity also promotes a Youth Development Programme which is centred around sending young people from the Otago region, on a personal development course. At present this is via a Course management provider called ‘Elwing Discoveries’ who provide a one-week outdoor adventure and personal development course based at Stewart Island on-board a yacht the “Elwing”. The programme caters for 10 participants and, associated with this, the participants also sit two NZ Coastguard Certificate courses. www.freemasonsnz.org
In addition to the disbursal of funds, the Otago Freemasons Charity, also administers a number of specific trusts and funds, including The Boock Estate Fund, which was established from a bequest by WBro Harry Boock. Grants are to elderly Brethren, their wives, widows and family, to help maintain their ‘Quality of Life’ in their own homes or residences. With the closure Port Chalmers Marine Lodge in 2005 the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust, under a separate set of Rules and Guidelines took over the administration of the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge Bursary Trust that, annually, assists a student from the Port Chalmers area toward the cost of tertiary education. In 2013 VWBro Fred Staub left a bequest to the OMCT for Educational purposes. Because of his long association with the teaching of art in Dunedin, including being a Head of School, at the Dunedin School of Art, the OMCT
Youth Development Programme course presenters and recipients, Ross Hudson (Chairman), Christine Garey (Dunedin City Council), Alise Arnatt, Arlo Forsyth-Priest, Sarah Donaldson, Laurence Mouat, Barbara and Arthur White (Elwing Discoveries)
initiated an association with the Otago programme of seminars, exhibitions and Freemasons University Scholars, Polytechnic / Dunedin School of Art. ‘Artists in Residence’. The programme is who had received their scholarships at This takes the form of biannual dona- now called “Fred Staub open Art”. Parliament on 8 May were introduced to tions to support the Schools annual the gathering.
Annual Grants Presentation – 2019 This year’s presentation was held Sunday 16 June 2019, at the Manor Place Masonic Complex and attended by over eighty people. The Trust Chairman, John Dennison, welcomed everyone and spoke of the foresight of the early Otago Freemasons who set aside funds for charitable purposes and invested wisely allowing the Trust to be able to make charitable grants across Otago today. Professor Barry Taylor, Dean of the Dunedin Medical School, then spoke about some trends and research going on in Otago concerning Paediatrics and
The Hon Michael Woodhouse with Carol Tippet and Heather McKenzie from Parkinsons NZ.
early Childcare, including the effect of modern living on way children are care for. Particularly how important the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is in determining their future health. John Steele then spoke about the work of the Otago Oncology Research Project and how it was working at the cutting edge of cancer treatment particularly in T-cell Research. Certificates were presented to Kahla Tyson from the Hugh Montgomery Trust, and to local Dunedin participants in the Youth Development Programme,
The Hon Michael Woodhouse with Elizabeth Harrax and Kevin Dale from Mosgiel Elderly Care Trust.
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who had been on a week long course on Stewart Island aboard the yacht ‘Elwing’. Sponsorship of the Dunedin School of Art via the Fred Staub Open Art Fund followed before the Deputy Grand Master, Graham Wrigley, congratulated the Trust on its contribution locally, and he spoke of the continued support by Freemasons to both medical research and local community projects. Community Grants were then presented to recipients in the Greater Dunedin area by the Hon Michael Woodhouse MP.
The Hon Michael Woodhouse with Diedre and Nigel Tucker from the Music for Dementia Trust.
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The Freemasons Paediatric Fellowships at the University of Otago In 1982 a report on child health was published. Although it stated that a New Zealand child did have a better chance of survival than ever before, it suggested that the health care record for children could not rest on its past achievements. Mindful of this, a meeting was set up between the Wellington Clinical School Paediatrics Department (part of Otago School of Medicine) and Freemasons New Zealand. At this inaugural meeting they were able to discuss and highlight the critical factors in child health care in New Zealand.
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t was believed by those attending the meeting that one of the basic problems facing child health in New Zealand was the lack of research funds available to pay a research registrar or registrars based at Wellington Children’s Hospital. Such a grant would ensure proper longterm co-ordination of research activities, the opportunity to investigate child health issues, and would also help retain highly qualified medical staff in New Zealand who would otherwise be forced to undertake research overseas. At that meeting the critical factors facing child health in New Zealand were highlighted as a high incidence of respiratory diseases in New Zealand children especially amongst the Maori, further research was required into the problems of the newborn, research into morbidity and the need for up to date data on child cancers, accidents involving children and childhood anemia. Freemasons NZ undertook this challenge in 1988, providing the NZ Freemasons Postgraduate Fellowship in Paediatrics and Child Health. Discussions are held each year between The Freemasons Charity and the Otago University School of Medicine to award a new Fellowship. Since 1988, including the $500,000 granted to set up the original fund, the commitment of The Freemasons Charity in its support of the Chair of Paediatrics exceeds $1.8 million dollars. The current Paediatric Fellows, who were introduced at the ceremony are Shayama Ali and Shaun Ho.
war-torn nation and has been our home since 1995. I am very grateful and want to give back to New Zealand as much as possible. I have attained a double major in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and a first-class Honours in Pharmacology and Toxicology. I was fortunate to be accepted by Professor Sadleir and Laureate Professor Scheffer as a PhD candidate and to work in the Epilepsy Research Group at University of Otago, Wellington. Working with this paediatric clinical research group has been a truly humbling experience. Seeing first-hand the impact of severe epilepsy on children
Shaun Ho Shaun is a general paediatrician and paediatric gastroenterologist who trained in Australia and Canada. In his work, he sees many children needing an endoscopy to evaluate various intestine diseases. Endoscopy is considered an invasive procedure for children, as most children will require a general anaesthetic for the procedure. He developed an interest to find alternative less invasive and more accessible approaches of assessing the intestine without the need for endoscopy assessment. For this, he decided to return to university, pursuing a full-time PhD at the University of Otago Christchurch. Shaun is very grateful to receive this year Freemasons Fellowship. This opportunity has allowed him to focus on developing and evaluating novel tests using saliva, urine, stool and blood to reflect intestinal damage in children with coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The outcomes of his research aim to provide insight into non-invasive options of diagnosing and monitoring children with coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Shayma Ali In her own words Shayma says. “New Zealand took in my family from a 28
and their families has motivated me to help develop therapies which will have a positive impact in their lives. My main aspirations include establishing a New Zealand Epilepsy Clinical Trials Network, increasing our access to novel therapies and ultimately to initiate and lead global epilepsy clinical trials. The Freemason’s Fellowship has provided me with incredible support, without which I would never have been able to continue my research journey or have the opportunity to work with Professor Sadleir’s world-class research team.
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Beyond the Fellowships Previous recipients of Freemasons Fellowships have gone seamlessly on to greater things either at the University of Otago or, although elsewhere, maintain close contact with the University.
Dr Braeden Donaldson
Dr Melanie Grant
Dunedin researchers, including Dr Donaldson, are using part of a virus used to control rabbits in Otago, as a way to attack cancer cells, possibly saving human lives. The outer shell of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, stripped of its genetic material, is also being used by University of Otago scientists in a bid to eventually develop a universal cancer vaccine. Much more work was needed, Braeden says. “Rabbits and cancer were both good at hiding, multiplying quickly and inflicting damage. The prospects for this type of vaccine could be very high.’’ The aim of the work, across several faculties, was to use virus-like particles, formed from the outer capsid protein cap of the calicivirus. The particles contained no virus genetic material, so could not infect or replicate, but still stimulated the immune system very strongly. The pathology department’s overall research focus included melanoma and colorectal cancer, as well as breast and prostate cancers. The research included testing the vaccine with immune cells isolated from colorectal cancer patient samples, provided by Dunedin Hospital. Clinical trials were likely within a few years. Braedon is confident that we are getting very close to beating this disease. His earlier doctoral studies were also supported by a $75,000 PhD study grant from the Freemasons Southern Oncology Fellowship
Leading cancer researcher, Dr Melanie Grant, enjoyed her first career as an air hostess, later working in small business with her husband, Darryl, until 2005, working in a third career role as a natural nutritionist and, later, completing her PhD at Otago University by 2016. These days, aided by a Freemasons Fellowship, she has a University of Otago doctorate in T-cell immunotherapy and is undertaking postdoctoral work at the Children’s National Medical Centre in Washington DC, in the United States. Melanie’s research was the subject of an article in the March issue of New Zealand Freemason. Melanie was due to speak at the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust Presentation Ceremony on 16 June. Unfortunately, fog at Christchurch Airport prevented her reaching Dunedin in time and her paper was read to the attendees. What follows are some brief extracts. Arriving the next day, a luncheon was arranged and her work was well reported in the Otago Daily Times. “To speak briefly about my work in particular, I work with a team of clinicians and researchers who are trying to find new and less toxic treatments for children with brain and CNS tumours. Our bodies are equipped with the best cancer killing equipment on the planet – our immune system. And we specifically focus on trying to harness the immune response against these cancers.
Braedon Donaldson in his lab. Linda Robertson, Otago Daily Times
Unfortunately, cancer figures out ways to subvert or get around our immune responses, causing the anti-cancer immune response to be shut down or rendered ineffective. We are working to find ways to turn the anti-cancer immune response back on. One of the ways we can do this is by isolating some immune cells called T-cells from patients and putting those T-cells through a training program. In our cell therapy facility, we grow millions of T-cells that are able to recognize and kill tumour cells and we infuse those T-cells back into the patient. Cancer is a complex problem. What we really need is for people to come together to find solutions. We need scientists to design, conduct and analyse experiments but we also need the input, support, interest and funding of many, many individuals and teams. The Freemasons Southern Oncology Fellowship was one of those teams for me personally. They “stood in the gap” providing funding for a PhD scholarship for a 40-year old “re-tread” who had returned to university to re-train for her fourth career. This community group, which desperately wanted to do something to help the cancer problem, backed me to the hilt, providing not just funding but ongoing interest in their investment, including sending me to New York City to present my data at an international
Melanie Grant, centre, with members of the Trust, John Dennison, Les Brennssel, John Steele and Alistair Cowan.
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conference, which led to the offer of a postdoctoral fellowship. I sincerely hope that the investment they made in my training will pay off in new discoveries made, lives extended if not entirely saved and suffering reduced
through new, less toxic treatments for patients with brain tumours. We need community organizations like the Freemasons to exist and we shouldn’t underestimate their impact. They can make things happen that Government and other funding bodies can’t. A special
thank you to the Freemasons Southern Oncology Fellowship for all you’ve done to aid cancer research in NZ. We scientists cannot do what we do without the efforts of people like you who free us to focus on our work. Thank you for your vision and your leadership”
A plain Freemasons guide to cancer In her paper read by John Dennison at the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust function, Melanie Grant described cancer therapy in terms of terrorism. “One of the biggest struggles we have as cancer researchers is trying to distinguish the ways in which cancer genes and tissues differ from normal genes and tissues. I recently heard an analogy that likened cancer to domestic terrorists. I’m acutely aware that NZ recently experienced a heinous incident of domestic terrorism and the impact and enormity of this awful event is fresh in all our minds. Bringing up that dark day is the last thing I want to do today. However, the analogy is a sound one and, just like terrorism, cancer is a life or death situation. There are many factors that allowed the terrible acts of that day to be carried out but one of the factors that made that incident difficult to prevent was that the perpetrator looked just like us in how he dressed and spoke. It’s the same with cancer. The brain tumour cells that I study look just like normal brain cells but it’s their minute differences in genetic code, perhaps a single amino acid change in a protein strand, that makes them behave in different and destructive ways. If domestic terrorists wore the uniform of a foreign army they’d be easy for the police and special forces to identify and target. But they don’t, they blend in making them difficult to find. So, the police and special forces like the FBI and the CIA and Interpol work together and they gather intelligence and they
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discover that the domestic terrorists like strawberry ice cream. Thus, in the interests of the greater good, they poison all the strawberry ice cream in the country. This kills a lot of the terrorists but unfortunately some good citizens also like strawberry ice cream and, unfortunately, they also get poisoned. This is analogous to when we use chemotherapy to poison the cancer cells. Sometimes domestic terrorists might be hanging out all in one location, for example, Manhattan Island in New York City. The police and FBI might decide to bomb Manhattan Island to get rid of the terrorists. Again, some collateral damage to the healthy citizens but done in the interests of saving the whole country. This is like when we use surgery to cut out a discrete tumour, for example if a cancerous kidney can be removed while the cancer is enclosed in the kidney capsule this surgical removal can cure the cancer. But, what if some of the terrorists managed to escape from Manhattan? What if some of them flew off to San Francisco or Vermont? This is what happens when cancer metastasizes or spreads. It becomes much more difficult to locate and treat without harming nearby healthy body parts. And so, the police and FBI need to find the answers to many questions – how did these people travel to San Francisco? Why did they go to San Francisco and not Colorado? How are they living in San
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Melanie in Dunedin. Linda Robertson, Otago Daily Times
Francisco? How do they pay the rent? How do they eat? Who among the local citizens are supporting them? In short, how do they survive? These are the exact same questions we are asking as cancer researchers – why did the cancer metastasize to the liver? How is it able to thrive there and not in the lungs? What are the cancer’s points of weakness? What do they like to eat? How do they get around? What healthy cells support the tumour’s growth? Where are the points of intervention that we can target? There are still a lot of questions to be answered.”
A Lodge room hidden in plain sight B
efore I left NZ I had found out about a lodge room re-discovered in the Great Eastern Hotel built in 1884 beside the Liverpool Street Railway Station in London. On visiting I discovered the hotel does not conduct regular visits to the Lodge Room but the staff arranged a private visit on a quiet time on a Sunday Morning especially when they learned I was visiting from NZ. The lodge room was located adjacent to the railway station in the Hotel one of London’s first railway hotels. The hotel was built as a show of the railway companies’ great wealth and it had its own railway track to deliver the daily provisions including salt water for the hotel’s salt water baths. The Lodge room was secretly built in 1912 within the hotel to attract a certain class of patronage. A Masonic Lodge Room in a hotel sounds strange now, but in the 1800’s it was not unheard of. The Freemasons assisted in the construction of the hotel they were given a room to meet in. Quite a generous gesture as it cost £50,000 (about $100,000), £4million in today’s money ($8million) This was known as the Grecian Temple and without a doubt the best and most ornate lodge rooms I have ever seen. There are 12 types of marble used in its construction, large amounts of gold leaf, bronze
candelabras, a grand pipe organ and mahogany furniture with jewel emblems of the officers on each of them. A private tunnel linked the lodge room to the railway platform As cars replaced rail transport, other hotels competing for business and the hotel having dropped the ball somewhat and deteriorated into a dusty relic and lost favour with the patrons. In the 1990s was to be given a stylish makeover architects and engineers found anomalies in the old plans and after a bit of detective work they removed a wall and found a wood paned anteroom next to this incredible lodge room. Today the hotel is part of the Hyatt Hotel Group, and the Great Eastern Hotel is now known as the Andaz Hotel. My guide said that Lodges do meet there but I cannot find any reference on the Grand Lodge of England website if that is the case. I did find, however, the St Laurence Lodge held a special meeting there. The Lodge Room is used by the Andaz as an events venue. If you don’t move in circles swanky enough to be invited along to such things, you can normally get a look inside the room on Open House weekends every September. Maybe if you are visiting London if you contact the hotel like me you may be lucky enough to have a personal visit given by the hotel Concierge staff. Bruce Hebbard
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Bowling to keep navigation rolling
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t’s no secret times are changing, with new ways to do old things there is seemingly always room for improvement. But is this still the case? Northland Freemasons give a good example of
keeping things simple to do good in the community. On the 27th of November, they will be hosting the 50th edition of their fundraising bowls tournament, a great achievement. This year 32 different
LEFT See WBro Harry Gray with VWBro Kevin Burch DistGM inspecting the iPads in action. The first of the two helicopters conducted its first test flight on 5 August. RIGHT The iPad placed alongside the helicopter dashboard. They can display an array of different navigational tools at any one time.
teams of four competed. The tournament itself lasted one day, a highlight being a raffle consisting of donated prizes. This community event has done a wealth of good work over the last half-century, this time around there is a focus on local emergency services. The tournament fundraised for new navigational equipment for two new emergency service helicopters. The navigational equipment in question? Four ipads. As it goes, ipads can do more than browse the web and check your inbox, and they can play a critical role in streamlining the navigation process for pilots. The addition of the ipads to the helicopters will greatly improve mapping efficacy and general visibility, something that is critical in any emergency setting. Given the area these helicopters cover is from Cape Reinga to beyond Auckland, they are a welcome addition.
Stretching out for a needed stretcher
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n Lower Hutt, another bowls tournament has also taken place. The goal of this is to raise funding for the Life Flight Trust, another community asset taking to skies to save lives. This tournament happened on the 31st of March and was hosted by the Hutt Valley Lodge. The weather on the day was reported to be phenomenal, an infrequent occurrence for the region, and the outcome of the event was equally great. Contributions from the event were used in the funding of a new custom-made stretcher, something that
is lightweight, rugged, and the centerpiece of any emergency operation. The stretcher itself will take flight on either the Westpac Air Ambulance or the Air Ambulance Aircraft. The Life Flight Trust is grateful for the support from the Hutt Valley Lodge and The Freemasons This is the third year running for this Charity. Without commu- bowls tournament, and time will tell how nity contributions, many much further positive impact will be had essential items remain on on local communities in years to come! wish lists, not up in the air saving lives.
LEFT The passing of the cheque – much needed assistance for updated rescue equipment. ABOVE A great day out on the green was had.
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www.freemasonsnz.org/charity
A helping hand for hands that help
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he Kind Hands respite care cottage for children is a Whangerei based childcare centre. It specialises in care for children under six who are disabled, medically fragile, or technologically dependent. Significantly, the centre is the first of its kind in New Zealand with registered nurses and early childhood teachers working side by side. Important for a child’s development is ample time to play. Activities like running, jumping, skipping, and throwing, not only aid in physical development, they play a key role in mental development and health and wellbeing in general. With the initiative from Northland Freemasons and The Freemasons Charity, an updated playground has
now been completed for the Kind Hands respite centre. Contributions to the playground include a shaded sandpit, new bark and concrete pathways, a new boundary fence, a water trough, and an outside kitchen. Also included were two new buggies for transportation and an outdoor shed to house them. “Kind Hands started about 12 months ago, it has been a huge undertaking, but we believe in the importance of this work. We are very grateful for all the support we have been given, without which we would not be up and running.” (Sharlene Clements, manager and co-founder of Kind Hands). It took several months to complete the works and to commemorate the efforts
from Freemasons New Zealand a plaque has been made alongside the placing of a commemorative brick. A big hit with the children is the sandpit. “Many of the children are limited in where and what they can play with, meaning it’s their first time in sand. There are no expectations in the sandpit, and it is great to see the children put their imaginations to work.” – Sharlene District Grand Master Kevin Burch was humbled to visit Kind Hands and see the new playground in use “I am very proud for the efforts of Freemasonry here, this is a worthy community service with a strong positive impact for children in need.”
FAR LEFT A path that leads to play! LEFT The water trough getting put to good use. ABOVE Another well placed brick in the local community.
Safety for the Southern Skies
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own south another bowls-based tournament has taken place. On the 7th of March, the Hiram Lodge hosted an annual tournament at the St Kilda Bowling Club. This time approximately 56 players entered in teams of four. The key benefactor from this day on the green was Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust. The Otago Rescue Helicopter trust gives essential emergency air support in the Otago region. Worth noting for this event are the efforts of Lodge Secretary and event organiser WBro Don Barkman and his
wife Wilma. Don ended up having hip replacement surgery on the morning of the event, as good as an excuse as any to refrain from running the event on the day! (he did however help-out organising some raffle prizes before his morning surgery). Luckily Wilma stepped up and
The regional rescue craft, the recipient of the community efforts.
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barring some light rain the tournament went without a hitch. A raffle also took place, prizes consisted of contributions from Lodge members. These included an array of different foods and a few well-known Otago Peninsular trips. The Otago Helicopter Trust is very grateful for the contribution from the day. Like many other community-based organisations, they are often reliant on charitable contributions to bring much needed improvements into reality. 33
Lighting Lyttelton’s Time Ball W
hen I was invited to light the rebuilt historic Time Ball in Lyttelton, New Zealand I first asked to look at the stone that was being used. I recall the project manager asking why, with a look of amazement on his face. I explained that I needed to see which “white” colour temperature would make the stone look and feel amazing. I am sure he thought I was joking but when I showed him the difference he was stunned, as most people are when you show just what effect the correct colour temperature has on stone: another convert to the art of great lighting… This iconic structure was to be rebuilt as a result of the Christchurch earthquakes: Lyttelton is Christchurch’s port. The opportunity to be involved in lighting a rebuilt historic icon was indeed an honour and privilege. The respect for the historic structure and the sensitivity needed in lighting the structure meant that it had to be accomplished in just the right way. The colour temperature and brightness had to be just right and with minimal light spill. The time ball on top of the tower had to be treated as a distinct identity although it was very
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much the principal reason for the tower’s existence. The brief was to light this iconic structure to become a beacon of pride to the community. The architectural historical integrity of the tower had to be respected while enhancing the beauty of the structure by night. There were a few constraints in lighting the tower as it is octagonal in plan with a triangular shaped plinth at the south-facing corner. The challenge was to light evenly all the faces of the octagonal prism, including the plinth that was the odd piece to a perfect octogen. To add to this, the tower was on a sloping hillside. I was mindful of the two types of stone being used, so I tested both stone types to decide on which colour temperatures would be suitable to enhance the stone. I also wanted to enhance the architectural integrity. I did this by shaping the light in such a way that it would separate the two types of stone. The roughness of the stone also allowed for dramatic shadowing, bringing the stone to life. To achieve this the focusing of the vertical angle of the light was critical. I also faded the intensity of the light toward the top of the
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tower and at the same time captured the light spill in the corbels. This produced a cap to the top of the tower and at the same time allowed the time ball its own stardom. Because the plinth interrupted the octagonal shape I needed to find a way to light a structure of 12 metres high with minimal light spill. I wanted to “separate” the two types of stone, as well as lighting each side of the Tower. I needed to have the correct amount of light on the main stone and at the same time create just
Lodge Miramar is remembered in Scotland W
hen Lodge Miramar No 317 was consecrated in 1946, food was still being rationed in the UK following the Second World War, and this was to be the case for another eight years. The new Lodge therefore decided to send food parcels every month to Lodge Camperdown 317 SC, its opposite number in Dundee, which were gratefully received and distributed to the Lodge’s war widows. Lodge Miramar’s first Master was Captain Sydney Holm of the Holm Shipping Company. During a visit to Europe in 1950, when he was secretary of Lodge Miramar, WBro Holm visited Lodge Camperdown on 28 August. After being piped into the Lodge, he was greeted by the Master, Bro George Robertson, with the information that the lodge had made him an honorary member. WBro Holm again attended the lodge on 11 September of that year and, on
behalf of Lodge Miramar, presented a bell to be used in refectory. This was an appropriate gift as it was presented by a sea captain to a lodge with a connection with the Battle of Camperdown, a significant naval battle fought in 1797, during the French Revolutionary Wars. Recently Bro Jim Lyall, of Lodge Camperdown, made enquiries in New Zealand to find out more about the origins of the bell, and as a result has had the bell refurbished, and a plaque added to the base to make sure that its history will not be lost to the lodge. Regretfully Lodge Miramar handed in its charter in 1988, but 30 years later the charity and fraternal goodwill of this New Zealand Lodge is still remembered with fond gratitude by a lodge on the other side of the world. Geoff Coker PGLec Photos: Jim Lyall
the right amount of light shadowing to eliminated. I also needed to light the ball reveal the pointing and by capturing the in such a way that it became “the jewel light spill in the corbels, the light spill was in the crown” of the tower without compromising the tower’s perfect balance. The correct positioning of metal posts around the tower to the exact distance from the tower was critical; each post had a different height, due to the sloping terrain. I also located the time ball lights at the exact position under the ball to minimise light spill wrapping the bottom of the ball with just the correct amount of light. To achieve the correct amount of light on the main stone and correct shading on the pointing I used a special diffusion and glare shield. The stone looks and feels stunning with a warmth that would not normally be placed on such a stone structure but the colour and texture of the stone needed to shine in the correct light. I used the same luminaire for lighting both the tower and the time ball but with different diffusion and colour temperatures. A low colour temperature was
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used to enhanced the red of the ball and these luminaires were located directly under the ball, wrapping the ball with light, yet giving the appearance of the total ball being illuminated. The aiming and focusing of this project were paramount, as one degree of tilt both vertically and horizontally would make all the difference affecting the shape of the light beam. Using correct colour temperatures, precise diffusion, exact wattage for the intensity and most importantly the accuracy and precision of the detailed focusing made this project one of the most challenging of my lighting design career. The detailed preparation in researching the two types of stone used and constant experimentation of the different types of colour temperature gives respect to this historical architectural integrity, and shines as a beacon of pride to the community of Lyttelton. Kevin Cawley Lighting Designer and Senior Warden, United Forces Lodge No 245
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THE MASONIC VILLAGES Trusts merge to enhance service to the Far North The Masonic Villages Trust (MVT), which has until recently operated exclusively in the lower North Island, has now extended its reach to operate retirement villages in Northland.
This development follows the merger of the Trust with the Northland District Masonic Trust (NDMT) in July.
NDMT operates four villages in Dargaville, Whangarei and Wellsford, comprising 78 units in total, including both rentals and Occupier Rights Agreement (ORA) accommodation. Malcolm McKerrow is the Chief Executive of NDMT and has now assumed a role as a Trustee on the MVT Board. He says the merger makes sense for both parties. For NDMT, the arrangement brings economies of scale which will allow investment for the future and the further development of their villages for the benefit of Northland’s elderly community. It also means MVT can expand its vision of providing great care and great communities to even more New Zealanders, underpinning that Trust’s already strong organisation with additional geographical diversity. This means that villages with our shared Masonic, not for profit approach will continue to be available to the people of Northland. “Our two Trusts have shared values and charitable philosophies, a shared Masonic heritage and a shared vision for the future,” Malcolm said. “It’s very pleasing to have negotiated this merger, which was two years in the making.”
The Chief Executive of the Northland District Masonic Trust, Malcolm McKerrow.
Malcolm first instigated the idea of the merger once it became clear NDMT did not have the resources to implement its desired expansion plans.
“MVT has great governance and management structures in place, is vastly experienced and well resourced.
He said NDMT wanted to further develop its service offering in the Far North, but needed additional investment to make that happen. “We thought the best way to achieve our goals was to seek out a like-minded organisation that shared our values and approach, and our Board accepted that strategy immediately, knowing it would be in the best interests of our residents.” There followed a lengthy period of consultation with Freemasons throughout the Far North to gauge their response to the concept. NDMT undertook similar consultation with its ORA tenants and got total support, Malcolm said. The consultation has a two-fold purpose. Firstly, NDMT needed to protect the trust its residents had placed in it concerning their future welfare. Secondly, it had to protect the Masonic and Freemasonry brand in Northland.
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“This merger is the start of something new and it means we can expand and grow in Northland, giving retirees and those who need aged care the kind of support and living arrangements that will benefit them most. “The merger was a no-brainer for me and our Board, and MVT was the only organisation we considered.” Malcolm is currently in the process of formally winding up NDMT, which will be liquidated later this year at its AGM. That will bring the curtain down on a 21 year career with NDMT. Malcolm emigrated to New Zealand from the UK. Back in Blighty, he and his brother co-owned a commercial printing business that also specialised in mail order personalised wedding stationery. They were one of the pioneers of this trade.
“We could have speeded up the process but we wanted to ensure we involved everyone who had a vested interest in this arrangement and get their feedback. It was important to us that we took everyone along with us for the journey.”
To complement the printing business, they opened six retail greeting card shops.
Malcolm say he’s excited about what the merger means for NDMT and for its residents.
He says his four children have always said that Dad would never retire, so “I’m out to prove them wrong!”
But now, he says it’s time for retirement, apart from his Trustee role, and to enjoy life a bit more.
TRUST
The Masonic Villages Trust is a leading charitable aged care provider founded in 1960 by the Freemasons for the benefit of all. The Trust and its two charitable operating companies, Masonic Care Ltd and Masonic Villages Ltd, have an enviable reputation for providing great care, great homes and great communities to older people from all walks of life.
You are simply the best
You know you’ve done well when the boss sits you down with a celebratory afternoon tea and plays you Tina Turner’s ‘Simply The Best’. That’s exactly what happened in August to the staff who work at the Masonic Court care facility in Palmerston North.
being the hardest to obtain and indicating the facility under audit is performing extremely well and providing the best quality care possible.
“Everyone has worked extremely hard and this was a unique and nice way to say thank you,” says Facility Manager, Karen Adrian.
“Hence the celebration,” Karen says. She says a facility’s certification period is one of the key things people look for when considering placing a relative in care.
Karen and her team were celebrating receiving a first time, four year certification audit after undergoing a comprehensive review in July this year. She says they can rightly be very proud of this achievement.
The report assists the public to understand how well a facility is performing – both the positive aspects and the areas where the facility should improve. “Having a four year certificate like ours means our community can be assured their loved ones are getting the most competent, safe and professional care.”
Masonic Court provides rest home and hospital level care for up to 49 residents. The certification audit is undertaken to establish compliance with the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 and the service’s contract with the District Health Board (ARCC agreement). An audit report provides information and evidence about how well, or not well, a facility is meeting those requirements in the standards.
The auditors have written in their report “There are no areas requiring improvement from this audit”. Masonic Court fully attained all requirements with no corrective actions and also achieved three continued improvements ratings. Quite an achievement. Masonic Court Facility Manager, Karen Adrian: “Everyone has worked extremely hard …”
Overseen by the Ministry of Health (MOH), they are designed to ensure facilities are safe and appropriate for residents.
Each audit report is completed by trained auditors, and then provided to the MOH and the relevant DHB for review. The Ministry decides the period of certification, taking into account feedback from the DHB. The audit covers six key outcomes including consumer rights, organisation management, continuum of service delivery, safe and appropriate environment, restraint minimisation and safe practise and infection prevention and control. In total there are 50 standards and 101 criteria within the standards that are audited, as well as the requirements under the ARCC agreement. The audit is evidenced based. Auditors collect information on how well a rest home is meeting the standards in different ways, including: from reviewing policies (over 100) and procedures against the standards and ensuring they are all implemented through observing the facility in action. They undertake interviews and discussions with staff, residents, families / whanau, and health providers, as well as conducting a confidential review of relevant consumer information and records. Auditors also look at the general environment and how staff interact with residents as well as looking at documentation of systems, policies procedures and records. The total hours spent on such an audit is in excess of 50 – so we know it is thorough. Certificates are issued for between one to four years, with the latter
The requirements of a standard or criteria are achieved by ratings of “attainment” and level of risk.
The grading equates to the period of certification you receive. Spot audits are also undertaken at the halfway mark. In this case Karen and her team can expect a no-warning spot audit in two years, just to ensure they have not let their exemplary standards slip over time. “We don’t get any warning and they literally turn up and inspect the facility in the exact same manner – they leave no stone unturned,” she says, which adds to the “anticipation” of audit. A Registered Nurse by training, Karen is considered a local having been born and raised in Dannevirke and lived in Palmerston North for much of her life. Karen’s been running Masonic Court for almost two years. She’s also previously worked for ACC for 10 years and the ACCequivalent in Australia - Workers Compensation in New South Wales - both as Client Services Manager and Business Development Manager. She has also worked in Australia’s Treasury Managed Fund for 10 years. Karen previously owned and operated her own residential care facility in Palmerston North for over four years just before moving to Australia.
The Masonic Villages Trust Head office: Level 6, 15 Daly Street l Lower Hutt 5010 New Zealand l Tel +64 4 569 8512 l www.masonicvillages.co.nz warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz
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Masonic Knowledge This article continues our knowledge of important past events and men who shaped our masonry with the connection between those men, the formation of The Royal Society and modern Freemasonry.
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will recap that William Schaw, born into Scottish nobility, was appointed Principal Master of Works to the Crown in 1583 formulated a set of standards to ensure quality workmanship throughout all the independent stonemasons’ lodges in Scotland, pulled together all operative lodges into an organised body by getting every Lodge to buy into these standards which are now known as The Schaw Statutes. They cover standards of workmanship, training, education, benevolence, behaviour in and outside the lodge. The result was a national body of Freemasons in Scotland that produced high quality workmanship, were educated and became respected as skilled craftsmen. Schaw persuaded the King to lend his support and was delighted when King James VI was initiated into The Lodge of Scone in 1601. Many of the male royal courtiers joined after the King and we suspect that this was the start of the upper classes joining masonic Lodges and therefore the origin of “speculative masonry” as we know it today. James VI became King James I of England in 1603
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and brought much of his culture including speculative Freemasonry with him. There is further evidence in the diaries of Elias Ashmole an upper-class gentleman who records that he and Colonel Henry Mainwaring (an officer in the English army) were initiated in 1646 at a Lodge in Warrington, England. So, we can see that there were Lodges in 17th century England and Scotland admitting speculative Freemasons. Sir Robert Moray was initiated into St Mary’s Chapel Lodge, Edinburgh in 1646 and one of the founders of the Royal Society in 1660. These were troubled times in England with the country recently divided politically (Royalists versus Roundheads) and religiously (Roman Catholicism versus Protestantism). Moray brought together 12 men in London a mix of religious and political opposites who were interested in promoting “science”. It was probably Moray who suggested the Royal Society be founded on ideas from the Schaw Statutes. For example, although discussion and debate be encouraged at meetings, the topics of religion and politics were forbidden. This could explain why the Royal Society existed at all. Christopher Wren was present at the foundation meeting but did not join Freemasonry for another 30 years due to his heavy work load. The historian John Aubrey writes, “This day 18th May 1691 is a great Convention at St. Paul’s Church of the Fraternity of the Adopted Masons where Sir Christopher Wren is to be adopted as a Brother”. Masonic researcher Albert Mackey tells us that Dr John Desaguliers (1683–1744) was responsible for making Freemasonry an institution that noblemen and men of influence wanted to join. Desaguliers was an astronomer, a mathematician and a philosopher in London. Like most academics of those days The Royal Society, London. www.freemasonsnz.org
he was ordained as a clergyman but his ‘day job’ was as a scientist. In 1714 he was employed by the President of the Royal Society, Isaac Newton, as the demonstrator at their weekly meetings. Desaguliers continued his scientific work and produced high quality papers for the scientific journal of the Royal Society’s Transactions. In Freemasonry he was a member of the Lodge which met at The Goose and Gridiron Tavern (later known as The Lodge of Antiquity) as well as several other Lodges in London. He played an instrumental role in the formation of the first (sometimes called the premier) Grand Lodge of London. He became Grand Master in 1719 two years after its formation, organised the first Constitution and employed James Anderson to write it. We can say that Desaguliers was an ardent Freemason and definitely influenced where we are today as Freemasons. William Preston (1742–1818) was a printer in London, initiated in 1763 into a newly formed Lodge No 111 at the White Hart tavern in the Strand, London, under the jurisdiction of The Antient’s Grand Lodge. Several members including Preston were unhappy with the way the ritual had been changed so they decided to move to the newly formed Moderns which worked the old Scottish ways of making a Freemason. One of the major disagreements between the Antients and the Moderns was the content of each degree. Bro Thomas Dunkerley (1724–95) was commissioned to reshape the degree system and he travelled all over England attending Lodge meetings and studying both masonic systems. He formulated the content of our modern three-degree system by keeping the best of each version of each degree and removing “the word” into the Royal Arch Degree. Prestonian lectures exist today. You may wish to investigate other worthy Freemasons that had a bearing on New Zealand: Joseph Banks, Captain James Cook and Sir George Grey. VWBro George Allan PGLec
Serving a local need ANZMRC travelling speaker Lodge Te Puni organises a variety show to fund bladder scanners WBro Mike Kearsley, PDistGDC New Zealand and Grand Orator, Provincial Grand Lodge On Wednesday 5th March members of Lodge Te Puni presented two bladder scanners of Middlesex (UGLE) is the ANZMRC Travelling Speaker for the 2019 Australasian Tour to the CEO of the Hutt Valley District Health Board. This was the result of a fundraising effort by the combined Lodges of the Hutt Valley.
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he Tour has commenced and Bro Mike and Annie have winged their way from their home in England. By the time you read this article the Asian leg will be completed and the Australian leg will be well underway These are the papers that will be printed in the Tour Book “On the Square” and are the twelve papers offered for presentation.
1814, Consolidation and change, the first year of UGLE – the Prestonian Lecture Sir John Soane, architect and Freemason – the first Grand Supt of works The three Cs – Cagliostro, Casanova and Crowley (the bad boys of Masonry?) Rob Morris – the Grand Luminary, couple Lodge members’ his life andofworks immediate family, work for the The Morgan Affairwho in the N.East DHB, United had indicated that staff were fund States raising for equipment that was in short The Roberto Calvi Affair supply for their Patients. The nurses of – a Masonic scandal? Mapu Unit and the Community Health The had North East corServices started selling cakes and ner – foundation undertaking other fundraising efforts to and acornerstones, purchase bladder scanner. Masonicthen myth. Thethe members brought the Units’ The formation of plight to the Lodges and a number of the New Brethren alsoZealand indicated that they had Grand Lodge recently and had to been hospitalised wait for Grand the only scanner to become The Lodge available for their treatment. certificate Lodge Puni decided to hold King Te Solomon’s Temple, fact or a Variety Show to raise funds to complete fiction? the purchase of at least one bladder Four years on the Square – the scanner. WBro Keenan approached musings ofRay an editor many talented artists both within the
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Reflections on the meaning of the Royal Arch
The New Zealand leg of the tour commences on Tuesday 17 September 2019 in Rotorua. It is befitting that the Waikato Lodge of Research (Bro Mike’s) N.Z Research Lodge are hosting this presentation. Two days later in Gisborne we have a unique experience where four Lodges have bonded together to bring this presentation to you. A big thank you to AbercornTuahine Lodge No 76, Lodge Gisborne No 233, Montrose Lodge No 722 and Turanganui Lodge No 1480. Craft and outside, including September is the Hastings his Monday very 23own successful presentation with Lodge Haeata singing son and his Group, and then it’s offBoys. to Dunedin for a presenta‘The Auzzie ’ A plethora tion there on Wednesday 25 of acts was assembled, from September. juggling, dancing (ballroom, On Monday 30 rock-n-roll, traditional Polish), musicalSeptember acts and we have a presentation in even the piping in of a Haggis with Westport and onto the traditional address. Audience Nelson for a presentaparticipation was encouraged and, tion at Victory-Wakatu during intermission, food and drink was Lodge No 40 on 8 available for purchase. October. Along with some very sought after Back to the North prizes for raffles, the support for the Island we have a presentation show was outstanding. The money raised in Wellington on 10 October, Foxton on the night was, with the help of The on 12 October, Eketahuna 15 October Freemasons Charity, able to purchase – thank you Te Awahou and Eketahuna two bladder scanners valued at over $13,000.00 each.
Lodges, New Plymouth 23 October and concluding on 24 October in Auckland with a United Masters Lodge and Masonic Heritage Society presentation. This is not the complete list of presentations however there are small diversions Mike will W. Bro TR McKenzie, MasterBro of Lodge Te Puni, with W. Ray Keenan beBro making and do not be presenting Graham Dyer, Hutt surprised to Valley see him as DHB CEO with one of the two portable a visitor at your Lodge bladder scanners, looking on is Meetings around the Pete Chandler Hutt Valley DHB COO. time he isscanner. in your area. BELOW A bladder At the time of writing this article Invercargill, Christchurch, and Wanganui are still under negotiation – but never fear keep an eye on www.anzmrc.org for updates. At all presentations a copy of the Tour Book will be available for the price of $40 and I know Bro Mike will even sign it for you. Finally a big Thanks for the work of many in helping to put together the 2019 ANZMRC Bro Dr Mike Kearsley Speaking Tour. IfAs youalways requireitany updated information was a tight knit team, please contact me: cheker@xtra.co.nz, encompassing members of the Lodges phone 021 or your Lodge from the Hutt645897 Valley, wives and partners, Contact. and the nurses from the DHB that made With the Tour look this occasion theunderway, success it we was.allThanks forward to an enjoyable and informative are due for the support of local businesses, time in Bro and Mike’s THANK individuals thecompany. performers along YOU with The Freemasons Charity for help Kerryequipment Nicholls in providing such necessary President, Australian and New for the health and wellbeing of Zealand the wider Masonic Research Council community. WBro Mac McKenzie
Seize good photo opportunities, concentrate on ‘action’ not ‘satisfaction’, get names for captions, make notes. If media comes ensure that they are looked after and opportunities set up. www.freemasonsnz.org
Act quickly to spread the word, send press release and captioned high resolution photo, focussing on a newsworthy aspect to local media, district and divisional newsletter and NZ Freemason.
AFTER
Ensure someone is responsible for publicity, arrange for a photographer, plan photographs, involve recipients and find a hook that would interest local media.
DURING
BEFORE
Publicity for your community events – 3 steps
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REPORT Toolkit of hope delights diabetes ‘Champions’
When the Freemasons Foundation-funded HOPE toolkit was unveiled at Diabetes NZ’s Auckland Branch earlier this year, the HOPE ‘Champions’, volunteers working in at-risk communities, were over the moon. The HOPE programme is a community based diabetes prevention programme that has had Freemasons Foundation assistance for some years. Community, family and individuals are drawn together to learn about healthy food choices and physical activity as ways to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.
The toolkit and the team working against diabetes: L to R - Harpreet Kaur (NZ Sikh Women Association), Jagjinder Kaur (Papakura Gurudwara), Ranbir Kaur (NZ Sikh Women Association), Nogii Ikihagai (Manurewa/ Clendon Community), Iliana Fusitua (DNZAB), Sheena Duffy Vakatale (DNZAB)
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iabetes is caused when blood glucose levels are too high because insulin is absent or not working correctly. Type 1 diabetes is an “auto-immune” condition. Basically the body sets up an attack against the cells that make insulin. The result is that the body does not produce any insulin (or very little). Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.
The HOPE programme focuses on ‘at-risk’ communities, helping to make long term lifestyle changes Type 2, the most common form of diabetes, is associated with unhealthy diet, being overweight and physically inactive. Either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is present, isn’t recognised. The result is the same: high levels of glucose in the blood. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, eye and foot problems. The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented. This is where the HOPE programme aims to help. 40
It focuses on ‘at-risk’ communities, helping to provide the knowledge and skills required to make long term lifestyle changes, for the whole family/whanau. It is proven to break the cycle of diabetes one family at a time and targeted to ‘high risk’ ethnicities (Pacific, South Asian and Māori) where diabetes has been normalised. It is a four-week interactive course with follow up sessions. Culturally appropriate food and exercise choices are explained. The course is family-focussed, free of charge and enjoyed by people of all ages. Diabetes NZ – Auckland Branch Health Promoter Iliana Fusitua trains and supports volunteer ‘HOPE Champions’, strategic influencers in high risk communities. Recruiting participants and delivering the programme in accessible settings, these Champions are an important bridge to the language and cultural diversity in our communities. Iliana is enthusiastic about these leaders ability to spread HOPE across Auckland helping widen the connection to those in the high risk category. It was the Champions who called for the HOPE toolkit. Designed to appeal to multiple ethnicities, community-specific photos are used with body-part models showing the effects of uncontrolled diabetes.
Proud to support the Community MEDICAL RESEARCH | COMMUNIT Y HEALTH | HOSPICE | ARTS & CULTURE
It was the Champions who called for the HOPE toolkit These plus cards showing sugar and fat content of popular food and drinks serve as confronting visual aids to improve participants’ understanding and motivation. Scales and measuring tapes make it easier to record participants’ progress towards their goals and speakers are provided for music during the exercise sessions.
| HIGHER EDUCATION
Champion, Nogii Ikihagai, expresses her thanks to Freemasons Foundation for the toolkits: “Thank you for our new professional resources, they are everything that we asked for and make the promotion of HOPE very effective”. Diabetes NZ – Auckland Branch Manager, Sheena Duffy Vakatale, adds “We are extremely grateful to Freemasons Foundation for their commitment to the HOPE programme. Together we are leaving a legacy of changed lives where diabetes is no longer part of the future for young people”.
Diabetes NZ - Auckland Branch kindly provided the information for this update.
Orchestra programme inspires our future musicians INSPIRE
There are many examples of young aspiring musicians from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Inspire programme who are making outstanding progress in the professional music world. Tianyi Lu is a shining example. Tianyi started as an APO Young Achiever, studied with APO’s Music Director, and now works regularly as a professional conductor with orchestras around the world. She is the Assistant Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, Principal Conductor of the St. Woolos Players, and regularly guest conducts orchestras around the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Born in Shanghai, Tianyi and her parents moved to New Zealand when she was five. Tianyi began to play the piano at 5 and the flute at 13. Music then took over her life. She completed her Bachelor of Music, First Class Honours at the University of Auckland, then studied at the University of Melbourne and completed her Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting with Distinction at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Tianyi has been involved in the Inspire programme for some years as a conductor – for the APO’s annual Orchestral Summer School, a summer holidays 5-day training programme for young musicians and the Potter Masonic Trust’s Discovery Concert.
Photo by Adrian Malloch
“I went through the APO Young Achievers programme whilst still at school, being inspired by the many exhilarating concerts. APO was my ‘rock band’. It was through them that I decided to pursue a music career – a decision that I am still grateful for every day. I continued to be nurtured by the APO at University – picked out in a conducting masterclass and offered free one-to-one conducting lessons. I have truly been privileged and fortunate to have been involved with the Inspire Programme.” If you are interested in attending free APO Inspire events, please contact the Freemasons Foundation
The Foundation can be contacted at: PO Box 28242, Remuera, Auckland 1541. Telephone: (09) 520 6414 Email: info@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz www.freemasonsfoundation.org.nz Or by visiting 373 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland. Charity Registration No CC27639
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Banners connect chapters in Ashburton Ashburton Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter No 187 S.C. (1881–1907) and The Rose and Thistle Royal Arch Chapter No 35
R
through the local newspaper records for Ashburton Kilwinning and turned up an article in August 1884 where a Mr Rudolph Friedlander, a member of the Chapter and well known grain merchant in the town at the time, had received some banners from England depicting the 12 tribes of Israel. The banners were mounted on brass rods. These were going to be on public display and the public were invited to view them. It is assumed that Mr. Friedlander had donated the banners to the Chapter The Rose and Thistle Royal Arch Chapter in Ashburton, which was consecrated in 1914, have in their possession a wooden box containing 12 banners depicting the 12 tribes of Israel and made in England, The banners being mounted
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www.royalarch.org.nz
ecently while reading a booklet commemorating the 75th celebration of the Rose and Thistle Royal Arch Chapter in Ashburton in 1989 there was an ‘old history’ article, one page, about a previous Royal Arch Chapter which had been operating in Ashburton, this was Ashburton Kilwinning 187 S.C. which was consecrated 2 March 1881 and returned its Charter to Scotland 5 July 1907. The item mentioned all the Principals of the Chapter and as a matter of interest I checked the attendance records of Thistle Lodge to see which members of Thistle Lodge had been a Principal of the Chapter. The Thistle Lodge Attendance Book, dating from 1878, is stored at the Ashburton Museum, and while checking the records the museum staff ran a check
on brass rods. The box appears to have been purpose built to hold the banners. The banners are fresh and brightly coloured and give the appearance of only just having been made even though they are 135 years old and are still in current use for Royal Arch ceremonies. None of the current members know where the banners came from but it is assumed that they are the ones referred to in the newspaper article. What happened to the banners between 1907 and 1914 is unknown. Unfortunately, there are no records of the Ashburton Kilwinning Chapter that we are aware of so we can not check back to see what transpired all those years ago. Attached are photos of the banners and the Chapter Room with the banners all in place.
Grand Proclamation and Convocation NELSON 2020
C
ompanions all, How often to do you get to enjoy both Royal Arch (and Knight Templar) freemasonry AND the delights of the Nelson/Tasman region at the same time? The 2020 Royal Arch convocation is being held at the picturesque Grand Mercure Monaco Apartments near by the Nelson airport. This unique environment was modelled on a small UK village concept all centred on a village green.
The convocation meeting itself will be held in the nearby Nelson Centre for Musical Arts (formally Nelson School of Music) Auditorium. This has only just been reopened after an extensive renovation and earth quake strengthening, and it is spectacular. The star of the show will be the massive internationally renowned pipe organ which will be used during the ceremony. A genuine feast for the ears. There are a number of treats in store. In addition to the normal programme the Knights Templar will be conducting a re-enactment of an initiation Ceremony from the 12th
century for you all to see. This is a really special event and has only previously been demonstrated in the Nelson Area. The dates are 12–15 March 2020, and the convocation committee has been successful in arranging special prices for accommodation for the duration of the convocation as well as for those that wish to add days either before or after the convocation itself. Be there or be (on the) square! Full details can be found here: www.royalarch.org.nz
Deputy Grand Master becomes Principal in the Royal Arch
Graham Wrigley installed as First, Second and Third Principal at Shirley Chapter No 86 in Christchurch.
www.royalarch.org.nz
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Outstanding Service to Freemasonry
WBro Henry Thayer RH A
t the December 2018 meeting of Lodge Wanaka No 277, WBro Henry Thayer RH was presented with his Certificate and jewel for 75years service to Freemasonry. Henry is 94! There was a large number of Freemasons present at the meeting from the Otago Lakes District and the Southland District. Henry was initiated into Lodge Waikaka at their November meeting 1943 and progressed through all the Chairs in the Lodge and becoming Master in 1953/54. In 1993 he shifted to Wanaka and become a member of Lodge Wanaka but also retained his Membership of Lodge Waikaka. He served Lodge Wanaka with distinction and become Master in 1996/97.
Henry is an outstanding ceremonialist and has given every charge in the Three Degrees with his speciality being the 1st and 2nd Tracing Boards, he has been called upon by a number of Lodges in the Otago Lakes District to present these
two charges and has always been pleased to assist them. He has been a very good visitor, and is always well received, and enjoys the company of all Freemasons throughout the area. We congratulate Henry on reaching 75 years of service to Freemasonry and wish him well in the future. The following words sum up WBro Thayer’s dedication to Freemasonry – ‘He is True and Trusty, of good report, and held in high esteem among his Brethren, he is of exemplary character, courteous of manner, easy of address, but steady and firm in principle’. Henry Thayer with Pat Cooney, District Grand Master.
Another 70 Year Freemason
L
yn (Emlyn) Jones Roll of Honour has joined that small group of Freemasons in being awarded his 70 Year Bar. Congratulations from Freemasons New Zealand. The Presentation was made by our Deputy Grand Master Graham Wrigley at United Lodge of Wanganui No 468 on 20 August 2019. His son and daughter in law along with friends and Freemasons were present on this special occasion. Lyn with family, Master and Deputy Grand Master.
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Welcome to our newest Freemasons May – July 2019
David Horner Jocel Aligno Benjamin Evemy Emelito De Torres Michael Hallager Maurice Chittock Mathew Davis Eric Punongbayan Kereopa Ratapu Robert Tomkins Bradley Turner Takayoshi Takei Naor Alfassi-Berman Jack Crann Christopher Burman Meir Alfassi Reece Prewett Nikolai Menkes Daniel Rodello David Bell Bruce Smith Delwyn Chee Samuel Baker Ismael Aragon Angelo Calitz Matthew Bloxham Fernando Ribeiro Ellesar Tabang Joel Nebrida James Sharratt Bruce Knipe
The Ara Lodge No. 1 New Zealand Pacific No. 2 United Lodge of Masterton No. 19 The Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge No. 23 The Woburn Lodge No. 25 Hercules Lodge No. 36 Lodge Rangitikei No. 38 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Victory-Wakatu Lodge No. 40 The Phoenix Lodge No. 43 The Hiram Lodge No. 46 The Te Aroha Lodge No. 52 The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 Papakura Lodge No. 56 Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning No. 82 Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning No. 82 Lake Lodge of Ophir No. 85 The MacKenzie Lodge No. 93 The Havelock Lodge No. 104 Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No. 106 Lodge Winton No. 108 The Forest Lodge No. 116 The Tauranga Lodge No. 125 The Tauranga Lodge No. 125 The Wallace Lodge No. 129 The Wallace Lodge No. 129 The Crown Lodge No. 138 The Crown Lodge No. 138
Jon Bascones Loui Irang Ozgun Sumbuloglu Juan Pachon Blair O’Byrne Dean Hiakita Stuart Granshaw Michael Newlands Nicholas Brooker Leon Bro Augie Macabontol James Pennicott Doshen Macanang Mark Weal Jade Parungao Leonardo Sanchez Colin Webster Janinit Shyamal James Bamford James Upton James Adams Joshua Mack Omar Soltan Dennis Fyck Doug Clifford-Marsh Graham Brooker Mark Ashburner Mark Bunting Philip Haberfield David Ward
Waikaka Lodge No. 151 Lodge North Harbour No. 182 Lodge North Harbour No. 182 Lodge North Harbour No. 182 The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185 Lodge Whakatane No. 198 Lodge Tawera-O-Kapiti No. 253 Lodge Arawhaiti No. 267 Lodge Tuakau No. 278 Lodge Tuakau No. 278 Lodge Kumeu No. 279 Westminster Lodge No. 308 Harmony Lodge No. 325 The Mangere Lodge No. 330 Lodge Eckford No. 334 Ngatiawa-Russell Lodge No. 345 Browns Bay Lodge No. 346 Lodge Mana No. 352 Lodge Orewa No. 370 The Baden Powell Lodge No. 381 Lodge Takahe No. 397 Lodge Arawa No. 406 Lodge Te Atatu No. 414 Lodge Homewood No. 447 The United Lodge of Otago No. 448 United Horowhenua Lodge No. 464 Lodge Waikato No. 475 Lodge Waikato No. 475 The Lodge of The Liberal Arts No. 500 Freemasons New Zealand The Lodge of Up Enlightenment 502 Project ‘Speak for Freemasonry’ No. - Awareness Commencing November 2016
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Being open about Freemasonry is encouraging enquiry from men of calibre and nurturing these new members will bring about a lifelong involvement in Freemasonry. FOR
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Alternative logo
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5 Horizontal open
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Brothers in Freemasonry – Brothers in Scouting Master colour variations
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Bro James Upton after being made an Entered Apprentice Freemason at The Baden Powell Lodge No 381 which meets at the Hutt Freemasons Centre, Lower Hutt.
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FREEMASONRY
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The Last Word! Freemasons New Zealand Crossword
Solution page 6
ACROSS
The Guru’s Cat
2 Northern most Lodge in New Zealand is found in? 4 In which country is the Grand Lodge of China to be found? 6 Country in which Roslyn Chapel is found? 10 Youngest Grand Lodge in Africa? 11 Masonically which Grand Lodge does the Australian Capital Territory belong to (initials and ‘&’)? 12 How many States have Grand Lodges in the USA (two words)? 13 Mid-Atlantic Grand Lodge? 14 Western most Lodge in New Zealand is found in? 16 Southern most Lodge in New Zealand is found in? 17 Country in which the first Grand Lodge was founded? 19 Masonically who look after Papua New Guinea? 20 Name a Grand Lodge in exile?
DOWN 1 Easternmost Lodge in New Zealand is found in? 3 Smallest Grand Lodge in area (two words)? 5 In order of precedence who was the second Grand Lodge to be founded? 7 What European nation has many Grand Lodges but only one recognised by New Zealand? 8 We are sure that this European Grand Lodge is neutral? 9 In the Middle East name one nation with a Grand Lodge? 15 Which Mediterranean Island Nation has all its Lodges in one city? 18 What Carribean island nation aligned with Russia has had a Grand Lodge since 1859?
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In the far distant past in far off India there was a holy man, a Guru. This Guru owned a cat of which he was most fond. However during prayers the cat wandered among the faithful and rubbed itself on the people, like cats do. This caused some consternation among the faithful who complained that the cat disturbed their meditation. The Guru thought about this and decided that during prayers the cat should be tied up, and so it was that whenever there were prayers the cat would be tied up. Years down the track the Guru died. His followers discussed what they should do with the cat. It was decided that to keep faith with their Guru they would continue to tie up the cat. Many more years later the cat died. The followers again had a meeting and wondered how could they tie up the cat now? They decided that they would acquire another cat so that they could keep up the tradition of tying up the cat during prayers. By this time of course the reason for tying up the cat had been lost. Brethren, this story is attributed to Anthony de Mello, a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist who lived in India. It is not a Masonic story, but when we think of some of our practices and customs, are we tying up the cat?
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SERVICE AWARDS May – July 2019
70 YEARS BAR WBro Raymond James Wakefield PM
The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12
60 YEARS BAR VWBro Roger Rowland Thorlby Hill PGDC WBro John Robert Snell PM WBro Leslie Ewart Gladstone Turner PM WBro Desmond Wilfred Scarlett PM Bro Bruce Walter Guise MM WBro George Kidney PM RWBro William Arthur Earle Robinson PGW WBro Noel Ainsley Anderson PGStdB WBro Donald Sinclair Sutherland PM Bro Frank Carroll Seccombe MM WBro David Mervyn Millard PM WBro Roger Erle Wills PGD
The Woburn Lodge No. 25 Lodge Wairoa No. 55 The Mokoreta Lodge No. 63 The MacKenzie Lodge No. 93 Lodge Manuherikia Kilwinning No. 109 Ikaroa Lodge No. 115 The Tauranga Lodge No. 125 The Saint Bathans Lodge No. 126 Lodge Te Puke No. 261 Lodge Parahaki No. 269 Lodge Selwyn No. 274 Lower Hutt Lodge No. 299
50 YEARS BADGE WBro Howard Ernest George Moore PM Bro Philip Lawrence Pearson MM WBro Alexander William Familton PM WBro Allan John Beaton PM WBro Grahame Clifton Williams PM WBro Michael John McCliskie PM WBro Leslie Arthur Simpson PM WBro William Barry Cleaver PGSwdB WBro Norman Rex Bartlett PM WBro Ronald Martin Reichs PGBB RWBro Peter Grahame Aspden P Dep GM Bro Leslie Bernard Humphries MM WBro William Alexander Bannerman PM WBro Trevor Eugene Carter PG Std B WBro Michael Martin Bearman PM WBro Edward Duncan Willson PGS VWBro Owen Chalmers Davies PGDC WBro Roderick Brett Jordan PM WBro Patrick Cecil Marshall PM WBro Michael John Hanly PM WBro Donald Keith Wilson PGSwdB WBro Donald Edward Lyons PM
The Ara Lodge No. 1 Patea Kilwinning Lodge No. 18 The Palmerston Lodge No. 26 The Waitohi Lodge No. 111 The Lion Lodge No. 114 The Forest Lodge No. 116 The Forest Lodge No. 116 Lodge Otaihape No. 142 Lodge Waikaremoana No. 158 Onehunga Maungawhao Lodge No. 168 Lodge North Harbour No. 182 Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225 Lodge Doric Brighton No. 236 Lodge Nelson No. 288 The Herbert Teagle-Taia Lodge No. 300 Lodge Pukemiro No. 301 The Lodge of Remembrance No. 318 The Lodge of Remembrance No. 318 The Lodge of Peace No. 322 Lodge Orewa No. 370 Lodge Apanui No. 395 The Pakuranga Lodge No. 416
www.freemasonsnz.org
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Invest in the Freemasons Deposit Scheme to invest in New Zealand Heartland Bank is proud to be the Freemasons Deposit Scheme partner. With roots stretching back to 1875, Heartland Bank has a proud history of providing families, small-to-medium sized businesses and farms with financial solutions to help them achieve prosperity. Through our partnerships built on shared values, Heartland Bank is working with Freemasons New Zealand to support the Cra in local communities, while providing Freemasons and their families with competitive interest rates on their deposits. To discuss your specific requirements,contact a dedicated representative on 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62) or email freemasons@heartland.co.nz.
Freemasons New Zealand is not a promoter of and does not guarantee the obligations of Heartland Bank Limited in relation to Heartland Bank deposits. Heartland Bank’s current Disclosure Statement, Product Fact Sheets and Account and Service General Terms and Conditions are available at heartland.co.nz or by calling 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62).