NZ Freemason magazine Issue 4 December 2017 by Freemasons New Zealand

Freemason NEW ZEALAND

Issue 4 (Vol. 45), December 2017

300 & 175

Both a good innings

www.freemasonsnz.org

Buffalo Beach, Whitianga. David Wall

In this issue From the Editor 2 Hot Off the Press 3 Grand Master’s visits 3

Grand Master 4 300 not out

President of the Board 4 Present and future

Executive Director 5 A time to reflect

Clyde celebrates 150 Years of Lodge Dunstan No 103 20

Freemasons New Zealand 2016/17 Annual Report 21

FREEMASONS New Zealand

2016/17 Annual Report

Raising the roof 33

THE FREEMASONS CHARITY

www.freemasonsnz.org 1

Grants 101 34 All Projects Great and Small 35

News clips 6

Speak Up for Freemasonry 8

Reducing asthma and allergies this summer 36

A work in progress Have Your Say 10

Freemasons Foundation Report 38

Freemasons and ANZAC Day 2018 11 Partners in Freemasonry 40

FREEMASONS IN ACTION

Masonic Villages Trust 42

Golf Balls Galore 12

Royal Arch 44

Lodge Celtic No 477 SC celebrates 150 years 12

Badge presentation a family affair 46

Spuds, buckets, Alzheimers and Freemasons 13

What makes men stay for so long in Freemasonry? 46

Pioneer Lodge celebrates 175 years in Three Acts 14

300th Anniversary Celebrations of the United Grand Lodge of England 18

Welcome to our newest Freemasons 47 The Last Word! 48 Service Awards 49

COVER PHOTOS HRH Duke of Kent, Grand Master United Grand Lodge of England, with Grand Master Mark Winger, at the 300th celebrations. New Zealand Pacific Lodge 175th celebrations, with Justin Lester, Mayor of Wellington.

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From the Editor

FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND

Level 6, Freemasons House 195–201 Willis Street Te Aro, Wellington 6011 PO Box 6439, Marion Square Wellington 6141 New Zealand Ph: +64 4 385 6622 Fax +64 4 385 5749 Email: membership@freemasonsnz.org communications@freemasonsnz.org www.freemasonsnz.org The New Zealand Freemason is the official journal of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed and the advertising content are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of Grand Lodge. Articles appearing in this journal may be reproduced without permission provided acknowledgement of the source is made and a copy of the publication is forwarded to the Grand Secretary. Queries or comments regarding subscription or distribution should be addressed to membership@freemasonsnz.org or the Chief Executive PO Box 6439, Marion St. Wellington 6141. Queries and comments regarding content and advertising should be addressed to the Editor. Contributions to the magazine, preferably in electronic form (e.g. MS Word documents) are greatly appreciated and should be of interest to a wide audience. Photographs should be high quality, preferably in jpg or 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, communications@freemasonsnz.org Royal Arch contributions to Geoff Davies, merlin81@xtra.co.nz Magazines are distributed in March, June, September and December. The deadlines for contributions are the first day of February, May, August and November Layout by Bartlett Projects, Wellington Printed by Fisher Print Ltd, Palmerston North

VWBro Duane Williams MBE, JP, KLJ, PDistGM

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This time of the year tends to focus us on our God, our neighbour and our family (and ourselves too) but as Freemasons we would know that we must try to see that these themes are carried on throughout the whole year. As Freemasons, we are charged to look beyond ourselves to our community and to the wider world and to the betterment of humankind by our own good example. Then bit by bit and as can be best managed by each of us we must try to improve their lot. We should perhaps take stock; by making a list of what we done that is good and right and what we have failed to do. Reflection on these things will give us renewed vigour to do what right and proper. Remembering that good example creates good behaviours in others. “There but for the grace of God go I” – should be our constant mantra; in remembering how lucky we are and how unfortunate others may be and what we need to do to shorten the gap. Spend your year always finding the positive in life and working through the challenges it may throw at you. Give a little, love a little and live a little. 2018 is bringing many changes to our organisation in personnel, location and focus as we endeavour to make our masonic family the centre of everything we do in Freemasonry. Come with us on the journey as only you can make it succeed. This issue contains the Annual Report of Freemasons New Zealand including The Freemasons Charity, Asthma and Summer, first New Zealand Lodge to celebrate its 175th Anniversary, ANZAC Day 2018, 300th of the United Grand Lodge of England, Partners in Freemasonry and much, much more. The New Zealand Freemason magazine is a cover to cover read. We wish all our readers – members, their partners and families, our widows and friends of Freemasonry a Holy Christmas, a happy Festive and Holiday Season and all the very best for the New Year.

Hot Off the Press Southern Divisional Conference

Central Divisional Conference

Northern Divisional Conference

2–4 March 2018 Methven

24 March 2018 Palmerston North

21 April 2018 Auckland

www.themasons.org.nz/sdiv

www.themasons.org.nz/cdiv

www.themasons.org.nz/ndiv

A great way to involve yourself in the management of our organisation, learn new things and have lots of fun and fellowship.

Central Division Conference – change of location The Central Division Conference has been changed, from New Plymouth to Palmerston North, due to some major events happening in New Plymouth at same time which has made accommodation difficult to obtain. It is still on Saturday 24 March 2018 but in Palmerston North.

Divisional Conferences Lodges need to appoint their delegate or proxy prior to their Divisional Conference by Friday 2 February 2018 and we have the holidays for the next month or so. Please get your Lodge Commission Form into Freemasons New Zealand urgently.

Remember that those wishing to attend Divisional Conferences also need to register for that conference with your Division and registration and details for each Divisional Conference will appear shortly on your Divisional Website or can be obtained from your Divisional Secretary.

Australian Grand Installations Our Grand Master Mark Winger would appreciate the company of Brethren and their partners, to the four Grand Installations in Australia in 2018, in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth. National Office has received, so far, Registration, Programme and

Accom modation details from the United Grand Lodge of Victoria 6–9 April 2018 and the Grand Lodge South Australia and Northern Territory 20–23 April 2018. Please contact communications@freemasonsnz.org if interested for information.

GRAND MASTER’S VISITS 17–19 Nov 2017 300th Celebrations of District North Island New Zealand United Grand Lodge of England, Rotorua

9 Dec Visit to Nelson Malborough District, Picton and Blenheim.

23–25 Nov 175th Celebrations of New Zealand Pacific Lodge No 2, Wellington

19–21 Jan The St Andrews Kilwinning Lodge No 79 150th Celebrations, Wanganui

18 Jan 2018 Lodge Kauri No 474 1st Degree for Lewis, Auckland

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27–28 Jan 60 Year Bar RWBro Jim Logan PGW, Waipukurau and Palmerston North 21 Feb 70 Year Bar WBro Harry Atkinson, Auckland 2–4 Mar Southern Division Conference, Methven

GRAND MASTER

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

300 not out

Present & future

Greetings What a wonderful experience, and how fortunate I was to represent the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in London at the Tercentenary of the United Grand Lodge of England. I hope you found my daily blogs to be of interest. The Deputy Grand Master was my photographer and writer – using the technology created by Russell Pratt, we completed twice-daily reports on our activities in Europe – and all made available on the Divisional websites. There is more information elsewhere in the magazine so let me focus on one or two aspects of the events which stuck in my mind. At the main event on 31 October 2017, there were 137 Grand Masters from all round the world together at the one place, celebrating freemasonry. That in itself was a record, and illustrated the importance of the events. There are some 196 Grand Lodges recognised around the world in many countries and locations, demonstrating the reality that freemasonry is indeed spread to the four corners of the world. The Grand Lodges are all ranked by their age – the date they were formally recognised by UGLE – and for New Zealand we were ranked as the 75th oldest Grand Lodge (out of 196). Experiencing the Royal Albert Hall full to the brim with freemasons in regalia, celebrating our organisation, singing some fine traditional anthems, with orchestral backing, artistic direction

and a specially scripted stage show. Unbelievable. However, mindful I was travelling half way round the world to attend this spectacular event, I was determined to also strengthen our bonds with the Scottish and Irish constitutions – and hence the trips to Edinburgh and Dublin where we were warmly received, and we presented each with a fine carved waka suitably inscribed, While in the UK, I had the opportunity to talk with freemasons about their ideas and experiences, to learn from them and to share with them our ideas and projects. Naturally the Speak Up For Freemasonry campaign received a regular airing, and was very well received by our sister Grand Lodges many of whom expressed interest in finding out more about the detail. I have brought back a few thoughts which the Board of General Purposes can grapple with over the coming months, which also goes to demonstrate the benefits of meeting internationally with fellow-masons, to keep the ideas flowing, to ensure we are not getting isolated from main-stream freemasonry, and to ensure we remain a force on the international stage. I was delighted with the support shown by brethren and our ladies to the visit to UK, on Facebook, the Divisional blog page and elsewhere. It is an occasion to rejoice in Freemasonry, to recognise the universality of the order, and to partake in a worldwide celebration of the good work that we do. What a great way to start 2018! Mark Winger Grand Master

Dear Brother Winger, It was a pleasure to welcome you to our Tercentenary Celebrations in London. It was very kind of you to make a presentation. The miniature traditional Māori canoe in box is currently on display in a special exhibition in our Museum and will be incorporated into our permanent collections. Please pass on to your Brethren our thanks for their generosity. Yours sincerely and fraternally, Grand Master [HRH the Duke of Kent KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC United Grand Lodge of England] 4

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I remember (as if it was yesterday) writing my first article as President of The Board for New Zealand Freemason magazine. But, it wasn’t yesterday, it was a year ago! So it is timely to look back on 2017 to acknowledge and celebrate the advances we have made. Throughout the year the Board has continued its focus on improvements in the areas of Membership, Communications and Finance. Programmes such as the Speak Up campaign, changes to the structure of National Office and the sale of Freemasons House, have begun to produce results – but it is early days yet, and we need to continue the momentum we have started. Speak Up for Freemasonry. This initiative covers two of our three areas of focus, namely membership and communications. It has provided the platform and impetus we needed. Many of us (not all) are now actively and openly talking about Freemasonry and its values, not just within our Lodges but also our communities and within wider audiences. Many events have been organised that have seen Lodges open their doors and engage more with their local communities – with some great coverage in local papers. This increased openness will (I am confident) result in increased membership over time. Also several Lodges are now trialing the Facebook recruitment initiative that was showcased at the divisional meetings. These are at various stages – but several have now resulted in new members being introduced. It is also pleasing to report that Speak Up for Freemasonry not just motivated Freemasons in New Zealand, it has received interest from Freemasons around the world, with requests to use the material being received from Australia. America and the United Kingdom. National Office changes. Early on in the year it was acknowledged that we needed to make changes not only to the structure of our team at national office but also to the ownership of the building itself. Changes to the structure were required to ensure we had the right set

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A time to reflect of skills to provide the tools and support to the Divisional Grand Masters and through them the District Grand Masters so that they could implement their respective plans. As a result of these changes two new positions were created; Executive Director and a Head of Communications and Administration. I am pleased to advise that we have appointed Gareth Turner as Executive Director, and Gareth started with us on 20th November, and his column and thoughts are on this page. Our search for a Head of Communications and Administration is still ongoing. As a result of these changes our Chief Executive, Laurence Milton, leaves us on 1 December after 15 years as both Grand Secretary and Chief Executive. On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laurence (and also his wife Sue), for their contributions to Freemasonry New Zealand whilst in these roles. Finances – Freemasons House has now been sold, which has removed both risk and cost. For the short term we are renting space in it, however, this situation is short term only and we are actively looking at other office space. I am also pleased to report that we have made a small surplus of $130,897 this year. The Boards aim is to invest the surplus in supporting the activity of the Divisions and Districts. In closing, as the President of The Board I have had the pleasure this year to represent our Grand Master at several meetings around New Zealand. I would like to take his opportunity to thank (on behalf of my wife Gill and myself) those Lodges and Brethren for their warm support and hospitality – it has been much appreciated and we have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the various celebrations. As we enter the holiday period, on behalf of the Board I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you are traveling over the holidays, travel safe and we’ll see you in 2018. Peter Benstead, President of the Board

The holiday season is normally a time for quiet reflection. In our own way, we apply the principles of: More, better, different, less when accessing the year that was. The following considerations normally apply: Do more of what makes us happy or more of what we know works. If there is an opportunity to make it better or be better do it. If what we’re trying to achieve is not working try doing it in a different way or differently all together and do less of whatever gives no value or brings no joy. These are the basic principles we can apply to life and our Lodges, and I will be using as the foundation stone as your new Executive Director. Our communities need Freemasonry more than ever; the 6 o’clock news is a window to reflect on and stark evidence of that. To give our communities the experience of all that Freemasonry has to offer we need to make change and that change needs to start on an individual level. I am confident that with our Grand Masters vision, and the motivation of our senior leadership team, next year will bring new and exciting opportunities for our craft. Over the coming months you will be hearing a lot more from me and our National Office support team.

I will be working closely with our senior leadership team to create opportunities for Lodges that would like to bring the more, better, different, less principles to life in to their own Lodge. We have already put these principles to the test in five Lodges throughout the country. To access effectiveness, we selected two Lodges in Southern, three in Central and one in Northern. All Lodges that participated experienced an increase in community awareness, existing membership engagement and personal development of the Brethren involved. These exciting results for the Lodges involved saw many new candidate inquiries with one Lodge initiating eight new members having only been in the trial for eight weeks. The success of this trial really came from the belief and attitude that good things will come from change it’s also fair to say that if nothing changes then nothing will happen these Lodges are testament to that. What are you going to do next year to encourage change in your Lodge? All the very best to you all and your families for the holiday season Merry Christmas Gareth Turner Executive Director

Compliments of the season, from the National Office team

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News clips Blind Freemason becomes Master of his Lodge

Where in the World?

Lodge Concord No 39 Master, WBro Dario Quilatan’s visit to Mt Moriah Lodge No. 51, AF&AM Grand Lodge of North Dakota, and at Mount Rushmore (with at least a couple of Freemasons looking down on him). Got a photo of you and the New Zealand Freemason magazine somewhere in New Zealand or overseas then send it to communications@freemasonsnz.org with a few words.

he Grand Master Mark Winger attended the Installation of Brother Mark Luxon as the Master of The Avon Shirley Lodge No 185 in Christchurch on Thursday 14 September 2017. Mark was initiated into The Millennium 2000 Lodge No 465 in 2004, so with 13 years in the Craft, he was installed as Master by Graham Wrigley, Deputy Grand Master. Mark is blind from birth so the installation ceremony had to be adapted to communicate aspects of the workings in a tactile fashion as well as verbally. Dep GM did the ceremony with dignity and decorum – explaining the signs and the ceremony as it proceeded – and the new Master ended the night on an absolute high – and we all made an advancement in masonic knowledge! A strong attendance of some 90 Brethren from the top of the South Island (Havelock Lodge) and from the Midland District made this a memorable night. Some 17 Masters attended on the night, as well as the District Grand

Master, South Island, New Zealand English Constitution accompanied by their District Grand Lodge members. With a new Candidate to Initiate in November and plus two Fellow Crafts awaiting Raising, WBro Luxon is going to have a busy year. Earlier in the day, the Grand Master met with the Board of the Shirley Freemasons Centre complex, and had a constructive discussion with them about their building, giving them my support for Freemasonry in the Canterbury region and commenting on the important role the Shirley building played in that future. The Grand Master also took the opportunity to visit the historic Lodge of Unanimity Sumner Lodge Building at Ferrymead Heritage Park, and the construction site in Ferry Road of the new boutique Lodgerooms envisioned by the members of The Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge.

Masonic Christmas Stocking Stuffers

Crossword solution

Items of masonic flavour obtainable from National Office include Lifetime Value Freemason Postage Stamps $10 for Book of Ten, Freemasons Lapel Badges Bold or Discreet $5, Freemasons Memory Stick (full of everything you ever wanted to know!) $10, Speak Up Tool ‘Simple answers to leading questions’ booklet $Free, Back Issues of New Zealand Freemason magazine $Free and any number of useful Brochures and Booklets $Free. Please contact membership@freemasonsnz.org for these items.

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The Combined Working of the 2017 Masters of Auckland After the recent merging of the three Auckland districts into one, Glenn Clark, Master of Lodge North Harbour No.182, coming to the end of his first year in the chair, and he was looking at the planning the next years working and seeing an opportunity to help grow the bonds between the Auckland Lodges. He started to discuss with the Brethren of his Lodge and then the District Grand Master, Dennis Waller the possibility if having a combined working. He then started to call other sitting Masters whom he had great respect for by seeing the quality of their work and the friendship they had shown him. The other sitting Masters jumped at the idea of doing a working together, unfortunately a few Brethren needed to pull out due

to other Masonic commitments. The Brethren came from Orewa in the North of Auckland and to Papakura in South Auckland. Once all the Charges were allocated we had two Rehearsals, and as we know all Lodges have their own traditions and ways of doing workings, but with the support of the Director of Cermonies of Lodge North Harbour Ken Smith, and the District Grand Director of Ceremonies Bill Palmer, worked together to make it all work. The Candidates to be Passed to the 2nd Degree were Bro Trent McDonald of Lodge North Harbour, and Bro Trent Barrett from the Browns Bay Lodge, thus Making it a Double Trent Degree. A great experience for both the candidates and their visiting newer Freemasons.

Portable Portico â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an interesting history A masonic portico has been travelling the South Island for a number of years build in 1936 for Lodge Clutha No 14 in Balcutha, South Otago then when they closed to Malvern Lodge No 230 In Coalgate then after closing to the nearby The Methven Lodge No 51 both in Mid-Canterbury where it has currently settled. A truly portable piece (portico) of masonic history. The Latin motto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hear, See, Be silent.

Lodge Dunstan No 103 150th History and Jewel. See full story page 20.

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Speak Up for Freemasonry

A work in progress

2018

It is 12 months since our Grand Master told us to go out and start telling the world about Freemasonry. Have we?

e said too many people knew little if anything about Freemasonry and it was time, if our organisation was to flourish again, to start speaking up for Freemasonry and telling the story about our fine principles and our many benevolent actions.

He also said that if we all took the trouble to talk about Freemasonry to our friends and neighbours we could turn the numbers around and see a new enthusiasm evolve. But he added that it wouldn’t be easy and that it would take some of that particularly masonic quality, perseverance, to realise his hopes. So, 12 months down the road it’s worth taking stock: Early days

There is no doubt that a tremendous amount of ‘Speaking Up’ has been done all over the country, enough to know that the membership and Lodges, and

Districts have made it their business to take up the Grand Masters challenge to bring Freemasonry to the attention of the public in many different ways. There have been many ‘open’ gatherings where non-masons and their ladies, even families, have been invited into the Lodge room for a glimpse of our work and what it means. Freemasonry has also made an appearance at many public events such as A&P Shows while Lodges and Districts have organised a myriad of other events designed to interact with the general public – men’s health and rugby injuries are but two. However standing alone and Speaking Up without a surrounding support framework is an altogether different challenge. There is no record of how many Freemasons have been bold enough to try. Anecdotal evidence suggest many have, but the same source also shows the reality of Brethren not able to get to grips with the idea of ‘suddenly’ discussing their membership in an open unaffected manner. Old habits and constraints implied by the ritual are deeply embedded, not so easily overcome. No one said it would be. This is a long-term project. It will take time. The numbers

It is far too early to talk numbers. There is no sign yet in the official figures of any overall increase in membership. But nor was it expected. Being at the mercy of a huge backlog of public ignorance it is unrealistic to expect any such change so soon. But there are signs – and signs are something we understand!

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Take the case of a Northern Lodge who have been worrying about recent resignations and planning some action. In the last few months five very positive prospective Candidates have appeared. You could say ‘out of the blue.’ Who are they? No 1: A Turkish Freemason immigrant with young family. No 2: A young Australian Freemason moving to New Zealand for his work. No 3: An ex-member of the Lodge, middle-aged with maturing lifestyle. No 4 & No 5: Younger men, totally unknown. Is it just co-incidence or could it, at least partially, be due to the publicity the Lodge has received this year via the local newspaper around the new Master and the support given by the Lodge to a group of disadvantaged children of the District? Supported of course by the Brethren speaking up about their work for these children. We’ll assume it’s the latter!

Alternative logo

Things every FREEMASONRY Lodge can do to get the ball rolling in 2018 4 Speech bubble FOR

1. Start with deciding that Master colour variationsSpeaking Up can help. Think positively! Act positively. Keep reminding your Brothers to The same Lodge is now planning a speak up.

Facebook campaign (being guided by Grand Lodge) to test that water. If more enquiries result, and there is every expectation that they will, having proven successful elsewhere, then this Lodge will have a busy 2018! What next?

2. Support your District and any project that is aimed at showing Freemasonry is an active part of the whole community. 3. Run a meeting at the Lodge room for non-masons where you can explain what we do. If you don’t know how to do this FOR ask for help! And ask your local FREEMASONRY newspaper to give you a few lines of space to announce that you’re doing it.

Speaking up for Freemasonry is a publicity campaign. It is designed to raise the awareness of Freemasonry in the public mind in a favourable way. It is not advertising Freemasonry for 7 aGold 4. sale! There is absolutely no doubt that Lodge can create a better public image of itself by being seen to be active in its For small spaces community. And if itultra attracts attention it follows that potential members will notice. Do you want your Lodge to be successful? Do you want to see your membership grow? Do you want to enjoy your Freemasonry more. Then start speaking up. 5.

10 Small

Dream up a scheme to help the community surrounding the Lodge. There will be plenty of groups that need help! Collect some money from your members and ask the Freemasons Charity to match it. Present it and take pictures for the local paper. Make sure your members know what The Freemasons Charity is doing. Do they all know where the money comes from and how it is spent? Do they know how the system works and who qualifies for11assistance? Smaller 12

6. Ask your local paper to publish the Installation of your Master with a photo. 7. Get your Lodge onto the internet. Somehow. Appoint a member to investigate. The older members won’t want to know but the younger ones do!

Need more booklets? Just ask…

FOR FREEMASONRY Year 2 prospects

open Have 5weHorizontal made any impression in the first 12 months of this project? Have we spoken up enough to awaken the curiosity amongst the good men in our communities to make the move to join us? Have you seen evidence of speaking up giving your Lodge an increase in enquiry this year? That will, of course, depend on how much effort has gone into making your Lodge and Freemasonry more ‘visible’ in the community. We are certainly on the way. There is no formal measurement of activity being made. There are no awards or prizes to be handed out. The FOR rewards are in the satisfaction of having FREEMASONRY more good men in our ranks, Lodges growing not closing, more fellowship, more benevolence. The work has only just begun. So roll 8 Light blue up your sleeves. Let’s get on with it. Do it for Freemasonry. Do it for your Lodge. Do it for your own self-satisfaction. Colour palett And watch us go.

“I am tremendously proud of the effort all our people have made in getting the Speak Up for Freemasonry project off the ground in this last year. I am committed to the task of having us recognised by the public for the force for good we are and I ask you to Smallest continue the excellent start we have made and I give you my assurance that I will be there for you on this journey.”

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— MWBro Mark Winger, Grand Master

8. And whatever you do and wherever you go in 2018, Speak Up for Freemasonry!

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HAVE YOUR SAY Dear Editor Our masonic family I just received your latest copy of the New Zealand Freemason here in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. As always most enjoyable reading as well as photos of events that have taking place in your country. Collectively, a history of busy Freemasonry in New Zealand. I was particularly struck by the article of Bro. Keith Knox – ‘Our Masonic Family’, this time. It is recognized in British Columbia and Yukon jurisdiction that Craft Masonry – Grand Lodge – permits all masonic family groups to work in the jurisdiction once the groups have applied for recognition. For many years, therefore, the Grand Master has been invited to as many of the family organizations as head of Craft Masonry to bring greetings from the Grand Lodge and acknowledge the organization as an important part of the Masonic Family. His message speaks to the fraternal group that Grand Lodge is the foundation of all Freemasonry in British Columbia and Yukon, and its privilege to work in the jurisdiction has been approved by Grand Lodge.

Dear Editor The Other Orders The Opinion on page 8 of issue 3 (Vol 45) September 2017 was timely and moreover, it was correct. At the time of writing this to you our Lodge is shortly to consider a remit to our divisional conference empowering “a Lodge Worshipful Master to invite and receive into his Lodge the Principal Officers of other Masonic Orders, recognised by Grand Lodge, in the regalia of their Masonic Order”. Yes, there are provisos that dispensation will be required (although in this day and age one would have thought that we are adult enough to make this decision) and those Principal Officers must be Master Masons. The last proviso was made even recognising that one must be a Master Mason to join the other orders, however there is always someone who would say that they don’t have to be subscribing members. The irony is, than any unattached member may 10

At each Annual Communication, on the first day of a two-day event, the Grand Master and his officer enter ceremonially into Grand Lodge. Our Grand Master then greets all heads of concordant and appendant orders that are assembled: Scottish Rite of Canada, Royal Arch Masonry, Cryptic Rite, Red Cross of Constantine, Knights Templar, Allied Masonic Degrees, Order of Secret Monitor, Royal Order of Scotland, Shrine, as well as the appendant orders: Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, Amaranth, Jobs Daughters and DeMolay. The display of ceremonial regalia from all these groups is a delight to see. Once that greeting has been given, the heads retire and Grand Lodge is duly opened. The list of all bodies acknowledged by Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon are in our Book of Constitutions. We work hard to maintain a strong relationship with all, encouraging masons to support what they feel able to beyond their Craft membership and encourage their families where they are able and allowed, to be part of the families as well. Thank you, Bro Keith, for your interesting article. Sincerely, Bro Stephen Godfrey Haida Lodge No. 166, Victoria, BC Canada

Dear Editor

attend your Lodge’s meeting at any time provided he is vouched for by a member or the Worshipful Master. And yes, it is also timely that we are “Speaking up” about Freemasonry. We just have to make sure that we do not restrict that to Craft Masonry or the other Orders, some of whom are in a sad state are not going to survive. I live in a country town. I am a member of two other Masonic Orders. There are only so many people within this country town who will join our fraternity. I work equally as hard promoting the other two orders as our craft Lodge because if we don’t, Freemasonry will face a slow and painful demise. So, we are on the front foot. We take every opportunity to promote our Lodge by advertisements; feature articles and as much publicity as we can generate. We do so in conjunction with the other Masonic Orders and we all pay our way. And, on page 14 of the same issue, there are a number of photos of two worthy brothers receiving their 50 year Jewels. In

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” — George Bernard Shaw

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TEN WAYS TO Save YOUR LODGE by doing the exact opposite: 1. Acknowledge change is necessary but don’t change anything till I die. 2. Don’t include women on your planning committees such as community work and social events. 3. Have combined lunches or events on weekdays so that the younger up-andcoming men and women cannot attend as they are at work. 4. Hope that charitable work will just happen. 5. Don’t read the Freemasons magazine and get any ideas from there or even support other Lodges’ projects. 6. Have a women’s group that meets at the same time as the men’s meetings then don’t invite them to eat together. 7. Don’t accept any ideas from younger members because this is how it’s always been done. It’s tradition you know. 8. This also applies to ideas from younger wives. 9. Complain a lot about how badly things are going. 10. Encouraging creativity and enthusiasm is unnecessary unless it’s doing what you have always done! “Let him who would move the world first move himself.” — Socrates

Jean Park MNZM JP a number of these photos, one can identify senior members of the Royal Arch; the Rose Croix as well as the Grand Master and members of Grand Lodge. Who says you have to be a senior member of a Masonic Order to have this privilege? Finally, I ask these questions. If we are truly speaking up about Freemasonry, why does it take such a long process and a long time to make these changes? Why doesn’t the Board of General Purposes identify these impediments and create the change that is required? We have shut people out for far too long and are suffering the results of that inaction. If we are truly speaking up about Freemasonry, we should start from within.

WBro Brian Evans WM United Horowhenua Lodge No 464

Freemasons and ANZAC Day 2018 T

here are many synergies between Freemasons New Zealand and Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association; similar demographics, shared membership, similar locations throughout New Zealand, welfare, etc. We are considering a Memorandum of Understanding between our two organisations to find ways to cooperate and provide mutual assistance. As a way of providing community involvement for Lodges in and around ANZAC Day 2018, here are some possible suggestions. ANZAC Day 2018

Our Grand Master Mark Winger encourages Freemasons in New Zealand, not already doing so, to participate in this poignant commemoration on Wednesday 25 April 2018 being the 100th

Anniversary of the end of World War One. This is supported by RNZRSA. Many Freemasons served in that and other conflicts; with a number making the ultimate sacrifice. Members and Lodges are encouraged to contact their local RSA before, during and after ANZAC Day 2018. Before…

Acting as Poppy Day Collectors. Making aa donation for Poppies to be given to every Lodge member, their partners and possibly Lodge Widows. Getting involved in organising committees or offering logistical assistance to local RSA’s. On the Day…

Freemasons of the district. The Grand Master encourages the two Freemasons who are laying the wreath to wear regalia. Helping with logistics if required for example – with venues, or morning tea and/or organisation of services/parades. After…

Working with local RSA’s to identify opportunities and joint funding to Defibrillators. There is a 1 for 1 subsidy from The Freemasons Charity (to the Freemasons portion of the funding). Lodges we are sure will come up with many other ideas for partnering with their local RSA including perhaps use of each others’ premises, other combined projects and activities.

Attending ANZAC Day Services/Parades and laying wreaths on behalf of the

RESOURCES Freemasons New Zealand cardboard folders are available as backing for an ANZAC Day Wreath. Please email membership@freemasonsnz.org for your folder. For help from The Freemasons Charity with a subsidy for defibrillators using appropriate form and procedures, please email tfc@freemasonsnz.org A contact list for your local RSA can be found on www.rsa.org.nz by using the ‘Find an RSA’ option.

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Freemasons in action Golf Balls Galore The Crown Lodge No138 assisted by The Canterbury Masonic Charitable Trust recently assisted Hororata Junior Golf to participate in “SNAG Golf ” (Starting New At Golf) which is run by Canterbury Golf and takes specialised equipment to schools and golf clubs to assist teaching children and potential members. The equipment consists of a large bouncy castle type structure with 10

targets attached. These all have a Velcro backing and tennis balls are hit at them sticking on impact. There are different size specially created golf clubs to suit various age groups. The Hororata Golf Club 65km west of Christchurch has an increasing junior membership as a result and after Labour Weekend when this apparatus was in operation for the second time gained 4 new lady members. They coach junior golf from Springfield in the west to Lincoln in the east at 26 schools and the greatest success was Damien Beckt-Kelly coming third in the 2017 Australian open after starting his golf as a junior at Hororata. The Junior Golf section coached by Pip Deans is most grateful to Freemasonry for our assistance. Gerald Robertson, The Crown Lodge No138

Lodge Celtic No 477 SC celebrates 150 years The leaders of the four Masonic constitutions in New Zealand and Brethren assembled at the Masonic Centre in Manor Place on Saturday 16 September 2017 to join Lodge Celtic No 477 in its Sesquicentennial celebrations. The festivities included a ceremony of re-dedication of the lodge and the lodge regalia, followed by a dinner held in the Masonic Centre – this included a haggis ceremony, Scottish dancing and a Kapa haka group. Lodge Celtic’s first meeting was held on 15 October 1867 in Wain’s Hotel, located in Princes Street; the first Right Worshipful Master being Bro W Barron. Later meetings were then held in the temple located in lower Moray Place. On 13 February 1881, the temple suffered a disastrous fire which destroyed most of the lodge’s records except for the Volume of the Sacred Law and the attendance book. A duplicate charter was later granted and issued by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. From 1899 the Lodge met at the Masonic Hall in upper Moray Place until 1990 when the current Masonic Centre in Manor Place was made available. Lodge Celtic had many Brethren making substantial contributions to making NZ a great nation. One individual that 12

stands out is Bro Thomas Bracken, the noted author and poet. Another noted artist was Bro Strachan whose sculptures on Signal Hill remain testimony to his genius. The two World Wars had a huge impact on NZ and Lodge Celtic was no exception. During the First World War 28 Celtic brothers contributed to the effort with three paying the supreme sacrifice. During the Second World War 20 Celtic Brethren served. Celtic’s oldest member Bro Albert David Kerr joined the Lodge back in 1945, some 72 years ago; he is still a regular attendee. He, along with Bros Ray Craig and Malcolm McLean, were present on Saturday afternoon; and all three also attended the Centennial celebration back in 1967. The Right Worshipful District Grand Master, Bro Merv Gilkinson said “Freemasonry is the oldest fraternity in existence today and can be found in almost every country in the world. The aim is to make young men better and is based on brotherly love, relief and truth. It also builds character, confidence and capability. Benevolence and charity work are the prime drivers behind our www.freemasonsnz.org

organisation”. Bro Gilkinson was also extremely proud of the fact that, of the seven Scottish Lodges chartered in the South Island, six are still active – three in Dunedin City, one in Milton, one on the Peninsula and one in Christchurch. Three of those have now celebrated their 150th year – they look forward to the other three celebrating in the future. Merv Gilkinson

Spuds, buckets, Alzheimers and Freemasons

odge Gisborne No 233 has a particular association with the Alzheimers Society of Gisborne. Its not that we are all becoming ‘Forget-me-Nots’ – though I rather suspect that a lot of us have become rather forgetful – rather it is in the nature of a fundraiser that has been driven by Lodge Secretary Daniel Staley since he became a member of that society’s management committee. This association has resulted in 5 years of fund raising by way of a ‘Spud-in-a-Bucket’ competition. Lodge members have been instrumental in selling registrations preparatory to the growing season which begins early in September and culminates in the weighing and counting of the crop, in each bucket, early in December. This latter activity takes place in Bunnings Car Park. Bunnings have sponsored this event by not only providing the seed potatoes but by providing the prizes for each of the three categories; greatest weight of spuds, most potatoes, and booby prize. Daniel Staley has had the biggest job, which has not only been cleaning the 300 plus buckets that are donated by various painters

and decorators around town, but also in coordinating the project. During the five years this project has raised $15,000 for The Alzheimers Society. There has always been a certain level of competitiveness with 3 generations of one family having been involved from the outset. It appeals to young and old alike with a number of schools getting in on the act. Some entries never get to the weigh in stage due to calamities of one kind or another but most participants can be assured of having some spuds for Xmas and smallness is no object to winning, for as everyone knows the smallest spuds are the tastiest. No one yet has perfected the art of growing to the degree that they have consistently ‘scooped the pool’, and the only one who gets a guaranteed outcome being the sponsor who provides the truck for the dirt and whatever else is left behind! The humble potato is, according to one source, “the most perfect creation ever known to man”. Not only does it feed our bodies in so many ways (being the vegetable that has the most potassium) but

it also challenges the mind to work with nature and with our fellow man to help in the understanding and improvement of his/her gardening skills. Freemasonry is about connecting with society in such a way that we help people to help themselves and in the process, we learn by doing/helping others. The spud is a very versatile vegetable and is the very symbol of sustenance, just as the ‘Forget-me-Not’ symbolises the Alzheimers. By marrying the two we as Freemasons have developed a happy and prospering relationship. Bruce Kells Master Lodge Gisborne Photo credits: The Gisborne Herald

GRANd INSTALLATION 2018 FREEMASONS of SOUTH AUSTRALIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY ANd ASSOcIATEd FUNcTIONS

FRIDAY 20TH TO SUNDAY 22ND APRIL 2018 A D EL A I D E, SO U T H AUS T R A L I A

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Freemasons in action

Pioneer Lodge celebrates 175 years in Three Acts In the scale of 300 years of Freemasonry, New Pacific Lodge No.2 which has celebrated its 175th Anniversary represents a significant achievement. Celebrations in Wellington took place over three consecutive nights in November.

Prelude – In the Beginning The first to operate in the new land, the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, was opened at the Southern Cross Hotel in Port Nicholson on 23 November 1842, under a provisional warrant issued by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master. The founders of the Lodge were twelve men prominent in the business and public life in the settlement. The founder and first Master, WBro George Smith, born 1808, came to New Zealand on the ship Sir John Falstaff, arriving at Port Nicholson on June 16 1841. He was a Past Master of The Royal York Lodge of Perseverance, No. 7, London. George Smith died in Dunedin in 1881, having moved there in 1854 where he founded and opened the first Lodge. In the 175 years since it opened the Lodge has had a number of homes and incorporated members from other Lodges, including from the Leinster Lodge as a group in 1987, and from the United Lodge of Wellington in 2005, thus

gaining members with a heritage stretching back nearly 150 years, and from the Waterloo, Otari and Aroha Lodges. The Settings

During its first century, New Zealand Pacific Lodge occupied six different meeting places culminating in 1926, at the Masonic Temple on The Terrace. During the first 25 years rooms were rented in various buildings in the main streets of Wellington township. The Brethren achieved their own building in 1867, which they occupied for 55 years. Since then they have continued on the move. The various early homes were – Southern Cross Hotel, Willis St. 1882–43 Barretts Hotel, Lambton Quay, 1843–49 Bannatyne’s Warehouse, Willis St., 1849–50 Barretts Hotel, Lambton Quay [new site], 1850–54 Crown and Anchor Hotel, Lambton Quay, 1854–61

Barretts Hotel, Lambton Quay, 1861–67 Masonic Hall, Boulcott St., 1867–26 Masonic Temple, The Terrace, 1926–68 Following the sale of The Terrace, the Lodge moved to Tinakori Road. When it was sold to the Wellington Bridge Club the next move was to Ngatoto Street in Khandallah and, when that too was sold, it moved to its present home at Philip Street, Johnsonville. The next move may not be far away. The main reason for the early selection of hotels for Masonic meetings was the convenience of their catering facilities. Ultimately Barretts Hotel won with the construction of a Lodge room on the premises, its construction aided by a donation of 60 pounds from the Lodge. In 1854 a dispute arose with the hotel over catering charges. The damage sustained by the 1855 earthquake necessitated a further move, back to the Crown and Anchor until 1861, when the rooms were considered unsuitable. Thus, it was back to Barretts until a building fund was established leading to the construction of the Masonic Hall in Boulcott St.

Thursday 23 November – Act One The 175th commemorations began at a regular meeting of the Lodge with the reception of the Grand Master, MWBro Mark Winger, and Officers of Grand Lodge. In reporting on the Lodge, The Master WBro Stephen Bell, opened proceedings with the following words. “We are WBro George Smith.

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saddened by the very recent death of our Brother, VWBro Merv Johnston, District Grand Master, whom we looked forward to receiving here tonight, otherwise, you find us in good heart as we celebrate our 175th anniversary.” The Lodge report noted a membership of just under 80 Brethren, some

dispersed around NZ, Australia and one in Serbia. “While our membership is aging, we are pleased to have younger men joining us.” The Master continued. “The Lodge has been busy with various charitable activities. Our Charity for this year being Crohn’s and Colitis New Zealand Camp Purple Live. This is a camp for children and young person’s suffering inflammatory bowel disease. They will receive funding towards this year’s camp, courtesy of our charitable trust, The Freemasons Charity and various fund-raising endeavours. Other beneficiaries include The Marsden Club, the Night Shelter and Camp Quality. Further, the Lodge awards music scholarships and the William Gibson Memorial Scholarship to post graduate Religious Studies students.” The ceremonial business of the evening was the initiation of Phillip Stevenson

MWBro Mark Winger with Past GM’s Mike Pope and John Litton with Entered Apprentices Oliver Ibbetson, Phillip Stevenson, Patrick Flores and Callum Fraser. John Woodall

into Freemasonry. Phillip, Grandson of Freemason Brian Selwyn of Lodge No. 42 Wairau, Marlborough, grew up and was educated in Wainuiomata, before starting in the building and construction industry, later moving into plastics and manufacturing. A family man now, he works as a warehouse manager for Mr

Rental, involving home staging and stock management. He is also keen on his woodwork and home renovations. Phillip has shown interest in Freemasonry for some time and, with the support of his partner Emma, has entered Freemasonry on a very auspicious date.

Friday 24 November – Act Two The anniversary celebrations continued with a social function at the Wellesley Boutique Hotel, home of the Wellington Freemasons Centre. Guests, including the Grand Master, MWBro Mark Winger, and Deputy Grand Master, RWBro Graham Wrigley, were welcomed by the Master WBro Stephen Bell. As well as the social aspect, the evening included two charitable events. The

first was a presentation, to fund new chairs for the Marsden Club, which provides a high quality professional day care programme for people with memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease or other related disorders in a socially stimulating homelike environment. This was gratefully accepted by the Trust Chairman, Douglas Langford.

The second was a line-up of brown paper parcels linked to bid sheets for a silent auction to raise funds for Camp Purple Live. Bidding was brisk and as the results were announced and the packages opened there were a few surprises, favourably received. However, there was one booby prize, a bottle of water. The recipient was encouraged to drink it wisely.

FROM LEFT Douglas Langford thanks the Lodge for the donation. RWBro Jim Watt calls the auction. Serious bidders reap their rewards.

Saturday 25 November – Act Three The formal celebration took place at The Wellington Club. The honoured guests were His Worship the Mayor of Wellington, Justin Lester, who was accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth and the Grand Master MWBro Mark Winger. Adrian Douglas was MC for the evening, which comprised a three-course sumptuous dinner and fine wines.

Speeches began with VWBro Alan Hart, who gave an outline of the history of New Zealand Pacific Lodge. founded only two years after the founding of the European settlement of Wellington in 1840, the founders were looking to replicate some of the more familiar surroundings from their homes of 12,000 miles away. These included the establishment www.freemasonsnz.org

of this Wellington Club in October 1841 on its current location. In addressing the Mayor, Alan Hart said. “Life is in many ways about connections and it is interesting to note that the early list of those involved in the first Municipal entity in New Zealand, the Wellington Borough Council, from the same period in 1842, included several 15

FROM LEFT Pre-dinner drinks; Historical display; Greeting the Mayor.

members of our new Lodge. In fact, we supplied, if that be the correct term, the second Mayor in William Guyton, who was supported by eight members of the Lodge as aldermen.” “From 1844 until 1867 the affairs of our city were run by the Provincial Government. This in turn had several members of the Lodge serving in its ranks. By the time of our 25th Anniversary, we again had our own municipal body. Our Lodge was well represented again with the first Mayor, Joseph Dransfield, being our then Master and, in turn, being supported by three other members of the Lodge in the list of eight councillors. His successor, Charles Borlase, was also a member of NZP.” The Lodge’s civic involvement continued over the years at varying levels with four of the Mayors, up to the time of its 50th anniversary in 1892, being members. Alan continued by addressing the Grand Master. “During the 50th anniversary of the founding of our City as a settlement, which was celebrated in 1890, the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was formed from many of the English, Irish and Scottish Lodges then operating in the Colony. We take inordinate pride in the fact that the first Grand Master of the fledgling Grand Lodge, MWBro Henry Thomson, had been initiated in New Zealand Pacific in 1857. We have been privileged over the intervening years to have counted several Grand Masters in

our ranks including Governors General and I acknowledge in our current membership MWBro Mike Pope.” There was reference to the war service and sacrifice of Lodge members during both World Wars. In the 1914-18 war the Lodge lost nine of the 24 members who served in that conflict. “It was regrettable that our own Centennial in 1942 was at another time of warfare although on that occasion, of the 20 members who served, only one lost his life. Brother Gavin Alexander Arthur was killed just before our centennial on 15 July 1942 and is buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.” Grand Master

MWBro Mark Winger referred to his recent attendance at the Grand Lodge of England at its 300-year celebrations and his visits to the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland. He went on to encourage sustained progress into the future and to plan through analysis, active involvement and perseverance saying. “We are stewards of the present who accept the legacy of the past and who must construct a strong future for the lodge.” The Grand Master finished by promoting active involvement, talking to the public while enjoying the experience, in other words, Speaking Up. An Interlude

A special event in the evening was the presentation by the Grand Master, of a 50year jewel to WBro Leo Mumford. Leo,

FROM LEFT Alan Hart; The Grand Master presenting the Jewel to Leo Mumford; The Mayor, Justin Lester, proposing the toast to the Lodge.

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originally from Cust, North Canterbury, formerly a policeman and, later, a security officer, currently resides in Feilding. He was initiated into the former Lodge Mairaki on 9 December 1967. He joined NZ Pacific in December 1982 and was Master in 1994/95. In 2000, he gained the rank of Past Grand Sword Bearer. The Toast

The toast to the Lodge was proposed by Mayor Justin Lester, He commented on the comradeship he had observed and the contributions to the community by Freemasons. Justin added to the earlier comments by Alan Hart, which had demonstrated the close links between the early Freemasons and the names on his Mayoral chain. He also commented on the Freemasons University Scholarships, noting the subsequent success of 2001 scholar, Jacinda Ardern. In response the Master, Stephen Bell, referred also New Zealand Pacific Lodge‘s history as inseparably entwined in the history of Wellington observing that many of the members used the skills gained as Freemasons to further the interests of Port Nicholson and later Wellington City. Stephen concluded with the following words. “While we are proud of our history we must look toward the future which provides many challenges for both Freemasonry and the City of Wellington. Your Worship, on behalf of New Zealand Pacific Lodge No2, I thank you for your toast.”

FROM LEFT Stephen Bell presenting the donation certificate to Richard Stein; Cutting the cake; Brian Poole and Richard Stein.

Presentation to Camp Purple Live

Last year the Lodge supported an application to assist Camp Purple Live to the extent of $2,000. Earlier this year Dr Richard Stein and Brian Poole, co-chairs of the Crohns and Colitis NZ Trust, made a presentation to the Lodge. As Stephen Bell said. “When I was looking for a charity to support it became clear, that Camp Purple Live should be the charity in our celebratory year. I would like to acknowledge the help of the NZ Pacific Trust, The Freemasons Charity, Lodge benevolence collections, Brethren and guests who have made donations, including tonight and those who bid generously on the silent auction items

on Friday night. It is with pride I can announce on behalf of New Zealand Pacific Lodge No. 2, that Camp Purple Live will receive $15,000.” Gastroenterologist Richard Stein responded by expressing his gratitude at the substantial contribution towards the free attendance of children at the 2018 gathering at Camp Adair, Auckland. He also referred to the research report Reducing the Growing Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in New Zealand, released recently at Parliament. As at the end of 2016, 21,000 New Zealanders had been diagnosed with IBD with numbers increasing at about 5.65% annually. Richard then went on to describe Camp Purple Live. For those who were

not present that story is covered on page 22 of the September issue of New Zealand Freemason. Finale

The final event of the most enjoyable evening was the cutting of cake by the oldest member, Jim Drummond and the newest member present, Patrick Flores. At the end of the evening the smiles of appreciation on the faces of Co-Chairs of C&C NZ Trust, Richard Stein and Brian Poole, said it all. Story and photographs by Morris Robertson, with thanks to Alan Hart, Stephen Bell and members of NZ Pacific Lodge No.2

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300th Anniversary Celebrations of T

suggested collective noun of a ‘seniority of Grand Masters’! Sunday 29 October, a ‘Welcome Dinner’ for overseas visitors which was staged at Grand Connaught Rooms and earlier in the day our Grand Master attended a Service at Westminster Abbey. Monday 30 October started with all the Grand Masters being received by HRH the Duke of Kent, Grand Master, United Grand Lodge of England and a viewing of gifts presented on this important celebration. New Zealand’s carved kauri Māori waka was the star of the show. They also visited the Museum in the Grand Lodge Buildings in Greater

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his celebration was for 300 years as a recognised Grand Lodge and the beginning of properly organised Freemasonry. Our Grand Master MWBro Mark Winger and Deputy Grand Master RWBro Graham Wrigley were invited to attend these celebrations on 29 October – 1 November 2017 in London. Well over 4500 Freemasons were in attendance from England and around the world, including 137 Grand Masters from recognised Grand Lodges, which was the largest gathering of Grand Masters ever assembled and had a

Queen Street. In the evening, they went to a Reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of London (a Freemason and Past Grand Organist) at Mansion House. Our Grand Master also met RWBro Sir David Wootton Assistant Grand Master (a former Lord Mayor of London) who was coming to New Zealand in November for 300th celebrations in the North Island by the English Constitution. Tuesday 31 October was the big day and very busy with a call on the New Zealand High Commissioner Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO, KStJ at New Zealand House. Sir Jerry was briefed on Freemasonry in New Zealand

the United Grand Lodge of England and he was delighted to meet up with our team. This was followed in the afternoon by the main event at the Royal Albert Hall with a spectacular theatrical production narrated by Sir Derek Jacobi with Shakespearean panache profiling Freemasonry over the last 300 years. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was the first Grand Lodge mentioned as they had travelled the furthest. Afterwards the Banquet was held at Battersea Evolution the largest catering facility in London. Wednesday 1 November, was a Farewell Breakfast at the Rosewood Hotel and then off to Scotland and

Ireland. They took the opportunity to visit the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Edinburgh and the Grand Lodge of Ireland in Dublin and presented each Constitution a carved kauri Māori waka. Scotland included visits to Mother Kilwinning Lodge No 0, Roslyn Chapel and a Lodge Meeting at The Services Lodge No 1291 SC and of course the Grand Lodge of Scotland and they saw Robbie Burns’ signature in an attendance book. So much masonic history in Scotland. Ireland included the sights of Dublin, a visit to the Grand Lodge of Ireland, which is spectacular, with meeting

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rooms for Grand Lodge, Royal Arch, Mark, Knights Templars and the Ancient and Accepted Rite. On his return to London the Grand Master Mark Winger caught up with a member of the Apollo University Lodge No 357 for some discussion on their scheme. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand – Freemasons New Zealand has had a wonderful opportunity to be recognised on the world stage of Freemasonry, tell our stories and to ‘Speak up for Freemasonry’, thanks to the opportunity to attend the 300th Anniversary Celebrations of the United Grand Lodge of England.

Freemasons in action

Clyde celebrates 150 Years of Lodge Dunstan No 103

he weekend was a great success. On the Friday evening at the lodge rooms, a “Meet and Greet” was attended by many older members and visitors from out of town. You can imagine the stories that were told and friendships renewed. On the Saturday afternoon, while the ladies visited several gardens in Clyde, followed by a visit to the home and garden of Bro Rory Butler (SW) and his wife, Christine, the men met in the Lodge Rooms. It took over an hour for all the visitors and dignitaries to be admitted but, once assembled, we were entertained by addresses from; VWBro Pat Cooney District Grand Master Otago Lakes, RWBro Peter Benstead, President of Board of General Purposes The Grand

Lodge of New Zealand – Freemasons New Zealand and RWBro Mervyn Gilkinson, District Grand Master, South Island New Zealand District, of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Following this the Worshipful Master WBro John Hanning and the Senior Warden Bro Rory Butler spoke of the history of the lodge including readings from the book of Lodge History they had written, a 25-year badge was presented to VWBro Malcolm Moore PDistGM and 150th Celebration Jewels were presented to the Brethren by RWBro Peter Benstead. This was followed by a banquet in the Clyde Memorial Hall where, naturally, a haggis was dealt a fatal blow and enjoyed by all with a taste for it (Lodge

ABOVE LEFT VWBro Malcolm Moore PDistGM being presented with his 25 year badge by VWBro Pat Cooney DistGM. ABOVE RIGHT Unveiling of the 150th plaque. From left: WBro Mervyn Gilkinson, RW District Grand Master, District of New Zealand South, Grand Lodge of Scotland; VWBro Pat Cooney DistGM; WBro John Hanning, Master of Lodge Dunstan 103; RWBro Peter Benstead PresBdGP; Bro Rory Bulter, Senior Warden, Lodge Dunstan 103 (in background, RWBro Mel Darling, Provincial Assistant Grand Master, Province of New Zealand, Grand Lodge of Ireland). RIGHT RWBro Peter Benstead PresBdGP presenting the Master (WBro John Hanning) with a certificate from the Grand Master acknowledging the 150 years. BELOW The assembled brethren.

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The Cake! made by Denice Laird of Clyde.

Dunstan had originally been granted a charter 150 years ago under the Scottish Constitution No 470). This was followed by most enjoyable speeches from the visiting dignitaries and copious quantities of fine food, wine, beer and a certain amber liquid for which the consumption of Lodge Dunstan is renowned. The Lodge building itself has its 150th year in 2019 and we might just do it all again! Rory Butler Senior Warden Lodge Dunstan No 103

FREEMASONS New Zealand

2016/17 Annual Report

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Message from the Grand Master

CONTENTS 2 Message from the Grand Master 4 Report from the President of the Board 7 Report on The Freemasons Charity 8 Extract from ﬁnancial statements – Freemasons New Zealand & The Freemasons Charity

Freemasons New Zealand has many activities, some more prominent than others, but all requiring supervision, planning, and monitoring and from time to time there is a need to fine-tune and adjust the controls so that an improved strengthened performance is achieved. This year under review has been a year where we have re-focussed our resources, re-calibrated our direction, and re-assessed the operational needs of the organisation. The attached reports from the President and Deputy Grand Master give you an outline of what we have achieved at the Board of General Purposes and with The Freemasons Charity. I wish to pay tribute to those who have contributed to our progress to date, and then to look to our future. First, a thank you to the brethren in our Lodges who have heard the request to Speak Up For Freemasonry. The future of your Lodge and our organisation rests in your hands – when you talk about Freemasonry and your Lodge to members of the public, we attract serious inquiry. Evidence is mounting that men of calibre in our communities are asking more about our organisation and many are then joining. Tremendous, but we need to persist with these efforts. We each need to talk to a non-Freemason at least once a week about our Lodge – every week – anywhere, any time, any place! Our Divisional Grand Masters have had a sterling year, working well together as a team sharing experiences and ideas and giving leadership to their Divisions in a way which I simply admire. The District Grand Masters have toiled at the coalface, working with Lodges and brethren to put Freemasonry into practice. They have welcomed me into their areas and I have been delighted to experience their hospitality and the warmth of their welcome. We have the right men in the right places, and we must, as members of our Lodges, support them in their efforts to grow our organisation.

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Through this year, we have reviewed our management of the Craft, which led to a change at our helm. Laurence Milton, our champion for the last 15 years, has retired and passed the tiller to Gareth Turner. Laurence has a phenomenal knowledge of Freemasonry built up over his years of dedicated service, and I wish to continue to tap into that for the next couple of years – more on this in the New Year. Gareth brings new skills, a fresh approach to the challenges that face us as an organisation, and an enthusiasm which is infectious! I look forward to working with him as Freemasons New Zealand looks to the future. Which leads me to my second focus, which is tomorrow. No organisation can simply rest on its past successes, or sit back and hope that somehow someone will knock on the door. We need to be pro-active to grow Freemasonry and to that end I am meeting in January 2018 with my Executive and the Divisional Grand Masters to review our existing plan and importantly to re-focus, re-calibrate and re-assess. We have several ideas and concepts to test and introduce; we have resources available to implement what is intended; and we have a real desire to involve our Lodges and our brethren in building their Lodges, in their communities. This isn’t just a talkfest – we are getting into action – so watch out, as it will be happening in a Lodge near you! Thank you for your support, and I again thank Laurence for his service to our organisation. My sincere appreciation also goes to my two longsuﬀering side-kicks, Graham Wrigley and Peter Benstead, without whose support very little would have been achieved this past year.

Mark Winger Grand Master

“Evidence is mounting that men of calibre in our communities are asking more about our organisation and many are then joining”

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Report from the President of the Board

Overview I am delighted to present my ﬁrst report as President of the Board of General Purposes for the 2016/17 year. Normally around the time of the Grand Installation we see many personnel changes within the Board, but as President, I feel fortunate this year because current Board members who received promotions were able to remain (i.e. MWBo Mark Winger GM and RWBro Graham Wrigley DepGM). Their experience is considerable and I welcome that. The changes made to the structure of the Board in recent years continues to strengthen the focus on providing good oversight and governance. Membership, Communication and Finance were conﬁrmed as our three key focus areas and will continue to be priorities for the foreseeable future. Peter Benstead President, Board of General Purposes

Positioning for the future As a result of this focus, several immediate steps were agreed. Firstly, we wanted to ensure we have the necessary skill sets in place at National Office to drive the success we were looking for and to provide the required support to our Divisional and District Grand Masters, as well as the Lodges. Secondly, we undertook a review of our ownership of Freemasons House in Willis Street, Wellington. Unfortunately (and due in some part to the effects of recent earthquakes), this building had become an increasing cost to the membership rather than an investment, as planned. The result of the National Office review was a change to the structure. An Executive Director was introduced to ensure a clear focus on membership (as well as having the range of well developed commercial skills required). Also the position of Head of Communications and Administration was created, to structure and coordinate all Masonic communication, public relations and administrative activity – across all platforms (e.g. magazine, newsletter, websites, social media etc…). I am pleased to advise that we have sold Freemasons House for more than its current valuation. This removes significant risk for us and allows us to apply increased funding to activity that better supports our Divisions, Districts and Lodges.

www.freemasonsnz.org

Membership and communication We are not unique in struggling to retain and increase our membership – many organisations are in the same position. We do, however, have several unique challenges – the largest to overcome being a natural reluctance / reservation to Speak Up for who we are and what we stand for. How are men in our local communities going to know what we offer if we don’t tell them? Also, we have to acknowledge that too many members are leaving, and must address that issue. We need to understand what’s driving that and remedy it. Increasing awareness of Freemasonry and our values is the key driver for the campaign ‘Speak Up’ for Freemasonry, which was introduced by our Grand Master at the Grand Installation in November 2016. Since its introduction there has been a renewed belief within our membership that our organisation is as relevant today as it has ever been – if not more so!. There has also been an increase in activity to ‘open up’ our Lodges and engage with our communities and with non-Freemasons – so they find out first hand who we really are and what we offer. Two excellent booklets have been produced, namely Simple Answers to Leading Questions and the Plain English Guide to Freemasonry. Both are being well used by many as a tool to assist in explaining Freemasonry – which is not easy for many of us. Individual initiatives are now being undertaken by Lodges throughout New Zealand, too many to list here but I will mention one which is the recent Facebook initiative, trialled first by the United Forces Lodge No 245. This has been very successful, and has led to the United Forces Lodge gaining seven new members, with an additional one joining in December. News of this has spread quickly and other Lodges are now taking it onboard. If your Lodge hasn’t yet, I encourage you to do so. With the correct processes and people in place it works! Communication to our membership and the wider communities we serve has traditionally been through our publications e.g. the New Zealand Freemason magazine and more recently through our National and Divisional Websites. Although we will continue to do this we are now increasingly communicating via social media – Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram and Twitter. www.freemasonsnz.org 5

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

These social media channels facilitate instant communication and, importantly, allow for questions, comments and feedback, and that all encourages engagement which, in turn, supports better awareness and understanding, two important goals that we strive for with our communications initiatives.

Finance Freemasons New Zealand continues to focus on ways to increase income and manage expenditure. This financial year’s income, $1.975m, is down on previous year’s, $2.3m – the current trend of a falling membership, which we are beginning to address as mentioned earlier in my report, and lower interest rates being the main causes. However, balanced against a reduce income, I am pleased to note a reduction in expenditure over the same period from $2.3m to $1.88m. Income from Heartland Bank can only be increased by encouraging more deposits into the Freemasons Deposit Scheme – and I encourage all Lodges and Brethren to support this scheme. This year (as per last), we have separated our accounts into two distinct statements: one for Freemasons New Zealand and the other for The Freemasons Charity. This is necessary to comply with the new financial reporting standards and to provide transparency. I am pleased to advise that for Freemasons New Zealand we have turned the deficit of $71,227 in 2015/16 to a surplus of $130,897 in 2016/17. This will be reinvested in Divisional and District activities in support of the membership and communications initiatives. Extracts of our financial performance for each entity are published with this report. Full financial statements and the independent auditor’s reports can be viewed or downloaded from the Grand Lodge website www.freemasonsnz.org or can be obtained from the Executive Director.

2017–18 We still have a lot of work to do in retaining and growing our membership, communicating clearly both internally and externally, and in managing our finances. But we have made some significant and valuable progress this year and we have laid the platform for continued development.I am confident we can continue to build on the excellent achievements of this last year and I look forward to reporting those additional gains to you in 12 months time.

“The past cannot be changed. But the future is in our hands.”

Report from The Freemasons Charity

Another great year for The Freemasons Charity. During the year we registered the new Trust Deed for The Freemasons Charity which will ensure that our funds are well protected for the future of charitable activities by Freemasons through their Lodges, Districts and Divisions. The Freemasons Charity Management Committee now operates as a sub-committee of the Board with full responsibility for the oversight of all charitable activities. Continuing from our 125-year celebrations supporting the Blind Foundation, this year we continued with our ‘Buy a Bookshelf’ campaign and added a further 33 titles to the recorded books used in the Daisy Players. Our flagship university scholarships were again a highlight of the year with the presentations made by Sir (Brother) Richard Faull, after his address to the students on what can be achieved by a hardworking focus group of young people with a ‘can do’ attitude. His message to take opportunities when they are presented was not missed on the large gathering in the Grand Hall at Parliament. Next year will be our 40th year of these scholarships. This year the charity supported the Grand Installation and we were privileged to have Andy McDowell speak at the Grand Banquet on the impact of deep brain stimulation to combat the effects of Parkinson’s Disease which was inspiration to say the least, showing the positive impact of medical research funded by the Freemasons of New Zealand. The work of The Freemasons Charity relies heavily on our engagement with our Brethren who continue to make such a great difference to their communities by the projects that they undertake. The Divisional Almoners work closely with the Charity Officers to ensure that we are quick to respond when need has been identified, with over $284,000 spent on individuals and projects by our Brethren.

Investments and donations Donations from the Lodge collections at Installations during the year were $64,194. This is an important source of funding for the charity which is often applied back to Lodge and District projects. We appreciate these collections and Lodge donations which are faithfully applied to the work of your charity. We now have over $33 million invested with prudent management through JB Were, who have looked after our funds for over 10 years achieving a return of 9.01% this year. Through this investment and your donations we distributed over $883,743 in charitable activities this year.

Graham Wrigley Deputy Grand Master Chair of The Freemasons Charity Management Committee

$76,102 assisting individuals in need $207,078 assisting Lodges with community programmes $295,900 student scholarships

2017 widows’ gift: a royal blue pashmina scarf with discreet gold square and compasses.

Extract from ﬁnancial statements FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND

Statement of Financial Performance for the year ended 30 June 2017 2017

2016

INCOME Brokerage commission received

237,197

286,086

Capitation fees

509,293

513,865

Interest received

195,457

398,559

Other income

243,573

277,985

Rental revenue

790,278

824,682

1,975,798

2,301,177

EXPENDITURE Audit fees

10,800

23,478

1,105,208

1,105,398

Other building expenses

523,418

715,722

Mortgage interest

244,287

444,125

16,812

1,883,713

2,305,535

Operating surplus/(deﬁcit) before tax

92,085

(4,358)

Taxation

38,812

(16,869)

130,897

(21,227)

Unrealised gain/(loss) on Freemason House

(50,000)

Unrealised gains/(losses)

(50,000)

130,897

(71,227)

Other administrative expenses

Grants

Operating surplus/(deﬁcit) after tax

Surplus/(deﬁcit) for the year The surplus/(deﬁcit) has been allocated to the various reserves as follows: General fund

(17,879)

55,137

Freemason House

(64,979)

(468,225)

Building fund

119,440

303,601

Communication fund

26,162

6,514

Special reserve fund

68,153

31,746

130,897

(71,227)

Full ﬁnancial statements and the independent auditor’s reports can be viewed or downloaded from the Grand Lodge website www.freemasonsnz.org or can be obtained from the Executive Director.

Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2017 2017

2016

CURRENT ASSETS Cash on hand

200

5,859,101

5,304,603

Accounts receivable

65,806

158,445

Taxtion receivable

40,964

98,884

Building fund loans

322,206

333,806

42,347

63,635

Investment property

6,050,000

Total current assets

12,380,624

12,009,553

Investments

891,748

Plant & equipment

255,061

314,853

Bank accounts

Stock on hand

NON CURRENT ASSETS

12,000

Building fund loans

Accounts receivable

1,272,561

1,306,808

Total non current assets

2,491,370

2,525,409

14,799,994

14,534,942

Accounts payable

140,860

63,072

Deferred income

45,776

Employee entitlements

75,844

65,253

Total current liabilites

262,480

128,325

Mortgage to The Freemasons Charity

5,775,000

Total non current liabilities

5,775,000

TOTAL LIABILITIES

6,037,480

5,903,325

NET ASSETS

8,762,514

8,631,617

Accumulated funds and reserves

8,762,514

8,631,617

TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS

8,762,514

8,631,617

TOTAL ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

www.freemasonsnz.org 9

Extract from ﬁnancial statements THE FREEMASONS CHARITY

Statement of Financial Performance for the year ended 30 June 2017 2017

2016

REVENUE 64,194

90,510

Interest, dividends and other investment revenue

Revenue from members

1,311,010

1,346,002

Unrealised investment gains/(losses)

1,104,642

(505,958)

308,950

2,788,796

930,554

Grants and donations

883,742

992,529

Other expenses

411,405

349,775

Total expenses

1,295,147

1,342,304

Surplus/(deﬁcit) for the year

1,493,649

(411,750)

Other revenue Total revenue

EXPENSES

Full ﬁnancial statements and the independent auditor’s reports can be viewed or downloaded from the Grand Lodge website www.freemasonsnz.org or can be obtained from the Executive Director.

www.freemasonsnz.org

Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2017 2017

2016

ASSETS Current assets Bank and cash

165,767

161,826

Managed funds

16,954,810

15,799,806

Total current assets

17,120,577

15,961,632

Managed funds

16,838,188

16,511,174

Total non current assets

16,838,188

16,511,174

TOTAL ASSETS

33,958,765

32,472,806

Creditors and accruals

(53,720)

(61,409)

Total current liabilites

(53,720)

(61,409)

TOTAL LIABILITES

(53,720)

(61,409)

33,905,045

32,411,397

Accumulated funds

33,905,045

32,411,397

TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS

33,905,045

32,411,397

Non current assets

Current liabilities

NET ASSETS ACCUMULATED FUNDS

www.freemasonsnz.org 11

Freemasons New Zealand PO Box 6439, Marion Square. Wellington 6141, New Zealand +64 4 385 6622 secretary@freemasonsnz.org www.freemasonsnz.org

Raising the roof Getting public attention for the arts certainly doesn’t come easily. But at the Lodge of the Liberal Arts No 500 where fine music is second only to the art of Freemasonry, every year the Lodge combines the two in a concert of the Auckland Youth Orchestra at the Auckland Town Hall.

ounded in 1948, Auckland Youth Orchestra is the premier regional youth orchestra in New Zealand and was the first youth orchestra established in the Southern Hemisphere, designed to bridge the gap between school orchestras and adult professional groups. For the last ten years the Orchestra has been supported by the Lodge through its Trust and one of its performances each year has been dubbed the ‘Liberal Arts Concert’. It all started in a College auditorium but since 2012 the concert been held in the Auckland Town Hall the revered and restored edifice still acknowledged as the premier performance venue in the city. Each year the Liberal Arts Concert attracts Freemasons of Auckland in their hundreds to help the

lodge support the talented young players further their budding musical careers. It’s a great occasion where, for a small cost, Freemasons, their wives and friends are pampered with special front-ofhouse seating and refreshments and the great hall is filled with more enthusiasts, families and connections, young and old, who lap up the fine orchestral sounds of the great masters. On stage and before the full audience, the Lodge is recognised for its support and presents the $3000 Howard Wyatt Memorial Scholarship to an orchestra member for ‘musical performance’. The late Bro Wyatt was not only a charter member of the Lodge who rose to become the first Northern Division Grand Master but in his youth, a founding member of this very same orchestra.

MASONIC SERVICES OF WAIKANAE We renovate and repair Masonic jewels and regalia for all degrees and constitutions in New Zealand. If it’s broken, we may be able to fix it.

Sharing the spoils for 2017 were joint winners of the Lodge of the Liberal Arts Howard Wyatt Memorial Scholarship; Gloria Tian, Assistant Concert Master, presently studying music performance at the University of Auckland and Lachlan Grant, tuba player and Head Prefect at Auckland Grammar also heading towards music at University next year.

The Lodge and Orchestra is a relationship that continues to flourish – speaking up for Freemasonry along the way.

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

Services include  Gold and silver plating.  Repair and renovation of Masonic aprons, collars, sashes, gauntlets etc.  Repair and re-ribboning breast and collar jewels.  Supply and engrave back plates for refurbished PM jewels.

For information and advice contact Joe Hatwell joseph.hatwell@paradise.net.nz 04 905 2273 or 027 549 7198 PO Box 278, Waikanae

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

www.freemasonsnz.org

Grants 101 Freemasons in New Zealand annually contribute millions of their dollars into the community, through scholarships, grants, donations, subsidies and endowments. This mainly focuses upon the operations of The Freemasons Charity, facilitated by the continuing contributions of our brethren.

reemasons also care for those in need – to provide assistance to relieve hardship where possible and to provide a helping hand for those in distressed circumstances. This article is the fifth in a series telling the story of The Freemasons Charity. We now come to what individual Lodges can do to use The Freemasons Charity to their advantage. A Simple Process

In order to provide assistance to those in need, and to cater for a myriad of charitable activities throughout the country, The Freemasons Charity has developed some simple and speedy procedures to ensure funds are applied to the proper purposes. These ensure proper relevant information is obtained without becoming intrusive or unduly complex, and enable informed decisions to be made in a quick fair manner. The most up to date forms and procedures are contained on the website, together with helpful commentary to assist completion of the forms.

Structure

All lodges have an Almoner, who is charged to look after the interests of our wider masonic family, including those in need. When a case is identified where financial assistance might be required, the Lodge Almoner is encouraged to contact a Charity Officer, a specialist who knows the types of assistance available through WINZ or via The Freemasons Charity. The Charity Officer assists in completing the necessary forms, and guides the application through the decision-making process. The Charity Officer forwards completed forms to the Divisional Grand Almoner who has the authority to make most decisions on applications for assistance. Once approved, the request is forwarded to the Charity Administrator who will immediately action the decision. Charity Officers are responsible for the administration of the grants and subsidies in terms of the policies of The Freemasons Charity and creating an environment where benevolence activities

A CASE OF NEED This family, whose name is withheld for privacy reasons, was living in Auckland when their eldest son was diagnosed with Leukaemia. After selling their house twice to meet the costs of private care and enduring the downward spiral of financial woe, they lost their son. In need of a change and a cheaper option they moved to Christchurch and got caught in the earthquakes, and again paid the price. In seeking to avoid further financial and emotional stress they moved to a 34

small town in South Canterbury, found a house and settled back into life. To add to their woes their remaining son was diagnosed with a life threatening lymphoma. Again they have mortgaged themselves into a hole. Yet, they show courage and sacrifice of the human spirit. This example is one of many which ‘fly below the radar’ and where a Freemasons Charity Assistance Grant of petrol and food vouchers can make a world of difference for the recipients. www.freemasonsnz.org/charity

in the District involve brethren and have high profile. Divisional Grand Almoners are responsible for encouraging lodges Districts and the Division to be active in their benevolence activities, and rendering positive assistance to Charity Officers in the Division as well as overseeing the due and proper application of funds provided to any applicant by The Freemasons Charity. They make decisions in their Division regarding any application for a subsidy or grant to an individual. Making an Application

There are three basic forms covering the process for making an application. They are, respectively, the Fast Track Form, the Application for Assistance Form and the Lodge/District Project Form. They are not complicated, and are designed to be readily completed with a minimum of unnecessary gobbledegook. Incomplete forms will not help an application and partial. or contradictory information will not assist. It is better to give too much information, than too little Provide lots of background detail, including additional explanations, brochures, background material, etc. Do not assume the brother making the decision “knows all about it!” Go to the website for the current forms: www.freemasonsnz.org/charity. Ask a Charity Officer to help in completing the forms. FAST TRACK FORM Applications under $2,000

Use this form as an Application for an individual needing urgent assistance. Many applications are for modest amounts. We still need to ensure that need is the basis of our assistance.

ALL PROJECTS GREAT AND SMALL The $1,000 donation raised by the annual Whangarei Masonic Bowling Tournament, together with a 1:1 subsidy from The Freemasons Charity, has enabled the Whangarei SPCA to purchase much needed special items for dogs and puppies in custody. Francine Shields, general manager at the Whangarei branch, said that the special toys and treats would help keep the minds stimulated of those animals who are confined to pens or unable to be exercised though illness, injury, or quarantine. Some “seized” dogs “can spend up to 18 months at the SPCA while a court case process is completed, she said.

“These dogs in particular need a lot of attention and exercise and the items purchased enhanced their well-being during the day and while they are alone at night.” Lodge spokesman, WBro Harry Gray, said the bowling tournament raises funds for the Northland community and each year a worthy charity is selected to be the recipient. Project grants from The Freemasons Charity come in all shapes sizes depending on the need and sums raised. This grant, which fulfilled a special need, was received in gratitude by the SPCA and no doubt by the recipient dogs.

Harry Gray presenting the cheque to to SPCA’s Ani van Sinten.

Projects with a higher level of compassion may attract higher subsidies. Raising funds for a nationwide organisation will not attract as high a subsidy as, for example, raising money for a local branch where the funds are to be kept in your area. This creates a higher likelihood of the lodge being recognised, gaining local publicity, and being seen in your community. There is a preference for the purchase of specific items which can bear a plaque showing the Freemasons brand. Publicity

Is the applicant really in need? Is the applicant receiving all the proper entitlements from WINZ? If not, assist them to do so. Is it fair – to the applicant and to The Freemasons Charity? Is a request for assistance being made to more than one organisation? If more than $2,000 is needed, complete the Application for Assistance form.

the Divisional Grand Almoner for his final approval. LODGE/DISTRICT PROJECT FORM Application for Project Subsidy

Brethren wishing to undertake a Lodge or District Project are asked to complete the appropriate form. First, telephone your Divisional Grand Almoner to find out informally what subsidy might apply. It could be more APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE FORM compassion, more local involvement Applications up to $4,000 and application, more human interest, This form is to be used for most grants more emotion or more involvement of to individuals; the form is user-friendly Freemasons. and simple. The Freemasons Charity will not tell It does however put the onus any Lodge what they should or on applicants to provide suf- Sponsored by should not do. However it will ficient information in support grant levels of subsidies that of the application enabling the encourage more compassionate Charity Officer to authorise projects and will be reluctant and forward the application to to support more bland generic national organisations. www.freemasonsnz.org/charity

We seek proper publicity where Free masons are active in the community, principally for Lodge projects, but not generally not for cases of need as we are content as freemasons simply to relieve the necessity and ease the want without seeking public approbation. We must be mindful of the individual’s rights to privacy. The December 2016 issue of New Zealand Freemason set out simple guidelines for maximising publicity opportunities, both external and internal. Local projects are more readily publicised by community newspapers, the local content and the human interest will get the editor’s attention. External publicity should promote the “Freemasons New Zealand” brand. Do not forget however the equally important need to ensure The Freemasons Charity gains internal publicity for the Lodge projects. Good digital photos, storylines, anecdotes about your project should all be forwarded to the Division website and to the Charity Administrator. We should be proudly displaying to our brethren the good works being done around the country in the name of Freemasonry Benevolence is an area of expertise which is gained from experience, with a dose of enthusiasm, good common sense, and a desire to help. There is no right or wrong when one is assisting people in need. It is a desire to help. To be compassionate, and to care. Together we can make a difference. Morris Robertson 35

Reducing asthma and allergies With the increased amount of time spent outdoors during the summer time, it’s important to manage asthma and allergies in the best way possible. Teresa Demetriou from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ provides advice on how to reduce asthma and allergies this summer.

n New Zealand over 521,000 people take medication for asthma, and up to 80 percent of asthma is associated with allergy. That’s a lot of families that need to be prepared this summer, in order to reduce the risk of asthma and allergy flare-ups spoiling the summer fun. Read on to find out important tips to action in the coming weeks. Visit your GP

The end of the year is a good time to visit your GP and get your asthma checked. Explain to your GP any changes that might affect your asthma and allergies this summer, such as change of climate/ temperature if you’re planning to go on a holiday. Ask your GP to review your asthma action plan if you have one, or to put one in place if you don’t. New asthma action plans were released by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ at the end of November 2016, so now is a great time to get a new plan based on the latest best-practice. Don’t forget medications

The beginning of summer is always an exciting and festive time of year, when many people enjoy a busy social calendar. It’s important to stay on top of medication during this time, and take preventers regularly if they’ve been prescribed. If you’re going away on holiday, make sure prescription medications will last

until you arrive back home, and always take extra medication. Pack everything else needed including a spacer (if inhaler allows) and peak flow meter. Know your allergens

In New Zealand, the most common asthma-producing allergens are related to house dust mites, animals, pollens, moulds and fungal spores. Asthma due to food and drink allergy is uncommon. If you have asthma that is triggered by allergens you should try to identify the allergen, so you can avoid or minimise exposure to it. To find out what you’re allergic to there are two types of tests. A ‘skin prick test’ will test a small amount of the suspected allergen on the skin to see if a reaction occurs. There is also a radioallergosorbent test (RAST), which measures the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood that is directed to a specific allergen. House dust mites

We all have dust mites in our homes, in soft furniture, carpets, mattresses and pillows. Signs you may have an allergy to dust mites include wheezing when vacuuming or dusting, or asthma symptoms during the night or first thing in the morning. Their waste products, which are very tiny are what can provoke an allergic reaction. Cover your mattress, duvet inner and pillows with mite-resistant

cases, and bring these with you if staying with friends or family. Animals

Cats are the second biggest source of indoor allergen. A high proportion of New Zealand families have cats and the allergens they produce tend to stay in the house for long periods. Dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice can also cause problems in some people. Never allow pets into the bedroom and, if possible, keep them outside. If animals are one of your triggers, when visiting friends or family who have furry animals take extra medication beforehand, or ask them to visit you. People will understand if you explain why. Pollens, moulds and fungal spores

Pollens can come from grasses, trees and shrubs. Grasses and weeds are so widespread and have such a long season that

www.asthmafoundation.org.nz 36

www.freemasonsnz.org

this summer they are the major pollen problem in New Zealand. Take extra medicine during the summer months if you know that pollens are likely to make your asthma worse. If you also get hay fever, medicines may be required for this too. To reduce mould allergens in the home, remove mould or mildew from all surfaces including walls and shower curtains with a fungicide such as very-diluted household bleach. Temperature and weather changes

Changes of temperature and weather can affect people with asthma. Keep your home at an even temperature where possible. Some people with asthma may be affected when it is hot and humid. Moisture in the air can also lead to the growth of mould which can be a trigger for asthma. If you know that certain weather affects your asthma you may need to increase your medicine during that time.

Smoke

Around three-quarters of people with asthma become wheezy in a smoky room. During the summer season stay away from second-hand smoke from cigarettes at social occasions, and also remember to stay away from bonfires at night or smoky barbeques.

Some of the plants to avoid if you are allergy prone: Plant Birches Grasses Plantains Privets Pines Oaks Wattles

Flowering period October to November October to February October to February October to March July to September August to October August to November

DOES YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD HAVE ASTHMA? One in seven children suffer from asthma, and it’s estimated 586,000 school days are lost each year due to the condition. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has proudly launched a new resource that aims to improve the asthma health literacy of families across New Zealand. The ‘Managing your child’s asthma’ resource teaches parents about asthma, including how to help prevent an asthma attack. The content in the resource will help parents ensure their child stays fit, healthy and happy. It can be accessed at www.learnaboutlungs.org.nz.

150 th CELEBRATIONS 19–21 JANUARY 2018 The St Andrew Kilwinning Lodge No 79, Wanganui

REPORT

Stepping out with the best of the best A very full stage : The ‘Big Play In’ at Auckland Town Hall combining students and APO musicians.

One of the most exciting opportunities for an aspiring young musician must be the chance to perform in a top orchestra.

t this year’s annual Big Play In event, 70 lucky budding musicians mixed with Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) players to create a giant orchestra of 139 musicians, the APO members in black, the students in white. The event is a highlight of the Inspire Partnership Programme, where, thanks to support from the Freemasons Foundation, the APO and the University of Auckland join to give up-and-coming performers, composers and conductors the opportunity and resources to hone their craft and build their confidence. Senior secondary school students joined with university music students and Auckland Youth Orchestra players for the event. All were aged between 16 and 25 and each participant was matched up with an APO player. They were immersed in the sound of a professional orchestra and provided with feedback throughout the intensive three hour workshop. Students say they really appreciate the encouraging atmosphere and the chance to get to play beautiful music with so many other players who are just as passionate as they are. One student commented that he really liked being partnered with an APO player. “It gave us a sense of security, particularly if some parts were difficult, and you were scared about screwing them up.” 38

Another commented “I basically just loved the size of the orchestra, because my school orchestra is nowhere near as big.” The Big Play In has been running for several years, and has a reputation among students as an engaging, exciting event that’s not to be missed, says the APO’s Rachel Jefferies. “Not only do the young musicians love the event, but parents appreciate that their talented children are playing alongside some of the best musicians in the country – in a beautiful venue. It is a unique opportunity for Auckland music students, and we know from feedback received that students particularly enjoy the challenge of learning and playing core symphonic repertoire to a high standard,” she says. “Many of the students return to experience the Big Play In more than once, so the APO team is always looking for ways to improve the event and keep it fresh for participants.” Under the watchful eye of Toby Thatcher, Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s assistant conductor, the workshop culminated in a one-hour public performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. The 300 people who attended the performance witnessed something special, all thanks to the Freemasons.

Charity Registration No CC27639

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

A robot is easing the pain of knee surgery

Foundation Trustee Mike Wyse test drives Mako under the watchful eye of Hugh Griffin from Stryker, the robot’s supplier.

Thanks to the support of the Freemasons Foundation, a robot is starting to take the sting out of knee surgery for many Aucklanders.

very year around 700 people, mostly aged between 50 and 90 years, have total knee replacement surgery in a Waitemata District Health Board hospital. Many are likely to spend up to nine months in rehabilitation before they recover fully. With the assistance of a robot – the MAKO Surgical Robot – this procedure is about to become a whole lot quicker and easier for many. Overseas studies have estimated that up to a third of patients who receive a total knee replacement would be better off receiving a partial replacement. With osteoarthritis of the knee, only one part of the joint may be affected, but because of the surgical complexity of replacing this section using the human hand, until now, a full replacement operation has generally been carried out. The Freemasons Foundation was delighted to assist North Shore hospital with the purchase of the robot. Named after a shark, the robot enables surgeons to perform a less invasive, robotically guided operation. The advantages are impressive: a shorter stay in hospital, quicker recovery times and significantly less post-operative pain and

“The robot is a great advance in this area, greatly reducing the invasiveness of the surgery and the time needed for recovery. This will be especially important for the very old.” Freemasons Professor Martin Connolly.

other complications. And for the older person, the benefits of having a simpler operation and easier recovery are enormous. Drainlayer Adam Squire was the first to test the skills of the robot at North Shore Hospital in August. He went home the day after his surgery, was back at work driving a digger two weeks later, and has even completed a 5km walk. Adam had expected to be off work for at least a month, so “to be back driving a digger in just two weeks was incredible,” he says. Dr Matt Walker, Orthopaedics Clinical Director at Waitemata DHB, and Adam’s surgeon, says the technology is a game-changer. “The robot will allow consistently more accurate placement of implants which ultimately means better outcomes for patients. It will improve the longevity of the implant, will result in a shorter stay in hospital, with earlier mobilization and less pain.” In endorsing the project Prof Martin Connolly, the Freemasons Professor of Geriatric Medicine, stated “The robot is a great advance in this area, greatly reducing the invasiveness of the surgery and the time needed for recovery. This will be especially important for the very old.”

Partners in Freemasonry Ladies it’s a Grand Installation and your invited! The 2019 Grand Installation for Freemasons New Zealand is being held in Wellington from 15–17 November 2019. The programme: Friday: Freemasons Business Session, Ladies Function* and Welcome Function* Saturday: Grand Installation* and Grand Banquet* Sunday: Farewell Breakfast*

Penny Jackson, organiser of the last few Ladies events, which have been the acclaim of Freemasonry in New Zealand and Australia, says “Your function is now a major ‘must attend’ event within the Grand Installation. Don’t miss out!” Ladies register your interest with Penny – 04 237 8091 or penny@nzcc.net.nz with no commitment – we just need to get an idea of how big a function room we need to book.

Keep watching this space for more. Here is the link to the 2016 Grand Installation Ladies Function: W W W. f r e e m a s o n s n z . o r g / v i d e o / Freemasons_Fashionshow.mp4

*All the events our ladies can attend.

TLC Appeal – Teddies for Loving Care Helping severely distressed children at accident and emergency units in hospitals in New Zealand. This project is supported by the Free masons Foundation and is currently being rolled out across the North Island. Our Grand Master, Mark Winger, suggests that Lodges, Freemasons and their partners get behind this special children’s project. $10 is the suggested donation for a Teddy. Here are what hospitals are saying: ‘It’s not just a teddy, it’s so much more’, ‘A wonderful idea and contribution to

humanity’, ‘We don’t how we used to cope without the Teddies’, ‘We hope that the Freemasons will continue to help us with Teddies for many years’. All agree the Teddies having a calming effect on distressed children and each child gets to keep their own Teddy. It is a Registered New Zealand Charity – CC54806.

Teddies for Loving Care PO Box 9337, Newmarket Auckland 1449 027 474 6236 admin@tlcappeal.onmicrosoft.com www.tlcappeal.org.nz 40

www.freemasonsnz.org

Divisional Conferences

R E G A LI A

Donation to Beach Haven Scout Group

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

Help comes in all shapes and sizes. The Belmont Albion Lodge No 45, The Lodge North Harbour No 182 and with assistance from The Freemasons Charity,

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41 19

THE MASONIC VILLAGES

Bill Arcus reflects on 10 years in which the Trust has grown to become a major charitable aged care provider

Steering a decade of great progress

Bill Arcus is sporting a new beard and is planning a back country rafting and fishing trip with a few friends. He looks the part. Anyone who meets him on the river would doubtless be surprised to discover that this apparent bushman has had an impressive career as a chartered accountant and company director. That his work for numerous charitable organisations has earned him a QSO. In November he stepped aside as chair of The Masonic Villages Trust because “10 years is too long to be in a governance position”. He takes pride in the fact that the Trust is in good heart and that a talented new chair, Steven Molotsky, has taken his place. At age 79, he’s still working as an accountant, remains on the Trust board and is a trustee of 18 private trusts. He’s also a lifelong Freemason. “I was attracted to Freemasonry because it involved helping others ... that really appealed to me. My grandfather was a Freemason. He came from the Shetland Islands where a lot of fishermen perished at sea and the Lodges played a big role in looking after their widows,” Arcus says. The drive to help others has come down his family line. “My Dad was on the hospital board, deputy mayor, president of the NZ Football Association – that sort of thing – at a time when you

weren’t paid for those roles. He was a very patient man who was good at listening to others and helping them where he could. “Like my Dad, I found that I enjoyed bring people together who were in conflict and helping them to negotiate a settlement.” Arcus is not religious. He says the pleasure he gets from helping others is simply part of who he is. A chartered accountant, he first went into partnership in his grandfather’s firm when he was 26. He eventually became senior partner and shepherded the business through a series of mergers until it became absorbed into the international accountancy BDO. “Chartered accountants are always being asked to help out by sports and community organisations. I was a bit of a soft touch. I ended up helping numerous organisations, most notably the Prisoners Aid & Rehabilitation Society and the organisations now known as New Zealand Opera and the Drug & Alcohol Foundation. I have been a JP for 39 years,” Arcus recalls. In 1999 his wife Prue became ill with cancer. “I resigned from all my

TRUST

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

voluntary roles, except the Lodge, to care for her. She died in 2002.” Earlier the NZ Freemasons had asked Arcus to review the structure of their organisation. “My recommendations involved making some staff redundant. That was hard. The person who asked me to do the review later asked me to join the board of The Masonic Villages Trust. In 2007 I was asked to be chair. I agreed, on the basis that it would be for a year. “Now it’s 10 years later. It’s hard to leave a leadership role when things are going well, but that’s the very time to step aside. I’m pleased that we now have more diversity and professional talent on the boards of the Trust and its charitable operating companies.” When Arcus became chair, the Trust was at a crossroads. “Warick Dunn had joined us as chief executive with a useful background and good ideas. He and I, as well as some key board members, were keen on growing and re-energising the Trust. We believed, and still believe, that it plays an important role in the community,” he says. “For example, we are exploring the possibility of building a hospital and villas in Wainuiomata. It’s not a wealthy suburb so the investment wouldn’t stack up for a commercial provider. If we go ahead, it will be because there’s a real local need we can meet. At the same time, we have to be very sure that we will at least break even. Charitable trusts can ill afford to make financial mistakes on a big project.” Because the care side of the retirement sector has long been under-funded by the government, the Trust has to be highly strategic in its operations. Well-designed and located retirement villas and apartments are generally profitable across the sector, while care beds are marginally profitable at best. “Getting a balance between the two is critical. On the marketing side having care beds at a village is a drawcard for some potential residents who believe they or their spouse may one day need care. We also generate extra income from our care facilities by providing care suites and premium rooms. “Then there is our charitable role. We will always have beds for those who cannot afford – apart from their national super – to contribute to their own aged care. Inadequate government funding of such beds across the sector means a crisis is looming, with the over-85 year old population predicted to treble in the next 25 years.” In the 10 years that Arcus has chaired the Trust and Dunn has been chief executive there has been a multi-pronged strategy in place. This has seen all villas fully renovated to modern standards on resale, a $10 m investment in the state-of-the-art Glenwood Masonic Hospital in Masterton, a steady villa building programme in Levin and Masterton and most recently, the replacement of aging units at Woburn with the high-class Woburn Apartments development. In the last three years, the Trust has merged with kindred Masonic Trusts in Manawatu and Taranaki, resulting in economies of scale, the sharing of specialist services and ensuring greater resilience across the group. This has been reflected in the Trust’s latest financial statements, which report a record financial performance. “The Trust is now planning to renovate and upgrade its care facilities at Woburn in Lower Hutt and Masonic Court in Palmerston

North. This work is overdue; but we needed to first get the Trust into a financial position where we could make the major investments required,” Arcus says. “In the meantime our residents in these facilities are getting the very best of care from staff who have the time for them. This is what matters most to our residents and their families and is doubtless why we have a higher bed occupancy rate than most of our competitors.” On his next fishing trip, Arcus plans to land and photograph a few trophy trout and release them to the river unharmed. As he listens to the bellbirds and watches the indicator on his fly line, he’ll no doubt reflect on his stewardship of a Trust that is delivering on its charitable mission and where the operating income and net assets have doubled in the last 10 years.

Outstanding year for Trust

During the 2017 financial year The Masonic Villages Trust made outstanding progress. A record comprehensive surplus of $5,296,086 was achieved, compared with $3,547,748 in the previous year. “This result reflects decisions made by the Board up to 10 years ago, when it needed to decide whether it would remain a small charitable aged care provider with ageing facilities, or to invest for the future in new and upgraded facilities,” says retiring chair Bill Arcus. “The latter course required high levels of courage and commitment, but it was the best way to ensure that the vision of the Trust’s founding Trustees and Lodges continued to be realised. That is, to each year provide more people from all walks of life with quality alternatives to the large facilities offered by the commercial operators, at prices that are accessible. Many of our villages have waiting lists of potential residents. “In 2014, we embarked on our most ambitious development ever – Woburn Apartments in Lower Hutt. This high quality boutique community was completed in September.” He says the Trust’s recent developments have required significant bank finance and incurred interest costs. They have proved to be sound investments for the Trust as it pursues its charitable mission. “Our financial performance also reflects the fact that the care facilities operated by Masonic Care Limited have enjoyed occupancy rates significantly higher than the industry average.” The merged Trust now has 227 care beds and 450 retirement villas and apartments, making it one of the largest charitable retirement village operators and aged care providers in the lower North Island, providing quality accommodation and care to nearly 1000 people.

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

Caught by surprise

t the close of the September meeting of Aurora Royal Arch Chapter No 109 in Lower Hutt, much to his surprise VEComp Tom Norris received a very well-earned First Grand Principal’s Award from MEComp Geoff Davies PGZ, assisted by REComp Ken Burt GSupt. The award was for his contribution to Aurora Chapter in particular and the assistance given to other chapters over the past 40 years, particularly helping out with ritual work. Tom has been Aurora’s

Tom Norris, with his wife Margaret beside him, receives his First Grand Principal’s Award from Geoff Davies PGZ and Wellington Grand Superintendent Ken Burt.

Treasurer for many years, as well as taking responsibility for the setup of the chapter and the care of its assets: nothing has been a problem for Tom! Tom was supported on the night by his wife Margaret, who assisted by keeping things hushed up. As one might expect Tom was almost speechless when it came time for him to say a few words, particularly when he found that Margaret was in the chapter, right behind him! Herb Carberry

Relaxed GZ at Kawatiri

irst Grand Principal Brian White was in attendance for the Saturday installation meeting of Kawatiri Chapter No 21 in Westport in November. After the meeting Companions went to the Buller Club for an informal meal with partners: from left, Sue Plummer, Max Currie and Pat, Diane Moses and Rhys, Chris Parkin, Brian White, Gwen and Bob Cresswell and Ian Plummer. We carried out a Royal Arch degree working on the Friday night, assisted by members of the Marlborough and Victory Chapters, so all in all it was a great weekend – and the weather was beautiful. Max Currie

GRAND CONVOCATION 2018

he next Grand Con vo ca tion, which includes the Grand Proclamation of MEComp Brian White as First Grand Principal, is being held in New Plymouth 2–4 March 2018. Registrations available online at www.royalarch.org.nz and in PDF to download.

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Timaru team rich in experience

imaru Royal Arch Chapter No 15 had the pleasure and privilege of a visit by First Grand Principal Brian White at our installation meeting on September 6 at the Ashburton Masonic Centre. He was accompanied by REComp Dennis Gordon, the Third Grand Principal. The meeting was in Ashburton because of the fire which destroyed our

own premises in Timaru in June 2016. Whilst progress is being made towards completion of the reconstruction, we have been told that it will be around December before we can again occupy our own premises (and this cannot come quickly enough!). MEComp White applauded the effort being made by Timaru Chapter to

maintain its existence and enthusiasm in very trying circumstances, and offered support from Grand Chapter if required. The depth of experience of the Chapter’s Principals for the year was remarked on during the ceremony: VEComp Ted Butler generously offered to do a third term as First Principal (for which dispensation was granted); REComp Jock Jellyman agreed to be Second Principal and REComp Eion Miller is our Third Principal – all in all, a very experienced trio of Principals. To add further lustre to the evening, MEComp White presented REComp Miller with his 40 Years’ Service Award with the customary congratulations, to which Eion responded with his own modest thanks. Eoin Dryden

From left: Jock Jellyman (H), Dennis Gordon (GJ), Ted Butler (Z), Brian White (GZ) and Eion Miller (J).

A rare rendezvous

he Grand Master of Cryptic Masonry in New Zealand (by virtue of his position as First Grand Principal), M Ill Comp Brian White (centre) was supported by his Deputy in both Orders, R Ill Comp Jim Ingley (left) and Grand Principal Conductor of Work R Ill Comp Ken McQueen (Second Grand Principal), right, at the installation meeting of Rotorua Cryptic Council No 44 on August 26. Ken McQueen

125TH ANNIVERSARY 1892–2017 www.royalarch.org.nz

Badge presentation a family affair

he presentation of a 50-year badge to WBro Logan Packer PGS of the Te Aroha Lodge No 52 in October, was a real family affair. No fewer than 19 members of Logan’s family joined a gathering of Freemasons at the Morrinsville Masonic Centre for the presentation of the badge, make by VWBro Tom Clarke PDistGM, a former member of the Te Aroha Lodge and a friend of Logan’s. MWBro David Mace, PGM, also attended and presented Logan with his Certificate. The Waikato District Grand Master, VWBro Don Seath, and a strong contingent of Waikato Grand Lodge officers, were also in attendance. WBro Logan’s contribution to Freemasonry was further recognised

by the presentation of a personal letter of commendation and congratulations from the Grand Master, MWBro Mark Winger. WBro Logan was joined by his wife Judy, his four daughters and their partners, and 10 grandchildren and great grandchildren for the presentation, and the subsequent banquet. Logan joined The Te Aroha Lodge No 52 ABOVE Logan and Judy Packer (centre), with 18 members in July 1967, and was of their extended family – daughters, partners, grandchildren and great grandchildren – who were able to join them at the installed as Master in Morrinsville Masonic Centre for the presentation of WBro Logan’s March 1974. He was the 50-year jewel and certificate. 92nd Master of the Lodge, LEFT From left Waikato District Grand Master, VWBro Don which was originally Seath; Judy Packer; WBro Logan Packer PGS; Mike Mahon, Master constituted as Lodge Te The Te Aroha Lodge No 52; MWBro David Mace Past GM, VWBro Tom Clarke PDistGM. Aroha No 697 under the Scottish Constitution in 1884. Today, the Lodge meets in the He was appointed Grand Steward Masonic Hall in Morrinsville. in 2008, and is also a member of sevHe has filled every office in the Lodge eral other Masonic Orders including and has always held active office, apart the Ohinemuri Royal Arch Chapter, from a short time in the 1990s. Currently the Hauraki Rose Croix and the Secret he is secretary of the Lodge. Monitor.

What makes men stay for so long in Freemasonry?

ell known Dargaville identity, WBro John (Jack) Matthews was initiated into Lodge Arapohue No 248 on the 8th September 1947. He was passed to the Fellowcraft Degree on the 13th of October 1947 and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on the 10th of November the same year. His Masonic Career with the ‘River Lodges’ on the Northern Wairoa River in the Kaipara District reads like a history of them all. When Lodge Arapohue No 248 closed in 1978 WBro Jack joined Lodge Hobson No 120 and remained with that Lodge until it too closed in 1988 when he joined Pono Lodge No 203 in Dargaville. He held a variety of offices with Pono Lodge No 203 including 4 times in the Chair of King Solomon which together with a term in the 46

Chair of Lodge Arapohue gives him a total of 5 terms as Master of a Lodge. No mean feat. With the closure of Pono Lodge in 2015 Jack joined Okara Daylight Lodge No 461 in Whangarei. Aged 91 he still drives himself from Dargaville to Whangarei and back – a distance of

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57km – to attend the regular meetings of this Daylight Lodge. His Masonic life is not confined to Blue Lodge only. He is still active in Royal Arch, Cryptic Masonry, and the Order of the Secret Monitor. On Saturday 9 September the Grand Master of Freemasons New Zealand, Mark Winger presented Jack with a second 10-year bar to his 50-year Badge, a certificate, and a lapel pin. He laughed Jack told him that he expected to hang another 10-year bar below the two that he now had. Born on 2 April 1926 there is a reasonable expectation that he will be able achieve this goal. Jack told the 103 Masonic Brethren, ladies, family and other visitors of this early days when he and others who lived in the little community of

Welcome to our newest Freemasons August – October 2017

Pedro Molina Trentham Lodge No. 262

John Bright Lodge of Unanimity Sumner No. 3

Jess MacDonald-Reid Trentham Lodge No. 262

Melchor Lobido Lodge of Unanimity Sumner No. 3

Elmer Ipapo Lodge of Unanimity Sumner No. 3

Mathew Myburgh The Ara Lodge No. 1

Alexander Gourdie The Caledonian Lodge No. 16

Kieran O’Hara United Lodge of Masterton No. 19

Alexander McWatters Manukau-Westmere Lodge No. 24

Mark Ebbins Lodge Wanaka No. 277 Matthew Murphy Lodge Tuakau No. 278 Oliver Ibbetson Westminster Lodge No. 308 Stephen MacTavish Lodge Te Papa No. 316 Hilary Montoya Lodge Pa-Ka-Ma No. 319

Jeffrey Dizon The Concord Lodge No. 39

Tyrone Adams The Mangere Lodge No. 330

William Lim Jr The Concord Lodge No. 39

Sidney Davies The Mangere Lodge No. 330

Glenn Domingo The Concord Lodge No. 39

Miles Illeman The Mangere Lodge No. 330

Ryan Bosher The Belmont Albion Lodge No. 45

Nicky Van der Bergh The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47

Ani Walker The Mangere Lodge No. 330

Timothy Malins Lodge Waiheke No. 367 Andrew Baxter Lodge Takahe No. 397

Alan Williams Lodge St John No. 84

Peter O’Connor Lodge St John No. 94

John Maghuyop St Augustine Lodge No. 99

Justin Nanai Lodge Te Atatu No. 414

McDonar Marzan The Pakuranga Lodge No. 416

Jonathan Guevara The Pakuranga Lodge No. 416

Barry Wind Lodge Dunstan No. 103 David Mangino Lodge Waihi No. 112 Mark Crotty Thistle Lodge No. 113

Ali Goudarzi Lodge Te Atatu No. 414

Julius Pagaduan Lodge Waikanae No. 433

Ariel Doton The Wallace Lodge No. 129

Callum Fraser Lodge Homewood No. 447

Regie Mondido The Wallace Lodge No. 129

Philip Brinkley Stokes Valley Lodge No. 460

Timothy Donovan Rongotea Lodge No. 146 Kevin Villamor Lodge Rotorua No. 153 Michael Arroyo Lodge North Harbour No. 182 Primo Bacay Lodge Switzers No. 223

Rodrigo Hepp Lodge Doric Brighton No. 236

Abraham Fisher Lodge Doric Brighton No. 236

Ronald Baker United Horowhenua Lodge No. 464

Gilmar Freire United Horowhenua Lodge No. 464

Andrew Hardy United Horowhenua Lodge No. 464

John Simbulan The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468

Freemasons Jason Suttie Lodge Kauri No. 474New Zealand ‘Speak Up for Freemasonry’ - Awareness Project Commencing November 2016

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Tangowahine, which in those days was a major railway workshop would "borrow" a jigger, and putter the 12 Kms to the Commercial Hotel in the Dargaville suburb of Mangawhare as there was no public transport into town. They would then all pile into the landlord’s car and head off to Arapohue along some 12kms of unsealed road and over the old wooden bridge across the Northern Wairoa river. On their return, they would of course have to ‘warm up’ at the bar of the Commercial in preparation for the return trip on the jigger back to Tangowahine – a mission could take some time to complete on a cold winters night. The photo shows the Grand Master, MWBro Mark Winger with WBro Jack Matthews after the presentation of the second 10-year bar to his 50-year service badge.

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The Last Word! Freemasons New Zealand Crossword

Across 2 Jewel of the Lodge Organist 7 The Grand Lodge of New Zealand is otherwise known as… (three words)?

Solution page 6

9 How many Grand Lodges in Australia? 11 An Auckland Freemason who left his large estate for the benefit of children (surname)? 15 Where are the wages of a Mark Master Mason paid (three words)? 16 What is the second tool in the working tools of the third degree? 17 Two of New Zealand’s oldest lodge buildings still in continuous use are found in which province? 18 Who is the ostensible steward of the Lodge (two words)? 19 Name of District 25? 20 Initials of the Airline that preceded Air New Zealand?

Down 1 Which lodge was formed in Wellington in 1842 and just celebrated its 175th (three words)? 3 New Executive Director’s surname? 4 The Ionic, Doric and Corinthian Columns in a Lodge are also known as.... (three words)? 5 Number of Lodges that signed the Declaration of Lodges Union to establish The Grand Lodge of New Zealand (two words)? 6 Three lodges in or near Hamilton recently merged to form a new Lodge called....? 8 How many ‘hold’ a Lodge? 10 Who must normally give their permission to wear masonic regalia in public (two words)? 12 The star cluster ‘the seven sisters’ or ‘pleiades’ (with masonic connotations) is known as what in New Zealand? 13 What is usually depicted in the centre of the squared pavement (two words)? 14 Who was both a New Zealand Premier and Grand Master (surname)?

“Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.” What Freemasonry endeavours to build into each of its members… character.

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

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SERVICE AWARDS August â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 2017 70 YEAR BADGE

WBro Alexander Thomas Ross PGBB

WBro John Kenneth Matthews PM

Lodge Mana No. 352 Okara Daylight Lodge No. 461

60 YEAR BADGE

WBro Brian John Jackson PM

WBro Ian Robert McArthur PM

WBro Ralph Alexander Dickson PM

WBro Lennox Mounsey PM

Bro Robert Richmond MM

VWBro John Michael Walter Bray PGDC

VWBro Eoin George Dryden PGDC

WBro Peter Oatley Thomas PGP

WBro David Leslie Woodward RH

WBro Peter Gow Riddell PM

WBro Clarence Richard Stevens PM

WBro Raymond Charles Langmead PM

Waihenga St Johns Lodge No. 37 The Hiram Lodge No. 46 The Advance Mawhera Lodge No. 61 The Fortitude Lodge No. 64 Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning No. 82 Lodge Waikaremoana No. 158* Lodge Koranga No. 197 Trentham Lodge No. 262 Lodge Kumeu No. 279 The Lodge of Peace No. 322 Lodge Mangaroa No. 419 The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468

50 YEAR BADGE

VWBro James Lum PGC

WBro Barry David Jobson PM

Bro Russell Pearce Dickson MM RH

The Victory-Wakatu Lodge No. 40

VWBro Keith Allen Eaglesome PGDC

The Belmont Albion Lodge No. 45

RWBro Olaf Harold Laytham P Dep GM

Bro Ronald Annandale McCrory MM

The Methven Lodge No. 51

WBro Sidney Lawrence Atkinson PM

The Mangonui Kaitaia Lodge No. 78

Bro John Robert Newlands MM

Thistle Lodge No 113

WBro Harvey William Sara PGBB

Lodge Torea No. 121

Bro Raymond Leslie Read MM

WBro Hunter McGahey PGIG

Bro Richard Mervyn Ryan MM

WBro Alexander Affleck PM

RWBro William Hibbard PGW

Bro Phillip Richard Topley MM

Lodge North Harbour No. 182

WBro Allan Robert Girvan PM

Lodge Clinton No. 183

WBro Eric John Gieseg PM

Lodge Waihopai No. 189

WBro Peter Charles Boswell PGD

Lodge Arawhaiti No. 267

WBro Graeme Donald MacLachlan PM

Unity Lodge No. 271

WBro Bruce Eyers Calvert PM

Unity Lodge No. 271

WBro Terence Melvin Wellington PM

WBro John Andrew Peart PM

WBro Graham Charles Leitch PM

WBro Robert John Carl PM

Scinde Lodge No. 5 The Saint Andrews Lodge No. 32

The Hiram Lodge No. 46

The Coronation Lodge No. 127 The Crown Lodge No. 138 Lodge Otaihape No. 142 Waikaka Lodge No. 151 Hutt Valley Lodge No. 176

Westminster Lodge No. 308 Lodge Hamutana No. 437 Stokes Valley Lodge No. 460 Lodge Arowhenua No. 473

* since deceased but presented

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To find out more about Heartland Bank and the Freemasons Deposit To find out more about Heartland Bank and the Freemasons Deposit

ToScheme, find outsee more andNew the Zealand Freemasons Deposit the about inside Heartland front coverBank of the Freemason. Scheme, see the inside front cover of the New Zealand Freemason. Scheme you can contact a dedicated Heartland Bank Freemasons Alternatively, HeartlandBank BankFreemasons Freemasons Alternatively,you youcan can contact contact a a dedicated dedicated Heartland Deposit Scheme representative on 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 3362) 62) Deposit FREEMASONS(0508 (050837 3737 33 DepositScheme Schemerepresentative representative on on 0508 0508 FREEMASONS 33 62) ororemail emailfreemasons@heartland.co.nz. freemasons@heartland.co.nz. or email freemasons@heartland.co.nz.

www.heartland.co.nz | 0508 FREEMASONS www.heartland.co.nz | 0508 FREEMASONS Freemasons New Zealand is not a promoter of and does not guarantee the obligations of Heartland Bank Limited in relation to Heartland deposits. of Heartland Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disclosure Statement and Investment Statements are available Freemasons NewBank Zealand is not Copies a promoter of and does not guarantee the obligations of Heartland Bank Limited in relation from www.heartland.co.nz orBankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by calling 0508 FREEMASONS 37 33 62). to Heartland Bank deposits. Copies of Heartland Disclosure Statement and(0508 Investment Statements are available from www.heartland.co.nz or by calling 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62).