FreemasonNEW ZEALAND

Issue 3 (Vol. 42), September 2014

www.freemasons.co.nz

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Editorial 2

Hot news 3

From the Grand Master 4Freemasonry north and south

Obituary 6MWBro Laurie Inder QSM

News clips 8

OPINIONArchitecture and Freemasonry 10

Letters to the Editor 12

FREEMASONS IN ACTIONMaking Freemasonry happen 16Divisional Conferences

150 years by the waters of Lake Wakatipu 18Obituary 21A Queenstown legend passes to the Grand Lodge above

Following the two great parallel lines 22

Topp cheese 24

IN THIS ISSUE

Community engagement to the fore 26

In search of the four lost taverns 28A ceremony far away 31

Cover pictures: WBro Chris Leigh – Train driver; WBro Miles King – Cheese maker.

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EDUCATION

Freemasons University Scholarships 32A point within a circle 36

Otago Masonic Trust 2014 Grants presentations 38Kapiti Coastguard fundraiser 41

HEALTH & SCIENCEStem cell revolution 42

Hospital pack heroes 43

REGULARS

Masonic Villages Trust 44

Royal Arch 46The Widow’s Sons take to the road again 48

The Roskill Foundation 50

New initiates 49

The Roskill Foundation 50The back page 52Calling lost depositors

Service Awards 53

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The last post

I t is with some sadness, coupled with relief, that I write this Editorial for the last time, sadness because I have enjoyed

the contact with Freemasons, including the leaders of the Craft, throughout New Zealand and some overseas and I have enjoyed the challenge of producing a magazine that many of our Brethren and their families look forward to receiving. The relief comes with the opportunity to reclaim my life from what has been a very time consuming and demanding task.

I would like to express my thanks to those who have contributed material, particularly on a regular basis. I have never knowingly outright declined to publish any contribution even if it only of interest to the Lodge, which submitted. In these cases I have contacted the Lodge with requests for further information, which might lead to a story of national interest. Quite often, by digging deeper a great story can emerge.

Ever since I became Editor there were those who said that I should institute a Letters to the Editor section. I agreed, but those who offered such advice did not wish to write the letters. I did, however, institute an Opinion page and shoulder tapped potential, and often reluctant, contributors. It has been these articles that have stirred up the letter writers to the point where this issue contains four pages of correspondence. I have observed that the most prolific letter writers appear to reside in Timaru. I spent my early childhood years in wartime Timaru, living next door to the Editor of the Timaru Herald. Maybe something rubbed off along the way.

Amongst the lodges that have contributed regularly to the magazine I would like to single out United Lodge of Horowhenua. That lodge has connected well with their local Levin community as evidenced by the article on page 26 of this issue. This community connection has been a major factor in the growth of the Lodge and, in particular, the attraction of younger members into their ranks.

Thanks to the various proofreaders especially VWBro Duane Williams, who has also acted as peer reviewer, and to my wife, Margaret, who has had to examine every word, comma and full stop before an issue is cleared for production. Thanks also to Matthew Bartlett who has designed the page layouts with great competency through to the stage of having a print ready file, to Paul Gatenby of Wickliffe Group who has acted as adviser and the link to the printers and finally, to the staff at Freemasons New Zealand who have so promptly, and with utmost courtesy, dealt with my many queries for information.

During my time as Editor I have been privileged to get to know two Grand Masers, MWBros Selwyn Cooper and John Litton and their respective wives, Jan and Diana. I thank them all for their courtesy and willingness to respond to my many requests for contributions to the magazine.

What happens next? At the time of writing I don’t know the answer other than it is a matter to be considered somewhere in the temple behind the seven pillars. Adieu to my readers, and on with the next task.

WBro Morris Robertson, Editor (retired)

The New Zealand Freemason is the official journal of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed and the advertising content are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of Grand Lodge.

Articles appearing in this journal may be reproduced without permission provided acknowledgement of the source is made and a copy of the publication is forwarded to the Grand Secretary.

Queries or comments regarding subscription or distribution should be addressed to secretary@freemasons.co.nz or the Chief Executive PO Box 6439, Marion St. Wellington 6141. Queries and comments regarding content and advertising should be addressed to the Editor.

Contributions to the magazine, preferably in electronic form (e.g. MS Word documents) are greatly appreciated and should be of interest to a wide audience. Photographs should be high quality, preferably in jpg or tiff format. Contributions may be edited in order to fit space available and to achieve overall balance. Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 words. A guidance sheet for preparation of publishable material is available on request from the Editor. Contributions should be forwarded to editor@freemasons.co.nz

Freemason NZ contributions to editor@freemasons.co.nz

Royal Arch contributions to Geoff Davies, merlin81@xtra.co.nz

Magazines are distributed in March, June, September and December. The deadlines for contributions are the first day of February, May, August and NovemberLayout by Bartlett Projects, WellingtonPrinted by Wickliffe (NZ) Ltd.Copyright © 2014 Freemasons NZ

FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND Level 6, Freemasons House 195–201 Willis Street Te Aro, Wellington 6011

PO Box 6439, Marion Square Wellington 6141 New Zealand

Ph: +64 4 385 6622 Fax +64 4 385 5749 Email: secretary@freemasons.co.nz editor@freemasons.co.nz www.freemasons.co.nz

From the Editor

Relaxing between issues. Morris and Margaret Robertson enjoying fine wine and food, Bistro les Tontons, Saumur France, June 2014.

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HOT NEWSSchool of Music and Drama in London. She will be embarking on a two-year Masters programme. The graduates from the school have a good chance of being accepted into the major opera training programmes around the UK. Bianca, along fellow Emerging Artists, Edward Laurenson and Oliver Sewell, were three of the six finalists in the 2014 Lexus Song Quest. The eventual winner was Soprano, Isabella Moore.

Marketing does payA 23 year old Brazilian, Daniel, in New Zealand to study and bringing with him a little knowledge of Freemasonry in his home country, had become more aware of it whilst travelling the South Island with a friend, as most towns they approached had a sign at the entry and they saw some lodge rooms which increased curiosity. On settling and finding work in Christchurch he Googled Freemasons Christchurch and came up with the Crown Lodge No.138 web site. He approached the Lodge and, after the interview process, is due to be initiated. As the Master of Crown Lodge, Gerald Robertson says, ‘Marketing does pay’.

Taupo Cycle Challenge 2014This can be a day for social supporters, gathering around enthusiastic cyclists. Make it a Family Day out, encouraging adult children and/or teenage grandchildren to cycle while grandparents become the support team while having lots of fun working together. Support Diana Litton in her challenge to

get teams of ladies and family members together for a fun experience, supporting Freemasons supporting charities.

Cycling is a sport that is easy on the body and allows you to keep moving even after you have stopped peddling.

Saturday 29 November is just around the corner. Entries are now open on-line: cyclechallenge.com. For further information contact: anthonyclouston@gmail.com. To order Freemasons cycling gear see the advertisement on page 15 of this issue.

Lost depositorsDo you know, or know of the whereabouts or descendants of any of the lost depositors listed on page 52? If so please advise The Freemasons Deposit Scheme as noted.

Kapiti Lifeboat FundraiserDinner, dancing and auction at the Intercontinental Hotel, Wellington on Friday 7 November in support of the Kapiti Wellington District project. See details page on 41.

MWBro Joe McManemin passes to the Grand Lodge AboveAs this issue was about to go into production we were advised of the passing, on 5 August, of MWBro Joseph de Valley McManemin CBE QSO, Past Grand Master.

Joe McManemin was initiated into Lodge Wairoa, Auckland, in February 1985 and was installed as Master in 1968. His Grand Lodge progression began in 1970 with his appointment as grand Steward followed by Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1972 and Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1975. He became Assistant Provincial Grand Master in 1977 and Provincial Grand Master in 1982 and Grand Master in 1986. He was awarded a CBE for community service in the 1974 New Year’s Honours list and a QSO medal in 1990. A full obituary is planned for the next issue.

Bianca heads for LondonWellington soprano Bianca Andrew, feat-ured in the Sep tem-ber 2012 issue of New Zealand Freemason as one of the inaugural Freemasons Dame Mal vina Major Emer-ging Artists, has won a place at the Guildhall Bianca Andrew.

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D iana and I continue to receive very warm welcomes and hospitality

when visiting. We have again travelled widely over the last three months with two visits to the Bay of Plenty, a visit to Wellington for the presentation of the University Scholarships and a visit to Marton and Lodge Rangitekei. I also attended each of the three Divisional Conferences.

The first visit to the Bay of Plenty was for the presentation at The Gate Pa Lodge of a 50 year Service Badge to VWBro Les Borrell Past Grand Lecturer. VWBro Les is currently the First Grand Principal of Royal Arch Masonry in New Zealand and he and I are regularly liaising on matters facing the Craft and Royal Arch Masonry. It was a thrill to see a full lodge room as brethren had travelled considerable distances to honour and pay their tribute to VWBro Les.

Our second, and more recent, visit to the Bay was for the 100 year celebration of Lodge Whakatane. Prior to the evening celebrations, the Master of the Lodge, WBro Graeme Sharp, had arranged for us to visit and be formally received at the Mataatua Marae. The history of the Whararenui is quite extraordinary. Built in 1875 it has travelled to Sydney, Melbourne, the Victoria and Albert and the South Kensington Museum (London), and Otago before being rebuilt back in its place of origin, Whakatane, in 2011. During our visit we learned about the legends of Ngati Awa which were brought to life by a spectacular and world class digital light show.

The Lodge celebrations began with the unveiling of a Centennial boulder plaque at the entrance to the Lodge rooms at Acacia House. Following this we travelled to the Whakatane Library where the Masonic Exhibition had been set up. This display was much admired by all those present. Light refreshments were also enjoyed before the brethren returned to the Lodge rooms while the ladies were entertained by a string quartet and Diana took the opportunity to introduce the little book Plain English Guide to Freemasonry and

THE GRAND MASTER

Freemasonry north and south

also her newsletter, Snippets. After being formally received I was invited to meet all the Masters of the area and then to present Centennial Jewels to the Lodge Members.

After the lodge closed and the ladies had returned from the Library we moved to the refectory to enjoy a delightful dinner at which I was presented with a book The World War One Diary of Private Monty Ingram. Private Ingram was a member of Lodge Whakatane and I believe he was one of the founding members of the Lodge. The presentation was made by his son RWBro Neil Ingram Past Deputy Grand Master and a long time masonic friend. In reading the diary I have found the account to be very poignant as it gives a real feel for what it must have been like at the War Front. One diary note that was made by Private Ingram has really struck home with me and it is perhaps something all peoples of the world should embrace. I quote-

‘There are times when one’s mind is filled with nothing but the awful waste and desolution that is the essence of War. Waste of everything — waste of lives, of money, of property, of time. The progress of the world is at a standstill, whilst half the nations are using their brainpower, manpower and moneypower to exterminate the other half. The World’s gone mad!’

Given the current conflicts I am saddened that we appear to have learnt little from the experiences of the past.

The visit to Rangitikei Lodge was to present W Bro Gordon Sutherland with a 60 year service bar. MWBro Selwyn Cooper Past Grand Master described Gordon’s masonic history and the fact that he had been a member of the Lodge since his initiation into Freemasonry in 1954. WBro Gordon’s family, together with many other Brethren from far and wide and their partners, were in attendance to celebrate what is a magnificent achievement.

I have attended a number of Freemason University Scholarship presentations and, at this recent event held in Parliament’s Legislative Council

Chamber, I was again amazed at the talent, skills and energy of the recipients. An account of the presentation appears in this edition of New Zealand Freemason but the compliments I received from the scholars and parents about the generosity and support of the Freemasons were overwhelming.

I was present at all three Divisional Conferences which gave me an opportunity to listen and talk with many of those who attended. What was particularly rewarding was the manner in which everyone at the conferences participated enthusiastically in the discussions on the Strategic Direction and the 7 Pillars. It is so important for everyone to own and support this plan for the future success of Freemasonry. The enthusiasm then now needs to continue and be adopted by every lodge and I have every confidence that this will happen to make the plan work. As all the Conferences were well organised and very successful events I extend my congratulations to all of those involved with their organisation.

Queenstown was at its very winter’s best for the 150 year anniversary of the Lake Lodge of Ophir. Diana and I received some wonderful hospitality beginning on Friday with a fish and chip supper at the Lodge rooms which grace the side of Lake Wakatipu. This relaxed gathering with the Lodge members gave us the opportunity to meet the members and partners in an informal way. It was a great start to the weekend celebrations.

Saturday involved a march of the brethren, led by two pipers in full Scottish attire, from the Bro Gilbert Rees statue along Marine Parade to the Reserve where, together with the Queenstown

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From Diana

join me in completing the Lake Taupo Challenge on Saturday 29 November. It is not a race but a fun bike ride, the emphasis being on taking part and being part of a team. Let’s show others another side of Freemasonry by participating in a well-recognised community event that promotes sport and fitness as well as raising money for worthwhile charitable causes.

I appreciate that some of our members may not be keen on cycling round Lake Taupo themselves, but do please encourage your sons and daughters and teenage grandchildren to take part. Teams are of 4, cycling approximately 40km each, the first leg being the most challenging, I’m told, but it can be done at an easy pace. I have never done anything like this before and don’t expect

to break any records, in fact, I’ll just be delighted if I complete my section. Please come and support me! Everyone who makes it to the start line is a winner! Make it a Family Day out. Everyone can help and lots of supporters are needed on the day. Anthony Clouston is our organiser and can be reached at anthonyclouston@gmail.com. Thank you!

Diana Litton

I, too, would like to thank everyone for the fantastic welcome we have

received everywhere we’ve travelled — the hospitality has been second to none. I love meeting so many new people and making new friends. It makes the travelling all very worthwhile. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to speak about the little book Plain English Guide to Freemasonry and it has been gratifying to see it being received so well and passed onto others who are interested in learning more about the craft.

Thank you, too, to the ladies who have been so supportive of my newsletters, Snippets. I’ve enjoyed putting the first two issues together and look forward to receiving more items for forthcoming issues. So — ladies — please don’t be shy! Send me your thoughts, comments and articles, the more varied the better — photos of yourselves and your friends and families — they will be most grateful received. Email me at diana.litton@freemasons.co.nz .

And, lastly, I am still asking for some ladies, family members and friends to

Mayor Vanessa van Uden, we unveiled a plaque marking the occasion. The brethren then moved to the lodge rooms for a lodge meeting where I presented certificates and met the Masters of local lodges. Following the meeting we joined the ladies at the local church hall for afternoon tea.

The celebration dinner was held at the Novotel Hotel where an excellent meal was served and we were again warmly received and spoilt. A splendid celebration cake decorated with a replica of the lodge building concluded a most enjoyable evening

On Sunday we and the brethren attended a service at St Peter’s Church where VWBro Graeme Munro Past Grand Chaplain preached a ‘plumb rule’ stirring and special sermon which was well received by all the congregation.

During our visit we also visited the lodge rooms at Arrowtown, Cromwell and Wanaka. At each venue we met many of the brethren and we were grateful for

their hospitality and kindness towards us.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate, thank and pay a tribute to WBro Morris Robertson who will shortly be retiring as the Editor of New Zealand Freemason. WBro Morris has been responsible for the development of the magazine into the quality communication we now all receive. I know from my travels around New Zealand that the brethren, their families and friends look forward to reading each edition. What is perhaps not appreciated is the professionalism and dedication that Morris has applied to the role and, on behalf of all the brethren, I would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ for the time and efforts you have given. You can be justly proud of your work and time as Editor of the magazine.

The dedication that WBro Morris has given to the Wellington Khandallah community has recently been recognised when he was named ‘Community

Champion.’ In presenting the award Ohariu MP the Hon Peter Dunne commented that ‘you would not have a function or event that Morris wouldn’t be part of.’ Congratulations Morris on gaining this award. You have clearly applied your skills and talent not only to Freemasonry but to many areas of voluntary work.

Sadly I have just learnt of the passing of MWBro Laurie Inder Past GM. Diana and I received tremendous support from MWBro Inder and his lovely wife Pat on many occasions. We will never forget the day’s drive around the high country sheep station which Laurie Inder had managed for many years. It was spectacular country which was much loved by Laurie and he proudly showed us his favourite spots and views. To Pat and the Inder family we extend our sincere condolences on the loss of a very generous and fine Freemason.

John Litton, Grand Master

Celebrations in Queenstown

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ObituaryMWBro Laurie Inder QSM, Past Grand Master

Most Worshipful Brother Laurie Inder, Past Grand Master, passed to the Grand Lodge above on 22 July in his 80th year. A service to celebrate his life was held at Maniototo Stadium, Ranfurly, on July 29. The following are extracts from the Masonic Eulogy delivered by WBro John Levido at the service and from the story of Laurie’s extensive service to the community written by WBro Lin McKenzie.

MWBro Laurie Inder PGM.

I t is a real honour to have been asked to try to give a fitting Masonic tribute

to Most Worshipful Brother Laurie Inder QSM and I thank Pat and all Laurie’s family for the opportunity and on behalf of Freemasons throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands we extend to you all our sincerest sympathy and to let you know that Freemasonary has lost one of its most highly regarded and respected Brothers.

Laurie’s enthusiasium for the craft and his ability to express that enthusiasum to others resulted in him encouraging many young men to join the craft and I was lucky enough to be initiated during his year as Master and he presented me with this tie that I wear today with sadness and pride

Laurie joined the Mt Ida Lodge in 1961 over half a century ago and was the Master in 1973. He joined the ranks of Grand Lodge in 1984 progressing through the offices of Grand Tyler, Provincial Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master. Each office demanded a lot of time and dedication which Laurie gave willingly and his tireless efforts for Freemasonary were acknowledged with his being appointed Grand Master in 2002 for a term of two years.

I recently came across a back copy of New Zealand Freemason and, on the front cover, was a photo of our new Grand Master beside his tractor and in his swannie. That photo portrayed Laurie as a man of the land and it epitomised the way he was perceived as a man who was prepared to get back to the basics, roll up his sleeves up and get stuck in.

Laurie fully engaged and enjoyed the pomp and ceremony which went with his high office and who will ever forget his Installation as Grand Master. He was

piped into the Christchurch Town Hall by VWBros Jock Scott and Jim Gilmour from his own Mt Ida Lodge playing Highland Cathederal and then WBro Barry Brinson playing the magnificent pipe organ.

As Laurie’s jurisdiction covered some of South Pacific Islands he decided to go and work installations in Western Samoa and America Samoa. He was accompanied by a good team from New Zealand, including a contingent from Central Otago. The visit by such a high ranking Mason seems to have created quite a bit of excitement among the local Brethren. Fortunately Laurie’s reputation as a friendly down to earth person preceeded him and they looked forward to his coming.

We went over a couple of days later than Pat and Laurie and by the time we got there he had already been made a chief and we found him wandering around wearing a skirt and carrying a large stick. With Laurie’s enthusium for becoming fully involved in something new I think it was only Pat’s good guidence that stopped him from going bare chested. Once we had it explained to us what had taken place we realised that Pat and Laurie had been bestowed with a very high honour by the Samoan people and Laurie had been given a real chieften ceremonial honour with Kava and all. That long ceremonial pole can still be found in the living room of the family home.

You don’t get to hold all the many high offices as Laurie did throughout his life by being a yes man. Laurie would fight for what he believed in and many civic and Masonic groups are indebited to his forthright support of their causes.

Of all the things Laurie has been

involved in I think he saw his term as Grand Master as perhaps his greatest achievement but I know that his proudest moment in Freemasonary was when he was able to take part in the initiation ceremony of his son Mark into the Mt Ida Lodge and Mark is filling some very big shoes with absolute ease.

We acknowledge the tremendous support Laurie had from Pat who was by his side many many times and must have hosted a tremendous number of Masonic visitors as they went around the country inviting people to come and share his passion for the hill country of the old Mt Ida syndicate and taking them around the mountain. As one Grand Lodge member from Auckland said ‘it was like being on top of the world.’ Thank you Pat for your support of Laurie and Freemasonary and thank you also to your family of whom Laurie was so proud.

When Laurie’s term of office was coming to a close a comment in New Zealand Freemason pointed out that each Grand Master brings his own special qualities to the job and in Laurie’s case it was written that Freemasonary had been particularly blessed to have had Most Worshipful Brother Laurie as its head for two years and that few brethren would not have met him or at least seen him during this time and his smiling face and warm and friendly personality will be long remembered.

WBro John Levido6

Service to farming and the communityMW Bro Laurie Inder QSM was so much more than a well-respected member and leader of our craft. He was a farmer, an active and leading community member, at all times a family man and a very supportive friend. He farmed the family property ‘Launceston’ on the Maniototo Plain in Central Otago

His brother Sam delivered the first part of the eulogy at Laurie’s funeral and opened his address with the remark that ‘There is no record of Laurie learning to walk, he stood up and ran from an early age.’ Laurie followed his father as a rugby player for the Ranfurly Rugby Club and curled for The Mt. Ida Curling Club of which he was a foundation member.

The family property owned a shareholding in The Mt Ida Syndicate which held a Pastoral Grazing Licence over an area originally of 30,000 acres high on the hills behind Naseby. This has been used for summer grazing by the syndicate members for many years. Laurie was Chair of the Mt Ida Syndicate 1969 until 1996.

Laurie was always interested in what was going on around him. He was heavily

involved in St Hildas Anglican Church in Ranfurly as a Local Warden and was appointed a District Warden by Bishop Mann in 1990.

He had a long involvement in the local A&P Assocation and served as President, as indeed did his wife Pat and son Mark. He was Chairman of the Otago

Provincial Branch of Federated Farmers, and a Director of the Primary Producers Co-operative Society for some years.

Laurie was a mem-ber, and later Chair, of the Maniototo Domain Board from 1961 to 1989. He was Chair of the Mani-ototo Com munity Board from 1989 to 2001 and A Central Otago District Councillor from 1992 to 2001.An achievement of particular pride was the

Laurie shoeing a horse during a muster in the 1990s.

establishment of a new reliable water supply for Ranfurly.

During this time The Maniototo Hospital was coming in to local ownership under the chairmanship of the late WBro John Aitken and the local rest home, The Chalet, was being established under the chairmanship of the late WBro Denis Todd. The debate in the district regarding the establishment of these entities was somewhat vigorous. Laurie’s support, as CODC representative, Community Board Chair and personal friend of these men was unwavering.

There are many Freemasons who would pay tribute to Laurie’s quiet guidance and support as they made their way through the chairs. Certainly I know of more than one who candidly admitted they would not have served as Master of their Lodge had it not been for Laurie standing beside them.

WBro Lin McKenzie

Laurie Inder on the left and neighbouring farmer Nick McKenzie standing in front of the former Ida Valley railway station. The building, loaded on a trailer and dragged into the hills with a bulldozer, served as a musterers hut for many years.

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NEWS CLIPS

The defibrillator units supplied during The Freemasons Charity initial offer have a finite battery life. It essential that the battery and pads are replaced when this occurs. A number of lodges have enquired about funding of the replacements. Sheila Hicking responds as follows:

If the unit was supplied as a result of a lodge project in partnership with The Freemasons Charity it would be a Heartsine unit supplied by Amtech in Wanganui. There are several other models on the market.

The arrangement we made with Amtech was that every unit is recorded

From The Freemasons Charity

in their computer system and when the battery unit is reaching the end of its shelf life a flag comes up in their system and they contact the site and advise that a replacement battery pack is required.

There is a cost involved and the policy has been that if the unit is within a Masonic building then The Freemasons Charity would ask for a token contribution and meet the balance of the cost on receipt of a completed Lodge Project form.

If the unit is sited in an outside organisation then, as they have received a $3,000+ unit free of charge, the

Southern delicacy fundraiserNo, not oysters and Alexandra may not be in Southland but, between Central Otago and the southernmost province, a Masonic family has, for at least fifteen years, made this ‘Southern Delicacy’ available to assist with raising funds towards the charitable work of Lodge Manuherikia Kilwinning No.109.

expectation would be that it would meet the full cost of the battery pack. The unit, which includes chest pads, is approximately $300.

Sheila Hicking, Charity Administrator

The Lodge of Waitaki No.11 conducted its 150th Installation on 14 May 2014. The Lodge was formed on 5 May 1865 as Lodge of Waitaki No.1111 EC and was consecrated by a group of English, Scottish and Irish Constitution District Grand Lodge Officers who travelled from Dunedin to Oamaru on a small ferry, which landed passengers on the open beach by surfboats as there was no port structure at that time and access to Oamaru, other than by sea, was quite difficult. Accidents during unloading and landing were not uncommon and many

passengers got soaking wet while passing through the surf.

To commemorate the anniversary of the 1865 consecration District Grand Lodge Officers from the ‘Old

Lodge of Waitaki — 150th Installation

Constitutions’ were invited guests and all attended.

The photo shows two groups of distinguished brethren with Lodge of Waitaki plaques in the background. On

the left side are RWBro JS Harborow DivGM, VWBro GS Girvan DistGM, Otago Lakes and WBro JB Daniell, Master of Lodge of Waitaki. On the opposite side are WBro KL Borland Deputy DistGM English Constitution, RW Bro JFT Griffen Asst.ProvGM, Grand Lodge of Ireland and RWBro M Gilkinson DistGM, Scottish Constitution.

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NEWS CLIPS

Carly Pointon with Jesse, Tristan, Kaden, Colin Young, Master of Lodge Mana, and Andie.

Community supportThey needed more than $80,000 but the community rallied round and now the Munro family of Titahi Bay, Porirua, can travel in safety and comfort. Kaden Munro, age six, and his 5-year-old sister, Andie, have global development disability, which means that they have autism-like symptoms. Both require therapy and powered wheelchairs for mobility.

The van the family were using had a rudimentary ramp and mother, Carly Pointon, was straining her back to push them up. Two wheelchairs and three other siblings were squashed in to get to school, sport and other activities.

It took nearly a year of fundraising, but the $81,000 required, $56,000 for the Toyota van and $25,000 for the modifications including the hydraulic hoist, was raised. Funding came from several sources including Lotteries, Archway Trust, BNZ, Porirua schools, Playcentre and donations through the Givealittle web site. Lodge Mana contributed $2,000. The van needed to be large enough to include space for the wheelchair fasteners.

Carly’s reputation for helping others meant that people responded warmly to the campaign.

Sixty years of fraternal visitsThe Master of Lodge Manuherikia Kil win ning No.109, WBro Wayne Hammond, presenting a plaque to WBro Darrel Purton, Master of Lodge Kurow No.164 (right) to commemorate the 60th annual fraternal visit between the two Lodges. The presentation took place on 26 June. Also in the photo is VWBro Lindsay Smith, Past Grand Chaplain, a member of Lodge Kurow who was initiated shortly after the first visit to that Lodge and has been present at practically every alternative visit since. He received his 60-year badge at the August meeting of Lodge Kurow.

Thanks to Heartland BankDear Heartland Bank and The Free-masons Charity,

I am writing today to thank you again for your recent award to my tertiary study, and me and also to update you on my progress through tertiary study. I am now in my second semester of Health Science First Year at Otago University. This course has been challenging but rewarding and has further fuelled my ambition to enter Medical School next year.

In the first semester, I gained two A grades and two A+ grades. Without your grant, I would been unable to focus on my academic needs, which would have resulted in lower grades and a greatly lessened chance of reaching my goal of Medical School. The grant also meant I have been able to maintain my involvement with St John Youth, music and the local church community. You have enabled me to continue working towards my dream; and for that, I am very grateful.

Thanks again,Sylvia Duncan

If you really want the truth behind all the myths and misconceptions about Freemasonry maybe this book is for you.

Secret Handshakes and Rolled-up Trouser Legs takes its title from the fact that the few things that most non-Masons are able to say about Freemasonry are that it is a secret society, whose members attend meetings where they wear aprons, identify each other by secret handshakes and roll-up their trouser legs.

Appealing not only to the non-Mason inquisitive about Freemasonry but also to the relatively new Freemason who wants to know more about the organisation he has joined.

Written by a senior Freemason with the

Secret handshakes and rolled-up trouser legs: The secrets of Freemasonry: Fact and fiction, Richard Gan

non-Mason specifically in mind, the book attempts to redress the balance by providing an opportunity for the reader

to find out what Freemasonry is all about, it also provides a source book for the Freemasons who may need to answer questions asked by friends and family.

£9.99 from Lewis Masonic www.lewismasonic.co.uk or, alternatively, you could get much the same information from The Plain English Guide to Freemasonry by John and Diana Litton.

9

OPINION

Architecture and FreemasonryParallel streams — similar issues

Editor’s note

O ver the past three years this magazine has published letters

and opinion columns from a number of contributors whose thoughts range from the conservative to the progressive. Given that no reader has come forth with a contribution for this issue I have taken this opportunity to express some opinions of my own.

Back in the early 1980s, when I held the office of Honorary Secretary of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, I had published a number of articles drawing attention to threats facing the future of the architectural profession as various ‘interlopers’ were eating away at the edges of the traditional place of the architect in the building industry. Looking back at what I wrote then I have seen parallels with the state of Freemasonry today. I have thus reproduced part of an article published by Home and Building in 1982 and followed up by linking it to the issues we now face in Freemasonry. Both the Architect and the speculative Freemasons of today can trace their lineage back to the Master Mason of Medieval times.

The Architect in the 1980sThe client who wishes to procure a new building today (1980s) is faced with a multiplicity of optional paths emanating from groups all of whom claim to have found the most appropriate direction. It is little wonder that the prospective owners are a little confused as to where best to seek advice.

This article explores and comments on some of the options, endeavours to explain why such alternatives have come into existence and finally seeks to determine if the differences expounded are more apparent than real.

Architecture is the oldest profession in the building industry. In Medieval times the architect and master builder were one and the same. Gothic architecture of the 13th and 14th centuries was the height of craftsmanship. The principles of design and construction were inseparable and passed from master to apprentice. This

craftsmanship was extended to the limit of capabilities of the materials of the time, mostly stone. Despite the unit nature of stone the magnificent flying buttresses of the French cathedrals transmitted stresses in a way only steel and prestressed concrete could be expected to perform today.

Design evolved as construction proceeded, frequently in the case of the great cathedrals for a century or more. Solutions beyond the experience of the craftsmen were sought by trial and error. If the cathedral collapsed during construction another solution was tried.

Major changes, affecting the future course of building, which took place in the fifteenth century, were the invention of printing and copperplate graving. These enabled the designs of past years to be widely disseminated and copied, thus inaugurating the Renaissance, which was in effect a reversion which set the path of architectural development back 400 years.

The ability to spread knowledge led to the divergence of the designer from the craftsman. The scholar who studied the orders of ancient Greece and Rome became the architect and the craftsman became the executor of the designs. Whether he was a stonemason, bricklayer or carpenter depended on the most readily available materials in the location of the construction. The separation of builder and architect widened as

the craft system dissolved into the Industrial Revolution. This same period saw the rapid development of canals and railways with the consequence that materials could be moved great distances and mixed within one building. This the need for more co-ordination knowledge led to the rise in the management role of the Master Builder.

The concurrent development of more complex materials such as cast iron, steel and ferro cement allowed a greater flexibility in building design and promoted the need for specialised knowledge of small parts. Thus was born the engineer and, as technological and administrative complexity evolved, there were further spin offs into electrical and mechanical engineers and other specialist consultants all matched by a splitting of the builder’s role into a series of sub contractors.

Building has become progressively more complex during the twentieth century. Think of the pre-war house with its three or four power points limited plumbing and limited kitchen. Likewise, most office buildings did not have elevators, air conditioning, fire alarms, security systems and so on. All these have given rise to specialists thus making it even more difficult for those who endeavour to manage the exercise. The industry has coped by inventing new specialists such as quantity surveyors, programmers and town planners to name but a few.

The mid point of the twentieth century was reached with the architect as prime consultant, in the role of client contact, general designer and co-ordinator of specialist consultants. Likewise, the head contractor had the responsibility or basic building trades and securing and co-ordination of sub-contractors. The principal means of finding an architect was by reputation while the principal method of securing a contractor was by open tendering on a lump sum basis with a predetermined method for dealing with design variations during the progress of the works. This was an end on end process through preliminary design, sketch plans, working drawings, specifications and contract.

Rheims Cathedral — Gothic engineering and masonry at its best.

10

Economically buoyant times, coupled with a relatively low rate of inflation allowed the process to work. However, it could not continue satisfactorily into the financial fluidity of the late seventies.

Firstly, lump sum contracts could not work satisfactorily as escalation factors increased in total cost influence whilst lifetime returns on the building as a commercial investment bore little relationship in real terms to the money raised to build it. Thus, there arose a new race of specialists operating under the general umbrella of project developers and managers. Their skill was the production of complete packages from feasibility and funding to construction and letting, thus co-ordinating a greater range of people than ever before. The term ‘package deal’ entered the construction idiom. As this latest development shifted control away from the traditional professional i.e. the architect, to the builder some client organisations became concerned about the independence of advice thereby giving opportunity for the consultant project manager to emerge.

Postscript The article went on to examine and com-ment on various methods of procuring a building many of which proliferated during the boom of the 1980s. It also looked at the impact of these developments on builders right across the spectrum. It also questioned what were the constraints of the then Code of Ethics for Architects, which effectively precluded members of the profession from adapting their roles into the wider industry. The article concluded with the question:

What of the independent Project Mana-ger? Is he really necessary? His emergence is somewhat an indictment of the architectural profession, which has failed to see its ultimate role as the specialist co-ordinator rather than the specialist designer.

Ultimately the architect was saved from being pushed towards oblivion by the crash of 1987 and demise of the fringe developers along with the newcomers who were associated with them. These events allowed the architectural

profession to regroup, develop new management skills and implement continuing professional development and peer reviews of their practices.

Parallels with FreemasonryHow does the above relate to Freemasonry? The architect of today is the direct descendent of the Master Mason who drew the plans in the plaster and found that design and construction co-ordination were his forte rather than working the stone. The Operative Masons descended into the proliferation of building trades we have today. The tools now in use are sophisticated and have evolved to meet a wide range of needs.

In terms of Freemasonry the evolution of the working tools appeared to have ceased when Speculative Masons entered the picture. Like the architects of the Renaissance they tended to look to the past rather than the future and stuck with stone masonry rather than embracing the bricklayers and carpenters. Meanwhile, Operative Masons have faded to a relatively minor part of the construction industry with their skills now mostly confined to restoration work.

Progression and preferment is based on the ability to learn and recite ritual in a medieval fashion, despite advances in literacy and technology. This is not meant to denigrate the great ritualists just as one can admire the great designers. The architectural profession almost lost its way until it came to grips with contemporary needs and extended its skills base. The Plain English Guide to Freemasonry, produced by John and Diana Litton, notes (page 17) ‘for many

non-Freemasons this (ritual) dominates their perception of Freemasonry.’ I might add that this belief, as reflected in a number of Letters to the Editor, also dominates the perception of many, generally older, Freemasons. Likewise, the perception of the public and many of the architects is that the winning of design awards is the ultimate achievement in the profession. There are still few accolades for those who have widened their sphere of activity to include project delivery and technology etc.

Knitting these threads together brings me to the main point of this article. The lines of speculative Masonry progression remain based on the illiteracy and career needs of stonemasonry apprentices of the Middle Ages. Today, many of our new initiates are highly educated and experienced men who come to the realisation that the main purpose of Freemasonry is to advance through learning of ritual. We lose far too many of them, and the skills they could contribute, because they see no place for themselves unless we are prepared to widen our perceptions of what our organisation is all about in the 21st century. There may be a willingness to learn and understand our ritual but if it is only seen as a stepping-stone to learning by rote it can be perceived as a dead end.

Letters and opinion articles published in this magazine have contained pleas for discussion on the adoption of technology in the delivery of ritual. Are we listening and talking about some of these fundamental issues and really broadening the opportunities for and retaining, our brethren? If we fail to listen and seriously discuss these issues our membership will continue to decline as we lose some of our newer and brightest members who could contribute to and grow Freemasonry in other ways if only the shackles could be loosened just a little.

Like that of the architectural profession the freemasonry line of descent could cement a greater place in the community by taking on board a broader spectrum of membership opportunities and routes leading to the ‘dark blue apron’ other than performing memorised ritual.

WBro Morris Robertson, Retired Architect

The one that broke the traditional mould — Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The cost of FreemasonryThe Plain English Guide to Freemasonry is an excellent small pocket-sized publication and is well recommended to all, for distribution to the un-initiated.

However, the chapter under ‘Money’ can be very misleading to an interested enquirer. Joining fees are quoted as between $100 and $300 and annual subscriptions between $300 and $1000. In our District (Midland) joining fees are about $50 and the highest annual subscription is, I think, $150. Your showing fees at a higher rate may be the difference, whether a prospective candidate decides if he can afford the cost, after having to buy an apron and possibly a dinner suit.

David H Darling, Timaru

Editor’s note. It is very difficult to make comparisons as some lodges include refectory costs for the year while others collect on each night. Also, the style of refectory fare varies from sandwiches to fine dining.

One size fits all?This approach/mindset suited Free-masonry and in fact society as a whole over a long period of time. About the time that Freemasonry flourished New Zealand was monocultural, white and Anglo-Saxon as well as pretty much monolingual. We have been slow as an organisation to recognise that change, not only in population mix but also in attitudes, which have been bubbling along just below the surface but are now emerging as a real factor in society. There is no one really to blame. Our leaders were trained in the control tactics of the Cold War, aka ‘crisis management’. As Thomas Friedman said in a recent New York Times article, ‘it is no surprise that we are using our power only to hedge risk and preserve a failing status quo.’ Friedman also said ‘we need leaders now to be builders with enough foresight to shape a sustainable future.’ One has to ask whether anyone in Freemasonry is aware of this fundamental shift in society? When the means of top-down control are decreasingly available or increasingly expensive, leaders and members are going to eventually have to embrace

a new more sustainable dynamic in the organisation.On present trends I would think this would be a bottom up approach with built-in shared power.

There has been much talk over the last year or two about change in Freemasonry but as I have said in discussion there has been no substance behind this. The old guard see ‘ritual’ as the beginning, middle and end of Freemasonry and they see little reason to change.

In my Opinion piece, published in New Zealand Freemason, Issue 2, 2011, I outlined the attitudes of young people. The reaction to the article was around zero. I also wrote about the use of surtitles at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. That suggestion brought forth the antis, that is the doomsayers and purists. Their arguments completely missed the point. Audiences wanted them. Surtitles are now fully accepted part of the MET performances and in every other Opera house I have experienced in recent years.

The question I ask, and should be asked more widely, is why are the tough questions never addressed? For me a further question is ‘what does the Grand Lodge do?’ Surely it has role in sharing with the membership the sincere wish on the part of some members to discuss a shifted paradigm? If they do, so far it has eluded me but I must say that for a recent anniversary they did invite me in a general sort of way to meet the Grand Master along with, I guess, umpteen others. I declined as it looked like another session of transmission and not reception of views.

Freemasonry is an organisation worth supporting. I enjoy the membership and the broad context of our activities. But too many of the members have a clearly instrumentalist approach. They fear that if they speak up they will not gain preferment. History is dotted with such attitudes and organisations that have failed to retain that flexibility needed to adjust to changing times. I was impressed by a talk in the Research Lodge of Wellington from an esteemed Brother, Bob Lancaster, subsequently published in the December 2013 issue of New Zealand Freemason. Here is a Freemason who has been prepared to talk about where we are at.

Gerald McGhie, Wellington

A wife asks questionsWhat do you want to do about the building where your lodge meets? What about the cost of insurance?

The building needs painting, and that’s not cheap. Even with a working bee there’s the cost of paint and the kitchen is old fashioned and the toilets are non-functioning. They run water if you don’t flush them in a certain way and the hall is so cold in winter that no woman wants to sit and wait for the lodge members to come to refectory, let alone have an outsider to speak.

Is the building the lodge, or do the members make the lodge in your area? Granted, the members need a place to meet and perform their so-called secret rituals? Has the local hotel or club have any cupboard space to stow the columns and ritual furniture? If not, maybe this is something the lodge could fund and build.

Does the lodge have to meet in an old building? Is it just the pride of trustees or a committee of older members keeping it going? It is crazy to have a building for one meeting a month.

In the Bay of Plenty we have the Harini Complex, which is let for weddings, as well as lodge meetings. The building includes commercial space, which makes the lodges self-sufficient. Maybe this is something your lodge can think about. Meanwhile, time is running out.

Aileen Buchanan, Tauranga

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Changing attitudesDuring my 22-year Masonic career, I have encountered many attitudes within the Craft that are incompatible with the way young men typically think. These attitudes may not necessarily be wrong or contradict Masonic principles, but they undermine efforts to recruit members and retain their active involvement. Even the strongest lodge will ultimately fail if its members have attitudes that are at variance with those held by younger men.

When I moved to Christchurch in 2001 I could see a number of issues arising from this mismatch of attitudes that were more likely to terminate young Masonic careers than achieve anything positive. During the intervening 13 years I am not sure that any of those issues have been properly addressed. This inaction has arisen because Freemasons who might be in a position to do something about the problem don’t understand it, possibly because of the way the vertical

rank structure of the Craft entrenches attitudes.

This is a sad situation because there is an enormous potential to improve the condition of the Craft in the large population centres. My lodge’s own experience in recruiting candidates convinces me that Christchurch has more than enough young men wanting to be Freemasons to keep all the local lodges well endowed with candidates for years into the future.

A young Freemason’s pleaI refer to the recent Opinion piece by WBro Warren Duff (New Zealand Freemason June 2014). The reality is, Freemasonry is in dire straits. If it continues on its current path, it will be extinct in the next few decades and this would be an absolute shame. Warren Duff is absolutely right, there needs to be a dramatic change and I believe New Zealand should lead the world of Freemasonry by example. Although we are trying to attract young men to Freemasonry we are offering them an organisation that is decades out of date. We need to modernise the organisation and bring it in to the 21st century. This doesn’t mean that we have to drop the most important parts of Freemasonry we just have to compromise. We need to offer people something more than what we currently offer them. We need to market it in a way that will attract today’s young men. Freemasonry needs to become ‘cool’ again. Being a young man myself I have unique perspective on this and I offer the following ideas.

Transform Freemasonry into a social organisation: The reason the likes of Facebook, Destiny Church, etc. have been so successful is that they have an extremely well organised social system. They do fun things that their members enjoy doing, but also stick to their basic beliefs. There is no way Freemasonry is going to attract people to meetings that consist of a group of men sitting around a table in dress suits. There needs to be energy and there needs to be creativity. I’m talking movie nights, field trips,

going out to restaurants, social disco’s, sports games, summer barbeques, fishing trips, workshops/lectures/debates, entertainment evenings — the opportunities are endless.

Modernise how we present the organisation: We need to be active on social media, we need to reward and incentivise our members, we need to modernise our communication systems, and we need to present ourselves as a modern, social and energetic group.

Focus on brotherhood: People join gangs and sports teams for the brotherhood — this is something our organisation needs to capitalise on. When a brother needs help or support, we should all rally behind him. This should be one of our main attraction points to potential new members. These days, there are many broken families and many young men turn to gangs or criminal groups as a form of fellowship, belonging, support and brotherhood — but at the end of the day they come out worse morally. We are different; we make good men better men. We need to provide that sanctuary that a gang does, but lead our members down the right path.

Update the dress-code: Because we are encouraging men to bring themselves as they are, they should be allowed to dress

how they like at meetings, social events, etc. Yes, there should be standards, but they should be a lot more flexible. A collared shirt and tidy jeans is what most men wear these days and this should be perfectly ok. I absolutely support having everyone wear suits during ceremonies. However, during informal gatherings, people should be able to come as they are.

Modernise the lodges: This will require investment, but this is something we should plan for in future. Many large organisations, businesses, churches, etc., are realising the potential that physical surroundings have on the mood and ethic of their members/employees. The lodge should be a place where we can gather our members and have a fun, social time. The lodge is the face of our organisation, and thus should represent it.

I would love to see Freemasonry restored to its former glory. Many years ago, it was ‘cool’ to join Freemasonry and be a Freemason and it’s about time that we brought this back before it is too late. I have a wealth of marketing, social and organisational experience to draw upon and I am more than happy to help. I know that some of my comments, like other contributors, will be met with criticism. However my answer to them is that if you keep doing what you’ve always done, then you’ll always have what you’ve always had. Anyone who is unwilling to see the light is simply contributing to the demise of the organisation that they so truly love.

Jason Tainsh, Auckland

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There needs to emerge in Christchurch a group of men who understand the problem and are able to implement some simple strategies that would reduce the influence of those attitudes responsible for Freemasonry’s decline in the city. Those strategies need to be implemented without delay before the number of Freemasons in the city falls below the critical mass necessary to sustain the organisation’s strength and viability.

I have seen different lodges around the country try to make themselves

more attractive to potential members by ‘modernising’. They have adopted new procedures, revised dress codes, developed social programmes, and so on. Almost all of them have continued to decline, and some have long since surrendered their charters. Their chief mistake has been to rely on changes that mask but do not resolve conflicts between the attitudes held by many of their members and those held by the younger men they are trying to recruit.

Lodges exacerbate their problems

if they ‘modernise’ with inappropriate changes. In this respect, Dr Alan Fayter’s article in this magazine’s March 2014 edition contains some very salient points. It is a very fine line, but in order to survive, Freemasonry needs to integrate with the community more closely without losing its mystique or undermining its standards. That can only be done by changing or neutralising some of the attitudes that currently prevail within the Craft.

Robin Loomes, Christchurch

ReflectionsI thank you for your interesting publication (New Zealand Freemason June 2014), and I comment on the following items:

From the Editor (Page 2): How very, very true. I was made a Mason 11 years ago at age 47. I have always found rote learning passages of text very difficult, but I also want to do a job, and to do it as well as can be done. Not being a natural rote learner, I get extremely disappointed with myself at the very many mistakes that I make in Lodge, generally about 5 per meeting. Because of the requirement for rote, and wanting to participate, Freemasonry is often very disappointing for me. I really should resign because I upset so many Brethren by my outspoken views, including reading ritual rather than requiring many prompts. I have not found a ‘Rule’ nor ‘Law’ nor ‘Collected Ruling’ that prevents me from reading well rather than reciting poorly.

Opinion (Page 10): Some changes may be warranted but I think that…

Freemasonry has really only had two great surges in membership, after both World Wars. In today’s world, Freemasonry is a step backwards in time to the ‘good old days’. Our lodge behaviour is rather similar to the practices in the Courts of Law and Crown that still occur. By following some of this history, we learn by it.

The words that are used are still part of the English language. Just because some of them are no longer in current usage does not mean they are redundant. Learning the meaning of these unusual words provides us with an education,

as well as the opportunity to use them correctly in everyday communication. One exception is the word ‘branded’ which implies heat and pain, rather than the possibly better ‘seen as’.

Our Lodges operate as they do because that is what the current members want. If we attempt to do something different, such as a lecture, a talk, a discussion, or an education meeting then many Brethren show their displeasure by not attending. While it would be nice to do other activities, and there really is much more to Freemasonry than ritual, we must cater for our actual members rather than those members that we don’t yet have.

Our dress code is of a design that is similar, because we all ‘meet on the level’. If we did not dress similarly then we would lose that symbolism, just as some lodges are losing the symbolism of the white gloves. Also, our bests can be used when attending other functions such as weddings and funerals. There are also other very important Masonic

symbolisms in our dress. There is a Rule in our ‘Constitution and Laws’ about dress, and the requirement and acceptance to follow rules is a distinguishing Mason characteristic, as is exemplified in both the Charge After Initiation and the Obligation of an Installed Master. Furthermore, there is even more symbolism of black and white which is shown in the 1st Catechetical and which is very well demonstrated by our dress code.

We are permitted to change, but it must be done correctly. An important part of Freemasonry is to ‘learn to rule our passions’ (1st Catechetical Lecture, answer 14), and also to learn to follow rules and regulations. But, if the changes are made correctly, then those Brethren who threaten to resign need to be reminded that part of Freemasonry is that very important injunction ‘by a ready acquiescence in all votes passed by a majority of the Brethren’. Resignation because of disagreement and asking for a vote to be recorded in opposition to the majority is akin to admitting to being a wilfully perjured individual.

It would be interesting if some meetings could undertake other rituals as a demonstration. For example, there are at least 28 versions of English workings. As general Instruction Section 1 is somewhat unclear if this is permitted clarification might be needed to remove the ambiguity of this Instruction.

Changes can happen, and perhaps should happen. I would like to see the most important lesson in Freemasonry, ‘The Key Charge’ at the end of the 1st section of the 1st Catechetical, become

14

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part of the initiation ceremony, and also a test question. We must learn from the history of the Antients versus the Moderns. Changes must be instigated by Grand Lodge, as happened with the Antient Penalties and the emblems of mortality, for changes

to happen at lodge level. A wonderful scheme was proposed five years ago to appoint a Mentor for an Initiate, but that did not get past the video presentation.

Should we become Operative Masons again? (Page 34): I momentarily wondered how an advertisement to join that English Order, ‘The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers (The Operatives)’ could get into New Zealand Freemason, especially as it requires membership of the Royal Arch. But the lessons of that Order clarify ‘blue’ Freemasonry in particular. Another Order that clarifies blue Freemasonry is the Cryptic degrees, but that too requires membership of Royal Arch. It is rather a shame that so few Freemasons advance their Masonic knowledge by joining these side orders. Perhaps exemption could be obtained from Grand Lodge, and permission obtained from side orders, to undertake parts of relevant workings from side Orders.

Colin Parkyn, Nelson

Installation notice printing and binding serviceCentral Division Website webmaster, Russell Pratt, has recently announced the launch of a new service to assist Lodges with the printing and binding of installation notices. Options will range from simple black and white through to full colour.

A number of ‘bundled’ options will be available including printed Installation table mats; table mats for regular meetings; visitor cards for Masters; Lodge letterheads and personalised Lodge envelopes.

Russell will soon be writing to all Masters and Secretaries outlining the service offerings and cost. “Installations are stressful enough without having to worry about printing the Programme and other items” he said.

15

Freemasons NZ Strategic Direction for 2013–2018 has the stated strategic principle of ‘Freemasonry Makes the Difference’ and this principle is expanded through seven areas or ‘Pillars’ with key outcomes established for each year. At the three Divisional Conferences workshops or ‘tents’ were established to discuss matters concerning six of these Pillars: Communication, Education, Charity, Community Engagement, and combined Leadership/Membership.

The Board of General Purposes meets to advance the Strategic Plan.

I introduced the workshop sessions by noting that Freemasonry in NZ is at

the crossroad of its history and that now is the time for members and Lodges to take ownership of their situation. Now is the time to look inward at ourselves, accept our responsibility and make some positive changes. The theme for the Divisional Conferences was to ‘Make Freemasonry Happen’ particularly at the lodge level.

A candidate joins due to a ‘favourable opinion preconceived of the institution and a general desire for knowledge’. He leaves because he no longer holds a favourable opinion; the expectation he had was not substantiated by what he experienced in the Lodge. When we get things right at the individual and the lodge level Freemasonry does substantiate the ‘favourable opinion’, it does supply knowledge and understanding and does so in a good, healthy, and positive environment. When that happens the Lodge builds growth, retains members and is strengthened.

To make Freemasonry happen we have to improve its culture from the Lodge level upwards because now is the time for positive action and activity, for teamwork, consensus, trust, respect, fun and enjoyment. The Divisional Conferences discussed this premise and developed ideas and feedback at each of the workshops. We will be distributing the results to all lodges in the coming

months but, to give you an early indication, here are some of the more important ideas from each pillar.

Communication Pillar

The Communication ‘tent’ collected the views of attendees preferences on com munication methods. These are currently being evaluated. A project to overhaul the Grand Lodge website was highlighted and a tablet/iPad/mobile phone application is being developed.

Education Pillar

The Education ‘tent’ asked brethren to identify the topics that should make up the curriculum of an education programme for each of the three degrees. The National Education Committee is now working on the curriculum for release later this year.

Charity Pillar

The Charity ‘tent’ explored the initiatives being undertaken by The Freemasons Charity, outlined the move to establish Charity Officers and highlighted the Grand Master’s charity initiative.

Community Engagement Pillar

Community Engagement was identified as a key factor for community under-standing of Freemasonry in New Zealand and growth for us as an organisation. Key principles are:-

• Community Stakeholders/Community Engagement — Your actions speak louder than words.

• Engagement of Partners, Family and Friends — Tell your story of Freemasonry with all your heart.

• Lodge Accommodation and our local Community — We cannot solve our challenges with the same ideas that we used to created them.

Leadership and Membership Pillars

This ‘tent’ had the theme ‘Making Strong Leadership and Membership Happen: in Lodges, across Districts and throughout Freemasonry’. Principles of leadership were explored and many ideas were suggested. The following are key actions that we think are going to lead to success in ‘Making Freemasonry Happen’. • Planningaheadinthelodge• Goodleadershipinthelodge• Havingagoodlodgeculture• Involvingnewmembers• Communicationtoretainand

reconnect• Charity’sroleininvolvingnew

members• Educationforleadershipand

recruitment• Effectivemanagementoflodge

business• Involvementoffamilies

Making Freemasonry happenRWBro Laurence Milton summarises the 2014 Divisional Conferences

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Finally, I want to say that the Strategic Direction 2013–2018 is for the whole Craft and that while some of the Pillar objectives require the national committees/taskforces to achieve, many need to happen and be achieved in our lodges. We will be sending out more in depth information on the points highlighted above, in the form of PowerPoint presentations and PDF files.

We encourage the presentation of these at a district meeting with brethren given the opportunity to discuss the various Pillars and share their thoughts with each other. For lodges we encourage a special gathering of the brethren, somewhere other than the lodge room, to again discuss the various ideas and concepts presented and identify some positive actions your Lodge can undertake. Keep

an eye out for this material and, when it arrives, don’t leave it sitting on the Secretary’s desk. Do something with it.

Remember, the Pillar teams will assist with ensuring resources are available to assist and we are looking at holding combined district workshops but it is the Lodges that will ‘Make Freemasonry Happen.’RWBro Laurence Milton, Chief Executive

One Division, Two Division, Three Division… but so much moreVWBro Duane Williams MBE reflects on aspects of the conferences

One of the strengths of Freemasons New Zealand is its three Divisions, Northern, Central and Southern. Through their annual Divisional Conferences they make important contributions to the decision making and development for Freemasonry in New Zealand, given that our Grand Installation and Communication now only happens triennially.

The importance of the Divisional Conferences to the affairs of Freemasons New Zealand was emphasised by the presence of the Grand Master MWBro John Litton, the first time a Grand Master had been present at all three since the formation of the Divisions. He was accompanied by the RWBro Mark Winger Deputy Grand Master. Discussion in the ‘tents’ was facilitated by the Pillar Chairs. The idea of ‘tents’ was as a gathering place for ideas and that the ‘tents’ would then move on with the ideas generated to Lodges and Districts. The development of the Seven Pillars Strategic Direction continues thanks to the work of the Divisional Conferences.

Three important items were introduced to the Divisional Conferences to enable us to communicate and engage with the various communities we live in, our families, our friends and our community at large. A Video Clip, to be found on the home page of the Freemasons NZ web site and YouTube, called Introduction to Freemasonry in New Zealand was seen by all and acclaimed. The Grand Master spoke about the new booklet called The Plain English Guide to Freemasonry (in New Zealand). Both have been produced with non-masons in mind so

are easily understandable and enlightening. Also, from our Deputy Grand Master, we were given a lead in to the 125th Anniversary of Freemasons New Zealand in 2015, an opportunity to enable us to celebrate the journey so far and, at the same time, to engage with our communities.

This year’s conferences in May and June were held in Mount Wellington in Auckland, Napier and Ashburton and two of them included a partner’s programme. One made a day of it and the others were spread over a very enjoyable weekend. Each had its own unique flavour. These conferences are about the business of Freemasonry, renewing acquaintances, making new friendships and having fun. One important aspect on attendance to come out of these conferences, and frequently commented on, was the need for more Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons to be encouraged and assisted to attend Divisional Conferences rather than just the official delegate. After all, it is their future in, and aspirations for, the craft which is being discussed

See you, and others from your Lodge, at next year’s Divisional Conference in a town near you!

Duane Williams MBE Southern Division Conference – RWBro Neville Patrick makes a point.

Northern Division Conference – Assembled and getting under way.

Central Division Conference – Group discussion.

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150 years by the waters of Lake WakatipuA unique ceremony gives flavour to a Lodge Installation

Leading the Parade.

Queenstown witnessed an excellent demonstration of the good works of Freemasonry on 19 July when the Lake Lodge of Ophir celebrated 150 years since the first Masonic meeting in 1864, with a plaque being unveiled by the Grand Master, MWBro John Litton.

A t the site of a Pin Oak Tree, donated by the Lodge 25 years previously,

extensive landscaping improvements and extra seating have been provided by the Freemasons for the enjoyment of the community and visitors. The now sizeable tree is a few metres from the Lodge Rooms in Marine Parade on a reserve in front of the Novotel Lakeside Hotel, and looks out over Lake Wakatipu and the wonderful view towards Walter Peak.

Speaking to the gathered crowd of Masons, local residents and holiday-makers the Master, WBro Martin Chappell, outlined some of the support, financial and otherwise, given to the community over the years, including sports equipment for the junior soccer and junior cricket clubs as well as tents for the local scout group. Mayor Vanessa van Uden, in thanking the Lodge for their generous donations, spoke of the valuable contributions made to the community by groups such as the Freemasons and how this was appreciated by all.

Proceedings for the weekend’s celebrations began on Friday the 18th with a relaxed, informal ‘fish and chip’ night at the Ophir Refectory where the Grand Master and Mrs. Diana Litton were able to meet with local Masons and their partners, as well as a group of four Masons and their wives from Western Australia.

Saturday for the Littons began with a morning tea visit to the neighbouring

Assembling by the Statue of Bro Gilbert Rees, Master of the Lodge 1909–10.

Current Master Martin Chappell, Mayor Vanessa van Uden and the Grand Master at the unveiling of the plaque.

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Arrow Kilwinning Lodge No. 86, where they were able to view the extensive renovations. The afternoon’s activities kicked off with a Parade of Freemasons led by two Highland Pipers (both Freemasons) along the Marine Parade in Queenstown at 2:00 pm under a sunny, blue sky. This recognised the Parade of 1863 by the founding members of Lake Lodge of Ophir when they laid the foundation stone for the still-existing stone Lodge Building, the only one in New Zealand still being used for its original purpose.

A special Sesquicentennial Lodge Meeting was tyled at 3:00 pm with an attendance of 55 Brethren. MWBro Litton was received in due form, along with 17 Grand Lodge Officers. WBro Maffey and WBro Peter Timmings were presented with their Grand Lodge Certificates and Bro Rob Dean was honoured to receive his Master Mason’s Certificate from the Grand Master. Afternoon tea followed at the St Peter’s Church Hall where WBro Russell McGrouther PGS gave an address on the history of the Lake Lodge of Ophir and Diana Litton presented a copy of The Plain English Guide to Freemasonry.

The Sesquicentenary Banquet was held at the nearby Novotel Lakeside Hotel on Saturday evening and was thoroughly enjoyed by 47 Brethren and their Partners. Special gifts were received from the Western Australian contingent and an extra-special 150th Birthday Cake was cut by the Grand Master, The Master and Entered Apprentice, Bro Rob Dean. The cake, made and decorated by Bro Graeme Donaldson and Sylvia, was a perfect rendition of the Lake Lodge of Ophir historic Lodge Rooms.

WBro Hudson Turnbull

The Plaque. Cutting the cake.

Assembled in the Lodge room.

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Provincial Constitution. It was part of the English Constitution from 1867 to 1892 and joined the New Zealand Constitution in 1893.

The lodge building was registered as Category 1 by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (now Heritage New Zealand). The report on its registration stated. ‘Said to be the first stone building erected in the district (R D Clifford, 1989, p.70), the Masonic Lodge in Queenstown provides yet another example of the way in which the shortage of timber in Central Otago has encouraged the use of schist which is both in plentiful supply and very easy to process for building. In conjunction with three nineteenth-century cottages, including Williams’ Cottage, which stand on adjacent sites, the Masonic Lodge makes an important contribution to the streetscape of Queenstown; serving

as a visible reminder of the township’s humble origins during the gold rush era.’

In 1999 the highest ever-recorded flood occurred with extensive damage from metre-high water throughout the building. While insurance, then available, paid for the repairs it was late realised that that the building required further major work to ensure its survival.

With assistance from Freemasons New Zealand, local trusts and voluntary labour the restoration was completed by March 2008.

The Lodge sits in a very prominent location on the edge of the lake and seen by most of the one million plus visitors to Queenstown every year.

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WBro Jock Boyd RHA Queenstown legend passes to the Grand Lodge above

WBro John McWhirter [Jock] Boyd, who passed away on 28 May, aged 94, was an outstanding Freemason who humbly declined higher office in favour of service to his own lodge, Lake Lodge of Ophir No.85. In his very full life he was a property owner, developer, volunteer fireman and WWII Bomber Command veteran.

J ock Boyd, a born and bred Queenstown local, was initiated into Lake Lodge of

Ophir in October 1947. He was installed as Master in 1956. At various times he was Director of Ceremonies, Secretary, Trustee and long time Almoner all with the support of his wife, Jean.

An outstanding ritualist, Jock was conversant with most of the ceremonial charges, particularly the longer and more difficult ones such as the First Degree Tracing Board. Up until a year ago Jock was a regular attendee at lodge meetings and was still delivering word-perfect charges from memory. His name was added to the Roll of Honour in 2004

WBro Jock Boyd RH.

Bomber Command Memorial, London.

and he received his 60-year badge in 2007.

Leaving school at age 12, common in the 1930s, Jock’s first job was as a farmhand on a Frankton farm. After a stint in the local undertaker’s workshop he went to Auckland to learn the plastering trade. Returning to Queenstown he was studying for his grocer’s certificate when World War II interrupted. After a brief period in the Army, Jock served with the RNZAF as a wireless operator and air gunner, flying with No. 75 Squadron, part of RAF Bomber Command. He trained in Canada

before being sta-tion ed in Iceland, Green land, England and Scot land where he met Jean, his wife of 57 years.

In 2012 WBro Boyd was chosen to join a group of 32 ex-RNZAF servicemen to visit the UK to take part in a ceremony to unveil the memorial to WWII Bomber Command in London, a trip he thoroughly enjoyed and was thrilled to make. The group also joined in the 70th Anniversary of 75 Squadron at Mepal, near Cambridge.

In his business life Jock was a respected builder and developer

and his hand is ap pa rent in many parts of Queenstown, par ticu larly Boydtown and Frankton Indus trial Estate. His family firm, over the years, built up a collection of real estate in downtown Queenstown that included developing the former Wakatipu Hotel and, through his family trust, owning the Mountaineer and Eichardt’s hotels.

Jock Boyd was a community spirited man who served on many groups including the Borough Council. As a builder he was always willing to pitch in and help with the upkeep of the Lodge’s heritage building on the Queenstown waterfront. He gave valuable help and advice when the building suffered from the 1999 flood and during the major renovation in 2007–08.

Jock is survived by his wife, Jean, four daughters, two sons, 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. The Boyd legacy lives on.

With acknowledgement to WBro Hudson Turnbull,

Lake Lodge of Ophir

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Following the two grand parallel lines

Chris and Hanna with four of their children on Chris’ graduation day in England.

Freemasons bring to the community not only a system of morality described as allegoric and symbolic but a great deal that is historic as well, which seems to attract people in particular occupations like accountancy, police and railways — resonant, perhaps, of the straight and narrow.

Y oung men entering the job market need to explore

possibilities and Chris Leigh, Worshipful Master of Lodge Franklin No.58, was aiming at the stars as a young pilot dragging advertising banners around the Auckland sky. He needed flying hours to go with his commercial licence. But he also needed a regular income so he gave up the aerial views, went to Britain where prospects were deemed better, and zoomed around the streets as a motor cycle courier. However, his destiny was the railways as he soon realized after training as a driver on the London Underground. He had gone from up-above at the bottom of the world to down-under at the top end. After four years he was made a duty manager on the Victoria Line, joining a team supervising and assessing 250 operators. As a further step up he was seconded to the post of Line Standards Manager.

Open University when not toiling in the Underground. This meant that when he eventually returned to New Zealand in 2009 it was with a B.Sc. degree and Professional Diploma in Management as well as, more to the point, his Polish-born schoolteacher wife Hanna, five children, Chewbacca the family dog and the piano they once hauled overland by trailer all the way from eastern Poland to Britain.

Being fortunate enough to land a driving job with the rapidly-growing Auckland rail network, he was one of the operators who introduced the new electric trains to the public on their debut earlier this year. He is his union vice-chair and a driver delegate, ‘roles I enjoy very much,’ he says, for the insights they provide from both sides of the negotiating table.

Chris’s Masonic career dates from December 2001 when he was proposed and initiated at St. Chad Lodge No.3115

Chris driving a 1967 stock Victoria Line train back in 2001.

The new Victoria line trains entered service in mid to late 2009, just after Chris left. ‘The first two prototype were running around being tested out of service when I was there, but I only got to drive the training simulator. That was pretty good, though, including a full cab and wrap-around video windscreens,’ he recalls.

Auckland-born in 1966 and educated at St Kentigern College, Chris pursued a distance-learning course at Britain’s

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(EC) in Loughton, Essex.‘My proposer was a work colleague

and good friend. I did my three degrees at three consecutive meetings and at, the fourth meeting, which was the Installation, I was invested as Inner Guard. I served each office in turn and was duly installed into the chair of King Solomon in 2007. Two years earlier, on a trip home to Auckland, I was pleased to attend the raising of my father, Jack Leigh at Lodge Arawhaiti No.267 and to invest him with the Master Mason’s apron with which I had, in turn, been invested in England.’

He also joined another lodge, St Andrew No.4087, at Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, which was near his home in Peterborough. Visiting a lodge

Master of Franklin Lodge.

in Warsaw ‘I was received as an English Mason and was asked to give greetings in English, although I could have obliged in Polish.’

In Auckland, his first contact with Lodge Franklin was through another railway friend and colleague, WBro Grant Dowie, who has specialized aeronautical credentials and Masonic family connections. Grant, who was Senior Warden at the time, invited Chris

along to a meeting, which the latter so enjoyed that he kept going back. He says he has been made very welcome at lodges closer to Meadowbank where he lives, but feels most at home in the Franklin Lodge. The time came when he was asked to step in as Master for a year and, with that term now almost up, he has been invited to

Extended family gathering at the first Christmas back in New Zealand.

do another year — ‘whether to cover a gap on the ladder or as an opportunity to perfect my ritual, I’m not sure. But I feel very privileged and look forward to the year ahead,’ he says.

Chris is a member of the Railway Craftmen’s Association in New Zealand. A contingent of his RCA Brethren came to Auckland for his Installation and the refectory proceedings were punctuated by the sound of a locomotive whistle being blown by one of them.

As Chris says. ‘I have found my passion for operating vehicles and machinery, cars, motorcycles and aeroplanes has been rekindled and I greatly enjoy driving trains on the Auckland network. It is a different sort of driving from what I did in London; more hands-on, with no two days the same … And there is something other than a tunnel wall to look at out of the window.’

Bro JDL

1967 (above) and 2009 (below) stock Victoria Line trains.

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Topp cheeseA Freemason’s day job

East Friesian sheep.

Viewers of TV One’s recent series featuring the Topp Twins will have seen the segment from The Wairarapa relating to the production of cheese from sheep’s milk by farmers, Miles and Janet King. In another life WBro Miles is the Immediate Past Master of United Lodge of Masterton No.19. He was initiated into the Lodge in 2004, was installed as Master in May 2011 and served two terms in that office.

Milking time.

S ince 1998, artisan cheese makers Miles and Janet have quietly created

a broad range of supreme ewe and cow’s milk cheeses on their idyllic 30-acre farm on the outskirts of Masterton. Kingsmeade started out making ewe’s milk cheeses with milk from their own flock of East Friesian sheep. Clover, chicory, plantain and lucerne cover the meadows where the sheep graze. They are big, contented and full of personality and there is no need to round them up at milking time. Once they hear Miles’ voice the flock of 200 come on their own.

As milking sheep was regarded as a very strange thing to do when Kingsmeade began in 1998 very little information was available about how to make sheep’s cheese. This turned out to be a blessing, because after much trial and error, during which the neighbour’s pigs benefited greatly, Miles created his own cheese recipes, which have since become regular award winners.

The 200 East Friesian ewes are arguably the most important part of the business, because they are the ones who produce the special milk, without which it would be impossible to make great tasting sheep’s cheeses.

Great care is taken to look after the flock. They are rotated frequently around the farm. The fertile clover and lucerne pastures support almost all of their dietary needs. Year round shade and shelter is provided for them. Irrigation of the land is kept to just what is necessary in the hot summers in order to retain the nutrients in the land and avoid

effluent waste. As well as daily health monitoring the flock has regular veterinary checks.

Traditionally, East Friesian’s have been used as milking sheep, mostly in Europe. They are known as friendly, clever, robust, highly fertile, usually bearing twins or triplets and are good milkers. Today, ewes of the Kingsmeade bloodline are particularly sought after for their excellent health.

The ewes are milked every afternoon throughout the milking season, which runs from August to April. During milking they are each given a cup full of specially formulated dry food, which supplements their green pasture diet and helps to naturally enrich the milk and good health of the animals. The milking staff is trained to keep a close eye on the ewes, and milking time is used to monitor the health and milking levels of each sheep. When they have lambs the ewes are milked with their babies at foot. Milking actually increases the milk output so it’s good for both the cheeses and the lambs. Each ewe produces about 2–3 litres of milk per day over a season, which runs from August to April. By comparison dairy cows produce about 11 litres per day.

Farmers market.

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Kingsmeade cheesesToday, Kingsmeade makes 14 different varieties of cheese, half from ewes’ milk and half from cows’ milk, the latter being necessary for economic production. All cheeses are hand crafted, ranging from the aged hard varieties to the deliciously soft. Each batch of cheese is hand made in the factory on the farm. Just down the road in Lansdowne Janet runs the Kingsmeade shop, selling cheese and other delights while dispatching orders all across New Zealand.

The Tinui Blue is regarded to be the ‘signature cheese’ and has won numerous awards. It has been described as having a delicate yet intense balance of sweet and salty flavours which pair perfectly with a rich dessert wine. The green/blue mould contrasts with the pale sheep’s milk, making the Tinui a worthy addition to any cheese platter. It is a firm yet spreadable cheese, perfect with plain

crackers and ripe pear slice Every weekend Kingsmeade is invol-

ved in local farmers’ markets, along with a variety of other local producers, growers, coffee makers, butchers, bakers and many more.

The Kingsmeade stalls are run by its own cheese makers, usually Miles and sheep milkers who are informed and happy to answer questions about the cheese, the sheep and anything else they can. Market visitors can sample most of the cheeses and purchases can be cut to the size requested by the customer.

Topp timeWhat does it feel like to have a visit from Jools and Lynda Topp with a film crew in tow? In Miles own words. ‘It certainly was a novel two days filming with the Topp twins. The schedule was very busy, with a crew of six arriving at 8.30 am. Janet was up very early cleaning the

oven when she realised she would have to cook something for the programme. I mostly concentrated on having the sheep close at hand and the staff teed up for Jools visit to the factory to assist with the cheese making. There was lots of hilarity around the kitchen table and a need for speed as filming had to occur during breaks in the rain. In a way it was all rather surreal to have two of New Zealand’s top entertainers eating, drinking and chatting as though they had known us for years. Their natural ability to put us at ease was appreciated and we will count it among the highlights in our world of cheese.’

To find more details about the various varieties of Kingsmeade cheese and where and how to buy them, including the dates and locations of Farmers Markets, go to the following web site. www.kingsmeadecheese.co.nz

Janet and Miles King giving Lynda Topp a taste of Kingsmeade cheese.

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Community engagement to the foreThe Longest Morning Tea thrives as the Local Morning Tea

The Longest Morning tea concept was started five years ago by Philippa Adams, partner of Past Grand Master, Stan Barker. In recent times the nationwide project has faded away partly due to it being superceded by other projects and also by the difficulty of attracting Divisional organisers. One lodge, Levin based United Horowhenua No.464, enthusiastically embraced the concept and has gone from strength to strength. This Lodge has demonstrated the benefits to the Lodge which can accrue through planning, promoting and engaging with the community. Errol Brown tells the story.

T he first two LMT’s were held at the Lodge rooms. They were successful,

and with help from The Freemasons Charity, a local play centre and scout troop benefitted by about $1,000 each.

We developed a view that a change was needed for year three and shifted the site away from the Lodge rooms. For the next two years we held the LMT at the Levin Community Centre. Horowhenua District Council waived all charges. This was a winner. Foot traffic was higher and the amount raised climbed. The Hospital bus project gained $3,500.

Last year our Junior Warden, who is also the Manawatu Prisons Project Manager, encouraged the Lodge to support a Garden of Eden. This project has an almost endless supply of periodic detention trainees and the project is teaching them new, helpful and beneficial life skills. The project benefitted by $5,500 as a result of the LMT. The site became fully enclosed and the fence is prominently marked as being erected

by the Freemasons. With the benefit of individual ownership and input, our wayward disaffected youth can be taught to appreciate property and the concept of pride. This is one of the aims of the Garden of Eden which supplies garden vegetables to those who are not eligible for Food Bank assistance. With the Lodge’s help, an area of waste ground was closed off and a garden established.

This year our Lodge was disappointed to find that the Longest Morning Tea project had ceased. We knew the concept was a winner. Could we go it alone?

The Local Morning Tea

Levin has a Restoration Centre. Three dedicated volunteers have purchased a hall and are converting it into a recreation centre as a base for a youth outreach programme. They need a deck/BBQ area at the rear of the building, meeting rooms, time out areas and a modernised kitchen. Past Master Mervyn Johnston suggested that this would be a good

project to support.Further enquiries ascertained that the

outreach project is focussed on under privileged Levin Youth by providing fellowship, recreation and training based on sound Christian principles. The organisers concerned over Levin’s poor youth statistics started ‘Boot Camp’ to reach out to the poorer areas of Levin, doing all this without Government funding and without being allied to any church group.

On Saturdays, with 35 to 40 kids and 3 to 6 mums involved, they run a games evening where they relate and eat in a friendly atmosphere with a discussion time on various subjects. Other activities are conducted during the week. When some of our brethren members met with the organisers they sighted a large pin up wall area of positive traits for their youth target population. We made the point that every trait shown was also a Masonic teaching in one of our ceremonies. None of them are Freemasons, yet we have parallel standards.

The Local Morning Tea, held on 2nd August, concluded at about midday. As per normal practice, there was no formal entry charge. The lodge underwrote all of the organisation costs and then worked with the organisers and the children to raise funds. The income was banked by the Lodge, and a Freemasons Charity subsidy has been applied for.

Where does Charity begin?

Mervyn Johnston had his ear to the ground, spread the word to our Lodge and the usual small town background

Mayor Duffy with some of the Children and Leaders of the Levin Restoration Outreach Centre. Lodge Master, Ryan Taylor, centre rear. Mayor Duffy to his right and Andy Rutherford, Centre Organiser, on his left.

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enquiries started. After about three months we were satisfied the Centre was a good charity and focussed on an area were our community needed assistance.

With 11,430 young people aged between 10–24 years, they make up 38% of the Horowhenua District’s population of 30,000 people. We have 4,200 young people of Maori, Pacific Island or Asian extraction. Last year we focussed on a LMT to help them after conviction in the courts. This year we focussed on helping before they go off the rails.

The people of Levin supported supported the Freemasons venture. Locals, the Outreach Youth and Freemasons all turned up. Donations flowed and, by the time we closed operations, over $5,000 had been collected, all within two hours.

Our Mayor was impressed with the restoration centre programme. The indication is that, as we have moved to support youth and in particular troubled youth with the LMT concept, the public have increasingly moved in to support Freemasons.

It took three cooks to keep up with the demand. Freemasons Barrie Buck, Whi Whi Winiata and Paul Westley.

Stationary cyclingU BIKE aids stroke recovery

Two years ago United Horowhenua Lodge coordinated a Freemasonry Charity project which resulted in two nurses from the Levin Masonic Hospital and aged care home, attending a conference in Australia where Stroke recovery techniques and emerging practices were reviewed. Since then the Hospital has progressed further and is now recognised as one of the New Zealand leaders in Stroke recovery solutions and practices.

Kerry Henderson, a Levin Coffee Shop owner and stroke victim, had spoken of having access to a U BIKE during his recovery treatment programme and convinced United Horowhenua member, and Past District Grand Master, Barry Buck, that it was an excellent tool to assist in patient recovery. The Lodge agreed, and with the financial assistance from The Freemasons Charity, a project

to fund a U BIKE for the hospital was deemed viable.

On Friday 25 July the Grand Master, MWBro John Litton, presented the Masonic Hospital with cheque for $2,950 which fully paid for a U BIKE. This is a modern stationary cycle type device, designed and manufactured in New Zealand, that allows patients to safely exercise arms and legs from a wheel chair or their bed. The lead staff member, charged with overseeing patients using the device, is occupational therapist Adrienne Court, one of the staff members who had been assisted to go to the Australian conference.

The U BIKE provides repetitive arm and leg exercise to patients recovering from stroke attacks with the objective of their being able to resume normal life. So far, when, compared with a normal bicycle, the patients have ‘cycled’ from

Why does it pay to advertise?

Our Lodge is bucking the downward spiral with a strong flow of candidates under the age of 40. Our Master is one of the youngest in the country, having only recently celebrated his 34th birthday. With one exception all of our Ceremonial Officers are Master Masons.Public awareness is increasing. The $100,000 plus that we have invested locally with charitable giving over the last five years has helped the community and lifted our profile.There are many reasons for this success. One is enthusiastic Masters,

prepared to provide leadership to a team of members and for all to demonstrate a practical commitment to freemasonry which extends beyond the ceremonial aspect. With organisers helpers, supporters and leaders we work as a Team. There is no ‘i’ in the word TEAM.

Next year we will run another Community Morning Tea. Perhaps Freemasons NZ will take heart and re-institute a very worthwhile project. All it requires is imagination in its delivery.

WBro Errol Brown

Auckland to somewhere slightly south of Hunterville without leaving an arm chair or a bed and without actually having to travel on State Highway One.

The Lodge expressed its thanks to Kerry Henderson for his help and The Freemasons Charity for its assistance.

WBro Errol Brown

The Master of Horowhenua Lodge, Ryan Taylor, and the Grand Master, John Litton, watch patient, Neil Rosanoski using the device.

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Each year at Installation a presentation of a box set, described as THE LODGE OF ANTIQUITY No. 2 RECORDS, is placed in the custody of the Master of Westminster Lodge No.308 by his predecessor. The box contains two volumes, printed in 1911, which are titled, RECORDS OF THE LODGE ORIGINAL NO.1, NOW THE LODGE OF ANTIQUITY NO.2 OF THE FREE AND ANCIENT ACCEPTED MASONS OF ENGLAND. The set was Presented to Westminster Lodge, by Lodge of Antiquity No.2 ‘as a token of sympathy and goodwill’ through WBro Sir Cyril Newall, Governor General of New Zealand and Master of Westminster Lodge in November 1943.

A s the current Master of Westminster Lodge I have taken the opportunity

to delve into these records. What I found was fascinating material about the Lodge of Antiquity, its membership, meeting records and finances etc. Of particular interest were the drawings of the Goose and Gridiron Tavern where that lodge first met. Researching further I learned that the Goose and Gridiron was one of four Taverns which met to form the Grand Lodge of England. None of them now exist as buildings. However this triggered my interest as to where the

Paternoster Square today, as seen from high on St Pauls Cathedral. The arrow marks the location of the Grand Lodge plaque.

Goose and Gridiron.

In search of the four lost tavernsThe foundations of the Grand Lodge of England

taverns were located and what is occupying those sites today. As this interest coincided with my spending a recent month in London I took the opportunity to make this my quest.

There has been a lot written about the formation of the Grand Lodge of England and not all the details in various published papers match. Nevertheless, the following is a background summary of the events that surrounded the formation of the original Grand Lodge and the four lodges that played pivotal roles.

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Prior to the 18th Century autonomous lodges, spread throughout England, could make Masons at their own discretion. It was not necessary, as it now is, for a group of Masons to first secure a charter before forming themselves into a lodge. It was in the midst of such circumstances that the first Grand Lodge was organized in London in 1717. William Preston, whose Illustrations of Masonry did so much to shape the popular conception of Masonic history, said that after the Great Fire several Masonic lodges were organized in London and that Sir Christopher Wren was a kind of Grand Master of them all and, when Wren had grown too aged to look after the affairs of the Craft, a move was set under way to organize a Grand Lodge.

Thus some old Brothers met initially at the Apple-Tree Tavern and, having put into the Chair the oldest Master Mason, they constituted themselves a Grand Lodge pro Tempore in Due Form, and resolved to hold the Annual Assembly and Feast, and then to choose a Grand Master from among themselves

Agreement to form a Grand Lodge was reached in a meeting at the Goose and Gridiron Lodge, constituted in 1691, in the tavern of the same name. This famous meeting of June 24, 1717, the birthday of St. John the Baptist, was the designated as the Annual Assembly and Feast

The four original Lodges, which effected the formation of the Premier Grand Lodge, are referred to as ‘The Four Old Lodges.’ They were known by the names of the taverns or alehouses where they met. If they moved the lodge to another tavern they generally changed the lodge name to that of the tavern. The ‘Four Old Lodges’ were:

1. At the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in St. Paul’s Churchyard.2. At the Crown Alehouse in Parker’s Lane near Drury Lane.3. At the Apple-Tree Tavern in Charles Street, Covent Garden.4. At the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminster.

The Goose and Gridiron Ale-House was located in a section of London known as St. Paul’s Churchyard. The name was a corruption, or parody, on the arms of the ‘Swan and Lyre’,

a musical society which also met at the alehouse. The building was constructed with five floors, including the basement.

The Lodge that originally met at the Goose and Gridiron Ale house in 1717 continued to meet at that location until 1729. It then moved to the King’s (or Queen’s) Arms Tavern in the same area of London, where it remained for an extended period of time. On the Engraved List of Lodges of 1760, it assumed the name, ‘West Indian and American Lodge’. In 1770, this name was changed and it commenced to call itself ‘The Lodge of Antiquity No1’. This lodge was neither large nor influential until, in 1774, it had the singular good fortune to elect as its Master the famous William Preston, who gave it prestige and power. When all lodges were re-numbered after the Union of the ‘Antients’ and ‘Moderns’ Antiquity was unjustly given rank No.2, in the precedence. Hence the ‘original No.1’ reference in the title Page of the Records.

The second Lodge, which originally met at the Crown Ale-house, is believed to have originated in 1712. It later moved to Queen’s Head Tavern, then to The Turnstile, Holborn, in the year 1723. It then moved to the Green Lettice, the Rose and Rummer, and then to the Rose and Buffloe. In 1730, the Lodge met at the Bull and Gate, Holborn. The Lodge last appeared on the Engraved List of

1736 and was struck from the roll in 1740. An application for its restoration was later submitted and denied on the grounds that none of the petitioners had ever been original members of the Lodge during the term of its original existence. This resulted in the tragic demise of one of the Four Old Lodges.

The third lodge, which originally met at the Apple Tree Tavern on Charles Street, Covent Garden, in 1717 moved to the Queen’s Head, Knaves Acre, in 1723. According to records, after the move to the Queen’s Head, there was some form of disagreement between the members resulting in a new constitution for the Lodge.

The fourth Lodge which met at the Rummer and Grapes in 1717 had George Payne, the second and fourth Grand Master, Dr. Desaguliers, the third Grand Master, and several others who became Grand Masters, as members. The Lodge moved to the Horn Tavern in 1723, taking the name, ‘Horn Lodge’. In 1764 a new Lodge was formed at the Horn, with the effect of the decline of the old Lodge. In 1774, it consolidated with Somerset House Lodge. In 1818, it once again consolidated with a younger lodge, ‘Royal Inverness Lodge’. The old Lodge now works as ‘Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge No. 4’.

What of the present?

The Goose and Gridiron

The tavern was demolished in 1894 and the area was badly bombed in World War II leading to the area being redeveloped as Paternoster Square.

In 1996 an application was made by the Grand Lodge of England to the Corporation of Lon don for a blue plaque to be erec ted on the site. There were scores of let ters of sup port for the plaque from around the world, inclu ding New Zealand, which were sent to the Corporation.

Thus, on 24 June 1997, the blue plaque was unveiled out-side the site of the Goose and Gridiron tavern. Unfortunately, the building to which it was attached, was to be demolished

Site of the Rummer and Grapes Tavern with Westminster Palace beyond.

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as part of the property boom of the 1990s, when the whole of Paternoster Square was redeveloped. A further application was made to the Corporation for a replacement plaque and, while there was resistance, the Corporation repented and, on 15 June 2005, 288 years after the meeting in 1717 at the Goose and Gridiron tavern, the Lord Mayor of London, Michael Savory, together with representatives of the United Grand Lodge of England, unveiled a blue plaque to commemorate the site of the world’s first Grand Lodge of Freemasons. It is located in an arcade some 50 metres from the steps of St Paul’s.

The Crown Ale House

Parkers Lane, where it was located, still exists, as Parker Street, although redevelopment has obscured the location of the original site. As the crow flies it is the closest to Freemasons House in Great Queen Street.

The Apple Tree Tavern

Charles Street, close to Covent Garden where it was located was subsequently renamed Upper Wellington Street. Again, redevelopment has obscured its original site.

The Rummer and Grapes Tavern

Channel Row, its original location, was renamed Cannon Row. This street, in the shadow of Big Ben, has now been converted to a secure access ramp to the basement of Portcullis House, the offices of Parliamentary Services, which is constructed over the Westminster Underground Station.

History shows that the early Lodges were very closely linked to Alehouses, even to adopting their names for the lodge and changing them when they moved. However, times change. Rule 86 in the Grand Lodge of New Zealand Book of Constitution says, ‘No meeting of any Lodge shall be held in premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquors without the prior permission of The Board Of General Purposes.’ Today, several Wellington lodges meet in a lodge room developed by Westminster Lodge in the licensed premises of The Wellesley Boutique Hotel, by permission of the BOGP.

WBro Morris Robertson, Master Westminster Lodge No.308

Site of the Apple Tree Tavern, now Lower Wellington Street.

Portcullis House.

Parker St. site of the Crown Ale House

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A ceremony far awayWhile we welcome the increasing number of Filipino brethren joining our ranks in New Zealand not so many of us have the opportunity to participate in ceremonies in the Phillipines. One of our Brethren, WBro Dave Freeman, IPM of The Te Aroha Lodge No. 52 has forged links during his visits there and has written about one very special day.

Above: WBro Dave Freeman meeting the Grand Master of the Philippines, MWBro Alan La Madrid Purisima.

A s a frequent visitor in the Philippines I visit many lodges and have

made many Masonic friends who have accepted me so well and shown me how Freemasonry around the world is such a wonderful brotherly fraternity. They have always looked after me.

On my recent trip there, my very good friend VWBro Reynaldo D David PDGL invited me to the cornerstone laying of a new temple in La Paz which is situated in the Central Luzon district and, on the same day, the Constitution of the Lodge and the first Installation of its officers.

In attendance was the Grand Master of the Philippines MWBro Alan La Madrid Purisima, who is also the chief of the Philippines National Police. As you can imagine there was a strong presence of armed police and military escorts something which, after many visits, I find quite normal. There were about two hundred invited guests, including non Masonic members of the public and their families, as these events are public in the Philippines.

I was lucky enough to have a front row seat during the proceedings and I

managed to have a short chat to the Grand Master before the ceremony proceeded. The cornerstone ceremony commenced at 10 am with the laying of the foundation stone and its consecration and the placement of a beautifully made stainless steel time capsule containing a number of items including plans, coins, the history of the formation of the lodge, charter members, newspapers of the day and a list of attendees. I was very proud that my own lodge, Te Aroha, representing the New Zealand Constitution, was mentioned and included in its contents. After this ceremony we moved into a nearby pavilion for the ceremony of the Constitution, which I was glad to get to as the humid temperature outside by this time was climbing up to the thirties.

After the Constitution ceremony we recessed for lunch, which I always struggle with as I’m not yet adapted to traditional Filipino food. Thus, after two bananas and three bottles of water, we re-convened for the public installation and, once again, the presence of the New Zealand Constitution was welcomed and thanked for its attendance. After the

installation of the Master there were a further 17 officers to invest, which took some time.

At 6pm the lodge was closed with peace, love and harmony and we retired to another part of the pavilion for refectory. There were no speeches, but plenty of food, drink and great fellowship along with a live band and Karaoke. As much as they asked, I did save Te Aroha Lodge any embarrassment and didn’t sing, although many of the distinguished brethren did so. It was a fun night enjoyed by all and ended the day on a high note for the newly formed La Paz Lodge No. 413.

If any Brother has never, while on overseas holidays, visited other lodges, I would strongly advise them to do so as they are just so different from our own. The ceremonies of the Philippines lodges, being under the Californian Constitution, always make me smile when I think of what would happen if we tried to do the same in New Zealand lodges. I look forward returning to the Philippines and spending more quality time with my brothers there.

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2014 Freemasons University ScholarshipsKEYNOTE SPEECHES

Scholarship recipients with speakers.

In the last issue of New Zealand Freemason we reported the names of the 30 Freemasons University Scholars from AUT, Auckland, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago universities, together with an introduction to the speakers. The timing of the publication did not allow the reporting of the keynote speeches and publication of photographs taken on the day. This is remedied in this issue.

University of Waikato Scholars with the Grand Master, John Litton and Sir Ray Avery.

A t a ceremony held in Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber on

20 May, nine postgraduate students were awarded a total of $82,000 and 21 university students a total of $126,000. The recipients were each handed their scholarships by Sir Ray Avery GNZM.

For the last 36 years, Freemasons New Zealand, through The Freemasons Charity, has funded nearly $4.42 million in scholarships to 1,051 students. Its privately funded university scholarship programme is one of New Zealand’s largest.

The Grand Master, MWBro John Litton, congratulated parents and families of the scholarship recipients. He said that all recipients were actively involved in volunteering and supporting people in their networks and communities, yet they still managed to achieve consistent

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excellent academic results.After speaking about the history

of the Legislative Council the Grand Master thanked Bro John Hayes, MP for Wairarapa, for acting as Parliamentary host and wished him well for his pending retirement from Parliament.

John Litton continued with some observations on Freemasonry. ‘As Freemasons we are a non-profit organisation widely involved in philanthropic work, supporting charity and community service. We believe firmly in education and the value it provides. Freemasons reward merit and encourage perseverance in the expectation that knowledge and learning will lead to tolerance and understanding amongst humankind.’

He went on to refer to the various educational and research fields that Freemasons New Zealand supported including the Heartland Bank Freemasons Scholarships for Year 13 students about to make tertiary education decisions and the Freemasons Science Travel Awards, which finance the cost of students who otherwise would

not be able to attend FREESTAR science camps run in Dunedin in conjunction with The Royal Society. John Litton also spoke of the funding of Fellowships in Paediatric Research, Oncology and for University Chairs of Gerontology and Neurosurgery.

He said that many of the Freemasons who contribute to the Freemasons University Scholarship programme have never received a university education but they, like those Freemasons who are graduates, believe fervently in the potential to grow into our leaders of tomorrow and, along the way, achieve career highlights and continue an involvement in the community. He added. ‘Families have such an important role in society, whether in Freemasonry or in education. Without the encouragement and support of parents, family and friends, the success of the scholars here this afternoon might not have been so exceptional. We are all members of the one community and in our own way we all pull our weight and contribute. These are not the easiest of times, but with a sound education, plans, ambitions, and

a will to succeed, there is no doubt that a bright and exciting future beckons for our 2014 scholars.’

In closing, John Litton said that he would like to draw attention to a comment made in the application form of one of this year’s scholars. For him it summed up what he felt the general public knew and understood about Freemasonry. The student said. ‘I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work the Freemasons do in our community. For me, many of those values are embodied by my late grandfather, who was a dedicated mason. He was unassuming, humble and grounded, yet I know what extraordinary things he did. It is those values I would like to someday embody.’

Sir Ray Avery

Once a street kid in London, Sir Ray Avery is a successful scientist, inventor and social entrepreneur. As Technical Director of the Fred Hollows Foundation, he designed and commissioned low cost lens manufacturing technologies, systems, and global distribution networks. His efforts led to a collapse in the global price of lenses, making modern cataract surgery accessible to the world’s poorest. In 2003 Avery founded the international development organisation Medicine Mondiale dedicated to making quality healthcare and equipment accessible to the poorest developing nations around the world.

In opening his address Sir Ray grabbed the audience’s attention by announcing that he had 4,980 days left to live but that he could extend it to 10,000 by multi tasking. He added that

Anton Baker (Waikato) with Deputy Grand Master, Mark Winger.

Liza Bolton and the Grand Master, John Litton.

Sir Ray Avery.

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the human race was the only species on the planet that knew they were going to die but did nothing about it. The alternative was to have a plan and do something valuable. He had gone from living rough in London to now heading up an organisation that saves the lives of millions around the globe.

That quantum shift was made possible by his coming to New Zealand and experiencing ‘the power of us.’ He said that, ‘New Zealanders dare to dream in one of the few countries in the world where you can become the person you would like to be.’

Sir Ray went on to list a number of New Zealanders who, through observations of often-simple things, had come up with game changing inventions. They are the subjects of his latest book.

He challenged the scholars to dream of the future, not to accept the status quo and invent technologies to change the world. He said. ‘Be observant, have an idea, become a leader and take everyone around you on the journey.’

Professor Margaret Brimble

Professor Brimble CNZM holds the Chair of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Auckland and is also a Principal Investigator in the Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Royal Society of Chemistry. She was the first New Zealander to receive the L’Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, and the second woman to receive the Rutherford medal.

In welcoming the scholars and their families Professor Brimble thanked Freemasons New Zealand for their support of scholars and academic research. She said that she was fortunate to be able to work with bright and innovative PhD students who were exposed to research for the first time. She was always pleased when her former students made contact with her years later.

She said that university training equipped students with life skills. It taught them to organize, communicate and to establish networks. Often, after training in a specific discipline, the graduates might embark on quite a different career. However, the disciplines they learnt would stand them in good stead wherever their careers took them. Professor Brimble’s final words were. ‘Go out into the world and make your mark. Build on your university studies, be guided by your inner voice, heart and intuition and take pride in your wonderful gift of a Freemasons Scholarship’.

Tim Pratt Representing the 2014 Freemasons University Scholars

Tim Pratt of Auckland is an adult student and compassionate man studying for a PhD in Management at Auckland University of Technology. In a country where many social services could not function without the voluntary sector Tim, with a past career as a Minister of Religion, has achieved an MBA with Distinction and Master of Business with First Class Honours.

Tim Pratt began by thanking all those whose generosity and sacrifice has brought each of the recipients to this juncture in their lives and for the support Professor Margaret Brimble.

Chemists chat: Margaret Brimble with University of Canterbury scholar, Simona Seizova.

Diana Litton, wife of the Grand Master, with Taylor Hughson (Victoria PG).

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Tim Pratt.

that would enable them to pursue their studies this year and into the future.

He said that. ‘As recipients of these awards, we are winners. Because we have come first, we are also leaders. Therefore, we share a commonality with Lorde, the All Blacks and Graeme Hart, the Chandler brothers and Michael Friedlander of

New Zealand’s rich list fame. Of course, there is another understanding of what constitutes leadership. Rather than someone who wins, leaders may simply have followers, for good or bad; Ghandi, Hitler, Richard Branson are leaders who have motivated people and changed the way we see the world. In New Zealand they’re citizens like Kate Shepherd, Ed Hillary, Sam Johnson and thousands of names that are relatively unknown.’

Tim Pratt went on to ponder what makes ‘the stuff ’ of great leaders. ‘Typically the talk is how clever, committed, or charismatic the person is or was. However, one leadership theory, that is rarely taken seriously, is that of servant leadership. The concept was developed by Robert Greenleaf of the US telecoms giant AT&T. He proposed that leadership should emphasize putting the needs of others ahead of oneself or the company’s bottom-line.

In servant leadership, priority is placed on nurturing, defending and

empowering followers, employees, customers or the community, to assist them in achieving collective goals.’

Pratt talked of the importance of a bunch of ‘soft’ skills that we seldom consider being the true marks of leadership; listening, empathising, awareness, persuading rather than forcing and crafting vision or strategic direction through collaboration.

In conclusion Tim Pratt said: ‘These scholarships don’t just recognise the volume of our brains, they also acknowledge magnitude of our hearts. In addition to our grades, we have been identified as persons who contribute to our respective communities. Perhaps then it follows that our primary goal in life isn’t to lead through winning or being first. Perhaps, in our ambitions, we seek out targets that advance others as much, if not more than ourselves. Perhaps, our choice is an aspiration to lead for the common good.’

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A Point Within a Circle from which a Mason Cannot ErrBrethren all, the subject is one of our Masonic symbols and my aim in this article is twofold: first hopefully, to inform you of something you didn’t know about the point within a circle and secondly to reactivate things some of you already know and inspire further consideration of those topics in your daily lives.

T he majority of Freemasons associate the point within a circle with the

3rd degree in Masonry but I start with its origin in the 1st degree, connect this with the form of a Freemasons’ lodge and show that there is symbolism in the physical structure of our lodge rooms. I then move on to discuss the point within a circle and speculate on six different circles in our modern everyday lives and three interpretations of a point within a circle. Then we consider the meaning of the phrase ‘cannot err’.

We begin in the explanation of the 1st Degree Tracing Board where we are informed that the form of a Freemasons’ Lodge is a parallelapipedon in length from east to west, in breadth from north to south and in depth from the surface of the Earth to the centre and even as high as the heavens. Did you know that a parallelapipedon is a three-dimensional solid where the sides are parallel? If you look up at the ceiling of your Lodge room you will see that the joins between the ceiling and the walls form parallel lines that run from east to west, the joins at the ends of the room run parallel from north to south and the joins between walls in the corners run perpendicular from the

centre of the Earth in the direction of the Heavens. The edges of the floor and walls, and the edges of the end-walls are similar. As the joining angles are all 90° known as right angles, your Lodge room is a regular parallelepiped or parallelapipedon with upright walls, level floor and square angles. This is an appropriate place for Freemasons with upright intentions to meet on the level and part on the square.

In all regular Lodges there is a point within a circle from which a Mason cannot err. Look on the pedestal in the east. This circle is bounded between north and south by two great parallel lines, one of which, we are informed, represents Moses, and the other represents King Solomon. Why Moses and King Solomon?

In the Volume of the Sacred Law we are told that Moses was a Hebrew by birth but brought up as a noble Egyptian. Therefore, he would have been well groomed in the ways of Egyptian society, highly educated and possibly initiated in the learned ways of one of the ancient mystery schools of that time. When he led the people of Israel out of Egypt he would have carried all his learning and some of the secret knowledge with him. It is known, or at least speculated that our original two-degree system of Freemasonry was based on some of those secret rites from an ancient Egyptian mystery school.

We can understand the involvement of King Solomon from the many references to him and his good works

and the allegory of building the Temple in Jerusalem. The fifth section of the Masonic Lecture on the first degree relates that King Solomon was ‘the first Prince who excelled in Masonry and under whose royal patronage many of our mysteries gained their first sanction’. The supplement to this section goes on to ask the question, ‘King Solomon being a Hebrew and reigning long before the Christian era, to whom were our Lodges next dedicated?’ and the answer given is. ‘St. John the Baptist.’ The reason that follows is that St. John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus Christ and preached repentance and drew the first line of the Gospel. Brethren may wish to take time to speculate on this reason and draw their own personal conclusions.

St. John the Baptist was a cousin of Jesus Christ and his memory is

St John the Baptist.

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celebrated by the Christian Church on 24 June each year. The 1st Degree Lecture informs us that St. John the Baptist had an equal in St. John the Evangelist who is remembered on 27 December each year. St. John the Evangelist is believed to have been the Apostle that Jesus loved, possibly his brother. This St. John was the teacher of brotherly love and lived to be approximately 90 when he died in Ephesus, Turkey around AD 100. Did you know that these two St. Johns were the patron saints of Freemasonry? Some would say that the two parallel lines could or should remind us of these two Saints as our patrons. Between these two parallel lines is the circle.

We can identify six different circles that we all have in our daily lives, possibly without knowing about them. They are: your family circle; your circle of friends, your circle of interests; your circle of influence; your circle of personal responsibilities and The Mystic Circle. We even get ‘circles’ in g-mail these days. Let us consider each circle and let me reiterate that one purpose of this article is to encourage you to reflect on each circle and your personal contribution to it as a Freemason.

Your Family Circle — Let us think on how our Masonic activities affect the members of our families. Reflect on whether you consider your family enough. Do you get the right life-balance between your time spent on your Masonry and your time devoted to your family?

Your Circle of Friends — Do the Masonic virtues of temperance, prudence and justice play an active part when you are with your friends?

Your circle of interests is probably wide and far-reaching and, speaking personally, I often have to limit and control my circle of interests in order to focus on being Master of some instead of a Jack-of-all-trades.

The circle of your individual influ-ence is a difficult one to consider in detail. Given a few moments thought of any depth we soon realize that we are probably not nearly as important as we would like to think we are. However, this is where being a Freemason and using the

lessons in our degree ceremonies should help us deal with our own position in each of these circles.

This applies also to your circle of personal responsibilities where the practice of all four cardinal virtues, prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice can play a vital part in our daily lives — if we let them, if we put them into practice by thinking carefully about these four cardinal virtues in times of need and stress. Our Freemasonry should be alive and well and a strength and guide to our daily lives.

The Mystic Circle is common among meditative orders such as the Rosicrucians where at the opening and closing of each meeting members stand and form a circle by holding hands to demonstrate and reinforce the bond of friendship. Rosicrusianism grew out of a small number of young men in medieval Germany being somewhat fed up with the authorities’ influence on their thinking. They wanted to think freely about nature and science so published a manifesto encouraging people to think for themselves. The authorities resisted this but the young men conducted their thinking in secret for fear of persecution. Their society grew through the years and developed into a worldwide organization whose aim is the diffusion of light (knowledge) and the advancement of science. A Master Mason of good standing can be invited to join by a member of the SRIA here in New Zealand where there are four Colleges.

The Point

The point can be regarded as the Monad from the Greek word monas meaning unit or from monos meaning alone. The great Greek philosopher Pythagoras (570–495 BC) devoted much of his thinking to numbers. Every schoolboy and girl mostly remembers him for

his theorem that states that in every right-angled triangle, ‘the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides’. What is not so well known is that Pythagoras held a strong belief in a single Supreme Being of which he regarded the monad as a symbol. The monad can represent the number one, being unity, or a point being dimensionless. Pythagoras regarded both as the starting point of everything else. The point within a circle is now often taken to represent the Supreme Being, God at the centre of the Universe.

The point within your family circle can represent you at the centre of your family; can represent you at the centre of your circle of friends, the circle of your interests, influence and your personal responsibilities.

From Which a Mason Cannot Err

All Freemasons are human beings and human beings make mistakes so what can this phrase from which a Mason cannot err mean? On going round the circle we must necessarily touch on the parallel lines and the VSL, which rests on the upper part of the circle. In the Charge After Initiation we are urged to consider the VSL as an unerring standard of truth and justice, to take it to be the guide of all our actions and to regulate our actions by the Divine precepts it contains. So I ask this question. Do we know as much about the contents of that sacred book as we ought? Should we try to understand its messages and apply these to our daily lives? Should we, as masons use that sacred text more than we do? If we were fully conversant with the doctrines in that Holy Book maybe we would not err.

I hope that this article will provide food for your thoughts over the coming weeks. Let me have your feedback at this new e-mail address: edu.chair@freemasons.co.nz

VWBro George Allan, Chair of Education Pillar

Acknowledgements to ANZMRC, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay Research Lodges and the Masters and Past Masters Lodge of research plus other sources.

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Otago Masonic Charitable Trust2014 Grants presentation function

Dunedin Mayor, Dave Cull, with Sophia and Ella from Ignite Consultants Trust.

On Sunday 9 June, the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust, with one hundred people in attendance, distributed its annual grants to community organisations. Among those attending were the Mayor Dunedin, Mr Dave Cull, local MP’s Clare Curran and Dr David Clark, and the Catholic Bishop of Dunedin, the Rev Father Colin Campbell. The Freemasons Charity was represented by the Deputy Grand Master, RWBro Mark Winger and the Superintendent, VWBro Terry McConnell.

T his year 66 applications were received from the Otago region,

amounting to $221,000 and the Trust approved thirty of them totalling $59,881. Presentations were held in the four Sub-Districts of Oamaru, Alexandra, Dunedin and Balclutha, also well attended with reports appearing in the local newspapers. In addition, the Trust donated $1,000 each to four Dunedin food-banks.

Greater Dunedin grant recipients were the Southern Youth Choir, Mosgiel AFC Juniors, Richard Hudson and Grants Braes Kindergartens, Dunedin Curtain Bank, Brockville Community Support Trust, Green Island Grass Kart Club, Autism NZ – Otago Branch, Ignite Trust, Taieri Beach School, Senior-Link Trust and Mayfair Theatre Trust.

As part of the afternoon’s programme there were presentations of certificates to the recipient of the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge Bursary, Mel Darling and to participants on the Otago Masonic Trust’s, week long, Youth Development Programme course on Stewart Island, Mikade Morrison, Lianna Leigh-Yujevic, Jamie Bruce, Liberty Johnston, Joshua

Robson and Musashi Miyakawa. Each year the association between the

University of Otago and Freemasonry is acknowledged at the Dunedin function. Professor Barry Taylor, Dean of the Dunedin School of Medicine, spoke of the value of this long term association and highlighted the work being carried out by the Chair of Paediatrics. He then introduced the Fellowship recipients, and outlined the details of their research

and the results being achieved. Dr Robin Quigg, introduced the Otago area Post-Graduate, and Under-Graduate recipients of the Scholarships from The Freemasons Charity and local presentations were made to them.

It was estimated that, overall, the combined presentation functions acknowledged donations to the Otago Community of over $250,000 in 2014.

With thanks to Grant Watson

Professor Barry Taylor and Dr Mee-Yew Chen, Paediatric Fellow, with VWBro Terry McConnell.

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Dunedin Mayor, Dave Cull, with Philippa and Owen Jack from Grants Braes Kindergarten.

Lianna Leigh-Yujevic receiving her youth development certificate from RWBro Eric Maffey.

Tapanui healthOne highlight was RWor Bro Winger presenting a ‘special’ grant of $10,000 from The Freemasons Charity to West Otago Health Ltd, which is building the new Community Hospital and Health Centre in Tapanui. This grant contributed towards the Freemasons donations totalling over $40,000 to this project, the other contributors being The Hercules Lodge 36 and The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust. The Chairperson of the West Otago Health Ltd Board, Mrs Marianne Parks, explained the history of the project and the expected benefits to the community. She highlighted Masonic involvement in cottages for the elderly over the years, and the Board’s deep appreciation of the support for the present facility.

RWBro Mark Winger with Marianne Parks and Brian Brennssell from West Otago Health.

the School, Professor Leonie Schmidt, by VWorBro Brian Coutts, Chairman of the Sub Committee responsible. Professor Schmidt replied, stressing how thrilled the School was to receive the funding, how it would enhance their programme and assist in bringing a wide range of prominent artists and educators to Dunedin.

VWBro Fred Staub, Past Grand Lecturer, was a well known and respected Artist and Art Educator. Of Swiss descent, he was born in December 1919, in Wellington. He started work with Kempthorne Prosser in the Wellington branch. Fred joined the army in 1939 and was in the 3rd NZ Division in the Pacific Campaign. At the conclusion of the War Fred was part of J Force in Japan.

He taught Art at the King Edward Technical College and then became the Head of Ceramics at the Otago School of Art and later Head of that School when it came under the umbrella of the Otago Polytechnic.

To the public he was principally known for his skill and interest in art. There are a number of works of art around Dunedin associated with Fred Staub. Perhaps the two highest in profile are the bronze statues on Signal Hill that are part of the 1940 New Zealand Centennial structure, commemorating 100 years of British Sovereignty. These comprise two

Fred Staub Open ArtDuring the year the Trust has received a substantial bequest from the Estate of VWBro FCW (Fred) Staub. Due to Fred Staub’s lifetime involvement in teaching fine arts and his involvement with the Dunedin School of Art at the Otago Polytechnic the Trust has developed a sponsorship agreement with the School. This involves an ongoing programme of sponsoring events under the banner of

‘Fred Staub Open Art’ that amounts to $10,000 each year.

This will assist the school in enhancing and expanding its present Community Arts Programme by funding seminars, exhibitions, workshops, plus teaching and lecturing within the school, coupled with variations on an annual ‘Artist in Residence’. The majority of these events will be open to both students and the general public of Otago. The first cheque for $5,000 was presented to the Head of

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large figures representing ‘History’ and ‘The Thread of Life’ designed by FW Sturrock with Fred’s assistance. They were actually erected in 1950, and were Fred Staub’s first major piece in Otago. Other prominent works are on the south wall of the Dental School in Frederick Street.These are cement bas-relief panels representing the Biological, Dental, Medical and Physical Sciences.

Slightly less known but also very

VWBro Brian Coutts with Professor Leonie Schmidt

Centennial Statue, Signal Hill.

This event is a black tie evening to raise money to equip the Kapiti Coastguard’s new vessel with a state of the art electronic suite.

The Kapiti Coastguard operates in an area from and including, Cook Strait and up to Foxton. They go out as far as required for search and rescue operation. Cook Strait is one of the wildest pieces of water around the world.

The cost of the new vessel is expected to be around $500,000. The vessel will be powered by jet propulsion, which will allow the vessel to operate in shallow water with a very tight turning circle enabling it to make quick changes of course. It is anticipated, the order for the new vessel will be placed around November 2014 when construction will commence.

The target of this event is to raise a minimum of $50,000 and is our District Project. If we make it to $100,000 we will secure the naming rights to the vessel and it will be known as the “Freemasons Rescue Vessel”

There will be a Dinner, dancing to a great Band, after Dinner speaker together with a Charity Auction, Raffle and other fundraising activities. The Intercontinental is a very prestigious venue having just been the subject of a major refurbishment.

The plan is to create an evening welcoming Masons and non-masons alike. It will be the Freemasons’ social event of the year and will also present the opportunity to showcase the Craft to the wider community. The auction items are going to include items that you normally can’t buy, irrespective of how much money you have, so it will be a great opportunity to purchase something very special, perhaps a wonderful and different Christmas present, and at the same time contribute to the saving of lives.

VW Bro Graham Redman Dist GM, urges members to support the event and says:

“The Coastguard is a voluntary organisation dedicated to saving lives – they need our help. We urge you to assist remembering our commitment to Brotherly Love and Relief. I commend this project to all Masons in the Kapiti Wellington District 19”

With an event as big as this one we will need some help; so if you have any ideas about the evening, any interesting auction items or raffle prizes or are simply willing to give up some time to help then please get in touch. Likewise if you have contacts, either within or outside Freemasonry that would be interested in purchasing a table let us know.

We ask three things:• Start saving• Secure the day• Speak with your friends

 

Kapiti Coastguard Fundraiser

Kapiti Wellington Freemasons

Friday 7th November 2014The Intercontinental Hotel, Wellington

worthy of comment, are two third floor Reading Room bronze statues in the Dunedin Public Library. These are Ellis of the Antarctic and Edmund Hillary which Fred donated in 2008.

Fred lived in Waverley Dunedin for many years, and only later did he move to Christchurch, mainly due to ill health. He passed away 24 April 2012. He was a long time active Mason having been initiated on 5 June 1945, into Chas

Ferguson Lodge No. 290. At the time of his Passing to the ‘Grand Lodge Above, he was a member of The Avon Shirley Lodge No.185, The Mt Ida Lodge No.97, Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225 and The Research Lodge of Otago No.161. Fred was installed as Master of The Achilles Lodge of Amity No.310 in 1983 and The Research Lodge of Otago in 1984. In 1986 he was appointed as Grand Lecturer.

From a recent Dunedin School of Art exhibition.

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This event is a black tie evening to raise money to equip the Kapiti Coastguard’s new vessel with a state of the art electronic suite.

The Kapiti Coastguard operates in an area from and including, Cook Strait and up to Foxton. They go out as far as required for search and rescue operation. Cook Strait is one of the wildest pieces of water around the world.

The cost of the new vessel is expected to be around $500,000. The vessel will be powered by jet propulsion, which will allow the vessel to operate in shallow water with a very tight turning circle enabling it to make quick changes of course. It is anticipated, the order for the new vessel will be placed around November 2014 when construction will commence.

The target of this event is to raise a minimum of $50,000 and is our District Project. If we make it to $100,000 we will secure the naming rights to the vessel and it will be known as the “Freemasons Rescue Vessel”

There will be a Dinner, dancing to a great Band, after Dinner speaker together with a Charity Auction, Raffle and other fundraising activities. The Intercontinental is a very prestigious venue having just been the subject of a major refurbishment.

The plan is to create an evening welcoming Masons and non-masons alike. It will be the Freemasons’ social event of the year and will also present the opportunity to showcase the Craft to the wider community. The auction items are going to include items that you normally can’t buy, irrespective of how much money you have, so it will be a great opportunity to purchase something very special, perhaps a wonderful and different Christmas present, and at the same time contribute to the saving of lives.

VW Bro Graham Redman Dist GM, urges members to support the event and says:

“The Coastguard is a voluntary organisation dedicated to saving lives – they need our help. We urge you to assist remembering our commitment to Brotherly Love and Relief. I commend this project to all Masons in the Kapiti Wellington District 19”

With an event as big as this one we will need some help; so if you have any ideas about the evening, any interesting auction items or raffle prizes or are simply willing to give up some time to help then please get in touch. Likewise if you have contacts, either within or outside Freemasonry that would be interested in purchasing a table let us know.

We ask three things:• Start saving• Secure the day• Speak with your friends

 

Kapiti Coastguard Fundraiser

Kapiti Wellington Freemasons

Friday 7th November 2014The Intercontinental Hotel, Wellington

Stem cell revolution‘The breakthrough the world has been waiting for’ New Scientist, February 2014

The Belmont Albion Lodge No.45 hosted New Zealand’s TV Doctor, guest speaker Dr Frances Pitsilis, at their annual Camaraderie night in May. In a fascinating after dinner speech, Dr Pitsilis spoke about the research into, and early application of, stem cell therapies.

Dr Frances Pitsilis MB BS (Mon), Dip Obst, Dip Occup Med, MACNEM, FAARM, ABAARM, FRNZCGP.

T he audience, consisting of family and friends, discovered that stem

cells were hypothesised some 100 years ago, and that the 1960s saw discoveries by Canadians McCulloch and Till and the subsequent treatments for leukaemia.

They learned that stem cells ‘have options’ for how they can been used, akin to being at the beginning of a line and able to branch off to where needed, whereas the job of other cells such as brain cells or muscle cells is set, akin to being at the end of the line and in final use. Therefore, stem cells have the potential to apply themselves to areas that need repair.

Amazingly, the stem cells decide where to apply themselves. For this reason, patients can find unexpected improvements to something they weren’t so worried about. An example quoted was a patient seeking improvement to arthritis, who found her lung function improved instead. Due to the nature of this, an important learning is that a

patient’s health needs to be optimised and balanced as much as possible before a targeted therapy is likely to work. ‘Having a cold means the stem cells will want to fix the cold first!’

As with all therapies in early stages, Dr Pitsilis balanced excitement with a healthy dose of caution noting that ‘the big clinical trials have not yet been done, and whilst there have been encouraging results in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, it is not yet clear the extent to which stem cells can be used and to what effect. There are fears, including that a stem cell could enhance a cancer cell thereby causing greater damage. There is just not enough information about this yet.’

In addition Dr Pitsilis outlined the ethical and safety issues of stem cells, and explained the problems with embryonic stem cells which she deems unacceptable.

She said. ‘Not only do these require the destruction of an embryo, raising ethical issues, but they place someone else’s stem cells into the patient which raises issues of rejection, not to mention that the recipient may receive the genetic risks of the donor embryo. Adult stem cells on the other hand, can be extracted from the patient’s own fat cells, treated through highly specialised processing, activated and re-injected into the patient. As such it is the patient’s own cells, thereby eliminating problems with rejection and does not breach ethical issues pertaining to the destruction of an embryo. Although it is not known

how long the therapies will be effective, treatment on dogs shows promise in what we could expect.’

Dr Pitsilis hopes that adult stem cell therapy could offer a bright future for chronic illness but, although now available privately, it should still be considered experimental. She said ‘the next 10 years will see considerable advancement in this area, and the big health companies are working on how to commercialise treatments globally. Currently, only a small number of health practitioners, herself included, offer this treatment in New Zealand.’ It is reassuring to know that this medical pioneer takes a highly professional and disciplined approach to this ground breaking work.

At the conclusion of the speech the Master thanked Dr Pitsilis for her address, noting the Masonic tradition of encouraging research in medicine for the benefit of all, and thanked Frances for her contributing to the Lodge’s daily advancement in Masonic knowledge, in this case helping reveal yet another of the hidden mysteries of nature and science!

Matthew Rea-Rankin, Master, The Belmont Albion Lodge

Stem cells.

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Hospital pack heroesThe need continues

WBro John Pettit, QSM and WBro Colin Hickman, both bearers of 50-year badges, are still giving of their time for The Freemasons Charity. During the past two and a half years they have prepared nearly 3,000 hospital packs for Middlemore Hospital, South Auckland.

T hese packs consist of, toothbrush and paste, comb, facial wipes, tissues,

soap, make-up remover, shampoo, and a disposable razor and foam for men.

The packs are put together and distributed by brethren such as John and Colin with various other lodges taking up the challenge nationwide. All components are supplied from The Freemasons Charity in Wellington.

The project started from one lodge in Nelson and quickly spread throughout New Zealand as various Lodges took up the call to assist their community. On occasions the provision of a hospital pack will lead to other aspects of a patient’s needs being met by lodge volunteers, sometimes with further assistance from The Freemasons Charity.

John Pettit and Colin Hickman always give freely of their time and, in some situations, even contribute personally towards costs, as John says. ‘It’s not about the cost, it’s about seeing and fulfilling a need. Middlemore Hospital has one of the largest Emergency Departments in the country with over 2,000 cases presenting every week and it quickly became evident that there was a real need for these packs. That’s why we do this. The Hospital packs are primarily for those patients who are admitted and stay overnight and consequently have no personal toiletries with them.’

This is such a worthwhile cause, which John and Colin find immensely satisfying, in spite of an assembly line on the dining room table. To quote John. ‘The occasional letters of appreciation from grateful patients say it all.’

WBro Martin Williams, Master, Lodge Otahuhu No. 387

W Bro John Pettit QSM, Middlemore Hospital Charge Nurse Janice Strickland along with patient Esther Lucinsky receiving one of the packs.

John Pettit QSM and W Bro Colin Hickman making up the packs.

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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 charitable operating companies, Masonic Care Limited and Masonic Villages Limited, have earned an enviable reputation for quality accommodation and personalised care.

“Everyone in the town and the district knows of ‘Masonic’. They may have a friend or relative living in the village. Their Dad or an uncle may go to Lodge meetings here. And it’s likely they will have been to the community hall for a wedding, a 21st birthday or a funeral,” says Lynsey Vining, immediate past master of Te Awahou Lodge 133.

“But the most important thing about the village is that it enables locals to retire in their home town, keeping their contacts with friends and family.

“Foxton is not a wealthy place and there are no other retirement villages in the district. Our rentals and occupation right agreements are very affordable, there’s a new medical centre in town and the village is very friendly. So Te Awahou is a very popular place to retire to … it’s a wonderful facility.”

A year ago The Masonic Villages Trust took over the management of the village and in January Jocelyn Hogg, the first locally-based village manager, was appointed … a move that Vining and residents strongly support.

“Jocelyn is getting on top of some long-standing maintenance issues, provides a friendly face and sounding board for residents, and is successfully filling vacant units. In addition she has organised regular visits by a nurse and foot therapist for the benefit of residents, as well as more social activities in the hall.”

Of the 65 residents, nine are Freemasons, their partners or their widows. But the 35 one-bedroom rentals and 19 licence to occupy villas are open to all people of goodwill who wish to become residents.

Vining says the village was the initiative of some individual Lodge members who stumped up the money to buy the land. Lodge members using farm tractors and their own equipment cleared the site, built the roads and did the drainage.

The first rental units opened in 1990 and the community centre in 1996. Funds came from the sale of former Lodge buildings in Shannon and Foxton, and generous grants

Village plays vital role in small townThe Masonic and community halls at the heart of Te Awahou Masonic Village in Foxton give it a unique character.

Immediate past master Lynsey Vining in Te Awahou Lodge 133Being part of the Trust is a big step forward for the village, as is the appointment of the first locally-based village manager

from the Ruapehu Masonic Trust and other Lodges.

Management of the village was initially in the hands of a committee of Lodge members. In 2006, when Manawatu split from Ruapehu District, a paid part-time manager based at Masonic Court in Palmerston North took over.

Last year, management of Masonic Court and Te Awahou passed to The Masonic Villages Trust, based in Lower Hutt.

“Being part of a larger and more professional organisation is a big step forward, as is the appointment of our first locally-based village manager,” says Vining.

“Our operations are now more professional and better resourced than before, and at the same time the village is more responsive to the needs of its residents. It’s the best of both worlds really.”

Meanwhile, Te Awahou Lodge 133 and its 40 members continue to meet monthly at the village.

“We’re known as the friendly Lodge, so we get lots of visitors. And we like to extend the hand of friendship to our village residents too,” says Vining. “At the winter solstice in June, widows of Freemasons and village residents joined us for a pot-luck dinner. It was a great success.”

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There is a real need for Lodges to help with care of the elderly

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

Like to join?The Trustees of The Masonic Villages Trust would like more people who support its work to become members.

Chief executive Warick Dunn says a lot of people volunteer their time to help residents and it would be great to have them join the Trust. Also, family members of residents are among the Trust’s strongest supporters, so it would be good to see them joining too.

Membership is open to all and costs only $20 a year. It’s one of the main ways the Trust has of keeping supporters informed and involved. Members also review the work of the Trust and elect Trustees at each annual meeting.

To join the Trust, contact Warick Dunn, warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz or phone 04 569 8512.

Caregivers need to be paid moreCaregivers in aged care facilities are among the poorest-paid workers in New Zealand, yet they are responsible for providing care to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.“Their work is skilled, physically demanding and requires endless reserves of patience and empathy. Yet because of the positive feedback they get from our residents and their families, many caregivers are extremely loyal, giving decades of service,” says Bill Arcus, chair of The Masonic Villages Trust.

“The present payment system exploits this loyalty and is unfair. We want to see our caregivers paid at least as much as their counterparts in public hospitals, or a base rate of close to $17.50 an hour.”

The Trust is supporting an election-year campaign by the NZ Aged Care Association to encourage political parties to support an increase in the government funding that pays for aged care services and staff training. The Association is publishing their responses in newspaper advertisements and on its website so everyone knows where each party stands.

To join with us and show that you support increased funding for caregiver wages, go to the website: www.whocares.org.nz

He’s a regular at NZ Pacific Lodge 2 in Johnsonville, a member of Lodge Otaki 72 and United Horowhenua Lodge 464 in Levin, and an infrequent visitor to his former home Lodge in Northern Ireland. But it was on a visit to Northern Ireland three years ago that Scott earned his 50-year service award.

As maintenance manager at Horowhenua Masonic Village for the last eight years, he sees the work of the Trust from the perspective of a well-informed Freemason.

“Masonic is the first choice for retirement living and aged care in the district. This didn’t happen by accident. The care staff are dedicated and loyal and Sue Maney, the village manager, is an exceptional motivator and problem solver,” he says.

“When the local Lodges set up the village in the 1970s, most rest home residents were fit and well, now no-one enters a rest home unless they can no longer care for themselves. Few can walk unaided.

“Thanks to the work of volunteers and charitable donations, the lives of residents are much better than they would be if we just relied on government funding. The local Levin Lodge, supported by co-funding from The Freemasons’ Charity, has made a huge contribution with its donations of specialised equipment, patient hoists, fees for staff training courses and so on.

“The frail elderly have very real needs, yet public fund raising campaigns to support their care are few and far between. Since Freemasons have a special duty of care for the elderly, the Lodges have a real role to play.”

He encourages Lodges that have become disconnected from the Trust and its charitable mission to contact the chief executive or one of the village managers to see how they can help.

A man of many LodgesMarshall Scott’s Lodge pedigree is probably unique.

Marshall Scott on the job

45

Royal Arch Past Grand Superintendent Jim Ingley delivered the toast to First Grand Principal Les Borrell when he received his 50 Year Jewel in the Craft earlier this year, with the Grand Master, MW Bro John Litton, in attendance.

I first met Les when he moved from up north to settle in the Bay of Plenty. It

soon became obvious to me and to many in the then greater Waikato Masonic District that we had been very fortunate indeed to inherit a man with such special talents. He very soon involved himself with the Masonic fraternity by joining the Craft, Royal Arch and Secret Monitor in all of which he has made outstanding contributions in the intervening years. Since then we have enjoyed working together in various Masonic Orders, and we have served together on Installation organising committees on at least seven occasions. Les is that special sort of person who, by his demeanour and considerable ability, commands the respect of all around him.

Les spent his formative and educational

MWBro John Litton makes the presentation to Most Excellent Companion Les Borrell.

years in Wellington and at 16 he began work in retailing which ultimately led to a career devoted almost exclusively to sales and marketing in the printing and stationery industry. In carrying out these duties he travelled extensively throughout New Zealand and, over the past 12 months as First Grand Principal, he has been able to revisit many of

the places visited during his working life.His various engagements outside

Masonry have included assisting the New Zealand Neurological Foundation as the Bay of Plenty agent. He was on the committee of the Friends of Baycourt, an incorporated society enhancing the building as the arts and cultural centre of Tauranga and has, for a number of years, been training and conducting a choral group formed at the Carmel Country Estate retirement housing complex.

Les was initiated in Lodge Otahuhu No. 387 in April 1964 and installed as Master in March 1980. His ability was quickly recognised when he was appointed chairman of the South Auckland District Masonic Education Committee in 1981. Until recently Les has been a trustee of the Bay of Plenty

Masonic Charitable Trust Board and was heavily involved in its management.

His first appointment to Grand Lodge was as Grand Lecturer 1983–85. His considerable musical talents were called upon as Director of Music for several annual Communications. Les joined Gate Pa Lodge No.407 in 1995 and was Secretary for many years, until his installation as First Grand Principal.

Although we are celebrating Les’s contribution to Craft Masonry we cannot overlook his enormous contribution to other Orders where his reputation is legendary. His present major undertaking is the leadership and guidance of our Grand Chapter. I am sure that the work he is doing will ultimately be of significant benefit to both the Craft and Royal Arch Masonry.

During the time I have known Les he has been recognised by many as a ‘go to’ man. He has edited or re-written a number of Masonic rituals and has always been available to provide logical answers and solutions when called upon for assistance.

Congratulations from all who have attended tonight and also from those who would like to have joined you for this special presentation. We look forward to sharing many future occasions with you when you wear that badge with pride and dignity.

What does a Mason in distress look like?Sheepskin aprons, sou’westers and rain hats are all part of the colourful ceremony of the Royal Ark Mariner, one of the most interesting degrees in Royal Arch Masonry. Worshipful Commander Noah Murray Alford, in sheepskin apron, conducted the ceremony of Royal Ark Mariner at the July meeting of Wellington Royal Arch Chapter No. 62, where seven candidates from several Chapters, including Companion Ken

Bishop, at right, in his foul weather gear, became Ark Mariner Masons. The degree harks back to the deluge of Biblical fame some 2,500 years before the Christian era. It can be taken by any Royal Arch Mason and the subsequent degree of Worshipful Commander Noah, the Chair degree, is available to First and Past First Principals of Chapters in the New Zealand Constitution. Four new Commanders were installed on this occasion.

Recognising a ‘go-to’ manLes Borrell’s extensive service to Craft and Royal Arch Masonry

46

Royal Arch elects future Grand Principal

I n a surprise ceremony at Brooklyn Royal Arch Chapter No. 24 in Porirua,

of which the Grand Master, M W Bro John Litton is a member, First Grand Principal Les Borrell promoted him from Past First Principal, equivalent to Past Master, to the rank of Past Depute First Grand Principal (Honoris Causa).

The event, believed to be unique, took place at Brooklyn Chapter’s Winter Solstice Dinner on its regular meeting night of July 9. The annual fundraising dinner also featured a ladies’ session starring the ‘First Ladies’ of New Zealand Freemasonry, Diana Litton and Olga Borrell, who spoke about their roles and answered questions posed by the ladies present. This took place while the Chapter held a brief business meeting and closed, after which ME Comp Borrell asked the Companions to remain in regalia and invited the ladies to join

them in the Chapter Room.

He then spoke about the unprecedented level of co-operation, which now exists between Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter. That co-operation has been slowly building over the last few years, but he attributed the very rapid progress in the past few months to the influence of the Grand Master. ‘It is appropriate that we now acknowledge the efforts of our Grand Master by promoting him in this manner,’ he said. ‘He is our Grand Master, not just the Grand Master of the Craft in New Zealand.’

He then invited V E Comp Litton forward to join him while he addressed the gathering. After announcing the

appointment, to the total surprise of most including the Grand Master, he invested the new RE Comp Litton with the sash and apron of Grand Rank and the chain and jewel of a Past Depute First Grand Principal. In a special touch, the chain

presented had belonged to the late ME Comp Jack Warren, a close friend of John Litton, and Jack’s partner Denise Scott assisted in putting it on his shoulders.

Grand Chapter has expressed its very sincere thanks to Brooklyn Chapter and its First Principal, Glen Houlihan for hosting the event and the subsequent fundraising auction, which raised over $700 for the Jubilee Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Grand Master honoured

The First Grand Principal for 2015–2017 will be Geoff Davies, of Wellington, who was elected to the position at the Annual Convocation in Nelson.

Louise and Geoff Davies.

G eoff was born and mostly raised in Hawke’s Bay and was educated at

Hastings Boys’ High School and Victoria University in Wellington. He has lived in Wellington since 1980, after spending six years in Australia and the United States. He and his wife Louise have two sons, Rhys (24) and Nick (22).

Geoff is a journalist by profession and has held a variety of roles in newspapers and, more recently, public relations and communications. He is currently working for the New Zealand Defence Force as the Senior Media Advisor at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand in Trentham, Upper Hutt. He is a JP and in addition to his ‘day job’ is the editor of the Justices’ Quarterly, the magazine of the Royal Federation of New Zealand

Justices’ Associations.He was initiated in William Ferguson

Massey Lodge No. 282 in Wellington in 1982 and became Master of the amalgamated Lodge, Massey-Renown, in 1989. He also served as Master of the Research Lodge of Wellington and of Lodge Aquarius No. 466, successor to Massey-Renown, in 2007–08. He is a Past Grand Deacon in the Craft, an honour bestowed in 1995 in recognition of service as chairman of the then

National Editorial Board of the New Zealand Freemason.

Geoff joined Wellington Royal Arch Chapter No. 62 in 1984 and became First Principal in 1993. He is also a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Russell Cryptic Council No. 51. In Grand Chapter he served as Grand Superintendent of Works 2000–01 and Grand Superintendent of the Wellington District, from 2011–2014.

Geoff will be installed at the Convocation 2015 in Napier.

47

The Widows Sons take to the road againSupport for the Allied Memorial Ride

The memorial service at the cenotaph.

June 28 is Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom and to mark the event the Allied Memorial Ride was started six years ago. Since then the ride has spread and now takes place in Britain, America, Canada, France, South Africa and, as of 2014, also Australia and New Zealand.

T here were two rides in New Zealand to mark the event, with the North

Island ride in Tauranga and the South Island ride in Nelson. All money raised from both rides was donated to the New Zealand Fallen Hero’s Trust.

The Nelson ride attracted sixty-five riders with eight of those being members of the Widows Sons and raised over $1,000. I rode up the West Coast from Greymouth on the 27th with Brother Nev Sheehan and what a ride we had with torrential rain the whole way. Brother Sam Rowntree, who is the president of the South East Chapter of the Widows Sons, rode up the East Coast and got the same treatment from the weather. Thankfully the 28th proved to be a fantastic day for riding with clear skies.

The ride had been arranged by Colin Agnew the vice president of the Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club and it started at the Nelson RSA. One of the aims of the Widows Sons is to raise the profile of the Masons in the motorcycling world and it was heart warming to hear the organisers commenting on how happy they were to have such a visible presence by the Widows Sons.

We rode through to the Motueka RSA and arrived to a very warm welcome and a tasty lunch. Riding back to Nelson was via a few of the more rarely used roads in the area, which allowed us to enjoy the beautiful weather and the scenery.

On arriving back in Nelson we met with the Mayor of Nelson and with the local MP who joined us at the cenotaph for a short memorial service and wreath laying.

Being an ex-serviceman myself I found the whole ceremony very emotional and I was very proud to have taken part.

It is hoped that this will become an annual event and I know I will be taking part again next year and I would encourage other brethren to come along. The motto of the ride summed up the whole event for me, ‘Ride with respect and ride to remember.’

Bro Jackie Adams

Brothers Jackie Adams, Peter MacDonald, Sam Rowntree, Graham Steer and Nev Sheehan.

48

Michael Monisse The Ara Taimau Lodge No. 1 Steven Murray Scinde Lodge No. 5 Edmond Balsink Lodge of Waitaki No. 11 David Bisschops The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12 Jordan McDowall United Lodge of Masterton No. 19 Barry Murphy The Saint Andrews Lodge No. 32 Reynaldo Carreon The Concord Lodge No. 39 Denver Ilogan The Concord Lodge No. 39 Nick Lozada The Concord Lodge No. 39 Noel Antasuda The Concord Lodge No. 39 Ray Cajoles The Concord Lodge No. 39 Mark Uren The Wairau Lodge No. 42 Joshua Styles Lodge Auckland Maungakiekie No. 87 Aubrey Bacon Lodge Auckland Maungakiekie No. 87 John Wieldraayer The MacKenzie Lodge No. 93 Sam Pringle The Mount Ida Lodge No. 97 Simon Braiden The Kaikohe Ohaeawai Lodge No. 101 Andrew MacDonald The Havelock Lodge No. 104 Rhys Chambers Thistle Lodge No. 113 Stephen Brooks Lodge Torea No. 121 Niel Abbott The Tauranga Lodge No. 125 Michael Siazon The Coronation Lodge No. 127 Leroy Cross The Coronation Lodge No. 127 Cesar Tabang The Wallace Lodge No. 129 Paul Jones Lodge Waitakerei No. 170 Alex Harry Lodge Ahurewa No. 181 Gareth Leitch Lodge Ahurewa No. 181 Malcolm Walker Lodge Ahurewa No. 181 Jamie Parker Lodge Te Marama No. 186 Alexander Egginton Lodge Waihopai No. 189 Peter Kelly Lodge Titirangi Mt Albert No. 204 Terry Tibbitts Lodge Arawhaiti No. 267 Gavin Dawson Lodge Parahaki No. 269 John Wood Lodge Tuakau No. 278 Ronald Hunt Lodge Kumeu No. 279

Simon Chapman Lodge Kumeu No. 279 Amir Malik Westminster Lodge No. 308 Jason Small Lodge Te Papa No. 316 Kerry Orchard Lodge Te Papa No. 316 Carl Heenan The Lodge of Remembrance No. 318 Juancho Langreo Lodge Pa-Ka-Ma No. 319 Ivann Jacobs The Lodge of Peace No. 322 Neil Stock The Lodge of Peace No. 322 Graciano Diwas Harmony Lodge No. 325 Matthew Pickstock The Mangere Lodge No. 330 William Wright The Mangere Lodge No. 330 Zac Buckingham Lodge Herne Bay United No. 340 Jarrod Saxton Lodge Hillcrest No. 363 Timothy Heeley Lodge Hillcrest No. 363 Jon Chamberlain Lodge Windsor No. 377 Manzien Tham Lodge Otahuhu No. 387 Peter Sutherland The Wayfarers Lodge No. 389 Ron Laforteza Lodge Takahe No. 397 Joshua Wardle Lodge Tironui No. 400 Cliff Barrimore The Gate Pa Lodge No. 407 Christopher Georgiades Lodge Te Atatu No. 414 Skye Goodhue Lodge Te Atatu No. 414 Jason Tainsh The Pakuranga Lodge No. 416 Jamil Scarberry Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426 Craig Unsworth Lodge Hatea No. 431 Rupert Gough Lodge Homewood No. 447 Eion Sammies The United Lodge of Otago No. 448 Paul Sammes The United Lodge of Otago No. 448 Martin Meddins Lodge Idris No. 452 Michael Tubman Lodge Waitomo No. 469 Rolly Degamo Lodge Arowhenua No. 473 Axel Cabig Lodge Arowhenua No. 473 Lambertus Burgers The Lodge of The Liberal Arts No. 500 Conor Patton Lodge of Endeavour No. 504

NEW INITIATES

Initiations between 1 May 2014 and 31 July 2014

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The 1815 Café & Barhas opened

Your 1815 ExperienceBreakfast

LunchGreat coff ee including takeaway

Open to allHigh tea

Drinkery 4pm to lateHappy hour 5–7

Food platters

2–8 Maginnity Street, Wellington

The central Wellington hotel owned and operated by

Freemasons, and home to several Lodges and Side Orders

Hotel AccommodationLuxury rooms available

at competitive ratesSpecial discounts available

to FreemasonsTo book phone (04) 474 1308

The Wellesley 1815 cardOnce you have visited us once you will be keen to return. As a reward for our loyal patrons we off er you a Freemasons smart card which not only identifi es you as a friend but, after being loaded, provides up to 20% discount on food and beverages.

49

Roskill Foundation RepoRtingFreemasons

ROSKILL FDNROSKILL FDN

The opening will mark an important event in our nation’s history - the bicentennial of the arrival in New Zealand of the Reverend Samuel Marsden and his first preaching of the Gospel on these shores at Christmas 1814. It will highlight the place of first European settlement in New Zealand and the time before the Treaty of 1840.

The ecumenical Marsden Cross Trust will complete the $10 million project with the official opening on 21st December and a service on the site on Christmas Day.

The park encompasses 20 hectares of land adjoining the site of the Marsden Cross at Oihi and the Rangihoua Pa of the chief Ruatara of Ngati Torehina, who had extended the invitation to Marsden. The buildings, of architectural significance, include a visitor centre on a ‘Pilgrimage Pathway’ with story and images of the coming of Christianity and the Maori/settler partnership on way-station panels.

The rewards from our investment in young opera singers comes from seeing (and hearing) them improve and develop their skills and go on to better things for the benefit and enjoyment of society in general. For the last two years Freemasons Interns have earned ‘main-stage’ roles in NZ Opera’s productions; like Bianca Andrews and Edward

Laurenson in ‘Madame Butterfly’ in 2013 and Andrew Grenon and Wendy Doyle in La Traviata, this year. And there were others.

One of the youngest ever interns made the ranks this year. Filipe Manu, 21, of Howick ‘found’ classical music at Dilworth School and is now at Auckland University doing a Music performance degree.And our singers dominated the Lexus Song Quest held in July. Four of the six finalists were, or had been, Freemasons NZ Opera Interns.

Almost 200 years to the day of the beginning of the history of Maori and Pakeha living together, Rangihoua Heritage Park at Oihi (or Hohi), Bay of Islands, will open - and Freemasons will be there.

Freemasons Roskill Foundation has funded the Portal, the main entry to the park, with ‘Welcome’ and concept boards explaining the nature and background of the project.

It is expected that the Park will appeal to both local and international visitors, and is destined to be the first of the bicentennial celebrations stretching out to 2040.

Historical note: Rangihoua was eclipsed as the centre of Missionary activity by Kerikeri in the 1820’s. Most of the settlers moved to Te Puna in the next bay in the 1830’s and Rangihoua mission finally closed in the 1850’s.

A portal to our heritage

Artists impression of the Portal Entrance Way

Marsden preaching at Oihi on Christmas Day 1814

Marsden Cross at Oihi

Oihi

Rewards in opera investment

ROSKILL FDNROSKILL FDN

ROSKILL FDN

ROSKILL FDN

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

He is using what is called a Spirometer. It not only measures lung function, an on-going requirement for all CF sufferers, but this Spirometer is portable. And the benefit of portability is in keeping people with CF apart from each other. With CF, lung infection is a constant danger and avoiding the risk of cross-infection at the place where CF treatment is provided, is always a risk.

With many young patients experiencing delays in treatment there was an urgent need for another Spirometer for Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland. The Auckland Branch Co-ordinator of the Cystic Fibrosis Assn of NZ, whose father was a Freemason in England, had an idea. The application to the Foundation was granted!

Long ties and strong need produce assistance

Lest We Forget

Newmarket office space is available!

Be near the Freemasons action! 111 msq of convenient, quality space in a quality location. Freemasons House 17 Gt South Rd, AucklandCALL Judith Miller 09 520 6414 / 0274 308 750

The aim is to get the message out about the importance of early detection of this eye disorder that severely affects the sight of our ageing population. 25,000 New Zealanders have the most severe form of the disease and one in seven New Zealanders over the age of 50 are affected in some way - a number expected to double over the next twenty years.

Free seminars are being held in six centres between August and November. At each, a local ophthalmologist will share the latest information on research and treatments, as well as the management and impact of living with this eye disease.

Two seminars have passed but, those still to be held are:

Gisborne - 13th September Tauranga - 4th OctoberNapier - 1st November Auckland - 15th November

Phone 0800 622 852 or email info@mdnz.org.nz for details and to register as capacity is limited. See more - mdnz.org.nz

One of the first events of the many scheduled throughout the country over the next few months commemorating the beginning of World War 1 was an Exhibition at the Portrait Gallery in Wellington that ended late in August. The Foundation was a major sponsor.

‘Facing the Front’ at the Gallery on Queens Wharf featured about 70 paintings, drawings, sculptures and other items illustrating the

country’s participation in what became known as “The Great War” in which 102,000 New Zealand men and women served.

Chairman, David Mace, speaking at the opening function of the exhibition, noted the vow that all Freemasons make to be loyal citizens of their country. Many from all walks of life had served in the conflict.

The Foundation is again supporting Macular Degeneration New Zealand in their on-going education and awareness programme encouraging those at risk to be checked and treated.

This is seven year-old Bruno who has cystic fibrosis.

Residual Funds in the old Freemasons Deposit SchemeDepositors with closed accounts but unbanked cheques

A s Freemasons, we are all aware that a new Freemasons Deposit Scheme was opened with Heartland Bank and the

old Freemasons Deposit Scheme with ANZ/National Bank has been closed.

The new scheme has nearly 2,700 Accounts with some $80 million dollars being held ‘On Call’ or in Term Deposits. The commission earned, over and above the competitive interest paid to our depositors, enables Freemasons New Zealand to produce the NZ Freemason Magazine amongst many other things in the area of development and publicity, which in turn means that our Capitation Fees are keep at a level that covers only the administration of Freemasons New Zealand. Support for the Heartland Bank Freemasons Deposit Scheme equals support for Freemasonry in New Zealand.

The following old scheme depositors, whose bank statements and mail have never been returned to Freemasons New Zealand and who failed to respond to correspondence on either switching to the new scheme or taking their funds elsewhere, have been sent a covering letter and a non-transferable cheque in the name of the account for the balance of their account to their last known address and this mail has also not been returned to us. As cheques sent to the following have not yet been banked, we kindly ask depositors to do so as soon as possible or, if never received or lost, or mislaid could you immediately contact us to make arrangements for a replacement cheque or a direct credit to your nominated bank account.

The old Freemasons Deposit Scheme can be contacted on Freephone 0800 659 876 (leave a message if necessary) or email depositscheme@freemasons.co.nz or telephone Irene George 04 385 5745 or Sue Milton 04 385 5747 at Freemasons New Zealand directly.Duane Williams MBE, Deposit Scheme Wind-up Administrator

Depositors with un-presented chequesBilsland Fiona Mary, Boyd Michael Caleb, Bridle Alfred C & Swift Christina Nancy, Burdon Bruce Edwin & Allison Florence, Burns Wayne, Burton John Alexander Hughes, Calman Jack Fawcett, Clark Joshua Alexander & Bradley Thomas, Connor June Elsie, Cooper Andrew H & Mary A, Davidson James William Trust c/- Mrs M E Mill, Fitt Peter David, Fleming Elizabeth Joan, Ford Alan Stuart, Fox Amanda Mary, Fraser Adriene Alice, Furness Jane Amanda, Garrett David Grenville, Gibbons Stephen David, Gibson Hedley R & Gloria V, Griffiths Trevor W & Dixie, Hanbury-Webber Tristan James, Hastie Andrew Blair, Heafield Simon, Hinkley Dale Ellen & Bourke Michael G, Jones David Jenkins, Keli Trust (Fiji), Kiff Sharlene Rose, King Ashley Vincent, Ladd Barry Martin, Lock Alistair Kelvin, Loeff Jacqualine Antoinette, Marsh Philip Federick, Matuku Family Trust, McCann Rohanna Bernadette, McInnes Estate John Alexander & Grace Cecelia, McKenna James Michael Joseph, McQuitty Roger James, McWatt Diane Marion, Montgomerie Seton John, Murray Jill Catherine, Musgrove Ian Thomas, Nelson Richard Peter, O’Connor Diane, Palmer Lynne Marie, Palmer William John, Parsons Shirley May, Phillips Penelope Jan, Raine Elizabeth, Rankin Paul Frederick, Richmond Alan Ian, Robins Francis James, Rose Christine Naomi, Schneider Fred R Kennedy & Catherine R, Seares Robert Necesario, Seath Andrew Donald, Shaw Margaret Brianna, Sheikh-Nicolson Rafiq, Simpson Erin Grant & Day Carol Louise, Sinclair Robert & Anne, Smith Kerry Margaret, Spencer Finlay Mark George, St John Alice Frances, Stanly Hugh Arthur (Clark G Child), Stenner Bruce F Children’s Trust, Stephen Robyn Ann, Stephen Roy, Stidolph Sydney Robert, Thomas Mark Richard, Tomane Paul (Samoa), Trappitt Claire Nicola, Wilson Angela Fleur & Brown Jonathon, Winter Jasmine, Wyllie Paul David, Young Andrew John.

Fellow harmony singers welcome the Musical Island Boys back to Wellington Airport following their winning performance in USA. No prizes for guessing the name of the man in the middle. RIGHT MWBro John Litton contemplating a car for his eventual retirement as Grand Master.

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SERVICE AWARDS

60 YEAR BADGE Bro Harry Webb MM The Southern Cross Lodge No. 9 WBro Gordon Stewart Sutherland PM Lodge Rangitikei No. 38 Bro Robert William Justice MM The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47 WBro Thomas Knowles Pallas PM RH The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 Bro John MacEwan Paton MM Lodge Wairoa No. 55 Bro Robert Rowland Preston MM Thistle Lodge No. 113 WBro Andrew Cecil Kay PM The Waipa Lodge No. 119 Bro Rex Henry Benge MM Hutt Valley Lodge No. 176 WBro Andrew James Dickson PM Lodge Switzers No. 223 WBro Tennant Edward Wilson PGD Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225 RWBro George James Muir Dep GM Lodge Te Puke No. 261 WBro Noel Munro Mangin PGBB RH Lodge Awatere No. 292 WBro Robert Stanley Robertson PM Services Lodge of Hawkes Bay No. 313 WBro Daniel Clive Davis PG Std B Lodge Rangitane No. 369 WBro Thomas Finlay Nicholas PG Std B The Wayfarers Lodge No. 389 WBro William McNutt PM The Gate Pa Lodge No. 407 WBro John Fletcher Barlow PM RH The Gate Pa Lodge No. 407 WBro Derek Gordon Laws PM Pegasus Daylight Lodge No. 450

50 YEAR BADGE WBro Raymond Ernest Crundwell PM Southern Cross Lodge No. 6 WBro Hugh Murray Lauder PM The Saint Andrews Lodge No. 32 WBro John Henry Lauder PM The Saint Andrews Lodge No. 32 VWBro Robert Morley Donaldson PG Lec The Lincoln Lodge No. 33 WBro James Leslie Link PGS The Concord Lodge No. 39 Wbro Graham Henry Reynolds The Phoenix Lodge No. 43 Bro Trevor Watson Booth MM The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47 Bro William David Lindsay MM The Mokoreta Lodge No. 63 WBro Roy Kenneth Robb PM RH The Ruahine Lodge No. 80 WBro Donald Hargrave Taylor PM Rongotea Lodge No. 146 Bro Noel Claude Hostick MM Lodge Rotorua No. 153 WBro Hector Robert Mayhead PM Lodge Waikaremoana No. 158 WBro Peter Robert Mason PM Lodge Timaru No. 196 WBro John Edwin Skilton PM Lodge Omarunui No. 216 WBro Colin James MacKay PM Lodge Wanaka No. 277 WBro Harold Falla PM RH Lodge Zetland No. 312 WBro Peter Beattie PM Lodge Te Puni No. 315 Bro Colin William Fairbairn MM Lodge Te Papa No. 316 WBro James Brackenridge Mudgway PM Lodge Herne Bay United No. 340 WBro John Harley Wilson Lodge Mana No. 352 WBro Reginald Thomas Linton Green PM RH Lodge Tironui No. 400 WBro Maurice Terence Tegg PM Lodge Maungarei No. 427 WBro Peter Wyndham Verrall PM The Waikato Lodge of Research No. 445 WBro Donald Thorn Speedy PM The Waikato Lodge of Research No. 445 WBro Richard Stephen Wolfsbauer PM Lodge Wharite No. 451 Bro George Ian Hamilton MM Lodge Idris No. 452 VWBro Royston George Robbins PG Lec Geyserland Daylight Lodge No. 462 Bro Ian David Greig MM Lodge Aquarius No. 466

May, June & July 2014

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Invest in the Freemasons Deposit Scheme* to invest in New ZealandHeartland Bank is proud to be the Freemasons Deposit Scheme partner.

With roots stretching back to 1875, Heartland Bank has a proud history of providing families, small-to-medium sized businesses and farms with fi nancial solutions to help them achieve prosperity.

Through our partnership built on shared values, Heartland Bank is working with Freemasons New Zealand to support the Craft in local communities, while providing Freemasons and their families with competitive interest rates on their deposits.

To fi nd out more about Heartland Bank and the Freemasons Deposit Scheme, see the inside front cover of the New Zealand Freemason. Alternatively you can contact a dedicated Heartland Bank Freemasons Deposit Scheme representative on 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62) or email freemasons@heartland.co.nz.*

Call us 0508 FREEMASONSwww.heartland.co.nz Email: freemasons@heartland.co.nz

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

0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62).