FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16207, 9 May 1918, Page 6

FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND.

WORK TOWARDS THE WAR

HUT FOR FIGHTERS

(SPECIAI. TO "THK TRKSS.")

WELLINGTON, May i?

For the first time since -May. 1910, the representatives of tho Masonic lodges under tho Grand Lodgo of New Zealand assembled to-day in Wellington for their regular annual communication. Last year the gathering was to have been held at luveroargiil, but owing to the disturbed position of railway matters about that period, and the expense that would liavo attended the bringing of representatives of lodges to si remote part of tho Dominion, together with the fact that there was no business of special urgency requiring attention, the annual event was allowed to lapse, emergency measures being taken to enablo tho central boards of management, which were then stationod in Auckland, to carry on the work of tho Craft. This year, however, it is felt that the accumulated need for legislation on certain questions justifies allowing matters to return to their normal course, hence tho holding of what may be considered the Masonic Parliament, of New Zealand. FREEMASONRY AND THE WAR, As with all other institutions, the influence of tho war is to bo seen in nearly every department of Masonic work. For "instance, the roll of members of Now Zealand' lodges who have gono to tho front shows already a total of nearly two thousand, and is being augmented with the despatch of each contingent. Further, the institution is putting forth its share of effort for the carrying on of tho war, and provision for tho futuro of those who suffer from its effects. The War Benevolent Fund, which was started by voluntary effort soon after the outbreak of hostilities, has now reached a total of £11,523, and tho need of adding to it is being kept under the notice of the lodges and their component members. At the seat of war there is a Now Zealand. Expeditionary Forces' Masonio Association, of which Colonel Georgo Barclay is the official head, which serves to Keep tho soldier-Masons in close relationship with each other. Again, tho central body has, in tho investment of its accumulated funds, been able to help substantially the raising of tho Dominion's war loans, a sum of £13,700 being now invested: in that direction, while £100 has been donated to the Red Cross Fund. CHEER-0 HUTMENT SCHEME. The latest war development of the Craft is the establishment of what is known as the Masonic Cheer-o Hutment scheme. A circular-letter was recently issued to the lodges inviting them to contribute to a fund for the maintenance of one or more huts ns near the fighting lino as military rule would permit. Tho fund is as yet only in process of accumulation, andi up to March 31st £351 had reached tho Masonic treasury head office. The report to be presented on tho subject states that the replies to the circular indicate that it has struck a responsive chord in the hearts of tho members, and it seems probable that sufficient will be provided to maintain several hutments. Tho idea at the root of the scheme is that at such huts all soldiers of the Allied forces shall be able to obtain light refreshments and a cheery word when going into or returning from battle, euch refreshments to bo supplied absolutely free of charge. The hutment already opened is in the New Zealand Artillery area, and ifc is being managed by the Y.M.C.A., nnder an arrangement made by the Board of General Purposes. An announcement placed in or near the hut indicates that those obtaining rest and refreshment there are the guests of the Freemasons of New Zealand. MASONIC FUNDS. The financial statement for the year shows that the amounts to the credit of tho different funds of the Craft now represent a total of £53,088, of which tho principal headings show as follows: £ General Fund ... ... 4,937 Fund of Benevolence ... ... 2,797 Widows and Orphans and Aged Masons' Fund ... ... 31,594 Special War Benevolent Fund 11,523 Circular' Appeal Funds ... 1,297 Representation Fund ... ... 693 Masonic Hutment Fund ... 351 BENEVOLENT FUNDS. The principal benevolent work of the Craft is still dono through the Widows and Orphans and Aged Masons' Fund, tho furtherance of which has been ono of the principal objects sought by New Zealand Freemasonry. Out of the interest earnings of the accumulated fund there is now being paid £1285 a year in annuities, ranging from £52 a year downward. The present recipients number 49 persons, and include some 18 women and children, besides aged members of tho Craft.

Out of the earnings of the Fund of Benevolence a sum of £398 has been expended during the year in the relief of 27 cases of urgent necessity. The Board of Benevolence ha& also in its charge tho administration of 16 funds created from tho proceeds of circular appef Is addressed to the lodges for tho relief of cases of distress that required more generous treatment, and two other circular appeal funds aro now in course of subscription. LEGISLATIVE WOIIK. In addition to the consideration of tho reports of the various Management Boards, Grand Lodge is asKcd by tho agenda-paper to adopt a number of amendments to its laws which are considered to be necessary, and are recommended by the Board of General Purposes.

Notice has been given of a motion in favour of the permanent location of the Grand Secretary's office in Wellington, in lieu of tha present system, under which it moves round tho four chief centres for periods of two years each. Another motion proposes to recommend lodges to iislc each member to contribute a stated sum per annum to the W_ and O. and A. M. Fund, in addition to the present modes of contribution, tho additional amount so raised to be used in supplementing annuities where necessary

THE NEW GRAND MASTER

.Mil JUSTICE HERD MAX INSTALLED.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TEI.EGUAM.)

WELLINGTON, May 8. The Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand commenced its annual communication to-day.

Mr Justice Herdman was unanimously chosen Grand Master.

The Town Hall was well filled tonight when the ceremony of installing Mr Justico Herdman in the office of Grand Master was carried out.

After his enthronement the new Grand Master . announced his appointment of R.W. Bro. Judah H. Keesing, of Wanganui, as 3>eputy-Grand Master, and that officer was duly invested and inducted.

Provincial Grand Masters for the year were .appointed nri'l invented * follows:—Auckland, W.M. Bro. O. Nicholson; Wellington, R.W. Bro. J. W.Ellison; C'autsjoiuy, u. Lm. jvenneth Mackenzie (Deputy): Otago, R.W. Bro. Hawcridge; West Coast, R.W. Bro. B. H. Richmond; Nelson and Marlborough, R.W. Bro. C. H. Mills,;

Southland. R.W. Bro. A. L« u Hoyles; Hawke's Bay, R/flr. Bro. 8' ■ L Harston; Taranaki, R.W. Bro. jh'&ft i?Ti- ) 'r, an Junior Grand Warden < gill)' °' AJfrod E " Smith (Inverew.' j

, M - W - Bro. Niccol hold? from year to year the office of Grand Becretw^