OLDEST FREEMASON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 88, 13 March 1934, Page 2

OLDEST FREEMASON.

MR BOERS PASSES. Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, March 13. The death occurred this morning of Mr Wynard Gerald Andre Boers, aged 09, who was recognised as the oldest Freemason in the world. Born in Rotterdam on March 17, 1835, he followed the sea until he was taken a prisoner during the Crimean War, his ship being wrecked in the Black Sea. On his release he returned to Holland and sailed for Melbourne on an immigrant ship in 1857. He deserted at Melbourne and married, sailing tor Dunedin a few weeks later. On the arrival of Dr. James Hector, who was engaged by the Provincial Government to explore Otago, he accompanied him on his expedition, remaining with _ him for lour years. On the abolition of the Provincial Government he was engaged as head linesman by the Post and Telegraph Department, being in charge of the construction of the first line between Port Chalmers and Dunedin. Later he was appointed to a position in the cable station at "White's Ray, then to postmaster in Havelock, holding the position until 1876. when he was transferred to Reefton. He remained there for eight years, returning to Havelock. He did a lot of relieving work at various post offices on the "West Coast until 1002, when he retired with a pension. Mr Boers was a charter member of Lodge Havelock, No. 104, which was opened on March 31, 1896, a.nd occupied the Master s chair in 1890-1900. Some time ago inquiries were issued from New Jersey to various Masonic jurisdictions seeking a list of brethren whose Masonic affiliation covered a period of 70 years or over, and as a result the Grand Secretary received advice to the effect that Mr Boers was the oldest living _ Freemason in the world. He was initiated in the Courier De Pax Lodge, in Antwerp in 1555 or 1856, at the age of 20 years.