MASONIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 779, 4 February 1887, Page 6

MASONIC.

Having re-opehed the Masonic column in the Mail, wider the supervision of a Master in the Craft, we shall be glad to receive from Secretaries of Lodges, and brethren generally, short reports of Lodge meetings and Masonic events of all kinds likely to be of interest to members of the craft. All correspondence for this column to be addvessed to the hZasonic 'Editor, New Zealand Mail.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. R.A.—The Zealandia Chapter (Auckland) meets at the Freemason’s Hall on the second Friday in each month. Craft. —The Lodge should be opened in the Second. Degree. Wellington.—There are 18 Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Wellington District Grand Lodge, E.C. M. N'., (Woodville). —Probably in July next. We have, however, heard nothing further about the matter. Apprentice.—Not necessarily; but the W.M. of your Lodge will instruct you further. FAVORS RECEIVED. The Kneph (London), Sunday Times (New York), Victorian and Sydney Freemasons, Masonic Review and Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Montana (U.S.A). THE JUBILEE. The Craft at home is already bestirring itself, and careful thought i 3 being given as

SUICIDE. There has ever been a serious doubt whether or not a suicide should be buried with the Masonic burial service, although it appears to be admitted that the members of a lodge consider it a duty to see his body consigned to the grave. In England, this question as to formal interment has been determined long since, inasmuch as a suicide in that country is a double malefactor, violating both the law of the Established Church and that of the State, his final act deprives him of all posthumous rights and honors. It has ever been held by old-time Masons that the passing of sentence upon a brother convicted of felony, of itself deprives him of all claims upon the fraternity, and he loses all rights of Masonry in the same imperceptible manner as he has lost those of citizenship, as he has undergone civil suicide. Possibly the present generation of Masons may not incline to as strict an interpretation of Masonic usages as did their fathers, still the dignity of the Craft demands that the way of the transgressor should be hard, even beyond the grave. HOW TO MAKE LODGE-ROOMS AT>, TRACTIVE. N Ist. Let yonr Lodge-room be comfortable and cheerful, and give it as much of a home character as possible. 2nd. Letyour furniture and regalia be neat, clean, and appropriate. 3rd. Let the intercourse of the members be entirely kind and fraternal. 4th. Letthe work be atall times illustrated fully and accurately. sth. Let the business be transacted with becoming despatch and earnestness. 6th. Let the degrees be conferred with all possible care, without levity or rudeness. 7th. Let the exercises of the evening be varied, especially during the winter months, by brief essays or addresses.' Bth. Indulge frequently in fraternal visits to other Lodges in your own vicinity. THE MASONIC PRESS. The Masonic press cannot rely upon the means of gain and sustenance that the popular press does. But the importance of the Masonie press, as an institution, can scarcely be over-estimated. It occupies a higher and more tranquil sphere of journalism than that of the secular press. Its influence, however, must not be forgotten in the estimate of the social forces. Unob3tructive in its utterance®, when compared with the clamorous voices of the political newspapers, its tones, nevertheless, fall upon calmer hearts and sink deeper into the convictions and life of society. As a medium for communication of moral and Masonic intelligence—an educator, refining, and elevating—a fireside mentor, quickening the intellect, expanding the heart, and bearing treasures to myriads, the Masonic journal wields an influence which cannot well be dispensed with, and one that no other moral force ean well supply. The duty of the Mason is therefore plain. He has a duty to perform in extending the circulation, and in widening the influence of the Masonic press. He should not excuse himself from this duty. If he is a Master or officer of the Lodge, he may recommend it to his members. If he is not an officer, he can urge its claims whenever an opportunity occurs. The fraternity should awaken to the * importance of a more general and decided

effort on behalf of the Masonic newspaper and Masonic literature. WHAT A MASON SHOULD BE. Life is too short to make our stay A scene of discord day by day. Or as ’tis sometimes found, alas ! ■ A battlefield ’twist class and class. No ! rather let Love’s golden tether Embrace and bind us all together. . And let us, then, with heart and voice, Take courage, labor and rejoice, That in our Order may be found A neutral, safe, and hallowed ground Where @ll may ease, apart from strife The hard, harsh grating wheels of life ! And where as Brothers all may stand With kindly, loving,helping hand; A strong, united, noble band A band endowed with heavenly powers To bless this chequered world of ours.