MASONIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 914, 6 September 1889, Page 7

MASONIC.

Having re-opened the Masonic column in he Mail, under the supervision of a Master in the Craft, we shall be glad to receive /rom Secretaries of Lodges, and brethren generally, short reports of Lodge meetings and Masonic 'vents of all hinds likely to be of interest to nembers of the craft. All correspondence for this column to be addressed to the Masonic Editor, New Zealand Mail.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. W.G.S.—The * Yarrowee ’ Lodge, under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, meets at the Masonic Hall, Ballarat, on the third Tuesday in the month. This is the only lodge in Ballarat. G.P.M. (Westport).—The Grand Secretary is Bro. A. H. Bray, Masonic Hall, Castle-reagh-street, Sydney. Sr. J. (Featherston) —You are quite in order.

FAVOURS RECEIVED. The Freemason (Sydney), Rivista della Massoneria Italians (Rome), Luce e Concordia. (Naples), and Die Bauhittte (Leipsic). PLEDGING THE MASONIC WORD. It is, we are aware, a common practice to pledge the Masonic word, and it is done too, ou occasions when it might be thought the least required. Unfortunately, however, there are brethren who do not consider themselves at fault in thus bringing Masonry into contempt, as they unquestionably do, if they keep placing everything ‘ on the square.’ It is difficult to understand why a brother should be continually in the habit of talking ‘on the square,' when ho should know that as a Mason no pledge can be required from him by another Mason. To be true to one another is one of the most important commands, and no sincere Mason would deceive another ; hence the folly of pledging the word. It is not a little curious that brethren who are so ready to pledge their Masonic faith are almost invariably the last either to assist of warn a hrother. We have heard of instances wherein such brethren have pretended to do their best on behalf of brethren requiring their aid, while all the time they were giving help to others not Masons. Of course, any brother is at liberty to exercise his own judgment in matters where his help or recommendation is asked, but he should not promise to act ‘ on the square,’ for the simple reason that it is his imperative duty to do what is right by a brother Mason. His obligations do not bind him to do more than he can conscientiously do, and if the object of his assistance is unworthy, then he deserves no special assistance. One thing is sure, the man who asks credit in business on his Masonic faith should be refused—the one who pledges his ‘ Masonic word ’ in order to give strength to an asser. tion or a promise is not entitled to belief—he who is continually giving his confidence 'on the square ’ is to be avoided—-neither is he sincere, for he deals too lightly with Masonic honour, and is using it for purposes incompatible with the Masonic design. Remember these things, brethren, and you will be less likely to be imposed upon by those who are ready to use Freemasonry for selfish and unworthy purposes ! Beware of the man who talks flippaD.tly about matters of Craft interest, and shows too much readiness in his use of Masonio signs and formulas. GRAND LODGE MOVEMENT. The Central Executive Committee of the New Zealand Masonic Union met at the Parliamentary Buildings on Friday, 30th ultimo. All the members were present and a large amount of business was transacted. Reports from the other Masonic centres wsre submitted, and several suggestions as to basis of Union were received and approved. It was resolved that the Convention of Lodge Delegates should take place on Wednesday, the 11th inst. We would advise those Lodges which have not yet appointed delegates to do so without delay. AN ANCIENT SUMMONS. One hundred and twenty.five years is a great age for a Lodge Summons. D D.G.M., Bro. Matthias H. Henderson, of Sharon, Pa, is the fortunate possessor of the valuable Masonic relic, in the shape of the original Summons issued to Ensign John Oruiekshank, on October Bth, 1761. from Charlebourg, Canada, by the Military Lodge known as the ‘ Officers’ of the 57th Regiment on Foot,’ in the British Army. The warrant for this Lodge was issued by the ‘ Ancients ’ Grand Lodge, on September 7th, 1755, and was oi-iginally Lodge No. 41 on the register of the * Ancients.’ This Alilitary Lodge is referred to in both Bro. Gould's ‘Athol Lodges’ (p. 11), and his ‘History of Freemasonry ’ Vol. 111. p. 402). Bro. Henderson also possesses the silver jewel of the same brother. On it is engraved:—‘John Cruickshank, Officers’ Lodge, No. 10, Quebec.’ Both of these relics are unique. The summons, is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, extant. Bro. Henderson has it tastefully framed. It reads as follows : Charlebourg, October the Bth, 1761. Brother, —You are desired to meet the Master Wardens, and the rest of the Brethren of Officers’ Lodge of the 57th Regt , at the Lodge Room at Cbarlebourg to-morrow evening at 6 o’clock. This is an awful summons. By order of the Master. James Stevenson, Sec’y. Addressed to ‘ Eas. Cruickshank of the 57th Regt.’ GOOD INTENTIONS. Fair thoughts of good, and fantasies as fair, Why is it you’re content to dwell confined In the dark cave of meditative mind, Nor show your forms and colours other where ; Why taste ye not the beautiful free air - J£ life and action ? If the wintry wind Rages sometimes, must noble growth be pined And fresh extravagant boughs lopped off by care ; Bshold the budding and the flowering flowers That die, and in their seed have life anew ; Oh ! if the promptings of our better hours With vegetative virtue sprung and grew They would fill up the room of living time, And leave the world small space to nourish weeds of crime.