MASONIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 958, 11 July 1890, Page 6

MASONIC.

_ Having re-opened the Masonic column in the Mail, under the supervision of a Master in the Craft,, we shall be glad to receive from Secretaires of Lodges, and brethren generally, short reports of Lodge meetings and Masonic events of all kinds likely to be njf, interest tpj, memoir's of the ‘craft. All cprrcspo]<f.\cpcj for this column to be to me Masonic Editor, NeV Zealand Mail. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Fellowcrafi'.— Yes, in 1813. Letter G. (Christchurch).—Yes, in all, probability there \yill be a large gathering. Inquirer. The Ccrncar. Rite is very Btrong in America. FAVOURS RECEIVED. London Freemason, Chaine d’Union, Dio Bauhutte, El Taller, Rivista della AJassOtf neria Italians, and El Siglp, GRAND LODGE OF TASMANIA, The Gracd Lodge of Tasmania was inaugurated with great solemnity and splendour at Hobart on the 25tb June. There were about 350 brethren present. Among the distinguished visitors were the Moat Worshipful Grand Masters of South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria, who were acoompanied by a large number of their Grand Lodge offioerg. The installation ceremony was performed in a masterly manner by Bro. Lord Carrington, M.W. Grand Master of New South Wales. Hia speech, congratulating Bro. Rev. R. D. Pnu'ett Harris on being placed in the cha ; r as M.W. Grand Master of Tasmania, was a magnificent and exhaustive oration, and was loudly npplauded. Capita! speeohes wore al«o made by the other Grand Masters, and especially by Bro. Chief Justice Way of South Australia. The GraD-1 Lodge of New Z-oaland was represented at the ceremony by Brn. Lyttelton, and Bros. Lord Carrington and the Earl of Kintore; both expressed a hope that the difference of opinion at present existing in this Colony would soon be overcome, and that complete union would prevail. In the evening a banquet was held whioh was largely attended, and the proceedings passed off with great enthusiasm. SOMETHING LIKE A FAREWELL. An oonneotion with the installation of

the Grand Master of Tasmania, we read in the Hobart papers that some 300 brethren assembled at the railway station at mido night to give a farewell greeting to Bro. the Earl of Kintore on his leaving by special train for Launceston. The company opened out on each side of the platform, aud the Earl passed between them. The whole of the brethren sang ‘ Auld Lang Syne ’ and ‘ God Save the Queen,’ and as the train left the station they gave three hearty cheers for the Earl oi Kintore aud his lady. OUR MYSTIC CHAIN. Writers on Masonic ceremonies and our best-known lexicographers describe the Masonic or Mystio Chain as being formed by the brothers placing themselves so as to form a circle and grasping each others’ bands. The proper mode of forming it is for every brother to cross his arms in front of his body, extend his right hand to the brother on his left, and his left to the brolher placed on the rieht. ThU chain, which can never bo a fetter to him, for it is fo-med by the hands of brothers, was in former years much in vogue, and was used at installations, always at closing, and especially in'the ceremony of the Third Degree, and ofton at the formal opening of the lodge. Our French brethren call it the chain of union. It is a great pity that this forming of the chain is gradually becoming obsolete in our lodges. It is one of those sweet, pleasant, and simple ceremcnies whioh should be kept up and encouraged. It should remind the participant that all the Masons on the face of the globe form but one ohain, that every brother is a link of that ohain, and all should ever strive with the true hands of brothers to strengthen, uphold, and perpetuate it. It is a very simple ceremony, yet theie seems to be a cordial nearness, a coming together into a closer bond, and when you have once grasped a brother thus by the hand, forming a Mystio Chain, you feel drawn towards him, feel more of brotherly love for him. _ In one of the degrees in Masonry the candidate is placed before the altar and the brethren pass him in single file, each brother as he passes grasping the hand of the candidate, and ho is thus 1 received and acknowledged a brother among them. This very simple ceremony invariably makes a pleasant impression upon the neophyte, and seems to renew a kindlier feeling in the breasts of the members. As each one passes, heartily grasping the newly-made brother by the light hand, a certain feeling, a certain something is awakened within the breast of each, which brings forth better resolutions of union and of goodwill to each other. . doubt at an earlier age a secret meanmg was also attached to this forming the chain. Fort in his ‘Early Hietory and Antiquities of Freemasonry,’ tellß us that a chain, squares, or circle was formed at the opening sf the lodge, and the Master invested in full insignia of his office took his station in the East, and his ‘ Warden ’ opposite him, thus binding the East and the West in one solid chain, each brother a strong ildk tnereof. Our entire system is joandeq upon symbols, and the Mystic Chain Is ose of the sweetest of these, formed as it is by vhe living brethren, breathing anion, strength, and fraternal care for each and all.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND. It has been definitely arranged that a communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand will be held in Wellington on Monday, the 28fch instant. Special railway fares will, if possible, be arranged to meet the convenience of country brethren. MASONIC ‘DON’TS.’ Intelligf nt craftsmen need to be reminded of mistakes to which they are liable—of proclivities and tendencies that they are to avoid. Wo are not proposing to write a book or treatise upon the subject, but we could, if necessary, name a number of ‘don’ts ’ that should be emphasized in the Masonic ear and heart. Don t imagine, brethren, beoause you have taken a number of degrees and orders that you know everything about Freemasonry. It takes years of study and reading to master the knowledge that underlies and is grouped about the Masonic system. A MASON’S LODGE. Ihe following beautiful verses by Goethe, have been translated into English by Mr Edward Tregear, and we are permitted to reproduce them for the benefit of our Masonic readers : A type of all that flows From Nature s fount of birth. A type of all that grows From lowliness to worth, [Earth. Ihe Mason moves among the mysteries of Around his lonely feet The Universe is spread ; The bright eternal stars Are silent overhead [dead. And silent round his path th’ innumerable The ASons of the past Of endleßS wisdom teach, The Wise passed out of sight rxT ... . „ still his spirit reach [speech ” i“h infinite of love through finite human Above terrestrial noises Echoes a heavenly sound, Mighty celestial voices Filling the gloom profound, ihe way seams short and yet it knows no earthly bound. But oftimes is he vexad With phantoms of the Dight, His vision is perplexed Witb that which baffles sight; He cannot lift the Veil that hides the dazzling Light. A multitude of eyes Are watching from the shore, The myriad gaze of those Who once life’s burden bore, Toil on 1 oh, mighty heart, despairing nevermore.