FREEMASONRY AND THE WAR

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9042, 13 May 1915, Page 3

FREEMASONRY AND THE WAR

SPECIAL BENEVOLENT FUND. The Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand is taking special measures to make provision tor the needs of those of its members who may return from she war wounded, sick, or otherwise unfitted for the battle of hie. and also for assisting the dependents of members who may fall in the service of the Empire. It is known that about 200 members of the Craft have already gone from New Zealand to the seat of the war, whilst at least another hundred are at present in camp at irenthem, .and will bo sailing from New Zealand shortly. Last August, a few weeks after, the outbreak of war, the Grand Master of Now Zealand addressed a circular to the lodges in the Dominion urging the necessity for the creation of a special fund to be used in providing for Masonic victims' of the war. The idea was eagerly taken up by most of the lodges, and the few which did not immediately respond hesitated only until the probability that such a fund would be necessary became more apparent. Since then the movement has been taken up enthusiastically. Already a sum of £1353 has been, voluntarily subscribed, and various measures are being taken by the different Lodges for its augmentation. Probably it will be found that before the present Communication concludes the amount above stated will be swollen considerably. In another . direction the Grand Xjodge of Now Zealand has given assistance in relieving the suffering caused by the war, by forwarding a sum of £IOO .to the Grand Lodge of Franco, to assist it in carrying out its scheme for providing (a) an ambulance for wounded without distinction of nationality or religion, (b) a service of free meals, and (c) a service of domestic help for sick women. ,