Mister Massey, Master Mason

NZ Truth, Issue 881, 14 October 1922, Page 1

Mister Massey, Master Mason

> It has become the custom within the British Empire N during recent times for those^at the head of principalities and powers to. identify themselves conspicuously with the Masonic Craft. To this end, Princes and Premiers alike now come out into the limelight and take the highest offices. It was considered by the elect and> elite of the Craft m New Zealand a tremendous breakaway from all precedent and privilege when Dick Seddon became Grand Master. In . v those, days this high office was the preroga-/ tive of the aristocrats who then-domi-nated the Ancient Order of Solomon — although, by the way, the Chinese, who have been very much m evidence m. Masonry lately over here, claim that the Order is very much older than Solomon's days. With the. installation of Dick Seddon as G.M., Masonry m New; Zealand became democratised, and so tremendously^-popu-lar m •consequence that/ the old-timers grumble that there is no room to move around m the lodges nowadays, so crowded are they. And new lodges are springing : up everywhere to make room for the additions. Didn't they create a brand new lodge m Wellington quite recently under the auspices of Bill Massey., to facilitate his becoming, a Master Mason? And the Premier moves around' quite a lot to attend Masonic functions. He is enthusiastic. He made a special trip to, Wanganui just recently for noj other purpose — up Saturday, back Sunday. ' what's the game? In all things Bill would emulate Dick. Is he now going to add the Grand Mastership to his other trophies— after the Admiral -has completed hia term?