OLDEST FREEMASON.

Wairarapa Age, 14 March 1934, Page 3

OLDEST FREEMASON.

DEATH AT NINETY-NINE YEARS. MR. W. G. A. BOERS. BLENHEIM, March 13. The death occurred this morning of Mr. Wynard Gerald Andre Boers, aged 99, who was recognised as the oldest Freemason in the world. Born at Rotterdam on March 17, 1835, he followed the sea until taken prisoner during the Crimean War, the ship being wrecked in the Black Sea. 'On his release he returned to Holland and sailed for Melbourne on an immigrant ship. In 1857 he deserted at Melbourne, married, and - sailed for Dunedin a few weeks later. On the arrival of Dr. James Hector, who was engaged by the Provincial Government to explore Otago he accompanied him on his expedition, remaining with him for four years. On the abolition of the Provincial Government he was engaged as head linesman by the Post and Telegraph Department and was in charge of the construction of the first line between Port Chalmers and Dunedin. Later he was appointed to a position in the cable station at White’s Bay. Afterwards he was postmaster in Havelock, and in 1876 was transferred to Reefton, where he remained for eight years. Returning to Havelock he did a lot of .relieving work at various post offices on the West Coast, until 1902, when he retired. The late Mr. Boers was a charter member of Lodge Havelock No. 164, which was opened on March 31, 1896, and occupied the Master's chair in 1899-1900. Some time ago inquiries were issued from. New Jersey to various Masonic jurisdictions seeking for a list of brethren whose Masonic affiliation covered a period of 70 years or over, and as a result the Grand Secretary received advice to the effect that Mr. Boers was the oldest living Freemason in the world. He was initiated in the Courier Pax Lodge, in Antwerp, in 1855 or 1856 at the age of 20 years.— C?.A.)