Paediatric Fellows - Freemasons New Zealand

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NEW ZEALAND
Issue 4 (Vol. 40)
December 2012
Paediatric Fellows
Breast milk, sleeping and learning
Filipino Brethren
bring new life to Lodges
www.freemasons.co.nz
Only the name has changed
Business as usual for The Freemasons Deposit Scheme
There has been a three way partnership between Freemasons and their
families, the Depositors, Freemasons
New Zealand and the National Bank for
nearly 35 years.
It came about as a scheme to pool
the savings of depositors, within and
associated with Freemasonry, to collectively attract higher rates of interest.
From small beginnings The Freemasons Deposit Scheme reached nearly
6 million dollars within 5 years. Right
now the scheme stands at 130 million
dollars in on call and term deposits.
Being ‘On Call’, funds are available
immediately and can be transferred to
a nominated account overnight while
interest is calculated daily and is paid
quarterly. Term Deposits, ranging from
90 days to 5 years, were introduced more
recently, to enable payment of higher
interest rates, as New Zealand entered a
low interest rate environment.
Freemasonry in New Zealand benefits from the scheme through a small
commission which is used to support
the development of the Craft. 100%
of the commission is used to support
Freemasonry and the work of the various
National Committees. The administration
of Freemasons New Zealand and the
Board of General Purposes comes only
from the capitation fees.
Although The National Bank was pur-
STOP PRE
chased by ANZ New Zealand in 2003 the
former brand has been retained until
now. Our depositors will have seen the
recent announcement that, after almost
ten years of operating ANZ and the
National Bank, the two brands would be
brought together as ANZ. The key points
of the ANZ announcement were –
ƒ New ANZ to remain in all communities now served by ANZ and
National Bank.
ƒ $100 million to be spent on branches,
with branch presence in New Zealand
from increasing from 75% of where
New Zealander’s live to 90% – 15 new
communities.
ƒ ANZ to adopt the National Bank’s
technology system and the majority
of its products.
ƒ Customers will continue to be served
by the same staff – all frontline staff
will remain with the new ANZ
ƒ All sponsorship and community
involvement commtments will continue.
Our depositors will continue to be supported by the friendly staff at Freemasons
New Zealand who can be contacted
on 0800 659 876 every business day of
the year. Talk to them about the latest
interest rates. Remember it’s your own
collective scheme.
The commission has enabled Freemasons New Zealand to support Lodges
SS – GRA
!!
with education books, planning books,
brochures, promotional material, special
activities and, last but not least, this
magazine. It has enabled the promotion
of Freemasonry, both internally and
externally with programmes, past and
present, such as the Smoke Free Speech
Competition, FAME, Reel Science,
the Arts Foundation, Men’s Health,
the ‘Live Life Lighter’ Family Health
Programmes and The Freemasons
Longest Morning Tea.
The National Bank so valued its relationship with Freemasons New Zealand
and Freemasons, through the Deposit
Scheme, that it made a further $20,000
available each year for three $6,000
scholarships, for high school and college
students whose father or grandfather is
a Freemason. This programme has been
very successful and we are pleased to
announce that it will continue in 2013 as
the ANZ Freemasons Scholarships.
The Deposit Scheme is a three
way partnership between you as the
depositors, Freemasons New Zealand
and, now, ANZ. To be a success all three
must derive some benefit. Balancing this
relationship in a modern technological
and highly competitive world is not
an easy task but our depositors can
be assured that, by supporting the
Freemasons Deposit Scheme, they are
also supporting Freemasonry.
ND INSTA
The return
address fo
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this issue,
tratio
is PO Box
22 401 Kh n forms, which acc
ompany
andallah,
Wellingto
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LLATION
IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial 2
A bright future on the Coast 26
New Masonic Centre for Kapiti
Hot news 3
Dedication at the Dedication 28
From the Grand Master 4
Laying Freemasonry’s foundation stone in Christchurch
New beginnings
Grand Installation
2013 5
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0819:
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EDUCATION
12
Easy access to a wealth
of Knowledge 29
The Masonic Digital
Library
News clips 6
OPINION
Is the old doublebreasted suit worn
out? 10
28
CULTURE
Lectures, Ceremonies
and Masonic
Education 30
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Bro Mozart 12
Inspiration for a Lodge
FREEMASONS
IN ACTION
Freemasonry’s
Renaissance in
South Canterbury 14
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HEALTH
AND SCIENCE
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Paediatric
Fellows 31
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Breast milk, sleeping and
learning
Hope comes from
southern initiatives 34
Immunotherapy
advances target
cancer cells
14
16
Pacific outposts 16
Lodge Calliope in Samoa
Rising above the
waves 18
Poutasi Community Hall
Identifying the
smoking gun 36
The dormant and
recurring effects of Polio
REGULARS
The Freemasons Charity
in 2012 38
When the sun
rises over the
Meridian 20
The place of daylight
lodges in NZ
The Roskill Foundation 40
Royal Arch 43
My father and the Dambuster Squadron
Obituary – Jack Edward Warren
Initiates 46
Talofa lava – Michael Alofa
Beanies, booties
and blankets
galore 24
34
20
The back page 48
Service awards 49
COVER Freemasons Paediatric Fellows,
and Filipino Master Masons in Ashburton.
POHUTUKAWA PHOTO flickr/sondyaustin
36
FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND
Level 6, Freemasons House
195-201 Willis Street
Te Aro, Wellington 6011
PO Box 6439, Marion Square
Wellington 6141
New Zealand
Ph: +64 4 385 6622
Fax +64 4 385 5749
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
www.freemasons.co.nz
The New Zealand Freemason is the official journal of the
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand.
Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed and the
advertising content are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect the policy of Grand Lodge.
Articles appearing in this journal may be reproduced
without permission provided acknowledgement of the
source is made and a copy of the publication is forwarded
to the Grand Secretary.
Queries or comments regarding subscription or distribution should be addressed to the Grand Secretary. Queries
and comments regarding content and advertising should
be addressed to the Editor.
Contributions to the magazine are greatly appreciated
and should be of interest to a wide audience. Contributions,
including letters to the Editor, may be edited. Photographs
should be high quality, preferably in jpg or tiff format.
Contributions to the magazine can be forwarded through
these people:
Northern Division: Jack Leigh, [email protected]
Central Division: Morris Robertson, [email protected]
Southern Division: Rob Cope-Williams,
[email protected]
Royal Arch: Gary Kerkin, [email protected]
Magazines are distributed in March, June, September
and December. The deadlines for contributions are the
first day of February, May, August and November
Layout by Matthew Bartlett, Wellington
Printed by Wickliffe (NZ) Ltd.
Copyright © 2012 Freemasons NZ
The Editor at the Poutasi Community Centre.
From the
Editorial Committee
N
ot all Freemasons are aware that the jurisdiction of
Freemasons New Zealand extends beyond our borders.
Our membership includes two overseas Lodges, Calliope No.
252 in Samoa and Benjamin Kneubuhl No. 441 in American
Samoa. The former is introduced in an article on page 16 that
covers the Installation last August, performed by The District
Grand Master and Brethren from North Shore District. This
visit was also an opportunity for the visiting team to revisit
a project they instigated, which was the rebuilding of the
tsunami devastated Women’s Committee House and associated
travellers rest facilities at Saleaamua.
Further down the coast the village of Poutasi was wiped
out by the tsunami. A project, arising from this disaster, was
the building of a new community hall. Although not a Lodge
project a number of New Zealand Freemasons volunteered
time to the project including the former Grand Superintendent
of Works, RWBro Barry Millage, as architect. I had the privilege
of visiting the completed hall while on holiday in Samoa last
August and I was able to see how much it was appreciated and
used by the villagers of Poutasi.
As this year draws to a close I extend seasons greetings
to all readers and my personal thanks to all those who have
contributed to, and commented on, the magazine over the past
year.
Morris Robertson, Editor
GRAND MASTER’S VISITS
Mar 1-3 Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter
of NZ, Rotorua. Grand Installation of
RE Comp Leslie Borrell
Mar 9
The Robert Burns Lodge No. 50, Reefton
Installation meeting
Apr 27
Lodge Moutoa No. 195, Wanganui
Centenary celebration
May 11 Shirley Freemasons Centre, Christchurch
Dedication ceremony
"
Just who are the Grand Secretary’s two South American stone faced
friends? Is he recounting the details of his midnight feast? Turn to page
48 for the gastronomic evidence.
HOT NEWS
Moving on
From the
IT Committee
Your opportunity to influence
the future of Freemasonry
P
art of our mission for the new
Information Technology Committee is to assist Freemasons New
Zealand in the development of a
long-term, countrywide IT strategy.
Additionally, we will also assist in
the implementation of technologybased solutions to complement the
strategies formed by the Education,
Development, and Communications
Committees.
We realize, of course, that there is
a great deal of IT experience amongst
our own ranks along with a lot of
good, IT-based ideas that are already
being implemented in each of your
lodges. We hope you will share your
good ideas with us so that we can
suggest them to a greater number of
lodges and brethren. Please write us
at: [email protected]
Brian Nelson,
Chairman, IT Committee
IT TIP 1: here’s an idea to consider that The Ara Taimau Lodge #1
in Auckland has effectively used:
electronic invitations for their events
via www.evite.com. Lodge members
receive invitations to events via their
email addresses to which they can
either add their names as attending
or extend their apologies with a single
click. The list is viewable by the entire
lodge and the catering numbers
are easily gathered. And, the event
details can easily be added to Google
or Yahoo calendars, iCal (for Apple
users), or your Outlook calendar.
Best of all, it’s free to sign up and send
invitations for all your events.
In the September issue of New Zealand Freemason we reported
on the planning weekend in June when the Board of General
Purposes met to commence the process of establishing a
Strategic Plan for the development and enhancement of
Freemasonry over the period 2012-2020. The process has
now moved into a series of consultative phases where every
brother will have the opportunity to have his say.
T
he first of these phases is that
the Chairman of the National
Committees and the Grand Superintendent of Works have been briefed
and tasked to consult with members
of their committees, and any co-opted
members they see fit, to address the Seven
Pillars and the respective bullet points
to formulate their recommendations on
supporting and advancing the Strategic
Direction.
Likewise the Divisional Grand Masters
will consult with their District Grand
Masters to address the Seven Pillars and
their respective bullet points to formulate
recommendations on supporting the
Strategic Direction. They, and their District
Grand Masters will be encouraging all
lodges to respond. The method of seeking
responses will be as follows.
The Chief Executive will distribute the
strategic direction to all lodges and will
place it on the Freemasons New Zealand
web site. A supporting hard copy booklet
will also be available. Feedback will be
requested from lodges on their ideas on
how they could support the Strategic
Direction. Responses from individual
Freemasons will be encouraged. All
responses are to be submitted to the
Chief Executive by 28th February 2013.
The team will convene and refine the
results of responses from lodges and
individuals and will use these to prepare a
Strategic Plan for further discussion and
refinement at the Divisional Conferences
in March and April 2013.
Following the Divisional Conferences
the team will, again, reconvene to make
the final recommendations to the Board
of General Purposes for the Board to
use when launching the Freemasons
New Zealand Strategy at the Grand
Installation and associated National
Communication in November 2013.
To all Freemasons, especially those
newer brothers with a long future in
the craft ahead of them, this is your opportunity to participate in, and influence, the future of Freemasonry in
New Zealand where you can expect to
play an ever-increasing role. It is your
future and that of your organisation,
which will evolve through the guidance
of the Strategic Plan. Don’t let this
opportunity pass you by.
IT TIP 2: Through the efforts of
WBro Russell Pratt the brethren of
Eastland, Ruahine, Hutt Wairarapa
and Kapiti Wellington Districts
receive very effective, personally
addressed Newsletters with items,
which link directly to a web site for
more information. For details contact
Russell at [email protected]
Photo: Flickr/johnmuk
#
FROM THE GRAND MASTER
New beginnings
There is frequently concern expressed when a Lodge surrenders its charter. Yet, if we
consider it to be a reflection of life itself, for whatever reason, a small percentage of
Lodges will be destined to join the Grand Lodge above while, elsewhere, new Lodges will
be born. Likewise, some of our Lodge buildings, past their use by date, will be disposed of
and new buildings, more relevant to contemporary needs and image, will take their place.
T
On 25th August we welcomed the
new Lodge Arowhenua No. 473,
based in Winchester, South Canterbury,
into our fraternity. This will be followed
by Lodge Kauri No. 474, which is to be
dedicated in Auckland on Saturday 16
February. One factor in the growth of
Lodges, particularly in the Canterbury
and Southland Districts, has been the
influx of Filipino Brethren, many of
whom have come to New Zealand to
work in the dairy industry. They are
keen, determined to succeed and are
breathing new life into older Lodges. We
wholeheartedly welcome them to our
ranks.
Many of our Lodge buildings, which
were constructed several years ago, are
perhaps run down, expensive to maintain,
are too expensive to insure and are under
utilised. Frequently, they do not project
a positive image of Freemasonry. For
some years, endeavours to rationalise the
use of our buildings have been resisted
by fears of loss of individual identity.
The Christchurch earthquakes, and
insurance issues which followed, have
triggered action on a number of fronts.
In this issue we report on new building
projects, several of which will result in
new, and visible, Masonic Centres.
$
Whist our ceremonial is the glue
which binds us, not all Lodges fit the
same mould, nor should they. On page
12 we report on the highly successful
endeavours of The Lodge of the
Liberal Arts No. 500 in the musical
field. Further on in the issue there is an
extensive story on Daylight Lodges. The
various contributors to this article have
demonstrated that, amongst them, there
is some divergence of views as to what
their purpose should be. It is an aspect
of the craft worthy of our further study
and support.
The Seven Pillars Strategic Plan,
outlined in the last issue, is moving
forward to the point where all Brethren
will soon have the opportunity to input
their views. Knowledge of our aspirations
for the future of Freemasonry in 21st
Century New Zealand is important to
us and I urge you all to take some time
to study the plan and let your views be
known.
While there has been some
concentration on getting our own house
in order we have remained proactive in
fulfilling our many efforts in the field
of Charity. Our Research Fellows are
contributing to advances in healthcare
for both young and old. The work of
our Southern Freemasons in launching
the Immunotherapy project at the
University of Otago is to be commended.
Their initiative and fund raising effort,
plus a joint grant of $70,000 from The
Freemasons Charity and The Freemasons
Roskill Foundation, is leading to ground
breaking cancer treatment research.
As 2012 draws to a close I thank
everyone who has contributed so much
to the many aspects of Freemasonry over
the past year. More particularly, from
Brethren and Ladies in support of our
visitations to Australasian Installations,
the most recent being to Perth early in
November. I felt immensely proud of the
size of the New Zealand delegation and,
for those in attendance, there was an
opportunity to form new acquaintances
with fellow Freemasons from throughout
Australia.
Jan and I wish all Brethren and their
families a happy Christmas and a positive
year ahead. The 2013 Grand Installation
is less than a year away. By the end of
next year we will have completed our
term and a new team will be in place. Let
us all strive towards giving them a great
start for their three years in office.
Selwyn Cooper,
Grand Master
The Amora Hotel alongside the Michael Fowler Centre
Grand Installation 2013
Wellington, November 15–17
Venue: Michael Fowler Centre,
Wellington
Accommodation: Amora Hotel
and West Plaza Hotel, both within
100 metres of Conference venue
Three packages:
– Registration plus Amora Hotel,
two nights including breakfast
– Registration plus West Plaza
Hotel, two nights including
breakfast
– Registration only
Registration includes Welcome
Cocktail Party, Business Session,
Seminars, Workshops, Presentations,
Ladies Function, The Grand
Installation, Grand Banquet, Church
Service and Farewell Lunch.
See the registration form inserted
with this magazine. Take advantage
of the early-bird and monthly
payments deals.
Lodges are encouraged to support
the attendance of their Master.
Register online or return
completed form to PO Box 22 401,
Khandallah, Wellington 6441. Once
registered you will receive an invoice
for payment.
West Plaza Hotel
%
NEWS CLIPS
Heather and Mike Cooke
present the garments and
cheque to Hilary Price, CEO
and Founding Trustee of
Homes of Hope.
Significant donation to
Camp Quality
The attached picture shows WBro Tony
Fryer, Master of Westminster Lodge,
presenting a cheque for $15,000 to
Alan Knowsley, Programme Director,
Camp Quality, Wellington, on behalf
of Westminster, Taia-Raukawa, Homewood, Zetland and Aquarius Lodges.
This donation arose from $5,000
raised from The Longest Morning Tea,
which attracted a 2:1 subsidy from The
Freemasons Charity.
Mannequin with extras
The Ormondville and Norsewood Volunteer Fire Brigades have been presented
with a new training mannequin to help
teach their members in CPR techniques.
This model is an upgrade on its predeces-
Bay knitters sail on
Homes Of Hope in Tauranga were
recently the recipients of knitted
garments for the children in their care,
and crocheted blankets. These were all
made by ladies knitting for Heather
Cooke as part of the Special Care Baby
knitting programme in the Bay of Plenty.
As well as the garments, a cheque for
$1,000 was given to them from The Gate
Pa Lodge No 407, The Meridian Lodge
No 449 and the Masonic Charitable Trust
in Tauranga. An additional $422 dollars
was then raised to purchase a Cosmic
Flag with ‘Homes of Hope’ printed on it,
to help draw attention to their office on
15th Avenue Tauranga.
sor in that it is computer
programmed to display
electronically,
with
sound and lights, that
the operator is applying
adequate
pressure,
proper timing, moderate
air flow in mouth-tomouth breathing and
that their hands are in
the correct position, so
that the trainee will have
maximum impact on the
recovery of the patient.
At a special afternoon
gathering of members
of both brigades held in
the Ormondville station,
Ruahine District Grand
Master, Paul Brittin, formally handed over the
mannequin on behalf of Ormondville’s
Lion Masonic Lodge No114. The
mannequin has been named “LEO” in
honour of the lodge.
The Lion Lodge has, over the past
three years, raised the funds to supply
the local fire brigade with equipment
needed on the brigade’s crash tender
vehicle. These items have included a
defibrillator, a GPS unit and a stretcher
designed to transport accident victims
with back injuries.
Both Bill Rendle and Terry Ahern,
the Chief Fire Officers at the respective
brigades, stated that this training aid
will get constant use as they keep their
members up to date with life saving
techniques needed for today’s accident
scenario where the fire appliance crew
are usually the first to arrive in response
to an emergency call-out.
Ormondville Fire Brigade members assemble the mannequin.
&
NEWS CLIPS
A very special evening
Another Rhodes Scholar
It was a very special evening for James
Sutherland when he was initiated into
New Zealand Pacific Lodge No.2 on
24th October. James was proposed by his
father, WBro Gordon Sutherland and
seconded by the Grand Master, MWBro
Selwyn Cooper. Both took part in the
ceremony, as did James’ stepbrother John
who had travelled from Australia for
the occasion. The Sutherland family has
been part of Freemasonry New Zealand
since 1913.
One of James’ main interests started
from nine years of age when he joined
the junior ranks of the Onslow/Evening
Post Brass Band, now Wellington Brass
Band, playing the Euphonium. He was
selected to play with the New Zealand
Secondary Schools Brass Band for three
consecutive years and also had three
consecutive years with the New Zealand
Youth Brass Band. Five years ago he
won the Open Eb section at the New
Several recipients of Freemasons NZ
University Scholarships have further
expanded their academic careers through
becoming Rhodes Scholars. The latest in
this distinguished line is Louis Chambers,
a 2012 Freemasons Scholar. Louis, a
top law student, is completing a double
degree in economics and environmental
management at the University of Otago.
Last year he did an unpaid internship
with the Environmental Defense Fund
in USA, learning about how large NGO’s
operate and about global environmental
issues. Louis coordinates the Dunedin
component of Generation Zero, a climate
change campaign with a strong focus on
youth involvement and participation.
In 2009 Louis attended the UN climate
change conference in Copenhagen with
the NZ Youth Delegation and was a
member of the selection panel, which
chose 12 youth delegates to attend the
2011 conference in Durban.
The Grand Master pins the lapel badge on
James Sutherland
Zealand Brass Band Championships in
Auckland. He continues to play either
Eb or Bbb tuba for Wellington Brass
Band and served as their Treasurer for
four years. James is also a member of the
RNZAF Central Band that performs on
official Government occasions and other
important events.
Thanks to Pauline Sutherland
210 years of Masonic service
United Lodge of Otago No. 448 has had a unique year as it
has acknowledged the Masonic Service of four Brethren who
received Service Badges for their enduring commitment to the
Craft. In all, the four Freemasons honoured have collectively
given 210 years of commitment and service to the craft
The first of the presentations was for VWBro Les Green,
Grand Treasurer, to receive his 50-year Service Badge. The
occasion in May was very special for Les as MWBro David
Mace attended to conduct the presentation. The second
occasion was a combined presentation to WBros Lex
Donaldson and Bill McKenna when they celebrated their 50
years of Masonic Service in August.
The final presentation to acknowledge Masonic Service
was in September, a 60 year Service Bar to Bro Jack Paisley.
Unfortunately Jack’s health was such that the presentation
had to be made at Ross Home.
VWBro John
Dennison District
Grand Master,
Wickcliffe,
congratulating Jack
Paisley on attaining
his 60-year Service
Bar.
LEGO FOR ASD AID
Taupo, New Zealand
Lego for ASD Aid Project
Freemasons Taupo (Lodge Kaiman
awa No.426) is collecting LEGO
for
the local ASD support group, to
help children with Autism Spectru
m
Disorder (ASD) including Asperg
er's Syndrome.
This Lego will then be cleaned and
given to families with children who
have an Autism Spectrum Disord
er. (Some Lego will be set aside for
a
play group which the Taupo ASD
support group is setting up).
All you need to do if your not in Taupo
is send Lego to :
ASD Aid Taupo
C:/ Lake Taupo Hospice Shop
Totara Street, Taupo
Thank You!
www.taupofreemasons.co.nz
'
NEWS CLIPS
Goose and Gridiron Club
Club members Audrey Wapp, Shirley Roycroft, Lin Roycroft (Head Goose) and Colin Wapp at the
handing over of a $500 donation to Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance Trust. A similar amount was
donated to the St. John Free Health Shuttle
Seventy years of
Freemasonry celebrated
There was a turnout of 150 Brethren,
wives and partners for the presentation,
in September at Lodge Tawhiri, of a
70-year service award to RWBro Athol
Thorpe. MWBro Barry McLaggan who
represented the Grand Master made the
presentation. The evening was reported
as impressive and included a speech by
his grand children.
Athol was initiated into Lodge Te
Marama No.186 in 1942 and was Master
in 1955. He subsequently held a number
of Grand Lodge offices including Grand
Steward, Senior Grand Deacon, Assistant
Provincial Grand Master and Past Grand
Warden.
(
This special club is a group of elderly
Freemasons in the Hamilton area who
meet once a month at their local RSA
and, among other things, collect money
for charity. The club was established by
one if its members who had, earlier, been
initiated into the Mother Club, Nest
No.0, located in Seattle.
It is named after the old London
alehouse where the Grand Lodge of
England took its roots in the early 1700’s.
Nest No. 20 of Hamilton was formed to
provide a daytime fun outing for elderly
or infirm Masons who are reluctant to
venture out at night. Their wives and
widows are also included.
The 40 members are entertained in
various ways at their meetings and, before
leaving, they make a small contribution
to the “Golden Goose Egg.’ Each year this
money is used to either fund a project or
make a charitable donation.
Support for St. John
Recently $1,000 was donated to
St. John Ambulance, Tauranga
from The Gate Pa Lodge No.
407, The Meridian Lodge
No 449 and the Tauranga
Masonic Charitable Trust.
VWBro Mike Cooke presented
the cheque to Jeremy Gooders,
District Operations Manager
for Bay of Plenty, East Cape
Central Region.
Christmas treats
A special Christmas treat
is in store for children
living with cancer following a donation of $800
from the Havelock Lodge,
Blenheim. The money,
donated to the Marlborough Child Cancer
Group, will be used to pay
for Christmas presents
being distributed at the
children’s picnic. The
funds were raised as a
result of two golf charity
matches.
Havelock Lodge members gather with gather with
representatives of the Child Cancer Group for the presentation
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The Master, WBro CR Askin, and
Bro Pablito Pinto
The Filipino factor
At its October meeting Harmony Lodge
No. 325, Ashburton, raised Bro Pablito
Pinto to the Degree Master Mason.
On the same evening Master Mason
certificates were presented to four fellow
Filipinos, some of whom had been raised
in neighbour lodges. Harmony Lodge
has a membership of 54 including 17
Filipino Brethren consisting of 15 Master
Masons, a Fellowcraft and an Entered
Apprentice.
Hello, my name is Conner and I’m 17
years old and I live in Putaruru with
my Gran and Grandad. However I go
to school in Rotorua to attend John
Paul College. I had the great fortune to
be the winner of the 2011 Freemasons
Scholarship, which has helped me
tremendously with my plans to attend
University next year. I have applied to
attend AUT University with the dream
of completing Bachelor of Health
Science, Majoring in Paramedicine.
I have chosen this, as I believe that
helping
others
is
important, and since I
am in St John as a Cadet,
caring for others is a
priority.
The scholarship has
made a big difference in
my life, in the past but
also for the future. Last
year I used some of the
money to buy a small
net book laptop for
school, to help me with my study. And
since I’m going to University next Year
I also brought insurance for my car,
and a desktop computer so I could have
a bigger screen for while I’m studying
at home. I still have money left which
I will use for other study related items
for when I move up to Auckland.
So the scholarship from the
Freemasons has helped me in so many
ways, to achieve in so many ways, and
because of that I’m thankful for the
support and care the freemasons and
the opportunity they
have given me to prepare
well for future studies.
And finally I would like
to thank Mr Tom Becker
for all the hard work and
support he has given me
but also him believing
in me to achieve this
scholarship.
Thank You,
Conner Gullett
FIRST AID
LEARNING ONLINE
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OPINION
Is the old double-breasted
suit worn out?
In the December 2011 issue of New Zealand Freemason
Bro Matthew Dyer likened aspects of Freemasonry to the
“old double breasted suit”. Encouraged by the broader
appeal of this magazine, WBro Cecil Hiles-Smith has
picked up on the suit analogy to illustrate his strongly
held views on the management and future directions of
the craft in the contemporary environment.
I
was particularly taken with the
article in the December 2011 issue
by Bro Matthew Dyer, “Why I joined
Freemasonry”. It was a very interesting
and thought provoking article, in which
he noted some key aspects as to why he
felt we were not attracting members. He
went on to imply that we need to make
the Craft ‘fashionable’ – it currently
being “like an old double-breasted suit
that nobody wanted to wear”. What a
descriptive turn of phrase, and how close
to the mark. In the same issue, our Grand
Master MWBro Selwyn Cooper wrote
about “Responding to the Challenges”.
Page 13 presented details which indicate
a loss of over 700 members in the past
12 months – a trend which continues to
happen year after year, yet we appear to
do little to try and understand the flow of
resignations.
Now, while I may seem to be a bit of
a Don Quixote, tilting at windmills and
could also be branded a bit of a heretic,
I consider it past time where our Craft
should truly modernise and not just
talk about it. Rightly enough, I believe
that modern society needs Freemasonry
more than ever, but we need to find the
vehicles by which we can improve our
image in the public arena, and once
again truly appeal to ‘good men and true’,
not with fancy words such as ‘taking
good men and making them better’ but
by action and demonstration.
Recently, I had the opportunity to
attend an address on the ‘Workings of
*+
the Board of General Purposes by the
Chairman, RWBro Graham Wrigley,
who laid bare his opinions and his
plans for undertaking a reformation of
the way the Board manages the affairs
of the Craft. It was a very interesting,
with no holds barred address, and
none of the many questions posed were
avoided. Thank you Graham. I note also
that he has undertaken an analysis of
resignations etc, but I must say, while it’s
too late to shut the stable door it could
present a blueprint for the future.
However, most people will understand when I refer to the ‘pyramid’
of management and communication
which, for aeons, was best described as
the conventional style with the plebs
at the bottom and management at the
top. Modern life, modern styles, and
sounder thinking, in order to meet
the challenges of today have, for many
years, recommended that that traditional
pyramid should be inverted, with the
plebs on the top and management at
the bottom, thus giving the plebs more
say over their individual and collective
destiny. The Craft does not appear to have
adopted this model with far too much
decision making and organisational
control stemming from a few, our
hierarchical management style of senior
members and those few, I suggest, wear
the ‘old double-breasted suits’.
I am not being derogatory, that is the
Masonic ‘culture’ we learned and now
automatically tend to pass on to others.
I have, indeed, found myself tending to
be guilty of such practice and I could
be accused of being old-fashioned. This
does not mean moving the landmarks,
changing our customs and traditions –
heaven forbid, just a change in attitude
and control, with the rank and file
members participating in the decisions
and having the means to tell the Board
what we want to do.
It is the members, collectively, who
form the intellectual capital and assets
of the Craft and, hence, need to be
recognized as its most valuable resource.
The question we must ask ourselves is
whether we have, within ourselves, the
fortitude to deconstruct the age-old
traditional power centres so that more
emphasis is placed on the troops instead
of with our traditional hierarchical
system. Every forward-thinking organisation has to carry out a reality check
about its willingness and capacity to
change so that it can adapt to the new
21st century communal ecosystem. This
raises several points for discussion.
Do we have the vision to look upon our
Lodges as collaborative and evolutionary
life forms that must keep changing along
with the marketplace?
Do we have the humility to step out of
our egos and hand over decision making
to our subordinates?
Do we possess the courage to unstructure an existing, and somewhat rigid
and archaic regime that we have known
for generations past, yet one which we
may believe no longer works for us?
Why do we need a three tier management structure, with all its related costs,
to ‘manage’ our Craft? In my Lodge
it is costing each member around $80
each to maintain the current ‘external’
management system before we start to pay
for our own Lodge administration! The
Brethren can only afford so much.
The blueprints of Freemasonry were
compiled some 300 plus years ago,
based on the plans and designs of King
Solomons Temple, when kings were
kings and serfs were serfs who did as
they were jolly well told. This blueprint
has changed little, the construction
methods are about the same and the
decorations of the building could do with
remodeling. In effect, little has changed
in our management of the Craft in over
100 years, apart from more rules and
regulations, and that is my point. Thus
we return to that ‘old double-breasted
suit’ analogy.
We need to change, we need to find
and put on a new smart modern suit, still
made from the old style cloth, in order
King Solomon’s Temple
that the general public can see us as the
modern organisation we profess to be.
What I am talking about is changes to our
current management and control system
and some of the traditional management
thinking. Our Book of Constitution is
full of more ‘don’ts’ than ‘do’s’ and rule
13 says it all, in stating that ‘Grand
Lodge’ has supreme governing power
over the Craft in NZ. What about
the workers? – are we still paid
with corn and oil? – and
define, if you will – Grand
Lodge? The freethinking
and modern lifestyle of
today is no place to control
people (members) with a hierarchical
style of management, which can be
dictatorial and autocratic by nature, and
one which could be strangling our very
existence.
Let me again emphasise, I am not
referring to changes of ritual (heaven
forbid) or changes in Lodge customs and
traditions. After all, these form a large
and important part of the landmarks of
our Craft. Members need to have much
more influence over their destiny and
the shape and destiny of their Lodges.
Individuality and uniqueness of Lodges
will then see the proactive Lodges grow
and prosper, while those with the ‘old
double breasted suit’ approach will
wither and die away
The world has changed, lifestyles
have changed with it, but
unfortunately the practical
applications of Freemasonry
have, in my opinion, not
changed. Has the time
arrived come to consider
some real changes?
Cecil Hiles-Smith as Master.
`
WBro Cecil Hiles-Smith
Cecil was born and educated in
Wanganui. He served an apprenticeship in
structural and maintenance engineering
before returning to his roots in the
country, shepherding and managing
farms for many years. With marriage
and family responsibilities requiring a
more stable lifestyle, he returned part
way towards his engineering skills, and
became a technical representative for
NZ Industrial Gases Ltd, now BOC, with
whom he spent the next 28 years.
Becoming a Jaycee gave him an
interest in community affairs, and he
went on to gain a Senatorship, (world
life membership) before the enforced
retirement at age forty. At that time he
joined Freemasonry. He was initiated
into The St. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge
No. 79, Wanganui, in December 1978
and raised to Master Mason in Herbert
Teagle Lodge, Wellington, in May
1979. However a series of employment
transfers saw his Masonic interest put
on hold for around ten years, at which
time he returned to Wanganui to live
permanently, and has been active in the
Craft since. Cecil has served as Lodge
Secretary for the past 16 years, and now,
at the age of 75, considers it about time
he hung up his quill.
Cecil’s passion for Freemasonry has
always been ‘on song’, and he is a strong
supporter of his 140 year old Mother
Lodge, which can lay claim to having two
Governors General, a Prime Minister,
and a Victoria Cross holder amongst its
illustrious members. His other interests
include, classic motorcycling on a 1952
BSA B31 350cc machine, the same model
as he had back in those halcyon days of
the early 50’s, when the milk bars were
a favorite hangout for bikies. Although
he says that he was not all as ‘pure as
the driven snow’, he adds that has no
past that he is ashamed of. Always an
outdoors man, he was keen on hunting,
duck shooting etc, however age and
health considerations now restrict those
pursuits to nil.
Although he is not as physically active
as he was, but he still maintains a passion
for his chosen pursuits which, as well
as Freemasonry, include his Church.
He finds it very disturbing that some
churches find it necessary to criticise
and demean the Craft. Cecil’s opinion is
that Freemasonry is actually a lot more
Christian in its actions than many of
the ‘so called’ religions, and feels that it
is a real pity that the two cannot work
together for the good of humanity.
**
The Auckland Youth Orchestra and the Auckland Youth Choir at their Beethoven 9 performance in July
Bro Mozart – Inspiration for a Lodge
The Lodge Concert goes professional
The Auckland Lodge of the Liberal Arts No. 500 is a relatively new lodge,
having been set up in 1996 as the vanguard of a new style of lodge within
New Zealand. The lodge places an emphasis on quality and excellence. It has
a special focus, as its name might suggest, on music and its performance.
Not only do the refectories have a musical focus, but also its own charitable
trust is dedicated to give meaningful support to musicians and composers.
C
lause 1.2 in the Lodge by-laws
concern the objectives of the Lodge.
Item 1.2(a) reads ‘To uphold the ancient
ideals of Freemasonry – brotherly love,
freedom and tolerance. Item 1.2 (b)
follows, ‘To enhance the reputation of
Freemasonry in the Community by
supporting the Arts’.
When the 56-player-strong Auckland
Youth Orchestra, Principal Supporter,
The Lodge of the Liberal Arts, opened its
concert in the Auckland Town Hall on a
Friday evening early in October 2012 to
a house of 500 or more, with the overture
from Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’,
the founders of the Lodge could afford a
smile of satisfaction. The annual Liberal
Arts Concert had come of age and
AYO players in Queen St as publicity stunt for
the Liberal Arts Concert.
*"
objective 1.2(b) written in 1996 could
fairly be said to have been achieved in
the wide context only dreamed of by the
men who had such a vision over sixteen
years ago.
The front cover of the printed
Programme for the 5th of October
proclaiming ‘The Lodge of the Liberal
Arts Presents….’ confirmed for all, that
Freemasonry, through this Lodge, was
alive and well in our community and was
a benefactor with strong ideals.
For over ten years the Lodge, with
Bro Mozart as its figurehead, has
been supporting the AYO through its
own Charitable Trust with annual
scholarships for players. And in recent
years, with the concert, taking place
in college auditoriums around central
Auckland, the Orchestra was hired as the
main attraction.
The giant step of getting the Lodge
gig into the Town Hall, Auckland’s best
performance venue, required a little
more resource than the Lodge alone
could provide. Based on the Lodge effort
over many years Freemasons Roskill
Foundation lent a hand. Staging a concert
in a commercial environment required
some major changes in management
methods but much was learnt and plans
have already commenced for the 2013
edition.
A valuable element in the action
on stage and the appeal of the 2012
programme was the inclusion of three
Freemasons Resident Artists of The NBR
New Zealand Opera, Wendy Doyle,
Morag McDowell and Derek Hill, and
an outstanding young English organist
James Winkley a graduate of Durham
University. It should be said that it
helps to have Director and Benefaction
Fundraiser of The NZ Opera Company,
Immediate Past Master, WBro Donald
Trott in the Lodge.
A fitting development for the Lodge
in its association with the Orchestra
was the initiation of AYO French horn
ABOUT THE
ORCHESTRA
The Auckland Youth Orchestra
is a wholly amateur organisation
run by professional standards
and dedicated to turning young
musicians into the unit of
collective instrumental and artistic
expression that is an orchestra. It
was formed in 1946.
As the leading training orchestra
in New Zealand it aims to create
a stimulating and professional
environment which fosters the
talent of young musicians from all
over the Auckland region.
player Bro Rangi Hall into membership
just two weeks before the Concert. VW
Bro James Morton is delighted to have
another horn player’s company.
‘Our singers’ win the Lexus Song Quest
A
t every Regular Meeting, The
Lodge of the Liberal Arts, invites
young musicians to perform at the
Festive Board. It is now a ‘tradition’
and members and visitors have enjoyed
instrumental and vocal entertainment
of a very high calibre. Many Youth
Orchestra players have performed. All
have received some financial reward.
But this year the stunning performances
of some young opera singers have been
simply outstanding.
When Amatai Pati and Stephen Diaz
were placed winner and runner-up
in the 2012 LEXUS SONG QUEST we
realised how lucky we had been hearing
such wonderful voices at our Refectory,
and how we should have been charging
an entry fee.
Thanks to the talent-spotting ability
of Donald Trott and his work over many
years recognising young talent, Amatai,
the 22-year old tenor from South
Auckland, has been helped by the Lodge,
with
assistance
from Freemasons
Roskill Foundation,
in
his
touring
costs
with
the
University
Choir
and, earlier this
year, in performing
with the Auckland
Youth Orchestra.
Many of us saw him
perform at Cambridge, thanks to
Lodge Copernicus,
with his brother
and cousin as the
‘Southern Tenors’.
Both he and
Stephen (from South Africa) have been
students of Donald Trott’s Annual
Wanganui Opera School – more than
once.
As winner, Amatai receives $10,000
cash, $15,000 tuition plus international
Lexus winners Stephen Diaz and Amatai Pati with
Donald Trott at Holy Trinity Cathedral Auckland.
airfares. The judges said he has the
potential to become a superstar. He and
his brother,Pene, and cousin, Moses, will
all study in Wales next year.
We’ll charge next time!
Noel Ryan
*#
Freemasonry’s Renaissance
in South Canterbury
FILIPINO BRETHREN TO THE FORE
Freemasonry is reshaping itself in South Canterbury with the formation of a new Lodge
in the district, and a new Masonic Centre about to be built in Fairlie. The new Lodge,
known as Lodge Arowhenua No 473 and based at the Winchester Masonic Lodge room
just north of Timaru, was consecrated at the Ashburton Masonic Centre in September,
because the Winchester building is too small to cope with the numbers attending.
V
WBro Allen Glasson. Grand
Master, Midland, says “the new
Lodge being based at Winchester, will
put Freemasonry back into the centre
of South Canterbury where it is well
positioned to serve the high level of
interest in Freemasonry in the district.
Already, there is a waiting list of
enthusiastic young men wanting to join
the new Lodge.”
“There is significant interest in
Freemasonry and what it has to offer
young men, and this is particularly strong
in the rural community,” he says. “In
recent years there has been a significant
influx of young men into the district from
the Philippines to work on dairy farms,
as the dairy industry has gone through a
phase of huge growth. These are very fine
young men who have a very high regard
for Freemasonry and who approach
their membership with a sincerity and
The Consecration. From left at rear: RWBro
Neville Patrick, MWBros Stan Barker, David Mace,
Raymond Duncan and Selwyn Cooper. In the
foreground is VWBro Alex Solomon Divisional GDC.
*$
dedication that is heart warming to see.
I understand that Freemasonry in the
Philippines is very highly regarded with
long waiting lists of men wishing to join,
so their time in New Zealand gives them
a great opportunity to join the Craft.”
Allen Glasson has been very impressed
with the enthusiasm and sincerity which
the Filipino brethren bring to their
membership, and the strong sense of
community they engender in the Lodges
`
The Lodge room in Winchester
they have joined in the Midland District
through the involvement of their families
and large number of social events.
South Canterbury has lost a number
of Lodges over the years, the most
recent being Lodge St. Martin No 162 in
Pleasant Point and Lodge St. George No
29 in Temuka.
Allen Glasson says there was a need
for a new approach in the area, for a new
Lodge which would embrace change and
particularly the recent initiatives put
forward by Freemasons New Zealand
and at the same time that would provide
an environment suitable for the specific
needs of the Filipino candidates. “As
District Grand Master, I wanted to see a
Lodge that would embrace the initiatives
of development through membership,
publicity and social activities,” he says.
“As others in the District shared my views
I was delighted to support the formation
of Lodge Arowhenua, well knowing that
there were at least seven young men
looking to join Freemasonry and that
this Lodge would need their needs.”
The inaugural Master is WBro Lars
Hansen, a PM of Lodge St. Martin
and among the founding members
are a number of Brethren who share a
common objective of providing a Lodge
that will meet the needs of its young
incoming members and provide real and
positive support for its local community,
in this case to the young people of the
Arowhenua district.
Lars Hansen says the Lodge has set
up a charitable account and will develop
funds to enable it to make meaningful
contribution to the young people of
the district, particularly in the field of
education.
Lodge Arowhenua has a foundation
membership of twelve and, at its first
meeting in September, initiated two
young men who are brothers in life. In
addition the lodge has a waiting list of
five.
More than 100 Freemasons attended
the consecration ceremony in Ashburton,
which was conducted by the Grand
Master MW Selwyn Cooper assisted
by Past Grand Masters, MWBros Stan
Barker, David Mace, Raymond Duncan,
the Past President of Board of General
Purposes, MWBro Neville Patrick,
and the Divisional Grand Director of
Ceremonies VWBro Alex Solomon.
The Consecration address was
given by VWBro Gordon Fraser,
Grand Lecturer, who outlined the
history of the district and reflected
on the Freemasons code of brotherly
love, relief and truth. He went on to
say, “The Public Challenge, which
Lodge Arowhenua and all of us face
is expressing, in modern terms, the
relevancy of Freemasonry in a world
where, increasingly, the cult of the
Rebuilding in Fairlie
Lodge Mackenzie No 93 is proceeding
with plans for the construction of a
new Mackenzie Masonic Centre in
Fairlie to service the township and
the Mackenzie Country.
The new centre will be built on land
in Gall Street behind the Gladstone
Hotel, and will incorporate a Lodge
room, a supper room and kitchen and
ancillary rooms. Construction of the
new Centre is expected to start in the
New Year and should be completed
towards the end of the year.
The Mackenzie Lodge No 93 was
formed in Fairlie in 1894, and after
meeting at several different venues
in the township which proved
unsatisfactory, its members decided
to build their own Lodge rooms in
Gall Street, which were consecrated
in November 1898. That building was
sold earlier this year. See also New
Zealand Freemason March 2012.
Today it has a membership of
51, and enjoys a steady flow of new
members.
individual, rather than the benevolent
grouping of associates and people
with common interests, seems to be a
priority. Freemasonry as an organisation
encourages the development of natural
talents and abilities and also teaches,
or incalculates management and skills
of group dynamics. The “Big Mover”
in Craft relevancy in recent years is
Freemasons Charity, which has become
our all-important social dimension,
and whose activities and relevance’s
share in defining the public boundaries
of Freemasonry, as expressed through
media reports and increasingly in the
hearts and minds of public perceptions.”
Gordon Fraser went on to urge Lodge
Arowhenua to enjoy Freemasonry, to
embrace the electronic age but always to
practice and preserve the art of learning
and presenting ritual.
The celebration banquet was held
at the Ashburton Hotel, and was again
attended by more than 100 people.
Tom Clarke; Photos by Noel Lowe
The new Master of Lodge Arowhenua, WBro Lars Hansen, is installed
in the Chair by the District Grand Master, VW Bro Allen Glassen.
*%
PACIFIC OUTPOSTS
It may come as a surprise to some readers that the reach of Freemasons
New Zealand stretches beyond the shores of New Zealand and even into
US territory. Our two outposts comprise Lodge Calliope No. 252 in Apia,
Samoa and Lodge Benjamin Kneubuhl No 441 in Pago Pago, American
Samoa. The Tsunami, which devastated parts of both countries on 29th
September 2009 prompted both New Zealand and Samoan Freemasons
to initiate actions which would be instrumental in restoring village
communities. This, and the following story, highlight two special projects.
Lodge Calliope No. 252
For some years after the turn of the
century many of the then residents of
Apia, from all quarters of the earth, who
were members of the Craft, frequently
discussed the possibility of starting a
Lodge in Apia. During the years 1920
to 1923 informal meetings were held
leading to letters of inquiry being sent to
the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland,
Scotland, Australia and New Zealand re
the forming of a Craft Lodge at Apia.
In reply the Grand Lodges agreed
unanimously that, if a Lodge were to
be established at Apia, it should come
under the jurisdiction of New Zealand.
Upon receipt of this advice negotiations
were continued with the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand to such effect that a team
of Grand Lodge Officers visited Apia for
the purpose of consecrating the Lodge
and Installing a Master and his officers
from the local members of the Craft. This
Installation of Bro HL Halliday duly took
place on the 30th August 1923. There
were twenty-four Charter Members.
When the Lodge was dedicated,
Team photo before the Installation
a building belonging to the London
Missionary Society was leased, but when
the lease expired in 1941 a building
owned by the Western Samoa Trust
Estates Corporation was leased. From
1985 to 1990 the Lodge was dormant.
The Lodge Room at Moto’otua, which
had been owned for about 20 years,
was sold at this time. The Lodge now
meets in rented premises at Beach Road,
Palolo Rise
Twice a year the palolo reef worm rises from the coral and
releases a ‘tail’ that contains eggs and sperm – and twice a
year Samoans are waiting before dawn with their lanterns
and their nets to catch this delicacy called ‘the caviar of
the Pacific’. It’s not only prized for its culinary delights,
it also sells for a high price. Some will eat it straight
from the sea, others prefer the fried alternative. It is
likened to an elongated oyster with more wriggling.
The actual date for the rising is governed by the
moon but it always happens late October and
late November.
*&
Sogi, Apia.
In 1997, following the irregular
removal of a lodge trustee, the lodge
resolved to petition the Grand Lodge of
New Zealand with the object of forming
a Grand Lodge of Samoa. Their Charter
was briefly withdrawn until these matters
were resolved amicably, with the Lodge
agreeing to continue under GLNZ.
Meetings are always held on the
Thursday nearest the full moon, which
means that thirteen meetings are held
each year. Installation is generally held
on the last Thursday in August and often
the Lodge has the honour of the presence
of Grand Lodge officers for the ceremony.
The Lodge currently has 32 members, 10
of whom reside overseas.
During the Second World War many
US Service Personnel were stationed at
Apia. Some joined as Joining Members
while others were initiated. Lodge
Calliope has the honour of being the
most northerly Lodge in the Register of
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and,
until the shifting of the International
Women’s Committee house.
Restoring the heart of a
village
Rest stop at
the toilet b
lock the
team built
Date Line, also of being the most westerly
Lodge in the World. That honour
may now rest with Lodge Benjamin
Kneubuhl.
Visiting is not very prevalent, except
with Lodge Benjamin Kneubuhl in
Pago Pago. At some meetings there are
visitors from overseas, tourists, travelers
representatives, members of relatives
visiting Samoa and the crews of various
ships. These visitors keep the Brethren in
touch with Masonic affairs overseas and
always receive a great welcome. Lodge
Calliope is named after HMS Calliope, a
ship which took part in the early political
struggles which eventually led to an
agreement called the “ Treaty of Berlin
1899”
There has been a recent resurgence
in interest in the craft in Samoa, which
members think it is due to exposure
to media, including the movies and
books by Dan Brown, and partly to the
discoveries by the grand children or
descendents of the earlier members,
from the pre independence period,
who are now keen to associate with the
history of their forefathers
Lodge Benjamin Kneubuhl, in
American Samoa, was founded in
August 1974, under the Grand Lodge
of New Zealand as No. 441. There is a
membership of 27 and the Brethren meet
in their own rooms, within easy walking
distance of the Tradewinds Hotel, which
is near Tafuna Airport.
The March 2011 issue of New
Zealand Freemason carried the story
of the rebuilding of the Tsunami
devastated Women’s Committee house at
Saleaumua.
This project arose when, in December
2009, six Freemasons from the North
Shore District travelled to Samoa to
conduct the Installation of Bro Brent
Rivers as Master of Lodge Calliope.
Following a tour of the Tsunami affected
area they decided to identify and establish
a project with the intention of providing
the materials and labour to complete it.
They identified the reconstruction of the
damaged Women’s Committee house,
and associated travelers rest facilities, as
a project, which would restore the village
community.
The combined effort of a team of North
Shore Brethren, Lodge Calliope Brethren
and local villagers, in December 2010,
ensured that the project was quickly
executed and much appreciated by the
Past Grand Steward Greg Taylor
locals and travelling public alike.
Two years on, the members of the
Women’s Committee of the village are
the caretakers as well as the group that
benefits most from the new meeting
house, which they use regularly for health
clinics, educational meetings as well as
for the usual Women’s get-together to
discuss village affairs. Lodge Calliope
maintains contact with the Women’s
Committee and, as the need arises, will
assist the committee in converting the
building into whatever facility/function
they require or what benefits them most.
The building also serves as a rest-stop for
travelers heading out towards the further
reaches of Aleipata.
Installation 2012
On 29th August Brethren from North
Shore District, led by VWBro Geoffrey
Foote, District Grand Master, travelled to
Samoa for the 78th Installation at Lodge
Calliope. Bro Lyle Moors was installed into
the Chair of King Solomon in a dignified
ceremony with all travelling members
participating. Twenty-six brethren and
ladies attended the following Festive
Board at a local restaurant.
The following day the visiting group
ventured across the island to visit ‘their
project’ of two years earlier and was
delighted to see the finished Women’s
Committee house. The visiting group
came away very satisfied with the
rejuvenation of Lodge Calliope and the
connection the Brethren have made with
the villagers of Saleaamua.
Morris Robertson, with thanks to the
several Brethren whose material has
been drawn upon
District Grand Master, Geoff Foote
*'
Rising above the waves
New Community Hall in Poutasi, Samoa
RWBro Barry Millage, former Freemasons New Zealand Grand Superintendent of
Works, has not let the grass grow under his feet since stepping down from that
position. He maintains his practice as an architect and continues to devote time to
voluntary service wherever it can be of benefit. Most recently he was able to make
a substantial contribution to the recovery of a tsunami-devastated village in Samoa
through the donation of his services for the design of a new community hall.
A
bout four years ago Locky Mulholland of Oceanic Group, a New
Zealand based company involved in
setting up broad band and cellular
communications in the Pacific, including
services to Digicel in Samoa, asked Peter
Smith Engineer, Paul Bunkall Quantity
Surveyor and Barry Millage Architect to
design extensions to the Sinalei Resort,
located on the south of Upolu, the main
island of Samoa. The extensions were in
the form of two three-bedroom units
with a shared swimming pool. The
units had to be capable of easily being
subdivided into six hotel suites. They
had two visits to determine the location
within the Sinalei complex, a site
location was decided and sketch plans
were completed. An interesting design
requirement was that any habitable floor
had to be 3.0 metres above the high tide
level to allow for a 20-year tidal surge.
Then the earthquake and tsunami happened. The tidal surge in the southeast of
*(
Upolu was 8 to 10 metres, affecting small
coastal settlements including the village
of Poutasi. As an aside, the tidal surge
further along coast towards the north
was exactly 3.0 metres at Sinalei Resort.
Poutasi suffered badly, the Catholic
Church was demolished and the school
severely damaged. Mr Joe Annandale,
a paramount chief and owner of Sinalei
Resort, who lives at Poutasi, lost his wife
and mother in law in the huge wave,
which hit the village, and there were
several others who also lost their lives.
Locky Mulholland said that while
his company prefers to
work behind the scenes,
he felt compelled to do
something after seeing
the aftermath of the
natural disaster. “We are a
community focused comPeter Smith and Barry
Millage at the opening.
pany and we struggled to comprehend
what had happened to our colleagues
and friends in Samoa and that set us
to thinking about what we could do to
help.” The result was the Project Heal
and Protect (Poloketi Toe Fa’alelei ma
Puipuia) Charitable Trust. The Heal
part of the project referred to the plan
to build a new community centre for
the village of Poutasi, which being right
on the beach, bore the full brunt of the
Tsunami.
He formed a group, which he called
Project Heal and Protect in order to assist
`
the many Samoan people with whom
he had earned great respect. He rallied
the NZ Government and managed to
secure a $250,000 grant towards the cost
of building a new community hall in
Poutasi.
Locky asked Peter Smith, also a
Freemason, Paul Bunkall and Barry
Millage if they were prepared to donate
their services for the building and to
become the design team. They readily
agreed. There were also several fund
raising events and many New Zealand
and Samoan businesses, individuals and
prominent sports people who pledged
financial support. The community centre
and its sports fields, which were vital
parts of daily life in the village, were
rebuilt on higher ground so it could be
a safe haven for residents of the village
during a natural disaster. A large number
of New Zealand and Samoan companies
gave time and services gratis to support
the project. To quote Locky Mulholland
“We had architects, builders, Telco
companies, All Blacks, radio stations,
lawyers, engineers, project managers,
`
“Samoa has been drastically affected
by the earthquake and tsunami;
however our people remain hopeful
and determined to rebuild our island
nation. I am truly grateful and applaud
Oceanic Holdings (International) Ltd
for initiating ‘Project Heal & Protect.’
It is aid, such as this, that reminds
us Samoans not to lose hope and to
continue to unite to restore Samoa to
what it was before September 29.
In addition to restoring infrastructure, the National Evacuation
Siren System to be implemented by
Oceanic thru Digicel, will hopefully
improve Samoa’s preparations for any
future natural disasters.
On behalf of the government and
people of Samoa, I convey our appreciation for their invaluable generosity.
I would also like to personally thank
Mr Locky Mulholland, Director, and
partners for their genuine concern
and tremendous efforts to bring hope
and comfort to Samoa in this time of
crisis.”
HE Asi Tuiataga JF Blakelock,
Samoa High Commissioner to
New Zealand.
The Rt. Hon John Key speaking at the opening
Samoa celebrates 50 years of independence
league players, public relations consultants, building supplies companies all
supporting us.”
The Protect part of the project relates
to the purchase and installation of
tsunami warning sirens across Samoa.
These are being erected on Digicel
cellphone towers and will be linked back
to the new civil defence headquarters,
which is being built by Digicel itself.
The local Samoan people are delighted
with the result, and the new Poutasi
Community Hall was officially opened
by To’osavili John Key, (his Samoan
title) Prime Minister of New Zealand
on August 1 2012, coinciding with his
trip to mark the 50 years of cooperation
between Samoa and New Zealand.
The Prime Minister was accompanied
by the Hon. Peter Dunne who proffered
the following comments to New Zealand
Freemason “The Poutasi community
was severely affected by the Samoan
tsunami, and the project to redevelop
the Community Hall was seen as a key
part of the restoration of the village and
its return to a normal way of life. The
partnership that Project Heal and Protect
was able to establish with a number
of New Zealand firms that donated
time materials and services to the
redevelopment was critical to the Poutasi
Hall being rebuilt. The reopening was
both a highlight of the 50th Anniversary
of the Samoa/New Zealand Treaty of
Friendship, and a practical example of
the friendship between our two countries
at work today.”
Barry Millage PGW
After the Tsunami
*)
When the sun rises over the meridian
The place of daylight lodges
in New Zealand
C
urrently, within New Zealand, there
are a special group of lodges which,
despite their differences, are true to the
origins of Freemasonry, that is they meet
during the daylight hours.
While for most their main purpose
appears to be an opportunity for
elderly Freemasons, who are no longer
comfortable about going out at night,
to meet for some they see a future of a
different kind. Given that the initiation
of new candidates is almost unknown
some daylight lodges have struggled to
find their purpose and have difficulties
in meeting what they perceive to be
their obligations under the Book of
Constitution.
With the Board of General Purposes
Strategic Plan now being opened up for
lodge’s contributions, daylight lodges have
their opportunity to submit their own
views on how this particular group can
best be served and how they can best serve
their members and their community.
This article has been compiled from
contributions from a number of lodges
that responded to the call for stories
about where they came from, what they
do, and their perception of the future. As
only a small part of what was received
can be fitted in, every effort has been
made to cover the broad spectrum of
experiences and views. My thanks are
expressed to all who responded to the
call and sent in their stories.
Morris Robertson, Editor
History
Historical references suggest that Medieval Masonic Guilds often met on the
"+
Saturday for such business as proving
their apprentices. Logic would tell us
that, just as the first walls were erected
on the north side in order to keep the
building area shaded for less time, so
would the meeting be during the day
because few except the nobility and
clergy could afford the luxury of candles
and or lamp oil.
It was when the Masonic Craft
became an urban, upper and middleclass speculative fraternity and meetings
moved into taverns that evening meetings started.
Most daylight lodges are not large,
rely on affiliated membership in one
from or another and frequently change
officers because of age, health, death or a
brother moving away, but they all posses
a unique fellowship. Because meetings
start often in the morning with a lunch
afterwards the medieval Masons would
undoubtedly feel right at home thinking
that these lodges really meet at the
proper time.
Recycled Freemasons
From Milford Trinity Lodge No. 372,
Squire Speedy writes. “There is an old
Masonic saying that Freemasonry makes
good men better.” For daytime lodges it
manifests itself through the re-vitalisation
of older members. Those older masons
have found a new Masonic life in such
lodges. Milford Trinity currently has 32
members with ages ranging from mid 70’s
to late 80’s. The particularly friendly ethos
of the Lodge may well have contributed to
their lengthy Masonic service, or just that
they believe that one of the important
attributes of Freemasonry is expressed in
the word “Brotherhood.”
Many Brethren have long and
distinguished Masonic records. No growls
if a member has the occasional “senior
moment”, it simply generates a feeling of
sympathetic empathy, as it should. It has
been suggested that attendance raises the
spirit, keeps the mind alert and improves
the quality of life. The important thing is
that fine records, Masonic honours and
recognition have not created a “stuffy”
atmosphere – just the opposite. They
have “been there and done that” and, in
the process, have become better men.
Reconnection
After an absence of 30 years from
Freemasonry and a night lodge member,
I was given the opportunity of rejoining
only, this time, a daylight lodge, Milford
Trinity. This seemed to me a great hurdle
to overcome, such a break with the
traditions I knew.
However the first meeting allayed
my fears and I quickly learned the
advantages of not having to drive at
night and not arriving home late. My
apprehension disappeared quickly. The
Lodge appearance was the same, opening
and closing the same, the working was
the same, and with the only difference
being that of going home in daylight.
WBro Dennis Robb
Lodge Wairoa sees the
light
Lodge Wairoa No. 55 is an old established
Lodge, meeting at the Highland Park
Meridien soup kitchen
Masonic Complex in East
Auckland. In the late eighties
discussions
took
place
regarding the future of the
Lodge. Membership was
falling and attendances were
dropping as members were
getting older and preferred
not to come out at night. We
were doing some ritual work,
mainly second degrees for
other more active lodges but
hardly any initiations. Eventually it was
decided to take the plunge and become a
daylight lodge.
Our first meeting was held in April
2001. A tyling time of 10.00 am meant
brethren would be travelling at off peak
times, going home after a catered lunch.
Elderly brethren could maintain their
friendships of many years and the Lodge
would not lose their knowledge of the
ritual and landmarks.
What was most important, was that
the ladies could come to Lodge too. “Yes
a great idea, but what are we going to do
with them?” Normally, we find a separate
speaker if we are doing any degree work.
Otherwise, we try to arrange a speaker of
interest to both parties.
There can be no doubt that going
daylight has possibly saved the Lodge
from handing in its charter. At times it
hasn’t been easy but we are still meeting,
doing some degree work and enjoying
the fellowship of our brethren. With
aging population and a proven format
over ten years Lodge Wairoa No 55 looks
positively to the future.
WBro Ray Potter
Rejuvenation in Tauranga
About three years ago Meridian Daylight
Lodge was really struggling and, had
nothing been done, it was heading
towards surrendering its charter. The
Lodge used to tyle at 1-30 pm, do the
business, receive visitors at 2 pm and
then retire to refectory to join the ladies
for afternoon tea and the usual Masonic
toasts. Usually the activities would be
finished and members hitting the roads
to head home at between 4pm and
4-30pm.
In 2009 a meeting was called to
discuss what could be done to help this
struggling lodge. I became Master and
we looked long and hard at what would
make a difference. The first problem I
saw was the fact that our members are
elderly and to be sending them out onto
our city streets just as schools are coming
out, which causes a big build up in traffic,
did not seem ideal, not to mention the
missed afternoon siestas.
We now tyle at 11am, do our business
and then receive visitors at 11-30am.
Lodge is closed and we are out into the
refectory no later than noon to join
our wives and partners. We have a very
simple lunch of soup, sandwiches, and
savouries followed by tea and coffee. At
12-45pm we have a speaker for ½ to ¾
hour and so, by 1-30 pm, the activities
come to a close and we can depart before
the roads get busy.
Our main fund raising is a popular
Lucky Dip, which we run at each meeting.
Projects we have recently supported have
been the purchase of a flutter flag for
Homes of Hope and, in conjunction with
another Tauranga Lodge, a donation of
$1,000 to our local St. John Ambulance.
Meridian is a Lodge which, when
consecrated, had about 130 members.
Today it is down to 45 members but we
do attract new joining members. We
keep our fees down to a minimum, but
on the other hand we are one of the more
benevolent Lodges in our area.
VWBro Mike Cooke Past Dist.GM
When the day is right –
a rebirth
lot of the furniture and other
pieces were supplied, and
“donated.” In August 1964
land was purchased in Massey
Road for the building of a new
Masonic Lodge. After four
years of continual voluntary
labour, expertise, hard work,
involving 5,500 man-hours
by Lodge members, the new
building was completed in
October 1967.
This Lodge became well known for
its social activities, and any function,
particularly the famed “Music Hall”
nights. Mangere Lodge continued to
prosper and, in 1972, reported a total
roll of 182.
By the 1990s, like other community
organisations, the economy and social
changes had an impact on the Lodge.
With the membership loss gaining
momentum, and to try and stem the
flow, in 1993 it was decided to form a
Lodge of Instruction. This was held on
a Tuesday morning, and was considered
the forerunner of it becoming a daylight
lodge. This did not last long as the younger
members had work commitments.
With numbers dwindling to 21, the
future uncertain and an offer received for
the lodge property, a bold step was taken
to change to a daylight lodge and meet on
a Saturday afternoon. The consequence
of this was a growth in membership and
the move to new attractive premises.
The Mangere Lodge has been
recognized as innovative and progressive;
always willing to try anything new that
would benefit the Lodge and its members.
The Lodge involves the ladies, widows
and their families at every opportunity
with any excuse for a social function. Bus
day trips out of town are arranged to visit
Lodges in Coromandel and Waikato.
WBro Pat Leonard NZOM
Papakura Lodge rooms
The Mangere Lodge No. 330 was
formed in 1947 with the charter
members representing 27 different
Lodges from a widespread area. It
was consecrated and dedicated in the
Mangere East Hall with 197 Brethren
in attendance. It was amazing and
some very tall tales told about how a
"*
Petone Daylight Refectory
Retirement is not always
necessary
Contemporary daylight lodges were
originally created to cater to Brethren
who for various reasons couldn’t attend
meetings at night. They evolved into
lodges where everyone shared the
same attributes for membership, age,
disabilities, or simply they were unwilling
to be away from their homes and loved
ones in the evening.
It seems many brethren incorrectly
think that, if they are still working in
their careers, they might be unable to
attend such a daylight lodge. However,
this is not always the case as can be seen
by the increasing numbers of brethren
who are still working and attending
daylight lodges.
A daylight lodge that meets every two
months is a major advantage in terms of
personal time as a working man may well
be able to take a two hour lunch break
from his work every two months to
attend Lodge. If the time can be managed
properly, there is even some time for a
committee meeting and/or rehearsal in
conjunction with the meeting. Refectory
is usually a ‘finger-food’ affair, even
warm pies and warm drink.
Petone Daylight Lodge has over 50
members. They work candidates, either
in simulation, or from other Lodges
or even new initiates. The Lodge has
received joining members of working
age who are happy and able to find the
time to attend bimonthly meetings.
WBro Steven Elliott
Pegasus Daylight Lodge
The formation of Pegasus Daylight Lodge
No. 450 in 1990 was the brainchild of two
Brethren and their wives who conceived
the idea while on holiday in Australia
and visiting a daylight lodge there. The
concept was that, while the brethren had
their meeting in hired Lodge rooms, the
ladies, including widows, met for their
own social meeting in the refectory.
This varied from invited speakers, to
members relating their life experiences.
Over its 22 years there have been a
few joining members but 60 of the 81
inaugural group no longer attend and a
large number have died. Some had dual
membership and joined Pegasus to have
somewhere their wives could attend
with them. On the death of a wife some
of them resigned from Pegasus to retain
just a single lodge membership. With
now only 21 members survival becomes
tenuous.
However, the Lodge is in good heart
with no desire to hand in its charter. It
wants to continue but it needs some
sympathetic understanding from Grand
Lodge. It is convinced that, while it
has a place in benevolence, concern
has been expressed at the time and cost
needed to fulfil the requirements of the
Book of Constitution in the manner
of a fully active lodge in the traditional
sense.
The Lodge places great emphasis on
advancement in Freemasonry. It has a
“Masonic Thought for Today” at each of its
meetings, engages in Masonic education,
has guest lecturers including Tracing
Board explanations and members give
their favourite charges from each of the
degrees. Pegasus is involved in a number
of charitable activities and aims to keep
members fully informed of National,
Divisional and District activities and to
participate in them wherever possible.
Prior to the Christchurch earthquakes
the Lodge met in the Idris Road Masonic
Buildings but when that could no longer
be used, the Lodge temporally met
in a Methodist Church building and
subsequently moved into the Riccarton
Masonic Centre.
WBro Derek G Laws
THE HENDERSON
MERIDIAN LODGE NO. 463
Daylight Lodge
Meets second Tuesday
monthly – New members
and visitors welcome
CONTACTS
Master WBro Dan Cottrell
Phone 09 832 2798
[email protected]
Secretary WBro Peter
Nicholson
Phone 09 845 4519
[email protected]
""
UNIQUE CELEBRATION IN NORTHLAND
The Faber brothers clock up 110 years
For two brothers to be celebrating their respective
50 and 60 years of service to Freemasonry on the
same day must be a rare event. The fact that the
ceremony was held in a daylight Lodge and the
brothers are sons of a Past Grand Master possibly
makes it unique.
L
ast March saw the presentation of a
60-year bar and a 50-year jewel to two
members of the Okara Daylight Lodge
No. 461. Bro Ron Faber OBE and WBro
Peter Faber, Past Grand Standard Bearer,
are the sons of the late MWBro EO Faber
who was the New Zealand Grand Master
in 1956-58 and about whom more will be
written in a future issue.
Over 100 attendees, including several
members of the Faber family, were
accommodated in the Whangarei Lodge
room to watch the proceedings. There
was also a large contingent of Square
Wheelers, Freemasons who frequently
rally together in caravans or motorhomes, a group which the Faber brothers
enthusiastically support. Past Grand
Master, MWBro Barry McLaggan,
assisted by VWBro Bryan Wiig, District
Grand Master, made the presentations
Ron Faber is the eldest of the three of
Edgar Faber’s sons. Ron was initiated,
in 1952, into the Ararangi Lodge,
Auckland, then, when it went into
recess, joined Lodge Edgar Faber, which
later amalgamated with Lodge North
Harbour. After Ron and his wife Lindsay
moved to Northland he joined the Okara
Daylight Lodge in August 2006. Ron’s
career in business and his other pursuits
had previously prevented him from
taking Masonic office. However he did
serve for many years on the Northern
Masonic Trust Board. Now in retirement,
he is currently Chaplain of Okara Lodge.
Peter Faber was initiated in Whangarei,
in 1962, into Lodge Parahaki No. 269. He
had the distinction of being obligated by
his father, the then Past Grand Master. He
was installed as Master in 1972. He also
joined the Okara Daylight Lodge where
he was Master 2002-2003 and again in
2010-2011. Having served over the years
in almost every office available, Peter
was appointed Past Grand
Standard Bearer in 2000. He
has, over the last ten years,
organised several Square
Wheelers tours including
to the South Island (twice),
Wairarapa, East Cape and
Taranaki, in each case,
involving local Masons en
route. These have been very
popular and well supported.
From left: MWBro Barry McLaggan, Raewyn Faber,
Peter Faber, Ron Faber OBE, Lindsay Faber, VWBro Bryan Wiig
The Travelling
Lodge
The Okara Daylight Lodge
was consecrated on the 16th
Square Wheelers in 2007 dressed
September 1995 and is the
appropriately for Art Deco Festival, Napier
youngest Masonic Lodge
in Whangarei. It is also a
dining Lodge where members may enjoy or travelling warrant that allows it to
an inexpensive buffet lunch together conduct its business in other Masonic
with their wives after the short business Lodge rooms. Over the years, this has
session is completed. This usually follows seen Okara Lodge travel to lodge rooms
a guest speaker or entertainer and is a in several Northland Masonic centres,
popular attraction for the members and taking its charter to hold a meeting and,
their ladies, with several Lodge widows usually, share lunch and entertainment
regularly taking advantage of this with members of the local lodge.
opportunity.
There have been other visits too, of
Another aspect of the Lodge that a less formal nature. On one occasion,
sets it apart is its peripatetic Charter a number of members and their ladies
spent an enjoyable Sunday together in
Auckland where they attended a service
Square Wheelers at Stonehenge, Wairarapa
at the Edgar Faber Memorial Chapel
at Mt Roskill followed by a Wurlitzer
organ concert at Avondale. The Lodge
has been well represented at the annual
Lowland Games organised by the Square
Wheelers, on one occasion taking away
the Games trophy. The benevolent work
that is a characteristic of all Freemasons
Lodges is well supported in many ways
including assisting the local hospice with
their Memory Tree appeal at Christmas.
WBro Jack Robson
"#
Beanies, booties and blankets galore
Dolls dressed in premature baby garments
PHOTOGRAPH – HEATHER COOKE
O
ur wonderful knitting project has
reached its final stages and what
a journey we have had. Because of the
wonderful buy-in of our ladies who
were in turn encouraged by so many of
the Freemasons themselves, a venture
expected to be a modest undertaking
rapidly exceeded all expectations.
Thanks to the foresight of Sheila
Hicking, Charity Administrator, an
informal structure was created to ensure
the project ran smoothly. I am quite
sure the enthusiasm of the Divisional
Coordinators, Gay Goodman, Rosemary
Salmon and Robyn Stephen ensured
the continued growth in the number of
knitters involved.
Also, many others also acted in an
unofficial capacity to assist with delivery
of wool and collection of knitted items.
I have been both embarrassed and
delighted by stories related to this project.
"$
Embarrassed that so many people have
lost the use of their dining room, lounge,
spare bedrooms, billiards tables and attics.
To those wonderfully tolerant husbands,
partners and families I say “thank you for
your patience”. Delighted in that so many
took it upon themselves to visit our less
mobile knitters in their homes to deliver
wool and collect completed garments. I
understand that this social interaction
was greatly appreciated.
It was due to the combined generosity
of The Wool Company of Taihape and
The Freemasons Charity that we were
provided with over half a tonne, (the
calculated equivalent of 1,237km), of
beautiful merino wool. In terms of a
journey, how far could we travel if this
was a New Zealand road trip? Our
Mike Cooke helping to label garments.
PHOTOGRAPH HEATHER COOKE
journey could be from Bluff to Picton
via Franz Joseph glacier, or should a
northern trip be preferred we could
From left: Robyn Stephen (coordinator Northern Division) and Jan Cooper
with Diane McEntee, Janis Stockman, Susan Law and Debbie Read the latter
representing Auckland area Neo Natal units.
PHOTOGRAPH VIC FABIAN
strength of the Masonic
family in action –
the combination of
generous donations and
the collective actions
and team spirit which
allowed us to achieve
such
an
amazing
outcome.
As the end of
the project approached many asked the
Labelled and ready to go.
PHOTOGRAPH VIC FABIAN
question of “what next?”
Having talked to staff at
some of the neonatal
units it transpired that
they would be grateful
to receive ongoing
donations of woollen
garments for new
babies of all sizes. I
discovered that colour
was really important to
young parents. Fathers
travel from Cape Reinga to Wellington were often very taken with items knitted
via Napier. Either way there would still in black. Woollen blankets were also
be sufficient ‘wool kilometres’ to seek out much in demand and, of course, one size
the best places to taste wine or eat along fits all.
the way. Of course, if we take into account
Jan Cooper
the unknown amount of wool that our
own knitters provided the journey may Journey’s end
have taken us quite a bit further.
rd
September, The
Incredibly, over 600 knitters produced On Sunday 23
more than 16,000 garments and blankets. Grand Master, Selwyn and Mrs Jan
I understand our output was in excess Cooper, along with Terry McConnell,
of two garments per Freemason. I do Superintendent of the Freemasons
believe this demonstrates the collective Charity, travelled to Utiku, to make a
presentation to Margot Riach of The
Wool Company in recognition of her
generous contribution to the Freemasons
Charity and her support of the knitting
project for premature babies.
Jan Cooper presented The Wool
Company with a cake with knitted
garments iced onto it and bottle of wine
to thank them for their support for the
knitting project. The Wool Company
made a presentation to Jan of an Ultra
fine Merino rug as thanks for her coordination in ensuring the smooth
running of the project, and for getting
wool out into the community. Commenting at the presentation,
Margot Riach said, “Wool regulates
body temperature by removing moisture
from the baby’s skin to cool it down and
replacing it to warm them up, ideal for
little people who can’t control their own
Big boots to fill. The Grand Master displays his
multi-team Super Rugby support scarf.
temperature for the first 12 weeks of life
and they won’t wake because they are
cold.”
The Cooper’s and McConnell’s enjoyed
a luncheon at The Wool Company with
the Riach family and then travelled back
to Taihape for a Gumboot Throwing
experience.
From left: Janet Riach, Terry and Vicki
McConnell, Selwyn and Jan Cooper,
Margot Riach and Gordon Riach
"%
A BRIGHT FUTURE ON THE COAST
New Masonic Centre for Kapiti
T
he last of the trailers had gone and
the old building was finally empty.
I moved from room to room taking
one long last look at the bare shell that
had been our Masonic home for nearly
50 years. I was struck at once by the
dowdiness of it all. How gloomy and
forlorn it looked, paint that was long past
its use by date, curtains that had not been
updated for some time and, everywhere,
the dust and the musty smell that went
with it. I thought back over the last nine
months since our District Grand Master,
Jim Watt, had issued both Tawera-OKapiti Master, Reg Hurley, and myself,
then Master of Lodge Waikanae, the
challenge to take a hard look at our
Lodge buildings and to see if there was
a better solution to the duality that we
were currently operating under.
We started out our journey with
each Lodge having similar issues. These
included facilities and interior décors
that were long past their use by date but,
on the positive side, both buildings were
owned by the respective Lodges, neither
of which was very old. The evaluation
teams visited each other’s Lodge to see
if we could sell and move into their
building. However, it soon became
obvious that neither building offered
more than their current locations and
that the respective members would not
be happy moving to the other’s site. This
left us with a third option to find a new
location in either suburb for both Lodges
to move to. The hunt was then on over the
Paraparaumu and Waikanae districts to
find a building to suit our needs. The new
building was to be big enough to support
both Lodges, to house a small number of
side orders, have good storage, parking,
night lighting, transport connections
and have a solid commercial aspect to its
operation. Easy!
The Waikanae evaluation team then
called a special meeting of the Lodge at
which a remit was placed before those
present to sell the current building and
consider the purchase of a building at
third site to house both Lodges. At the
meeting all our members were given the
opportunity to speak and after a short
debate all of the questions were discussed
and answered. Finally the motion was
put and without exception it was passed.
This was a very satisfying moment for
our review group, as, in only five months,
we had been successful in moving our
lodge forwards.
The Waikanae building was offered
for sale to our next door neighbours, the
local Baptist church and, following some
negotiation, a price satisfactory to both
the buyer and the seller was agreed and
the Lodge building was sold. Very soon
thereafter we were advised that the owner
of a building, which is located in the
Waikanae village and housed the Olive
Tree Café down stairs and professional
offices upstairs, was looking to sell. The
review group visited the site and looked
at the building as a possibility. It offered
the upstairs space to build a new Lodge
with storage, generous crush facilities,
toilets and the ability to take a small
lift, while keeping the Café downstairs
as a catered refectory. The Tawera-OKapiti (TOK) group were also shown the
building and purchase was discussed.
While the Waikanae Lodge was further
The new Kapiti Lodge
building in Mahara Place,
Waikanae
"&
along the way than Tawera-O-Kapiti
their enthusiasm for this building was
also evident. Although Waikanae Lodge
could not buy the building without TOK
support, it would be possible to buy it
initially with Grand Lodge assistance as
long as TOK agreed in principle to come
on board, which they did. From this time
things moved quickly and a submission
was made to Grand Lodge for the money
to purchase the building, including the
refurbishment of the upper floor. As
soon as this was approved the offer on
the Olive Tree building was accepted and
Kapiti Freemasons had a new home.
The Kapiti Freemasons Centre Ltd.
will be managed on behalf of its owner
Lodges by a Hall Company, especially set
up for the purpose. Currently the Trustees
from TOK and Waikanae lodges fill the
Director positions in the new Company
and meetings of the company are under
way. Action to sell the Paraparaumu
Lodge building is also progressing to
fit in with the development of the new
Lodge, which is expected to be finished
early in 2013.
Since taking over the building in
June of this year the development of the
new Lodge has been progressing on a
number of fronts. Resource consent for
the building is required and this is under
way, a fire engineer to
Murray Kennett and Reg Hurley shake on the deal
prepare the fire consent
documents has been
secured and as there
will be engineering
work that needs to
be undertaken and a
quote for that work has
been sourced. Finally,
because of a 16-week
lead time to source
a suitable lift, one
has been found and
ordered for the project.
What has made this
project a success where
others have failed? I
believe it has all been
possible because there
is a new willingness by
Kapiti Brethren to be
in harmony. To agree
to agree and ensure
that Freemasonry on
the Coast is in a place
where it can grow
and best meet the
needs of future Kapiti
Freemasons, to encourage younger thinking and willing to move in a way
membership and support Masonic which can only be good for the craft in
families. I congratulate the members of the future.
both Kapiti Lodges for being forward
WBro Murray Kennett, Lodge Waikanae
"'
When the southerly wind
is driving heavy rain almost
horizontally rather than
vertically and the life
expectancy of an umbrella is
about 30 seconds, it takes a
brave soul to venture out of
the house.
Dedication at the Dedication
Laying Freemasonry’s
foundation stone in Christchurch
W
hen there’s a ceremony in a
very exposed and partly built
building with an inch of water on the
concrete floor and rain water pouring
through gaps in what will later become
the second floor plus make shift
tarpaulins flapping in gale force winds
it is a very dedicated soul who ventures
out. However, that’s exactly what a band
of brave souls did when the corner stone
was being laid for the new Freemasons
centre in Shirley, Christchurch.
The new building has been mooted for
about seven years, but the earthquakes in
Christchurch brought the matters to a
head, resulting in a complex
that will house a commercial component on the
ground floor and two lodge
rooms, a refectory and
other rooms upstairs.
With the land
being ‘donated’ by
The Avon Shirley
Lodge No 185 the
venture
quickly
attracted support
from a raft of lodges
Safely indoors at a local
primary school.
"(
which had either lost their own rooms, or
wanted to be part of a modern and very
impressive symbol of Freemasonry in the
city. The fact that there hadn’t been a new
Masonic building built from scratch for
83 years added to the importance of the
event.
As required, there was an official
meeting held to allow the dedication of
the corner stone being laid. That was held
in a nearby primary school classroom
before a bedraggled group of Masons
and their partners made their way to the
building site.
Once there the sight that greeted them
was one of despair. The conditions were
simply miserable. Ladies were offered
what dry chairs there were there, and
inches of rain water were swept away
with squeegee brooms.
The sound system had to be very
loud to be heard over the thrashing
rain and howling wind, and those with
umbrellas that has survived the trip
from the school huddled under them
to reduce the water cascading down
from the building above. Despite the
conditions those who attended called
on their pioneering spirit and the
sounds of solid singing and hearty
support were heard. That certainly
would have surprised anyone passing by
if there had been any!
So, in true heroic style the ceremony
was duly performed and it was declared
by the Grand Master, MWBro Selwyn
Cooper, That the foundation stone to be
well and truly formed, levelled and placed,
in accordance with the rules of the Antient
Craft.
A dash back to the school took out
most of the remaining umbrellas before
the wrapping up of the meeting and
an afternoon tea. Suffice to say the hot
savouries were gratefully received.
It was agreed by all who attended that
the official opening of the building next
May is likely to be a lot more civilised as
there will be walls and a roof in place.
Rob Cope-Williams
Easy access to a wealth of knowledge
THE MASONIC DIGITAL LIBRARY IS LAUNCHED
W
ould you like to know a bit more
about Freemasonry? Our Research
Lodges have a wealth of information,
with presentations designed to help
explain Freemasonry to lodge members.
Unfortunately, until now, most of those
presentations have not been easy to access;
finding information is now much easier.
Recently over 800 members of
Masonic research organisations from
various countries received their personal
username and password for free access
to the Masonic Digital Library, which
contains over 4,000 articles, talks and
presentations from around the world.
The library is largely the inspiration
and work of WBro Ed Robinson of the
Research Lodge of Wellington. When
undertaking some research while living
in England a decade ago, Ed was told,
while completing his paper, of other
papers on a similar topic
published by Research
Lodges in New Zealand
that he had not been
aware of, by the
Research Lodge of
Wellington, prior
to his joining that
lodge, and also
by another New
Zealand
Research
Lodge.
While
there
are
many of books written
about Freemasonry and a lot of
information available through the
Internet, for those with a specific query,
or just wanting to browse through
different subjects, these may be difficult
to access by many members of Lodges.
The catalogue of the Freemasons New
Zealand Library is available through
the Freemasons website and books may
be requested by email. A number of
Research Lodges operate libraries as well,
and members of those lodges know that
the publications of ‘research lodges’ cover
the whole range of Freemasonry and,
that within that huge range of material,
are some real gems – information to
cover most general enquiries, talks that
have inspired, discussions that have
clarified uncertainty and topical lectures
that illustrate matters of concern to
freemasons through the last century.
The problem is that finding material
from past transactions has been very
difficult – often even to members of
respective organisations. The Masonic
Digital Library gathers a file for each
‘paper’ or item of Masonic interest,
collects these in electronic form and
enables lists by author, title, subject or
searches by any word or phrase. A search
on “Apron,” for example, gives more than
25 talks specifically about the apron,
with many more including the word.
The Library contains files from a
number of research organisations
from New Zealand, Australia
and other countries. It also
contains the 25 and 50year histories of the
Grand Lodge of New
Zealand and other
publications
of
interest to members
of lodges, including
some lectures from
Past Grand Lecturers,
and talks to meetings
of the Provincial Grand
Lodge of Canterbury.
With many research lodges approaching their centenary, the Masonic
Digital Library offers a way to make past
papers accessible to members as well
as an ability to share future presentations with members of other research
organisations.
The Masonic Digital Library is
promoted by the Australian and New
Zealand Masonic Research Council
(ANZMRC), and is now available through
its website (www.anzmrc.org/masonicdigital-library). Access to the library
is restricted to members of Masonic
Ed Robinson
Research organisations participating in
the library as these organisations have
committed to sharing future publications
in electronic form and providing past
publications as they become available.
Other organisations, including the
Grand Lodge of New Zealand, have also
provided files for the collection.
Members of the following Lodges
already have access to the Masonic
Digital Library: Research Lodge of
Wellington, Research Lodge of Otago,
Hawke’s Bay Lodge of Research, Waikato
Lodge of Research, Research Lodge of
Ruapehu, Top of the South Research
Lodge and Research Lodge of the
Taranaki Province.
If you would like access, see the
website for the participating Research
Lodge most convenient to you, or talk
to your research organisation as it
may already have limited temporary
access to evaluate participation. This
library is already a desirable reference
collection and it can only get better as
more publishers participate. If you are a
member of a Masonic research lodge or
association, interested in widening your
horizons, make sure someone contacts
the ANZMRC through the link above to
discuss participation. The ANZMRC acknowledges and
thanks Freemasons New Zealand for
hosting the library and assisting with
related programming.
d Robinson
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ro
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We congra
f ANZMRC
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")
Lectures,
Ceremonies and
Masonic Education
M
y last article asked you to try to get
your Lodge committee to agree
to 20 to 30 minutes in each Masonic
meeting for Masonic education. The
feedback from many Brethren indicates
that this is expecting too much and that
maybe 30 minutes every 3 months might
be OK, that’s less than 2 hours per year on
Masonic education. Consequently, this
article looks at the amount of learning we
do in Lodge when we watch a ceremony
or listen to a Masonic lecture.
The majority of our watching and
listening is at a superficial level – we see
the actions and hear the words and, unless
we really concentrate, our brain will not
gain much of an understanding behind
the story or the demonstration. We learn
about 5% of what we hear and about 15%
of what we see. During a degree ceremony
or Masonic lecture lasting one hour we
will take in less than 10 minutes of useful
information. A lecture is regarded as
Masonic education but I would suggest
that, although it is a teaching platform,
not much learning results in our typical
Mason from the average lecture. It
should be acknowledged that there are
some excellent Past Grand Lecturers
who hold the attention and impart
large quantities of interesting Masonic
knowledge whenever they perform. The
Master, Wardens and Deacons have a
responsibility to teach the candidate the
proper steps, hand positions and words.
However, there is a difference between
teaching and learning. Learning is an
increase in knowledge by acquiring facts
and information so we ‘know a lot’. We
do this by memorizing information so we
can reproduce it in our ceremonies. This
is known as ‘surface learning.’ Deeper
learning helps us make sense of meaning
and enables us to relate the subject
matter to the real world. In Masonic
education we need to relate our degree
rituals to our everyday lives. We will do
this better if we really learn the words,
steps and hand positions physically
AND understand the hidden meanings
metaphysically, but don’t be frightened
#+
off by this word – it just means ‘beyondthe-physical.’ In other words we need to
think about why we do the things we do.
We learn about 80% from taking part
and actually ‘doing’ something, so a
good way to deeper learning is by being
involved in small group discussions
instead of simply listening to someone’s
explanation. Three or four Masons in a
small group can talk through their own
understanding of the meanings in our
ritual and each will grow in knowledge
and understanding because of that
discussion.
Try this in your Lodge:
1. Use the 1st degree working tools,
write each on a separate piece of
paper making enough copies for one
between three at a Lodge meeting.
2. Get the Master to put the Lodge at
ease and rearrange everyone into
small physical groups of three or four
Masons around the Lodge room so
they can speak to each other.
3. Hand each group one piece of paper
with a working tool on it and give
them 5 or 6 minutes to tell each other
what that tool could mean in their
day-to-day lives. Tell them to stay
away from the physical meanings and
think about the allegory in everyday
real life. As this can be difficult for
some people, have patience.
4. When each group is ready, call
attention to the middle of the Lodge
room and ask each group to say, in two
minutes, what they came up with. Get
everyone to listen in and comment
(still being active).
The same framework can use the three
Perfect Points of our Entry or the four
Cardinal Virtues.
At the end of a recent session a Past
Grand Director of Ceremonies stood
up and said he had really enjoyed the
education session and had learned
more in 45 minutes than in the last 15
years in Masonry, a compliment to the
framework indeed.
The question might be; who should
lead/facilitate such an educational
I ask you to spend more
Lodge time on Masonic
education by allowing
Masons to discuss points of
ritual and learn the hidden
meanings of nature and
science instead of sitting,
listening and being taught.
session? An answer could be the Master or
the Lodge Education Officer, but anyone
could lead/facilitate so long as they keep
one eye on timekeeping and the other on
how each group is doing. There are three
important points to watch for: avoid any
person monopolizing his group; try to
allow each person a go by encouraging
people who are very reserved and quiet
because they may relapse into just
listening (if this is their earnest desire
we have to respect it but usually a small
amount of encouragement is rewarded
appreciatively); allow feedback from
each group but limit it to about 2 minutes
per group.
Being involved is more fun than
sitting listening and members feel more
respected and useful when they are
involved. For these reasons we learn
much more from doing than from just
listening. This is my basis for asking you
to spend more Lodge time on Masonic
education by allowing Masons to discuss
points of ritual and learn the hidden
meanings of nature and science instead
of sitting, listening and being taught.
Try it Brethren and let me have some
feedback from your Lodge Education
Officer through your District Education
Officer.
George Allan, Chairman,
National Education Committee
PAEDIATRIC FELLOWS
Breast milk, sleeping and learning
The importance of the University of Otago Paediatric Fellowships Programme
cannot be overstated. New Zealand has a strong reputation as a clean, green, safe
place to bring up a family. In some ways that is very true but, in the case of the
health of Kiwi kids, New Zealand is in the lower third of the rankings for OECD
nations in child health indicators particularly those of injury and immunisation.
A Capital Fund of $500,000 was established and the proceeds of the
investment of that Fund continue to provide funding to Otago University
post graduates to conduct research in such relevant areas in child health that
otherwise would not have occurred. Mee-Yew Chen, Katie Appleyard and
Rebekah Luo are Research Fellows who, with the support of The Freemasons
Charity, are making a significant contribution to this valuable area of
paediatric research.
Dr Mee-Yew Chen
“The Freemasons
Fellowship has given me an
opportunity to contribute
to new medical knowledge.
Without it, I couldn’t have
embarked on research.”
Dr Mee-Yew Chen decided she wanted to
work with children after embarking on a
Diploma in Child Health in 2002. “After
six months working as a paediatric junior
doctor and studying for the Diploma, I
realised I wanted to stay working with
children,” she says, “With children you
can impact on their health long-term.
You can really make a difference.”
Mee-Yew has been working in the
medical field since graduating with a
MB ChB from the University of Otago
in 1999. After completing a Diploma in
Child Health and the Royal Australasian
College of Physicians (RACP) exams
in Paediatrics, Mee-Yew embarked
on a Masters in Medical Sciences at
the beginning of this year. She has a
busy workload – as well as researching
her Masters, she is also involved in
outpatient clinical work in the Paediatric
Department at Dunedin Hospital.
Her Masters research looks at
maternal antibodies to rotavirus and its
effect on rotavirus vaccine uptake. She is
undertaking this project in collaboration
with the Murdoch Children’s Research given me an opportunity to contribute
Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne. The to new medical knowledge, without it I
Institute is developing a RV3 Rotavirus couldn’t have embarked on research.”
vaccine that is being trialled in Dunedin.
Mee-Yew is passionate about working
“I look at rotavirus antibodies that are in paediatrics and child health. “It’s an
passed from mothers to babies,” she immensely rewarding field,” she says,
explains, “through breast milk and cord “many people think it’s difficult working
blood, and how that affects a baby’s with children but that’s not the case. It’s
response to the rotavirus vaccine.”
certainly not something I regret.”
Mee-Yew is currently collecting breast
milk and storing it for transport
Dr Mee-Yew Chen
to Melbourne, where it will be
analysed. She will spend the
next year collecting specimens
and then will be able to start her
analysis and writing up process.
Where does Mee-Yew hope
her Freemasons Fellowship will
lead? “I’d love to become an
academic general paediatrician
in the future,” she says, “I’d like
to be involved in teaching and
research at the same time as
doing clinical work.”
Receiving the Freemasons
Fellowship has been a fabulous
opportunity for Mee-Yew.
It has allowed her to bridge
the gap between clinician
and researcher. She is really
enjoying learning how to do
research and she feels very
fortunate to be able to research
and work in Child Health. “The
Freemasons Fellowship has
#*
Katie Appleyard
Katie Appleyard
“Receiving the Freemasons
Fellowship has been the
most amazing opportunity
of my academic life. I get
to do what I love!”
Katie Appleyard was having a gap year
on the Gold Coast in 2010 and looking
for work, when she realised she wanted
to research sleep. “I applied for a job as
a polysomnographer – someone who
measures overnight sleep patterns,” she
explains, “and missed out on the job to
a master’s student. I realised then that
sleep was a fascinating field, but that I
would need to up-skill if I wanted to
work in this area. Doing a postgraduate
qualification made sense – instead of
working on someone else’s research I
could be doing my own!”
Katie then completed a PGDipSci
in Neuroscience at the University of
Otago, where she developed an interest
in the developing brain. This led her
#"
to paediatrics and the decision to embark on a PhD. She now researches
the association between infant sleep
maturation and behaviour, cognitive and
motor development at thirty months of
age. “I’m studying the sleep patterns over
the first two years of life,” Katie says, “to
discover if there is a link between sleep
patterns and IQ, sensory, behavioural
and social development.” She began her
PhD at the beginning of 2011, and has
started the lengthy task of data collection
and completing a systematic review for
publication.
This research project has taught
Katie how to manage her time and
prioritise tasks, as well as learning how
to deal with the challenges and setbacks
associated with research. However, the
most important revelation for Katie was
discovering that it is possible to have a
job you love.
Katie emphasises that receiving the
Freemasons Fellowship has been “such a
gift”. It has freed her up to concentrate on
her research completely so that she has
not needed to make sacrifices in other
areas of her life. As such, she treats it
like a job rather than study. “Receiving
the Freemasons Fellowship has been
the most amazing opportunity of my
academic life,” she emphasises, “I get to
do what I love!”
For Katie, the best thing about
studying Paediatrics and Child Health
is getting to work with children and
families. “I get first-hand information
from mothers and wonderful interaction
with two year-olds. I love being out in
the community – it’s by far the most
interesting aspect of my job!” In the
future, Katie would like to continue
with paediatric sleep research, perhaps
in the North Island, where the sleep and
paediatrics field is still being opened up.
Katie feels that she is working in a
growing, highly relevant field. She wants
to be able to provide guidance and
support for young children. “Children
can’t speak for themselves,” she explains,
“they can’t communicate their needs so
it’s up to us to be their spokesperson.”
Rebekah Luo
“It has been a great
learning experience, and
I am thankful for all the
opportunities and challenges
that this Freemasons
Fellowship has given me.”
Rebekah Luo doesn’t hesitate when asked
to define the subject of her research: “I’m
focusing on sleep disordered breathing
in children,” she explains, “I look at
habitual snorers versus those children
who don’t snore, and whether there
is any difference in their learning and
behaviour.”
What was Rebekah’s motivation to
undertake a PhD in the study of sleep
disorders and their link to learning
difficulties? Her response is just as clear
– Rebekah loves working with children
and feels this research is vital to child
health. “Research into the link between
sleep disorders and learning difficulties
in children is really important,” says
Rebekah, “Sleep problems commonly
occur in 25-40% of children, and habitual
snoring (snoring on most nights) is the
most common form of sleep disorder.
It is unclear whether this impacts on
children’s learning and behaviour, and if
so, when and how should we intervene?”
This research project was started four
years ago when Amelia Gill, a previous
Freemasons Fellow, began studying a
group of three year-olds to investigate
the link between breathing problems
during sleep and learning difficulties in
young children. These children are now
six years old and Rebekah is continuing
the work that Amelia initiated.
Rebekah came to Paediatrics and
Child Health from an honours degree
in Psychology. She made her decision
to focus on child development after
completing a research project on early
literacy skills in children and taking a
Health Psychology paper in her final year.
She is now in the second year of her
Fellowship. “I spent the first year going
out to schools and homes of children
and doing a lot of data collection,” she
explains, “I measured their sleep using a
pocket device that measures how loud the
child snores, as well as a finger monitor
which measures oxygen saturation in the
blood.” Her data collection also involved
doing a number of psychological, reading
and numeracy assessments.
This year, Rebekah has been busy
analysing the information she gathered
in 2011. She is also preparing a followup survey, which will be sent out to eight
hundred families. She has thoroughly
enjoyed the past two years and is grateful
that the Freemasons Fellowship has
allowed her to concentrate on her research
100%. “It has been a great learning
experience, and I am thankful for all the
opportunities and challenges that this
Freemasons Fellowship has given me.”
What are Rebekah’s future plans? Next
year will be spent writing up her findings
and completing her PhD. After that,
Rebekah would like to pursue a career
in paediatrics that involves research
and clinical work. She also hopes to
obtain training and a qualification in
clinical psychology. However, there’s one
thing she is adamant about – whatever
direction her career takes in the future
“it will involve kids!”
Sheila Hicking
Rebekah Luo
##
Hope comes from southern initiatives
Immunotherapy advances
target cancer cells
University of Otago researcher Dr Sarah Young is optimistic that innovative forms
of immunotherapy will soon become new weapons against Otago-Southland’s
internationally high rates of colorectal cancer. Dr Young, of the Otago Pathology
Department, and other university colleagues are leading research, which aims to develop
new therapies directed at stimulating a much stronger immune response to cancer. This
research has been made possible through the initiative of Southern Freemasons and the
generous support from The Freemasons Charity and the Freemasons Roskill Foundation.
Dr Sarah Young speaking about the research project, flanked by Estelle Peyroux,
Simon Pelham, Braeden Donaldson, Melanie Grant and Kunyu Li.
T
he story begins with a commitment
by our Southern brethren to the Live
Life Lighter Programme by conducting
a charity walk. The level of support was
such that they began to look around for a
way to utilise the funds they had gathered.
Thus, the Freemasons Oncology
Research Project was launched. The local
brethren purchased a cell counter for use
in the laboratory. Prior its introduction
laboratory staff had to view a sample
through a microscope and count the cells
manually with a hand held clicker.
The Freemasons Charity partnered
brethren in their endeavours and, as
a result, two Postgraduate research
posts have been filled and the work on
Immunotherapy has begun in earnest.
More than one year on, around fifty
Freemasons from the
three Southern districts of Wickcliffe,
Otago Lakes and
Southland gathered at
Manor Place Lodge
rooms in Dunedin to witness
a presentation,
to Dr Sarah
Young, of a flow
Left: David Mace presenting Freemasons Roskill Foundation donation
$35000 to Dr Sarah Young.
Right: Melanie Grant explaining what her research entails.
#$
cytometer, a further aid to the ground
breaking research being conducted in the
Dunedin laboratory. There is an expectation that, within 18 months to two years,
actual clinical trials of the procedure will
begin. If successful, standard treatment
of cancer could be revolutionised with
present treatment methods, some of
which kill the good cells along with the
bad, becoming redundant.
The presentation was especially
important as it marked the first such
partnership between The Freemasons
Charity and Freemasons Roskill
Foundation, the two Masonic charitable
entities sharing the lion’s share of the
cost of this vital piece of equipment. The
Chairman of Roskill Foundation, MWBro
David Mace, and the Superintendent
of The Freemasons Charity, RWBro
Terry McConnell, were pleased to make
presentation of $35,000 each to Dr
Young who was fulsome in her praise for
the continuing support by Freemasons of
the local districts, generously supported
by the two charities.
Prior to the presentation Dr Young
gave a very interesting
overview of the work
that is being conducted
and how it might
revolutionise
cancer
treatment. The rapt
attention in the room
was proof of, and credit
to, her abilities as a
scientist to explain the
work in terms that all
present could understand. She introduced
The Freemasons Charity
Postgraduates and they
too outlined the work
that they are currently
undertaking.
Sarah explained how, Fundraising Committee Chairman, John Steele, standing,
potentially, the two main with Secretary, Les Brenssell.
new forms of immunotherapy being developed
at the university could reach clinical valuable, were blunt instruments which
trials. “One approach adds proteins killed healthy cells, such as hair cells,
and other immunoactive molecules to as well as the tumour cells. The new
a virus-like particle (VLP) derived from therapies could provide a much more
the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, targeted approach.” “This research had
which was introduced to also been supported by the Health
Otago in the late 1990s Research Council and the Cancer
Braedon, Melanie, Kunyu Li Estelle, and Simon listen attentively.
to control the rabbit Society,” she added.
population. The outer
There is real excitement in the air
shell of the virus only is about this project, as per capita, the local
used, without any of the area has the highest rate of colorectal
genetic material con- cancer in the world. This is a great
tained within, making it example of locally relevant research.
very safe for human use,
The Freemasons Charity has reconresearchers say. A second firmed its commitment to this research
cell-based approach uses programme for the next 5 years. However,
killer-T cells removed the major share of the credit must rest with
from a cancer patient’s local brethren, their Project Managing
lymph
nodes,
and Committee and their fundraising skills.
returned to the body in a Their unshakeable belief in what could
super activated form.”
be achieved cannot be overstated. Take
She said, “Existing a bow Wickcliffe, Otago Lakes and
forms of chemotherapy Southland, we applaud you.
and radiotherapy, while
Sheila Hicking
There is real excitement in the air about this project, as per capita,
the local area has the highest rate of colorectal cancer in the
world. This is a great example of locally relevant research.
#%
Identifying the smoking gun
The dormant and recurring effects of polio
Ms GM Jegasothy [Jega], Malaysian born of Sri Lankan
descent and a long-time Perth resident, is passionate
about her work. In September she toured New Zealand,
as the Freemasons Travelling Scholar, with her visit funded
by the Freemasons Roskill Foundation. She spoke at a
series of special Support Group meetings with a focus on
aspects of Post Polio Syndrome. In addition she held four
meetings specifically for medical professionals, including
physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthotic providers,
clinicians, massage therapists and general practitioners.
J
ega qualified as physio- Jega
therapist in 1972 from
Curtin University, Western
Australia. She worked in
Malaysia and Cambodia
before returning to work at the
Royal Perth Hospital. She has
been a Senior Physiotherapist
in the field of Acquired Brain
Injury for 25 years. During
the last seven years Jega has
concentrated on developing
the Late Effects of Disability
Clinic, which includes the field of Post
Polio Syndrome.
Remembering Polio
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly contagious viral disease. It was responsible
for killing and disabling large numbers
of people in the early 20th century. It is
transmitted orally and initially infects
the small intestine. Most people who
contract the disease do so when they are
very young, between three and five years
old.
The initial symptoms of polio are flulike. In a small minority of cases, the
infection spreads beyond the intestine,
into the blood stream and invades the
central nervous system. In this case,
called paralytic polio, the disease is far
more serious and can cause floppy limbs
or paralysis, which can be permanent. It
is this form of polio that may later lead to
post polio syndrome.
A vaccine for polio was developed
in 1955 and intensive immunisation
campaigns worldwide have successfully
#&
eradicated
the
disease
from much of the world.
Immunisation
in
New
Zealand began in 1957 and
the last reported case due to
wild poliovirus was in 1962.
Since then there have been
nine known vaccine-related
cases. However, in 2002,
immunisation was switched to
the inactivated polio vaccine,
which is not associated with
vaccine related infections.
Polio/Post Polio Syndrome
Polio/Post Polio Syndrome, known as
PPS, is a set of symptoms experienced
by many people who have had polio
at an early age. The symptoms can be
quite debilitating and may compromise
health and independence by leading to
immobility.
This syndrome generally begins to
appear 20 to 45 years after initially
recovering from polio. Although New
Zealand is now free of the virus, post
polio syndrome continues to affect
many New Zealanders with 75–80%
of survivors showing symptoms of the
syndrome, or late effects of polio. These
Additional information
and resources are available
through Polio New Zealand.
Freephone 0800 4 POLIO
(0800 476 546)
[email protected]
www.polio.org.nz
Jega with Post Polio group – Barry Holland,
Anne Mace (at rear), Diane Matthews, Johanna
Korent (on crutches) and Nancy Blackstock
(front).
effects may include increasing muscle
weakness, significant levels of fatigue,
joint and muscle pain, cold intolerance,
breathing and or swallowing difficulties.
The syndrome can be difficult to
diagnose and can require a management regime to deal with its symptoms.
Adding to the difficulties of diagnosis
are the similarities of symptoms, which
can also point to other inflictions such
as Huntingtons and Motor Neurone
Disease, both of which have been traversed in recent issues of New Zealand
Freemason. Jega’s experience, and
what she is disseminating through
her educational programmes, are vital
aspects in enabling identification and
treatment of the symptoms.
Polio/Post Polio Syndrome is caused
by prolonged overuse of muscles, whose
nerve supply, initially damaged in the
original occurrence of polio, can no
longer take the strains placed upon them.
The overworked muscles then ache and
the joints hurt after decades of too much
work with too little muscle support.
When the muscles decide that enough
is enough PPS results. Symptoms are
caused by the nervous system equivalent
of plugging too many appliances into
one electrical outlet. Polio survivors
need to unplug some of the ‘appliances’
to decrease this abuse of their damaged
The iron lung
T
he enduring image of earlier
epidemics is that of the dreaded
iron lung. Physicians who treated
people in the acute, early stages of
polio saw that many patients were
unable to breathe when the virus’s
action paralysed muscle groups
in the chest. Death was frequent
at this stage. Nothing worked well
in keeping people breathing until
1927, when researchers at Harvard
University devised a version of a
tank respirator that could maintain
respiration artificially until a person
could breathe independently. The
pump changed the pressure inside
an airtight metal drum, pulling air in
and out of the lungs. Inside the iron
lung the patient lay on a bed that
could slide in and out of the cylinder
as needed.
When the patient was placed
into the central chamber a door,
allowing the head and neck to remain
free, was closed, forming a sealed,
airtight compartment enclosing the
rest of the body. Pumps controlled
airflow periodically decreasing and
increasing the air pressure within
the chamber, and particularly, on the
chest. When the pressure was below
that within the lungs, they expanded
and atmospheric pressure pushed air
from outside the chamber in via the
person's nose and airways to keep
the lungs filled; when the pressure
went above that within the lungs, the
reverse occurred.
Iron lung ward filled with polio patients,
Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, California (1953)
nerves, weakened muscles and painful
joints. Pacing and careful management
of bodies becomes a way of life.
Polio New Zealand inc.
Polio New Zealand is an incorporated
society dedicated to seeking support for
people who have had poliomyelitis. It
does this through information sharing
and, where possible, assistance to
members and their families, whether or
not they are experiencing problems at
present. The aims of the Society are in
particular:
ƒ to collect and distribute information
that will enable members to understand and moderate the changes
occurring in their conditions;
ƒ to inform medical practitioners of
the reality of post-polio syndrome
and help update them on advances in
research and treatment;
ƒ to work towards the establishment of
assessment and treatment clinics for
polio survivors and the establishment
of at least one centre of excellence
in New Zealand for the study and
treatment of post-polio syndrome
ƒ to encourage a level of immunisation
that leads to the eradication of
poliomyelitis in New Zealand and
worldwide.
Immunisation is still essential
New Zealanders over 70 will well
remember the polio epidemic, which
swept the country in the late 1940s,
with its travel restrictions and schooling
by correspondence. Subsequent vaccines and the progress towards total
elimination of the virus have precluded
it from recurring. However, a degree
of complacency has arisen. With the
memory of the epidemic fading into
history there has been a reduction in
the perceived need for immunisation
of children. Although New Zealand is
now polio free it would only take one
traveller to arrive overnight from an
affected area of the world to trigger off a
new epidemic amongst those who have
not had the benefit of the protection
afforded by immunisation. Until the
world is finally declared polio free [see
box] immunisation is essential or the
crippling paralysis of polio could once
again be a reality.
Morris Robertson
The Rotary contribution
P
olioPlus, the most ambitious
program in the history of Rotary
International, is the volunteer arm
of the Global Polio Eradication
Initiative. For more than 25 years,
Rotary has led the private sector in
the global effort to rid the world of
this crippling disease.
Rotary’s leadership, beginning
in 1985, inspired the World Health
Assembly to pass a resolution to
eradicate polio, which paved the
way for the formation of the Global
Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.
To date, Rotarians, worldwide, have
contributed more than US$1 billion
to the cause. Rotary’s partners in
the Initiative include UNICEF, the
US Centers for Disease Control, the
World Health Organisation
and the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation, the
latter being a substantial
contributor. Mindful of
what could happen if polio
returns to this country the
New Zealand Government
has made generous grants
to the programme through
Rotary New Zealand World Community
Service.
Rotarians have not only contributed
money but also their personal participation in National Immunisation Days
whereby millions of children in endemic
areas receive vaccine drops as teams of
volunteers move from village to village.
The ‘Plus’ in the title refers to the added
ingredients in the vaccine to immunise
against diphtheria, red measles, tuberculosis, tetanus and whooping cough.
Rotary International’s ‘End Polio
Now’ campaigns have largely reduced
epidemic occurrences but the risk of
epidemics remains while un-vaccinated
people are still present in society. End
Polio now is the campaign for the final
push to ultimate eradication. Since 1988
the number of cases has
dropped by 99%. There
remain a few endemic
hot spots where, through
political or religious objections, completion of this
worldwide achievement is
proving difficult. Nevertheless, the goal is in sight.
#'
The Freemasons Charity in 2012
For a full copy of this Annual Report go to www.freemasons.co.nz
and click on The Freemasons Charity Annual Report icon
The tradition continues
The Freemasons Charity strives to ensure
it adheres to its ‘tradition of caring’ –
caring for the elderly, for those in need,
for our communities, for the future
of our country, for our future leaders,
for research and development of our
society and for our stakeholders. Any
organisation is only as good as the people
that support and work for it, and so it is
that The Freemasons Charity could not
continue its work the way it does without
the wonderful support of local brethren
and our tireless Almoners network. The
level of support for Lodge Almoners has
been raised by way of such tools as the
Almoners Information Pack and the Gifts
for our Widows programme. The number
of lodge projects undertaken by local
brethren has grown for a second year in
a row and, in the past year, donations by
brethren to the Charity exceeded budget
expectations by more than 13%.
contents of their Hospital Packs and we
were delighted to welcome our Taranaki
brethren to the programme this year.
Since 2008 our team has distributed over
16,000 units in the North Island alone.
Getting to the heart of
matters
privately funded programme in New
Zealand, which has operated since
1978. The Right Honourable Sir Don
McKinnon presented the scholarships
to students selected from our eight
major universities. Our criteria is twofold, good academic grades combined
with a strong community involvement.
At the completion of presentations the
gathering was addressed by Max Harris,
a recipient in 2010 and now a Rhodes
Scholar.
In 2007 we launched a National Defibrillator Project placing over 60 units
in local communities throughout the
country. That number has now grown to
over 90.
The meaningful month
of May
Under the radar
The Hospital Pack Programme, a quiet
achiever amongst projects, rolls on and
we continue to receive letters of thanks
and some donations from different parts
of the community from people who went
out in the morning not knowing that
they would, through some emergency,
find themselves in hospital at the end of
the day. The work of our local brethren
who make up and deliver the packs to
hospitals with emergency units provides
comfort and support to such people
arriving at hospital in shock and in pain.
The Charity supports our Southern
brethren in covering the cost of the
#(
At each of the Divisional Conferences
we detailed the work of the Charity to
brethren. Many were surprised by the
breadth of the work undertaken on a daily
basis and we received many expressions
of the pride in what was being done in the
name of Freemasons. Copies of the entire
powerpoint presentation, or smaller
more focussed versions,are available by
contacting the Charity Administrator
[email protected]
Recognition for
tomorrow’s leaders
In May we gathered at the Grand Hall
in Parliament for the presentation of
Freemasons University Scholarships
2012. Freemasons in New Zealand
have now contributed more than
$4 million toward the education of
the leaders of tomorrow through
these Scholarships. This is the largest
Providing the bridge
The Freemasons Scholarships Programme, very generously funded by the
ANZ [formerly National Bank], has
rapidly increased in popularity in just
two years. Through this we have been
able to offer something very special to
children and grandchildren of Freemasons, supporting the transition from
secondary education to the first year of
university. Presentations were made at
the Divisional Conferences by local ANZ
National Bank managers.
Small steps foster a
giant leap
Support for The Freemasons Oncology
Post Graduate ground breaking research
grew from the proceeds of a sponsored
Getting the best start
in life
walk as part of the Live Life Lighter
programme by the Freemasons of
Southland Wickliffe and Otago Lakes
that enabled the funding for a crucial
piece of equipment at Otago University.
This was supported by The Freemasons
Charity committing to a five year
partnership to enable oncology research
via the endowment of a Post Graduate
Scholarship. The work of the two Post
graduate researchers selected, Doctors
Sarah Young and Chris Jackson, is
recognised internationally. It is hoped
that actual clinical trials may soon be
conducted which, if successful, will
revolutionise cancer treatment. A
Cytometer, presented in September, has
brought Freemasons Roskill Foundation
into the partnership..
Like young minds gather
FREESTA – The Freemasons Charity
Science Travel Awards, launched in
the last year has enabled more than 50
secondary students, who otherwise could
not have attended, to register and attend
Science Camps in Dunedin and have
access to a great learning opportunity.
In our sights
We celebrated our 30 year relationship
with the University of Auckland and
the Freemasons Chair of Gerontology
at a function in Auckland last year.
At that time we entered a partnership
with Freemasons Roskill Foundation
to support a three year research project
in Aged Macular Degeneration at the
Department of Ophthalmology to test
the role of inflammation in the origin
and progress of this disease that currently
affects as much as 30% of Kiwis over 60
years of age.
When compared with similar countries
New Zealand is not doing as well for
children as it could as it sits in the
bottom third in OECD rankings for
most indicators and near the bottom
for immunisation coverage and injury
rates. These kind of statistics prompted,
in 1988, the creation of the Chair
of Paediatrics and Child Health at
the University of Otago. Since then
Freemasons have funded 25 Paediatric
Fellows allowing them to complete
research that directly reflects these and
other issues in child health. To celebrate
our Silver Anniversary it is intended to
bring 1992 Fellow, and world recognised
paediatric neurologist Dr Terrie Inder, to
Dunedin in 2013 as a keynote speaker at
a world conference on paediatrics.
Age shall not defeat us
The University of Auckland Chair of
Gerontology was established in 1986
to teach about the care of the elderly
and to conduct research into the
process of ageing. This was the first full
professorial chair established and funded
by a community group in New Zealand.
The current Freemasons Professor of
Geriatric Medicine, Martin Connolly,
has completed ground breaking research
into improving the care of our elderly
in residential care. Professor Connolly
and his staff have now launched the
ARCHUS Project to research ways of
providing specialist care within these
residential care units aimed at avoiding
the potentially life threatening trauma
for an elderly resident of having to leave
their familiar living environment to go to
hospital for treatment.
Continuing the
tradition
When one looks back at the 2012
year we can justly say Freemasons
have continued broad support for our
brethren, our communities, and our
country. May we take this opportunity
to thank you for your support
again in this wonderful year where,
through your continued practicing of
the tenets of freemasonry – brotherly
love, relief and truth you enable The
Freemasons Charity to continue in its
tradition of caring.
RWBro Terry McConnell,
Superintendent,
The Freemasons Charity
#)
Freemasons
ROSKILL FOUNDATION
Dementia - a growing problem
in our ageing population
The Foundation has made a further grant to Alzheimers Auckland for their
Carers education programme to enlarge its coverage and expand its scope.
Just a few years ago when the Carers
education classes began, only six courses
were held throughout the greater
Auckland area covered by the Auckland
Branch of Alzheimers NZ. But next year
our $75,000 grant will allow 40 courses,
helping to satisfy the surging demand
from families and friends - the carers
for more than fifty percent of sufferers for information and knowledge.
The statistics on the disease are
frightening. A report released earlier
this year by the World Health
Organisation (WHO) revealed the
incidence of dementia is exploding with
the rapid growth in ageing populations
worldwide.
In New Zealand, dementia is expected
to
increase
to
epidemic proportions
in the very near
future. Today there
are 48,182 recorded
cases of dementia
(Dementia Economic
Impact Report 2012),
but the true figure
could be significantly
higher than this as
only 60% of people
are diagnosed. By
2026, the figure is
estimated to grow to
74,821.
A new Alzheimers NZ
campaign encourages
people to talk to
their doctor as soon
as possible if they
are concerned about
unusual behaviours,
which
might
be
the beginnings of
Alzheimer’s disease.
It asks people to be
more open about
$+
dementia
and
overcome the sense
of anxiety that can
lead to a delay in
seeking
medical
help, Alzheimers New
Zealand
executive
director
Catherine
Hall says.
‘The message is “the sooner we know the
sooner we can help” because a timely
diagnosis will often mean a person can
keep living independently for much
longer’.
Care of Elderly
a Foundation
priority
Remaining true to its founders
aims is a continuing objective of
Freemasons Roskill Foundation.
In this report we update you on
the work of two organisations
we support, dedicated to the
care of our older citizens.
Freemasons
& Geriatric
Medicine
A new appointment
To get in touch with your local
organisation, phone 0800 004 001, or
visit Alzheimers New Zealand website www.alzheimers.org.nz
Professor Martin Connolly
Professor Martin Connolly has been
appointed as the first Assistant Dean of the
Waitemata Clinical School. Based in the
North Shore Hospital, the school provides
an environment for health professionals
to train, work and develop professionally
as researchers and educators.
Martin was the stand out selection to
head this initiative. The DHB and The
University of Auckland both recognise
his passion and commitment to academic
medicine.
He will remain in his role as Freemasons
Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the
University a position he has held since
2006. His research interests include
chronic care management, quality of life
for older adults and the care of the elderly.
The Foundation can be contacted at
PO Box 113144, Newmarket, Auckland 1149.
REPORT
From small
acorns how our help
has grown
With financial support from both the
Freemasons Charity and the Foundation,
the Freemasons Department of Geriatric
Medicine at the University of Auckland
has, over more than 20 years, conducted
extensive research within the residential
aged care sector (rest homes and private
hospitals) in New Zealand. The latest
survey, in 2008, showed a decreasing
proportion of older people resident in
residential aged care facilities but their
average age had increased from 82
years in 1988 to 86 years. Disability and
dependency had increased dramatically
in the same period. The number of private
hospital places has increased but rest
home places has decreased, although the
total number of rest home and hospital
places has remained essentially constant.
Professor Connolly and his team then
used the results from the 2008 survey to
conduct large-scale studies. This research,
at a cost of $1.5m, was funded by the
Research Council of New Zealand. In
2010 it looked at ways of maintaining
high quality care in residential aged
care facilities and reducing the need for
avoidable acute hospital admission. They
are now looking at the application of the
research findings across all residential
aged care facilities within the Waitemata
District Health Board. The results will be
used in the five-year strategic health plan
for the whole of the Northern Region of
New Zealand.
The Professor makes the point that
without the Freemasons initial funding
these very large and complex consequent
studies could not have taken place. He
says the 2008 study is continuing to yield
further results which will be valuable in
maintaining and improving the quality
of residential aged care provision, both in
New Zealand and internationally.
Telephone: (09) 520 6414 or
email: [email protected]
Opera Interns working hard
Freemasons Roskill Foundation’s
financial support for The NBR
New Zealand Opera Internship
programme allows the twelve
current interns to experience the
full gamut of what it takes to be a
professional singer.
This ranges from learning the language,
the libretto and the music, to working
with the Director and Conductor
alongside other members of the current
opera’s cast - not just in Auckland, but
also in Wellington and from 2013, in
Christchurch too. Freemasons funds
also provide allowances for tutors, vocal
coaches and other associated materials.
The number of Freemasons Interns now
being cast in roles and garnering success
in external competitions, concerts and
other opera events is a key indicator for
how well the programme is currently
doing. Many of these fine young singers
feature in the productions scheduled
for 2013.
Artistic Administrator of NZ Opera,
Jude Froude says “It has been such a
pleasure to work more closely with the
Freemasons this year and to see the
tangible benefits that their on-going
support is providing to the singers on
the programme - enhanced performance
skills, better understanding of the
professional opera scene, competition
wins, job offers and much more. It’s
exciting to see so much enthusiasm
around this internship!”
David Mace says in his Chairman’s Report
in the Foundation 2012 Annual Report
‘We have received very favourable comment
in the wider community as a result of this
activity’.
2013 Mainstage Programme:
ACIS & GALATEA
Handel
The Woolshed at Tipapa, North Canterbury - February
MADAME BUTTERFLY
Puccini
Auckland – April; Wellington – May
DON GIOVANI
Mozart
Christchurch – August
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Wagner
Wellington – September; Auckland – October
Enquiries and bookings: 0800 696 737 / [email protected]
Professor Connolly and all the members of
his Department would again like to thank the
Freemasons of New Zealand wholeheartedly
for their generous and ongoing support.
$*
The Masonic Exchange Ltd
Freephone: 0800 668 435
Est. 1926
Under New Management
Manufacturers & Importers of Regalia for Masonic, Fraternal, and Friendly Societies
Makers and distributors of quality Masonic Regalia & Supplies for all Constitutions:
CO NTACTS: Peter Trewern (Manager): 06 364 5346
Terry Meekan: 09 263 8240
Phil Ivamy: 03 548 0725
POSTAL ADDRESS:
P O Box 727
Paraparaumu 5254
For a full & comprehensive range of our products
and services check our website at:
www.masonicexchange.co.nz
We also deal in second-hand regalia, sales on behalf,
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We are committed to ~ Quality ~ Service ~ Choice
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STOP PRESS
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D D.
B
Qualified Gemologist,
Diamond-Grader,
Internationally Qualified
Jewellery Appraiser
04 566 3668
www.gemlink.co.nz
[email protected]
 Laings Rd, Lower Hutt
My father and the
Dambuster Squadron
First Grand Principal, Bruce Hebbard’s
father served in 617 Squadron (The
Dambuster) as a bomb aimer from
August 1944 to the end of the war in
Europe flying on 18 raids dropping Tallboy
and Grand Slam bombs including the raid
on the Tirpitz at Tromsø. His last raid
appears to have been to drop a Grand
Slam on the naval guns on Heligoland
The recent unveiling of the monument to
Bomber Command has revived memories
important to Bruce who writes:
My father, Warrant Officer Loftus
(Lofty) Hebbard, flew in 617 Squadron
from August 1944 until the end of the
Second World War and as family of air
crew, we are invited to 617 Squadron
Association
commemorations.
Two are held each year, one in May
commemorating the raids on the
Ruhr dams and one in November
commemorating the raid on the German
battleship Tirpitz. The latter coincides
with Remembrance Sunday. The
commemorations include a dinner at
Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa which
is where the officers were housed during
the war.
My father was training in Canada
as part of the Commonwealth Air
Training Scheme when, following
the formation of the squadron in
March 1943, the famous bouncing
bombs, designed by Barnes Wallis,
were dropped on the Möhne, Eder
and Sorpe dams in the Ruhr valley
on 17 May. A bomb aimer, he
completed his training in England,
Lancaster bomber
his crew achieving such accuracy that
it was one of the few ever to join 617
Squadron without previous operational
experience. He afterwards said that his
first reaction was that they were joining
“that suicide squadron”!
After my father joined the squadron
it continued its specialist and precision
bombing roles particularly using the
Tallboy and Grand Slam groundpenetrating bombs, the main targets
of which were U-Boat pens, bridges
and canals. Dad flew 18 operations
with Tallboy bombs probably the most
notable being the attack on the Tirpitz,
a sister ship to the Bismark, which was
sheltering in Tromsø Fjord in Norway.
The attack involved Lancaster bombers
from 617 and 9 Squadrons and he
recalled that they flew from Lossiemouth
in the north of Scotland to Tromsø via
Sweden, the return journey taking 13
hours, and achieving a fuel consumption
of 1.1 miles per gallon. During the raid
one Tallboy suffered a “hang-up”, a delay
releasing from the aircraft, missing the
Tallboy bomb
ship and hitting an island making a 100
by 30 feet deep crater in the solid rock.
The Tallboy bombs weighing 10,000
lbs were also designed by Barnes Wallis
and were subsquently followed by his
Grand Slam bomb weighing 22,000 lbs.
On the Squadron’s second last raid of the
war Dad dropped a Grand Slam on the
naval guns in Heligoland in the North
Sea.
Subsequent to the Second World War
the Squadron flew Lincolns, Canberras,
Vulcans and currently flies Tornados.
It has seen service most recently in
Afghanistan.
Bruce Hebbard
Grand Slam bomb facts
Crater formed by Tallboy that missed
Grand Slam was fatter and longer
than the Tallboy and was manufactured by Vickers and Co at their
Sheffield and River Don works. It
was a deep penetration bomb 26.5
feet long by 6.5 feet in diameter. The
tail section measured 13.5 feet. It
had a total weight of 22,000 lb with
a warhead containing 9,135 lb of
Torpex explosive. Hot molten Torpex
was poured in the casing and allowed
to cool and set for a month.The nose
was manufactured from hardened
molybdenum steel, 7 inches thick to
give it sufficient strength to penetrate
deep into the ground before
exploding. After release the bombs
approached a speed of 320 m/s, close
to sonic velocity. A total of 42 were
dropped. The Tallboy cost about the
same as a Lancaster bomber and the
Grand Slam half as much again.
$#
Jack Edward Warren
30 July 1931 – 24 September 2012
J
ack Warren was born in Plimmerton
on 30 July 1931, the son of Hoani
Pikiwera Warren and Hazel Ngaru
Gunson. He was educated at Plimmerton
Primary and Wellington Technical
College.
He started his working life in 1951
as an apprentice refrigeration engineer
welder but a shift in interest saw him
take on an apprenticeship in carpentry
Tribute to Jack Warren
On 24 September 2012 Freemasonry
lost a well-loved and respected Brother
and Companion—Most Excellent
Companion Jack Warren, Past First
Grand Principal, Past District Grand
Master, 32° Rose Croix Mason. This
much respected and widely admired
Mason was farewelled at his home
Marae in Porirua surrounded by
Whanau and many Masonic friends.
At least 160 Masons stood when a
sprig of acacia was placed on his
casket. Approximately 850 persons
attended on the Marae.
Companion Jack lived a full life
and was known throughout New
Zealand as a kind, considerate man,
steeped in Maori history and wellversed in Masonic lore.
He was involved in many Masonic
activities and was always there to
help, as attested by many Lodges and
Chapters, offering advice and always
with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
He was at ease when talking with
an Entered Apprentice or strongly
debating Masonic issues with Grand
Masters.
Jack was a personal friend, a
Brother, and a Companion. His
influence will be sorely missed. The
Bryan Scott/Jack Warren era has
ended but the memories will live well
into the future.
Denise and family, thank you for
sharing Most Excellent Companion
Jack with us. Our thoughts and
prayers are with you.
MWBro Barry McLaggan,
Past Grand Master
$$
in 1957 ultimately becoming a selfemployed builder. From 1969 he spent a
decade as a Building Supervisor and in
1980 formed a partnership with his good
friend and Brother Mason, Brian Scott, a
partnership which continued until Brian
was no longer able to work.
Jack married Mata Hariata Rei on 7
October 1956 and started a family which
swelled to two sons, two daughters,
ten grandchildren and six great
grandchildren.
His Masonic career commenced with
his Initiation into Lodge Windsor No 377
in April of 1964, having been proposed
by Brian Scott and Bob Blair. He
progressed through the Chairs and was
installed as Master in 1977. This was not
to be the only time he sat in the Chair of
a Lodge, or other Masonic organization.
He received Grand Rank in 1993 rising
to the rank of Assistant Provincial
Grand Master and, later District Grand
Master, after the restructuring at the end
of the last century. Keenly interested
in Masonic education and knowledge,
he was also a member of the Research
Lodge of Wellington No 194.
In 1968 he was Advanced, Acknowledged and then Exalted into the
Brooklyn Royal Arch Chapter No 24,
and was Installed as its First Principal
in 1980. He was appointed Assistant
Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1985
and promoted in to Grand Director of
Ceremonies in 1987. In 1990 he was
appointed Grand Superintendent of the
Wellington District. Four years later he
was promoted to Second Grand Principal
and in 1997 was elected to the office of
First Grand Principal, as high as it is
possible to go in Royal Arch Masonry.
Jack was Perfected in the Hinemoa
Chapter No 276 of the Ancient and
Accepted Rite, becoming Most Wise
Sovereign in 1988. He was also a member
of the Harwood Chapter No 1062 and
the Aurora Chapter No 1057, serving as
Most Wise Sovereign of the latter in 1990.
He was rewarded for his contribution to
the Ancient and Accepted Rite in New
Zealand with higher degrees, ultimately
joining those of the 32° in the Order.
Continuing his Royal Arch interests
he joined the Russell Cryptic Council
in 1985, serving as Thrice Illustrious
Master in 1994.
He
often
commented
that
Freemasonry was his support following
the loss of his wife in 1993.
Always a contributor and leader in
the society in which he lived has was a
keen sportsman excelling in rugby, golf,
table tennis and dinghy sailing. He was
promoted to the rank of Sergeant in
while undertaking compulsory military
training in Waiouru and other camps and
he was Chairman of the Takapuwahia
Marae from 1971 to 1974 as well as being
strongly involved in the Hongoeka Marae.
For a number of years he exercised his
leadership as Patron of the Maori Brethren
Association, an organization which was
very dear to his heart. He often expressed
his great admiration of astute Maori
Brethren such as the late Worshipful
Brother Witemu Te Awe Awe and his team
who travelled to many Lodges undertaking
ceremonies for Maori Brethren. His
enthusiasm and love of Freemasonry was
shown in his performance of ritual with a
passion that few have surpassed. He was
a prolific visitor to Lodges and Chapters,
often accompanied by his long-time
partner, Denise.
He has left a legacy which we shall
remember for many years to come.
A singularly appropriate Maori saying
tells us:
Ki mai ki ahau, he aha te mea nui o
tenei Ao? maku e ki atu, he tangata, he
tangata, he tangata!
If you were to say to me “What is the
greatest thing in this World?” I would
say to you “it is people, it is people, it is
people!”
Jack Warren was one of those people.
Gary Kerkin with thanks to
Barry McLaggan and Bill McRoberts
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The 121st annual Royal Arch
Grand Convocation
www.royalarch.org.nz/ragc
On behalf of the Companions of the
Northern Division, and especially the
members of the Hauraki District, it is
my privilege and pleasure to invite
Ladies and Companions to the 2013
Grand Convocation on 1st—3rd March
2013 in the interesting City of Rotorua
when RE Companion Les Borrell PGH
will be installed as 1st Grand Principal
of NZ and the Grand Chapter Officers
Designate will be invested.
A very experienced committee
is working diligently to ensure the
Convocation is well organized and all
who attend are well catered for and
enjoy their sojourn in the Bay of Plenty.
We extend a very warm cordial welcome to our visitors from Australia and
wish you an enjoyable stay in New
Zealand.
A full programme of events are set
out at www.royalarch.org.nz/ragc
as well as a list of the Committee
members who will be available to
assist if required.
Jack Benfell, Grand Superintendent
$%
TALOFA LAVA
Profile of a new initiate
T
alofa lava and warm Pacific
Fraternal greetings to you all. My
name is Michael Alofa and my Samoan
High Chief title is ‘Mauga’ from the
village of Falealili. In Samoa there are
two types of Chiefs, a ‘High Chief ’ and
a ‘Talking Chief ’. But, if you’re anything
like me, married to a Palagi Kiwi Police
woman, I concede both Chief titles in my
household. Now age 44 years I was born
in Apia, Samoa. I come from a small
family, in Samoan terms, of six children.
In 1977 our parents, seeking a better
education and future for us all, moved
the family to New Zealand. Although
English was a difficult language to learn
I persevered, taking advantage of the
many courses that were available to
me through employers over the years.
Although I’ve come a long way, so my
wife tells me, the journey of personal
learning is an on-going one for me.
We lost our father in 1998 and our
wonderful mother in February 2010. I
still visit them both every week at our
local Waikumete Cemetery. Mum was a
strong lady, a pillar of our family when
dad died. Our only sister is a Catholic
Nun of 25 years, is currently stationed at
the Vatican.
I’m part of a police family having two
brothers in the Auckland Police and my
wife Kelly, a Detective of 14 years in
Waitemata. Kelly’s father also served in
the Police for almost 30 years and semiretired in 1999. So as you can see I’m
surrounded by the buggers!...hence I had
to get a different job.
We’re blessed with two beautiful
children, our daughter Isabella-Jane 5
years and son Gregory-James of 3 years.
Our children are named after our parents
as they have been special people in our
lives and we’re ever so grateful for all
their support. Our children provide us
with the positive energy and strong will
to attend work every day in doing what
we do, protecting and serving our community, including its children from bad
elements in our society.
I’ve been the Crime Prevention Project Leader for Auckland Council West
for the last five years. I’m the conduit
$&
between the Council and our local
Police. It is an operationally flexible role
with a strategic focus. I’m blessed with
the opportunity it affords me to influence
the decision making process towards
safety decisions for our communities.
As a believer in helping people
through community service and, as a
Marriage Celebrant for seven years, I
use this life opportunity to promote the
course. Prior to my Council role I was a
security specialist specialising in project
management and private investigation,
including protection of the rich and
famous in Auckland, followed by four
years in charge of surveillance detection
Alofa family
for the US Government Office based in
Auckland
I like to think that I’m an old fashion
traditionalist with strong family values
and, through our parents teaching with
their strong beliefs of respect, truth and
honour being their legacy.
Over the years I’ve heard many rumours and mis-information about the
Freemasonry. Some claimed Freemasons
were ‘devil worshipers, witch craft
believers or an anti-religious sect’. I feel
I was spiritually drawn to finding the
organisation….so my journey started
like this….just before Christmas 2011, on
a Saturday afternoon in West Auckland,
NEW INITIATES
James Sutherland
Joshua Taia
Lodge Titirangi Mt Albert No. 204
Scinde Lodge No. 5
Andrew Matheson
Lodge Titirangi Mt Albert No. 204
Leon Hobbs
The Caledonian Lodge No. 16
Angelino Panahon
Lodge Titirangi Mt Albert No. 204
Martin Godwin
The Caledonian Lodge No. 16
Rodelio Silvestre
Lodge Switzers No. 223
Galelio Chiu Jnr
Lodge Switzers No. 223
Guy Robieson
Danny Boon
Raymond McKenzie
Alfonso del Rosario
Briene Salosagcol
Daniel Eason
Joel Thompson
New Zealand Pacific No. 2
The Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge No. 23
Hercules Lodge No. 36
The Concord Lodge No. 39
Joseph Stewart
Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225
Mathew Todd
Lodge Waverley No. 226
The Belmont Albion Lodge No. 45
William Te Kira
Lodge Gisborne No. 233
The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47
Nicholas Topp
Lodge Doric Brighton No. 236
The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54
Brett Ward
Hokianga Lodge No. 69
John Abraham
Otangaki Lodge No. 70
Simon Reilly
Lodge Riccarton No. 276
Rhys Attwood
Lodge Tuakau No. 278
Joshua Grimmett
Lodge Kumeu No. 279
James Abbott
Lodge Arrow Kilwinning No. 86
Rodrigo Ballaminut
Richard Hutchens
Lodge Arrow Kilwinning No. 86
Valentin Bura
Herbert Teagle Lodge No. 300
Richard Price
Lodge Te Papa No. 316
Callum McNiel
The Eketahuna Lodge No. 92
Allan Campbell
The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98
George Swanepoel
Peter Bedborough
Jefferson Vasallo
Aaron Dyson
Andrew Marshall
Lodge Whangarei No. 102
The Havelock Lodge No. 104
Lodge Winton No. 108
Lodge Manuherikia Kilwinning No. 109
The Waitohi Lodge No. 111
Lower Hutt Lodge No. 299
Efmil San Gabriel
Harmony Lodge No. 325
Roger Smith
Harmony Lodge No. 325
Nigel Head
Ngatiawa-Russell Lodge No. 345
Stephen Mycroft
Browns Bay Lodge No. 346
Thomas Walker
Browns Bay Lodge No. 346
Brian Foord
Lodge Albany No. 404
Robert Green
Lodge Torea No. 121
Andre Prassinos
Lodge Arawa No. 406
Rana Phillips
Lodge Torea No. 121
Michael Brown
Lodge Te Atatu No. 414
Renalto Catalan
James Pullan
Shannon Marshall
Andrew Winter
Pilardo Non
Warwick Dalbeth
The Coronation Lodge No. 127
The Crown Lodge No. 138
Gareth Green
Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426
Richard Wickens
Lodge Hatea No 431
Lodge Ahurewa No. 181
Leslie Eldridge
Lodge Waikanae No. 433
Lodge North Harbour No. 182
James Lindsay
Stokes Valley Lodge No. 460
Lodge Clinton No. 183
The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185
Marlon Lalas
The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468
Bruce Riach
The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468
Larry Puputi
Lodge Waihopai No. 189
Owen Harris
Benedict Daleon
Lodge Waihopai No. 189
Crezylti Ocon
Lodge Arowhenua No. 473
Ariel Ocon
Lodge Arowhenua No. 473
Andrew Bryenton
Pono Lodge No. 203
I was driving along Great North Road
when my mobile phone rang, a call I had
to take. I pulled over by taking the next
side road. After taking the 30 minute call
I discovered, unbeknown to me, I had
stopped directly outside the Waitakerei
Lodge Rooms. There, mounted at front
of the building, was a notice board
that included an after hour number
for queries. After several minutes of
hesitation the curiosity took the better
of me and I plucked up enough courage
to call the number. I, thus, spoke to my
(later) Proposer, Jack Morris. Having
been in the curiosity industry for many
years I could sense that Jack was sounding
me out at the other end of the of the
phone. He told me to enjoy Christmas
and that he would be in touch early in
2012. Jack phoned in January and I was
subjected to three lots of interviews with
more members each time and, finally,
was initiated in May 2012. I’m looking
forward to my life long journey with the
organisation and my fellow Brethren.
A special acknowledgement to
all those from across Auckland who
attended my initiation…what a daunting
moment that was for me, but I did trust
and obeyed the team. It was a pleasure
subsequently meeting the Grand Master,
Selwyn, and Jan Cooper at the Longest
Morning Tea.
I proudly acknowledge the wonderful guidance which has led me to
the Freemasonry. Thank you Lodge
Lodge Waitomo No. 469
Waitakerei No.170, WBros Ray Wilson
and Jack Morris and the rest of the
Brethren for their warm welcome in
making me feel part of the family.
I believe I’ve finally found my life time
calling in an honourable organisation
I had been seeking for some time. This
will be proud gift for me to hand down to
my son in years to come. I truly believe it
was the guidance of the Supreme Being
and my late mother that I’ve become the
first Freemason in our family’s history.
O le tele o sulu e maua ai faigota,
ae mama se avega pe a ta amo fa’atasi
(My strength does not come from me
alone but from many)…an old Samoan
proverb.
Magua Michael Alofa
$'
The Back Page
Chairman installs Chairman in Chair
On 16th October the Chairman of the National Communications Committee, Past District Grand Master VWBro Duane
Williams MBE, had the pleasure
of installing WBro George
Allan, Past Grand Tyler and
Chairman of the National Education Committee, into the chair
of Hutt Valley Lodge No. 176.
Masonic gastronomy
Where in the world can you feed four Freemasons and two
wives a top class steak and chip meal with wine or beer for $15
a head plus place the order at midnight? The answer of course is
Buenos Aires, Argentina. The idea to visit Chile and Argentina
originated with some of the members of Lodge Mana earlier
this year and by the end of August they had tickets booked and
accommodation arranged, more importantly though we were
also in contact with the Grand Lodges of both countries. Their
two-week tour of these Latin American countries included
meetings with the local Freemasons and attendance at local
Lodge meetings albeit in
Spanish. A full article will be
in the next issue. Meanwhile,
back to the picture on
page 2. Is this the Grand
Secretary recovering from
the night before by choosing
companions who have no
ability to proffer comments?
Media stars
Otago-Southland Freemasons, John Steele, Alistair Cowan and
Les Brenssell starred on both the front and second pages of the
October 3rd issue of the Central Otago Mirror. For the full story
see page 34.
Brief Mention
The Back Page concept is not new. The New Zealand Craftsman
of February 16 1893 contains a Brief Mention section. From
time to time we will reprint extracts from it. This magazine,
published monthly, comprised 170 pages. From that issue:
The Grand Superintendent’s expenses for the past financial year reach
nearly  pounds per week. Of this nearly half has been absorbed by the
District of Wellington.
A Master in Nova Scotia was suspended by the Grand Lodge for
initiating a man who had lost his left arm. Poor fellow! The candidate
we mean.
Application will shortly be made for a Warrant to open a new Lodge
at Ellerslie, Auckland. In our opinion there are too many Lodges in
New Zealand already.
It is sad and discouraging to see the sere and yellow Past Masters
oftentimes rewarded with high office, whilst hardworking energetic
occupants of the dais, ready to go anywhere and do anything, are often
passed over.
$(
SERVICE AWARDS
70 YEARS
RWBro Herbert Athol Thorpe PGW
Bro Ronald Gilbertson MM
WBro James Owen Young PM
Lodge Tawhiri No. 166
Lodge Moutoa No. 195
The Lodge of Remembrance No. 318
60 YEARS
WBro Peter Klue PM
WBro John Raymond Stewart PM
WBro Ronald John Bingham PM RH
WBro George Miller PM
Bro John Hamish Roake MM
Bro John Booth Livingstone MM
WBro Robert Hewitt Fletcher PM
WBro John Charles Nicholson PM
WBro Harry Tennant Baron PM
WBro William Frank Wright Tucker PM
Bro Ian Richard Kaywood MM
Bro John Robert Paisley MM
Lodge Rangitikei No. 38
The Concord Lodge No. 39
Ikaroa Lodge No. 115
Hinemoa-Kairangi Lodge No. 122
The Tauranga Lodge No. 125
Lodge Tawhiri No. 166
Onehunga Maungawhao Lodge No. 168
Roslyn Morning Star No. 192
Taia-Raukawa Lodge No. 229
Lodge Haeata No. 272
Lodge Homewood No. 447
The United Lodge of Otago No. 448
50 YEARS
WBro Peter James Lillico PM
WBro Mervyn Sydney Pryor PG Std B
Bro Russell Hamilton Blakeman MM
Bro Robert Joseph McMiken MM
WBro Lawrence Thomas Kennett PM
Bro David Raymond Morgan MM
WBro Graham Clive Ellery PGBB
WBro Stephen Winstone C Wallace PM
WBro Neville Louis Wahrlich PM
WBro Edward James Manson PG Swd B RH
WBro George Barclay Hall PGIG
VWBro Frank Charles Andrew PG Lec
Bro Allan Gilbert Burns MM
Bro Harold Leslie Lancaster MM
VWBro Robert Neil Hind P Dist GM
WBro Brian Hauauru Jones PM
WBro Alan Millar Parker PM
WBro Raymond Alexander Wylie PGS
WBro George Henry Bragg PM
Bro Maxwell William Lawson-Smith MM
WBro Leslie Stalker Allan PM
RWBro Ian Leonard Crawshaw P Prov GM
WBro Mervyn Frederick Jones PM
WBro Donald James Johnston PGBB
WBro Colin William Young P Asst GDC
WBro Donald Barrie Gibson PM
WBro Alan Stanley Watkins PM
WBro Harry Hulmes PM
WBro Norman Albert Freeman PM
WBro Lyle Athol Harold Smith PM
WBro John Trevor Bickers PM
VWBro Joseph Ronald Potter P Asst Prov GM
WBro Lex William Donaldson PM
WBro Terence Robert Putt PM
MWBro John Michael Pope PGM
New Zealand Pacific No. 2
Scinde Lodge No. 5
The Sir Walter Scott Lodge No. 15
The Franklin Lodge No. 58
The Ngapara Lodge No. 68
Hokianga Lodge No. 69
The Heretaunga Lodge No. 73
Lodge Arrow Kilwinning No. 86
The Mount Ida Lodge No. 97
The Mount Ida Lodge No. 97
The Mount Ida Lodge No. 97
The Waipa Lodge No. 119
Hikurangi Lodge No. 140
Teviot Lodge No. 148
Lodge Waikaremoana No. 158
Nau Mai Lodge No. 177
Lodge North Harbour No. 182
Roslyn Morning Star No. 192
Lodge Doric Brighton No. 236
United Forces Lodge No. 245
Lodge Tawera-O-Kapiti No. 253
Lodge Kaikohe No. 255
Harmony Lodge No. 325
Ngatiawa-Russell Lodge No. 345
Lodge Mana No. 352
Lodge Frimley No. 359
Lodge Rangitane No. 369
Lodge Kerikeri No. 402
The Gate Pa Lodge No. 407
The Gate Pa Lodge No. 407
The Pakuranga Lodge No. 416
Lodge Hatea No. 431
The United Lodge of Otago No. 448
Geyserland Daylight Lodge No. 462
New Zealand Pacific No. 2
$)
Commodores Lodge
The Strand, Russell, Bay of Islands
www.commodoreslodgemotel.co.nz 09 403 7899
C
ommodores Lodge is situated on Russell’s
picturesque waterfront. We are within
walking distance of licensed restaurants and
many popular tourist attractions. We offer
fully self-contained, spacious, luxury studios
opening onto a sub-tropical garden, or stay
in one of our waterfront studios. For your
relaxation we provide a swimming pool, a
children’s pool, a spa and a barbecue. There
is also access to the tennis court, kayaks and
bicycles which are all complimentary.
~ Your hosts, Bill and Pat Noble
%+