new zealand

freemasonwww.freemasons.co.nz Issue 1 (Vol.40) march 2012

30 yearsof medicalresearchfor the good

of others

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ii

From the Editorial CommitteeA Personal JourneySince taking on the Editor’s role I have enjoyed the privilege of making contact with a large and diverse range of interesting Freemasons. I have discovered that, behind many long service awards, there often lie quite remarkable life stories and stories of their Lodges.

A linked group of stories in this issue, entitled Mackenzie Tales, began with an invitation to follow up on the 70 year Service Award to former Albury farmer, WBro Jim France, and led to a journey of personal reconnection and discovery. Having spent my early days in Albury I found myself communicating with Freemasons with whom I had shared early childhood experiences. There was an even greater discovery, which enabled me to join some of the dots in my own late father’s Masonic history.

My father, WBro GA [Arthur] Robertson was Master of Lodge Waikaka No.151 in 1936/37. Shortly after his Master’s year he moved to Rangiora and, in 1941, to Timaru where he joined Caledonian Lodge No. 16 in May 1943. In 1947, having been appointed Headmaster of Albury School, he joined Mackenzie Lodge and remained a member until his death in August 1971. Although he lived in Ashburton for the last 20 years of his life, where he was Headmaster of Allenton School, I have not yet been able to find any record of his Lodge membership there. My father was of an age when Lodge activities were kept secret from family and friends. Thus, I had no cause to enquire and, to my regret, I did not discover Freemasonry until I was almost sixty.

Morris Robertson, Editor

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.

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Layout by Matthew Bartlett, WellingtonPrinted by k&mprint Palmerston North

Copyright © 2012 Freemasons NZ

Contents Editorial

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Cover: The contribution by Freemasons to medical science in New Zealand has grown substantially over the last 30 years. In November last year a new accord was signed with the University of Auckland for that contribution to continue into the future. A booklet produced to mark the partnership is enclosed with your copy of NZ Freemason.PHOTO – AUCKLANd UNIvERSITy. PICTUREd CASSANdRA BUTLER

Editorial 1

Grand Master – Renewing the Legacy 2

Hot News 3

OpiNiON I’m a digital Freemason 4

News Clips 6

COvER FEAtuRECommitment to Medical Research at Heart 10

of New University Accord

FEAtuRESSchool Report: Try the Feijoa Crumble 14

Mackenzie Tales 15

Playing on the Road to Recovery 18

Freemasonry with a difference 20

The Speedy Boys reach their diamond year 22

in Freemasonry

Scholars continue to Achieve 23

When the Heavenly Angels Sang 24

Installation 101 26

Officer Sandy: Just Another Wonder Worker 28

Geo Technical Events Garner Generosity 29

The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon 30

Service Awards 32

Neo Natal Knitters Knit on 33

Royal Arch 34

Roskill Foundation 36

Grand Master

Renewing the Legacy

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ANNuAL CALENDAR OF EvENtS — 2012

Date Lodge Location/District Purpose

March 9–11 Supreme Grand RA Chapter of New Zealand Wellington Annual Convocation (RWBro GA Reid,

JGW, to attend in GM’s stead)

March 22–25 United Grand Lodge of victoria Melbourne Grand Installation

March 31 Lodge Omarunui No. 216 Napier 17 Installation Meeting

April 20–23 Grand Lodge of South Australia & NT Adelaide Grand Installation

May 5 Lodge Whangamomona No. 234 Inglewood 14 Musical Third degree

May 26 Lodge Waihopai No. 189 Invercargill 33 Centennial Celebrations

At this stage no GM’s visits have been scheduled after 26 May.

When speaking at the function

held last November to mark 30 years of association between Freemasons and the University of Auckland I was able to reflect on what that association really means to us as Freemasons. I spoke of caring for the

needy, the aged and the children in our communities and how much this caring had been advanced by our support for medical research.

I draw your attention to the main feature article in this issue and to the booklet For the Good of Others mailed with this magazine. These convey the relationship with Auckland and, indeed, our other universities. The one off gift of $100,000 towards the Ophthalmology work of Professor Charles McGhee to celebrate this association strengthens the value of support in the area of gerontology research and helps to overcome some of those aspects of health and the independence of the aged that become debilitating as we grow older.

The manner in which Freemasons got behind the “Centennial Project” and reached their financial goal of $1 million

within two years of its launch in 1981 is a reminder of what can be done. I am not sure that we have the same level of enthusiasm today and it is as if there is an attitude of “someone else will do it”. Where are our key drivers to move things along?

How many of our Brethren reach out beyond the confines of their Lodge room and embrace all that Freemasonry can offer and do in the wider community? How many of our longer serving Brethren assist newer members, who are often very experienced business or professional men, to gain an understanding of what Freemasonry can do for the citizens of our country? We should be encouraging our Brethren, old and new, to become committed in the way our predecessors were and not rest on the laurels of their legacy. It must remain part of our tradition to add to the solid structure we have inherited and thus leave Freemasonry in a more secure position for the generations to follow.

The involvement of Lodges in projects within their respective communities will ensure a higher level of community awareness and perhaps attract enquiries for membership by those aspiring to follow the principles of our organisation. Key long-term community relationships, involving positive support, are a matter we need to focus on. This doesn’t mean

we ignore other areas where support can be given, but Freemasons cannot be all things to all entities within our communities and there are aspects of prioritising value for money spent and the positive feed back that can be generated.

Many of our Lodges have reached their centennial year, which encourages a search of dusty records by the Brother assigned to write the centennial history. Often the minutes of the Lodge are the only records from which to draw the early history. But, these are the records of the business not the personal stories behind the Brethren who established and grew their Lodges. As with other recent issues the opportunity has been taken to research and draw out the personal stories behind several of our long serving Brethren. I encourage all Lodges to continue to record, in writing and pictures, the stories of their Lodges and their people and, thus, provide a catalyst for future historians.

The Opinion piece, entitled I’m a Digital Freemason, written by Karaitiana Taiuru, delves into a world where many Freemasons fear to go. Who imagined, just 15 years ago, when the Internet came over the horizon, that men in 2012 would be spending their days sitting at a keyboard?

Selwyn CooperGrand Master

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Raffle Brings Results A final burst of ticket sales at Auckland’s Viaduct Basin Food Festival brought the total raised for the Freemasons South Auckland Hospice Charitable Trust to $117,000. The winners of the fully rigged Haines Hunter SF600 Sport Fisherman boat and accessories were Barry and Shirley Rumble of Tuakau.

Divisional ConferencesFun, Educational, Social, Constitutional … and for every Freemason! Southern Division 11–12 May 2012 in Methven; Central Division 19 May in New Plymouth; Northern Division 26 May in Auckland. Get every enthusiastic and interested Freemason along e.g. Lodge Delegates take at least three others by car pooling, have your Lodge organise a bus for members and partners, make it an overnighter and extend the social aspects

of the Conference. Full details and registration available through each Division.

Southern CentennialBrethren of Lodge Wai-hopai are plan ning their Centennial Celebrations on the weekend of 25–27 May

Hot News

Masonic Research Conference 2012

Thursday 15 November to Sunday 18 November, Brooklyn Masonic Centre, 383–401 Ohiro Road, Wellington.

Every two years, the Australian and New Zealand Masonic Research Council holds a conference, at which speakers give presentations of the results of their recent research. This year the conference is being hosted by the Research Lodge of Wellington, which will also be cele brating its cen tenary. The ANZMRC (www.anzmrc.org) is a voluntary association of Research Lodges from Australia and New Zealand. As well as the conferences, the ANZMRC sponsor lecture tours, the most recent being that of Rodney Grosskopff from South Africa in 2011. Past lecturers have included internationally famous Masonic researchers John Hamill, Cyril Batham, Neville Barker Cryer, Wallace McLeod, Yasha Beresiner, Robert Cooper and James Daniel. In additional the ANZMRC is sponsoring a Masonic Digital Library to make available presentations given in research lodges, and other material of interest to members of Masonic research organi sations. Regi stra tion forms for the 2012 Con fer ence are being sent out to Lodges. Enquiries should be sent to Keith Knox, secretary of the Research Lodge of Wellington (keith.gillknox@xtra.co.nz) If you are thinking of attending, send him an email.

Southland Masonic Centre

2012. Arrangements are well in hand for the event to be celebrated at the iconic Southland Masonic Centre, Forth Street Invercargill.

Friday 25, 7 pm Mix and mingle.Saturday 26, 5.30pm Centennial Lodge Meeting in the presence of the Grand Master. 7-30pm Centennial Banquet.Sunday 27, Church Parade First Presby-terian Church, Tay Street Invercargill. Farewell Luncheon to follow.

Apply for registration to: WBro AT Gurney, 1A Lithgow Street, Invercargill 9810. Phone: (03) 217-7661, E-mail: alan.g@woosh.co.nz

Education AppointmentWBro George Allan, Past Grand Tyler, has been ap pointed to head the National Edu cation Com mittee. He is a Senior Lecturer at the Victoria University School of Engineering and Computer Science. He has had extensive experience in industry and universities in UK, USA, South Africa and China. He is a member of Hutt Valley Lodge No.176 and The Research Lodge of Wellington.

Barry and Shirley Rumble receive the keys to their new boat from Lionel Sands of Moller Moyes, watched by Past Grand Master and raffle organiser, Ian Ross.

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I’m a Digital FreemasonOpiniOn

I first wrote on this subject in 2008 as I was astonished at the apparent lack of

technology Freemasons in New Zealand were utilising to attract and retain new members and to highlight how Generation X, Y and the younger digital natives utilise and rely on the web. This is a revised edition of my 2008 material as many of my concerns and predictions have either already happened or, in my opinion, technology has created a whole new set of issues for Freemasonry.

In 2008, in my home office, I visited a Masonic Lodge in the virtual reality world of Second Life, which is frequented by millions. The Lodge is called “SL Masonic Lodge No.1”. It was opened on 13 October 2006. I entered by the West and sat in the South. There was no Lodge meeting and I didn’t have enough time to stay. I had a look at the usual pictures one would expect to find in a Lodge and then I left. Brother William F. Lott discusses world implications and promotional benefits of Second Life to Freemasonry in his paper (www.yorkrite.org/papers/SecondLife.pdf ).

Back to the present in 2012I have just communicated with several hundred brethren from all around the world with the latest technology that has over 750 million users – Facebook (www.facebook.com). Other digital Masons such as myself gather in Facebook to network. Many create groups of like-minded brethren to support each other in online games, support networks and almost anything you can think of. I personally play an online team game with about 200 other Masons from around the world.

Many Lodges around the world have their own Lodge cyber property on Facebook with photos of their Lodge rooms, members and a calendar of events. It is a great publicity tool for Freemasonry and assists people like myself, who travel the world, to quickly get in touch with other brethren, or simply to satisfy a curious mind as to what other Lodges and their regalia in other parts of the world look like.

I have an international professional network of about 600 brethren who share professional advice, job opportunities and other general discourse. I have only physically met a few of these brethren, but I have access to their full resumes and employment history, as they do mine. We utilise the world’s largest professional networking utility called LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) which has over 116 million users.

Like most others in my generation, I have no need for paper maps which quickly become obsolete with the myriad of new sub-divisions and now, in Christchurch, the quickly disappearing city. I utilise Google Maps on both my computer and my phone as a GPS system. Most organisations and businesses list their physical address on Google maps so people can find them. I can search any address in the world and even view a photo of the building. I also use Four Square (www.foursquare.com), a GPS system used by hundreds of millions worldwide, which finds my location and lets me know what is close by.

New Zealand Masonic Lodges are largely not listed in either Google online maps or Four Square, thus giving the

impression that there are only a handful of Lodges in New Zealand.

Calendars and meetings are collaboratively compiled via the Internet on services such as Google Calendar where multiple people can maintain and add dates to a calendar (www.google.com/calendar). In turn, a calendar or multiple calendars can be viewed anywhere in the world, downloaded and synchronised with desktop computers, cell phones, and even printed out. When people of my generation are forced to download calendars that cannot be synchronised with our personal devices there is a great chance that we will miss meetings.

I live in a digital world where I expect my cell phone to tell me I am near a Masonic Lodge that is going to meet within the next 24 hours, just as many other events in my life automatically appear on my phone to remind me or invite me to an event.

In December 2008 a research paper on Internet trends and how it affects society was published in America. I read it within two hours of it being published. One of the main points which is increasingly becoming true now is:

The mobile device will be the primary ��connection tool to the Internet for most people in the world in 2020.

A Unicef report released in 2009 states:

The State of the World’s Children, ��rates New Zealand’s 15 to 24-year-olds among the best-connected with cell phones and the internet.Research suggests cell phones and the ��Internet could be replacing cigarettes in popularity as the social mechanisms among young people.Kiwi users were more willing to try ��new things with their cellphones, and young people often led the way.

Recently I heard a member of Grand Lodge state that, as Freemasons, we need to be proud of the fact that we are Freemasons and advertise it and talk about it. I agree, and in previous generations, such promotion was in a physical world where people and groups physically met and enjoyed social interactions. Today, we have much of that same social interaction via the Internet. KT at work.

4

`

Bro Karaitiana Taiuru (KT)Karaitiana was born and raised in Canterbury in the mid 1970’s, where he still resides as a widower with his four children and young grandson. He has travelled a lot of the world and experienced good and bad cultures, which have given him more of an appreciation for New Zealand.

He joined Freemasonry in 2009 and is currently Junior Warden in his mother lodge “The Lincoln Lodge No 33”. Here he enjoys the country lodge environment and the years of Masonic knowledge and advice which mentors his pathway.

When time allows KT is often seen mountain biking in the hills and forests with his music collection in his pocket. Increasingly, he is on the golf course learning to play. He is also an avid reader of history and Masonic subjects.

Professionally, Karaitiana has worked in the Infor mation Tech-nology industry for over 16 years, of which the past 13 years have been in the Web industry where he is well published and has worked in various senior positions such as web manager, project managing a multi-million dollar project, web governance as a New Zealand representative and was Chairman of several bodies of the world’s governing body ICANN. He was also a New Zea-land repre sen ta tive with the Uni ted Nations Infor-ma tion Develop-ment Program in the Pacific Islands.

Bro Karaitiana Taiuru, Master Mason

I keep hearing that Freemasons in New Zealand had membership promotion wrong for a whole generation. Sadly, throughout this debate, I have never heard the suggestion that we should create a Think Tank of younger and newer members, the stake holders of our future, to discuss membership, building ideas and our fraternal public image.

But you can find anything about Freemasonry on the Internet?There is a lot of information on the Internet about Freemasonry including ritual and secrets. Some of it is true and some not. It is typical for organisations in the world to deploy strategies to ensure that defamatory information and any other information that should not be found, is difficult to find, easily discredited or made obsolete.

The longer we wait, the longer our fraternity remains vulnerable on the Internet to fraud, scare mongering, conspiracy and, worse still, other organisations claiming to be Freemasons and distributing propaganda. Such a statement may seem bizarre, but such behaviour does occur.

How the web can help our membership issues and image?The web can be used to enhance membership, control our identity and enable more connections and relationships amongst brethren. There is no need to disclose more than has traditionally been disclosed.

However, I assure readers that I am

not a digital native who solely relies on everything online. I am a generation X’er who relies on most things to be online and electronic. Nevertheless I enjoy the anonymity and experiences of physical meetings and of going to a Lodge room where there is no web and the use of a cell phone is prohibited. I do not want to have virtual Masonic meetings as I have enough virtual business meetings each day.

The Masons I meet online become close friends and acquaintances; we form new physical connections and visit each other’s lodges. Likewise, often meeting a new Mason at Lodge is followed up online which creates a stronger bond. We need to enhance this fraternal bonding within our own membership by creating more of an online presence for each Lodge.

I recommend the following which could have an impact on web searches on Freemasonry in New Zealand:

Each Lodge has its own web site with, ��at least, contact details A Facebook Page��Each Lodge registered on Google ��Maps and Four SquareA national YouTube channel that any ��Lodge could contribute videos to.A national calendar of Masonic events ��and meetings that can be viewed by district.

This could push New Zealand Free-masonry into the 21st Century with very little work and without pushing older members beyond their comfort zone. I recognise that there are many Lodges that do not want a web site or do not have the skills to update a site. These lodges could use a template service provided by Freemasons NZ. At the national level,

KT keeping fit in the Port Hills above Lyttleton Harbour.

The complete paper is available to print or download from www.taiuru.co.nz/publicationslib/freemason.pdf

a simple web could convey news, videos and social media automatically creating a self-updating news portal. Letting users subscribe to the site and receive automated updates would raise a national profile of Freemasonry.

Bro Karaitiana TaiuruJunior Warden, The Lincoln

Lodge No 33, Canterbury5

News Clips

Lodge of the past inspires the Future

towards his civil engineering degree at Auckland University. He was named the current Orakei Scholar, and declared himself “over the moon” at being chosen for the $6,000 award. He was moreover “honoured … humbled … overwhelmed”, he said in letters of thanks.

And so the day came when VWBro Warren Howard, chairman of the scholarship committee, and his wife Judith arrived from Auckland to present the scholarship in a ceremony at Spotswood College. Mr Howard saw “a leader of the future” in Mathew who gave the assurance that this “investment in my

education will pay off ”. He thanked Mr and Mrs Howard for their special journey to confer this honour.

The scholarship carries on “the name and intentions” of Lodge Orakei which had John Allum – later Sir John, Mayor of Auckland and father of the Harbour Bridge – as an original principal officer. Mathew, the Orakei Scholar, has been involved in bridge design on a much smaller scale as part of his summer work experience. A strong believer in the power of engineering, he sees the scholarship as providing a vital span in his own future.

Jack Leigh

Lakeside Ramble

brethren talking to the public – what a positive image for locals to see, and what a great cause to support”.

The Diabetes NZ Taupō team also turned out on the day in force, putting up an information stand and giving each walker (and a few runners) a ‘Stay Sweet As’ sticker, giving the event a real community feel.

The event was listed on a number of web sites, in the local papers and got extensive radio coverage in the week leading up to the event. The Master of Lodge Kaimanawa, Gordon Stevenson, said “The publicity has been a real positive for Freemasonry in Taupō, and surrounding districts. Diabetes is a major health issue for New Zealanders and its events like these were Freemasonry can make a real long term impact”.

Stephen Spargo

Another typical chilly Taupō night set the scene for the first of the “Live Life Lighter Fun Walks” to be held next to the Great Lake. Around one hundred locals turned out and walked the picturesque Lions walk, beginning at the Two Mile Bay boat ramp and following the lakeshore south before returning back to the car park.

Raising money for a great cause (Diabetes NZ Taupō and Diabetes Awareness Week) the walk gave Taupō Freemasons a chance to organise an event that brethren of all ages could help with, doing jobs ranging from distributing posters around town, marshalling at the walk to uploading photos to the Taupō Live Life Lighter Facebook page. Event coordinator Stephen Spargo said, “it was great to see almost the whole Lodge involved on the day, I enjoyed seeing the

The spirit of a Lodge past is reaching bravely into the future. Orakei No.270 was put to rest in the year 2000 after 76 years’ labour. But thanks to benefactors like Oliver Needham it left surplus funds, which became the Auckland Masonic Educational Foundation, which in 2009 begat the Freemasons Orakei Scholarship. A stairway to higher studies was thus set for outstanding students.

Now meet Mathew Dickey of New Plymouth, former head boy of Spotswood College, a New Zealand Under-21 show jumping champion and captain of the national junior team, who is well advanced

Participants gather on a chilly Taupo morning.

Needles Click for Tiny Babies

Great balls of wool! Knitters are click-click-clicking to the neat idea of little woollies for premature babies. And as the Masonic plan warms up, nation-wide figures mentioned are around 10,500 garments produced so far from some 400 wives, widows and well-wishers of whatever gender. Eleven boxes of prem-baby sized garments were presented to Waikato Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit on January 23. Four other such units in the Auckland area – Auckland, Waitakere, North Shore and Middlemore – were similarly supplied in February, the presentation being made at a special morning tea in the Auckland Masonic Centre, Khyber Pass Rd. The project is led by Jan Cooper, wife of the Grand Master, with the assistance of Robyn Stephen, and is being coordinated by Charity Administrator, Sheila Hicking, in Wellington.

The yarn grows ever longer, as more and more people knit together for a worthy cause.

Jack Leigh

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number of jobs with the goal to raise the $5,000 needed for the exchange. Joseph had reached the halfway mark through determination but the goal looked a long way off. United Horowhenua Lodge was made aware of the challenges and, through the close association with the Frank

Bryce Masonic Trust and the Wellington and District Masonic Youth Trust, Freemasonry was able to provide the sponsorship needed to enable this deter mined stu dent to con tinue on a path to realise his child hood dream.

At the recent Waiopehu College, Levin, Year 11 prize giving Joseph Holland was left speechless as it was announced he had been selected to receive a Freemasons donation in excess of $2000 towards his studies in Year 12.

He has been studying Japanese since Intermediate School with a view to working and teaching in Japan. Joseph had hoped that he could take part in a Japanese cultural exchange being arranged by Waiopehu College for February. He had been working hard, not only at college, but also in his free time committed to a

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Cruise Control

Freemasons who have travelled on cruise ships will know that most have a “get together” of Freemasons. The recent cruise on the Norwegian ship, MS Boudicca, was no exception and the cocktail party of brethren and their ladies, together with the Captain of the vessel Tom Hansen was most enjoyable. The cruise director, Bro John Butt of the English constitution Lodge Diligence No.5954, arranged the cocktail party, which was attended by 15 brethren, 13 of whom were members of English Constitution Lodges and two New Zealand brethren, WBro Charles Pettit

Singing for their Scanner

and Bro Frank Pettit of Lodge Mount Maunganui No. 376.

Charles Pettit was the acting President at the party and it was the first time a New Zealander has chaired a “get together” of Freemasons on any of the Fred Olsen Cruise liners. After all expenses were paid 136 British pounds (about NZ$280) was donated to the UK Freemasons Samaritans Fund – a bit like The Freemasons Charity in this country. The photograph shows the 15 brethren and their ladies together with the Captain shortly after sailing from Malta on 19 November 2011.

Eoin dryden, Chairman of The Midland Masonic Charitable Trust, presenting the Freemasons cheque to the MRI Project Manager, Mrs Stacey Scott.

Japan Bound

Joseph Holland

Traditionally, the Midland Masonic Choir has presented an annual concert with the proceeds donated to a local charity. Last year, the decided to make their contribution to the Timaru District Health Board appeal for the installation of an MRI scanner at a proposed cost of $2,700,000. Provision of this unit would avoid the need for local residents to make a four hour return drive to Christchurch, under frequently uncomfortable conditions.

Having decided to support this appeal, the Choir members approached the Midland Masonic Trust for financial support and, with their expertise and assistance, were able to raise $20,000. This amount, together with the $1,600 raised by the concert, resulted in an enthused patron making a personal donation of $500 on the evening of the concert. The fund was further supported by The Freemasons Charity bringing the total contribution to $43,100. That was not the end as the Midland Masonic Ladies Friendship Circle also involved themselves in this appeal by making the supreme effort of donating $4,000 in their own name.

Thus, the Midland Freemasons, and their ladies, have been responsible for the contribution of $47,100 towards this most necessary medical instrument for the South Canterbury area. Many Brethren who are also members of other local organisations remain involved in the appeal. By Christmas 75% of the 2.7 million target had been reached.

VWBro Eoin Dryden

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Aranui High School student Caleb Tawa is a grateful recipient of the Hugh McDougall Rankin Trust scholarship. Caleb was the top Science student studying Level 3 Biology, Physics and Chemistry at Aranui High School, located in the shaky eastern suburbs of Christchurch. He intends to use the scholarship to study Chemistry at Canterbury University. In addition to his love of science, Caleb is also a gifted artist and musician. His scholarship cheque was presented at the school prize giving last December.

News Clips

Weatherproofing the Scouts

“Lodge Selwyn, a living Lodge” was the title of a paper written by Stuart Raines and published in the transactions of United Masters Lodge No.167 many years ago. The Lodge was founded in 1924. Meetings from that date until now took place at No.10 Hanene Street in St. Heliers, Auckland. The original building was the discarded Parnell Library acquired from the Auckland City Council at public auction for the sum of $100. Transporting it to St. Heliers and establishing it on its present site was not a simple task. In the years since, the building had two major additions and

internal modifications. In 1964, a half share was sold to Lodge Tamaki No.328.

Finally, after 87 years, spiraling costs and falling memberships caught up with us. Following extensive discussions and consultation, in September 2011 we heavy-heartedly decided to sell our beloved building in order to secure the future for the Lodge. This was successful and Lodge Selwyn is in the process of moving to the Ellerslie Masonic Centre. There, we are confident to continue our workings in a positive spirit, full of expectations for the near future. Past history need not be forgotten nor memories be pushed

Scholarship Success

Caleb Tawa

Scouts’ tent

From funds raised at The 2011 Longest Morning Tea United Horowhenua Lodge, Levin, was able to fund half the cost of a new tent for the St Mary’s scout troop.

On a cool, but not quite raining, day last October, the tent was handed over at the Scouts permanent campsite near Linton. The tent, which, came with

aside. A true Lodge is more than “bricks and mortar”, but rather that of a spiritual nature which I hope all the members will come to realise.

Lodge Selwyn always had a unique harmony and sense of friendship. We enjoy the challenge of good discussions and our ritual work is never compromised, is clearly defined and it represents our “main structure”. Thus, we must strive to continue our journeys from West to East in search of the Eternal Light, in Lodge as well as in life.

Hans E. Kracke

a sewn in floor, is made from a heavy weight material, designed to last. Having three rooms it can be used to sleep up to nine scouts in comfort Alternatively, the two rear rooms can be used for sleeping and the front room for cooking or other recreational uses. The scouts were thrilled with their acquisition.

More than Bricks and Mortar Brethren of Selwyn Lodge.

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New travel Award Makes its Mark

Linwood’s Loss

Tony Ryan

In an interview with The Press he said that he was sad to leave and would miss the school’s character, its richness and its diversity of cultures.

However, continued frustration and indecision over the Ryans white-zoned Redcliffs home, which they had not lived in since the February earthquake, has caused him and wife Ursula to rethink their future. Tony said he was not ready to retire and was considering options, including moving to Kenya to work at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, which is headed by former Linwood College principal Rob Burrough. He was also considering jobs in Britain and Europe.

Tony was appointed Head of Music in 1979 when the orchestra had about

30 members. He has built it up to over 70. “Students come here with low expectations of themselves but we have high expectations of them and they live up to our expectations,” he said.

We thank Tony and his team for responding so well to our support and we wish him success in his next venture.

when you are unsure of the out some. We will never discover what we are capable of, if we always hide in our comfort zone. I need to give everything my best shot! (Nire Wang)

I was lucky enough to get chosen for my first pick project, Anatomy. It was really nice to be around a group of people, teachers and group leaders included, that were truly interested in the same area of science as me. I have to say that

it one of those things that was almost priceless. I believe being able to participate in this project at Hands on Science, gave me a bit of head start in the world of medicine, which is known to be very competitive. The opportunity to do dissections, use proper lab techniques, electron microscopes and to interact closely with scientific technicians, lecturers and doctors in a more relaxed setting doesn’t come around

all that often. It really amazed me how much these people knew and how much they seemed to enjoy their roles. (Jaden De-Arth)

My experience at Hands-On Science also gave me clearer insight into what I want to do in my future, as I found myself extremely interested in the neurological aspect of the pharmacology project in which I was placed, and plan to look more into that as a possible pathway for my future studies. (Kate Fahey)

Each day, we had free time after our snacks and before dinner. I certainly took advantage of all that was offered to me. During my week there I managed to walk to the top of Baldwin Street, see the sights from Signal Hill, visit the Cadbury Factory, marvel in the butterflies at Otago museum and even managed to squeeze in time for shopping and exploring the town centre and around the campus of Otago University. (Beth Yeung)

In 2011 The Freemasons Charity agreed to another long-term project with the Royal Society of New Zealand to be initially known as the Freemasons New Zealand Science Travel Award. The goal is to contribute towards the costs of enabling bright young Kiwi students who might be in need of assistance to attend scientific events in New Zealand. The objective is to enable our scientists of tomorrow to attend science camps around the country by covering the cost of their travel and registration, thereby encouraging students who display merit and ability to expand their researches into the liberal arts and sciences. The following are excerpts from letters written by the first participants.

Otago University

I have to admit that my favorite event was the ‘Top team challenge’. The way our team all worked together and supported each other had motivated me to step way beyond my comfort zone. The ‘challenge’ was a different kind of experience for someone that is more academic than sporty, like me. In the few days that I stayed with the HOS team, I’ve leant that, there is nothing to be afraid of when talking in front of hundreds of people, meeting new people or trying new things

In the September 2011 issue our cover story featured the Linwood College Orchestra tour to Europe. The February Christchurch earthquake not only closed the college, located in the heavily damaged eastern suburbs, for several months, it also brought an abrupt end to the Orchestra’s fund raising and disappointment for the participants. The tour was “rescued” through the generosity of The Freemasons Roskill Foundation and Fletcher Building. In the words of the conductor, and Head of Music, Tony Ryan “We have achieved something very significant and worthwhile”

The tour was a highlight in what has been a most difficult year for Tony Ryan who is retiring early and leaving Christchurch after 33 years at the College.

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COver Feature

New Zealand Freemasons have demonstrated their faith and

commitment to the power of academic research by the renewal of their relationship with The University of Auckland. A new Memorandum of Understanding with the University has been signed setting out the manner in which Freemasons funding of medical research will be managed and co-ordinated in the future. The agreement is non-specific on health issues and provides both for the traditional support by Freemasons in the area of ageing and the quality of life of our older citizens as well as having the scope to allow our assistance in other health matters.

The document was signed at a function in Auckland in late November which marked 30 years since the relationship between the two organisations began through the establishment of the Chair of Geriatrics at the University back in the 1980s.

To further confirm the continued partnership and express the breadth of Freemasons interest in health science,

especially that for the older citizen, a special grant of $100,000 was announced by Grand Master MWBro Selwyn Cooper for work by the University’s Department of Ophthalmology in the treat-ment of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of irreversible visual impair-ment in people over 60 years. This grant, like those in recent times, is being funded both by the Freemasons Charity and the Freemasons Roskill Foundation.

In his address to the gathering of senior University and Freemasons representatives MWBro Cooper said “Freemasons throughout New Zealand could be proud of what had been achieved through the association with the University over the past thirty years to aid those in need in our community. We can be

Commitment to Medical Research at Heart of New University Accord

FROM tOp Signing the accord. From left: david Mace, Iain Martin, Selwyn Cooper, Ian McCutcheon, Mark Winger. Today and yesterday: Present & past in The Masonic department of Geriatric Medicine – Michal Boyd, Senior Researcher; present Professor david Richmond; the first Professor, Martin Connolly, with Grand Master, Selwyn Cooper. New grant recipient Professor of Ophthalmology Charles McGhee and wife Jane with david Mace ‘Brain Researchers’: Professor Winston Byblow, Brain Recovery Clinic, dr Henry Waldvogel, Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank Research Fellow and dr Cathy Stinear, Brain Recovery Clinic deputy-director with Terry McConnell, Freemasons Charity.

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satisfied that we have achieved so much. Our financial resources have been put to practical use through the scientific achievements of brilliant people within the University. The academic advances are being turned into outcomes of real everyday benefit for all people. Our dreams are being fulfilled.”

MWBro Cooper went on to recall the origins of the relationship through the establishment of a Department of Geriatric Medicine – intended as a gift to the University to commemorate the centenary of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in 1990 when enthusiasm amongst Freemasons for the project was so strong that the $1,000,000 target was reached well before the centenary. The Chair became operational by early in 1987. He said the new agreement was flexible and forward-looking and will provide for the partnership well into the future and the changes that are inevitable with time.

For Freemasons New Zealand, the agreement was signed by MWBro Cooper and RWBro Mark Winger, outgoing Superintendent of the Freemasons Charity, as well as

MWBro David Mace, Chairman of Freemasons Roskill Foundation. The University signatories were Professor Stuart McCutcheon, Vice Chancellor and Professor Iain Martin, Trustee of the School of Medicine Foundation.

Others at the function included those with links to the beginnings of the association – David Richmond, the first Masonic Professor of Geriatric Medicine, and Past Grand Masters Ray Duncan and Joe McManemin. Also in attendance were the present Masonic Professor, Martin Connolly, and his senior associate, Michal Boyd, as well as those representing other Departments receiving Masonic support – Professor Richard Faull of the Brain Research centre and new beneficiary, the Ophthalmology Department’s Professor Charles McGhee .

Ever-increasing longevity cause for aged health concernThe original agreement, a Deed of Cove nant, between the University and Freemasons was signed on the 13 September 1983. It set out the conditions for a Chair of Geriatrics to be established

The Memorandum of Understanding

The new document is the third in the history of the relationship. It replaces the Letter of Understanding of 25th November 1996 which had replaced the earlier Deed of Covenant, dated 13 September 1983. Styles in legal documents change with time too!

In essence the new MoU has been written ‘with a view to further growing the bond – and so deliver sustained benefits to all participants.’ Its main clauses cover both general and specific matters including:

That the Freemasons desire to ��continue their tradition of support to medical research. That all payments will be attached and traceable to specific projects. That payments for ‘capital’ funds will be expressly identified. That all funds will be used in total, expressly for their stated purpose.That an annual meeting will be ��held to maintain dialogue and communication.That agreed suitable promotional ��activities will be conducted from time to time.

Let us hope that the new agreement with the university may last for many years and see great advances in science and much relief and happiness – for the good of others!

as part of the Medical School at Auckland University to teach about the care of the aged and to conduct research into the process of ageing. Work began at North Shore Hospital with David Richmond as the first Masonic Professor of the New Zealand Masonic Chair of Geriatrics in January 1987.

At the time the original gift was made it was considered the ‘ultimate Masonic charity’. It enlarged the scope of the traditional history of care for the aged practised by Freemasons in the way of accommodation and welfare and promised an effect for all citizens through improving the science of caring. The idea of Freemasonry extending its benevolence throughout the whole community was gathering momentum. In an era when the implications of an aging population were beginning to be fully recognized the University enthusiastically welcomed the Freemasons initiative.

In the years since, the now Department of Gerontology, within the Faculty, has achieved remarkable results in its aims to give the elderly a more healthy and productive life. Two recent examples are the Safe Management of Medicines Guide for aged care providers issued by the Ministry of Health last year and a national survey of service provision to sufferers of ‘long-term conditions’. In both cases the research work was conducted by ‘our’ Department.

Auckland University laboratory research.

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Today, with Professor Martin Connolly the Masonic Professor in the Chair, and with a background of ever-increasing demands for the older population, it continues to strive to meet the goals of creating more understanding of the needs and better training of the people working in aged care. This issue was highlighted last year through the Freemasons-spon sored lec-ture tour of New Zealand by Professor Fred Wu, the eminent endocrinologist and researcher from Manchester University, who spoke to clinicians, the public and the media.

Freemasons funding is provided for the Chair though interest from a capital fund and other special grants.

The neurodegenerative search goes onWhen Freemasons offered their assistance to Professor Richard Faull to help with his research into the causes of neurodegenerative disease more than fifteen years ago they offered a lifeline for his work. His ideas were speculative and risky. Few would even consider them. But we did, and the rest, as they say, is history. The idea of developing a sheep-brain model for the testing of treatments for Huntington’s and other degenerative brain diseases – a huge advance – is miraculously well on the way to achievement. The answers for human sufferers however remain a work-in-progress. We are still assisting his research to continue, much to the lasting gratitude of the inspirational Professor. The

road is long but this award-winning, outstanding scientist and his team at the new Centre for Brain Research is worthy by all measures. Professor Faull won the Rutherford Medal, New Zealand’s highest science award, in 2008 for his work and heads the Brain Research Centre at the University.

Grants for special projects havealso been provided within the neuro degenera-tive field from time to time. Here are two examples from 2011.

New drugs aim of brain research fellowshipOur continuing assistance for the work of The University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research includes a new grant of $248,000, also announced in November, for a Fellowship to develop new drugs for neurodegenerative disorders. The funding will assist translational research by enabling collaboration between medicinal chemists led by Professor Margaret Brimble from the School of Chemical Sciences and neuropharmacologists.

Synthetic chemist Dr Amanda Heapy, who received the Freemasons fellowship, has been creating a unique library of 2000 bioactive natural product derivatives which will be used in designing new thera-peutic agents to treat neuro degenerative disorders. Dr Heapy says: “Collaboration is key. With medicinal chemistry we need constant feedback from biologists about what direction to go and we hope to provide a more tailored service to the pharmacologists which will fast track the search for novel compounds. Working closely is a huge competitive advantage — having discussions in person and bouncing ideas off one another.” This grant was funded by Freemasons Roskill Foundation.

FROM tOp Two Charity-eers: John Robbins, Past district Benevolence Officer, Auckland West and Sheila Hicking, Freemasons Charity Administrator Strong Hands: Past Grand Master Ray duncan and Judith Miller, Executive Officer, Freemasons Roskill Foundation Benevolence is Our Game: Terry McConnell, new Superintendent of The Freemasons Charity, and Graeme Cleland, Grand Almoner Southern division It’s a Happy day: Eddie Eeles, Northern division Grand Master, Roger Carson, Chairman, National development Committee and Ross Nicholson, Trustee, Freemasons Roskill Foundation Representing the Medical School: Prof Ian Reid, Acting dean of the Medical School with Prof Alan Merry, Head of the School of Medicine and Richard Swain, director of Operations.

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New treatment for stroke survivorsStroke is a major cause of adult dis-ability in New Zealand and within our communities there are 45,000 stroke survivors. Currently there is limited on-going medical care for stroke patients after they have been discharged from hospital (usually 3–6 months). But a machine funded ($265,000) by Freemasons Roskill Foundation and now installed in the Brain Recovery Clinic of the Brain Research Centre at The University of Auckland is one of the initiatives which will change all that. The Neuro-Navigation Unit for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (non-invasive brain stimulation) may open new hope for stroke survivors.

Check-ups, identifying for the first time the patient’s potential for further recovery, will be possible no matter how long ago the stroke occurred. Over the past few years Transcranial Magnetic

Stimulation has been found to be a powerful therapeutic tool for promoting recovery for up to at least ten years following stroke.

Ophthalmology – a new directionThe special grant of $100,000 to the University’s Department of

Ophthalmology for work in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration is a new direction for Freemasons assistance to medical research at the University.

Grand Master Selwyn Cooper pointed out in his an-nounce ment of the grant at the 30-years celebration function that we must be aware of the changing health needs in the community and where our help can make a difference.

This grant demon strates our breadth of vision and our willingness to extend into new areas.

Age-related macular degen era tion is the leading cause of visual impairment in older people in the developed world including New Zealand. It is under intense interest world-wide becoming more common with ageing populations. Under the direction of Professor Charles McGhee the grant will provide a 3-year PhD scholarship to enable the completion of a pilot study examining the effects of treating this eye disease. It is hoped that the study, which will commence in 2012, will lead to interventions to retard or prevent the process that leads to severe visual impairment caused by macular degeneration. We will be following the progress of this project with much interest.

Noel Ryan, for the Freemasons Roskill Foundation

Auckland University laboratory research.

ABove LefT Calming Influence: Image by dr Henry Waldvogel, Senior Research Fellow, School of Medical Sciences. This psychedelic image is truly a feast for the eye, but it actually represents the calming network of the brain. The colours highlight the density of GABA receptors in the human brain, which are responsible for inhibiting cell activity and reducing nerve excitation. The autoradiogram shows the thalamus on the left, which is mainly responsible for sensory control, and the basal ganglia on the right, which is responsible for movement control. The two structures are separated by the internal capsule which is not labelled. The Human Brain Bank team study human brain tissue to gain an insight into neurodegenerative disorders of the human brain.LEFt Glial Cell research: A Glial cell is a supportive cell in the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord. The glial cells surround neurons and provide support for them and insulation between them. Glial cells are capable of extensive signaling in response to a diversity of stimuli. ALL PHOTOGRAPHS – UNIvERSITy OF AUCKLANd

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Good children at East Tamaki School, Otara, not only eat their

veggies they also grow, pick, prepare and serve them up in salads, beetroot muffins, feijoa crumble, pumpkin griddle and orange syrup cakes. All from the school garden as part of a scheme that works a treat. They had some food from other lands during the World Rugby Cup – Italian, Russian, German, with Anzac biscuits for equilibrium.

The programme teaches healthy eating to children in eight schools, and the Garden to Table Trust, which administers it, has had wide support, including from Lodge Auckland No.87 and the Freemasons Charity. Last month 25 Auckland restaurants gave donations from their takings one Saturday night.

East Tamaki was the first of three schools in a control group when the scheme, which follows an Australian model, was being tried before its official launch early last year. The decile one Otara school has a roll of 297 – 75%

School report: Try the feijoa crumble!

Pacific and 25% Maori, with no pupil claiming European origin. About 100 children aged nine and 10 get their turn to plant and tend the garden, collect, prepare and cook under supervision, and serve the food in the kitchen/classroom. They learn a range of social skills from vocabulary, saying grace in their own languages, and table procedures right through to the washing up.

It is hard to assess deeper benefits in the classroom setting, but the principal Sarah Mirams says, “I think it has had an effect on the children’s attitude to school in general. They enjoy it more. They are keen to come. It gives a ‘programmed fun’ aspect to learning.”

And what they take home is knowledge of every phase of vegetable preparation, starting with how to establish a garden.

Younger children are looking forward to taking part, and they get the opportunity for a preview – “it was seven to eight-year-olds today.”

When Lodge Auckland No. 87 first heard about the programme, members dug into their benevolent fund to donate gardening tools. A subsidy from the Freemasons Charity was then sought, and RWBro Reid Polkinghorne led brethren in the handover of a cheque for some $3000, mainly for the provision of special work tables. A further sum has since been given.

No sooner was the initial cheque handed over to the trustees at the school, than everyone was sitting down to the following menu: “Salad of your imagination (carrots, spinach, silver beet, fettuccini); crisp vegetable bundles wrapped in noodles; cheese scones.”

Jack Leigh, with photos by Vic Fabian

ABove Food preparation.LEFt Saying Grace: a pupil, Sarah Mirams and RWBro Reid Polkinghorne.

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The Mackenzie Lodge today.

the Mackenzie Lodge No. 93On 14 March 1894 a group of seven Freemasons, residing in the Fairlie area and with the support of the Caledonian Lodge of Timaru, met with a view to starting a Masonic Lodge under the New Zealand Constitution. Things moved quickly with the charter being received the following month and the Consecration took place on 9 July when eight candidates were initiated. A report of the ceremony was printed in the Timaru Herald.

Regular meetings were held in the Fairlie School House for the first year until an offer was received from the Fairlie Hall Committee to rent its premises for an annual fee of 5 pounds. Minutes of the day record dissatisfaction with conditions, “at one meeting the hall

Mackenzie Tales

keeper had not handed over the key and no firewood was available for heating”

By January 1897 Lodge membership had reached 41 and a scheme was proposed to build a temple. After many discussions, lasting a year, a tender for 220 pounds was accepted for a brick structure, which was built and consecrated in November 1898.

The February 1901 meeting came just after the death of Queen Victoria. The Mackenzie Lodge decided to go into mourning until the end of April, anticipating Grand Lodge, which directed three month’s mourning. This may be the only time Lodges have observed mourning for a woman.

By the end of the first decade membership had reached 87 and the building was enlarged by the addition of a refectory.

In February 1909 a resolution was passed empowering the Musical

Committee to call upon any or every brother not more than once in twelve months, after giving every brother due notice, for an item in the refectory. Failure to do so would result in a fine of 5 shillings, which would go towards the Lodge Music Fund. By October, with the aid of these funds a new organ was purchased.

In 1911, following a complaint, a motion was passed banning smoking within the Lodge room.

During the First World War there was very little activity in the Lodge and, in June 1919, a Lodge of Sorrow was held in memory of the Brethren killed in the war. The Lodge struggled through the Depression years with 10 members being struck off at one meeting for arrears in dues. However, things picked up and, like most Lodges of the time, there was a strong growth in membership following the Second world war including, for a period, the Tekapo Brethren, being those involved in the construction of the Lake Tekapo Hydro Scheme. These Brethren were, on many occasions, called The Mackenzie Lodge No 93 and a half, even to a brother giving greetings.

Over the years there were numerous reports on the need to improve the heating of the Lodge including an incident when the toilet broke due to severe frost action. Along with other improvements the Lodge appeared to have finally solved its heating issues by the late 1960’s.

Fairlie, which lies at the junction of State Highways 8 and 79, is the gateway to the Mackenzie Country. It is a service town, which caters for the needs of a wide farming clientele ranging from lowland plains to the alpine High Country. Until the middle of the last century, in the days of winding gravel roads, these needs were also served by a number of thriving villages. One of these was Albury, 15km down the valley from Fairlie. This area was the catchment from which the Mackenzie Lodge No. 93 was drawn when it was formed in 1894. The district and its Lodge have a colourful history and, despite rural depopulation and improved transport links, which left Albury as a shadow of its former self, the Mackenzie Lodge, with its strong family connections thrives in the 21st Century.

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Mackenzie Tales

On 23 April 1994 The Mackenzie Lodge celebrated its centennial. Over the years it has undertaken a number of community projects including, as a reflection of its rural location, a sheep scheme, for which members were levied $10. This was subsequently turned into a cattle scheme.

Mackenzie Lodge today has 43 Members. The current Master is WBro John France, son of WBro Jim France.

Morris Robertson with thanks to Bro Jim Stewart

Seventy years of service to Freemasonry recognised

Seventy years of service to New Zealand Freemasonry by retired Albury farmer Jim France has been recognised in a special presentation at the Installation of The Mackenzie Lodge No 93 in Fairlie. WBro France PGBB was presented with his 70-year pin by the Grand Master, MW Bro Selwyn Cooper, who travelled to Fairlie to make the presentation.

Jim France, now aged 89 and living in Pleasant Point, was born in Timaru in 1922 and raised on farms at St Andrews and Pleasant Point, attending Pleasant Point Primary School and Timaru Technical College.

When the Second World War broke out in 1939, he joined the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy serving as a stoker on a number of New Zealand warships including Monowai, Achilles and the Leander.

When Singapore fell to the Japanese in February 1942 he was one of the last defenders to escape, making his getaway aboard a Royal Navy minesweeper, eventually landing at Freemantle and making his way back to New Zealand. Jim says, “As the ships fled Singapore, the city was ablaze with fire”. Shortly after his return to New Zealand he was sent to Portsmouth, England where he learnt scuba diving and then became head diver

on both Achilles and Leander, earning him the nickname “Froggie France”.

After the war he returned to South Canterbury and worked as a bladeshearer and later as a bulldozer operator developing the streets of the new Timaru suburb of Marchweil. He married Thelma Kirby of Waimate in 1949 and, in 1951, he and Thelma obtained a “Rehab Loan”, to purchase a rabbit-plagued farm at Albury, which they named Monowai after the first ship he served on. Today the farm has been extensively developed and significantly enlarged though the purchase of surrounding properties, and now totals 2,500 acres.

Jim France has been an active member

Receiving his 70 year pin from the Grand Master, MWBro Selwyn Cooper.

From left: Jim in his sailor suit when he joined the Navy, 1940; Jim France in the Chair of The Mackenzie Lodge, 1960; Jim welcomes his son John to the Chair of The Mackenzie Lodge in 2005.

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of both Young Farmers and Federated Farmers and was awarded the AC Cameron South Island Young Farmer of the Year silver medal in 1958. His brother collected the award on his behalf as he was in hospital in Timaru suffering with pleurisy.

He is also a keen member of the RSA and served for many years as secretary of the Albury branch. His service to the organisation has been recognised with the award of a Gold Star and with life membership. Jim also served as a member and as an elder of the Albury Presbyterian Church and is a JP.

WBro France was initiated as a Lewis at he age of 18 in the now closed St Martins Lodge in Pleasant Point in 1940. He was put through the three degrees by his father, WBro Dave France. He joined The Mackenzie Lodge in 1957 and became Master in 1960.

His service to Freemasonry was recognised when he was give the rank of Past Grand Steward in 1979 and Past Grand Bible Bearer in 1992. He remains an active member of Lodge Mackenzie, where he is joined by his son John who is currently Master.

VWBro Tom Clarke

Belgium Remembers Fallen New Zealand

FreemasonOn 29th October 2011, a memorial was unveiled in the tiny Belgian village of Roksem, near Oostende, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the crash of a Handley Page Hampden in an apple orchard in that village. The aircraft was from 408 Squadron (RCAF) and carried a crew of four, all killed in the crash. A Canadian pilot, two English crewmen,

and the Navigator/Bomb Aimer, Sgt. Evan Robertson of Fairlie, a member of Mackenzie Lodge No 93. Bro Robertson was the youngest of five brothers who along with their father were all members of The Mackenzie Lodge.

In attendance were the represen ta tives from the Canadian Legation in Paris, the Com manding Officer and mem-bers of 408 Squadron, (based in Ottawa) the First Secretary from the British High Com mission, and the New Zealand Ambassador to Belgium and the E.C. Representing the Robertson Family were three nephews including Peter Robertson, District Grand Master, Westland.

The four crewmen are buried in the churchyard of the adjoining village of Westkerke, the four graves being the smallest war cemetery under the control of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

There were several hundred people at the ceremony led by the Mayor of Oudenburg, the city that now encom-passes both Roksem and Westkerke. A military parade, flyover, a church service and the laying of wreaths and speeches was the order of the day, the New Zealand portion being carried out by our Ambassador, Mr Vitalis, who stressed the courage of the young men who were in fact civilians, but who answered the call to duty.

Late in evening the New Zealand party and the Canadian Air force representa-

tives were invited to a Mayoral reception, held in their honour and, fittingly, held in the hotel that was the wartime headquarters of the German Occupying Forces.

Evan Robertson was, by occupation a meat inspector, and studied hard to pass the required standard, after which he trained in Canada, as did many other New Zealanders. He was seconded to 408 Squadron RCAF commonly referred to as the Goose Squadron, as its emblem is a Canada goose in flight. His aircraft was lost on the night of 9 November 1941, following a raid on the docks at Ostend about 10km from Roksem. The Occupying Forces buried the crew with full military honours. The New Zealanders attending were moved by the reverence in which the airmen are held by the local people. When they were thanked for looking after our men, the reply was,” Don’t thank us, we thank you for your men, coming so far to die for us."

VWBro Peter Robertson

the Robertsons of FairlieWBro WA Robertson Past Master of The Mackenzie Lodge 1923–25 and Past Grand Steward had five sons, WBro Bob Robertson, 76 yrs a Freemason, PM of Mackenzie, WBro Jock Robertson PM of Kuranga, Westland, RWBro Bill Robertson PM Mackenzie, Past Provincial Grand Master, Westland. Bro Alan Robertson DCM 2/Lt 26 Battalion, lost on Active Service at sea in 1944 and Bro Evan Robertson Killed in Action over Europe and buried in the British Airmen’s Cemetery, Westkerke, Belgium.

Jim and his wife Thelma at the presentation.

Roksem

MAP © GOOGLE

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When a Stroke StrikesThe signs and symptoms of stroke usually come on suddenly. The type of symptoms experienced will depend on what area of the brain affected. Strokes in the left side of the brain affect the right side of the body. A stroke in the right side of the brain results in signs and symptoms on the left side of the body.

Common first symptoms of stroke include:

sudden weakness and/or numbness ��of face, arm and/or leg especially on one side of the bodysudden blurred or loss of vision in one ��or both eyessudden difficulty speaking or under-��standing what others are sayingsudden dizziness, loss of balance or ��difficulty controlling movements.

A stroke can cause permanent loss of function. Just what functions will be affected and how badly depends on what part of the brain the stroke was in and

the speed to and success of treatment. Common long-term effects include impaired vision or speech, severe weakness or paralysis of limbs on one side of the body, swallowing difficulties, memory loss, depression and mood swings.

Eight thousand people a year have a stroke in NZ, 2 million in the USA and the EU and 50,000 in Australia. 25% will be under 65 and 60% will remain at least partially disabled and simply learn to live with their condition. The direct cost to support people with stroke in NZ is estimated at $500 million and the indirect costs to the family, friends and the community is estimated to be multiples of that number. Between 30% and 40% of people with stroke experience a fall within 12 months of the event and this leads to added complications.

The Able-XGeoff Todd and Sunil Vather started Im-Able in August 2009. Their goal was to significantly improve the rehabilitation of

people affected by stroke. Geoff explains the motivation for the company. “The medical system initiates the rehabilitation process but does not continue it very far. The result is more than 60% of those with stroke remain disabled in some way. My father was one of those and he was very frustrated by not being able to do anything about his situation. He hated being dependent on others.”

“Neurological science sug gests that more com plete rehabi litation should be possible.

Our brains are plastic and we grow new brain cells all our life. A stroke blocks or kills some pathways. The movement command system gets disabled. Our products aim to help the brain re-establish networks needed to tell muscles what to do. Initially we are focused on arm movement as that has a big impact on independence” says Geoff.

The Able-X is a bilateral rehabilitation product. It comprises a lightweight air mouse and handlebar together with a series of computer exercises designed to help improve arm movements and cognitive skills. The good arm drives the affected arm. By many repetitions, while the brain is stimulated, new networks develop which make it possible to move the affected arm more and more. The Able-X is used to play a variety of therapeutic computer exercises, which makes the patient do upwards of 1,000 repetitions per hour while focused on the game.

The Able-X was trialled early in 2010 by Otago University. The product was

I believe Able-X is a quantum leap towards stroke recovery. It works directly on the brain or central nervous system to stimulate those dormant areas and provide brain connectivity, and that is far more exciting than anything we have had available to stroke survivors in the past.

The system offers people the opportunity to do some enjoyable, self-rehabilitation in their own homes. Participants are not actually aware they are getting a work out as they play the games. The system works – because people enjoy the games, but at the same time they are rehabilitating the brain – making those reconnections.

you can enjoy Able-X yourself at any time – I believe the system achieves results. People are really enjoying the challenges of the games, and say they feel better for it and that they feel that they have had a workout. Most users say that they feel that they are making progress with their rehabilitation and gaining ground after experiencing a stroke.

Grace Moulton, General Manager of the Stroke Foundation Central Region Inc

Playing on the Road to RecoveryEnjoyable Home Based

Rehabilitation for Stroke VictimsWith our aging population there are many competing and expensive demands for medical care including on going rehabilitation. A Lower Hutt start up company, Im-Able, was formed by Freemason Geoff Todd and Sunil vather to develop affordable home based user friendly rehabilitation equipment and programmes for stroke people. In its short existence Im-Able has won awards including First Prize, Biomedical Engineers Australia and First Prize, Bright Ideas Competition which attracted 1,233 entrants. It has gained international acceptance and investment.

Elderly user, Ina, demonstrating the Able-X handlebar mouse unit used to control the on screen action.

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formally tested on chronic stroke patients, 15 months to 7 years post stroke event, at Otago School of Medicine and all users gained benefits, some more than others. Users were assessed before the trial and after the trial of nine sessions lasting one hour each. Benefits reported by regular users include:

ability to use both hands on steering ��wheel;ability to tie shoelaces;��eat using both hands with dignity;��better control in shower;��better body balance;��more control of wheelchair.��All users mentioned an �� improvement to memory and concentration

Geoff says, “watching someone suddenly start to get arm movement after months or years of no movement is a fantastic thing. We have been working with the NZ Stroke Foundation and several stroke clubs in the lower North Island. These clubs do a lot on very limited resources and could be a worthy focus

Geoff Todd, Secretary Westminster Lodge No. 308 I am a born (1952) and bred Welling-tonian and proud of my city. Although I have lived in other cities around the world, Asuncion, Paraguay, and Barcelona, Spain, I always felt that Wellington is home.

I have been lucky to grow up with my wife and best companion in numerous adventures, married in 1973. We now find that grandchildren are a great antidote to aging, as is learning and delivering a ceremonial charge in Lodge.

My passions in life are to enjoy the world through trekking, tramping, skiing and climbing (more sedately nowadays) and to contribute to the growth of new companies in Wellington so that our city is a place for young people to come and live.

I have had a key role in a number of technology start-up companies and my current focus is Im-Able. This is a company started by myself and business partner, Sunil Vather, which is dedicated to providing products to help people recover from stroke. It’s very exciting to see people regaining movement in previously immobile arms.

The late Max Parnham, Past Grand Organist, my long time mentor and once my boss, introduced me to Westminster Lodge in 2008. Once again he did me a big favour. I very much appreciate the fellowship and philo sophy of Free-masonry and unravel-ling its sec rets and byways.

for The Freemasons Charity. Often they do not have basic equipment. The same applies in many aged care homes where even simple things like computers are not available.”

The Able-X was finalised for sale in September 2011 and, since then, they have sold some 100 in NZ. There is a strong interest, and some sales, in Australia, UK, Germany, France, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Austria. Feedback tells that they are getting good results and senior health professionals in these countries are supporting the system.

The system offers people the opportunity to do some enjoyable, self-rehabilitation in their own homes. Participants are not actually aware they are getting a workout as they play the games. The system works – because people enjoy the games but, at the same time, they are rehabilitating the brain – making those reconnections. Users can enjoy Able-X in their own time following an initial introduction and without ongoing professional assistance. Users

as old as 90, and without previous computer experience, have adapted

quickly to its operation.The Able-X is not the end of

the story for Geoff and Sunil. Im-Able has other products and

pro gram mes in develop-ment aimed at providing for specific reha bili ta tion needs

In Geoff ’s words “The number of people in care is predicted to rise alarmingly over the next 20 years. I think we owe Sunil vather and Geoff Todd with the Able-X setup.

The home page showing the basic games.

these people a better quality of life than the current system can afford. There is a lot of medical research looking at this problem and we hope to use more of it as our company grows. The objective will be to help people to retain or regain as much independence as possible. This will improve the quality of their life as well as that of their spouses and family.”

Morris Robertson

For more information go to www.im-able.com

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In Austria Freemasonry is booming at an annual rate of plus 2–3%. There are,

however, only 3,150 masons in 68 blue lodges in a population of 8 million and 44 of the lodges are concentrated in the capital city of Vienna.

The history of Freemasonry in Austria has been exceedingly turbulent. It was introduced in 1742 but was banned in 1798 by the Catholic Habsburg rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. For the next 121 years Freemasonry was prohibited in Austria but, as of the 1860s,

Freemasonry with a DifferenceAn Austrian Perspective

Freemasonry in Austria is growing. Peter Hoffer, Libertas Lodge, vienna, Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand to the Grand Lodge of Austria and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Ireland explains why and demonstrates an approach to the craft which differs from what we typically experience in New Zealand.

Lodges were formed in neighboring Hungary where the ban had been lifted and Masons from Austria frequented so called Hungarian “border lodges.”

When Austria become a republic in 1918 the first lodges were formed but, in 1938 Adolf Hitler annexed Austria and the flourishing Freemasonry was banned again. The Nazis ransacked the lodges and confiscated all the records. In 1945 Freemasonry started again from scratch, as only a few dozen Masons survived the Nazi terror or returned from abroad.

It was 1952 before the Grand Lodge of Austria was recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England. Since then there has been a steady growth of Freemasonry in Austria and, following the fall of the Iron Curtain, Austrian Masons assisted with the introduction of Freemasonry in neighboring East European countries, especially in Hungary.

What is the secret of successful Freemasonry today in Austria? Firstly, it’s really secret. With a strong Catholic tradition and a customary perception of anti- Masonic sentiments, there are no Masonic signs on the halls, no Masonic charity in public and not even a home page for the Grand Lodge. Austrian Freemasons never parade in public and only the Austrian Grand Master occasionally acts as a spokesman, usually to counter attacks from a skeptical press. The only public appearance of Austrian Freemasonry is a Museum at the Manor of Rosenau, two hour’s drive north of Vienna, with a carefully restored temple dating from the eighteenth century.

Secondly, the particular Masonic ritual in Austria, which is based on a reformed eighteenth century German Schröder ritual, was modified to include talks at almost every meeting, except for initiation and raising ceremonies. These talks, lasting up to 30 minutes, may deal with almost every subject except current religious and political matters. As well as Masonic or esoteric themes the talks cover social, cultural, philosophical, scientific or purely personal matters, when a brother speaks about his life or professional perceptions.

ABove LefT Rosenau Manor, scene of the Freemasons Museum in Austria. A Freemason’s Temple, discovered inside after the Second World War, has been carefully restored.LEFt The Grand Temple under the roof of Grand Lodge in vienna which is used mainly for raisings and festive occasions

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At the festive table, after a meal, the ritual is reopened and the subject of the talk is freely commented on by the brethren with the Master of the Lodge conducting the discussion. As a result, besides the experiencing the ritual, the brethren listen to usually very interesting talks by one of their own members or a brother from another lodge. They are then able to personally participate in the discussion, voicing their opinions that may contain criticism, but always in a strictly fraternal manner.

Thirdly, lodges in Austria hold regular weekly meetings once except in July and August. Initiations in Vienna are usually held on Saturdays in a separate lengthy ceremony in the main Masonic temple in Vienna’s Rauhensteingasse 3 – which happens to translate as rough ashlar street. Each lodge has only a single initiation ceremony per year but members of all the other lodges are encouraged to attend.

This arduous meeting schedule is made possible by a relatively short ritual usually in the first degree, infrequently in the second or third degree, lasting only 15 minutes. The subsequent talk is about double the length of the Masonic rituals, followed by a cooked meal and a lively discussion of up to an hour, also as a part of the ritual, each and every week between 7 and 10 pm. By such frequent personal contacts and discussions the brethren get well acquainted and form lasting friend-

tOp Original Masonic frescos at Rosenau Manor discovered under layers of paint.ABove Entrance to the main Masonic Hall in central vienna, Rauhensteingasse 3. Forty four Lodges work in this building. There is a men’s clothing store at street level.

ships. By participating in meetings of other lodges, whose, schedule of talks is published months in advance, they form a highly dedicated brother hood that recruits its membership almost entirely from per-sonal recom mendations and certainly not via the Internet.

While there is no shortage of younger brethren it is unusual for initiates to be below the age of 30 when they are considered sufficiently mature and settled in their profession to embark on the labour of the rough ashlar, which they are designated to represent in order to build the “Temple of the Love of Humanity”, as is stated in the Austrian ritual.

Freemasonry does not come cheaply in Austria with the monthly fees average NZ$100. Austrian brethren thus have to devote time and means to the Craft and attendance is high despite the frequent Lodge meetings. The particular elements of the Austrian Masonic system, weekly meetings and regular talks followed by critical discussions could provide useful, enlivening elements, if and when a reform of the Emulation ritual is under consideration. It is already apparent that lengthy ancient rituals do not attract younger men. The number of Masons leaving the craft only two or three years after their initiation is extremely small in Austria.

At a high level Masonic conference in Paris in 2007, fears were expressed that

Peter HofferPeter Hoffer joined the Vienna Lodge Libertas in 1973 and was appointed Grand Representative of New Zealand in 2005. Peter has held numerous offices and is presently the Almoner of Libertas Lodge. The Lodge has 68 members and holds regular meetings every week on Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. lasting usually to 10 p.m. Peter has relatives in Whangarei where he has been a frequent visitor. He studied economics in Vienna and began working at the Associated Press in 1955. Seven years later he joined IBM to become Manager of Communications. In 1968 he returned to journalism as Vienna correspondent of the Daily Telegraph and several other newspapers and radio stations including Radio New Zealand. In 1983 Peter started his own publishing business producing Austria’s first Journalists Directory. At the age of 79 he still runs his office producing the Journalisten Index, a 380-page directory twice annually plus an extensive Internet database for the public relations sector in Austria. Visitors to Vienna are always welcome. p.hoffer@indexverlag.at

Freemasonry was doomed to disappear all together. In 2017 we will mark the 300th anniversary of the formation of the first Grand Lodge in London. By that time a serious internal system reform should be in place for Freemasonry to be able to confront the challenges of the future.

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Both “boys” served overseas in the South-West Pacific, both being

awarded the Pacific Star campaign medal, Lloyd as a gunner in the Army taking part in defended landings against the Japanese at Vela Lavella and Green Island. Squire served in the RNZAF as an LAC wireless transmitter technician, mainly on Japanese held Bougainville and also on a tiny equatorial dot, Emirau Island, northeast of New Guinea. He is a radio amateur, call sign ZL1AYW.

Lloyd, born in 1921, married Shirley

The Speedy Boys reach their Diamond Year of Freemasonry

Lloyd and Squire Speedy are Masonic twins, both having joined Lodge Albion on the 13 december 1951. In April 1993, with the closure of Lodge Albion, both joined Milford Trinity Lodge No. 372. Ever since joining Milford Trinity 18 years ago the Speedy “boys” have served as stewards. They both joined the Rangitoto Royal Arch in July 1955.

Gilman in 1953. They have three children and six grandchildren. Squire, born in 1924, married Ailsa Gerrand in 1952. They have three children and six grandchildren. Lloyd worked for Winstone Ltd. from 1937 until 1942 when he joined what was to become LL Speedy and Sons. Squire joined Bond and Bond wholesale merchants in1941 and joined LL Speedy and Sons in 1942.

Squire studied commerce part-time and later practiced as a public valuer. He holds a degree in Commerce and a first class master’s degree in philosophy. He lectured part-time at Auckland University where he was also an examiner. He carried out a busy valuation practice specializing in land compensation, giving expert advice before tribunals and before the High Court, acting for the Government, local authorities and private owners. In 2010 the North Shore City Council awarded Squire the “Community Award” for his contribution to services to the community and the local history. He has been the author of four professional books and several professional papers as well as a number of Masonic research papers. Squire recently retired after serving 47 years as a Justice of the Peace.

Lloyd and Squire have been business partners for 65 years, taking a special interest in land subdivision, having named several roads including, Speedy Crescent, Sunnyfield Crescent, Bellbird Rise,

ABove LefT Squire Speedy at his desk and proudly wearing his JP badge.LEFt Squire outside the LL Speedy and Sons.

Penguin Drive and St. Ives Terrace. Their grandfather surveyed Devonport and Takapuna. Squire was responsible for creating the first carpark in the Milford Shopping Centre.

Both have been keen “fizz boaties”. In 2001 they were each awarded the International Year of the Volunteers (Police) Medal for services as Coastguard spotters. Both have been President of the Takapuna Probus Club.

Morris Robertson with acknowledgment to

WBro Herman Regtien

Lloyd (left) and Squire Speedy receive their 60-year Service Awards from vWBro AE Wilson PGC.

AD

vE

RtiS

iNG This magazine is the one

communication which is mailed to all members of Freemasons New Zealand in this country and overseas. In addition there is a wide readership of the on line edition. To advertise in New Zealand Freemason please enquire through: editor@freemasons.co.nz

22

Jules Congalton – Diversity in SoftwareJules is a PhD candidate studying at the Wellington Campus of the Massey University School of Management. In a report back to The Freemasons Charity he writes “As I was one of the lucky recipients of a post graduate scholarship from the Freemasons Charity in May 2011, I thought you might be interested in an update on how the scholarship is helping.

My PhD is looking how ethnic and gender diversity in computer software teams helps those teams be more productive. Software is increasingly important in today’s society as it controls so many devices we use and is behind so much of everyday life. Even though it is invisible to most of us, without it our cars would not run, water would not come out of the taps and electricity would stop flowing. Most businesses and government agencies cannot operate or continue to improve their services without constant updates and enhancements to their software.

So far I have gathered data from six New Zealand organisations that produce software, about their software projects. The initial results suggest that diversity is important to software teams. Managers

who recognise this and make the most of diversity in their teams are far more successful at creating and updating software. With over three billion dollars spent on software each year in New Zealand (and over 400 billion globally) it is important we are as efficient as possible at producing it.

The Freemason’s scholarship has enabled me to continue with this study. I would not be able to undertake this study and support my two young children on my wife’s salary alone. The scholarship ensures that I can see the study through, complete my dissertation (hopefully by the end of 2012) and publish the research results.”

Max Harris – Oxford BoundMax was the recipient chosen to give the address on behalf of the Scholars at the 2010 presentation ceremony. He was capped BA/LLB (Hons) at Auckland University in September and has worked over the past year as a Judge’s Clerk for the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias. He has been recently named as a Rhodes Scholar and he will start at Oxford University in

October embarking on a Bachelor of Civil Law to be followed by an MPhil on addressing the role of judges in modern society.

Writing in the November 2011 issue of Law Talk Max expresses a number of observations about where he would like to take his career in the future. His prime ambition is to become a leader in New Zealand Law, contributing to constitutional debate and

developing a public interest law network, and perhaps later in politics.

“I have become particularly interested in the persistent marginalisation of certain vulnerable groups such as the indigenous peoples, and the mechanisms available, such as human rights, to redress that marginalisation. I think law can be the reason for structural exclusion, but it also provides a pathway for positive change”

Max is looking forward to Oxford’s stimulating intellectual environment in his areas of academic interest as well as such extra-curricular activity at the Oxford Union, the legal mooting programme and pro bono law groups. He wrote, “There is a group called Oxford Pro Bono Publico that I’d really like to explore and be part of. From what I can tell, they prepare research briefs, policy submissions and reports on public interest law issues, especially in human rights and international law. It would be great to contribute to their work.”

We wish Max all the best for the next stage of his career.

Scholars Continue to AchieveOver the past 33 years The Freemasons Charity has funded over 900 scholarships to the value of $3.72 million. These scholarships have been instrumental in enabling the recipients to pursue their academic careers. From time to time we are able to report on their continuing achievements. Here are two such examples.

Max Harris receives his Scholarship Certificate from HRH The duke of Gloucester at the 2010 Presentation Ceremony.

Jules Congalton (left) working with one of his research students .

STOP PRESS 2012 Scholarships presentation, Tuesday 22 May in the Legislative Chamber, Parliament Buildings, hosted by John Hayes MP.

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The principal purpose of the visit was to support a third degree at

Oamaranui Lodge No 216 although, due to space constraints, the ceremony was held at The Scinde Lodge.

Alan Jackson, from the National Music Committee, reporting on the weekend’s events said “Energetic event organiser, Reg Newcombe, and his ever-smiling wife and PA, Annette, arranged, as has come to be the norm on these occasions, a very convivial evening meal on the Friday evening at the Napier RSA, where someone was heard to comment, “with meal quality like that it is no wonder that servicemen keep returning”. This was followed by a rehearsal under the baton of Musical Director VWBro James Morton. The ladies listened and later gave their seal of approval to the sounds made by 12 tenor, 10 bass and 20 baritone voices.

Saturday dawned bright and warm and while the ladies socialised, shopped, lunched, visited the Silky Oak Chocolate Factory and the Mission Vineyard transported in minibuses driven by Annette Newcombe and Lynda Jackson, brethren held a rehearsal, lunch and then performed a “Musical Third Degree”, starting at 2pm to raise Bro Fred Orr. The Master of Oamaranui, WBro Gavin Morley, welcomed Eastland District Grand Master, VWBro Richard Bray, who then received the Divisional Grand Master, RWBro Steve Salmon, and his party of Grand Lodge Officers.”

There was a dramatic turn to the ceremony when choir member, Doug Bedggood, suffered a heard attack,

momentarily died, and was revived due to the swift intervention by skilled brethren. Doug tell the story in his own words elsewhere in this article.

Brethren left the Lodge room for a short time but later reconvened to finish the ceremony in the knowledge that Doug Bedggood had survived to live another day. Later, there was a happy half-hour and an excellent “live life lighter” meal catered in the refectory by a mother and son team, Jackie and Alexander Monck, who earned sustained applause for their culinary efforts.

Meanwhile an ambulance, equipped with a GPS unit funded by The Freemasons Charity, had rushed Doug to Hawke’s Bay Hospital and his wife, Hilary, had been summoned from the Silky Oak Chocolate Factory. After several days in Hawke’s Bay Hospital Doug was transferred to Waikato Hospital in his home town of Hamilton.

Doug Bedggood attributes his survival to the prompt actions of Ray Monk, Michael Miller and other Freemasons present at the ceremony. Hilary Bedggood said that Doug had an

The Choir with RWBro Steve Salmon, divisional Grand Master, ready to perform in Scinde Lodge.

The National Choir is driven by WBro Reg Newcombe PGO, and exists to further the use of music in Masonic ceremonies. It has spawned regional Masonic choirs which act as vehicles to encourage singing in their local districts. A refectory song book of 46 pages and comprising 157 songs has been produced. The cost is $15 each plus postage with a minimum order of 20 copies, available from the author, Alan Jackson 55 Evans Street, Opoho, Dunedin 9010 Phone [03] 473 6947, Email: alanjackson@xtra.co.nz. An invoice from The Otago Freemasons Choir will be sent out following despatch of the orders.

hereditary heart problem which he had previously managed with regular check-ups and medication. “It has come out of the blue as far as we are concerned” she said.

Doug has recovered well. He is now ready to start this years brass band rehearsals and playing chamber music and in Waikato Symphony Orchestra. However, he does have one major regret. In his own words “The worst thing about my recent death is having to get my 400cc Suzuki Maxi scooter ready for sale. I have been forbidden to ride a motorcycle again. One bad head impact would now cause bleeding in the brain and death. Blood thinning drugs are responsible. I have ridden motor cycles for sixty years, including to Lodge many times over my fifty nine years a Mason and I will hate having to go places in a “Tintop”.”

The visit of the Choir to Hawke’s Bay last November was one which will be memorable, not only for the hospitality and the great musical ceremony but also for the tale of survival from what, due to rapid intervention, could have been a tragic outcome.

When The Heavenly Angels Sang

When the New Zealand Freemasons Masonic Choir converged on beautiful Napier with 42 singers many of whom had wives or partners and had journeyed from all over New Zealand little did they know of the drama which would unfold during the the ceremony.

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I was privileged to be taking part in the finest third degree ceremony ever

held in New Zealand. I am sure of this as during rehearsal the 52-member National Masonic Choir, in which I sing, was superb and the Officers of Lodge Omarunui No. 216 were excellent.

Death came to me with no notice; all was normal then I fell to the floor DEAD. Those first to attend me said I had no pulse, breathing had ceased and my eyes rolled back in my head. The Lodge attempted to ‘raise’ me – Bro Ray Monck vigorously applied the “compress his chest” grip which proved a success. I was alive again but my heart was racing out of control. I had entered into the “the shadow of the valley of death.”

Flashes of blue and gold came into my vision when I returned, for leaning above me was my friend, Northern Division Grand Chaplain, the Reverend Ivan Smith. His confident smiling face and his words of comfort will remain forever vividly in my memory. I later learned that he had been on his knees in prayer while I was absent.

My Lodge, Hillcrest 363, was with me in the ambulance and the emergency room at the Hastings Hospital, in the person of Bro Richard Kyle. His presence was a

The Day I Died

great comfort to me. My heart was still “going mad” and the decision was made to “zap” me. The gear was put in place and the sedative made ready when my heart’s madness ceased and it returned to a close to normal beat of its own accord.

I had successfully passed through the valley of death and I could live again.

The support from the Lodge members in Napier was tremendous. I had ten visits from concerned Brethren and my wife Hilary had seven offers of accommodation. The visit from Ray Monck was so special; up to then I had just taken it all in my stride but meeting the brother who had saved my life had a profound effect and after he left I became quite emotional. Just then the Hospital Chaplain arrived beside my bed – could it have been divine intervention?

My death was front page news in Hawke’s Bay, with photos of me and Ray Monck. It used the word “miracle.” Perhaps it was. If this cardiac arrest had happened to me in my home Lodge there would have been a defibrillator there and Brethren who knew how to work it, and I might have avoided a very sore, bruised chest. I heartily endorse The Freemasons Charity’s action to supply defibrillators at half price to all Lodges. Five people are

taken by cardiac arrest in New Zealand every day. Some twenty years ago a master was called to the Grand Lodge above during a meeting of my then home Lodge, Kororareka, when he had a cardiac arrest.

I have had my belief reinforced that, after the Master, the Almoner is the second most important officer in the Lodge. For the first time in my 78 years I was in a hospital bed and there experienced the lift in spirits that a visit from a skilled Almoner brings.

I now have an ICD (Implantable Cardioverte-Defibrillator) fitted in my chest; it is similar to a pacemaker and will give my heart a shock if it plays up again.

Bro Doug Bedggood

LEFt The motorbike must go.ABove Getting ready to start this year’s brass band rehearsals.RiGHt Getting ready for this year playing chamber music and in Waikato Symphony Orchestra. Luckily the pacemaker does not interfere with my playing.

I died at 2.33pm on Saturday 19th November 2011 in the Scinde Lodge room in Napier.

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The initiative and drive that led to the founding of the lodge came from Dr

Percy Swanseger, then in practice in the town. At the time some 22 members of the craft had been identified as living within a ten-mile radius of Ngaruawahia. In 1911, with horses still the predominant form of transport, ten miles was considered to be the maximum reach of a Lodge.

Despite some initial resistance the plans to form a Lodge proceeded and, on Sunday 25 June 1911 a resolution “to form a new Lodge at Ngaruawahia to be called Te Marama” was carried Te Marama translates at “the Moon” or “the light”.

Bro Swanseger was proposed as the first Master and, through contacts, a number of Auckland brethren, including several Grand Lodge officers, were added as Charter Members bringing the total to 36 when the application for a charter went forward. Despite the wish of Grand Lodge that the first Master should come from the ranks of Past Master members, local wishes prevailed and Bro Swanseger became the Master.

The dedication of the new Lodge took place in the Town Hall on the afternoon

Installation 101Lodge Te Marama Celebrates its Centennial

of 10 October 1911 with the Installation following in the evening.

The next step was to hold an emergency meeting in the Town Hall on October 23rd for the adoption of By-Laws. These had been carefully considered and recommended by a standing committee. The Master expected that, although he was taking them one by one, they would be passed through with a minimum of discussion. It was reported that WBro Simpson had other views and insisted on standing up and discussing and commenting on each By-Law at length. With twenty or more By-Laws to adopt it appeared that they were in for a prolonged meeting.

However the Master was equal to the occasion and circumstances played into his hands. The old Town Hall, a building in the centre of the town with big windows along both sides, was not the best place in which to hold a Masonic meeting although the windows had been blanked out with paper for the occasion. Doubtless these new Masonic doings in the centre of town excited the curiosity of the local youth for it was not long before various

whisperings and rustlings around the windows became audible to those inside. This was the Master’s opportunity! He remarked that there seemed to be some intruders in the vicinity and asked WBro Simpson if he would go and investigate. Although reluctant, he went and, with the door closed behind him, the passing of the By Laws proceeded in quick time. But, before they were halfway through, there was a report but the Master shook his head and carried on. When the gavel had descended for the last By-Law the Master took the report. WBro Simpson was admitted but he was not amused.

It was decided at this meeting to make a debenture issue to provide funds to complete the purchase of a building section, on which they had an option, and make preparations for building a Lodge room.

The suitability of the building for Lodge meetings and the position could have been very difficult for the young Lodge but they were particularly fortunate in that, at this time, a Past Grand Lodge Officer, John Colhoun was appointed headmaster of Ngaruawahia School. Seeing the difficulty the Lodge was in for accommodation he offered the use of one of the school classrooms for meetings. To hold a meeting meant stripping the room and stacking away all desks, slates etc. and the inevitable confusion resulting from their subsequent replacement. While in the school the arrangements by the stewards had to be the simplest. It was a case of biscuits, cheese and beer arranged at the last moment.

However the Lodge had no intention of putting up with these unsatisfactory conditions any longer than they had to. Arrangements for the building of the Lodge room were pushed ahead. Plans

The district Grand Master, vWBro dene Richards hands the gavel to the new Master, WBro Ron Jackson.

On Saturday 8th October 2011, Lodge Te Marama no 186 of Ngaruawahia celebrated its 101st Installation and the Lodge’s Centennial year of existence with due ceremony. Its history, compiled by RWBro Colin Wapp, shows a Lodge, which began with a streak of independence and an ability to innovate when it came to financing its building projects.

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were drawn up and tenders for the erection of a building at an estimated cost of £350 were secured. Debentures were offered and a loan obtained and part of which is now the current complex was erected and first used for the regular meeting on September 9th 1912. The building was extended in 1915 and, in March 1927, it was decided to strike a building levy of ten shillings ($1) per member annually to finance a debenture issue for the erection of a new Lodge room in fireproof materials. £1,250 of debentures were issued and the present Lodge room in concrete and concrete brick was erected and opened in October that year. Further financing became easier by virtue of successive Bank of New Zealand managers being members of the Lodge.

Lodge Te Marama continued to make steady progress through the 1950’s and 1960’s and had a peak membership of 140 in 1968. This has since slowly eroded, the membership in the centennial year stood at 42, which was very close to the charter

membership in 1911 of 36.On the afternoon of the centennial

celebration 76 visitors assembled and were received at 1.45 pm and, following that, 42 Grand Lodge Officers were admitted with due ceremony. The Grand Master, MWBro Selwyn Cooper, greeted the visiting masters.

Following the installation of Bro Ron

Jackson as Master, the Grand Master gave the address to the brethren after which he unveiled the plaque which had been erected on the North-Eastern wall of the lodge adjacent to the original 1927 opening plaque.

At the closing of the Ceremony the Grand Master presented centennial jewels to the Te Marama brethren. The lower part is a copy of the founders jewel while the upper part on the ribbon is the Te Marama crest.

Those present then proceeded to the Te Rapa racecourse and met with the ladies to celebrate with a social hour and centennial dinner. Following various toasts, including a Powerpoint presentation on the history of the Lodge, and the presentation of an illuminated address to the Master, the evening drew to a close at 10 pm at the end of an eventful day in the history of Lodge Te Marama.

Morris Robertson, with acknowledgement to

RWBro Colin Wapp PGW

ABove The Centennial plaque and jewel.LEFt The Lodge room and Te Marama Lodge.

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There is no denying that Mrs Sandy Taylor has been formally appointed

a Masonic benevolence officer. But she firmly denies being the first woman in the job. Freemasons’ wives from the top down have been doing it for years, she says. Benevolence comes with the territory, for at the end of the day Masonic husbands and their spouses work together “just trying to help someone in need” – which can mean visiting lodge widows, weeding gardens, painting houses, taking members to the doctor or hospital, or just ferrying them to and from lodge.

It was Sandy’s own need that spurred her altruism. Ten years ago she was struck with breast cancer and could not obtain the required treatment in New Zealand. It was available in Brisbane but money was tight, and there was no government assistance for travel, treatment and several weeks’ stay in Australia. Two lodges came to the rescue – Auckland No. 87 of which her husband Evan is a member, and Manukau-Westmere No.24. They produced “a substantial amount of money,” she says. “We were embarrassed to need to accept the help, but proud to be part of an organization that cared so much about people.”

Sandy has “great health” now and felt that by taking on the benevolence appointment she would be in a position to help others and gratefully return

Officer Sandy just another ‘wonder-worker’

something to the Masonic fraternity – distinguished from all “the wonderful, hard-working ladies” only by a business card.

Her awareness of Freemasonry began as a small child when her father WBro Geoff Dawson PGBB, of Lodge Rongamau No.280, was picked up and taken to lodge by “gentlemen dressed in penguin suits and mid-calf length raincoats or dark coats in winter.” Where they were going was a mystery to little Sandy, but she recognized a couple of them at the end-of-year lodge Christmas party.

Her father became the custodian of the Masonic Temple in St Benedicts St, Auckland, and was based there for seven years during which Sandy introduced her then boy friend Evan Taylor – and yes, Evan became a Mason too. In fact they had their wedding breakfast in the small refectory at the temple.

Sandy is a JP, a marriage and civil celebrant, and an elected trustee on the charity recom mendation committee of a licensing trust. She is also an elected member of the Whau Local Board of the Auckland Council, and holds down a full-time position as a sales manager in the retirement field. As district

benevolence officer Auckland West, she has so far assisted with three aid applications.

Sandy to the RescueRecently Claudia Martinez, a mother of two who survived earthquake and tsunami in Chile, was burnt out of the family accommodation at Titirangi, Auckland. She and her children aged five and nine have been relocated with help from the Freemasons Charity and other organizations approached by feisty benevolence officer Sandy Taylor, who thought it time to “pull in a few favours” she says.

Six children and one of the three adult residents of the house were in the swimming pool when the fire occurred; leaving them with just their bathing costumes and

whatever else they had with them. The cause was said to be electrical.

The homeowners were covered by insurance, but the tenant family’s possessions were not. Sandy Taylor coordinated relief measures which included shopping vouchers for food and other necessities, even underwear and shoes. A deal was struck on a washing machine. The RSA came up with chairs, beds, linen, blankets and some clothing. Volunteers handled the family’s shift into new accommodation.

Claudia has paid tribute to the overwhelming Kiwi generosity which was quite unexpected, adding that wonderful as the material assistance had been, it is the heartfelt warmth of the support that she values most. She and her daughters had a comfortable Christmas in their new rental accommodation

Jack Leigh

Burnt out house

Sandy Taylor with Claudia Martinez and daughters five-year-old Chanel and nine-year-old Cloeh.vIC FABIAN

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Charity, to supply items on the rescue team’s wish list to a value of $27,210.

“The team was rendered almost speechless,” says Derrick Crosby. “The Eastern Bay Lodges Committee chose some very astute brethren familiar with fund-raising … thus a very good and effective raffle was planned.”

The local business community respon-ded generously when approached for prizes, the rescue team mounted a display to stimulate public interest and there was strong media support for the raffle, which was planned to run for four weeks starting on the day the Longest Morning Tea was launched. In fact all 2500 tickets sold in just less than three weeks. WBro Gordon Smith of Lodge Whakatane No.198 sold

more than 80 five-ticket books in two nights.

The prize pool was large enough to allow for five generous, hamper-type prizes and the Masonic Grand Master MWBro Selwyn Cooper handed over a $27,250 cheque, which included a $15,000 subsidy from The Freemasons Charity, to response team leader Tony Gillard who told a large gathering just how big the benefits would be wherever the team’s help was needed. The Mayor of Whakatane, Tony Bonne, also thanked the Freemasons, and praised volunteer groups like the rescue team in society, whose dedication was very much at their own personal cost.

Jack Leigh

Tony Gillard of the emergency response team receiving the cheque from the Grand Master. Selwyn Cooper watched by Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne and Paul Henricksen, Chairman of the Eastern Bay of Plenty fund-raising committee.

Survival gear on display.

Geo Technical Events Garner Generosityfinanced by working bees and donations. Having heard this from a team member and workmate, Mike Bridge, local Freemason WBro Derrick Crosby took the matter up with the master of Lodge Apanui No.395, WBro Paul Henricksen, who in turn discussed it with the masters of other Eastern Bay lodges. They decided on a combined project, subject to approval and help from The Freemasons

The Christchurch earthquake has brought a shake-up in the Eastern

Bay of Plenty, which is known for quakes, floods and now whirlwind fund-raising. For, in a matter of weeks, it has whipped up more than $27,000 to ensure its own future readiness for disaster. Good has come from hardship. Endurance has brought benefit.

The story began when the Whakatane Emergency Response Team, a squad of specialist rescuers, was quick to help Christchurch and contribute to the nation-wide generosity remembered from its own time of need. Keen and well trained, the team did a great job limited only by deficiencies in its equipment, this being largely hand-me-down and

BuRn ouTWhere there’s smoke there’s loss and suffering, as fire-afflicted families know. But hearts are stirred and help flows, not least from the Freemasons.

There was double disaster for the Rudolph family of six. Father Tim had no sooner rebuilt the burnt roof of their modern, uninsured

home on Auckland’s North Shore, than a tornado tore it off again. The fire, blamed on an electrical fault, had already gutted the house and consigned the family to many months of temporary accommodation and economic misery. They are now comfortably back at home thanks

to builder Tim’s hard work with community support, in which the Freemasons Charity and the Howard family of Coatesville played an important part.

“Our lives are pretty much back to normal”, says Tim.

Jack Leigh

This historical timeline story of ‘King Solomon and Temple Mount’

begins in Mesopotamia, the birthplace of Abraham, whose Jewish, Muslim and Christian descendants each take centre stage during the unfolding of the historical events associated with the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

The acquisition of a print copy of the painting of ‘The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon’ brought into sharper focus the trading activities of the King - and the associated commercial activities that were such an outstanding feature of his Kingdom. I recall being very impressed by this particular painting which I first saw hanging in Freemasons’ Hall in London and later in the Masonic Temple in Dublin.

The painting by Sir Edward John Poynter in 1890 is the best of all those many images I have viewed – primarily because it so effectively portrays the ‘House of the Forests of Lebanon’ with its lofty cedar pillars (of which there were

45, soaring 62.5 feet high or 30 cubits) as described in the Holy Bible (1 Kings 7:2) and other reliable sources. It was a massive building, covering over four times the total area of the Temple. The cedar pillars were topped with cedar beams at a height of 62 feet.

The painting also illustrates some of the 300 shields of gold that were hung around the upper walls as well as the six steps leading to the ivory throne, with a row of six lions on either side, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:17-20 and 2 Chronicles 9:16.

As the head of state of a Kingdom whose chief export trade could only be with, and through Israel, the Queen would certainly have had good reason to visit King Solomon for trade talks, and it is very likely that her real mission was for the purposes of such discussions, and the gifts exchanged were to open up trade relations. The Queen of Sheba’s desire to encounter Solomon was ardent enough for her to embark on this momentous journey, across the desert sands of

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon

Gale CollectionsCollections associated with the four generations of the Gale family are housed in the National Museum in Canberra and the State Library of New South Wales. The former includes all of the Masonic Regalia, robes, and appropriate clothing. Denis Shephard, Curator, Australian Culture and Society, describes the collection as “one of the best documented collections in the National Historical Collection. It has tremendous potential for both research and for display.”

The collection in the State library of New South Wales contains all of the family’s certificates and all of Ron’s extensive research records.

Over the past ten years my Masonic research has centred on the project which I have titled ‘King Solomon and the Temple Mount’. It is an extensive research project involving the history of the Temple Mount and the events, personalities and buildings that have been associated with it over the past three thousand years. The central theme is an interpretation of the first Temple built by King Solomon and the subsequent Temples built by Zerubbabel and King Herod.

Painting, The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon

Arabia, along the coast of the Red Sea, up into Moab, and over the Jordan River to Jerusalem. There are 1,500 miles of desert and mountains between Sheba and Jerusalem.

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Such a journey required at least six months time round trip each way, since camels could rarely travel more than 20 miles per day. Arabian camels were tall and hardy, able to store water and fat for three weeks while living only on desert roughage. Wearing saddles of oak padded with colorful fabric, and hung with gold chains and crescents to win the favor of the gods, camels in a caravan were strung together by ropes made of goat hairs. Baby camels born along the way were carried on the back of the camel ahead to assure its mother of its wellbeing.

Solomon’s kingdom was a strategic bonanza to whoever controlled it. It was at the virtual cross–roads of the world. This ribbon of land, with the sea on one side and the desert on the other, provided the single viable land route for both trade and conquest between the vastly more powerful states that bordered it.

This area had been the nexus of civilized trade for over a thousand years, and for that reason, the prize for every empire and pseudo-empire of the age. Century after century, millennium upon millennium, processions trekked across it – the chariots of the Pharaohs, caravans from Arabia, armies from Assyria and horsemen from Babylonia, the Persians,

the Macedonians, Greeks, Parthians and later the Romans.

Although there is no direct evidence of their well publicised meeting, it is noted in the Bible (Kings 1, 10), The Holy Koran, The Jewish Talmud (Oral Law) as well as by the noted Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, and also recorded in the Ethiopian narrative (Glory of Kings – the Kebra Negast). It is even referred to in the ceremonies of Freemasonry and several of its allied Masonic Orders.

The relationship between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba has been the subject of 7 films, 16 books, 1 operatic musical, 1 television programme, 1 ballet feature, 3 poems, 21 songs, and about 70 paintings.

Recorded in the Bible as simply a Queen of the East, modern scholars believe she came from the Kingdom of Axum in Ethiopia, the Kingdom of Saba (Sheba) in Yemen or both. The Jewish historian Josephus identified her as a Queen of Egypt and Ethiopia.

RWBro Ronald L Gale, PSGW (United Grand

Lodge of NSW & ACT)

Ronald and Ngaire Gale. Ngaire was originally

from Wellington, NZ. They met while Ron was working there. Ngaire’s father, Leslie William Bispham was a member of Lodge

Waterloo No. 13, having been initiated

in September 1913.

Ronald Leslie Gale, a former international trade consultant was born at Gunnedah, New South Wales, in 1928. He was initiated and raised into Freemasonry by his father, Leslie Herbert Robert Gale, in 1951; Gale’s son John Leslie is a fourth-generation Freemason. Between 1970 and 1979 Ronald Gale was elected to nine United Grand Lodge of New South Wales offices, culminating in his office as Junior Grand Warden.

Six men from four generations of the Gale family have been Free masons. Arthur Gale (1867–1930) was initiated into Freemasonry in 1910. His three sons, including Les, grandson Ron, and great-grandson John, followed him. Les Gale (1898–1977) was initiated into Lodge Nandewar at Boggabri in 1928 and subsequently served as Worshipful Master of Lodge Zion at Gunnedah in 1937 and of Lodge St Ives in 1955.

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Service Awards70 Years WBro James Bruce Collett PM Lodge of Unanimity No. 3 2/12/1941WBro Ivan Robert Craill PM Abercorn-Tuahine Lodge No. 76 6/11/1941RWBro vincent Dudley Rabone PGW Lodge Awatea No. 258 13/12/1941

60 YearsWBro Clarence Johnson PM The Ara Taimau Lodge No. 1 21/11/1951WBro neil furlong Marsden PM RH Scinde Lodge No. 5 20/11/1951WBro Allan William Henry Holz PM The victory Lodge No. 40 6/12/1951WBro Robert John Maurice Pettett PGBB The Belmont Albion Lodge No. 45 11/12/1951Bro Albert Lloyd frederickson MM Lodge Wairoa No. 55 19/11/1951WBro frederick Kingsley Weston PM The Franklin Lodge No. 58 10/12/1951WBro James Stewart frame PM The St Andrew Kilwinning Lodge No. 79 6/12/1951WBro francis Alexander Robertson PM RH Lodge Aorangi Mokihinui No. 89 9/01/1952WBro Matthew James Cowie PM The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98 9/01/1952Bro Rodger Turnbull MM The Wallace Lodge No. 129 21/11/1951WBro Trevor Colin Berry PM Lodge Aurora No. 155 13/12/1951Bro Douglas William Joy MM Lodge Malvern No. 230 2/05/1951WBro Trevor Graeme Meachen PG Swd B The Lodge of Peace No. 322 10/11/1951Bro Squire Lionel Speedy MM The Milford Trinity Lodge No. 372 13/12/1951Bro Lawrence T Lloyd Speedy MM The Milford Trinity Lodge No. 372 13/12/1951

50 YearsvWBro William Marshall Scott P Dist GM New Zealand Pacific No. 2 8/11/1961WBro Raymond Douglas Bell PM New Zealand Pacific No. 2 1/11/1961RWBro Mark Howard Bridgman PGW The Sir Walter Scott Lodge No. 15 21/12/1961WBro Robert Hugh Gilmore PM The Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge No. 23 21/12/1961WBro Alan frederick Wells PM The Saint Andrews Lodge No. 32 18/12/1961WBro James Stewart Hunt PM The Wairau Lodge No. 42 8/11/1961WBro Albert Henry Toomey PM Lodge Wairoa No. 55 20/11/1961WBro Colin King McRae PM The Mokoreta Lodge No. 63 14/12/1961Bro Charles edwin Brown MM The Heretaunga Lodge No. 73 3/06/1953WBro Alistair Grant Cowan P Dist GDC Lodge dunstan No. 103 18/07/1961vWBro Graham Bernal Morris P Dist GM Hikurangi Lodge No. 140 23/11/1961vWBro Lewis John Goad PG Supt W Onehunga Maungawhao Lodge No. 168 14/12/1961vWBro Robert McKechnie Hastie PGDC Hutt valley Lodge No. 176 31/01/1962WBro Robert Brash Campbell PM Lodge North Harbour No. 182 26/12/1961WBro Alan evelyn ferriss PM Lodge Koranga No. 197 9/12/1957vWBro Arthur John Levett Williams PGDC Lodge Erewhon No. 200 25/01/1962Bro Cecil Rule Sparrow MM RH Lodge Erewhon No. 200 23/11/1961Bro David Glen Wilson MM Taia-Raukawa Lodge No. 229 22/10/1960WBro Richard Percival flint PG Std B Hauraki Plains Lodge No. 249 9/11/1961WBro Ronald Guest PM Lodge Tawera-O-Kapiti No. 253 19/12/1961WBro Bruce Buchanan Drysdale PGS Lodge Awatea No. 258 16/01/1962WBro Kenneth Stanley odlin PM Lower Hutt Lodge No. 299 17/11/1961WBro Geoffrey Lawrence Martin PM Lodge Pukemiro No. 301 13/01/1962WBro Douglas Milton Denby PM Lodge Wellsford No. 306 6/12/1961Bro Grahame William Hamblin MM Lodge Howick No. 314 29/11/1961WBro James Wilfred McGuire PM The Milford Trinity Lodge No. 372 14/11/1961vWBro Deane George Machon G Lec Lodge Wakatu No. 385 23/01/1962Bro Peter edward owles MM Lodge Mangaroa No. 419 22/11/1961WBro Graeme Howard Mander PM Lodge Aquarius No. 466 8/11/1961WBro neil elgar PGIG The United Lodge of Wanganui No. 468 1/11/1961

The Tauranga Cancer Society approached Heather to see if

her knitters would knit adult beanies, slippers, and bed socks for them. Once the original Freemasons project had run its course Heather asked her team if they would be prepared to now knit for cancer patients. 95% of the knitters were keen and, by mid January, they had knitted 693 garments.

As Heather fills boxes with either neo natal knitting or, for the Cancer Society, she is distributing them to whoever needs them. So far the main recipients of the garments, besides Tauranga, have

been Whakatane, Rotorua, Waikato and Gisborne hospitals. Other recipients have been The Lions Cancer Lodge in Hamilton, the Dialysis Unit at Tauranga Hospital, Child Cancer Tauranga, Te Puke’s Carter House and Country Estate rest homes, Waipuna Hospice and the Salvation Army, Tauranga, and Camp Quality.

Meanwhile local Lodges had been raising funds for Camp Quality and, with a grant of $15,000 from The Freemasons Charity, a cheque for $25,000 was pre-sen ted to the camp. The opportunity of the occasion was taken to also present

Waikato/Bay of Plenty Camp Quality Chairperson, Fi Hammond, with 80 beanies and 30 pair of slippers so that each child attending the camp in January 2012 would receive either a beanie or slippers to take home.

It doesn’t stop at knitting. For some time associates of the group have been making quilts with some 250 to date being donated through Lodges to various needy organisations such as local rest homes and as far afield as Starship Hospital in Auckland.

Morris Robertson

In the last issue of New Zealand Freemason we reported on the success of the Neo natal Knitting project and, in particular, the sterling effort by Heather Cooke and her Bay of Plenty team. As of mid-January they had completed 4,176 garments. The biggest constraint has been the enthusiasm of knitters overtaking the available supplies of wool.

Neo Natal Knitters Knit on

tOp RiGHt Heather Cooke passes knitted garments over to Camp Quality Chairperson, Fi Hammond.ABove Quilts and adult knitting for Lions Cancer Lodge.

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by the District Grand Superintendent.Bruce was particularly taken by the

doors of the Mandurah-Murray Masonic Centre which are wooden carved replicas of the doors to the Lodge in Great Queen Street, London. Apparently a craftsman journeyed to London to get the dimensions and take pictures to ensure the accuracy of the replicas.

The following weekend, accompanied by Immediate Past First Grand Principal, Graeme Pengelly, Bruce attended the Grand Proclamation of the Grand Chapter of Tasmania.

Pictures and text supplied by Bruce Hebbard

The Supreme Grand King of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch

Chapter, Michael Ward attended the 150th anniversary convocation of the Ara Royal Arch Chapter, Irish Constitution, in Auckland in 2010. Reciprocating that visit, Bruce Hebbard attended the Grand Installation in Dublin in November. He was welcomed at a dinner hosted by Michael Ward along with the First Grand Principals from Finland, the Netherlands and Greece. The Provincial Grand Superintendent for the Irish Constitution in New Zealand, John Davies, was also present.

The following night he was a guest of the Provincial Grand Lodge, Londonderry and Donegal, and the next week attended a First Degree Ceremony in the Peebles Kilwinning Chapter No 24 in Scotland, 30 km south of Edinburgh in the Borders Region. The Chapter was consecrated in 1716. That week he also attended a working of the four Cryptic Degrees in the Esk Royal Arch Chapter No 42 in Dalkeith.

In September Bruce atten-ded meetings in Australia. He was present for the Installation of the District Grand Superintendent for the Scottish Constitution District of Western Australia, Arthur Barnes. On 17 September he attended a special meeting of the DeGrey Royal Arch Chapter held in Furnissdale, Mandurah, south of Perth. A Founder Member of DeGrey Chapter, which meets in Port Hedland, this meeting was particularly poignant serving as a reunion of members from the Pilbara and those who had since moved away. The meeting also enabled the Installation of the Third Principal and the Exaltation of Companion Lyndon Jenkins.

Port Hedland is about 1,600 km north of Perth. The effort of

Lyndon Jenkins in being present was particularly notable because he lives in Broome, another 600 km by road north of Port Hedland. The meeting was also attended by a delegation from the Supreme Grand Chapter of Western Australia led by the Immediate Past First Grand Principal, and the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland led

The Travels of a First Grand Principal

www.royalarch.org.nz

The duties of a First Grand Principal, as head of the Order, include not only visiting Chapters throughout New Zealand but also representing

New Zealand at ceremonial functions overseas. Since his installation in dunedin last year, Bruce Hebbard has attended Grand Installations

in Ireland, Tasmania, Western Australia and ceremonies in Scotland and Western Australia.

John davies, Michael Ward and Bruce Hebbard in dublin.

Bruce Hebbard and Lyndon Jenkins by the doors.

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RE Comp Donald Barrymore (Barrie) Mayfield, Past Depute First Grand Principal, was born on 4 April 1933 and passed away on 8 December 2011. Barrie joined Lodge Maori No. 105 in Ravensbourne in 1956 and, some 11 years later, was installed as Master.

At the time of Barrie’s Mastership Grand Lodge must have had their eye upon him for, two years later, he was appointed a Grand Steward. He was appointed Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1971, and then Provincial Grand Master for 1977-79. His career did not end there. Because of his involvement and participation in things Masonic, in 1999 he was justifiably awarded an honoris causa rank of Past Deputy Grand Master, which he accepted with the modesty becoming of the man that he was.

Freemasonry enables those who wish to further their knowledge into such subjects as philosophy by studying through Craft Lodge facilities and other Orders. Some

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of these orders became attractive to Barrie who joined the Maori Royal Arch Chapter No. 28 in 1969, rising to the rank of First Principal in 1976. He was appointed Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1993, Grand Superintendent for 1996-99, and Third Grand Principal when I was First Grand Principal. He represented me in Adelaide at a conference in his second year. He was appointed Depute First Grand Principal in 2009–10.

In 1977 Barrie joined a very serene and tranquil branch of Freemasonry, The Antient and Accepted Scottish Rite and, 10 years later after very much study, he was installed as Most Wise Sovereign of Sphinx Rose Croix Chapter No. 23 from which he progressed to the 30th Degree and was invested as Grand Master of Ceremonies for New Zealand South serving from 1995 to 2005. He was enthroned as Grand Commander in 2006. He must have been very influential within this beautiful branch of Freemasonry as

he was created the Deputy for the Province in 2010, an office which carries with it the very top and honourable position of the 33rd Degree. This is the last and highest Degree of Freemasonry available to anyone in the world. In New Zealand and some other parts of the world that Degree is restricted to just a few at any time.

Barrie served on, and devoted faithful service to, both the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust and the Otago Masonic Almoners Association. I have been privileged to participate in a ceremony in company with a very sincere friend and Masonic Brother. When in his social company I have been impressed by his sincerity and his strong beliefs coupled with an ability to express them diplomatically. His counsel and comments have truly been of benefit in our deliberations. Eoin Dryden

Obituary – Barrie Mayfield

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A grant has been made to Great Potentials Foundation “one of New Zealand’s leading agencies of social enterprise and innovation” to allow tutors and co-ordinators in their HIPPY programme to undertake study in 2012 towards gaining a National Certificate in adult education and training.

HIPPY (Home Interaction programme for Parents and Youngsters) is a home-based programme aimed at children in educationally disadvantaged circumstances that trains parents to help their four- and five-year-old children with their learning, creating experiences that lay the foundation for success in school and later life.

The programme is operating successfully in 27 low-income communities around the country but is expected to grow to 50 communities over the next four years with increased Government funding from the Ministry of Education.

Our Foundation is very happy to be part of this!

We’re happy about HIPPY

A Community Affair

We congratulate Lodge Whangamata on the significant role the Lodge played in the community fund-raising efforts to help with the town’s new X-ray facility. With a little help from the Foundation, $8800 was contributed by Freemasons towards a spare x-ray tube for the machine. Any break-down can now be rectified quickly, avoiding delays in local service. Well done!

Praise for University accord

Extending support for Macular Degeneration

Since the preparation of the story in this issue of NZ Freemason, formal letters of thanks have been received from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Professor Stuart McCutcheon following the signing of the new accord with Freemasons New Zealand.

On the grant of a $248,000 Fellowship at The Centre for Brain Research he said,

“We are very grateful for the Foundation’s support of important post-doctoral research with it’s potential for the efficient development of drugs to test neurodegenerative disorders”.

And about the $100,000 Scholarship for the Department of Ophthalmology –

“It is wonderful that Freemasons can support research to better understand a disease that can be so devastating to sufferers”.

Macular Degeneration, the eye disease that affects 1 in 7 New Zealanders over the age of fifty is receiving more support.

Freemasons Roskill Foundation has made a grant of $15,000 to Macular Degeneration New Zealand to reduce the incidence and impact of MD through their awareness, education and support services. With 25,000 sufferers in New Zealand and 800 new cases each year the job is a big one.

It was the approach from MDNZ to the Foundation and the recognition that Macular Degeneration was such a debilitating and growing problem that led to the special research grant to the University.

For more about the disease and MDNZ go to the website www.mdnz.co.nz or call – 0800 MACULAR (0800 622 852)

Whangamata fund-raisers: L to R – Committee members Hazel Bulmer, Pam Reynolds, Bill Doyle, Mary Taylor with X-Ray Project Convenor W Bro Ian Feasey, IPM Lodge Whangamata.

The Foundation can be contacted at PO Box 113144, Newmarket, Auckland 1149.

Telephone: (09) 520 6414 or email: info@roskill.org.nz

Freemasons

reportingRoskill Foundation

Neurodegenerative Drug Development: L to R: Professor Richard Faull, David Mace, Dr Amanda Heapy, (Fellowship winner) Professor Margaret Brimble.

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*An amount (calculated as a percentage of the total funds invested with the Scheme) is paid to Freemasons New Zealand, so your investment in the Scheme will help to further the work of Freemasonry in New Zealand. A copy of our current disclosure statement may be obtained through any branch or agency of The National Bank (part of ANZ National Bank Limited). NAT0118

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To apply for the Freemasons Deposit Scheme or for more information, call 0800 659 876 or visit freemasons.co.nz

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