Tessellated Tales - Summer 2108

TESSELLATED Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

TALES Summer 2018

Tessellated Tales

The District Grand Master’s End of Year Message

Another year is ending, and many changes have occurred. Our District is increasing in strength, as Lodge membership grows. The number of ritual books and Books of Constitutions have had to be ordered and distributed, is a good sign of that strength. This is down to the dedication of those brethren that go the extra mile for their District and their Lodges. Their hard work and Commitment to Masonry is a beacon that we should all follow.

Dedication comes in many guises, the dedication that was shown by W Bro Bob McKillop and his team in Wellington who organised the November Communications this year is one that will be hard to emulate. They have set the bar high, the standard of organisation was extraordinary. Their effort was praiseworthy, but it was also the little things they did that impressed me and many others, was the information packet sent out to all the ladies prior to the meeting. The standard of ritual of their Second Degree working in the morning in such a superb old Lodge room was something we could all copy. The November Communications was well attended with eighty-seven attendees who registered. We had ninety-three for dinner on the Saturday night, which is a testimony to the well run and organised meeting.

The meeting saw W Bro Euan Allan appointed as a new Assistant District Grand Master. W Bro Allan joined Masonry in the United Kingdom, Lodge Wandle No. 2699 in 1992 when he was a Police Officer in London. I also invested a new group of officers into District Ranks, who I know will give good service to the District. I would also like to take the opportunity of thanking the outgoing Assistant District Grand Master, W Bro Michael Chopping who has given his time and effort tirelessly to the District.

For those brethren of District who work behind the scenes, who give their time, their effort and the hours spent on the District’s behalf is something that few see or recognise. As your District Grand Master, I cannot thank you enough for your support.

While our organisation is seen as unchanging at times, change is inevitable. While this year’s

Communication was well attended, we have seen a trend over the last few years that few of our younger brethren are not attending in the numbers we would expect. Giving extra time to their yearly Masonic duties and the cost of a weekend away, and potentially attending two Communications a year is proving too much for many of them. Not so long ago, Communications were held quarterly but with the advent of modern communications and younger brethren’s time being more family orientated we have looked at how we can do things better. In Masonry, we state quite categorically that family Page 1

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Tessellated Tales come first. Therefore, if we want to encourage more of our younger brethren to attend Communications, we must move with the times. The District has plans in place to have one Communication a year. More information on this will follow in the next few months.

A very close relationship now exists between both the English District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand and the English District Grand Lodge of South Island New Zealand. During our recent Communications in November we had the pleasure of welcoming their District Grand Master R W Bro Richard Taylor who was accompanied by his distinguished Grand and District Grand Officers. In May of 2019 I will be attending their Communications which will be held in Ashburton. It is my intention to support and attend all future English DGL SINZ yearly Communications. While we haven’t yet received any written notification, we have been verbally invited. For further information please contact our District Grand Secretary W Bro Ron Pemberton.

On behalf of Desré and myself I wish you and your families a very enjoyable Christmas Season and may the New Year bring you health, peace and prosperity.

RW Bro Brian Westhead.

District Grand Master

Email Etiquette The Who, What, When Rule

Brethren, in this digital age, email has become the predominant means of communication between brethren of the District. With lodge secretaries forwarding on any correspondence they believe the brethren of their lodge should be aware of. This results in many emails arriving in a brother’s email box every month.

A number of brethren have raised the issue that many of these emails do not have an indication in the subject line as to their contents, and that they tend to ignore or delete these without first reading them.

Good email etiquette is to use the 3W Rule in the subject line, Who, What and When.

Examples are: Remuera Lodge 3rd Degree 14 October 2018 DGL – Communications – 3 November 2018 A second reason for using an expanded and detailed subject line is that many of the newer versions of spam and anti-virus software tend to block or even delete emails that do not have recognisable language in the subject line or the name of the attachment.

To ensure that your digital message gets delivered and receives the attention you believe it deserves, and to assist your fellow brethren in managing their inbox, make a New Year’s resolution to follow the 3W Rule.

W Bro Tim Stansfield DGDC Editor

50 Year Membership Certificate

W Bro R M Wilson a member of the Remuera Lodge No 1710 and the Rodney Lodge No 1711 received a certificate for 50 years of membership of the Auckland Royal Arch Chapter No 1338, presented by E Comp Tony Mansfield of the Auckland Royal Arch Chapter.

E Comp Tony Mansfield PGStdB Second District Grand Principal

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

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Tessellated Tales

Tempus Fugit

or where I come from: Eeee by’eck, doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun.

What year! What a job. Appointed last year as the District Grand Secretary, I thought that all I had to do was write a few letters and take minutes. Phew! It’s been a bit more than that. But still, after all the early trials and tribulations, I still enjoy the work and all the people that I come into contact with.

It hasn’t been easy taking over from the maestro himself, VW Bro Bruce McMurtrie, that doyen of Masonic knowledge, that stalwart secretary of the past twenty-three years, the go-to-man, the guru of English Freemasonry in the North Island.

A man, a mason of over 50 years. Then there’s me, the Tin basher, the pilot, the author with less than 20 years in Masonry struggling to find my own path in the job and at times annoying the hell out of Bruce as he struggles to keep me on the straight and narrow.

All joking apart it goes without saying that the past District Grand Secretary VW Bruce McMurtrie has, on many occasions wanted to beat me about the ears, when I’ve changed things that have sat in their place for 23 years. Although, he has even accepted with grace, some of the changes I’ve made (at least I think he has or he is just resigned to it). But never let it be said that he hasn’t stood by my side and guided me in the right direction. Thank you Bruce.

There have been a host of people who have offered their help to me over the last twelve months.

A comment here, a nudge in the right direction there, all so helpful my head has spun at times with the contributions to my learning curve. But that’s Freemasonry for you, people just offer a helping hand to the helpless. There are too many to thank individually, so I will just mention those that are continually at my side giving me that support this young fledgling secretary needs.

Our President of the Board of General Purposes, W Bro Graeme Martin who, I have to say has been a steadying influence on my other wise spirited behaviour. When I’ve wanted to spit more than the dummy, (using an Australian expression), he has been a calming influence.

Of course, there is the District Grand Master, my other boss, who is also of a calm and nurturing nature.

W Bro Steve Glew my Assistant District Grand Secretary. The work he has done in the store helping to bring some order to the Masonic regalia and other masonic accoutrements. His knowledge of Excel and Word has been a great help. W Bro Graham Wilson, putting in hours to help with a variety of tasks.

Bro Breddy and others of the Prince of Wales Lodge that have helped me make a few changes about the place.

I am making progress, so as a wise man once said “never discourage anyone who makes continual progress no matter how slow”. That’s why Masonry is a great organisation. My feelings towards my brother masons are unwavering, no matter how many times I might stumble, they pick me up and help where they can.

Thank you all, and may the future hold no terrors that the helping hand of brother mason isn’t forthcoming.

Merry Christmas to all, may the years ahead be full of good health and not short of bob or two in your pocket to enjoy it.

W Bro Ron Pemberton District Grand Secretary Page 3

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Tessellated Tales

Bro Ron Sanderson

A few brethren gathered to celebrate Bro Ron Sanderson’s 70 years in Freemasonry.

He was toasted with the ‘amber fluid’ as befitting a Scotsman, and cut a chocolate cake baked by Andrew Vincent crowned with a masonic symbol on top. W Bro Smith (ADGM) presented Ron with a Jubilee Certificate on behalf of the English Constitution, and Bro Robin Stanford, Master of Hinemoa Lodge SC from Stratford, presented Ron with a Jubilee Certificate and Jewel on behalf of the Scottish Constitution, and Ron’s Mother Lodge.

Some history of our oldest member who turned 94 in December.

Bro Ronald Mackie Bond Sanderson was born in 1924 in Glasgow and served in the Merchant Navy during World War II. Amongst many voyages, he sailed six times whilst in his teens in RFA Laurelwood (in the engine room), carrying fuel on the

infamous Arctic Convoys to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk in Russia.

For this he was awarded the Ushakov Medal by a very grateful Russian Nation, and very belatedly Arctic Star by the British government.

He was initiated into Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68 in the Scottish Constitution, in Port Glasgow [more of that Lodge below] in 1948 when he was 24 years old.

When he and Heather immigrated to New Zealand, he joined Aorangi Lodge in 1954. A few years later he resigned and moved to Taranaki and joined Hinemoa Lodge No 786 SC in Stratford.

When he retired, Ron returned to Lower Hutt and rejoined the Aorangi Lodge in 2006.

Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68 was founded by operative masons in 1757 – receiving its Charter, not from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, but from the Mother Lodge at Kilwinning in 1759. The founders operated for two years without a charter from anyone, and didn’t join the Grand Lodge until 1807.

The Lodge met in various location in Port Glasgow until having its own premises built in 1901 where they have been meeting ever since.

Port Glasgow and its neighbouring town Greenock’s main industries for many years was shipbuilding and as a seaport. In fact the town of Port Glasgow got its name from the fact that it was used as the main landing port for the city of Glasgow, as the River Clyde was not navigable at the time. Port Glasgow was originally called Newark, at the time a fishing village. As the port grew it became “The Port of Glasgow and Newark”, shortened to “Port Glasgow and Newark”, then just “Port Glasgow”. Contrary to popular belief, it is not located within the City of Glasgow. It is approximately ¾ of an hour by car from the City of Glasgow.

The Lodge is within the Masonic Province of Renfrewshire West, which is one of the smallest Provinces in Scotland, having only nine Lodges.

W Bro Will Wood PDJGW, Secretary Aorangi Lodge 2300 Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

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Tessellated Tales

District Grand Master’s Certificate of Service

W Bro Alan Philip Hayne Rutter received his District Grand Master’s Certificate of Service for his outstanding work that he has carried out over the years.

The District Grand Master presented the award for Alan’s devotion to the

Waitemata Lodge as well as the Various Chapters of which he belongs and also to the District Grand Lodge. He has been

and remains a stalwart of the Waitemata Lodge and Eden Chapter.

Alan is well known as a man who practises the teachings of Freemasonry in his personal life as well as in his Lodge, and a man who will offer help to anyone without hesitation.

W Bro Ron Pemberton

District Grand Secretary

Bro Mark Baily Initiated into Corinthian Lodge

Perhaps surprisingly, 63 year old U.S. Defence Attorney, Mark Bailey, had not heard a lot about Freemasonry growing up, and when forging a legal career, in the United States. It was not until

his wife, a General Practitioner Doctor, applied for an overseas position as a resident doctor at the Thames Medical Centre, that he started having brushes with Freemasonry!

When the family arrived in Thames in 2017, Mark’s wife started work at the Medical Centre, his teenage son applied for a position at the Embassy Picture Theatre in Thames, a business owned and

operated by the Worshipful Master of the Corinthian Lodge. Mark having found that he was largely unable to transfer his skills to the NZ legal setting, was looking for an outlet.

Exposure to Worshipful Brother Ritchie at the picture theatre, certainly wetted his appetite for

something new, resulting in Mark taking his First Degree at Corinthian Lodge on the 27th of November,

in front of visiting brethren from Wanganui, Tauranga, Hamilton, and of course our District Visiting officer W Bro Roger Johnstone, who also addressed the candidate.

Mark is looking forward to his 2nd degree in the new year.

Mark’s teenage son, on enquiring about the details of his father’s experience, was told it was secret and confidential, and nothing could be shared at the moment!, however a potential candidate in the making.

W Bro Ron Agnew PDJGW Page 5

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Tessellated Tales

Let’s accompany the Master on a visit …..

The Master in question being W Bro. Anand Nair, Master of the Prince of Wales’ Lodge.

Every year since he has been a member, Anand has been inviting

the brethren of the Prince of Wales Lodge, and other members of

the District to join him in his trip back to his mother lodge, The Lodge of Fiji, for their annual installation.

This year, with Anand ‘in the Chair’, it seemed like to a good year to make the trip and witness an installation Fiji style.

Accordingly, several brethren, led by W Bro Graeme Martin,

travelled up to Fiji with Anand.

It possibly wasn’t the best organised trip, with some finding their rental car was significantly smaller than

booked (“cosy” would be a generous description) and one resorting to use the local bus service. But we all got there to receive a very warm welcome.

The installation ceremony was very similar to that with which we are familiar,

although quite lengthy, possibly the

result of a break halfway through for the benefit of those who found themselves in need of a reviving drink. The refectory was a great deal of fun with a wide range of food provided by the wives of the members and an even greater range of drinks.

Traditionally Lodge of Fiji circulate a quaich in the refectory. It was observed the quaich made several circuits which probably contributed to good humour of the evening although the combination of the quaich and a post-refectory visit to a local nightclub could possibly account for the somewhat delicate health of some brethren in the following morning.

It was interesting to also meet and talk with members of Lodge of Lautoka and Lodge of Discovery (Vanuatu). They

are quite isolated from other masons and seemed to really

appreciate the opportunity to meet and talk with brethren from elsewhere.

All in all, it was a great trip and many of those who went hope to go back again.

W Bro Tony Mansfield DGReg Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

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Tessellated Tales

Eden Lodge Donates Notebooks to Schools

The Eden Lodge reached out to two schools in the Auckland area as part of their charity work; giving away exercise notebooks, which every student will enjoy using for the whole year.

This is to be an ongoing annual work with these two schools for now.

Hopefully, we can include more schools should more brethren be willing to support the cause.

The Recipient schools are: Manurewa Central Primary School 4 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland Student population: 602 Notebooks donated: 630 Leabank Primary School 7 Dr Pickering Avenue Manurewa, Auckland Student population: 464 Notebooks donated: 500 W Bro Pol Candia Master, Eden Lodge

A Visit to the UGLE Library & Museum

During a recent trip to London, I took the opportunity to visit the Library and Museum of Freemasonry at Grand Lodge.

The Museum was absolutely fascinating with many interesting exhibits from throughout the many years since UGLE was formed. I was fortunate to be there while a special exhibition “Brethren Beyond the Seas” was taking place.

This exhibition explores the development of many of the Grand Lodges within the British Empire and marks the contribution of their forces to the First World War. It features objects, books and documents from across the world.

Specifically, one case was devoted to New Zealand and this included a number of Past Masters jewels from the North Island including: W Bro W Rattray, Prince of Wales 1881 W Bro R S Bush, Opotiki 1881 W Bro H Newton, Corinthian 1886-7 W Bro G P D Luckie, Remuera Lodge 1904 W Bro W G Rutherford, Aorangi Lodge 1909 W Bro C T Major, Te Awamutu 1915 W Bro D Scott, Waitemata 1929 I was also somewhat stunned to see not one but two items from the Lodge of St John on display – the 50th Anniversary booklet and the Medal for Bravery issued in 1882.

It was quite amazing to travel halfway round the world and see items from both my lodges on display in London.

W Bro Tony Mansfield DGReg Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

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Tessellated Tales

Charity

Charity....”oh no, not again” I can image some of you saying! Yes, again.....and again and again!

Brethren, Freemasonry, even though some of you shouldn’t need reminding but sadly do, is a charitable organisation. I’m not going to insult people’s intelligence by defining ‘charity, as I am sure you all know the meaning. Whether it is ‘truly’ practiced by you is entirely another issue!

Many of the members of Lodges in the North Island of New Zealand call themselves Freemasons but are they really? Do they practice what is so eagerly trotted out whenever asked, that Freemasonry is a charity, that we collect from within for good causes, that we take care of our own and our families?

Sadly, Brethren that is not really the case. I hear many people profess the virtues of charitable giving yet the statistics, the figures, don’t back that statement up! Giving isn’t all about money, I grant you.

It encompasses giving time or being generous of nature and spirit, giving can mean a lot of things but we cannot pay a brother’s hospital bill with generous or kind thoughts or best intentions. Those things need hard cash and the hard cash is running out and will only deplete unless there are short, medium and long term plans to do something about it!

I’ve not been a great one for figures or statistics in the past because I’ve heard it said that they can be tilted or manipulated to reflect a certain position. Well, good luck with ‘tilting’ this - Only just over 30% of the members of Lodges in the NI give regularly to charity!

Tilt that anyway you like but it still makes very poor, very sad and very distressing reading! When I talk about giving regularly I’m talking about a fixed regular payment and not the money you put into the collection during lodge meetings a lot of which doesn’t find its way to the NIEMDCT as it is shared with other charities of the Lodges’ choosing.

The NIEMDCT exists purely for our benefit and the benefit of our families. I give to it in the hope that I never need to call upon it in the future. But, Brethren, the future of the NIEMDCT isn’t that bright, despite the undaunting efforts of all those involved to make it work. You see the money that is needed to be distributed will run out, due to the present and expected demands being put upon it by our members, unless something is done right away to change things.

I find it strange, don’t you that so many masons profess to give to good causes yet give little or nothing when asked? I hear people saying that something needs to be done, that we need more money for the future welfare of the brethren; and then proceed to do absolutely nothing about it! Turning up regularly at lodge meetings, being word perfect at the ritual, attending the rehearsals, visiting lodges on Installation night or visiting other constitutions does not constitute being a good mason, not by any stretch of the imagination. Remember the North East Corner charge, we ask a brother to give, then never really ask him again, we rely on him ‘being a good mason’ or giving what he can afford, yet no one ever asks him if he can afford to give or give more. So now I’m asking each and every member of a lodge in the NI to give more!

When it comes to donating to Charity............some people stop at nothing!!!

The charge after initiation is called a charge for a reason, it doesn’t imply, ‘if you like’ or ‘when you can get around to it’, it ‘charges’ the initiate to remember those truly Masonic ornaments (which Page 9

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Tessellated Tales have been so amply illustrated) benevolence and charity. I can imagine some of you saying that you don’t need to be reminded of what it says....but an awful lot of you need to be reminded of what it means!

For many years the Automatic Payment scheme has been available yet only 30% give by this method!

If the NIEMDCT had just $5 per month from EVERY member of the DGLNINZ (which for the newer brethren means all the lodges of the NI under the District, 24 in number), then it would be able to continue to meet its current demands and grow for the future. Yes, just the cost of one cup of coffee a month....a cup of coffee a month! That would start to turn the tide. Currently the NIEMDCT is well managed and funds are returning a very creditable 10% p.a. growth, which in the current economic climate is outstandingly good and the people who run the Trust work so hard and try so hard to meet all the obligations yet many of the rest of us sit back, do nothing, GIVE NOTHING and expect it to be ‘alright in the end’. It was said to me just recently by a senior brother that it is often the people who eagerly nod their head or readily agree that more money is needed who then proceed to do absolutely nothing about it!

I’ve heard the ‘cry’ that people on fixed incomes cannot afford regular contributions.

I don’t have much money but I cannot see the day when I cannot afford to give at least the price of one cup of coffee a month to a cause I profess to admire and to which I am proud to belong. Giving isn’t always easy, I grant you but surely all of us can give the price of a cup of coffee per month in the name of Freemasonry? When I can’t afford to give, I’ll retire from the Craft.

The Automatic Payment scheme has a number of advantages. Firstly, to the Trust it allows them to calculate with a degree of certainty, how much is coming in, how much can distributed and how much can be invested long and short term to maximise growth. Secondly and importantly to the brother who gives, your contributions are tax deductable so in reality the minimum $60 a year we are asking for is only just over $40 to the individual! Also, if you so desire, you can amend or stop the payments anytime but equally, you can increase the payments too. I have steadily grown my Automatic Payment over the years to reflect inflation and cost of living increases in the hope that the value of my contribution when I started at least stays the same. It’s a simple thing to change the amount per month online plus at the end of each financial year I am issued with a certificate of payment from the D. G. Secretary, which I include in my return to the tax man to obtain the tax relief I (and you?) are entitled to. I’m happy to contribute to charity whenever I am asked and will continue to do so for as long as I can. That’s why I signed up to Freemasonry, to give!

I have made a number of recommendations to the NIEMDCT, The Board of General Purposes and to the DGM as to how we can increase the much needed income of the Trust, all of which have been readily accepted, supported and recommended.

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

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Tessellated Tales Phase One. - Immediate implementation 1. Every new mason, when his membership is discussed with him, that we are a charitable organisation; and fees for initiation are taken, that an Automatic Payment form is completed by him for a minimum (more, if he wants to!) of $5 per month and handed to the Lodge Secretary or Charity Steward.

Phase Two. Every member of the Lodge completes an Automatic Payment form for a minimum of $5 per month (more if possible). Blank forms can be obtained from the Lodge Charity Steward, Secretary or the District Office (District Grand Secretary or District Grand Charity Steward) With immediate effect, charity collections at lodge meetings to occur just before the first rising in order to give visitors an opportunity of contributing to the lodge collection. Once established, to ask all lodges to donate 50% of each and every charity collection to the NIEMDCT. Brethren for your information, English Freemasons in England, when visiting, invariably give to the charity collection, it is a recognised and accepted practice. You hear of the millions of pounds the UGLE raise and give away each year? How do you think they do it? By asking and expecting,....yes expecting brethren to give frequently. It is a tenet of the Craft and there is no getting away from it that English Masons in NZ are not contributing as much as they could, as much as they should or as much that is needed and it is OUR responsibility. Never forgetting that it is always the individual choice of each brother as to whether and what he gives.

Talking actual figures, the NIEMDCT currently has about $1.83M at its disposal yet to service current and expected demands from our ever ageing population, it needs to be in excess of $3m, if it is to avoid using capital to satisfy demand and it’s no good leaving it to the next generation, it is up to us to have the foresight to act now so that our future brethren don’t curse our lack of action and tardiness in addressing an obvious problem. Do we want to be remembered as a generation of Freemasons who professed to support charity yet, even in the face of obvious problems, didn’t have the willingness to start putting things right?

It’s a sad fact of life that unfortunately, some of you reading this article (if you can have bothered to read this far!), will inevitably need to ask the NIEMDCT for financial help in the future. Let’s be honest we all think it won’t be us, or in an infrequent, selfish thought we hope it’s somebody else and not us who needs it! Or it’s someone else’s family that needs the help, not ours! When in reality some of us will need help and isn’t it better that we give hoping never to have a need for help than not to give and let someone else pay? That is until the money runs out then all that we all profess to stand for will be immaterial.

I have asked the Board of General Purposes to form and appoint younger masons to a permanent social committee for a period of tenure for each member of at least two years with a view to asking them (note - not ‘tasking’ them) to arrange social functions for the District as opposed to local lodge functions. Initially these (inevitably and sorry about it) would be in and around Auckland before hopefully going further afield, around the North Island. These events may be quiz nights, social gatherings, bowling, anything that involves getting together, having a good time and trying to raise funds for the Trust. Where does it say that Freemasons can’t have a good time, enjoy each other’s company and raise money for charity? Many of us need to get out more and by that I mean socially.

As I mentioned previously, there is more, much more to Freemasonry than practice nights and ritual!

For some reason, some brethren have the idea that because we are a charitable organisation we mustn’t be seen to enjoy ourselves in the name of Freemasonry!

Equally, we should be involving non-masons in our social events as many will be willing to contribute Page 11

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Tessellated Tales to Charity(ies) if we are informative about the Charity....and give them the opportunity to contribute!

Social events where non-masons are present have a second beneficial effect...... they can often lead to new members of the Craft! It just needs people to try and if you hold an event that all the attendees enjoy and you only raise $50, so what? Every single cent and dollar helps. Here’s an idea, why not have a social event where any funds raised are split between, for example, TLC and NIEMDCT? Brethren, it is no longer a case of ‘she’ll be right’ or ‘let’s wait and see’, we need the action, however small, to start yesterday! Please don’t leave it to your Charity Steward to chase you. Go and find him, ask him for an AP form and commit to a regular payment of $5 per month (or more, if you can), remembering that you can always alter or end it later but please take a positive step to start putting things right the saying “From little acorns do great oaks grow” is very true and with every little bit we can grow a great oak tree for the future.

Certainly, if we change nothing...nothing will change and we (YOU) will be prevaricating and overseeing complete failure of the Charitable Trust as a viable source of help to Freemasons in the future.

I have made requests to the Trust to publicise (as far as they are able, whilst preserving confidentiality) all the actions that are taken each month, or maybe each quarter in either a separate circulation or Tessellated Tales, so that we can all see what sort of things the money is being used for and the nature of the benefits brethren and their families receive. I know the Trustees work incredibly hard and do not squander in any way, the resources we have. It has also been mentioned to me that too much money is spent on administration of the Trust but that is not the case Brethren and I have asked the Trust to make regular publication of all the figures so you can see for yourself what it all costs and where the money we have, is spent. The Trustees are aware that more information could be published more frequently and they have assured me that steps are being taken to rectify that and ensure in future, we are all better informed. But please remember Brethren that everything takes time and changes need time to take effect. That’s why the time for you to act is now!

If there is anything in this article that makes you a little angry or annoyed then tell me! Please don’t talk about it to others and not let me know but before you get angry or annoyed, with me or the content of this article, please take a good long, hard look at your charitable donations and ask yourself, “do I really give as much as I could?” If the hairs on the back of your neck are raised I hope it’s because you have realised that you could give more rather than wanting to shoot the messenger!

Don’t wait any longer and don’t wait thinking it’s someone else’s responsibility. If you want to know exactly who is responsible, have a wonder past your mirror.....that’s who!

The District Grand Charity Steward is available to receive written or verbal abuse at any time, so long as it’s accompanied by a respectable donation!

W Bro Barry Holland LGR, PDGSwdB District Grand Charity Steward.

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Worshipful Brother Patrick John Spicer

W Bro Patrick Spicer is a member of Wellington Lodge and has been since 1985. He was installed as the Master of Breadalbane Lodge No 657 in Scotland on the 24th of November 2018.

W Bro Pat Spicer was initiated into the Witham Lodge No 297, in the City of Lincoln on the 10th October 1983. At the time he was living and working in Egypt and unable to follow up in the usual manner.

In August of 1984, his employer, BP Exploration, moved him to Wellington.

The existence of English Constitution Lodges in New Zealand being known to the Witham Secretary of the time, W Bro John West, arrangements were made to have the officers of Wellington Lodge pass Bro Spicer on behalf of Witham Lodge. W. Bro Ward Muller made contact and the deed was arranged and done 17 April 1985.

Finding a warm welcome and that his first steps in Lincoln had not been misguided, Pat became a regular visitor, a joining member and then was raised to the third degree as a member of Wellington Lodge on the 20th of November 1985. Sadly, before progressing much further, work in New Zealand came to an end and he returned to the UK in early 1987.

As luck would have it, he found himself living just about close enough to resume his masonic career in Witham Lodge. Progressing though the Stewards bench, Tyler, Junior and Senior Deacons, Junior and Senior Wardens chairs, he was installed as Worshipful Master of Witham Lodge in February 2000.

It had not been smooth progress, as work again moved him in 1990 and he found himself weekly commuting to Uxbridge near London. To fill his evenings he made Masonic contacts and became a joining member of Tithefarm Lodge No 7789, in the Province of Middlesex, in 1990. Following on his year as Master of Witham with a second year in the chair, as his Senior Warden decided he was not ready to make the next step, he also served as Master of Tithefarm Lodge from March 2004 to March 2005.

By this time Pat was living in Aberdeen and Masonry had to take a pause.

Returning to work in London in 2010, he was able to resume his career in Tithefarm Lodge and in May of 2011 was made Middlesex Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, serving one year in that capacity.

Moving again in 2013 to work in Aberdeen, another pause was enforced. In 2015, with the collapse of the oil price and partner Anne’s retirement, he settled in Aberfeldy.

Now settled, he felt able to explore the possibility of getting involved with Scottish Craft Masonry, leading to become an affiliate member of Lodge Breadalbane No 657, in 2015.

He has served the Lodge as Chaplain, Worshipful Senior Warden and now as Right Worshipful Master, as termed in the Scottish tradition.

During his time in Wellington, Pat was also a member of Aorangi Mark Lodge. A member of the Royal Arch, he was Zerubbabel in his Chapter from March 2015 until sadly it had to hand back its warrant in November of that year.

Pat has joined the Chapter in Aberfeldy and is Principle Sojourner in Breadalbane Royal Arch Chapter No 181.

W Bro R M McKillop PADGM

Page 13

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Tessellated Tales

Stonehenge Aotearoa – A Window into the Past

The vision for Stonehenge Aotearoa was to create a window into the past where people of all ages could rediscover the knowledge of their ancestors. It would incorporate ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Indus Valley astronomy, Polynesian navigation, Celtic and Maori star lore.

When we came to build Stonehenge Aotearoa a lot of people thought we were building a replica of the famous monument on Salisbury Plain, England. This was never our intention because if you want your stone-circle to actually work it has to be designed for its precise location on the Earth.

Stone circles are found around the world and those with lintels are called ‘henges’. The famous Stone’henge’ in England, although constructed over 4,000 years ago, is in fact one of the last to be built. The oldest are found in Mesopotamia and date back 12,000 years.

We now know that these stone circles played a fundamental role in the rise of civilization. They were a meeting place for different tribes. With time, people settled in their vicinity creating the first villages which then evolved into trading towns.

Kay (my wife) and I use to work at Carter Observatory in Wellington. One of the courses we ran was called “Legends & Mysteries of the Night Sky”. This course was all about the origin of astronomy and the evolution of our knowledge of the universe. Some of the presentations were about megaliths and other ancient structures. And, we found that people were absolutely fascinated with stone circles and pyramids…mysteries from our distant past.

We always said that if we ever had the opportunity one day we should build a stone circle – a working one so that people could rediscover their ancient use and meaning.

Well, that opportunity arose when the Royal Society established a fund of money to promote projects that would involve the ordinary members of the public in knowledge and learning. Kay and I put forward the plan to build a full-scale working stonehenge. The Phoenix Astronomical Society (based in Wellington at that time) would provide the labour and expertise. I, for my part, would provide the land and, create and lead the construction team. The Royal Society supported the project by provided most of the funding.

Prior to these events I had purchased a small farm in the Wairarapa. I wanted a piece of land to build an astronomical observatory in a dark-sky site well away from city lights. However, in those days you couldn’t purchase anything under 25 acres in the rural areas. I put a small cottage on it which became my weekend getaway place. I also put aside half an acre for the Phoenix Society to build a clubrooms and observatory.

The largest telescope currently installed has five times the light-gathering power of the large telescope at

Carter Observatory. This, along with the dark sky, gives magnificent views of celestial objects.

Before the Henge could be built over 1,000 hours of surveying and astronomical calculations went into the design of the structure. When building got under way it took 18 months to complete.

However, I should point out that most of the construction was carried out on weekend working bees. Approximately 150 members of the Phoenix Society were involved at one stage or another in building the Henge.

Some members were there every weekend with some travelling as far away as the Hawkes Bay. Stonehenge Aotearoa was opened to the public in February 2005. In addition to building the Henge Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Page 14

Tessellated Tales we also built a small visitor centre, converted the clubrooms lecture theatre into an audio-visual room, and developed the grounds and gardens. We average about 7,000 visitors per year.

A small group of us (mostly Kay and I) develop and run programs for the public. These include guided tours, lectures, school programs, audio-visuals and displays.

We also write and publish books on astronomy, Maori star lore, and history. In addition to educational programs we also facilitate musical evenings, weddings and fairs.

The Road Forward - Stonehenge Aotearoa Science Centre Our current plan is to build a Science Centre - a place of learning and discovery for visitors of all ages including school groups. As a science centre, built around Stonehenge Aotearoa, it would be a unique venue which already attracts visitors from far and wide. The Centre will encompass a number of interrelated subjects which would include the following disciplines:Astronomy - including cosmology, space exploration, astrobiology, and practical astronomy – celestial navigation and telescope viewing.

Anthropology – human origins and the development of customs and beliefs; with special emphasis on Maori star-lore and ancient technologies such as Stonehenge.

Polynesian Navigation - the astronomy and other techniques used to explore the Pacific.

Geology - the origin of planet Earth with special emphasis on the history of the Wairarapa and New Zealand.

In addition to displays and audio-visuals the centre will include:Deep Space Observatory which will house the largest telescope in the country available for the public to use.

Solar Observatory which will provide live images from the Sun on a large screen in the ‘Display Area’.

Giant Star Screen to observe the night sky (during the day) & the wonders of the Universe.

In addition, and this is very important, we will make the programs ourselves. We have or will find the story-tellers, the computer programmers, the photographers, the musicians, the artists, etc. So, as you can see we have a very busy but exciting time ahead.

As you will be aware, it was the masons that, centuries ago, established the first centres of public learning. If any mason wishes to be involved in this exciting project you are most welcome. Kay and I also want the Stonehenge Science Centre to exist beyond our lifetimes. Thus, we are looking to form a trust which will preserve the Centre for future generations. We would very much like to hear from anyone who has expertise in this field.

Keep Looking Up Richard Hall Submitted by W Bro R M McKillop PADGM Page 15

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Tessellated Tales

Aorangi Lodge’s Formal Dinner

Aorangi Lodge normally holds a series of gatherings for friends and families during the year.

Earlier this year they held a family friendly barbeque with children and grandchildren particularly

welcome. In the middle of the year they normally hold an “open and close” followed by a dinner

in the refectory for wives, partners and friends. Later in the year they endeavour to have a rather more formal dinner somewhere. This year that formal dinner was at Bellamy’s.

This

year’s

event

was

organized by the then Junior Warden, now

the

Aorangi

Senior Warden and Immediate Past Master of Mount Egmont

Lodge, W Bro Andrew Vincent.

Entry to the Beehive is tightly

controlled. This meant that

everyone planning to attend

had to ensure they had booked so that the necessary security

arrangements could be made.

Once access was gained it was up the lifts to the bar for a pre-dinner drink- rubbing shoulders

with parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and others crammed into a relatively small but inviting space.

Then to the dining room for an excellent meal. The curved nature of the dining area makes this an unusual space, which limits “line of sight” for everyone, but certainly did not detract from the enjoyment of all who attended.

Because Aorangi Lodge had the dining room to themselves, there was plenty of

opportunity for mixing and mingling. It also

allowed the single address of the evening,

from then Worshipful Master, W Bro Tony Gittus, to welcome everyone.

All in all a great time- and a hard act to

follow, but Aorangi Lodge always manages to come up with something!

W Bro John Miller PDSGD

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Page 16

Tessellated Tales

North Island English Masonic District Charitable Trust Trust – Tertiary Education Grant $500

Members will recall the introduction of the Tertiary Education Grant scheme to provide meaningful

financial assistance to Members of Lodges within our District, who were seeking the goal of a Tertiary qualification. In recent times five Grants have been made.

Trustees at are delighted to announce that effective the 2019 Tertiary Education year in New

Zealand, this scheme will also be made available to a child of any Mason who is a paid up

member of one of our English Lodges within our North Island District. For the moment Trustees have prudently set a limit of overall expenditure for this expanded scheme and cases will be

considered on a first come first served basis. Applications forms will be available next year from the District Grand Secretary’s office.

Trust Activity

Your Trust investments are managed, under the direction of the Trustees, by JB Were Ltd. Trustees maintain a cautious view on Investment strategy but it is pleasing to see the Capital fund has grown and has recently reached $1.8million.

It is wise to remember that due to the present size of our Trust we prudently need to be conservative

in the investment approach and that Grants made need to be largely restricted to assisting our Masons and Widows in need. The growth of the Trust is dependent on the giving of our Lodges and

Members (present and past). There are some Lodges who, for whatever reason, do not contribute to the Trust. This is sad but we are most grateful to those Lodges that do donate, and also to the many Members who contribute regularly via direct payments or by automatic debits from their Banks.

In particular, we acknowledge with grateful thanks to the Prince of Wales Lodge No.1338, who

generously donated a large sum of money over and above the amount collected by them for the Trust at their Installation night in September. This is a typical gesture by “The Prince” who have given most generously to the Trust for many years.

Your Trustees

Your five Trustees are based in Wellington, Taupo and Auckland and to ensure good governance of the Trust, they meet by Skype video conference call, four times a year. At these meetings, Trustees

also liaise with the District Grand Almoner and the District Grand Charity Steward, who have the functional role on behalf of our District on the question of the welfare of Members and Widows in the District and in particular fundraising for the Trust.

Grants made

Grants in particular are paid from the income received, and so far this year, your Trust has been

privileged to have been able to assist some 15 Masons and Widows in need throughout our District.

W Bro Murray Macdonald PAGDC Chairman of Trustees Page 17

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Tessellated Tales

District Grand Officers for 2019 District Grand Master

Brian James Westhead

Assistant District Grand Master

Bryce Matthew Reid Smith PAGDC

*District Senior Grand Warden

David Dyet Leach

Deputy District Grand Master

Assistant District Grand Master

Harmony 2180

Farouk Ali Khan PGSwdB

Remuera 1710

Tongariro 705

Euan Alexander Allan

Prince of Wales 1338

*District Junior Grand Warden

Anthony Stuart Cross

Wellington 1521

District Grand Treasurer

John Dudley Bonifant

District Grand Chaplain

District Grand Registrar

Duke of Albany 2073

Andrew Renton Green

Port Chalmers Marine 942 Wellington 1521

Anthony Bruce Mansfield

Prince of Wales 1338

*President, District Board of General Purposes Graeme Nelson Martin PAGDC *District Grand Secretary

Ronald Pemberton

District Grand Sword Bearer

Robert Mason

District Grand Director of Ceremonies

Prince of Wales 1338 Prince of Wales 1338

Timothy Richard Stansfield PDGReg

Remuera 1710

Duke of Albany 2073

District Grand Supt. of Works

Mark Ian Crawford

Saint George 1801

*District Grand Almoner

Roger Hutchinson Johnstone PDGTreas

*District Grand Mentor

William Terence Andrew PJGD

*District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Owen Douglas Jarrett PDGDC *District Grand Charity Steward

United Manawatu 1721 Alexandra 1188

Barry John Holland PDGSwdB

Saint George 1801

District Senior Grand Deacon

Andrew Stuart Vincent

Mount Egmont 670

District Assistant Grand Secretary

Stephen Douglas Glew

Prince of Wales 1338

District Junior Grand Deacon *District Grand Organist

District Grand Standard Bearer District Grand Standard Bearer District Grand Pursuivant *District Grand Steward District Grand Steward District Grand Tyler

Michael Graham Hunter LGR

Saint George 1801

Alexander Charles Grant

Eden 1530

Neville Cedric Bowen

Te Awamutu 2221

Garry Keyworth Chalk

Prince of Wales 1338

Kenneth John Robinson

Harmony 2180

Ian Donald Jenkins

Zealandia 2072

Roderick Anthony Gittus

Aorangi 2300

Past District Grand Standard Bearer Rex Woodham-Hearst

Robert Stuart Spooner

Ian Metcalfe

Hilary Colin Noah Hovell *Re-appointment

PDJGD

Saint George 1801

Andrew Gordon Cochrane

FIRST APPOINTMENT TO PAST RANK under Rule 69 (a)

PROMOTIONS 2018 PDGSuptWks

Remuera 1710

Port Chalmers Marine 942 Tongariro 705 Star of the North 1647 Corinthian 1655

George Earnest Arnel Maurice Leyland Puckett Timothy John Warren Michael Nicholas James

Newsletter of the District Grand Lodge of North Island New Zealand

Alexandra 1188 Rodney 1711

Remuera 1710 Remuera 1710 Page 18

THE NORTH ISLAND ENGLISH MASONIC DISTRICT CHARITABLE TRUST P O Box 11081, Ellerslie, Auckland. 1051. Tel: 09 579 9056 Fax: 09 579 9256 Email: dglninz@gmail.com Banking with WESTPAC, Penrose, Auckland

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Important – Please tick one and complete all sections

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1. Please make this automatic payment as detailed by debiting my/.our account 2. I/We understand and accept that the Bank accepts this authority only on the conditions overleaf

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