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Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Melbourne
Observer
Ash On Wednesday
THANK YOU HARVES
A Freemason’s Little Black Book
Our Doors are Open!
In days gone by, men across this state could be seen mumbling words on trams and trains, memorising sentences from a 'little black book'. Onlookers would have been naturally intrigued as to what they were quietly reciting under their breath, and what words they were so fervently trying to commit to memory. More often than not, these men were Freemasons. Times have certainly changed; these days trains are full of people reading the paper (the Melbourne Observer in particular) or listening to music, but if you look around for long enough, you might still see a man reading his little black book. Yes, Freemasons still have that book, and while it hasn't been released as an 'app' or e-reader, it has progressed from a palm sized book to portable pocket-sized booklet. But the words contained in it have not changed since Freemasonry's inception; that story will never change. So what is this book? And what is in it? Maybe you saw some beautiful examples of Masonic 'little black books' on the first episode of Freemasons: The Inside Story which aired on Channel 31 on Monday (Mar. 4) at 8:30pm? This book is called a ritual book or ceremonial book. It contains the phrases Freemasons say in Lodge as part of a ceremonial play about morals and values. It is no different to an actor's script in that it contains the individual parts for the officers of the Lodge who are the 'cast'. This ceremonial play acted out in Lodge reminds Freemasons of the core teachings of Freemasonry which include being kind to one another, being respectful and honest, helping those in need, living a principled life and polishing your character. In the Freemasons Victoria Museum and Library, you can see some outstanding handwritten examples of these 'little books' dating back to the early 1800s. Don't forget to tune into Channel 31 every Monday night at 8.30pm to find out more about Freemasonry in Victoria. To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.
■ We pause to mourn the passing of Australian newsman Peter Harvey at the age of 68. ‘Harves’ had worked in the Nine Network newsroom, but started his working life on the Sydney Telegraph, and Newsweek and the Guardian. Peter Harvey was the consummate story teller and a gifted writer. His television work was complemented by the ‘voice of God’. He is best remembered for his sign-off ‘Peter Harvey, Canberra’ ... even though he was keen to remind us he hadn’t been based in the capital since the 1990s. Peter Harvey is survived by wife Anne, daughter Claire, and son Adam.
Observer
People New Anna Flowers book ■ Australian netball champion Eloise Southby-Halbish is joining with comedic writer David Lawrence to release a new book, Anna Flowers. To be published in the cioming month by Slattery Media Group, it is ideal for young netball lovers. Anna Flowers deals with issues of loss, change and popularity.
● Peter Harvey
The Life I’d Like To Have
Long Shots
On the job ■ A reader ‘KM’ asks if I have done any work apart from editing newspapers. I have been a supermarket shelf stacker, a beer truck driver, a bus refueller, a car wash operator, a service station manager, a shopping centre promotions manager, forklift driver, a snowball maker at a confectionery factor ... as well as a press hand, driver, warehouse supervisor, journalist, advertising salesman, classifieds ad manager, TV producer, editor and proprietor. Enough?
Ourselves ■ Our columnist John Pasquarelli is in the Mater Hospital, Townsville. His column will be back when he returns. All the best Kojak. Long Shots has been on the maintenance bench at the Nuclear Medicine Dept of Warringal Private Hospital. Thanks to all there, especially ‘Dr Ken’, with whom we went to school, 40 years ago. Boy, are we pleased that Ken did his chemistry homework in 1974. It has been 4½-years since a heart attack made us miss an edition. We are back on the operating table this afternoon (Wed.). Hopefully, we are on the news-stands as normal next Wednesday.
editor@melbourneobserver.com.au
with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “The heaviest burdens in life are the things that might happen but don’t.”
Observer Curmudgeon ■ “It isn’t what you have, but what you are, that makes life worthwhile.”
Text For The Week ■ "To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste." - Deuteronomy 32:35 The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham. Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd. (ACN 096 680 063).
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.
● Peppa Sindar (left), Christine Husband and Carolyn Masson appear in The Life I’d Like To Have, opening at La Mama Theatre on March 13. Cheryl Threadgold has more details in the Observer Showbiz section. Photo: Sarah Bourke
Pacific Arts Festival ■ The inaugural Contemporary Pacific Arts Festival will be held April 5-6 by the Footscray Community Arts Centre and the Big Island Collective, bringing together a series of events that showcase artists of Pacific Island heritage. A Pacific Arts and Culture Forum will be held at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, Performance Space, 45 Moreland St, Footscray, on Friday, April 5. Speakers include Jacob Tolo, Kirsten Lyttle, Lia Pa’apa’a, Namila Benson, Taloi Havini and Sana Balai. A community day will be held in the ampitheatre in Moreland St on Saturday, April 6.
Jukebox Saturday Night ■ Our old mate Ken Sparkes (remember him on 3UZ in the 60s?) has a new series of Jukenox Saturday Night starting on Aurora Channel 183 on Foxtel at 7.30pm Saturdays from March 16. This is the third series of the popular series. Repeats are aired at 1.30pm Sundays and 9.30pm Tuesdays.
● Ken Spakes
Gold medal needed: Betty ■ Observer reader Betty Jeffrey of Glenburn writes: “Dear Ash and Fleur. Just noticed in the Feb. 6 issue of the Melbourne Observer that you have celebrated your 35th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to you both. Fleur, did you get a gold medal?”
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