FREEMASONRY AT THE FRONT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3143, 28 July 1917, Page 7

FREEMASONRY AT THE FRONT

MEETINGS WITHIN RANGE OF THE GUNS.- - ----- (From Malcolm Ross, War Correspondent with the New Zealand.Forces in the Field.) . Northern: France, ilay 4. While the New Zealand Division was quartered in Armentieres during the summer of IDI6 a number c.f members' of the Masonic Order conceived the idea, of holding a gathering of Freemasons, In response to an invitation, v. hich was, through the courtesy of - the Divisional Headquarters, allowed to appear as pi* addendum to routine orders, qr.ite a' numerous assemblage of craftsmen took place. At this meeting there wa3 . a pood deal of enthusiasm manifested, and it was the means of bringing t<gether many Freemasons who had '.lot net sinco leaving the Dominion. In addition to the other business transacted, the brethren present at'.this gathering passed a resolution of greeting to the New Zealand lodges. This was printed and circulated, and will no doubt be prized on account of the somewhat unusual circumstances under which the "leeting was held—within range of the inemy's guns and in a building that bore trace of the ravages of war. Several subsequent meetings of the brethren wero held before the Division moved to the Somine, and Icctures'ani addresses were given. Major G. Barclay. N.Z.E., lias acted as chairman, while the Rev. E. C. Maiden, C.F., acted as general secretary ui> to the time of his departure from the Division, wlien the position was taken by the Rev.. A. Hardie. C.F. Lately the meetings were resumed. and a movement for the formation of an organisation to be called "Tho N.Z.E.F. Mnsonio Association" has assumed definite shape. is open to craftsmen not only in the Division, but throughout the whole of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and branches are beinir established at various places in England and elsewhere where the New Zenlnnd troops are located. A constitution has been provisionally adopted. and sent to tho Dominion for formal ratification.

It is intonded that after the war the; association thus formed shall continue, its existence in New Zealand, with branches at the various centres. A rather unique incident in connection with tho ' association took place rccentlv when one of the brethren (Captain G. R. Hutchinson) was presented with his i'astmaster's iewel, which had been sent forward from his lodge in New Zealand, tho n. embers bein.t desirous that he should rtceive .it; in the field'. '