Freemasons

First of all I am not a Mason, im not sure if this is a requirement to post on these forums?

I am doing some research into early Christchurch History & i was wanting to know about Freemasonary during this period. In particular lodges & influential Masons.

I've read a quote which said that at one time in NZ history it was a given that the position of Governor Genral was also a Freemason.

Are their books on early NZ Masons? Did Freemasonary play a big part in early NZ history (like the U.S)?

So if you could be so kind as to point me in the direction of the information I require I would be very gratefull.

many thanks
Tim

Timotheus

I am surprised non one has replied to you before now. While I can't roll out a number of names who may have been pioneering freemasons in Canterbury, I can give you some insights.

There was and should never be any unearned preference given to any man or any position to a man (woman as there are female masonic organisations) because they are a mason. It is not true that the Governor General was expected to be a freemason.

Sir Bernard Fergusson was a Freemason and he is the only one I know of that was a Governor General, others may have been so.

One interesting fact however is that Richard Seddon as the Premier of New Zealand around the turn of the century encouraged the Government of the day to financially support the building of the Catholic Cathedral in Christchurch. Look into the history there. He was the Grand Master of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons at the time.

Graeme Martin
PM The Ashley Lodge No 28
Rangiora

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Graeme Martin (PM)
Rangiora
New Zealand

Tim,

if you consult a local lodge they will put you onto Masters and Past Masters, the ChCh research loadge who will have in their library enough to meet your need. It is claimed that the first Masonic meeting was held I believe before 1830 when three fench whalers were sheltering in Port Levy.

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Jeff Allan, P.G.Lec
Librarian, Hawkes Bay Research Lodge No305
Secretary, The Heretaunga Lodge No73