At the request of several of our subscribers a short space of the New Zealand Mail will be devoted to Masonic news, and general topics interesting to the fraternity at large. Abstracts from all the leading Masonic journals in the universe will be inserted from time to time, and general information on Masonic sub jects will be furnished to subscribers. The progress of Masonvy, number of Lodges, and annual reports of the society will receive special notice. However, as the success or f lilure of this our first endeavor to b<-ing the Masonic body more closely together in New Zealand depends on united aid to strengthen the sinews of war, we trust every brother will give us his cordial support. And wo trust, at no distant period, to have one journal entirely devoted to Masonry. «. ON THE PRINCIPLES OP MASONET. In early ages necessity taught the use of Society, and by the rapid progress made in Arts and Sciences, men wore led to mark and contemplate the nature and properties of lines, figures, superficies, and solids, and thus by degrees were formed the sciences of Geometry and Architecture ; sciences which have proved to be of the greatest utility in preserving the human race and animal creation on the face of theearth. These Arts being coeval with the rest of the sciences, were carefully handed down by Methuselah, who lived 255 years with Adam, by whom he was instructed in all the mysteries of these sublime sciences, and faith fully communicated them to his grandson, Noah. After the flood, the possessors of the , Arts, according to ancient tradition, were first distinguished by the name of Noachida), or sons of Noah, afterwards sages or wise men, had understanding in their time, and who knew what ought to be done ; such were those whom Moses instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and Chaldeans —for this kind of learning was a tribe set upart, the children of Issacher, who were " Masters in Israel." These, in more modern times, were called Philosophers, and were ever venerated as sacred persons of the brightest parts and genius; such men as these, in all ages, have been looked upon by the judicious as the greatest blessing to the communities where they dwelt, and the Arts they were in posses?icn of esteemed " Eoyal," as practised by Kings and Princes. 