The Beginnings of the New Zealand Grand Priory
In 1962, Douglas William Arter and I were received into the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem in the rank of Commander for the purpose of establishing a Bailiwick of the Order in New Zealand. I decided upon Hamilton as the centre for the Bailiwick.
The first officers were:
Chancellor Dr J.A.N. Keane
The next appointment was J.M. McCready as Herald-Painter
Sir Leslie Munro KCMG, KCVO was admitted to the Order in the rank of Knight Grand Cross in 1963 and was appointed Bailiff.
My duty was to keep the Commissioner General and Grand Bailiff General of the English Tongue, Lieutenant Colonel Gayre of Gayre and Nigg, informed of progress. The early postulants were admitted on the recommendation of Douglas Arter and myself, and for this purpose we had the authority of Knights.
By 1968, the membership was such that reorganisation was necessary. Dr Keane resigned as Chancellor, and Douglas Arter from the office of Secretary.
Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Hughes who had recently been admitted to the Order was prepared to accept the office of Chancellor, and be Secretary in the meantime. I notified the Commissioner General and Lieutenant Colonel Hughes was duly appointed. Thus the Bailiwick of New Zealand entered a new era, the South Island becoming the Southern Commandery in 1971 of which I was Commander, as well as Vice-Chancellor of the Bailwick.
It was some years later before the Northern Commandery was established.
By Chevalier Edward T. Roberts SBStJ, GCrLJ, KMLJ, MSD
Secretary D.W. Arter
Receiver General L.J. Hill
