History In 1978 the Auckland District members of the Board of Benevolence were of the view that the Craft would derive some benefit from assisting young persons who had no Masonic connections and who were experiencing financial difficulties during their period of university studies. A pilot scheme was established for a trial period of one year at University of Auckland. In 1978 $1,000 was expended, which rose to $3,045 in 1979 and $3,010 over just four months in 1980. The scheme was terminated in 1980 as it was evident it should be extended to the other 6 universities. In its stead in 1981 a substitute scheme designated for students awarding bursaries of $500.00 each. Eighteen per year were awarded and divided between the seven universities, proportional to their student population. In 1992 the Bursaries were discontinued but replaced with applications for “Tertiary Assistance” a supplementary form completed in conjunction with “Application for Assistance.” Freem...