Proposition Of Candidates.

PROPOSITION OF CANDIDATES .

" y /|/ E often wonder how it is that some actions wholly < » opposed to the Book of Constitutions arc regarded as correct , and are even enforced by Masons of experience , frequently with so much persistency as to really become

popular in our midst ; while other innovations are immediately noticed and adversely criticised , whenever they are introduced . There are few Lodges , we imagine , that do not number among their members a Brother—and in some cases the plural may

be used—who seems to make it his business to point out any departure from orthodox procedure , and these Brethren as frequently err on one side as do the members they correct on the other , although it seldom happens any other Brother

among those present has the courage to challenge their ruling , it not always being possible to quote the particular law bearing on the question , or to produce the Book of

Constitutions while the subject is really under discussioneven if such open opposition were regarded as politic or desirable .

An innovation—and an erroneous one , be it said—that has frequently struck us occurs in regard to the Proposition of Candidates , in regard to which it is becoming more and more the custom for the " knowing ones" in our Lodges to

stop a Brother seconding the nomination , the course they require being for the proposer to hand in particulars of the candidate to the Secretary , in writing , for insertion in the next Summons of the Lodge , when the name will be regularly

brought forward , seconded , and put to the ballot . This is not in accordance with Eule 184 of the Book of Constitutions , which requires that every Candidate shall be proposed and

seconded at one regular Lodge , and balloted for at the next , and one can but be surprised its practice has become so frequent as is the case .

There are many proposals submitted to our Lodges where such a course is justifiable and perfectly legal , besides better suiting the requirements of the case , but in this

particularwhere the proposition of candidates is concerned—it is distinctly illegal and opposed to the strict letter of the law , whish requires that Candidates shall be proposed and seconded in open Lodge before being eligible for the ballot at an ensuing meeting .

We have long had it in view to draw attention to this innovation and direct contravention of the law , and are specially reminded to do so now by a reference to the same subject in our Australian contemporary " Masonry , " wherein

the subject is boldly challenged , and the error of the procedure demonstrated , our contemporary contending that " handing the name of a candidate to Brother Secretary is not a nomination , "

especially , we may add , if this is followed by the seconding of the nomination also in writing , without actual notification in open Lodge .

It may be no part of one ' s duty when visiting Lodges to challenge the action of Brethren of rank and distinction on such questions as these , and more often than not anv interruption

Proposition Of Candidates.

would meet with rebuff , but as we said at the outset , it is marvellous how actions wholly opposed to the rules of tho Craft become popular , as we argue this particular innovation is daily becoming in our midst .

Our Future Grand Master.

OUR FUTURE GRAND MASTER .

rriHB M . W . the Pro Grand Master the Earl of Lathom , in the - * - course of his travels , called at Trinidad . An emergent meeting of Lodge Prince of Wales , No . 867 , was convened the day after his arrival to receive the illustrious visitor . Lord

Lathom made some very interesting remarks , and referred to the fact that the present was only the second occasion on which , a colonial Lodge had been visited by a Brother holding the same

rank as himself . He strongly advised the Trinidad Brethren to try to secure the formation of a District Grand Lodge . He concluded his speech by a very significant reference to the future ,

says a contemporary , —When it may happen that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales 9 hall be called upon to occupy a higher sphere , the office of Most Worshipful Grand Master will most probably

become vacant . His eldest son the Duke of York is not a Freemason . Lord Lathom ' s suggestion therefore was that the

Duke of Connaught , who at present , contrary to all precedent , rules over two Provinces , Sussex and Bombay , might be looked upon as the next ruler of the Craft .

Consecration.

CONSECRATION .

— : o : — WEST ESSEX LODGE .

ON Wednesday , 24 th ult ., the Earl of Warwick Provincial Grand Master of Essex . added yet another to the tale of Lodges in his Province by the consecration of the West Essex Lodge , No . 2561 . The name of tho new Lodge sufficiently indicates the district from which it is intended to draw its

members . The immediate object of the founders has been the formation of a Lodge which should be constituted of members of the hunt , or if not that entirely , of . members of the hunt and their personal friends . Perhaps , too , it may be considered

something of a protest against estimating the value and usefulness of a Lodge , permanently to further the great principles of the Craft , simply by the number of its members . The necessity of paying due regard to the suitability of candidates for Masonry before

their admission is a charge so frequently enjoined in Essex , both by the Provincial Grand Master and his Deputy , that it behoves all Lodges in the Province to give it due consideration , and from this point of view the protest , if ic be intended as one , may be beneficial .

The Lodge owes its foundation to Bro . the Eev . T . Lloyd , who claims the honour of having started one of the most prosperous Lodges in the county , the Easterford , for which Bro . Sir Wm . Abdy , Bart ., built the beautiful Masonic Temple whose consecration we recorded a few months ago .

The meetings of the West Essex Lodge are to be held in the Masonic Hall and rooms attached to the Eoebuck Hotel , Buckhurst Hill , no suitable rooms being available in West Essex , and the consecration took place there . The list of founders and first officers of the Lodge are given below . The imposing ceremony of consecration was ably performed by the Provincial