The Custody Of Lodge Funds.

THE CUSTODY OF LODGE FUNDS .

THE proposal of our correspondent last week , that Grand Lodge should undertake the custody of Lodge Funds , with a view of making a profit out of the standing balances , must , we fear , be dismissed from tho programme of future possibilities , not

because of its impracticability , but because it is so very unlikely Grand Lodge would move in the matter ; there are some who would consider such a course undignified , others who would object to it as tending to create a supervision over Lodge finances , and others who would uphold " principle , " and

strenuously oppose what would seem to them a most radical innovation . For our part we think the subject is surrounded rather by sentimental obstacles , than anything which should really stand in the way

of some such scheme as set out by our correspondent , but that does not make it any more likely that Grand Lodge will entertain the proposal , or that the representatives of the Craft wonld support it if it were vflcmlarlv hrrmahtfnvwfi . rd . — ¦¦

, --a— j o— - - _ But the same objections do not seem to exist when we turn to our correspondent ' s alternative schemethat the three Institutions should take up the matter , and , by united effort , seek to profit by assuming the custody of Lodge surpluses . There are so many influential brethren showing an active interest in

our three Institutions that it seems to us somo thousands of pounds would be deposited immediately arrangements for their reception were completed , and there are many prominent workers in the good cause who would be ready to assist in supervising and managing the Fund , in such a way as to ensure the largest amount of profit for it , and the smallest outlay for working expenses . It is too early yet to

discuss the arrangements that would be necessary to conduct the affairs of the fund , they could well be left for settlement by the brethren who took the lead in its inauguration , but it is none too early to endorse the opinion of our correspondent , that something might be done in the direction he noints out . The

movement must necessarily he a voluntary one , and the first step would seem to be for any brethren in favour of the scheme to show their approval by promising their co-operation . By this means , as we have said , we should expect an immediate promise of

some tiiousands ol pounds of deposits , and the bulk ot the amount could bc permanently invested , as future receipts would be ample to meet the likely outgoings .

li Grand Lodge moved in the matter Private Lodges would probably regard support of the Fund as compulsory , which is by no means desirable , and would most likely defeat the very end it proposed to serve , but with the Institutions of the Craft at the jiead of affairs the same objection would not exist—Mere would bo no compulsion , but in time we should expect the majority of our Lodges to fall in with the

The Custody Of Lodge Funds.

idea , and lend their support to the scheme , in which case the estimate of our correspondent as to tho floating balance in hand would probably be below , rather than over the mark . In any case , to discuss the scheme will cost nothing , to carry it through

might result in a handsome profit for our Charity Funds , and such being the case we have no hesitation in putting it thus prominently before our readers , although , at the same time , we acknowledge , as the author of the scheme , our correspondent of last week .

Masonic Publications.

MASONIC PUBLICATIONS .

A MASONIC magazine , properly conducted , is a fountain of instruction . lb enlightens the brethren on points which it is impossible to obtain at Lodge meetings , which present no time for such discussions . But it is singular that Massachusetts , proverbial for teaching pure

Masonry , should take so little interest m the support of Masonic publications . If Masonic principles are anything , and if Masonic teachings are valuable , then it is our duty to help disseminate them . The duties of Masons to the

brotherhood , their duties as citizens , their domestic duties , in their family , cannot always be a subject for the Lodge , the time is taken up by work and other business , and there is seldom any time to lecture upon the duties of the brethren ,

and often tho Master is incompetent , if he had the time . It is , therefore , of great importance that we should seek the desired information from the true fountain , which is a well-conducted magazine ; and the brethren should see

that such a publication is well supported by bestowing their mite towards it . Masonry , properly understood , embraces a system of duties and obligations which aro indispensable for the rule and guide of our lives as good men and citizens .

But we are too apt to be satisfied with performing our dnties to our brethren in the Lodge without carrying ont its principles into our every day life , which it is equally incumbent upon us to do . These instructions can bo

disseminated by a properly conducted magazine , which should be appreciated and patronised by the brethren who have any interest in spreading the knowledge of our Craft , not only among the brethren , but among those who aro

ignorant of its motives and teachings , and who view it as merely an association for the benefit only of those who belong to it , and are entirely ignorant that its teachings are brotherly love and charity to all , whether connected

with the institution or not . In this as well as in other respects , it is incumbent upon all who take any interest in the Order , and aro earnestly seeking for moro light , to patronise a well conducted Masonic magazine . It gives

information to all upon what onr institution is founded . If brethren would act on these suggestions much valuable information would be obtained . Tho Grand Master is often applied to , to settle questions of which those who

make the inquiries could readily inform themselves if they subscribed for a Masonic magazine . And , then , it is not every Grand Master who is himself posted in these matters to be able to give a decisive answer . It is expected of Freemasons that they should live up to