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^^^^^ ^^ SATUEDAY , 9 TH APEIL 1898 .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of onr Correspondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .

PLTJEAL MASTEESHIPS . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —The B . W . G . M . of Worcestershire has truly touched one of the weak spots of our Order . It is so seldom that it is necessary for a Past Master to accept the election to the chairthat one wonders how such a display of greediness and

, pride can have arisen in our Order . Young Masons are encouraged to look forward to being Master in several Lodges . It is not an unusual thing for a Past Master to have passed the chair in two , three , four or more Lodges . To my mind this appears that for one , two , three , four , or more years he has prevented some other member from making due advance . than worker he could be

When a Master is something more a good found " work" provided the present plan of the Master doing everything were abandoned . Let us have an expert "Installing , " " Passing , " " Baising , " " Lecture , " & c . Master in each Lodge ; abolish Past Masters ' Jewels ; and undertake more true Masonic work—education , research , charity , & c .

As a Past Master , I should be delighted if no man could be a Master more than once , without a dispensation . Of course with such a rule it would be necessary to make special provision for new Lodges—less of which would then be founded . Yours , & c . SOUTH WESTERN .

MASONIO LEOTDEEES . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Your article on Masonio Lecturers opens up not only the question of whether it would be wise to introduce a new class of Officers into the Lodge , but many other and important matters for discussion . That there should be some Lecturer in every Lodge goes without saying . When the Quatuor Coronati Lodge ( with its exclusive exclusiveness ) , was formed , there was a rush of Brethren who desired to know more about tho

history and tenets of our Order than can be obtained from an ordinary Lodge of Instruction . Did these enquirers get all they wanted ? I should say No . Capital as is the Correspondence Circle of that Lodge , it does not reach every Brother . When some Past Master is expected to make himself useful in the Lodge as a Lecturer , then light will fall upon the beauties of Freemasonry , greater research will be undertaken , interesting information collected and imparted to others , and a real awakening will come among us .

Why should we have such Lectures 1 There will of necessity be less time for meaningless platitudes—" back scratching" will partly cease . I was particularly charmed in visiting a Lodge some time since , to note that the " usual toasts " were four only—the extra time was employed listening to an excellent musical performance . But this particular-Lodge was blessed

with an enthusiastic Organist , and consequently with plenty of " talent . " Again , in some Lodges the " call" system exists , and everyone answers to the call with song , recitation , or story . When this is expected no one leaves his music at home . But something new , enteitaining , and educational would be of more value , and more enjoyed by all true Masons .

Again , in London at least , there is a desire to get the work over on account of the fourth degree . Several causes may be mentioned for this general failing : — 1 . The inclusive subscription is much to blame . 2 . The great distance between the meetings ; some Lodges meet more than six times in the year , but not many . 3 . The comparative " stranger " kind of feeling that is found among those who meet nowhere else but in Lodge , and seldom there .

4 . The desire for rest , recreation , relaxation—each of which is a rare thing in the present " struggle for existence . " These causes cannot be removed , but an interesting lecture , followed by open discussion , would give a change , consequently a rest , and also awaken a general desire for knowledge . Such a desire would be followed by further research and general enlightenment .

You mention the disadvantage—a most serious one—of the continual change of Masters . That can hardly be met in any satisfactory way . The desire for promotion , the ambition to rule , tbe steady application to " work " are all good in their way . As a rule the Lodge does not suffer , for almost every Lodge has a permanent ruler in tho well skilled P . M . who acts as Secretary . Again , the Brethren are relieved from the monotony of always seeing one ( however estimable ) in the seat of honour .

You do not mention the mistake of expecting every Master to do all the ritualistic work . This to my mind is a most serious defect . " Good worker " can be true of almost every Master , but few are able to deliver our beautiful ritual with proper emphasis , due deliberation , and careful diction . What can be more dreadful to the novice than to have " the work " murdered ? I will not say more , although many other matters come to mind , but will ask you to agitate on this question . Yours , & c , C . W .