Masonic Independence.

We have no space to quote further from the letter we have referred to , and perhaps we are unwise in forming an opinion on one side of the story alone , but we have had previous experience of separation

controversies , and imagine this is no exception to the rule . We can only hope that right may prevail in the end , and that when independence is secured tho disunited District may re-unite in furthering the

interests of the two sections , and further , that the separate divisions will work in perfect harmony with each other , as harmoniously , in fact , as we believe they have invariably done when under the rule of the

same D . G . M . This question of Masonic independence has not only led to considerable controversy in years gone by , but is likely to become an even more popular subject

in the future , as the limits within which it can be promoted become narrowed , and the influences of separate districts extend . It is a matter which must always be of interest to brethren who make a study

of Masonry ' s progress , and one which seems to produce most varied expressions of opinion . On those grounds we shall watch the pages of our contemporaries for references to it , and extract from time to time such comments as we deem likely to interest our readers .

Consecration Of The Longsight Lodge, No. 2464.

CONSECRATION OF THE LONGSIGHT LODGE , No . 2464 .

AN additional impulse , if indeed any were needed , haa been given to Freemasonry in the Province of East Lancashire by tho consecration of the above Lodge , Avhich took place on Wednesday , the 2 ud inst ., at the Clnb Buildings , Birch Lano , Longsight , a populous suburb of Manchester . Tho structure is a vory handsome one , and

seems to bo eminently adapted for Masonic purposes . The windows overlook the Club ' s own large bowling green and several divisions of ground devoted to lawn tennis , and

other games of a kindred character ; the outer surroundings being the substantial houses and fairly extensive gardens belonging to some of the wealthier portion of the mercantile community of Cottonopolis .

The idea of a new Lodge was formulated in a casual manner at a meeting of club members ( the majority of whom belonged to the Craft ) , and the following brethren ultimately gave in their names as the founders : —Councillor Thomas TJttley 307 and 993 , Henry Grimshaw 317 and

1055 , William Gadd 1354 , P . Gorton Berry 44 , Aid . Lloyd Higginbottom 993 , F . W . Lean 935 and 2156 , Harry Mundy 1140 , Richard Barlow 1147 , John Phythian 336 , Edgar Herbert Ritson 1161 , Councillor Wm . Hy . Wilson 993 , David Baxter 1219 , Henry Sheard 1140 , and Thos . Plnmpton 993 .

The function of consecration was a very interesting one , and , judging from the personnel of the new memberp , and the amount of enthusiasm displayed all through the preliminaries of formation , there is every reason for anticipating a great success for the Lodge . The Right Worshipful

Provincial Grand Master Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , wbo was the-Consecrating Officer , arrived upon the scene shortly after 2 p . m ., being received by Bro . John Chadwick Provincial Grand Secretary , and many other

distinguished Provincial Officers . Half an hour later the brethren were marshalled in order by Bro . Fred Hilton P . M . Prov . Grand D . of C , who was assisted by Brother James Schofield P . M . Prov . Grand A . D . of C . The Prov . Grand Master assumed the principal chair , supported by the following Provincial Officers : —Brothers

J . B . Lonsdale Prov . G . S . W ., Geo . Galloway Prov . G . J . W ., Wm . Hoyland Prov . G . P ., Rev . J . Osborne Jelly , M . A ., Prov . Grand Chaplain , Leiut .-Col . H . J . Robinson P . G . Registrar , and Geo . Samuel Smith Prov . Grand Organist , in addition to those already mentioned . The Lodge was opened in the three degrees , and the

hymn , " Hail ! Eternal , by whose aid , " was snug , this being followed by a stirring address from the Provincial Grand Master , whose subject was " the motive of the meeting . " Bro . Chadwick read the petition , and Brother Robinson the warrant , after wbich the Officers names

Consecration Of The Longsight Lodge, No. 2464.

were submitted for approval , and accepted by the brethren according to Masonic usage and prescription . The Prov . Grand Chaplain afterwards delivered tho following excellent oration : — " Brethren : Wo know no institution in the world ' s history which has such an enduring basis as

that on which our art rests : the practice of every moral and social virtue . In every country wherever it has received fair play it has been found to bo a civilising agent of the very highest order . Its origin , lost in the darkness of a far-off past , gives it a claim to our highest veneration

having had important influence in the progress of societ y and in the setting forth of those fairest principles which confer peace and happiness on the human race . There is no better witness of human progress than the improvement of methods in the construction of buildings , which

Masonry has seized npon to bring home to us thoso excellent qualities which each onward step has been taken to exemplify . When art and science were in their infancy all was dreary and desolate , happiness and peace were hardly know ; then it was needful to hide from tho many

dangers to which mankind was subject , either in tho depths of tho forest , or the caves of the earth . In thoso solitudes , the mind , seeking for satisfaction , at length was able to devise rude means of protection , whereby tho light of day could be enjoyed without fear . Men began to build

strong houses which could assist them in preserving inviolate the lives of those dearest to them . Iu Jiko manner our art strives to implant those simple principles by which alone we can preserve contented minds , by

teaching us that there is ono alone in that Grand Lodge ( which all good Masons hope to reach ) , who confers on t \ ose who heartily approach Him the knowledge of what is essential to their eternal welfare . Our race was once

utterly unprotected , exposed to wind and storm , a prey to tho savage bird of the air , or the devouring beast of the field ; so wo enter this world utterly unequipped for tho battle of lifo until illumined by the light which is from above , and have received such training as the Grand

Architect of the Universe has , in His almighty wisdom , bestowed upon us . Poor and dismal must our lot havo been had not an all-wise Creator given us tho sacred gifts of reason and memory to keep us in mind and

arrange in order the knowledge which He so lovingly bestowed upon us . Step by step , the march of intelligence is seen in tho progress of the liberal arts ; sudden inspirations flashed into the dark recesses of tho human mind have

borne their fruit , until to-day we enjoy the many triumphs won by tho flights of reason , and tho light of revelation , which have from time to time been vouchsafed . As a

witness of our improvement , there is no better than tho changes which havo taken place in our methods of construction . At first mere strength was desired , bat with the attainment of th >< t it soon began to be seen that

something more might bo attained to idealize , as it were , tho works of Nature , to rend into wood and stone tho ? o beauties which the Great Architect of the Universe so bountifully set before us as models . So to strength was added grace and beauty ; the polished stone , tho shapely

p illar , the florid ornament , all reprtsentmg something wbich the artist saw in Nature ' s school . Nay more , the best attainable decorations were added to make up such elegance and harmony as their { esthetic taste required . But Masonry has applied all these trifles to our morals ;

she has made into these forms which are seen around ; and in the tools which the workman uses , lessons of high moral worth , making the indwelling of the building worth y of that construction which art and science had enabled him to rear . A true Mason has a high regard for all onr ideals .

We aro taught the importance of the liberal arts : music , poetry , and eloquence ; the value of temperance , gratitude , prudence , and justice ; the three cardinal virtues : Faith , Hop , and Charity ; and , in addition to these , to cultivate mercy , honour , and virtue . With such objects in view ,

who can deny the importance of an art founded on tho principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth ? It harmonises with the teaching of religion , holding before us a high standard of moral truth and worth ; it must make all those who honestly embrace its tenets , true and

godly men , and such as will earn the blessing of a good conscience , void of offence . It is in suoh a spirit as this I hope this new Lodge is being consecrated today , not merely

to be the home of a society which looks only on its own enjoyment , but to set forth to the world the many great and useful lesions acquired in the ordinary working of tho Lodge . We shonld not meet merely for the pleasures o (