Cosmopolitan Masonry.

COSMOPOLITAN MASONRY .

X ) RESSURE of work nearer home has prevented our - * - referring at length to the progress of Freemasonry in the Transvaal , as specially exemplified in the erection and dedication of the new Masonic Temple in Johannesburg ,

the proceedings on which latter occasion are fully recorded elsewhere in this issue . The report we are able to give may well be preserved and referred to as evidence of the

cosmopolitan character of Freemasonry , and the way in which members of the different Constitutions can and do work together in promoting the principles of the Craft .

It is in such places as Johannesburg of to-day that meetings of Brethren from all parts of the world are more likely to occur than in the old established centres of

civilisation , and it is really only in such places that the officials of different Constitutions can combine in the work , and demonstrate to the world that Freemasons are not

influenced by the jealousies and spirit of competition which prevail in so very many other directions under similar circumstances ., When we read that the dedication ceremonies' were attended by some three hundred Brethren

we can well believe it was no mere boast on the part of the speakers to say that Lodges in all parts of the world were represented , while we can equally join . in the enthusiasm with which the leaders of the Craft in this far

off region regard the possibilities of the future . Freemasonry possesses many attractions for the steady stay-at-home citizens of the older countries , but how much more so is it of interest , and likely to be of assistance , to

strangers or new settlers in a district so rapidly rising into prominence as the Transvaal and neighbourhood . It removes barriers and paves the way to friendships of inestimable value , and in so doing becomes a mighty factor in the

march of progress and civilisation . Much more might be written on the text supplied by the particular report we refer to , but deeds are far more expressive than mere words , and consequently we think it better to refer our readers

to the report itself , where they will find ample evidence of good work accomplished on behalf of the best principles of the Craft , by Brethren of such widely different nationalities as to afford unmistakable evidence of the universality of Freemasonry .

True Masonry.

TRUE MASONRY .

TT is not often Masonic bequests figure in the wills of - * - departed members of the Fraternity , although it might well be imagined that the organisation of Freemasonry particularly lends itself to the continuance of the charitable

ideas of those of its members who find themselves in the position to leave something to be expended after their death in works of benevolence . Even the vast Funds of the English Craft are greatly neglected in this particular

True Masonry.

it seldom happening that the Benevolent Institution or either of the Educational Charities receives a legacy , although they each number many wealthy members of the Craft among their most enthusiastic workers .

An example has just been set by a Scottish Mason that might well be followed by Brethren of other Constitutions , our own in particular , and we believe that if one of our wealthy members would start the ball rolling

others would soon follow on in the good work , and'if the different donors had not the satisfaction of seeing what was done with their money they would at least enjoy the

pleasure during their closing days of feeling that others would have occasion to remember them with gratitude and thankfulness-.

The benefaction we refer to was announced at last week's communication of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , arid consists of a sum of £ 1 , 350 left by Bro . WilliamFerguson-, lately of Brooklyn ( subject" to the life rent of his widow ) ,

to erect a home in Forfarshire for the benefit of poor widows of deceased . Brethren who , at the date of their death , were in good standing of the Grand Lodge * , of Scotland . Here is the nucleus of what may some day

become a national monument to the kind-heartedness of Freemasonry , and while we congratulate our Brethren across the border on the good fortune that has fallen upon them we hope other members of their Constitution , as well

as Brethren under the rule of the Grand Lodge of England , will make similar bequests when they are deciding how to distribute the good things of this world which kind fortune has placed at their disposal .

There is one matter of regret , we have since learnt , in connection with this bequest—the legality of the will may be questioned in the American courts by some of the relations of the deceased ! It will be unfortunate if the claims of the Scottish Brotherhood cannot be sustained .

Herefordshire.

HEREFORDSHIRE .

nnHE annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge JL —the occasion also being in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen—was held at the Cathedral Library , Hereford , on Monday , 8 th . A large number of Brethren were present , but the Prov . G . M . Brother Sir J . R . Bailey was unfortunately unable to attend .

At one o ' clock Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in the Cathedral Library by Bro . H . C . Beddoe Deputy Provincial Grand Master , who explained that the absence of Sir Joseph Bailey was in consequence of his having been summoned to the bedside of his mother , who was seriously ill .

In proposing the adoption of the report of the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association Bro . T . Godwin Chance , the newly-elected Secretary , spoke in warm terms of the great services rendered to Masonic charity in this Province

by the ^ late Secretary Bro . William Earle , who had inaugurated the Association and piloted it for the long period of 20 years , during which time a sum of over £ 1 , 000 had been paid to the great Benevolent Institutions , and a most cordia }