Holiday Haunts.

the cheapest and best of its kind we have seen . Those who contemplate a trip to Amsterdam or to Antwerp , and the various interesting p laces that are to be reached from there , should got this handy guide hook . With it and the Great Eastern Timo Table there would be no difficulty in arranging for the journey . Thoso who formerly used to go to the Continent via Harwich have anything bnt a pleasant

recollection of the pier accommodation . It was of the rudest character ; too small for the traffic as it grew , and altogether uncomfortable . Now all is changed . Tho reforming hand is seen every . where , and in no place has it worked such wonders as at Harwich and its neighbourhood . Thoso who know the harbour will remember that there was no room for the extension of the landing piers on tho

old spot . Other ground had to bo sought on another sido . A swamp has been transformed , and at the present time a new pier has been erected capable of accommodating seven large steamers nt ono time . A new station and hotel have been built , wharves and a timber dock have been mado , and shortly a town will spring up adjoining , uniting probably with Harwich and Dovercourt , the whole forming one large

community little dreamt of a few years ago . Lines branch out of the main railway , whioh convey passengers to the new pier , now known as being situated in Parkeston , a namo given to the placo in honour of the chairman of the company , Mr . Parkes . The pier and station are united by a covered way ; the whole is illuminated with the electric light . Every comfort has been provided for the traveller ,

and in order to accommodate the growing traffic two large now steamers have been built , one of which , called the "Norwich , " made a trial trip last week . Seeing that this new venture has cost the company from first to last something like half a million of money , they mnst have large expectations to recoup them in interest alone . Their anticipations are great , and if they are realised Harwich will

become one of the most important towns in the kingdom . A few years ago grass was growing in its streets ; it is not very lively now , but it is gradually emerging from its stagnation , thanks to the Great Eastern Company . We have dwelt upon this subject because such enterprise as we have described is worthy of record , and it has been

carried out quietly , too quietly perhaps . Now that it is complete , it is right that that the public shonld know what has been done forthem . If we have assisted to that end , and in guiding holiday seekers to pleasant spots , we shall be amply repaid for the time we have devoted to the subject . Having dealt with the Eastern Counties , we shall in other papers treat of other and attractive localities .

"Coming Of Age" Celebration.

" COMING OF AGE" CELEBRATION .

A VERY gratifying riunion took place a few evenings ago in connection with the coming of age of the eldest son of Bro . J . E . Fells , wine merchant , of Henry-street , Tooley-street ( Immediate Past Master of the Confidence Lodge , No . 193 ) . In anticipation of the happy event the employes of the firm had decided to give their young master a surprise , and subscribed amongst them a sum sufficient for the purchase of a handsome cabinet writing desk ; and

on learning of their intention Bro . Fells , with his wonted generosity , determined to add zest to the occasion by entertaining his workmen and others afc dinner . Accordingly , the spacious vaults were gaily decorated with bunting and other embellishments , which gave to the usually dingy place quite the aspect of a superb dining saloon , and here a sumptuous repast was provided for the employes of Mr . Fells ,

aud of Messrs . Spooner and Co ., of Laurence Ponntney-lane , numbering altogether over 120 . The founder of the feast had invited several old friends to join the happy party , and amongst the guests were Bro . Robert Caudlish , of Seaham , Durham , proprietor of tho Londonderry Bottle Company , who remained in London specially for the ceremony ; Mr . J . J . Candlish , the London representative of tho

Company ; Mr . A . C . Hartley , of Laurence Ponntney-lane ; Mr . A . Gpggs , Mr . Scarth , Mr . J . Macdonald , Mr . William Heath , Mr . F . L . ; Linkley . Mr . Thomas Scone , Mr . Llewellyn , Mr . W . Mist , of Ightham , ' Kent , and other gentlemen . A sumptuous repast was spread by Mr . Garrett , of Tooley-street , at the conclusion of which the customary loyal toasts were honoured . Mr . R . Canolish having spoken

of his long and agreeable connection with Mr . Fells , said it afforded him great pleasure to be among their number on that auspicious occa sion . In congratulating Mr . A . J . Fells on attaining his majority , he trusted that gentleman , who wonld now take a more active share in the responsibilities of the firm , wonld gain tho esteem and good

feeli ng that his father had so long enjoyed , and if he followed his father ' s footsteps he might reckon himself pretty certain of success . He then asked Mr . Arthur to accept the present which had keen arranged for by the employes of the firm , and trusted he might be blessed with long life , happiness and prosperity . In conclusion , he said he had been desired by Mrs . Fells to express the

great pleasure it afforded her to see her two sons so well respected by all who were in the employ of her hnsband , and hoped they might always endeavour to keep that position and do their utmost to add to ^ the success of their then growing business . The toast was received with immense enthusiasm , aud Mr . Arthur Foils , who appeared to have been much affected by the ovation given him , returned thanks ^ n suitable terms for the handsome present which had been made to him

, and the kindly expressions which had fallen from the vat-ions speakers iu making the gift . He should ever esteem it a great honour , and look back npon the event with prido and gratitude . Tbo health of the Founder of tho Feast was then proposed in felicitous terms , and Bro . Fells suitably responded , extending a hearty welcotno 0 the many visitors who had kindly assisted on that very happy occasion . Several other complimentary toasts followed , and amidst n Sundance of harmony a most enjoyable evening was passed .

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-FITiraiBALS . -Bros . W . K . L . & G . A . HUTTOH , Coffin •takers and Undertakers , 17 Newcastle Street , Strand , "W . C . and 30 Forest Hill Eoad , Peckham Eye , S . E .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

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

UNIFORMITY OF WORKING . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S Cuuosicic . DEAR SIR AND . BROTHER , —I have announced , by a letter to your contemporary , the Freemason , the termination , as far as I am concerned , of the lengthened controversy which has been sns . tained for so many year past on tho above subject . An

appeal , " for tho sake of peace and rest to leave the matter where it is , " has had much more force than any other argument could possibly have had with me ; . and I feel that it would ill become mo as a Freemason to disregard tho obvions wish of a majority that interference with " the lawful independence of Lodges" should

cease . When , in 18 G 9 I first introduced tho question of " Uniformity of Working , " my proposals met with a considerable amount of support , and for a time the efforts of myself and others were crowned with success , which justified continued perseverance . Towards this result your journal greatly contributed , and throughout you have been

a consistent advocate , as far as the limits of journalistic propriety would admit . To yon , therefore , in this moment of farewell , I feel bound to communicate my intention , and to thank yon for your assistance in the past ; and I would beg of you , and throngh you all the brethren who havo sympathised in the efforts I have mado , not to misunderstand this surrender on my part . I am as mnch as ever in

my own mind convinced that "Unity of Working , and a definite establishment of " the same usages and customs" aro practicable , and the " intense difficulties " with which the movement is surrounded not altogether insnrmonntable . Bufc the feelings of the brethren towards the attainment of the object I had in view in 1869-70 are not those of the Craft generally inl > -83 , and consequently I am in dnty bound to retire , unless prepared by the sanction of my own example to raise

a standard of discord and disunion . This I could not think of , a , nd would rather appear defeated altogether than disturb the peace and harmony which belong to our Order by any fractious resentment of not having my own way . I thought never to have done this , bufc my dream is over ; and practical good sense teaches me that its realization , either now or in the immediate future , cannot be . So , good bye , Uniformity ! Yours faithfuly and fraternally , JAMES STEVENS , P . M . 1216 , P . Z .

HOW MOLEHILLS BECOME MOUNTAINS . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Looking down from my tower and per . ceiving what was in contemplation , I was among the first to sound the tocsin of alarm against the proposal to pnrchase the spare laud adjoining the Girls' School at Battersea . Without the slightest attempt at co-operation or unity of action , there was a wonderful

consensus of opinion against giving £ 36 , 000 for nine acres of land nofc worth above half the money . The monstrous nature of fche demand was seen through , and the Qnartevly Court , held on tho 14 th inst ., dashed the hopes of the vendor , and onco more proved their fitness for the trust reposed in them . Even Bro . James Stevens is complimentary . He was on the sido of right , as no doubt be always desires

to be , but he not nnfrequently mars good intentions by some strange fatality . He did good service by giving the Court the advantage of his practical knowledge . He knows the value of land in tho South of London especially , and was just the man to advise the Court . As it happened his knowledge squared with his opinions , and he ap . proached the matter like a giant refreshed with new wine . I cannot

share Bro . Stevens ' s thoughts about the House Committee . There was nothing in their action to warrant the conclusion thafc they were either favourable or unfavourable to the pnrchase of the land . Their duty was simply executive , and they discharged it in a manner worthy of loyal men to a great trust reposed in them . The question is so far settled , bufc it is only scotched , not killed .

The vendor of tho land will most likely look out for other purchasers , aud if he feels the sting of his recent failure he may , perhaps , consent to such conditions of sale aa to make matters very unpleasant for the School . I am merely referring to a possibility . I know nothing of Mr . Whiting , and hope I may ba altogether wrong in supposing ( bra moment that other than bnsinoss ideas wonld influence him .

But I cannot quite escape from thafc conclusion , because ifc is admitted thafc some of the land is necessary for the Schools , and that under certain circumstances it must bo had . How far this knowledge will operate remains to be seen . The purchaser of that portion of tho ground abutting on the School will nofc forget the necessities of the case , and ifc may be that fche present refusal will

lead to a fntnro difficulty hardly less serious than tho one now ovcr-3 omo . I wns not particularly struck with the liberality of the liscounfc offered , namely , £ 100 per acre . Sometimes these gifts are powerful bribes to tho unwary ; like sugared and gilded pills they ^ oncral tho poison or the purge , bufc they never fail to nauseate or to

^ ripe . This principle of rebate , if I may use the term , is a valuable neana sometimes of helping a charity , and if Mr . Whiting had made i more generous offer—say £ 250 per acre—he might havo been successful . The money for the purchase in all probability would have seen raised as a separate fnnd , and as the appeal would be for the