The Boys School Festival.

THE BOYS SCHOOL FESTIVAL .

HP HE regret of the Brethren and townsfolk of •¦ Brighton—as expressed in a paragraph we reproduce elsewhere from a local paper—in regard to the holding of the Festival of the Boys School in London ,

instead of at the popular sea-side resort , will be shared in by many others besides those actually interested from a financial standpoint ; but we trust it will not have any detrimental effect on the result of the Festival

itself , as it would be most unfortunate if a minor consideration , such as has this year led to a change in the programme , should be allowed , to interfere with the

flow of Masonic Benevolence . When we first heard of the alteration in the place of meeting we felt the change a welcome one , as the return journey from Brighton for those who desire to come back the same

evening is so . very trying , and often actually inconvenient , by reason of the unpunctuality of the train service ; but on the other hand there are many conveniences at Brighton which are lacking in London ,

the most important of all being the question of accommodation ; for whereas it is possible , for the whole company to dine in the one hall at Brighton , it will be necessary to split the party up into sections now that

London has been decided upon—but let us hope this will be the only drawback in connection with this year ' s celebration on behalf of the Boys School , and that in

all other respects the arrangements and the outcome may satisfy those who are just now working on behalf of the Charity , or who take an interest in its welfare .

The prospect of the moment , in regard to the announcement likely to be made on the day of the Festival , is hardly so bright as might be wished , but at

the same time it is most satisfactory to be able to announce that the Board of Stewards gives promise of reaching , if not exceeding , the handsome number of five hundred , the actual record at the time our

information was gathered , on Thursday , being 455 . It is the fact of there being so large a body of Stewards—¦ many of whom will desire to be accompanied at the banquet by their wife or friend—which makes the

question of accommodation a question of primary importance . Already the Institution ' s officials have found it necessary to announce that the space available in the main hall is limited , and that the- Crown Room of the Freemasons' Tavern will also be utilised for the

Festival , so that Brethren who may desire to participate as Stewards in the chief function have no time to lose in sending in their acceptances . An old tale , often told , is apt to pass by disregarded ;

and hence it is we feel a difficulty just now in urging the claims of the Institution to the sympathies of the Craft , having done so on so many previous occasions ; but there are special features in connection with the

coming event which may be pleaded in extenuation . The _ celebration , which marks - the 102 nd year of the Institution ' s foundation , takes place on Tuesday ,

The Boys School Festival.

10 th July , at Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen Street ,

London , under the presidency of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught " and Strathearn , K . G ., M . W . Past Grand Master Prov . G . M . Sussex District G . M . Bombay , and its object is to provide the funds necessary for the

work of the Institution during the coming year . It is not a question of clearing off arrears of the past , nothing whatever to do with days gone by ; but an

entirely new undertaking and a new responsibility—the maintenance , clothing and education of a large number of Masonic Orphan Boys during the coming twelve months . The same tale , it is true , has been

told for many years in the past , but its repetition on this occasion marks rather the commencement of a new era than the continuation of- ' an old , oft told story . If the Craft really wished it a line could be drawn and

the work of the Institution brought to a close to-day , without any responsibility attaching to it , in fact the probability is that a surplus would remain when work

already undertaken was completed , and hence it is we feel quite justified in asking the assistance of the Craft on this occasion without the fear of being disregarded on the plea of urging the same old tale .

There are a very large number of lads already on the books of the Institution ; and many others seeking equal privileges , and it is on their behalf that we can confidently appeal to the English Craft in support of

the Anniversary Festival ot the Royal Masonic institution for Boys , on the result of which will depend the possibility of continuing the good work in the near future . We sincerely hope that the Board of Stewards

will be considerably augumented ere the celebration takes place , and that , in spite of the many other calls for charitable and other purposes at the present time , the result will equal , and even exceed the most sanguine expectations of the friends of the Institution .

Rejected Candidates.

REJECTED CANDIDATES .

fjlHE matter of rejection , in our Masonic bodies is not I treated as seriously as it should be . When a candidate is rejected his friends call upon him and offer sympathy , and insist upon him trying it again . Brethren frequently go so far as to tell who ' was present , and , if they can find out , how many black-balls were cast . Such information is a Masonic

misdemeanour , and subjects the offender to discipline . The only knowledge to which a candidate is entitled is the fact that he has been rejected . If he wishes to renew his application at the proper time it is a matter for himself to decide , and his

friends should not urge him , as he may meet with the same result . The unanimous secret ballot is the bulwark of Freemasonry , and it must be maintained to insure the perpetuity of the Institution . — - "Illinois Freemasonry . "

A hint might be taken from the following resolution of a colonial Grand Lodge : " That a Committee for examination of Masters-elect be appointed at the annual Communication of Grand Lodge ; and that hereafter no Brother shall be installed Master of a Lodge unless he is qualified to confer the three degrees of Freemasonry . "