Masonic Notes.

by the Earl of Euston , Great Sub-Prior , and other distinguished Sir Knights . After his installation , his Royal Hig hness will appoint and invest his provincial officers , and when the business has been concluded , luncheon will be served . The proceedings are timed to commence at 2 p . m .

The betrothal , which has just been officially announced , of the Duke of York , surviving son of the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., with the Princess Victoria May , only daughter of the Princess Mary Adelaide ,

Duchess of Teck , and the Duke of Teck , will cause very general rejoicings among her Majesty's subjects , who will be especially delighted to find that the popular Princess May has at length found consolation for the grevious loss she sustained at the beginning of 1892

by the death of her fiance , the Duke of . Clarence and Avondale . We feel sure that Masons in particular will derive pleasure from the betrothal , —which it is hardly necessary to say has received her Majesty ' s sanction—as it ( must be a subject of gratification to the Prince , who has presided over them for so many years .

# # # We have received the report of the proceedings of second annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania , which was held at the Masonic Hall , Launceston , on Wednesday , the iSth January last .

From the report it is evident that Masonry in this remote dependency of the British Crown , since its organisation as a separate and independent body , has made substantial progress . In respect of numbers , it is stronger now than it was two years ago , while as to

its funds , they appear to have been- well and wisely administered . We note one important change in the constitution of Grand Lodge . Bro . the Rev . R . D . Poulett-Harris , M . A ., who , in the old days , was District Grand Master under the English Constitution , and

who , when it was determined to establish the Grand Lodge of Tasmania , was unanimously selected to preside over it as M . W- Grand Master , being desirous of laying aside the cares and responsibilities of office , has been succeeded in the chair of this promising Grand Lodge by his old Deputy , Bro . E . O . Giblin , M . D . Bro .

Giblin is a Mason of long standing and large experience . As the Deputy of his predecessor , he necessarily is thoroughly conversant with the duties which now devolve upon him . We congratulate him on his election to be the chief of Tasmanian Masonry , and we have no doubt his administration will be honouiable to himself and beneficial to the body over which he presides .

* * * At the Quarterly Communication of the District Grand Lodge of Queensland held at Freemasons' Hall , Brisbane , on the 1 st March last , under the presidency of Bro . the Hon . A . C . Gregory , C . M . G ., District G . Master , two sums of ^ 50 and . £ 100 respectively , were ,

on the recommendation of the District Board of General Purposes , voted from the funds of District Grand Lodge towards the relief of the sufferers by the floods , which have caused such heavy loss ; the sum of £ 50 being granted for the relief of Freemasons only , and that of , £ 100 towards the Central or General Relief Fund .

Universal regret will be felt at the sad news , which reached us early in the week , of the death , suddenly , at Bombay , on the 27 th ult ., of Bro . H . J . Whymper , P . D . D . G . M . of the Punjab . He had quite recently declined the appointment of D . G . M . of the Punjab on

the score of ill-health , and the genuineness of the reason for so declining has only been too well exemplified by his death . He was in every sense of the word an excellent Mason—zealous in all he undertook , ardent in the pursuit of Masonic knowledge

thoroughly imbued with the true spirit of the Craft , always ready to impart the knowledge acquired , and unbounded in his generosity—he presented to all with whom he came in contact a worthy model for their imitation . The record of his career deserves to be

chronicled by a sympathetic pen , and we have asked Bro . Hughan , as one of Bro . Whymper ' s closest Masonic friends , to undertake that duty . Bro . Whymper leaves a widow and daughters . His brother , Mr . Edward Whymper , is the celebrated mountain climber and artist .

# # # Wc have pleasure in drawing attention to Bro . Hughan ' s appreciative article on Bro . G . W . Bain ' s catalogue of his Masonic Library and Museum . Bro . Hughan is so familiar with the general subject of Masonic bibliography , medals , and curios that any words of his come with weight and authority .

Masonic Notes.

Bro . Bain has been a most industrious and successful collector in a surprisingly short period . His initiation dates from 1883 in No . 949 , Sunderland , in which he served as W . M . in 1888 and 18 S 9 , and he is now P . P . G . Res ; , of Durham . To have obtained such a number

of Masonic valuables in a few years shows what can be done by well directed efforts . Every new collector , however , adds to the difficulty of securing old and rare Masonic works . Collections of such are increasing in value year by year and are not likely to be less so at any time because of the formation of lodge libraries .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

t We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to a 1 to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]

"THE MINSTREL . " To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I beg to ask your permission to rectify a printer ' s blunder in the May number of " The Minstrel . ' In a par . at p . 58 , reporting the installation of the

Grand Officers of our Grand Lodge , the name of the Grand Pursuivant , Bro . Thos . Minstrell , has by the printer been given as The Minstrel . So that our worthy brother is changed into a newspaper . I offer him best apologies for the error .

As "The Minstrel" appears only once a month , I take this , the earliest opportunity , to rectify this mistake . Thanking you for allowing this letter to appear in your next , believe me , yours

fraternally—THE EDITOR OF "THE MINSTREL . " 115 , Fleet-street , May ist .

Reviews.

Reviews .

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR NORFOLK , 1893-4 . This little gem is one of the smallest of the annuals published in the provinces , and yet , so well is the matter arranged , that its 90 pages are brimful of information and accurate as usual , under the competent editorship of the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . G . W . G . Barnard , of

Norwich . Its appearance on the hrst of May is most welcome , and as a May gift will not only prove very handy for this cay month but for the remainder of the financial year . Norfolk is not a large province but is well managed and most compact . There are 17 lodges , six being situated in Norwich , two each in North Walsham and Yarmouth , and remainder in seven other towns . The senior lodge is

No . 52 , Norwich , dating from 1736 , and contains 28 membersof Provincial Grand Lodge , all duly described as to years of Masterships , and other qualifications , in Provincial Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge . So also as to the next in age , No . S 5 , Harleston , working from 1753 , and the remaining 15 down to the junior , viz ., No . 2237 , at Wells . There are seven Royal Arch chapters which speaks well for the interest exhibited by the brethren in the Craft . The

oldest is No . 52 , Norwich , of the year 17 SS . What about a centenary warrant Bro . Barnard ? The old charter was doubtless returned to Grand Chapter , as required , and a new warrant obtained in 1 S 21 , but that would not affect the continuity . Mark Masonry is not so flourishing as might reasonably be expected , but the Knights Templar and Rose Croix Degrees appear to be more successful . Bro . Barnard has done well and successfully edited one of the best Masonic annuals published .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Faith Lodge ( No . 141 ) . —This lodge held its last meeting of the season at Anderton's Hotel , Fleetstreet , on the 25 th ult ., when there were present , amongst others , Bros . J . Cockram Taylor , W . M . ; Trott , S . VV . ; White , J . W . ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; Godf . ey , S . D . ; Swan , J . D . ; Gluckstein , I . G . ; Sharpley , Org . ; E . draft flDasonrp ,

Hopwood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; C . Dairy , P . M . ; Rumball , P . M . ; M . Heaphy , P . M . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M . ; Frommholz , P . M . ; Coop , P . M . ; W . J . Hakim , P . M . ; C . Welzler , P . M . ; Welch , I . P . M . ; and others . The lodge furniture was draped with crape and the brethren wore Masonic mourning , out of respect to the memory of Bro . Carter , P . M ., Treasurer , who died on the

gth and was buried on the 14 th ult . Ihe minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . W . C . James was raised to the Third Degree , and Bro . A . Goldsmith , 230 . 8 , was passed to the Second Degree , both ceremonies being admirably performed by the W . M . A resolution was unanimously carried to increase the subscription of non-dining members to £ 1 is . per annum . The

W . M . was unanimously elected to the position of I rusteeto the Benevolent Fund , vice Bro . J . A . Green , P . M ., deceased . It being necessary to elect a Treasurer for the remainder of the year , in the place of Bro . Carter , deceased , Bro . W . J . Hakim , P . M ., was duly elected , Bro . Capt . Walls , P . M .,

moved a vote of condolence to the family of the late Treasurer . In the course of his remarks , he said that for the long period of nearly 40 years Bro . Carter had been a member of No . 141 . In 180 , 2 he was re-invested for the 33 rd time as its Treasurer . So recently as February 28 th last he was in their midst apparently in the best of health and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

spirits . When the members entered the lodge that ni ght it must have been a great shock to them to notice the vacant chair to the left of the W . M . that had been so often occupied by their dear friend and brother as senior Past Master of the lodge . The Secretary that evening had read a letter from the son of their deceased brother , in which he thanked those members of the lodge who had written to him extending their sympathy in remembrance of one who had always

been a good husband , a good father , and a good friend . He ( the speaker ) would also add a good Mason . Bro . Carter ' s open face was the best index of his character , genialit y good humour , and kindheartedness being embodied in every feature . In conclusion , he said that their late Treasurer , with the weight of nearly 73 years pressing upon himhad to honoured restbut his

, gone an , memory would remain green in the Lodge of Faith , and his earnest work in the cause of Masonry be remembered whilst a single member lived who knew him . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Carter ' s old intimate and fellow-worker—Bro . Hopwood , P . M . —and carried unanimously . The lodge was then closed . There was no banquet .

Ranelagh Lodge ( No . 834 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Criterion , Regent ' s Circus , on the nth ult ., and was well attended both by members and visitors . There were present Bros . H . F Williams , W . M . ; Arthur Williams , S . W . ; W . w ' Williams , J . W . ; G . F . Butt . P . M ., Treas . ; W . l " Coplestone , P . M ., Sec ; R . Phillips , D . C ; H . Hewitt I . G . ; J . Banks , Stwd . ; G . Mallett , Tyler ( pro tem j ' ¦

F . J . Oliver , P . M . ; T . G . Doncaster , P . M . ; H . Purdue P . M . ; C . Barker , P . M . ; E . Lucas , P . M . ; William Bennett , T . Jobson , H . j . Inderwick , J . Worth , W H . Dyne , H . Stottes , E . L > . Richards , G . E . White , C . J . Chambers , A . White , Lomie , A . Abrahams , S . Segar , W Iceton , R . Collins , R . Shaw , J . R . Ward , E . H . Grand , R . S . Cartwright , and others . The visitors were Bros . T . Walden , W . M . 2012 ; R . Reid , 1275 ; E . Chappelli 4 l

, ; W . C . Page , P . M . 1475 ; Baron A . Grant , 127 ; W . Braithwaite , 304 ; G . Glover , J . Brown , P . M . 1012 ; D . S . Long , P . M . 1275 ; Dunkley , P . M . 1777 ; R . H . Williams , P . M . S 65 ; G . Gardner , P . M . 2300 ; W . F . Tate , J . H . R . Bright , 194 ; T . B . Moyle , S . W . 16 7 ; J . Vandyke , 1017 ; J . R . Jones , 172 ; and R . T . West , 1744 . The minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , and the Auditors' report approved , Bro . E . Swallow was

passed . The W . M . then proceeded with the important task of installing Bro . Arthur Williams as his successor , which he performed in a most commendable manner . The following were appointed and invested as officers for the year : Bros . W . W . Williams , S . W . ; E . Newland , I . W . ; G . F . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; W . J . Coplestone , P . M ., Sec ; F . J . Oliver , P . M ., Org . ; H . Scharien , S . D . ; H . Hewitt , J . D . ; R . Phillips , I . G . ; J . Banks

, D . C . ; and J . C . Morgan and S . Segar , Stewards . The usual addresses were ably delivered by Bro . H . F . Williams , the I . P . M ., and were appreciated by the members and visitors . The new W . M . then initiated Mr . Edgar Henry Grant in excellent style , for which he is to be congratulated . The W . M ., in a few appropriate words , presented a Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . H . F . Williams ,

I . P . M ., remarking that he had fulfilled his arduous duties to the entire satisfaction of the brethren . Bro . H . F . Williams expressed his heartfelt thanks for the kind appreciation of his services to the lodge , which had been an honour and pleasure to him . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to a superb banquet . The menu cards , which deserve special mention , ivere designed and hand-painted by the

W . M . 's son , all being of different designs . At the conclusion of the repast the usual loyalj . and Masonic toasts followed . Bro . H . F . Williams , in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " wished him a happy and successful year of office . He had been with them for some years , and was always willing to do everything for the lodge . He was perfect in the working of the ritual , a go id genial fellow , and would

increase the reputation of the lodge . The toast was drunk wi ; h great enthusiasm , and The Worshipful Master , on rising to respond , had a flattering reception . In eloquent terms he stated that as VV . M . of the lodge he had attained the summit of his Masonic career . It was a great honour to him to hold that position , and he thanked the members , from whom he had met with nothing but kindness and courtesy , for having

placed him there , and in conclusion expressed a hope that he would have plenty of work to do . In giving the toast of "The Initiate , " the W . M . observed that he had hoped to have had three initiates that evening . He was glad to receive Bro . E . H . Grant in the lodge , and he was proud of having an initiate at his ( the W . M . 's ) installation . Bro . Grant , who appeared to be one of the droll kind , on

rising to respond was received with acclamation . In a humorous speech he thanked the members for the exercise he had had at that festive board . He regretted that the others mentioned by the W . M . had not been there to help him pull through what he had undergone in the lodge and at that table . He was pleased that he had joined the Order , and he was anxious to know more about it . The W . M . gave the next toast— "The Installing Past

Master . " He paid a great tribute to the grand working of Bro . H . F . Williams , who had done everything to the entire satisfaction of the lod ge . There were always p lenty to criticise the working of a W . M . ; but he had withstood all that , because he was simply perfect , and he hoped he would continue a member of their distinguished lodge , ol which it was a great honour to be a Past Master . , Bro . H . F . Williams , in reply , said that he could not find the

words to sufficientl y thank tfiem for his r ception and great kindness he had received from all during his year ol ofiice , which he should never forget . "The Masonic Charities" was next given , the W " ' shipful Master , stating that he was a Steward ' < " ' the Boys . His list ot subscriptions amounted to 9 " guineas , and he hoped it would be materially increased , so that it would be one of the largest . He coupled the name of Gardner

Bro . , P . M ., whom he asked to respond . . Bro . Gardner replied in a lengthy speech , urging tne brethren to support their W . M ., who was one of the- be 5 ' he had ever met in his Stewardship for the Boys , and tne lodge could have no one better than their W . M . to supp " the cause of Charity . The Worshipful Master gave " I he Visitors . " " j [ were favoured with a great number , and he gave them » , hearty greeting , to which Bros . Walden , Tate , DunKie / ,