Masonic Notes.

The Quarterly Court of thc Royal Masonic Institution for Girls will be held at Freemasons' Hall the day previous , but the chair vvill be taken at the hour of 12 noon , not at 4 p . m . as in the case of the Boys '

School . Here the business will be limited to considering a recommendation of the General Committee to grant a sum of £ 600 to enlarge the infirmary , and tc settling the number of vacancies and arranging thc list of candidates .

The marriage of the Duke ot York and Princess May has been the one absorbing topic of the week , and London having been favoured vvith Queen ' s weather for the pageant , put on its brightest on Thursday , and everything went merrily as marriage

bells . From a spectacular point of view , it was in many respects equal to the Jubilee celebration , and added to the expression of loyalty , vvhich is never wanting when occasion arises , vvas the universal sentiment of affection for the bride , evoked by her own social and

domestic virtues , and the pathetic surroundings which the great heart of the nation is ever ready to respond to . No Royal married pair has ever started life under more auspicious circumstances , carrying with it at the outset , besides the splendour of fortune , the happiness which comes from the love of the people .

There appears to have been a tolerably full attendance at the half-yearly communication of the District Grand Lodge of Bombay , which was held at Freemasons' Hall , Byculla , Bombay , on tbe 30 th March last , under the presidency of Bro . H . W . Barrow ,

D . D . G . M ., as D . G . M . The meeting was an important one , fiistly , because new District Grand Ofiicers vvere appointed ior the ensuing year ; and , secondly , because a report of the District Board of General Purposes respecting the purchase or hiring of a site or building

forthe erection of—or use as—a Masonic Hall vvas submilted to the notice of the brethren . This report and the explanations by Brp . R . S . Brown of its meaning and intent were looked upon very favourably , there being evidently a unanimous desire on the part of the members of District Grand Lodge to carry the project

into execution as soon as possible . But it will be necessary that the requisite steps to this end shall be taken in conjunction with our Scottish brethren , and therefore it was impossible on this occasion to do more than express approval of the project , and this was done most cordially .

Of course , the communication was not allowed to pass without an address from the Deputy District Grand Master on the events which had happened since the previous meeting , and we are glad to hear , on so high an authority , that Freemasonry in Bombay is in so

flourishing a state ; that the greatest harmony prevails , as heretofore , between the members of the English and Scottish Constitutions ; and that Bro . Smith , G . M . of all Scottish Freemasonry , had conferred on Bro . Barrow the honorary rank of a P ^ st Depute

Grand Master of his Grand Lodge . No such further evidence of the good feeling which exists between the two bodies was needed ; but it is none the less satisfactory that it should have been forthcoming , and we trust the day is , indeed , far distant when the present relations shall be modified or changed .

* * A special communication of the District Grand Lodge of the Punjab vvas held at Freemasons' Hall , Lahore , under the presidency of Bro . E . Woodall Parker , P . Dist . Grand Master in charge , on the 2 nd May last .

for the purpose of showing respect to the memory ol the late Bro . II . J . Whymper , Deputy Dist . Grand Master . The lodge room was festooned and draped in black , and the brethren appeared in Masonic mourning . The District Grand Master spoke at considerable

length and in appropriate terms of the great loss which the Craft generally , but more particularly in the Punjab , had sustained by tin : death ol that distinguished brother , vvho was so widely known and si universally respected ; and it was resolved that an address of sympathy should

be forwarded in the name and on behalf of District Grand Lodge to the widow and members of the family of our late lirotl . cr . A short form of service was subsequently gone through , and the Grand honours were given . . . .

At the same meeting , the Dist ict Gtand Master took the opportunity of referring to the lamented death of Bro . Col . Marmaduke Ramsay , D . G . M . Malta , who had presided over Freemasonry in the Punjab as

District Grand Master from 18 75 to 1 S 81 , and a resolution expressive of the regret thereby occasioned was unanimously adopted and ordered to be entered on the minutes .

Reviews.

REVIEWS .

WHAT . IS FREEMASONRY ? G . VV . SPETH . ( George Kenning , iG and 16 a , Great Queen-st ., London , W . C . ) This is a reply to the oft-repeated question , " What is Freemasonry ? " and is by Bro . G . W . Speth , the widely known and esteemed Craftsman of Margate . The lecture vvas delivered by our brother on November 7 th , 1892 , at the Church Institute , Margate , before the Rev . W . Bellars ,

M . A ., Vicar of St . John ' s ( vvho vvas in the chair ) , and a number of ladies and gentlemen , to whom the question vvas not new , but the answer was . Bro . Speth , in a few " forewords , " tells the reader how he vvas informed that a . popular explanation of this mysterious society would be very acceptable , and he vvas solicited to fill an awkward date in a series of lectures , so selected the one herein noted . VVe

are glad he vvas pressed to do so . and as to a weariness subsequent to perusal , prognosticated by the author , as the effect of the dose he offers , all vve can say is , we have experienced no such result , nor do vve believe any ordinary reader would , Masonic or otherwise , as the address is wonderfully interesting , comprehensive , and arch . eojogical withal . It is just the sort of pamphlet to put in the hands

of newly-initiated brethren , either for themselves to read or place , in the hands of their wives , as the information afforded is reliable , entertaining , and precisely what is needed for such a purpose . Though not intended as a defence -f the Fraternity , or a careful exposition of its principles , the lecture substantially embodies both , and vve are . fully persuaded that its circulation vvill be by thousands , like Bro .

Hughan ' s opportune Masonic Oration , at Davvl'sh , when its character and merits become known . It is neatly printed and got up in an attractive form . The divisions of the subject are , " What is Freemasonry ? " "Why do vve meet ? " "Whence came Freemasonry ? " "Whence came our Symbolism ? " and . "What is the value of

Masonry at this time ? These questions are answered in a popular but scrupulously accurate manner , and in the happy style which characterises all that emanates from nur brother's prolific pen , and vve confidently expect that lodges , as vvll as brethren , vvill interest themselves in the circulation of this usclul and excellent exponent of Free and Accepted Masonry .

LYRA BRIfANNlCA . ( Waterlow and Sons , Limited , London Wall . ) This choice little production has heen arranged and compiled by the VV . M . ( Bro . R . C . Rapier ) for the Britannic Lodge , Nor 33 , with the object of brightening the Masonic ritual , and , at the same time , giving to the brethren in general some active share in the proceedings . The

selections are appropriate , the music , for the most part , simple and effective , and the plan of the " Lyra " cannot be improved upon . The ceremonies need not be lengthened to any appreciable extent by the use of this excellent addition to the proceedings , and assuredly , as the author desires , " profit and pleasure" cannot fail to be the result of a judicious use of this handy and well-arranged guide .

LONDON AND SCOTLAND . CARRON LINE . This tourist hand-book for the season , 1893 , is issued by the Carron Company , who are abreast of the times and determined to maintain the increasing popularity of their passenger service . Full particulars are afforded in this carefully edited and illustrated guide , vvhich may be obtained from their wharves , Lower East Smithfield , and should be consulted by excursionists vvho have such enjoyment in anticipation , for it is well to know and decide beforehand as to routes and trips to the North .

, THE GREAT EASTERN RAILWAY COMPANY TOURIST GUIDE TO THK CONTINENT . This is a new edition , editrd by P . Lindley , and is profuseley illustrated . It has been compiled for the use of travellers seeking rest or recreation on the Continent , via Harwich , and the description of the several tours are most appetising , so it is no wonder this very useful little work enjoys a large

circulation . Issued by authority , a fine map as frontispiece , scores of attractive views , abundance of reliable information , and published at sixpence , leaves nothing to bc desired , save in some cases , thc needful cash to follow the advice so pleasantly and thoughtfully given . The author , Mr . Lindley , will be pleased to help correspondents in making

their arrangements for Continental tours if they address their inquiries direct to him at 30 , Fleet-street , and gladly receive notice of anv needful corrections—if they can be detected , so as to still further increase the usefulness of this handy Tourist-Guide to the Continent , now in its 14 th annual issue , and always most welcome .

WALKS IN THE ARDENNES . Edited by PERCY LI . NDI . BY . ( London : 30 , Fleet-street ) . The Forest of Arden vvill never fail for lack of a trusty guide whilst Mr . Lindley lives , the readable book herein noted being different to the ordinary guide-book order , and suitable for stud y for those who desire to see its beauties for themselves either by cycling , driving , boating , by rail

or on foot . Fishing and shooting notes arc appended , and the pen-and-ink sketches by J . F . Weedon add much to the interest and attractive character of the brochure . This is a new edition , and , if we mistake not , there will soon bc another , for Mr . Lindley ' s booklets are well known

and popular , as they deserve to bc , sixpence ( or eightpence by post ) securing a copy of these excellent guides to the Continent , as alread y noted , the present handsome little book , " Walks in lipping Forest , " and " New Holidays in Essex , " besides still cheaper publications of the kind ,

I he King and Queen of Denmark , accompanied by their son , Prince Walciemar , will visit the City to-morrow ( Saturday ) , when an address , enclosed in a gold casket , will be presented to his Majesty by the corporation . There will afterwards be a dejeuner at the Guildhall , in honour of the occasion . 'There will also bc present the Prince . and Princess of Wales , their daughters , the Princesses Victoria and Maud , and the Czarewitch .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 60 ) . — This distinguished lodge met . at the Freemasons' Ha || Great Queen-street , on the 23 rd ult . Amoner those in attendance were Bro « . W . H . Kempster , M . D ., VV M P . G . Stwd ., P . M . S 90 , 1420 ; Capt . T . C . Walls " Craft flDasonry .

Stwd ., S . W . ; R . Masters , P . G . Stwd ., J . W . ; F . BinctA P . G . Stwd ., P . G . S . B ., P . M ., Sec ; H . J . Lardner P . P . G . D . C , P . M . 1745 . Xc , | . D . j H . Slade . P . G . Stwd I . P . M . ; Barton , P . G . Stwd ., P . M . ; E . Rogers , P . P . G . D " P . G . Stwd ., P . M . ; and others . Bro . H . Higgins , P ., \ £ 13 S 1 , and W . Higgins , 1 ( SO , vvere visitors . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and con .

firmed . Bro . George Higgins was impressively raised to the Third Degree , by Bro . E . Rogers . The ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . Charles Howard Jackman , M . D . & c , and it being unanimous he vvas duly initiated by the W . M . The ballot was also taken for Capt . A . E . Baldwin , P . M . 366 , as a joining member . Bro . Capt T . C . Walls was unanimously elected W . M , ; H . Youni ; P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., re-elected Ireas . ; and Bro . Evenden '

P . M ., Tyler . A vote of thanks was passed to the W . M . for his services , and a Past Master ' s jewel vvas also voted to him . Bros . Hakim , P . M . 141 , and G . Higgins were elected as Auditors . Apologies for absence were received from Bros . H . Young , P . M .. P . G . Stwd ., Treas . ; VV . H . Kempster , jun ., S . D . ; J . T . Cotton , I . G . ; and others . Thc lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . The only toists given wire "The Roval Family , " " The W . M ., " and " The W . M . Elect . "

Southern Star Lodge ( No . 1158 ) . —The installation meeting of this very successful and HourishinR lodge was held at the Bridge House Hotel on Tuesday , the 27 th ult ., when there were present Bros . C . T . Wricht , VV . M . ; W . Beecroft , S . W . and W . M . elect ; T . F Knibb , J . W . ; A . W . Wright , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Austin , P . M ., Sec ; J . Hands , S . D . ; F . W . Downes , | . D . ;

VV . Belchamber , I . G . ; VV . Kichards ,. Stwd . ; T . S . Gregory , Tyler ; J . F . Tarrant , P . M . ; W . W . Block , P . M ., * R . E . Clarke , P . M . ; Jas . Block , P . M . ; Alf . Wells , P . M . ; C . H . Wilkes , P . M . ; J . Bunker , P . M . ; C . Wise , P . M . ; G . K . Maxwell , D . Green , J . C . Ashdown , J . G . Blake , A . Prangnell , F . Austin , W . Green , II . Robinson , W . H . Godwin , J . W . Camden , F . B . Benson ,

S . Plum , Thos . Paris , C . H . Thompson , T . F . Stokes , G . F . Robinson , J . F . Radford , G . Gainger , J . Atkinson , E . Williams , and J . A . Morath . The visitors vvere Bros . ) . Lightfoot , P . M . 1901 ; W . E . Deane , 33 ; T . F . Noakes , Org . S 61 ; Geo . Cordvvell , 3 ; D . Campbell , J . W . 130 s ; W . T . Windsor , J . W . KJ 50 ; B . \ . Ma'tin , 1397 ; VV . Staley , S . VV . 2442 ; H . Roberts , J . W . 765 ; VV . Kingswell , P . M . 1572 ; G . Wills , Stwd . 1 G 12 ; Vyvian Tyrrell ,

Lhap . 1929 ; G . Cory , 2369 ; K C . Ward , S . W . 1076 ; J . Boulton , W . M . 2442 ; VV . S . Whitaker . P . M . 1572 ; J . VV . Wilkinson , P . M . S / j ; S . W . H , Basing , 1 G 09 ; W . J . Partridge , 79 ; J . Howell , S 79 ; M . Wring , Stwd . 2319 ; C . A . Hales , J . W . 2442 ; E . A . Rice , S . D . 1320 ; J . W . Tims , S 71 ; L . Nathan , 15 S 5 ; J . L . Packer , 155 S ; E . Hooke , 1329 ; J . J . Franklin , 1 O 02 ; J . B . Hill , 1304 ; J . Hampton , P . M . 145 ; J . Etherington , P . M . 1310 ; and C . H . Stone , W . M . 507 .

I he minutes of the previous meeting ware read and confirmed , and Bros . Prangnell and Ullman were rused in a most impressive manner . The report of the Auditors was received and adopted , there being a capital sum in thc hands of the Treasurer . Bro . VV . Beecroft , S . W ., VV . M . elect , vvas presented by Bro . C . T . VVright , VV . M ., to Bro . J . F . Tarrant , P . AL , to receive at his hands the benefit of

installation . This was performed in a large Board of Installed Masters in a very commendable manner , the three addresses being most ably rendered . Bro . Beecroft , VV . M ., invested his olhcers as follows : Bros . T . F . Knibb , S . W . j J . Hands , J . W . ; A . VV . Wright , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Austin , P . M ., Sec ; J . VV . Downes , S . D . ; W . Belchamber , J . D . ; W . Richards , I . G . ; J . Godwin , Org . ; T . Green , D . C ; G . J . RoLinson and Maxwell , Stewards ; Ashdown , A . D . C . ; F . Austin , Asst . Sec .: and S . Gregory ,

Tyler . A ballot was taken for Messrs . G . Gainger , J os . Atkinson , E . Williams , and J . A . Morath , which proving unanimous , they were initiated in a most impressive manner by the W . M . A sum of money was voted to thc late Tyler of the lodge . T he business of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to a recherche banquet , superintended by the host , Bro .

Pearce , in his usual capital style , vvhich vvas highly appreciated . On the removal of the cloth the W . M . gave the loyal and Masonictoasts in terms of strong commendation , whicti were light royally received . The toastof "The Pro G . M ., Dep . G . M ., and rest of Grand Ollicers , Present and Past , " vvas given and received in a most cordial mannerthe W . M . dilating on the

, excellent work those worthy brethren bestowed upon the Craft . , Bro . C . T . VVright , I . P . M ., next presented the toast ot "The W . M ., " stating the great pleasure it gave •him C ' the lirst time in that honourable position ) . 1 hey all k " ™ what an enthusiast in Masonry tne W . M . was . " wa * certain the brethren would sunnurt him durinir the pnacn 1

year ; they could not do better , as it would be impossible have a better brother at the head uf the lodge . Their W- ' ' was a founder of a lodge some short time ago in r- ss ?^ where he was likewise showing his excellent-work . , trusted that the G . A . O . T . U . would give him health anu strength during the present year to perform the duties , a he felt confident that the prestige of the lodge v ' r "

fully maintained , and at the end of the year tne Dreu " would bc thoroughly satisfied with the proud position 01 , < xI £ e * , . hren In reply , the W . M . most cordially thanked the bretn ^ for such a greeting , and felt he was not worthy of "jA , Mattering remarks . He would endeavour to deserve all . C . T . VVright had said of him . One desire of h : s »<»