Dedication Of A Masonic Lodge In Suva.

DEDICATION OF A MASONIC LODGE IN SUVA .

From tlie Suva Times , May 6 th . The event of the week in our little community has been the opening- of a branch of the Great Brotherhood of Masons in Suva . Many months ago a few of the brethren resident here , with one or two others , occasional visitors , met together and carried the proposition to establish the

Craft in Suva to such a point that application was made to the Grand Lodge of England for a charter . This duly arrived early in the year , if not before the close of 1 SS 1 , and the delay since then has been due solely to the necessity of getting furniture , regalia , and other such things from the regular makers in the colonies . All matters were , however , brought to such a point that ' some six weeks ago

the brethren had but to decide on a suitable day to make the Lodge of Fiji , in Suva , an established fact . The 2 nd of May was fixed on , partly because on that date a brig ht moon might be expected , and partly that there seemed no danger of business cares , as , for instance , in the way of mails to _ be made up for outgoing steamers , demanding immediate

attention . At that time it was not possible to calculate the exact dates of the steamers on account of the quarantine regulations , and the Taiaroa ' s arrival and departure did not suggest itself as likely to be a disturbing element in the arrangements . As it was , her arrival was utilised by visitors from Levuka ; . the members of the Craft there secured her at much expense to themselves to run an extra trip to Suva

and carry them back after the evening ball . Unfortunately , the captain had not fully understood the arrangements , and declined to wait after midnight , so that many , who were compelled to return to Levuka speedily , missed much of the evening ' s pleasure , and others , more independent , returned by the Thistle on Wednesday morning . The Thistle had been secured by the body here to run a special

trip on this occasion , thev being led to understand it was impossible to get to Taiaroa . Of the first part of the ceremony we cannot speak . It consisting of dedicating the lodge-room to the purposes of Masonry and installing the VV . M . elect in the chair , and investing his chosen officers wiih thesymbolsof their ofiice . Being conducted with closed doors , and surrounded by all

the secrecy that encircles the Cralt , these proceedings can only be guessed at . It is understood , however , that Bros . Dufty , Moore , and Smith came specially for the purpose of assisting , and Bro . P . S . Solomon , who had arrived two days before , was also one of the Elder Brethren . Bro . G . Smith , we understand , was the principal in the ceremony of conferring the dignities of office on the W . M . elect , Bro .

C . D . Cuthbert , one of the oldest of Suva s residents . There were present Bros . Geo . Smith , P . M . 5 62 ( S . C ); F . H . Dufty , R . W . M . 562 ( S . C ); Geo . Moore , P . M 562 ( S . C ) , 718 ( E . C ); V . S . Solomon , P . M . 990 ( E . C ) , 34 S ( I . C ) , and 563 ( S . C ); J . C . Ooull , P . M . 421 ( S . C . ); CD . Cuthbert , P . M . 337 ( l . " C ); D . Dyson , H . Olive , J . Carmichael , A . Lvons , T . Waddell , T . Bonynge , G . C

Johnson , T . G . Kennan , W . I ... Coward , Geo . Leslie , L . Smith , C . S . Thomas , H . Wilson , J . Cogar ., T . H . Robson , and Stevenson . The VV . M . appointed Bros . T . G . Kennan , S . VV . ; C . S . Thomas , J . W . ; and Geo . Leslie , S . D . ; to the offices mentioned with their names and these were duly installed under oath . The other officers likely to be appointed are

Bros . VV . L . Coward , Sec . ; Geo . Stevenson , J . D . ; and J . Cogan , I . G . These brethren not being of those who applied for the charter have yet to be elected however , and their appointments could not be comp leted at this meeting . Alter the ceremony , which took place at noon , a banquet followed , provided by Mr . Sturt , in the upper verandah of the Suva Hotel . Although the brethren only were present

at this , the necessities of the case compelled the proceedings to partake almost of a public character . As we understand , the usual patriotic and Masonic toasts were given and responded to as ancientcustom dictated . The outside public were made aware of the character of some of them from hearing snatches of song , but there were so many repetitions of " He ' s a jolly good fellow '' that it was difficult to

individualise and to assign each chorus to its proper recipient . At all events as the mysterious brotherhood once more mingled with their fellow men down stairs , a tone of mellow satisfaction beamed in their countenances , and the only difficulty they seemed to have to arrange was which of the viands was the choice one . Fish , flesh , and fowl all had their advocates , but it was unanim 6 usly asserted that a better

set-out they could not have had , and the Levuka visitors mournfully confessed that in that point Suva " had " them . These good things occupied the day up to nearly live p . m ., leaving only but a short time for a rest ere the brotherhood were again to assemble to meet their friends of the general community , and especially the ladies , at the ball in the evening . Of the ball it can only be said it was an unqualified success . The number present was little short of 100 , and the

dancing was kept up with hearty good sp irit until the small hours were well passed . His Honour the Chief Justice , with Lady and the Misses Gorrie , were among the early arrivals , and the ball was opened by a quadrille in which Lady Gorrie , with the Worshipful Master iust installed , Mr . C . D . Cuthbert , faced

Sir John with Mrs . Cuthbert ; the side coup les being the Installing Master , Mr . G . Smith , with Miss Gorrie , and the Master of the Levuka Lodge , Mr . Dufty , with Mr . Cuthbert ' s daughter , Mrs . Matthews . Mr . Sturt had endosed the verandah and the floor thereof was laid with smoothed level boards to suit for d incing , and the piano being placed where it could be well heard both here and in

'he ball-room , ample room was secured for the dancers , f ^ ancmg began about half-past eight and was vigorously carried on for the succeeding eight hours , enly being interrupted by the mv rval required for neediul refreshments . Mrs . Ewins , who presided at the piano , acquitted herself well , as usual , though suffering from a severe attack of Cika . Some of the habitues of Levuka gatherings ex-Pressed an idea that her style was not so good as they were

accustomed to , but , in fact , Ihe dancers seemed to hnd the [ nusic good enough to keep them in active enjoyment all the time , and the only disappointment expressed was when 'he music stopped , as they sometime- thought , too soon . Dancing was interrupted at twelve o ' clock to enable the uancprs to partake of the excellent supper which had been Provided . Like the banquet , it was arranged in the upper balcony , in which was a table throughout its whole length , S oaning with a weight of good cheer of the most appetis

Dedication Of A Masonic Lodge In Suva.

ing character . The guests fully occupied it ; indeed , many could not find room and had to await a second chance . After satisfying the first cravings of nature several toasts were proposed , the most marked being " Law and Order , and Health to Bro . the Hon . Sir John Gorrie , theChief Justice , "and "Success to the Newly-Constituted Lodge . " Bro . CUTHDEI ' replied at some length , with an

explanation of some of the principles of Masonry . In replying to his health , Bro . Sir J GORRIE said he had always understood Masonry was especially designed to spread a principle he had ever endeavoured to propagate wherever he had been—the principle of fraternity or brotherly love amongst all classes , and of thorough sympathy throughout every section and every individual of the community . It was a most noble and worthy effort , and commanded the best wishes of all for the success of the Societv .

He was glad to see Levuka assisting Suva in the matter , shoiving no mean spirit of jealously here . There were two towns in Fiji , rivals it might be , but their rivalry ought to be not that of any jealous or enviable kind , but a generous competition to excel ! each other in all that was good and desirable , in healthy progress , and in promoting the welfare of the community . Such an example as that shown by these sister Masonic lodires , auirured well that such

feelings were not strange to the hearts of the residents in the respective towns , and he hoped they would become so prevalent as to be recognised as the universal public spirit of both towns . In replying to the toast of " Prosperity to the Newly-Constituted Lodge , " Bro . CUTHHERT , the VV . M . said : 1 do not think 1 everbeforc rose with such diffidence to respond to a toast ; a diffidence probably arising from my long absence from public or quasi-public life , or it may be that I

am amictea wirn an unoue quantity ot tnat Dasntulncss proverbially characteristic of my countrymen , so that I will ask you to bear with me for a very few moments . We have been accused of being a perfectly useless body of men , meeting merely to enjoy ourselves in feasting and revelling , and of wasting our lodge funds in such manner , ln reply , I speak from my personal experience , extending over not a few years , that lodge funds are not encroached upon for

such purposes ; these expenses are paid tor either by the individual members themselves or from a fund specially subscribed . Again , we are charged with being an irreligious body of men . This also , is quite erroneous ; every Mason must necessarily believe in God , the creator and ruler of the universe , the great " I AM . " The Holy Bible is always open in our lodges , and our members are taught to regard it as the unerring standard of truth , to

learn therefrom their duty to God , to their neighbour , and to themselves , and to regulate their conduct by the just precepts it contains . True , we do not profess to be a religious society ; we do not teach any creed , we admit into our fraternity men of every creed , of every country , and of every colour : the only requisite being to believe in God and to act truly and justly towards man . I have thus told you what Masonry is not , 1 will now tell you in a few

words what it is . I ' reemasonry is essentially and purely a charitable institution . It does not partake in any way of the nature of a benefit society or an insurance company . In our society charity is given , where charity ought only to be given , to the needy alone , and according to the ability of the giver . The principle of benefit societies is that for a ( ixed amount regularly paid the member receives whenever he is sick a certain benefit , as it is called , whether he is .. _ „ .. „ . .......... „ , ^ . — . _ ... wu .. uu , .... * ...., * .. ,. w , „

rich or poor , whether he is in need of it or no ; it is the legal and expected result of a contract which , if necessary , can be enforced by law , and , though valuable in their way , there is not a particle of charity in them . Consequently , they do not enlist any of the finer emotions of the heart . Masonry is different . Here there is no question of arrears . A stranger from a distant land is as much entitled to the charities of his brethren , if found true and worthy , as the most punctual pavinir member of his lodee . The onlv

claim Masonic charity listens to is " poverty , " the only requisite to obtain relief is to be destitute , and , in my experience , I have never known an applicant to apply for relief , if found worthy , who has not obtained that most suitable to his case either in the shape of money or in being provided with the means of earning his livelihood , or both . Again , where Masons are congregated in sufficient numbers they have their charitable orphan asylums

and almshouses . There is a peculiar feature in the schools that I have not known in any other charity school—that , as far as practicable , the children are educated so as to be able to move in the same society as the deceased father ; and , in our almshouses , the aged and infirm Mason , who has borne the heat and burden of the day but has met with reverses in life , may end his days in peace and comfort , mixing with the

fraternal society he would fail to meet with elsewhere . It would take me too long to mention the statistics of these Charities even if I had been able to obtain them ; suffice it to speak of one . The Masonic Institute for Boys , near London , the cost for the foundation of which exceeds ^ . ' Co . ooo , and the annual expenditure in its maintenance over , f 10 , 000 . On the whole , the Masonic Fraternity is a holy and noble institution , and a Mason , if enabled to

carry out the principles inculcated in our lodges might be justly described in words you are all familiar with as one who " visits the fatherless children and widows in their affliction and keeps himself unspotted from the world . " While I say this , do not mistake me . Far be it from me to claim for mvself . or anv other individual member of our

Craft , ability to even approach the holy and divine teach ings promulgated in our lodges . We are bu * human—frail and powerless to do so—but we do claim it in the strongest manner for our institution as a corporation . I am afraid I have occupied you too long , but will conclude with just one word to our fair friends who have honoured us with their

presence thts evening—Permit me , ladies , ere I take my seat , To express my thanks to you for coining here ; And if in twelve months hence again we meet , Our best wish for you , you may like to hear ; Our wish is this , pray do not take it wrong : When next we meet in such Masonic throng May you , whose grace and beauty bless our lives , If single now , come then as Masons' wives .

The Revised Constitutions.

THE REVISED CONSTITUTIONS .

The Committee nominated by the R . W . the Prov . Grand Master of Cornwall , the Earl of Mount f . dgcumbe , to examine the proposed alterations in the " Book of Constitutions , " have made the following report : —

The Revised Constitutions.

My Lord , _ We having , in accordance with your desire , examined the proposed alterations in the " Book of Constitutions , " beg to report as follows : The Committee consider that the re-arrangement of the laws is of a comprehensive and beneficial character and the regulations being properly classified , the consecutive numbers provide an easv means of identifvintr Hi » unr ; n ,, c

rules , without the need of paginal and other references , as formerly . Under the heading of " Prov . and District Grand Lodges , " provision is made for the continuity of Prov . Grand Lodges , as with District Grand Lodges , and the powers of the former are more clearly indicated than heretofore .

The rules relating to "Private Lodges" contain many additions , the chief being the following , all of which we deem to be improvements . * 125 . Kach lodge must have the "warrant" present at its meetings .

12 ( 5 . It the warrant is lost , one of confirmation mu = t be obtained , to render meetings legal . 120 . No brother can hold more than one office , at one and the same time , in a lodge . 130 . Masters elect cannot assume the chair of a lodee until installed . s

141 . Degrees can only be given when a Master or Past Master occupies the chair . 157 . Times and places of meeting of " Lodges of Instruction must be sent to Prov . Grand Sees . 1 C 0 . All alterations in by-laws must be approved bv the regular authorities . J

161 . livery brother must be presented with a printed copy of the by-laws , and his acceptance thereof binds him to obedience , with or without any formal agreement . K > 5 . Temporary meetings of lodges , under special circumstances , may be held , by special dispensation of Prov . Grand Masters .

172 . Lodges are not to pay the quarterl y subscriptions of members " in arrear , " but their names are to be returned accordingl y to the Grand Lodge . iSS . All initiates become members there and then , unless they intimate otherwise .

100 . The minimum initiation fee for country lodges will be five guineas , exclusive of fees , which will thus raise the lowest possible sum for initiation to £ 6 as ., the payment of which can neither be remitted nor deferred on any pretext whatever . J r

All these changes appear necessary and most desirable , put the Committee are unanimousl y of opinion that the following should also be added to the laws , and stronrdy advise their adoption at the ensuing Prov . Grand Lodge , as suggested alterations to be laid before the Grand Lod-e of tngland . B S 4 . Provinces numbering thirty or more lodges should be entitled to the additional Prov . Grand Officers , instead of forty or mure , as now .

. 93 . Ihe Dep . Prov . G . M . should be resident in his province , as previously required , and no dispensation should permit of Ins non-residence . 181 . Five clear days' notice , at least , should be given of all regular lodge meetings . a , 7- . Rejected candidates or joining members should not be eligible for re-proposition in the same lodrre until

thmmonths at least have elapsed from their rejection . u T" -uV £ , ° P tl 0 t > al officers of a lod ge should be described as the others are . 304 . . The officers of a lod ge cannot wear their collars according to the new regulations , out of their own lodge , but the Committee consider that those of the W . M . and Wardens , should be allowed to be worn at Prov . Grand Lodge , as at the Grand Lodge . The Committee are also of ouininn that ml * sn « I , „ ..

betof 1 ProvfcLodge / " " """ aS ° f ' ° dgeS are mem The Committee have also considered the prooosed increase of 50 per cent , to the "Quarterly subscriptions " payable to the Grand Lodge , and unanimousl y ag % e that such increase is uncalled for , and desire to offer their strenuous objection to any alteration in the present amount , which ought to prove sufficient for the purpose . U „ i f C m m'ttee desire to express their hearty appreciation of the labours and services of the Revision Committee . E . T . CARLVON , Chairman . i . CHIRGWIN , E . D . ANDERTON , WM . Twpknv

R . A . COURTNEY , W . F . NEWMAN , CHAS . TRUSCOTT , Jun . WM . J AMES HUGHAN , Secretary to the Committee Masonic Hall , Truro , July 24 th , 1 SS 3 .

West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution.

WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION .

A meeting of the General Committee of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution was held on triday evening , the , st inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope " street , Liverpool , to take into consideration a number of applications behalf

on of children of deceased Freema sons . B , o . John Baxendale , P . M . 5 S 0 , occupied the chair ^ pa W , ° V ™ t wereBni . G . ^ roadb idge '* , , i , ri . v S , V l ? " , '" ' " - - " . Hon . Sec . of the Chanty ; J . 7 . Callow , P . P . G . Treas ., Hon . Treas - Pr i' ?? an , u ; 35 ; , k Hooken > P -M- 6 73 ; T . SVlter ' P . G . J D ; John Latta I . P . M . 241 ; T . Whitehead . WM Srb 00

. 0 , 3 " ; ^• w 7 He ? P . P : GlDndrthr " ' - - 1 here were nine apphcations for children to be placed on the foundation of the Institution , and the Committee agreed to recommend all the cases for adoption at the next Court of Governors , the cost of their education and advancement involving an anuual outlay of £ 71 A vote of thanks to the Chairman fornresMin * - - „„ « . _

proceedings . " '" Ii is probable that ere long a scheme for the education dpthing , and full maintenance of a certain numoer nf children on the foundation of the institution will be brouX forward ; and , judging from the spirit which has hithfno marked the brethren in this province , there is no doubt that this proposed extension of benefits will be carried out