Correspondence.

Correspondence .

V'c do not hold ourselves responsible tot the opinions expressed by our correspondents , b . it we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limitstree discussion .

MASONIC IMPOSTOR , To tht Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother Again 1 caution Almoners against an itinerant giving name of Francis Bysh , of Lodge S 50 . The Secretary of St . Oswald ' s Lodge , No . S 50 ,

Ashbourne , acquaints me that no such person has ever been a member nt their lodge . —Vours fraternally , JAMES NEWTON , Prov . G . Sec . E . Lanes . 23 , Silverwell-street , Bolton . 7 th February .

Reviews.

Reviews .

"BELL ' S CATHEDRAL SERIES , WITH PLAN AND ILLUSTRATIONS , 1 S 99 ;" ( Yori-strect , Covent Garden . Price , is . Gd . )—The latest issues are " The Cathedral Church of YORK , by Mr . A . Clutton-Brock , M . A ., " and ' * BEVERLEY MINSTER , an Illustrated Account of its History and Fabric , by Mr . Charles Hiatl . " These handsome little books are a credit to all concerned , and deserve , as they are doubtless having , a very large circulation . Nothing but that can possibly re-im burse the spirited publishers for their heavy outlay , for each volume of the set is perfect typographically

and artistically , and written by a gentleman fully conversant with the subject . YORK is ably done , and being the Mecca of English Freemasonry , should be very popular with the Craft in this Country . There are over 40 Illustrations , including not only the Gran d historic Fane , but also St . Mary ' s Abbey ; Bootham , Walmgate Micklegate Bars , the Shambles , & c . Of the series there are now 16 issued of the Cathedrals ; St . Martin's Church , Canterbury , and now Beverley Minster , which also includes " The Church of S . Mary , " with fully 40 Illustrations , aH of them being works of art . DURHAM may be expected shortly ; and will be noted in due time .

" WHITTAKER ' TITLED PERSONS , 1 S 99 . "— ( London : Whittaker and aons , 12 , Warwick-lane , and all Booksellers ) . —This remarkable compilation is designed as , and actually is , a Companion to the world-renowned " Whittaker ' s Almanack , " and is published annually , wilh additions and corrections to date of issue . The arrangement of Ihe varied contents is such that reference to the extraordinary number of items and condensed information generally is quite easy , so that for reference purposes it is most valuable and indispensable . It is just such a volume as Secretaries of lodges in Great

Britain and Ireland ( and also Provincial Grand Secretaries ) need , and should have . All who desire to ccrrectly appreciate , converse about , and correspond as to , or with any of , the thousands of titled persons represented and described in this wonderful volume of over 500 pages , will gratefully remember the Editor for thus placing within their reach , and at such a trifle , so accurate and complete a Directory of the Peerage , Baronetage , Knightage , and Titles and Prefixes or Suffixes generally . Every test applied has proved

the reliable character of the work , its completeness being as much a feature of its contents as its excellent editorship and perfect typographical arrangement . The particulars afforded as to the Sovereign , her Majesty ' s Family , and her most distinguished snbjects make most interesting reading , quite apart from the directory portion , and the Index to Country Seats cited in the body of the work , is simply invaluable for purposes of Correspondence and Trade .

"FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORV FOR THE PROVINCE 01 'DURHAM , 1 S 99 . " — 'This ably arranged and carefully edited annual is a real pleasure to peruse and consult , because always so accurate , handy for reference , 'and complete as to details . The Prov . Grand Secretary , the responsible Editor , is no novice at such work , neither is his Prov . Asst . G . Sec , Bro . John Joel ; so it is no wonder the volume is so full of details . Thc Province now numbers 37 Lodges , and by thc new and most welcome Table of Total Yearly Summaries , 1884 to 1807 , it has increased during the last 13 years

by 17 Lodges , the membership now being 3092 , the largest yet returned , and paying in dues alone , to the Prov . G . Lodge , the sum of £ 300 iSs . Gd . The average membership per Lodge is nearly S 4 , which thus considerably exceeds thc usual experience in the Provinces . There are 13 R . A . Chapters in the Prov . of Durham , and 12 Mark Lodges in Northumberland and Durham , but these are also much beyond the ordinary average

as to the number of members , and so also as to the "Higher or additional Degrees , about all of which the Directory is a never failing guide . The Durham Masonic Education Fund is doing a grand work , and so is the new Institution , " The Hudson Benevolent Fund , " founded to commemorate the valuable services of Bro . Robert Hudson to his Province , as one of the best Provincial Grand Secretaries in England . The Directory is a great boon for the Province generally , and a credit to all concerned .

The Editor of the " Berkshire Masonic Register and Calendar" ( Bro . J . T . Morland , D . P . GM . ) has anticipated the Reviewer ' s advice as to giving the total numerical strength of the Province , by adding such particulars at page 174 of the second edition , just out . The iG Lodges return a total of 700 members , but , deducting duplicate returns and adding serving brethren , thc net total is 693 . In like manner the particulars of Ihe Royal Arch Chapters are given—five in number—there being 142 companions on thc Register . Copies may be had from thc Printer and Publisher , Bro . G . j . Cosburn , of Newbury , Berks , at is . 3 d . each , post free .

Ladies' Night Of The Strong Man Lodge, No. 45.

LADIES' NIGHT OF THE STRONG MAN LODGE , No . 45 .

The ladies' night of this lodge was held al thc Holborn Restaurant on Monday , the 6 th instant . There were present Bros . Wm , Briggs , L . L . M ., W . M . ; T . C . Taylor , S . W . ; G . G . Symons , P . M ., Treas . ; W . G . Mills , P . M ., Sec . j T . J . Burgess , J . D . ; J . A . Langdon , P . M ., D . of C . ; J . Briggs , M . A ., Asst . D ,

Of C . and Org . ; h . J . Vidler , I . G . j W . R . G . Emerson , F . Bristow , and H , Durell , Stwds . ; F . W . Driver , M . A ., P . M . ; J . G . Powell , A . G . Peckham , J . II , Selmes , Bromley Hall , E . M . Hall , G . S . Manuelle , T . W . Heaton , Montague Leighton , Philip Thorpe , J . H . Phillips , Arthur Davies , Arthur Hall , G . F . Ward and F . Mallett , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Brus . W . Bailey , P . M . 131 ; W

Purchas , P . M . 88 ; A . G . Wallis , 1201 ; A . G . Beale , P . M . 59 Robt . Bryant , 2033 ; F . W . Howard , 12 j W . C . Virgo , 1445 ; W . Fowler , 172 S ; E . P . Woodman , 1238 ; Jas . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . L ; and E . R . Clcaton , J . W . 2077 . The lodge was opened by thc W . M ., and the minutes of regular lodge of

5 th December last , and emergency meetings of the : nd and 31 st ult ., were read and confirmed . There being no business , the lodge was closed . TheW . M . held a reception and welcomed the lady guests , among them being Miss Briggs , Mrs . Purchas , Mrs . Vincent , Mrs . Woodman , Mrs . Ward , Mrs . Sharpe ,, Mrs . Burgess , Mrs . Bryant , Mrs . Beale , Mrs . l'cckham , Mrs . Linney ,

Ladies' Night Of The Strong Man Lodge, No. 45.

Miss Durell , Mrs . Virgo , Misses A . and M . Cahill , Miss Wittenbury , Mrs . Geo , Powell , Mrs . Berry , Mrs . Selmes , Mrs . Bromley Hall , Mrs . Vidler , Mrs . Burmah ' Miss Barnett , Mrs . Manuelle , Mrs . Fowler , Miss Howard , Mrs . A . Hall , Mrs . Kingsbury , Mrs . Cleaton , Mrs . Punt , Mrs . Bristow , Miss Simmons , Mrs . Emerson , Mrs . Palmer , Miss Davies , Mrs . and the Misses Cooke , Mrs . and Miss Staines , Mrs . Hutt and others .

At the conclusion of a sumptuous banquet , The W . M . gave "The Oueen and the Craft ; " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . ; " "The Pro G . M ., the Dep . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . G . G . SYMONS , P . M ., Treas ., gave "The Health of the W . M . " He spoke of his active Masonic life , that he was a member of four lodges , and how well the Strong Man Lodge was ruled under his guidance . The toast was enthusiastically received by all present .

The W . M ., in reply , spoke of the fact that , at ordinary Masonic meetings , many toasts were given , but on the present occasion he thought music would be preferred to long speeches ; he thanked all present for their cordial reception of the toast . "The Ladies" was given by the W . M . He spoke of the influence which ladies exercised in Freemasonry , alluded to the patronage of H . R . H . the Princess of Wales , always ready to assist the Craft , also to that of the late Countess of Lathom . The W . M . extended a hearty welcome to the lady guests , and trusted they had spent a pleasant evening .

Bro . W . G . MILLS , P . M ., Sec , replied on behalf of the ladies ; he said they were delighted tobe present , that they had been most hospitably entertained ; and they thanked the W . M . for the pretty souvenir of their visit he had given them , which they would highly value . Misses Richardson and Edith Hands , together with Bros . Berry , Miles , Burgess and Taylor , and Messrs . Walter Banks and Sydney Bryant , and Professor F . A . Forde , contributed their valuable services at the entertainment . The musical arrangements were under the able direction of Bro . W . R . G . Emerson . The Strong Man Lodge may be congratulated on having achieved a great success .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Peace and Harmony Lodge , No . 60 . A meeting of this lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on the 27 th ult . Among those present were Bros . H . Debenham , P . G . S ., W . M . ; Dr . W . II . Kempster , P . M ., P . G . S ., as S . W . ; C . Robinson , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg ., J . W . j E . ,= * o-ers , P . M .. P . P . G . D ., P . G . S ., Sec . ; Slade , J . D . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . S ., P . G . Std . Br ., D . of C ; W . Ford . Stwd . ; H . J . Lardner , P . G . S ., I . P . M . ; R . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler ; Chancellor , P . M . ; H . Slade , P . M . ; W . H . Kempster ,

jun ,, P . 1 ., P . G . S . ; and H . Hills , J . P ., P . M . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . C . Robinson , J . W ., was unanimously nominated as G . Steward for 1 S 9 S-99 , vice Bro . O . Polenz , resigned ; and Bro . Slade was unanimously nominated as G . Steward for 1899-1900 . Bro . C . Robinson was elected to represent the lodge as an additional Steward from No . Go for the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and the sum of five guineas was voted to his list . The resignation of Bro . O . Polenz was received and for

accepted . A notice of motion was given to amend one of the by-laws . Apologies non-attendance were received from Bros . White , S . D . ; W . Thomas , P . M ., LG . ; H . Barton , P . M ., P . G . S . ; and others . Bro . Chancellor , P . M ., P . G . S ., was unanimously elected Treasurer , vice Bro . Henry Young , P . M ., P . G . S ., deceased . A letter was read from thc widow of the last-named , acknowledging with thanks the resolution of condolence that had been forwarded to her by the Secretary , and which communication was ordered to be entered on the minutes . 1 he lodge was then closed . A banquet followed .

"The Health of the W . M . " was warmly proposed by the I . P . M ., and duly responded to . TheW . M . then gave "The Grand Stewards nominate . " In the course of his speech he touched upon the dignity and responsibility of the office of G . Steward . He felt confident that in the respective hands of Bros . Robinson and Slade the duties of the position would be ably carried out , and to the credit of the lodge . This pledge was duly acknowledged by the brethren mentioned . Bro . H . J . Lardner responded on behalf of "The Past Masters . " In proposing the toast of " The Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . congratulated

the lodge upon having elected Bro . Chancellor , P . M ., as Treasurer , vice Bro . li . Young , P . M ., whose untimely death every member of the lodge regretted . Bro . Young , at his death , was one of the oldest membersof No . 60 , and his successor at the present time occupied a similar honourable position in the lodge . He trusted that for miny years Bro . Chancellor would hold the office , and he felt confident that he would receive every assistance in his labours from their worthy Secretary , Bro . Rogers . The toast was drunk with acclamation , and Bros . Chancellor and Rogers briefly responded . Bros . Robinson , Slade , and Ford acknowledged the toast of " The Oflicers . " The proceedings then terminated .

Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 . A meeting was held on Thursday , the 2 nd instant , at Cannon-street Hotel , when the following were present : Bros . William Baker , W . M . ; John G . Robeson , S . W . ; Thos . Stokes , J . W . ; Thos . Cohu , P . M ., Treas . ; Hy . Legge , P . M ., Sec . ; A . Fergusson , S . D . ; J . C . Peach , J . D . ; Jas . Smith , P . M ., D . of C ; A . J . Rippin , LG . ; R . F , Roche , Steward ; Couchman , Tyler ; F . Hughes , P . M . ; Mower , P . M . ; Bayley , Williams , Collins . Tavlor . Meers , Lloyd , Francis , Farr , Hipwell , Cowderoy , MacLarty ,

Thomson , Lockett , Franklin , Fishleigh . Welch , Crawshaw , Davies , and Jones . The visitors were Bros . Richmond , 205 ; Wilkinson , 23 G 1 ; Lingley , 44 G ; Bliss , 1320 ; Miller , S 79 ; Dixon , 170 G ; Hogben , 7 S 4 ; and Brough , 1343 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the two previous meetings were read and confirmed , after which Bros . MacLarty , Thomson , Meers , and Bayley were raised to the Degree of M . M . A ballot was then taken for Messrs . R . W . Jones and Tom Davies , and , proving unanimous , these gentlemen were regularly initiated . The election of W . M . forthe ensuing 12 months being the next business , a Dallot was taken and wis most unanimous in favour of Bro . John G . Robeson , S . W . The greatly-esteemed Bro .

T . Cohu , P . M ., was unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . C . Couchman re-elected 'Tyler . Bros . Fishleigh , Lockett , and Williams were elected as members ofthe Audit Committee , . the meeting of which was fixed for 'Thursday , the 16 th instant . Notice of motion was given by Bro . H . Legge , P . M ., Sec , that the usual Past Master's jewel be presented to the W . M ., Bro . Baker , on his retiring from the chair at the end of his year of ollice ; also that the sum of 20 guineas be voted by the lodge and placed on the list of Bro . Robeson , W . M . elect , who will represent the lodge as its Steward at the next Festival of the Girls' School . Lodge was then closed .

At the dinner table the proceedings were tendered notable by the W . M ., on behalf of liro . George Kenning , P . M ., presenting the lodge with a beautifully designed cigar cabinet , which was much admired , and hearty recognition was shown by the members present of this and many other tokens of liro . Kenning ' s interest in the lodge . "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . Girton , I . P . M ., who , in hi ; speech , bore testimony to the very excellent working of Bro . Baker durini his year of office , an expression of opinion whicli was received with unanimous approval .

A very elaborate musical programme had been provided by the W . M ., and given under the direction of Bro . Edward P . Delevanti , assisted by Midame Whitfield Rose and the Court Part Singers , which gave great satisfaction , and was much enjoyed by all present .