Correspondence.

If the interpretation which " Lex Scripta " considers to be the " plain common-sense reading " of the Instructions—viz ., "that the M . W . G . M . is willing to allow a centenary jewel to be worn when a lodge can satisfy him that it has been in a working existence for a hundred years , and if it is shown that there has been a practical

continuity of working" —be correct , then surely the meaning of the words " uninterrupted existence " must have undergone a radical change , which , however , I do not admit . It would be more in accordance with the idea " Lex Scripta" favours—i . e ., if his view is taken as the correct one—that the word " uninterrupted "

should be altogether omitted . But while it does remain a part of the M . W . G . M . ' s " Instructions , " it ought to receive at the hands of all parties a common-sense interpretation . " Lex Scripta" asks whether I do not think the term " erasure" in old days was not in many cases

practically equivalent only to the present " suspension" ? My reply is that the phrases are not , in my judgment , at all identical . The "erasures" in the last century were very definite things , and from a very early period 0735 ) if an " erased" lodge desired to be again placed upon the roll , the members had to petition to be

re-instated , and not infrequently to pay the fee for a new warrant or constitution . ( Vide Book of Constitutions , 176 7 , pp . 27 6 and 296 , for examples . ) No question as to the " confirmation" of minutes or of " appeal" appears to have affected the "erasure" in those days . It took effect immediately . In

considering this subject , however , it should be borne in mind that the methods of procedure in vogue in Grand Lodge and adopted by its officials in the 18 th century were vastly different to those of the present day . It clearly was the rule tor Grand Lodge to order the " erasure" of lodges , but that is not the case as a rule

to-day . The erasure of Lodge No . , on the 5 th September , 18 3 8 , certainly operated as an " interruption " tothe continuous existence of the lodge , for the reasons already given . Tn the case of Lodse La C ; esaree there was no

erasure , but only a suspension , and that of a conditional nature , by Grand Lodge on 2 nd September last , following up the suspension by the Provincial Grand Master of Jersey made some months before . The lodge having complied with the conditions , the suspension was removed , and the lodge re-instated by the Provincial

Grand Master " in all its rights and privileges as from November 15 , and practically the resolution of Grand Lodge was not confirmed . But in this case , and viewed in the li ght of the painfully humiliating circumstances that the members of the lodge who attended to support their appeal were only allowed to enter Grand Lodge

" without Masonic clothing , " will " Lex Scripta" argue that there is no break in its continuity ? The suspension by the Provincial Grand Master involved a distinct interruption to Masonic life and work , operated as a "punishment" to every member of the lorlge , even while the appeal was pending , and created a hiatus in the " continuity" of the lodge which can never be

bridged over . No . 4 , a Time Immemorial lodge was " erased" on 3 rd April , 1747 , but upon petition and after a long debate " restored" by Grand Lodge on 4 th September , 1751 , to "its former rank and place in the list of lodges . " It was consequently in a position to apply for a centenary warrant in 1 S 51 , but as a matter of fact the lodge did not obtain the distinction until 18 S 3 .

It is with no desire to draw the line too strictly that my reply may not prove altogether satisfactory to " Lex Scripta . " We must all remember that " law is law , " and that every infraction of a regulation that may be allowed makes its subsequent violation more difficult to punish . If our laws and regulations are not what they ought to

be there is a legitimate and constitutional method b y which they may be amended , but any laxity in their interpretation or administration—any irregularity permitted in regard to their due observance or enforcement—must sooner or later lead to unsatisfactory results similar to those chronicled in " Centenary Warrants and jewels . "

I he very deep interest 1 feel , Bro . Editor , in preserving intact the laws and regulations of the Craft , must be my apology for this lengthy communication . — Yours fraternally , JNO . LANE . Torquay , December 5 th .

THE LEICESTER MASONIC LIBRARY . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The long felt want of collectors of Masonic literature and archicological treasures is gradually being

supplied in the form of catalogues of public and private collections , and to the Province of Leicester we are now indebted for the goodly compilation of their library and art treasures . The greatest want to-day is a complete and classified

catalogue of all the known works up to date , and I have hope that some day in the near future will bring to our doors a surprise in the appearance of the very thing wanted . Roughly speaking thc Leicester Library catalogue

enumerates 548 volumes , of which 20 are duplicates and 70 are ( strictly speaking ) not Masonic . The latter are principally works on discoveries in the Holy Land , a subject at all times of intense interest to the well-iead Mason .

Correspondence.

The collection will take first rank as to this century ' s literature , and will be found to contain a complete set of the Freemason 1869—1890 , now scarce and valuable ; a complete set of Bro . Hughan's works , all rare and most of them unattainable ; a set of Dr . Oliver ' s works , with the original MS . of Masonic songs by the

Rev . S . Oliver ( father of the Rev . G . Oliver , D . D . ) . There is a curious little book entitled " Songs of Free Masons , " issued at Darlington , supposed to be unique and entirely unknown to Bro . Hughan , and certainly never heard of by me in the district which I have fairly hunted .

There are about 34 volumes of last century s works , an unusually small number for such a collection , and leaving much to be desired . There is a virtue however in such a lack , as it will act as a stimulant to the brethren of the province to supply what is wanted and create an interest in the

search for old treasures . Of last century s works there is the ever valuable First Book of the Constitutions , 1723 , a work seldom to be had in good condition ( a copy sold a short time ago in Yorkshire for 15 guineas ) ; there is also " Pritchard's Masonry Dissected , " 3 rd edition , 1710 , and " Tachin and Boaz , " 1762 . The former

is rarer than the First Book of Constitutions , though nothing like as valuable , and the latter being the first edition of the celebrated series ( of about 50 editions ) is very eagerly sought after and very seldom found . The " Secrets of Masonry , " 1737 , and " Shibboleth , " 1765 , may also be bracketed in the scarce works on the

" Exposure of Freemasonry" of last century , and are to be highly prized . The " Constitutions " are fairly represented , but the " Ahiman Rezons " and " R . A . Regulations " are lamentably short , and I would urge the Librarians to use every effort to obtain what they are short of while

they may be found . It must be remembered that there are numerous collectors in America and the colonies who leave a carte blanche order with their London agents to send out to them all old Masonic works , and by this means are " tapping" a market every day growing more scanty .

I do not understand from the preface and the catalogue whether brethren may take books away on loan or consult them in the library . Scarce reference books ought not to be loaned out on any condition , as their value consists largely in the condition in which they are kept . The appeal made by the chief librarian for

contribution of books on Freemasonry or kindred subjects is worthy the attention of brethren outside the province , Bros . Hughan , Meyer , Sadler , and Whymper , ever ready to help a good cause , have given generous sup . port and assistance in the preparation of the library . — Yours fraternally , GEO . W . BAIN . Sunderland , December 7 th .

PROVINCIAL HONOURS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In the course of your interesting article headed " Provincial Honours " you say " There is hardly a province in which the Provincial Grand Master or his Deputy or Secretary does not periodically visit each lodge . "

I am sorry to say this is not the case in this province ( Devonshire ) . I have been a member of a lodge for 13 years , during which time we have never been visited either by the Provincial Grand Master , his Deputy , or the Secretary , and I am informed by older members of the lodge that the same has been the case for many years previous . —I remain , Sir , yours fraternally , R .

RULE 219 . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have read with much interest thc letter from Queensland , signed , " Past Master , " in your issue of last week , relative to Rule 219 of the Constitutions .

Like Past Master , I cannot see how it is possible to come to any other conclusion than he has done , namely , that so long as there are three members to continue a lodge it cannot be dissolved or its allegiance transferred . The point is , however , of much greater importance than I had previously imagined . The question will .

no doubt , come before Grand Lodge , and if it does the difficulty will be for the members to be so seized of the bearings of the case as to enable them to come to a just decision , for if the Colonial Board and the Grand Registrar maintain their former ruling , I fear there will be no chance for the members against the persuasive eloquence of Bro . Philbrick , and our brethren in

Queensland will thus come off second best and ere long cease to exist as English Masons . Confessing myself interested in the question after reading " Past Master ' s " letter , 1 do hope , Bro . Editor , that you , who are so well posted up in Masonic affairs all over the world , will do all that lies in your power to inform the brethren how the question really stands , and the importance of the interests involved in the decision . SUUM CUIOUE .

I Wc refer our correspondent to our report last week of thc recent Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge , and also to our article in this week's issue on the subject , as well as to an article which appeared on the 28 th November , and a letter from " Lex Scripta " in the same issue . —ED . / 'W . J

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft flDaaonrp . METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .

Albion Lodge ( No . 9 ) . —This lodge held a meetins-- at Freemasons' Hall on Tuesday , the ist inst ., Bro . Ernest Hamlyn , W . M ., presiding . After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , Bro . Tennant was passed as a F . C . The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , Bro . Pritchard , the present S . VV ., being unanimously elected as W . M .:

Bro . Friend , P . M ., as Treasurer ; and Bro . Vallentine , P . M ., as Treasurer of the Benevolent Fund . Bro . J . Rawle was elected Tyler . Notice was given by Bro . Harvey , P . M ., that he should ask the lodge at the next meeting to grant a sum of 50 guineas from the Benevolent Fund to be given to the Old People at the forthcoming J ubilee Festival . It was resolved that a Past Master ' s jewel be presented to

Bro . Ernest Hamlyn on the occasion of his retiring from the office of Worshipful Master . A banquet was held in the Freemasons' Tavern , the visiting brethren being Bros . Colonel Templer , 20 ; O . Berry , 569 ; Izard , 1017 j Calkin Lewis , 231 ; Grover , 1135 ; Prower , 1 745 ; and Harwood , 1524 . The usual toasts were given , including "The Masonic

Charities , " which was replied to at length by Bro . J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., who kindly looked in to see his old friends , and he strongly exhorted all members of the Albion Lodge to double their subscriptions for the Jubilee Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Other toasts were proposed and honoured , and a very I pleasant evening was spent .

Temple Lodge ( No . IOI ) . —The election meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street , on Tuesday , the ist inst ., when there were present Bros . F . Williams , W . M . : H . B . White , P . M ., acting S . W . ; J . Sparks , J . W ., * E . L . Lardner , P . M ., Sec ; H . Woods , S . D . ; Frank Wint , J . D . ; C . Plant , I . G . ; Jas . Budd , Stwd .: Horace

Petley , Org . ; R . Potter , Tyler ; J . Minter Flegg , I . P . M . ; J . H . Wynne , P . M . ; Thos . E . Taylor , P . M . ; Payten , A . Morant , Thos . Mansell , AIL Paine , Wm . Briant , John Wint , H . L . Piper , Beni . Dowsett , J . Shelvey , H . Squires , T . Ruff , G . Bridge , Dr . ' H . B . Shillingford , A . Weston , H . Eyre , C . Lankester , Dr . Keates , and G . Harrison . The visitors were Bros . C . H . Stone , J . W . 507 ; W . T .

Warner , S . W . 1297 ; Nawab Eusoof , M . D ., 1 4 22 , Punjaub ; J . W . Hallett , 127 S ; Hy . Squire , P . M . 1 S 27 ; C . Mussared , W . M . 2264 ; H . E . Poole , Asst . Sec . 2010 : and S . Wright , 1 S 07 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Alf . Morant was raised to the Sublime Degree by Bro . J . Minter Flegg , I . P . M ., in a most

impressive manner . Bros . Paine and Piper were passed by Bro . Taylor , P . M ., in an excellent style . Dr . Shillingford was also initiated by Bro . Taylor , P . M . The ballot having been taken for a candidate for initiation , Bro . Perry was elected a joining member . The election of W . M . then took place , which proved unanimous in favour of Bro . Sparks , J . W ., as the S . W . was unable at the present to

avail himself of that honour . Bro . Thomas was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Potter , Tyler . Bro . J . M . Flegg , I . P . M ., then proposed that a Past Master ' s jewel , of the value of 10 guineas , be awarded the W . M ., Bro . Frank Williams , for the very able manner he had carried out the duties of the lodge during the past year . This was duly seconded , ancl carried unanimously . The W . M . replied in

very suitable terms . 1 he business of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to a sumptuous banquet , supervised by Bro . Ashby , the energetic manager . The cloth having been removed , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were ably given and received . The toast of " The Pro Grand Masterthe Deputy Grand

, Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " having been duly honoured , That of "The W . M . " was given in high terms by Bro . Flegg , I . P . M ., remarking that the W . M . was deserving of all praise for the manner he had worked ; he had been the means of resuscitating the lodge . He was a true Mason

and had greatly influenced the lodge for good , and he hoped the younger brethren would try and follow in his footsteps . The Worshipful Master replied with heartfelt thanks for the kindness and courtesy he had always received , and hoped the brethren would remember the Charities as heretofore .

"The Initiate" was next given most suitably by the Worshipful Master , and cordially received . Bro . Dr . Shillingford ( initiate ) , replied most tersely , and trusted he might long be spared and become a worthy Mason .

The toast of "The Visitors , " the Worshipful Master remarked , was one which the members of Temple Lodge prided themselves upon , . and all who were present had had extended to them a most hearty welcome . In reply , Bro . Nawab Eusoof in a highly intellectual speech thanked the brethren most heartily for the very cordial greeting , remarking that he was proud to be present

and to witness such excellent working . He was most anxious to come to England and would state that he was grateful forsuch receptions that he had had . His father was 97 years of age , and he had several brothers , all enthusiastic Masons , who had taken many prominent positions in Masonry . There was one remark he would wish to make , and that was the allegiance that all showed to our beloved

Empress . He trusted the W . M . elect would have such a year as the one now closing . Bro . Mussared , W . M . 22 C 4 , also spoke in very eloquent terms of the W . M ., and also for the splendid hospitality always extended by thc lodge . The toast of "The Past Masters" was given in high terms by the Worshipful Master , and most suitably replied to by Bros . Flegg , Taylor , and White . That of "The Treasurer and Secretary" was ably given by the Worshipful Master , who remarked that Bro . Thomas ,