Original Correspondence.

densed the opinions of all the known authorities on the subject , and to whicb , he must excuse me for saying ; he has added nothing . Whether they were 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 , or 8 , ¦ whether Egyptian , Assyrian , Hindoo , or Phoenician , or Pelasgic is still a matter of controversy . As it was impossible to decide , I left it , I think wisely , an open question . Suppose I had treated the subject as

he has done , which I could easily have done , how does it touch upon Masonry ? I think hardly at all . If we come to a second edition I may add a few remarks , if space permit , such as the alleged names of the , Cabiri , and the various theories as to their origin . As a German writer puts it , "the whole legend lies still in darkness . " If I had given four names ,

as commonly received " Axieros , " " Axiokersa , " ' Axiohersos , " and " Kadmilos , " which are very dubious , I do not see that I added to the value of the Cyclopaedia . So with all deference to the Reviewer , it is , in my opinion , a very ridiculous criticism , which , because a writer does not take your view of the subject , hastens to dub him ignorant of what he is writing about . Nothing is so easy as to criticize with

second-hand information and judicious cramming . The padding of reviews is simply nauseous , and I must beg to demur to the dicta of any critic who is obviously unfair , and , by the animus he displays , incompetent to lecture another writer . There is nothing new or difficult about the Samothracian Mysteries , except that concerning them the accounts , are most conflicting , and the opinions most antagonistic . I am , dear brother Kenning , yours fraternally , THE EDITOR OF THE CYCLOPAEDIA .

AN APPEAL . To the Editor of Ihe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I trust that you will give space for the following letter , in aid of a girl named " Mita Bell Braiscr , " whose case is so unique and exceptional , and as any body thoroughly reading the details cannot fail to understand

and appreciate , that no words from me would bc needed to draw attention to it ; but as rule , the circulars are only curiously glanced at and then throw into the fire or waste paper basket ; I wish to attract the notice of your readers to a case whose claims one require to be known to receive the support of those whose votes arc disengaged . Indeed , so great is the claim , that in my opinion , other claims

which have one or more chances , might fairly lay in abeyence to secure her election . I know , or rather feel , that as a rule , you would feel bound to decline a letter in any particular case , but I do believe you could afford to insert this on behalf of a candidate whose position stands almost if not quite alone . I beg lo state that I was , and am , unacquainted with any of the family , but when the case

was pointed out to me by one who had known the father and family well and for many years , I at once saw the great need of every exertion , as there are only three vacancies at the ensuing election , that I gave up a case which could better afford to wait . The case is as follows : The girls' father was inititatcd into Freemasonrv in iS ****! , died in May , 1878 , leaving six

daughters unprovided for , the youngest of whom is the subject of my letter , and should she not succeed in thc ensuing election her age will preclude her from another attempt ; now , the great claim consists in these facts , that our brother was a subscribing member for over twentyfive years , that he was a constant subscriber to , and took

an active interest in all the Institutions , and , brethren , this is the only chance we have of showing in a small way our appreciation of one who so ably performed his work and assisted tlie Craft during his life , let it not bc said that the Craft generally failed to render so small a tribute to one so worthy of our remembrance . I am , elear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , CHARLES JOHN PERCEVAL . V . P . of all the Institutions .

Consecration Of The Ogmore Lodge, No. 1752.

CONSECRATION OF THE OGMORE LODGE , No . 1752 .

On Tuesday 2 nd inst ., a new loelge , to be known as the Ogmore Lodge , was opened at the Wyndham Arms Hotel , Bridgend , and eledicated to thc purposes of Freemasonry ; the ancient usages and ceremonies being duly observed . For many years past it hael been thought that

Bridgend was a suitable centre for a Masonic loilge , embracing as it does an important district from the various points of the compass . By dint of repeated energy and advocacy of the claims which the central town of Glamorgan held up for favourable consideration , thc " consummation devoutly to be wished" has at length been realised . A petition was presented to the Grand Lodge of Eng ' and ,

numerously signed and supported by Sir Geo . Elliot , R . W . P . G . M ., and thc D . P . G . M . ( Bro . Marmaduke Tennant ) , and a wairant of constitution was granted , bearing the signature of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Granel "Master-j Lord Skelmersdale , D . G . M . ; and thc Grand Secretary , Bro . John Hervey . Bro . Jobn Sim Woolley , P . G . D . C , had thrown

in his energies in supporting the prayer of the petitioners , and had consented to occupy the W . M . chair for the first year . The arrangements for the ceremony were complete , and the various appointments of thc lodge were highly approved of ; the scene at the hour when the room was well filled with the brethren , clothed

in full Masonic regalia , was of a very imposing kind , Most of the lodges in the province were represented , anil brethren attended from Pembrokeshire , Monmouthshire , Biistol , cVc , and members of American and Australian lodges were also present . At 12 . 30 p . m . the lodge was opened by Bro . Canton , the W . M . of the Indefatigable Lodge , Swansea , Bro . Sladen

Consecration Of The Ogmore Lodge, No. 1752.

acting as S . W . ; Bro . Symons , J . W . ; Bro . W . Williams , S . D ., P . M . 818 ; Bro . Lloyd , J . D . ; Bro . W . H . Headon , I . G . ; and Bro . Atkins , Provincial Grand Organist , conducted the musical part of the ceremonies . The brethren present included the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Marmaduke Tennant ; G . E . Dowman , 951 ; Rowland Thomas , P . M . 3 64 , P . P . G . S . W . ; W . H . Davies ,

P . M . 9 60 , P . P . G . D . ; John Jones , P . M . 833 , P . P . G . T . ; F . Atkins , 960 , P . G . Organist ; William Williams , P . M . 818 , P . P . S . G . D . ( Mon . ); Rev . W . Watkins , Prov . Grand Chaplain ; J . H . Mayor , J . W . 36 , P . G . S . ; Dominic Watson , I . P . M . 3 6 ; O . J . Brooke , 833 , P . P . G . Steward ; M . W . Morgan , 1578 ; G . Pennington , 833 ; J . Hurman , 960 and 36 , P . P . J . G . D . ; E . Sidney Hartland , W . M . 1323 ,

Prov . G . D . ; T . D . Daniel , P . M . 8 33 ; R . T . Gibbs , 237 ; W . H . Headon , 237 ; Frederick Pratt , 1459 ; Rev . Watkin Davies , 833 ; John P . Hutchings , 378 ; J . G . Morris , 818 ; John H . Thomas , 833 ; Henry Simon , J . W . 237 ; John Harrop , 237 ; Gilbert Legge , Org . 237 ; W . T . Canton , W . M . 1573 ; J . L . Wrighton , 1573 ; J . C . Manning , Swansea ; J . H . Hall , 1323 ; E . Fish , 237 ; Edward Daniel , P . G . S . W .

833 ; Rev . Thomas Walters , 1573 ; William Lewis , 366 ; David W . Thomas , 9 60 ; Isaac George , 833 ; R . Burnell , 833 ; John Hemming , 833 ; M . P . S . Tozer , 265 ; R . Rawle , 1288 ; R . Southey , W . M . 36 ; D . Duncan , J . D . 36 ; W . H . Davies , 9 60 ; R . Christie , 960 ; T . J . Newman , 833 ; Titus Lewis , 1258 * , J . W . Lloyd , 237 ; James Hughes , 15-73 ; J . Wessendorf , 237 ; T . W . Hall , 8 33 ; John Thomas , 3 6 ;

William Williams , 818 ; W . Watkins , 1578 ; Thomas Rogers , Chaplain 1578 ; J . H . Mayor , 3 6 ; R . C . Hunter , 1578 ; J . Loveluck , 833 ; Edward Loveluck , 833 ; . W . H Thomas , 8 33 ; W . Podmore , 995 ; D . R . David , W . M . 833 ; R . W . Llewellyn , 1116 ; B . A . Daniel , 833 ; W . Whittington , P . S . G . W ., 3 64 ; David Williams , Organist 833 ; John Howell , 833 ; J . L . Perrin , 1573 ; W . H . Rees ,

364 ; and others . 'Phe Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master anel officers having been announced , they entered the lodge and took their respective places , the D . P . G . M . being supported by his officers—Bro . Daniel , Prov . S . G . W . ; Bro . Dr . Hall . Prov . J . G . W . ; Bro . Livingston , Prov . S . G . D . ; Bro . Hartland , Prov . J . G . D . ; Bro . the Rev . W . Watkins , Prov . Grand

Chaplain ; and Bro . the Rev . Dr . Walters , Assistant Prov . Grand Chaplain . Bro . Whittington was at the right of the chair as acting Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Provincial Gram ! Lodge having been opened in due form , Bro . Morgan ( Pontypridd ) , Prov . G . Supt . Works , on behalf of the petitioners for the lodge , requested thc Deputy Prov . G . M . to consecrate the Ogmore Lodge . Bro . Mayor , Prov .

G . Steward , and acting Prov . G . Registrar , then read the warrant of constitution , which included the names of Bros . John Sim Woolley ( P . S . G . D . ) , O . J . Brooke , G . Morley , W . Podmore , J . Hemming , and George Pennington . The consecration ceremony commenced with the reading of a portion of the Holy Scriptures by the Grand Chaplain . The Prov . Granel Supt . of Works having testified as to the

regularity of the initiative proceedings of the promoters , and as to the elements of consecration , the consecration anthem was sung . Thc Deputy Provincial Grand Master then called upon Bros . Whittington , Rowland Thomas , Livingston , and Hartland to assist him in performing the ceremony , after which thc lodge was formally dedicated to virtue and universal benevolence , and declared duly

dedicated and consecrated to ancient Freemasonry . Bro . Walters ( who , in addition to his "Masonic regalia , wore the scarlet robe of a Doctor of Divinity ) then offered up the dedication prayer , having , in a very impre--sive manner , previously delivered thc consecration sentences . The musical part of thc ecremeny was elaborate and very effectively rcnelered . During the ceremony of

consecration to "Masonry , " " Virtue , " Universal Benevolence , " and " Wisdom , " responses and odes were sung . D . R . David , W . M . of the Afan Lodge , sang with great ability the recitative from the Messiah , " For behold darkness , " after which a choir selected from the brethren sang Dr . Clarke's familiar and popular anthem , " Behold how good and joyful it is , brethren , to dwell together in unity , " the

verse parts being taken by Bros . D . Williams * , of Aberavon , and D . R . David , of Margam . It was admirably rendered throughout , the chorus being most effective . The ceremony e . i consecration was concluded with the anthem , " Hail , Masonry Divine ! " in which the whole of the brethren joined . Bro . D . Williams , of Aberavon , acted as choirmaster ; and the Prov . Grand Organist , Bro . F . Atkin ,

of Cardiff , accompanied on the organ . The following brethren formed the choir , and for their musical aid the Ogmore brethren feci much indebted : —D , Williams ( Organist ) , D . R . David , John Jones , F . G . Jenkins , E . T . Lewis ( all of thc Afan ) ; Gilbert Legge ( Organist ) , J . W . Lloyd , W . H . Headon , H . Simons , J . Harrop , ( all of the " Indefatigable " ); and Bros . F . Pratt , 145 7 , and James

Hughes , 1573 . Thc Provincial Grand Lodge having been closed , Bro . Woolley , the W . M . designate of the newly-consecrated lodge , was then introduced to the Deputy Prov . G . M . for installation . The ancient charges were read by the Prov . G . Registrar , and the W . M . designate , having taken upon himself the necessary obligations , was duly installed

according to ancient custom , and openly proclaimed by the installing master as W . M . of the Ogmore Lodge , No . * ¦/•; *¦ On the motion of the Worshipful Master , seconded by Bro . Canton , the Deputy Prov . G . M . was elected an honorary member of the lodge , who , in thanking the lodge for electing him , said that nothing would be wanting on his part

to promote the interests of the Ogmore Lodge to the extent of his ability . The Worshipful Master then moved the thanks of the lodge- to the Deputy Prov . G . M . for thc very able , kindly , and fraternal way in which the consecration ceremony had been performed by him , and for his kindness at all times in connection with the lodges of his province . Thc Deputy Prov . Grand Master , in acknowledging the

Consecration Of The Ogmore Lodge, No. 1752.

vote , said he felt that , in doing what he had done , be was only doing his duty . He could have wished that the R . W . the Provincial Grand Master ( Bro . Sir George Elliot ) had been there to perform the ceremony . As it was , he could only express his pleasure at being able to be there , and to do what he could for the Ogmore Lodge , as he would for any other lodge in the province .

The Worshipful Master then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year as follows : —Bros . Oliver J , Brooke , S . W . ; George Pennington , J . W . ; William Podmore , Treas . ; John Hemming , Sec . ; John Howell , S . D . ; J . H . Bennett , J . D . ; Captain Tozer , Dir . of Cers . ; J . H . Thomas , I . G . ; Captain T . W . Hall , and W . H . Thomas , Stewards ; Robert Burnell , Tyler .

Hearty good wishes were then conveyed to the Worshipful Master by representatives of nearly all the lodges in the province , and from lodges in Pembrokeshire and Bristol , which were conducted throughtout with marked ability , and were deserved !/ applauded at the termination . The important and onerous duties of Installing-Master were skilfully performed by the Deputy

Provincial Grand Master , as was also the beautifully impressive ceremony of consecration , it being the general remark by brethren present that they never remember it to have been carried out from beginning to end more perfectly . A number of propositions were made for candidates desirous of being inducteil into the mysteries of

Freemasonry . This concluded the business of the day , and the lodge was then closed in ancient form by the newly-elected Master and his recently-appointeel officers . The brethren then dispersed for nearly a couple of hours -, many of the visiting brethren who were strangers perambulating the streets and suburbs of this pleasant town . The banquet was serveel with commendable punctuality

in the Assembly-room of the Wyndham Arms Hotel , the tables being laid out in an elegant manner ; choice flowers spreading their perfume and adding colour and effect to the bright appearance of the banqueting room . The Worshipful Master of thc Ogmore Lodge having taken the chair , the following toasts were given : — " The Queen and the Craft , * ' " The M . W . Grand Master ,

H . R . H . the Piince of Wales ., " "The Pro Grand Master , " " The Deputy Grand Master , and Officers of Grand Lodge , " " Thc R . W . Prov . Grand Master , " " The W . D .-puty Prov . Grand Master ( the Consecration and Installation Master ) , and tke Provincial Grand Officers , " coupled with the name of Bro . E . R . Daniel , "The Viste . rs , " " Success to the Ogmore Lodge ; " proposed by the D . P . G . M . and

responded to by the W . M . "Thc Lodges of the Province , " and " The Officers of the Lodge , " responded to by Bros . Brooke , Pennington , Hemming , and Podmore . The speeches bearing reference to thc new lodge were all of a very congratulatory kind , and there apptared to be but one opinion as to thc very successful way in which the event of the day

had passed off . We may here mention that in addition to the usual toast-Hst , that of "The Host and Hostess" was given , and responeled to with much heartiness ; no idle compliment , but one which was well earned by Mr . and Mrs . Williams .

I he evening was enlivened by songs and glees , sung by various brethren . The Tyler's toast concluded the list , and the brethren dispersed about 9 . 0 . p . m .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The General Committee of this Institution met on Saturday last at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . J . G . Chandler , presided . There were also present Bros . II . Browse , D . M . Dewar , J . H . Cox , Raynham W . Stewart , James Winter , S . Rawson , Geo . J . Row , J . Joyce Murray , the

Rev . Dr . Morris , C . F . Matier , L . B . Pillin , R . B . Webster , Benjamin Head , F . Adlard , j . R . Gallant , James Blyth , W . H . Perryman , C . G . Rushworth , V . Binckes ( Secretary ) , and H . Massey ( Freemason . ) After the reading and confirmation of the minutes the list of petitions was taken , and as this was the last day for placing canelidates on thc list for tlie October election ,

it was very heavy . There were no less than seventeen petitions to bc examined . These took more than an hour to go through . In the result one of those was rejected , one deferred , and one accepted , subject to thc decision of the Quarterly Court of Moiulay next . All the others were unconelitionally accepted . Thc Quarterly Court was recommeneled to place sixty-eight boys on the list for next election anel to declare eleven vacancies .

Bro . Binckes informed the Committee that in these circumstances there would after the October election be 211 boys in the School . Three outfits were granteel , and a notice of motion for the Quarterly Court was given by Bro . Jesse Turner , for altering Law 70 by giving the Committee power to grant £ 40 to advance a boy instead of £ 20 as at present . Thc Committee then adjourned .

The Consecration of the Metropolitan Chapter No . 1507 took place on Thursday last at the Metropolitan Club , 269 , Pentonville Road , Kings Cross , the ceremonies being pciformcdb y Bro . James Terry , P . Z . G . D . of C . Herts in his usual able manner . Comps . J . Willing , jun ., J . R . Stacey , and W , J . Ferguson , were respectively inducted into the chairs of First , Second and Third principals . A

full report will appear in our next . The 80 th anniversary festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys took place on Monday , at thc Alexandra Palace . H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , P . G . S . W ,, presided , supported by a very large number of brethren . The list of subscriptions amounted to £ 10 , 100 , with lists still to erme in .