The Poet Burns.

THE POET BURNS .

To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have read with much attention the recent letters which have appeared in the Freemason in reference to the claim put forward by the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning , No . 2 , that the Poet Robert Burns was elected and installed

and held the office of Poet Laureate of that lodge from the ist March , 1787 , until his death in 179 6 , and , as my nams has been referred to by your correspondents as having made enquiry , and as having wriiten on the subject , I think it but fair not only to them , but to the Craft in general , to state that , in my opinion , there is no ground whatever on which the lodge can claim such a connection with the Poet .

I had occasion to examine the minute books of the lodge in the course of the preparation of my " History of Freemasonry in Scotland , " and I then became satisfied that there were no grounds on which the pretensions of the lodge could be set forward . The only reference to the Poet in the minute books of the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning is in the minute of ist February , 1787 , where it is stated that

the Master observed that Burns was present atthe meeting ; and , in respect of his eminence as a Poet , proposed that he should be assumed a member of the lodge , which was unanimously done . From that date downwards until 1815 the Poet ' s name does not occur in the minut ; s of the lodge , and it is only in 1815 that the claim was , for the first time , put forward of his having been the Poet Laureate of the

lodge during the period I have stated . I had some correspondence on the subject in 1873 with the then Secretary of the lodge , just as my History was beinu prin'ed off , and not conceiving that the lodge would make statements to me unless they were of a reliable and

probative character , I gave effect in some respects to the representations then made to me , and embodied these repieseutations in my History . 1 am now satisfied that 1 made a serious mistake in doing so , and I shall take the first opportunity in my power of correcting the statement I then tco leadily adopted . —Yours truly and fraternally ,

D . MURRAY LYON , G . Secretary , Author of the " History of Freemasonry February 12 th . in Scotland . "

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

SZg ] AN EARLY WARWICKSHIRE CHARTER . The reproduction of the warrant of an old lodge at Kenilworth in the Freemason last week is Welcome to all students , and further contributions will be thankfully received . I would , however , remind " W . " that Bro . Hughan's " List of Lodges , 1814 , " in his " Masonic

Register , included only such lodges as received numbers at the Union of 1813 , and as this old lodge at Kenilworth had then ceased to exist for a very long time , it naturally would not find a place in Bro . Hughan ' s list . It will be found duly rioted in Bro . Gould's " Atholl Lodges " ( page 40 ) as " 206 , Two Virgins , Kenilworth , Warwick , 20 June ,

1778 , " and also in my own work , " Masonic Records " ( page 101 ) as "Two Virgins , Kenilworth , Warwickshire , 20 June , 177 S . " ln the " Ahiman Rezon " of 18041115 described as " 206 , Kennelworth , Virgins , " and in 1813 as " 206 , The Virgins , Kenilworth , Warwickshire . " I find from my notes , made during an examination of the Atholl

Registers , that the lodge had but a brief existence , lapsing about 17 S 2 , and that it ought never to have been included in the lists of 1 S 04 and 1813 . It was rightly omitted from the 1 S 07 edition . The date " 20 June , " as given by Bro . Gould and myself , was taken from the Grand Lodge

Register . If "fifteenth day of June" ison the warrant , the date in the Register must be a mistake on the part of the then Grand Secretary . Will "W . " examine it again , and let me know ? If he will kindly send it to me for examination ( to Bannercross , Torquay ) it shall be returned by next post . JNO . LANE .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft jftasonrg .

CALEDONIAN LODGE ( No . 134 ) . —The installation meeting of this old lodge took place on Friday , the Sth inst ., at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-st ., E . C . The ceremony was performed by Bro . W . E . Johnson , P . M ., who installed Bro . Frank Oldfield , M . D ., into the chair of K . S . in a very able manner . The officers were as follows : Bios . Arthur Bowman , S . W . ; J . W . Duck , J . W . ; H . Collings , Treas . ; and J . R . Glanvill , Sec . A

handsome P . M . s jewel was presented to Bro . Ii . J . Jones , the I . P M ., who had worked for many years in the lodge . At the conclusion of the proceedings , the brethren adjourned , to the banquet , which was served in the usual first-class style of the Ship and Turtle . A large number oi visitors attended , and Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . M ., & c , responded to that toast . Bros . James Budd , W . Haydon , Stevens , and others sang some excellent songs .

FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —This lodge met at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 29 th ultimo . Among those present were Bros . Hakim , W . M . ; C . Dairy , P . M ., acting S . W . ; Wetzlar , J . W .,- Carter , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; Langdale , S . D . ; Bye , J . D . ; Sheppard , acting I . G . ; T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . W . Middx . ; Jordan , P . M . ; Coop , P . M . ; Hudson , P . M . ; Cobham , P . M . ; and others .

Ihe minutes ot the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Godfrey was impressively raised to the Third Degree . The W . M . also gave the traditional history with great effect . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to relreshment . A few toasts followed , and the proceedings terminated a . t an early hour .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

STABILITY LODGE ( No . 217 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , E . G ., on Tuesday , the 5 th inst . The members present included Bros . Gorrie , VV . M . ; VV . Eckersall , S . W ., W . M . elect ; H . Lynn , J . W . ; Woolmer , S . D . ; Owen , J . D ; Jones , I . G . ; Hardiman , W . R . Smith , Lagerwall , Garner , Hinks , Treas . ; J . Nixon , P . M ., Sec ;

Wright , P . M . ; Hinks , P . M . ; Cattermole , Marfleet , P . M . ; Ayiis , Say , Fitch , Handcock , Itter , Tennant , Berry , Lyle , Edwards , Finch , Joslin , and Pickersgill . Among the visitors were : Bros . J . Clayton , P . M . SQ , P . P . S . G . D ., P . P . G . H . Cheshire ; J . W . Thomas , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . Staffordshire ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 , 1622 ; I ' . Grummant , P . M . 1550 , P . Z . 1275 ; C . H . Stone ,

1641 ; Charlie Woods , 1869 , Asst . Soj . 1275 ; W . Towers , W . M . 15 ; F . M . Noakts , I . G . 2148 ; \ l . Anderson , jun ., P . M . 49 , 715 , Secretary Stability Lodge of Instruction ; J . Marland , W . M . S 30 ; W . Beeston , S . W . S 30 ; J . Richardson , S 98 ; Millbourn , P . M . 13 ; R . Egar , Sec . 1 329 ; Major Stephens , P . M . 754 , 1579 ; Royal , 1178 ; Lans , S . D . S 20 ; and Cuthbert , J . W . 1815 .

The P . M . who usually installs the W . M . of this lodge , Bro . Taylor , was prevented by illness from attending . Consequently the work of installation was performed by Bros . Hinks , P . M ., and Marfleet , P . M ., who were called upon at a moment ' s notice . After his installation Bro . Eckersall invested the following officers : Bros . Lynn , S . W . ; Woolmer , J . W . ; T . Hinks , Treas . ; Gorrie

I . P . M . ; Nixon , P . M ., Sec . ( for the ioth time ); Owen , S . D . ; Jones , J . D . ; Hardiman , I . G . ; Smith , D . C ; lagerwall and Gardner , Stwds . After the re-election ot the lyler , the VV . M . impressively initiated Messrs . Say , Ayris , Handcock , and Fitch , for whom the ballot had proved unanimous . Bro . Nixon , P . M ., Sec , reported that the Charitable Association which had just closed had paid

over £ 100 to the Charities . A petition on behalf of a widow was also prepared . The lodge was then closed , after which the brethren met around the social board . When the banquet table had been closed , the W . M ., Bro . Eckersall , in fitting terms , proposed " The Queen and the Craft , " which toast was enthusiastically received .

The W . M ., in proposing " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " said that the Prince was a good Mason , and discharged his duties to the satisfaction of the Fraternity . He had shown his appreciation of Masonry by having his eldest son , Prince Aluert Victor , initiated—an example that he ( the W . M . ) had followed . Although the pleasure of initiating his son had not fallen to his lot , he was pleased

to inform the biethren that the last letter he had received from the East Indies said that his son was appointed Secretary of his lodge . In proposing "The M . W . Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " the VV . M . said that those who had attended Grand Lodge must have been impressed with the splendid way in which the

executive perlormed their duties . Bro . Gorrie , I . P . M ., in very fitting terms , proposed * ' The Health oi the W . M ., Bro . Eckersall , " saying that he had followed htm in all offices in the iodge , never taking his eye off the chair . His actions in the past and on tnat occasion augured well for the future success of the lodge . Bro . Eckersall , W . M ., said that this was one of the

proudest moments in his life—in fact , the proudest in his Masonic life . He had much to be thankful for , and was not only gratified , but almost overwhelmed by their kindness to him . The prospects of the coming- year appeared very brilliant at present . He should aim to be very punctual during the coming year , and relied upon the members lo support him .

Bro . Eckersall , VV . M ., in proposing " The Initiates , " said that in the case of two of them history repeated itself , for , some 25 years ago , he stood in the relation of master and apprentice to them , as he did now in Masonry . During that period they had always been the best of friends , and if they made as good Masons as they had made fathers and citizens , they would be a great credit to

the lodge . The two others were not so well known to him personally , but he had heard such splendid accounts of them that he sure they must prove very valuable acquisitions to the lodge . Bro . Say responded for the Initiates , thanking the brethren for the very cordial reception of this toast , and expressing his great pleasure at being initiated by his worthy

friend the VV . M ., whom he had known so long and respected so highly . In proposing "The Installing Masters , " the W . M . said it was most satisfactory to find two brethren able to perform the duties of Installing Master so well at a moment ' s notice . They all deeply regretted the cause of the absence of Bro . Taylor , P . M ., P . Z .

Bro . Marfleet , P . M ., in responding , reviewed his connection with the lodge , of which he was now the second oldest P . M . He expressed a hope that the explanation of the working tools , which was peculiar to the lodge , would never be superseded by Emulation working . Bro . Hinks , P . M ., also responded . The VV . M . proposed "The Visitors , " some of whom

had come a great distance to honour him that evening , it was not often they had such an array of well-known Masons . Many of those present were not only locally known , but their names were known in almost all parts of the world . He specified the good work that had been done by many of them . Bro . Clayton , P . M . Sg , P . P . S . G . D ., P . P . G . H . Cheshire

expressed his pleasure at being present to see Bro . Eckersall installed . They had been boys together , and during the 40 years he had known the VV . M . he had known nothing but good of him . He was glad to find him as well respected in London as he had been in the north of England . The P . G . M . of his Province , Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton , was loved by all , and he trnsted all Masons would

deserve as great praise . Bro . J . W . Thomas , P . M . 1641 , P . P . G . Std . Br . Staffordshire , said that was the first opportunity he had had of enjoying their hospitality . Many of his personal friends were members of the lodge , and they all spoke highly of its peculiar working . He was greatly pleased by all he had seen , and particularly gratified to hear of the work done for the Charities .

Bro . Anderton , P . M ., Sec . of the Stability Lodge of Instruction , reviewed the history of that , the oldest , lodge of instruction in London , commenting upon the eminent services performed by its various Preceptors . He strongly impressed upon his hearers the necessity of preserving their peculiar traditions .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . Milbourn , P . M . 13 , thanked the last speaker for his useful information , and also expressed his pleasure at being present . The W . M . proposed" ThePast Masters , " investing Bro . Gorrie , I . P . M ., with a P . M . 's jewel . Bros . Gorrie , Addington , " Nixon , Sec , Wright , and Marfleet , replied .

in response to the toast of "The Officers , " Bro . H . Lynn , S . W ., said this was the first time he had replied to that toast , and he could hardly make an elaborate speech . He , however , looked back with pleasure upon the time when he had acted as l . G . at the introduction of the W . M . into Masonry . He had not always been able to attend the meetings , as his public avocations had frequently kept him

away , especially during the past year . Previous to last November he had been very busy , but by the help of some of his friends had been able to bring the scheme to fruition . He hoped to be able to deserve their confidence during the coming year , and also in the future if they elected him to a higher ofiice .

Bros . Woolmer , J . W . ; Hinks , Treas . ; and Nixon , P . M ., Sec , responded . The Tyler ' s toast closed the evening . The toasts had been interspersed with songs by Bros . Owen , Royal , and Lagerwall , and recitations by Mr . Churcher .

URBAN LODGE ( No . 1196 )—The annual meeting for the installation of a new W . M . of this lodge was held on Tuesday last at Freemasons' Hail . The W . M ., Bro . J . Harcourt Lee , presided , and there were also present , among a very large number of members of the lodge and visitors , the following brethien : Bros . Washington Haycock , S . W . ; Rooert Manuel , J . W . ; R . H . Pearson , P . M ., Treas . ; Geo . E . Fairchild , P . M ., Sec ; J . W .

Lacon , P . M . ; J . Pearson , P . M . ; Charles Hawksley , P . M . ; R . H . Blascoyne , P . M . ; Japheth Tickle , P . M . ; J . F . Gooch , 177 ; F . Knight , 11 S 5 ; J . F . Jansen , 1185 ; E . C . Henning , 329 ; J . S . Anford , VV . M . S 90 ; Geo . A . Pickering , J . VV . S 90 ; S . Hohick , J . W . 1665 ; C . H . Webb , P . M . 174 ; VV . Kowles , W . M . 1348 ; F . Cretney , S 23 ; John Spencer , S 23 ; John Kobeits , J . W . 1642 ; W . Thomas ,

VV . M . 2045 ; C . H . Campbell , P . M . 975 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 1928 ; Alfred Archer Drew , P . M . and P . Z . Sgo ; A . Aldin , J . D . 2032 ; F . Vernoy Hawley , W . M . 194 ; J . P . Fitzgerald , W . M . 216 S ; W . Kent , S . D . 1321 ; Chas . Stoddart , f . M . 1464 ; Walter E . Blane , 855 ; W . J . Murlis , P . M . 1642 ; Root . Blasby , 780 and 2032 ; k . Kearney , I . P . M . 1541 ; D . A . Mostyn , J . D . 2045 ; Sam . H .

Parkhouse , P . M . 1642 ; Henry Osborne , VV . M . 1351 * 1 C . F . May , P . M . 180 ; Robert U . Cummings , P . M . 1677 ; ] . Howell , 1321 ; John Adams , P . M . 1194 ; W . Lestocq , i . P . M . 1319 ; Edward Boyle , P . M . 183 ; R . Pittam Stevens , P . M . goi ; VV . H . Honey , P . M . n ; W . Clarke , P . M . 114 and P . G . P . ; W . A . Tinney , P . M . 1319 ; John Cowan , VV . M . 1622 ; John Hyman , 2168 ; W . G . Lemon ,

P . M . 165 ; Charles Proul , 4 S 7 ; G . W . Watts , P . M . 194 ; W . VV . Macvoy , 1542 , P . P . G . S . B . West Yorkshire ; and G . Livingstone , 333 . Alter tne minutes had been conlirmed thc W . M . passed Bro . James Seba Mountford to the Second Degree , and initiated Mr . Percy Burrow Hollick into the earliest mysteiies ot Freemasonry . Bro . George E . Fairchild ,

P . M . and Sec , at the request of the Vv . iVi ., then took the chair , and installed Bro . Washington Edmunds Haycock , P . M . goi , S . W ., and W . M . elect , as Master of the lodge forthe ensuing twelve months . Bro . Harcourt Lee having been invested with the collar and jewel of I . P . M ., the following brethren were invested as ollicers for the year : Bros . Robert Manuel , S . W . ; William Eckstein , J . W . ;

R . H . Pearson , P . M ., P . Z . 1196 , Sic ., Treas . ; George E . Fairchild , ? . M ., P . Z . 1196 , & c , Sec ; C . Hawksley , P . M ., & c , D . of C . ; R . Hardy Smith , S . D . ; James J . Smith , J . D . ; Frederic R . Farrow , I . G . ; Japheth Tickle , P . P . G . R . Middx ., P . M ., P . Z . 1196 , & c , K . S . Oakeshott , Samuel Hunt , and Caspar P . Clarke , Stwds . ; and James Very , Tyler . The Treasurer ' s balance sheet and Auditors '

report having been received and adopted , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant to banquet . The toasts were afterwards proposed and honoured , and a beautiful selection of music was executed by Bro . Franklin Clive , R . W . Heney , Arthur Thomas , and F . H . Cozens , under the direction of Bro . F . H . Cozens .

The W . M ., in proposing " The Queen and the Craft , " referred to the great progress which had been made during her present Majesty ' s reign of over 50 years , and the great addition which had been made to the comfort and happiness of the people at large . As a monarch we had every reverence fur her as the supporter of our Constitution ; as the mother of the M . W . G . M ., as the

patroness of the Craft , and the ruler of these realms , she was held to be justly entitled to our respect , loyalty , and affection . The W . M . coupled the toasts of "The M . W . G . M ., the Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and passed a high eulogium on the activity of the Prince of Wales on behalf of

Freemasonry , and the energy and devotion of all the Grand Officers in the work of the Order , to all of which the present prosperous condition of . the Order now was due . No doubt the progress made in Freemasonry during the last few years was attributable to the constantly active personal influence and exertions of the Prince of VVales .

Bro . W . Clarke , P . G . P ., replied for the Grand Officers while not presuming to respond tor the M . W . G . M ., and in the course of his remarks said he was pleased to see that now the greatest interest was taken in all that concerned the welfare of the Craft , lhe Grand Officers would always endeavour to do their duty . 'The W . M ., in giving "The Initiate , " said nothing gave

greater satisfaction to Masons than the coming in from the outside world irom time to time of worthy men who desired to share with them the privileges of their ancient , honorable , and ennobling Brotherhood . The initiates constituted their life-blood , which renewed its strength and its usefulness , and extended its reputation . Judging from the recom--mendations of those esteemed brethren who introduced the

initiate and irom his demeanour throughout the ordeal of initiation , he ventured to think that tney were justified in expecting that their newly-made brother would prove himself a worthy memoer ot the Institution . On behalf of this lodge he could assure him that every possible assistance would be given to him in his search ior Masonic light and instruction . He ( the W . M . ) was confident that Bror