Correspondence.

Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]

FESTIVAL STEWARDS' ACCOUNTS . To the Editor of the "Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , I have served several times as Steward of the Boys' School , but have never been able to attend a meeting of the Board , in consequence of the distance from London at which I reside . Neither have I at any

time had an opportunity of seeing a statement of accounts . Bro . Gardner , the Treasurer to the Board , in his reply to Bro . Harrop ' s letter of the previous week , admits in your paper of Saturday last that it is desirable that a statement of income and expenditure at the Festivals should be circulated amongst those who have

served the office of Steward . The accounts being closed , if Bro . Gardner cannot see his way to sending out a printed statement , you , Bro . Editor , I am sure , will not hesitate to afford him the small space requisite for the publication of a balance-sheet . If you will

kindly do this , Bro . Gardner will doubtless be only too ready to furnish the figures , and you will thus together give great satisfaction to numbers of others who , besides myself , would sign themselves gratefully and fraternally yours , STEWARD OF R . M . I . FOR BOYS . August 12 th .

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR AND BRO . R . WOLFE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Under the head of " Kni ghts Templars " ( August 2 nd ) , my friend , Bro . Hughan , gives some notices about a sketch of Bro . R . Woffe . I am

very much astonished to see that even Bro . Hughan has not studied my " History of Freemasonry , " for the charter of transmission of Larmenius is a pure forgery , and all assertions as to the continuity of the Order of Knights Templar absolutely without foundation . — Fraternally yours , J . G . FINDEL . Leipzig , August 4 th .

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have read from time to time your very interesting remarks on this subject , and am much impressed with the soundness and impartiality of your contentions . You are , however , not altogether well

informed as to the movement , and I notice occasionally quote from a paper styled the New Zealand Craftsman , which is not a reliable authority , but , on the contrary , rather a biassed production , being run in the special interests of the malcontent section of the Craft , the reports being frequently garbled and " dished " up for the edification of its supporters .

The malcontents—for I can call them by no other name—claim the majority of the lodges in this colony . Now , as a matter of fact , they have neither a majority of lodgesorbrethren . They certainly may have a majority of little coteries of Freemasons , who , by their want of discretion and good taste , when discussing the subject at

their meetings , have practically for the time being converted the lodge assemblies into " bear gardens " by their obnoxious attitude , want of respect , and deference to the opinions of those brethren who differ from them , the result being , as a matter of course , that many estimable Masons stand aloof , rather than be subjected to

the annoyance of such un-Masonic proceedings . I need only quote the figures supplied by Sir Harry Atkinson , District Grand Master of Wellington , to prove the correctness of my assertion . They are as follows , and the actual result of the voting on the question in that district—134 brethren voted for the

New Zealand Grand Lodge ; 125 against it , whilst 363 have expressed no opinion whatever , having been absent from the meetings . The same state of things applies to every other Masonic district under the various Constitutions , and goes to prove how ill-advised the movement is from its inception to the present time .

I he fact ol the matter is , the promoters as a bod y do not or never did constitute an element of Masonic strength or enlightenment . They have simply emerged from an ambitious obscurity , and now with loud voice proclaim from the house tops the wonderful Masonic acrobatic feat which they have accomplished , which

properly interpreted means a Masonic revolt . In their zeal for the unity and regeneration of the Craft they have not forgotten that all-important factor in matters mundane—I mean £ s . d . Sir , therein lies the secret of all the undue haste , the stubborn determination , and the vain glory ; for printers have bodies and souls , and

printers' bills , amounting to hundreds of pounds , must be paid , and the thousand and one other "trilling " expenses must be provided for . Yes ; and the innocent , guileless , self-sacrificing promoters relieved of the responsibility , like the rest of the grand army of promoters in this world of excitement and ambitions .

The experience of this district is unique , one lodge only having seriously considered the question , all the rest having scouted the idea of being governed by such an insignificant combination . The lodge in question is the youngest in the district , with some 30 odd members on the roll . When the question was discussed

Correspondence.

13 brethren were at the meeting , seven voted for the new movement , six against it . Strange to say the secessionists are the W . M . and his officers . This result is immediately proclaimed through the Press agency " that the lodge in question had joined the New Zealand Grand Lodge . " At any rate , they are like the man in possession—they claim everything , and in their desire

to promote the New Zealand Grand Lodge they have laid violent hands on the funds and paid their registration fees , not out of their own pockets and with that sincere conviction of honesty of purpose , but out of the accumulated savings of the 30 odd members . Need I say more , but simply ask the question of impartial brethren : What is the great secret that underlies the movement ?

I trust you will pardon the length of my letter , but I feel it is only right that you , as the exponent and voice of the Masonic world , should at least know the truth in this ridiculous agitation for Masonic autonomy in New Zealand . Before this unhappy event the greatest goodwill prevailed . Masonic Charity in its most ample and unobtrusive sense has been practised ,

and the highest principles of Masonic affection existed from Foveaux Straits to the North Cape . How seriously ought the Masons of to-day to take to heart the oft repeated warnings of Col . Shadwell Clerke at his many consecration ceremonies— - "To be careful whom we admit to the privileges of our Masonic circle . " Again apologising for the length of this letter . —I

remain , yours fraternally , JOHN J . WILLIAMS , P . M . 1229 and 168 9 , and P . Z . 1229 , E . C . Hokitika , Westland , N . Z ., June 14 th .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

910 ] OLD WARRANTS . I am pleased that our old and valued friend , Bro . W . F . Lamonby ( of Melbourne ) , author of " Craft Masonry in Cumberland and Westmorland , " has come across the old warrant granted by the Earl of Drogheda , as Grand Master of Ireland , on April 5 th , 1759 . Lord

Moore did not succeed to the earldom until October , 1758 , and in the Freemason for October 27 th , 1888 , will be found a copy of a charter issued by the same nobleman on August 3 rd of that year , and likewise other references to his lordship that I had been able to trace . The No . 317 , as noted by Bro . Lamonby , was re-issued in 1823 , having previously lapsed . Of its

previous history I know nothing during the period 1759 to , say , 1780 , when records would be so acceptable . The name of the Grand Secretary was Jno . Colder , the names else transcribed by Bro . Lamonby being correct . From the earliest dated warrant ( A . D . 1731 ) the Grand Lodge of Ireland nominated the Master and Wardens of all new lodges . W . J . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft finmsonrp .

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS . CHINGFORD . Royal Victorian Jubilee Lodge ( No . 21 S 4 ) . —Bro . W . Smith , W . M . of the above prosperous lodge , concluded a most successful year of office at the Royal Forest Hotel , on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., by installing his successor , Bro . C . H . Canning , S . W . and W . M . elect ,

into the chair of the lodge . The business commenced ( after die lodge had been opened and the minutes conlimed ) with the passing of Bros . McNab and Dunlop and the raising of Bros . Mollik , Caddy , Hill , Lord , and Barrett , admirably worked by the VV . M . A very fair start for an installation day . It was then announced that Bro . T . J . Railing , P . A . G . D . C . Eng ., P . G . Sec , was in attendance ,

and the Prov . Grand and P . Prov . Grand Officers present received him and ushered him to his place at the right of the W . M ., and he was saluted , and returned thanks . Bro . Canning was then presented to the W . M . to receive the benefits of installation at his hands , and carefully and well did Bro . Smith carry out his important office . Bro . Canning invested his

officers as follows : Bros . R . T . Dale , S . W . ; T . Ringrose , J . W . 5 H . Lewis , Treas . ; C . Jolly , P . M ., Sec ; F . J . Eedle , P . M ., J . D . ; J . T . Barnes , I . G . ; C . Taylor , A . D . C ; C . T . Lewis , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., and S . Carlton , Stwds . ; Barrett , Org . ; and J . Ives , P . M ., Tyler . Bros . Hammond and Buxton were nominated , the former for S . D . and the latter D . C , but as they were not

in attendance their investurc was postponed . Bro . Smith then delivered the addresses , and concluded the ceremony , for which he received a vote of thanks . He was also presented with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . Kenning ) , of the value of 10 guineas , for valuable services rendered during his year of office , for both of

which he suitably returned thanks . Bro . Canning was appointed to represent the lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee , and after the Secretary had read letters of regret at inability to attend from Bros . Philbrick , D . P . G . M . ; Lucking , P . G . D . C ; and others , the lodge was closed . The banquet was superb and splendidly served , and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

after its discussion the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts . Bro . Railing , in responding for " The D . G . M ., the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said he had very great pleasure indeed in so doing , although the pleasure upon that occasion was marred by the black badges they were wearing as mourning- for the loss of

the late regretted and esteemed Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , and those who were Past Masters knew how great a loss that was to the whole of the Craft . Now , with respect to the Province of Essex , he was proud to say that they had a model Grand Master in Lord Brooke , while in Bro . Philbrick they had an excellent and energetic D . G . Master . It afforded him much pleasure to be present

that day , although he must acknowledge that he had not visited them so much as he should have liked to . They launched their ship , "The Royal Victorian Jubilee , " some three years ago with Hying colours , and although it had been obliged to remove from its original location , yet it was now well and , he hoped , comfortably placed . The ambition of the Past Masters of their lodge had been very forcibly

expressed by one of them , when he , on that occasion , said they would not rest until they made the Royal Victorian Jubilee one of the strongest lodges in the province , and he believed it was best at all times to take a rather high standard of perfection as a guide that a low one . Theirs was a growing province , and it was only recently that their Prov . Grand Master sanctioned the formation of another lodge , and he had no

doubt but that H . R . H . the Grand Master would grant the petitioners their prayer . He hoped the lodge would be well represented at Provincial Grand Lodge , that the W . M . might have a good year of office , and that he might be present that day 12 months . Our distinguished brother then resumed his seat amid a round of cheers .

Bro . Manning , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . S . G . D ., in responding for ' -Bro . Philbrick , Q . C , G . Reg ., D . P . G . M ., and the rest of the Prov . Grand " Officers , Present and Past , " said it was a very high honour to be entrusted with such a toast , but would rather that it had been left in the hands of Bro .

Railing . Ever since he had been a member of the province , he knew that everything that could conduce to the welfare of it had been the especial care of Bro . Railing and the Prov . Grand Officers . There was not a single case brought before them that was not taken note of and enquired into . The Prov . Grand Officers did not want to sec strong lodges so much as good members , members such as

they would not mind taking home to their wives and families , and that he believed to be the motto and intention of the Royal Victorian Jubilee Lodge , which lodge , with its Master , officers , and brethren , he wished every prosperity . The I . P . M . then proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " and said it would be out of place for him to go into details of the many good things they might expect from their

W . M . during his year of office , and so he would ask them to drink his health . The W . M ., in reply , said he hoped sincerely that his year of office would be a happy one , at any rate he would try to make it a prosperous one . He should endeavour to work the ritual to their satisfaction . As one of the Past Masters , Bro . Manning , said they did

not want quantity but quality , and if they succeeded in getting good candidates he would do the work . Bro . Smith having eloquently responded for a very hearty reception of the toast of " The Installing Officer , " he and Bros . Westlield , Lewis , Jolly , and Eedle responded for "The Past Masters . " Bros . Dale and Ringrose responded for " The Officers , "

and the Tyler s toast concluded the pleasures of the evening , which had been enhanced by some excellent singing and reciting . Among the other brethren present were Bros . G . Westfield , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . B . ; J . W . Joyce , Catt , W . Reynolds ,

VV . Volckman , G . Penny , C . J . Edwards , P . M . and Sec . 1457 ; V- R- Jarvis , W . M . 276 ; C . Wood , W . M ., A . T . Ives , P . M ., J . Savage , P . M ., and C . H . Powling , J . W . of 1472 ; H . Stallard , VV . M . 1613 ; W . Harvey , 174 ; T . J . Cracknell , 16 9 ; G . R . Lambert , J . D . 22 S ; and B . C . Kirby , 22 S

DIDSBURY . Doric Lodge ( No . 2359 ) . —It is not often that Freemasons' lodges in the provinces are held on a Saturday afternoon , but such is the case with this young Iodge , and it was a great pleasure to see so many brethren assemble together last Saturday , gth inst ., some to assist and others to witness the work which was accomplished . The W . M .

took the chair , and , assisted by his officers , opened the lodge . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was taken for Mr . James Sharpies , which proved favourable , and subsequently he was initiated . There was also two passings . The whole of the ceremonies were performed by the W . M ., the Senior Warden , Bro . C E . Towell , giving the working tools in

each Degree respectively , and Bro . John Fletcher , J . W ., delivered the charge in the First Degree . Bro . A . H . Jefferis , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas ., acted as I . P . M . All business being at an end , the lodge was closed . Amongst those present were the following : Bros . G . S . 'Smith , VV . M . ; C . E . Towell , S . W . ; Jno .

Fletcher , J . W . ; A . H . Jefferis , Treas . ; Jno . Walker , Sec ; A . K . Boothroyd , J . D . ; F . Stretch , D . C . ; H . W . Jack , Stwd . ; F . Thomas , P . D . Langley , Joseph Ward , and James Sharpies . Visitors : Bros . G . Hunt , P . M . 1009 , P . P . G . Treas . ; Edwin Barton , VV . M . 2109 ; VV . Craig-Royle , S . D . 992 , 1170 ; T . R . B . Vermont , 1633 ; Jas . Willcox , J . D . 1140 ; and N . F . Clegg , I . G . 1345 .

FR 1 ZINGT 0 N . Arlecdon Lodge ( No . 1660 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held in the Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday , the 6 th inst . Bro . J . Wilkinson , VV . M ., occupied the chair , supported by Bros . H . Hartley , P . G . Stwd ., l . P . M . ; J . Wakefield , S . W . ; D . Tolson , J . W . ; Geo . Dalrymple , P . M ., P . S . G . W ., Treas . ; M . Jones , Sec ;

VV . Shaw , S . D . ; VV . H . Jones , J . D . ; S . Hastings , I . G . ; | . Armstrong , Steward ; C . Bland , Tyler ; Dr . J . J . " Lane , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; J . Harper , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Singers , R . Douglas , B . Craig , P . M . ; R . Baxter , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Jukes , 1267 ; A . Johnston , S . D .

S 72 ; and others . The minutes were read and confirmed , and three candidates were balloted for and accepted , and two initiated and one raised . The work was done by the W . M . in an able manner , and , with other general business , the lodge was closed .