Correspondence

Correspondence

THE "OLD BOYS'" LODGE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , We observe that at the recent Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge , an intimation was given that a warrant for a new Lodge , No . 2500 , to be called the "Old Boys '" Lodge , had been granted by the

M . W . Grand Master . As many influential brethren of the Craft are under the impression the lodge is being founded by " Old Boys" of our Institution at Wood Green , will you permit us to state that we are in no way connected with it . It seems to us unfortunate that such a misleading title should be adopted and sanctioned , as in all similar

cases , the name of the School , or its founder , has been associated , e . g ., the "John Carpenter , " "Sir Thomas White , " "Old Westminsters , " '' Oxford and Cambridge University , " " University of London , " & c , & c , and we trust it may not be too late to alter the name .

We may add , that it is one of our aims , which we hope to realise ere long , to form an " Old Boys' " Lodge from amongst the members of the Association . Thanking you in anticipation of your courtesy in the insertion of this letter . —We are , dear sir , yours faithfully , C . PATRICK O'DOHERTY ,

E . A . B . GOUGH , Hon . Secretaries of the " Old March 13 th . Masonians' " Association .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

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aMHU----H-METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Royal Athelstan Lodge ( No . 19 ) . —A regular meeting of this centenary lodge was held at the Cannon-street Hotel , on Thursday , the Sth instant , Bro . John Henry Whadcoat , W . M ., presiding . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . W . E . Whadcoat was unanimously elected a joining

member . Bro . A . Collins Bromley was raised to the Degree of a M . M ., the W . M . performirg the ceremony in a most admirable and impressive manrer . On the motion of Bro . Bywater , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., seconded by Bro . J . Dix , P . M ., * the following resolutions were carried : "That the members of the Royal Athelstan Lodge , No . 19 , desire to record on their minutes their deep regret at the death of

their much esteemed Past Master and father of the lodge , Bro . Benjamin Starling , which took place at Isleworth , on the nth of February last , in the Stst year of his age . " He was interred in the Twickenham Cemetery on the 15 th ultimo , a deputation from the lodge being present on the mournful occasion . Bro . Starling was initiated in th ' s lodge by Bro . Savage on the ioth

of November , 1 S 41 ; W . M . in 1 S 48 , when he was installed by Bro . Savage . He was presented with £ . Past Master's jewel in 1 S 49 ; he was elected Treasurer in 1 S 5 S , in succession to Bro . Gale . In 1 S 71 he was presented with a silver tea service ; in 1 SS 1 his first wife died . On the death of Bro . Gale , in 1 SS 3 , he became father of the lodge . In 1 SS 7 he resigned the office of Treasurer , having held it for

30 years . In iSSS he was presented with an illuminated address on vellum , and in 1890 he became a country member . He will long live in our recollection as a genial and worthy Mason , ever ready to give us advice whenever needed ; but he will be best remembered for his 30 years ' indefatigable labour as Treasurer , to the great advantage of the lodge . " That a letter of condolence be sent to

Mrs . Starling expressive of the deep sympathy of the members with her on her recent bereavement by the death of her husband , Bro . Benjamin Starling , Past Master and father of the Royal Athelstan Lodge , No . iy . " A photograph of Bro . Starling , as a memento , was presented to each member of the lodge by Bro . Milton Smith .

The business of the lodge being ended , the brethren adjourned to banquet , during which Mr . W . Amies-King's string band performed a splendid selection of music . The usual Masonic toasts followed , interspersed by an excellent selection of vocal music under the direction of Bro . Alf . Aloore , the artistes being Madame Florence Winn , Miss Ethel VVinn , Bro . Edward Dalzell , and Bro . A . Moore .

Bl'ltanniC Lodge ( No . 33 ) . —An interesting meeting of this old lodge was held at Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , when the W . M ., Bro . Arthur H . BatemarT , undertook the rendering of the Three Degrees in faultless emulation working . The lodge was opened promptly at the time announced , and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes and the adoption of the

Treasurer ' s report , the initiation of Mr . John Arthur Whichord was proceeded with , followed by the passing of Bros . Kipping and Manners and the raising of Bro . Traill . To those who know the ability of Bro . Bateman as an expounder of the ritual and ceremonies of many of the Degrees and Orders outside the Craft it will be superfluous to state that in this also he exhibited

the same knowledge and aptitude with which we have long been familiar , and the initiates could not fail to have been deeply impressed with the ceremony . No portion of it was omitted , and "time permitted" of the delivery of the addresses . The Senior Warden was unanimously elected VV . M . for the ensuing year and the Treasurer also re-elected . Bro . Evenden was appointed Tyler .

The brethren , to the number of about 50 , which included several visitors , afterwards dined together . lhe usual loyal and Masonic toasts were submitted and responded to , the health of the W . M . giving occasion to Bro . Rapier , I . P . M ., to refer to the many excellences

of Bro . Bateman , not the least conspicuous being his conscientious and painstaking efforts to keep up the standard of the ritual and traditions of their grand old lodge . Suitable responses havinsr been made , the W . M ., in proposing "The Masonic Charities , " made an earnest appeal to the brethren to support to the best of their

Craft Masonry.

ability the noble Charitable Institutions attached to the Craft . Bro . J . M . McLeod , Secretary Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , responded , and , in the course of his speech , dwelt on the great work being carried on by these Institutions . The Boys' School , he said , had passed through a severe ordeal , but it stood that day in a position that the Craft had reason to be proud of .

Lodge of Prosperity ( No . 65 ) . —This flourishing lodge held its usual meeting on the 22 nd ult ., at the GuildhallTavern , E . C . The VV . M ., Bro . E . C . Talbot , raised two candidates , passed six , and initiated one . The ceremonies were rehearsed most excellently by the W . M ., who during his year of office has initiated 23 candidates . Being

election night Bro . Harlow , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , Kro . J . Roberts , P . AI ., being re-elected Treasurer . A Past Master ' s jewel , value 10 guineas , was voted amid great enthusiasm to the VV . M . for his services to the lodge during his year of oflice . The lodge , which no * . * . * musters 11 S members , subsequently closed in harmony .

Faith Lodge ( No . 141 ) . —This lodge met for the dispatch of business , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 27 th ult ., when there were present among others , Bros . John Trott . W . M . ; White , S . VV . ; Godfrey , J . W . ; W . J . Hakim , P . M ., Treas . ; XV . Stuart , P . M ., " Sec ; Swan , S . D . ; Isaacs , Steward ; J . C . Taylor , I . P . M . ; Charles Dairy , P . M . ; G . Rumball , P . M . ; Capt . T . C .

Walls , P . M .. G . Stwd . ; Jordan , P . M . ; Hudson , P . M . ; Fromhoitz , P . M . ; and Longstaflc , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . XV . J . L . Smith , but he was unable to be present . It was proposed , seconded and carried , " That the March meeting in future be abandoned , and that the by-laws be altered accordingly . " Bro . C .

Hopwood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., one ofthe oldest members of the lodge , having resigned , he was unanimously elected as honorary member . Bro * . Hudson , P . M ., was elected a Trustee of the Benevolent Fund , vice Bro . Hopwood , resigned . A gentleman having been proposed for initiation at the April meeting , and apologies for non-attendance

read from Bros . Gluckstein , J . D . ; Langdale , P . M . ; Welch , P . M ., and others , the lodge was closed , and adjourned till the 27 th inst . A banquet followed when a few toasts were honoured . During the evening some very excellent vocal selections were given by several of the members and their guests .

C . reat City Lodge ( No . 1426 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge was held at the Cannon-street Hotel , E . G ., on Saturday , the ioth inst . The W . M ., Bro . G . VV . Robson , was supported by the followingoificersand brethren , viz .: Bros . J . K . Gwyn , S . W , ; R . Brookman , J AV . ; R . Fendick , P . M ., Treas . ; James Stevens , P . M . and Sec . ( bro tem . ); F . E . Bailey , P . M ., S . D . ; G . M . Fraser ,

S . D . ; R . Lawson , J . D . ; H . F . Frost , P . M ., D . C . ; H . Dottridge , Stwd . ; R . J . Morley , acting Tyler ; D . T . Keene , P . M . ; L . B . Mozley , P . M . ; John Seex , P . M . ; W . F . G . Cook , P . M . ; and G . W . Blackie , P . M . Visitors : Bros . H . B . May , P . M . 1237 ; A . S . Wilks , W . M . 73 ; W . A . Brown , P . M . 1567 ; J . J . Macfadyen , P . M . 1397 ; R . P . Angel . J . VV . 179 ; and Lovett King , 2190 . Bros .

R . Thomas and James Baybero were raised to the M . M . Degree , separately , and with complete ceremonial , very ably performed by the W . M . Bro . J . K . Gwyn was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year ; Bro . R . Fenwick , P . M ., was re-elected Tieasurer ; and Bro . R , Potter , P . M . ( absent through illnes ) , Tyler . Auditor and Almoners were also appointed . A new edition of the by-laws of the

lodge was approved and ordered to be printed . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted for presentation to Bro . G . VV . Robson , to be presented to him on the termination of his year of office as W . M ., and in sincere acknowledgement of valuable and important services to the lodge during the past year . The VV . M . having undertaken to represent the lodge at the forthcoming Festival of the Royal Masonic

Institution for Girls , the vote of thc lodge in support of his Stewardship was supplemented b y several individual donations , to be added to his list . The second application of Jessie Winifred Hicks , the daughter of a deceased member , to be admitted to the benefits of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls at the election in April was mentioned . She

carries forward 146 4 votes from last election , and it is hoped that her success may be secured next month . Bro . Gwyn proposed a candidate { or initiation at the ensuing meeting , and there being no further business before the lodge , it was closed , with " Hearty gcod wishes" from the visitors . Subsequently the brethren dined together , and spent a very harmonious evening in social good fellowship .

Henley Lodge ( No . 1472 ) . —The installation meeting of this excellent lodge look place on Tuesday , the Oth inst ., at the Three Crowns Hotel , North Woolwich , when Bro . J . Glading , S . VV . and VV . M . elect , was placed in the chair of K . S . The lodge was opened b y Bro . B . C . Curtis , W . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , a ballot was taken for

Messrs . XV . Darbyshire , 11 . M . Jackson , and P . Quinn as candidates for initiation , and for Bro . J . Power , 142 S , as joining member , and in each case proved unanimous . Bro . A . T . Ives , P . M ., D . C , presented the W . M . elect to Bro . Curtis , to receive at his hands the benefits of installation , and in due course Bro . Glading was installed and saluted . He appointed and invested his ollicers as follows : Bros .

Curtis , I . P . M . ; J . Delo , S . VV . ; T . Reeves , J . W . ; C . H . Canning , P . M ., P . M . and Treas . 21 S 4 , and P . P . G . D . Essex , Treas . ; C . Jolly , P . M ., P . M . and Sec . 21 S 4 , Sec ; VV . Turvey , S . D . ; C . Harwich , J . D . ; J . Palmer , LG . ; J . Baldie , D . C . ; W . Baker , A . D . C . ; VV . Redman , Org . ; T . Lait , E . Morgan , D . Ross , and S . Chaplin , Stwds . Bro . Curtis then completed a splendidly-worked ceremony

by reciting the charges faultlessly . He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks , the same to be inscribed on the minutes of the lodge , and a copy to be engrossed on vellum , suitably mounted and framed , and presented to him at the next general meeting of the lodge . He was also presented with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , of the value of 10 guineas , for which Bro . Curtis feelingly returned thanks .

The new W . M . commenced his reign hy initiating the three candidates in perfect form , and then thu lodge was closed . The banquet was paitakcn of at the London Tavern , Fenchurch-street , under the especial superintendence of Bro . Start , the courteous manager , and was much appreciated . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BRADFORD . Lodge Acacia ( No . 2321 ) . —The regular meet , ing of this lodge was held at _ the Masonic Hall , Rawsonsquare , on Thursday , the ist inst ., when there was a large attendance of the brethren , Bro . J . T . Last , VV . M ., presiding . The lodgehaving been opened , the minutes of the

last regular lodge were duly confirmed , after which Bro . H . Bowler was passed to the Degree of F . C . by the VV . M . The working tools were explained hy Bro . Robinson , J . W ., and the charge in the Second Degree was delivered bv Bro . VVilson , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . Bro . R . C . Douglas was raised to the Degree of a M . M . by Bro . Niven , I . P . M ., the working tools being explained by the J . VV ., and the

charge in the Third Degree was given by Bro . Ellis , S . W . The name of a gentleman was submitted as a candidate for initiation at a future meeting . Apologies were tendered for the absence of several brethren . After " Hearty good wishes " the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment , after which the usual loyal and . Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured .

BRIGHTON . Royal York Lodge ( No . 315 ) . —At the annual meeting of this lodge , held at the Royal Pavilion , on the Gth inst ., Bro . Harry Kent , VV . M ., was duly installed W . M . for the ensuing year , the brethren having honoured him by re-electing him to that important ollice . The W . M . appointed his officers , those present being invested with the insignia of their respective ofiices , as follow : Bros . A .

Stanley Cooke , I . P . M . ; B . W . Drurv , S . W . ; [" . H Challis , J . W . ; G . Bungard , Sec ; C . VV . Hudson , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . H . Underwood , S . D .,- W . E . Nash , J . D . ; A . W . Payne , I . G . ; F . Barnard and A . J . Morris , Stwds . and H . H . Hughes , Tyler . The brethren afterwards sat down to a banquet , under the presidency of the newly-installed VV . M ., Bro . Harry Kent .

BROUGHTON . St . Thomas Lodge ( No . 992 ) . —The regular meeting was held on Wednesday , 7 th inst ., at the Gridm Hotel . Bro . Thomas Wharram McGill , VV . M ., opened the lodge . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . 1 he business announced , on the summons

was ralher heavy , there being four initiations and one raising . The initiations were performed by the Worship ** * - ! Master , Bro . Rutter , and Bro . VV . Hawkins , LP . M ., respectively . The VVorshipful Master delivered the charge to the initiates , whilst Bro . J . W . Millward , P . M . and Secretary performed the ceremony of raising in a manner which reflected great credit .

FOLKESTONE . Temple Lodge ( No . 558 ) . —Another year in local Masonic circles has passed by , and on Tuesday , the Gth inst ., Bro . L . Banks , the VV . M . of this lodge , had to make way for his successor , Bro . J . G . Cheyney . The brethren assembled at the Masonic Hall at four p . m ., to take pait in the ceremony , which was very ably performed by Bro . VV . Griffin , LP . M . After the installation the

VV . M . appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year . At the dose of the lodge , the brethren adjourned to the Pavilion 1 lotel lo the banquet , upwards of 60 brethren being present . During the evening some excellent songs were given hy Bros . Francis , P-pper , Gifford , Woods , Clements , and Pain ; and Bro , Longley officiated at the piano . Loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to , and the appeal on behalf of the Masonic Charities realised lhe handsome sum of £ 35 .

MANCHESTER . Duke of York Lodge ( No . 2449 ) . —The first annual installation took place on I hursday , the Sth inst , at the Palatine Hotel . The lodge was opened by Bro . VV . T . Schofield , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., W . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The Audito s ' report was presented and adopted , which was considered

very satisfactory . Although this is so young a lodge and being only 12 months in existence , they had a balance in hand of over £ 40 , having at the same time been very liberal to the . Charities . Bro . VV . T . Schofield , VV . M ., was the Installing Master , and very admirably performed the whole of the ceremony ( except addressing the Warden ) , which portion was given bv Bro . J . VV . Abbott , P . P . G .

Dir . ot Cers . Bro . J . Andrews , P . G . Std . Br ., acted as Installing S . VV ., and Bro . Fred . Hilton , P . M ., P . G . Dir . 0 ! Cers ., as J . VV . The following oflicers were invested anil addressed by the Installing Master : Bros . VV . Warburton , S . VV . ; T .-T . Hardicker , J . VV . ; Jas . Andrew , P . M ., P . S . G . D ., Treas . ; Clement J . Hall , Sec ; B . Meggit , S . D . ; John Kinsey , | . D . ; O . Rushton , D . C . ; A . Scarlett ,

Org . ; Geo . A . Bowden , I . G . ; VV . Leigh , hap .: and T . VV . Stott , A . G . Bryce , C . Houston , and John Whittle , Stwds . Bro . F . Warburton , S . VV ., was elected Charity Representative . There were about 50 brethren present , and we regret that piessureon our space precludes us from givini * the list of attendants and speeches at the banquet , which subsequently followed . But we would not overlook the fact

that during the evening a magnificent Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . VV . T . Schollield , LP . M ., in recognition of his most valuable and energetic services as W . M . for the firstyear . He is also followed by a worthy successor in the person of Bro . William Bowden , P . M ., who , having had large Masonic experience , will no doubt be able to maintain the high standing of the lodge wilh the same dignity as his predecessor .

SOUTHAMPTON . Albert Edward Lodge ( No . 17 . 80 ) . —The brethren of this lodge assembled in large numbers on Tuesday , the Gth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , on the occasion of the installation of Hro . J . G . Jordan , the S . VV . of the past year , as VV . M . The ceremony was ably performed by Bro . T . Walton , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . The oflicers

were invested as follows : Bros . T . Walton , LP . M . ; 0 . Alexander , S . VV . ; G . Watson , J . VV . ; G . Heathcote , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Holmes , Sec . ; J . Burrow , S . D . ; K * Prowse , J . I ) . ; II . Hussey , P . M ., li . C . ; VV . Groundscll , Org . ; li . VV . Drysdall , LG . ; T . G . King and K . W . Denness , Stwds . ; and VV . Vare , lyler . Before the lodg 6 was closed a hearty vote of thanks was proposed to thc Installing Master , and in responding to this liro . Walton