Correspondence.

the brother svould prefer to conceal—to another person , without any proof that the brother had authorised the application , vvould be a course too lax to be tolerated , " even in these days of general laxity of discipline ! " That an apparently hard case should have induced brethren of such eminence to countenance such a laxity

even once , under however exceptional circumstances , is a cause for regret ; but that the decision is not to be taken as anything more than a decision that in the particular case sufficient authority had been produced to justify the lodge in granting the certificate is clearly shown by two things .

( a ) That the Prov . G . M . ordered the younger Durell ' s letter to his father to be produced to the lodge , ( and if this had been acted on all vvould have been well ) , and ( b ) The V . W . Grand Registrar ' s words that " considering ; Bro . ] . Durell's position , and his long

membership of the lodge , he thought the lodge was bound to take his word that he was authorised to make the application . Under the circumstances he vvould move , " & c , & c . With all respect to the Grand Lodge , to the eminent brethren who spoke , and to the Freemason , I submit

that no certificate should be granted except to the brother himself , or to some brother duly authorised to make the application on his behalf , and that the lodge is fairly entitled to demand strict proof that the application is duly authorised . Under the head " Dimit , " which is the equivalent of

our clearance certificate , Bro . Henry Robertson lays down the common-sense view of the matter so well that I ' cannot forbear quoting his words . He says-. "A dimit must be applied for , either personally by the brother himself in open lodge , or by a written request signed by the brother and sent to the lodge ....

the lodge should be satisfied , before a dimit is granted , that the brother himself wishes it . If one brother asks for a dimit to be granted to an absent brother , he should produce to , the lodge a written authority from the absent brother for making the request , and this authority should be filed vvith the Secretary as the evidence

upon vvhich the dimit was granted . " —Robertson , Digest of Masonic Jurisprudence , 2 nd Edit-., p . JS . Surely this is the correct view of what is—as well as should be—the general law , and if an exceptional case is found where a lodge may be justified in taking less evidence , still it would never do to permit such laxity

to become the general rule . Neither the speakers in Grand Lodge nor the writer of the leader in to-day ' s Freemason seem to have thought of the possibility of the clearance certificate being applied for by an unauthorised , possibly hostile , person in a case where the " circumstances" to be stated in the certificate are unfavourable . —Yours fraternally , LEX SCRIPTA . September 12 th .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft flDasonr \> ,

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Lodge Of Loyalty ( No . 1607 ) . —The installation meeting of the above-named lodge svas held on Saturday , the 12 th instant , at the London Tavern , Fenchurchstreet . The course of business had been cleared by a lodge of emergency held in July , so that only the- usual business incident to the installation appeared upon the

agenda . the lodge vvas opened by Bro . Charles H . Halford , W . M ., the ofiicers present being Bros . John Hattersley , S . VV . ; F . W . Rose , J . VV . ; John Nesvton , Sec . ; G . Denney , S . D . ; Wilkinson , D . C ; Vaile , I . G . ; Webb , P . M ., and Barker , Stsvds . ; F . Carr , P . M . ; C . H . AVebb , P . M . ; E . Holssvorth , I . P . M . ; T . Jones , P . M . ; C . J .

Perceval , P . M . ; A . J . Clark , P . M . ; li . S . Gushing , P . M . ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B . ; H . Maclachlan , E . Godfrey , R . C . Halford , AV . T . Horton , John Thompson , T . F . Hodgson , J , V . Jones , T . Cole , J . Lasvson , G . Cunnington , J . Little , F . King , H . T . Thompson , P . M . ; AV . F . Darnell , P . M . ; M . VV . Jameson , and H . A . Robinson . Amongst the visitors vvere Bros . S . G . Brealey , I . G . 1056 ; VV . H . Hillman 569 ;

, E . J . Morgan , S . W . 1571 ; T . C . Tassell , I . G . 1 S 3 ; G . Posvell , P . M . 1185 ; R . C . Davis , VV . M . 2266 ; G . Hayes , P . D . G . M . Nesv York ; G . R . Langley , W . M . 23 S 1 ; L . J . Powser , I . G . 122 S ; G . Mickley , VV . M . 63 ; VV . G . Cannon , 1539 ; W . Wingham , P . M . 25 ; G . J . Row , P . M . 1185 , W . Gimlett , 16 95 ; H . Magee , I . P . M . 174 ; Henry J ay , W .. VI . 174 ; C . R . AVilliams , P . M . 22 G 2 ; R . H . Haliord ,

P . S . G . D . Herts , 15 S 0 : VV . J . Halford , P . M . 1964 ; Rev . J S . Brownrigg , 0 . P . G . M . Bucks ; J . Woodman , 22 S ; F . Orme , 7 , ( 2 ; VV . Roots , P . M . 1273 ; H . T . Matthesvs , 1237 ; T . A . Starnes , S . VV . 174 ; G . F . Smith , P . M . 2102 ; J . VV . Cain , S . VV . 179 ; and VV . H . Wheeler , 1709 . The minutes of the previous regular lodge meeting and an emergency meeting having been confirmed , the

ceremony or installation was proceeded with . Bro . John Hattersley being presented as W . M . elect , a Board of Installed Masters svas formed , and Bro . Hattersley svas installed into the chair of K . S ., and he appointed his officers as follosvs : Bros . F . W . Rose , S . VV . ; G . S . Denney , J . VV . ; J . R . Large , P . M ., Treas . j C . H . Webb , P . M .,

bee ; VV . B . Vaile , S . D . ; G .-E . Wilkinson , J . . ; W . L . Barker , I . G . ; T . F . Hodgson , U . C . ; F . Carr , P . M ., and J . Lawson , Stsvds .,- and J . Verry , Tyler . The svhole ceremony of the installation svas rendered by Bro . C . H . Halford , I . P . M ., in a faultless and impressive manner . The W . M . having signified his intention of representing

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

the Iodge at the forthcoming Jubilee Festival of the Roya Masonic Benevolent Institution , it was resolved that a sum of 20 guineas be placed upon his list from the lodge funds in the name of the Senior Warden of the Iodge . The retiring W . M . then presented , in the name of the lodge , a handsome Past Secretary's jesvel to Bro . John Newton , P . M ., vvho svas vacating the office of Secretary of the lodge

after having served for 15 years in that capacity . He ( Bro . Halford , I . P . M . ) paid an eloquent tribute to the distinguished services rendered by Bro . Newton , and further begged him to accept from the members of the lodge a diamond ring as a souvenir to Mrs . Nesvton of the esteem in svhich her husband vvas held by them , together vvith a testimonial emblazoned on vellum . Bro . Newton , who

spoke under considerable emotion , made a feeling response on behalf of himself and his wife . A vote of sympathy vvas passed to Bro . J . R . Large , P . M ., svho svas unable to be present osving to a severe family bereavement . Amidst great enthusiasm the W . M . then presented and invested Bro . C . H . Halford , I . P . M ., with a Past Master's jewel , svhich had been voted by the lodge , remarking that no

brolher had more justly merited the distinction . The brethren then adjourned to the Queen ' s Room , where the banquet vvas served in a style worthy of the best traditions of the London Tavern . The tables vvere beautifully adorned svith a profusion of cut lloivers , fairy lights , & c ., svhich lent an additional charm to the surroundings . At the conclusion of the banquet , the W . M . rose , and ,

in felicitous terms , proposed the lirst toast—that of " The Queen "—which svas received svith much enthusiasm . The National Anthem svas then sung by the ( jlee party , the brethren joining in the chorus . The W . M ., in submitting the next toast— "The M . W . Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales "—remarked that all Masons svere proud of their Grand Master for the

great interest he had manifested in the Craft , and , notwithstanding the high duties he had to perform in connection vvith the State , he had found time to give valuable assistance to Provincial Grand Lodges . The W . M . especially referred to the visit of the Prince to Reading , svhen he installed his eldest son , the Duke of Clarence and Avondale , as Provincial Grand iVlaster of Berkshire .

The toast vvas received with great heartiness . "God bless the Prince of Wales" ( solo by Bro . AV . H . AVheeler ) having been sung , The W . M . gave the toast of " The Pro G . M ., the Dep . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and referred to the presence of Bros . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., and Rev . J . S . Brosvnrigg , D . P . G . M . Bucks , whom

he vvas pleased to see . He apprehended that brethren vvho had attended Grand Lodge knew hosv important it vvas to have those high offices placed in competent hands . He hoped they might frequently have the presence of the tsvo Grand Ollicers svho had honoured them svith their company at the installation meeting . Bro . Rev . J . S . Brosvnrigg returned thanks for the hearty

reception accorded to him , and said that a svarm svelcome awaited all brethren visiting the county of Buckinghamshire . Bro . Terry also desired to offer a fesv words of thanks , and said he was gratified beyond measure to see the lodue prospering , as he had had the privilege of consecrating it . He alluded in feeling terms to the retirement of Bro . Nesvton from the Secretaryship of the lodge , and svarmly eulogised

Bro . Nesvton ' s services to the Craft . Bro . C . H . Halford , I . P . M ., then rose to ' propose the toast of the evening— " The AV . M . " Speaking of the W . M ., Bro . Halford said he could not say anything too good of him . They had seen him work up through the various offices to the chair , and nosv that he had reached that position they offered him their heartiest

congratulations , knosving that he , as a brother enjoying their confidence and esteem , vvould maintain the dignity of the lodge . They svished him a happy and successful year of office . The toast svas honoured svith an amount of enthusiasm vvhich must have been highly gratifying to the nesv Master . The Worshipful Master , in reply , said he had become endeared to the Lodge of Loyalty , and would always strive

to contribute to its success . He felt proud of the position he had been permitted to attain , although he must confess that he felt a little nervous at first , but he was encouraged by a knowledge of the fact that he had the sympathy and goodwill of the whole of the members of the lodge , and under those happy circumstances he svould endeavour to merit the confidence reposed in him by carrying out the

duties 01 his office to the best of his abi . ity . The Worshipful Master , in submitting the toast of " The Immediate Past Master and Installing Master , " said it svas difficult to find svords svhich svould adequately express the feeling entertained by the brethren of the Lodge of Loyalty tosvards Bro . C . H . Halford . The I . P . M . had during his year of office performed his duties in such a masterly ° way

and with so much distinction to himself that they could not help feeling a twinge of regrel that his occupancy of the chair had come to an end . They also remembered the success vvhich attended Bro . Halford ' s efforts in connection svith the summer outing . He ( the W . M . ) thought that the visitors present that evening svho had witnessed the manner in vvhich Bro . Halford had installed his successor must have

realised what an able and worth y Master the I . P . AL had proved himself to be . The toast svas heartily received , and the I . P . M . on risin ^ to return thanks vvas very svarmly greeted . Bro . Halfora said he could nut be otherwise than gratified at the svay in vvhich the W . M . had alluded to his services . He thowht

that his work had been too highly extolled , but he had done his best . The year had been an eventful one for him , and he should never forget the kindness and assistance he had received from the brethren . He appealed to them to give the nesv Master the same generous support as had been extended to him last year svhen he svent up as Stesvard to the Festival of the Benevolent Institution .

' Ihe Visitors" svas the next toast submitted by the AV . M ., svho tendered to them a hearty svelcome on behalf of the lodge , remarking that there svas present one brother vvho held a prominent office in the Grand Lodge of Nesv York .

In response , Bro . George Hayes , P . D . G . M . of the New York State , tendered his thanks for the cordial reception vvhich he had met . Lie stated that occasions such as these proved the universality of Freemasonry , and did much to cement good fellowship and brotherhood between nations .

lsventy-seven years ago svhen he joined Freemasonry in Nesv York he found the lodges of America considerably in debt . He and another brother exerted themselves and never rested until they had not only freed the Craft from liabilities , but they had now a surplus of $ 3 , 000 , 000 entirely

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

devoted to their " Home , " svhich took the place of the Masonic Benevolent Institutions of this country . He gave interesting details of the administration of the Charities , and remarked that they had learned much from England in this respect . He svould go back vvith feelings of warm affection for the brethren of his Mother Country .

Bros . Jay , W . M . 174 ; Davis , W . M . 2266 ; Langley , W . M . 23 S 1 ; and R . H . Halford also replied . Responding to the toast of the "Masonic Charities , " Bro . James Terry warmly eulogised the efforts put forsvard by the Loyalty Lodge in the past , and made an eloquent appeal on behalf of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution .

The remainder of the toast list usual at such gatherings was then proceeded with . An interesting programme of music vvas efficiently carried through under the direction of Bro . G . F . Smith , P . P . G . O . Essex .

Lodge of Perseverance ( No . 1743 ) . —At Anderton ' s Hotel on Saturday last this lodge held its annual installation meeting , vvhen there was a large attendance of the brethren of the lodge , supplemented by a considerable number of visitors . Bros . C . J . Fox , the outgoing Master , assisted by his Wardens , Bros . C . Salter , S . VV ., Thomas Lovell , J . VV . ( W . M . elect ) , and his subordinate

officers , opened the lodge at four o'clock precisely , and proceeded to dispose of the formal business . The minutes of the last regular meeting and those of an emergency meeting held on the 3 rd June having been read and confirmed , tbe report of the Audit Committee vvas approved and adopted . Bros . C . W . Hicks and E . AV . Scolding were raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . The

ballot for Mr . Arthur William Fry svas not proceeded vvith as the gentleman svas not in attendance . Bro . A . L . Leins , P . M ., Treas ., then presented to the W . M ., Bro . Lovell , J . AV ., as the brother elected by the lodge to be their W . M . for the ensuing year , and a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and Bro . Lovell vvas installed in the chair of K . S . by Bro . Fox , whom he immediately invested

as I . P . M ., after which he proceeded to invest his officers , of which the follosving is a list : Bros . Squire , S . W . j John Stait , J . W . j A . L . Leins , P . M ., Treas . ; C . S . Ferry , P . M ., P . Z ., Sec ; O'Brian , S . D . j Wall , J . D . ; Belhomme , I . G . ; Tyrell , D . C . j Lonsdale , Asst . D . C . ; Frank Ssvinford , Org . j Watts and Park , Stwds . ; and Lane , Tyler . The recital of the three addresses to

the Master , Wardens , and brethren , and the concluding oration on the principles of Freemasonry completed the ceremony , vvhich vvas admirably performed by Bro . Fox . Bro . Stait , J . W ., having almost at the last moment represented the lodge at the last Festival of the Boys' School , for svhich he made a handsome collection in the space of three or four days , it vvas proposed and carried that a sum of five

guineas be added to his list from the lodge Benevolent Fund . During the lodge meeting Bro . Ferry , P . M ., the Secretary , read a letter he had received from Bro . Sparrow , P . M ., now in Australia , greeting his old friends of the Perseverance Lodge . At the conclusion of the banquet vvhich followed the business portion of the meeting , the customarv loval and

Masonic toasts vvere proposed from the cross-table , and were heartily received by the brethren , the intervals being enlivened by the vocal performances of Bros . Wm . Prise , Rubert Mantell , Mr . Sinclair Mantell , and Bro . Frank Ssvinford , the last-named having the responsibility of this portion of the entertainment . In proposing "The W . M . ' s Health" Bro . FoxI . P . M .

, , , said it vvas his privilege to propose the toast of the evening—to ask the brethren to drink to the health of their W . M . He recollected perfectly well that their esteemed AV . M ., Bro . Lovell , joined the lodge soon after he himself came in , and they had gone on shoulder to shoulder until Bro . Lovell had arrived , as his successor , at the proud position of Master of the lodge , and he was sure that Bro .

Lovell would turn out to be a very able Master , and that he would do all he could to promote the interests of the Perseverance Lodge . He , therefore , called on them to drink his health and to svish him an exceptionally good year of office . In reply , Bro . Lovell said that he thanked the I . P . M . for the very kind and flattering way in vvhich he had

proposed his health , and the brethren for the very kind reception they had given to it . As he had as it were only just put on the collar , the brethren would have to wait and see svhat measure of praise or otherwise svould be his due . The I . P . M . had earned their praise because he had done well for the lodge , and he ( Bro . Lovell ) , could only hope that with their kind assistance he might have an equally

successtul year of office . He sasv no reason why that should not be . The Perseverance had from its inception been a very successful lodge and , until recently , a most united lodge . It svas to be regretted that anything should have occurred to interrupt harmonious svorking , but vvhen such troubles did occurj they must do their best to meet them in a generous spirit and to irlide nvsr thp-m

as happily as they could . He hoped they vvould do this and that the year that lay before them would be one of uninterrupted prosperity and happiness , and that they svould meet together with the feeling that they vvere united in a common brotherhood , and that they did not meet as divided parties . He trusted that all would work harmoniously , and it svould be his endeavour

to bring about that result . Bro . Fox had spoken of him in very Haltering terms , and had referred to the nearness of tlieir times of entering the lodge and to their progress through it . For himself he could say that he had been very much benefited by rubbing up against Bro . Fox ' s shoulder . He was particularly pleased to be shoulder to shoulder vvith him on that occasion . He hoped his

successor would have the same happy inspiration svhen he ( Bro . Lovell ) left the chair . He had now to propose "The Health of Bro . Fox , " vvho had gone through the work of the year so svell , bringing that work to a close vvith the admirable performance they had svitnessed that day . He hoped Bro . Fox svould be spared for many years to show his genial face at their meetings . He felt it a privilege that it fell to his lot as Master to invest Bro . Fox with the iesvel

that had been voted by the lodge , and he hoped Bro . Fox vvould wear it , and that the lod ge would continue to have the benefit of his svise and generous zeal svhich they had enjoyed for the last 12 or 14 years . In replying , Bro . Fox said he felt that he had a very difficult task in attempting to reply in adequate terms to the very kind way in vvhich that toast had been submitted to their notice by the W . M . He could only say that it was a