Masonic Notes.

School Jubilee in 1 S 4 S has not yet been discovered . The minutes contain no reference to the subject , and as

yet at all events no reports in the press of the event have cropped up . It is unlikely , however , that the total exceeded that of the Girls'School Celebration ten years previously . In iSSS , the Institution for Girls celebrated

its Centenary under the presidency oi the Prince of Wales , and the 1475 Stewards had the satisfaction of raising a total of donations and subscriptions considerably exceeding ^ " 50 , 000 . Now there is a talk that even this large amount will ba surpassed on Wednesday

next . * * * The musical arrangements for Wednesday next at the Covent Garden Theatre , are very simple , and may be briefly described . There vvill be no concert as in

ordinary years , but the band of the Grenadier Guards , under Bro . Lieut . Dan Godfrey , vvill , by permission of the commanding officer , perform a choice selection of music during the evening .

There will be a large muster of ladies present at the banquet , and vve have no doubt the arrangements made for their entertainment will , as usual , give every satisfaction . The main body of these fair guests vvill dine

in the Crush Room , while those for whom accommodation cannot be found there will dine in the boxes in parties of ten , two boxes being made into one in order to allow of this being done . Those who dine here vvill certainly have a unique experience .

The Standard of the ioth instant has the following : "The late Colonel Shadwell Henry Clerke , of her Majesty's Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms , Grand Secretary of the Masonic Grand Lodge of England , late of Clifton Lodge , Upper Norwood , who died on the 25 th

December last , aged 55 years , leaving personalty sworn under , £ 12 , 252 , devises his real estate in county Galway and elsewhere to his elder son , St . John Gervase Shadwell Clerke , in whose favour the testator exercised his power of appointment of the settled family estates , of which

his brother , Colonel Holt Clerke , vvas tenant for life . He bequeaths to his wife , Mrs . Mary Bayley Clerke , ; £ ioo , his household effects , a further legacy of ^ 1000 , and the income for her life of the residue of his property , subject to the payment of £ 100 a year each tc

his two sons during the lifetime of Mrs . Clerke , on whose death the residuary estate is to be in trust as to one-fourth thereof each for the testator ' s two sons , and as to the remainder for his daughter , Henrietta Frances Beresford Clerke . "

* * In reference to the above , vve are informed that the personalty is actually valued at £ 10 , 500 , and produces , as at present invested , about £ 420 , on condition of the ¦ widow paying £ 100 per annum to each of the sons and

providing a home for the daughter . This would leave about , 6220 a year for the widow and daughter . It is more than probable , however , that the trustees vvill re-invest the money in securities suitable for trusts , and should this course be adopted the widow ' s income

would be reduced to £ 115 a year for herself and daughter . We arc further informed that the rumour that there was a marriage settlement is entirely without foundation , and that the legacy of £ 1000 above mentioned is included in the total .

We are authorised to state that Stewards and visitors attending the Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution are cordiall y invited to inspect the Boys' School , at Wood Green , on any day which may be convenient to them . On production of card , they

will be shown over the building , and will have an opportunity of seeing the improvements vvhich have been made by the present management . Convenient trains to Wood Green Station from King ' s Cross ( suburban ) G . N . R ., and to Green Lanes Station from Liverpool-street G . E . R ., at all hours during the day .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

I Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play t ( all to permit—within certain necessary limits—tree discussion ]

A CAUTION . To thc Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , May I warn the brethren against a man calling himself " Dawson , " and stating he is a jeweller and th .-it Im hi Inmji'rl I .. tin . V . * ,..,. ! I ... ]_ .. M ' ... .. ^ 3 ltllu i ^

„ fo— . „ ..... ,, „ . uue , 1 \ 0 . 47 , Nottingham . He wears plau-d spectacles . I shall be extremely obliged il , on " Dawson " calling , a . telegram is sent to ine to say where he is . —Yours fraternall y , EDGAR GOBLE , Prov . G . Sec . Hants and Isle of Wight . Fareham , Feb . 15 .

When To Ballot For A Candidate.

WHEN TO BALLOT FOR A CANDIDATE .

To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The consensus of opinion expressed in recent correspondence in your columns reveals a general wish

that more care should be taken in the selection of candidates for initiation . When a name is lirst submitted is undoubtedly the best time to consider whether the person proposed is desirable or otherwise .

Supposing there are objections , vvhich to one brother are serious and to another brother are frivolous , and vu the belief that they are not considered sufficient on vvhich to oppose the admission of the person proposed , the name is placed on the summons for next meeting of the lodge . Then comes vvhat may be taken as a little pressure , for I understand that it is a common

custom to ballot for and to initiate the same night . The proposer tells his friend to be in readiness to be initiated at such and such an hour and evening . In the premises where the lodge is held , perhaps the nominee is introduced to members of the lodge then assembling , and it is taken as a mere matter of course that his initiation . ' / ill be proceeded with after the

formality of the ballot has been gone through . Thus , from a feeling of honourable delicacy , and an unwillingness to place the brother who proposed the candidate in an awkward and unenviable position , the ballot is allowed to pass , notwithstanding the faint whisperings of the " still small voice" that a mistake is being made .

Now , I do not say that any member should be induced to vote for or abstain from voting against a candidate against whom he has what , in his judgment , are real objections . But I do say that this custom of the ballot and the initiation taking place on the same evening diminishes the value of the ballot as a safeguard , whichshould never , under any circumstance be reckoned

as a mere formality . To propose at one meeting , ballot at the next , and initiate at the next after that , would not , to my mind , bean unreasonable delay , for there can be no necessity for haste in a matter of this kind . In the case of any one going abroad there might be a reason for shortening these intervals , but for those permanently residing in a

town or city there can be no need for haste . It frequently occurs that those who do not or cannot attend lodge regularly never hear of a proposal , and only learn from the lodge summons of a candidate coming forward . They may know more about him than any member of the lodge , yet , when it has gone so far , they hesitate to put the veto to his admission .

Then , again , it often happens that the fact of a candidate being proposed by a Past Master of the lodge is reckoned as being beyond cavil or reproach . Notwithstanding " the divinity that doth hedge " a Past Master , the youngest member of the lodge has a perfect right to speak out , and be listened to with respect , on any matter affecting the welfare of his lodge . ROUGH ASHLAR .

Reviews.

Reviews .

MASONIC CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF HERTFORDSHIRE FOR 1 S 32 . This is an excellent publication , ably edited by Bro . Charles Bullock , Prov . Grand Secretary , and its usefulness is soapparent , that the brethren , thus so thoughtfully catered for , should soon clear out the edition . There are two special features in this year's issue—a capital portrait of Bro . T .

F . Halsey , M . P ., the esteemed P . G . M ., vvhich will be highly valued by the members of the province , and live pages of closely-printed matter , devoted to " Noteworthy Events in Hcitlordslure Freemasonry . " The annals begin with 1739 , and are brought down by easy stages to the year iSyi . 1 he lirst Calendar for " Little Herts" was edited by Bro . T . S . Carter , P . M . 403 , in 1 S 76 " , and subsequently the handy publication has been issued by the authority of the Provincial

Grand Lodge , which all should be , as it is not fair to place such a burden on any private brother , however willing and able , as many arc . Full particulars are afforded of the 21 lodges and other Masonic bodies , and having now attained its majority , as respects the number of lodges , it seems fair to drop its old title of " Little Herts "aforesaid , and select a name more in accordance with its size , dignity , and importance . ¦

MASONIC CALENDAR OF LODGES , COUNCILS , & c , MEETING AT MARK MASONS' HALL , AND ROLL OF GRAND OFFICERS FROM 185 G . iSya . This very handy and vary useful publication , carefully edited by the Grand Mark Secretary , Bro . C . Fitzgerald Matier , is now in its seventh year of issue , is published by the authority of the General Board , and is always heartily

welcomed by the students and supporters of Mark Masonry . The present annual must have entailed a lot more labour in its production than its predecessor for itiyi , as the Calendar gives under each month all the engagements in connection vvith the Grand Lodgeof . Mirk Masters , and the days of meeting of all the lodges , chapters , and councils vvhich assemble in the commodious Mark Masons '

Hall , thus rendering the handsomely got-up Calendar indispensable to members of such bodies . This year has also the names and particulars of the annuitants ( male and lomalc ) , and complete list of pupils ( hoys and girls ) , so that the new features are additions of considerable utility . The roll of Grand Ollicers from 1 S 56 is a capital

compilation , and as it includes the Prov . Grand Alasters and Deputy Prov . Grand Alasters of all provinces ( and districts ) , this meritorious publication is virtually a condensed history of the rise and progress of the Alark Degree . As a trilling sum will secure copies from the editor , those who desire them had better not delay their application .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Ht ^ ffl ^ g gfi ^^ l

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Grand Master ' s Lodge ( No . j ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge took place at l ' reemasons' Tavern , on the 15 th ult ., but the banquet vvas postponed until the following month owing to the death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale . On that occasion Bro . Alderman J . C . Dimsdale , P . G . S .,

was installed in the chair by the W . AL , Bro . H . Homewood Crawford , who very ably performed the ceremony . The new W . M . appointed his ollicers as follows ; Bros . H . H . Crawford , P . G . S ., LP . AL ; Charles Belton , P . M ., P . D . G . D . C , S . W . ; Alajor-Gen . F . Gadsden , P . AL , P . D . G . W . . Madras , J . W . j Ralph Gooding , M . D ., P . M ., P . G . S ., P . G . D ., Treas . ; Bradshaw Brown , P . AL , P . G . S .,

Sec ; T . Poultney Gnlfin , P . AL , G . S ., S . D . ; Joseph Rock , P . AL , J . D . j Richard Eve , P . M ., P . O . Treas ., D . C ; Richard Creed , I . G . j and E . W . Stillwell , P . AL , P . Prov . G . Stwd ., and Thomas Dinwiddy , Stewards . At the meeting on the 15 th inst ., the chair was occupied by the W . AL , bro . Alderman Dimsdale , who , alter opening the lodge , requested Bro . Ralph Gooding , P . M .

and Treasurer , to perform the ceremony ot raising , winch was efficiently done . The other business was to elect a Grand Steward for the ensuing year , and the J . W ., Bro . Major-General Gadsden , was unanimously chosen . The R . W . the Deputy Grand Alaster , the Earl ot Alount Edgcumbe , was elected an honorary member . The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned

to a banquet , which was excellently served by Alessrs . Spiers and Pond . The W . AL presided , and was supported by a large , ' numuerof Grand Ollicers , members , and visitors , among whom were Bros . W . W . B . Beach , R . W . P . G . AI . Hants and Isle of Wight ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C ; Richard Eve , P . G . Treas . ; F . A . Philbrick , G . Reg . ; E . K .

Bayley , J . G . D . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D . ; G . Prior Goldney , City Remembrancer , P . G . D . ; Dr . Ralph Gooding , P . G . D . ; Charles belton , P . D . G . D . C . ; Dr . Tuttle Pigott , P . A . G . D . C ; Col . Harding , P . A . G . D . C ; Charles Alartin , P . A . G . D . C ; C F . Alatier , P . G . Std . Br . ; T . P . Gntlin , G . Stwd . ; John Dimsdalej F . Gordon Brown , P . O . S . ; G . R . Steel , P . G . S . ; E . Fenner , P . G . S . ; H .

H . Crawford , P . G . S . ; Shaw Brown , P . G . S . ; Admiral Alarkham ; G . Findlay , P . G . S . ; Dr . Zacharie ; Walter Ebbetts , P . G . S . ; Stevenson Hoyte , G . S . ; F . W . Kingdon ; C . H . Shoppee , P . G . S . ; Lister Lane ; Lennox Browne , V . P . Bd . L . en . Purposes ; Heather Bigg ; Gabriel Lindo ; Dr . Aledwin , P . G . S . j Arthur Oswald j Dr . Robson Roose ; Robert Gresley Hall , P . G . S . ; R . V . Somers Smith j 11 .

Cowellboyesj b . Emanuel ; and J . Hampton Hall . 'ihe toast of " The Queen and the Craft " having been duly honoured , that ot "' The Grand Alaster , H . R . H . tlic Prince of VVales" was proposed by the W . AL , who expressed his sorrow at the loss that had been sustained by the Koyal Family and the country at large , by the death ol the Dul < e ot Clarence and Avondale , remarking that in no

portion of the community was greater sympathy felt than amongst Freemasons . 'The Worshiptul Alaster then proposed the toastof "Tlie Pro Grand Alaster , the Earl ot Lathom ; the Deputy Grand AIaster , the Earl of Alount Edgcumbe ; and the rest ot the Grand Ollicers , Present and Past . " They had to deplore , he said , the loss during the past year of the Earl

ot Carnarvon , Sir Robert N . l'owler , and more recently the late Grand Secretary , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , wnose genial lace and kindly smile they sadly missed at tbeir meeting . Both the Pro Grand Alaster and the Deputy brand Alaster were members of No . 1 , and they lud present one of the oldest and most respected Provincial Grand Alasters in the person of the R . W . Prov . Grand

Alasterof Hampshire and the Isle of Wight , Bro . \ V . W . li . Beach , to whom thev offered a hearty welcome . Bro . Beach , in rep ' ly , remarked tnat the Pro Grand Master , the . Earl of Littvoin , had done much to prolific the prosperity ot the Oalt . Unfortunately death had m ;> Jc great havoc in their ranks . The death of the Duke ol clarence vvas a great blow to . Masons and the nation . He

( the speaker ) paid a warm tribute to the memory of tilt late Crand Secretary , Bro . Col . Clerke , than wnum , ^ said , a better Alason never lived . He concluded by complimenting the lodge on its excellent working . bro . Crawford , I . P . M ., said he had a pecular pleasure in proposing the toast of - Tne W . AL , Bro . Alderman Ui " * >• dale . " Ihey had been initiated together , but he had the

honour ot preceding lum ( the W . AI . ) in the chair oi tl ' ' lodge . Both owed their initiation to Bro . Gooding , - ^ that night Bro . Gooding-had taken an important part in ' lotlge ceremonies . lie ( Bro . Crawtord ) , in common wiM ail present , regretted the loss of Bro . Alderman Fowler , » -no if he had lived would have hailed vvith great pleasure tlic installation of his lnend Alderman Dimsdale in the chair "'

the Grand Alaster s Lodge . Bro . Dimsdale , in reply , lirst offered his thanks to I " ; Gooding for so eliiciently performing the ceremony of ia ' ing , which , he said , was worthy of No . 1 Lodge , and concluded by assuring the brethren that it would ever bc W endeavour to maintain thc position of their ancient lod ^ C j ' •1 he Visitors' " toast was then given , and replied i" )

Bros . Findlay and Admiral Alarkham . . The toast of "Ihe Past Alasters" was given by " W . AL , and Uro . 11 . II . Crawlord , LP . AL , replied . , Ihe toastof" Ihe Ollicers" lollowed , and was rep " - ' " toby the S . W ., Bro . Chas . Belton , and the Tyler's , iu » bioiieht the evening ' s proceedings to a close . , Ulllll ^ lll . III . . bV ^ lllll ^ £ 3 J . l \ J \ . \ . \ . \ ... lfaO IV >* . IWrt" 1 ,

, An excellent programme of music was provided by ' Organist ot the lodge , Bro . Henry Parker . During " j dinner the string band ot the London Rille Brigade rem'c' ^ several selections of music under tbe conductors !!!! ' ot } ' ' Hiram Henton , and special mention must be made ol charming part singing ot the Aleister Glee Singers .

Fidelity Lodge ( No . 3 ) . —This ancient U # held its installation inteting at l ' reeinasuns' Hall , Oucen-street , W . C , on Wednesday , the ioth inst ., » ' j there was a good attendance to witness the installation Bro . Henry S . Wellcome as W . M ., thc presence ot numcr "