Original Corrrespondence.

Original Corrrespondence .

SATURDAY , J 26 , i 8 b 6 . ^ r ^ T » ^ -g ^^« i ^ rwvvx » rvvvvvv-yviMiry i < Nryf vM

£ \ Ve do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of theopinionsexpressedby ourcorrespondents , but wewish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion , ]

BOYS' SCHOOL FESTIVAL . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I am daily in receipt of evidence of the prejudical effects , so far as our interests are concerned , of the present political crisis . Under these circumstances , though I fear

an appeal , however urgent , will now be too late to be of service , I feel constrained to submit for the sympathetic consideration of our friends the peculiarly unfortunate exigencies of our position , in the hope that those who may have hesitated in giving us their support will be inclined to extend that help which we at this juncture so sorely need . — Very truly and fraternally yours .

FREDERICK BINCKES , Secretary . 6 , Freemasons' Hall , W . C , 24 th June . INSTALLATION OF H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE GRAND MARK MASONS .

To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Can you inform Mark Master Masons how or why they are to be divided into two separate parties at the lunch to follow the installation of H . R . H . as Grand Mark Master on the 1 st prox—part , and that the bulk , are to lunch and pay for it at the Freemasons' Tavern—part in

the Venetian Saloon of the Holborn , as guests of H . R . H . ( so it is said ) , as H . R . H . cannot stay to lunch . What necessity is there for this invidious distinction ? Were only Prov . Grand Mark Masters to be thus favoured no great objection could be taken , but their deputies are also invited . Now , these only rank as Grand Deacons , why then should superior Grand Mark Officers be

left out ? Nay , even if all the Prov . Grand Mark Masters attended and their deputies they would not require so large a room as the "Venetian , " and the inference is that a select (?) large party will be invited ; if so , anything but a fraternal spirit will be engendered , and a departure from the usual and time-honoured Masonic practice will set a very bad precedent . —Yours faithfully , June 19 . P . G . O .

PAST MASTERS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In reply to Hro . Budden and others , Past Masters of lodges were not members of Grand Lodge by the Conititutions of 1784 . They first appear as such in the Constitutions of 1 S 15 . There seems to have been after that

time some doubt as to their status as in 1 S 22 . The following appears on the minutes : — * ' Grand Lodge , 5 th June , 1 S 22 . "The Board of General Purposes reported that they had maturely considered the subject referred to them by the Grand Lodge * as to the right of P . M . 's to sit in the Grand Lodge , and under what circumstances they may be disqualified , and that they are of opinion that by the Art .

page iS , Book of Constitutions , the right granted is a personal one inasmuch as it is continued to the individual after he may have quitted the lodge in which he served the office of Master , provided he be a member of or join any other lodge within 12 months from the period when he so quitted , and that the 3 rd Sect ., page ic > , _ is intended to aoolv only to the immediate P . M . positively , he being

considered one of the representatives of the lodge , and to the other Past Mssters only relatively , that is in event of their not being subscribing members to some other lodge . On motion made the said report was adopted . " Past Grand Officers were first constituted members of Grand Lodge in 17 6 ; . Article 1 of the Constitutions of this date reads : " All who are , or have been Grand Officers , shall be members of , and . vote in all Grand Lodges . " — Yours faithfully , P . P . G . SEC .

Reviews

REVIEWS

THE MASSACHUSETTS PROCEEDINGS . The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts rank with the best published in America , and are most readable and instructive . The one before me now closes the year 1885 , and contains over 300 pages of most interesting matter , many of the addresses and reports being much above the usual . Thev appear to be bothered with Masonic

tramps in the United States , as we are in England ; hence , in order to prevent imposition , but also to secure relief for the needy and worthy , a convention was held at Baltimore on the 31 st August last , agreeably to a call issued by authority of the Grand Lodge of Maryland , which was attended by many distinguished brethren from different parts of the United States and Canada , the M . W . Bro . T . J . Shryock and the members of his Grand Lodge doing their utmost ta

extend a warm greeting to the visitors . The convention has resulted in the formation of the " General Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada , " which appears to me a step in the right direction , and will prove most benefic ial in its operations . At the Grand Lodge held in December last the M . W . Bro . Abraham H . Howland , jun ., was again unanimously elected to the arduous and responsible office of Grand Master , thus proving the hearty appreciation of his services for the Craft by the members . Our good friend Bro . William T . R . Marvin , of

Reviews

Brookline , the author of the best work on Masonic medals ever written , was elected to the office of Senior Grand Warden , which will please much his large circle of friends ; Bro . Samuel Wells , of Boston , was , of course , re-elected Grand Treasurer ; and our dear Bro . Sereno D . Nickerson , Past G . M ., was again electtd Recording Grand Secretary , a special honour doubtless to him , but one also paid to the Grand Lodge , for the compliment is reciprocal , a better Grand Secretary being impossible . I am glad to note that

the Grand Lodge has recognised the Grand Lodge of South Australia , the former body extending to lhe latter " its good wishes for its prosperity , and offers its fraternal cooperation . " This , beit remembered , comes after the recognition extended by the Grand Lodges of England , Scotland and Ireland , such acknowledgment being delayed in the most fraternal manner by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts until this action of the mother Grand Lodges more immediately concerned .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft JHasonrg .

DOVER . —Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 199 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 7 th inst ., at the Royal Oak Hotel . The lodge was opened by Bro . T . Hearn , and after the usual formal business , the W . M . installed Bro . James Walter Bussey ( Dover Town Councillor ) . The ceremony of installation and subsequent addresses were carried out by Bro . Thomas Hearn in a very impressive manner . The

newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . Thomas Hearn , I . P . M . ; Andreas F . L . Fredericksen , S . W . ; George James Bussey , J . W . ; Rev . V . S . Vickers , P . M ., P . G . C ., Chap . ; Edward Lukey , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., Treasurer ; James D . Tcrson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., Secretary ; George Church , S . D . ; John Falconer , J . D . ; F . VV . Prescott , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; Woldemar

O . Kennett , W . M . 120 S , Organist ; William Francis Moore , I . G . ; Watson Walker , Stwd . ; and George Willson , Tyler . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room ,, wherelan excellent dinner was provided by Bro . Philpott . The cloth being removed , the following toasts were proposed : "The Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . the

Grand Master of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " "The M . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon ; the R , VV . the Deputy Grand Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom ; and the rest of the Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " "The R . W . the Provincial Grand Master of Kent , the Right Hon . the Earl Amherst , " "The W . Deputy Provincial Grand

Master of Kent , Bro . James Smith Eastes , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " "The Worshipful Master , " "The Installing Master , " " The Visitors , " " The Past Masters of the Lodge , " " W . M . and Brethren of the Corinthian Lodge , No . 1208 , " "The Masonic Institutions , " "The Officers of the Lodge , " and the Tyler ' s toast .

About fifty-five brethren sat down to dinner under the presidency of the newly-installed W . M ., Bro . J . W . Bussey , among whom were—besides the officers of the lodge—the Worshipful Mayor , Bro . W . J . Adcock , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; Bros . G . B . Chapman , W . M . 299 ; Charles Barringer , W . M . 1436 ; John Capps , W . M . 7 84 ; J . A . Browning , P . M . 784 , P . G . Supt . Wks . ; A . Green , P . M . 200 , P . G .

D . C . Hants ; W . Sharp , C 61 : VV . Eastland , 94 ; W . J . Vincent , J . W . 1564 ; W . H . Windmill , J . Durden , VV . Walker , J . Wood , C H . C . Marsh , O . N . Nazer , A . Whelch , W . G . Lewis , G . Saville , James Horn , and J . Gifford . The following were the visiting brethren from the Corinthian Lodge : Bros . VV . O . Kennett , W . M . ; W .

Smeeth , P . M ., P . P . G . A . P . ; C . C . Walter , M . D ., P . M . ; James Holmes , P . M . ; P . O . Potter , P . M . ; J . J . Wright , j . W . ; C . L . Adams , J . D . ; W . W . Burkett , I . G . ; and others . During the evening some capital songs were rendered by Bros . J . Horn , Gifford , and others . The musical arrangements were under the conductorship of Mr . Sanderson .

BELFAST . —Duke of | Leinster Lodge ( No . 259 ) . —This lodge held a reunionof their members and friends Masonic Hall , Arthur-square , on the 14 th inst . There was a good attendance of the brethren , who sat down to tea , which was served up in a manner which reflected credit on the caterer , Mr . Crawford . After the gnod things had been partaken of , Bro . Forbes Gully , W . M .,

gave the usual Masonic sentiments , which were heartily received and duly honoured . The W . M . referred to the pleasant occasion on which their reunion was held , and in a suitable address presented ( on behalf of the lodge ) Bro . R . 15 . Andrews with a P . M . ' s

jewel as a mark of esteem and appreciation for the valuable services which he has rendered to the lodge since its formation . Bro . Andrews having appropriately replied , songs and recitations were given at intervals , and the singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings of a very pleasant and enjoyable reunion to a close .

HALESWORTH . —Prudence Lodge ( No . 38 S ) . —The anniversary meetingof the above lodge was held on Monday , the 21 st inst ., when Bro . Chas . H . White was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year , the ceremony being ably performed by Bro . A . E . Smith , P . M . 3 S 8 and igS 3 , P . P . G . J . D . The W . M . invested his officers for the year as under : Bros . Canova , P . M ., S . W . ; J . O . Green , I . W . ; R . Titlow , Treas . ; A . E . Smith , P . M ., Sec ;

W . G . Gale , S . D . j J . F . Margetson , J . D . ; R . 1 ' itlow , I . G . ; and James Miller , Tyler . There was a large attendance of the brethren , the visitors including Bros . J . V . Smith , 1538 ; R . Bullen , 943 ; E . N . Adnams , 1983 ; T . Sergeant , 1983 ; W . J . Brown , 1983 ; L . J . Woodard , 936 ; F . D . Bright , 916 ; H . Buckingham , 85 ; Rev . Canova , 213 ; and 0 . G . Rackham , 19 S 3 . The banquet was subsequently held , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drunk .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

AYLESBURY . —Buckingham Lodge ( No . 591 ) . —lhe annual installation meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , on Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., and there was a good attendance of members and visitors . The VV . M ., Bro . Hales , was in the chair . After disposing of the business which stood first on the agenda list , the new W . M ., Bro . Harry Martin , was installed in his office

by Bro . Hales , the I . P . M ., and the officers for the ensuing vear were appointed as follows : Bros . H . Martin , W . M . ; j . K . H . Fowler , S . W . ; S . K . Page , J . W . ; J . E . D . Ostrehan , S . D . ; L N . Simms , J . D . ; J . Lawson , P . M ., D . of C . ; A . Mayne , I . G . ; F . J . Brown , Stwd . ; F . Payne , Tyler ; and J . N . Hodgkinson , Assist . Tyler .

' 1 he annual banquet was afterwards held at the Bull ' s Head Hotel , and was served by Bro . Simms in the most satisfactory manner . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the proceedings passed off with eclat . The musical part of the evening was under the able superintendence of Bro . Bateman , P . P . G . P . O ., and gave great satisfaction .

CHORLEY . —Ellesmere Lodge ( No . 730 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , Town Hall . Present : Bros . Thos . Sharpies , VV . M . ; John Bradshaw , S . W . ; Layland Eccles , J . W . ; J . M . Kerr , P . P . G . S . of VV . West Lanes ., Treas . ; Geo . Tootell , Sec ; Dr . S . Farmer , J . D ; John Monks , I . G . ; C A . Richmond , Stwd . ; Jas . lolly , Tjler ;

Jos . Barnes , P . M . ; Thomas Forrester , P . M ., P . P . G . D . West Lanes . ; Jas . Corbitt , P . M . ; J . B . Whitnell , P . M . ; his Worship the Mayor , John Heald , P . M . ; B . P . France , Geo . Davies , Sam . Widows , G . G . Koppenhagen , and John Sharpies . Visitors : Bros . Atkins and Rice , of 1032 . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Sharpies , the minutes were read and confirmed . Bro . Dr . Farmer , J . D .,

then gave the lecture on the first tracing board in his usual very fine style , for which he received a vote of thanks . Bro . John Bradshaw , S . W ., was elected W . M . for the ensuing year by a unanimous vote , and Bro . Thos . Sharpies was elected Treasurer in place of Bro . Kerr , who has held that office for the past four years and is now leaving for India . Bro . Forrester , on behalt of himself and the officers

of the Earl of Lathom Chapter , No . 730 , presented the lodge with a very good photograph , enlarged and coloured , and richly framed , of Bro . Kerr , in his provincial regalia , which the VV . M . accepted on behalf of the lodge , and Bro . Kerr acknowledged the compliment in a few brief remarks . Bro . Thos . Forrester was elected Chari ty Steward for the ensuing year . The ballot was taken in favour of Bro .

T . W . Rice , 993 , as a joining member , and was unanimous . Bro . L . Eccles proposed , and Bro . John Heald , P . M . 730 and 1032 ( the Mayor ) seconded , that Mr . hlijah Smith be admitted a member of 730 . Bro . E . Hunter Atkins , 1032 , and Bro . A . Giles , 30 , were duly proposed as joining members . The business being concluded , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned .

HOUNSLOW—Dalhousie Lodge ( No . 865 ) . — This lodge held its installation meeting in the Town Hall , on Wednesday , the 161 I 1 inst . Present : Bros . H . B . Corston , W . M . ; R . H . Williams , S . W ., and W . M . elect , P . P . G . S ., P . G . J . D . ; C . A . Walters , P . M ., Treas ., P . P . G . S . D . ; W . Johnson , P . M ., Sec ; H . Jackson , S . D . j S . VV . Keene , D . C . ; W . C . Williams , W . S . ; C . B .

Corston , P . M . ; H . Blunden , P . M . ; W . H . Causlon , G . Swann , W . Watson , C Woods , A . H . Strong , J . Doble , C . B . Banard , A . Moloney , P . J . Davies , J . Lewaine , W . E . Edwards , and T . Hiscock . Among the numerous and distinguished visitors were Bros . H . T . Hobbs , D . C . 209 ; W . J . Murlis , P . M . 1642 ; C . B . Price , 1585 ; J . R , Hubbard , I . G . ; Jesse Collings , si 1 and P . M . 1585 ; J . R .

Morley , J . W . 1 S 91 ; W . Windsor , 1585 and Org . 1891 ; C Ellis , J . W . 1044 ; G . T . Thomasson , 209 ; E . Ayling , P . M . 975 ; I . Browne , W . M . 162 ; VV . Side , P . M . 2045 ; H . Perks , W . M . 209 ; H . Howard , 1744 ; G . G . Rumba ! , IJ 6 J ; A . Williams , W . S . 834 ; C . VV . Cunningham , 1612 ; G . Young , 1612 ; W . Game , P . M . 511 ; andW . G . Vassie , ' 7 ? 7 ' . 1 he minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . J . Morgan Long ,

Mr . Edward Clare , and Mr . William John Gardiner , which proving unanimous in their favour they were dul y initiated into the mysteries of the Order . Bro . James Doble was then passed to the Degree of a F . C The Installing Master being unavoidably absent , Bro . Collings , P . M ., was asked , and kindly consented to fulfil that most important duty . Bro . R . H . Williams was then presented and dulv

installed in a very able and impressive manner , after which the W . M . was pleased to appoint the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Cross ( who was absent ) , S . W . ; H . Jackson , J . W . ; C A . Walters , P . M ., Treas ., W . Johnson , P . M ., Sec ; S . W . Keene , S . D . ; W . C . Williams , J D . ; W . Watson , I . G . ; Upjohn and G . Swan , Stwds .

The Auditors' report ivas read ' and approved , and after very hearty greetings from the brethren , and all Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Red Lion to partake of a most excellent banquet , which was served by the Host Mr . Bull , in his well-known recherche and bountiful style . After the removal of the cloth the usual loyal and

Masonic toasts were most admirably given by the W . M . and duly honoured . Some very appropriate speeches were made after "The Health of the Visitors" by Bros . Collings , P . M . ; Ayling , P . M . ; A . Williams , J . W . Morley , and several other brethren , all of whom most heartily congratulated the W . M . on the splendid commencement of his year of office , and wishing him a continuance of it .

Between the toasts several brethren contributed some very excellent songs , among which we may mention Bros . A . Williams , Windsor , W . C . Williams , C . B . ; Price , and several other brethren . "The Officers '" toast being the last the W . M . impressed on them the necessity of attending punctually to their duties , and assisting him in the working of the lodge . This brought to a close one of the most successful meetings of this rising and prosperous lodge .

WORKINGTON . —Sun and Sector Lodge ( No . 9 62 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., at the lodge room , Portlandsquare . The lodge was duly opened under the presidency