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SATURDAY , AUGUST 27 , 1887 .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of the opinions expressed by ourcorrespondents . but we wish in aspirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion J ¦ - MASONIC ELECTIONS .

To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , All brethren who have attended and assisted in the elections to our Institutions are aware of the annually increasing- number of votes , and the difficulty of dealing- with them in the limited time necessarily allowed for the poll . Provincial representatives are entrusted with large

parcels of voting papers , for the most part representing single votes or small numbers . These papers frequently , indeed generally , cannot be marked until the last moment , owing to the necessities of loan or exchange ; and it has become almost impossible for the representative of any province to undertake the work of an election single-handed . It has occurred to me that it would contribute to the

general convenience , facilitate the conduct of the elections , and promote accuracy and promptness in the declaration of the poll , if duly signed voting papers , unmarked for any candidate , could be deposited at the respective officesa lew days before each election in parcels of 100 each , and the Secretaries were authorised to issue in exchange a voucher , for the purpose of polling , representing 100 votes , which

could be filled in for one candidate only . The voting papers thus deposited should be produced to and examined by the scrutineers . Probably the larger number of provincial votes would be sent up for registration under such regulation , and the certificates would readily pass from province to province wilh the minimum of trouble and postage , and a diminution of the labour and risk of error involved in the hurried marking of numerous voting

papers . It does not appear to me that any alteration of rules would be needful , and I shall be glad to hear the opinion of brethren interested in the conduct of the elections on this proposal . If it meets with their approval , I will willingly undertake to bring it before the General Committees . —Yours fraternally , J . BODENHAM . Edgmond , Nevvpoit , Salop , August 23 rd .

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Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

LEWES . —South Saxon Lodge ( No . 311 ) . —The brethren of the above lodge had a most pleasant evening on Wednesday , the 17 th inst . After the transaction of the usual business at the Freemasons' Hall , the party journeyed to Newhaven , and partook of an excellent banquet at the London and Paris Hotel , provided by the manager , Bro . Lewis , in first-class style . The Master of the

lodge , Bro . George Holman , presided , and those present ncluded Bros . S . Tanner , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; W . D . Stone , P . M . ; G . Chapman , P . M . ; J . H . Every , l . P . M . ; A . Holman , P . M . ; R . H . Ellman , P . M . 1303 J H . Turner , Prov . G . Std . Br . Surrey ; J . W . Broad , D . C ; S . Stone , J . W . ; S . Peters , S . W . ; A . Russell , Sec . ; G . Wilson , Councillor Hayler , Captain Phillips , W . Stone , J . D . ; j .

C . Tolman , N . C Bull , W . Hobbs , J . Peters , S . Lower , R . Weston , J . Snelgrove , 1303 ; S . Starnes , Organist ; and others . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . Bro . Tanner , in proposing the toast of "The Worshipful Master , " expressed the pleasure it afforded him of

testifying to the working ability displayed by Bro . Holman , who had successfully filled all the minor offices ; and , alluding to the artistic manner in which the minutes had been recorded during the two years the W . M . was Secretary , said it was a credit to any lodge to be able to produce such excellent work . The Worshipful Master , in reply , stated that it had

formerly been the custom to meet the Newhaven brethren once a year in their own locality , and although it had recently been more honoured in the breach than in the observance , it afforded him considerable pleasure to have revived so pleasant an opportunity of strengthening the ties of Masonic brotherhood . Several other toasts followedincluding " The

New-. , haven Brethren , " which was especially well received . Bros . W . D . Stone and Hobbs , in replying , endorsed the remarks of the W . M ., and spoke of the satisfaction it afforded them in receiving the Lewes brethren at Newhaven , which they trusted would again become an annual

event . With no lack of musical ability , the evening passed away very enjoyably , and by the kindness of the Railway Company special carriages were despatched to Lewes soon after the arrival of the boat train , for the convenience of those { r « m that town .

PELTHAM . —Lebanon Lodge ( No . 1326 ) . —The ' Su 'ar meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on Sat" rday , the 20 th inst ., at the Railway Hotel ; Bro . James S . / ence , W . M . There were present Bros . R . H . Thrupp , W » ., D . P . G . M . Middlesex , P . A . G . D . C ; J . F . H . Woodward , P . M ., P . G . Sec . Middlesex , P . G . S . B . ; J . J . S-areh , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . Middlesex ; E . A . Smith , g'W . ; S . Page , Treas . ; J . W . Baldwin , P . M ., Sec , r -t- . G . D . Middlesex : W . H . Walters , J . D . j A . Lawton

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and J . R . Cox , Stewards ; J . Gilbert , P . G . Tyler Middlesex , Tyler ; A . Robertson , W . H . Davey , W . Kite , F . Trinder , W . Drew , R . H . Sworn , and many others . We noticed amongst the visitors Bros . F . T . C . Keeble , P . M . 1426 ; J . S . W . E . Sharman , 1691 ; and some more whose names we did not catch . _ The work done was raising Bros . W . Drew , F . Trinder , and J . S . W . E . Sharman , 1691 , to the Third Degree . The

work was beautifully done . It was the first time that Bro . James Laurence , W . M ., ever did any ceremony in his mother lodge . He was installed on July 16 th , and the grand expectations of the members were exceeded . Much—very much—was expected of the W . M ., and it is very satisfactory to note that every one was satisfied with his working . He rendered the all important ceremony

of raising in as able a manner as it had ever been done by any of his numerous predecessors . It was a great Masonic treat to be present and listen to his painstaking working , hvery portion of the ceremony was given . All his working was correct , impressive , and good . The W . M . was heartily congratulated by every P . M . present for his admirable working . It augurs well for his year of office .

Several gentlemen were proposed for initiation . Notice of motion was given about the proposed testimonial to the late Secretary , Bro . Frederick Walters , P . P . G . D . Middx ., P . M ., who , through continued ill health , had given up the Secretaryship and nearly all of his Masonic engagements . Apologies excusing and regretting non-attendance caused by circumstances entirely beyond their own control were

received from the following members -. Bros . W . R . Vassila , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., l . P . M . ; F . Waiters , P . P . G . D . Middx ., P . M . ; J . Mason , P . P . G . S . D . Middx ., P . M . ; J . Stevens , P . M . ; C . W . Baker , J . W . ; F . Dunstan , Org . ; W . Walters , S . D . ; J . A . Wilson , I . G . ; and J . C .

Goslin , D . C . All business being ended , the lodge was closed . The usual banquet , served under Bro . Harris's personal superintendence , followed . The loyal toasts were given and received . After a few hours spent in social enjoyment , the brethren separated , and returned to town .

WALTHAM CROSS . —King Harold Lodge ( No . 1327 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held at the Foure Swannes Hostelrie on Thursday , the iSth inst . I'he attendance was numerous , more than 60 brethren being present , amongst whom were Bros . A . Sproat , P . G . S ., W . M . ; W . A . Rogers , P . P . J . G . D ., P . M . ; J . Noyes , P . P . G . P ., P . M . ; W . Lewis , Prov .

G . P ., l . P . M . ; W . Gilbert , P . P . G . W ., P . M . ; J . Robinson , P . P . G . W ., P . M . ; J . Knight , P . P . G . Supt . Wks ., P . M . ; S . Jacobs , P . P . G . P ., P . M . ; J . Tydeman , P . P . G . P . Essex , P . M . ; J . Fisher , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . ; G . Holdsworth , S . W . ; F . M . Bilby , J . W . ; E . West , P . P . S . G . D . P . M ., and Treas . ; T . Reilly , P . P . G . P ., P . M ., Sec ; P . L . Blackmore , J . D . ; W . Edwards , I . G . ; R .

Middlehurst and J . Howlett , Stwds . ; A . G . Young , Tyler ; E . J . Watkins , C . W . Ford , E . G . Piatt , D . J . Witte , H . Ramsden , H . Track , G . H . Burgam , W , Milam , J . Priddle , H . Peacock , W . Metcalf , W . H . Bickel , G . S . Metcalf , J . Crockett , J . Mark , J . H . Maxfield , C . Broadbury , D . Medcalf , H . E . Smith , T . Welsh , B . Goodale , R . Stables , W . Bull , A . Robin , C . Phipps , J .

Maycock , C . W . Wiggs , J . Shuter , and W . P . Atdridge . Visitors : Bros . G . Wyatt , Oriental Lodge ; J . Long , 1445 ; J- Gaskell , P . M . 1076 ; W . Medcalf , W . J . Bassett , W . M . 212 ; ] . Truman , 1549 ; G . Sargeant , 19 S 7 ; H . W . Stanley , 1472 ; W . J . Musto , P . M . 1349 ; J . Dicks , 1437 ; W . G . Bailey , 1276 ; and W . Mavor , 1309 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of

last meeting read and confirmed . The ceremonies of initiation and raising were very eloquently performed by the retiring W . M ., Bro . W . A . Sproat , P . P . G . S . The W . M . elect , Bro . G . Holdsworth , having been obligated in the usual form by Bro . W . A . Sproat , the ceremony of installing him into the chair of K . S . was very ably performed by tiro . J . Robinson , Past Grand Warden , who also assisted

the W . M . in investing his officers in form as under : Bros . W . A . Sproat , l . P . M . ; F . M . Bilby , S . W . ; P . L . Blackmore , J . W . ; E . West , Treas . ; T . Reilly , Sec . ; W . Edwards , S . D . ; J . Hewlett , J . D . ; W . Gilbert , D . C ; D . Medcalf , Org . ; R . Middlehurst , I . G . ; W . H . Bickel and W . Metcalf , Stwds . ; and A . G . Young , Tyler . The charges to the various officers were given most impressively

by the I . P . M ., Bro . Sproat , after which the W . M ., Bro . G . Holdsworth , addressed the meeting , and presented Bro . Sproat with a very handsome Past Master ' s jewel , in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him during his year of office , which has been one of the most successful years in the experience of this lodge , . both in regard to unanimity of feeling and the funds of the lodge . One

gentleman was proposed to be balloted for at the next meeting for initiation . Other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed in due form . After the brethren had refreshed themselves with a walk round the gardens of the establishment , they assembled in the banquet room , where a most excellent menu awaited them . The tables were beautifully decorated , and the

viands and delacacies provided , including a magnificent dessert , were highly praised . The wines were of excellent quality , and the whole reflected great credit | jon the worthy host , Bro . J . Tydeman , and his staff . The various loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed , drunk , and responded to—that of "The Worshipful Master , Bro . G . Holdsworth , " was responded to by him

in suitable terms . He thanked the brethren most sincerely for the confidence they had shown in electing him to so high a position . The lodge had prospered in the past year , and he intended to do his best to maintain that prosperity , and with the kind assistance of his Past Masters and officers he trusted that the success of the lodge would continue . They had reason to be proud of the King Harold

Lodge , which was the largest in the province . ; it contributed more than any other to the funds of Prov . G . Lodge , and was foremost in assisting the funds of the Masonic Charities . He hardly knew how to thank them sufficiently for the kind way in which Bro . Past Master Sproat had proposed his health , and the hearty way in which it had been drunk .

In responding to the toast of "The I . P . M ., " Bro . W . A . Sproat expressed thanks for the kindness shown him b y every officer and member of the lodge during his year or office , which , he was happy to say , had been a gloriously happy and prosperous one . He thanked them also again for the handsome presentation jewel , and for drinking his health on the present occasion , He hoped they would all

Craft Masonry.

rally round their new W . M ., and support him during his year of office . Bro . Gilbert responded on behalf of "The Past Masters . " He congratulated the W . M . upon reaching the highest position in a Freemasons' lodge , and thanked him for the kind expressions used in reference to the P . M . ' s , and , on their behalf , promised all the support they could afford . To the toast of "The Visitors , " Bros . W . J . Bassett ,

W . M . 212 ; W . J . Musto , P . M . 1349 ; J . Long , 1445 ; and Dr . W . Mavor responded . Bro . Mavor remarked that the hospitality and kind reception of the King Harold Lodge was so good , and the enjoyment of the evening so great , that he should certainly endeavour to attend on another similar occasion if invited . Everything had been done to afford pleasure to the guests , and he was sure they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves .

"The Health of the Initiate " having been drunk , Bro . W . P . Aldridge responded , and thanked the W . M ., officers , and brethren for admitting him to the mysteries and privileges of an ancient Freemason . His knowledge of Masonry was little at present ; but he had already formed

a very favourable impression of it , and would endeavour to make a worthy and good Mason . Some excellent harmony was rendered during intervals by Bros . Metcalf , Medcalf , and others , and , after a very enjoyable evening the brethren dispersed .

KINGSTON - ON . THAMES . — Brownrigg Lodge ( No . 16 38 ) . —The above lodge met at the Sun Hotel , on Wednesday , the 17 th inst . In consequence of the heavy storm which broke over the town , the opening of the lodge was delayed nearly an hour . Bro . John Drewett , P . A . G . P . Surrey , W . M ., was supported by Bros . G .

Moorman , S . W . ; W . Drewett , J . W . ; and Humphreys , S . D . ; at the opening . The J . D . was unable , by stress of weather , to appear . Bro . Willis , who has acted as I . G . since last October , in the absence of the brother then appointed , and who had made no apology for absenting himself , was called up and appointed to that office , to the gratification of the members , who had seen how well he is

qualified to assist in the working . Bros . Pryke and Green were raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . in due form , the W . M . again proving his intimate acquaintance with the ritual . The ballot having proved favourable for Mr . Thurgar and Troop Sergt .-Major Knowles , they were regularly initiated into Freemasonry . Bro . Thomas Doyle , of 145 , was elected a joining member of the lodge . The ballot for W . M . for the ensuing year fell unanimously upon Bro . G . Moorman , S . W ., and ,

in notifying the result , the W . M . congratulated his successor upon the unanimity which marked his election , and wished him a happy and busy year of office . The VV . Master elect suitably acknowledged the vote of the lodge and the remarks of the W . M . Bro . Oldridge , P . M ., was also re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Lane , who has tyled the lodge since its formation , was re-elected . Some other formal business was transacted , and the lodge was closed in the usual form .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

JUSTICE LODGE ( No . 14 }) . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 18 th inst ., at the Brown Bear , High-street , Deptford , when there were present Bros . Borrett , W . M . ; Penrose , S . W . ; Williams , J . W . ; Speight , P . M ., Sec . ; Dixon , S . D . ; Faulkner , J . D . ; Leng , I . G . ; Hutchings , P . M ., Preceptor ; W . T . Hunt , jun ., P . M . ; J . J . Pitt , P . M . ; Priest , Dandridge , Turpin , and Emblin .

The lodge was opened in the First Degree , and the minutes were read and contirmed . The lodge was advanced to the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Bro . Turpin personating the candidate . The lodge was then called off , and , on resuming , was closed down to the First Degree . Bro . Penrose , S . W ., was elected W . M . for the first Thursday in the ensuing month , and a vote of lhanks was accorded to Bro . Borrett for the able manner in which he had carried out the duties of the chair that evening . AU business being ended , the lodge was closed .

ZETLAND LODGE ( No . iij ) . —A meeting was held at the York and Albany , Regent ' s Park , on Monday , the 32 nd inst ., when there were present Bros . Dr . Powdrell , W . M . ; Passingham . S . W . ; Poynter , J . W . ; Hall , S . D . ; Hazel , J . D . ; Trotman , I . G . ; Mulvey , Preceptor ; Sheppard , P . M . 1336 , Sec ; J . W . Smith , P . M . 1310 ; and J . E . Laurence , W . M . 788 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ist Section of the Lecture

was worked , tiro . Mulvey having offered himself as a candidate for initiation , the ceremony was rehearsed . Bro . Trotman offered himself as a candidate for the Second Degree , answered the usual questions , was examined and entrusted . The lodge opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing ably rehearsed . Bro . Trotman answered the questions leading from the Second to

th-Ibrrd Degree . Lodge resumed to the First Degree , and it was pro posed , seconded , and carried unanimously , that the S . W . be W . M . for the ensuing week . It was also proposed , seconded , and carried unanimously , that a hearty vote of thanks be placed on the minutes to Bro . Dr . Powdrell for the able manner in which he had worked the ceremonies . Nothing further offering , the lodge was closed .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . 8 34 ) .-A meeting was held on the r jth inst . at the Six Bells Hotel , Hammersmith . Present : Bros . A . Williams , W . M . ; W . G . Coat , S . W . ; C . H . Hopkins , J . W . ; H . D . Aslett , S . D . ; D . S . Long , J . D . ; H . Oliver , I . G . j j . Collings , P . M ., Preceptor j Mellers , and Craggs . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Mellers , having answered the

necessary questions , was entrusted . The lodge was resumed to the Second Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed , Bro , Mellers being the candidate . Bro . Craggs offering himself as a candidate for raising , answered the necessary questions , and was entrusted . The lodge was r . sumed to the Third Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed , Bru . Craggs being the candidate , the W . M . rendering the traditional history . The lodge was closed in the Second and Third Degrees , and , Bro . W . G . Coat being unanimously elected W . M , for the next meeting , the lodge was closed ,

CHAUCER LODGE ( No . 1540 ) . —This lodge held its usual weekly meeting at the Old White Hart Hotel , Borough , on Tuesday , the 23 rd inst ., when there were present Bros . Walter Wingham , W . M . ; S . Renaut , S . W . ; Cannon , J . W . ; J . Sadler-Wood , acting Preceptor ; F . H . Williams , Hon . Sec . ; Bellchamber ,

S . D . ; G . A . Ball , J . D . ; W . Steele , I . G . ; Ellis , Youlden , Jacquet , Chapman , and Isaacs . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , with Bro . Ellis as candidate . Bro . Wingham vacated the chair in favour of Bro , Sadler-Wood , who worked the ceremony