Original Correspondence.

on this basis we establish ourfriendship . We are well aware thatchatity is the brightest and s rreatest ornament of the Ma-ionic profession . Benevolence rendered by Heaven-born charity is an honour to thc nation from whence it springs , s nourished antl cherished . Happy is thc man who has sown in bis breast the . 'eeds of benevolence , the produce of which is love and charity .

He belteveth not a tale when reported b y a slanderer , he forgiveth the injuries of men , and blotteth them out from his recollection . Then let us ever remember wc are Masons , and men , and ever be ready to give to thc needy , and in the most pressing time of necessity , let us not withold a liberal hand ; so then shall the heart-felt pleasure reward our labours , and the proJuce of love and charity will most

assuredly follow , except in such cases as the one of which I will give you an illustration . In December , 1874 , I was initiated as a Mason , in the lodge ot St . Stephens , No . 145 , Princess-street , Edinburgh . Shortly alter becoming a member , I became a resident in America . On my return I addressed a letter to the W . M . of the lodge , requesting an account of my lodge dues . Failing

to receive an answer , 1 addressed a letter to the Secretary with the same result . Since that I have forwarded two more , requesting information . Up to the present time he has not had the courtesy , let alone the brotherly feeling , to condescend to answer my letter ! He must be aware that we , as Masons , are one family—the high , the low , the rich , and the poor , created by one Almighty Being , am ' , sent

into the world for the support and protection of each other . On this principle Masonry should unite men of every country , sect , and opinion , and it should constitute true friendship and courtesy between those who rank underneath its banner . If there was no regular subscription connected with St .

Stephens they might have replied to my several letters , instead of treating them with contempt , I cannot forget the words ( and the able manner in which he expressed them ) that were made use of by the W . M ., at my initiation but am sorry to say that tbey have not been executed by the office bt-arers of St . Stephens .

Trusting tl at this may draw their attention , believe mc to remain yours ever fraternally .

WILLIAM E . HASELL . [ We agree with our correspondent . The explanation probably is that there are no lodge subscription or fees other than those he has already paid . The Scotch system in that respect is very vicious . —Eu . F . M . ]

THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RITE IN NEW ZEALAND . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — On the 23 d . April last , 1 addressed to you a letter , ( which appeared in your issue of the 27 th of that month ) in refutation of several mistatcnients contained in

a communication signed " a 33 ° , " and published in your paper of the previous week , on the subject of an irregular body styling itself " The Supreme Council 33 ° of New Zealand , " and in which I explained that the said body had been founded against ad laws of Masonic jurisdiction by an unrecognized one in Egypt . I now beg to hand \ ou a translation of a Circular

" Decree just received from the Egyptian body above referred to , anil dated 7 th inst ., in which they acknowledge the " grave error " into which they had fallen , and revoke and annul thc warrant they had irregularly issued to certain brethren in New Zealand , constituting them a Supreme Council 33 , and likewise cancel the di plomas of that degree which they bail granted " in absentia " to the

said brethren , as well as to others in Scotland . Further comment appears unnecessary . Requesting that you will kindly published this " decree " in your next issue for the information of " A 33 " and others , I am , dear sir and brother , yours fraternally , SHADWKLL II . CI . EKKE 33 ° , Grand Sec . Gen . Supr- 'me Council 33 lor England , Wales , and

the Dependencies of thc British Crown . [ Translation . ] GitANn OuiiiNT or EGYPT . Supreme Council 33 rd and last degree of Ancient and Accepted Rite-, Valley of the Nile , Orient of Alexandria . 7 th September , 1878 . No . I S 2 . DliCHKK .

We , S . A . Zola , Sovereign Grand Commander , antl Grand Master of the Supreme Council of tbe Thirty-third Degree , and last Degree oi the Ancient and Accepted Rite , for Egypt and its Dependency , the Valley of the Nile . Whereas , the Supreme Council of Egypt , ever anxious to propagate the high principles of the Rite , did , by our Decree , No . 43 , of the 16 th October , 187 ^ , and a following

one-, No . 69 , of thc 201 I 1 March , 1876 , advance to the Thirty-third Degree teveral distinguished Freemasons residing in New Zealand , and did furnish to them patents by which they constituted themselves in that Valley into a Supreme Council of thc Thirty-third Degree , and that because we considered that territory to be free and not belonging to any regular Supreme Council .

And , whcicas , tbe Supreme Council of Egypt , induced by the same principle , did , by means of our several decrees , advance to the Thirty-thirelDegrecseicral Masons dwelling in Scotland , because thc Supreme Council of Scotland was represented to us as an irregular and an illegitimate botly . Now , we having been persuaded and convinced of the legal antl legitimate existence of tbe Supreme Councils of

England , Ireland anil Scotland , and of the rig ht of the first , or of ; il ! three , over New Zealand , as a dependency of the British Ciown , and have consequently become awaie of the grave erroi into which we have fallen . Having consulted the Grand Constitutions of 1 786 , we desire-, as far as lies iu our power , that the most perfect harmony should reign over all the Supreme Councils of thc two Hemispheres .

Original Correspondence.

Wc require for ourselves , and all the Masonic powers , thc most scrupulous reciprocity in the question relative to territorial jurisdiction . We desire , above all , that every , and even the smallest pretext of schism and division should yield to the universal Masonic alliance . The entire members of the Supreme Council having well considered the subject , wc , in our own name , have

decided and heieby decree , Art . 1 . Our decrees , No . 45 , of the ifith October , 1875 , and No . 6 9 , of 20 th March , 1 S 76 , by which we admitted to the Thirty-third Degree several Masons residing in New Zealand , and gave them powers to constitute themselves a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree , is defini-. ely annulled .

Art . II . All our decrees by which we have admitted , ( in absentia ) , certain Masons residing in Scotland are annulled , Art . III . All patents , diplomas and certificates , whether issued to New Zealand or to Scotland , ( in absentia ) , and appertaining to thc Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , are cancelled from tbe roll of the Supreme Council and declared null .

Art . IV . L hese . presents will be communicated to the interested parties , and to all the Supreme Grand Councils of the two hemispheres , and will be published in our Official bulletin . S . A . ZOLA , 33 , Sovereign Grand Commander and Grand Master . F . F . ODDY , 33 Grand Chancellor .

AN ERROR . Tothe Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — The words " one-twelfth ; " at thc end of the leader on the " List of Candidates for the Boys' School , " is an obvious misprint , for " one-half . " It is still true of printers , as of mortals that " nemo mortalium on omnibus horis sapit . " And that printers will make mistakes , anil often ver / provoking ones , like

other men . No doubt some blame attaches tothe " chapel , " but some may also fairly be ascribed to tbe copy . Yours fraternally , THE WRITER OF THE LEADER .

Consecration Of The Eleanor Cross Lodge, No. 1764.

CONSECRATION OF THE ELEANOR CROSS LODGE , No . 1764 .

A second lotlge was consecrated on Tuestlay we * ek , at the Masonic Hall , Northampton . No similar event has taken place in tbe province of Norths and Hunts for the last nineteen years , although Masonry has made rapid progress in the adjoining counties .

We are glad to be able to say that in tlvs instance thc new lodge does not emanate from any spirit of jealousy , but that a number of the members of the mother lodge , the Pomfret ( 360 ) , felt that as the town was rapidly extending , and there was a hall which might well be used by two lodges , the time had come for taking a step in that direction .

The proposition was accordingly made , antl was entertained in the most kindly spirit . Bro . M . A . Boeme-, P . M . 360 , consented to be thc W . M . Designate , while the Deputy Piovincial Grand Master , Bro Butler Wilkins , rendered invaluable services to the petitioners , who eventually received a warrant from the Grand Loelge , dated May 29 th .

Preparations were accordingly made for the consecration ceremony , and there was a large gatheiing of the Craft from the province , and we may add , the neighbouring provinces , the following being amongst those who signed at the opening of the lodge : —R . P . Bent , 10 and 446 , P . G . C ; Butler Wilkins , P . M . 3 60 , P . Z ., D . P . G . M , Norths and Hunts ; J . Terry , P . M . 228 , P . G . J . W ,

Herts ; Wm . Simmonds , 445 , P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; J . Bentham , 4 O 6 , P . P . G . P . ; James C . Jones , 445 , P . M ., P . G . J . W . ; John Kt-cve , 840 , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . F . G . Buckle , 442 . P . M ., P . S ., P . G . S . ; W . Watnett , 840 , W . M ., P . P . G . Chaplain ; R . King , 840 , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B ., Bucks anil Berks ¦ Thus . Miller , 44 . -J , P . M . 737 P . P . G . J . D . ; Henry Norton , 4 ( 1 ( 1 , W . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ;

L . G . W . Sanders , 3 60 , A . P . G . C . ; W . H . Smith , 373 , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; G . Hanley , 373 , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; John Rogers , P . M . 607 , P . P . G . J . W . ; ' Geo . Osborn , 448 , P . P . S . G . W . and others . The lotlge was opened in due form , Bro . Buckle reading the petition and warrant . An eloquent oration was delivered by Bro . the Rev . S . W . Wigg , Chaplain elect .

Bro . J . Terry was the Consecrating Officer ; Bro . Wilkins installing the W . M . of the new lodge-, who invested the oflicers , including Bro . the Rev . S . J . W . Sanders , M . A ., LL . B ., S . W . ; and tiro . II . J . Aikins , J . W . The dedicatory prayer was offcreti by Bro . Rev . R . P . Bent , P . G . Chaplain . The brethren then adjourned to attend divine service at All Saints , the principal parish church , and the spectacle of so

large a number of the fraternity not having been in the town for many years past , there was a large number of spectators . A very efficient D . C . was found in a young member of the new loelge , Bro . Ellard , and the proceedings out of doors were consequently conducted with the strictest decorum . The service at the church was choral , and a brother iu thc

choir , II . Brown , Secretary of the new lodge , having obtained the assistance of choristeis from Petcrboro' Cathedral anil the round church of St . Sepulchre ' s , the music was admirable . 'the vic . tr entcreil , and the lessons were read by Bro . Rev . R . II . Cox and Bro . Rev . L . J . Vf . Sanders ,

Giand Chaplain and Assiat . Grand Chaplain of the province respectively , while the sermon was preached by Bro . R = v . R . P . Bent , P . G . C . A collection , amounting to £ 2 ; :, was made , which will be divided equally between tin- Masonie Charities and the infirmary of the town .

Consecration Of The Eleanor Cross Lodge, No. 1764.

After the service the brethren returned to the lodge-room , when votes of thanks were accorded to those who had taken a prominent part in the proceedings , while jewels , commemorative of the event , were voted to the W . M . and Secretary ; and Bros . Bent , Terry , and Wilkins , were made honorary members of the Eleanor Cross Lodge .

A list of a dozen cr more candidates for initiation was submitted , and the lodge was closed , the brethren repairing after their labours to the Town Hall , where a banquet had been prepared . The W . M . of the Eleanor Cross Lodge presided , supported by the . Provincial Officers , and about a hundred other brethren sat down .

The usual Masonic toasts were given after the repast , and a most pleasant evening was spent , all uniting in the opinion that a grand success hail been achieved .

Consecration Of The Kensington Lodge, No. 1767.

CONSECRATION OF THE KENSINGTON LODGE , No . 1767 .

This new lodge was consecrated on Friday week , at the Courtfield Hotel , Earl ' s Court , Kensington , and a more convenient or agreeable hotel no lodge ever settled in . It is situated opposite the Earl ' s Court Station of the Metropolitan District Railway , and has a great number of large

lofty , well ventilated rooms . There is , however , one disadvantage , which it is to be hoped will soon be remedied . The house has at present no wine and spirit licence , and the lodge therefore has to supply its own wine for the banquet . But for general comfort the hotel is unsurpassed , and the biethren on the day the lodge was consecrated repeatedly expressed thtir pleasure with the quarters

which it had chosen . About sixty brethren attended the ceremony , which was performed by Bro . John Hervey , Grand Secretary , as Consecrating Master , assisted by Bro . Thomas Fenn , P £ . st Grand Deacon , as S . VV . Bro . Bryett , Prov . G . Superintendent of Works , Berks and Bucks , as j . W . ; Bro . the Rev . Ambrose William Hall , M . A ., Chaplain of the Prince of VVales Lodge , No . 259 , P . M ., Prov .

G . Chaplain , aud past Provincial Senior Grand Warden of Surrey , as Chaplain ; Bro . H . Cooper , P . M . 228 , 276 , 511 , 858 and 16 94 , as D . C . ; Bro . C . | . Foakes , P . M . No . 511 , as Secretary ; and Bro . Barfield , P . M . and Treasurer , No . 511 , as Secretary ; and Bro . Barfield , P . M . and Treasurer , as I . G . The musical brethren , who assisted with some excellent music , were Bros . T . Baxter , J . Stedman ,

Charles Beckett , and Theodore Distin . The music was under the direction of Bro . Stedman , and Bro . K . J . Oliver was organist . The complete list of the brethren as appeared or . the signature book , was as follows : — The members of the new lodge present were Bros . Geo . Read , P . M . 511 , C . li . Williams , Thomas Hancock , A . Barfield , C . J . Foakes , P . M . 40 , lames W . Barker ,

J . H . Taylor , J . G . Swanson , F . J . Oliver , G . Bulgood , E . R . Baugh , J . Metcalf . * , J . Clavey , R . II . Williams , H . A . Robinson , W . Burgess , Frederick R . Hayes , Wm . G . Silcock . The following brethren were present as visitors : —John Hervey , Grand Sec . ; Thomas Fenn , P . G . D . ; Lewis Bryett , P . P . G . S . W . Berks and Bucks ; H . S . Cooper ;

Vf . Bray ; H . Stiles , S . D . 1732 ; J . Thompson , P . M . 834 ; C . Cordingley , S . D . 45 ; Alfred C . Alais , P . M . 834 ; W . H . Weaver , P . M . 8 5 8 ; W . Cunningham Glen , P . G . S . ; Theodore Distin , W . M . 173 ; Richard Jasey , 834 ; H . Blunden , 865 ; C . Holland , 1681 ; F . T . Barrow , 511 ; W . T . Worthington , P . M . 8 u ; C . A . Walter , S . D . 86 s ; C . B . Corston , J . D . 86 s ; * S .

Elborn , W . M . 511 ; A . Runacres , S . W . 1 ^ 8 ; H . Turner , 511 ; W . Craig , S . D . 1425 ; W . Game , P . M . 511 ; R . T . Gaubert , S . W . 172 ; John Stedman , J . D . 172 ; W . Fisher , P . M . 834 ; W . Watson , S . W . 834 ; Chas . Beckett , 1319 ; J . Avery , S . D . 511 ; W . Honeyball , I . G . 1681 ; J . H . Webb , 834 ; Robert Burleton , 860 ; W . M . Styles , Sec . 1507 ; Thos . Baxter , 145 ; Peter Burton , 834 ; H . Massey ,

( Freemason ) P . M . 619 . After the lodge had been opened . Bro . Hervey in addressing the brethren said , they had now travelled west for the erection of a new lodge , the establishment of which he hoped was on such a basis as to ensure its remaining in that locality . By this he meant that it would be composed of Kensington men , and be in reality a Kensington lodge .

The last Kensington Lodge took its namefrom the locality in which it was situated , and there were a great many reasons why these extra metropolitan lodges should be established . Owing tothe great growth of the metropolis , these lodges could hardly be termed outside lodges , because London was extending into thc country and ramifying in the surrounding neighbourhood to such an extent that one

hardly knew where Lonilon began or where it ended . From what he saw around him , however , he thought this lodge had began with a good home , and that there was a sufficient number of local men to support it to constitute it as essentially a local Kensington Lodge . Passing to another subject , he was sorry to say , that during the summer vacation Masons had experienced some great and serious

losses by death , several of the Grand Officers had been called to their account during the year , and some had passed away within thc last few months . They had to deplore the loss of one who was universally respected , although at the close of his career hc had misfortunes . Such misfortunes , however , did not diminish the respect in which he was held by the brethren , for during the five

and twenty years that he was Grand Treasurer , Bro . Samuel Tomkins on eveiy occasion supported the dignity of the Craft and influenced for gooil its proceedings . If by his failure he . had done any little damage to the Craft , which he ( Bro . Hervey ) doubted , the brethren had

long condoned the misfortune , and they would cherish the memory of a man who , through a long life , had been a brother of commercial and Masonic honour , and of unblemished integrity . Hc died very suddenly , and it was to be feared that his recent troubles contributed very much lo the melancholy event . A uother distinguished bro-