At The Sign Of The Perfect Ashlar.

Freemasonry are no less upheld by the characteristically generous manner in which they support our Masonic Charities . ' ( « . > tt $ i , 1 $ ) The final ceremony in connection with the reception into

Freemasonry of his Excellency the Japanese Ambassador , has afforded the Empire Lodge another opportunity which it is ever ready to avail itself of , not only of dispensing its hospitality , but of proving beyond question that it is fully cognizant of its proud position amongst the metropolitan

lodges as the recognised centre of Colonial and Indian Masonic interests . The initiation of the Japanese Ambassador is not only an interesting event in itself , but is not unlikely to mark an epoch in Freemasonry in relation to that marvellously progressive country of which his Excellency is

the representative . On the occasion of the raising of our distinguished brother on the 28 th May , the lodge was honoured by the presence of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , M . W . Grand Master , who was attended by the M . W . Pro Grand Master and a large number of Present and Past

Grand Officers , the large Masonic temple at the Hotel Cecil being filled to its utmost capacity . The ceremony itself was most admirably carried out , careful attention to every detail rendering it perfect and more than ordinarily impressive .

«!> © © The subsequent banquet was presided over by the Worshipful Master , Bro . Sidney F . Isitt , who proved himself as able and genial in that capacity as in the chair he had tilled in the lodge . In responding to the toast , of " The

M . W . Pro Grand Master , " Earl Amherst expressed the great pleasure it gave him once more to enjoy the hospitality of the lodge , and congratulated it on its success . It had gone on prospering ever since its inception , and in Bro . Isitt the )' had found a Master who knew how to do his duty . The

Empire Lodge had done excellent work in fostering friendly international relations , and much good , he said , might be done outside the Craft . Masonry had rendered good service among the native population of the different parts of the Empire as well as among our own people . Even our late

enemies in South Africa had shown they appreciated our Order , for they never injured our lodges , but if they got hold of the lodge books they entered their names as visitors .

& @ ® Both the sister Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland were represented at the gathering , the one by Bro . Lord Castletown , Grand Secretary of Ireland , and the other by Bro . the Hon . Claude M . Ramsay , M . P ., Grand Master Depute

of Scotland , and there were also present a large number of Provincial and District Grand Masters as well as Present and Past Grand Officers .

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not only maintained its great reputation for munificent contributions to the cause of Charity , but has created a record in liberality which the Institution can hardly hope to exceed in the future . Lord Allerton's chairmanship is not only unique in respect to the large total reachedbut

, in the fact that every lodge of the eighty-two comprising the province was represented , while the lodge contributions were further augmented by the private donations of individual Stewards to the number of 424 , the total amount from West Yorkshire realised being £ 8400 .

o < s » < a > It has often been impressed upon the non-Masonic world that the Craft does not confine the distribution of its funds within the limits of its own borders , but that wherever a worthy object of benevolence is to be found , Masonry is

always ready to assist . A glance at the metropolitan daily papers during the past fortnight would show that Freemasons are still acting on their old lines , for the notices published

with respect to the funds being raised for the London Hospital , contain the announcement of donations made by lodges in all parts of the capital to this excellent institution . Another instance is furnished in the report of the Board of General Purposes just issued , in which Grand Lodge is advised to make a grant of £ 50 towards the cost of erecting

a parish hall for the use of the poor inhabitants of the parish of Holy Trinity , St . Giles's , in which Grand Lodge is the largest property owner . The Board has , of course , ascertained that the proposed hall will not be devoted to sectarian purposes .

BRO . HEXRY WATSON , A . Ci . D . C . 1003-1 . Bro . Lord Leigh , Provincial Grand Master , presided on May 4 th at a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire , at the Masonic Hall , Birmingham . There

was a large gathering of brethren—some 300 in all . Lord Leigh is the oldest Provincial Grand Master under the Grand Lodge of England , and a suggestion by himself that he ought to resign on account of his advanced years met with emphatic cries of " No , no , " and his lordship thereupon added that if

it was the wish of the brethren he should be pleased to continue in office as long as his health permitted him to do so , a promise which received the hearty approval of all present . Reference was also made to the gift by Bro . Charles Richards , of the George Beech Lodge , of a cheque for

_ £ iooo to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , Lord Leigh remarking that he hoped other Birmingham men would follow this generous example . Bro . the Rev . C . W . Barnard subsequently delivered an address , on the conclusion of which a collection was made in aid of the Warwickshire Masonic

Benevolent and Pupils' Aid Fund . It was decided that the autumn meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge should take place at Stratford-on-Avon , in October .

< 3 > € > & We regret to record the death of Bro . F . H . Macklin , the well known actor , which took place at his residence , Castlenau Mansions , Barnes , on the 4 th May , at the age of fifty-four . During the thirty years of his career as an actor he had served under nearly all the leading managements .

Bro . Macklin was a prominent member of the Asaph Lodge , and was highly esteemed and respected by his many friends in the Craft .

« < s » ©> The funeral took place at Kensal Green Cemetery on the 7 th May . The service was most impressively conducted by his nephew , the Rev . Herbert W . Macklin . The remains were followed by his brothers and several relatives . A large gathering of Freemasons and others awaited the arrival of