At The Sign Of The Perfect Ashlar

"I don t care a little bit whether Alfred ever burnt the cakes , or whether there was a neat-herd ' s wife or not . The tale is a true enough one for me , whether or no . What I mean is this , it is an old tradition , and at the time it lirst obtained currency it evidently pictured the popular idea of the personal character of Alfred . As such , it is positively

true , archaeologists notwithstanding . If it did not happen , it might have happened . Alfred ' s behaviour was such as would have happened had such a circumstance occurred , and as such , it forms a part of his history to the end of time . Wellington never said " Up Guards and at them , " but

it is just the sort of thing he would have said had there been any occasion for it . The anecdote therefore depicts his character , just as much- as if it were true . If it were an unlikely thing for him to have said , it would never have been invented . Cambronne never said " Le Vicil gurde meurtmais ne se rends pas" what he reallsaid was

, , y : ' Fautre , " but that looked tit closely , meant the same thing . I shall continue to teach my children the old tale about Alfred , no matter what the dry-as-dust's say . " Bad trclueology of course , but sound philosophy I trow . "

< s > ©> < s » The Derby Allcroft Lodge , No . 2168 , held its installation meeting on the 14 th November , and like all its predecessors it was in every way successful . It is fortunate in having for its Secretary Bro . Robt . Cummings , P . M ., who has from the lirst devoted much time and energy to its affairs , with the

result that it takes a front place among Metropolitan lodges . The brother elected to fill the Master ' s chair for the ensuing - year was Bro . Sam . Garcia , and he was duly installed by the I . P . M ., W . Bro . Nathan Robinson . At the banquet which followed the characteristic hospitality which is so marked a feature of the lodge was exhibited in a marked degree . An

enthusiastic visitor describes the entertainment as a royal one . but does not omit to state that although lavish in its hospitality it is not unmindful of the wants of others , as its regular and consistent contributions to the Masonic Charities sufficiently indicates , at the same time instancing the fact that at the

recent elections it had elected to the Boys' School the son of a brother who had been initiated in the lodge , but who was stricken down with a mortal disease before he could pass his Second Degree .

> S » « B » <©» Bro . Dr . Davies , of the Fowey Lodge , No . 977 , Cornwall , was the recipient , on the 14 th November , of several presentations in recognition of his gallantry in saving two lives at imminent risk to his own , at Spit Beach Pier on the 19 th of August last . The gallant doctor plunged into the water with

all his clothes on and not only succeeded in bringing two lads to the shore , but successfully exerted himself for more than an hour to restore animation . A previous action of a similar character had resulted in saving a life from drowning . Bro . George White , of St . Andrew ' s Lodge , No . 11 5 , had the

honour of presenting an illuminated address on behalf of the lodge , and Major Polkinghorne , who presided at the meeting , also handed to the worthy doctor two handsome presents on behalf of the lads whose lives he had saved . Bro . Davis , who is much beloved in the neighbourhood , was very heartily cheered .

Freemasonry in Oxbridge has lost an energetic and devoted adherent in the person of Bro . J . Anderson , who at the time of his death on the 3 rd November , occupied the Master's chair of the Royal Union Lodge , No . 3 82 . He had been actually employed in his business as well as in public affairs up within a few days of his decease , and

the event has caused universal regrets throughout the neighbourhood . Bro . Anderson was only thirty-eight years of age at the time of his death , but he had lived long - enough to secure the respect and esteem of all with whom he was associated , both in his public and private capacity .

The funeral , which took place on the 3 rd November , was largely attended by the brethren of the Royal Union and other lodges , as well as by members of the Urban Council , Board of Guardians , and other bodies of which he was a member .

In the death of Bro . \\ llham Bull , the District of the Punjab has lost an active and useful officer , whose long Masonic career , especially for the last thirteen years as District Grand Secretary , has contributed in no small degree to the prosperity of the Craft in that presidency . It was only in July last that Bro . Bull was appointed to Grand office

on the occasion of the installation of the Most Worshipful Grand Master at the Royal Albert Hall , an honour which he greatly appreciated . He will be remembered by his colleagues as a hard-working , consistent , and upright Mason . The death of Bro . the Rev . W . J . L . Stradling , which took

place early in the year , deprived the Province of South Wales of a very estimable man and a zealous and popular Mason , -and even at this late hour we feel sure his numerous friends , both in the provinces and elsewhere , will be gratified at seeing a brief record of the many services he rendered to the Craft he

loved so much . Bro . Stradling was initiated in 1868 in the Lodge of Perpetual Friendship , No . 135 ; joined St . David ' s Lodge , No . 3 66 , in 1872 , and became its Worshipful Master in 1874 , and again in 1878 . Fie was appointed Provincial Grand Chaplain in 18 73 , and received Grand Lodge honours

THE LATE URO . W . . 1 . L . STIIADLIXG .

as Grand Chaplain in 1887 . For several years , and until his death , he filled the office of Deputy Provincial Grand Master of South Wales ( Western Division ) . Bro . Stradling was also an active member of the Royal Arch , Knights Templar , Rose Croix , the Mark , and other Degrees , and was always read y to place his services at the disposal of the various

lodges and chapters when needed . His brethren will long retain an affectionate and grateful memory of one who had proved himself so worth y a member of the Fraternity . « S » «»> « S »

Lady Dimsdale , the new Lady Mayoress , states M . A P ., is a handsome , kindly gentlewoman with well cut features , bright blue eyes , and a genial , unaffected manner . She was a Miss Holdsworthy , and although a thorough Londoner , having been born and bred in London , she is very fond of the country . Latterly the Dimsdales have spent half the year at " Goldsmiths , " their pretty country place at Langdon Hills , Essex .

< 3 » « 3 ? - &> Although you can get to "Goldsmiths" in less than an hour , the country round about is exceedingly primitive and rural , one of those strangely secluded spots often to be found comparatively near town . Here Lady Dimsdale plays the part of Lady Bountiful to the villagers and watches over the grounds , which , although newl y laid out , are springing