Address To Our Readers.

in so short a space of time—about three hours only , once in three months , being devoted to Masonic legislation . True , it may be said that the committees iu reality carry on the work , and settle many trivial affairs , with which there is no necessity to occupy the time of the Grand Lodge , but these committees are compelled to adopt many expedients to prevent business coming before them and before Grand Lodge , though there are many subjects of weighty consideration which require to be brought before both . Under the present regulations any business not completed at the appointed time has to stand over for three months . This surely is not as it should be , and we must learn a lesson from our American and Continental brethren , who keep their Grand Lodges open , on adjournment from day to day , until the business is concluded .

However unpalatable these remarks may prove to the powers that be , many great changes in this and in other matters in connection with the administration of Grand Lodge business must ere long be adopted , as have other reforms , which in years gone by were persistently advocated in this MAGAZINE , and at the time brought upon the heads of its conductors the wrath of many of the Grand Lodge Officers .

Agam , we call attention to the meagre accounts of the business aone , and the paucity of information which is doled out to the brethren concerning the doings at head quarters . While possessing a Grand Secretary who is indefatigable in the performance of his duties , with a reputation , not confined to this country , for business qualifications , it is perfectly clear that somewhere great obstructiveness prevails . That great reforms are needed in the secretarial department of the Grand Lodge is a fact which has now become patent . Whilst the Grand Orient of France issued

a "Bulletin Official" of the proceedings at its recent Council , consisting of 128 octavo pages , and some of the American Grand Lodges handsome volumes of 300 or 400 closely printed pages annually , the Grand Lodge of England issues a pamphlet , neither much larger nor better in appearance than a penny song book .

The consideration of the subject of Uniformity of Ritual , which we had hoped would have received due deliberation , has been shelved , but there are true hearted and persistent brethren who will , we have no doubt , pursue the matter to the end , and they may rest assured of our assistance on every occasion . Although the matter has been deferred on the ground of an objection , on the part of brethren occupying seats on the dais , to some of the proposed members of the committee , we fear that the real objection arose from a disposition to shirk the duty , many being unwilling or unable to devote

the necessary time , if not the literary talent . It was a subject of observation at the last Quarterly Communication by brethren below the dais , how few of those who raised the objection were proficient in anything more than the ordinary duties of conferring the three degrees , many being perfectly unable even to repeat the beautiful lectures incident to those degrees . Beyond this , internal dissension seemed to prevail amongst those nominated , and it was even stated , that some sought appointment on the committee with the avowed intention of preventing the accomplishment of the objects of the promoters of the movement .

Our Masonic Charites are steadily prospering , but there is yet much to be done . It can hardly be said that their work is entirely satisfactory , till every worthy and needy applicant is provided for . Still the result of the past year is magnificent . The collections at the festivals have footed up the following large amounts ; The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution £ 3 , 266 14 s . ; The Boys' School £ 9 , 741 , and the Girl ' s School £ 4 , 050 lis ., making a total of nearly £ 17 , 000 collected at the three festivals , in addition to the ordinary sources of income . Were this alone the good that resulted from the work of Masonry , what a conclusive argument against the denunciations of its detractors .

The more general use of music in our ceremonies , an attractive and impressive feature , is occupying largely the attention of many of the brethren . The recent improvements in the construction of the harmonium enables every lodge to possess one at a trifling expense , and there are few lodges in which a brother cannot be found , of sufficient musical ability , who would willingly give his services . To forward this desirable end , we have given in our pages , from time to time , portions of the necessary music for use in the Craft and Mark degrees , which are also published separately , in a convenient form for lodge use .

Before the close of another volume , the new postal rate for newspapers will come into operation , by which the expense of postage on the MAGAZINE will be reduced one half . Of this our subscribers will receive the full benefit , and we hope in consequence , a large accession to the number of our supporters . We would respectfully urge on our many kind and devoted friends to assist us in extending the sphere of our usefulness , by inducing those brethren who are not on our list to forward their names . With this help , and the increased facilities which will be placed at our command , we shall be enabled to keep our journal up to the high standard of excellence we have ever strived to maintain .