Correspondence.

surely she will not in her next allocation of rewards , forget the claims of Bro . Melville to her substantial gratitude . Yours fraternally , W . N . OEAWTOBD .

The Publication Of Lodge Reports.

THE PUBLICATION OF LODGE REPORTS .

10 THE EDITOE OF THE JTEEEHIASONS' MAGAZINE AND HASONIC SIIRHOH . Dear Sir and Brother , —As you are aware , I have for some years been in the habit of sending you reports of the proceedings of Masonic lodges in which I have taken part , or at which I have been present . The propriety of such a course has been called in question by the W . M . of the lodge to which I am now

attached , and he puts his veto on a continuance of it , under an impression that in so doing he has the approval of the Brov . G . M . I was asked by what authority I infringed Clause 3 , under the head " Of members and their duty , " in the Book of Constitutions ? My reply was that you had the sanction of "

the M . W . the G . M . of England for printing such reports , and I for forwarding them , and I expressed an opinion that such authority superseded any interdict from brethren in subordinate positions . This gave rise to another inquiry , viz ., in what form the privilege was granted to you , whether verbally , or in writing , or whether it was merely implied by noninterference with your exercise of the right . Perhaps , for the information of these scrupulous brethren ,

you will kindly state the exact position in which you are placed in this respect . If your authority be such as I conceive it to be , I imagine that I have a perfect ri ght still to furnish you with the information , though I admit that it would be in bad taste to act contrary to the wishes of the W . M . and to run a risk of causing bad feeling and dissension in the

lodge , I have an impression that several years ago similar circumstances arose in a lodge in Wales , that your reporter disregarded the veto put upon him , and that it was ultimately put aside . I believe that the publication of reports does much good , that a wholesome stimulus is given to lethargic

lodges , when they see what is done elsewhere , and that an opportunity is thus afforded of knowing , discussing , and correcting proceedings , the propriety of which may appear questionable . I should by withholding a report have escaped reprehension for a course I pursued a few months ago in perfect

accordance with the practice in my own and most other lodges , and of which I still maintain the propriety , as I did in the correspondence on the subject in your columns which ensued . Yours fraternally , P . M .

Bro. Melville.

BRO . MELVILLE .

TO TIIE EDITOU OP THE FEEE 3 IAS 0 NS' 3 IAGAZINE AND MASONIC IIIREOE . Dear Sir and Brother , —A notable writer of the present day has stated that every measure of public utility is fated to pass through three stages—ridicule , opposition , and adoption . Let Bro . Melville apply this principle to his own case . He at present best knows the pros , and cons , of his secrets , and I earnestly hope the above will be of service to him .

Bro. Melville.

Prom the commencement of the articles on "Bro . Melville" in this Magazine , I have taken a deep interest in them . As a young Mason , T sincerely trust he will receive every assistance and willing attention from competent brothers in the exposition of his secrets . I find everything worth having is

difficult of attainment . Surely no sane person would devote 40 years to a single subject unless some elements of truth presented themselves to him . It is easier to communicate obtained knowledge than to extract knowledge from the womb of time , but even to communicate knowledge if the same be very abstruse

, if it relate to mysteries long lost , if it be connected with the wonderful and at present unknown surrounding of man and his destinies , surely a difficulty may be experienced in instilling into others this acquired knowledge , and all lovers of truth , if only for the sake of the 40 long years , if they are in the position

to inquire into Bro . Melville ' s statements , should take heed that they let not what may turn out to be of great moment to Masons particularly , and mankind generally , pass without a sound and careful investigation . Trusting Bro . Melville may persevere in what he believes to be a serious and solemn duty ,. I am , Yours fraternally , BKANK B . TEEATT . .

The Brett Testimonial.

THE BRETT TESTIMONIAL .

Ic is with much pleasure we call the brethren ' s attention to this testimonial . We know of no brother more deserving the recognition of his services than this worthy Mason , who , gifted with an excellent memory , imparts to his pupils in an unobtrusive and kind manner the correct ritual of Eoyal Arch and Craft Masonry , refusing

all remuneration . At the same time , he will not allow the slightest deviation in word or manner to please the most learned , and who , to their credit be it said , they acknowledge the reproof with that courtesy so characteristic of members of this noble and purely philanthropic Order ; while , at the same time , they admit that

to hear Comp . Brett elucidate the historical , symbolical , and fiducial mysteries is a truly Masonic intellectual treat . Such being the fact , his pupils and the fraternity at large , admiring his truly disinterested Masonic zeal , have determined to present him with a testimonial worthy his acceptance .

We shall be happy to receive the names of any brother wishing to become a subscriber to so deserving an object . The names of the subscribers will appear from time to time in this MAGAZINE : —

Amount already subscribed , £ 75 10 s . Gd . Additional subscriptions : —Bro . George Powell , 142 , 10 s , 6 d . ; Merrick , 2 s . 6 d . ; C . Wilcox , 177 , 10 s . ( 3 d . ; Grunt , 2 s . 6 d . ; W " . Martin , 177 , 10 s . 7 d . ; Gilchrist , 2 s . Gd . ; Spraaue , 5 s . ; Tattevshall , 2 s . 6 d . ; Auscombe , 177 , 10 s . Gd . ; Tyler , 2 s . Gd . ; Coles , 5 s . ; M'Callmn , 2 s . Gd . ; Vinali , 5 s . ; Griffin , 10 s . Gd . ; Uoyton , 2 s . Gd . ; Elms , 2 s . 6 d . ; Swainston , 10 s . Gd . ; Wilson , 2 s . 6 ( 1 . ; Gardner , 2 s . 6 d . From 190 Dover : Bros . Coram 10 s . Gd . ; Phillpot 10 s . 6 d . ;

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