Correspondence.

Ofthe outward marks by ivhich Freemasonry is judged unfavourably , no one is more significant than that the meetings arc 1 ' o . r the most part "held in hotels ; and , as has been often pointed out—whether or not prejudicial inferences may justly be drawn from the fact—no one can deny , that there is at least a danger of temptation to prolong absence from home and family under such circumstances , and to indulge in . habits and associations of a

doubtful character , which would be effectually removed if every Lodge occupied a Masonic hall , or where this cannot be accomplished , a private room . Our records show that numerically the Craft has of late years made rapid progress , and AA'ith this there has been a continually increasing conviction of the importance of separate places of meeting , undisturbed by other influences , as your hitherto incomplete register shows . I believe that I only express the opinions of a very large number among us , in saying that there is perhaps no subject of greater importance , and it is to be hoped that you will be encouraged in your praiseworthy efforts still farther to advocate the cause .

A writer in your number of February 23 rd , at page 354 , observes , — " If your correspondent can point out the « 'ay to found Masonic halls , Avithout running into debt , and the plan appears to be feasible , I will cheerfully enlist under his banners . " It appears to me that the matter is not A'ery difficult , and I do not know that a better explanation of the mode can he gii'en , than by stating the course of proceeding adopted by the Howe Lodge at Birmingham . I hope that I shall not give offence to any of the members by

recounting the circumstances ; on the contrary , I believe that they are so much interested in seeing the principle universally adopted , that , they will lie pleased to be instrumental in inducing others to follow their example . This Lodge -was established in 1850 . The subscription was fixed at £ 2 2 s . per annum , and the initiation fee at £ G ft ? . , now raised to = £ 10 lO . It Avas determined that no part of the funds thus raised should be expended otherwise than for strictlMasonic purposes . The Lodmet for a time in a

y ge hired room ; it Avas well worked , and thus gained a reputation Avhich soon brought an accession of members ofthe right stamp , some by initiation , and others as joining members by secession from other Lodges Avhich met at hotels—that is to say , of gentlemen able to appreciate the high objects of the Craft , independently of social festivity . I do not mean to say that there n'ere no banquets , but they were never held to the prejudice of the Lodge

funds ; indeed it is a question whether , on some occasions , individual members have not been too lavish , or letus rather say generous , in this respect , and have established precedents which it might he difficult for others to follow . After an existence of four or five years , the question of a more permanent location ivas introduced ; when a desirable house being offered for sale at a fair rate , the purchase was made . The rooms previously existing furnish ample accommodation for the residence of the 'tyler and

his famil y , for committee and preparing rooms , a Secretary ' s office , and an apartment for social purposes . Alterations in the building ivere made at an expense of a fciv hundred pounds , by Avhich Lodge and banqueting rooms were constructed , each forty feet long , twenty wide , and twenty high , a double cube . NOAV as to the means of raising the money for these purposes ; of this a portion ivas in hand from the accumulation of annual subscriptions , and initiation and joining fees ; the rest ivas raised among

the brethren , by each one engaging to lencl £ 10 , some more than that amount , for Avhich it ivas calculated that three per cent , per annum might be offered as interest , since the rooms and furniture ivould be available tor other Lodges , which AA'ould pay a rent . The principal is to be paid off as soon as possible , but- even if this cannot be done , the loss in each case is 2 K