Back Scrubbing Made Easy.

BACK SCRUBBING MADE EASY .

•^ LCIENCE has recently stepped in to lend her aid in *~* a manner which may become very popular in

Freemasonry , but whether we shall have to ultimately regard this latest invention with satisfaction , or with disgust and loathing , the future must decide . There are too many possibilities in connection with this latest

Edisonian invention to form any estimate of its value or otherwise so far as Freemasonry is concerned , but in one respect—that awful and ever present trait among members of the Order popularly known as " back

scrubbing , " and more euphoniously termed " mutual admiration , " there does not seem any reason why it should not at least become popular , if not generally , at any rate among the leaders of the pernicious system .

We last week spoke of dividing the toasts , and expressed the opinion that it would be very much better for the comfort , and enjoyment of members of the Order if something could be done with a view of

breaking the continued monotony apparently inseparable from so many of our after dinner entertainments ; this week the possibility seems to present itself of more closely uniting the propositions and responses to the

toasts than ever , and all through the invention of the " graphophone " which , at a comparatively small outlay on the part of a Lodge , might be introduced as a

veritable talking machine , in place of the feeble apologies for such we so often have to listen to after the close of work in our Lodges .

It is pretty generally claimed that the worst of our Masonic speakers could have made a passable speech if he had not been overcome with " stage fright , " or otherwise unnerved by the special features

of a Masonic gathering , and if that is so it "would only be necessary for the would-be orator to speak his observations into the machine the day before , or at

. some other time when he was in particularly good oratorical form , and then run them off at the meeting with all the ease and grace that clockwork and science could command .

One great advantage of this system would be the curtailment within reasonable limits of the " gas " which at times threatens to overpower us , as the films being of a . definite size the portions of a speech not finished

by a given time would be lost in oblivion . Think , too , of the splendid arrangement by which a Worshipful Master would only have to prepare one set of speeches to run the whole of his year , as the same films can be

repeated time after time ; and imagine , again , the possibilities by which we could get a reply from the Grand Master , another from either the Pro or Deputy , and as much as a film would hold of the thanks of

some distinguished Grand Officer , in response to the different toasts in their honour now so regularly proposed at our meetings , but never in the case of the first three , and seldom in the case of the minor Grand Officer * responded to .

Back Scrubbing Made Easy.

But the possibilities of the instrument , and the uses to which it may be put are sovvast that even to estimate them is beyond our powers , it is very certain , however , that it will afford a splendid means of creating

variety if fairly worked , and may be brought into bad repute and even contempt if made the means of extending the already too general practice of mutual admiration among members of the Craft .

Sussex.

SUSSEX .

IT is probable that during the closing months of the year this Provincial Grand Lodge will meet at Chichester , under the banner of the Lodge of Union , with H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught Provincial Grand Master in the chair .

Proposed Temple At Southend.

PROPOSED TEMPLE AT SOUTHEND .

A MEETING of Freemasons was held at the Pier Hotel , Southend , on Tuesday evening , to consider the advisability of establishing a Masonic Temple at Southend . The Mayor , Bro . F . F . Ramuz , presided , and the large room of the hotel was crowded with Brethren . Several letters and

telegrams were * read from others interested in the project , who were unable to be present . The result of the meeting showed very plainly that a Masonic Temple is now " a thing of the near future " at Southend .

The proposal is to purchase Marlborough House , Whitegate Road , which , with alterations and furnishing , would entail a cost of about £ 5 , 000 . Considering the value of the land , it was generally considered that , thanks to the interest shown in the matter by one Brother , the freehold was remarkably cheap .

Some discussion took place as to whether the usual facilities of a club would be offered to Masons . It was explained that , after being considered by several Past Masters , it had been suggested that the premises should be converted into a Club , the membership of which should be restricted to

Masons , at a nominal fee , in order that they could go there and order a chop or a steak , and have what refreshment they required . On the ground floor there would be a large dining hall , which could be used for the banquet ; and above this a

hall could be used for Lodge meetings . There was no doubt that the necessary income would be forthcoming , and a certain frontage would realise a good sum , if necessary . It was also stated that there were Temples in the north of England that paid a dividend of ten per cent .

The plans of the alterations , as prepared by Bro . W . Y . Hobbiss , showed a dining hall of about 40 ft . by 26 ft ., and above this a Masonic Hall of about 35 ft . by 27 ft ., with an

ante room adjoining . The billiard room and spare rooms would also be on the first floor , and on the ground floor there would be reading and smoking rooms , and refreshment rooms , kitchen , & c .

After discussing the proposal , the Brethren present put down their names for shares amounting to over - £ 1 , 000 ; and a committee was appointed to arrange details . Bro . A . J . Arthy was unanimously chosen to act as . solicitor in the matter , and Bro . W . Y . Hobbiss was unanimously elected architect .

A sum of twenty guineas was voted from the funds of the Rahere Lodge , No . 254 6 , at a recent meeting , in aid of the Royal Medical Benevolent College , Epsom , and one guinea was given to the Home for the Dying .