Masonic Expenditure.

MASONIC EXPENDITURE .

IT is not alone in this country that questions arise as to the disparity of the expenditure of Lodge funds in deeds of benevolence as compared with outlay on matters of social enjoyment . As will be seen from an extract given elsewhere in this issue , from the " Indian

Freemason , " the question is as much a matter of discussion and comment in Calcutta as we last week showed—from an excerpt from the " Porcupine "—that it is in Liverpool . In this particular , at least , Freemasonry may certainly be set down as cosmopolitan , a fact that critics of the Masonic system will no doubt

regard as anything but favourable or creditable to the Craft as a body . But before deciding one way or thc other it is just as well to look at both sides of the question which , as readers of the FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE are aware , is one that has often received attention in the past . There are some who argue that the matter of refreshment is no part of Freemasonry , and that because a number of

gentlemen choose to sit down together on some particular evening , after having previously met together in a Masonic Lodge , Freemasonry should not be blamed or criticised for what takes place at the later assembly , but as in most cases the refreshment is paid for by the

Lodge , and the meeting is for the time being under the rule of its Master , the general emblems of Freemasonry and the particular ones of office being worn , this argument is not . good—the Craft is responsible for what takes place at the Festive Board and , we believe , the majority of its members have no intention or desire to shirk responsibility in the matter . Our next consideration may reasonably . be to decide as to the necessity of banqueting . The strongest opponents of this part of the Masonic system agree that refreshment is necessary , the only difference of opinion really being as to its form or extent , after the stated

meetings of our Lodges . There should be no complaint if the refreshment was no more extensive than usually provided by the diners at their own tables—not , we may point out on ordinary everyday occasions , but such as

would be provided in honour of a few guests specially invited , or , as we have heard it described , it is quite legitimate for Masons to partake of " company" repasts when they meet together at the Lodge banquet . But as

there appears to be little of no objection to refreshment after labour we see no reason to interfere with individual Lodges as to the amount each shall spend in this adjunct of Masonry . The only ground on which outside

interference can be at all excused is in regard to the professions of charity made by the members as compared with their practices , and if we attempt anything in this direction we believe it will soon be discovered that the

Masonic Expenditure.

Lodges and members which spend the most in what the critics are pleased to term feasting , are those who contribute the most to the Charitable Institutions of the

Order . It is a very old fashioned idea that the way to an Englishman ' s pocket is through his stomach , and we could easily cite instances to prove the truth of this so far as Freemasonry is concerned .

The Brethren of the Indian Lodge whose discussion we quote this week are evidently desirous of arguing the case pro and con , and on that account their utterances are worthy of careful consideration , but the same can

hardly be said of the nonsense we last week quoted from the Liveipool " Porcupine , " which was evidently written by a rabid teetotaler , who brought neither sense nor logic into his arguments , save that he probably considers any arguments are good enough if they are in opposition to

the " cursed drink . " "We are far from advocates of intemperance at fche Masonic festive board—temperance is preached and practiced throughout Masonry , and we hope it will always be strictly acted up to—bufc

temperance certainly does not demand the practice of such tenets as were laid down by our Liverpool contemporary , whose principal grievance seemed to be thafc a Masonic Lodge of that city gave no more than £ 50 from its funds

in fche cause of chanty during one year . Will he kindly point out a teetotal organisation of equal proportions that did as much , and did it too without any expenditure of

funds over refreshments . If he can do so or can show an equal amount of benevolence on the parfc of his followers as we can show on the part of ours , we shall

then feel thafc something has been discovered to prove thafc equal good may be done quietly , as is accomplished , indirectly , we admit , through the agency of Masonic Banqueting .

Consecration: City, No. 2514.

CONSECRATION : CITY , NO . 2514 .

ON Thursday of last week there was an influential gathering of Freemasons at the Alexandra Hotel , Dale Street , Liverpool , where the City Lodge , No . 2514 , was consecrated with the usual ceremony . The following Provincial Grand Officers constituted the Consecrating

Lodge-. —Bros . W . Simpson Prov . S . G . W . W . M ., J . D . Murray P . G . T . S . W ., John Christie P . P . G . W . J . W ., Geo . A . Harradon P . P . G . Treas . Keg ., W . Savage P . P . G . Treas . S . D ., S . G . B . Bradshaw Chap ., E . G . Bradley D . C , W . Goodacre P . G . S . B . Prov . G . Sec , William Piatt P . P . G . Treas . Organist .

The ceremony of consecration was most efficiently performed , says the " Liverpool Courier . " Bro . Dr . John Utting P . P . S . G . D . was subsequently installed as W . M . by Bro . Simpson , and the Officers were invested . After dinner an excellent musical programme was rendered by Bros .. Barton , Smith , Batty , W . Langlin

and the City Glee Club , under the direction of Bro . Wm . Hudson .