Lodge Meetings Next Week.

516 Phcenix , Stowmarket 2078 St . Lawrence , Scunthorpe 526 Honour , Wolverhampton 2244 Cowper and Newton , Olney 566 St . Germain , Selby 2554 Manchester , Manchester 652 Holme Valley , Holmfirth 2558 Furnival , Sheffield 680 Sefton , Liverpool 712 Lindsey , Louth 786 Croxeth United Service , L'pool Saturday .

815 Blair , Manchester m & Albion 916 Hartington . Eastbourne 1328 Qranite Holborn j ^ , ^ 951 Prince of Wales Stow on Wo d ^ a ^^ g ^^ 1001 Harrowgate & Claro Harr wg te 8 & p ^ Ca ' mberwell n ^ Sffl S'LMe ™ Perseverance , Anderton ' s ,, wi toa Buzzard 9

^ n-w 2029 s ^ rnarCwih : 2 £ W ^ r Vk l ^ Bilhop Auckland = 206 Hendon , Midland Grand Hotel 1224 Stour Valley , Sudbury 149 Peace , Meltham 1232 Hereward , Bourn 308 Prince George , Eastwood

1289 Rock , Birkenhead 336 Benevolence , Marple 1428 United Service , Landport 1755 Eldon , Portishead 1605 De la Pole , Hull 1990 Hampshire of Emulat ' n , L'dp't . 1676 St . Nicholas , Newcastle-on-Tyne 2147 Grays Valley , St . Mary Cray 1739 Carnarvon , Swadlincote 2309 Christopher , Eton 1849 Royal Leek , Bangor 2326 Wigan , Wigan 1983 Martyn , Southwold 2359 Doric , Didsbury

A Distinction With A Difference.

A DISTINCTION WITH A DIFFERENCE .

THIS phrase is applicable to 1 reemasonry as expressed in different countries at the present time . Freemasonry in Great Britain and its dependencies is conservative in its character , and holds itself altogether aloof from participation in matters of Church and State . The organisations which bear the Masonic

name do not attempt to exert any influence of a political nature , nor to promote party or sectarian measures . In the United States the same rule holds good . There can be no discussion of political questions or of religious doctrines in the Lodge room . Brethren do as they choose when they come to act in party politics , or in support of churches and creeds . But it is not so in some of the countries of Continental

Europe . In France , the Masonic organisation counts as an important factor in political movements . Members of a Lodge , meeting in secret , discuss party measures and then decide to throw their united strength in favour of a certain policy , and for or against certain men who are candidates for official station .

Social questions and the reforms of the day are considered by Brethren when they meet within tyled doors , and if they decide to advocate a measure the whole strength of the organisations is brought to its support . One Lodge is in touch with another to . such an extent in France , that the Fraternity is likely to act together in promoting a measure of social or political reform .

Perhaps such effective combination of strength may sometimes tend to the best results . As a rule , the Masons of France are intelligent and patriotic men , and . oftener than otherwise , they plan and act in such a manner as to promote the public welfare ; but all the same there is an element of danger in their alliances and exercise of power when the objects are as here stated .

It is a matter of profound rejoicing that English Freemasonry , as expressed in all lands where the English language is spoken , declares itself so positively against any interference with matters which belong to the domain of party politics , and leaves to its members , acting individually , to exercise the duties

of citizenship in accordance with what may be the personal thought and judgment of each Brother . The institution as such —the Lodge as such—formulates no platform , pronounces itself neither in favour of , or against political candidates and measures , but holds itself apart from all such disturbing issues .

Maintaining such a position , Freemasonry has a legitimate influence to exist and a worthy service to render . It fulfills a beneficent mission in bringing men together to walk and work as Brethren . It teaches reverence and faith toward God , and

inculcates practical sympathy and helpfulness as between man and his fellow-man . Keeping itself altogether apart from entangling alliances , Freemasonry goes forward in an illumined way which promises the best results for truth and for humanity . — " Freemasons' Expository . "

Volunteers And Miltiamen For South Africa.

VOLUNTEERS AND MILTIAMEN FOR SOUTH AFRICA .

IT has been decided that any of the London and North Western Railway Company ' s staff who volunteer for active Military Service abroad , or belong to tho Militia and are rcquhvd to serve , shall be allowed leave of absence ; and , on termination of their active service , if they are physically and otherwise fit , they will be permitted to resume duty in as nearly aspossible similar positions to fhose they now occupy .

Those who are members of tho Superannuation and Pension Funds will be allowed to remain members of those Funds until re-instated in the service at the termination of tlieir active Military service . The wives and families of such members ol the staff will be entitled to privilege tickets during the absence of the husbands on Military duty , on application through the heads of Departments under whom the men are employed ,

Reports Of Meetings.

REPORTS OF MEETINGS .

We shall be pleased to receive particular's of Masonic meetings for insertion in our columns , and where desired will endeavour to send a representative , to report Lodge or other proceedings .

CRAFT : PROVINCIAL ,

RESTORATION LODGE , No . 111 . rglHE members assembled on the 29 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Archer I Street , Darlington , to assist at the installation into the chair of Bro . John Henderson , head-master of the Albert Road Board Schools . The ceremony of installation was most impressively performed by Bros . Richard Luck P . M . P . P . G . W . P . G . D . of England , J . J . Wilkes P . M ., and W . Todd the retiring Master .

At the conclusion of the ceremony the Brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , and celebrated the festival of the patron saint , St . John the Evangelist . The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and a most enjoyable evening was spent .

HARMONIC LODGE , No . 252 . ON Tuesday , 2 nd inst ., the festival of St . John the Evangelist was celebrated at the Saracen ' s Head Hotel , Dudley . There was a large attendance of Brethren from Worcestershire and neighbouring Provinces , Bro . G . H . Parke was installed W . M . by Bro . George Foster .

CONCORD LODGE , No . 1534 . THE regular meeting was held at Chester Bank , Prestwich , on Thursday , 21 st ult ., Bro . Jas . Kershaw W . M . After the reading and confirmation of minutes , Bro . William Scholfield was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft . Before closing the Lodge , Bro . Kershaw , addressing the Brethren , said he had a very pleasant duty to perform , which was the recognition of the

very valuable and esteemed services of Bro . Thompson P . P . G . St . B ., who had been Treasurer of the Lodge for a great number of years , and who had resigned the position . Bro . Thompson was one of the Founders of the Lodge , and the only one who was now a member . During the whole of the time the Lodge had existed he had held office of some description , and had filled

the several positions with zeal and assiduity , so much so that when it was proposed to recognise his good work and devotion to the Lodge , every member cordially subscribed to the Testimonial Fund , and it was now his pleasure to present to Bro . Thompson a cheque value £ 56 , together with an illuminated address , the latter being in the following terms :

Concord Lodge , East Lancashire , No . 1534 . To Bro . J . W . THOMPSON P . P . G . St . B . The Brethren of the Lodge wish to record their appreciation of the services rendered by you during your long connection with the Lodge .

They therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying cheque . They are reminded that you were one of the Founders of the Lodge , in fact the only Founder who still remains a member , and they trust you may long be spared to occupy that honourable position . Signed on behalf of the Lodge this 21 st day of December 1899 ,

James Kershaw W . M . George H . Nield S . W . Ashton Whitworth J . W . Jas . D . Eamage Secretary . Bro . Kershaw further said he hoped Bro . Thompson would live long to enjoy the goodwill thus expressed , and remain a member of the Concord Lodge for many years to come , to render council and assistance in the future as he has done in the past .

Bro . Thompson , in responding , was very much affected with such a splendid testimonial of the good feelings of the Brethren , and in expressing his thanks for their appreciation of his services , said it had come upon him with great surprise , and he naturally felt too much overcome to tell them in adequate terms how much he was indebted to them for their kindness , and how grateful he was for so substantial a token of their brotherly love .

He was unable to express how sincerely he thanked them for their considerate appreciation of what he had done , and for the kindly words spoken by tho W . M . He could best state his feelings in the words of the Masonic song : A man who is kind to another , And cheerfully helps him along ,

God bless such a man and a Brother . He would conclude by a quotation from the Masonic Ceremonies " Your work is before the Lord and your recompense is with your God . " The usual festive board followed .

METROPOLITAN : INSTRUCTION .

CONFIDENCE LODGE , No . 193 . ON Wednesday , at the Bunch of Grapes , Lime Street , E . G ., there was an exceptionally good gathering , many Brethren attending in consequence of its being Officers' night . Bro . G-. Spice W . M . 193 honoured the Instruction Lodge by presiding , supported by Bros . J . W . Simeons S . W ., F . W . Fells J . W ., J . Davey P . M . Prec , J . K . Pitt P . M . Sec , M . Baillio S . D ., G . Bushell J . D ., J . Owen I . G .,

W . Manin , T . ttoodchild , F . G . Bird , W . Hattersley , G . Carr , F . Bird , J . Wynman , and others . The ceremony of raising was rehearsed , Bro . Done acting as candidate , This being ended the W . M . resumed the Lodge to the second degree , and the installation ceremony was rehearsed , Bro . Simoons being presented as W . M .-elect by Bro . J . Davey P . M ., the Secretary of tho Mother Lodge , who made