Correspondence.

a stiff and starchy post-prandial process which they only half enjoy . If a man calls for a glass of ale , he is withered up by tbe waiters for being vulgar j if he asks for a non-intoxicating beverage , he is dubbed a weak-minded brother by some who do uot see , eye to eye , with him ! It is the very fact that our Lodge banquets are too

elaborate that destroys much of the freedom that is so enjoyable , that makes men feel they cannot " do as they like , " but must conform to example . How it is to be remedied I cannot say . Of course , we could not dream of any introduction of " teetotal advocacy "

socalled 5 we can get plenty of that anywhere , and it is not wanted in Lodge . But if our dinners were less costly and formal , the brethren would enjoy them just as much •there would be more free and easy amenity , and thero would be a very judicious curtailment of the expenses of the fourth degree . What do you think ?

I remain , yours fraternally , AN OLD MASON 2 nd March 1883 .

Toasts And Tea.

TOASTS AND TEA .

To the Editor of the FREEMASON s CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — "I looks towards you . " We have jogged along together , my boy , for a good many years , meeting both in Lodge and out of it , with a hearty good will , and always with a cheery smile for one another . But , Brother mine , no longer can I smile npon you over the sparkling wine cup , and drink thine health in " orthodox , " for I have caught the blue fever , and am of

the ranks now of the " army good and pure . Henceforth , I drink to thine health in tea . You know where my shop is , and I send you a sample half pound to try . Get the brethren to give this teetotal idea a lift : it will give an impetus to business . It won't be " Trading on Masonry , " you know , and yon and I can do a quiet tete-a-tete over the " orthodox" whenever wo please . In giving yon this advice , do not write me down a HYPOCRITE .

Masonry And Drink.

MASONRY AND DRINK .

To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —While considering the subject of Temperance in Freemasonry , would it not be well to give a little atten tion to the practice , which is far too common , of drinking and smoking in Lodges of Instrnction ? I have attended several lately at which it has been the rule to sit with pewter pots and glasses before

the brethren , while the atmosphere of the Lodge-room has been dense with tobacco smoke . I confess I am a moderate drinker , and like my pipe or cigar with any one ; but I must say it seems a little out of place to sip and puff away whilst the solemn ritual of Freemasonry is being rehearsed . It is no great hardship at an ordinary business meeting , or a concert or lecture , to set these little luxuries aside for

a couple of hours •and I cannot see why the rule should not apply to Lodges of Instruction , where the exercises of the brethren are of a serious character , to say the least . The brethren would learn their parts just as well , and enjoy with greater zest the friendly glass and pipe as '' refreshment after labour . " I am sorry to say that on more than one occasion I have seen brethren in Lodges of Instruction

decidedly " muzzy" and incapable of taking their share of the work intelligently * and I have no hesitation in saying thafc when they find the potency of John Barleycorn has been taking liberties with them , they should keep away from Lodge . It is not too much to say some Lodges of Instruction at public-houses appear to have been set

going mainly for the " good of the house , " or the brother who happens to be the landlord , and who is thus helped on by perhaps sincere , but nofc over discreet , disciples of the Craft . Whether this is correct or desirable is open to strong question , bufc certainly it does nofc meet with the views of , Yours very fraternall y , VIGIL .

Another concert was given on Tuesday at the Royal National Hospital , Tentnor , and was even more successful than the one we noticed some time since . The programme was , as before , of a mixed character , and included a reading by Mr . Cruse , which was much applauded , and a

recitation , " The death of Montrose , " by Mr . Siebert , who , when invited to repeat ifc , gave in its place " Dr . Edith /' The musical part of the entertainment included instrumental solos and duets , songs , and glees . Dr . Coghill ' s daughter , Miss Daisy Coghill , played a pianoforte solo with

great taste . A couple of duets for violin and pianoforte by Mr . and Miss Westerveld , elicited well-deserved applause , the second one—Gavotte " Stephaine "—being redemanded . Mr . H . Colman , who has a good tenor voice sang " The Old Brigade " most effectively and Mr . Hi ° * '

gins made a great hit with " Dear me ! is that possible ?" Both these gentlemen were called upon to repeat their performances , and gracefully accepted the invitation . Miss Orchard acquitted herself well in the familiar song " Where

the bee sucks , " and Dr . Robertson ' s " Blow hi gh , blow low , " was rendered in excellent style . The other numbers were also well given , particularly the glee— " 0 hush thee , my baby . "

Walbrook Ward Club.

WALBROOK WARD CLUB .

WE had the pleasure , on Monday evening , of participating m the very enjoyable festivities attending the anniversary dinner of this club , which was held at the Cannon-street Hotel , under the presidency of Mr . S . Price . There was a very numerous company present , including many brethren , and the proceedings were through , out of a very animated and pleasant description . A capital repast

was served , reflecting the utmost credit on the resources of this ex . tensive and well-known hotel , and all the arrangements were such as to afford every satisfaction to the guests . After dinner the loyal and patriotic toasts were given , Capt . Harrison responding for the Army , Navy , and Reserve Foroes . The Chairman then proposed the Aldermen and Common Counoilmen of the Ward , alluding to the

excellent manner in whioh they were represented by their worthy Alderman , Sir James Clarke Lawrence , Bart ., M . P ., their deputy , Mr . Fry , Mr . Wynne E . Baxter , J . P ., and other members . The toast was heartily received , and Mr . Deputy Fry , responded in genial terms , in whioh be said that any measure which the Government might propose , whioh wonld have the effect of destroying , or even

weakening , the influence of the City , should have his mosfc earnest opposition . He felt sure the citizens believed tbey had been well served , and that any alteration , such as had been suggested by the Government , would not be for their benefit , but would certainly be to their great disadvantage . Mr . Wright gave tbe health of the Treasnrer and Hon . Secretary ! of the Walbrook Club , speaking in

eulogistic terms of the admirable manner in whioh these gentlemen discharged the duties of their respective offices . Mr . J . R . W . Luck Treasurer , and Mr . W . E . Baxter Hon . Secretary replied , the latter gentleman remarking that the Club , which was instituted for the purposes of friendly and neighbourly intercourse , now numbered 132 members . The Chairman then proposed Prosperity to fche

Inhabitants of the Ward of Walbrook , the toast being aoknow . ledged by Mr . White , the oldest inhabitant of the Ward . Mr . J . R . Luck gave the health of the Chairman , who responded ; and Professor Pritobard acknowledged the toast of the Visitors , proposed by Mr . Edwards . The last toasfc was " The Pretty Maids , the Happy Wives , and the Buxom Widows of Walbrook , " proposed in felicitous

language by Mr . Smart , and gallantly responded to by Mr . Landale . During the evening an admirable selection of music waa given by Misa Edith Ruthven , Mr . H . S . Ewen , and Mr . M . Powis Bale , with Mr . J . T . Musgrove afc the pianoforte . Miss Ruthven sang " Tho Banks of Allan Water , " and Taubufc's " My Love ia so fair , " in charming manner , and her efforts were rewarded by genuine

expressions of appreciation . She waa in excellent voice , and her ainging was a decided acquisition to the pleasures of the assembly . Mr . H . S . Ewen gave " the Tar's Farewell" and " Sailing , " both popular songs and admirably rendered . Mr . M . Powis Bale was equally successful in " Old Memories , " and several other pieces were sung with pleasing effect . In connection with the club and ward

several interesting events have taken place during the week . Ifc will be recollected that at the wardmote on St . Thomas ' s Day , ifc was resolved that a testimonial should be presented to Mr . H . E . Murrell , as a mark of respect , and in recognition of his services as a represent tative of the ward in the Court of Common Council during the long

period of 32 years . We believe ifc was intended to make the presentation at thia dinner , but Mr . Murrell ' s health was such ' as would not permit of his attending , and the testimonial has been on view daring the week at the offices of Mr . Seobell , No . 1 Walbrook . Ifc consists of a set of handsome silver gilt centre-pieces for the table , the largest of which bears the inscription :

"Presented to Henry Edward Murrell , Esq ., by the Ward of Walbrook , as a token of personal esteem , and in recognition of his valuable services as a member of the Court of Common Council for a period of 32 years . December 21 st , 1882 . " Accompanying the gift ia an address , beautifully illuminated in gold and colours , and enclosed in a massive gilt frame , the work having been artistically executed by Messrs Witherby and Co ., law stationers , of Newman ' s Court , Cornhill . The text runa aa followa : —

Walbrook Ward . Afc a wardmote , held at the City Terminus Hotel , Cannon-street , before the Right Worshipful Sir James Clarke Lawrence , Bart ., M . P ., Alderman of the said Ward , on Thursday , the 21 st day of December 1882 , it was unanimouly resolved " That this wardmote receive with great regret the resignation of their

tried representative , Mr . Henry Edward Murrell , and take the present opportunity of recording their high esteem of the services rendered by him , and for which they tender him their hearty thanks . " ( Signed ) James Clarke Lawrence Alderman , John Child Ward Clerk .

Some time ago the members of the club subscribed for fche purchase of two handsome " loving cups " which were duly presented to the club . A surplus of funds , however , remained , and with this money two massive silver gavels , for the vice-chairmen , were procured , to match that which had been presented recently by Mr . Murrell for the chairman . These "pieces of family plate" were used on Monday evening , and taken altogether the affair was oue round of congratulation and success .

Ad00604

DANCING . —To Those Who Have Never Learnt fco Dance . —Bro . ami Mrs . JACQUES WYNMANN receive daily , and undertake to tcacti ladies and gentlemen , who have never hail the slightest previous knowledge or instrnction , to go through every fashionable bsill-daace in a few easy lessons . Private lessons any hour . Morning and evening classes . PBOSPECTUS OK APPLICATION . ACADEMY—74 NEWMAN STREET , OXFORD STREET , W . BBO . JACQUES WVNMANIR WILL BE HAPPY IO TAKE THE HANAGBJIELTR OS MASONIC BAILS . FIBSI-CLABS BANDS PBOVIDEJJ .