Ladies And Freemasonry.

LADIES AND FREEMASONRY .

FEEEMASONEY , like many of the affairs of everyday life , appears to run in particular grooves by fits and starts , arid the association of ladies with the Craft seems to be a special case in point . Sometimes

we may go for weeks without meeting any mention of the two together , while at other times scarcely a day passes but something is brought under notice in which ladies are associated with the Craft . This is the case

just now , and we do not remember having ever before seen so many references to the fair sex in association with Freemasonry as have come before us recently . There have been the annual record of Masonic Balls

and Winter Festivities , m which ladies have taken a part , and which , we are pleased to say , seem to become more and more popular as year follows year . Ladies '

nights have been given by many Lodges , and the doings at some of them have been recorded far and wide , as

was notably the case in connection with the recent meeting of the Gallery Lodge , which called forth marks of approval—and verse—from one of the most important London daily papers ; as well as from less pretentious sheets in all parts of the country .

But perhaps more important than all this are the articles that have lately appeared , alike in the press of this country and in America , as to special instances of Masonic knowledge possessed by ladies in different parts of the world . In these we are told that France has its

duly constituted Lodges for women , America is threatened with the same , while Spain and other countries regularly recognise women as Freemasons , and can boast of many ladies of distinction among the

members of the Craft under their jurisdiction . "We cannot vouch for the truth of the statements thus put forth , but in many cases the details appear so real as to

induce one to believe there is a certain amount of truth about them , even if all is not absolutely as it is set out .

Some writers , in dealing with this subject , adopt the line of argument that there is really nothing secret about Freemasonry , else the ladies would have found it out long since , and they sometimes write so vaguely

as to make it next to impossible to decide whether they personally know nothing of the Craft , and are describing it from a purely outsider ' s point of view ; or that they

know a great deal , and are striving to lead readers astray in their desire to keep the world from a fuller knowledge of the inner mysteries of the Order . A novelty even in this direction is to be found in the recent laying of the foundation stone of a new Masonic

Hall , to be erected at Exniouth , which is reported elsewhere in our present issue . The principal duties of the day were undertaken by the wife of a Past

Ladies And Freemasonry.

Master , and from the sentiments she expressed on that occasion one is almost forced to regret that the laws of Freemasonry prohibit the initiation of ladies . She is so manifestly imbued with Masonic sentiments that she

would be an acquisition to any Masonic body , and would probably set such an example to her Brothers—and Sisters it would then be—as would prove of great advantage to them in their daily affairs .

Taking , however , all the more favourable points into consideration , we are yet unable to advocate the opening of the Lodge door to ladies , and we think we are justified in saying that such a course is so opposed to

the general wish of members of the Craft as to render its adoption virtually impossible . We do not begrudge them the foundation of societies on Masonic lines , or the association with members of the Craft in works

of a public character , but think it well that they should stop there , and not even seek a participation in the inner secrets of the Craft , no matter how much they may appreciate its teachings or admire its practices .

New Hall At Exmouth.

NEW HALL AT EXMOUTH .

THE members of the Sun Lodge , No . 106 , laid the foundation stone of their new premises on the 28 th ult . For many years past the headquarters have been

at the Beacon Hotel , but some time ago efforts were made to obtain a suitable site to build a Hall , which

would be the absolute property of the members , and after several negotiations they were successful to obtain a piece of ground in the Ferry Eoad , where a first class Hall will be erected . Bro . A . Hayman is entrusted with the carrying out of the building , and the architects are

Bros . Kearly and Ellis , of Exmouth . The building , says the " Devon and Exeter Gazette , " will be classical in style , and composed cf red brick with white stone facings . On the ground floor there will be a card room , billiard

room , bar , and the necessary offices and the caretaker ' s rooms , while on the top floor will be situated the Lodge Eoom ( 40 feet by 27 ) , and candidates' room . On the opposite landing will be apartments for the caretaker .

The ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone was fixed for three o ' clock , and the weather being very fine a large number of persons had gathered in Ferry Eoad . The Brethren met at their headquarters , the Beacon Hotel , soon after two o ' clock , and marched in procession to the site .

Worshipful Master H . Mann said they were met that afternoon to take part in a most interesting ceremony , and one which would be a red letter day in the annals of local Freemasonry . Mrs . Tucker-Pain was about to lay the foundation stone of a building which was to become the future home of the Freemasons of Exmouth . They had been desirous for many years of securing premises of their own in Exmouth , and had now met with success . It was hoped before many

months had elapsed that the Provincial Grand Master , Lord Ebrington , would be present in that town to perform the opening ceremony . The Lodge was first started in 1759 , and since then it had had many changes .