From The Front.

been engaged in honourable work , and they had performed it in an honourable manner . Having presented each of the soldier guests and two others present , namely , Bros . A . W . Watson , of the 2 nd Scottish Rifles , and W . Reid jun . of the Ayrshire Yeomanry , with the- "History of Mother Kilwinning , " Bro . Ker coupled the toast with Bro . Major Mure .

Bro . Mure was sure he echoed the sentiments of his comrades in saying that was a proud moment for all . They had heard something of the intention of such a meeting , and the realisation of it was as pleasant as the anticipation had been . The kindness they experienced when away proved

how long the arm of fellowship could be to reach them 6 , 000 miles away . He noted while in South Africa that whatever damage was done to a place by the Boers , the Masonic rooms and Masonic property were never injured . This led him to

think that Freemasonry would be a strong factor in securing the unity of the two peoples when the sword was sheathed in South Africa . He assured the Brethren that he and the others there that night were overwhelmed with the kindness of their reception . — " Glasgow Evening News . "

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

— : o : — We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our

Correspondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the writers , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .

CAUTION TO ALMONERS .

To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —On Saturday , the 30 th ult ., a vagrant who was recognised as having been here some fifteen months ago , and giving reference to Lodges Nos . 1147 , Manchester , and 1345 , Eccles , with no certificate , applied for relief to several Brethren , being most persistent in his application ; he is a man of

fifty years or upwards , with dark hair and complexion , dressed m dark suit with overcoat and hard felt hat . He was seen with a list of names in his hand . He is undoubtedly a professional mendicant of the first water , as a letter from the Secretary of No . 1147 testifies to the effect that they know nothing of him for the last

fifteen years , except from numerous 'enquiries from various parts of the country as to his character " stating that he is not worthy of any help at all of any kind . " From the direction he was taking on Monday and Tuesday I am inclined to think he will be by the time this letter appears on the western borders of Hampshire , or well into the county of Dorset .

Yours , & c . P . M . 804 . Havant , 10 th December 1901 .

JEWELS FOR SHOW OR MERIT ?

To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I am delighted to notice the highly sensible plan of the Founders of the Chingford Lodge in having inexpensive jewels , as recorded in your issue of 7 th inst . There is far too much money wasted upon these trinkets , which might be

more profitably used for the Masonic Charities . The practice of awarding Past Master ' s jewels to " all and every" considerably reduces their value as a compliment or reward for services rendered , while the cost is often a great strain upon the resources of a Lodge . I am , Yours fraternally ,

THRICE PAST MASTER . nth December 1901 .

****************** At the monthly meeting of the Manchester Dramatic Lodge , No . 2387 , Bro . J . Pitt Hardacre W . M . was presented

with a beautifully framed emblem giving the whole of his Officers for the year 1901-2 . The value of the gift is enhanced by the fact that each Brother gave a special sitting to the photographer for the purpose .

"A Sprig Of Acacia."

"A SPRIG OF ACACIA . "

LOCAL . Brethren have suffered a great loss by the death of Bro . Walter Fielder , which took place on Friday , 29 th ult , after an illness of six weeks . Bro . Fielder , who was in his forty-sixth year , was at the time of his death Senior Warden

of the Justice Lodge , No . 147 , and had he lived would , in the ordinary course of events , have occupied the chair of that Lodge next year . The present W . M . is the Rev . T . W . Embleton Thomas , vicar of West Farleigh , Kent , and formerly

curate-in-charge of St . Nicholas , Deptford , and he officiated at the funeral , which took place on the 5 th inst , at Brockley Cemetery , with Masonic ritual , there being a large gathering of members of the Craft .

Reports Of Meetings.

REPORTS OF MEETINGS .

: u ; We shall be pleased to receive particulars of Masonic meetings , tor insertion in our columns , and where desired will endeavour to send a representative , to report Lodge or other proceedings . We do not sanction anyone attending Lodge meetings as our repre sentative without a specific invitation .

CRAFT : METROPOLITAN . Confidence Lodge , No . 193 . THE annual election meeting took place on Monday , at Andenton's Hotel , Fleet Street , E . C ., those present including Bros . Sidney W . Fells W . M ' ., J . Wyatt Simeons I . P . M ., Metcalfe Baillie S . W ., Geo . Bushell J . W ., I . E . Fells P . M . Treasurer , E . J . Davey

P . M . Secretary , W . Haughton S . D ., W . Hattersley acting J-D ., J . Done acting I . G ., Alfred C . Hawkins Org ., L . G . Reinhardt Tyler . The minutes being confirmed the bye-laws were read . The Lodge was then advanced to the second degree , and Bros . Williams , Best , Matthews and Tarbuck were examined and entrusted . Lodge was opened in the third degree and those Brethren were raised as

Master Masons . Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and Bro . A . R . Baillie was examined and entrusted . To save time the ballot was taken for Mr . Robert Challinor Watson , and proved to be unanimous in his favour . Lodge was again advanced to the second degree , and in due course Bro . A . R . Baillie was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft . Lodge was once more resumed to the first

degree , and Mr . Robert Challinor Watson having been , admitted , was duly initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . We have had the pleasure of seeing the working of Bro . Sidney W . Fells W . M . on several occasions , but on this one he excelled himself ; ^ the working was slowly a * nd effectively rendered , and was eminently satisfactory .

The W . M . announced that the annual election of Worshipful Master , Treasurer and Tyler would next take place , the agreeable result being that Bro . Mletcalfe Baillie was unanimously chosen W . M . for the ensuing twelve months . In making the announcement the W . M . congratulated the W . M .-elect , and said he was fully qualified for the high position to which he , had been appointed by the members of his Lodge .

Bro . Baillie in a few well chosen words thanked the W . M . and Brethren for their unanimous vote , and promised faithfully to discharge every duty that was expected of him . Bros . John Fells P . M . Treasurer . and L . G . Reinhardt Tyler were re-elected for their respective positions .

A notice of motion by Bro . Smither P . M ., seconded by Bro . George Spice P . M ., was unanimously carried , to the effect that the sum of ten guineas be voted from ithe Benevolent Fund to the list of Bro . Metcalfe Baillie W . M .-elect as Steward for the Royal

Masonic Benevolent Institution . Bro . J . W . Simeons LP . M-. said he had much pleasure in adding an additional ten guineas to the list of Bro . Baillie , and that Brother expressed his ithanks , adding that he was proud to say he had already 100 guineas on his list , which announcement was received with acclamation .

Bro . Simeons proposed that the outgoing Master should be presented with , a ( ten guinea Past Master's jewel and collar on his retirement from the chair , in recognition of the very able manner in which he had fulfilled the duties as W . M . during his year of Office . This proposition was enthusiastically received and agreed to . The W . M . acknowledged the vote with evident sincerity .

Bros . H . Jones and W . M . Martin were appointed Auditors . Bro . Haughton proposed a gentleman for participation in the mysteries of the Craft and after a few communications the Lodge was closed , and the Brethren repaired to the banqueting room , where ia nice repast was provided , Bro . Francis , in his usual attentive manner , looking after the comfort of the guests .

After the repast the W . M . submitted the usual Loyal toasts . In proposing that of the Grand Officers he said it was the first time during his year of Office he had been honoured with the presence of a Grand Officer , sand accordingly he had especial pleasure in tendering to Brother Henry Carman P . G . Standard Bearer the

heartiest of greetings , with the hope that he and other of the leading lights of Freemasonry might on future occasions honour the Confidence Lodge with their presence . Bro . Carman briefly responded . Bro . Simeons I . P . M . next iassumed the gavel , and proposed the toast of the Worshipful Master .

The W . M ., in response , thanked the Brethren most cordially for the way they had received the toast . He was pleased to hear he had given satisfaction , and' sincerely , thanked Bro . Simeons I . P . M . for his great assistance , and the Officers for their support during the past year . Now that his time was drawing to an end he could promise he would continue to fulfil his duties in the Lodge the same as he had done during his Masonic career thus far .

The W . M . next proposed the toast of the I . P . M ., paying him some well deserved compliments , and Bro . Simeons replied . The next toast the W . M . said required special attention . It was the health of the initiate . The W . M . said the new Brother was well known in his profession , and he felt sure he would become an additional ornament to the Confidence Lodge . He gave him a most hearty welcome , and asked the Brethren to cordially endorse it , which was done .

Bro . Robert Challinor Watson said he felt very honoured in having been admitted as a member amongst them . He -was delighted with the ceremony , and pledged himself to be faithful to the Craft . He thanked the Brethren for their cordial reception . Bro . Fells W . M . next gave the toast of th ~ W . M .-elect . The majority of the members knew the good qualities of Bro . Baillie . He felt his successor would receive the same genuine support as hacj