Private Communications In Open Lodge.

PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS IN OPEN LODGE .

TN our Lodges , as is the case with most organisations of - * - a similar character , it frequently happens that the Secretary or Treasurer—more frequently the former—is

virtually the leader and director of all that takes place , from the time when the programme is being drawn up for the coming meeting , until the last visitor and member has left , and the books and other paraphernalia of the

Lodge have to be put away in a place of safety until the next assembly takes place . He it is to whom the Worshipful Master turns for information as to what is to be done , and what is likely to take place , and as a

consequence the Brother who fills the office should be well skilled in the science , of sound judgment , and strict impartiality , for with so much responsibility it naturally

follows that even an error of judgment on his part may have far reaching effects , and do much to imperil the fraternal feeling that should exist in all our Lodges .

The official position of the Secretary very often places him in possession of information unknown to the general body of members , and it is of the utmost importance that he should exercise the greatest caution in communicating

the knowledge thus acquired to the general body of the Lodge , lest by so doing he does harm , or causes pain to Brethren intimately concerned ; and in view of -this we most emphatically condemn the practice of some of our

Secretaries , who consider it their duty to read in open Lodge—in the presence of visitors as well as membersevery letter sent them , from start to finish , apparently

overlooking the fact that in some such instances the old proverb that while speech is silvern , silence is golden , is particularly applicable .

We were present a short time since at an installation meeting when this objectionable practice was particularly noticeable , and we were very much surprised that the Secretary concerned did not recognise the gravity of the

position , and consider for a moment the possible amount of harm he might cause in reading what were certainly private communications out before a full assembly of his Lodge , and a very large number of visitors . He not only

exceeded his duty m giving letters he had received in extenso , but showed a lack of good taste , and such an utter disregard of all consideration for the feelings of others as was most surprising , and we even doubt if the

law of libel is not elastic enough to bring him within the meshes of that ordinance , should the Brother concerned feel disposed to appeal thereto . There is , happily , little chance of such a contingency occurring , but in the interests

of the Craft at large we take the opportunity of pointing out the gravity of such cases , and by drawing attention to the practice trust we may be the means of putting a check on its extension , if we are not ' able to bring about its entire abolition .

Private Communications In Open Lodge.

The letter in question contained the resignation of a Brother from the Lodge , and went on to explain certain , circumstances which we should have considered any Freemason would have regarded as private information ,

communicated in a fraternal manner—information which the recipient should have guarded with the same care as he would any concerning his own private affairs , but evidently the Secretary did not regard matters in that

light , and proceeded to read the whole of the letter , to the no little astonishment and even disgust of some of the strangers who were present , Brethren of long experience , who regarded the incident as most regretable . In such

a case it is only necessary for the Secretary to announce the receipt of the resignation—it is not even politic for him to say whether the dues are clear , or whether there are any arrears , for in either case the resignation must be

accepted , and surely the customary formula of adding " with regret" is more necessary in the case of . a Brother who finds himself unable for a time to discharge his Masonic obligations , than in the case of the Brother who

is clear with the Treasurer . If there is anything like real Masonic sympathy it should be displayed towards those in misfortune or distress equally , and even with greater force , than to those on whom fortune continues to smile .

Doubtless our friend the Secretary will excuse himself by saying he did not think he was doing anything likely to cause pain or distress , but we hope he will see the

matter in a different light when the possible consequences are pointed out , and that he and others who occasionally act in a similar manner will remember that ' ' evil is

wrought by want of thought , as well as want of heart , " and this is particularly necessary in assemblies where there are a large number of visitors , although it may often

happen that it is even desirable to keep the right hand of a Lodge itself in ignorance of all that the left hand is doing . Sometime back we remember a discussion when it was

questioned whether a Lodge had the right to exclude visitors while private affairs were under consideration . The views of many influential Masons in regard to the question were that no such actual right existed , but few could

imagine that a request from the chair for the withdrawal of visitors under such conditions would be disregarded ; this further strengthens our present view that Secretaries should be most careful in making private , or even semiprivate communications , public in open Lodge .

West Yorkshire.

WEST YORKSHIRE .

rTlHIS Provincial Grand Lodge held its annual meeting at JL Sheffield on the 6 th , under the banner of Hallamshire Lodge , No . 2268 . Prior to the general gathering in the Cutlers' Hall the Lord Mayor of the city , Bro . George Franklin , entertained to luncheon at the Town Hall the Provincial Grand Master Bro . the Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , M . P ., of Leeds , the Deputy Provincial Grand