A Topic For Consideration.

A TOPIC FOR CONSIDERATION .

THE off season has come to be regarded by various public authorities as the proper time for discussing alterations , innovations or improvements in existing affairs , and we see no reason why the Masonic Order should be different in this respect from the

many other sections of the community whose grievances or requirements have been considered in the public Press during the more quiet , portions of past years . The doings of Freemasons may not be quite so much open to discussion with a view to amendment or alterations those of the outside world , but even here there are many points where change might

prove most beneficial , and these need not involve alterations interfering with the time-honoured basis of the Order , or upsetting of the traditions or special characteristics of the Craft . Freemasonry itself , from its peculiar nature , does not present many points which call for amendment , even if the mere

suggestion that there is room at all for improvement is not going beyond the limit to which we should confine ourselves , hut of late years so much has been added' to ^ what may be termed the supplementary surroundings , of the Graft , that we need run no risk

of a charge of heresy when we attempt to lead the way . to reform in some of the matters which , if not actually handed down to us as Ancient Freemasonry , have at least come to be recognised as part and parcel of the ' modern svstem .

The set banquet after labour , which may now be regarded as a necessary adjunct to Freemasonry , is really no part of the system handed down to us by past generations , and here at least we may offer

suggestions lor alteration or reform without being guilty of un-Masonic behaviour , or even seeming to wish to upset the landmarks of the Order . Those of our readers who , as visitors , are in the habit of dining out from : time to time will aeree with us that in suite of

the care and attention they usually receive from their hosts there are frequently little matters of detail apparently neglected which go far to upset . the pleasures of the day , and occasionally rob the outing of much of its enjoyment . "We have , from time to

time , written in regard to some of these minor misfortunes , and we are bold enough to believe that our efforts for improvement have not been wholly thrown away .. Brethren who have experienced the troubles we have written about , when visiting other Lodges ,

nave recognised the truth of our remarks , and have come to a determination to endeavour to prevent similar mishaps occurring in their own Lodges , with results which have justified outside interference , and nave been fully appreciated by those on whose behalf we have acted .

Probably the most important items for consideration in this respect are those of punctuality , and an early conclusion of the day ' s proceedings , and theseiuatters may be said to call for more particular attention at the present season of the year , from the

A Topic For Consideration.

fact that a larger number of meetings are held away from the busy towns than is the ease in the winter months , and as a consequence the members and visitors frequently have longer journeys before them ere they reach their homos than is the case when

they are attending a meeting of their regular Lodge . Further than this , a visit to an outside meeting may involve such an amount of cross country travelling as to render the journey home-ia matter for serious concern , and here it is that local men , or those who have the arrangement of affairs , have a splendid

opportunity of proving their ability as organisers , and of showing the value of forethought and determination to ensure punctuality . One particular matter likely to cause trouble in this respect is , as we have pointed out in previous remarks , the fact that those who have the arrangements of a meeting are frequently local men , who have no railway journey before them , and

who often actually overlook the exigencies of the train service , or how far their programme may upset the comfort of those who have to travel . The commencement of the day ' s business half an hour beyond the time appointed may put everything so far behind that guests or members residing at a distance are compelled to leave at an inconvenient part ' of the

proceedings , and not only miss a large portion of the entertainment provided for their enjoyment , but also cause an early break up of the meeting , and altogether upset the company . This trouble is not , perhaps , so annoying to those who have to leave as to those who remain , although it is very unpleasant

to have to hurry away from a gathering when another half hour would have completed the business up to a desired point . Those who stay behind have , however , to face the empty seats , and the thread of the proceedings having been broken , it is often very difficult to take up the ends and resume the harmony

with the same swing as previously prevailed . An unsatisfactory state of affairs has , in fact , arisen , which might have been prevented if a little more attention had been given to details , and a little more regard had been shown for punctuality , and with this advice we for the present leave the topic for the consideration of our readers .

On the occasion of fche meeting of the Suffolk ^ Provincial Grand Lodge , at Thornham Hall , the seat of tbe B . W . Prov . Grand Master Lord Henniker , on Friday , 7 th August , the Great Eastern Railway Company has

consented to run a special train from Ipswich to Mellis , leaving Ipswich at eleven o ' clock , and picking np passengers by the 11 * 2 from Bury at Haughley . The Company has also consented to rnn a special from Mellis to Haughley at 8 * 35 p . m ; , meeting the last train from Bury

Sfc . Edmund ' s , due in Ipswich at 9 ' 33 , in time to catch the down train , which leaves at ten o ' clock . Return tickets will be issued from all stations at a single fare and a quarter , to all brethren producing the summons to Provincial Grand Lodge . Arrangements will be made at Mellis to convey the brethren to Thornham Hall and back free of charge .