Grand Lodge Of New Zealand.

Lodges , will continue as at present , and remain unaffected by this recognition . All Brethren who shall continue members of Lodges under the English Constitution shall be fully recognised by

the Grand Lodge of New Zealand , and no Brother shall incur any Masonic censure by reason of his adhering to either allegiance , or of any part he may have taken on either side in the formation or establishment of the new Grand body . ( Signed ) FBED . A . PHIIIBBICK , Grand Registrar . E . LETCHWOBTH , Grand Secretary .

The Fifteen Sections

THE FIFTEEN SECTIONS

WILL be worked on Monday next , 28 th inst ., at the Commemoration Lodge of Instruction , No . 2663 , at the Star and Garter , Arbour Square , E ., commencing at 8 o ' clock . Bro . Goulston will preside .

Symbolism Of The Corner Stone.

SYMBOLISM OF THE CORNER STONE .

THE symbolism of the corner stone teaches us that it is the particular stone on which the entire structure is supposed to rest , and is considered by Operative Masons as the most important stone in the edifice . It is laid with impressive ceremonies when important public buildings are erected , and the

services are , therefore , not wholly of Masonic origin , although the assistance of Speculative Masons is nearly always invited to give dignity to the occasion : and for this purpose Freemasonry has an

especial ritual , which governs the proper performance of that duty . Among the ancients the corner stone of important edifices was also laid with impressive ceremonies . These are well described by Tactitus in the history of rebuilding the capitol .

The symbolism of the corner stone , when duly laid with Masonic rites , is full of significance , which refers to its form , to its situation , to its permanence , and to its consecration . As to its form , it must be perfectly square on its surfaces , and in its solid contents a cube . The square is a symbol of

morality , and the cube of truth . In its situation it lies between the north , the place of darkness , and the east , the place of light ; and hence this position symbolises the Masonic progress from darkness to light , and from ignorance to knowledge . The permanence and durability of the corner stone , which lasts long

after the building in whose foundation it was placed has fallen into decay , is intended to remind fche Mason that when this earthly h .-m- « - af In- t ** bei- ! -u- * --le 'lai * havt passed away he has within him it

a Hi .- ; e louiirtani ^ i-ti : < nal hie - a corner stone of immortalityan emanation Irom that divine spirit which pervades all nature , and which therefoie must survive the tomb and rise triumphant and eternal above tbe decaying dust of death and the grave .

Tbe examination of the corner stone with the implements of Operative Masons teaches the Speculative Mason tbat his virtues are to be tested by temptation and trial , by suffering and adversity , before they can be pronounced by the Master Builder of souls to be materials worthy of the spiritual building of eternal life .

The application of tbe elements of consecration is emblematic of the nourishment , refreshment and joy which are to be the rewards of a faithful performance of duty . The corner stone in the Old Testament seems always to have denoted a prince or high personage , and hence the evangelists

constantly use it in reference to Christ , who is called the chief corner stone . In Masonic symbolism it signifies a true Mason , and therefore it is the first character whioh the Apprentice is made to represent after his initiation has been completed . —D . N . NICHOLSON G . M . Vt ., in " Voice of Masonry . "

The Trinity Lodge , No . 2595 , of Buckfastleigh , has been presented , through the Provincial Grand Secretary Bro . John Stocker , with a portrait , in Masonic robes , of the Provincial Grand Master of Devon Sir Stafford Northcote , Bart ., K . C . B ., M . P ., to be hung in their new Lodge Room . The

presentation is made in commemoration of Sir Stafford ' s visit to Buckfastleigh on the occasion of the Consecration and dedication of the Lodge , which was the first Masonic function he was called upon to perform after his installation , and as an earnest of his good wishes for the welfare and success of Trinity Lodge , No . 2595 .

We are pleased to learn that the result of this year ' s North London Masonic Ball has proved to be most satisfactory , the balance sheet showing a surplus which allowed of no less a sum than . £ 99 15 s being handed over to the Masonic Charities ,

Symbolism Of The Corner Stone.

SOCIAL EVENING AT THE QUEEN'S LODGE , No . 2681 . THE first ladies' social in connection with this new Lodge was held in the Skelmersdale Masonic Hall , Kirkdale , on Tuesday , 15 th inst ., and proved to be a most interesting and enjoyable function , no pains having been spared by the Worshipful Master Bro . J . E . Williams and the Officers of the Lodge to make the most complete and elaborate arrangements for the comfort and pleasure of the Ladies and Brethren .

Succeeding the ordinary business of the Lodge Bro . Williams and Mrs . Williams received the ladies and visiting Brethren , and at eight o'clock the company sat down to a banquet served in excellent style by Bro . Holmes , of the Metropole Cafe , to which ample justice was done , and during which the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and honoured . The Worshipful Master proposed in a happy speech the health of tho

Ladies , to which Bro . Douglas J . W . suitably replied . An excellent musical programme was provided , and at eleven o ' clock a programme of some fourteen dances was entered upon , and continued with much spirit until the proceedings were ended by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne , " thus bringing to a close what many of those present expressed to be the most enjoyable and successful function of its kind within their experience . During the evening Brother Barr S . S . presented a handsome bouquet to Mrs . Williams , on behalf of the members of the Lodge .

Review.

REVIEW .

Books , & c . intended fop Review should be addressed to the Editor , Fleet Works , New Barnet . — : o : — Willing ' s British and Irish Press Guide . —The twenty-fifth annua issue is before us , and appears to be as complete in its several sections as its

predecessors . In addition to the alphabetical list oi the newspapers and periodicals of the United Kingdom , the whole are classified under different headings in such a way as to be very useful to those who may desire to work up any special subject , trade or profession . In addition to all this there are lists of the principal papers of the Colonies , British India , and foreign parts .

Entertainment Notes.

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES .

Palace Theatre of Varieties . —On the occasion of our visit to this most elegant and comfortable place of amusement we regretted the absence of Bro . Charles Morton , the able manager , through indisposition , and we most heartily wish him a speedy recovery . At the same time we compliment him on the excellent and refined company he provides . Amongst others we may notice the Quartet Darfco , including Mdlle Aida , who are excellent

Vocalists and Dancers ; Miss Marie Dainton , a very clever mimic ; Miss Blanche Leslie , a promising young artiste , who introduced a new song and dance ( aa a Vivandier)—she is exceedingly graceful , and sings and dances well ; Grell and Gray , clever eccentric Comedians , & c . Hewelt's Automatic Theatre is well worth seeing , while the American Biograph received its usual hearty applause . Miss Buby Ray , Mignonette , Kokin , and the Burnells are individually and collectively successful .

WJU have had the opportunity on different occasions of inspecting some really handsome articles of furniture made by Bro . G . J . Argent ( of 60 City Boad , London , B . C . ) for Masonic or general purposes , and can confidentl y recommend him to Brethren who may contemplate making a present to their Lodge of any particular item of furniture , or who desire to re-furnish their Lodge throughout with modern and artistic articles . Founders of new Lodges , too , would do well to consult him before placing their ordersand

, will certainly have no cause to regret doing so . Bro . Argent makes a special feature of lift-cages , upholstery and general fittings for restaurants , refreshment bars and buffets , and from what we know of his capabilities we recommend him for the general furnishing of Masonic Halls , Clubs , and other establishments of a like character , which appear to so much greater advantage when fitted in an artistic manner by those who are accustomed to this particular class of work . Bro . Argent has just secured the contract for

another of " Ye Mecca " Bestaurants , at 56 Ludgate Hill , and as this is the seventeenth or eighteenth of the depots belonging to this one Company that he has supplied here is direct evidence of excellence of work and careful supervision . Bro . Argent is also able to refer to some of tbe leading Masonic establishments of the metropolis , where Lodge chairs and other furniture have been supplied , notably the Boyal Agricultural Hall , Islington , and elsewhere .

The Humours Of Advertising.

THE HUMOURS OF ADVERTISING .

( Continued from page 127 . ) HEBE are two advertisements from the " Mercurius Publicus , " published shortly after the restoration , the second one supposed to have . been written by King Charles II .: — " A Smooth Black Dog , less than a Grey-hound , with white under hig breast , belonging to the King ' s Majesty , was taken from Whitehal the eighteenth day of this instant June , or thereabout . If any one can give notice , to John Ellis , one of his Majesties Servants , or to his Majesties Backstayrs , shall be well rewarded for their labour . " June 21-28 , 1660 .

" We must call upon you again for a Black Dog , between a Greyhound and a Spaniel , no white about him , onely a streak on his Brest , and his Tayl a little bobbed . It is His Majesties own Dog , and doubtless was stoln , for the DOR was not born nor bred in England , and would never forsake His

Master . Whosoever findes him may acquaint any at Weitehal , for the Dog was better known at Court , than those who stole him . Will they never leave robbing His Majesty * " Mvist he not keep a Dog 1 This Dog ' s place ( though better than some imagine ) is the only place which nobody offers to beir " June 28-July 5 , 1660 .

The next is from the " Public Intelligencer , " a contemporary of the " Mercurius . " " Whitehall , May 14 , 1664 . His Sacred Majesty , having declared it to be his Boyal will and purpose to continue the healing of hi « people for the Evil during the Month of May , and then to give over till Michaelmas next , I am commanded to give notice thereof , that the people may not come up to Town in the Interim and lose their labour , "