Periodical Literature

PERIODICAL LITERATURE

The New Quarterly presents , as regards mere numbers , a shorter programme than usual , bnt in respect of quality , it stands ns well as ever . The array of contributions is headed by a sketch of " Count Giacomo Leopardi , " from the pen of Helen Zimmern . We have read it with pleasure , for the hero was one of whom we frankly confess we knew little , if anything . Under these circumstances we cannot ,

of course , speak as to the accuracy of the record , bnt the narrative 13 well written . Tho Rev . F . Arnold follows next in order , with an account of " Lord Chancellors and Chief Justices since Lord Campbell . " The reader will easily p icture to himself how readable suoh an account ia almost certain to be . Even with less skill in the arrangement of his details than Mr . Arnold has shown , it would

certainly have attracted attention , by reason of the many anecdotes with Iwhich it is interspersed . The two stories are written by Mrs . Lynn Linton , the title of whose contribution is " Misaricordia , " and Frances Eleanor Trollope , who contributes " The Cure ' s Housekeeper . " Three other articles complete the tale—The first is by Mr . Henry Evorshed , on " Sir John Sinclair and some other Scotch Improvers . " The second will find favour with the art world , being a

biography of " Giotto , " by Julia Cartwright ; while tho third is of an " essentially practical character , and treats of the very important , yet very difficult subject of " Raihvay Reform . " The article is by Mr . Parsloe , who , with the advantages which have resulted from the Government Management of the Telegraphs , draws the conclusion that tho Government conduct of our railways would be a national benefit . The subject is a most extensive one , and wo advise our readers who are interested in it , to consult Mr . Parsloe , who has

evidently thought it over most carefully . Fiction is the principal element in Tinslefs . The same serial tales are still current , and there are two short stories in addition . In behalf of one , " An Appalling Appetite , " by the author of " Hands and Hearts , " Ac , but little can be said that ia favourable , but the other , entitled " Found in the Snow , " by Ellen Mar , is very prettily told ,

though we think it might have been better connected . An article on " Silence , " by W . Maclerie , will find favour with our readers , with whom the title of this paper is or ought to be a golden rule on all fitting occasions . Mr , J . Ewing Ritchie contributes an effective account of the " Rubens Fete at Antwerp , " held last year , on the occasion of the tercentenary of the birth of the great painter . A few songs or short poems help to make up a good number .

Thero is no question as to the merits of Cassell s Family Haganne , so that we need do little more than draw attention to its contents . The serial story , " Paul Knox , Pitman , " is evidently drawing to a close . We are beginning to fathom the mystery of Avho May Gwynn is . She proves to be , as all who have followed the narrative , chapter by chapter , must have anticipated , of good birth , and no doubt the

plotting of Lady Elizabeth , against her son's marriage with May , will come to an end now . " Stone Steps and Wooden Stairs " likewise continues to prove attractive . Thero are , further , a short story , entitled "My Stepmother , " and "In Three Chapters , " by Mr . G . Weatherley , both of which are to be commended . Professor Andrew Wilson has a few words to say on " Tho Colorado Beetle . " " The Outdoor Business Girls of London , " by one of them , is

unfortunately , we fear , a truo picture of the life they lead . A Family Doctor enumerates the most suitable " Autumn Climates for Invalids , " and " Our Paris Correspondent" contributes the usual " Chit-Chat on Dress . " " Beauty Spots , " by Strephon , contains an account of some pretty places at home , which the tourist would rejoice to visit , while "A Resident in Moscow" describes "Tho Begging Trade in Russia . " The illustrations , with the exception of the frontispiece , and one or two others , are not as good as we have seen them .

As to the Countries of the World , we are still lingering , and shall probably linger for some time longer , in the United States , the districts in tho present number comprising Minnesota , Nebraska , Iowa , Kansas , and other States in the Mississippi Basin , together with Missouri , Arkansas , the Indian Territory , and Louisiana—as regards the latter group , at least , we enter upon , but do not complete , the

account this month . The frontispiece is an illustration of the Falls of St . Anthony , Minnesota , while the other engravings include a full page " View on the Upper Mississippi , Minnesota , " " Yiew of the ' Pictured Rocks , ' Southern Shore of Lake Superior , " " View of St . Louis , Missouri , " " View of the ' Tower Rock , ' Rock Island , ou the

Upper Mississippi , " and " View of a Levee" on the Lower Mississippi . " There is also an illustration of " A Cheyenne Indian Chief , " who seems to be rather a good looking fellow for an Indian , with a pleasant rather than a savage cast of countenance , and powerfully built . In fine , the number is an interesting one , both as regards the narrative and the engravings .

New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND .

OPENING OF A MASONIC HALL AT HAMILTON ,

THE interesting ceremony of consecrating a new Masonic Hall in a comparatively new place was carried out , in accordance with ancient rites and customs , at Hamilton , Waikato , Auckland , on 23 rd of August . It was quite evident that tho event was looked npon as one of no ordinary interest by the residents , especially by the members of the Lodge Beta , the proprietors of the New Hall . The

New Hall itself is built in Hamilton East . It is a brick structure , admirably designed , and has two ante-rooms 12 feet square , while the Lodge-room itself is 30 feet by 20 feet . The fnrnitnre is certainly second to none in New Zealand , and before going further we have to heartily congratulate the brethren of Lodge Beta , I . C . on the . handsome Hall which they have erected , at a coat of about £ 600 .

New Zealand.

Tho Lodgo being worked under tho Irish Constitution of Freemasonry , tho Provincial Grand Lodgo was of course invited , and it was fully represented on tho occasion . Bro . G . P . Pierce , R . W . P . G . M ., was present , and conducted tho ceremony iu accordance Avith ancient usages . Amongs the other Visitors present wore Bro . G . S . Graham D . G . M . E . G ., M . Niccol R . W . M . Lodgo Manukau , R . W . P . M .

Lodge St . AndreAv , aud R . W . S . M . Provincial Grand Lodgo S . C . The Grand Lodgo Avas constituted of tho following members : —Bros . J . C . Doull P . G . S ., Master of Ceremonies ; Di \ Goldsbro' G . S . W ., A . Brock G . J . W .. W . L . Mitchell P . M . Lodgo Ara ; G . M . Mitford , Brookfield , & c . Amongst tho visiting brethren Avero representatives of nearly all tho Lodges in the North Island of Now Zealand ,

including those of all Constitutions in this city , and Lodges at tho Thames and other districts . Bros . Bell , Hoag , Howson , Gallagher , Robinson , and others woro amongst tho Auckland visitors , and numerous others from Cambridge , Ngaruawahia and adjoining settlements attended ; in fact , tho township was iu a commotion ; so general was tho drain on its resources , that had it not boon for tho indefatigable

exertions of Bro . Claude , the Master of Loclgo Beta , and his officers , the visitors Avould havo fared badly in tho way of accommodation , notwithstanding tho excellent hotels of tho place . It was advertised that the consecration of tho Loclgo would take place at noon , but time did not allow of this , and it was not until two o ' clock that tho brethren assembled at the NOAV Hall at Hamilton East . Tho Lodgo

was formed and raised to tho third degree , under Lodgo Beta , by Bro . Claude and his officers , after which the Grand Lodgo entered , and Avas duly saluted . A procession Avas thou formed to St . Peter ' s Church , Avhcro Bro . tho Rev . W . Caldor preached a short but spirited sermou from tho text , " Honour all men ; lovo tho Brotherhood ; fear God ; honour tho King . " A collection was taken

on behalf of the Masonic Benevolent Fund , amounting to £ 11 Gs 8 d . The procession was reformed to the hall , Avhcro the Grand Lodgo and P . G . M . continued tho ceremonies , and with oblations of corn , wine , and oil consecrated tho New Hall , after expressing approval of the plans , & c , submitted by the architect , Bro . Vialou . Prior to this ceremony one of tho most interesting

events of this happy visit took place . It Avas a recognition by Lodge Beta of the services rendered by Bro . Claude W . M . Tho Grand Master called on the Grand Senior Warden to make tho presentation . Bro . Dr . Goldsbro' said he was surprised at seeing amongst so young a community so complete a Lodge . The credit was due to Bro . Claude . The Hall was one which must surprise

Visitors , and was a credit to so young a settlement . Tho duty which devolved on him was a very pleasant ono , —that of presenting to Bro . Claude , on behalf of tho brethren of Lodge Beta , the gift ( a handsome gold Past Master ' s jewel , manufactured by Mr . Wells , Auckland , ) which he held . Tho decoration of tho Master Avas tho signal for loud cheering .

At the close of the ceremonies , Bro . Claude invited tho visitors , as guests of Lodge Beta , to an admirably spread banquet in the Town Hall , at which Bro . Colonel Lyon presided . The banquet Avas in every respect a creditable one , not only to tho Lodge , but to Mr . Dawson , tho providore , who left nothing to be Avishcd for . At the close of tho dinner , the toasts of the Prince of Wales and tho

rest of the Royal Family wero proposed from the chair , and wero responded to with due honours . Bro . Pierce then proposed , " Success to Hamilton , to the Waikato , and to tho New Hall , " and alluded to tho necessity for a bridge to connect tho two divisions of tho town . He accused the Government of neglect in this respect , drawing comparisons Avith what had been done at Cambridge and Ngaruawahia . Ho

alluded to the handsome Loclgo in Avhich they had assembled , as a proof of the vitality of Masonry in the Waikato , and expressed a hope that their example might be followed in Auckland . Bro . Claude , W . M . Lodge Beta , acknowledged the liberality of tho brethreu towards the Hall . He trusted the fact of their having such a Hall would tend to advance the cause of Masonry in the Waikato . He

was exceedingly glad to see so many present , and returned his hearty thanks for tho countenance afforded them . The toast of " Tho Guests , " Avas proposed by Bro . Carpenter , aud replied to by Colonel Lyon ; that of " the Ladies" Avas proposed by Bro . A . Brock , and responded to by Bro . the Rev . W . Calder and Bro . T . G . Sandes . Tho brethren then separated , to assemble again at Walker ' s Hotel , where

the inanguration ball Avas held . The room was a very large one , and certainly has no equal in any Auckland hotel . Accommodation , music , provisions , delicacies , & c wero provided on the most liberal scale , and every one enjoyed him or herself . Dancing was kept up till five o ' clock in the morning , and as by this time the visitors had to study their means of locomotion , especially those who wanted to reach . Auckland , a dispersion took place .

The Royal Oriental Order Of Sikha And The Sal Bhai.

THE ROYAL ORIENTAL ORDER OF SIKHA AND THE SAL BHAI .

AN Ashayana of this Order , pursuant to arrangement , Avas held at the residence of one of tho Censors on tho 18 th October 1877 , under tho presidency of one of the Sponsors . After the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed , the Ashyana was opened in tho first degree , and successively resumed iu the seventh , sixth , fifth and fourth degrees , the ceremonies of which Avere recited and approved . The Ashayana then Avent into Committee of Relegation , and worked

that ceremony , the Sponsor signifying his approval of ^ ho same . Tho ceremony of Perfection was , under reservation , considered and authorised . The form of Provincial Precept was submitted for discussion . The third , second and first degrees were referred to tho Ritual Committee for modification . It was ordered : That , 1 further Ashayana bo hold in the Metropolitan District , on Thursday , the 22 nd November next , in full costume , After which the Ashayunn , dispersed ,