Scotland.

Bro . Barr in replying expressed on his own behalf and of those of his visitors the pleasure they had in being present . He hoped the principles of Masonry woultl spread and be more firmly established amongst them than they had yet been . It was too true that there was but too little of principles of Masonry even amongst Masons . ( Hear , hear . ) As had been hinted that night already , although

slight differences did sometimes arise , these were causeel more by a desire to show a superior wisdom than from a spirit of rivalry on the part of the brethren . ( Applause . ) I le was sorry there was not a larger representation from No . 18 , as no eloubt there would have been but for unforseen circumstances . He had been asked to apologize for P . G . S . Bro . Denny , who had expressed to him his regret

at being detained from being present that evening . He hoped when their turn came in Dumbarton , they would be favoured with a large deputation of the brethren of 503 , and concluded by wishing them long life and prosperity . ( Loud , cheers . ) Bro . Stevenson then gave the " Provincial Granel Lodge , " for whom Bro . Barr also replied in appropriate

erms . The Chairman then gave the toast of the evening , " Prosperity to St . George ' s ( No . 503 ) . " He would have liked to have had something prepared to have spoken in connection with this toast , but owing to recent events he had unfortunately been prevented from carrying out that desire . It was now about four years since the idea of

having a lodge of Freemasons was first mooted in Helensburgh . A meeting had been held in King-street Hall for the purpose of carrying out the suggestion , and although there were but few present , the loelge was then formed , and had progressed wonderfully . They had not had the great or the wealthy amongst them , but , nevertheless , they had got along very well . Their development at first was

somewhat slow , but , more recently , the progress made was very marked , ft was very creditable what had been done , but they should not rest content with that , but , adopting as their motto " Excelsior , " they should go still forward to greater effort and more pronounced success . ( Cheers . ) They had in a great measure done away with the principal barrier to all progress , viz ., elcbt ; except , indeed , it was

a national one ( laughter and applause ) , and with their hands loosened in this respect , they were free to accomplish much . He had great pleasure in proposing prosperity to 503 , " our noble selves "—( loud cheers)—coupled with the name of Bro . Marsland . Bro . Marsland in reply referred to the harmonious feeling which was at present existing amongst the brethren of

503 , and hoped that some of the olelcr members who had almost seceded from the lodge would come back and grace the meetings with their presence . ( Hear , hear , and applause . ) The other toasts were " The Press , " by Bro . Marsland , reply by Mr . Win . Thomson , Dumbarton and Lennox Heralds ; " The Chairman , " and " The Croupier . " "Happy

to meet , sorry to part , and happy to meet again . " The harmony of the evening was added to very considerably by the singing of Bros . Ponds , Love , Galloway , Young , Ross , Petit , Livingstone , and F . Barr ; whilst Bros . Marsland and Robb gave recitations which were very much appreciated and loudly applauded . After a most harmonious evening , the company broke up after singing " Auld Lang Syne . "

DALMUIR . ST . J ' S LODGE ( No . 403 ) . —A special meeting of this lodge was held in the Lodge-room at Dalmuir on the 8 th of December . The R . W . M ., Bro . Wm . Ferguson , presided , supporteel by Bro . Robert Manson , S . W . ; J . T . Johnston , J . W . ; J . Barrie , Secretary ; T . Scott , Treasurer ; J . Crawford , S . D . ; Wm . Gray , J . D . ;

T . Millar , I . G . The lodge was opened m due and proper form on the E . A . degree , and then raised to the F . C . degree , when three brethren were passed to the square degree of Fellow-Craft . The lodge was afterwards raised to the third degree , when two brethren were raised to the sublime degree of M . M . The ceremonies of passing and raising were performed by the R . W . M . in a bcautiiul and

impressive manner . The lodge was then reduced to the E . A . degree , and closed in due form . The regular fortnightly meeting was held on Tueselay , 15 th inst . ; Bro . Wm . Ferguson , R . W . M ,, in the chair , supporteel by the whole of the office-bearers ; a large number of the members being present , as also a deputation from Prince of Wales Lodge ( No . 426 ) , Renfrew , headed by Bro . Glen ,

R . W . M ., and Bro . Sim , P . M ., and Bro . M'Farlane , Morton , and others . The loelge having been eluly opened , the minutes of last regular and emergency meetings were read and adopted . Applications were then read from two candidates for admission into the Order , and they having been favourably balloted for , were admitted and duly initiated into the first elegrcc of Freemasonry by the

R . W . M . The ceremony of installing the office-bearers of the lodge for the ensuing year then took place , viz : — Bros . Wm . Ferguson , R . W . M . ; I . T . Johnstone , D . M . 5 John Crawford , S . M . ; Robert Manson , S . W . ; James Barrie , J . W . ; T . Scott , Treasurer ; S . Lcckic , Secretary ; T . Millar , S . D . ; Win . Gray , J . D . ; J . Stairs , B . B . ; J . Muirhcad , S . S ; D . M'Donald , J . S . ; Quintin Blanc , I . G . ;

anel D . Campbell , Tyler . The three Masters were installed by Bro . Sim , P . M . of Prince of Wales Lodge ( 426 ) , assisted by Bro . Glen , B . W . M . ( 426 ) , in a most creditable manner . The newly-installed R . W . M . then installed the remaining officers , and Bro . Sim , P . M ., was affiliated an honorary member for his valuable services to the loelge on

several occasions . After the ether general routine of business was gone through , the lodge was closed in tluc anil ancient form . The brethren then adjourned tc refreshment for a short time , when the usual loyal and Patriotic toasts were given and responded to . "The Visiting Brethren " was given by the R . W . M ., Bro . Ferguson . Bro . Glen , R . W . M . ( 426 ) , suitably replied , re-

Scotland.

marking that it had given him much pleasure to be present at the installation of the office-bearers , and congratulating the R . W . M . anil members of the lodge on the most efficient way in which the business was being conducted , and the prosperous state of the lodge . Bro . Sim proposed " The Newly Re-elected R . W . M . " in flattering

terms . Bro . Ferguson replied , thanking the members for the honour anil confidence they placed in him in choosing him as their Master for another year . After a short time agreeably spent in song anil sentiment , the brethren separated , " Happy to meet , sorry to part , and happy to meet again . "

GOVAN . LODGE GOVANDAI . E ( No . 437 ) . —The annual meeting of this lotlge for the election of office-bearers was held in their hall , Portland buildings , Govan , ear lfith inst . The attendance was large . The lodge being opened in due ami ancient form , the election was proceeded with , when the following brethren were clecteil : —John M'Farlane ,

R . W . M . ; A . Campbell , P . M . ; John Miller , D . M . ; J Hutcheson , S . M . ; Robt . Muir , S . W . ; Geo . Wilson , J . W . ; G . Maitland , Sec . ; John Brown , Treas . ; John Morrison , Chaplain ; John Sutherland , S . D . ; John Carrick , J . D . ; John Miller , Architect ( 2 ); W . Sutherland , J eweller ; Robt . Allan , P . G . S . ; Wm . Anderson , S . S . ; Alex . Ferguson , l . S . ; Carl J . Hetlmond , B . B . ; Alex . Buchan , S . B . ; John

Golder , Director of Ceremonies ; Andrew Blair , Director of Music -, James Moggie , I . G . ; John M'Intyre , Tyler . After the principal work of the evening was over , it was suggested that a former proposition to build a Masonic Hall in connection with the lodge should be revived , and that a Benevolent Funel be got up for the benefit of members of the loelge . A very happy evening was afterwards spent .

RUTHERGLEN . LODGE ST . J ' S OPERATIVE , ( NO . 347 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lotlge was held in Bro . Reitl ' s hall , Rutherglen , on Tueselay , 15 th inst . Three was a numerous attendance . The R . W . M ., Bro . John Cunningham , presitled , supporteel by office-bearers of the lodge , while amongst visitingjbrcthren present were Bros .

Dugald Butler , R . W . M . 27 ; R . M . Yuill , R . W . M . 275 ; William Phillips , R . W . M . 55 6 ; R . Mitchell , P . M . 332 ; J . B . McNaught , S . W . 55 6 ; John Howie , J . W . 556 ; Hugh Weir , J . D . 55 6 ; George Gray , 171 ; Thos . Gray , 171 ! J- Speirs , 117 ; Eelward Cornelly , 3 62 ; and others . The lodge having been duly opened 011 the E . A . elcgree , the chairman intimated that there were in waiting to

receive in that elegrce three candidates , who were as follows , viz .: John Scolder , jeweller , Stonelaw House , Rutherglen ( who is Provost of the burgh ) ; J . W . Wallace , banker ; and John R . Gray , manufacturer , Rutherglen There being no objections , the condidates , properly prepared , were brought in and initiated into the mysteries of the first elegrce , the work being excellently performed by the R . W . M .

SLAMAMAN . LODGK ST . J , ( No . 484 ) . —The brethren of this lodge met on Friday , the 18 th ult ., Bro . John A . Walkinshaw , Esq ., R . W . M ., in the chair . The lodge having been opened in due form , the following office-bearers were nominated for the ensuing year , viz : Bros . John A . Walkinshaw ,

R . W . M . ; Dr . James C . Nash , P . M . ; Robert Hamilton , D . M . ; William Burnett , S . M . ; Henry Roy , S . W . ; James Donnelly , J . W . ; Rev . Robert S . Home , Chaplain ; Wm . Harley , Treasurer ; James M . Watson , Secretary ; James Forrester , S . D . ; Robert Sneddon , J . D . ; John Wallace , B . B . ; George Smith , S . S . ; John Hunter , J . S . ; Walter Easton , I . G . ; James Baxter , Tyler .

Poetry.

Poetry .

NEW YEAR'S DAY , 1875 . WRITTEN FOR THE FREEMASON . Time in its changing hours fleets away , Anel here wc hail another New Year ' s Day , While fading years and moments one by one Warn us how fast the sanels of life have run . It seems but yesterday that in trust anel truth ,

We wandered 'mid the flowery maze of youth ; Maturer hours have long since gone and past , And here decrepid age confronts us all at last . Yes , time indeed has sped in rapid flight , Its brightest days have chang'd to darkening night , Since that glatl season of genial joyous spring , To which our ageing memory yet will cling .

When all around was full of light and love , And we had faith in man , as well as God above . Alas , how many are wanting here to-elay , Who ' ve played with us of life the same old play . Who ' ve watched its comedy too often close on fears It's tragedy dissolve in bursting tears , Who've lived to find that blessing or being blest ,

Man never here can find a lasting rest . Vain are all earth ' s gifts , vainer its painted dreams Its glittering pageants and its golden gleams , Its glowing hues of loveliness , all ere long Are but a nurse ' s tale , the poet's song . On New Year's Day we muse on ancient friends , The hope which flattered , or the joy which ends , The happy home , the pleasant hour of mirth

Which lights our plodding way on this dull earth , And all the peace domestic joys can give To all who with that life contented live . Yes , as to-day we greet another year , Fond memory recalls the far , the dear , Some friends are wanting to us all to-day , Some tender face has long since past away , Some old companion is no more at our side , Some household pet , our cherished hope and pride ,

Poetry.

Some venerable form , some youthful glow , Some maiden innocence , some brow of snow , All have like shadows flitted from our scene , Yet haunt in love the hours that have been . Thus New Year ' s day has many a tender voice For us , who at a New Year ' s dawn rejoice , Telling of Time ' s unchanging claim and law ,

Its sighs of tenderness , its ghosts of awe . Another year is now within our ken , Another year is given to mortal men , May its true message control our hearts anel ways , Our hopes and strength—may its softening rays

Fall on us all , alike in lodge and home , For all who are with us now , for all who roam . May Time , which wounds us all , yet heal our hearts , As in courageous truth wc play our parts , May our good Craft spcetl on its prosperous way , To all Freemasons a happy New Year ' s Dav . A . F . A ' . W .

THE FREEMASONS' AND THE ROMAN CATHOLIC

UNION . Am , " Lanigan ' s Bail . " I . Oh , Laura Machree , oh , what arc we coming to , The World , I think , will be soon upside down , One half doesn ' t know where the other half's running to ,

And there's neither respect now for Mitre or Crown . The Pope is in Gaol , anil debarred of his liberty , He is betl ' ad far worse than mi Ox in his Stall , To doubt it you must doubt his infallibility , And that ' s proved beyond doubt by our Cardinal Paul .

II . If we just look abroad we sec kingdoms and potentates , Disappear from the scene like an electric spark , And poor Pius' sons throughout all the German states ,

Are hunted like sheep by that heathen Bismarck . But they ' re praying devoutly he may soon find a place In a warmer spot than his baronial hall . And he ' s on the high road , for sure he's a Freemason , And consigned to perdition by Cardinal Paul .

III . We foolishly thought we'd escape the commotion , That ' s troubling the big ones all over the earth , That at last we were safe in this gem of the Ocean ,

That true patriots prize as the land of their birth . But och wirasthrew , sure a frightful disaster , Is doomed on our down-trodden country to fall , - -. The Freemasons' are going to instal as Grand Master , The Viceroy , to insult our dear Cardinal Paul .

IV . But let him beware ere he stirs up the fury ,. Of the "Catholic Union , " who are bound to a Man , Their vengeance to wreak , without trial or jury , j

On all the curs'd Masons now under their ban . So they warn him now if he ever intended , To dare take such a step , he'd the order recall , And to do it at once , while there ' s yet time to mend it , Or look out for squalls from our Cardinal Paul .

V . The heads of " the Union " are all men of quality , And rale patriots they can count by the score . And they ' ve Mac , who ' s elected for . next year's Mayor

alty—A position he gracefully filled once before . As he ' s a Good Templar , in the ^ Vartry he'll smother His feelings ( he don ' t touch the hard stuff at all ) . In that case no more we'll hear of his grandmother , But his praises he'll lavish on Cardinal Paul .

VI . Tut what will Mac do if he ' s askcel to the Castle , And invited to sup with the Grand Master there ? Of course he'll refuse the Sescenagh ' s vassal , And treat with contempt both himself and his fare .

Should this brave Gallowglass , who with pride tells the story , How his ancestors rcvelleel in Tara ' s Ouhl Hall , E'er stoop to the stranger and thus drive the glory Of that chivalric race—anil vet . Cardinal Paul ?

VII . But enough of their vapouring bombast and vaunting , If we to our principles only are true . They'll find that the poor wretched flag they arc flaunting

Shall never o ' crshadow the Old Royal Blue . Then acquit ye like men ere the foe has bereft us , Of that freedom once purchased 'mid fire anil ball , Or sleep till we ' ve lost all our forefathers' left us , And find our necks ' ncath the heel of this Cardinal Paul ,

October , 1874 . R . S . B . [ We publish this amusing little " squib , " received from a correspondent in Ireland ; but , as a general rule , we tlo not deal in " Masonic Crackers . " We arc always willing to pull one with a good-looking young lady . — ED . ]