Original Correspondence.

I think it would also be a gracious act , on behalf of our M . W . G . M ., to dispense some Grand Lodge honours on this auspicious occasion , as was done at the celebration of the Jubilee ; no doubt if such would be hinted to H . R . H . he would act with his accustomed liberal Masonic spirit , and such an act would find general rejoicing . Such occasions do not frequently happen . —I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , FA 1 RPLAY , P . M .

To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , At the last Quarterly Communication it was resolved that the Grand Lodge should present a suitable gift to her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales and an address of congratulation to our M . W . G . M ., the Prince

of vVales , on their Silver Wedding . I he auspicious event is now approaching , but the Craft has heard nothing more about it . The next Quarterly Communication is on the 7 th March ; the presentation must take place not later than the 9 h cf the same month .

In my humble opinion , the Craft in general ought to be informed of what the gift will consist , even perhaps Grand Lodge members might be allowed to see the same , before presentation . And who are the brethren selected to the honour of being deputed to make the preseniation . —I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , AN OLD P . M . February 13 th .

WHO IS THE OLDEST FREEMASON ? To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , My grandfather , Bro . Thomas Howell , of St . David ' s , Kent-road , Southsea , was initiated into Freemasonry in the Lodge of Harmony ( then No . 575 and

, meeting at Gosport , Hants ) on the 20 th day of May , 1 S 26 , and was exalted into the Holy Koyal Arch on the 20 th day of October , 1 S 2 S . It is believed by many Masons that he is the oldest Freemason in this province , if not in Eneland .

Peihaps some cf your readers can give the names , residence , and date of initiation of some brother who was initiated before ti c 20 II 1 day of May , 1 S 26 , and vvho is still living . —Yours fraternally , February 27 th . ' ALEXANDER HOWELL .

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REVIEWS

CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF MIDDLESEX , iSSS . Bro . Henry Lovegrove , F . S . I ., & c ., is the editor of this , Ihe official Calendar fcr Middlesex , and issues it in an attractive form . 1 his year there is a portrait of the esteemed D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C , wilh biographies of that broiher and of the editor , whose protrait appeared last year . This is a feature which

might well be followed in other provinces , the illustrations adding much to the interest and value of these capital annuals . 'Ihere are 39 lodges and 13 chapters working in Pvliddlesex . I he oldest Iod <; e only dates from 1 S 25 , and the senior chapter from 1 S 2 S ; but there are few provinces in a more vigorous and active state , and though "Antiquity ' s pride is not on their side , " the members unite most

heartily in supposing their respected Piov . G . M ., Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., the founder , so to speak , of the province . We notice lhat in this issue there is not the customary rolls of Grand Ofiicers , in Craft , Arch , and Maik ; and we are very sorry to observe that ihe editor lias been refused information by Secretaries in more than one instance . A poor return for his onerous duties .

THE LANCASTER MASONIC CALENDAR FOR iSSS . Bro . Her . iy Longman is again ti the fore , and is determined lhat Lancaster shall be well represented , whatever may be done else by his province . There is not a better Directory of the kind published , for it is carefully edited , well arranged in a compact form , and neatly printed , this

time also being much enlarged . We are exceedingly pleaped to see that our reviews of the Lancaster Calendar for 1 SS 7 , and the " History of the Fortitude Lodge , No . 281 , " have been repiinted in ihe present issue , Ihe editorial note being added that " The above quotations from the Freemason are given as they touch on subjects very interestingto Lancaster Masons , and we think nut generally

known by them . " The " M-iscnic Notes , " ranging from i ; Sgto 1 SS 7 , are capitally compiled , and of considerable interest , especially to brethren belonging to No . 281 , which , all being well , will celebrate its centenary in 1889 , and be then entitled to the coveted Centenary Jewel and

Warrant . Brethren who would like copies , on sending to Bro . H . Longman , will be gratified to receive one by return of post , simply for asking , so long as the edition lasts . VVe should suggest , however , that where possible , those who would like copies should either send one of their calendars , or of their lodge by-laws , so as to reciprocate the compliment .

THE CANADIAN FREEMASONS' POCKET BOOK FOR THE YliAR , iSSS . This handsomely piinted volume is correctly described as " A complete Directory , " and being compiled from official sources , may be relied upon to the fullest extent . Bro . Geo . J . Bennett , P . G . R . of Canada ( Ontario ) , is the editor , as formerly , and does his work so thoroughly that

there seems nothing to be dc * . ired , so far as our researches have extended , considerably over 200 pages being literally crowded with Masonic matter of a most interesting and useful character , bave the " Cosmo " in England , and the noted German Calendar , we are not aware of any

other such exhaustive publications , and we hope that the members of Bro . Bennett ' s Grand Lodge will exhibit their appreciation ot his great labours , in the only practical manner that he at all events will value , viz ., by purchasing the edition within a few weeks . None but ihose who have engaged in similar duties can adequately estimate what is

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involved in such a publication . In March last we wrote a friendly notice of the issue for 18 S 7 , and all we said then we are prepared to say over again , and even more . The only objection we had then was tothe portrait of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada , else typographically , then as now , the Calendar and Pocket Book was all that could possibly be desired . In the Dominion of Canada

there are as follows : 1 . Grand Lodge of Canada ( Ontario ) , 357 lodges and 78 chapters . 2 . Grand Lodge of Quebec , 59 lodges and 10 chapters . 3 . Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , 68 lodges and 12 chapters . 4 . Grand Lodge of New Brunswick , 32 lodges and seven chapters . 5 . Grand Lodje of Manitoba , 37 lodges . 6 . Grand Lodgeof Prince Edward's Island , 11 lodges . 7 . Grand Lodge of British

Columbia , eight lodges , 8 . Newfoundland , under England and Scotland , seven lodges , making a total of 5 S 3 , including those in Quebec and Nova Scotia , on the English register . Possibly about 30 , 000 members in all . Not only does Bro . Bennett give the roll of Grand Officers , and all Committee ' s of these bodies , including the Grand Representatives , but all the executive officers are also

particularized from the origin of each of the Grand Lodges named ! Then again , the Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , Ireland , United States , and others are carefully described , the details being those that would naturally be looked for by our Canadian Brethren . The " Hautes Grades " are also duly cared for , the particulars being as full with respect to these bodies as in relation to the Craft .

Masonic meetings in Canadian and other cities make up most useful tables , additional to those under the lists of lodges undsr each Grand Lodge , those for Kingston being new this year ! The cities selected are Toronto , Montreal , Hamilton , Halifax , Kingston , Quebec , Winnipeg , London , Ottawa , and St . John , New Brunswick for Canada ; and Boston , Brooklyn , Buffalo , Chicago , Detroit , Milwaukee ,

New Yoik , Oswego , Philadelphia , Rochester , St . Louis , and Washington , D . C . for the United States . The editor is most impartial in his labours , the English lodges in Montreal , & c , receives the same attention as the others . The issue for 1 SS 7 contained a capital roll of "Imperial

honours borne by Canadians , " but it is omitted in the edition for 1 S 8 S . Bro . Bennett , in a graceful manner ( for he does not forget us in England ) acknowledges that to Bro . George Kenning ' s " Cosmopolitan Calendar , " and other publications , the editor is indebted for much valuable information .

THE NEWSPAPER PRESS DIRECTORY AND ADVERTISERS' GUIDE , rSSS . Forty-third annual issue . C . Mitchell and Co ., Advertising Contractors , 12 and 13 , Red Lion Court , Fleetstreet , London , E . C . It is difficult to say anything that has not been said already , either in our own columns or elsewhere as to the

merits of a directory which has reached its 43 rd year of publication , and has been made more and more complete and accurate with each fresh annual issue . However , we find that the portion relating to magazines and periodicals has been largely added to , that the section dealing with India , Australian , and Colonial papers generally has been revised , that the special articles on "India and the

Colonies" have been brought to date , and that Mr . Finlason has contributed a paper which clearly illustrates the working of the "Newspapers Libel Act , ISSSI . " As regards the mass of particulars relating to newspapers and the various kinds of periodicals which has been brought together within the limits of this Directory , there is little

doubt as to its value and comprehensiveness , and still less as to its being trustworthy . Messrs . C . Mitchell and Co ., the publishers and the editor are to be congratulated both on the matter contained in the " Newspaper Press Directory " and the admirable manner it has been arranged and classified .

MEN AND WOMEN OF THE DAY . BRO . HERBERT BARRAUD . Bro . Herbert Barraud , through Messrs . Bentley , has just published the first number of a work which bids fair to become very popular . There is not only room for , but really a want of , such a publication as " Men and Women of the Day . " In Part I . Bro . Barraud issues a most

modest preface , wherein he says he does not consider he has arrived at perfection , but vvith time , and the care he intends to give to his new venture , it will gradually become better and better . The three photographs now appearing are those of Bro . the Provincial Grand Master of Derbyshire ; Miss Mary Anderson in costume as " Rosalind ; " and that ecclesiastic—dear to all

Englishmen whatever their creed may be—Cardinal John Henry Newman . We showed the portrait of Bro . the Marquis of Hartington to an M . P ., who has sat for many years in the House beside the great politician , and he said he had never seen so excellent a likeness . We recommend those Derbyshire lodges which do not already possess a picture of their Provincial Grand Master

to get this beautiful photograph and hang it up in the lodge room after being framed . We do not think the publisher could have done better than choose for his first " Women of the Day , " the distinguished American actress , who , since her coming to our shores three years ago has won all hearts , both as an actress and as a lady , and has well earned the title of "Our Mary . " The portrait of

the Cardinal is a recent one , ana shows every line in his splendid face . VVe suppose that few hymns are more popular amongst all denominations than Newman's " Lead , kindly light , " written in the Bay of Biscay , when every one on board was expecting the vessel to be dashed to pieces in the storm , and during its fury John Henry Newman went below to his cabin and wrote those verses which have

endeared him to all English-speaking folk . The photographs , which are of a large size in permanent chemicals , are accompanied by a short and well written biography . Bro . Barraud promises to issue pictures of persons distinguished in Literature , Science , Art , Politics , the Church , the Bar , the Stage , the Army , the Navy , the leaders of Fashion , & c . Amongst these will be some of the chiefs of our Masonic Fraternity . Bro . Barraud modestly states he

will not be above suggestions ; we therefore offer a few . First , we think it will be well if the photos are detached , for in the first number the biographical notice of the Marquis of Hartington is joined to the portrait of Miss Anderson , and her biography is attached to Dr . Newman ' s picture . Secondly , we think he might with advantage give a photo of any public person who may have died recently , and who would , had they lived , in all probability have been included . The portrait , say , of the late Sir

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Robert Garden would just now be of much interest , and his face was a particularly good subject for photography At the end of each year a title page and index will be issued for binding purposes , which will make this work of art 0 f immense value as a book of reference . It only requires to be made known in order to render " Men and Women of

the Day " the great success it deserves and ought to be In future numbers we are promised portraits of Lords Tennyson and Cross , Mr . Ruskin , Professor Tyndall , Sir James Paget , Sir Wm . Gull , Mr . Chamberlain , the Bisho of Ripon , Bro . Sir Morell Mackenzie , Bro . Irving , Mr Gladstone ht

, Mr . John Brig , Mr . George Grossmith , Bro ' William Barrett , Bro . and Mrs . Kendal , Miss Ellen Terrv ' Mr . Frederick Harrison , and Mr . Herbert Spencer . VVe believe that no one who commences to take in this monthly work will ever cease to subscribe , so valuable will " Men Women of the Day " become .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

B ^ Bii ^ B ^

ROYAL SOMERSET HOUSE AND INVER . NESS LODGE ( No . 4 ) . —This lodge , acting by Im . memorial Constitution , held its annual installation meeting on Monday , when Bro . Dr . Geo . Weldon , G . Steward , late S . W . of the lodge , and who had been unanimously elected to the chair of K . S ., the ceremony being performed by Bro . Dr . Mackintosh , P . G . S ., in a most solemn and impressive manner . The progress of the ceremony was

marked by the programme of anthems and hymns , as arranged by Bro . F . West , P . G . D ., D . P . G . M . Surrey , P . M . and Secretary of the lodge , the performance being under the direction of Bro . W . Stevenson Hoyte , P . G . Org . Surrey , and Organist of the lodge . The performers were Bros . Stedman , Bevan , Fryer , and J . A . Brown . If , where all the singing was good , one piece may be selected

as especially pleasing—Handel ' s "Angel of Charity , " to the beautiful words of Thomas Moore , may be said to havebeen the most striking , and was beautifully sung by Bro . Bevan . The Anthem , " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is" ( Clarke Whitfield ) , sung by all the musical brethren above-named , was also a fine performance . All the brethren present were requested to join in the opening

and closing hymns , which they did with good effect . After the three addresses to the Master , the Wardens , and the lay brethren had been delivered by the Installing Master , the newly-installed W . M . invested his officers as follows Bros . I-I . G . Pollard , S . VV . ; J . Hughes , J . W . ; Rev . G . Weldon , Chap . ; Hall , Treas . ; F . West , P . G . D ., D . P . G . M . Surrey , Sec . ; H . de Stern , S . D . ; G . Sturt , J . D . ;

Kev . A . W . Oxford , I . G . ; Dr . Mackintosh , P . G . S ., D . C ; F . T . Bennett , Stwd . ; W . S . Hoyte , P . G . Org . Surrey , Org . ; and Freeman , Tyler . The VV . M . next presented the I . P . M . with a jewel ,. which he said he handed to him in the name of the lodge to mark the appreciation of the brethren of the services rendered during the past year . He trusted that he would live to wear it and to value it , not for its

intrinsic value , but because it was something to be handed down as an heirloom to show that he had been the W . M . of the Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge . The I . P . M ., in reply , said that he was exceedingly obliged to the brethren for that jewel . It was a thing he had coveted for the last two or three and twenty years . His services during the past year had been somewhat poorlv

performed , but what he had done with his best endeavours had been kindly received by the brethren . Although he now retired to the position of a Past Master he should always have at heart the welfare of that his mother lodge . The W . M . then presented to Bro . Mackintosh the jewel to which he was entitled as one of the brethren who represented the lodge at the meeting at the Royal Albert Hall , on theoccasion

of the celebration of her Majesty s Jubilee , and expressed the hope that Bro . Mackintosh might live many years to wear it with the many other jewels he had earned . Brn . Mackintosh , in reply , thanked the brethren for that further compliment they ^ had paid him . He felt that it was the office and not the officer that merited the jewel , but as he was the fortunate officer entitled to receive the Jewel at the

hands of such a distinguished lodge , he heartily thanked them for it . Bro . Hall moved , and Bro . Mackintosh seconded , that Bro . Pollard , S . W ., should serve as Grand Steward for the coming year . Bro . Pollard having accepted the conditions imposed by the by-laws on those accepting the office of Grand Steward , the W . M . declared him duly appointed tothe office ; and Bro . Pollard

acknowledged the honour that had been done him , saying that if he followed the example of his predecessors he could not go wrong . There being no further business the lodge was closed , and the brethren of the lodge and their numerous guests subsequently dined together at the adjoining tavern . After the cloth had been removed , the usual list of loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed from the chair and heartily

honoured by all present . In proposing " The Queen and the Craft , " the Chairman remarked that during the 5 c years of her Majesty s reign 1 S 00 lodges had sprung into existence . „ ln giving out the toast of " The M . W . the Grand Master he said that during the 20 years since the Prince of Wales entered the Craft he had been employed in showing the

world the good of Freemasonry . , The next toast was to " The Health of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " That , the W . M . said , was always an important toast , and although the lodge itself had always a noble array of Grand Officers on that occasionwith their

, visitors they had 33 Grand Officers present . Amon *_ r their guests were Bros . Fenn , Philbrick , Shadwell H . CietKe , Col . Peters , Matier , Broadley , Bowyer , Zacharie , Lister , Harding , Lake , and others . They were glad to g ive them a hearty welcome . Having so many they could not , a they would wish , hear them all in reply , and he shorn kiii » jr nuuiu WISH , ui ~ c * t . tiv . ii . an 111 i ^^ 'J * , »» ' * - . j *

couple with the toast the names of Bros . Philbrick am Fenn . ,. Bro . Philbrick , in reply , said gratitude demanded that n should at once respond for this toast so kindly given * an politeness demanded that he should not detain them lonfc ,-The W . M ., whose will was law , had forborn to call upon his father who must rejoice to see him in that position , an