Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
Reviews .
"A HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY ON THE COAST OF COROMANDEL : together with Histories of the Old Madras Lodges which were founded before the Union , together with Appendices and a Map . By the Rev . C H . Maiden , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , Local Secretary for South India , Lodge ' Quatuor Coronati . ' With an Introduction by Bro . W . J . Hughan , P . G . D . Reprinted and Rewritten from the ' Indian Masonic Review . ' Addison and Co ., 15 S and iSS , Mount-road , Madras . 1 S 95 . '—Bro . the Rev . C . H . Maldon , by compiling this history , which , in the first instance , but in a far less complete form , appeared in the " Indian Masonic Review , " has not only rendered incalculable
service to the Craft , but has at the same time secured for himself a foremost position among our lodge historians . It does not often happen that the brother who undertakes a task of this kind has much in the shape of early original records to work upon . In this respect , however , Bro . Maiden has been more fortunate than some who have engaged in similar enterprises . The great difficulty he must have experienced appears to have been that of reconciling the conflicting and disjointed materials that were available . The records , or at all events some of them , were there to be consulted , but it is manifest that the task of compiling from them a connected narrative must have been the
very reverse of simple and straightforward . But the difficulties he had to encounter have been successfully overcome , and considering the period it embodies , and the exceeding carelessness exhibited by Masonic officials last century in compiling and , above all , in providing for the safe custody of their archives , his " History of Freemasonry ( according to the English Constitution ) on the Coast of Coromandel" strikes us as being one of the most readable and—what is still more to the purpose—one of the most complete and trustworthy that has come under our notice . The earliest record of Masonry in connection with the Madras Presidency dates from the vear 1752 , when a
warrant was issued for the establishment of a lodge , No . 222 , under the " regular Grand Lodge at Madras , but there is nothing to show either by whom or to whom it was granted , Bro . Maiden suggesting that Capt . Edmund Pascall may have been the founder . His commission in the English infantry on the Coast dates from October of the previous year , and in October , 175 S , he was Captain of the second company of the second battalion of European Infantry . This lodge , after undergoing sundry changes of number , was erased in 1 790 , leaving behind it no trace whatever of its existence . In 1765 , we are told , this Capt . Pascall , as Prov . Grand Master , established three lodges on
different parts of the Coast , which were locally known as Nos . I ., IL , and III ., and which subsequently figured in Grand Lodge Register as 353 , 354 , and 355 , while early in 176 7 Lord Blaney granted him a Deputation to act as Prov . Grand Master ; this is described in Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry" as " a revival , " though no evidence is forthcoming of the earlier appointment . Of the above three lodge ? , No . I . was located in Madras , No . II . at a place unknown , and No . III . in Trichinopoly , and it was in the last of these three lodges that the eldest son of the Nabob of the Carnatic , of whom we read subsequently in the minutes of the " Regular " Grand
Lodge , was initiated . But these efforts of the " Regulars" or "Moderns do not seem to have had a lasting effect , and to their rivals belongs the honour of establishing a lodge which did some really good service in behalf of Masonry . That was No . 152 , for which a warrant was granted in January , 176 S , and which , as the other Society fell off , became gradually more and more prosperous , its members being numerous and , with a few exceptions , of good social standing . In 177 S , the " Ancient " Grand Lodge granted to Bro . Monteith , P . M ., and two other members of the said No . 152 , to be appointed by him , full powers as a Commission to discharge all the duties pertaining to
the office of Prov . Grand Master , until such time as a suitable person should be appointed as such , and under this authority warrants were issued for the constitution of other lodges . But the authorities at times seem to have been negligent of their duties . Then Bro . W . Sykes was appointed , in response to further communications , but he died before his patent was received , and , though several letters were subsequently sent home giving . full Jreturns of members , and particulars as to any important transactions that had occurred , no replies were ever vouchsafed , and in sheer disgust at such unlooked-for and unwarrantable neglect , the lodge listened to the overtures for a union of the two
Societies , on which Bri g -General Matthew Home , P . G . M . on the " Modern " side , had set his heart . Accordingly , terms of union were arranged between the rival Masonic sects . No . 152 surrendered its warrant , and in the year 17 S 6 was reconstituted No . I . ( local ) and No . 233 on the register of the " Moderns . " This lodge is still on the roll as the Lodge of Perfect Unanimity , and though there was , of necessity , a short break in the continuity of its working caused bv its transfer from one Society to the other and its reconstitution , but with sundry of its old members , under a fresh warrant , it is virtually the lodge for which warrant No . 152 was issued 120 years ago come Sunday , the 5 th inst .
For the full particulars concerning these interesting circumstances , but more especially for the Articles agreed to between the contracting parties , we refer our readers to Bro . Maiden ' s History . As regards the history , from this time forward of Provincial Grand Lodge under successive Provincial and for several years past District Grand Masters , we must not—indeed , having regard to our space , we cannot—anticipate the pleasure which these interested in the history of English Freemasonry in these distant portions of our empire must derive from a study of his work , all the principal events being well , and , as far as we are able to judge , faithfully described .
The narrative is not overlaid with detail and as it is broken up into a series of short chapters , each devoted to a period covered by one or more Prov . rulers , the reader can take up the book and study it carefully during his moments of leisure . It has , moreover , the great advantage of being a continuous history , for though there is one formidable gap—from 1826 to 1 S 50—for which the Prov . minutes are not forthcoming , Bro . Maiden has succeeded in bridging it over with information obtained from other official and local sources . But the Prov . Grand Lodge History is very far from constituting the whole of the work which the author , with so much ability , and after such infinite pains ,
has succeeded in compiling . There are chapters devoted to Royal Arch Masonry and the Rose Croix Degree , while every one of the lodges founded before the Union has its history sketched out from authentic sources so far as the information obtainable would admit of . Of these lodges three are still on the roll , namely , Perfect Unanimity , already mentioned as local No . 1 ; Lodge of Universal Charity , No . 273 ; and the Lodge ot Unity , Peace , and Concord , No . 31 G , now a military lodge attached to the 1 st Scots Regiment , and therefore no longer on the Madras roll . There are also several appendices which seem to have been compiled with the greatest care , and a map , from which
there is no difficulty in fixing the location of existing and past lodges . In short , the " History cf Freemasonry on the Coast of Coromandel" is a complete and admirably written series of histories of all the various lodges which had been , or were in existence at the Union of the rival Societies of "Ancient" and " Modern " Masons in 1 S 13 , and we fully endorse the justly complimentary remarks to which Bro . W . J . Hughan , in his brief , tut excellent introduction , gives expression to the effect that the au ' . hor may rest satisfied " lhat his history will be often consulted , much read by students , and highly
valued by all brethren who appreciate conscientious woik in regard to the History of Freemasonry in Madras . " Our Madras brethren are to be envied at having in their ranks < ne who has devoted himself so laboriously and with such conspicuous results to Ihe study of their Provincial and private lodge recoids , and we can only hope that Bro . Maiden may have the leisure and disposition to complete his task by tracing from equally authentic sources , the histories of those lodges which have been established in the Presidency since 1814 .
"MASONIC CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OK MIDDLESEX , 1 S 9 6 . " George Kenning , 1 ' reemnson Office . —This handy little , yet wonderfully compiehensive , annual is generally first in the field , and is slightly earlier than last year . It is editid by Bios . Howaid H . Room , Prov . G . Sec , and William W . Lee , Prov . G . hciite E ., who aie proficient in their duties as editors of this very compact Directory . It extends to nfi pages , and contains a mass of information respecting the province in 11 gatd lo the Cratt , Royal Aich , and Mark Degrees , representing 42 lodges , 13 chapters , jnd 10 Mark subordinates . Lord Geo . Hamilton , M . P ., is the Prov . Grand Master and
Ciand Superintendent , and Colonel A . B . Cook is the Piov . Grand Mark Master . The rr . ost ol tr . e lodges have been warranted since the lamented Colonel Sir Francis Burdett Lictrre tie lust Picv . Grand Master , and none are of much antiquity , the seni ir being the " Rojal Union , " No . 3 S 2 , Uxbridge . The province of late years has not increased much , lhe advance from 1 S 91 to 1 S 95 being only 12 members , there being a . slight decrease in the interim . The average membership in the 42 lodges is much smaller than in most provinces , some being about double that of Middlesex . The usefulness of such an annual Calendar for a province is so apparent that the wonder is that there are still some provinces without such an excellent Masonic directory .
Reviews.
"THE DAYS OF AULD LANG SYNE , " by Ian Maclaren . —This attractive volume , with th e very suggestive title , is having a large circulation , and there is no reason to suppose its readers will , number less than its favourite companion— "Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush" —which bids fair to run into the six figures , the 10 th edition , completing 70 th thousand , being already announced . Some have thought that the character of Dr . Maclure is overdrawn , and that no such moral hero exists , but such a doubt only illustrates how little some of us know of our neighbours . The author declares he is acquainted with three or four gentlemen who would serve as such models .
Undoubtedly , " Ian Maclaren " has not only been a diligent observer of human nature , but has so graphically described a few of the prominent celebrities in out of the way localities ( some in humble circumstances ) , that his most racy sketches have proved a never failing delight to an increasing number of readers , who can appreciate these moving pictures of homely life and brave hearts battling with difficulties , often under terribly depressing circumstances , but always with a determination to be the victors without sacrificing any principles which were dearer to them than life or success . This feature of the book is most inspiring , the high tone throughout doing much to elevate and
the tastes and aspirations of the reader . Quite an affection springs up for these men women ( who knew what their . duty was , and did it promptly ) , so ably described in this most entertaining work . There is an extraordinary combination of tenderness and sternness ; some chapters are brimful of pathetic references , but tempered every now and then with most amusing episodes ; these alternating quite unexpectedly . The interest in all that concerns the inhabitants of Drumtochty is so well maintained throughout , that , in fact , one quite forgets that " The Days of Auld Lang Syne " is a work of ficlion , so realistic does it read , and so vivid are the author's delineations and narratives of stirring scenes and affecting incidents .
Craft Masonry.
Craft Masonry .
Relief Lodge , No . 42 . The St . John ' s festival meeting of this old and distinguished lodge was held on Thursday , the 19 th ult . ( by dispensation from the Prov . G . M . of East Lancashire ) , at the Philip's Hall , Garden-street , Bury . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . Thomas Douglas , who being unanimously elected , was duly initiated by Bro . V . Brown , J . W . Bro . Vincent Brown , J . W ., W . M . elect , was then presented by Bro . Thomas Rigby ,
P . M ., P . G . S . B . E . Lanes ., for installation , and having been duly obligated by Bro . P . Allen , W . M ., the brethren below the rank of an Installed Master retired . The chair was then taken by Bro . John Redfern , P . M ., P . P . G . P . E . Lanes ., who rendered the installation ceremony in a very masterly and impressive manner , and Bro . Brown was duly installed into the chair of K . S . with great dignity , and saluted by 24 Past Masters present . After the usual formula the brethren were admitted , and Bro . Vincent Brown , W . M ., was proclaimed Master , and due honour done him , under the direction ot Bro .
John Kedfern , P . M ., P . P . G . P . E . Lanes ., who also presented the working tools and gave the addresses to the W . Ml , Waidens , and brethren respectively . The W . M . then invested the I . P . M ., who , in response , said it gave him very great pleasure to hand over the centenary jewel of the lodge to the new W . M ., which he did very gracefully . Bro . Thomas Ri g by , P . M ., P . G . S . B . E . Lanes ., then invested ( and also explained the jewels and duties in a most efficient manner ) the following officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Oswald Wild , S . W .: John Booth , I . W . : Henry Pollard , Chap . ; Thos . H . Sleigh ,
P . M ., Treas . ; Thos . Carter , P . M ., P . P . G . O . E . Lanes ., Sec ; Fred . B . Barlow , S . D . ; Walter Spencer , J . D . ; Thos . Rigby , P . M ., P . G . S . B . E . Lanes ., D . C ; Chas . R . Scholes , Org . ; Wm . E . Hall , I . G . ; Henry Matthews and William Nabb , Stwds . ; Daniel Rowland , Tyler ; and Sim Cox , P . M ., Almoner . The installation ceremony being concluded , the remaining , lodge business vfas conducted under the gavel of the W . M . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed from the numerous visitors present , which included Bros . M . Stansfield , J . D . 7 S ; Thomas Pye , VV . M ., and Jamss Nuttall , P . M .,
of 12 S ; James Frost , P . A . G . D . C , W . M ., John Bullivant , I . P . M ., William Barntt , P . M ., P . J . G . D ., Oliver Crompton , P . M ., Walter Bell , Org ., William Dickson , Stwd ., H . Hall , and Roger Woid , of 191 ; Jas . Lord , I . P . M ., and J . Mawdsley , P . M ., of 2 S 6 ; J . H . Mills , W . M . 854 ; B . Hopkinson , P . M . 1140 ; F . Renshaw , P . M . 13 S 7 ; T . J . Hutchinson , W . M ., and Robert Hall , P . M ., of 1392 ; Samuel Porritt , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , and William Hardman , J . D ., of 1634 ; William Cranshaw , 19 + S ; Thomas Hamnett , S . D . 23 G 3 ; Oswald Dearden , S . D . 24 S 2 ; Thomas Mellor , W . M ., Wm . Noar , Chap ., and R . Bridge , J . D . 2560 ; and others .
A candidate was proposed for initiation at the next meeting , and , as there will be three initiations and one raising due in addition , it au'urs well for a busy and successful year for the new W . M . The lodge being duly closed , the brethren , numbering about 80 , proceeded to the Grey Mare Hotel , and partook of a superb banquet , which was served in Bro . L . R . and Mrs . Duckworth ' s best style .
The usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured and responded to during the evening , and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves . The following contributed to the evening ' s enjoyment : Bros . T . Carter , J . Chadwick , H . Matthews , R . Gregson , W . R . Buxton , W . Dickson , W . Ball , E . Royle , R . Blackburn , Dr . T . Mellor , Roger Wood , T . Hamnett , and M . Stansfield .
Palatine Lodge , No . 97 . The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Sunderland , on Thursday , the 12 th ult ., when there was a very large attendance of Past Masters and brethren . Bro . Lee , VV . M ., was unable to b : present at the opening , but attended afterwards . In his absence Bro . W . C . Readhead , I . P . M ., presided , and the other officers included Bros . J . C . Moor , P . J . G . W ., as I . P . M . ; T . Robinson , S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . J . Robinson , J . W . ; I . Robson Cutter , P . P . G . T ., Treas .: E . G .
Watson , P . M ., Sec ; and others . ' There were suppirting the W . M . the following : Bros . R . Hudson , P . G . S . B . Eng ., P . G . S ., Installing Master : Jos . Robson Pattison , P . P . G . W . ; Alfred Grundy , P . A . G . D . C . D . C . ; J . H . Leech , P . P . G . Stwd . ; C W . Anderson , P . S . G . D . ; J . D . Todd , P . P . G . S . B . ; W . A . Priestley , P . P . G . S . of W . ; Lieut .-Col . Armstrong , P . P . G . D . ; J . H . Hillier , P . P . G . O . ; Thomas Hutchinson , Mus . Doc . Oxon , P . P . G . O . ; John Robertson , W . M . ; Wm . Biggam , M . D ., P . M . ; James Hudson , P . M . So ; R . Madgshon , VV . M . mg ; M . Cohen , W . M . 94 ; E .
Lautebacb , W . M . 949 ; Nicholas Lee , W . M . ; James Lee , P . M . ; William Scott , I . P . M-2039 ; Will Hutchinson , P . M . 141 S ; H . Havelock , Sec . 2039 ; S . Peacock , S . D . So ; and others . The VV . M . elect , Bro . Thorns Robinson , was duly pressnte 1 by Bro . A . Grundy , P . M ., and was very efficiently instilled as W . M . by Bro . R . Hudson , P . G . S ., in a Board of Installed Masters . The officers subsequently invested for the ensuing year , after the proclamation and salutation of thi W . M ., were as follows : Bros . Robert Lee , I . P . M . ; VV . J . Robinson , S . W . ; W . M . Render , J . W . ; J . Robson Cutter , P . P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; E . G . Watson , P . M ., Sec ; Dr . W . H . Squire
S . D . ; J . McMillan , J . D . ; VV . C Readhead , P . M ., D . C . ; Wm . Pain , I . G . ; B . Jacoby , Stwd . ; and Thos . Grieve , P . M ., P . G . Tyler . The newly-installed W . M ,, Bro . Thomas Robinson , thanked the brethren present and expressed his desire to do whit Uy in his power to maintain the prestige of the lodge , the charter of which dates bick to January 14 th , 1757 . The first officers were appointed by Bro . John Thornhill , and the lodge assumed the title of the Sea Captains' Lodge . It continued under the title until March nth , 1830 , when the name was altered to the Palatine Lodge . The date of the centenary warrant was August 13 th , 1864 . The lodge was afterwards , closed .
In the evening the annual festival took placeat the Palatine Hotel , where an excellent menu was served , under the personal direction of Mr . S . Fletcher , the manager . Bro . Robinson , W . M ., presided , and the viochairs were filled by Bros . VV . J . Robinson , S . W ., and W . M . Render , J . W . Among others present , in addition to ' the above , were Bros . J . P . Crawford , W . M . 1 S 39 ; J . G . Marshall , P . P . G . D . ; C M . Wake , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; Rev . Pastor Phillips , Lindon Travers , Thomis E . Campbell , S . W . 2039 ; Dr . Rennie , and Dr . Lambert . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were cordially honoured , particularly " The Health of the W . M . "
A splendid musical programme was rendered , under the direction of Bro . Thomis Hutchinson , Mus . Doc . Oxon , P . P . G . O ., by Bros . Shotton Wilson , George Dove , Lindon Travers , William Kirton , Robert Ferry , and Ernest Hooper .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
Reviews .
"A HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY ON THE COAST OF COROMANDEL : together with Histories of the Old Madras Lodges which were founded before the Union , together with Appendices and a Map . By the Rev . C H . Maiden , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , Local Secretary for South India , Lodge ' Quatuor Coronati . ' With an Introduction by Bro . W . J . Hughan , P . G . D . Reprinted and Rewritten from the ' Indian Masonic Review . ' Addison and Co ., 15 S and iSS , Mount-road , Madras . 1 S 95 . '—Bro . the Rev . C . H . Maldon , by compiling this history , which , in the first instance , but in a far less complete form , appeared in the " Indian Masonic Review , " has not only rendered incalculable
service to the Craft , but has at the same time secured for himself a foremost position among our lodge historians . It does not often happen that the brother who undertakes a task of this kind has much in the shape of early original records to work upon . In this respect , however , Bro . Maiden has been more fortunate than some who have engaged in similar enterprises . The great difficulty he must have experienced appears to have been that of reconciling the conflicting and disjointed materials that were available . The records , or at all events some of them , were there to be consulted , but it is manifest that the task of compiling from them a connected narrative must have been the
very reverse of simple and straightforward . But the difficulties he had to encounter have been successfully overcome , and considering the period it embodies , and the exceeding carelessness exhibited by Masonic officials last century in compiling and , above all , in providing for the safe custody of their archives , his " History of Freemasonry ( according to the English Constitution ) on the Coast of Coromandel" strikes us as being one of the most readable and—what is still more to the purpose—one of the most complete and trustworthy that has come under our notice . The earliest record of Masonry in connection with the Madras Presidency dates from the vear 1752 , when a
warrant was issued for the establishment of a lodge , No . 222 , under the " regular Grand Lodge at Madras , but there is nothing to show either by whom or to whom it was granted , Bro . Maiden suggesting that Capt . Edmund Pascall may have been the founder . His commission in the English infantry on the Coast dates from October of the previous year , and in October , 175 S , he was Captain of the second company of the second battalion of European Infantry . This lodge , after undergoing sundry changes of number , was erased in 1 790 , leaving behind it no trace whatever of its existence . In 1765 , we are told , this Capt . Pascall , as Prov . Grand Master , established three lodges on
different parts of the Coast , which were locally known as Nos . I ., IL , and III ., and which subsequently figured in Grand Lodge Register as 353 , 354 , and 355 , while early in 176 7 Lord Blaney granted him a Deputation to act as Prov . Grand Master ; this is described in Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry" as " a revival , " though no evidence is forthcoming of the earlier appointment . Of the above three lodge ? , No . I . was located in Madras , No . II . at a place unknown , and No . III . in Trichinopoly , and it was in the last of these three lodges that the eldest son of the Nabob of the Carnatic , of whom we read subsequently in the minutes of the " Regular " Grand
Lodge , was initiated . But these efforts of the " Regulars" or "Moderns do not seem to have had a lasting effect , and to their rivals belongs the honour of establishing a lodge which did some really good service in behalf of Masonry . That was No . 152 , for which a warrant was granted in January , 176 S , and which , as the other Society fell off , became gradually more and more prosperous , its members being numerous and , with a few exceptions , of good social standing . In 177 S , the " Ancient " Grand Lodge granted to Bro . Monteith , P . M ., and two other members of the said No . 152 , to be appointed by him , full powers as a Commission to discharge all the duties pertaining to
the office of Prov . Grand Master , until such time as a suitable person should be appointed as such , and under this authority warrants were issued for the constitution of other lodges . But the authorities at times seem to have been negligent of their duties . Then Bro . W . Sykes was appointed , in response to further communications , but he died before his patent was received , and , though several letters were subsequently sent home giving . full Jreturns of members , and particulars as to any important transactions that had occurred , no replies were ever vouchsafed , and in sheer disgust at such unlooked-for and unwarrantable neglect , the lodge listened to the overtures for a union of the two
Societies , on which Bri g -General Matthew Home , P . G . M . on the " Modern " side , had set his heart . Accordingly , terms of union were arranged between the rival Masonic sects . No . 152 surrendered its warrant , and in the year 17 S 6 was reconstituted No . I . ( local ) and No . 233 on the register of the " Moderns . " This lodge is still on the roll as the Lodge of Perfect Unanimity , and though there was , of necessity , a short break in the continuity of its working caused bv its transfer from one Society to the other and its reconstitution , but with sundry of its old members , under a fresh warrant , it is virtually the lodge for which warrant No . 152 was issued 120 years ago come Sunday , the 5 th inst .
For the full particulars concerning these interesting circumstances , but more especially for the Articles agreed to between the contracting parties , we refer our readers to Bro . Maiden ' s History . As regards the history , from this time forward of Provincial Grand Lodge under successive Provincial and for several years past District Grand Masters , we must not—indeed , having regard to our space , we cannot—anticipate the pleasure which these interested in the history of English Freemasonry in these distant portions of our empire must derive from a study of his work , all the principal events being well , and , as far as we are able to judge , faithfully described .
The narrative is not overlaid with detail and as it is broken up into a series of short chapters , each devoted to a period covered by one or more Prov . rulers , the reader can take up the book and study it carefully during his moments of leisure . It has , moreover , the great advantage of being a continuous history , for though there is one formidable gap—from 1826 to 1 S 50—for which the Prov . minutes are not forthcoming , Bro . Maiden has succeeded in bridging it over with information obtained from other official and local sources . But the Prov . Grand Lodge History is very far from constituting the whole of the work which the author , with so much ability , and after such infinite pains ,
has succeeded in compiling . There are chapters devoted to Royal Arch Masonry and the Rose Croix Degree , while every one of the lodges founded before the Union has its history sketched out from authentic sources so far as the information obtainable would admit of . Of these lodges three are still on the roll , namely , Perfect Unanimity , already mentioned as local No . 1 ; Lodge of Universal Charity , No . 273 ; and the Lodge ot Unity , Peace , and Concord , No . 31 G , now a military lodge attached to the 1 st Scots Regiment , and therefore no longer on the Madras roll . There are also several appendices which seem to have been compiled with the greatest care , and a map , from which
there is no difficulty in fixing the location of existing and past lodges . In short , the " History cf Freemasonry on the Coast of Coromandel" is a complete and admirably written series of histories of all the various lodges which had been , or were in existence at the Union of the rival Societies of "Ancient" and " Modern " Masons in 1 S 13 , and we fully endorse the justly complimentary remarks to which Bro . W . J . Hughan , in his brief , tut excellent introduction , gives expression to the effect that the au ' . hor may rest satisfied " lhat his history will be often consulted , much read by students , and highly
valued by all brethren who appreciate conscientious woik in regard to the History of Freemasonry in Madras . " Our Madras brethren are to be envied at having in their ranks < ne who has devoted himself so laboriously and with such conspicuous results to Ihe study of their Provincial and private lodge recoids , and we can only hope that Bro . Maiden may have the leisure and disposition to complete his task by tracing from equally authentic sources , the histories of those lodges which have been established in the Presidency since 1814 .
"MASONIC CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OK MIDDLESEX , 1 S 9 6 . " George Kenning , 1 ' reemnson Office . —This handy little , yet wonderfully compiehensive , annual is generally first in the field , and is slightly earlier than last year . It is editid by Bios . Howaid H . Room , Prov . G . Sec , and William W . Lee , Prov . G . hciite E ., who aie proficient in their duties as editors of this very compact Directory . It extends to nfi pages , and contains a mass of information respecting the province in 11 gatd lo the Cratt , Royal Aich , and Mark Degrees , representing 42 lodges , 13 chapters , jnd 10 Mark subordinates . Lord Geo . Hamilton , M . P ., is the Prov . Grand Master and
Ciand Superintendent , and Colonel A . B . Cook is the Piov . Grand Mark Master . The rr . ost ol tr . e lodges have been warranted since the lamented Colonel Sir Francis Burdett Lictrre tie lust Picv . Grand Master , and none are of much antiquity , the seni ir being the " Rojal Union , " No . 3 S 2 , Uxbridge . The province of late years has not increased much , lhe advance from 1 S 91 to 1 S 95 being only 12 members , there being a . slight decrease in the interim . The average membership in the 42 lodges is much smaller than in most provinces , some being about double that of Middlesex . The usefulness of such an annual Calendar for a province is so apparent that the wonder is that there are still some provinces without such an excellent Masonic directory .
Reviews.
"THE DAYS OF AULD LANG SYNE , " by Ian Maclaren . —This attractive volume , with th e very suggestive title , is having a large circulation , and there is no reason to suppose its readers will , number less than its favourite companion— "Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush" —which bids fair to run into the six figures , the 10 th edition , completing 70 th thousand , being already announced . Some have thought that the character of Dr . Maclure is overdrawn , and that no such moral hero exists , but such a doubt only illustrates how little some of us know of our neighbours . The author declares he is acquainted with three or four gentlemen who would serve as such models .
Undoubtedly , " Ian Maclaren " has not only been a diligent observer of human nature , but has so graphically described a few of the prominent celebrities in out of the way localities ( some in humble circumstances ) , that his most racy sketches have proved a never failing delight to an increasing number of readers , who can appreciate these moving pictures of homely life and brave hearts battling with difficulties , often under terribly depressing circumstances , but always with a determination to be the victors without sacrificing any principles which were dearer to them than life or success . This feature of the book is most inspiring , the high tone throughout doing much to elevate and
the tastes and aspirations of the reader . Quite an affection springs up for these men women ( who knew what their . duty was , and did it promptly ) , so ably described in this most entertaining work . There is an extraordinary combination of tenderness and sternness ; some chapters are brimful of pathetic references , but tempered every now and then with most amusing episodes ; these alternating quite unexpectedly . The interest in all that concerns the inhabitants of Drumtochty is so well maintained throughout , that , in fact , one quite forgets that " The Days of Auld Lang Syne " is a work of ficlion , so realistic does it read , and so vivid are the author's delineations and narratives of stirring scenes and affecting incidents .
Craft Masonry.
Craft Masonry .
Relief Lodge , No . 42 . The St . John ' s festival meeting of this old and distinguished lodge was held on Thursday , the 19 th ult . ( by dispensation from the Prov . G . M . of East Lancashire ) , at the Philip's Hall , Garden-street , Bury . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . Thomas Douglas , who being unanimously elected , was duly initiated by Bro . V . Brown , J . W . Bro . Vincent Brown , J . W ., W . M . elect , was then presented by Bro . Thomas Rigby ,
P . M ., P . G . S . B . E . Lanes ., for installation , and having been duly obligated by Bro . P . Allen , W . M ., the brethren below the rank of an Installed Master retired . The chair was then taken by Bro . John Redfern , P . M ., P . P . G . P . E . Lanes ., who rendered the installation ceremony in a very masterly and impressive manner , and Bro . Brown was duly installed into the chair of K . S . with great dignity , and saluted by 24 Past Masters present . After the usual formula the brethren were admitted , and Bro . Vincent Brown , W . M ., was proclaimed Master , and due honour done him , under the direction ot Bro .
John Kedfern , P . M ., P . P . G . P . E . Lanes ., who also presented the working tools and gave the addresses to the W . Ml , Waidens , and brethren respectively . The W . M . then invested the I . P . M ., who , in response , said it gave him very great pleasure to hand over the centenary jewel of the lodge to the new W . M ., which he did very gracefully . Bro . Thomas Ri g by , P . M ., P . G . S . B . E . Lanes ., then invested ( and also explained the jewels and duties in a most efficient manner ) the following officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Oswald Wild , S . W .: John Booth , I . W . : Henry Pollard , Chap . ; Thos . H . Sleigh ,
P . M ., Treas . ; Thos . Carter , P . M ., P . P . G . O . E . Lanes ., Sec ; Fred . B . Barlow , S . D . ; Walter Spencer , J . D . ; Thos . Rigby , P . M ., P . G . S . B . E . Lanes ., D . C ; Chas . R . Scholes , Org . ; Wm . E . Hall , I . G . ; Henry Matthews and William Nabb , Stwds . ; Daniel Rowland , Tyler ; and Sim Cox , P . M ., Almoner . The installation ceremony being concluded , the remaining , lodge business vfas conducted under the gavel of the W . M . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed from the numerous visitors present , which included Bros . M . Stansfield , J . D . 7 S ; Thomas Pye , VV . M ., and Jamss Nuttall , P . M .,
of 12 S ; James Frost , P . A . G . D . C , W . M ., John Bullivant , I . P . M ., William Barntt , P . M ., P . J . G . D ., Oliver Crompton , P . M ., Walter Bell , Org ., William Dickson , Stwd ., H . Hall , and Roger Woid , of 191 ; Jas . Lord , I . P . M ., and J . Mawdsley , P . M ., of 2 S 6 ; J . H . Mills , W . M . 854 ; B . Hopkinson , P . M . 1140 ; F . Renshaw , P . M . 13 S 7 ; T . J . Hutchinson , W . M ., and Robert Hall , P . M ., of 1392 ; Samuel Porritt , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , and William Hardman , J . D ., of 1634 ; William Cranshaw , 19 + S ; Thomas Hamnett , S . D . 23 G 3 ; Oswald Dearden , S . D . 24 S 2 ; Thomas Mellor , W . M ., Wm . Noar , Chap ., and R . Bridge , J . D . 2560 ; and others .
A candidate was proposed for initiation at the next meeting , and , as there will be three initiations and one raising due in addition , it au'urs well for a busy and successful year for the new W . M . The lodge being duly closed , the brethren , numbering about 80 , proceeded to the Grey Mare Hotel , and partook of a superb banquet , which was served in Bro . L . R . and Mrs . Duckworth ' s best style .
The usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured and responded to during the evening , and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves . The following contributed to the evening ' s enjoyment : Bros . T . Carter , J . Chadwick , H . Matthews , R . Gregson , W . R . Buxton , W . Dickson , W . Ball , E . Royle , R . Blackburn , Dr . T . Mellor , Roger Wood , T . Hamnett , and M . Stansfield .
Palatine Lodge , No . 97 . The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Sunderland , on Thursday , the 12 th ult ., when there was a very large attendance of Past Masters and brethren . Bro . Lee , VV . M ., was unable to b : present at the opening , but attended afterwards . In his absence Bro . W . C . Readhead , I . P . M ., presided , and the other officers included Bros . J . C . Moor , P . J . G . W ., as I . P . M . ; T . Robinson , S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . J . Robinson , J . W . ; I . Robson Cutter , P . P . G . T ., Treas .: E . G .
Watson , P . M ., Sec ; and others . ' There were suppirting the W . M . the following : Bros . R . Hudson , P . G . S . B . Eng ., P . G . S ., Installing Master : Jos . Robson Pattison , P . P . G . W . ; Alfred Grundy , P . A . G . D . C . D . C . ; J . H . Leech , P . P . G . Stwd . ; C W . Anderson , P . S . G . D . ; J . D . Todd , P . P . G . S . B . ; W . A . Priestley , P . P . G . S . of W . ; Lieut .-Col . Armstrong , P . P . G . D . ; J . H . Hillier , P . P . G . O . ; Thomas Hutchinson , Mus . Doc . Oxon , P . P . G . O . ; John Robertson , W . M . ; Wm . Biggam , M . D ., P . M . ; James Hudson , P . M . So ; R . Madgshon , VV . M . mg ; M . Cohen , W . M . 94 ; E .
Lautebacb , W . M . 949 ; Nicholas Lee , W . M . ; James Lee , P . M . ; William Scott , I . P . M-2039 ; Will Hutchinson , P . M . 141 S ; H . Havelock , Sec . 2039 ; S . Peacock , S . D . So ; and others . The VV . M . elect , Bro . Thorns Robinson , was duly pressnte 1 by Bro . A . Grundy , P . M ., and was very efficiently instilled as W . M . by Bro . R . Hudson , P . G . S ., in a Board of Installed Masters . The officers subsequently invested for the ensuing year , after the proclamation and salutation of thi W . M ., were as follows : Bros . Robert Lee , I . P . M . ; VV . J . Robinson , S . W . ; W . M . Render , J . W . ; J . Robson Cutter , P . P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; E . G . Watson , P . M ., Sec ; Dr . W . H . Squire
S . D . ; J . McMillan , J . D . ; VV . C Readhead , P . M ., D . C . ; Wm . Pain , I . G . ; B . Jacoby , Stwd . ; and Thos . Grieve , P . M ., P . G . Tyler . The newly-installed W . M ,, Bro . Thomas Robinson , thanked the brethren present and expressed his desire to do whit Uy in his power to maintain the prestige of the lodge , the charter of which dates bick to January 14 th , 1757 . The first officers were appointed by Bro . John Thornhill , and the lodge assumed the title of the Sea Captains' Lodge . It continued under the title until March nth , 1830 , when the name was altered to the Palatine Lodge . The date of the centenary warrant was August 13 th , 1864 . The lodge was afterwards , closed .
In the evening the annual festival took placeat the Palatine Hotel , where an excellent menu was served , under the personal direction of Mr . S . Fletcher , the manager . Bro . Robinson , W . M ., presided , and the viochairs were filled by Bros . VV . J . Robinson , S . W ., and W . M . Render , J . W . Among others present , in addition to ' the above , were Bros . J . P . Crawford , W . M . 1 S 39 ; J . G . Marshall , P . P . G . D . ; C M . Wake , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; Rev . Pastor Phillips , Lindon Travers , Thomis E . Campbell , S . W . 2039 ; Dr . Rennie , and Dr . Lambert . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were cordially honoured , particularly " The Health of the W . M . "
A splendid musical programme was rendered , under the direction of Bro . Thomis Hutchinson , Mus . Doc . Oxon , P . P . G . O ., by Bros . Shotton Wilson , George Dove , Lindon Travers , William Kirton , Robert Ferry , and Ernest Hooper .