Masonic Notes.

would remind our readers that the date of the festival will be convenient for Provincial visitors svho are attending the festival of the R . M . B . I ., to be present also at -what we feel sure svill be an interesting gathering .

* * * In the few remarks we made last week with reference to the lamented death of Bro . Col . Marmaduke Ramsay , and the services he hatl rendered to Freemasonry , sve should have mentioned that , at the time of his death he was not only District Grand Master of Craft Masonry

and G . Superintendent of Royal Arch Masons in Malta , but also that he was District Grand Mark Master for the Mediterranean , Provincial Prior for the Mediterranean in the Order of the Temple , and Chief Intendant-General of Malta and Tunis in the Order of Rome and Red Cross of Constantine . He had likewise taken the 33 ° in the Ancient and Accepted Rite .

It must be very gratifying to all those brethren svho have worked so well with Grand Secretary Bro . D . Murray Lyon , to note the immense strides made of late years by the Grand Lodge of Scotland , especially in relation to its Benevolent Fund . Nine annuities of £ 10 each were voted on the 12 th January last , so we find from the interesting report nosv published .

There are now three annuities of . £ 20 each , five of £ 15 each , and 104 of i , * io each ( three having recently lapsed ) , making the total ^ 1175 nett annually . This is a good change from the old regime , svhen there was

literally nothing for anyone , and svhen Scottish Benevolence was but a name . Happily , nosv it is on a different footing , for which we heartily congratulate all concerned , especially the hard-working and able Grand Secretary .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

I We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]

THE DESTRUCTIVE EARTHQUAKES AT ZANTE . To the Editor of the "Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , I have this moment received the follosving telegram from the Star of the East Lodge , No . S 80 ,

Zante : " Continuous destruction , earthquakes , half inhabitants houseless , town and country , appeal all lodges through you for immediate assistance . Remit collections by svire through Ionian Bank . " I shall be deeply grateful if through the medium of

your columns you svill kindly let it be knosvn that I shall be happy to receive on behalf of the sufferers by the calamitous visitation donations from lodges or brethren . "The Star of the East Lodge" is composed of a

very hig hly respectable body ot brethren , svho may safely be entrusted with the distribution ot the fund . Perhaps you svould not object to acknosvledge in your columns the subscriptions I may receive . —Yours fraternally .

EDWARD LETCHWORTH , Grand Secretary s Ofiice , Grand Secretary . February 3 rd . [ We readily comply with the request of the Grand Secretary . —ED . P . M . ]

Masonic Note And Queries.

Masonic Note and Queries .

1023 ] AN OLD LODGE . I understand that thc warrant of the old lodge at Biggar , Scotland ) is an offshoot of a still older one at Louthgow . The former is considered to have been started without any actual authority on December 27 th , 1725 . The charter svas granted by the Grand Lodge

of Scotland , October , 17 86 , as from the year 1725 . It is said that the tsvo " St . Clair Charters" of early 17 th century svere found in the old chest belonging to this lodge . Full particulars of Freemasonry in Biggar ol early last century would be a boon . Who will volunteer for this service f W . J . H .

1024 ] OFFICERS' COLLARS . I desire to draw attention to the frequent violation of Rule 308 ot the " Book of Constitutions , " 18 S 8 . The collars of officers of lodges are to be svorn only in their own lodges , " or when representing their lodges as Masters or Wardens in the Grand Lodge , or in their

Provincial or District Grand Lodges . It is clear , therefore , that on officers of a lodge visiting other lodges they should not wear their collars , and that at Provincial Grantl Lodges they ought not to svear any , unless Masters or Wardens . Past Masters may svear theircollarsat all Masonic meetings , in accordance with Rule 306 A , KENT .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft flDasonrp .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Lodge Of Israel ( No . 205 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge svas held on Tuesday , the 24 th inst ., at Cannon-street Hotel , Bro . Maurice Bash , W . M ., in the chair . There svas a very large attendance of members of the lodge and visitors . Among those present svere : Bros .

A . Bassington , P . M . ; H . J . Phillips , P . M . ; M . I . Emanuel , P . M . ; S . J acobs , P . M . ; S . Dancyger , P . M . ; John A . Gartley , P . M . ; S . W . Harris , P . M . ; E . H . Norden , P . M .: J . P . Cohen , P . M .- and C . F . Hogard , P . M ., and Sec . The visitors included Bros . N . Gluckstein , P . M . 51 ; F . Rossdale , W . M . 1017 ; A . Rosenfeld , W . M . 1 S 5 ; L . A . Da Costa , P . M . 1349 : B . DaCosta , P . M .

1349 ; Eschsvege , P . M . 1349 ; H . Garrard , W . M . iSS ; E . VV . King , 1445 ; J . Oxley , P . M . 1306 ; A . F . Gasperd , VV . M . IOCS , P . M . S 58 : W . Wright , 1 S 97 ; N . Posver , 2265 ; J . Leach Barrett , P . M . 1212 ; John R . Reef , S . VV . 2241 ; A . H . Marks , I . G . 156 3 ; C . E . Goodfellosv , 907 : J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; F . S . Rosenthal , 16 ( 00 ; VV . T . Massey , 160 ; H . Chetham ,

1017 ; and Boothroyd . After Bro . Joseph Levey , the W . M . elect , had been installed into the chair of K . S ., a Past Master ' s jesvel svas presented to Bro . Maurice Bash for the admirable manner he had carried out his svork during the past year . Bro . Bash replied in suitable terms , and thanked the brethren for the trust they had reposed in him , and assured them that he svould do all in his posver to further the interests of the

Israel Lodge . Bro . Levey appointed and invested his officers as follosvs : Bros . Maurice Bash , I . P . M . ; I . H . Gluckstein , S . VV . ; B . Marcus , J . W . ; Abraham Mark Cohen , P . M ., Treas . ; C . F . Hogard , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., Sec ; J . Dancyger , S . D . ; John Berlyn , J . D . ; H . M . Harris , P . M ., D . C ; Jas . Noble Smith , I . G . ; Isaac Rosalky , A . D . C ; and George Lichtcnfeld and Joseph

Marcus , Stesvards . iThe follosving brethren svere appointed a Committee to carry out arrangements for the celebration of the centenary of the lodge , svhich takes place on the 21 st of May next : The VV . M ., S . W ., J . VV ., Treasurer , Secretary , Bros . H . J . Phillips , P . M . ; ) . A . Gartlev , P . M .: G .

Lichtcnfeld , and J . E . Blank . The lodge svas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to a sumptuous banquet , at the conclusion of svhich the VV . M . brielly gave the toasts of " The Oueen and the Cralt , " " The M . W . Grand Master , " and " The M . W . Pro Grand Master . "

The toasts having been cordially received , The Worshipful Master proposed " The R . VV . Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , and the rest of the Grand Ollicers , Present and Past , " and coupled svith it the names of Btos . J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., andC . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . Bro . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., thanked the VV . M .

for coupling his name svith the toast , and assured [ the brethren he appreciated the compliment . Bro . Hogard said the brethren had heard his voice so many times , that they svould not expect him to say much . The Grand Ofiicers svere very proud to do anything for thc Order , and svhen they svere appointed Grand Ollicers it gave them an incentive to further svork .

In proposing the toast of " The VVorshi pfuI Master , " Bro . Bash , I . P . M ., said lie did so svith a great amount of enthusiasm . The manner in svhich the VV . M . had done his work in thc lodge that evening svould show them svhat an cfficier . t Master they had that year . The VV . M ., in reply , thanked the brethren for the svay they had drunk his health . He had no doubt that he should

have a successful year , and the 10 initiates svhose names were handed in that evening augured svell . He hopeel , hosvever , that the finish svould be as geiod as the commencement . He svould promise them he svould endeavour to do his very best for the lodge , and he hoped to discharge his duties svith credit to himself , and satisfaction to the brethren .

Ihe toast of "Ihe Lodgeof Israel Benevolent Fund " was responded to by Bro . Abraham Mark Cohen , P . M ., who appealed to the benevolence of the brethren , and especially the younger ones , to add to the fund . During the evening the members of the lodge subscribed over £ 12 .

"The Visitors , " proposed in able terms by the W . M ., was responded to by Bro . Garrard , VV . M . of the Joppa Lodge , svho , on behalf of his lodge , thanked the brethren for the svelcome accorded to him . It svas , he said , the goodly custom eof inviting the Masters of thc sister lodges on each of their installations , and he hoped the custom would not die out . It was his first visit to the lodge , although on previous occasions he hid been invited , but could not be there .

Bros . Oxley and B . Da Costa also replied in suitable terms . Ihe Worshipful Master next proposed " Thc Installing Master and the Past Masters , " and congratulated Bro . Bash on the manner he had carried out his duties during the past year . Bro . Bash , I . P . M ., svas pleased to bear hehad given

satisfaction during his year of ollice , and svould be glad to do anything for the lodge . Moreover , he felt highly honoured to have his name coupled with the Past Master ' s . The toast of "The Treasurer anil Secretary and other Officers ot the I . odge" svas responded to by the treasurer and Senior Warden , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a most

successful evening to a close . During the evening there svas a choice programme of music , under the direction of liro . Wright , P . P . G . Org . Middx ., assisted by Miss badi Grossmith , Mrs . Littaur , Miss R . Rose , Miss Frances Littaur , Uro . Curtis D'Alton , and Bro . Eschsvege .

Great Northern Lodge ( No . 1287 ) . —The installation meeting of till , prosperous lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great 'Jiiecn-street , VV . C , on the lyth ult . There svas a numerous attendance of members and visitors , and the interesting proceedings were characterised by heartiness and cordiality . The progress made by th is

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

lodge must indeed be gratifying to every member , and especially to Bro . Samuel Webb , P . M ., svho svas the first W . M ., and svho has for many years occupied the position of Treasurer . The members present included Bros . Geo . Flint , W . M . ; Frank Osborne , S . W . ; G . Ridout , J . W . ; Rev . J . H . Rose , P . M ., Chap . ; S . Webb , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Cleghorn , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Bastow , S . D . ; C . Davis , | . D . ; A . C . Doughty , I . G . ; C . Kempton , P . M ., D . C . ;

f . G . Doughty and H . T . Reed , P . M ., Stesvards ; E . Lancaster , P . M . ; T . Owen , P . M . ; R . Cane , P . M . ; J . B . S . Lancaster , P . M . ; J . Edgar , P . M . ; J . Paul , P . M . ; H . Bell , P . M . ; G . Scarman , and many others . Visitors : Bros . C . E . Skull , 1501 ; E . Crosver , S . W . 127 ; W . Carpenter , S . D . 1567 ; C . J . Plucknett , 11 S 5 ; G . F . Bastosv , 11 S 5 ; VV . Dee , 1 G 93 ; H . Kempton , 442 ; R . Pain Walkder , S . D . 131 I 6 ; R . T . Palmer , W . M . 1732 ; J .

Hart , P . M . 193 ; E . Magness , 193 ; A . Kenningham , 1706 ; J . W . Ross , 511 ; W . E . Wellby , W . M . 538 ; W . Jennison , 173 ; W . G . Ross , 1534 ; W . Wood , P . M . 193 ; F . Ricardo , 1426 ; J . Baker , 1112 ; E . Angel , J . W . 209 S ; O . Bosven , 2395 ; T . W . Fisher , S . D . 192 ; W . F . Wilkinson , 742 ; M . Angel , S . W . 239 S ; R .

Baker ; H . B . Mines , J . VV . 1 S 0 ; C . Wheeler , 1329 ; A . Banks , J . W . 230 S ; G . Callingham , 1765 ; T . C . Artean , 1305 ; W . Willey , P . M . 9 ; A . F . Harris , 214 S ; T . G . Jeffrey , 214 S ; W . Smith , 1624 ; F . Bevan , 170 ; J . Lonsdale , P . P . A . G . D . C . Middlesex ; and W . W . Lee , W . M . 23 S 1 .

Lodge svas opened , and the minutes confirmed , and tsvo candidates initiated . Bro . H . Bell , P . M ., then assumed the chair , and installed Bro . Frank Osborne as W . M . in a highly creditable and impressive manner . The follosving officers svere invested : Bros . G . Ridout , S . W . j J . Bastosv , I . W . ; Rev . J . H . Rose , P . M ., Chap . ; S . Webb , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Cleghorn . P . M ., Sec . ; C . Davis , S . D . ; A . C . Doughty , J . D . ; C . Kempton , P . M ., D . C . ; T . G .

Doughty , I . G . ; H . T . Reed , P . M ., and E . B . Homewood , Stesvards ; and J . Rasvles , Tyler . Other business of a routine nature svas transacted , and the lodge svas closed . After banquet at Freemasons' Tavern , the customary toasts received hearty recognition . Bro . G . Flint , I . P . M ., said it svasavery pleasing moment for him to be in a position to propose " The Health of the

W . M ., for he had knosvn Bro . Frank Osborne since his initiation in the lodge as a very good and attentive Mason svho had served an apprenticeship of 10 or 11 years . Their VV . M . had been an active member of Freemasonry , both as regards the Charities and in other lodges . There had been splendid Masters and good svorkers in the chair of their lodge svhich rendered it difficult for others to follosv , but as Bro . Osborne had svorked hard to perfect himself in the

ceremonies they must consider they had a representative Master in him . Their VV . M . svould , in fact , uphold the dignity of the lodge to their satisfaction , and the brethren svould therefore drink his health , and wish him long life and prosperity . Bro . Frank Osborne , VV . M ., returned thanks , and said it svas very kind of the I . P . M . to say so many kind things of him svhich he did not deserve , but he svould endeavour to do so in the future . He svould do the best he could during

his year , and trusted they svould have many pleasant evenings together . It svas impossible for any Mason to obtain proficiency svithout attending lodges of instruction , and he had done so since be joined the lodge . He could say a great deal , but there svas a lengthy programme , and the musical entertainment provided svould be found far more interesting than any speech he could make . He again thanked them most sincerely for the great honour done him in placing him

111 the position of VV . M . and in drinking his health . "The Initiates" having been heartily received and responded to , " The Chaplain " svas next given by the VV . M Bro . Rev . J . II . Rose , P . M ., Chap ., sincerely thanked the VV . M . and brethren . The present svas the 1 ith Master under svhom he had served , and he rejoiced to see that nine out of the 11 svere present that evening . At all the gatherings , and the installations especially , he had alsvays

been received svith the greatest kindness , and he thought he never enjoyed a gathering more than that . He could not help being reminded of certain services held in his parish for the convenience of mothers , svho svere told to bring the little ones if they chose , and one had curious experiences in that respect sometimes . He could not say that that gathering reminded him of a mother's meeting , but he did say that the brethren very much reminded him

of those little ones . Ihe little ones he had referred to grew up and greeted him by name in the street , and it seemed like that on the present occasion . Life svas serious and earnest , and he rejoiced to find there were occasions when members of that lodge could forget the seriousness of life and assemble and unbend themselves . One rejoiced to find thc members assembling like the little ones , as though they had not a single care and no thought of to-morrosv .

It svas perfectly right it should be so . Life was serious , but that life should be joyous , and if there svas one lesson in Freemasonry it svas that . If times svere bad they could forget it , and he believed they svould go back to the seriousness of svork to-morrosv all the better fitted for it . "The Visitors" svas cordially given , and responded , to by Bros . Palmer , W . M . 1732 ; Wellby , W . M . 538 ; J . Hart , P . M . 193 ; and Wood , svho thanked the lodge for its profuse hospitality , and dresv the attention of the brethren

to thc excellent lodge of instruction connected with the lodge , of svhich Bro . Cleghorn , P . M ., is the Preceptor . 'Ihe VVorshipfuI Master next proposed " The Installing and Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " and said he svas very much impressed svith the installation ceremony that evening . A pleasant duty devolved upon him in presenting a Past Master ' s jesvel to Bro . Flint , I . P . M ., in recognition of his services during the past year , for that brother had carried out his svork to the entire satisfaction of the brethren .

Bro . Geo . Mint , I . P . M ., thanked the brethren for their kindness , for the support given him during his term of ollice , and for the handsome jesvel presented to him . Although he had not perhaps done all he might have done , he had had the lodge at heart , and had tried , and would try in the future , to do all he could for its svelfare . Bro . Saml . Webb , P . M ., Treasurer , said that that svas a

proud occasion for him , he being the oldest Past Master and the first Worshipful Master of that lodge , to see such a large number present . They had had a pleasant and jovial evening , but he hoped not too much so , musically speaking , lie was pleased to know tne W . M . had had a good attendance at the festive board . He trusted that lodge svould go on and prosper , as it had done in the