Correspondence.

Correspondence .

[ 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 . ] ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

Tothe Editor of thc " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In the criticisms which have recently been published on the work of the Committee of Management , the deductions drawn have been based on the false premise that the only duty incumbent upon those

brethren vvas to reduce the cost per boy per year , and the conclusion apparently drawn is , that if the Committee have failed in that one point they are a failure indeed . The true position , however , is that the existing Committee vvas elected to carry out the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry , who found

that the expenditure of the Institution was extravagant , not properly regulated , and that the feeding and clothing of the boys was not satisfactory , nor vvas their health and comfort properly attended to ; in order to obviate which it vvas recommended ( amongst other things )

that" The questions ot efficient playgrounds and proper appliances for the health and cleanliness of the pupils require immediate attention . " Now , if the Committee have successfully carried out this recommendation , even at a cost of . £ 2111 , they have simply stood firm and done their duty . The all

important duty imposed upon them was to secure for the boys that which the Craft so generously intends for them , viz ., a healthy home , cleanliness , comfort , a sound education , good moral training , vvith effective supervision in health or sickness . It never vvas intended that economy should be secured by the sacrifice of any

of these benefits ; the health and education of the boys ought always to be the first study of the governing body . That being done , it is then their duty to see that these advantages are secured at the lowest possible cost . The boys are now adequately provided for in every way ; well fed , well and safely housed , properly

bathed , and under careful medical supervision , whereas at the inquiry it was demonstrated that all these things were defective under the old regime . The pupils are not now sent home ( as I saw one more than once ) carrying filthy contagion and suffering from neglected festering sores . With respect to educational results ,

it is only necessary to point out that in the year brought under the notice of the Committee of Inquiry out of 258 boys only 12 passed Cambridge Local Examinations , whilst last year 23 boys passed out of 264 . But on the question of average cost per head , the

results are eminently satisfactory . It is futile for the argument to be put forth that " improvements are on a par vvith repairs and renewals . " The £ 2111 has been spent on alterations , extensions , and additions vvhich vvere absolutely necessary for the health and safety of the residents . It is true that if the utility of these additional

baths , & c , had exhausted within the circle of last year the cost in that case ought to be included as a whole in last year ' s average , but , as a matter of fact , the expenditure vvas for accessories vvhich ( subject to repairs and renewals to be paid as accrued ) will be valuable to the Institution for many years hence , therefore the item i . s

undoubtedly money laid out on capital account , because the property , as a whole , is thereby rendered so much the more valuable for the purposes for vvhich it is specially required . Moreover the Committee spent last year ( outside the _ £ 2 iu ) _ £ ni ios . for repairs and renewals , which it is fair to assume paid for everything

which was needful to keep the property in good order . As compared with the year reviewed by the Committee of Inquiry ( 1887 ) , the result is as under : 1887—Average cost per boy ... ... ^ ' 50 16 o 1890—Expenditure ... . t 10 , 821 19 2

Pensions ... 106 4 o Organ ... ... 72 o o 10 per cent for interest and depreciation on X 2111 16 7 ... 201 4 0

Total for 264 boys ... £ \ 1 , 201 7 2 Average cost per boy ... ... , . 4 .- > i-, 7 Nett saving per boy ... ... ... £ 8 75 Thus every boy has cost £ 6 7 s . $ d . less than under the old dispensation , whilst he has had better attention

physically and educationally . Surely every friend ofthe Institution owes a debt of gratitude to the Committee of Inquiry , who pointed out the improvements needed , and to the Committee of Management , vvho have brought about such excellent results . —Yours faithfully and fraternally , E . V . GREATBATCH . March 30 th .

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Your editorial of November Sth on "The rights of minorities under Article 219 " is a source of

great satisfaction to a large and loyal section of the Fraternity in this colony . Your "A , B , and C " queries to the Grand Registrar should commend themselves to that distinguished brother , and in the interests of the Craft he should answer them without delay .

Correspondence.

As an old Mason I have always regarded the Book of Constitutions as the statute laws of our Institution , framed by the collective wisdom of members of Grand Lodge duly assembled . In carefully perusing these

regulations I am materially strengthened in my views , after reading Clauses 4 and 5 , respecting the supreme power of Grand Lodge itself . In Clauses 31 and 32 I find the duties of Grand Registrar also clearly defined .

What I want to know is this—When did Grand Lodge , in its representative character , discuss Article 219 in connection with the New Zealand Grand Lodge question , and delegate its authority to the Grand Registrar , with full power to act upon whatever interpretation he arrived at vvith regard to the Article in

question ' : I am-constrained to put that question , because if the Grand Registrar can exercise this supreme control , and the Craft be subjected to any capricious interpretation of the Book of Constitutions , it is only right that the brethren should know the fact .

I naturall y assume that the Grand Registrar , as the legal adviser of Grand Lodge , should first of all bring up a report on any obscure point of Masonic law , and not arrogate to himself the power of deciding a question which would be clearly in contravention of Clause 4 .

I am inclined to think , with many other brethren , that the Grand Registrar has complicated matters in connection vvith the self-styled Grand Lodge of New Zealand . It would be far better vvere he to retrace his steps and admit his error with regard to Clause 219 , by helping the loyal brethren of the colony to nail

their colours to the mast rather than in expressing doubtful views , and thereby indirectly encouraging the secessionists vvho are not slow to beat big drums and blow brass trumpets when favoured with such expressions from these exalted Grand Lodge Officers . If all the clauses in the Book of Constitutions can

be twisted and distorted in a similar manner to Clause 219 , I am afraid the Craft would soon be in a sorry plight . Hitherto they have always appeared to me to be very clear and expressive . At any rate , lay brethren stand aghast at the marvellous and tortuous legal reading of that simple little clause , especially as the Grand Registrar ' s opinion does not agree vvith the

many eminent legal brethren out here , who have been consulted on the subject , and vvho are quite as capable of deciding the knotty point . Common sense dictates that " some one has blundered , " but let us hope that the loyal Masons of New Zealand may not be sacrificed to cover the retreat of those responsible for the muddle . —I am , yours sincerely and fraternally ,

JOHN R . HUDSON , P . D . D . G . M ., President Board of General Purposes , Westland District Hokitika , Westland , New Zealand , January 16 th .

CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , It was not a little remarkable lhat two such letters as those vvhich vvere printed in the P ' reemason of March 21 st ( on " Visiting Brethren " and "Lodge

Records " ) should have appeared simultaneously ; and I am induced to offer a suggestion vvith regard to Clearance Certificates . Occasionally there is great difficulty in dealing with a defaulting brother under Article 210 through inability to discover his whereabouts ; and then arises the fear that he may

improperly get admitted into another lodge in another part of the country . Such a fear , however , would not exist , and all would be fair and above board , were the plan universally adopted throughout the country of issuing Clearance Certificates and requiring their production on the part of every brother applying for

admission as a joining member . My own lodge has adopted a printed form , vvhich is signed by the W . M ., Wardens , and Secretary , and one copy has recently gone to the United States . It can readily be imagined how serviceable such a

document must be lo a worthy brother , whilst its universal requirement would , it seems to me , render impossible the imposition which Article 212 is designed to prevent . Yours fraternally , I'd PIGGOTT , W . M . 88 .

THE ORIGIN Oh' "FREE" MASON . To the Editor of the " P ' reemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Some kind friend ( I cannot even guess whom ) has sent me from Canada a copy of the Toronto Freemason containing a long account of the Annual

Reunion and Banquet of thc members of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite held at Hamilton on the 23 rd January last . Among the many speeches that vvere made on the occasion I notice that the Rev . Bro . Bland says " It was from a Pope that Masons received the title of

' Free , ' because they vvere to be free from all taxes , but which considerations on account of later blindness culminated in bitter fulminations in a manner vvhich cannot be accounted for . " Is this so ? and which Pope vvas it ? I should be glad if any brother can enlighten me . R . P . C .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Cratt fDaeonn . ,

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . Go ) . — This old lodge met at Freemasons' Hall , Great Oueenstreet , on the 26 th ult ., when there were present , amonnothers , Bros . E . Rogers , P . P . G . D ., P . G . Stwd ., VV . M . •H Slade , P . M ., G . Stwd ., S . VV . ; VV . H . Kempster , M n J . W . ; F . Binckes , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., P . G . S . B . Sec ' -

Capt . Walls , P . P . G . W ., J . D . j Masters , P . M ., I . G . j w ! H . Kempster , jun ., Stwd . j H . J . Lardner , P . M ., p , p A ' D . C . j Josling , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; and others . ' ' The proposition that in future the installation meeting of the lodge should take place in October instead of June

vvas unanimously confirmed . It was unanimousl y resolved that the summer banquet be held at the Mitre Tavern Hampton Court , on the 26 th June next . A proposition for initiation having been handed in , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . A few toasts followed , and the proceedings terminated

Lodge Of Unity ( No . 183 ) . —The installation meeting of this ancient and prosperous lodge was held at the Ship and Turtle Tavern , Leadenhall-street , on Monday the 23 rd ult ., when Bro . J . D . E . Tarr , Prov . G . D . Middx . ' vvas installed as VV . M . in the presence of a goodly number of brethren . The members present included Bros . R Corsham , YV . M . j J . D . E . Tarr , S . VV ., VV . M . elect ; G !

H . Lindley Renton , J . VV . ; G . VV . Pinmick , P . M ., Treas G . W . Speth , P . M ., Sec ; A . Side , S . D . ; E . Wareham ' , J . D . ; A . Cook , I . G . ; S . Richardson , P . M ., D . C . ; G R . Langley , P . M ., Stwd . ; H . Hooper , P . M . ; E . A . Francis , P . M . ; T . C . Tassell , W . Burgoyne Watts , T . VV . Heath , A . E . Johnson , B . Norman , VV . Newbold , A . J . Hogg , VV . E . VVatson , and R . P . Angel . Visitors :

Bros . R . F . Gould , P . G . D . j James Terry , P . G . S . B . VV . Hopekirk , P . G . P . j J . T . Ashby , W . M . 23 S ; Col . H . M . Gordon , P . P . G . D . Middx . j VV . H . Lee , VV . M , 23 S 1 , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; VV . F . Pettigrew , C 24 ; F . Burman , 1987 ; T . Taylor , Sec . 1 G 77 ; J . E . Harding , P . M ., Treas . 30 J J- Lugs , P . M . 1360 , - B . Cull , P . M . 1446 ; H . VV . Roberts , P . P . G . W . Middx . ; Louis Hirsch , P . M .,

Treas . ISIS Sir N . Pringle , P . M . 92 ; F . A . Smith , P . M . 1 G 6 9 ; A . Blenkarn . J . VV . 23 S 1 j H . G . Cubitt , S . VV . 2020 J _ and VV . VV . Lee , S . VV . 23 S 1 . Lodge having been opened , the minutes vvere confirmed , and a satisfactory audit report presented and adopted . A candidate vvas then initiated into Freemasony by the W . M ., who then installed Bro . I . D . E . Tarr , Prov . G . D .

Middx ., into the chair , assisted by Bro . H . Hooper , P . M . The following officers vvere appointed and invested : Bros . Renton , S . VV . j Side , J . W . j Pinnock , P . M ., Treas . ; Speth , P . M ., Sec . ; Wareham , S . D . ; Cook , J . D . ; S . Richardson , P . M ., D . C ; Tassell , I . G . ; and G . Langley , P . M ., and Burgoyne Watts , Stwds . The Installing Master , Bro . Corsham , I . P . M ., delivered the usuil addresses , and

was presented by the VV . M . vvith a Past Master's jewel in recognition of his services . Lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet served in excellent style under the superintendence of Bro . Ashby . Under the genial presidency of the W . M . a very pleasant evening was spent , in the course of which the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

Bro . R . I'd Gould , P . G . D ., replying for "The Grand Officeis , " said if there had been a much larger attendance of Grand Officers present that night they would have said what the three vvho were present said vvith one voice , that the Lodge of Unity had left nothing to be desired , either in the work of the lodge room or the warmth and geniality of its welcome . He had great pleasure in visiting that

lodge again , and had hacl great satisfaction in listening io the VV . vl . and I . P . M . The W . M . had coupled thac brethren to reply to that toast , for vvhich he thanked h ; . _ i very heartily , because there was an old and familiar maxan which , if he might venture to translate , was that one should pass to one ' s juniors all that one could . Without wishing to ignore the great responsibility of that toast he felt it would

be done full justice to if he left that part in the hands of tac other two brethren , and he would say a word on his own account . He vvas delighted to be present , and to have his knees under the mahogany of the old Lodge of Unity-He missed the faces of some worthy brethren present a few years ago , including that of Bro . Britten , Whom they all wished well , and regretted his absence ; but he met a great

many friends , and those whose faces were new , but whoai he hoped to number among his Masonic friend--He wished to congratulate the retiring W . M . on the way he placed his successor in the chair . He had seen it well done before in the lodge , particularly by Bro . Langley > P . M . It usually fell to his lot to install the W . M . in the Quatuor Coronati Lodgfe , and hc always arranged foi' ;

brother to assist him . He always appealed to Bro . "* ' Richardson , P . M ., and when the installation came round that brother , without waiting for any invitation , took liij place , as a right , as the D . of C . That incident showed how much he vvas mixed up vvith the officers of the Lodge of Unity . , , the

Bro . James Terry , in responding , said he represented small piece of meat between the two slices of bread ot a sandwich . He was the piece of meat between the uppc ' crust of Bro . Gould and the under crust of Bro . Hope _> ' *' and flavoured vvith a little mustard and salt , he hoped tney liked the pungency , and prayed them to accept his bes thanks .

Bro . W . Hopekirk , P . G . P ., also replied . f Bro . R . Corsham , I . P . M ., said it came as a matter 0 ; right that he should propose "The Health of their VV-- " - He had no doubt that during the past year they would nav gathered that he vvas one of the quiet members not giv to much speaking-anclas it seemed to be in the natu '

, , order of things , they were going from grave to gay . D" ¦ " "j the past year they had had a rather quiet Master , but tn jwould have during the ensuing year one who would be a » ^ more lively . He did not wish to deprecate himself , h . . thought they were sent upon this earth with certain o"