Masonic Notes.

Hope " up a tree . " Wc heartily congratulate thc members of St . John the Baptist ' s Lodge on the safety of all their highly valued Masonic treasures , and also on having a W . M . both willing and able to climb a tree in the early hours of Christmas Eve . We understand that it was entirely owing to thc skill and activity in

! hi : > direction ol Bro . Andrew Hope that thc famous warrant of the lodge , issued as far back as 1732 , was L . aved from injury . Fortunately the early warrants were very much smaller than those since issued , or even Bro . Hope might have found some little difficulty iu his ascent with a framed lodge warranl under his arm .

At the risk of being thoughl officious , we venture to suggest that all future candidates for the oflice of W . M ul the old St . John ' s Lodge , should submit themselves lo an examination in gymnastics as well as in the ordinary lodge duties .

« « * A correspondent has sent us a copy ol a printed circular which has apparently been sent broadcast lo influential members of the Craft . Thc circular is headed " The Underwriting Bureau Limited , " and is signed " Yours fraternally R . B . Oakley , " better known

perhaps as Richard Banner Oakley . With its contents we have little or no concern , except thai wc feel bound to protest against thc growing habit of company promoters and persons who arc desirous of airing their private grievances or fancied wrongs , making use of their Masonic position to further their schemes amongst

the members of the Craft . In Ihis instance thc proposals arc so wildly fantastic that it is a matter of doubt as lo whether the circular should be treated seriously or not , but in any case the fact remains , that on thc strength of a little over six years membership of a lodge , to thc funds of which he ceased to be a subscriber nearly jo years ago , the writer calmly appeals

lo his brother Masons to join him in attacking a powerful newspaper , and to provide him with lunds to le-establish a company , thc name of which it had been wiser to let pass from the memory . Wc do not for a moment suppose our readers need be cautioned in tespect to such productions , but wc think it right to nail attention lo them nevertheless .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

ELECTION OF GRAND TREASURER . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " ¦ Dear Sir and Brother , Taking up the Freemason of the 22 nd ultimo , 1 lind a letter signed " Fair Play , " in which the writer suggests an alteration in our Constitutions to admit of voting for thc election of Grand Treasurer by means

of voting papers , sent to all those throughout the world who , under ihe present rules , arc compelled to attend Grand Lodge to record their voles . 1 quite agree that the present sysleui is unsatisfactory , as il practically places the electiun in thc hands of London brethren and those provincial ones able and willing to incur Ihe expense of a journey lo Loudon .

But , hasyour correspondent estimated thc enormous labour or calculated the cost such a change would involve r Is he aware thai at the present moment there arc , as I am informed , upwards of 25 , 000 brethren entitled tu vole al the election of Grand Treasurer :- Has he considered what addition it would In ; necessary lo make to the stall of the Grand

Secretary s ulhcc lor the purpose of preparing and keeping the necessary register of thc names and constantly changing addresses of such an enormous and ever fluctuating constituency ,, not an inconsiderable proportion of whom have qualifications in respect of several lodges , although entitled to exercise but one vote ' : Has he considered the amount of daily

correspondence in connection with the acquisitio'i and loss of qualification and thc changes of address ' ¦ : If , however , Grand Lodge shuuld so will il , and is piepared to meet the cost , there should be ttu insuperable difficulty in giving effect to Ihe suggested change . But , in the name of common sense , let trie ask , is the object sought to be obtained worthy of the

employment ol such cumbrous and expensive machinery ? Does il not mean the perpetuation ol what , with its canvassing , its touting , its rivalries , and its jealousies , bids fair to become as great a Masonic scandal as it is already a Masonic nuisance > If thc election were thai of a high ulficiai , 011 whose position , ability , and influence thc welfare and

prosperity ot thc Craft might depend , I admit that no consideration ol labour or expense should prevent thc aceoinplislyincnl ul Ihe object lo be secured . Can it for one moment be pietcnded that the otftcc of Grand Treasurer , which , lihorn a ;> it has been ol all responsibility , is lift ! e more than an empty title , is one of importance sufficient to justify the employment oi the moans I have indicated r

1 have no hesitation in expressing the opinion which 1 know is shared by very many well wishers ol our Order , that at the present moment , there could be

Correspondence.

no greater benefactor to the Craft , than he who could devise sonic satisfactory method of putting an end , once and for all , to thc un-Masonie and unseemly struggle which annually distracts Grand Lodge , and which threatens seriously to impair , if not destroy , that fraternal feeling which should be , and I trust is still ,

the very spirit and essence of our existence , and without which Freemasonry , with its forms and solemn ceremonies , its high-sounding titles , and its multifarious decorations , would be little more than an empty farce , unworthy of the support of right-thinking and intelligent men .

I have no hesitation in affirming that the greatest enemies to our Order arc those who do not scruple lo throw down the apple of discord , who attempt to sel class against class , to encourage thc idea that thc interests of our provincial brethren arc not in every way identical with those of the brethren in London , and

that there is antagonism between those whom the M . W . Grand Master has been pleased lo appoint to ollice in Grand Lodge and those who have not been so fortunate , but arc no less desirous lo be so appointed . The grealesl friends lo our Order are those whose

aim and object , without the taint of personal ambition , is to maintain iu every way the dignity of the Craft , to strengthen by all means in their power those brotherly bonds by which we , as Masons , ought to be united , and to make thc Craft and its members looked up to and

respected by the outside world . With such an object in view , may I be permitted tu lift my voice against thc annual conversion of Grand Lodge into an arena for parly conflict and factious rivalry . — -Yours fraternally ,

A SINCERE LOVER OF MASONRY .

RE WILLIAM PRESTON . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , 1 am reading through , ad making notes fiuui , the old minutes of " Thc Lodge ol Emulation , ' for

what purpose for the moment is of no consequence ; but , seeing a short notice in the Freemason of lasl Saturday of Ihe career ol William I ' rcston , I think that perhaps the few extracts I give you below may be of some use in tracing his early history ; if nut , they may be interesting to some of your readers :

" Lodge of Emulation , N » . . ? - ' / . Pauls Head Tavern -3 rd September 1771 . " On thc visitors' list for this evening I find-, " I ' rcston R . W . M . Lodge of PROSPERITY : ' On the next lodge night , iSth September , 1771 , I

lind as a minute : "The Master , Wardens & Brethren of thc Philanthropic Lodge paid us a Visit in form this Night . " Referring to the visitors' list , I lind .-Preston R . W . M . 1 Gleddon SW I ¦ 1 MTuuomi

.. ,,,. « - n u 1 «> PHILANTHROPIC l , n w f LODGE . Sexton P . M . | Alcock \

Following thc minutes I lind that Bro . Preslun was a constant visitor at the fortnightly meetings of this old lodge , but always from " The Philanthropic Lodge . " When , on thc loth February , 1772 , a minute is as follows : " Bro . Win . White proposed thai Bro . William Preston be admitted an Honorary Member ,

for his kind attention to the interests of this Lodge , which motion , being seconded , it was " Ordered " Thai the Admission of Br . Win . I ' reslon as an Honorary Member , be ballolled lor the next l . udgc Night . " Al the next lodge night , | th March , 1772 , thc

lolluwiug minule is recorded : "The Lodge ( agreeable lo oider ) proceeded to ballot for Bro . William Preston , who was unanimously admitted an Honorary Member of the Lodge . " On 161 I 1 September , 177 / , Ihe following minute was

passed ; " Br . Auster made a motion & was seconded , thai the Book wrote by Br . Wm . Preston , & lately published , intitkd ' Illustrations on Masonry , ' be purchased by thc Lodge , and elegantly bound , with an inscription on the Back . " And the question ( bcing put , il passed in the aflirtualivc .

From Ihis lime Bro . William I'reslon appears lo have been a regular attendant and worker in the lodge . Ti listing thc above information may be of sonic use and interest ,- Believe nte , truly and fraternally yours , ROBERT BERRIDGE , P . M . 21 , P . G . D . Enfield , December Jist .

To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Your extract as ( o William I'reslon induces 111 c tu ask if there 's any explanation as to the numbering of the editions of the " Illustrations of Masonry . " I believe the total No . is 1 | , yet the last is the " 171 I 1 edition , " and Ihe fifth is the " Htli edition . "

Their dates are : 17 / 2 , 177 :,, i' / 8 l , r /* 3 , 1 / 92 , 1 / 116 , 1801 , 1 S 04 , 1 S 15 , 1821 , 1829 , 1840 , 1846 , and 1861 1 and are named respectively : ist , 2 nd , new , new , 8 th , tjth , 10 th , nth , I 2 th , 13 th , 14 th , 15 th , 16 th and 17 th . I should be glad to give value for thc 1781 and 1 S 46 editions . —Yours fraternally , J . E . Le FEUVRE . Southampton , 30 th Dec , 1 S 94 .

Colonial Grand Lodges.

COLONIAL GRAND LODGES .

To thc Editor of the " Freemason . " Uc . i i Sir and Brother , In your Masonic tiules in alluding to the socalled New Zealand Grand Lodge at the bottom ol page 107 ( of October 27 th ! you allude to " South Australia , New South Wales and Tasmania , where

the lodges were absolutely unanimous in their " & c . This statement is absolutely incorrect , and I teel sure that it has by mistake got into print , and that you will al once correct it by giving the facts as follows—in South Australia the " Duke of Leinster , " No . 363 , Irish Constitution , Adelaide ; in New South Wales the " Cambrian Lodge of Australia , '' No . 11 ^ 6 , English

Constitution , Sydney , and in Tasmania thc " 1 asmanian Union , " No . 53 6 , English Constitution . Hobart declined to fall into the local Grand Lodges . 'The Tasmanian , however , at a later stage joined the Tasmanian Constitution , but the letter which I have before 111 c from a member does not show anything like unanimity . At the present moment The Duke of Leinster ,

Irish Constitution , is working 111 Adelaide ; the Cambrian Lodge of Australia , No . 656 , English Constitution , in Sydney ; and the Coinbermerc Ludge , No . 7 . S 2 , English Constitution , in Melbourne . Regarding New Zealand , you might have gone a

little further and said /;»? . ¦ ' the 15 new lodges are formed , and also ask why their so-called Grand Lodge members visit other Colonies as Past District Grand So-and-so , English Constitution , Irish Constitution , ur Scotch Constitution , as the case may be . Thanking you in anticipation . —I remain , yuurs fraternally . GEO . ROBINSON , S . W . 656 . Sydney , 30 II 1 November , 1894 .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

HI W ^ M ^^^^

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . AlbJOIl Lodge ( No . <)) . —This ancient lodge held its installation meeting at freemasons' Hall on Tuesday , the 1 st inst ., when Bro . . E . Stratton Gerrish was installed as the W . M . by Bro . b . . Vallentine , P . G . P ., who has acted in a similar capacity in this lodge for over 30 years . Last year Bro . Vallentine was unable lo lie present

owing to illness , and his re-appearance as Installing Master on the present occasion was hailed with satisfaction by thc members present . These included Bros . ] . Beardmorc , W . M . j E . Stratlon Gerrish , S . W . ; S . II . Meyers , J . W . ; S . H . Friend , P . M ., Treas . ; L . VV . Harvey , P . M ., Sec ; W . Dennis , S . D . ; B . F . Cain , J . D . ; George Pritchard , P . M ., Org . ; F . Evans , I . G . ; li . H . Bradley ,

P . M ., Stwd . ; S . Vallentine , P . M ., P . G . P . ; G . A . Bickcrton , P . M . ; W . Drew , P . M . ; W . 11 . Holroyd , P . M . ; VV . Davis , II . VV . Brown , W . Meyers , E . F . Japp , E . Cohen , W . II . ( ones , and \ V . II . Betts . Visitors : ISros . J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . l . ; S . V . Abrahams , P . G . P . ; II . Sadler , G . Tyler ; | . VV . Gibbs , I . P . M , 1 S 0 . 1 ; F . J . Eedle , VV . M . 2184 ; C . C . Burrows , S 20

C . | . Page , I . G . 100 ; C . Uearney , I ' . P . G . S . of Works Berks ; C . Townley , 2 iyo ; C . VVallington , P . M . S ^ 6 ; L . V . D . Anley , P . M . 1201 ; Victor Stevens , 2127 ; F . Hurdle , 15 ; | . VV . Martell , J . W . 1563 ; C Slater , J . W . 2409 ; VV . | . Tilling , D . C . 2500 ; and W . W . Lee , W . M . 1 SS 97 , P . M . 23 S 1 . Lodge was opened and thc minutes confirmed . A

candidate having been passed to thc Second Degree , Bro . S . Vallentine , P . G . P ., assumed thc chair , and installed Bro . K . Stratton Gerrish as W . M . in his well-known style . Thc following ollicers were invested : Bros . S . Meyers , S . W . ; W . Dennis , J . W . ; II . S . Friend , P . M ., Treas . ; L . W . Harvey , P . M ., Sec- ; B . F . Cain , S . D . ; F . Evans , J . D . ; VV . Holroyd , P . M ., D . C ; G . Pritchard , P . M ., Org . ; E .

Bradley , P . M ., Steward ; Francis , I . G . ; and Kawles , Tyler . The VV . M . commenced his year of work in an auspicious manner by initiating Air . W . II . Betts with ability and itnpressiveness . A grant having been made fiuui the Benevolent Fund , the lodge was closed . A banquet was afterwards held at Fiecmasons' Tavern , which was well served and luattily enjoyed , and the usual

toasts were subsequently given . The loyal toasts having been disposed of , " Hie Grand Officers " was proposed from thc chair , with appropriate allusions to the distinguished brethren present . Bro . S . V . Abrahams , P . G . P ., in response , said that although thc lodge possessed a Grand Officer far more capable of acknowledging this toast than he was , their

courtesy and hospitality was shown by deputing one who was nol a member to reply . The Grand ( MTicers thoroughly appreciated the compliment paid them , and the manner in which at a II times their services were acknowledged . There was one point to which he would refer which was that when thc W . M . in the lodge rose for the third time he observed that most of the visitors greeted him with " Hearty good

wishes . It might have been noticed that the three brethren present representing Grand Lo-ige did not respond in that manner , and he wished it to be understood that it was through no disrespect . 11 was a debatable question how far a brother con Id go , and many said that no visitor had a right to speak within the walls ol the lodge unless called upon by the W . Master . The Grand Ollicers felt as deeply as any

brother present their good wishes to the VV . M . of the lodge , and whilst Hie body of Grand Ofliceis were reirmted from such brethren as the W . M . and ollicers of the Albion Lodge , it would tend to the improvement and advancement of the Craft .

11 ° n' Sadlc / ' - T * > ali 0 responded , and thanked Bro . Vallentine for the opportunity of paying his lirst visit to that lodge , although he had known it tor some considciable period—nearly 30 years—liu acquaintance liavn ^ been mostly with the members outside . Hc had a desire to see his old fntnd do the installation ceiemony—a cere-