Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
dency to the Lodge Journeymen on the occasion of meeting in Glasgow Cathedral previous to laying the foundation-stone of the Albert Bridge on 3 rd June last , the deciding of such a question being vested in the meeting and not in the chair . And , Sth . That St . John ' s Lodge understood they were
to be left m undisputed possession of their ancient rights and privileges on the occasion referred to , in consequence ofa correspondence which they allege took place between the late Grand Secretary , Bro . Laurie , and the Master of the lodge . After investigating the several statements above narrated , the Sub-Committee are of opinion : —
ist . That St . John ' s Lodge has not proved that it possesses , in virtue of its charter or of any law or resolution of Grand Lodge , exclusive privileges , beyond precedence in virtue of its number on Grand Lodge Roll , over the other lodges in Glasgow province . Grand Lodge has nothing whatever to do
with any rights or privileges St . John ' s Lodge claims in virtue of its so-called Malcolm Canmorc Charter , thc genuineness of which it has never acknowledged . On joining Grand Lodge in 1850 St . John's received its present number , 3 , in virtue of its connection with the granting along with other
( operative ) lodges of the Roslin Charter of 1628 , but this confers no special powers or privileges in reference to the question at issue . 2 nd . It is asserted that the practice invariably exercised hitherto by Grand Lodge in provinces other than that of Edinburgh has been to concede
in courtesy and right the privilege of carrying the tools , & c , to the senior lodge of the province in which the demonstration took place . No evidence has been produced to substantiate this statement , and , on the contrary , the Journeymen Lodge , it is proved , has officiated at most demonstrations of
Grand Lodge out of the Edinburgh district for many years past ; the more important events since 1848 being at laying foundation-stones of Corn Exchange ( Haddington , 1853 ) , Wallace Monument ( 1861 ) , Duke of Athole ' s Monument ( 1865 ) , Corn Exchange ( Hawick , 1865 ) , Industrial School (
Mossbank , 1868 ) , and Paisley Museum ( 1869 ) . If St . John ' s Lodge claims the right in virtue of its antiquity and precedence on Grand Lodge Roll to carry the tools out of the metropolitan district , or especially in the western provinces , why did it allow the Journeymen unchallenged to exercise
what they state they consider an ancient and established privilege at the important demonstrations of Wallace Monument , Mossbank , and Paisley , at all of which St . John ' s Lodge was present ? It is true St . John ' s Lodge carried the working tools at laying foundation-stone of Victoria Bridge ,
Glasgow , m 1851 ; but it must be kept in mind that the Journeymen Lodge was not present on that occasion . All the other demonstrations in Glasgow at which St . John's performed this duty were promoted and presided over by the Provincial Grand Lodge ; and on all such occasions , whether in Glasgow or
elsewhere , the Journeymen have never claimed the right to carry the tools , as they consider the privilege they have so long enjoyed only extends to demonstrations at which Grand Lodge presides . 3 rd . There can be no doubt that chap . 20 , sec . 3 , of Grand Lodge Laws distinctly enacts that the
Lodge No . 8 shall be entitled to carry the working tools in all processions in Edinburgh or neighbourhood . The Journeymen Lodge , in its answer , states that "it protested against thc law as at present existing when the revised edition of Grand Lodge Laws was being printed in 1848 ; but that
the lodge was requested by the Grand Committee of that year not to raise the question , as all the draft copies were at that time issued ; but the lodge was guaranteed the ancient usage should be continued , and hence the reason of its being continued to the present time . " No minute or resolution of
Grand Committee or Grand Lodge exists to prove this statement ; and there can be no question as to the right of members of Grand Lodge to form their opinions of the meaning of the law as now printed , and which also existed in the 1836 edition . It must be borne in mind , however , that
as has been previously stated and proved , the Journeymen have officiated at most of the important demonstrations since thc laws were last revised , and till now have done so unchallenged . 4 th . The Sub-Committee are clearly of opinion that thc Grand Master had an undoubted right to
give a decision on the question of carrying thc working tools when it was brought before him at meeting in the Cathedral , and the Sub-Committee consider that it showed a want of true Masonic good feeling on the part of the office-bearers of St . John ' s Lodge , present on that occasion , not to have at once acquiesced in thc equitable proposal first
made by the Journeymen to divide the tools between the two lodges for the day , by which the good feeling and harmony all were met to promote would not have been interrupted , and an unseemly break in the procession would have been avoided . Sth . St . John's Lodge states that a correspondence took place with the Grand Secretary as to the carrying of the working tools , and " up till thc last
Scotland.
minute it had been understood the members of St . John ' s were to carry them , in virtue of their ancient rights and privileges , and that the Grand Secretary , as assessor to the Grand Lodge , should have informed the Grand Master of the right of procedure in this Province and upon all occasions by the
Lodge St . John . " The present Grand Clerk denies that there was any correspondence with St . John ' s Lodge whatever in reference to carrying the tools on the occasion referred to , the only communication received being from the Prov . Grand Secretary in reference to Bro . McGuffie , of Glasgow , who
requested , as a favour , to be allowed to carry the inscription plate , as he had performed that duty on several previous occasions , to which the Grand Secretary replied that he did not anticipate any objections would be made to the request . No blame can be attached to the late Grand Secretary
for not informing the Grand Master of St . John ' s claims to the exclusive right of precedence in such cases ; he could not be expected to do so , when St . John ' s Lodge had never insisted on these , or ever brought them forward ( pro forma ) on former occasions when the Grand Lodge was presiding at demonstrations in the Western Provinces .
The above are the facts of the case as elicited by your Sub-Committee . There can be but one opinion as to the desirability of some measure being adopted which shall allay , in future , the irritation which has sprung up in reference to the right or honour as to who shall carry the working tools , & c ,
of Grand Lodge . The Journeymen Lodge , at conclusion of their answers , state , that " they are not unwilling to enter into an arrangement whereby the present privileges of the lodge may be preserved intact , but they are also willing that such other plan be arranged as will enable any operative lodge in
the Provinces to enjoy the privilege on intimating a desire to that effect to the Grand S . * .: votary within a reasonable time , previous to the date of the ceremony , and that the same be intimated to the Lodge No . 8 . " Bro . Porteous' motion , which comes up for discussion at next quarterly
communication ( i . e ., on 6 th February , 1 S 71 ) of Grand Lodge , also seeks to have it enacted that " in Provinces out of the Metropolitan district , the working tools shall be carried by the Senior Operative Lodge , or failing which , the oldest lodge in the district on Grand Lodge roll . " The
Sub-Committee are of opinion that the adoption of either of these motions will not secure a harmonious and lasting decision of the question at issue . Both motions seek to maintain , and that in a new law , a distinction between Operative and Speculative Masonry , which is not , and has not been , recognised
by our own or other Grand Lodges for many years past , and by giving this preference to the elder , they would effectually exclude the younger lodges from the privilege in question , —though it cannot be disputed , that they are quite entitled to participate along with thc older lodges in all honours Grand
Lodge has to bestow . Your Committee , in concluding this report , would venture to suggest that the simplest and fairest way to settle the point at issue , and secure peace and harmony in future , would be , while allowing the Journeymen Lodge the privilege they have hitherto
enjoyed of carrying thc working tools and other paraphernalia of Grand Lodge in the Metropolitan district , that , if it is the wish of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow— which forms a large and influential section of our Craft , and whose opinions and request must always meet with brotherly
consideration from Grand Lodge—that St . John ' s should have the same privilege in that Province , the honour should be conceded to No . 3 there and in any other place or Province when the Grand Lodge is officiating , the Grand Master , or the brother acting for him , shall have the power of fixing on
the lodge or lodges to carry the tools , & c , for the occasion , and his decision should not be open to review . This course was adopted by the Earl of Dalhousie , at Forfar , in 1809 , when he divided thc honour between the two lodges of the town in which the demonstration took place , and which
arrangement gave general satisfaction to all partiesconcerned . ( Signed ) ALEXANDER HAY . ( Do . ) DAVID KINNEAR . ( Do . ) WILLIAM HAY . Thc foregoing report was submitted to Grand Lodge at quarterly communication on 6 th February ,
1871 , and adopted without the suggestions contained at the close thereof . As to thc motion of Bro . Porteous , above referred to , owing to his absence on 6 th February , it fell through . Consequently thc general arrangement as to carrying working tools for thc future has yet to be made .
GLASGOW . On thc 20 th March the members of the Glasgow Thistle Lodge , No . 87 , met in considerable force , graced by thc presence of " charming woman , " in Mr . Ancell ' s Hall , Trades-buildings , Glassfordstreet , and celebrated their 109 th anniversary , thc lodge being chartered on 16 th March , 1762 , just seventeen years after Prince Charles's farewell to
Scotland.
Glasgow . Bro . John Fraser , R . W . M ., presided , supported on the right by Bro . W . J . Hamilton , P . M . of the Caledonian Railway Lodge , No . 354 , and Bro . Thomas Hart , Secretary ; and on his left by Bro . W . Lawson , Acting Chaplain ,. and Bro .-John Dobbie , Treasurer , whilst Bro . James
Henderson , S . W ., did the duties of croupier at a most excellently-served supper . The tables having been cleared , Bro . Lawson delivered a rhymical occasional address , which met with approbation , and the song of " The Thistle , 87 , " was sung by Bro . T . Hart . The only toast of the evening , " Prosperity
to the Thistle Lodge , " was given by the P . M . of the Caledonian Railway Lodge , and happily responded to by the Chairman . Thereafter the croupier , in becoming terms , presented the lodge with a beautiful sword in steel scabbard , which he characterised as " a virgin blade , never to draw the blood of a
brother . " The entertainment then assumed the form of conversazione , in which song , recitation , and dance alternated , and much versatile ability was displayed , Bro . James Perston ' s and Miss M'Fee ' s voices lending much pathos to the hour , while wellconcerted glees gave variety . Bro . Burton kindly acted as maitre de dance .
WIS HAW . An assembly , under the auspices of the R . W . Master and brethren of St . Mary ' s Coltness Lodge , No . 31 , came off in the Public School , on the evening of Friday , the 3 rd ult . Tlie hall and side-rooms were most tastefully and artistically adorned with a profusion of evergreens , and the insignia of the
Dalziel , St . Clare , and Coltness Lodges were displayed with excellent effect in the hall , and caused it to have an appearance of considerable splendour . The following lodges were present : —P . G . L . Upper Ward , headed by Bro . M'Gillivray ; P . G . L . Middle Ward , headed by Bro . King ; No . 7 Hamilton
Kilwinning , headed by Treasurer Mackie ; St . David ' s , No . 36 ; St . James's , Old Monkland , 176 ; Hamilton , 233 ; St . John's Woodhall , Bro . M'Murdie , 305 ; St . John ' s , Dalziel , 406 ; St . Clair , 427 ; St . John's , Crofthead , E . D . B ., No . 151 , mother lodge of the R . W . M . Carriages began to arrive at nine o'clock
and dancing was soon after commenced and carried on till an early hour . Altogether this was a really first-class assembly , and will long be remembered with the greatest pleasure by those who had the privilege of being present . The best thanks are due to Bro . Forrest for his indefatigable exertions
m getting up and carrying through so very successfully this assembly . Under Bro . Forrest , St . Mary's Lodge is in a most prosperous condition , and a large addition to its membership has been made during the time he has been R . W . Master Bro . Forrest is heart and soul a Mason ; he has occupied the
Masonic chair most worthily , and we hope he will long be spared to be an ornament and honour to Masonry and all that belongs to it . As a Mason he is highly respected for his sterling uprightness and kindness of heart ; and under his direction
Masonry in his district is sure to flourish , and not only free itself from much of thc obloquy that has been heaped upon it , but to rise greatly in public estimation . Wc arc glad to learn that , after paying all expenses , thc balance left over is to be handed to the Ladies' Clothing Society .
MILITARY INVENTION BV BRO . CAPT . NEWMAN . — One of our local volunteers has produced a comparatively safe cover for military engineers whilst engaged in throwing up earthworks and batteries in the face of an enemy's guns . AVe allude to a square gabion , designed by Captain II . Newman , of the 1 st L . E . V ., which , has recently been brought under the notice of the authorities at the
Military School , Chatham . The chief advantages which this gabion has over the circular ones , now in universal use , are , that being already made , it can be placed in position by one man in three or four seconds . It is formed of a series of horizontal bands of iron rivitted together at the ends , and can be doubled up into the smallest possible compass . AVhen unfolded it may be placed either on the
square or at any given angle , and it is therefore obvious that in revetments this description of gabion will be close together , and thc openings seen in circular gabions , when placed side by side , will be altogether avoided . As almost every non-military man must know , these openings present a good mark for weapons of precision , and thus the artificial covering does not afford a very safe protection to the
men who work in the rear , especially in single sap , and who generally strengthen the weak points with sand bags . The ordinary brush gabion cannot be made in less than five or six hours , whilst an iron one requires two men at least five minutes to put it together . By means of Captain Newman ' s invention a sappcrcould carry a protector in each hand , place them together , and fill them with earth , so as
to form a solid wall at , say within a thousand yards of the enemy's battery , and could then set to work , under a comparatively safe shelter , to sink or raise an earthwork , from which his own regiment could reply to the opposite fire . The invention seems to be an exceedingly good one , and no doubt it will meet wilh approval from those to
whom it has been submitted . AVe understand that the gabion lias been forwarded lo the engineer school through Lieutenant-Colonel Ellison , who may congratulate himself upon having so thoroughly practical an officer as Captain Newman to assist him in raising his regiment to the highest possible state of efficiency . —Liverpool Daily Post ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
dency to the Lodge Journeymen on the occasion of meeting in Glasgow Cathedral previous to laying the foundation-stone of the Albert Bridge on 3 rd June last , the deciding of such a question being vested in the meeting and not in the chair . And , Sth . That St . John ' s Lodge understood they were
to be left m undisputed possession of their ancient rights and privileges on the occasion referred to , in consequence ofa correspondence which they allege took place between the late Grand Secretary , Bro . Laurie , and the Master of the lodge . After investigating the several statements above narrated , the Sub-Committee are of opinion : —
ist . That St . John ' s Lodge has not proved that it possesses , in virtue of its charter or of any law or resolution of Grand Lodge , exclusive privileges , beyond precedence in virtue of its number on Grand Lodge Roll , over the other lodges in Glasgow province . Grand Lodge has nothing whatever to do
with any rights or privileges St . John ' s Lodge claims in virtue of its so-called Malcolm Canmorc Charter , thc genuineness of which it has never acknowledged . On joining Grand Lodge in 1850 St . John's received its present number , 3 , in virtue of its connection with the granting along with other
( operative ) lodges of the Roslin Charter of 1628 , but this confers no special powers or privileges in reference to the question at issue . 2 nd . It is asserted that the practice invariably exercised hitherto by Grand Lodge in provinces other than that of Edinburgh has been to concede
in courtesy and right the privilege of carrying the tools , & c , to the senior lodge of the province in which the demonstration took place . No evidence has been produced to substantiate this statement , and , on the contrary , the Journeymen Lodge , it is proved , has officiated at most demonstrations of
Grand Lodge out of the Edinburgh district for many years past ; the more important events since 1848 being at laying foundation-stones of Corn Exchange ( Haddington , 1853 ) , Wallace Monument ( 1861 ) , Duke of Athole ' s Monument ( 1865 ) , Corn Exchange ( Hawick , 1865 ) , Industrial School (
Mossbank , 1868 ) , and Paisley Museum ( 1869 ) . If St . John ' s Lodge claims the right in virtue of its antiquity and precedence on Grand Lodge Roll to carry the tools out of the metropolitan district , or especially in the western provinces , why did it allow the Journeymen unchallenged to exercise
what they state they consider an ancient and established privilege at the important demonstrations of Wallace Monument , Mossbank , and Paisley , at all of which St . John ' s Lodge was present ? It is true St . John ' s Lodge carried the working tools at laying foundation-stone of Victoria Bridge ,
Glasgow , m 1851 ; but it must be kept in mind that the Journeymen Lodge was not present on that occasion . All the other demonstrations in Glasgow at which St . John's performed this duty were promoted and presided over by the Provincial Grand Lodge ; and on all such occasions , whether in Glasgow or
elsewhere , the Journeymen have never claimed the right to carry the tools , as they consider the privilege they have so long enjoyed only extends to demonstrations at which Grand Lodge presides . 3 rd . There can be no doubt that chap . 20 , sec . 3 , of Grand Lodge Laws distinctly enacts that the
Lodge No . 8 shall be entitled to carry the working tools in all processions in Edinburgh or neighbourhood . The Journeymen Lodge , in its answer , states that "it protested against thc law as at present existing when the revised edition of Grand Lodge Laws was being printed in 1848 ; but that
the lodge was requested by the Grand Committee of that year not to raise the question , as all the draft copies were at that time issued ; but the lodge was guaranteed the ancient usage should be continued , and hence the reason of its being continued to the present time . " No minute or resolution of
Grand Committee or Grand Lodge exists to prove this statement ; and there can be no question as to the right of members of Grand Lodge to form their opinions of the meaning of the law as now printed , and which also existed in the 1836 edition . It must be borne in mind , however , that
as has been previously stated and proved , the Journeymen have officiated at most of the important demonstrations since thc laws were last revised , and till now have done so unchallenged . 4 th . The Sub-Committee are clearly of opinion that thc Grand Master had an undoubted right to
give a decision on the question of carrying thc working tools when it was brought before him at meeting in the Cathedral , and the Sub-Committee consider that it showed a want of true Masonic good feeling on the part of the office-bearers of St . John ' s Lodge , present on that occasion , not to have at once acquiesced in thc equitable proposal first
made by the Journeymen to divide the tools between the two lodges for the day , by which the good feeling and harmony all were met to promote would not have been interrupted , and an unseemly break in the procession would have been avoided . Sth . St . John's Lodge states that a correspondence took place with the Grand Secretary as to the carrying of the working tools , and " up till thc last
Scotland.
minute it had been understood the members of St . John ' s were to carry them , in virtue of their ancient rights and privileges , and that the Grand Secretary , as assessor to the Grand Lodge , should have informed the Grand Master of the right of procedure in this Province and upon all occasions by the
Lodge St . John . " The present Grand Clerk denies that there was any correspondence with St . John ' s Lodge whatever in reference to carrying the tools on the occasion referred to , the only communication received being from the Prov . Grand Secretary in reference to Bro . McGuffie , of Glasgow , who
requested , as a favour , to be allowed to carry the inscription plate , as he had performed that duty on several previous occasions , to which the Grand Secretary replied that he did not anticipate any objections would be made to the request . No blame can be attached to the late Grand Secretary
for not informing the Grand Master of St . John ' s claims to the exclusive right of precedence in such cases ; he could not be expected to do so , when St . John ' s Lodge had never insisted on these , or ever brought them forward ( pro forma ) on former occasions when the Grand Lodge was presiding at demonstrations in the Western Provinces .
The above are the facts of the case as elicited by your Sub-Committee . There can be but one opinion as to the desirability of some measure being adopted which shall allay , in future , the irritation which has sprung up in reference to the right or honour as to who shall carry the working tools , & c ,
of Grand Lodge . The Journeymen Lodge , at conclusion of their answers , state , that " they are not unwilling to enter into an arrangement whereby the present privileges of the lodge may be preserved intact , but they are also willing that such other plan be arranged as will enable any operative lodge in
the Provinces to enjoy the privilege on intimating a desire to that effect to the Grand S . * .: votary within a reasonable time , previous to the date of the ceremony , and that the same be intimated to the Lodge No . 8 . " Bro . Porteous' motion , which comes up for discussion at next quarterly
communication ( i . e ., on 6 th February , 1 S 71 ) of Grand Lodge , also seeks to have it enacted that " in Provinces out of the Metropolitan district , the working tools shall be carried by the Senior Operative Lodge , or failing which , the oldest lodge in the district on Grand Lodge roll . " The
Sub-Committee are of opinion that the adoption of either of these motions will not secure a harmonious and lasting decision of the question at issue . Both motions seek to maintain , and that in a new law , a distinction between Operative and Speculative Masonry , which is not , and has not been , recognised
by our own or other Grand Lodges for many years past , and by giving this preference to the elder , they would effectually exclude the younger lodges from the privilege in question , —though it cannot be disputed , that they are quite entitled to participate along with thc older lodges in all honours Grand
Lodge has to bestow . Your Committee , in concluding this report , would venture to suggest that the simplest and fairest way to settle the point at issue , and secure peace and harmony in future , would be , while allowing the Journeymen Lodge the privilege they have hitherto
enjoyed of carrying thc working tools and other paraphernalia of Grand Lodge in the Metropolitan district , that , if it is the wish of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow— which forms a large and influential section of our Craft , and whose opinions and request must always meet with brotherly
consideration from Grand Lodge—that St . John ' s should have the same privilege in that Province , the honour should be conceded to No . 3 there and in any other place or Province when the Grand Lodge is officiating , the Grand Master , or the brother acting for him , shall have the power of fixing on
the lodge or lodges to carry the tools , & c , for the occasion , and his decision should not be open to review . This course was adopted by the Earl of Dalhousie , at Forfar , in 1809 , when he divided thc honour between the two lodges of the town in which the demonstration took place , and which
arrangement gave general satisfaction to all partiesconcerned . ( Signed ) ALEXANDER HAY . ( Do . ) DAVID KINNEAR . ( Do . ) WILLIAM HAY . Thc foregoing report was submitted to Grand Lodge at quarterly communication on 6 th February ,
1871 , and adopted without the suggestions contained at the close thereof . As to thc motion of Bro . Porteous , above referred to , owing to his absence on 6 th February , it fell through . Consequently thc general arrangement as to carrying working tools for thc future has yet to be made .
GLASGOW . On thc 20 th March the members of the Glasgow Thistle Lodge , No . 87 , met in considerable force , graced by thc presence of " charming woman , " in Mr . Ancell ' s Hall , Trades-buildings , Glassfordstreet , and celebrated their 109 th anniversary , thc lodge being chartered on 16 th March , 1762 , just seventeen years after Prince Charles's farewell to
Scotland.
Glasgow . Bro . John Fraser , R . W . M ., presided , supported on the right by Bro . W . J . Hamilton , P . M . of the Caledonian Railway Lodge , No . 354 , and Bro . Thomas Hart , Secretary ; and on his left by Bro . W . Lawson , Acting Chaplain ,. and Bro .-John Dobbie , Treasurer , whilst Bro . James
Henderson , S . W ., did the duties of croupier at a most excellently-served supper . The tables having been cleared , Bro . Lawson delivered a rhymical occasional address , which met with approbation , and the song of " The Thistle , 87 , " was sung by Bro . T . Hart . The only toast of the evening , " Prosperity
to the Thistle Lodge , " was given by the P . M . of the Caledonian Railway Lodge , and happily responded to by the Chairman . Thereafter the croupier , in becoming terms , presented the lodge with a beautiful sword in steel scabbard , which he characterised as " a virgin blade , never to draw the blood of a
brother . " The entertainment then assumed the form of conversazione , in which song , recitation , and dance alternated , and much versatile ability was displayed , Bro . James Perston ' s and Miss M'Fee ' s voices lending much pathos to the hour , while wellconcerted glees gave variety . Bro . Burton kindly acted as maitre de dance .
WIS HAW . An assembly , under the auspices of the R . W . Master and brethren of St . Mary ' s Coltness Lodge , No . 31 , came off in the Public School , on the evening of Friday , the 3 rd ult . Tlie hall and side-rooms were most tastefully and artistically adorned with a profusion of evergreens , and the insignia of the
Dalziel , St . Clare , and Coltness Lodges were displayed with excellent effect in the hall , and caused it to have an appearance of considerable splendour . The following lodges were present : —P . G . L . Upper Ward , headed by Bro . M'Gillivray ; P . G . L . Middle Ward , headed by Bro . King ; No . 7 Hamilton
Kilwinning , headed by Treasurer Mackie ; St . David ' s , No . 36 ; St . James's , Old Monkland , 176 ; Hamilton , 233 ; St . John's Woodhall , Bro . M'Murdie , 305 ; St . John ' s , Dalziel , 406 ; St . Clair , 427 ; St . John's , Crofthead , E . D . B ., No . 151 , mother lodge of the R . W . M . Carriages began to arrive at nine o'clock
and dancing was soon after commenced and carried on till an early hour . Altogether this was a really first-class assembly , and will long be remembered with the greatest pleasure by those who had the privilege of being present . The best thanks are due to Bro . Forrest for his indefatigable exertions
m getting up and carrying through so very successfully this assembly . Under Bro . Forrest , St . Mary's Lodge is in a most prosperous condition , and a large addition to its membership has been made during the time he has been R . W . Master Bro . Forrest is heart and soul a Mason ; he has occupied the
Masonic chair most worthily , and we hope he will long be spared to be an ornament and honour to Masonry and all that belongs to it . As a Mason he is highly respected for his sterling uprightness and kindness of heart ; and under his direction
Masonry in his district is sure to flourish , and not only free itself from much of thc obloquy that has been heaped upon it , but to rise greatly in public estimation . Wc arc glad to learn that , after paying all expenses , thc balance left over is to be handed to the Ladies' Clothing Society .
MILITARY INVENTION BV BRO . CAPT . NEWMAN . — One of our local volunteers has produced a comparatively safe cover for military engineers whilst engaged in throwing up earthworks and batteries in the face of an enemy's guns . AVe allude to a square gabion , designed by Captain II . Newman , of the 1 st L . E . V ., which , has recently been brought under the notice of the authorities at the
Military School , Chatham . The chief advantages which this gabion has over the circular ones , now in universal use , are , that being already made , it can be placed in position by one man in three or four seconds . It is formed of a series of horizontal bands of iron rivitted together at the ends , and can be doubled up into the smallest possible compass . AVhen unfolded it may be placed either on the
square or at any given angle , and it is therefore obvious that in revetments this description of gabion will be close together , and thc openings seen in circular gabions , when placed side by side , will be altogether avoided . As almost every non-military man must know , these openings present a good mark for weapons of precision , and thus the artificial covering does not afford a very safe protection to the
men who work in the rear , especially in single sap , and who generally strengthen the weak points with sand bags . The ordinary brush gabion cannot be made in less than five or six hours , whilst an iron one requires two men at least five minutes to put it together . By means of Captain Newman ' s invention a sappcrcould carry a protector in each hand , place them together , and fill them with earth , so as
to form a solid wall at , say within a thousand yards of the enemy's battery , and could then set to work , under a comparatively safe shelter , to sink or raise an earthwork , from which his own regiment could reply to the opposite fire . The invention seems to be an exceedingly good one , and no doubt it will meet wilh approval from those to
whom it has been submitted . AVe understand that the gabion lias been forwarded lo the engineer school through Lieutenant-Colonel Ellison , who may congratulate himself upon having so thoroughly practical an officer as Captain Newman to assist him in raising his regiment to the highest possible state of efficiency . —Liverpool Daily Post ,