Masonic Notes.

We referred in an especial manner , in our last week's article entitled " Masonic Benevolence in 18 91 , " to the leading features of the Statements of Receipt by the several Masonic Institutions . but thereare one ortwo other items which must not be altogether overlooked . Thus as

regards Dividends and Interest , the Girls' School takes the lead with a total of nearly ^ 2050 , while the Benevolent Institution is close up with £ 1972 , but the Boys ' School returns only £ 560 . It is clear , therefore , that this Institution is still a very long way behind the others

in its permanent income , on which , or rither on the capital which produces it , the School will be obliged to rely at a time of serious emergency . This is a point which we trust will not be lost sight of when the time arrives for celebrating the Anniversary Festival .

Then , as regards the item of " Legacies , " the Benevolent is fortunately able to record a total under this head of . £ 2052 ios ., while the Schools have received onl y 50 guineas each . The Benevolent sum includes the balance of ^ 2000 paid in respect of the legacy of

, £ 3500 bequeathed by the late Bro . Dr . Harris Wilson . Among the Girls' School Receipts are to be found ^ 734 in respect of Window Memorials , aud including . £ 500 from Grand Lodge , . £ 227 for Musical Instruction , and ^ 57 for Income Tax returned , together with

^ 17 8 ios . for One admission by purchase , " and ^ 102 for "Admissions by annual payment . " There are no such items in the Boys' School Statement , and of

necessity none tn that of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , which has only to provide the sum required for annuities and the costs of management and maintenance of Asylum .

* * * Bro . William Watson , the indefatigable Honorary Librarian of the West Yorkshire Masonic Collection , has obtained the consent of the esteemed Bro . Thomas W . Tew , J . P ., to the publication of a complete

reproduction of the " Clapham MS . " of the " Old Charges , " with a facsimile of a portion of that valuable document as a frontispiece . The whole cost of the handsome little pamphlet is defrayed by the generous Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire .

Bro . Watson has written a special introduction to the scroll , . giving as full account of its ori gin as possible , and a description of its character , style , & c . He has also wisely reprinted Bro . Hughan ' s verdict on the text of the "Clapham MS ., " and as the reproduction ,

or transcript , has likewise been collated b y the same distinguished brother , the value of the pamphlet is all the more valuable . We understand this excellent reproduction is to be followed b y the "Thomas W . Tew MS . " and the " William Watson MS ., " with introductions by Bro . Hughan .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

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

A QUERY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Can you or any of your correspondents with knowledge of the subject , clear up the doubt or explain thc usuage in the Craft on the following point ' : —

A proposition is made to give to one of the Charities a sum ( say ) of ^ 10 ios ., and when the question is brought forward it is found that a larger amount can be afforded . The proposer is willing to accept an amendment to this effect , but one or two members object on the plea that thc meeting—a perfectly regular one—cannot vote on a larger scale without the

usual notice being given for next lodge . They however agree that a smaller grant may be g iven if the members so will it , but state it is not competent to increase the sum named in the original proposal until it is brought forward again on the circular . The question arises—have the members of . a lodge no latitude in exercising their judgment under the circumstances named ' r

The favour of a reply through your columns will be esteemed by—Yours fraternally , OCULUS . January 5 th .

[ Our correspondent should , in the first instance , refer to the by-laws of his lodge . If they contain nothing which can affect the question he asks , then we see no reason wh y an amendment to vote a larger sum than was specified in the original motion should not be proposed . If this amendment is carried , firstly as an amendment and then as a substantive motion , the vote of the larger sum would hold good , unless it were non-confirmtd at the meeting of the lodge next ensuing . —ED . F . M . ' ]

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

966 ] AN OLD MS . As any account of the customs and manners obtaining amongst Freemasons some 350 years ago must be of great interest to many members of the Craft , I am happy to be able to send you an exact copy of a transcript of an old MS ., dated 1542 , which was made by Humphrey Wanley in 16 94 , and is preserved amongst

the Harleian MSS . in the library at the British Museum . Our brethren at Coventry should be particularly interested to learn how their old Cross was constructed , the arrangements made for the comfort of their ancient brethren , and the way in which in those days they received their wages . HORACE STEWART , P . M . 1460 .

Copy of an old MS . written by Ab . Bohun of Gray ' s Inn , and transcribed by H . Wanley on October 16 th , 1694 , it being then in the possession of Major Robert Beake . Copied from the Harleian MSS . ( H . Wanley Collectanea Miscellanea ) . ( iS 42 . )

" An Indenture of Covenants betwene Cuthbert Joyner , Symon Parker , John Jet , Aldermen of the Citie of Coventrie , & . Henry Over & Christofer Waren , Citizens of the same on th'one partie & Thomas Phillips of the towne of Bristow freemason & John Petit of Wellingborough in the County of Northampton on th ' other partie .

" Thomas Phillips & John Petit for them there executors & Adm : that they their Ex .- Admin : or Ass : for . £ 18 7 : 06 : 08 to them true . ie paid as after shall be expressed : & c before the least of St Mich : th' archan : which shal be in ano dni 1543 , shall newliesubstantiallie & workmanlie make build set up & fullie furnish a new Crosse of good suer seasonable freestone of the

quarries of Hilborrow or Rounton in the Com of Warr , or of both the said quarries , except the stone belonginge to the stepps of the same Crosse , which shall be had & made of harder stone in the late Priory in the said Citie , at the onelie proper costs , charges & expences of the said Tho : Phillips & Jno Petit & there assignes : the same Crosse to be erected

it set up in the market-place in the said Citie of Coventr , called Crossecheapinge , in such place there as the ould Crosse now standeth , after the maneforme Fashion & due proportion in all poynts of a Crosse rerlie made & set up in the town of Abyngton in the Com of Berks . And further to set on every principal Penacle in the lowest storie of the same

new Crosse the jmake [ image ] of a beast or a foule holding up a fane . And on every principal penacle in the second storie the Image of a naked boy with a target it holding a faine . And that the same new Crosse before the least of the nativitie of St John Baptist which shal be in the yeare of our Lord god 1542 shal be wrought made & set up of the height of

20 foot above the hig hest step of the same Crosse , except onelie the workmanship of the Images , fynyalls , & other Pictures : and that the same new Crosse before the feast of St Michael ! th' archan : then next ensuinge shal he made , wrought & set up of the height of 25 foot above the highest step of the same Crosse . And that the same new Crosse before the feast of the

nativitie of St John Baptist which shal be in the year of our Lord god 1543 shall be wrought made & set up to the height of 40 foot above the said highest step : And that before the feast of St Michael th archan : then next followinge , the said Crosse shall be full y made wrought & set up the height of 45 foot or higher ( yf the said crosse in Abyngton be higher ) above the

said highest step , & finished in all poynts as well in ymagerie work , pictures and fynialls as otherwise according to the due forme & proportion cl the said Crosse in Abyngton . And further the said Tho : Phillips & Jno Petit covenant & grant to find all leade it iron belonging to ihe same Crosse it all the stone lyme it sand with the workmanship & carriage

of the same it all other necessaries whatsoever they be to be had and expended , about the same Crosse at their costs charges it expences . And also at their charges to procure find & make an house or lodge for masons to work in during the time of Making the same Crosse . " Provided always & it is agreed between the said

parties that the said Cuthbert Joyner , Symon Parker , John Jet , Henry Over & Christoler Warren , shal find all fanes to be set in the tame Crosse & all yron & leade belonging to the same lanes . And also 6 or 8 ould imags 10 be set in the said Crosse yf they will serve & be thought meet for the same worke ( or els not ) the same imags to be repaired & cleaned at the

charge of the said i ho : Philips & John Petit . Provided also & it is agreed between the said parties that where the said Crosse in Abington hath 8 steps the new Crosse to be made in Coventr aforesaide shall have but 4 steps . " Provided also & it is agreed betweene the said

parties that where the said Crosse in Abington is begone in 8 panes Si chaunged in the second storie into ( i panes to the deformitie of thc same Crosse . This new Crosse to be made in Coventr shal be begone in 6 panes Si so continew in 6 panes til the hill finishing of the same . In consideration of which Crosse tu be wrought made set up & finished in forme above written .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

The said Cuthbert Joyner , Simon Parker , John Jet , Henry Over & Christo er Warren , Covenant it grannt by these presents to paie or cause to be paide unto the said Tho : Philips & John Petit or their assignes £ s . d . fl . T . V . Vtlit ill ' tlill stcr ' S manner & for . ne followinge .

' That is to saie the iSth daie of Julie next ensuinge & imediathe followynge £ 6 : 13 : 4 And every 4 th friday then next ensuinge & imediathe followynge £ 6 : 13 : 4 till the some of £ 73 : 6 : S more be fully paied . And when the said Crosse is at the height of 2 C foote above the highest step of the same ( except the images pictures & finialls ) then to pay on the friday next

before St Margets day next after th' accomplishmt of the said Crosse of the said hei ght of 20 foot , 6 £ : And then to pay every 4 th friday after , 6 £ till the some of 12 ^ be more paid . And when the said Crosse is of the height of 25 foote above the highest step then to pay every friday after 6 £ till the some of 53 £ be more paide . And when the said Crosse is of the

hei g ht of 40 foote above the highest step , then to paie on the friday next before St . Margets day next after th ' accomplishinge of the said Crosse of the hei ght of 40 foote . 6 £ & every 4 th friday next after , 6 _ £ till the some of i 2 ; £ more be paide . And when the said Crosse ys fully finished in all poynts accordinge to the purport

& object of these Indentures Then to paie to the said Thomas Philips & John Petit or their Assigns £ lj : 6 : 8 in full payment & contentation of the said . £ s . d . some of dvn bf | . bj . j , - " In witness . "

967 ] THOMAS DUNCKERLEY . The name of our late distinguished brother , Thomas Dunckerley , has recently again come into prominent notice , and this , it must be admitted , is largely due to the valuable biography newly published b y our studious and indefatigable Bro . Henry Sadlir , Grand Sub-Librarian . The Craft is greatl y indebted indeed to Bro . Sadler for having expended a large amount of

time and labour in bringing together so much useful and authentic information , serving as it does to cast a strong light upon the career of one of the most able and talented brethren who ever wielded Masonic authority in England . It may be interesting to the Cralt to see in your columns copies of several letters of Bro . Dunckerley ' s , which have recentl y come to light here .

WILLIAM WATSON , P . M ., & c . i ~ COI'V . ] " To C . Phillott . 1791 . " I send you the impression of the seal of the order . You are to have 26 - each for the installation of each Knight—5 - of which sum is for the register .

" To T . West . June 7 th , 1793 , " Hampton Ct . Palace . " Dear Sir , " Yr . Letter of the 4 th & postcript of 7 th same month were forwarded from Southampton to this place by the post . Many thanks for your kind wishes respecting the health of your sister D & myself . Yr act of the R . Cumberland I I is no more than is to

be expected in time of war . "On an application from the G . Chapter of R . A . Masons , I have permitted my name on their list , but I fear they are too far gone for any redemption . " I sent them ^ 240 for registering fees & c . " I suppose Sir Charles Phillott has given you the 1 st Section of the 5 th Degree Vizt Rosa : Crucis for which you are to send 10 6 to me for the freemasons School .

" I shal ! pay them two guineas next mo . on acct . of the Kt . Templars . Sir Charles Phillott can give you all the obligations . If I was assured that it would be agreeable to the fraternity , perhaps I mi ght pass a week in Bath in October , as it is my intention with Gods permission to pass next winter at Southampton . My wife desires to unite with me in most affec . regards to Sisters West , Phillott and their noble Kni ghts . A Deo .

" ( sd . ) THOS DUNCKERLEY . " A Grand Chapter of K . T . will be held at the London Coffee House , Ludgate Hill , on the 24 th inst . the Kts . will assemble at the Temple Church , Fleet St ., at 11 . a . m . Come if you can . "

" ( To the same ) "Jany . gth , 1796 . " Hampton Court . " My dear friend and Bro ., " Mrs . Dunckerley and her Grand-daughter unite with me in wishing that Mrs . West and yourself

may enjoy many happy returns of this season . " Weare , praised be God , in good health and spirits . I have sent the letters for all the Lodges to my truly excellent and indefatigable Sy and refer you to my letter to Bridgewater respecting the late demand . " Your affectionate and faithful Bro .

" ( sd . ) Tnos . DUNCKEKLEV . " " P . S . There are now 11 | | in Somersetshire 3 _ at Bath , 2 Bridgewater and those at Wells , [ Ilminster , Frome , Shepton Alallett , Huntspill and Wincanton , the 2 last I constituted this year . "

"To T . Wi . st , February . 1788 . " 1 cinigiaiiilati' Kin . Sinitn .. I mi his being a M . isun , anil desire lie will a . ; cupi uie oilice ut Provincial Grand Steward tor Somerset . "