Original Correspondence.

present said he was an older Mason than me , that Masonic lodges were exempt from using receipt stamps , and that I knew nothing about it . I thought that the sooner thc error was corrected the better for the Cratt . I therefore wrote the Secretary of the Inland Revenue on the subjectand enclose you his reply , which , for thc general

, information of lodges , it will be as well to print . 1 am at a loss to understand upon what grounds such an opinion could be for one moment entertained by A P . M . I remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , WM . SNOW DEN , I . P . M . and Treas . Duke of Connaught , 1558 .

[ COPY . ] Inland Revenue , Somerset House , London , W . C , ist March , 1877 . Sir , •In reply to the enquiry contained in your letter of the 20 th ultimo , I am directed by thc Board of Inland Revenue to acquaint you that the Schedule to the Stamp

Act 1870 ( 33 and 34 Vic . cap . 97 ) imposes a duty of one penny upon all receipts given for , or upon payment of money amounting to £ 2 or upwards , and that receipts for payments made lo or by Masonic lodges are . not exempted from the charge . I am , Sir , your obedient servant , FRED . B . GARNETT , Secretary . Mr . W . Snowden .

Consecration Of The Beaconsfield Lodge, No. 1662.

CONSECRATION OF THE BEACONSFIELD LODGE , NO . 1662 .

The consecration and installation ceremonies took place at The Chequers , Marsh-street , Walthamstow , on Saturday , the 24 th ult ., the consecrating officer being Bro . John Hervey , G . S ., P . G . D ., & c , who was assisted by Bros . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., & c , as S . W . ; W . T . Howe ,

P . G . P . Middx , & c , as J . W . ; H . G . Buss , P . G . J . W . Middx ., & c , as D . C . ; and W . Stephens , P . M ., as I . G . The lodge was opened in the three degrees , and the anthems were sung by Bro . Upward and several brethren . The brethren of the new lodge wcie then arranged in order , and the Secretary then read the petition and warrant from Grand Lodge .

An oration on the nature and duties of Freemasonry was delivered by the Consecrating Officer , Bro . J . Hervey , G . S ., which was listened to with very great interest and attention by the brethren present , and concluding by reading some very appropriate verses . The lodge was then constituted , and Bro . Walter T . Christian was installed as the first W . M .

The newly-installed W . M . having been saluted in ancient form , invested his officers as follows , viz .: Bros . W . Groome , S . W . ; W . H . Brand , J . W . ; Fredk . Hallows , Hon . Sec . ; C . T . Saunders , S . D . j T . Franklin , J . D . ; A , Oldroyd , I . G . ; T . Upward , Org . ; G . Brown , D . C . ; J , H . Cambridge , W . S . ; and J . Gilchrist , Tyler . The furniture and the room were well arranged , and the

whole of the ceremony was performed in a manner rarely equalled . Several propositions were given to the Secretary for initiation , and the names of several brethren as joining members . Heaity good wishes were given to the W . M . and success for the future of the lodge . After the lodge was closud the brethren , to the number of thirty , sat down to a banquet and dessert a la Russe .

The wine and viands were of first-rate description , and gave great satisfaction . Grace having been said , the W . M . proposed " The Queen and the Craft . " After the National Anthem had been sung , " The Health of the M . W . G . M . " was given and enthusiastically received . This was followed by God Bless the Piince of Wales . The W . M . next proposed " The Pro G . M ., " which was heartily

received , and then followed "The D . G . M ., and the other Grand Officers , " which met with a hearty cheer . Bro . Joshua Nunn replied for them in a very suitable speech . The next toast was "The Consecrating Officer" ( the Grand Secretary , Bro . John Hervey ) , which was heartily and warmly received by the brethren present . Bro . Hervey replied , thanking the brethren for the reception he had

met with from the Bcaconsfield Lodge , and said he felt sure , by the working which he had seen , and the brotherly love and unity which existed , amongst members , the lodge was bound to prosper , and at the same time wishing it every success , and stating that he should come down and have another look in shortly to see how the work was going on . He then concluded by proposing

" The Health of the W . M ., " who in return proposed " The Officers of the New Lodge . " He said he felt quite sure that with such assistance as he had had that day , and also knowing how they could all work , he felt quite confident that the lodge would be second to none in the manner in which all thc duties would be carried out . The S . W ., J . W ., and S . D ., replied in a few appropriate

sentences . The next toast was " The Visitors , " which was replied to by Bro . Buss , with a few very kind words and wishes for the success of thc lodge , and thanking the brethren for giving them all such a cordial and hearty reception . This was followed by the toast of " The Host , Bro . W . G . Hallows , " whose catering was pronounced by all present to have been perfect . The host returned thanks

in a few appropriate words . During thc course of the evening several of thc brethren contributed to the happiness of the meeting by singing a few songs , which were well received . Altogether thc new lodge has been opened under the most favourable auspices , and there is every

reason to congratulate the founders and joining members upon the success that has so far attended it . The following visitons were present , viz : Bros . Barford , P . M . 55 ; Downing , P . M . 20 ; Lyall , P . M . 773 ; W . Steadman , P . M . 754 ; Rumsey , P . M . 206 ; Mackey . P . M . 861 ; Leech , P . M . 861 : Townsend , P . M . 820 j Kcv . C . J . Ste-

Consecration Of The Beaconsfield Lodge, No. 1662.

vens , S 13 ; Davies , I . G . 1300 ; Carter , 1307 ; St . Alphonse , S . D . 108 ; Badkin , S . W . ' 1365 ; Warman , W . M . elect 15 ; Wilson , 1228 ; Taylor , 1598 ; Lake , 1471 ; Grist , 1482 , 11 * 37- Field , 1602 ; Trebcck , 1445 ; Evenet , 1426 ; E . A . Wells , 15 ; Tolliss , 118 3 ; Claridge , 1598 ; E . Brown , 1398 ; Laverack , 917 ; Baxter , 1421 ; Bare , 139 S ; M . Christian , 860 ; C . B . Payne , P . M . 27 , G . T . The next meeting was called for Saturday , thc 3 rd inst .

What Good Dr. Vaughan's Lecture Has Done.

WHAT GOOD DR . VAUGHAN'S LECTURE HAS DONE .

Dr . Vaughan ' s misrepresentation of Freemasons has done the Order in New South Wales no harm but good , for " The Exposure of Dr . Vaughan ' s Ignorance of Freemasonry , " by Bro . Dr . Beg , has contributed not a little

to add fresh " accessions" to Masonic ranks . Gentlemen who had halted between two opinions for years have now cast in their lot with the Brotherhood ; and others are in a state of preparation for entering the Masonic Sanctuary . Besides old Masons appear to have renewed their youth . Their youthful Masonic zeal has returned upon them , and

" Made youth younger and taught life to live . " So much for Dr . Vaughan " hectoring" about Freemasons . We hope that he has since found that he is not " Infallible . " His " own people , " we are afraid , are " annoyed and displeased " at their Archbishop ' s retreat and defeat ; but , no doubt , they comfort themselves with

" The best may slip , and the most cautious fall ; He ' s more than mortal who ne ' er erred at all . " Thc Archbishop , however , is bound to produce " the oath of allegiance " he has taken , and to answer " the seven questions " put to him by the D . Grand Chaplain , E . C . In the meantime it is gratifying to know that breth'en of the different Constitutions have shown great unanimity

and enthusiasm in reference to the lecture of their brother the D . Grand Chaplain , for lodges have sent their congratulatory addresses and brethren their tokens of fraternal esteem to him , for which the lecturer returns his cordial thanks . Various lodges have ordered large supplies of " Dr . Vaughan ' s Ignorance of Freemasonry

Exposed , for gratuitous distribution among non-Masons , that " the good of Freemasonry " may be promoted . By the way , we have just heard that Dr . Vaughan intends oelivcring another lecture justifying his conduct in bring ing " charges " against our Order . We wait longingly for such an oration , and we hope it will appear in extenso in Sydney Morning Herald . —Australian Freemason .

Masonic Ball In Liverpool.

MASONIC BALL IN LIVERPOOL .

The brotherly spirit and enterprise which have marked the members of thc Lodge of Israel , No . 1502 , since its consecration some time ago at the Masonic Hall , Livtrpool ( where the meetings are now held ) , were apparent in a large degree in connection with the second annual ball of the lodge , which took place on Wednesday evening ,

the 28 th ult ., at the Adelphi Hotel , Liverpool , an admirable place for festive purposes , as was the generally expressed opinion of every one present . As on the first occasion , the ball was in aid of the Benevolent Fund of the lodge , which has been instituted by the brethren of 1302 , for the purpose of assisting , when needed , the aged and indigent members , and giving timely help to the

widows and children of deceased brethien connected with them . Although thc fund has been only little more than a year in operation , the sum in thc hands of thc Treasurer already amounts to upwards of £ 80 , and thcie is every probability that this amount will be increased to upwards of £ 100 as a result of the present year ' s festive gathering . In founding the fund the officers nnd brethren have shown

a noble example , which is well worthy of very general imitation , as the wisdom of providing for the proverbial " rainy day " applies to societies as well as to individuals . As yet there have been no claims on the resources of the fund , but no one knows how soon it may be laxed to give timely aid to some poor brother upon whom distress has come without warning , and when least expected . The

gathering of Wednesday week was of a most distinguished kind , the principal Jewish and Christian families in Liverpool and its neighbourhood being- represented among the brilliant assembly . Amongst the 160 guests present we observed Bros . M . Hart , W . M . ; A . J . Henochsberg , I . P . M . ; R . Robinson , P . M . ; A . Jones , S . W . ; S . Schdnstadt , J . W . ; I . de Frece , Treas . ; I . Woolf ; A . Hart ;

Professor Prag , Chaplain ; A . Lyons , M . Prenslan , H . M . Silver , S . J . Henochsberg , and others . Thc other visitors included Bros . A . S . Levy and Aaronsbcrg ( Wardens of thc Old Hebrew Congregation ); P . Barnett , President of the New Hebrew Congregation ; Henry Gabriel , Treasurer of the New Hebrew Congregation ; Bro . Hoffnung , Mr . Benas , Bro . D . Saunders , 1609 ; Mr . Fineberg , Brc . S .

Payne , Q . Ballard , Bro . W . M . Chudley , P . M . 241 ; Bro . A . Vandyke , 241 ; Bro . J . Busfield , 21 C ; and others . The whole of the brethren , with few exceptions , appeared wearing the jewels and insignia of the various ranks in different Orders , and the general effect was therefore very striking . The arrangements were admirable , and therefore there was no hitch in the pleasant evening ' s proceedings . Bro . M . Hart , W . M ., was the chairman of the ball committee ;

and the duties of captain of an indefatigable band of Stewards were admirably performed by Bro . A . J . Henochsberg , I . P . M . ; Bros . S . J . Henochsberg and A . Hart were the M . C . ' s , Bro . H . M . Silver , the Secretary , and Bro . A . Lyons , the Treasurer of thc ball . Excellent music was provided by Mr . Martin ' s band , and during the even , ing a sumptuous supper was served to the guests under the personal direction of Bro . Ludlow , the excellent secretary and manager of the hotel .

Freemasonry In New South Wales.

FREEMASONRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES .

DEDICATION OF A NEW MASONIC HALI , AT GI . EN INNES . On Thursday , gth November , the brethren of Glen Innes Lodge , 1569 , E . G ., met for the purpose of dedicating their new hall . Thursday had been set apart b y them for performing this interesting ceremony , it beinjr

the anniversary of the birthday of our Grand Master , His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , which they considered a most suitable occasion for them to show their loyalty to their beloved Sovereign , and her son , the Heir Apparent . The hall is a very fine brick building , having a neat stuccoed front . The hall itself is 43 by 28 feet , with a lofty dome roof , lit by a lantern surmounting it . There

are two ante-rooms in front , facing East-street , and a refreshment room and other offices in the rear ; the ground on which it is erected being the gift of Bro . F . Scbedel , of this town , who also was thc contractor for its erection . A number of brethren visited from the surrounding districts and the neighbouring townships of Tentcrfield and Inverell ,

among whom were the W . M ., Bro . Hindmarsh , and sonie of the officers and brethren of the Inverell Lodge . There were altogether about fifty brethren in attendance . Tbe lodge was opened at high noon by Bro . James Munro , W . M ., who said they had met to " dedicate a hall or lodge to God and Masonry ; " he felt highly pleased that as W . M . he had not only the honour of being

deputed by District Grand Lodge to lay the foundationstone of this hall , but also of taking a principal part in the ceremony . He would mention that the programme would be carried out under the direction of Bro . P . M . Towner , who had kindly consented to act as Director of Ceremonies on this occasion , and he felt assured that his name would be a sufficient guarantee that it would be

conducted strictly in accordance with ancient Masonic usage . The hall was then handed over to the W . M . by the contractor , and accepted in due form , the W . M . | stating that the skill and fidelity displayed in the execution of the trust bestowed on Bro . Schedel had secured the entire approbation of the lodge , and he sincerely prayed that the edifice might continue a lasting monument of the taste

and spirit of the founders . A procession was then formed of the officers , all the other brethren remaining in their places standing , and waiting to perform the " Dedication Ode , " during which , at intervals , the W . M . solemnly dedicated the Hall severally to " Masonry , " " Virtue , " and " Universal Benevolence , " accompanied by Grand Honours , and followed by a solemn invocation ,

given by the Chaplain ; at the conclusion of whu . h the Chaplain ( Rev . J . H . Johnson , B . A . ) delivered an oration to the following effect : — Worshipful Sir , Officers , and Brethren , —It gives me great pleasure to address you on this most interesting occasion . The hall which has been consecrated to-day with so much solemnity and reverence is a building well fitted

for the purpose of Masonry in general , and the requirements of the lodge in particular . The religious observances of this consecration are well calculated to make us feel the all-prevailing presence of the Great Architect of the Universe . As the minister of God , I feel it my sacred duty , with all affection and earnestness , to implore you ever to remember that the eye of God follows you in every place

and occupation , and when you remember this truth , it will surely have the power of retaining you from offending against His holiness and purity . Fortified by the sense of His continual presence and protection , we can make our request known to Him firmly persuaded that His cars arc ever open to the prayers offered to Him by His loving people . Our God is indivisable , incorporeal , and eternal .

He has been called by a great writer the " Eternal Now , the same yesterday , to-day , and for ever . " As obedient servants to the Most High , wc are exhorted to be one in heart and soul and affection . God is not divided ; and , brethren , we must be united j our success is certain if we bear this in mind . I feel very grateful for this opportunity of recording my sense of the character of Freemasonry as

promoting all the principles of morality and virtue . Masonry , as we all know , has a tendency to make us better fathers , better husbands , better brothers , and better members of society in general . It inculcates the holy virtue of Faith , by which we believe that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him . I would therefore earnestly and affectionately entreat you to exercise yourself diligently in

prayer , ever remembering that without faith your prayers will be of no avail ; and however ably the words may be formed , unless the heart accompanies them , they will be but a mockery in the eyes of the Almighty . Hope—a sister virtue—is urged upon us more urgently by the principles and tenets of Masonry . It enlivens us in our devotions and encourages us by its invisible power to trust that

thc promises of God may become our certain inheritance ; it fills the future with ineffable brightness , and bridges over the waters of death ; so that believers on earth and in heaven become one family . My beloved brothers , let not your hope fail you under the presence of earthly trials and

difficulties ; their stress may be great upon you , but the power of Omnipotence being on your side , they will all vanish . Thc greatest of all these virtues is Charitf . Upon this our noble Order speaks most distinctly and forcibly . The duty of relieving distress among our own brethren is one that commends itself

to our holiest and best feelings . Thc exercise of charity towards each other does not necessarily consist in relieving the bodily wants and necessities of others ; but in that holy affection which we owe to one another as the children of the Most High , who inhabit the same world , breathe

the same air , and are similarly maintained from day 1 ° day by his Providence . Charity will always think the best of others , whatever the world may say , and cement the union of mankind by the holiest of ties ; in short , the bond of charity is hailed to bind us together in one com *