The Rulings Of The Grand Registrar.

THE RULINGS OF THE GRAND REGISTRAR .

To the editor of tue " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have been requested to call your attention to a matter of some importance by a member of our Correspondence Circle residing at the Cape . The rulings of Grand Registrar or of Grand Lodge , in cases of appeals , reach them throutrh vour columns , and naturally attract

interest . But the decision without the context is often misleading . For instance , on the 7 th December last , a Iodge was apparently declared incapable of excluding a certain brother , and our friends at the Cape are now wondering whether Clause 210 of the Book of Constitutions is abrogated . The verdict of Grand Lodge was , however , that a lodge could exclude for one night only , Clause 200 ,

or for ever , Clause 210 ; but not suspend a brother indefinitely . My friend suggests that in your summary of Grand Lodge proceedings these and such like matters should be gone into at a little greater length , so as to avoid misunderstanding and thus increase the value of your already valuable paper . I cordially support his petition , and feel sure that by so doing you will benefit our colonial brethren and yourself at the same time . My friend writes :

" If the editor of the Freemason were to give a full account of all such matters when settled at the quarterly meetings of Grand Lodge he would be doing a work which is much needed to elucidate our jurisprudence by a careful record of precedents . " Trusting you will take this into consideration . —Yours fraternally , G . W . SPETH , Sec . of 2076 , and of the Correspondence Circle .

WHO IS THE OLDEST FREEMASON ? To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I much regret that a slight mistake occurred in my letter , bearing the above heading , which appears in your issue for to-day . The date of my grandfather ' s initiation is there given as 20 th May , 1 S 26 , but this was the date in which he was raised . I find on referring to his G . L . Certificate that he was "regularly received into

Freemasonry on the ist day of March , " 1826—just over 62 years ago . It was somewhat remarkable that , without knowing of the coincidence at the time , 1 paid a first visit to the Lodge of Harmony ( 309 ) , in which he was initiated , on the ist instant , being the 62 nd anniversary of his initiation , and , at his especial request , conveyed to the W . M ., officers , and brethren his fraternal regards and hearty good wishes for the prosperity of the lodge . —Yours faithfully and fraternal !)' , March 3 rd . ALEXANDER HOWELL .

Reviews

REVIEWS

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR FOR LEICESTERSHIRE and RUTLAND , 1 S 8 S . As we intimated last year , Bro . B . A . Smith , P . M . 523 , & c ., _ has succeeded to the editor ' s chair , and so far as one can judge from the appearance of the issue for 188 S , he is feeling ' [ quite at home " in that honourable position . There is a special feature in this Calendar for 18 S 8 , which we hope

will become a permanent addition , viz ., "Events of the Past Year . " The record , though only occupying a page , is an interesting reminder of the chief facts relating to the province duitng the year departed , and will become valuable for reference as time " spins onward . " The frontispiece for iSSS , is an excellent photo of the esteemed U . Prov . G . M . of the province , who was so long editor of the Calendar .

Bro . b . b . Partridge appears in the suit of Grand Lodge clothing presented to him by the Prov . G . Lodge on October 19 th , 1 SS 7 , a compliment which he richly deserved . We have not yet met him face to face , but hope soon to do so , the capital photo , meanwhile , answering for a personal introduction . We like the plan of giving the names of the Honorary members of each lodge , following

the regular rolls or registers , if only to prove lhat the brethren of such lodges have not failed to aopreciate the services of the Craftsmen so honoured . Of " the 12 lodges in the province we note with pleasure that the beloved " Father" ( R . W . Bro . W . Kelly ) is either a subscribing or Honorary member of the whole , and , after 50 years membership , that zealous brother is again the W . M . of No .

279 , Leicester . It is the senior Iodge of the province , of which the M . W . Bro . the Duke of Abercorn ( G . M . of Ireland ); General the Hoir . ' Sir Leicester Smyth , K . C . B . ; Wm . James Hughan ( P . G . D . Eng ., & c ); The Lord Bishop of Peterborough ( Dr . Magee ) the D . Prov . G . M ., the P . D . Prov . G . M ., & c , are Honorary members . The province exhibits an increase in membershipthe total for

, 1887 being 572 as compared with 542 in 18 S 6 . A gratifying increase in the Charity votes is likewise chronicled , under the superintendence of Bro . Miles J . Walker , the energetic Charity Secretary , there being now a total of 1194 , showing an increase of 94 over the previous year , and of 155 as compared with 18 S 6 . We say emphatically , well done Leicester ! . -

THE DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL DIRECTORY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM , * SSS . Published by C . H . Fox / , 19 , Russell-street , Covent Garden , W . C . t This is the fifth year of publication of this Directory , and it is clear from a glance at its contents that Mr . Fox and his coadjutors have succeeded in making it even more comprehensive than it was before . The provincial information has been carefully overhauled and brought down to date , tW Villa an nriav Almnnn . l . __ J * T * . -I T- \« ' i

AAAA A Z •* - »""» ' «•' ¦< : ¦ - » nu raaes Directory have been added , and enhance considerabl y the value of the work . In fact , it is only neeessary that those members of the musical and dramatic professions who have hitherto neglected to supply necessary information as to their addresses . fie , should make good the omission , and Mr Fox ' s Directory will be as complete as , so far as we have had an opportunity of testing it , it is trustworthy .

THE ™ iNG ^ AN ^ AND , ? , - lSSS * ^ gus Uffice , Norwich , and 130 , Fleet-street , E . C . The 29 th annual issue of this valuable Hand Book is fjuite as interesting as regards its reviews and articles as its predecessors , and , if possible , more complete and accurate tor its more immediate purpose as a work of

Reviews

reference . As an " Agricultural " annual principally , its contents partake mostly of an agricultural character , but other industries , both local and general , have their share of attention . The principal article is a review of "The Past East Anglian Year , " in which full particulars are given of the leading events in East Anglian history during

1887 . There are also articles on the " Smithfield Cattle Show " and the "Fish-eating Birds of Norfolk , " a brief account of " Norwich Castle , " and a most readable paper by John T . Varden , entitled " Curiosities of the Calendars . " The " East Anglian Occurrences " and " East Anglian Obituary for 1887 , " go some way towards completing this useful volume .

Masonic Notes And Queries':

Masonic Notes and Queries' :

762 ] CURIOUS BY-LAWS ( No , 1323 ) . . On looking over a copy of the by-laws of the " Talbot " Lodge , No . 1323 , Swansea , I noticed a curious regulation , about which we would desire a little light , and I trust that some member of that lodge will kindly oblige me accordingly . Law XVIII respecting Visitors provides that " The Visiting Fee shall be Five Guineas . " It may be

urged in explanation that this extraordinary sum is to pay for the visitor's fee at the banquet , but is that really so ? Wouid a member be liable for such a large fee on introducing a visitor to the banquet ? The Joining Fee of the lodge is two guineas , and a similar amount is fixed for the

annual subscription ; one guinea being exigable by those " permanently residing more than seven miles from Swansea . " Many of the Rules are so excellent , and so superior in some respects to the ordinary sets I have come across , that I am all the more anxious to know what the regulation in question means . MASONIC INVESTIGATOR .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

draft jlagonrg * FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —This lodge met at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 28 th ultimo , among those in attendance being Bros . Hudson , W . M . ; Hakim , S . W . ; Steng , J . W . •Carter , P . M ., Treas . ; Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; Wetzler , S . D . ; Langdale , J . D . ; Bye , I . G . ; Cursons , Steward ; E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M . ; Green , P . M . ; Charles Dairy , P . M . ; Rumball , P . M . ;

Heaphy , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M . ; Fromhoitz , P . M . ; Coop , P . M . ; Cobham , P . M . ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M . passed Bros . VVhite and Harwood to the Second Degree . The ballot having been taken , Mr . J . Moss was ably inducted into Craft mysteries , the ceremony leaving but little to be desired .

Among the visitors were Bros . Johnson , S . W . ; Holmes , J . W . ; and Floate , of 160 S ; and R . White , 110 7 . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth the usual toasts followed . In proposing "The Health of theW . M ., " Bro . Coop congratulated the W . M . upon the excellent manner in which

he had discharged the duties of the chair that day . He hoped that the W . M . ' s yearwould be as prosperous as any Master ' s that had preceded him in the chair . The toast of "The Initiate" having been drunk , Bro . Moss briefly replied . In proposing the toast of " The Past Masters , " the W .

Master particularly thanked Bro . Coop , the I . P . M ., for the assistance that that brother had rendered him . He also spoke of the excellent services of Bros . Carter and Stuart . The other toasts followed , and thc proceedings terminated at an early hour .

LODGE OF UNITY ( No . 183 ) . —A meeting oi this lodge was held at the Ship and Turtle HoteC on Monday , the 27 th ult ., when there were present Bros . G . R . Langley , W . M . ; E . A . Francis , S . W . ; H . Hooper , J . W . ; G . P . Britten , P . M ., Treas . ; G . W . Speth , P . M ., Sec ; R . Corsham , S . D . ; J . VV . Oliver , J . U . ; G . H . Lindsey-Renton , as I . G . ; G . W . Pinnock , P . M ., Stwd . ;

S . Richardson , I . P . M . ; A . J . Hirsch , P . M . ; H . Wadling , P . M . ; C . S . Hester , and F . W . Zimer . Also the following visitors : Bros . H . R . Price , 1 S 16 ; VV . Burridge , I . G . 1922 ; E . Wareham , 1366 ; Dr . R . Morris , 11 S 5 ; J . Sims , 1604 ; J . D . E . Tarr , VV . M . 1293 ; C . Kupferschmidt , P . M . 238 ; R . Darling , 1446 ; and J . W . Hartley , W . M . 19 S 6 . Mr . Fred . William Zimer was initiated . The Audit Committee was appointed for the 15 th March . Bro . E . A .

Francis , S . W ., was elected W . M . for the ensuing year . Bro . G . P . Britten was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Reinhardt , Tyler . Bros . J . D . E . Tarr , W . M . 1 293 ; and A . O . Side , 165 S ; were proposed as joining members of the lodge . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to Bro . Langley , the retiring W . M . Other routine business being disposed of , the brethren adjourned to refreshment .

LION AND LAMB LODGE ( No . 192 ) . —The installation meeting of the above old and distinguished lodge , now within one year of its centenary , was held on Thursday , the ist inst ., at the City Terminus Hotel , Cannon-street , E . C . There were present Bros . W . H . Dowland , W . M . ; T . Fisher , S . W . ; T . Cohu , P . M ., J . W . ; H . Legge , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Abbott , P . M ., bee ; R . Marke , S . D . ; J . M . Mower , D . C ; W .

Sherwin , Org . ; W . Medwin , P . M . ; George Kenning , P . M . ; Barclay Perkins , P . M . ; S . Lucas , P . M . ; C . Arkell , P . M . ; VV . T . Rickwood , P . M . ; J . Belpage , G . Goodes , ( I . G . pro tem . ); G . Powe , T . Barker , W . Downe , F . Hughes , S . West , W . S . Cobb , J . Quy , J . Smith , C . Finney , and J . S . Fraser . Visitors : John Brooks , 51 ; H . Garrod , P . G . P . ; W . Holmes , 1364 ; J . Barnes , 65 ; W . F . Stiles , 753 ; George Hunt , P . M ., Treas . rooo , Sec . 1170 ; J . A . Lucas , 79 ; W . W . Westley , iS 6 ; J . N ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bate , 72 ; VV . Crossley , 2069 ; T . B . Williams , 147 ; Q Sharman , 85 S ; E . G . Coleman , 11 ; E . H . Mitchell ' 1446 ; E . Harris , 144 6 ; T . J . Cuthbert , 1 S 15 ; -p ' Bradly , 507 ; J . Chaplin , 1305 ; A . Bush , 1614 ; and W . Simmons , 371 . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The report of the audit meeting was read , showino *

o r-kf * --l *> i-nf * r-tL * n tniv IiAnf-lf- ** . C 4 V \ rv * T- * . . * . * . *»* . « ** C •*«__***_ - /" ¦ * - ** a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of nearly £ 100 The death of Bro . J . F . White , an old member of the lodge , was announced , and a letter of condolence was ordered to be sent to the friends of the deceased brother . The W . M ., Bro . W . Dowland , then proceeded to instal his successor , the ceremony being impressively rendered . The newly-installed W . M ., Bro . Thomas Fisher , appointed

and inveoted the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . W . Dowland , I . P . M . ; Thomas Cohu , P . M ., S . W . ; R . Matke , J . W . ; H . Legge . P . M Treas . ; George Abbott , P . M ., Sec . ; G . F . J . Goodes ' S . D . ; J . M . Mower , J . D . ; Frederick Hughes , I . G . ' John Quy , Stwd . ; W . Medwin , P . M ., D . C ; and Couchman , Tyler . The sum of ten guineas was voted from the lodge funds to be placed on the list of Bro . T . Fisher at the forthcoming Festival of the Royal Masonic

Institution for Girls . A valuable 18 carat gold jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ) was presented to Bro . VV . Dowland in recognition of his services for the past year . _ The W . M . proposed two candidates ( one of whom is his son ) for initiation at the next lodge meeting , both gentlemen were duly seconded . " Hearty good wishes " from the 20 visitors present having been offered , the lodge was closed .

The brethren adjourned to a banquet admirably served under the personal supervision of Bro . Kilby . The usual toasts were effectively proposed by the W . M ., Bro . T . Fisher ; that of "The Grand Officers" being responded to by Bro . H . Garrod , P . G . P ., in an able speech ; "The Visitors" by Bros . George Hunt , P . M . and Treas . 1009 , and Sec . 11 70 , J . N . Bate , P . M . 72 , and Bailey , ( Australia ) . The last named brother gave some interesting details of the work of the Craft in our colonies .

QUATUOR CORONATI LODGE ( No . 2076 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at Freemason ' s Hall , on Friday , the 2 nd inst . Present : Bros . R . F . Gould , P . G . D ., VV . M . ; W . Simpson , S . W . ; Col . S . C . Pratt , J . VV . ; G . W . Speth , Sec . ; Professor T . Hayter Lewis , J . D . ; Dr . W . Wynn Westcott , I . G . j W . H . Rylands , G . Stwd . ; and Rev . C J . Ball . Also the following correspondence members Bros . F . A . Powell , G . Kenning ,

S . R . Baskett , Dr . W . R . Woodman , P . G . Swd . Br . ; C . Kupferschmidt , and Col J . Mead . Also the following visitors , Bros . Rev . Dr . 0 . C . Cockrem , 1802 , P . P . G . C . Notts . ; and C . Powell , 457 , P . G . Sec . Monmouth . The following 66 lodges and brethren were admitted members of the Correspondence Circle : Beaminster Manor Lodge , No . 1367 ; Abbey Lodge , No . 432 , Nuneaton ; Chine

Lodge , No . 1 SS 4 , Shanklin ; Duke of Cornwall Lodge , No . 1 529 , St . Columb ; Lodge oi Harmony , No . 209 , Fareham ; Wharncliffe Lodge , No . 1462 , Penistone ; Staffordshire Knot Lodge , No . 726 , Stafford ; Friendship Lodge , No . 257 , Portsmouth . Bros . A . R . Holbrook , 309 , Southsea ; A . Mears , P . D . G . Stwd . Queensland , Herberton ; C . Crabtree , P . P . G . D . W . Yorks , Bradford ; A .

N . Y . Howell , 257 , Southsea ; VV . C . Lupton , P . P . G . D . W . Yorks , Bradford , * Capt . S . Perry , 431 , ( I . C . ) Ballymena ; H . S . Holdsworth , P . P . G . D . C . W . Yorks , Halifax ; W . H . Jacob , P . G . S . of W . Hants , Winchester ; T . Greenwood , P . G . Stwd . Oxon , Salisbury ; H . F . Raymond , 329 , Yeovil ; C . Belton , Vice-President Board of General Purposes , London ; W . Hopekirk , G . Purst . London ;

Richard Eve , G . Treas ., Aldershot ; J . W . H . Thompson , 165 , Temple ; H . C . Owen , 526 , Wolverhampton ; Dr . F . Dalby , 526 , Wolverhampton ; S . J . Walker , P . P . G . W . Stafford , Wolverhampton ; T . W . "Lockwood , P . P . G . S . of W . Cheshire , Chester ; F . H . Gottlieb , J . P ., St . Leonard ' s-on-sea ; G . F . Travers-Drapes , D . D . G . M . Burmah , Rangoon ; H . J . Wicks , W . M . 126 9 London ;

, E . Storr , 167 , Hornsey ; S . Bates , Correspondence Member of G . Lodge ot Pennsylvania , Philadelphia ; W , Gaukroger , P . P . G . D . W . Yorks , Halifax ; Major-General W . J . Vizard , W . M . 761 , Dursley ; R . Hodgson ; 44 S , Halifax ; Rev . E . M . Myers , P . P . G . Chap ., ( S . C . ) Melbourne , Petersbugh , Va . ; J . J . Mason , G . Sec . G . Lodge of Canada , Hamilton , Ontario ; A . 1 . Bodman ,

1001 , Harrogate ; T . Riley , 600 , Bradford ; T . H . Pattinson , 1545 , Shipley ; J . R . Welsman , 600 , Bradford ; Dr . W . H . Kempster , 60 , Battersea ; Webster Glynes , P . G . Stwd ., London ; Rev . C . H . Wood , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G , Sec . Leicester and Rutland , Leicester ; VV . S . Glenn , 3 , Holloway ; C . S . Lane , P . P . G . D . Durham , West Hartlepool ; J . VV . Monckman , P . P . G . D . C . West Yorks ,

Bradford ; A . Roberts , 307 , Halifax ; F . Whiteley , 61 , Halifax j J . W . Balme , 61 , Halifax ; W . Maitland , 3170 , Colombo , Ceylon ; General S . C . Lawrence , Past Grand Master , Massachusetts , Boston ; A . Stott , 1 3 01 , Brighouse ; H . C . Macdougall , Providence , U . S . A . ; G . H . Locking , 910 , Pontefract ; F . Laxton , Brighousej W . H . Cowper , P . P . G . R . N . and E . Yorks , Middlesboroiigh j

J . R . Robertson , D . D . G . M . Grand Lodge of Canada ; Toronto ; Rev . G . Gunn , W . M . 58 , Kelso ; W . Rowley , 2 S 9 , Leeds ; A . F . Fitz-Patric , 495 , Wakefield ; Capt . G . H . B . Reed , R . N ., P . P . G . Swd . Br . Cornwall , Falmouth ; C . G . Miles , 711 , Port Elizabeth ; W . F . Cranswick , 1409 , Kimberley ; J . E . Harper , W . M . 1 , Augusta Georgia , U . S . A . ; Rev . Dr . Cockrem , P . P . G .

Chap . Notts ., Watford ; and George Hunt , Manchester . This raises the total membership of the Circle to 260 . The Worshipful Master called attention to the satisfactory nature of the list just presented and to the steady growth of the correspondence circle . Many members had distinguished themselves by their successful efforts to widen the sphere of action . To mention these seiiatim would

occupy too much time , but he desired that the names , especially of Bros . G . F . Lancaster and of J . L . Athertonbe recorded on the minutes in recognition ot their zeal and services . The latter had introduced quite 30 new members to the circle since he joined in November last , and that showed what might be done if every brother would only use his

personal influence . The following brethren were proposed to join the lodge , viz .: Bro . E . J . Castle , O . C , late Roya Engineers , P . M . 143 , author of "The Origin of Parochial Relief , " "The Law of Rating , " and other works ; Bro . Ji * Macbean , of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 3- } , Glasgow , author of " On Symbolism , " and several lodge addresses , historic and esoteric ; and Bro . Fred . Hastings Goldney , P . G . D .,