Correspondence.

Correspondence .

RETIRING PENSIONS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Pending the final report of the Provisional Committee of the R . M . I . B ., and its definite consideration by the Quarterly Court ; I hope you will not

consider it out of p lace to make a suggestion in reference to retiring pensions generally for the various paid officers of our Charitable Institutions . Except through the Masonic Press ancl reports , a provincial brother has little opportunity of learning anything of the details of the work of the various Courts and Committees ;

but it sometimes does reach our ears that these Courts are generally but thinly attended , and the vvork mere routine , and the labours of the Committees in a great measure apparently perfunctory . We may also learn that there is a strong feeling amongst a large section of subscribers against the payment of retiring grants , or

annuities , or pensions out of funds primarily subscribed for the purposes of Charity . Some of these objecting brethren seem to forget or overlook the fact that these Institutions cannot be carried on without paid officials , ancl surely every right thinking brother will readily grant , if it is legitimate to pay salaries out of funds subscribed for charitable

purposes , it is equally legitimate to provide for the retirement of such officials , vvhen past duty , or when the Committees or Courts consider it will be to the advantage of the Institutions to replace the existing officials or any of them . If such a course has not been acted on hitherto , there could not be a more opportune time than the present to take this question into consideration . I do not consider it is desirable to retain men in active service , when , by reason of age , ill health , or other incapacity , they are unfitted for the duties of responsible office , neither do I consider it is fair or Masonic to discard them in their old age or infirmity without adequate provision for their future support , in a manner , at least , creditable to the Craft and its benevolence .

Ihe Secretaries of our Institutions are in a more peculiar position than possibly any other paid official . They are not professional men , and , having for so many years devoted their entire attention to the welfare of their respective Institutions , have no aptitude for going late in life into commercial pursuits , even if retired before the days of actual feebleness came upon them .

Yet from the peculiar position they have occupied , they have had the duty , as also the honour , to mingle with the noblest and wealthiest of our Order . Surely to discard such men after lengthened service without a retiring pension of respectable proportion to their late emoluments would be a lasting disgrace to our Masonic pretensions . —Yours fraternally , A PROVINCIAL L . G .

Reviews

REVIEWS

MASONIC ORATIONS . Bv BRO . L . P . METHAM , P . G . D ., & c . George Kenning : 1 ( 5 , Great Oueenstreet , London . Price 5 s . This interesting and very useful volume has been edited by Bro . John Chapman , author of the " Great Pyramid and Freemasonry , " who tells us in his preface

that the thought occurred to him that these excellent orations " vvould not only be appreciated by those who had the pleasure of listening to the gifted orator , but also that they would make a valuable contribution to Masonic literature , forming an important finger-post for brethren in guiding them safely along the antient

landmarks of the Order , and so conduce to the development of the spirit of true Freemasonry . We are entirely of the same opinion , and greet this timely volume vvith a whole-hearted welcome . As there is nothing like it published in the English language , vve shall be much disappointed if a second edition is not

soon called for , the present very limited issue not being sufficient to supply the fair demands of the Provinces of Devon and Cornwall , where the orations were . delivered . The introduction , embracing the first comprehensive sketch of Freemasonry in Devon and Cornwall , has been written by Bro . Hughan , P . G . D .,

his contribution alone being well worth the trilie asked for the work . Bro . Chapman styles it " a most important chapter in the Masonic history of the two counties , " and so it is , for never before has it been possible to read even a condensed account of these two provinces . Bro . Hughan has been collecting material for a large

history of the Devon and Cornish Craft , and has , in the kindest manner , presented this able contribution to his friend , Bro . Chapman , for publication with the Orations , thus adding considerably to the value of the vvork , and we hope also securing its ready sale , which is on behalf of the Royal British Female Orphan Asylum . Devon , as a province , dates from 1775 , but

Cornwall began in 1752 . The lodges in the former , however , run from 1732 lo now , whereas in the latter the first vvas not formed until 1751 . Many interesting particulars are afforded of these , as also of all the Prov . Grand Masters appointed . The lodges number 127 in all , out of which 82 are still on the roll in either Devon or Cornwall . We must not quote at length from Bro . Hughan ' s introduction ; at all events , not just

Reviews

now , but vve may reproduce it in full ere long , with the author ' s permission , vvhen this edition of the vvork is exhausted . Fourteen lodges vvere " consecrated , " and four chapters , at which suitable orations were delivered by Dr . Metham . Three Masonic Flails were also

dedicated , and Prov . Masters installed , centenary festival held , and other special gatherings when the orator ' s services were called into requisition , and are all dul y given in this volume . These orations are models of their kind , are truly Masonic in spirit , high in aim , and pre-eminently

practical . Without hesitation vve say that the circulation of Bro . Chapman ' s edition of Dr . Metham ' s orations cannot but be most beneficial , and we feel assured that if every W . M . on his installation had to pass an examination , Masonically , vvith this book as the

standard , much benefit would follow . We commend it to all brethren who value and appreciate our Society , and anticipate for the volume a very fraternal reception . B '' o . Winget , " Directory" Ofiice , Torquay , has done his part well , so that in every sense the book is worthy of the Order .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

852 ] Some short time since I was looking over the "Western Antiquary" for June , 188 9 , when I met with the following extract from the "Fl ying Post , " under date 175 6 : "One Mons . Barbier , a short man

somewhat pock-marked , and has a very dejected look , and wore a snuff coloured coat—the other , Mons . Beth , a middle sized man , ver } ' strong set , wore his own hair , and a blue coat . The former speaks no English , but the latter very well . They vvere both last seen near Exeter riding to that City . " It states they were two

poor French prisoners of war , on parole at Launceston —they having deserted from that place—and an offer vvas made of Two Guineas for their apprehension . On reading this , I thought I remembered seeing the name of Mons . Berbier in the minutes of the Old " Druids " Lodge , Redruth , and on referring to my

notes found I vvas correct . Thinking they may interest some of the brethren , I send you this copy so that the virtues of our forefathers may not be forgotten , who vvere not unmindful to entertain strangers , for in those days labour was always followed b y refreshment . I should also be glad if any brother can give me any further information about these French prisoners of

war . " March lS , 5779 . The following Brethering being prisoners of war . this evening favoured us with a visit . The Minute book was signed by these brethering—Labrouche Gamier . Flume .

Nicolar . [ . Babien . Jn . Duhart . Vergnol . Gilbert . April 22 nd , 5779 , 177 Q .

This evening Bro . Jean Labrouche Gamier , Bro . Jean Duhart , Bro . Jos . Vernol , Bro . Jos . Babien [ r Barbier ] , Bro . Crepin Nicolar , Bro . Charles Gilbert , and Bro . Sebastian Flume , being all French brothers proposed themselves to become Members of this lodge , which vvas Unanimously agreed to . " HUGH P . VIVIAN , P . M . 5 8 9 . S 53 ] A GROTESQUE MASONIC CEREMONY . My remarks in the last Freemason , replying to " B . B . " ( Notes 849—851 ) should read : "In it , ' however , there is nothing inconsistent with the way the French brotherhood- ; { not brotherhood ) undoubtedly have of casting out from among them an erring member vvith every manifestation of ridicule and contempt . " R . F . GOULD .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft flDasonn \ provincial fllieetiiujs .

FELTHAM . Lebanon Lodge ( No . 1326 ) . —The installation meeting was held on the 20 th ult ., at the Railway Hotel . Bro . l'L . A . -Smith , W . M ., opened the lodge , being supported by Bros . C . W . Baker , S . W . and W . M . elect •*[ . ' A . WiUon , J . W . ; S . Page , Treas . ; | . W . Baldwin , ' P . P . | . G . D ., P . M ., Sec . ; ] . C . Goslin , S ' . IJ . •S . Whocler , J . D . ; F .

Dunstan , I . G . ; l'L . | . Whelan and A . Robertson , Stwds . J . Laurence , P . M ., P . G . D . C . ; J . J . Marsh , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; ) . Stevens , P . M . ; lj . Moss , W . Kite , B . G . Andrews , W . l l . Davey , S . H . Flatten , J . Exon , P . Bick , T . W . Kingston , J . Amey , G . J . Bailey , " and many others . Amongst the visitors vve noticed Bros . W . A . Barrett , P . G . O . •j . B . Sorrell , P . M . 176 ; Vincent Larner , S . VV . 157 ; John Blackburn , J . Tanner , P . M . 1457 , P . P . S . GLD . Essex- Henry Forse , P . M . 917 ; J . Osborn , P . M . 1 S 97 .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

P . P . G . S . B . - E . H . Gilbert , 172 * T . Boen , 15- A Hambhn , 1 C 37 •S- Smithers , W . M . 193 ; and others . The minutes of the last regular meeting vvere read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee was read . It showed a very good balance in favour of both lod ge ami Benevolent Fund , and was unanimously adopted . The W . M ., Bro . E . A . Smith , in his usual impressive manner

raised Bro . B . G . Andrews , ancl passed Bros . W . H . Davey D . Moss , S . H . Flatten , and J . Exon , and he wound up his most successful year of office by installing his successor Bro . Charles William Baker , S . W ., as W . M ., who appointed as his officers : Bros . l'L . A . Smith , I . P . M .,- John Alfred Wilson , S . VV . ; James Clark Goslin , J . W . •S . Pa » Treas .- J . W . Baldwin , P . P . G . D ., Sec ; S . Wheeler '

S . D . ; 1 ' . Dunstan , J . D . ; E . J . Whelan , LG . ; A Robertson , D . C . ; John Amey , Org . ; W . H . Davey , G Henry Eaton , anci VVilliam Kite , Stewards ; and ' f Gilbert , P . G . Tyler , Tyler . J ' It vvas unanimously resolved that a vote of thanks be given , the same to be entered on the minute bookto Bro . E . A . Smith , I . P . M ., for the admirable and efficient manner he I ad rendered the ceremony of in . stallation . The 10 guinea P . M . ' s jewel , which had been unanimously voted to him from the lodge funds , and a P . M . ' s collar and silver jewel , subscribed by voluntary contributions amongst members present , vvere presented to Bro . IL A . Smith , I . P . M ., who acknowledged the kind presenis . liro " J . J . Marsh , P . M ., made an eloquent appeal on behalf Y

the Masonic Charities . He succeeded in securing the services ^ ! : Bro . A . Robertson , D . C , as another Steward forthe Girls' School Festival iSyo , bringing the number up to six Stewards , representing the lodge . Through a sudden severe attack of illness , Bro . F . Walters was unable to attend the meeting . Four gentlemen having been proposed for initiation , the lodge was closed . A banquet afterwards toolplace .

HALLIFORD . Acacia Lodge ( No . 1309 ) . —The last meeting of the year was held on Tuesday , thc 23 rd ult ., at the Shin Hotel . The W . M ., Bro . Hugh Wm . Devves , being unable to attend , Bro . John Proffitt , P . M . and Treas ., took the chair . He vvas supported by Bros . Raymond H . Thrunn P A G . D . C , D . P . G . M ., as S . W . ; VV . A . Barrett , P . M ., KG 6 ' as J . W . ; J . Davies , P . M ., Sec ; Col . Sir Francis Burl dett , P . G . M . ; Howard Henry Room , P . G . Sec ; and others .

Th p minutes of the last meeting were read and conlirmed . Bro . Toombs vvas passed to the F . C . Degree . This bein'f election night , the by-laws vvere read . All the elections werc unanimous . Bro . B . D . Crofts , S . W ., was elected W M Bro . John Proffitt , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., re-elected Treas . ; and Bro . John Gilbert , P . G . Tyler , Tyler . In the absence of Bro . Frederick Walterscaused bhis

, y serious illness , Bro . John Davies , P . M . and Sec , took uu the notice of motion standing in his name . It was unanimously agreed that the usual P . M . ' s jewel be voted from the lodge funds , and be presented to Bro . Hugh W . Devves , VV . M ., for the services rendered to the lodge . Apologies vvere received from several members regretting their nonatfendanr-e .

The lodge was then closed . The usual banquet followed .

LOUGHBOROUGH . Howe and Charnwood Lodge ( . No . 1007 ) . — lhe usual monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held on the 30 th ult ., at the Bull ' s Head Hotel . Amongst those present were Bros . W . G . Oliver W . M . j T . B . Laxton , S . W . ; VV . H . Silverthorne , J . W . j J . Raven , Sec . j Ernest A . Chapman , b . D . j J . J . VV . KnowlesJ . D . j JBurnl . G . ;

, . , Wm . Armstrong , P . M . ; C . Lowenstein , P . M . ; R . L . Gibson , P . M . ; VV . Vial , P . M . ; A . C Foulds , C . J . Wilkinson , P . M . ; B . Silver , W . E . Cooke , F . Am att , P . M . ; VV . Kelly , P . P . G . M . ; S . S . Partridge , D . P . G . M ., P . A . G . D . C . Eng . ; Geo . Oliver , P . M . ; Chas . Oliver , P . M . ; 1 . Wright , P . M . 1391 j Hy . Deane , P . M . j ] . Herbert Marshall , P . M . ; W . WilkinsonP . M . j C . j .

, Wilkinson , P . M . ; J . Anderson , VV . Hamerton , J . VV . Bromley , Edgar Home , P . M . 731 , P . P . G . R . ; J . B . Waring , W . M . 523 ; G . Jackson , J . H . Cooper , W . W . Vincent , W . M . 1391 ; G . Jessop , VV . M . 20 S 1 ; S . Knight , P . M . 1391 ; R . R . Blackwell , Stwd . 15 G 0 ; J . VV . Rowiett , P . M . 523 ; VV . H . Lead , P . M . 20 S 1 , D . C . j W . Bream , Stwd . 523 .- T . Spearpoint , T . Carter , W . M . i-jOoj

J . A . Corah , O . J . B . Woolley , W . Neale , J . D . 523 J I ' . dward Wood ( Mayor of Leicester ) j G . Scampton , VV . J . Wallace , J . B . Fowler , P . M . j F . Birch , C . Pensotti , A . VV . Cross , W . Beeson , G . Onion , J . Vaughan , P . M . i S . Cleaver , P . M . ; J . Griggs ( Mayor of Loughborough ) ' Jesse Shuttlevvood , J . Parr , G . Jackson , H . Walker , l ' yler ; T . Dunn , G . Bishop , Tyler ; I . D . Home , T .

Coltham , P . M . 12 G 5 , P . G . R . ; Edward Lester , J . Harrison , P . M . 1391 ; J . Waters , and Allan Wildsmith . I he Marquis of Granby was initiated a member oi the Craft , the ceremony being most impressively and effectively performed by Bro . G . C . Oliver , W . M ., ably assisted by Bros . T . B . Laxton , S . VV ., and J . H . Marshall , P . M . In the course of the proceedings Bro . G . C . Oliver

proposed , and the Marquis of Granby seconded , a vote of congratulation , unanimously adopted , to H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Grand Master of the Order , upon the marriage of his daughter , the Princess Louise of Wales , with the Duke of Fife , P . G . M . of Banffshire . Owing to the exceptionally large muster , the lunch I' - *" to be served by Host Widnall 111 the Town Hall , when

Bro . George C . Oliver , W . M ., presided , ancl was supported by the Marquis of Granby , Bro . \ V . Kelly , P . P . G . M . ; S . = Partridge , D . P . G . M . ; l'L . Wood ( Mayor of Leicester ) ; J . Griggs ( Mayor of Loughborough ); Alderman ' Wright ( ex-Mayor of Leicester ); Rev . J . Bird , Chan- j Dr . Corcoran , I . P . M . ; George Oliver , J . P ., P . M . J •""' a great number of other leading Masons of the province The entire proceedings passed off most

satisfactorily-We have just received a copy of " Murray ' s Penny Pocket Guide to London , " vvhich is the fourth of Mr- J" ; " Paul Murray ' s very popular and excellent series of guidespublished at 4 and 5 , Oueen ' s Head-passage , Paternosteirow , E . C . The mapsand illustrations are really excellentand considering the price at which it is published the sS ' , is simply a little marvel . As it contains , besides maps a ' views , all information required , and nothing not wanted j sightseers and visitors , we strongly recommend it to 0 readers .