Correspondence.

Correspondence .

f We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limitB—free discussion . ] RULE 130 OF THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS .

To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Will you allow me to thank Bros . W . F . Lamojiby , " Lex Scripta , " " Argus , " Henry Wright , Geo . W . G . Barnard , and W . ] . Hughan for their contribution re the above rule ?

After the decision of Grand Lodge held 7 th March , 1888 , | n the case of Bro . Joseph James Allen , of the Emulation Lodge , No . 2071 , Sydney , N . S . W ., upholding the ruling of the D . G . Master of N . S . W . that Bro . Allen had been duly elected W . M . of the said lodge . The ground of the complaining brother was that when

Bro . Allen was elected and installed he had not been 12 months a Warden . Bro . Philbrick , G . R ., explained that the brother had been 12 months a Warden when he was installed , and he says further ( according to the Freemason's report of the time ) and was duly elected . My query in the Freemason of the 17 th March , 1888 ,

was— " Was Bro . Allen qualified , to be balloted for as W . M . in accordance with the above law , when he had only been n months a Warden . " Bro . Lamonby is of opinion the question was then settled by Bro . Philbrick from any doubt that might

arise for all time . Bro . " Lex Scripta thinks there is a little doubt upon the point . I was of Bro . " Argus ' s " opinion when I penned the query . As for the confirmation of the minutes the following meeting that is essential in all cases whether the brother served 12 , 24 , or more months .

Bro . Wright , quoting the decision of the late Grand Secretary ' s , gives great elasticity to the rule . Bro . Barnard will find that the decision he quotes was the cause of my query . Perhaps the query and correspondence that followed it will bring the matter under the notice of our Rulers in the Craft .

When the draft copy of the present Constitution was under consideration , I remember pointing out in the Freemason that a Master of a new lodge who was only a Master Mason ( when installed ) would not be eligible for the Master's chair , only in the lodge he was installed ( the new lodge ) as he had not served in a Warden ' s chair . The rule was altered and Master was added to the Warden . —Yours fraternally , R . W . O .

ROYAL ARCH PROCEDURE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , You have reported the few words I said at Grand Chapter exactly the reverse of those I used . I said " it was not a question of ritual , but rather of

procedure . I scarcely believed Comp . Fenn wished to be understood seriously when he offered the reason that it was undesirable the companions should see the Principals robing as sufficient to exclude the juniors from joining in invoking the blessing of heaven on the proceedings . —Yours fraternally , ] . E . LE FEUVRE . February 6 th .

THE PREFIX OF WORSHIPFUL . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear S : r and Brother , It certainly seems passing strange that those responsible for the advertisement in your columns of the annual supper of the "Emulation" Lodge of

Instruction should again this year omit the prefix W . to those of the Stewards who neither arc nor have been G . Officers , and yet are entitled to it . It really appears , although I feel sure it is not so intended , coming as it does from the foremost lodge , or , at any rate , one of the foremost lodges of

instruction , as a gratuitous insult to those distinguished and W . brethren , from whom it is so very ostentatiously withheld . What is the authority for these prefixes of R . W ., V . W ., and W . r I do not presume to suggest that the great teachers are unaware ; but as there may be some who , though

still in a non-grand sphere of Freemasonry , are entitled to the last , and may not know , I would , by your leave , refer them to the letter on this subject written by the late V . W . G . Sec , by command , in 1880 , and sent to every Prov . and Dist . Grand Lodge of the E . C . It appeared , I think , in your columns at the time . — Faithfully and fraternally yours , NOT A STEWARD . February 7 th .

Reviews.

Reviews .

MASONIC CALENDAR PROVINCE OF WILTSHIRE , 1893 . This artistic and ably-edited annual increases in sire and usefulness from year to year , and never was so complete as now . The painstaking editor is Bro . F . H . Goldney , P . G . D ., the Prov . Grand Treasurer , who has done his part most carefully and thoroughly . The preface furnishes a brief sketch of the past year , Masonically , and , in relation to the Calendar , concludes with the lines—

Reviews.

" Eighteen hundred and ninety-three , May Wiltshire Masons welcome thee . " The index , calendar for the year , and particulars as to the Charity votes , funds of the various bodies , rules of associations , & c , are all duly given , and place in the hands of the members of the province a reliable guide on all such matters . The directory portion is , however , the most

important , from a strictly Masonic point of view , as the personnel of the lodges , officers and other returns are thus duly detailed and concisely arranged . There are 11 lodges with 505 members ( 520 in 1 S 91 ) , but only ! mne initiations during 1892 . The number of Royal Arch chapters is now six , and 15 S companions ; Mark lodges number three , and members 73 . There is a new Mark Prov . Grand Lodge for

Wilts , the Earl of Radnor being the Prov . Grand Master ol the Craft , Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch , and Prov . Grand Master of the Mark for Wilts , so that the Degrees are under the same esteemed Ruler . A good plan wherever and whenever it is possible . The votes exhibit a total of 2741 , being much in excess of all previous years

but as those of the Boys' and Girls' appear for the two elections , the real total would be rather under 2000 , but even then a grand testimony to the Masonic zeal and benevolence of so small a province as Wilts , with only some 500 members . Bro . Goldney deserves the best thanks of the Craft in Wilts for his valuable services for editing this ever-welcome Calendar .

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE FOR 1893 . This is the second year of issue of this exceedingly handy " annual , " carefully edited by Bro . R . G . Venables , the respected Deputy Prov . G . M ., and it is to be hoped that the brethren highly appreciate his efforts on their behalf . Copies may be had from the editor ( " The Lodge , "

Ludlow ) , at one shilling each . Each calendar generally has features of its own , and this copy has several special characteristics . The " Masonic Aphorisms " ( two pages ) , and the names of the brethren resigned during the past year , under each lodge , may be especially noted . The Masonic directory contains , not only the roll of officers and Past Masters , but also all the members of each lodge , and the

names of joining members during iSij 2 . ' ¦ Freemasonry in 1 S 92 . " by Bro . H . R . Gile =, Prov . G . Reg ., is an excellent sketch and the full account of the new Mark lodge , No . 444 , is also good reading . The votes for the Central Masonic Charities are duly detailed , and amount to 2257 for the three Institutions , a most satisfactory total for 353 members . In fact it is more . The number is most creditable for a dozen lodges only !

HORNER'S PENNY STORIES . It is a common saying that " cheap , and nasty" go together , but there is no rule without an ( exception , and certainly " Horner ' s Penny Stories " are not only cheap , but also good . It is an extraordinary confirmation of the wisdom of the selection of the tales by Messrs . W . B . Horner and Son , of London and Dublin , and that they are meeting a

long-felt want , that already over 25 millions have been sold of these carefully printed , ably edited , and well " got up " booklets , having numerous pictures and illustrated covers . Some of the favourite issues have been circulated to well nigh on half a million copies , a . id 250 , 000 of each new tale is now quite the rule . It is gratifying to hear of such a triumph , when it is remembered that the moral tone of all

the stories is of a high character , and every care is taken to obtain the best of material under the circumstances . The enterprising firm is now going in for a pocket edition of " Horner ' s Stories " at 3 d . each , 121110 ., of some 160 pages each . Already a score of these handy books are for sale ,

effectively illustrated , and evidently rapidly becoming popular like the penny series . The latter , however , now number considerably over 100 different tales , and as yet there is still an ever increasing demand for " old favourites , " as well as for each successive new candidate for the suffrages of the reading millions .

Bro. Stevens' Lecture At Ashford.

BRO . STEVENS' LECTURE AT ASHFORD .

On Thursday , the 2 nd inst ., the Stour Lodge , No . 2305 , held a special meeting for instruction at the Masonic Hall , Ashford , Kent , when Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ,, of London , attended for the purpose of lecturing on the Ritual , Ceremonial , and Symbolic connection of the whole system of the Craft

Degrees in Freemasonry . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . R . C . Howard , who was supported by his Wardens , Bros . E . Buss and Keen ; C . S . A . Atkinson , P . P . G . R ., P . M . and Treas . ; J . Brothers , P . P . G . R . ; J . G . Keene , Sec . ; D . W . Sargent , S . D . ; B . T . Cole , J . D . ; G . Knowles , l . G . ; G . Smith , Org . ; W . J . Head , Tyler ; and numerous members of the

lodge , and visitors from the Invicta and Temple ( Folkestone ) Lodges . Immediately after the opening of the lodge , Bro . STEVENS commenced an address of fully two hours ' duration , in the course of which a large amount of most'interesting , instructive , and , to the large majority of those present , perfectly new explanations of

symbolic meanings in ritual and forms of ceremonial were introduced . The lecturer , for the first time , as he stated , exhibited a series of diagrams , which greatly assisted his hearers tocompre ' iend the hidden mysteries and importance of the several Masonic symbols and their moral significations . These added considerably to the interest of the lecture , and , as object lessons ,

excited great attention , and gave general satisfaction . At the termination of the lecture , a vote of thanks to Bro . Stevens was accorded by acclamation . Bro . ATKINSON , who seconded the W . M . 's proposition , expressed his favourable opinion as to the great value of the explanations and instruction which had been given .

The lodge was then closed , and the brethren reassembled for a brief hour of social converse . Several points in the lecture were discussed , and it was decided that Bro . Stevens should again visit Ashford . at an early convenient opportunity , to continue his satisfactory efforts to improve and instruct his younger brethren .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

Craft flDasonrE .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 60 ) . —This distinguished lodge met at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on the 27 th ult . Amongst those present were Bros . W . H . Kempster , M . D ., P . G . Stwd ., P . M . Soo and

1420 , W . M . j Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M . 141 , & c , P . P . G . W ., S . W . ; R . Masters , P . M ., G . Stwd ., J . W . ; H . Young , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; F . Binckes , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., P . G . S . B ., Sec ; W . H . Kempster , jun ., S . D . ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . G . D . C , P . M . 1745 , & c , J . D . ; Debenham ,

P . M ., I . G . j H . Slade , P . P . G . D ., P . G . Stwd ., I . P . M . j Barton , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . j Chancellor , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . j and E . Rogers , P . P . G . D ., P . G . Stwd ., P . M . Amongst the numerous visitors were Bros . Lovett , P . M . 3 j Andrade , P . M . 9 j W . J . Hakim , P . M . 141 ; and Higgins , P . M . 1381 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read

andconfirmed , Bro . HerbertM . Freshwater was impressively raised to the Third Degree , the W . M . supplementing the work by giving the traditional history . The ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . George Higgins , for initiation , and for Bro . W . J . Hakim , P . M . 141 , as a joining member , the ballot being unanimous in both cases . Mr . Higgins being in attendance , was duly initiated . Bro . W . H . Kempster ,

jun ., S . D ., was then unanimously recommended to the M . W . Grand Master as G . Std . for the year 1893-4 . The sum 01 £ 5 5 s . was voted to Bro . H . j . Lardner , J . D ., as Steward to the R . M . B . L , 1 S 93 . A vote of thanks was passed to Bro . H . Sadler , G . Tyler , for presenting two old invitation cards to ceremony and banquet , of No . 60 , when the lodge celebrated its centenary in 183 S . A vote of thanks was also given to Bro . E . Rogers , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., for securing

an old Past Master's jewel of the lodge , and which he intends to present at the next meeting . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , at which the W . M . presided most efficiently ; his speeches being terse , but not pertinent . Bros . H . Young , P . M . j F . Binckes , P . M . j and the rest of the executive are to be congratulated on the success that attended the whole proceedings .

Lodge Of Industry ( No . 186 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Tuesday , the 24 th ult . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee was presented and adopted , the same showing a very satisfactory state , both of the finances of the lodge and the Benevolent Fund . Bros . W . Stewart

and M . W . Tossell were raised to the Third Degree . Mr . Charles Smith was balloted for and regularly initiated into Freemasonry , and Bro . Sydney Cartwright , 72 , was proposed as a joining member . The W . M ., Bro . I . W . Grover , then installed as W . M . Bro . G . F . Spencer , S . W ., who invested the following officers : Bros . J . W . Grover , I . P . M . j E . Apelt , S . W . j T . M . Wood , J . W . j W . H . Hook

P . M ., Treasurer ; W . S . Page , P . M ., Secretary ; W . W . Westley , P . M ., D . of Cj S . Earl , S . D . J C . H . 0 . Chapman , J . D . j A . J . Newton , I . G . j G . Smith and J . D . Phillips , Stwds . j and C . Shepperd , Tyler . The I . P . M . then delivered the addresses in a most impressive manner . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Grover , I . P . M ., and suitably acknowledged . The

lodge was then closed . The banquet was served in the Queen's Saloon , Holborn Restaurant , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts given and honoured . An excellent programme of music was provided under the direction of Bro . Hook , P . M ., assisted by Miss Georgina Tear , Miss Flora Edwards , Mr . Walter Grace , Bro . McCall

Chambers , and Mr . George Harlow . Accompanist , Mr . C . G . Aubert Mottley . Among the visitors were : Bros . W . Haynes Dunn , P . M . 1298 , ' j J . E . Overed , P . M . 170 S j A . Dudie , 13 S 1 ; G . Reddish , 13 S 1 j H . Carter Pegg , 1909 j S . Cartwright , 72 j T . H . Lloyd , 2374 J W . T . Tyrrell , 1471 ; W . Kobinson , SGoj and D . A . Langdon , J . D . 45 .

Euphrates Lodge ( No . 212 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 25 th ult ., at the Holborn Restaurant , when Bro . Max Mendelssohn , W . M . elect , was installed as W . M . The lodge was opened by the Installing Master , Bro . P . M . West , who performed the ceremony in a very impressive manner . The following are the officers for the ensuing

year , viz .: Bros . R . Woods , I . P . M . ; W . W . McLean , S . W . j J . E . Taylor , J . W . j P . H . Rccknell , Treas . j T . Rushton , Sec . j John Day , S . D . j W . Evans , J . D . j M . J . DeLeeuw , I . G . j C . J . Cutter , D . of C . j ; A . T . Salter , A . D . of C . j Henry Wagstaff , G . Angold , Hendry , and Wagstaff , Stwds . j and ti . T . Marsh , Tyler . Owing to indisposition Bro . Woods , I . P . M ., was absent .

The brethren then sat down to a sumptuous banquet . The visitors included Bros . C . F . Hogard , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; Dr . Haskins , P . G . Org ., Essex j Cox , P . M . ; Bladon , P . M . ; Julius Frank , P . M . 203 , 1502 ; R . Warner , and several others . The usual toasts having been proposed an J responded to amidst a superior array of vocalists , the evening closed in perfect love and harmony .

St . Andrew ' s Lodge ( No . 231 ) . —This nourishing and ancient lodge held its installation meeting at Freemasons' Hall , Great Oueen-street , on Thursday , the 2 nd inst ., and attracted a large number of visitors . Bro . F . G . lvey completed a very successful year of office by installing Iiro . Spencer William Morris as W . M . in excellent

style , and the members can confidently look forward to the high standard of excellence being maintained during the coining year , as Bro . Spencer Morris is thoroughly conversant with his duties . The members present included Bros . F . G . Ivey , W . M . ; Spencer Wm . Morris , S . W . ; JW . Sherwell , J . W . ; N . N . Sherwood , P . M ., Treas . ; C . D . Hoblyn , P . M ., Sec ; E . C Muinford , S . D . j Arnold