Bro. Constable's Drawing.

hearty good wishes " and our warm appreciation cf his benevolent labours .

The Needlemakers' Company.

THE NEEDLEMAKERS' COMPANY .

Pressure on our space , which is quite overwhelming just now , prevents us giving in exfenso the interesting report of this practically resuscitated company , over which our worthy and able Bro . J . C . Parkinson so fitly presides . A very large number of our Order attended the

livery banquet , and , as we read the list , we observe many well known both in Grand Lodge and in private lodge . It appears that the Needlemakers' Company dates from the time of Henry VIIL , it was never chartered , however , until the time of the Commonwealth , but subsequently

received a Royal charter from King Charles II . Being one of the minor companies it had gradually dwindled away , until it was revived by some zealous members , many of them Freemasons , a short time ago , including Bro . Sir George Elliott , M . P ., and our excellent Grand

Registrar , as we are informed . If we may judge of the future success of the Company , by the abundance of its good cheer , the number of its visitors , and the animation of their speeches , we should be disposed to augur long life and much prosperity for it . Our distinguished Bro . the

Lord Mayor was also present , and made a very effective speech , indeed we cannot fail to be struck with the sterling quality of the addresses , the " speaking power " so remarkably displayed . We would especially call attention to the speech of Bro . Parkinson , and to the as usual happy

response of the Lord Chief Justice . The old guilds used to have their " morning speech , " we have so far improved on them as to have an " evening speech , " equally useful and probably a little more effective . The account of this genial gathering in our contemporary , the

City Press , for May Sth , will amply repay perusal . We trust that all success will attend the reanimated company , and that , like the other former guilds of the City of London , it may show from year to year equally pleasant tokens of its vitality nnd its hospitality .

The New Grand Officers.

THE NEW GRAND OFFICERS .

( Continued . ) SENIOR GRAND WARDEN . Bro . the Marquis of Hamilton was initiated in the Apollo Lodge , 357 , at Oxford , in 1857 , and served his qualifying offices , we are informed , in the Churchill Lodge , No . 478 , Oxford .

SENIOR GRAND DEACON . Bro . Speed has been a member of the Middlesex Lodge , No . 143 , since 1837 , having been initiated two years before , and a member of Moriah Chapter , No . 9 , from the same date , in both of which he has served all the offices .

J UNIOR GRAND DEACON . Bro . F . P Morrell was initiated in the Apollo Lodge , 357 , served offices therein , and followed H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as W . M . in 1874 . He is a subscriber to the Girls' School , and a

Life Governor of the Boys ' . ASSISTANT GRAND DIRECTOR OP CEREMONIES . Bro . P . G . Homfray was initiated in the Isca Lodge , No . 683 , Newport , Mon ., in 18- 59 . He served in the offices up to J . W . in that lodge ,

and on the foundation of St . George ' s Lodge , 1098 , at Tredegar , this being his native place , he became a joining member of that lodge . About seven years ago he was elected W . M . ; became P . M . and served the lodge faithfully for three

years . He was made D . Prov . G . M . of Mon mouthshire about four years ago , by Lieut . Col . Lyne * is now Prov . G . M ., having previouslj held the offices of Prov . G . S . B . and P . G . J . W .

He is P . Z . of Chapters 237 , 471 and 818 P . M W . S . Ivor Hael Chapter , Rose Croix ; E . P Gwent Preceptory , and is Prov . G . H . of Mon mouthshire .

GRAND PURSUIVANT . Bro , John Wright was initiated in the Lodge of Unity , No . 183 , London , March 26 th , 1853 ,

and subscribed about two years . Joined the Lod ge of Sincerity , No . 174 , in January , 1856 , and contributed to 186 9 . Joined the High Cross Lodge , No . 754 , Tottenham , in 1858 ^ 33 W . M .

The New Grand Officers.

in 1864 and contributed to 1866 . Joined the Merchant Navy Lodge , Poplar , No . 781 , in September , 1861 , was W . M . in 1862 , and is still a member and Treasurer of the lodge . He is also a member of the Friar ' s Lodge , No . 1349

since its formation in 1871 . He was exalted m the Hig h Cross Chapter , No . 754 > Tottenham , in 1863 , and was among the promoters " and is a present member of the Chapter of Sincerity , No . 174 .

The Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The anniversary festival of this excellent institution took place on Tuesday , May 1 ith , and we are glad to be able fo report to the Craft that this second great charitable meeting of our Order has not been behind the first in attendance or in result . We are happy in being able to

announce that the lists produced the generous contribution of £ 7269 3 s ., and while congratulating our Order and the committee we are compelled , by wanfbf space , to stop now . Next week we shall call the attention of our readers to the subject more fully , and shall give the Lists of Subscriptions .

Rumours Of War.

RUMOURS OF WAR .

x \ s Freemasons we are not politicians , but we have , and ever should have , a deep interest in all that concerns humanity . Hence to our peaceful Order all war , unless a war of defence or absolutely necessary in the interests of justice , right , and honour , is a matter of sincere regret .

Especially should we deplore a great European war . We will hope that the happy influences of civilization and progress may not be retarded by another outbreak of angry passions , by the fell tide of devastating and destructive hostilities sweeping over fair lands now in peace , and

bringing ruin to the homestead aud misery to family life . The Duke of Wellington once said , that no soldier who had seen much of war would ever wish needlessly to inflict its horrors on any country whatever and we fondly trust that conciliatory counsels and the good sense of great

and experienced statesmen will yet avert , in God ' s good Providence , so great a trial and so mournful a calamity from Europe , now like the mighty sea in its pleasant calm and glorious expanse of blue waters , tranquil and at rest , after

fearful storms and destructive hurricanes . With the poet we too well may say to-day , " Nulla salus bello , pacem te poscimus omnes . " We are happy to add that leassuring news has been received b y Her Majesty ' s Government .

Ar00705

NOTICE The June number ofthe "Masonic Magazine " which is the closing number of the 2 nd volume , will be increased in letter-press , and will be ornamented by a photograph of H . R . H . the Grand Master . In order to prevent disappointment , nonsubscribers should send an order at once to the

publisher , 198 , Fleet-street , E . G ., who is most anxious to accommodate all who apply in time . The price of the single number is 6 d ., seven shillings for the whole year , and postage paid . With the end of the second volume it is a good time for many of our brethren to subscribe for the next twelve months .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving ofthe opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , In a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . ]

THE INSTALLATION OF THE M . W . GRAND MASTER . To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — As I am sure the Craft generally would be pleased to be informed on authority how many brethren were

really present at the Albert Mali on thc 28 th ult ., I shall be obliged if you will kindly give the required information . I should also be glad to know how it was that Prince Leopold was not present . Was he unfortunately unwell again ? I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , EDWIN Piuon .

Original Correspondence.

LODGE VOTES .

To the Editor if the Freemason , Dear Sir and Brother , — May I ask , through the columns of your journal , for information on the following point , which has arisen in the course of a most amicable discussion on the subject of the votes belonging to my lodge , but standing in the

name of " the W . M . " Would it be the duty of the W . M . to place all such votes at the disposal of the lodge and use them only in such way as might be resolved upon , or has he a perfect right , if so disposed , to use them as he might privately think fit ? I have no doubt that if the W . M . voted for any candidate and returned the paper duly signed , such vote or votes

would be perfectly legal so far as the election was concerned , even presuming that the W . M . had voted contrary to the unanimous wish of thc lodge , and although there may be no doubt as to the course which any W . M . ought to take in tlie matter , I am desirous of knowing what would be his duty . Yours fraternally , Q . A . J ., P . M . [ We apprehend that the votes are at thc disposal of the W . M . for the time being , absolutely . —ED . ]

RED APRON LODGES . To lhe Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Bro , — The suggestion of a P . M . in your last issue that it would be a wise and gracious act of Grand Lodge to commemorate the installation of our Royal Worshipful Grand Master by increasing the number of Grand

Stewards is one that will meet with general approval from the largely increased , and ever increasing body , to the interests of whom your journal is devoted . There are many ancient lodges well worthy of the honour , not only from their antiquity , but by their devotion to thc Masonic cause , and thc upholding of its various charities and purposes . I am greatly mistaken if thc present Grand Stewards

would do other than rejoice at the admission of some of their ancient brethren , who would enter within their boundary without scruple , believing they had justly earned the position , and as it is the hope of reward that sweetens labour , let every brother work on in every good work , being sustained by the hope that ere long there may be yet another reason for congratulation in having a Royal Wopshipful Grand Master . * i ' ours fraternally , L .

THE ORDER OF THE TEMPLE , To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — As the time for the meeting of the Great Priory is now at hand , I think it may be useful to call the attention of the members of various preceptories , who are interested in a revision of statutes of thc Templar Order , to

the necessity that exists for a large attendance of the supporters of that revision at the meeting of the Great Priory , not only of those who bear a vote by their offices , but of all other members of the preceptories who are in accord with us on these points . The object of a large attendance is to show that thc dissatisfaction at the present state of things is not confined to a few preceptories , or even to those

few who have sent in memorials , but is deep and widespread . This will be as effectually shown by a large attendance of thc dissentients as by the votes of those who have a right to a voice in the Great Priory . Let , then , every one of us , who thinks that the prosperity of the Order demands an alteration in the statutes , be there and hold up our hands for a consideration of the memorials sent in

to the Great Priory , and thereby show to those with whom thc decision lies , that we are unanimous in our requirements , and are of such number , and therefore of importance to the Order , as may ensure attention and redress of our grievances . It is undeniably apparent that among some of thc chiefs of the Order there exists a strong disinclination to any alteration of the present statutes , and of

course , thc high position of those officers can but render necessary a more strenuous effort ( if success is to be hoped for ) by those who , though greater in number , are in less exalted positions than the rulers over us . 1 confess it appears to us to be hopeless to expect a successful result in future if wc should fail now , when we have , so far as possible , organised , to some extent , an united action , as

in that case our present defeat will militate strongly against a future success . Now , if ever , is our opportunity , and it behoves us all not , by indifference , to let it pass by without a result , such as we seek and arc convinced is necessary to the welfare of thc Order , and if not essential to its existence , at least most influential in keeping up its prestige . I am , Sir , yours right fraternally , J . C . G . L .

Multum In Parbo; Or Masonic Notes And Queries.

Multum in Parbo ; or Masonic Notes and Queries .

Tin ; MASONS' COMPANY . Sir Wm . Wiseman is a misprint for Wilson . So far the two Wises , Mr . Thomas Shorthose , William Woodman , Mr . Samuel Taylour , arc all verified as members of the Masons' Company . These are all the names mentioned iu Preston ' s seventeenth edition , but " seven more old Freemasons " are spoken of . On looking back to

Ashmole ' s life and diary , in thc edition of 17 74 , it seems that the quotation , as given by Dr . Oliver in the note , is not correct , for thc words " seven old Freemasons" do not occur , but the following names are given—Mr . Thomas Shadbolt Waidsford , Esq ., Mr . Nicholas Young , Mr . John Shorthose , Mr . William Hamon , Mr . John Thompson and Mr . William Stanton . Of these thc only so far verified is John Shorthose as well as Thomas Shorthose , Captain