An Address By Comp. Tew, 1st A.G.S., At Doncaster.

with the building . " In movements of this nature it is found that to carry them out some two or three brethren , not more , always exist who will have the energy , the zeal , and courtesy to execute them . The honoured names I have before mentioned are the companions in this instance who have found ths time and devoted unceasing toil to the accomplishment of this object , and it is my good fortune as a native of Doncaster to thank them and

congratulate them on the accomplishment of a long-cherished wishthat of having suitable rooms to be set apart , and I hope dedicated , for the sole purposes of Freemasonry . St . George ' s Lodge and Magdalen Chapter are fortunate in having such lovers of the Craft dwelling in their midst who have done so much to keep alive the earnest spirit of Freemasonry , and who have moulded by their influence and characters the

destinies of the lodgeand chapter in Doncastcr . And what a grand thing to again repeat " that for 104 years the lodge has never been without a Master , has never ceased to hold its meetings , has never lost a single record of its proceedings , still possessing its original warrant , its ori g inal furniture , and its original working tools . " I say this is an incomparable history . This is a lodge which ought to prosper . This chapter ought to thrive . Royal Arch Masonry

ought not to languish , but every Blue Craft Mason ought to join the Magdalen Chapter ^ Let me here compliment Bro . Delanoy on the publication of his " History of St . George ' s Lodge" in 1 SS 0 , and the Past Senior Grand Deacon of England , William James Hughan , P . M . of No . 131 , 'Truro , for the capital introduction to the history of the lodge in its centennial year ; also Comp . Hartley fcr the admirable letter-press of those records ; and you ,

brethren , for the truly Masonic kindness displayed in presenting me with a copy of such invaluable records . I appreciate the book as one of my most valuable Masonic literary possessions , and the one link of interest which binds me through the St . George ' s Lodge by memories to the town where in my boyhood I spent many pleasant years of joyous life . On looking through the memorials of the lodge ' s history 1 find the lodge constituted only , at the Red Lion

Hotel , under the Constitution of England , whereof the Dukeof Manchester in 17 S 0 was Grand Master . Now , constitution in the Masonic sense signifies that your lodge was then set up , that officers were appointed , and Freemasonry established . In 17 S 1 the lodge was removed to the Town Hall , and you have to thank all the Mayors of Doncastcr , the Corporation , and the worthy Town Clerks for their kindness in giving your warrant a habitation in

the Town Hall . To-day , then , we render those chief magistrates of the borough our unbounded acknowledgments for the use of these public premises , and for many other courtesies besides . But I do not find any notice that the lodge has been dedicated and consecrated—dedicated , that is devoted to the sublime principles of Freemasonry , or consecrated for the performance of the ritual , and appropriated to the solemn services of the Craft . I presume you

could not set apart the Town Hall rooms for these purposes . Therefore , under this new lease of 10 years it is open to you to have these rooms dedicated , and all appertaining to the Craft consecrated for the sole and special purposes of Freemasonry in all its _ branches . 'This is tor you to consider , and the Provincial Grand Lodge and Chapter will be glad to promote any rite of this kind which may be brought before it . This may mark in the most

pointed manner the transfer of your warrant and charter to these new and well-appointed rooms . And now a few words as to the chapter attached to the lodge . The charter of the Magdalen Chapter is dated 1 S 20 , and on the Sth May , iS 22 , the old charter of 447 was returned to Supreme Grand Chapter , when I presume a new one was sent back in due course . The career of this chapter has been a chequered one , for I believe that up to 1 S 30 there was no recorded minutes , and

from 1 R 3010 1843 with but sparse references of meetings , and simply the names of those present without any note as to business . Up to within the last few years 1 am told great difficulty has been experienced in getting the rcquisite number of companions to work the chapter . But I new point out by illustration what I have intimated before , how much the courage and energy and ability of one or two earnest Arch Masons can accomplish in the work of

resuscitation . Comp . Delanoy in the chapter s returns this year has added to the register 11 names , making 48 subscribing companions . Comp . Rigby ( now retired ) resuscitated the chapter some 10 years ago . _ All honour to him and gratitude to those present for continuing this generous work . I believe I have said all that can be said for the past and for the future of the chapter's history . Let the gathering to-day and the presence of so many

be an assurance of hope that the chapter may have as brilliant a history in time to come as the St . George's Lodge has in its records left memorials of the past . I would that all Past Masters and Master Masons should take advantage of the Royal Arch , and I would that all these should become possessed of the genuine secrets of the Craft in this degree for the substituted secrets of the Blue Craft or Third Degree . The R . A . symbolisms ,

ritual , and lectures eminently exemplif y the high and lofty principles of religion , the very foundation of truth , of harmony , and unity . If perseverance in worldly matters brings prosperity , both should give us unity , and all three charity , for " God hath called us to peace . " I can onl y appeal to the Doncaster companions present to make this chapter a means of usefulness and a blessing to all around ; to work it for the love of the beautiful principles its

symbolisms typify ; to endeavour to encourage all just , perfect , and upright Masons to enter this chapter ; to encourage them to make themselves acquainted with its lessons , for its mysteries arc profound and its teachings exalted and worthy to be comprehended by every enlightened Craftsman . With these observations , and thanking Comp . Shirley , the learned and experienced 'Town Clerk , and all of you for your attendance , 1 declare these new rooms , not even constituted , neither dedicated

nor consecrated , but formally opened for Freemasonry in all its various orders and branches , and may the omnisience , the omnipotence , and the omnipresence of the great Jehovah watch over you , guide you , and direct you in all your deliberations from generation to generation until time shall be no more . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Comp . Tew for his admirable address , on the motion of the M . E . Z ., seconded by Comp . Shirley .

The death of Mr . Frank Ives Scttdamore is announced from Constantinople , where for some time he had acted as superintendent of the post-office .

Australia.

Australia .

[ FROM OUR MELBOURNE CORRESPONDENT . ] THE NEW FREEMASONS' HALL IN MELBOURNE . After considerable delay there is at last a chance of a Masonic Temple worthy of the leading city in the southern hemisphere becoming an accomplished fact . The first project broached was the purchase of the old dilapidated hall in Lonsdale-street , the property of a company who were not at all particular to whom they let the place , as no

doubt your readers will have previously noticed in an account of some unsavoury particulars months ago Several meetings were held , and the company at last offered to sell the building and land for £ 6500 . Another company was formed , under the title of the " Freemasons ' Hall Company , Limited , " with a capita ! of ^ 20 , 000 in £ 1 shares . Sir W . J . Clarke entered warmly into the scheme , but in the meantime the provisional directors came across

a much more eligible property , that of a late doctor ' s residence in the best part of Collins-street , opposite the Melbourne Club , and close to the Houses of Parliament . This they have secured for £ 10 , 750 , am ' ' ¦ ' ' proposed to alter the front of the premises and convert the whole into a Masonic Club , a proposition that has met with much encouragement amongst town and country brethren . The space behind the present building will be taken up with the

erection of lodge and banqueting rooms , drcssinsr and ante rooms , lavatories , & c , and a large hall for special Masonic occasions , balls , concerts , meetings , " such not being opposed to the principles of Freemasonry , " as set forth in the articles of association , which latter will be adhered to after the scandal that occurred in connection with the old hall . The dimensions of the property embrace a frontage of GC . feet and a depth of 213 feet . The company has been

registered , and a large number of shares have been taken up by brethren and lodges , Sir William Clarke being down for 1000 , or double if required . The laying of the corner-stone of the new buildings is already talked of . One suggestion that I hear is very appropriate . It is proposed to wait the arrival of Sir VV . J . Clarke ' s patent as District Grand Master o ( the three combined Constitutions , and then hold the installation on a large

scale in the Melbourne lown Hall , which accommodates 2500 , and has one of the finest organs in the world . Subsequent to the installation of the new District Grand Master , he would lay the corner-stone of the new hall with full Masonic honours , a grand banquet in the evening to wind-up the first day ' s proceedings . The second day the

ladies arc thought of , for it is proposed to gave a Masonic garden party at Rupcrtswood , in the magnificent country residence of the Victorian baronet , distant 25 miles from town . An affair of this kind , if carried to an issue , as in every way seems likely , would lay claim to rank with one of the Masonic memorabilia in this or any other part of the world .

THK POSITION OI- THE MARK DEGREE . Lately there has occurred an unpleasantness amongst English Mark Masons , arising out of the formation of the pscudo Grand Lodge of Victoria . On the very day of its institution , the P . G . Secretary of the Mark province , under instructions from the R . W . P . G . Master , communicated with the authorities at home , with a view of ascertaining the position of those Mark brethren who had gone over to the

new-fangled body . Unfortunately , the P . G . Secretary totall y misrepresented the true state of affairs , as he asserted that the new Grand Lodge had been formed of English , Scotch , and Irish lodges . The fact is , however , that not a single English lodge deserted its colours . The result of this letter showed itself in a reply to the effect that the Mark Degree , being an independent institution , could not interfere with those of its members who had gone over

to the Grand Lodge of Victoria . Here was a pretty state of things for the many loyal Mark brethren , for bear in mind that the Markscccders are a very small minority . In order , however , to test the question as to exclusion , a new Mark lodge has been opened in Melbourne , under dispensation from the P . G . Master of Victoria ; but its inauguration gave rise to an unpleasantness that has culminated in an angry correspondence through the medium of the

Masonic Journal of Melbourne , the scmi-ofhcial organ of the loyal brethren of the Craft . First of all , the P G . Secretary introduced the P . G . J . VV . ( a noted scccder ) to the meeting without any notice , and because the W . M . designate of the new lodge—a P . M . of Combermere Lodge , 752 , Craft , and D . G . S . W . of Victoria—refused him admission on personal grounds , as his presence was likely to disturb the harmony of the proceedings , he ( the P . G . Secretary )

declined to hand over the dispensation . The Combermere Mark Lodge , though , was consecrated , and its first Master installed by your correspondent , who , after due consideration , determined to act on his own responsibility , being confident that , when the true facts of the case ace known at home , he will be exonerated from any blame in the matter . A curious part of the affair is the significant circumstance that the dispensation was handed to the W . M . of the new

lodge by the P . G . Master some days after the occurrence ; and , as I am not afraid to adduce other facts , I shall add that the P . G . Secretary was one of those who sent a letter of sympathy to the promoters of the Victorian Grand Lodge , which was read at their first meeting ; and , further , that the R . W . P . G . Master of the Mark presided at such meeting . Neither , however , have formally severed their connection with the home Constitutions . Mark brethren

in the old country will readily perceive things arc decidedl y " mixed" in this Province of Victoria , a jurisdiction , permit me to say , that has never once been called together for the space of three years , despite the bye-laws providing for a communication every six months . There is clearly a screw loose , and 1 trust for the future welfare of the Mark Degree in Victoria ^ that the Board of General Purposes will take the matter in hand without delay .

'IHE RED CROSS DEGREE IN AUSTRALIA . Hitherto the Red Cross of Rome and Constantino has not been introduced into Australia , although there are conclaves of the Order in New Zealand . The Grand Imperial Council , through Em . Sir Knight W . R . Woodman , Grand Recorder , have authorised the formation of a conclave in Melbourne , and to that end a sufficient number of Master Masons will , in the meantime , be installed sir knights , after which a petition for a warrant will follow in due course . Melbourne , Dec . 29 th , 1 S 83 .

Ar00702

A Calcutta telegram states that Lord Ripon will probably return to England in November .

Srotland.

Srotland .

ABERDEEN CITY PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE . The annual Masonic sermon was preached to the brethren in St . Clement ' s Church , on the 3 rd inst ., by the Prov . G . Chaplain , llro . the Rev . C . C . Macdonald , from Mark h ., 10 . 1 he sermon , which was intently listened to by the brethren ( about 250 being present ) and by a crowded congregation of the general publicwas delivered

, in such a manner as shewed that the preacher estimated Freemasonry as a great power for good in the world , the allusions he used shewingadecp knowledge of the working of the Craft Degrees . " The R . W . Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Dr . Beveridge , was present , along with most of the Provincial Grand Office-bearers . A handsome sum was collected at the close for the poor of St . Clement Parish .

ABERDEEN . —St . Machar Lodge ( No . 54 ) . — This lodge held its usual fortnightly meeting on Monday , the 4 th inst ., the Past Master in the chair in the unavoidable absence of the R . W . Master , Bro . John II . Bolt . There was a large muster of the members , as well as of visiting brethren . Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Kintore , Substitute Grand Master Mason of Scotland , was admitted an affiliated member , and three candidates for initiation were also balloted for and initiated .

ABERDEEN . —Bon Accord Lodge ( No 66 9 ) . —This lodge held its second annual assembly in the Music Hall Buildings on Friday , the ist inst . 'The ball , which was a subscription one , was a success in every way , about 90 couples being present . The decorations were very tastefully executed , the music was good , and the supper excellent ; indeed , everything was done to render the

gathering an exceedingly pleasant one . The oil painting of the R . W . Master , Bro . Andrew Stott , lately presented to him by the lodge , was exhibited at the top of the ball room , and was generally admired . Among the invited guests present were Bros . Major Crombic , G . J . VV . ; Savage , D . P . G . M . ; Shepherd , P . G . S . W . ; and several of the Masters of lodges in the city .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . R . J . COTTON . News has been received in Liverpool of the death of Bro . Robert John Cotton , a member of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , from its consecration , uro . Cotton , who was better known under his professional name of R . J . Roberts , died King's Lynn a few days ago , at the early age of 35 . About the year 1 S 73 Bro . Cotton , who wc believe was a native of Yorkshire , became a

member of the company then attached to the Prince of Wales 'Theatre , Liverpool , and , developing considerable comic power , was entrusted with the performance of numerous prominent parts . Subsequently he successfully appeared at the Prince of Wales and the Alexandra 'Theatres . From time to time Bro . Cotton , who was especially acceptable in Irish parts , also fulfilled engagements of importance throughout the provinces .

The Funeral Of Bro. Capt. Webb.

THE FUNERAL OF BRO . CAPT . WEBB .

The last act in the famous Webb tragedy is over , and the remains of our noted brother have been consigned to their final resting place in Oakwood cemetery , Niagara Falls , with appropriate services . Mrs . Webb brought with her from Boston , papers certifying that at the time of his death Captain Webb was a member in good standing of an English lodge . This fact being made known to the

members ot Niagara River Lodge , of Suspension Bridge , and Niagara Frontier Lodge , of Niagara Tails , they offered to take charge of the obsequies . The kind proposal was gratefully accepted b y Mrs . Webb , who felt that she had indeed fallen among friends . The work of disinterring the body was laborious owing to the deep snow and the frozen earth . Mrs . Webb had expressed a desire to look again upon the face of her husband , but friends prevented her

from doing so . The contents of the rough pine box bore little resemblance to a human form . 'The frost had failed to stay the work of dissolution , and nothing but a mass of corruption was presented to view ot those who opened the box . 'The widow bore this fresh sorrow with the resignation that has become a part of her character . The remains were with difficulty transferred to an elegant black broadcloth covered casket , and carried to the newly made crave .

I he funeral took place at the cemetery at two o'clock . The beautiful burial service of the Episcopal church was read by the Rev . Sidney Wilbur , of the church of the Epiphany , whilst Most Worshipful Benjamin Flagler , Past Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York , read the service according to the Masonic ritual . Both lodges were well represented by Masons wearing white gloves and aprons . Mrs . Webb laid a beautiful wreath of flowers

upon the casket , and sprigs of evergreen and a white apron were deposited in the grave by the members of the Order . The widow was accompanied by two ladies of Suspension Bridge , and during the service stood near the head of the coffin . She wept bitterly whenever allusion was made to the dead man . At the conclusion of the services she stepped up to Past Grand Master Flagler and thanked him heartily for the kindness shown her by the members of the local

Masonic Orders . Then she cast a last look at the open grave and turned to the waiting sleigh . The place of interment is in a quiet portion of the cemetery , where grand oak trees spread their shade in summer . It adjoins the sealed grave of Francis Abbott , the hermit , concerning whom there is so remarkable a history . At present the snow is knee deep in the cemetery , and the surroundings are dreary in the extreme .

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