Masonic Notes And Queries.

was printed . As regards the use of certificates , there is appended to the minutes of the Grand Lodge held on the 27 th December , 1755 , the following memorandum : " This year 1755 the Modern Masons began to make use of certificates : Though the Ancient Masons had

granted Certificates time immemorial " This assertion seems a bold one until we realise that " time immemorial " takes us back only to the year 1751 , when the so called " Ancient" Masons organised themselves into a Society , under the rule of a Grand Committee . G . BLIZARD ABBOTT .

Reviews.

Reviews .

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS , ITS WORK AND ITS FUTURE . This brochure is by the esteemed Secretary , Bro . J . Morrison McLeod , and really represents a paper he read to the Hampshire Lodge of Emulation . It has been printed by desire , and will doubtless be not only largely circulated , but carefully read and appreciated . The subject is one of great interest to the Craft generally , and as the

pamphlet is by a brother who has the best of facilities , not only for forming his own opinion , but also to obtain the opinions of others , we maybe assured that the recommendations are well worthy of consideration , and are based on the possible future needs of the Institution . The matter of removal , the use to the utmost of the present building , and the boarding and education of an increased number of boys outside the establishment , as well as additional

assistance to prominent and deserving lads , either before leaving or after leaving school , are all duly mentioned , and as fairly stated . The historical portion is both interesting and accurate , and in the few pages allotted to that department Bro . McLeod has contrived to compress all the leading facts concerning the origin and progress of the Institution from six Boys in 179 S to 2 GS Bovs in 1 S 03 ;

over 2000 having received the benefits of the School . The centenary will soon be here , and hence this able and judicious paper is both opportune and suitable to afford light where such Ts needed , and thus promote the continued prosperity of this noble and beneficent Institution . Bro . McLeod has done well and wisely in acceding to the wishes of his friends by publishing this most useful paper .

DEVON MASONIC REGISTER FOR 1 S 93 . 4 . This useful and excellently printed annual is always later than the majority , but coming as it does when annuals are almost forgotten , it seems to get more attention and all the more notice accordingly . There are 52 lodges , 28 chapters ( a large proportion to the number of lodges ) , 24 Mark lodges ( two being inactive ) , five working preceptories , and four Rose Croix chapters , so that the particulars as to all

these bodies occupy many pages , and must have required considerable labour to obtain . Some features are peculiar to this calendar , such as " A List of Brethren Officially Connected with the Province , with their addresses . " This is a capital page , and cannot fail to prove of utility to all who consult the register . The information respecting the ** Fortescue Annuity Fund , " the " Devon Masonic Educational Fund , " and other organisations is most ample as

well as most interesting , and adds considerably to the value of the compilation . 1 here is also an elaborate table of the votes for the Central Masonic Charities , exhibiting a total of 3533 , about one vote on an average for each member . There should be double this number , and hence it is clear that the Stewards have a large field in which to extend their operations . _ There are eight in the " Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , " costing some £ 300 per annum . It is not desirable to state what amount the province voted to

that Institution , but the curious can easily lind out . There are two in the " Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , " and very many annuitants on the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , so that the brethren have every reason to warmly support all these admirable I nstitutioijs . The editor and publisher is Bro . W . Frank Westcott , Frankfort-street , Plymouth , from whom copies may be had at is . ( postage id . ) . Theregisterdeservesalarge circulation because of its conspicuous usefulness and general accuracy .

HANDBOOK OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA . P . CALLAGHAN , 134 , Swanston-street , Melbourne . Printing and the enterprising journalist and photographer were non-existent when Rome was founded , and we have to be content with the story of Romulus and the Wolf ; not so with the cradles of modern Empires—the camera—the interviewers , and modern journalism have changed all that , and vast territories which are probably

destined to eclipse Kome itself , are now opening up under the almost microscopic view of the present generation . This does not necessarily mean that the romance of discovery and travel is over , only that facts give place to legends and sober truths to " travellers' tales . " The discovery and opening up of the Australian Continent will furnish future generations with material for absorbing interest and study , and the Handbook of Western Australia ,

although unpretentious in form and bulk , will provide the average reader with a mass of facts and figures , well condensed and strung together , with reminiscences and anecdotes of early explorers , glimpses of social life in the earl y days , startling accounts of life at the diggings , and a historical record of the founding of Western Australia . Numerous illustrations and plans are added , and altogether , the brochure is of considerable interest to all who take an interest in greater Britain .

The Whymper Memorial Fund.

THE WHYMPER MEMORIAL FUND .

The following circular has been issued by the W . M . of No . i 9 60 , and is meeting with a most gratifying response , nearly three-fourthsof the sum havingalready been subscribed :

" Rawal Pindi , " August 15 th , 18 93 . " Dear Sir and Brother , " It has been suggested thitt , instead oi founding scholarships ns a ' Whymper Memorial , ' it would , with the concurrence of the subscribers , be more desirable to purchase the Masonic library of our late brother

The Whymper Memorial Fund.

and present it to the District Grand Lodge of the Punjab as ' The Whymper Library . ' I , therefore , write to ask if such suggestion commends itself to you . " The acquisition of this extremely valuable library for the use of Freemasons in the Punjab cannot be over-estimated , and by purchasing it with the money raised for the ' Memorial Fund , ' we should , at the same

time , be rendering very great assistance to the family of our late brother . If purchased , the library would be placed in the hands of trustees to be held by them for District Grand Lodge . The purchase , however , must be made at once , or the chance may be lost . " If you approve of this suggestion , I trust you will

help in the matter yourself , and use all your influence in getting others to help—both lodges and individuals . I shall feel obliged if you will send me an early reply , as the matter is one of urgency . " Believe me , dear Sir and Brother , " Yours fraternally , " J . H . LESLIE , W . M . " Stewart Lodge , No . i 960 , E . C . "

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . St . Luke ' s Lodge ( No . 144 ) . — The first meeting of the session of this very old established lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 4 th inst ., when there were present Bros . Alfred Saunders , W . M . ; F . Stutfield , S . W . ; B . Bridgman , J . W . ; T . H . Bennett , S . D . ; J . W . Sharpe , j . D . ; J . H . Beauchamp , I . G . ; H . Trotert , Org . ; E . Witts , P . M ., Sec ; T . Craft flDasonrE .

Markland , P . M ., Stwd . ; W . H . Tucker , I . P . M . ; T . Bowler , Tyler ; W . J . Forscutt , P . M . ; T . A . Markland , G . E . Morrell , C . Mallous , V . Honour , S . E . Storr , R . Bartholomew , F . Thomas , John Pulling , P . M . ; and R . J . Taylor , P . M . Visitors : Bros . Wm . W . Bird , P . M . 85 S ; Mat Kennally , 795 ; W . Ward , 1257 ; T . J . Kinsley , and R . T . West , 1744 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the previous

meeting having been read , the W . M . passed Bros . C . Mallous , T . A . Markland , and G . E . Morrell . The working of the W . M . was carried out in an excellent manner . On the motion of Bro . Tucker , I . P . M ., a Past Master's jewel was unanimously voted to Bro . A . Saunders , W . M ., for his able and efficient services in the chair . Bro . Saunders suitably replied , remarking that he had done his utmost to carry out the duties to the best of his ability .

Bro . Stutfield was elected W . M ., and Bro . T . Bowler , for the 13 th time , re-elected Tyler . A gentleman was proposed for initiation , and a joining member for the next meeting . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . The W . M . gave the loyal and Masonic toasts with a few appropriate remarks . Bro . Tucker , LP . M ., proposed "The Health of the

W . M . " Bro . Saunders , in reply , observed that the brethren would prefer harmony to long speeches . In giving the toast of "The Visitors , " thc W . M . stated that they had only a few guests that night , but he gave them all a very hearty welcome . Bro . W . VV . Bird , in responding , stated that it was in the St . Luke ' s Lodge of Instruction where he first learnt

what he knew of Masonry , and congratulated the W . M . on the excellent quality of the members that had been initiated during his happy year of office . Bro . Mat Kennally also replied . He said that he always took particular notice of the lodges he visited , and he was more than satisfied with the admirable working that night , and he urged the younger members to join lodges ot instruction to learn how to conduct themselves .

Bro . Kinsley also responded , remarking that he had spent a happy time in thc lodge , of which he was once a member , but having to go abroad was the cause of his resigning . He hoped , however , to rejoin the lodge at an early date . Bro . Ward also suitably replied . The Worshipful Master gave the toast of "The Masonic Press , " coupled with the name of our representative , Bro . R . T . West , who responded .

The Worshipful Master next proposed "The W . M . Elect , " stating that it was patent to all the members that Bro . Stutfield was one of the most ablest , and would work the ritual with perfection , and the lodge would prosper under his genial presidency . This toast was drunk with acclamation . Bro . Stutfield , in reply , thanked the brethren for their hearty reception , and the W . M . for the nice things he had

said of him , and if , when he was installed , he could conduct the business of the lodge as it had been done by Bro . Saunders , he would be more than pleased . The Worshipful Mastcr then gave " The Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " remarking that they were esteemed for the great services they had rendered to the lodge . Bro . Tucker , I . P . M ., in reply , stated that the W . M . had

not required any assistance from him . He was Secretary of the lodge of instruction , and he would be pleased if all the members would join , where they would learn more than in open lodge . Bro . Witts , Secretary , also responded . He said that he had spent a happy time while he had been associated with the lodge , and hoped that thc next year would be as successful as the present one had been , for which the W . M . was to bc congratulated .

Bro . Taylor , P . M ., also replied , observing that the lodge was noted for its good working . Bro . Markland , P . M ., in responding , said he would always try to serve the lodge by taking any office or otherwise assisting . Bro . Forscutt also replied in suitable terms . In giving the toast of " The Ollieers , " the W . M . said that he took this opportunity to thank them for their great assistance , for without which his term of office would not

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

have been the success it was . He also thanked Bro . Bartholomew for having introduced so many new members . Bro . Bartholomew replied , as deputy for the J . W ., in a happy speech . Other responses were made . The Tyler ' s toast terminated a very pleasant evening .

During the evening Bros . T . A . Markland , Storr , Mallous , Bartholomew , Thomas ( violin solo ) , Witts , Saunders , and H . Troterd , vocally and otherwise , entertained the brethren , the last named deserving special mention for " The Deathless Army , " which he gave with marked effect . Bro . Trotere presided at the pianoforte .

Highgate Lodge ( No . 1366 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the nth inst ., at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras . Present : Bros . E . Wareham , WIM . ; E . S . Ryde , S . W . ; W . Hillier , J . W . ; James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Secretary Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , Treasurer ; Charles Shephard , P . M ., Sec ; R . Pain Walkden , S . D . ; VV . Wheeler , J . D . ; T .

Goodman , I . G . ; J . J . Marsh , P . M ., Tyler ; R . G . Thomas , Org . ; Jos . Sugg , P . M . ; R . W . Galer , P . M . ; E . Hullryde , P . M . ; W . Lewis Lewis , John Chapman , T . Andrew , F . G . Baker , J . R . Farndell , W . Mitchell , Thos . Bishopp , G . Burch , J . Levy , F . P . Medrington , J . Culverwell , C . W . Dixon , M . Symonds , A . livers , . C . Cheesley , J . C . Yates , and P . Merberth . Visitors : Bros . S . Cochrane ,

G . Treas .. Eng . ; F . C . Frye , M . P ; , P . M . 1642 ; W . G . Hildruth , 11 S 5 ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1 543 , P . P . S . G . D . Essex ; Thos . Sandilands , 2319 ; W . J . Holmyard , 106 S ; F . S . Priest , 1637 ; S . Hussey , 1637 ; C . Penny , 2029 ; H . Holmes , 2246 , P . P . G . D . Herts ; C . Annington , 1602 ; W . W . Williams , S 34 ; J . J . Thomas , P . M . 753 J J- Cox Dear , 2182 ; J . Milroy , 2255 ; G . H . Edis ,

228 ; W . Thompson , 1 743 ; S . Parkhouse , P . M . 16 42 , 511 ; Burgess Perry , 11 S 5 ; C . Pattman , 11 S 5 ; H . Peirce , 1599 ; R . Grill , 1399 ; W . J . Mason , P . M ., P . P . G . O . Surrey ; W . R . G . Emerson , 45 ; A . Williams , W . M . 834 ; R . H . Williams , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . Middx . ; C . J . Ozanne , W . M . 1765 ; W . Norman , and many others . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . The Auditors' report was

read , and proved a very satisfactory one . Bro . William Hillier was admirably installed W . M . by the out-going W . M ., Bro . . Wareham , to whom a very handsome Past Master's jewel was presented . The following officers were invested for the ensuing year : Bros . E . Wareham , I . P . M . ; R . P . Walkden , S . W . ; W . Wheeler , J . W . ; James Terry , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; G . Sheppard , P . M .,

Sec ; T . Goodman , S . D . ; J . G . Baker , J . D . ; R . G . Thomas , Org . ; S . Bishop , I . G . ; J . R . Farndell , D . C ; T . Andrew and W . Mitchell , Stwds . ; and J . Marsh , Tyler . Some routine business was transacted , and , after " Hearty good wishes " had been accorded , the lodge was closed . After the banquet the toasts of " The Queen and the Craft , " and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " were

given . Bro . S . Cochrane , G . T ., responded , and thanked the brethren for the way the toast had been received . It was the first opportunity he had had of putting his Grand clothing on . He had watched the career of the W . M . from " the door to the chair , " and he knew that he would carry out the duties well . He had been connected with

Grand Officers for years , and now as one himself valued the manner they had received him , and alluded to the long time Bro . Terry had served the lodge . Bro . Terry , in response to calls , announced it was the anniversary of his wedding day , and as doubtless he would be called upon later on to respond in his official capacity , he could then only concur in the thanks expressed by his

friend , Bro . Cochrane . The Immediate Past Master , in proposing " The W . M ., " congratulated him on the grand way he had gone through the various offices until he had now become W . M ., and if the brethren would lind the work to do , il would be done as became a W . M . of the Highgate Lodge , and felt sure at the end of his term of office they would accord to him the same

kindly feeling that they had to himself . The toast was very warmly received . The Worshipful Master , in the course of his reply , thanked them , and said it was of many proud moments he had experienced the proudest of his life . Five years ago that day he was raised , and he had no doubt the position he had then attained was due to the training he had received from some of the brethren present and to his own

perseverance . He had some time ago been asked if he ever attended lodges of instruction , and also what he had done in them ? To which he replied , " Why ask me such a question . ' 1 have done all the work ; " and , no doubt , that was the reason he was appointed D . C , and felt delighted to occupy it . He had worked hard since , and hoped he should carry out the work and duties to their satisfaction and credit to himself .

The Worshipful Master , in the course of the toast of "The I . P . M ., " remarked on his excellent qualities , and the tact shown by him , and stated that it had been a pleasure to all to work under his gavel , and he felt considerable pride in proposing his health , and , at the same time , asked him to receive from the brethren , through his hands , a beautiful diamond ring and a lamp for his wife , and hoped

they might live long to enjoy the kind feeling of the brethren . Bro . Wareham , the I . P . M ., with very considerable feeling , expressed his thanks for the gift to himself as well as to his wife , lt would call to mind many happy years he had spent among them . The I . P . Ms , had to give way to better men , and in due course take their place in the ranks of the

Past Masters , and enjoy their evenings without the cares of actual ollice , although the Past Masters of that lodge always considered themselves in office . The Worshipful Master gave " The Visitors , " coupl ' miS with it the names of Bros . Frye and Holmes . Bro . Frye thought the W . M . might have selected a more distinguished Mason to reply . He was delighted to be present , and if the Highgate Lodge valued their W . M . as

much as they did in Kensington , they had done the right thing to elect him to rule over them . He recollected spending a very pleasant evening with the lodge many years ago at Highgate . The presentation they had made to their I . P . M . was something out of the ordinary way , and concluded by returning thanks on behalf of the visitors . Bro . Holmes also expressed his warm thanks ; he h * d known the VV . M ., Treasurer , and Secretary many years ,