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Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article To Correspondents. Page 1 of 1 Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article ©rtgtnal Correspondence. Page 1 of 3 Article ©rtgtnal Correspondence. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ad00603
TD OYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT - ** - INSTITUTION . FOR AGED FREEMASONS AND WIDOWS OF FREEMASONS , CROYDON . Patron and President : HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES , K . G ., & c , M . W . G . M . THE ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL Of this Institution vvill take place On WEDNESDAY , -Sth FEBRUARY , 1 SS 3 , AT FREEMASONS' TAVERN , GREAT QUEEN-STREET , LONDON , Upon which occasion G EN . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG , C . B ., P . G . W ., R . W . PROV . G . M . KOR SURREY , Has been pleased to signify his intention of Presiding . Brethren are earnestly invited to accept the Office of Steward upon this occasion , and they vvill greatly oblige by forwarding their Names and Masonic Rank , as soon as convenient , to the Secretary , who will gladly give any information required . JAMES TERRY , P . Prov . G . S . W . Norths and Hunts , Secretary . # * At the Election in May next there vvill be 120 Candidates for Election , whilst at the present time there are only Twelve Vacancies .
Ad00604
TO THE GOVERNORS AND SUBSCRIBERS OK THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FOR AGED FREEMASONS AND WIDOWS OF FREEMASONS . MAY ELECTION , 1 SS 3 . The favour of your Votes and Interest is earnestly solicited on behalf of BRO . WILLIAM M . FORD , In his 66 th year , now ( through the kindness of Messrs . BARCLAY & Co ., ) residing at the " Blue Anchor , " 3 , Coleman Street , Bank , and previousl y at the " Barley Mow , " Salisbury Court , Fleet Street ( The Cogers' Discussion Hall , ) who through misfortune in business is now entirely without means ; he vvas initiated in the "Domatic " Lodge , No . 177 , in February , 1 S 57 , and the " Domatic Chapter , " in March , 1 S 77 . The case is strongly recomeiided by the under mentioned Brethren , and who have kindly consented to receive proxies : Urn . las . Brett , P . M . 177 , P . G . P . ; " 4 , Sidncv Rnvl , llomcrton . „ lidnnl . Coste , P . M ., n , 1314 , P . P . G . D . C . Kent ; I ' . / . ui . j ; Distillery , Bank Street , Gravcsend . „ Thos . Culiitt , P . G . P ., P . S . G . D ., . Middlesex , l ' . M . 1 . ;; and P . Z . 1770 & c , Norfolk lions ; , Mariott Koad , Tollington Park . „ Ceo . Kvcrett , P . M . and P . Z . 177 , ijSi . and Treasurer 177 and 1 G 0 S ; no , Clapham Road . „ | . It . Foulger , P . M . 177 , 11113 , 70 S , I ' . Z . 177 ; 31 , l '' ore . Street , ' Citv . „ T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . 15 . Middlesex ; P . M . 13 S 1 , 1512 , 174 ; , I ' . Z ., K . T ., & c ., l-last Temple Chamhers , Fleet Street , K . C . „ | as . Willing , Jun ., P . M . 177 , P . M ., P . Z ., and Treas . 1507 , P . M . 1744 aiid 1000 ; 3 : 3 , Strand .
Ad00605
A Quarter-Master Serjeant retiring from the Service with a pension desires EMPLOYMENT in any Position of Trust . I . ' ndeniablc references and security if * required . —Address , J . D . B ., 20 , Olinda-road , Stamford Hill , X .
Ad00606
CARE of Offices , Chambers , or anyplace of trust . A SITUATION wanted by a brother age 43 , married , no family . —Address S . G . O . Office of Freemason , 16 , Great Queen-street , London , W . C .
Ad00608
Twelfth Edition , post-free , is . DR . WATTS on ASTHMA and BRONCHITIS . A Treatise on the only Successful Method of Curing these Diseases . By ROBERT G . WATTS , M . D ., F . R . S . L ., F . C . S ., & c , 5 , Bulstrode-street , Cavendish-square , London . London : C . Mitchell and Co ., Red Lion-court . Fleet-street .
Ad00607
TO ADVERTISERS . THE F REEMASOX has a large circulation in all parts of the Glohe . In it the official Reports of the Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , and Scotland are published with the special sanction of the respective Grand Masters , and it contains a complete record of Masonic W'irK in this country , our Indian Empire , and the Colonies . The vast accession to the ranks of the Order during ; the past few years , and the increasing interest manifested in its doings , has given the Freemason a position and influence which few journals can lav claim to , and the proprietor can assert with confidence that announcements appearing in its columns challenge the attention of a very large and influential body of readers . Advertisements for the current week ' s issue are received up to Six o ' clock on Wednesday evening .
Ad00609
TO OUR READERS . Tut F KKEMASOX is published every Friday morning , price 3 d ., and contains the fullest and latest information relating to Freemasonry in every degree . Subscriptions , including Postage : — United States , , . , ,,. . Canada , the Continent , India , China , Ceylon , United Kingdom . „ 1 ( . Colonies Sec . Arabia ,, & c . 13 s . 6 d . 15 s . 6 d . 17 s . 6 d . Remittances may be made in Stamps , but Post Ollite Orders of Cheilites arc prefer-ed , the former payable to G KOKOE KEN ' . VII , Chief Oliice , Lcndon . the latter crossed London Joint Stock Uank .
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
The following reports stand over till next week :- — Masonic Ball at Hawick . Consecration of the Honor Oak Lodge , No . 19 SC . St . Patrick ' s Lodge , No . 295 . Creaton Lodge , No . 1791 .
BOOKS , & c . RECEIVED . "The Broad Arrow , " "Allen ' s Indian Mail , " "The Freemason" ( New Zealand ) , "The Keystone , " "The New York Dispatch , " " The Pianoforte Dealer's Guide , " "Masonia , " "The Doncaster Chronicle . " "The Court Circular , " "The Yarmouth Gazette , " "The Hull Packet , "
"The New Zealand Herald , " "The Orient , " "United Service Gazette , " "May ' s British and Irish Press Guide , " "The Masonic Chronicle , " "Property Taxation and its Remedy , " "The Masonic Herald , " " Triunghiul , " "Sun Almanack , " "The Freemason" ( Sydney ) , "Public Ledger Almanack , " " Records of St . George ' s Lodge of Freemasons , " " The Masonic Advocate . "
Ar00610
S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 17 , 1883 . ^^^^ ^^^ r ^ ^^ w ^ wW ^ w ^^^ m
©Rtgtnal Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed by ourcorrcspondentSjbut we wish in a spirit of fairplay to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ! — - — THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As Chairman for the month of the House Committee of the Girls' School , permit me while thanking you for your kindly remarks regarding the School to give an exact statement of the number of Girls we are able to
provide for . The mam building contains 14 S beds , the Alexandra Wing 56 , and the junior school 35 , making 239 in all . At the last Committee meeting the number of children reported on the books vvas 239 . In the junior school there are actually 37 beds in the dormitories , but on account of the tender age of some of the children two beds are occupied by pupil teachers . The beds are placed
as close to one another as our medical officer vvill permit , having due regard to sanitary considerations , but at the utmost I do not think more than five or six beds could be added by removing fireplaces and blocking up doors ( imagine the consequences if a fire were to break out ) . I may say that I speak from my own knowledge , as I have myself counted the beds and have even gone so far as to take
measurements . With regard to the shoes , I am surprised so trivial a matter should have given rise to the absurd report you refer to ; hitherto the children have had nothing but their heavy double-soled lacc-up boots from morning until night , without even slippers . Some relief to this continuous wear of heavy
boots has for a long time occupied the attention of some members of the Committee , and they have now decided on providing what is termed an Oxford shoe . The children will now have one pair of heavy boots and a thick-soled Oxford shoe instead of two pairs of boots . The cost of the shoe will be less than that of the boots , so the change will
eventually be a saving to the Institution . I am in hope that by inducing | the children to change their shoes habits of neatness and cleanliness vvill be engendered , to say nothing of the comfort and relief to the feet . —I am , sir , yours very fraternally , J . H . MATTHEWS , Vice-Patron , y , Mandeville-place , VV ., February 12 th .
BRO . MASON'S RECENT SPEECH . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — The question as recently raised by Bro . Mason , I venture for one to think most inopportunely , is of so much importance in itself for various reasons , that I must ask a
little space to express my humble opinion " thereancnt . " Bro . Mason seems to lay it down as an absolute necessity that the Secretaries of our great Charities should be present continually at the "social circle" in order to return thanks for the Charities , and appeal to the brethren for their support . At least we must suppose such is his view , otherwise
it is impossible to understand why he should so ostentatiously have lugged in the absent and worthy Secretary of the Girls' School , and proceeded to dilate and comment on the management of that Institution , when all those who were present naturally expected an eloquentsummary of the work of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and a befitting
and urgent request to make its approaching festival a great success . All this would have been equally understandable and well received ; but why the zealous Collector of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution should have expressed his opinion at all on the Girls' School when it was not asked or , I will venture to add , wanted by any of
those present , is one of those abnormal episodes which no Mason and " no fellar can understand . " Probably the orator will say he vvas misreported , & c , but from a long experience now of the " gentlemen of the press , " 1 always for one gratefully realize and recognize their anxiety to " help a lame dog over a stile , " their cleverness in getting many a speaker out of a " hobble , "
©Rtgtnal Correspondence.
their assiduity even in making sense out of what many a speaker says with such complacent if hazy egotism . Now I venture in reply to Bro . Mason to propound another proposition , which is , that it is not at all requisite to do the work of the Charity that . the Secretary of the Girls' School should , unless so desirous , attend similar
gatherings . Rather I venture to contend , as Bro . Hedges has clearly shown , that the results of each year can as satisfactorily be manifested by careful office work , as by a system of itineration and personal appeal even at the banqueting table . Bro . Hedges vvas , as some of your readers will recollect , originally elected Secretary as a reward for work
and merit , and the years which have passed away since have only served to convince his many friends in town and country , that their confidence expressed in him was not misplaced , neither vvill their reasonable expectations ever be disappointed by his careful labours for that excellent charity of which he is the zealous Secretary .
But in saying this I am not insensible , as no one can be that there are two sides to this as to every other question , and that many may think very differently and prefer another system to that pursued by Bro . Hedges deliberately . All I claim for the Secretary of the Girls' School is , be it observed , liberty of opinion and freedom of action .
The attack on Bro . Hedges and the Committee of the Girls School comes from Bro . Mason , " not vice versa . " I am one of those who fully recognize the great and remarkable efforts of Bros . Binckes and Terry on an entirely opposite plan , but I believe they would allow , as all must , that when persons do not agree on this or that , they can agree
to differ honestly and considerately . Some twenty years or thereabouts when the great pro vincial movement began , the state of things vvas very different to what it is now . Then I am not exaggerating when I assert , that there vvas great doubt in London as to the advisability of enlarging
the operations of the societies and appealing to the provinces , though then , to the honour of London , the Charities were mainly kept up by the London brethren , and the support from the provinces vvas alike limited and uncertain . Bro . Binckes with great energy threw himself into the work of ap pealing to the provinces , and no one need be
told , as we must all gratefully and admiringly acknowledge , what he did do , and how well he succeeded , what remarkable results he achieved , what difficulties he vanquished , and what a happy change he brought about . Bro . Terry at a somewhat later period took the same line of action , and it is an oft told tale to repeat what a
difference he has worked out in the interest for , and the income of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . But what vvas good and even necessary in 1 S 61 may not be necessarily good or even necessary for 18 S 3 , "unless indeed you assume as your axiom for such work , one unfailing law alike of need and effort . It is just
because , I think for one , that the Craft have been , thanks to these good workers , " educated " up to the claims of our great Charities and the Masonic duty of their active support , that 1 support the view Bro . Hedges has put into action , that so many of the lodges and brethren now admit and practice the annual obligation of supporting one
or all even of the Chanties , that the machinery of the system and anxious labour of 20 years back have become to a certain extent superfluous , and certainly not a " sine qua non . " Still , as I observed before , there should be perfect liberty of action as of opinion . If Bro . Mason prefers the system of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and
its energetic and ubiquitous Secretary for insta nee , so be . it , but surely Masonic charity and Masonic courtesy should induce him to allow to Bro . Hedges the same full liberty of theory and action he claims for himself . Or does our good brother assert "infallibility" for the opinions
he holds and the views he propounds ? 1 for one thank Bro . Hedges openly in the Freemason for the course he has consistently pursued , and I know there are many brethren both in town and country who agree with me in this respect . —1 am , sir and brother , fraternally yours ,
ONE OF BRO . HEDGES'S OLD SUPPORTERS .
To the Editor of the 'Freemason . ' Dear Sir and Brother , — I would not have troubled you with any further correspondence from myself but for the manner in which Bro . Mason in his letter of last week has referred to the balance sheet just published . I enclose a copy a glance at
which will show the incorrectness and incompleteness of his statement , which if uncorrected would be misleading . I may also briefly add that the Alexandra wing and Lyncombe House are now accommodating fully the number it vvas stated they should do . —I am , dear Sir and brother , yours
faithfully and fraternally , F . R . VV . HEDGES , Secretary . 5 , Freemasons' Hall , W . C . February 14 th . I The balance sheet is referred to in another column .- — Eo . F . M . l
To the Editor of the " brcemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As Bro . Mason , P . P . G . S . D . Middx ., and Vice-President , repeats in the last paragraph of his letter which
appeared in the last number of the Freemason , that the Secretary of the Girls' School " does not consider it part of his duty to be at the various lodges either to plead for contributions or return thanks for favours received , " allow me to say that we provincials—I sec a great number of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ad00603
TD OYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT - ** - INSTITUTION . FOR AGED FREEMASONS AND WIDOWS OF FREEMASONS , CROYDON . Patron and President : HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES , K . G ., & c , M . W . G . M . THE ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL Of this Institution vvill take place On WEDNESDAY , -Sth FEBRUARY , 1 SS 3 , AT FREEMASONS' TAVERN , GREAT QUEEN-STREET , LONDON , Upon which occasion G EN . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG , C . B ., P . G . W ., R . W . PROV . G . M . KOR SURREY , Has been pleased to signify his intention of Presiding . Brethren are earnestly invited to accept the Office of Steward upon this occasion , and they vvill greatly oblige by forwarding their Names and Masonic Rank , as soon as convenient , to the Secretary , who will gladly give any information required . JAMES TERRY , P . Prov . G . S . W . Norths and Hunts , Secretary . # * At the Election in May next there vvill be 120 Candidates for Election , whilst at the present time there are only Twelve Vacancies .
Ad00604
TO THE GOVERNORS AND SUBSCRIBERS OK THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FOR AGED FREEMASONS AND WIDOWS OF FREEMASONS . MAY ELECTION , 1 SS 3 . The favour of your Votes and Interest is earnestly solicited on behalf of BRO . WILLIAM M . FORD , In his 66 th year , now ( through the kindness of Messrs . BARCLAY & Co ., ) residing at the " Blue Anchor , " 3 , Coleman Street , Bank , and previousl y at the " Barley Mow , " Salisbury Court , Fleet Street ( The Cogers' Discussion Hall , ) who through misfortune in business is now entirely without means ; he vvas initiated in the "Domatic " Lodge , No . 177 , in February , 1 S 57 , and the " Domatic Chapter , " in March , 1 S 77 . The case is strongly recomeiided by the under mentioned Brethren , and who have kindly consented to receive proxies : Urn . las . Brett , P . M . 177 , P . G . P . ; " 4 , Sidncv Rnvl , llomcrton . „ lidnnl . Coste , P . M ., n , 1314 , P . P . G . D . C . Kent ; I ' . / . ui . j ; Distillery , Bank Street , Gravcsend . „ Thos . Culiitt , P . G . P ., P . S . G . D ., . Middlesex , l ' . M . 1 . ;; and P . Z . 1770 & c , Norfolk lions ; , Mariott Koad , Tollington Park . „ Ceo . Kvcrett , P . M . and P . Z . 177 , ijSi . and Treasurer 177 and 1 G 0 S ; no , Clapham Road . „ | . It . Foulger , P . M . 177 , 11113 , 70 S , I ' . Z . 177 ; 31 , l '' ore . Street , ' Citv . „ T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . 15 . Middlesex ; P . M . 13 S 1 , 1512 , 174 ; , I ' . Z ., K . T ., & c ., l-last Temple Chamhers , Fleet Street , K . C . „ | as . Willing , Jun ., P . M . 177 , P . M ., P . Z ., and Treas . 1507 , P . M . 1744 aiid 1000 ; 3 : 3 , Strand .
Ad00605
A Quarter-Master Serjeant retiring from the Service with a pension desires EMPLOYMENT in any Position of Trust . I . ' ndeniablc references and security if * required . —Address , J . D . B ., 20 , Olinda-road , Stamford Hill , X .
Ad00606
CARE of Offices , Chambers , or anyplace of trust . A SITUATION wanted by a brother age 43 , married , no family . —Address S . G . O . Office of Freemason , 16 , Great Queen-street , London , W . C .
Ad00608
Twelfth Edition , post-free , is . DR . WATTS on ASTHMA and BRONCHITIS . A Treatise on the only Successful Method of Curing these Diseases . By ROBERT G . WATTS , M . D ., F . R . S . L ., F . C . S ., & c , 5 , Bulstrode-street , Cavendish-square , London . London : C . Mitchell and Co ., Red Lion-court . Fleet-street .
Ad00607
TO ADVERTISERS . THE F REEMASOX has a large circulation in all parts of the Glohe . In it the official Reports of the Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , and Scotland are published with the special sanction of the respective Grand Masters , and it contains a complete record of Masonic W'irK in this country , our Indian Empire , and the Colonies . The vast accession to the ranks of the Order during ; the past few years , and the increasing interest manifested in its doings , has given the Freemason a position and influence which few journals can lav claim to , and the proprietor can assert with confidence that announcements appearing in its columns challenge the attention of a very large and influential body of readers . Advertisements for the current week ' s issue are received up to Six o ' clock on Wednesday evening .
Ad00609
TO OUR READERS . Tut F KKEMASOX is published every Friday morning , price 3 d ., and contains the fullest and latest information relating to Freemasonry in every degree . Subscriptions , including Postage : — United States , , . , ,,. . Canada , the Continent , India , China , Ceylon , United Kingdom . „ 1 ( . Colonies Sec . Arabia ,, & c . 13 s . 6 d . 15 s . 6 d . 17 s . 6 d . Remittances may be made in Stamps , but Post Ollite Orders of Cheilites arc prefer-ed , the former payable to G KOKOE KEN ' . VII , Chief Oliice , Lcndon . the latter crossed London Joint Stock Uank .
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
The following reports stand over till next week :- — Masonic Ball at Hawick . Consecration of the Honor Oak Lodge , No . 19 SC . St . Patrick ' s Lodge , No . 295 . Creaton Lodge , No . 1791 .
BOOKS , & c . RECEIVED . "The Broad Arrow , " "Allen ' s Indian Mail , " "The Freemason" ( New Zealand ) , "The Keystone , " "The New York Dispatch , " " The Pianoforte Dealer's Guide , " "Masonia , " "The Doncaster Chronicle . " "The Court Circular , " "The Yarmouth Gazette , " "The Hull Packet , "
"The New Zealand Herald , " "The Orient , " "United Service Gazette , " "May ' s British and Irish Press Guide , " "The Masonic Chronicle , " "Property Taxation and its Remedy , " "The Masonic Herald , " " Triunghiul , " "Sun Almanack , " "The Freemason" ( Sydney ) , "Public Ledger Almanack , " " Records of St . George ' s Lodge of Freemasons , " " The Masonic Advocate . "
Ar00610
S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 17 , 1883 . ^^^^ ^^^ r ^ ^^ w ^ wW ^ w ^^^ m
©Rtgtnal Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed by ourcorrcspondentSjbut we wish in a spirit of fairplay to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ! — - — THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As Chairman for the month of the House Committee of the Girls' School , permit me while thanking you for your kindly remarks regarding the School to give an exact statement of the number of Girls we are able to
provide for . The mam building contains 14 S beds , the Alexandra Wing 56 , and the junior school 35 , making 239 in all . At the last Committee meeting the number of children reported on the books vvas 239 . In the junior school there are actually 37 beds in the dormitories , but on account of the tender age of some of the children two beds are occupied by pupil teachers . The beds are placed
as close to one another as our medical officer vvill permit , having due regard to sanitary considerations , but at the utmost I do not think more than five or six beds could be added by removing fireplaces and blocking up doors ( imagine the consequences if a fire were to break out ) . I may say that I speak from my own knowledge , as I have myself counted the beds and have even gone so far as to take
measurements . With regard to the shoes , I am surprised so trivial a matter should have given rise to the absurd report you refer to ; hitherto the children have had nothing but their heavy double-soled lacc-up boots from morning until night , without even slippers . Some relief to this continuous wear of heavy
boots has for a long time occupied the attention of some members of the Committee , and they have now decided on providing what is termed an Oxford shoe . The children will now have one pair of heavy boots and a thick-soled Oxford shoe instead of two pairs of boots . The cost of the shoe will be less than that of the boots , so the change will
eventually be a saving to the Institution . I am in hope that by inducing | the children to change their shoes habits of neatness and cleanliness vvill be engendered , to say nothing of the comfort and relief to the feet . —I am , sir , yours very fraternally , J . H . MATTHEWS , Vice-Patron , y , Mandeville-place , VV ., February 12 th .
BRO . MASON'S RECENT SPEECH . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — The question as recently raised by Bro . Mason , I venture for one to think most inopportunely , is of so much importance in itself for various reasons , that I must ask a
little space to express my humble opinion " thereancnt . " Bro . Mason seems to lay it down as an absolute necessity that the Secretaries of our great Charities should be present continually at the "social circle" in order to return thanks for the Charities , and appeal to the brethren for their support . At least we must suppose such is his view , otherwise
it is impossible to understand why he should so ostentatiously have lugged in the absent and worthy Secretary of the Girls' School , and proceeded to dilate and comment on the management of that Institution , when all those who were present naturally expected an eloquentsummary of the work of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and a befitting
and urgent request to make its approaching festival a great success . All this would have been equally understandable and well received ; but why the zealous Collector of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution should have expressed his opinion at all on the Girls' School when it was not asked or , I will venture to add , wanted by any of
those present , is one of those abnormal episodes which no Mason and " no fellar can understand . " Probably the orator will say he vvas misreported , & c , but from a long experience now of the " gentlemen of the press , " 1 always for one gratefully realize and recognize their anxiety to " help a lame dog over a stile , " their cleverness in getting many a speaker out of a " hobble , "
©Rtgtnal Correspondence.
their assiduity even in making sense out of what many a speaker says with such complacent if hazy egotism . Now I venture in reply to Bro . Mason to propound another proposition , which is , that it is not at all requisite to do the work of the Charity that . the Secretary of the Girls' School should , unless so desirous , attend similar
gatherings . Rather I venture to contend , as Bro . Hedges has clearly shown , that the results of each year can as satisfactorily be manifested by careful office work , as by a system of itineration and personal appeal even at the banqueting table . Bro . Hedges vvas , as some of your readers will recollect , originally elected Secretary as a reward for work
and merit , and the years which have passed away since have only served to convince his many friends in town and country , that their confidence expressed in him was not misplaced , neither vvill their reasonable expectations ever be disappointed by his careful labours for that excellent charity of which he is the zealous Secretary .
But in saying this I am not insensible , as no one can be that there are two sides to this as to every other question , and that many may think very differently and prefer another system to that pursued by Bro . Hedges deliberately . All I claim for the Secretary of the Girls' School is , be it observed , liberty of opinion and freedom of action .
The attack on Bro . Hedges and the Committee of the Girls School comes from Bro . Mason , " not vice versa . " I am one of those who fully recognize the great and remarkable efforts of Bros . Binckes and Terry on an entirely opposite plan , but I believe they would allow , as all must , that when persons do not agree on this or that , they can agree
to differ honestly and considerately . Some twenty years or thereabouts when the great pro vincial movement began , the state of things vvas very different to what it is now . Then I am not exaggerating when I assert , that there vvas great doubt in London as to the advisability of enlarging
the operations of the societies and appealing to the provinces , though then , to the honour of London , the Charities were mainly kept up by the London brethren , and the support from the provinces vvas alike limited and uncertain . Bro . Binckes with great energy threw himself into the work of ap pealing to the provinces , and no one need be
told , as we must all gratefully and admiringly acknowledge , what he did do , and how well he succeeded , what remarkable results he achieved , what difficulties he vanquished , and what a happy change he brought about . Bro . Terry at a somewhat later period took the same line of action , and it is an oft told tale to repeat what a
difference he has worked out in the interest for , and the income of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . But what vvas good and even necessary in 1 S 61 may not be necessarily good or even necessary for 18 S 3 , "unless indeed you assume as your axiom for such work , one unfailing law alike of need and effort . It is just
because , I think for one , that the Craft have been , thanks to these good workers , " educated " up to the claims of our great Charities and the Masonic duty of their active support , that 1 support the view Bro . Hedges has put into action , that so many of the lodges and brethren now admit and practice the annual obligation of supporting one
or all even of the Chanties , that the machinery of the system and anxious labour of 20 years back have become to a certain extent superfluous , and certainly not a " sine qua non . " Still , as I observed before , there should be perfect liberty of action as of opinion . If Bro . Mason prefers the system of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and
its energetic and ubiquitous Secretary for insta nee , so be . it , but surely Masonic charity and Masonic courtesy should induce him to allow to Bro . Hedges the same full liberty of theory and action he claims for himself . Or does our good brother assert "infallibility" for the opinions
he holds and the views he propounds ? 1 for one thank Bro . Hedges openly in the Freemason for the course he has consistently pursued , and I know there are many brethren both in town and country who agree with me in this respect . —1 am , sir and brother , fraternally yours ,
ONE OF BRO . HEDGES'S OLD SUPPORTERS .
To the Editor of the 'Freemason . ' Dear Sir and Brother , — I would not have troubled you with any further correspondence from myself but for the manner in which Bro . Mason in his letter of last week has referred to the balance sheet just published . I enclose a copy a glance at
which will show the incorrectness and incompleteness of his statement , which if uncorrected would be misleading . I may also briefly add that the Alexandra wing and Lyncombe House are now accommodating fully the number it vvas stated they should do . —I am , dear Sir and brother , yours
faithfully and fraternally , F . R . VV . HEDGES , Secretary . 5 , Freemasons' Hall , W . C . February 14 th . I The balance sheet is referred to in another column .- — Eo . F . M . l
To the Editor of the " brcemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As Bro . Mason , P . P . G . S . D . Middx ., and Vice-President , repeats in the last paragraph of his letter which
appeared in the last number of the Freemason , that the Secretary of the Girls' School " does not consider it part of his duty to be at the various lodges either to plead for contributions or return thanks for favours received , " allow me to say that we provincials—I sec a great number of