Masonic Notes.

looking at home first , and giving its chief support to its own Educational Fund . But this year Cheshire has come out with flying colours , raising ^ , ' 124 for the Girls' School , ^ 1050 for the Boys' School , and over is of

^ 468 for its local Institute . This work which even a larger Province would have good reason to be proud , and anything in the nature of an apology would have been out of place .

* * * It is also satisfactory to note that the Prov . Grand Master has not only impressed upon the brethren the necessity of supporting the Jubilee of the Benevolent Institution and establishing a local annuity fund for

aged Masons and their widows , but has promised to head the subscription lists in both cases with a donation of 50 guineas . Under so generous a chief Cheshire cannot fail to make its influence felt in this field of Masonic duty .

Equally successful was the meeting at South Shields of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham at about the same date , and Bro . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., Prov . G . M ., must have been gratified at finding that the reports of the various Committees were of

such an inspiriting character . Here , likewise , the Province has been doing good work , the sums voted to the Masonic Charities and for local charitable purposes , as recommended by the Fund Committee , amounting to more than £ 350 . The statistics also showed a slight

increase in the aggregate membershi p of the Province , while the Provincial Grand Master referred with considerable satisfaction to the approaching consecration of a new lodge , for which his Royal Highness the

M . W . G . M . has already granted his warrant . In short , Durham has done well during the past year , and well deserves the kindly commendation bestowed upon it by its respected chief .

* * * What are commonly known as "class" lodges can hardly be said to come strictly within the scope or purpose of Freemasonry , which is intended to bring together , not men of one class or grade of society , but

men of all classes or grades . But if any apology is at any time desired for the establishment of this description of lodge , we think it will be found in the Lodge of . / Esculapius , which was consecrated the other day by the Grand Secretary , and which the founders propose to

confine strictly to members of the medical profession . There is in this , as in other callings , a kind of Freemasonry existing among those who pursue it . There is , indeed , no profession in which the members are so ready to

promote each other ' s well-being as the medical , and the establishment of a medical lodge will certainly have the effect of bringing the Masonic members still closer together than in the past . We heartily wish it every possible success in its career .

We have received a further letter from Bro . W . Nicholl , P . M ., P . P . G . Treasurer East Lancashire , in which he complains of our remarks in declining to insert a letter with which he favoured us on the subject of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

expenditure . Perhaps we should have been acting more discreetly if we had taken to heart the advice said to have been once tendered b y a judge to a jury which had delivered its verdict , and was on the point of adding its reasons for such a deliverance . But we

must decline to acknowledge that in explaining wh y we did not insert Bro . Nicholl ' s letter , we overstepped the limits of propriety or courtesy . We must add that we are still actuated b y those reasons , and , with all deference , therefore , to our worthy brother , we must decline to insert either his first or his later letter .

* * * A short while since Bro . John Robshaw , of the Ravenscroft Lodge , No . 233 1 , Barnet , Herts , presented the Trafalgar Lodge , No . 971 , Batley , West Yorkshire , with a handsome kneeling-stool , and in

recognition of this act of kindness the latter body , at its regular meeting on the 24 th ult ., unanimously passed a resolution to the effect , " That the best

thanks of this lodge be accorded to Bro . John Robshaw , No . 2331 , for the presentation made by him to the Trafalgar Lodge , No . 971 , Batley , of a kneelingstool . "

* * * It will be in the recollection of our readers that in 188 4 the chief corner-stone of the New Central Tower of Peterborough Cathedral was laid with Masonic

ceremonial by the late Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , acting for the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . Subsequently steps were taken to raise among the Freemasons of this country a sum sufficient to erect sundry oak stalls in the choir of the restored Cathedral .

Masonic Notes.

Two have already been set up , and there being a balance remaining after the cost of these had been defrayed , endeavours are being made to raise a further sum of about ^ 40 , which , with the aforesaid balance and sundry subscriptions either promised or paid , it is

estimated will suffice for the erection of a third stall , so that the service rendered by our late Pro Grand Master to Peterborough may be suitably commemorated . The Hon . Secretaries of the Fund are

Bro . E . Vergette , jun ., North-street , and Bro . H . C . Clarabut , Market-place , Peterborough , who will gladly receive subscriptions and forward information . * * *

H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught will preside at the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex , at the Royal Pavilion , Brighton , on Thursday , the 22 nd inst . * * *

On Wednesday the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls at Battersea Rise had the honour of receiving a visit from the Princess Mary ( Duchess of Teck ) and her daughter , the Princess May . Her Royal Highness on her arrival was received by Bro . E . Letchworth , P . G . D .,

Chairman of the House Committee ; Bro . Alderman Sir Joseph Savory , Bart ., Lord Mayor of London , who is a member of the same Committee ; and other officers of the Institution ; while the Lady Mayoress and the Lord Provost of Glasgow were also present . When

the visitors had been conducted over the School , the children , who were assembled in the hall , sang the National Anthem and several p . art songs , and then gave a display of their calisthenic exercises , with which the Princesses expressed themselves as being highly gratified .

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 limits—free discussion . ] MASONIC BIBLIOGRAPHY .

To the Editor of the "Freemason . ' ' Dear Sir and Brother , I fully endorse all that my friend and Bro . G . W . Bain ( of Sunderland ) has said in warm appreciation of the value of the labours of Bros . H . J . Whymper , CLE ., and George Taylor . The catalogue

of our Anglo-Indian bibliographer is a most interesting one , and no one of late years has done so much to advance the study of Masonic bibliograph y as Bro . Whymper , who '' in season and out of season " has been indefatigable , even to moving us to work more here in England , and in India he alone , unaided , has really achieved wonders .

Considering that the " Bibliographical Notes" to the Worcestershire " Masonic Catalogue " are by me , I cannot speak quite freely as to the worth and usefulness of the work , but inasmuch as the massive volume contains particulars of many hundreds of scarce and important books , medals , MSS ., & c , its value should be apparent , and the edition soon subscribed for .

To use the words of the Freemason , Bro . Taylor s catalogue " has neither equal nor rival , and is simply indispensable . " The ever " vigilant eye" of Bro . Bain has " spotted " a lack , however , for unfortunately a set of the " Quatuor Coronati Lodge " Transactions is not in the collection . It is a fine opportunity for some brother to supply this deficiency . Who will respond ?—Yours fraternally , W . J . HUGHAN .

Reviews.

Reviews .

THE MASONIC YEAR BOOK FOR THE PROVINCE OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE , . 1891 . This very handy and beautifully-printed little guide for-Cambridgeshire is edited , printed , and published by Bro . W . P . Spalding , S . W . 88 , P . P . G . S . of W ., " advised and assisted by a Committee appointed by

Provincial Grand Lodge . " It does not seem to be of quite the general interest that 1890 was , though its usefulness and accuracy are as evident as ever . There are but six lodges in the province , with a roll of 357 ( an average of nearly 60 ) , being a slight increase on previous returns . It will readily be seen that , allowing

for absentees and the usual number of non-subscribers , there cannot be much of a subscription list to cheer the publisher ; hence it should be officially issued by the province , by the same able editor , and the cost distributed , pro rata , over the half dozen lodges , as is done by some larger provinces . The

senior lodge started in 1 754 , and the junior was formed in 1885 . There are four Royal Arch chapters , being a large proportion for the number of lodges . There are also two Mark lodges , one Knights Templar preceptory , and two Rose Croix chapters worked in the

province , so that the Hautes Grades are in full strength , as they should be at one of the great " Seats of Learning . " Bro . Spalding ought to have the warm support of the local Craft for the valiant stand he makes under rather depressing circumstances , and we hope he will get all he so richly deserves .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft flDasonr ^ METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .

Temple Lodge ( No . 101 ) . —The regular meeting- of this highly successful lodge was held at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street , on Tuesday , the Gth inst ., when there were present Bros . Frank Williams , W . M . ; Wynn , P . M ., S . W . ; Brandon White , P . M ., J . W . ; Lardner , P . M ., Sec ; H . Woods , S . D . ; F . Wint , J . D . ; C . Plant , I . G . ; Horace Petley , Org . ; J . Budd , Steward ; Jas .

Minter Flegg , I . P . M . ; T . H . Bullock , P . M . ; Youle , P . M . ; W . Briant , T . Ruff , T . Mansell , Yorke Payten , H . Eyre , J . Shelvey , B . Dowsett , W . Cooper Keates , C . Lankester , R . White , W . G . Groom , G . Harrison , H . Mathers , A . Weston , and R . Potter , Tyler . The visitors were Bros . C . H . Stone , J . W . 507 ; R . Cleed , 1507 ; J . N . Stephens , 171 S ; J . E . Osterstock , J . W . 1185 ; C .

Evans , P . M . 1922 ; F . Joseph , J . W . 204 S ; W . T . Warner , J . W . 1297 ; J . Roach , I . P . M . 1579 ; and R . J . Voisey , P . M . 1329 . The minutes of last regular and emergency meetings were read and confirmed . A ballot was taken for Mr . Morant , which was unanimous in his favour , and he was afterwards initiated in a most impressive manner . The ballot was

alsounanimousforajoiningmember , Bro . H . Mathers . Three propositions were tendered for initiation and one for joining , which augurs well for the lodge . Letters of apology were read from the Senior and Junior Wardens for nonattendance through great pressure of business and sickness . A sum of 10 guineas was heartily voted to a distressed brother of the lodge who was deeply afflicted .

The business of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , personally superintended by Bro . Ashby , the indefatigable manager . The cloth having been removed , the Worshipful Master gave the loyal and Masonic toasts in a highly commendable manner , and they were received most heartily . The toast of " The Pro G . M ., D . G . M ., and the rest of

the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was in like manner o-iven by the Worshipful Master , who stated that those who had the privilege of witnessing their labours for the good of the Craft could not but be thankful to them for the manner they carried out their arduous duties . The next toast was that of " The Worshipful Master , " o-iven by Bro . M . Flegg , I . P . M ., who stated that it was a

most p leasant duty . The brethren knew his kind and genial manner , in fact he was second to none in popularity . What he does is done exceedingly well , and none could occupy the position better than he . The W . M . was quite capable of holding his own . He then gave the toast of the W . M ., which was received most enthusiastically . In reply , the VV . M . most cordially thanked the I . P . M .

for his very kind remarks , and also the cordial reception it had received at the hands of all the brethren . He was pleased to attend to the duties of the lodge , and to preside over such an assemblage . Of one thing he was proudthat above the excellent work of all the brethren the Charities were so nobly supported by them . The W . M . next gave the toast of " The Initiate , "

remarking that their brother had come highly recommended to the lodge , and he had every belief that he would prove himself a good and true Mason , and one worthy of the Temple Lodge . The Initiate replied , and said that the one desire of his heart had been fulfilled that night—that of becominga Mason , and he would endeavour to live the life of one , and prove

himself worthy of the Craft . The toast of " The Visitors " was given in very appropriate terms by the W . M ., who stated the pleasure it gave the lodge to receive them , and gave them all a most hearty welcome . There were several distinguished brethren present , some for the first time , but he trusted that thev might be amongst the brethren visiting the Temple Lodge on many

future occasions . Bros . Osterstock , Roach , and Evans in their replies one and all remarked on the excellent working of the lodge , and particularly of having such a W . M . and I . P . M ., who had carried out their duties in such a laudable manner . Of their hospitality it was universally agreed that none were more heartily welcomed than brethren attending the lodge .

That of " The Past Masters " was given by the Worshipful Master in eulogistic terms , who said one and all ably assisted him in bringing about such a splendid success . Their readiness at all times to perform whatever du . ies they were called upon was evidenced that night , and he most heartily thanked them . Bros . White , P . M ., and Bullock , P . M ., most suitably

replied , stating the pleasure it gave them to advance the interests of the lodge and to keep up its prestige . They heartily thanked the brethren for such a cordial greeting . They expressed their sorrow that one of the oldest and most respected of their number was absent through a most severe illness , Bro . Thomas , P . M ., and their hearty desire was that he might be spared to be again among them very

shortly . , The Worshipful Master next gave the toast of "The Secretary and Acting Treasurer , Bro . Lardner , P . M ., " who the Worshipful Master stated was the main support of the lodge ; in fact , it would be impossible to find one so capable of carrying out the combined duties so well as he , and with such a kind and pleasing manner . His whole desire was to enhance the comfort of the brethren and keep up the

prestige of the lodge . The toast having been drunk with enthusiasm , Bro . Lardner , in reply , thanked the W . M . for the eulogiums heaped upon him , but it could not be otherwise considering the Worshipful Master ' s influence upon the lodge , and it was only his aim to emulate him and all the preceding Masters . He spoke in very

feeling terms of Bro . Thomas , the treasurer , now lying dangerously ill , who had served the lodge so well for many years , and he trusted the brethren would not withhold the helping hand . It would always be his endeavou . - to keep the lodge , as at present , in a prosperous condition . The Worshipful Master gave the' toast of " The Officers , " remarking that he was sure no lodge could boast of better .