Correspondence.

Correspondence .

Ve do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but \\ e wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limitsfree discussion .

TYLER'S RECORD SERVICE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In your edition of Feb . 4 th , a " query " appeared asking if 40 years

was a record for a Tyler ' s services . On Jan . 3 rd , 1899 , Bro . R . Lane , P . P . G . Tyler Staffs , was invested as Tyler in the Abbey Lodge , No . 624 , for the 45 th time . At the same installation \ V . Bro . W . J . Gothard , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., was invested as D . of C . for the 33 rd time , and appointed Treasurer of the lodge for the 30 th year . —Yours fraternally ,

F . GOTHARD , P . M . and Sec . 624 . Bearwood House , Burton-on-Trent , February 8 th .

ANOTHER QUERY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , At the installation meeting of the Lodge of Freedom , No . 77 , held on July , 1898 , Bro . George Martin was invested as Tyler for the 53 rd time . He has also held the office of Tyler to the Lodge of Sympathy , No . 483 , also in this town , for 51 years . Is this a record for Tyler ' s services ?—Yours fraternally .

FRANK HITCHENS , P . M . and D . C . 77 , P . P . G . Reg . Kent . 3 8 , Windmill-street , Gravesend , February 9 th .

Reviews.

Reviews .

NORTHUMBRIAN MASONRY . —Our esteemed Grand Registrar , Bro . John strachan , Q . C ., has written and published a very interesting and valuable volume on " Northumbrian Masonry" ( George Kenning , 18 9 8 ) , which he and his brother , T . Y . Strachan , have made their particular study lor many years past , and which the Grand Registrar especially has exhaustively and entertainingly treated from almost prehistoric times down to the present time . Bro Strachan has long taken a direct interest in all that concerns the origin , progress , and welfare of the Craft in the County of Northumberland , as a P . M . of No . 6 S 5 , Newcastle-on-Tyne , and P . Prov . S . G . W . and P . Prov . G .

Secretary of the Province , so that he is entitled to speak with authority based upon an intimate acquaintance of the Fraternity locally , and his researches have also fitted him to describe the development of the Craft in England generally . It is not my purpose , however , to give any lengthy summary or digest of the varied contents of the volume , for the Editor of the Freemason has already most appreciatively and ably written a series of carefully prepared articles on the main features and distinctive characteristics of the work , which have placed studious brethren , at least , in the possession of a trusty guide to keep by them , while reading the handsomely printed Annals of the Northumbrian Craft . Besides which , my friend Bro . John Lane , F . C . A .,

some little time since , wrote a thoughtful review of the book for the transactions of the "Quatuor Coronati Lodge "—the first of the kind I have seen or read , though not yet published—so that there is really no need for my notice thereof , save to express the hope that its circulation will continue to be as gratifying in the _ future , as it has during the last few weeks of its advent . There is just one thing that would add to the value of Bro . Strachan's labours , and that is a more intimate acquaintance with , or fuller references to , recent Masonic literature , so that he could _ point out from time to time works that might be consulted by his readers who desire to continue their researches into the intricacies and evidences of the

History of the British Craft . Of course , the great importance of the volume is its originality generally , and that I do not wish to ignore . As cases in point , take Bro . Conder ' s History of the Masons' Company , or a more frequent use of Bro . Gould's * ' History of Freemasonry , " or of Bro . Lane's " Masonic Records , 1717—1 S 94 " ( i . e ., the second edition ) ^ It is quite correct that the title of Grand Lodge of all England " nowhere appears in the minutes [ of the York Grand Lodge ] until the revival in 1761 , " but I am not at all sure it was not used before then , for Bro . Francis Drake , in hisoration delivered in 1726 ,+ when J . G . W ., thus referred to the subject : " There is sufficient to make us dispute the superiority with the Lodges in London . But as nought of that

kind ought to be amongst so amiable a Fraternity , we are content they enjoy the Title of Grand Master of England ; but the Tolius Anglitv we claim as our undoubted Right . " + There are some excellent plates in Bro . Gould ' s colossal History which should be examined relative to the Masons' Arms in the 17 th Century , at Gateshead and other towns ; as also concerning the motto ; and Bro . Conder ' s able volume is of great use in such an inquiry . _ But my principal desire now is to add my meed of praise , and express my warm appreciation of Bro . Strachan ' s eff arts to do justice to Northumbrian Freemasonry , in which , undoubtedly , he has succeeded most admirably and effectually , and of which H . R . H . the Prince of Wales has graciously accepted the Dedication . W . J . HUGHAN .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

1129 ] THE KENT JEWEL . I shall be glad to know if any more Badges of the same design have been traced , in connection with the Prov . G . Lodge of Kent , A . D . 1794-5 , as Bro . George Kenning ' s fine medal of the Prov . Grand Master ' s ; and which I described from the excellent Illustration in last week ' s Freemason . There may have been a set , and if so , others may be preserved . W . J . HUGHAN .

Scotland.

Scotland .

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR . Priory of Glasgow . A meeting of this Priory was he-Id on Wednesday , the Sth instant , in the Masonic Hall , West Recent-street , Glasgow . The Piior , Sir Alexander Muir Mackenzie , Bart ., presided , and among those present were Fratres J . Dalrymple Duncan , Major F . W . J

Allan , Lolin W . Scott , Kees lnce , and hmile Merger , and a deputation from the Edinburgh Priory . Six aspirants were admitted to the Order . At the close of the meeting the Fratres dined in the Windsor Hotel , the Prior being Chairman , and J . Dalrymple Duncan Croupier . A most excellent dinner was served .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

Golden Rule Lodge , No . 1261 . The large number of brethren in the Metropolis—and their name is legion—who are familiar with the bonhomie and humour of Bro . Herbert Schartau , P . P . G . Org ., will be'interested to know that he has at last attained the dignity of the chair , having been installed at the Cafe Rcyal on the 7 th inst . Bro . Schartau's friends , especially his brother artistes , mustered in strong force , and the result was a most enjoyable evening and a musical treat .

The members present included Bros . Dr . C . Imray Kirton , W . M . ; H . W . Schartau , S . W ., W . M . elect ; F . W . Levy ; G . A . Edell , Sec . ; H . Hicklin ; A . Farquharson Roberts , P . M . ; R . Barnes , P . M . ; Herbert Gardiner , P . M . ; W . W . Hayworth , P . M . ; A . Allworth , P . M . ; and A . W . Pritchett , P . M . Visitors : Bros . T . H , Gardiner , P . A . G . D . of C . ; J . M . Robertson , P . M . ; F . Inskipp , W . M . 2661 ; A ,

Finlay , P . M . 5 , P . G S . ; J . Plant , P . P . G . Org . ; R . T . Wottlfe , 155 6 ; D . Baron Russell , 933 ; J . G . Vigo , P . M . 1671 ; V . Jagulski , P . M . 534 ; F . Thomas , I . G . 1 So ; H . L . Sarson , 2000 ; W . Bowles , 144 ; S . Forman , 193 ; T . Norman Pryor , 212 ; A . H . P . Snow , J . W . 2191 ; E . A . Jehring , P . M . 1 S 58 ; C . P . Langford , J . D . 21 ; J . C . Ward , 303 ; T . W . Eastgate , P . M . 1563 ; W . Potter , P . M . 1260 ; C . T . Johnson , 1706 ; F . H . Davies , 2006 " : W . W . Lee , P . M . ; and others .

Lodge was opened , the minutes confirmed , and a satisfactory Audit Report was adopted . Bro . H . W . Schartau was then presented as W . M . elect , and was duly installed into the chair by Bro . Dr . Kirton . The following officers were appointed , and were invested , with the exception of the Treasurer , from whom a telegram was received from Cairo expressing " Hearty good wishes " : Bros . F . W . Levy , S . W . ; W . H . Cleland , J . W . ; W . Hicklin , Treas . ; G . A . Edell , Sec . ; H . Hicklin , S . D . ; A . O . Davies , J . D . ; R . J . Schrader , I . G . ; and C . Patrick , Tyler . The I . P . M . was presented with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , which was duly acknowledged , and the lodge was closed .

After a choice banquet the usual toasts were quickly given—not too rapidly for the full display of genuine feeling , but with an absence of any fulsome ( lattery or extravagant language . Bro . T . H . Gardner , P . A . G . D . C , replied for " The Grand Officers , " and said it was always a pleasure to visit the various lodges and see what was going on . The G . Officers were not idle men , and valued good work done . He apologised for a late attendance , but pleaded misdirection by those who invited him .

Bro . Dr . C I . Kirton , I . P . M ., proposed "The W . Master , " and said there was a fine musical programme before them , and as the W . M . had smelt the battle from afar , he had had some difficulty in getting in this toast at all . He referred to the newlyinstalled W . M . as their late lamented and very respected S . W ., and expressed his pleasure at seeing him preside so gracefully in the chair . His many virtues and qualities need not be dilated upon , for as Bro . Schartau was so well known , they could be taken as read . The W . M . evidently intended to have a busy year , having proposed two gentlemen for initiation , and , speaking for the members , any friends of his would he welcome .

Bro . H . W , Schartau , P . P . G . Org . Middx ., W . M ., who met with a hearty reception , said that having asked them to be brief he could not do better than set them the example . He thanked them very heartily for the way in which they had proposed and received the toast . He trusted they would have a happy year together , and he would try his best to make it so . The W . M . then gave "The I . P . M ., " stating that Bro . Kirton was a busy man , and it was therefore to his credit that he had done the work so well .

The I . P . M . acknowledged the toast , after which Bro . Allworth , P . M ., answered for "The Past Masters" as senior P . M ., and wished the W . M . a good year of office , feeling sure he would be well supported by the officers . " The Visitors " was responded to by Bros . J . Plant , P . P . G . Org ., and J . C . Ward . In giving "The Officers , " the W . M . recommended to their notice the three Ps .: punctuality in attendance , punctuality in payment , and proficiency in working .

" The Health of the Treasurer , Bro . Hicklin , " absent in Cairo , was heartily received , and a cordial toast was accorded the large number of musical brethren who had assisted in the entertainment , and for whom Bro . Kift returned thanks . The programme of music included items by Miss Kate Cherry , Miss Gertrude Snow , Miss Beatrice Ashton , Miss Emily Foxcroft , Miss Marie Hooton , Miss Marian Blinkhorn , Bros . Frank Tebbutt , W . Fell , J . Bartlett , C . Ellison , P . M . ; E .

Branscombe , Geo . Stubbs , Jas . Brand , Jno . Josey , and Bertram Mills , Mr . W . R . Maxwell , and Mr . and Mrs . Frederic Upton . Those brethren who have had an opportunity of hearing Bro . Schartau ' s humorous rendering of a prophetic song entitled " In glorious days to come " will doubtless appreciate the following lines written at the banquet table : With Schartau as Master , we'll fear no disaster , And none of us e ' er will look glum ; For the fun will not cool , under his GOLDEN RULE , In the glorious days to come .

Islington Lodge , No . 1471 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the gth inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury . Bro . E . J . Harrison , W . M ., presided , and was supported by the following brethren : Bros . H . B . Harding , P . M . ; R . Loomes , P . M . ; D . C . Ritchie , P . M . ; J . R . Blount , P . M . ; H . Cox , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . Herts . ; A . Cox , P . M . ; A . Henning , F . Meyer , J . F . Wahlers , W . F . Roberts , T . Spotswood , F . H . Palmer , D . C . Attwater , E . A . Wagstaff , W . E . Perkover , F . Simmonds , W .

Goring , " . L . Damelsson , W . Pannell , A . Buckland , G . Fullbrooks , R . Bluden , E . H . Bury , P . Faber , J . R . White , J . H . Thurman , C . Weber , A . Pope , J . Johnson , E . A . Beer , E . H . Yexley , and others . The visitors were Bros . C . J . Moore , S . W . 70 ; A . ) . Merry , 19 S 1 ; W . S . Lawrence , 1572 ; G . Freeman , 1929 ; W . Lawrence , 2416 ; W . J . Williams , 1524 ; J . Duncan , P . M . 59 ; V . J . R . Longman , W . M . 132 S ; W . Hancock , P . M . 2191 ; F . Gardner , 276 ; F . Allen , P . M . 16 SG ; A . Williams , 15 S 4 ; F . Cakebread , 1175 ; R . Philip Upton , P . M . 132 S ; J . Petch , P . M . 2278 , P . P . G . S . B . Herts ; and F . Louis Schneider , 2512 .

The first business was to pass Bro . F . H . Palmer , and to ballot for , and initiate , Mr . James Waller , and these ceremonies having been admirably performed b y the W . M ., he vacated the chair in favour of Bro . E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec , the senior P . M . of the ledge , and Bro . C . Isler , S . W ., W . M . elect , was presented for installation and placed in the chair of K . S .. He was then proclaimed by Bro . A . Cox , P . M ., and the following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . C . Horst , S . W . ; F . W . White , J . W . ; S . Napper , P . M ., Treas . ( re-elected ); E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec . ( re-appointed ); W .

Taylor , S . D . ; G . E . Walker , JT ) . ; C M . Coxon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Herts . D . C . ( reappointed ); T . E . Newman , I . G . ; E . H . Bury and A . Pope , Stwds . ; E . J . Bury , Org . ; and G . Couchman , Tyler . The address to the W . M . was then given by Bro . E . J . Harrison , I . P . M ., that to the Wardens by Bro . R . Liomes , P . M ., and the one to the brethren by Bro . C . M . Coxon , P . M . ; five P . Ms , taking part in the installation ceremony , an arrangement which commended itself to the brethren present . The Past Master's jewel , voted at the previous meeting , was presented to Bro . Harrison , I . P . M ., and suitably acknowledged by him .

The names of two gentlemen ( candidates for initiation ) were proposed , and the lodge was closed . The brethren adjourned to the banquet , which being concluded , the W . M . proposed the usual toasts . "The Initiate , Bro . Waller , " received a very hearty greeting , to which he replied . "The Health of the W . M . " was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm , and "The I . P . M ., Bro . Harrison , " had also a very cordial reception .

'' The I lealth of the Visitors " having been proposed , a hearty welcome was accorded them . Bros . V . J . R . Longman , W . M . 132 S ; C J . Moore , S . W . 70 ; and W . Hancock , P . M . 2191 , replied . Bro . C . M . Coxon replied for the toast of "The Past Masters , " and the Treasurer , Bro . Napper , P . M ., and Secretary , Bro . Blinkhorn , P . M ., in their respective capacities . " The Officers of the Lodge " and the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .