Correspondence.

Warden in the examination of sundry applicants for relief . One of them was an Irishman , who had served in the Royal Engineers , and had been discharged through failing eyesight . A pedlar , his then application was for the modest sum of five shillings , to renew his hawker ' s licence , which had then run out . He produced a discharge from one of the London

Ophthalmic Hospitals . As to his Masonic credentials , he had been a member of a military lodge , attached to a cavalry regiment , the name or number of which I cannot at the moment call to mind , but which he said was defunct . Unfortunately we had not a calendar by us at the time , or this latter statement could have been verified , or otherwise . Certificate he had none ; it had

been slolen or lost during his sojourn in the hospital , This important documentary proof of identity , however , was overlooked , for the reason that the man had actually been similarly relieved by the WicUham Lodge three years ago . In the end he got the money for his hawkers' licence , and another live shillings besides . His name is John or James Donovan .

Now for the discovery I hinted at in the beginning of this letter . Only a few days ago 1 became a subscriber to your Irish contemporary , and , on looking over the back numbers , noticed a letter of complaint and exposure from Bro . T . H . Clarke , P . AL and Almoner Harmony Lodge , No . 555 , Fermoy , which in every respect fitted in with the case of the individual

applying to the Wickham Lodge last week . In addition , he is proved this time last year to have applied to other lodges in Ireland , under the name of Green , Greer , & c . Further , his exposure was brought about in Fermoy through his passing himself off as a former member of No . 555 , when applying for relief to a Surrey lodge , name not given , in the Masonic

Visitor . The Almoner of the latter lodge had written to the Secretary of the lodge in Fermoy . Hence the clumsy impostor was hoist with his own petard . Donovan is now back again in his old haunts , and , before the majority of the London lodges break up for the summer recess , he may probably be improving the shining hour . Secretaries and Almoners will therefore please note . —Yours fraternally ,

W . F . LAMONBY . May 14 .

THE RIGHTS OF A P . AL To thc Editor of the "Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , Would you kindly insert the following , if you think it would be of any use to the Craft in general . There is one of our laws which 1 think would be of great benefit if it could be altered , namely , the law

relating to a P . M . who has lost his seat in Grand Lodge through having been a non-subscribing member to any lodge for over 12 months . I can only state my own experience . I am an old P . AL , and often carry on the duties cf the W . AL in giving the Three Degrees and in the management of the lodge to which I now belong . If I were to accept the office of W . AL at the

next election I should be keeping another younger brother out . Is this brotherly to do so ' : Why punish a lodge or its members because a P . AI . has , from no fault of his own , been a non-subscriber for 12 months . All promotion in a lodge must be stopped to enable thc P . AL to regain his lost rank . Would it not be better to state a number of years wherein a P . AL should be a subscribing member to a lodge say

three or five years—to be able to reinstate him in the books of Grand Lodge than to compel him to go through the chairagain ' : Perhaps he might join a lodge wherein he could not get the opportunity . That also would be a hard case . —1 am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , P . AL 32 YEARS . London , Alay Sth .

ROYAL STANDARD LODGE , No . 1298 . Tothe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In your impression of the 20 th ult ., I notice a report of the meeting of the Royal Standard Lodge , No . uiS . As in that notice 1 am named as the Secretary , I presume it refers to the installation meeting

of the Royal Standard Lodge , No . / 2 . 0 . V , held at the Cock Hotel , Highbury , on Wednesday , April 3 rd . As the notice contains very many inaccuracies , I shall esteem it a favour if you will permit me to say that it did not emanate from me , and that , in no sense , am I

responsible for it having been sent for insertion in your valuable paper . I imagine it must have been written by a brother a stranger to the lodge , and I doubt very much if lie were present at the lodge meeting or at the banquet that followed . —I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , W . HAYNES DUNN , P . M ., Secretary , a , Brownswood Park , N ., April 22 nd .

Reviews

REVIEWS

"P ROVINCE OF NORFOLK . FREEMASONS'CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY , 1 X 05-1 * 6 . "—This is a small publication , in comparison with some of the Alasonic annuals , but the information is so ably condensed and neatly arranged and piloted , that the particulars are numerous and valuable , thus rendering it a positive boon to the members of the province , and to all interested in the progress , Masonically } of the county . The tditoi is Hit esteemed Piov . Giand

Reviews

Secretary ( Bro . G . W . G . Barnard ) , who has discharged the duties of that oflice in an admirable manner . All the Degrees worked in Norfolk are duly attended to , with the names of the officers , Past Alasters , & c , Prov . and Grand rank ( if any ) , dates of warrants , number of members ,

& c , & c . There are 17 lodges and seven Royal Arch chapters , the senior of the former being of 173 6 , and of the latter A . u . 17 SS . There is no account of any centenary warrant for the " Royal George" Chapter , No . 52 , but it is to be hoped the members can trace their continuous working .

" F REEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY' FOR THE PROVINCE OF ESSEX , 1 S 95 . "—Bro . Thomas J . Ralling , the indefatigable Provincial Grand Secretary , is the editor of this excellent annual , which is now in its eleventh year of publication , the last issue being undoubtedly the best of this most useful series . A very pleasing portrait and brief sketch of Sir William N . Abdy , Bart ., with a

reproduction of the architect ' s view of the new Alasonic Temple , Kelvedon , are the attractive features of this directory , the handsome building having been presented by this worthy brother ( who is now the VV . M . ) to the members of the " Easterford " Lodge , No . 2342 , as also the whole of the most complete furniture . There are kitchen , servingroom , and lavatories , hot water pipes and radiators , and

every comfort and advantage possible for the purpose . Bro . Ralling has introduced a new page in this year's edition , devoted to a list of Provincial Grand Lodges since 1 SS 3 , and there is also an additional one , so as to include another lodge , making the 37 th , the latest addition being the " Thomas Railing , " No . 250 S , Chingford . A novelty this year is the coloured page , with the title of the division ,

whenever a change of matter is introduced , i . e ., " Craft Masonry , " "Royal Arch Alasonry , " & c , thus enabling one to find any portion more easily . There are 11 Royal Arch chapters and seven Mark lodges in Essex , so that these two branches are not quite so strong as the Craft lodges in proportion . Bro . R . H . Ives , who has attended

to the votes for the Charities , has done his part admirably , having the enormous total of 93 C 6 to arrange and chronicle . The Calendar is , frjm first to last , a most creditable production , jand would be perfect if the number of members in each Iodge and chapter , with the total to the 37 lodges and the 11 chapters had been inserted at pages 31 and 71 respectively .

"MASONIC YEAR BOOK FOR THE PROVINCE OF SUFFOLK , 1 S 95 . Ipswich . S . H . Cowell , Butter Alarket . " — This is an annual publication , issued by authority of the Prov . Grand Lodge , and edited by the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . N . Tracey , whose services in this respect and many others have long endeared him to the local Craft . The information is much as usual in such publications , and is

both varied and well arranged . There are 22 lodges in the Province , nine Royal Arch chapters , three Mark lodges , and other Alasonic organisations . It looks strange to see the Royal Arch chapters arranged according to their dates of origin ; the particulars as to the Charities are numerous

and most interesting ( with over 4000 votes , the two elections in the Girls and Boys being reckoned as one ) , and the very full proceedings of the last Prov . Grand Lodge , with all the reports of the VV . Alasters , add much to the value of the Directory , which cannot fail to prove most useful to the county .

"OLD CORNISH C ROSSES , " by Arthur G . Langdon . — This work is now in the press , and will soon be published . It will contain . 52 large plates and many smaller ones , having in all over 300 examples of crosses in the county . There will also bean article by J . Romilly Allen on their ornament , and the book will be published by Mr . J . Pollard , Bookseller , Truro . We hope to refer to its chief features when published .

"ROSES—RED AND WHITE . "—By Bro . T . C . Walls , P . G . Std . Br ., & c , author of " The Field of Hastings , " "A Ballad of Flodden , " itc—In our last review of Bro . Walls ' s ballads , we advised him to continue to write in the traditional ballad metre , and we are pleased to see that he has done so in the poem now before us . In his present volume Bro . Walls describes the different battles during the

Wars of the Roses , and the varying fortunes of the two parties . History is thus taught through the pleasant medium of poetry , and our children will have no excuse for growing up in ignorance of the events of those stirring times . Pathos , not unmixed with humour , runs through every stanza , and there is no vein of sadness apparent . Bro . Walls deals with some of the more touching episodes with

which the wars abounded , such as the ( light of the Queen and little Prince of Wales , and their meeting with the hospitable outlaw ; as well as the quarrel between Lord Wenlock and thc Duke of Somerset , who reproached him with cowardice . Space forbids indulging in any quotations , but we commend the volume to the notice of our readers , who are doubtless well acquainted with thc merits of Bro . Walls' poetry .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS . BRONBOURNE . KingsWOOd Lodge ( No . 2278 ) . —The opening meeting of the season was held on Saturday , the ) ith inst ., Bro . C . AL Coxon , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., presiding ( in the absence of Bro . E . H . Aloore , W . M . ) , who is now on his way to tbe Cape , the following brethren being present :

Bros . R . VV . Nicole , S . W . ; li . Blinkhorn , P . AL , acting J . W . ; J . Petch , P . AL , P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . j J . F . Bell , P . AL , P . P . G . Stwd ., Sec .,- A . Ingram , acting S . D . , * N . Pearce , I . G . j J . Gravatt , Stwd . ; T . Williams , Tyler ; R . Von der Sahl , F . W . Tomkins , C . C . Renaud , and E . N . Beningfield . Visitors : Bros . J . Duncan , P . M . 59 , and S . Reichenheimer , Grand Lodge of Germany .

The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , the brethren proceeded to elect a VV . AL for the ensuing year , their choice unanimously falling on Bro . R . VV . Nicole , S . VV ., and the following brethren were unanimously re-elected : Bros . J . Petch , P . AL , Treas . ; C . AL Coxon , P . AL , Representative of the lodge on the Charity and FinanceCuniiuilteco of thc Province ; and !' . Williams ,

Craft Masonry.

Tyler . The brethren received with profound regret the resignation of two much respected members of the lodge on the ground of ill-health , and the Secretary was requested to communicate to them the feelings of the lodge . The names of six candidates for membership were proposed , so that the W . AL elect may look forward to a busy term of office . The sum of five guineas was voted to the list of Bro . J . F . Bell , Sec , a Steward for the Royal Alasonic

Institution for G rls , this amount bringing his list up to the very creditable sum of 50 guineas , and the total contributed by this young lodge to the three Masonic Charities to something like ^ , 430 . The accumulated correspondence having been disposed of , the lodge was closed . After the brethren had dined , the usual toasts were proposed , " The Health of the W . AL Elect" being very cordially received .

. Bro . Nicole made a suitable reply , promising to do his utmost to maintain the good reputation of the lodge , and promote the comfort and happiness of the brethren . Bro . Coxon , P . M ., in proposing " The Treasurer and Secretary , " referred to the latter brother ' s Stewardship , and asked for a volunteer as Steward for one of the Charity

Festivals next year . " The Health of the absent W . M ., " with best wishes for his safe return to his native land , was heartily received . A very pleasant evening was spent , the speeches being brief , and interspersed with music j pianoforte solos by Bro . H . S . Trego , songs by Bros . Beningfield , Nicole , Bell , andlRenaud , and a recitation by Bro . E . Blinkhorn .

CATERHAM . Caterham Lodge ( No . 2095 ) . —The members had an opportunity of congratulating themselves on the completion of 10 years' existence of their lodge at the installation meeting , held at the Masonic Hall on the nth inst . There was a good attendance to witness the installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . Dr . E . Diver , by Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman , P . Dist . G . AL Bengal , who was the first Master

of the lodge , and who was presented with a handsome silver bowl , at the meeting under notice , to mark the completion of a second term of office . It may be of interest to note that this veteran brother has occupied the chairs of various lodges for a period extending over a seventh part of his whole life . Amongst the brethren present were : Bros . H . D . Sandeman , P . D . G . A 1 . Bengal , W . M . , * E . Diver , S . W . ;

A . F . White , J . W . j P . Hall , P . M ., Sec ; j * . AL Crosley , S . D . ; VV . Soper , | . D ., * E . P . Furber , i . G . ; W . J . Stride , P . M . ; A . S . Tomkins , P . AL , G . D . j H . E . Stenning , P . M . ; W . Bligh , W . Newman , F . A . Guimaraens , jun ., G . Stanley Elliott , A . Boyson , W . Johns , J . Shotter , F . Al . Portlock Dadson , H . Lloyd , H . Tucker , and I . Sawyer . Visitors : Bros . F . West , P . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . AL in charge j E . Letchworth , G . Sec . j E . T . Pearce , J . D . 1260 ; H . Blackburn ; P . E . Campbell ,

P . M . 1670 ; T . C . Sandeman , P . M . 13 S 3 ; H . Prince , P . M . 1383 ; G . A . Coleman , 1707 ; G . Abernethy , LG . 1537 • **>• H . Burslieu , P . AL 416 ; E . A . Kearny , P . M . 15 ; F . A . Edwards , S . VV . 6 ; C . Hope Pearse , 1962 ; C . H . Gossage , 446 ; and W . W . Lee , W . M . 1897 . Lodge was opened by Bro . P . H . Hall , P . M ., Sec , and after the confirmation of the minutes , Bro . Dr . VV . Bligh was raised to the Third Degree . Air . Harry Lloyd was

successful at the ballot , and was duly initiated . Bro . H . D . Sandeman , W . AL , then installed Bro . Dr . E . Diver as VV . AL for the ensuing year , and the following officers were invested : Bros . A .- F . White , S . W . ; J . At . Crosley , J . W . j P . H . Hall , P . AL , Sec . ; W . Soper , S . D . ; E . P . Furber , J . D . ; VV . Johns , LG . ; and Austin , Tyler . A vote of congratulation to Bro . A . S . Tomkins , P . M ., on his appointment to oflice in Grand Lodge was unanimously passed and duly acknowledged .

Lodge was closed , and after banquet the usual toasts were honoured . In proposing "The Grand Officers , " the VV . AL referred to the appointment to Grand Office of a Past Alaster ofthe lodge—Bro . A . S . Tomkins—whose Alasonic virtues were well known , and who , he might mention , rendered good service under Garibaldi . Another Grand Officer in the lodge was Bro . Sandeman , and Bro . Letchworth , the Grand

Secretary , had also honoured them by his presence . Bro . Ii . Letchworth , G . Sec , returned thanks for the hearty reception of the toast . He would hardly presume to return thanks on behalf of the Pro Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master , who shared with H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . the management of the Order . Lord Lathom had recently returned from the West Indies , and had given an interesting account of . the levees he had held at Kingston

and the Bahamas , where he received a most hearty reception . The Earl of Alount Edgcumbe recently presided over one of the most successful festivals they had had in connection with the Charities for some years . In addressing a Surrey lodge , he could not but congratulate them on the fact that among the present Grand Officers there were no less than three hailing from that province—Bros . Bucknill , Q . C , ALP ., Col . Dundas , and A . S . Tomkins—than

whom none received a heartier welcome . He congratulated the latter brother as a member of that lodge , and also had to thank him for the opportunity afforded of visiting the Caterham Lodge again . Bro . A . S . Tomkins , G . D ., expressed , the honour he felt at being included in the toast , and the honour conferred upon him through this Iodge . It only showed that by steady work they could achieve a position in the Craft , and

was an encouragement to the brethren to labour on and do the best they could for Freemasonry . Bro . H . D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal , LP . AL , proposed " The Provincial Grand Master , the Deputy Provincial Grand Alaster , and Provincial Grand Officers , " and said he hoped the newly-appointed Provincial Grand Master would prove as good a friend as their dear friend the late Col . Money . They all appreciated the work done

by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in charge , Bro . West , who ruled over them so successfully after the death of Gen . Brownrigg . Bro . F . West , D . P . G . M . in charge , said it was quite true he had had the province under his control for some years on a previous occasions , and it did not often fall to the lot of one Alason to go through these duties more than

once . Their late Pro G . AL was present on the last installation in that lodge , and they worked well together and each knew all the details of the working . He could assure the new Prov . G . M . that all Masons would do their best to support him in his high office . As the Grand Secretary had said , three Grand Officers had been appointed from Suirey , and hc hoped thc day was not far distant