Address To The Natalia Lodge, Maritzburg.

distress ? Who ever heard of a Mason revealing the secrets of his Craft ? Who ever heard of a Mason who lived an openly profane or scandalous existence ? I do not assert that such things cannot be ; I do say they have never come under my observation . We do not claim for Masonry and Masons an infallibility of life and conduct , but wc do assert that her laws are so fenced about that they so recommend themselves to our reason and our liking as to be almost

secure from infringement . Brethren , with Masonry in its general bearings , in its labour and discipline , I have but little to do ; tothe Master of the lodge attaches the duty of seeing that all things are done decently and in order , and that in the lodge and out of it there is no breach of our laws . But it is my most solemn obligation , so to blend Christianity with Masonry as to make you realise that , though there are thousands of good Christians outside our

Craft , there can be no perfect Mason among us who is not only a professin-g Christian , but a faithful Christian also . It is with this end in view that no lodge is complete without its Chaplain , no lodge is furnished without its book of Sacred Law . No mere code of ethics from the noblest of Pagan writers , no rule of morals by the most perfect of human hearts and minds , could satisfy the requirements of the Craft , and I ask only that you will begin by earnestly

considering the first of your obligations as Masons , to be quite sure that you will end , by the unerring guidance of God's Holy Spirit , in securing for yourselves an abundant entrance into the inheritance of the saints . In our lodges we find no difficulty in enforcing forbearance and charity and benevolence ; during the twelve years that I have been a Mason I have never heard a word spoken in anger , or an unkind interpretation put upon a brother ' s conduct , or an appeal for

help refused . But how many of us lay aside these virtues with the emblems of our labour and the insignia of our rank ? How many of us , or , rather , how few of us , carry them out into the world , and scatter alike to all the children of our one Great Father even the crumbs of our superfluity of blessing ? Let us ever remember that a knowledge of even the rudiments of Masonry adds to our responsibility as iChristians , just as a knowledge of Christianity adds to

the responsibility of a heathen . There are doubtless multitudes of nominal Christians who know little of creeds and doctrines ; there can be no Mason who is not well informed on all points of duty and observance ; but not until this truth is acknowledged and acted upon will Masonry fulfil her perfect work . Not alone in the exercise of benevolence and generous sympathy , not alone in the security of our fraternal bonds , not alone in the fidelity of the

brethren to each and ail their Masonic obligations , does true Masonic life consist , but in heart-felt love for the Great Master , in reverence for all His laws , in unshaken faith in His own dear Son , in blessed hope of the resurrection to eternal life through the merits and atonement of the Saviour . Let them take root and develope in our midst , and the old virtues of chivalry and truth , and piety , which prevailed in the early days of the Knights Templars will

revive amongst us . Let these prevail , and the silly revilings of those who lack even the physical courage to gratify their unworthy curiosity will nevermore be heard , but kings shall be our nursing fathers , and queens our nursing mothers . We are thankful to observe how the Craft is gradually making her influence felt in legitimate undertakings , * that for the first time in many centuries a Cathedral Church in England is being designed by a free and

accepted Mason ; that its corner-stone has been laid by the heir to the first throne in Europe , not , be it understood , as Prince of Wales , but as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons ; and we trust that the skill and genius which in King Solomon , the first Grand Master , showed itself in the erection of the first temple dedicated to the worship of Almighty God , may find a humble , though not unworthy imitation in that temple which , under

the auspices of the present Grand Master , is now gradually being raised in southern England . Brethren , do not let us be unworthy of our great traditions . I believe that for centuries the influence of Masonry was greater and more dominant than that of any empire ; it may be so once again ; and of this we maybe sure , if Masons are but true to themselves , it must become a mighty factor in the world ' s future . The policy of nations may be ill-judged

and abortive ; the influence and power of Masonry can never he misused , and , to greater or less extent , can never be exerted in vain . VVe may , and must be , the truest and most loyal subjects of our Sovereign , and the most faithful citizens of tha State , and yet rise superior in our moral influence—yes , and in ourspiritual power with God Himself —to all governments and dynasties . Let this be the aim

and object of every one of us , to make the world ring with admiration of our Craft , to make it God ' s right hand on earth for the spread of everything that is good , to make Masonry thc Apostle of Christianity , to help to build that spiritual temple which is even now being raised , stone upon stone , pinnacle towering above pinnacle , until the whole fane is completed , and the voice of the Archangel decrees that " time shall be no more . "

NOTE . —It has been suggested to me , that the tendency of the above address is to show that all Masons outside the Christian Church must necessarily be untrue to the traditions of the Craft . But I had no such intention . Believing Masonry to have been established centuries before the

Christian era , I am quite prepared to admit it may have a perfect existence apart from Christianity ; but it must be understood I was speaking not to Masons at large , but to lodges of Christian Masons , and to them 1 said that Masonry deepened and intensified , if it were possible , their Christian obligations .

Presentation To Bro. Asher Hart.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . ASHER HART .

Bro . Asher Hart , P . M . of the Derby Lodge , No . 724 , whose meetings are held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , has recently left this country for South Africa ; and previous to his departure a valuable recognition of his Masonic worth and ability was made in the shape of the presentation of an exceedingly valuable Past Master's

jewel set with diamonds . As the Derby was not in session at the time , the presentation was made at the house of liro . H . Trevitt , VV . M . of the lodge , and the esteem in which Bro . Hart was held was shown by a large attendance of members and one or two visitors , including Bro . S . Henochsberg , S . W . 1502 . In presenting the jewel , Bro . Trevitt referred to Bro . Hart's sterling Masonic qualities , and expressed a desire that he might have the greatest success in

Presentation To Bro. Asher Hart.

the country to which he was going . The parting gift of brotherhood was feelingly acknowledged by I 3 ro . Hart , and a very pleasant evening was spent by the assembled brethren .

The Imperial Russian Yacht Livadia.

THE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN YACHT LIVADIA .

The Grand Duke Constantine , who arrived at Glasgow on Thursday night , the gth inst ., visited the works of Messrs . John Elder and Co ., Farnfield , Govan , and spent almost an entire day in inspecting the Imperial Russian yacht Livadia . His Imperial Highness left Bro . Pearce ' s residence , 10 , Park Terrace , about noon , and

proceeded to the Royal Exchange , where he was received by the Lord Provost and Mr . Beatson , the secretary of the Exchange , and along with Admiral Popoff he was conducted through the building . He was loudly cheered , and having walked down the hall and entered his name in the visitors ' book he drove off to Fairfield . The flag of the Russian High Admiral was floated from the gate at Fairfield , and great interest was evinced in the visit by the public and

Messrs Elder and Co . 's numerous workmen . The Grand Duke arrived at Fairfield about half-past twelve o'clock , and he at once proceeded to make a minute and lengthened inspection of the extensive works , which cover an area of seventy acres . He was accompanied by Baron Boie , St . Petersburg ; Admiral Popoff , Chief Constructor of the Russian Navy ; Gen . Sokoloff , Chief Engineer of the Russian Navy ; Capt . Vogack , commander of the Lividia ;

Capt . Goulaeff , of the Corps of Naval Architects , R . I . N . ; Mr . Galenko , Capt . Linden , Lieut . De Rihas , Bro . William Pearce , Prov . G . M . of Glasgow ; and Mr . William Pearce , jun . During the visit Mr . A . D . Bryce and Mr . John L . Lumsden , managers of the engineering and shipbuilding departments at Fairfield , were presented to the Grand Duke , who seemed much interested in the various stages of shipbuilding and marine engineering . His Imperial Highness

afterwards inspected part of the crew of the Livadia , 270 in number , who were drawn up in line on the bank of Fairfield Dock . Immediately on seeing the sailors the Grand Duke spoke to them , expressing a hope that they were well , and the whole line responded lustily in the affirmative . The Grand Duke walked down the line , and recognising some of the veterans entered into conversation with them . The sailors seemed srreatly pleased with thc presence of the

Chief of the Russian Navy . Having passed through thc works , the Grand Duke and party went on board the Livadia , and with the exception of a 1 interval for luncheon , which was partaken of in the office at Fairfield , they remained on board until five o ' clock . His Imperial Highness expressed himself highly gratified with the manner in which the design of the yacht had been executed . In the evening the Grand Duke dined at Bro . Pearce ' s residence .

Amongst the dinner party were the Earl of Glasgow , Sir William Thomson , Sheriff-Principal Clark , the Hon . the Lord Provost , Dr . Manvick , Professor Robertson , Admiral Popoff , and Mr . Van Raalte , Russian Consul . Amongst those invited , but unable to attend , were Lord Borthwick , Sir Archibald and I-ady Campbell , Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , Bart . ; Sir James Watson , and Principal Caird . The Grand Duke left St . Enoch Station by the 9 . 15 p . m . Pullman express for London . There was a large number

of spectators within the station , and His Imperial Highness was loudly cheered as the train left . The Grand Duke will proceed to the Continent , and visit Paris and Berlin . The Livadia will , it is anticipated , be ready for sea in fourteen days , and the Grand Duke will travel to Plymouth about that time and join the yacht there . Bro . Wm . Pearce will accompany His Imperial Highness and suite to Russia on board the Livadia , and stay there for some time .

The Metropolitan Police.

THE METROPOLITAN POLICE .

Sir E . Y . XV . Henderson ' s annual report on the Metropolitan Police for the year 1 S 79 has just been presented to Parliament . The total authorised strength of the force on the 31 st of December last year was 10 , 711 , being an in-Cease of 234 over the previous year . A further addition of 200 constables to meet the growing wants of the town has

since been authorised , and the men are in courseof enrolment . The increase of the metropolis during the year comprised 21 , 589 new houses , forming 401 new streets and two new squares , of a total length of 71 miles 4 GS yards . This makes the length of new streets added to the metropolis and handed over to police protection during the last ten years , 3 S 3 miles 75 S yards . 'The total number of felonies

committed during the year was 21 , 891 , for which 11 , 431 persons were arrested . The original loss by these thefts was £ 101 , 79 * 3 , the amount recovered £ 22 , 460 , leaving the total loss £ 79 , 338 , a decrease of £ 5 8 , 160 on the losses of the previous year . The proportion per 1000 of the population of all felonies committed has not varied much during the last ten years . It has decreased from 5 . 276 in 1 S 70 to

4 . 739 in 1 S 79 . In 1 S 7 S the arrests were 49 . 7 S per cent , of the offences ; and in 1 S 79 they were 52 . 21 percent . The returns of the principal offences committed and apprehensions recorded in 1 S 79 show an increase of 153 offences and of iGS apprehensions . There was an increase of So in crimes of violence against thc person . The returns show a decrease of the offences of burglary , breaking into shops ,

robbery , larceny from person , and larceny by servants ; and an increase of other minor larcenies . Out of 903 houses broken into , 599 empty , or without any person in charge , were entered by thieves and robbed during the year , and 26 , 27 6 doors and windows were found by the police open at night or insecurely fastened . 11 , 431 persons were arrested for felony during the year , being an increase of 5 S 2 over

the previous year , of whom G 221 were convicted . The number of persons charged with being drunk , or drunk and disorderly , was rather less in 1 S 79 than in 1 S 7 S . The numbers in the latter year were 35 , 408 , and in the former 33 , 892 . The proportion per 1000 of drunkenness has undergone very slight variations during the past five years . The closing of certain places heretofore resorted toby women of

bad character has had a tendency to throw an additional number into the public streets , and increased the annoyance consequent on their presence . Many complaints have resulted , but the police cannot interfere when there is no disorder , unless the persons annoyed are willing to come forward and prove the annoyance , a course which they are seldom disposed to pursue . Considerable interest has been evoked during the year on the question of street accidents ,

The Metropolitan Police.

and a society has been formed for the purpose of endeavouring to diminish thc perils of the streets . Communications were made during the year to various parish or local authorities , submitting totheirconsideration police reports on the various places throughout the metropolis where it was considered desirable to provide street refuges . The local authorities in thc majority of cases disagreed with the police as to any necessity for the provision . Out of

fortyfive refuges recommended only eight were acceded to and have been' erected . Of the number of accidents which came under the cognizance of the police , 124 teminated fatally , exactly the same number as last year . The number of persons who were maimed or injured was 2950 , being 82 below the number in 1 S 7 S , but still in advance of previous years . The returns show that for the last ten years the number of persons killed has scarcely varied ; it was 124 in

1 S 70 , and it is thc same in 18 79 . But the number of persons injured has increased from 191 S in 187010 2750 in 1 S 79 , and this class of accident seems to increase steadil y with the increase of the population . Thc total numbers during these ten years are 1196 killed and 26 , 393 wounded . Light carts are responsible for igo killed and 7962 maimed ; waggons , drays , and vans for 474 killed and 5144 injured ; cabs for 126 killed and C 039 injured ;

omnibuses and cars , 151 killed and 1655 injured . It is to be remarked that of the 124 fatal accidents which occurred in 1 S 79 , no less than 32 happened to persons who were riding the horses or in the vehicles when the accident occurred ; and of 2950 persons injured , S 67 were due to riding or driving , which would reduce the number of foot passengers to 92 killed and 20 S 3 wounded . 313 convictions were obtained against hackney carriage driversand S 33

, other persons were summoned and 193 arrested for this offence , of whom 933 were convicted . 333 runaway horses were stopped by the police , some of whom were severely injured in so doing . During the year 9539 children and 3309 adults were reported to the police as lost or missing—of these numbers 6015 children and C 1 S 4 adults were found and restored to their friends by the police . 3499 children and 240 *! adults

were found by friends or returned home . Ei ghty-one of the adults committed suicide , and 25 children and 141 adults had not been found up to the 31 st of December , 1 S 79 . Forty-three bodies of persons unknown , found dead , or drowned , were photographed , but not identified ; 259 persons committed suicide , an increase of S 5 over the previous year ; and 404 attempted suicide , but were prevented by the police and others and charged ; 25 , 669 dogs were

seized by the police in the streets , 22 , 502 were consigned to the Dogs' Home , 3065 were restored to owners , and 102 otherwise disposed of . Eleven constables were charged before the magistrates during the year ; one was acquitted , three discharged , and six fined or imprisoned , one held to recognisances . One hundred and seventy-nine police officers were commended or received pecuniary rewards from judges or magistrates , and 1309 were rewarded by the

Commissioners for special or meritorious services . At the close of the year there were open 1220 common lodginghouses on the register , accommodating 24 , 206 lodgers , showing , as compared with last year , a decrease of 49 houses and 139 S lodgers . The convictions for drunkenness and furious driving have been as follows during the year : With 19 , 209 licensed drivers and conductors , 111 4 for drunkenness , of whom in were discharged by the

magistrates—a decrease on the previous year of 264 charges , though the number of licensed men had increased from 17 , 911 in 1 S 7 S to 19 , 209 in 1879 . The convictions , however , for furious driving increased from 263 to 313 . The licences of 13 drivers and two conductors were revoked by magistrates during the year , and the renewal of 140 licences refused by the Commissioner , and of 221 the

renewal was suspended for various terms . The following are the number of articles found in public carriages , and deposited in the Lost Property Office during the undermentioned years : —1 S 69 , under the old regulations , 1912 ; 1 S 70 , under the ncw regulations , 325 S ; 18 77 , 15 , 726 ; 1 S 7 S , 16 , 564 ; 1 S 79 , 15 , 514 ; showing an average for the last five years of 15 , 813 deposits , at an estimated value of £ 20 , 000 annually .

Cryptic Degrees.

CRYPTIC DEGREES .

'The last meeting of the Grand Masters' Council , No . 1 , which was held at the Masonic Rooms , 2 , Red Lion-square , was exceedingly well attended . Among those present were Comps . T . C . Walls , 18 , R . J . G . C . of Works , D . G . M ., & c . ; T . Poore , P . C . of VV . ; H . R . Cooper Smith , C . of G . ; D . M . Dewar , iS " , Recorder ; T . Cubitt , Steward ;

G . Graveley , Warden ; E . Passawer , G . Lambert , S . Rawson , and others . Comp . VV . Cheney , Minncopolis , Minnesota , was a visitor . The minutes of the previous council having been read and confirmed , Bros . Henry Hacker , Henry Stow , Thomas Benham , and John Ramsey were duly admitted and received into the Degrees of M . E . M ., R . M ., S . M ., and

S . F . M . For the first time since the introduction of the Grades into England the interesting ceremony of the Select Master was " worked " in full . The Report of the Committee appointed to draw up thc

new set 0 / bye-laws was read and approved . The council was then closed , and the companions adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant to dine . There were no toasts . The next meeting of the Grand Masters' Council will be held on the 24 th inst .

Mr . Carl y le ' s Biography is being- prepared by the writer ' s niece and Mr . Froude . Mr . ' " Carlyle himself superintends the work and furnishes occasional chapters of autobiography . HOI . I . OWAY ' OISTMKNT AMI Pn . ! ..-. —Indisputable Remedies . — In the use of these medicaments there need be no hesitation or doubt of their cooling , healing , and purifying properties . The Ointment stand ., unrivalled for the facility it displays in relieving , healingand thoroughly curing the most inveterate sores and

, ulcers , and in cases of bad legs and bad breasts they act as a charm . The Pills are the most eH ' citual remedy ever discoverc " for the cure of liver complaints , diseases most disastrous in their etl ' ects , deranging all lhe proper 1 ' iiiictious of the organs affected , inducing restlessness , melancholy , weariness , inability to sleep , ant pain in the side , until the whole svstem is exhausted . These wonderful Pills , if taken arco-ding to the printed directions accoinpaining each box , strike at the root of the maladv , stimulate HKstomach and liver into a healthy action , anil effect a compl " cure . —[ Auvr . ]