Correspondence.

Correspondence .

We do not hold ourselves responsible ( or the opinions expressed by our correspondents but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limitsfree discussion .

THE NEW BOYS' SCHOOL . To the Editor ot the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The Committee , having accepted a very good design for the proposed School , have made a great mistake in allowing the architects to prepare the bills of quantities . The reasons against such a course are known to all who have anything to do with building .

A great reason seems to me that , having awarded one firm a job which will give them about five thousand pounds , some other brother should have had the thousand for preparing the quantities , especially as there are so many fully qualified and with special experience , such as Bros . Hunt and Steward , W . Farthing , Mclntyre North , Heelis and Wrightson , Pain and Son , R . C . Gleed , and many others .

The best builders do not care to tender when the quantities are prepared by the architects of the building . ( See the letter of the Secretary of the Builders ' Association in the Building News last week ) . An independent surveyor would be responsible for wages , while the Committee will be responsible in the present case ; and there can be nothing said in favour of the course adopted , as architects do not , as a rule , keep a staff for quantity work , but put it out at half or two-thirds what they get , or employ men at so much per day to do the work . —Yours fraternally , FAIR PLAY .

Reviews.

Reviews .

"FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM , 189 S . " —This valuable Annual , of interest far beyond the province , but naturally of special utility for the Craft in the county , is published early in the year , as usual . The province now numbers 37 lodges , with 2947 subscribing members , being an average of So to each lodge , probably the second highest in that respect in the provinces . The new lodge is No . 2 G 74 , Gateshead . There are 13 Royal Arch chapters in the province , according to the Calendar , but this total does not agree with the one

published by the Grand Lodge , the latter including No . 1334 , Durham , of A . D . 1 S 52 , which is not given in the local list , but for why does not appear . Out of the 12 Mark lodges that constitute the Province of Northumberland and Durham , eight belong to the latter County , these Bodies and all the other Masonic organisations being duly detailed in the fullest manner and ably arranged . There are two or three new features this time , one being particulars of the "Soc . Rosier , in Anglia" ( Province of Yorkshire ) and a list of the places of meeting of the Prov . G . Lodge of Durham from 1 S 60 to

1897 . In addition to the " Durham Masonic Education Fund , " having a capital of considerably over £ 2000 , the " Hudson Benevolent Fund " is also noted , and bids fair to be a most valuable addition to the charitable organisations of the province . The testimonial to the indefatigable Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Robert Hudson , realised over 1000 guineas , which that excellent Craftsman declined to accept for himself , but

preferred it should be devoted to those in needy circumstances in Durham , so that , as Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., remarked , many in the future " would bless their dear old friend , Robert Hudson . " The province , however , wisely insisted on Bro . Hudson accepting a handsome service of silver plate . No brother has deserved better of his province , and it is a great gratification for thc members to see that their esteemed Prov . G . Sec . is as able and willing to work on their behalf as ever .

"THE BERKSHIRE MASONIC REGISTER AND CALENDAR FOR 189 S . "—This neatly-printed and well-arranged annual , issued in good time and to date , is from the press of Bro . G . J . Cosburn , of Newbury , who also is the publisher . The editor isthe respected Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . J . T . Morland , M . A ., P . G . D ., in charge of the province , who has acted in such capacity since this very useful compilation wasjstarted . In our review of the last year ' s issue we ventured to suggest a few corrections ; but as they are not inserted in the present edition , we suppose they must have been overlooked .

According to the Grand Lodge Calendar , Colonel Deakin wa > appointed in 1773 , not IJOI , and the names of two subsequent Prov . Grand Masters are omitted , viz ., Bros . Arthur Stanhope , of A . D . -795 , and Sir John Throckmorton , Bart ., of A . D . 1 S 17 , and Bro . John Ramsbottom dates from 1833 . Although not a large province , the editing of the directory must have involved considerable labour , for there are several lists of members under various headings , one including all who belong to a Craft lodge , Royal

Arch chapter , or a Mark lodge in the province , alphabeticall y arranged , the registers of voters of the various Masonic Charities being also a laborious , but most useful , compilation . The province now numbers nearly 700 subscribing members , or an average of 42 to each lodge , and it is quite evident that under the charge of the D . Prov . G . M . it is enjoying considerable prosperity . The frontispiece fcr this year is devoted to an excellent portrait of the energetic Prov . G . Secretary , Bro . J . VV . Martin , J . P ., P . A . G . D . C . of England .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Robert Burns Lodge , No . 25 . A meeting was held on Monday , the 7 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Oueen-street , when there were present Bros . W . Baddeley , W . M . ; T . Jacobs , S . VV . ; A . Pinnington , J . W . ; J . S . Elliott , Treas .,- J . W . Harvey , Sec ; V . Rogers-Romilly , S . D . ; Sydney Davis , J . D . ; T . Hawkins , P . M ., D . C ; Fred . Holden , I . G . ; G . Harding , Tyler ; H . L . Davis , l . P . M . ; T . B . Fulwood , P . M . ; A . E . Webster , W . C . Elsdon , A . Osborn , Oscar Osborn , N . Woolf , E . T . Ware , T . J .

Carttar , L . Abrahams , Walter Schroder , E . W . Mathetv , and E . Abrahams . Victors .-Bros . Henry Sadler , G . Tyler ; E . C . Mulvey , G . Purst . ; and T . Blundell , P . M . 742 . After the lodge was opened , the minutes of the installation meeting , which were somtwhat lengthy , were read and duly conlirmed . Bro . VV . E . Mathew was then raised and Bro . E . Abrahams passed , both ceremonies being well rendered by the W . M . Several subjects were then discussed , and the lodge was closed .

The brethren adjourned to the Freemasons' Tavern , where a very excellent banquet was served . After the usual toasts thc ordinary routine was departed from and the brethren were favoured with a most interesting and instructive address by Bro . Henry Sadler , a full repoit being given in another column . At its conclusion the brethren showed their appreciation and interest by asking Bro . Sadler many questions on the subject of his address .

'Ihe breihren were afterwards entertained b y a piper of the Scots Guards , who discoursed some really splendid music , and finished with a Highland dance , this brirging to a dose a very delightful evening , and proving that a departure from the orthodox rule is conducive to enjoyment .

Peace and Harmony Lodge , No . 60 . A meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great yuccn-iiticcl , un the 28 th ult . Among those in attendance were Bros . Debenham . P . P . G . D ., G . S ., VV . M . ; O . Polenz , S . W . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . S ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., D . C , as J . W . ; E . Rogers , P . P . G . D ., P . G . S ., Sec ; White , S . D . ; Slade , J . D . ; Dr . W .

Craft Masonry.

H . Kempster , jun ., P . M ., P . G . S ., as I . G . ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . A . G . D . C , P . G . S ., l . P . M . ; Chancellor , P . M ., P . G . S . ; and H . Slade , P . M ., P . G . S . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , an important amendment to one of the by-laws was carried . The nomination of a brother to represent the lodge as Grand Steward was postponed till the next meeting . A voie of condolence

to the widow and family of the late Bro . Joslin , P . M ., P . G . S ., was passed , with many individual expressions of regret . Communications regretting inability to attend were received from Bros . H . Young , P . M ., P . G . S ., Treas . ; J . Barton , P . M ., P . G . S . ; Dr . W . H . Kempster , P . M ., P . G . S . ; C . Robinson , P . M ., J . W . ; W . Thomas , P . M ., I . G . ; and others .

A notice of motion was given to vote 10 guineas from the funds to the Centenary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , per Bro . Debenham , W . M ., as Steward , and the lodge was closed . The banquet that followed gave unqualified satisfaction . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts received full justice . Bro . H . J . Lardner , I . P . M ., submitted the toast of "The Grand Officers . " In the course of his remarks he said that No . 6 o was one of the distinguished iS lodges which

always had a representative of Grand Lodge in their midst . O .-i that occasion they had the Worshipful Master occupying the position of Grand Steward , and without disparagement to those brethren in the lodge who had preceded him , the Board of Grand Stewards would have in him an excellent colleague . To save time , he would also propose " Bro . Debenham's health as W . M . " Up to the present there had been no work in the lodge for him to do but there was plenty of time for the W . M . to distinguish himself as an exponent of the ceremonies .

This toast having been drunk with acclamation , the W . M . briefly responded to the effect , that the proposer of the toast had praised his qualifications too highly . However , he would say that whatever work was required of him either at the Board of Stewards or in the lodge would be loyally attended to . " The Health of the Visitors " having been given and acknowledged , the toast of "The Past Masters" followed .

In submitting this pledge the W . M ., in very feeling terms , spoke of the genial qualities and Masonic abilities of the late Bro . Joslin , P . M ., whose premature death had been a terrible blow to his family . He should couple the toast with the name of Bro . Lardner , I . P . M ., whose services when filling the office of Secretary tothe Board of Grand Stewards had been so highly appreciated and whose recent work in the chair of No . 60 had been so reputable .

The brother thus distinguished having acknowledged the compliment , " The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " responded to by Bro . Rogers , and " The Officers , " replied to by Bros . Polenz and White , brought a very pleasant reunion to a termination .

Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 . A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Cannon-street Ho : el , when there were present Bros . C . Garton , W . M . ; William Biker , S . W . ; T . Selby Henrey , J . W . and Chap . ; Cohu , Treas . ; Legge , Sec ; Robeson , S . D . ; Stokes , J . D . ; J . Smith , D . C ; Welch , I . G . ; Couchman , Tyler ; Mower , P . M . ; Hughes , P . M . ; Abbott , P . M .,- Williams , Peach , Rawkins , Collins , Ward , Miner , Wetton , A . J . Rippin , Taylor , Francis , Lloyd , Farr , Hipwell , Bassett , Purbrook , Doody , Fergusson , Fishleigh , Roche , Lockett , Dixon , and Crawshaw . Visitors : Bros . C . VV .

Raymond , 2664 ; C IL Ash , 193 ; W . H . Brough , 1342 ; and F . J oy , 1426 . The minutes of the two previous meetings having been read and conlirmed , Bro . Taylor was raised , and Bro . Wm . Ward , 1246 , elected as joiniag member . Bro . William Baker , S . W ., was unanimously elected as W . M . ; Bro , Thos . Cohu , P . M ., re-elected as Treas . ; Bro . Couchman , re-elected as Tyler ; and Bros . Crawshaw , Fergusson , and Doody elected to serve on the Audit Committee . The by-laws havini ; been read , notice of motion by Bro . H . Legge—that 20 guineas bs placed on Bro . William Biker ' s K . M . I . Boy's list from the lodge , and that the usual Masonic jewel be voted to the retiring W . M . Notice of a candidate for initiation at the next meeting was given , and the lodge closed .

Harmony Lodge , No . 288 . The installation of Bro . Wm . H . Bailey took place on Wednesday , the gth instant , in the Masonic Hall , Todmorden . The ceremony was gone through in a most beautiful manner by Bro . James Fielding , P . M . The following distinguished brethren were present : Bros . C R . N . Beswicke-Royds , D . P . G . M . ; B . Lumb ,- P . P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Blacks , P . P . G . P . ; T . Uttley , P . G . Std . Br . ; Wm . Cockcroft , P . P . G . D ., 30 ° ; T . BatesP . P . G . D . ; andavery large number of Past Masters .

, After a most pleasant meeting in the lodge , thc brethren adjourned to the White Itart Hotel to a most excellent dinner . The brethren again returned to the hall for dessert , when a very good toast list was gone through , interspersed with songs .

Lodge of Affability , No . 317 . The Festival of St . John in connection with this ancient lodge was held on Thursday , the 3 rd inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , when Bro . Aemilius Rottmiyer , S . W ., was duly installed as Worshipful Master by Bro . J . Smallpage Whitehead , W . M . A large numberof visiting brethren were present including Bros . G . L . Vaughan , 10 3 0 , P . G . Reg . ; U . J . Cutter , 44 , P . P . G . D . ; G . Brooks , P . A . G . Sec . Cheshire ; G . Balfe , 104 , P . P . G . D . ; T . Murphy , 37 , P . G . Stwd . ; G . H . Scott , W . M . 3 G 1 ; F . Robinson , S . D . 3 G 1 ; W . A . Boyer , S . VV . 2554 ; F . Bnndle , 2231 : . J . L . Hodgson , W . M . 807 j R . V . CritchleyW . M . 1140 ; L . H . KeayS . W . 1219 ; G . Heald ,

, , 22 C 4 ; J . H . Walker , S . W . 361 ; T . H . Hall , P . M . 145 S ; J . Ryder , 645 ; E . Houghton , 993 ; J . Renshaw , P . M . 2 ijS , and others . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed , the Auditors' report was presented and adopted . Ths ballot was then taken for Mr . W . II . Oliver , which proving unanimous , he was duly initiated into Freemasonry by the W . M . according to ancient custom . Bro . A . Allen , l . P . M ., next presented the VV . M . elect , Bro . Aemilius Rottmayer , to receive at the hands of Bro . J . Smallpage Whitehead , VV . M ., the benefit of installation , which ceremony was impressively performed by a Board of some 20 Installed Masters . The usual addresses were ably given by Bros . J . S . Whitehead , l . P . M . ; F . Spencer , P . M . ; andT . Bushell , P . M . The ns , v tSrocKie

W . M . invested his ollicers as follows : Bros . ) . S . Whitehead , l . P . M . ; VV . - hurst , S . VV . ; G . O . VVhittaker , J . VV . ; S . ' Staton , P . M ., Treas . ; A . C . K . Smith , Sec ; A . Findlow , S . D . ; J . ' Chenery , J . D . ; J . Bladon , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , D . C ; J . H . Hill , Org . ; H . A . Whaite , I . G . ; Coiktt , Edge , Lunn , and Bromley , Stwds . ; and E . H . Flower , P . G . Tyler , Tyler . After the ceremonies were fini-heil Bro . J . S . Whitehead , l . P . M ., was presented with a handsome Past Mas ' er ' s jewel voted by the lodge as a memento of his year of office . Three candidates for initiation were proposed by the VV . M ., and after "Hearty good wishes" from the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed . The usual installation banquet followed the work of the lod . je . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts were given and cordially received .

Visiting Provincial brethren made special reference to the very creditable mann- ' in which the ceremonies were p : rformed by the W . M . and his officers . Bro . A . Rottmayer , in replying to the toast of " The VV . M ., " spo ' te of tin " universality of Masonry which was evidenced by the letters and telegrams of congratulation he had received from friends abroad . A very enjoyable programme of music , & :., was liriven by Bros . G . Balfe , P . M-1 II . Walmsley , P . M . ; J . S . Whitehead , l . P . M . ; VV . Brocklehurst , S . W . ; A . k . Lunn , G . Bromley , and J . IL Hill , Org .

Windsor Castle Lodge , No . 771 . A large and influential gathering of brethren assembled at the Masonic HiUi ' '' Alban's-street , Windsor , on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., to honour the installation of UW ; Alex . C . Layton , as VV . M . There was a large number of visitors , some of whom net

high rank in the Craft , amongst others buing Bros . J . W . Martin , P . A . G D . C , ] . '"^ G . Sec . Berks j Margrett , Sec . to the IVov . Charity Committee ,- Sydney Smith , VV- 2 . y ; G . Phillips , W . M . 14 SJ C . Batting , W . M . 1501 ; F . J . For » s VV . M . < i , J . D . Carter , W . M . iSyi ; J . S . Tavener , VV . M . 2437 ; E . I ' rince , W . M . 2 O 71 j . Pettit , VV . M . 1 SS 7 ; li . Fox Warner , W . M . 2530 , and others . Bro . J . T . Mur - "T P . G . D ., the Deputy Prov . G . M . in charge of Berks , was , unfortunately , unable to u present , owing to the death of a relelative .