Original Correspondence.

iii examination . I happened to reside several years in the United States , and my opportunities gai c mc a facility in detecting such impostors , who are very numerous in America , and have to be closely guarded against , and in these very simple questions I detected him as an impostor .

Other two begging Masons , probably of the same gang , closely followed him unsuccessfully . Brethren should be cautious in helping such vagrants . ' Yours fraternally , WILLIAM COWAN , P . M . 444 . Perth , nth July , 187 * .

The Pope And The Freemasons.

THE POPE AND THE FREEMASONS .

How true is the saying , " that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing . " Never has this been better exemplified than in the absurd denunciation by the Pope of Freemasons and Freemasonry . In his last letter to Bishop Dupanloup , he states " that Freemasons are waging a war on all sides against thc Catholic Church , and overturning

civil and religious order . " He admits , however , " that this sect , long secret , has now unmasked itself , and , its nefarious character being known , all honest men must turn from it in horror . " What a relief for the world at large to know that Masonry is at last unmasked ! so , of course , the worst is known Pray , what is known ? or what do the Pope , Cardinals ,

Bishops , and Priests know of Masonry ? Just nothing at all . It is that they know nothing that they suspect something ; it is that they cannot obtain in confession the secrets of the Order that they arc annoyed . No Mason will reveal them , but he will say they are open to all ; perfectly free to every individual who wishes legitimately to know them ; but he naturally prefers not toperjure

himself by revealing them , and cui bono ? A priest should be the last man in thc world to endeavour to extract these secrets from a Mason , and even if known they could do no one any good outsitle Masonry . Now the Pope says " the character of Masonry is nefarious , " i . e ., wicked in the extreme , abominable ! detestable ! and atrocious ! Let us see . The principles of

Freemasonry are brotherly love , relief , and truth , and in a society whose branches are spread over the four quarters of the earth , where millions range under its banners , surely thc spreatl of such principles should merit a word of praise in lieu of unlimited censure . "Nefarious" would be a word better applied to those who condemn such a society j but as the Pope , believed by many to be infallible , says it

is nefarious , we will enquire further . Let the Pope and the outside world know that no lodge meeting opens or closes its proceedings without prayer . Is this abominable 01 * nefarious ? No religious or political discussion is permittctl on any account within the lodge , but is positively forbidden . Is this detestable or nefarious ? The main object of Freemasonry is charity ; to provide

comfortable homes for poor and aged Masons and their wives ; to clothe and educate children of Masonic parents in a manner reflecting credit upon all connected therewith , ami to alleviate distress wherever and whenever found to exist amongst Masons . Should thc epithet nefarious be applied to such objects ? and will not such words recoil on their authors ?

Masonry is a grand and great brotherhood -, its institutions are equally grand and noble , and , independently of never refusing aid to Masons of all nationalities in distress , no appeal of a national character in a national calamity is ever made but what finds a ready and willing response from Grand Lodge , on the ground that Masons must be more or less concerned , and that real charity blesses those

who give as well as those who receive . We ask , therefore , whether doing these things should " strike honest men with horror , " and be called " atrocious or nefarious ? " Would it not be more sensible for the Pope to consult some eminent Masons , or , belter still , cause some leading Catholic priest to be made a Mason antl then take his opinion—hc knowing something about Masonry before

condemning a society of which hc , the Pope , is not a member , and about which he can absolutely know nothing ? Let him do this before insulting so large and influential a botly , ranking reigning monarchs as members of the Order , and open to all men , high and low , and of every creed believing in a Supreme Being . The secrets disclosed would be no good to thc outside

world , while they serve a very useful purpose , and bind thousands together in a laudable undertaking , and no secret communication is binding on a Mason , "if contrary to the laws of God , or thc ordinances of the realm , " as they are at all times specially excepted ; anil Masons arc also bound to observe and respect the laws of the land in which they reside . Such arc the facts—let the Pope deny them

if hc can . Alas ! for infallibility . Surely in the nineteenth century it is high time that men should act for themselves , and not be led away with the epistolary nonsense of men ignorant of the rules and principles of a society they take upon themselves to condemn . The Prince of Wales , England ' s future King , is now the Grantl Master of the Order , and one-half of the nobility

and gentry of England , including high dignitaries of thc Church , are members thereof , anil we ask if thc character ft Masonry be nefarious , and cause honest men to turn from it in horror , then what an awful state and condition must Alasons be in . But how is it that , in spite of this state of things , the society is daily increasing and prosperln

g , and that the Prince of Wales should have accepted the hi ghest ofiice , if " to overturn civil and religious order " ' » tlie object and ambition of Freemasonry f We pause for a reply , and throw back the baseless charges made , emphaticall y denying there is anything in Freemasonry contra ry to the highest moral principles of truth and justice . If Masonry is " unmasked , " let us have the charges clearl y made out against us , and the replies will utterly

The Pope And The Freemasons.

annihilate the parties bringing them , and redound to the credit of an institution which , dating from time immemorial , will go on increasing in power antl usefulness until time shall be no more . —II . W . S .

Freemasonry In Bombay.

FREEMASONRY IN BOMBAY .

The regular meeting of Lodge Concord , No . 757 , E . G ., was held in the Freemasons' Hall , Mazagon , Bombay , on Saturday , the 15 th May , 187 . V Present : Wor . Bros . W . C . Rowe , W . M . -, G . R . Henderson , I . P . M . ; B . Robinson , P . M . Bros . F . Burdett as S . W . ; F . S . Llewellyn as J . W . - O . Tomlinson , Sec . ; J . Spiers , S . D . ;

VV . G . Davie , J . D . ; , L E . Tyers , Org . ; J . F . Grew , Steward * , L . Thomas , I . G . ; J . W . Seager , Tyler . Members : Wor . Bros . A . Edgington , J . May , L Anderson , W . E . Craddock , W . VV . Wilson , J . Wcddle , C . Peters , & c . Visitors : Wor . Bros . W . II . Hussey , D . G . S . ; W . H . Barrcvv , W . Fearn , C . Parker , J . W . Irvine , eic . The lodge was opened with prayer at 6 . 40 ' p . m . The summons convening the meeting was read . The minutes

of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . The minutes of the last meeting of the Permanent Committee were read and adopted . Thc lodge was opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Charles Peters was then examined as to his qualifications to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason . All brethrenbelow the rank of a M . M . were then requested to retire . Bro . Charles Peters was then entrusted and passed

out . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree . Bro . Charles Peters was then duly admitted and raised to thc high and sublime degree of a Master Mason . The Worshipful Master then delivered a lecture on the Third Tracing Board in a very able manner , and was warmly applauded . The working tools of a M . M . were then presented to Bro . C . Peters , and their uses explained by the

W . M . Thc lodge was then closed in the Third Degree and resumed in the Second Degree . The ballot was then taken for Bro . James Caltlerwood as' a joining member , and announced clear . Acknowledgments of receipts for amounts voted to the Masonic Charity Fund , thc Hussey Testimonial Fund , and

the O'Brien Fund were read . A letter was read from Bro . R . Sowden asking the lodge to communicate with Lodge Excelsior No . 1042 , E . C ., Leeds , England , asking them to confer on him the Second and Third Degrees , the dues for which are duly paid to Lodge Concord . The Wor . Master , W . C . Rowe , then said he would have much pleasure in seeing the needful

done lor Bro . Sowden . The Worshipful Master then stated that he had relieved a brother . who had been obliged to come to Bombay from an out-station to attend one of the hospitals and was in want of assistance , so he had exercised his authority and given the said brother twenty rupees , as he was empowered to do by the bye-laws of the lodge , and he hoped it would meet with the approbation of the brethren . This was approved by all present .

The Wor . Master , W . C . Rowe , then proposed , and Wor . Bro . G . R . Henderson , P . M ., seconded , Bro . William Fearn , of Lodge Hope No . 350 , S . C , as a joining member . Bro . J . H . Burrett then proposed , and Bro . J . Jones seconded , Mr . J . Wilkinson as a candidate for initiation . The lodge was then closed in the Second Degree and resumed in thc First Degree . There being no further business before the lodge it was closed with solemn prayer at 8 . 30 p . m .

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .

FllOM A CollllESPONDENT . WELLINGTON , N . Z ., Ai-iin . 11 . We have no Masonic event of any magnitude to chronicle this month ; indeed , in a country so sparsely settletl as New Zealand such things , "like angels' visits , are few and far between ; " still , there are a few items ( collectively

considered ) of passing interest . To commence at home , we have thc receipt by last mail of a charter for a second lodge in this city , under the E . C . It is I believe , as its name implies , to consist of members of the Civil Service , or mainly so . Bro . E . D . Butts , P . M ., is the W . M . designate . The promoters have called a preliminary meeting respecting the opening , but as Bro . Butts is away

as mail agent to San Francisco , I presume there will not be much done until his return . Thc " reaper" has been busy among our Canterbury brethren of late . The funeral of Bro . A . A . Dobbs , P . M . of the Canterbury Lodge , 1048 E . C , took place on the 28 th ult . There was a large attendance of brethren of his own lodge , as also from the St . Augustine , Christchurch , and

Lodge Unanimity , Lyttleton . The R . W . D . D . G . M ., Bro , Thompson , and several ofliccrs of Prov . Grand Lodge were present . On the 5 th inst . the I lon . J . C . Watts-Russell , District Grand Master of Canterbury , was interred in the same cemetery , by express tlcsire of thc family ; there was no funeral corte ' ge—a few personal friends of deceased met

the hearse at thc gate of the burial ground , and paid their last tribute of respect . One other item from Canterbury of a more cheering aspect . A very handsome P . M . 's jewel is now on view at Bro . Proctor ' s establishment in Christchurch , for presentation by the members of Lodge Unanimity to Bro . W . Mills , collector of customs at the port of Lyttleton , previous to his departure from amongst them .

I observe the annual meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Westland , E . C , was held at the Masonic Hall , Revell-strcet , Hokitika , on the 23 rd ult . Leave takings have been rather frequent among our Westland brethren lately , and at this meeting the resignations of two bre-

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

thren were received , viz .: Bro . G . W . Harvey , Distric ' Judge , ! who has long antl efficiently filled thc office of D . D . G . M ., and Bro . Batham , Registrar of the Supreme Court , who has ably antl zealously discharged thc duties of District Grand Secretary . Many were the expressions of regret at losing these brethren ; the important office of D . D . G . M . was conferred on Bro . J . Bevan , than whom no more able Craftsman could have been found to fill the

distinguished ' position . Another appointment I note with pleasure , viz .: Bro . Rev . G . J . N . Watkins as D . G . Chaplain . The rev . bro . is at present W . M . of the Greymouth Lodge , 1233 E . C . He is a warm-hearted and zealous Mason , and the highest encomiums are passed on his working . The other appointments we will hope are satisfactory . After the ceremony of installation was concluded , the brethren adjourned to host Hudson's , were a most enjoyable evening was spent .

DISTRICT GIIAND LODGE OF WESTLAND . The annual meeting cf the District Grand Lodge of Westland , Freemasonry , E . G ., was held at the Masonic Hall , Revell-street , South , on Tuesday evening , March 23 rd , the R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Lazar , in the chair . Resignations were received from Rio . G . W . Harvey , of thc office of D . D . G . M ., in consequence of his departure for Otago , and

in accepting the same , there was an unanimous expression of regret at losing the services of so esteemed a brother , also from Bro . Batham , who had left for Auckland , and high encomiums were passed on the efficient manner in which he had filled the office of District Grand Secretary , and regret felt at his removal . The following officers were then appointed , most of whom were present and

installed : —Bros . J . Bevan , Q . W . D . D . G . M . ; T . R . Hudson , W . D . G . S . W . ; F . Eisfielder , W . D . G . J . W .-, J Bramwell , W . D . G . Registrar ; Rev . W . N . Watkins , D . G . Chaplain ; J . Williams , D . G . Treasurer ; W . D . Banks , D . G . Secretary ; W . P . Crawford , D . G . S . D . ; W . Ramsay , D . G . J . V . ; Charles Hill , D . G . S . Works ;

J . Dixon , D . G . D . C . ; D . Davidson , D . G . S . ; J . Gosson , D . G . O . ; M . Pollock , D . G . P . ; G . Benning , J . P . Mains , R . Ferguson , J . Douglas , D . G . Stewards , G . Epping , D . G . Tyler . After the ceremony was concluded the brethren adjourned to host Hudson ' s , where a recherche 1 collation was partaken of , antl a most enjoyable evening spent .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . S . P . BRABNER , Many will hear with regret of the death of Bro . Samuel P . Brabner , one of the Past Grand Officers of West Lancashire , and honorary solicitor to the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , which took place on Wednesday week under the most painful circumstances . Our deceased brother practised as a solicitor in Liverpool , and

resided at Litherland Park , Litherlantl , about six miles out of town , and his death has caused the most profound sensation in Masonic and other circles . A few weeks ago Bro . Brabner was in the garden attached to his house , when he was suddenly attacked by a fox terrier dog , which bit him severely in both hands , but more especially in the left , which was frightfully torn and lacerated . He was

shortly afterwards attended by Dr . Evans , and the usual remedies , to prevent serious consequences , were resorted to , the wounds being cauterised and dressed . So satisfactorily did the healing process go on , that Bro . Brabner himself treated the matter of little moment , and appeared somewhat astonished at the many expressions of sympathy and anxiety which were ultercd by professional and other

friends . On the 29 th ult . Bro . Brabner , who was an officer in one of the Volunteer artillery corps , took part in some brigade movements in honour of thc Queen ' s birthday , and he then appeared to be in his usual health . Before reaching home , however , hc became vevy unwell , and afterwards , when liquid was offered him , he was unable to swallow it , and displayed all the symptoms which

generally distinguish the earliest stages of hydrophobia . two medical men were called in , and everything was done which skill could suggest to counteract the fearful malady , but in vain , as Bro . Brabner gradually grew worse , and expired at nine o ' clock on the evening of Wednesday week . At thc inquest on Thursday week , the jury returned a

verdict of " Died from hydrophobia . " The deceased , who was 50 years old , was buried iu Sefton Churchyard on Monday afternoon , and the officers antl members of the ist L . A . V ., of which deceased was captain , arranged that the funeral should take place with military honours . A number of Masonic brethren also expressed their intention of being present .

IIIF . REVISION OK THE NEW TESTAMENT . —The New Testament Company of Revisers assembled yesterday in the Jerusalem Chamber for their fifty-first session . The Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol presided . The other members present were thc Archbishop of Dublin , the Prolocutor , the Master of the Temple , Canon Kennedy , Canon

Lightfoot , Prebendary Humphry , Prebendary Scrivener , Professor Eadie , Professor Aloulton , Professor Milligan , Professor Newth , Professor Palmer , Professor Roberts , Dr . Brown , and Mr . I fort . The company proceeded with the revision of the fourteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans .

HOLLOWAY ' S PILLS AMI OINTMENT . —Health sweetens the pulses of life , renders existence happy , and imparts to the mind sound and sensible ideas j without health , riches or power are of little avail , for the capacity of enjoyment can never be perfect if pain or distress he present . This state of what we term " health , in its most perfect sense means a perfectl y harmonious working , in accordance with nature ' s plan , of all the bodily functions , and when we consider how manifold antl how complicated these functions are , it is not to he wondered at that deviations of one or other of them so o ' tcn . occur . These well-known and widely renownd r emedies , v IZ . Holloway's Pills and Ointment , arc the best restorers of deranged health extant , — ABVT .