Dorset Masonic Charity.

DORSET MASONIC CHARITY .

The 12 th annual meeting was held at the Masonic jja | l , Wimborne , on Friday , the 22 nd ult . On arriving at the hall the brethren found a substantial lunch awaiting them , very hospitably provided by the kind forethoug ht of Bro . Russell Patey , W . M . 622 . The Relief and Assistance Sub-Committee met at

2 . 30 and considered four petitions for assistance . The General Committee met at 3 p . m ., when the following were present : Bros . W . D . Dugdale , Chairman ; W . j . Tarrant and C . J . Woodford , 137 ; Lillwood Milledge , Vice-Chairman , 170 ; C . H . W . Parkinson , 3 S 6 ; ( j . j . G . Gregory , 417 ; J . A . Atkins , Russell Patey , W . J . Fletcher , J . Whitehead Smith , and G . Habgood ,

jun ., of 622 ; W . H . Kerbey , 665 ; T . Giles , 707 ; C . J . Freeman , 1037 ; L . H . Ruegg , 116 S ; J . W . Luff and W . W . Stickland , 1266 ; and S . R . Baskett , Hon . Sec . 1367 ; on ' y two lodges in the province being unrepresented . The minutes of the last half-yearly meeting held at Dorchester having been confirmed , and apologies

presented for several brethren unable to attend , the Hon . Secretary reported that a widow for whose assistance ^ 20 had been granted at the last meeting to the W . M . of No . 472 , had since died , and he had received from the Treasurer of No . 472 the sum of £ 16 which had not been expended in consequence of her death . He also read a letter expressing the old lad y's very warm

gratitude for the grant . The Committee then proceeded to consider the petitions for relief , and , after consideration , adopted the recommendations of the Relief Sub-Committee , viz . : To a brother £ 20 towards an apprenticeship premium for one of his children ; to two widows ^ 20 each ; and to a brother , £ 20 , with a recommendation to Provincial

Grand Lodge to grant a similar sum in addition . The brethren to whom or to whose widows the grants were made had been members of the province for the long periods of 14 , 23 , 26 , and 24 years respectively . The accounts for the half-year to 30 th June , which had been duly audited by the Lodge Committee of 622 , —the Finance Sub-Committee for the year—were then

presented , and showed that the capital account then stood at £ 2799 8 s . 6 d ., with a balance to the credit of the relief account of £ 47 4 s . gd . The annual report for 18 91 to Provincial Grand Lodge was then considered and adopted . The HON . SECRETARY said that , in accordance with

a wish expressed by several brethren , he had prepared a list of subscribers to the end of 1891 , to be appended to the annual report , and produced it for inspection , but the Committee decided not to increase the expenses by printing it with the report . It was decided to hold the mid-winter meeting at Dorchester .

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Bro . R . Patey , W . M . 622 , for his hospitality , and a vote of thanks to the Chairman .

Annual Picnic Of The Doric Lodge,No..2350.

ANNUAL PICNIC OF THE DORIC LODGE , No .. 2350 .

The members of the Doric Lodge , No . 2359 , held their second annual picnic on Saturday , the 13 th inst . Accompanied by their lady friends , they started from the Central Station , Manchester , at 9 . 35 a . m ., and

proceeded in saloons to Bakewell , where luncheon was provided . From thence they proceeded by road to Chatsworth , the charming residence of the Duke of Devonshire , afterwards visiting Haddon Hall , and drove back to Bakewell for dinner . In the drawing-room subsequentl y a most delightful entertainment was given by the ladies and brethren , at the conclusion of which ,

proceeding to the station , they returned by rail , arriv-¦ ng at Manchester at 10 . 30 . Needless to say , the weather being delightful the whole of the day , and with the splendid arrangements made by Bro . Veal , Secretary , a most enjoyable day was spent , not a single hitch occurring during the day , and everyone present , to the number of 68 , expressed themselves highly delighted w "h the day ' s outing .

Summer Excursion Of The John Hervey Lodge, No.1200.

SUMMER EXCURSION OF THE JOHN HERVEY LODGE , No . 1200 .

the W . M . and some 20 members of this lodge Passed a very enjoyable day at Brighton on Thursday , " \ e nth inst . Amongst those present we noticed , in audition to Bro . Fox ( who had on the previous day

lourneyed all the way from Sheffield to attend the duties ° J the lod ge as W . RL ) , Bros . Henry Evans , P . M . ; G . ' ¦ Salmon , P . M . ; J . B . Sorrell , P . M . ; Major J . Heaton , P . M . ; F . Dangerfield , P . M . ; W . V . Potter , '•' «•; Reep , Sec ; Varley , S . W . ; James Evans , S . D . ; " ghes , Cameron , Lethbridge , Serre , Charlton , and be veral visitors . b . .

^ The brethren assembled at London Bridge Station lj , L" ^ ' "d were conveyed in special saloon carriages j * . ® n o ' clock train to Brighton . Luncheon was Was at l ^ * - * ran < * Hotel at 1 . 30 , and the afternoon lj . P assed on the pier , promenades , and in riding and . sting , according as individual taste dictated . The

an e "' . burning to the Grand Hotel , sat down to in tj 1 ulslt . and recherche banquet , and rose therefrom 8 ^ to i ° ' the special saloons , returning to town at ¦ j ° p . m . r ' " Mas •course ° f the evening the usual patriotic and the 0 C - t 0 aSts were du ] y honour . " > e W . M . taking harj aJ ? ? * ° mention to the brethren the pleasure it call a ° d nim and some others of the brethren to u see the widow of the former Secretary of the

Summer Excursion Of The John Hervey Lodge, No.1200.

lodge , who was residing in Waterloo-street , and who cordially welcomed her visitors , many of whom she had not seen since her bereavement . The arrangements made by the Excursion Committee , and carried out by the Secretary , all proceeded without any hitch , and the brethren concurred in expressing themselves as having passed a most healthful and pleasant day .

Centenary Of The Ancient Union Lodge. No. 203.

CENTENARY OF THE ANCIENT UNION LODGE . No . 203 .

On Thursday , the nth instant , there was a very large and thoroughly representative gathering of brethren at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , where the centenary celebration of the establishment of Ancient Union Lodge , No . 203 , took place in a manner worthy

of the occasion . The lodge holds a prominent place in the records of West Lancashire , both with regard to membership and to the very active part it has taken in the benevolent schemes of the Order . The chair during the interesting proceedings was occupied by Bro . James Clark , W . M ., and associated with him in the centenary function were Bros . G . J .

Clough , I . P . M . ; G . R . Ashton , P . M . ; J . Galloway , P . M . ; E . Johnston , P . P . G . D . ; C . Bromley , P . M . ; H . James , P . M . ; T . Wood , P . M . ; J . W . Baker , P . M . ; J . Worthington , S . W . ; F . Tester , J . W . ; F . F . Fisher , S . D . ; R . Craig , J . D . ; J . Craig , I . G . ; J . N . Hounsell , P . M ., Treas . ; J . G . Highfield , Sec . ; 6 , W . Rowson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., D . C ; D .

Nicholson and A . Walters , Stwds . ; W . Hudson , Org . ; and F . du Chemin , Ty ler . Besides a large attendance of members , there were present representatives of the Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge , Bros . J . D . Murray , G . Treas . ; S . G . Sinclair , G . Deacon ; W . Goodacre , P . G . Sec . and P . G . S . B . ; R . Wylie , P . G . D . ; E . H . Cookson ; P . P .

S . G . W . ; E . Pierpoint , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . T . Callow , P . P . G . Treas . ; J . Hayes , P . P . G . S . B . ; W . Sutherland , W . M . 1094 ; J . Hocken , P . M . 673 ; and others . The representatives of Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge having been received in due form , Bro . ROWSON , in a graphic and interesting manner , reviewed the somewhat chequered career of the Ancient Union

Lodge , remarking that chronicles clearly showed that the lodge had an existence even before 179 a . Bro . MURRAY , G . Treas ., then handed over , in fitting terms , the centenary warrant to the care of the W . M ., who , in accepting it , expressed a hope that the "Ancient Union" would continue to uphold the best interests of Freemasonry and maintain the prestige which it held in the Province of West Lancashire . After business the brethren adjourned to banquet .

United Grand Lodge Of Victoria.

UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA .

The Quarterly Communication of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria was held on Monday evening , June 20 th , at Freemasons' Hall , Melbourne , the Deputy Grand Master , Bro . Geo . Baker , in the chair . A communication was received from the Grand Lodge of Ireland appointing Bro . G . Baker as a representative

of that Grand Lodge . The rank of P . S . G . W . was conferred by the Grand Master upon Bro . Ross , P . S . G . D ., and Bro . Copland , P . G . S . B . A handsomely-framed portrait of Bro . G . Coppin , P . G . M ., was presented by himself to the Grand Lodge , for which Bro . BAKER expressed the pleasure he felt at receiving such a valuable addition to those pictures

already in their possession , Bro . Coppin being the first Grand Master of Victorian Freemasons . A sum of £ 100 was voted to the Mayor ' s Relief Fund . The report of the Board of Benevolence showed that relief had been granted during the quarter in 63 cases , amounting to £ 443 16 s . 6 d . A somewhat protracted debate took place upon the new rules of debate , which had been recommended by

the Board of General Purposes , for approval of the Grand Lodge , which , after some slight amendments , were adopted . The Treasurer ' s balance , showing credit to General Fund ^ 444 17 s . 1 id ., Benevolent Fund £ 1094 2 s . 6 d ., was also adopted . Owing to the lateness of the hour , the remaining business was held over till next meeting .

Annual Outing Of The Dublin Chapter,No.225.

ANNUAL OUTING OF THE DUBLIN CHAPTER , No . 225 .

This chapter had their annual outing on Saturday , the Gth inst . ; the companions numbering 25 met at Westland-row and started for Bray . After a pleasant hour there and some light refreshments they again took

train for Greystones , where carriages were in waiting to convey them to Delgany . Putting up at the hotel conducted by Mrs . Newell , widow of the late Bro . Newell , 261 , Dalkey , luncheon was ready for them After partaking of which , carriages were again requisitioned for a drive through the far-famtd Glen-of-the-Downs to Enniskerry , returning to the hotel at 6 . 30

for dinner , which was served in faultless style . The Most Excellent King , Comp . W . H . Richardson ( Representative Grand Lodge of Sweden ) , being in the position of honour , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured ; there being a deal of musical talent present the companions spent a most enjoyable day , and one long to be remembered , the weather being propitious .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Down.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DOWN .

On Tuesday , the 9 th instant , the Quarterly Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down was held in the Masonic Hall , Newry . Bro . Major Thompson , Deputy Prov . G . M ., presided , and there was a large attendance of the brethren . The lodge having

been opened , the minutes of the previous communication were read and conlirmed . The business , which was to receive the report of the Provisional Board of General Purposes and to propose Provincial Grand Oliicers for 18 93 , was then proceeded with and concluded , after which Bro . F . C . Crossle , Al . D ., Prov . G . Sec , was presented with a testimonial

and a cheque tor a handsome sum as a token of the high esteem in which he is held by the brethren . The members of the Grand Lodge were afterwards entertained by the members of the Newry Lodges , Nos . 18 , 23 , and 77 , to a sumptuous dinner . After dinner , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to .

Is Masonry Dry?

IS MASONRY DRY ?

Masonry is a science of morals . Its doctrines are illustrated by beautiful symbols . Science is the collection and collating of facts . Facts and figures are dry . Metaphysics , or moral philosophy , or any system that deals in plain abstract statements , is heavy , and a real tax upon the brain to properly understand the deep

meaning of natural forces . We are apt to turn away from the consideration of dry abstract theories , no matter how important they may be . We hesitate about plunging into figures that make up a difficult problem , and we often take things for granted that ought to be carefully studied . We permit our indisposition to untangle a knotted thread , to cast the thread aside

entirely , or to cut it , and thus injure the thread and leave the tangle still existing . Alasonry presents a number of abstract questions , propounds a number of dry moral doctrines , but these morals and dogmas are so beautifully surrounded with allegory , and so graphically portrayed in symbol that there is a pleasure in pursuing the study . No dust

arises from the pages of Masonic text books , because the pictures are so drawn as to lead the mind to grasp the hidden meaning and desire further light . So Masonry is not dry . The picture of the Entered Apprentice in his search for light , although seen a . hundred times , takes on a new beauty with every presentation of the Degree . The Fellow Craft , working

his way up the stairs of the mystic science to the place where he is made acquainted with his wages , is a student of moral philosophy . The Master Mason , learning the lessons of fidelity and immortality and fidelity , is advancing in knowledge through a course of most beautiful and impressive lectures . No matter how often we behold these Degrees , if we will but do so , we may see something entirely new every time . They

are not dry abstractions . They appeal to the heart , and impress their beauties upon the soul . The man who sees nothing but dry problems in Alasonry is untouched by the symbols and lectures , fails to appreciate the true meaning of the institution . Masonry ought to make every man who enters its portals better . Masonry will make every man better if he only reads his lesson aright . —New York Dispatch .

Sutton's Bulb Catalogue For 1892.

SUTTON'S BULB CATALOGUE FOR 1892 .

Flowers from Du ' ch and other bulbs command increasing attention every year for their purity , splendour , and variety of colouring . As adornments for the home and garden they are alike indispensable , and they possess qualities which specially commend them to the attention of amateurs . Not only are Dutch Bulbs hardy and accommodating , but

are capable of producing brilliant results in smoky towns where many other flowers cannot be successfully cultivated . We are reminded by Alessrs . Sutton ' s list that preparations for a display during the approaching season must soon be commenced , and this year the choice of varieties apoears to be more than usuall y attractive . The list of hyacinths includes the finest varieties for indoor decoration or

competition on the exhibition stage . Also fine bulbs at low prices for producing masses 0 ? colour in beds and borders . Daffodils and Narcissi are now so popular that the notes on these ( lowers , and the superb drawings of leading varieties , will prove a valuable guide to the numerous admirers of these favourite bulbs . Tulips form a very prominent feature of the work . They are well classified , and the usefulness

of the different types clearly indicated . Lilies seem destined to maintain their proverbial reputation for beauty , and two recent additions , admirably illustrated in natural colours , are certain to receive a hearty welcome . For their magnificent strains of gloxinias and begonias , Alessrs . Sutton have recently been awarded first-class certificates at the Uoyal Horticultural , Bath , Richmond , and other leading shows .

We observe that the identical bulbs are offered which produced the glowing masses of colour during the past season . No collection of gloxinias will be complete without the new white flower " Her Alajesty , " which was awarded first-class certificates at the Royal Horticultural , Richmond , and Wolverhampton Shows . Almost every page of the list is adorned with original engravings of new or important bulbous ( lowers , and some of the drawings are suggestive

ol the most effective modes of treatment or of grouping . As usual the lists have been carefully revised , and it is no slight advantage to have the descriptions compiled from notes actually taken in presence of growing specimens . This feature gives Messrs . Sutton ' s bulb catalogue an exceptional value for accuracy . The cultural notes are clear , precise , and sufficiently detailed to guide an amateur who may , for the first time , undertake the culture of these fine flowers cither in pots or in borders .