Ancient And Primitive Rite.

CRAFT MASONRY . INSTRUCTION . STRONG MAN LODGE ( Xo . 45 ) . —A meeting * of the above lodge was held on Monday , the Sth inst ., at the George , Australian Avenue , Barbican , when the following brethren were present : Bros . Powell , W . M . ; Appleton , S . W . ; Pillican , J . W . ; Wing , P . M ., Treas . ; Fox , Sec ; Wing , S . D . ; Broolecowlie , J . D . ; Hancock , I . G . ; Gush , Preceptor , and others . Thclodge was opened

in due form , and the minutes of last lodge read and confirmed . The lotlge was opened in the Second Degree . The lodge resumed in the First Degree . Bro . Ward answered the questions leading from the First to the Second Degree , and passed the degree of Fellow Craft . Bro . Fox worked the Second Section . The lodge was resumed in the First Degree . Bro . Fox worked the First and Second Sections . The lodge was resumed in the First Degree . Bro . Heale , 45 , was elected a member of this lodge of instruction , and tho lodge was duly closed .

PERCY LODGE ( No . 198 ) . —The Fifteen Sections were worked at this lodge of instruction , at the Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , N ., on the 13 th inst ., by Bros . H . 1 . Lardner , S . W . 1745 , W . M . ; C . Lorkin , S . D . 1524 , S . W . ; F . Brasted , S . W . 1524 , J . W . ; and R . Pearcy , P . M . 22 S , Preceptor .

FIRST LECTURE . ist Section ... Bro . A . Tuck , 1531 . 2 nd „ ... „ F . Carr , S . D . 1607 . 3 rd ,, ... ,, E . Woodman , 1524 . 4 th „ ... „ F . Brasted , S . W . 1524 Sth „ ... „ D . Moss , 1275 . 6 th „ ... „ C . Lorkin , S . D . 1524 . 7 th „ ... „ Pinder .

SECOND LECTURE . ist Section ... Bro . Goodenough , 1745 . 2 nd „ ... „ D . Moss , 1275 . 3 rd „ ... ,, A . McMillan , W . M . 1365 4 th „ ... „ C . Lorkin , S . D . 1524 . 5 th „ ... ,, R . P . Forge , 619 .

THIRD LECTURE . ist Section ... Bro . J . Lorkin , W . M . 16 79 . 2 nd „ ... „ \ V . Williams , 902 . 3 rd „ ... „ J . A . Powell , 1 S 6 . The Sections throughout were abl y worked ; the W . M ., as Questioner , unusually distinguishing himself , and a hearty vote of thanks was recorded on the minutes to him for his masterly working , for which he thanked the brethren , stating , although but a young Mason , he yielded to

none in love for it ; he might say that all his spare time was spent amongst brethren ,. Ever since he came amongst the Percy Lodge brethren their kindness had certainly won his heart , and he trusted to be long spared to come among them . A vote of thanks was also entered on the minutes to the brethren who had assisted the W . M . in rendering the Sections so complete . Bro . Moss , sen ., returned thanks on behalf of those brethren . The W . M ., after enquiries , and the usual Masonic greetings , closed the lodge in due form , the brethren separating after thorough enjoyment .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

INSTRUCTION , OLD KENT LODGE . —The above lodge met for its first meeting after the recess on Monday , the Sth inst ., when , in addition to the usual formalities , the ceremony of advancement was rehearsed by Bro . H . Venn , W . M . of thc mother lodge , assisted by the brethren present . The

Preceptor , Bro . Turquand , or the Secretary , Bro . W . II . Gimingham , will be glad to receive the names of brethren willing to become members , at the address where thc lodge is held , viz ., The Trocadero , 6 , Liverpool-street , E . C . The regular meetings take place on the first and third Mondays of each month .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

YORK . —Hilda Chapter , Rose Croix . —The regular meeting of this chapter was held at the Masonicrooms , Queen ' s Hotel , York , on Friday , the 5 th inst . The M . W . S . Bro . T . B . Whytehead presided , and there were also present 111 Bro . C . J . Barrister , 33 , S . G . l . G . ; and Bros . J . S . Cumberland , H . P . ; S . Middleton , as ist Gen . ; M . Millington , 2 nd Gen . ; A . T . B . Turner , R . ; E . I . UeSallis , Pearson , Jackson , and others . Bro . I . T .

Atkinson was duly perfected . Bro . J . S . Cumberland was unanimously elected M . W . S . and Bro . Whytehead Treasurer . Two auditors were appointed . The M . W . S . thanked Bro . Barrister for his attention in coming over from Bradford for the meeting and for his assistance in working the ceremonies . A letter was read from Bro . Haml y ( 4 th Dragoon Guards ) thanking the chapter for his election as an honorary member . The chapter was then closed .

South Africa.

South Africa .

PI ET ER MAR ITZ BURG . —Skelmersdale Lodge ( No . 1729 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodgo was held at the Masonic Temple , Longmarket-strect , on luesday , September 28 th . The lodge was opened in due form by the W . M ., Bro . Sydney Ford , at seven o ' clock . After the ordinary business of passing brethren , balloting for candidates , receiving propositions & cW . liro . JH .

, , . Lawson , I . P . M ., agreeable with a notice of motion given at [ he Previous meeting , moved the following resolution that a special fund be opened at the Natal Bank , to be used solely for benevolent purposes , and primarily with the . object of assisting poor and distressed Masons , being members of this lodge ; such fund to be supported and maintained as follows : ios . to be deducted out of each

subscribing member ' s subscription , £ 1 lis . 6 d . out of eac" initiation fee , ios . 6 d . out of every passing fee , ** « ?;• . out of every raising fee , and ios . 6 d . out of every amhation fee ; the Committee of Management to have ciiarge of this fund , to decide al ! claims upon it for enarity , and to present a quarterly statement of accounts w > the lodge ; " and , in doing so , stated he had been accused of bringing this motion forward as an antagonistic t "ov < ; " 1 nt to the General Benevolent Fund lately formed ? y the three city lodges . He emphatically denied any such

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intention . He cordially approved thc formation of the General Benevolent Fund , and considered it was the only real practical good work that the Freemasons in this city , as a body , had clone , so far as was observable . He thought the brethren were greatly indebted to W . Bros . Cook and Finnemore , of the Natalia Lodge , for carrying their scheme to a satisfactory issue . He looked upon his proposition as an adjunct to that fund , and in no wise detrimental , as they

would continue to support that fund as hitherto . He ( Bro . Lawson ) had felt for a long time that Masonry in Pietermaritzburg was not carried out in practice , it was made a blind , and traded upon ; they inculcated grand principles of benevolence and charity to every newly-initiated brother , they took large fees and subscriptions , but they had nothing to show of a practical nature that the large amounts of money they received were devoted , or even a reasonable

portion thereof , to the real purposes and objects for which Freemasonry was designed . He felt that in not setting apart a portion of the funds for benevolent purposes they were not acting as good and faithful Masons , they were neglecting a sacred trust ; that their monies were swallowed up in lodge expenses and banquets , instead of being devoted to charitable purposes . He contended it was their duty to deal with this question firmly and decisively—to say

so much shall be devoted for benevolent purposes and so much for working expenses—that when a necessitous case arose the W . M . and his Committee might deal with it without being obligated to beg from individual members , as had been the case in times past . Bro . Lawson pointed out the invidiousness of this system , and strongly commented upon brethren only giving a half-guinea or a guinea to subscription lists , while their incomes were comparatively large ,

and three or five guineas would never be missed ; on the other hand , some gave more than they could afford for the sake of appearances . He believed in helping a distressed brother or a deceased brother ' s widow and family in such manner as to enable them to help themselves , and thought their liberality should know no bounds , save those of prudence , and was sure the General Benevolent Fund would have quite as much work as it could do with the limited

funds at its command , for a long time to come , in looking after the needs of distressed passing brethren without being called upon to supply the needs of local lodges . He earnestly appealed to the sympathies of the brethren present to give their votes to this resolution , and thus show the outside world that there is something in Freemasonry ; that they had not quite degenerated into clubism ; that the sole objects of their meetings were not purely socialism or

banqueting , but rather that their great aim was benevolence and good works . Bro . Lawson placed before the lodge an estimate showing the receipts for the previous twelve months , and contended they could fairly assume to receive as much during the coming year . The lodge was becoming popular and prospering , and if they devoted 25 per cent , of their receipts to benevolent purposes , he believed , after paying all working expenses , they would still have a good balance

in hand . This proposed fund would necessarily be a small one at first , but in course of years it might accumulate to thousands , when the lodge . would be able to use it to good purpose for educating the children of deceased brethren . Bro . Archdeacon Colly , J . W . and Chaplain , in seconding the motion , said he thoroughly and cordially endorsed Bro . Lawson ' s sentiments . His great regret was that Bro . Lawson had considered it desirable to reduce the amount to be

devoted to benevolent purposes from his original intention of one-third the receipts to one-fourth . He ( Bro . Colly ) thought the grandest and sublimcst point in Freemasonry was the universal desire of promulgating benevolence and charity . He was of opinion they should practise that which they taught ; that they should show candidates , by force of example , that thc great basis of Freemason ry was the diffusion of charity , and that they did not ask them to perform that

which they left undone themselves . He believed , as true Masons , this was an imperative duty they were called upon to perform ; they ought always to be in possession of funds specially to meet cases of benevolence . He agreed that the principle of subscription lists was objectionable in every form ; this fund would do away with the necessity of subscription lists . He considered they should devote a certain pcrtion of their receipts to

benevolent purposes , and work their lodge on the balance that benevolence should be their foundation stone . In a few eloquent and impressive remarks the venerable Chaplain pointed out the special duty of Freemasons to the Most High , and clearl y showed that onc of the principles of true Godliness is Charity , reminding the brethren that blessed is the giver , equallv with the receiver . Bro . Robt . Horsley , S . W ., cordially supported the

resolution he would have preferred the amount to be devoted had been limited to ten per cent , at first as a trial , nevertheless . Hc heartily approved of thc idea , and would do his best to carry out the principles of the resolution if agreed upon . He strongly felt we should do our utmost to assist poor and distressed Masons . Bro . Robt . Holliday , S . D ., also warmly supported the proposition . Hc regretted the moverhad not made the amount fifty percent .

He thought they should do their very utmost in all matters of benevolence . He believed the outside public had a notion that they only met to spend a jolly evening , and have a good feed , and up to the present time what had they to show to the contrary—nothing beyond thcsmall general fund lately established . At the same time he felt sure the hearts of the brethren were in the right place , and hatl confidence they would approve of this motion as a step in the right direction .

Several other brethren having spoken in favour of the resolution , VV . Bro . E . H . Wiltshir , in a few calm and temperate remarks , regretted he could not agree with the motion , and moved as an amendment " That the question be deferred till June , 1 SS 1 . " He approved of benevolence , but did not see the necessity of this fund , seeing they already had a General Benevolent Fund . He thought the lodge was not sufficiently advanced to devote so much of its funds

to benevolent purposes , and would rather wait till the lodge had a good surplus to start the fund with . Bro . Fletcher , J . D ., seconded tho amendment , and was supported by Bro . Bodily , who thought Freemasonry should not be looked upon as a benefit society . He believed the brethren would always be liberal when called upon , and he did not think it

wise to lock up the funds of the lodge . The W . M ., Bro . Sydney Ford , said his heart and sympathies were entirely with the resolution , and he _ believed it would be a grand thing to have a fund of their own ; there was no knowing what good they might do in the future with a substantial balance at command . Heagreed in helping a man , to help himself , and feared the General Benevolent Fund would not be in a position to do this to any extent for some time ;

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their functions would be more for general purposes , while their fund would be for special purposes . He felt sure a distressed brother would receive , and appreciate , help from his own lodge in preference to the General Benevolent Fund , W . Bro . Lawson , upon being called upon to reply , pointed out the fallacy of deferring the question ; if they waited for funds to accumulate , they might wait long enough , as he believed they would be frittered awav in lodge expenses and

banquets , unless a hard and fast rule were made . In reply to Bro . Bodily ' s objection that they were not a benefit society , he , Bro . Lawson , pointed out the noble work that was being carried on in England . By the Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund , by the various charitable Masonic Institutions and Schools , thousands of brethren had received substantial benefit , and hundreds of deceased brethren ' s widows and families had received substantia

benefit ; while their Masonic Schools were full . It was true they went about their work on a far nobler principle than the ordinary benefit societies , still the great aim of our fathers in Masonry was benevolence and charity ; this trust had been handed down tous , and we in turn should bandit down untarnished . He thought they should follow the example of their brethren in England , who prided themselves on their Benevolent Institutions . The W . M . on putting the amendment , and proposition , to the

meeting , declared the latter carried by a majority . It was satisfactory to observe that throughout the debate a thorough Masonic and harmonious spirit prevailed . By invitation of the senior lodges in the city , and upon the motion of W . Bro . Lawson , it was unanimously resolved "That this lodge cordially approves the principle of forming a District Grand Lodge in this colonv . " The W . M . having received "Hearty good wishes '' from visitors , closed thelodsre in due form .

Literary, Art, And Antiquarian Notes.

Literary , Art , and Antiquarian Notes .

The Athenasum says that Don P . de Gayangos has discovered in the course of his researches at Simancas interesting notices of Cervantes , and also of other great writers of the golden age of Spanish literature , more especially of Lope de Vega and Calderon .

A new work by thc author of ' * Ecce Homo " and dealing with the subject of " Natural Religion " is announced . The Academy states that a selection from Mr . J . G . Whittier ' s poems has just been rendered into Portuguese by the Emperor of Brazil . A Maafnificent Display of thc 'Aurora Borealis

was visible in the Orkney Isles last week . The whole of the norihern horizon was covered by a dark mass of clouds with sharply defined edges , and from these the aurora shot up in beautifully coloured streams to nearly the zenith , covering the clear sky above the clouds from N . E . to N . W * Sometimes the aurora formed a gigantic rainbow , and the ight was as bright as mooulight .

Dr . Bridges new cantata , " Boadicea , the libretto for which has been composed by Miss C . E . Trautbeck , daughter of a former precentor of the Manchester Cathedrul , will be given for the first time in Manchester at thc annual concert of Cathedral Choral Society at thc end of the present month . A Cast of the Venus of Milo was recently sent

from Europe to a mruveau-riclic in San Francisco . The owner assembled his friends to view the treasure , but when the Venus was freed from her wrappings , to the universal horror it was found minus both arms . Furious at the injury of his property the San Franciscan sued the railway company for damages , and , what is more , at least so says the Ncv ) York Hour , lie got them .

Thc Atlicnamm says that thcapproaching Winter Exhibition of the Royal Academy will be exceptionally rich in interest through the liberally of several owners of fine pictures . A volume of selected essays , b y Max Miiller , is in the press . Orthographical innovators will be interested in knowing that it will include his essay on " spelling , " with sundry amplifications and examples of the various schemes

propounded for the reform of English spelling . The Royal Gallery at Dreden has acquired , at a cost of 35 , 000 marks , a picture by Professor Ludwig Knaus , entitled " Hinter den Coulissen , " and representing a troop of itinerant jugglers . Amongst the announcements of the coming season is a work in which the " Alledged Claims of Queen Victoria to the Throne of David" will be examined in connection with " Anglo-lsraelism and the Great Pyramid . "

Messrs . C . Kegan Paul will publish immediatel y an illustrated edition of Tennyson ' s Works in one volume . The illustrations include a steel portrait of the author . Messrs . Macmillan announce a new edition , the third , of Mr . Hamerton ' s "Etching and Etchers , " with forty-eight ncw plates , and a thoroughly revised and increased text .

A novel copyright question , of literary interest lather than legal importance , has recently been decided by the Supreme Court of New York in the United States . The C lain tiffs were the nieces of Washington Irving , and rought their action jointly with the firm of Putnam Sons to restrain a rival publishing house from issuing a volume ct Washington Irving's works with the title " Irving's

Works" on the back of thc cover . 1 hey claimed an injunction on two grounds , first , because they possessed a copyright at common law , even aftjr the period of statutory copyright had expired ; secondly , because they had acquired by usage a proprietary right in the title of "Irving's Works , " analogous to the right in a trade mark or ( we , Academy , may add ) in the name of a newspaper .

Little difficulty could be experienced in refuting the former of these arguments , which is , indeed , forejudged by decided cases in this country as well as in America . The latter point is , it is believed , oneof first impression . Judge Beach decided against thc plaintiffs , holding that they could not have an exclusive right to thc use of the word when they had no exclusive right to the thing . If anyone may publish Washington Irving ' s works , anyone may call his publi cation by that name , whicli is , indeed , its proper name .