Origmal Correspondence.

what these contributions amount to altogether in each case and their annual average ; the annual value or cost of the benefits which each receives from the Institution ; and the excess of contributions over " value received " or of " value received" over contributions as the case may be . As it stands , and assuming that its figures are accurate and that it means what it professes , 1 admit it is a valuable help to

the merely tabular view of Masonic benevolence ; but if it means something more or less than it professes , then I am afraid I must ask "J . 174 " to pardon me if I have failed to ascertain . what he has furnished me no data for ascertaining . If I have gone astray , it is because I have taken his Table for what it contains , and not for something which he now tells us it does not , but ought , to contain . May I

take the liberty of suggesting that "J . 174 "' s explanations of last week would have been better , if like the reasons once given by a jury for their verdict , they had been left unsaid , and for the same reason , namely , that they entirely destroy whatever value it may possess ? As regards the letter of " Zetetes , " I do not feel called upon to introduce the name of a particular province into a

discussion which concerns London and the provinces generally , nor is it in my power to " explain the trick , " by which many votes are obtained for little money . However , I will say this by way of corroborating my former statement , that the province I had in my mind when writing my former letter has been represented at three out of the 12 Festivals held during the last four years ; that during that

period it has given nothing to the Girls' School and 60 guineas to the Boys' School , while , according to the Subscribers' Lists issued on February of this year , it has five children in the former and four in the latter Institution ; and that during the same period it has given less than £ 100 to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , in which , from the latest returns I have seen , it has one male

annuitant and four widow annuitants . If this sum of between £ 150 and £ 160 represents all it has been able , without detriment to its own interests , to contribute to our chief benevolent Institutions during three years , then 1 repeat , there is nothing further to say—its mite is as worthy a contribution in the eyes of all just Masons as the larger gifts of stronger and richer

provinces . But if , as , in the absence of any information to the contrary , I am justified in opining , its lodges are constituted as are those of similar provinces , which are neither richer nor poorer , yet contribute more largely and more frequently , then 1 say this " province I could name , " but do not , has been wanting in its duty towards our Central Institutions and should lose no time in repairing the default . I am not propounding a very novel or very

alarming proposition when I lay it down that it is the duty of each of the constituent parts of our Masonic body corporate to bear its due share of the common burden which devolves on that body , and that when some of those parts fail in their duty , then one of two results muit ensue ( a ) either the common burden is not borne to its full extent ; ( b ) or the remaining parts have cast upon them more than their due share of the joint responsibility . —Yours fraternally , ZETA .

BROWNE'S MASTER KEY . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In reply to " X . Y . Z , " his edition is the second , and is worth 10 s . It is not very scarce , as is the first edition ,

which latter has long been at a fancy price . Several of 1 S 02 have been exhibited , and others are known : but of 1798 I only know of two , one of these being in Bro . George Taylor's magnificent Worcester collection . —Yours fraternally , October 15 th . J . RAMSDEN RILEY .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

PROV . G . LODGE OF NEW YORK , A . D . 17 S 1 . I have carefully read Bro . G . B . Abbott ' s exhaustive articles on the origin and character of the Provincial Grand Lodge Warrant of New York under the "Ancients , " and entirely agree with him that the able Masonic Historian , Bro . J . G . Findel , wasin errorin pinning

his faith to the dictum of Bro . F . G . Fincke , who in 1 S 56 wrote a pamphlet , which I know well , entitled " The Early History of the Original Charter of the Grand Lodge of New York , critically examined . " Bro . Fincke sought to prove that the Charter in question was an imposition , and that there was no Duke of AthoII Grand Master of the "Ancients " at the time of its issue . The fact of the 4 th Duke of

Athole having been initiated under age , from a modern American point of view would invalidate any document issued by one so admitled , but as we all know , his Grace was passed through the Three Degrees , installed as Master , and also as Grand Master , all in one day . A copy of the original Warrant may be found in the Freemasons' Chronicle of September 2 nd , 1 S 76 , and another bearing the

same date , and in precisely the same terms and particulars , save the change of the names of the officers so appointed , is given in the Masonic Magazine for August , 1 S 76 , having been issued to constitute a Prov . G . Lodge for the Counties of " York , Chester , and Lancaster , " the onl y one of the kind ever traced in England . The explanation of the Title of the 3 rd Duke ' of Athole ( who was deceased ) being giveninstead of that of the 4 th Duke

, , who was then M . W . G . M ., in my opinion is to be found in the fact that the printed form of Warrant used when the 3 rd Duke was G . M . was made to do duty when the 4 th succeeded to that office , the blanks being left for the names of the Provincial Grand Officers to be designated , place of assembl y , & c . I have no doubt myself that the authorities did

not consider it needful to have a new set of ( blank ) Warrants printed , but neglected to alter the " Prince John the Third , " into the 4 th of that name . The ingenious ^ "pestion of Bro . Abbott's , that the latter , though the 4 tn Duke , was the 3 rd John , whilst true in fact , did not in n Y opinion influence the authorities in 17 S 1 . W . J , HUGHAN .

Bro . Colonel Sir Alfred Kirby and Lady Kirby na Ve returned to town from the East .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft jtaonrg * CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 901 ) . —A _ .. _ , _ -. ; _ c . u :- I _J _U _ i . . u _ / -.. iiji- ^ il of this held at the Guildhall

_ regular meeting lodge was Tavern , on Monday , the 17 th inst . There was a good attendance , including Bros . Dan . Hughes , VV . M . ; H . Harbord , I . P . M . ; K . Pittam Stevens , S . W . ; J . Hoddinott , J . W . ; Jno . Hughes , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Beaumont , P . M ., Sec . ; " W . R . Haylock , S . D . ; A . Prince , J . D . ; G . Rubardt , I . G . ; J- G . Finister , Org . ; E . Vanner and R . F . Whur , Stvvds . ; G . A . Cundy , P . M . ; A . Ginger , P . M . ;

F . Rich , G . Inglish , J . Hatton , H . Barwell , W . J . Tuck , G . Lawson , C . J . Whetnall , Hy . Hall , A . N . Harden , GSmith , J . H . Hayden , A . South , P . G . Rogers , and others . Visitors : Bros . G . Saunders , Org . 15 ; J . Mavo , 1614 ; and VV . W . Lee , 1897 . The lodge having been formally opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Messrs .

Wm . Thompson and Julius Bona , having been duly balloted for , were initiated into Freemasonry , after which Bro . Hall was raised to the Second Degree . The ceremonies in both Degrees were rendered by Bro . Daniel Hughes , VV . M ., in a clear and distinct manner , which impressed the candidates and gratified and delighted the brethren . Other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed in

ancient form , and the brethren adjourned to a substantial repast . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , being proposed by the W . M . and received by the brethren in a hearty and fraternal manner . Bro . Harbord , I . P . M ,, said the gavel had once more been entrusted to him , and the brethren w ' ould know it was

for the purpose of proposing " The Health of the VV . Master . " He had no doubt it would be received with the enthusiasm it deserved . They would agree with him that the pleasant task of proposing this toast was the only work he had to do , for the manner in which the W . M . performed his work rendered the post of I . P . M . a sinecure . They had all seen the work Bro . Daniel Hughes ,

VV . M ., had done that night , which had been a credit , not only to himself , but also to the lodge . He would , therefore , ask them to rise and drink with all heartiness and sincerity to the health of their W . M . Bro . Daniel Hughes , W . M ., in reply , said that once more it afforded him great pleasure to respond , and thank the I . P . M . for the kind manner in which he had proposed ,

andthe brethren for their hearty reception of the toast of his health . He could assure them that the words of the I . P . M . applied to his case exactly , for he carried out his duties to the best of his ability , and he hoped to their satisfaction . As time was short he would conclude with those few remarks , again thanking them for their great kindness . The VV . Master then gave "The Initiates , " and said

that nothing afforded the occupant of the chair more pleasure than initiating good men into Masonry . During his year he had been singularly favoured . The two initiates of that evening had been attentive candidates , and that fact had assisted him materially in the working of the ceremony . He had been especially pleased to initiate an esteemed friend of his , Bro . Bona , into Freemasonry . That

brother had come from the United States , and although he had Masonic friends there , had preferred entering Masonry in the old country . The brethren would be pleased to heat that he had been gratified at the manner in which the ceremony had been conducted . The other initiate had been proposed by Bro . Lawson , a brother initiate of his ( the W . M . 'si .

Bro . Thompson having returned thanks , Bro . Bona replied , and said that the words Faith , Hope , and Charity had been told him a long time ago , but he had heard them repeated in the lodge that night . He had walked in that path since his youth . He was glad that he had been initiated in this , his native country . He was very thankful for their kindness , which he should never forget

during his life . He was sorry to say he could . lot remain with them , as he had to return to America ; but he hoped to be with them again in March next , when he trusted to be passed and raised in their lodge . "The Visitors" was next given by the Worshipful Master , who tendered a sincere welcome to the visiting hrethren .

Bro . Saunders , Org . 15 , thanked the W . M . and brethren for the cordial reception he had received . Although he had visited many lodges , he had much pleasure in testifying to the excellent working he had witnessed . The officers were all well acquainted with their duties , and thoroughly supported their VV . M . He hoped to have the

pleasure of visiting them again ere long . The other visiting brethren having responded , the Tyler's toast closed an enjoyable meeting . During the evening several songs and recitations were given by the brethren , Bro . Finister , Org ,, presiding at the pianoforte in a brilliant manner .

and Bros . Sproston , Hemming , and Finch were passed to the Degree of F . C , after which Mr . C . R . Bonne was balloted for , and the same proving unanimous , Mr . Bonne was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry by Bro . Hatch , P . M ., in a manner which was as impressive as it was cultured . Bro . T . J . Fluck , S . W ,, was then introduced as the W . M . elect , and he was duly installed by the retir-,

ST . MARTIN'S-LE-GRAND LODGE ( No . ' 53 ) - —Wednesday , 12 th inst ., was the first meeting of the winter season of the above lodge , at the Great Eastern Hotel , Liverpool-street , E . C . There were present Bro . Leversedge , W . M . ; P . M . ' s Bros . Robertson , Treas . ; Woodward , Sec . ; Hatch , Gregory , Parkes , Smith , and other brethren , while several visitors graced the meeting with their presence . The lodge was opened in due form

ing W . M ., Bro . Leversedge . The following officers were appointed and duly invested : Bros . Mumiord , S . W . ; Harper , J . W . ; Robertson , P . M ., Treas . ; Woodward , P . M ., Sec ; Hartnoll , S . D . ; Maitland , J . D . ; Stranger , Org . ; Roberts , I . G . ; Kersey , W . S . ; and James , A . W . S . The usual addresses were then rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . Leversedge , I . P . M . The W . M . having risen for the first and second time , Bro . Woodward ,

P . M ., Sec , called the attention of the lodge to the case of the lad Le Gros , son of a lately deceased brother . After adverting to the fact that the M . W . G . M . had graciously given the St Martin ' s-le-Grand candidate 95 votes , the Secretary regretted to have to announce the failure of the lad , and called on each brother to do his best to ensure Le Gros' success at the next election . The report of the

Audit Committee having been duly read and received , the Secretary moved that the best thanks of the lodge be given to Bro . T . H . Roberts for his efforts on behalf of the Craft in having introduced seven initiates in 13 months . This having been duly seconded and agreed to , the pleasing ceremony was gone through of investing Bro . Leversedge , I . P . M ., with the P . M . 's jewel , and Bro . Woodward , P . M .,

with the Secretary ' s jewel . The two well-earned rewards having been graciously acknowledged , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . During the evening the sual toasts were proposed and responded to in equally felicitous terms , and thus , aided by the harmonious efforts of several talented brethren , a most enjoyable time was spent .

ALDERSGATE LODGE . —( No . 1657 ) . —The October meeting of the above lodge was held on Monday last , at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street . There were present Bros . E . Anderton , W . M . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , S . G . VV . Middx ., I . P . M . ; G . Vickery , S . W . ; J . Renals , J . W . ; A . Brookman , P . M ., Treas . ; Rev . Dr . P . H . E . Brette , P . G . D ., P . M . and Hon . Sec ; A . B . Hudson , S . D . ; F . Crockford , J . D . ; J . La . kin , D . C ; M . R . Webb , I . G . j

G . Rawlinson , Stwd . ; George Kenning , P . M . ; S . White , P . M . ; W . H . Froom , P . M . ; J . Shotter , J . S . Jarvis , W . S . Chapman , E . C . Philpot , and T . Benskin . Visitors : Bros . C . Kiechelmann , P . M . 515 ; H . W . Leonard , 905 ; J . Bodenham , P . G . D . of C . ; and T . Owen , P . M . 12 S 7 . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Mr . E . Campbell Philpot was initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry by the W . M . in a most impressive

manner . The brethren dined together under the gavel of Bro . E . Anderton , the W . M . Bro . Rev . Dr . P . H . E . Brette received the congratulations of the lodge on his appointment to Grand Lodge office .

OLD ENGLAND LODGE ( No . 1790 ) . —The members of this lodge met on the 6 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Thornton Heath , when therewere present Bros . H . M . Hobbs , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey , W . M . ; F . T . Ridpath , S . W . ; J . Kilvington , J . W . ; W . Foulsham , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . Northumberland , Treas . ; G . S . Horsnail , Sec ; R . G . Fleming , J . D . ; C . Tarry , . Steward ; W . H . Ranson ,

I . P . M . ; H . Baber , P . M . ; F . C . Pascal ! , P . M . ; J . Buckley , Sherry , Cox , Symmonds , Mortimer ; Healey , Gordon , Jas . Davies , Bolton , Horton , Chamberlain , Best , Griffin , iGreenfield , James Clarke , and W . Lane , Tyler , Visitors : Bros . W . Fox Hawes , S . D . 4033 ; W . Burn , I . G . S 80 ; and E . C . Holdsworth , Stwd . 2096 . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the

last meeting read , Bros . Healey and Buckley were passed to the Second Degree . A sincere vote of condolence was proposed by Bro . Foulsham , P . M ., and ordered to be entered on the minutes , to Bro . C . Daniel , P . M . 65 , ( an honorary member of the lodge ) on the sad death of his only son . After other business had been transacted , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned

for refreshment . The supper , which partook more of a dinner ( in regard to quality and quantity , and the manner in which it was served ) gave credit to the experience and business ability of Bro . Tarry , the Steward of the lodge . The usual loyal toasts were by the W . M . of "The Queen , Loyalty to the Throne , and Fidelity to the Craft , " "' which

was followed by Bro . Kilvintgon and brethren singing " God save the Queen . " The Worshipful Master then spoke of the great pleasure he felt in meeting the brethren and the visitors on that , as on every occasion , at this his mother lodge , and alluded to the telegrams received from Bros . Samuel , S . D ., and Elverston , who were unable to attend . The W . M . then

said , having obtained the proud position of W . M ., which it was the pride of every Freem ason to attain , he hoped those who had been initiated since he was introduced into Masonry in the Old England Lodge would , when called upon , accept the obligations which he had the pleaaure of discharging . "The Visitors '" toast was given by the Worshipful

Master , and responded to by Bros . Fox Hawes , Burn , and Holdsworth . The Worshipful Master then gave the toast of " The Officers , " which was responded to by Bros . Ridpath , S . W ., and Kilvington , J . W ., both of whom heartily endorsed the kind expressions of the VV . M . respecting the junior brethren , and admitted the satisfaction they felt in occupying

their respective positions in the lodge . The VVorshipful Master then gave the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and remarked that whenever their Treasuer , Bro . Foulsham , was absent , their meetings appeared to him to be found wanting , and a keen feeling of some unnatural vacancy existed . He hoped that Bro . Foulsham , who was one ot the founders and original prime

movers of the lodge , would live many years yet to be present with them , and give them the advantage of that extensive and large experience in Freemasonry which he possessed . As regarded the Secretary , he was sure Bro . Horsnail would look after the interests and financial transactions of the lodge , and he was certain that Bro . Foulsham would take the necessary care of the funds of the lodge .

Bro . Foulsham , in acknowledging the toast , stated that he felt proud in meeting the brethren , and was delighted to see so many present who had been initiated by him , and referred to the W . M ., the I . P . M ., and others who had passed the Master's chair as worthy examples to imitate . He then reviewed the good which the principles of Freemasonry inculcated , and what vast benefits human nature had received from it , and he hoped that Freemasonry

would continue to progress , and be the fertilizer of true Christianity . Bro . Horsnail , the Secretary , observed that the duties which their W . Master had appointed him the honour to discharge should to the best of his ability and attention continue to be carried out with the view of meeting the lodge's approval . He looked upon them more as pleasure than an obligation , and he trusted that he would be able worthily to follow in the steps of the W . M . and of the revered Treasurer , who were his sponsors in Masonry .