Masonic Notes.

Sawle , P . G . W ., D . P . G . M . ; B . F . Edyvean , P . M ., Prov . S . G . W . ; William Guy , Prov . J . G . W . ; E . D . Anderton , P . P . S . G . W ., Treasurer ; and T . Chirgwin , Prov . G .

Sec , Secretary ; together with one brother nominated by each lodge . The maximum subscription is fixed at a crown , as the offering will doubtless be all the more acceptable if a large number subscribe .

Bro . the Rev . Henry Lansdell , D . D ., G . Chaplain , is one of the most experienced , and at the same time one of the most adventurous of travellers . Our reverend brother , indeed , is already well known by his "Russian Central Asia" and other works , and in the

years 1888-89-90 he undertook a journey from the p lains of Russian Central Asia to those of India , in the course of which he crossed the Tian Shan , Kuen Lun , and Himalaya Mountains , and rode round Chinese Turkestan . His object was to study the religious .

geographical , commercial , political , social , and economical condition of the people he visited , and a work embodying his account of them is in course of preparation . In the meantime , however , there is now being published in the Daily Graphic a series of papers

by Bro . Dr . Lansdell entitled "A Ride to Little Tibet , " which we feel sure will be read with infinite pleasure and interest by those of our readers who delig ht in studying the manners and customs of

comparatively unknown peoples . The first article will be found in our contemporary of the 15 th inst , and is especially important , as in addition to sundry illustrations , it contains a map of the route followed by this distinguished traveller .

The death of Bro . W . A . Barrett , who was Grand Organist in 1888 , will be a great loss to the musical world . The deceased was one of the ablest of our musical critics , and it will be difficult to find one who will fulfil the duties he had discharged for many years

with equal ability . Bro . Barrett was also highly esteemed by his friends and acquaintances , who hardl y knew how sufficiently to appreciate his geniality and kindness . His death occurred very suddenly on Saturday last , at the comparatively early age of 55 years .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

fWedo uot hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play tc all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]

BRO . LANE'S NEW WORK . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The third volume of Bro . Lane ' s invaluable series is of a most interesting and valuable character , and should be placed in the libraries of all centenary lodges . The edition is so small—only 200—that unless

brethren apply soon there will be no opportunity tor the old lodges to obtain copies of this most useful and important work . The lithographic plates of over 40 centenary jewels in Bro . Lane ' s artistic book puts my " Masonic Register " ( 1 S 7 8 ) in the shade , only that those medals given by me are in appropriate colours .

I congratulate my friend most sincerely in giving all the jewels of the special designs , and of securing some unknown to us Masonic students , or even to the members of lodges concerned . When time permits , there are a few questions that might be ventilated on the general subject , but meanwhile let me commend the work to the Craft . W . J . HUGHAN .

A FAMILY OF FREEMASONS . To the Editor of the "Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , The episode narrated below is probably one of so uncommon occurrence in Freemasonry that you may like to give it a place in your columns .

On Monday , the 5 th inst ., Mr . C . W . Tomkins was initiated " into Freemasonry in the Royal Leopold Lodge , No . 1669 . The Master ' s chair was filled by the candidate ' s father , Bro . J . W . S . Tomkins , P . M . 166 9 ; the Wardens were two of his uncles , Bro . A . Cooper Bradley , P . M . I 2 i 6 and 166 9 , and Bro . W . R . S .

Payne , P . M . 166 9 ; the Junior Deacon ' s work was performed by his grandfather , Bro . J . C . Bradley , D . C . 1329 ; and the Inner Guard was his elder brother , Bro . H . Tomkins , 1669 . I may add that the work was carried out in the most correct and impressive manner by these three generations of Masons .- —Faithfully and fraternally yours , J . HEPBURN HASTIE , I . P . M . 166 9 , P . M . 1216 and 2310 .

The triennial festival of the Governors and friends of Charing Cross Hospital will be celebrated at the Hotel M ^ tropole on Tuesday , the 17 th prox ., when the chair will be occupied by Alderman Evans , who by that time will have been installed in office as Lord Mayor of London .

Reviews.

Reviews .

THE MADRAS MASONIC REVIEW . The " Madras Masonic Review" for September is a very interesting number and makes capital reading . Bro . Sadler ' s " Thomas Dunckerley" is most appreciatively reviewed by Bro . Henry J . Whymper , CLE ., late D . D . G . M . of the Punjab , and one of the members

of the " Quatuor Coronati" Lodge , London , who concludes his favourable introductory notice with the words " Would there were more of the same sort relating to Freemasonry , " to which we personally respond Amen ! Bro . Whymper has no notion of giving all the chief points in the book , but only desires to " whet

the appetite , " finishing with the advice to his readers to expend half a sovereign , and secure the entertaining volume for themselves . Quite right , Bro . Whymper In the notice of the Grand Lodge Calendar , it is mentioned that " South Australia , New South Wales , Victoria and Tasmania , are all put in the Western

Hemisphere , " and the hint is thus given to the editor to be cautious as to "his Hemisphere , if ever the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is founded . " The new " Masonic History " is partly reviewed in this number , and Bro . Hughan ' s Introduction is stated to be " admirably adapted to its purpose , " the " Ancient Mysteries "

are not well treated , according to the Reviewer , but the Temple Order is considered to be described " in a masterly and concise manner , " in which verdict we fully concur . Bro . Stillson's contribution , as also Bro . Lane ' s , are warmly praised , as they deserve to be , and other portions come in for more or less commendation . The notice is to be continued .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

954 ] ROYAL ARCH REGULATIONS . Bro . G . Taylor , in his grand catalogue of the Worcestershire Masonic Library and Museum , has an edition of the " Royal Arch Regulations" noted for the year 1864 , with Ford and Tilt as the printers . I only know of an issue with John Smith and Co . , Printers , and shall be glad to know of other copies , either of the one kind or the other , unless Bro . Taylor is in error , which is most unlikely . INDIA . 9 S 5 ] ¦

BRO . LANE'S CENTENARY MEDALS . I am very glad to possess a copy of " Centenary Warrants and Jewels , " by Bro . John Lane , of Torquay , who has already done such good work on behalf of the lodges down to 1886 in his great volume known as " Masonic Records , 1717-1886 . " Many of Bro . Lane ' s statements are very startling in character and I confess

not a few have rather surprised me , not having any idea that out of some 1 S 0 centenary warrants—special and ordinary—there are such a number whose titles to such distinctions are so shadowy and doubtful . I am not at all anxious to " cross swords " with the distinguished author , but write now for more light rather than to enter into a discussion on the merits of the handsome

book now before me . ft seems to me that we want an authoritative decision as to what constitutes continuity as respects membership and as respects lodges . Bro . Hughan ' s Introduction is very well in its way , but he offers no opinion on Bro . Lane ' s opinions respecting the too early centenary warrants . I wonder why ? Why , also , is Bro . Gould silent ? In regard to

membership , I take it that so long as a brother has not been excluded by vote ofthe brethren ( as the Rules provide ) he can preserve his continuity as a member by paying all arrears of subscription . I should like to know if Bro . "Lex Scripta" takes this view of the question , and I should also like to know his opinion as to

several of Bro . Lane ' s deliverances concerning the centena-y warrants granted so long in advance of their time . Perhaps the Grand Secretary or the Grand Registrar would also favour us with any particulars in their possession not known to Bro . Lane ( if such exist ) , which may throw light on the points involved ,

and help us to a righteous decision . What does Bro . Speth think of his lodge at Margate , No . 127 , with its jewel issued in 1863 , and yet not earned ? It the warrants have been issued in error , or on petitions which are incorrect and misleading , as was that for the '' special jewel" of No . 153 in 1862 ( page 30

"Centenary Warrants , " ) aud subsequently withdrawn , then I say , cancel all such by all means . On the other hand , if there are facts not generally known , which justify the authorities , let thein be mentioned ; but I conceive it to be of the utmost consequence that all such distinctions should be fairly earned , especially as the present

esteemed Grand Secretary is so particular and cautious as to all these matters , though the same cannot be said of his predecessors , some of whom appear to have granted the petitions , so to speak , without examination . I am aware there is one lodge to which Bro . Lane takes exception , whose centenary warrant was issued recently , viz ., that of No . 119 , Whitehaven . I

was curious about the treatment of this disputed point after the discussion of late , and on turning to pages 9 6—98 1 si _ e that Bro . Lane sticks to his opinion—that the continuity of this lodge from 176 S "is extremely doubtful , and quite iucapable of proof . " Well , perhaps it is so , but WHO is to decide under the circumstances . Is the Mayor of Kendal to be the judge , backed by the

Masonic Notes And Queries.

strong support of Bro . Lane , or the brave defender of the lodge ri ghts (?) , with the Grand Secretary at his back ? Does not the payment on the revival of the lodge tend to prove that the hiatus was bridged over , and by the action of Grand Lodge it was confirmed in its position ? It is clear that several old members who

had previously belonged to the lodge , again joined it , and the Secretary seems to have been the link between the old and the revived lodge . I understood there were two members , not the Secretary only , who belonged to both periods . Supposing if a lodge , say in 1806 , had its warrant withdrawn , and in 1809 , on payment of all

arrears to Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge , it was restored to its former privileges , with one or two old members and others quite new , would that destroy its continuity 'i Again , supposing a lodge was transferred , by consent of all its old members , to another set of brethren in another town , with the approval of

Grand Lodge , and there vvas no break in its payments to the local and general Bodies , would not the continuity be preserved ? If such a lodge was always on the register , never in arrears , and even , if suspended at any time , was subsequently restored , and all ad interim dues paid , I want to know if there is any

continuity broken by such means , and would such temporary suspension or change of membership involve any loss of privileges in time to come , such as a centenary warrant ? Does Bro . Lane really mean to say that in such a case the lodge must date from its restoration or transfer when petitioning for a centenary

warrant ? f desire an answer to this query . I am quite willing to admit there area few of the lodges with centenary warrants wholly unworthy of the distinction . On the other hand , in other instances , are not Bro . Lane ' s objections based on views of legal and abstruse

points involved , rather than on the broad facts of being continuously on the roll and all dues paid . I have enjoyed the book immensely myself , and consider it most valuable and useful , and cheap at the subscription of 12 s . 6 d ., because of the text and beautiful plates . 33-

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft flDasonrp

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Merchant Navy Lodge ( No . 7 81 ) . —The first meeting of this lodge after its summer recess took place at the Silver Tavern , Burdett-road , on Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . R . C . Pasfield , VV . M ., supported by the following brethren : Bros .

F . R . Gooch , S . W . ; W . E . Turriff , J . W . ; VV . B . Daniell , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Breden , P . M ., Sec ; G . J . Anderson , S . D . ; Lancett , J . D . ; G . H . Seage , l . G . ; J . Grout , Org . ; A . VV . Ellingford , P . M ., 1 ' yler ; Timson , I . P . M . ; Gee , P . M . ; Palmer , P . M . ; Shepherd , P . M . ; Gaisford , P . M . ; F . Robinson , P . M . ; Pringle , P . M . ; Reeves , P . M . ; Hudson , S . W . Bull , C . badcock , A .

limson , 1 . Burges , A . Bebrouth , Knight , J . VV . Odling , W . H . Chambers , W . H . Thrift , W . A . Patrick , T . b . Gosper , W . B . Thompson , J . Rees , R . C . Ferguson , J . Miller , W . Long , T . Huett , jun ., E . Martin , R . T . Reader , G . G . Francis , J . Porter , H . Lane , W . H . Vickers , J . W . Chambers , G . Horn , T . Evans , C . T . Cotter , and many others . Visitors : Bros . G . Parrett , P . M . 1259 ; J . J .

Clark , 8 9 S ; J . Appleton , 15 S ; J . Richards , S 13 ; E . F . Williams , SyS ; J . I " . Kinipple , P . M . 1 S 16 ; E . Downer , S 71 ; ^ M . Bleick , 2374 ; E . McPhee , S 98 ; J . Mills , 1765 ; and G . Walker , 1441 . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bros . Ferguson , Rees , and Odling were initiated , and Bro . Jobson was passed . Messrs . F . d'Auriol ,

H . J . Langhan , and K . T . Knight were balloted for and approved . Mr . Knight being present was then duly initiated . Other business having been transacted the loJge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the festive board . The VV . M . proposed the loyal toasts and that of " I ' ne Grand Officers" in brief but suitable wjrds , and the brethren responded in the way usually observed amongst Masons .

For the Grand Officers Bro . Daniell briefly responded . Bro . Timson , I . P . M ., then proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " and extolled his admirable business way of conducting the lodge . The W . M . had been constant in his attendance in the lodge of instruction , and his working was a proof of his efficiency . His year of office would contribute to the success of the lodge .

The VVorshipful Master suitably responded . For "The Initiates" Bro . Knight replied , expressing his wish and resolve to be a credit to the lodge . To the toast of " The Visitors" Bros . Kinipple and Walker responded . For " The Past Masters " Bro . TimsonI . P . M . briefly

, , spoke . Bro . Palmer referred to the value of the position of P . M . and how those letters also seemed as an extra key to them in visiting other lodges . Bros . Reeves , Gaisford , and Robinson also added a few words .

Bros . Daniell and Breden returned thanks for the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary" respectively , and for " The Officers " Bros . Anderson and Grout . The Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . During the intervals songs were given by Bros . Palmer , Shepherd , Anderson , and Burges .

Ranelagh Lodge < , No . 834 ) . —A meeting was held on I uesday , the 13 th inst ., at the Criterion , Piccadillycircus . Present : Bros . Fredk . . raggs , VV . M . ; W F Williams , S . VV . ; A . Williams , J . W . ; vV . I . Coplestone ' , Sec ; W . W . Williams , S . D . ; li . Newland , J . D . ; H . Schanen , I . G . ; Philips and Banks , Stwds . ; S . Ellis , Tyler ; H . Shaw , P . M . ; F . J . Oliver , P . M .: H ,