Correspondence.

the Combermere Lodge , No . 752 , which has been working under its old banner ever since the local Grand Lodge was started , namely , two years ago . To begin at the beginning , I may state that , after it had been carried by a majority of one ( 25 to 24)—out of a total of 103 members , all in good standing , those

in arrears being outside the question—that the Combermere Lodge should join the new constitution , the minority at the informal meeting decided to hold the warrant , in pursuance of the powers conferred upon them by Clause 219 , Book of Constitutions . The warrant , however was stolen by one of the 25 but was

subsequently restored by command of the M . W . the Grand Master of Victoria . Ever since we have worked side by side with the colonial constitution on the most friendly terms , as may be gathered from the circumstances that several members of the old Combermere

belong to Victorian lodges , that brother , Sir William Clarke , Bart ., the Grand Master , is still a subscribing member of the Combermere Lodge , and that we subscribe annually to the only permanent Masonic Charity in the colonv .

Such was the situation when the ruling of the V . W . Grand Registrar , in the case of the New Zealand lodges came to light , only a few weeks ago . And it is in this connection that I desire to ask , through the columns of the outspoken and independent Freemason , how the italicised words in the following extract from

the Grand Secretary ' s letter to the District Grand Secretary of Wellington come about ? : " The question was raised during the formation recently of the various Australian Grand Lodges , " & c . Now , it happens that I was an active member of the Executive Committee for the formation of the United

Grand Lodge of Victoria , over two years ago , but never once did the question crop up , and the best proof of our ignorance of its existence is the fact that the Grand Master of Victoria ordered the restoration of the Combermere warrant , under the provisions of Clause 219 . Further , I took considerable interest in the proceedings

connected with the formation of the Grand Lodges of South Australia and New South Wales , and I have yet to learn that Bro . Philbrick ' s ruling was in either case officially made known or acted upon . On the whole , therefore , I am inclined to think there must be some misconception or confusion about the matter in the

Grand Secretary ' s office in London . As to the Grand Registrar ' s reading of Clause 219 , I beg leave to differ from him in toto . It may also , in the contention , interest him to know that a high official of the Grand Lodge of Victoria , like Bro . Philbrick , a barrister-at-law , though desirous that the Combermere

Lodge should come in , has verbaly expressed his dissent from his English brother ' s ruling . I regret that he has not seen his way to place his ideas and opinions on paper . Let me further say that the solution of so apparently difficult a crux might be rendered much easier

were we to have some information as to whether the then existing Grand Registrar delivered any similar opinion in the case of the three Quebec lodges , on the formation of the Grand Lodge of Canada . If no legal ruling were at the time pronounced , what is the position of those three Quebec

lodges now that the extraordinary deliverance of the present Grand Registrar has been applied to New Zealand , and possibly may be applied to the Combermere Lodge in Melbourne , if the 32 members who could not get their way and resigned , succeed in their agitation ? Turning back to New Zealand the present state of

affairs is , to say the least of it , confusing— -some will say ludicrous—seeing that the Grand Lodge of England has refused to acknowledge the recently-formed local body . It would be altogether well were some brother to take a notice of motion for consideration of the whole question at the June Communication of our Grand Lodge . —Fraternally yours ,

W . F . LAMONBY , P . M . 752 , P . S . G . W . Victoria . Melbourne , March 14 . ¦

The City Of London Shrievalty.

THE CITY OF LONDON SHRIEVALTY .

Bro . H . Seymour Fester ' s candidature for the office of Sheriff of London to succeed Bro . Augustus Harris grows apace . His list of supporters increases every day , both numerically and influentially . His address will be in the hands of the liverymen in a few days . Being young ( only 35 ) he will be lound vigorous in the

work he is called upon to fulfil . His experience on the London County Council and the London School Board eminently qualifies him for the office of Sheriff . His genial manner towards those he is brought in contact with is much in his favour in retaining the promises of support he has had given hiin . Bro . Foster is a much-respected member ofthe Emulation , Alliance ,

Ten pie , and Covent Garden Lodges , and Bayard Chapter . He is a member also of several learned societies , and a liveryman of 15 City Guilds . We wish him ( . very success in attaining to the office he aspires lo fill , believing him to be singularly well qualified to fill the important and dignified position of Sheriff of London .

A liandscmely-cquipped free public library was opened in Streatham on Friday , the 17 th inst ., by Sir Lyon Playfair , M . P . It star . ds on a plot of ground given by Mr . Henry Tate , J . P ., after v \ he . m the library is named . The building is said to have cost about ^ Cooo , and there are already some 6000 volumes on the shelves .

Reviews.

Reviews .

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF OXFORDSHIRE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD . 1891-2 . This issue is the most important of the series , as it includes Berkshire , which the editor , printer , and publisher ( Bro . W . R . Bowden ) is willing to incorporate with Oxfordshire until a separate calendar is prepared for that new province . We should judge that

the brethren in the Royal county would much prefer the present plan to any independent publication , especially as the editor provides such excellent fare for both provinces , at the same subscription as hitherto ( viz ., eighteenpence , post free , per copy ) . In Oxfordshire there are 10 lodges , the returns for 1890

exhibiting 534 members , being a slight decrease from those of 1889 . The four Royal Arch chapters have 168 companions . Berkshire has 13 lodges , but only seven of these appear to be represented in the present calendar . Nos . 10 , 1118 , and 1523 , of London , are duly given , and so No . 859 , Cambridge . The higher

Degrees have lull justice done them , and the Charities are well and carefully attended to so that for all purposes in relation to the Craft Bro . Bowden ' s admirably-printed calendar must be a boon to the two provinces , and besides , is very interesting to all brethren who study the details of these most useful and indispensable publications .

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR FOR SOMERSETSHIRE . 1891-92 . This is one of the largest and most comprehensive of the several calendars published in England , and is edited by Bro . C . L . Fry Edwards , of "The Court , " Axbridge , who has disch irged his duties with efficiency , and evidently with delight , for in the preface that

indefatigable brother speaks of " the work of compiling the calendar as indeed a labour of love . " The province has lost during the past year its honoured chief , the lamented Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon , and also Bros . J . L . Stothert and G . H . Perrett . These three deaths mean 26 9 votes for the Central Masonic Charities less for the

province , so it is very gratifying to find by the elaborate tables that the large number of 28 39 are still available . This is a very favourable proportion for the size of the province . There are 25 active lodges on the roll with 1157 members , 10 chapters and 304 members , the Mark lodges numbering 8 , with 225 members , No . 102 the

ninth , being in abeyance . The three Preceptories , and the same number of Rose Croix chapters , have only 37 and 56 on their rolls respectively . This issue is adorned with a portrait of the new Provincial Grand Master , the Right Hon . Lord Dungarvan , who is to be installed in May , and the editor

expresses his belief that under his rule Freemasonry in the province will maintain the hi gh standard of its previous history , " of which there cannot be a doubt . This guide for the Provincial Grand Lodge and all other Masonic bodies in the county is accurate and complete as usual .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft riDasonrp ,

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Ranelagh Lodge ( No . 834 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 14 th instant , at the Criterion , Piccadilly-circus . The following were present : Bros . E . Lucas , W . M . ; F . Craggs , S . W . ; H . F . Williams , J . W . ; Geo . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Purdue , P . M ., Sec ; A . Williams , P . M . 2000 , S . D . ; VV . VV .

Williams , J . D . ; L . Newland , I . G . ; H . Scharien , D . C ; H . Hewitt , Steward ; A . Walkley , P . M ., Tyler ; W . J . Coplestone , I . P . M . ; H . Shaw , P . M . ; C . Barker , P . M . ; F . J . Oliver , P . M . ; J . Doncaster , P . M . ; J . Sims , P . M . ; W . Fisher , P . M . ; II . W . Blake , P . M . ; Dyne , Bennett , Worth , Philips , Inderwick , Segar , Iceton , G . E . VVhite , Richards , A . VVhite , Herbert , Blanch , Buck , Hardwick ,

Wilkins , Banks , Stokes , Bowles , Ward , Lucas , Pinn , Ward , jun ., Shaw , Collins , Stehr , Pauchin , Heinemann , Iredale , Gerbert , May , and Cartwright . Visitors : Bros . J . B . Hubbard , P . M . 4 O 3 ; S . Cochrane , P . M . 3 ; J . Davis , P . M . 1 G 9 ; D . Stroud , P . M . 16 37 ; E . Austin , P . M . 1791 ; W . H . Causton , M . D ., P . M . S 65 ; H . P . Gilbert , P . M . 1 S 2 S ; L . Bryett , P . M . 1 S 2 S ; Meacock , P . M . 1512 ; J .

McLeod , P . S . G . W . Derbyshire , Sec . R . M . LB . ; R . H . Williams , 2090 ; Morle , J . D . 167 ; Hillier , J . D . 1366 ; Fox , J . D . 1275 ; Kemp , J . D . 1706 ; Heath , S . VV . 1642 ; Vandyke , 1017 ; E . Gilbert , 172 ; and C . A . Loes , 1512 . After the formal business of the lodge was completed , Bro . Bennett was raised to the Third Degree , and Bros . Buck and Blanch were passed to the Second Degree , both

ceremonies being given in an able and impressive manner by the VV . M ., Bro . Edwin Lucas , who then vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Sims , P . M . and Preceptor , the wellknown Hammersmith Mason , by whom the important ceremony ot installing the new VV . M ., Bro . F . Craggs , was most excellently performed , Bro . Shaw , P . M ., acting as D . of C . in a very effective manner . The new W . M . then

proceeded to invest the following officers : Bros . H . F . Williams , S . W . ; A . Williams , J . W . ; Geo . Butt , Treas . ; W . J . Coplestone , Sec ; VV . W . Williams , S . D . ; E . Newland , J . D . ; H . Hewitt , D . of C ; H . Scharien , I . G . ; R . Philips and Banks , Stwds . ; and A . Walkley , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel and collar was then presented to Bro . Lucas in a very sympathetic and kindly manner , for which

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

mark of esteem Bro . Lucas , P . M ., expressed his sincer > thanks . The Audit Committee having presented their re ^ port and balance-sheet , a vote of thanks , to be inscribed upon the minutes , was then unanimously accorded to them . Bro Purdue , P . M ., having retired from the Secretaryshi p 0 f fhL lodge , a hearty vote of thanks was given , and it was re solved that he should be presented with a Past Secretary ' s "

jewel tor his able and ethcient services , the W . M . then performed the ceremony of initiation , with impressive cere mony , Messrs . Lomer and Smith being candidates . A vote of condolence to Bro . Asher Barfield , P . G . Treas ., passed . " Hearty good wishes" having been accorded to the W . M ., the formal business was ended and the lodsre closed . b

Immediately afterwards the brethren re-assembled in the Victoria Hall , and did ample justice to the installation banquet prepared under the direction of Bro . Bertini . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given bv theW . M ., the gavel was assumed by the I . P . M . for the purpose of giving the toast of the evening , viz ., "The W . M . " Bro . Lucas in giving the toast said , that he

presented that toast to the brethren with the greatest satisfaction , as the W . M . was a brother well qualified to fill the high and _ honourable position to which the brethren had elected him , not only on account of his knowledge of Craft Masonry , but also because he carried into effect the precepts and teachings of Freemasonry in their highest significance Most especially did he ever practice the virtue of Charity '

not only by continually according such relief to the unl fortunate as he was able , but also by devoting a larire portion of his time in serving the interests of those who appealed to hirn for his aid and influence . To Masons he was always a friend and brother , ever ready to teach that which he knew so well , and afford instruction and assistance in the mastery of the beautiful ritual which it was the

duty and honour of all Masons to become acquainted with . The brethren had had an opportunity of seeing- the competent way in which the Master had conducted his lodn-e that evening , and he , the I . P . M ., congratulated the brethren on having such a Master , and congratulated the W . M . on the consummation of that high and deserved honour to which he had now attained .

The Worshipful Master , in responding to the cordial and enthusiastic greeting which had followed the toast , expressed his thanks to the brethren in feeling and well chosen terms , assuring them that he felt it indeed an honour to preside over so large and influential a lodge as

the Ranelagh , and that he would endeavour during . his term of office to uphold and maintain the integrity of the lodge , and would do his best to continue the splendid traditions of their former Masters in doing justice , so far as lay in his power , to the beautiful and noble teaching of the Order .

"The Health of the Initiates was then proposed by the W . M . in cordial and brotherly terms , to which Bros . Smith and Lomer replied , stating that from what they had seen and heard of Freemasonry that evening , it would be their ambition and constant endeavour to become good Masons . The Worshipful Master then gave the toast of " The I . P . M . " He said that the able and perfect manner in

which Bro . Lucas , P . M ., had discharged his duties , was yet fresh in the minds of the brethren , and that the careful and economic administration , coupled with the earnest sincerity which had marked his year of office was a pattern which it was his desire and intention to follow , and he trusted with as good a result . Bro . Lucas , P . M ., in responding , said that it was his

duty , or pleasure , to faithfully discharge the obligations which rested upon him as Master of the lodge , and it was agreat happiness to him to realise that he had been able to discharge those duties to the satisfaction of the brethren , as to which the handsome jewel which he was then wearing was a precious testimony . One great advantage of arriving at such an honourable position was this , that it had brought

him in much closer contact with all the brethren , and made him feel the great significance of the underlying principle of Masonry , that they were all brothers . He begged to assure the brethren that he felt the ties between himself and every member of the lodge had been drawn much closer together , and that he considered , and should always consider them all , not only as friends , but as brothers , and

although he had completed his service in the lodge as an active officer , yet he should at all times be most happy to perform any service that might be called for . "The Installing Master , Bro ' . Sims , P . M ., " was the next toast . The VV . M . stated that he was deeply grateful to Bro . Sims for the way in which he had performed that ceremony . Both of them had worked shoulder to shoulder in

Masonry for many years not only in the lodge , but also in many lodges of instruction , and he was happy to have the opportunity of recording his appreciation of Bro . Sims good qualities and grateful services through many years both in and out of Craft work . Bro . Sims , _ P . M ., in replying to the toast , said that it was most gratifying to him to have had the pleasure of officiatarrived

ing upon the happy occasion when Bro . Craggs had at thecrowning honour of his Masoniccareer . Masonry was to him something more than a name—it was a beautiful creed and a solace to those who , like himself , found his p leasure and recrea'ion in the practice of its mysteries . He could not help reverting to the I . P . M ., whom he had also had the pleasure of installing , and he was quite sure that the

present W . M . would continue the high purpose of former Masters in making the Ranelagh an ideal lodge . The next toast was " The Masonic Charities , " which was responded to by Bro . McLeod , P . M ., P . S . G . W . Derby , the Secretary of the R . M . I . for Boys , thanking the brethren for the interest taken in the cause of the Charities , ana made a stirring appeal for the support of the Raneug a

Lodge at the next Festival , for which the VV . M . was Steward , and trusted that his subscription list would be we filled as the Institution needed much support . , , The next toast was that of "The Visitors , " and rK W . M . stated that the Ranelagh Lodge was always delif ^ to see a good number of their brothers from other look and would always extend a hearty and cordial we ' ? ? , L s them . He coupled with the toast the names ot u tin

Bryett , P . M ., and J . Davies , P . M ., to respond on - behalf . This was drunk with enthusiasm . p » , [ Bro . Bryett , P . M ., replied , that beside being a i- ¦ of the Shepherd ' s Bush Lodge , he was a P . M . oti Ranelagh Lodge , but having retired from ! t s 0 { J f & had since , he was pleased on re-visiting it to find ' *}*' . t | , e lost none of its fame as a good working lodge and t ^ harmony which had at all times prevailed among members in his time still continued .