Reviews.

Reviews .

"MASONIC CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT . For the year ending 31 st March , 1 S 97 . "—This large and comprehensive directory has been ably edited by Bros . Edgar Goble , Provincial Grand Secretary , and G . F . Lancaster , Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary , the labour being- * considerable , as full particulars are afforded of the 4 S lodges ( with 3 G 14 members *) , i \ Royal Arch chapters ( with S 59 companions ) , 14 Mark lodges ( with 344 members ) , and the other M isonic bodies . Under each lodge , chapter , & c , are given the number of meetings held , initiates accepted , joining members elected , and

total number of members to 31 st December , 1 S 95 , as well as the Secretary ' s address . Complete rolls of all the Present and Past Provincial Grand Ofiicers of the Craft , Royal Arch and Mark are also appended , reports of the finances , list of extinct lodges , and a mass else of interesting and most useful information , which should be highly appreciated and valued by the members of the province . The editors deserve the warm thanks of the members of the several lodges , & c , in the province for their laborious services on their behalf , for this 13 th appearance of the Masonic Calendar for Hants and Isle of Wight is certainly the best of the series , and simply invaluable to the province .

'' MASONIC CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF HERTFORDSHIRE , 1 S 96 . "—This ever-increasing annual is now a bulky little book , extending as it does to some 130 pages , and is ably edited , as usual , by the indefatigable Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Charles Bullock , by authority of the Prov . Grand Lodge . When so much is compressed into this most compact Calendar , it sounds unfair and thoughtless to suggest that more might well be given , but the additions only concern an increase of figures , inhere there is plenty of room , viz ., the total membership of the 22 lodges , at page 40 , the seven chapters , at page 69 , and the five Mark lodges , at page 76 . These , by addition , are

found to be S 25 , 131 , and 7 6 respectively . The totals of the votes for the Charities might also be given at page 123 . The Editor has no cause to keep back the information , for it is one of which any province might be proud . The " Noteworthy Events in Hertfordshire Freemasonry , " of eight pages , and covering the period from 1739 to 1 S 95 , is a really good idea , and those who desire more information cannot do better ( cannot do so well else , in fact ) than procure copies of Bro . Abbott's exhaustive " History of Freemasonry in Hertfordshire , " which is duly advertised , as it should be , inside the cover . The province is to be congratulated on having such a complete , useful , and trustworthy Calendar .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

1082 ] — " Manning's Masonic Register of F . and A . M . for the State of Pennsylvania for 1896 . " This pocket edition , though extending to nearly 350 pages , is a most able compilation , and is printed and published by the" Masonic Publishing Company , " 237 , Deck-street , Philadelphia , at a mere trifle . The Keystone Masonic paper , so well known and liked in this country , is also published by the

same enterprising company . The Editor gives under each of the lodges numbered 2 to 611 ( and all the chapters , Mark lodges , councils , commanderies , and other Masonic bodies , & c ) , full particulars as to the officers , Past Masters , and Trustees , with places and times of meeting , & c . These items of information are ably condensed and well arranged , any portion of the whole 344 pages being easily found , and a copious index is also furnished , so that it is a never-failing and most handy

guide for the members of this prosperous Grand Lodge . The "Masonic Temple " is the only illustration in the Register . This is the handsomest , largest , and most costly building devoted to the exclusive use of the Masonic Fraternity inthe whole world , and moreover has a library of books relating to the Craft , of which any Grand Lodge may be proud , especially as it is so much used , and so much

appreciated . A table is printed of the Past Grand Masters from 1730-1 to 18 95 , a long range , and certainly a most suggestive list . The title of Prov . Grand Master is used for some of the earlier worthies , so it would be better to have described the roll as Past Prov . Grand Masters and Grand Masters . I value this annual gift from the publishers , and find it most useful for reference . W . I . H .

Eighth Annual Supper Of The Star Chapter Of Instruction.

EIGHTH ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE STAR CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION .

PRESENTATIONS TO COMP . C . H . STONE , P . Z . 1275 , M . E . Z . 1901 , S . E . AND MRS . C . H . STONE . A most important epoch in the history of this successful and well-known chapter of instruction was celebrated on Friday , the 17 th inst ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , under the able presidency of Comp . Thos , Grummant , P . Z . and S . E . 1275 , the esteemed Preceptor , supported by Comps . R . J . Voisey ,

P . Z ., S . E . 1329 ; J . Loader , M . E . Z . 1622 ; Samuel J . Derham , J . 1622 ; Wm . Cowley , P . Z . ; North , P . Z . ; Bene ' detti , P . Z . ; Telling , H . 2182 ; Cure * on , M . E . Z . 2182 ; Lewis , Dawson , Cass , Cope , P . Z . ; G . R . Langley , P . Z . ; West , P . Z . ; Speller , P . Z . ; Hardwick , Hayward , Barr , Dr . Makeham , M . E . Z . ; Milligan P . Z . ( I . C . ); J . Ellinger , Meierhoff , P . Z . 1275 ; Bro . C . W . Stone , and Comp C . H . Stone , P . Z . 1275 , S . E .

An excellent supper had been arranged and ably supplied by Mrs . Venables , the proprietress , in her usual excellent style and to which the companions did justice . On the removal of the cloth the customary loyal and Royal Arch toasts were given and received .

Comp . T . GRUMMANT next proposed the toast of "The Pro G . Z ., G . H ., G . J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " bearing testimony to the excellent work carried on by all those worthy companions , and remarked the disappointment of the inability of Comp . Wm . M . Stiles , G . Treas ., to attend , although he was a member of the chapter of instruction and gave his hearty cooperation in the object of the present meeting .

Comp . W . C OWLEV , I ' . / . 1275 , next presented the toast of " The Principals , " claiming himself to be the oldest Past Principal present of the mother chapter , and had known their President longer than any companion present . They had worked side by side both in lodge and chapter for many years , and it gave him the greatest possible pleasure in presenting the toast . Comp . T . Grummant had

done , and was rendering , most excellent service to Royal Arch Masonry , being the worthy Preceptor of one of the bsst chapters of instruction in London . Every companion highly appreciated his kind and genial manner of imparting instruction ) and knew the high estimation he was held in in South London . He would ask the companions to drink most heartily to his good health , long life , and happiness , which was done in bumpers . The PKESIUKNT , in reply , was deeply grateful for the kind and complimentary terms advanced by Comp . Win . Cowley , the oldest P . P . of thc Star Chapter , who

Eighth Annual Supper Of The Star Chapter Of Instruction.

had been associated with the chapter of instruction from its inception , being one of the founders . To prove the advance of the splendid ritual effected in that chapter of instruction , the companions had only to call their minds back a few years and think of the working then and witness it now . There was indeed _ contrast , and many officers were able to rehearse their respective duties now , when some years ago it was relegated to a very few . During the eight years of the existence of that chapter of instruction he ^ was proud to say there had not been a

blank convocation . He had been honoured indeed at the unanimous desire of the companions to become Preceptor , although he felt every disappointment in the presence of their esteemed Comp . R . J . Voisey , P . Z ., Treas ., and others . However , holding such a position , his heartiest attractions were towards the splendid Royal Arch ritual , and as long as he was connected with the Star Chapter of In . struction , whether as Preceptor or lay companion , he should do his very utmost to promote success .

The toast of " Continued Success of the Star Chapter of Instruction " was next proposed , the PRESIDENT remarking the good and thorough work which had been carried out in the same . Comp . Stone , S . E ., would , during the evening give a few statistics , but there was no companion present who took a deeper interest in , and endeavoured to promote its welfare more than Comp . Voisey P . Z ., the worthy Treasurer with whose name he ( the President ) would couple the toast .

Comp . R . J . VOISEV , Treas ., said he wished some more worthy companion had to reply to so important a toast . If he had been the Preceptor he could have dilated upon the excellent work done , and advancement made , or the Scribe E . who was most energetic and faithful to his duties , and could tell of all the circumstances connected with the chapter of instruction , but only being the Treasurer and not able to attend so regularly as those two other regular officers , on account

of ill-health , he was afraid he could not do ample justice to the toast . However this he would say , he was delighted to be present at such a happy gathering , and the unanimity existing , and the extreme pleasure all felt in rewarding merit . He would conclude by saying that the chapter had prospered so well in the past , so it was the earnest wish of all connected with it , that it would continue in its prosperous work in the future .

The PRESIDENT next proposed the toast of " Comp . C . H . Stone , S . E ., " stating that since the formation of the chapter of instruction , eight years ago , there could not hive been a more indefatigable worker and regular attendant to duties than Comp . Stone . The large roll of members and the flourishing condition of the chapter were mainly due to his untiring energy and courtesy . He had sacrificed many other meetings and domestic comforts , so that he should be present to discharge his duties , and in order to recognise that faithfulness and

mark their appreciation for sacrifices made , the companions had subscribed , and in their name he would present him with that watch , and to his dear wife ( who had been denied his company on many occasions through his attention to duty ) , a beautiful marble timepiece , surmounted by a bronze figure , two side ornaments , a cupola , and marble columns surrounding two Indian bronze figures , and he assured Comp . Stone that it was indeed one of the proudest moments in his life , fjr they'hadjworkedjmany years together harmoniously , and to think that heshould

have the honour of presenting these testimonials to reward him for his indefatigable exertions in promoting the best interests of the chapter . It was indeed a great pleasure to him , and he trusted that the G . I . A . would long spare him and his dear wife for many , many years to enjoy each other ' s society , and that they might look upon those dials and think of the times he had bestowed for the good of others , and that he might continue in the same excellent work for long to come was the earnest wish of all present . Comp . Grummant also handed the list of all the companions who subscribed to the testimonials .

In responding , Comp . STONE , S . E ., who had quite an ovation , said he certainly was quite overcome with the remarks that had fallen from the lips of the President , and the splendid testimony of all present to himself and his dear wife . He stated that the spontaneous manner of the worthy companions in carrying out the whole of the proceedings greatly enhanced the pleasure of receiving such a splendid testimonial . If a W . M . had during his year of office performed his duties faithfully he almost , by right , expected the honour of being presented with

a jewel , or a P . Z . upon the same grounds , but a S . E . of a chapter of instruction , who was annually elected to that office , when he was the recipient of such a testimony what must his feelings be ? At that moment his feelings were almost indescribable , and especially when his dear wife had been so handsomely rewarded for his sake . Certainly she had indeed been kind to him , and was one of the best in the world to often spare him , but she knew his temperament and , he might almost say , his peisistency in attending to his duties , whether in lodges of

instruction , chapters of instruction , or in Committee meetings in advancing the cause of the widows and fatherless children , and he trusted after that and thc extreme and , he might almost say , undeserved kindness shown to him , he hoped to continue with more vigour and assiduity in every good work . He should like to make a few observations with respect to the progress of the chapter . There was then on the roll 211 members , the chapter had held 37 convocations during the year , 16 new members admitted , and the average for the year 14 members , which

fact alone proved the excellent services rendered to the companions under so able and esteemed a Preceptor . But the most important part in the S . E ' s . estimation was the beneficence of the companions inasmuch as from the chapter of instruction funds had been paid the sum of 20 guineas to the Masonic Institutions , and five guineas to the fund in memory of the late Bro . Francis , of which their esteemed Comp . G . R . Langley was Secretary , and through whose indefatigable exertions a large sum of money was raised to redeem the mortgage upon the house for thu

widow . That was the crowning feature , and a chapter which worked upon such lines could not but be a success . He trusted for many years he should be spared to render to the chapter all that was due from him with doubled energj if possible . He could not close his remarks without paying a tribute to Comp . R . J . Voisey , P . Z ., Treas ., and congratulate him upon his improved health , thereby enabling his attendance that night . On behalf of his wife and himself he tendered his heartfelt thanks .

The toast of "The Visitors " received at the hands of the President a most cordial greeting , who said there were present Comps . Godfrey , Dr . Makeham , and Hayward , and Bros . Tredray and C . W . Stone , " a worthy son of a worthy sire . Comp . GODFREY , M . E . Z . 182 , who acknowledged the privilege of responding , said he wished it had been in more able hands . It was his first visit at the kind

invitation of Comp . Derham , and he was delighted to join in such a meeting and witness the splendid presentation to the S . E . He remarked upon thc kindly feeling and unanimity which prevailed , thereby proving the value and benefits of Freemasonry , that of knitting all together in one indissoluble bond of friendship . " hoped it would be the last time he attended as a visitor , and should at the earliest available time enrol himself as a member .

Comps . Dr . MAKEHAM , M . E . Z . 1275 , and HAYWARD and Bros . T KEDKAV and C . W . STONE also very ably replied , the latter in a neat speech specially thank " !! the companions on behalf of his mother for their handsome testimonial and sui . li kind allusions .

Comp . T . GRUMMANT next proposed the loast of "Comp . John Loaier . M . E . Z . 1622 , " who had acted as Secretary to the Testimonial Committee . He had worked most assiduously and heartily , and had spent much time , which h id ended in such a splendid result , and for which the President and Committee mosj cordially thanked him . The companions present wished him a most succe'si ' ' year in the Rose Chapter . In reply , Comp . J . LOADER thanked the companions for their kind expression- '' towards him . He was only too pleased to act as Secretary to thc Coiimiill <* ' lu