Reviews.

Reviews .

" FREEMASONS ' , CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF SOMERSET , 1901-1902 . " { Bath , Chronicle Office ) . —This is No . 19 of the series , and has long been edited by Bro . C . L . Fry Edwards , P . G . D . An excellent portrait of the genial and learned Bro . F . T . Elwotthy has been selected as the frontispiece , which will be a special feature of this issue , as the Prov . Mark Grand Secretary is well known in literary circles far beyond the confines of his province . The editing is on the lines of

last year , and the 26 lodges are duly described with a fulness of detail always met with in Bro . Edwards' annual . The membership for 1901-2 is 1293 , or an average of 50 per lodge . The R . A . chapters are now eleven in number , and the Mark lodges nine , besides which there are three Preceptories , and the same number of Rose Croix chapters . The votes for the Central Masonic Chanties run up 104789 , about which , and all else in the province , the editor has ably presented reliable and well-arranged particulars in a most creditable manner .

"FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND , igoi . " —Bro . the Rev . H . S . Biggs , B . A ., the Editor of this ever-welcome Annual ( which has been issued now for 29 years ) , has done his best , and d ) ne well , on the old lines , the result being a most useful , handy , and generally very accurate publication . It would be well , if somewhere in the work , the Editor noted the total membership of the province , from year to year returned by the 14 lodges , as well as ( now

given ) the number of the votes for the Central Masonic Charities ( 2792 ) , as then comparisons can be instituted . The province is one of the best managed in England , and all its authorised publications are in the best of form . The R . A . chapters number five , and the Maik lodges six , the latter Degree being very popular in the county . The Portrait is of Bro . F . J . Baines , P . M-. 523 , who is one of the oldest and respected members of Jhe"John of Gaunt , " and is the second of the senior Past Masters . A memoir is given by the Editor , and a few oth ; r particulars .

"THE CENTURY BIBLE , " Saint Matthew . —Ihe spirited publishers , Messrs . T . C . and E . C Jack , of Edinburgh , are the authors of this new departure , the central idea of which is based on the determination to publish an edition of the several Books of the Bible , upon the same plan as is adopted for standard editions of the great classics . The compositor and binder have united to make the volumes , externally and internally , singularly attractive , the style of the binding being a happy change from the sombre style which has so long prevailed , and the text is free from the irritating

divisions , into verses and chapters without due regard to the narrative . The first volume , Saint Matthew , is now published , and beyond question , the aim of the publishers has been accomplished . The valuable introduction and notes are b / Prof . W . F . Slater , M . A ., the Gospel is first given , without note or comment , in the "Authorised " , version ; followed by that of the Revised , with the important and scholarly notes at foot . These are a special feature of the publication , and are simply invaluable , though brief , and for conciseness and perspicuity cannot be excelled , besides

being to date as respects all the latest discoveries concerning the earliest known texts . There are two maps and an index . The general editor is Professor Walter F . Adeney , M . A ., and the whole of the New Testament has been arranged for and entrusted to leading scholars , to be issued in monthly volumes at - ' . -. each , in limp cloth , which may be ordered of any bookseller . The pi ice is wholly out of proportion to the value of the beautiful books , and assuredly the publishers deserve very hearty support from all lovers of the " Volume of the Sacred Law . "

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Earl of Zetland Lodge , No . 1364 . LADIES' NIGHT . The annual banquet and musical evening , given in honour of the ladies , at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street , on Saturday , the 20 th instant , like all previous festive gatherings of the Earl of Zetland Lodge , proved an unqualified success , and was fully appreciated by the 31 ladies and 35 brethren who were present . Before the arrival of the ladies , at 5 . 3 s p . m ., a lodge meeting was held by the

brethren , the ceremonies being conducted by the W . M ., Bro . Herbert G . Tayler , in his customary highly impressive manner . Business having been concluded , the lodge was closed , and preparations made for the visit of the fair sex , who were received in thc Masonic Temple by Bro . H . G . Tayler , the W . M ., and Mrs . William Tayler , supported by Bro . John Moore , I . P . M ., and the officers of the lodge . The handsome marble facings and tasteful decorations of the Temple met with the high appreciation they so well deserved .

Dinner of a high standard of excellence was served in the large banqueting hall , and reflected much credit upon the proprietors of the Ship and Turtle . The following brethren were present : Bros . Herbert G . Tayler , W . M . ; J . Moore , I . P . M . ; M . Tuck , S . W . ; G . Jackson , J . W . ; the Rev . G . Bell Doughty , B . A ., Chap . ; H . Cooper , P . M ., Treas . ; H . W . Gompertz , P . M ., Sec ; A . M . Scarff , S . D . ; J . Gennings , J . D . ; H . Lowe , P . M ., D . of C ; G . Billings , I . G . ; Dr . J . F . Haskins , P . P . G . Org . Essex and Herts , Org . ; E . J . Anning , P . M . ; H . Richardson ,

P . M . ; W . R . Jeffrey , P . M . ; H . H . Cooper , P . M . ; W . P . Forbes , P . M . ; F . H . Mabbet , John Lanyon , J . M . Maynard , W . C . Simpson , 11 . 1 . Dormer , G . T . Lupson , R . S . Lowe , J . B . Halcrow , N . G . Anstey , E . J . Hay , F . Britton , A . J . Lindsay-Simpson , T . Leabon , Young , R . H . Goddard , and others . During dinner the W . M . asked the ladies to accept a small present of a chatelaine bag , as a memento of the occasion .

The toast of" The King and Protector of the Craft " having been ably given and heartily received , "God save the King" was sung by Miss Osborne Williams , niece of the W . M . Thetoastof "Her Majesty the Queen , the Duke and Duchessof Cornwall and York , and the rest of the Royal Family , " having been given by the W . M ., Bro . H . G .

Tayler , Bro . Forbes rose to propose what he considered one of the most important toasts of the evening , that of "TheW . M ., " to whom they were indebted for the beautiful and artistic menu cards ard programmes , and who is held in affectionate regard by the members of the lodge , all of whom most heartily appreciate his perfect Masonic qualities and good work .

The W . M ., on rising to respond , met with an ovation . It was a very great honour , he stated , to preside over such a brilliant assembly , and he would look back to it in years to come with the utmost pleasure . It was their hard lot as Freemasons to be debarred from the society of ladies in their regular gatherings , and , therefore , they looked forward with the greatest pleasure to such occasions as the present , when the festive board was graced by their presence . He hoped this dinner and concert would be the fore-¦ unner of a series ot similar festivities in the future . He concluded by wishing one and

alia most enjoyable even ! og . Bro . J . Moore , I . P . M ., was heartily cheered on rising to propose the toast of the tvening—that of "The Health of the Ladies "—and , in a veiy amusing speech , explained how much the members of the lodge enjoyed these annual gatherings , but pointed out that , from little whispers he had heard , tie understood that in their hearts the ladies occasionally h ad some little misgivings about Masonic meetings . He desired

to make it perfectly clear that if it were left to the feelings of the brethren they would wish the ladies to be present on every lodge night , and , in the name of thc lodge , he had to thank them for their , presence . Bro . K . J . Anning , P . M ., in replying on behalf of the ladies , stated they were much obliged for the entertainment given them , and hcarily thanked the members of the lodge lor the chatelaine bags , and Bro . Forbes for his beautiful Ihwcrs , and they hoped the brethren would not forget these annual ladies' meetings .

liro . li . tl . Cooper , P . M ., proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Gompertz P . M ., Sec , and the Committee , upon whom the whole of the woik devolved ol making the arrangements necessary to . ensure the success of the meeting .

Craft Masonry.

The W . M ., in putting the vote , added his testimony to the untiring zeal of Bro , Gompertz , for whom nothing was too much trouble ; he added that their thanks were also due to Bro . H . Cooper , P . M ., who had given much valuable attention to the necessary arrangements . Tbe vote was carried at the W . M . 's suggestion by acclamation . Bro . Gompertz explained that he was amply rewarded in knowing that everything had _ given such universal satisfaction , and Bro . Cooper also replied in a similar strain .

The company then adjourned to the concert-room , where an excellent entertainment was provided under the direction of Bro . Dr . J . F . Haskins . Bros . Sidney Gandy , G . T . Lupson , and Miss Osborne Williams , Bros . Maurice Victor , Robert Grice , and R . H . Goddard , Miss Lowe , Bros . Reg . Lowe , and M . Tuck were among those who contributed to the evening ' s enjoyment . The singing of" Auld Lang Syne" brought to a close one of the most enjoyable and successful ladies' nights ever held by the Earl of Zetland Lodge .

Merton Lodge , No . 2790 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . W . H . BRAND . ' The installation meeting was held on Tuesday , the i 6 ' . h instant , at the Masonic Hall , Merton , when a large muster of brethren and visitors assisted at the function . The retiring W . M ., Bro . E . W . Pillinger , P . M . 902 , was the Installing Officer . Present : Bros . T . Holloway , J . W . ; T . Skelton , P . M ., Treas . ; A . J . Sendell , Sec . ; D . \ Hwgreaves , S . D . ; R . Leach , I . D .: I . B . Munday , I . G . ; Hopkins , P . M ., D . C ; H .

G . Crumbleholme , Org . ; H . W . Lawrence and W . Poupart , Stwds . ; and other members of the lodge . Visitors : Bros . T . H . Nesbitt , P . A . G . D . C . ; C . Butcher , P . M . 902 ; Frank Adams , P . M . ; J . Mayo , P . M . 2232 ; C . H . Stone , P . M . 507 and 16 41 ; F . A . Sherra , S . W . 160 S ; W .- Inman , S . W . 2246 ; C Trew , J . W . 55 ; R . J . Robinson , 515 ; H . W . Gloster , 2317 ; F . Smith , 1056 ; J . Dunk , 16 S 9 ; W . Evans , 65 ; J . A . Baker , 21 SG ; H . Chenery , 1319 ; F . L . Schneider , 2512 ; E . Young , 160 S ; W . J . Ross , 2421 ; and H . Nightingale , 13 ^ 0 .

The ceremonies completed , and ths usual business transacted , the lodge w * s then closed . The brethren adjourned to banquet , after which the usual loyal and M isonic toasts were proposed . The W . M ., in proposing the toast of "The King and the Craft , " said it wis not necessary to dilate upon the manv great things his Majesty had done for the Craft . They earnestly hoped the Great Architect of the Universe would give him long life to reign , and , as he was a model prince , might he prove a model king .

In givinjr " The M . W . G . M ., the Duke of Connaught , " the W . M . said his record indicates he wil make a good ruler of the Craft , and continue the grand « vork of Masonry according to principles as practised bv his predecessor . In proposing the toast of "The Grand Officers , " the W . M . coupled with it the name of Bro . F . H . Nesbitt , P . A . G . D . C , and said one cannot speak too worthily of their high position , and their excellent example of assiduity in the discharge of their manifold duties .

Bro . Nesbitt , in response , alluded to the beautiful precepts of Masonry , his successful career , and the causes which conduced to it , and exhorted the brethren to mike practical use of the principles inculcated within the Craft .

BRO . \ V . II . BRAND , W . M . BRO . E . W . PILLINGER , l . l' . M . "The Health of the W . M . " was duly proposed by the I . P . M ., Bro . E . VV . Pillinger , who said he felt sure the toast would meet with hearty acceptation at the hands of the brethren , he ( the W . M . ) having been one of the most active members of the Merton , contributing time and ability unstintedly , as well as money , in furthering

the establishment of the lodge , maintaining the progress of Masonic work , and all matters conducive to its best interests . He had commenced his reign well and auspiciously ; and he entertained no doubt whatever that he had the hearty goodwill and best wishes of alt members in the onerous discharge of the important duties appertaining to his exalted position , and which all trusted would , at the end of his tenure of office , redound to the advantage of the Order , the satisfaction of the lodge , and to his own lasting credit .

Bro . Brand , W . M ., in reply , said he would try to do the work well , feeling sure he had the sympathy of the brethren , and would endeavour to his utmost to uphold the dignity of the lodge , maintaining its harmony and the principles imparted within its borders .

The toast of " The Installing Master " was proposed by the W . M ., who said it wis his privilege and greatest pleasure to propose it , as no W . M . could have done his work more satisfactorily in any lodge , or with greater credit to himself , in fact , he hid dine too well , as it was impossible for him ( the W . M . ) to surpass or even equal him ; and he asked Bro . Pillinger ' sacceptance , in the name of the Merton Lolge , of the Past Master ' s jewel , assuring him , that in the opinion of the brethren , no recognition of services rendered

by a W . M . was more worthily deserved than in the present cise . " You were thefather of the lodge since its consecration , you have acted as parent , and conducted yourself SJ as to be a pattern for those who have to follow . " It was his ( the W . M . ' s ) great privilege to have Bro . Pillinger as the I . P . M ., so he could rely on one who had pro / ed himself efficient in the Crait working , and one who was so thoroughly interested in Masonry in general , and particularly in the Merton Lodge . ' 1 his toast was followed by musical honours .

The I , P . M ., in reply , said he hardly knew what to say in return for the toast so kindly pressnted by the W . M . in such eulogistic terms , and reciprocated so heartily by all . He thanked the brethren most sincerely for the jewel , and should look upon it as a token of the kindly sentiments they entertained towards him in his labours as the fust W . M . of the Merton Lodge . He felt he had only commenced and done a work that other brethren would have performed had they similar opportunities ; and though at one time during the dreary waiting for the warrant members despaired of a successful issue , he felt confident of securing that object for which all had been striving . Now , however , suit

they were in possession of a most convenient and handsome habitation , well and - ably furnished , with musical ceremonies , a capital balance in hand and no debts , a membership constantly increasing of good and true men , its future progress and stability was assured in the hands of brethren , who would take a pride in the lodge s welfare , be inspired with zeal for its working , and emulate each other in carrying out lhose excellent precepts inculcated within the precincts of the building , and thus , on the foundations laid , raise a superstructure alike perfect in its parts and honourable to the builders . He most heartily thanked the brethren . Bros . Inman and Mayo responded for the visitors .

Bros . Skelton , P . M ., Treas . ; Sendell , Sec . ; Holloway , S . W . ; and Dr . Hargreaves , J . W ., responded on behalf of the oflicers . Uro . K . W . Pillinger , P . M . 902 , founder and lirst W . M . 27 . 11 ; foundei JuM Master ' s Lodge ; Life Governor of two Institutiins ; Speciil S : ewirJ Buys' Centeni' 7 < instrumental in building the Merton Masonic Hall .