Original Correspondence.

but there arc still some who cause a great waste of time to the Scrutineers , and consequently to those who are anxiously waiting to hear thc result of the election and to return to their homes , far or near as the case may be ; 1 allude particularly to thc sending up of the proxy papers singly and not folded up in bundles , for then each paper has to be opened singly and put injts respective place on the shelves . A still further improvement would be if they were to place

the votes together according to their value , that is , all the one or single votes together , two , three , and so on accordingly . Then , s . gain , some of the signers do not read the instructions for signing and filling in , or if they do , they do not understE . r . d what they read , for on the face of the paper they arj told where to put their signature and where to place the vote or votes they intend to give to the candidate of

their choice . Very olten the signature is put on the " change of address" line , and the new address , if any , crammed in immediately below the signature line ; and the vote , instead of being put opposite or in front of the name , is placed behind , and often doubtfully between two numbers , or so exactly between two columns of names as to render it extremely difficult for the Scrutineers to decide for which case it is meant , and I dare say

several mistakes may be made in that way . If those who are working the cases would only place the figures or words representing the figures immediately in front of the name it would be much more satisfactory to all concerned . If brethren find there is a discrepancy between the numbers returned by the Scrutineers and the parties representing cases , it were better either to say nothing about it unless ' sme on the point , or if once the accusation is made

in open Court to demand a scrutiny ; for although it gives a great deal of trouble , it will be a satisfaction to both parties to E . scertain whether there is any foundation for the charge , so that the mtstake , if any , can be rectified ; if not , it would teach the brother to be more careful in the future , and there would be no heartburning or uneasy feelings afterwards . October 17 th . A SCRUTINEER .

Reviews

REVIEWS

VAN DALEN'S KALENDER FUR FREIMAURER . Twenty-fourth annual issue . Leipsic . J . G . Findel . This very useful German calendar for German and Cosmopolitan Freemasonry for 1 SS 3 , is edited by Bro . Karl Paul , and published by our well-known and worthy brother , J . G . Findel , Leipsic . It is invaluable for all who wish

rightly and truly to grasp the outcome of German Freemasonry in this year of grace and light 1 SS 3 , and we are pleased to call attention to it , and recommend its patronage by all Masonic public bodies , and all brethren who understand German amongst us . It is , as usual , most admirably printed .

BOOKS FOR BOYS . Bro . John Hogg , of 13 , Paternoster-row , has sent us the following books , more or less illustrated , for our hopeful and rising youth : "Hope ' s Evenings from Home ; " " Robinson Crusoe ; " " Stothard's Illustrations ; " "Stewart's The Ocean Wave ; " " Marwood ' s Wonderful Animals ; " "Far-famed Tales : " "Anderson ' s Shoes of Fortune , "

& c . We arc glad to welcome our old friend Robinson Crusoe once again in a smart dress . People talk of " realism " and what is " weird , " Sic , to-day , but , after all , what else is so wonderfully interesting and real as " Robinson Crusoe" for the wondering and confiding mind of youth ? Horace Walpole tells a good story of long Sir Thomas Robinson being taken at Paris for the real

hero of the story " Sir Robinson Crusoe ; and the wife of thc well-kr . own Talleyrand is said to have asked a gentleman of the name of Robinson what had had become of " ce cher Friday . " Be this as it may , Robinson Crusoe , as long as the English language lasts , will be one of its classics , like the " Pilgrim's Progress , " " The Vicar of Wakefield , " " Rasselas , " & c . The other works seem spirited and

readable , adapted to that period of life , especially when anticipation has not yielded to disappointment , when hope tells its most flattering tale , and when all is " couleur de rose" for ardent expectations and vivid imaginations . A few years , —but no , let us not be so cruel in the genial pages of the Freemason , as to check the glowing and amiable

aspirations of youth , either with the darker shades of human life , or the sombre colours of coldexperience . As the man said in the menagerie " all them little bears , ladies and gentlemen , has their troubles afore them . " We think these bey ' s books are likely to be perused by many , and are both innocent and pleasant reading .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

249 ] STEINMETZ . Bro . Speth no doubt scores one with Krause's authority , and therefore probably , to use a favourite word just now , there is a concurrent derivation . I do not think that philologically it would be safe to put out the idea of " to hew , " the more so as all true derivations have both an abstract and a concrete meaning and bearing . MASONIC STUDENT .

250 ] THE "PAST MASTER" QUESTION . The writer of this was initiated in"January , 1 S 4 S , and was W . M . of his lodge on the third anniversary of his initiation . In 1 S 5 S he removed to another province and was always admitted to meetings of Past Masters in the lodge which he joined . He there founded a Craft and a Mark Lodge and assisted in foundering a Royal Arch

Chapter . In 1 SG 7 he again changed to another province and was accorded the same privilege , founded a Mark Lodge , and was one of the founders of two Royal Arch Chapters , in both of which lie was elected and served as ' / .. Another move was made in 1873 to a fourth province , wherehe was refused admission tomeetingsof Past Masters , at which he felt aggrieved , for having worked hard in his prcviou * positions lie hoped to do the same again . At last ,

Masonic Notes And Queries.

in 1 SS 0 , one of the Wardens declining to take the chair as VV . M . he was elected to that office . This vacancy was an accident , without which he would to this day have continued to be excluded , and thus have been prevented from active work and from a sphere of usefulness , in which it is admitted that he accomplished much . He considers that election to the chair in such cases should not depend on the accident of a vacancy , nor should a joining Pasl Master displace another candidate who was initiated in tt-e lodge

and has worked through all the chairs to that of S . W . He suggests therefore that in the revised Constitutions it should be provided that a Past Master leaving his lodge , and joining another at a distance of at least ten miles , should be admitted to all the rights and privileges of the Past Masters of that lodge after membership for two years , taking precedence after the W . M . who is in office at thc expiration of that period . This plan he thinks would meet all the objections that has been offered . H . H .

A Protest Against The Scheme For Rebuilding The Temple.

A PROTEST AGAINST THE SCHEME FOR REBUILDING THE TEMPLE .

The following circulars have been published officially -. " Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons . " Saint John's , Wakefield , " 19 th October , 1 S 83 .

"Dear Sir and Brother , —I desire to remind you that Grand Lodge meets on Wednesday , December 5 th , to consider the report of the Special Building Committee appointed to consider the question of reinstating , enlarging , or removing the old Masonic Temple , recently seriously damaged by fire . " I have the pleasure to enclose for your consideration copy of resolutions adopted by our Provincial Grand Lodge on the 3 rd inst .

" It would afford us great satisfaction if you would at the earliest opportunity lay it before the members of your province and ot your lodge , with a view to a similar expression of opinion to be supported by members attending in Grand Lodge on 5 th December . " I am , dear Sir and Brother , " Yours faithfully and fraternally , " HENRY SMITH , Prov . G . Secretary .

" Provincial Grand Lodge , West Yorkshire . " At a Provincial Grand Lodge , holden in the Town Hall , Ripon , on Wednesday , October 3 rd , 1 SS 3 . " Proposed re-building of Grand Lodge . " The W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Thomas William Tew , J . P ., in pursuance of notice , proposed , and W . Bro . George E . Webster , Prov . G . Registrar , seconded ,

and it was resolved , 1 . " ' That this Prov . Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire , whilst fully appreciating the services of the Special Committee appointed to report to Grand Lodge on the subject of the Masonic Temple recently seriously damaged by fire , regards with surprise and alarm the report of such Committee , which contemplates the purchase of the unexpired

term of sJ- years lease , with furniture , of Bacon s Hotel for £ G , ooo ( annual rent £ 360 ) , and the granting of an extension of Messrs . Spiers and Pond's lease to 50 years . That this Provincial Grand Lodge is of opinion that the leasing of any property of Grand Lodge , except for a very limited period , is , under any circumstances , highly objectionable , and may prove , as in the cases of the three leases now existing ,

extremely inconvenient , and that the question of rent is quite a secondary consideration compared with the retention of full control of the premises and the tenants of Grand Lodge . ' 2 . —"' And this Provincial Grand Lodge would suggest the desirability of the Temple at Freemasons' Hall being reinstated at a moderate cost , to be provided out of the funds received from the insurance offices . And that under

the direction of the Grand Superintendent of Works , competent architects , Masons or non-Masons , be invited to submit plans for this purpose . ' 3 . — " ' That copies of these resolutions be transmitted to Grand Lodge and to the Board of General Purposes . ' "HB . N ' RY SMITH , " Prov . G . Secretary . " St . John ' s , Wakefield , 19 th October , JSS 3 . "

The Holborn Restaurant.

THE HOLBORN RESTAURANT .

The re-opening of this well-known and deservedly popular restaurant took place on Monday evening amid circumstances of unusual eclat . That the event justified the display is beyond question . There is little doubt that the new premises if not absolutely unequalled , are certainly unsurpassed by any similar establishments , at all events in any of the countries with which wc can justly claim to have

made any acquaintance . Every means that money could command have been called into requisition in order to make the building as comfortable and at the same time as elegant as possible . As regards the various rooms and ante-rooms , the vestibule , the salons , the balconies , no pains have been spared to make them worthy even ot a royal or imperial palace . Rooms more elaborately and artistically embellished or more

comfortably and handsomely fitted as regards furniture and appointments , arc to be seen hardly anywhere either in this or other countries . The Grand Staircase of Carrara marble , the Grand Salon , thc Venetian Salon , the Queen ' s and Prince ' s Salons , the Masonic Temple , the Duke's Salon , the Colonel ' s , the Grill , and other rooms , all alike , whether we take them separately with their distinctive features , or as forming parts of one grand and elaborate whole , are

magnificent , nor is this surprising when the services of some of our foremost artists and decorators have been summoned to the aid of Messrs . Gordon , the proprietors , in their desire to make their restaurant about thc most perfect of its kind . As regards those minor details which more properly belong to the business of the restaurateur , it seems hardly in keeping to speak in connection with so much magnificence . Yet the Holborn , in its less elaborate form , has long been known

for the excellence of its lunches , dinners , and table d'hote , and the reader may be satisfied that the proprietors in their desire to make the surroundings palatial , have not lost sight of the importance of doing all in their power to uphold their well-earned prestige as caterers . The only difference , in fact , between the new and the old Holborn is that the public can now refresh themselves as well and at as moderate a cost as before , but among more gorgeous surroundings .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

dratt jlttasrmrg

UNITED MARINERS LODGE ( No . 30 ) . — The members of this old and robust lodge met for the first time after the recess on the 16 th inst . at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , when , in spite of a " counter attraction " in which many of the brethren were interested , there was a fair attendance , under the presidency of Bro . Joshua Shipley . There were also present Bros . I . W .

Crossley , I . P . M . ; C . Davey , P . M . ; T . Smith , P . M . ; A . Lefeaux , P . M . ; T . E . Davey , S . W . ; J . Linscott , J . W . ; Joseph Harling , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Driscoll , P . M ., Sec ; L . Steingraber , S . D . ; H . Couldrey , J . D . ; V . Fassheber , I . G . ; VV . Boyce , W . S . ; C . Buysman , T . Oblein , J . W . Morgan , D . L . Thomas , J . Lanckman , VV . Sanders , C . Howard , L . G . Reinhardt , Tyler ; and others .

Lodge was opened in due form , when the ballot was taken for Mr . Alfred Lane , and the voting was unanimous in his favour ; but circumstances having prevented Mr . Lane from attending , the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , the working of the W . M . being much admired .

Three propositions were tendered and accepted , so that Bro . Shipley will find his hands agreeably full at the November meeting . Some formal business having been transacted the brethren adjourned for light refreshment , and the remainder of the evening was spent in agreeable harmony .

CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 901 ) . —A meeting of the above lodge was held on Monday , the 15 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C , when there were present Bros . John Hughes , W . M . ; G . A . Cundy , l . P . M . ; David Hughes , S . W . ; H . McClelland , J . W . ; Hy . Daicy , P . M ., Treas . ; Chas . Beaumont , P . M ., Sec ; H . Harbord , J . D . ; Hand , Orir . ; Daniel Husrhcs .

I . G . ; R . P . Stevens , W . S . ; R . Gillard , Steward ; Woodstock , Tyler ; Lewis , P . M . ; Hoddinott , Faux , Derry , Easey , Haylock , Eade , Bare , Bisley , Chamberlain , Vears , Ford , Plater , Green , Taylor , Fimister , Whitnall , Bater , Little , and Corkhill . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes read and confirmed . Ballot was then taken for Mr . Russell , and

proving unanimous , he was at once initiated . Bro . Bare was passed to the Degree of F . C ., and Bro . Chamberlain raised to the Degree of M . M . Several candidates were proposed for initiation at the next meeting , and it having been carried unanimously that a ball be held at Freemasons ' Tavern in connection with the lodge some time in January , the lodge was closed in due form . At the supper which followed , after the usual loyal toasts ,

The I . P . M ., Bro . G . A . Cundy , proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " and congratulated him upon the easy way he had worked the three degrees , and said he hoped it would be the aim of each succeeding Master of the City of London Lodge to excel his predecessor . The Worshipful Master in reply said he was gratified if any humble efforts on'his part gave satisfaction to the brethren .

The W . M . then proposed " The Health of the Initiate , Bro . Russell , " and said how delighted he always was to welcome fresh blood amongst them , and that he was sure Bro . Russell would prove a very apt Mason and an acquisition to the City of London Lodge , and it was particularly gratifying to him , as he had had an initiate at each meeting . Ihe Initiate in reply said having been warned that a

speech would be required of him , he concocted a very elaborate one while waiting in the ante-room ; but the impressive ceremony he had undergone had quite obliterated it from his memory , he therefore asked the W . M . and brethren to make allowances for him . He then thanked the

W . M . for the nattering terms in which he had proposed his health and the brethren for the very kind manner in which they had received it . Several songs , recitations , & c , were given by the brethren after the supper , and altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent .

GREAT NORTHERN LODGE ( No . 1287 ) . — This lodge commenced its winter session on Thursday week last at Freemasons' Hall , . when Bro . Thomas Owen , W . M ., presided , supported by his officers . There was an excellent attendance of members of the lodge and visitors . Bros . Lloyd and Di Luggo were raised to the Third Degree , and Bros . Dean and Adelmann were passed to

the Second Degree . The ballot was then taken for W . John Emile Davies , Mr . Louis Simons Lupton , Mr . Wm . Henry George , and Mr . Charles Edward Bulling , as initiates , and for Bro . John Frederick Davey , No . 39 , as a joining member , and the ballot having been unanimous in favour of all the candidates , Messrs . Davies and Bulling being in attendance , were introduced and initiated in

Masonryi The ceremonies were performed by the W . M ., with an impressiveness and perfection seldom witnessed . After the ceremonies a motion was brought forward by the J . W ., for raising the initiation fee from seven to eight guineas , and the joining fee from two to four guineas , but it being suggested by Bro . Reed , P . M ., that if the matter were left over for-further consideration and

that so small an addition to the initiation fee would make very small difference to the lodge funds , whereas if it were made 10 guineas it would be more serviceable . An amendment that the initiation fee be 10 guineas was adopted by the J . W ., and carried unanimously . The joining fee was raised to four guineas . Ihe Secretary informed the lodge of the death of three members during the recess , and

a vote of condolence with their relatives was ordered to be sent . The Secretary also informed the lodge that the daughter of Past Master West was successful at the Girls ' School elections last Saturday and was at the head of the poll , although it was a first application . This was the

second case which the Great Northern Lodge had got in within the year . A vote of thanks was then passed to the Secretary for his exertions in the case , and in acknowledging the comp liment the Secretary , while stating that it was always a pleasure to him to assist any deserving cases , gave credit to Bro . Cox , P . M ., for having materially contributed to the success of West's case . A vote of thanks was then passed