To Correspondents.

To Correspondents .

In consequence of the space occupied this week by the Report of the F estival of Grand Lodge , we are compelled to hold over several communications , including reports of lodges and lodges of instruction .

Ar00706

SATURDAY , APRIL 28 , 18 94

Masonic Notes.

Masonic Notes .

Now that the names of the Grand Officers for the year are before the Craft , and the value and excellence of their services , as set forth in onr pages , can be read and properly estimated , we hav . - s little hesitation in expressing our belief that a wiser and more judicious selection on the part of the M . W . G . Master and his

advisers could scarcely have been made . Whether we take the length of service , the actual amount of Masonic work accomplished , or the personal qualifications for ollice , which these short sketches set forth , their claims to recognition are beyond all question , and the general verdict will , we feel sure , be that of complete approval . * * *

The success of the Grand Festival , on Wednesday , was complete , no detail in the arrangements appears to have escaped the attention of the Stewards , who were responsible . To Bro . St . Clair , the President of

the Board , whose activity and interest in the event has known no bounds , the thanks of all who were present , both ladies and brethren , are especially due , while the Secretary , Bro . Collins , carried out his arduous duties in a manner des erving of all rraise .

* * * An innovation was introduced this year , suggested we believe by the President of the Board , in the arrangement of the dinner tables . The inconveniently placed tables on the dais , which were a source of great discomfort to all who occupied them , were abolished

and the Chairman ' s table occupied the whole length of the room . This change was much appreciated in all quarters . Another novelty was the issue of a con siderable number of concert tickets to ladies who were not attending the dinner , a privilege of which many took advantage .

It will be observed that the M . W . Grand Master has this year departed from the practice of promoting the Assistant Pursuivant to the office of Pursuivant , and has made two entirely fresh appointments . The sole object of this departure was , we are authoritatively

informed , to give Grand office to an additional brother , and it must not be regarded as anything in the nature of a slight on the much respected brother , who during the past year has so admirabl y discharged , to the entire satisfaction of everyone , the somewhat difficult and onerous duties of the office .

We must remind our readers—though the reminder is hardly called for—that the 106 th Anniversary Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution lor Girls will be held at Freemasons' Tavern , on Wednesday ,

the pth May , under the presidency of Bro . the Earl of Lathom , Pro Grand Master , and Prov . Grand Master of West Lancashire ; nor is there much doubt that under the auspices of so distinguished a Mason the celebration will be a successful one .

The measure of success which will attend the proceedings cannot , of course , be forecast , but if it accords with the tfforts of the executive to bring together a Board of Stewards that shall be worthy of such a Chairman , and , with those of the Stewards

themselves , to raise a large total of donations and subscri ptions , we shall not be far out in our reckoning if we prognosticate a result which will compare favourabl y with the most successful of the Girls' School festivals ever held—the Centenary being , of necessity ,

excepted . The Secretary , and those who work with him so diligently , have already enlisted the support of close on 400 ladies and brethren , and , no doubt , this number will be somewhat increased between now and ' ¦!« appointed day .

As to the manner in which the Bo _ , rd is distributed "'tween London and the Provinces we cannot furnish any details at present . Both these sections of the * - raft , however , are well and numerously represented , and we are satisfied that both are preparing to R've a good account of themselves and of the efforts they

Masonic Notes.

have been making for some time past to raise the necessary supplies for the current year . As a rule the sum which it is sought to obtain annually ranges between 7 . £ i 2 , ooo and £ 13 , 000 , but the outlay for sanitary purposes and the enlargement of the Infirmary ,

which have been rendered necessary by last year ' s outbreak of fever , have swelled this sum by a round ^ 2500 . For this reason , therefore , if for no other , it is fortunate that the services of so experienced a Chairman have been secured for this year ' s Anniversary .

* * * We must , however , caution our readers about allowing their very natural wish for an exceptionally large total to run riot with their reason . We associate , almost as a matter of course , bi g figures with Lord Lathom ' s Chairmanships , and in glancing through the Returns on the

several occasions when he has presided , the mind reverts to the memorable day in June , 1 S 91 when , at Brig hton , under his lordship ' s auspices , a sum not far short of , £ 30 , 000 was raised for the Boys' School . It must , however , be remembered that this result was due to an all-round effort made by the English Masons to restore the dilapidated fortunes of this particular

Institution . But our readers must not look for a repetition of that total . Happily , the fortunes of the Girls ' School do not need to be restored , but only to be maintained in their present high state of efficiency . For so much as is necessary to this end , we appeal most earnestly to the lodges , chapters , and brethren generally , and we have every confidence that our appeal will be responded to generously , as in past years .

* * The City Press mentions the name of a well-known brother who already wears the purple as a probable candidate for the office of Grand Treasurer the year after next . We have not yet heard of a candidate for 1 S 97 . # * »

We understand a warrant has been granted for a new lodge , to be called the Barnet Lodge , No . 2 jog . Bro . J . M . McLeod , Secretary to the Royal Mas : nic Institution for Boys , is the Worshipful Master designate . # # #

Lord Henry Bentinck , brother of the Duke of Portland , has been appointed Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland , in succession to the late Earl of Bective , whose only daughter he married . * * *

The annual meetingof the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire , of . vhich a report will appear in our next , took place on Wednesday , the iSth inst ., at Huddersfield . The chair was occupied by the Right Hon . VV . L . Jackson , M . P ., and this being the first occasion of his visit since his appointment as Provincial

Grand Master , his reception , as maybe supposed , was a very hearty one . West Yorkshire is always distinguished for' the large number of lodges which are invariably represented at Provincial Grand Lodge . On this occasion , 73 out of 7 6 lodges were so represented , and the attendance of individual members was greater than on any previous occasion .

Reviews.

Reviews .

* ' PICTORIAL BIRMINGHAM . " ( Printed and Pubished by J . L . Allday , Edmund-street . Price one shilling nett ) . — This is a small folio publication , intending to exhibit the chief attractive features of this wonderful city , and , what is more , effectually carries cut the intention . Allday ' s Guides are well known , have a large circulation , and may be trusted for their general accuracy and down to date character . Birmingham 250 years ago , and to-day make

very different pictures , but both are very suegestive and necessary in such a publication . The old parts of the city arc not neglected , the "Original Digbeth Tripe House , " coming in for its share of attention , and the churches have full justice done them , for the architectural features of some particularly are well worthy oi reproduction . The statue of . James Watt , byChantrey , in Handsworth Church , is well reproduced and so are some others . The character of the city now and forty years ago , as respects statues has

vastly altered . In 1 S 50 , an Austrian visitor declared that there was then " only one marble man" in thc town . Strange to say , even that declaration was at fault as the statue was of hronse . Now , however , that reproach has been removed . Many of the structures are grand specimens of the builders' ait , and illustrate how wondertully has the great centre of England extended of late years . The text makes most interesting reading , and for one shilling it is quite a record . We shall be disappointed if this brochure is not seen almost everywhere .

" PROVINCE or NORFOLK , FRHKMASONK' CALENDAR AND DIREI'TORV , 1894-5 . "—This exceedingly handy , ably compiled , and rigidly condensed annual , is a "little wonder , " and must be exceedingly useful tothe province . It is a genuine pocket ( waiscoat pocket ) edition , and , though a miniature issue , contains a vast amount of information . All the lodges , chapters , and olher Masonic

bodies are duly desctibfd and particularised , and with such a manual at hand , all the main points in the history of all the lodges , & c , in the Province of Norfolk are to be found carefully detailed , arranged , and printed . The editor is thc Prov . Grand Secretary , Uro . G . VV . G . Barnard , who also annually publishes model reports of the Prov . Grand Lodge .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

[ Rgg ^^^^^^^ J H ^ JM ^^^

IMETROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Islington Lodge ( No . 1471 ) . —A regular meeting was held on Thursday , the 12 th instant , at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , Bro . R . Loomes , W . M ., presiding , anel a large number of officers and brethren were present . The business on the agenda was the passing of Bro . W . S . VVoolacott and the raising of Bro . T . S . Hughes . A

candidate for initiation was proposed , and the sum of io guineas was unanimously voted to a case of distress , which commended itself to the brethren ' s sympathy . After " Hearty good wishes " from the visitors , the lodge was closed . After the dinner which followed , the usual toasts were proposed , Bros . Cobb , P . M . ; Duncan , P . M . ; and Kimbell

replying to that of " The Visitors . " A very pleasant evening was spent , thanks to Bros . Simmonds , J . Amand , D . C . Attwater , E . H . Bury , E . Blenkhorn , and J . T . Frost , who contributed songs , Bro . H . Stafford Trego , Mus . Bac . Oxon , accompanying . Recitations were given by Bros . G . Yexley and C . M . Coxon , "Auld Lang Syne , " as usual , closing the proceedings .

St . Stephen ' s Lodge ( No . 2424 ) . —At a meeting of this lodge , held at the Green Man Assembl y Rooms , Lewisham , on the 2 Sth ult ., Bro . Dr . Warwick Jordan was installed W . M ., the ceremony being performed by Bro . Dr . R . Turtle Pigott , I . P . M ., Bro . H . E . Joyce , P . M ., havii . g previously raised Bro . T . Mote . With a distinguished musician in the chair like Bro . Dr . Warwick Jordan , considerable surprise was felt , as evidenced by the

remarks of Bro . Sisterson , the J . W ., that music played such a small part in the proceedings following the banquet . Several visitors had attended in the hope that they were to have a great musical treat , but the evening was well advanced before harmony was tempted from her hiding place . Bros . Jewell , and Miles rendered the yeoman ' s service which might be expected of them , but in a lodge which has hitherto been so rich in music , it was certainly surprising to find the VV . M . making to little call upon his own art .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BRADFORD . Shakespeare Lodge ( No . 101 S ) . —The annual installation festival of this lodge was held an VVednesday , the nth inst ., at the Masonic Hall . Bro . Carlo Fara , VV . M ., opened the lodge , and the minutes of the previous meeting were duly conlirmed . After sundry items

of preliminary lodge business had been disposed of Bro . R . C . H . Bonsor , S . W ., the W . M . elect , was presented by Bro . J . VV . Monckman , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , for installation , and he was afterwards installed in the Master ' s chair by Bro . Fara , the retiring Master . The following were invested as officers for the ensuing year : Bros . C . Fara , I . P . M . ; T . Turvy , S . W . ; A . I ! . Fisher , J . VV . ; W . O .

HinchhlT , P . M ., Chap . ; | . B . Higginbottom , Treas . ; II . Holland , Sec . ; E . S . Milnes , S . D . ; D . E . Kershaw , j . D . ; J . W . Watson , l . G . ; E . A . Moon , O . G . ; Arthur Preston , Org . ; E . Dalby , Supt . of Wks . ; O . Schulz , J . F . Lutz , and H . Harrison , Stwds , ; and J . W . Monckman , P . AI ., P . P . G . D . C , D . C . Bro . H . J . Sutherst , P . M ., was elected as the Iodge representative on the Provincial Charity

Committee . Amongst the numerous visitors were Bros . W . C . O . Smith , I . P . M . ^ 74 ; Thos . Norfolk , P . M . Goo , P . G . D . C ; Chas . Crabtree , P . M . Coo , P . P . G . D . ; R . Kershaw , VV . M . 4 , ; y ; VV . Jenkinson , I . P . M . 302 ; C Dean , VV . M . 1034 ; P . Carter , P . M . 1 ( 148 ; John Cromack , W . M . 2330 ; A . Harrison , VV . M . 1545 ; Ed . Critchley ,

P . M . 1522 ; A . P . Rendcll , S . D . 794 ; and J . T . Last , VV . M . 2321 . Apologies were received from a number of influential brethren who were prevented from attending to do honour to the newly-installed VV . M . The banquet was admirably served by Spink and Son , Limited , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were dul y honoured .

During the evening Bro . Sutherst , Charity Representative , made an effective appeal to the lodge to generously support the P . G . M . ( Bro . Jackson ) at the forthcoming Boys' School Festival . Lodge Acacia ( No . 2321 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Rawson-square , on Thursday , the 5 th inst . Iiro . J . T . Last , W . M ., presided .

there was also present Bros . John Niven , I . P . M . ; Chas H . Ellis , S . W . j Saml . Robinson , J . W . j Jos . Wilson , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Chap . ; S . A . Bailey , P . M ., Ireas . ; E . Pearson Peterson , P . M ., Sec ; | . Marlow , S . D . ; R . Harland as J . D . ; A . K . Harris , l . G . ; II . Holmes , Tyler ; and others . I'he lodge was openet by the VV . M ., and the minute' - - of the previous lodge , also a lodge

of . emergency , were duly conlirmed . Bro . Bedford was passed to the becond Degree by the W . M ., and Bro . Niven , I . P . M ., then raised Bro . Bowler to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The ballots were taken in Sections A ., B ., and C . of the Lodge Benevolent Asscc ' ution in aid of lhe . Masonic Institutions , when Iiro . A . S _ ephensjn , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; J . li . Fearley , l . D . ; and John Harland ,

Stwd ., were declared successful . lt was understood that the support of the lodge would be given this year to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , the Prov . G . Master , Bro . VV . L . Jackson , M . I ' ., having arranged to preside at the Annual t'estival in Jun ... The lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the refreshment room , where the usual lojal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and a pleasant evening was spent .

CHEPSTO IF . StrigUil Lodge ( No . 21 S 6 ) . —A meeting of this Iodge was held on the 2 Sth ult ., at the Masonic Hall , NeUon-street , Bro . T . S . Varcn , VV . M ., in the chair . The minutes having been read and confirmed , Bro . Llewellyn , W . M . elect , was presented and duly installed by Bro . J . I .