Original Correspondence.

As the custom appeared by the M . E . Z . ' s remarks to differ from what I have always been accustomed to in my province ( and in other provinces to which 1 have frequently been a visitor ) , and as privately he informed me afterwards it was purely provincial , 1 have since that episode in my Masonic career refrained from expressing this brotherly and friendly greeting when again 1 have had the pleasure

of repeating my visit to the same chapter , or any other chapter or lodge in London . If others have experienced the same rebuff when friendly inclined , then Bro . Stevens should not be surprised at the hesitation he has noticed on the part of visitors to give the " Hearty good wishes " they may feel towards their brethren assembled in other lodges than their own .

As in many cases custom becomes law when nothing appears to be lost by the carrying out of such custom , I certainly think this is one that is commendable in every sense it is put , and 1 should not like to see it abolished in the province to which I have the pleasure to be attached ,

and I trust it may be again revived in London , as , in my opinion , it is a custom which tends to secure a goodly feeling between the visitor and the visited . —Yours truly and fraternally , M . H ., P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . D . D . C . West Lane . Liverpool , January 23 rd .

2 ' o the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Noting the letter from our esteemed Bro . James Stevens just at a time when I myself was pondeiing the same question , and visiting for the first time just lately a London lodge , and myself hailing from a very old country lodge , of course all being strangers to me

therein assembled , I felt , not the feeling he speaks of as to being likely to offend some one in authority in our own lodge , but the natural diffidence of Ja stranger , and his letter has now given me confidence , as 1 hope it will many others , because of all things I firmly believe that the expressions of good feeling from lodge to lodge could only in the abstract be carried out properly by such "hearty pood wishes , " as , if Masonry is , as we feel and know it

to be , as earnest Masons , it needs but little to decide the genuineness of those wishes , and as men find themselves visitors at lodges oftentimes by the mere accident of location or acquaintanceship , the spontaneity should be the proof of genuine " hearty good wishes . " Lastly , if there is any reason why it should not be a custom , as I think Bro . Stevens seems to hint somebody has suggested , I should like to hear more about it . —Yours fraternally , P . S . W . 4 ,.

ANOTHER APPEAL . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I know absolutely nothing of Bro . Perceval ; but this great disadvantage does not prevent me feeling that he is a brother and a P . M . 1 do not recollect in my Masonic experience such a public appeal as he has made in

your columns . Such appeals are , happily , rare , and I can understand what the effort has cost—an application for provincial relief , with all its criticism , friendly and otherwise , is nothing to it . Strangely enough , the two cases referred to in your leaderette of the same issue , and which I admire for the delicate , yet manly , way in which you have put them ,

suggest what may be and ought , as it seems to me , to be done . Bro . Perceval asks no Charity , I assume from his letter , and no doubt I am right , he desires that one of those brethren " who have known him in happier and more prosperousdiys " will find him employment . Doubtless I am also correct in assuming that Bro . Perceval is worthy of such help ; indeed , your leaderette of the 2 nd inst . is a proof of

it . Now , Sir , I have on many occasions found it possible to do f > r another wlul wuuld have been palpably impossible for myself , and I daresay this experience is a common one . I suggest it to the London brethren , who have it in their power , surely , to do something calculated to give riro . Perceval " a . lift on the way . " In the meantime , if Bro . Perceval vill state

the kind of emiiloyment he desires , I will n-t fail to move in his behalf all the influence I possess . But what is done should be done qaickly . 1 would have written direct if the experience ot my established custom in such cases warranted a departure in this instance . I shall be obliged , therefore , if Bro . Perceval wilt communicate , by post , through you . If I am successful it will be

all the more pleasing to give him my name privately hereafter . To London Masons , I would say : " If ever you have look'd on better days , If ever been where bells have knoll'd to church , If ever sat at any good man's feast , If ever from your eye-lids wiped a tear ,

And know what 'tis to pity , and be pitied ; Let gentleness my strong enforcement be . " Somehow I cannot read the appeal of Bro . Perceval without a consciousness of a mightier power behind it . Whether this be wife , and perhaps children , 1 leave your readers to picture . —Yours truly and fraternally , January 23 rd . JUSTITIA .

Reviews

REVIEWS

THE MASONIC GUIDE FOR THE COUNTY OF YORKSHIRE AND YORK MASONIC CALENDAR FOR iSSG . Twelfth Year of Publication . Printed at the Gazette Office , York . ¦ In greeting this old friend in the garb appropriate to the New Year , wc can have but little to say beyond congratulating our worthy Bro . T . B . Whytcrread on its rei . ppearance . Local brethren know well the value in respect of

accuracy of the information it contains , and we know how useful it is for purposes of reference . There are few provincial guides of which it can be said that all the absolutely necessary information as to times and places of meeting of the different lodges , chapters , and other Masonic bodies in the county it relates to are compressed into the few pages of a waistcoat-pocket memorandum-book , which is as neatly printed and put together as it is portable . Yet this is

Reviews

perfectly true of Bro . Whytehead's Yorkshire Masonic Guide . We may mention likewise that this " multum in parvo" is not sold , but an annual complimentary gift by

its compiler , so that our Yorkshire brethren have good reason to be pleased with the kindness as well as with the pains and accuracy of Bro . Whytehead , to whom we offer our thanks for his timely presentation copy .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

645 ] FREEMASONS AND THEATRES . It was on the day of his installation as Grand Master ( 27 th December , 172 S ) that Lord Kingston bespoke the play referred to . The notice from " Cole's Constitutions , 1751 , " is simply a misprint—September instead of December . The speech of Bro . Oakley was printed in 1729 , and the note given in No . 6 43 may be found at the end ; also a Prologue and Epilogue " according to the prevailing interested in ivhat lod

fashion . " I am knowing ge was held at the Carpenter ' s Arms , Silver-street , Golden-square , where this speech was delivered on 31 st December , 172 S , and shall be grateful for the information . My esteemed friend and worthy Bro . Hughan has had no time to think over his last paragraph , as he knows North Wales was the first Prov . Grand Lodge , and South Wales only about six weeks later in the same year , 1727 . J . RAMSDEN RILEY .

646 ] "THE BOOK M ., " 1736 . The curious work , in which is inserted , or bound , the copy of the "Old Charges , " named by me the " Probity JlfS ., " is entitled " The Book M ; or , Masonry Triumphant . " Then follows a larger title . It was printed by "Leonard Umfreville and Company , " Newcastle-upon-Tyne , 173 C . The work is divided into two parts , with separate title pages and pagination , the first portion being

similar to the ' Pocket Companion" by W . Smith , who appears also to be the author or editor of " The Book M " A long list of subscribers is printed , the old lodge at Swallwell , now 4 S , Gateshead , taking 50 copies , the lodge at Hexham furnished 2 S subscribers , 25 being credited to the lodge at Gateshead , who took 37 copies in all ; then follow the names ot 47 other brethren not described under any

lodges , and 37 additional subscribers , apparently not Freemasons , because all are distinguished by the prefix " Mr ., " the list concluding with the name , in MS ., of the owner of the copy— " Mr . William Jubb . " Lecture I . contains " An History of Free-Masonry , " according to the Andersonian Constitutions of 1723 ; Lecture II . is devoted to "The Grand Principle—Truth ; " the third of the series bears

no title , but refers to the Masonic virtues . No . IV . was "Read March S , 1735-6 , at the Constitution of a new Lodge at the Fountain in Pipewell-gate , Gateshead . " This description settles the locality of the " t > oi'ntain , " not hitherto known through Lists of Lodges , and that the year of formation was 1736 , not 1735 , as a Roll exhibits of 1736-9 ( see Gould ' s " Four Old Lodges , " p . 52 ) . No . V . was

Read before a great Assembly of Brethren in London . " No . VI . is after the style of the first , and so also is the last ( VII . ) The next pages ( 45-6 ) are utilised for the " Prayecs . used by Free Masons in Lodge . " Pages 49-76 contain "The Charges" and "General Regulations , " & c , of A . U . 1723 , and conclude the first portion . The second part of" The Book M . " has no lack of songs ,

such as they are , witfi . " Prologues and Epilogues , as they were spoken at Mason's Benefits , " the work ending with " An Exact List of Regular Lodges according to their Seniority and Constitution , " which is the real value of this curious and rare publication . Taking Pine's Engraved List of 1734 ( given by me in " The Masonic Maga 2 ine , " Nov ., 1 S 76 ) as a basis for comparison , it will be seen that

the Roll of Lodges in " The Book M . ' is mainly a copy of the " Pocket Companion" by VV . Smith , of 1735 , which was taken from Pine of 1734 ; but , with a few alterations , to be particularized . Those lodges which are dated or undated in the one of 1734 are likewise so in the others , and in all three the number 79 is vacant , which in the Dublin "Pocket Companion , " 1735 ( of which a copy is in the

library of Bro . J . H . Neilson ) is ascribed to "the Hoop , in Water-street , in Philadelphia" ( America ) . Then again , the " Book M . " runs on to No . 125 , as Pine , but the 126 of the former is filled by the lodge , held at the " Duke of Marlborough ' s Head , in Petticoal-Lane , Whitechapel , " which is No . 128 in the latter , which has 126 , " Boston , in New England , " and 127 , "Valenciennes , in French

Flanders . " Hence it is likely Smith based his particulars on an earlier edition of Pine for 1734 , which is not now known , the only issue preserved being the gem in the possession of Bro . James Newton . Numbers 127-30 are vacant in "The Book M ., " but 131 is filled in by "Two Fencing Masters , Swalwell , in the Bishoprick of Durham , & c , June 24 , 1735 , " which , however , was really 132 , Then follows the customary " Finis . " W . J . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft iftasonrg . ROYAL SOMERSET HOUSE AND INVER . NESS LODGE ( No . 4 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , 25 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . Present : Bros . Frederick West , P . G . S ., P . P . G . R . Surrey , W . M . ; C . B . Cousens , G . S ., S . W . ; H . P . Hughes , jun ., J . W . ; Rev . Dr . H . Lonsdell , Chap . ; H . Mackintosh , M . O ., Sec . ; H . E . Pollard , J . D . ; E . Wcldon , I . G . ;

I ' reeman , lyler ; P . M . ' s Bros . Henry Lumley . J . Jordan , W . Whitmore , H . Mackintosh , Rev . H . Lonsdell , and others ; Bros . J . Hughes , Dr . J . Althaus . jW . Stevenson , Hoyte , A . Machin , II . de Stern , and F . Hore . Visitors Bros . F . M . Jonas , Hiogo and Osaka , Japan ; H . Sutton , and S . Andrews . After the W . M . had opened the lodge , and the minutes had been confirmed , the election of W . M . for the ensuing

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

year took place , and the choice was unanimous in favour of Bro . C . B . Cousens , G . Stwd ., S . W ., whq , in a few suitable words , expressed his thanks for the honour conferred on him . Mr . Gerald Sturt was balloted for and elected for initiation . The report of the Audit Committee having been read , and being considered satisfactory , was received and adopted . A P . M . ' s jewel was unanimously

voted to the W . Ai . for his services to the lodge . There being no further business the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet at Freemasons ' Tavern . The Worshipful Master proposed the usual loyal and customary Masonic toasts , including that of "The

Visitors , " which was responded to by Bro . F . M . Jonas , from Japan , and during the evening the proceedings were enlivened by an excellent selection of music , provided by Bro . J . Stedman , under the direction of M . A . Toop . Bro . W . S . Hoyte also delighted the brethren with his grand pianoforte solos .

UNITED MARINERS' LODGE ( No . 30 ) . — The meeting of this lodge was held on the 19 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , when Bro . Louis Steingraber was duly installed , the ceremony being performed in a most efficient manner by Bro . Joseph E . Harling , who also , previously , initiated Mr . Charles William Willshire into the mysteries of the Craft . All labour being

ended , the brethren retired to the banqueting room , when the usual toasts were given and responded to . The lodge was honoured by the attendance of many distinguished visitors , among whom we may mention Bra . Terry , who , after advocating the cause of the Charities , gave a very amusing recitation , and this , combined with songs , & c , from several other brethren , assisted in making the meeting a very pleasant and agreeable one .

CONSTITUTIONAL LODGE ( No . 55 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 21 st inst ., at Cannon-street , when there were present Bros . Jubal Webb , W . M . ; Jas . Thos . Robertson , P . M ., as S . W . ; Jno . Dodson , P . M ., as J . W . ; R . P . Atkins , Treas . ; Geo . M . E . Snow , Sec ; Geo . Laker , P . M ., S . D . ; E . L . Miroy , P . M ., J . D . ; Herbert Roach , D . C . ; Frank Unite , l . G .

Hy . Thomas , Tyler ; J . C . Dwarber , P . M . ; W . Farthing , P . M . ; Jas . Cooper , P . M . ; Thos . B . Linscott , P . M . ; H . J . Bradgate , D . Stroud , W . H . Dipsdale , W . M . Robinson , L . Steel , P . Block , H . Butley , Geo . Groves , J , Humphrey , VV . Snodin , J . Carr , jun ., W . Vogt , J . J . Ledle , Thos . Whaley , Jno . Soper , P . M . ; George Webster , Harry Price , E . Rumbold , E . Freeman , F . Freeman , J . H . Hedley , Jno . Godwin , and J . D . Gray . Visitors : Bros .

U . Latreille , P . M . 2 S ; A . Piper , 177 ; Gilbertson , 403 ; Jno . Gardner , 173 N . B . ; M . Heywood , P . P . S . Hertford , 403 ; O . S . Moore , 176 ; and VV . Wright , 1 S 97 . Lodge having been opened , Bros . T . E . Cloake and J . H . Honeybun were raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . Bro- C . Thompson was successfully balloted for as a rejoining member . The brethren then proceeded to the

election of W . M ., when Bro . E . H . Brown , J . W . ( who , we regret to say , was absent through illress on this occasion ) , was elected unanimously , the S . W . having died in October last . Bro . R . P . Atkins was re-elected Treasurer for the ninth time , A P , M ' s . jewel was voted to the W , M , Auditors were appointed , and a sum of £ 10 10 s , voted to

the Steward ' s list for the Boys' School , The Secretary announced the death of Bro , John Thompson on December 29 th , Two gentlemen having been proposed for initiation , and a brother recommended to the Board of Benevolence for relief , who had been twenty-four anda-half years a subscribing member , lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , and spent a very enjoyable evening .

EASTERN STAR LODGE ( No . 95 ) . —The election meeting was held on the 19 th inst ., at the Ship and Turtle , Lcadenhall-street , E . C . Present : Bros . John H . Swan , W . M . ; J . M . Knight , S . W . ; Millner Jutsum , J . W . ; G . Ayres , P . M ., Treas . ; J . W . Wardell , P . M ., Sec ; Johnson , S . D . ; J . L . Holmes , l . G . ; A . Turbefield , acting Tyler ; Past Masters H . Ruff , A . C . Macklin

and Bros . Collard , Groves , Wayland , Tiffen , Harris , Jerram , and others . Visitors : Bros . Bassington , P . M . 205 ; J . C . Morrow , Org . 3 ; Dendy , 1662 ; Chapman , I . P . M , 1 9 , andG . H . Stevens , P . M . 1623 . The working consisted of the raising of Bro . A . O . Collard , and the initiation of Mr . G . B . Jerram . A gentleman was successfully balloted for , the bye-laws were read , the

worthy Secretary favouring the brethren with a capital digest of several which had been recently altered . Auditors were appointed . A Tyler was chosen from three applicants for the honor . Bro . G . Ayres , P . M ., was duly re-elected as Treasurer , it being generally felt that a better could not be found . The feature of the evening , and one that displayed a large amount of good feeling and kindliness

amongst the brethren , was when selection came on for the W . M . for the ensuing year . Then it was that Bro . J . M . Knight , S . W ., told the brethren that he proposed asking them to kindly pass over his claims to the chair in favour of his old friend , Bro . Millner Jutsum , J . W . Bro . Knight explained that they had worked together for many years , both in Masonry and outside it , and as he ( Bro . Knight )

- had already passed the chair in another lodge , he was desirous to give way to Bro . Jutsum that he might the earlier attain a similar honour . He had every confidence that the brethren would adapt his request unanimously . Such , on the ballot proceeding , proved to be the case , and we congratulate all concerned upon the outcome , and those kindly feelings which are ever to be found in the hearts of

Freemasons . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to the retiring W . M ., Bro . Swan , and the wish expresed that he might long be spared to wear it . We must also congratulate the brethren of the Eastern Star upon the brother whom they have chosen to guide the destinies of the lodge ,

as he is one abundantly qualified , by the help of the G . A . O . T . U ., to govern it wisely and well . After lodge a social hour was passed , without tasking the resources of the excellent establishment where the lodge meets , that pleasure being reserved for the meeting in February next , when Bro . Millner Jutsum will be installed .

MANCHESTER LODGE ( No . 179 ) . —The brethren of this lodge celebrated their annual installation on Thursday , 21 st inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , the following officers and Past Masters of the lodge being