Correspondence.

such maj r be our own lot . Entertaining these views which form my own experience , and the constant perusal of the sentiments recorded in your MAGAZINE , I am led to conclude are the general opinons of my brethren , I come to the practical part of the question , which I submit with all deference to the

consideration of the Craft , knowing full Avell that on such a subject it would be presumptuous to expect unanimity ; still , I trust having no connection with the Charities beyond a zeal for their welfare , and not having consulted those who are more intimately interested , I may claim an impartial consideration of the proposition . Allow me then briefly to recapitulate the substance of my former letter , that tlie sum of half-a-crown from each member given to each of the four Charities

yearly , and collected quarterly , though apparently insignificant itself , would produce from 25 , 000 members the aggregate total of £ 12 , 500 per annum ; and also to express my strong con \ 'iotion that the levying of this small amount would not interfere with the more extended voluntary contributions of those to whom Providence has been bountiful . It is but

justice to add that while some brethren may scruple at making such a proposition imperative , still , those to whom I have named the subject have been so struck with its magnificent total , that I doubt not all would hail the day that embodied it in our " Book of Constitutions" as doing credit to ourselves and honour

, to the Craft . I am , dear Sir and Brother , Truly and fraternally yours , P . M .

Bute Lodge, No. 960.

BUTE LODGE , No . 960 .

'TO TEE EDITOtt OE THE EUEEHASONS' MAGAZINE AUD MASONIC illUEOE . - DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I shall feel obliged if ¦ you will allow me very briefly to reply to "Anti-Toady . " If he feels in any way aggrieved , and will attend the Bute Lodge , I will pay proper attention to any remarks he may make . He need not trouble himself to take up the gauntlet

in your defence , as the resolution referred to in no way attacks your valuable paper , but simply , states that you have been misled . This I unhesitatingly repeat . The numerous letters that have appeared in your MAGAZINE , reflecting ou our Prov . G . M . have , I believe , been all written by the same brother . They would appear to give expression to the views generally entertained in the Province , which is Avholly

incorrect , as I believe there are not half a dozen Masons in the Province who will agree with him . The character of Col . Tynte has been anonymously assailed in your paper , and I have done no more thau my duty iu endeavouring to undo the mischief your correspondent has attempted to do . With respect to the remarks he has made about myself personalland to the

y Bute Lodge , I will only reply that , although the Bute Lodge is a very young one , I trust it knoAvs IIOAV to observe Masonic laAV , and faithfully to teach and practice the principles of Ereemasonry . As to the absurd remarks respecting myself , I will take no notice . I will only express my regret that " Anti-Toad"

cany , not find better employment for his time and talents tha ' u writing such trash , and delighting to make mischief where harmony exists . I trust I shall not again have to trouble you with any further correspondence , and beg in conclusion to

Bute Lodge, No. 960.

inform " Anti-Toady" that if he expects any reply from me , his only chance of getting it will be by a direct communication with me , signed with his own , and not an assumed , name . Apologising for thus trespassing on your valuable space , I remain , dear Sir and Brother ,

Yours faithfully and fraternally , JOHN C . THORP , W . M . Cardiff , Sept . 17 , 1864 .

South Wales.

SOUTH WALES .

TO THE SWTOB OP TEE EliEEMASOXS' MAOAZISE AND MASONIC HIKROjt . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I received an invitation to attend the ceremony of laying the foundationstone of the new church at , which ( in the words of my lodge circular ) was "to be performed with Masonic honours by the D . Prov . G . M ., assisted by the Grand Officers and Brethren of the Province ; " I

Avas also informed that this was the first occasion upon which such a ceremony had been performed by our noble fraternity in this Province . As a constant contributor to the FREEMASONS' MAGAZIZE , I attended Avith the sole object of gleaning information , which I imagined would prove an interesting report for your periodical

. My sense of Masonic regularity was a little shocked upon my arrival at the street in which the Masonic Hall of is situated , to find some 120 or 130 of our brethren marshalling themselves into processional order in the street , much in the manner that clubs of " Hibernians" or " Free Gardeners" are accustomed to .

I think , however , I could have got- over the little nausea this irregularity occasioned , had not a much greater shock been in store for me . After some confusion , oAving to the invisibility of the Prov . G . Dir . of Cers ., ' our procession marched off , and shortly reached the site of tlie intended structure , when so

much disorder prevailed ( again entirely OAving to all absence of direction ) , that it was my painful portion to overhear the exclamation of a non-Masonic magistrate to a non-Masonic clergyman , " What an unruly lot these Masons seem !" And for all this disorder only one Prov . Grand Officer was to blame . I believe I should still have

overlooked such comparatively trivial matters , and presented as favourable a report of the proceedings as might have been consistent with truth , had not a far greater scandal awaited me—one which caused me to drop my note book in astonishment , and , I must add , disgust—one which I felt it would disgrace the annals of Freemasonry to do more than give a passing

reprehension in your pages . Upon something like regularity being restored , the D . Prov . G-. M . was seen to emerge from a marquee ( specially assigned to " Freemasons" ) not with the Prov . S . G . D . on his right , and a Prov . G . SteAvard on his left , but with a fashionably-dressed lady dangling

upon his arm ! With this lady he descended into a sepulchral-like excavation prepared for the reception of the stone , and after preliminary reading of the Sacred Law , and prayer by the rector { not a Mason ) , the aforesaid lady proceeded to lay the foundation stoneassisted bthe operative Masonsia reAvard for

, y , which service she received in due form presentation of the silver trowel ! I do not wish it to be understood that the Freemasons looked as literally in dumb show ; there was