Address To Our Readers.

ADDRESS TO OUR READERS .

THE FEBBMASONSMAGAZINE AND

MASONIC M I E E O E .

WITH our present number Ave close the Eirst Volume of THE FREEMASONS MAGAZINE for 1861 , covering a period of the year always peculiarly interesting the members of the Craft , as it is that in which the Festivals of our Masonic Charities are held , and the neAV Grand Officers appointed .

As regards the Charities , Ave need only observe that the appeals to the brethren have , in every instance , been liberally responded to , and that a bright future apj > ears to await all our institutions ; though , from the lingering illness of our respected Bro . Crew , the Secretary of the Girls' School , and the alterations in the management of the Boys' School

now in progress , they haA r e been partially overshadowed by a dark cloud , which , hoAvever , Ave rejoice to feel has not been Avithout its silver lining ; and , indeed , Ave believe that never had either of the schools a fairer prospect before them . Of the Benevolent Institution for Aged Masons and their Widows , we may observe that its claims to support are becoming

more and more understood and appreciated , and the poorer members of the Craft reaping a corresponding benefit , its festival being IIOAV equally popular with that of either of the other institutions , and the subscriptions and donations yearly increasing in amount .

Of the neAv Grand Officers Ave have no necessity to speak at any length , as Ave have , in the course of our weekly labours , already described their antecedents in Freemasonry , and fairly introduced then to our readers ; but we cannot review the past sis months without expressing our regret that the Earl of Dalhousie , P . D . G . M ., should have felt , from ill

health , constrained to resign the Chair he so ably and Avorthily filled , notwithstanding the acknowledged talents , the business habits , and courtesy of the gifted young nobleman who succeeds him .

There is , hoAvever , another officer , no less important than the D . G . M ., not to say even the G . M . himself , who has retired from office , almost Avithout remark . We allude to the late President of the Board of General Purposes , and whose place it will be difficult efficiently to fill . Bro . Havers , a P . G . D ., took the office about four years since , at a time

when great distraction prevailed in the Craft , at a time Avhen the disputes Avith Canada Avere at the highest , and when the brethren were naturally dissatisfied at the manner in . which