Address To Our Readers.

ProA incial Grand Master has withdrawn his interdict . We accept the withdrawal in a becoming spirit , feeling assured that there never would have been any occasion for the interdict had we been privately communicated Avifch in the first instance . At the same time Ave would remind the brethren throughout the Craft that it depends upon themselves Avhether they choose to have their loclge proceedings reported—all the permission we have from the Grand Master being to publish the proceedings at the Quarterly

Communications of Grand Lodge aud Grand Chapter ¦ and , beyond that , the FREEMASONS MAGAZINE stands as independent of the Grand Master as it does of any other brother . We endeavour , as far as in us lays , to uphold the authority of those in power , Avhich as Masons Ave are bound to do but Ave hold that there is no obligation resting upon us Avhich should in any Avay fetter us in the expression of our opinion on anything passing in the Craft , or in directing attention to what Ave believe to be the shortcomings of its Officers ,

should any exist . The New Buildings iu Great Queen Street are proceeding ; we are afraid we can say little more , for they do not appear to progress with that rapidity we were led to expect . In the mean time a Joint Stock Company has been formed for leasing the new Tavern , though we believe it has not yet been formally transferred from the present lessees .

We are now on the eve of our Annual Festivals for the Masonic Charities . That of the Royal Benevolent Institution for Aged Masons and their Widows is the first on the list , taking place on the 25 th inst . The chair is to be filled by the Rig-lit Worshipful the Deputy Grand Master , supported by a numerous Board of Stewards ancl from what Ave hear of the exertions making in his own province ( West Yorkshire ) and in the Metropolis , we shall be somewhat disappointed if it is not the most successful

Festival ever held on behalf of this Charity , We trust it may be so , for the number of applicants for the benefit of the Institution far outnumbers the vacancies there are likely to be amongst the annuitants ; and Ave shall never deem this Institution to have reached its proper position until Ave are enabled to boast that no deserving Mason or his Widow has to ask to be admitted to its benefits twice in vain . The Boys' School Festival takes place on the Sth of March , under the presidency of the Duke of

Manchester , Provincial Grand Master for Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire—a district of which Ave hear but little ; and the Girls' School on the 10 th of May , Avhen Bro . John Havers , Past Grand Warden , AA'ill advocate the claim of the Institution to suppoi-t—IIOAV eloquently Ave need not say . Both these Institutions have peculiar claims of their own , but ifc is yet too early for us to clo more than just revert to them .

Of the recent legislation of Grand Lodge we need not speak , as it has been already amply discussed in our columns . In closing our A olume , Ave haA * e only again to return thanks to the brethren for the confidence

reposed in us , and to assure them that we shall ever endeavour to merit a- continuance of their support .