The Masonic Mirror.

said , in reference to the first part of tbe report , it was his duty to give an explanation of tbe differences which existed between the Grand Lodge of Canada and the Grand Lodge of England . It appeared from inquiries made to the Colonial Board that there were two lodges in Canada claiming to bold allegiance to the Grand Lodge of England , but they were excluded from

their Masonic privileges and not freely recognised by the Grand Lodge of Canada . The Colonial Board caused inquiries to be made on the subject , and the result of that was that the St . Lawrence Lodge was recognised in its full privileges , and admitted to be working under the Grand Lodge of England . There was , however , another lodge , the St . George's Lodge , also

working under the Grand Lodge of England , but the Grand Lodge of Canada refused to recognise it . Some days after this communication was made from tbe Grand Lodge he received a further communication that the St . George's Lodge was fully recognised and restored to all its Masonic privileges . This information he communicated to the Grand Lodge that the

question was settled , and a resolution was carried to refer back the report to the Colonial Board , in consequence of the subsequent information that had been obtained , for a further report . They were indebted to Bro . Brackstone Baker , who had been instrumental in bringing about this happy result , and he had a notice on the paper in reference to the subject ;

but perhaps he hardly deemed it necessary to proceed with it . He then moved the following resolution : — "That the Grand Lodge of Canada having at length recognised the St . George ' s Lodge ( No . 440 ) , Montreal , this Grand Lodge expresses its satisfaction at the termination . of the differences which have existed on the subject , and earnestly hopes that

in future , the utmost harmony and brotherly love may-prevail between tbe Grand Lodge of England and tbe Grand Lodge of Canada , as well as between the brethren of the several Canadian lodges and of those lodges in Canada remaining under the constitution of this Grand Lodge . " Bro . BBACKSTONE BAKER said ho should second tbe motion ,

and asked permission to withdraw the motion of which he had given notice . As Bro . Hopwood had said , he had some hand in bringing about this happy- solution . Being in Quebec in July , he felt it to be his duty to see tlie Grand Master of Canada in reference to the St . George ' s Lodge , and be was happy to say lie took his dictum at its real worth , for before he left the chair

on the 2 Gth of July , he gracefully consented to submit tbe matter to his Grand Lodge , and three clays afterwards he revoked his former decision , and the St . George's Lodge was restored to all its privileges . Bro . GREGORY wished that tbe services of Bro . Brackstone Baker ' should be recognised , and moved an addition to the resolution to that effect .

The D . G . MASTER , while ruling that the amendment could not be put , congratulated the Craft here ancl in Canada on the suit . Bro . HOPWOOD wished that the Grand Lodge of Canada bad yielded to tho remonstrances of tbe Colonial Board rather than to the ipse dixit of an individual member of it . ( Hear , hear , from Brackstone Baker . ) The motion was put and agreed to .

THE GRAND LODGE PROPERTY . Bro . HATERS moved that the report ofthe Committee on the Grand Lodge Property be read , received , and entered on the minutes , and said he should be happy to answer any questions . Bro . Dobie had suggested to him that they should pass a resolution empowering the trustees who had been instructed to prepare a lease for the letting the Tavern to have power to execute it .

The Masonic Mirror.

Bro . DOBIE said the trustees were appointed by Grand Lodge , and be contended that the words of the resolution of June did not authorise tbe trustees to execute the lease . Tbe D . G . MASTER thought the trustees need not hesitate to execute the lease under the original resolution , but legal gentlemen were very particular as to form , although they did

not always express their opinions in the most intelligible language . But as regarded a resolution , it appeared to him that it could not be passed without notice , and , therefore , he could not put it . Bro . HAVERS moved the following paragraph in the report : — " That the Committee be directed to take tbe necessary steps

for furnishing the various rooms ; to make such arrangements as seem to them to be judicious for the convenience of the Grand Lodge , the various boards , executive officers , and private lodges and chapters , and that they be authorised to confer with private lodges and chapters , and with tbe Committees of the Charities , and arrange the terms upon which the various rooms may be

occupied . " He said the rooms were in an advanced state ; some of tho flooring would be put down this week , and they hoped to be able to accommodate the lodges and the executive department in the early part of next year . The PRESIDENT OP THE BOARD OF G ENERAL PURPOSES seconded the resolution , which was put and carried .

THE IRISH GRAND LODGE . The G . SECRETARY read a letter from the Deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , expressing the satisfaction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland with the opinion given by the Grand Lodge of England as regards the position which a Past Master under the Irish Constitution occupies in a lodge under the English Constitution .

APPEAL EEOM AUSTRALIA . Grand Lodge next proceeded to consider an appeal of Bro . James C . Hawker , P . M . of the South Australian Lodge of Friendship ( No . 423 ) , Adelaide , South Australia , and others , against the ruling of the Provincial Grand Master , with respect to a proposed by-law of the Provincial Grand

Lodge of South Australia . In this case , according to the statement of the Grand Registrar , it appeared that a committee of tbe Provincial Grand Lodge had been appointed to revise the by-laws , and amongst other things they proposed that the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge should take place in July ; and

although the Provincial Grand Master said this was an infringement of his privileges , they passed tho resolution . The Provincial Grand Master then reiterated that this act was an infringement of bis privileges ancl refused to sanction it , and hence this appeal . According to the rule at page 54 of the " Book of Constitutions , " the Provincial Lodge emanated from

the Provincial Grand Master ; that this was an infringement of his prerogative , aud that he was wrong in putting the resolution . Tbe appeal was dismissed , and the decision of the Provincial Grand Master was upheld . This being the whole of the business , Grand Lodge was closed in due form , ancl with solemn prayer , soon after eleven o'clock .

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ONE joyous thought in this world of sadness is , that there is never a day in tbe calender but many are celebrating their birthday upon it ; aud there is joy and gladness in many a house . It is a dark | heart that never looks at tbe bright side of things .