Directors Of Ceremonies.

0 lie is sometimes styled , the Master ) of the Ceremonies continues to be appointed , oblivious of any obligations , but thinking possibly he may be called upon to officiate if there should ever be a Masonic ball , and Avondering IIOAV he would get through his duties . Still there arc occasions in Lodge when the Master finds something wanting . Ono of his Deacons is not in his placeand occasionally

, there is no Deacon present . Any little matter that requires rectification is therefore directed by word of mouth , not to the great edification of visitors or of newly initiated Brethren . ' Much is left to the Tyler as to Lodge fittings ancl arrangements , and therefore much is left undone . In the midst of an initiation the working tools are found wanting , and there is a scamper for them at another time a

distinguished Brother arrives , and scrambles to a seat as best he may ; then there are festivals and other occasions , when after a day of admirable Avork , a rout comes in the end , no one knowing where he ought to be , and the Past Masters have to set matters strai ght as best thoy maj ' . So the Master gets through his year of office , and then conies installation day , for which considerable preparations have been made ,

numerous visitors invited , and upon which it is intended to eclipse other Loclges in the province but Avhich is not distinguished'from them in occasional slips and oven two or three scuffles . The Past Masters of the Lodge are found leaving the East , busy as bees , and setting the work to rights , anxious for the character of their Lodge in the eyes of strangers .

Masters on some occasions , conscious of tho disorder , bestir themselves to provide assistance , and appoint Stewards . Such an expedient is seldom successful , for the Stewards , being young members , do not know what to do , and havo no moral authority . AVe remember upon one occasion the Master naming two Stewards to conduct the strangers to banquet—one of the Stewards having neivly joined that

night , after ten years' absence from Lodge , and the other Steward being one of the initiates whose reception had within half au hour taken place . This was in a large ancl respectable Lodge . The result was they placed their own acquaintances in the best places , and a distinguished visitor Avas placed out of his rank , and beloAv one of tho musical Brethren , and thus the intended courtesy of the Master was frustrated .

L \ OW comes the question—ivhat is the Master ofthe Ceremonies , and what are his duties ? The Book of Constitutions says , speakino- of the officers of a private Lodge— " There must be also a Treasurer and a Secretary . A Chaplain , Master of the Ceremonies , and Stewards may bo appointed . " There is nothing more about the Master ofthe Ceremoniesand his jewel is not named .

, Let ns proceed a step higher , to the Provincial Grancl Lodge . No Provincial Grand Director of the Ceremonies is named , but there is full power to the Provincial Grand Master to appoint Grand Officers as for the Grand Lodge of England , and Provincial Grand Directors of Ceremonies ancl their assistants are consequentl y appointed . Their