Correspondence.

able to perform a ceremony , scarcely to open and close the lodge iu a very imperfect manner . Though there are three lodges , I fancy there are but two , or at most three , Masons who know how to instal a Master . No subscriptions are sent to the Masonic Charities , ancl there is no benevolent fund , though in justice to the D . Prov . G . M . I must state that he is

, establishing one , and to the brethren , that in cases of urgent need , they are ready to relieve distress from their own pockets . The young officers have complained that they cannot obtain instruction , which causes the working to be loose ; a remedfor this is now being lied

y app as a temporary expedient , advantage being taken of the short residence of a skilled and enthusiastic Mason , to form a class for instruction from him . I should add that the D . Prov . G . M . is fully alive to the deficiencies , and anxious to do all in his power to remove thembut he cannot succeed iu rousing tbe

, members from the state of apathy into which they have fallen , as especially marked hy the scanty attendance at all lodge meetings . I am told that the Craft once flourished in this quarter , and that all the best among the residents belonged to it , but that some few years ago it fell into disrepute , owing to peculiar

circumstances of laxity which gave great offence to the _ most high-minded of the brethren , and led to their withdrawal , from which it has never recovered . Caste _ was , as it were , thus lost , and it is well known that in certain districts where it is made part and parcel of social life , this feeling operates to a very powerful extent .

In all quarters , though in some to a greater extent than in others , a most disreputable practice exists , one calculated to degrade us in the' eyes of the external world . I refer to the exhibition of Masonic symbols on the walls , and in the windows of places of tradeand more particularlof such as minister

, y most to sensual indulgence , established as a fertile source of crime . I refer to public-houses , gin palaces , and houses of entertainment generally . What can be more inconsistent than to see the double triangle and the initial of the sacred name iu such situations ? No wonder that , by persons who have a reverence for

holy things , we are deemed not onl y disregarded , but as acting in direct violation of them . I intended concluding what I have to say in one letter , hut finding that it is likely to extend beyond reasonable limits , I pause here , hoping in a second communication to draw some inferences from the statements now made . P . M .

F . R . S . N . A . —At tho mooting ol tho " Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen , " lately held in tho Castlo of Rosenborg , Air . Goorgo Markhani Tweddell , of Stokosloy , F . S . A . Scot , and Nowc . & c , author of several -well-known works , and Mr . John Ryley Robinson , of Dewsbury , F . R . G . S ., P . S . A . Scot , and Xcwc . & a ., were elected Fellows of tho Society . Tho Society ' s principal object is t-ho publication of old Icelandic manuscri

pts and of other old Northern literary -remains . Its place , ho-ivoror , comprehends besides whatever else may servo to throw light upon tho ancient history , tho language , and tho antiquities in general of tho Xorth . The Society elects as Follows , in foreign countries as well as in tho North ' itself , literary mon and patrons of science , and other persons who take an interest in historical and antiquarian pursuits . His Majesty Christian IX ., King of Denmark , is President of tho Society , and takes a warm interest iu its success , and tho diplomas of tho Fellows bear his autograph .

Masonic Mems.

MASONIC MEMS .

THE MASONIC MIRROR . * * All communications to be addressed to 19 , Salisbury-street , ' Strand , London , W . C .

An interesting lecture on " Superstition and Fairyland , " was delivered on Wednesday evening , the 6 th inst ., in the schoolroom of the St . John ' s Mission , Charles-street , Backchureh-lane , E ., by Bro . James Mason , G . S . B ., in aid of the funds of theinstitution . The attendance was extremely good , and the auditory evidently enjoyed the treat afforded them by the

excellent matter of tho lecture which combined the ulili clulci in an eminent degree , ancl elicited frequent applause . Several young ladies kindly officiated in turn at the pianoforte , and sang some pleasing duets . At the conclusion of the entertainment a vote of thanks was proposed by Bro . Vaughan , J . D .,. Chaplain No . 007 , seconded by Bro . Little , P . M . 975 , and

cordially awarded to the able lecturer , and the proceedings terminated with the National Anthem . The district of Sfc „ John is under the supervision of Bro . the Rev . J . M . Vaughan ,. who is untiring in his efforts to ameliorate the condition of the poor around him , and whose praiseworthy zeal deserves the support and admiration of every member of the Craft .

BOAED 03 ? GENEBAE POEPOSES . —The Board meets on Tuesday afternoon next , the 19 th inst ., at three o ' clock . GENEEAL COMMITTEE OE BENEVOLENCE OE GEAND LODOE » —The committee meet on Wednesday next , the 20 th inst . TUB MASONIC UNION HAH ,. —We understand the Masonic-Union Hall , in Bedford-row , which has hitherto been the

property of a limited liability company , has been purchased by Bro- William Stuart , Prov . G . M . for Hertfordshire . There has been laid out on the erection and decoration of tho hall upwards of £ 6000 . Ib resembles ,.

but is much superior to , the Masonic Hall in Dublin-It is admirably adapted for Masonic meetings , lectures , and balls , having every convenience requisite for them , and we are informed that lodges , & c , held there can have their own cellarand provide their own wine , merely paying a small sum for corkage . We have likewise heard of a plan , not yet quite matured , which will render the establishment one of great

utility to the Masonic body . A brother , well known in the Craft as a P . G . S . and life governor of all the charities , has provisionally undertaken the management , aud from his previous reputation we have every reason to expect success . We shall watch with a critical eye this undertaking , and report from time to time our impression ; but , as it may promote the interest

of the Craft , we wish ifc every success . BEO . GEOBCIE TEDDER ' S CONCERT ON THE 20 TH INST . —It may not be generally known amongst the brethren that our esteemed Bro . Tedder has unfortunately been labouring under severe affliction for nearly four years . Several of our friends have resolved to testify their esteem for Bro . Tedder by lending

their assistance towards promoting a concert which is intended to be given in St . James ' s Hall , on Wednesday the 20 th inst ., and a committee has been formed for the purpose of organising and carrying out the necessary arrangements to ensure the concert being successful , and resulting in substantially benefitting so worthy a Mason as our afflicted and esteemed Bro . Tedder .

We trust the brethren will muster in strong numbers at the concert . Tickets may bo had of any of the committee , the president of which is tho Grand Segistrar Bro . R . J . M'lntyre . As the brethren on tho committee number some 60 influential names , our space will only permit us to add that tickets Is . ;