Our Architectural Chapter.

surrounding the same , comprising altogether an area of 2 , 645 square yards . "With slight alteration , tbe ground floor ofthe building is capable of forming a large banqueting hall , and the necessary kitchen accommodation , two large ordinary Lodge rooms , having an ante-room to each , and residence for the Tyler . Attached are an efficient set of outbuildings . And on the second floor there is . ( requiring no alteration ) , a hall sixty feet by tAventyseven feet three inchessuitable for holding the Provincial Grand Lodge

, meetings , or other large assemblies of the Craft . " A purchase more desirable in every respect , or better adapted for a Freemasons' Hall , it is impossible to' coneeii'e . The building Avas erected about eight years ago , from the designs of Bro . tlohn Dobson , and is constructed of the soundest material and in the most substantial maimer . It is situated within ten minutes' walk of the central station ; consequently the locality for Provincial Grand and other Lodge meetings , or the facility of

Masonic intercourse , ivill be most coiiA'em ' ent . " It -will be seen that the accommodation on the ground floor is much more considerable than is usually obtained in small provincial halls , but the great advantage is in the large hall np-stairs , which Ave suppose is on Avhat Ave should call the first floor . With regard to revenue , it is proposed that the meetings of every

Lodge , Chapter , Encampment , and Mark Masters Lodge , in the toAvn , be held at the Hall , and also the meetings of tlie Provincial Grand Lodge ; each , of course , paying a fixed rent . There -will also be ample accommodation for the annual and other festivals of the fraternity . We find that in order to render the existing Hall available towards

the purchase of the neiv property , the proprietors agree to take an amount in shares equivalent to their present holdings , and should more than the original cost be realized by the sale of the property , the balance is to go . to the general fund . Thus by the realization of the existing Hall , a considerable part of the required capital will be obtained j and Ave have no doubt that the spirit of the brethren A \ ill

prevent any difficulty in obtaining the remainder . We noAv direct attention to the peculiar provisions for securing the building ultimately to the Lodges , for perpetual Craft purposes . It is stipulated that should any brother , initiated after the allotment of the shares , wish to become a shareholder , a ballot must take place amongst the holders of the largest number of shares , to determine

which share or shares are to be transferred to him ; such number of shares not to exceed the nuinher held by other shareholders . In the case of Lodges Avishing to purchase shares , they shall be transferred by ballot , in a similar manner to the above . It is fully expected that in a feAV years the Freemasons' Hall will become the sole property of ihe Lodges j ' when they will have an interest in the government of it , according to the number of shares held by each , subject to the conditions contained in the deed of settlement , Funds arising from do-