Correspondence.

while in some towns of limited extent a smaller sum than that named might suffice . The promoters of each individual scheme may fairly be expected to raise one third by voluntary contributions . Another third may be raised by mortgage . Is it too much to hope that a large proportion of the Lodges throughout the country mig ht be calculated upon as contributors of from half a sovereign to a sovereign each , and that thus the remaining = £ 300

might be collected ? In this case , taking the lesser sum named , if each Lodge ivere to set aside £ 5 per annum for the purpose , assistance could be given for the erection of ten halls every year , ancl thus , in a comparatively short , period , there need not be a Lodge in the country held in a building not consecrated to the purpose ; because where there are two or more Lodges in the same townthey miht unite in the expense and responsibility of the

, g erection , aud mi g ht afterwards enjoy tbe joint use of it . Small sums thus dispensed from time to time ivould not be felt as a burthen , or as pressing too heavily on a Lodge or on any of its members , ancl there Avould be a moral certainty of a return in time of need . E \* cn , hoAvever . should the latter not be the case , or should no necessity for reciprocal assistance arise , it is much to be able to perform a graceful activhich must have a tendency to benefit the

, Craft , by elevating its status , not merely in a particular locality , but AvhcrcA'cr its benefits are diffused . But there is still another view of the case , which presents strong motives of self-interest . How many men of the very class AVC desire to see members of our fraternity , keep aloof from us , solely because they like not our associations , and not unreasonabl y distrust the principles of any society which leads them

habitually to places devoted to sensual gratification , necessary it is true for the accommodation of the public , but discreditable to a bod }* of men who boast that the system they uphold is for the inculcation of pure morality , and the support of everything Avhich has a tendency to raise mankind in the social scale , and to lead

them to a better appreciation ofthe object of the Almighty in placing them in this sublunary sphere of existence , and of the duties they owe to Ilim and to their fellow creatures . If AVC desire to maintain our position , to satisf y the external world of our claim to consideration , to attract to us the vise and good , Ave must especially provide that all our associations shall be such as to command the respect of those ivhose favourable judgment of

¦ our pretensions ive desire to gain , and take care that our practices shall in no way be repugnant to our professions . ft is perhaps no bold assertion , that in proportion as ive ivithdraw ourselves from all demoralizing or even equivocal influences , so will our numbers increase , and a larger number of men of position and character will be led to range under our banners , who otherwise ivould not entertain the idea of it ; thus , CA ' CU

pecuniarily , our Lodges would be in a better condition , and more able to perform those Masonic duties of charity and brotherl y love , ivhich are leading features of our system , by tbe co-operation of men whose means accord ivith the dictates of their hearts , and the principles ofthe Craft , irrespective of any sai'ing effected by greater moderation in social indulgences , the latter point being worthy of serious consideration . It has been suggested that temporary assistance might be offered to Lodges in the erection of buildings by the Board of General Purposes . Another mode of effecting the object presents itself ,

which has been successful under other circumstances , and of which it appears possible for the Craft to take advantage Avith the same chances of benefit . Why may not associations be formed of such Lodges as entertain so laudable a desire ? In England there are numerous building societies , by means of which many of the ivorking classes have by small periodical payments become possessed of land or houses within a short term of years . There

seems no reason why the principles on which such associations are conducted may not be applied in our case , and thus in turn there may be secured to all Lodges ivhich unite for the purpose , a local habitation , and it maybe hoped , a respectable name and character . Scattered as AVC arc over the country , the greatest difficulty Avould be in the initiatory steps to form such a society . Tbe suggestion is offered therefore in confidence , that if it be worth anything , it

will be taken up by some one in authority in the Craft , and ' laid before Grand Lodge , by whom arrangements for the purpose might be delegated to the Board of General Purposes , or to a committee especially appointed for the purpose . Iu conclusion , allow me to sum up by calling tiie attention of your readers to the claim on their kind aid contained iu the circular alluded to ; by requesting a small sum , if only as au expression of good will , with a hearty Gocl speed ; by urging every Lodge in the country , as means and opportunities arise , to make a similar effort ; by reminding them that it will tend to

Correspondence.

exalt the Craft in public estimation beyond any other measure that could be adopted ; by pointing out that it is a politic step , as one that will ensure even a pecuniary benefit , to say nothing of higher motives , by attracting within our pale many ivho otherwise withhold their support aud sanction to ivhat they believe in itself to be good , but opcu to abuses from causes which might easily be removed . Yours faithfully and fraternally , Jul II 23 rd , 1859 . II . II .

The Masonic Mirror.

THE MASONIC MIRROR .

MASONIC MEMS . THE next Provincial Grand Lodge for the western district of . South AVales , is not likely to be convened before September or October next . It ivill he held either at Llanelly or Carmarthen . A change of Provincial Grand Officers will take place on the occasion .

A YEOVIL correspondent lvrites— " An application recently made by some Crewkerne brethren , and recommended by the officers and brethren of No . 412 , for a warrant to open a new Loclge , had been refused as prejudicial to the interests of the Craft . This is matter of deep regret to those zealous brethren ivho for years have been striving to resuscitate the cause iu that town . Their efforts , long ineffectual , seemed on the

point of being crowned with success , and there can be no doubt tli . tr , had the charter been granted , two or three months only Avould have , sufficed to add a , flourishing Lodge of some thirty members to tho province . " THE AVestbournfi Lodge ol Instruction will in future meet on alternate Tuesdays , at Bro . Bailey ' s , Manor House , AVestbourne-terraee .

The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Eastern Division of South AVales is appointed to be held on the fltli proximo , under the presidency of the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Chas . Kemeys Kemeys Tynte , grandson of Col , Tvnte . Prov . Grand 'Master for Somersetshire ,

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN .

LOYAL MASONIC IXSTITUT 10 K FOP BOYS . TIIE following is a list of tho several committees of the institution for the years 1 S 59-G 0 : — G ' . 'SEKAr , Co . Aurrm-.-E . —The following brethren , and all life governor . ? . They meet at the offices in Great Queen-street on the first Saturday in every month , at four o ' clock in the afternoon precisely—William Thomas Adrian ; Benedict Albano ; Richard Carter ; William M . Best ; Henry

Cowlard ; Henry Grant Baker ; Alfred Day ; Joseph Ede ; Robert Van-on ; William Gath ; A . H . Hewlett ; J . AY . Monnery ; John P . Marks ; J . X . Sheen ; Dr . G . li . Howe ; W . Thiseltou Dyer : Thomas Toiiibleson ; Thomas Waring ; William Watson ; Benjamin Winstone . HOUSK COJUIITTEE . —Meet , at Lordship Lodge , Lordship-lane , Tottenham , on the last Friday in every month—AVilliam Henry Absolon ; George Cox ; Itev . J . E . Cox ; J . Duff Filer ; Benjamin Head ; J . S . S .

Hopwood ; Itev . AVilliam 11 . Lyall ; AA'illiam Paas ; Charles Robinson ; AVilliam . Piiltoney Seott ; Thomas AVaring ; AVilliam Young . A UDIT COIMIITTEI . ' . —Moot afc the offices on the last Saturday in January , April , July , and Oetober , at two o ' clock precisely— -Henry Empson ; Geurge Haward ; Peter Matthews ; Algernon Perkins ; John Symonds ; Henry George Warren . BEADON LODCIE ( XO 002 )—This Lod met ou AVednesdayat the

. . ge , Star and Garter . Kew Bridge . In the absence of the AV . M ., Bro . Deuyer , the immediate P . M ., Bro . C . Potter , officiated . Having opened the Loclge in the three degrees , he conferred the degree of M . M . on Bro . L'lgee ; and that of Fellow Craft ou Urn . Fry . The Loclge having been resumed to thoglirsfc degree , Messrs . AV . G . Jacob , AV . Siisoiids , and S . King , were initiated into the Order , with a correctness that excited the ailuiiration of all present . The brethren then proceeded to the electiou

of AV . M . for the ensuing twelve mouths , aud the result of the ballot was in favour of Bro . Collins , S . AV . Bro . John Seott was unanimously elected Treasurer ; aud Bro . Daly re-elected Tyler . At the close of the business the brethren partook of a dinner , ivhich did credit to Bro . Rackstraw . The toasts usual afc Masonic meetings were given and properly responded to . Some excellent singing by Bros . T . AV . Adams , Piatt , Airey and others , contributed much to the enjoyment of the evening , ivliieh ivas brought to au early close , to enabled the metropolitan brethren to leave