Contents.

CONTENTS .

EDITORIAL : THE NEW SESSION .. .. Frontpage . LODGE O FFICERS : THE JUNIOR WARDEN .. .. 22 FREEMASON VOLUNTEERS .. .. .. .. 22 THE MASONIC POET ' S CORNER . . .. .. .. 23 ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE AND ANSWERS .. .. 23

OUR TRESTLE BOARD .. .. .. .. .. 2 _ MASONIC NOTES AND MEMORANDA .. .. .. 21 HIGH TWELVE .. .. .. .. .. 25 REPORTS OF LODGE AND CHAPTER MEETINGS .. .. 2 o . 2 ( 5

OBITUARY .. .. .. .. .. .. 27 METROPOLITAN REGULAR LODGE AND CHAPTER MEETINGS 28 PROVINCIAL LODGE MEETINGS FORTHCOMING .. 28 , 29 , 30 METROPOLITAN LODGES OF INSTRUCTION .. .. 30 ADVERTISEMENTS .. .. .. .. .. 31 , 32

The New Session.

The New Session .

JWA ^ ITHIN next weeks a large number our 1 ]¦_ *__ . ' Lodges will resume their pleasant labours after a - ** **¦ recess which , we trust , will have given to their members refreshment and an increased zest for Masonic work . It is a fitting moment to urge upon the Craft

generally the exercise of greater care and caution than has of late years been evinced in respect of sundry matters which materially affect the prosperity and progress of the Order . If we are somewhat venturesome thus early in our career in taking on ourselves to offer advice we do so in

the dearest interests of Freemasonry ; and because we believe that it is in the power of Lodge Officers to mitigate at least , if not altogether to do away with , existing evils . Amongst the foremost of those evils to which we desire to direct attention is that of indiscriminate admission of

candidates into our Order . There can be no disputing the fact that the great increase in the number of our Lodges , and the strong desire of most of them to attain distinction on the score of numerical strength , have caused the introduction of men who were never fitted by social position , education

or prospects to see the LIGHT . In proof of this statement we have only to refer to the lists of cases set monthly before the Board of Benevolence , and to those published

by our respective Benevolent Institutions , and observe the large proportion of applicants in respect of whom neither notable Masonic service nor charitable contributions are recorded . It would be invidious to

particularise , in this article at any rate , instances which must force upon the mind of any reasoning person the conviction that , notwithstanding asseverations to the contrary , the influence of mercenary and unworthy motives has had a great share in swelling the numbers

of the Craft during the last two decades . As to the solicitation of friends against inclination , what can be said if it be a fact , as we are credibly informed it is , that credit for payment of initiation fees has been given to many so

unblessed with this world's wealth that such fees Averc beyond their power of payment except by instalments ? It is time that a check should be put upon such practices , if they really exist ; and our voice will not be wanting for

The New Session.

the purpose of denouncing what is tending greatly to injure our Order as a truthful and honorable society , and to swell the number of applicants for relief to our already greatly burdened institutions . The remedy for this evil is insistence that the law be observed in every case in respect

ot propositions for initiation , and that no exceptions shall be allowed by " Fiat " of the W . M . unless they be in strict accord with the regulations of the Order . The " Fiat " ( let it be done !) is an innovation , and a very serious one . Probably permitted to meet cases of great emergency , it

has gradually become a medium whereby introductions to Lodges are made on the very shortest possible notice and to the hindrance of the necessary inquiries before voting . The result is that men are received into Freemasonry who , had sufficient time been allowed to members , would have

been reported as unfitted for the connection they sought . It is a very commendable practice in some Lodges to require from both the proposer and seconder of a candidate an unreserved statement in open Lodge of their personal acquaintance with him , and their assurance as to his moral behaviour ,

responsibility and fitness for admission , and it is a great pity that this practice is not universal . Before any of the members of a Lodge consent to nominate any person for Initiation let the following most excellent recommendation , contained in " Alihiutn J-frzon" as far back as 175 G , be

observed : " Let them ( the candidates ) first consider their income and family , and . know that Freemasonry requires ability , attendance , and a good appearance to maintain and support its ancient and honourable grandeur . " And what is still better as a recommendation , let no

Brother propose a person to join the Order until after preliminary introduction to the members of his own family . The " home " is the place whereat we should first study

the qualities of future associates before we connect them with our Lodges ; and we may be certain our wives and daughters would soon tell us how far our intended initiates might be relied upon for fidelity to Masonic obligations .

This is but one of the many safeguards to the Order which have , during several past years , been neglected , and probably is , in fact , the most important of them . We could enlarge upon the topic to much greater extent than the limit of space allotted to our " Editorial" will permit .

We shall , however , continue , at other convenient opportunities , to call the attention of the Craft generally , and particularly that of its rulers , to the subject , and meanwhile would respectfully urge upon our Brethren to give it their gravest consideration as an important factor for good

or evil . The members of our private Lodges may be assured that any endeavours made by them to secure the introduction only of those who possess all the necessary qualifications for upholding the dignity and high importance of Freemasonry , and proving to the external

world its beneficial effects , will be supported by the Chiefs of the Order . Let it be hoped that the new Session about to commence may be marked by an earnest resolution to

prevent the entrance of bad material within our gates , so that the work to be accomplished before we are " called off " for another recess may be perfect in all its parts , and merit the approval of the MASTER BUILDER .