Contents.

CONTENTS .

EDITORIAL : THE FIFTH POINT OF FELLOWSHIP 3 MASONIC ORATIONS 4 THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FREEMASON NEWSPAPER CO ., LTD . 4 OUR TRESTLE BOARD , "

MASONIC POET ' S CORNER : "My Mother Lodge" 5 NOTIFICATIONS ti PROVINCIAL NOTES (

COLONIAL ITEMS <> THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS ( i ADVERTISEMENTS Front cover , 2 , 11 . 7 , 8

The Fifth Point Of Fellowsship.

The Fifth Point of Fellowsship .

HE Third Volume of the MASONIC STAR is commenced , as the Second Volume was concluded , with a diminution of reading matter which may probably occasion some

disappointment to many of our readers , but for which there are abundant reasons . Amongst these is the prominent

fact that during the height of the Masonic vacation , August and September , when Lodges and Craftsmen generally " cease from labour and go to refreshment , "

there is a dearth of events in which the Craft generally can or will take interest . It is better , therefore , for the journalist to merely record with brevity such items of

masonic information as may suffice to keep his paper before his subscribers during a recess , and strengthen his potentiality for more energetic and vigorous work when labour shall re-commence .

But a much more important reason is , at this juncture , the necessity for reducing the first cost of our paper until we can secure a much stronger support than has , as yet ,

been afforded us . Frankly , we consider it advisable to appeal to the brethren generally to do more than they have hitherto done if they desire to see the MASONIC STAR

a larger and more useful weekly magazine than we now present to them . A succis iVestime , is all very well in its way , but a succcs iVargent is far more profitable , and is , as

times go , a necessary , as well as a somewhat stronger incentive to improvement , as a " reward which sweetens labour . " The Craft should certainly not expect to have

the benefit of a cheap periodical devoted to its interests on any other basis than that which ordinarily affects commercial undertakings . " 'Tis for money , 'tis for money ! "

is IIOAV the refrain of the universal song ; and the MASONIC STAR must be made to pay , or it must cease to shine . It should become a very important organ of the Craft if it is

but fairly well supported ; and it will be for the members of the Masonic Order themselves to decide as to its continued existence or more or less early dissolution .

The Fifth Point Of Fellowsship.

We have now the past year ' s experience to guide us , and from that we learn the necessity of seeking greater encouragement from the brethren than we have yet

received , if we would attain to the position we aim at , and they would have the benefits we could give in return for their favours . To jog along as at present is no difficulty ,

considering the support already accorded , and for which we are grateful ; but that is not , nor should it be , enough for us or them . We are integral parts of a progressive

whole , and in this age of progress should be content with nothing short of the utmost perfection attainable . In so large a body as that of Freemasons should there be

difficulty in that respect ? Surely not ! Is it too much to ask that each Lodge in England should afford us even the unit of support which is comprised in a Lodgs

subscription ' ? We cannot think it ! But whatever may be the case in regard to brethren generally dispersed , we have but very few Lodges , a , s Lodges , on our subscribers' lists as yet .

We had contemplated the enlargement of our paper on the commencement of this Volume , with a view to afford more lengthy reports of some of our principal Lodge

meetings in London and the Provinces during the approaching session , and devoting space to other interesting matters of Masonic importance and even of amusement ; and the

formation of a Company with that object appeared to some of our friends as the most likely method for that purpose . But whether or not we have put forward the project at an

unfortunate season of the year , or there are other causes of which we are not cognisant , it doss not seem to meet with sufficient support to justify a continuance of the effort at

present . The few brethren who made application for shares have therefore had their deposits returned , and for awhile the matter will remain in abeyance ; probably to be

revived at an early opportunity , with a modification of the original proposals . It may be thought that our friends , the promoters , were wrong in their judgment as to the

probable successful outcome of Company association ; but if we take account of results which have attended similar undertakings in other parts their anticipations were

certainly justified , although for the present they have been disappointed . In another column will be found interesting particulars relating to such an association in connection

with one of our Colonial contemporaries . We submit the same for consideration of all our home brethren who can take an interest in Masonic journalism ; and we have yet

hopes that they in turn may share with us in a similar manner whatever profits may arise from future endeavours

to improve the MASONIC STAR , as a useful organ for the spread of Masonic information and a commercial success . We want more subscribers , and to induce an increase of