Correspondence.

Correspondence .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limitsfree discussion .

RECOGNITION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , May I trouble you once more on this subject ? It is . to be noted that the advisers of the M . W . Grand Master have wisely decided that the warrants ot all lodges joining the New Zealand Constitution are to be returned to England for cancellation .

This is as it should be , and is widely in contrast to former incidents in Australia , that I could mention when the struggle for possession of a lodge warrant gave rise to most unseemly wrangling , not to omit the creation of bitter and unfraternal feelings , as well as interference with the rights of minorities , and , in one case , the spending of hundreds of pounds in litigation .

Some years ago , when a member of the Colonial Board , I more than once drew the attention of the powers that be to the unconstitutional method adopted in the surrender of warrants—vide Article 221—in the Australian Colonies , and X am afraid brought myself into conflict with the said powers for presuming to question their action .

However , it is never too late to mend . We are living and learning by painful experience . —Fraternally yours , W . F . LAMONBY .

Reviews.

Reviews .

"THE DORSET MASONIC CALENDAR , 1 S 9 S . "—The value of this excellent Annual has so many times been referred to in these columns , and of late years , the Editor , Printer and Publisher ( Bro . Jno . A . Sherren , of Weymouth ) , has so ably arranged the contents , that no improvement can be anticipated , and it is now impossible to say aught fresh about its attractions ; save as respects the frontispiece , which thisvearis devoted to that zealous and much esteemed Craftsman , Bro . Robert Case , P . G . S . B ., so long Prov . Grand Secretary of Dorset . There are 14 lodges with 723 members ( an average of

fully 51 to each lodge ); seven Royal Arch Chapters with 211 companions ; live Mark lodges with 135 members ; and two Knight Templar preceptories , as also one Rose Croix chapter . There is a full list of votes for the Central Masonic Charities , exhibiting a total of 434 voters , having in all 3491 votes , surely a most gratifying number for such a small province ; besides which there is a real live local Masonic Charity , with Bro . S . R . Baskett as Honorary Secretary . The particulars concerning the province under all branches are both complete and accurate .

"FREEMASONS' DIRECTORY , PROVINCE OF WIGTOWN AND KIRKCUDBRIGHT ( Scotland ) , 1 S 98 . "—This handy little Masonic guide is edited by Bro . Joseph T . Hewat ( the second year of issue ) , and is published by j . H . Maxwell , both of Castle Douglas . There are 12 lodges , the oldest , No . 41 , dating from 1741 , and the youngest onlystarted in 1 SS 3 . Interesting- particulars are appended as to the old lodges , the senior having been in existence some 50 years before it received a Warrant from the Grand Lodge of Scotland . It is interesting to note the colour of the clothing of each lodge , that of No . 41 being Light Blue and Silver ; No . 161 is of Green j No . 162 wears Blue and Orange ; No . 189 Blue and Gold ; nearly all being different , and winding up with No . GSg of Campbell Tartan . Bro . Hewat has done his editoral work well .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Peace and Harmony Lodge , No . 60 . This lodge held a meeting at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on the 25 th ult ., when there present , among others , Bros . Debenham , P . P . G . O . Herts , G . S ., W . M Polenz , S . W . ; C . Robinson , P . P . G . R . Surrey , J . W , ; E . Rogers , P . M ., P . P . G 6 ' Middx ., P . G . S ., Sec ; Slade , ] . D . j W . Thomas , P . M ., I . G . ; Major T . C . Walls P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., P . G . S ., D . C ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . A . G . D . C . Surrey , P . G . S ' I . P . M . ; W . H . Kempster , jun ., B . M ., P . M ., P . G . S . ; and R . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler ' Bros . Elkins , P . P . G . Std . Br . Herts , and W . Wood , W . M . 33 were visitors .

, The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . O . Polenz , S . W ., was unanimously nominated as a Grand Steward for the year ensuing ' . The sum of 10 guineas was unanimously voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , per Bro . Debenham , W . M ., as Steward to the Centenary Festival . It was also unanimously resolved— " That the summer outing and banquet shall be held at Hamnton

Courton the fourth Friday in June next . The W . M . then kindly expressed his intention to personally invite the members to an up-river excursion and luncheon on the same day . Communications regretting inability to attend were received from Bros . II . Vounir P . M ., P . G . S ., Treas . ; H . Barton , P . M ., P . G . S . ; 11 . Slade , P . M ., P . G . S . ; Dr . W H . Kempster , P . M ., P . G . S . ; and others . The lodge was then closed . A banquet followed .

The W . M . presided most ably , his speeches being brief but pertinent , and the proceedings , although not unduly prolonged , were most enjoyable .

Lodge of Prosperity , No . 65 . The installation meeting of this distinguished lodge was held at ti , « Holborn Restaurant on Thursday , the 24 th ult . Present : Bros . G . T . Kinipple , VV M S E . Spencer , S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . M . Graham , J . W . ; | . Rjbcrts , P . M ., fr ' eas ' H . J . Harris , P . M ., Sec ; J . Smart , S . D . ; J . Huckell , | . D . ; J . Dobbs , I . G . ; G Schadler , P . M ., D . C . ; VV . J . Downs , A . D . C ; W . II . Montagu , Steward ; T F * Noakes , Org . ; W . J . Green , I . P . M . ; C . E . Terry , P . M . ; C J . Rich , P M \ v '

E . Thomas , P . M . ; C . Daniel , P . M . ; W . Chicken , P . M . ; G . Haller . P . M . F I Ruse , P . M . ; D . Vailors , P . M . ; II . ] . Karslake , H . 11 . Karslike , VV . II . Mills , ' W . Bryan , C . Hayden , J . Foyer , H . I ) . Skates , O . Taloot , J . Goodrich , C . Hammer ' ton O . N . Ris , H . II . Hobbs , W . W . Woodman , G . Greig , W . Rcgg , J . Duck , W . G . Edwards , J . Maurice , T . Sharp , J . Banfield , E . Williamson , W . Ilenskell . H Cox ' F * W . Rudd , G . II . Wells , W . G . Head , U . J . Mailin , G . Brown , ) . Hiss-, \ V Vvan ' s l ' E . Odell , L . Sullivan , T . W . Bardell , J . J . Harris , | . Barnes , C Martin , G . EVwiei ' .

, wood , I * . Green , C . I . W . Drake , E . Johnson , C . J . Rich , J . Cohen , ii . C Harris II . Brooks , G . Chivcrs , E . Giav , jun ., T . J . Woriiisl ' ey , C . I layman , J . T . Lindsay C . Newman , II . Palmer , T . White , A . L . Underwood , D . L . Jenkins , F . Spalton ' f Savage . W . Hacksley , E . Mitchell , II . S . Cadle , A . Sencschall , F . 15 . Dixon F Hi-h ' R . Portwine , H . C . Bettus , A . II . Tayloui , W . J . Tidder , W . J . Stephens , H . Rattle ' W . E . Knight , J . Chambers , II . Fuller , C . Martin , and G . II . Shepherd . Visitors

Bros . K . Wilier , P . M . 1 . / 7 ; W . Mason , P . M . 1571 ; ) , Hicks , P . M . 1257 ; C . H Oliver , 471 ; Professor F . VV . Oliver , M . A ., P . M . 45 ; G . Mills , 147 ; 'I' ! !< ' . Lovett ' P . M . 3 ; F . Kramoy , P . M . 1743 ; J . Skinner , S 23 ; | . Smith , P . M . i .. > : I , Lidburv ' W . M . 234 ( 5 ; C . Butcher , W . M . 902 ; T . Artcr , P . M . 127 S ; J . Beard , J . D not H . A . Lambert , 7 65 ; J . G . M lbourne , W . M . 13 j F . Logan , W . M . 431 ]• ¦ ' Mileson , W . M . 24 S 4 ; C . Daman , P . M . iGSG ; A . E . Gadd , J . D . iSyi ; C . Tucldield ' 1 C 34 ; C . Cowan , 2552 ; R . T . Cushing , P . M . 1 G 07 ; II . Sansion , P . M . 1423 ; E ' .

Craft Masonry.

Young , 2421 ; J . J . Page , 917 ; J . Lancett , W . M . 7 S 1 ; G . Elliott , S 7 ; J . Toll . worthy , P . M . 2625 ; T . D . Burgess , 7 S 1 ; R . Sandlands , 239 S ; J . C . Peach , ig ?; A . Purkiss , P . M . S 79 ; H . A . Mayer , 177 ; T . Gibbs , P . M . 1696 ; T . G . Hobley , S . W . 1320 ; W . T . Snell , W . M . 1 S 1 S ; A . Wood , P . M . 1362 ; W . Nash , Steward 14 ;; J . E . Andrew , 523 ; J . Pegotty , I . P . M . 167 ; E . Ollen , 1306 ; R . Jennings , P . M . 907 ; A , B . Waste , 2473 ; R . J . Thomson , P . M . 1599 ; J . Baldwin , 2346 ; A . Cooke , W . M . 1539 ; W . Allen , 7 S 9 ; J . Hart , P . M . 1743 ; F . J . Wood , P . M . 1672 ; G . Fowler , 2360 ; A . J . Beane , 205 ; A . Fowler , 23 C 9 ; J . T . Ball , 157 ; and A . Schnoder , ISI .

The lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the minutes of the last regular and emergency meetings were read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee was received , adopted , and ordered 1 to be entered on the minutes . The following brethren were raised to the Third Degree : Bros . J . G . Banfield , F . Sharp , F . E . Oiell , T . Sullivan , C . Hayden , VV . H . Mills , and G . W . Bryan . The installation of Bro . T . E . Spencer , the W . M . elect , followed . The ceremony was performed by the outggoing Master , Bro . Kinipple , : n an admirable manner . The W . M . invested his predecessor as

I . P . M . The W . M . was saluted by the Past Masters of the lodge and a large number of visiting Past Masters . The W . M . invested his ollicers as follows : Bros . W . M . Graham , S . W . ; J . Smart , J . W . ; John Roberts , P . M ., Treas . ; H . J . Harris , P . M ., Sec ; J . Huckell , S . D . ; J . Dobbs , J . D . ; W . J . Downes , I . G . ; G . Schadler , P . M ., D . C ; W . H . Montagu , A . D . C ; t . F . Noakes , Org . ; M . ] . Harris and G . W .

Shepherd , Stewards ; and W . Lane , Tyler . The Installing Master gave the three addresses in an impressive manner . A summer banquet Committee was appointed . A grant of £ 25 from the lodge funds was voted towards the proposed testimonial to the Secretary for his long and efficient services to the lodge . The sum of 20 guineas was voted towards the list of the I . P . M . as Steward at the Boys' School Centenary Festival . The Secretary read the correspondence , and the lodge was closed .

A goodly assemblage of brethren sat down to the sumptuous Ibanquet in the Venetian Saloon . The toasts were proposed with commendable brevity . The I . P . M . gave "The Health of the W . M . " in glowing terms which was received with acclamation by the brethren . The W . M . responded in a few well-chosen sentences , expressing his thanks for the welcome he had received .

The W . M . then gave " The Installing and I . P . M ., " and , on behalf of the brethren , presented Bro . Kinipple with a handsome musical clock in appreciation of his services , also a Past Master ' s jewel , voted by the lodge , to which was added a tantalus , presented by those who had been initiated by Bro . Kinipple during the past year . The I . P . M ., in response , said he could hardly find words sufficient to express his

gratitude to the brethren for the flattering and substantial proofs of their esteem . His year of oflice had , indeed , been a record one ]; he had initiated 30 candidates entailing a considerable amount of work , of which , however , he did not complain , for Masonry was a labour of love with him . He thanked the brethren for their handsome presents , and they might rest assured that his services would ever be at the command of the lodge .

On behalf of the lodge , a presentation was then made by the T reasurer , Bro . John Roberts , P . M ., to the Secretary , Bro . H . J . Harris , P . M . It consisted of a cheque tor 100 guineas in grateful recognition of his services extending over a period of 17 years . To this was added a silver cigar case . The Secretary replied , saying he felt how inadequate were mere words to express his appreciation of the kindness evinced to him by the brethren . Then followed " The Visitors , " to which Bros . Cushing , Wood , Arter , and Kerney , responded .

The remaining toasts were "The Past Masters , "Treasurer and Secretary , " and "The Officers . " The Tyler ' s toast terminated a most successful evening .

Royal Arthur Lodge , No . 1360 . The installation meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Prince of Wales Hotel , Wimbledon , on Wednesday , the 23 rd ult ., the chair being occupied by Bro . J . R . Rutter , W . M ., who was supported by about So Past Masters , officers , and brethren , including several distinguished visitors . The minutes of the last regular and emergency meetings having been read and confirmed , Bro . A . C . Halfhide , S . W ., W . M . elect , was presented to the W . M . by Bro . J .

Reeves , P . M ., to receive at the hands of Bro . Rutter , W . M ., the benefits of installation , which ceremony was ably and efficiently performed by the latter in a full Board of Installed Masters . Bro . Halfhide , on being installed W . M . for the ensuing year , invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . R . Rutter . I . P . M . ; F . Neller , S . W . ; F . D . Butler , J . W . ; C Gibbs , Treas . ; T . R . Porter , P . M ., Sec ; R . H . Houghton , S . D . ;

J . R . VVoolgar , J . D . ; J . Reeves , P . M ., D . C ; C . J . Martin , I . G . j A . R . Williams , Org . ; J . H . Mayo , P . M ., P . P . G . P . Surrey , and A . Edwards , Stwds . ; and T . Williams , Tyler . The brethren afterwards sat down to a most recherche banquet , served in the usual excellent style by Bro . A . J . Gould . The usual Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured .

Bro . Rutter then proposed " The Health of the W . M . " in terms which elicited hearty applause , saying that he felt proud to have the honour of installing him in the chair of the Royal Arthur Lodge , feeling sure that he would do every credit to the lodge and carry out his duties in that efficient manner which he had done in the various offices he had hitherto filled . The W . M ., on rising to respond , was accorded quite an ovation , and said : I thank you all most sincerely for the very hearty reception you have given the toast of »> y

health , and Bro . Rutter for the very flattering terms in which he has expressed himself on my behalf in proposing that toast . It is most gratifying to know and feel that during my year as Master of this lodge I shall have your loyal and undivided support in all matters appertaining to the welfare of our lodge . I may say that I feel , ina measure , a little diffident in entering this honourable chair , as the various Misters who have hitherto presided in this lodge marked the terms of their Mastership with such zealabilityand efficiencythat the task in following them is somewhat a difficult one ;

, , , but let me assure you that no effort will be spared on my part in conducting this lodViwith that efficiency and dignity for which the Royal Arthur Lodge is noted . It is said , and very truly , that Masonry is a progressive science . When 1 first entered this lodje I felt so very much impressed with the solemnity of my initiation , and the subsequent Degrees which I passed , that I aspired one day to occupy this chair , and so entered the junior offices in progression ; and now , having reached the summit of my ambition , I am further

more than gratified , and I again thank you for your unanimous eleetion , and assure you that when I resign this gavel at our next installation , I only hope that every brother in this lodge will feel that I have faithfully justified the choice they hive made in permitting me to occupy the proud and honourable position which I have this cv ^ ' '\ attained , and that my duties will have been performed with credit to myself and advantage to the lodge .

The next important speech was that of "The Visitors , " in which the W . M . gav f them a very hearty reception , and stated that the Royal Arthur Lodge was at all tiinca pleased to meet their visitors and give them a fraternal reception , in fact the oftener they came the better they would be pleased . . . This toast was responded to by the visitors , who highly complimented the efficie " working of the lodge . , The Worshipful Master then proposed "The Health of the Installing Master aim Past Masters . "

Bro . Rutter , as I . P . M ., thanked the brethren very sincerely for the able support W had received from them during his year of oflice , which made his task one of very grjv pleasure , and hoped that the brethren would again accept his sincere thanks tof j honours conferred on him that evening , in presenting him with the Past Mister s jcv and also the collar and jewel which he had received from his initiates during the yt . These tokens of confidence and respect , he added , would ever be remembered by

in his connection with the Royal Arthur Lodge . . . t or Bro . Capt . 1 loey , on behalf of the Past Masters , thanked them very sl . n"rc' 1 pJISt the very coulial manner in which they invariably received the toast ot the ' Masters . I le admitted that their duties were light , but that was to be accounted 10 , jr the very thorough manner in which the various Masters had acquitted thernsei ^ their duties in the chair , and he not only felt proud of being a member of that loiug > ^ Icoked back with pleasure to the time when he had the honour of being rts ^ He expressed his pleasure at being present that evening to witness the installation