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 limits—free discussion . ]

BOARD OF STEWARDS AND BOYS ' FESTIVAL ACCOUNTS .

To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , From the account published in your paper it appears that at the recent Festival of the R . M . I . B . there were 272 Stewards , London being represented by 107 , the provinces by 165 , each Steward paying a fee

of two guineas , making a fund of upwards of ^ 570 towards the expenses of the Festival . This amount is at the disposal of the Board of Stewards , who after the Festival meet to pay bills , & c , and wind-up the accounts . In your paper of the 19 th July you give the following notice of the meeting : " The final meeting of the Board of Stewards for the recent Festival of the Boys' School

was held at Freemasons' Hall on Tuesday , the 15 th inst . Bro . Captain Probert occupied the chair , and the business , which was of the usual character , was quickly disposed of . The several bills were submitted , and ordered to be paid , and votes of thanks to the officers having been passed unanimously , the Board was dissolved . "

The above notice of the final meeting is the only information I have seen respecting it . We provincial Stewards , except at great expense and loss of time , cannot attend the meetings of the Board ; but we should like to know how the money is spent . I am pleased to

see that Bro . Hedges , Secretary of the Girls' Institution , has this year issued a balance-sheet of receipts and expenditure , and I respectfully recommend Bro . Terry and Bro . McLeod , the newly-appointed Secretary of the Boys' Institution , to follow this excellent example , and remain , —Fraternally yours , W . HARROP , Vice-Pres ., Steward 1890 .

TWO QUERIES . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Will you kindly put me right on a little matter whereon a brother and I differ in opinion ? Some short time since a member of the chapter over which it is my privilege to preside had the honour to be

appointed High Sheriff of the county . Accordingly at the next convocation of the chapter , it was my purpose to have proposed a vote of congratulation to our companion thus honoured , and doubtless , as he is a very popular man , highly esteemed by all , it would have been heartily and unanimously supported . But having

mentioned my intention to another member , he dissuaded me from it , allegingthat as the honour was not of a Masonic character it would be out of place , and that the chapter could not consequently take any notice of it . Should I have been wrong , or vvas my adviser mistaken in his idea of the matter ?—Yours fraternally , TEMPLAR .

To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Would you kindl y give me your opinion on the following question : Can a brother who is not an active member of any

symbolic lodge retain his place as an active member of a Royal Arch chapter ? Your opinion on this matter will greatly oblige , — Yours fraternally ,

A CRAFTSMAN . July 15 th . [ Our replies will be found in the column of Masonic Notes . —ED . F . M . ]

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

909 ] AN OLD CERTIFICATE . The old Danish certificate , of which the following is a copy , has been presented by Bro . Christian G . Padel , P . M ., to the Albert Victor Lodge , No . 2328 , of which he is the Organist . It came into his possession quite lately from a descendant of the ori g inal owner . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .

" Certificat . " Nous les freres , Maitre , Surveillans et Secretaire de la juste et parfait | | Zorobabel zum Nordstern , certifions que le frere Jens Stoud ne dans 1 'Isle de Moen l'an 1 747 , Prevot de la Ville St . Thomas en Amerique a ete rec ; u selon 1 ' anciene Observance el regies par nous et inscript dans les Listes generates de

la Province dans le grade troisieme . On supplie tous les Maitres en Chaire et tous les freres de la reconoitre pour vrai et bon frere et de l'admettre sans l'examen rigoureux dans leurs Assemblers , comme aussi de lui accorder toutes sortes de Protection et d ' amitie fraternelle . Donne dans la juste et parfait | |

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Zerobabel zum Nordstern le 9 me de Mars l'an 5775 . S . C . Mahling , Maitre en Chaire . L . L . Wergius , 1 me Surveillant . C . G . Proft , 2 me Surveillant . F . S . Restorf , Secretaire . Expedie avec Consentement du Conseil de la Province G . V . P . Z . (?) . " The seal ( damaged ) shows the upper rim of a globe surmounted by clouds and a starry heaven , with the

legend— "SIEGE * * * GE SOROBABEL ZUM NORDSTERN . " The plate is very well engraved and artistically designed , and includes three columns and all the usual Masonic emblems , interspersed amongst foliage and scroll work , and on the lower rim is " per fr . Fried , ab Aranea del . et et Sculp . "

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

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METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .

Prince Frederick William Lodge ( No . 753 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place at Lord ' s Hotel , St . John ' s Wood , on Wednesday , the 23 rd ult . The members present included Bros . J . Page , W . M . ; W . J . Stratton , S . W . ; J . Stephens , J . W . ; W . D . Slyman , P . M ., Treas . ; J . J . Thomas , P . M ., Sec ; R . P . Tabb , J . D . ; R . J . Redfearn , I . G . ; E . W . Scattergood ,

P . M . ; J . Evans , P . M . ; C . R . Wickens , P . M . ; and J . Powell , P . M . Visitors : Bros . J . Whitehead , P . M . 1425 ; J . Hill , 1572 ; W . J . Mason , W . M . 2246 ; J . Webb , P . M . 1707 ; T . Spink , 1669 ; C . L . Plant , 101 ; W . Chappell , 1425 ; C . Stallibrass , 753 ; W . T . Dillon , P . M . 1567 , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ; T . J . Maidwell , P . M . 27 ; S . W . Manktelow , I . G . 1539 ; W . H . Making , P . M . 127 S

V . Turner , P . M . 72 ; F . Cole , 177 ; P . Twitchin , 1425 ; W . Price , 2 S ; W . W . Haycock , 161 ; W . Bradford , 2168 ; A . G . Boswell , P . M . 1339 ; F . Beyment , 753 ; and W . W . Lee , J . D . 1 S 97 . Lodge was opened , and the minutes confirmed , after which Bro . A . Gill was passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . W . H . Reddrop raised to the Sublime Degree of

M . M . Bro . W . J . Stratton vvas next presented as W . M ., and duly installed by Bro . Page , the retiring Master . The officers for the year vvere invested as follows : Bros . J . Stephens , P . M . 1425 , W . M . 2150 , S . W . ; R . P . Tabb , J . W . j W . D . Slyman , P . M ., Treas . ; J . J . Thomas , P . M ., Sec ; R . T . Redfearn , S . D . ; E . Wehrle , J . D . ; W . H . Wills , I . G . ; H . Slyman , P . P . G . D . C . Middx .,

D . C . ; F . H . Harrington , A . D . C . ; W . P . Clark and H . J . Thomas , Stwds . ; and C Shepperd , Tyler . The Installing Master , Bro . Page , I . P . M ., then concluded a heavy programme of work , which vvas ably carried out , by delivering the customary addresses . The VV . M . presented the l . P . M . with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel in recognition of his services , and the gift vvas appropriately

acknowledged . A very satisfactory audit report vvas adopted , and an announcement made by the Secretary that a summer outing would shortly take place . The lodge vvas then closed . The brethren then adjourned to banquet , after which the usual toasts vvere given , the speeches being brief , owing to the lateness of the hour , and the fact that an excellent programme of music had been arranged .

"The Queen and the Crate , " and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " vvere first honoured , after which the W . M . gave "The Grand Officers , " and regretted that on the present occasion he vvas obliged to omit the name of that eminent nobleman who so worthily occupied the distinguished position of Pro Grand Master . It had pleased the Great Architect to take that distinguished Mason , but

there were many left who vvere able to carry out the instructions of the M . W . G . M . to the satisfaction of the members of the Craft . Bro . J . Page , I . P . M ., then said he vvas again entrusted with the gavel , but on the present occasion it vvas to propose "The Health of the VV . M . " He knew it would be favourably received , for Bro . Stratton had endeared

himself to every heart , and they , therefore , wished him a very successful and happy year of office . Bro . W . J . Stratton , W . M ., in reply , remarked that the l . P . M . had said some very kind things of him , which he hoped would be deserved during the ensuing year . He had followed the l . P . M . in the lodge , and that brother had been a srood g-uide . He ( the W . M . ) thought his election to the

chair vvas an evidence that they appreciated his efforts to attain that object . He trusted to have a successful year , and that the lodge would prosper under his rule . The VV . M ., in proposing "The l . P . M . and Installing Master , " said that Bro . Page was initiated at the same time as himself , and they had gone on together by Masonic steps until the l . P . M . had reached his present enviable position .

Bro . Page had passed through the office of Master in a creditable manner , and had completed it by the perfect manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony . Bro . J . Page , I . P . M ., briefly responding , said that if his working had met with the appreciation of the members , his year had indeed been a happy one .

" 1 he Visitors was next given in cordial terms from the chair , the W . M . observing that it vvas a good thing for Freemasonry thatbrethren visited other lodges , for they increased their Masonic experience and gained a knowledge of each other . Bro . W . J . Mason , W . M . 2246 , returned thanks on behalf of the visitors , and said they had spent a pleasant

and instructive evening . He vvas always pleased to visit that lodge for its pleasant surroundings and cordial greetings from old friends , and under such circumstances it would be a poor heart that could not rejoice . Bro . J . Dillon , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., also replied , and said he had had a lesson , not only in Masonry , but in speech-making .

I he ceremonies vvere rendered in a most perfect and efficient manner , and in the example set by the W . M ., they had been taught that brevity vvas the soul of wit . He would , therefore , only return sincere thanks for the kind reception accorded the visitors , and for the very great Masonic instruction they had received .

Craft Masonry.

Several other brethren having also returned thanks , "The Past Masters , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and "The Officers" vvere given and appropriately acknowledged , and the proceedings terminated with the Tyler's toast . Bro . Wm . Price arranged a good selection of music , in which he was ably assisted by Bros . W . Bradford , W . W . Hedgcock , Miss Ethel Winn , and Miss Beatrice Baxter .

The Scots Lodge ( No . 2319 ) . —The ceremony of installing the second Master of the above lodge took place at the Scottish Corporation Hall , Crane-court , Fleet-street , on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., and was attended by a large company of prominent brethren in the Craft , including a deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland , which has shown every sympathy and good-will towards the national lodgfe in the metropolis of the Empire . The

first Master , Bro . the Earl of Euston , Prov . Grand Master of Norths and Hunts , occupied the chair , and after opening the lodge , passing the minutes of the previous meeting , adopting the Auditor ' s report , and initiating the candidate—Mr . Wm . Craig , a native of Ayr , of which Bro . Robert Burns sang " Auld Ayr , wham ne ' er a town surpasses for honest men and bonnie lasses "

—the installing ceremony was undertaken by the acting I . P . M ., Bro . C F . Matier , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . of England and of Scotland , and G . Sec . of the Mark Degree . It would be superfluous to say that Bro . Matier performed the ceremony in a very able and impressive manner , as it is well known that all his work in whatever Degree or ceremony in Masonry , from the lowest to the highest , is

always done word and manner perfect . The W . M . elect , Bro . John Whitehead , P . M . 1425 , as well as S . W . of the Bon Accord Lodge ( S . C ) , was one of the founders and the first J . W . of the lodge , Bro . Vero Shaw , the first S . W . having resigned his connection with the lodge . Bro . Whitehead vvas then duly installed W . M . of the Scots Lodge before a large Board of Installed Masters from all parts

of England , Scotland , Ireland , Wales , Gibraltar , & c . Bro . Matier having charged the Master , Wardens , and brethren with true oratorical eloquence , the following brethren vvere invested as the officers for the ensuing year , viz .: Bros . John Pasre , P . M . 753 , S . W . ; Duncan F . Gellion , P . M . 1425 , J . W . ; George Shaw , CC , P . M . 4 ( S . C ) , Treas . ; lames Thomson , Sec . ; Thos . Grant ,

S . D . ; Joseph Whitehead , J . D . ; Dr . D . M . Forbes , I . G .: Capt . H . Fletcher-Campbell , D . C . ; Peter Greig , Stwd . ; and E . Johnston-Gordon , A . D . C . The W . M ., Bro . Whitehead , then said he had the pleasing duty of presenting a Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . the Earl of Euston , the I . P . M ., as a slight token of the respect of the lodge towards its first Master , and thanks for

his excellent services to the lodge during his year of office . Bro . Lord Euston , in accepting the jewel , thanked the brethren very heartily , and promised not to be an inactive Past Master of the lodge . The W . M . then called the attention of the brethren to the fact that Bro . Major F . W . Allan , P . D . G . M . of Gibraltar , and D . G . S . B ., was present as a deputed representative of

the Grand Lodge of Scotland to the lodge , and proposed from the chair that Bro . Major Allan should be elected an honorary member of the lodge , which being seconded by Bro . Lord Euston , vvas agreed to with hearty cheers . In accepting the honorary membership , Bro . Major Allan gave an account of his intimate knowledge of the proposal to form a Scots Lodge in London , and how happy the

Grand Lodge of Scotland had been to do all in its power to further its interests , and how the lodge was wished all harmony and prosperity , and constantly increasing membership ; moreover , as Bro . John Whitehead had many friends among the Grand Lodge of Scotland , it gave him peculiar gratification to be present at his installation in the chair of K . S . in the Scots Corporation Hall , London .

Letters of apology for inability to accept the invitation of the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren were read from Bros . Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart , Bart ., Past Grand Master of Scotland ; the Earl of Haddington , Deputy Grand Master of Scotland ; LordSaltoun , Prov . Grand Master of Aberdeen City ; Sir Charles Dalrymple , Sub-Grand Master of Scotland ; Alderman the Right Hon . Sir Henry Isaacs , Lord

Mayor of London , P . G . W ., and a large number of other prominent brethren in the Craft . Bro . Lord Haddington expressed his willingness to attend , but that although he vvas in town his Masonic clothing vvas all at home , and the invitation having been forwarded after him from Scotland , there vvas no time to have the clothing sent on . Bro . Lord Saltoun wrote a very friendly letter expressing his desire to

become a joining member of the lodge , and Bro . Lord Euston moved , and Bro . C . F . Matier seconded , the notice for Bro . Lord Saltoun to be admitted to full membership next lodge meeting . Bro . the Lord Mayor wrote that he vvas fully engaged by previously accepted invitations , otherwise he would gladly have attended . At the banquet which followed the menu vvas

characteristically Scottish throughout , all the dishes bearing national appelations , such as cock-a-leekie , kale , cheviot mutton , Aberdeen beef , Tay salmon , Spey trout , Firth o' Forth garvies , minced collops , Inverness venison , Orkney ices , Mountain Dew in galore , and haggis specially sent up from Edinburgh . When the latter vvas brought in " Great chieftain 0 ' the puddin' race , " the old piper in all

his splendour blew with might and main and escorted the trio of waiters round the hall " skirlin " his pipes in honour of the national dish which the brethren from North Briton to the dainty born appeared to enjoy with great relish , while some of the Sassenachs present looked on and wondered . In drinking "The Health of the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " the titles of Duke of Rothesay , Lord of

the Isles , and Grand Patron of the Scots Grand Lodge vvere added with every evidence of pride and loyalty . The songs between the toasts were chiefly Scottish , Bro . Grant singing "Scotland Yet , " Bro . James Thomson "My Heather Hills , " Bro . F . Faithfull Begg"The Wee , Wee German Lairdie , " Bro . Dr . Forbes " Whiskey 0 , " and omnes finale "Auld Lang Syne . " Music vvas dispensed by the Queen's piper at intervals , and towards the close of the

evening four of the brethren danced a Scottish reel . In replying to the toast of " The Visitors , " Bro . Edmeston said if it vvas a common reproach to Scotsmen that when they first came to London "bang gaed saxpence" with a grudge , it vvas quite evident that when they were hospitably entertaining their friends they did not hesitate to bang away a five-pound note . Bro . Shoppee , as one who assisted at the consecration meeting , congratulated the lodge upon its assured success .