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Article FORMATION OF A UNITED GRAND LODGE OF NEW SOUTH WALES. Page 1 of 1 Article FORMATION OF A UNITED GRAND LODGE OF NEW SOUTH WALES. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN INDIA. Page 1 of 1
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Formation Of A United Grand Lodge Of New South Wales.
FORMATION OF A UNITED GRAND LODGE OF NEW SOUTH WALES .
LORD CARRINGTON ELECTED GRAND MASTER . An event of great significance in connection with the progress of Freemasony in this colony took place on Thursday , the 16 th August , at the University , in the shape of the first meeting of the newly-formed United Grand Lodge of New South VVales . The union of the various lodges which have hitherto worked under the English , Scotch , or New South Wales Constitutions will tend much to strengthen the posiiion which Freemasonry holds in this colony , and the election of his Excellency the Governor to the exalted position of Grand Master will , we have no doubt ,
be received with general satisfaction by all Masons in this colony . The meeting of the Grand Lodge was held in the Grand Hall of the University , which was appropriately iurnished for the occasion . The attendance was very large , and included Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens from all the lodges which have signed the articles of union , upwards of 500 brethren altogether being present . To show the completeness , of the union which has taken place , it may be mentioned that out of 186 lodges under the different Constitutions in New South Wales , all but five have signed
the articles of union . The lodge was opened by Bro . W . H . Simpson , Past District Deputy Grand Master ( E . G . ) , assisted by the following officers : Bros . A . Henry ( N . S . W . C . ) , S . W . ; A . Rofe ( E . C ) , J . W . ; and the Rev . E . D . Madgwick , Chaplain . The musical service was conducted b y Bro . Gehde , Org . The Grand and District Grand Lodge Officers of New South Wales
then entered in due form , and were presented to the Deputy G . M . as follows : Bro . Dr . H . J . Tarrant , Past Grand Master ( N . S . W . C ) , presented by Bro . Hunt , Dep . G . M . N . S . W . ; Bio . C F . Stokes , Acting D . G . M . ( E . G . ) , presented by Bro . F . Wright , P . D . D . G . M . ; and Dr . Sedgwick , P . D . G . M . ( S . C ) , presented by Bro . F . B . Davidson , D . G . M . Depute .
I ' he DEPUTY GRAND MASTER , in opening the business of the evening , expressed the hope that the brotherly leeling and unanimity which had prevailed amongst the councils of the brethren who had brought this movement forward to its present position would prevail at their meeting that evening , and that brethren would sink all personal considerations and work together to bring this grand object to a successful issue . Bro . REMINGTON then read the following history of Freemasonry in New South Wales : —
The history of Freemasonry in New South Wales , and in fact in Australia , dating back to a period early in the present century , when the Government was that of a Crown Colony , it was natural that the early lodges should have been in direct and individual communication with the Grand Lodges of the Molher Country . And when passing years had increased their number , so that some form of local government became necessary , it was not to be wondered at that nothing was thought of but such asubordinate organisation as obtained in the counties of the United Kingdom in the shape of Provincial
Grand Lodges . Nor even when the popular agitation for responsible government in the colony at large reached a head , and when the control of the Mother Country had been lightened till it became only a silken thread in the hands of the Governor , did the Freemasons of New South Wales seem to desire any more independent position than they had theretofore enjoyed . There had indeed been an increase of the powers of the local goveming bodies by their being created "District" instead of "Provincial" Grand Lodges , and this is perhaps the proper place to record a passing reference to the services
rendered by Bro . John Williams , the Past District Grand Master under the English Constitution , who , at interviews in the year 1856 with the Earl of Zetland , then Grand Master of England , obtained many important concessions for the benefit of the Craft in this colony . And it would ill become us on this auspicious occasion to refrain from a tribute ol respect to the old conservative principles which actuated that right worshipful brother and the Right Worshipful District Grand Master of the Scotch Constitution , Dr . Sedgwick , in so long holding , at all hazards , to the original form of Masonic rule in
Australia , even when times had changed and a new order of things was imminent . The first important movement in the direction of self-government was made by the establishment of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales in the year 1 S 77 , an ^ its success during the last II years , including the complete absjrption of the lodges under the Irish Constitution , among which was the oldest in the colony , is the best justification of its origin . But the yoke of England and -Scotland was such a light one , grievances , if any , weie so readily redressed , and the direct connection with the Mother Country was
held to be such a valued distinction , that it was not till this Centennial year of Australia that any tangible step was taken by their lodges towards amalgamation . And even now it is not disloyalty , and not disaffection , which have lead the brethren under these two Constitutions 10 join hands With the others in forming "The United Grand Lodge of New South VVales , " which takes its first step as an established body to-night . What , then , is the cause of this new departure ? _ Is not it a feeling that the continued existence of three governing powers would be an evidence of disunion , which might well make the
woild doubt the genuineness of the principles of brotherly love which we all profess to hold dear ? _ Is not it the certainty that great as has been the progress of the Craft heretofore , it will be tenfold greater , and its influence be a hundredfold more , when it confronts its detractors as a strong , because united , band , powerful in its " brotherly love , relief , and truth , " to " diffuse the light of wisdom , aid the strength of reason , dispense the bounties of Charity , and lessen the aggregate of human misery and vice ? " it is not to be supposed that these feelings had no existence or found no expression
during the long peiiod of comparative estrangement . On the contrary , they were many times enunciated in our gatherings , and always applauded by the brethren , who deplored a state of affairs which they , however , saw no immediate way of remedying . For , by the form of government , under the English Constitution at all events , the rulers of District Grand Lodges were appointed by , and during the pleasure of , the Grand Master , and so long as they conscientiously opposed a change in our system , feelings of respect and affection , due to their advanced years and faithful service to the
Craft , restrained even the most enthusiastic advocates of amalgamation from moving , lt was , however , well understood that some change must be made when time and circumstances warranted , and the opportune moment anived when during the visit to this colony of the Pro Grand Master of England , Lord Carnarvon , a few months ago , he recognised so fully the harm Freemasonry was suffering , and was likely to suffer , by disunion , that he urged immediate steps to end it ; and , aided with valuable advice and encouragement , a Committee of brethren from various lodges under the different
Constitutions , had taken upon themselves the task of drawing up a "basis of union . " They duly submitted this to the Craft , but , it being viewed as scarcely broad enough to ensure all Constitutions meeting on an equal footing , resolutions were passed by the English , Scotch , and New South Wales Masons , refeiring the question to a conference of Past Masters , five from each Constitution . In the meantime , Right Worshipful Brother John Williams had resigned his position as District Grand Master , and the Grand Master of England had appointed his Excellency Lord Carrington , the Governor of this
colony , as his successor ; the New South VVales brethren , with the full approval of their head , Dr . Tarrant , had signified their intention of electing the same illustrious brother as their Grand Master ; and it was known that his acceptance of the supreme rule would also be welcomed by the Scotch Masons . Lord Carnnglon himself , though Past Grand Senior Warden of England , was heartily in accord with the movement ; and so everytl ing was propitious for the success of the conference . Of the spirit in which these worshiplul brethren met , the Ciaft has already had evidence . From the first it
w . /^ manliest that brotherly leeling , mutual forbearance , concessions on minor points , and yet withal a determination to adhere closely to the landmarks of the Order , would gu . dn ; their deliberations . Ten meetings in all have been held , and the " Articles of Union" agreed upon in June last , have since received the almost unanimous assent of all the lodges . Ihey will now be read to you , as forming our authority for meeting here to-night to elect our Grand Master , and may the Great Architect of the Universe . make our union perpetual .
Formation Of A United Grand Lodge Of New South Wales.
Bro . C . F . STOKES then read the articles of union which had been agreed upon by the joint Committee appointed to arrange a basis of union among the different Constitutions . The articles of union contain provisions for the definition of the respective precedence of lodges and the ranks and of all Past
appointments Grand Officers , thfe intention being that all such past ranks and appointments should be confirmed and retained . Provision is also made for the issue , of warrants under the seal of the United Grand Lodge of Nevv South Wales to each lodge enrolled on the registers of the Grand and District Grand Lodges .
The United Grand Lodge was then formally opened , and an anthem was sung , after which his Excellency Lord Carrington was nominated for the office of Grand Master by Bro . Dr . TARRANT , the nomination beingseconded by Bro . C . F . STOKES , and supported by Bro . DI * . SEDGWICK .
No other candidate being proposed , a formal ballot was taken , and Lord Carrington was declared to be duly elected Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales . The announcement was received with great enthusiasm , and an anthem , specially composed for the occasion by Bro . Sedgwick , was sung .
Bro . REMINGTON then proposed , and Bro . F . B . DAVIDSON seconded the following resolution : "That the United Grand Lodge of New South ' Wales , being now duly and legally established according to Masonic precedent and custom , we do authorise our Most Worshipful G . M . elect to issue to each lodge a dispensation empowering it to continue Masonic work until such time as the more formal documents , referred to in the articles of union , shall have been executed and issued after his installation . "
The resolution was agreed to unanimously . Bro . STOKES proposed the following resolution : "That the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales adopt as its guide , until such time as Constitutions can be framed and submitted , the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England , subject to such verbal alterations as may be obviously necessary , and also to such amendments as may be required to
provide that —( 1 ) the Grand Master shall have power to appoint a Pro Grand Master ; ( 2 ) that all other Grand Lodge Officers shall be annually elected ; ( 3 ) that their fees of office shall be one-half of those fixed in the Book of Constitutions ; ( 4 ) that there shall be paid b y , or on behalf of , each now existing lodge which shall have signed the articles of union within the six months prescribed therein the sum of £ 10 to the Grand Lodge fund . "
The resolution was seconded by Bro . REMINGTON , and agreed to . It was also decided , on the motion of Bro . C . F . STOKES , that the installation ceremony of the Grand Master should take place on the 18 th September , the proposer mentioning that arrangem ents had ben made to secure the Exhibition Building for that evening .
Bros . E . O . SMITH proposed , and J . HUNT seconded , the following resolution , which was agreed to : — "That the Ceremonial Committee consist of f . he members of the present conference , and that they also be empowered to act as a Board of General Purposes and Benevolence until such time as those bodies can be duly elected . " The election of officers of the Grand Lodge was then proceeded with .
Bro , Dr . I ARRANT , at the conclusion of the proceedings , proposed a vote of thanks to the brethren composing the Masonic Union Conference for the manner in which they carried out their duties . He congratulated the Masonic Craft at the auspicious event which had taken place that evening , and considered that it was to be congratulated also upon the unanimous mauner in which the United Grand Lod ge had been established , and in which the officers had been elected .
Bro . D . SEDGWICK seconded the resolution , which was carried with great enthusiasm . Bro . C F . STOKES responded on behalf of the members of the Conference . Shortly afterwards the proceedings came to a termination .
Freemasonry In India.
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA .
The " Masonic Record of Western India" for August last has reached me , and , as usual , there is much in its pages to interest and instruct the Craft of that great country . The Editor acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Catalogue of Bro .
H . J . Whymper s Masonic Library , and mentions that the collection comprises " perhaps some of the oldest works known on Masonry , many dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth century . Bro . W hymper possesses perhaps the finest and most extensive library of Masonic books in India . "
The compiler sent me one of these very useful publications , and I wish much that the example thus set by Bro . Whymper might soon be followed by the honorary librarians or curators of such fine collections of Masonic books , curios , and medals in Worcestershire and West Yorkshire , as well as by the owners of private Masonic libraries , cabinets , and museums , for it
is only by such means , with Masonic Exhibitions from time to time in different parts of the country , that we can learn the character and extent of the treasures in this country . The same remark applies also to those invaluable collections held by so many Grand Lodges and brethren abroad , some of whom are nobly responding to the appeal .
The same excellent journal { indispensable to Masonic India ) furnishes an account of the meeting of the District Grand Lodge of the Punjab ( E . C ) , the R . W . Bro . E . W . Parkers , Dist . G . M . The members of the District have rather diminished , owing to temporary circumstances affecting the " military elements , " standing now at rather under 600 . The address by the D . G . M . speaks volumes in favour of his rule , and also of those under
his charge . R . W . Bro . E . VV . Parkers advocates the formation of a Masonic Library for the District , and considers it to be " a slur on their efficiency " that one has not yet been established . " District Grand Lodge should possess a copy of all standard lodge works , and I consider that Masons should all contribute lo that Library such works as they can spare . Bro . Whymper , P . D . D . G . M ., the District Grand Master says "has devoted much of his time while recently in England to Masonic literature ,
and has acquired a fine library ; he has set us all an example by contributing the following valuable works out of his abundance to District Grand Lodge —our most sincere thanks are due to him for his handsome presents . " The list comprises Constitutions , 1723 , Gould ' s " History of Freemasonry , Lane ' s "Masonic Records , 1717—1886 , " and Sadler ' s " Masonic Facts and Fictions . " I hope this reference to our excellent Bro . Whymper will lead to tn starting of more Masonic Libraries in connection with Provincial Gran Lodges , and to more aid being given to those already formed . . .. V J . HUGHAN .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Formation Of A United Grand Lodge Of New South Wales.
FORMATION OF A UNITED GRAND LODGE OF NEW SOUTH WALES .
LORD CARRINGTON ELECTED GRAND MASTER . An event of great significance in connection with the progress of Freemasony in this colony took place on Thursday , the 16 th August , at the University , in the shape of the first meeting of the newly-formed United Grand Lodge of New South VVales . The union of the various lodges which have hitherto worked under the English , Scotch , or New South Wales Constitutions will tend much to strengthen the posiiion which Freemasonry holds in this colony , and the election of his Excellency the Governor to the exalted position of Grand Master will , we have no doubt ,
be received with general satisfaction by all Masons in this colony . The meeting of the Grand Lodge was held in the Grand Hall of the University , which was appropriately iurnished for the occasion . The attendance was very large , and included Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens from all the lodges which have signed the articles of union , upwards of 500 brethren altogether being present . To show the completeness , of the union which has taken place , it may be mentioned that out of 186 lodges under the different Constitutions in New South Wales , all but five have signed
the articles of union . The lodge was opened by Bro . W . H . Simpson , Past District Deputy Grand Master ( E . G . ) , assisted by the following officers : Bros . A . Henry ( N . S . W . C . ) , S . W . ; A . Rofe ( E . C ) , J . W . ; and the Rev . E . D . Madgwick , Chaplain . The musical service was conducted b y Bro . Gehde , Org . The Grand and District Grand Lodge Officers of New South Wales
then entered in due form , and were presented to the Deputy G . M . as follows : Bro . Dr . H . J . Tarrant , Past Grand Master ( N . S . W . C ) , presented by Bro . Hunt , Dep . G . M . N . S . W . ; Bio . C F . Stokes , Acting D . G . M . ( E . G . ) , presented by Bro . F . Wright , P . D . D . G . M . ; and Dr . Sedgwick , P . D . G . M . ( S . C ) , presented by Bro . F . B . Davidson , D . G . M . Depute .
I ' he DEPUTY GRAND MASTER , in opening the business of the evening , expressed the hope that the brotherly leeling and unanimity which had prevailed amongst the councils of the brethren who had brought this movement forward to its present position would prevail at their meeting that evening , and that brethren would sink all personal considerations and work together to bring this grand object to a successful issue . Bro . REMINGTON then read the following history of Freemasonry in New South Wales : —
The history of Freemasonry in New South Wales , and in fact in Australia , dating back to a period early in the present century , when the Government was that of a Crown Colony , it was natural that the early lodges should have been in direct and individual communication with the Grand Lodges of the Molher Country . And when passing years had increased their number , so that some form of local government became necessary , it was not to be wondered at that nothing was thought of but such asubordinate organisation as obtained in the counties of the United Kingdom in the shape of Provincial
Grand Lodges . Nor even when the popular agitation for responsible government in the colony at large reached a head , and when the control of the Mother Country had been lightened till it became only a silken thread in the hands of the Governor , did the Freemasons of New South Wales seem to desire any more independent position than they had theretofore enjoyed . There had indeed been an increase of the powers of the local goveming bodies by their being created "District" instead of "Provincial" Grand Lodges , and this is perhaps the proper place to record a passing reference to the services
rendered by Bro . John Williams , the Past District Grand Master under the English Constitution , who , at interviews in the year 1856 with the Earl of Zetland , then Grand Master of England , obtained many important concessions for the benefit of the Craft in this colony . And it would ill become us on this auspicious occasion to refrain from a tribute ol respect to the old conservative principles which actuated that right worshipful brother and the Right Worshipful District Grand Master of the Scotch Constitution , Dr . Sedgwick , in so long holding , at all hazards , to the original form of Masonic rule in
Australia , even when times had changed and a new order of things was imminent . The first important movement in the direction of self-government was made by the establishment of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales in the year 1 S 77 , an ^ its success during the last II years , including the complete absjrption of the lodges under the Irish Constitution , among which was the oldest in the colony , is the best justification of its origin . But the yoke of England and -Scotland was such a light one , grievances , if any , weie so readily redressed , and the direct connection with the Mother Country was
held to be such a valued distinction , that it was not till this Centennial year of Australia that any tangible step was taken by their lodges towards amalgamation . And even now it is not disloyalty , and not disaffection , which have lead the brethren under these two Constitutions 10 join hands With the others in forming "The United Grand Lodge of New South VVales , " which takes its first step as an established body to-night . What , then , is the cause of this new departure ? _ Is not it a feeling that the continued existence of three governing powers would be an evidence of disunion , which might well make the
woild doubt the genuineness of the principles of brotherly love which we all profess to hold dear ? _ Is not it the certainty that great as has been the progress of the Craft heretofore , it will be tenfold greater , and its influence be a hundredfold more , when it confronts its detractors as a strong , because united , band , powerful in its " brotherly love , relief , and truth , " to " diffuse the light of wisdom , aid the strength of reason , dispense the bounties of Charity , and lessen the aggregate of human misery and vice ? " it is not to be supposed that these feelings had no existence or found no expression
during the long peiiod of comparative estrangement . On the contrary , they were many times enunciated in our gatherings , and always applauded by the brethren , who deplored a state of affairs which they , however , saw no immediate way of remedying . For , by the form of government , under the English Constitution at all events , the rulers of District Grand Lodges were appointed by , and during the pleasure of , the Grand Master , and so long as they conscientiously opposed a change in our system , feelings of respect and affection , due to their advanced years and faithful service to the
Craft , restrained even the most enthusiastic advocates of amalgamation from moving , lt was , however , well understood that some change must be made when time and circumstances warranted , and the opportune moment anived when during the visit to this colony of the Pro Grand Master of England , Lord Carnarvon , a few months ago , he recognised so fully the harm Freemasonry was suffering , and was likely to suffer , by disunion , that he urged immediate steps to end it ; and , aided with valuable advice and encouragement , a Committee of brethren from various lodges under the different
Constitutions , had taken upon themselves the task of drawing up a "basis of union . " They duly submitted this to the Craft , but , it being viewed as scarcely broad enough to ensure all Constitutions meeting on an equal footing , resolutions were passed by the English , Scotch , and New South Wales Masons , refeiring the question to a conference of Past Masters , five from each Constitution . In the meantime , Right Worshipful Brother John Williams had resigned his position as District Grand Master , and the Grand Master of England had appointed his Excellency Lord Carrington , the Governor of this
colony , as his successor ; the New South VVales brethren , with the full approval of their head , Dr . Tarrant , had signified their intention of electing the same illustrious brother as their Grand Master ; and it was known that his acceptance of the supreme rule would also be welcomed by the Scotch Masons . Lord Carnnglon himself , though Past Grand Senior Warden of England , was heartily in accord with the movement ; and so everytl ing was propitious for the success of the conference . Of the spirit in which these worshiplul brethren met , the Ciaft has already had evidence . From the first it
w . /^ manliest that brotherly leeling , mutual forbearance , concessions on minor points , and yet withal a determination to adhere closely to the landmarks of the Order , would gu . dn ; their deliberations . Ten meetings in all have been held , and the " Articles of Union" agreed upon in June last , have since received the almost unanimous assent of all the lodges . Ihey will now be read to you , as forming our authority for meeting here to-night to elect our Grand Master , and may the Great Architect of the Universe . make our union perpetual .
Formation Of A United Grand Lodge Of New South Wales.
Bro . C . F . STOKES then read the articles of union which had been agreed upon by the joint Committee appointed to arrange a basis of union among the different Constitutions . The articles of union contain provisions for the definition of the respective precedence of lodges and the ranks and of all Past
appointments Grand Officers , thfe intention being that all such past ranks and appointments should be confirmed and retained . Provision is also made for the issue , of warrants under the seal of the United Grand Lodge of Nevv South Wales to each lodge enrolled on the registers of the Grand and District Grand Lodges .
The United Grand Lodge was then formally opened , and an anthem was sung , after which his Excellency Lord Carrington was nominated for the office of Grand Master by Bro . Dr . TARRANT , the nomination beingseconded by Bro . C . F . STOKES , and supported by Bro . DI * . SEDGWICK .
No other candidate being proposed , a formal ballot was taken , and Lord Carrington was declared to be duly elected Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales . The announcement was received with great enthusiasm , and an anthem , specially composed for the occasion by Bro . Sedgwick , was sung .
Bro . REMINGTON then proposed , and Bro . F . B . DAVIDSON seconded the following resolution : "That the United Grand Lodge of New South ' Wales , being now duly and legally established according to Masonic precedent and custom , we do authorise our Most Worshipful G . M . elect to issue to each lodge a dispensation empowering it to continue Masonic work until such time as the more formal documents , referred to in the articles of union , shall have been executed and issued after his installation . "
The resolution was agreed to unanimously . Bro . STOKES proposed the following resolution : "That the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales adopt as its guide , until such time as Constitutions can be framed and submitted , the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England , subject to such verbal alterations as may be obviously necessary , and also to such amendments as may be required to
provide that —( 1 ) the Grand Master shall have power to appoint a Pro Grand Master ; ( 2 ) that all other Grand Lodge Officers shall be annually elected ; ( 3 ) that their fees of office shall be one-half of those fixed in the Book of Constitutions ; ( 4 ) that there shall be paid b y , or on behalf of , each now existing lodge which shall have signed the articles of union within the six months prescribed therein the sum of £ 10 to the Grand Lodge fund . "
The resolution was seconded by Bro . REMINGTON , and agreed to . It was also decided , on the motion of Bro . C . F . STOKES , that the installation ceremony of the Grand Master should take place on the 18 th September , the proposer mentioning that arrangem ents had ben made to secure the Exhibition Building for that evening .
Bros . E . O . SMITH proposed , and J . HUNT seconded , the following resolution , which was agreed to : — "That the Ceremonial Committee consist of f . he members of the present conference , and that they also be empowered to act as a Board of General Purposes and Benevolence until such time as those bodies can be duly elected . " The election of officers of the Grand Lodge was then proceeded with .
Bro , Dr . I ARRANT , at the conclusion of the proceedings , proposed a vote of thanks to the brethren composing the Masonic Union Conference for the manner in which they carried out their duties . He congratulated the Masonic Craft at the auspicious event which had taken place that evening , and considered that it was to be congratulated also upon the unanimous mauner in which the United Grand Lod ge had been established , and in which the officers had been elected .
Bro . D . SEDGWICK seconded the resolution , which was carried with great enthusiasm . Bro . C F . STOKES responded on behalf of the members of the Conference . Shortly afterwards the proceedings came to a termination .
Freemasonry In India.
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA .
The " Masonic Record of Western India" for August last has reached me , and , as usual , there is much in its pages to interest and instruct the Craft of that great country . The Editor acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Catalogue of Bro .
H . J . Whymper s Masonic Library , and mentions that the collection comprises " perhaps some of the oldest works known on Masonry , many dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth century . Bro . W hymper possesses perhaps the finest and most extensive library of Masonic books in India . "
The compiler sent me one of these very useful publications , and I wish much that the example thus set by Bro . Whymper might soon be followed by the honorary librarians or curators of such fine collections of Masonic books , curios , and medals in Worcestershire and West Yorkshire , as well as by the owners of private Masonic libraries , cabinets , and museums , for it
is only by such means , with Masonic Exhibitions from time to time in different parts of the country , that we can learn the character and extent of the treasures in this country . The same remark applies also to those invaluable collections held by so many Grand Lodges and brethren abroad , some of whom are nobly responding to the appeal .
The same excellent journal { indispensable to Masonic India ) furnishes an account of the meeting of the District Grand Lodge of the Punjab ( E . C ) , the R . W . Bro . E . W . Parkers , Dist . G . M . The members of the District have rather diminished , owing to temporary circumstances affecting the " military elements , " standing now at rather under 600 . The address by the D . G . M . speaks volumes in favour of his rule , and also of those under
his charge . R . W . Bro . E . VV . Parkers advocates the formation of a Masonic Library for the District , and considers it to be " a slur on their efficiency " that one has not yet been established . " District Grand Lodge should possess a copy of all standard lodge works , and I consider that Masons should all contribute lo that Library such works as they can spare . Bro . Whymper , P . D . D . G . M ., the District Grand Master says "has devoted much of his time while recently in England to Masonic literature ,
and has acquired a fine library ; he has set us all an example by contributing the following valuable works out of his abundance to District Grand Lodge —our most sincere thanks are due to him for his handsome presents . " The list comprises Constitutions , 1723 , Gould ' s " History of Freemasonry , Lane ' s "Masonic Records , 1717—1886 , " and Sadler ' s " Masonic Facts and Fictions . " I hope this reference to our excellent Bro . Whymper will lead to tn starting of more Masonic Libraries in connection with Provincial Gran Lodges , and to more aid being given to those already formed . . .. V J . HUGHAN .