Our Architectural Chapter.

is occupied by a chair for the Worshipful Master and twelve for tho Past Masters . We may observe that there is no reason for the number twelve . This appropriation of chairs for the Past Masters has somo advantages , but , on the other hand , it does not provide for visitors of distinguished rank and others ; but properly speaking

nono but visitors of equivalent distinguished rank should be on the dais . The Master Mason , Fellow Craft , or Entered Apprentice , should be with his respective rank . Unless the'Wardens are habitually brethren of the high degrees or exalted rank , there is no warranty for placing canopies over their chairs , but on tho contrary , it is a blunder . There are three grounds

for placing a canopy over the chair of the Worshipful Master—first , that it is on the dais , and by mediaeval practice coulcl be so adorned ; second , that iv represents the seat of K . S . ; and , third , that it represents tho chair of the Master of a Craft sitting on the dais . There is no sound precedent for a dais and canopy elsewhere ; and ecclesiastical traditionswhich would allow a double row of stallswith a bishop ' s

, , throne on one side and a secular throne on the other , have no influence on this question . Tho provision of an harmonium is a very commendable arrangement , and wc are gratified to record the progress made in providing . instruments of music .

Tho dimensions of the banquet room are not given , but wc understand that it will accommodate above one hundred guests . The brethren of St , Thomas ' s consider that they have established one of the finest buildings in the town , and a Hall second to none in the West Indies . A very important subject is under discussion at Liverpool—the

discussion of the measure for increasing the contribution to the Masonic Hall Fund , on each initiation , from one guinea to two guineas . The principle of appropriating initiation aud joining fees for specific purposes is one deserving of attentive consideration and general imitation . For want of such dedication , having no destined purpose to supplythey are mixed up with the general funds or appropriated in

, a manner which strict Masons in these days do not consider Masonic . . Part of the fees at Liverpool are devoted to the provincial educational institution ( a very worthy object ) but tho chief contribution is towards the hall fund . Tho appropriation of these fees to a hall fund is one of the very best purposes to which they can be applied ; and whether a Lodge has a hall or no , the fees should be set aside for that

purpose and lent for the building of halls till such time as a sufficient fund is accumulated to begin , with the help of other brethren and other funds , a building . Wo further recommend tho plan proposed lately in the Freemasons' Magazine of charging a fee on passing and raising , for tho hall fund . If this were done at Liverpool by the several Lodges , it would most considerably increase the hall fund , if only a guinea were charged for each step . While attending to local matters we must not be unmindful of