MASONIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 753, 6 August 1886, Page 6

MASONIC.

Having re-opened, the Masonic column in he Mail, under the supervision of a Master in the Craft, zee shall be glad to receive from Secretaries of Lodges, and brethren generally, short reports of Lodge meetings and Masonic events of all kinds likely to be of i»t.°r.*?t£r members of the craft. J ” for this column to be Editor . r/ ” • cm no, is recognised ay mv ... . England, but the Grand Lodge of New South Wales is not. F.R.M. —We can probably get the book for . you in Wellington., Ib is published by Bro. George Kenning, London. W.W.J. —-The dispute between the Grand Lodges of England and Canada is not yet at an end, and unless the latter gives way it will probably last forever. Leestok. —The paper you mention is published by Stillwell and Son, 6 Little Britain, London. Unless you are a member of the rite it will probably not be sent to you. Alwyxe. —The foundation of Rheims Cathedral was laid in 1211.; The completion and decoration are due to Robert de Coucy, who died in 1311. FAVORS RECEIVED. Masonic Chronicle and Official Bulletin ; Loudon Freemason, Hebrew Leader, Sunday Times, Voice of Masonry, Kneph and Victorian Freemason. MASONIC TEMPLES. We perceive, from time to time, in Masonic publications, representations of buildings honored with the appellation of Masonic Halls, whose architectural crudities and deformities at first glance convey an impression as to their erection being the product of any other species of labor than that of Masons, who should only know the five orders in architecture, few symptoms of which can be detected in the fantastic edifices placed before the public gaze. The interior of the buildings may be Masonically correct ; but externally they are not, and that digression from propriety most affects the popular impression as to the skill of their architects. In the first place, it is a common idea with educated Masons, that a Masonic Temple should be dedicated to the purposes of Masonry and no others, and, consequently, the building should be constructed upon pure architectural lines. This is the rule universally adhered to by religious associations of every description, so that when a stranger runs across a' cathedral, church,' or chapel, he is instantly apprised of its character. But when he stumbles upon a Masonic Hall, he is at loss to determine whether it has been originally designed for merchantdise vending or any other trading speculation, as far as external appearances convey symbolic information. Our Boulcott street Hall is no exception to the rule, as it is no more like our idea of a Masonic Hall than a gridiron, the fence that has been put up is an improvement as far as privacy is concerned ; but we certainly think that the Masonic Ball Company might have expended a few pounds in decorating the exterior, and making the building worthy of the name it goes by.

ANOTHER NOBLE EXAMPLE. We read in the London Freemason that the members of the Craft in Sunderland have provided breakfasts to the poor children of that town on 16 Sunday mornings in the various Board Schools, Church Schools, and coffee taverns. They closed their undertaking on the morning of Good Friday, by entertaining 4000 children to breakfast, consisting of a pint of cocoa and an Boz bun to each. The total receipts towards the cost bf providing the breakfasts amounted to £127 7s Sd ; and the total number of breakfasts given was 22,000. Too much praise cannot be given to our. worthy Sunderland brethren for the generous help they have given to the poor children of the town during a period of almost unexampled distress.

LIQUIDATING THE DEBT. Our brethren in New York are working hard to clear off the debt on their Masonic Temple, and we see by our American files, that a grand performance was given by the American Opera Company last month in aid of the fund. The handsome sum of 5000 dollars was netted. Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin’ was the musical treat given on the occasion.

POETRY OF THE CRAFT. We intend to reproduce a series of short poems, entitled 4 A Masonic Alphabet,’ written by Bro. William H. Ore, Grand Bard of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales. Some of them are real gems, and our readers will, we feel sure, appreciate the Masonic sentiments they contain. In the Old Country the praises of the Craft have been sung by many, including Bro. Robert Burns, Scotia’s immortal poet, and we are 'therefore glad to welcome the praiseworthy efforts of our New South Wales brother in the same direction : I—ABILITY.

The men to rule our Lodges, and guide our Craft aright, To note our Ancient Landmarks and keep

them well in sight, To grasp the reins of power with a firm but gentle hand, And clothe in pleasant accents each lawcompelled command ; Must be of sterling metal, and strong in

wisdom’s might, Stern, steadfast and courageous in the cause of Truth and Right— Not led astray by passing gales of glowing

words, or vain, Bnt ’midst the heat of argument can cool and calm remain.

Prompt to discern, and swift to curb eachs tendency to stray From off the Level paths, oE the strict harmonious way ; Confirmed in moral principle, in every motive free—Of such 4 Ability ’ should each Mason Rulerbe.