MASONIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 933, 17 January 1890, Page 7

MASONIC.

Having re-opened the Masonic column in he Mail, under the supervision of a Master m the Craft, we shall be glad to receive from Secretaries oj Lodges, and brethren generally, short reports of Lodge meetings and Masonic fvents of all hinds likely to be of interest to nembers of the craft. All correspondence for this column to be addressed to the Masonic Editor, New Zealand Mail.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A.U. (Auckland). —We do not possess the book you mention. V.T.—You are correct. FAVOURS RECEIVED. London Freemason, Sydney Freemason, Victorian Freemason and New Zealand Craftsman. PECULIAR CUSTOMS OF LODGES. A writer in the London Freemason of July 13fch says :—lt may not be generally known that in two very ancient and honourable Scottish lodges a peculiar way of placing the Wardens is still practised. Let us glance first at venerable ‘Mother Kilwinning,’ which stands now on the grand roll as No. 0. How much better and more sensible if it (instead nf figuring as a plea for ‘negative existence ’) like our Grand Stewards’ Lodge, headed their list without any number at all ? It is expressely stated in the Schaw Statutes of 1599 that the Edinburgh lodge (‘Mary Chapel’) was head and first, and the Kilwinning body head and second lodge, so the latter has succeeded in usurping her sister’s right to be ‘primus inter pares.’ The master of No. 0 is ipso faoto Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire, and he or his Deputy sits in the East at the centre of a long table from which run westward two othertables(linedon eachside with benches cr formsfor the accommodation of the members); at their extremities are the chairs of the Wardens. The R.W.M. in the east, the S.W. in the north-west, and J.W. in the south-west thus form a triangle, 'f he V. of S.L, is placed on a chair between the Wardens in the west- The tables and scats nowhere touch the walls o: the apartmont. in which free space—technically outside the lodge—the candidates perambulate in the opening ceremonies. The flourishing ‘ Canongate Kilwinning,’ No. 2, founded in 1677, places the Wardens in the N. W. and S.W. corners ot the room, but they, like the master, sit against the walls, so that the Circumarnbulation is withiu their lines, yet

the trangle is as evident as in ‘ Mother Kilwinning.’ Although some enthusiasts contend that formerly this custom was general, the evidence ia hazy, and it seems to me probable that very frequently convenience had a good deal to do with the position of the officers. In some cases the Deacon Warden, or Presea presided at a table with the principal supporters ou each side of his chair. Hit’ used in token of superiority to keep Ills head covered, whence arose the old catch question, ‘ Wfiere does the Master hang his hat ?’ to which the instructor replied, ‘On Nature’s peg,’ or to similar purport. This habit, however, was not singular to North Britain, for in the set of seven coloured plates, published in London, 1809 and ISI3, the Master is seen wearing a cocked hat. though this alone is, of course, not sofficient testimony, as the plates were unauthorised, and therefore not necessarily reliable. To mark the equality of the brethren when in lodge assembled, the Germans wore their hats, as do the Jews at worship, but for very different reasons.

VICIOUS-TONGTJED MASONS. The slander of a viperous man may stiDg you and do you harm for a season, but truth comes halting along after a time and croaks the lie. True the lie may have caused you temporary defeat and injury, and for that there is no compensation. This is one of the burdens that life is called upon to eudure. An open foe can be met and confounded. It ia the sneaking doublo faied man who carries a concealed dirk whom one has cause to fear. Such are devoid of principle or conscience, malicious as a devil, secret as an Indian, remorseless as a pirate. They wound and undermine, exulting the while in the success of their schemes, ‘ but time at last seta all things even,’ and such people are estimated at their actual worth. It is the duty of every Mason to frown upon thi3 class, one of them can do an immense amount of injury to a lodge. The Craft ha 3in the past suffered more dissension from this sort of humanity than from an other source, r. drunkard in a lodge is ten times more endurable than a backbiting member. Either is out_ of place, but if one is to he retained let it be the cup votary, there is hope of him, none for the vicious-tongued member. Masonic Journal.

THE MASON’S KEY. Lojked in a Brother’s faithful heart, And carefully concealed, Are mysteries and secrets rare To Cowans unrevoaled ; Fraternal Fellowship alone The key, by right, commands — The wondrous key which, when applied, Responds to just demands. Soho and Chorus. Here’s to the key, the wondrous key, We Masons dearly prize, It locks the secrets of the Craft From prying curious eyes, Ready at hand it ever hangs, A Mason to defend, Careful to guard ’gainst slander vile A Brother and a friend ; The index of the noble mind. Truth its unerring aim, Far as Freemasonry extends, It holds impartial claim. Here’s to the key, &o. No metal forms the Mason’s key, To none bub brethren known, The fragile thread by which it hangs, And vital force will own ; E’en in its weakness is its strength. It ‘good report ’ unfolds, Or else, with Charity refrains, And golden silence holds. Here’s to the key, &c. Then let us to the nob]e Our generous glasses fill, And drink ‘ the key ' which guards it well With Brotherly good will ; Together linked by Friendship’s chain, May one and all be found, And peace and happiness diffused Encircle us around ! Then here’s to the key, &c.