Our Architectural Chapter.

other modes , one by AA'ay of loan Avithout interest , ancl the other by loan on interest or mortgage . A brother may be well enough disposed to g ive an absolute donation of a limited sum in proportion to the contributions of other Brethren , but it does not folloAv that he chooses to find funds for the umvilling , or to provide an endowment for his successors and relieve future

initiates . Still he may feel such a deep interest iu the institution that he will readily make a temporary advance , without interest , to promote the early realization of the design and the personal enjoyment ofthe benefits of a Masonic building—provided he can do so Avithout injury to himself or family , and with full security for repayment . Thus , beyond absolute money donationsthere is ahvays a considerable

, fund to be obtained from loans without interest , not only from indi-A'idual bretliren , but , by proper organization , from the Lodges . Although some Lodges are in a bad financial condition , yet others havo a considerable balance without interest , from which they could for a short time lend a small sum to a Masonic hall in their

province , or the adjoining province . In many cases two or three hundred pounds lent for a year , in anticipation of coming subscriptions , would solve the financial difficulty now obstructing the progress of a hall , and make it easy of accomplishment . In fact , Avere tlie funds in possession of the Order properly applied , they AA'ould greatly promote the cause of Masonic construction .

Whenever a hall is built , the Provincial Grand Lodge mig ht apply to nei ghbouring Grand Lodges and Lodges for temporary assistance , pledging its OAVII credit , aud of course placing itself in the position of promising similar aid Avhen called upon . There are many of the large toAvns where the aggregate of Lodge balances is considerable , and is IIOAV scattered among several banks . In the metropolis the

amount must be many thousands , avid enough to provide for the establishment of a Masoiiic cash department or small bank , AA'here each treasurer could keep his account , and on which he could give cheques . The last measure to be adopted is to raise money at interest ;; but stillif for the time all other methods have been exhaustedthis must

, , bo resorted to . The employment of Masonic charity funds is a justifiable appropriation of the funds , -whilst it is better to obtain money from the Craft than from strangers . Tho last resort would be to strangers , by way of mortgage . It will , however be seen that any such measure entails charges for stamps and legal documents beyond the interest ; whereas free loans from the Craffc ancl its members

are attended with no such further expense . 'fhe great object should bo to avoid any expenditure for stamps , law , or interest , so as to apply the whole contributions ofthe brethren to the const-ruction of the building . As these contributions are iu most cases aided by the proceeds of concerts and collections , and in some instances a rent is obtained for tho hall , a considerable fund is made available for the discharge of the debt , The interest-beariiK'