Contents.

CONTENTS .

EDITORIAL : OUR FIRST VOLUME Front page THE FUND OP BENEVOLENCE ( Continued from page 3 (! 8 ) Front page , 384 , 385 INDIA—INSTALLATION MEETINGS , & C . 385 THE MASONIC POET ' S CORNER— ' WHAT BETTER THEME

THAN MASONRY ? 385 ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE AND ANSWERS .. .. 380 INSTALLATION MEETINGS—DRURY LANE LODGE , XO . 2127 : THE URBAN LODGE . XO . 119 ( 5 : BRIXTON LODGE .

Xo . 1919 387 EVENINGS ABROAD—OUR CITY ARTICLE .. .. .. 388 SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .. 389 REPORTS' OF LODGES AND CHAPTERS 389 . 390 METROPOLITAN AND PROVINCIAL LODGE AND CHAPTER

MEETINGS FORTHCOMING 391 , 392 . 393 METROPOLITAN LODGES AND CHAPTERS OP INSTRUCTION 394 ADVERTISEMENTS Front cover , 382 , 395 , 39 G . 397

Our First Volume.

Our First Volume .

HIS number completes the First Volume of THE MASONIC STAR , and we take the opportunity of thanking our subscribers and that section of tlie large body of

Freemasons who have given us their valued support for the considerable interest they have , during the past six months , evinced in our progress . At its inception this Journal announced a programme which it has been our

constant endeavour to conscientiously carry out ; and without in any way wishing to appear at all self-laudatory , we cannot but believe that we must thereto ascribe much of

the kindly recognition we have already received ; a continuance and extension of which we trust to deserve and enjoy in the future . At the outset of our journalistic career , we stated that it was our intention to " act squarely

and independently of all external influences ; discuss questions Masonic with temperance and strict impartiality ; uphold in all controversy the rules and constitutions of

the Order ; and to be kind , yet candid , in all our reports where persons are concerned , giving to every man his just due , and that without distinction . " We do not desire to

take credit to ourselves for the performance of so distinct an obligation , which , being made , it was no more than our duty to carry out ; but we cannot refrain from stating that in respect to the manner of the performance of that

duty , we have the " testimony of a self-convincing conscience , " that the same has given " satisfaction to ' the brethren . " It has often beon admitted by Masonic writers

that there are great difficulties and peculiarities connected with the conduct of a Masonic Journal , and , although we crave no sympathy , we would ask every member of our Order who seeks to extend or improve his knowledge in

Our First Volume.

respect to matters connected therewith , to bear with us and endeavour to appreciate the hindrances that so frequently necessarily arise to a free exposition of much that

is of importance in connection with subjects on which it may be our duty , as well as our privilege , to descant ; according us their support in whatever " laudable endeavours " we may make in the field of Masonic literature .

Before our advent we foresaw many difficulties which would have to be overcome , and what a careful handling of our vessel would be necessary in order to avoid the rocks

and quicksands of the ocean on which we intended to sail ; —so far we have been successful in our efforts . The support which we have received in our babyhood has been most

gratifying , and we trust that in our progress to manhood a continuance and increase of the same may be accorded to us by our friends and that section of the community which

we seek to serve , who may one and all rest assured that we shall continue to do battle for all that is loyal and true in connection with Freemasonry .

Our columns will ever be open , as heretofore , to correspondents who may wish to utilize them for the purpose either of gaining information , or for fair and legitimate

criticism ; and undeterred by adverse comment on ourselves we shall , where occasion justly arises , continue to point out in courteous language whatever we may consider

requires the light of public opinion , discussion , or revision . Without having any fear , or asking any favour , we shall

adhere to and carry out our original programme , and trust that our efforts may meet with continued approbation from the craft , and result in benefit to all concerned .

The Fund Of Benevolence.

The Fund Of Benevolence .

( Continued from , page 368 ) . HHn E ^ ORE we proceed with our comments on past proceedings I H 8 relating to this fund , we desire to clear the ground from a fmsral vast quantity of rubbish , which is evidently placed in

our way for the purpose of impeding that progress which our friends and ourselves are endeavouring to make towards a better condition of affairs in relation to the fund . It is worse than absurd .

for it is false to designate any brethren , at least of those whom we know to be concerned , agitators knowing perfectly well that " if mud enough be thrown some of it will be sure to stick , " or , to state that they suggest even in the remotest degree , " that honourable

men , such as those constituting our Board of Benevolence , have deliberately encouraged a large expenditure of the funds entrusted to their charge so as to render the accumulation , and , as a matter of course , the appropriation of surpluses impossible . " Whoever has

said that ' I Is it mere " make up , " used for want of good argument against the propositions set forth by objectors to the present state of things 1 If so , it partakes of the nature of the French adage , Qui s ' cvcuse n ' accuse and will surely not help , if does not injure