he would assemble as many Brethren as he could to be present on the occasion; and Bro. Crane having then, in a very appropriate speech, expressed his regret that he had not an opportunity of doing it in a Lodge after the proceedings of the day were over, the practicability of establishing a Lodge in Singapore was discussed, and Bros. Smith and Crane were requested to draw up the necessary petition to the United Grand Lodge of England for a warrant of constitution. This was eventually obtained through the kind instrumentality of Bros. D. Davidson and H. B. Webb. Bros. J. C. Smith, C. A. Dyce, and T. O. Crane were appointed the first Masters and Wardens of Zetland Lodge, No. 748. Some unavoidable delay occurred in the receipt of the warrant, and the Lodge was not regularly constituted until the 8th December last, when that interesting ceremony was performed by Bro. R. Taylor, P. M. of Social Friendship, 326. He went down from Malacca for this purpose, and the new Master and Wardens were then installed in due and ancient form. I enclose you a list of members, copied from the "Singapore Directory" for the present year. Zetland Lodge has been fitted up in a manner which does the highest credit to its members, and few stations in India, as I said before, can boast of a Masonic temple so creditable to themselves and the Craft. In four months there have been upwards of twenty initiations, and from the well known respectability and indefatigable zeal of the officers and members of the Lodge, a permanent and most satisfactory career of success and usefulness may very reasonably be calculated upon-and in this or every other good wish for the worthy Brethren engaged on this Masonic work, you will, I am sure, most cordially and fraternally join with,

Yours, very obediently and fraternally,

A MADRAS MASON. P.S.-I am told Zetland Lodge has voted a handsome Past Master's jewel to Bro. R. Taylor, in acknowledgment of his zeal and services.

List of the officers of Zetland Lodge, No. 748, established in Singapore Dec. 8, 1845:-W. Bro. J. C. Smith, K. R. C., K. I. and M., W. Master; Bros. C. A. Dyce, S. W.; T. O. Crane, J. W.; J. B. Cumming, Sec. and act. Treas.; T. Smith, R. A., S. D.; W. Gibb, J. D.; J. Craig, I. G.; W. Rainford, Tyler.

May 15.-The Lodge "Universal Charity," which had lain dead for upwards of fifteen years, and whose warrant was in the possession of its last Master, Wor. Bro. Andrew Wright, during that time, was revived under a dispensation from the R. W. Bro. J. Č. Morris, Deputy Prov. Grand Master of the coast of Coromandel.

Present-The D. P. G. M. (in the chair) and his officers; members of Lodge "Perfect Unanimity," and of Lodge "Social Friendship," 326. The Lodge was opened in due form in the 1st degree, and the R. W. the D. P. G. M. informed the Brethren present, that in consequence of something (what that was he did not mention), he would proceed to instal the W. M. elect in the 1st degree. This was accordingly done. After which, notwithstanding the presence of E. A. Ps. and F. Cs., our worthy D. P. G. M. hailed the newly-installed Master in the 4th degree, calling on the Brethren to follow his example. The Lodge was not visible. Neither was the W. M. examined in conformity with established usage, by a P. M. previous to his installation; and what appeared equally strange with the rest of the proceedings, was the Lodge being_tyled by an E. A. P., although Master Masons were available. Strange Brethren

were admitted without proof, and many of those who constituted the new Lodge were unable to obtain certificates from the Lodge to which they last belonged, either on account of misconduct or non-payment of dues.

Of all the Lodges that were established on this coast only two are now working, viz. Lodge "Perfect Unanimity" in connexion with the Grand Lodge, and Lodge "Social Friendship;" the rest are all defunct. It is admitted on all hands that Lodge "Social Friendship" is the best working Lodge on the coast. It has existed for the last seventy years, and never once were its doors closed during that period, and although the difficulties against which it had to contend were frequently very great and distressing, still has it ever maintained the honour and dignity of the Order, as well as its own reputation, supporting the widows and orphans of its deceased members, when relief was refused them by the Provincial Grand Lodge.

It is cheering to know this, as well as that the spirit-the true spirit— of Masonry is now carried out by its members both within the Lodge and out of it. We heartily wish prosperity and success to Lodge "Social Friendship,"-may it be yet more firmly established-may its members continue to disseminate the true spirit, and to illustrate the beauties of our divine institution in their lives and actions-drying away the tear of affliction with the sunshine of chariry, and living in the strictest bonds of unity and Brotherly love with each other.

From the Madras Athenæum, June 27.-"On the evening of the 24th instant, St. John's Day, the half yearly assembly of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Masonic Temple, and in addition to the Prov. Grand Officers, the following Lodges were present-Perfect Unanimity,' Social Friendship,' and Universal Charity.' After the usual business had been gone through, R. W. Bro. Morris acquainted the Brethren that in consequence of his immediate departure for England, he was under the necessity of relinquishing his post of Deputy Provincial Grand Master. He further stated, that he had already written to Lord Elphinstone, the Prov. Grand Master for this Presidency, now in the upper provinces of Bengal, begging him to nominate a successor to him, and that until the receipt of his reply, W. Brother Key, the P. G. Senior Warden, would, agreeably to the Book of Constitutions, assume the government of the several Lodges. W. Bro. Key, in a very appropriate speech, referred to the services of R. W. Bro. Morris as D. P. G. M., and requested that the thanks of the P. G. Lodge might be tendered to him, and the substance of what fell from him to be recorded on the Minutes.

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Lodge Universal Charity' then presented the D. P. G. M. with a farewell address and a small testimonial, in token of his connexion with their Lodge. And the Worshipful Master of Lodge Social Friendship,' on behalf of himself and Brethren, expressed their acknowledgments for particular services lately rendered to his Lodge.

We are also informed, that at the last meeting of Lodge Perfect Unanimity,' the Brethren tendered for the acceptance of R. W. Brother Morris, a piece of plate value 100 guineas, which would be presented to him on his arrival in England, by a Brother of their Lodge.

The dinner to the members of the Grand Lodge requires no description, since it differs in no respect from what is usual at such gatherings,' -but it has been remarked to us, as a rather singular circumstance, that none of the members of the other Lodges were invited to partake

of the smallest refreshment-not even a glass of wine to drink the exMaster's good health! We were inclined to the belief that the utmost Brotherly cordiality existed among the Craft, but it would seem from the absence of all hospitable intents at the meeting in question, that caste is upheld, and that the Brethren of the Grand Lodge, if they have not separate interests, maintain the propriety at least of having separate tables. There is no secret here; but it must have been a very painful discovery to those (Brethren) who were privileged to scent the odorous viands, with the best inclination to enjoy them with gusto, to find they were permitted neither to touch nor taste!"

BOMBAY, June 15.-The Lodge Rising Star of Western India, " established for the reception of Native Gentlemen," assembled, and amongst other proceedings, voted an entertainment to Dr. Burnes previous to his departure, and that gentleman having resigned the chair, P. W. Le Geyt, Esq., was unanimously elected Master in his stead. A most becoming compliment was paid by the Brethren to our worthy Commander-in-Chief, Sir T. McMahon, who was elected by acclamation an honorary member of the Lodge, and requested to wear its medal on all Masonic occasions. On the same evening a jewel was voted to Bro. Mullaly, on his retiring from the First Principalship of the Royal Arch Chapter of Perseverance. Captain Harry Barr succeeds that gentleman in office, and will be supported by Professor Pole and Bro. Wellis as second and third principals.

June 27.-The Brethren celebrated the summer festival of St. John. Seventy members assembled, amongst whom were the Grand Master, Bro. Burnes, Bros. Purnell, Crawford, Mullaly, Downes, Barr, Boyd, Compton, Lynch, Don, A. Forbes, Lawless, Molyneux, Brett, Stuart, Wellis, Aga Mahomed Jaffer, M. Cursetjee, Mirza Ali, &c. &c., and likewise M. de Kirwan, and three other foreign Brethren, who all received honourable notice. All the native members, and several also of the European Brethren were decorated with the new "Burnes' Medal" of the Lodge Rising Star. There was no want of good speaking and singing, nor any lack of good cheer. The speech with which our worthy Brother the Editor of the Courier proposed the health of the Provincial Grand Master, was in the happiest strain of eloquence and humour, and drew forth the loudest applause; and the songs with which the party was enlivened by Bros. Kiely, W. Allen, R. Morgan, and others, added greatly to the conviviality and enjoyment of the meeting. The consideration of the unwelcome subject of a farewell entertainment to Dr. Burnes on his departure was deferred, as it is understood that he is to remain amongst us for the present. At Poona also the Brethren have not been idle, and it will be seen from the following extracts of letters from kind correspondents there, that they met in the morning to hear a sermon from the Lord Bishop, and made a day of it :

"The Masonic proceedings yesterday went off here in a manner most satisfactory to all. The Lodge St. Andrew's in the East assembled at the Hall at six in the morning, walked in procession, accompanied by a military band, to St. Mary's Church, where the Lord Bishop preached a sermon to the Brethren. The congregation was large and most respectable; many ladies were present, expecting no doubt to get the secret out of the Right Reverend Preacher. His text was, 'Hold fast that which is good, and the sermon was most appropriate. I hope yet to see it in print. He commended the Craft for its charity and for its kindness to the widow and fatherless, many cases of which had come

under his own personal notice. After service, the Lodge returned to the Hall, where it installed Bro. Captain G. Munbee, of the Engineers, as its Worshipful Master, and afterwards sat down to an excellent breakfast. In the evening it again opened, and passed a unanimous vote of thanks to the Lord Bishop for his admirable sermon. The Brethren afterwards, to the number of fifty, sat down to refreshment, and spent a happy and most social night till twelve, when they separated highly delighted with the Craft and each other. The R. Worshipful Brother Burnes was not forgotten, and the bagpipes struck up Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled' when his health was given: we all hope to see him here. Bro. Lamert was all life, and kept up the interest of the meeting till the last, and in fact, every Brother enjoyed himself to the utmost."

"Colonel Decluzeau allowed the band of the Horse Artillery to play during the procession to and from the church, and at breakfast; the band of H. M.'s 22nd was kindly allowed by Colonel Boileau to be present in the evening; and as St. Andrew's is a Scotch Lodge, the pipers of H. M.'s 78th Highlanders, in their magnificent national costume, were also permitted by Colonel Douglas to be present, and played from time to time during the evening.

"His Excellency Sir T. McMahon was invited to join his Masonic Brethren at dinner, but did not feel himself well enough to attend.

"The officers and members of Lodge St. Andrew's in the East, and many other Brethren, attended Divine service on the occasion in full Masonic costume.

"The health of Colonel Boileau was proposed by Bro. Lamert, in a very neat speech. Bro. Boileau returned thanks. There were many more songs, toasts, &c."

DR. BURNES.-It is, we understand, the intention of his brother officers, to present Dr. Burnes with a piece of plate, or some other substantial token of their esteem, on his approaching departure from the Presidency. A testimonial like this is alike honourable to the donors and the recipient. The post which Dr. Burnes is about to vacate is without exception, of all medical appointments, that which requires the greatest combination of rare qualities in its incumbent. On the secretary of a board devolves the odium of all the generally unpopular and individually distasteful acts and recommendations of the body which he represents, and even though he may have disapproved of them, he is forbid by honour to remove the burden from his own shoulders. To have passed through such an ordeal with the reputation which Dr. Burnes carries with him, and in passing through it to have awakened so many kindly and grateful feelings is indeed a triumph. A requisition has we understand been made by the Medical board to government, for Dr. Burnes' services, until the termination of the monsoon. The urgency of their solicitations leaves not a doubt that they will be complied with.

LITERARY NOTICES.

Statutes of the Royal, Exalted, Religious, and Military Order of H. R. D. M., Grand Elected Masonic Knights Templar, K, D. S. H. of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, &c. London, 1846.

A flourish of trumpets this title-page to herald in a very simple unpretending code of statutes to regulate a body styled-" The Grand and Royal Conclave of the Religious and Military Order of Masonic Knights Templar in England and Wales."

Why this ridiculous title, so different with the designation extracted from the body of the statutes? When will Masonic authorities learn wisdom? They may plead, perhaps, in justification, that in former editions of these statutes, that the same announcements were made in the title-pages, and perhaps they were; and in the olden time, kings of Great Britain were declared by the grace of God to be also kings of France, &c., until Brother Buonaparte took it into his head that as far as France was concerned the title should be abandoned. We do not pretend to state that the title in question is altogether a fallacy, but that the statutes are simply those of the Grand and Royal Conclave of the Religious and Military Order of Masonic Knights Templar in England and Wales. We had hoped to have found recorded some data, which step-like would have led us into the examination of the position of this Order of Masonry; but we must, it appears, take that office on ourselves at some early opportunity. The statutes, nevertheless, as far as they go, are welcome.

The Golden Remains of the Early Masonic Writers. Edited by the Rev. George Oliver, D.D. R. Spencer, London.

The first number of this work of promise has appeared, and contains the "Introduction," which, it is hardly needful to say, is written in the author's best style-the list of spurious publications is interesting, and affords the very striking moral lesson that in assailing so "holy" an institution all attacks fall harmless, and only serve to prove the purity of Freemasonry. The doctor can now and then be merry and quaint-enlivening the reader by the cheerfulness of his own spirit. The first lecture is on the rise and progress of Freemasonry, and the second on a defence of Masonry (occasioned by a pamphlet called "Masonry Dissected,") by Dr. Anderson, 1730. The notes are critical and explanatory.

Histoire Philosophique de la Franc-Maçonnerie. Paris.

Bros. Kauffman and Chirpen still continue their researches into the principles, acts, and tendencies of the Order-quoting many authorities and extracting therefrom much interesting matter; the work has all the character of French literature, and requires to be very critically read and examined.

Stray Leaves from a Freemasons Note Book. Spencer.

We regret this very delightful book is not yet complete-its publication being delayed for the reception of many additional and interesting subjects, so that we must defer our remarks for the present; we cannot refrain, however, from adverting to "the prizes in the church," a sad

VOL. IV.

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