Durham.

the Lodges , for he could assure them that nothing so strengthened the hands of the younger Brethren than to find that their older Brethren took an interest in the work , and nothing could do more to improve the work of the younger ones than the knowledge they derived from the elder . Their

charitable subscriptions had been well maintained during the year . In addition to their own local Charities , the sum of £ 750 had been sent up to the three Central Charities . During the year they had had to mourn the death of several

distinguished Brethren , Masons whose services to Freemasonry they had very highly appreciated . In conclusion , Lord Barnard said he could only repeat what he said at Durham , that nothing should be wanting on his part to do what he could for Freemasonry in the Province .

The Provincial Grand Master then appointed the Officers for the ensuing year . Subsequently , upon the proposition of Lord Barnard , it was decided to forward votes of thanks to the Dean and

Chapter of Durham , the Durham University authorities , to Lord Amherst Pro Grand Master , the Durham Brethren , and all others who assisted m making the meeting of the Grand Lodge at Durham such a signal success . i he Provincial Grand Lodge was suosequently closed in due form .

The annual banquet was afterwards held in the Reception Room at the Town Hall , Lord Barnard in the chair , supported by Bro . Victor A . Williamson , C . M . G ., as Deputy Provincial G . M . in the absence through indisposition of

the Rev . Canon Tristram , D . D . The Loyal toast was proposed by the Provincial Grand Master and also the toast of the Most Worshipful Grand Master PI . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , and Officers of Grand Lodge present and past .

Bro . Victor Williamson P . G . W . England responded , and proposed the toast of the Prov . Grand Master Lord Barnard . They had heard his kind offer to the Province for the Festival next year . It was a project which would be very successful .

He could not conceive a more delightful outing than the invitation to Raby Castle for the Festival which it had been resolved to hold next year in aid of the Durham Masonic Education Fund and the Hudson Benevolent Fund .

Bro . Lord Barnard responded , and expressed the great pleasure it had been to him to preside that day . Pie had been struck by the cordial reception which had been extended to him by the Sunderland Brethren .

He proposed the Deputy Prov . G . M . and Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , and specially acknowledged the efforts of the Mayor of Sunderland Bro . J . G . kirtley P . Prov . S . G . W ., in making with the Committee the local arrangements for the gathering of that day . Bro . Kirtley acknowledged the toast in a suitable manner .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

Shurmur Chapter , No . 2374 . INSTALLATION OF COMP . W . T . LEGG

THE annual meeting of this excellent Chapter was held on Thursday of last week , at the Ro ) r al Forest Hotel , Chingford , when a goodly number of the members and their friends assembled to take part in the interesting proceedings . In consequence of the death of the Right Hon . Comp . William Wither Bramston Beach

riiird Grand Principal the Companions appeared in Arch mourning . The Chapter was formally opened by Comps . C . H . Bestow P . Prov . G . Swd . Br . M . E . Z ., William Shurmur P . Z . P . G . St . Br . acting H ., and Tames Clark P . Prov . A . G . S . E . J- The Companions were

then admitted , when the minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . Dispensations from the Grand Chapter were read empowering the installation of Comps . W . T . Legg and James Clark in the chairs of First and Second Principals respectively , although not possessing the qualifying service .

Comp . William Shurmur , having kindly consented to perform the ceremonies , then assumed the chair , and installed Comp . W . T . Legg as M . E . Z ., Comu . James Clark as H ., and Comp . Percy Trickett as J . Although still slightly suffering from the effects of his recent severe illness , Comp . Shurmur fully maintained his reputation as an able expounder of the ritual and delighted all those who had the privilege of listening to him .

1 he following Officers were invested : William Gower P . Prov . G . R . Treasurer , Walter Fortescue Scribe E ., John Hamilton Scribe N ., W . H . Gmvcley P . S ., J . C . Francis ist Asst ., W " . J . Beaumont 2 nd Asst ., G . J . Stubbings D . C , N . E . Temple and R . Eustace Stewards , E . C . Holmes Organist , and John Ives Janitor .

The report of the Audit Committee , which revealed a very satisfactory state of the finances , was received and adopted . Comp . Shurmur , in the name of the Chapter , then presented the Past Z ' s . jewel to Comp . Bestow , as a . mark of the esteem in which he is held by the Companions . He said that owing to illness he had been unable to instal Comp . Bestow in the chair , but it afforded him great satisfaction and pleasure in being the medium

Royal Arch.

through whom the presentation was made , and he congratulated the I . P . Z . upon the manner in which he had carried out his duties iji the chair . Comp . Bestow returned thanks , and said he had done his utmost

to promote the prosperity of the Chapter , and was glad to know that his efforts had given satisfaction . He also expressed the gratification of the Companions at the restoration to health of their good friend and founder , and their pleasure at seeing him once more amongst them .

The Chapter was then closed , and the Companions adjourned to the banquet room , where a pleasant meal was served . At its termination the usual toasts were submitted and duly honoured . A capital musical programme was provided , in which Miss Grace Malenoir , Miss Sophie Coghlan , and Bro . Duncan Tovey took part .

* ********* Hornsey Chapter of Improvement , No . 890 . A CONVOCATION was held on the 27 th ult ., at the . Prince ot Wales Hotel , Eastbourne Terrace , Bishops Road , Paddington , W . Present , Comps . A . F . Hardymcnt J . 148 9 M . E . Z ., H . Foskett

M . E . Z . 18 5 H ., C . Webster J . 1642 J ., Dehane P . Z . S 90 P . P . G . P . S . Essex S . E ., Walter Hancock P . Z . 91 and 1614 S . N ., H . Foskett 890 Treasurer , H . J . Dunaway 59 P . S ., A . L . Butters J . 890 First A . S ., I . M . Huish H . 185 Second A . S ., W . Hillier P . Z . 8 34 , E . Stevens 733 , F . Marchant P . S . 890 . Visitor : J . W . Smith 177 .

The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Smith candidate . The Officers for the ensuing two weeks were elected , Comp . Foskett M . E . Z . Comp . Smith was elected a member , and acknowledged the compliment . Companions Hardyment and Dunaway were complimented on their excellent work .

********** WANTED for a Chapter of Improvement , a miniature set of furniture—new or second hand . Send particulars , with price , to E ., care of FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE , New Barnet .

****************** West African Minos . THE members of the Temporary Organisation Committee announce that a general meeting will be held in Winchester House , Old Broad Street , E . G ., on Wednesday next , 9 th inst ., at 2 . 30 p . m ., for the purpose of establishing a West African Chamber of Mines ,

and to elect an Executive Council with power to frame the Constitution of the Chamber . Letters of invitation are under preparation , and will be sent to all interested in the development of the West African Mining- Industry , on application to the Hon . Sec . pro tern ., at the temporary offices , 14 Queen Victoria Street , London , E . C .

****************** The New Palace Steamers have successfully concluded their sailings between London and Southend , Margate , Ramsgate , Calais , Boulogne aind Ostend for this season , and the " La Marguerite , " "Royal Sovereign . " and " Koh-i-Noor" will now lay in Tilbury Dock to be thoroughly overhauled before commencing another season " s sailings . During the past season the steamers

have carried 326 , 950 passengers , being an excess over the previous vear of 2 ^ . 000 and , in view of the present depression of trade and traffic , the Company have every reason to be satisfied with the season's result . " La Marguerite ' s " Thursday trips to Calais and back have been extremely well patronised , and have , no doubt , helped considerably to bring that historic town , with its countless attractions to the English visitor , more prominently before the holiday public .

General Steam Navigation Co.

GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION Co .

LONDON AND EDINBURGH . The " SEAM'EW , " one of the finest and fastest Steamers on the Coast , is now on the Edinburgh Route . Every W-ednesday' and Saturday from each end . FARES—Chief Cabin , 22 s ; Return , 34 s . Fore Cabin , 16 s : Return , 24 s 6 d .

TOURS IN THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND . 6 day Tour £ 3 8 s 6 d , q day Tour £ 4 14 s od , 12 day Tour £ p 19 s 6 d . Including ist class Passage to Edinburgh and back , with meajs on board , and carriage of bicycle and hotel accommodation , with board in the Highlands . These tours have been designed primarily to meet the wants of Cyclists , but are equally suitable to ordinary Tourists and holiday-makers .

Route Map , Itineraries and all information on application . OSTEND . By the very fast twin-screw steamer " CALVADOS . " Chief Cabin , Single 7 s 6 d ; Return , 10 s 6 d . Food Contract each way 3 s 6 d , if previously arranged with the Steward . HAMBURG via HARWICH .

From Liverpool Street Station , Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8 . 40 p . m . Saloon and 2 nd class Rail , Single £ 1 15 s gd : Return £ 2 13 s qd .

BORDEAUX . Every Saturday . Chief Cabin , Single £ 2 10 s od ; Return , £ 4 os od . Fore Cabin , Single £ 1 15 s od ; Return , £ 5 os od . ¦ Company ' s Illustrated Guide free , on application to G . S . N . Co ., 55 Great Tower Street , E . C , By Post 3 d ,