Essex.

as follow : —Comps . G . H . Finch P . Z . 2005 P . P . G . J ., John J . C . Turner P . Z . 51 P . P . G . J ., and Francis A . White P . Z . 1437 P . P . G . J . The Provincial Superintendent then addressed the Companions . He remarked that he was very pleased to once more be amongst his Companions in Essex . As one

advanced in life one felt more the value of one ' s early friendships , and it did his heart good to look upon their kindly faces . Their Province , like all good institutions , had not made much history during , the past year . The number of Chapters remained the same , though the membership had slightly increased , and was in fair proportion to the Lodges .

He was glad to know that they were a happy family—there was no friction of any sort ; and the Chapters were carrying on the higher work which was a continuation of that commenced in the Craft , and to which those only who realised the value of Freemasonry attained . They therefore

in the R . A . had what might justly be called the cream of the Brethren . The Provincial Grand Superintendent concluded by thanking the Companions for the kindness with which he was always received ; and assured them that their best interests were his constant aim .

The Companions then elected the Provincial Grand Treasurer , Comp . Andrew Durrant being unanimously reappointed for the sixteenth time . The Provincial Superintendent afterwards proceeded to appoint and invest his Officers for the ensuing year , asunder : Comp . Rev . Canon Quennell - - - H .

E . J . Bowmaker - - - - J . Thos . J . Railing ( re-appointed ) - - Scribe E . F . S . Guy ----- Scribe N . W . Gower ----- Registrar F . J . Eedle - Principal Sojourner T . Grummant - - - - 1 st Assist . Sojourner C . R . Finch - - - - 2 nd Assist . Sojourner

C . W . Barnard - Sword Bearer J . S . Hammond .... Standard Bearer A . Lucking ( re-appoihted ) - - - Director of Ceremonies G . W . Pascall .... Assistant Dir . of Cers . J . Boreham .... Organist J . R . Carter ... . Assistant Scribe E . A . W . Martin .... Janitor .

On the motion of the Provincial Grand Superintendent a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Principals and Companions of the Priory Chapter , for the excellent arrangements they had made for the meeting . The vote was acknowledged by Comp . E . J . Bowmaker M . E . Z . 1000 .

The Prov . Grand Superintendent then announced that the next meeting would be held at Chingford . Before the Chapter was closed it was agreed , on the suggestion of the Prov . Grand Superintendent , that the Prov . Grand Scribe E . should write a letter . of condolence with Comp . Geo . Corbie the retiring Prov . Grand H ., who had been unable to attend the meeting , on account of the death of his brother .

The Companions , to the number of about fifty , afterwards dined together at the Middleton Hotel , an excellent repast being well served by the Host Comp . Buxton . In the course of the evening the usual toasts were honoured .

In proposing that of the Prov . Grand Superintendent Canon Quennell said they as R . A . Masons were very glad that Judge Philbrick when resigning the post of D . P . G . M . of the Craft had not found it necessary to give up his position as Provincial Grand Superintendent . He assured His Honour that they valued very highly the work he had done as a Mason , and trusted that he would continue to preside over them for a long time to come .

The Provincial Grand Superintendent was heartily received on rising to respond . He said he had carefully considered whether he ought not to give up the position he held amongst them , bnt had come to the conclusion that the position of things was different in the R . A ., and till he felt that his retention of the position of Prov . Grand Superintendent was disadvantageous to the interests of the Order , they might count on his best services .

Charity In West Lancashire.

CHARITY IN WEST LANCASHIRE .

ON Friday evening , 7 th inst ., Bro . Dr . J . Kellett Smith P . P . G . Registrar presided at the annual meeting of the Court of Governors of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , held at the Masonic Hall , Hope Street , Liverpool , where there was a numerous attendance . Ten children were elected on the combined educational and advancement funds of the Institution .

Charity In West Lancashire.

The various Officers of the charity were elected , Bro . J . Callow being re-appointed Honorary Treasurer , and Bro . T . Edwards P . M . 1380 chosen one of the Honorary Secretaries

in succession to Bro . J . H . Tyson , who wished to retire from the post . Auditors and Committees were also appointed , and it was resolved to hold the annual ball at the usual period in 18 99 . Thanks to the Officers and to the Chairman of the evening were given in the course of the proceedings .

Alpass Benevolent Institution.

ALPASS BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

f 1 HHE care and education of children are the primary JL objects of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution ; generous help to aged Freemasons is the basis

of the Hamer Fund ; and thoughtful consideration for the necessities of the Widows of deceased members of the Order is the object of the Alpass Institution , which bears a name universally honoured in the Province of West Lancashire .

Generous support is given to each by the Brethren in West Lancashire , individually and collectively , and in aid of the Alpass section of the schemes another of a series of

successful Festivals was held on Thursday of last week , at Southport , where there was a gathering of more than 150 Ladies and Brethren who had the '' poor widows' " interests at heart .

The festival gathering took place at the Prince of Wales Hotel , the post of President being held by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool , Bro . Alderman John Houlding G . D . of England P . P . G . W . of West Lancashire , who was accompanied by the Lady Mayoress , Mrs . W . Houlding .

In the course of the pleasant proceedings , music of an enjoyable character was furnished by Madame ; Marie Meunier , Bro . G . Piatt , Bro . T . Shaw , and Madame Theresa Burnett ( accompanist ) . Bro . Wylie D . P . G . M ., in proposing the health of the

President of the Festival , referred to the earnestness with which the Lord Mayor had entered into the carrying out of the arrangements in connection with the Festival , adding that it was largely due to his influence and interest that a success had been secured .

The Lord Mayor , is responding , gave interesting details with respect to the inception and progress of the West Lancashire Charitable Institutions , and expressed a hope that the Alpass would be able to continue the good work for

which it had been established . Charity was the essential principle of Masonry , and they were only illustrating this fact in the fullest sense when they gave liberal support to the Charity in whose interests they had gathered that day .

The Lady Mayoress , in a brief , pointed , and graceful speech , also acknowledged the compliment . Bro . Goodacre , in proposing the West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution , said it had been established some 14 or 15 years ago , as a monument of his immediate predecessor

as Prov . G . Sec . Brother H . S . Alpass , and the importance of the scheme was shown by the fact that at present they had on the foundation no fewer than sixty-three annuitants ,

whose grants involved the annual expenditure of about £ 1 , 000 . The income yearly from subscriptions only realised about £ 250 , and hence the necessity for the Festival which was taking place that day .

In reply to the toast the Hon . Sec . Bro . J . A . Brown , after referring to the almost invaluable services rendered by the Lord Mayor , the Ladies , and many Brethren , announced that the subscription list up to date totalled £ 850 , the announcement being received with loud applause . Bro . Harraden the Hon . Treasurer of the Charity also responded . — " Preston Herald . "

There is a very heavy agenda of business for the annual meeting of the Shurmur Lodge , No . 2374 , on Thursday next , when the Lodge will meet at 2 o ' clock , at the Royal Forest Hotel ,- Chingford . There is one candidate for raising , four for passing , and no less than nine gentlemen who will be

balloted for as candidates for initiation , after which will come the installation of Bro . S . C . Kaufman as Worshipful Master , the appointment and investiture of Officers , and the general business of the annual gathering . The Provincial

Gra ' nd Master of Essex , his Deputy and Assistant . Officers , together with representatives of every Lodge in the Province have been invited , so that we anticipate another great event will have to be credited to the successful Lodge which bears the name of the very popular Brother Shurmur .