Middlesex.

must add his testimony as to the work performed by Comp . Beach , who always carried out his duties as they out to be carried out . Everybody knew his reputation , and there was no Englishman but would acknowledge that he had done his duty to the satibfaction of tiie

country at large . With regard to their Grand Superintendent he thought his appointment was a sigu of great promise for the advancement of the Province , as

Lord George Hamilton would carry out his duty to the satisfaction of his own conscience aud the welfare of the Companions ; he heartily wished him a happy and successful career .

The Grand Superintendent , in responding , said that as he had before stated he had considerable reluctance to futil the position , but having accepted it he would discharge the duties to the best of his ability . He found that as he got on in life his duties iuci eased , and he had

not so much time at his disposal , but he was ei ; coura id by the fact that he had two staiv \ art piiiars ( Oomps . Thrupp and Mead ) to lean upon . He trusted the result of that day ' s investiture would prove satisfactory to the Companions , and he tiiauked them all for their assistance and kindly sympathy .

In proposing the Provincial Grand Officers he said the Province of Middlesex occupied an unrivalled position in the Order , which was mainly due to the Past Officers , because unless there were a number of men

prepared to give their time and attention to the work , the Order must soon fall . Their duties were done quietly and unostentatiously , and they had brought up the organisation to the highest state of perfection . It was in fact the same great secret that had brought our

spirit and " sense of patriotism which thoroughly dispelled the notion that men would do nothing unless paid for it . Comp . Thrupp said that no light responsibility had devolved upon him in carrying on the business of the

little Island to its proud position , namely , that public

Province since the lamented death of Sir Francis Burdett , but he had always the ready assistance and willing cooperation of good Officers . Their labours were not repaid in coin , but in the hearty appreciation and cordial support of their Brethren . Comp . Noel Money , in replying for the Visitors , said that he cordially appreciated the sympathy that existed between the Provinces of Middlesex and Surrey , and he was sure in matters Masonic they had everything in common . The Visitors were exceedingly gratified at the

beautiful ceremony , and he congratulated the Companions on having such an excellent Mason to preside over them . The post prandial proceedings were enlivened by a capital programme of songs under the direction of Comp . Schartau , assisted by Comps . Vivian Bennetts , James Brand , and William Bradford .

Dorset.

DORSET .

THE Provincial Grand Lodge was held at Bridport , on Tuesday , 30 th ult ., aud largely attended ,

notwithstanding the fact that other important county engagements prevented the attendance of many of the Brethren . The proceedings commenced at 12 * 30 in the Congregational Schoolroom , where members of St . Mary ' s Lodge had made adequate arrangements for the accommodation and comfort of the Brethren .

In the absence of the P . G . M . ( Bro . Montagu Guest ) Bro . W . E . Brymer , M . P ., D . P . G . M . presided . The roll of Lodges having been called , and the minutes of the last Prov . Grand Lodge at Weymouth confirmed ,

the acting Prov . G . Chaplain ( Rev . P . G . U . Pickering ) delivered an eloquent lecture , after which the Provincial Grand Sec . ( Bro . R . Case ) read a number of letters from Brethren who had been prevented from attending . Other business connected with the P . Grand Lodge

was transacted , including the receiving of the reports of the Charity Organisation and Dorset Masonic Charity Committees , and the voting of £ 20 to the latter Charity

again nominated . The following were invested as Prov . Grand Officers for the ensuing year :

and £ 21 to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Bro . Dugdale , who has acted as Steward of the Province to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for so many years , and with much zeal and success , was

Dorset.

Bro . Major McAdam - - - Senior Warden J . J . Koper . -.- Junior Warden Eev . P . G . U . Pickering - - Chaplain

R . D . Thornton - - - Treasurer P » . Case .... Secretary W . Roberts ... - Senior Deacon J . Blarney . . . - Junior Deacon

C . Toleman - - - Director of Ceremonies J . J . Lawrence - - - Assistant Dir . of Cera . W . B . Alexander - - - Sword Bearer H . Maunder ... Organist H . W . White - - - Pursuivant

C . F . Yearsley - - - \ A . Knight .... P . J . Gavin - - - OJ . „„ . „„ J „ R . C . Cave- - - - V stewa ^ R . Gill ....

W . Oxley - - - - ; S . C . Vye .... Tyler . The usual votes of thanks having been accorded to the W . M . a < i Krethren of the receiving Lodge for their hospitality , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed with

the usual ceremony . Luncheon followed at the Town Hall , and the customary toasts were drunk . The proceedings

throughout were of a very pleasant character . — " Bournemouth Guardian . "

Australian Fruit Culture . —Our well known Brother—James Stevens—who has for some time past acted as Representative of the Australian Irrigation Colonies , gave a most successful series of lectures at Manchester , during the holding of the British and Colonial Industrial Exhibition there in September and October , and we believe he created considerable interest among his audiences in the work he particularly refers to . On these occasions he had the

assistance of the limelight photo-views which are so attractive an adjunct to his lectures , while it may also be said that his ability as a speaker served to heighten the effect they produced ; each , as" a matter of fact , assisting the other . Bro . Stevens will deliver his lecture at the Horticultural College , Swanley , Kent , on Tuesday , 20 th inst ., at 7 p . m . We wish our old friend continued success in his efforts .

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