The Benevolent Institution Festival.

THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FESTIVAL .

"ITT is with considerable gratification we learn that satisfactory - ¦ - progress has so far been made in securing Stewards for the Anniversary Festival of the Benevolent Institution , to be held on the 26 th of next month , under the presidency of the

Eight Hon . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex , and we hope that the same success may attend the last month ' s working on behalf of the Pestival as has marked its earlier preparation ; for even at this late

date it is possible to do much on behalf of the good cause if only energetic Brethren can be induced to take an interest in the Fund , and canvass among their friends for the necessary contributions to carry on the benevolent work of the Institution .

It is sometimes said there is no necessity to continually refer fco these regular Festivals , as every Brother is aware of them , and the different Lodges are officially apprised of their date and other particulars , but we know from experience there

are many who would lend a hand in the work if they had the subject brought directly under their notice , while in some cases the circulars sent by the Institutions to the Lodges are

mislaid or overlooked until the meeting has concluded , with the result that they are not regularly brought before the Lodge members , and a possible Steward is lost .

As evidence of the need that exists for more Stewards

for the approaching Festival we may refer to the long array of candidates seeking admission to the Institution , compared with the existing number of vacancies , the figures at the present time being 116 candidates , and only fifteen vacancies ,

while the creation of more annuities can only be thought of as an adjunct to a specially successful Festival . It is therefore evident that those who desire to see an extension of benefits cannot do better than start at the foundation , and

endeavour , by their own exertions , or by inducing others to take up the work , to bring about an exceptional list of subscriptions , following which it will be possible to ask for extended benefits .

It is not by reference to the long list of candidates alone , however , that we are able fco prove the claims of this Institution . £ 16 , 000 per annum is required for existing annuities , and as it is necessary to secure this amount before thinking of any extension it must be afc once conceded the need is greafc .

Masonic Records.

MASONIC RECORDS .

IT must be of exceptional interest to antiquaries in fche mystic Craffc of Freemasonry to be informed of the issue of a book ( privately printed ) entitled , " The Alnwick Manuscript , " or the reproduction and transcript of both the " Old Charges , " and the Orders and minutes of this particular Lodge , extending from 1701

to 1757 . These Lodge regulations , in connection with fche minutes , are considered to be the oldest preserved in fchis country . Their reproduction , in facsimile of the original , has been under fche auspices of the management of the " Library of the Newcastle College , United Provinces of Northumberland , Durham , and Berwick-on-Tweed , Societas Eosicruciana in Anglia . " And

Masonic Records.

according to the statement of the trustees , Brothers Charles Fendeiow , T . J . Armstrong , and F . Schnifcger , the principal object for which the library of this college was founded is the collection and preservation of Masonic documents relating to Freemasonry in general , especially of such as have reference to the past history of fche various Orders in the above Province .

The joint editors , in preparing the " book"state , what naturally might be expected , that the manuscript in question bears the trace of time , its edges being sadly worm-eaten , torn , and doubled up , in some places stained by water , and many parts extremely faint , but have been well worked up in fche reproduction .

It seems that for many years the document was retained in the custody of the late Bro . Adam Eobertson , of Alnwick , and shortly before his decease it was handed fco fche trustees of the library . The reproduction is dedicated to him , and also to the late Bro . Edward Thew Turnbull , of Percy House , Alnwick , both of whom , in their day , were strong pillars in the Masonic world .

The discovery of the Alnwick copy is due to Bro . W . J . Hughan , of Torquay , who prepared a painstaking and reliable sketch of the same . The services of Bro . Eobert Hudson , who has been for a long period Provincial Grand Secretary of Durham , were also very valuable , as he greatly aided in the tracing and preservation of the document .

It further appears from the appendix to the " book , thafc the document consists of 36 leaves bound together , or 72 pages , of which those numbered 1 to 12 contain the Constitutions ; 13 , 14 , 15 , and parb of 16 , the rules and regulations or Orders ; and the remaining part of page 16 , also 17 and 18 are covered by

signatures . Some of the other pages contain no writing , whilst others give minutes of proceedings , enrolment of members , account of monies received , and disbursements . Like the Gateshead ( Industry ) and Mary Chapel minute books , the entries are not in chronological order . It is surmised that the cost of

paper induced the Secretary or clerk to fill up vacant spaces , or that fche manuscript was composed of partly new and partly old matter , and this is borne out by the fact that pages are missing . One name appears somewhat prominently in the manuscript , that of Nicholas Brown , who for a long time officiated as clerk

or Secretary , and enquires in Alnwick have elicited the fact that he was an attorney in fchafc town . What may be termed the historical portion of the manuscript is of a most interesting character . The business transacted as recorded in the minutes of the Lodge meetings , was of a practical kind , and shows that the

Brethren greatly appreciated the good work they were able to accomplish jusfc us much as do their successors at the present day in the feudal town of Alnwick and elsewhere . Ifc may be further stated that the librarian and committee of " Newcastle

College Transactions " desire the co-operation of members of the Craft generally to assist fchem in obtaining old Masonic records or documents , in order to still further add GO the value of the library , and the extension of Masonie literature . — " Newcastle Daily Chronicle . "

National Artillery Lodge.

NATIONAL ARTILLERY LODGE .

THIS new Lodge , established for the convenience of members of the National Artillery Association , was consecrated on Wednesday , at the Criterion , by Bro . Edward Letchworth Grand Secretary , who was assisted by Major-General J . E . Hay , C . B ., Colonel John Davis A . D . C , the Eev . J . S . Brownrigg , Bro .

Frank Eiehardson , and Major-General F . Gadsden . Lieut .-Colonel James T . Eitchie , E . A ., was installed as the first Master of the Lodge , the collar of Immediate Past Master was conferred on Lord Eoberts , Captain W . A . Weston was invested as Senior Warden , and Major H . Vane Stow as Junior Warden ; Colonel

H . M . Hozier was elected Treasurer , and Lieutenant J . G . W . James was appointed Secretary . Other offices were conferred upon Captain W . Nicholls , Captain H . Turner , Major Lewis-Barned , Lieut .-Colonel Murley , the Earl of Stradbroke , and Captain H . C . Wilson . A bauquefc followed the ceremony .