A Pattern For Emulation.

A PATTERN FOR EMULATION .

THROUGH the kind assistance of Bro . L . J . Jukes Secretary of the Dervvent Lodge , No . 40 , we are this week enabled to publish in another part of our issue a brief account of " The Edwards Trust , " which we think will be read with

interest by Brethren in all parts of the country . It is difficult to speak in this connection with authority , as it is only a few weeKs since we were first made acquainted with the existence of this Masonic Charity , but we believe we are right in saying that it stands as a unique example of the exercise of true

Masonic spirit in the Kingdom . But even if there are many other similar benefits about us we feel it will be agreed this one deserves special mention at our hands—to be followed by reference to any other existing Funds , as they may come under notice .

As will be seen by a reference to the account which Bro . Jukes -has kindly supplied us , a Home of Rest has been provided for members of the Derwent Lodge , or their widows , through the generosity of a gentleman who desired to show appreciation of the kindliness of the Craft towards his late

father , who was one oi the most respected Past Masters of the Derwent Lodge , and who died in 1842 , after being associated with the Lodge for thirty-six years . As the worthy Secretary of the Lodge says , the gift has proved a boon to the Lodge , and we sincerely join him in the wish that " some

of our wealthy Brethren will follow the example so admirably set . " It is true we have an Institution which cares for a very large number of aged distressed members of the Craft , or their Widows , but we know of no more desirable way of supplementing and assisting the work of that Charity , or of

aiding the cause of Masonic Benevolence generally , than by founding such " Homes of Rest " as that so happily associated with the Derwent Lodge , at Hastings . Long may it prosper ,

and many the imitators it may find in various parts of the country is our ardent desire . We thanK Bro . Jukes for enabling us to put the particulars of the Trust before our readers .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

THE March meeting of the Board of Benevolence , which was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Hall , was very heavy in the shape of the number of cases which were

on the list for relief , and it was also remarkable in the fewness of the petitions which stood over for further information , and in those that were refused . There were no less than forty-three petitions on the list , and of these only three were deferred , one was withdrawn , and one was dismissed .

Bro . J . H . Matthews presided , Bro . D . D . Mercer Senior Vice President , and Bro . Henry Garrod Junior Vice President being at their respective posts . . Bro . W . Lake Asst . Grand Secretary , Bro . W . Dodd , and Bro . G . S . Recknell represented the Grand Secretary .

The sum of £ 210 , referred to the . Grand Master , at the last meeting for his approval , as gifts to certain Brethren , having met with his sanction , was confirmed , and the new list was then entered upon . In the course of a three hours sitting the sum of £ 925 was disposed of in the following

proportions : —Grand Lod ge was asked to sanction £ 100 being awarded to one petitioner , and £ 50 each to two others . The Grand Master was asked to approve of five gifts of £ 40 each , and eight of £ 30 each . Eight donations were made of £ 20 each , eleven of £ 10 each , and three of £ 5 each .

Starkie Memorial.

STARKIE MEMORIAL .

THE East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution has determined to perpetuate the

Starkie Memorial.

memory of the late Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , who was for many years Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire , by the purchase of a life presentation to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ' for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons . This will entail an outlay of £ 1 , 550 . To meet

this liability and to otherwise help forward the special objects of the East Lancashire Institution in the way of an enlarged charity , great efforts are being put forth to raise £ 6 , 000 at the Provincial festival to be held in the Royal Botanical Gardens , Old Trafford , on the 26 th June . By a similar

function at the same place , in 1895 £ 4 , 413 was realised . It is expected that Lord Stanley will preside over the meeting in the Gardens , and will thus make his first public appearance among the Brethren under his rule since his installation as Provincial Grand Master , at the Free Trade

Hall , Manchester , in November 1899 . His absence from the Province has been amply accounted for by his discharge of duty under Lord Roberts in South Africa , and since his return to England by the calls upon his time as a member of the Government .

Durham.

DURHAM .

AN especial meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge will be held on the 27 th inst , the Prov . Grand Master the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., presiding . The principal

business will be the passing of addresses , one of condolence with the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Victoria , the other of congratulation on the accession of King Edward VII .

Durham.

DURHAM .

IT is announced that Lord Barnard Provincial Grand Master-designate will be installed towards the end of June , in the Hall 011 College Green , Durham , on which occassion there will also be a function at the Cathedral , and a gathering in the grand old Castle Hall .

West Lancashire.

WEST LANCASHIRE .

FuR the first time since the Chapter of Harmony , No . 220 , Garston , was formed ( nearly fifty years ago ) , Garston is to be honoured by a visit of the Provincial Grand Chapter of West Lancashire , which will take place on the 22 nd April .

The arrangements for the reception of the Earl of Lathom Grand Superintendent and the Provincial Grand Officers are being made by the local Chapter , and the two largest oublic rooms in the town , the Co-operative Hall and the Reading Room , have been secured for the occasion .

Freemasonry In France.

FREEMASONRY IN FRANCE .

PARIS , March 20 . THE Chamber of Deputies to-day resumed the debate on the Associations Bill . M . Prache continued his speech against Freemasonry . His amendment in favour cf

subjecting Freemasons to the same regulations as religious congregations was rejected by 319 votes to 3 . The whole of the Clause 13 was then adopted by 312 votes to 232 . Clause 14 , which prohibits members of unauthorised congregations from engaging in educational work , was then taken up . —Reuter .

A question of interest to every Freemason is the date at which the Duke of Connaught will be installed in the position of Grand Master , to which he has just b ° e" ^ - ~< - ~ -

in succession to the King ; and with it is coupled anothei , and that is of the place wherein this ceremony is to be held . The Albert Hall is almost naturally suggested , for not only