United Grand Lodge.

UNITED GRAND LODGE .

TflHE Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge , to JL be held on Wednesday , the 7 th of next month , promises to be of more than usual interest , mainly on account of the competition for the office of Grand

Treasurer , the excitement in connection with which election has induced the authorities to arrange for the opening of Grand Lodge as early as two o ' clock , when the preliminary business , consisting of the usual

elections , will be taken , the poll for Grand Treasurership remaining open until 7 * 15 p . m ., after which no ballot papers will be received . The business before Grand Lodge other than the elections will be taken at seven

o ' clock , the usual hour , and from the agenda , of which

we publish a copy in another part of this issue , we do not anticipate it will be of very protracted duration .

The Eeport of the Board of Benevolence contains but three recommendations ; one for a grant of £ 60 , and two for grants of £ 50 each , and these will no doubt be confirmed .

The Eeport of the Board of General Purposes refers to some unpleasant matters , the most prominent being the first mentioned , relating to the action of a Brother who was intrusted with the disposal of a sum of money

voted by the Board of Benevolence , and whose conduct has called forth an edict of suspension from all Masonic privileges until the further order of the Board of General Purposes .

Then we have an unfortunate misunderstanding as to a vote in Lodge , which brings two Brethren under the ban of suspension for a term of six months , but as they appeal against this sentence of the Board it is net

for us to here discuss the merits of the case . All we can do is to urge that as much leniency as possible be displayed , and that if the offence is rather a

matter of misunderstanding than actual opposition to the Eegulations of the Craft , it may be found possible to modify the decision of the Board of General Purposes . Some valuable additions have been made to the Library and Museum of Grand Lodge , the most

noteable being the valuable collection of books , manuscripts ,

medals , & c , & c ., of the late Major George E . Irwin , which we believe is the most valuable donation ever made to our national collection . It contains some rare treasures which will place the collection of Grand

Lodge much above its former standing , and will , we hope , be full y appreciated by archaeologists and students throughout , the Craft generally . Bearing in mind the

special value of the gift , whicn comes to Grand Lodge through the kindness of Mrs . Irwin , the Craft will readily endorse the action of the Board of General

United Grand Lodge.

Purposes , who sent a special illuminated expression of thanks to the donor , and this has been suitably

acknowledged by Mrs . Irwin . Now that it is shewn gifts for the Museum and Library are really appreciated by the ruling power of English Freemasonry , it is to be hoped that other Brethren , or their friends , will consider the expediency

of making similar donations , whenever collections or single articles are available . We should like to see the display in the hands of our Grand Lodge increased to such proportions as would place it far and away above

all other such collections m every part of the world , and a few such generous donors as Mrs . Irwin would soon make such a desirable result an accomplished fact .

The other business is of minor importance . The Auditor of Grand Lodge will present his annual

account of the receipts and expenditure of Grand Lodge , and then the Appeal to which we have already , referred will come on for consideration — we hope the complaint will be settled to the satisfaction of all

concerned . During the past quarter warrants for eleven new Lodges have been granted , the numbers ranging from

2493 to 2503 . Of this number eight are for Lodges to meet in the provinces of England , one for a Lodge in London , one for South Africa , and one for Queensland .

On the whole the Craft has every reason to be satisfied with the prospects of the English Brotherhood , as exemplified in the programme of the business to be

transacted at its next Quarterly Communication . One thing is at least certain—it will be an exciting meeting , from an electoral standpoint .

Consecration At Thrapston.

CONSECRATION AT THRAPSTON .

ANEW Mark Lodge was consecrated on the 8 th inst . by the Pro Grand Master , the Et . Hon . the Earl of Euston , who was assisted by Bro . C . E . Matier Grand Secretary , and other Grand Officers . The Hon . J . Powys , son of Lord Lilford , was installed as Worshipful Master

by Bro . Matier , whilst Sir A . de Capel Brooke was the Senior Warden , and Bro . Parsons , of Bedford , the Junior Warden . The Brethren afterwards retired to a banquet held at the White Hart Hotel .

The first annual supper of the Upton Lodge of Instruction , No . 1227 , will take place at the Three Nuns Hotel , Aldgate , on Monday , the 5 th March ; at 6-30 for 7 o ' clock . Bro . C . Schmidt W . M . of the Mother Lodge

will preside , supported by his Officers . Tickets ( 4 / - each ) may be had of Bro . G . A . Peters ( Secretary ) , 151 Balls Pond Boad , N .