An Opportunity For Action.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION .

BEFOBE the members of the Craft have time to recover from the excitement of this most exciting Jubilee week another event of paramount importance in Freemasonry looms in the immediate future , and , for a time at least , will prevent our returning to the routine of ordinary life . The doings of

the past few days have , in very many cases , consisted of continuous endeavours to ensure the enjoyment of ourselves ; now we are asked to face the stern realities of life , and make an effort to provide the necessaries of existence for some of

our less favoured fellow creatures . In the week now ending we have endeavoured to prove our loyalty to the Queen , next week we shall have the opportunity of showing devotion to the Craft , by aiding one of its Charity funds—the Eoyal Masonic Institution for Boys .

The ninety-ninth Anniversary Festival of this most useful Institution . is to be held on Wednesday next , at the Hotel Cecil , Strand , under the presidency of the Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland the Eight Hon . Lord

Henry Cavendish Bentinek , M . P ., and despite the numerous counter attractions of this most memorable year , we are sanguine enough to believe that the Craft will have no occasion to be disappointed at the result , although in saying

this much we are fully alive to tbe many other calls lately addressed to the Masonic brotherhood , and even now urged on tbeir consideration . One may almost feel that the Festival itself falls at a somewhat awkward time , when so many who

would be likely to support it are continuing the festivities of the Jubilee ; but even that consideration may be regarded from two points of view—for while it is true that Brethren and Ladies may be absent on account of the numerous

engagements elsewhere , it is equally probable that some at least of the distinguished visitors now in London may honour the gathering with their presence , and may be so impressed as to

go away with the determination to work on behalf of the Fund on their return home . Therefore , what is lost in one direction may come back in another .

The Boys School—apart from Jubilee considerations—is just now in a very peculiar position , as this ninety-ninth Anniversary celebration , although as necessary as any which have preceded it , is regarded in some quarters as a mere stop

gap , unworthy of attention in face of what is to come next year , when the Prince of Wales will preside at the Centenary celebration ; but unfortunately the 279 boys on the funds of the Institution cannot be maintained , clothed and educated on

the possibilities of glories to come , in association with the Grand Master ' s presidency on that occasion—the current expenses of the year have to be met , and it is for that purpose the Chairman of the Festival will appeal to the Craft on

Wednesday next , and , let us hope , will receive a satisfactory response . The Craft is well aware of what is being done by this particular Fund , but if there are Brethren who desire enlightenment we may simply repeat the fact that 279 boys are now on the foundation of the School , being clothed ,

An Opportunity For Action.

educated , and maintained—not in any niggardly spirit , or with the cold surroundings of commonplace charity , but in such a way as to fit them for any station in life to which

they may aspire , and their good fortune lead them . It is for these sons of Freemasons we now crave the devotion of the Craft next week ; we hope the response may be as hearty as has been its loyalty to the throne during the past one .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

THE June meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday , at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . J . H . Matthews presiding . Among the very few other Brethren who attended were Bros . D . D . Mercer and C . B . Cottebrune Vice Presidents , and Bros . E . Letchworth G . S " ., W . Lake A . G . S ., W . Dodd , G . S . Becknell , Walter Martin A . G . P ., George Graveley , Henry

Garrod , C . J . E . Tijou P . A . G . P ., W . Fisher , S . H . Goldschmidt . The Brethren , after confirming £ 350 worth of grants recommened at the May meeting , voted £ 665 to the new list , among the grants being one of £ 75 , three of £ 40 , eight of £ 30 , two of £ 25 , six of £ 20 , one of £ 15 , three of £ 10 , and three of £ 5 .

Cheshire.

CHESHIRE .

ON Saturday afternoon the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Cheshire was held in the Town Hall , Frodsham , and was attended by the Provincial Grand Master the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., and fifty Brethren from all parts of the Province .

After the presentation of various reports and the transaction of general business , the appointment and investiture of Provincial Grand Officers took place , as follows : —

Bro . Col . Dean ----- Deputy H . Gordon Small - - - - Senior Warden St . Davies ----- Junior Warden Charles Edwards - Master Overseer John Mayers - Senior Overseer E . A . Smith .... Junior Overseer

Rev . George Johnson ... Chaplain T . D . Timmins ... - Treasurer R . Cecil Davies ... - Registrar Richard Newhouso ... Secretary Henry Tilley ... - Senior Deacon Ernest Hampson - - - - Junior Deacon

W . E . Cannon - Inspector of Works John S . Derbyshire ... Director of Ceremonies W . B . Flower ... - Assistant Dir . of Cers . A . O . G . Wallace ... - Sword Bearer J . G . Holmes - Standard Bearer A . Morganthaler ... - Assistant Secretary

C . P . Higginbotham - - - Organist J H . G . Linaker .... Pursuivant Dr . Selby , A . W . Boncher - - - - . Stewards A . Grundy - - ' - - - J A . Huxley ----- Tyler .

The Provincial Grand Master made reference to the celebration of Her Majesty ' s Jubilee , in fitting terms , and Bro . Stephenson was elected to attend the Masonic Festival in London , a handsome subscription being voted for him to take for the funds of one of the charities .

Durham.

DURHAM .

THE Provincial Grand Master Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ,, has resolved to hold a special commemoration service in Durham Cathedral , on the afternoon of Wednesdaynext , 30 th inst ., when the Brethren then assembled will not only affirm their loyalty to the Queeu , but will assist the Durham Masonic Charities by contributing to the offertory .