Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

At the General Committee xvliich met on Thursday , Col . Creaton xvas elected chairman , and the folloxving brethren xvere also present : Bros . Col . Shadxvell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary ; Capt . N . Philips , Col . Peters , Bros . Philbrick , Frank Richardson , Sir J . B . Monckton , J . H . Matthews , Miller , Tattershall ,

Rev . A . I ' . A . Woodford , Robert Grey , Dubois , E . C . Mather , Matier , Hogard , Brett , Mortis , George Kenning , J . A . Rucker , Edxvard Letchworth , G . P . Festa , Gladxveil , and others . The CHAIRMAN announced with reference to the election of the House Committee that the names of Bros . Moon , Glutton and Thrupp had been withdrawn from the list of candidates .

The CHAIRMAN added that the poll xvould remain open until five o'clock , at xvhich time if all the brethren had not received their voting papers , the doors xx'ould be shut and all then present in the room would receive their papers and be entitled to vote . The minutes of the previous meeting of the General Committee held 26 th April xvere then read and confirmed , and the minutes of the House Committee xvere read for

information . At the date of the last meeting of the House Committee there were 230 children on the books of the Institution . The folloxving votes recommended by thc House Committee xvere passed , viz .: £ 11 for an additional skylight ; £ 130 tor additional fire-mains and hydrants and £ 20 ( under rule 72 ) to secure to Selina Sharp a training

to enable her to take a higher position . The Chairman xvas authorised and requested to sign cheques . Nine petitions were considered , one of xvhich xvas deferred for further consideration at next meeting , and the names ot the remaining eight children xvere ordered to be added to the list of candidates .

There was a croxvded attendance of Life Governors anxious to record their votes for the members of the nexv House Committee . So many indeed xvere present that it xvas xvith the greatest difficulty that the task of taking the signature and distributing the voting papers xvas

accomplished . Strong comments xvere freely made as to the arrangements for taking the votes of those present , the result being that brethren and , xve are sorry to say , ladies xvere jostled about in the most unpleasant manner in their efforts to aid their friends . The folloxving is the result of the poll : —

HOUSE COMMITTEE . Nominated by . Bro . Joshua Nunn , Vice-Pres . ... Bro . J . M . Case 254 „ Frank Richardson , Vice-Pat . ,, 253 „ J . H . Matthexvs , Vice-Pat . „ 251 „ Edmund C . Mather , Vice-Pres . „ 250 Henry A . Dubois , Vice-Pres . ,, 240

,, „ Lieut .-Col . James Peters , Vice-Pat . „ 249 „ Peter de Lande Long , Vice-Pres . „ 24 S „ Edxvard Letchxvorth , Vice-Pres . ,, 24 G „ John A . Rucker , Vice-Pat . ,, 24 G „ Robert Grey , Vice-Pat . ,, 245 „ Charles Hammerton , Vice-Pat . ,, 244 „ Edgar Boxvyer , Vice-Pat . Bros . J . M . Case and R . Grey 236

AUDIT COMMITTEE . Nominated by . Bro . Herbert Dicketts , Vice-Pres . Bro . F . Richardson 255 „ Henry C Levander , Vice-Pres . „ 255 „ William Roebuck , L . G . ,, 247 „ Henry Venn , L . G . „ 244 „ John G . Chancellor , Vice-Pres . „ 234 „ James Cutbush , L . G . „ 229 „ William Bailey , L . G . „ 224

„ Thomas Kingston , L . G . „ 221 „ E . C . Davies , L . G . Bro . Henry Venn 125 On the names of the successful candidates being announced , Bro . TATTKKSHAI . L rose and tendered his thanks to those brethren xvho had supported his candidature , and could only regret that their efforts in his behalf

had not been successful . Bio . BOXVVKK proposed a vote of thanks to the scrutineers for the assistance they had rendered on this occasion , and Bro . STEP MENS in returning thanks admitted that they had had a very severe task to accomplish . A vote of thanks to the Chairman , was proposed by Rev . Bro . A . F . A . Woodford , closed the proceedings .

Masonic Celebration In Australia.

MASONIC CELEBRATION IN AUSTRALIA .

In accordance with a custom re-established last year , one uf the quarterly communications of thc Prov . Grand Lodge , under the Irish Constitution , for the current year xvas fixed to be held in Ballarat , and this event took place in the Masonic Hall , Camp-street . The occasion had a double interest in its being the first time on xvhich Sir W . J .

Clarke , Bart ., who xvas about iS months ago invested the P . G . M . for Victoria , should visit this centre in his Masonic capacity . The St . John ' s Lodgeof Masons made arrangements for the proper reception of the P . G . M . and the P . G . Officers . The R . W . P . G . M ., Sir W . J . Clarke , accompanied by most of his officers , arrived from the metropolis , and xvere

met at the railxvay station by the W . M . of St . John ' s Lodge , Bro . Hennah , and several of the Past Masters and Officers , and were by them conducted to the hall in Campstrcct . The Stexvards had provided suitable refreshments in the supper-room , and these xverc fully appreciated by the visitors . After refreshments the P . G . M . and his ollicers xvcre by the officers of St . John's Lodge taken in

carriages for a drive round the lake and through thc principal streets uf the city , their drive concluding at Lester ' s llotel , xvhere they quarter during their stay . In the evening , shortly after seven o clock , an emergency meeting of the St . John ' s Lodge , convened for the purpose of union with the meeting of the Purple Lodge was held , n „ , i there xvas a large attendance , over 100 brethren

bcin" - present . The Blue Lodge closed at about eight o ' clock , and thc Piovincial Grand Lodge xvas opened , the Prov . Grand Master presiding . . There were betxveen 120 and 130 brethren present in all at the P . G . Lodtre . The communication concluded byabout nine o'clock , and the brethren then proceeded to thc City Hall where the P . G . M . and the P . G . officers were entcr-

Masonic Celebration In Australia.

tained at a banquet . The catering had been left in the hands of Bro . C . Walker , and xvas so excellently done that it left little to be desired . The xvalls of the assembly room had been hung with Hags which brightened the room considerably . The W . M . of St . John ' s Lodge , Bro . W . H . Hannah , presided , having on his rig ht hand the R . W . the P . G . M ., and the mayor of the city , and on his left the R . VV . the

D . P . G . M . ; the chairs near these being filled by the Prov . Grand Lodge Ofiicers , and the vice-chairs by Bro . J . S . Gillman , S . W . ' of the St . John's , and Bro . Wheeler , J . VV . of St . John's respectively . The viands provided having xvell sustained the crucial test they xvere subjected to , The CHAIRMAN rose and proposed in succession the toasts of "The Queen and the Craft , " and "H . R . H . the Prince of vVales ? ' which were drunk with musical honours .

The CHAIRMAN then proposed "The Duke of Abercorn , " the " G . M . ' s of the English and Scotch Constitutions , " xvhich xvere duly honoured . The CHAIRMAN , then rising again , said : Brethren , I have now the honour of proposing the toast of the evening . I have looked forxvard to this pleasure for many months . Indeed , as far back as the night of my installation as W . M . of St . John ' s Lodge , I pictured this evening . 1

xvent so far as to ask the R . W . D . G . M . if it was not possible to hold a quarterly communication of the Prov . G . Lodge this year in Ballarat , and our meeting to-night is the outcome of this and the endeavours of our Past Masters . This is the grandest moment of my term of ofiice , and I shall always look back upon it xvith the greatest . pleasure . I must say that a better P . G . Master than Bro . Clarke could not have been selected , for

xvhat could be more admirable to have at our head than a gentleman xx-hose charitable actions have made his name knoxvn all over the xvorld , and made him esteemed by everyone ? ( Loud applause . ) Who could be better for our Provincial Grand Master than a gentleman xvho is ready to assist the poor at all times xvhenever called upon ? ( Applause . ) I hope the time xvill come xvhen the three constitutions in Victoria will merge into one . I do hope this , and

that I shall live to have the pleasure of seeing Sir VV . J . Clarke not only Provincial Grand Master of the Irish Constitution in the colony , but Grand Master of the Freemasons of Victoria . ( Applause . ) It is getting very late , and I am not much given to public speaking ; I xvish my ability xvas greater , or that the toast was in better hands . 1 ask you noxv to drink to " The Health of our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " ( Applause . )

The toast xvas drunk with Masonic honours . Sir VV . J . CLARKE , the P . G . M ., responding , said : Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren , I must be a very cold-blooded animal indeed if I did not feel something like extreme pleasure in the reception given me to-day , on the occasion of my visit to Ballarat . I have been here a great many times , and many times warmly xvelcomed , but I have never been more warmly welcomed than I have this day . 1

assure you that xvhen I saxv round me so large a number of gentlemen xvho have distinguished themselves in Masonry , I really felt afraid . I thank you for the toast , and t rust that you xvill continue to increase in your numbers for the benefit of Freemasonry . ( Continued applause . ) The folloxving toasts xvere then proposed and responded to : By Bro . Scott , " The District Grand Masters of the English and Scotch Constitutions , " responded to by Bro .

B . C . I-inlayson ; by Bro . Shoxvman , "The D . P . G . M . and P . G . Ofiicers , " responded to by Bro . Baker ; by Bro . Trex'or , "D . L Bro . W . Scott , " responded to by Bro . Scott . Bro . Sir W . J . CLARKE , R . W . P . G . M ., then rising said he had a toast of the greatest importance to propose in that ot " The St . John ' s Lodge , " coupled with the name of Bro . Hennah , its W . M . He believed Bro . Hennah was

one of nature's noblemen . He did nothing by halves , but shoxved energy and strength in xvhat he did , and xvhen he took a thing in hand they could rest perfectly satisfied he would go through xvith it . He considered him such a man as xvould be true in friendship and love , and he ( the speaker ) had no doubt that his wife believed she had the best man in Ballarat . He had met but fexv Masons , but he did notthink hecotild meet with kinder brethren than he

had that night . He believed that Ballarat had to thank the members of St . John ' s Lodge forsomeof its prosperity , for he xvas sure that men xvho carried out Masonry as the members of St . John's Lodge did , xvould shoxv the same spirit in any other line they might be in . ( Applause . ) The toast xvas cordially received . Bro . HENNAH , responding , thanked the P . G . M ., on behalf off the llodge , land xvith regard to the kind remarks

about himself , he thanked the P . G . M . very kindly , and xvould assure him that he xvould alxvays remember his xvords and look back xvith pleasure to the occasion on xvhich they xvere said , for he felt they xvere not spoken hastily . The toasts of " The Sister Lodges , " proposed by Bro . S . Marks , and responded to by Bros . J . Robson , W . M . Yarrowee ; R . B . Williams , W . M . Orion ; and I . M . Goldrich , Sebastopol ; "The City and Toxvn of Ballarat , " proposed by Bro . Baker , and responded toby Bro . Claxton ;

The Golden Corinthian Ledge ; The Ladies ;" " The Press ; " and the Tyler ' s toast closed the list . During the evening songs rendered by the following brethren materially enlivened the proceedings : Bros . Moule , I . M . Martin , J . Williams , J . T . Marsh , J . Falloxv , J . W . Burton , W . Lessells , and Wells . Bro . Burton sang " When other lips " so charmingly , that he xvas obliged to " folloxv on . " The celebration was not over until past one o ' clock . —Ballarat Courier .

Correspondence Between The Grand Chapter Of Quebec And The Grand Chapter Of England.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE GRAND CHAPTER OF QUEBEC AND THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ENGLAND .

"GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OK QUEISEC . " Ofiice of the Grand Scribe E ., " Montreal , 2 Sth April , 1 SS 0 .

" R . E . Companion—I am directed by the M . E . the Grand First Principal '/ .. of the Grand Chapter of the Province of Quebec ( formerly Loxvcr Canada and Canada East ) , to communicate to you , that many years ago , shortly after the formation of thc Grand Chapter of Canada , the warrant of Victoria Chapter , English Constitution , Montreal , xvasduly returned to thc then representative officer of the Grand Chapter of England here , the Hon . Judge Badgely ,

Correspondence Between The Grand Chapter Of Quebec And The Grand Chapter Of England.

of Montreal , to be by him remitted to the Grand Chapter of England . " The Grand Chapter of Quebec , within xvhose jurisdiction is the city of Montreal ( in xvhich Victoria Chapter , xvhen in existence , was situated ) , xvas constitutionally formed in thc year 1 S 76 , and has been duly recognised by the Grand Chapter of Canada ( Province of Ontario ) , by

the other Grand Chapters of the Dominion and of the United States of America , and noxv exercises exclusive jurisdiction in and over the Province of Quebec ; and thc Grand Z . begs , therefore , fraternally to submit to the M . E . the Grand Chapter of England that , if the xx'arrant of the long time extinct Victoria Chapter has not been remitted to the Grand Chapter of England , it ought noxv

to be done for many obviousl y important reasons , and that if the said warrant has been so remitted and cancelled , the said chapter ought not to appear in xvhat seems to be the official ( published ) list of English chapters as ' 440 Victoria Chapter , Montreal , Canada East , 4 th Wed . '" " Be pleased , therefore , in the interests of capitular Masonry here , and in order that nothing therefrom may hereafter arise to disturb the relations of this Grand

Chapter to the mother Grand Chapter of England , to have the necessary consideration given to this ( to us ) somexvhat important matter , and to take such action anent the same as xvill accord xvith the noxv existing facts and circumstances . —I have the honour to be , yours fraternally , "ANGUS GRANT , Grand Scribe E ., G . C . of Quebec . "COL . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S . E ., ~ G . C of England , Freemasons' Hall , London . '

" Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , " ioth August , 1 SS 0 . "R . E . Comp . Angus Grant , G . S . E ., Grand Chapter ot Quebec . "Dear Sir and R . E . Companion , —Having laid before the ist Grand Principal your letter of the 2 Sth of April last , requesting that the charter of the Victoria Chapter ,

No . 440 , h . C , Montreal , should be xvithdrawn , " I am directed by his Royal Highness to say that , as the chapter existed previous to the formation of the Grand Chapter of Canada , and as our Grand Superintendent reports that it is still in xvork , the ist Grand Principal regrets that he is unable to accede to the request contained in your letter . —I am , dear sir and R . E . Companion , yours fraternally , " SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Scribe E . "

" GRAND CHAPTER OK ROYAL ARCH MASONS OK QUEBEC " Office of the Grand Scribe E . " Montreal , Sth October , 1 SS 0 . "Col . S . H . Gierke , Grand S . E . Grand Chapter R . A . M . of England . " Dear Sir and R . E . Companion , —I have the honour to

acknoxvledge the receipt of your favour of August 20 th in reply to mine of April 2 Sth , anent the late Victoria Chapter , No . 440 , E . C , Montreal ; and I am directed by the M . E . the Grand Z . of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , to say that it appears to him that the said reply received from you does not cover the important matters fraternally submitted , as a re-examination of the same will clearly shoxv .

"In further support of the requests made in my communication of April last , the Grand Z . of Quebec desires that the following be duly submitted to H . lT . H . the M . I * : the Grand Z . of the Grand Chapter of England . " In the year JS 63 , the then Victoria Chapter , No . 440 , E . C , voluntarily surrendered and delivered up its xvarrant ( English ) to the Grand Superintendent of Montreal

registry of Canada , to be returned to England through the Grand Z . of Canada ; and that the then members thereof , at thc same time , petitioned for and received from the Grand Chapter of Canada , a warrant to form and constitute themselves into a new chapter entitled the Mount Horeb , Montreal , xvhich xvas dul y constituted in January , 1 SG 4 , and is noxv No . C on the registry of the GrandChaptci

of Quebec . "If the warrant of Victoria Chapter , surrendered as above , xvas not at once transmitted to England for cancellation , and if any communications have been received by thc Grand Chapter of England purporting to come from thc said chapter , the Grand ' / .. of Quebec is of opinion that very grave irregularities have been committed . It also appears to him that the question , xvhether the said

Victoria Chapter existed prior to the ' Grand Chapter of Canada , ' has no bearing on the matters at issue . It moreover appears , from official evidence in his possession , that the aforesaid Victoria Chapter did dissolve in the year 1 SG 3 , and that the statement in your repl y that , * Our ( your ) Grand Superintendent reports that it is still in xvork , ' does not appear to be founded in fact ; and that , therefore , for

these and other obvious reasons the Grand '/ .. of Quebec believes that the requests made to the M . E . the Grand Z . and the Grand Chapter of England in his communication of April last , ought at once to be fraternally complied with , as he has no doubt they xvill be , xvhen the matter is fully investigated . —I am , dear sir and R . E . companion , yours fraternally , " ANGUS GRANT , Grand Scribe E . "

"Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , " ist January , 1 SS 1 . " R . E . Comp . Angus Grant , G . S . E . Grand Chapter of Quebec . " Sir and R . E . Companion , —I have had the honour to receive and lay before H . R . H . the M . E . the ist Grand Principal of England , re your letter of the Sth

October in reply to mine of the 20 th August , 1 SS 0 , on the subject of the request recently made by the M . E . the ist Grand Principal of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , that thc present charter of the English Royal Arch Chapter , No . 440 , Montreal , should be xvithdrawn , in xvhich you state that in the year 18 ( 13 that chapter * voluntarily surrendered and delivered up its xvarrant to the Grand Superintendent of

Montreal , and xvith reference thereto , I am directed to point out that there is evidently some error in your information , as our Grand Superintendent of Montreal himself distinctly denies that such was the case , but explains that the charter in question xvas secretly abstracted by a portion of the then members of the chapter , xvho xverc about to secede

therefrom , and xvithout thc knoxvledge or consent of the remainder , and that it was never placed in his hands . He further states that the chapter did not dissolve in 1863 , but that , having in vain attempted to obtain the abstracted charter , he applied here for a charter of confirmation , xvhich xvas duly granted , and he has very recently reported that thc chapter is still in existence .