Provincial Grand Lodge And Chapter Of West Lancashire.

members was 4608 , against 4588 last year . In point of numbers he believed the province stood higher by 1100 members than any other province under the Grand Lodge of England . Although no new lodge had been consecrated since July , 188 4 , a new warrant had been granted for the Prince Edward Lodge , No . 2109 , and another petition for a new lodge in the city of Liverpool was now under the consideration of the M . W . G . M ., so that in all probability before the end of the year two new lodges would be added to the roll , making the total number of lodges in the province 84 . During the

year he had visited 76 of the 82 lodges , and during those visits it had been a source of pleasure and satisfaction to him to witness the hi gh state of proficiency to which the great majority of the lodges had attained . The brethren had not been unmindful of the claims of their Charitable Institutions , Prominent among those who had represented the province at the London Festivals were Bros . Forrester , of Chorley ; Sinclair , 32 : and Foote , 1505 . The local Charities continued to prosper , and the Educational Institution was well supported , and was doing an excellent work .

On the motion of Bro . FORRESTER , IOO guineas were voted from the Provincial Grand Lodge Fund in aid of the West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution for widows of Freemasons of the province . On the motion of Bro . R . WYLIE , a similar sum was voted from the Charity Fund to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . On the motion of Bro . WYLIE , 200 guineas was voted from the Grand Lodge Fund to the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution .

On the motion of Bro . R . MARTIN , a sum of 100 guineas was voted to the Hamer Benevolent Fund . Five Past Masters were elected members of the Committee of the latter fund , along with two Auditors and a Secretary and Treasurer to the fund .

Other business having been transacted , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed . The brethren subsequentl y sat down to a banquet at the Bear ' s Paw , Lord-street , where the catering of Bro . Cobham , P . G . S . D ., gave unusual satisfaction . Bro . Lord Lathom , P . G . M ., presided . The excellent musical programme was given by the members of the Cambrian Quartette and other brethren .

The Provincial Grand Chapter was held during the afternoon , when the following appointments were made : — Comp . Earl of Lathom ... ... ... Prov . 'G . Supt . „ Right Hon . Col . Stanley ... ... Prov . G . H . „ C . H . Garnett , 1031 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . ,, W . Goodacre ( reappointed ) ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ Thomas Forrester , 730 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . N . „ J . Horsfield Barrow , 613 ... ... Prov . G . Soj .

„ XV . Greatorex , 1730 ... ... ... Prov . G . ist A . S . „ D . A . Samuels , 241 ... ... ... Prov . G . 2 nd A . S . „ W . C . Erwin , 1391 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ J . C . Mather , 1345 ... .. . ... Prov . G . Swd . B . „ C . B . Holmes , 17 8 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . B . „ G . J . Townsend , 1036 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . J » J . J- Greaves ... ... ... Prov . G . Org .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE .

The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire was held on Wednesday , the 23 rd ult ., at the Music Hall , Claughton , under the presidency of the R . W . D . G . M ., Lord Egerton of Tatton ( in the absence of the R . W . P . G . M ., Lord De Tabley , through continued ill-health ) , and was largely attended , the building being filled to its full capacity . The members of the Craft lodges assembled under the banner of the Mersey Lodge , No . 447 , and at one o ' clock the Provincial Grand Lodge was

received with the usual honours , and opened by the R . W . D . P . G . M . in due form . There were present : Bros . W . Booth , P . G . D . D . C . ; Wilmot Eardley , P . P . G . D . C . ; Thomas Burrows , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; W . B . Dutton , P . G . A . D . C . ; E . D . Bradbury , P . G . S . B . ; T . D . Simcock , P . P . G . S . B . ; H . Chesvvorth , P . P . G . S . B . ; Geo . Muir Staples , P . G . J . W . ; Edmund Johnson , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; Rev . E . Dak ' m Garven , P . G . C ; G . F . Smith , P . G . S . ; P . Wadsvvorth , P . G . T . ; A . Griffiths , P . G . O . ; S . Thompson , P . G . P . ; W . Jones , P . P .

G . S . ; H . Matthew , P . P . A . D . C . ; ) . Hamilton , P . P . G . S . of W . ; W . J . Bates , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . Grattan , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; E . G . Parker , P . P . G . P . ; John Clayton , P . P . G . S . D . ; G . Barlow , P . P . G . O . ; T . Chesvvorth , P . P . G . D . C ; E . H . Griffiths , P . G . S . ; J . P . Piatt , P . P . G . J . W . ; Thos . Marwood , P . G . S . W . ; Charles Dutton , P . P . G . S . W . ; Rev . J . L . Newell Tanner , P . P . G . C . ; Rev . C . W . ISpencer Stanhope , P . G . C ; Stanhope Bull , P . P . S . of W . ; J . E . Steward , P . P . G . J . D . ; Theo . H . Tebbs . .,, P . G . M . Canada ; Herbert Finch , P . G . D . C ; H . Bulley , P . G . S . B . of

England , P . P . G . J . W . ; James Salmon , P . P . G . S . D . ; F . A . Walker Jones , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; Rev . E . Rawson , P . P . G . C ; H . Holbrook , P . P . G . S . of W . ; Joseph Roberts , P . P . G . S . D . ; Enos Andrew , P . G . O . ; James Andrew , P . G . D . C . West Lane ; George Burrows , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . Eaton , P . P . G . S . of W . ; J . H . Bellyse , P . P . J . G . W . ; R . H . Swindlehurst , P . G . Std . Br . ; and others . The list of lodges in the province was called over , when it was found all were represented .

The Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . E . jH . GRIFFITHS , then read the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Altrincham , and they were unanimously confirmed . The R . W . D . PROV . GRAND MASTER then addressed the brethren , congratulating them on the state of the province . He alluded to the regrettable absence of their respected R . W . P . G . M ., who still , he was happy to say , took as much interest in Freemasonry as ever , and they were fortunate in having the benefit of his wise counsel . He also alluded to the progress

which the Masonic Charities of the province had made , a large number of votes having been added to the number of those possessed by it in the Metropolitan Institutions , as well as their own local Charities , ana they were still within their income . He looked on this as the proof of the revival of Masonry in the province under Lord De Tabley , and a testimony to his excellent rule . As regarded the ordinary work , he thought it advisable to strengthen the number of members in the lodges rather than found new ones , and concluded by asking for increased accuracy in making out the returns on the part of some lodges .

The Prov . Grand Treasurer ' s accounts were then read and passed , from which it appeared that £ 1200 had been invested , and £ 56 remained uninvested .

Considerable interest was shown in the election of Prov . Grand Treasurer , some oi the brethren appearing to favour the appointment of a highly-respected brother in the Birkenhead district , on the ground that the office ought not to be confined to one part , of the province . After a somewhat protracted discussion , Bro . J . R . Simm , P . M . 605 , was elected . The R . W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master then invested , the officers as follows : —

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.

Bro . T . Marwood , 537 ( reappointed ) ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ J . Wilson , 533 ... ... ... prov . G . J . W . ,, Rev . P . Hodgson , 1045 ( reappointed ) ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . E . B . Bagot , 1357 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ J . R . Simm , 605 ... .,, ... Prov . G . Treas .

„ H . R . C . Danson , 537 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ E . H . Griffiths , 293 ( reappointed ) ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ J . Taylor , 425 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ L . Ellis , 1289 ... ... ... ... p rov . G . S . D . „ W . Mellor , 756 ... ... ... Prov . G . I . D .

„ J . G . Parker . 1276 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ T . C . Thorburn , 477 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ W . Booth , 104 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . of C . „ G . H . Brown , 537 ... ... ... p . G . A . D . C . „ H . Chesworth , 157 6 ... ... ... prov . G . A . D . C . „ M . E . M * Nerney , 605 ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . Br .

„ S . Blackshaw , 533 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ J . H . Evans , 156 5 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ H . Miller , 1357 ... ... ... p . G . Org . „ W . Lumb , 979 •... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ H . Faircloth 477 ... ... ") „ T . Baty , 537 ... ... ...

„ J . Gamlin , 605 ... ... ... I „ W . Price , 1276 ... ... ... r ~ Prov - G * Stwds * „ J . Gee , 12 S 9 ... „ J . Barnes , 1576 ... ... ... J „ W . C . Fleming , 322 ( reappointed ) ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The R . W . D . P . G . M . afterwards presented Charity jewels to the following brethren , amongst others : Bros . Finchet , Maples , Thorburn , Richardson , Clayton , and Masters .

On the motion of Bro . JOHN WOODS , P . P . G . S . W ., the sum of 50 guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for . . Aged Freemasons and Widows . The R . W . P . G . M . announced that the meeting next year would be held at Crewe .

At the conclusion of the business the brethren formed a procession , and attended Divine service at St . Anne ' s Church . The Prov . G . Organist presided at the organ , the anthem being " Angels ever bright and fair , " and "Send out Thy light" ( Gounod ) . The Prov . G . Chaplain , the Rev . E . Bigoe- Bagot preached an eloquent sermon on the miracle of the feeding of the multitude . A collection was afterwards made for the Provincial Fi * td of Benevolence and the Wirral Children ' s Hospital .

On returning to the hall the brethren sat down to dinner , which was served by Messrs . Fisk and Fairhurst . The R . W . D . P . G . M . presided , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were dul y honoured . A choice musical programe was submitted b y Bros . Mark Stafford , N . Dumville , VV . Dumville , and A . Lewtas , under the direction of Bro . H . Miller , Prov . G . Ore .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF NORTH WALES AND SHROPSHIRE .

The final meeting of the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of North Wales and Shropshire , prior to the division thereof into two provinces , was held at the Drill Hall , Denbigh , on Monday , the 21 st ult ., under the presidency of Bro . Sir Ofiley Wakeman , Bart ., Deputy P . G . Ivjaster . The brethren assembled at 2 . 30 p . m ., there being present Bros . J . G . Buckley Williams , P . G . J . W . ; J . P . White , P . G . Treas . ; F . R . Spall , P . G . Reg . ; VV . H . Spall , P . G . Sec . ; Jas . Salmon , P . M . 1477 , P . P . G . I . W . :

W . Simmons , P . G . Purs . ; J . Lloyd , P . G . Swd . Br . ; W . H . Foulkes , P . G . Dir . of Cers . ; W . j . Lovegrove , P . G . Supt . of Works ; W . L . Lloyd , P . G . S . C . L . Crump , P . G . S . ; E . W . Keating , P . G . S . ; Revd . E . Tudor Owen , J . W . 1143 ; John Blockley , P . M . 117 ; J . G . Morgan , W . M . 1124 ; XV . Putman , P . G . J . D . ; W . C . Southwell , VV . M . 1 C 21 ; Thos . James , W . M . iSc / i ; Thos . Batt , P . M . 1621 ; J . Parry Jones , W . M . 114 .- ); Thos . Gasson , Treas . 1143 ; Thos . Roberts , P . P . G . D . ; T . W . Thompson , P . P . G . S . B . ; lohn Davies , P . P . G . W . ; L . R . Williams . P . P . G _

J . W . ; Rev . Hugh Thomas , P . P . G . Chap . ; A . M . Drew , 1432 ; H . Parsons , 14325 J . W . Whitridge , 1432 ; H . Royle , W . M . 117 ; R . A . Craigh , W . M . 262 ; E . W . Harding , P . M . 262 ; W . Matthews , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Cheshire ; W . Nicholas . S . W . 16 74 ; W . Norton , W . M . Gu ; J . E . Brooke , P . M . 611 ; \ V . E . Sharpe , J . W . 611 ; H . C . Croslield , P . M . 1124 ; J . P . Deakin , I . P . M . 117 ; W . Jones , S . W . 507 ; L . Ap G . Jones , P . M . 1369 ; T . ti . Hyde , P . G . Tyler ; J . C Robinson , P . M . 249 ( Freemason ) and others .

After the lodge had been opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting had been read , the roll of lodges called , the D . P . G . M . then presented Bro . J . P . White , P . G . Treas ., with a gold snuff box and £ 10 ios ., as a memorial of his having served as Treasurer to the Provincial Grand Lodge from the formation of the province , in 1 S 52 , till its

dissolution , September 30 th , 1885 . He also presented a purse of gold to Bro . W . H . Spall , the P . G . Sec , as a token of esteem from the brethren , for the energy displayed by him in promoting the well-being and prosperity of Masonry in the province during the 13 years he had acted as Prov . Grand Secretary .

The following is the report of the Committee appointed at Wrexham to prepare a scheme for the division of the assets of the Provincial Grand Lodge : —

Your Committee have held two meetings , when all the ' members were present , and have also been in communication with the Secretaries of the Masonic Charities in London . After carefully considering all matters referred to them connected vvith the province , and the effect of the division thereof into two provinces in the future , as well as all the various interests concerned , they beg to report as follows : — Firstly—That in 1 S 7 S , by a subscription of 500 guineas , the right of nominating

from time to time , during the life of H . R . H . the Princess Beatrice , one boy to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , vvas secured to the Right VVorshipful Provincial Grand Master for North Wales and Shropshire for the time being ; and in order to perpetuate this right , a policy of insurance for £ 525 was at the same time effected on the life of her Royal Highness , the annual premium of which , amounting to £ 10 13 s . 6 d „ has been regularly paid out of the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge ; on this policy there is at the present time an accrued bonus of £ 45 iSs .

Your Committee recommend that during the lifetime of H . R . H . the Princess Beatrice , the right of nominating a boy as a vacancy occurs , be exercised alternatel y by the Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master of North Wales , and the Right VVorshipful Prov . Grand Master of Shropshire , and as the last time the presenilation became vacant it was filled by a boy from a Welsh lodge , that the next nomination should be made b y the ful

Right Worship Prov . Grand Master for Shropshire ; and in order that the alternate presentation may not be perpetuated , but that each province should have a presentation when the life on which the present one is purchased falls in , your Committee further recommend that the present Insurance Policy on the Life of H . R . H . be transferred to Trustees , to be nominated by the Prov . Grand Lodge of North Wales , and that a new policy be effected on the life of H . R . H . for £ 525 , in favour of Trustees nomi-