Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.

vvards the brethren adjourned to the Golden Lion Hotel , King Street , where a splendid dinner was provided . The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master occupied the chair , and was supported by the leading members of the Craft , among whom were Bros . H . Claughton W . M ., I . Roddam , P . M . ; J . Ditchburn , P . M . ; f . willwin . P . M . ; . 1 . Hindc , P . M . ; G . White , P . P . G . I . W .

and P . M . ; T . G . Mabane , J . Coulson , & c . Upon the removal of the cloth , the usual loyal toasts were given , after which the Masonic toasts were introduced and heartily responded to , including " The Health of the Right Worshipful the Grand Master of England , the Prince of Wales . " The oroceedines passed off most satisfactorily , and we

must compliment the Worshipful Master and officers of St . Hilda ' s Lodge upon the excellent arrangements they made , and the great success that attended them , and the general satisfaction which was given . During the evening Bros . E . J . Gibbon , Secretary No . 541 ; Thos . J . Taylor , No . 541 ; —J . Keeney . No . 541 ; and J . H . Leech , No . 997 ; sang several pieces of music in fine style , Bro . Angelo Forrest , P . G . O ., acting as

conductor . In consequence of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , with several of his officers , having to retire at an early hour , the chair was occupied during the remainder of the evening by Bro . H . Claughton , W . M . of St . Hilda ' s Lodge .

Grand Lodge Of New Brunswick.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW BRUNSWICK .

At the Ninth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick , held in the City of Saint John , on the 27 th and 28 th days of September , A . D . 1876 , the following officers were elected , appointed , and installed for the current year , viz .: Bros . Robert T . Clinch , G . M . ; Wm . H . A . Keans , D . G . M . ; Thomas F . Gillespie

S . G . W . ; William D . Forster , J . G . W . ; Rev . Francis Partridge , G . Chap . ; James McNichol , jun ., G . Treas . ; William F . Bunting , G . Sec ; Henry Duffell , S . G . D . ; James Alfred Clark , J . G . D . ; James Boone , G . Dir . of Cer . ; Louis B . Messenett , Assist . Dir . of Cer . ; Charles U . Hanford , G . Sword Bearer ; William Osborne , G . Std . Bearer ; H . Card , G . Org . ; R . J . McAdoo , G . Purst . ;

James Adam , Hiram G . Betts , Andred J . Stewart , George Moffat , John A . McCallum , David U . Porter , Robert M . Stevens , Bowen Smith , James Cooper , Blair Estabrooks , John A . Beatty , Wm . A . Henderson , Grand Stewards ; and Dingee Scribner , Grand Tyler . In thc annual address of the M . W . the Grand Master , he alluded to an act of rebellion on the part of some

misguided Masons in the Province of Ontario , in the following terms : — " The Grand Secretary will place before you a circular received at his office , asking Masonic recognition of a body calling itself the ' Grand Lodge of Ancient , Free and Accepted Masons of Ontario . ' " The Province of Ontaiio in the Dominion of Canada

is under the Masonic jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada , with which this Grand Lodge has beeu and is in fraternal communication , and I feel it to be my duty to urge upon you , for high constitutional considerations , not in any manner to recognize the unlawful proceedings of those who are seeking to establish this so-called Grand Lodtre of Ontario .

" On a careful leview of the subject , you will find that among many reasons why no Masonic recognition should be accorded to their proceedings , there are two grounds rither of which must be fatal to their claim . 1 st . "The Province of Ontario is occupied Masonic territory , under the exclusive ) jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada , and therefore any independent action of

Masons in Ontaiio , in seeking to form a governing body , is an act of rebellion against the recognized and lawful Masonic authority of the province . 2 nd . " On the face of their own statement , the mode « t proceeding was irregular and unmasonic , as the action was not by a convention of regular lodges , but was only the insufficient action of individual Masons , contrary to

Masonic law and well-established precedent . " The Grand Lodge of Canada has exercised due Masonic dicipline on thc offending brethren by expelling them from all the rights and benefits of Freemasonry . "I refer the whole matter to you , confident that you

will maintain the ancient rights and established laws of the Fraternity relating to independent and Sovereign Grand Lodges . " The subject was brought before the Special Committee , which committee subsequently reported to Grand Lodge as follows : —

" The committee have examined the papers submitted to them , in connection with the formation of the body calling itself the ' Grand Lodge of Ontario , ' and they have had under consideration the portion of the address of the M . W . Grand Master in relation to the same organization . The so-called Grand Lodge of Ontario was formed in , and claims jurisdiction inthe Province of Ontario , which now

, is and , since the formation of the Grand Lodge of Canada , has been exclusively Masonic territory of that Grand Lodge . I he formation of another governing body in that province is therefore an invasion of the territorial rights of a Grand f-odge with which the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick is "J , frat ^ l communication , and is not only a violation ° ' out , if permitted , would be absolutely destructive oi l

, c just and necessary principles underlying the whole system of Masonic government . On this ground alone , t P " ltee advise Grand Lodge to refuse recognition : ° ooJ y seeking it . The committee have not deemed ne 5 essarv t 0 consider the matter from any other and point , or to enter upon any discussion of the mode ™ lormation of the self-called Grand Lodge , the attention « awn to this by the Grand Master being quite sufficient . ney venture to express the hope , that the brethren now in

Grand Lodge Of New Brunswick.

rebellion against the lawful authority of the Grand Lodge of Canada , and , indeed , against all Masonic law and principle , will return to their allegiance and atone for the grevious wrong they have done . " The committee submitted thc following resolution : — "That the body calling itself 'The Grand Lodge of Ontario , ' is an irregular and clandestine organization , and is not entitled to recognition or countenance bv regular

Freemasons , that persons hailing from the said organization , or bodies holding of it , are not worthy of Masonic fellowship ; and that all the lodges in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick be immediately warned by the Grand Secretary not to receive as visitors , or acknowledge as brothers , persons hailing from the so-called Grand Lodge of Ontario . " The report and resolution of the committee were adopted unanimously by Grand Lodge .

The Hamer Benevolent Fund.

THE HAMER BENEVOLENT FUND .

As a Masonic province which has long and honourably held its place in connection with nearly all charitable schemes , West Lancashire has always been justly looked upon as holding a prominent position ; and the number of its plans of charity was recently increased by the formation of the Hamer Benevolent Fundthe third annual renort of

which was presented at the last annual Provincial Grand Lodge . As there seems to be some danger of this fund being overshadowed by the matured and more extended ramifications of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , which is doing a truly noble work in the province , a * few words may not be out of place in the direction of drawing the attention of the brethren throughout the

Western Division of Lancashire to the more youthful but very deserving charity . The following extract from the first annual report of the charity will give an idea of the object and history of its foundation : — " The Provincial Grand Lodge having , in 1871 , voted 20 guineas to form the nucleus of a fund for providing a testimonial to Bro . James Hamer , P . Prov . Grand

Treasurer , a committee was formed for carrying out this object , and an appeal was made to the lodges and brethren in the province , which has so far produced the sum of £ 227 195 . 6 d . " The committee , after mature consideration , decided to present to Bro . Hamer , an illuminated address , and Past Provincial Grand Treasurer ' s jewel , at a cost of 20 guineas ,

and with the balance to form a fund for benevolent purposes , to perpetuate the name of our brother among Freemasons , a sub-committee being deputed to carry out the idea . " The committee , desirous of producing a scheme which would permanently secure from every Freemason in this province an interest in the sacred cause of Charity , believe

that the Hamer Benevolent Fund is calculated to effect this most successfully . " From the rapid increase of t ] ie Order in this province , it may reasonably be expected that there will be a very large number of claims upon our benevolence and charity ; and thc committee think that the ' Hamer Benevolent Fund' may be made the means of alleviating a great

amount of distress , without pressing heavily upon individuals , or lodges , there being practically no limit to the relief that may be granted , provided the brethren will support this institution with small annual donations and subscriptions . " The brethren entrusted with the inauguration and management of the fund set about their work in a most

enthusiastic manner , and the result was that the third annual report showed that thc capital account had reached a figure which warranted the committee in inviting applications for payments to annuitants . The Institution , thus established to recognise the great services of the late Bro . Hamer , is intended to assist decayed Freemasons of the province by grants of money not exceeding £ 10 to any

individual in any one year . Thc sources of the fund are : 1 . Such sums of money as may be voted from time to time from the funds of Provincial Grand Lodge . 2 . Annual subscriptions and donations from lodges , chapters , & c , and brethren . 3 . Donations in general , and legacies . The present capital of thc fund , and all moneys

received from donations , subscriptions , legacies , & c ., arc invested , and only the interest , or usufruct , or a part thereof , which may be received therefrom is expended ; except that the cost of the trust deed and other expenses incurred in the formation of and carrying on the business of the fund are paid out of capital . The management of the fund is vested in the R . W .

Provincial Grand Master for the time being as President , together with an unlimited number of Vice-Presidents consisting of all donors ot £ 10 or more in one sum or in two payments within two years , a committee of ten Past Masters of lodges in the province , a Secretary , and a Treasurer of the Fund , who shall not of necessity be Past Masters .

Thc Hamer Benevolent Fund , perhaps the only institution of the kind in the provinces , is noble in its design , and worthy of support in West Lancashire , and calculated to prove an inestimable boon to those upon whom adverse circumstances have come hardly and unexpectedly . Bro . R . Wylie , P . P . G . S . D ., is the Hon . Secretary , and Bro . W . Laidlaw , P . P . G . S . of W „ the Hon . Treasurer .

HOLLOWAY ' S PILLS . —The sudden changes , frequent fogs , and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill-health . The remedy for these disasters lies In some purifying medicine , like these Pills , which is competent to grapple with the mischief at its source , and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system . Holloway ' s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matters , regulate the action of every disordered organ , stimulate the liver and kidneys , and relax thc bowels . In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkably effective , especially when aided by friction of the Ointment on its walls . This double treatment will ensure a certain , steady , and beneficent progress , and sound health will soon be re-established , —ADVT ,

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

The Canterbury Lodge , No . 1635 , was consecrated on Thursday last by Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , M . W . D . G . M ., at the Masonic Hall , 33 , Golden-square . A full account of the proceedings will appear in the Second Edition , which will be published early Saturday morning . The Installation Meeting of the Elliot Lodce .

No . 1507 , takes place this ( Saturday ) afternoon at the Railway Hotel , Feltham , at 3 o'clock . Bro . Frank Green , P . M . 1445 , is the W . M . elect . A full report of the proceedings will appear in our next . Bro . the Rt . Hon . Lord Leigh , Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire , R . W . P . G . M ., presided on Monday at the distribution of prizes in connection with the Leaminp-

ton School of Art , awarded by the Science and Art Departmenl , South Kensington . The foundation-stone of the new harbour works , now in course of erection at Buckie , was laid by Bro . Gordon on Thursday with Masonic honours . Bro . the Rev . J . E . Cox , D . D .. P . G . Chap , of Enrrland . Vicar of St . Helen ' s . Rishonso-ats . ha « rWrvf ,. /! o

considerable amount of time and attention for a lengthened period to the collection of material for a history of the parish with which he has been so long connected , and the result of his labours has produced a handsome volume , containing e , oopages of curious and interesting information . Bro . the Right Hon Lord Charles Beresford , P . S . G . W . Devonshire , has been appointed commander of

Her Majesty ' s ship Thunderer , now preparing for sea at Portsmouth . His lordship served with the Duke of Edinburgh in the Galatea ; and it was' while acting as aide-decamp to the Prince of Wales on board the Serapis that his lordship was gazetted a commander . The Duke of Marlborough—the recently

appointed Lord Lieutenant—of Ireland is expected to arrire at the Viceregal Lodge on or about the 12 th inst ., on a private visit to the Duke of Abercorn , and will remain for about a fortnight , but will not enter upon the duties of the Viceregal office until the beginning of January . The Duke of Abercorn will retire in the month of December .

A fire occurred on Saturday last on the premises of Bro . S . Rosenthal , lithographic artist , which resulted in some damage to the property contained on the premises , but fortunately not to any great extent . The "Michigan Freemason " for August appeals to the Craft for help , and complains that it is no t adequately supported ; in fact it says the present year has

been the most unremunerative of any of the seven since its commencement . It is a sad commentary on the intelligence of Freemasons that they will not support periodicals solely devoted to the interests of the Order . The "Michigan Freemason " only repeats the old story , told so often by other Masonic journals . The new Masonic Hall at Port Royal has

been completed and furnished , and the members of Phoenix Lodge , No . 914 , have now fine quarters . A Royal Arch Chapter is about being established , with every prospect of a large membership . A Preceptory of K . T . is also spoken of . The lodge at Port Royal has a large number of visiting brethren , principally seamen from the steamers and ships of thc United States and England .

THE PROSPERITY LODGB OF INSTRUCTION ( No . O 5 ) . —The meetings of this lodge are now held at the Hercules Tavern , Leadenhall-street , E . C ., where the attendance and support of the Craft is fraternally invited on Tuesday evenings at 7 . 30 . Bro . W . C . Holland is the Hon . Secretary . The early transactions of the Grand Lodge of

New York are in course of publication by Bro . D . Sickles . At the first annual communication of the Grand Lodge of the Province of Manitoba , the following brethren were elected : —Hon . W . A . Kennedy , M . W . Grand Master ; James Henderson , R . W . Deputy Grand Master ; John H . Bell , R . W . Grand Secretary , Winnipeg . The " Keystone " says a delegation of over

five hundred Canadian Masons , with their wives and daughters , visited the Centennial Exhibition . The " Craftsman " says the number was nearly double that . The death of Bro . W . H . Teale , of the Rye House , took place on Friday week . He had been connected with that well-known place nearly 30 years , and his death is much deplored by a large circle of friends , to

whom his geniality and kindly disposition had much endeared him . He was 70 years of age . A STATUE OF BURNS . —Last week a bronze statue of thc poet Burns , to be erected in George-square , Glasgow , was cast at the foundry of Messrs . Cox and Son , Thames Ditton . The artist is Mr . George E . Ewing , of Glasgow , who has succeeded in producing a very excellent likeness of the poet .

HIGHER EDUCATION or WOMEN . —There has been so great an influx of women at the commencement of this Term at Cambridge that Girton College and Ncwnham Hall arc unable to accommodate them , and many are compelled to take lodgings . We have much pleasure in calling the attention of our numerous readers to the address of Bro . Charles White , which appears in our advertisement columns 1

Bro . White seeks to be elected on the School Board of London , and , we believe , is fully qualified Jfor such a position . He is a true economist in business matters , and in private , a most liberal man and philanthropist , being a subscriber to many public charities in London , and also a Life Governor of each of the Masonic Institutions . As a Freemason of high character and energetic business habits , we shall be glad if he succeeds in obtaining the object of his ambition , namely , a seat on the London School Board .