Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
; £ io ios . to the Old People in the former case , and handing in a list of £ 47 5 s ., mostly his own personal donation , in the latter , the total for the year is £ 136 ios . In 188 9 its Returns amounted to the higher sum of £ 365 16 s ., all three Institutions sharing in the amount , but the Boys' School to the extent of ^ 252 . In 1888 it raised £ 848 3 s ., of which ^ 695 18 s . vvas obtained by the Girls' Institution at its Centenary celebration , so that the more moderate aggregate of the present year is not surprising after the weightier figures of those preceding it .
WEST YORKSHIRE , as usual , had a long array of representatives—some 45 in number , and hailing from upwards of 20 lodges—svhile the total raised was in proportion large , and amounted to ^ 800 . In February it contributed . £ 525 to the R . M . B . I ., and in May ^ 350 to the Girls'School , so that the total for the year , albeit it amounts to ^ 1675 ,
is belosv rather than above the average of the last 16 or 17 years . This , however , as vve remarked in our analysis of the Benevolent Festival Returns in February , is not to be wondered at , seeing that in 1888 it raised ^ 33 62 8 s ., including ^ 2702 8 s . for the Girls' Centenary , and . £ 3800 , including ^ 2100 , the purchase money for two Perpetual Presentations to the Benevolent Institution ( Widows ' Fund ) in the year of the Queen ' s Jubilee .
FOREIGN STATIONS . Under this are included two Stewards—Bro . W . Girling , P . Dist . G . D . Bengal , and Bro . Herbert Bradley , W . M . Lodge of Perfect Unanimity , No . 150 , Madraswhose lists amount to ^ 21 and . £ To ios . respectively .
CONCLUDING REMARKS . Having gone carefully through the list , we have only one duty to fulfil , that of expressing our satisfaction that the Returns are not less unfavourable , as they certainly would have been but for the great efforts made by the Provinces vvhich , by the support they have given to Bro . Binckes on this occasion , have shown that they fully recognise the value of the crusade he preached amongst them at thc outset of his secretarial career in aid of this important Institution .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF MIDDLESEX AND SURREY .
The most numerously attended and the most successful meeting in all respects of this Prov . Grand Mark Lodge took place at Mark Masons' Hall , Great Queenstreet , on Tuesday , the 24 th ult . The Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., was supported by a large number of brethren . Provincial Grand Mark Lodge vvas opened , the Provincial Grand Master formally saluted , and the minutes read and approved .
The report of the Committee of General Purposes , vvhich was subsequently unanimously adopted , vvas read by the Prov . Grand Secretary , and proved satisfactory in all respects . The number of lodges in the province had been increased during the past year by two , making a total of 37 lodges , and the number of members showed an increase of 41 , there being 719 in 1888-g , and 7 60 in i 88 g-go . The Treasurer ' s account , showing satisfactory balances on the General and Benevolent accounts , vvas received and adopted .
On the proposition of the PROV . GRAND SECRETARY , seconded by the PROV . GRAND TREASURER , 10 guineas was voted to the Mark Benevolent Fund , and the Deputy Prov . Grand Master was nominated and elected to represent the Prov . Grand Lodge as Steward at the next Festival . The roll of lodges was called over , vvhen it vvas found that all were represented with the exception of one holding its installation meeting on the same day .
Several minor alterations in the Provincial By-laws , rendered necessary to bring them in conformity vvith the Grand Lodge Constitutions , were agreed to and the By-laws were ordered to be printed as altered . On the motion of Bro . C . F . MATIER , G . Sec , seconded by Bro . SCURRAH , Bro . L . G . Gordon Robbins vvas unanimously re-elected P . G . Treas ., and a vote of thanks vvas accorded him for his services during the past year . The following Provincial Grand Officers were appointed and invested by the
Prov . G . M .: Bro . C . Hammerton , 144 ... ... ... ... D . Prov . G . M . „ Col . A . H . Bircham , 3 61 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ J . C . Collier , 11 4 ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . J . Cater , M . A ., 407 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chan .
.. . Rev . H . F . Collier , 107 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ L . G . Gordon Robbins , 3 61 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ J . T . Briggs , 181 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ W . G . Brighten , 4 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ J . Barnett , jun ., 315 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ Capt . C . J . Kni ghtley , 28 4 and 355 ... ... Prov . S . G . O . „ A . H . Bowles , 361 ... ... ... ... Prov . I . G . O .
11 H T'PPer , 3 § 5 - ••• ... Prov . S . G . D . „ H . Burgess , 198 ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ J . T . N . Callaway , 333 ... ... ... Prov . G . L of AV „ T . C Edmonds , 139 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . . 1 J- Byrord , 35 o ... ... ... ___ p . A . G . D . C . „ F . Mead , 399 ... ... ... ... prov . G . S . B . „ W . Clowes , 357 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br
„ Edwin Wilding , 244 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ T . Hood , 331 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ L . P . Coubro , 236 ... ... ... ... „ J . T . Skinner , 211 ... „ A . J . Hone-Goldney , 230 ... ... ... Prov . G . Stwds . ,, J . T . R . Cresssvell , 224 ... ... ... I „ J . B . L . Lancaster , 407 ... ... ... J
Bro . C . F . HOGARD said it would be in the recollection of every brother that , at the last meeting of Grand Lodge , it was resolved to perpetuate the memory of the late Bro . Canon Portal , P . G . M ., by the erection of an organ in the Grand Hall . He , therefore , moved that the sum of 10 guineas be voted toward the fund for this purpose .
The names of the four lodges selected by rotation by the Committee of General Purposes to nominate a Grand Steward each , were approved , viz ., Chiswick Lodge , Onslow Lodge , King Solomon Lodge , and Sir Francis Burdett Lodge . Bros . Hy . Lovegrove , Newington Bridges , W . A . Scurrah , and W . M . Stiles were elected to serve on the Committee of General Purposes for the ensuing year .
The motion vvas seconded by the PROV . G . TREASURER , and unanimousl y agreed to , the amount being immediately increased b y a donation of five guineas from a brother of the Kintore Lodge . The Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where an excellent banquet was served .
"The Queen and Mark Masonry" and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " having been heartil y honoured , the Prov . Grand Master , in proposing The Grand Officers , " said they performed their duties to the satisfaction of all Mark Masons . The Grand Officers had , for some considerable time , been their governors , and they had had the greatest pleasure in supporting them . That was
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
a very extensive toast , and he might , therefore , go on for a considerable time expounding the virtues of the Grand Officers , and particularly those Past Grand Officers vvho had so efficiently performed their duties , and these distinguished officers had been followed by others vvho take an example from them and perform their duties quite as satisfactorily as their predecessors .
Bro . C . F . HOGARD , P . G . Std . Br ., said he had been called upon to reply at a moment ' s notice , but if he said that the Grand Officers returned their sincere and hearty thanks for the way the toast of their healths had been received the brethren would be satisfied and take it as coming from their hearts . Bro . C . HAMMERTON , D . P . G . M ., then gave "The Prov . G . M ., Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., " and said that being in possession of the gavel the brethren
vvould know he vvas about to propose that toast , which he was sure would be heartily received . It was needless for him to advance much in favour of the toast , for the brethren had for so many years met their Prov . Grand Master in various lodges in this and other Degrees , and there was therefore no necessity to expatiate upon his virtues and his great interest in Masonry in every way . Many of them had met their Prov . Grand Master more frequently than he ( the D . P . G . M . ) , but had not
known him so long , and he had therefore great pleasure in taking his present office under Sir Francis Burdett ' s banner . He vvould not say more than that he hoped their Prov . Grand Master would be spared for many years to preside over them . Bro . Col . Sir FRANCIS BURDETT , Bart ., Prov . G . M ., assured them it vvas with great gratification that he rose to thank the D . P . G . M . for the kind manner in which he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the manner in svhich it had
been received . He had often done so , and always with the greatest pleasure , but it gave him particular gratification on the present occasion , because he saw a much larger assembly of Mark Masons of the province than he had ever seen before . He had always had the greatest interest in the Province of Middlesex and Surrey , and that interest had increased as he found Mark Masonry making such rapid strides . It vvould be bad taste on his part if he
did not take every means to advance the interest of Mark Masonry , the brethren , and the lodges in the province . He had now presided for a great many years with the greatest pleasure and happiness , but he was certain he could not have performed the duties without the assistance of his Prov . G . Officers , vvho had performed their duties ably , assisted him in every way , and relieved him from responsibility and
difficulty . As long as he was supported by the Prov . Grand Officers as he had been in the past , he thought the province must continue to flourish in the manner that few flourish . He had been fortunate in having a good Prov . G . Secretary , and good Prov . Grand Treasurers during the last fesv years , to whom he was grateful for their assistance . He again thanked them most heartily and sincerely , and hoped to live to meet them for many years .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER next gave "The D . P . G . M ., the Prov . G . Treas . and the Prov . G . Sec , " and observed that he had been ably supported by his officers , as he had previously said , but he should be neglecting his duty if he did not say that those officers had performed their duties , not only to his satisfaction , but to the satisfaction of the whole of the province . He vvould especially mention the D . P . G . M ., Bro . Hammerton , and also the Prov . Grand Treasurer , Bro . Gordon
Robbins , vvho had so satisfactorily shown he had performed his duties well , and g iven them a balance on the right side , vvhich he hoped vvould be the case for a great many years . There was no brother vvho had more efficiently performed his duties than the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Brighten . None knew better than he ( the Prov . Grand Master ) the duties the Prov . Grand Secretary had had to perform , and he had performed them in a most agreeable , affable , and kind manner .
He was happy to find that the lodges had responded to all Bro . Brighten s applications in a most kind manner , for the Prov . Grand Secretary had told him that all had sent in returns , and he had not one single word of complaint to make or one single fault to find . The Prov . Grand Secretary's duties were onerous , and very material to the good of the province , but he had performed them to the satisfaction of all .
Bro . C . HAMMERTON , D . P . G . M ., said it gave him great satisfaction to be present to see so many brethren from all the lodges in the province vvith the exception of one , vvhich vvas holding its installation meeting . Thus practically every lodge vvas represented , and he thought he mi ght say that was the first time he had known it . He thought that was due in a great measure to the Prov . Grand Master , and the happy way he had of conducting his duties . He might speak with regard to the happy feeling he thought was pervading that Prov .
Grand Lodge , because he looked back to the time when there were many lodges in the province which tried to exempt themselves from the ruling of Prov . Grand Lodge , and he vvas happy to find those lodges had all joined under their banner . He had that evening seen a little incident of that good feeling which he would not allude to , but which showed there vvas unanimity and good feeling pervading the whole of the lodges . He thanked them most heartily for the kind manner in svhich they had received the toast .
Bro . L . G . GORDON ROBBINS , Prov . G . Treas ., in response , said a wise Archbishop once remarked , vvhen some complaint vvas made against one of the clergy , that he deserved to be preached to death by wild curates . He ( Bro . Robbins ) thought it would be a bad return for their kindness that they should be talked to death by Prov . Grand Officers . He svould , therefore , only thank them and assure them it had been the greatest possible pleasure to place his services at their disposal .
Bro . W . G . BRIGHTEN , Prov . G . Sec , said he had to thank them very much , not only for the kind reception of his name , but for the increasing and growing and almost perfect manner in which they seemed to understand each other . He could assure them that his work during the last two years had not only been increasing , but was less in reality than it would appear , owing to the enormous amount of pleasure he gathered from the conduct of business . There was one
matter to which he must allude if they would allow him . In times past when their P . G . M . took every pains to please the members every possible place for meeting was selected where they could get the greatest pleasure , and what was the result ? They would have a large meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , and then some would support the Prov . G . M . at the banquet table and some would go away . Happily those days were past , but he hoped the respected and worshipful brother who had
received office that evening , and who vvas left alone b y the members of his lodge who had gone downstairs to have a grill , would mention what was the feeling of all present . In the first place a certain number had to be guaranteed in order to secure the room , and had those five brethren been good enough to attend , there would have been no loss on the dinner . When they remembered that this glorious Provincial
Grand Lod ge was opened with the largest number which had had the pleasure of greeting the Prov . G . M . together , and that the banquet was one of the most handsome , he hoped they would make up their minds to support Sir Francis in large numbers , and if possible with greater enthusiasm . " The Officers and Brethren of the Onslow Lodge" was given by the PROV . GRAND SECRETARY , and acknowledged by Bro . G . GORDON ROBBINS , P . M .
The Prov . G . M . at this point being obliged to leave , the D . P . G . M ., Bro . C . Hammerton , assumed the chair , and the following toasts were given : "The Prov . G . Officers , " responded to b y Bros . J . BARNETT , jun ., P . G . M . O ., and J . C . COLLIER , P J . G . W ., and " The Visitors , " for vvhich Bro . Col . VANSITTART , Excelsior Lodge , returned thanks .
Bro . Dr . LAWRANCE gave" The Mark Benevolent Fund , " vvhich was responded to by the D . P . G . M ., Steward for the year . The T yler ' s toast closed a very successful meeting , the success of which was due in a great measure to the excellent arrangements made by Bro . Brighten , P . G . Secretary .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
; £ io ios . to the Old People in the former case , and handing in a list of £ 47 5 s ., mostly his own personal donation , in the latter , the total for the year is £ 136 ios . In 188 9 its Returns amounted to the higher sum of £ 365 16 s ., all three Institutions sharing in the amount , but the Boys' School to the extent of ^ 252 . In 1888 it raised £ 848 3 s ., of which ^ 695 18 s . vvas obtained by the Girls' Institution at its Centenary celebration , so that the more moderate aggregate of the present year is not surprising after the weightier figures of those preceding it .
WEST YORKSHIRE , as usual , had a long array of representatives—some 45 in number , and hailing from upwards of 20 lodges—svhile the total raised was in proportion large , and amounted to ^ 800 . In February it contributed . £ 525 to the R . M . B . I ., and in May ^ 350 to the Girls'School , so that the total for the year , albeit it amounts to ^ 1675 ,
is belosv rather than above the average of the last 16 or 17 years . This , however , as vve remarked in our analysis of the Benevolent Festival Returns in February , is not to be wondered at , seeing that in 1888 it raised ^ 33 62 8 s ., including ^ 2702 8 s . for the Girls' Centenary , and . £ 3800 , including ^ 2100 , the purchase money for two Perpetual Presentations to the Benevolent Institution ( Widows ' Fund ) in the year of the Queen ' s Jubilee .
FOREIGN STATIONS . Under this are included two Stewards—Bro . W . Girling , P . Dist . G . D . Bengal , and Bro . Herbert Bradley , W . M . Lodge of Perfect Unanimity , No . 150 , Madraswhose lists amount to ^ 21 and . £ To ios . respectively .
CONCLUDING REMARKS . Having gone carefully through the list , we have only one duty to fulfil , that of expressing our satisfaction that the Returns are not less unfavourable , as they certainly would have been but for the great efforts made by the Provinces vvhich , by the support they have given to Bro . Binckes on this occasion , have shown that they fully recognise the value of the crusade he preached amongst them at thc outset of his secretarial career in aid of this important Institution .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF MIDDLESEX AND SURREY .
The most numerously attended and the most successful meeting in all respects of this Prov . Grand Mark Lodge took place at Mark Masons' Hall , Great Queenstreet , on Tuesday , the 24 th ult . The Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., was supported by a large number of brethren . Provincial Grand Mark Lodge vvas opened , the Provincial Grand Master formally saluted , and the minutes read and approved .
The report of the Committee of General Purposes , vvhich was subsequently unanimously adopted , vvas read by the Prov . Grand Secretary , and proved satisfactory in all respects . The number of lodges in the province had been increased during the past year by two , making a total of 37 lodges , and the number of members showed an increase of 41 , there being 719 in 1888-g , and 7 60 in i 88 g-go . The Treasurer ' s account , showing satisfactory balances on the General and Benevolent accounts , vvas received and adopted .
On the proposition of the PROV . GRAND SECRETARY , seconded by the PROV . GRAND TREASURER , 10 guineas was voted to the Mark Benevolent Fund , and the Deputy Prov . Grand Master was nominated and elected to represent the Prov . Grand Lodge as Steward at the next Festival . The roll of lodges was called over , vvhen it vvas found that all were represented with the exception of one holding its installation meeting on the same day .
Several minor alterations in the Provincial By-laws , rendered necessary to bring them in conformity vvith the Grand Lodge Constitutions , were agreed to and the By-laws were ordered to be printed as altered . On the motion of Bro . C . F . MATIER , G . Sec , seconded by Bro . SCURRAH , Bro . L . G . Gordon Robbins vvas unanimously re-elected P . G . Treas ., and a vote of thanks vvas accorded him for his services during the past year . The following Provincial Grand Officers were appointed and invested by the
Prov . G . M .: Bro . C . Hammerton , 144 ... ... ... ... D . Prov . G . M . „ Col . A . H . Bircham , 3 61 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ J . C . Collier , 11 4 ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . J . Cater , M . A ., 407 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chan .
.. . Rev . H . F . Collier , 107 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ L . G . Gordon Robbins , 3 61 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ J . T . Briggs , 181 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ W . G . Brighten , 4 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ J . Barnett , jun ., 315 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ Capt . C . J . Kni ghtley , 28 4 and 355 ... ... Prov . S . G . O . „ A . H . Bowles , 361 ... ... ... ... Prov . I . G . O .
11 H T'PPer , 3 § 5 - ••• ... Prov . S . G . D . „ H . Burgess , 198 ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ J . T . N . Callaway , 333 ... ... ... Prov . G . L of AV „ T . C Edmonds , 139 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . . 1 J- Byrord , 35 o ... ... ... ___ p . A . G . D . C . „ F . Mead , 399 ... ... ... ... prov . G . S . B . „ W . Clowes , 357 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br
„ Edwin Wilding , 244 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ T . Hood , 331 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ L . P . Coubro , 236 ... ... ... ... „ J . T . Skinner , 211 ... „ A . J . Hone-Goldney , 230 ... ... ... Prov . G . Stwds . ,, J . T . R . Cresssvell , 224 ... ... ... I „ J . B . L . Lancaster , 407 ... ... ... J
Bro . C . F . HOGARD said it would be in the recollection of every brother that , at the last meeting of Grand Lodge , it was resolved to perpetuate the memory of the late Bro . Canon Portal , P . G . M ., by the erection of an organ in the Grand Hall . He , therefore , moved that the sum of 10 guineas be voted toward the fund for this purpose .
The names of the four lodges selected by rotation by the Committee of General Purposes to nominate a Grand Steward each , were approved , viz ., Chiswick Lodge , Onslow Lodge , King Solomon Lodge , and Sir Francis Burdett Lodge . Bros . Hy . Lovegrove , Newington Bridges , W . A . Scurrah , and W . M . Stiles were elected to serve on the Committee of General Purposes for the ensuing year .
The motion vvas seconded by the PROV . G . TREASURER , and unanimousl y agreed to , the amount being immediately increased b y a donation of five guineas from a brother of the Kintore Lodge . The Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where an excellent banquet was served .
"The Queen and Mark Masonry" and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " having been heartil y honoured , the Prov . Grand Master , in proposing The Grand Officers , " said they performed their duties to the satisfaction of all Mark Masons . The Grand Officers had , for some considerable time , been their governors , and they had had the greatest pleasure in supporting them . That was
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
a very extensive toast , and he might , therefore , go on for a considerable time expounding the virtues of the Grand Officers , and particularly those Past Grand Officers vvho had so efficiently performed their duties , and these distinguished officers had been followed by others vvho take an example from them and perform their duties quite as satisfactorily as their predecessors .
Bro . C . F . HOGARD , P . G . Std . Br ., said he had been called upon to reply at a moment ' s notice , but if he said that the Grand Officers returned their sincere and hearty thanks for the way the toast of their healths had been received the brethren would be satisfied and take it as coming from their hearts . Bro . C . HAMMERTON , D . P . G . M ., then gave "The Prov . G . M ., Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., " and said that being in possession of the gavel the brethren
vvould know he vvas about to propose that toast , which he was sure would be heartily received . It was needless for him to advance much in favour of the toast , for the brethren had for so many years met their Prov . Grand Master in various lodges in this and other Degrees , and there was therefore no necessity to expatiate upon his virtues and his great interest in Masonry in every way . Many of them had met their Prov . Grand Master more frequently than he ( the D . P . G . M . ) , but had not
known him so long , and he had therefore great pleasure in taking his present office under Sir Francis Burdett ' s banner . He vvould not say more than that he hoped their Prov . Grand Master would be spared for many years to preside over them . Bro . Col . Sir FRANCIS BURDETT , Bart ., Prov . G . M ., assured them it vvas with great gratification that he rose to thank the D . P . G . M . for the kind manner in which he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the manner in svhich it had
been received . He had often done so , and always with the greatest pleasure , but it gave him particular gratification on the present occasion , because he saw a much larger assembly of Mark Masons of the province than he had ever seen before . He had always had the greatest interest in the Province of Middlesex and Surrey , and that interest had increased as he found Mark Masonry making such rapid strides . It vvould be bad taste on his part if he
did not take every means to advance the interest of Mark Masonry , the brethren , and the lodges in the province . He had now presided for a great many years with the greatest pleasure and happiness , but he was certain he could not have performed the duties without the assistance of his Prov . G . Officers , vvho had performed their duties ably , assisted him in every way , and relieved him from responsibility and
difficulty . As long as he was supported by the Prov . Grand Officers as he had been in the past , he thought the province must continue to flourish in the manner that few flourish . He had been fortunate in having a good Prov . G . Secretary , and good Prov . Grand Treasurers during the last fesv years , to whom he was grateful for their assistance . He again thanked them most heartily and sincerely , and hoped to live to meet them for many years .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER next gave "The D . P . G . M ., the Prov . G . Treas . and the Prov . G . Sec , " and observed that he had been ably supported by his officers , as he had previously said , but he should be neglecting his duty if he did not say that those officers had performed their duties , not only to his satisfaction , but to the satisfaction of the whole of the province . He vvould especially mention the D . P . G . M ., Bro . Hammerton , and also the Prov . Grand Treasurer , Bro . Gordon
Robbins , vvho had so satisfactorily shown he had performed his duties well , and g iven them a balance on the right side , vvhich he hoped vvould be the case for a great many years . There was no brother vvho had more efficiently performed his duties than the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Brighten . None knew better than he ( the Prov . Grand Master ) the duties the Prov . Grand Secretary had had to perform , and he had performed them in a most agreeable , affable , and kind manner .
He was happy to find that the lodges had responded to all Bro . Brighten s applications in a most kind manner , for the Prov . Grand Secretary had told him that all had sent in returns , and he had not one single word of complaint to make or one single fault to find . The Prov . Grand Secretary's duties were onerous , and very material to the good of the province , but he had performed them to the satisfaction of all .
Bro . C . HAMMERTON , D . P . G . M ., said it gave him great satisfaction to be present to see so many brethren from all the lodges in the province vvith the exception of one , vvhich vvas holding its installation meeting . Thus practically every lodge vvas represented , and he thought he mi ght say that was the first time he had known it . He thought that was due in a great measure to the Prov . Grand Master , and the happy way he had of conducting his duties . He might speak with regard to the happy feeling he thought was pervading that Prov .
Grand Lodge , because he looked back to the time when there were many lodges in the province which tried to exempt themselves from the ruling of Prov . Grand Lodge , and he vvas happy to find those lodges had all joined under their banner . He had that evening seen a little incident of that good feeling which he would not allude to , but which showed there vvas unanimity and good feeling pervading the whole of the lodges . He thanked them most heartily for the kind manner in svhich they had received the toast .
Bro . L . G . GORDON ROBBINS , Prov . G . Treas ., in response , said a wise Archbishop once remarked , vvhen some complaint vvas made against one of the clergy , that he deserved to be preached to death by wild curates . He ( Bro . Robbins ) thought it would be a bad return for their kindness that they should be talked to death by Prov . Grand Officers . He svould , therefore , only thank them and assure them it had been the greatest possible pleasure to place his services at their disposal .
Bro . W . G . BRIGHTEN , Prov . G . Sec , said he had to thank them very much , not only for the kind reception of his name , but for the increasing and growing and almost perfect manner in which they seemed to understand each other . He could assure them that his work during the last two years had not only been increasing , but was less in reality than it would appear , owing to the enormous amount of pleasure he gathered from the conduct of business . There was one
matter to which he must allude if they would allow him . In times past when their P . G . M . took every pains to please the members every possible place for meeting was selected where they could get the greatest pleasure , and what was the result ? They would have a large meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , and then some would support the Prov . G . M . at the banquet table and some would go away . Happily those days were past , but he hoped the respected and worshipful brother who had
received office that evening , and who vvas left alone b y the members of his lodge who had gone downstairs to have a grill , would mention what was the feeling of all present . In the first place a certain number had to be guaranteed in order to secure the room , and had those five brethren been good enough to attend , there would have been no loss on the dinner . When they remembered that this glorious Provincial
Grand Lod ge was opened with the largest number which had had the pleasure of greeting the Prov . G . M . together , and that the banquet was one of the most handsome , he hoped they would make up their minds to support Sir Francis in large numbers , and if possible with greater enthusiasm . " The Officers and Brethren of the Onslow Lodge" was given by the PROV . GRAND SECRETARY , and acknowledged by Bro . G . GORDON ROBBINS , P . M .
The Prov . G . M . at this point being obliged to leave , the D . P . G . M ., Bro . C . Hammerton , assumed the chair , and the following toasts were given : "The Prov . G . Officers , " responded to b y Bros . J . BARNETT , jun ., P . G . M . O ., and J . C . COLLIER , P J . G . W ., and " The Visitors , " for vvhich Bro . Col . VANSITTART , Excelsior Lodge , returned thanks .
Bro . Dr . LAWRANCE gave" The Mark Benevolent Fund , " vvhich was responded to by the D . P . G . M ., Steward for the year . The T yler ' s toast closed a very successful meeting , the success of which was due in a great measure to the excellent arrangements made by Bro . Brighten , P . G . Secretary .