Provincial Grand Lodge Of Derbyshire.

province , Bro . Diamond , had been all along of opinion , from actual contact with the School , that the scheme was not only desirable but absolutely necesssary , and he might point out that with an income of something like £ 20 ooo a year and an expenditure of about £ 12 , 000 , the Board had been able to save a capital sum of £ 60 , 000 . It was very satisfactory to know that there were as many as 280 boys in the School , but it was unsatisfactory to know that there were 20 boys or more outside owing to want of

accommodation m the Institution itself . The governing body were determined to pursue a policy of progress—their object was to get cheaper land , reduce taxation and expenditure , and provide accommodation for 500 children in-tead of for less than 300 . He would propose in conclusion— " That this P . G . L . begs to express its confidence in the governing body of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and its approval of their policy . " Bro . E . HORNE , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg ., seconded , and the resolution was carried with cordial unanimity .

Bro . DIAMOND thanked the brethren for their support on behalf of the Board of Management of the Institution . Bro . OKEOVER , Deputy P . G . M ., said it was always usual for him to say a few words before the brethren parted , and he was very happy indeed to see that the affairs of the province—Masonically—were proceeding on satisfactory lines . When he looked back year after year he could not but note that

their record had been one steady advance—not by leaps and bounds , but from a low standard they had risen steadily in the true principles and foundations of the Craft . Every brother who had heard the reports of the different lodges must feel grateful and thankful , for they were all of a most harmonious character , and they all showed a most satisfactory spirit in supporting the great Masonic Charities . The only regret he had in being present that

day was the fact that the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Duke of Devonshire , was not able to attend also . They all knew however , that he sympathised with them in every respect , and especially in regard to the great Institutions—the Boys' and Girls' Schools and the other Masonic Charities . Whatever they decided to do in the promotion of education , he was sure would receive the cordial support of their Grand Master . In regard to the

Boys' School , the brethren of the province must look back with great p leasure to the annual gathering at Brighton last summer—it was not merely a very large sum of money which was handed over to the funds of the Institution , but it was given with a true Masonic spirit and also with a desire to support the Prov . Grand Master in his high office . As Masonry progressed by degrees in this province , he was sure the brethren would

always keep the true principles of the Craft before them—and what were these principles with regard to their great Institutions ? It was their duty to do as much good to their brethren as lay in their power , and where necessary to see that their offspring were brought up in good and wholesome ways , and that everything possible was done to give them a fair and good start in life . With respect to the many other things connected with

the province , he was glad to see that everything was progressing in a prosperous and a happy manner , and also that great care was exercised by the lodges as to whom they admitted to the honourable position of brother Masons . This he considered to be one of the principal reasons for the success of the province . In conclusion , he referred to the way in

which the Stewards and the Charity Committee had exerted themselves in the past , specially mentioning the names of Bros . Percy Wallis and J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . He also expressed the pleasure that all the brethren felt at seeing Bro . Sir John Smith amongst them again after his recent severe illness .

Afterwards a sumptuous banquet was served in the Lower Hall , when the usual Masonic toast list was gone through . The musical programme was a very enjoyable one .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Sussex.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SUSSEX .

The annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Town Hall , Hastings , on . Wednesday , the 25 th ult . The inhabitants of the town , no less than the members of the Craft , experienced great disappointment , however , owing to the absence of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , the Prov . Grand Master , who , unfortunately , was prevented by indisposition from visiting the premier Cinque Port , and presiding at the annual

gathering . Arrangements had been made by the Mayor and Corporation to receive the Royal Duke in state at the Warrior-square Station , and the 2 nd Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers and the 1 st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers had been ordered to parade to form guards of honour at the railway station and Town Hall respectively , and it was intended to escort his Royal Highness to the Town Hall .

In the neighbourhood of Warrior-square Station there was a good display of bunting , and at S . lverhill , the St . Matthew ' s Company of the Church Lads' Brigade mustered in good numbers under the command of Captain Sekington , assisted by Lieutenant Urry , with the intention of also forming a guard of honour at Warrior-fquare Station , the Duke being the Hon .

Colonel Commandant of the organisation . Many of the inhabitants had assembled in the streets to give a hearty welcome to the Duke , and were much disappointed when the news arrived that he was unable to be present . It need scarcely be said the brethren also deeply regretted the unavoidable absence of their Prov . Grand Master .

The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . the Right Hon . Sir W . T . Marriott , Q . C ., P . G . D ., who was supported by the following Provincial Grand Officers , viz . : Bro . E . W . Stillwell , Prov . S . G . W . ; Bro . B . Burfield , Prov . J . G . W . ; Bro . J . H . Langford Sainsbury , Prov . G . Chaplain ; Bro . J . M . Reed , Piov . G . Treasurer ; Bro . R . Percy Clowes , Prov . G . Registrar ; Bro . V . P .

Freeman , Prov . G . Secretary : Bro . J . H . Whatford , Prov . S . G . Deacon ; Bro . W . A . Raper , Prov . J . G . Deacon ; Bro . J . W . Broad , Prov . G S . of W . ; Bto . J . J . Clarke , Prov . G . D . of C . ; Bro . G . Randell , Prov . Asst . G . D . of C . ; Bro . J . Howe , Prov . G . Sword B . ; Bro . A . J . Carpenter , Prov . G . Asst . Secretary ; Bro . G . Fowler , Prov . G . Pursuivant ; Bro . H . W . G . Abell , Bro . S . Denman , Bro . J . Turton , and Bro . B . F . Meadows , Prov . G . Stewards ; Bro . George Cole , P . P . G . O ., Acting Prov . G . Organist

and Bro . H . H . Hughes , Prov . G . Tyler . There was a very larg < j attendance of Prov . G . Officers , Past Prov . G . Officers , and other brethren . Addressing the asien bled brethren , Bro . Sir WILLIAM MARRIOTT , the Deputy Prov . G . M ., said he was sure they would all regret to hear that his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught , Prov . G . M ., was suffering from an attack of bronchitis , and thereby prevented from being present . They would all realise that no one regretted his absence more than the D-ike himself , who , for the last four days had abstained from undertaking his duties

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Sussex.

and pleasures , and had reserved himself , hoping to be better and able 11 preside at the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge . Acting , however , upon medical advice , he had been compelled to relinquish his visit , and had telegraphed to him ( Sir William ) to that effect . Colonel Egerton had also informed him of the Duke ' s indisposition , and also said it was the the wish of his Royal Highness to take the first opportunity possible of

holding another meeting at Hastings , and of endeavouring to be present . ( Applause ) . On the proposition of Bro . Sir WILLIAM MARRIOTT , seconded by Bro . E . R . CURRIE , a telegram was sent to the Duke , in the name of the assembled brethren , expressing their deep regret at the illness of their popular Prov . Grand Master , and wishing him a speedy recovery .

The customary reports of the Board of Finance and Charities Committee were read and adopted , and a vote of confidence in the Board of Management of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and approval of the removal of the School from Wood Green to Bushey , was unanimously adopted . The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER then said it had been the intention of the Duke of Connaught to address the brethren , and he was happy to say that Colonel Egerton had handed him the address , which was read as follows :

It gives me great pleasure to be present at this meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , in the ancient town of Hastings—a name which for nearly a thousand years has been closely associated with some oi ' . the most stirring epochs of . British history . It is , I believe , 28 years since the last meeting of the Provincial Lodge was held in this town . During the year , the new lodge at Shoreham , the formation of which I told you I had recommended at our last meeting , was duly consecrated by the Rev . E . R . Currie , Dean of Battle and Past Grand Chaplain :

He undertook the duty of performing the ceremony at very short notice , and I thank him for the services he rendered . I am glad to hear that all the petitioners became subscribing members , and that the new lodge has made very satisfactory progress without interfering with any of the other lodges . The Hadrian Lodge , which was consecrated at Pevensey , has been compelled to leave the locality and has removed to Bexhill , where I trust that in improved quarters and with superior surroundings it may have a career of prosperity commensurate with that of the

flourishing town in which it has taken up its abode . I find from the statistics an increase in the number of registered members of 40 . This is partly owing to the new lodge , which accounts for 27 , but , independently of that , there is still an addition of 13 , which , considering the number of resignations , Sic , I consider is quite satisfactory . You are aware that I have undertaken to preside at the Annual Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons in February next . Although the contributions to the

Masonic Institutions from this province for the last few years have been much above the average , and I understand that many brethren have already pledged themselves to support the Centenary Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys in 18 98 , I feel sure that by the energy of the Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge Charities Committee—Bro . J . M . Reed — and the assistance of my brethren I may be able to show an amount for this province which wilt be creditable and satisfactory

You will have heard from the letter read from the Grand Secretary that , in commemoration of the fact that our Grand Master has now presided over us for twenty-one years , I am empowered to appoint three brethren to Past Rank in Provincial Grand Lodge , and I have decided to appoint one as Past Provincial Senior Warden , one as Past Provincial Junior War den , and one as Past Provincial Grand Registrar . For the first I have selected a brother who is an old Mason , and has elected to take up his residence in Brighton , where he has passed the

chair of one of the lodges ; he has been an officer in ' er Majesty ' s army , and served through the Crimean war . For the second I have selected a brother who is probably one of the oldest , if not the oldest Mason , in the room , although he he has only , during the last few years , taken an active part in the working , and is now Worshipful Master of one of our lodges . He also has served her Majesty as aVolunteer , was in command of the 1 st Sussex Artillery Volunteers , and has received the decoration for long service . For the third I have selected a brother from the oldest of the lodges consecrated in Sussex , which has completed its

centenary , who , although not a very old Mason , has put a lot of Masonic work into a short period . He is professionally entitled to the appointment , and I believe that he will consider the office as an incentive to future exertions in Masonry , and that we shall continue to have his services . 1 propose that the meeting next year shall be held a ( Bri ghton . I have to thank the Masons of Hastings for the trouble they have taken to provide accommodation for this large * assemblage of brethren , and hope that next year , which is to be historical in the records of England , may be one of increased prosperity to Masonry in this

province . The following officers were appointed for the ensuing year , and those present were invested with the insignia of their respective offices :

Bro . A . Lloyd , P . M . 56 , 1 725 ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ B . E . Meadows , P . M ., 1842 ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . A . J . W . Crosse , W . M . 341 ... ... ) D ,- ru . „ Rev . Seymour Penzer , Chap . 1821 ... .,. \ Prov - - P „ J . M . Read , P . M . 732 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ H . L . Staffarth , P . M . 1726 ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ V . P . Freeman , P . M . 315 , 732 ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ F . C . Parsons , P . M . 271 ... ... - > D „ „ „ „ J . Turton , P . M . 811 ... ... j Prov . S . G . Ds . „ S . Denman , P . M . 732 ... ... ,.. ?„ T „ - . „ H . Sutton , P . M . 2434 ] Prov - J- - - „ J . A . Skinner , P . M . 1110 ... ... Prov . G . S . of W .

„ O . Embling , P . M . 1 S 21 ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ H . W . Gabell , P . M . 1797 ... ... Prov . D . G . D . C . „ W . Deman , P . M . 38 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ J . Flinn , P . M . 1829 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ W . S . Allen , P . M . 40 ... ... ... •>„ _ , Cl , „ C . W . West , P . M . 2187 ... j Prov . G . Std . Brs . „ Chapman Marshall , P . M . 2201 ... ,., Prov . G . Org . >» J . J . Freeman , J . W . 2261 ... ... Prov . A . G . Sec . „ F . Carter , P . M . 851 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ J . B . Foster , 1184 ... ,.. ... Prov . A . G . Purst . „ W . S . Stone , P . M . 811 ... ... „ , ~ ) „ B . W . Drury , P . M . 315 „ L . J . Jeffery , P . M . 916 ... ... ... ! o „ r * c , A „ R . Gallier , P . M . 1141 ... ... f Prov . G . Stwds . „ T . J . BuddBudd , P . M . 1619 „ W . E . Hughes , P . M . 1947

Past rank was conferred on the following—Bros . Major W . H . Beaumont , P . M . 1466 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Col . H . Tester , W . M . 1636 , P . Prov . J . G . W . ; and H . Montague Williams , P . M . 271 , P . P . G . Reg . The lodge havirg been cksed , the brethren adjourned to the Queen's Hotel , where they sat down to a banquet under the presidency of the Deputy Prov . Grand Master .