Grand Masonic Festival At Liverpool.

brate the opening of a hall , but also for the purpose of raising funds towards defraying a part of the expense which has been incurred in carrying out the work of decoration . The arrangements in connection with the conversazione , which were of the most satisfactory character , were carried out by a thoroughly representative Committee , of which Bros . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , was President ; WJLuntP . M . S 23 Vice-President ; J . T . Callow ,

.. , , P . P . G . Treas ., Treasurer ; and Richard " Brown , P . G . Treas ., and A . C . Wylie , P . G . S ., Secretaries . The following were the members of the General Committee : — r ,,, Bros . 'W . B . Ackerley , J . Atkinson , F . J . Bailey , J . W . Ballard , J . Beesley , J . Bell , Charles Birch , Thomas Birch , J . Bottomley , J . Boyle , George Broadbridge , J . P . Bryan , I . W . Burgess , R . Burgess , Robert B . Burgess , J . Capel ,

Thomas Clark , William Cottrell , L . Courtenay , J . Duncan , jun ., T . O . Dutton , F . Emery , W . E . Erwin , Thomas Evans , R . H . Exton , H . Frith , J . A . Forrest , R . P . France , P . B . Gee , J . R . Goepel , J . H . Gregory , E . Grindley , J . Hayes , L . Herman , A . D . Hesketh , John Houlding , D . Jackson , J . lohnson , W . Laidiaw , J . P . MacArthur , J . B . Mackenzie , Thomas McCracken , R . Martin , S . Mattison , H . M . Molvneux . Iohn Newall ; A . Paterson , Lewis Peake ,

j . Pemberton , J . H . Parker , David Ramsay , R . Reader , j . C . Robinson , R . Robinson , Thomas Salter , A . Samuels , W . W . Sandbrook , T . H . Sheen , J . Skeaf , Francis Smith , ] . K . Smith , J . Stoddart , C . P . Titherley , H . A . Tobias , H . Trevitt , George Turner , G . G . Walmsley , R . Washington , Thos . Whalley , F . Wilkinson , W . Williams , James Winsor , Robert Wylie , and R . Young . The following brethren formed the Sub-Committees :

DRAMATIC COMMITTEE . —Bros . L . Courtenay , Chairman ; J . B . Mackenzie , F . Emery , F . Wilkinson , J . Atkinson , J . K . Smith , J . Bell , and A . Woolrich . ART AND LITERATURE COMMITTEE . —Bros . Dr . J . Kellett Smith , Chairman ; E . Grindley , J . A . Forrest , H . A . Tobias , H . Firth , W . Cottrell , S . Mattison , J . W . Ballard , J . R . Goepel , F . Smith , D . Ramsay , I . H . Parker , T . H . Sheen , R . Washington , and Ralph Robinson .

Music COMMITTEE . —Bros . Joseph Skeaf , Chairman ; R . Burgess > H . M . Molyneux , j . P . Bryan , W . Williams , W . Laidiaw , ' and J . B . Mackenzie . BALL COMMITTEE . —Bros . H . M . Molyneux , Chairman ; Thos . Salter , H . Firth , Geo . Broadbridge , Robert Wylie , D . Jackson , J . H . Gregory , Robt . Martin , and R . Robinson . REFRESHMENT COMMITTEE . —Bros . John Houlding , Chairman ; J . W . Burgess , John Pemberton , Peter B . Gee ;

Thos . McCracken , Geo . Broadbridge , Lewis Peake , J . Beesley , T . O . Dutton , R . Young , and S . Mattison . PRINTING COMMITTEE . —Bros . Robert Wylie , Chairman ; Geo . Broadbridge , J . Hayes , T . Clark , R . P . France , J- R- Goepel , and J . B . Mackenzie . The wcrks of art , literary and scientific exhibits , & c , contributed by numerous brethren , included exhibits lent by the Polytechnic , Numismatic , Microscopic , and other

learned societies . The art exhibition was specially superintended b y Bros . Edward Grindley and Washington , and the scientific department by Bro . H . A . Tobias . Among the many items with which the Committee were favoured were the following : Contributed by Bro . Richard Washington—Oil Paintings and Water-Colour Drawings , including examples by G . K . Leslie , R . A ., Thomas Creiwick , R . A ., John Burr , W . J . J . C . Bond , Sam , Williamson , Albeit

Hartland , J . D . Watson , and many others ; also Naval and Military War Medals , Gold and Silver Coins , Napoleons , Medals , Bronzes , & c . ; contributed by Robert Ker , Esq . — Paintings by Daniels , J . D . Watson , W . J . Grant , Wm . Watson , T . Faed , R . S . Bond , John Sinclair , James Webb , Dyce , R . A ., Opie , R . A ., & c . ; Water-Colour Drawings by H . McAllum , John Parker , Birket Foster , T . Huson , R . P . Richards , A . Hartland , Clarkson Stanticld , John Faed ,

& c . ; contributed b y Bro . Edward Samuelson—Works by J . D . Watson , W . E . Cooke , J . Finnie , James Whaite , J . W . Oakes , W . Huggins , & c . ; contributed b y Bro . Silvester Mattison—Paintings b y Burnett , W . Oliver , Marshall , Rolfe , and Prout ; contributed by A . Broadley , Esq . —Picture by Daniels ; contributed by Bro . J . A . Forrest—Gra p hoscopes . Kaleidoscopes , Revolving Stereoscopes , & c , ice . ; Contributed per Bro . Tobias , as follows : —A

magnificent display of Coins and Zulu Ornaments , by A . L . Benas , Esq . ; Model of Steam Ship " Britannic , " by White Star Co . ; Japanese Curios and Cases , by F . R . Cross , Esq . ; Bronzes , & c , b y Elkington and Co ., per Bro . R . A . Daviesj Pack of Silver Playing Cards , 4000 years old , by Bro . M . P . Tueski ; Zulu War Implements , by F . Smith ; and South American Spears and Trophies , b y Bro . J . St . Clair Purdey . Contributed by Bro . G . G . Walmsley—Stereoscopes , Photographs , Illustrated Works

in Art and Literature , & c . Continued by Bro . John Sewell—Water-Colour Drawing , byG . C . Kilburne , George Shalders , and others . Contributed by Bro . Francis Smith—A Summer Shower , and East Indiaman in a Gale , painted by himself ; Paintings , on Vellum , of the Entombment , Sic ; Fan , painted by Richard Wilson , R . A . ; and Masonic Curios , including Hogarth's Satire . Contributed by Henry Ellis , Esq . —Paintings by H . G . Evans , and

Edwin Hayes , R . H . A . Contributed b y Bro , Richard Brown—Art and Literary Works . Contributed by A . H . Mason , Esq ., F . C . S . —Specimens of Rare Chemicals , & c . Contributed by Mrs . Bucknall—Interesting Collection of Curiosities from the Brazils . Contributed by Bro . Edward Carter and Microscopical Society—Microscopes with very interesting Living and Inanimate Objects , by members of the Microscopic Society , in the Rooms of the Art Exhibition ,

Sic , and Microscope with Living Animalcuke ; and many items of varied interest , b y a number of the brethren , including a Crown for an African Prince , kindly sent by Bro . George Kenning . A performance of the petite comedy "A Kiss in the Dark , " was given in the new lodge room , by members of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 ; Bro . Frank Emery and Bro . Lindo Courtenay , P . M ., assisted by Miss Florence Courtenay and Miss Marie Weiss . The musical arrangements were under the able direction of Bro . R .

Burgess , Organist , iGoy . A most attractive concert was subsequently given in the same room , the artistes being Madame Parkes , Miss Florence Hayes , Mrs . Skeaf , Bro . Webster Williams , Bro . W . Ouayle , Bro . Thomas Foulkcs , Bro . ) . Muir , and Bro . J . ~ Skeaf , P . G . Organist . The grand banqueting room was thrown open shortl y before ten o'clock , and the supper piovidcd by Messrs . Gait and Capper , Lord-street , was certainly worthy of the occasion , and elicited the heartiest approval of the 500 or 600 guests who partook of it .

Grand Masonic Festival At Liverpool.

The decorative silver for the supper was kindly lent by Bro . J . G . Jacobs and Messrs . Elkington and Co . Bro . Ellis Brammall , jun ., 1609 , created the liveliest amusement by his graphic character delineation , entitled " The Showman , " with special drum and cornet accompaniments . The performance of Byron ' s celebrated piece of absurdity , " The Rosebud of Stinging Nettle Farm , " by several wellknown amateurs , also caused great laughter ; and the long

list of varied and attractive amusements closed with a grand ball in the new lodge room and chapter room . Bro . H . M . Molyneux , P . M . 823 acted as M . C ., and the music was supplied by a band acting under the direction of Bro . G . A . W . Phillipps , Mr . E . C . Osborne kindly fulfilled the duties of stage manager for the Byron burlesque . The plants for the decoration of the hall were gratuitously

provided by Bro . R . H . Exton , W . M . 13 S 0 ; the ornamental vases by Messrs . Bennett and Sons ; and the marble columns by Mr . Jones , Mount-pleasant , per Bro . J . E . Jackson . The elegant stage fit-up Was furnished by Messrs . Robinson and Burkinshaw . The re-union was generally voted one of the most enjoyable Masonic gatherings ever held in Liverpool , and the financial result is likely to be of the most satisfactory character .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE .

The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of the county Palatine of Lancaster was held in the Town Hall , Ashton-undcr-Lyne , on Thursday , October 21 st , at 2 o ' clock , presided over by Bro . the Earl of Uthom , G . M . M ., and R . W . Prov . G . M . M . M ., supported by Bro . Col . Le Gendrc N . Starkie ,

V . W . Deputy Prov . G . M . M . M ., antl a large number of Prov . Grand Officers and brethren , upwards of ninety being present , amongst whom were : Bros . Thos . Entwistle , 11 , P . P . G . M . M . Lancashire ; C . Fitzgerald Matier , P . M . 34 , P . G . W . England ; J . R . Goepel , P . M . Lebanon , T . I ., P . G . M . O . England , P . Sf . 65 , P . P . GAI . O . Lancashire ; C . R .

N . Beswickc , Koydcs , Callender , 123 ; John Hayes , P . M . 66 , P . G . J . D . ; Sylvester Mattison , 65 , G . J . D . England ; W . Byrom , P . M . i 5 S , P . G . S . W . ; W . Beswick ,, P . M . 24 , P . G . J . W . ; A . A . Bagshawe , 32 , P . G . Chap . England , P . P . G . Chap . ; A . Middloton , 34 , P . G . S . O ., G . S . B . England ; J . Startup , P . M . 34 , P . G . J . O . ; James Horrocks , P . G . J . O . ; Thos . Wilson , P . M . 15 S , P . P . G . M . O . ; Richd . Rushton , 159 , P . G . J . O . ; G . Edwd . Hanmer , P . M . 161 , P . P . G . S . O . ; Jos , Chas . Lunt , W . M . 161 , P . P . G . S . O . ; Alf . Beattie , P . M . 143 , P . G . S . B . ; Jos . L . Thorpe , 56 ,

P . G . A . D . C . ; A . R . Wylie , W . M . 65 ; C . M . Jones , P . M . 20 , P . P . G . D . of C ; Thos . Hindle , P . M . 159 , P . P . G . J . O . j J . W . Kenyon , 125 , P . P . G . S . O . ; Jas . Holroyd , P . G . S . B . ; C . T . Woodall , 32 , P . P . G . T . ; ) . Crompton Lees , 171 , P . P . G . S . D . ; Jos . Harrison , 171 , P . G . Chap . ; John Clayton , P . M ., P . G . R . ; Henry Thomas , P . M . 171 , P . G . J . W . ; E . Milligan , 246 , 34 , P . P . G . M . O . Lan ., P . G . J . W . Leics . ; J . D . Murray , ltf , P . G . S . ; H . L . llollingworth ,

171 , P . P . G . S . O . ; James Shaw , 123 , P . J . W . ; H . J . Jackson , 141 , P . P . G . R . ; Walter Newton , W . M . 141 ; G . Travis , M . O . 141 ; Thos . Peak , S . W . 141 ; Jno . C . Atkins , S . O . 141 ; Alfred L . Cocks , 141 ; C . Walmsley , 141 ; James Kershaw , 141 ; Josh . Burton , 141 ; J . Gartsidc , J . W , 141 ; Thos . Hannam , 141 ; Josh . Lush , 141 ; H . Heap , Tyler r 4 i ; E . Yield , 171 ; W . Edwards , W . M . 171 ; Chas . Claber , 171 ; Jas . Holt , W . M . 20 ; Wm .

Davies , 10 ; h . Woodcock , 24 ; I hos . R . Cue , W . M . 34 ; Jno . E . Lees , S . O . 34 ; W . Benn , W . M . iS ; T . J . Hooper , W . M . 32 ; Jno . Holt , W . M . 113 ; Mark Cooper , R . of M . 159 ; E . Knowlcs , W . M . elect 159 ; R . Stanton , J . W . 146 ; Jas . Wilson , 15 S ; James Piatt , W . M . designate 26 S ; Joseph F . Roberts , 26 S ; Jas . Metcalf , W . M . 123 ; W . F . Parkinsoul , J . W . 32 ; Joseph Wood , 65 , P . P . G . Swd , B . ( Freemason ); and others .

1 he Prov . Grand Lodge being duly opened by the R . W . Prov . G . M . M ., the roll of lodges was called over , when every lodge in the province was represented . On the roll of Prov . Grand Officers being called over , several letters of apology were read accounting for their absence , which were accepted . The minutes of the last Prov . Grand Lodge meeting , held at Wigan on the 5 th of November , 1 S 79 , were read and confirmed . The Prov . Grand Treasurer ' s

accounts were read and passed , showing a balance to be oarried to next year of £ 13 13 s . iod ., after having given during the past year £ 57 10 s . to the Charities . Two auditors for the ensuing year were appointed . Bro . C . E . MATIKR proposed , and Bro . J . R . GOEPEL seconded , "That Bro . Thos . J . Hooper , Union Lodge , 32 ,

be the Treasurer for the ensuing year , " which was carried unanimously . Bro . Sly was re-elected Tyler for the ensuing year . The Prov . Grand Master then proceeded to invest the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Bro . Col . Le Gcndre N . Starkie ... Prov . D . G . M .

„ C . R . N . Beswickc-Royds Prov . S . G . W „ James Kershaw , 141 Prov . J . G . W „ A . C . Wylie , 65 Prov . G . M . O „ Geo . Lamb Campbell , 15 S Prov . G . S . O . „ Henry Longman , 146 Prov . G . J . O . ,, Rev . Josh . Harrison , 171 Prov . G . Cha

„ Rev . C . H . Knowlys , 26 S Prov . G . A . Chap ,, Thos . J . Hooper , 32 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ E . Woodcock , 24 Prov . G . Reg . „ John Chndwick , 156 Prov . G . Sec . „ \ V . J . Parkinson , 32 Prov . S . G . D .

„ Orlando Startup , 142 Prov . J . G . D . ,, V .. Knowlcs , 159 ... ... ... Prov . G . ! , of W „ J . L . Thorpe , 56 Prov . G . D . C . „ T . R . Peel , 34 Prov . G . A . D . C . „ Walter Newton , 141 Prov . G . Swd . B ,, John Greaves , 171 Prov . G . Std . B . „ W . Balmer , 123 Prov . G . Org .

„ John Holt , 113 Prov . G . 1 urst . „ jno . C . Atkins , 141 ; Bro . Alfred" ) L . Cooks , 141 ; Bro . Chas . V Prov . G . Slwds . Wamslev , 141 J „ Sly ... " Prov . G . Tyler . Bro . J . R . GOEPEL invited the Prov . Grand Master to hold his next Prov . Grand Mark Lodge at Liverpool , and several other brethren having giving similar invitations for other towns , the P . G . MASTER stated that he would take the whole into his consideration . After other formal business the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed in due and proper form , and the brethren adjourned to the Pitt and Nelson Hotel , where about sixty sat down to

a most substantial banquet , presided over by the R . W . Prov . Grand Master , and a very enjoyable few hours were spent .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WILTSHIRE .

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshii e was held on Thursday week , the 2 SH 1 ult ., at the Town Hall , Marlborough , the receiving lodge being the Lodge of Loyalty , No . 1533 , of that town . The Provincial Grand Master , Lord Mcthuen , presided , and was supported by ( amongst others ) the following Past and Present Provincial Grand

Officers of Wiltshire : Bros . Sir Gabriel Goldney , M . P ., D . P . G . M . ; F . H , Goldney , P . S . G . W . and P . G . Treas . ; W . H . Long , M . P ., P . J . G . W . ; Rev . A . Headley , P . G . Chap . ; William Nott , P . P . J . G . W ., P . G . Reg . ; Henry C . Tombs , P . G . D , Eng ., P . G . Sec . ; A . R . Browne , P . G . S . of W . ; ' ohn Chandler , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . D . C ; Chas .

Gauntlett , P . G . A . D . C . ;" . H . E . Bishop , P . G . Purs . ; Robt . Stokes , P . P . S . G . W . ; Thos . H . Chandler , P . P . S . G . W . ; John Toomcr , P . P . S . G . W . ; Thomas Graham , P . P . J . G . W . ; C . F . Marshall , P . P . J . G . W . ; E . Turner Payne , P . G . D . Eng ., P . P . J . G . W . ; Major Henry Calley , P . P . G . D . ; J . Campbell Maclean , P . P . G . D . ; A . Plummer , P . P . G . A . D . C ; T . P . Fulcher , P . G . R . ; R . S . Edmonds

P . P . G . A . D . C ; J . J . New , P . P . G . A . D . C ; W . Affleck , P . P . G . P ., and others . Amongst the visitors were Bros , the Marquis of Aylesbury , Lord F . Bruce , Rev . T . C . Lyons , P . G . Chap . Somerset , and others . The roll of the various lodges in the province was called , and Provincial Grand Lodge having been duly opened , the minutes of the last meeting were confirmed , and the Treasurer ' s accounts , which had been duly audited , were

afterwards , read and passed . The Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . HENRY C . TOMBS , P . G . D ., then read the minutes of a meeting of the Charity Committee , which had been held immediately before the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge , from which it appeared that having in view a recommendation for the establishment of a Benevolent Fund , which would that day be made by the Committee appointed on that subject , a to such Fund it be

grant of ^ . 50 Benevolent should established was recommended by the Charity Committee . The Charity Committee also called attention to the heavy burden which fell upon Bro . Nott , the Secretary of the JProvincial Charity Organisation Committee , in carrying out the objects of that Committee , as well as in expenses actually out of pocket , a great deal of his clerk ' s time being occupied , and otherwise , and recommended

that he should be remunerated in these respects . Such recommendations were approved and confirmed . The Provincial Grand Registrar , Bro . W . NOTT , P . P . J . G . W ., read his annual report , by which it appeared that the number of lodges in the province was practically the same as last year , standing at 44 S , as against 455 . The general working expenses , including rent , Tyler ' s and refreshment , stood an at average of 15 s . per member , the

amount devoted to charity averaging 5 s . 6 d . per member , varying from quite a nominal sum in one lodge to 14 s . 51 I . per member in another . The Registrar ' s report again , as last year , called attention to the large amount of arrears of subscription outstanding in one or two lodges , and also to the repeated laxity in sending in the necessary returns shown by some lodges . This report was adopted .

Bro . NOTT then , as Secretary to the Provincial Charity Organisation Committee , rose to read his report of the work done by that Committee during the past year . Before doing so , however , he took the opportunity of thanking the Provincial Grand Master and brethren for their adoption of the recommendation of the Charity Committee , that his expenses should be paid , and said that as rcganh actual expenses out of pocket , such as railway fare , printing , & c ,

he considered it nothing but fair that these should be paid out of the provincial funds , but beyond that , he should not think of accepting a penny . He then read the report showing that the province , during the past year , had been successful in carrying the election of two candidates for the Girls' School . As the result of this , the Committee stood pledged to an extent which would require all its available votes for the next election or two , but the Committee felt

sure that ic would not lack for the support of the province in this direction , seeing what success had been achieved . The report further stated that the Committee had received from the lodges and Masons of the province during the year 1132 votes for the various Institutions , and it mentioned that the province was now working oh intimate reciprocal terms with no less than eleven other provinces . In addition to this report , the Secretary of the Provincial Charity

Organisation Committee stated that he felt personally indebted to Bro . Capt . S . G . Homfray , D . P . G . M . Monmouthshire , who had rendered him , and , therefore , the Province of Wiltshire , very great assistance at the recent Girls' School election on the 9 th of last month , when he , the Secretary , was personall y unable to be present . His place , however , had been kindly , and well , filled by Capt . Homfray , with the result of securing the success of their

candidate , and he trusted that the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire would join with him in expressing its thanks to the D . P . G . AI . of Monmouth for his valuable assistance . On the motion of Bro . TOMBS , seconded by Bro . AFFLECK , the report was approved and the thanks of the Provincial Grand Lod ge voted to Bro . Homfray . The R . W . Provincial Grand Master , LORD METHUEN

then alluded to the nest subject on the agenda paper , namely , the consideration of the report of the Committee appointed at the last Provincial Grand Lodge , as to the establishment of a Provincial Benevolent Fund . He , the Provincial Grand Master , had read such report , and had no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that it was well worthy of adoption , although at first sight he thoug ht there might have been some objection to it , on the ground of causing a collision between the Provincial Lodge and

the General Masonic Charities . The Provincial Grand Master then said that printed copies of the report having been circulated amongst the brethren , it should be taken as read , and he called upon Bro . F . II . Goldney the Chairman of the Committee , to introduce the subject to lhe meeting . W . Bro . F . H . GOLDNEY , P . G . Treasurer , said that after a considerable amount of discussion the Committee , at a very large meeting—where every lodge in the province he believerf was represented—had come to the unanimous