Mark Masonry.

refreshment had been provided , and a very pleasant evening was spent . There were also present Bros . John Casson , VV . H . Bewlay , P . G . I . G . ; Thos . Atkinson , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . ; H . Meageen , Ed . Pattinson , W . D . P . Field , P . P . G . D . C ; B . Craig , P . M . 216 , P . P . G . M . O . ; and W . Heathcote , M . O . 216 . _____

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

CONSECRATION OF A NEW CHAPTER AT BIDEFORD .

An interesting event in connection with Freemasonry took place at Bideford , on Monday , the 2 nd instant , when a Rose Croix chapter was consecrated and opened . The officiating representatives from headquarters were V . I . Bros . H . D . Sandeman , 33 ° ; Col Burney , 33 ° ; Illus . Bros . Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , 32 ; and Lord Cremorne , 30 .

There being several candidates ( prominent Freemasons of North Devon ) for perfection , it was decided to admit them to the Degree first , in order that they mig ht witness the interesting ceremonial of the consecration of a new chapter . This was

accordingly done , and the ceremony was impressively conducted by the illustrious brethren named . After the consecration Illus . Bro . Rev . W . G . Morse , 31 ° was duly installed as M . W . S . Subsequently the brethren dined together at the New Inn Hotel , at which place the chapter is held .

East Lancashire Masonic Charities.

EAST LANCASHIRE MASONIC CHARITIES .

A meeting of the General Committee of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution was held recentl y at Freemasons ' Hall , Cooper-street , Manchester . Bro . E . G . Harwood , the Chairman , presided over a large attendance of the Charity representatives of lodges within the province .

The Secretary of the Institution , Bro . J . CHADWICK , read the reports of the various Committees , and also the report of the Auditors , Bros . James Andrew , F . W . Lean , and William Jaffery , accompanying the statement of accounts for the year 1890 . The Treasurer ' s account showed a balance in hand at the beginning of

last year of . £ 347 2 s ., receipts from donations and subscriptions . £ 1332 15 s . 6 d ., of which ^ 280 19 s . 6 d . was subscribed by individuals , ^ ISI ios . came from extraordinary sources , and the remainder was subscribed by lodges , chapters , & c . ; interest on investments and from bankers , £ 301 12 s . 6 d . and

repayment of investments , £ 1216 Ss ., making a total received of ^ 3197 18 s . lod . On the other side of the account grants had been given in relief to distressed Masons and the families of deceased Masons amounting to £ 332 , distributed among 21 cases ; £ 251 had been paid for the educational fees of 32 children , and

£ 50 us . 7 d . had been paid to and disbursed in casual relief by the Almoners . There had been an investment of £ 1606 9 s . 7 d . in railway shares , and an expenditure in establishment charges of £ 73 16 s . lid ., leaving a bank balance of £ 88 4 os . 9 d . The total amount now invested on behalf of the Institution is

£ 8517 13 s . 2 d . The report was adopted . An application from the widow of a Rochdale brother for the benefits of education for her two sons was brought forward . One of the cases was adopted and recommended to the Education Board , but that of the second boy was declined , because he is under age .

Bro . CHADWICK proposed a motion , notice of which had been given by Bro . J . Heelis , Honorary Secretary , that so long as the Trustees of Provincial Grand Lodge pay the income of the Annuity Fund to the Institution such income should be paid to an annuitant , and that for the purposes of voting certain lodges and individuals

should be credited with subscriptions representing their proportions of the income . Bro . Chadwick explained that the object was to establish in connection with the Institution data upon which they might hereafter to a ¦ certain extent grant annuities . This had long been 'desired both by himself and the Provincial Grand

Master , Bro . Col . Starkie , and the passing of the resolution would enable the Committee to get in the thin end of the wedge in this particular matter . Ori ginally the sum of £ 800 odd was handed over by the subscribers referred to in the motion to the trustees of Provincial Grand Lodge , and the interest on that was

^ , 21 ios ., and constituted the income to be annually paid over by the trustees to the Institution for an annuitant . Bro . F . W . LEAN seconded the motion , and it was carried . On the motion of Bro . CHADWICK , seconded by Bro . J . IT . SILLI ' IOE , a first annuitant was elected .

The SECRETARY said there was a probability of £ 200 being handed over by a trustee of the Ashton-under-Lyne lodges for the purpose of establishing an annuity . Bro . J AMES NEWTON , Assistant Secretary , mentioned an approaching dramatic performance at Bolton in aid of the funds of the Institution .

Bro . MARTIN THOMAS , W . M . of the Minnehaha Ministrel Lodge , No . 236 3 , announced that the bod y of musicians giving the lodge its title would give a special performance in the Free Trade Hall on Saturday , April nth , in aid of this Institution and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . With the cordial sup-

East Lancashire Masonic Charities.

port of the brethren , it is hoped that a large sum will be realised on the occasion . The announcement was received with applause . At the close of the General Committee's business , a meeting of the Education Board was held .

The annual general meeting of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution was held on Thursday , the 29 th ult ., in the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , Manchester , Bro . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , Prov . Grand Master , President of the Institution , in the chair .

Bro . J . HEELIS , Hon . Sec , submitted the report of the General Committee , and this , together with the report of the Almoners' Committee , was received and adopted . The Treasurer ' s account and balance-sheet were brought forward by Bro . N . A . EARLE , and were adopted ,

subject to a resolution that the Committee should consider and decide upon the desirableness of continuing to publish in the annual report the names of the recipients of educational and other relief apart from those relieved by the Almoners .

The election of 15 subscribers upon the Committee resulted in the substitution of the name of Bro . Kershaw for that of Bro . Jefferies , who ceased to act . Bro . W . Jaffery was elected Treasurer , and the proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman

DORSET MASONIC CHARITY . The 2 ist half-yearly meeting of the General Committee of this Charity was held at the Masonic Hall , Dorchester , on Saturday , the 31 st ult . Bro . W . D . Dugdale , the Chairman ,-presided , and was supported by Bros . W . E . Brymer , D . P . G . M . ; R . Case , P . G .

Sec , Treas . ; S . R . Baskett , Hon . Sec ; D . Hitching , W . M ., and J . Painter , of 137 ; J . A . Sherren , 170 ; J . W . Tribbett , 3 86 ; G . J . G . Gregory and E . Newman , W . M ., of 417 ; J . A . Atkins and W . J . Fletcher , of 622 ; T . Giles and W . James , of 707 ; L . H . Ruegg , 1168 ; W . W . Stickland and A . C . Todd , of

1266 ; and J . Baker , 1037 . Letters expressing inability to attend were received from Bros . Zillwood Milledge , the Vice-Chairman ; C . J . Hambro , M . P ., P . D . P . G . M . ; J . W . Luff , and F . Budden . On the recommendation of the Relief and Assistance Sub-Committee , two grants of £ 20 and £ 12 respectively

were made to two petitioners . The accounts for 18 90 were presented , showing that the capital account now stood at £ 2531 15 s ., and that there was a balance to the credit of the Relief account of ^ 144 4 s . 4 d . It was resolved that as soon as sufficient funds had come in , £ 166 12 s . 6 d . should be transferred from Relief to Capital account , to enable a sum

of ;& 20 o to be invested . It was agreed that the next annual meeting of the Committee should be held at Weymouth . The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to the Chairman , Bro . Dugdale , and to Bro . E . Newman , W . M . 417 , for his hospitality in providing refreshments for the Committee .

Wakefield Masonic Literary Society.

WAKEFIELD MASONIC LITERARY SOCIETY .

The annual meeting of this society was held on the 28 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Zetland-street , Wakefield , the P . G . M ., Bro . T . W . Tew , J . P ., President , in the chair . There were also present , amongst others , Bros . H . Smith , D . P . G . M . ; Schotten , VV . M . 49 ? ; and

a fairly numerous assemblage of Past Masters and brethren from the three Wakefield lodges . Letters of apologyfor non-attendance were announced from the Mayor of Wakefield , Bro . J . Haslegrave , J . P ., P . M . ; Bros . Atherton , P . M . ; Monckman ] P . M . ; J . Constable , W . M . Crowle Lodge ; Binney , P . M . ; N .

Fennell , W . M . Unanimity Lodge ; and several others . To suit the convenience of the President , the order of the advertised business for the evening was reversed . The lecturer was Bro . Edward Macbean , P . M ., J . D . of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , and for upwards of an hour he secured the attention of his audience by

treating them to a very clear exposition of his views on the symbolic aspect of Masonry . Bro . Macbean ' s style is conversational , and he dealt with his subject in an easy , chatty way , which the brethren fully appreciated . The lecture being of a character which precludes a full report , we regret that we are not able to give our

readers some idea of Bro . Macbean ' s masterly handling , but we can in justice say that by quotation and by incidental reference the lecturer showed that his reading on this and kindred subjects had been very extensive , and his study of symbolism unquestionably profound . He had the happy knack , too , of seizing

salient points ancl presenting them in a very alluring manner . The brethren present were deeply interested , and showed their complete grasp of the subject as well as their estimate of its value by the very intelligent way in which they discussed it afterwards . A very hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Macbean ,

coupled with the expression of a hope that he would pay them another visit , completed the literary part of the evening . The remainder , it being the annual meeting , was routine business—election of officers , & c . Bro . H . S . CIIILDE , one of the Secretaries , read the

minutes of the last meeting . Bro . J . Matthewman , P . M ., presented the report for the year , and Bro . Kingswell , Treasurer , produced the balance-sheet . From the report it was evident the society was flourishing , and the balance-sheet showed that its finances were in a very satisfactory condition .

Wakefield Masonic Literary Society.

After the unanimous adoption of the report and balance-sheet the re-election of Bro . T . W . Tew , Prov . Grand Master of West Yorkshire , as President , was proposed by Bro . H . OXLEY , P . M . 495 , seconded b y Bro . W . PICKARD , P . M . 1019 , and carried by

acclamation . Bro . Tew has from its establishment taken the liveliest interest in the Wakefield Masonic Literary Society , and has given it most valuable support . His sympathetic help has been of most material value to the members , and has been duly recognised and acknowledged throughout the society ' s successful

career . The Vice-Presidents , four in number , were next chosen . They were Bros . H . Smith , D . P . G . M . ; W . Fennell , W . M . 154 ; G . C . Schotten , W . M . 495 ; and W . H . Haley , W . M . 1019 . The Treasurer , Bro . Kingswell , and the Secretaries , Bros . J . Matthewman and H . S . Childe , were next

solicited to continue in the offices which they so well filled . To this they consented , after which a Committee consisting of nine brethren , three from each Wakefield lodge , was appointed . A very successful meeting was closed with the usual votes of thanks , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment , where an hour was passed in social intercourse .

Proposed Central Masonic Hall At Newcastle.

PROPOSED CENTRAL MASONIC HALL AT NEWCASTLE .

At the close of the formal business of the Walker Lodge , No . 1342 , on Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., in Grainger-street West , Newcastle , the following resolution was unanimously passed : " That the members of Walker Lodge rejoice to hear that a movement has been initiated towards the estab

lishment of a large central Masonic building , where all the Craft and other lodges can meet , and hereb y pledge themselves to use every endeavour to aid its promotion . They further promise , in the event of a company being formed to carry out the scheme , as far as possible to become shareholders , and to invest in it the

available funds of the lodge . Also , that if along with the said venture a much needed Masonic Club be formed , with suitable accommodation , in the same building , they hereby promise it their sympathy and support . " It is estimated that the cost of the projected new building will be between . £ 15 , 000 and £ 16 , 000 . The

intention of the promoters is to have a Masonic Hali which will be large enough for two lodge meetings tc be held at one time , and the annual meetings of Provincial Grand Lodge , & c . ; to have it centrally and

conveniently situated , and also contain club rooms for ordinary club purposes . Steps will be taken to lay the project before the whole of the lodges as soon as possible , and doubtless the sum required will soon be raised , and a hall built suitable for all requirements .

Annual Dinner Of The Gavel Club.

ANNUAL DINNER OF THE GAVEL CLUB .

PRESENTATION TO BRO . H . PRITCHARU . The annual dinner of the above club was held on Friday , the 30 th ult ., when between 50 and 60 members and friends sat down to a capital repast provided for them at the Freemasons' Tavern . Gaveller W . H . Kirby ( President ) occupied the chair , while Gavellers R . Clay Sudlow and G . Lewis Kennaby occupied the

vice-chairs . After a highly interesting and amusing space of time , which was devoted to the disposal of the refreshments , the Gaveller PRESIDENT addressed the meeting thus ; Gavellers and Visitors , —As it is no part of my duty to tell you the various objects of the Gavel Club , and

further it would be unnecessary , as you all probably know them as well as I , my remarks will be very few . I would , however , remark that the Gavel Club consists of a number of first-rate men of the trul y good Masonin-action as well as by profession kind ; they are therefore loyal , good-hearted , and benevolent and as it is

my purpose now to propose the first of the toasts ( there will be only three ) , this must of necessity be more or less comprehensive . The rules of this club are not many , but we claim that they are unique ; the violation of a rule results in an immediate fine , and our visitors will be glad to learn that every fraction of those

fines goes to the benefit of our grand Masonic Institutions , ( Applause . ) I see , with pleasure , we have among our visitors to-night the Secretaries of two or those Institutions , and you will consider it cause for congratulation when I tell you that within the last week the club has found itself in a position to vote a

very respectable sum of money from its funds for the benefit of these Institutions , and it has according ly done so . As benevolent Masons , we should like •' separate toast for these Institutions to-ni ght , but our said rules do not permit it . Another stringent ana capital rule is that , with a few rare exceptions , speechos

are not allowed at our meetings . This is an exceptional night , but I should still be out of order if I spoke at any great length . The aim of this club , briefly , is tliij increasing of brotherl y love , and the promotion "' social pleasures among its members , and who among those in a position to judge can say its aim is not fully attained ? As loyal Masons , I have to invite you '"

support the toast of '" Her Majesty the Queen , " during whose reign Masonry has maintained its eminent and dignified position in Great Britain , and with the saiu bumper I ask you to drink " The Success of tM Gavel Club , " and with the latter portion of the toast j couple the name of our highly respected Secretary an " Treasurer , Gaveller Pritchard , whom we know to be