United Grand Lodge.

Richards , D . G . D . of C . ; Griffiths Smith , G . A . D of C . ; R . Turtle Pigott , P . G . A . D . of C . ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . A . D . of C . j Capt A . Bott Cook , P . G . A . D . of C . ; Raymond H . Thrupp , P . G . A . D . ot C ; J . Lewis Thomas , P-G . A . D . of C . ; Major E . Locock , G . S . B . ; Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ; WR Woodman , MD P . G . S . B . 5 lohn Messent , P . G . S . B . ; G . Toller , P . G . S . B 5 Capt . George Lambert P . G . S . B . ; VV . R . Nettleship , P . G . S . B . ; Chas . Greenwood , P . G . S . B . ; Lieut -Col . Jas . Pe ers , P . G . S . B . * I . W . Matthew , G . Std . Br . ; Lieut .-Col . S . E . Taylor , G . Std . Br . ;

Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; E . M . Lott , G . Org . ; W . Ganz , P . G . Org . ; C . E . Willinsr PG Ore * H . G . Buss , A . G . Sec ; James Brett , P . G . Purst . ; Thomas Cubitt P G Purst . L . F . Littell , P . G . Purst . ; C W . Cottebrune , P . G . Purst . ; S . Foxall ' P G . Purst . ; Henry Garrod , A . G . Purst . ; F . Binckes , P . G . Stwd . ; W . Bristow P . M . G . Stewards Lodge ; Bradshaw Brown , 1 ; John Batley , P . M . 2 ; W . II . ' Perryman , P . M . 3 * H . J . Brown , 4 ; W . Holroyd , P . M . 9 ; W . Browne Kidder 13 ; W . J . Aker , P . M . 13 ; Herbert Dicketts , P . M . 23 ; Jubal Webb , ' ton 60 h Clever 171

P M . ¦*•; : MaiorA . Torking , P . M . ; Josep , P . M . ; Harry Tipper , I . W . 1 S 5 ; W . Hopekirk , P . M . 179 ; Geo . Everett , P . M . 177 ; H . T . UicUwood , P . M . 102 ; Chas . F . Hogard , P . M . 205 ; John While , P . M . 228 ; James Terry P . G . S . W . ' Norths and Hunts ; H . Lovegrove , P . M . 1949 ; James Willing , iun .. P . M . 19 S 7 ; T . Hastings Miller , P . M . 1964 ; E . H . Thiellay , P . M . 2060 ; Rev . H . Cummino-s , P . P . G . Chap . ; J . E . Shand ; Burdett-Coutts , W . M . 2030 ; A . Brown , W . M 1962 ; W . Claridge , P . M . 1962 ; N . Green , P . M . 19 62 ; A . McDowall , P . M . 1962 ; IWWoodallP . P . G . S . W . N . and E . Yorks * ; Rev . W . C Lukis , W . M . S 37 ;

.. , Geo . E East , P . M . 45 S ; T . B . Whytehead , P . M . 1611 ; Wm . Stott , P . M . 61 ; R . P . Brindley , P . M . 1221 ; H . Smith , P . G . Sec . W . Yorks ; H . Green , Asst . P . G . Sec . ; f . Woodhouse , P . M . 92 S ; T . C . Walls , P . M . 1512 ; T . H . Powell , W . M . 771 ; J . Wordsworth , P . M . 1019 ; H . VV . Hemsworth , P . M . 1193 ; ] . Brooks Smith , D . Prov . G . M . Gloster ; J . S . Cumberland , W . M . 1611 ; J . Wanless , W . M . 200 ; T . W . Marwood , P . M . 312 ; J . E . Le Feuvre , D . P . G . M . Hants and Isle of Wight ; John L . Mather , P . G . D . ' C Herts ; A . M . Broadley , P . D . D . G . M . Malta ; Capt . Colvill ,

P . G . S . W . Cornwall ; Sir Fred . Milner , M . P ., W . M . 1611 ; Dr . George Mickley , r . M . 449 ; A . F . Godson , D . P . G . M . Worcester ; T . J . Railing , P . G . Sec . Essex ; Tudor Trevor , 0069 ; XV . Shalden Smith , VV . M . 201 G ; M . C . Peek , Prov . G . Sec . N . & E . Yorks ; W . A . Scurrah , J . W . 204 S ; J . Vincent Cottrell , S . W . 1 S 37 ; H . F . Bing , P . M . 1597 ; H . Lardner , George Kenning , P . G . D . Middx . ; D . P . Cama , P . M . 1159 ; George Powell , P . M . 11 S 5 ; VV . I . Johns , P . G . Treas . Cornwall ; W . Lake , P . G . Reg . Cornwall ; 1216 Ward

John Heaton , P . M . 12 C 0 ; Jas . Pain , 1339 ; Jas . Stevens , P . M . ; G . Verry , P . M . 1421 ; F . T . C . Keeble , P . M . 142 G ; H . H . Shirley , 1491 ; Nelson Reed , P . M . 1572 ; S . H . Parkhouse , P . M . 1642 ; A . Pendlebury , P . M . 105 G ; VV . Dodd , P . M . 1194 ; VV . H . Lee , P . M . 1524 ; Berry , J . VV . 1 C 95 ; J . Hoit , S . VV . S 56 ; Jos . Harling , VV . M . 30 ; Thos . Smith , P . M . 30 ; W . Ansell , P . M . 30 ; S . Richardson , W . M . elect 1 S 3 ; Phillips , W . M . 19 S 6 ; Stokes , igS 6 ; and others .

GRAND SECRETARY having read the minutes of the Quarterl y Communication of 3 rd December , 18 S 4 , the same were put and confirmed . The next business being the election of a M . W . Grand Master for the ensuing year , Bro . FREDERICK H ASTINGS GOLDNEY , Grand Treasurer and Past Senior Grand Warden Wilts , in proposing the re-election of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as Most Worship ful Grand Master , said : Most

Worship ful Grand Master , Grand Oliicers , ancl brethren—1 have the honour to be entrusted this evening with the high privilege of proposing his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales for re-election as Grand Master for the ensuing twelve months , and I approach the subject with the fullest confidence that it will meet with your hearty and unanimous approbation . It is of the greatest advantage to a Society like ours , so large and influential , and composed of men of every class and of all countries , that it should be

ruled over by one who unites in his own person exalted rank , sound judgment , and abilities which command respect and admiration , and that , unswayed by political motives , and uninfluenced by religious faction , he may be above the thoughts of envy , and beyond the reach of rivalry . Such an one , brethren , we have pre-eminently found in our Grand Master , for his Royal Highness has added to his illustrious birth and great natural abilities the ornaments of a generous education , perfected by a cultivated

acquaintance with the liberal arts and sciences . Born to reign over a great empire and a loyal people , he has yet more intimately attached himself to his future subjects by the bonds of Freemasonry . The eleven years of his Royal Highness ' s Grand Mastership will be for all time happily distinguished by the unprecedented increase of the Craft , both as regards numbers and social status , and also by the extraordinary benevolence of the

brethren , who during that period have contributed to the three principal Masonic Charities alone a sum exceeding ^ 350 , 000 , proofs , indeed , were any required , of the beneficial effects of his most excellent rule . I call upon you , therefore , brethren , to accord by acclamation the re-election of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales as Grand Master for the ensuing twelve months .

DR . PAUL , P . M . 46 , in seconding the motion , said : Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren—I have the privilege and the honour to second the proposition of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , but alter what has been said so eloquently by my esteemed brother on my left , I will merely say that His Royal Highness has done great service to the

Craft . ( Cheers . ) We all know how Masonry has flourished under his auspices , and we know also how he has done his best to promote its interests . Under these circumstances I have the utmost possible pleasure in si-conding the motion that His Royal Highness the Prince of VValcs be our Most VVorshipful Grand Master for the ensuing year .

The Acting Grand Master put the motion , which was then carried unanimously amidst loud cheers . Sir ALBERT \ V . WOODS ( Garter ) , G . D . C , thereupon proclaimed His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England . The next , business being the election of Grand Treasurer , Scrutineers

were appointed and entrusted , and there was then collected the balloting papers , " the candidates being Bros . D . P . Cama , James Willing , jun ., and John Woodall Woodall . The Scrutineers then retired , and the brethren proceeded with the rest of the business . The report of the Board of Benevolence for the last quarter having been adopted , the following grants recommended by the Board were confirmed :

The widow of a brother of the Islington Lodge , No . 1471 , London £ 50 ° ° The widow of a brother of the Old Dundee Lodge , No . iS , London 100 o o The widow of a brother of the St . Mary ' s Lodge , No . 63 , London 50 o o A brother of the Zion Lodge , No . 179 S , Manchester ... ... 50 o o A brother of the Lodge of iranquillity , No . 18 5 , London ... 80 o o A brother of the St . Luke ' s Lodge , No . 144 , London ... ... 50 o o A brother of the Lodjre of Benevolence , No . 480 , Bideford ... 100 o o

The following report of the Board of General Purposes was taken as read , received , and ordered to be entered on the minutes * . — REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES . To the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England . The Board beg to report that their attention having been called to a printed circular issued by a lodge , inviting the members to disclose their votes on a ballot which had been taken for a candidate for initiation , and which had resulted in five black balls appearing against him , the Master ,

United Grand Lodge.

Wardens , and Secretary were summoned to attend and produce their warrant and books , and it having been proved that the circular was drawn up by the Secretary , and issued by a resolution of the lodge at the recommendation of the Master and Secretary , thus wholly nullifying the princi ple of the ballot , the Board resolved that the said lodge be suspended for a period of three months , and the lodge was and remains suspended accordingly .

The Board further resolved—That the Master and Secretary , being both experienced Past Masters , be censured for instigating and recommending the lodge to issue such circular , and they were censured accordingly . A question having arisen as to the effect of this sentence of suspension , it was resolved—That the suspension for any period of a lodge means the

suspension of its warrant , during which time the lodge cannot meet or perform any oi its Masonic functions . The suspension of any particular brother involves an entire incapacity on his part to exercise any rights or duties as a Mason , or to participate in any Masonic privileges during the period such suspension remains in force .

It will be recollected that in March , 1880 , a sum of £ 3000 was voted by the Grand Lodge for the purpose of painting and decorating the interior of the building . Of this sum about £ 1300 was expended in the autumn of that year , when the work was unavoidably su-ponded . The Board have to report that the painting and decorating of thc whole of the rooms , together with the grand staircase and corridors , have now been completed , by their

order , under the personal superintendence of the Grand Superintendent of Works , at a cost within the sum voted for that purpose . ( Sijmed ) THOMAS FENN , Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , President . 17 th February , 18 S 5 . To the report is subjoined a statement of the Grand Lodge accounts at

the last meeting of the Finance Committee , held on Friday , thc 13 th day of February ult ., showing a balance in the Bank of England ( Western Branch ) of ^ 2697 14 s . nd ., and in the hands of the Grand Secretary for petty cash , j £ ioo , and for servants' wages , £ 100 , and balance of annual allowance for library , £ 13 17 s . 6 d .

Bro . THOS . FENN , President of the Board of General Purposes , in moving the adoption of the report of the Board of General Purposes , said the only matter in the report which required a resolution of Grand Lodge was that which referred to the suspension of lodges and the effect of that suspension on the rights and privileges of the individual members of the lodges suspended . Hitherto , by the interpretation put upon the suspension of a

lodge , it was held that it included all the members of the lodge . This was abundantl y proved by the report of the Grand Lodge and the minute of the Board of General Purposes ; but as they did not always follow this interpretation , it was attended with great difficulties , and in some cases with great injustice . It had become the practice of late years for brethren to belong to more lodges than one , and it might happen that a brother might

be fully and actively engaged in Masonic work in a lodge or on a Committee of the Board of the various Masonic Charities , and he might find himself suspended from all his Masonic functions because he happened to be a member of a distant lodge—a lodge which he rarely attended , ana in which he took very little part . It had been suggested that , while suspension should attach to all the other members of the lodge , exception should be

made in favour of those brethren who belonged to other lodges ; but this was evidently unjust , because in many cases the penalty would fall on those who were comparatively innocent , while those who had been doing wrong in the lodge which had been suspended might escape the penalty altogether . The Board had therefore considered that it would be far better to interpret the suspension of a lodge as a suspension of its warrant , thereby preventing the lodge meeting or performing any Masonic functions , while those brethren

on whose wrong doing the lodge had been suspended mi ght be dealt with individually , according to their respective deserts . Grand Lodge was not called upon to enact a new law , but merely to give an interpretation of an existing law , which was suggested by the Board of General Purposes . He therefore begged to move that the third paragraph in the report of thc Board of General Purposes be adopted . The motion having been seconded , was put , and carried " nem . con . "

The following report of the Special Building Committee was taken as read , received , and ordered to be entered on the minutes : —

REPORT OF SPECIAL BUILDING COMMITTEE . To the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England . The Building Committee , in continuation of their report to Grand Lodge of the 4 th of December last , now beg to submit as follows : —

In that report reference was made to certain works , not of mere restoration , but of necessary and substantial improvements , including the re-opening of the old Gallery , the various new exits in case of fire , the ventilation , the removal of the dangerous flues , the extra expense on pictures , & c , & c , & c , none of which were of course covered by the monies received from the insurances , and the Committee promised to report to Grand Lodge on the 4 th of March the amount required to meet the extra expenditure thus incurred .

The works being now almost completed , the Committee have been able to balance the various accounts , and they have thus ascertained that a sum of ^ 800 beyond the monies received from the insurance offices will be sufficient to defray the entire cost of the restoration , whereby the Order will be once more placed in possession of their ancient Hall , with increased accommodation , with its portraits restored , with its decorations renewed , and with many modern improvements .

The Committee therefore recommend to Grand Lodge that a vote of £ 800 be made for the above purpose . ( Signed ) JOHN B . MONCKTON , Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , Chairman . 16 th February , 1885 .

Sir J B . MONCKTON , P . G . D ., Chairman of the Committee , in moving the adoption of its report , said the brethren would remember that at the last Quarterly Communication the Building Committee reported the expenditure of the insurance money and the necessity that arose for making some further expenditure in respect of what might be called extra work .

The brethren could now see for themselves in the first place that theold gallerywhich had never before been opened , had been opened ; in the second p lace the dangerous flues had been removed , the ventilation of the hall attended to , further exits of considerable importance at the dais end of the hall had been made in case of fire or other accident ; and a very important item which was not seen that evening as it would be at Grand Festival , the portraits , had been restored . But the sum obtained from the insurance 0 '