Provincial Grand Chapter Of Essex.

The Prov . Grand Scribe E ., Comp . RALLING , read letters from several companions regretting their inability to be present , including Lord Brooke , M . P ., Comps . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Scribe E . ; Thomas Fenn , E . Letchworth , R . Clowes , P . Z . 51 , P . P . G . R . ; and others . The roll of chapters was then called , and it vvas found that all the six comprising the province were duly represented .

"" The annual returns showed an increase in the number of contributing members . The Auditors reported a balance in the hands of the Prov . Grand Treasurer of ^ 21 odd . The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT briefly addressed the companions , congratulating them upon the satisfactory condition of the province . Progress there had been which , though not of an extensive character , was steady and assured , and therefore more lasting . He announced that the meeting next year would be at Southend .

On the motion of Comp . the Rev . THOMAS COCHRANE , seconded by Comp . F . WOOD , the companions unanimously re-elected , for the sixth time , Comp . Andrew Durrant , P . Z . and Treas . 276 , as Prov . Grand Treasurer . The Provincial Grand Officers were then appointed and invested as follows :

Comp . Rev . T . Cochrane , Z . 1437 , P-G- Soj . England ... Prov . G . H . „ G . H . Finch , H . 2005 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . „ T . J . Railing , P . Z . 51 , P . G . S . B . England ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ F . B . Page , Z . 214 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . N . „ A . Mead , Z . 276 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . ., G . Harrison . I . P . Z . Ki ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S .

„ R . J . Warren , H . 1437 ... ... ... Prov . G . 1 st A . S . „ G . R . Dawson , H . 1000 ... ... ... Prov . G . 2 nd A . S „ T . G . Mills , Z . 51 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ R . G . Kellett , J . 276 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ A . Lucking , P . Z . and S . E . 1000 ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ R . Jennings , 1 437 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . A . W . Martin ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Janitor .

The sum of five guineas having been voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , the GRAND SUPERINTENDENT proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Principals and companions of the Francis White Chapter for the excellent arrangements they had made for the meeting which was unanimously carried .

The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT then , in feeling terms , referred to the fact that they had been deprived , at the opening of their proceedings , of the presence of their P . G . H ., Comp . Merritt , who was prevented attending through the sudden death of his father . He proposed that the P . G . S . E . be requested to write a letter of condolence with Comp . Merritt , which vvas carried .

Before closing the meeting the GRAND SUPERINTENDENT gave a hearty welcome to Comp . Lieut .-General Laurie , District Grand Master of Nova Scotia , who had honoured them by becoming their guest that ni g ht . Comp . Lieut .-General LAURIE acknowledged the salutation ofthe companions . Between 30 and 40 companions afterwards dined together at the Golden Lion Hotel , the repast being well supplied by Bro . Peter Reynolds .

The Grand Superintendent presided in his well-known genial manner , and the greatest harmony and good feeling prevailed . There was a large number of companions present , besides the officers named .

Grand Mark Lodge.

GRAND MARK LODGE .

The half-yearly communication of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown was held on Tuesday evening at the Holborn Restaurant . In the absence of the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., and Lord Egerton of Tatton , M . W . Pro Grand Master , the throne was occupied by thc Deputy Grand Master , the Marquess of Hertford .

The minutes of the half-yearly communication of June 4 th , and of the Special Grand Lodge of July 24 th last , having been read and confirmed , The GRAND SECRETARY read the address which had been sent to the Grand Master on the marriage of the Princess Louise of Wales , and the answer thereto , which is given below in the report of the General Board . The following report of the General Board vvas taken as read :

During the six months ending 30 th September last , there have been issued : Mark certificates , G 49 ; total number registered , 25 , 988 . Warrants for new lodges , four , viz .: No . 402 , Burwood , Burwood , N . S . W . „ 403 , Perseverance , Blackburn . „ 404 , St . John the Baptist , Penzance , Cornwall . „ 40 $ , Lea , Luton , Beds . Royal Ark Mariners' certificates , 123 ; total number registered , 2 S 5 6 . Two warrants for new Ark Mariner lodges , viz .:

Matier Lodge , attached to the Egerton of Tatton Lodge , No . 400 , London . Vepery Lodge , attached to the St . Mark's-in-the-East Lodge , No . 61 , Madras . The following Provincial and District Grand Masters have been appointed : Berks and Oxon . —Bro . Right Hon . the Viscount Valentia , in succession to Bro . Right Hon . the Earl of Jersey , resigned . Hants and the Isle of Wight . —Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., P . G . M ., in the place of the late Bro . the Rev . Canon Portal , M . A ., P . G . M ., and Pres . of the General Board . Nottinghamshire . —Bro . Lieut .-Col . W . Newton , in the place of the late Bro . Ino . Watson . J

Sussex . —Bro . Gerard Ford , J . P ., in succession to Bro . Right Hon .. Lord Arthur Hill , resigned . The Board have to express their regret that our lamented brother did not live to be installed in the chair of the province . Jamaica . —Bro . Major John Charles Macglashan , this district having been for some years in the charge of the Deputy District Grand Master , Bro . J . W . Whitbourne , P . G . Overseer .

The following Provincial Grand Masters have been re-appointed for a further term of three years : Bros . Sir C . B . Graves-Sawle , Bart ., Cornwall ; Wm . Kelly , F . S . A ., Leicestershire , Northamptonshire , Rutland , and Derbyshire ; and Charles Letch Mason , West Yorkshire .

In accordance with the vote of Special Grand Lodge on the 24 th July , an humble address was presented to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , & c , & c . as follows :

"To his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , & c , & c , & c . " Most Worshipful Grand Master , " May it please your Royal Highness , vve , the members of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown , assembled in Grand Lodge , humbly desire to approach your Royal Highness , and to offer our most hearty and loyal congratulations on the occasion of the auspicious marriage of her Royal Highness the Princess Louise of Wales and the RMit Honourable tlie Earl of Fife , K . T ., & c , & c .

' lhe brethren of Grand Mark Lod ge feel they cannot allow this opportunity of testifying their feelings of loyalty and continued attachment to pass without prescntinothis humble address to your Royal Highness on this happy event , and they pray that the Great Overseer of the Universe may bless the union , and continue to pour His blessings upon your Royal Highness , their M . W . Grand Master , her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales , and the other members of your Royal Highness's family . ( Signed ) " EGERTON OF TATTON Pro G . M .

, " 24 th July , 1889 . " " C . FITZGERALD MATIER , G . Sec . His Royal Highness vvas pleased to accept the address , and to return the following gracious reply : " Marlborough House , Pall Mall , S . W ., ° "My Lord , " July , 30 1 SS 9 . " I am desired by the Prince of Wales to acknowledge the receipt of an address from the members of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons , congratulating his Royal Highness upon the marriage of Princess Louise of Wales , and in reply to

Grand Mark Lodge.

express his Royal Highness ' s best thanks for the kind and loyal wishes expressed therein . —I am , my Lord , your lordship's obedient servant , " D . M . PROBYN , General , " Comptroller and Treasurer . " To the Right Hon . Lord Egerton of Tatton , " Pro Grand Master of M . M . M . "

The progress of alteration ot the new Mark Masons Hall is most satisfactory , and it is confidently hoped Grand Lodge will be able to transfer their offices there shortly after the commencement of the New Year , and that the Great Hall will be ready for occupation before the June meeting of Grand Lodge in 1 S 90 . The Board have received a communication from Bro . Norman Selfe , District Grand Master of New South Wales , informing them that a Grand Lodge of Mark Master

Masons of New South Wales was formed on the 13 th May , 1 SS 9 , and that all the lodges in the Colony had held meetings , and unanimously adopted resolutions pledging themselves to support the new Grand Lodge . They have also received an official intimation of the same from Bro . Alfred J . Burbidge , Asst . Grand Secretary , who asks from this Grand Lodge formal and fraternal recognition .

The Board have carefully considered the application , and bearing in mind the unanimity of lodges and brethren , recommend Grand Lodge to recognise the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of New South Wales , and further vvould ask Grand Lodge that the lodges there formerly under this jurisdiction be permitted to retain their warrants as records of their origin , and as mementos of their connection with the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales , and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown .

The M . W . Grand Master has been graciously pleased to confer on M . W . Bro . Chief Justice Way , the Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of South Australia , and on M . W . Bro . Harman J . Tarrant , Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales , the rank of Grand Senior Warden ; and on Bro . Thomas Fenn , President of the Board of General Purposes , United Grand Lodge of England , the rank of Grand Junior Warden . The Board recommend that the sum of ten guineas be voted to a memorial to the late Canon Portal , which is being erected in the Parish of Burghclere .

The words " Adomram , London , have been registered at the Central Office as an address for postal telegrams . The thanks of the Board are due and are hereby given to Bro . Hughan , P . G . W ., for a copy of his last Masonic work , " History of the Apollo Lodge , " and to Bro . Chapman for a copy of " Masonic Orations . " The Board also acknowledge with thanks reports of the Proceedings of the Grand Chapters of Illinois , Michigan , and Missouri .

FUND OF BENEVOLENCE . The 21 st Annual Festival vvas held at Freemasons' Tavern , on the 24 th July , under the presidency of Sir Lionel Darell , Bart ., G . J . W ., supported by a numerous and most efficient Board of Stewards , and attended by a large number of ladies and brethren . ' 1 he sum of / . ' 20 S 4 2 s . < 5 d . was announced on this occasion , and the thanks of the Order are due to the 153 Stewards , who , by their untiring exertions and generous liberality were instrumental in producing this most satisfactory result , the largest , with one exception , ever announced at the Mark Benevolent Festival .

The Board , being desirous of as largely as possible extending the benefits of the funds , have resolved on electing all the candidates on the Educational Fund without a poll , which will make a total of 16 boys and 16 girls now being educated . Edith Taylor , an accepted candidate , has been withdrawn , her mother having emigrated to the United States .

Edward G . Jarmam is for the present deferred , awaiting the result of the election ' . of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , for which he is a candidate . On the recommendation of the Educational Sub-Committee , the silver medals for proficiency in studies have been presented to Ethel Louise Cutbush , a pupil at Barnet College , N ., and to Joseph Stafford Taverner , a pupil at King Edward VI . Grammar School , Nuneaton . There are at present two aged brethren who are candidates for election to the Annuity Branch .

The total invested funds are—Benevolent Branch ... ... ... ... £ 2500 o o Educational „ ... ... ... ... 2400 o o Annuity „ ... ... ... ... 3200 o o The Board have relieved the following cases : Bro . W . W ., No . ... ... ... ... £ 20 0 o Mrs . S . A . L ., No . 22 ... ... ... 10 o o

Bro . R . W . R ., No . 229 ... ... ... 10 o o „ H . R ., No . 17 S ...- ... ... ... 20 o o Mrs . J . A ., No . 43 ... ... ... ... 500 „ C . E . H ., No . 226 ... ... ... 1000 Bro . T . C . L ., No . 117 ... ... ... 20 o o „ R . H . P ., No . 6 ... ... ... ... 20 0 o And recommend to Grand Lodge—Mrs . E . A . C . D ., widow of Bro . E . M . D ., Lodge No . 82 , Madras ... ... ... £ r > n r , n

( Signed ) EUSTON , P . G . W ., President . FRANK RICHARDSON , G . Reg ., Vice-President . C . FITZGERALD MATIER , P . G . W ., G . Secretary . The Grand Treasurer ' s accounts are as follows : GENERAL FUND . To Balance 31 st March , 1 SS 9 ... ... ... ... £ 7 60 S 11 April . To . Receipts ... ... ... ... £ 214 14 6 May . „ „ ... ... ... ... 21 4 I 2 0

June . ,, „ ... ... ... ... 112 1 9 6 July . „ „ ... ... ... ... 71 19 4 A ^ S- » » ¦¦¦ ¦¦¦ ¦ - ... 42 1 9 Sept . „ „ ... ... ... ... 70 9 5 726 16 6 April . „ Dividends ... ... ... ... £ 27 15 n J une . „ „ ... ... ... ... 9 15 o July . „ „ ... ... ... ... 1 7 6 2

54 16 n To Bonds Sold—Consols ... ... ... ... ... £ 386 i 6 Cape of Good Hope ... ... ... ... 745 jn 0 South Australia ... ... ... ... 329 19 6

New Zealand ... ... ... ... 12 S 3 19 6 : 2750 17 6 United Grand Lodge Account of Dilapidations ... ... £ 750 o o „ „ „ Water Rate ... ... ... 700 757 ° °

£ 5049 19 > ° April . By Expenditure ... ... ... ... £ 63 JI 1 May . „ „ ... ... ... ... jn j ^ J une . „ „ ... ... ... ... 132 4 9 Jul }' - » „ •¦¦ ... ... 78 5 9 Aug " - » > , ¦¦¦ - ... ... 983 2 10 aept . ,, „ ... ... ... ... 13 S 8 S 9 2757 o 7 Balance as per Bank Book ... ... .., ... 2292 19 3

FUND OF BENEVOLENCE . £ 5049 19 I 0 FESTIVAL ACCOUNT . Balance 31 st March , 1 SS 9 ... ... ... ... _ £ 165 17 0 April , lo Receipts ... ... ... , '" £ 10 10 o Ma J- » » ••• ... ... 82 7 6

J une . „ „ ... ... ... ... 32 u 0 J ' y- » » ••• ... ... 781 4 o Aug . „ „ ... ... ... ... 22 9 14 6 oept . „ ,, ... ... ... ... 22 11 o 115 S IS 0