Annual New Year's Entertainment Of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

as Secretary , it struck him that that was not right , and that those who were in the Institution should not be without some knowledge of thtir neighbours . He , therefore , thought of instituting this annual dinner , and bring the inmates of the Institution together , and revise their memories of happy days by having a happy and enjoyable day . The next thing was find out the ways and means , and upon going

round to an old friend , now dead , and laying his design before him that friends said , " I'll take you to a friend of mine who will send the beef downj I'll send the wine , and another friend will send the tobacco . " He ( Bro . Terry ) said , " But how about the poultry ? " His deceased friend said , " You're a good cadger j but I'll find some one to do that . " That vvas how it was done , and the company would

therefore see that the entertainments were provided at a minimum cost . These meetings had grown , and last year there was a further gift by the Board of Grand Stewards , who , finding themselves in possession of a surplus after the expenses of Grand Festival had been defrayed , through Bro . F . West , now the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Surreyenabled him ( Bro . Terry ) to give each inmate

, of the Institution half a sovereign . This year this could not be done ; but he hoped before this Jubilee year vvas out he should have an opportunity of doing something that way . There was unfortunately an enormous struggle now to get into the Institution . There were now up to the present time 131 candidates and only four vacancies—two men and two widows—76 or 77 widows and

two vacancies , and 44 men and two vacancies , for the election next May . Now , unless they could raise within two months a large sum of money , it vvould be impossible for the Committee to take any number of candidates , and it would be a woeful thing to go through the expense and trouble of an election for the purpose of taking on four annuitants . He hoped those connected vvith lodges would

impress on those lodges the importance of the situation and try and get them to make a larger grant than they had been in the habit of making . He had known some lodges double their subscription , and some to treble them . East Lancashire had been giving 200 guineas and West Lancashire 200 guineas , and they were now making a great effort to raise a total which they had never yet raised

forthe Institution . That , however , would not be forthcoming for the next festival . West Yorkshire this month would hold a meeting and no doubt they vvould do their very best to make their list a successful one . So he hoped they vvould see their way when the Committee met next Wednesday to inform the brethren that a substantial addition mieht be made to the number of candidates to be

elected . As to his ( Bro . Terry ) being the reigning sovereign in the Institution , Dr . Strong had forgotten that the last 50 years the country had been under petticoat government , and it vvas at the same time a glorious fact that Miss Norris ruled the destinies of the Institution . He trusted that for many years she vvould be spared in health and strength so to reign , and that for many more years there might be similar meetings to the present .

Bro . BOWYER having proposed ' The Chairman , " Bro . Dr . STRONG responded , and the ladies then paid a round of visits to the inmates of the Institution who were dismissed till 7 p . m . Thebrethren who had looked after the comforts of the inmates at the dinner subsequently dined , under the chairmanship of Bro . Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P ., when toasts were

again proposed , the principal toast , of course , being " The Institution . " In connecting Bro . Terry's name with the toast , Bro . CUBITT referred to the indefatigable energy of that brother on behalf of the Institution , and said he was sure Bro . Terry vvould not leave a stone unturned to accomplish the success the Institution ought to attain . Bro . Terry considered the old folks next to his own family , and

he showed the greatest attention to everything that could promote their happiness and enhance their pleasure . He was also never above appealing to the brethren for assistance in his object . Bro . TERRY , in reply , said the Institution was exceptionally fortunate last year in procuring the money forthe New Year's entertainment , * but this year unfortunately it vvas

£ 31 less , which meant a material difference . Their good friends at Manchester were holding a similar entertainment at the Masonic Hall , Cooper-street , Manchester , at five that evening j but had sent £ 5 for that entertainment , and congratulated the brethren , the inmates , and the visitors . The Manchester brethren incurred large expense in their entertainment , because they brought together the Lancashire

annuitants . Some eight years ago he vvas there , and he mentioned to the brethren the fact of the New Year ' s entertainment at Croydon . They said they had never thought of that , but they raised £ 20 and sent it to him as a contribution to these expenses . That enabled him to give the residents £ 20 in equal proportions . The Board of Grand Stewards , as he had already mentioned , for 18 S 4-5 , last year

presented him with £ 13 gs ., vvhich sum was supplemented so as to make it up to ten shillings for each resident . When he went round to-day and distributed a packet of tea for every person in the Institution , and every male a packet of tobacco , they looked as if there vvas something more to follow , and he hoped that in the end they vvould not be disappointed . He had to acknowledge the kindness of

Bro . Bowyer for presenting the two turkeys , and also the fruit , which would be served during the evening , and the good things he had distributed at the homes . He had likewise to acknowledge the great kindness of Bro . Hastings Miller in sending two nice hams , and Dr . Strong and his wife for the plum puddings . Bro . Berridge had got the Company of Playing Card Makers' to send half-a-dozen

packs of cards , and Bro . Matier had sent a dozen packs . These would be greatly appreciated . He had to thank those brethren , and also brethren of lodges of instruction who had contributed to the entertainment . He had hoped to present half-a-sovereign as he d * d last year . To some it would be a priceless boon . He hoped it vvould come ; if not he should personally

present it ; they should not lose it . With respect to the Institution . This meeting vvas looked upon as one at which he was to issue a manifesto for the festival . He had no doubt the brethren had read vvith some concern and interest the amount of contributions last year to the three Masonic Institutions . They vvould find there vvas a falling

off of nearly £ 8000 . The Benevolent Institution vvas the greatest loser , having £ 3200 less than it had received in 1885 . The Girls' School approached very nearly their old amount . The Boys' Institution was a considerable loser . The Benevolent Institution announced £ 15 , 000 at the festival , and they collected in round figures £ 14 , 300 . But when he said there were on three lists alone over 1000

Annual New Year's Entertainment Of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

guineas outstanding they would clearly see that if that amount had come in the Institution receipts would have turned the scale by that amount . Now vvith a diminished income to the extent of £ 3200 , with a largely increased amount of candidates and fewer vacancies than they ever yet had had at this time of the year the brethren would see that it vvas a moment of great consideration . What vvas

to be done . ' Ihe only way he had of getting out of the difficulty was this . He received a letter from Cornwall suggesting that it vvould be well if the Committee could see its way within a short time to make some positive announcement vvith respect to the Jubilee Fund . He hoped when next Wednesday came the Committee would see its way to do that , because in the

Province of Cornwall they were prepared to come fonvard largely to augment their previous gifts , to do honour to the 50 th year of Her Majesty ' s reign , to do something on behalf of the widows , the Queen herself being a widow , and the patroness of this Institution . It would therefore be an acceptable offering of thankfulness for the many years she had reigned over us , if they could

get a certain number of widows to be known as the Victorian Jubilee Annuitants . How was the question to be solved ? At the first meeting of the Festival Stewards on Tuesday the number of Stewards who had accepted up to that time was 60 in advance of what it vvas this time last year , which certainly betokened better prospects as far as regarded amounts than they had in the past . There was

a something being done vvhich he hoped on the 22 nd February would be worthy the exertions of the Stewards and justify the expectations of the Committee . If he could only get a promise from ceitain provinces that they vvould give during the course of the year 1887 such an amount as would justify the committee in taking on , say 20 , additional annuitants beyond every additional

vacancy vvhich might occur between now and May , he ventured to think it vvould be a most acceptable offering for the Jubilee year of the Queen . He hoped it would be so , and that next Wednesday he should obtain some such assurance from the provinces . If so , he vvould pledge himself individually to the committee that should they see their way clear to the payment of this £ 640 a year ,

they would take 20 widows on at £ 32 a year without troubling them any further in the matter . There was a balance to the credit of the Widows' Fund of about £ 2000 after defraying all the expenses of the year . The Male Fund had unfortunately been overrun considerably over £ 500 . They were £ Soo to the bad last year , making a present total deficit of £ 1300 . - . Therefore to attempt to

increase the number there would be out of all character ; but when they had 67 candidates and only two vacancies for the widows it certainly behoved them to do their best to augment the number of those to be elected in May next , and no more appropriate way of celebrating the Queen's Jubilee could be found than by taking on say 20 or 30 additional annuitants . He emplored the brethren

to assist him as much as they could . " The Health of the Chairman , " with Bro . Cubitt ' s response , brought this part of the proceedings to a close , and after tea Herr Frikell entertained the annuitants and visitors to his clever conjuring feats . Refreshments were partaken of during the evening , and shortly after ten o ' clock the visitors bade the old people good night , and returned to town .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The General Committee of the above Institution held their usual monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall , on Thursday , the 30 th ult ., Bro . Edgar Bowyer being in the chair , with Bros . R . Grey , J . H . Matthews , S . H . Parkhouse , C H . Webb , and others .

Six petitions were approved , making the total number of candidates for the April Election 29 , with 23 vacancies . The sum of £ 444 6 14 s . 3 d . vvas ordered to be invested in the purchase of stock , in the names of the Trustees of the Sustentation Fund . The proceedings closed vvith the customary vote of thanks to the Chairman .

Masonic Benevolence At Hexham.

MASONIC BENEVOLENCE AT HEXHAM .

In the Corn Exchange on Monday , the 27 th ult ., a number of the aged and necessitous poor of the town were regaled with bread , beef , and tea by the Albert Edward Lodge , No . 1557 . About 200 invitations had been issued , but for obvious reasons some were unable to be present . Those , however , were not forgotten , and their treat vvas

sent home to them . The tables in the Corn Exchange were adorned with pot plants , and had a bright and attractive appearance . The following ladies presided at the tables—Mrs . J . Fisher and Mrs . F . Spence , assisted by Miss Renwick ; Miss Wear and Mrs . Potts , assisted by Miss Bulman ; Miss Johnson Turner and Mrs . Stephenson ; Mrs . VV . Moffat and Mrs . Kendal , assisted by Miss Kendal ; Mrs . Johnson Turner and Mrs . McComb , assisted

by Miss Ellis ; Mrs . W . H . Harrison and Mrs . E . Shield , assisted by Miss Spraggon ; Mrs . J . Johnson and Mrs . Purvis , assisted by Mrs . John Guthrie , Miss Guthrie , and Miss Purvis . Amongst the members of the lodge , who were present during the repast , and who assisted in carrying out the arrangements , we noticed—Bros . Faraday Spence , W . M . j Joseph Fisher , S . W . j Dr . Stewart , J . W . ; E . Shield , I . P . M . ; Johnson Turner , P . M . ; John

Purvis , P . M . ; J . Ellis , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ; H . Bell , G . J . Bell , John Guthrie , Dr . Kendal , G . V . Hedley , J . Johnson , W . H . Harrison , J . Stephenson , J . Bowman , VV . Moffat , J . Potts , J . Crisp , T . Bulman . and others . At the conclusion of the repast , each of the women was presented with a quarter of a pound of tea , and each of the men with an ounce of tobacco . Selections on the piano

were played by Miss Harrison , and helped to enliven the proceedings . In the evening , at half-past six o'clock , a concert of vocal and instrumental music vvas provided in the Town Hall for the guests and their friends . The hall vvas well filled , and judging by the frequent rounds of applause vvhich greeted the efforts of the various performers ,

the entertainment was highly enjoyed . Before the concert vvas opened , Bro . FARADAY SPENCE , W . M ., appeared upon the platform , and , on behalf of the Albert Edward Lodge , said they were extremely pleased to see so many there that night . They had never before had so large a complement of visitors , and it had been rather an anxious matter for them to get things properly arranged .

Masonic Benevolence At Hexham.

However , they had done their best , and they hoped their guests had enjoyed their tea as much as they had enjoyed the preparing of it . ( Applause . ) Christmas time vvas one at vvhich they should all feel as happy as they could , and the Freemasons had had their own happiness increased in being able to contribute a little to the happiness of those whom they had invited there that night . ( Applause . ) He

concluded by expressing the hope that the concert vvould be the means of helping them to spend a pleasant evening . The following programme was then gone through : — Duet ( piano ) , " Die Stumme , " Miss L . Turner and Bro . R . Seaton ; song , "Jock o'Hazeldean , " Miss Watson ; song , "The postillion , " Bro . W . J . Stephenson j song , "The miller and the maid , " Miss Edwardsj solo ( piano ) ,

" Caller Herrin' , " Bro . R . Seaton j song , " We'll both go hunting to-day , " Bro . Renwick j song , " Aladdin ' s lamp , " Miss Camidge j duet , Overture to "Guy Mannering , " Mrs . McComb and Mrs . W . J . Stephenson ; song ( comic ) , " Far , faraway , " Bro . W . L . Harrison ; song , " Far away to Bonnie Scotland , " Mrs . Renwick ; song . "Ca' the yowes to the knovves , " Bro . T . Bulman ; song ( Tyneside ) ,

"Lizzie Moody ' s Ghost , " Bro . T . Ellis . The opening duet on the piano vvas received with much acceptance . Miss Watson ' s rendering of "Jo ; k o' Hazeldine " seemed to captivate the audience , and in respon . e to a rather stormy encore she gave "Sweet Violets , " vvhich was also concluded amidst hearty plaudits . "The Postillion , " given by Bro . Stephenson , did not lessen the appreciative

humour of the audience . Miss Edwards received an encore to "The Miller and the Maid , " and responded by singing " Mrs . Prue . " All the songs which followed were encored . Bro . Renwick sang his songs with great vigour and spirit , inviting the audience to join in the chorus , which in the first instance they did to the best of their ability . From this point the

enthusiasm and pleasure of the audience seemed to increase , and there can be no doubt that they spent a most enjoyable evening . Bro . Renwick gave as an encore the song " Such a wonderful scholar vvas he ; " Miss Camidge , "Just as well ; " Bro . W . H . Harrison ( who vvas completely metamorphosed , and who sung his droll song in the * drollest manner ) , a second edition "Far , far away ; " Mrs .

Renwick , "Robin Adair ; " Bro . T . Bulman , a repetition of part of the same song ; and Bro . T . Ellis , the humorous announcement that he vvas " Mar-ri-ed to a mer-mi-ed at the bottom of the deep blue sea . " Bro . Seaton ' s solo vvas splendidly executed , arid the duet from the overture to " Guy Mannering " was very well played indeed . Miss Harrison accompanied Bro . Bulman on the piano , and Bro .

John Camidge performed the same office for Miss Camidge in the two songs vvhich she sang . At the conclusion of the entertainment , Bro . SPENCE said that the evidence which the audience had given of their enjoyment of the concert , afforded the promoters of it very great pleasure indeed . He hoped sincerely that this would not be the last time they would be invited there ,

but that on some other Christmas they should be there again . He invited cheers for the ladies who had presided at the tables , and in other ways added to their pleasure that afternoon and evening . Hearty cheers and waving of hats followed , and after singing " God save the Queen , " the proceedings terminated .

Jamaica Masonic Benevolence .

JAMAICA MASONIC BENEVOLENCE .

We extract the following from the annual report of the Directors of the Jamaica Masonic Benevolence : — "The Board of Directors of the Jamaica Masonic Benevolence begs to present their special report to the lodges , chapters , and subscribing members of the Association .

"During the year ending 31 st December , 1885 , the subscriptions received from the lodges , chapters , and individual Masons in the island amounted to £ 16 4 18 s . 6 d . " lt is greatly to be regretted that subscriptions have not been more general ; while there are over 1500 Masons in the island not one-tenth that number contribute to the funds of this valuable Charitable Institution . It

isthere-, fore , urgently requested that this will be regarded as an appeal as well as a report , and that every Mason in whose hands it shall fall will himself cheerfully contribute , and will use his influence vvith others to the same end , and thus aid in bringing the subscription list to an amount

considerably in excess of what it is now . " The field for this practice of Charity is unfortunately a large one , and unless the hands of the Directors can be materially strengthened the extent of assistance rendered must be kept within present limits , which do not allow of permanent relief to those whose necessities demand

permanent assistance . " No Masonic Institution that has existed in this island has ever conferred such a boon on the distressed and suffering of our Order as has the Jamaica Masonic Benevolence . The Directors therefore urgently appeal to every Mason in the island to contribute at least one guinea a year to the funds ; and as Masonic Charity is now wholly

dispensed by this Institution it is hoped that the lodges and chapters will see their way to augment considerably the amount of their annual contributions . "During the present year ( 1 SS 6 ) the demands on the resources of the Society have been so large—at one meeting over £ 80 was voted to distressed Masons and the widows and orphans of Masons—that the Directors have

had to resort to their accumulations in the Government Savings Bank . " Brethren should not lose sight of the fact that if they do not subscribe to the benevolence when they are in a position to do so , they become ineligible for relief if unfortunately they fall into distress ; but , apart from this , it is believed that in responding to this appeal , the Divine

command will be remembered— ' Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother , to the poor and to the needy . ' " The officers for the present are : Bros . S . C Burke , President ; J . Macglashan , and Atl . De Cordova , Vice-Presidents ; J . Harris , Treas . ; and A . C Sinclair , Sec . " The receipts from March , 1882 , to the 31 st December , 1 SS 5 , amounted to £ 1514 os . 3 d ., of this amount £ 707 4 s .

were given in grants to distressed Masons , wives of Masons , daughters , widows , orphans , relatives and Masons from abroad , while the working expenses reached £ 11 993 . sd ., leaving a balance in the hand of the Treasurer of £ 68 7 6 s . iod . The affairs of the Institution have been very creditably managed , and it is to be hoped that the ends for which it has been instituted will be satisfactorily and permanently secured . "