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Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 3 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 3 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 3 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 →
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
visitors , he asked them , when they went back to their provinces , to make known the fact that the Northern Counties Lodge existed in London , and what it existed for . He wished also to impress that upon the Installing Master , for since he retired from the chair of Mayor of Liverpool last year he had been very active as a Mason in his province . He hoped all those brethren would publish the fact of the
lodge's existence , and ask the bretdren to join it and see what the working of the lodge was . Bro . Thomas W . Tew , Prov . G . M . West Yorkshire , in replying , said that it was a great satisfaction to the Master of the provinces referred to to have the historical account given by the W . M . of the United Northern Counties Lodge , and to feel that there was such a lodge as that in the heart
of London where northern brethren might meet in a charming way , although those northern provinces were not so far away now , owing to the railway facilities . Yet West Yorkshire , over which he had the honour to preside , was sometimes thought to be a distant province . Some people seemed hardly to know where it was . People went to Scotland , Caithness , and the Orkneys , and were asked
where was West Yorkshire ? They were not so populous after all ; they had not so many lodges as Lancashire ( East and West ) . In November last he was present when the hundredth lodge in East Lancashire was consecrated , and Lord Lathom told them that soon there would be ioo lodges in West Lancashire . There were 4000 or 5000 brethren in his province , and during the time he had been
Prov . Grand Master he had had the pleasure of consecrating 14 new lodges , and he had no doubt that in the process of time , and at no great distance of time , they would be able to ask Lord Lathom and Col . Starkie to graciously condescend to come to West Yorkshire and witness the consecration of its hundredth lodge . There was something else they had to do in West Yorkshire besides multiplying
lodges and initiating brethren . They were of all things most anxious to be in good fellowship and harmony with every one of their brethren and the lodges in London , and on behalf of the outlandish Province of West Yorkshire he said they tried to disseminate the principles of Freemasonry over all parts of the world , because Yorkshire brethren were great travellers . There was hardly a country
under the sun where a West Yorkshireman was not to be found . Beyond that West Yorkshire Masons tried to show themselves , what the M . W . G . M . had so often described in Grand Lodge and elsewhere , the most loyal , patriotic , and charitable body of men j and he echoed most cordially the hope of Lord Lathom that they would be found on the side of the crown , and be loyal to their Queen , patriotic to
their country , and devoted to their G . Master . One word more . He had come to that lodge meeting as a member of the lodge because he heard that Lord Lathom was coming , and he was anxious by his presence to show , if he could , his duty to his lordship , and to tell him that they in West Yorkshire would never forget his courtesy and kindness in coming ( with Bro . Co ) . Starkie ) , on the death of Bro . Sir
Henry Edwards , to install him ( Bro . Tew ) as Prov . Grand Master of West Yorkshire . He hoped West Yorkshire would ever be found in the van of whatever was noble , good , truthful , and generous among Masons . Bro . W . F . Smithson , P . M . and Treasurer , proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and said he felt very much complimented in being entrusted with it , as he had very earnest
and strong support in that lodge of one of the three Masonic Charities . In his experience of over 20 years connected with the Province of West Yorkshire , he had taken great interest in the prosperity of all of them . He had acted on the Charity Committee of the province , which had sent up no less than £ 40 , 000 in support of those Charities . Consequently he felt somewhat proud of having to propose that
toast . It must have been agreat satisfaction to Bro . Terry , the honoured Secretary of the Benevolent Institution , on February 26 th , to have to announce £ 13 , 000 odd as contributed at that festival . It had cost Bro . Terry many hours of anxiety during the last few weeks , seeing that at the forthcoming election in May , there were more than 150 candidates and only 20 or 30 vacancies . He felt sure from
the subscriptions at that festival that aged Masons and their widows would , for the ensuing year , have the support of the Craft . He was present at that festival , which was the most pleasant he had ever attended . Shortly they would have the Festival of the Girls' Institution , which had , as every one knew , the support of the provinces at its Centenary celebration . That School was at present undergoing
great alterations and extensions , and when completed in 1 S 91 , it would be an Institution second to none in the whole world in capacity—a building capable of taking in at least 300 girls . There were 240 there now , well clothed , maintained and educated , and he sincerely hoped Bro . Hedges , who was also very anxious , would also have a successful festival . That Institution deserved to be supported . The
Boys School , he deeply regretted to say , had been for a considerable time past under a cloud , but he was vain enough to hope—and he thought he was justified in hoping —that before long there would be seen a silver lining to that cloud , and that the Boys' School would come to the front , and be supported by the whole of the Fraternity j the brethren knew the great difficulties the Institution had had to
contend with . Some grave charges were made against the management of the Institution . The members of the House Committee of that time challenged the Craft to investigate the matter , and' a Committee of Investigation , with Bro . Philbrick , G . R ., as Chairman , looked into the questions , and made a report which was disastrous . But with that report were certain recommendations which they
felt justified in issuing to the Craft to be observed in future . As a result , an important and influential Provisional Committee was formed , to put the place in proper order , and they accepted their position last July . He and Bro . Masters . were on that Committee , which had had 30 meetings in eight months . Under the guidance of Bros , the Earl of Euston and Richard Eve , the Committee had
endeavoured to carry out in their entirety the recommendations made to them . The report stated most distinctly and emphatically that an entire change in the management , and a new system of administration must take place . This they were endeavouring to carry out in accordance with the wishe-. of the Craft . They had entirely changed theipast managers of the Institution , and the medical
officer , whom he was proud to see present to-night . They had appointed a new matron and a staff of new servants . They had striven to follow out the recommendations with regard to finance , and had adopted a completely new system of book keeping . They had also during the past few weeks , wtih the approval of all the members of the Committee and of the Craft , appointed a new Head Master , the Rev .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Harry Hebb , from Exeter Grammar School , who was also present at that meeting . The Committee felt confidence in him , and that he would place the Institution in a foremost position amongst such institutions j that he would carry the work out thoroughly . The Head Master had a capable and able staff ot masters under him , and he wished him every prosperity in his office , and that he would command
the esteem and respect of the Craft . There was one more feature to be mentioned , the retirement of the Secretary , Bro . Binckes . On behalf of Bro . Binckes , it was not paying him an empty compliment to say that from the time the Provisional Committee came into existence to the present moment , they had had every attention andcourtesy , andassistance from Bro . Binckes . Every detail in the past
management of the Institution was laid before them , and everything was done by him to assist the Institution . The Committee , as a body , unanim > usly recommended that Bro . Binckes should not retire without some recognition of his past services , and they suggested he should have an annuity of £ 350 . That came before the monthly Court , where it was sanctioned and approved j but when it came for
confirmation before the Quarterly Court , when , between 400 and 500 were present , it was carried by a narrow majority of seven only . In the face of that many brethren from all parts of England took it up , some were opposed to the principle of a pension being taken from the funds of the Institution j others were in favour of it j others supported an honorarium j others that the annuity should be X ' 250 . Probably the
£ 250 would have had the majority vote . Although he was opposed to the principle of pensions being paid out of Charity funds , he fought the matter out earnestly , and it was considered that a scheme should be framed , which eventually was laid before the Provisional Committee , and eventually sanctioned , approved , and adopted by them , by which a sum of £ 2500 as an honorarium or retiring
allowance might be raised for Bro . Binckes in lieu of touching the funds of the Institution , that had been before the Craft forsome weeks now . They were winning all along the line in the northern provinces . It would produce £ 2500 for Bro . Binckes , and leave a handsome surplus for the Boys ' Institution . He had visited Manchester and East Lancashire , where the Charity Committee had a meeting , at which
1 S 7 lodges were represented , with the Provincial Grand Master at their head , and they unanimously supported the scheme . In West Yorkshire 200 guineas were voluntarily raised . He believed that by the adoption of the scheme they would raise a very very large sum indeed , and he hoped in the month of June at the festival a large subscription for the Institution . There were 2 GS boys in the
school , who must be well fed , well maintained , and well disciplined , and on that basis hi felt every confidence in appealing to the brethren that night . If the lodges would subscribe £ 2 1 os . each it would clear away everything . In times past antagonistic feelings towards Bro . Binckes had existed , but what he ( Bro . Smithson ) wanted was that the scheme might be carried out in its entirety at the earliest
possible minute . Bro . Binckes had been becretary of the Institution 29 years . If the scheme was carried out he believed there would be a general hand-shaking all round . There was nothing in the laws of the Institution providing that Bro . Binckes should retire j consequently he was there , and it seemed as if for a permanency . Bro . Binckes was perfectly willing to retire , but not without being provided for . If the scheme was carried out it would be for the
future prosperity and welfare of the Institution . Bro . the Rev . Harry Hebb , Head Master of the Boys ' Institution , in replying , said he felt a natural and honest delicacy in having to respond to such an important toast when all those who had spoken before were so much more distinguished in the Craft than he . He had but little to say , and he would say it very shortly . He came of a lodge
which had made its way in the west country , and he carried out the traditions of his lodge . As soon as he was appointed Head Master of the Boys' School , he appointed a lady , who had been brought up in the Girls' School , as Mistress of the preparatory school , and he might say , without detriment to the other members of his staff , thatshe was one of the most efficient mistresses he could possibly
have engaged . With regard to the Boys' School , with respect to the past , it was an inheritance , and about it it would be unbecoming in him to express an opinion one way or the other , and he hoped he might never be led in an unguarded moment to take a party side . With regard to the present , he would be failing in his duty and failing in courtesy if he did not express his deepest gratitude to the members of the
Provisional Committee for the way they had received him and helped him at a most difficult time , and more especially those of it who were members of that lodge , also for the unfailing support they had always rendered him at difficult times . But , while he said that , he did not want to be misunderstood . He would say , too , that the members of that lodge were brethren without fear and without favour , and
if anything went wrong they would speak out as all north countrymen did , and the interests of the Boys' School could not possibly be in better hands . With regard to the future , he could say with the utmost honesty that there were in the Boys' School the elements of a thoroughly good school , and no effort of his , or of his staff , and of the doctor , would be wanting to make it a good school—what it should be , a thoroughly good school—as good as a school of its kind
could possibly be made , where boys grew up honest and well trained and gentlemen—a school of which every brother in the Craft might be thoroughly and honestly proud . The VV . M . responded to the toast of his health , proposed by Bro . Wood , I . P . M ., and said he would do his best to be a good and model Master to carry out any duties a Master should perform . He then said the Charity column had produced £ 1 iSs . He afterwards proposed "The Past Masters . "
Bro . Wood , I . P . VI ., replied , and said it was a great pleasure to him to receive the Past Master ' s jewel at the hands of the D . G . M . Referring to the lodge banner , lie informed the brethren that every stitch in it was set by the wife of Bro . Masters , P . M . Bro . E . H . Cookson , Prov . S . G . W . West Lancashire , in reply to the toast of "The Installing Master , " thanked the brethren for the kind reception they had given him . If he
had not been in the presence of Freemasons he should be inclined to apologise for his presence , because he felt that although they were associated together in the United Northern Counties Lo ge , he was not exactly in the district in which that lodge was situated . However , in the presence of Freemasons he never made an apology , because he believed that wherever one went in the presence of Free-1 masons they were always acceptable j it was a simple bond of brotherhood , and that feeling of friendship they had to each
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
other , made them feel they were not strangers m a strange land . Although he had come from a considerable distance , he did so to support the W . M . He only wished it had fallen to better hands to perform the ceremony of installation , but he had done it to the best of his ability , and it was a great pleasure to him to install an old Liverpool man . Wherever a Liverpool man was he rejoiced to go , because he felt he came from the city in which he had every interest .
He hoped that when any members of the United Northern Counties Lodge visited Liverpool and No . 32 was meeting they would not forget they had a brother in him . Bro . Murgatroyd replied lo the toast of " The Initiate , " and Bros . Askew , Whitehead , and Davis to that of "The Visitors , " and the remaining toasts were then disposed of . An excellent programme of music was performed during the evening . A
Provincial Meetings.
PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .
BARNET . Gladsmuir Lodge ( No . 1385 . )—The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Red Lion Hotel , on Friday , the 2 Sth ult . Bro . J . H . Baxter , W . M ., notwithstanding that he had barely recovered from a sharp attack of the prevailing epidemic , occupied the chair , and there were present Bros . J . E . Cussans , P . M . 403 , P . P . S . G . W .,
S . W . j S . Tryon , J . W . ; VV . K . Hopkin , P . M ., Treas . j A . Fisher Young , P . M ., Sec . j G . B . Abbott , S . D . j W . H . G . Ball , P . M . 45 , S . Stwd ., as J . D . j F . C Collingwood , I . G . j C . Gray , P . M ., D . C ; J . P . Euerby , P . M . ; J . Brittain , P . M . ; VV . Lewis , P . M . ; Hawkins , Anneweid , and Goddard , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . G . Scott Young , P . M ., and E . Moore .
Ihe minutes of the installation meeting having been read and confirmed , the rep . irt of the Audit Committee was read and adopted . Bro . Anneweid was passed to the Degree of F . C . A discussion ensued over a matter of private interest , and three candidates for initiation having been proposed , and Bro . Durham's resignation of membership having been read , lodge was closed .
I he brethren afterwards dined together , and spent a most enjoyable evening , the speeches , which were conveniently brief , being interspersed with some excellent " singing by Bros . Lewis , Gray , Euerby , Collingwood , and others , with Bro . Haskins presiding , with his usual ability , at the pianoforte .
BOLTON . Anchor and Hope Lodge ( No . 37 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Freemasons'Hall . Present : Bros . R . Nightingale , W . M . j VV . Golding , S . W . j W . Forrest , J . W . j John Booth , P . M ., Treas . j H . L . Hinnell , Sec . j Thomas Murphy , S . D . j Fred Brockbank , as J . D . ; F . W . Briscoe , Org . ; Thos . Barnes , I . G . j F . VV . Broadbent
and G . Isherwood , Stwds . ; Thos . Higson , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Tyler ; John Hardcastle , P . M . ; Jas . Newton , P . M ., Prov . A . G . Sec . j G . G . Hanvood , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . j Thos . Cooper , Jno . Walker , and J . E . H . Spencer . Bro . G . Smith , 4 62 , was a visitor .
The lodge unanimously agreed to pay £ 2 10 s . to the Bincke ' s testimonial . Bro . Booth , P . M ., Treas ., announced the result of the recent Festival of the R . M . B . I ., of which he was a Steward . The lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the social board , where a pleasing few hours were spent .
DARLINGTON . Marquess of Ripon Lodge ( No . 1379 ) . — When Bio . Dr . Hill Drury was placed in the chair of this lodge in December last , he announced that it was his intention , if opportunity served , to introduce full choral accompaniment into some of the ceremonies during his year of office . At the meeting of the lodge held on
the 6 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Archer-street , he carried his intention into effect , and never has there been a more solemn and interesting ceremony witnessed in this northern province . The officers did their work with accuracy and precision , the music came in promptly at the proper time , and every part of the ceremony went smoothly and without a hitch . Of course we cannot give the
ceremony in full in our columns , but it will easily be understood by Masons from the following list of the music where each piece would appropriately come in : —March from " Scipio , " Handel ; " Hail Eternal " j . " Largo , " Handel ; "If God be for us , Who can be against us ? " Handel ; "Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened , " Handel ; " Behold how good , " Dr . J . Clarke Whitfield ; " Give alms
of thy goods" j "Now the evening shadows closing" j and March , " Occasional Overture , " Handel . The music was rendered by the Masonic members of the Durham Cathedral Choir , assisted by several musical brethren . Every seat in the lodge-room was occupied , and precisely at a quarter to seven the VV . M . entered the lodge-room and opened the lodge . The minutes of the last regular meeting being read and confirmed , and the Treasurer having presented his report ,
which was adopted , Dr . R . W . Smeddle , an elected candidate , was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry in a most impressive manner by the W . M ., the obligation being given by Bro . J . Foster , P . M ., and the working tools by Bro . Miiller , P . M . The usual fraternal greetings having been given by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room for refreshment .
" I'or these and all Thy mercies " was sung before meat and " Non nobis Domine" after . The VV . M . said that he thought the continual repetition of the same toasts night after night was a mistake , and he intended to allow as few as possible during the period he occupied the chair . Four only would be given that night , of which he would give one , the first one , "The
Queen and the Craft . " This was duly honoured , and " , Hail inasonry divine" was sung by Bro . Whitehead . Bro . Forster , P . M ., Treasurer , proposed the next toast . He said that the brethren would remember that at the installation meeting the I . PM ., Bro . While , owing to a breakdown in the machinery at his works , was unable
to be present , and it was proposed to postpone till that meeting the pleasing duty he was now about to perform . He then pinned on to Bro . While ' s breast a handsome Past Master's jewel and said , as a testimony of the excellent way he had presided over the lodge , the brethren had subscribed for , and asked him to accept , that Past Master ' s
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
visitors , he asked them , when they went back to their provinces , to make known the fact that the Northern Counties Lodge existed in London , and what it existed for . He wished also to impress that upon the Installing Master , for since he retired from the chair of Mayor of Liverpool last year he had been very active as a Mason in his province . He hoped all those brethren would publish the fact of the
lodge's existence , and ask the bretdren to join it and see what the working of the lodge was . Bro . Thomas W . Tew , Prov . G . M . West Yorkshire , in replying , said that it was a great satisfaction to the Master of the provinces referred to to have the historical account given by the W . M . of the United Northern Counties Lodge , and to feel that there was such a lodge as that in the heart
of London where northern brethren might meet in a charming way , although those northern provinces were not so far away now , owing to the railway facilities . Yet West Yorkshire , over which he had the honour to preside , was sometimes thought to be a distant province . Some people seemed hardly to know where it was . People went to Scotland , Caithness , and the Orkneys , and were asked
where was West Yorkshire ? They were not so populous after all ; they had not so many lodges as Lancashire ( East and West ) . In November last he was present when the hundredth lodge in East Lancashire was consecrated , and Lord Lathom told them that soon there would be ioo lodges in West Lancashire . There were 4000 or 5000 brethren in his province , and during the time he had been
Prov . Grand Master he had had the pleasure of consecrating 14 new lodges , and he had no doubt that in the process of time , and at no great distance of time , they would be able to ask Lord Lathom and Col . Starkie to graciously condescend to come to West Yorkshire and witness the consecration of its hundredth lodge . There was something else they had to do in West Yorkshire besides multiplying
lodges and initiating brethren . They were of all things most anxious to be in good fellowship and harmony with every one of their brethren and the lodges in London , and on behalf of the outlandish Province of West Yorkshire he said they tried to disseminate the principles of Freemasonry over all parts of the world , because Yorkshire brethren were great travellers . There was hardly a country
under the sun where a West Yorkshireman was not to be found . Beyond that West Yorkshire Masons tried to show themselves , what the M . W . G . M . had so often described in Grand Lodge and elsewhere , the most loyal , patriotic , and charitable body of men j and he echoed most cordially the hope of Lord Lathom that they would be found on the side of the crown , and be loyal to their Queen , patriotic to
their country , and devoted to their G . Master . One word more . He had come to that lodge meeting as a member of the lodge because he heard that Lord Lathom was coming , and he was anxious by his presence to show , if he could , his duty to his lordship , and to tell him that they in West Yorkshire would never forget his courtesy and kindness in coming ( with Bro . Co ) . Starkie ) , on the death of Bro . Sir
Henry Edwards , to install him ( Bro . Tew ) as Prov . Grand Master of West Yorkshire . He hoped West Yorkshire would ever be found in the van of whatever was noble , good , truthful , and generous among Masons . Bro . W . F . Smithson , P . M . and Treasurer , proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and said he felt very much complimented in being entrusted with it , as he had very earnest
and strong support in that lodge of one of the three Masonic Charities . In his experience of over 20 years connected with the Province of West Yorkshire , he had taken great interest in the prosperity of all of them . He had acted on the Charity Committee of the province , which had sent up no less than £ 40 , 000 in support of those Charities . Consequently he felt somewhat proud of having to propose that
toast . It must have been agreat satisfaction to Bro . Terry , the honoured Secretary of the Benevolent Institution , on February 26 th , to have to announce £ 13 , 000 odd as contributed at that festival . It had cost Bro . Terry many hours of anxiety during the last few weeks , seeing that at the forthcoming election in May , there were more than 150 candidates and only 20 or 30 vacancies . He felt sure from
the subscriptions at that festival that aged Masons and their widows would , for the ensuing year , have the support of the Craft . He was present at that festival , which was the most pleasant he had ever attended . Shortly they would have the Festival of the Girls' Institution , which had , as every one knew , the support of the provinces at its Centenary celebration . That School was at present undergoing
great alterations and extensions , and when completed in 1 S 91 , it would be an Institution second to none in the whole world in capacity—a building capable of taking in at least 300 girls . There were 240 there now , well clothed , maintained and educated , and he sincerely hoped Bro . Hedges , who was also very anxious , would also have a successful festival . That Institution deserved to be supported . The
Boys School , he deeply regretted to say , had been for a considerable time past under a cloud , but he was vain enough to hope—and he thought he was justified in hoping —that before long there would be seen a silver lining to that cloud , and that the Boys' School would come to the front , and be supported by the whole of the Fraternity j the brethren knew the great difficulties the Institution had had to
contend with . Some grave charges were made against the management of the Institution . The members of the House Committee of that time challenged the Craft to investigate the matter , and' a Committee of Investigation , with Bro . Philbrick , G . R ., as Chairman , looked into the questions , and made a report which was disastrous . But with that report were certain recommendations which they
felt justified in issuing to the Craft to be observed in future . As a result , an important and influential Provisional Committee was formed , to put the place in proper order , and they accepted their position last July . He and Bro . Masters . were on that Committee , which had had 30 meetings in eight months . Under the guidance of Bros , the Earl of Euston and Richard Eve , the Committee had
endeavoured to carry out in their entirety the recommendations made to them . The report stated most distinctly and emphatically that an entire change in the management , and a new system of administration must take place . This they were endeavouring to carry out in accordance with the wishe-. of the Craft . They had entirely changed theipast managers of the Institution , and the medical
officer , whom he was proud to see present to-night . They had appointed a new matron and a staff of new servants . They had striven to follow out the recommendations with regard to finance , and had adopted a completely new system of book keeping . They had also during the past few weeks , wtih the approval of all the members of the Committee and of the Craft , appointed a new Head Master , the Rev .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Harry Hebb , from Exeter Grammar School , who was also present at that meeting . The Committee felt confidence in him , and that he would place the Institution in a foremost position amongst such institutions j that he would carry the work out thoroughly . The Head Master had a capable and able staff ot masters under him , and he wished him every prosperity in his office , and that he would command
the esteem and respect of the Craft . There was one more feature to be mentioned , the retirement of the Secretary , Bro . Binckes . On behalf of Bro . Binckes , it was not paying him an empty compliment to say that from the time the Provisional Committee came into existence to the present moment , they had had every attention andcourtesy , andassistance from Bro . Binckes . Every detail in the past
management of the Institution was laid before them , and everything was done by him to assist the Institution . The Committee , as a body , unanim > usly recommended that Bro . Binckes should not retire without some recognition of his past services , and they suggested he should have an annuity of £ 350 . That came before the monthly Court , where it was sanctioned and approved j but when it came for
confirmation before the Quarterly Court , when , between 400 and 500 were present , it was carried by a narrow majority of seven only . In the face of that many brethren from all parts of England took it up , some were opposed to the principle of a pension being taken from the funds of the Institution j others were in favour of it j others supported an honorarium j others that the annuity should be X ' 250 . Probably the
£ 250 would have had the majority vote . Although he was opposed to the principle of pensions being paid out of Charity funds , he fought the matter out earnestly , and it was considered that a scheme should be framed , which eventually was laid before the Provisional Committee , and eventually sanctioned , approved , and adopted by them , by which a sum of £ 2500 as an honorarium or retiring
allowance might be raised for Bro . Binckes in lieu of touching the funds of the Institution , that had been before the Craft forsome weeks now . They were winning all along the line in the northern provinces . It would produce £ 2500 for Bro . Binckes , and leave a handsome surplus for the Boys ' Institution . He had visited Manchester and East Lancashire , where the Charity Committee had a meeting , at which
1 S 7 lodges were represented , with the Provincial Grand Master at their head , and they unanimously supported the scheme . In West Yorkshire 200 guineas were voluntarily raised . He believed that by the adoption of the scheme they would raise a very very large sum indeed , and he hoped in the month of June at the festival a large subscription for the Institution . There were 2 GS boys in the
school , who must be well fed , well maintained , and well disciplined , and on that basis hi felt every confidence in appealing to the brethren that night . If the lodges would subscribe £ 2 1 os . each it would clear away everything . In times past antagonistic feelings towards Bro . Binckes had existed , but what he ( Bro . Smithson ) wanted was that the scheme might be carried out in its entirety at the earliest
possible minute . Bro . Binckes had been becretary of the Institution 29 years . If the scheme was carried out he believed there would be a general hand-shaking all round . There was nothing in the laws of the Institution providing that Bro . Binckes should retire j consequently he was there , and it seemed as if for a permanency . Bro . Binckes was perfectly willing to retire , but not without being provided for . If the scheme was carried out it would be for the
future prosperity and welfare of the Institution . Bro . the Rev . Harry Hebb , Head Master of the Boys ' Institution , in replying , said he felt a natural and honest delicacy in having to respond to such an important toast when all those who had spoken before were so much more distinguished in the Craft than he . He had but little to say , and he would say it very shortly . He came of a lodge
which had made its way in the west country , and he carried out the traditions of his lodge . As soon as he was appointed Head Master of the Boys' School , he appointed a lady , who had been brought up in the Girls' School , as Mistress of the preparatory school , and he might say , without detriment to the other members of his staff , thatshe was one of the most efficient mistresses he could possibly
have engaged . With regard to the Boys' School , with respect to the past , it was an inheritance , and about it it would be unbecoming in him to express an opinion one way or the other , and he hoped he might never be led in an unguarded moment to take a party side . With regard to the present , he would be failing in his duty and failing in courtesy if he did not express his deepest gratitude to the members of the
Provisional Committee for the way they had received him and helped him at a most difficult time , and more especially those of it who were members of that lodge , also for the unfailing support they had always rendered him at difficult times . But , while he said that , he did not want to be misunderstood . He would say , too , that the members of that lodge were brethren without fear and without favour , and
if anything went wrong they would speak out as all north countrymen did , and the interests of the Boys' School could not possibly be in better hands . With regard to the future , he could say with the utmost honesty that there were in the Boys' School the elements of a thoroughly good school , and no effort of his , or of his staff , and of the doctor , would be wanting to make it a good school—what it should be , a thoroughly good school—as good as a school of its kind
could possibly be made , where boys grew up honest and well trained and gentlemen—a school of which every brother in the Craft might be thoroughly and honestly proud . The VV . M . responded to the toast of his health , proposed by Bro . Wood , I . P . M ., and said he would do his best to be a good and model Master to carry out any duties a Master should perform . He then said the Charity column had produced £ 1 iSs . He afterwards proposed "The Past Masters . "
Bro . Wood , I . P . VI ., replied , and said it was a great pleasure to him to receive the Past Master ' s jewel at the hands of the D . G . M . Referring to the lodge banner , lie informed the brethren that every stitch in it was set by the wife of Bro . Masters , P . M . Bro . E . H . Cookson , Prov . S . G . W . West Lancashire , in reply to the toast of "The Installing Master , " thanked the brethren for the kind reception they had given him . If he
had not been in the presence of Freemasons he should be inclined to apologise for his presence , because he felt that although they were associated together in the United Northern Counties Lo ge , he was not exactly in the district in which that lodge was situated . However , in the presence of Freemasons he never made an apology , because he believed that wherever one went in the presence of Free-1 masons they were always acceptable j it was a simple bond of brotherhood , and that feeling of friendship they had to each
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
other , made them feel they were not strangers m a strange land . Although he had come from a considerable distance , he did so to support the W . M . He only wished it had fallen to better hands to perform the ceremony of installation , but he had done it to the best of his ability , and it was a great pleasure to him to install an old Liverpool man . Wherever a Liverpool man was he rejoiced to go , because he felt he came from the city in which he had every interest .
He hoped that when any members of the United Northern Counties Lodge visited Liverpool and No . 32 was meeting they would not forget they had a brother in him . Bro . Murgatroyd replied lo the toast of " The Initiate , " and Bros . Askew , Whitehead , and Davis to that of "The Visitors , " and the remaining toasts were then disposed of . An excellent programme of music was performed during the evening . A
Provincial Meetings.
PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .
BARNET . Gladsmuir Lodge ( No . 1385 . )—The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Red Lion Hotel , on Friday , the 2 Sth ult . Bro . J . H . Baxter , W . M ., notwithstanding that he had barely recovered from a sharp attack of the prevailing epidemic , occupied the chair , and there were present Bros . J . E . Cussans , P . M . 403 , P . P . S . G . W .,
S . W . j S . Tryon , J . W . ; VV . K . Hopkin , P . M ., Treas . j A . Fisher Young , P . M ., Sec . j G . B . Abbott , S . D . j W . H . G . Ball , P . M . 45 , S . Stwd ., as J . D . j F . C Collingwood , I . G . j C . Gray , P . M ., D . C ; J . P . Euerby , P . M . ; J . Brittain , P . M . ; VV . Lewis , P . M . ; Hawkins , Anneweid , and Goddard , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . G . Scott Young , P . M ., and E . Moore .
Ihe minutes of the installation meeting having been read and confirmed , the rep . irt of the Audit Committee was read and adopted . Bro . Anneweid was passed to the Degree of F . C . A discussion ensued over a matter of private interest , and three candidates for initiation having been proposed , and Bro . Durham's resignation of membership having been read , lodge was closed .
I he brethren afterwards dined together , and spent a most enjoyable evening , the speeches , which were conveniently brief , being interspersed with some excellent " singing by Bros . Lewis , Gray , Euerby , Collingwood , and others , with Bro . Haskins presiding , with his usual ability , at the pianoforte .
BOLTON . Anchor and Hope Lodge ( No . 37 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Freemasons'Hall . Present : Bros . R . Nightingale , W . M . j VV . Golding , S . W . j W . Forrest , J . W . j John Booth , P . M ., Treas . j H . L . Hinnell , Sec . j Thomas Murphy , S . D . j Fred Brockbank , as J . D . ; F . W . Briscoe , Org . ; Thos . Barnes , I . G . j F . VV . Broadbent
and G . Isherwood , Stwds . ; Thos . Higson , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Tyler ; John Hardcastle , P . M . ; Jas . Newton , P . M ., Prov . A . G . Sec . j G . G . Hanvood , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . j Thos . Cooper , Jno . Walker , and J . E . H . Spencer . Bro . G . Smith , 4 62 , was a visitor .
The lodge unanimously agreed to pay £ 2 10 s . to the Bincke ' s testimonial . Bro . Booth , P . M ., Treas ., announced the result of the recent Festival of the R . M . B . I ., of which he was a Steward . The lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the social board , where a pleasing few hours were spent .
DARLINGTON . Marquess of Ripon Lodge ( No . 1379 ) . — When Bio . Dr . Hill Drury was placed in the chair of this lodge in December last , he announced that it was his intention , if opportunity served , to introduce full choral accompaniment into some of the ceremonies during his year of office . At the meeting of the lodge held on
the 6 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Archer-street , he carried his intention into effect , and never has there been a more solemn and interesting ceremony witnessed in this northern province . The officers did their work with accuracy and precision , the music came in promptly at the proper time , and every part of the ceremony went smoothly and without a hitch . Of course we cannot give the
ceremony in full in our columns , but it will easily be understood by Masons from the following list of the music where each piece would appropriately come in : —March from " Scipio , " Handel ; " Hail Eternal " j . " Largo , " Handel ; "If God be for us , Who can be against us ? " Handel ; "Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened , " Handel ; " Behold how good , " Dr . J . Clarke Whitfield ; " Give alms
of thy goods" j "Now the evening shadows closing" j and March , " Occasional Overture , " Handel . The music was rendered by the Masonic members of the Durham Cathedral Choir , assisted by several musical brethren . Every seat in the lodge-room was occupied , and precisely at a quarter to seven the VV . M . entered the lodge-room and opened the lodge . The minutes of the last regular meeting being read and confirmed , and the Treasurer having presented his report ,
which was adopted , Dr . R . W . Smeddle , an elected candidate , was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry in a most impressive manner by the W . M ., the obligation being given by Bro . J . Foster , P . M ., and the working tools by Bro . Miiller , P . M . The usual fraternal greetings having been given by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room for refreshment .
" I'or these and all Thy mercies " was sung before meat and " Non nobis Domine" after . The VV . M . said that he thought the continual repetition of the same toasts night after night was a mistake , and he intended to allow as few as possible during the period he occupied the chair . Four only would be given that night , of which he would give one , the first one , "The
Queen and the Craft . " This was duly honoured , and " , Hail inasonry divine" was sung by Bro . Whitehead . Bro . Forster , P . M ., Treasurer , proposed the next toast . He said that the brethren would remember that at the installation meeting the I . PM ., Bro . While , owing to a breakdown in the machinery at his works , was unable
to be present , and it was proposed to postpone till that meeting the pleasing duty he was now about to perform . He then pinned on to Bro . While ' s breast a handsome Past Master's jewel and said , as a testimony of the excellent way he had presided over the lodge , the brethren had subscribed for , and asked him to accept , that Past Master ' s