District Grand Lodge Of The Punjab.

Ramsay as District Grand Alaster of the Punjab . The District Grand Director of Ceremonies having informed the Offg . D . G . AI . that the deputation appointed to conduct the R . W . D . G . AI . into Grand Lodge was ready , it was duly announced , the whole Grand Lodge standing to order the organ playing a Grand March . The R . W . D . G .

Mister was conducted to the front ofthe Altar , and duly presented by Bro . W . E . Ball , P . D . G . S . W . The Offg . D . G . AI . called upon the D . G . Secretary to read the Patent of Office from H . R . I 1 . the Prince of Wales , AI W . G . AL of Freemasons of England . The District Grand Secretary then read the Patent of

Office . The R . AV . District Grand Master then addressed District Grand Lodge as follows : — Wor . Sirs and Brethren , — I do not intend to keep you long , but I feel on an occasion like this I am bound to say a few words . It is now nearly 4 } years since a D . G . Alaster addressed you

from this chair , Right Wor . Bro . Mercer's last appearance having been at the communication held on the 27 th October , 1870 . During 1871 and up to October , 1 S 72 , Wor . Bro . Basevi presided over our meetings as D . D . G . AI . with full powers . Since then I have had the honour of doing so in a similar capacity . First let me return my best thanks to Wor . Bro . Dary

for his kindness m coming up to instal me , and to congratulate him on the part of all here present on the admirable and impressive manner in which he has pei formed the ceremony . Early last year , when Right Wor . Bro . Alercer intimated his intention of resigning , and desired to have the opinion of the leading brethren in the district as to a successor , a circular was issued addressed to all W . Masters , Past

Alasters andWardcns , and requesting that the replies might be sent to a committee of D . G . Lodge Officers , who were to open and record them . I need hardly say , brethren , I saw none of the replies , so am quite ignorant of how any brother voted , or who voted or who did not ; but I do know that the result of the voting was that a very large majority did me the

hig h honour of naming me as the most acceptable successor in this Chair . The high office in which I have been installed this evening , I am happy to think I owe chiefly to the suffrages of the brethren over whom I am now to rule , and this makes the pleasure I feel at being appointed to so exalted a position in the Craft doubly p leasant to me . I return you all my most hearty thanks

for the honour you have done me , and sincerely trust that I may prove myself deserving of the confidence that has been placed in me ; antl , the G . A . O . T . U . helping me , I will do all in my power to realise the wishes and hopes of the brethren . The appointment of a new D . G . Alaster being a new starting point in Alasonry , let us review very shortly the

progress of the Craft during the past years , lms District was founded , as you all know , in accordance with a petition sent to the M . W . the'G . M . in 1868 , and Right Wor . Bro . Mercer was installed in this Hall on the 12 th Alarch , 1869 . There were at that time 7 lodges only in the province : Himalayan Brotherhood , Charity , Khybur , Hope and Preservance , Wahab , Phoenix , and Ravee , and

the first returns showed the total number of subscribing Alasons as 217 . At the end of 1869 , Indus and Alultan had been added to our roll . In 1870 Light of the North sprang into existence . In 1871 no new lodge was added to our number , but Lodge Phomix having ceased to work for two years was placed in abeyance . In 1872 , Jumna and Alayo got their warrants , but 1873 was the year in which

Alasonry took its stride in advance , the warrants of no less than six lodges having been either received or applied for during that year : Morning Star , Sutlej , Industry , Light in the Himalayas , Northern Star , and St . John the Evangelist . During 18 74 the work of consolidating and strengthening went on , and no new lodge was opened , but the returns of the last quarter of 1874 show that we

had on the 31 st December on our rolls no less than 463 Masons . Thus since this province was raised to a separate District our lodges have increased from 7 to 17 , and our subscribing Alasons from 217 to 463 . No one can deny that this is a real solid step in advancement ; and not only has our number of lodges increased , but all are progressing in a most satisfactory manner . During the

last two years every lodge I think has been officially visited by myself or one or other of the higher D . G . L . officers , and in every case the report has been a most cheering and satisfactory one . The other point to which I wish to draw your attention is our Alasonic Institution . It commenced first with Lodge Hope and Perseverance , and took its present shape in 1871 .

If you look back to the D . G . L . meeting of the 14 th January of that year you will find the scheme all laid out in a proposition brought before the Board of General Purposes b y W . Bro . Basevi , who was then D . G . S . Warden . We received from the funds of Lodge Hope and Perseverance about Rs . 4 , 000 . At the end of 1874 we had so increased this sum that the account stood as

follows : Invested money Rs . 12 , 800 ; in bank and Hon . Secretary's hands Rs . 636-6-4 , or a grand total of Rs . ' 3 > 43 b-6-4 . We are educating four boys , two at the Bishop ' s School at Simla , and two at the Lahore High School . So we may consider this Institution as financially in a most satisfactory state , and that the grand virtue of our Order , " Charity , " is not neglected in the province .

In conclusion , brethren , a few words as regards myself . I cannot express to you that I feel to-night the highest honour to which a Alason can hope to rise , and which so few are able to attain , is now mine—thanks mainly to the brethren of this province . I don't care to make , and I am sure you don ' t care to hear , long protestations ; but 1 ask you to believe that I speak from my heart when I say that all I can do to advance Masonry in this province , to

District Grand Lodge Of The Punjab.

distribute the honours of the purple fairly and impartially , and to endeavour to retain the fraternal affection of one and all of the brethren over whom 1 am now to rule , shall be done by me with all the earnestness and sincerity which I can bring to bear on it . Before sitting down , brethren , I have to inform you that I have appointed W . Bro . Alajor G . N . Aloney , Past D . G . S .

Warden , as D . D . G . AI . of the district . I have also appointed W . Bro . J . R . Campbell , W . AI . of Lodge Alayo , and an old P . AL , to be D . G . Director of Ceremonies in room of W . Bro . Colonel Alinchin , who , being unable to take up the duties , has to my great regret placed his resignation of that office in my hands . Vote of thanks to Bro . Alajor Beamish , 3 6 th Regiment ,

for making over the Vice-Presidentship of P . M . I , to the District Grand Alaster for the time being . Resolution . —That this District Grand Lodge desires to return its most cordial thanks to Bro . Alajor Beamish , 3 6 th Regiment , for having made over the Vice-Presidentship of the P . M . I , to the District Grand Alaster of this district , and directs that a copy of this resolution be forwarded

to that brother with their fraternal good wishes . The District Grand Secretary read warm and hearty letters of congratulation from the R . W . Acting D . G . Alaster of Bengal , from " Lodges Hope and Perseverance , " " Ravee , " " St John the Evangelist , " and " Industry , " and other lodges of the district , which were

ordered to-be recorded and suitable replies returned . Apologies were then read lrom the brethren who owing to distance and other causes were prevented from being present , which were ordered to bc duly recorded . There being no more business before D . G . Lodge it was closed in due form with prayer , at 10 p . m .

Consecration Of The Priory Chapter (No. 1000).

CONSECRATION OF THE PRIORY CHAPTER ( No . 1000 ) .

On Saturday , the ist inst ., at the Aliddleton Hotel , Southend-on-Sea , a fourth chapter was added to the roll of Royal Arch Alasonry in Essex . The ceremonies of consecration and installation were performed by E . Comp . R . Wentworth Little , P . Z ., Grand

Scribe E . Middlesex , in his usual faultless and painstaking manner , very ably assisted by E . Comps . J . Percy Leith , P . Z ., P . G . First Assist . Soj ., as acting II . ; J . Boyd , P . Z ., Prov . G . P . Soj . Aliddlesex , as acting J . After the chapter had been opened in ancient form , the companions were admitted , and were marshalled by E . Comp . II . G . Buss , P . Z ., Prov . G . Treasurer Aliddlesex , who acted most

efficiently as Director of Ceremonies . In addition to the above mentioned , there were present Comps . Rev . S . R . Wigram , P . Z . 214 , Grand Chaplain of England ; Col . Wilkinson , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . P . Soj . Cheshire ; H . A . Dubois , 1326 , Prov . G . D . C . Aliddlesex ; G . Cooper , AI . E . Z . 214 ; J . II . Spencer , 73 ; Alason , 73 ; F . Dawson , 188 ; W . T . Christian , 544 ; C . ' Eltham , 544 ; W . Skilleter ,

829 ; J . G . Alarsh , 975 ; J . Green , 975 ; E . E . Phillips , 379 ; A . Lucking , 1293 ; Spencer R . Weston , 7 ; J . C . Johnstone , J . A . AVardell , 1293 ; Rev . H . J . Hatch , 1293 ; Jas . Willing , jun ., 177 ; T . W . Gower , 1293 ; W . T . Allen . Those present who had signed the petition , having signified their approval of the companions named in the

warrant tc be the Principals , viz ., Comps . Rev . S . R . Wigram , Z . ; E . E . Phillips , H . ; and A . Lucking , J ., the chapter was duly consecrated . That interesting ceremony being ended , the installation of the Principals was proceeded with and carried out in a most able manner . The following officers were then nominated and elected—Comps . S . R . Weston , Treasurer ; J . C . Johnstone , Scribe

E . ; Rev . II . J . Hatch , Scribe N . ; J . A . Wardell , P . Soj . ; Jas . Willing , "jun . ist Assistant Soj . ; J . W . Gower , 2 nd Assistant Soj ., E . B ., Alountain Janitor . The musical arrangements were carried out under the direction of Comp . F . Dawson , 188 . The rank of Honorary Afember was unanimously conferred upon E . Comps . R . W . Little , J . Percy Leith

J . Boyd , and 11 . G . Buss . Several brethren were proposed for exaltation . The business of the day having terminated and the Chapter closed , the companions adjourned to a sumptuous banquet provided by Bro . F . Cantor , and presided . over by the AI . E . Z . The usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were given and responded to . E . Comp J . Percy Leith , replied

for the Grand Officers . In responding to the toast of the " The Alasonic Charities " E . Comp . Little , the Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , made an excellent speech , and in the course of his remarks mentioned that the Chapter would be represented at the annual festival on the 1 ith of Alay , as Comp . "A . Lucking , J ., had expressed his intention of serving as Steward . During the

evening Comp . Rev . H . J . Hatch sang a song composed by himself in commemoration of the Installation of the AI . W . G . AIastcr , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , which was enthusiastically received . The Janitor ' s toast having been given , the companions separated , all well pleased with a happy , instructive , and delightful day .

It is superfluous to add that everything passed off admirably , and that the chapter bids fair in every respect to be a worthy adjunct to the lodge from which it derives its parentage and name . The furniture and appointments were manufactured by Comp . Geo . Kenning , and were very much admired .

The sixth Triennial Festival of the Railway Guards ' Universal Friendly Society was held at the City Terminus Hotel , on Wednesday ; total amount received £ 1 , 551 ; Bro . George Abbott ' s list amounted to £ 183 .

In our report of the appointments of Grand Officers , we omitted to state that Bro . S . G . Homfray , Deputy Prov . Grand Alaster for Alonmouth , was appointed TAssistant Grand Director of Ceremonies ,

The London Masonic Club.

THE LONDON MASONIC CLUB .

Commt . Ht ' . / Hc . As society advances in the paths of civilization the development of moral and social virtues increases with every step . Each stride in general culture owes its impulse to a different source , but whether attributable to the development of morality itself or to anv violent and coercive

measures of a progressive legislation , ils results are always beneficial to the cherished Palladium of Alasonry . Probably no social events can measure the welfare of the general community so well as the extensive establishment and patronage of societies for promoting sociality and general kindliness , and when this barometer records the development of the ori ginal project into an important movement

extending all over the country , and points to the simultaneous establishment of numerous prominent clubs in great centies of Alasonry , it argues well for the health and ' strength of our Craft and the universal acceptance of our fundamental precepts ; for as Alasonry teaches , clubs realise . It is therefore with unfeigned pleasure that we welcome the announcement of another club , which shall not only

promote the laudable ends of all its confreres , but will be particularly devoted to the interests of Alasons , and the practice of their immortal principles . Alasons will be the only persons eligible for membership , and in the social seclusion , so to speak , of , their club-house , surrounded by their brother Alasons , encompassed by the paraphernalia of the Craft , with a library teeming with historic records

and works speaking but of " universal good will , " all friends and brothers without introduction , practising their mysteries over their after-dinner wine , recognisin" " congenial comrades through the aromatic fumes of the smoking room , Ihey will have nothing to remind them of the outside world , its doubtful pleasures ai . d lamentable vices . THs picture , if realized ( and we see no

reason why it should not bc realized ) represents a club as it should be , but as it can only be where the moral code of Alasonry reigns in undisputed sway , and where every member knows his co-member to be free from those social vices which are tolerated in society , but which arc inconsistent with the teachings of their common Craft .

The impulse which Alasonry has received by the recent Installation of the Prince of Wales , the prominence into which it has been called by this great ceremony , the additional force which has thus been infused into its world-wide ramifications , render the new project most plausible . The concourse of provincial and continental brethren

which has assembled in this great metropolis , will not fail to be surprised at the absence of an institution which in their localities has long been established , and found to be necessary and successful ; and the good sense of the projectors in bringing their scheme before the public at so propitious a moment cannot but be fraught with pleasing results .

The project originated in the restless philanthropic activity of some of our brethren , who have wisel y formed themselves into a Limited Liability Company , for the better consummation of their scheme . It will be seen that to render this project the success it deserves to be the movers must throw themselves entirely upon the generosity of their brethren , and we arc sure that now the prospectus

is published it will hardly be able to fall through for lack of support . It must be recollected that although Alasonry is one great club in itself , and the entire world the scene of its labours , the practice of its moral and social precepts is better realized in centres specially devoted to their development , and acquires greater force from such excellent demonstration of their utility .

METROPOLITAN COLLEGE OF THE ROSICHUCIAN SOCIETY . —The M . W . Frater , H . C . Levander , ALA ., Alaster of the Temple , held the Quarterly Convocation at the Royal Alasonic Hall , 68 , Regent Street , W ., on Friday , the 30 th April . Present—R . W . Little , Dr . Harrison , Dr . Woodman , Hubbard , Alatier , Dr . J . K . Smith , Goepel , George Turner , H . C . Levander , Church , Cubitt , White , Stanton Jones , Alackenzie , Thomas , George Kenning , P .

M . Holden , and others . The following were ballotted for and admitted to the grade of Zelator—Bros . Charles Horsley , 2 , Staple Inn , E . C . ; Capt . George Cockle , 9 , Bolton Gardens , South Kensington , W . ; Edward Amphlett , 32 , Wimpole Street , Cavendish Square , W . ; John Wm . Ellison Macartney , ALP ., House of Commons , S . W . Frater Frederick Hockley , 167 , Liverpool Road , N . ( of the Bristol College ) , was admitted as a joining member .

"THE BATTLE OF THE DIETS . "—It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good , and the recent discussions that have taken place as to the value or worthlessness of various kinds of prepared foods , however distasteful they may have been to the manufacturers , who , from ignorance of scientific principles , have been extracting all the nutriment from their farina , seem likely to teach the public at

large how to distinguish with ease between good and bad . A good general rule was laid down by Dr . Stone in a letter to the Times on the first ultimo . He tells us that whenever the food is perfectly white and of extreme fineness , it should be rejected as being almost entirely composed of starch alone . When , however , the natural brownish colour has been preserved , and nutrition has not been

sacrificed to appearance , these foods contain even more nourishment than meat . One of this latter description is Dr . Ridge ' s Patent ( cooked ) Food , which has been long recognized as a most valuable article of diet , and the only efficient substitute for milk for infants and invalids ,

as while the process to which it is subjected during preparation renders it exceptionally easy of digestion , none of the nutritious properties of the pure wheat of which it is composed have been driven off , and it is therefore rich in all the substances necessary for forming flesh , blood , and bone ,