Order Of The Secret Monitor.

G . Chap . ; Rev . A . Wescott , M . A ., Past District Grand Chap . ; and Col . R . E . Drake Brockman , of the Royal Eng ineers , Madras . They regret to report the death of Bro . Barton of this Conclave , Grand Steward , a brother much beloved among Freemasons of this district . The Conclave No . 16 , Empress of India , Calcutta , is being worked very energetically by

Bro . P- C . Dutt , P . G . Councillor , and with his Hig hness the Maharajah Cooch Behar as its active V . R . it is likely to grow in numbers and importance . Of the other conclaves—more especially those at home—the No . i , Alfred Meadows , has changed its name to " The Premier , " and now numbers 48 members . No . 5 , the Horatio Shirley , numbers 52

members . The Royal Sussex , Brighton , No . 10 , deserves also a word of praise for the careful manner in which the ceremonies are performed , and the excellence of the appointments and arrangements of the conclave . It is gradually attracting and absorbing many of the Masons of best standing in Brighton and neighbourhood . The Cleve Fast Conclave , No . 8 , has changed

its place of meeting to the Holborn Restaurant , and the change will doubtless result in an accession of members . It is not sufficiently known that tbe main object in founding this conclave was to make a home , under their worthy chief , Sir Francis Burdett , for Secret Monitors belonging to the Province of Middlesex . The Grand Visitors have to report that wherever they

have paid an official visit to any conclave they have been received with the greatest courtesy and kindness . They would , however , suggest for the consideration of Grand Council that they would be better able to perform the functions entrusted to them if the conclaves in England , and especially those in London ; would kindly favour them with a notice paper of each

meeting as it occurs . The " Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar " is at present the only source whence they can obtain information of the days of meeting , and it is impossible for them to know the hours . If this would be giving too much trouble the conclaves might at least send three summonses to the Grand Recorder , who would forward them to the Grand Visitors of the year .

The following motion was then put and carried " That the report of the Grand Visitors be received , adopted , and entered upon the minutes of this Grand Council , and that the conclaves be desired to forward to the Grand Recorder three copies of each summons as suggested for the information of himself and the Grand Visitors . "

The Executive Committee for the ensuing year was nominated and elected as follows : Bros . Dr . 1 . Zacharie , M . D ., G . S . R . ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . G . S . R . ; W . G . Lemon , G . Treas . ; W . J . Spratling , G . R . ; Sir Augustus Harris , P . G . B . B . ; J . Tickle , P . G . B . B . ; 1 . J .

Pakes , P . G . Gdr . ; and A . Stewart Brown , M . D ., P . G . C . Bro . Mills was re-appointed Grand Sentinel . . The Grand Council determined to allot a sum of 10 guineas towards the support of conclaves of instruction , and fixed the date of the Grand Conclave for the 4 th Wednesday in June next .

Tile Late Bro. Col. Clerke.

TILE LATE BRO . COL . CLERKE .

The following notices have been issued in connection with the decease of our late brother : Grand Secretary ' s Office , Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C , 2 nd January , 1892 . Dear Sir and Brother , In reply to your inquiry I have to inform you that by the usage of the Craft no general mourning is adopted in the event of the decease of the Grand Secretary .

Every lodge can exercise its own discretion and go into mourning at its option , and I suppose such course would be adopted in all cases where our lamented brother was a member of the lodge . The usual time where mourning is ordered is three months . —I am , dear sir and brother , your fraternally , A . A . PENULKUURY , Asst . G . Sec .

UNITED ORDERS OF THE TKMI > LE ANO MALTA .

GREAT I'HIORY OK ENGLAND AND WALES . In respect for the memory of the late Great Sub-1 rior ( and Provincial Prior of Sussex ) , Very Eminent Sir Kni ght Colonel Shadwell Henry Clerke , who departed this life on the 25 th instant , al ! knights meeting in Preceptories , Provincial Priories , and Great 1 nory , are requested to wear mourninc for the snace - - - J — ¦» ' »_ . I . ^ , M fcV MVI 1 I IIIVUHIIML » V » HiVtllUVV

. , " * '' of six months . By Order , W . TINKLER , K . C . T ., Vicc-Chancellor . Hilts of swords and jewels to be covered with crape , and a crape scarf to be substituted for the ribband . Chancery of the United Orders , 3 and 4 , Lincoln ' s Inn Fields , London , W . C , 31 st December , 1891 .

SHADWELL CLERKE LODGE , No . 1910 . Mark Masons' Hall , Great Queen-street , London , W . C , r , „ . 29 th December , 1891 . Dear Sir and Brother ,

It is with the most unfeigned regret and the aeepest sorrow that I have to communicate to you the sad news of the death of our Worshi pful Master , the V . W . Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , who died on Christmas Day , after a very brief illness . B y command of W . Bro . Geo . J . Reed ( W . M . ' , 0- 1095 ) , Senior Warden , ruling thc lodge , the

Tile Late Bro. Col. Clerke.

members of the Shadwell Clerke Lodge will appear in Masonic mourning for three months from this date , and at the next meeting of the lodge , on 2 Sth March , 1892 , the pedestals and jewels will be draped in black . —I am , yours faithfully and fraternally , C . FITZGERALD MATIER , P . G . Std . Br ., P . M . and Sec .

The name of Bro . General Laurie , Past Grand Master Nova Scotia , appeared in our report last week as being present at the fnni-r . il , but we omitted to state that the R . W . brother attended as the representative of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , and also in the absence of Bro . Brackstone Baker , as representative of the Grand Lodge of New York , he being a representative of that Grand Lodge near a sister Grand Lodge .

We regret also that we omitted to mention that Bro . Dr . Turtle Pigott , D . C . L ., P . A . G . D . of C , was present at the funeral , and was also amongst those who sent floral tributes of affectionate regards .

Bro . ] . Lewis Thomas , P . A . G . D . C , writes to say that a severe attack of bronchitis with which he was laid up at Winchester , prevented his being present at the funeral of the late Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary .

The following expression of condolence and sympathy from the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Isle of Man has been forwarded by the Prov . Grand Master to the representatives of the late Grand Secretary : — We , the undersigned , on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Isle of Man of Ancient Free and Accepted

Masons of England , beg most respectfully to tender out heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolence with you in the heavy bereavement you have recently sustained in the lamented decease of our esteemed Very Worshipful Bro . Col . Shadwell Henry Clerke , for many years the distinguished and popular Grand Secretary of the great Alasonic

body of this country . In thus tendering our sympathy and condolence—a sympathy and condolence which will be universal in its extent so far as Freemasonry is concerned—we , at the same time , consider it our duty to place on record the many obligations which we as Freemasons owe to our deceas 3 d brother . Col .

Clerke , in his official capacity , visited this island on two separate occasions , once in 1 S 84 , and again in 1 SS 6 , on the formation ot the province , and the brethren generally have many pleasant recollections of those visits , and it is their duty to testify to the very high appreciation of the very valuable services rendered to the Craft by the late Grand

Secretary . Trusting that , in due time , when it shall bc the will of the Great Architect of the Universe to summon us from this sublunary abode , we may all meet together in the Grand Lodgej above , whence all goodness emanates , we beg to subscribe ourselves on behalf of Provincial Grand Lodge .

J . S . UOLDIE-IAUBMAN , Provincial Grand Alaster . T . H . NESBITT , Deputy Provincial Grand Master . L . G . HANNAY , Provincial Grand Secretary .

Royal Masonio Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIO INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The Council of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys met on Saturday last , at Freem isons' Hall , Bro . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas ., in the chair . There were likewise present Bros . John Glass , J . S . Cumberland , W . A . Scurrah , H . Dickey , Samuel H . Parkhouse , ] . J . Thomas , W . Adams , J . \ V . Burgess , George Everett , G . Treas ., H . Massey , J . E . Le Feuvre , Stanley

J . Attenborough , J . H . Stock , James Brett , George Corbie , W . D . Church , Robert Martin , H . W . Green , John Barnett , jun ., Robert W . Bourne , Rev . H . A . Hebb ( Head Master ) , and J . Morrison McLeod ( Secretary ) . The Council recommended to the Quarterly Court the adoption of 38 candidates for the April election ,

and the declaration of 20 vacancies in the School . Bro . EVE in moving a resolution of condolence with the widow and family of the late Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S ., said that the Craft at large had sustained a severe loss by the death of the Grand Secretary . Col . Clerke brought to bear on the decision of cases placed before him a judicial mind seldom found in a

military man , and his judgment gave satisfaction to all . Bro . W . A . SCURRAH seconded the motion , which was put and carried , and ordered to be communicated to the widow and family . The resolution was as follows : "That the Council of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys begs to tender

to Mrs . Clerke and family their deep expression of regret and sympathy in the heavy loss they have sustained by the death of the late Grand Secretary , whose eminent services to every branch of the Order and kindly manner had endeared him to the hearts of all Masons . " The Council ' s proceedings were then closed .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The Quarterly Court of Subscribers and Governors of this Institution was held on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., at FVeemasons' Hall , Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., in the chair . There were also present Bros . J . H . Matthews , James Brett , Alfred C . Spaull , H . Massey , W . G . Kentish , Peter dc L . Long , C . H . Webb , Wm .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

Morley , J . S . Cumberland , G . Adamson , E . M . Money and F . R . W . Hedges ( Secretary ) . The CHAIRMAN said that the IG guineas voted to the children ' s New Year ' s entertainment was well laid out , for on Alonday a most enjoyable and successful evening was the result , and the company , including Bro . Sir Joseph and Lady Savory , were much pleased with the

arrangements of the Institution . After the usual reading of the various minutes , Bro . J . H . MATTHEWS , P . D . G . D . C , Patron , moved , " That in consequence of vacancies caused by children elected in October not being of age to be received into the School , the four next highest unsuccessful candidates be admitted under Law 60 . " He said the object

ot the motion was that no bed should be vacant . Another reason was that the fourth child to be taken in was a last chance case , and he had , as all others had , great sympathy with last chance cases . He asked the Secretary to let him look at the petition in this fourth case , and when he saw it he ascertained it was a good one all round . Bro . AIORLEY seconded the motion , which was then

put and carried . The following motion was then adopted : " That the three eligible candidates remaining from the last election , together with the 20 whose petitions have been since approved , be placed upon the list of candidates for the April election , and that 16 vacancies be declared . " A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings .

New Year's ' Entertainment To The Annuitants At Croydon.

NEW YEAR'S ' ENTERTAINMENT TO THE ANNUITANTS AT CROYDON .

The annual entertainment given on the first Wednesday in the New Year to the annuitants of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution resident in the buildings at Croydon was provided on VVednesday last , when a company of brethren and ladies left London in special

saloon carriages provided by the South-Eastern Railway Company . Among those who attended at the Institution were Aliss Harriet Cotter , Mrs . Jennings , Dr . H . J . Strong , Mrs . Horsnail , Bros . Charles Frederick Hogard , Hugh Cotter , P . M . 554 ; Robert D . Cummings , P . M . 216 S ; and VV . J . Crutch , P . M . 1278 ; Bro . John Oldis , P . M .

1288 , and Mrs . Oldis ; Bro . VVm . Lawrence , 2168 , and Mrs . Lawrence ; Bros . George F . Cook , 1580 ; and J . T . Briggs , P . M . 157 ; Bro . Alexander Mullord , P . AL 1288 , Mrs . Mullord , and Miss Alice Mullord ; Bro . VV . H . Hubbert , P . M . 1625 ; Bro . Edward James Anning , P . M . 1625 , Mrs , Anning , and Aliss Anning ; Bros . H . Massey , 160 , P . M . 619 and 1028 ; and Charles

Kempton , P . M . 128 7 ; Miss AL E Raiker , Miss L . Raiker , Miss A . G . AlcKenzie , Miss Terry , Bros . Dr . Wayte , Robert Griggs , J . G . Stevens , John Mason , and Smart ; Bro . Bowyer and Mrs . Bowyer ; Bros , Geo . Smith , W . N . Wheeler , J . Chuddenvorth , and VV . Syckelmore . Bro . Terry , who had come that morning direct

from Dudley , received the party at the entrance hall , and wished each individual "A Happy New Year , " a greeting which he and all the visitors extended to the annuitants a few minutes later when they arrived in answer to the dinner bell . Headed by Dr . Strong , and with Bro . Terry in the vice-chair , the party sat down to the usual bountiful dinner , the

visiting brethren acting as attendants on the old people and supplying their wants . The feast , for such it well deserved to be styled , for it was in every respect unexceptionable , was followed by the toast of " Thc Queen , Patroness of the Craft and of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " proposed by the CHAIRMAN , who next proposed " The

Founders of the ( Feast , " and he said he was sorry to miss the faces of many old friends who had assisted in these entertainments by their presence , bytheir pockets , and in kind . But they were not away in spirit ; it was only in their person , through illness , the terrible influenza keeping several away , and doing no good to anyone but the doctors . As it was an ill wind

that blew nobody any good , he supposed he must not say too much about it . Bro . MULLORD , who was called upon to reply , said it was a great treat to be able to minister to the happiness and gratification of one ' s fellow-creatures , and he and all those who provided the day ' s enjoyment were only too thankful that they were able to do so .

"Success to this Institution and the worthy Secretary , Bro . l Terry , " was the next toast , and Dr . Strong said Bro . Terry had travelled that morning all the way from Dudley in order that he might not be absent from this New Year ' s meeting . Bro . TERRY , in responding , said the present year was an eventful one in the annals ot the Royal

Masonic Benevolent Institution . There were two great events which had taken place in 1 S 91—one the Jubilee of this Institution , and the other the 50 th birthday of the Prince of Wales . He had not the slightest doubt that the Queen if she knew this Institution was founded in 1841 thought it right that she should present the nation with a son to celebrate its foundation . Therefore those two events

certainly marked an epoch in history . What the result of the Festival might be which was to celebrate the 50 th year of the Institution could not possibly be foretold , but up to that morning there was a list of 919 Stewards—thc largest list of Stewards ever known at these festivals . Well , if each oi those Stewards brought up . £ 40 there would be nearl y . £ 37 , 000 . Of course it would be wholly out of place to think of