Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

impress upon the Charity members , should any case of necessity come under their notice , the duty of acting promptly . Ready help may very often bs obtained , and you remember the maxim—Bis dat tjtti cito dat— " He gives twice who gives quickly . " Brethren , I hear the year has opened out with us most hopefully . Let us go steadily on , not seeking , as I pointed out at Elland , to acquire large accesihe

sions to our numbers , but gathering around us those who are actuated by oreat principles of Freemasonry , and who not only practise benevolence and diffuse Charity , but who illustrate in their words and actions towards their fellow - men that higher , greater , nobler Charity that " vaunteth not itself , thinketh no evil , is not puffed up , beareth all things , believeth all things , hopeth all things , endureth all things . ''

The Prov . Grand Treasurer , Bro . W . W . CLAYTON , in presenting his statement of accounts for the year , pointed out that , notwithstanding the rather heavy expenditure which had been incurred , which the exceptional circumstances he went into justified , there was a balance of nearly £ 60 to the credit of the province , which was a highly satisfactory condition of

affairs . He moved that the balance-sheet be adopted . This was carried . In eulogistic terms , Bro . R . HODGSON , P . M , P . P . G . O ., proposed Bro . T . Robertshaw as Treasurer for the year . This was seconded by Bro . J . H . GRATION , and Bro . Robertshaw was unanimously elected .

The retiring officers having surrendered their collars , and received the thanks of the Provincial Grand Master for their services , the officers for the year were appointed and invested . They were :

Bro . Right Hon . W . Lawies Jackson , m ... Prov . S . G . W . „ G . H . Parke , no ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ W . J . Morris , 58 ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . ,, C . Lingard , 127 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . O . „ G . Wragg , 53 ... ... ... Prov . I G . O .

,, Rev . J . L . Brereton , 127 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ T . Robertshaw , 58 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ W . A . Statter , no ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . ,, J . Matthewman , no ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ J . Brooks Parkin , 352 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ Walter C Fox , 53 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . ,, G . H . demons , 374 ... ... ... Prov . G . I . of W . .. F . D . Harrson . Old Yoik ( T . I . ) ... ... Prov . G . D . C .

„ David Bradley , 14 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Alfred Wilson , 457 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ G . Jackson , 137 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Jeremiah Dunnill . no ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ John D . Waller , 352 ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ J . T . Last , Old York ( T . I . ) ... ...- ) " TiP ' wTV 37 f Prov . G . Stewards . „ John W . Smith , 374 ... ... ... C „ John Reed , 398 ... ... ... J „ J . H . Newton , in ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler .

In the case of some this was done by substitute , as through illness and other causes they were unable to attend . After the investment , Bro . W . L . J ACKSON , the Senior Grand Warden , who was compelled to leave to keep an appointment in London , thanked the Prov . Grand Master for the honour conferred upon him in appointing him to so important a post in the Mark Degree , and for the very kind words

which had accompanied his investiture . I n ordinary circumstances he would have felt it a privilege to be associated with the Mark , but when he considered how much Bro . Maton had done not for that Degree only , but for all branches of Freemasonry in West Yorkshire , he regarded it as a duty thus to join him and in some measure give recognition to the services which for so many years Bro . Mason had so freel y bestowed . He regretted that

he was unable to stay longer with the brethren , and assured them that they and the success of the Maik Degree had his very best wishes . He declared that he would do his duty in the post to which be had just been appointed , so far as it was possible to him , and he trusted that the brethren at any rate would never have cause to be ashamed that he had been chosen as their Senior Grand Warden .

The Prov . G . Reg ., Bro . CHARLES MIDDLETON , then made the annual statement as to the numerical strength of the lodges . This had to some extent been anticipated by the Prov . Grand Master in his address , but there were one or two points which the Prov . G . Registrar especially emphasised . The first was the almost absolute freedom froTi arrears , and the second the process of setting their houses in order , which had been going on in some of

the lodges . This year Bro . Middleton described as a period of reformation , the effects of which would appear in increased numbers and efficiency . There had been , he believed , many elements cf indifference and neglect , a condition of things which tended to damp bi th energy and enthusiasm : these were now eliminated , and there was , he hoped , nothing remaining which could impede substantial progress .

Bio . G . H . PARKE , Prov . J . G . W ., G . Steward , and Chairman of the Charity Committee , then rose to move " That 10 guineas be given to the Mark Benevolent Institution in support of the Chairmanship ot R . W . Bro . Chas . Letch Mason on the Sth July next . " It will be remembered that Bro . Parke proposed the adoption of certain additional by-laws at the meeting at Barnsley in the autumn . These

bylaws which empowered the province to elect a Charity Committee and create an organisation which should work in the interests of the Mark Benevolent hund , were received with enthusiasm , accepted unanimously , and having been sanctioned by the General Board in London , now formed an integral portion of the laws Of the province . A Charity Committee had been formed , and Bro . Parke was honoured by being chosen its first Chairman .

Bro . PARKE having explained and illustrated the working of the Committee , made a strong appeal to the brethren 10 support their Prov . Grand Master ' s presidency at the forthcoming Mark Festival . He had , he declared , visited every lodge in the province during the hst six months , in order to advocate this most excellent cause . He was pleased to say that from the printed list which he held in his hand , it appeared that every one of the 13 lod

ges in the province had contributed something . The total did not , however , reach the sum which he thought it ought to touch , and he felt sure when the brethren considered that they were being called upon to help a good man in a good cause , they would rally round their Prov . Grand Master ' •>true North Country fashion , and strive to make their total greater than Inat of any other province . With tha : view , he asked them to vote 10 guineas from their funds . Bro . Dr . J ACOB , in a few words , ably supported Bro . Parke , and the reso"t-ion was carried with every mark of satisfaction and approval .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

After electing the two Wardens and three Overseers to serve on the General Purposes Committee , the PROV GRAND MASTER explained that it was his intention shortly to call that Committee together to determine how best to celebrate the 25 th year of their existence as a province . The Mark

Provincial Grand Lodge was formed on 2 id August , iSSr , and it would be forlhemto decide whether they should keep thi 25 t . l 1 anniversary or not . The Commiitee having discussed the pros and cans of the question , it would then be laid before the brethren . He now called upon the Deputy to address a few words lo them .

Bro . J BARKER , who was most cordially received , after thanking the brethren for their salutations , and explaining the difficulty under which he laboured in having to follow the Prov . Grand Master , the Prov . G'and Treasurer , the Prov . Grand Regis ' rar . and lastly , the Chairman of the Charity Committee , said that he would like to impress upon the brethren , especially the W . Ms , of lodges and their officers , the necessity of the ca-eful

and reverent working of the beautiful ceremonies of the Mark D-gree ; that they should point out the teaching which the ritual contains , that they should give close attention to detail and conscientiously endeavour to bring out fully all the lessons which abound throughout the various functions of the Order . Bro . Barker , after commenting upon the state of some lodges in comparison wi ; h others , and congratulating the Lodge of Eland

upon the favourable circumstances under which it commenced and the admirable arrangements which tended so much to the success of the c insecration ceremony , pointed out that under judicious care and management , and only under those conditions could they hope to prosper . He especially enjoined caution in the admission of members and told them to bear in mind th it , as they progressed in Masonry from Degree to Degree , so ought they to be

prepared to show more mutual forbearance and consideration with each other and that if they were deemed worthy to be advanced , surel y they ought also to make an accompanying progress in the practice of the virtues of the Order into which they had entered . Bro . Barker concluded by moving a vote of thanks to the W . M . and brethren of the Truth Lodge for the very excellent arrangements whith had been made for the accommodation of Provincial Grand Lodge .

This was seconded by Bro . M . J . DODWORTH , P . P . G . W ., and carried by acclamation . Bro . HOWELL , W . M . 137 , briefly responded , and there being no other business Provincial Grand Lodge was closed . The brethren in large numbers then adjourned to the house of Bro .

Beaumont , the White Hart Hotel , for refreshment . This historic inn was not only the original home of the Truth Lodge but was also the scene of the century old Craft lodge in Huddersfield , called originally White Hart , now named Huddersfield , and numbered 290 on the Grand Lodge roll . The Prov . Grand Master presided , and a very pleasant evening was spent , songs and recitations being introduced between the various toasts .

Annual Banquet Of The Henley Lodge Of Instruction.

ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE HENLEY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION .

The annual festival of the above excellent institution took place on Tuesday , the 25 th ult ., at the Three Crowns Hotel , North Woolwich , and was a most pleasant and exhilarating affair . Bro . T . A . Reeve , W . M ., presided , and was supported by the following Past Masters , members of the mother lodge , and visitors—Bros . A . T . Ives , P . M ., Preceptor ; C . Jolly , P . M ., W . M . 2184 ; C . H . Canning , P . M ., Treas ., P . P . J . G . D . Essex ; J . Savage , P . M . ; J . Delo , P . M . ;

B . C . Curtis , P . M ., Sec . of the lodge of instruction ; W . Turvey , S . W ., Asst . Sec ; J . Palmer , J . W . ; W . Biker , S . D . ; T . Lait , J . D . ; D . Ross , I . G . ; E . Morgan , D . C ; S . Chaplin and R . Stephenson , Stwds . ; W . Redman , Org . ; C . Davis , W . Woodward , W . Ball , J . Ward , T . Smith , E . Rodwell , J . Power , W . Painter , J . Hood , W . Derbyshire , C . Carter , B . Chatterton , F . Andrews , J ,

Andrews , E . Stubbs , Quinn , C . Hiscock , W . Dodge , and J . Russell . Among the visitors were Bros . G . Davis , P . M ., Preceptor 13 ; J . Warren , P . M ., Sec . and Preceptor , W . Lawson , P . M ., F . Taylor , P . M ., J . Sanderson , P . M ., Dr . J . Tees , J . Plume , Colvin , and Moore , all of 700 ; Supt . Bantick , P . M . 72 ; Harris , 13 ; Couves , 2184 ; Brown , 87 ; Wagstaff , 8 9 8 ; Spurgeon , Dixon , Thomas , Selves , Reedman , Cockerel ! , and others .

The banquet was worthy of the care and taste bestowed upon its preparation by the esteemed host and hostess , Bro . and Mrs . Walter Richardson . The usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts were duly honoured , as was that of " The W . M . " " Success to the Henley Lodge of Instruction " followed , and was coupled with the names of Bros . Ives , Curtis , and Turvey , each and all of whom told a flattering tale of its rise and progress . It had already sent up some ^ 300 to the Charities , and there was more to come .

Bros . WARREN , DAVIES , and BANTICK responded for " The Visitors , " the former speaking warmly of the long continued good fellowship which existed between the Henley and Nelson Lodges , and all of them thanked the Henley for their always splendid hospitality . Bro . C . J OLLY proposed ( by request of the W . M . ) the toasts of " The Host and Hostess " and " The Officers . " Bro . RICHARDSON responded for the former , and Bros . TURVEY , PALMER , and several of the other officers for the latter .

The musical arrangements were directed by Bro . Redman ; the artistes being Mesdames Laura Brunton , and Lydia Clarke , Bros . Dodge , Bantick , Woodward , Sanderson , and Ross ; Bio . Jolly reciting .

Third Annual Festival Of The La Tolerance Lodge Of Instruction, No. 538.

THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE LA TOLERANCE LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 538 .

For the third year in succession a very enjoyable and successful gathering of the members and friends of this lodge of instruction took place at the Frascati , Oxford-street , W ., on Wednesday , the 22 nd ultimo , under the presidency of the genial Preceptor , Bro . J . Paul , P . M . 128 7 and 1483 . The vice-chairs were occupied by Bros . G . Hill , P . M . 871 , Treas ., and John Skinner , P . M . 538 . Nearly 80 sat down to a recherche repast , provided in faultless style by the managers of this popular establishment .

The toasts were few and brief , comprising that of "Thc Queen , Roya Family , and the Craft" ; that of " The President , " proposed by Bro . Geo . HILL P . M ., Treas , , and modestly acknowledged by the President .