Royal Sea-Bathing Infirmary.

ment which is to lead the devotions ot the attendants thereat . Last winter Mr . Baillie-Hamilton introduced to the musical public at Westminster Abbey an instrument which he has since denominated as a " Vocalian , " w ' lich is neither an organ nor an harmonium , and which has a peculiar resemblance in tone to the human voice ; its tones are produced by wind acting upon free reeds as in a harmonium , but , we believe , there are

several to each note instead of one . The present instrument is the best which has been made in the ordinary course of trade , and its tones were amply dem nstrated on Tuesday by a lengthy recital by Mr . E . H . Turpin , the editor of the Musical Standard ; it has two manuals CC to A in alt ., and full compass pedals . The stops are Great : Euphonium , S ft . ; horn band , Sft . tones ; string band , Sft . tones ; full tones , Sft . ; Swell : Dolce , Sft . ; flute ,

4 ft . ; piccolo , 2 ft . ; soft tones , Sft . ; Pedals : Bourdon , 16 ft . j contra bass , 16 ft . j ophicleide , 16 ft . j Couplers : Swell to great , swell to pedals , great to pedals . The names of the stops in this case will only convey a rough idea of their quality , which must be heard to be appreciated . In consequence of the opening of the new wing several other improvements have been effected , and the whole establishment now presents a very satisfactory and

pleasant appearance . It had been hoped that the ceremony of handing over the buildings would have been a public one , where a large gathering of friends might rally and waft abroad its work and its privileges ; but Bro . Sir Erasmus Wilson , with characteristic modesty , quietly handed over the keys to the Governors at their meeting on Monday , and it was confirmed at the subsequent annual meeting after the usual visitation of the wards by the friends of trie charity .

At the annual public meeting , held subsequently to the annual meeting of the Governors , The CHAIRMAN said he had now very great pleasure in announcing that at the meeting of the Governors that morning Bro . Sir Erasmus Wilson handed to him the key of the new wing ( applause ) , and in doing so read an address , which would now be read to the meeting by the Rev . Prebendary Whittington .

The Rev . Prebendary WHITTINGTON read the following address , which had been read by Bro . Sir Erasmus Wilson to the Board of Governors , when he had handed over the key of the new wing : — "Mr . Chairman and Gentlemen , —I have the pleasure of handing you the keys and transferring to you the possession of the new wing of your noble Institution , anil I trust most sincerely that it will fulfil the purpose for which

it is int nded . " I believe that the architect of the building , Mr . Knowles , has carried out most ably and perfectly the plan of construction which he originally proposed . The builder , Mr . Lawrence , has been equally conscientious and successful in his labour , and I feel deeply grateful for the support which the work has received at the hands of the Committee . "The completion of the front elevation of the original

building add very much to the dignity of the Institution . The purchase of additional land , the proposed construction of a sea wall , the picturesque style of laying out the grounds , are so many illustrations of the liberality and generosity of the Committee , for which I am thankful and obliged . "The furnishing of the niche of the west face of the building has been undertaken by a lady , a friend of the Institution .

" I must mention that an organ has been put up in the chapel , which red mnds great credit on its inventor and constructor , Mr . Baillie Hamilton ; and which has been pronounced by judges of music to be remarkable for its vocal expression , and for the tenderness and exquisite sweetness of its tone . It is the first instrument of the kind hitherto suhmitted to the public , and has been named by its author " Vocalion , " as an expression of the wonderful

embodiment of voices which it represents . " I will say nothing as to the stained glass windows of Messrs . Clayton and Bell —they will speak for themselves They illustrate the five cardinal virtues : —Temperance , Justice , Prudence , Fortitude and Mercy ; they array before the eyes of the spectator the acts of beneficent healing of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ ; and they present the portraits of the twelve Apostles of our Lord .

" It may please the Committee at some future time to confirm the chapel to its sacred purposes by a licence from his Grace the Archbishop . " In the construction of the building , I have had in view its dedication to the female portion of our patients . It establishes a convenient means of separation of the sexes . In this sense I have ventured to address her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales , in order to obtain her gracious permission to name the four wards after herself

and her three daughters , Louisa , Victoria , and Maud ; I was late in my application to her Royal Highness , and her incessant pre-occupations previous to her departure for Germany has , for the present , prevented my receiving a reply ; but I have no doubt of her assent , when she returns . "The addition of verandahs to the building , forming a series of covered cloisters , will , I hope , meet with your approbation , inasmuch as , besides permitting the patients

to be constantly in the open air in almost every state ol the weather , it enabled me to add to the decoration of the Institution that greatest and sweetest ornament of nature , the ornament of flowers . "From this latter source , the charm of nature ; from the beautiful pictures displayed in the chapel ; and ihe lessons of virtuous actions which they convey ; and from the tender notes poured forth by its organ ; in conjunction

with the words of humble and grateful appeal to the Author of all Goodness and Mercy ; I trust that a moral medicine , in addition to the substantial medicine of the Infirmary , may be allotted to our patients . " In conclusion , permit me to express an ardent hope that our work may be blessed by our Heavenly Father , Almighty God , the Great Architect of the Universe . " August 2 . Sth , 1 SS 2 . " The Board of Governors adopted the following

resolution , moved by Bro . Col . CREATON , and seconded by Rev . PREBENDARY WHITTINGTON ?—"That Sir Erasmus Wilson , having presented to the Governors the keys as representing the new buildings r cently erected by him for the use of the patients consisting of a chapel with organ , a swimming bath , wards and dayrooms , with various adjuuets , all built on the newest principles , so as to give the patients the advantage of the latest discoveries ; this meeting , in returning thanks to Sir Erasmus in the name of the Governors and Subscribers

Royal Sea-Bathing Infirmary.

and of the meeting as representing the public , assures him of the high sense which is entertained by all of his munificent gift , bestowed in his life time , and so well calculated to aid in the recovery , and ' to contribute to the comfort of those suffering from the terrible disease , for the treatment of which this is the only specially designed hospital in England , and that this resolution be entered on the minutes of the Infirmary , in order that a lastinsr record of the eift mav

be preserved . And that the gift be further recorded by an inscription to be placed on some appropriate part of the new buildings . " The meeting unanimously adopted this resolution and with great applause . Bro . Sir ERASMUS WILSON , who was received with loud and continued applause , said that when they met there they all had the same object and purpose—that the benefiting ,

as far as in them lay , those afflicted ones who were entrusted to their care . It had been his good fortune , under the blessing of Providence , to have an opportunity of benefiting that Hospital j it was from opportunities that all great undertakings took their origin , and he had gratelully seized upon the opportunity which presented itself there to carry out a work which he sincerely trusted would be a real benefit to those for whom it was intended . He had no

doubt there were some there who would envy the feelings he had in having accomplished that which deserved no praise , but which had been simply his duty , which every man or woman had a right to perform when the opportunity came to them in any circumstance whatever . There were many among them who mi ght be called upon to do good j but in what way were they to accomplish it ? It required an inspiration to do good , and to do it well j and when one had a right

opportunity too , it became a great privilege to be able to carry out that duty . ( Applause . ) He repudiated any personal credit in the matter j he felt repaid , not so much by the kind reception of the resolution ( for which henevertheless felt sincerely grateful ) , as in the fact that he saw before him so excellent a building , and especially that noble structure which Mr . Knowles was pleased to call a chapel , but which he thought was more like a cathedral . 'That it

might long serve the purpose for which it was built was his earnest hope , and he trusted he might still remain among them for a few years in order to see the accomplishment of its success . He thanked them most heartily for the manner in which they had listened to him , and had received the resolution . ( Applause . ) The Rev . J . WEST proposed " That the best thanks of the meeting be tendered to the medical board , the consulting surgeons , the visiting surgeons , and the resident

surgeon , for their able and efficient services . " Bro . Sir ERASMUS WILSON , at the clo « e , proposed , in felicitous terms , a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his kindness as Chairman that day and for his services in connection with the work of the London Boaid . This was accorded by acclamation . The CHAIRMAN thanked the company for their kindness , and said he always tried to do his best for the institution , though he often failed to do all he wished for it . The proceedings then terminated .

South Africa.

South Africa .

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ( EASTERN DIVISION ) . A regular communication was held at the Masonic Temple , King William's Town , on Wednesday , the 7 th of June , when there were present R . W . Bro . Charles lames Egan , A . B ., M . R . C . S ., D . G . M . j W . Bros . Charles T . VV . Mouat , D . G . S . W . ; John Ryan , P . G . D ., as D . G . J . W . ; Bro . Rev . Alexander Grant , as D . G . Chap . ; W .. Bros .

Robert James Dick , D . G . Treas . ; Geo . Prescott Perks , D . G . Sec . ; James Kemsley , D . G . S . D . ; Wm . Wedderburn , P . G . D ., as D . G . J . D . ; Osborne Hambrook Bate , as D . G . D . of C . ; David Sampson , as D . G . Swd . Br . ; James Samuel Frederick Johnson , P . D . G . Std . Br . ; Bro . Andrew James Fuller , P . G . O ., as D . G . Org . ; W . Bros . Arthur Elvy Austen , D . G . Purs . ; Charles Thomas

Wheelwright , D . G . Steward ; John Harly , John Newing , Bros . George Broster , Joseph Clarke , and David George Barnes , as Stewards . visitor : Bro . VV . F . Usher Wood , P . P . G . Purs , for the province of Somerset , England , and the Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens of many lodges . The District Grand Lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer .

At the request of the District Grand Secretary , who was indisposed , Bro . R . J . Dick , District Grand Treas ., called the roll of lodges in the district , and the following responded : W . Bros . W . Wedderburn , P . M . 3 S 9 ; J . C . Blakeway , W . M . 711 ; D . Sampson , W . M . S 2 S ; John Harty , VV . M . 853 ; C . T . Wheelwright , P . M . S 6 3 ; Jno . Ryan , P . M . 91 S ; A . E . Austen , P . M . 146 9 ; J . Newing ,

W . M . 1 S 00 ; O . H . Bate , VV . M . 1 S 24 ; C . T . VV . Mouat , P . M . 1 SS 9 . The regulations for the government of District Grand Lodge during the time of public business ( vide page 26 , Book of Constitutions ) , were read . The minutes of the last regular communication of the oth June , 1 SS 1 , were read and confirmed .

Letters of excuse for non-attendonce were read from the District Grand Sword Bearer , District Grand Director of Ceremonies , Bros . VV . A . Smith , P . M . and W . M . Alexandra Lodge , 15 S 1 . A report was read showing a balance of £ 333 7 s . 1 id . in

favour of the District Grand Lodge ' s General Fund . After some discussion , the R . W . District Grand Master put the accounts for confirmation , and declared them passed unanimously . The following report of the Board of General Purposes was then read :

" R EPORT OF B OARD OF G SNERAL P URPOSES . " Presented to District Grand Lodge at its sitting on the 7 th day of June , 1 S 82 . " Your Board in presenting their report are glad to state that a gradual , though a slow , advancement has been made in Masonic progress during the past year .

" The St . Andrew's Lodge , 1 SS 9 , situate in Bedford , referred to in our last report , has been launched , and is now in full working order . " One new warrant has been applied for , obtained , and the lodge successfully established at Tarkastad , called the White Hope , 1939 . "Another application for a warrant of constitution for a

South Africa.

new lodge at Willowmore has been forwarded by the Dis trict Grand Secretary , which , no doubt , will be in working order before the next meeting of District Grand Lodge . " An application has been made for a warrant of constitution for the new township of Umtata , but the position being beyond the boundary of this district , correspondence is now pending with the Grand Secretary with reference thereto .

" Your Board would also introduce the subject mentioned in the agenda paper , viz ., To what purpose shall the accumulated funds of District Grand Lodge be applied to . " Notice has been served on the Zetland Lodge , of Fort Beaufort , to show cause why the warrant of cunstitution should not be delivered up , in consequence of no return being received , and the fact that the lodge has really ceased working . Letter , subsequently received , will be laid before

you . " Your Board would call the attention of Worshipful Masters and Secretaries to the necessity of forwarding their returns regularly , and , if possible , by the end of the year . " Their attention is also called again to Clause 6 , under head of Private Lodges in Book of Constitutions ,

requiring them to keep a proper registry of members , which would greatly assist Secretaries in making their returns . " Your Board , in order to the better carrying out of the above recommendation , suggests the desirability of some pecuniary provision being made by District Grand Ledge to enable a proper officer visiting lodges when thought desirable .

" CHARLES J . EGAN , D . G . M . " GEORGE P . PERKS , D . G . S . " King William's Town , 31 st May , 1 SS 2 . " The Right Worshipful District Grand Master next called upon Bro . VV . F . Sissing , Secre ary to the Educational Charity , to read the following report of the Masonic Board of Edu ation :

R EPORT OF THE B OARD OF EDUCATION . "It is with unmixed gratification that the Board submits to the District Grand Lodge and contributors their third annual report of the Masonic Charity . " The receipts of the past year , as will be seen from the accounts presented herewith , amounted to £ 275 6 s ., which , with the addition of the balance brought lorward from the year 1 SS 1 , gave a total of £ 391 10 s " . Sd ., whilst

the disbursements reached the sum ot £ 207 3 s . 9 d . " In addition to the generous contributions from the supporters of the Charity , the Alasonic Ball 1 ommittee of the Lodges at King William ' s Town liberally presented the cause with a donation of £ 31 10 s . towards the Endowment Fund , thereby increasing that fund to the credit of the Charity to £ 77 Ss . iod . " During the year one of the lodges that guaranteed to

contribute to the scheme made no remittance ; whilst your Board have the gratification of staling that the number of individual subscribers have largely increased . "The Board , in thanking the brethren foi their generous assistance , desire also to state that there will probably be a decrease in the sources of income upon which the Charity exclusively depends at the expiration of the current year , owing to this being the last of the three years for which

subscribers were requested to guarantee theirsubscriptions ; hence it appears essential that the subject of continued contributions or permanent support should be reviewed by the District Grand Lodge , under whose surveillance the project has been so successful . "The Board have further to report that they continue to receive favourable accounts of the educational progress of the several pupils , and feel confident , from what has been

already achieved , that further progress may be relied upon . " In conclusion , the Board desire to express their gratitude to the lodges and brethren , by whose munificent liberality they are enabled to provide the means for maintaining this noble institution ; expressing a firm conviction that it will continue to receive from year to year the support to which , by its intrinsic merits , it is legitimately entitled , the object

being so to educate the children of Freemasons , whom adverse circumstances have committed to its charge , as to fit them , when entering the sphere of life , for the duties of their respective stations , thus enabling them to bear a living testimony to the worth of an Order which , by supporting this and other similar institutions , practically

evinces the sincerity of its profession . " By order of the Board , " VV . F . SISSING , " King William ' s Town , 31 st May , 1 SS 2 . " " Secretary . " At the request of the Right Worshipful District Grand Master Bro . Sissing enumerated the names of the children who are being educated , as well as the time they will leave school .

The report of Bro . VV . F . Sissing and J . S . F . Johnson , Auditors of the Masonic Charity accounts referred to in the report was read , copies of which were circulated in the lodge . The Right Worshipful District Grand Master then appointed the following brethren to be District Grand Officers for the ensuing year , and directed Bro . C . J . Mouat , District Grand Warden , to invest them with

the collar and jewel of . theii respective offices . To the Grand Wardens the Ri ght Worshipful District Grand Master briefly remai ked that he knew their skill , for which reason he had appointed them to these important offices , and after investiture , Bro . Mouat conducted them to their respective chairs , viz : — Bio . Charles T . Wheelwright , P . M . SO 3 D . G . S . W . „ John Ryan , P . M . 91 S D . G . J . W .

„ Alexander Grant , J . W . S 6 3 ... D . G . ( .. hap . „ Robert James Dicn , P . M . S , 3 ... D . G . Treasurer . „ George P . Perks , P . M . S 53 ... D . G . Secretary . „ Arthur Elvy Austen , P . M . ... D . G . S . Deacon . „ Osborne H . Bate , VV . M . 1 S 24 ... D . G . J . Deacon . „ WilhJin F . Sissing , P . M . S 53 ... D . G . D . of C . „ David Sampson , P . M . S 2 S ... D . G . Swd . Br . „ Benjamin Jandrell , S 6 3 D . Gv Org .

„ VVilliam A . Smith , P . Al . 3 S 0 ... D . G . Purs . „ Arthur S . Dudley , P . M . S 2 y , " | ohn ^ „ Harty , W . M . K 53 , Alfred C . „ Wylde , VV .. VI .. S 63 , L .. Dickenson , . , „ ~ , „ P . M . S 6 3 , Stephanus J . Meintjes , < * D'G > Stewards . „ P . M . 134 6 , William H . Hardy ,

.. P . M . l .. f ,-7 J „ P . M . 1467 - > ,, Alexander R . Hendry D . G . Tyler . The District Grand Lodge then proceeded tu the business on the agenda paper , which was of an important character , which being concluded , the District Grand Lod j'e was closed in solemn prayer and adjourned .