Scotland.

RUTHERGLEN . —Lon __ ST . J ' S OPERATIVE ( NO 347 ) . —The consecration of the sew Masonic Hall for this lxlge , recently erected in Cathcart-slrcct , Rutherglen , will take place on Friday , 12 th Nov ., 1875 , nt 7 p . m . Bro . Colonel Campbell , R . W . P . G . M ., will preside , assisted by the office-bearers of the P . G . Lodge , Renfrew , East . To prevent overcrowding it is arranged that admission be by ticket , none but Master Masons to be present . Dress , full Masonic . As circulars have been sent to the R . W . M . ' s of

lodges , inviting deputations , it is expected that a goodly number will be present .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE .

On Thursday , the 23 rd ult ., the annual Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire , of which Bro . the Right Hon . Lord de Tabley is .-the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , wis held al the Mechanics' Institution , Hyde , situated about seven miles from Manchester , lor thc purpose of trnnsacliii " - thc annual business of thc nrovince . The

brethren from Birkenhead , Egrcinoiit , Scacombe , Rock-Ferry , and other places on the shores of the Mersey , who attended in goodly numbers , were conveyed from the Central Station , Ranelagh-strect , Liverpool , and arrived about twelve o ' clock , somewhat late , but this was unavoidable in consequence of certain causes o \ cr which thc railway company iu this instance had no control . The Masonic

province of Cheshire comprises the towns of Birkenhead , Chester , Stockport , Staleybridge , Runcorn , Congleton , - eacombe , Egremont , Newton , Macclesfield , Hyde , Nantwich , Northwich , Knutsford , Crewe , Cheadle , Sandbach , Marple , Altrincham , and oilier places , there being altogether about forty lodges , and each of these sent representatives , some iu large numbers , to attend the annual

meeting of the province . Besides the R . W . P . G . M ., there were present about forty Provincial Grand Officers , about 3 60 W . M . ' s , P . M . ' s , ofiicers and members of lodges in the province , and nearly fifty visitors from East and West Lancashire and other provinces . The town of 1 lydc , which is certainly not attractive in situation nor surroundings , wore quite a holiday aspect , banners and flag ?

floating in nearly every direction , and at various points the motto " Welcome lo Lord dc Tabley" was displayed , this welcome being given especially by thc members of the Lodge of Industry , Hyde , No . 3 61 ( which sent sixty-one representatives ) , and the Clarendon Lodge , Hyde , No . 1166 ( which sent seventeen ) . The annual meeting was held under the auspices of these lodges , but the committee

entrusted with the arrangements do not deserve much credit in connection with these . Every brother was allowed to look after his goods and chattels as best he could , a ml the provision made for signing the Tyler ' s Book was simply ridiculous . One book wis provided and placed on a form in the entrance from the street , right in the gaze of the wondering outsiders . This has occurred more than once in

connection with these Provincial Grand Lodge meetings in Cheshire , but it is lo be hoped the same thing will not again occur . A dozen folio sheets of paper and as many pens would greatly expedite the signing and save confusion . As scarcely half the brethren signed thc book , and as there were no facilities given for getting names , wc cannot give a list of those who were present .

Business was announced to begin at half-past twelve o'clock , and , shoitly after that time Bro . Lord dc Tabley opened the Provincial Grand Lodge in due form , solemn prayer being offered by Bro . the Rev . R . Hodgson , P . G . C . Letters and telegrams of apology for non-attendance were read from Bro . G . Cornwall Legh , D . P . G . M . ; Bro . Lord Grosvenor , and others ; after which the rolls of P . G . Officers

and lodges were read . The minutes of the last annual meeting at Chester on the 17 th September , 1874 , were also read and confirmed , as well as the minutes of the committee of the Fund of Benevolence , held at Crewe in March . Bro . Piatt , P . Prov . J . G . W ., who moved the confirmation of the proceedings , explained that thc votes of the Province of Cheshire for the last charity election had been lent to

W _ rwi . V . __ irc , but they would be forthcoming next month . There was no doubt they would carry their candidate at the next election , and he trusted that every lodge would send its votes signed in blank to the Prov . G . Sec . Bro . Lord de Tabley said he thought they could not dc better than re-appoint Bro . Capt . Cope , P . G . S . B . of England , thc Chairman of the Committee of the Fund of

Benevolence . I hey must all deplore that Bro . Cope ' s absence was caused by the illness of a near relative . The re-appointment was carried unanimously . Bro . Lord de Tabley , P . G . M ., in accordance with his custom in previous years , then addressed the brethren on the present position and prospects of Masonry in his province . It was to him a great happiness to be able to continue the

same congratulation which he expressed last year in reference to the Craft in his division . Freemasonry was flowing on interruptedly in its prosperity—increasing in numbers , and he hoped increasing in thc influence it exercised on the opinions of the society in which it existed . He had the greatest pleasure in seeing the lodges of the province over which he had the honour to preside so fully and

numerously represented as they were that day ; and it was also a source of satisfaction to him to have the welcome given to the P . G . Lodge in that north-east portion of the province—a welcome , he was sure , which would long remain green and fresh in their memories . He had before spoken of the care which ought to be exercised as to the respectability of those initiated into their Order , and he

would again urge them to exercise this caution , striving not to secure mere numbers , but assuring themselves of the character and sterling worth of those they introduced . ( Applause . ) I le would also say that , proud as he was of the number of the lodges over which he presided , he was above all anxious for thc stability of those lodges in evety part of the province . His conduct as P . G . M . must have been criticised when he hesitated to forward a petition to thc

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.

G . M . for a new lodge , but before forwarding it he was bound to consider whether there was a fair and reasonable ground for believing that that lodge would be steadily and permanently carried out , -, and that the warrant would not lie tossed about after thc promoters left thc neighbourhood . He hoped his conduct in . this respect would meet with thc approbation of the brethren , and their charitable and kind

indulgence . ( Applause . ) The minute books of the different lodges , he said , had been carefully kept , and showed considerable improvement ; but he would remind the Secretaries of lodges of . the necessity of stating in each case in the minutes , and also on the circulars , the cause for holding " Lodges of Emergency . " The gift of a pulpit which they had last year-made to thc cathedral at Chester

was still incomplete , owing to thc whole of the promised subscriptions not having been received ; but he was certain he had only to mention this to have the moneys paid up without delay . He had no doubt that he would soon be able lo report that the pulpit , which was being creeled under Ihe direction of Mr . Gilbert Scott , would be one in every respect worthy of their Craft . ( Hear , hear . ) Their

charities had again been very successful during the year , and they had succeeded in electing one old woman for the London Institution , and there was every prospect of their boy candidate being elected in October . He trusted that their charity in the future would enable them to be as successful in connection with coming elections , and he cordially urged the claims of all their charities on the hearty

support of the brethren . His lordship then referred to the deaihs of prominent members of the Craft in that province during thc year , alluding specially to Bros . Cruttcnden , Dr . Evans , Terry , and William Bulley , each of whom had done honour to Masonry . The P . G . Treasurer ( Bro . Ferdinando Jackson ) said hewas very glad to present a favourable financial report ,

notwithstanding the fact that last year they had voted very large sums . The balance at present to the credit of the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge amounted to £ 406 7 s . 9 d ., and the sum of £ 123 6 18 s . _ d . was the balance to the credit of the Fund of Benevolence . The financial report was adopted , and Bro . F . Jackson was unanimously re-elected P . G . Treasurer , on the motion of the P . G . M ., who referred to thc excellent manner in which the duties of the office

had been carried out . Bro . G . W . Latham , P . Prov . G . Reg ., then moved , "That a grant of 500 guinea : ; be made from the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge for the purpose of aiding in thc purchase of a perpetual presentation to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ; such grant to be on the condition that a sufficient additional sum be raised in the province to

make up the amount required by the Governors of the Institution for such privilege . " He stated that this was probably the largest sum which the brethren had ever been called upon to vote for charity , but he had no doubt they would cordially fall in with , the proposition . The usual cost of a perpetual presentation was 1500 guineas , but the governors of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys had

generously agreed to reduce it to 1000 guineas . The raising of the other joo guineas would take some consideration , but he thought a'way was already seen by which the sum might be raised . ,, He also proposed that Bros . Horatio Lloyd , P . G . S . W . ; 'J . Wood , P . G . Reg . ; G . W . Latham ,

P . Prov . G . Hcg . ; Jand J . L . Williams , P . M . ofthe Cestrian Lodge , Chester , be appointed a committee to confer with the Governors of the Cheshire Educational Institution , and also with the Governors of the Boys' School , London , with reference to the matter . Bro . IT . Bulley , P . G . S . B . of England ,, seconded the

motion . The P . G . M . said it gave him the greatest pride and pleasure to put this , motion to the brethren , and it had his most cordial support . The motion was carried unanimously amid great cheering . Bro . Lord de Tabley said he had received a letter from

the D . Prov . G . M . ( Bro . G . Cornwall Legh ) , asking him , to express lo the Prov . Grand Lodge how sorry he was that he was prevented from being present in consequence of the state of his health . He , however , hoped to be in his place next year , and take part in the proceedings . Thc following brethren were then appointed P . G . Officers for the ensuing year : —

G . Cornwall Legh Prov . D . G . M . Horatio Lloyd Prov . G . S . W . Captain IT . A . Bennett Prov . G . J . W . Rev . R . Hodgson Prov . G . C Rev . J . S . Darvell Prov . G . C . F . Jackson Prov . G . Treas . J . Wood Prov . G . Reg .

E . 11 . Griffiths Prov . G . Sec . I . E . Williams Prov . G . S . D . ' ( . Hibbert Prov . G . J . D . R . T . Bowden Prov . G . S . of W . Wilmot Eardley Prov . G . D . C . P . Wadsworth Prov . G . A . D . C . Captain Arrowsmith Prov . G . S . B .

J . Travis Prov . G . O . it . Sy kes Prov . G . P . J . Swindells Prov . G . Tyler . J . Boardman , F . Broadsmith , M . IT . Bradley , W . Berry , G . Hesketh , and J . Turner Prov . G . Stewards . Bro . Horatio Lloyd , P . G . S . W ., in a few well-chosen words , conveyed to the P . G . M . the pleasure felt by the

brethren at his restoration to health , which would enable him to stay during the whole of the day ' s proceedings . Lord de Tabley briefly acknowledged the kind expression of sympathy by the brethren . Thc P . G . M . then presented Charity Jewels to Bros . C . Dutton , IT . Bennett , Goodacre , and Matthews , which they received in consequence of serving the office of Stewards at the festivals in London in aid cf the Masonic Schools .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.

A telegram from Bro . Romaine Callender , E . L ., \ vas read by the P . G . M ., deeply regretting his inability to be present . On the motion of the P . G . M . thanks were voted to the Rev . W . IT . Lowther for the use of the church and the schools , and to the directors of the Mechanics' Institution for thc use of that building .

After Lord dc Tabley had intimated his intention of holding his next Provincial Grand Lodge at Knutsford , the business proceedings closed . The brethren then formed in the usual order of procession , and marched through the streets to St . George ' s Church , headed by the Kingston Mills brass band , ol which Mr . Reuben Taylor was conductor .

On arriving at thc door of the church the procession halted , thc brethren opening to the right and left , face inwards , to leave room for thc P . G . Master to pass up the centre , preceded by his Standard and Sword Bearers ; the P . G . Officers and brethren following in succession from thc rear , so as to invert the order of procession . On leaving the church , the brethren observed the order of procession

by forming as they were on halting at the door of the church . The service was a special one , Bro . J , Travis , P . G . O ., presiding at thc organ . Thc processional hymn was the well-known " Onward , Christian Soldiers , " the proper psalms for the day were sung to chants by Lawes and Fitzhcrbert , and the anthem was Dr . Goss ' s " Thc Glory

of the Lord . 1 he sermon was preached hythe Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A ., P . G . Chaplain , and at the close a collection was made on behalf of the Provincial Fund of Benevolence and the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution , the amount realised being upwards of £ 22 . A banquet was served by Messrs . Jennison and Co ., Manchester , in St . George ' s Schools , lo which about 230

brethren sat down , under the presidency of Bro . Lord de Tabley . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . Travis , P . G . O ., who presided at thc pianoforte , the vocalists being Bros . Edmondson , Stafford Dumville , Ball , and Roscoe . After proposing the toasts of " Thc Queen " and " I Lit . IT . the Princess of Wales and the rest of thc Royal

Family , " Bro . Lord de Tabley gave "The M . W . the Grand Master of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and Earl of Chester , and the other Officers of Grand Lodge . " The acceptance of the Grand Mastership by the Prince of Wales had , he said , given an impetus to Masonry which it had not received for many years . H . R . H . was about to enter on a lengthened journey , and he ( Lord de Tabley ) was

sure the good wishes of the whole Craft would accompany him , and they would hail with pleasure his happy return to his brethren in England . " The Right Hon . Lord de Tabley , R . W . P . G . M . of Cheshire , " was proposed in happy terms by Bro . J . Wood , P . G . Reg ., and received with tremendous enthusiasm . His lordship replied in equally felicitous terms , expressing his thanks to the officers and brethren in that province for the support they had given

him . " Bro . G . Cornwall Legh , It . W . D . P . G . M ., and thc Other P . G . Officers " ( acknowledged by Bro . IT . Lloyd , P . G . S . W . ) , "the Visiting P . G . Masters and Officers , " " The W . M . ' s of Lodges 3 61 ( Industry ) , and 1166 ( Clarendon ) , " "The Visiting Brethren , " "The P . G . Stewards , " and " All Poor and Distressed Masons" were the remaining toasts on the list , which were got through speedily in consequence of thc early departure of trains from this out-of-the-way corner of the province .

Obituary.

Obituary .

OUR LATE BRO . JOHN FREEMAN . Wc called attention shortly in our last impression to the loss Freemasonry in Yorkshire and the Craft generally has sustained by the death of this worthy brother , and we now recur to his Masonic career . Bro . John Freeman was admitted at a comparatively late period into Freemasonry , but as an able correspondent of ours truly puts it , " this I

always look upon as rather a compliment to our Order than otherwise . For it seems to me a much greater acquisition for our principles to win over a man of mature years and ripe experience . " Bro . Freeman , our correspondent goes on to say , " was a P . M . of the Harmony Lodge , 275 , Huddersfield , which is not one of the least distinguished in thc province , nor one

in which it is very easy to attain that rank . IU was also a P . Z . of the chapter , and P . Prov . G . R ., and P . Prov . S . G . W . of the province . " Such , in the terse but lucid language of our correspondent , is thc Masonic career of our late worthy and lamented brother . It boots not here , in the pages of a purely Masonic

journal , to recount his professional experience , or his public avocations . Bro . John Freeman was a very useful man in his time and generation , and one who worthily filled many important posts among his fellow citizens , especially those which related to his profession as a solicitor , and as a member of the well known firm of Brock , Freeman , and Batley . He was what may fairly be termed a

selfmade man , and had earned for himself the regard of a large and attached circle of friends , and the approval and respect of his fellow townsmen . Now that he has passed away from thc home and circle in which he lived , a "' from the many posts of active labour which he conscientiously filled , there can be , and is , but one expression of rcerret for his loss , and appreciation of his many qualities win

of geniality , kindness , uprightness , and worth . He be missed for some time , both in his profession and in the Craft , of which he was a faithfuljriernber . DAYLIGHT reflectedTIn dariTroorns . Gas superseded in day time . Health , comfort , and economy promoted by adopting Chappuis' Patent Daylight Reflectors . — Manufactory , 6 9 , Fleet-street , London .