Grand Chapter.

read . All the recommendations contained in the report were agreed to , including the granting of charters to five new chapters . Comp . Strachan : again rose and said he apprehended the time had now come when he should speak on the subject he had before alluded to .

Grand Registrar had ventured to state in the opinion he had given , that there should be an opportunity , if Grand Chapter had made a mistake , of rectifying it ; but he thought that before that could be done it should be brought

forward in this way , that Grand Chapter in its proper jurisdiction should be asked to come to a re-decision . But as here the motion was virtually for the non-confirmation of the minutes it was the same thing over again .

Comp . Strachan : said that he had endeavoured to conform to the laws of Freemasonry as far as he could find what they were ; he had given the proper notices , and he had received no notice that his notice was not in

Order . He thought that independent of any other questions it would be doing injustice to send a companion back 300 miles , after he had come that distance , without hearing him . He submitted that he had done everything that was requisite to give him a locus standi , and he

hoped he should be allowed the privilege of expressing his opinions with the other two companions who had also come up from Newcastle . It was not a matter they had no opinion upon ; he had a very strong opinion on it , and he claimed it as a right , as a First

Principal of the Order , to expound the views he held on this question . The M . E . Z . said : Comp . Strachan , 1 have consulted the Grand Registrar whether I might be allowed to hear your argument without your concluding with a motion . I agree that you

have taken a great deal ot trouble in this matter and made a long journey on this occasion ; but the Grand Registrar ' s decision is that it would be illegal , and I cannot allow you to be heard . I have made enquiry of the Grand Registrar whether I might allow you to bring the matter

forward without your concluomg your speech with a motion . He says it is illegal , and I must therefore ask you not to continue your speech . But you may consult with the Grand Officers of Grand Chapter as to bringing this matter in some other way before us , but you cannot do it in the form of which you have given notice ,

because the Grand Registrar has given his decision that in its judicial capacity Grand Chapter cannot now hear you . Comp . Strachan : If you decide that I shall not make a speech I shall submit , but I shall protest against the decision as an injustice . I shall ' submit to your ruling .

The M . E . Z . .- You will see that it is impossible that you can bring forward the motion after the decision 1 have already come to . It is impossible for Grand Chapter to decide that the decision of the Provincial ( hand Chanter of Northumberland be reversed . I am

very sorry that you should have had all your trouble for nothing , but I am afraid it cannot be helped . Comp . Strachan : If I understand your decision is that I am to sit down I shall do so , but if it is short of that , I shall contend that it

is , though the opinion of Grand Registrar is of very great value , I do not find any law which says that the decision of Grand Registrar is to bind you . What I mean to say is , that there is no law which puts it in the hands of those officers to say that a companion should not bring a motion forward on proper notice given .

I say it very strongly , because I feel it , for you have brought mc here without telling me I could not bring it forward . I do think that coining 300 miles from Newcastle without a hint being given me that there was a doubt on the subject of my motion—and two other companions with me—is a grave injustice , and that this Grand Chapter will not sanction such a

wrong . The M . E . Z .: I must be guided by the Grand Registrar . Comp . Strachan : Then , I understand that I am not to make a speech on this occasion .

Grand Chapter.

The M . E . Z . : You cannot without making a motion , make a speech ; it is not legal . Regretting it , I wish you should have the opportunity of expressing your opinions . Our legal adviser says it is not legal to make a speech unless you conclude with a motion .

Dr . Bradshaw : This is the first time I have had the pleasure of attending Grand Chapter of England , but I should not like to go away with the feeling that another companion imagined rightly or wrongly that he was injured because

the feeling of Grand Chapter was against him . I trust I may be pardoned if I venture to ask why it is that a brother cannot speak without concluding with a motion . I think every brother in Freemasonry is allowed to express himself ,

and that a brother on the opposite side should rise and state why he should not so express himself , and that the votes should be taken . I am myself a Past Master and Past Principal several times at Lymington , and I did not like

to hear one companion say that he had come 300 miles to state his opinions and had not been allowed to be heard . I put it to the good sense and good feeling of this Grand Chapter whether the companion should be overruled by some legal difficulty , either that he is too soon or too

late . I hope and trust that if there is anything of which he has to complain after coming 300 miles , that we should hear before the public bar of Freemasonry what is the grievance , and try to redress it . If there is a legal difficulty let us try and get out of it .

The M . E . Z . : You have not heard the whole of the argument . You were not present when the Grand Registrar gave his opinion that this motion is not legal . Dr . Bradshaw : If it is not legal through a technicality , let us get rid of it .

The M . E . Z . : Our Grand Registrar gave his opinion so strongly that he convinced myself and my companions in the chairs , and 1 think we are bound , having appointed a distinguished companion to the office of Grand Registrar , to

be guided by his decision . It is the second time I have occupied the Grand Principal's chair , and I intend to shelter myself behind the advice of Grand Registrar . If I am wrong I

shall appeal to him . I rule that Comp . Strachan cannot bring forward his motion . Comp . F . Binckes , rose to address Grand Chapter , but was stopped , and Grand Chapter was closed in due form .

Poetry.

Poetry .

* A TRIBUTE OE GRATITUDE .

Addressed most respectfully to Dr . STKO . NO , Honorary Surgeon to the Royal Masonic ltenevolent Institution , Croydon , by the grateful daughter ot an inmate whom he has recently attended professionally with much care and kindness .

When on the couch of . suffering An invalid lies racked with pain , And all that love can do to sooth Appears , alas ! to be in vain ,

How beautiful to friends around Palls sympathy upon the heart ; It ' s gentle influence never fails Sweet consolation to impart .

Such was the writer ' s case . She watched In anguish by her Mother ' s bed , With no friend near to share her grief , And bitter were the tears she shed :

But when her kind physician came , Each day his goodness sooth'd her woe , For he had passed through suffering , And seemed her agony lo know .

And by his skilled and patient care , The invalid was spared to bless The kindness that prolonged her life And soothed her daughter ' s deep distress . And oh ! may lie who answers prayer ,

Upon His heavenly scroll record Benevolence that is sure to find A sweet and well-deserved reward . Croydon . AGNES S .

Opening Of A New Masonic Hall At Swansea.

OPENING OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT SWANSEA .

A very large and influential gathering of the Fraternity took place on Tuesday , the 2 nd ult ., on the occasion of the dedication of a new hall , which has just been completed for the use of the brethren of the Indefatigable Lodge , No .

237 . The ceremony was most impressively performed by the R . W . Prov . Grand Master Bro . Theodore Mansel Talbot , who was supported by the following members of the Prov . Grand Lodge : Bros . E . J . Morris , D . P . G . M . and W . M .

1323 ; Evan Jones , P . S . G . W . and P . M . 651 ; Rev . Secretin Jones , P . G . Chap . ; C . Best Gardner , P . G . Treas . and P . M . 3 64 ; L . Tolloch , P . G . Reg . and W . M . 237 ; R . Boughton , P . G . Sup . of Works and W . M . 651 ; E . C . Pole , P . P . G . D . C . and W . M . 364 ; F . D . Michael ,

C . Bath , J . G . Hall , P . P . S . G . W . ; O . G . Williams , G . B . Brock , P . H . Rowland , Rowland Thomas , P . P . J . G . W . ; M . Tennant , P . P . G . Reg . ; G .

Allen , D . Williams , P . P . G . Sees . ; H . Rich , P . P . G . Sup . of Works ; T . Powell , J . J . Hewson , P . P . G . D . C . ; L . Middleton , P . P . G . Org . ; H . W . Williams , P . P . G . Pur . ; G . Bradford , E . Loveluck , and P . W . Thomas , P . P . G . Stewards .

The following officers from neighbouring provinces were also present : Bro . Capt . J . G . Homfray , D . P . G . M . Monmouth , who was attended by Bros . J . Lewis , P . M . 1098 , P . G . J . D . ; C . Homfray , and W . Davics , Past G . Stewards ; and G . Eothergill , S . W . 471 ; G . B . Sherrin , 471 .

From the west came Bros . Sweeney , A . Stone , W . Bonning , and J . B . Phillips , of the Llanelly Lodge ; T . " Charles , of St . Peter ' s Lodge , Carmarthen ; and M . Harris , from St . Teilo Lodge . From the east , Bro . J . S . Wilson , P . M . 493 ,

P . P . J . W . Gloucester . The lodges of the province were all well represented , and the respected R . R . Past Grand Master had the pleasure of seeing gathered around him the goodly array of about 150 Masons . The suite of rooms is most commodious and

well arranged . On the ground iloor is a spacious vestibule , the approach to the lodge-room being by a handsomely-carved staircase . The refreshment room is 22 feet by 22 feet , and 19 feet high . There is a three-light Gothic window with carved capitals and Gothic heat ' s , Forest of

Dean stone . The lodge-room is 45 feet by 20 feet , and about 30 feet high , with open timber roof . Each of the principals of the roof rests on corbels and short columns ol carved stone . The corbels-are composed of Masonic emblems and foliage , the columns being surmounted with

carved caps of natural foliage . At the end is a three-light window of carved stone , with carved caps , label moulding , and carved bosses . The interior is fitted up with richly-carved seating . Leading from the lodge-room are the necessary offices , preparing-room , rohing-room , and all requisite conveniences . The builder is Mr .

Thomas White ; and the architect Mr . Thomas Davies , of Pagc-slreet . The building is heated throughout with hot water , the fitting of the apparatus being entrusted to Mr . Charles Edwards , High-street . The painting was done by Mr . Miles , painter and house decorator , Walter-road .

The musical arrangements were under the management of Bro . E . Fricker , Org . 237 , and the anthems , & c , which formed part of the very impressive ceremonial , were very effectively rendered . After the ceremony of dedication the

newlyelected Master , Bro . G . Bradford , was installed into office by Bro . Tulloch , I . P . M . After having been placed in the chair in the skilful manner with which Bro . Tulloch does all his work , the W . M . appointed his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . L . Tulloch , I . P . M . W . E .

Brown , S . W . ; W . H . Tucker , 31 m ., J . W . ; Rev . Secretan Jones , Chap . ; T . Powell , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Woolky , Sec . ; Jas . Goodall , S . D . ; C . Bullerwell , J . D . ; T . R . Robinson , Dir . of Cers . ; G . Shaddick , I . G . ; J . 13 . Richards , and T . R . W . Mason , Stewards : Henry Simons , O . G .

After the ceremony the brethren sat down to a sumptuous banquet prepared for them by " mine host" of the Castle Hotel , Bro . J . P . Williams . The evening was enlivened by some excellent glees and songs .