West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution.

WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION .

SUGGESTED IMPORTANT CHANGES . The meeting of the General Committee of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , on Friday evening , the 2 nd inst ., was a most interesting' and inlluentially attended event . The chief business was the consideration of

applications from the widows of deceased freemasons on behalf of their children ' s education and advancement , and the reception and approval of the annual report to the Court of Governors of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , and additional value was given to the gathering by the fact that a scheme was mooted by a worthy brother the scope of which was to greatly extend the beneficent

operations of the charity in the cases of the children who may be on the foundation . Bro . Silvester Mattison , No . 1 G 09 , one of the Vice-Presidents of the Institution , occupied the chair , and there was a large and influential attendance of brethren in Liverpool and from outlying districts of the province , including Bros . Dr . Smith , Holmes , Bagot , R . Brown , G .

Broadbridge , R . Robinson , J . Pemberton , J . B . Mackenzie , T . Salter , A . Woolrich , J . Keet , J . Maguire , H . H . Smith , and others . Eleven applications for the education and advancement in life of . the children of deceased brethren were considered , and the total sum of £ 90 annually was voted for the purposes indicated , no single case being refused .

The report of the Committee of the charity ( prepared by the Honorary Secretaries , Bros . G . Broadbridge and R . Martin , jun ., the latter of whom read the document ) stated that the operations of the Institution during the past year showed a large increase in the donations and subscriptions from lodges and brethren , the total income under these heads for 1 SS 2 being the sum of £ 772 ifis . 7 d . The

entire receipts from all sources amounted to £ 1583 17 s . This had enabled the Committee , notwithstanding the enormous increase in the number of children on the foundation and the consequent larger outlay , to still further add to the capital account the sum of , £ 321 19 s . This , the Committee reminded the brethren , could not have been done but for the efforts made by a few lodges in the early

history of the Institution , and which still continue their valued support . During the past year £ 1212 10 s . Sd . had been expended in the education , clothing , and advancement in life of lOG children—a number of children and an amount the founders of the Institution could never have imagined would be dealt with by the Committee . A larger number of children than was usual had ceased during the past year

to he on the foundation , having mushed their education and commenced the active duties of life . Prominent among the number was John Mott ( a son of the late Bro . Capt . A . C Mott , a former Secretary of the Institution ) , who had finished his scholastic career in a highly satisfactory manner , passing the Cambridge local examination with honours , and had now obtained a situation in which it was believed

he would sustain the reputation of his respected father . In a letter to the Committee the boy acknowledged the obligations he had been under , and expressed his grateful thanks to the governors of the Institution . There are now remaining on the foundation of the Institution 147 children , which number will probably be increased at the court of Governors to be held in March , judging from the

applications for . admission already sent in . twenty-two lodges had made no return during the past year , although some of them had children of brethren formerly of their lodge receiving the benefits of the Institution . TheCommittce trusted this reproach would be wiped out during the coming year , and that they would in future enjoy the pleasure and privilege of fisrurinir in the list as subscribers to the premier

provincial Charitable Institution , at once the pride and boast of every West Lancashire Mason . The Committee particularly thanked several of the younger lodges for the noble efforts they had made on behalt of the Institution and the honourable position they occupied on the subscription lists . This they believed might be attributed in a large degree to the fact that some spirited brother made

it his special duty to champion the cause of the charity and collect subscriptions on its behalf . This course they would recommend for general adoption . During the year Bro . Richard Brown retired from the office of Secretary , and the able manner in which he for so long a period had fulfilled the duties the Committee was pleased to find was suitably acknowledged by the brethren at the last annual court . To

all who had in any degree aided the Committee by their labours or their means in accomplishing the successful results recorded in the report warmest thanks were tendered , and a continuance of kind help and support was earnestly solicited . The report after some discussion was approved by the General Committee . The Treasurer ' s accounts showed a

balance last year of £ 12 S 9 ; £ 59 6 s . 4 d . had been realised from the ball in 1 S 82 ; £ 513 12 s . 3 d . from interest on Dock bonds ; £ 200 from repayment of part mortgage on property ; £ 105 received as a donation from Provincial Grand Lodge ; and £ 772 16 s . 7 d . from the donations and subscription of lodges and brethren , giving a total , with smaller items , of £ 3073 10 s . lod . The credit side of the

balance sheet showed that £ 1212 10 s . Sd . had been spent in the education and advancement in life of 166 children , and there was a balance in bank of £ ISII 12 s . lod . The sum invested in Dock bonds and mortgages with the past year ' s balance for the benefit of the Charity now amounts to the splendid sum of £ 16 , 839 lys . iod . Several of the lodges during the year have contributed very generously , the

Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1 G 09 , once more heading the list with £ 56 10 s . ; the Antient Briton Lodge , No . 1675 , following with £ 4753 . ; the Merchants , No . 241 , £ 23 17 s . 6 d . ; Unanimity , No . 113 , £ 25 5 s . Gd . ; Antiquity , No . 178 , £ 21 ; Alliance , No . 667 , £ 15 15 s . ; St . John's , No . C 173 , £ 30 9 s . ; Royal Victoria , No . 1013 , £ 36 15 s . ; Hartington , No . 1021 , £ 27 ' 4 s . ; Duke of Edinburgh . No . S 2 , £ 21 i Marquis of Lome , No . 1354 , r . ainDurgni > u . no-, fc-. , ... ~ .., « . ^ * ,. — .. » ., .. . .,,

, £ 21 IOS . ; Toxteth , No . 1350 , £ 40 5 s . ; Lodge of Equity , No . 13 S 4 , £ 21 is . ; and the Kirkdalc Lodge , No . A ' most important letter was read from Bro . R . Brown , P . M . 241 , P . P . G . Treas ., containing valuable suggestions as to the extension of the benefits of the Charity , and the introduction of several new features into the manner in which its operations should be carried out . After a short

West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution.

conversation the following were appointed a sub-committee to _ consider the proposals and report to the General Committee : Bros . H . S . Alpass , R . VVylie , Bagot , R . Brown , Dr . Smith , T . Salter , C . B . Holmes , H . H . Smith , J . B . Mackenzie , G . Morgan , and R . Robinson , with the executive officers of the Institution . The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to Bro . Mattison for presiding .

Australia.

Australia .

LODGE OF SORROW . The Victoria , the youngest of the English lodges in the colony of Victoria , held " a lodge of sorrow in " the Town Hall , Hawthorn , near Melbourne , on Wednesday evening , December 20 th , in memory of the late Bro . E . C . Spink , one of the charter members . This is purely an American institution , there being only one other instance of the kind in Victoria . As will be observed the ceremony is open to

non-Masons and ladies , the dais in fact being reserved for the latter . The hall was crowded not only by members of the Victoria Lodge , but visiting brethren who had been invited through advertisement in the newspapers . Headed by the choir of St . Peter ' s Church singing a hymn , the brethren entered the hall in procession , Bro . W . J . Turner officiating as Organist .

The ceremony was commenced by the W . M ., Bro . the Rev . E . A . Thomas , calling upon the lodge and saying : " Brother Senior Warden , for what purpose are we assembled ? " In response the Senior Warden replied : " To honour the memory of those brethren whom death has taken from us ; to contemplate our own approaching dissolution , and by the remembrance of immortality to

raise our souls above the considerations of this transitory existence . " The Junior Warden having announced his charge the W . M . commended these sentiments to the earnest consideration of the brethren , and invoked their assistance in the solemn ceremonies which were to take place . He then declared the lodge duly opened . An appropriate ode followed , after which the Worshipful

Master taking a skull in his hand performed the duties pertaining to his office . In the centre of the hall a catafalque had been erected upon which was placed the deceased brother's regalia and jewels of office . After a prayer by the Chaplain , the Wardens , Deacons , and Stewards formed a procession , and proceeding once round the catafalque to slow and solemn music , opened out

to right and left , the Junior Warden advancing to the catafalque and placing thereon a wreath of white flowers , saying , " In memory of our departed brothers I deposit these white flowers , emblematical of that pure life to which they have been called , and reminding us that as these children of the hour will droop and fade away , so , too , we shall soon follow those who have gone before us , and

inciting us to fill up the brief span of our existence that we may leave to our survivors a sweet savour of remembrance . " The Warden then returned to his place , and after an interval of profound silence the procession re-formed , and to slow music marched twice around the catafalque . The Senior Warden then advanced , and performed the rites of his office . The procession then for the third time marched

round , whereupon the Master advanced and placed upon the urn a wreath of evergreen , saying , " It is appointed unto all men once to die , and after death cometh the resurrection , & c . " Upon the Master returning to his place , the Chaplain read a solemn lecture , and upon reaching the words , "O death where is thy sting ? O grave , where is thy victory ? " the lights were raised , and the tapers around

the catafalque were relighted . An ode followed , after which the closing ceremonies were performed . Bro . \ V . H . Williams sang the solo , " Waft him angels through the skies " in excellent style . The 39 th Psalm was rendered by the choir in a perfect manner , the musical portion of the

ceremony concluding with a hymn to the tune of the Old Hundredth , in which all present heartily joined . During the evening Councillor Swan , Bro . VV . F . Masscy , and the W . M . spoke in high terms of the character of the deceased brother . The assemblage dispersed at half-past nine to the solemn music of the Dead March in Said .

MELBOURNE . — Combermere Lodge ( No . 752 ) . —The regular meeting of this flourishing lodge , now numbering over 120 members , was held in the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , the 21 st December . Bro . Charles Shaw presided , supported by the following officers and Past Masters : Bros . Dr . J . Willmott , P . M ., S . W . ; Dr . Robert Peel , P . M ., J . W . ; Cartright , P . M . ; F . B .

Force , P . M ., Secretary ; Braim , P . M ., Treas . ; Pearson , P . M . ; and W . F . Lamonby , P . M . There were also present a large number of members and visiting brethren from other lodges , there being altogether well on to a hundred in the hall . The minutes of the ordinary and emergency meetings were read and confirmed , after which ballots were taken for one candidate

and four joining members , amongst the latter being Bro . Charles A . Woodroffe , 310 , New York State . Two candidates were initiated , and here the services of the newlyorganised choir , under the conductorship of Bro . David Lee , City Organist , came into requisition for the first time , and produced a telling effect , not only on the candidates but on the whole of the large assemblage . The charge having been delivered theelections for the ensuing year took place .

Bro . Dr . Willmott was elected W . M . by one of the heaviest votes ever cast in an Australian lodge . He previously passed the chair in an English lodge . Bro . Guy was also re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Paul received the suffrages of the brethren as Tyler for the third time . Several propositions for initiation and affiliation were handed in , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to supper .

TRUSSES , ELASTIC HAXDAOES , ETC . —SEEI - ' S H . IKII KUIUIKK TRUSSES . —Tim vrotld ' s recognition of umniuaUcd excellence . Receiving the only award of merit granted for trusses at the late international Medical Exhibition , 1881 . Made in every desirable and latest improved pattern , line steel springs , neatly covered with highly-polished hard rubber , light , cool , cleanlv •, unallotted by

time , use , or climate . 1-ree from all sour , rusty , dialing , or strapping unpleasantness . Used in bathing . Always reliable . The correct and skilful mechanical treatment of hernia or rupture a specialty . Under patronage of the world ' s most distinguished surgeons . Choice assortment of elastic surgical hosicrv , Uelts , improved suspensory bandages , shoulder braces . Establishments —74 , Fleet-street , London , E . C ., and 1347 , Chestnut-street , Philadelphia , U . S . A . —IADVI . ]

Masonic Balls.

MASONIC BALLS .

CITY OK LONDON LODGE , No . 901 . The annual ball of this lodge took place on Wednesday week , at the Freemasons' Tavern , and was attended by about 200 brethren and friends . Dancing commenced soon after nine o ' clock to the excellent band of Bro . Henry Tinney , I . G . of the Asaph Lodge . About 12 o ' clock the

company adjourned to the Crown room for supper , which was most liberally placed on the tables under the superintendence of Bro . Dawkins , and presided over by Bro . John Hughes , W . M . of the lodge . After the toast of "TheOueen and the Craft , " Bro . Fowlcs , of the Ebury Lodge , in a few complimentary remarks gave the toast of * ' The City of London Lodge , " coupled with the name of

the W . M . " The Visitors " next followed , and in some well chosen words was replied to by a visiting brother . Bro . Russ , P . M ., gave the toast of "The Stewards , " coupling with it the name of Bro . R . P . Stevens , Hon . Sec . of the ball . Bro . Wheir then proposed "The Health of

the much esteemed I . P . M ., Bro . G . A . Cundy , " and after the toast of " The Ladies , " which was replied to by Bro . Hurdel , W . M . of the Ebury Lodge , dancing was soon resumed and kept up with much spirit till half-past four , when the company separated after . spending a most agreeable evening . Bro . Jarvis was M . C .

BURDETT-COUTTS LODGE , No . 127 S . The annual ball under the auspices of this old and flourishing lodge was celebrated with considerable eclat on the 30 th ult . at the Cannon-street Hotel . Profiting by the experience gained on previous occasions , a capital ' lidm ! of Stewards , with Bro . R . L . Sturtevant , I . P . M ., as its indefatigable Hon . Secretary , by a wise foresight had attended to all details

calculated to enhance the enjoyment of the patrons of the ball . Nearly 200 ladies and brethren availed themselves of the opportunity of combining social recreation and intercourse with support to our Masonic Institutions . The spacious hall was brilliant with the electric light , and was tastefully fitted with fountains decorated with flowers in each angle . The principal charm was however derived

from the tasteful dresses of the fair sex , many of whom paid a delicate compliment to the Order by appearing in handsome costumes of Craft blue tint . The whole presented a " coup d ' ceil " of surprising beauty to the observer , as the pleasure of the dance were enjoyed to the strains of Mr . A . Cohen ' s band . Bros . A . C . Stichling , 511 , and W . Perrin , P . M . 105 G , proved efficient Masters of Ceremonies .

Shortly after midnight supper was partaken of , Bro . Albert Jones , W . M ., presiding , with Bro . R . L . Sturtevant , I . P . M ., and P . Ms ., J . J . Berry and G . W . Verry as vice-presidents . At its conclusion Bro . Jones gave the toasts of "The Queen , " and " The Stewards of the Ball" were next honoured , Bro . Sturtevant replying and thanking those ladies and gentlemen who had attended . Bro . Sturtevant ,

I . P . M ., next gave in appreciative words " The Health of the W . M ., " and explained , to correct any possible misapprehension which might exist upon the subject that the W . M . was not the only Jones , but Bro . Albert Jones . Albert the good and his very old and dear friend , whose health he would ask them to drink heartil y . The appeal was readily responded to and the names of Mrs . Jones

and Miss Lilian Jones were also received with much enthusiasm . " The Ladies , " proposed by Bro . J . J . Berry , P . M ., in loyal and appreciative terms , he being a married brother , elicited a reply from Bro . Arliss , who being unmarried trusted before that time 12 months to be in a position to speak with more information upon the subject . Dancing was then resumed and did not cease until nearly clockall

5 o ' , present expressing approbation of the arrangements . Bro . Rand , the manager , superintended the supper , and the house arrangements left nothing to be desired . The following were amongst the company : Bro . J . J . Berry , P . M ., and Mrs . Berry ; Bro . and Mrs . Gillarc ' l ; Bro . Barnes , P . M . ; Bro . Anderson , ( 3 . Con . ); Abseil and Mrs . Abseil ; Bro . StichlingandMrs . Stichling ; Bro . Cantand

Mrs . Cant ; Bro . Bonner , Mrs . and Miss Bonner ; Bro . T . Clark and Mrs . Clark ; Bro . Stephens ; Bro . Wise and Mrs . Wise ; Bro . Hammond and Mrs . Hammond and Miss Moore ; Mrs . Abseil and Miss Abseil ; Bro Payne and Mrs . Payne ; Bro . Crowder and Miss Crowder ; Bro . A . Jones , W . M ., and Mrs . and Miss Jones ; Bro . Verry , P . M ., Sec . ; Bro . B . Stewart and

Mrs . Stewart ; Bro . Collins and Mrs . Collins ; Bro . Chitson and Mrs . Chitson ; Bro . Sturtevant , Hon . Sec , and Mrs . Sturtevant ; Bro . Burgess ; Miss Limn ; Bro . Brittain ' and Mrs . Brittain ; Bro . W . J . Musto and Miss L . Musto ; Bro . J . Fowler and Mrs . Fowler ; Bro . Birch ; Bro . Crutch and Mrs . and the Misses Crutch ; and Bro . Lloyd , Mrs . and the Misses Lloyd .

The Prince Leopold Lodge Of Instruction.

THE PRINCE LEOPOLD LODGE OF INSTRUCTION .

This lodge will meet for the future at the Masonic Hall , SS , Gracechurch-strcet . The first lodge of instruction was held on Tuesday , theGth inst ., and Bro . Porter may be congratulated upon the successful opening of the handsome rooms he has assigned for lodge accomodation . The instruction of theGth inst , was conducted by Bro . Terrythe

, subject being the consecration of a lodge . It is unnecessary to say that the rehearsal of such a solemn function under the control of Bro . Terry would combine reverence , precision , and fidelity . In his work he was well supported by his officers who had arranged a programme varied by many hymns and who . paid considerable attention to other details necessary to success . A capital organ from the Smith

Organ Company with Bro . Cozens as Organist , rendered the musical portions of the ceremony very effective . The united voices of So men singing well known tunes with feeling expression made the ceremony more an act of worship rather than a rehearsal . Doubtless this was designed . A few inferences may be drawn from this successful meeting . The Prince Leopold Lodge of Instruction

consisted of 12 members . 'I he Master , Bro . Myers , displaying spirit , influenced the removal to a handsome modern lodge lit for gentlemen to meet in . Programmes and publicity , good music , and perhaps the prospect of a good supper swelled the attendance from 12 to So , and secured the adhesion of 40 joining members . This is an

it should be . There must be an end to inferior accommodation , slovenly services , and a ritual in which music is painfully absent . If lodges of instruction aim as high as the Prince Leopold Lodge they will inevitably advance is the culture of ritual , and a growth of reverence and charity will be the inevitable result . Nolens volens , these belong to a very immediate future .