Provincial Grand Lodge Of Leicestershire And Rutland.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND .

Thc half-yearly communication of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Corn Exchange , Melton jlov-bray , on Monday , May 29 th . The charmingly fine weather , the numerous attendance , ind the reception accorded by thc members of the local j ' cJoc contributed to render the meeting one of a most

successful and enjoyable character . The Rutland Lodge , No . 1130 , under the auspices of which the Prov . Grand Ledge was held , was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Luke Riley , after which the R . W . Prov . G . M . and the officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge entered the lodge in procession , the chair being surrendered to thc Prov . G . M ., the Right Honourable the Earl Ferrers , who opened the Provincial

Grand Lodge in due form . Amongst those present , in addition to the Prov . G . M ., were the following : —Bros . Iter . W . Langley , P . P . S . G . W ., acting as D . P . G ^ M . ; Rev . I . F . Halford , Prov . S . G . W . ; J . J . Fast , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . C . Duncombe , Prov . J . G . W . ; W . Adcock and C . Stretton , p . P . J . G . W . ' s ; Revs . J . II . Smith and ( Canon ) H . J , Burheld , Prov . G . Chaplains ; W . B . Smith , Prov . G

Treas . ; C . Woodcock , Prov . G . Re ? . ; S . S . Partridge , I ' rov . G . Sec . ; F . J . Baines , Prov . " G . S . D . ; Weare and Duff , P . P . G . S . D . ' s ; W . Hardy , P . P . G . J . D . ; R . Dalgleish , I ' rov . G . Supt . of Works ; C . J . McBride . Prov . G . A . D . C . ; T . Markham , P . P . G . D . C ; R . Boughton-Smilli , I ' . P . G . A . D . C . ; H . James , Prov . G . Sw . B . ; C . L . Fen : e ! ey , as Prov . G . Org . ; J . Wright Smith , Prov . G . Purst . ; Bright

and Amatl , P . P . G . P . ' s : L . Riley , Prov . G . A . P . ; Alfred Palmer and C . E . Stretton . P . P . G . A . P . ' s ; Worthington , I ' rov . G . St . B . ; Cleaver , Selby , and Masor , Prov . G . Stewards ; Bembridge and Dunn , Prov . G . Tylers , and many other Past Provincial Grand Officers , W . M . 's , and Wardens of private lodges . The visitors' list included Bros . 1-1 . Peake , Prov . S . G . W . Norths and Hunts ; P .

Glover , Prov . G . Org . Berks and Bucks , and others . The Prov . G . M . having been saluted with the customaryhonours , the Prov . G . Secretary read thc minutes of the last meeting in November last , which were confirmed . The Roll of Lodges was next called , when it was found that every lodge in thc province was well represented . A Report of the Provincial Committee of General

Purposes was submitted , recommending thc appointment of a Provincial Charity Committee for the purpose of managing and utilizing the voting power of thc province at the elections of the great Masonic charities , and more systematically and effectively advocating- the claims of those institutions on the liberality of the brethren , and also further recommending the formation of a Charity Fund to be

devoted to the support of the charities above referred to , and for Masonic relief in special cases . The report was unanimously adopted and by-laws , framed by the Committee and submitted for adoption for the purpose of carrying into effect their recommendations , were considered and discussed seriatim , aud , with certain additions and amendments , proposed by Bros . Langley , Stretton , and others , were duly pasfed .

Amendments were also made in the by-laws of the 1 ' ir . v . G . Lodge for the purpose of giving the Committee of General Purposes a more representative character , and also for admitting new lodges and other Masonic bodies using the Leicester Masonic Hall to representation on thc Committee of Management of that building . Bros . L . A . Clarke and C . Stretton were unanimously re-elected to represent the Leicester Masonic Hall Committee .

The following congratulatory address to the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , on his return from India , was read by the Prov . G . Secretary -. — "To His Royal Highness , Albert Edward , Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand Master of thc Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England .

" . May it please your Royal Highness , " We . the Provincial Grand Master , the Past Provincial Grand Master , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Officers and Brethren of thc Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Leicestershire and Rutland , in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled , desire to embrace the opportunity , which our half-yearl y communication this day held at Melton

Mowbray affords us , of offering to your Royal Highness our warmest congratulations upon your safe and happy return ' 0 your native land . We have heard with feelings of unbounded satisfaction that on all sides you have been received with that respect and devotion which your exalted position justly entitles you to , and at the same time with a thorough heartiness which the generous nature of your

character so fully inspires . We are confident that the journey so wisely undertaken by your Royal Highness and now prosperously terminated , has been fraught with immense advantages to thc princes and peoples of India , and that the judicious and conciliatory manner in which you have treated those with whom you have come in contact has left an impression which will not be easily effaced .

We feel that our heartfelt gratitude is due to the Great ih A * * ° * * he Ul ' iverse for safely carrying you through the dangers and difficulties of your journey , for the preservation of your health in the changes of temperature and climate to which you have been subjected , and for giving > ° u strength to carry out the arduous duties you have

everywhere so ably and willingly performed . Our fervent Prayer will ever be that He will have you in His keeping n . ?! . * - ' - " and much happiness , that you may « = a blessing to your country , your family , and the Ancient -rait over which you so worthily preside , - "gned this 29 th day of May , 1876 .

" Ferrers , Prov . G . M . " William Kelly , P . P . G . M . , „ " Henry St . John Halford , D . P . G . M . (¦ -ountcrsigned ) " S . S . Partridge , P . M ., Prov . G . Sec .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Leicestershire And Rutland.

Bro . the Rev . Canon Burfield moved and Bro . the Rev . J . F . Halford seconded the adoption of the address , and on being put by the R . W . Prov . G . M ., the motion was carried by acclamation . This concluded the business of the meeting , and after hearty good wishes had been expressed by the several visitors and an invitation tendered by Bro . Peake , Prov .

S . G . W . of Norths and Hunts , to the Leicestershire and Rutland brethren to visit his province at the meeting of Prov . G . Lodge at Peterborough on Thursday next , the Provincial Grand Master closed his lodge in accordance with ancient custom . The brethren afterwards went to the George Hotel , where an excellent banquet , prepared by Bro . Childs , was

in readiness , at which the Provincial Grand Master presided , and on his retirement to leave by an early train the chair was taken by Bro . the Rev . W . Langley , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured , and a very pleasant evening was spent .

It is but just to the brethren of the Rutland Lodge , No . 11 3 0 , to record that the various arrangements , both in the lodge-room and at the banquet , for the reception of the members of Provincial Grand Lodge were in every respect admirable and perfect , and thc hearty welcome offered to them was most gratifying .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Essex.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF ESSEX .

The annual meeting of this Proiincial Grand Lodge was held at thc Mission Hall , I larwich , kindly lent fcr the occasion by Bro . R . J . Bagshaw . There was a large attendance . The hall was tastefully decorated with flowers at the upper end , supplied by Bro . Ward , of Ramsey , and the furniture of the lodge was entirely new , being

that provided for the Star of the East Lodge , Harwich , under whose banner the proceedings were held . Much credit is due to the W . M . of the Harwich Lodge , Bro . G . G . Pye , and his indefatigable Secretary , Bro . Basham , for thc completeness of the arrangements for the reception " of the brethren of the province . The Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . Barton , opened thc proceedings . The Right

Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . M . Clark , was then installed , and the lodge opened in form , Bro . the Rev . Mr . Pertwee offering prayer . A letter was read from the R . W . P . G . Master , Bro . R . J . Bagshaw , regretting his inability to be present ; also from the Grand Secretary , Bro . Hervey , thc First Master of the Star in the East Lodge ; and Lord Waveney , P . G . M .

Suffolk , to the same effect . Thc officers for thc ensuing year were appointed as follows : —The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Matthew E . Clark ; Senior Warden , Augustus Clench , W . M . 6 9 J ; Junior Warden , Alfred Welch ; -W . M . 51 ; Chaplain , the Rev . E . Pertwee , Lodge Hope , Brightlingsea ; Treasurer , [ oseph Burton , P . M . 276 , Chelmsford ; Secretary , John

Wright Carr , P . M . 160 and 276 ; Registrar , — Clarkson , Bagshaw Lodge , Buckhurst Hill ; Senior Deacon , Frank Whitmorc , W . M . 296 ; Junior Deacon , E . E . Phillips , W . M . 1000 ; Director of Ceremonies , Peter Matthews , W . M . 276 ; Assistant Director of Ceremonies , Alfred Lucking , P . M . 160 ; Superintendent of Works , — Burgess , Hope and Unity ; Organist , Rogers ; Sword

Bearer W . Basham , Sec . 650 ; Bishop , 276 ; Tyler , — Sarell , 2 76 . The only lodge unrepresented was the Rosslyn Lodge , the Master of which was prevented at the last moment from attending by a domestic affliction . The brethren afterwards dined at the Great Eastern Hotel . The banquet was served in a style that gave

general satisfaction . There was some excellent singing , and towards the close of the proceedings a party of handbell ringers performed an entertaining selection . The R . W . D . P . G . Master presided , supported by the W . M . of the Star in the East , Bro . G . G . Pye , and about eighty other brethren . Bro . Clench , W . M . of the United , Colchester , G . S . Warden , in the vice-chair .

Among those present at thc lodge and banquet were the following : —W . O . Ward , 65 , P . P . G . P . ; James Durrant . P . M ., P . P . S . D . Essex ; H . Foulger , 4 ^; E . West , VV . M . 1431 ; W . H . Walker , O 50 ; Walter Balls , 650 ; Alfred Sturgeon , S . W . 1343 ; Frederick Adlard , 276 , P . A . D . C ; William Balls , 433 ; A . S . Rogers , S . D . 43 * ; W . Clarry , P . M . 433 ; C . Blyth , P . M . 4 ^; G .

Riches , P . M . 433 ; J . E . Wiseman , P . M . and Sec . 433 , P . P . G . S . D . ; B . York , P . M . | 433 ; John Ward P . M . 433 ; Joseph Hanly , I . G . 51 , P . G . S . Essex ; Francis B . Capon , 51 ; W . Nichols , 433 ; T . 11 . Quilter , P . M . 51 ; J . Howard , 6- ; o ; Thomas Jennings , 650 ; W . II . Butcher , 650 ; J . Dunlop , S . W . 6 so ; N . Dickson , P . M . 650 ; F . Edwards , 1091 ; G . Jackson ,

650 ; Charles Pratt , 650 ; D . Reed , W . M . 41 ^ 3 , 14-57 > J Clarkson , P . M . 145 ; J . Watts , 630 ; E . E . Phillips , P . M . 379 ; T . F . Bishop , 276 ; F . Wright , 697 , 1500 ; W . F . Hasler , S . W . 1312 ; D . Howard , 650 ; T . Water , 650 ; W . Oxenham , J . D . 650 ; Thos . Malcholm , 100 , 1457 ; A . K . Clench , W . M . 697 ; T . Eustace , P . M . 6 97 ; W . Bright , 1312 ; G . Harvev ,

r . 97 ; E . Shedd , W . M . 276 ; T . W . Naylor , S . W . 097 ; A . Richardson , 697 ; W . P . Lewis , P . M . and P . Z . ( ji ; Geo . Mercer , 51 ; W . H . Ablitt , 51 ; T . Downing , 6 97 ; W . Barrett , 213 ; R . Thackeray , 650 ; A . T . Chambers , 650 ; W . H . Bateman , J . W . 6 97 ; W . G . Siggers , 697 ; A . Hunt , 276 ; E . Hennemeyer , 51 , 6 97 ; A . Welch , W . M . 51 ; Ambrose Tennant , Henry Samuel , P . M . 5 , 1 ; W . Richey , 51 and 700 ;

W . S . Sprent , 51 , P . G . S . B . ; W . Basham , Sec . 650 ; A . C . Veley , P . M . 276 , P . G . J . W .: C . Gunner , Tyler Si ; J . Brice , 650 ; W . Murray , 225 ; T . Truce , P . G . D . 276 ; Frank Whitmore , P . M . 276 ; W . G . Burgess , W . M . 214 ; G . Gard Pye , P . P . G . S . W ., W . M . 650 , S . W . 51 ; F . A . Cole , P . P . G . R ., P . M . c , i ; S . Chaplin , P . P . G . S . W ., P . M . 51 , T . J . Railing , Sec . si ; Fred . Slandingford , 1024 ; John Coppin , P . M . si , P . P

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Essex.

G . J . W . ; T . Rix , R . M . 697 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . II . Boulton , D . C . 697 ; Chas . Lucas , C 50 ; D . M . B . Wheeler , J . W . 27 C ; and others . Visitors—J . R- Foulger , P . M . 177 and 793 , P . Z . 177 ; Robert Bewick , J . H . Staddon , W . M . 37 C ; and ethers . Thc Provincial Grand Lodge voted £ 10 ios . out of its funds towcrds the Harwich lifeboat .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

At the Levee held by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales for and on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen our excellent and well-known Bro . Lieutenant-Colonel James Peters had the pleasure and honour of presenting to H . R . H . the Prince of Wales Bro . the Rev . J . Vaughan , M . A . The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived on

Monday afternoon at Sandnngham with their children for the Whitsun holidays . The Prince has been absent from Sandringham for eight months . Their Royal Highnesses and suite consisted of Lady Emily Kingscote , Miss Knollys , Colonel Teesdale , Bro . Francis Knollys , Mr . Holzmann , and the Bev . J . N . Dalton .

A valuable testimonial , in the shape of a handsomely-chased silver claret jug , has been presented to Bro . J . T . Ward , of St . John ' s College , Cambridge , the senior wrangler , by the master and scholars , past and present , of the Rochester Grammar School , at which Bro .

Ward was educated . Bro . Ward , who met with a complete ovation , alluded in terms of gratitude to the excellent education he had received at Rochester , before he passed to the University , under the able tuition of his valued master , the R : v . Robert Whiston .

POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS . — It is announced by order of the Postmaster . - oentral that correspondence for the French colonies will be subject , on and after July 1 st , to the rates of postage applicable to the Postal Union . There will also be a reduction of postage to the East Indies , Aden , and Zanzibar , and to Australia and New Zealand , via Brindisi , and to Ceylon , the Straits

Settlements , China , Labuan , and other foreign countries in the East , either via Brindisi or via Marseilles . The thirty-first festival of the Royal General Theatrical Fund was held on Wednesday night in the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen . street . Mr . Alfred de-Rothschild presided , and among those present were Air . J . B . Buckstone , Mr . Alfred Wigan , Mr . E . Villiers , Mr . J .

Coleman , Mr . E . L . Blanctard , Mr . E . Ledger , Mr . C . W . Thompson , and Mr . Garston Murray . The Coaching Club has given a donation of £ . ; o to the Cabdrivers' Benevolent Association , 15 , Sohosquare , as a contribution to the annuity fund for aged or infirm cabmen .

The annual . / We and summer entertainment at the Asylum for Idiots , Earlswood , Rcdhill , Surrey , will be held on Thursday , July Gth . It is expected that H . R . H . Prince Leopold , Prov . G . M . Oxford , who arrived in Paris on Tuesday nightwill make some stay in that capital .

, Sir Gilbert Scott ' s design for completing the restoration of thc exterior of the octagon of Ely Cathedral , at a cost of nearly £ 3000 , has been adopted . The Secretary of State for War has approved of a review of Volunteers taking place in Hyde Park on

or about July 1 . The exact date will hereafter be notified . Madame Tussaud and Sons have added a model portrait of the late Sultan , Abdul Aziz , to their collection .

H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., was presented with a congratulatory address by the brethren of Lynn on Monday last . _ The annual dinner of the Needlemakers ' Company will take place at the Star ancl Garter , Richmond , on Saturday , the 24 th inst . The annual festival of the Benevolent Fund of

Mark Grand Lodge will be held on the 19 th July . The Provincial Grand Lodge of Kent is to be held at Deal on Wednesday , July 12 th , at which meeting it is proposed to vote one hundred pounds to the relief of three poor brethren , two hundred pounds to the Freemasons' Boys' School , forty pounds to the Girls' School , and a similar amount to the Benevolent Institution ; also to consider the following proposition , proposed by Bro . G .

Snow , P . Prov . G . S . W .: — "That in the opinion of this Provincial Grand Lodge the time has arrived for special provision being made for the infant orphans of Masons , and that the opinion of the other Provincial Grand Lodges be ascertained as to whether if an institution , somewhat similar to the Infant Orphan Asyluoi , having ' . for its object the reception of infant orphans of Masons' be established , it would receive their ' support . "

C ONSECRATION OF A NEW LODGE IX Liven POOL . — The warrant for the Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , was received last Saturday , and the consecration will take place in the course of next week or that following . Bro . J . Bell , W . M . 1356 , is , by special dispensation , the W . M . Designate , and Bro . W . Chapman the S . W . Designate ; and there is little doubt that the latest addition to the roll of

lodges will , from the spirit displayed in connection with its foundation , take first rank in every respect amongst those in West Lancashire . On Wednesday evening the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers entertained a numerous and distinguished assembly in their hall at London Bridge , on the occasion of the p-esentation of the freedom of the guild to Bro . His Royal Highness the Dukecf Connaught . Hospital Sunday , 18 th inst .