Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.

the P . G . M ., seconded by Lord Harry Thynne , this report was approved . W . Bro . F . H . Goldney , P . J . G . W ., who at the last Provincial Grand Lodge had undertaken to compile a short sketch of the history of Freemasonry in Wiltshire , begged to thank the P . G . Sec , and the Secretaries of the various lodges in the province for their assistance in the matter ,

and stated that he hoped ere long to put such a sketch into print and distribute it amongst the brethren . Bro . John Chandler was invested with a charity jewel . The R . W . P . G . M . expressed his regret at losing the services of so good and faithful a brother as Bro . Capt . Bradford , who had held the office of Treasurer since 1868 , ind who , though he had resigned that office , he hoped to

sec amongst them for many years . It was some satisfaction to propose a cordial vote of thanks to him . This he ( Lord Methuen ) accordingly did , and coupled with it a proposal that £ 10 10 s be voted for the purchase of a jewel , to be presented to Capt . Bradford in commemoration of his services . This was seconded by Lord Harry Thynne , and carried by acclamation .

. Bro . Bradford , who appeared very much overcome / . briefly responded in suitable terms . Bro . Fred H . Goldney , P . M . 626 , P . J . G . D . Wilts , was then , on the proposition of the R . W . P . G . M ., seconded by Bro . Major Calley , unanimously elected Treasurer for the ensuing year . The R . W . the P . G . M . having made his appointments ,

the officers of the Provincial Grand Lotlge for the ensuing year were invested as follows : — Thomas H . Chandler , 355 , 663 Prov . S . G . W . William Nott , 663 Prov . J . G . W . Rev . A . Law , 355 Prov . G . Chap . Fred H . Goldney , 62 6 Prov . G . Treas . Alex . Braid , 1295 Prov . G . Reg .

Henry C . Tombs , 355 Prov . G . Sec . John Godwin , 355 Prov . S . G . D . Thos . Raymond , C 63 Prov . J . G . D . S . Gauntlett , 632 Prov . G . S . Wks | ohn Chandler , 355 , 66 3 Prov . G . D . C . S . N . Badham , 668 Prov . G . Org . Alfred Plummer , 1533 Prov . G . A . D . C ,

John H . Chandler , 663 Prov . G . Sw . B . R . N . Fowler , 626 Prov . G . Purs . John Savory ,.. Prov . G . Tyler . The R . W . P . G . M . before closing Provincial Grand Lotlge took the opportunity to congratulate the brethren on the progress of Masonry in the province . He more especially alluded to the increased support of the charities , towards

which during the year Bro . Gauntlett had taken up £ 135 as Steward for the Boys' Scho-il , and Bro . John Chandler £ 120 as Steward for the Girl ' s , and took the opportunity of heartily thanking those brethren for their services . He also thanked the brethren of the province for the very liberal support accorded to himself ( Lord Methuen ) . as Steward for the Benevolent Institution , which enabled him

to take up such a large amount as £ 282 to the festival in February last . Bro . Capt . Homfray , D . P . G . M . Monmouth , expressed his hearty thanks to the Wiltshire brethren for the hearty way in which he had been received on this , his first visit to them , and offered them in return a hearty welcome to his own province .

The Provincial Grand Lodge and Craft Lodge having been closed in ancient form , the brethren adjourned to the Bear Ho ^ el , where a sumptuous banquet awaited them , served by Bro . Moore , the manager of the hotel , in his best style , and including contributions of game and venison from Lord Methuen , P . G . M ., and from Bro . Watson Taylor , of Erlestoke Park .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Cumberland And Westmoreland.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND .

The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Mark Lotlge of Cumberland and Westmoreland was held under the banner of Cumberland Lodge , No . 60 , Carlisle , on Saturday the 3 rd inst . There was an exceedingly limited attendance , which was no wonder , when it is considered

that it was market day at three out of the four towns where those three lodges hail from , namely , Cumberland Lodge , No . 60 , Carlisle ; Bective Lodge , No . 147 , Keswick ; and Kent Dale Lodge , No . 195 , Kendal ; the remaining lodge in the province being Whitwell , No . 131 , Maryport , at which town , like all iron and mining centres , Saturday is naturally a busy day for business men .

The day fixed , therefore , was a decided mistake , and it is to be hoped for the well-being and prosperity of Mark Masonry in the two counties that the like will " not occur again . The brethren met at the Masonic Hall , Castle-strtet , at three o ' clock , and amongst [ those present were Bros . Colonel Whitwell , M . P ., R . W . Deputy Provincial Grand Mark Master Mason , who presided in the absence of Bro .

the Earl of Bective , M . P ., R . W . Provincial Grand Mark Master Mason ; Jos . Nicholson , P . M . M ., and Treas . iti , P . G . S . W . ; W . Pratchitt , P . M . M . 60 , P . G . J . W . ; J . A . ¦ Wheatlcp , P . M . M . 60 , P . G . Treas . ; P . de E . Collin , P . M . M . 151 , P . G . Sec . and Reg . of Marks ; G . ) . McKay , 195 , P . G . M . O . ; Dr . E . W . Henry , 60 , P . G . J . O . ; J Cook , P . M . M . 6 o , P . G . J . D . ; J . Gardiner , P . M . M . 1 : 1 , P . G .

' ¦ of W . ; G . Potter , W . M . M . 60 , P . E . D . C . ; W . B . Gibson , J . O . 151 , P . G . Sword Br . ; J . Barnes , 60 , P . G . tyler ; G . G . Hay ward , P . M . M . 60 , P . G . I . G . England ; Lieut . Fairtlough , R . A ., P . M . M . 147 , P . P . G . M . O . ; Quartermaster Serj G . Noakes , 55 th Regt ., Secretary 60 ; H . Wendinning , 60 ; W . Jobling , 60 ; J . Haswell , 60 ; H . ^ acey , 60 ; R . J . Nelson , i ; G . Turner , 195 ; T . Maude

, W . M . M . 131 ; J . H . Banks , J . W . 151 ; J . Quay , oec , 151 ; and J . Abbott , 151 . The minutes of the meet-»> g held last year at Maryport having been read a . ul contained , the report of the committee on the Provincial rand Mask bye-laws was received , and said bye-iatvs th"t approved and confirmed , copies being distributed to tne brethren present . The fees of honour were next re .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Cumberland And Westmoreland.

ceived from Jhe retiring officers , and next the Treasurer ' s statement of accounts was received and adopted . Bro . Wheatley having been re-elected Prov . Grand Treas ., and Bro . Barnes Prov . Grand Tyler , the officers for the year were invested as follows : — Dr . Henry , 60 Prov . G . S . W . G . J . McKay , 195 Prov . G . J . W .

J . Gardiner , P . M . 151 Prov . G . M . O . G . Potter , W . M . 60 Prov . G . 5 . O . W . B . Gibson , 151 Prov . G . J . O . Rev . W . Cockett , 60 Prov . G . Chap . J . A . Wheatley , P . M . 60 Prov . G . Treas . P . de E . Collin , PM . 151 Prov . G . Sec T . Mandle , W . M . 151 Prov . G . R . Marks

G . W . Ken worthy , 151 Prov . G . S . D . Nelson , 195 Prov . G . J . D . Wivell , W . M . 147 Prov . G . I- cf W F . W . Watson Prov . G . D . C . W . F . Lamonby , 151 Prov . G . A . D . C . G . Noakes , 60 Prov . G . S . B . Godfrey , 195 , Prov . G . O .

J . H . Banks , 151 Prov G . I . G . P . Dodgson , 151 Prov . G . Std . J . Barnes , 60 Prov . G . Tyler . This was all the business , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in form . There was no banquet , and the proceedings were quiet and tame to a degree .

Metropolitan Masonic Benevolent Association.

METROPOLITAN MASONIC BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION .

This Benevolent Association was formed in the month of November , 1875 , under the auspices of the Metropolitan ( Victoria ) Lodge of Instruction , No . 1056 , for the purpose of enabling members of the Craft , ladies , and Lewises , or their nominees to become life subscribers or life governors

of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , at Croydon , f : e Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , at Wood Green , and the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , at Battersea Rise , by payment of the small sum of one shilling per week . The second annual meeting of the association was held Etthe Portugal Hotel , ies , Fleet-street , on Friday , the 2 nd

November , at 8 . 30 p . m ., after the closing of the Lodge of Instruction , Bro . J . H . Stacey , P . M . 180 , the Preceptor of the lodge , and President of the association , being in the chair , and a large number of the committee and members of the association being present . The minutes of preceding meeting having been confirmed , Bro . Rosser was elected a member of the

association , and a ballot was taken for the sum in the hands of the Treasurer , Bro . Simpson being the successful member . The Honorary Secretary , Bro . W . W . Snelling , stated that he had much pleasure jn reporting to the members the progress of the association . He reminded them that the association as originally formed was intended to have been a terminating one , and would have terminated on that day ,

being two years from the date of its formation , but by a resolution of the members at the last annual meeting it was determined to make the association a permanent one , so that members could join at any time without payment of back subscriptions , and this had been a great success . During the two years of the existence of the society the working expenses had amounted to £ 7 2 s . tod . only , for

printing and postage , and had thus been covered by the entrance fees of is . per share . The amount received from the members during the two years was £ 400 4 s . od ., and after payment of expenses the whole had been appropriated , whereby seventy-seven members had become life subscribers or life-governors of the charities—thirty-two having subscribed to the Institution for Aged Freemasons , twelve

to the Widows Fund , eight to the Boys' School , twelve to the Girls' School , and thirteen had not yet determined to which fund they would subscribe . The various institutions had not only benefitted directly through this association , but also indirectly , as many of the members on being successful in the ballot had agreed to represent their lodges as Stewards at the annual festivals .

Bro . Snelling was himself going upas Steward at the next festival of the Benevolent Institution , and hoped that the brethren would add to his list . The number of annuitants now on the funds of the Institution at Croydon was 284 , the males receiving £ 40 and the widows £ 32 . There were nearly 200 boys in the Boys' School , and about the same number of girls in the Girls' School , and for each of these

institutions a sum of upwards of £ 10 , 000 per annum had to be made up by the contributions of the Craft , and as there were an increasing number of applicants for the various charities , which will necessitate the earnest exertions of every one having the interest of the Craft at heart , He trusted that those members who had been successful in the ballot and had subscribed to one of the charities would

not only become subscribers to the other charities , but induce their friends to join this association . He particularly recommended them to make their wives and children subscribers to the charities , as they would under the rules of the institutions have double votes . The meeting then proceeded to the election f officers and committee , and was unanimously in favour of Bros .

J . R . Stacey , P . M ., as President ; J . While , P . M . 228 , as Vice-Piesident and Treasurer ; W . W . Snelling , 180 , as Hon . Stc . ; and Bros . Squirrcll , Skelton , Webb , Abell , Denison , Larchin , Brock , Gush , Morgan , and Kearney as members of the committee . Bros . Tate , Daniel , Rosser , and Garratt were appointed Auditors , and a vote of thanks

was unanimously givento Bros . Stacey , While , and Snelling , for their exertions on behalf of the charities . The association will continue to meet at the Portugal Hottl , 155 , Fleet-street , on the first Friday in every month , at 8 . 30 in the evening , rjft-r the closing of the Lodge of Instruction , when members of the Craft , ladies , and Lewises residing in the metropolis or in the provinces will be en .

Metropolitan Masonic Benevolent Association.

rolled , and subscriptions received by Bro . Snelling , who will forward post free a prospectus of the association , and give every information to persons applying .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The monthly meeting of the General Committee of subscribers to this school was held on Saturday afternoon in the Board-room , Freemasons' Hall . Bro . W . F . Collard Moutrie presided ; and the other bethren present were Bros . H . Browse , E . C . Cox , Walter Hopekirk , Jesse Turner ,

Donald M . Dewar , A . Tisley , J . C . Dwarber , S . Kawson , John Boyd , William Hale , Capt . John Wordsworth , Hyde Pullen , Joyce Murray , H . Massey ( Freemason ) ; Benjamin Head , tiieRev . Dr . Robert Morris , Thomas Smith , Capt . N . G . Philips , J . M . P . Montagu , S . Rosenthal , F . J . Wain , W . Paas , C . G . Rushworth , Geo . P . Gillowe , Geo . Motion , John M . Stedwell , and F . binckes ( Secretary ) .

The formal portion of the business , consisting of the reading and confirmation of minutes and of the Auditors ' Report , occupied a considerable time , after which the Chairman was authorised to sign cheques for bills passed . The petitions were then read . Six of these were on the list , and of these two were deferred for tivo months , for

better reading , and one for a certificate of health . Three candidates were placed on the list for the April election . Cheshire and Staffordshire each presented a boy , by virtue of the perpetual presentation possessed by those provinces . A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings .

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .

The Masonic Hall at Hamilton , Waikato , being completed , the ceremony of dedication took place on Th uisday , 23 rd August , Bro . R . W . P . G . M ., G . P . Pierce , of the Irish Constitution , presiding . The foundation-stone of this building was laid according to ancient usage on 91 I 1 Nov ., 1876 .

The building itself is of brick , containing a lodge room 30 by 20 , and . two ante rooms . each 12 by 12 , with a passage 6 by 12 between . A large number of Masons assembled from various parts of the district , supplemented by the officers of the P . G . L . and brethren from Auckland , who availed themselves of the railway lately opened to Ngamawahia .

I he lodge was opened in ample form by the P . G . M . and officers , after which a procession was formed , some 60 brethren marching to St . Peter ' s Church , where the Rev . Bro . Wm . Calder held Divine service . Returning to the Masonic Hall the ceremony of dedication was pioceeded with . An address was delivered by Bro . G . D , Pierce , P . G . M .

New Zealand , P . C ., which will be given in our next . The labours being ended the brethren assembled at the town hall , where luncheon had been provided , to which ample justice was done . In the evening a Masonic ball took place , and dancing was kept up vigorously until 5 a . m . by some 120 brethren , their relatives and friends .

the funds realised being devoted to the orphans' Home in Auckland . Previous to the ceremony of dedication the W . M . of Lodge , Beta , 450 , I . C ., was presented by the brethren , of the lodge through Bro . G . S . W . Goldsbro with a Masonic Jewel , in recognition of his zeal in piomoting the building of the hall and forwarding the interests of the Cralt .

OPENING OF A NEW LODGE AT WINCHESTER . About six months ago , the question as to the opening of a Masonic lodge at Winchester was mooted , which eventually culminated in a dispensation being granted foi this purpose , and the Masons of South Canterbury , amounting to some twenty-five members of the St . John's

and Caledonian Lodges , left town for Winchester . On arriving at the scene of their labours they were most courteously received , and after partaking of the good things provided , they proceeded to the school-room to carry out their mission . There were present in all forty-two members of the Craft .

The Winchester Lodge of the Canterbury province , of E . G . Freemasonry , was duly consecrated and dedicatetl to the Craft by the D . P . G . M . of Canterbury , Bro . H . Thompson , on behalf of the W . P . G . M ., Bro . Donald , who was unable to attend .

The ceremony of consecration was ably carried out in a , telling address from the Chaplain , Bro . Barclay , who drew the attention of the brethren to the centre point of the Craft , viz ., their duties to the Grand Architect of the universe , as the Author of all good things , and their duties to their fellow men and brethren to dwell together in unity and charity , not the charity that gives money , but the

Charity of fellow-feeling which would bring its reward with it . The D . P . G . M ., Bro . Thompson , being assisted by Bro . King , P . M ., Bro . Williamson , P . M ., Bro . West , and Bro . Watkins , then duly dedicated the lodge under the title of the Winchester Lodge , according to ancient usages and custom of a pre-historic description , showing the ancient

position Masonry had taken in the advancement of the iiberal arts and sciences , even in the ages of darkness when light was not so universally spread . 'The ceremony was very impressive , interspersed as it was at times by the assistance of addresses from the Chaplain . Bro . Zcisler , W . M . 1137 , ably presided as Organist , and

the anthems which were rendered were so produced as to show the value of harmony . The following officers were then duly installed for the ensuing year : — Bros . P . M . J . King , W . M . ; W . De Renzic , S . W . ; G . Taylor , J . W . ; W . Smith , S . D . ; J . A . Young , I . D . ; W . G Walsh , C . Williams , Tyler ,