Provincial Grand Lodge Of Devonshire.

Viscount Ebrington , vvould preside , vvould doubtless increase their voting powers in that direction , but much still remained to be done by the representatives of lodges , whose aim it should be to see that none of the votes in their lodges and neighbourhood were lost either by being given outside the province , or sent too late to be of service . The 739 votes received in October vvere used by their London

representative in payment of debts ; the province vvas now owing over 1000 votes , and it was confidently expected that after thc April and May elections they would not only be clear of debt , but have a good balance in their favour . From circumstances which needed no further allusion , the credit of the province vvas not what it was some years ago , but vvhen they vvere clear from all liabilities and had a balance in their

favour , it vvas hoped to regain their former proud position , when the credit of Devon was second to no province in Eng land . There vvere two petitions for relief—one irom the widow 0 f a deceased brother—for several years a member of Lodges 159 and 1 S 47 , a P . M . and Prov . G . Officer—left with two young children ; the other from the widow of a

deceased brother , formerly a member of Lodges 1247 and 1091 , left vvith three children . In each case £ 5 was unanimously voted to the widow for present relief , vvith a recommendation for the further consideration of her case at the next meeting of the Committee of Petitions . The Chairman of the Committee , Bro . W . G . Rogers ; the Hon . Sec , Bro . J . B . Gover ; and the London

representative , Bro . the Rev . W . Whittley , vvere all unanimously re-elected to those offices . Atthe close of the business of the Committee of Petitions , a meeting of the General Purposes and Finance Committees of the Devon Masonic Educational Fund vvas held , and the representatives present , in addition to those already mentioned , were Bros . S . Jew , P . P . G . T . ; D . Cross ,

PG . T . ; F . B . Westlake , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . W . Cornish , P . P . G . T . ; T . Goodall , P . P . G . O . ; F . Hooper , P . P . G . D . C ; VV . H . Macey , and C . Watson . Bro . F . B . Westlake , a Vice-President , presided . The Auditors , Bros . S . Jew and R . Hambly , reported that they had found the accounts in a very satisfactory condition . There vvere now ten children on the fund . During the year £ t 03 had been paid to those

children and to others vvho had gone off the fund , including two grants for advancement in life . The present value of the fund was £ 730 , including £ 500 on a dep . itit note at the Devon and Cornwall Bank , £ 223 in the hands of the bankers , and £ y in the Treasurer ' s hands . The value of the lund in 1 S 86 was £ 610 ; the increase in 1 SS 7 had thus been £ 120 . ^ tie annual subscriptions and donations to

the fund were progressing very favourably . During 1 SS 5 they amounted to £ 147 ; 1 SS 6 , £ 276 , including £ 50 derived from a concert ; 1 S 87 , £ 302 , including £ 45 derived from a Masonic exhibition . The coming annual meeting in April was arranged to be held at Plymouth , and two more children will be recommended to be then taken on the fund . It was suggested that the funds were ample to elect

three more children , but after a discussion it vvas , by a majority , considered more advisable to elect two in April and two more in October next . This concluded the business . During the day a capital lunch vvas provided by the local lodges at the Freemasons ' Club for the entertainment of the country brethren , and in the evening they were entertained there at a high tea , Bro . Symons proving an excellent caterer .

Annual Festival Of The Brixton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1949.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE BRIXTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1949 .

The annual festival of this successful lodge of instruction vvas held at the Prince Regent , Dulwich-road , Hernehill , S . E ., on Tuesday evening , the 24 th ult ., vvhen a goodly number of members assembled at the hospitable board of Bro . George Monk , who catered in his usual masterly

manner . Bro . Stephen Richardson , I . P . M . No . 1 S 3 , presided , and vvas supported by the following brethren : Bros . Francis , S . W . 1 S 3 , Preceptor ; G . R . Langley , W . M . 1 S 3 , Sec ; H . Hooper , J . W . 1 S 3 , and W . M . elect 1986 ; J . W . Oliver , I . D . 183 ; G . VV . Speth , P . M . and Sec . 1 S 3 ; G .

H . Lindsey-Renton , 1 S 3 ; J . Harling , P . M . and Treas . 30 ; G . W . Castle , 1050 , Asst . Sec ; R . Poore , I . P . M . 1949 ; Jno . Bott , 1949 ; A - E - Albert , S . D . 1949 ; R . Bott , ' 949 ' . J . Hicks , 1949 ; J . Newland , 1949 ; Cutler , 1949 ; Carter , 45 ; Penniall , 1658 ; W . Rowe , S . W . 7 S 0

Becket , P . M . 7 80 ; Plummer , S . W . 155 S ; H . J . Wicks , W . M . 126 9 ; J . Spicer , S . W . 1269 ; G . Monk , 1507 ; and A . H . Bott . The tables having been cleared , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts vvere proposed by the President and duly honoured .

Bro . FRANCIS , Preceptor , then assumed the gavel and proposed "The Health of the President , Bro . Richardson , " Siating that he was a worthy man and Mason , of whom the lod ge of instruction was justly proud . He had been a most regular attendant almost since its foundation , vvas an excellent worker , and a staunch supporter of the Charities ; j " " it therefore gave him much pleasure to commend the toast to the brethren , feeling sure it vvould meet with a good reception at their hands . Ihe manner in vvhich this toast vvas received proved the h ' - ' n ° ^ ttle proposer ' s icmaiks , and the PRESIDENT orieli y responded in kindly and happy terms . He then prop , sed ' •Continued Prosperity to the Brixton Lodge of "struction , " coupled with ihe names of the Preceptor , t " ° *' rancis ; the Treasurer , Bro . Axford ; the Secre-Ca' ^' i ' 8 * eyj and the Assistant Secretary , Bro . !•* . « •btatin S that the success of the lodge of liv c . was due in a great measure to the Execuner ' ' , ™ he paid a warm tribute for the manr in which they discharged their respective duties . He . / 'Pressed regret at the absence of the Treasurer , but . as

in-inn i n ^ > 'h * cause must be an engagement of an Th v \ u ature ' as he was most regular in his attendance . of . ? . - * ren received this toast in a manner expressive who 1 ' PPrec . iat'on of the services of the Executive o , in responding , nledfred their services in thc future as

Sy had given them in the past , cf ln ^ neXt - t 0 ast P ° P ° < -d vvas that of " The Brixton Lodge with ti , rUCt ' Masonic Benevolent Association , " coupled P RESIDP na * ° C the Secretary- Br 0 * Hooper . The tion rf , J' ! n comrnenting upon the success of the associayear ' s i ? u ,. •althou gh it had been founded under five tions ! m , } tlme they had P > n t 0 tl ] e various Institua er ^ fl s ol - guineas . That he stated was due in * eat measure to the thorough co-operation of the bre-

Annual Festival Of The Brixton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1949.

thren , but mainly to the untiring energy of the very excellent Secretary , Bro . Hooper . Bro . HOOPER returned thanks in a short but humorous speech , and stated that , having been Secretary of the Association since its foundation , his services in that capacity should always be at the disposal of the brethren so long as it might please them to retain him in that position .

The toast of " The Visitors" having been proposed , was responded to by Bro . SPETH , P . M . and Sec . 183 , vvho expressed his satisfaction that the members of the mother lodge so well supported the lodge of instruction ; Bro . BECKET , who credited the Preceptor and Secretary vvith a large measure of its success ; and Bro . CUTLER , a member of the mother lodge , vvho expressed his determination to

become a regular attendant at its weekly meetings . The PRESIDENT , in proposing the toast of "The Mother Lodge , " took the opportunity to thank the members thereof for the very loyal support they gave to the lodge of instruc-This toast vvas coupled vvith the name of the I . P . M ., Bro . R . POORE , a founder of the lodge of instruction , who

expressed his thanks for the Masonic knowledge he had gained under the Preceptorship of Bio . Francis , and referred to the advantages the mother lod ^ e had obtained through . the same source by the excellent working of the members vvho gave the lodge of instruction their regular support . "The Health of the Host and Hostess" vvas received vvith enthusiasm , and suitably responded to by Bro . MONK .

A vote of thanks to the President vvas proposed by Bro . R . POORE , I . P . M . 1949 , and carried by acclamation . Bio . FRANCIS called attention to the testimonial to be raised for presentation to Bro . T . Poore , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , assistant Preceptor of that lodge of instruction at its foundation , and suggested that the members should subscribe towards the same , and let the amount be remitted to the Committee in the name of the Brixton Lodge of

Instruction . 'I his suggestion meeting with the entire approval of the brethren , it vvas agreed that subscriptions be placed in the hands of the Preceptor , Bro . Francis . Expressions of regret at inability to attend vvere received from several brethren .

The singing ot "Auld lang syne" brought to a close a most successful festival of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction . The following brethren contributed largely to the pleasure of the evening by their vocal and elocutionary powers ; Bros . Harling , Plummer , Monk , Speth , Cutler , Oliver , Lindsey-Renton , Richardson , and Wicks . Bro . Lindsey-Renton kindly officiated as accompanist .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of Management held their usual monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday . Bro . Edgar Bowyer , Treasurer and Trustee , P . G . Std . Br ., presided , and there vvere present Bros . W . H . Perryman , G . P . ; S . Brooks , VV . B . Daniell , W . J . Murlis , F . Adlard , J . L .

Mather , A . G . D . C ; G . Warde Verry , A . H . Tattershall , James Brett , P . G . P . ; G . Bolton , Hugh Cotter , E . West , Jabez Ho" -g , P . G . D . ; C . H . Webb , 1 'homas Cubitt , P . G . Purst . ; C . H . Driver , P . G . S . of VV . ; W . Hilton , J . J . Berry , C . Kimpton , W . Belchamber , Joseph Clever , Alex . Forsyth , and James Terry , P . G . S . B . ( Secretary ) . The minutes of the January meeting having been read

and verified , the SECRETARY reported the deaths of two male annuitants , and the Warden ' s report for the past month vvas read . The lists of candidates vvere formally settled , and the vacancies for the election in May next declared , the numbers being as regards the Male Fund 67 candidates and

16 vacancies ( 13 immediate and 3 deferred ) , and on the Widows' Fund , 6 4 candidates and 7 vacancies ( 4 immediate and 3 deferred ) . A notice of motion by Bro . Birch having been handed in , a vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman , and the Committee adjourned .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The General Committee of this Institution held their regular monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Saturday last . Bro . Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br ., occupied the chair , and there were present Bros . S . Richardson , Rev . R . Morris . M . A ., LL . D ., I . Larkin , Raynham VV . Stewart ,

P . G . D . ; J . L . Mather , A . G . D . C ; F . Adlard , F . W . Ramsay , Dudley Rolls , G . Corbie , H . Venn , J . Moon , T . Griffiths , R . J . Tucker , A . R . Motion , James Motion , VV . Maple , J . Lee Dale , H . J . Giller , J . S . Cumberland , Geo . P . Gillard , and F . Binckes , P . G . S . B . ( Secretary ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and verified , and those of the House Committee read for information , the report of the Audit Committee vvas read

and approved . Petitions on behalf of two boys vvere submitted and approved , and the names ordered to be entered on the list ot candidates for the election in October . Three applications for grants towards outfit were favourably enteitained . A series of notices of motion , arising out ot the action of the House Committee in dealing vvith one of the boys , having been handed in , a vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman , and the Commiltee adjourned .

A Masonic Ball At Hastings.

A MASONIC BALL AT HASTINGS .

To say that the Hastings , St . Leonards , and District Masonic Ball , vvhich vvas held under the authority of H . R . H . the Dukeof Connaught , R . W . Prov . G . M , at the Royal Concert Hall , on the iScli ult ., in aid of the funds of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , was equal in every lespect to its predecessors , is to say that it was in every

sense of the word a brilliant success . Ihe arrangements vvhich had been made for the comfort of the visitors were perfect , and , as a consequence , every one appeared to be in a happy frame of mind , vvhich , naturally , rendered easy the task of enjoying oneself . At one time there could not have been less than two hundred persons present , and the

scene during the execution oi any dance vvas , as may well be imagined , an extremely brilliant one . Some of the dresses worn by the ladies were very effective and beautiful , the prevailing tone being white . ' Almost the whole of the spacious building was decorated in one way or another , from the stage , where unlimited refreshments were served ,

A Masonic Ball At Hastings.

even to the corridor . Indeed , this last place , with its lace and damask curtains , and its handsome pictures , vvas so transformed as to he scarcely recognisable . The dancing hall itself , vve need hardly remaik , was splendidly arranged vvith flowers , shrubs , and draperies , and cosy lounges and chairs . Druggett coveied the floor . The task of adornment vvas left in the hands of Messrs . T . Relfe , florist , and

G . W . Veness , whilst the supplying of the music was entrusted to Mr . H . Muscat , vvith the happiest of results . Messrs . Vidler and Co . supplied a choice supper . 'Ihe Hun . Sees , were Bro . Councilor Russell and Bio . Capt . Hennah , and Bro . R . J . Read undertook the duties appertaining to the office of Treasurer . The two former gentlemen especially must have had a deal of hard vvork to do ,

and to them is due much of the success of the affair . Dancing commenced at about ten o ' clock , and vvas carried on until pretty late into Thursday morning . The company present included his Worship the Mayor an J the Mayoress (; Wr . Councillor and Mrs . Stubbs ) , Mr . Wilson Noble ,

M . P ., and Mrs . Wilson Noble , and many others . We append the dance programme : Valse , quadrille , polka , lancers , valse , quadrille , schottische , lancers , polka , quadrille , valse , Caledonians , valse , lancers , highland schottische , lancers , polka , quadrille , valse , lancers , valse , lancers , schattische , and galop .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . THOMAS EUSTACE . The Essex Standard records the death of W . Bro . Thomas Eustace , who for many years has carried on the business of licensed victualler at Colchester , was a member of the local Board of Guardians , and Burial Board . He was also an active Freemason , being a Past Master of the United Lodge , No . 6 97 , and P . P . G . Swd . Br . Only on the

25 th ult ., he was present at the monthly meeting of his lodge , on the occasion of a presentation to the Secretary . He was also a Founder and first VV . M , of the Blackwater Lodge , No . 1977 , Maidon , which was onl y a few years ago consecrated hy Lord brooke , R . W . P . G . M . Essex , and P . M . of the Constantine Mark Lod ge , No . 145 . The remainds of the deceased vvere interred at the Colchester

Cemetery , on Monday afternoon , February Gth , amid every demonstration of respect . Several mem uers of the Board of Guardians vvere in attendance , and many of the deceased ' s lellow tradesmen and personal friends , while a very large contingent of the Masonic body , of vvhich the deceased had long been an active member , formed a procession at the entrance to the cemetery and accompanied

the body to the grave . this procession vvas rendered additionally striking by the presence of a number of military brethren in lull uniform . The Freemasons present were : —dros . G . Pung Hazell , W . M . j Thomas Kix , P . M . and Secretary , P . P . G . Swd . Br . ; A . Gosling , P . M . and Treasurer , P . P . G . D . C ; J . T . Bailey , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; A . S . B . Sparling , T . B . Harrington , J . G . Renshaw JR .

, . Ford , J . G . Button , VV . A . Chambers , Capt . Penny , Capt . Brown , J . Alliston , C . Frost , Capt . McKenna , T . J . Grant , VV . T . Downing , VV . H . N . Eastwood , H . EL Heath , VV . Coope , S . Critchley , Joseph Brown , VV . Wade , J . Laws , and VV . T . Ennew , of No . O 97 ; Master-Gunner Lawrence , Sergt . Woods , C . T . C . ; Sergt . Freeman , C T . C .: Sertrt .

Jackson , R . A . ; Sergt . Davis , R . A . ; Sergt .-Majot iVidnnery , M . S . C , and Sergt . j . E . Mathews , iVI . S . C ., Military Brethren ; W . Shawyer , VV . M . ; S . H . Ellis , I . P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; W . Meade , S . VV . ; VV . Rudrum ' J . VV . ; Potter , Turner , B . Grout , Martin , Curtis , and Drew , of No . 1977 ; Geo . Harrison , vV . M . ; T . J . Rallunr

P . M . and Sec , P . A . G . D . C , Eng ., P . G . Sec ; and C . O . G . Becker , P . M ., of No . 51 ; Datlimore , P . M ., No . 309 . The burial service vvas performed by the Kev . W . H . Wardell , assisted b y the Revds . W . Morgan Jones and E . H . Crate , both of whom are P . M . ' s of Lodge No . 6 97 , and P . P . G . Chaplains .

BRO . ALFRED H . STRONG . On the 28 th ult ., after only a week ' s illness , Bro . Alfred Strong , W . M . of the Koyal Commemoration Lod ge , 1585 ( ol the Solicitor ' s Department , Board of Trade ) , was called to his rest . The cause of death was inflammation ot the lungs , and he vvas interred at Brompton Cemeterv

on the 2 nd inst . His loss is very deeply felt by his family , a large circle of friends and acquaintances , his colleagues ' at the Board of Trade , and by many in o : her departments of the Civil Service with whom his official duties brought him in contact , by all of whom he is universall y regretted . At the regular meeting of the lodge on the ist inst ., it vvas unanimously resolved "That our worth y Secretary be empowered to write , in the name of the lodge , to our

departed brother s widow , and convey lo her our heartfelt sympathy in tlii-i the hour of her great affliction , and to assure her how deeply we aU feel the loss of a true and faithful brother and a sincere and warm-hearted friend . Also that a wreath be sent to be placed upon his coffin . " Bro . Strong was also a member of the Dalhousie Lodge , No . S 65 , and Royal Albert Chapter , No .

907 . The following brethren attended the funeral : From the Royal Commemoration Lod ge : Bros . J . W . Robinson , P . M ., Sec ; A . Boehr , P . M . ; Jesse Coliiii- * -s ! P . M . ; F . H . Smith , P . M . ; G . Mansell , P . M . ; S . Pardoe , jun ., P . M . ; VV . C . Williams , S . W . j Valentine Wing , J . W . ; H . Oliver , l . G . ; E . M . Coombe , Stwd . ; VV . o . fage , P . M . ; A . Gravely , J . Howard , A . Grundy ,

W . J . Bosworth , VV . Fayers , jun ., G . C . Jamieson , andG . S . Hunt . From the Dainuusie Lod ge : Bios . VV . C . Williams , W . M . ; R . H . Williams , I . P . M ., P . P G D ! Middx , ; C A . Walter , P . M ., Treas ., P . P . G . D . Middx VV . H . Causton , P . M ., Sec ; W . Watson , J . VV . ; P . Grehche , Stwd . j C . Sansom , H . Murkett , A . Dovey , and C . Hatt . From the Royal Albert Chapter : Comps . VV . H . Causton , M . E . Z . j T . Burne , and E . Brewer , P . S . Several brethren ot the above three named bodies wrote

expressing regret at not being able to attend . There were also present amongst others Bros . VV . J . Morley , W . M . 1 S 91 ; Foakes , P . M . ; A . Williams , S . D . 2090 j T . w ! Heath , l . G . 1642 ; A . Bishop , 1390 ; VV . H . Stevenson , 174 ; Charles Ciarkson , 1604 , and others . A large number

ot triends also assembled at the chapel and followed to the grave , and the Board of Trade vvas duly represented . The floral emblems were very numerous and exceedingly choice . The service at the grave was most impressively rendered by the Rev . Greene , Vicar of St . Marv's , Stamford Brook , Goldhawk-road .