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Article CONSECRATION OF THE GORDON LODGE, No. 2149, AT HANLEY. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WILTSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WILTSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Gordon Lodge, No. 2149, At Hanley.
the Saracen ' s Head Hotel , where an excellent banquet was provided by Mr . and Mrs . Hassall . The W . M . presided , and at the conclusion of the dinner he proposed the loyal toasts , and "The Health of the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M ., the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M ., and other officers of Grand Lodge . " Bro . FOSTER GOUGH appropriately responded .
Bro . HAMSHAW , in eulogistic terms , proposed " The Health of the P . G . M ., " which was drunk with & reat cordiality . Col . TUDOR , in responding , acknowledged the heartiness with which he had always been welcomed in North Staffordshire . He spoke of his desire to discharge the duties of his office faithfully and impartially , observing that , with the very best intentions , it was sometimes difficult—not to say
impossible—to give satisfaction to all . In all that he did he endeavoured to do that which would be to the advantage of Freemasonry . He ( Col . Tudor ) then proposed " The Health of the W . M . and Success to the Gordon Lodge , " expressing himself gratified with everything he had seen in relation to the lodge that day , and his firm belief that the lodge would prosper . The toast was well received .
Bro . BROMLEY acknowledged the toast . He disclaimed any desire on the part of the members of the Gordon Lodge to damage the Menturia , whose interest he still had at heart . But he fully believed there was ample room for both lodges , and that both would prosper . He proposeel the toast
of "The Menturia Lodge , " coupling with it the name of Bro . W . H . HALES , who responded , remarking that he believed the Menturia would continue to maintain the high position it had held for half a century . He trusted that each lodge would have a large accession of members , for he was sure there was room for both .
Bro . the Rev . T . LLOYD proposed " The Health of Bro . Hamshaw , Installing Master , " who spoke of the impressiveness of the Masonic ceremonies , and said all his Masonic knowledge had been gained at the Menturia Lodge . Bro . CHARLESWORTH proposed " The Health of Bro . Foster Gough , and the other Officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past ; " for whom Bros . CROYDON and LLOYD responded .
Bro . PALMER proposed "The Visitors , " and the toast was acknowledged by Bros . F . J . MILNER , J . WEBBERLEY , and T . K . PEDLEY . Bro . J ACKSON presented the toast of "The Officers of the Gordon Lodge , " on whose behalf Bro . J . W . J ONES returned thanks . " The Health of the Prov- Grand Chaplain , " with thanks to him for his splendid oration at the consecration , was proposed by the W . M ., and acknowledged by Bro . the Rev . T . LLOYD .
Bro . T . TAYLOR proposed " The Masonic Charities . " He remarked , that in round figures the Masons of the country subscribed ^ 58 , 000 a year for their three central Charitable Institutions . In addition , there were many valuable local institutions , including the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association , the advantages of which he pointed out .
Bro . F . DERRY , whose name was coupled with the toast , observed that a grand work was being done by Staffordshire in support of the Charities , and foremost in contributing to that result was the Menturia Lodge . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the list . The speeches , which were brief , were interspersed with some excellent vocal music by the Silverdale Glee party , and the evening was spent very pleasantly .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WILTSHIRE .
The annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Town Hall , Warminster , on Friday , the 7 th inst ., being received by the Longleat Lodge , No . 1478 . In the unavoidable absence of the Provincial Grand Master , Lord Methuen , the chair was filled by the D . P . G . M ,, Sir Gabriel Goldney , Bart ., supported by Bros . Col . Randle Ford , P . P . GJ . W ., as P . G . S . W . ; the Rev . T . J . Heard , as P . G . Chap . ; F . H . Goldney , P . G . Treasurer ; H . Merrick , P . G . Reg . ; H . Bevir , P . G . Secretary ; I .
T . Calkin , P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; G . Pike , P . G . A . D . C ; W . H . Burt , P . G . S . B . ; T . Turner , Steward ; H . C Tombs , P . G . D . England , P . P . G . S . W . ; W . Nott , P . P . G . J . W ., Charity Sec . ; J . C Maclean , P . P . G . S . D . ; T . S . Futcher , P . P . G . J . D . ; W . J . Mann , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; C . Gauntlett , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; W . H . Brinkworth , P . P . G . O . ; E . S . Mackrell , P . P . G . O . ; Edwin Eyres , P . P . G . P . ; A . J . Beaven , P . P . G . B . ; F . S . Hancock , W . M . 663 ; F . Barton , W . M . 1271 ; E . Jones , W . M . 1295 ; W . Pullen , W . M . 1478 ; and others .
The roll of the various lodges was called , and the call with one exception was duly responded to . The P . G . Secretary , Bro . HARRY BEVIR , then read the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Salisbury , which minutes were duly confirmed . This was followed by the reading of the minutes of the Charity
Committee , which had been held the same morning , from which it appeared that Bro . J . C . Maclean had , at the request of the Committee , consented to act as Steward from the province for the forthcoming Festivals of both Girls ' and Boys' Schools , and that to his list for the former the Committee recommended a vote of £ 10 ios ., and for the Boys' School the sum of ^ 21 . These recommendations were adopted .
The P . G . Treas , Bro . F . H . GOLDNEY , read an abstract of his accounts , which had been duly audited . These accounts showed that , in addition to the cash balances in his hands on the General Account , the Charity Account , and the Provincial Benevolent Fund Account , there were investments in the Funds amounting in the whole to something like £ 500 . Bro . Goldney intimated that they would probably have to bear a new expense for the
future , inasmuch as the Somerset House authorities had made a claim for income tax on the various contributions to the Provincial Grand Lodge Funds . The principle on which this claim was made had been under the consideration of the authorities of Grand Lodge , who , he was afraid , would feel themselves obliged to admit it . The report and accounts of the Prov . Grand Treasurer were approved and adopted .
The P . G . Reg ., Bro . HENRY MERRICK , presented his report , which stated that the province appeared to be in a generally satisfactory and progressive condition , that there was an increase in thc number of the brethren as compared with the numbers given in the last report , bringing the total nominal strength of the ten lodges up to 451 , and that there had been a
decided improvement in the effective working conduct of various lodges . The Registrar ' s report went on to say that it might be broadly assumed that the total income of the ten lodges amounted to about . £ 750 , and the ordinary expenditure to about £ 600 per annum , but directed the attention of lodges tothe large and increasing amount of outstanding unpaid subscriptions . The adoption of this report was carried by acclamation .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.
Bro . WILLIAM NOTT , Provincial Charity Secretary , presented the report of the Benevolent Fund and Charily Organization Committee , as follows r BENEVOLENT FUND . —The whole of the income to the end of the year 1 SS 4 has been invested in Consols , and the income for the past year will also be available for
further investment , no claim having been made upon it , The fund is now assuming a most satisfactory position , and in a few years will—should no large claim occur—have reached an amount , the income from which , with the annual subscriptions from tho lodges , will allow of substantial assistance being given when occasion may arise tor it .
CHARITY ORGANIZATION . —At the last meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge it was reported that the Committee had adopted the widow of the late Bro . Charles Feaviour , of the Lodge of Rectitude , 335 , Corsham , as a candidate for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . This case being taken up by the Associated Provinces at the election in May last , Mrs . Feaviour was elected on that , the first attempt , she being I Sth on the list of 23 successful candidates .
Vour Charity Secretary , as Secretary of the Association of Provinces , of which Wiltshire is one , has attended the meetings of their representatives ,, which take place in London at the elections . The representatives of the other provinces are Bros . Captain S . G . Homfray , D . P . G . M . Monmouthshire , Chairman of the Association ; R . C . Else , D . P . G . M . Somersetshire ; M . Tennant , D . P . G . M . Eastern Division of South Wales ; R . V . Vassar Smith , Gloucestershire ; W . Purnell , Bristol ; M . J . YValker , Leicester and Rutland ; and J . Wilson , Worcestershire ; and to all of whom the thanks of this province are due for their hearty co-operation , which has resulted in the Association attaining a commanding position at the elections for the great Masonic Charities .
The Wiltshire recipients of these Masonic Charities are now as follows : From the Benevolent Institution four widows are ( as three of them have been doing for the past nine , seven , and three years respectively ) receiving annuities of £ 32 ( each ; whilst in the Gills' School , five , and in the Boys' School , two , children are being maintained and educated . Wiltshire thus derives from these Charities a large benefit , the money value of which may be reckoned at nearly , if not quite , £ 500 a year .
The contributions from Wiltshire to public Masonic Charities during the past year have been through the medium of Bro . John Chandler , as Steward from the provinco , for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , with a list of £ iSS 17 s . ; and Bro . VVm . Nott , as Steward for the Mark Benevolent Fund , from the Wiltshire Keystone Marl : Lodge , at Devizes , with a list of £ 17 15 s . ; to these must be added a donation of £ 10 ios . from Lodge 335 to the Boys' School ; thus giving a total of £ 217 2 s . It may be added that the votes sent in to the Provincial Charity Organization Committee during the past three years have been as follows : — 1 SS 3 . 1 SS 4 . 1 SS 5 .
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ... ... ... 498 509 513 „ „ Girls ... ... ... 370 417 3 S 4 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons ... ... ... ... 242 233 244 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Widows ... 171 33 S 279 12 S 1 1497 M
Nearly all the votes in the province ( both lodge and private ) are now placed at tha disposal of the Committee , and on this being done depends the success of the organization . WILLIAM NOTT , Devizes , 31 st December , 1 S 85 . Prov . Charity Sec . The W . D . P . G . M . proposed " That this report be adopted , and that the thanks of the P . G . Lodge be given to Bro . Nott for his great and successful exertions on behalf of the objects of the Committee . " This was carried by acclamation .
Sir GABRIEL GOLDNEY , addressing the brethren , said he would then proceed to the most interesting part of the day ' s proceedings , which was to Eresent to Bro . Henry C Tombs , P . P . G . Secretary , the piece of plate which ad been purchased pursuant to the vote of Prov . Grand Lodge at its last meeting . Bro . Tombs in the 17 years during which he filled the office of Secretary for that province had , in that capacity , secured the goodwill of
every Wiltshire Mason . His work had been arduous , and he had performed it in such a way as to be of the greatest assistance and benefit to Masonry , and doubtless it was owing to his untiring efforts , to a great extent , that the number of brethren in the province had increased from about 200 , when he took office , to nearly 450 , when he resigned . He asked Bro . Tombs to accept that little gift , not for its intrinsic worth , but to remind him and his family of the appreciation and goodwill of the brethren .
The piece of plate , which consisted of a silver salver , weighing 133 ozs ., dating from the reign of George I ., and which bore the following inscription : ' — " Presented to W . Bro . Henry C . Tombs , P . G . D . Eng ., P . P . G , S . W ., and Prov . G . Secretary Wilts , by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire , 5 th Nov ., 18 S 4 "—was then handed to Bro . Tombs .
Bro . TOMBS warmly expressed his acknowledgment of the kindness of the brethren—a kindness , he said , which he should ever remember . Masonry had ever , from the time of his initiation , possessed for him a great charm ; he looked upon it as a bulwark against the infidelityand discontent which were now more than ever showing themselves in various quarters , and he assured those present that , so far as lay in his power , his best efforts would always
be available to further the interests of the Craft . He asked the brethren to accept and believe in his warmest gratitude , though he could not find words to express how fully he appreciated their kindness . He could not refrain , before sitting down , from expressing his high opinion of the exquisite taste which had been shown by the Prov . Grand Treasurer and the other members of the Committee appointed for the purpose , in their selection of the beautiful work of art now before them .
The acting P . G . M ., Sir G . GOLDNEY , then addressed the brethren , expressing his regret at the unavoidable absence of Lord Methuen . He referred to the postponement of Provincial Grand Lodge from its usual time of meeting in the autumn—a postponement rendered necessary by the Elections and other matters then occurring , which prevented the meeting being then held , and to the difficulty in finding a suitable day ; whilst , at
the same time , he felt gratified in seeing so large a gathering after all this delay . He briefly referred to the satisfactory character of the reports which had been read . Bro . F . H . Goldney , in the Prov . G . Treasurer ' s report , showed that Masonry in Wiltshire was in a flourishing state as regarded its finances ; whilst that of Bro . H . Merrick , the Registrar , was equally satisfactory as regarded the numbers and position of the brethren and lodges in the
province . Bro . Nott was also to be congratulated on the report which , as Charity Secretary , he was enabled to lay before the meeting . He ( the acting P . G . M . ) , and he was sure all the brethren agreed with him , felt that the warmest thanks of the province were due to Bro . Nott for the manner in which he had carried out the details of the Charity organization works both in Wiltshire and in connection with the otherprovinces with which Wiltshire was associated . The acting Prov . Grand Master also congratulated Bro .
Bevir on the manner in which , in relation to this the first P . G . Lodge since his appointment , everything had been carried out . To the members of the receiving lodge he expressed the pleasure it gave him to come amongst them again , though at the same time he could not avoid expressing his regret that at the last moment he had received a letter from Lord II . F . Thynne , the * first W . M , of the lodge , saying that it was utterly impossible for him to be present that day .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Gordon Lodge, No. 2149, At Hanley.
the Saracen ' s Head Hotel , where an excellent banquet was provided by Mr . and Mrs . Hassall . The W . M . presided , and at the conclusion of the dinner he proposed the loyal toasts , and "The Health of the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M ., the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M ., and other officers of Grand Lodge . " Bro . FOSTER GOUGH appropriately responded .
Bro . HAMSHAW , in eulogistic terms , proposed " The Health of the P . G . M ., " which was drunk with & reat cordiality . Col . TUDOR , in responding , acknowledged the heartiness with which he had always been welcomed in North Staffordshire . He spoke of his desire to discharge the duties of his office faithfully and impartially , observing that , with the very best intentions , it was sometimes difficult—not to say
impossible—to give satisfaction to all . In all that he did he endeavoured to do that which would be to the advantage of Freemasonry . He ( Col . Tudor ) then proposed " The Health of the W . M . and Success to the Gordon Lodge , " expressing himself gratified with everything he had seen in relation to the lodge that day , and his firm belief that the lodge would prosper . The toast was well received .
Bro . BROMLEY acknowledged the toast . He disclaimed any desire on the part of the members of the Gordon Lodge to damage the Menturia , whose interest he still had at heart . But he fully believed there was ample room for both lodges , and that both would prosper . He proposeel the toast
of "The Menturia Lodge , " coupling with it the name of Bro . W . H . HALES , who responded , remarking that he believed the Menturia would continue to maintain the high position it had held for half a century . He trusted that each lodge would have a large accession of members , for he was sure there was room for both .
Bro . the Rev . T . LLOYD proposed " The Health of Bro . Hamshaw , Installing Master , " who spoke of the impressiveness of the Masonic ceremonies , and said all his Masonic knowledge had been gained at the Menturia Lodge . Bro . CHARLESWORTH proposed " The Health of Bro . Foster Gough , and the other Officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past ; " for whom Bros . CROYDON and LLOYD responded .
Bro . PALMER proposed "The Visitors , " and the toast was acknowledged by Bros . F . J . MILNER , J . WEBBERLEY , and T . K . PEDLEY . Bro . J ACKSON presented the toast of "The Officers of the Gordon Lodge , " on whose behalf Bro . J . W . J ONES returned thanks . " The Health of the Prov- Grand Chaplain , " with thanks to him for his splendid oration at the consecration , was proposed by the W . M ., and acknowledged by Bro . the Rev . T . LLOYD .
Bro . T . TAYLOR proposed " The Masonic Charities . " He remarked , that in round figures the Masons of the country subscribed ^ 58 , 000 a year for their three central Charitable Institutions . In addition , there were many valuable local institutions , including the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association , the advantages of which he pointed out .
Bro . F . DERRY , whose name was coupled with the toast , observed that a grand work was being done by Staffordshire in support of the Charities , and foremost in contributing to that result was the Menturia Lodge . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the list . The speeches , which were brief , were interspersed with some excellent vocal music by the Silverdale Glee party , and the evening was spent very pleasantly .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WILTSHIRE .
The annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Town Hall , Warminster , on Friday , the 7 th inst ., being received by the Longleat Lodge , No . 1478 . In the unavoidable absence of the Provincial Grand Master , Lord Methuen , the chair was filled by the D . P . G . M ,, Sir Gabriel Goldney , Bart ., supported by Bros . Col . Randle Ford , P . P . GJ . W ., as P . G . S . W . ; the Rev . T . J . Heard , as P . G . Chap . ; F . H . Goldney , P . G . Treasurer ; H . Merrick , P . G . Reg . ; H . Bevir , P . G . Secretary ; I .
T . Calkin , P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; G . Pike , P . G . A . D . C ; W . H . Burt , P . G . S . B . ; T . Turner , Steward ; H . C Tombs , P . G . D . England , P . P . G . S . W . ; W . Nott , P . P . G . J . W ., Charity Sec . ; J . C Maclean , P . P . G . S . D . ; T . S . Futcher , P . P . G . J . D . ; W . J . Mann , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; C . Gauntlett , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; W . H . Brinkworth , P . P . G . O . ; E . S . Mackrell , P . P . G . O . ; Edwin Eyres , P . P . G . P . ; A . J . Beaven , P . P . G . B . ; F . S . Hancock , W . M . 663 ; F . Barton , W . M . 1271 ; E . Jones , W . M . 1295 ; W . Pullen , W . M . 1478 ; and others .
The roll of the various lodges was called , and the call with one exception was duly responded to . The P . G . Secretary , Bro . HARRY BEVIR , then read the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Salisbury , which minutes were duly confirmed . This was followed by the reading of the minutes of the Charity
Committee , which had been held the same morning , from which it appeared that Bro . J . C . Maclean had , at the request of the Committee , consented to act as Steward from the province for the forthcoming Festivals of both Girls ' and Boys' Schools , and that to his list for the former the Committee recommended a vote of £ 10 ios ., and for the Boys' School the sum of ^ 21 . These recommendations were adopted .
The P . G . Treas , Bro . F . H . GOLDNEY , read an abstract of his accounts , which had been duly audited . These accounts showed that , in addition to the cash balances in his hands on the General Account , the Charity Account , and the Provincial Benevolent Fund Account , there were investments in the Funds amounting in the whole to something like £ 500 . Bro . Goldney intimated that they would probably have to bear a new expense for the
future , inasmuch as the Somerset House authorities had made a claim for income tax on the various contributions to the Provincial Grand Lodge Funds . The principle on which this claim was made had been under the consideration of the authorities of Grand Lodge , who , he was afraid , would feel themselves obliged to admit it . The report and accounts of the Prov . Grand Treasurer were approved and adopted .
The P . G . Reg ., Bro . HENRY MERRICK , presented his report , which stated that the province appeared to be in a generally satisfactory and progressive condition , that there was an increase in thc number of the brethren as compared with the numbers given in the last report , bringing the total nominal strength of the ten lodges up to 451 , and that there had been a
decided improvement in the effective working conduct of various lodges . The Registrar ' s report went on to say that it might be broadly assumed that the total income of the ten lodges amounted to about . £ 750 , and the ordinary expenditure to about £ 600 per annum , but directed the attention of lodges tothe large and increasing amount of outstanding unpaid subscriptions . The adoption of this report was carried by acclamation .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.
Bro . WILLIAM NOTT , Provincial Charity Secretary , presented the report of the Benevolent Fund and Charily Organization Committee , as follows r BENEVOLENT FUND . —The whole of the income to the end of the year 1 SS 4 has been invested in Consols , and the income for the past year will also be available for
further investment , no claim having been made upon it , The fund is now assuming a most satisfactory position , and in a few years will—should no large claim occur—have reached an amount , the income from which , with the annual subscriptions from tho lodges , will allow of substantial assistance being given when occasion may arise tor it .
CHARITY ORGANIZATION . —At the last meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge it was reported that the Committee had adopted the widow of the late Bro . Charles Feaviour , of the Lodge of Rectitude , 335 , Corsham , as a candidate for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . This case being taken up by the Associated Provinces at the election in May last , Mrs . Feaviour was elected on that , the first attempt , she being I Sth on the list of 23 successful candidates .
Vour Charity Secretary , as Secretary of the Association of Provinces , of which Wiltshire is one , has attended the meetings of their representatives ,, which take place in London at the elections . The representatives of the other provinces are Bros . Captain S . G . Homfray , D . P . G . M . Monmouthshire , Chairman of the Association ; R . C . Else , D . P . G . M . Somersetshire ; M . Tennant , D . P . G . M . Eastern Division of South Wales ; R . V . Vassar Smith , Gloucestershire ; W . Purnell , Bristol ; M . J . YValker , Leicester and Rutland ; and J . Wilson , Worcestershire ; and to all of whom the thanks of this province are due for their hearty co-operation , which has resulted in the Association attaining a commanding position at the elections for the great Masonic Charities .
The Wiltshire recipients of these Masonic Charities are now as follows : From the Benevolent Institution four widows are ( as three of them have been doing for the past nine , seven , and three years respectively ) receiving annuities of £ 32 ( each ; whilst in the Gills' School , five , and in the Boys' School , two , children are being maintained and educated . Wiltshire thus derives from these Charities a large benefit , the money value of which may be reckoned at nearly , if not quite , £ 500 a year .
The contributions from Wiltshire to public Masonic Charities during the past year have been through the medium of Bro . John Chandler , as Steward from the provinco , for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , with a list of £ iSS 17 s . ; and Bro . VVm . Nott , as Steward for the Mark Benevolent Fund , from the Wiltshire Keystone Marl : Lodge , at Devizes , with a list of £ 17 15 s . ; to these must be added a donation of £ 10 ios . from Lodge 335 to the Boys' School ; thus giving a total of £ 217 2 s . It may be added that the votes sent in to the Provincial Charity Organization Committee during the past three years have been as follows : — 1 SS 3 . 1 SS 4 . 1 SS 5 .
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ... ... ... 498 509 513 „ „ Girls ... ... ... 370 417 3 S 4 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons ... ... ... ... 242 233 244 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Widows ... 171 33 S 279 12 S 1 1497 M
Nearly all the votes in the province ( both lodge and private ) are now placed at tha disposal of the Committee , and on this being done depends the success of the organization . WILLIAM NOTT , Devizes , 31 st December , 1 S 85 . Prov . Charity Sec . The W . D . P . G . M . proposed " That this report be adopted , and that the thanks of the P . G . Lodge be given to Bro . Nott for his great and successful exertions on behalf of the objects of the Committee . " This was carried by acclamation .
Sir GABRIEL GOLDNEY , addressing the brethren , said he would then proceed to the most interesting part of the day ' s proceedings , which was to Eresent to Bro . Henry C Tombs , P . P . G . Secretary , the piece of plate which ad been purchased pursuant to the vote of Prov . Grand Lodge at its last meeting . Bro . Tombs in the 17 years during which he filled the office of Secretary for that province had , in that capacity , secured the goodwill of
every Wiltshire Mason . His work had been arduous , and he had performed it in such a way as to be of the greatest assistance and benefit to Masonry , and doubtless it was owing to his untiring efforts , to a great extent , that the number of brethren in the province had increased from about 200 , when he took office , to nearly 450 , when he resigned . He asked Bro . Tombs to accept that little gift , not for its intrinsic worth , but to remind him and his family of the appreciation and goodwill of the brethren .
The piece of plate , which consisted of a silver salver , weighing 133 ozs ., dating from the reign of George I ., and which bore the following inscription : ' — " Presented to W . Bro . Henry C . Tombs , P . G . D . Eng ., P . P . G , S . W ., and Prov . G . Secretary Wilts , by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire , 5 th Nov ., 18 S 4 "—was then handed to Bro . Tombs .
Bro . TOMBS warmly expressed his acknowledgment of the kindness of the brethren—a kindness , he said , which he should ever remember . Masonry had ever , from the time of his initiation , possessed for him a great charm ; he looked upon it as a bulwark against the infidelityand discontent which were now more than ever showing themselves in various quarters , and he assured those present that , so far as lay in his power , his best efforts would always
be available to further the interests of the Craft . He asked the brethren to accept and believe in his warmest gratitude , though he could not find words to express how fully he appreciated their kindness . He could not refrain , before sitting down , from expressing his high opinion of the exquisite taste which had been shown by the Prov . Grand Treasurer and the other members of the Committee appointed for the purpose , in their selection of the beautiful work of art now before them .
The acting P . G . M ., Sir G . GOLDNEY , then addressed the brethren , expressing his regret at the unavoidable absence of Lord Methuen . He referred to the postponement of Provincial Grand Lodge from its usual time of meeting in the autumn—a postponement rendered necessary by the Elections and other matters then occurring , which prevented the meeting being then held , and to the difficulty in finding a suitable day ; whilst , at
the same time , he felt gratified in seeing so large a gathering after all this delay . He briefly referred to the satisfactory character of the reports which had been read . Bro . F . H . Goldney , in the Prov . G . Treasurer ' s report , showed that Masonry in Wiltshire was in a flourishing state as regarded its finances ; whilst that of Bro . H . Merrick , the Registrar , was equally satisfactory as regarded the numbers and position of the brethren and lodges in the
province . Bro . Nott was also to be congratulated on the report which , as Charity Secretary , he was enabled to lay before the meeting . He ( the acting P . G . M . ) , and he was sure all the brethren agreed with him , felt that the warmest thanks of the province were due to Bro . Nott for the manner in which he had carried out the details of the Charity organization works both in Wiltshire and in connection with the otherprovinces with which Wiltshire was associated . The acting Prov . Grand Master also congratulated Bro .
Bevir on the manner in which , in relation to this the first P . G . Lodge since his appointment , everything had been carried out . To the members of the receiving lodge he expressed the pleasure it gave him to come amongst them again , though at the same time he could not avoid expressing his regret that at the last moment he had received a letter from Lord II . F . Thynne , the * first W . M , of the lodge , saying that it was utterly impossible for him to be present that day .