Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

TORQUAY . —Royal Sussex Preceptory ( No . „ , \ —The quarterly convocation of this preceptory vvas hpld on Wednesday , the 30 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall . The E . P ., Sir Knight F . C Frost , Prov . W . of Regalia , assisted by his officers , opened the preceptory . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the knights proceeded to elect the Preceptor for

the ensuing year , when that well-known Masonic author , Sir Knight John Lane , vvas elected to that importantoffice . Sir Knight John Lane returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him . The next business was to elect the Treasurer for the ensuing year , Sir Knight VV . Vicary , vvho has most efficiently discharged the duties of this office for the past eight yearshaving desired to be relieved of the

, vvork . Sir Knight W . Taylor , P . P . B . B ., vvas unanimously elected as Treasurer . Sir Knight John Chapman , P . P . G . Reg ., gave notice that at the next meeting he vvould move — "That the Prov . G . Priory of Devonshire be solicited to suggest , by resolution , to the G . Priory of England that it Order

is desirable to amend the rule or regulation of the by granting to all members that have received provincial honours , and that shall in the future receive provincial rank , the right of past rank on the expiration of their term of office , and so long as they shall remain subscribing members of the Order . " The preceptory was then closed .

Masonic Ball Of The Humber Lodge, No. 57, At Hull.

MASONIC BALL OF THE HUMBER LODGE , No . 57 , AT HULL .

On Tuesday evening , the 5 th inst ., the annual Masonic ball in connection vvith this lodge was held at the Public Rooms , vvhen upwards of 200 of the brethren and their friends assembled to trip the light fantastic toe to the strains of Close ' s excellent quadrille band . A large

number of representative Masons vvere present from Hull and neig hbourhood , and , clad in the provincial , Royal Arch , & c , and Craft clothing of their respective ranks , made a very effective spectacle when seen in conjunction vvith the handsome dresses of the ladies , who seemed to vie with each other in the harmonious colour of their apparel . Dancing commenced about nine o'clock , and during the

whole evening Bro . E . Corris , P . M ., was most energetic in his office of M . C , and vvas ably assisted by Bro . J . Walker , also acting as M . C , whilst the following acted as Stewards : Bros . S . Rutter , W . M . ; J . Hargreave , S . W . ; M . Haberland , P . M . ; R . Beevers , P . M . ; J . Clark , I . P . M . ; R . J . McLeavy , C . T . White , I . G . ; H . J . Bergwitz , James Matthews , James Wildbore , J . R .

Forman , D . C . ; I . E . Chapman , E . Richardson , and W . G . Walter . Among the brethren present we noticed Bros . M . C Peck , P . M ., G . Std . Br . Eng ., Prov . | G . Sec ; Wilson , P . M ., P . G . D . C . West Yorks . ; Dunn , P . M . 1040 ; M . Haberland , P . M . 57 „ ; Beevers , P . M . 57 ; Walton , P . M . 57 ; Hodgson , P . M . 57 ; Thompson , P . M ., Treas . 57 ;

J . Bilson , VV . M . 1010 ; R . R . Havvley , W . M . 257 , P . P . G . Stwd . ; H . Toozes , P . M . 57 ; P . Whitfield , P . M . 1603 ; J . Robinson , P . M . 1603 ; J . Rutter , VV . M . 57 ; J . Clark , I . P . M . 57 ; E . Corris , P . M ., Prov . G . Reg . ; and others . At 12 . 50 a most recherche supper was provided by Bro . Tipple , of the Public Rooms , at the close of which the VV , MASTER proposed "The Health of her Majesty the

Queen . " The National Anthem was then sung , the solo being taken by Bro . J . Walton , P . M . The toast of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " vvas then submitted , the name of Bro . M . C . Peck , G . Std . Br ., being associated vvith it as an officer of the Grand Lodge .

Bro . PECK having suitably responded , proposed The Health of the W . M ., Bro . S . Rutter . " Bro . MCLEAVV , acting D . C , then , in a few suitable terms , proposed the last toast on the list— "The Ladies " —which , having been drunk with great furore , was responded toby Bio . E . CORRIS , P . M ., in most appropriate

terms , and who concluded a most humorous speech by saying he would give the company a part of the Masonic secret in the shape of poetry" We're true and sincere , and just to the fair ; They'll trust us on any occasion ; No mortal can more the ladies adore

Than a Free and an Accepted Mason . " Dancing vvas then recommenced and kept up till four o ' clock , vvhen the company most unwillingly separated , having spent a most enjoyable evening . Messrs . E . Davis had decorated the rooms with their usual taste , and a large number of tropical plants set off the orchestra .

As the net proceeds of the ball are intended for the Masonic Charities , it is to be hoped that , as so large a number were present , the amount available for that purpose will reach a substantial sum . _ The general arrangements vvere in the hands of the Hon . Sees ., Bros . Henderson and Thyer , and the whole proceedings passed off without anything occurring to mar the pleasure of the evening .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

. The Committee of Management of this Institution held its usual monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday . Bro . J . A . Farnfield , Treasurer , P . A . G . D . C , presided , and there were present Bros . W . B . Daniell ; C . J . Perceval ; C H . Driver , P . P . G . S . of W . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; Joseph Freeman , VV . H . Perryman , P -G . P . ; S . Brooks ; C . H . Webb ; G . Bolton ; C . Daniel ; A . H . Tattershall ; W . Smith ; Hugh Cotter ; J . Newton ; W . Masters ; Jabez-Hogg , P . G . D . ; Alex . Forsyth ; W . M- Bywater , P . G . S . B . ; J . Dixon ; B . G . Blasby ; and Jas Terry , P . G . S . B . ( Secretary ) . Ihe minutes of the previous meeting having- been read and verified , the Secretary reported the deaths of six annuitants ( four men and two widows ) and one male

can-1 •™ j " A letter vvas also read from a male candidate , withdrawing- his name from the list of candidates for the may election . The Warden ' s report for the past month vvas read , and also a letter from Bro . Raynham VV . Stewart , on the subject of erecting a boundary fence , and such a fence was otdered to be erected accordingly .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

Applications from the widows of two recently deceased annuitants for the half of their late husbands' annuities were read and granted . Att n . A widow ' s petition , which had been deterred for further information , was accepted , and the name ordered to be placed on the list of candidates for the election in May .

A statement of receipts and expenditure having been submitted , the Committee finally settled the lists of candidates for election on the two Funds , and declared the vacancies on each , which will be filled up in May , viz : Male Fund , 62 candidates , 17 vacancies ( 14 immediate and 3 deferred ); Female Fund , Si candidates , 10 vacancies ( 7 immediate and 3 deferred ) . A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . WILLIAM BIGGS , P . P . S . G . W . WILTS , & c . The death of Bro . William Biggs , which occurred at Southall , VV ., on the 1 st inst ., removes from the ranks of Masonry one who , in past years , rendered faithful and distinguished service to the Order , and the announcement of his decease will be received with regret by a wide circle of Masonic friends . The late Bro . Biggs vvas born at

Devizes in 1 S 14 . He commenced business at isouthampton , but subsequently removed to London , where , in October , 1 S 52 , he was initiated in the Israel Lodge , No . 247 , now 205 . Such was his zeal in Masonry that in 1856 he vvas installed in the Master ' s chair . In that year he joined both the Arch and Mark Degrees , the former in the Concord Chapter , No . 394- Southampton , and the latter

in the Albany Lodge , No . 176 , Newport , Isle of Wight . About that period he removed to Winchester . His business keeping him in communication vvith his native town , he took an active part in the formation there of the Wiltshire Lodge of Fidelity , No . 663 , and in 1 S 63 served the office of W . M . In 1857 , Bro . Biggs was invested by Lord Methuen , P . G . M . of Wiltshire , with the collar of P . G .

Pursuivant . In the following year he vvas appointed P . G . D . C , and in 1 S 59-60 he held the office of P . G . Registrar . In 1 S 61 he was appointed P . J . G . W ., and in 1 S 64 he vvas placed in the chair of P . S . G . W . About 1 S 65 Bro . Biggs removed to Reading , and in 1866 , owing largely to his efforts , the Greyfriars Lodge , No . 1101 , was founded , our deceased brother acting as its first I . P . M . It may be

mentioned that while he held that office he initiated Bro . the Right Hon . G . J . Shaw Lefevre , ivl . P ., then one of the members for the borough . In 1869 , Bro . Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart ., M . P ., was installed Prov . Grand Master of the Province of Berks and' Bucks , and he appointed Bro . Biggs P . G . Sec , an office which he held to the great advantage of Masonry in the province till 1877 . Upon hi-5 retirement he vvas the recipient of a handsome testimo

Obituary.

nial , presented to him by Sir D . Gooch , in the name of the brethren of Berks and Bucks . While residing in Reading Bro . Biggs was chiefly instrumental in the formation of the Union Chapter , No . 414 , and was the first M . E . Z . In 1 S 75 a Provincial Grand Chapter for Berks and Bucks was formed , Bro . Biggs being installed in the Third Principal ' s chair . He also acted as P . G . S . E . In his capacity as P . G .

Secretary Bro . Biggs superintended the arrangements connected with the first public Masonic ceremony performed by H . R . H . the Prince oi Wales , viz ., the laying of the foundation-stone of the Reading Grammar School , and he also officiated as a Steward upon the occasion of the installation of his Royal Highness as Grand Master . In the South and West of England , and in the Channel Islands ,

the late Bro . Biggs vvas well known as a working Mason of exceptional ability . He was especially felicitous in the ceremony of installation , and he acted as Installing Master in the Lodge of Hope , No . 574 , Newbury ; the Lodge of Fidelity , Devizes ; and the Lodge of Economy , No . 7 6 , Winchester . He took a deep interest in the various Masonic Charities , and was always energetic in their

support . He served as Steward of the Boys'and Girls'Schools , and was a Life Governor of both , while he made his wife , two of his sons , and his three daughters Life Governors of the former Institution . Of late years Bro . Biggs has been in failing health , but he never ceased to take a warm

interest in Masonry . His remains were interred on the 6 ; h inst . at Southall amid many marks of respect and esteem . Among the numerous wreaths upon the coffin was a very beautiiul one from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Berks and Bucks . The brethren resident in Southall also deposited there another , and themselves attended the funeral .

BRO . FRANK CHILD , P . M . We have received information that Bro . Frank Child , P . M . and Treasurer of the Lodge of St . James , No . 765 , Lewisham , died very suddenly on Tuesday , the 29 th ult ., and vvas buried at Nunhead Cemetery on Saturday , the

2 nd instant . The deceased was greatly esteemed and respected by the members 01 his lodge , and in order to testify to the sorrow they felt at the decease of their worthy Treasurer , the brethren wore the usual ensigns of mourning at the meeting of the lodge on the 5 th instant , and the usual refreshment after labour was dispensed with .

At the regular quarterly meeting of the Ubique Lodge , No . 17 S 9 , held at the Regent Masonic Hail , Cafe Royal , Regent-street , S . W ., on Monday last , Bro . W . K . Arnold , Royal Artillery , Senior Warden , vvas unanimously elected Worshipful Master of the lodge for the ensuing year . Bro . Arnold vvas initiated in this lodge in November , 1 SS 4 , appointed J . W ., May , 1 SS 7 , and S . vV ., May , iSSS . His installation will take place at the above lodge room oa the 13 th May next .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution,*

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION , *

Statistics 1882-1888 Inclusive

Subscribed Seven Years' Seven Years' Expended this NAME . this Year . Aggregate . Averag-e . Year . Surplus . Deficiency . £ s . d . £ s . d . £ s . cl . £ s . d . £ s . cl . £ s . d . London 5 S 49 12 6 67100 iS o 95 S 5 17 o 4712 o o 4 S 73 17 3 — Bedford — 53 12 o 7 13 2 — 7 13 2 — Berks and Bucks 113 S o 1274 00 1 S 2 1 3 6 4 o o 118 3 o — Bristol — 1004 o o 143 S 7 . 200 o o — 56 n 5 Cambridgeshire — 449 11 o 6 4 4 ( j 40 o o 24 4 6 — Cheshire 63 . ° o 5 C 5 19 o So 17 o 3 ° S o o — 287 3 o Cornwall ... to 10 o Sgg 5 o 12 S g 5 320 o o — IOr i 0 7 Cumb . and Westmoreland 1050 o o 1271 11 6 1 S 1 13 1 104 o o 77 13 I * —• Derby 26 5 o 580 10 o 82 18 7 — 82 iS 7 — Devon ... 26 5 o 47 6 17 o 68 2 5 64 S S o . — 579 J 7 7 Dorset — 430 8 o 61 5 5 136 o o — 64 14 7 " Durham 122 15 o 623 2 o Sg o 3 144 o o — 54 19 9 Essex H 9 ° 1927 26 275 6 1 296 o o — 20 13 n Gloucester 7 2 5 o 1 S 12 1 6 25 S 17 4 104 0 o 154 17 4 — Hants 63 0 o 3320 17 2 474 5 4 6 40 o o _ j . 65 I 4 g Hereford — — — Herts H 3 J 5 6 2291 12 6 327 7 6 — 327 7 6 — Kent 374 8 o 3 S 02 10 o 543 4 3 976 o o — 432 15 o Lane . E 2873 n 6 4508 10 6 65 S 7 3 ago" 00 — 237 12 g Lane W 42 o o 1607 4 6 229 12 1 3 6 S o o — , 38 Z u Leicester and Rutland ... — 7 8 9 10 o 112 14 3 _ J 12 14 3 _ Lincoln — 8 9 15 o 12 16 5 i ? 6 o o — 163 ¦ , Middlesex 4 ' 9 ' 4 ° 2697 15 6 3 S 5 9 4 40 o o 345 9 4 ¦ —¦ Monmouth ... ... 43 s 3 ° 895 10 o 127 18 5 , 68 o o _ 40 1 7 Norfolk 63 o o 2 S 6 14 o 40 19 2 x 20 o o — 79 o 10 North Wales 4 6 4 o 277 15 o 39 12 2 72 o o — 32 7 8 Norths and Hunts ... 10 10 o 303 3 o 43 6 2 j 20 o o _ , r > f-x 10 Northumberland 900 o o 900 o o 128 n 5 So o o 4 8 n 5 Notts 52 10 o 747 16 6 106 16 8 104 o o 2 16 8 — Oxford 47 5 o 654 4 8 93 9 3 i ° 4 o o — 10 10 9 Shropshire 20 5 o 201 4 o 28 14 10 32 o o 3 5 2 Somerset 137 5 ° 1177 o o 168 2 10 j 68 o o 02 10 — S . VVales , E S 6 5 o o 991 15 o 141 13 7 _ , , , _ S . Wales , VV 108 10 o 439 5 ° 62 15 o 72 o o — 950 Stafford no . 15 o S 25 16 o 117 19 5 , 12 o o 5 19 5 —¦ Suffolk 451 10 o 196 9 18 6 281 5 7 524 00 — 342 14 5 Surrey i > 7 1 o 2130 6 6 304 6 8 72 0 o 232 6 8 — Sussex 31 10 o 700 16 o 100 2 3 184 o o S 3 17 g Warwick — 606 14 o 86 12 o 1 12 o o — •" ; 8 o Wilts — 4 S 2 8 o 6 5 iS 3 6 4 o o 1 iS 3 — Worcester 94 10 o 10 S 9 12 3 155 13 2 96 o o 59 13 1 Yorkshire , N . and E . ... 31 10 o 403 06 57 n 3 3 S 4 00 326 8 g Yorkshire , W 400 o o 3154 20 450 n 9 1016 op — 565 8 3 Channel Islands 68 5 o 554 So 79 4 o 256 o o — 176 16 o Colonies 10 10 o no 5 o 15 15 o 352 00 — 336 c 0

This Table is only approximately correct , for other sums may have come in since the Festival Report vvas printed but not sufficient to make any material difference . Considering how heavily handicapped both this and the Boys' Institution were by the Centenary Festival of the Girls' Institution , "The Benevolent" has every reason to congratulate itself on the very successful result of ; its Festival . I wish the same could be said of "The Boys ' , " but I feel sure that vvhen the jubilee Year of "The Benevolent" and the Centenary of " The Boys' " take place , that they will meet with the same magnificent success as that of "The Sister Institution . " —Yours fraternally , P . M . 1607 , * The above table has been in our hands for publication for some time , but press of matter has prevented its appearance . Although the interest attaching to it has been somewhat discounted , we think the figures may be useful and therefore we make no apology for presenting it to our readers . '