The District Grand Lodge Of Mark Master Masons Of The Punjab.

routine work must go on , and Returns must be submitted , and letters replied to by the W . M . Office work must continue all through the vear . ^/ j —The Wor . Masters of two Lodges ( 221 and 465 ) leave everything to be done by their Secretaries . I hold the W . M . personally responsible to me ; the Secretary is merely his assistant and is not responsible to Dist . G . L .

I notice that one cause of weakness in lodges arises from the fact that a Wor . Master is elected , though it is well known to every member that such W . M . is likely to have the station within a month or two of his election , by r-ason of the transfer of a Regiment , & c . Instances of this have occurred recently in L"dges 201 and 392

On this account " Wahab " Lodge , No 201 , has become extinct , and its Wa-ranr been r *» turn » d : and I much fear thu " Sanford " Lodge , No . 392 at D ig-fni wiM shorrly have to follow the same course . However . I am gl id to be able to say that Lodge " Wahab , " No . 201 , at Sialkote , is shortly to be re-opened .

The Strength ot Lodges on June the 30 th , 1894 ( when the District was formed was as follow-.: — 9 8—Fidelity ... 20 138—Adlard ,,. 6 193—Worthy Apprentice ... 15 219—Ardvorlich ... 24

221—St . John ' s ... 14 258—Sutlej ... 16 279—Pinnacle ... 17 392—Sanford ... 5 429—Frontier ... 11 465—Beluchistan ... 28

156 I may here remark that 1 would rather have a lew well managed and well established Lodges than a large number of Lodges , of which several are spasmodic and uncertain in their work j and not in a sound and flourishing condition .

Similarly I look more to the quality of individual members than to mere numbers . In Mark Masonry we are bound to be select and to keep out black sheep with a firm hand . Let no Master think that a mere increase in numbers will be regarded as a sign of a healthy and prosperous Lodge . I want to see every Mason excluded from the Mark Degree whose past record in the Craft

does not afford a guarantee that he will prove an energetic , well conducted , and worthy brother , and an ornament to the Order . We have a means of knowing the character of those who seek admission to our Order , which is absent in Craft Masonry—vie ., a previous Masonic record . Unless that is good , the ballot should be rigorously exercised to exclude . _ A small compact Lodge , every Member of which realises his responsibilities , and renders

himself useful , is a thousand times preferable to a Lodge with a large Roll , but no energetic co-operation and thoroughness of working . Here again , though it is most desirable that the work of giving Degrees should be thoroughly and effectively done , it must be remembered that the giving of degrees is a means to an end , and not the end itself . The degree admits to membership , but , that admission to membership should

mean earnest work in the interests of the Order , is more important than the ceremony of admission . The door being opened , let those who enter understand that they are allowed to enter only on the condition that they add to the strength of the Order ; that they are good honest workmen and not worthless drones . We want no lazy boon companions , but busy fellow workers .

Each member should choose how he can best assist the Lodge which he joins , and the Master should endeavour to utilise members according to their special gifts . Let some instruct ; others infuse energy into our charities ; others help to occupy our moments of relaxation pleasantly and usefully . Let all try to learn what Masonry and Mark Masonry mean and to apply their knowledge . Let " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do—do it with all thy might , " be the motto of all true Mark Masons . Let us establish our Mark in such manner that all may honour , respect and love us . MARK WELL !"

Middlesbrough Seamen's Institute.

MIDDLESBROUGH SEAMEN'S INSTITUTE .

On Wednesday , the 30 th ult ., the Seamen's Institute , Queen's-terrace , Middlesbrough , was formally opened by Lady Raylton Dixon , who performed that office in the unavoidable absence of the Dowager Duchess of Northumberland . Additional interest was attached to the function inasmuch as the Marquis of Zetland , Prov . Grand Master of the North and East Ridings , laid a capestone at the northern buttress of the building with Masonic honours . The institute is the outcome of the persistent efforts of the Rev . Fred . Griffiths , who has worked hard

to obtain such a place for the use of the thousands of sailors who every year enter and leave the Tees . The building was originally a Congregational Chapel and schoolroom , and it was purchased from the Congregationalists for a sum of ^ 2000 . The proceedings began with a special meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the North and East Ridings , which was . opened in that part of the building which will hereafter be the church , by the Prov . Grand Master , the Most Hon . the Marquis of Zetland .

The following Prov . Grand Officers were present : Bros . W . H . Cowper , P . S . G . W . ; C . W . Forbes , P . J . G . W . ; Colonel Sadler , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . A . Malcomson , P . P . S . G . W . ; Rev . Dr . Baker and Rev . Lewis Porson , P . G . Chaps . ; J . Vernon Cooper , P . P . G . Reg . ; M . C . Peck , P . G . Sec , P . P . G . Std . Br . Eng . j W . Stead , P . G . S . ot W . ; S . P . Austin , P . P . J . G . W . Durham ; A . Farmer , P . P . S . G . W . ; W . A . Hutchence , P . S . G . D . ; F . J . Lambert , P . G . W . ; Henry Forster ,

P . G . D . of C . j F . Wilson , P . G . Org . ; Rev . F . Griffiths , Tees Chaplain ; S . W . Clpse , P . P . G . S . B . ; R . W . Gibbs and W . Mitford , P . G . Std . Brs . ; T . Gibson Poole , P . G . S . B . ; W . T . Tate , P . P . J . G . W . ; W . Barlow , P . P . A . G . D . C ; C . T . Lane , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . C . Moor , P . P . G . D . ; T . R . Dent , P . P . G . S . of W . ; and G . Peacock , P . G . S . There was a very good attendance of brethren from all parts of the North of England .

The Prov . Grand Lodge having been opened , a procession was formed , and the brethren proceeded to the capestone . Amongst the company were Sir Raylton and Lady Dixon , the Misses Dixon , Captain J . G . Swan , Lieutenant-Colonel C . L . Bell and Mrs . Bell , Mr . H . W . F . Bolckow , Alderman W . L . Taylor and Miss Taylor ( Mayor and Mayoress of

Middlesbrough ) , Alderman H . Fell Pease , M . P . ( Mayor of Darlington ) , Dr . Ellerton , the Ven . Archdeacon Yeoman , Rev . J . K . Bealey ( Vicar of Middles - brjuuhj , Rev . J . Woodhouse ( Vicar of St . Peter ' s ) , Rev . J . S . L . Burn ( Vicar of All Saints , ) , Dr . and Mrs . Hedley , Rev . H . Martin ( Vicar of Stockton ) , Dr . Lennard ( barrister-at-law ) , Alderman J . F . Wilson , Mr , Isaac Wilson , Rev , Wt Ga

Middlesbrough Seamen's Institute.

Trevor ( Vicar of Marton ) , Mr . Waynman Dixon , Dr . Glen ( South Bank ) , Rev . W . T . Lawson , Mr . R . T . Wilson , Rev . Mr . Hatfield ( York ) , Mr . G . F . Wilson ( the Superintendent of the Society , London ) , Rev . Webb Peplow ( Chaplain of the Tyne Seamen's Mission ) , and others . The PROV . GRAND MASTER , when all had taken their appointed stations near

the stone , delivered an address , in the course of which he said they were assembled there In the presence of men and in the sight of the Most High , to complete by laying the capestone , a building which had been erected for the use of those who go down to the sea in ships to pursue their business on great waters , a house which they prayed God would abundantly bless and prosper .

Bro . Dr . BAKER then offered prayer , after which Bro . J . F . GRIFFITHS asked the Prov . Grand Master to lay the capestone . The PROV . GRAND MASTER replied that he would have much pleasure in acceding to Bro . Griffith ' s request . Bro . Walker Stead , P . G . Supt . of Wks ., having placed a phial containing newspapers , & c , in the cavity , Bro . Bottomley , the architect , handed to the Prov . Grand Master a silver trowel , suitably inscribed , and the Prov . Grand Master

having spread the mortar , the stone was lowered into its position , the band of the Artillery Volunteers playing the National Anthem . The square , level , and plumb rule were then handed to the Prov . Grand Master , who used them , and said : " Having tried the capestone by the square , level , and plumb rule , I declare it is justly and truly laid , and that the Craftsmen have done their duty . " He next tapped it with the mallet , and said s " I declare this capestone has been justly and truly laid according to the ancient rules of architecture and the regulations of our Craft . " Thereafter he poured on the stone corn , wine , and oil .

Bro . the Rev . LEWIS PORSON having offered prayer , the brethren proceeded to the lower room of the Institute . There Bro . Peck , P . G . Sec , presented to the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Bottomley , who had designed and executed the alteration of the fabric j and the Prov . Grand Master expressed himself pleased with the building . Bro . Col . SADLER said it fell to his lot , as the Senior Local Provincial Officer , to express , on behalf of the brethren and also the ladies and gentlemen present , a

cordial and hearty welcome to Lord Zetland , and to express their pleasure at his being present on that interesting occasion . Lord Zetland , following in the steps of a late illustrious Lord Zetland , had always taken a far-reaching and generous interest in Middlesbrough . Lady Zetland , too , had taken the warmest interest , and had been associated and identified with every charitable work , and in every effort of any important character which had been for the well-being and happiness of their rapidly-growing community .

The Mayor of MIDDLESBROUGH seconded , and the vote was carried with cheers . Bro . the Marquis of ZETLAND , in reply , said he offered them his warmest and most sincere thanks for the vote which had been proposed , and for the extremel y kind manner in which it had been received . He could not sit down without very

heartily congratulating the architect ( Bro . Bottomley ) on the very great success that had attended his undertaking in the completion of the building . Mr . G . F . WILSON , Superintendent of Missions to Seamen , London , next asked Lady Dixon to formally open the Institute , in the unavoidable absence of the Duchess of Northumberland , whose absence they so much deplored .

Lady DIXON said : Lord Zetland , Ladies , and Gentlemen , —In the unavoidable absence of the Dowager Duchess of Northumberland , which we so very much regret , and which is so deplored , I have been asked to represent her . 1 have great pleasure in doing so , and I beg to declare this Institute open , and to wish it every possible success . Lady Dixon then received purses on behalf of the Institute , one of the purses being placed on the tray by a little mite in white , and another by a policeman in uniform—Police-Constable Mileston .

Each person on presenting a purse , was handed a small bouquet of flowers which had been sent by the Duchess of Northumberland for the purpose . The Rev . J . F . GRIFFITHS moved a hearty vote of thanks to Lady Dixon for so kindly coming to the rescue at very short notice . Nobody regretted the absence of the Duchess of Northumberland so much as Lady Dixon . He might say , however , that the Duchess would have had to drive 10 miles to Darlington that evening to have got there , and the roads were very much blocked with snow . He could say that there was no truer friend to the Missions to Seamen than the Duchess of Northumberland .

Sir RAYLTON DIXON thanked the assembly for the very hearty way in which they had carried the vote of thanks proposed by Mr . Griffiths . The VEN . ARCHDEACON OF CLEVELAND then pronounced the benediction . The Masonic portion of the company then adjourned , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed .

Tbe company then adjourned to the Town Hall , where a large number partook of an excellent luncheon . Sir Raylton Dixon presided . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , Mr . S . P , AUSTIN , of Sunderland , a member ef the Central Committee of the Missions to Seamen , proposed " The Health of Lord Zetland , " and trusted he would long be spared to assist in such good work as he had taken part in that day .

The Marquis of ZETLAND , in reply , said it had been a great pleasure to him to come to Middlesbrough and take part in the very interesting proceedings of that day . Speaking as Grand Master of that province he might say it had given not only himself , but every Freemason of that province great pleasure to have given their support and to have added some importance to that ceiemony which had just

been concluded , and which , he trusted , might be substantial assistance to that very excellent institution , the Missions to Seamen . He concluded by proposing " Future prosperity and success to the Seamen's Institute at Middlesbrough , Mr . j . J . BURTON replied , and stated that the purses had realised £ 267 6 s . s d . The total collodion was ^ 301 is . iod . The Rev . J . K . BEALEY proposed " The Health of the Chairman , " and the toast was enthusiastically honoured .

_ Sir RAYLTON DIXON , in returning thanks , said he would be glad to give an additional donation of ^ 50 towards diminishing the debt on the Institute , which he hoped would be wiped out within a month . Subsequently , a reception was held in the Mayor ' s parlour . In the evening a well-attended public tea was held in the crypt of the Town Hall , and this was followed by a capital entertainment in the Town Hall , provided by the Apollo Male Voice Choir and others .

Second Ladies' Night Of The Southern Star Lodge, No. 1158.

SECOND LADIES' NIGHT OF THE SOUTHERN STAR LODGE , No . 1158 .

The regular meeting of this well-known lodge was held at the Bridge House Hotel on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult ., and after the business had been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Drawing Room , where the highly-esteemed W . M ., Bro . T . F . Knibb , with his daughter , Miss Alice Knibb , held a reception , at which the following brethren and friends were most cordially

welcomed : Mrs . Sweetland , Mrs . and Miss Roberts , Mr . and Mrs . Spencer , Bro . J . Hands , S . W ., and Mrs . Hands , Miss Todd , Mrs . Davies , Mrs . Gaskin , Bro . Belchamber , J . W ., and Mrs . Belchamber ; Bro . W . Beecroft , I . P . ' M ., and Miss Beecroft ; Mrs . Lightfoot , Mrs . Stone , Bros . J . Austin , P . M ., Sec , Mrs . and the Misses Austin ; Mr . and Mrs . Jowett , Mrs . C . Bostock , Miss Motterway , Bro . RE . Clarke , Founder , and Mrs . Clarke j Mr . Hopton , Mr . Spencer , Bro . C . W-