Provincial Masonic Directories.

PROVINCIAL MASONIC DIRECTORIES .

Of late years a pleasing evidence of the activity of Provincial Grand Lodges has been the issue annually of Masonic Directories . Their designations have been many , out amidst the diversity of titles , the unity of their design renders the name " directory " sufficient to incl ude the whole series . On the whole " Calendar and Directory " appears

to be in favour , but as some do not contain any particulars sufficient to justify the former , we have placed all under the second title . Some provinces issue excellent reports , based upon the minutes of the Provincial Grand Secretaries and the statements of Provincial Grand Treasurers ; but these ought not to supersede , but only be supplemental to the issue of the local Directories , which containing as they do the personnel

of the provinces are invaluable for reference by the authorities . I believe the first of the Directories issued for or by any Provincial Grand Lodge was in 1857 , the editor being the lamented Bro . R . J . " Spiers , Deputy Provincial G . M . of Oxfordshire , and as mine for Cornwall was commenced in 1 S 70 and has been continued to this year , it is now the

oldest of the existing series . There are some 17 in all published , the majority having an immense quantity of information collected after considerable labour , and generally most carefully compiled . It occurs to me that all the editors do not quite realize the primary object of such publications , for if they did the contents would always embrace the special wants of Provincial Grand

Lodges . What is really needed is to enable the Provincial Grand Master to know who are the Past Masters , the Master and Wardens and Secretary of each lodge in his jurisdiction , the years of service of the first mentioned , and the addresses of the Masters and Secretaries of the several lodges , so as to facilitate communication and correspondence with the Provincial Grand Secretary . On

each page devoted to a lodge these particulars should be given , as well as the offices held in Provincial Grand Lodge b y any of the brethren , years of appointment , & c . At a glance then , the Prov . G . M . can see who are the most eligible , all things considered , for " collars ; " and if the number of members is placed on the same page so much the

better . I do not see the need of giving the names of the other officers of each lodge , because generally they are not members ot the Prov . Grand Lodge , and detract from the value of the information by adding particulars of no use for provincial purposes ; still if additional , and not instead of the former , " all's well . "

1 . —CAMBRIDGESHIRE . This typographical little gem is edited and published by Bro . W . P . Spalding , of Cambridge , but Masonically the particulars afforded are not at all commensurate with the beauty of its " get up "; but doubtless as time rolls on ,

the enterprising editor will do better . It furnishes a copy of centenary warrant of No . SS , Cambridge , which is a step in the right direction , but much of the cost of the publication has been devoted to the calendar portion , and might with advantage be transferred in the next edition to the strictly Masonic part .

2 . —CORNWALL . This Directory has been compiled by me on the lines already indicated , and time has served to prove the value of the information so afforded . Formerly the Prov . Grand Lodge paid the expenses of the printing , and distributed the copies pro rata to the lodges , but by suggestion of the Prov . G . M . the sum of sixpence was charged per copy , and has resulted in a profit to the funds , though it consists

of never less than 70 pages . No cost is incurred for binding , however , so it is not so handsomely i-sued as some of its contemporaries . Laws of Prov . Grand Lodge , Anunity and Benevolent Fund ( over ^ 3000 invested ) and Table of Precedency of the Prov . Grand Lodge , are usually annual features of the publication , and full statistical tables re votes and members . It is the successor of one edited by me for Devon and Cornwall , 1 S 65-S .

3 . —DERBYSHIRE . Bro . W . Naylor , of Derby , is the editor , assisted by Bro . F . Campion , and Messrs . H . H . and W . Bemrose , the publishers , lt lacks the years of services to the Past Masters , and does not give the Provincial rank ( if any ) to each , but it is a neat and handy compilation . Bro . Naylor should give the list of votes for the central Masonic charities ,

also a statistical table so as to complete his laudable ^ enterprise , and should the cost exceed the subscription in consequence , it might be sewed , instead of being so nicely bound , just as we find it necessary to do in Cornwall . 4 . —DORSETSHIRE . Edited by Bro . J . A . Sherren , of Weymouth , and published by Messrs . Sherren and Sons . It contains an extraordinary amount of matter ; in fact , almost too much for the

main purpose of the publication , and must have involved great labour in its compilation . The editing is well done , and the subscribers have every reason to congratulate themselves on the possession of so much for a trilling outlay . It furnishes a complete list of all the members of each lodge , distin-ruishin-r the Past Masters thereof and Past and

Present Provincial Grand Officers , and similar information is afforded in the Royal Arch and Mark Degrees , & c , as also lists of charity votes , onl y the total is not given of the latter , as is desirable . Laws of Dorset Masonic Charity Fund and analysis , exhibit the interesting fact that nearly £ 1500 have been subscribed for that society since its formation in 1 SS 0 .

5 . —DURHAM . Durham is the last to be issued of the series , and makes its ddbut as June is ushered in . It is a most compact and useful publication , well edited by Bro . Dr . C . D . Hill Drury , of Darlington , and printed by Bro . R . Ferry , of Sunderland . The years of service of the Past Masters are given , but not those of Provincial Grand Lodge appointments .

The addresses of the Secretaries and those of the Charity Representatives are steps in the right direction , and the rolls of lodges and chapters , with dates of all the meetings for the year , are elaborate compilations , and I hope will be duly valued by the brethren of the province , as the work is considerable . 1 congratulate Dr . Drury on his excellent start , for he is far ahead of many of his confreres already . He should give the Treasurer ' s accounts in 18 S 4 .

6 . —GLOUCESTERSHIRE . To state that the " Calendar and Directory " of this province is printed by John Bellows , of Gloucester , is quite sufficient to prove its typographical merit—for that is of ll J highest order—and Bro . R . Vassar Smith , of Great Malvern , being the editor , leaves nothing to be desired . It

Provincial Masonic Directories.

is , what it is called , a directory for the province , and so is mainly edited on the method adopted in the principal calendars enumerated . A list of Stewards to the Charities from 1 S 75 is presented , and the amounts raised by each , the information being most elaborate and interesting . There are but 617 members in the 14 lodges , yet 1 SS 2 witnesses 2017 votes in the province , and from 1 S 75 over £ 4300 have been raised for our * ' Girls " and "Boys , " and / . S 52 forthe Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Well done , Gloucester 1

7 . —HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OK WIGHT . This "Masonic Calendar" is remarkable for its large and elaborate tables , folded carefully , but not in so easy and accessible a form as when printed on the ordinary pages , though I am bound to say that the duties of the editors ( Bros . G . F . Lancaster , of Gosport , and J . Ridd Hayman ) must have been exceedingly heavy in this department . In these extensive tables arc given the Provincial

Grand Officers from 1 S 33 to 1 SS 3 of the Craft , Royal Arch , and the Mark Degrees , and full particulars of the personnel of each of the lodges . ' Lists of the votes accompany the work , and descriptions of Masonic , and so-called Masonic , Degrees arc so voluminous as to include even a notice of those whose officers and members are . unknown save to the participants ! The book was published atj the excellent printing works of the Hants Telegraph .

S . —HERTFORDSHIRE . The " Provincial Grand Lodge " appears as the publisher of the Masonic Calendar for this province „ the editor being Bro . John E . Dawson , of Watford . If my memory serves me correctly , the first editor was Bro . Carter , of Hertford , when issued privately . There are abundant particulars of the ordinary kind in its 76 pages , and list of votes ( i . e .,

subscribers ) to the Masonic Charities ; but the total under each division is not inserted . I doubt the utility of so much space being devoted to the "Calendar" and pages for engagements , for , to my mind , more useful intelligence might be given , or that portion be omitted , and the price reduced from one shilling to sixpence . 9 . —KENT . Bro . T . S . Warne , of Rochester , the editor of this model

directory , has only to give a list of the votes for the Masonic Charities in his province to place his compilation in the front rank . It contains 134 pages of closely printed matter , and entirely follows the views I have expressed as to the best form for Masonic calendars . It is entitled the " Freemason ' s Manual , " and is well deserving of such a

designation , and the printer and publisher ( Bro . J . D . Terson , of Dover , ) has supported the editor by doing his part exceedingly well . Statistics are not neglected , nor indeed aught desirable affecting the interests of the . 9 lodges and 27 S 2 members . Kent and Cornwall work on the same lines as to this matter .

10 . —LANCASHIRE ( EAST ) . This is a calendar containing the maximum of matter in the minimum of space , for in only 29 pages there are to be found for all the 92 lodges , 39 chapters , and also other bodies , their places , days , and hours of meeting for each

month of the year , besides other information of value compiled by the editor , Bro . John Chadwick , of Manchester , the careful printer being Bro . O . C . Crompton , of Bury . As it aims at an extensive circulation its size is small , and its cost in proportion , but it is no slight task to produce such a handy little book .

11 . —LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND . Bro . S . S . Partridge , of Leicester , the editor , always does his work well , and so his calendar is not only useful because of its varied contents , but the accuracy of its numerous details may be depended upon . Its list of votes is ably arranged , and by it I find that the 456 members have 610 votes in the central Masonic Charities . From

1 S 77 the province has devoted some j ( , i 6 oo to our noble Charities , and in one of the tables it is stated that during the last five years ( 187 S-82 ) the general contributions for the same purpose throughout England and Wales amounted to over £ 225 , 000 , exclusive of the ^ 41 , 895 voted by the Lodge of Benevolence during the same period . As a calendar it is the essence of neatness and perspicuity .

12 . —OXFORDSHIRE . This province , as I have indicated , published the first Prov . Calendar in England , but it lapsed for a time , until Bro . W . R . Bowden , of Oxford , came to the rescue , and he is now the accepted editor and publisher of a most useful "Calendar and Directory , " for that province . It has several excellent features , especially the list of all the

Provincial Grand Officers from 1833 to 1 S 83 , but I fear it cannot clear the expense of issue at one shilling each , any more than that of Kent and some others , who furnish so much inside the covers of their invaluable publications . The P . Ms , and P . Zs . of the lodges and chapters are given from their foundation , and though we prefer the system adopted by other provinces mentioned , there can be but one opinion as to the excellence of this " labour of love . "

13 . —SOMERSETSHIRE . Bro . C . L . Fry Edwards , of Wrington , edits this useful "Calendar and Directory , " which deserves a large circulation in the province , as the many particulars afforded ought surely to command the general support of the brethren .

There is a calendar or table of the installation meetings , but we notice that there are no totals to the votes held for the several Charitable Institutions , neither are the members oi the different lodges totalled . The work is effectively printed at the offices of the Weston-Super-Mare Gazette .

14 . —SUSSEX . Considering that there are 25 lodges in this province , I am surprised to see such an insignificant " Masonic Almanac" as the representative of so many brethren . True , there arc capital annual reports issued by the Prov .

G . Secretary , but 1 do not think the latter in any way are intended to supersede a fitting directory for the province , and so I hope that Bro . C . J . Smith , the editor ( of Brighton ) will be so heartily supported by the Sussex brethren as to induce him to make the issue of 1884 more of the character of its contemporaries .

15 . —WARWICKSHIRE AND STAFFORDSHIRE . These two provinces unite in publishing under Bro . Edmund Worrell ' s protecting wing , the " Calendar and Diary , " the editors being Bros . Worrell , of Birmingham , for Warwickshire , and Dr . Derry , for Staffordshire .

Typographically it is almost the equal of Gloucestershire , and Masonically it leaves but little to be desired . It has several distinctive features , one especially being deserving of notice , for the reports of the Worshipful Masters on the state of their lodges for the year ending 30 th June , 18 S 2 , all carefully tabled and printed , are deserving of general imita-

Provincial Masonic Directories.

tion , containing as they do the number of members of their lodges in 1 SS 1 , initiations , & c , since ; resignations , deaths , & c , subscribing members at date named , and full analyses of all the donations for charities during the same period , the total of the latter amountinir to some . Ciroo , beine *

more than a pound per member for the year , exclusive of the sums voted by the Prov . Grand Lodge . I miss the names of the Past Masters , however , as we have in the other chief Calendars , neither is there any particulars of the votes held in the Masonic Charities . Still its a lot for a shilling !

16 . —WILTSHIRE . Bro . William Nott , of Devizes , the editor of this "Calendar and Official Directory , " has acted in that capacity for three years , and I hope he receives his full share of support for his useful labours . Though in not quite so handsome a dress as some of its compeers , it is not behind any in its contents for the size of the province , and with

respect to the Charities the information supplied is considerable . The votes for the " Girls " and " Boys " for both elections are added , and thus swell the total very much ; the custom , however , is simply to give those for the one election . Allowing for this , there are some Soo votes ( instead of over 1200 ) being almost double the number of members , which is most creditable to all concerned .

17 . —YORKSHIRE . Bro . T . B . Whytehead , of York , has now for the seventh year edited and published the " Masonic Guide " for both provinces of Yorkshire . It is the smallest of the series , but though diminutive in size it is a veritable multum in parvo , and it is really a marvel how so much has been condensed into its few pages . It is not at all creditable to two such large provinces , having together 93 lodges , and nearly

5000 members , that no comprehensive directory is issued , for although Bro . Whytehead has for so many years ably thrown himself " into the breach , " he wouldj I feel sure , be amongst the first to support me in asking for a much more pretentious work for the information of the many brethren . Sometimes Bro . Whytehead has even presented illustrations with the "dear wee Calendar , " and as the last of our series and least of the several directories , I am glad to see that jt holds its own well amidst its larger brethren .

The average number of members to each lodge , so far as I have been able to jud ge from the particulars afforded , varies considerably , being approximately as follows Hertfordshire , 3 6 ; Wiltshire , 40 ; Warwickshire , 43 ; Somersetshire and Gloucestershire , 44 ; Derbyshire , Leicester and Rutland , and Staffordshire , 45 ; East

Lancashire and Sussex , 4 6 ; West Yorkshire , 47 ; Cornwall and Dorsetshire , 50 ; Kent 57 ; N . and li . Yorkshire , 65 ; and Durham , 79 . Out of a general total of 23 , 646 members and 473 lodges , the average to each lodge is 50 . If all the returns were in I anticipate the general average would be nearer 40 per lodge , as some of thc foregoing are exceptionally high . W . J . HUGHAN .

New Zealand.

New Zealand .

NORTHERN PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE ( S . C . ) The adjourned quarterly communication of this Prov . Grand Lodge was held on April 12 th last . Prior to the entrance of the Grand Lodge , the Lodge St . Andrew was duly opened , and raised to the Third Degree by the R . W . M ., Bro . Slator , and his officers . The Grand Lodge was then admitted and received with customary honours .

Bro . A . Dewar , acting ^ P . G . M ., presided . Bro . Niccol occupied the Grand Senior Warden ' s chair , and Bro . Austin that of the Grand Junior Warden . After the Grand Lodge had been duly opened Bro . Niccol reminded the acting P . G . M . and brethren that this was an adjournment of the Prov . Grand Lodge meeting . The adjournment took place to suit the convenience of the R . W . M ., Bro . the Hon . F . Whitaker , and this night was fixed to suit his

convenience . Bro . Whitaker , however , communicated with him expressing his deep regret that he would be unable to attend , as he would have to be present at the dinner given by His Excellency the Governor , lt would be forthe Prov . Grand Lodge to decide whether they should proceed with the business or adjourn until next evening . He was not in a position to say that the R . W . M . would be even then able

to attend , lt was decided to proceed with the business . Bro . Slator took his place as Prov . Grand Secretary . The business was then gone on with , and as a special recognition of the services rendered by Bro . T . Rawdon , Prov . Grand Tyler , the Prov . Grand Lodge unanimously voted that his regalia should be presented to him . The business occupied the Prov . Grand Lodge until a late hour . The following is the full list of officers for the ensuing

year : Bro . Hon . F . Whitaker Prov . G . M . „ Dr . Johnstone Prov . Dep . G . M . „ W . Anderson Prov . Sub . G . M . „ A . Dewar Prov . G . S . W . ., M . Niccol Prov . G . I . W .

„ Rev . F . Gould Prov . G . Chap . „ James Slator Prov . G . Sec . „ Elliott Prov . G . A . Sec . „ R . Kaye Prov . G . Treas .

„ Fowles frov . U . b . U . „ T . Ellison Prov . G . J . D . „ H . A . H . Hitchens Prov . G . D . C . " w ^ L ^ ' n f Prov . G . MarshU

„ J . M . McLaren Prov . G . Architect „ F . Roberts Prov . G . Jeweller . „ T . Rawdon Prov . G . ' Bible B . „ T . W . Briggs Prov . G . Swd . B . „ Dr . H . Walker i V ™ ; <* : ° : *?* . <» " C Dir . 01 Music . 1 LSoard

a * r n * \ res . Ol „ I . L . Murray [ Prov . G . Stwds . r .. _ ( V .-Pres . Boardof » Cutten I Prov . G . Stwds . „ F . Bulford Prov . G . I . G . „ Tonge Prov . G . Tyler .

The following were elected as the Provincial Grand Committee : R . W . P . G . Master , Substitute Master , Senior Wai'den , Junior Warden , Secretary , Treasurer , Junior Deacon , R . W . M . Sir Walter Scott Lodge , and R . W . M , Manukau Lodge .