Masonic Notes And Queries.

meetings might have been held under the ' Ancients , but it is more likely that the members worked without warrant or dispensation , ls James Shackleton nowhere mentioned in the minutes of the opening proceedings or in the 1762 warrant ? 1 am much interested in the border lodges ot almost

Yorkshire ; that on thc Lancashire side is as yet an unopened mine of research to the Masonic inquirer , and " Mancunium " should make good use of his opportunity . A careful scrutiny of the Colne Lodge minutes may prove very valuable . J . RAMSDEN RILEY .

BROWNE'S "MASTER KEY . " 1 am extremely obliged for Bro . Hughan ' s kind offer . Throuo-h the very dear directions of Bro . Speth ( whose painstaking on my behalf were simply beyond mere thanks ) , and ir . y old friend Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . M ., P . G . D . England ( who is never so happy as when he can be Masonically useful ) , I was enabled readily to work out the apparent difficulty . I fully appreciate Bro . Hughan s kindness , however " J . RAMSDEN RILEY .

GRAND LODGE REPORTS , & c . As many are aware , the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of England are preserved in generally quarter y publications known as " Reports . " They are invaluable for reference , but I am sorry to have noticed that few lodges comparatively are as careful of them as they deserve . They are sent to the Master of each lodge as issued , as be

well as to the " Grand Officers , " & c , and members can supplied with copies for five shillings annually . From early times to 1 S 6 9 these reports were printed in large or small folio sii . * e , and so were not in a convenient form , but from 1 S 6 9 they have been printed in octavo size . From the " union of December 27 th , 1 S 13 , " to December 6 th , 1 SS 2 , the whole series may be classed into five volumes . Vol . 1 . 16 Those

folio , 27 th December , iSi 3 , to 2 nd December , SS . ( to June 1814 being of a smaller size than the remainder . ) Vol . 2 , Svo ., 3 rd March , 1 SG 9 , to 4 th September , 1 S 72 . Vol . 3 , Svo ., 4 th December , 1 S 72 , to 6 th December , 1 S 76 . Vol . * 4 , Svo ., 3 rd January , 1877 , 10 3 rd December , 1 S 79 . Vol . 5 , Svo ., 17 th January , 1 SS 0 , to 6 th December , 1 SS 2 . The new volume begins with 1 SS 3 , and each volume from No . 3

is paged consecutively , those previously haying separate pagination for each "Quarterly Communication . " It would complete the sixth " volume in a desirable manner if at the proper time a title page were issued . The reports of the Grand Chapter were in folio before 5 th August , 1 S 6 S , nnd trom that date are in Svo . Each however is paged separately . The present volume might end with 1 SS 3 , and then thereafter be paged continuously .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

A meeting of the Committee of Management was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday . Present : Bro . Col . J . Creaton , in the chair ; Bros . James Brett , Frederick Adlard , G . Bolton , XV . H . Goodall , Charles Belton , lames Moon , Raynham W . Stewart , Edgar Bowyer , W . F .

Marlis , Henry Moore , C . G . Dilley , L . Stean , Wm . J . Stephens , C . H . Webb , Chas . Atkins , Thos . W . Bush , j . A . Fairfield , A . H . Tattershall , Chas . Lacey , E . F . Dix , Julius Ou ' tmann , G . L . Moore , C . J . Perceval , Ihos . Cubitt , "Jabez Hogg , J . Terry , Secretary , and E . C . Massey ( Freemason ) . The minutes of the meeting of 9 th May having been read

and verified , the SECRETARY reported the deaths of three male annuitants , viz ., Bros . Manger , Harrex , and Matthew Cooke , and one female annuitant , Mrs . Betty Moorhouse , since last r . - . eeting . The Committee decided that in accordance with previous practice the three vacancies thus created should be at once filled up by the three brethren next in order on the poll being r .-. ade immediate annuitants .

Bro . TERRY also reported that Bro . Wirtzfeld , one of the successful candidates at the election on the iSth ult ., had died on the afternoon of that day , and it was resolved to fill this vacancy also with the highest unsuccessful candidate . The SECRETARY mentioned that as many as 19 , 000 voting papers were issued from the office in connection with the last election , and that the Scrutineers' task had been a

very heavy one , there having been over 90 , 000 votes recorded . The SECRETARY reported that he had received from the John Hervey Memorial Fund four cheques amounting in all to £ 26 7 s . 6 d ., which , in terms of the object of the Fund , nad been distributed amongst the two male and two female unsuccessful candidates standing highest on their

respective lists . The Secretary submitted certificates from the architect , Bro . Griggs , entitling the contractors to payment of £ 250 for work done at the Institution , and one for payment of £ 5 to G . R . Smith for painting . Applications were considered from the widows of Bros . Harrex end Matthew Cooke , and a moiety of their deceased husband ' s annuities was granted them .

The following brethren were elected to serve on the Finance a * . -. d Audit Committee , viz ., Bros . John Bulmer , W . J . Murlis , A . H . Tattershall , Wm . Stephens , and T . W . C . Bush . The House Committee , as constituted last year , was reelected , viz . : Bros . Bowyer , Farnfield , Cubitt , Stewart , and Perceval . On the motion of Bro . STEWART . it was resolved that the

customary summer entertainment be provided for the residents at the Institution at Croydon , and that it be remitted to the Hc ' mZe Committee to give effect to the resolution . The SECRETARY reported that in accordance with the instructions of the Committee , he had written letters of condolence to the widows of the late Bros . Duff Filer , Gallant , and Hales , and had received an acknowledgment written by Bro . Buss on behalf of Mrs . Duff Filer , which he he read

to the Committee . Four petitions were considered and closely scrutinised , and after considerable discussion all were received , and the names added to the list of candidates for election . In reply to an enquiry by a brother who hacl not been present when the matter was formally reported the Secretary

stated that the monies due from the two Stewards whom he sometime since found it necessary to report to the board had now all been received by the Institution ; but he added that there were two others—one of them a clergymanfrom whom he had been unable to obtain the monies collected by them , and that unless previously received , he would have to report their names to the Committee at the

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

meeting . In the meantime the Committee instructed Bro . Terry to communicate with the Grand Masters of thc provinces to which these brethren belonged . A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings .

Laying A Corner-Stone With Masonic Honours At Bolton.

LAYING A CORNER-STONE WITH MASONIC HONOURS AT BOLTON .

On Saturday afternoon last , the 9 th inst ., about 250 brethren assembled at Tong , Bolton , to take part in the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of a new church to be dedicated to St . Agustine . The stone was laid by Bro . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . Grand Master

East Lancashire , and Masonic formalities were observed throughout . A period of 60 years has elapsed since similar proceedings were observed in Bolton , and the consequence was that on Saturday the vicinity of the new church buildings was thronged with spectators , and the greatest excitement to witness what transpired prevailed . A procession was formed of musicians , firemen , working

masons , teachers , scholars , choirs , and clergy , the Masonic brethren , in Craft costume and insignia , bringing up the rear . The R . W . Prov . Grand Master was met at Firwood Hall , the residence of Mr . F . Hardcastle , one of the donors of the site , and accompanied by a select party , including the Mayor and ex-Mayor of Bolton , both

members of the brotherhood , and the Rev . Canon Powell , Rural Dean , was conducted to the site of the churrh . Here the service was choral as well as Masonic in character . Bro . Col . Starkie was presented with a costly trowel , bearing a suitable inscription , and a mallet made from bog oak dug out of the foundations was also given to him , after which he addressed the assembly and then laid the

cornerstone of the building . In the course of a stirring address the R . W . PROV . GRAND MASTER said that although they were not Operative Masons , they had from time immemorial been associated with the erection of buildings to be raised for the benefit of mankind , the adornment of the world , and the glory of the Great Architect of the Universe . They as

Masons had among them , unseen from the eyes of men , secrets that may not be unveiled , and which no man had discovered , but those secrets were lawful and honourable , and neither repugnant to the laws of God nor the laws of man . They were entrusted to the Masons of ancient days , and they had been faithfully transmitted to the Masons of the present , whose duty it was to convey them to latest

posterity . Unless their Order had been honourable and their calling just , they would never have lasted all these centuries , nor would they have had and still have so many illustrious brothers in their Order ready to promote their laws and further their interests . ( Cheers . ) Subsequently the brethren sang " Prosper the Art" and the " National Anthem" ( Masonic version ) . The brethren present lunched together ere they separated .

Presentation Of A Testimonial To A Liverpool Brother.

PRESENTATION OF A TESTIMONIAL TO A LIVERPOOL BROTHER .

There are few more popular Freemasons in the broad and comprehensive Province of West Lancashire than Bro . Hargreaves Gill , and no more pleasant musical instrument than his " Fairy Bells " could be imagined , a special charm being given to their dulcet tones by the fact that they have very

frequently been sounded in the sacred cause of Masonic and other Charities , and often " within our ancient lodges " have they given sincere delight . General regret was recently felt both in and outside Masonic circles that Bro . Gill was about to leave Liverpool for the purpose of settling down in Blackburn ( still , however , keeping within the province over which Bro . the Earl of Lathom presides with so much

acceptance as Provincial Grand Master ) , and it was resolved by a large number of friends and brethren to pay him a parting compliment in the shape of a grand concert . This took place at Hope Hall , Liverpool , in May last , when volunteer artistes gave their services with pleasure , and the public gave their patronage most liberally . As the result of this hearty co-operation and desire to do fitting

honour to Bro . Gill , a substantial sum was realised , and the presentation of this , along with other tokens of esteem , took place at the Star and Garter , Queen's-square , Liverpool , where he was entertained on Wednesday , the 6 th inst ., at a parting dinner , provided in first-class style b y Bro . C . Buchanan , S . 1609 , the proprietor . Bro . VV . H . lewitt , Chairman of the Concert Committee , presided at

the dinner and after proceedings , and amongst others present were Mr . E . Andrew , Treasurer ; Mr . T . Trevitt , Secretary ; Bros . J . E . Beer , W . H . Vernon , J , Skeaf , E . J . Callow , W . Ramage , D . Gumming , J . B . MacKenzie ; ftlessrs . A . Andrew , T . Davies , M . Pritchard , W . A . Owens , J . Mitchell , F . A . Clayton , and J . Burgess . After the toast of " The Queen and Royal Family , "

The CHAIRMAN said he had much pleasure in proposing the toast of the evening , "The Health of Mr . Hargreaves Gill . " ( Applause . ) He was so well known and so much respected that it required no words of his ( the Chairman ' s ) to recommend the toast to their hearty acceptance . As Mr . Gill was about to take up his abode in Blackburn , it was thought that a complimentary concert should be given

to him on the occasion , and this had proved a great success . The whole of the artistes had given their services , and as the result of that concert they were enabled to present Mr . Gill with a purse containing thirty sovereigns along with an illuminated address ( subscribed for by friends outside the Committee ) , and through him a dining-room timepiece to Mrs . Gill , who had always shown much sympathy with

her husband ' s charitable efforts . These had been very numerous during his residence in the city , and they all sincerely regretted his removal to another place where he ( the Chairman ) was sure Mr . Gill would soon rally round him a host of friends . To know him was to appreciate him , and the many sterling qualities of his character would soon secure many friends . He was sure they would all join in wishing him the greatest success in Blackburn , and

he ( the Chairman ) hoped that the address and clock presented to Mr . and Mrs . Gill would long remind them of their warm-hearted friends in Liverpool . Mr . T . TREVITT , Hon . Sec . of the Concert Committee , then read the address , which was a most artistic work , and Mr . E . ANDREW , Treasurer , in an exceedingly neatspeech , highly complimentary to Bro . Gill , then handed him the purse of sovereigns , the address , and the clock for Mrs . Gill .

Presentation Of A Testimonial To A Liverpool Brother.

Bro . HARGREAVES GILL , in acknowledging thc gift , said : Believe me when I say that I wish I had words to express all I feel at the present moment when I say " thank you . " I feel it comes far too short for your great kindness to me , which is far more than I deserve . Ihope you will believe that 1 am speaking from my heart , and conveying to you feelings which cannot well be expressed in mere words . I can assure you that it is a source of pleasure to

hnd that in parting from friends that one is to some extent valued , and in some degree regretted after he goes . During my long residence in Liverpool I have formed many friendships , and although I have left the city as a resident , I sincerely trust those friendships may never decay . The complimentary concert you gave me at Hope-street , resulting in the handsome sum you have handed to me this evening ; the beautiful address , which will ever be regarded by

me as a heirloom of great value ; and also the beautiful timepiece , which you send by me as a present to my dear wife ; these and other frequent experiences of your friendly favours will ever be looked upon by me as substantial tokens of your friendship , the remembrance of which will only expire with me when I am no more . Mr . Chairman and gentlemen , with a full heart and much sincerity 1 again thank you for your many years of kindnesseswhich I

, may fairly say has reached their climax this evening in gifts of which I am justly proud . Before sitting down I will ask each one of you to kindly accept from me my photo as a pleasing memento of this pleasant occasion . ( Applause . ) Several other toasts were given during the evening , Bros . SKEAK and RAMAGE responding on behalf of the artistes who gave their services , and a very pleasant evening was spent .

General Life And Fire Insurance.

GENERAL LIFE AND FIRE INSURANCE .

The forty-fourth annual general meeting of the proprietors of this company was recently held at 103 , Cannonstreet , under the presidency of Sir Andrew Lusk , Bart ., M . P . The report of the proceedings during the past year which that gentleman submitted received the unanimous approval of those present . Its statements , indeed , were , all

things considered , eminently satisfactory . The premiums for fire insurances hadrisen from £ 68 , 000 in 1 SS 0 to £ 74 , 000 in iSSi , and to £ S 6 , ooo last year , but the losses had risen to 655 percent , of the premiums ; yet , in spite of this , they were , owing to the arrangements which the directors had though : it desirable to make , in a better position now than ever to meet their engagements . In the Life Assurance branch

of their business they had been remarkably successful . As many as 1759 new proposals had been submitted , while the claims in respect of deaths amounted to £ 63 , 000 , or less than the estimated mortality . The reserve fund had been increased from £ 687 , 000 to £ 742 , 000 , and as a result of the trading during the past quinquennial period , there was a surplus of £ 107 , 159 . Of this £ 69 , 528 was divisible among the participating shareholders , while

as to the balance it was proposed to add £ 5 , 600 to the Fire Fund , and out of the remainder to declare a dividend of 10 ner cent , for the ensuing year , what was still left being sufficient to provide similar dividends until the next quinquennial valuation . The report and the proposals it contained were accepted . The retiring directors were unanimously re-elected , and after according votes of thanks to the directors and to the secretary and staff , the meeting terminated with the usual compliment to the Chairman .

KNOWLES'S " SPECIAL " FIRE , GARDEN , AND CONSERVATORY ENGINES . With all our wonderful appliances and organisation for the extinction of fire—and their serviceability is being illustrated almost daily—there is , undoubtedly , one want that has yet to be supplied . Our fire engines grapple more or less successfully with the most tremendous conflagrations ,

but in a large number of cases these conflagrations would never require to be grappled with , if there were at hand on thepremisesawell-made , portabIe , andatthesame time powerful , engine which could be called into requisition before the flames had had time to make any headway . Many lives have been sacrificed , and property of immense value has been destroyed , tor the want of some such apparatus . This

want Mr . Ueorge Knowles , of 72 , Finsbury-pavement , E . G ., and 54 and 55 , Blackfnars-road , S . E ., isprepared to supply . The fire engines he manufactures , which , by the way , when fitted with the necessary hose , may be used for garden and conservatory purposes , are admirably calculated to arrest a fire at the outset . The greatest care has been taken in their construction . The pails are of the best

sheet iron , afterwards galvanised and japanned on the outside . The pumps are of excellent workmanship , the several parts being screwed together instead of soldered , so that it they ever require cleaning they can easily be taken to pieces . They are especiall y designed for public and Crivate buildings of every description and are intended to e filled with waterand placed on the landings of staircases ,

as they are easily moved from one part of a building to another , and , when set to work , throw a , powerful jet of water . Those who are so fortunate as to have provided themselves with one of them will have no difficulty in coping with an outbreak of fire at the very beginning , and by arresting its spread to other parts of the building reduce the damage to property , to say nothing of thc risk to human life , to a minimum . Moreover the knowledge that such an

engine is available will give to the occupants of a house or building a sense of security they are far from possessing now . One other feature in connection with Mr . Knowles ' s engine must be mentioned , namely , their inexpensiveness , one for a moderate-sized surburban villa costing no more than £ 1 10 s ., while one suitable for a large mansion or hotel can be purchased for £ 3 . Such an engine would be a valuable addition to the fittings of a Masonic hall .

THE FIRE AT FREEMASONS' HALL . — Bro . Bedford Lemere & Co ., have taken some excellent photos of the Temple after the lire—from cabinet size upwards . Supplied only by G . Kenning , 16 , Great Queen-street , at is ., 2 S ., 4 s . each , post free on receipt " *' of stamps or P . O . O .-rADVT . J How TO SECURE GOOD HEALTH . —

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