Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

He only thought the rule did not go far enough , and he would even suggest a larger number . Bro . W . SMITH preferred that it should be 40 votes . Bro . BOLTON seconded . Bro . J AMES BRETT , P . G . P ., thought Bro . Webb ' s proposal a very liberal one . It would be a great pity

to make the Institution a benefit society into which a person might buy himself . The meeting threw out the 40 votes amendment b y 19 against 13 votes . Bro . C . F . MONEY proposed 50 votes , but not to be cumulative .

This was not seconded . Bro . STANLEY J . ATTENBOROUGH proposed that the 20 be altered to 30 . He would be glad to see it 100 . How many of the present candidates were Life Governors ? Bro . TERRY : Not one , I think .

Bro . ATTENBOROUGH : What were even 300 or 500 votes among thousands . Let a candidate have a chance to come in , and let an incentive be given to subscribe . Say what they mig ht , it was a benefit society . ( No , no . ) It was only playing with words to say it was not .

Bro . W . SMITH seconded . Bro . Dr . STRONG remarked that it was very common for an election to be lost by a few votes . Mrs . Warren lost by three votes . Twenty votes given to her would have carried her in . The general rule on a brother coming into Masonry was to qualify as a Life

Governor . Some thought when they had done that that they had contributed their quota to Freemasonry . Others followed a different course , and continued to subscribe . Others gave to other institutions as well . The amendment was lost by 18 against 16 votes , and the original motion for 20 votes was then carried nem .

con . Rule 7 : "If an annuitant shall become possessed of an income of . £ 40 per annum , independently of his annuity , the Committee of Management shall have the power to reduce or suspend the annuity , according to the circumstances of the case . " It was proposed to

alter £ 40 to £ 32 , and this was carried . Rule 9 was altered as follows : " On the death of any male annuitant leaving a widow ( to whom he was married not less than five [ seven ] years before his election , and who shall be not less than 55 years of age ' , or altogether incapacitated from obtaining her

support ) not otherwise provided for , she shall [ may ] be entitled , ipon making application , and if approved by the Committee , to receive from the Widows' Fund a sum equal to one-half of the pension of her late husband for three [ five ] years after his death , and if she bea resident in the Asylum , to continue such residence

during the same period , in order to give Iter the opportunity of applying for election on the Widows' Fund . " " Subject to the approval of the House Committee " were substituted for the words in italics . The following alterations were also agreed to : Omit the whole of Rule 1 , qualifications for Widows '

Fund , p . 39 , and substitute the following : " 1 .. No widow shall be eligible under the age of 60 years . Nor unless her last husband was qualified in accordance with Law 1 , Male Fund . She must have been married to him for at least seven years ; and if the widow of an annuitant the marriage must have taken

place five years at least previously to the presentation of her husband's petition . " Subject to these qualifications a widow shall be eligible to be accepted as a candidate at an earlier age , if suffering from blindness , paralysis , or other affliction , certified by two medical men , which in the opinion of

the Committee shall permanently incapacitate her from earning a livelihood . " In Rule 3 , in fourth and seventh lines , substitute "last" for . " late , " and at the end add the following : — " A candidate having been a Life Governor for five years at . the time of presenting her petition , shall be

entitled to 20 votes at each election until successful for each Governorship she may have qualified before her petition was accepted ; but after her election all further ri ght to such added votes shall cease . " A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings .

The Committee Of Management.

THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT .

The Committee of Management of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution held their regular monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday . Bro . A . H . Tattershall occupied the chair , and there were present Bros . James Brett , P . G . P . ; H . Garrod , G . Bolton , C . G . Dilly , Chas . G . Hill , Joseph Freeman ,

E . West , Hugh Cotter , Alex . Mullord , C . H . Webb , David D . Mercer , G . P . ; J . Newton , T . B . Baniell , William Smith , Charles Kempton , Thomas Cubitt , P . G . D . ; Thomas G . Bullen , P . G . S . B . ; George E . Fairchild , George Jones , Chas . Daniel , C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . ; W . H . Making , W . M . Bywater ,

P . G . S . B . ; A . Forsyth , W . H . Hubbert , W . H . Perryman , P . G . P . ; A . Durrant , L . Stean , Dr . Jabez Hogg , P . G . D . ; H . M . Hobbs , Geo . Everett , S . C . Haslip , Fred . Mead , P . S . G . D . ; Hastings Miller , Samuel Brooks , and James Terry , P . G . S . B . ( Secretary ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having been

read and verified , the Secretary reported the death of a male candidate and a widow annuitant . The Warden ' s report for the past month was read . The annual report , as prepared by the Committee appointed to draw it up , was read and approved , and it was ordered that Bro . Smith ' s report should be incorporated in it ,

The Committee Of Management.

The applications of two widows for half their late husband ' s annuities were acceded to , and the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman for his services in presiding having been passed nem . con ., the Committee adjourned .

The Quinquennial Anniversary Of The Chancery Lane Safe Deposit.

THE QUINQUENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHANCERY LANE SAFE DEPOSIT .

The quinquennial anniversary of the Chancery Lane Safe Deposit was celebrated on the 7 th inst ., and a distinguished company assembled at the invitation of Bro . Ex-Sheriff Thomas Clarke in Chancery-lane . The occasion was taken to open the new extension by Bro . Alderman Sir R . N . Fowler , Bart ., M . P . The

accommodation added to the existing 5750 safes consists of 250 new strong rooms intended for deed-boxes , & c , and two additional large strongholds for deposits , covering an area of 20 , 000 feet , and were designed principally to meet the requirements of solictors and trustees who have the responsibility of valuable deeds

and other documents . The strong rooms present a very unique appearance , being built into the very bowels of the earth under the main buildings , and vary in size . They are fitted with the electric light , and present an appearance of stolidity which is confirmed by the fact that they were arranged under the

superintendence of the well-known firm of Milner , Limited . The interesting spectacle of these long avenues of strong rooms is heightened by the knowledge that many contain property of public interest . Here we see the large strong rooms in which the books of the Hibernian Bank were kept during the Parnell

Commission . Then we notice the door that encloses a valuable collection of antiquities and coins , the result of excavations at Tharros , in Sardinia , the items being principally of the Egyptian and Phoenician Epoch , 600 years B . C . ; here , again , another massive apartment preserves in safety the collection of

Shakespenan Manuscripts collected by the late Halliwell Phillips . It is evident from these few instances that the public are learning to appreciate the security afforded b y this magnificent stronghold , a conclusion which is further emphasised by the fact that during last year the number of renters increased 40 per cent .

After the reception in the inner vestibule and a tour through the maze of iron avenues , the guests assembled at a banquet in the large hall above , which was handsomely decorated for the occasion . Bro . Sir R . N . Fowler , Bart ., M . P . ( who when Lord Mayor of London inaugurated the Safe Deposit five years ago ) , presided , and

among the visitors were—Lord Leamington , Lord Strathallan , Sir G . E . D . Sherston Baker , Bart . ( Recorder of Barnstaple ); Sir Fredk . Abel , C . B ., D . C . L ., F . R . S . ; Sir Henry Bergne , K . C . M . G . ; Sir Hugh Montgomery , Bart ., Sir Graham Berry , K . C . M . G ., Sir H . Cartwright , M . R . I . A ., F . S . A . ; VV . G . Cavendish

Bentinck , Esq ., M . P .. G . C ; T . Bartley , Esq ., M . P . ; H . Byron Reed , Esq ., M . P . ; Col . Duff Cater ; Mitchell Henry , Esq ., J . P ., D . L . ; Robt . Cunliffe , Esq ., Vice-President Incorporated Law Society ; J . J . Saffery , Esq ., President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants ; Consul-General Christmas ; Mr . Alderman Evans , J . P .,

D . L . ; G . Candy , Esq ., Q . C ; C . B . Birch , Esq ., A . R . A . ; Mr . Deputy Creasey ; Rev . Canon Hemmans , M . A . ; and others . The CHAIRMAN , in the course of an interesting speech , referred to the institution as being a proof of the wealth and importance of the City of London , and

confirmed his opinion of its success since he opened it five years ago . Bro . Ex-Sheriff Thomas Clarke ' s health was enthusiastically received , and , in returning thanks , he remarked that the Chancery Lane Safe Deposit had more than fulfilled his expectations , and , in spite of Solomon ' s assertion that there was nothing new under

the sun , he claimed for the institution that there was originality in its conception . Besides the advantages to individuals the benefits were often of a public and official character , and the moral influence brought to bear upon the burglar was pronounced ; indeed . it

had been said his occupation had gone . The usual loyal and other toasts were discussed , and , in the course of the evening , instrumental music was performed by the Grenadier Guards Band , directed b y Bro . Lieut . Dan Godfrey , and an excellent selection of music was well rendered .

Ireland.

Ireland .

MASONIC LECTURE BY BRO . CARSON .

On Thursday evening , the 17 th inst ., Bro . Joseph L Carson , associate Quatuor Coronati , and Junior Warden of Lodge 891 , delivered a most interesting lecture on Masonic History and Symbolism in the Town Hall , Enniskillen . There was a very large assemblage of the brethren . On the motion of Bro . William Ritchie

W . M . 891 , seconded by Bro . R . T . Forde , W . M . 205 , the chair was taken by Bro . Dr . Ternan , Prov . G . Sec . Tyrone and Fermanagh , who very happily and felicitously introduced the lecturer and his theme . Bro . Carson gave a very graphic exposition of the earlier orig in and character of the system , and of the virtues which it represented and symbolised . His

explanation of the various emblems of the Craft was not only a revelation to most of the brethren present , but was made deeply interesting to all by reason of the undoubted research it displayed in Masonic literature and the vivid and graceful style in which the subject was expressed . Coming to later times , he detailed the history of the spread of the

Ireland.

Order in the United Kingdom , and mentioned a number of historic names , kings , statesmen , warriors , politicians , & c , who were ardent and prominent Masonic lights in their day . The lecture occupied over an hour in delivery , and exhibited , in its different branches and aspects , Bro . Carson ' s earnest and

unceasing study of the literature of the Order , his deep regard for its principles , and the strong desire which animates him to see its membership enlarged and its precepts faithfull y and consistently carried into practice . On the motion of Bro . W . F . J ONES , 891 , seconded by Bro . WM . GALT , 205 , a warm acknowledgment of

the grateful feelings of the brethren was conveyed to Bro . Carson by the Chairman , who took the opportunity of contributing , as he so well can , some additional information as to Masonic ethics and rites , while he referred in most complimentary terms to the

extensive knowledge displayed by Bro . Carson in reference to the whole great subject of Masonry . Bro . WM . C . TRIMBLE , 205 , then proposed , and Bro . THOS . ELLIOTT , 205 , seconded , a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Ternan for presiding , and the brethren separated .

Masonic Ball At The Leinster Hall.

MASONIC BALL AT THE LEINSTER HALL .

On the 25 th ult ., at the Leinster Hall , Hawkinsstreet , Dublin , the members of Lodge No . 25 gave a grand ball in aid of the Masonic Charities of Dublin . These include the Girls' and Boys' Orphan Schools , the former situated at Ball ' s Bridge , and the latter at Clonskeagh . The great cause of Freemasonry is well

maintained in these Institutions , but want of means is the cause of many deserving cases being rejected . There was another reason for the effort of Lodge No . 25 . The Female Orphan School , in aid of which the ball was given two years ago by this lodge , had been freed from debt , but funds were required for the

new boys' school , and , with the idea of g iving some aid , the brethren of Lodge No . 25 entered upon the venture of holding a ball . So far as the general arrangements were concerned they were as near absolute perfection as possible . The decorations were very fine , the hall being panelled with

fine mirrors , whilst the galleries were set off with pale blue drapings , here and there being finely designed trophies of flags and bannerettes and artistic arrangements of variously coloured ostrich feathers and Pampas grasses . The platform , or dais , was arranged somewhat in drawing-room style , with a background of

mirrors , behind which was a pleasing display of fairy lamps , festoons and flags completing the arrangement of a very pretty picture . It is unnecessary to go into details as to the dresses worn b y the ladies . They comprised everything from a meek Quaker-like gown to the more recent fashion of unartistic garment , which

is surmounted by the monstrosity known as the " Medici collar . " Some of the costumes worn by the ladies , however , were decidedly handsome , and the ladies being handsome also , the effect was good . It must be confessed however , that on this occasion the best show was made by the members of the sterner sex most

of whom appeared in full Masonic regalia , whilst those entitled to wear what has been described as " the Queen ' s suit , " wore their uniforms , the result of the combinations being decidedly felicitous . Notice should not be omitted of the beautiful arrangement of flowers on and around the platform . Some really superb blooms

were exhibited , most of them being from the nurseries of Mr . Murphy , of Nassau-street . Mr . Murphy also had charge of the catering arrangements , which he carried out in a most creditable manner , and thoroughly in accordance with the reputation which he holds as a caterer , not only in Masonic , but in public circles .

I here were 20 dances on the programme , with three " extra . " The programme is a most artistic production externally , on the back being miniature pictures of the Masonic Male and Female Orphan Schools . The dance music was supplied by the band of the Seaforth Highlanders , under the direction of Mr . Maxwell .

Australia.

Australia .

UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA .

RE-ELECTION OF SIR WILLIAM CLARKE AS GRAND MASTER .

The United Grand Lodge of Victoria held its second annual communication at the Freemasons' Hall , Collinsstreet , Melbourne , on Monday evening , March 17 th . The M . W . G . M ., Bro . Sir William J . Clarke , Bart ., M . L . C ., having been announced by the Grand Director of Ceremonies , entered , accompanied by Bros . George

Coppin , M . L . C , P . G . M ., the Deputy Orand Master ; George Baker , P . G . M . ; H . M . Coombs , P . G . M . ; and the Present and Past Grand Officers . The M . W . G . M . opened the Grand Lodge in ample form , Bros . A . Aitken , S . G . W ., and P . Joske , J . G . W ., being in their respective places . Bro . COVERLID , P . G . R ., raised a point as to the

recognition of his rank as Grand Representative 01 Arkansas , to which Bro . S . BUTTERS , P . B . G . P ., replied that it had been referred to the Board of General Purposes . The roll of lodges was then called , and over 100 lodges responded to the call . Bro . J . J AMES , P . D . G . M ., proposed that the M . W . Grand Master , Bro . Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart ., M . L . C , LL . D .. Cantab , be re-elected as Grand Master for the