East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.

Freemasons and Widows in February last upwards of £ 2600 vvas contributed by the lodges and brethren in the province . The receipts may be summarised as follows : Donation from P . G . Lodge 100 0 o

„ „ „ Chapter ... 31 10 o ,, ., „ Alark Lodge ... 10 10 o Donations & Subscriptions—Lodges , Chapteis , Preceptories , & c ... 731 13 S Donations and Subscriptions—Individuals 294 18 0

in 6 S 11 S Interest on Investments and Bank Int . 37 6 6 6 £ 1544 iS 2 The grants for education and relief amount to ^ 65 6 6 s . 2 d ., or £ 102 13 s . Sd . more than last year . Thirty-seven children have benefited during the year by grants for their education . Twenty-one brethren

and widows have had grants made to them by the Relief Board , in addition io those relieved by the Almoners' Committee , 54 in number ; sothataltogether there have been 112 cases relieved by the Institution during the year . . £ 241 ios . had been given by the Institution to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in name of the President of the Institution . An

investment of . £ 320 in Railway Preference Stock has been made , raising the gross cost of the investments held by the Institution to £ 11 , 354 ' 5 - > od . The balance in bank at 31 st Dec , 18 92 , was £ 737 is . 7 d , as against £ 528 18 s . 3 d . at beginning of the year . The committee acknowledged the services of the Minnehaha Minstrels for a performance in Manchester ,

in aid of the Institution . Dramatic performances for the Institution have been held in Bury , Ashton-under-Lyne , and Rochdale , as also a recital at Pendleton , and the Committee thanked all concerned for their efforts . The report was unanimously adopted by the meeting .

Thanks were given to the General Committee and the various Sub-Committees for their services . Bro . Wm . Jaffrey was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Jas . Heelis , Hon . Sec , and the thanks of the meeting were given them for their past services , as also to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the General

Committee , Bros . E . G . Harwood and J . H . Sillitoe . On the proposition of Bro . Sillitoe it vvas resolved that a Committee be appointed . for the purpose of considering the best means of establishing a more regular and systematic source of income . A hearty vote of thanks to the President , Bro . Col . Starkie , terminated the proceedings .

Annual Festival Of The Brixton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1049.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE BRIXTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1049 .

The annual festival of this flourishing lodge of instruction was held at the Prince Regent , Dulwichroad , Herne-hill , on Tuesday , the 24 th ult ., under the presidency of Bro . Arthur Blenkarn , P . M ., Member of the Board of General Purposes , who was supported by

the following brethren * . Bros . Geo . Langley , P . M . 2381 ; W . H . Lee , P . M . 2381 ; H . Hooper , P . M ., J . D . 2381 ; G . W . Castle , S . D . 2281 ; A . W . Fawkes , 2381 , H . J . Lyrett , 2381 ; A . H . Lee , 2381 ; Stevens , 2381 ; A . Jones , VV . M . 1949 ; J . Newland , J . W . 1949 ; J . Hicks , S . D . 1949 ; A . Haine , 1949 ; C . R . Cutler , 1949 ; W . Hooker , 1949 ; R . Butt , 1949 ; Gregory ,

P . AL 1962 ; Wood , 1446 ; Masters , 1446 ; Brown , 1446 ; Salter , 2266 ; F . Hill , P . M . 1563 ¦ S . W . S . Burridge , W . M . 1922 ; Williams , P . AL 295 ; Phillips , P . M . 1 745 ; Hunt , 1539 ; Howard , 1539 ; Jones , 1760 ; Welch , 13 ; Nash , 155 8 ; Nell , 913 ; Legg , 2331 ; and Stuart Lane , 1614 . A very excellent repast vvas provided by the worthy

Host , Mr . Revill , and a cordial vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to him in reference thereto . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the CHAIRMAN and duly honoured . Bro . HOOPER , P . M ., then stated that in consequence of the regretted absence of the worth y Preceptor , Bro . E . A . Francis , P . M ., the toast of " The President " had

been placed in his hands . He felt assured the brethren would receive it vvith enthusiasm , as they were well aware that a more worthy Alason or a better hearted man than their worthy President , Bro . Blenkarn , did not exist . Bro . BLENKARN responded in kind ' y terms , stating the pleasure it afforded him to be surrounded by so

many old friends on that occasion . The PRESIDENT then proposed "Success to the Brixton Lodge of Instruction , " and said the members had done their best to make it a success , and in consequence the Brixton Lodge of Instruction was now one of the best on the Surrey side of the river . When he was first appointed to ofiice and desirous of making

nimself acquainted with the ritual , he made his first v'sit to that lodge of instruction . His progress was such that the W . M . and Past Masters of his lodge were surprised at his efficiency in the various offices he was asked to carry out , A number of brethren who attended the lodge of instruction had passed the chair Jj their respective lodges , and installed their successors . ™ e expressed his regret at the absence of Bro . Francis ,

'he genial and competent Preceptor , and of Bro . Axford , the highly respected Treasurer . In Bro . Langley they had a very able and efficient Secretary , and the lodge of instruction was much indebted to him r ° his valuable services , also to the Assistant Secretary , ° ro . G . W . Castle , his worthy coadjutor . He therefore ? sked the brethren to drink success to the lodge of 'nstruction , coupled vvith the names of Bros . Langley a "d Castle . *

Annual Festival Of The Brixton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1049.

Bro . LANGLEY stated he rose with a great deal of pleasure to respond to the toast , and , at the same time , with a deep sense of regret at the unavoidable absence of Bros . Francis and Axford . On behalf of the executive , he tendered sincere thanks for the manner in vvhich the toast had been proposed and received , and expressed acknowledgments of the kind manner in which thev

were supported on all occasions . The lodge of instruction had had a very successful career , and , although they met on Tuesday evening the whole year through , the average attendance was about 17 . In the interest of the lodge of instruction , he suggested the infusion of new blood into the secretarial department , he having held the office for eight years .

Bro . CASTLE , Asst . Sec , also responded , and urged the brethren to further efforts , that the number of members and the efficiency of the lodge of instruction might be fully maintained . Bro . BLENKARN , in proposing "Success to the Brixton Lodge of Instruction Masonic Benevolent Association , " pointed out the advantages of this and

similar associations . He would not trouble the brethren with statistics , he would leave that in the hands of Bro . Hooper , vvho conducted the duties of Treasurer and Secretary to their great satisfaction , and vvith immense advantage to the Association , and he therefore coupled his name with the toast . Bro . HOOPER , in responding , said he had been

Secretary of the Association since its foundation , nearly 10 years since , and when he stated that the sum of £ 170 $ had been paid to the central Masonic Charities through the Association , he felt sure it would be admitted to be a large sum from a lodge of instruction meeting with an average attendance of 17 members . He thanked the brethren for their

kindness on all occasions , and pledged his services in the future as in the past . "The Health of the Visitors" was then proposed by the PRESIDENT , coupled vvith the name of Bro . GREGORY , P . M ., vvho expressed the pleasure it afforded him to be present and to support his old comrade of the London Rifle Brigade , Bro . Blenkarn , and to hear of the good work the lodge of instruction was doing in

South London . The toast of '' The Mother Lodge " vvas then proposed , and was responded to by the W . M ., Bro . A . J ONES , in cordial terms , thus ending a very enjoyable evening , many of the brethren expressing themselves greatly obliged to Bros . Nash , Fawkes , Legg , Neel , and Stuart Lane for the vocal and instrumental talent displayed by them during the proceedings .

Annual Dinner Of The Chaucer Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1510.

ANNUAL DINNER OF THE CHAUCER LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1510 .

The above lodge of instruction held their annual dinner at the Old White Hart Inn , High-street , Borough , S . E ., on Tuesday evening , the 3 ibt ult ., and 56 brethren sat down to a most substantial banquet , served in most excellent style by the host , Air . James Temple . Bro . Walter Wingham , P . M . 1540 , occupied

the chair , and Bro . F . W . Stamp , P . M . 1178 , filled the vice-chair . The brethren having done ample justice to the good things provided , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . The CHAIRMAN then expressed his desire first to take wine with those on his right and left respectively , those

in and above the chair , those below the chair , and the married and single brethren , vvhich was responded to vvith great enthusiasm , the single brethren being met vvith shouts of laughter . The principal toast of the evening vvas , of course , "Success to the Chaucer Lodgeof Instruction , " with vvhich the CHAIRMAN coupled the name of the

Preceptor , Bro . W . Roots , and in highly eulogistic terms set forth his many capabilities . Bro . ROOTS very modestly responded , and gave a hearty welcome to all those in search ot the mysterious truth . The other toasts were " The Visitors , " " Tne Ofiicers , " and "' The Alother Lodge , " all ot which were duly responded to .

Bro . Mark Atwood , 134 S , very efficiently presided at the piano , and the following brethren were tne vocalists : Bros . F . W . Stamp , P . M . ; F . W . Stevens , Alf . Atkins , Johnnie Osmond , Chapman , Malham , Collins , Fullwood , and others , the meeting being brought to a close by the entire company joining very heartily in " Auld Lang Syne . "

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . L . F . B . DYKES , P . G . D . With feelings of universal regret the Freemasons of Cumberland and Westmorland heard of thu death of Bro . Lamplugh Frecheville Ballantine D ykes , P . D . P . G . AI ., P . G . D . of England , of Dovenby Hall , Cockermouth , on Sunday , the 5 th inst ., at Blackwell House , near Carlisle , where he had been residing for a few months past . Bro . Dykes had been in delicate health

for some time , and that was the sule reason for his resigning the office of D . P . G . M . sj recently as six months ago . Our late brother , though of late years a prominent member of the Craft , took no active part in its affairs until about a dozen years since , when he became a joining member of Skiddaw Lodge , No . 1002 , Cockermouth , in which he served the offices of S . W . and W . M . in 1881 . 2 . He vvas initiated in the Apollo Uni-

Obituary.

versity Lodge , Oxford , about the same time as H . R . H . the late Duke of Albany . In September , 1 S 82 , the Earl of Bective appointed him his Deputy for Cumberland and Westmorland , and his investiture , at the hands of his distinguisheel chief , took place at thc annual meeting of the province in Carlisle , while it is safe to say that no more popular appointment vvas ever m ide

in the northern province . Most energetic and enthusiastic in the performance of his duties , Bro . Dykes all at once became a working Mason in every sense of the word , for during his time of office he consecrated three new lodges , and also laid the corner-stones of two new churches in the county of Cumberland . During the Jubilee Celebrations , Bro . Dykes was the recipient of

Grand Lodge honours , fur he was made a Past Grand Deacon . In other walks of Masonry , he vvas a member of the Nicholson Royal Arch Chapter , No . 371 ; of the Faithful ! Alark Lodge , No . 229 ; and the Border Chapter , No . 102 , A . and A . Rite . Further than this , our late brother possessed in an eminent degree the Masonic virtue of Charity . He likewise came of a

good old Masonic stock , seeing that his father before him vvas a leading member of the Fraternity , many years ago ; firstly , as D . P . G . M . to the great Statesman , Sir James Graham , when Cumberland vvas a separate province , and next as chief of the two counties from 1 S 63 until his death in 1866 , when he vvas succeeded by the present P . G . M ., L * jrd Bective . The late Bro .

Dykes was head of one of the oldest Cumberland families ; indeed he could trace his descent from a period anterior to the Norman Conquest . Burke , in his work on Royal descents , mentions the Dykes family as springing from William the Conqueror , the Empress Matilda , Malcolm Canmore III ., and David I . of Scotland . One of his ancestors was Parliamentary

representative of Cumberland 111 the 15 th century , and his father vvas member for Cockermouth from 1832 to 1836 . Bro . Dykes vvas a boy of 12 at Ms father ' s death in 1866 , and vvas educated at Harrow and Christ Church , Oxford , at both of vvhich seats of learning he made very many life-long friends . Shortly after coming of age he was appointed a Justice of the Peace for his 11 itive county ;

next a Deputy Lieutenant , while in 1885-6 he was High Sheriff , like many of his ancestors . For many years he held a commission in the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry Cavalry , and at the time of his death vvas major in that old force . Sports of all kinds had no more ardent devotee . Cricket , perhaps , vvas his chief hobby , and he spent much time and money

on the now defunct Cumberland County Club . He vvas a keen follower of the hounds , and had won the Point to Point Steeplechase in connection vvith the Cumberland Hunt . Add to this his stewardship , for several years , of Carlisle races . Amongst other public positions , Bro . Dykes vvas President of the Cockermouth Conservative Association . He was altogether a line

type of the English country gentleman , a . id his deith , at the comparatively early . ige of 38 , will be universally deplored . In 1879 he married Editn Georgina Howard-Brooke , sister ot Lady Heron-Maxwell , and granddaughter of the late Sir IT . Brooke , Bart ., of Colebrooke , in Ireland . He leaves a son , Frecheville Hube-rt , born in 1881 . The remains of Bro . Dykes were interred in the little

churchyard of Bridekirk , near Cuckermoutli , where so many of his ancestors repose , on Thursday , the 9 th instant . In spite of the heavy rain , there was a large concourse ot mourners , foremost amongst whom , so far as numbers are concerned , vvere the tenantry of the estate , our deceased brother being a model landed proprietur .

BRO . THOMAS H . LEE . The hiindcburg ( Queensland ) Mail , just to hand , contains the following : — " With much regret we announce the death of Air . Thomas H . Lee , solicitor , which took place on Friday morning . For some time past his health had ivot been as satisfactory as could have been wished , and he vvas under the close medic vl attendance

of Drs . Francis and Sugden . Mr . Lee vvas a native of Dublin , where he was educated and qualified for his profession . He arrived in Australia eight or nine years ago , during which time he was resident in Bundeburg , to which place he . w . i-i very much attached . By his friendly , genial , unassuming manner and general urbanity he won many friends , and in business was

equally esteemed . Mr . Lee had no relatives here but tne last ministrations vvere peiformed by the Alasonic Brotherhood , of which Order ( Mulgrave Lodge No . 323 , I . C ) , he was an active member . His body was taken charge of by the [ Worshipful Master , Brother Patterson , on behalf of the lodge , and after being coffined vvas removed to the Masonic

Hall , where it lay until three o ' clock on Sunday afternoon ( Christinas Day ) , the hour appointed lor the funeral . Past Master G . Knott , read the usual impressive Masonic luneral service preparatory to thu removal of the body . Preceded by the town band , under Bandmaster George Branbin , playing the ' Dead March , ' the funeral procession , consisting of a large number

of brethren , representative of all three Constitutions , English , Irish , and Scotch , from both town and district , made its way to the cemetery in drenching rain . The Rev . J . Mackenzie , uf the Presbyterian Church , officiated at the grave , after which Past Master Bro . G . Knott read tne Alasonic funeral service . The decased gentleman was buried in private ground .

Notwithstanding the seventy of the weather the very large attendance , both on foot and in buggies , was a forcible indication of the great esteem in which the deceased was held . " Air . Thomas H . Lee was the son of the late Thomas H . Lee , M . D ., of Dublin , and vvas a nephew of the late Patrick Reid , chairman of Arnott ' s , and of John H . Reid , the present chairman .