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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MIDDLESEX. ← Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MIDDLESEX. Page 2 of 3 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.
Piitchard by electing him , he ( Bro . Levander ) ventured to say there would be added to the roll of Provincial Grand Officers one thoroughly deserving of the purple and eminently competent to undertake , and conscientiously perform , the duties of his office . Bro . J . TICKLE , P . P . G . Reg ., seconded the nomination , which was unanimously agreed to , and Bro . PRITCHARD returned thanks for the honour in appropriate termsas follows .-
Prov . G . M ., appointed and invested the following officers for the year .-Bro . Lieut . Col . Bullock , 1871 ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ Dr . A . E . Sansom , 1494 ¦•• ••• ••¦ Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . G . Nugee , 1691 ... ••¦ Prov . S . G . Chap . „ Rev . W . W . Martin , 1460 ... - Prov . ] . G . Chap .
„ H . Pritchard , 1415 ... ¦¦• ••• ••¦ Prov . G . Treas . „ W . R . Palmer , 2105 ... •¦• •¦• Prov . G . Reg . „ Howard H . Room , 1777 . . .. ••• Prov . G . Sec . „ Dr . Williams Cock , 1 597 ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ George Clark , jun ., 1777 ... ... - Prov . S . G . D . „ I . D . E . Tarr , 1 293 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D .
„ j . Davies , 1309 ... •¦• ••¦ Prov . J . G . D . „ J . Finch , 1793 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . " „ E . C . Kilsby , 1702 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ H . W . Nicholson , 382 ... ••¦ Prov . D . G . D . C . „ E . T . Edwards , 7 88 ' ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Selby Parsons , 1237 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ J . Boulton , 1579 * ... ... ••¦ ¦ Prov . G . Std . Br .
„ W . C . Hall , 2163 ... ... .- frov . U . bta . Br . „ W . Wright , 18 97 . .. ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ W . H . Lee , 1897 ... ... ... Prov . Asst . G . Sec „ J . Weston , 18 97 ... ... ••• Prov . G . Purst . „ R . Drummond , 1656 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst . „ Dr . W . H . Causton , 865 ,, A . H . Gurney , 1503 ...
" J ; , Z 7 ' n ' " '" '" '"' r -Prov . G . Stwds „ A . a B . Terrell , 1494 „ G . L . Wingate , 1423 ... „ J . Sadler Wood , 2024 ... ... ... J „ J . Gilbert , 11 94 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Ty ler ,
The two LP . Wardens and the LP . Reg . were , on the nomination of the D . P . G . M ., elected for the Audit Committee for 1891 . Bros . W . H . Lee , Maple , and Carter were appointed by the Prov . G . M ., and Bros . Dr . Riley , Frost Creswick , and J . Tickle were elected members of the Charity Committee . The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER then said he would encroach upon their time , and the brethren would excuse him for introducing a question which was not upon the agenda . He was confident that every brother would have the greatest pleasure
and gratification with what he was about to do . They had been acquainted and knew the duty performed by the late Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Woodward , than whom he did not believe any brother had performed the duties in a more efficient , more satisfactory , or more genial manner . Bro . Woodward came into the province when it was rather in a disorganised state , but he had such a good system of organisation that it was soon in a different position . The duties were most onerous and most important to the province and the Prov . G . M . Bro . Woodward was always ready and anxious to do all he could for the province , and therefore
there were none present who experienced greater pleasure than he had in presenting Bro . Woodward with a testimonial for services rendered to the province during his term of office . He , therefore , in the name of the province and those around him who knew Bro . Woodward and had had any communication with him , with the greatest gratification presented him with a testimonial in appreciation of his services . The testimonial mig ht have been of more intrinsic value , but he had further gratification in being able to state that they should be able to present Mrs . Woodward with some further mark of their appreciation of her husband's services to the Province of Middlesex .
Bro . J . F . H . WOODWARD , P . G . S . B ., P . P . G . Sec , said he was perfectly at a loss for words to express what he felt . The Prov . Grand Master had spoken in far too flattering terms of any service he had rende-red the province , and had remarked that he had entered upon the work of Prov . Grand Secretary at a very important period in the history of the province , viz ., one mouth before the new Book of Constitutions came into force . That involved a large amount of work and care , for which he was responsible . He would indeed have been ungrateful
for the great confidence reposed in him if he had not done his utmost to bring the by-laws of the lodges and chapters into perfect agreement with the new Book of Consticutions . It was a pleasure and an honour to serve under one so beloved and respected as Sir Francis Burdett , not only in their large province , but wherever he was known . He must take that opportunity of thanking the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Thrupp , and Bro . W . H . Lee , the Asst . Prov . G . Sec , as also the Secretaries of the lodges and Scribes of the chapters , for the great assistance they had rendered him in bringing that work to a successful conclusion . It occupied
eig ht months to carry out , as every word in every by-law had to be compared with its governing law in the new Book of Constitutions . It was with unexpected pleasure and surprise he had heard that they intended to present his wife with a bracelet , and he was sure she would ever remember the great kindness shown towards him by the brethren . Their present he should carry with him to his dying day as a memento of their goodwill and esteem , and of their appreciation of his efforts to carry on the work of the province to their satisfaction for nearly five years . He again thanked them , and would conclude with three lines familiar to them
all—Happy have we met , Happy may we part , And happy meet again . The text of the illuminated address was as follows : — The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Past Grand Warden of England , Representative from the Grand Lodge of Ireland .
The Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , Bro . Raymond Henry Thrupp , Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of England . Several lodges and chapters in the province , and many brethren and companions of the same , whose names are set forth in the accompanying bound volume , being desirous of conveying in some substantial manner to W . Bro . John Francis Holmes Woodward , Past Grand Sword Bearer of England , and Past Provincial Grand Secretary of Middlesex , the expression of their feelings of sincere personal esteem , and especially their high sense
of his valuable and unremitting services to the province while acting as its Secretary , during which time he brought its affairs into perfect order and to a most successful condition , beg his acceptance of a gold watch and chain , trusting that he may be endowed with long life and health to use this memento of the fraternal affection of the donors . Signed on behalf of the subscribers , FRAS . BURDETT , Provl . Grand Master . Presented at a meeting of tfie ProW . Grand Lodge of . Middlesex held at Enfield , 14 th June , 1 S 90 . The testimonial consisted of an illuminated and framed address , a gold watch and 18 carat gold chain , and a bracelet and locket for Mrs . Woodward .
, . . . , Rig ht Worship ful Provincial Grand Master , —With your kind permission I should like to thank the brethren for having placed me in this high position by their unanimous vote ; and I hope to deserve the confidence they have placed in me b y a strict observance of my duties as a Mason , and especially as tbe Provincial Grand Treasurer of Middlesex . The Prov . G . Master having re-appointed Bro . Raymond H . Thrupp as Deputy
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.
The sum of 30 guineas was voted to the R . M . I , for Girls and 15 guineas each to the R . M . I . for Boys and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ^ the first amount being exceptional in consideration of the fact that the Provincial Grand Master presided at the recent Festival of that Institution . On the motion of the DEPUTY P ROV . GRAND MASTER a sum of ^ " 13 was voted for the purposes of placing a memorial on behalf of the province in one of the lig hts in the windows in the Centenary Hall of the R . M . I , for Girls and thereby securing four votes in perpetuity .
The roll of lodges was then called , all being represented with the exception of the Elthorne and Middlesex Lodge , No . 2094 . A hearty vote o ? thanks was accorded to the Committee who carried out the arrano-ements for the meeting , which was acknowledged by Bro . ADAMS , P . G . S . B .,
and to the late Prov . G . Treas ., Bro . Carter , for his services during the past year . Letters of apology for non attendance were announced from a large number of brethren , including Bros . E . Yates , P . P . S . G . W . ; the G . Sec ; F . A . Phiibrick , T . Fenn , Sparks , and others , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed . After banquet the usual toasts were heartil y received .
" The Oueen and the Craft" having been honoured , the PROV . G . MASTER proposed " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and said H . R . H . had proved himself a thorough good Mason and one who took great interest in his work . He , as a Prov . Grand Master , and others knew the work in a province , and they could therefore imagine what H . R . H . had to do .
In giving "The Grand Officers , " the PROV . G . MASTER said H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . was supported by some of the best Masons in the Kingdom . The Pro Grand Master was one of the most efficient members of the Order , but was not able to attend as often as he could wish at Grand Lodge owing to illness . Bro . Raymond Thrupp was also one of the most efficient Grand Officers , and had been their Deputy Prov . Grand Master for many yeajs , and he hoped Bro . Thrupp would retain that position for many years to come .
Bro . ADAMS , P . G . S . B ., returned hearty thanks . He regretted having been called upon to respond as there were two senior officers present , but he presumed they would have something to say afterwards . He could endorse the remarks of the Prov . Grand Master , for the Grand Officers all tried to do their best , and it was not unusual to see Sir Francis Burdett in the chair of Grand Lodge , when he performed the duties with marked success and to the approbation of the brethren .
Bro . R AYMOMD H . THRUPP , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , said they then came to what , in the Province of Middlesex , was justly considered the toast of the evening— " The Health of the Provincial Grand Master . " He could say , as Bro . Adams had done in the previous toast , that this needed no words , and it would even then be warmly received . He must , however , say why their Prov . Grand Master was so much respected , esteemed , and beloved . It was because they
recognised in Sir Francis Burdett a true , genuine , and enthusiastic Mason , and a kind and courteous gentleman—one of the old English sort they looked back to and regretted had died out—because whenever he came amongst them he extended a genial air to any brother , however junior in Masonry . In the Province of Essex the day previous the remark was made— " What a popular Provincial Grand
Master Sir Francis Burdett is , " and he ( Bro . Thrupp ) replied , " Yes , and if you were in our province you would know why . " Every brother present recognised why . There was another remark made to their Provincial Grand Master on the present occasion , which was : "What ! do you still hunt ? " and the reply was " Yes , and I hope to do so for many years to come . " They all echoed that sentimentand hoped he would be spared for many years of enjoyable hunting .
, Bro . Colonel Sir FRANCIS BURDETT , Bart ., Provincial Grand Master , thanked the Deputy Prov . Grand Master and the brethren for the kindness with which they had received his remarks . He hardly felt he could , at that moment , express the gratitude he felt for the kindness with which he had been received that eveninc and on all previous occasions , but he could say that that evening the brethren had exceeded what had been done before . He was not only an old Prov . Grand
Master , but an old member on the list of Prov . Grand Masters . It had always civen him pleasure to preside , even in Grand Lodge , not only for his own gratification , but because he felt he represented one of the most influential Provinces . It was not that he had the pleasure of sitting in that chair , but he felt he was there as the representative of the Province of Middlesex , and as long as he was able he would do all he could to exert himself for the interest of that province . He felt
he had represented Middlesex for such a number of years that he trusted to continue to do so to the end of his days . It was gratifying to him to hold that position , but he was more gratified than he could express for the kindness he always received . He thought he ought not to lose that opportunity of thanking those brethren who had made the excellent arrangements for the meeting , including Bros . J . H . Thompson and Clements , and also Bros . May and Poulton , who had
decorated the hall most beautifully , which he felt was a compliment not only to the province but to himself . He should have the recollection of that meeting as one of the happiest and pleasantest he had attended for many years . He had presided over the province for 20 years , and as long as he was able to struggle along they might depend upon it it would be the greatest pleasure in the world to him to be a brother amongst them .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER then gave ' ¦ The Visitors , " and said he should be neglecting his duty if he failed to bring that toast to their notice , as the province was always anxious to receive visitors . They had brethren present from all parts of the world . Their Masonic hospitality did not only extend to their own province , but went as far as Masonry extended , and he hoped that wherever Masonry extended they might find representatives of the Masonic world coming and meeting with a hospitable reception from the Province of Middlesex .
He had p leasure in coupling with the toast the name of a brother who had come from a very far distant country—New South Wales—where Masonry was making tremendous progress , and where Masons were working uncommonly well , and almost passing them in the number of their buildings and Masonic Halls . He thought they might take a hint and erect many Masonic Halls in which to meet and hold their meetings . Abroad they had the most magnificent halls , of which English Masons did not know . He was happy to see Bro . Buchanan on the present occasion , and the province was much flattered by his presence .
Bro . E . H . BUCHANAN , Grand Architect of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales , in reply , said it afforded him extreme satisfaction to return sincere thanks for the flattering remarks made b y the Prov . Grand Master in proposing the toast , and for the hearty reception it had received . He felt somewhat selfish in occupying that position , for he thought he had deprived more prominent and deserving visitors from responding , and who could speak locally . He was almost
an entire stranger amongst them , although he did not feel so , as the kindly treatment and reception he had received made him feel quite at home and amongst brethren . As the Prov . Grand Master had said , Masonry had extended its branches so widel y that it had extended 14 , 000 miles , namely , over Australia , and was very much alive there . In his colony they were governed b y their own Grand Lodge , and owing to the gracious efforts of the Earl of Carnarvon and other prominent
Masons , were recognisedby the Grand Lodge of England . Lord Carrington , their Governor , and P . S . G . W . of England , was their beloved Grand Master , and under that Grand Lodge they numbered about 230 lodges in work . They had their own halls mostly , and all the Metropolitan lodges met in the City Hal ) , which was capable of holding 3000 Masons . If ever any of the Masons present visited
Sydney , he had only to present himself to the Grand Secretary or Assistant , and he would always find a Masonic welcome . He thought that altogether in the colony there were between 5000 and 6000 Masons , who were spread all over the colony , and thus exercised a great influence and conferred many benefits . The Board of Benevolence distributed £ 300 or ^ 400 every quarter for necessitous cases . There were many Masons who had left the old country , and , having met with unforeseen
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.
Piitchard by electing him , he ( Bro . Levander ) ventured to say there would be added to the roll of Provincial Grand Officers one thoroughly deserving of the purple and eminently competent to undertake , and conscientiously perform , the duties of his office . Bro . J . TICKLE , P . P . G . Reg ., seconded the nomination , which was unanimously agreed to , and Bro . PRITCHARD returned thanks for the honour in appropriate termsas follows .-
Prov . G . M ., appointed and invested the following officers for the year .-Bro . Lieut . Col . Bullock , 1871 ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ Dr . A . E . Sansom , 1494 ¦•• ••• ••¦ Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . G . Nugee , 1691 ... ••¦ Prov . S . G . Chap . „ Rev . W . W . Martin , 1460 ... - Prov . ] . G . Chap .
„ H . Pritchard , 1415 ... ¦¦• ••• ••¦ Prov . G . Treas . „ W . R . Palmer , 2105 ... •¦• •¦• Prov . G . Reg . „ Howard H . Room , 1777 . . .. ••• Prov . G . Sec . „ Dr . Williams Cock , 1 597 ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ George Clark , jun ., 1777 ... ... - Prov . S . G . D . „ I . D . E . Tarr , 1 293 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D .
„ j . Davies , 1309 ... •¦• ••¦ Prov . J . G . D . „ J . Finch , 1793 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . " „ E . C . Kilsby , 1702 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ H . W . Nicholson , 382 ... ••¦ Prov . D . G . D . C . „ E . T . Edwards , 7 88 ' ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Selby Parsons , 1237 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ J . Boulton , 1579 * ... ... ••¦ ¦ Prov . G . Std . Br .
„ W . C . Hall , 2163 ... ... .- frov . U . bta . Br . „ W . Wright , 18 97 . .. ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ W . H . Lee , 1897 ... ... ... Prov . Asst . G . Sec „ J . Weston , 18 97 ... ... ••• Prov . G . Purst . „ R . Drummond , 1656 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst . „ Dr . W . H . Causton , 865 ,, A . H . Gurney , 1503 ...
" J ; , Z 7 ' n ' " '" '" '"' r -Prov . G . Stwds „ A . a B . Terrell , 1494 „ G . L . Wingate , 1423 ... „ J . Sadler Wood , 2024 ... ... ... J „ J . Gilbert , 11 94 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Ty ler ,
The two LP . Wardens and the LP . Reg . were , on the nomination of the D . P . G . M ., elected for the Audit Committee for 1891 . Bros . W . H . Lee , Maple , and Carter were appointed by the Prov . G . M ., and Bros . Dr . Riley , Frost Creswick , and J . Tickle were elected members of the Charity Committee . The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER then said he would encroach upon their time , and the brethren would excuse him for introducing a question which was not upon the agenda . He was confident that every brother would have the greatest pleasure
and gratification with what he was about to do . They had been acquainted and knew the duty performed by the late Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Woodward , than whom he did not believe any brother had performed the duties in a more efficient , more satisfactory , or more genial manner . Bro . Woodward came into the province when it was rather in a disorganised state , but he had such a good system of organisation that it was soon in a different position . The duties were most onerous and most important to the province and the Prov . G . M . Bro . Woodward was always ready and anxious to do all he could for the province , and therefore
there were none present who experienced greater pleasure than he had in presenting Bro . Woodward with a testimonial for services rendered to the province during his term of office . He , therefore , in the name of the province and those around him who knew Bro . Woodward and had had any communication with him , with the greatest gratification presented him with a testimonial in appreciation of his services . The testimonial mig ht have been of more intrinsic value , but he had further gratification in being able to state that they should be able to present Mrs . Woodward with some further mark of their appreciation of her husband's services to the Province of Middlesex .
Bro . J . F . H . WOODWARD , P . G . S . B ., P . P . G . Sec , said he was perfectly at a loss for words to express what he felt . The Prov . Grand Master had spoken in far too flattering terms of any service he had rende-red the province , and had remarked that he had entered upon the work of Prov . Grand Secretary at a very important period in the history of the province , viz ., one mouth before the new Book of Constitutions came into force . That involved a large amount of work and care , for which he was responsible . He would indeed have been ungrateful
for the great confidence reposed in him if he had not done his utmost to bring the by-laws of the lodges and chapters into perfect agreement with the new Book of Consticutions . It was a pleasure and an honour to serve under one so beloved and respected as Sir Francis Burdett , not only in their large province , but wherever he was known . He must take that opportunity of thanking the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Thrupp , and Bro . W . H . Lee , the Asst . Prov . G . Sec , as also the Secretaries of the lodges and Scribes of the chapters , for the great assistance they had rendered him in bringing that work to a successful conclusion . It occupied
eig ht months to carry out , as every word in every by-law had to be compared with its governing law in the new Book of Constitutions . It was with unexpected pleasure and surprise he had heard that they intended to present his wife with a bracelet , and he was sure she would ever remember the great kindness shown towards him by the brethren . Their present he should carry with him to his dying day as a memento of their goodwill and esteem , and of their appreciation of his efforts to carry on the work of the province to their satisfaction for nearly five years . He again thanked them , and would conclude with three lines familiar to them
all—Happy have we met , Happy may we part , And happy meet again . The text of the illuminated address was as follows : — The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Past Grand Warden of England , Representative from the Grand Lodge of Ireland .
The Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , Bro . Raymond Henry Thrupp , Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of England . Several lodges and chapters in the province , and many brethren and companions of the same , whose names are set forth in the accompanying bound volume , being desirous of conveying in some substantial manner to W . Bro . John Francis Holmes Woodward , Past Grand Sword Bearer of England , and Past Provincial Grand Secretary of Middlesex , the expression of their feelings of sincere personal esteem , and especially their high sense
of his valuable and unremitting services to the province while acting as its Secretary , during which time he brought its affairs into perfect order and to a most successful condition , beg his acceptance of a gold watch and chain , trusting that he may be endowed with long life and health to use this memento of the fraternal affection of the donors . Signed on behalf of the subscribers , FRAS . BURDETT , Provl . Grand Master . Presented at a meeting of tfie ProW . Grand Lodge of . Middlesex held at Enfield , 14 th June , 1 S 90 . The testimonial consisted of an illuminated and framed address , a gold watch and 18 carat gold chain , and a bracelet and locket for Mrs . Woodward .
, . . . , Rig ht Worship ful Provincial Grand Master , —With your kind permission I should like to thank the brethren for having placed me in this high position by their unanimous vote ; and I hope to deserve the confidence they have placed in me b y a strict observance of my duties as a Mason , and especially as tbe Provincial Grand Treasurer of Middlesex . The Prov . G . Master having re-appointed Bro . Raymond H . Thrupp as Deputy
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.
The sum of 30 guineas was voted to the R . M . I , for Girls and 15 guineas each to the R . M . I . for Boys and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ^ the first amount being exceptional in consideration of the fact that the Provincial Grand Master presided at the recent Festival of that Institution . On the motion of the DEPUTY P ROV . GRAND MASTER a sum of ^ " 13 was voted for the purposes of placing a memorial on behalf of the province in one of the lig hts in the windows in the Centenary Hall of the R . M . I , for Girls and thereby securing four votes in perpetuity .
The roll of lodges was then called , all being represented with the exception of the Elthorne and Middlesex Lodge , No . 2094 . A hearty vote o ? thanks was accorded to the Committee who carried out the arrano-ements for the meeting , which was acknowledged by Bro . ADAMS , P . G . S . B .,
and to the late Prov . G . Treas ., Bro . Carter , for his services during the past year . Letters of apology for non attendance were announced from a large number of brethren , including Bros . E . Yates , P . P . S . G . W . ; the G . Sec ; F . A . Phiibrick , T . Fenn , Sparks , and others , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed . After banquet the usual toasts were heartil y received .
" The Oueen and the Craft" having been honoured , the PROV . G . MASTER proposed " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and said H . R . H . had proved himself a thorough good Mason and one who took great interest in his work . He , as a Prov . Grand Master , and others knew the work in a province , and they could therefore imagine what H . R . H . had to do .
In giving "The Grand Officers , " the PROV . G . MASTER said H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . was supported by some of the best Masons in the Kingdom . The Pro Grand Master was one of the most efficient members of the Order , but was not able to attend as often as he could wish at Grand Lodge owing to illness . Bro . Raymond Thrupp was also one of the most efficient Grand Officers , and had been their Deputy Prov . Grand Master for many yeajs , and he hoped Bro . Thrupp would retain that position for many years to come .
Bro . ADAMS , P . G . S . B ., returned hearty thanks . He regretted having been called upon to respond as there were two senior officers present , but he presumed they would have something to say afterwards . He could endorse the remarks of the Prov . Grand Master , for the Grand Officers all tried to do their best , and it was not unusual to see Sir Francis Burdett in the chair of Grand Lodge , when he performed the duties with marked success and to the approbation of the brethren .
Bro . R AYMOMD H . THRUPP , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , said they then came to what , in the Province of Middlesex , was justly considered the toast of the evening— " The Health of the Provincial Grand Master . " He could say , as Bro . Adams had done in the previous toast , that this needed no words , and it would even then be warmly received . He must , however , say why their Prov . Grand Master was so much respected , esteemed , and beloved . It was because they
recognised in Sir Francis Burdett a true , genuine , and enthusiastic Mason , and a kind and courteous gentleman—one of the old English sort they looked back to and regretted had died out—because whenever he came amongst them he extended a genial air to any brother , however junior in Masonry . In the Province of Essex the day previous the remark was made— " What a popular Provincial Grand
Master Sir Francis Burdett is , " and he ( Bro . Thrupp ) replied , " Yes , and if you were in our province you would know why . " Every brother present recognised why . There was another remark made to their Provincial Grand Master on the present occasion , which was : "What ! do you still hunt ? " and the reply was " Yes , and I hope to do so for many years to come . " They all echoed that sentimentand hoped he would be spared for many years of enjoyable hunting .
, Bro . Colonel Sir FRANCIS BURDETT , Bart ., Provincial Grand Master , thanked the Deputy Prov . Grand Master and the brethren for the kindness with which they had received his remarks . He hardly felt he could , at that moment , express the gratitude he felt for the kindness with which he had been received that eveninc and on all previous occasions , but he could say that that evening the brethren had exceeded what had been done before . He was not only an old Prov . Grand
Master , but an old member on the list of Prov . Grand Masters . It had always civen him pleasure to preside , even in Grand Lodge , not only for his own gratification , but because he felt he represented one of the most influential Provinces . It was not that he had the pleasure of sitting in that chair , but he felt he was there as the representative of the Province of Middlesex , and as long as he was able he would do all he could to exert himself for the interest of that province . He felt
he had represented Middlesex for such a number of years that he trusted to continue to do so to the end of his days . It was gratifying to him to hold that position , but he was more gratified than he could express for the kindness he always received . He thought he ought not to lose that opportunity of thanking those brethren who had made the excellent arrangements for the meeting , including Bros . J . H . Thompson and Clements , and also Bros . May and Poulton , who had
decorated the hall most beautifully , which he felt was a compliment not only to the province but to himself . He should have the recollection of that meeting as one of the happiest and pleasantest he had attended for many years . He had presided over the province for 20 years , and as long as he was able to struggle along they might depend upon it it would be the greatest pleasure in the world to him to be a brother amongst them .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER then gave ' ¦ The Visitors , " and said he should be neglecting his duty if he failed to bring that toast to their notice , as the province was always anxious to receive visitors . They had brethren present from all parts of the world . Their Masonic hospitality did not only extend to their own province , but went as far as Masonry extended , and he hoped that wherever Masonry extended they might find representatives of the Masonic world coming and meeting with a hospitable reception from the Province of Middlesex .
He had p leasure in coupling with the toast the name of a brother who had come from a very far distant country—New South Wales—where Masonry was making tremendous progress , and where Masons were working uncommonly well , and almost passing them in the number of their buildings and Masonic Halls . He thought they might take a hint and erect many Masonic Halls in which to meet and hold their meetings . Abroad they had the most magnificent halls , of which English Masons did not know . He was happy to see Bro . Buchanan on the present occasion , and the province was much flattered by his presence .
Bro . E . H . BUCHANAN , Grand Architect of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales , in reply , said it afforded him extreme satisfaction to return sincere thanks for the flattering remarks made b y the Prov . Grand Master in proposing the toast , and for the hearty reception it had received . He felt somewhat selfish in occupying that position , for he thought he had deprived more prominent and deserving visitors from responding , and who could speak locally . He was almost
an entire stranger amongst them , although he did not feel so , as the kindly treatment and reception he had received made him feel quite at home and amongst brethren . As the Prov . Grand Master had said , Masonry had extended its branches so widel y that it had extended 14 , 000 miles , namely , over Australia , and was very much alive there . In his colony they were governed b y their own Grand Lodge , and owing to the gracious efforts of the Earl of Carnarvon and other prominent
Masons , were recognisedby the Grand Lodge of England . Lord Carrington , their Governor , and P . S . G . W . of England , was their beloved Grand Master , and under that Grand Lodge they numbered about 230 lodges in work . They had their own halls mostly , and all the Metropolitan lodges met in the City Hal ) , which was capable of holding 3000 Masons . If ever any of the Masons present visited
Sydney , he had only to present himself to the Grand Secretary or Assistant , and he would always find a Masonic welcome . He thought that altogether in the colony there were between 5000 and 6000 Masons , who were spread all over the colony , and thus exercised a great influence and conferred many benefits . The Board of Benevolence distributed £ 300 or ^ 400 every quarter for necessitous cases . There were many Masons who had left the old country , and , having met with unforeseen