Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

men who are unfit or unworthy , admit amongst us those who cannot appreciate the beauties of Freemasonry , and you not only damage that particular lodge but you inflict a serious injury upon our entire Society . Brethren , let me enjoin you to take to heart this caution ; let us not bring discredit upon our noble Institution ; let us advance certainly , but let it be warily , judiciously , and gradually . Again , very frequently I notice men going outside their own towns for admission into

Freemasonry . Now , whilst there is no absolute objection to this , provided that bona fide inquiry has been duly made and replied to , yet , the position of a brother so initiated is that of disadvantage , insomuch as he is necessarily precluded from attending to his Masonic duties as regularly as is desirable ; and , being nonresident , he cannot fully share that esprit de corps which prevails in every properly conducted Iodge . I should , therefore , deprecate this practice , unless very strong

grounds can be adduced in its favour . And now one word to Treasurers and Secretaries . The office of Treasurer is a very honourable one , and is often , and to my mind , very properly , conferred as a mark of distinction ; but it is also a very responsible one , and requires an active , firm , and conciliatory spirit . The collection of subscriptions , and especially of arrears , though in many instances neglected inadvertently , must be made , and , though I do not

absolutely complain , yet I should be delighted to see the various Treasurers interested in my statements exert themselves strenuously , so that the number of those in arrears , instead of amounting as it did to 161 at the end of last year , may , when our next returns are made , be substantially reduced . To outgoing Secretaries I would say , give every possible help and assistance to your successors ; see that the Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge returns

are duly made , signed , and promptly sent in , and call particular attention to those by-laws of the province which especially relate to the duties of Secretary . Let not , however , the Worshipful Master forget that the responsibility for the proper and efficient working of his lodge does not rest upon the Secretary , nor upon any other officer , but upon himself alone . It is to him we look , upon Kim is the obligation . Let me advise him personally to see that duties are performed ,

frequently to take counsel with his Past Masters , and in case of unforeseen doubt or difficulty , apply to the Prov . G . Secretary , from whom he may at all times look for prompt and valuable assistance . It is next my melancholy duty to record that death has again been active amongst us . Since our last meeting at Huddersfield in April we have lost many good men and true Masons ; men who have made their mark in their respective paths in life and who , after in some instances long

and exemplary Masonic careers , have gone to enjoy , we confidently hope and believe , a rest and peace which no amount of happiness in this world can afford . Amongst these were Bros . Isaac Booth , Lodge 61 ; John Foster and John Taylor , 139 ; John Wilson , 290 ; C H . Taylor , 302 ; Edward Poppleton , 827 ;; William Hall , 1019 ; John Symonds , 2330 ; W . J . West , 226 S ; Samuel Barrand , 304 , Prov . G . Tyler ; John North , S . D . 290 , a distinguished light in the musical

world ; and lastly , Bro . Thomas Hill , 302 , who commenced his Masonic career in 1848 , and has continued from that time—a period of 43 years—to take an active and beneficent interest in the Craft , and especially in its Charities , of which he has always been a munificent supporter . He was a founder of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee , and held the honourable post of Chairman from 1872 to 18 7 6 . By his death this province loses no less than 132 votes for the various Masonic

Institutions . And now , brethren , let me thank you , as I do most sincerely , for the very hearty reception you have given me to-day . I thank you also for the respectful and appreciative attention you have bestowed upon my address . It scarcely needs it I think , but if it does , let me say that no brother in West Yorkshire is more willing to labour for the success and prosperity of our beloved Craft than myself , and that no one more reverently or more thoroughly wishes it and you God-speed than does your Deputy Prov . Grand Master .

At the conclusion of the address , which was most cordially received , Bro . W . H . BRITTAIN , P . M . 139 , P . P . G . W ., Past G . S . B ., acting Deputy Prov . G . M ., tendered his thanks to the brethren for their kindly greeting . He deplored the cause which brought about his position that clay , and was sure that the words of thc acting Prov . Grand Master ' s address relating to Bro . Tew would find an echo in all their hearts .

Bro . C . L . MASON , P . M . 206 9 , P . P . G . Treas ., then in well-chosen words paid a tribute of respect and esteem to the Prov . Grand Master . He called attention to the energy and assiduity with which he had always discharged the duties of the chair , and was sure that Bro . Tew , though absent , was yet with the brethren in the spirit that day . He moved the following resolution : — " That we , the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire here

assembled , offer our deep sympathy with our Rt . W . Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Thomas William Tew , J . P ., during his long illness , and place on record our profound regret that his health has for some time prevented him from coming amongst us . That we earnestly hope and pray that he may be shortly restored to his former strength , to enable him to resume the place which he so worthily fills , and carry out the duties in which he takes so personal and active an interest . "

I his was most sympathetically seconded by Bro . H . OXLEY , P . M . 495 , P . P . G . Treas ., and carried unanimously , thc brethren standing whilst the motion was being put . Bro . W . C . LUPTON , P . M . 974 , Vice-Chairman of the Charity Committee , in the absence of the Chairman , Bro . T . Bateman Fox , P . M . 20 S ,

who was confined to his room by illness , then rose to move , pursuant to notice— " That this Province of West Yorkshire , wishing to celebrate the Jubilee Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and to perpetuate the name of its illustrious Grand Master , pledges itself to raise a sum sufficient to purchase a presentation for males , to be called the 'Thomas William Tew Presentation . ' " Bro . Lupton pointed out the great advantages they in West Yorkshire were obtaining from thc Masonic Charities ;

that the elections for annuitants become year by year keener and more difficult ; that by possessing a presentation the ) ' could without delay put a deserving case into the enjoyment of the benefits of the Institution , and concluded a powerful speech by reminding the brethren that to raise the sum and perpetuate the name of Tew would be a graceful compliment to their illustrious Provincial Grand Master , and a delicate recognition of his valuable services .

I his was seconded by Bro . W . F . SMITHSON , P . M . 1001 , ex-Chairman of the Charity Committee , who gave useful advice as to the method by which the money might bc raised . After some questions , Bro . BINGHAM , P . M . 1042 , intimated that he was empowered by thc Prov . Grand Treasurer , Bro . W . Pepper , P . M ., to say that whatever plan was adopted by Provincial Grand Lodge for raising thc required sum would meet with his approbation , and that pecuniary support of a substantial character would be forthcoming if required .

this statement was received with cheers , and , after a few remarks from Bro . W . GAUKROGER , P . M . 6 s , thc CHAIRMAN put the proposition , which Was carried nem . con .

I here were no invitations for the April meeting , and Provincial Grand Lod ge was closed . Dinner was served in thc large room of the Bull ' s Head Hotel , at which about 90 brethren were present , Bro . Henry Smith , acting Prov . Grand Master , presiding .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Somersetshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF SOMERSETSHIRE .

The annual meeting of the above Provincial Grand Lodge was held on Thursday , the 15 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Shepton Mallet , under the banner of the Science Lodge , No . 128 , presided over by Bro . R . C Else , P . G . M ., who was supported by Bros . Col . W . Long , D . P . G . M ., and Viscount Dungarvan . Bro . B . Watts occupied the Prov . S . G . W . ' s chair , and Bro . A . G . Hayman , I . P . M . 155 , the Prov . J . G . W . ' s chair . The brethren present

included—Bros . T . H . Holroyd , P . S . G . O . ; T . Parker , P . J . G . O . ; F . T . Elworthy , P . G . Sec ; C . W . Radway , P . G . Treas . ; Rev . C . J . McConnell , P . A . G . Chap . ; J . T . Dunsford , P . M . 191 , P . G . Reg . ; W . Bidgood , P . G . D . C ; T . C . Manning , P . M . 128 ; J . Knight ; J . Phillis , S . W . 128 ; W . H . Good , J . W . 128 ; W . C . J . York , M . O . 128 ; J . L . Bewsey , S . O . 128 ; S . Bewsey , I . P . M . 128 ; T . Parker , Treas . 128 ; P . Davie ; F . A . Smith ; J . C . Hodges , Sec . 128 ; A . F . Perkins , S . D . 128 ; J . B .

Sincock , 191 ; S . Spill , D . C . 155 ; A . J . Marver , I . G . 1121 ; H . A . Budd , 128 P . J . G . O . ; J . A . Macdonald , P . P . G . C . ; G . M . Wilson , P . P . G . S . ; B . H . Watts , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; John Rubie , P . P . G . M . O . ; Lawson Howes , P . P . S . G . W . ; A . Barratt , P . P . G . S . B . ; E . J . Mercer , P . P . J . G . W . ; James Knight , P . P . S . G . D . ; C . F . Marshall , P . P . J . G . W . ; W . Clark , P . P . G . D . C ; C . R . Humphrey , P . G . S . B . ; and A . Duckett , P . M . 191 , P . P . G . M . O .

The Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . h . l . ELWORTHY , called the roll of the lodges , and all in the province were found to be represented , with one exception only . Bro . RADWAY , Prov . G . Treas ., read the annual accounts of the Prov . Grand Lodge , showing a balance of £ 11 3 s . 2 d . in hand .

The accounts were adopted , and the Prov . G . Treas . was congratulated on rendering so satisfactory an account . The following officers were appointed and invested for the ensuing year :

Bro . Col . W . Long ... ... ... D . P . G . M . „ J . C . Manning , P . M . 128 ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ W . Bigwood , P . M . 348 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ J . Knight ... ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ J . T . Dunsford , P . M . 1 S 1 ... ... Prov . S . G . O . „ T . Parker ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . O . ,, Rev . C . McConnell ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . ,, C . Radway ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . ,, S . W . Bewsey ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . ,, F . T . Elworthy ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ G . M . Wilson ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Sec . „ A . Barratt ... ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D . ' „ R . Knight ... ... ... ... Prov . G . I . of W . „ S . Spill ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . of C . „ J . Phillis ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . ,, J . B . Sincock ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . ,, J . C . Hodges ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ A . J . Mawer ... ... ... Prov . G . Stwd . „ A . J . Salter ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler .

On the proposition of Bro . DUCKETT , P . P . G . M . O ., it was resolved that a sum of 10 guineas be granted from the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge to the Mark Benevolent Fund , the proposition being seconded b y Bro . Lord DUNGARVAN . The customary banquet afterwards took place . The P . G . M . presided , and was supported by the D . P . G . M ., several Grand Officers , and a very large number of Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers .

The usual toast list was submitted , and particular attention was called to the increasing popularity of the Mark Degree and its exceptionally beautiful ritual .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE .

lhe annual meeting of the above Provincial Grand Mark Lodge was held at the Cambridge Hall , Barrow , on the 15 th instant , Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , P . G . M ., in the chair . There was a fair attendance of brethren from the several lodges in the province . After the usual preliminary business , Bro . J CHADWICK , Prov . G . Sec , read his annual report , from which it appeared that thc membership of the lodges had decreased during the year from 843 to Si 1 .

Bro . the Earl of LATHOM expressed regret that the number of members in the provincial lodges was being reduced , and trusted that the brethren would do all they could to encourage Mark Masonry in the province , so that next year an increase and not a decrease would be reported . The PROV . G . TREASURER reported that the money received during the

year amounted to , £ 72 13 s . id ., which , with the amount brought forward from the previous year of ^ 19 is . 2 d ., made ^ 92 2 s . 3 d . The expenditure had been ^ 62 5 s . 3 d ., and the balance was ^ 29 17 s . Bro . T . Adams was elected P . G . Treas ., and Bros . Goodacre , Lambert , and Booth , Auditors . The Provincial Grand Master invested his officers as follows :

Bro . David Jones , 35 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ Alfred S . Kirk , 146 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Alfred E . Sadler , 37 s ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O .

,, Charles Heywood , 394 ... ... ,.. Prov . S . G . O . ,, John Brown , 158 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . O . ,, Rev . John Henderson , 3 6 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . ,, Thomas Adams , 768 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . ,, James Hadfield , 20 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . ,, John Chadwick , 156 .., ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ John Storold , 156 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D .

,, 1 homas Collinge , 113 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . ,, Jonathan Lee Rigby , 189 ... ... Prov . G . I . of W . ,, John C . Robinson , 65 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . ,, James Freeman Booth , 161 ... ... Prov . Asst . G . D . C . ,, George Wm . Yapp , 123 ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ Joseph Hopkinson , 313 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Wm . Piatt , 168 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . ,, Thomas Barker , 56 ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ B . Williams ... .,. ... ... ^

,, T . Waddino-ton ... ... ... ( r > / - 0 , 1 " A . Brown ° J Prov . G . Stewards . ,, Coullon Hunter ... ... ... J Ten guineas each was voted to the East Lancashire Benevolent Institution and the Alpass Benevolent Fund . Liverpool was fixed for the next place of meeting . The banquet was held at the Imperial Hotel , and the Provincial Grand Master presided .