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It is not often that our District Grand Lodges have the honour of receivingone ol our Royai brethren , the duties of the latter being so onerous as to preclude the possibility of their devoting much time to the calls of mere p leasure . However , on Thursday , the 25 th ult ., the District Grand Lodge of Bengal heldacommunicationat Mussoorie , which will be memorable hereafter

as having afforded H . R . H . the Dukeof CONNAUGHT , P . G . S . W . of England , the opportunity of showing his regard for Freemasonry generally , and its representative lodges in Bengal particularly , by visiting the District Grand

Lodge and afterwards banqueting with the brethren . R . W . Bro . PRINSEP , D . G . M ., occupied the chair , and everthing passed off most enjoyably and to the credit of the Craft , so that we may legitimatel y congratulate our Bengal friends on the success of the day's proceedings .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE .

The Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Lancashire was held at the Town Hall Chorley , on Wednesday , the 15 th inst . The Prov . Grand Master the Earl of Lathom , Past Grand M . M . M ., presided , and was supported by the following : Bro . Capt . Hargteaves , acting D . P . G . M . M . ; J . Lawrence , P . G . S . W . ; G . T . Hardman , P . G . J . W . ; W . Dean , P . G . S . O . ; R . T . B . Spencer , P . G . A . Chap . ; P . G . Whitehead , P . G . Treas . ; John Chadwick , P . G . Sec ; J . E . Bannah , P . G . I , of Wks . ; Jos . Gartside , P . G . D . of C . ; J . Hargreaves , P . G . Swd . Br . ; J . T . Lord , P . G . Std . Br . ; f f t

I . B . Jackson , f . G . M . U . ; J . K . Kaydell , . U .. ; J . w . iviycocK , r . o . j . u . ; * . M . Hunter , P . G . S . ; Wm . Davis , P . G . S . ; J . H . Lawson , P . P . G . S . B . 246 ; Walter Newton , P . P . G . J . D ., 141 ; J . J . Roberts , P . P . G . S . O ., 268 ; J . H . Bailey , P . P . G . D . of C , 159 ; R . Rushton , P . P . G . J . O ., 150 ; C . D . Mortimer , P . P . G . O ., 158 ; John Davidson , P . P . G . J . D ., 142 ; W . W . Cottham , P . P . G . S . B ., 142 ; Jacob Stanley , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . D . Murray , P . G . Std . Br . ; J . F . Tweedale , P . G . S . O ., P . P . G . R . ; J . C . Lunt , P . P . G . S . O ., 161 j W . Walker , P . G . D ., P . P . G . S . W ., 123 ; John Wray , P . M . 296 , P . P . J . D . ; G . ' P . Brockbank , P . G . W . ; J . T . Neivbold , 123 , P . P . G . D . of C . ; J . W . is .. „ .. a D r . c n . r . n-n „ ,.. „ , P P r . 1 W - H r * Millor P P C S IV . H „„ l , l h \ t

l \ CUJUII ] L .. VJ . J . VS ., VJ . , OHU «» JF , .... «»» ... , ... w . .......... - . - . w . _ ..- ~ . , » . Uj ^ .. Williams , P . M . 11 , P . P . G . J . D . Cheshire ; John Hayes , P . M . 65 , P . P . G . S . D . ; John Williams , P . M . 6 5 , P . P . G . J . O . ; Jos . Jenaway , W . M . 65 ; D . Davies , J . W . 65 ; John Pye , S . O . 65 ; E . Griffiths , 65 ; Robt . Owens , 65 ; E . Sandiford , 65 ; John MoIIoy , 65 ; D . C . Davidson , 65 ; J . H . Lawson , S . W . 246 ; W . Edwards , P . M . 171 ; W . Davies . P . M . 20 : I . Hall , nt : 1 . Browne . T . O . i . w ; B . Whittaker , 1 S 0 ; T . Kenvon .

St . John ' s , T . I . ; J . B . Taylor , W . M . St . John ' s , T . I . ; R . Ray , 142 ; J . Hunter , W . M . 3 6 ; W . W . Elton , S . W . 143 ; A . Stanley , J . W . 14 S ; J . W . Smith , 158 ; T . P . Simpson , T . Milne , W . M . 158 ; G . Slater , W . M . 5 6 ; E . Griffiths , 65 ; J . G . Christian , J . D . 143 ; J . Sutcliffe , 186 ; Jas . Hall , 113 ; T . E . Pearson , 143 ; H . G . Bell , W . M . 143 ; A . Hall , M . O . iSG ; j . Parker , W . M . 24 ; and J . C . Robinson , 65 { Freemason ) .

The Prov . Grand Lodge having been opened , the R . W . P . G . M . proceeded to consecrate the Lawrence Mark Lodge , No . 313 , which was conducted with due solemnity . The Rev . T . B . Spencer ( owing to the unavoidable absence of the Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , P . G . Chap . ) was unexpectedly called upon to act as Grand Chaplain , and after the first part of the processional anthem he delivered an oration . In the course of an earnest address he rejoiced in the spread of Mark Masonry , and said he believed

that in a proper observance of Masonic principles would be found the best means of maintaining its success and vitality . The anthem was then concluded , and the consecration prayer followed , the P . G . M . subsequently pouring out the emblems according to the ancient Masonic ritual , and dedicating and constituting the lodge . The following were appointed the first officers of the new lodge : Bros . J . Laurence , W . M . ; J . Corbitt , S . W . ; J . M . Kerr , J . W . ; J . Heald , M . O . j R . Irving , S . O . ; A . Hall , J . O . ; T . F . Jackson , S . D . ; J .

Bradshaw , J . D . ; L . Eccles , Sec . ; J . Hopkinson , I . G . ; and J . B , Withnell , Tyler . Upon the conclusion of the ceremony , the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge was proceeded with . The roll of lodges having been called , it was found that five were unrepresented . The following brethren were appointed and invested as officers for the ensuing year :

Bro . J . T . Milnes , 123 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ P . M . Hunter , 268 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . W . „ J . E . Hannah , 146 ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ Joseph Jenaway , 65 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . O . „ Warwick Wood , 136 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . O .

„ The Rev . T . B . Spencer , 1 43 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ J . B . Cardwell , 313 — — Pr ° v . G . Treas . „ J . B . Ragdale , 142 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ John Chadwick , 156 ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ J . C . Hunter , 36 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ lames Hall , 11 3 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D .

„ T . Milner , 158 ... ... ... Prov . G . I . of W „ W . W . Cottam , 143 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ James Corbitt , 313 ... ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ James Sutcliffe , 189 ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . Br ., lohn Boland , 180 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br

„ A . G . Leigh , 313 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ W . Edwards , 171 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . ,, John Bradshaw , Bro . Thomas Sharpies , and Bro . T . J . Jackson , 313 ... ... .,, Prov . G . Stwds . „ James Sly ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler .

It was proposed and resolved that the following sums be granted : £ 10 10 s . to the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution ; £ 10 10 s . East Lancashire Masonic Benevolent Institution ; and £ 5 5 s . to the " Dewar " Fund . Bro . H . G . BELL , W . M ., said he was authorised , on behalf of Lodge 143 , to extend to the Provincial Grand Lodge a cordial invitation to visit Preston next year .

Bro . A . BEATTIE , in supporting , assured the Provincial Grand Master that if Preston was chosen a warm welcome would be extended . The decision rests with Lord Lathom , and will not be made known for some months .

Earl Lathom having been thanked for consecrating the Lawrence Lodge , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , after the Provincial Grand Master had slated that , acting on the advice of his physician , he should be compelled to return home before evening , and therefore must deprive himself of the pleasure of dining with the brethren . The banquet was well served to about 70 brethren at Stansfield's Hotel , the ci . air being occupied by Bro . Hargreaves , of Accrington , Acting D . P . G . M . M .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST LANCASHIRE .

A special meeting of the above was held at Liverpool on the 16 th inst . A Craft lodge was opened by Bros . S . M . Harrison , W . M . 52 , acting W . M . ; G . M . Ashurst , W . M . 178 , acting S . W . ; E . Cattrall , W . M . 203 , acting J . W . ; and was very largely attended by the brethren . When the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened , Bro . G . H . Evans , P . G . W ., in the absence of the R . W . P . G . M ., presided , supported by Bros . Ackerley , acting P . G .

S . W . j P . Murray Hunter , acting P . G . J . W . ; W . S . Bowden , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . H . Barrow , P . G . S . ; J . Dow , P . G . J . D . ; W . Longbottom , P . G . A . P . ; E . Pierpoint . P . P . G . S . D . ; John Duncan , P . P . G . D . C , P . P . G . S . of W . ; F . A . Pentin , P ; G . A . D . C . ; R . Cain , P . G . S . ; J . Toure , P . P . G . S . B . ; R . Brown , P . P . G . T . ; W . H . Bucknell , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; T . Buxton , P . P . G . R . , J . Beesley , P . G . S . ; H . Garviere , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Whalley , P . P . G . A . D . C ; and others .

With few exceptions , all the lodges were represented , Nos . 281 , 986 , 1140 , 1225 , 1299 , 13 S 4 , 1476 , 1561 , and 1715 being without sponsors . The business was confined to the consideration of the amended bye-laws of the Prov . Grand Lodge Fund of Benevolence and Charity Fund , which , with few exceptions , were agreed to . The principal change was , upon the motion of

Bro . ANDREWS , P . P . G . A . D . C , in the election of Auditors , by making it the prerogative of the Prov . Grand Lodge to elect annually five W . M . 's or P . M . ' s to that office . After considerable discussion , the amended bye-laws were passed , on the motion of Bro . R . MARTIN , and the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST LANCASHIRE .

On Thursday afternoon , the 16 th inst ., the annual convocation of Royal Arch Freemasons in the Province of West Lancashire was held at the Masonic Temple , Hope-street , Liverpool , and , notwithstanding the counterattractions of the moment , was fully attended . A chapter was opened b y Comps . John Lunt , M . E . Z . 1086 , acting Z . ; H . A . Tobias , P . Z . 1502 , acting H . ; and D . Jackson , P . Z . 673 , acting J . ; J Wells , P . Z . 1086 , P . G .

D . C , acting S . N . It had been announced that the R . W . P . G . Superintendent , Comp . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , would preside over the Provincial meeting ; but , after some little delay , the companions were given to understand that he would be prevented from attending . Provincial Grand Chapter was accordingly formed , and received with the usual honours , Comps . Dr . F . J . Bailey , P . G . J ., acting as P . G . 1 st Principal ; R . Wylie , P . P . G . H ., acting as H . ; and W . B . Ackerley , P . P . G . J ., acting as J .

Among those present were Comps . Robert Wylie , P . P . G . H . ; Thos . Salter , P . G . S . N . ; Jos . L . Roberts , P . P . G . R . ; Thos . Buxton , P . P . G . A . S . ; B . B . Marson , P . P . G . A . S . ; W . J . Thomson , P . G . P . S . ; W . B . Ackerley , P . P . G . S . N . ; H . Garown , P . G . R . ; Jno . Case , P . P . G . J . ; Jas . T . Callow , P . P . G . T . ; P . B . Gee , P . G . S . ; Jas . Jackson , P . G . S . B . ; J . G . Edleston , P . G . Std . Br . ; Jas . Wray , P . P . G . A . S . ; Ed . Barber , P . G . A . S . ; S . Wylde , P . P . G . S . B . ; P . Macmuldrow , P . P . G . S . N . ;

Maurice Hart , P . G . Std . Br . ; Hugh Williams , P . P . G . S . B . ; H . W . Johnston , P . P . G . J . ; J . Sumner , P . P . G . S . ; James Piatt , P . P . G . P . S . ; W . Whiteside , P . P . G . S . B . and others . On taking his seat the Acting R . W . P . G . SUPERINTENDENT stated that he had received a telegram from the Earl of Lathom , expressing his regret that he was prevented by illness from attending . A letter of apology was also read from Comp . the Hon , Col . F . A . Stanley , P . G . H ., excusing his absence through domestic affliction .

The minutes of the last annual convocation at Preston were read and confirmed , and the accounts , from which it appeared that the finances were in a sound state , were passed . Comp . R . MARTIN , the retiring P . G . T ., proposed Comp . Geo . Broadbridge , P . Z . 680 , as P . G . T ., and he was unanimously elected . 'Ihe following officers were then appointed by the wish of the R . W . P . G . SUPERINTENDENT :

Comp . Col . Stanley ... ... ... ... Prov . G . H . „ James Poole ... ... ... Prov . G . J . „ W . Goodacre ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ Geo . Broadbridge ... ... ... Prov . G . T . „ Geo . Morgan ... ... ... Prov . G . S . N .

„ Robt . Davies ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ Maurice Hart ... ... ... Prov . G . 1 st A . S . „ Dr . D . Costine ... ... ... Prov . G . 2 nd A . S . „ Dr . T . W . Serjeant ... ... ... Prov . G . R . „ lohn Lunt ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ W . Harrison ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ John Wells ( re-appointed ) ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ J . P . Bryan ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ W . Gregory ... ... ... Prov . G . S . „ P . Ball ... ,,. ... ... Prov . G . Janitor .

On the motion of Comp . GEORGE BROADBRIDGE , seconded by Comp . R . WYLIE , 25 guineas were [ voted to the West Lancashire Educational Institution . Comp . C ALLOW proposed that 25 guineas should be given to the Hamer Benevolent Institution , which was unanimously carried .

Before the chapter closed , Comp . WYLIE referred in feeling and sympathetic terms to the great loss Prov . Grand Chapter had sustained since its last meeting in the death of the P . G . S . E ., Comp . H . S . Alpass , and , on his motion , a vote of condolence with Mrs . Alpass was carried without dissent .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held in the Board Room , Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday evening . Bro . James Brett , P . G . P ., Senior Vice-President , presided . Bro . C A . Cottebrune , P . G . R ., Junior Vice-President , occupied the Senior Vice-President's chair , and Bro . J . H . Matthews , G . Std . Br ., acted as Junior Vice-President . Col . Shadwell

H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Bros . A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , and Neville Green represented the Grand Secretary ' s department . The other brethren who attended were—Bros . G . P . Britten ; F . R . Spaull ; Henry Garrod , G . A . P . ; C . Dairy , P . M . 141 ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treas . 22 ; H . McPherson , P . M . 890 ; J . Noble , P . M . 97 s ; C . F . Hogard , P . M . 205 ; W . H . Perryman , P . M . 3 ; W . P . Browne , P . M . go ; G . Hale ,