Provincial Grand Lodge Of Suffolk.

The presence-book was also signed by the following Past Masters and n ^ s W H Hunt , J . Symes , E . C . Shipp , F . Gray , and A . G . Evans , all of 71 ; W T Thornton , VV . J . Miles , J . H . Swann , A . Hayward , and F . W . Hopson , all f

n „ ., , , , BrooK , . •" »„ _ . ' j . „ ,,.... _„ „ c n- C , „ .., J w M rr Harrison , G . Stephenson , and J . Whittle , all of 332 ; F . Saward , W . M ., wW Lone I . P . M ., H . R . Bird , and F . W . Smith , all of 356 ; P . C . G . Hay . £ and W Phillippo , 516 ; Jas . Hulland , the Rev . R . O . Davies , C . Goodwin , 7 r * Biden , aUof S 5 S ; R . W . Hudson , A . D . Botwrigbt , W . 'Crowfoot , JW H Sturgess , all of g 20 ; G . S . Roper and T . Key , 936 ; C . Grayson , WM and C . E . Whitmarsh , S . W ., 959 ; W . Patrick , I . Hewitt , and C . H , tf 1224

n . llpn all of 1008 ; W . G . Normandale and . Jennings , ; r . j . omun , , cl ' F Curry , 1592 ; W . B . Cockrill and E . Harvey , 1631 ; A . Flatman , W G Watkins , Jas . Woods , F . W . Gill , F . W . Bray , W . Turner , Walter Hunt , tr A Onyon , D . W . Curtis , H . Skuffham , C . Franklin Wright , H . G . Smith , IW Martin , and R . F . Perfitt , all of 1663 ; W . S . Emden , 1983 ; F . A . Brooks , W M and P . Cooper , 2371 ; J . W . Outlaw , S 5 ; and A . S . Knights , 1471 .

The Prov . G . Lodge being duly opened , and the minutes of the last annual and two special Prov . G . Lodges having being confirmed , the PROV . a S ECRETARY , read the patent , signed by Bro . Lord Henniker , under the authority of the Duke of Connaught , the M . W . G . M . of England , appointing Bro . Nathaniel Tracy to the office of Dep . Prov . Grand

Master . < - The Past and Present Prov . Grand Officers then formed into processional order and escorted the Dep . Prov . Grand Master into the lodge for installation ' and investiture , which ceremony was ably discharged by the acting Prov . G . Master , Bro . Gibb , who congratulated Bro . Tracy upon the welldeserved honour which had been conferred upon him . Bro . Tracy having taken the chair amid applause , proceeded with the

business of the province . The roll of lodges having been called , Bro . Winslow Woollett was elected Prov . G . Treasurer , in succession to Bro . P . Jolly , deceased , on the proposition of Bro . CANOVA , seconded by Bro . BRYANT . The retiring Auditors ( Bros . A . A . Bennett , C . E . Tempest and Mayhew ) were re-elected nem . con ., after which the Acting Prov . G . Master appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows :

Bro . Rev . J . H . Pilkington , 555 ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ Harry Jones , 114 ... ... •••Prov . J . G . W . " S u n n , " nn — | Prov . G . Chaps . „ Rev . R . O . Davies . D . D ., 553 ... ... J „ VV . Woollett ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . .. Percv Havward , , si 6 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg .

„ S . R . Anness , 376 ... ... ... Prov G . Sec . „ W . G . Patrick , 1008 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ F . Curry , 1592 £ «>»¦ J-G . D-„ G . Stephenson , 332 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ G . Booth , jun ., 81 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ W . H . Hunt , 71 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C .

„ H . Calver , 2 S 10 ... ... ... Prov . Cr . b . ts . " T , ; i v , ns 0 n ' f , "' •" -1 Prov . G . Std . Brs . „ W . G . Normandale , 122 4 ... ... J „ F . VV . Bray , 166 3 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ E . Hills , 959 ... ... ... Prov . Asst . G . Sec „ J . Hardwick , 959 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . J

„ H . C . Ranee , 22 5 ... ... ... lrov . A . U . furst . „ D . VV . Curtis , 1663 ... ... ...~ ) „ E . A . Onyon , 166 3 ... ... ... f Prov . G . Stewards . „ VV . James , 1452 ... ... ... „ VV . B . Syer , 37 6 ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler .

The report of the Board of General Purposes was of a most satisfactory character , showing , as it did , an increase in the number of lodges and a gain in membership of 33 on the year . The finances , however , showed an adverse balance of , £ 10 is . 4 d ., due to exceptionally heavy expenditure .

Sympathetic reference was made in the report to the death of the Rev . C . J . Martyn , who had filled the office of Deputy G . M . for 24 years with such zeal and perfect Masonic spirit as to endear him to all with whom he came in contact . The Board also expressed its sympathy with Lord Henniker in the deaths of his son and daughter . The report was adopted .

Bro . HARVEY , in submitting the 20 th annual report of the Suffolk Masonic Charity Association , said the province had this year contributed most liberally to the three Charities . At the Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in February , the Stewards presented £ 1014 is . ; at the Festival for the Girls' Institution in May the province sent £ 926 3 s . ; and at the Boys' Institution Festival in June a sum of £ 416 4 s . 6 d . was sent up ; the total for the three Institutions for the year amounting to - £ 2608

8 s . Cd . During the past 13 years the Province of Suffolk had contributed . £ 13 409 iSs . 6 d . to the Charities . ( Applause . ) Bro . AiiiioTT proposed , and Bro . C . J . N . Row seconded , the adoption ol the report , which was agreed to , Bro . Row paying a tribute to the zeal of Bio . Harvey and Bro . Canova in connection with the Charities . Bro . CARY-EI . WES added that , apart from Hants and the Isle of Wight , Suffolk was first on the list in its contributions to the Boys' Institution .

The brethren then went in processional order , and wearing their regalia , to the church of SS . Peter and Paul , where a beautiful musical service was rendered . The Prov . G . Chap . ( Bro . Carter ) was the preacher , and Bro . the Rev . Dr . Davies read the lesson , the Prov . G . Organist ( Bro . F . VV . Bray ) effectively presiding at the organ ; while the choir gave a good account of themselves in Gounod ' s anthem , " The peace of God . " The offertory , which realised - £ 5 153 . 3 d ., was devoted to the Eye Ladies' Sick

visiting I < und . The Prov . Grand Lodge being re-formed after returning from church , the DEI \ PUOV . G . M . expressed the regret he and all the brethren felt at the absence of Lord Henniker , who he knew had for some time been looking ? nvai'd to being with them . After impressing upon the lodge officers the necessity of sending in their returns promptly for inclusion in the calendar , Bro . Tracy said he thought they might congratulate themselves that the

province was still increasing in numbers and in strength . The addition of *• new lod ge to a purely agricultural province like theirs was distinctly encouraging . In conclusion , he moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor of Eye 'or the use of the Council Chamber , and to the Vicar of Eye for the use of and service at the church .

rhis was seconded and heartily carried , after which the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed in ancient form . und fu annual banc l uet was afterwards served at the White Lion Hotel » naer the presidency of the Dep . Prov . Grand Mastet .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening- at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . J . H . Matthews , President ; Bro . D . D . Mercer , Senior Vice-President ; and Bro . Henry Garrod , Junior Vice-President , were in their respective chairs . Bros . E . Letchworth , G . Sec . ; W . Dodd , G . S . Recknell , and H . Sadler , G . Tyler , represented the Grand Secretary's department . The other brethren present were

Bros . C . J . R . Tijou , E . W . Nightingale , W . M . Bywater , James W . Burgess , T . Jones , R . W . Ker , James Block , W . Kipps , S . H . Goldschmidt , Lieut .-Col . G . E . Blunt , P . G . S . B . ; G . M . E . Hamilton , J . V . Vesey Fitzgerald , K . C , Rev . Sir Borradaile Savory , G . C , Charles Henry Stone , H . Miller , George T . Peall , T . W . Robinson , William H . Stocks , Lorenzo Faull , S . J . Cowley , F . W . Buxton , William A . Gregory , Angelo Coghots , G . Marten , F . W . Middleditch , H . Massey , Frank L . Palmer , William Fitch , P . P . Shapland , and F . Striker , W . M . 238 .

The brethren first confirmed recommendations to the Grand Master made at the June meeting to the amount of £ 460 . There were 23 cases on the new list from the London district , from Klerksdorp , Devonport , Buckhurst Hill , Gravesend , Wigan , Stretford , St . Helen ' s , Lanes . ; Chorley , Hatfield , Linslade , Colchester , Liverpool , Malta , Agra , E . I . ; Djrsley , Exeter , Grand Lodge , Canada , Grand Orient of Italy , and Grand Lodge ,

Ireland . One candidate , however , died since his petition was presented . Two petitions were deferred for further information . The remainder were awarded , £ 490 . One case was recommended to Grand Lodge for approval of a grant of ^" 50 . The Grand Master was asked to sanction £ 40 in three cases and £ 30 in four cases . Eight grants of £ 20 each were made , an d four of £ 10 each .

The New Masonic Hall, Leeds.

THE NEW MASONIC HALL , LEEDS .

On the 14 th July last year we published in these columns a description of the new Hall which was then projected by the Freemasons of Leeds , and in our issue of the 28 th of that month was a report of the laying of the corner-stone of the building . This took place on Wednesday , the iS : h July , 1900 , and the ceremony was performed by the R . W . the Dep . Grand Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Warwick . West Yorkshire has St

lodges , and from 78 of that number representatives came that day to Leeds from all parts of the riding to welcome the R . W . Deputy , this being his first visit . The function was a great success , and at the dinner which followed " Prosperity to the New Masonic Hall , " a toast proposed by Bro . Richard Wilson , was heartily received and drunk . Throughout the year the directors of the company have steadily pressed on the work , ani ,

though it is yet far from completion , so much has bsen accomplished as to justify them in looking forward to speedy occupation . Tne solenn dedication of the new building to the purposes of Freemasonry will be und ; rtaken by the R . W . Provincial Grand Master , Bro . the Right Hon . VV . Lawies Jackson , M . P ., assisted by Bro . Richard Wilson , Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge . Tne

date fixed for the ceremony is Monday , the 29 th instant , at 3 . 15 p . m . Oi the nine lodges in Leeds , six will at once become tenants of the new Hall , and at the opening proceedings the Worshipful Masters of these lodges , which are Philanthropic 304 , Alfred 306 , Excelsior 10 4 2 , Godcrich 1211 , Zetland 1 3 , and Prudence 2069 , will fill the chairs , and open a lodge in the Three Degrees preliminary to the entrance of Provincial Grand Lodge . The larger of the two lodge rooms , which measures about 61 feet by 33 feet ,

it is calculated will seat considerably more than 300 brethren , and yet leave space on the floor for the necessary ceremonial . Its capacity will , doubtless , be fully tested ; for though the function may strictly be considered but of local interest , yet many from outside will wish to be present , either from sympathy or curiosity . The arrangements for the day rest entirely in the hands of the Worshipful Masters of the six tenant lodges , Bro . J . N . Hirt , VV . M . Philanthropic , 304 , acting as Secretary . Full particulars of the proceedings will duly appear in our columns .

There seems every reason to expect that in a flourishing and populous city like Leeds the Masonic Hall will become not only a success in point of advantage and convenience , but also in a financial sense . In the hands of such well-known ( professional and business men as Bros . J . Barraclough , I . P . M . 304 ( Chairman ); H . B . Wilson , VV . M . 289 ; G . Hainsworth , P . M . 304 ; W . Blackburn , P . M ., and C . H . Wilson ,

P . M . 306 ; R . J . Smith , P . M ., and H . Whitfield , I . P . M . 1042 ; C . Scriven , P . M ., and A . E . Powolny , P . M . 1211 ; VV . VV . Clayton , P . M ., and E . L . Frazer , P . M . 1311 ; and T . Atkinson , P . M ., and James Buckley , P . M . 2069 , as Directors of the Company , there should be no doubt on this point . These , all of whom are brethren of repute in their respective lodges and several of whom have been recipients

of provincial rank , are assisted by Bro . Wm . Postlethwaite , M . A . ( Cantab ) , P . M . 1311 , as honorary solicitor ; and Bro . H . Gaskell Blackburn , F . C . A ., P . M . 1311 , as honorary auditor . The services of Bro . Charles Scriven were at the commencement secured as honorary Secretary , and the ti . ne and labour which has been so cheerfully given and indefatigably continued by this energetic brother entitle him to the gratitude of all concerned .

Through his courtesy we are able to state that towards the full capital of ; £ io , ooo which the company proposes to raise , £ 8000 has been already subscribed . Philanthropic Lodge heads the list as largest holder of shares and has still further ' shown its interest in the new concern by presents of furniture , crockery , plate , & c Goderich , 1211 , and Zetland , 1 3 , contend for second place , both having subscribed most handsomely . The full

amount of , £ 10 , 000 should , nay , doubtless will eventually be obtained as out of the 525 Freemasons , or thereabouts , in the City , the shareholders up to the present do not number one half . Though Fidelity , 2 S 9 , and Defence , 1221 , will remain at their old quarters at Carlton Hill and will not become at present tenants of the new hall , yet they have shown their sympathy by purchasing shares to very respectable amounts . Even the Ileudingley Lodge , No . 2 G 08 , though it commenced as

a suburban lodge , and still retains that character , has invested some of its lodge funds in the new scheme . We venture to suggest that in no bitter way could the honorary yet onerous services of the Directors and Secretary be recognised by the Freemasons of Leeds than by increasing the list of holders of stock up to the full amount of , £ 10 , 000 . The Executive would look upon this as a mark of confidence ; it would be most gratifying to them , and would stimulate them to further effort . There is yet much to do both for the Hall Committee and for the House Committee . A steward has