Freemasonry In 1890.

been affected by the establishment of the new independent Grand Lodges in Australasia , while on the other hand sundry new lodges have been warranted , but owing to the Irish system of assigning lapsed warrants , or at all events vacant p laces on the roll to those newly warranted , it is almost impossible to state the number . In September the King-Harman Memorial Masonic Hall at Longford was consecrated by Bro . the Marquis of Headfort , S . G . W ., and Prov . Grand

Master of Meath , while in the Province of Tyrone and Fermanagh , which has Bro . Sir John M . Stewart , Bart ., for its chief , there has been a notable degree of activity , the Quarterly Communications having been held regularly , and to good purpose . There have also been concerts in different parts of the country on behalf of the Dublin Masonic Schools ; but the chief occurrence , and that which

necessarily attracts the lion ' s share of attention , is the annual fete in the Leinster Hall , Dublin , when the prizes are distributed to the pupils of the Orphan Girls' and Boys' Schools in the presence of the elite of Dublin Masonry and fashion , and with as much pomp and circumstance as it is possible to command . This year the hall was crowded , and the recitations , & c , by the pupils were heartily and deservedly applauded .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Derbyshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DERBYSHIRE .

INTERESTING PRESENTATION .

There was an unusually large attendance of Derbyshire Freemasons at the annual meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge , held on Monday , the 15 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Derby . In the absence of the Prov . G . M ., Bro . the Marquess of Harrington , M . P ., the genial and widely-respected D . P . G . M ., Bro . Haughton Chas . Okeover , P . G . W . England , Deputy P . G . M ., presided . Bro . Thomas Cox , P . P . S . G . W ., acted as D . P . G . M ., and amongst those present were Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . Middx ., and the following well-known loca

brethren : Bros . A . E . Cokayne , Prov . S . G . W . ; Thos . Roe , P . G . Treas . ; W . Naylor , P . G . S . B . England , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . Sec . ; Sir John Smith , P . P . S . G . W . ; W . H . Marsden , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . B . Coulson , P . P . S . G . W . ; A . Woodiwiss , P . P . S . G . W . ; W . Boden , P . P . J . G . W .: T . Hall , P . P . J . G . W . ; D . Upton , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . Howell , P . P . J . G . W . ; Rev . E . E . Morris , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . T . B . Mundy , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . C . W . " Groves , P . P . G . Chap . ; VV . B . Woodforde , Prov . G . R . ; E . Home , P . P . G . R . ; J . W . Brigg , Prov . S . G . D . ; Jos . Bland , P . P . G . D . ; and many others .

The various reports indicated great activity in the province , the W . M . ' s of the various lodges being able to announce increased membership and liberal recognition of the Charities .

The Masonic Hall Committee , whose report was presented by Bro . Sir John Smith , Chairman , announced their intention to increase the comfort of the brethren at the institution named . Bro . G . T . Wright , who has for so many years laboured most assiduousl y in the interests of Masonic Charity , was unable , to the regret of all present , to attend ,

but the report of the Charity Committee was read b y his indefatigable coadjutor , Bro . Percy Wallis . It recorded the collection locall y during the year of £ 443 12 s . for the various Masonic Institutions , and added that Bro . Frederick Binckes , whose recent retirement from the Secretaryship of the Boys' School has been reported in these columns , had handed over to the Derbyshire Committee ( through Bro . Percy Wallis ) the whole of his votes for the Charity last-named .

On the motion of Bro . WALLIS , a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Binckes for his generosity , and it was resolved that the names of Bros . Marsden , Woodiwiss , and J . H . Lawson be added to the Provincial Charit y Committee . On the motion of Bro . PERCY WALLIS , it was unanimously resolved to nominate Bro . Hugh E . Diamond , P . P . G . W ., to serve on the Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , of which Institution , as well as the other two Charities , he is a Vice-President .

The election of Prov . Grand Treasurer was then proceeded with , and , contrary to expectation , there was no opposition . Bro . W . H . MARSDEN , in a hi ghly eulogistic speech , proposed Bro . H . Arnold Bemrose , M . A ., P . P . G . D . C , for the post . The nomination was seconded by Bro . A . J . FLINT , W . M . of the Tyrian Lodge , and supported in a graceful little speech b y Bro . T . ROE , M . P ., as the outgoing P . G . Treasurer .

The appointment was heartily and unanimously made , and Bro . BEMROSE acknowledged the compliment in becoming terms . Bro . G . T . Wright was unanimously re-elected Chairman of the Charit y Committee , amid sincere expressions of the desire of his brethren to see him restored to health . The Committee of Management of the Masonic Hall were also re-appointed .

Bro . NAYLOR , Prov . Grand Secretary , brought up the report of the Cox Testimonial Committee , which showed that the movement suggested at the last gathering of the Prov . Grand Lodge for recognising the long and sterling services of Bro . T . Cox , had been heartily endorsed throughout the province , and the Committee had been enabled to purchase a handsome silver salver , and write a cheque for £ 150 , for presentation to that gentleman .

The DEPUTY PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER was cheered on rising to make the presentation . He said that no occurrence during his long Masonic career gave him greater pleasure than the duty which now fell to his lot . It was always a pleasant thing to acknowledge long and faithful services . Bro . Cox ' s services extended over a quarter of a century . They had been of a most valuable character to Masonry in the province , and the province had by that testimonial manifested

its grateful acknowledgment of those services . It was not the intrinsic value of the testimonial which he ( the speaker ) believed Bro . Cox would value so much as the cordiality of the response which had been made . Bro . Cox ' s services would live long in their memory , and the good wishes which he had earned during his long and successful career would be extended to him in the future . He ( the speaker ) could speak feelingly , and from his long connection with Bro . Cox as to

the value of those services , and the appreciation which they had evoked . Bro . Cox , whenever he had been consulted , had always offered the best and most disinterested advice , and had always at heart the best interests of Masonry . He was still blessed with health and strength , and throughout the province the best wishes of the brethren would be his during the remainder of his life . The speaker

concluded by reading the inscription on the salver , which was as follows : " Presented to Bro . Thomas Cox , P . P . S . G . W ., together with a purse of £ 150 , by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Derby , and the brethren of the province , on his retirement from the office of Provincial Grand Treasurer , in acknowledgment of long and valuable services rendered for more than a quarter of a century . Derb y , 15 th December 1890 . " '

Bro . Cox , on rising to acknowledge the presentation was enthusiasticall y received . He thanked Bro . Okeover , with whom he had the honour of working for more than a quarter of a century , for the many kind words used towards him and also the Wardens and brethren for their generous act , an act , observed Bro ! Cox , which placed him in a position of greater difficulty than any which had fallen to his lot . He proceeded .- Twenty-seven years ago our P . G . M . conferred upon

me two of the hi ghest offices in his gift , those of Registrar and Senior Warden of the Province , honours which my brethren of the P . G . Lodge afterwards supplemented by unanimously electing me for 24 successive years as Treasurer of this Provincial Grand Lod ge . I should have been unworthy the name of a Mason had I not endeavoured to discharge those duties to the best of my ability . To win the esteem and approbation of those amongst whom we live and to be found faithful in the trust committed to us , are among the highest

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Derbyshire.

rewards and pleasures which can fall to the lot of any man . But you , my brethren , not content with this , have further added to it by this handsome testimony of your goodwill and brotherly love , while you have looked upon my many shortcomings with that indulgence and charity which is one of the brightest attributes of Freemasonry . Coming as it does from every lodge in our province , east , west , north , and south , and supplemented as it is by contributions from many individual

members of each lodge , amongst whom I am very proud to number the oldest friends I have , and in whose society I have passed many of the most enjoyable hours of my life , it proves that Freemasonry is no myth or passing amusement , but a very solid and valuable institution for the practice of every moral and social virtue . While discharging my various duties I have received the united assistance and support of all the officers and members of the Provincial Grand Lodge . From

the highest to the lowest each has vied with the other in promoting the success of our cause . That union is strength is a very old maxim , which loses none of its truth as we pass on through life . The success which surrounds us is good evidence of this , for had it not been for the unity amongst the brethren of this province we could never have raised this beautiful hall , of which we are so justly proud , which is now free from debt , and which we trust will be the principal home of Freemasonry in this

province for many generations to come . Our Order extends to the limits of the habitable globe , and one of my earliest experiences of its usefulness , now more than 30 years ago , was to receive from the hands of brethren I had never seen before , some thousands of miles from home , a very hearty welcome , together with such advice and instruction as caused me to receive welcome and kindness wherever I had the opportunity to make use of it , and which materially contributed to the pleasure of my journey . Since that time in visiting various parts of this

country I have ever found it to be a bond of brotherhood and goodwill . This very tangible evidence of it shall be handed down to my children's children , and will be ever valued by them as proofs of your goodwill . I once more assure you that I shall ever consider it my duty , so long as I have health and strength , to assist in promoting the interests of Freemasonry wherever and whenever I may . The D . P . G . M . then proceeded to appoint and invest his officers in the following order : —

Bro . Jas . Morrison McLeod , P . M . 884 , Sec . R . M . I . B . ... Prov . S . G . W . „ J . H . Day , P . M . 1324 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . T . B . Mundy , M . A ., P . M . 253 ] p Q Q . „ Rev . J . Young , M . A ., Chap . 850 ... ... j rrOV- U" Uha P S-„ H . Arnold Bemrose , M . A ., P . M . 253 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Thos . Shioton . P . M . 681 ... ... ... Prov . G . Re ? .

„ W . Naylor , P . G . S . B . Eng ., P . P . S . G . W . ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ Severn Taylor , P . M . 731 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ A . T . McGregor , P . M . 654 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ E . H . Clarke , P . M . 353 ... ... .... Prov . G . S . of W . „ J . H . Clarke , P . M . 253 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ I . P . Fearfield , P . M . 2224 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C .

„ H . Pollard , P . M . 506 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . ,, J . W . Chambers , P . M . 1179 ... ... ¦ ••) a n cu D I ! H . C . Heathcote , P . M . 1495 j Prov . G . Std . Brs „ Tom G . Taylor , Org . 802 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ James Cutting , P . M . 253 and 28 4 ... ... Prov . Asst . G . Sec „ T . Stacey , P . M . 1739 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst .

„ J . Hallam , P . M . 1952 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst „ Montague F . Smith , 253 ... ... ... " „ W . H . Wheeldon , 253 ,, S . F . Rowan , 802 ... ... ... ... „ „ , , I , H . Slater , 802 V Prov . G . Stwds . „ Geo . Smedley , P . M . 123 5 „ Medley , 123 5 „ Thos . Day ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler .

A sum of 10 guineas having been voted to Bro . Lawson ' s list for the Boys ' Institution , a long discussion ensued as to the propriety of altering the system at present in vogue of presenting the Worshipful Masters' reports , a proposal being submitted by Bro . Beadon Woodforde to the effect that the reports be analysed and reported upon by the Prov . Grand Secretary . The proposal , however , elicited considerable opposition , and was ultimatel y withdrawn , on the understanding that the Worshipful Masters be requested to make their communications as brief as possible in the future .

Ten guineas was voted to the " Cox Presentation Fund , " and £ 10 towards the completion of a Centenary Window in the new Hall of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . The brethren subsequently dined together in the banqueting hall , their requirements being well looked after by Bro . Thomas Day . The musical arrangements , directed b y Bros . W . L . Dodd and S . Neville Cox , were of a very superior character .

The Deputy Prov . G . M . presided , supported by Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . M . Middx ., & c . The toast list included " The Queen and the Craft" and "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " which were proposed by the CHAIRMAN .

Bro . W . H . MARSDEN , P . P . S . G . W ., in a felicitous speech , proposed "The D . G . M ., the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " remarking that if those Grand Officers present were specimens of the selection of the Grand Master , it would be very difficult to find fault with his choice . Bro . Col . Sir FRANCIS BURDETT , Bart ., responded in a concise and cordial speech .

Bro . ROE , M . P ., P . P . G . Treas ., proposed " The Prov . Grand Master , " saying that , looking at his multifarious duties , it was not surprising that he found it difficult to fulfil his Masonic duties . Bro . Cox , P . P . S . G . W ., proposed "The D . P . G . M . " in a highly eulogistic speech , and

Bro . OKEOVER , on rising to respond , was received with hearty cheers . He spoke of the good feeling that existed throughout the province , and how cordially he was assisted in his work by all , high and low , and hoped the G . A . O . T . U . would give him health and strength to promote the Craft that he had so much at heart .

Bro . PERCY WALLIS , P . P . S . G . W ., proposed "The Prov . Grand Officers , " and took occasion to cordially congratulate Bro . McLeod upon the distinguished position in which he had been placed , remarking that the unanimous vote of the Province last year in support of his candidature for the Secretaryship of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys had found a fitting sequel in his important appointment that day .

Bro . MCLEOD responded in a long and able speech , bristling with statistics , and earnestly advocating the Masonic Charities generally , and the Institution he represented in particular . The other toasts were " The Visitors , " proposed by Bro . COULSON , P . P .

S . G . W ., and responded to by Bros . HEMINGWAY , P . P . G . Treas . West Yorks , and CANTKELL , P . M ., and " The W . M . ' s of the Different Lodges in the Province , " proposed by Bro . DOUGLAS UPTON , P . P . J . G . W ., and responded to b y Bro , MCLEOD , W . M . 884 ; FISHER , W . M . 353 ; B . W . PIKE , W . M . 1085 ; and E , HORNE , W . M . 2224 . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a most successful gathering in every respect .