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Article THE PROVINCE OF MIDDLESEX. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROV . GRAND LODGE OF HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT. Page 1 of 2 →
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The Province Of Middlesex.
allowed that he was not a Tycoon —( a laugh)—or like that Indian God who was always contemplating his own perfections - ( laughter)—but he was one with whom to be associated was an honour , and to know to esteem —( cheers ) . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm .
The P . G . M . responded to the toast , and then proceeded to speak of the gratification with which he had p laced Sir George Elliot in the position of Deputy Grand Master , He spoke also of the assistance he had received from Bro . Little and the
other Prov . G . Officers , and concluded by proposing the toast of Sir Geo . Elliot ' s health . Sir George Elliot , M . P ., the D . G . M ., in response , thanked the brethren , and excused himself from further addressing them , on the score of being recalled to his duties in the House of Commons .
The other toasts , given in a greatly lessened company , for many had io leave to catch trains for town , were , " The Visitors , " "The Masonic Charities , " " The Provincial Grand Stewards , " and concluded with "The Tyler ' s" toast , given by Bro . Gilbert , who , it may be added , was unanimously reelected Tyler .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire was held under the , banner of the Lodge of Three Grand Principles , Dewsbury , on Wednesday , the 2 ist instant , under the presidency of the Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , Sir Henry Edwards , Bart ., of Halifax , and there was a very large gathering of Masons from every district of
West Yorkshire present , as well as a number of visitors . After the transaction of some provincial business , and it having been determined previously to make some recognition of the Provincial Grand Lodge ' s application ofthe valuable services rendered by Bro . Bentley Shaw , P . G . D . of England as Deputy Provincial Grand Master for eleven
years , Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Edwards offered on behalf of the lodge for the acceptance of Bro . Shaw , a magnificent piece of plate with appropriate inscription and emblems , as a substantial and permanent proof of the brethren's affection ,
esteem , and regard , and sincere regret at his voluntary retirement . In offering the plate , The R . W . P . G . M ., Sir Henry Edwards , after a few preliminary remarks , said : Brethren , —If you refer to the summons convening this meeting you will observe that one of the most pleasing duties
which it is possible to fall to the lot of any living being , now devolves upon me , in presenting to our much esteemed Bro . Bentley Shaw , the piece of plate which you have provided for that purpose . I sincerely congratulate myself on being selected to discharge this pleasant duty , inasmuch as it enables
me , whilst speaking your sentiments , to express my own sense of the great and lasting obligations which Bro . Shaw has laid upon us all by the manner in which he has discharged his various and important duties whilst holding the position of D . P . G . M . of this province , during the period of
11 years just expired . Any words of mine are inadequate to the faithful description of the feelings of respect and admiration with which we all regard Bro . Shaw ; and the only circumstances of regret with which the assumption of my present office was associated was the fact that those services found to
be so useful and valuable to my predecessor could not be continued to my advantage . Bro . Shaw's exertions in promoting the best interests of our noble institution are well-known , both in the province and in other parts of England . During the 11 long years he has exercised his fraternal—nay ,
even paternal- supervision of the business of this great province , he has seen the lodges and the members thereof increase in numbers and influence . He has also aided and directed the great current of practical charity , which has so greatly increased the means and spheres of usefulness of the several
charities of our order , and it is no figure of speech , nor unwarrantable statement of facts , to say that on all these great movements the name of Bro . Shaw has been indelibly impressed , to be admired by the present and future generations of the brethren of the craft . Bro . Shaw , permit me ,
therefore , to tender for your acceptance this token of the respect and admiration in which the brethren of this province desire to confer upon you ; and also permit me to say , on their behalf that , beautiful as it is as a work of art , it possesses a far higher value than its material worth ten thousand times
toldin being the freewill offering and also the symbolical expression of the affectionate regard of a body of men intimately and agreeably associated with you in the business of the province , and whose only regret while making this presentation is that they will , in the future , lose the advantage they have long enjoyed and appreciated in lhe past of working
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
under the influence of your general character and conduct as their D . P . G . M . Bro . Tew , the D . P . G . M ., cordially responded to the sentiments expressed by Sir H . Edwards , paid a high compliment to the indefatigable zeal of Bro . Shaw , and intimated that no fewer than 59 lodges
in the province of West Yorkshire had voluntarily subscribed to the gift of which Bro . Shaw was the recipient . Bro . Bentley Shaw , who was visibly affected on rising to respond , after the cheering that greeted him had subsided , said : Most Worshipful Sir and
Brother-officers , —You have heard my voice ; often have I had the privilege of addressing you , but I have never had so much difficulty before the present time in making my sentiments known to you . Your generous gift—your generous momento of my connection with tlie Masons of West Yorkshire has
almost overwhelmed me . You must not measure my thanks by any words I may use , as I feel unequal to the task . I have often asked myself , What have I done to deserve this signal of your favour ? I have often asked , What have I done to warrant such a proof of your love and esteem ?
All the answer I can find is , that , while I had the approval of my conscience and of my God , I have striven to do my duty and all I possibly could to preserve Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) Yet I feel how utterly unworthy I am to be the recipient of such a mark of your favour , ( No , no . ) I never dreamed
of it . I may truly say that 1 never worked for this beautiful piece of plate ; and in answer to the many questions which I have this day put to myself , I can find but one rcply , and that is—a deep consciousness that I am unworthy of it . ( No , no . ) But let me endeavour to thank you for the valuable present
you have given me—a present which is a beautiful work of art . I shall always value it—not only for its worth , its classic , and at the same time chaster . ess of design , its rich ornamentation and its general beauty , but more than this , I shall value
it because of the genuineness of feeling you have displayed towards me . I cannot fail to value it because it is an expressive symbol of generous hearts , for yours and mine are " Hearts bound up together ,
Firm bound in fraternal love , "
and it will help me to think of the 11 years' connection with you . It will also assist me in making me do my duty . My family will always prize it for my own sake as well as yours , ( cheers ) I shall take care that it is handed down as a sacred heirloom . I take the liberty here of thanking the
committee of selection for the handsome present ; and yourself Most Worshipful Grand Master , as well as Lady Edwards —( cheers)—who if I am correctly informed , have greatly assisted the committee in their choice . ( Hear , hear . ) I desire to say here that it is a matter for congratulation
that the present has been made to me in the good old town of Dewsbury— ( cheers)—the town where Dr . Fearnley , my predecessor , lived , was loved , was honoured , and died . I am glad , too , that it has been your province , Most Worshipful Grand Master , to present me with this handsome gift ; for eleven
yfcars ago , I well remember , when your Right Worshipful's predecessor conferred the honour of Deputy Provincial Grand Master , you , sir , were on my right hand . I am glad that ycu are present to day . I accept the gift with gratitude and deep humility . I trust that , as Sir Henry Edwards has said , I shall
never cease to promote r reemasonry until my heart has ceased to beat and my life has left me . Let my last words bc that you will show affection to the Grand Master of England , his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales —( cheers)—to Sir Henry Edwards —( cheers)—and to his coadjutor , Bro . Tew . May
this great and influential province of the West Riding ever stand first and foremost in all that is beautiful and good , useful and happy in Freemasonry . May that noble column , symbolised by wisdom , strength , and beauty , whose pedestal , shaft , and capitol have been founded , upraised , and
crowned by the indomitable skill , energy , and selfdenying efforts of her numerous sons stand inviolable amid the raging billows and rude rocks of time , seeing that it has now its foundations , as I trust it ever will have , in heavrr-born and heavenapproving charity . Bro . Shaw , who at periods
evinced great emotion , and consequently was but indistinctly heard , then resumed his seat amid immense cheering . The Right Worshipful Grand Master announced that Bro . Beniley Shaw had received from the Grand Master of England a patent appointing him
a P . G . D . of England—a remark which elicited a hearty issue of cheering . Some routine business having been transacted , the Prov . Grand Lodge and the Lodge of the Three Grand Principles were closed .
After the conclusion of the lodge business a banquet was given in the Church of England Schoolroom , and after the dinner lhe usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and heartily responded to . The gathering was a highly successful one .
Prov . Grand Lodge Of Hampshire And Isle Of Wight.
PROV . GRAND LODGE OF HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT .
The Grand Lodge of the province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight assembled at the Town Hall Ryde , on Thursday , the 22 nd inst ., when there was a large attendance of past and present Prov .
Grand Officers , and representatives from nearly all the twenty-eight lodges of the province , including Bros . T . Diver , 757 ; M . Alex , 130 ; J . Walling , ford , 903 ; T . Best , 1373 ; G . S . Lancaster , 487 ; J . Naish , 76 ; Major Shadwell Gierke , 1383 ; J . Far . dell , 12 ; H . Cante , 342 ; H . Ward , 112 ; Col . the
Hon . S . Calthorpe , 175 ; II . Ford , 257 ; J . IT . Palmer , 6 9 S ; W . Edmonds , 309 ; J . Dew , 6 94 ; F . F . Hare , 394 ; E . B . C . Churchill , 903 ; E . Nepean , ! 373 , ' M . E . Frost , 4 S 7 ; J . E . Lc Feuvre , 130 ; F . Newman , 175 ; J . H . Scott , 271 ; S . Brown , 175 ; S . P . Everett , 96 ; IT . Hacker , 723 ; Capt .
Richardson , R . E ., 1331 ; H . P . Aslatt , 394 ; \ Y . Fuiber , 394 ; P . Roane , 130 ; IT . Abraham , 130 ; S . Brown , 175 ; B . Pinniger , 175 ; IT . J . Guy , 342 ; H . T . Bath , 319 ; J . Mc William , 195 ; G . IT . Burtenshaw , 359 ; E . S . Main , 903 ; J . Mallby , 487 ; II . Slccman , 903 ; J . Wilson , 903 , & c , & c . The Town
Hall was admirably arranged for the occasion ; and shortly after the appointed time—12 . 30—the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., was received at the entrance by his officers , and escorted to his chair in the large room with the usual masonic honours . The minutes of the last Prov . Grand
Lodge having been read and confirmed , Bro . W , Hickman , as P . G . S ., submitted the report of the committee for auditing the treasurer ' s accounts , and also that of the committee for managing the P . G . L . funds . The latter recommended grants of / 12 to Bro . Dawkins , for many years P . G . Tyler ,
who is now incapacitated by age and infirmity ; . £ 15 to Mrs . Cohen , of Winchester ; ^ 20 to Mrs . Bradshaw ; and , £ 20 to Mrs . Stebbing . The Treasurer ' s account showed a balance in hand of rather more than ^ 300 ; and Bro . Lc Feuvre suggested that a larger sum should be contributed by
the province to the Masonic chanties . The committee for raising a fund for the widow of the late Bro . Stebbing reported that the total sum amounted to about , £ 430 , and it was probable that the subscription of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce might bc merged in it , the intention being lo purchase an annuity lor Mrs . Stebbing ' s benefit .
The report of the Charities Committee was also brought up and approved , the several committees were appointed , and a series of resolutions were adopted impressing upon plasters of lodges and Masons generally the importance of exercising the greatest care in regulating admissions to the Masonic body .
The Prov . G . M . said , when they assembled last year it was under a deep sense of the loss which had been sustained by the death of W . Bro . Stebbing , who had so ably filled the position of Deputy Prov . G . M . The feeling then manifested showed how completely he had ingratiated himself inlo the
hearts of all the brethren of the province , and lhe warmest testimony to his merits as a Freemason was expressed on every hand . He ( the P . G . M . ) felt that it would be a very difficult thing to supply his place ; and that , seeing how long and eminent had been his services to the craft , anyone who
succeeded to his position , in order to ( ill it properly must possess undoubted qualifications . He ( the P . G . M . ) felt that it would be only respectful to the memory of their departed brother not to be in a hurry to fill up the appointment , but to let a reasonable time elapse before doing so , and he trusted
that in adopting this course he had met with the approval of the brethren ( hear , hear ) . The time had noiv arrived when he could no longer defer making the appointment ; and he was very pleased to be able to select a brother who had rendered very great and efficient service to Freemasonry , not only
in this province but in other parts of England , having been selected by the Grand Master of the Order to fill an office in G . L . Bro . Hickman —( applause)—had served the office of Prov . G . Sec . for many years , and any who reflected upon the extent and character of the duties involved in that office ,
must be sensible that it was no light service he had rendered to the province —( hear , hear ) . When they thought ofthe numerous list of ledges ranging under the banner of that Prov . G . L ., it must be at once apparent that the office of G . Sec . was no
sinecure —( hear , hear ) ; and while all the brethren were indebted to Bro . Hickman for the manner in which he had discharged his duties , he ( the P . G . M . ) had special reason to thank him for the able and efficient assistance he had rendered to him in
carrying out the responsibilities devolving upon him as G . M . of the province . It was essential that he should be supported by officers who were capable of assisting him in the details of his work ; in Bro . Hickman he had met with one who was both able and willing to render that assistance —( hear , hear ) I and it now gave him great pleasure to offer him the office which had been so long vacant , knowing as
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Province Of Middlesex.
allowed that he was not a Tycoon —( a laugh)—or like that Indian God who was always contemplating his own perfections - ( laughter)—but he was one with whom to be associated was an honour , and to know to esteem —( cheers ) . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm .
The P . G . M . responded to the toast , and then proceeded to speak of the gratification with which he had p laced Sir George Elliot in the position of Deputy Grand Master , He spoke also of the assistance he had received from Bro . Little and the
other Prov . G . Officers , and concluded by proposing the toast of Sir Geo . Elliot ' s health . Sir George Elliot , M . P ., the D . G . M ., in response , thanked the brethren , and excused himself from further addressing them , on the score of being recalled to his duties in the House of Commons .
The other toasts , given in a greatly lessened company , for many had io leave to catch trains for town , were , " The Visitors , " "The Masonic Charities , " " The Provincial Grand Stewards , " and concluded with "The Tyler ' s" toast , given by Bro . Gilbert , who , it may be added , was unanimously reelected Tyler .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire was held under the , banner of the Lodge of Three Grand Principles , Dewsbury , on Wednesday , the 2 ist instant , under the presidency of the Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , Sir Henry Edwards , Bart ., of Halifax , and there was a very large gathering of Masons from every district of
West Yorkshire present , as well as a number of visitors . After the transaction of some provincial business , and it having been determined previously to make some recognition of the Provincial Grand Lodge ' s application ofthe valuable services rendered by Bro . Bentley Shaw , P . G . D . of England as Deputy Provincial Grand Master for eleven
years , Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Edwards offered on behalf of the lodge for the acceptance of Bro . Shaw , a magnificent piece of plate with appropriate inscription and emblems , as a substantial and permanent proof of the brethren's affection ,
esteem , and regard , and sincere regret at his voluntary retirement . In offering the plate , The R . W . P . G . M ., Sir Henry Edwards , after a few preliminary remarks , said : Brethren , —If you refer to the summons convening this meeting you will observe that one of the most pleasing duties
which it is possible to fall to the lot of any living being , now devolves upon me , in presenting to our much esteemed Bro . Bentley Shaw , the piece of plate which you have provided for that purpose . I sincerely congratulate myself on being selected to discharge this pleasant duty , inasmuch as it enables
me , whilst speaking your sentiments , to express my own sense of the great and lasting obligations which Bro . Shaw has laid upon us all by the manner in which he has discharged his various and important duties whilst holding the position of D . P . G . M . of this province , during the period of
11 years just expired . Any words of mine are inadequate to the faithful description of the feelings of respect and admiration with which we all regard Bro . Shaw ; and the only circumstances of regret with which the assumption of my present office was associated was the fact that those services found to
be so useful and valuable to my predecessor could not be continued to my advantage . Bro . Shaw's exertions in promoting the best interests of our noble institution are well-known , both in the province and in other parts of England . During the 11 long years he has exercised his fraternal—nay ,
even paternal- supervision of the business of this great province , he has seen the lodges and the members thereof increase in numbers and influence . He has also aided and directed the great current of practical charity , which has so greatly increased the means and spheres of usefulness of the several
charities of our order , and it is no figure of speech , nor unwarrantable statement of facts , to say that on all these great movements the name of Bro . Shaw has been indelibly impressed , to be admired by the present and future generations of the brethren of the craft . Bro . Shaw , permit me ,
therefore , to tender for your acceptance this token of the respect and admiration in which the brethren of this province desire to confer upon you ; and also permit me to say , on their behalf that , beautiful as it is as a work of art , it possesses a far higher value than its material worth ten thousand times
toldin being the freewill offering and also the symbolical expression of the affectionate regard of a body of men intimately and agreeably associated with you in the business of the province , and whose only regret while making this presentation is that they will , in the future , lose the advantage they have long enjoyed and appreciated in lhe past of working
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
under the influence of your general character and conduct as their D . P . G . M . Bro . Tew , the D . P . G . M ., cordially responded to the sentiments expressed by Sir H . Edwards , paid a high compliment to the indefatigable zeal of Bro . Shaw , and intimated that no fewer than 59 lodges
in the province of West Yorkshire had voluntarily subscribed to the gift of which Bro . Shaw was the recipient . Bro . Bentley Shaw , who was visibly affected on rising to respond , after the cheering that greeted him had subsided , said : Most Worshipful Sir and
Brother-officers , —You have heard my voice ; often have I had the privilege of addressing you , but I have never had so much difficulty before the present time in making my sentiments known to you . Your generous gift—your generous momento of my connection with tlie Masons of West Yorkshire has
almost overwhelmed me . You must not measure my thanks by any words I may use , as I feel unequal to the task . I have often asked myself , What have I done to deserve this signal of your favour ? I have often asked , What have I done to warrant such a proof of your love and esteem ?
All the answer I can find is , that , while I had the approval of my conscience and of my God , I have striven to do my duty and all I possibly could to preserve Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) Yet I feel how utterly unworthy I am to be the recipient of such a mark of your favour , ( No , no . ) I never dreamed
of it . I may truly say that 1 never worked for this beautiful piece of plate ; and in answer to the many questions which I have this day put to myself , I can find but one rcply , and that is—a deep consciousness that I am unworthy of it . ( No , no . ) But let me endeavour to thank you for the valuable present
you have given me—a present which is a beautiful work of art . I shall always value it—not only for its worth , its classic , and at the same time chaster . ess of design , its rich ornamentation and its general beauty , but more than this , I shall value
it because of the genuineness of feeling you have displayed towards me . I cannot fail to value it because it is an expressive symbol of generous hearts , for yours and mine are " Hearts bound up together ,
Firm bound in fraternal love , "
and it will help me to think of the 11 years' connection with you . It will also assist me in making me do my duty . My family will always prize it for my own sake as well as yours , ( cheers ) I shall take care that it is handed down as a sacred heirloom . I take the liberty here of thanking the
committee of selection for the handsome present ; and yourself Most Worshipful Grand Master , as well as Lady Edwards —( cheers)—who if I am correctly informed , have greatly assisted the committee in their choice . ( Hear , hear . ) I desire to say here that it is a matter for congratulation
that the present has been made to me in the good old town of Dewsbury— ( cheers)—the town where Dr . Fearnley , my predecessor , lived , was loved , was honoured , and died . I am glad , too , that it has been your province , Most Worshipful Grand Master , to present me with this handsome gift ; for eleven
yfcars ago , I well remember , when your Right Worshipful's predecessor conferred the honour of Deputy Provincial Grand Master , you , sir , were on my right hand . I am glad that ycu are present to day . I accept the gift with gratitude and deep humility . I trust that , as Sir Henry Edwards has said , I shall
never cease to promote r reemasonry until my heart has ceased to beat and my life has left me . Let my last words bc that you will show affection to the Grand Master of England , his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales —( cheers)—to Sir Henry Edwards —( cheers)—and to his coadjutor , Bro . Tew . May
this great and influential province of the West Riding ever stand first and foremost in all that is beautiful and good , useful and happy in Freemasonry . May that noble column , symbolised by wisdom , strength , and beauty , whose pedestal , shaft , and capitol have been founded , upraised , and
crowned by the indomitable skill , energy , and selfdenying efforts of her numerous sons stand inviolable amid the raging billows and rude rocks of time , seeing that it has now its foundations , as I trust it ever will have , in heavrr-born and heavenapproving charity . Bro . Shaw , who at periods
evinced great emotion , and consequently was but indistinctly heard , then resumed his seat amid immense cheering . The Right Worshipful Grand Master announced that Bro . Beniley Shaw had received from the Grand Master of England a patent appointing him
a P . G . D . of England—a remark which elicited a hearty issue of cheering . Some routine business having been transacted , the Prov . Grand Lodge and the Lodge of the Three Grand Principles were closed .
After the conclusion of the lodge business a banquet was given in the Church of England Schoolroom , and after the dinner lhe usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and heartily responded to . The gathering was a highly successful one .
Prov . Grand Lodge Of Hampshire And Isle Of Wight.
PROV . GRAND LODGE OF HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT .
The Grand Lodge of the province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight assembled at the Town Hall Ryde , on Thursday , the 22 nd inst ., when there was a large attendance of past and present Prov .
Grand Officers , and representatives from nearly all the twenty-eight lodges of the province , including Bros . T . Diver , 757 ; M . Alex , 130 ; J . Walling , ford , 903 ; T . Best , 1373 ; G . S . Lancaster , 487 ; J . Naish , 76 ; Major Shadwell Gierke , 1383 ; J . Far . dell , 12 ; H . Cante , 342 ; H . Ward , 112 ; Col . the
Hon . S . Calthorpe , 175 ; II . Ford , 257 ; J . IT . Palmer , 6 9 S ; W . Edmonds , 309 ; J . Dew , 6 94 ; F . F . Hare , 394 ; E . B . C . Churchill , 903 ; E . Nepean , ! 373 , ' M . E . Frost , 4 S 7 ; J . E . Lc Feuvre , 130 ; F . Newman , 175 ; J . H . Scott , 271 ; S . Brown , 175 ; S . P . Everett , 96 ; IT . Hacker , 723 ; Capt .
Richardson , R . E ., 1331 ; H . P . Aslatt , 394 ; \ Y . Fuiber , 394 ; P . Roane , 130 ; IT . Abraham , 130 ; S . Brown , 175 ; B . Pinniger , 175 ; IT . J . Guy , 342 ; H . T . Bath , 319 ; J . Mc William , 195 ; G . IT . Burtenshaw , 359 ; E . S . Main , 903 ; J . Mallby , 487 ; II . Slccman , 903 ; J . Wilson , 903 , & c , & c . The Town
Hall was admirably arranged for the occasion ; and shortly after the appointed time—12 . 30—the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., was received at the entrance by his officers , and escorted to his chair in the large room with the usual masonic honours . The minutes of the last Prov . Grand
Lodge having been read and confirmed , Bro . W , Hickman , as P . G . S ., submitted the report of the committee for auditing the treasurer ' s accounts , and also that of the committee for managing the P . G . L . funds . The latter recommended grants of / 12 to Bro . Dawkins , for many years P . G . Tyler ,
who is now incapacitated by age and infirmity ; . £ 15 to Mrs . Cohen , of Winchester ; ^ 20 to Mrs . Bradshaw ; and , £ 20 to Mrs . Stebbing . The Treasurer ' s account showed a balance in hand of rather more than ^ 300 ; and Bro . Lc Feuvre suggested that a larger sum should be contributed by
the province to the Masonic chanties . The committee for raising a fund for the widow of the late Bro . Stebbing reported that the total sum amounted to about , £ 430 , and it was probable that the subscription of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce might bc merged in it , the intention being lo purchase an annuity lor Mrs . Stebbing ' s benefit .
The report of the Charities Committee was also brought up and approved , the several committees were appointed , and a series of resolutions were adopted impressing upon plasters of lodges and Masons generally the importance of exercising the greatest care in regulating admissions to the Masonic body .
The Prov . G . M . said , when they assembled last year it was under a deep sense of the loss which had been sustained by the death of W . Bro . Stebbing , who had so ably filled the position of Deputy Prov . G . M . The feeling then manifested showed how completely he had ingratiated himself inlo the
hearts of all the brethren of the province , and lhe warmest testimony to his merits as a Freemason was expressed on every hand . He ( the P . G . M . ) felt that it would be a very difficult thing to supply his place ; and that , seeing how long and eminent had been his services to the craft , anyone who
succeeded to his position , in order to ( ill it properly must possess undoubted qualifications . He ( the P . G . M . ) felt that it would be only respectful to the memory of their departed brother not to be in a hurry to fill up the appointment , but to let a reasonable time elapse before doing so , and he trusted
that in adopting this course he had met with the approval of the brethren ( hear , hear ) . The time had noiv arrived when he could no longer defer making the appointment ; and he was very pleased to be able to select a brother who had rendered very great and efficient service to Freemasonry , not only
in this province but in other parts of England , having been selected by the Grand Master of the Order to fill an office in G . L . Bro . Hickman —( applause)—had served the office of Prov . G . Sec . for many years , and any who reflected upon the extent and character of the duties involved in that office ,
must be sensible that it was no light service he had rendered to the province —( hear , hear ) . When they thought ofthe numerous list of ledges ranging under the banner of that Prov . G . L ., it must be at once apparent that the office of G . Sec . was no
sinecure —( hear , hear ) ; and while all the brethren were indebted to Bro . Hickman for the manner in which he had discharged his duties , he ( the P . G . M . ) had special reason to thank him for the able and efficient assistance he had rendered to him in
carrying out the responsibilities devolving upon him as G . M . of the province . It was essential that he should be supported by officers who were capable of assisting him in the details of his work ; in Bro . Hickman he had met with one who was both able and willing to render that assistance —( hear , hear ) I and it now gave him great pleasure to offer him the office which had been so long vacant , knowing as