Provincial.

not only in extent df numbers , but the first in efficiency as working Masons . If the Lodges were to work well , the Masters and Wardens must be at their posts . If they attended , the Brethren would attend also . For ten years he had made it a point not to miss a single Provincial meeting , and he had travelled hundreds of miles to keep that resolution , and he hoped that in his new capacity he should be

found equally attentive to his duties . He congratulated his Brethren and himself that on the day of his installation as Prov . G . M ., they had accomplished the great object that had been held in view for years , viz ., the establishment of a Masonic Benevolent and Annuity Fund , to relieve their poorer brethren who night be sunk to the lowest ebb of poverty . The object was a noble one , based upon true Masonic principles , and if they all pulled together , they would be able to raise a fund creditable to the Province . When Bro . Wolfenden introduced

the subject at the Provincial meeting at Blackburn , and organized the machinery for carrying it out , he estimated that we might raise an annual fund of £ 1 , 000 . This might be considered a high estimate , but when they considered that there were 1 , 470 subscribing Masons in the Province , he did not see why that amount might not be , at any rate , approached . Some years ago , when he represented the borough of Bolton in Parliament , a local Bill was introduced to supply the townships of Farnworth and Kersley with water . An opposition was got up in

these townships , and a deputation was sent to London to oppose the Bill . This deputation waited upon him ( the Prov . G . M . ) and asked him to oppose the measure . He asked them why ? and the answer was that the Bill would inflict a great hardship upon the inhabitants , who would be charged 12 s . per house for a supply of -water . Well , said he , and will that be a hardship ? What do you pay for your water now ? The deputation replied that water was brought to their doors , and that they only paid a halfpenny a canful , which served them all day .

If this be the case , said he , how can you be injured ? It now costs you 15 s . for one canful per day ; but by this Act you may have twenty cansful if you want them , and have it constantly in your house for 12 s . Dear me , said the deputation , we never thought of that ; we had better return home again . In the same way his Brethren would see that if they calculated each member to give only one penny

per week , such a payment would realize a considerable amount in twelve months . There were a great number of Brethren , however , who would give handsomely when they knew that the fund would be properly distributed . He therefore again congratulated every Freemason in the Province upon what had that day been done , and concluded by thanking the meeting for the toast they had so cordially received . ( Cheers . )

Bro . Bell , Prov . S . G . W ., next proposed "Bro . Albert H . Royds , R . W . D . Prov . G . M ., " which was responded to by Bro . Royds , with an earnest assurance that the duties of his new office should receive his best attention , and his unwearied exertions . —Bro . Holland , of Prestwich , proposed "The Provincial Grand Officers of East Lancashire , " which was responded to by Bro . Bell , on behalf of himself and colleagues . —Pro . Hollinshead proposed in complimentary terms , "The Earl of Ellesmere , P . Prov . G . M ., " which was responded to by Bro . M . Dawes , of Bolton .

—Bro . Royds gave "The Provincial Grand Masters of West Lancashire , Cheshire , and other neighbouring provinces , and their Grand Masters , past and present . "Bro . Pollitt proposed "Success to the Masonic charity established in the province of East Lancashire , " which was very cordially received , and responded to by Bro . Shaylor , of Manchester . The remaining toasts were , "The Rev . and W . Provincial Grand Chaplain , " " The Masters , Past Masters , and Officers of Lodges , " " The Visiting Brethren , " and "The Provincial Grand Stewards . "—The Brethren separated about half-past nine o ' clock .

NORFOLK . NoRWicn . Soc ml Lodge ( No . 110 ) . —On Tuesday , July 8 th , the Brethren of this Lodge met for the first time at the Royal Hotel , Bro . A . W . Ray , W . M ., presiding . The spacious room provided for them was well lighted , and the Lodge furniture having been renovated , the tout ensemble was very striking . The business having been disposed of , the Brethren sat down to an excellent supper provided by host Bro . lleseltine . Many good speeches were made in the course of the