Freemasonry In China.

for by the 6 th George IV ., cap . 87 . It is not necessary that I should enlarge on the beauty of the plan , modified as it has necessarily been by the want of funds to complete it in the costly materials contemplated when the wishes of the

community were made known to the great ecclesiastical architect by whom it was designed . Let us hope that the building will be brought to completion in a manner calculated to reflect credit on the names already connected with it ,

—that it will not only be a headstone , but a durable edifice , —that not only this single stone but all its foundations may be laid firm and sure , —and that the noble fane may be completed so as to remain standing for many generations . My friends , it is very true that the society

which we represent , regulates its proceedings by the regulations instituted by the Secretary of State , but it should also be known that its connection with Her Majesty's Government has , except in reference to special works like the present ,

been for several years purely honorary . This great community has long outgrown the want of government assistance , and the building we trust to see erected will owe its existence almost entirely to the munificence and religious feelings of the

mercantile community of this great port . It reflects , I think the highest credit on it , that , notwithstanding the enormous losses sustained both in general trading and local enterprise during late years , no lack of funds to complete this edifice has been experienced .

I propose to bring this short address to a conclusion by expressing the heartfelt wish , in whicli I am sure you will all join , that Trinity Church may be speedily completed and long continue to receive the crowds of Englishmen who , in this far land , may seek its courts to worship after the manner of their fathers .

The proceedings terminated by the singing of the following two versns of the 100 th Psalm :- — A-Jimo- III . All people that on earth do dwell , Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice ; Him serve with mirth , His praise forth toll ,

Come ye before Hiin and rejoice . For why ? the Lord our God is good , His mercy is for ever sure ; His truth at all times firmly stood , And shall from age to age endure . After which the procession was reformed in inverted order- and returned to the Masonic hall where the P . G . Lodge was closed , & c .

Freemasonry In China.

We understand the trowel is to bear the following inscription : — Presented to C . E . Parker , Esq ., D . Prov . G . M . of Preemasonry for China . E . G ., On the occasion of the Laying of the Foundation Stone of Trinity Church , Shanghai ,

On the 2-ith May . 1866 , Being tho Anniversary of the birth of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria , By C . A . Winchester , Esq ., H . B . M . Consul for Shanghai , Chairman , and the Trustees and Treasurer of the British Church Establishment there .

West Lancashire Relief Committee.

WEST LANCASHIRE RELIEF COMMITTEE .

Subjoined is the sixth annual report of tins excellent Institution , whose importance ancl merits are nob as fully appreciated as they deserve to be . The object of the Institution are briefly these *

first the unmasking of impostors , secondly , the relief of the deserving . We need , we are sure , say no more to commend it to the favourable notice of the Craft . The West Lancashire Masonic relief Committee

have completed the sixth year of the duties entrusted to them , in the confident hope that past experience will have convinced the brethren of the usefulness and good of the committee's

labours . The committee was established for the purpose of investigating the claims of unknown and doubtful petitioners , and adjudicating' thereon ; the committee trust that brethren will not grant

any relief but to such as are worthy , without first bringing the case before the committee , many cases having come to the knowledge of the committee as being unworthy recipients . The committees of Manchester , Liverpool ,

Newcastle , and Birmingham experienced the value of weekly interchange of reports of cases relieved by each committee , having prevented money being throw away upon impostors .

The cases relieved have been of an ordinary character , and it will be seen are principally Masons travelling with certificates under the Irish , Scotch , and foreign constitutions . The committee hand a list of cases investigated during the last

six years : —English , 139 ; Irish , 178 ; Scotch , 192 ; foreign , 184 ; total , 693 . The committee tender their thanks to Bro . J . L , Hine , P . Gr . T . of East Lancashire , and Secretary