Grand Lodge.

the union between the Grand Lodge of England and the Athol Grand Lodge , and which has been attended with so much advantage to the Craft . I ask your Eoyal Highness to allow me the hononr of investing you with the clothing of a Past Grand Master , and I also invite you to take your seat according to your rank .

The clothing and regalia of a Past Grand Master , which was designed and supplied by Bro . Joseph Starkey , were then handed to the Grand Master on a Hue velvet cushion , and on the completion of the investment of his Eoyal Highness there was loud and continued cheering-. Sir Albert Woods , Grand Dir . of Cers ., then proclaimed his

Eoyal Highness Albert Edward Prince of Wales , Duke of Cornwall , & c , Knight of the Garter , Knight of the Thistle , Knight Commander of the Bath , Knight of the Order of St-Patrick , and Knight Grand Commander of the Star of India , as P . G . M . of Freemasons .

His Eoyal Highness was then saluted in the usual maimer . Bro . the Prince of Wiles said -. Most Worshipful Grand Mister , Deputy Grand Master , officers , and brethren , will you allow me to tender to you my warm and sincere thanks for the . great honour you have conferred upon me this evening ? For a long time past it has been my wish to become a Freemason

and although I was initiated in a foreign country , you will agree with me that Freemasonry is one and the same in all countries . AVe are all brothers in the Craft ; and I must say that I feel it to be a great honour to be here to-day , and to be admitted to the Grand Lodge of England . I thank yon , M . W . G . M , for the kind words , and for the equally kind manner

in which you , brethren , have received me . The Grand Master said : —Brethren , I have now a communication to make to Grand Lodge , and I can assure you it is most painful to me : nevertheless 1 feel confidence in believing that you will agree with me that I am too old to continue as Grand Master . I regret myself to have to come to that conclusion , but I hope you will think , from the long time I have been iu your service , and the attention I have paid to tho duties of my

office , that I have proved myself a zealous mason . But still , after a period of 20 years I have served as Grand Master , and two years as Pro Grand Master to the Duke of Sussex , I have at least earned my retirement . Therefore I must beg you not again to put me in nomination . After having succeeded in carry - ing out the great work which we inaugurated hist summer in

building ouv new hall , and all our charities being in a flourishing condition , I think I could not select a happier opportunity to give in my resignation , and that a younger mason should be selected to take my place . Although I shall not fill the office of Grand Master , yet as long as the Almighty spares my life , I shall always take the deepest interest iu anything which affects your

welfare . I cannot conclude without expressing- my gratitude for the hind support you have given me , and the confidence you have placed in me by re-electing mc twenty-five times to the highest office in the Craft . I wish to retire from the office of Grand Master , hut I shall still continue to take the deepest interest in everything that concerns Freemasonry as long as life shall last . I now ask you not to be put in nomination as Grand Master .

Bro . Earl de Grey and Ripon : I give notice of my intention at the next Grand Lodge in March next , to move a resolution expressive of our regret at the retirement of the Earl of Zetland from the office of G . M ., and of the high services he has rendered to the Craft . Bro . K . Stewart , after alluding to the eminent services of Earl de Grey and Ripon as a Minister of tho Crown , as well as

the time he had spent in Freemasonry , nominated him as G . M for the year ensuing . The Grand Master : I wish for a moment to interrupt the business of Grand Lodge . His lloyal Highness the Prince of AVales is anxious to retire , and he has stated to me the reason for doing so . This is the birthday of her Royal Highness the

Princess of AVales . I perceive it is not necessary for me to say more than this , that his Royal Highness is anxious to be present at his own table , and celebrate there the birthday of his illustrious consort .

His Royal Highness then retired , escorted as on his entrance , the members of Grand Lodge all standing and cheering loudly as he departed . The election of twelve Past Masters to serve on the Board of "Benevolence for the year ensuing then took place . Tho Report of the Board of Benevolence for the last quarter

was presented , and the relief recommended was granted in each case , with one exception , which was referred back to the Board for further investigation . The following motion , of which notice had been previously siven were then brought forward : —

By Bro . John H . Wynne , P . M . 101 ., "That those brethren , who were candidates at the last election , and did not succeed to be elected on the Annuity Fund , shall receive ; glo per annum from the Benevolent Fund , until they shall he elected on the Annuity Fund . " After some consideration the motion was ordered to stand

over . Bro . John T / dall , P . G . D ., proposed " That the sum of £ 50 be given from the Fund for General Purposes ; that the money te placed in the hands of the Secretary of the Asylum of the Royal Masonic Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , to supply the inmates at Croydon with coals during the winter season . "—Carried .

Bro . J . Stevens , P . M . So . 720 , proposed . — "Thatwith a view to securing greater uniformity of working and observance of the ' same usages and customs' throughout the several lodges held under the authority of tl . c Grand Lodge of England , a committee of Past Masters be appointed to inquire into the merits of the respective systems of working now iu practice , and to report to Grand Lodge thereon , with sueh recommendations

as they may think necessary to prevent deviation from the established mode , such deviations being , according to the Constitutions of Freemasonry , improper and not to be justified or countenanced . "

Tin ' s resolution , after much discussion , was carried , aud it was resolved that a committee be appointed to carry the resolution into effect . The resolutions limiting the duration of tho office of Grand Master were next considered . They were as follows : — By Bro . J . Eankiu Stebbing , P . G . D . — "That in the opinion

of tin . Grand Lodge no future Grand Master should hold that office for more than three years in succession , unless in the ease of a Eoyal Prince , when tiie restriction should apply to the Pro Grand Master . "

By Bro . Raynhain AV . Stewart , W . M . JNTOS . 12 and 453 . — " That no brother ( except a Prince of the Blood Eoyal ) shall be eligible as Grand Master for a longer period in succession than fivo years . " By Bro . Joseph Smith , P . G . Parsuivant . — "That the office of Grand Master shall not be held by any brother for a longer