Address.

private lodges in the province , considering that the fees for advancements ancl joinings iu addition to the fees of honour of the officers were ample to meet the expenses , aud that in the present state of Mark Masonry it is desirable

to offer as many encouragements as possible , and to remove all obstacles to its extension and prosperity . The Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master did not concur in the proposed step , and its advocates were unsuccessful .

I have to announce that the annual returns required by the Book of Constitutions have been presented , and as a consequence the certificates of those advanced in the Pleiades Mark Lodge are in the hands of the secretary ready for distribution

among the brethren . Nor must I omit to point out that in this respect we have been treated with great liberality , since among these documents are included certificates for the members now attached

to us who were advanced in the Dart Lodge , which existed but a few months before the destruction of its property by fire in 1861 , and then ceased . I wish to embrace this opportunity , the last I shall have of addressing you with any degree of

authority , to mention a circumstance which I think militates against the success and efficiency of all departments of Masonry except the three Craft Degrees . My own experience in this respect will probably be corroborated by some here and

by members ' of our Order in other places , though whether a change is desirable may be a question from other considerations . The meetings of Craft lodges are held monthly , and in some cases , as at Torquay , with even greater frequency . Hence the brethren , regarding it as a standing

engagement , make their private arrangements , accordingly , and there is little danger that forgetfuluess will be a cause of irregularity of attendance ; moreover , the ceremonies , being repeated more often , become more familiar , more impressed on

the memory , the officers are more correct iu the manipulation of the work , and greater interest is generally displayed . In the Royal Arch and Mark Degrees , it has always appeared to me that the intervals of three months are too long , and

that this is a great cause of apathy , neglect and inefficiency . I should much like to see an alteration in our By-laws , arranging for us to meet in alternate months , and though there may not ahvays be candidates for advancement , the time may be profitably employed in rehearsing the ceremony , in which the officers are by no means

sufficiently perfect . I throw out the suggestion , with my reasons for it , ancl leave the matter for your consideration . As you are all aware , Mark Masonry is under great disadvantages , from the fact that it is not

recognized by the Grand Craft Lodge of England . I do hope that some day this will not be the case , and it appears to me , that if matters remain as they are in this respect , the fault will lie with ourselves , for as every W . M . of a Bfark Lodge must

previously have been W . M . of a Craft Lodge , and thereby have a seat and a vote in the Grand Craft Lodge of England , in proportion as the number of Mark Lodges increases , so we ought to be able to command a majority of votes in that body , and to exercise them in establishing our claim to be

considered an authorized branch of the Masonic Order , though under a separate jurisdiction , just as is the case with the Royal Arch . In pursuance of this subject , I may state that at a meeting of the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge held some

months ago , our respected Provincial Grand Master referred to the defect in the status of the Mark Degree , and expressed his opinion that the surest way to remedy it would be to prove the genuineness of our pretensions to the true

spirit of Masonry , and to make our influence felt , by contributions to the charities . At present the expenses attendant on the commencement of our lodge do not allow of grants from the general fund . You are aware that my labours with my

pen have produced a considerable sum , nearly £ 60 , for this object , and I intend the next amount I can raise in this way to go towards a Masonic Lifeboat , for which subscriptions are being collected . I need not recommend this to your favourable consideration by any arguments . I trust that the bare mention of the need for assistance in a

county on whose coasts so many wrecks occur will suffice to excite the sympathies of Freemasons , and induce you this day to make a special contribution , small in amount from each one , so that , in the name of the Pleiades Lodge of Mark

Masters , No . 26 , 1 may be able to forward a pound or two for the purpose , as one of the last of my official acts as your AV . M ., and that thus my year may not pass without one act of charity and mercy .

You know that some months ago Bro . Johnson of Leicester and I jointly presented to the proprietor of the FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE- musical accompaniments to the three Craft Degrees ,