New Hall At Newbury.

Grand Master ) , the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P . ( Past Grand Warden , Provincial Grand Master for Cheshire ) , Colonel Sir Terence O'Brien ( Past Grand Deacon , a former Governor of Heligoland ) , and Colonels John Davis and W . Campbell ( Royal Marine Artilleiry , aides-de-camp to the Queen ) . — " Birmingham Daily Post , " 5 th January 1901 .

A most enjoyable social function took place at the Public Hall , Clevedon , on Wednesday night , 2 nd inst , the occasion being a Ladies' night arranged by the Brethren of the Coleridge Lodge , No . 1750 , of which Bro . H . W . Mackenzie is the Worshipful Master , a dispensation for the function being

granted by the Prov . G . M . of Somerset Lord Dungarvan . The idea of holding a conversazione in connection with a Masonic Lodge was something entirely new in the town , and was very heartily taken up by the Brethren , and as warmly responded to by those to whom invitations were extended . Many willing

hands ; under the direction of Bro . E . PI . Hazell , assisted in the adequate decoration of the Hall . The company numbered nearly a hundred , a pleasing spectacle being presented by the gay dresses of the ladies and the insignia of the Order worn tr the Brethren . The Reception Committee consisted of the

Worshipful Master Bro . H . W . Mackenzie , Bro . W . F . Langworthy , Bro . Dr . Stocker , Bro . Dr . Martin , and Bro . F . G . Leman Worshinful Master-elect Bro . Dr . Stocker performed the duties of M . C . The General Committee was composed of all the Past Masters of the Lodge , the duties of Stewards

being efficiently carried out by Bros . J . H . Hart , E . Hagley , E . H . Hazell , and W . W . Winsor . During the proceedings an enjoyable programme of vocal and instrumental music and recitations , arranged by Bros . Gardner and Fulford , was given .

The installation of the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., as Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire furnished a record in one respect , says " Past Master , " in the " Manchester Courier . " At no previous meeting in living memory , and the writer vouches for one or two , has there been such a

record attendance , or such a display , on the part of Grand or Provincial Grand Officers . The Provincial Grand Master was also introduced by seven Past Masters , also Provincial Grand Officers of high degree—also another record . The hon . Brother commences a career in which all the Brethren wish him prosperity and many happy returns .

» * We have received from the Grand Council of Freemasonry in Spain , a card of " greetings and congratulations for the year 1901 , to all the workers of our Order , and to all

Freemasons that are spread over the surface of the earth . " We need hardly say that we cordially reciprocate the kind wishes of our Spanish Brothers , and trust that the difficulties that prevent a full development of our principles in their country may vanish before the light of truth and civilisation .

Masonry , as taught and practised by all good Masons , is a vital , uplifting , moral force in the world to-day , and in this respect , while indeed claiming great antiquity , is , in so far as being adapted to the present needs of mankind is

concerned , of quite inestimable value . Therefore , the institution may properly be considered young , hale and hearty , and , at any rate , of great practical utility , notwithstanding its well established claims to great age . —Chas . Bonney , Conn .

••• Brother David Reid Grand Secretary for Scotland intimates that there will be no meeting of the Annuity Board for granting annuities until July 1901 , and that at present there are no funds available for new grants .

•* On the 2 nd inst . the West Ham Abbey Lodge , No . 2291 , held a ladies' banquet , in the Town Hall , Stratford . The Worshipful Master Brother George Bush presided over the gathering , which was a large one .

''A Sprig Of Acacia.''

''A SPRIG OF ACACIA . ''

THE hand of death has again robbed us of a dear friend , in Bro . Rev . C . J . Martyn , who passed away suddenly on Wednesday , from heart disease . Bro . Martyn was one of the most distinguished among the many worthy members of Grand Lodge , and one of the oldest among the past

''A Sprig Of Acacia.''

Grand Officers of Freemasonry , his appointment as Grand Chaplain dating back to 1869 ; for many years , too , he has filled the position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Suffolk , and we think it is fair to say no member of the Craft . was ever more respected and esteemed than he , by

all who knew him , both within the ranks of Freemasonry and outside of it . For many years Bro . Martyn was rector of Long Melford , Suffolk , and took great pride in his church , ( which in some respects is regarded as one of the most handsome in England ; in later years he has filled

the position of rector of Daglingworth , Cirencester , where he was equally popular . He was a Chaplain-in-ordinary to the Queen , and a respected friend of many members of the Royal Family . During the whole of our Masonic career we have had the privilege of regarding him as a personal

friend , whose place it will indeed be difficult to attempt to fill . A further bond of regard is associated with him in connection with the FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE , in the fact that he was its first subscriber , and has ever since occupied the premier position in our registers . Many years ago he

figured in our series of " Masonic Portraits , " and the title we then gave him , " The Christian Minister , " was not only deserved at the time , but was conscientiously acted up to throughout his remaining days . He was indeed a Christian among the many ministers of the Church , and a Brother

among Freemasons worthy of 'being emulated on every hand . Words fail us to express all we feel at his death ; just as words fail us to depict his many good qualities . He certainly leaves behind him a reputation which will never be forgotten , so long as any with whom he was associated

. THE death occurred at Southport on Monday afternoon , of Bro . Thomas Glaister , J . P ., of Mill Hill House , Bolton , who was held in great respect in the latter town by reason of his public work and private worth . For a considerable

period Bro . Glaister was chairman of the Master Bleachers ' Association of Bolton and district . He was ' appointed Mayor of Bolton in 1881 , and including this term enjoyed membership of the Town Council for twenty-one years , which also embraced a period as Chairman of the

Waterworks Committee . From 1880 he was a member of the Borough magisterial bench , and from 1890 a county justice . He was one of the original Trustees of the Blair Convalescent Hospital ; a representative Governor of the Grammar School : a member of the Council of the ' Chamber of

Commerce ; a member of the Poor-law Assessment Committee ; vice-president of the Bolton Savings Bank ; and also for several years Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Bolton Limited . Bro . Glaister was for forty-three years associated with the Craft , filling several of the leading district Offices .

AT Norton Churchyard , Stockton , on the afternoon of the 27 th ult , the funeral took place of the late Bro . Aid . Thomas Nelson , of Burmanthorpe , Norton , Stockton , who died the previous Monday , at the age of 76 years . The funeral was attended by the Mayor of Stockton and several

members of the Council . There were also present several representatives from the Board of Guardians , and from the magistrates , whilst the Lodge of Philanthropy , No . 940 , of which the deceased was a Past Master and one of the oldest

members , was represented by Bros . Dr . G . Laird Somerville W . M ., J . A . Henderson Secretary ; and several of the members . Deceased was one of the oldest Freemasons in the town . The . funeral service was conducted by the Rev . T . Errington Scott , vicar of Norton .

THE death is announced of Bro . William Astle , of Macclesfield , who died at the beginning of the month , in his seventy-eighth year . Bro . Astle was for many years

Treasurer or Secretary of the Unity Lodge , No . 267 , and as a railway servant about half a century ago had the distinction of booking the first train through Macclesfield on . the London and North Western line .

THE news of the death of Bro . R . Barber P . M . of the Percy Lodge , of Peckham Rye , has caused considerable regret in Masonic circles . Several members of his Lodge , and of the Claremont Lodge of Instruction , attended the obsequies , at Nunhead Cemetery , on the 27 th ult .

THE remains of the late Bro . Major Clement Southam , of Elmhurst , were interred in Shrewsbury cemetery , on the 19 th ult , several members of the Salopian Lodge , No . 262 , and others associated with the Craft , being present ,