Excessive Organization.

EXCESSIVE ORGANIZATION .

LAST week we extracted a paragraph from the " Devon and Exeter Gazette , " in reference to an appeal which is being made in order to secure the admission of an orphan son of the late Bro . J . H . Sanderson , for some time associated with press work in

Plymouth and elsewhere on behalf of the " Western Morning News , " to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and we may refer to the case again as presenting an example of the evils of what we may term excessive organization .

The friends of the candidate are working hard on his behalf both outside the Craft , and outside the father ' s Province of Devonshire , but they very naturally think the Brethren of that important Province might quite

reasonably lend a little support to the boy , on behalf of whom 1 , 299 votes have already been recorded . The answer to their appeal must- have appeared alike strange

and discouraging—it being to the effect that the . official support of the Province was to be given to another candidate , while young Sanderson would have to look to outsiders if his success was to be assured .

We have often had to regret the evils arising from the lack of organization—this is an example of the trouble that may arise at the opposite extreme . Of course system must be adhered to , and we must give credit to those on

the spot for knowing the facts of the different cases , but all the same one cannot read the paragraph to which we here refer without wondering if there are not special occasions when the strict letter of the law might be departed from , to a small extent at least .

In a case like the one under notice , where a large number of persons associated with the newspaper press are directly interesting themselves , it is not too much to say , as the writer does in the earlier portion of last

week ' s paragraph , that much of the present prosperity of Freemasonry and its Institutions is due to the prominence given to the work in the general press of the country . This being so it is not going too far to ask for some

small return now that an opportunity has arisen . Will the friends of the boy appeal in vain , or will the strict limits of organization allow of a little licence , even if given in return for favours already received or in the hope of others yet to come .

Dorset

DORSET

THERE was a large and representative attendance at the Provincial Grand Lodge , which was held at the Masonic Hall , Lyme Regis . The Prov . G . M . Bro . Montagu Guest presided , supported by the D . P . G . M . Bro . Colonel Brymer , M . P . The annual statement showed the Province to be in a thoroughly satisfactory condition . In the course of the proceedings Bro . Robert Case , who

Dorset

for more than twenty years' had filled the post of Provincial Secretary , was presented with clothing and jewel for the Office of Grand Sword Bearer of England , to which he has just been appointed .

Durham.

DURHAM .

1 in HE annual Provincial Grand Chapter was held at the _ I _ Paradise Schoolrooms , Darlington , on Saturday , 18 th inst . There was a large attendance from the different parts of the Province , under the presidency of Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., Provincial Grand Superintendent . The minutes of the last Chapter , held at Gateshead , were taken as read , and approved .

Comp . B . S . Beckwith Provincial Grand Treasurer read the balance sheet , which was of a satisfactory character , and was unanimously approved . It was agreed that a sum of ten guineas be given to the Durham Benevolent Fund , five

guineas to the Durham Masonic Education Fund , and ten guineas to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in London . The roll of the Chapters was afterwards called , and was of an entirely satisfactory character .

The Grand Superintendent addressed the Chapter , expressing his satisfaction at the steady progress shown , which it was hoped would be maintained . An increase of " thirty-six had been shown in the numbers for the year . Comp . R . Stewart , of Gateshead , was elected Provincial Grand Treasurer . The Prov . Grand Superintendent then proceeded to the appointment of Officers . The following were invested :

Comp . J . D . Todd - - - - H . J . 0 . Moore - ... J . B . Hudson - - - - Scribe B . John Holt - Scribe N . Bobert Stewart ... Treasurer D . Cameron - - - - Begistrar of Marks

James Lee - - - - Principal Sojourner Samuel Wilson - - - ) . . . , ~ . J . K . Wilkes - - - - f Asslstant Sojourners M . J . Todd - - - Sword Bearer John Mark - Standard Reaver

H . Brown .... Director of Ceremonies W . G . Etherington - - - Assistant Dir . of Cers . E . S . Shaw - Organist J . R . Pattison ( re-appointed ) - Assistant Scribe E . T . Grieve .... Janitor . After the close of the businesss a number of those present partook of dinner at the King ' s Plead Hotel .

Somerset.

SOMERSET .

THE Provincial Grand Chapter of Somerset washeld on Friday , 17 th inst ., at Highbridge , under the banner of the Vale of Jehoshaphat Chapter , No . 291 , when there was a large muster of Companions from the various Chapters throughout the Province .

The Chapter having been opened , the Grand Supt . Comp . R . C . Else P . Z . P . G . Standard Bearer England informed the Companions that they were met under very

interesting circumstances , as it was the jubilee year of the receiving Chapter , whose Warrant bore date 1847 . He called upon Comp . T . F . Norris P . Z . P . P . G . Prin . Soj . to read a history he had prepared .

Comp . Norris then read the history referred to , which proved very interesting . He also read an introduction and notes by the Grand Supt . Comp . R . C . Else , dealing with Royal Arch Masonry in the Province , and the present work at Highbridge and other Chapters contrasted with thirty years ago .