West Indies.

by the R . W . M ., Bro . C . M . McCallan , the address being rendered in a most eloquent and masterly manner by Bro G . Simpson , P . M . 224 ( E . C ) . The tracing board lecture vvas given by Bro . Kond , VV . M . 1 S 90 ( E . G . ) , in a most descriptive and pleasing style , svhich elicited a round of applause from the brethren . The charge vvas delivered by the Prov . G . M . in that felicitous mode for which he is so

well noted throughout the islands . Bro . J . J . Smith , W . M . 209 ( I . C ) , kindly presided at the organ , and discoursed appropriate music during the ceremony . After the lodge was closed , the brethren partook of refreshments . The R . W . M ., Bro . C . M . McCallan , proposed "The Visiting Brethren . "

Bro . H . Lockward , P . M . 224 ( E . G . ) , responded . The toast of "The Nesvly-Initiated Brethren " svas proposed by the Prov . Grand Master . Bro . the Rev . H . J . Wood responded , and stated that he was very pleased svith the ceremony of his initiation , and vvas delighted at the beautiful symbolic teachings of the

Degree , and he felt certain that he should take a deep interest in Masonry , and prove an enthusiastic member of the lodge . The brethren then sang " Auld lang * syne " in the usual Masonic manner , and this closed one of the most interesting meetings in the annals of the lodge .

Masonic Benevolence In Hampshire.

MASONIC BENEVOLENCE IN HAMPSHIRE .

FESTIVAL AT PORTSMOUTH .

On Tuesday , December 3 rd , the festival of the Hampshire and Isle of Wi ght Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution vvas held in the Freemasons' Hall , Commercial-road , Landport , under the presidency of the Chairman , Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire and the

Isle of Wight ) . The D . P . G . M ., Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , the Worshipful the Mayor , Bro . Sir William King , and other well-known members of the Craft were unavoidably absent . The Provincial Grand Master vvas supported by the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Edgar Goble ; the Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . John

W . Gieve ; the Rev . Bro . J . N . Palmer , Past G . Chap , of England ; the Prov . S . G . Warden , Bro . Major W . Campbell , P . M . 257 ; and the Hon . Secretary of the Institution , Bro . G . F . Lancaster , P . M ., P . P . G . Registrar . The company included Bros . Henry Cawte , P . P . J . G . W . ; S . R . Ellis , P . M . 342 , P . P . G . D . of C . ;

E . S . Main , P . M ., P . P . G . D . of C .: W . A . Hill , P . M . 309 , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . H . Williams , W . M . 309 ; Thomas W . Haydon , J . W . 309 ; J . G . Mason , P . M . 1428 ; W . Miller , W . M . 2068 ; R . G . Pither , Sec . 2068 ; W . H . Sperring , W . M . 342 ; W . J . Townsend , 177 6 ; H . Edsvards , 177 6 ; H . Simes , 48 7 ; E . Godsvin ,

Stesvard 1776 ; G . W . Peel , 2068 ; F . Avery , 1903 ; G . Backler , 1903 ; W . F . Westerman , W . M . 1776 ; B . Harfield , S . D . 1112 ; C . Dobson , 186 9 ; F . Orford ; Lieut . T . Cowd , W . M . 18 34 ; F . H . Woodrow , W . M . 2074 ; W . Bates , W . M . 487 ; J . Collings , P . M . 804 , P . P . G . P . ; H . W . Smith-Parsons , P . M . and Treas . 804 ; J . E . Buck , P . M . 342 ; R . Boughton-Smith , P . M .

130 ; A . J . Firth , P . M . 186 9 , P . P . G . O . ; G . Farney Brown , P . M . 1834 , P . J . G . D . ; F . P . Ansle , P . M ., W . M . 551 , P . J . G . D . ; and others . An excellent dinner was admirably served under the direction of Mr . Pearce , the Stesvard of the Club . A string band , conducted by Bro . T . F . Wilton , played choice selections .

Grace before and after the repast was said b y Bro . the Rev . J . N . Palmer , after which The PROV . G . M . proposed " The Queen and the Craft . " Loyalty to the Sovereign of their native land was , he said , a duty incumbent upon all Englishmen , and discharged vvith the greatest pleasure , because they

cherished love towards her person and a devoted attachment to the Institution of vvhich she was the head . Freemasons yielded to no section of the communit y in loyalty and devotion to her Majesty . The PROV . G . M . next proposed " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master , " svho had presided

oyer them svith such great advantage to the Institution for many years . From the moment that his Royal Highness had acceded to the wish that he should be their head , Freemasonry had grown to an almost unexampled extent , and the interest which he had taken in the work of the Order had been of the utmost

advantage to and reflected the greatest credit upon it . Looking forsvard to the time svhen he must be the head of this Kingdom , though he might not then act as their Grand Master , he was sure that his Royal Highness would not relinquish the love svhich he bore

towards Freemasonry . The PROV . G . M . submitted "The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Grand Master , the F . arl of Lathom ; and the Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past . "

. Bro . the Rev . J . N . PALMER , Past Grand Chaplain , "i responding , said that as a province they ought to congratulate themselves that they had a man to rule over them vvho vvas looked up to in Grand Lodge vvith such thorough respect and esteem as their Grand Master was * . He had often presided at Grand Lodge

, and whenever he was called upon his decisions were marked by calmness and prudence , and were universall y accepted . Bro . E . GOBLE , in proposing " Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M-P ., Prov . Grand Master , Chairman , " said that in his

capacit y as Provincial Grand Secretary he had great opportunities of seeing the work that was done by their provincial Grand Master . From his youth up he had been a Freemason , and ever since he had joined the -raft he had worked hard in the cause . He was initiated in the Apollo Lodge at Oxford , and he had man-

Masonic Benevolence In Hampshire.

fully worked himself up from an Entered Apprentice . He had done everything that one could for the cause of Freemasonry , and he could look back vvith a large amount of pride to a fesv years ago vvhen he sat as Chairman at the Festival of one of the London

Charities , and when the largest sum ever gathered into that fund on such an occasion vvas received . Whenever there was a call upon him they would always find him to the front , and he was there that night to put before them the cause of the Hampshire and Isle of

Wight Educational and Benevolent Institution . He hoped that vvhen they heard their honorary Secretary speak they would hear of a good sum being gathered for the Institution , which he looked upon as almost absolutely necessary for that province . The toast vvas drunk svith three cheers .

The PROV * . G . M ., in responding * , said that it had given him very great pleasnre to be there that evening . It was quite true , as Bro . Goble had said , that from the time he was initiated into Freemasonry he had taken a great interest in the welfare of the Craft , and one of the first things he undertook after he had been made a

Mason was the Stewardship of one of the Masonic Charities . He thought that gave him the first insi ght into the good the Craft vvas doing , because he sasv the vast benefits that accrued from the course of education being carried out at one of the great Institutions , and he then made an inward resolve to do all he cnnld to

support an Order conferring such great advantages . He did not think he had relaxed his efforts in the cause , neither did he think that his arduor vvas damped in any way , and he had done his duty whether in a low position or the high one which he now filled for the benefit of the Craft . He was quite sure that it vvas

working a great good amongst those children who had no means of supporting themselves , and in a social point of view , because it brought men together and made them friends in the time of need , uniting them in a bond of brotherly love . Freemasonry did not only a great work in their own social gatherings and in

their own country , but vvas a benefit ss'ith regard to the relationship of one country vvith another . He appealed to them to adhere to the ancient rules of the Craft , and not to allow innovations to be introduced which would destroy the essential principles established by their forefathers . Let them adhere to the ancient

principles and traditions , and do their best to fulfil them themselves and transmit them ' to their descendants . Fie acknosvledged the support lie had always received as the Grand Master of that very large and important province , and said it vvas a great gratification to him to come amongst his brethren and receive such a hearty

welcome as he had received that evening . The PROV . G . M . next proposed "Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , Deputy Prov . G . M ., and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present ancl Past . " He said that he was sure that Bro . Le Feuvre would have been there if he could have managed it , but unfortunately he was in the North

of England . They all knesv the interest he took in that province and also in Grand Lodge . He was for many years Prov . Grand Secretary , and in that very onerous capacity always did good service , and his ability and geniality commended him to all his brother Masons . The Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past ,

always rendered him the most ample assistance in the promotion of Masonry in that province . He associated with the toast the name of Bro . J . W . Gieve , the Prov . Grand Treasurer , who , he said , had served svith great credit to himself , and had given the greatest assistance to Prov . Grand Lodge . His office required considerable

tact and ability , and he had received from Bro . Gieve the greatest assistance . Bro . GIEVE , in responding , said the Prov . Grand Officers all felt bound to support the Prov . Grand Master in every possible way that lay in their power . He felt it an honour to work vvith so able a Mason , who was

looked up to not only by the brethren of that province but throughout England , and more especiall y by those who were connected vvith the Grand Lodge . Meeting together to celebrate the second anniversary of that Institution he congratulated Bro . Lancaster on its present position . He ( Bro . Gieve ) had received , vvith

a certain deduction , the legacy of £ 200 of the late Bro . Major Hooper , a Past G . Warden of the province , and suggested that it should be invested for the benefit of that Institution , and adding that that would be for the brethren to decide at the provincial meeting to be held in January .

The PROV . G . M . next introduced '' Success to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution . " He said that but for the inclement sveather the attendance would have been much larger , and mentioned that one eminent Mason in that locality had intended to come but wasprevented

through being unwell—he referred to Bro . Col . Crease , a P . M . of the Phcenix Lodge . The interest which had been felt in that Institution ss'as very great and unexampled . He thought the balance-sheet in their hands shosved that it had been very successful . There were great Masonic Institutions demanding large

support from the Craft , vvhich they had received with no unstinted hand from the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight . There vvas a time vvhen their Charities received more support from London than the country , where they were not then sufficientl y known . But in time they became better known , they received very

great support from the provinces , and now the great i Central Charities svere not only supported by London | but very much from the provinces . There were large i provinces , which , though they gave great support to those Charities , could not expect to get their children elected very often . If they got one elected every year or two it was all they could expect . When they had a I

Masonic Benevolence In Hampshire.

great number of lodges in a province , with a great many brethren , the demands upon the Charities became greater than they could bear , and naturally there vvas some call for fresh institutions which mi ght take up those who could not expect to get into the larger Charities . Therefore , he thought a very good work

was done when , through Bro . Lancaster , that Charity was established . In most of those things someone must pull the stroke oar , give an impetus to it , and put his shoulder to thc wheel , ancl Bro . Lancaster , svith unexampled energy , had instituted and , with the assistance of others , carried out that great work . He thought it

reflected great credit upon him and the brethren svho had supported him that the Institution had borne such good fruit , as there were no less than six children receiving the benefits of education . He thought the Institution well deserved the support of Freemasons in the province . In smaller provinces it could not be

expected that a local Charity should receive sufficient assistance to render it successful . It seemed almost doubtful , even in that province , whether a Charity could be supported , but no doubt it was doing a great and important work in the cause of Charity . He should be very loath himself to support it if their Central

Charities were in consequence to suffer to any extent . But such was not the case , and , on the contrary , they did their utmost to support that Institution in harmony and side b y side with the great Masonic Charities of the Order . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Lancaster , svho had done such very good work in

starting the Institution . Bro . G . F . LANCASTER , in reply , said that when he had the pleasure to bring that idea to the front and to submit it to a few friends in the room overhead , he had no idea that it would reach such successful results as it had done . He explained why a festival had not been

held last year , and read the following list of subscriptions handed in by the Stesvards . *—Province , Bro . J . VV . Gieve , . £ 28 6 s . ; Gloucester Lodge , 130 , Bro . R . Boughton-Smith , £ 12 7 s . ; Phcenix Lodge , 257 , Bro . Major W . Campbell , . £ 3 1 ios . ; Lodge of Harmony , 309 , Bro . T . H . Williams , £ 22 ' 7 s . 3 d . ; Royal Sussex

Lodge , 342 , Bro . J . E . Buck , £ 13 us . ; Portsmouth Lodge , 4 8 7 , and United Brothers Lodge , 106 9 , Bro . J . Jenkins , £ 26 5 s . ; Yarborough Lodge , 551 , Bro . F . P . Ansle , £ 8 18 s . 6 d . ; Panmure Lodge , 723 , Bro . J . Miller , £ 13 13 s . ; Carnarvon Lodge , 804 , Bro . H . W . Smith-Parsons , £ 53 8 s . ; Friendship Lodge , 928 , Bro .

T . Caparn , return not yet received ; United Brothers , 1069 , Bro . H . Cawte , £ 1 is . ; Shirley Lodge , 1112 , Bro . B . Harfield , £ ii ; Bro . Cr . F . W . Mortimer , £ 5 5 - ; United Service Lodge , 1428 , Bro . J . G . Mason , . £ 5 5 s . ; Landport Lodge , 177 6 , Bro . E . S . Main , £ 6 g 6 s . ; Duke of Connaught Lodge , 18 34 ,

Bro . Lieut . T . Cowd , £ 23 12 s . 6 d . _ ditto , Bro . G . Farney Brown , £ 15 15 s . ; Saxe-Weimar Lodge , 1903 , Bro . George Backler , £ 28 5 s . ; Hampshire Lodge of Emulation , 1990 , Bro . S . R . Ellis , £ 2 2 S . ; Portsmouth Temperance Lodge , 2068 , Bro . W . Miller , . £ 40 $ s . ; St . Clair Lodge , 2074 , Bro . F . H . Woodrow , , £ 31 10 s .:

Lodge of Hope , 2153 , Bro . W . Leonard , return not yet received ; and VV . Hickman , Mark Lodge , 320 , Bro . A . J . Firth , £ 5 18 s . ; total , £ 449 ios . 3 d . Although the ) ' would have liked to see a large number present , the magnificent total—the result of the exertions of 23 Stewards , two of whom had not yet made their return

—svas matter for great congratulation . The last toast was " The Stesvards , " proposed by Bro . GOBLE , and responded to b y Bro . E . S . Main , svho referred to the fact that in two years the province had subscribed £ 1764 to that Institution , besides what it had given to the Central Charities .

Festival Of The Langton Lodge Of Instruction.

FESTIVAL OF THE LANGTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION .

This flourishing lodge of instruction , which confines itself strictly to Emulation svorking , held its annual festival on Thursday , December rgth , at the White Hart Tavern , Abchurch-lane , Bro . J . D . Langton , P . P . J . G . W .

Surrey , presided , and svas supported by Bros . R . C . Sudlosv , P . M . 26 3 , P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; G . F . Marshall , P . M . 69 ; C W . Mapleton , J . W . 256 ; F . Knight , 1185 ; IT . M . Hobbs , P . P . J . G . W . Surrey ; E . M . Morriss , P . M . 1965 ; J . S . Fraser , P . M . 174 and 2 og 6 ; E . M . de Paiva , J . D . 176 ; Dr . W . H . Causton , W . M .

865 , P . P . S . G . D . Sussex : T . Burne , P . M . 162 ; B . Gardner , J . W . 6 9 ; A . Conford , J . D . 1044 ; E- "¦ * - Smith , S . W . 1044 ; Gordon Smith , W . M . 14 , P . G . Stsvd . ; Geo . Anderson , P . M . 60 , P . G . Stwd . ; and W . W . Lee , 18 97 . Previous to enjoying a substantial repast , a meeting of subscribers to the Langton Masonic Benevolent

Association was held , vvhen the Treasurer ' s report was received and adopted . Since its formation four years ago this association has done good work on behalf of the Charities , the amount collected during that period being no less than £ 1360 is . 6 d ., 112 Life Governorships and four Life Subscriberships have been fully paid up and distributed as follows :

Life Governorships . Life Subscriptions . R . M . I . G . 48 1 R . M . I . B . 3 8 2 R . M . B . I . 26 1 There was a balance in the Treasurer ' s hands of . £ 102 7 s . iod ., svhich it svas unanimously resolved

should be divided in the proportion of one-third to the Hon . Treasurer , and two-thirds to the Hon . Secretary ( Bro . Gordon Smith ) , to be paid to the Masonic Institutions in their names , thus making a total of 126 Life Governorships . The association having thus been