Provincial Grand Lodge Of Derbyshire.

of Wks . ; VV . J . Piper , P . M ., P . G . D . of C . ; VV . Elphinstone , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C ; J . C . Webb , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; H . B . Boag , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; J . F . Donesrani , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; H . N . Biggin , P . G . O . ; J . H . Clarke , P . A . G . Sec ; Sam Warhurst , P . M ., P . G . P . ; J . _ D . Simpson , P . M ., P . A . G . P . ; and H . V . Edsvards , K . Mclnnos , A . Brosvn , F . Huggins , and Thos . Hardstaff , P . G . Stesvards . There svere a great many Past Provincial Grand Officers present , as svell as representatives from every one of the twenty-two lodges in the province . In

short , the handsome lodge room vvas crowded , and presented a very imposing appearance . The usual formalities having been observed , the Worshipful Masters of the various lodges presented their annual reports . Without a single exception , these documents were of the most satisfactory character , containing as they did evidence of internal harmony and prosperity , and of increasing regard

for the splendid Charities of the Fraternity . The report of the Masonic Hall Committee referred to a considerable number of improvements which have either been effected or are in contemplation , and which are all designed to promote the comfort of the brethren . On the motion of Bro . Sir John Smith , P . P . S . G . W ., Chairman of the Committee , seconded b y Bro . Walters , P . P . S . G . W ., it was adopted .

In the absence of Bro . G . T . Wright , P . P . S . G . W ., the report of the Charity Committee vvas read by Bro . Percy Wallis , P . P . S . G . W . It set forth that full voting power of the province would be required during the coming year , and the brethren were earnestly requested to strengthen the hands of the Committee . The Report of the Audit Committee , which svas satisfactory , contained an

intimation to the effect that a donation of £ 100 has been given b y Bro . Col . John Evans , and is now in the hands of the Prov . Grand Treasurer , towards the alteration and extension of the ante-room accommodation in the Masonic Hall , on condition that definite steps betaken to carry out this object within two years from ist January , 188 9 .

Bro . THOMAS COX , P . P . S . G . W ., remarked that he had for a period of nearly a quarter of a century acted as Prov . Grand Treasurer ; but he had decided to tender his resignation of that office . Accordingly a few of them had met and resolved to take steps to promote the election of a brother who svas well knosvn and respected to them all—he meant Bro . Thomas Roe . He might mention that Bro . Roe had for many years been connected with the Order , and had been a generous and consistent supporter of the Charities . Moreover , he vvas one of the oldest of their Past Masters , but had not hitherto held an ofiice in Provincial Grand Lodge . He therefore moved the appointment of Bro . Roe .

The proposition vvas seconded by Bro . WOODIWISS , P . S . G . W ., and carried without a single dissentient . Bro . ROE , who was cordiall y received , briefly acknowledged the honour done him , and promised that his endeavour should be to discharge the duties of the office as faithfully as they had been performed by his worthy predecessor . A hearty and unanimous vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Cox for his past services , the D . P . G . M ., Bro . MARSDEN , and others , dwelling forcibly upon the valuable and disinterested character of his labours .

A representative Committee was also appointed with the object of devising some appropriate method of recognising his long official connection with P . G . Lodge . On the motion of Bro . PERCY WALLIS , Bro . G . T . Wright vvas unanimously re-elected Chairman of the Charity Committee , and a similar compliment vvas paid to the members of the Masonic Hall Committee of Management ,

The D . P . G . M . then proceeded to invest the Provincial Grand Officers for the ensuing year in the following order : Bro . A . C . Cockayne , Doroth y Vernon Lodge ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ F . Sudbury , Rutland Lodge ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . ' „ Rev . E . E . Morris , Dorothy Vernon Lodge ... ... ) „ „ „ , „ Rev . T . B . Mundy , Tyrian Lodge ... ... ] Prov ' ' P -

„ Thomas Roe , M . P . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ B . Woodforde , Beaureper Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ W . Naylor , P . P . S . G . W . ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . 1 , J . Whitaker Brigg , Arboretum Lodge ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ C . F . Chamberlain , Royal Sussex Lodge ... ... Prov . J . G . D . ,, Harrison , Phoenix Lodge of St . Anne ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ W- J- Piper , Repose Lodge ( re-elected ) ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ Marsden , Peveril of the Peak Lodge ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Wilkinson , Scarsdale Lodge ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ Hoogson , Dorothy Vernon Lodge ... •••) r > ,- CIJ r > „ Jos . Heathcote , High Peak Lodge ... ... j rov' U 6 td' Brs * „ W . Broadbery , Phcenix Lodge of St . Anne ... Prov . G . Org . „ J . H . Clark , Tyrian Lodge ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Sec . „ Homer Mole , Tyrian Lodge ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst .

,. Yeomans , Mundy Grove Lodge ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst . ,, W . Watson Hayward , Arboretum Lodge ... ... " ,, Copestake , Arboretum Lodge ... ,, Timmins , Hartington Lodge ... ... D _ , „ „ Berridge , Hartington Lodge ... ... ___ r "ov . U Stwds . „ Frost , Rutland Lodge ,, Tatham , Rutland Lodge

„ I . Day ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . After the transaction of some formal business , it was resolved , on the motion of Bro . PERCY WALLIS , that Bro . J . H . Lawson , P . P . S . G . W ., be the Stesvard of the Prov . G . Lodge at the next Festival of the Boys' School . It was further resolved that the candidature of Bro . J . M . M'Leod , P . M . of the Derwent I . odge , for the Secretaryshi p of the Masonic Institution for Boys , be recommended to the support of the brethren in the province .

Before closing the Prov . G . Lodge , the D . P . G . M . addressed a fesv impressive observations , expressive of his gratification at the moral and material advancement of the Fraternity in Derbyshire . At the conclusion of the business , a very large number of brethren dined together at the Royal Hotel , the manager of which establishment , Mr . H . Keyl , made abundant provision for their enjoyment .

Consecration Of The Scots Mark Lodge, No. 406.

CONSECRATION OF THE SCOTS MARK LODGE , No . 406 .

The success attendant upon the fortunes of the Scots Craft Lodge , No . 2319 , the consecration of which took place at the latter end of July last , has been so great as to induce the members to apply for a petition for a Mark lodge . The gracious permission of the M . W . G . M . having been secured , the consecration took place on December 19 th at the home of the mother lodge—the Scottish Corporation Hall , Crane-court , Fleet-street .

The Consecrating Officers upon the occasion svere Bros , the Earl of Euston , P . G . W ., as W . M . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . W ., as S . W . ; Col . Shadsvell H . Gierke , P . G . W ., as J . W . ; W . R . M . Pope , as Chaplain ; Charles H . Driver , I -G . M . O ., as D . C . ; and W . C . Gilles , P . G . Steward , as I . G . In addition to the above , all the founders , svith one exception , svere likesvi . se present . These were

Bros . C . F . Matier , P . G . W ., G . Sec , W . M . designate ; Vero Shaw , S . W . designate ; John Whitehead , J . W . designate ; Capt . J . Parke Airey , G . Stesvard ; H . E . Campbell Beaver ; Robert Berridge , P . G . M . O ., G . D . C . ; and George Henderson . Amongst the visitors vve noticed Bros . General W . Laurie , P . G . M . Nova Scotia ; Major Ball , 361 ; and T . E . Biddecombe , G . Stwd ., as Organist . i he consecration ceremony having been most impressively performed by Bro .

Consecration Of The Scots Mark Lodge, No. 406.

I Lord Euston , Bro . C . F . Matier vvas installed in the chair by Bro . W . C . Gilles , and invested his officers as follosvs : Bros , the Earl of Euston , as I . P . M . * John Whitehead , J . W . ; H . E . Campbell Beaver , M . O . ; J . P . Airey , S . O . ; J . MacDonald , J . O . ; R . Berridge , Treas . ; George Plenderson , Sec . ; Col . T . Tully , S . D . ; and Joseph Whitehead , J . D . Bro . Vero Shasv , the S . W . designate , being unfortunately prevented from being present , owing to a serious illness in his family , his investiture vvas postponed .

1 he W . M . proposed a hearty vote ot thanks to the Consecrating Officers , svho had so ably discharged the duties so kindly accepted by them , and added to his proposition that they be elected honorary members of the lodge . This svas unanimousl y carried by acclamation . Bro . General WIMHUR . VE LAURIE , P . G . M . Nova Scotia , vvas likewise elected an honorary member of the lodge , and returned thanks for the honour clone him .

In the earlier part of the evening Bros . James MacDonald , 1910 ; Col . T . Tully , 2319 ; Joseph Whitehead , 2319 ; ancl W . A . Baskcomb , 2127 , were duly advanced to the Honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason b y Bro . C . F . Matier . The brethren subsequently adjourned to the banqueting hall , svhere a most recherche banquet svas supplied b y Bro . Clemosv , of Anderton ' s Hotel , the

proceedings being enlivened by the strains of the lodge's piper . The usual patriotic and fraternal toasts having been duly honoured , and some excellent singing having been thoroughly enjoyed by those present , the party broke up , after having spent a most pleasant and profitable evening beneath the hospitable roof of the Scots Mark Masters' Lodge .

The Duke Of Connaught At The Grand Lodge Of India.

THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AT THE GRAND LODGE OF INDIA .

The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of All Scottish Freemasonry in India was held at the Freemasons' Hall . Byculla , on Monday evening , December and , vvhen H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught was presented vvith the patent of his appointment as honorary Past Grand Master of All Scottish Freemasonry in India . Sir Henry Morland , the Grand Master , presided atthe meeting , which formed one of the grandest Masonic gatherings ever witnessed in Bombay . The costliest

preparations had been made for the occasion . The fron compound vvas beautiful , especially under the porch , with arcades of palm leaves and evergreens ; and frameworks of tumbler-li ghts and coloured lanterns picked out the principal outlines of the Masonic Hall and its grounds . Bunting was very liberally utilised , and flags and banners waved aloft in all directions . The reception hall on the ground floor svas embellished with Masonic designs and mottoes , with ornamental screens of

various shades and colours , and arcades of evergreens , garnished vvith festoons and lines of lovely flowers . The main staircase leading to the lodge room was decorated with lines of plants in flower and foliage in ornamental flower-pots , and from the top of the staircase to the furthermost end of the hall the wealth of Masonic embellishments was particularly noticeable . Each lodge sent its

contribution to the general attraction in the shape of elegant banners , under which the brethren of the respective lodges were accommodated . There were present representatives of 31 Scottish lodges working under the Grand Lodge in different parts of India , and others belonging to lodges working under the English Constitution in Bombay .

The Grand Master and his principal Grand Officers were earl y in their attendance , their breasts decorated vvith many jewels and medals of different Degrees . The members of the daughter lodges took their seats in the lodge-room under their respective banners . Soon after the Grand Master , with his Grand Officers , entered the lodge room in procession , and opened the proceedings of the evening . Distinguished visitors were then presented to the Grand Master

who welcomed them cordially . Meanwhile , the Officers of the District Grand Lodge of Bombay had assembled in the lower hall , and svere awaiting the arrival of the District Grand Master of Bombay , H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught . Upon the duke ' s carriage arriving in si ght , the trumpeters sounded a fanfare on their trumpets , and his Royal Highness vvas escorted from the gate to the entrance porch by the pipers of the 2 nd Scottish Rifles ( Cameronians ) , specially brought

down from Lucknow at the Reception Committee ' s expense ; and as he left his carriage , attended by Colonel Cavaye , his military secretary , and Colonel Becher , equerry-in-waiting , the band of the 2 nd Gloucester regiment played the National Anthem . His Royal Hi ghness vvas received in the landing and conducted to his robing room b y the Committee of Reception , which consisted of Bro . J . W . Smith , Chairman ; and Bros . K . R . Cama , M . C .

Murzban , J . D . Wadia , D . R . Chichgar , Major Babingtou Peile , Messrs . C . D . Furdonjee , Darashaw S . Taraporwalla , P . N . Wadia , Framjee D . Petit , A . W Seabrooke , N . M . Pandy , B . V . Kirtikar , R . M . Patel , and W . T . Smith . Accompanied by his officers , and preceded by the Committee of Reception , the District Grand Master soon after entered the lodge room in procession , and , after certain formalities , was presented by the Grand Master vvith the patent of his appointment as honorary Past Grand Master of All Scottish Freemasonry in India .

The GRAND MASTER , addressing his Royal Highness , expressed a hope that the golden chain of sympathy which had so long united the English and Scottish Constitutions in that Presidency would always remain unbroken , and that the great principles of Freemasonry would be sure means of diffusing light , truth , love , and benevolence among the several communities of this vast Empire , and of inducing

men to distinguish themselves vvith good deeds for the benefit of their fellow-men . Bro . Dr . K . R . KIRTIKAR , the Grand Bard , then recited the follosving sonnet of welcome to his Royal Highness : Great Prince ! we greet thee not as Albion ' s Son Shining refulgent midst her Royal stars ; Nor as our Warrior-Guide—our Guardian-Mars :

Thy meed of praise as such is duly svon Elsewhere . A Brother thee we greet with one United voice , for birth nor rank debars Thee from our fellowshi p ! Such meekness jars Not with th y height , nor leaves thy might . undone .

We welcome thee svith all the loyal love That binds us to our genial Master ' s throne ! Fondly will memory cling around this ni ght And teach our sons that Masons rise above The common surge of life ; no factions osvn But travel all from Darkness into Light .

The Duke of CONNAUGHT returned thanks for the warm reception accorded to him . They all felt , no doubt , that in their fraternity , and among the brethren in general , goodsvill and fellosvship and Charity must be the guiding star . He thanked the Grand Master for the honour , the compliment , and the pleasure he had done him ; and he was too pleased to be able to come that night to accept the compliment the Grand Master had so readil y offered him .

The Grand Master then appointed Bros . Col . Cavaye and Col . Becher honorary members of the Grand Lodge , to mark the occasion of the visit of his Royal Highness , and invested them with the appropriate jesvels of their rank . Bros . Col . CAVAYE and Col . BECHER returned thanks in suitable terms . The Grand Officers for the ensuing year having been appointed and invested

and some other business having been gone through , the GRAND SECRETARY read a letter from Mr . Framjee Dinshaw Petit , eldest son of the Hon . Sir Dinshaw Manockjee Petit , offering Government promissory notes for 1500 rupees , as a permanent fund , to be called the "Framjee Dinshaw Petit Fund , " in commemoration of the visit to the Grand Lodge of his Royal Highness the Duke of