Provincial Grand Lodge Of Northumberland.

Bro . C . M . Forster , 1626 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ J . Straker Wilson , 6 S 5 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ H . Rochester , 541 ... ... ... Prov . D . G . D . C . ,, Lewis F . Allan , 991 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C .

„ Wm . Robson BUgdon , 659 .. ... Prov . G . S . B . „ . L R _ Turner , 6 3 6 ) Prov . G . Std . Brs . ,, Mark Swan , 110 7 ... ... ... ) „ G . J . Wilsnn , 1676 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Sec . „ H . Paige . M . D ., 1664 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Wm . R . Leighton , 1 S 79 ... ... Prov . G . Purst .

„ Wm . Hogarth , 1902 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst . ,, Joshua Curry , 4 S ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The P ^ ov . G . M ., in the course of a brief address , expressed his pleasure on finding the position of the lodges to be satisfactory , and the province in a prosperous condition . He also expressed his warmest thanks for the gracious response the brethren had made to his request by the splendid contributions they had given to the fund for Masonic schools . On the motion of Bro . RICHARD HENRY HOLMES , D . P . G . M ., a

hearty vote of thanks was passed to the W . M ., officers , and brethren of St . George ' s Lodge , No . 431 , for the excellent arrangement made for the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge that day . It was announced by the Prov . G . M . that the next meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge would be held under the banner of Priory Lodge , No . 1863 . In the evening the brethren dined together at the Bath Hotel , Tynemouth , the Prov . G . M . presiding .

Supreme Grand Chapter.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .

The quarterly convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England , was held on the 2 nd inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . Comp . VV . W . B . Beach , Grand H ., acted as M . E . Z . ; Comp . Lieut .-Col . Robert Townley Caldwell , M . A ., Grand Superintendent Cambridge , acted as H . ; and Comp . Lieut .-General Charles Wilson Randolph , Grand Superintendent Sussex , as J . ; Comp . Edward Letchworth , G . S . E . ;

Comp . Robert Grey , as S . N . ; Comp . Baron de I'erneres acted as P . S . ; and among other companions present were : Comps . Sir George David Harris , Thomas Jones , T . L . Wilkinson , James Boulton , W . Lake , Asst . G . S . E ., W . M . 3 ywater , H . J . T . Dumas , Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , Rev ; C . L . E . Wright , G . C . Egypt ; W . A . Scurrah , J . D . Langton , J . E . Le Feuvre , W . P . Brown , Lewis Lazarus , and Major T . C . Walls .

After the minutes of the August convocation had been read and confirmed , Comp . W . W . B . BEACH said he had received the commands from the Most Excellent Grand First Principal to instal Comp . George Richards as Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch for the District of the Transvaal . Comp . George Richards was then conducted by Comp . Frank Richardson , D . C , to the alter , and Comp . E . LETCHWORTH , G . S . E ., read

H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ' s patent of appointment of Comp . George Richards as District Grand Superintendent of the Transvaal . Comp . W . Beach then administered the obligation , after taking which Comp . George Richards was conducted by Comp . Frank Richardson to the throne , where he was invested by Comp . W . W . B . Beach as District Grand Superintendent of the Transvaal .

Comp . W . W . BEACH , in investing Comp . George Richards , said : I invest you as District Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch in the Transvaal , not doubting that your conduct in that position will be such as to merit the approval of M . E . G . Z ., as well as be for the good of the Royal Arch Degree in the district over which you are about to preside . ( Applause . ) On the motion of Comp . Sir G . D . HARRIS , President of the Committee

of General Purposes , seconded by Comp . FRANK RICHARDSON , G . D . C , the recommendations of the Committee , as published in the Freemason of last week , were adopted . Charters for chapters were granted for Lodge No . 2 G 56 , Hatton , Ceylon ; No . 1152 , Singapore ; No . 2132 , New Brighton , Cheshire , No . 1459 , West Gorton , East Lancashire ; and No . 2329 , Calle

Cuyo , Buenos Ayres . The Wiltshire Chapter , No . 355 , was authorised to remove from the Masonic Hall to the New Masonic Hall , Swindon ; and the Friendly Chapter , No . 383 , Jamaica , having made no return since 1 S 74 , and a report having been received that there are no Principals or members existing , it was ordered to be erased from the Roll of Chapters . Grand Chapter was closed in ancient and solemn form .

Presentation To Bro. And Comp. George Bastable Laffan.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . AND COMP . GEORGE BASTABLE LAFFAN .

On Wednesday , the 26 th ult ., ; in interesting and somewhat unique ceremony took place in the Knights' Room , Holborn Restaurant , W . C , the occasion being a complimentary banquet and presentation to Bro . and Comp . George Bastable Laffan , C . E ., P . M .-Craft Lodge No . 135 , P-M . Mark Lodge No . 191 , P . G . O . Somerset , and A . S . in R . A . Chapter No . 1793 , late Surveyor to the Twickenham Urban District Council , the occasion being on his appointment as Borough

Engineer to the City of Pielernnritzburg , Natal . There was a good and thoroughly representative gathering , the chair being occupied by Montague Davenport , Esq ., C . C , J . P-, and the vice-chair by J . Maskcll Cottrell , Esq . There were also present members of the Twickenham Urban District Council , Bro . Dr . Ward ( chairman ) , Bro . W . Beard , P . M . 94 6 ; T . J . Messon , Bro . W . Poupart , P . M . 9 ; Dr . Clark , Medical Ollicer of Health ; also Bros . Dr . Leeson , 7 SS ; J . P . Hoddinott , P . M .

901 ; W . Ruston , P . M ., I' . G . Reg . Middx . ; and R . W . Forge , P . M . 1 793 ; and Messrs . Dunan and S . Bowyer . A most recherche banquet was provided , after which The C HAIKMAN gave the toast of "The Oneen , " which was loyally honourad . In giving "The Health of the Guest , " the CHAIRMAN , after brief reference to

Bro . Laffan ' s many excellent qualities , stated that he had the happy privilege of handing him a diaomnd pin as a slight mark of their estuem and appreciation ; he also asked his acceptance on behalf of Mrs . Laffan , of a handsome-crescent brooch . In the name of those present and outside friends he wished him a pleasant journey , future prosperity , and a safe return should he desire it ,

Presentation To Bro. And Comp. George Bastable Laffan.

Bro . LAFFAN in feeling terms suitably acknowledged the honour that had been done him , and also his deep gratitude for the valuable presents . During the evening Comp . R . W . Forge , on behalf of the members of the Sir Charles Bright Chapter , No . 1 793 , handed to Comp . Laffan a certificate com mending him to all true and lawful companions of the Order . The proceedings terminated by all joining in Auld Lang Syne .

East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.

EAST LANCASHIRE SYSTEMATIC MASONIC EDUCATIONAL AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The half-yearly meeting of the General Committee was held in Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , on Friday , the 2 Sth ult . Bro . C . D . Cheetham , Chairman of the Committee , presided . There was a numerous attendance from all parts of the province , amongst others present being Bros . E . G .

Harewood , Jas . Andrew , C . E . Collingwood , J . B . Goulburn , E . Halliwell , Jas . Kershaw , F . W . Lean , Saml . Porritt , T . H . Smethurst , Chas . Turner , H . A . Warburton , Jno . Whittaker . S . Wrigley , T . H . Williams , Col . Rocca , Wm . Jaffrey , Wm . Brookes , Josh . Snape , W . H . Cunliffe , A . Clegg , Jas . Walker , and James Newton , Secretary .

The minutes of the last meeting of the Committee and of the meetings of the various Sub-Committees were read and confirmed . One boy was elected to the educational benefits of the Institution , with a grant of £ 12 per year . Two annuitants ( one male and one widow ) were elected , with annuities of £ 26 per year each . A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Angel Lodge , No . 51 . The members of this old lodge celebrated the 163 rd anniversary at Colchester , on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., when there was a large attendance . Bro . H . G . H . Elliott , the W . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . Charles Cobb , P . M ., P . P . G . S . Wks ., as S . W . ; John J . C . Turner , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., as J . W . ; Rev . C . C . Naters , Chap , ; T . J . Railing , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , Prov . G . Sec , Sec ; J . E . Cheese , S . D . ; F . Graham Macdona , J . D . ; R . Haward Ives , P . M ., P . P . A . G . Sec , D . C . ; A . S . B .

Sparling , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; Harris Hills , P . M . 2154 , P . P . J . G . W .: Harold Francis . P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . ; D . Burston , Thomas Gilbert , W . J . Bean , P . G . Laver , J . F . Wheeler , C . T . Wright , W . R . Seabrooke , A . Turner , and A . W . Railing . The visitors included Bros . Geo . Corbie , P . M . and Sec . 453 , P . P . J . G . W . ; Robert Emsom , W . M . 697 ; M . F . Freelove , W . M . 12 S 0 , P . P . G . D . ; J . S . Hammond , P . M . 1437 , P . P . G . S . Wks . ; T . P . Trounce , W . M . 453 ; H . A . Jager , P . M . 453 ; J . T . Bailey , P . M . and Sec . 6 97 , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; H . J . Skingley , P . M . 697 , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; G . F .

Hawkins , P . M . 1224 , P . P . G . D . Suffolk ; A . J . Constable , W . M . 2006 ; J . W . Moss , W . M . 2342 ; J . F . Marlar , I . P . M .. 2154 ; G . A . Eustace , P . M . and Sec . 1977 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; Wm . Rudrum , P . M . 1977 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; G . J . Booth , P . M . and Treas . C 97 , P . P . G . P . ; J . P . Smith , S . VV . C 97 ; Turner B . Ennew , P . M . 2477 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; W . Siggers , Sec 2343 ; G . L . Oxborrow , W . M . 37 6 ; H . E . Leach , Sec 375 , Prov . A . G . Sec ; J . Chaplin , I . P . M . 433 ; C . Fisher , P . M . 433 , P . P . G . Stwd . ; J . F . Flux , and others .

The principal business was the installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . Thos . Gilbert , S . W ., the ceremony appertaining to which was very ably performed by the retiring W . M ., Bro . H . G . H . Elliott . The officers for the year were appointed as follows : Bros . Willoughby J . Bean , S . VV . ; John E . Cheese , J . W . ; the Rev . H . E . Legh , Chap . ; Joseph Grimes , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Wks ., Treas . ; T . J . Railing , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C , Prov . G . Sec , Sec . ; the Rev . C . C . Naters . P . P . G . Chap ., S . D . ; Chas . T . Wright , J . D . ; A . Turner . I . G . ; R . Haward Ives , P . M ., P . P . A . G . Sec , D . C ; C

Osmond , P . P . G . O . Org . ; H . J . Fuller , J . F . Wheeler , and P . G . Laver , Stwds . ; and A , Wright , Tyler . At the close of the ceremony a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Installing Master . Bro . Joseph Grimes , P . M ., P . P . G . S . Wks ., having been re-elected to represent the lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee , the lodge was closed . Between 40 and 50 brethren dined together at the Cups Hotel , an excellent repast being well served by Sir . and Mrs . Woodward . After dinner , the usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

The fine string band of the 7 th Dragoon Guards was in attendance , and played a choice selection of music , under the direction of Mr . Willie , bandmaster , and during the evening Mr . Hilliar gave a drawing-room entertainment , whilst songs were sung by Bro . F . J . Motum , P . M . G 97 , P . P . G . Org ., and vocal quartettes by gentlemen of St . Mary ' s choir , Colchester . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . C . Osmond , P . M ., and were much appreciated .

Letters expressing their inability to attend were received from Bros . Col . Lockwood , M . P ., D . P . G . M . ; Claude E . Egcrton-Green , P . P . S . G . W . ; Sir Weetman , Bart ., M . P . ; N . Tracy , Prov . G . Sec . Suffolk ; and others .

St . Peter's Lodge , No . 1024 . Very special interest attached to the annual meeting of the above lodge at Maldon , on Wednesday , the 2 Cth ult ., from the fact that Bro . F . Geo . Green , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., having resigned the Secretaryship ( which he has held for 32 years ) , it had been decided to offer him the honorary membership of the lodge , and to present him \ vith a purse of money . The meeting was held as usual in the Masonic Hall , and was presided over by Bro . W . E . Facey , W . M ., Prov . S . G . D ., supported by Bros . J . P . Saver , S . W ., W . M . elect ; Rev . Donald Gotto , P . P . G . Chap , J . W . ; T . I . Ralliwr , P . M .,

Sec . 51 , P . A . G . D . C , Prov . G . Sec ; Rev . E . R . Harwood , P . M ., P . P . G . Chap . ) F . Geo . Green , P . M . and Sec , P . P . S . G . W . ; Edmund Gowers , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ( Acting Sec ); T . Aldham , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; D . J . Wright , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; C . R . Finch , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; F . H . Bright , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; R . Orttewell , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . ; VV . Howard Flanders , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . ; Saml . Shawyer , P . M . and Treas . 1977 , P . P . G . S . B . ; E . E . Hve , I . P . M . 1977 , Prov . G-Stwd . ; T . P . Pechey , S . D . ; VV . Archer , I . G . ; C . F . Rush , P . P . G . O . ; Ernest Brown , T . H . Solly , A . L . Clarke , G . Burnes , and others .

After some preliminary business , the W . M . said there was only one case on the records of the lodge of a brother having been elected an honorary member , that distinction being very rightly reserved for brethren whose services to the lodge or to Masonry generally had been exceptional . This they all felt applied to Bro . Green , who for over 30 years had exerted himself to promote the best interests of the lodge , devoting a large amount of time and labour , cheerfully and unerudeinirlv . ( Hear , hear . ) For this reason thev were desirous of

paying to him the highest mark of respect they possibly could . He therefore moved : * ' That as a mark of respect for , and in consideration of , the invaluable services rendered to the lodge by W . Bro . Frederick George Green ( P . M . of the lodge , P . P . S . G . W . Essex ) , as Secretary during 32 years , and he having retired from that office and resigned his membership of the lodge , the lodge do by this unanimous vote confer upon him the distinction of Honorary Membership . " Bro . the Rev . E . Hopwoad ,

P . M ., P . P . G . Chap , ( who was the first initiate when the lodge was formed in 1 S 64 ) , seconded the resolution . If anyone had done great service for the lodge it was Bro . Green , who was one of the Founders , and who had during the many years he had been Secretary greatly contributed towards its success by lis unfailing courtesy and his readiness at all times to assist with his experienced counsel the less expert brethren . When Bro . Green first tendered his resignation it was understood that he was likely to go to