Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.

The following Provincial Grand Officers were appointed and invested : Bro . F . S . W . Cornwallis , M . P ., W . M . 1725 Prov . S . G . W . „ George D . Warner , P . M . 16 7 S ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . A . Jackson , M . A ., P . M . -77 ... ... ")

„ Rev . J . E . Player , P . M . 2237 , P . G . Chap . V Prov . G . Chaps . Norfolk , 558 ... ... ... j ,, A . Spencer , P . M . 1065 ( re-appointedl ... Prov . G . Sec . „ Major E . B . Stephens , P . M .-1174 ... ' ... Prov . G . Reg . ' „ George F . Baker , P . M . 505 ... ... \ < ,

„ George Church , P . M . 20 ... ... J ^ . ~ . ~ - . „ Henry Corbett Jones , P . M . 201 ) 0 ... ... } ,, . „ ,, ,, Alfred F . Church , W . M . 2205 j 1 W J-G'Ds-„ Frederick Stanley , P . M . 127 ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Solomon Brice , jun ., P . M . 1050 ... ... Prov . G . D . C .

„ Albert H . Pilcher , P . M . 072 ... ... Prov . D . G . D . C . „ Thomas William Porter , P . M . 1915 ... " ) „ Rufus Stevenson , P . M . 2200 , ... ... > Prov . A . G . D . Cs . „ Frederick Gordon , P . M . 106 3 ... ... ) „ William Brown , P . M . 1424 ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ KdwardT . B . Allen , P . M . 784 ... " " i Prov G Strl Br . „ Edwin Cockersell , P . M . 1449 - J

„ John B . Groom , P . M . 2046 ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Joseph Auty , P . M . 158 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Sec . ,, George Peden , P . M . 125 ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ William Norrington , P . M . 10 S 9 ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst . „ Edward Lyne Dixon , P . M . 429 ... ... ~ J ,, James Holmes , P . M . 1208 ... | „ Samuel R . Wilson , P . M . 1200 ... ... n r- c . J " W . B . Kennett , P . M . . 43 6 j- Prov . G . Stwds . „ Robert Vine Harman , P . M . 1692 .., ... I

„ William Henry Kirby , P . M . 1965 ... ... J „ Joseph Orum , 20 ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The PROV . GRAVD MASTER then said a duty devolved upon him , most agreeable to himself and all assembled . On many previous occasions of this kind he had spoken of the way in which Bro . Eastes had discharged his duties . The brethren had always testified , by their fraternal applause and

the manner in which they received the toast of his health , how much they valued his services . Twenty-one years had passed since Bro . Rastcs first received his collar . They had thought that the completion of that lime was a fitting moment to recognise his great services and testify to the place he bore in the heart of every Mason in the province . Not only in Kent , but in other capacities Bro . Eastes had rendered good service . As a Grand Officer—a Past Grand Deacon—he was well known in Grand Ledge ,

and always welcomed . As representative of Kent he had served for six or seven years on the governing board of the Boys ' Schcol , and no mote efficient brother ever watched over the interests of that Institution . In all capacities they were right in combining to confer some token of their esteem and regard . The movement was set on foot , and resulted in the collection cf about 510 guineas . As on all occasions such as these the recipient had been asked what form it should lake . They saw

part of his answeron thetable before them . There was one article—a grand piano—which was not present as it was in course of building . Bro . Hastes also desired a signet ring as a souvenir of the occasion , which he , ( the Prov . G . M . ) had the pleasure of handing over . No Prov . Grand Master ever had a more able supporter , no Mason ever had a truer friend , and no province ever had a more devoled servant . They also presented him with

an album , in which would appear Ihe names of the subscribers . He ( the Prov . G . M . ) had also the pleasure of presenting an address ,, which asked Bro . Eastes' acceptance of several pieces of plate in recognition of' his valuable services as Dep . P . G . M ., and to the Craft at large , in various capacities , and in memory of many pleasant gatherings at which , his sccial qualities had so much contributed , and expressed the hope that he would be spared for many years of health and happiness .

The inscription on the principal piece of plate is : " Presented with 12 other pieces of plate by the Freemasons of Kent to Bro . James Smith Eastes , Dep .. Prov . G . Master , on his completing 21 years in that office , and in grateful recrgnjlidn of the long and valuable aid he has rendered to the Craft . July 3 rd , 18 95 . " Bro . J . S . EASTES , P . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . Master , in response said that their kindness was so overwhelming that although his heart was full he could

not find words to adequately express his thanks . He need not tell them he was a proud tecipient of their magnificent testimonial and was indebted to the Prov . G . Master for the great pains taken and the more than generous manner in which the presentation had been made . It was now 21 years since the Prov . G . M . honoured him by selecting him for the position , and although he acct pted with dilliderce , knowing he was following a man more able and eloquent than himself—Bro . Dtbson—he relied upon his habits of business , but

hecouldnot have fo ; seen that great kindness and forbearance he had received from eveiy brother in the province . Twenty-one years had passed away in sunshine and prosperity , and he knew nothing to cloud or darken his enjoyment . For the testimonial , which he believed was given from their heatts , he thanked them most thoroughly . Last year , when it was proposed that a presentation to the Boys'School should be purchased in his name , he felt they had more than rewarded him for all his services , but that day ihe climax had been r « ached , and the manner in which it had been

presented would leave a lasting impression with him and be a red-letter day in his life . He trusted to be spared for a few years to perform any sen ices l . e could , but they could rely upon it that he looked back with pride to the many years they had been together . Masonry had been 10 him the luxury of his life , for he had found it was tfc most enjoyable thing one could have .

The brethren then proceeded in procession to All Saint ' s Church adjoining , where an elrquent sirmon was preached by Bro . Rev . A . J ACKSON , M . A ., I rov . G . Chan . On returning to Prov . Grand Lodge , votes of thanks were passed to the Prov . Grand Chaplain for his sermon , Rev . Canon D yke for the use of the church , and to the trustees of the Old Palace for the use of the rooms .

Provincial Grand Lodge was thi n closed , and a banquet was afierwards held at the Corn Exchange , under th ^ presidency of the Prov . Grand Master , who sut scquently gave the usual lo ) . al and Masonic toasts . Uro . SirJ . II . AIONCKTON , P . G . W ., responded for " The Grand Officers , " '" pressing the pleasure it affoided him to do so in his native province—a province native to him as a man and a Mason . He took care never to forget the fact , although the Prov . Grand Ma-ter made him feel a little guilty

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.

in looking upon him as a visitor , which implied that he had not attended Provincial Grand Lodge as often as he should . He well remembered his ; first visit in 1 S 57 , when he attended as a young Mason , full of fire and ambition . He had gone on , but had not yet achieved Grand Office in the proyince , although he had had it elsewhere , and probably more than he deserved . From the Prov . Grand Master downwards they saw a great deal of the Grand Officers in town and country , and felt that those offices

were well bestowed . Personally , although a Mason of nearly 40 years ' standing , his Masonry was getting a little slack , and he was only able to devote himself to the benevolent part of the work . Whenever he could do a turn for the Province of Kent he was glad enough to do it , and he might remind them that a girl of that town was elected last time to the Girls ' School with assistance , and they would be proud indeed if she turned out as Well as her sister , who was now the esteemed governess of a noble family . Heagain thanked them , and was pleased to do so in the good old town of Maidstone .

Bro . E . LETCHWORTH , G . Sec , also briefly replied , and said it had been a g reat pleasure to him to witness the presentation to Bro . Eastes , who was his twin brother in Masonry—both having been invested as J . G . D . on the

same . The DEI : PROV . G . MASTER , in giving " The Prov . G . Master , " said he knew there was no toast so dear to them as that . When they looked back to the time when Lord Amherst was appointed in iStio there were 17 lodges and S 70 members , but now there were 61 lodges with a membership of 3700 , and that increase was due in a large measure to the exertions

of the Prov . G . Master . That increase of members had been effected without deteriorating the quality , but rather the reverse . They were now spending between , £ 6 co and / 700 for the benefit of the Masonic Institutions . The PROV . G . MASTER , m reply , said he could add very little new to his response after the continual repetition of 36 years . It was true they had had a continued monotony of prosperity , but it was a monotony he was

not adverse to . They had gone on for many years steadily increasing an d upholding their name as a province . Last year there were two new lodges and two chapters started , all the ceremonies of which were carried out in the midst of winter . Ptrhaps they would be spared such extreme temperature in future , and perhaps he would learn wisdom and not perform such ceremonies in winter . All were started under auspices which made them hope they would be creditable to the province . They had not

had a large increase in any one year , but had found out the places where new lodges could justly be recommended , and in this way they had more than trebled the lodges since he had been Provir cial Grand Master , and had lrebled their influence . To this success the brethren had contributed b y their support , and he hoped that would not change so long as he held his present position . So long as they cordiall y received the toast of his health , so long would he cordially drink the health of the Masons in the province .

The PROV . GRAND MASTER next proposed "The Deputy Prov . Grand Master , " and said that what had occurred in Prov . Grand Lodge was more eloquent than anything he could say , but no belter Kentish Mason was ever honoured in Prov . Grand Lodge than Bro . Easles . It reminded him of ihe story of a little girl , who , seeing the presents at her sister ' s wedding , said she thought it was really worth while gt ttiner married in order to have such

beautiful gifts . It was quite worth while having served the piovince for 21 years to receive the esteem and friendship of evrry member in the province . Bro . J . S . EASTES , Deputy Prov . Grand Master , said he quite agreed with the sentiment of the Prov . Grand Master . When he thought for one moment of their splendid testimonial he ftk it was far more than he deserved for his duties had been a labour of love . 1 le wished to thank them on

behalf of his daughters for the handsome piano he was to receive . He also intended to say a few words with refeience to his active connection with the Boys School . He felt that the perpetual presentation made in his nameand with which his name would be perpetuated for ever—was an ample

reward and one he deeply rejoiced in . He was glad that Bro . Russell had taken his place on the Board of Management , as he was an active and energetic brother . He valued the ring on his finger as it would continuall y remind him of the red letter day of his life . He could only express his deepest thanks for all they had done for him .

Bro . F . S . W . CORNWALLIS , M . P ., Prov . S . G . W ., on behalf of the Provincial Grand Officers , said they looked forward to their year with some diffidence and hope—diffidence because they did not submit to the axiom that what had gone before was alwa \ s the best , but because they felt the difficulty in following the footsteps of their successors ; and hope because they would have the assisiance of every brother in the province .

Bro . COITI . A . VD , P . P . G . W ., replied for "The Past Prov . Grand Officers . " Bro . J AMES TERRY , Sec . R . M . H . I ., in an effective speech , respondedfor " The Masonic Charities . "

Bio . Sir F . SEAGEK HUNT , M . P ., G . D ., in answering for "The Visitors , " said a more pleasant day could not have been arranged , ' whilst the pleasuie cf witnessing the well-deserved presentation to Bro . Eastes was greatly enhanced by the elcquent and graceful terms in which it was made .

Bro . KITE having replied for "The Reception Committee , " the excellence of whose arrangements left nothing to be desired throughout the whole day ' s proceedings , the Tyler ' s toast closed ihe proceedings . Under the direction of Bro . F . W . Dutnali , a musical programme was carried out by Miss A . Sargent and Messrs . Saunders and Portway .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MIDDLESEX .

The annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge took place on the Jijlh ult ., at the Parish Rooms , Tcddirgton , when there was a large attendance of biethren . Bro . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., Prov . G . Master , presided , and was ' supportrd by Bros . Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C , Dep . Prov . G . M . ; J . Terry , P . G . S ; B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; Jabt-z Church , Prov . S . G . W . ; Dr . N . Goodchild , Prov . J . G . W . ; Rev . V . H . Aitkcn , Prov . G . Chap . ; R . W . Bilby , Prov . G . Treas . ; H . H .

Room , G . Std . Br ., Prov . G . Sec . ; J . Adams . Prov . G . D . C . ; Dr . A . Ii . Sansom , P . P . G . W . ; G . R . Langley , P . P . G . D . ; W . H . Lee , P . P . G . D . ; H . W . Roberts , P . P . G . D . ; Rev . ? . T . II . Saunders , P . P . G . Chap . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of Wks . ; A . H . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of Wks . ; T . I . Bird , P . P . G . S . B . ; W . T . Peat , P . P . G . Org . 1 J . W . Ilinton , Prov . G . Org . ; W . G . Kentish , P . P . G . D . ; J . Laurence , P P . G . D . C . ; His Honour Judge Lumley Smith , O . C ., Prov . G . Stwd . ; W . II . Glynn Smith , Prov . G . Stwd . ; Dr . J . Btasford Ryley , Dr . W . Cock , P . P . G . D . ; and many others .