"The Old King's Arms Lodge."

¦ Bro . Calvert , I should say , has not exhausted the old minutes , and probably has sufficient important matter left to make a readable second volume . If so , there is more choice material in store for us . The Chapter on "The Old King ' s Arms as a Red Apron

Lodge " is both entertaininsf and sad reading , the information as to the lodges entitled to nominate the Grand Stewards being of considerable interest , but the particulars as to how the lodge lost its privilege , and the "justice" meted out to it through the neglect of its Secretary ( notwithstanding that the right had been

exercised for over 120 years ) , is far from pleasant to peruse , and makes one sympathise most deeply with the brethren , who , in 1852 , forfeited that coveted honour . The Roll of Grand Stewards elected by No . 28 , and accepted by the Grand

Master , is appended , from 1728 to 1852 ( so far as possible ); Sir Robert Lawley , Bart ., the W . M . of the " Grand Stewards Lodge" in 1735-6 , with Dr . W . Gramme and Bro . Martin Clare , the two Wardens , being all three members of the " Old King ' s Arms . "

The chapters on Antony Sayer and Martin Clare make good reading , and so the reprint of an article by Bro . Calvert , entitled " Lodge nights rjo years ago . " From ' a Table as to the Meeting Houses of No . 25 , 1725-1899 , I see the members

have changed their quarters about a dozen times during that long period , beginning with the " Freemasons' Coffee House " in 1725 , and ending with the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queenstreet . Its number has been changed some nine times .

" Noteworthy Events in the Old King ' s Arms Lodge , 1725 to 1899 , " is an excellent compilation and a good idea , as the arrangement exhibits the chief points of its career in chronological order ; copies , also , of thc Warrant of Confirmation and Centenary Charter being given therein . The p late of Anthony

Sayer , premier Grand Master and afterwards Tyler of the " Old King ' s Arms , " forms the appropriate Frontispiece , and is a reproduction from the well-known portrait , of a high order of excellence . The portraits of the chief members of the lodge scattered through the volume are likewise welcome additions .

I have nothing but praise for the work by Bro . Calvert , who has had it produced at his own expense , and a copy presented to each member . A few copies left are for sale , and may be had from Bro . Geo . Kenning , 16 , Great Queen-street , at one guinea each . These are likely to be at a premium very soon , as they are sold for the benefit of the Charity Fund . W . J . HUGHAN .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WILTSHIRE .

The annual meeting of the above Provincial Grand Lodge was held in tho Council Chamber , Town Hall , Trowbridge , on the 4 th inst ,, under the banner of the Lodge of Concord , No . 632 , when , in spite of most unpropitious weather , there was a large attendance of Prov . Grand Officers and brethren from the province , who found ample accommodation in the

Council Chamber , the staircase and landing leading to which was lined with palms and ferns . Much regret was felt at the absence , through illness , of the Earl of Radnor , Prov . G . M ., and also that of the D . P . G . M ., Bro . C . N . P . Phipps , who was travelling in Scotland . The chair , however , was

ably filled by Bro . the Rev . J . A . Lloyd , P . G . C . Eng ., Prov . G . Chaplain . The Lodge of Concord , No . 632 , was represented by the following officers and brethren : Bros . R . H . Gowing , W . M . ; A . J . G . Stancomb , S . W . ; W . H . Green , J . W . ; W . J . Mann , Treas . ; T . S . Hill , Secj J . H . Aplin , Asst . Sec . ; E . Morel , Org . ; G . Childe , I . G . ; C . H . Ryles and C . H . Gauntlett . Stwds .: I . Chapman . I . P . M . : F . M . Garlick . P . M . ;

G . Snailum , P . M . ; H . White , P . M . ; H . E . Bishop , P . M . ; F . B . Norris , P . M . ; A . Longstreet , W . J . Baker , G . L . Palmer , P . P . S . G . W . ; C . H . Corbett , H . Mundy , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; W . Roger Brown , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ; E . A . Newth , H . Millington , P . G . Org . ; and James Lansdown .

The following Prov . Grand Officers and visiting brethren were also present : Bros . J . Chandler , S . W . 355 ; W . R . Brown , J . W . 355 ; H . B . Napier , Reg . 355 ; H . Bevir , Sec . 355 ; E . A . B . Elers , S . D . 355 ; E . H . Pritchett , Supt . of Works 355 ; F . Reynolds , D . C . 355 ; 0 . Bishop , S . B . 355 ; H . Millington , On ? . I *;** : F . G . Billinerham . P . T ;**; : H . White . S . B . IKH : 1 . I . lervis . Stwd .

355 ; W . Dean , Tyler 355 N . Brown , 355 , P . P . G . R . ; J . Sparks , P . M . 1271 , P . P . J . G . W . * J . A . Lloyd , P . G . C . ; J . Parker , P . M . 626 , P . P . S . G . D . ! G . LI . Palmer , P . M . 632 , P . P . S . G . W . ; R . Chaloner , P . M . 2644 , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . D . Eng . ; F . Kelland , P . M . 632 , P . P . G . D . ; A . H . Lapham , P . M . 626 , P . P . G . Stwd . ; J . Green , P . M . 355 ; A . Withy , P . M . 355 ; A . Barns , P . M . 355 ; J . Bullen , 3 SS ; W . I . Baldwin , 633 ; J . Toomer , 355 ; H . Merrick , 12 7 1 , P . P . J . G . W . ;

G . Brooks , P . M . 1295 ; J . Johnson , S . W . 1295 ; G . W . Collen , P . M . 626 , P . P . G . R . ; H . W . Thomas , J . W . 355 ; A . J . Gilbert , 1295 ; A . J . Randell , 66 3 ; Henry Ash , J . W . 663 ; W . Hogarth , 1295 , P . P . G . P . ; E . W . Blew , J . W . 586 ; F . Griffen , 586 , P . G . S . D . ; A . E . Niblett , W . M . 2227 ; A . W . Bane , S . D . 2227 ; A . J . Elliot , D . C . 2227 ; E . Hale , P . M . 586 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; G . Harris ,

P . M . 586 , P . P . J . G . D . ; E . E . Bartlett , 586 ; W . C . Powning , 586 , P . P . S . G . W . G . W . B . Crees , P . M . 147 8 ; J . Tubb-Thomas , P . M . 71 and 1562 , P . P . G . D . ; Mons . S . L . Cordeu , P . M . 147 8 , P . P . G . D . C . ; Geo . Rickets , I . P . M . 1478 ; J . L , Foreman , W . M . 1478 ; M . Wallington , P . M . 1271 ; G . H . Knight , 2227 ; A J . Beaven , P . P . S . G . D . ; E . A . Elers , P . M . 586 ; J . A . G . Matthews , P . M . 355 , F . W . Joyner , I . P . M . 626 ; J . F . Goodall , P . M . 1271 ; E . W . Wootten , 335

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Wiltshire.

A . E . Fuller , I . G . 33 s ; E . G . Wyld , 2644 ; D . Owen , S . W . 663 ; W . Gardner , 1533 ; F . Rendell , W . M . 663 ; R . J . Parker , S . D . 1271 ; J . Taylor , P . M . 1271 ; C . Hayter , 2644 ; Thos . J . Leaman , P . M . 1478 ; C . Price , P . M . 1478 ; J . E . Bush , J . D . 2644 ; E . J . Lee , 2644 ; and E . Lowther , W . M . 2644 . Prov . G . Lodge being duly formed , the Prov . G . Secretary called the roll of lodges in the province , when it was found that all were represented .

The minutes of ithe last meeting at Swindon were read and approved , and the Prov . G . Registrar's and the Charity Organisation Committee ' s reports were presented , and being very favourable , were confirmed . A sum of 30 guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and directed to be placed on Bro . Powning ' s list .

With regard to the accounts , the ACTING PROV . G . MASTER expressed his satisfaction upon the favourable state of the several balances , and also upon the numerical increase in the number of brethren in the province . The Prov . G . Treasurer , Bro . F . B . Merriman , was again unanimously elected for the ensuing year . The Acting Prov . G . Master then appointed and invested the following Prov . G . Officers for the next 12 months :

Bro . J . Sparks , 1271 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ G . W . Collen , 626 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . ,, the Rev . E . Chamberlaine , 632 ' ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ A . Barns , 355 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ Harry Bevir , 335 ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ E . E . Bartlett , 586 ... ... ... Prov . S . GiD . „ T . S . Reddrop , 1533 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . ., J-J . Jervis , 1295 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ J . Chandler , 355 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ F . M . Garlick , 632 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Walter J . Hiscock , 626 ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ H . Millington , 632 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ R ; H . Gowing , 6 32 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ E . Lowther , 2644 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ F . Sutton , - 586 ... ... ... * ) „ F . W . Joyner , 626 ... ... ... * > Prov . G . Stwds . „ W . J . Baldwin , 663 ... ... ... ) „ W . Dean , 355 . ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . On investing Bio . Harry Bevir as Prov . Grand Secretary , the PROV

G . M . paid a high compliment to the valuable aid he had rendered the province in the past , and Bro . Bevir ' s re-appointment was heartily acknowledged by the brethren present . As this completed the business on the agenda , the alms bag was

circulated , with the result that £ 6 ios . 6 d . was obtained , which sum was voted to the funds of the Trowbridge Cottage Hospital . The Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed , and the brethren , about 80 in number , dined together in the adjoining public hall , which had been divided off for the purpose , Mrs . Lines , of the Woolpack Hotel , catering .

Bro . the Rev . J . A . Lloyd , Acting P . G . M . for the day , presided , and on the removal of the cloth , proposed the customary loyal and Masonic toasts , which were duly responded to . The pleasures of the evening were greatly enhanced by the presence of the Windsor Glee Singers , whose unaccompanied performances at intervals were highly appreciated . Several brethren also contributed to the harmony , the Prov . G . Organist , Bro . H . Millington , accompanying . The last meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge in Trowbridge was in 1880 .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of Cheshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF CHESHIRE .

The annual meeting of the above Provincial Grand Chapter was held on the 30 th ult . at the Mechanics' Institution , Stockport , by command of Comp . the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., P . G . W . Eng ., G . Superintendent . There was a very numerous attendance from all parts of the Province of Cheshire , besides visitors from East and West Lancashire . The following entered their names in the attendance book :

Comps . the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., G . Supt . ; T . M . Lockwood , Prov . G . H . ; William Peers , Prov . G . H . ; Richard Newhouse , I ' rov . G . S . E , ; C . H . Andrews , Prov . G . S . N . j Walter Welsby , Prov . G . Treas . ; T . R . Cook , Prov . G . Reg . j A . C . Wilson , Prov . G . Soj . ; Thomas Sedgwick , Prov . A . G . Soj . ; J . R . R . leffrey , Prov . A . G . Soj . ; Joseph E . Perrin , Prov . G . S . B . ; J , Stanley Derbyshire , Prov . G . D . C . ; L . Crosthwaite , Prov . A . G . S . E . j C . Griffiths

Prov . G . Org . ; A . Huxley , Prov . G . Janitor ; Rev . C . Chetwynd Atkinson , D . D ., P . P . G . S . ; Dr . Thomas D . Foreman , P . P . G . S . N . East Lanes ; Dr . Charles G . Brewer , C . D . Cheetham , Chairman of Charity Council East Lanes ; Fred . K . Stevenson , Sec . C . M . E . I . ; T . E . Annett , Treas . C . M . B . I . ; Fred Broadsmith , P . P . G . H . ; Thomas Lockitt , P . P . G . H . ; John Armstrong , P . P . G . H . ; H . Gordon Small , P . P . G . Std . Br . West Lanes ; J . Hayward Bellyse , P . P . G . H .

James Cookson , P . P . G . J . ; J . Hamilton , P . P . G . Supt . of Works ; Philip H . Lockwood , P . G . A . C ; John Wagstaffe , P . P . G . D . of C ; William Campbell , H . 941 ; G . Ibeson , P . P . G . Treas . ; W . Fearnside Robinson , P . P . G . Treas . ; Sam Jones , P . P . G . H . ; Thomas Drinkwater , P . P . G . Reg . ; John Bottomley , P . P . G . S . N . ; J . W . Hully , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; James Davenport , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; T . Sedgwick , P . G . P . S . ; W . Newton , P . P . G . D . C ; E . G . Parker , P . P . A . G . S . E . ;

Henry Nash , P . P . G . S . ; Arthur Whittaker ; Joseph Whittaker ; J . E . Steward , P . P . G . H ., C . H . E . Andrews , P . P . G . N ., Edwin Barton , P . P . G . S ., Wm . Shepherd , P . P . G . D . C , Thomas Thorniley , P . Z ., A . Taylor , P . Z ., Charles Dawson , Treas ., G . Wm . Healey , and J . H . Good , of 28 7 ; John Peter Bardsley , P . P . G . Std . Br ., Wm . Fielding , John Smith , and E . Ball , of 322 ; and H . Powell Jones , M . E . Z ., H . Newton , J ., Wm . Slack , P . S ., Joseph Slack , A . P . S ., E . Edmundsan , Org ., Jas . Cookson , P . Z ., Treas ., and John Clarke , Janitor , of 325 .

The Provincial Grand Chapter was opened by the G . Superintendent and the Prov . G . H . and Prov . G . J . All the chapters in the province were represented . The minutes of the last Provincial Grand Chapter , held at Chester on the 19 th October , 1898 , were read and confirmed . The report of the Committee was read , showing a steady progress in the province , and the Committee were again re-appointed to superintend and visit the various chapters and assist and instruct the officers during the ensuirg year .

The Prov . Grand Treasurer ' s statement of accounts had been printed and were distributed , showing a balance in Parr ' s Bank of over £ 60 . On the proposition of Comp . GEORGE IBESON , one of the Auditors , the balance-sheet was approved and passed . The G . SUPERINTENDENT addressed the companions assembled , and thanked them for their presence in such large numbers . He was pleased