Provincial Meetings.

The brethren then adjourned to the banqueting hall , when the usual loyal and Mafonic toasts vvere given . Bros . Harfield , Ritchie , McDonald , Aldis , and others replied for " The Visitors . " Bro . Hussey , P . M ., D . C ., who vvas heartily cheered , having replied for "The Officers of the Lodge , " the Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a very pleasant evening .

SOUTHPORT . Unity Lodge ( No . 613 ) . —In connection with the above lodge a gathering took place in the Masonic Rooms , Lord-street , on Monday , the ioth inst ., when Bro . R . VV . T . Hatch vvas formally installed VVorshipful Master , the ceremony of installation being performed by Bro . Harford , assisted by Bros . T . T . Marden and J . F . Roberts ,

P . P . A . G . D . C . The company afterwards sat down to an excellent banquet provided by Bro . George Rockliff , Tyler . During the evening the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , selections of music , vocal and instrumental , being given at intervals by musical brethren . The following officers were present : Bros . G . Harford ,

I . P . M . j John Hatch , P . M ., P . J . G . D . j T . T . Marsden , P . M . ; T . Hayward , P . M . ; M . Blundell , P . M . ; M . H . Boyd , P . M . ; E . Bradshaw , P . M . j J . O . Piatt , S . W . ; S . Bramvvell , J . W . j VV . R . Hartley , S . D . j J . J . Broome , J . D . j B . Burser , I . G . j A . A . W . Phillipps , W ! Derry , N . Shaw , and A . S . Robson , Stewards j and G . Rockliff , Tyler . A large number of visitors were present .

ST . GERMANS . Eliot Lodge ( No . 1164 ) . —The annual installation and festival of the above lodge vvas held on Thursday , tho Gth inst ., when the S . W ., Bro . J . White , vvas installed by Bro . F . A . Rawling ,. P . P . A . G . Sec , assisted by Bro . G . Trethewey , and the following Board of Installed Masters Bros . J . B . Kerswill , P . P . J . G . W . j J . Bassett , P . G .

Std . Br . j U . Tracy , P . P . S . G . W . Devon ; R . Parken , W . M . Roberts , C . W . Bickle , S . Ball , all of the lodge ; B . Edyvean , P . P . S . G . W . 330 J C . Truscott , P . P . J . G . W . 496 ; T . D . Deeble , P . P . G . S . ; VV . T . Nancarrovv , 1071 ; A . Maddock , 230 ; J . Hambly , 6 99 j _ and J . Griffin , 2025 The following officers were appointed : Bros . S . Ball ,

I . P . M . j ; W . Easton , S . W . ; W . H . Rowe , J . W . ; ) . B . Kerswill , Treas . j F . A . Rawling , Sec . j W . H . Foote , S . D . j G . M . Mortimer , J . D . j J . Hosking , D . C . j D . VV . Gibb , Org . ; W . IT . Brenton , l . G . ; A . Lightfoot , and W . May , Stwds . ; and J . Havvke , Tyler . A banquet at the Eliot Arms followed , and a large gathering spent a most enjoyable evening .

STOCKPORT . Unanimity Lodge ( No . 2 S 7 ) . —The brethren of this prosperous old lodge held their installation meeting on Wednesday , the 5 th instant , at the White Lion Hotel . After the minutes of the last regular meeting had been read and confirmed , and statement of accounts presented and passed , Bro . J . L . Hudson , J . W ., VV . M . elect , P . P . G .

Steward , vvas piesented by Bro . John Leigh , P . M ., D . C , Sic , to Bro . James Cookson , the Installing Master , vvho , in a creditable manner , installed Bro . Hudson in the chair of K . S . for the ensuing year . The W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows . ' Bros , the Rev . A . Symonds , I ' . P . G . C , I . P . M . j James A . Cookson , S . W . j A . J . Hewett , J . W . j C . Dawson , P . M ., Treas ., Charity

Representative j James Cookson , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Sec . ; T . Jagger , S . D . ; D . Walmsley , J . D . ; John Leigh , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., D . C . ; C . Camoion , Org . ; G . W . Healley , I . G . j and B . Flower , J . Torton , K . Thomas , and T . L . Lee , Stewards . Among the visitors vvere Bros . R . Newhouse , P . G . Sec . j T . Fockitt , P . M . 295 , P . P . G . D . j H . P . Jones , P . G . Std .

Br . ; T . Horlam , W . M . 104 ; E . Ratcliffe , W . M . 322 ; H . Newton , W . M . 323 ; James Hudson , P . M . 322 j and many others . Over 40 brethren sat down to an excellent banquet , served in Mrs . Robertson's usual first-class style . The tables were beautifully decorated vvith fruit and ( lowers , and the VV . M . had provided each guest vvith a button-hole , and each contained a rose .

During the evening the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . The W . M ., in the name of the brethren , presented to Uro . the Rev . A . Symonds a valuable iS-carat gold Past Master ' s jewel , which vvas greatly admired . Bio . Symonds thanked the W . M . and brethren for the

very handsome jewel , and said he should always prize it , and hoped long to continue a member of the Unanimity Lodge—vvhich had had an uninterrupted career of over 100 years . There vvas an excellent musical programme , and all left , after expressing their pleasure and delight at being present at so successful a iratherincr .

SUNDERLAND . . Phoenix Lodge ( No . 94 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge took place on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., 'n the Old Masonic Hall , Oueen-street , when Bro . W . Watson , S . W ., vvas installed * W . M . forthe ensuing year , the ceremony having been impressively conducted by Bro . J . D . Todd , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . The VV . M . afterwards

invested bis officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . W . G . Hetherington , I . P . M . j M . Cohen , S . W . j Rev . T . Randell , D . D ., P . P . G . C , J . W . ; T . O . Todd , Treas . ' ]•D . Todd , Sec . j J . R . Moore , S . D . j Ii . H . Tilley , J-. D . J Wm . Vincent , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., D . C ; Dr . C Vincent , Org . ; J . M . Thompson , l . G . ; J . Thompson , " •Church , Julius Jacobs , and H . T . Halfpenny , Stwds . ; and P . J . Baglee , Tyler .

An adjournment vvas afterwards made to the Palatine tjotel , where the annual banquet was held , the W . M ., Bro . W . Watson , being in the chair . The toast of "The VV . M . " was proposed by Bro . W . v mcent , and Bro . VVatson responded . , The Rector of Sunderland , Bro . Dr . Randell , proooscd Ihe Masonic Charities ; " and Bro . J . D . Toddgave Hie Visiting Brethren , " to wliich thc Jewish Pastor , Bro . J- 1 hillips , responded .

''REKM . VSONUV TK . vciiHS the immortality of man ' s being « nu many other very valuable and precious truths , lt lays special stress upon Charity as thc binding and cementing " •'ment in human society .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

BIRKENHEAD . Fidelity Chapter ( No . 477 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this chapter was held atthe Masonic Chambers on Monday , the ioth inst ., when there vvas a very good attendance of members and visitors . This chapter has the reputation of being one of the largest and best worked in the Province of Cheshire , and the assembly gathered together on this occasion amply testified to its

popularity . The members present at the opening of the chapter were Comps . Joseph Clarke , I . P . Z ., P . Prov . G . S ., as M . E . / .. j Roger G . Hawkins . H ., M . E . Z . elect ; James S . Warren , J . ; S . Jones , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . IL , S . E . ; Richard Parry , S . N . ; VV . Hopkinson , Treas . ; R . Robinson , P . S . j George P . Poole , ist A . S . ; James McLeavy , 2 nd A . S . ; John Morris , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . S ., D . C . ; Geo . F . Bird , P . Z ., P . P . A . G . D . C . ; JatnesClarke , P . Z . ; Enock

Evans , P . Prin . II . ; Rev . Robert Edwards , Joseph Scarratt , George Lloyd , Capt . James W . Shaw , Iidward Parker , G . F . Hand , J . II . Smith , and others . Visitors : Comps . T . C . Thorburn , P . Z . 537 , P . Prov . G . H . ; Owen Jones , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N . ; John Watt , M . E . Z . C 05 ; A . J . Thompson , J . H . Jackson , P . P . G . Org . ; Geo . Proudman , S . N . 241 j and others . Comp . John Morris , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . S ., vvho has acted

as Installing Officer for several years , officiated in that capacity upon the present occasion , and discharged the important duties attached to the position vvith the greatest satisfaction , both to members and visitors . The ; newlyinstalled chiefs vvere : Comps . Roger George Hawkins , M . E . Z . j James Syer Warren , H . ; Richard Parry , J . j Sam . Jones , P . Z ., P . P . G . H ., S . E . ( iSthtime ) j R . Robinson , S . N . j W . Hopkinson , Treas . ; Capt . Shaw , P . S . ;

James McLeavy , 1 st A . b . ; Joseph Scarratt , 2 nd A . S . ; and John Morris , P . Z ., P . P . G . S ., D . C . The balance-sheet showed a very satisfactory return of the year's working , and after the ordinary routine work had been performed the companions adjourned to the banqueting room , where Comp . C . H . Berry had provided for the necessary requirements of the company .

The new Principals presided at the festive board , and submitted the usual toasts , vvhich vvere duly honoured , and during the intervals of speechmaking a selected programme of music vvas gone through with great success by Comps . George Proudman , A . J . Thompson , R . Parry , R . Robinson , and Capt . Shaw , while Comp . J . Hamilton Jackson , P . P . G . O ., presided at the pianoforte in a very capable manner .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

BIRMINGHAM . Charity Lodge ( No . 430 ) . —The ordinary quarterly meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Masonic Hall , New-street , on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., Bro . Sir Jas . Sawyer , Kt ., Prov . J . G . D ., in the chair . The visitors present vvere Bros , the Rev . VV . J . Down , Prov . G . Chap . Worcestershire ; J . VV . Roberts , P . M . 330 , P . P . G . M . O .. Prov . G . D . of C Worcestershire ; Duncan J . Sheddan

Sec . 330 , and P . P . G . R . of M . Worcestershire j J . Candelent , P . M . 31 S , Prov . J . G . W . Staffs . ; J . H . Dent , M . O ., A . H . Hebbert , S . O ., and H . J . Collins , " l . G ., all of Howe Lodge , T . I . J . P . Rowlands , P . M ., P . P . G . M . O . ; R . N . Mccarte , 40 S ; T . Ballington , S . D . 115 ; J . A . Turton , Stwd . 115 j and other distinguished brethren . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The ceremony of

advancement vvas then performed . The Most Noble Iiro . the Marquess of Hertford , P . Pro G . M . and Prov . G . M . of Warwickshire , vvas then announced , and admitted , and received with Grand Lodge salutations , vvhich were fraternally and graciously acknowledged . The most noble brother vvas then conducted by the D . C . to the Immediate Past Master ' s chair , he being a honorary P . M . of the lodge . The noble brother fulfilled the duties

of the ollice of I . P . M . in a graceful and exemplary manner to the close of the lodge . Bro . Ed . Mallard , P . M ., D . C , then proposed a resolution , of vvhich he had given previous notice , removing the restriction upon the admission of members from any other Craft lodge than the Charity Craft Lodge , No . 1551 . This resolution vvas seconded by Bro . T . Rowbotham , P . M ., Prov . G . M . O ., and carried unanimously . The ballot vvas then taken for Bros . Robt . Barton

Morgan , P . M . 115 , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . D . C , Walter II . Rollason , S . D . 115 , as joining members , and proved unanimous . Bro . VV . H . Rollason was re-admitted and complimented by the VV . M . on his admission into the lodge , and the lodge was also complimented upon receiving such an expert Mark Master Mason . Bro . VV . H . Rollason , al the request of the VV . M ., then took the position of J . O ., and performed his part of the ceremony in a very perfect ,

creditable , and praiseworthy manner . The ballot was then taken for Bros . Lieut . Franklin VV . Cross , iW . M . 1792 , and Charles Corbett Walker , 1551 , and , proving unanimous in their favour , the two brethren were admitted and advanced to the Degree of Mark Master Mason , the ceremony being very ably and most impressively performed by the W . M . Bro . 'Thos . Rowbotham , P . M ., officiated as S . D . and Bro . Ii . Mallard , P . M ., officiated as D . of C .

Valuable assistance was also rendered to the lodge by Bro . J . Candelent , as J . W ., and Bro . Duncan , J . Sheddan , as M . O . The VV . M . then made the usual enquiries , when Bro . Edward Mallard , P . M ., proposed as candidates for advancement , Bros . Reynolds , Guest , and Lee , all of the Charity Craft Lodge , No . 1551 , vvhich proposition was seconded by the W . M . and Bro . Thomas Kowbotham , P . M . Letters of apology and regret vvere then read by

the Secretary , Bro . J . C . Gray , from Bros . Abraham Green , D . P . G . M . Worcestershire j Rev . VV . Trevor Parkins , M . A ., D . P . G . M . of the province ; I ) . C Lloyd Owen , P . G . Treas . ; Wright Wilson , P . G . Sec , and several other brethren . " Hearty good wishes " vvere then given from the Provinces of Worcester and Stafford , and by the Prov . G . Master of the Province of Warwick , as well as from the

Howe , i \ ; Bedford , 157 ; Athol , 174 ; and the 1 lercford Military , Mark Masters' lodges of the province , which vvere accepted and acknowledged by the W . M . The ceremony vvas performed in strict accordance with the ritual , rules , regulations , and practices of the Grand Mark Lodge of Instruction , the musical part of the ceremony being beautifully rendered by Bro . R . C Wills , P . P . G . Org ., thc Organist of the lodge .

Mark Masonry.

At the banquet which followed , the VV . M . presiding , thc usual loyal and Masnnic toasts of 1 " The Queen and Mark Masonry , " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Grand Mark Master , " and " The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Ofiicers , Present and Past , of the Grand Mark Lodge of England , " Sic , The W . M . proposed " The Health of the Most Noble and R . VV . Hro . the Marquess of Hertford , P . Pro Grand

Master , and Prov . Grand Master of the Province , his Deputy , the V . W . Bro . the Rev . W . Trevor Parkins , P . G . Chap ., and the rest of the Prov . Grand Ofiicers , Present and Past . " The noble brother in responding complimented the W . M . upon the efficiency , strength , and character of his lodge , and congratulated the lodge upon having so able and zealous an exponent of Mark Master Masonry in the chair .

llro . Thos . Rowbotham , P . M ., as the Treasurer of the lodge , then announced that the VV . M . had commanded him to debit the cost of the wine for the banquet to him personally . The noble brother then proposed " 'The Health of the VV . M . " in kind and complimentary terms , vvhich vvas feelingly and Masonically responded to by the W . M ., vvho thanked the noble brother for his special attendance at

the lodge , and expressed a hope that he would visit the lodge oftener in future . He also took occasion to thank the noble brother for having graciously condescended to allow the incorporation of his arms in the banner of the lodge , and adnitted that although the noble brother was not often present in person , he was often there in spirit in the shape of frequent presents ot vension for the lodge table . The W . VI . then proposed "The Health of the

Newlyadvanced Candidates , " who both responded . "The I lealth of the Visitors " vvas given by Bro . lid vard Mallard , P . M . This was responded to by the Prov . ( irand Chaplain of Worcestershire , on behalf of his province ; Bro . J . Candelent , on behalf of the Province of Staffordshire ; and by Bro . j . H . Dent , on behalf of the Province of Warwickshire .

The proceedings vvere interspersed with songs and recitations by Bros . R . O . Wills , P . P . G . O ., Org ., an ! Duncan J . Sheddan , P . P . G . R . of M . Worcestershire . The proceedings , which vvere very successful throughout , were closed in the usual manner with the Tyler ' s toast , the noble brother leaving to spend the night vvith the W . M . at Haseley Hall , Warwick .

United Grand Lodge.

UNITED GRAND LODGE .

In our report of the proceedings of the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge in our last issue , we were compelled , for want of space , to omit the speeches by Bro . Farnfield and others , arising out of the resolution as to the alteration ot laws of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . We now print them for the information of our readers .

Bro . J . A . FAKNI-IKI . U , Treasurer of the Benevolent Institution , rose to move thc adoption of the resolution , and complained that the Grand Secretary should have read the communication before the motion vvas made . Grand Secretary had not told them that the Benevolent Institution had never had the privilege of making lodges and chapters , and other Masonic bodies ,

Patrons or Vice-Patrons ofthe Institution , as the other two Institutions had . Those Institutions had had the upper hand in that privilege , and had taken good care to exercise it . The reason the Grand Secretary had in reading that communication when he did was to prejudice the Benevolent Institution . ( Cries of " No , no , " and " Yes , yes . " ) This matter had been carefull y

considered by a Committee and general meeting of Subscribers to the Benevolent Institution , and it vvas now put for confirmation . It had been laid down b y Grand Lodge on two different occasions that Grand Lodge alone had the right to sanction , or refuse its sanction , to these resolutions on account of Grand Lodge giving a sum ot money for the benefit of the

Institution . Grand Lodge had no wish to prejudice the other Institutions , or put their veto on anything the Subscribers might do . This vvas done in 1861 , when Bro . John Symonds explained that the management of thc Institution vvas to be left to the Subscribers . On March 3 rd , 1858 , it vvas decided that Grand Lodge had nothing to do vvith the management of the

Institution , vvhich was vested in the general body of Subscribers . If the present resolution vvas shelved , as thc Grand Secretary wished , it would throw them over at the next Festival of the Benevolent Institution , for vvhich there vvere 500 promises for this privilege . That would be cut off by the very artful resolution of the Girls' and Boys' Institutions , which vvere onl y

carried last night , he thought . Was it , as men and Masons , fair play to hold a meeting to pass such a resolution to be read at this meeting of Grand Lodge ? ( Cries of " Shame " and •' No . " ) 'The general meeting of the Subscribers to the Benevolent Institution knew best what was for the good of thc institution . Hc begged to move thc confirmation .

Bro . I ' KKDEiucK MKAU , P . G . S . B ., seconded thc motion , to the main principle of which he could not believe there would really be any objection . Opposition , he thought , would be withdrawn on proper explanation . They vvere not asking Grand Lodge to take a leap in the dark ; they were following the example of the other two Institutions . As long ago as 1871 , thc

Girls' School , vvhich vvas followed by the Boys ' , altered their rules to allow lodges and other Masonic bodies to become Vice-Patrons on payment oi 200 guineas in sums of not less than live guineas at a timo . In 188 4 , the rules were again altered , to enable Masonic bodies

to become Patrons on payment of J 400 guineas , in payments of five guineas at a time . Atthe present time there were Masonic lodges ,. Vc , 15 Patrons and 45 Vice-Patrons ol the Girls ' , and 2 ;) Patrons and 85 Vice-Patrons of the Boys ' . Silently the Benevolent Institution had allowed Masonic bodies to become Vice-Patrons , and