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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 2 of 3 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
uoS , Thos . Riley , P . M . 600 , John Hey , P . M . 387 , and John Constable , P . M . 2259 , P . P . G . Std . Brs . ; J . Naylor Hardy , Mus . Bac , S . W . 495 , Prov . G . Org . ; Wm . Ash , P . M . 1019 , Geo . F . Carr , P . M . 1542 , and Simeon Whiteley , P . M . 1034 , P . P . G . Organists ; Wm . H . Hewson , P . M . 304 , Prov . A . G . Sec ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 , and H . S . Goodyear , P . M . 495 , P . P . A . G . Sees . ; G . Thompson , P . M . 1001 , Prov . G . Purst . ; Wm . Butterworth , P . M . 1302 , Prov . A . G . Purst . ; John Seed , P . M . 1302 , Wm . Cockcroft , P . M . 307 , Thos . Gaukrogcr , P . M . 307 ,
Fredk . Wm . Turner , P . M . 40 S , John Shoesmith , P . M . 1783 , Ben . K Glover , P . M . 495 , John A . Heastie , P . M . 652 , and Chas . Cromack , P . M . 2330 , P . P . G . Pursts . ; Wm . Crowther , j . P ., P . M . 1645 , Chas . Hy . Crowther , P . M . 2261 , Arthur Holmes , P . M . 1522 , J . J . Parker , P . M . 264 , Wilkinson Greenwood , P . M . 439 , and John P . Hewett , P . M . 1239 , Prov . G . Stwds . ; and Thos . Leighton , Tyler 139 , Prov . G . Tyler . Also W . Masters , Past Masters , acting Wardens , and brethren from all the lodges but four in the province .
The Prov . G . Master ( Bro . the Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , M . P . ) , the Dep . Prov . G . Master ( Bro . John Cooper Malcolm , P . G . D . ) , and the Officers of Prov . G . Lodge entered at 2 . 45 p . m . Bros . James Johnson , Lodge Paterson , No . 45 , U . S . A ., and W . P . Taylor , 1515 , Oxford , were visitors . The Prov . G . Master , the Dep . Prov . G . Master , and Officers of Prov . G . Lodge were saluted . The roll of lodges and Present and Past G . Officers was then called .
Apologies were announced from Bros . W . D . Shoebridge , 44 S , Prov . G . D . ; Ben Stocks , 2035 , Prov . G . Supt . of Works ; Geo . Hesketh , 1462 , Dep . G . Supt . of Works ; Wm . Nutt , Prov . Asst . G . D . of C . ; J . J . Green , 1283 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; Thos . Chester , 904 , Asst . Prov . G . Tyler ; anrJ 43 W . Ms ., P . Ms ., P . P . G . Officers , and brethren .
The minutes of the half-yearly meeting held at Huddersfield , on Wednesday , October 12 th , 1 S 9 S , were presented for confirmation , when it was moved by Bro . HENRY SMITH , P . G . D , P . D . P . G . M ., seconded by Bro . J . R . FAWCETT , P . P . G . D . C , and resolved , " That the minutes be taken as read and confirmed . "
The PROV . G . MASTER , addressing the brethren , said . * It is necessary that I should say a few words with regard to matters in which you take an interest , and although I have not very much to say to you—we have work that will lake us some time—I should like to say that we meet under very favourable circumstances . Perhaps , in the first place , I may express your indebtedness and mine , to those who have placed at our disposal this
Town Hall , and the excellent accommodation which has been provided for Prov . G . Lodge on this occasion . The city of Wakefield has had a long and interesting asscciation with the Craft to which we belong , and it may almost be said to have been the cradle of Prov . G . Lodge . This is , I believe , the 38 th time that the Prov . G . Lodge has met at Wakefield , and it is now six years since the last meeting was held here . History records
that Lord Pollmgton , who was Prov . G . Master , was invested in Wakefield , which was not then a city , and as you know there are many associations between the Craft and Wakefield , and all of them of a very pleasant character . I am sure we are always glad , even though we may come Irom neighbouring cities and districts , to hear and assist in the promotion of the welfare of the city of Wakefield . We have , I believe , present with
us to-day the Mayor of this city , Bro . George Henry Roberts ; and I am informed the Craft has a very good representation in its municipal government . Weknow thatthe MasonsoC Wakefield are alwaysto the fore in everything that is charitable and calculated to promote the welfare of the people of the district . It is my duty to repeat what I have already said with regard to a small detail of the management , that is , with regard to the annual returns from
the lodges to the Provincial Grand Secretary . These have not , in some cases , been sent in wilh the punctuality it is so desirable they should be . Last year I referred to this subject . One of the lodges has improxed , but there is still room in the province for further improvement . I understand the position to-day is something like it was then . There are still one or two lodges which are a Utile lax in this respect , and I would impress upon
them that they should remove this slight blot which they still retain , and that they would make those returns , which it is absolutely their duty to make , in good time . During the past year our members have increased . We have now 81 lodges and 4140 members . That is an increase during the past year of 10 S members , and I think you will consider this is a proof that there is no loss of vitality , and that we are still making progress .
During the year , however , death has been rather busy in the province . We have lost 7 6 or 78 members , but throughout the Order we have suffered some notable losses . Lord Lathom , since this time last year , has passed away . Last year , you will remember , we lamented the great sorrow that had befallen him by thc tragic death of his wife ; this > ear we have to lament the death of Lord Lathom himself . I take this opportunity of
expressing our sympathy with Lord Lathom ' s family on his death , and I propose a little later to move a resolution which I am sure you will all cordially concur in . Lord Lathom , besides the distinguished offices he held in connection with Grand Lodge , was , as you know , the Provinc ' al Grand Master of West Lancashire . We have also quite recently a . IV . red another loss in the person of the greatly respected brother , who is well known in
this district , Bro . Col . Starkie , the Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire . Lancashire has thus suffered a double loss , and I propose to include in the resolution I shall move , an expression of our deep sympathy with Col . Starkie ' s family . Locally , we have lost several brethren whose faces were very familiar to us . They were old and active Masons , always read y to assist in the cause of charity when called upon . I may mention
one or two , liro . Armitage and Bro . Broughton , of Bradford ; Bro . Harry Allen , of Sheffield , who was one of Sheffield ' s best loved citizens , and Bro . Gratian , of Barnsley , who was also well known to us . We must expect , in so large a bod y as the Order has now become , constant reminders of what must come sooner or later to all of us . It is gratifying to us to know that thewotkin connection with West Lancashire has been taken uo bv Lord
Lathom s son , who was Lord Skelmersdale , and who , I understand , has been appointed to the position of Provincial Grand Master . I now come to another matter , which , although of a different character , has at the same time with it a note of separation . For some time past my much respected Deputy has felt the time had come when he should retire from the position ot Deputy Provincial Grand Master of this province . He has a gicat deal 01 work to do , and one can hardly wonder that hc should feel a verv loni ? tenure
ol office was not necessary , and perhaps was unwise from the point 01 view of his own engagements . I should like to say now , what I have sauu on a previous occasion , and express my grateful thanks to him for the emcient services and assistance which he has always most willingly rendered 0 me on all occasions . It wculd be impossible for anyone who may fill mat important position to discharge more zealously , more faithfully , and nore impartiall y the vaiious duties which have fallen to his charge . He
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
has made a record as regard the visits which he has paid to lodges in various parts of the province , and I have been especially grateful to him to receive from time to time the reports of his visits to lodges which are more or less inaccessible , and most difficult to reach , and of the work he has done in keeping in touch with those brethren of the outlying lodges . As you know , I attach the greatest importance to this work , because it is impossible for
me to visit them as I desire to do . The time is not at my disposal , and I am sure you echo the regret I feel , that I do not carry out that work better than I do . The next best thing is to have an efficient substitute , and one who has done his work so well as Bro . Malcolm has . I , therefore , part with Bro . Malcolm with the greatest regret , but I cannot any longer resist his appeal to be released from his position , because
I feel he has done a great work in the province , and it would be wrong to resist his own feelings in the matter . 1 am sure he will feel that he carries with him into his retirement not only my respect , but that of every brother in the province . The next point of interest to you is naturally who is going to take the place of Bro . Malcolm . I need not tell you , because you recognise it , how very important and how difficult it is to make the
choice . It is not that I had not before me a sufficient number of brethren for the position , because , I am thankful to say , in this great Province oi West Yorkshire we have a large number of brethren in every respect qualified to fill the highest positions to which they may be called . I have endeavoured , as far as I could , to elicit such information as seemed to me to be necessary , in order to confirm , or otherwise , my own judgment ; and I
will say—and I think it is fair to say—that I have succeeded in satisfying myself that the name , which at the very outset had occurred to me I should be justified in bringing forward with the fullest confidence , would be acceptable to the whole of the province . I may tell you now that I propose to appoint to-day to the position of D . P . G . M . one whom I have had the honour long to know and to respect—Bro . Richard Wilson , of Fidelity Lodge .
I bespeak for him at your hands a hearty welcome and all the assistance which it is in your power to give , and without which it would be impossible for him to discharge his duties . I am sure he will receive at your hands that welcome and that assistance ; and I am confident he will bring to the discharge of his duties conscientiousness , zeal , and absolute impartiality , and that he will win the confidence and respect of every one in the discharge
of the duties of his office . Brethren , there is one other subject that I wish to mention . At our last provincial meeting there was a question—the provision of a central home for the province in the way of offices . At that time some of us hoped it might be possible to have propounded a scheme which meant involving a good deal of cost in carrying it out successfully . The question , as you know , was referred to a Committee , and that Committee
•met on several occasions . I was present at the final discussion , and the question was thoroughly considered by the Committee from every point of view . Now , it is clear that a scheme of that kind , involving so large an expenditure and necessarily a good deal of change , could only be carried out if it met not only with the general assent , but with what I may call the enthusiastic assent and support of every part of the province . I need not
go into the question of what was done by Bros . Richard Wilson and Thos . Winn , who most nobly threw themselves into the work and took the risk entirely upon themselves ; but , to make a long story short , the Committee came to the conclusion that the time was not opportune to carry out so large a scheme , and they decided not to recommend it to Prov . Grand Lodge . That may be disappointing to many of us ; but , at the same time , I should
be unwilling to burden the Prov . Grand Lodge and the lodge accounts with anything in respect to which we had the smallest doubt of their being able to bear . For the time being the matter is ended , and until some fresh proposal is put before you we must consider the matter closed . There is only one other point , and that is , that I hope the appointments of the Prov . Grand Officers that are to be made to-day will prove to be good appointments in
themselves , and will meet with general acceptance . It is always a difficult task to make a selection , to get the representation of every district , and from time to time of every lodge . That is the object before us . I have no doubt that the brethren who will take office will bring to their duties all those qualities which we expect from the members of Prov . Grand Lodge . I will now take this opportunity of proposing this resolution— " That this Provincial Grand Lodge desires to plai e on record its deep sense of the very great loss
the Craft has sustained by the death of the M . W . Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , G . C . B ., R . W . Prov . G . M . West Lancashire , " and I would add " our deep sense of the loss the Craft has sustained by the death of Colonel Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . M . of East Lancashire . " I need not say anything more . The sympathy of all of us has gone out to the relatives at the great loss they have sustained as well as the Craft throughout the world , for no two men were better known than those two brethren .
The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER seconded the motion , and spoke of the loss which the Craft had sustained by the deaths of the Earl of Lathom and Col . Starkie , both of whom possessed the characteristics looked for in brethren holding their high positions—high principles and courtesy towards others . The motion was carried unanimously .
The Prov . Grand Master proceeded to obligate and invest Bro Richard Wilson , P . G . D ., as Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Bro . W . P . RAYNOR , Prov . G . D . of C , made the following proclama » tion . * " By command of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , I now proclaim Worshipful Bro . Richard Wilson , of Westfield , Armley , Leeds , Banker , who has been obligated and invested as the Worshipful
Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Yorkshire . He was initialed in the Fidelity Lodge , No . 28 . ) , Leeds , on the 6 th November , 1 873 , was W . M . in 1879 , and again in 1891 , the centenary year of the lodge . He was elected Prov . Grand Treasurer in 1883 , and appointed Prov . Senior Grand Warden in 18 93 . He was appointed one of the Junior Grand Deacons of England by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most
VVorshipful Grand Master , in April , 1897 . He is a life Governor of each of the three great Masouic Charities , and a Life Governor and Hon . Treasurer of the newly-formed West Yorkshire Benevolent and Educational Fund . For these services he deserves well at the hands of the Craft , and 1 therefore , by virtue of my ollice as Grand Director ol Ceremonies of this Province , do call upon all the Brethren present to salute our Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , (\ ve times according to ancient custom . "
Bro . RICHARD WILSON , P . G . D ., the newly-obligated Deputy Provincial Grand Master , briefly addressed thc brethren . He said he valued most highly , and fully appreciated , the honour which had been conferred on him that day , but the thought which was uppermost in his mind was the great responsibility , and the onerous nature ofthe duties attaching to the office
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
uoS , Thos . Riley , P . M . 600 , John Hey , P . M . 387 , and John Constable , P . M . 2259 , P . P . G . Std . Brs . ; J . Naylor Hardy , Mus . Bac , S . W . 495 , Prov . G . Org . ; Wm . Ash , P . M . 1019 , Geo . F . Carr , P . M . 1542 , and Simeon Whiteley , P . M . 1034 , P . P . G . Organists ; Wm . H . Hewson , P . M . 304 , Prov . A . G . Sec ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 , and H . S . Goodyear , P . M . 495 , P . P . A . G . Sees . ; G . Thompson , P . M . 1001 , Prov . G . Purst . ; Wm . Butterworth , P . M . 1302 , Prov . A . G . Purst . ; John Seed , P . M . 1302 , Wm . Cockcroft , P . M . 307 , Thos . Gaukrogcr , P . M . 307 ,
Fredk . Wm . Turner , P . M . 40 S , John Shoesmith , P . M . 1783 , Ben . K Glover , P . M . 495 , John A . Heastie , P . M . 652 , and Chas . Cromack , P . M . 2330 , P . P . G . Pursts . ; Wm . Crowther , j . P ., P . M . 1645 , Chas . Hy . Crowther , P . M . 2261 , Arthur Holmes , P . M . 1522 , J . J . Parker , P . M . 264 , Wilkinson Greenwood , P . M . 439 , and John P . Hewett , P . M . 1239 , Prov . G . Stwds . ; and Thos . Leighton , Tyler 139 , Prov . G . Tyler . Also W . Masters , Past Masters , acting Wardens , and brethren from all the lodges but four in the province .
The Prov . G . Master ( Bro . the Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , M . P . ) , the Dep . Prov . G . Master ( Bro . John Cooper Malcolm , P . G . D . ) , and the Officers of Prov . G . Lodge entered at 2 . 45 p . m . Bros . James Johnson , Lodge Paterson , No . 45 , U . S . A ., and W . P . Taylor , 1515 , Oxford , were visitors . The Prov . G . Master , the Dep . Prov . G . Master , and Officers of Prov . G . Lodge were saluted . The roll of lodges and Present and Past G . Officers was then called .
Apologies were announced from Bros . W . D . Shoebridge , 44 S , Prov . G . D . ; Ben Stocks , 2035 , Prov . G . Supt . of Works ; Geo . Hesketh , 1462 , Dep . G . Supt . of Works ; Wm . Nutt , Prov . Asst . G . D . of C . ; J . J . Green , 1283 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; Thos . Chester , 904 , Asst . Prov . G . Tyler ; anrJ 43 W . Ms ., P . Ms ., P . P . G . Officers , and brethren .
The minutes of the half-yearly meeting held at Huddersfield , on Wednesday , October 12 th , 1 S 9 S , were presented for confirmation , when it was moved by Bro . HENRY SMITH , P . G . D , P . D . P . G . M ., seconded by Bro . J . R . FAWCETT , P . P . G . D . C , and resolved , " That the minutes be taken as read and confirmed . "
The PROV . G . MASTER , addressing the brethren , said . * It is necessary that I should say a few words with regard to matters in which you take an interest , and although I have not very much to say to you—we have work that will lake us some time—I should like to say that we meet under very favourable circumstances . Perhaps , in the first place , I may express your indebtedness and mine , to those who have placed at our disposal this
Town Hall , and the excellent accommodation which has been provided for Prov . G . Lodge on this occasion . The city of Wakefield has had a long and interesting asscciation with the Craft to which we belong , and it may almost be said to have been the cradle of Prov . G . Lodge . This is , I believe , the 38 th time that the Prov . G . Lodge has met at Wakefield , and it is now six years since the last meeting was held here . History records
that Lord Pollmgton , who was Prov . G . Master , was invested in Wakefield , which was not then a city , and as you know there are many associations between the Craft and Wakefield , and all of them of a very pleasant character . I am sure we are always glad , even though we may come Irom neighbouring cities and districts , to hear and assist in the promotion of the welfare of the city of Wakefield . We have , I believe , present with
us to-day the Mayor of this city , Bro . George Henry Roberts ; and I am informed the Craft has a very good representation in its municipal government . Weknow thatthe MasonsoC Wakefield are alwaysto the fore in everything that is charitable and calculated to promote the welfare of the people of the district . It is my duty to repeat what I have already said with regard to a small detail of the management , that is , with regard to the annual returns from
the lodges to the Provincial Grand Secretary . These have not , in some cases , been sent in wilh the punctuality it is so desirable they should be . Last year I referred to this subject . One of the lodges has improxed , but there is still room in the province for further improvement . I understand the position to-day is something like it was then . There are still one or two lodges which are a Utile lax in this respect , and I would impress upon
them that they should remove this slight blot which they still retain , and that they would make those returns , which it is absolutely their duty to make , in good time . During the past year our members have increased . We have now 81 lodges and 4140 members . That is an increase during the past year of 10 S members , and I think you will consider this is a proof that there is no loss of vitality , and that we are still making progress .
During the year , however , death has been rather busy in the province . We have lost 7 6 or 78 members , but throughout the Order we have suffered some notable losses . Lord Lathom , since this time last year , has passed away . Last year , you will remember , we lamented the great sorrow that had befallen him by thc tragic death of his wife ; this > ear we have to lament the death of Lord Lathom himself . I take this opportunity of
expressing our sympathy with Lord Lathom ' s family on his death , and I propose a little later to move a resolution which I am sure you will all cordially concur in . Lord Lathom , besides the distinguished offices he held in connection with Grand Lodge , was , as you know , the Provinc ' al Grand Master of West Lancashire . We have also quite recently a . IV . red another loss in the person of the greatly respected brother , who is well known in
this district , Bro . Col . Starkie , the Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire . Lancashire has thus suffered a double loss , and I propose to include in the resolution I shall move , an expression of our deep sympathy with Col . Starkie ' s family . Locally , we have lost several brethren whose faces were very familiar to us . They were old and active Masons , always read y to assist in the cause of charity when called upon . I may mention
one or two , liro . Armitage and Bro . Broughton , of Bradford ; Bro . Harry Allen , of Sheffield , who was one of Sheffield ' s best loved citizens , and Bro . Gratian , of Barnsley , who was also well known to us . We must expect , in so large a bod y as the Order has now become , constant reminders of what must come sooner or later to all of us . It is gratifying to us to know that thewotkin connection with West Lancashire has been taken uo bv Lord
Lathom s son , who was Lord Skelmersdale , and who , I understand , has been appointed to the position of Provincial Grand Master . I now come to another matter , which , although of a different character , has at the same time with it a note of separation . For some time past my much respected Deputy has felt the time had come when he should retire from the position ot Deputy Provincial Grand Master of this province . He has a gicat deal 01 work to do , and one can hardly wonder that hc should feel a verv loni ? tenure
ol office was not necessary , and perhaps was unwise from the point 01 view of his own engagements . I should like to say now , what I have sauu on a previous occasion , and express my grateful thanks to him for the emcient services and assistance which he has always most willingly rendered 0 me on all occasions . It wculd be impossible for anyone who may fill mat important position to discharge more zealously , more faithfully , and nore impartiall y the vaiious duties which have fallen to his charge . He
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
has made a record as regard the visits which he has paid to lodges in various parts of the province , and I have been especially grateful to him to receive from time to time the reports of his visits to lodges which are more or less inaccessible , and most difficult to reach , and of the work he has done in keeping in touch with those brethren of the outlying lodges . As you know , I attach the greatest importance to this work , because it is impossible for
me to visit them as I desire to do . The time is not at my disposal , and I am sure you echo the regret I feel , that I do not carry out that work better than I do . The next best thing is to have an efficient substitute , and one who has done his work so well as Bro . Malcolm has . I , therefore , part with Bro . Malcolm with the greatest regret , but I cannot any longer resist his appeal to be released from his position , because
I feel he has done a great work in the province , and it would be wrong to resist his own feelings in the matter . 1 am sure he will feel that he carries with him into his retirement not only my respect , but that of every brother in the province . The next point of interest to you is naturally who is going to take the place of Bro . Malcolm . I need not tell you , because you recognise it , how very important and how difficult it is to make the
choice . It is not that I had not before me a sufficient number of brethren for the position , because , I am thankful to say , in this great Province oi West Yorkshire we have a large number of brethren in every respect qualified to fill the highest positions to which they may be called . I have endeavoured , as far as I could , to elicit such information as seemed to me to be necessary , in order to confirm , or otherwise , my own judgment ; and I
will say—and I think it is fair to say—that I have succeeded in satisfying myself that the name , which at the very outset had occurred to me I should be justified in bringing forward with the fullest confidence , would be acceptable to the whole of the province . I may tell you now that I propose to appoint to-day to the position of D . P . G . M . one whom I have had the honour long to know and to respect—Bro . Richard Wilson , of Fidelity Lodge .
I bespeak for him at your hands a hearty welcome and all the assistance which it is in your power to give , and without which it would be impossible for him to discharge his duties . I am sure he will receive at your hands that welcome and that assistance ; and I am confident he will bring to the discharge of his duties conscientiousness , zeal , and absolute impartiality , and that he will win the confidence and respect of every one in the discharge
of the duties of his office . Brethren , there is one other subject that I wish to mention . At our last provincial meeting there was a question—the provision of a central home for the province in the way of offices . At that time some of us hoped it might be possible to have propounded a scheme which meant involving a good deal of cost in carrying it out successfully . The question , as you know , was referred to a Committee , and that Committee
•met on several occasions . I was present at the final discussion , and the question was thoroughly considered by the Committee from every point of view . Now , it is clear that a scheme of that kind , involving so large an expenditure and necessarily a good deal of change , could only be carried out if it met not only with the general assent , but with what I may call the enthusiastic assent and support of every part of the province . I need not
go into the question of what was done by Bros . Richard Wilson and Thos . Winn , who most nobly threw themselves into the work and took the risk entirely upon themselves ; but , to make a long story short , the Committee came to the conclusion that the time was not opportune to carry out so large a scheme , and they decided not to recommend it to Prov . Grand Lodge . That may be disappointing to many of us ; but , at the same time , I should
be unwilling to burden the Prov . Grand Lodge and the lodge accounts with anything in respect to which we had the smallest doubt of their being able to bear . For the time being the matter is ended , and until some fresh proposal is put before you we must consider the matter closed . There is only one other point , and that is , that I hope the appointments of the Prov . Grand Officers that are to be made to-day will prove to be good appointments in
themselves , and will meet with general acceptance . It is always a difficult task to make a selection , to get the representation of every district , and from time to time of every lodge . That is the object before us . I have no doubt that the brethren who will take office will bring to their duties all those qualities which we expect from the members of Prov . Grand Lodge . I will now take this opportunity of proposing this resolution— " That this Provincial Grand Lodge desires to plai e on record its deep sense of the very great loss
the Craft has sustained by the death of the M . W . Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , G . C . B ., R . W . Prov . G . M . West Lancashire , " and I would add " our deep sense of the loss the Craft has sustained by the death of Colonel Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . M . of East Lancashire . " I need not say anything more . The sympathy of all of us has gone out to the relatives at the great loss they have sustained as well as the Craft throughout the world , for no two men were better known than those two brethren .
The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER seconded the motion , and spoke of the loss which the Craft had sustained by the deaths of the Earl of Lathom and Col . Starkie , both of whom possessed the characteristics looked for in brethren holding their high positions—high principles and courtesy towards others . The motion was carried unanimously .
The Prov . Grand Master proceeded to obligate and invest Bro Richard Wilson , P . G . D ., as Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Bro . W . P . RAYNOR , Prov . G . D . of C , made the following proclama » tion . * " By command of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , I now proclaim Worshipful Bro . Richard Wilson , of Westfield , Armley , Leeds , Banker , who has been obligated and invested as the Worshipful
Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Yorkshire . He was initialed in the Fidelity Lodge , No . 28 . ) , Leeds , on the 6 th November , 1 873 , was W . M . in 1879 , and again in 1891 , the centenary year of the lodge . He was elected Prov . Grand Treasurer in 1883 , and appointed Prov . Senior Grand Warden in 18 93 . He was appointed one of the Junior Grand Deacons of England by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most
VVorshipful Grand Master , in April , 1897 . He is a life Governor of each of the three great Masouic Charities , and a Life Governor and Hon . Treasurer of the newly-formed West Yorkshire Benevolent and Educational Fund . For these services he deserves well at the hands of the Craft , and 1 therefore , by virtue of my ollice as Grand Director ol Ceremonies of this Province , do call upon all the Brethren present to salute our Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , (\ ve times according to ancient custom . "
Bro . RICHARD WILSON , P . G . D ., the newly-obligated Deputy Provincial Grand Master , briefly addressed thc brethren . He said he valued most highly , and fully appreciated , the honour which had been conferred on him that day , but the thought which was uppermost in his mind was the great responsibility , and the onerous nature ofthe duties attaching to the office