Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Hall . The brethren present were Bros . James Brett , Senior Vice-President ( in the absence abroad of the President , Bro . R . Grey ) , in the chair ; C . A . Cottebrune , Junior Vice-President , as Senior Vice-President ; and D . D .

Mercer , G . P ., as Junior Vice-President ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . ; Alfred A . Pendlebury , Asst . G . S ., W . H . Lee , and W . Dodds represented the Grand Secretary's Office ; and the other brethren present were Bros . Henry Garrod , S . Vallentine , A . C . Woodward , W . P . Brown , James Bunker , S . H . Goldschmidt , George B . ChapmanCharles Dairy , Richard Eve ,

, Chas . Fredk . Hogard , J . Lewis Thomas , E . Shedd , Walt * ..- Hopekirk , George R . Langley , Frank Williams , George Mickley , H . H . Hyde Clarke , F . W . Hancock , R . H . Stimpson , Henry Creed , Reuben Cochrane , John T . Ashley , James W . Barker , E . T . Rodney Wilde , R . Browne , Pelham C . Maitland , H . Massey ,

S . R . Lovett , George Moreley , R . Main , John Brown , ] . ' M . McLeod , Geo . H . Lewis , E . M . Money , Harry Hunt , C . Bredon , J . Tytheridge , W . A . Anderson , | ohn Oliver , Aylway , V . H . Pauncefort , T . Drew Bear , James Prentice , William Smith , Montagu Sharpe , W . F . B . McQueen , John Fetch , John

Glover , Thomas Draper , F . B . Wilmer , P . Prov . G . Supt . Wks . Leicester and Rutland ; John Green , Charles J . Fox , F . G . Vohmann , Abel Laurence , S . Scherer , A . J . Henochsberg , Geo . Barney , F . Pattison , George Davidson , C . Williams , G . H . Reynolds , Charles Fruen , James Gaywood , T . Bull , H . J . Wicks .

W . Haywood , Charles Nornngton , W . I . H . Mayer , B . A . Lacoste , and H . Sadler , G . Tyler . The Board of Masters was first held , at which the agenda paper for Grand Lodge of 4 th prox . was read . At the Board of Benevolence , recommendations to the Grand Master at last meeting to the amount of , £ 200 were first confirmed . There were 32 cases on the new

list , qualified through lodges in the London district , and at South Shields , Bradford-on-Avon , Narborough , Morpeth , Willington Quay , H . M . ' s 85 th Regiment , Barnstaple , Kirkdale , Castlemaine ( Victoria ) , Burtonon-Trent , Kingston-on-Thames , Calcutta , Jamestown ( St . Helena ) , Malta , Portsmouth , and Reading . Two of the cases were deferred and one was dismissed .

The remainder were relieved with a total of . £ 1010 , which was composed of one recommendation to Grand Lodge of ^ 150 , two for ^ 100 each , and two of ^ 50 each ; five recommendations to the Grand Master of ^ 40 each , four of £ 30 each , and one of £ 25 ; and

nine grants of £ 20 each , two of . £ 10 each , and three of £ 5 each . Although there were only 30 cases on the list , there was a larger number of strong cases than has been known for a long time . The sitting lasted for four hours and a quarter .

Annual Ball Of The Barnato Lodge, No. 2265.

ANNUAL BALL OF THE BARNATO LODGE , No . 2265 .

The third annual ball in aid of the Benevolent Fund of the Barnato Lodge , No . 2265 , was held at the Whitehall Rooms , Hotel Metropole , on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., and was very largely attended , amongst those present being Bro . Sheriff Augustus Harris , G .

Treas ., and Mrs . Harris ; Bro . Richard Eve , P . G . T . ; Bro . E . Terry , P . G . T ., and Mrs . Terry ; Bro . C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . England ; Bro . E . J . Acworth , W . M . 2265 , P . G . S . Essex , and Mrs . Acworth ; Bro . M . J . Jessop , I . P . M ., Secretary of the Ball Committee , and Mrs . Jessop ; Bro . Hugo WarnerTreasurer of

, the Committee , and Mrs . Warner ; Bro . Deputy Sheriff Thos . Beard , P . M . ; Bro . H . I . Barnato , President of the Benevolent Fund ; Bro . Joel , Treasurer of the lodge , and Mrs . Joel ; Bro . I . B . Joel , J . W . ; Bro . M . J . de Leeuw , Sec . ; Bro . R . Baker , P . M . 188 ; and many others .

Coote and Tinney ' s band discoursed sweet music with a most excellent programme , and Bros . J . Honey , P . M . 1017 , S . W . 2265 , and | Robertson were most efficient and indefatigable as M . C . ' s . The result was a most delightful evening , the

company expressing the great pleasure they had derived jrom the ni ght ' s amusement , many of the guests not leaving till nearly six o ' clock , and we trust that a large surplus will be available to augment the funds of the Benevolent Fund .

Masonic Entertainment To Old People At Northampton.

MASONIC ENTERTAINMENT TO OLD PEOPLE AT NORTHAMPTON .

That the Masonic brotherhood is not at all selfish was full y manifested on the afternoon and evening of fiu " * ' ** ' w ' f ° the second year over 700 people p _ - I . . . w u „_ w > . » j -y ,-yj . M . V •" w . 1 yuW ^* . UUl ^

° ' Northamp ton were provided with a tea and entertainment at the Corn Exchange . Each person was over So years of age , and one man had reached 92 . and all appeared to thoroughly enjoy the good things provided

"r them . The gathering was organised b y the mem * AU the Craft attached to the Province of Northants and Hunts , and the different lodges—Pomfret , No . 360 ^' " or Cr oss , No . 1764 , and De La Pre , No . 1911—Tl ? f * the necessary subscriptions most readily . ne distribution of tickets was entrusted to the subcribers pro rata , and over 700 were issued . The Corn MrTu WaS P rettil y decorated for the occasion b y of it , ' ' and the banners ° the different lodges the province were displayed . A Committee of the asters , Wardens , and Secretaries of the different

Masonic Entertainment To Old People At Northampton.

lodges was formed to carry out the arrangements , and the whole proceedings passed off without a single hitch of any kind . The duties of Hon . Sees , were undertaken by Bros . G . Butcher and H . Hodges , and although of a most arduous character were admirably performed . The " guests " began to arrive at the Corn Exchange

shortly before four o ' clock , and when the whole were seated the sig ht was of a most interesting description , and one which could not fail to arouse kindly and sympathetic feelings . All being ready , the company anxiously awaited the arrival of the Duchess of Teck and party , who had

kindly consented , after opening the Needlework Exhibition , to honour the gathering with their presence . Her Roya ! Hig hness arrived about twenty minutes past four , and was accompanied by the Duke of Teck , Princess Victoria Mary and Prince Adolphus , Maria , Marchioness of Ailesbury , Lady Granville , and the

Earl and Countess Spencer . The party were met at the entrance by the following-Committee of Reception : Bros . Butler Wilkins , P . G . Std . Br . England , D . P . G . M . ; Rev . S . J . W . Sanders , LL . D ., P . G . C . England ; E . B . Fletcher , W . M . 360 ; T . P . Dorman , W . M . 1764 ; E . M . Browne , W . M . 1911 ; J . J . Hart , Prov . G . D . C . ;

G . Ellard , 3 60 , P . P . S . G . W . ; R . Croft , P . M . 1764 ; G . Butcher , P . M . 1764 , Prov . S . G . W . ; and H . Hodges , 1764 , who , with the exception of Bro . Butler Wilkins and Bro . the Rev . Dr . Sanders , carried their wands of office . Her Royal Hig hness and the illustrious party were conducted to the orchestra by Bro . Butler Wilkins ,

the Worship ful Master , who walked backwards , bowing the whole of the distance . As soon as the Duchess and party were noticed , the National Anthem was played on the organ by Mr . Brook Sampson , and subsequently hearty cheers were sent up . The orchestra had been specially arranged by Bro . I .

Jeffery , and the chairs provided for the party were of an exceptionally grand character . Her Royal Hig hness and the other distinguished guests having taken their seats , Bro . the Rev . Dr . Sanders stepped forward , and read and presented the following address to the Duchess of Teck : —

"Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons . " Province of Northants and Hunts . " To their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Teck .

" May it please your Royal Highnesses , —We , the Freemasons of Northampton , members of an ancient Order which has in times past been honoured , and still is , by the participation in its mysteries of many members of your Royal House , desire to offer our sincere expressions of welcome to our town .

" We have the greater pleasure in our welcome since your presence amongst us is due to an unvarying willingness on your part to assist in works of benevolence , and we rejoice that you find us in the act of carrying out one of the distinctive characteristics of our Ancient Craft so much in harmony with many

actions on the part of your Royal Highnesses which endear you to this realm and people . " We pray the blessing of the Grand Architect of the Universe on all your undertakings , and that He may grant to your Royal Highnesses continued prosperity and happiness .

' ' Signed on behalf of the Freemasons of Northamptonshire this 3 rd day of February , A . D . 1891 , A . L . 5891 , Butler Wilkins , D . P . G . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; S . J . W . Sanders , P . G . C . England ; E . B . Fletcher , W . M . 3 60 ; T . P . Dorman , W . M . 176 4 ; E . Montague Browne , W . M . 1911 , * John James Hart , Prov . G . D . C . "

Her Royal Highness having graciously accepted the address , The Dukeof TECK made the following reply . * Gentlemen , Freemasons of Northampton , in acknowledging your hearty welcome , I beg to express to you , on Princess Mary's behalf , how deeply touched she is by your

kind and gratifying words , as well as your appreciation of her efforts in the cause of benevolence , a cause in which you ever set so bright an example . We gladly acted on your suggestion to be present at this entertainment , in order to have the pleasure of meeting so many of the oldest inhabitants of this town .

At the conclusion of this part of the ceremony the Duchess of Teck graciously received a splendid bouquet composed of orchids , Eucharis lilies , frisses , lilies of the valley , h ) 'acinths , tulips , & c , which was presented to her by the grand-daughter of Bro . Butler Wilkins , aged four . Master G . H . Butcher , aged five , son of

Bro . G . Butcher , also presented choice posies to Princess Victoria Mary and the Countess Spencer . They were composed of Lenten lilies , frisses , lilies of the valley , hyacinths , & c , and the three were supplied by Bro . A . Cockerill . Grace was then sung , and the tea began . Her Royal

Highness and party remained seated for some little time to witness the pleasant proceedings . At this juncture the Mayor ( Councillor G . Norman ) , wearing his chain of office , and the Mayoress ( Mrs . Norman ) ascended the platform , and as they had previously been introduced , the Duke ot Teck came and seated himself

between them , and entered into conversation most freely . After remaining about a quarter of an hour , her Royal Highness and party rose to leave . They were escorted to the door by the Reception Committee in a

similar manner as they entered . Mr . Brook Sampson played the National Anthem , and the company cheered heartily and waved their handkerchiefs . The tea was then proceeded with . There was a plentiful supply of meat , cake , and bread and butter , and the

Masonic Entertainment To Old People At Northampton.

whole was admirably served . The commisariat department was kindly taken charge of b y Bro . Quarter-Master Hughes , and the arrangements were earned out in his usual excellent manner . The following ladies kindly consented to preside at the numerous tables , and took an evident delight in their self-imoosed task

Miss Michell , Mrs . Vials , Miss Arkell , Mrs . Thorpe , Mrs . Walton , Mrs . Mulliner , Mrs . C . Cooke , sen ., Mrs . Jeffry , Mrs . Blunt , Mrs . Bailey , Mrs . Merry , Miss E . Smith , Mrs . Gold , Mrs . Kellett , Miss Swallow , Mrs . Sherwood , Mrs . Fletcher , Miss Ashdowne , Mrs . Chapman , Mrs . Bryan , jun ., Mrs . H . Tebbntt . Mrs . Smith .

Mrs . Wilkinson , Mrs . C . Cooke , jun ., Mrs . S . Barber Miss Frisby , Mrs . W . F . Tipler , Mrs . Currall , Mrs . Archer , Mrs . G . Butcher , Mrs . Pratt , Mrs . Emery , Mrs . Barnett , Mrs . Hodges , Mrs . Robinson , Mrs . Ellard , Mrs . Wallis , Mrs . Williamson , Mrs . Faulkner , Miss Wilkins , Miss Wetherall , Miss Franks . Mrs . Mardlin

Mrs . Beel , Mrs . Hughes , Mrs . Campion , Miss Stanton , Mrs . Page , Mrs . Thompson , Mrs . Clayson , Mrs . Edmund , Mrs . Pearson , Mrs . Ingman , Mrs . Ashford , Mrs . J . Barber , Mrs . Binglev , Mrs . Brown , Mrs . Airs , Mrs . Jones , Mrs . Morris , Mrs . Boycott , Mrs . Martin ' , Miss Sanders , and Mrs . W . Luck .

A large number of the subscribing brethren of the three lodges also lent their aid as waiters , and the wants of each and every one of the company were well and readily looked after . Some 200 tickets were issued to visitors to witness the proceedings , and the orchestra was well filled

principally by ladies , who took an evident interest in the proceedings . After tea grace was sung , and the old people were then supplied with snuff and p ipes and tobacco . Each man was given two tickets and each woman one ticket for beer , and aerated waters were supplied ad libitum .

Before the entertaiment provided for the amusement of the company begun , Bro . Rev . Dr . SANDERS ascended the platform and addressed the gathering . He said he had been asked in the name of the Freemasons to express the great pleasure they felt at seeing them present for the second year . One of the brethren had

said he supposed if was to be . an annual affair , and he ( Bro . Dr . Sanders ) said he thought the company would reply , " Yes , of course it must be . " He was very curious to know what idea people had of Freemasonry outside . Doubtless some people thought Freemasons

were a body who delighted in very gaudy clothing , and that they became Masons in order that they might decorate themselves with grand jewels and expensive attire . He admitted there were some portions of Freemasonry which consisted of a good deal of dress , but he did not want them to have the idea that Freemasonry

consisted merel y in the wearing of grand clothes and jewels . There were also some who thought Freemasonry consisted onl y in eating and drinking , but that certainly could not be said of the Freemasons of Northampton . It might be asked what were Freemasons for ? but that was a secret he could not tell

them , and he would not and could not even tell his wife . It mi ght appear to be a dreadful thing to have secrets from their wives , but he did not think they troubled about it much . Although he could not tell them the secrets of Freemasonry , he could tell them they were told to do good and to promote happiness

wherever they could . The Freemasons did a good deal for their own Charities , and they had a number of pensioners whom they provided for . They also had their Schools for both boys and girls , which were well looked after . It mi ght be thought they had been tempted to confine their efforts too much to spreading happiness

among their own people . Freemasonry , was , however , also intended to promote happiness among other people who were not connected vvith the Craft , and they felt the more happy because they could make those present happy . They were glad to see their happy faces , and they were thankful to learn

that the tea of last year pleased them so much that many of them had made great efforts to be present again this year . There was not one so happy , however , as the least one among the body of Freemasons . As he had before stated , the one man who had suggested the holding of such a gathering was one whom they as

Freemasons all respected , and whom they all loved—Bro . Butler Wilkins . He had stated to him ( Dr . Sanders ) that he was never so happy in his lite as when he found the tea of last year went off so well . What amount of happiness Bro . Wilkins must feel that day he did not know , especially when they had

had Royalty present . They had had the pleasure of seeing Royalty at their tea , and they as Masons had had the pleasure of welcoming Royalty among them . They felt intensely happy in the fact , and hoped all present were the same . Continuing , Dr . Sanders asked the company to leave all their cares at home , as they

would certainly wait for them until they got back . They should forget everything except to be happy , and to try and make their nei ghbours as happy as they could . He hoped they would reall y be happy , and enjoy themselves , and that they might all have the pleasure of meeting each other again next year .

An excellent entertainment then followed , and the company broke up shortly before nine o ' clock , when the National Anthem was played . On leaving , each woman was presented with a quarter of a pound of tea . The catering department was undertaken by Bro . J . Norman , Steward of the Masonic Club .

The new Masonic Hall of New Orleans is to cost -jig 1 , 500 for the structure , and the contract has been awarded at that sum . When finished , New Orleans will have the finest temple in the Southern States . <