Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.

mark of their renewed confidence . He could only say in reply to the observations of Bro . Pearse that the bankers fortunately were not of his selection , but were chosen by the Prov . G . Lodge . The loss by the failure of the- , b-inkers was £ Si is . nd . With the consent of thu Prov . G . Master be accepted the composition which tbe Hampshire and North Wilts Bank offered , 9 * . in the . £ , to Ihe creditors of Messrs . Willis , Pereival and Co .

The account of the Provincial Grand Lodge still stood at the Hampshire and North Wilts Banking Co . and would continue to do so unless the Prov . G . Lodge decided otherwise . Bro . II . A . Dul-ois moved that the account be continued to be kept at the Bank . Bro . Saunders seconded the motion ; and then observed that the . bank was a first class bank , which had for a long period been conducting a large and extensive

business . ft was therefore resolved unanimously to keep the Prov . G . Lodge account at the Bank of the Hampshire and North Wilts Banking Co . On the motion of Bro . F . Davison , seconded by Dr . Ramsiy , Bro . J . Gilbert was unanimously re-elected Prov . Grand Tyler .

The Prov . G . M . then said that it had for several years been the custom of this Prov . G . Lodge to devote certain sums to thc different Masonic Charities . These sums had been ten guineas to the Boys' School , ten guineas to the Girls' School , and £ 10 to thcaged Freemasons . He proposed that they should dc the same again this year . Bro . T . J . Sabine seconded the motion , and these

sums were unanimously voted . Before passing to thc appointment of Provincial Grand officers for th . year , the Prov . G . M . drew the brethren ' s attention to the circumstance of the annual meetings of the I ' rov . G . L . not taking place on a fixed day ; and he requested thc brethren ' s consideration of the subject , whether it would be advisable to appoint a fixed day , say

the third Saturday in June . There were many brethren who would have wished to be present at the present meeting but were absent because there was not a fixed day by which they would have been able to regulate other engagement-. Among these brethren was Capt . Cockle , whom he V . MS going to appoint Prov . G . S . W . He was very happy to see so large a meeting , but he believed it would

have be'en still larger if there had been a fixed day for it . Bro . F . D evison remarked that if any of the provincial lodges held their regukr meetings on the day suggested they would have Walter them . 'i'he Pr : > v . G . M . said of course they would , but that could be easily arranged . He would let the matter stand over for the present , and whatever his decision was would be

communicated to eac . i lodge in the province . The following brethren were then appointed to office :-Capt . Cockle ( Bro . F . Davison invested for bin ) Prov . G . S . W . Col . Peters Prov . G . J . W . Rev . W . S . Moses Prov . G . Chaplain Rev . I . f . Wray Prov . G . Chaplain

Rushwcnth Prov . G . Reg . 11 . (' . Buss Prov . G . Treas . II . C . Levander Prov . G . Sec . Saunders Prov . G . S . D . | . Llewe'lyn Jones Prov . G . J . D . Tlnmiis Wells Prov . G . S . of W C . S . Brown Prov . G . D . C .

Capt . R gir .-ild W . Williams , M . A ., P . I' . G . O Prov . G . Swd . B . Louis Ik-ck Prov . G . Org . Oiiscoll Prov . G . P . J . B . Shackleton Prov . Assist . G . P . Simp'ou Biker , Thrupp , Mead , Keene , I ownsend , and Hammond Prov . G . Stewards

J . Gilbert Prov . G . Tyler . These brethren were then saluted . Bro . H . A . Dubois said that as this was the first meeting til the Prov . Grand Lodge since riie lamented decease of Bro . Little , tbe Deputy Prov . G . M ., he would move that a vol .: of condolence with Bro . Little's widow be passed , and a Utter sent to her accompanying a copy of the vote .

Bro . James Lewis Thomas seconded the motion , which was put tn the brethren and carried unanimously . Tin- I'rov . G . M . directed Bro . Levander to say in the letter that the vote was agreed to unanimously . Proiincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the bretl 1 vii adjourned to banquet . After the banquet the toasts and speeches wen : given very shortly , as the time was

limited , on account of the trains , and when the toast of " The- Queen and the Craft " had been honoured , the Prov , G . M . proposed "The M . W . G . M ., the Pro G . M ., the Dep . O . M ., and the Rest ofthe Grand Oflicers , " in one toast , calling upon General Brownrigg to reply . Br •. General Brownrigg said he believed it was Byron who described " Cerberus , " the dog who guarded the gates

of a place he would not mention , as being " three gentlemen rilled into one ; " but thc Prov . G . M . had done him the * honour of rolling four into one in the toast he had just proposed . He ( General Brownrigg ) was no doubt the " v - 'nior Grand Officer present , as it was now twenty-five years since- he was appointee ! S . G . W . in the Grand Lodge of Iv gland . Speaking for the Grand Officers , he thought

that , . s a rule , the Craft would agree in the selection of •¦ ram ! Oflicers . As belonging to the Council which had the honour of selecting them , he knew the extreme difficulty there was in balancing the claims of those who from the , r Masonic proficiency were deserving of » Grand Lodge honours . Tbe Craft acknowledged that the honours were

worthil y bestowed . The task of . selection had been especiall y difficult of late years , the field having become so much larger on account of the great increase in Freema-•-oniy from which the officers were to be taken , than it "as at the time he was chosen Grand Senior Warden . The - ¦ rand Officers tried their best to do their duty ; and it was l"am that they must from old habits , if from nothing

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.

else , have the interests of the Craft at heart . He could not sit down without expressing his great gratification at finding himself ranged alongside his de » r old friend the Prov . G . M . of Middlesex . They generally found themselves at these Masonic entertainments tide by side , and he thought this was emblematical of the cordial assistance and co-operation that the Provinces of Surrey and

Middlesex , geographically united as they were , would always g ive to one another . Gen . Brownrigg proposed "The Health of the Prov . G . M . " with whom he could not help having particular sympathy because knowing the duties which devolved upon a Prov . G . M ., he knew the difficulties he must have ( which every Prov . G . M . had ) in the distribution of his patronage .

He had been trying to instil into the minds of the brethren of his own province that those ivha were anxious for the provincial purple , and those who were anxious , as all were , for the higher ranks , must remember that there were only two Wardenships that could be given . He had also done his best to shovv them that in his province all the purple aprons should be considered co-equal ; that there

were only two Wardenships , and therefore the selection must be made among those who had done the greatest work in thc Craft . He thought that those who received the inferior collars ought to be just as well satisfied as those who had the superior . The brethren of Surrey took a particular interest in Middlesex . The province of Surrey considered itself a sort of elder sister , and felt that it was only

natural that the younger sister should be more prolific in lodges . During the time the province of Middlesex had been established it had produced nearly double the number of lodges that Surrey had in the same time . In her production he wished her success , and hoped that her future offspring would be as satisfactory as those represented at the present meeting .

The Prov . G . M . in replying expressed the pleasure he had in seeing the progress of the Craft in his province , a progress which had far surpassed everything that he or any member of the province could have anticipated . He had hacl very able friends in the province to assist in carrying it forward , anti it was in consequence of their exertions that the province had arrived at its present proud

position . It had achieved a pos tion of great power and influence , from which he hoped it would never retrograde . On the contrary he hoped it would continue to progress as it had progressed for thc last seven or eight years . Hourly , daily and yearly , he felt more flattered and honoured by the position he now held in consequence of the enormous number of brethren and lodges joining the

ranks in the province . 'I'he dnties of the Prov . G . M . were great , but he endeavoured to peiform them to thc satisfaction of the brethren . These were the feelings which animated him , and as long as he could peiform his duties to the brethren's satisfaction , he hoped to do so , and to live as respected as he would at the present moment . He could not help feeling that he was respected , and

although it might appear like egotism he could not avoid saying so . The brethren had met tiim with so much fraternal affection that he flattered himself that he was respected and beloved by the Craft . The Prov . G . M . proposed " The Deputy Prov . G . M . and the Past Dep . Prov . G . Masters , " and mentioned that il he had not found that Sir Charles Bright was enthusiastically

inclined towards the Order , he should not have placed himself in such a precarious position as to appoint him as Dep . Prov . G . M . Sir Charles Bright in the course of his acknowledgment said that the I ' rov . G . M . did all the work and left nothing whatever for his assistants to do . Speaking for the lest of the Grand Officers just appointed bethought he could

say , as far as they were all concerned , they , like himself , wished to be true and hearty supporters , shoulder to shoulder of their Right Worshiplul Prov . G . M . He should try to do his duty well , and he was sure everybody else would , and the province would go on progressing . He thought General Brownrigg had spoken of tne province in tones of envy , but the province would go on

supporting him with love arid affection as Bro . Masons . Col . Shadwell Clerke , G . S . D . of England , responded for " The Visitors . " This was not the first or the second time he had had the pritilege of being present at the Prov . Grand Lodge of Middlesex , and he could honestly say he hoped it would not be the last , aud he said this for many reasons , but particularly for ihe unanimity , and good feel .

ing , ancl cordiality he found among the brethren . There was but one cloud which passed over his feelings , and that was caused by the absence from among them of his old friend and schoolfellow , Bro . Robert Wentworth Little . Let them hope that he had gone to that reward which his numerous social and Masonic qualities led them to trust he was entitled to .

The Prov . G . M . next gave " The Masonic Charities , " and reiterated the remarks he made in tbe Prov . Grand Lodge , that it had been the custom at all these yearly gatherings to vote sums of money to the Masonic Institutions . Col . Peters , Prov . G . J . W ., replying , said it had always been his delight ever since he had been a Mason to do

everything he could for the Charities . As long as the province of Middlesex had such members as it had ic would have good lists for the three Charities . He then thanked the Prov . G . M . for having appointed him to the rank of Prov . G . J . W ., and said he had not expected it , and did not think he deserved it . The brethren having received the Tyler ' s toast separated .

Freemasonry In Sussex.

FREEMASONRY IN SUSSEX .

On Wednesday , thc 12 th inst ., the officers of Provincial Grand Lodge and the Masters of lodges in the Province of Sussex were entertained by the R . W . Provincial Grand Master ( Sir Walter W . Burrell , Bart ., M . P . ) , at his si-at , West Grinstead Park . Nearly all those who had thc

Freemasonry In Sussex.

privilege of an invitation were present . After a stroll round the park and a minute inspection of the valuable contentsof the mansion , the company , numbering about thirty , sat down to an elegant oanquet in the fine old dining hall . The bill of fare enumerated every delicacy of the season , and the dinner was a magnificent entertainment . At the close of the repast , the Prov . Grand Master gave

the loyal and Masonic toasts in terse but pointed terms , and they were warmly received . With " The Health o the Provincial Grancl Officers " he coupled the name o Bro . Dixon , Prov . G . S . W . Bro . Dixon , in responding , referred to the popularity of the recent appointment of Sir Walter Burrell as Prov . G . Master of the Masons of Sussex , and expressed a sincere

hope that he might long be spared to occupy that distinguished position , a remark which elicited warm approbation . Bro . Wyatt , Chichester , replied to the toast of " The Masters of Lodges in the Province of Sussex , " a band of brethren whom Sir Walter , in giving tbe toast , said were distinguished for their zeal and ability in the cause of Freemasonry .

Bro . John H . Scott , D . P . G . M ., gave " The Health of Sir Walter Burrell , M . P . " Referring to his recent appointment , he said it was necessary in one occupying that position , that he should be of noble birth , in easy circumstances , and have the welfare of Freemasonry at heart . In all these respects the present Prov . G . M . was eminently fitted for the post he held , and he felt satisfied that a more

popular selection could not have been made . ( Loud applause . ) In response , Sir Walter W . Burrell paid a very high comp liment to the distinguished ability of his Deputy ( Bro . John Scott ) , to whom , he said , was due in a great measure the high position of the Craft in the province . He saitl , so long as he had health , he should feel it a high

honour to occupy the position to which the Grand Mastei of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , had thought fit to appoint him . ( Cheers . ) He hoped to meet them on many annual occasions similar to the meeting of that day , as he believed such gatherings would tend greatly to promote the best interests of the Craft . Bro . Jos . Farnham , P . G . Stwd . ( South Saxon , Lewes ) ,

gave " The Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Freeman , " a brother occupying a very onerous a « d difficult position , but one which he filled with great ability and to the entire satisfaction of the brethren . Uro . V . P . Freeman acknowledged thc compliment in

appropriate terms , expressive of his gratification at having the confidence of the brethren generally . Bro . C . A . Wooley , P . G . Registrar ( South Sixon ) , proposed "The Health of Lady Burrelband thc other Ladies of the Family " in a few well-chosen remarks , the toast being acknowledged by Sir Walter .

Grand Mark Lodge.

GRAND MARK LODGE .

A moveable meeting of the Grand Mark Lodge of England was held on Friday week , and was a memorable day in the history of Masonry , so far as Cumberland and Westmorland were concerned , the Provincial Mark Lodge of the two counties having been honoured by a special visit from thc Grand Lod ge of

Mark Master Masons of England anel Wales , and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown . The gathering was held at Keswick , the- Provincial Grand Lodge being held under the banner of Bective L-nlge , No . 147 , in that town , whilst the Grancl L- clge was held under the auspices of the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland . The principal work of the Grand Lodge was to

consecrate two new lodges , viz ., Fletcher Lodge , No . 213 , Whitehaven , named after the late Major Fletcher ; aiid the Henry Lodge , No . 216 , Frizington , named after Bro . Dr . E . W . Henry , Whitehaven . Both these lodges , it may be mentioned , have previously held charters , and been worked , under the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland ; but latterly there has sprung up among ! t the members a

laudable idea of severing themselves from the Scottish Constitution , and transferring their allegiance to the Grand Maik Lodge of England . This feeiing has become very geneial amongst the few Mark lod ges in England holding their charteis from Scotland , and besides the two bodies referred to , there is talk of yet another lodge

( True Friendship , No . 27 , Maryport ) throwing in its Scotch charter , and applying for admission to the English Grand Lodge . Independ nt of these , we understand that steps are being taken to open a lodge of Mark Master Masons at Cockermouth . Should such come to pass , thc Province of Cumberland and Westmorland will then bc

about as strong as any in the northern counties . The working proceedings of the day took pi ice at the Couit Buildings , -which had undergone a most elaborate ornamentation at the hands of thc brethren of Bective Lodge , prominent amongst the decorations being a fine collection of lake and mountain s-enery in oil , the " chefs d'oeuvreof Bro . A . Pettitt , Lodge 147 , Keswick , three of

whose latest representations of Thirlmere are now the property of the Mayor and Corporation of Manchester and have been lent to the Council of the Art Treasures Exhibition in that city . Tne ordinary Afarfc lodge wis opened shortly after twelve , there being a good attendance from the following lodges : —Cumberland , No . 60 , Carlisle ; Bective , 147 , Keswick ; Whitwell , itji ,

Maryport ; Kent Dale , 195 , Kendal ; Fletcher , 213 , Whitehaven ; Henry , 216 , Frizington ; together with a few visitors from Electric Lodge , 39 , West Hartlepool ; Grosvenor , 144 , London , & c . Bro . Col . Whitwell , M . P ., Deputy Provincial Grand Master , in the absence of the Earl of Bective ,

M . P ., Provincial Grind Master , opened the Provincial Grand Lodge , subsequently , supported by the following present and past officers : —Bros . Jos . Nicholson , P . M . 151 , P . P . G . S . W ., as D . P . G . M . ; Dr . Henry , 60 , P . G . S . W . ; G . J . McKay , 1 95 , P . G . J . W . ; J . Gardiner , 151 , P . G . M . O ;; W . F . Lamonby , 151 , P . G . A . D . C . ( Freemason ) , as P . G . S ,