Fortescue Masonic Annuity Fund.

Matthews , P . M . 2 S 2 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Chas . Stebbing , P . M . 156 , P . G . Treas . ; Chas Piper , P . M . 1753 , P . D . G . D . C . ; A . S . Hendry , P . M . 189 , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . B . Gover , P . M . 70 , P . P . G . Sec . ; Jas . Grillin , P . M . 2025 , P . P . J . G . D . ; C . G . Withell , P . M . 70 , P . P . J . G . D . ; B . S . John , P . M . 159 , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . W . Atherton , P . P . A . G . D . ofC ; J . W . Ccrnish , P . M . 223 , P . P . G . Treas . ; W . T . Hocking ,. P . M . 70 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Philip Rcjusham , P . M . 1 SS 5 , P . P . G . S . B . ; F . G . Knight , P . M . 156 , P . P . S . G . D . ; Ed . G . Dutton , P . M . 1255 ; John Wallis , P . M . 1225 ; D . Cross , P . M . 1205 , P . P . G . Treas . ; and Cecil R . JI . Clapp , P . M . 112 , Hon . Secretary to the Fund .

The annual report presented by the Hon . Secretary , showed that during the past year the contributions from the lodges in the province had exceeded jfjOO . All claims had been met and an addition of £ 350 had been made to the Invested Fund . Amidst , however , this gratifying success , regret was expressed that there were still many lodges which had failed to take any interest in the great work of the Fund , and the Committee expressed a sincere hope that this apithy would cease and earnestly appealed to Devonshire Freemasons to respond in the future .

The Committee recommended the election of two annuitants ( out of five nominations ) , which would raise the number of recipients on the Fund to 15 , aged and needy brethren whose life would be materially brightened through the efforts of the brethren who supported the Fortescue Annuity Fund . ( Hear , hear . ) The annual financial report spoke for itself , the balance brought forward from last year was £ 9 > g , and the receipts for the year made the total £ 866 . On the other

side the payments to annuitants amounted to £ 397 , while the management expenses only made a total of 15 guineas , which included printing , stationery , and postages , there being no ofiice or other official expenditure—a matter upon which the meeting at a later stage congratulated the subscribers and paid a welldeserved tribute to the Committee of Management , and especially to the Hon . Treasurer ( Bro . E . H . Sholto ) , and the Hon . Secretary ( Bro . C . R . M . Clapp ) , for their continued efforts in this ' labour of love . "

The adoption of the report was most heartily agreed to , and on the motion of Bro . J . STOCKER the following brethren were re-elected to the Committee of Management : Bros . W . Allsford , T . W . Atherton , J . F . Ellerton , W . G . Rogers , C . S . Stebbing , H . Stocker , W . Vicary , and F . B . Westlake . The Hon . Secretary was , on the motion of Bros . ALLSFORD and PIPER , reelected , a well-deserved tribute being paid to Bro . Clapp for his work in conne :-tion with the Institution .

The re-election of Bro . E . H . Shorto as Hon . Treasurer , proposed and seconded by Bros . GOVKR and MATTHEW , was equally cordial , special reference being made to his efforts to promote the usefulness of the Fund and to the success which had attended his work . Bro . SHORTO , in reply , said five yeais ago they had only six annuitants , but now they had 15 , and , as was shown by the report , all the money subscribed was devoted to the purpose intended—to assist old and worthy brethren who were in need of their help and sympathy .

Bros . C . T . K . Roberts and C . H . Fulford were re-elected Auditors , and Bros . Allsford , Piper , and Withell were appointed Scrutineers for the election of the annuitants . The five candidates on the voting papers were—A brother from Elms Lodge , Devonport , who brought forward on this—his third application—824 votes , and receiving ' 300 more , was declared elected with 1124 votes . The next on poll was a brother from Harmony Lodge , Plymouth , who made his first application , and was successful with 1087 votes .

The unsuccessful candidates , who will carry their votes forward for the next election , were a brother of Torridge Lodge , who received 735 votes ; a brother from Harmony Lodge , Budleigh Salterton , who brought forward on this—his fourth application—123 votes , and added 45 to it , 168 ; and an aged brother residing at Brixham , whose poll totalled 27 . The total votes polled numbered 2192 .

After the CHAIRMAN had announced the result , and appealed to the brethren to personally assist such a deserving Masonic Charity , and to bring it before their lodges , and to enlist the sympathy of all true Masons for this and the other Charities , Bro . SHORTO proposed , and Bro . STEBBING seconded , a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Westlake .

This was carried with much enthusiasm , special allusion being made to Bro . Westlake's successful work as the representative of the province on the great Masonic Charities , and to the esteem in which he was held , not only in the pro . vince , but also in Grand Lodge . Votes of thanks to the Scrutineers , and to the Hon . Treasurer and Hon . Secretary closed the proceedings .

Summer Outing Of The Earl Of Lathom Lodge, No. 1922.

SUMMER OUTING OF THE EARL OF LATHOM LODGE , No . 1922 .

At the regular meeting of the above lodge , held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on Monday , the ioth instant , the W . M ., Bro . Henry Cornford , expressed the wish that the brethren would support the annual outing , and meet him , with the ofiicers of the lodge , on the following day ( Tuesday ) , and leave by the 1040 train for Oxted , in Surrey . The response was most hearty , and among those present were Bros . H . Cornford , W . M . ; W . R . Peachey , I . P . M . ; E . J . S .

Ware , S . VV . ; A . Chadderton , J . W . ; W . G . Cannon , P . M ., Treas . ; L . C . Shipton , P . M ., Sec ; L . S . Shipton , Asst . Sec ; A . R . Jackson , S . D . ; F . Riches , J . D . ; G . Herridge , A . D . C ; Roberton , I . G . ; J . N . Taylor , Org . ; W . E . Groom and T . T . Harriss , Stewards ; O . Lemare , P . M . ; Taylor , P . M . ; C . Plant , P . M . ; Lord , S . Shipton , Hipgrave , H . Lambert , Heath , Grove , Wedge ,

Dean , Messent , Emary , Low , Wise , Pearson , Notley , Vieusseux , G . F . Lambert , Costello , Seale , Chamness , and Maltby . The visitors wert Bros . Grover , J . Hooper , P . M . ; T . Hobley , W . M . 1320 ; Courtney , Fairbairn , Walter Munroe , Houlton , Taylor , jun ., Davenall , and C . H . Stone , P . M . ; and Messrs . Wallace , Woodward , Cornford , jun ., J . Dellow , C . H . Eykyn , and Brown .

The party having been provided with saloon carriages , in due time arrived at Oxted , when they made for Hoskin ' s Hotel , Bro . T . Tucker proprietor , who had supplied an excellent luncheon , which was much appreciated . The luncheon ended , a most enjoyable programme had been arranged by the worthy host , which consisted of a circuit through the Weald of Kent in waggonettes , the principal halt being made at Edenbridge . The company having returned by 5 . 30

p . m . to Hoskin ' s Hotel , sat down to a recherche banquet by Bro . T . Tucker , for which he received special thanks for having provided such a feast both for mind and body . The cloth removed , the PRESIDENT gave the customary loyal and Masonic toasts in truly Masonic terms , specially remarking the de ; p interest her Majesty took in all the Masonic Institutions .

Summer Outing Of The Earl Of Lathom Lodge, No. 1922.

Bro . W . R . PEACHEY , I . P . M ., in presenting the toast of "The Bro . President Henry Cornford , " who had provided the company with a splendid treat , said they had had a most delightful day , wanted for nothing , and the whole reflected the greatest credit upon the President for his tact and the admirable manner in which the proceedings had been carried out . AH knew the intense interest the W . M . took in the lodge , and the manner in which he performed his duties there , and on that occasion he was not wanting , but one and all were delighted for the excellent outing he had provided for them .

In responding , Bro . HENRY CORNFORD most heartily thanked the proposer for such kindly expressions towards him , and also for the cordial reception of the same by the visitors and brethren . It certainly was a very proud moment in his life when he was elected to the position of W . M . of the Earl of Lathom Lodge . He had thought at one time he never could aspire to such , but having put his shoulder to the plough he could not turn back , nor did he wish it , for the many kindnesses and support he had received in the lodge fully recompensed him

for his exertions . He earnestly hoped that that sime spirit would continue during his year of office , and would permeate the whole succeeding Masterships , and that the institution of the Earl of Lathom summer outing would be as excellently catered for by Bro . T . Tucker as upon tbe present occasion . The young officers in the lodge fully justified their positions , and he hoped he should continue to have their hearty and capable support , so that on leaving the chair he might fully justify the kindly expressions used towards him .

The toast of " The Visitors " was most cordially presented by the PRESIDENT , giving them all a kindly welcome , and thanking them for their presence . The toast was most ably replied to by Bro . WALTER MUNROE , who stated the whole proceedings had been the very acme of perfection , and he wished every success to the lodge .

Mr . DELLOW stated the intense pleasure it gave him to reply on behalf of the visitors , although he himself was a most retiring member , but the President having thrown down the gauntlet , he was obliged to respond and reecho every sentiment expressed by the last speaker . He hoped that it would not be the last time he should be present at so enjoyable an outing .

The PRESIDENT next gave the toast of " The Worthy Host , Bro . T . Tucker , " who had been most energetic , and had most efficiently catered for them . He had provided everything in a most handsome manner , the vehicles , and the festive board beautifully decorated with flowers . He most heartily thanked him on behalf of the lodge and the company present . In reply , Bro . T . TUCKKR most heartily thanked them for so cordial a

greeting ; he had done his utmost for them , not only in catering , but also for the drive in one of the prettiest parts of the country . He would not accept the whole credit , but must claim much on behalf of his good wife , who was ever ready to assist in providing the very best for her company . He was glad the whole proceedings had been enjoyed by them , and he hoped it would be his pleasure to provide similarly on many future occasions .

Some capital harmony was provided by Bros . Munroe , Costello , Jackson , and Mr . Dobel , under the efficient organist Bro . J . N . Taylor . The greatest credit is likewise due to the strenuous exertions put forth by Bros . L , C . Shipton , P . M ., Sec , and his assiduous Asst . Sec , Bro . L . S .. Shipton , and every member of the outing Committee , consisting of the officers of the lodge .

Laying Memorial Stone Of Queen Victoria Masonic Hall, St. Budeaux.

LAYING MEMORIAL STONE OF QUEEN VICTORIA MASONIC HALL , ST . BUDEAUX .

On Saturday , the Sth instant , in the presence of a large company , memorial stones were laid in connection with the "Queen Victoria" Masonic Hall , now being erected at St . Budeaux . Members of the Queen Victoria Lodge had hitherto met at the Trelawney Hotel . But the idea of building a Masonic Hall suggested itself , and the matter being taken up with much spirit , a company was formed and registered as the Queen Victoria Masonic Hall Company , Limited . A site was secured at Victoria-terrace in close proximity to the station and in the main road leading to St . Budeaux villiage . Mr . J . E . Carter secured the tender for the erection of the building , and the foundations were laid some six weeks

since . It will be a one-storey erection , the front of which will be of dressed limestone . The retiring room will be in the front , and the large room immediately behind . The room will be 45 ft . by 26 ft . The architect is Mr . J . H . Nunn , of Plymouth , and the opening ceremony will take place about November next . The directors of the company are Bros . E . Fage ( Chairman ); C . Smale ,

S . W . ; W . Truscott , J . W . ; F . C . Edyvean , W . M . ; and S . Brooming . There were two stones placed in position on Saturday , one in the front and the other the north-east corner stone . The first was laid by Bro . E . Fage , Chairman of Directors , and bore the following inscription : " Queen Victoria Masonic Hall . —This memorial stone was laid by W . Bro . E . Fage , I . P . M ., Sth July , 1899 , "

The Rev . A . J . HAMLYN having offered prayer , Bro . J , E . Carter , the builder , presented to Bro . E . Fage a very handsome silver trowel ,, inscribed , " In commemoration of his laying the memorial stone of the Queen Victoria Masonic Lodge , July Sth , 18 99 . " Bro . FAGE , having thanked Bro . Carter for his handsome gift , proceeded to review the circumstances that led to the building of the lodge . Hiving returned

thanks to the brethren of Plymouth and others , he especially mentioned 3 ro . Westlake , with Bro . Lord , who had given the sto . - . e he ( Bro . Fage ) was about to lay —( applause)—and Bro . Gover . He also stated that Bro . Annear hid kindly promised a tablet when the building was complete . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Fage then laid the stone , declaring it " well and truly laid , " and the party were then photographed .

The brethren retired to the interior of the building , where the Rev . A . J . HAMLYN offered prayer . Bro . W . J . PI ' AHCK , Sec , on behalf of the lodge , presented a silver trowel to the W . M ., Bro . Lieut .-Col . Edyvean . The inscription ran : " Presented to W . Bro . Lieutenant-Colonel Elyvein , Worshipful Master , by the mem' ers of Lodge Queen Victoria , No . 2655 , on the occasion of laying the corner-stone of the Queen Victoria Masonic Hall , at St , Budeaux , July Sth , 1899 . "

Bro . EDYYKAN expressed the pleasure it gave him to perform su : h a pleisant duty , spoke of his happy relationship with the lodge , and hoped it might long prosper and carry out the duty for which it was originated . ( Applause . ) He then laid the corner-stone , which bore the words— " Tnis stoua was laid by the Worshipful Master , Bro . F . C . Edyvean , Sth July , 18 99 . " The ceremony over , the brethren then adjournei to the Trelawney Hotel ,

where lunch was provided . The chair was occupied by Bro . E . Fage , who was supported by Bros . Edyvean , W . M . ; F . B . Westlike , P . M . 39 , P . P . G . W ., P . D . G . D . C . England ; [ . Gidley , P . M . 2025 , P . P . G . S . B . ; R . Pike , P . M . 203 , P . P . G . O . ; R . Stoncman , I 20 S ; Dunn , P . M . 1205 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . R . Lord , P . P . G . T ., P . G . D . C . ; R . W , Pitcher , P . M . 1212 ; J . Bassett , P . M . 1212 , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . Gimblett , VV . Tuck , Rev . A . J . Hamlyn , P . M . 954 , P . P . G . C ; J . May , J . T . Taylor , P . M . 1212 * , ] .