Provincial Grand Lodge Of Herts.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTS .

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Herts was held at uprlihampstead on Wednesday , the 23 rd inst ., under the banner of the Berkhampstead Lodge . Provincial Grand Lod ? assembled in the Town Hall at three o ' clock p . m ., the K . W . Prov . Grand Master , Bro . J . F . Halsey , presiding , . nno ' rted by Bro . J . Sedgwick , Deputy Prov . Grand Master ,

nd a large assemblage of Provincial Grand Officers and fnthren . Among the other brethren present were the f ° Bros " ! E . Dawson , P . S . G . W . ; J . Terry , P . J . G . W . ; Rev G . Finch , P . G . Chap . ; VV . O . Thompson , P . G . Chap . ; p H Wilson lies , P . G . Sec . ; J . D . Groom , P . S . G . D . ; Fred

Thos . Kent , P . f . G . D . ; And . Malcolm , P . G . Purs . ; . Levick , P . A . G . Purs . ; C . Benard , P . G . Steward ; T . Thomas and T . Wright , P . G . Tylers ; T . S . Carter , 403 , pp G . S . D .-, J- Shilcock , 449 , P . P . J . G . D . ; F . Venables , , : \ , P . P . G . P . ; J . Cutbush , 1385 , P . P . A . D . C ; W . S . Rose , 504 . P-P- Sup . of Wks . ; J . L . Mather , 1580 , D G . D . C . - , J . E . Lane , 504 , P . G . P .-, R . A . Wright , 504 ,

p G S . D . ; VV . C . Maddever , 504 ; H . Critch , 1580 , P . P . G . W . ; H ' C . Finch , 404 , P . P . G . Reg . ; VV . Wilson , 504 , p P . J . G . W . ; C . Lacey , P . G . W . ; E . T . Foord , 404 , pp G . S . B . ; F . D . Copestick , 869 , P . P . G . S . B . ; E . Bowyer , l < 8 o , P . P . G . J . W . ; VV . B . Heath , 504 , P . P . G . S . W . ; D . C . Foster , 504 , P . P . G . S . B . ; H . Holies , 504 , P . P . G . S . B . ; I . F . Berry , 554 ; Rev . W . Caseley , ( Cranbourne , 1580 );

VV . Bywater , 19 ; E . Baxter , P . M . ; F . L . lane , 504 ; B . Coombs , 12 ; G . Graveley , 8 9 8 ; ' F . Ford , 1580 ; ) . Parrott , 1479 ; T . S . Watts , 916 ; A . VV . Nash , 409 ; VV . lirisio , 860 ; J . T . Lee , 404 ; H . C . Lambert , 504 ; H . ' T . Foster , 504 ; J . Greig , 504 ; E . Swain , 803 ; J . Round , 340 ; S . Harris , 340 ; VV . J . Hunter ( Crusaders ) ; A . Meade , 449 ; W . Edwards , 1479 i c- E- Keyset , 404 ;

T C . Chapman , 869 ; W . P . Kidder , 12 ; G . Wilson , 113 ; M . E . Wilkin , 138 3 ; J . II . Wilkin , 1383 ; G . Young . l ? . s 7 ' ' . [ - . 1- Hiitton , 504 ; W . Field , 504 ; , | . Copestick , Sdn j R . A . Brooke , 404 ; E . Carr , 1297 ; R . F . Young , , 385 ; J . F . Howe , 30 r , C Hullcck , 504 ; S . J . Woolley , 1327 ; J- Knight , 1327 ; I-I . Aniphetr , 1511 ; J . Middleton , 834 ; 'J ' . Stranger , ic .

Bro . lies , l ' rov . Grand Secretary , read the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , and the same were confirmed . Bro . lies then called over the roll of lodges in the province , when all were found to be well represented in the Provincial Grantl Lodge . Tli- ; ro ! l of the Provincial Grand Officers was then called

over , when it vvas found that there were a few absentees whose absent c was duly accounted for . The Prov . G . and Secretary , read a letter from Bro . Alfred James Copland , resigning his oBce as Grand Treasurer for the Province of Herts . Thanks to Bro . Copland were proposed by Bro . W , Wilson , G . Purs . England , which proposition was put by

the Prov . G . Master , and carried unanimously , the Prov . Grantl Master observing that he should not be doing his duty if he did not say that he concurred most heartil y in the proposition , though there was no doubt that they had a most able substitute in Bro . Copland's successor . Bro . T . S . Carter , P P . G . S . D .. P . M . 403 , proposed Bro . Felix Sumner Knyvett , P . M . Felicity , P . G . Steward , as

Prov . G . Treasurer , which , being seconded and put to the meeting , was carried with acclamation . Bro . Knyvett thanked the Prov . Grand Lodge for the hi gh honour they had just conferred upon him , and only hoped that he should deserve their approbation equall y well with Bro . Copland . Prov . G . M . : Brethren , in appointing the Grand Officers

for the ensuing year 1 have to announce that I am about to appoint Bro . lies as Deputy Provincial Grand Master . 1 must take the op ; jottuiiity of thanking the outgoing Deputy Provincial G antl Master for his valuable services in the post he has occupied , in which he has been of great ¦ assistance to mc . The Director of Ceremonies , Bro . J . L . Mather , then

read the patent under the hand of the Prov . G . M ., constituting Bro . Iks Deputy Provincial Grand Master , who was then obligated in tlue form , and aftcrwartls invested with the badges of office , ami I the applause of Provincial ' j ' rand Lodge . The following is tlie list of officers foi the ensuing year : —

Hro . Rowe , P . M . 504 Prov . S . G . W . . 1 T . S . Carter , P . M . 403 Prov . J . G . W . 1 , Oswald Thompson Prov . G . Chap . 11 Caseley ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . 11 Sumner Keywcll , 404 Prov . G . Reg . ' 1 J . Newton Edwards , 1439 ... Prov . G . Asst . Reg . it J . E . Dawson , 404 ... ... Prov . G . Sec .

H Maddever Prov . S . G . D . 11 Fisher Young Prov . J . G . D . n Chapman ( Gresham ) Prov . G . S . of W . » Mather Prov . G . D . C . " Nash Prov . G . A . D . C . •' Purrott Prov . G . Swd . Br . " Veal Prov . G . Org .

11 Bausor , 504 Prov . G . Purst . B " ' s . Hatton , Greig , C Bullock , ) H . J . Fost . r " ; Ry land , F . A . £ Prov . G . Stewart ' s . „ , 1 ' orhes ) Bro - P . Th- _ mas , 404 Prov . G . Tyler . " T . Wii ght , 403 ... ... Prov . G . Tyler .

I ne Prov . Grand Sec . then read the vepoit of the Board '''nance , which was received . ..,,. "•w - Wilson asked a question respecting the accounts , Miic . i was satisfactorily a- swered by the Prov . G . Sec . rov . G . Master : The i . extbusiness is anoticeof motion cf Rro . Carter ' ..-. h »\ Carter . Prov . J . G . W . : I r ' . sr . puisuaiit to a notice ,

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Herts.

to propose— " That the sum of twenty guineas bc voted from the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . " No words of mine are required to recommend this motion ; last year , ve took care of the boys , now , I think , we should take care of the girls . The Prov . G . Sec . seconded the motion , with the addition of the words " and that the amount be placed on Bio .

Carter ' s list , " as I learn that it is his intention to go up as a ' Steward at the next festival . With that addition I second the motion . Carried unanimously . Bro . J . Terry , P . P . J . G . W .: I rise to propose— " That the sum of ten pounds 'be voted to the Berkhampstead Lodge , towards defraying the expenses of entertaining Prov . Grand Lodge . "

Seconded by Bro . lies , and carried unanimously . Bro . Carter , Prov . J . G . W .: I move " That the sum of ten guineas be voted from the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge to the West Herts Infirmary , at Hemel Hempstead . " This is an excellent institution , and one the benefits of which are not confined to the inhabitants of Hempstead , and a great many poor people are benefited by it . I think , too ,

that Prov . Grand Lodge as it goes through the province shoul A always leave these marks at some one of the local charities . Seconded by Bro . VV . Wilson , and carried unanimously . Prov . Grand Master : As one of the Committee of the Infirmary , I beg to tender Provincial Grand Lotlge my

thanks for the donation . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . lies : 1 rise to move , "That , pursuant to the recommendation from the Board of Finance to Provincial Grand Lodge , the sum of twentyfive pounds be contiibuted to the fund being raised amongst the Masons of England for the restoration of the West Front of St . Allan ' s Abbey . " This resolution was

carefully considered by the Board of Finance at their meeting , and unanimously agreed to . I am , therefore , only the mouthpiece of the Committee when 1 propose this resolution . Most of you are aware of the steps that were taken at our last meeting . A great d-al has been done since that time . A London Committee has been established ; the Prince of Wales has become a

patron of the Committee of the fund , antl almost every one of the Provincial Grand Masters of England have allowed their names to appear . I think , therefore , that its a national object , which is being largely supported by Freemasons throughout England , it would ill become this Provincial Grand Lodge to withhold its support fron this fund , but allow it to go about to other lodges in England

that the Grand Lotlge of the province in which the Abacy is situate was not supporting the fund . I will not tie-lain you further , but commend the resolutioji to your covsideration , Prov . Grand Ma'tcr : I rise to second this motion , and 1 do so with very great plcascie . I think ic is oar duty , We have made this appeal , which has been ve-y well

supported throughout the Craft at large , to restore the whole West Front , or , if that cannot bc done , to restore one of the Western porches of the Abbey . A very interesting account has been prepared of the steps that have been taken to promote this object , which account you will no doubt have received through your lodges . I do not know whether Bro . Keys : r , who has undertaken the post of

Honorary Secretary to the fund , has any remarks to make , but I am sure that anything he may have to say will be listened to with interest . Bro . C . E . Keyser , S . D . 404 , said that he hatl hastily drawn up a few figures as to the amount of support received from the Province of Herts , which , up to the present time , was inconsiderable , and amounted only to

£ 16 . 3 . He believed that the delay on the part of some of the lodges was due to the fact that these lodges hatl their recess from March to September . He stated what expenses they had incurred for printing , tic , and said that the work of restoration could not bc commenced until they had received a sum of £ 2000 . He hoped that the Prov . Grand Lodge would vote the sum proposed in Bro . lies '

motion . Bro . Copestick said he thought that very generally the brethren in the provincial lodges were in ignorance of the movement , and appealed to Bro . Keyser to send further particulars . Bros . F . Young and Wilson saitl that the matter had been before their lodges , but had been deferred for further

consideration , which they hoped would have a favourable result . It appeared that many members of provincial lodges were in ignorance of the movement , though the Secretaries had received full particulars ; but it was exp lained that it was only possible for the Secretary to bring forward the matter in lodge , and such bnthren as were absent would necessarily know nothing of the appeal .

The Prov . Grand Master put the motion , in doing which he reminded the brethren that this was not an appeal for large sums to be given by individuals , as the donation of any one brother was limited to £ 3 . The Committee hoped to attain their object by small contributions from many , and not by large contributions from a few . Carried unanimously .

The Prov . G . Secretary moved the next resolution , " That the publication of the Provincial Calendar be continued . " It required very few words , he said , to recimmend this resolution to them . In the first year of its publication there was a large balance which Prov . G . Lo Ige had to make good ; last year the balance against Prov . G . Lodge

was only £ 2 is ., but tins year there was a balance of 8 s . 6 d . on the profit side . He thought that this proved the Calendar was succeeding , and hoped Prov . G . Lodge would sanction its continuance . The motion was seconded by Bro . Terry , anil carried unanimously .

The l ' rov . G . Secretary announced that a new lnd . ee , the Henry the Eig hth I . o ! g " . hid btcn consiaMtd in lh > : pioviuce timing the past yt at .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Herts.

The business being concluded , tic Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form , antl with solemn prayer . The banquet was provided at the King ' s Arms Hotel , whither the brethren adjourned immediately after the closing of Grand Lodge , but by the time dinner was concluded there was not much space to get through the list of toasts , and the speeches were necessarily as brief as possible .

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed from the chair , and warmly responded to—including " The & uccn and the Craft , " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and "The M . W . the Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the restofthe Grand Officers , Presentand Past . " The latter vvas coupled with the name of Bro . Wilson , P . G . Purst ., who briefly acknowledged the compliment .

Bro . J . Sedgwick , P . O . P . G . M . : 1 am in possession ofthe gavel at the present moment in order to bring to your notice the next toast on the list , and I feel it requires more power than 1 have t'i do justice to it . Bat I can say , also , that if I am wanting in language I am not wanting in intention , and it is with the greatest possible pleasure that I have to propjsz to yoa " The Health of the Right

Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " I am quite sure that the manner in which this toast is received will testify your appreciation of the good qualities of the Provincial Grand Master . For myself , I am greatly indebted to him for tbe honourable position in which he placed me for the last five years in this county , which has given me every opportunity I could desire . The talent and happy

manner in which the Prov . Grand Master performs the duties e . f every office in which I have had the pleasure to see him are a bright example to everybody over whom he presides . I am sure we are all proud of our Provincial Grand Master , and trust that for many years he may continue to exercise over the province the same beneficent sway he has always held while he has held his presen t

position . The Chairman : Brethren , I feel really quite overcome with the very kind manner in which Bro . Sedgwick has proposed my health , and with the kind manner in which you have received it . If it gives you the same pleasure l-. i belting io liic Ciar t that it gives mi to presi le over it . it is very grniifviug . lt gives mc great pleasure to corae

among y-iu , whither in Provinciil Grand Lodge , or to o" . c oi the lodges to which 1 am a . subscribing member , an J iu the neighbourhood where I have lived most of my life , and ( lie lodge under whose banner this entcttainment has been given ; and I am sincerely glad to sec that the province is increasing and nourishing . We have had an additional lodge formed in the province flaring the pist year , and

1 think there is ample room for more , and 1 do not sec that there is any reason why the only good lodges should be in big towns . I think a large lotlge is a mistake ; in a large lodge there is the danger of having coteries formed , ami , therefore , I do not see why small lo Igcs should not be persevered with . Ami , now , brethren , as it is getting near the time for our trains , antl as trains wait for 110 man ,

I must ask to be all iwctl to pass on to the next toast on the list , which ii " The Visitors , " a toast which I might almost call the toast of the evening , with which I will couple the name of Bro . L'Estrange , P . M . 10 . Bro . L'Estrange returned thanks for the visitors , and the Chairman proceeded to propose " The Health of the Very Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the rest

of the Provincial Grantl Officers , Present and Past , " which was responded to by Bros . lies antl Sedgwick . Bro . lies , Deputy P . G . M ., then proposed " Success to the Masonic Charities , " coupled with the name of Bro . Terry , the Secretary for the Masonic Benevolent Institution , who , in reply ing , pointed nut that however successful the Masonic Institutions had been , though the three had collected

£ 37 , 000 during the last year , yet it was pitiab'c to see the discrepancy between the number of candidates for admission and the number it was possible to elect . The Chairman next proposed "The Lodges of the Province , coupled with the name of the VV . M . of the Berkhampstead Lodge , Bro . Maddever , " antl Bro . Maddever having said a few words in reply , the Tyler ' s toast concluded the entertainment .

Wentworth Little Memorial.

WENTWORTH LITTLE MEMORIAL .

A meeting of the Committee was held on Friday , the 1 Sth ins ' .. V . W . Bro . Lieut .-Col . Creaton , G . Treas ., the Vice-President , presided , in the absence of Col . Burdett , the President , who was unable to attend . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , the Treasurer , Bro . Buss , Asst . Grand Sec , read th ; list of

subscrip tions received since the last meeting . It was resolved to publish an amended list of subscriptions to the present date . It was proposed , seconded , and carried that the monumental stone be placet ! over the grave— " the design to be selected by Mrs . Little and the executors , the cost not to exceed £ 33 ; the inscription to be submitted for the approval

of the Cnairman . " A discussion then ensued as to the disposal of the balance , it being the opinion of sonc o ! the members of the Committee that it should be handed to Mrs . Little tlirect . It was agreed tint the next meeting he held on the 10 th

of November , at th « commencement : > f the London Masonic season , the P . esitlent expressing a hope that all monies voted or promised be paid to the Treasurer before that date The meeting cl . set ! with a vote oS tVianks to the Chairman .

Wo-ui . e-ur . in ' i , "COCA PIl . I . S" Hi : _ -. ue--e . elul n-nv-dy f ., r sli .-p t fii « f , n-nt-ilfci . i , , a-. | Ma .- free ' . ;•-. [< -.-.- !> - '• ¦ ¦ •. Il . i . rirr pa-iii ; ChMiiis ' , ' •, Sl'iaiK-., lic- ' , l . iiid'iii .