Grand Council Of The Allied Masonic Degrees.

GRAND COUNCIL OF THE ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES .

A meeting * of the Grand Council was held at Hampton Court , on the 12 th inst ., when there were present ^ Bros . Chas . K . Matier , D . G . M . ; Samuel Rawson , G . Treas . ; D . M . Dewar , G . Sec . ; H . Martin Green , G . S . D .,- A . M . Broadley , P . G . M . Tunis and Malta ; A . Williams , Rev . A . VV . Hall , C . H . Driver , R . Berridge , T . Cubitt ,

Wm . Roebuck , J . L . Mather , T . Poore , F . VV . Driver , F . VV . Ramsay , John Ramsey , R . L . Loveland , [ . Moon , ] . K . Anderson , G . Mickley , M . Mildred , John Smith , T . O . Harding , Geo . Lambert , H . C . Lambert , and many other brethren . The Grand Council having been opened by the D . G . M . in ancient form , the minutes of last Grand Council were read , confirmed , and signed , and the following report

submitted , being read by the Grand Secretary -. " Since the constitution of this Grand Council , it is gratifying to be able to report that satisfactory progress has been made . The subordinate councils are as follows : The Metropolitan Council , T . L , London ; Escurial , T . L , Havant ; Matier , T . L , Manchester ; Ebor , T . L , York ; Portal , 1 , Liverpool ; St . Cyprian of Carthage , 2 , Tunis ; St . lohn and St . Paul , 3 , Malta ; St . George , 4 , Wigan ;

Great Orme , 5 , Llandudno ; and Excelsior , 6 , Calcutta . There are also councils at Bolton , Rochdale , and Hull , from which no returns have been icceived . The number of registered members is 290 , of which 100 belong to the Metropolitan Council . In that council the work has been carried on most energetically , and the various ceremonies performed in the most correct and creditable manner . The Holy Order of High Priest being so beautiful and so

reverential , it is recommended that it should be conferred only on Installed Principals of the ' -loyal Arch Defrree , and only once a year—on the occasion of the installation ceremony , or some other suitable day . Considerable expense has been necessarily incurred in the constitution of the Grand Council for printing warrants , certificates , circulars , and in providing books and other requisites , but the receipts have been nearly sufficient to meet the outlay . The' Grand Master

has much pleasure in re-appointing Bro . C . F . Matier as his Deputy , to whom many thanks are due for his able and energetic services whenever required . " It was resolved that the report be received , adopted , and entered on the minutes , and that the recommendation with reference to conferring the Holy Order of High Priest be added to the constitutions of the Grand Council . The Deputy Grand Master then by command of the

Grand Master appointed and invested the following Grand Officers : — Bro . A . Williams G . S . W . „ Capt . Chas . Hunter G . J . W . „ Samuel Rawson ( elected ) ... G . Treas .

„ D . M . Dewar G . Sec . „ Rev . W . Lukis G . Chap . „ Robt . Roy ... G . S . D . „ I . G . Smith G . J . D . ,, Geo . Lambert ... ... ... G . D . of C .

„ I . L . Campbell G . I . G . * „ ' rhomas Poore , Jno . Purnell , and | GSvd „ Henry George . ) The Grand Council was then closed in ancient form and

with solemn prayer . The annual meeting and festival of the Metropolitan Council was afterwards he'd , there being a very numerous attendance .

Competition For Masonic Institution For Boys' Junior School.

COMPETITION FOR MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS' JUNIOR SCHOOL .

REPORT "ESPRIT DE CORPS . " To the House and Building Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , intended to be erected at Wood Green , London , N . GENTLEMEN , —In accordance with instructions issued by

you to architects , we have the honour herewith to submit a design for the proposed Institution , and now beg to lay before you the principal ideas that have guided us in preparing the same . We have , then , endeavoured to combineyour requirements in each department , and , while so doing , to have each department separate and distinct , but with ample and easy communication with each other .

In considering the site , we have kept in view possible future extensions , and so designed as to obviate the necessity of making any alteration in , or in anywise disarranging the external appearance , or the internal comfort of , the present proposed establishment , should it be desirable at any future time to extend it . With the exception that in addition to your requirements

we have introduced a small reception-room and a small gallery over the serving-room ( and suggested sick and convalescent rooms , showing how the same could be arranged ) , we have endeavoured to carry out your instructions regarding accommodation . In designing the interior arrangements , we have had as our object not only the satisfactory working , but also the

comfort of those occupying the building . We have purposely located the general lavatories , baths , & c , at the rear and on the west end of the establishment ( on sanitary grounds considering this arrangement to be preferable ) , and within easy reach of class-rooms and dormitories . We shall now proceed to describe the various plans , Sic ,

forming the design , and without further remarks leave it to your consideration , trusting that as the result it may upon its merits secure your support . If honoured with your preference , we make bold to say you would get a good and substantial building , well fitted for the purpose for which it is intended , well lighted and ventilated throughout , for the sum of £ \ 1 , 000 ( or thereabouts ) .

DESCRIPTION OF PLANS . GROUND PLAN . —ENTRANCES . —The front , or principal entrance , leads into the vestibule , and through the vestibule , rising four steps into the hall , thence into a corridor eight feet wide , branching right and left ; on economical grounds this width of corridor may perhaps be considered

extravagant ; but , if so , we may say that it would be reduced ei ghteen or twenty-four inches , without in the slightest degree detracting from the design . The rear entrance is at the east end of corridor , and leads into the covered way : that will be the Matron ' s communication vvith the adminstrative department . The boys' entrance is also at thc rear , and placed

Competition For Masonic Institution For Boys' Junior School.

at the west end . Communicating with the west corridor , on the left of east corridor , are the reception room and matron's sitting and dining rooms ; and , on the right , thc ladies ' cloak room , w . c , and lavatory . On the right of west corridor arc three class rooms , and on the left , gentlemen's hat and cloak room , w . c , and three day rooms for assistant teachers , staircase , general lavatories , w . c . 's , and cap room , boys' entrance , and store or book

room . The principal staircase is placed between the ladies' and gentlemen ' s cloak rooms , and opposite the principal entrance hall ; the principal dining hall has two entrances , one opening into the east corridor , the other opening into the covered way directly opposite the boys' entrance , on the opposite side of court ; there are also two serving doors communicating with the serving room .

The serving room is entered from the covered way , and has ample communication between kitchen and dining hall for serving purposes . The dining hall would be fitted up with tables , seats , and raised dais or head table . The serving room would be divided by a wood and glass screen . We have shown a small gallery over the serving room , whicii could be used by musicians , if required , for concerts , & c .

In the basement we have provided a coal store , where coals could be stored for the use of thc various fires throughout the establishment . The administrative department consists of spacious kitchen , scullery , pantries , larders , stores , bakehouse or bread-room , oven , staircase , dormitories for eight servants , with bath and w . c . Entrance into the covered way communicating with the entrance to matron ' s apartments ;

also an entrance into the open court at rear of kitchen ( which communicates with laundry , & c ) , laundry , mangling , and drying rooms , wash-house , engine and boilerhouse , coal and wood-house , store , knife and boot-cleaningroom , w . c , and dust-bin . The above would be respectivel y fitted up with extensive cooking-ranges , oven-heating apparatus , Bradford and Co ' s . best steam washing machinery , copper , wringing , mangling , rinsing machines , and drying

apparatus ; Roby and Co ' s small engine and boiler for pumping and washing purposes , and for the heating of the establishment with hot water . FIKST FLOOR OR DORMITORY PLAN . —The principal and secondary staircases lead on to this floor , which contains four dormitories for fifty beds . Matron ' s bedrooom , wardrobe , store , bath , lavatory , and w . c , and three assistant teacher ' s bedrooms ( from whicii oversight of dormitories

would be obtained ) , bath , w . c , and lavatory ; also the general baths , lavatories , and sinks . Note . —If the fireplaces shown in the dormitories be considered to be in an objectionable position , they could be placed at the side . SECOND FLOOR PLAN * ( SUGGESTED ) . —Would consist of sick and convalescent rooms , placed over the general baths and lavatories , and approached from the west , or secondary staircase .

BLOCK PLAN . —Shows the system of drainage and storage of rain-water . There are provided four tanks for rain-water , which will flow from the roofs into Nos . 1 and 2 tanks . These will be so constructed that , when full , the water will overflow into tank No . 3 , and thence will be pumped by steam power into a well-elevated tank , No . 4 , and trom here it will be used to supply the engine boiler ; the various flushing tanks , & c . In addition to the

rainwater , a supply from the Water Company's main will be laid on to provide for a thorough system of hot and cold water throughout the whole establishment . AU earthenware pipes , closets and lavatory basins , & c , would be Doulton and Co . 's , best glazed . If we may be allowed to make a suggestion , we would here suggest the advisability of an establishment of this kind being provided with a plunge bath , wherein the boys might be taught to swim .

HEATING . —The heating of the various apartments would be effected by a system of hot water , on the most approved principle , and in a satisfactory manner . There would be fixed in tbe most convenient positions two hydrants for water supply in case of fire . VENTILATION . —This would be well and effectuall y carried out on an approved system . LIGHTING . —There would be all the necessary lead and

iron pipes , with all brackets , burners , & c , for a thorough supply of gas throughout the building . THE ELEVATIONS . —The style of architecture adopted by us in the elevations is the one which in our opinion is the most suitable for a building of this description , namely , Gothic ( perpendicular ) , in a modified form . The front or principal elevation would be faced with the best pressed

red bricks , having Bolsover or Tisbury stone dressings , freely used to doors , windows , strings , weatherings , & c . The rear and flank elevations faced with picked red stock bricks , of a uniform colour , and with stone dressings , as in the front , but more sparingly used . The appearance of the front elevation , though simple and unpretentious , will be quiet and effective . " Esi'KiT HI ; CORPS , "

The Preston Guild.

THE PRESTON GUILD .

As our Royal Bro . the Duke or Albany , accompanied by the Duchess , is to take part in the celebrations of this historic body , on September 4 th , we have thought it well to take from the Times , an interesting account of this very ancient sodality , the more so , as with the life of the Guilds , or Gilds , Freemasonry has a great deal to do .

"Preston possesses no fewer than fourteen royal charters granting , confirming , and enlarging certain privileges to the burgesses . The first of which there is any record is one without date , granted by Henry II ., but from internal evidence it is clear that it must have been granted within the ten years of his reign , between 1175 and 11 S 5 . This charter grants to the burgesses of Preston ' all the same

liberties and free customs' which had been given to the burgesses of Newcastle-under-Lyme ; and these were that the town be aj Iree borough , and that the b . urgesses aforesaid may have a Guild Mercatory , with all liberties and free customs to such guild appertaining . And that they may go through all our land with all their merchandizes ,

buying and selling and trafficking , well and in peace , freely , quietly , and honourably . And that they may be free from all toll , passage , pontage , stallage , lestage , and all other customs . ' The witnesses to the Preston Charter are ' G . of Ely and I . of Norwich , bishops ; Godfrie de Lucie , earl ; William de Maundeville , Ranulf de Glanville , Hugh de Crcssy , Ralf Fitzstephcn , Bertram dc Verdun , Hugh de

The Preston Guild.

Lacie . —Given at Winchester . ' Soon after the grant of this charter the local rights , privileges , and immunities of the burgesses , as recorded in an ancient document named the ' custamal' and preserved along with the charters amongthe borough archives , were confirmed by Henry II . The Custumal is headed •Libertates Prcstona * . de Logo Bretonica . '

Ihe first recorded Guild Merchant was held in the second year of the reign of Edward III . ( 132 S ) , but as in the orders made at that Guild there is reference to the ' orders of a precedent Guild , '; there is hardly a doubt that a Guild Merchant had been held at Preston many times before that date . It is known that such institutions are of Saxon ori gin , and Preston was a town in Saxon times , as is proved by its church , then dedicated to St . Wilfrid , being

one of three that are mentioned in Domesday Book as existing in the hundred of Ainounderness . There are records in existence of 23 Guilds , and of these the Corporation possess the rolls of 19 , including a complete sequence of 14 , and of the orders of each Guild , from 1662 downwards . Up to the Guild of 1542 , the celebration was held at irregular intervals , perhaps arising more from the disturbed condition of the country in the middle ages than

from any other cause . Since that date , however , the Guild Merchant has been celebrated regularly every 20 th year . There has been some difference of opinion as to the propriety of celebrating the Guild , the alteration of the municipal law in 1 S 35 having rendered the legal portion of the ceremony unnecessary . There is a general attachment to the custom , however , though there is no longer any sort of commercial or social value in the 'rights ' of a freeman .

" Among tbe events which will follow the opening of the Guild Court on Monday , the 4 th of September , will be the opening of a large organ at the Corn Exchange , by Dr . Bridge , of Westminster . This instrument has been presented to the town by Mr . Dewhurst , colliery proprietor , at a cost of , ( , 3000 . On Tuesday the Duke of Albany will lay the foundation stone of the Harris Free Public Library and Museum , and the Duchess of Albany will plant a tree

in Avenham Hark . On Wednesday their Royal Highnesses will witness the Trades' Procession from the Town-hall ; Lord Winmarleigh will preside at the luncheon of the County Agricultural Society , at their annual show , and the Duchess of Albany will present the prizes at the Preston Floral and Horticultural Show . On Thursday the Earl of Derby will present an address from the county magistrates to their Royal Highnesses in the Court-room of the new

County Offices , after they have witnessed the procession of Catholic Guilds , whicii is to be one of unparalleled magnificence in this country . The purely festive features of the celebration will consist of fancy dress and other balls , processions of friendl y societies and Freemasons , concerts , fireworks , a grand military review , and a grotesque torchlight procession , which will conclude the proceedings of the week . "

A British Regiment.

A BRITISH REGIMENT .

There are many military members of the Mystic Tie scattered all the world over , and the Freemason has always a deep interest in , and a warm sympathy for , its gallant brethren , both of the Army and Navy . A military Minnesinger has said" But why should idle tears be shed ?

Vvho live in fame are scarcely dead ; While trumpet sounds or colour flies , A British Kegiment never dies . " And this assertion is indeed full y true of the 2 nd Battalion of the good old ( iGth Regiment . Her Majesty the Queen presented new colours to the battalion at Parkhurst Barracks on Thursday , the 17 th

inst ., and our contemporary , the Times , thus briefly , but forcibly and strikingly , alludes to the subject : . " It will be remembered that the battalion held the British right at the battle of Maiwand . In all 406 men and 19 , officers went into action , of whom 10 officers and 275 men were killed , and 2 officers and 32 men wounded . The history of the old colours is thus described in General Primrose ' s

despatch . Lieutenant-Colonel James Galbraith was last seen on the nullah bank , kneeling on one knee with a colour in his hand , officers and men rallying round him , and on this spot his body was found . Here , too , fell Captain William Hamilton M'Math , a gallant soldier , and one who would , had his life been spared , have risen to distinction in Her Majesty ' s service . Close by Second Lieutenant Harry

James Outram Barr was shot dead over one of the colours . Captain Ernest Stephen Garratt and Francis James Cullen were both killed on the field in front of the nullah , up to the last moment commanding their companies , and giving their orders with as much coolness as if on an ordinary regimental parade . Captain Walter Roberts was mortally wounded in the garden where the last stand w »<

-made , and here also fell Lieutenant Maurice Edward Rayner , Lieutenant Richard Trevor Chute , Second Lieutenant Walter Rice Oliver , and Second-Lieutenant Arthur Honywood . The two last named officers were seen holding up the colours , the pole of one of which was shattered to pieces , as rallying points , and Lieutenant Honywood was shot down while holding a colour hi gh above his head ,

shouting , ' Men ; what shall we do to save this ? ' Sergeant-Major Alexander Cuppage was shot dead outside the garden while carrying a colour , and many other non-commissioned officers and men laid down their lives in the attempt to save the colours of their regiment on that day . It was intended that the presentation of colours should have been made last year while the regiment was stationed at

Parkhurst , but they could not be got ready in time . " We have thought it well to note and preserve this record in the pages of the Freemason as many of our brethren will read it with no little ptide and sympathy in distant cantonments and far off quarters , in the Mediterranean , in Egypt , in China , and in India . We may all well be proud of " Tommy Atkins and his Officers ! "

GREAT J EWEL I \ OIIUKIE . * . —The public are becoming so accustomed to reading reports ot jewel robberies that number ** ot the nobility arc taking steps to secure their valuables from the attack of the modern burglar , and the demand for Milncrs " Jewellery Safes is largely on the increase . These are made to lit in cabinets tu suit any kind of wood , ami arc the best anil cheapest safeguard against lire and thieves . Milner ' s Safe Com . pany ( l . im . hil } , 28 , h'insbury Pavement , E . C , have some hiu * . dreds of testimonials from gentlemen who have Milner ' s Jewellers Safes in theirpossessinn , and in no instance have burglars succeeded in opening them . Safes arc made specially for Masonic lewellerv Records , S * c , •*