Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board oF Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening ' , at the Freemasons' Hall , Bro . James Henry Matthews , President of the Board , presided . Bros . D . D . Mercer , Senior Vice-President , and C A . Cottebrune , Junior Vice-President , occupied their respective chairs . Grand Secretary ' s department was represented by Bros . Edward Letchworth . G . S . ; W . Lake , Assist . G . S . ; VV . Dodd , G . S . Rccknell . and Henry Sadler , G . Tyler .

The other biethren present were Bro ? . Henry Garrod , George Everett , James Boulton , George B . Chapman , William Vincent , Charier J . R . Tijou , John Hattersley , Charles Dairy , George Graveley , George R . Langley , George Read , J . Newton , W . Kipps , S . H . Goldschmidt , W . Fisher , Dr . Hugh Mackintosh , Robert A . Gowan , Walter Martin , James Bunker , Richard Eve , E . W . Nightingale , H . W . Wybour , George Powell , Fred Mills , H . Massey ,

H . S . Beaman , W . S . Thwaites , J . T . Green , J . Wm . Penrose , Joseph Bate , Edwin George , Charles E . Woods , Henry A . Rapkin , Henry A . Tobias , G . Treves , J . V . Vesey Fitzgerald , Thomas E . Ladd , R . Tilling , W . V . Ceasley , Edgar M . Brandon , D . H . McGowan , George Brown , W . Lutwychs , Charles Smith , John Murray , F . J . Eedle , J . Hills , Arthur J . Newton , J . D . W . Westmoreland , W . Pottinger , James Lawson , Henry Leney , T . Goodman , George Parrett , J . H . Collingridge , Edward Margrett , and L . S . Genese .

The brethren first confirmed recommendations to the Grand Master made at the February meeting to the amount of ^ 660 , the PRESIDENT first , however , calling attention to the fact that there were no less than 51 cases on the new list . He said he would ask the brethren who supported the cases to make their observations as short as possible , so that the brethren might not be kept longer than was absolutely necessary .

The list of new cases showed qualifications through lodges in the London district , and in Guernsey , Hyde , Bruton , Llandudno , Bedford , Cockermouth , Hong Kong , Plymouth , Middlesborough , Huddersfield , Devonport , Rangoon , Aldershot , Ross , Norwich , Bradford , Meerut , Demerara , Ormskirk , Crediton , Haverfordwest , Antigua , Jullundur , Littlehampton , Newport ( I . W . ) , and Victoria .

In the course of the sitting nine of the cases were deferred and two dismissed . The remainder were voted a total of ^ 1135 . Three cases were recom - mended to Grand Lodge for ^ 75 each , two for . £ 60 each , and one for £ 50 . Five were recommended to the Grand Master for . £ 40 each , and seven for . £ 30 each , Ten cases were relieved with £ 20 each , one for £ 15 , nine for £ 10 each , and one for £ S .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

York Lodge , No . 236 . A regular meeting of the above lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Duncombeplace , York , on the 15 th in tint . The W . M ., Bro . Farbrace Sidney Gramshaw , M . D ., presided , supported by his officers and the following Bros . George Potter-Kirby , P . M ., Treas .: Purnell , P . M . ; Sampson , P . M . ; Hodgson , P . M . ; Jones , P . M . ; Draper , P . M . ; Bryson , P . M . ; Hemphill , O .. borne , Sample , Collier , Wray , Slimpson , Furnish , Chambers , R . S . Smith , Thomoson , and Hirst . The visitors included Bros . Joseph Giddy , W . M . ; G . A . Buckingham , I . P . M . ; W . Nutt , S . W . ; J . Brown , S . D . ; R . Tindall , Stwd . ; M . Scott , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; S . M . Scott , P . M . ; and T . P . DarlowP . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., all of 56 G ; and A . Humphreys , S . D . 1 G 11 .

, The lodge having been opened , Bro . O . G . Taylor , acting Sec , read the minutes , which were confirmed . Bro . Potter-Kirby , P . M ., & c , Treas ., then , in accordance with notice , moved "That the sum of 20 guineas from the funds of the lodje and 20 guineas from the Charity Fund of the lodge be given to the Educational Fund of the Province of North and East Yorkshire . " In doing so , Bro . Potter-Kirby remirked thit the fifth Festival of the Educational Fund would take place at York early in May next , and they were anxious to have a good list , and he felt that they would be unanimous in supporting the provincial fund . He urged brethren to come forward as Stewards . The

W . M ., Bro . Gramshaw , seconded the resolution , remarking that he should have p ' eisure in being a Steward . Bro . Laughton , J . W ., supported the resolution , and took the opportunity to criticise the expenses of the Girls' and Boys' Schools , and his remarks were endorsed by Bro . A . Jones , P . M ., Sec , who advocated the support of their local Charities and strong opposition to the action of the authorities of the Boys' School . After some remarks from Bro . Hodgson as to the need of an oversight of the funds in London , the resolution was carried unanimously . Some other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed , and the brethren partook of supper . The loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and In acknowledging the toast of "The Visitors , " the W . M . of 5 G 6 gave a very cordial invitation from their Selby Lodge to the members of No . 236 . Vocal and instrumental music added to an agreeable evening .

Holmesdale Lodge , No . 874 . At the Puliip Room , Tunbridge Wells , on Wednesday , the 17 th inst ., the installation ceremony in connection with the above lod'e was witnessed by a large company of brethren , including an unusually large numb : r of Provincial Grand Oflkers ; the lodge room was , in fact , crowded . Bro . VVm . Roper was Installing Master , and he was most highly complimented on the admirable wav in which the work was done . Bro . Louis

S . Beale , S . W ., was installed W . VI ., and he invested thj following as his officers Bros . Fred Graham , S . W . ; A . H . Tester , J . W . ; the Rev . A . T . Scott , Chap . ; J . Burton , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Harris , Sec . ; N . R . Stone , S . I ) . ; J . W . Warwick , J . D . ; B . Rix , P . M ., D . C ; C . M . Perry , A . D . C . ; E . Oliver , P . M ., Org . ; J . W . Slack , I . G . ; B . A Fowler and A . G . Nje , Stwds . ; G . Prior , Swd . Br . ; and J . Boulter , Tyler .

The usual lodge business , which included votes of money to sevril Masonic Charities , & c , having been concluded , the company sat down to a really magnificent banquet in the Pump Room , which had been very beautifully decorated for the occasion . The W . M ., Bro . Louis Beale , occupied the chair , and amongst those present were a large number of brethren ol the lodge and visitors . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts hiving been duly honoured ,

The W . M . proposed " The M . W . the Pro Grand Master , Earl of Lathom ; the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl Amherst ; and the Officers of the Grand L'idge , Present and Past . " He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Alfred Spencer , and it was riciived with Kentish lire . Bro . Spencer , in response , said he had been told on sitting down to the excellent bar quet he had pai taken of , that his Bro . Freeman , of the Sussex Province , would respond to that toast , and inasmuch as Bro . Freeman was his senior , it was quite right he should

resptnd , tut he had declared himself a free man , and had left him ( the speaker ) in the lurch . ( Laughter . ) As to the Grar . d Officers of England , there was nothing much that was new re could say about them . A good , kind , beneficent Providence was overlooking the affairs of Freemasonry throughout England and districts where the Grand Lodge jurisdiction reigned , which included many of our colonies , and so long as they carried on Iheir affairs as they had done they would no doubt continue to be so guarded . The

D G . M . « f England , Eail Amherst , was constantin attendance atGrand Lodge , thereby proving his earnestness in Freemasonry , his zeal and industry . He was worthy in every respect of the high position he occupied , and as a humble member of Grand Lodge he ( the speaker ) desired to thank the brethren present for the cordial manner in which this toast had been proposed and received . Bro . John Burton , in proposing "The R . W . the Piov . Grand Master , " said the

Craft Masonry.

members of the Holmesdilc Lodge had very great reason to be grateful to the Prov . Grand Master . Firstly , they might call themselves in some sense godsons , for his lordship had given them his nam » , and he had sometimes thought that had been the reason they were so hi ^ h in hn fivou" , and why so many of them had received provincial honours . He hoped those fivous would continue to be extended to them . ( Hear , hear ) .

Bro . the Rev . A . T . Sott proposed "The V . W . the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Smith Eastes . and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " It was , he said , a little bit perplexing to one who had not been a Mason very long to give the right d : linition of these initials , and it reminded him of the perplexity of a Rural Dean Ike himself who appealed to his Bishop stating there was the Most Reverend , the Right Rev ., & o . Tne Bishop suggested he might call himself the Rather Reverend . ( Laughter . ) When he saw the word worshipful he could in this case use it

without hesitation . There were , he believed , many brethren in that room who had used the expression— " With my body I thee worship , " and it was just that honour , that devotion , that regard , and that affection which attached to the word " worship " when used Masonically . He had great pleasure in proposing the health of one who was in truth as well as in nam ; a very worshipful brother . ( Hear , hear . ) There was a brotherhood even greater than Freemasonry—a brotherhood of humanity . A high ecclesiastical dignatory had lately swooped down upon Freemisonry in a very extraordinary way at an

Anti-Masonic Conference , but he ventured to say that these great powers who seemed to regard Freemasonry as a thing incompatible with Christianity did not understand Freemasonry . ( Hear , hear . ) The brotherhood of Masonry helped them to realise the still greater brotherhood of humanity , and he ventured to say that Masonry , so far from preventing them realising their duties because they belonged to a vast Brotherhood hel

, ped them to realise the grandeur of that great Brotherhood and to embrace the great idea of the brotherhood of humanity . It was the goodfellowship of so many of his own choir who had distinguished themselves in Masonry that had induced him to become a Mason , and he had never regretted the step for one moment . ( Applause . ) He coupled with the toast the name of a brother who was always received with that respect he deserved—Bro . Cheale . ( Hear , hear ) .

Bro . S . A . Cheale , in response , said he had found the business of the Grand Lodge conducted in a most exemplary manner . He knew the Prov . G . M . took great interest in Tunbridge Wells , and it was not his fault that they had not a grand Masonic function at the laying of the stone of St . John ' s Church . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Wadham Elers proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " to whom he wished a happy and enjoyable year . ( Cheers . ) The W . M ., in responding , said he was pleased to see so many brethren present from neighbouring and distant provinces .

The W . M . next proposed "The Health of the Installing Master and Past Masters . "

Bro . Roper , who was enthusiastically received , expressed the pleasure it had given him to install the W . M . . Bro . A . T . Simpson , as one of the Past Masters , also responded . Bro . W . C . Cripps proposed " The Visitors , " who were present in such numbers . The duties of hospitality had never been found lacking in the Holmesdale Lodge . That night they had brethren present riot only from the two provinces of Kent and Sussex , but other provinces , and even America . They had heard from their Chaplain how certain

difficulties had arisen with regard to Continental Masonry , and there were differences between the Masonry of England and the Continent . But there was no such difference separating them from their brethren in America . They were brothers in truth and brothers in deed . At times , no doubt , there had been difficulties between England and America , which it was only natural would exist between two such nations proud of their respective birthrights , of their privileges , and rightly jealous of the duties and interests committed to their charge , but he believed that , should any serious difficulty arise

between nations , England would have no truer friend than her younger daughter America . ( Applause . ) And should any difficulties arise which would involve America , he knew she would get the assistance of England . Jealousy between nations could be removed in no better way than by mutual intercourse . The American Ambassadors had always been well received by England , and that had tended to cement the friendship existing between the two countries . They were pleased that evening to wilcome a brother from America . He knew the brethren of the Holmesdale Lodge had been

entertained in America , but he knew of no previous occasion when they had had the opportunity of reciprocating . Their visiting brother held a distinguished name , and they were pleased to welcome him . ( Hear , hear . )' Bro . Cleveland , in response , said he had tumbled into Tunbridge Wells most unexpectedly , and so was his introduction to the lodge . He had been for 50 years a Mason , and he had no hesitation in saying that in all his experience he had never seen a lodge conducted so well as that lodge had been . He had 12 S lodges to visit every

year , and he could say that he had never , until that evening , been examined as a Mason ought to be examined . He could assure his English brethren that there was a feeling now growing up in the States in favour of England , and should any difficulty ever arise , she could safely count on having some 80 millions of Americans at her back . ( Hear , hear . ) He could further say that the Hill for arbitration , passed by Lord Salisbury list session , would be passed by the Senate within one month from now . ( Hear , hear . )

That would be the first step towards the federation of the English speaking races throughout the world . Englishmen must not give heed to those men who were speaking against this scheme , as they were not true Americins . He had found . Masons in every known quarter of the globe , and , in thanking the brethren present for their hospitality , he hoped the two countries would always be found joined hand in hand . ( Hear , hear . )

Bro . Hudson , responding for the Province of Sussex , referred especially to Bro . Graham , the S . W ., whom he hoped to see in the chair next year . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Col . Tester also responded as a visitor . He wished the W . M . a very happy and prosperous year of office . Masons were doing a great national good . He was especially pleased at being present that night , for his son had had the honour of proving

their distinguished American visitor . The W . M . proposed , in felicitous terms , "The Officers of the Lodge . " Bros . Graham , S . W ., and Tester , J . W ., responded . The Tyler ' s toast was then given , and the company separated , a considerable sum being first contribu ted to the Almoner ' s fund .

During the evening a capital musical programmj was gone through , the vocalists including Miss Edith Welling , Miss Maud Bond , Bros . E . Oliver and F . L . Williams , and Mr . H . A . Prince , Bro . Starmer accompanying throughout .

Dobie Lodge , No . 889 . The installation meeting of this loJge was held on the 17 th instant , when the outgoing W . M ., Bro . Arthur Watkin , put the capstone to a splendid year's work by the way in which he installed his successor , Bro . Geo . R . Scott . The kindness of Bro . Sir Whittaker Ellis enabled the brethren to assemble for business on premises adjoining their usual place of meeting at Kingston-on- Thames , and the installation has never been performed under more favourable conditions as to accommodation . There was a good

representation of the lay members , and visitors were as plentiful as usuil , though several who had been invited as lodge guests were uiable to accept . Bro . Watkin , who is quite a youth in the Craft , and has gained rank faster than usual owing to exceptional circumstances , which do happen now and again in the best regulated bodies , installed his successor , nit only in correct style , but with an ease and eloqu : n : e thit compelled the admiration of all , and closed with the addresses splendidly delivered . Bro . Scott will have the following as his staff of officers during the year , and as he is a

regular attendint at " Emulation , " there is promise of another year of excellent working , to assist in which all his ofiicers are thoroughly capable : Bros . W . H . Gaze , S . W . ; W . J . Wells , J . W . ; J . Drewett , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Drewett , P . M ., Sec ; G . W . Cowen , M . D ., S . D . ; J . C Mortimer , J . D . ; C . T . L-iwis , I . G . j J . R . Abbott , Org . ; W . Silt , D . C ; This . Welham and C L . J ohnsoa , S : wd , \; and John Last , Tyler . Ten guineas were voted to the Worshipful Master's list for the Girls' School Festival .

Business over , the brethren adjourned to the Kingston Hotel for the banquet , of which sixty partook . The visitors included Bros . C . T . Tyler , Prov . Gran 1 Sec ; Rus ; e ! l , P . G . S ., Sec . of the Emulation Lodge of Instruction ; E , J . Dodd , P . P . G . O . Kent ; Jacob , P . M . 1 S 51 ; and many others of various ranks . Very high compliment was paid to the Installing Master and h ' s olicers for the way in which the work was done .