Grand Lodge.

so well governed there was a double satisfaction in the happiness of the governor , and those who were so well governed by him ; bith being equally satisfactory . Their Grand Master was at the head of an Order of great antiquity , but looking back to the time when their Grand Master was called to the chair , during the twenty-four years he had presided over them , Masonic lodges had

multiplied threefold . Their annual income had not only increased , but tliey h : id shown also great prudence by investing some of their income for other purposes , to a great extent since the Grand Master commenced his office . To that noble hall in which they were then assembled , they had added those magnificent institutions , the Boys' and Girls' Schools for the children

of their members , aud thus showed at least in their time , how well the Craft had discharged their duties . As to their noble Cuarities , the same results had followed , and what they were at the time the Grand Master took his office , had now been multiplied more than fourfold . He concluded by expressing an ardent hope they they would continue those efforts , and not

relax in producing such satisfactory results . It was , therefore , with great pleasure that he proposed the re-election of the Eight Hon . the Earl of Zetland as Grand Master . Bro . DUMAS seconded the motion .

1 lie G . MASTER put the motion , which was carried with one dissentient . The G . Master was then saluted in the usual form . The ACTING G . MASTER said he had delayed until that moment to convey to the brethren the message with which he had ?> aen e ' . - . arged by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master , wliich

was to express his great regret that it was not possible for him to be present with them on that occasion , as he did not feel ¦ equal to take a journey from Yorkshire for that purpose . Last year he came to town , but the journey brought about a very severe cold , and he was even then unable to be present amongst them , and he ( Earl de Grey ) felt sure that there was no brother

there that night in that room but would be anxious that their Most Worshipful Grand Master should not again run a similar risk , towards whom they all entertained feelings of gratitude , ¦ regard , and affection . He was confident tho Earl of Zetland would express to them the distinguished honour again conferred upon him , and he ( Earl de Grey ) congratulated Grand Lodge

, a . Bro . Sharpe had said , in having such a Grand Master , trusting that his life might long be spared , and to the end of it that he might continue to enjoy their confidence , affection , and regard .

THE GRAND TREASURER . Bro . BRACKSTONE BAKER said ho had again to put in nomination Bro . Samuel Tomkins as Grand Treasurer for the ensuing year . He remarked on his predecessors who had all held that office for a number of years , and his immediate predecessor , Bro . Perceval , after serving for a great number of years , had actually

died in harness . He was succeeded by Bro . Tomkins , who had served them for sixteen years , and who for accuracy , energy , and everything else that could be desired , had . earned for himself a good character . In their own lodges they knew that the duties of Treasurer made that a very important office , as it was always attended with a great deal of trouble and anxiety , but

how small was that in comparison to the Treasurership of Grand Lodge , where the subscriptions amounted anually to about £ 10 , 000 . He had great pleasure , therefore , in proposing the re-election of Bro . Tomkins , as Grand Treasurer , hopinnthat lie might retain that office for another sixteen years , and continue to enjoy the confidence of the Craft . Bro . EDWARD B . SUTTON , P . G . S ., and P . M . of the Prince of Wales Lodge , seconded the motion .

The G . MASTER put the motion , which was unanimously agreed to . Bro . TOMKINS thanked the brethren cordially for the honour conferred upon him , in re-electing hiin to the high and honourable office of Grand Treasurer . He trusted that long might the prosperity of the Craft continue , and if his health was spared , that he might be re-elected by them for many years .

THE BOAED OF BENEVOLENCE . The GRAND SECRETARY read the report of the Board of Benevolence for tbe last quarter , in which were recommendations for the following grants , viz .: — Bro . William B ., of the Pomfret , Lodge , No . 360 , Northampton £ 50 0 0

Bro . Nathan C , of the Lodge of Joppa , No . 1 S 8 , London 30 0 0 Bro . Augustus Phillips _? ., of the Portsmouth Lodge , No . 487 , Portsmouth 100 0 0 Bro . Isaiah C , of the Newstead Lodge , No . 47 , Nottingham 30 0 0

Tho Widow of the late Bro . John S ., of the Constitution Lodge , No . 55 , London 50 0 0 The Widow of the late Bro . William Henry Williams B ., of the True and Faithful Lodge . No . 318 , Helston 30 0 0 Bro . HERVEV moved the adoption by Graud Lodge of the

first two recommendations , which were put and agree to without observation . On the third recommendation being proposed for a grant of £ 100 to Bro . F ., of the Portsmouth Lodge , Bro . BRACKSTONE BAKER wished to have some explanation why this large sum was proposed .

Bro . SABINE said he regretted to find that the brother to whom it was proposed to make this grant , was not the person he had been represented , and he thought ought not to receive so large a sum of money as that proposed . He moved as an amendment that this recommendation be referred baek to the

Board of Benevolence for further consideration . The G . REGISTRAR seconded the amendment , and said that while joining a number of lodges , this brother had allowed some of his children to be educated by charity , and spoke of the utter incompetence of one nearly twelve years of age to pass almost the lowest test in regard to education . It ought to have

been the duty of this brother to have given his children a proper education , to fit them for the duties of life , and give them all its advantages . A BROTHER said he was a member of the Portsmouth Lodge , to which this brother belonged , and he was surprised and astoni shed to hear the observations wliich had been made . The

brother was employed in the Hampshire Banking Company , that was running a race with the Provincial Bank of England , and this brother did not fall into the views of tho directors , and he was discharged , but all his accounts were correct , and he had the good opinion of the members of the lodge , and he had done a great deal for the benefit of the Masonic charities .

Bro . STEBBING , P . G . D ., also bore his testimony to the services of the brother referred to , and said that with reference to his connection with the Hampshire Banking Company , although he left it , his [ accounts were all in a perfect state , and he also received a high character . His sen was still employed there He hoped that Grand Lodge ivould not send his

recommendation back to tho Board of Benevolence , for that ivould throw a taint upon his character , but grant the amount at once and thus enable him to get a position again in the world . Tho debate was continued by Bros . Locock Webb , Cockerell Savage , and other leading brethren , when