Canada.

have conducted the affairs of Grand Lodge ; and they unite with him in the prayer that the Great Architect of the Universe may ever continue his fostering aid to tho genuine principles of our time-honoured fraternity . Masonry being a progressive science , it is a . matter of most sincere congratulation that art has at length triumphed over hitherto insurmountable barriers , in the successful laying of the Atlantic cable . May it , like the circling sun , scatter the light

of intelligence to all mankind . The Board observe with unfeigned pleasure the giant strides made hy our young country , and as loyal subjects echo the desire that the same wise statesmanship which has formed our New Dominion into the nucleus of a great nation may ever sustain it in its onward progress . Whilst admiring the noble spirit evinced by the movers in the projected Masonic Asylumthe Board concur iu the opinion

, expressed by the M . W . G . Master , that the funds now at the disposal of Grand Lodge are not sufficient to warrant so large an expenditure as must most necessarily be incurred to comport with the dignity of the Order . At the same time they would recommend that the funds be steadily augmented and carefully husbanded , with the ultimate view of consummating the longcherished hopes of its most sanguine promoters . The Board are of opinion that it is inadvisable to erect a

¦ building for Grand Lodge purposes , believing that the present migratory principle is bettor adapted to the convenience of the Craft in general than centralisation , as it equalises the burden to all , and conduces to multiply the sacred links of friendship . The erection of such an edifice would necessarily lock up a large portion of Grand Lodge Funds , so essential for the promotion of one of the grandest objects of

Freemasonry—Benevolence . The Board entirely agree with the M . W . G . M ., in the wisdom that has suggested the exemplification of the work , by the distinguished brethren named , but they deeply regret that unavoidable circumstances have rendered it impossible to carry out so desirable an arrangement , thereby disappointing a large number of brethren , who , firmly relying on the assurance given , travelled long distances for the express purpose of receiving light at this Grand Lodge . The Board are equally iealous of

any innovations in the ancient landmarks . They further believe that were it made a rule of Grand Lodge to have that exemplification annually repeated , it would exorcise a most beneficial influence , particularly upon rural lodges , which labour under great disadvantages in acquiring correct instruction . They also strongly recommend that a standing committee on work be forthwith appointed , as suggested by the M . W . G-M . The encomium passed by the M . W . G . M . on the efforts of the

Board of General Purposes in systematising the business of Grand Lodge , coming from one whose high opinion cannot bo too highly appreciated , they gratefully acknowledge . Vet they cannot refrain from expressing their deep regret at the manifest apathy evinced hy several members , in neglecting to discharge the important duties assumed by them , thereby wasting much precious time that otherwise might be profitably employed for

the benefit of the Craft . The Board are happy to hail in our Masonic family the new lodges which have been organised during the year , affording , as they do , the most gratifying evidence of a healthful and steady growth of our cherished principles , which exercise a salutary influence on the community at large . The Board congratulate the M . W . G . M . on the satisfactory termination of the cases of jurisprudence submitted to him for

adjudication ; and also have pleasure in stating that no subject of Masonic complaint has come before them at this communication , thereby affording further proof of the unalloyed harmony pervading our mystic circle . Tho Board cordially endorse the suggestions of fche M . W . G . M . Telative to the mode of expressing a mark of esteem to our worthy Grand Secretary , and would urge upon Grand Lodge

the propriety of presenting that faithful officer with a piece of plate instead of the honorary jewel in-oposed ; since such a tribute would be more acceptable to his family and he preserved by them as a lasting memento of substantial friendship and goodwill . The Board regret that the M . W . G . M . could not attend the Boston celebration , particularly as the kindness shown in extending the invitation to him exhibits in the strongest manner the fraternal feelings entertained by the sister Grand Lodges towards the Craft in Canada . The Board deeply sympathise with their brethren of Georgia

in the devastations which war has brought upon them , and sincerely rejoice that the Masons of Canada have contributed so liberally towards alleviating the sufferings caused thereby . The Board learn with profound grief that E . W . Bro . Michael Furnell , our late representative at the Grand Lodge of Ireland , has passed from time into utermty . The invaluable services rendered by the deceased brother to this Grand Lodge in its infancy will ever remain impressed on our Masonic annalsand

, we fervently join in the hope that he has ascended to tho Grand Lodge above . We have every confidence in the judicious selection of his successor made by the M . W . G . M . May ho emulate the virtues of his lamented predecessor . The appointment of a number of eminent representatives to other Grand Bodies with whom this Grand Lodge has not heretofore had communicationis an additional confirmation of

, the extension of our fraternal relations . The Board are sorry to learn that M . W . Bro . W . C . Stephens , the talented representative of the Grand Lodge of England afc Canada , has resigned the position so ably filled by him since the establishment of this Grand Lodge , and trust that his change of residence will not militate ; against the future happiness and prosperity of himself and esteemed family .

Tho subject of unaffiliated Masons has long been the cause of much anxious solicitude to this Board , and we heartily agree with the M . W . G . M . that the period has arrived when the matter should be seriously dealt with . But since there is ample provision in the constitution regarding the privileges forfeited by such brethren , we do not feel justified in recommending Grand Lodge to order the payment of fixed reduced fees by non-affiliated membpi-. q . . is . in our oninion . such comnulsion would not only be

an infringement upon the rights of private lodges , but contrary to the constitution . The Board sincerely hope that the arduous efforts of the committee engaged in collecting materials for the compilation of a Canadian Masonic History , will shortly be completed ; and that the invitation of the M . W . G . M . to old lodges for primitive documents will he promptly , responded to . As regards a general index to past proceedings Board are of opinion that the

your expense of preparing and printing would be more than its value would be worth ; but they would recommend that in future an index be added to the annual records , and also that the accumulated Masonic works now in the Grand Secretary ' s office b e cheaply bound and preserved for reference . The cordial reception extended to our M . W . G . M . on his visits to lod in the places enumeratedwillwe entertain no

ges , , doubt , be accorded to him by every lodge in his jurisdiction , should he find leisure to honour them with his presence . The safe investment of Grand Lodge funds being a matter of paramount importance , your Board are pleased to learn the highly satisfactory arrangements entered into with the view of increasing tho interest derivable therefrom . They are also gratified to ascertain the flourishing condition of the finances

generally . The M . W . G . M . is no doubt correct in expressing regret that he cannot enter upon many topics connected with his administration , owing to the unusual length to which his address has already extended , and your Board , claiming the same indulgence , trust that Grand Lodge will not expect them to enter more fully upon the consideration of any of the subjects brought under their consideration .

Masonic Asylum . Tho Board beg to report to Grand Lodge the result of the action of the Board taken at Port Hope in February last , in issuing circulars to the various private lodges . Fifty-three lodges have sent replies to the queries therein put , fourteen of which are unfavourable to the further prosecution of tbe schemewhile thirty-four lodges strongly urge its being

, immediately carried into operation ; four lodges , but recently formed , anil ono whoso furniture has been destroyed by fire , are unable at prosent to do anything . The sum of 300 dols . 50 c . has been received in addition to the Asylum Fund , and a further sum of 4 , 11 S dols . promised on the work being begun ; of this latter sum , however , 3000 dolsis promised conditionall .

, . y This latter offer the Board consider well worthy of the serious attention of Grand Lodge . It is from Niagara Lodge , No . 2 , and is contained in the following resolution of the lodge -. — " That the sum of 3 , 000 dols ., also a two-story brick building ( an elevation plan of which , with a description of the building , is attached ) , and two acres of land with improvement ( garden ,