St. Martin's Lodge, No. 2455.

had been instrumental in bringing the lodge to the Grand Hotel , where they were so well housed and looked after . He looked back with pride to the time when he was their lirst Treasurer , when he did his best to conserve their funds . He was sure the brethren would be glad to hear , through him , and on the very highest authority that H . M . King

Edward VII . wishes all Masons to know that his interest in the Craft is in no way abated since he resigned the Grand Mastership and became Protector , but that its well-being is still near his heart . The Grand Officers included men of diverse opinions , religions and nationalities , all uniting to

promote the grand principles of the Craft . Of the latter he might mention Bro . Viscount Hayashi , the Japanese Minister to the British Court , who he was glad to say had only temporarily left our shores . There was some difficulty in knowing how to proceed , in admitting him , but His Excellency was able to assure them that the Japanese believed in God ,

whom they praised and adored , but , of whom they never asked anything , believing that He would send them what was for their good in His own time . On being asked what he thought of the Decalogue , he replied , I believe they are from God . Then they said , obligate Him on the Ten Commandments . He thus became the first Japanese Freemason . In

Japan there are now several lodges , but we were at first dubious about establishing them there , as no secret societies are allowed in that country . The authorities to whom the matter had to be referred however , said : " Oh ! yours is not a secret society , we know who you are and when and

where yon meet , and we are well assured that a society which numbers among its brethren the ( then ) Prince of Wales , the Duke of Connaught , and many of the noblest and best men in the land , can never become objectionable to us in japan . " Brethren , the Minister who said that , afterwards became the first Japanese Freemason—our brother Viscount Hayashi .

The interest evinced m the speech was shown by the enthusiasm with which it was received . Bro . Essex , in proposing the Worshipful Master , said they had in Bro . Vinden one who would make his year of office memorable in the lodge . He had already given a fair sample of his work in the offices he had already filled .

Bro . Vinden in reply tendered his thanks for the hearty reception he had received , which was an incentive to merit it . He would endeavour to carry out the solemn obligation he had entered into in a manner worthy of the traditions of St . Martin ' s Lodge . His aim should be to impress upon

candidates the beauty , solemnity , and importance of Freemasonry , and by the faithful discharge of the duties he had undertaken , to obtain from time to time a repetition of the very kind evidence of their appreciation of his predecessor . He could not fail to recall some of his excellent qualities .

From the time of his installation they had found him to be what is usually known as a " dark horse " in Masonic work , and when they remembered his unfailing courtesy , kindly disposition , readiness for work , and the constant watchfulness he exercised over their welfare , he knew they would as heartily receive , as he proposed , the health of the I . P . M .

Bro . Essex briefly thanked the W . M . and brethren for their kindness to him during his year , which had been one of great pleasure to him and which he should look back upon with pride . The W . M ., in proposing the Visitors , extended them a hearty welcome , and told them in the words from

" Hiawatha " : — Never before had our tobacco Such a sweet and pleasant ( favour , As it seems to have this evening , When you come so far to see us . Bro . BrineW . M . 472 thanked them for the hearty

, , reception and assured them they had enjoyed the work in the lodge and the sumptuous banquet afterwards . Bro . O'Doherty , I . P . M ., 1765 , also replied . The W . M ., in proposing the Honorary Members , referred to the loss they had sustained in the death of Sir Henry

Irving . Among those still remaining he was bound to speak of Bro . Will O . Welsford , to whom they are so much indebted for that kindly Masonic instruction he is so qualified to impart , and Bro . Fendick , by whom he was raised nine

years ago . Bro . Welsford , in replying , assured them it was a pleasure to him to impart knowledge when it was sought as it was by the officers of that lodge . The W . M ., in proposing the Masonic Charities , said it was one which he most heartily commended to their careful

attention , being connected with that great and ennobling virtue , which might justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a PVeemason ' s heart . The three institutions were equally deserving of their goodwill and support , while the good they unitedly accomplished was almost

immeasurable . He had promised to serve as Steward at the Boys ' Festival in June next , and if any brother desired to unite in forming a column of support and of great length , by adding donations to his list , they might rest assured they would be thankfully received and faithfully applied .

Bro . Godson , the Lodge Benevolent Secretary , in reply , after giving a detailed list of the monies subscribed to the different charities and mode of expenditure , said that true charity began at home , and he hoped that none present would forget that . Well , they were at home that evening ,

and he appealed to them to support the W . M . with an even larger list than the lodge had sent up before , assuring them that those who had served would be only too pleased to see the amount of their list surpassed . He also appealed to every member to join the Benevolent Association which was doing such good work .

In proposing the Officers of the lodge the W . M . impressed upon those who had received a collar for the first time that evening , they would receive every encouragement to develop their knowledge , and exhorted them to persevere , for there were many opportunities to display their capabilities in the various ceremonies , thus obtaining that promotion which it

would be the Master's delight to confer . A dual reply by the Organists to the toast of their health caused much laughter . The Tyler ' s toast closed a very happy evening .

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We understand that Bro . Victor Williamson , C . M . G ., has accepted the office of Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Durham , which has been offered to him by Lord Barnard , the Provincial Grand Master . The appointment is in succession to the late esteemed Canon Tristram , who held the office for 21 years . Bro . Williamson is a brother of the late Sir

Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., who was for some years Prov . G . M . for Durham , and the new Deputy Prov . G . M . is one of the oldest Past Grand Wardens of England , and a Freemason of very considerable experience . © © ©

Bro . George Broadbridge presided over a full Court of Governors of the West Lancashire Hamer Benevolent Institution at the Masonic Hall , Hope Street , and it being the lirst Court held since the close of the financial year , Bro . J . R .

Bottomley ( hon . secretary ) , and Bro . T . J . Jarman ( hon . treasurer ) , presented the annual report and the balance sheet for 1905 . These showed the institution to be in a satisfactory condition and doing splendid work for aged and distressed brethren in the Province of West Lancashire . Bro . Isaac Turner , P . M . Downshirc Lodge , was . unanimously elected a

trustee to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Bro . Dr . J . Kellet Smith . © »© © It is not often that we hear of the celebration of the Jubilee of a Lodge of Instruction , but that was the experience

of the Confidence Lodge of Instruction , which met on Monday , April 9 th , to commemorate its establishment and continuous working for a period of fifty years . The Dinner took place at the Three Nuns' Hotel , Aldgate , under the presidency of Bro . George Spice , P . M ., Preceptor .