than by the object of his dislike; and it was generally observed that the almost playful manner in which his unkindness and austerity were met and commented on, was galling to his pride. Some may consider these remarks too severe; but our deceased Brother took a very leading part during the few past years, and his character belongs to Masonic history. To be truthful is our object, and we conscientiously believe we have not shadowed out defects (and who is without them) with an unkindly feeling. We conclude by observing that at the last general meeting of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund, an address of condolence to the widow and family of the deceased Brother, was unanimously passed. This was an act of Masonic justice. Also, that at the last meeting of the Moira Lodge, a eulogistic address to his memory was delivered by Bro. John Bigg, forming a graceful record on the minutes of that highly respectable Lodge.

April 22.-BRO. WILLIAM ECCLES is no more! As the heart sighs over the virtues of a departed friend, whose natural affection for all mankind was constitutional in its most extended sense, so may the pen well falter in endeavouring to record those excellences of character which were peculiarly his. For upwards of twenty years were we attached by a friendship as sincerely reciprocated as ever fell to the lot of man to enjoy; and it is not too much to say that we fear the loss may not easily be supplied. He was indeed a younger Brother who was summoned from the world suddenly, alas! how suddenly! without an instant's warning, at the call of the Almighty. A few friends had dined with him; he himself saw them to the door; went up-stairs, and with his beloved wife visited his children as they slept; retired to bed; and, in a few minutes, was no more! He had awakened, and complained of sickness; two medical friends were in attendance within ten minutes, but the spirit had flown.

We have said that he possessed excellences of character; but how describe them? As a medical attendant, ask of those by whose bed side as he sat, how he beguiled sickness of its sorrow by the hope he inspired, and by the skill which by that hope became the augury of frequent success. The rich could buy this aid, which no price could repay unless accompanied by that feeling of gratitude that made the office of medical adviser one of the highest in mental thought; but the poor-aye, among them the brightness of his pure philanthropy shone lustrously beautiful. He was, indeed, the poor man's friend; the fees he thus earned, but received not, were offered up with heartfelt benignity; he well illustrated the scriptural adage, "He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord.” As a member of social life, he was an accomplished man- -by nature a gentleman-firm and uncompromising in friendship-forgiving injuries -delicate in conduct-courteous in manner-his way was winning, and his smile was sweet-consolation flowed from his words-honour from his actions-honesty from all his works. We dare not profane the mystery of what was the home of such a one; now rendered drear and desolate-nor can we but tearfully allude to her who, with five of his children; and, alas! also the unborn embryo of a world to be entered into after its father has departed from that world-is thus a widow. We know, however, that the gifts by which she is endowed, and for which he first prized, and then selected her as his meet partner in life, are of that lasting and priceless value, that as the days of mourning pass away, she will rise from her morning prayer, humbled before her Maker, but strengthened by His grace and supported by His protection, and like a

true English mother will teach her children that the way they should go is precisely the way pointed out by their beloved father's example.

As a Mason, Brother William Eccles realised expectation; his extensive medical duties prevented much personal service; a friend to the Order he more especially adopted the Asylum, and served as Steward on several occasions. He was a Past Master of the Temple Lodge. He was initiated in the Theatric Lodge, now the Lodge of Good Report. Lords Frederick and Adolphus Fitz-Clarence were made about the same time with himself. He used to relate many social anecdotes of the meetings with much gusto; for, as a companion, he was equal to all things. Well may we say-" When shall we look on thy like again." He died at the age of 46, at his house, in Old Broad-street.

April 25.-At Southsea, near Portsmouth, æt. 87, Mrs. Elizabeth Harper, relict of Brother Thomas Harper, late Deputy Grand Master, and mother of Brother Edwards Harper, Past Grand Secretary. She had been blessed with an excellent state of health, and had been the parent of a large family, ten of whom attained the age of maturity. During her widowhood she resided with her daughters. Of the deceased it may be truly said that no terms of eulogy could be stated, either as an affectionate wife-a fond parent-a kind relative, or a faithful and ever ready friend, of which her memory is not deserving. Her end was peace!

In May last, at his residence, in East Reach, Taunton, Bro. George Augustus Frederick Hazelton, late Member of Lodge No. 327, Taunton, and P. G. D. of the Province. The deceased Brother was much regarded and respected, pursuing a life of usefulness with a rigid adherence to every principle of honour and uprightness, he has been suddenly cut off at the early age of 42, leaving a widow and six children to mourn their heavy loss.

June 6.-At the Crescent, Limerick, deeply regretted by her numerous family, Mrs. Furnell, relict of the late Michael Furnell, Esq., Banker, who filled the office of High Sheriff for the county, and mother of our esteemed citizen, Brother Michael Furnell, Esq., D.L.

PROVINCIAL.

THE GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE ASYLUM FOR Aged and DECAYED FREEMASONS most earnestly direct the attention of their Provincial Brethren to the state of the Funds of that excellent Institution, and trust, that by the aid of Lodges and private Contributions, the serious expenses to which the Charity has been subjected may be met by the kindness and liberality of the Craft.

Post Office Orders, Bank paper, or references on London Houses, will be thankfully acknowledged by the Bankers, MESSRS. PRESCOTT and Co., 62, Threadneedle Street, London; the Treasurer, DR. CRUCEFIX, Grove, Gravesend, Kent; or the Secretary, ad interim, MR. John WHITMORE, 125, Oxford Street, London.

CHATHAM, June 2.-A numerous meeting of Lodges Nos. 20, 216, and 709, was held at the Sun, this day, at which the Deputy P. G. M. for the Province, Brother Ashley presided. On this occasion a very elegant Past Master's jewel was presented to Colour-Sergeant J. Lynch, as a token of respect and gratitude for his general excellent conduct as a Mason, and for his efficient services to the Craft. The jewel was presented by Brother Ashley, in a very dignified and appropriate address, to which Brother Lynch replied in energetic and feeling terms. It was highly complimentary to Brother Lynch that the meeting was attended by several officers, who evidently felt gratified to find that the character of their brother soldier was so properly appreciated. On our own part, we beg to state, that never was a compliment more gracefully paid or more richly deserved.

GRAVESEND, June 10.-Lodge of Sympathy, No. 709.-A very numerous meeting of the members of this Lodge and Visiting Brethren, was held this day, for the purpose of installing the Master elect, Brother Johnson. This august ceremonial was ably conducted by Brother Heather, Provincial Grand Registrar, and Brother J. Lynch, of No. 216, Chatham; there were present no less than thirteen Past Masters. The Post Master, Mr. Couves, was afterwards initiated. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brother Ashley presided at the banquet, and delivered many admirable addresses. Brother Heather returned thanks for the compliment paid to the Provincial Grand Officers, and the transactions of the day passed off to the unqualified satisfaction of every one present.

CHELMSFORD.-A Provincial Grand Masonic Ball is to be held on the 24th June, at the Shire Hall, under the patronage of the R. W. Rowland Alston, Provincial Grand Master. The profits are to be applied in aid of the Masonic charity for clothing and educating the sons of indigent and deceased Freemasons.

OXFORD, June 9.-The officers and Brethren of the Apollo (University) Lodge, assembled at the invitation of the Alfred (City) Lodge, to spend a social hour previous to the long vacation. The Masonic business of the day having been disposed of in the afternoon, the Brethren assembled in the evening about nine o'clock, when a sumptuous entertainment was served up in the banquet hall, which

was tastefully decorated and adorned with wreaths and costly vases of flowers, the work of those fair ones who, though debarred from any participation in the pleasures of the meeting, were, at least, desirous to promote them to the utmost extent which their refined taste could permit.

The W. M. of the Alfred Lodge, Bro. W. Thompson, presided; supported by the G. P. Bro. W. Rule; the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire, Bro. Coltman: the W. M. of the Apollo Lodge, his Officers, and Brethren: the Officers and Brethren of the Alfred Lodge; several Visiting Brothers, making altogether about eighty in number. On the removal of the cloth, the W. M. gave the following toasts, which were received with appropriate honours:-"The Queen and the Craft;""Prince Albert;""The Queen, Prince of Wales, and rest of the Royal Family;" "The Grand Master of England, the Earl of Zetland, the Deputy Grand Master, Lord Worsley, and the Officers of the Grand Lodge.'

Bro. RULE, G. P., acknowledged the last toast.

The W. M. introduced the name of the Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire, Brother C. J. Ridley, and expressed the regret which his absence occasioned both to the Brethren and to that Brother himself, who had watched over both Lodges with so much care and interest.

The W. M. said he felt more than ordinary pleasure in proposing the health of the W. M. Officers and Brethren of the Apollo Lodge, who had visited them on the present occasion.-(Cheers). When they took into consideration the kind and brotherly feeling which had so long existed between the two bodies, and the liberality, courtesy, and hospitality with which they at all times treated members of the Alfred Lodge, they would agree with him that they were entitled to every mark of respect that could be paid them.-(Cheers). The Apollo Lodge maintained a proud position, and was one of the best in England, inasmuch as it was the nursery of some of the worthiest Masons, who had gone forth and proved themselves to be zealous and efficient in the extreme. At the present moment that Lodge was presided over by one who would carry out the principles of Masonry; and, supported as he was by such useful officers, its high character would be upheld, and its proud position maintained.-(Cheers). It had always been a matter of regret that the anniversary of the Alfred Lodge occurred at a time when they were deprived of the presence of the Brethren of the Apollo, and it was, therefore, on that account that a special invitation was given to those Brethren, which they had kindly accepted and cordially responded to. It afforded him and others great pleasure, and must be a source of congratulation to the W. M. of the Apollo Lodge, to see so many of his Past Masters and distinguished Brethren present. He sincerely wished that Lodge might continue to prosper as it had done-(cheers)—that they might meet again at the close of the long vacation in the same health and harmony-and that, in the mean time, the younger Brethren especially might find Masonry carried out in the same spirit in other provinces as it was in this. In conclusion, he begged to propose prosperity to the Apollo Lodge, and health and happiness to its members. (The toast was drunk with every honour that could be paid it, and the reception it met with was enthusiastic in the extreme).

The W. M. of the Apollo Lodge, Bro. MEREDITH, observed that the compliment paid himself and the Lodge he presided over by the generous invitation-unbounded hospitality-carried out, too, with such good

feeling, would strengthen the bonds of unity and promote that truly Masonic spirit which had ever been his object and aim.-(Loud cheers.) Before sitting down, he begged to propose the health of the W. M. of the Alfred, Brother Thompson, who had given the best proofs that it was his earnest desire and wish that the two Lodges should continue in that unity which did exist at the present moment. He had watched the performances of his Masonic duties, and could bear his unqualified testimony that no one could labour more earnestly to uphold the character of his Lodge, to promote its prosperity, or fulfil its duties with greater zeal and ability.-(Loud cheers).

The W. M. responded, and remarked that he was greatly indebted to his officers, by whom he had been well supported and enabled to carry on the business of the Lodge. The W. M. then proposed-" The Past Masters of the Alfred Lodge," which was acknowledged by Brother P. M. Furley.

Brother J. T. B. LANDON, P. G. Chaplain, proposed the health of the officers of the Alfred Lodge, and remarked that it was gratifying to see so many Masons distinguished for the zeal and ability with which they fulfilled the duties that devolved upon them. In addition to the presence of many excellent Masons and Companions, they had in the company a Templar, one of their own Lodge, who had recently been elevated to that which might be considered the highest point in Masonry. He (Brother L.) could not refrain from expressing the great pleasure it afforded him in seeing such unanimity existing between the city and university Lodges on the present occasion, nor could he help looking on Masonry as a connecting link between the university and city.-(Cheers). It held them together in bonds of unity; and, however different their situations in life might be, it brought them in contact with each other and placed them on a friendly footing.-(Cheers).

Brother R. J. SPIERS, who officiated as Senior Warden, in the absence of Brother Belcher, acknowledged the toast, and assured them, that while their approbation was the best reward they could desire for any past services, it would be the best incentive to future exertions. It was a source of pleasure to them to assist their Worshipful Master to the utmost of their power, for he was deservedly entitled to it; and it was but justice to him to mention, that he it was who proposed the present meeting to his Lodge, by whom it was cheerfully and immediately acceded to.-(Cheers). It must be gratifying to the Visiting Brethren to witness the unanimity on this occasion, and the anxiety displayed by one Lodge to contribute to the happiness of the other; but, whon he assured them that this feeling was reciprocal, and so characteristic of the Apollo Lodge, that they regarded the absence of the Alfred Brethren from any of their meetings almost as a mark of disrespect, it would be some key to the feelings which were displayed at this moment.— (Cheers). With respect to their Worshipful Master, they had reason to be proud of him, for without a good general there could not be a good army. Their term of office was but a term of probation, and it was their duty, during that period, to prove themselves worthy of the higher offices to which they aspired, and, by the zeal they displayed, to arrive at the summit of their ambition. With respect to the higher degrees of Masonry, to which allusion had been made, he hoped at no distant period to see an encampment attached to the Lodges of this province; and they had good grounds for this anticipation, inasmuch as Temple Cowley, in this neighbourhood, was formerly a preceptory of Knight