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HANWELL AND ACTON.-OPENING OF LODGES.-On Monday evening, 24th October, 1859, a Lodge was opened at the Duke of York Inn, Hanwell, by the Grand Master of the Pimlico District. The number of members initiated on the opening night was 11.-On Wednesday, the 2nd November, 1859, a Lodge was opened, also in connexion with the above District, at the George Inn, Acton. No Lodge had previously existed nearer than two miles from Acton, and the opening of such Lodge was greatly desirable, as it is situated in a populous neighbourhood. This District, at the commencement of the year, had 11 Lodges-now it has 17.

IXWORTH.-On Thursday, December 8th, Zephaniah Rye and Philip Frunning, both active members of the Speed the Plough Lodge, Ixworth, were each presented with a beautifully framed certificate for their long and faithful services for the good and welfare of the Lodge.

KNIGHTON.-The triennial festival of the Loyal Offa's Dyke Lodge, Manchester Unity (No. 2949, Leominster District), was held at the Chandos Arms Hotel, on Friday, the 21st of October. The chair was taken by Dr. Goulstone, the V.G. and surgeon of the lodge. It was stated by Mr. Bright, of Clun, that the lodge is in as flourishing a condition as any in the Unity, having above 70 members and a capital of £859 in the funds.

MANCHESTER.-The members and friends of the Caledonian Lodge met on Saturday evening, November 26th, to spend a farewell hour with Brother B. Laughton, an old and much-respected member, who is about to rejoin his son (formerly a member of the same lodge) and family in Australia. P.G. William Firth (having been called to the chair) in a short and pithy address alluded to the peculiar circumstances under which they had met, and rejoiced in the fact that the lodge had determined to show their respect and regret at parting with Brother Laughton, by presenting him with a written testimonial of their feelings towards him, and concluded by calling upon the Permanent Secretary (P.G. William Elliott) to make the presentation on behalf of the lodge. The testimonial was neatly written, and ornamented with Old English capitals, &c., upon parchment, with the lodge seal and officers' names attached, and expressed in a few words the high regard in which Brother Laughton is held by his brethren, and their hearty and sincere wishes for his safe voyage and future prosperity.

NORWICH.-Travellers' Rest Lodge.-The members of this, the oldest, largest, and wealthiest lodge of the Norwich District of the Manchester Unity, celebrated their twenty-fourth anniversary on Tuesday evening, November 29th, when upwards of eighty of the brethren of the order partook of a substantial dinner. Mr. Daynes, P.G.M., presided, supported by the district officers, and a number of the leading members of the Travellers' Rest, and other city lodges. Under the chairman's able presidency, a most agreeable evening was passed, toast and song following each other in rapid succession. In proposing the toast of the evening, "The Travellers' Rest Lodge," Mr. Daynes coupled with it the health of its oldest and one of its most worthy members, P.P.G.M. Fox, and glanced briefly at its past and present position. Seventeen years ago it had 180 members, with a capital of £293 17s. 11 d., but it had risen in 1856 to 356 members, and a capital of £2,994 2s. 7 d., and they had now 434 members, and the January returns would show a capital of upwards of £4000. He (Mr. Daynes) held this to be the most satisfactory and convincing answer to those who were opposed to these societies; and he had instanced the position of the lodge in the year 1856, because it was at that time that the most violent onslaught was made

upon the order, and because the lodge had then reached the age at which it was predicted by those who professed to be authorities on such matters, that it would begin to decay. It was said that lodges might go on very well for twenty years, but that no lodge could continue prospering beyond that period. But what had the Travellers' Rest Lodge done since it had arrived at that critical period in its existence-the culminating point, as it was asserted, of its prosperity-why instead of having seen their capital diminishing, they had added another £1000 to it, and he believed that instead of having reached the acme of success, they were only entering on a fresh course of increased vigour and prosperity. Mr. Fox responded, in a speech full of feeling, reviewing the circumstances of his long connection with the lodge. The chairman, in an appropriate address, in which he eulogised the services of one of the ablest of their brother members, P.G. Powles, presented that brother with a very handsome gold watch, accompanied by the following inscription, written on a very beautifully illuminated and framed tablet, the execution of which did the highest credit to its designer, Mr. S. Harcourt :-"Testimonial to P.G. Wm. Geo. Powles, of the Loyal Travellers' Rest Lodge of the Norwich District of the Independent Order of Odd-fellows, Manchester Unity Friendly Society. This testimonial, accompanied by a gold watch, was presented to P.G. Wm. George Powles by the members of the Loyal Travellers' Rest Lodge, and other friends, at the celebration of the twenty-fourth anniversary, November 29th, 1859, in recognition of the important services rendered by him in the various offices to which he has been appointed, extending over a period of sixteen years; also as a token of sincere regard for the kind attention he has shown to our sick brothers in his capacity as sick steward, and also in general appreciation of his upright character and proved integrity."-Waterloo Lodge. The seventeenth anniversary of the Waterloo Lodge was celebrated on Monday, Nov. 28th, when upwards of 50 members sat down to an excellent dinner under the presidency of P.G. Goldspink, supported by the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master of the District, the Corresponding Secretary, &c.

NORTH LONDON DISTRICT.-The Members of the Architectural Museum, South Kensington, having offered prizes this year, to encourage competition by Art Workmen, the specimens executed have been deposited according to the regulations. Among them is one by Mr. W. H. Baylis, a clever young artist, who was lately initiated by G. F. Pardon as a member of the Marc Antony Lodge, showing the enrichment of a hollow moulding in natural and conventional foliage, which is of remarkable beauty in design, and finish in execution. Its cost is said to be about £9 per foot, and though the portion exhibited is but two feet by seven inches, it is intended to serve for an infinite variety of display in any length that might be required. A great number of artists have visited the Museum this month, to examine the works submitted for prizes in Wood Carving and Ornamental Art.-Testimonial to the G.M.-The Members of the various lodges in this district are about to present a testimonial to their worthy Grand Master, J. Filsell, for his long and valuable services.

OLDHAM.-TEA PARTY AND PRESENTATION.-On Saturday, November 12, about three hundred members and their wives sat down to tea in the Temperance Hall, and afterwards assembled in the same room under the presidency of Mr. Alderman Boyd, on the occasion of presenting to Mr, William Patterson, C.S. of the Oldham district, with a portrait of himself, as a reward for faithful services, and as a testimonial of the esteem in which he is held by the members of the district. The portrait is in a massive gilt frame, painted by Mr. A. Ashton, is lifelike in portraiture, and beautiful as an

artistic effort. Mr. Heckton, G.M., Mr. Hardwick, P.G.M., and other influential members of our order made long and eloquent speeches on the interesting occasion. The evening's business was enlivened by an excellent concert of vocal and instrumental music.

POTTERY AND NEWCASTLE DISTRICT.-Loyal Alfred Lodge, Fenton.-On Monday, November 14th, the annual tea meeting for the benefit of the Widow and Orphans' Fund, in connection with the above Lodge, took place, when upwards of 250 sat down. After tea, T. Hulse, Esq., P. Prov. G.M., Chief Bailiff of Longtore, was called to the chair, supported by Mr. R. Garnham, P.G., and R. T. Skerratt, Esq., Chief Bailiff of Fenton. The chairman, having been an Odd-fellow himself for upwards of 20 years, pointed out the advantages of such institutions, remarking that they were an ornament to society, and reflected great credit on the heads and hearts of its officers. After which the concert commenced, the various parts being ably sustained by Mrs. Wilkinson, Miss Wise, and Mr. Gerrard, accompanied by Mr. Hollins' excellent quadrille band. Votes of thanks were passed to the chairman, and Mr. Skerratt, who severally acknowledged them; and also to the patrons for their countenance and support. Dancing then commenced, which was kept up with good spirit until a late hour. Upwards of £10 was added to the Widow and Orphans' Fund on this evening.

PRESTEIGN. PRESENTATION OF PLATE.-The members of the St. David's Lodge, of this town, and others, have just presented their surgeon, E. M. Tearne, Esq., with a very handsome testimonial in the shape of a richly wrought silver tankard, as a slight acknowledgement and token of esteem for his long-continued services to the Lodge, and his prompt and kind attention to its sick members. The testimonial was presented at a public dinner, when the chair was taken by the Rev. O. Ormerod, the Rector, who, in presenting the testimonial, paid the worthy recipient a very high compliment for his continuous services, and strongly eulogised the Order generally.

PRESTON.-On Wednesday evening, Nov. 23rd, the members of the Prince of Peace Lodge held their anniversary at the Stanley Arms. The meeting was interesting in a public point of view, from the fact of Mr. R. A. Cross, M.P. (who is a member of the lodge) having consented to take the chair, and Mr. Townley Parker, late M.P. for the borough (also a member) having also promised to attend. The repast embraced every delicacy of the season. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, Mr. Townley and Mr. Cross made eloquent speeches, after which the company proceeded to the large room up stairs, which had been elegantly decorated, and a merry dance was kept up until a timely hour in the morning. Widow and Orphans' Fund.-The committee of management of the Widow and Orphans' Fund have just published their 24th annual report. Their income for the year has been £170 78, of which sum £125 14s. was contributed by lodges, £10 5s. 6d. by donations of various gentlemen, £17 178. 3d. for interest, &c. The sum of £101 16s. 9d. was dispensed in the relief of widows and orphans, and £24 10s. was paid for widows' (of deceased odd-fellows) funerals (seven at £3 10s. each). The demands on the fund had been less than in the preceding year, mainly on account of the prosperity of trade, but the number of cases relieved showed that there was a considerable field for the exercise of charity among the bereaved class for the relief of whom the fund had been established.

SHARNBROOK.-Mr. W. B. Graham has written a long and interesting poetical elegy on Thomas Gell, Esq., for many years a patron of the Man

chester Unity. We regret that we cannot find space for its insertion. The last stanza is as follows:

O Gell! accept this simple wilding wreath,

Which I have twined around thy honoured name;
And though the garland may not glow with bloom,
Or breathe the fragrance of more cultured flowers,
Yet it is wov'n by hands sincere, inspir'd
By great respect towards thy memory,
And sanctified by feeling true and deep.
For all thy kind and pleasant words and looks,
Those little magic charms that win the heart,
My spirit feels a lasting gratitude.

For thee thy Parish mourns; and I lament"
The loss of landlord, neighbour, and a friend.

Sharnbrook, October 10th, 1859.

SOUTH LONDON DISTRICT.-The members of the City of London Lodge met at a dinner, to present to Mr. V. R. Burgess, C.S. of this District, a handsome silver inkstand, as a testimony of their appreciation of his long and valuable services as Permanent Secretary of the Lodge.-The City of London Lodge was opened on the 25th of April, 1839. From that date it has paid, for sickness and medical attendance, £2248 8s. 7d.; contribution to District Funeral Fund, £724 13s. 8d.; contribution to Widow and Orphans' Fund, £816 4s. 7d.; gifts to members in distress, Irish Famine, Patriotic Fund, &c., and for which the Sick and Funeral Fund has not been touched, £310 14s. 3d. ; making a total of £4100 ls. 14d.-Capital, October 1st, 1859, £1927 Os. 6d.

ST. IVES, HUNTS.-Those of our readers who have been in the habit of attending the A.M.C. will be glad to learn that P. Prov. G.M. Reuben Ginn, of the St. Ives (Hunts.) district, who is a constant attendant at our annual gatherings, passed a successful and very satisfactory examination in November last, and has since obtained a certificate to practise as an Attorney of the Courts of Common Law, and a Solicitor of the High Court of Chancery.

STAMFORD. The twenty-first anniversary of the Albion Lodge took place on Monday, September 19, in the Banqueting Room of the George Hotel, the Mayor, (O. N. Simpson, Esq.) in the chair. Among the company were Jas. Althorp and T. J. Dafforn, Esqrs., Mr. Ald. Whincup, J. Torkington, Esq., Mr. Morgan and Mr. Hy. Johnson. The room was very tastily decorated; over the table at which the chairman presided were displayed several banners, the arms of the order, and the word "Peace" formed of choice flowers. After the usual toasts, Mr. Harden, the Secretary gave a very interesting account of the financial position of the Lodge, and spoke hopefully of its prospects its sick-payments during the year (1858-9) have amounted to £94 13s. 4d.; and the sum handed over for funerals has been £15. The amount paid into the Saving's bank was £124, and the total of the funds is £1305 68. 8d., to which was added a donation of 2 guineas from the Mayor.

SUNDERLAND.-Presentation to Mr. Wade, P.G.M. of the Barnard Castle District, by the officers and brothers of the Loyal Mariners' Refuge Lodge, Sunderland and Seaham District. On Thursday, September 22nd, 1859, after the Lodge business had been transacted, D.P.G.M. Scott, in an address, stated the high respect of the members towards Mr. Wade; after which P.P.G.M. Joseph presented to him a Patent Lever Silver Watch, bearing the

following inscription :-"Presented to P.G.M. S. J. Wade, by the officers and brothers of the Mariners' Refuge Lodge, as a token of respect. September 22, 1859."

TINTWISTLE, GLOSSOP DISTRICT.-A tea party in aid of the Widow and Orphans' Fund took place on October 8, in the Independent School-room. The party was got up by the members of the Clio Lodge, and was attended by about 500 persons. The room was gaily decorated with the regalia of the Glossop District, and Mr. Woodcock, P.P.G.M., in the chair. The secretary gave an account of the fund, which is in a flourishing condition, and after various excellent speeches, Mr. B. Littlewood, of Brosscroft, read an appropriate poem, which he wrote for the occasion, of which we have only space for a single stanza :-

"This world would be better, if men would be guided
By kindlier feelings in cases of need;
Much joy would be tasted and pain be avoided,
If all seeming friendship were friendship indeed."

WOLVERHAMPTON.-On Monday evening, October 10, the members of King William the Fourth Lodge assembled for the purpose of presenting a token of respect to P.G. John Hartshorn, who for twenty-one years held the office of secretary to the lodge. There was a numerous gathering, when P.P.G.M. Willson, in an eloquent speech, in the name of the Lodge, handed the testimonial to P.G. Hartshorn, which consisted of a handsome pair of spectacles, in gold frames, with a beautiful tortoiseshell case, on which was a silver shield bearing the inscription underneath. He hoped P.G. Hartshorn would be spared to wear them for many years, and that when called away he would leave them to his family, to show the esteem and affection in which he was so deservedly held by the members of his Lodge :-" Presented with a pair of gold spectacles to P.G. John Hartshorn by the Loyal King William the Fourth Lodge, M.U., as a token of respect for his services as secretary for 21 years. October 10th, 1859." P.G. Hartshorn, in a few touching remarks, thanked the Lodge for their kindness, and hoped that his future conduct would be such as to merit a continuance of the good feeling manifested towards him on that occasion.

Obituary.

On the 13th of November, after a short illness, and somewhat prematurely, Brother George Mountford, aged 49. The deceased was a member of the St. John's Lodge, Burslem, for nearly nineteen years; and, though he had only filled the offices of secretary and trustee to his Lodge, yet he was one of those quiet-thinking, prudent, and firm-purposed men, who, without ostentation in their manner, render invaluable services to the societies of which they are members. He had for the last nine years filled the situation of a manager or foreman to Messrs. Mayer & Elliot, extensive china and earthenware manufacturers, Burslem and Longport, Staffordshire, and it was gratifying to see the principal of that firm, Mr. Jos. Meyer, attending the funeral, and thus testifying their respect for the deceased, and showing he must have served them with ability and sincerity.

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