probably amount to £45, we have a grand total of £875 as the expenses occasioned by the A.M.C. Out of the 441 Districts of the Unity, 113 sent delegates, such districts having (according to the last List of Lodges) 152,838 members, as nearly as possible one half of the Unity. Leeds sent 6 delegates for 5664 members. North London, 5 for 7562 members. Bradford, 4 for 3010 members. Twelve districts sent 3 delegates each, viz:-Birmingham, for 3728 members; Aberdare, 3301; Merthyr, 3301; Bury, 2949; Southampton, 2834; Bolton, 2792; Preston, 2785; Blackburn, 2757; Rochdale, 2648; Hull, 2619; Liverpool, 2392; Halifax, 2060. Seventeen districts sent 2 delegates each :-Norwich, for 6245 members; South London, for 4105; Brighton, 2978; Oldham, 2885; Durham, 2600; Stockport, 2302; Derby, 2159; Manchester, 1912; Bristol, 1903; Bedford, 1875; Chesterfield, 1753; Shrewsbury, 1310; Caerphilly, 1282; Stourbridge, 1260; Wolverhampton, 1133; Ipswich, 1105; Mottram, 1024. The other 81 districts sent one delegate each, the largest of which districts-Bury St. Edmunds-had 2888 members; and the smallestLudlow-94 members.

Then as to the propositions for triennial alterations of laws and triennial meetings. The feeling of the deputies certainly was that if we adopted them we should soon have our Grand Master and Board of Directors elected triennially instead of annually, and that the spirit of unity, which is now the grand characteristic of our Order, would be seriously interfered with. Those who advocate less frequent alterations of laws have not well studied the facts, as elicited from the experience of the Manchester Unity. It takes three years to carry the alteration of any important law, even though the subject be discussed at each A.M.C. What would be the effect if our Parliament only met triennially? Why, as it seems to us, the Unity would degenerate into a mere insurance society, and we should be presently told that Lodge-meetings were not necessary more frequently than two or three times a year. The social element of the Manchester Unity would be destroyed.

It will be seen that at the Shrewsbury A.M.C. no material alteration in our General Laws was made; but that every improvement was a real advance in the right direction. A careful perusal of our report will enable our readers to discover that the anagement of the Unity is well looked after, and that immense good must result from these annual meetings. They acquaint the outside world of the existence of the Manchester Unity, and bring us a large accession of members, in whatever town they are held. The next meeting is to be at Bolton, which busy hard-working town in Lancashire won the honour against Bury St. Edmunds and Brighton. We, personally, cannot help feeling that by 1862, the time will have arrived when the South of England will have deserved a like distinction.

Just one paragraph more. The North London District did the Editor of this Magazine the honour of electing him as a delegate to Shrewsbury. He felt that, as far as talking went, the business of the meeting would get on very well without him; but he was unwilling to let an opportunity pass for doing, for his fellow-members, something in his own way. He, therefore, made arrangements for reporting the proceedings of the A.M.C. in a London daily paper; and he has now the pleasure to announce that, for the first time in the history of the Unity, the debates at the Odd-fellows' Annual Parlia ment were so reported. In the Morning Herald and Standard of Wednesday, May 30th, Friday, June 1st, and Monday, June 4th, will be found reports of the principal business transacted at the Grand Annual Moveable Committee of Eighteen Hundred and Sixty. The pen is a little weapon, but it is powerful for good. He hopes to have frequent opportunities, for many years to come, of wielding it in the defence and elucidation of the principles that govern the Great Manchester Unity of Odd-fellows. G. F. P.

METROPOLITAN DEMONSTRATION.

PRESENTATIONS TO P. PROV. G.M. FILSELL AND P.G. BROOKS.

A Grand Easter Festival, consisting of a musical soirée and ball, was held on Wednesday evening, April 11th, at the Freemasons' Tavern. The concert was under the direction of Mr. Harris, and consisted of a number of wellselected songs, glees, &c. At its conclusion a public meeting was held in the Great Hall. On the platform were, Acton Smee Ayrton, Esq., M.P.; Bonham Carter, Esq., M.P.; the Rev. J. Allan; Mr. George F. Pardon, Editor of the Magazine; Messrs. James Roe, Corresponding Secretary of the North London District; Vincent Burgess, C.S. of the South London District; W. Jones, of Pimlico; J. Squires, of Stepney; J. A. Brooks, E. J. Filsell, and other distinguished members of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society: Andrew Halliday, Esq.; James Hain Friswell, Esq.; and other eminent literary men. Mr. A. S. AYRTON, M.P., took the chair, and in an eloquent address made the presentation to Mr. Filsell, consisting of a silver snuff box, a sash, and a purse containing £21, together with an engrossed inscription, handsomely framed. Mr. FILSELL, having acknowledged the testimonial in fitting terms,

Mr. BONHAM CARTER, M.P., congratulated the society on its increased number of members; it numbering 27,641 more members than it did last year. Their income was £300,000 a year, and last year they had spent £150,000 on sick allowances. For burials they had paid £194,000, and they had now a balance in favour of the society of upwards of £100,000-(Cheers.) He concluded by moving a resolution to the effect "that benefit societies are calculated to promote the interests of the industrial classes, and are entitled to the support of every one who wishes well to his fellow-men."

Mr. JAMES ROE seconded the resolution in one of his most telling speeches; and it was carried unanimously, amidst loud applause.

Mr. AYRTON then presented an elegant inkstand to Mr. S. A. Brooks from the members of the Loyal Hope of Finsbury Lodge, as a token of esteem and respect. Mr. BROOKS responded in an excellent and practical speech, after which The Rev. J. ALLAN proposed a cordial vote of thanks to the officers of the South London, Pimlico, and Stepney districts, as well as to other visiting friends and patrons.

Mr. GEORGE FRederick PardoN briefly seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman and to Mr. Bonham Carter, M.P.

The ball then commenced, and the proceedings passed off to the general satisfaction of a select and numerous company.

SOUTH LONDON DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT.

THIS branch of the MU. has published its experience for the year 1859. Beside the usual information, a statement of the mortality for 21 years past is given; the number of members dying being 807, and wives 564, the payments on which amounted to £12,056. This district commenced operations in 1838, having 302 meinbers, and since that time 12,180 have been initiated. 2556 left to form other districts, and adding the 807 who died and 4989 who seceded or withdrew, there were 4310 on the 1st of January belonging to the 42 lodges, having a surplus capital of £36,754 properly invested. The number seceding is extraordinary, but it shows the great gain societies must have from this source. During the past year 775 members suffered 4618 weeks' sickness,

and had paid them £1978. Average age of the members, 35 years and 10 months. The statement, though very unpretending, says much for the painstaking industry of Mr. Burgess, the secretary, and the usefulness of Friendly Societies.

MR. HARDWICK'S LECTURES.

ON Tuesday, June 5th, Mr. Hardwick delivered one of his eloquent lectures on Friendly Societies, at Seaham, near Sunderland. Want of space obliges us to content ourselves with a simple announcement of the interesting fact. We understand that our indefatigable friend has delivered lectures in many large towns during the past quarter-everywhere to large audiences and with great applause. As only a few copies of Mr. Hardwick's "Manual for Friendly Societies"-the best book of the kind that ever was written-remain on hand, we advise all who wish to obtain the volume, to apply immediately to our worthy C.S. at Manchester, who will transmit copies on receipt of stamps or post-office orders.

JAMES WEBB, C.S. OF THE HYDE DISTRICT.

WE are requested to add the following interesting facts to the biography of our excellent friend Mr. Webb. He was one of the first who proposed a reduction in the initiation fee (even so far back as the Glasgow A.M.C. in 1845), and which is now acknowledged as a great boon to the Order. At the Oxford A.M.C. in 1847, his figures were largely instrumental in reducing the entrance fee from 21s. to 12s.; and at Preston he also supported a further reduction of the initiation fee; and is yet of opinion, with many, that it would be of great advantage to the Order if there was a still further reduction in the scale for young men, if initiated under proper supervision.

ANNIVERSARIES, PRESENTATIONS, &c.

[In consequence of the length of our report of the A.M.C. at Shrewsbury, we are reluctantly compelled to curtail our usual notices of Anniversaries and Presentations. We trust to the courtesy of our readers and correspondents to excuse an appearance of too great brevity in this department; and take this opportunity of again inviting-not long newspaper reports of social and business gatherings, but terse accounts of facts that cannot but prove interesting to the great majority of members throughout the Unity.]

BLANCHLAND. The members of the Derwent Miner's Lodge have presented to their worthy Secretary a valuable testimonial of their esteem, consisting of a silver inkstand, silver penholder and gold pen, and a silver snuff box. The inkstand bears the following inscription :-"Presented to P.P.G.M. Geo. Davidson, by the members of the Loyal Derwent Miner's Lodge, I. O. of O., M.U., as a token of respect and appreciation of his services as Secre tary for fifteen years. Blanchland, Dec. 24, 1859." Upon the box is engraved the following:-"To P. P.G.M. Geo. Davidson, from the Loyal Derwent Miner's Lodge, I.O. of O., M.U. Blanchland, 1859." The Rev. Mr. Gibson, incumbent of Blanchland, had the honour of presenting the testimonial, which he did in an appropriate speech.

BRIGHTON.-On Monday, June 18th, an aggregate meeting of the Lodges in this District took place at the Odd-fellows' Hall, to complete the final arrangements for an excursion to Portsmouth, which came off on the 25th with great success. Mr. G. F. Pardon and Mr. Charles Smithers attended

as a deputation from the North London District, and were very warmly received by the meeting. Mr. Curtis, C.S. of the district, spoke eloquently on the subject of Friendly Societies, and Mr. Aucock and other speakers dwelt on the advantages of associations of a self-helpful character.

BRISTOL.-On Wednesday, April 7th, the Worshipful the Mayor (John Bates, Esq.) and H. W. Green, Esq., were initiated as members of the Friendly Mechanics' Lodge, at the Assembly Rooms, Princes Street; for which purpose a special Lodge was held. The room was handsomely decorated with flags and banners, and a very beautiful silver regalia was exhibited. There was a very large attendance, representatives being present from Weston-super-Mare. Bath, Newport, &c.; and, in addition, Sir John Hare and J. G. Shaw, Esq. Thomas Adams, of the District, officiated as Noble Grand; and Br. Thomas Brown as Vice Grand. Br. John Luke, Lecture Master, did the introductory portion of the proceedings, and the initiation then took place.

BRISTOL.-On Tuesday evening, April 3rd, the members of this District presented to Mr. Thomas Adams, Provincial Corresponding Secretary, a handsome patent gold lever watch and appendages, of the value of £17; bearing an appropriate inscription.

BURSLEM.-On the evening of Tuesday, March 13th, the members of the St. John's Lodge presented to their Secretary, Mr. Hiram Cope, a handsome testimonial, consisting of Macaulay's "History of England" and his "Critical and Historical Essays," in seven octavo volumes, richly bound in calf; the first volume bearing the following inscription in gilt letters." Presented to Brother Hiram Cope by the officers and brethren of the St. John's Lodge of Odd-fellows, No. 93., M.U., as an acknowledgement of the very valuable services he has rendered the Lodge as its secretary for the last six years."

DERBY-LOYAL MOIRA LODGE.-The members of the above Lodge celebrated their 17th anniversary on Whit-Tuesday. This Lodge has, during the last four years, rapidly risen into note, having doubled numbers; and we have no doubt it will continue to enjoy the well-wishes and patronage of those gentlemen who have this year come forward so nobly with their wonted liberality, viz.: Colonel Daniell, Marcus Huish, Esq., Master M. Huish, Rev. W. H. Parker, (curate.) Mr. Gibson, and Mr. Attwood. The Rev. J. G. Bourne, vicar, preached an excellent and appropriate sermon in the parish church.

HULL.-A very pleasing event in the history of Odd-fellowship occurred on Thursday, May 10th, at the Odd-fellows' Hall, Hull, the occasion being the presentation of a testimonial to Mr. James Marshall, late Corresponding Secretary for the Hull District. The testimonial consisted of a handsome silver watch and gold guard. It bore the following inscription :-"Presented, with a gold guard, by 453 Odd-fellows, M.U., to James Marshall, P.P.G.M., and ten years C.S. to the Hull District. May, 1860." After dinner, P.P.G.M. Ross took the chair, and on the platform we noticed Mr. Alderman Bannister, Mr. Councillor Wilde, Mr. Coatsworth, &c. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, Prov. C.S. Wells made the presentation in an appropriate and excellent speech, to which Mr. Marshall made a suitable reply. When he took office as Corresponding Secretary in 1849 it was a very critical time. It was the time when Hull was visited with that awful pestilence, the cholera. They then numbered 1854 members, and although it had been his painful duty to record the death of some 400 worthy and respected members, he was happy to find that at the conclusion of his term of office they numbered 754 more members than they did when he took office. He also found that during the past six years they had expended in sick and funeral

donations and in presents to distressed members, £11,952 11s. 3d. He concluded by wishing those present, and all connected with the Manchester Unity, prosperity throughout life, and he trusted that they would carry home that wish to the hearths of their wives and families. Various other toasts were given and responded to. About 200 sat down to dinner. The gallery was crowded with the wives and daughters of Odd-fellows. A glee party attended, and the speeches were interspersed with several songs, which were sung in excellent style, Mr. Petty presiding at the pianoforte and organ.

KING'S LYNN. The twentieth anniversary of the Loyal Ouse Lodge was celebrated on Wednesday, the 29th February, by a soirée and ball in the music hall, which was decorated with flags and banners for the occasion. This lodge appears to be in a most prosperous state. The receipts during the past year were £83 over the expenditure, and the capital of the lodge amounted to very nearly £1300 for 132 members, an average of nearly £10 per member.

LEEDS DISTRICT.-BELL'S HIPPODROME.-On Wednesday evening, March 21st, Mr. Bell very kindly placed this splendid place of amusement in the hands of the committees of the Widow and Orphan Fund of the district for a Benefit; on which occasion the whole of the house was well filled-the boxes being occupied by the district officers, the principal members of the district, and their friends. After deducting the evening's expenses &c. there was a clear balance of fifty pounds handed over to the officers of the Fund. The committee immediately passed a resolution instructing the officers to present to Mr. Bell, on their behalf, a complimentary note to himself and Mr. Hutchinson, the manager of the establishment, expressing their thanks to those gentlemen for their kindness.

LEEDS.-On Monday, July 18th, 1859, the members of the Lord Grantham Lodge, Leeds, held their anniversary at the Three Legs Inn, Lowerhead Row; when about seventy sat down to an excellent supper. The district officers were invited to take part in the proceedings. When the cloth was drawn, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given. At nine o'clock, P.S. James Brown Sutcliffe rose and in a neat and appropriate speech pre sented P.G. John Ellis with a purse containing five sovereigns, subscribed by the members of the Lodge, for past services rendered to the Lodge; he having been the treasurer for 18 years, and giving the office up on account of having to remove from Leeds. P.G. Ellis replied in a suitable manner, and thanked the members of the Lodge for their kindness.

LINCOLN.-Loyal George Lodge.-On Saturday evening, April 7th, P.G. Elijah Linton, of the above lodge, after the usual business, was presented with a Past Grand's Star and appendages.

MELBOURNE-Australia.-A fête of unusually imposing character took place here, on the 13th of March, in celebration of the first establishment of Odd-fellowship, in connexion with the Manchester Unity, in this flourishing colony. A procession of above 300 brothers, bearing flags and emblematic banners, passed through the streets to the Cremorne gardens, where they dined. The gardens were numerously attended in the evening, and the entertainments went off with great éclat.

MIDDLESBRO'.-Mr. Edward Gilkes, of the firm of Gilkes, Wilson, and Co., Tees Engine Works, was late 'y initiated an honorary member of the Loyal Joseph Warburton Lodge, Middlesbro'-on-Tees District, M. U. This being a special lodge called for the purpose, it wore a more than usually