as Wigan.-The Pride of Wigan Division, held their annual meeting on Christmas-day in St. Paul's Schoolroom, Standishgate. Tea was provided at six o'clock, when about 200 partook of a plentiful supply of cake and sandwiches, arranged by the willing hands of the wives of several of the members of the division. After tea a public meeting was held presided over by Bro. Thomas Turner. The secretary gave a very interesting report of the progress of the Wigan branch during the past year and of its ever increasing advance throughout the kingdom, and commending its very great advantages to the notice of the young men present, not only on account of its superior position a sick and burial society, but also of educational advantages derived by giving to every member the opportunity of filling the various offices in connection with the working of the order. The Rev. E. Franks, in a short and pithy address, laid before the audience the superior claims of all insurance organisations established on temperance principles over nonabstaining ones, his telling remarks being received with very evident satisfaction. A musical entertainment, consisting of songs, recitations, &c., was given during the evening by the following ladies and gentlemen:-Miss Kay, "The lover and the bird" and "The better land;" Mr. H. Griffith, "Man of honest heart," and "Bright be the place of thy soul; Mr. Farrington, "The sea is England's glory,' and "Brave old oak;" Mr. E. Sutherland recited "The butcher's daughter," and "Paddy Maloney's dream; " Mr. J. Prescot, "The battle of the league; Mr. E. Prescot, "The charge of the Light Brigade ; Mr. H. Sharrock, "Old Ned's tale; " Mr. W. Turner, "My beautiful nose." The enjoyment of the evening was very much enhanced by the able manner in which Miss M'Clure presided at the piano. The meeting, one of the most successful held by the Sons of Temperance, was brought to a close by the customary votes of thanks to all kind helpers, at 9 30, after which several young men gave in their names to become members. Manchester.-On Nov. 27th the Hon. Neal Dow Division, No. 41, held a demonstration in the Wesleyan School, Beswick (which was kindly lent by the superintendent). Rev. E. Bigoe Bagot, rector, presided, and in the course of his remarks on thrift gave the Sons credit for basing their Order on sound principles, and said although not an abstainer he gave hearty support to endeavours to suppress intemperance. The meeting was afterwards addressed by Bros. Robert Ashworth and Chas. Slee, P.G.W.P's., and Bro. Wm. H. Lowe, G.S.-On Dec. 16th the twenty-third annual party was held at Canning-street Temperance Hall. There was a fair attendance of members and friends, who did ample justice to a bounteously provided tea, after which a meeting was held, and the chair taken by Bro. Geo. Jones, W.P. The F.S., Bro. James Hewitt, gave a statement of the accounts for the year, which showed an increase in funds of over £20, a gain of 12 members during the year. A very enjoyable entertainment was given, consisting of solos on the piano by Master Wm. Hewitt and Miss Slee; songs by Bro. J. S. Turnbull, who sang the "Village Blacksmith;" Mr. J. Lomas, "Guardship" and "Memories of the past;" Mr. P. Cheer, "Rocked in the cradle of the deep" and "Tom Bowling;" Miss Tucker, "Roses underneath the snow," and "Chiming bells of long ago." Recitations were given by Mr. Jos. Cronshaw, Miss E. Slee, and Master Jos. Wilkinson, interspersed with addresses by Bros. Stewart Fletcher, G.W.P., W. H. Lowe, G.S., Stephen Bland, P.W.P. Votes of thanks to all who had taken part having been carried, the meeting was brought to a close, everyone seeming well satisfied with their evening's enjoyment. On Dec. 17th a successful demonstration was held in the Temperance Hall. The chair was taken at 6 o'clock by Bro. G. Jones, W.P., and stirring addresses given by Bros. S. Fletcher, G.W.P., W. Hy. Lowe, G.S., and Chas. Slee, P.G.W.P. Evesham.-The Mutual Aid Division, 563, though a young division, is making itself well-known in the district. Several members are actively engaged advocating the Order in Evesham and villages round on different nights through the winter. They give a mixed programme at these meetings, songs, recitations, music, and short addresses on the advantages of the Order over other societies. Although the district is worked well by the Foresters, Oddfellows, and Patriots, they must look to their laurels, for this active young Division is in a fair way of starting another Division in the district. The town of Evesham numbers only some 5,000 inhabitants, but the Division in four months has increased from 12 financial and 1 honorary member to 26 financial and 8 honorary mem bers. The Division adopted the graduated scale issued by the National Division. Stockton. The juvenile section of the Peacemaker Division, 285, met on Saturday, December 30th, at 5 p.m., when prizes were awarded to the girls for best knitting and sewing. E. Ayres, 9 years of age, took first prize for patchwork, M. Bullard for knitting. Boys: F. Kirtly, 10 years of age, first prize for drawing; J. Lewis, first for writing. Bro. T. Scarth, G.W.A., presented the prizes. Sisters Booth, H. Dowdy; Bros. Booth, Ayres, Cook, Davis, Moor, and Dowdy were present. After spending a very pleasant evening the section closed at 6.30. Sheffield.-The Imperieuse Section of Cadets, No. 141, in connection with the Star of Hope Division, No. 372, was opened Dec. 6th, 1882, at 7 pm, by Bro. G. Wright, G.W.P., of Sheffield, and Bro. W. G. Sutton, G.S. of Rotherham, at Friends' First-day School, Hartshead. The Section bids fair to be a success. 12 members initiated, 12 proposed. The opening tea took place on January 8th, 1883, at the residence of the Worthy Patriarch. After doing justice to a good tea, the Section went through a lively and efficient programme, finishing at nine p.m. with a chapter from St. John, read by the W.P., none regretting being connected with the Order. Sunderland.-On December 2nd the Rising Star Division, Wingate, celebrated their first anniversary by a public tea. After tea a public meeting was held in the new reading room. There was a good attendance. Bro. J. Surtees, G. W.P., occupied the chair, and encouraged the Division to go on and progress. They had not long been started, yet they had 36 members en the books, and five proposed. Bros. Wm. Connor, G.W.A., and P. Turnbull, G.Sc., gave addresses bearing on the Order, and Bro. H. F. McKenzie, P.G.W.P., gave an address on Cadets of Temperance. During the evening the meeting was enlivened by melodies from Bros. Heslop, Richardson, Conley, and McKenzie, and a capital recitation by Bro. J. Luxmore. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman and friends brought an enjoyable meeting to a close. On January 3rd the Reeve's Hope Section of Cadets gave an entertainment in the Good Templar Hall, Bishopwearmouth, under the management of Bro. H. F. McKenzie, patron of the section, who gave the opening_address, wishing the parents and friends a happy new year. He stated that the Section in January, 1882, numbered 46 members, but by offering prizes to the boys they had set to work, and now in January, 1883, they had 160 members. Addresses were given by Bros. W. Armstrong and J. Surtees, G.W.P. Songs by Bros. J. Hodgson, J. Foster, J. Hunter, and J. Calvert; recitations by Bros. T. Calvert, sen., T. Calvert, Jun., and W. Murphy. Bro. P. Turnbull, G.S., in an able manner, presented the prizes to J. D. McKenzie, W. Armstrong, C. Armstrong, J. Carr, and T. Calvert. During the evening some of Sankey's hymns were ably sung by the section. Mr. Hogg presided at the harmonium, and Bro. J. Hunt accompanied on the violin. Votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close. Newcastle-upon-Tyne.-The members and friends of the Perseverance Division, met in their new Division room, at the Byker Cocoa Palace, Shields Road, on Tuesday, December 26, and partook of an excellent tea, after which a meeting was held presided over by Bro. James Gibson, M.W.A. Bro. W. H. Stokoe, F.S., reported that the division had made satisfactory progress during the past year. Bro. John Thompson, G.W.P, delivered an address. Bro. Tomkinson and Moore, entertained the company with songs; and Bro. Curragh and Orrock, a recitation and a reading respectively. The meeting, which was very enjoyable throughout, closed by singing the National Anthem. Medomsley.-New Year's day, the Beacon on the Hill Division, No. 466, held their fourth annual festival under very successful auspices. A public tea was held in the Templars' Hall in the afternoon, when a large number of persons partook of the excellent provisions provided. The tables were presided over by the following ladies' viz., Misses Robinson, Teasdale, Bramley, Milburn, and Urwin. After the removal of the cloths, a largely attended public meeting was held in the Templars' Hall, which was crowded. The chair was occupied by Mr. W. Robinson (Medomsley), who was accompanied on the platform by the following ladies and gentlemen :-Misses A. Dawson (Westwood), and M. Bainbridge (Consett), Mr. John Fawcett (Heaton Temperance Missionary); Mr. W. Hogg (Westwood); Mr. Bartle (Medomsley), and Mr. Eggle stone. After the opening of the meeting by singing and prayer, the chairman in a few well-chosen remarks, proceeded with the programme, expressing his pleasure that they had two such able advocates of the Gospel Temperance movement as Mr. Fawcett and Mr. Hogg to address them that night. Mr. Bartle next sung with much pathos, "The little spring," when Mr. Hogg delivered a most telling speech, strongly appealing to the moderate drinkers to come on to the side of the total abstainers, after which Miss Bainbridge and Miss Dawson sang with exquisite sweetness two very appropriate solos entitled, "Think of the dead," and "The little Bow of Blue," which received a richly deserved appreciation by the audience. The chairman called upon Mr. Fawcett, who delivered a very interesting, humourous, and instructive address. Bro. Armstrong then made a few remarks relative to the society, after which Mr. Teasdale moved a vote of thanks to all who had taken part in the proceedings, which was unanimously carried. Mr. Egglestone (Medomsley Edge), very ably presided at the organ. The successful gathering concluded with a substantial coffee supper. Stockton-on-Tees.-The Grand Division held a tea and public meeting, on January 5th, in the Lecture-hall of the Friends' School. The Most Worthy Patriarch, who was announced to address the meeting on the same day, was prevented attending, which was a great disappointment. However, the Temperance Missionary, Bro. John Taylor, on being asked to take his place, kindly consented, and treated the subject of "Friendly Societies" in an able manner. Bro. Charles Short also gave up an important engagement and gave some beautiful pieces with his well-trained glee party. Bro. Fawcett, P.G.W.P., and Bro. Harman, G.W.P., each gave short addresses. The chair was ably filled by Councillor T. J. Thompson. The usual votes of thanks to ladies who presided at tea, speakers, and chairman, brought the meeting to a close. Although things looked gloomy enough on the receipt of the M.W.P.'s telegram, all seemed pleased with the evening's proceedings. The Peacemaker Division, No. 285, held its quarterly meeting on December 30th. The Officers were elected for next quarter, Bro. Wilson, W.P. Sixteen members were initiated during the quarter, total number in good standing being 170. Sunderland.-At the meeting of the Salem Division on January 4th, Bro. Whitfield, P.W.P., was presented with beautifully framed emblem of membership in recognition of his services to the Division. The presentation was made by Bro. Surtees, G.W.P., and Bro. Whitfield feelingly responded. There was a very large attendance of members. From the capital report, presented by the F.S., Bro. Milne, we extract the following, as a copy for other brethren :-"As a Division we may congratulate ourselves on the position, both numerically and financially, in which we are found at the close of the year 1882. We commenced the year with 75. We have initiated during the year 24; making a total of 99. We have lost by death, 1; clearance card, 1; non-payment of dues, 2; withdrawal, 1; violation, 1; leaving total in good standing-93. If all our members would do during the year what has been done by a few, we could double our membership, and might hold the proud position of being the largest division. No member need be afraid to speak of the stability of the Society or its benefits; for no other Society can compete with us in regard to the benefits we promise, or our averages of sick and death rates. The sick rate average was 6 days per member, which is especially high; two heavy cases during first half-year have told against us. Bro. John M. Stevens, who died on April 10, 1882, had held the W.P. chair several times, and at the time of his death was recording scribe. He was a regular attendant at the division, and took an active part in all the concerns of the division. This being the first year under our new system of centralization of sick fund, some may wish to know how we, as a division, have fared in regard to it. Total receipts of contributions to S. and F. F., £71 3s. 74d.; Expenditure for Sickness only, £54 13s. 4d.; showing that we have handed over to the C. F., £16 10s. 101d. The amount of arrears at the end of the quarter is in a very improved condition It was a common thing for it to reach from £6 to £8, and one quarter it reached the enormous sum of £13 left standing. Thus members were inadvertently injuring the division, (for had we received the money it would have been invested) and also placing themselves in the position, that when they most stood in need of what they had been paying for, they did not reap the benefit, for the first sick pay was swallowed up mostly by the arrears to deduct. Some members may think the F.S. has been rather hard and pressing in so often notifying them, and bringing their condition before them; it has all been done for their own interest and the interest of the division. The foregoing was the state of affairs with 60 to 70 members under the uniform system. Mark the result, at the close of 1882, with 93 members: Arrears of members, under uniform scale, £1 14s.; graduated scale, £1 4s. 6d. ; total arrears, £2 18s. 6d. The F.S. concluded with an earnest appeal for renewed efforts on the part of his brethren. Walthamstow.-A new Division was opened on the 16th inst., which for the present is held at the Foresters' Coffee Tavern (near Hoe Street Station, G. E. R.) on alternate Tuesdays, commencing with the above date. Bro. Johnson, G.W.P., attended on behalf of the G.D., and performed the opening ceremony with his usual ability, and in a short but impressive speech, encouraged the newly appointed officers and members to be faithful to their duties and obligations, persevering in their efforts to bring new members; if so be they did, they would be rewarded by soon seeing their Division a prosperous one. The Division started with 13 members, a few of whom were on clearance card, the rest were newly enrolled. Arrangements are being made to hold a public meeting at Marsh Street Chapel (Primitive Methodist) on February 12th. The following is a list of officers :-Bro. J. Gorick, W.P.; Bro. B. Hart, W.A.; Bro. Swanson, F.S.; Bro. Stranger, W.T.; Bro. W. Durrant, R.S.; Bro. Crosskey, W.C.; Bro. Farrow, A.C.; Bro. T. L. Gouch, I.S.; Bro. J. Gorick and Bro. Crosskey, trustees; Bro. J. Gorick and Bro. Swanson, representatives; Dr. Shadwell, Orford Villas, Hoe Street, Walthamstow, medical officer. THE SILVER-CHIME TEMPERANCE HANDBELL RINGERS are renowned for their Sweet-toned Bells and perfect Ringing. Their Melodious Ocarina Quintette. Their Vocal Solos, Duets, and Glees. Their Instrumental Selections. Their Amusing Interludes. Their Variety, Originality, and Novelty. The Healthy Tone of their Entertainments. They are the only Performers of Carillon Music!-Terms of C. J. HAVART, 61, Allcroft Road, Haverstock Hill, N.W.-[ADVT.] DOCTORED BRANDY.-A lamentable picture has been drawn, in a recent report of the American Consul at Rochelle, of the falsification of brandy, which, it appears, in the last three years has undergone a complete transformation, and is no longer brandy; the greater portion being prepared from alcohol of grain, potatoes, or beet. The most unsatisfactory circumstance is that even the merchants who desire to purchase a pure Cognac cannot be certain that they do so, for the proprietors of the vineyards, all of whom are distillers, have become so clever in the manipulation of the alcohols and the accompanying drugs, that they deliberately make a brandy of any required year or quality. The mention of the years 1849 or 1876, for instance, in an invoice or on a label, means simply that the article is presumed to have the taste or colour of the brandies of those years. The increasing importation of German potatoes and beet alcohols into the Charente ports is an additional proof that the less brandy that is consumed the better for the health and intellect of the consumer. It is, moreover, becoming a custom to sell the brandy in 12-bottle cases, marked with one, two, or three stars, according to the presumed quality; thus avoiding any compromising mention of year or place of production. Some of the manufacturers import the small raisins from the East, and make what they call brandy from the juice, there being at least one such establishment in operation at Cognac. Apart from the unsatisfactory purchase of a brandy which is not a brandy, drinkers should seriously consider what are the properties of the liquid which they are so complacently imbibing. It is simply an active poison; the imported alcohol, which is known to the trade as "trois-six," being of 90-deg. strength, and sold at a little less than three francs a gallon. Its characteristic effect is to produce an intoxication in which the patient is especially inclined to rage and physical violence; while insanity, of an obstinate and almost hopeless form, is the inevitable consequence of a prolonged use of it. It is said that the great increase of violent and brutish crimes in France may be traced to the drinking of this brandy and absinthe. The slang term for a glass of Cognac is un pétrole, and for coffee with Cognac un grand deuil. Not only in France, but in other countries, and even in the United States, these liquors are producing a condition of national alcoholism of the worst kind, far beyond the ordinary drunkenness arising from unadulterated intoxicating drinks.-Times. FOREIGN DIRECTORY. We publish in this column the latest official list of Grand Worthy Patriarchs and Grand Scribes in North America, and the addresses of a few officers in Australia. The list will not be repeated, and the object of publication is to assist brethren who sometimes apply for this information : Eastern New York-G.W.P., S. R. Stoddard, Glens Falls. New Jersey-G.W.P., John S. Littell, 1, Cedar St., Newark. G.S., R. T. Smith, 87, Fayette Street, Baltimore. Pennsylvania-G.W.P., J.B. Cope, Germantown, Philadelphia G.S., J. C. Maguigan, 118, South 7th Street, Philadelphia Connecticut-G.W.P., Ira R. Wildman, P.O. Box 530, DanG.S., A. H. Morse, P.O. Box 495, New Haven. [bury Massachusetts-G.W.P., Rev Alfred Noon, 3 William Street, Cambridgeport. G.S., Samuel W. Hodges, 36, Bromfield Street, Boston. Maine-G.W.P., P. M. Fogler, Augusta G.S., John S. Kimball, Bangor. Ohio G.W.P., Zera Getchell, Cincinnati. G.S., E. J. Morris, 8 and 10, West Third St., Cincinnati. Indiana-G.W.P., Wm. Tyner, Muncie. G.S., W. H. Wharton, Lawrenceburgh. Kentucky-G.W.P., R. B. Hewetson, Newport. Illinois—G.W.P., Robert Neil, Union Stock Yards, Chicago. G.S., Walter F. Blake, 154, Pine Street, Providence. Missouri-G.W.P., Rev. P. R. Ridgley, Palmyra. G.S., Denton S. Thomas, Palmyra. New Hampshire-G.W.P., O. M. Kimball, North Sutton. New Brunswick-G.W.P., W. J. Robinson, Moncton. Wisconsin-G.W.P., A. E. Schaub, Box 58, Rochester. G.S., Miss Mary E. Lunn, 1341, College Ave., Racine. G.S., Rev. R. Alder Temple, 183, Hollis St., Halifax. P. E. Island-G.W.P., James Carruthers, J.P., Bedeque. Newfoundland-G.W.P., James S. Winter, St. John's California-G.W.P., W. H. Hutchinson, San Francisco G.S., J. S. Hall, 242, St. James Street Box 757, Montreal Maryland, Jun.-G.W.P., James H. Barrett, 72, Short-street, Baltimore G.S., John H. Scott, 90, North Dalla-street, Baltimore Virginia, Jun.-G.W.P., R. Bruce Evans, 1807, Main-street, Richmond G.S., W. I. Johnson, 605, Twenty-seventh-st., Richmond District of Columbia—G.W.P., W. O. Roome, 1317, Corcoran street, Washington G.S., J. K. Bridge, 1613 Tenth-street, N.W. Washington Minnesota.-G.W.P., T. G. Carter, St. Peter Bahama Islands.-G.W.P., Rev. R. Whittleton, Rock Sound via Nassau G.S., E. K. Moore, Nassau, New Providence Alabama.-G.W.P., W. A. Reid, S. Charleston-st., Mobile NATIONAL DIVISION OFFICERS. North America.-M.W.P., Benj. R. Jewell 36, Bloomfield-st., Boston, Mass M.W.S., H. S. McCollum, St. Catherines, Ca. G. B. and Ireland,-M.W.P., W. Wightman, 16, Lorrimore M.W.S., William Clark, 29, Pitt-terrace, Miles Platting, Australasia.-M.W.P., John Roseby, 833, George-st. South, M.W.S., P. R. Holdsworth, 166, Pitt-street., Sidney Victoria & S, Australia.-M.W.P., Thomas R. Burrows, M.W.S., Wm. Rose, Temperance Hall., Russell Street, THE SON OF TEMPERANCE. THE SON OF TEMPERANCE, FEBRUARY 1, 1883. MEMS. FOR THE MONTH. THE Editor has a few copies of the title page printed for the first volume. He will be pleased to send a copy to anyone wanting to bind their own numbers, on receipt of a directed wrapper. SOME indulgence has had to be asked of correspondents, owing to the M.W.P.'s journey. Now that the paper is out of hand, the arrears will be cleared off within the next few days. THE first volume appears to have given great satisfaction to those who have been able to secure copies. Owing to size and weight there has been a difficulty in All the orders sending copies through the post. received will be executed, it is hoped, through the Grand Scribes, to whom the parcels will be sent in a few days. The price will be ten shillings for half-adozen volumes. The addition of railway carriage will not bring the price per volume to that stated in our last. THE returns from our publishers have been made up into parcels, and presented to some dozen Grand Divisions for free distribution. Thus, every copy printed during 1882 has been put into circulation, and the Order has scattered, in fourteen months, no less than 720,000 pages of reading matter, bearing directly or indirectly on the temperance question, and without the expenditure of one penny of the funds raised for the National Division! A Glasgow brother writes to complain that St. Rollox Division was advertised in our Directory to meet on Sunday evening! Well, we thought the announcement The fault is not extraordinary, and for Scotland, too. ours. The written return-to which we have again referred-gives the dates for January, "7, 14, 21, 28." Perhaps the brethren, who preserve the Directory, will kindly make the day Friday, instead of Sunday, that being the day the members of St. Rollox come together. A NOTABLE incident in the M.W.P.'s holiday tour was the initation of Councillor CUNLIFFE, of Bolton. Bro. CUNLIFFE has filled the highest office in the Rechabites, and has long and ably edited their magazine. He has been conspicuous, too, for the good feeling he has always manifested towards the Sons. At Bolton, after his initiation, he favoured the brethren with a hearty speech, and at the public meeting on the night following, avowed that he saw no reason for any antagonism between the two organisations. This is very different from the treatment experienced recently at Chelmsford, Salisbury, and Cardiff, and is much more likely to make both Orders sources of real strength to the temperance movement. Bro. CUNLIFFE told how, when his father spoke for Now, times are altered. The fighting champion, if the a TEETOTALISM does not stand in the way of municipal honours, nor does it seem to be any impediment to honours from the Lord Chancellor. Bro. E. KELSEY, whose election as mayor of Rotherham we were gratified to note in a recent issue, is now Alderman E. KELSEY, J.P.; and our Bro. GEORGE ESKHOLME, P.M.W.P., has also been favoured with like recognition. We have therefore two brethren in one borough We shall expect good with J.P. after their names. news from Rotherham when the annual record has to be made up. As a matter which may be interesting hereafter, we may note here that many a year ago, when the National Division met in the city of York, the question of making a graduated scale the basis of our finance was brought up by brethren from London. At that meeting Bros. KELSEY and ESKHOLME were provided with capitally drawn-up tables, to shew the utter impossibility of attempting equitable finance on a uniform basis. These tables were exhibited to the brethren then present, but it took some of them more than ten years to get the lesson learned in their districts. Now, though late in the day, the principle has gained universal recognition, it is just as well not to forget the brethren who were among the first to move forward, and certainly Bros. ESKHOLME and KELSEY were of the number. BRO. CLARKE, M.W.S., has just opened a division in North Wales. The newly initiated members are of the right sort, and seem so full of zeal, that Bro. CLARKE anticipates that there will soon be a Grand Division in the district. Bro. CLARKE acted as deputy for the M.W.P. As our brethren well know, Bro. CLARKE will have it that he cannot make a speech. Now we understand he thoroughly impressed our Welsh brethren by his kindly and courteous method of address, and more than that he recently made capital speeches at Bolton, Rochdale, and Carlisle. We hope our brethren will make special note of this, and not allow him to hide his official light any longer. WITHOUT betraying any secrets, we may intimate that the Committee intend proposing at the next meeting of the N.D., a form of proposal for membership, which shall be uniform throughout the Order, and compulsory. It is not over elaborate, and will certainly obviate difficulties which have presented themselves during the The other forms and books are forward in preyear. paration, and will be submitted to the same meeting. An amendment of the Rules will also be proposed so that in return for the Charter fee of 25s. a new Division shall receive full value in books, &c. THE brethren who are going in for centralization make steady application to our office for copies of rules, &c., for working out the system. A little time since, London was good enough to give us a supply of forms, &c., but that stock has been exhausted. Appeals are still being made, so we think the shortest way out of the difficulty is to give the addresses of Bro. VINCENT, 18, Little Britain, London, E.C., and Bro. SUTTON, These brethren are Grand Wellgate, Rotherham. Scribes of districts, whose Rules have been duly certified; and we think, if they are properly approached, they will not say "no" to a reasonable application. HERE we may say a word with regard to letters which come in increasing number. Brethren want to know our opinion on some case which they submit, or they want our interpretation of certain Rules. All this seems right enough, and it would not be difficult to give ready answers, but each district has its own officers; and these brethren are the brethren to whom such applications should be directed. It is not courteous to say the least of it, to pass them by, and we fear that our own readiness to help has encouraged the practice. Of course, if the officers request attention to the matter, that will alter the case; but otherwise we shall be compelled to refer members to them in future. IN enforcing centralization where divisions have for many years borne their own responsibilities for sick benefits, something more than a vote of Grand Division is needed, whether a simple majority, or of a larger proportion. The question is one to be settled between subordinate divisions and their members in the first instance. It is certainly necessary that every member should be personally consulted, for of course, though for the better, the adoption of centralization does completely alter the condition of affairs. The safest way seems to be that each subordinate division should call its members together by a special circular, giving notice in detail of what it is proposed to do; and careful record should be made of the result. The resolutions, if carried, [should be duly confirmed at a subsequent meeting, and then action should be taken at the Grand Division. As a rule, the movement begins in the Grand Division. This is just as well, because the Grand Division can then arrange the issue of a uniform circular, which will reduce the expense while insuring compliance with the law. In the event of a Division proving unwilling, there is no reason why the rest should not come together for common security among themselves; and the others may be left to learn wisdom, joining as before in the funeral fund only. This plan will reduce any friction to a minimum, while giving scope for time to remove any forebodings as to the security of benefits when the money is not absolutely in the local box. WE are pleased to learn that a young Brother, member of the "Pride of Wigan " Division, and son of Bro. J. WILLIAMS, has received a very valuable and important appointment to manage a large concern in Madras, Southern India, at which place he arrived on the 16th of November last, per the P. & O. boat, "Australia." Next to his proficiency and ability in his profession that which gave additional weight to his receiving the appointment, was the fact of his being a life-abstainer. We heartily congratulate Bro. WILLIAMS on the success of his son, who is only 23 years of age. HAVART'S TEMPERANCE ENTERTAINER & TEMPLAR RECITER, for Good Dialogues and Effective Recitations, has no rival. In 12 Penny numbers, or the whole complete, bound in cloth, 18. 6d. C J. HAVART, 61, Allcroft-road, London, N.W.; National Memperance, Publication Depot, 337, Strand. W. C.; also of whom may be had "Merry Temperance Songster," 2d. -[ADVT.] ANOTHER HOLIDAY TOUR. Holiday time is convenient for getting about, and for other members as well as the M.W.P. There is consequently not that interest taken in the gatherings that one might expect, though the late series of visits affords little ground for complaint in the matter of attendance or attention. There is, however, one drawback, and that is, the visits paid to certain districts make the neglect of other districts a very proper ground of disappointment. Thus, for instance, Wigan desired a visit on Christmas day. This could not be afforded in the face of home claims, which are very often set aside for the Order. Liverpool, too, has not been visited, and as the earliest home of the Order in this country it certainly has very direct claims upon the services of the officers of the Order. Perhaps the coming M.W.P. will atone for these deficiencies by giving the apparently slighted districts special attention. Well, this holiday round began with a start from Euston on December 27th for Etruria, where Bro. Hawthorn, P.G.W.P., was in waiting, and gave a hearty welcome to the traveller, who shortly after was conducted to Longton, and, with a little delay, introduced to a good meeting of members. The gathering was saluted with the usual points in reference to the conduct of subordinate divisions, special regard being had to the discreditable practice of leaving the responsibilities of management to two or three zealous members. The choice of officers then invited attention, capacity being urged at the test of fitness, especially when combined with a little zeal for the good of the Order. Leaving local details, the visitor adverted to district finance. Centralisation being in operation, it was unnecessary to dwell upon its advantages, but the details called for remark. Forms of returns, form of proposal, and the admission of members as subscribers to the funeral fund, came up in turn, and a good deal of information was afforded with reference to the admission of females as contributors to the funeral fund. Some questions were asked and answered, then the doors were thrown open for a public meeting. The attendance was increased slightly. Bro. Jones occupied the chair, and pleasantly introduced the visitor. In a very long speech he dealt with the physical basis of teetotalism, and demonstrated the efficiency of the Order as a safe refuge for teetotallers, the annual loss through pledge-breaking being less than five per cent. He also showed how the accumulating experience of the Order fortified the position originally assumed by the Preston men. A hearty vote of thanks, coupled with an invitation for another visit, closed the meeting, after a compliment to the chairman. On the evening following, Hanley was the point of attack. It was intended to hold a conference, to be succeeded by a a public meeting. The conference was held-round the fire. The few members present invited information, which the visitor supplied, and the time was by no means unprofitably spent. The next morning farewell was said to Sister and Bro. Hawthorn, with cordial thanks for their hearty hospitality, and tracks were made for Manchester. As usual, Bro. W. Clarke, M.W.S., was in waiting, to welcome and make pleasant and profitable the visitor's stay. In the passing from town to town a kindly invitation from Councillor Bro. Ralph Ford, of Bolton, was missed, and his thoughtful arrangements for visits to Bolton factories rendered futile. The loss was the traveller's. At night, with Bro. Clarke, a short journey was made to Bolton, where a special meeting had been called of the Progression Division. There was a capital gathering, a cheering feature being the number of young men, who filled most of the offices. The brother from the south, by the invitation of the W.P. took the chair, and chief among the business conducted the initiation of the Councillor Cunliffe, the editor of the Rechabite Magazine. After a short recess the acting W.P. delivered a long speech, specially appealing to the young |