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W. Fellows, R.S., and Messrs. Lagdon and Cook, Sis. Sanders and L. Vincent, Mrs. Frost, and others. Refreshments were handed round at intervals during the evening. The meeting closed with singing the National Anthem at 10.30. As a good result of the meeting, several are expected to join the Order..

The annual meeting of the members of the Pension and Almshouses Fund in connection with the London Grand Division, took place on Saturday, February 10th, at 337, Strand, W.C. About 25 friends sat down to tea at 5 p.m., the number being only slightly augmented at the meeting, owing to the very inclement weather. Bro. J. P. Heath presided, and dwelt on the need existing for such a society, and concluded a practical speech by handing in a further donation of £10 on account of his wife and himself. Bro. W. Johnson read the Annual Report, which showed that the total income of the Society from all sources has been £42 9s. 1d.; of which £20 has been paid in pensions, £7 10s. 10d. expended in printing and postages, and remainder apportioned to the two Funds. This shows a falling off, as compared with last year, owing to a general decrease in all sources of income. The Committee have again to thank their esteemed Chairman, and Mrs. Heath, for their liberality, they having contributed a further £5, thus making their united subscriptions since the Fund was started, a grand total of £37 5s.-a sum more than sufficient to have sustained a pensioner, had one been elected at its commencement. Out of the 63 Divisions of the Order, only 17 (instead of 22 as in 1881) have sent donations. We trust this number will be more than compensated for in the current year, as no better grant could be made from the local Benevolent Funds, than for the permanent relief of old and decayed members of the Order. The decline in the annual subscriptions is fortunately, but slight, and may easily be accounted for by comparing the present list with that of last year, from which at least one Division, which was then conspicuous for its activity in getting members is wholly missing, owing probably to the local agent not having sent in his returns. The committee are prepared, as heretofore, to do what in them lies, so far as their own means and services are concerned; and they think no apology is needed for again pressing home on the Order generally the urgent need of this Fund, in sustaining the declining years of their old and infirm brethren, who may not necessarily be beneficial members of the Order. They cannot believe that such an appeal to a body of sober, thinking, and thrifty working men, as the London Grand Division is composed of, will be made in vain, when once its claims are clearly placed before them, and they become convinced of its real necessity and beneficial principles. -Bro. H. Dunkley, hon. treasurer, reported he had visited Bro. Martin, one of the pensioners, whom he was sorry to say was very ill, and in fact was not likely to recover. As to Bro. Blackwell, of Oxford, he had received cheering letters from him month after month, in all of which he expressed his gratitude for the kindness of the brethren. The following officers were then re-elected: Bro. J. P. Heath, president; Bro. Wm. Payne, vice-president; Bro. H. Dunkley, hon. treasurer; Bro. W. Johnson, hon. secretary; and a committee of ten chosen as follows: Bros. Wightman, Vincent, Aldred, Harris, Draper, J. Dunkley, Robinson (of Brighton), Tarring, Prior, and, Hawley. A vote of sympathy was accorded to Bro. Martin and of best wishes to Bro. Blackwell. The meeting was enlivened by songs or recitations from Bros. J. Dunkley, Sissons, Parker, Fellows, Wightman, Gill, Dowle, Gardner, Lee, and the Misses Laws and Dunkley, and was concluded by a vote of thanks to the past officers, and a special one to the chairman, Mrs. Heath, and Miss Eva Heath, for their liberality and continued interest in the fund.

The annual session of the G.D. was held at the League Lecture Hall, 337, Strand, W.C., on Saturday, January 27, for the election of officers and other business. The G.W.P., in the course of a long report, submitted to, and adopted by the G.D., said:"My first official act was to send out a circular, expressing an earnest hope that with the help of the brethren, our numbers might at least be increased by 300 duing the year, and that a more general interest might be manifested both at our Division and public meetings. These expectations, I am proud to say, have been more than realized, for it has been my great privilege to institute no less than seventeen Divisions, as well as two Sections of Cadets. The nett result shows an increase in membership of 444; the Grand Division consisting of 2702 beneficial members, as against 2258 in 1881. Towards this result, the new Divisions have contributed (excluding clearance cards) 174, leaving

270 distributed amongst the older Divisions. The following Divisions may be specially mentioned for their activity of gaining members :-Hope of Battersea, a gain of 33; Brighton, 28; Enfield, 24; G. C. Campbell, 23; Southwark, 18; City of Oxford, 14; St. Pancras and Sir H. Myddleton, 13 each; David Livingstone, 12; Wandsworth and City of London, 10 each. The G. C. Campbell, Hope of Battersea, and Wandsworth, are especially worthy of commendation, having commenced the year with only 7, 15 and 20 members respectively, and now number 30, 48 and 30; in other words, from 42, have now reached 108 between them. What one Division can doanother can if it only takes advantage of the same opportunities, and puts forth the same energy and zeal. The largest Division is the Brighton, whose returns show 168 members; the smallest, Bromley Common, with 5; the average being 43. We are now within measurable distance of our third thousand; and I fervently hope it may be my successor's good fortune to achieve this result. I can almost promise him that the current quarter will do more than its quota towards this, for at least half a dozen more Divisions are on the eve of being opened. All this has not been accomplished without hard work. I have no wish to unduly magnify my office or my services, but lest any of you may think the post of Grand Worthy Patriarch a sinecure, I may say, that I have attended 72 Division meetings, including the 17 new Divisions, 54 public meetings, and 41 committees. I have also written, with the assistance of my clerk, Bro. Mitchell, over 1,000 letters, and sent off at least 2,500 wrappers and post cards, besides offering my assistance, as he could tell you, both in and after office hours without stint, to the Grand Scribe in the new and onerous duties devolving upon him. Through my former capacity as your Grand Scribe, I was of course tolerably familiar with the routine duties of a Grand Worthy Patriarch, and determined from the outset to strike out a special line by spreading the Order through the agency of the members in districts where it was not known; but where I thought I saw scope for it. That this idea was successful may be inferred from the fact, that 13 out of the 17 new Divisions may be traced to the active propagandism of old members who had gone to reside in places remote from their own Divisions, and whose love and enthusiasm for the Order, impelled them to seek to extend its operations in their new neighbourhoods. This principle is capable of indefinite expansion, and in fact there is practically no limit to its application. We have been sorely hampered by the absence of rules which the Registrar took over nine months to register. I estimate that if they had been promptly returned, we should have made a further gain of at least six Divisions, and 200 members. I wish to cast no reflections on that Government Official, but the incident, should at any rate, make us very chary of altering rules unless the matter is of a very important character; and especially as all Sub-division alterations will have to go the round of every Division, and be registered separately. I would earnestly recommend every member to study well the three sets of rules, which for the first time, have been embodied with all the latest amendments and additions, under one cover, as they contain all that it is essential for a "Son to know, who is anxious to become acquainted with our principles and methods of procedure. I have to call the attention of the brethren to two or three points in the new rules, with which the Committee will require absolute compliance, for they are vitally necessary. The first is as to arrears. Financial Scribes must in future, without any distinction of person, make a formal charge against any member owing over 14 weeks' contributions (for which purpose a book is being prepared), the names being read out to the Division in the order of business. Our secessions from this cause, I am sorry to say, are still very heavy, being again between 200 and 300, and how to prevent them is a problem I have long been anxiously considering, for although they are a financial gain to the Society, they are a loss to the temperance cause, which is our primary object to promote. The second rule relates to finance. No Financial Scribe or Treasurer is in future to be discharged from responsibility without a certificate from head-quarters, that his accounts are perfectly straight and satisfactory. A very intimate acquaintance with Sub-division books has convinced me of the necessity of this precaution. The third matter is that of audit. It is now the duty of the Financial Scribe to submit a properly audited statement of the four funds at the first Division meeting in February, May, August, and November; and the Worthy Patriarch and members must insist on its production, and also compare the quarterly audited Grand Division statement with the books, so that any discrepancy may be set right at once, and not left to drift on year after year, as it sometimes

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has done. I particularly commend the attention of trustees to these points, for they can if they will, without fussiness or undue interference, exercise considerable influence in keeping the Division in good working order. I have to congratulate the Grand Division on the legal establishment of the incidental and superannuation funds. The former will supply the sinews of war to your Executive, to a degree they have never had before, in opening up new spheres of labour, as well as consolidating existing Divisions. You may be sure that the money will be well spent, and even as an investment, it will return a dividend of cent. per cent. per annum, in the gains to the funds and the increase to our numbers. As to the superannuation fund, at 4 per cent. compound interest, in ten years' time, which is the present limit for non-distribution, it will reach the respectable figure of £1,550, and I doubt not, the mere existence of the fund will attract thinking men to us. The G.W.P. concluded by saying:-"That I may retain their esteem and confidence, if not affection, is my most cherished wish; and I close my official career by expressing my heartfelt conviction, that in no other kind of temperance work are there such rich and immediate results for one's labour; and therefore I am resolved more than ever to see it " go forward," until it takes its proper place in the front ranks of Benefit Societies and Self-help Institutions." The financial statement for the quarter showed receipts for sick fund, £742 2s. 91d., and claims paid £401 17s. 11d., leaving £340 4s. 101d. to be added to the reserve fund. The assurance fund receipts amounted to £202 9s. 04d, and claims paid £10 (two deaths), leaving £162 98. 04d. to be added to the reserve, or a total on the two funds of £502 13s. 104d., making a grand total of £14,544 198. 1d. as a reserve fund. There was one feature specially worthy of interest brought before the minds of the membership at this meeting, that being the setting aside of £2,000 of the surplus for the formation of a reserve fund, the interest only of which will be used for incidental purposes, in extending the order, and £1,000 as a superannuation fund, the interest and compound interest of which is to accumulate for 10 years before being used for any purpose. The annual financial statement shows that the sick contributions for the year amounted to £2,404 5s. 24d., and interest from investments added (£343 16s.) made the total receipts £2,748 18. 24d., from which the claims paid amounted to £1448 14s. 5d. The assurance fund contributions amounted to £567 5s. 7d., and the interest added from investments of £272 13s. 5d., making a total of £761 6s. 114d., from which £195 was paid in claims (11 deaths). The year began with a balance of £12,779 5s. 4 d., and ended with a balance of £14,544 19s. 1d., thus adding to the reserve fund, £1,765 13s. 8d. The following officers were elected for the year: G.W.P., Bro. C. H. Gorringe; G.W.A., Bro. C. Collier; G.T., Bro. H. Dunkley (re-elected); G.S., Bro. Vincent (re-elected); G.Con., Bro. Robinson; G.Ch., Bro. T. Harris; G.Sent., Bro. S. Hawley. Committee of Management, Bros. M. Gill, Aldred, Tarring, J. Dunkley and Bastin. Auditors; Bros. Burrows and Laws. Thanks to the late committee were unanimously adopted, and suitably acknowledged by the G.T. and G.W.A. The preparation of a testimonial to Bro. W. Johnson for his past services was referred to the committee of management. A memorial to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone in favour of Local Option was adopted, also an invitation to the N.D. to hold the session of 1884 at Brighton.

Batley.-Harbour of Refuge, 131, held its annual tea and public meeting in the Town Hall, Batley, on Feb. 17th, when the members, together with their female friends, numbering upwards of 140, sat down to an excellent repast. After the tables were cleared, Bro. T. Saville, W.P., took the chair, and called upon Bro. D. Fox to read the report, which showed that at the end of the year 1881 the Division had 84 members, with an accumulated fund (exclusive of interest) of £550 18s. 3d.; at the end of 1882, 90 members, with a fund of £584 16s. 5d., showing an increase of 6 members and £33 188. 2 d., the total amount of the fund being £655 14s. 11 d., inclusive of interest. The remainder of the evening was spent in a very pleasant manner, glees, duets, songs and readings being given by the members.

Merthyr Tydfil.-The 25th annual session of the Grand Division was held at Safe Retreat Division Room, Dowlais Coffee Tavern, on January 29th, Bro. Bridgeman, G.W.A., presiding, in the absence of the G.W.P. The G.S., Bro. H. Lloyd, reported a large increase in membership and funds during the past year; three new sub-divisions had been opened, and one Section of Cadets, and he had received appli

cation sheets for charters to open two divisions in Cardiff. A large number of representatives were present from Cardiff, Rhondda Valley, Briton Ferry, Aberdare, and Merthyr. Several important resolutions were passed, one of which was to centralise the funds on the 1st of next July. It was also unanimously resolved to most cordially invite the National Division to meet in Merthyr in 1884. The officers elected for the year are Bros. John Bridgeman, G. W.P., James Davies, G.W.A., Joseph Davies, G.Tr., Henry Lloyd, G.Sc. After votes of thanks to the officers, and to the lady-manager of the coffee tavern for the excellent manner in which she had served dinner and tea, one of the most amicable meetings the G.D. has ever held separated. The next annual meeting will be held at Cardiff.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.-The annual session of this Grand Division was held in the Church of England Institute, Percy-street, Newcastle, on January 27th, Bro John Thompson, G.W.P., presiding. The Grand Scribe (Bro Gibson) reported that after allowing for the members in the Divisions who had left in order to form the Grand Division of Cumberland and Westmoreland, there was still a net increase of six members on the year, the numbers now being 1,366 married, 663 single, and halves 102, making a total of 2,131 members; the benefit funds amount to £1,865, the management £526 the Grand Division funeral fund £1462 198. 3d., the Cadet funeral fund £164 15s. 74d., the contingent fund £82 3s. 24d., and the Grand Division management fund to £9 17s. ; the net increase in the benefit funds and Grand Division funeral fund being about £720. 13 members, 10 wives, and 77 children had died during the year, but the cadets had not recorded a single death. The following were elected to office for the next twelve months :-G.W.P., Bro. Thomas Dixoa, Gateshead; G.W.A., Bro. Francis Hogg, Felling; & Scribe, Bro. James Gibson, Newcastle; G.Tr., Bro. Matthew Hall, South Shields; G.Con., Bro. S. Coxon, South Shields; G.Ch., Bro. James Towart, Gateshead; G.Sent., Bro. J. G. Tinkler, Bebside; Committee of Management: Bros. John Johnson, Newcastle; John Twentyman, South Shields; C. W. Davenport, Newcastle; Edward Hunter. Bebside, and James Calvert, Wallsend. Auditors: Bros. J. H. Joplin, Howdon, and W. E. Bell, Jarrow. Several of the offices were keenly contested, in some cases the majorities were from one to five votes, but where re-elections took place the brethren were elected by large majorities. This was the largest meeting ever held in connection with this Grand Division, there being about 90 representatives present. The next session was appointed to be held at Blackhill, on the last Saturday in April.

Parkgate, Rotherham.-The Members of the Parkgate Division held their annual soiree in their Division room, Bethel School, Lloyd Street, on January 20th, when about 130 members and friends sat down to an excellent tea, after which a meeting was held presided over by Alderman Kelsey, J.P., mayor of Rotherham, Treasurer of Rotherham Grand Division, ably supported by Bro. G. Wright, G.W.P. of Sheffield, Grand Scribe Sutton, and Dr. W. J. Smith, doctor of the Division. The Mayor in a forcible speech, impressed on young men the necessity of providing in early life against sickness and old age (giving several illustrations that had come under his own observation), and showing the advantages to be derived by joining Friendly Societies, such as the Sons of Temperance, conducted on abstinence principles, over societies not so conducted. The meeting was entertained by a Glee Party, consisting of Messrs Walker, Mullins, Cheetham, and Taylor. Songs by Misses P. Eyre, Clegg, Kemp, and Hague. Recitations by Bro. Hoskin and Stamp. Mr. E. Bancroft gave several solos on the dulcimer. Mr. F. Bradford presided at the pianoforte. Votes of thanks to those who had so kindly assisted, brought a very enjoyable and profitable meeting to a close. Since the above, three members have been initiated into the Division, and two more are proposed for admission.

Altrincham.-The eleventh anniversary of Perseverance Division, No. 323, was held in the Methodist New Connexion Schoolroom, when about 120 members and friends sat down to a very substantial tea. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Pollett, Gatley, Hollingworth, Taylor, and Misses Smith and Sumner. Afterwards a public meeting was held, under the presidency of James Boyd, Esq., chairman of the Executive of the Blue Ribbon Army in Altrincham. After singing and prayer by Bro. W. J. Martin, the chairman called upon Bro. Jas. Birch, F.S. to read the eleventh annual report. Bro. Birch said the officers had great pleasure in being able to

THE SON OF TEMPERANCE.

bear testimony to the steady and increasing prosperty of the
Society. They were now working under graduated scales. The
report of the Order of Sons of Temperance declared the average
sick rate to be six days per member per annum throughout the
Order, whilst in non-abstaining societies generally, the average
sick-rate was eleven to twelve days per annum, and again, the
death-rate for the last five years showed an average of 8.7 per
thousand, whilst Mr. Neison, on Vital Statistics, gives the
death-rate of Friendly Societies of the United Kingdom at
15-12 per thousand. Evidence so convincing, ought to induce
every person to join the Sons of Temperance and enjoy the
advantages they offer. There was a balance of £195 6s. 3d.,
remaining to the credit of the Sick and Funeral Fund, after
paying all demands. The balance good to the Management
Fund, £24 118. 1d.; and to the Benevolent Fund, £5 14s. 8d.;
making the total worth of the Division £225 12s. Od.; increase
on the year £21 17s. 94d. The number of members was now
97, showing an increase of 16 on the year, and 10 honorary
members. In the Cadet Section they show an increase of 50,
5 having been transferred to the Division, and 5 to another
section; they now numbered 114, with £34 0s. 8d., to the
good. The chairman said he had been very much interested
in the report. The figures showed to him-and he was sure it
would do to all of those present that evening, that progress
had been made in their Division, and hoped by the end of ano-
ther year their numbers would be doubled. They should try
to encourage every one to become abstainers, because it length-
ened their lives. Bro. R. Ashworth, P.G.W.P., then
addressed the meeting, and said he had been connected with
the Sons of Temperance 22 or 23 years, and he could say that
he had never found cause to regret joining them. It had had
a tendency to strengthen him in his pledge, as he had been a
life abstainer. He urged all present not yet members to come
and join the Sons of Temperance, they must put their shoul-
ders to the wheel, and be determined to do their duty to put
down the cursed Liquor Traffic. Bro. Lowe, G.S., in referring
to the satisfactory report, said that they must all notice how
different things were at the present time from what they were
eleven years ago. In 1872 he helped to open the Division, and
there were then only 21 brethren, and now they had 97, and
£225 odd to the good, which seemed to him very healthy. He
loved the Order of Sons of Temperance, which had been a
blessing to him, and he urged the members to workon as they
had done, and he was sure they would have the blessing of God
with them. Bro. W. J. Martin said, he hoped the Division
would still go on increasing. He trusted friends would come
forward and join their Division, and so increase their ranks.
As the Sons of Temperance were so prosperous, he hoped that
they would start a union of Daughters of Temperance in the
town. During the course of the evening, the choir under the
direction of Bro. Jas. Pimlott, sang in a very pleasing manner.
"Setting 'neath the Hawthorn," and "Where is my boy to-
night"; Mr. R. Martin greatly amused the audience with his
Ready when wan-
humorous songs, Good-by lovely Lou," "
Eggs for your breakfast in
ted," "The Frenchman," and "
morning." all which were given in character. Bro. S. Broad-
bent sang,
"Our Jack's come home to-day," and "He's still
got the same old Walk," and was warmly applauded Reci-
tations were given by Mr. Hill and Bro Bowland; Bros. E.
Warberton, A Lawton, H. W. Gallimore, and Fk. Bolland
(Cadets). Miss Broadbent, and Bro. J. Pimlott accompanied
the songs on the pianoforte. Bro Wm. Gibbon, G.W.A., pro-
posed, and Bro. J. Birch, F.S. seconded a vote of thanks
to the chairman, the ladies, and all who had helped to make
the meeting a success, which was carried. The chairman
suitably responded, and said he was willing to become an
honorary member of the division. Singing of the doxology
concluded the meeting.

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Altrincham.-On February 5th, the Perseverance Section of Cadets, No. 68, held their annual tea meeting in the MethodAbout 120 ist New Connexion Schoolroom, George Street. cadets and friends sat down to an excellent tea (provided by the patrons), to which ample justice was done. After the removal of the tables, &c., a considerable number of parents and friends assembled, when an excellent programme was gone through. Bro. Wm. Gibbon, P.W.P., Perseverance Division, 323, also G.W.A., Manchester G.D, presided; who was supported upon the platform by Bro. W. J. Martin, Bros. J. Birch, Patron, and Assistant Patrons Bros. J. Hollingworth, R. Gatley, and Henry Gibbon. Bro. J. Pimlott presided at the piano. Bro. Birch gave a short report of the progress made by the section during the past year. On January 1st, 1882, the number of members was 74; now they numbered 114, besides 5 which

more.

had been transferred to the Division, and 5 to the Flower of
Leigh section, Bolton, G.D., showing a total gain on the year
of 50. Bro. Birch, in his remarks, urged the parents to
strengthen the hands of the Patrons by sending the boys regu-
larly to the section, and to bear and forbear with them, if the
boys should be a little late home sometimes; he, Bro. Birch,
concluded by hoping they would be as successful during the
present year as in the one just passed. Songs and recitations
were given by the following cadets:-Bros. Pritchard, Dace,
E. Warburton, F. Hewitt, W. Cook, W. H. Jackson, Jno.
Liddall, W. H. Ackerley, A. Ashton, F. Bowland, Geo. Jack-
son, S. E. Walton, A. Lawton, J. T. Reed, and H. W. Galli-
A committee to award prizes for the best recitations
(recited at this meeting), consisted of Bros. Henry Gibbon,
P.W.P., A. Dawes, P.W.P., and S. Burgess, P. W. A. The
Meeting was addressed by Bros. W. J. Martin, and R. Gatley,
Both of them strongly urged the boys to go on in the good
work, never give way to temptation, but try to get as many to
join the section as possible. Bro. Wm. Gibbon, G. W.A., pre-
sented the prizes, addressing a few appropriate remarks of en-
couragement to each prize winner. The following prizes, called
"Section Prizes," for the Bros. who have obtained the great-
est number of marks for attendance and general good conduct:
1st, Bro. A. Lawton; 2nd, Bro. P. Grant; 3rd, Bro. John
Halloran; 4th, Bro. W. Hollingworth; 5th, Bro. A. Smith;
6th, Bro. J. Nixon. Special prize given by Bro. J. Pimlott
for the cadet who brought the most members during the year
1882-Bro. A. Lawton. Special prize given by Bro. W. J.
Martin for the best attendance during the year 1882-Bro. A.
Smith, he having attended all the meetings. Four special
prizes given by Bro R. Gatley for good conduct; won by, Bros.
Jos. Holt, Jno. Halloran, Jno. Berry, and Wm. Halloran.
Seven prizes given by the Members of Perseverance Division,
323, for the best recitations at annual tea meeting, wor by,
1st, Bro. F. Bolland; 2nd, H. W. Gallimore; 3rd, E. War-
burton; 4th, Bro. A. Lawton; 5th, Bro. A. Ashton; 6th, Bro.
Geo. Jackson; 7th, Bro. Jno. Liddall. Bro. J. Pimlott pro-
mised to give a special prize to Bro. E. Warburton for the way
Bros. W. J. Martin,
he recited" Mottos for the Stalwart."

J. Pimlott, R. Gatley, and S. Burgess, sald they were willing
to give special prizes to be competed for under the same condi-
tions as last year. On motion of Bro. W. J. Martin, seconded
by Bro. Wm. Corless, the best thanks of the meeting were
given to all who had taken part in the meeting to ensure its
success. The meeting was a very enjoyable one throughout.
Closed by singing the Doxology.

Portsmouth.-The annual meeting of the Grand Division was held January 27th, at the Sailors' Rest, Commercial Road, Landport, the following divisions being fully represented: Sir Wilfrid Lawson, 6; Rose of Sharon, 3; United we Conquer, 2; True and Faithful, 3; Southampton Pioneer, 2. The Grand Division was opened at 3.20 by Bro. Lawrence, P.G.W.P., in the absence of Bro. Rogers, G.W.P., who soon after arrived and took the chair. The Credential Committee reported the credentials correct, and the following representatives were initiated into the G.D.: Bros. Martin, Lassiter, Lee, and Stripe, the other representatives having been previously initiated. The minutes of the last G.D. Meeting, and the minutes of all E. and M. Committee Meetings having been read and approved, the G.W.P. Bro. Rogers, then read his third able annual report and spoke very highly of the work On motion, the done in the District during the past year. report was accepted. The Grand Scribe, Bro. J. G. White, then read his quarterly report, which showed that there had been a good deal of sickness during the quarter, but no death, and that steady progress had been made. He then shewed that during the year, £163 15s. 6d. had been paid for sick and accidents, and £20 10s. for death of one member, and one member's wife; initiated and admitted by card, 54; members expelled for violation, 4; non-payment of dues, 16; withdrawn, 4; died 1; total loss 25, leaving a clear gain of 29 members during the year. At 5.30 p.m. the members adjourned to, and did ample justice to a substantial tea, which was provided by the manager of the Sailor's Rest; at 6.15 the G.D. re-assembled and took up the digest of business. A resolution from the G.D.M. Committee relative to the Actuary's report on valuation was discussed at some length, several of the members taking part, which was ultimately lost on a division being taken. The election of officers then took place with the following result:-G.W.P., Bro. J. L. Knight, G.W.A. Bro. H. C. Hopkins; G. Scribe, Bro. James Morgan; G.T., Bro. William Taylor, re-elected; G. Conductor, Bro. Henry Bartlett, reelected; G. Chaplain, Bro. George Norton; Grand Sentinel,

Bro. William H. Gillard, re-elected; Auditors, Bros. R. May and H. Seymore re-elected. The members to complete the Management Committee and the extension of the Order Committee were then appointed. Portsmouth, Southampton, and Newport, Isle of Wight, were proposed for next meeting. Southampton was chosen; £20 of the surplus cash was then ordered to be transferred to the Trustees for investment, after which Bro. Rogers installed the G.W.P., Bro. J. L. Knight, and he in turn installed the other officers. A vote of thanks was passed unanimously to the retiring officers, and more especially to Bro. Rogers, P.G.W.P; several members spoke very highly of the valuable service rendered to the G.D. by him during his three years' term as presiding officer. Bro. Rogers briefly responded, and this brought a very pleasant

evening to a close. The G.D. was closed with prayer by the

G. Chaplain.

Barrow-in-Furness.-The Crystal Stream Division held a soiree in the Temperance Hall, Greengate, on February 15th. The proceedings commenced with a tea, to which about two hundred and fifty sat down. The tables were presided over by the following ladies:-Mesdames D. Simms, M. Cohen, A. Hughes, Nicholls, Hodgson, Fisher, Balls, Northall, Tennant, Colley, Hughes, R. Grainger, A. Delaney, Kelly, A. Grainger, and Barclay; also by the Misses Haddy, E. Fisher, Collingwood, and Fletcher. At the conclusion of the tea the tables were cleared and the room prepared for the meeting and conversazione, which was presided over by Bro. R. Grainger, who with a few introductory remarks, called upon Bro. A. Grainger, F.S., to read the report, as follows:-In presenting this, the tenth annual report of the Crystal Stream Division of the Sons of Temperance, we desire to record our heartfelt thanks to the Great Giver of every good and perfect gift for the great care and preserving mercy He has exercised towards us during the past year, and that we are enabled to report prosperity in every department of our beneficial work. Although the year 1882 has been marked with a little increase of sickness over the previous year, yet I am glad to say the past will compare very favourably with any other society of its character in existence. I am very glad to say that we are still making fair progress numerically; we commenced the year with 78 members, enrolled 26 new members, admitted by card 3, and reinstated 2, making a total of 109. We have had the following left the society during the year :-Expelled for non-payment of arrears 6, withdrawn 2, leaving a total in good standing at end of year, 101; showing a net increase for the year of 23. I would just like to remark here that if we, as a division, would only endeavour to put forth a little missionary effort, now especially, since there is such a grand temperance wave going over our land, we would soon make our now prosperous division a mighty power for good and usefulness in this town and neighbourhood; as we believe no member need be afraid to speak of the stability of the society or of the benefits we pay in comparison to the amount contributed. No other society can compete with us in respect to the benefits we promise, or our average of sickness or death. Our average sick rate is five and a quarter days per member per year, and during the three years, 1880, '81, 82, our sickness has been four days per member per year. This Crystal Stream division was opened on May 13th, 1870; and although there has been nearly two hundred members initiated into it since; yet during that time we have not lost by death either a member or a member's wife. We do not say this to make a boast, but we say it with profound gratitude to God that His mercy and love has been so graciously vouchsafed to us. The youth of our division no doubt, contributes very materially to our success and healthy condition, as the average of our members is 273 years. Our financial position is as follows:-Total receipts of sick and funeral contributions, entrance fees and interest on investments, £111 10s. 11d. expenditure-sickness, doctor's salary, and district funeral levy, £81 58. 5d.; leaving a balance of £30 5s. 54d. to be carried to the reserve fund. Although we have never paid any funeral claims since the opening, yet we have constantly paid our share of funeral levy to the district funeral fund; from them we have to draw our funeral money in case of death. The question of centralization is occupying the attention of the Order very much just now; and we believe that the time is not far distant, when the sick and funeral fund of each division in the district will be joined in one common fund, to be called the District Sick and Funeral Fund. After reading the report, the Secretary called attention to a new periodical, entitled the Son of Temperance; copies of which the Society intended to place in the different reading and dining rooms. Mr. Crossthwaite, of Ulverston, followed, and gave an address

on the principles of total abstinence. During the evening, a selection of vocal music was given by the Misses Grainger (who sang very gracefully), Messrs. Mayor, Dudley, and Timms. Instrumental solos were played by Mr. Parker on the Italian flute; accordian, Mr. T. Gillett; and dulcimer, Mr. J. Ward. At the conclusion of the formal part of the business, Bro. A. Grainger proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for presiding at the tea tables, and to Mr. Crossthwaite for his address. The remainder of the evening was spent in amusing games, &c.

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THERE has been a good demand for title page to our first volume. The brethren evidently regard the contents as possessing permanent interest. We have a few copies more of the title page, which, we shall be glad to supply to the first applicants.

OUR Division Directory is gradually increasing. There are one or two districts still conspicuous by their absence. Will our brethren run their eyes over the list, and see whether this applies to their own division? Also, while the matter is in their minds, if the division is in the list, they might note that this is No. 17; and that from some quarters a new subscription is due.

THE plan of making brethren, remote from their own division, the centres of mission work, seems to have

proved very successful. London has done well it; upon and now Merthyr comes to the fore with a new division at Cardiff, at the head of which is Bro. PROUD, formerly of Sunderland. At Faversham, one of the newest London divisions, Bro. MERCER, late of Enfield division, is the leading spirit; while at Leytonstone, Bro. C. YEWEN, who did excellent service for London years ago, is one of the active members.

BRO. S. HAWLEY was one of the speakers announced for the Sunday Closing meeting, at Exeter Hall, on Wednesday, February 21st. It is true, there was a formidable list, but it is something to find the Association recognizing untiring workers, and giving them a chance at the front. Bro. HAWLEY has always been in harness since he joined the Sons. At the last G.D. meeting, he was proposed for every office, and came in finally as Grand Sentinel. We note that the retiring G.W.P. gave him special mention for his readiness to assist in public work.

AN attempt has been made to get us to open our columns to a public discussion of the difficulty in Salford. It was supposed that we would suppress all reference, so the article in our last, giving a plain resumé of the business, was a disappointment. We have nothing to add to, or take from the statements then made, nor have we any space for verbal quibbles. Neither do we intend to follow brethren, who are so unmindful of their business, as to discuss with non-members, or even with reputed members, what transpires in our private meetings. Our resumé was merely a public vindication of public action.

As a matter of information, we may note here that more than one effort has been made by those who set up as an " Independent Order, division No. 1," to open negotiations for a settlement. To test their good faith, they were asked to state their conditions. The response was virtually "recognize all we have done." This was simply acknowledged; so these lovers of peace and unity are using a local paper to attempt to bring the G.D. and its officers into disrepute !

BRETHREN who hunger for constitutional changes, will have ample scope at the Barrow meeting of the N.D. The digest consists almost entirely of proposals to change the basis of representation, or, more correctly, to bring about a new method of selection. One district proposes to limit N.D. members, to members of Grand Divisions. Another proposes an elaborate system of ballot papers, by which the members of subordinate divisions may vote in their own divisions for the district's full complement of representatives. Yet another proposes that the N.D. should make a special levy, and pay the expenses of those who attend!

THE N.D. will also be called upon to discuss a proposal to visit each Grand Division district in turn. Something should be done, for the present plan makes it very much a matter of chance where the choice falls. Regard should be had to readiness of access, centre of influence, means of publicity, and the certainty of general notice. Where these are disregarded, the return is always far short of what might have been.

THE digest is a source of grief to us as it presents evidence that no district has concerned itself with the

work of the Order. Constitutional changes are all very well, but they do not make members, nor do they keep members, nor do they make the Order a more powerful auxiliary to the Temperance cause. Is no district concerned about keeping our members? about breaking new ground? about adding interest to our ordinary meetings? about the best way of co-operating in public Temperance work? about interesting adult members in the Cadets? about improving this paper? about extending its circulation ? about- well, this list will suffice for the present.

FORTUNATELY there are matters independent of the digest, which the Committee are answerable for, and which will direct attention to real work. There is a common form of admission for imperative adoption; a button-hole badge; a uniform set of account books; the future of the official organ; and there is a prospect of a special conference to talk over some of the topics just enumerated. The latter will depend entirely upon the members, and the progress of business.

BRO. GRAINGER, whose influence led the N.D. to go to Barrow, is anxious to have the names of brethren who are recognized preachers, and of brethren who are able and willing to speak in public. We hope no pseudo modesty will hinder a brother sending the desired particulars to Bro. GRAINGER; for we want the Order in Barrow, and the vicinity, to profit to the utmost by the gathering.

Is there a "bar" at Barrow now? The last time the present chief officer, and three or four other and now past chief officers made their way through Barrow, the journey was long, and there was no interval between train and boat but what sufficed for a run over a series of timber structures. Once on board, round went the wheels, and soon a sweet grating sound told that the vessel was very close to the ground. Here was delay, and here, too, a favourable opportunity to tempt hungry people to a dinner in the cabin. The travellers did not turn out proof against the temptation, and their dinner and resting on the "bar" came to a close together. The boat was soon en route to Douglas, but we hardly dare venture to continue the story of that dinner.

WHEN a Clearance Card is granted, and a member is going away, it would be well if our Scribes would get the new address, then consult the Directory, and then advise the Scribe of some Division there of the advent of the member. In this way many members might be kept in good standing, and often helped in other ways.

OUR Proposal Forms are for use when a candidate is virtually before the Division. Sometimes there is a difficulty in finding a member to introduce a stranger, at other times a stranger does not care to break the ice. A simple leaflet after this fashion would be of great service::

ORDER OF SONS OF TEMPERANCE.
I,........

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