Banbury.

Cadbury Tent, No. 134.—A very successful tea and entertainment in connection with this Tent was held at the Temperance Hall, Banbury, on Wednesday, March 5th. Mr. W. Bayliss, secretary of the Banbury Temperance Society, and a leading trades-man of the town, presided, and referred to the address of the Right Hon. Mr. Forster at Bradford, and drew favourable comparisons between the Rechabite Order and other friendly societies. An excellent programme was then given to an attentive and appreciative audience, the room being well filled. An address on the principles of Rechabitism was given by Bro. Good ridge, D C R. Several jubilee songs were well rendered by Miss Holland, Mrs. Kench, Mrs. Lintolt, and Messrs. Good ridge and Fleet. This was the first public meeting in connection with the Tent; but in consequence of its great success, it is deemed desirable to hold many meetings of a similar character.

Blackburn District.

Church and Oswaldtwistle.—On Saturday, March 8th, there was a united public meeting and entertainment in the Baptist School, Oswaldtwistle. Rev. W. Karfoot (Independent), Rev. J. Dawson, (Wesleyan), Bro. F. Atkin (Secretary British Temperance League), and Bro. Thomas Cunliffe, H C R, addressed the meeting. The Band of Hope Choir, conducted by Mr. S. Henderson, gave several pieces in capital style. Bro. T. Carter recited "The Drunkard's Story." A Tent will be formed as the result of the meeting. On Sunday afternoon, March 9th, a Temperance sermon was preached in the Wesleyan Chapel, Mount Pleasant, by Bro. F. Atkin.

Meeting and Entertainment.—On Monday evening, March 3, a public meeting and entertainment was held in James-street School, in connection with the Refuge Tent, No. 236. There was a very large attendance. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. Councillor R. Whittaker, the chair was taken by Mr. Isaac Bunyan.—Mr. T. Cunliffe (of Bolton) said that he had come that evening to speak about an Order which had had an existence of 40 years as a Temperance association, and they showed by precept and example that they would have nothing whatever to do with strong drink. They believed that it was of no use whatever as a matter of diet, because it did no good in the human frame. Immediately it got there it disturbed every organ and nerve with which it came in contact.—Mr. James Cavis (of Darwen), gave some interesting statistics showing the superiority of the Rechabite Order over other societies in matters of sickness, &c. He had with him six years' returns, from 1862 to 1867, both inclusive, showing that the average amount of sickness was 10 days 16 hours in the Oddfellows' Society, whilst in their own society for the past six years it was only five days. An excellent programme of songs, recitations, &c., was gone through, each page 60 piece being loudly applauded, and the meeting was brought to a close by the audience singing the National Anthem—Blackburn Times.

Is the Rechabite Order the Best Sick and Burial Society?—This question was introduced for discussion at the weekly meeting of the Blackburn Temperance Society, in the Club-room, Cert street, on Wednesday evening, Feb. 26th, by Mr. James Cavis, of Darwen. There was a good attendance, Mr. Swain occupying the chair. Mr. Cavis took the affirmative of the question, and based his argument on the fact that there was less sickness and a lower death-rate in the Rechabite Order than any other, and said the society could also be carried on with less payments than ethers. Mr. Cavis gave statistics of the societies of Rechabites and Oddfellows, from which he drew a comparison favourable to the former. Bro. H. Sharpies, of Manchester, confirmed these statements in an able address. Messrs. Mercer, Dobson, Geldart, Cort, We all, Tuke, and Magor took part in the discussion.

Bolton.

Tea Meeting.—On Saturday evening, Feb. 15th, the members of No. 31, David Tent, No. 9, Bolton District, held their anniversary in the Temperance Hall, when a large number partook of tea A public meeting was afterwards held, under the presidency of Bro. Thomas Cunliffe, High Chief Ruler of the Order, who said that the David Tent now possessed 116 members, and the sick fund amounted to £938 4s 10d, or £8 1s 10d per member, which, with £1 9s 8d each member was worth in the funeral fund, made £9 8s 6d per member. The evidence given before the Friendly Societies Commission was that members in ordinary friendly societies were worth from £3 to £4 each, so that the members of the David Tent were worth twice as much as members of societies which met at public-Louses and allowed their members intoxicating drinks.—After an overture on the piano and violin by Miss Settle and Mr. Laitliwaite, a reading by Bro. Holmes, and "Let the hills resound" by the choir, Bro. Dimond said one of the objects of the Order was to promote the principles of total abstinence. The Order was a result of the Temperance reformation, and was able to present facts and statistics which had startled the general public. The Order had 33,000 members, with £186,000 in funds. During the past week he had visited several Tents in No. 7 Bolton District, and at Bury he found the members were worth £16 10s 8d each in the sick and funeral funds. During the cotton famine the Bury Tent suspended contributions, but gave sick pay, and yet had been able to save money. During the past year the receipts of Bury Tent from the money invested had been double the amount spent in sick pay. The speaker earnestly exhorted the audience to assist them in extending Rechabite principles.—Miss Blackmore sang "Within a mile of Edinboro' town" in good style, and Miss Settle and Mrs. Moore with excellent taste rendered the duet "O'er hill, o'er dale."—After a duet on the piano and violin, Bro. Ellis, of Manchester, one of the Trustees of the Older, said all the influences connected with Rechabitism were in favour of morality and religion.—Mr. Town-son sang with great vigour "The Call to Freedom," being the Marseillaise Hymn set to temperance words.-Bro. 11. Roper, of Mnnchester, also a Trustee of the Order, called attention to the Juvenile Order of Recha-bites, which numbered over 10,000 young persons, who in course of time would be added to the Adult Order.-Mr. Graham gave "The Death of Nelson." Messrs. Townson, Graham, and Wright rendered the glee, "To all you ladies," after which Bro. Hopkins sang "Hearts of Oak," which was encored, when he gave "Life is a River."—Bro. Charles Lowe, of Salford, moved vote of thanks to the deputation from the Board of Directors, which was seconded by Bro. Thomas Jones, and carried with acclamation.—Mrs. Moore sang "Come back to Erin;" Mr. Townson, "The pure crystal wine," being "The good Rhine wine" to temperance words; and Miss Blackmore, "Oh pretty red-lipped daisy." During the evening Miss M E. Settle, assisted by Mr. E. Smith, presided at the piano.—Bro. Maxwell, secretary Primrose Tent, moved, and Bro. Heald, secretary Rose of England Tent, seconded, a vote of thanks to the choir, which was carried, and acknowledged by Bro. Leigh, who moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by Bro. E. Roth well, secretary David Tent, and agreed to.—The proceedings concluded with the usual Rechabite hymn and the benediction.

Bury.

Woolfold Tent, No. 1207.—The second annual tea meeting was held in the Wesleyan School room, Wool fold, on Saturday, March 1st. The chair was occupied by Alderman Duckworth, ex mayor of Bury. The speakers were Bros Thomas Cunliffe, H C R, of Bolton; J. Dimond, of South port; and the Rev H. A. Lawson, M A, of Bury. Mr A. Sutcliffe, of Bury, gave several readings. Bro A. C. Jamison, secretary, read the annual report, which was of an encouraging character.

Clitheroe.

Valiant for the Truth Tent, No. 233.—On Tuesday evening, March 4th, a social tea and meeting was held in the Tent meeting-room, Castle-street. Bro John Hall, C R, presided after tea, and gave a short address on the past history of the Tent. Short addresses on the subject of Rechabitism, and the best means to be adopted for extending our Order, were given by Bros Robert Garner, W. Cooke, W. Howarth, G. Irring, E. Ford, I. Robinson, J. Bilsborough, and R Garner (secretary). Readings were given by Bros J. Preston and Sweetman; songs by Bros A. Lang-ford, W. Orr, and W. J. Lang ford; glees by Bros 3. Myres, R. T. Myres, A. Langford, W. J. Lang ford, and Miss Myres. Bro Davies gave a solo on the concertina. Violin solos were given by Bros R Bilsborough and R. T. Myres (both juveniles). Bro J. A Lang ford presided at the pianoforte. It was resolved page 61 to send a memorial to R. Assheton, Esq, M P, requesting him to support Sir Wilfrid Lawson's local option resolution in the House of Commons. The secretary's report for the past year shows the Tent to be in a better financial position than it was twelve months ago, there being a clear gain of £26 10s 9d on the year. Only three members have received sick pay, and no death has occurred during the year.

R. Garner, Sec.

Colne.

Festival.—The annual tea party and meeting in connection with the Colne Rechabites were held in the Inghamite New School, on Saturday, March 1st. A large number sat down to tea, and after the tables were cleared the Rev R. Botterill presided, and was supported by Councillor Heap, of Burnley, and Messrs H. Greenwood, J. Hartley, J. Whittam (Burnley), and Z. Catlow (Bradford). Bro H. Greenwood read the annual report, which was of a most encouraging character. The receipts for the year ending December last amounted to £150 5s 9d, which after payments to sick members and other expenses, leaves a balance of £92 3s 3d. The accumulated capital in the sick fund now reaches £1,269 19s 1d. Number of male members, 92; female, 13; total, 105, an increase of five on the previous year. Average age on admission, 26; present average, 38. Nineteen members had been on the sick list, giving a percentage of 18, and the total period of sickness had been 105 weeks, an average of seven days per member. The past 13 years' average rate of sickness was six days twenty-three hours.—The funeral fund of No. 41 District now amounts to £620 7s 7d, an increase of £20 10s 10d., containing 154 members, four of whom had died during the year, making a death rate of 25 9 per 1000. During the past 13 years 23 members died, making a death-rate of 13.6 per 1,000.—The Juvenile Rechabite sick and funeral fund amounts to £63 1s 4d, an increase on the past year of £5 5s 6d. Number of male members, 16; females, 2; total, 18. The Chairman said the report presented a contrast to that just made in Parliament by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for whilst the country's expenditure was increasing, the Rechabites were growing richer. They were growing younger also, when contrasted with the previous year, which averaged 39, whereas it was now only 38 years. A resolution in sympathy with Sir Wilfrid Law son's local option resolution, was moved by the Chairman and seconded, in an able address, by Councillor Heap, who in alluding to Rechabitism, said the thing was nearly three thousand years old Mr Whittam spoke in favour of Rechabitism, and con demned the practice of holding clubs in public houses, on account of its demoralising tendency. Mr Cut low afterwards addressed the meeting, and proved from statistics the longevity of teetotalers as compared with even moderate drinkers.—Colne Times.

Dumfries.

The annual meeting of the Dumfries and Kirkcud bright District, No. 44, was held in the vestry of the Congregational Church, Irving-street, Dumfries, on Friday, February 14th, Bro J. Herron, D C R, in the chair. From the secretary's report, it appears that the number of Tents is six, and the total membership 305, being an increase of 53 during the year. The accounts showed a balance in favour of the funeral fund at the end of 1877 of £119 4s l ½d; an income during the year of £56 1s 10 ¼ d; and four deaths had occurred, entailing an expenditure of £40; leaving a balance in hand of £135 5s 11 ¾d. There are also four Juvenile Tents in connection with the District, with a membership of 138, being an increase of 12 during the year. There is at the credit of the juvenile funeral fund the sum of £27 19s 9 ¼d. After the revision of the District Bye-laws, the following office bearers were elected:—D C R, Bro Eraser, Dalbeattie; DDR, Bro Gourlay, Kirkcudbright; Secretary, Bro T. C. Farries, Dumfries; Treasurer, Bro F. Armstrong, Dalbeattie; PDCR, Bro. Herron, Dumfries; Auditors, Bros Brown and M'Kill. Bro Armstrong was appointed to represent the District at the Moveable Conference to be held in Manchester.

Excelsior Tent.—The anniversary of the Excelsior Tent was celebrated the same evening by a soiree in the Irving-street Temperance Hall, at which Mr. C. Moore, C R, presided. The Tent, it was stated by Mr T. C. Farries, numbers scarcely 30 members; but it is financially in a most satisfactory position. It is the wealthiest in proportion to its membership of any in the District, having, in the course of three years, accumulated a capital of £58. There had only during these three years been some £5 or £6 paid on account of sickness among members—a proof at once that total abstinence promoted health, and that abstainers who wished to connect themselves with a provident society were more likely to get the full value of their money by joining one founded on abstinence principles, and which was consequently not burdened with the increased sickness which had been proved to exist among non-abstainers. There had not been a single member on the sick-list during the whole of this severe winter. Excellent addresses were delivered by Mr Southcot, Rev F. Binns, and Mr Rodger. The last named gentleman spoke specially of the Rechabite Order, of which he highly approved, as not simply a temperance society, but one which supplied what had long been a want in connection with the temperance movement. It did not only seek to make them sober men, but it educated its members in provident habits, and helped to preserve that independent spirit which we were in danger of losing in these days. Songs were contributed during the evening by Messrs John Muir, J. Gibson, J. M. M'Millan, R. Kerr, and T. Stobo.

Abstainers' Right Tent,—The sixth anniversary of the above Tent was celebrated by a soiree on the evening of Friday, 31st January, 1879, when 170 persons sat down to tea. Provost Shortridge presided. He was accompanied on the platform by Bros. Dr. page 62 M'Culloch (honorary consulting physician of the Tent), Dr. John Cunningham (Tent Surgeon), Rev. J. Strachan, Bros. J. Glover, James Houston and J. H. Brown. The Chairman expressed his cordial sympathy with the objects of the Society. Bro J. H. Brown, secretary of the Tent, read the sixth annual report, which stated that notwithstanding that our Tent has been little over five years in existence, and though the claims on our sick fund have been many, there is still a considerable balance to the credit of this fund, viz., £58. Our membership at the beginning of 1878 was 100; at 31st Dec. it was 113, being an increase of thirteen during the year. He also read a short report regarding the Cunningham Juvenile Tent. Dr M'Culloch, Dr John Cunningham, and Rev Mr Strachan also addressed the meeting, urging the members to take greater interest in the Juvenile Tent and try to keep up its meetings regularly. Songs were given in the course of the evening by Mr Beattie, Miss Smith, and Mr S Smith, a reading by Mr Robertson, and a recitation by Mr Wilson.

Glasgow District.

The twelfth half yearly meeting of the District Council was held in Dewar's Temperance Hotel on Saturday, Feb. 15, and was opened in due form by the D C R, Bro. Peter Braid wood. The reports showed that there had been one death during the half-year, and the balance left in funeral fund was £91 5s 3 ½ d. There had never been any deaths in the Juvenile Tents, and the District Juvenile Funeral Fund amounted to £27 5s 10 ¾d The District Trustees, Bros. Cooper, Taylor, and Brown, were re elected. Bro. George Rowe, of Greenock, was elected D C R; Bro. James Leiper, DDR; Bro. Robert Dunnachie, D T; and Bro. Richardson Campbell, D S (re-elected). Bro. Campbell was also elected representative to the Moveable Conference, and Bro. Braid wood alternate.

The first social meeting of the Scottish Favourite Juvenile Tent was held in the Rose-street Hall on Friday evening, Feb. 14, Bro. Richardson Campbell, Superintendent, in the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman and Bros. Peter Braid wood, Cooper, and Rev. Wm. Halliday, of Guthrie Kvangelical Union Church. A capital programme was given entirely (with one exception) by the young folks. Bro. John Brown deserves great praise for the complete arrangements made by him on the occasion, The Tent is in a very flourishing state. Total abstinence is a condition required for membership in the church of Bro. Haliiday.

New Text at Hamilton.—A Tent of our honourable Order was duly opened at Hamilton on Thursday, 30th January, by Bro. Peter Braid wood, D C R, assisted by Bros. John Brown, D T, William Taylor, Graham, John Sinclair, and Richardson Campbell, D S. It was agreed to call it the "Hamilton True Blue" Tent, No. 1265. The meetings of the Tent are to be held in the British Workman every alternate Thursday.

Gwent and Glamorgan District.

Mumbles Tent, No 193.—A public meeting was held in connection with this Tent in the Gospel Hall, on February 26th. The chair was occupied by the Rev J. Spinsley. After a few opening remarks by the chairman, Bro J. Dimond addressed the meeting, and gave a very good address on the principles of the Order At the close the secretary, Bro G.Latimer, stated that the Tent had been in existence five and a half years, and now numbered 48 members. The Tent is worth £132 19s. We have also a Juvenile Tent, numbering 17 members.

George Latimer, Sec.

London District.

Visit of the High Chief Ruler.—The eighth annual meeting of the London District was held at the Temperance Hall, Blackfriars-road, on Saturday, February 22nd. The chair was occupied by Bro T Cunliffe, H C R, who was on a visit to the District.—On the Monday following, Bro T Cunliffe, together with the principal officers of the District, addressed a meeting at the Independent Chapel, Orange-street, Lcicester-square.-On Tuesday evening, the H C R met the District executive at the residence of the DS.—On Wednesday, the members celebrated their eighth anniversary at the Lambeth Baths, when 180 sat down to tea. In the evening a public demonstration was held, presided over by the Rev G M Murphy, when the following gentlemen addressed the meeting, which was a very large one:—B Whitworth, Esq, MP, J H Raper, Esq, Mr Black, and Bro T Cunliffe, H C R. During the evening, Bro Robertson Affleck was presented by the H C R, on behalf of the London District, with a silver medal, as a small token of their esteem for his untiring labours in the cause. The following ladies and gentlemen enlivened the meeting by some excellent music:—Mr Quennell, Bro Hall, junr, Miss Hall, and Miss Price, of Reigate.

Henry Havelock Tent.—The annual soiree of this Tent was held in the Lecture Hall of the Vines Church, Rochester, presided over by Bro R T Jeffs, C R., when 70 of the brethren and friends attended. Durring the evening, tea, coffee, and biscuits, with a good supply of fruit, were served. These, with short addresses, recitations, and songs, made up a most enjoyable evening. Bro Jeffs presented Bro T Clifford with a beautifully bound copy of Dr F R Lees' "Temperance Commentary on the Bible," as he had been the means of bringing the largest number of candidates for initiation. Bro Jeffs then handed to Bro Smith a beautiful ink-stand and book slide of ebony and silver, subscribed for by the members of the Tent in recognition of his services as Tent Secretary during the past five years.

Manchester.

Rechabite Burial Society.—The annual meeting of the above Society was held on Thursday evening, February 20th, in the Temperance Union Offices, Market street, Manchester. The Society was commenced eight years ago, and from the com-mencement to the present time, it has met with great page 63 success, increasing yearly in members and funds. The report showed a balance in the funeral fund of £251 9s. 2d., in the contingent fund £7 7s. 6d., the total amount being £258 16s. 8d. The number of members is 548, increase on the year being £64 3s. 5 ½d. and 22 members. There are at present nine col lectors—six in Manchester, one in Liverpool, one in Cornwall, and one in Southsea (Hants). From the many inquiries made from the Districts throughout the Order, the board of management expect to have a very large increase of members. The officers elected for the year are Bro H. Roper, president; Bro H. Milner, sen., treasurer; Bro J. Sherwin, secretary; trustees, Bros H. Roper, H. Sharpies and T. Ellis. The board of management have pleasure in recommending the Society to the brethren of our Order.

J. Sherwin, Secretary.

Perthshire District.

Perth.—The sixth anniversary soiree of the Knights of St. Johnstone Tent, No. 166, was held on the 31st January, in the Good Templar Hall, which was kindly granted to us by the Star of Hope Lodge. The chair was occupied by Bro. Ex-councillor Moncrieff, H M, and the attendance was very gratifying. Tea was served in excellent style, after which a most interesting programme was enjoyed. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Bros. Clark, D S, C Johnstone, and P. Campbell, Esq., H M, the latter having been a Reclsbite when the Order flourished in Scotland many years ago. He made affecting all us lons to that period, and believed there were now only two surviving members of the Perth branch of 1840. Bros. Charnley and Kemp gave pleasant readings, and an efficient glee party, under Mr. Serin gour's leadership, added greatly to the success of the meeting by their tasteful rendering of songs and harmonised airs. Members, 35 financial and 6 honorary; sick fund, £78; funeral fund, £22. Prospects bright The usual voles of thanks brought the meeting to a close.

Opening a Juvenile Tent.—On Saturday evening, 8th February, the Mayflower Juvenile Tent was duly formed in Perth. The juveniles are quite in earnest, and the Adult Rechabites displayed their interest in the Juvenile Branch by eight of their number enrolling themselves as honorary members. We expect the Order will derive much good from the establishing of the Juvenile section in this District.

John Clark, D.S.

Peterborough.

The annual public tea meeting in connection with the Hope of the City Tent, was held on Tuesday, February 4th, in the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, New-road. We were favoured with the services of Bro R Hunter, the C S of the Order, who rendered us very efficient help. At six o'clock about 170 persons sat down to tea, an i the public meeting afterwards was well attended. Our old friend Mr Alderman Roberts presided, and suitable and stirring addresses were delivered by Bros J Chamberlain, H Key, G Harrison, and R Hunter, C S. The speech of the C S was full of wise counsel and clear exposition of the principles of the Order, and will long be remembered by those who heard it. Bro R Maltby, tent secretary and P D C R, gave the report of the Tent as follows:—Present number of members 116, an increase of 17 members for the year; amount of funds £225 9s 4d, an increase of £37 5s for the year. We have paid to sick members £73 0s 5d during the year. A choir composed of Bros A Bonshor, J Foster, D Glover, J Smith, W T Wooton, and J Young, sang some Temperance melodies during the evening, accompanied on the harmonium by Mrs Meehan. A cordial vote of thanks to the chairman, speakers, and all who had contributed to the success of the meeting, was moved by Bro J Foster, seconded by Bro J Moore, secretary of Stamford Tent, and unanimously carried.

Robert Maltby, Sec.

Sheffield.

Victoria Tent, No. 965.—The members of the above Tent held their anniversary soiree on Monday, February 10th, in the Garden-street Congregational school, when between 40 and 50 sat down to an excellent meat tea. After tea the chair was taken by Councillor Percy Rawson, who is a staunch teetotaler. Bro. W. Waller, the Secretary, read the annual statement, which showed the gain for the year to be £33 16s 6d, and the total amount of funds in hand £226 3s 5 ½d. A very pleasant evening was spent, readings being given by Bros. Bridges and Single; recitations by Bros. Whitehead, Bedford, and Harrop; and singing by Mr. Crowther and Miss Nichols. Speeches were given by Bros. Marshall, Grayson, Parkin, and Mr. Hill.

Wm. Waller, Sec.

Southern District.

Annual Meeting.—The annual meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, And over, on Tuesday, January 21st, and was opened by Bro William tales, D C R. There were present Bros C. Greening, jun., D D R, W. Best, P D C R, and H J. Gundry, D S; and representatives from the following Tents:—Bud of Hope, Star of Hope, Earnest, Pride of Sarum, United we Stand, Fidelity, Hope of Andover, Weymouth, Friend in Need, David's Sling, Queen of the South, and Superior; letters were read from Excelsior and Reliance stating the reasons they were not represented. The District Secretary's report referred to the death of Bro Rev D. Hann, D T. The Henry Gundry Tent, No. 1260, located at Portsmouth, was instituted December 6th, with 14 members, since which they have had several added to their number, eight being proposed at the last Tent meeting. The D S reported a total of 683 members, shoeing an increase for the year of 30 members. The total worth of the District is now £610 1s 8 ¼d. The auditors' report says, We think we should be doing the Secretary an act of injustice if we did not add, by way of report, that the books are kept in a most business like and efficient manner, consequently rendering page 64 auditors' work easy and explicit." It was unanimously resolved that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mrs. Hann, the same to bear the signatures of the District Officers. The representatives from Hope of Andover, Friend in Need, and Superior Tents referred to the visit of the District Secretary; they reported that his visit was much appreciated, that the Tents had worked better, and that the secretary's work was much easier since his visit. Bro. H. Gundry, D S, was elected representative to the Moveable Conference, to be held at Manchester in August. The election of officers resulted as follows Bros Charles Greening, jun., DCR, of Earnest Tent, Dorchester; George Miller, DDR, of Queen of the South Tent, Lytehett Minuter; William Best, DT, of Queen of the South Tent, Lytchett Minster; William Eales, PDCR, of Pride of Sarum Tent, Salisbury; Henry Gundry, DS, of Weymouth Tent, Weymouth. The next District Meeting will be held at Fordingbridge. The officers were installed by Bro. Eales, PDCR.—A public tea was provided in the Temperance Hall by Bro. Childs, of which about 70 members and friends partook. A public meeting was afterwards held, presided over by the Rev T. E. M. Edwards, pastor of the Congregational Chapel, and addresses were delivered by Bros. William Eales, of Salisbury, J. W. B. Emery, of Farm borough, Henry Gundry, of Weymouth, and Charratt, of Andover. Bro. W. West lake, secretary of Hope of Andover Tent, read the annual statement, which showed that the Tent had prospered during the past year both in members and funds.

Stamford.

Excelsior Tent, No. 85.—An anniversary of the above Tent was held in the Oddfellows Hail on Sunday and Monday, February 2nd and 3rd. Two sermons were preached on Sunday afternoon and evening by Bro. R. Hunter, of Manchester, Corresponding Secretary of the Order. His texts were "Do thyself no harm," and "By their fruits ye shall know them," and his argument was that it is a sin against nature to take alcohol as a beverage. The hall was well filled, and the speaker was listened to with marked attention. On Monday the members and friends sat down to a first class tea, after which the public meeting was presided over by Mr. Markham. The report read by the Secretary, Bro. J. Moore, showed a low rate of sickness for the year and a balance of £93 in the sick fund of the Tent, which has 40 members. Bro. Maltby, of Peterboro, gave an address, after which Bro. Hunter spoke of the advantages to be received by joining the Order, they having much less sickness and longer lives than any other friendly society. Mr. Clapham, in proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman, said to insure against sickness was a grand thing, though he believed much sickness was self-inflicted by not living in harmony with the laws of nature, eating proper food, drinking pure water, breathing pure air, &c., which would extend life considerably.

Mr. Hinson seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously, as was also a vote of thanks to Bro. Hunter. A very pleasant meeting was closed by singing the doxology.

Joseph Moore, Sec.

Upper Mill.

Friendship Tent.—On Shrove Tuesday, about 50 of the members and their wives sat down to an excellent knife and fork tea in tha Mechanics' Institution, provided by Bro James Robinson, confectioner. A public meeting afterwards took place, presided over by Bro James Lawton. The secretary, Bro John P. Wild, lead the report as follows:—The Friendship Tent was opened in December, 1843, with nine members, five of whom are still alive and four are in the room. Our Tent has steadily increased, at the present time numbering 59 members, holding 201 sick shares and 117 funeral shares; also 16 wives, holding 28 shares, and two widows holding three shares in the funeral fund. The Good Templar movement has added to our ranks about 20 members, and the same number has been drafted from our Juvenile Tent. Our total worth at present is over £200 in the sick fund, and about £2 per member in the funeral fund. We are worth per member in the sick and funeral fund £5 15s 5 ¼d. Our average age is 30 years and 4 days. During the last year we have had 10 members sick, to whom we have paid £12 17s 6d. The average sickness of the 59 members has been 3 days and 11 hours, an average of 4s 4 ¼d per member during the year. We have during the year added nearly £20 to the sick fund. Our Juvenile Tent meets monthly, nnd now numbers 13 members. There has not been a single case of sickness during the year, and their fund is over £20. I wish to impress on our members the advisability of attending their Tent meetings, instead of sending their contributions by other members. Nothing looks better than to see our Tent room filled with its members, and the officers at their posts.—Bro W. R. Buckley gave the "Postman's knock" Bro. Henry Sharpies, B D, of Manchester, explained the working of the Order in a homely style. He advised the brethren to look after the juvenile members, and instruct them in the affairs of the Order, as in the course of nature the older members would have to succumb and the young ones take their places. Several very important questions were asked and replied to by Bro Sharpies. Bro James Bradbury gave a recitation and a temperance song. Bro Tyas made a few remarks, and votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close.

I know of no manner of speaking so offensive as that of giving praise, and closing it with an exception.—Sir Richard Steele.

Say nothing respecting yourself either good, bad, or indifferent; nothing good, for that is vanity; nothing bad, for that is affectation; nothing indifferent, for that is silly.